Living the Good Life

Chapters

Chapter One: The Human, The Landlord, and The Draconequus
Chapter Two: Forced Relocation, Talking Monsters, and Chaos Abound
Chapter Three: Meanieshy and The Overly Depressed Mage
Chapter Four: Befriending Pinkamina Diane Pie
Chapter Five: Anon's Anger, Fluttershy's Cruelty, and Applejack's Lies
Chapter Six: Discord's Wrath and Anon's Recovery
Chapter Seven: Anon's Past, Recovery, and Discord's Master Plan
Chapter Eight: Anon's Return, Lyra's Obsession, and The Elements of Harmony
Chapter Nine: Cupcakes with a Friend, A Lunch Date, and A Greedy Fashionista
Chapter Ten: Ponyville Pursuit, Derpy's Shenanigans, and Apple Family Redemption
Chapter Eleven: Drunken Night with the Mint Mare, A Gift For The Party Pony, and A Cruel Encounter with Greed
Chapter Twelve: Anon's Rage Unbound, Burning Bridges, Princess Plans, and a Chaotic Proposition
Chapter Thirteen: Draconequus Explained, Awkward Moments, and A Ruined Date
Chapter Fourteen: Eris vs Pinkie, A Beautiful Melody, Greed's Redemption, and Lyra's Sorrow
Chapter Fifteen: Drunken Confessions, Singing, Shenanigans, and A Surprising Twist
Chapter Sixteen: Discord's Lies, Anon's Insanity, and Zecora's Helping Hoof
Chapter Seventeen: Anonymous Faces His Demons, and Reclaims His Sanity
Chapter Eighteen: Anonymous' Return, Plans for the Future, and The Everfree's Corruption
Chapter Ninteen: Discord's Plan Revealed and The Everfree's Invasion of Ponyville
Chapter Twenty: The Everfree Invasion Comes to a Close and Anon Makes His Final Choice

Chapter One: The Human, The Landlord, and The Draconequus

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// Living the Good Life// by Aetherpony
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// Chapter One: The Human, The Landlord, and The Draconequus //------------------------------//

“God I need a better job,” you whisper to yourself as you turn over in a broken framed bed that is much too small for you. Your name is Anonymous Unknown, and your life isn’t a happy one. Here you are living in a small, rundown apartment on the far end of a large bustling city. Even though your apartment room is in a state of disrepair, the rent for it is an astonishing amount. It’s forced you to take sixty to seventy hour weeks working at a nearby factory. Even then you barely manage to pay your bills.

Thanks to your lumpy mattress you’re unable to find enough comfort to go to sleep. Instead your mind begins to wander. There were many instances where your life has gone wrong. For one, you should have gone to college, oh wait you did! You curse as you toss and turn on your cumbersome mattress. Just where did you go wrong? Well there’s a small list of reasons you had that explained that. First off you graduated from high school ranking pretty close to the rest of those Advanced Placement kids.

The second portion of that list would have to be that you got into the college your parents chose. They said that this university would help shape you for your career. You believed them and thanks to you working your rear off you graduated from said college a year early. It’s too bad no one told you the world has no need for men of your profession. Your parents told you that becoming a journalist was the way to go. What they didn’t tell you was that journalists are a dime a dozen.

The third portion, and perhaps the real reason, involved your sister. The issues you had with her was a problem all on its own. She was the source for a lot of issues that you faced throughout both high school and college, even now you do. It’s because of her you’ve been prone to random bouts of anger. You can’t help it; there are just some points in your life where you can’t simply contain your rage if it surfaces. In fact that same problem is why you’re here now, but that’s a story for another day.

So here you are, wasting your life away working at some dilapidated factory; a metal distilling factory to be exact. The best part about working there would have to either be the lack of insurance or the apparent danger your tasks presented. Your fellow employees would take bets on who would lose a finger to the super-heated metal first. That is until that bet was won. A certain employee wasn’t paying attention and he paid for it. You could say that thanks to that idiot you steered clear of reckless behavior, especially since you’ve got a feeling that the next one who loses a finger would be you.

After all, you have had plenty of close calls working with outdated equipment. You sigh as you turn over yet again. You’ve been at this job of yours for about a year now and it’s starting to wear you down. This terrible, broken bed didn’t help things along, neither did the crushing boredom you felt in between work and sleep. Perhaps you’d buy a desktop, maybe even a television, but a computer over precious food didn’t sit too well with you. Eating is a higher priority. Regardless when would you use it? If you aren’t working, you’re sleeping. Your social life is down the drain at this point. To be fair you haven’t had a real social life since you were a child anyway. So even if you did get a desktop it’s not like you’d have anyone to talk to.

There’s no way in hell you’d socialize with your fellow employees. You’re pretty sure a good half of them deal in some sort of illegal activity on the side, and that doesn’t sit too well with you. The other half like to be incompetent fools that wouldn’t know how to operate a forklift if their lives depended on it. On more than one occasion you’ve had to pick up where another worker was slacking. Too bad you didn’t bring in any extra cash as a result.

At this point in time it wouldn’t come as a surprise if a person barely into their twenties would ask for help from their parents. Unfortunately you don’t have that luxury; you did more than enough harm to burn that bridge for good. Regardless of whether your parents would help you or not, you’re not one to ask for a handout. You’d rather get things done yourself, and you’d be damned if you were going to ask for help unless you became desperate.

But one thing you’d love to get help with is the lack of activity you’re forced to endure. With only having your job and sleep to keep you busy the time in between is spent doing nothing more than eating. As far as hobbies go you didn’t really have the time to develop one. Even if you did it’d probably be counting the cracks in your ceiling or something mind-numbingly dull. This lack of entertainment is starting to grate on your last nerve.

Unless you found something soon you were liable to burn something. At least that’d keep you entertained for a few minutes at best. It was either that or you could start messing with people instead of going to your job. You could probably think up a few pranks…

Your thoughts are interrupted by a peculiar sound of something cracking and splintering. Your bed creaks under you before you suddenly drop. Well, at least your bed isn’t at an awkward angle anymore. Almost as if on cue there’s a knock on your door.

“Anonymous, get your pasty ass out here!” The thick Italian-accented shouting of your landlord calls your attention. You’ve learned from experience that it wasn’t a good idea to keep him waiting. The last time you did it seemed like he was going to kick through your door. As you reluctantly get out of bed and avoid the broken wood from your bed frame you hear him start to pound his fist on your door rather than knock.

“Hold on, I’m coming,” you’re sure to yell as you head to your door. You open it to find a rather short individual staring up at you with brown bloodshot eyes. As you’d expect, he looks like the slob he’s shown that he can be. His short black hair has been matted down with grease, and it shined despite the poor illumination the hallway outside provided. The tanned skin that showed through his stained wife beater seemed to be covered in bits of white dead skin flakes. Your eyes glance further down to find that he’s decided to wear grease stained blue jeans and blackened socks with holes in the toe area. At least you believed those were his toes, his keg-like stomach seemed to block them from view. When you look back to his face again you can see him grinding his yellow teeth from behind that bushy black mustache of his. That’s a terrible habit, but then again judging by his teeth he doesn’t really care.

“Took your lazy ass long enough.” He reaches into his pants pocket and hands you a crumpled sheet of paper. Upon inspection you find that it’s an eviction notice. You curse under your breath as you read the contents of the letter. “Ya got a week, kid. The city’s shutting this place down. Something about—“ you cut him off before he can finish.

“Let me guess Freddy, the roach and rat problem, and probably the situation with the broken sheet rock?” You point to a hole in the middle of the wall behind him. The wood within the hole is in about the same condition as your bed frame. His nod answers your question. Almost as if to emphasize the poor conditions of this apartment complex, a rat the size of your foot comes scurrying by you. You yelp in disgust before moving away from the rodent. It chitters incessantly as it makes its way into another nearby hole in the wall.

Then you hear it start to screech in agony. The rat runs out of the hole only to have a roach that rivals its size follows close behind. The roach grabs it and slowly drags it back into its hole. You and Freddy stand in shocked silence for all of a few seconds before you promptly crumple up your eviction notice. Yeah, you’ve had about enough of this place. You’ll take what little money you have and leave.

“Hey!” He doesn’t seem too pleased by your reaction. You can’t seem to find a reason to care anymore. It’s not like he’ll have to deal with you again.

“What are you gonna do about it you fat fuck?” You watch as Freddy’s face turns beet red. This guy really needs to work on his anger issues. It’s why you hate him and it’s why his wife divorced him. You really hated this prick, he’d come knocking at all hours of the night, waking you up, just to complain about late rent or some other kind of meaningless problem.

“I’ll have you know—“ You interrupt him for the second time tonight.

“That you’re a fucking prick? Thanks, I already knew that one.” You give him the best deadpan glare you could. He stammers a bit before growling. The poor guy is shaking from your petty insult. He starts to grind his teeth again and you smirk.

“Yeah, that pretty much sums you up, doesn’t it?” You ask with a smile. That was too much for your landlord to handle. His whole body begins to shake; his double chin and man cans start to jiggle in tune. You find his reaction so funny that you start to laugh. You don’t bother holding it back. Unfortunately he cuts you off with a kick in the groin. It looks like his self-control has left him. You let out a sudden screech before grabbing your now pained genitals. The agonizing sensation causes you to bend forward. That’s when your landlord lands a clean left hook along your jaw. His strike was more than enough to make you smack your head against your door frame. From there your landlord pushes you onto your back and continues hitting you. When he feels that he’s done enough, he stands over you before promptly spitting on you.

“Ya got seven days, Jackass.” With that he turns towards his room and walks out of sight. As you grunt and groan from the pain you start to wonder why he had to go for cheap shots. If he didn’t, you could have taken him without issue. You lie there in your doorway for the better part of thirty minutes before you deem yourself alright to move. That had to have been one of the most embarrassing moments of the year for you. Though the time you spent in high school would take the cake when it comes to embarrassment.

You shake your head of the rotten memories. High school wasn’t the most enjoyable time for you, and you didn't want to bother opening old wounds. As you shakily get to your feet your gingerly rub your sore jaw. You had nothing for the swelling, nor did you have anything for the pain in your lower half.That means you’re going to have to go out and go to the pharmacy. You sigh out of exasperation before making your way back to your bedroom. As you try to gather your bearings your field of vision starts to spin. You prop yourself against the wall in order to steady yourself.

That’s when you really start feeling around your face; your jaw wasn’t the only problem you had. Your nose and your left eye were starting to swell and swell. The feeling in your lower half made you want to vomit, but at least nothing was broken. When you manage to find your wallet on a nearby nightstand, and when you place it in your jeans pocket you stumble out of your apartment room. You’re sure to grab your red hooded jacket on the way. Late autumn had a tendency to make the air extra chilly at night and the last thing you needed to do was catch a cold.

Soon enough you stumble down the concrete stairs and out into the grimy, dirty streets. You nearly lost your balance on the splintered stairs on your way down. That building of yours really is a health hazard. The piercing wails of police sirens are there to greet you as a squad car speeds by. That car was probably en route to a robbery or a homicide. Your area of the city isn’t exactly the safest at night. There are plenty of broken street lamps and dark, shady alleyways for perpetrators to hide in. Lucky for you no one has thought to mug you.

You stagger along, not wanting to waste any more time. After all, it’s not as if anything has changed. The various apartment buildings you’re walking by are still foreclosed or condemned, and soon your apartment complex will soon be joining them. Their dilapidated conditions made them unfit to live in. You watch as a board being used to block a window falls from the second floor of a nearby building. You can see a faint glow from within.

You tack it up to a group of hobos or something along those lines; they have a tendency to take to these seemingly abandoned buildings. You grimace when you realize that if you don’t find a new home soon you’ll be just like them. You would just settle for sleeping in your car if you could afford to own one. Public transit was your way of travel. On the plus side you were able to save money that way. No need to buy gas if you don’t have anything to fill it up with.

At least you had a few street lights to illuminate your trash-littered path. But you can’t even take solace in their ever-flickering glow. All they do is reveal just how much this city has neglected this part. You spend your walk to the pharmacy in relative silence. When you step through the threshold into the pharmacy’s interior you breathe a sigh of relief. The warmth that now flows through you helps relax you. Thankfully this pharmacy was one of the more well-off buildings around here. They could afford the heating costs. That’s when you’re reminded as to why you came here in the first place. When you open your mouth to sigh your jaw erupts with pain, causing you to whimper. That catches the attention of the blonde bimbo of a cashier.

“Aisle twelve sir,” says the cashier as she looks over your broken form in disgust. Yeah, you probably look fairly rough right about now. You nod before making your way there. Upon arrival you see the medical items you need to fix your broken features.

After getting the ointments and wraps you need, you pay the cashier and then you unwillingly make your way out of the warm, tranquil pharmacy and back out into the cold and lonely streets. A purchase of this magnitude would have you worried, but because you won’t have to pay rent you don’t mind. Along the way you stop to see some random thug running in your direction. You see he has a hat in his hands. He’s wearing his grey coat with the hood up, and with the black bandanna wrapped around his face you have no idea who this man is.

You see the flash of coins as they fall from the hat. Two hobos are chasing this thug down as he tries to make his escape. You shake your head in disappointment. You continue walking forward seemingly oblivious to the event taking place right before your eyes. But when the thug gets ready to pass by, you extend your leg. The thug was too busy looking over his shoulder to see his downfall at your hands. He trips over your leg and ends up face planting onto the filthy cracked sidewalk. He flips himself onto his back, but before he can react, you bring your foot down on his left kneecap with all your might. You hear a satisfying snap as your foot makes contact. The thug starts screaming in pain while grasping his newly broken leg. You don’t pay the thug a second glance as you walk away from the scene. The two hobos run past you and over to the thug.

“God bless you sir,” one of them hollers as they start to clean up your mess by beating the thief while he’s down. You decide to stay and watch the show. When they feel that justice has been served the two hobos promptly collect their money and go about their business, but not before trying to give you some money for your service.

You weren’t about to refuse this little reward; you needed any bit of money you could get. Security deposits on apartment rooms aren’t exactly cheap. They thank you one last time before departing. It does your heart good to see justice being served without the police being involved. It brings a metaphorical tear to your eye. Speaking of justice, there’s a certain fat Italian you still need to pay a visit to after you take care of yourself.

With the idea of revenge plaguing your thoughts, you make your way back home. As you pass by an alleyway a round of applause stops you in your tracks. You freeze before looking through the black abyss. Admittedly you’re a little nervous; you have no idea what lies beyond that thick blanket of black. You strain your eyes in hopes of seeing just who’s applauding you. That is when you hear a set of footsteps echoing along the brick walls of the alley.

“Bravo child, bravo. You did a real number on that filth,” comes a deep voice from within the darkness. The malevolent chuckle that follows his words is more than enough to send a shiver of fear down your spine. From the alley comes a rather tall, older-looking man. As he draws close, you have to tilt your head in order to meet his gaze. The only feature other than his body type that you could make out was the long grey beard that seemed to protrude from his chin. Everything else was covered in a brown trench coat, gloves, boots, fedora, and sunglasses. As he gets closer to you, his smile widens. That’s when you notice the single tooth protruding from his gums. When he’s a few feet away from you he stops clapping.

“Who the hell are you?” you ask as you look over this strange looking individual. “Listen, buddy I don’t wanna see what’s under your trench coat.” You barely get the end of your statement out before the stranger starts laughing. To him it’s as if what you said is the funniest thing he’s ever heard. Though his joy only causes you to panic and back away. There’s something about him that really upsets you but you can’t put your finger on it. When he calms down he tries to put your worries to rest.

“Oh no child, you have me all wrong. I’m not here for anything like that. I just wanted to say that little spectacle was quite a sight to behold,” As he speaks he examines you from behind his shades. His lips seemed to be forced to give him that near permanent smile.

“How do you know about that? I didn’t see you there.” Just from that alone your suspicion only gets worse. Could this man be a stalker, if so for how long was he watching you?

“Oh please, I’m not some run of the mill stalker. I carry myself in a much higher regard. I’d feel insulted if you weren’t so ignorant.” You can’t tell if he’s scrutinizing you or what, those sunglasses make it hard to tell.It strikes you as odd that anyone would wear such things in the middle of the night. Everything about him from his demeanor to his choice of wear screams user. Maybe this guy was a junkie who just so happened to get a look as he stumbled along; still though his comment manages to rile you.

“Okay why do you say that?” you ask curiously before adding, “Because I’d like to know how long you’ve been following me, and why do you call me ignorant?”

“Because child, I love it when I see things like that. I’ve spent many nights here viewing bits and pieces of your little society, and I must say I love what I see.” His apparent joy disgusts you.

“You’re pretty messed up.” With that you promptly turn away from him and walk off in the direction of your apartment. The sound of footsteps traveling behind you causes you to stop and sigh. “Listen buddy, I don’t need any prowlers following me home so if you’d kindly fuck off that’d be nice.” You hope your annoyed tone turns him away, but you turn around to find that it had no effect. He’s still giving you that same goofy smile, except this time he’s got popcorn in his gloved hands. You were going to ask how he got the popcorn, but he probably had it the whole time; perhaps you’re just delusional from the blows to the head you took an hour ago?

“No child, I will not ‘kindly fuck off’ as you so elegantly put it.” He swallows his popcorn before adding, “You’re the most interesting thing I found all night, I cannot let you out of my sight. Who knows what else you might do!” His excitement is only managing to scare you, but you’re going to do your best to not show it. You sigh again before promptly turning around and walking again. The guy’s going to be disappointed. You didn’t plan on any more exciting ventures for tonight. You just wanted to get home and fix your face.

You don’t try to deter the man following you. If you tried to run he’d probably catch up. If you tried to fight him he probably had a gun somewhere in that coat of his. That’s when your worries get worse. Some random guy is following you around waiting for you to do something, and you have no idea if he’s just going to put a bullet in you when he gets bored.

“Oh, don’t worry. I’m only here to watch you work your magic. I mean no harm and I don’t plan on involving myself in any way. Where would the fun be if I did?” It seems as though this man is a mind reader. His words do nothing to help put you at ease. Yet you just shrug your shoulders without turning around to face him. Besides, you really have no choice but to let him follow you. It’s not like you have a phone to call the police. When you do nothing to appease the man behind you he voices his displeasure.

“Oh come on, you could have done something to those hobos back there at least. Or those cats. They were just begging to have something done to them.” This guy sounds like a child whining for not getting his way. Finally you’ve made it back to your apartment complex.

“You’ll see that I’m just full of disappointments,” Your jaw rebels against you at that point. You can only ignore your injuries for so long before it becomes unbearable.

“I’m sure your parents are well aware of that little tidbit,” says the stranger, barely above a whisper.

“What was that?” You turn your head to face him. You notice that he’s no longer carrying a bag of popcorn.

“Oh, nothing you need to concern yourself with child,” you shrug. If he’s got something important to say, you’re sure he’ll let you know. Lucky for Freddy he doesn’t greet you out in the hall to gloat about kicking your ass. That would have been a great way to start your recovery period. You climb your rickety stairs, head down your floor’s hallway, and open the door to your apartment. This stranger follows you right inside and he makes himself right at home. He practically leaps on to your ratty old couch. He bounces once before reclining.

“Not bad,” says the stranger as he puts his hands behind his head. You shake your head in annoyance.

“Just don’t touch anything,” you leave the stranger to his own devices while you go in your bathroom. As soon as you shut your door your uninvited guest gets down to business. In fact he leaps right off of your couch, with a checklist and pen that materialized in his hands. He starts looking around at your things checking items off as he goes along.

“Lopsided tables, check. Broken mirror, check. Broken bed, check. Furniture in random spots of the apartment, check. No consistency at all.” He makes his way into your bedroom. “Let’s see, mahogany dresser with an oak nightstand. Hmm, this is elementary level at best, but I can work with it,” he grins before tossing his checklist and pen away. They flare out in a silent explosion before fading in a few wisps of smoke. Meanwhile you’re busy using your newly obtained first aid items; you curse as you pour rubbing alcohol on the cuts you’ve managed to get.

“God that stings like hell,” you say to yourself. You go through a small checklist of your own, disinfecting and dressing your sores as you do so. When you finally think you’ve done an okay job with yourself you step out of the bathroom to find your guest in your living room holding a pair of heart patterned boxers.

“You enjoying yourself over there?” Malice is clear in your voice as you stare daggers at your guest’s back. He picks up on your tone and hurriedly sets your photo back down on your shelf.

“Dreadfully sorry, curiosity and all that.” He laughs sheepishly before adding, “I must say, I love what you’ve done with the place. However, I would make a few changes,” he strokes his beard as he speaks. Suddenly he walks over to one of your walls. “Yes, this wall should have a red and green checkered pattern, while that wall over there needs brown splatters all over it.” His gaze turns to your light fixtures, “oh and only half of the lights should stay the way they are, the other half should have red, pink, and orange covers.” You chuckle at his random suggestions. This causes him to finally drop his smile. “You’re just jealous because you have no taste for the finer things.” He shoots you a cocky grin.

“No, I just think you need to lay off the LSD,” you retort. He ignores your comment before asking you another series of odd questions.

“Child, I must ask, where are your rubber tables, where is the singing plastic bass, and what about the fluffy blue bean bag chairs?” He must think you’re some college frat boy with those inquiries. As he asks you this he walks over to you and shakes your shoulders as if he’s trying to help you come to your senses, as if your home is something out of the ordinary for him.

“Listen buddy, do you need me to call a doctor for you or something? I’m sure my landlord has a phone.” You’re feeling a little nervous. The grip is like a vice, you couldn’t escape if you tried. The stranger gasps as if you’ve just insulted him.

“How dare you! I am in a clear state of mind thank you very much!” and with that he harrumphs before turning his back to you, crossing his arms as he does so. This guy has got to be the weirdest person you’ve ever met; when it comes to crazy this he takes the cake. You’ve decided that you’re going to get Freddy to call someone about this. Then you’re going to beat him black and blue.

“Listen, I’m gonna go get my landlord, and then we’re gonna get you some help okay buddy?” You slowly make your way towards your door without breaking eye contact. Once you make the mistake of mentioning seeing Freddy that smile of his returns.

“Oh I must come along for this. It should be quite the show.” As he follows you to your door you’re sure to give him an obvious warning.

“Yeah have fun, but you do realize I’m gonna have the cops haul you away or I’m gonna have EMT put you in a strait jacket right?” Maybe this desperately placed bit of information will be more than enough to get this guy to leave.

“I’m sure you will, after this little performance of course.” Looks like you’ve failed.

“You’re implying something big is going to happen.” As you get closer to Freddy’s door you can hear that he’s playing some loud Italian music. You knock loudly in hopes that he’ll hear you over his terrible tunes. Thankfully he hears you, and the music come to a sudden stop.

“Who the fuck is that?” Freddy calls from within.

“It’s Anonymous, open up,” you say not bothering to stop your knocking. You hear Freddy laughing haughtily as he walks to his door. When he opens it you find that he’s left the door on its chain. You wonder if he’s scared of you, he knows you’d beat him down if given the chance.

“Heh, you back for round two dumb ass?” His cocky grin causes you to shake your head and sigh. You’re really not in the mood for this right now.

“I need to use your phone, some random guy keeps bugging me and he won’t go away. I’m gonna call the cops,” you point to your unwelcome guest for emphasis. Freddy examines him from the safety of his partially open door. He raises a brow at the sheer size of the man. From his position it looks like you come up to the stranger’s neck.

“Hi,” says the stranger cheerfully.

“Fuck off,” your landlord says in response, and with that your landlord tries to shut his door. You put your foot in the door before he can shut it.

“I’ll ask again, may I use your phone?” Your tone implies that you’re not asking anymore. From being told you’re going to be homeless, to getting your ass kicked, then having to meet this random guy in the streets you really aren’t having a good night. You will break down Freddy’s door if he doesn’t let you in and he knows it.

“Anonymous I’ll say it again, fuck off. If you don’t leave I’m gonna call the cops on YOUR sorry ass.” You can feel your anger coming to a boil. You let an outburst slip out.

“That’s fine, I’ll tell them you assaulted me you obese fucking mule!” Freddy doesn’t lose his cool.

“Who’re they gonna believe, the guy that owns a building or some soon to be homeless fuck?” It seems like he’s forgotten one important thing.

“Hey retard you’re gonna be homeless too.” Freddy tries to squeeze your foot with his door, but he fails.

“Yeah but unlike you I’ve got a place to move to. I got this notice a month in advance; I had plenty of time.” When he laughs your body starts to shake.

“You knew for a fucking month and you didn’t tell me?!” You pull your foot out of the doorway and your landlord promptly slams the door shut, but it’s not over. That’s when you ram your shoulder into his door. When you get your hands on him he’s done. You keep ramming your shoulder into the door, then you kick it, you alternate between the two for a few minutes, shouting obscenities as you do so. You don’t notice the ever widening grin of your guest. All the while Freddy starts playing his music again; he turns up the volume in order to drown you out. That just adds fuel to the fire for you and you keep going. But after another minute you realize you’ve done little damage to his door. That’s when the stranger steps in.

“Child, please save your energy,” with that he gives you a smile. You back away from the door, looking to him in confusion. “Besides,” says the stranger as he puts his hand on the knob, he twists it and the door opens for him as if it were never locked. “Why are you trying to break down an unlocked door?” he asks. You look from him, to the door, then back to him again. There are warning signs buzzing within your mind telling you to get away from this guy, but he’s just given you an opportunity to unleash your anger. You’ll just chalk it up to your landlord causing you distress. You’d rather not think this stranger you’re with is capable of magic or something. That’d just be crazy. You kick open the door all the way to see your landlord looking at you like a deer caught in the headlights. You smile.

“So buddy, pal, can I use your phone?” you ask before growling. He gets off of his couch before going into his room; he doesn’t say a single word until he walks back in.

“I don’t know how the fuck you got in here but you’ve got until the count of five before I make you leave.” You don’t feel threatened by him, just the opposite in fact.

“Oh, I’m so scared,” sarcasm is thick in your voice as you step into his apartment. You spot a corded phone on the counter, you waste no time in walking over and picking it up. You dial 911 and wait. After you report the stranger to the police you’re going to beat Freddy within an inch of his life. At least you were before you watched Freddy duck down in front of his couch. When he stands again you see that he’s got a twelve gauge in his grip. He aims it at you and you feel you’ll void your bowels out of fear. You gulp before setting the phone down and putting your hands above your head.

“You have until I count to five, Anonymous. One,” Freddy cocks his shotgun before continuing, “two.” He sets his sights on you. What do you do? Do you make a run for it or do you try to get to him before he pulls the trigger? What if he shoots you in the back when you make a break for it? “Three,” says your landlord, but before he can count any further the stranger is suddenly next to Freddy. He yelps in surprise when the stranger pulls the shotgun out of his grip. Freddy didn’t even have time to struggle. His shock prevented him from reacting. You were right to peg this guy as a strange one, ripping a shotgun out of someone’s hands without it discharging is quite a feat.

“Tsk tsk tsk, you disappoint me. Anonymous, if you would please?” asks the stranger as he looks to you with a smile. Maybe this guy isn’t so bad after all; you smile before cracking your knuckles. Now it’s your Freddy’s turn to feel fear, he just pulled a shotgun on you, you’ve got to one up him somehow. It only takes a minute for you to overpower your landlord, he’s already on the ground and you’re pounding his face in. He thought he could get in a cheap shot on your blind side, but you proved him wrong and he paid for it. Though you don’t seem to notice the amount of damage you’re doing to the guy.

Using the untapped rage you’ve got building inside of you, you keep going. You keep hitting Freddy until his face is unrecognizable. The fact that he’s no longer moving doesn’t deter you from jamming his knuckles into any part of skin you see.All the while your new friend just stands there munching on some popcorn, his sinister smile ever present. You don’t stop; you keep going and going. For five minutes you pound your fists into his pudgy face. Until you end it with one strong punch to the nose.

When you finally get back to your feet you’re panting like a dog. Your adrenaline played a huge role, at this moment you can barely feel the pain Freddy caused you. As you look him over you see he’s still breathing but barely. It’d be a lie if you didn’t feel a deep sense of satisfaction for what you’ve done. You give your landlord one last kick to the ribcage before turning to face your friend. Like he did when he first met you, he applauds you.

“Bravo Anonymous, such rage, such fury, the little ball of fat didn’t stand a chance!” his voice is filled to the brim with joy over what you’ve just done. He continues to pour on what you think are compliments. “You were like an untrained animal! That was quite the chaotic show, there’s hope for you yet!” That came as a bit of a surprise, but before you could say anything Freddy interrupts you by groaning. Other than that bit of noise he shows no signs of stirring.

"And just what is that supposed to mean?" you ask as you back away from this stranger. When he sets the shotgun on the couch he walks towards you causing you to back up further. That is, until you hit a wall The stranger closes the distance and puts his hands on your shoulders. When he looks into your eyes his sunglasses do nothing to hold back the burning zeal that lies behind their lenses.

"Think about it for a moment Anonymous, one minute you're complaining about not having a single thing to do, next you're getting your ass stomped by this fatty.” He points to Freddy. How did he know that he was the one who hurt you “Then on your way back from walking to a pharmacy you randomly break a man's leg, and now look at you. You've just broken into your landlord's apartment and beat him!" His smile widens as he continues his little rant. "You're supposed to be this calm, docile, individual but let's face it, that's not you at all. You can't stand this life of mediocrity, you never could. It's been eating away at you so you lash out at others.” You struggle in his iron grip, you can’t break free. “Then you use petty excuses just to have a reason to do so. Whether it's out of revenge, or if it’s because they're thieves, you're really doing this simply because you're bored with your life, am I right?" While the stranger rants his grip on your shoulders strengthens causing you to yelp. You can see the fear and confusion your eyes show from the reflection of this guy's shades.

"How, how do you know all of this?" Your voice comes out shaking from the utter confusion and fear this man is giving you.

"Because, my dear Anonymous, when I find something of interest I learn everything there is to know about it. I know all about you child.” He removes a hand and points at his temple. “About your prim and proper suburban life, how your parents spoiled your little sister, and that you had to learn to fend for yourself in high school,” you stand there petrified by his words. “There is nothing about you I don't already know, and I must say I love this downward spiral your life is heading in, there is so much potential for you to do more." This guy's talking crazy. Relief washes over you when he finally releases you from his grip.

You look from him, then to the door. You make a mad dash for it and you make it back out into the hallway. As you make your way to your door you turn around to find that the stranger isn't pursuing you. You leap into your apartment before promptly slamming and locking the door. You decide that you'll wait here until that guy leaves. Then you'll call the police to report a suspicious looking person in the area, maybe you’ll get to finish the call this time.

An ominous uproar of laughter causes your blood to run cold and your hair to stand on end; you cast your gaze to your couch to find the mysterious stranger sitting there, popcorn in hand. You yelp in fear before desperately trying to unlock your door, when you manage to do so you open it to find him standing right in your path. You gasp before trying to slam the door in his face. A gloved hand from behind grabs hold of the door, stopping you. You turn around to find that there are in fact two of them. You stand there, speechless as the one from outside makes his way into your apartment. You back away from the two. They stand side by side, both of them wearing the same smarmy grin.

"Are you okay Anonymous? You look like you're looking at a monster or something," says the stranger on the left. The one on the right drapes his arm over the one on the left.

"I agree, Anonymous please stop staring. It's quite rude," says the stranger on the right before bursting out into fits of laughter. You cannot process this guy's request, your mind is too busy trying to comprehend the site it's been forced to behold.

Then things take a turn for the worse, you hear the sickening sound of bones breaking as the two strangers seem to meld into one being, their smiles never leaving their faces. To you it was like watching two piles of liquid flesh compounding into one being. You fight the urge to vomit. Light headedness from this turn of events starts to creep up on you. Your mind can only handle so much. You scream, you scream and you back away, even though your back is against the wall you still keep trying to move away in vain. When that little transformation is done the stranger is back down to one. You're struggling to keep yourself from vomiting; the ramen isn't sitting too well in your stomach. You can feel it start to make its way up, but you force it down.

"What... what are you?" You ask as you keep your eyes trained on this guy. Who knows what he's going to do next. If he can split himself up, and if he's able to appear wherever he wants, then you're at his mercy. The stranger walks over to you and kneels down so he's at your level, then he removes his sunglasses to reveal a disgusting set of red and yellow irises. You can see why this guy wore those sunglasses. The way one pupil seems to shrink while the other grows isn't exactly the most attractive thing to see. You grimace but he doesn't seem to care
.

"I'm your way out of this life of mediocrity Anonymous; all you have to do is accept my offer." His gaze turns serious despite the wacky, almost cartoonish nature they seemed to have.

"What if I refuse?” He chuckles before taking off a glove to reveal eagle talons where his fingers would be.

"My dear Anonymous, my offer is non-negotiable." Before you can react, his index finger from his exposed hand touches your forehead and your vision starts to blur. You suddenly feel incredibly tired, as if you haven't slept in days. You try to move, you try to speak, but your muscles have relaxed and your speech has been slurred. His voice is the only thing you can seemingly focus on now, it echoes throughout your skull as he speaks. "We'll discuss my offer in detail when we arrive. For now, sleep. OH and just where are my manners? I never properly introduced myself, did I?" you, manage to weakly shake your head as you slump to the floor. You hear the sound of his palm meeting his forehead. "Ah I always get distracted when I'm excited. You have to forgive me. I go by many names, but Discord shall suffice," and with that consciousness finally leaves you…

Author's Note

And here's where we begin our little story.
Come with my on a journey filled with magic and adventure and making friends.
Or something like that I dunno I just wanted to put something here.

Chapter Two: Forced Relocation, Talking Monsters, and Chaos Abound

// Chapter Two: Forced Relocation, Talking Monsters, and Chaos Abound //------------------------------//

You have no idea how much time has passed, and you have no idea where you are. But before you even open your eyes you can already feel you’re no longer in your apartment and that the injuries you’ve incurred the night before cause you no pain. What you’re able to discern without opening your eyes is that you’re under the thick cotton covers of an incredibly comfortable bed. You could compare the mattress and soft sheets you’re on to a cloud in terms of comfort. You’re tempted to turn onto your stomach and sleep. That is until you feel something weighted sit on your chest. Admittedly you’re a little nervous about opening your eyes so you keep them shut and pretend to sleep.

”What do you think it is?” A girlish voice whispers. You can feel her soft breath as she breathes in your face. The smell of chocolate invades your senses and the feeling of bushy, curly strands of hair tickles your cheeks and forehead. Another feminine voice makes her presence known to your left. Judging by the distance the owner of the second voice is no more than a few feet away.

”I don’t know, poke it with a stick or something.” The second voice suggests. The thought of being poked and prodded didn’t sit too well with you so you start to move. No one is poking you with a stick today. As you try to sit up the person on your chest gaps.

“I think it’s waking up!” she says in glee. You take this time to open your eyes. Whoever moved you must have taken off the first aid you applied to yourself. You look down and see that the bandages you put on yourself last night have been removed. You find it odd, considering injuries like yours would have remained noticeable for at least a week. You blink a few times and rub what would have been your sore jaw as you adjust to the lighting coming from the sun in a nearby window. When you’re alert you can’t help but notice the pair of purple swirling irises staring in to your own from no more than a few inches away. You look down to find a light purple muzzle pressing against your nose. Whatever this thing is, it’s far from being human. A talking, screwy looking thing is on top of your chest and staring right at you. “Hello sleepy head,” She gives you a wide, warm smile. You respond the only way a rational minded human being would. You scream in horror. Your fear seems to affect the thing sitting on you. She in turn screams in your face before leaping off of you and in to the arms of a monster that’s floating next to the bed.

You have no idea what that thing is. From what you can tell it has the body shape of a small horse, though there’s a wide array of differences between the horses you’ve seen and the one screaming and looking at you in abject terror. One thing you notice is that she’s barely half your size in comparison. Her hooves don’t have a dividing point that signals where the leg ends and the hoof begins. It’s almost like you’re staring at a marshmallow-like pony. Another issue is her color. There is more to her than just the light purple coat. Her white and indigo mane and tail have to be mentioned as well, they resemble smoke clouds. Two things seem to pop out from the already crazy looking animal. The double branding of a screw and a ball on her flanks is one. She’s also wearing a white and yellow striped propeller beanie. You haven’t seen one of those since you were a small child. Above all the small muzzle and obvious facial expressions make this little mare seem even further from a normal horse.

As for the one holding the purple horse in its arms, you have no idea what to make of it. All you know is that it’s a conglomeration of various animals and that it’s female. Her head is horse-like, with a deer antler on the right, a goat horn on the left, two long fangs that protrude from her gaping maw, different-sized red and yellow pupils, and a snake tongue. The rest of her body has the right arm of a lion, the left claw of an eagle, the right leg of a lizard, and the left leg of a goat. In addition you notice that when she extends her wings on her back she’s got the right wing of a bat and the left wing of a bird. The entire shape of her body resembles that of a snake. Her white, disheveled mane and a dragon-like snake's tail with a pink tail tuft helps complete her appearance. A chimera if you’ve ever heard of one.

You have no idea how it happened, but now all three of you are screaming. You do so out of fear and you assume their reasons for screaming are the same. You watch as the chimera squeezes the pony in a vice-like grip of a hug.

“Eris is it attacking I can’t tell!?” The horse cries in between her screams.

“Just hit it with something Screwball!” The chimera pushes the horse in the direction of a nearby dresser. You can’t seem to find your voice at this point and promptly stop screaming. Instead you sit in shock as the horse takes flight using the propeller of her beanie. She’s getting something to hit you with so you need to act fast.

”No no no I’m not attacking don’t get that club there.” You bring the covers up over your head when you see the over-sized wooden club in the horse’s front hooves. You really want to ask how this horse is holding a club when she doesn’t have any hands, but you lack the time to.

“Lies!” The little horse shouts. She flies back over to you club in hoof. So this is how you die? You shut your eyes and await the inevitable. Instead of feeling wood smash into your skull you feel something wet and slimy slap the top of your head through the covers.

“What?” The horse seems to be in a state of disbelief. You open your eyes to find that the horse is holding an over-sized mackerel instead of a club. Before you can investigate the matter the sound of ominous laughter resounds throughout the room. You, the horse, and the chimera look around the room in hopes of finding the source. When your gaze turns to the right of your bed you find that the area is starting to twist and warp around. It’s as if something were messing with the very fabric of space. Slowly but surely a set of hands pierce through space and force it open to reveal a second chimera. He appeared to look just like the first, though this one was more masculine in appearance. It lacked the long hair and it had a goat’s beard in its stead.Though there are many things that seem familiar to you about this creature. That smile, the long, white beard, the single fang protruding from his maw, those ugly eyes, and of course the laughter. Your mind alludes to images of the stranger that came to you just yesterday. Discord, he said his name was Discord. As his laughter finally starts to die down he wipes a tear from his eye before looking over you with a smile. As he examines you the mare that was about to assault you pouts.

“Aw, I was gonna hit him, Daddy. Why’d you do that?” she asks before turning her gaze to the mackerel in her hooves. It isn’t strange enough that you’re in some unknown place, nor is it sufficient that you’re in the same room as two living chimeras and a cartoonish looking horse. It seems as though it has to be made worse by knowing that this little creature is the daughter of a chimera.

“Because I cannot have you harming our new friend here,” Discord points to you as he speaks. The little mare looks from you, then back to her father before shrugging. When she tosses her mackerel at the nearby wall you didn’t expect the fish to explode. You shout out of surprise before covering your ears with your hands, unfortunately, the ringing that comes after the little incident remains. That was the final straw. The conglomeration of new sites, sounds, and sensations causes you to curl into a small ball on your bed. You shiver as the reality of your situation dawns on you. You have no idea where you are and you have no idea if there’s a way back for you. Your life may not have been the best, but you understood it. You could comprehend the world around you in all its splendor and grime. Here you’re completely new and the concepts thrown at you are entirely foreign.

“Why is he shivering like that?” the female chimera asks. She makes an attempt to float around you in hopes of looking at you, but you cover your eyes and the shaking gets worse. When her eagle talon pokes your side you flinch and yelp.

“Because my dear daughter, this human has never seen anything like us before. He will need some time to adjust.” Discord explains before looking at his lion’s paw as if he were wearing a watch. Ten seconds pass before he claps his hands together. “Okay adjustment time is done. Anonymous stop shaking like a leaf, man up.” Discord snaps his talons as if they were fingers. As a result a cloud of purple smoke is forced into existence, when it clears Discord is seen holding a clear glass of chocolate milk. He mimics the motion with his lion’s limb and soon he’s holding two glasses of the same liquid.

You take this the time to look up just as he’s bringing the second glass into existence. It does nothing to help comfort you. You already knew some of the things Discord was capable of, but creating something from nothing might as well make him a God where you come from. Speaking of which just where are you anyway? Judging by the bright color of your room, and the seemingly odd color scheme that the three creatures in the room have, you can’t be on Earth. You break out of your ball and look over yourself.

You’re still wearing the same red hooded jacket, blue jeans, and shoes. But the hue seems to be a bit brighter, same could be said of the white cotton blanket that was covering you. As you’re about to get a good look around the room the sun races over the horizon and the moon takes its place in the sky. The sudden change from night to day makes you sick to your stomach. You contemplate asking one of the creatures to turn on the light but they’ve already done so. You hear an audible click before the room you’re in is bathed in a combination of purple and green light.

“Drink, it’ll help you relax.” He extends the drink in his eagle talons and you reluctantly take it. The glass is cold and smooth to the touch. As you move the liquid around in the glass by turning the glass you look from it to Discord suspiciously. He may sound concerned, but it’s not convincing you that he actually cares. You should have known better than to be anywhere near strangers like him and now he’s offering you something to drink. What if he’s given you a potent drug and you’re feeling the effects of it? You could be experiencing a very powerful hallucination at this moment. These colorful creatures and items around you could be the byproduct of that.

“Why should I trust you, you’ve taken me to some weird place against my will!” You look of suspicion quickly becomes one of anger as you glare up at the creature that’s forced you to this unknown dwelling. Your fear of the unknown is quickly turning into contempt, these animals may look strange but you’re starting to get used to the concept pretty quickly. Comparing them to cartoonish characters helps alleviate the primal terror. Discord’s calming smile remains.

“As you’ve seen Anonymous, I am capable of quite a lot,” he wiggles his talons, “I could have killed you in your sleep many times. I have the ability to bend reality to my will through thought alone.” His smile widens as his explanation continues. “If I truly willed it you would cease to exist, yet I don’t. If I had intentions of destroying you I would have. You’re too useful to me to have your life thrown away like mere trash.” The abilities he lists off does little to ebb away at the intimidation you still feel from Discord, but he does raise good points. If, assuming this is real, he could have ended you at any point he wanted. He still can, he said you were useful. What is he going to do to you if you end up becoming useless? You’ve heard of what happens to those who outlive their usefulness. The thought of being vaporized in fire for the amusement of these creatures shakes you to your core. You still manage to maintain at least some sort of calm demeanor despite your imagination running wild.

You cautiously look over your chocolate milk, reluctant to take a drink. Discord sighs before crossing his arms. As his smile slowly starts to fade you can’t help but feel that he’s waiting on you, and his patience is starting to wear thin.

“You know what, screw it.” With the mindset of not caring just how far you go down this rabbit hole you close your eyes, turn up the glass, and drink its contents, though the taste that hits your tongue is anything but chocolate milk. In fact, you could say you’re drinking glass rather than the milk itself. You open your eyes to see that your suspicions are correct. Your eyes widen in shock as you slowly drink the last of the glass leaving the solidified chocolate milk in your hands.

Your stomach lurches from the foreign item settling within it. You could vomit up everything you’ve drank right now. You dry heave for a few moments before your stomach settles, you’ve never consumed glass before and having it suddenly slide down your throat in the form of a liquid is unsettling to say the least. In your disgust and anger you throw the solidified milk at the wall. You gasp when the milk explodes into multi colored pieces of confetti.

Maybe having the mindset of not caring wasn’t a very wise one, it was a brief, albeit large mistake. As you reflect upon the actions you’ve just went through you feel your body’s internal temperature start to heat up. It’s a gradual process; at first you hardly notice it. It starts from the center of your stomach and slowly but surely the heat works its way through your veins slowly growing hotter. The warmth never goes into the extremes, if anything it feels like you’ve just consumed some hot coco on a cold winter’s night. Instead of feeling fear for this sensation, you feel relaxed. The thought of being in a new place and being around these chimeras doesn’t seem as bad as it did a few minutes prior. Whatever was in that glass has put a lazy smile upon your face. Discord’s smile has returned when he sees your mood change.

“There we go,” Discord says with relief before taking a seat at the foot of your bed, “let’s start off slow shall we? We have a lot to discuss; first of all I believe proper introductions are in order,” The female chimera takes a seat next to Discord.

“Eris,” she extends her lion’s paw, “Sup?” You reluctantly take her paw in a handshake. When she casts a devious smirk you immediately regret doing so. Eris shows off her immense strength by shaking your hand hard enough to get your entire body moving. You’re sent into the air only to be slammed stomach first onto the bed. The area around you is a blur as she continues her little bout of torment upon you, laughing merrily all the while. You do the only thing you can do in this situation: scream. The amount of force being exerted on your body could be compared to a roller coaster. You can feel your stomach lurch with each sudden stop on the bed. Discord, being the merciful creature he is, has his daughter provide you with relief.

“That’s not very nice dear. Let the human go,” Discord reaches out and stops her lion’s paw from continuing its horrid motions. It’s too bad he didn’t stop her when you were on the bed. When she releases you, you let out a small yelp of fright before falling a short distance to the bed below. When you recover and sit up you find that the light purple horse is sitting on the bed just a few inches from you. She stares at you much like she did when you first awoke. At least you aren’t as fearful as you were before or else the close proximity would have you screaming again.

“Hi alien! My name’s Screwball!” The purple horse waves excitedly, her goofy grin combined with her demeanor does well to keep you at ease. Despite the fact that she’s able to bend her body to resemble a human’s stature you find nothing to fear from her now. It’s hard to believe that she was just about to hit you with a club for entertainment purposes. That glass Discord had you drink seems to work wonders for your nerves. When it comes time for you to say your name, you introduce yourself as if you were talking to a pair of humans.

“I’m Anonymous,” that’s the best intro you could come up with. Nothing fancy, no need for any sort of handshake, just a name and a smile to go with it. As soon as you finish Screwball grabs hold of your right hand with her hooves. You raise a brow as Screwball raises your hand to eye level. She purses her lips and narrows her eyes while running a hoof along the tips of your fingers. She then moves on to prodding your fingers so they’re forced to bend. When she repeats this small pattern two more times she speaks.

“Hmm, you have digits.” You have a strong urge to come back with a wise crack. It really took her a full minute to realize you have fingers when both Discord and Eris have talons that resemble them. Before you speak you bite your tongue. If you said something rude you might make Screwball upset. That in turn might make Discord mad. The last thing you’d want is to anger the creature who brought you here in the first place. Instead you nod in agreement. This somehow acts as a go-ahead for Screwball to continue her little examination. She lifts your arms up, sniffs you, licks your cheek, then using her propeller beanie she floats around you in order to examine you from all angles.

“Screwball, stop playing around with the human. You don’t know where he’s been,” Eris sighs before shaking her head.

“You can’t tell me what to do! You’re not my Mom!” Screwball retorts angrily before shooting Eris an angry glare. She grabs your hand again and starts rapidly tapping on your index finger with her hoof as if it were a button. While she prods your finger she sticks her tongue out at Eris. If you didn’t know any better you’d have to say that these two are related.

“You’re so annoying,” Eris rubs her temples as if to rid herself of a headache.

“Love you too sis,” says Screwball, as she finally lets go of your hand, giving your poor finger a break. That small comment helps you to put two and two together. At this point you have no idea if Screwball is adopted and you didn’t feel that it was your place to ask. God forbid you open up old wounds with an innocent question. While Discord gets on to the next order of business Screwball takes to flying around the room.

“Okay, now that introductions are out of the way I assume you’d like to know where you are and why I brought you here.” You nod.

“Yeah, first of all, where is here?” you ask as give Discord your full attention. Discord clasps his hands together.

“Where is here, indeed. Some used to call this land Equestria. That is, until I made a few changes. Now no one knows what to call this place. As far as the planet is concerned, you’re no longer on Earth, you’re on Terra.” You were right to believe that you were no longer on your home world. Discord’s magic seems to know no limits, if he could bring himself and you across the universe to this planet who knows what else he can do that he hasn’t mentioned yet. There’s even the possibility that he brought you across dimensions rather than space. He shrugs before pointing to the nearby window. “I’m sure you’ve noticed the sun and moon,” As soon as he finishes the moon dips below the horizon only to have the sun appear in the sky at a random spot. You close your eyes due to the bright light being given off by the sun. Eris takes the liberty of turning off the light

“Yeah kind of,” you rub your eyes, “So you control those as well,” he nods. You sigh, taking in all of this information. His explanation only cause more questions to arise in its place. You were right to assume that he’s an incredibly powerful creature. It’s like he’s rubbing it in almost.

“That’s just the tip of the iceberg. You’ll soon find just how far, and how powerful, my influence is.” His voice turns sinister and he taps his claws together menacingly.

“I’m going to find out the full extent of that aren’t I?” You are not looking forward to just what Discord means.

“Oh no, not right now, it’ll be gradual. If I let you in on my genius all at once you wouldn’t be able to comprehend it!” As far as Discord is concerned he’s done more than enough to act egotistical. Were you in his position you probably would be as well. You take to reclining back on the head board.

“You say genius, I say utter confusion. What are you anyway?” you look Discord over while putting your hands behind your head for cushion. Discord opens his mouth to explain but Eris interjects. As she speaks Discord looks on with annoyance.

“Draconequus,” You have no idea what that is, in fact as soon as she told you the name of their species your mind draws a blank.

“Dra— what’s it now?” Eris seems more than happy to elaborate.

“Draconequus. Basically we’re creatures made up of a bunch of different animals. We’re the ‘Embodiment of Chaos!’ You chuckle when Eris is able to mimic Discord’s tone of voice for her little explanation.

“Yes thank you Eris for your valued input,” Discord pushes her back to where she was sitting, “ANYWAY, I brought you here for a reason and I’m sure you’d love to know why that is.” You nod, signaling him to continue, “I brought you here for a very simple reason Anonymous, and that reason is to make friends,” Discord finishes with a smile. So his grand scheme for you turns out to be nothing more than something simple?

“Wait you kidnapped me, brought me to some new world or whatever, just so I could make friends? I fail to see the reason behind this.” You’re not buying that for a second. If he honestly thinks you’ll believe that he’s got another thing coming.

“Kidnapped is a strong word Anonymous. I prefer to use the term “forced relocation,”” Discord says with a laugh, that’s when Screwball decides to fly over to you. She leans in and whispers into your ear.

”That’s pretty much the same thing,” you scoff. Screwball frowns before punching your shoulder. It looks like these creatures understand sarcasm.

“Meanie,” She blows raspberries before flying over to Discord. You roll your eyes at her antics. You take this time to pick the conversation back up. You’re sure these small interruptions are playing on his nerves.

“Yeah, forced relocation, let’s go with that. So what’s the catch?” you ask. You could say you’re eager to figure out just what it is you’ll be doing here.

“You’ll just have to get used to your surroundings, other than that I’d love it if you made some friends here. From what I saw you didn’t have a single one back on Earth.” Discord says before flashing you a sly grin. You know there’s more to it than that, there has to be. There’s no way you were brought to this place for the simple act of making friends. You do not just throw someone from their world for something like that. If he won’t tell you the real reason then you’re better off not asking at all. If Discord is going to give you that sort of vague explanation you’re better off not asking anything.

“Uh huh,” Your voice trails off as Discord motions to the window. Before doing so you take this time to look around the room you’re in. You were too distracted by the Draconequus and horse to realize that you’re in a lavish room. It looks fit for someone who is either quite wealthy, or royalty. In fact, judging by the size of this bed you’re on looks like it’d fill up your old room back at the apartment. The rest of the room was quite fancy, the gold trimmed tables, the exquisitely furnished chairs and couches. There was even a crimson custom made rug in the center of the room. The sun on the center of it alone looked like it’d cost more than your city block. Each golden laced stitch was woven to perfection. Everything that wasn’t covered was stark white and clean, almost pristine in condition. The columns around the room acting as support for the ceiling were a bit much though, royalty or not they spared no expense. The sunlight pouring through did nothing more than add a sort of glow to it all, completing the look.

“Go on, stop gawking and take a look,” Discord says as he points to the window yet again. When you finally get to your feet and take a look outside you immediately wish you hadn’t. You see a world unlike your own. Everything outside is bright and colorful, almost too much so, you can feel your eyes strain to take in the vibrant hues. You’re looking out of a spire from some Victorian-esque castle. The spire itself jutted into different directions. You could say the base until about twenty feet below your room was in the shape of a sharp edged lightning bolt. When you find the birds lodged in the spire and castle itself you could see that the consistency of what was used to build it was like glue. The colors of the castle itself seemed to reflect a sort of checkered pattern of various shades of colors. It almost made you sick looking at it. You take a look at the city below to find a road made out of overturned poker cards and various building tops seemed to literally spring and bounce in random directions. The list of the mess you see goes on and on: Raven winged clocks, ballet dancing bovines, spider lizard things, and patches of drizzling pink clouds that dot the otherwise crisp blue sky. You dry heave when you see just what is raining from those clouds. From a distance it looks like they’re showery the city with liquid excretions. Buildings that didn’t appear spring loaded were floating around in sporadic patterns; some even flipped upside down upon their little uncontrolled paths.

“Discord, are you sure you don’t take LSD? I mean seriously look at this place, if you did this there is no way drugs weren’t involved in the making,” You find yourself unable to turn away out of sheer disbelief at the multi colored world.

“No Anonymous, this comes from my imagination,” You do a double take before turning back to him and his daughters. If this is what goes on in his mind then Eris’ interpretation of her species is quite accurate. “Embodiment of Chaos” sounds spot on with this deranged creature.

“Discord, I doubt I’ll be able to traverse this city, let alone anywhere you want me to go in order to make friends. Besides, you said this place was called Equestria right?” You move away from the window and sit back down upon the bed. Discord nods, “So I’ll be around Equestrians, meaning a nation of horses right?” you ask again. That’s when Screwball stops flying around, gets in your face, and glares at you.

“The proper term is pony. Horse is an insult here,” You gulp before your eyes widen. If you went around using that term loosely then the other ponies around here would probably look at you in the same way Screwball is now. She just saved you a lot of trouble.

“Heh, sorry about that, didn’t know.” You say throwing your hands up defensively. Screwball’s anger melts away to be replaced by a smile.

“Okie dokie, just don’t say it again,” and with that she starts flying around the room in circles giggling like mad.

“There is no way I’m related to her,” Eris mutters while watching Screwball fly around.

”Love you too Eris,” Screwball shouts as she continues to fly around the three of you. Her flight path takes a sudden turn in your direction. She takes off like a bullet, at the last moment you yelp before ducking. She goes flying right over you and through the still closed window. Luckily the glass shatters and falls out of the window rather than back into the room. You get to your feet and watch as she flies in to the city. She waves to you and soon she slowly fades from sight.

”Well that was a little un-necessary, and rude,” Were it not for your quick reaction time she would have taken off your head and your little venture would have come to an end right then and there.

“Yeah, she can be like that sometimes. A spitting image of me,” Discord swells with pride from his daughter’s antics.

“Dad, she looks nothing like you,” Eris interjects as she shoots her father a deadpan glare. Discord merely shrugs in response.

“She takes after her mother’s looks. Genetics isn’t my strong point.” Eris scoffs before shaking her head.

“Says the Draconequus that made Equestria’s rabbits have legs as long as giraffes?” Eris crosses her arms before floating eye level with Discord.

“How many times do I have to tell you that my logic is infallible?” Discord’s eyes narrow.

“Whatever you say pops, I’m out,” Eris flies towards the door at the far end of the room. Before she leaves she turns back to you, “yeah Dad isn’t going to tell you everything, expect the worst, hope for the best,” with that she opens the door and promptly slams it behind her.

“Well that isn’t very reassuring,” You look back to Discord and see that his smile has turned sinister.

“Oh don’t worry Anonymous, it’s nothing to worry about,” his cackle is followed by lightning and thunder from outside. For once since he knocked you out in your apartment does he seem ominous.

“Yeah, that doesn’t do a damn thing to put me at ease,” You say as you stand up and lean against the wall. Your legs need the stretch.

“That’s not my problem.” Looks like you’ll be in for a load of surprises, “Let’s go ahead and get you started. I’ll be bringing you to a town called Ponyville and you’ll be placed in the care of a unicorn,” So there’s more than that type of pony you got to meet, you wonder what else there could be. If there are normal ponies and unicorns you have a feeling there may be peagsus types as well. “Twilight Sparkle is her name, commit it to memory.” Discord examines his talons as he explains your next course of action. “From there you’ll be introduced into Equestrian society, and when you’re used to the town and its ponies you can start making friends. I suggest you start with Twilight, for obvious reasons,” and with that Discord snaps his talons and the door to the bedroom opens. He points out the door.

“Wait, before I go, why are you having me make friends. This whole thing seems so odd, I don’t know a single thing about this place. I don’t know what to say or not to say. If your daughter didn’t correct me about the horse thing I would have insulted everyone I met. What if I mess something else up?” You place your hands in your pockets and make no move to the door.

“Just wing it Anonymous, you’re good at doing that,” suddenly you feel your feet leave the ground. You look at yourself to find that you’re inside a sort of transparent bubble. You slowly float towards the open door and find a steep drop below. That’s a few stories at least, you were never good with heights and this does nothing more than exacerbate your fear. You curl up into a small ball and start to shiver. You give Discord a pleading look while shaking your head rapidly.

“No-no-no-no-no-no.” your voice quivers.

“Yes-Yes-Yes-Yes-Yes.” Discord gives you a wide, psychotic grin while nodding. His talons make a deafening snap before you plummet to the ground below. You scream as you drop, the area around you becomes blurry and unrecognizable as you pick up speed. You fall for a good thirty seconds before you’re suddenly inside a clear pipe. You’re now forced to go on whatever path this winding pipe will have you go on. You make random twists and turns on this wild ride and your stomach can barely take the abuse as you’re flung around inside your bubble.

Suddenly the pipe has you shooting straight up. You look to see that the pipe extends above the clouds, the zany castle you were in just a minute before is now nothing more than a spec along a unique landscape. You note patches of candy covered land, craggy mountains, a few bodies of water, trees, deserts, the works At least this world is somewhat similar to yours. That’s when you realize you’re going way too high. It won’t be long before you break through the atmosphere at this rate. You look up and see that you’ve come to the end of your little pipe ride. With a loud pop like someone removing a cork from a pressurized bottle you’re launched like a rocket further in to the sky.

You gasp as you move through the stratosphere, now your only source of oxygen is what you have left in your little orb. You silently hope that it doesn’t burst. Unfortunately you’re not able to hope for very long considering you’re still moving at quite a fast rate. This time you seem to be set on a crash course for the moon’s surface. You’ll be nothing more than a bloody stain on its otherwise grainy surface if you keep going at this speed. At first you think you’re going to collide with the crater ridden moon, but before you drift too close to it your crash course takes a sudden turn. Instead of slamming in to the surface of the moon you orbit around it.

As you do you spot two ponies on its surface. When you pass overhead the two ponies turn their attention to you. From this short distance you’re able to make out that one has a bright white coat and wings while the other is a midnight blue. The two sport both wings and a horn along with flowing manes and tails, how they’re constantly moving when you know that there’s no wind is beyond you. You’re still trying to figure out just how those two are living out on a rock in space. Judging by the moon’s surface there’s no atmosphere, so how are they surviving, in fact what could they be doing to entertain themselves up here there’s nothing on the moon…

“Huzzah! Thou hath lost to our superior intellect!” the midnight blue pony shouts with glee as she crosses out what looks to be the thousandth tic tac toe board.

“That’s what, six hundred and seventy to one?” Judging by the white pony’s tone she’s obviously bored of the game. Hundreds of tic tac toe boards scratched onto the moon's surface surround the two. She groans hopelessly, “I’m going to die of boredom on this rock!”

“Please sister, dost thou hath to protest so much? Besides thou art immortal, Death’s Embrace shalt not claim thee,” With that Luna looks at the stars surrounding them, “Tis enchanting,” Wonderment is clear in her voice as she looks upon the nearly infinite amount of glowing specs dotting the area above them.

“You say that every time you look up Luna, I’m still wondering how you managed to keep your sanity for the thousand years you were up here.” The white pony looks to Luna with confusion when she squints.

“What is it Luna, do you see another comet?” she asks before getting to her hooves.

“No, we hath not the faintest notion as to what that may be,” She looks in the direction Luna is pointing to see you orbiting helplessly along the moon, “sister, dost thou hath an inkling as to why a hairless ape is floating through the cosmos?” As Luna turns to look at her sister she’s answered with a shrug.

“Probably some unfortunate soul that angered Discord,” She turns her gaze back to the surface of the moon. Her hoof digs into the ground as she shapes out another tic tac toe board, “how about another game Luna?” She takes a seat and places an x upon the board.

“Art thou not concerned for this creature’s well-being?” Luna looks to her sister in disbelief.

“Look, if my magic wasn’t sealed away and if I wasn’t stuck here I’d help it out, but it’s out of my hooves, we’ll just have to hope for the best. Now I believe it’s your move.” And with that Luna takes a seat in front of her sister. As they play another game your orbit seems to break when your bubbles comes near the planet’s surface…

The gravitational pull of the planet brings you towards it. You screaming begins anew as you start to pick up speed. When you re-enter the planet’s atmosphere your orb erupts in flames. Fortunately for you, you’re not being burned, this bubble must be indestructible, but the impact will probably kill you. You shout and curse as the ground below slowly gets closer and closer. If you thought you’d hit terminal velocity you were wrong, it’s as if you can’t stop speeding up. The ground is getting bigger by the second; you close your eyes and prepare for the worst. That’s when you feel yourself come to a slow, gradual stop.

“What, huh?” You look to see that the ball you were in has landed softly in front of a tree house. You tear your gaze from it to take in your surroundings. You find that the majority of the buildings around you are like the ones back in that city you saw earlier. Though getting a closer look you can see just how off putting everything is. What you believe to be simple homes have become monstrosities. Before you can take in the sites beyond what you’ve already familiarized yourself with your bubble rolls towards the tree house. You turn in the direction you’re rolling in and see that you’re about to roll into a library of sorts. You marvel at the thought of someone building a library within a tree. Your thoughts come to a sudden stop when the orb hits the door frame. Unfortunately you and your bubble are much too large to fit through together.

You get a quick look at large amount of book shelves within the library before a small opening appears within your bubble. You yelp as you’re launched out of it and into one of the many shelves. Upon impact you cause the tree to shake, that in turn knocks dozens of books out of their cozy little areas. The air leaves your lungs when you hit the wooden floor. Pain seems to soak through every part of your debilitated body. The combination of being thrown around, launched into space, and crashing into solid wood is a terrible combination. In your disoriented state you can do nothing more than lie on your back and wait for your blurring vision to return to normal. In your condition you can’t seem to focus upon anything other than a few hazy objects. Though you can feel that the floor around you is littered with books, you grimace when you realize that you’ve probably made a large mess. You shake your head and groan as the air finally starts to fill your lungs again. You haven’t felt like this since-

“Ow, my everything,” you wince as you struggle to your feet. As you stand and shake off the last bits of haze up you hear Discord call out to you. Luckily the pain starts to fade as your senses come back to you.

“Finally, the man of the hour is here!” You turn to the source to find Discord descending a nearby ladder. The look of excitement upon his face could be compared to a child as he opens his presents on Christmas Day. You look around him to find that this little tree house is not only completely hollow, but there are multiple shelves of books dotting the interior walls. You hear a disheartened sounding girl call from a nearby set of stairs.

“Who cares, it’s not as if he can help me stop you,” Discord takes this time to look you over. He presses against your jaw, when you make no utterance of pain he nods.

“Looks like my magic did its job. Good, maybe you’ll make a great first impression.” Your eyes widen in realization. Of course, if he’s capable of moving celestial bodies and teleportation it’d only make sense for him to be able to mend wounds as well. This has to be the nicest thing Discord has done at this point.

“Thanks,” you say with a smile.

“Don’t get used to it. I’m going to stay as far away from this train wreck as possible,” You tilt your head in confusion.

“Wait, train wreck? I thought I was just supposed to make friends,” You take a seat in the floor, being sure not to sit on any books in the process.

“Oh you are, but how long has it been since you spent any time with anyone other than a co-worker?” You open your mouth to speak out in protest at his question only to find that he’s absolutely right. You haven’t really talked to anyone on a friendly level since you started working at the factory. Discord starts to laugh at your expense but stops when a flash of magenta light appears in between you. The sound of something ringing follows it and suddenly a gray pony with a horn appears in the room. From her facial expression it appears as though she and despair go hand in hand. Even her eyes are gray, you look at her mane and tail to find that there’s a streak of gray a bit lighter than the rest of her. Two brandings of one large start surrounded by five smaller stars adjourn her flanks. You start to wonder if all ponies are branded in such a way.

“Anonymous, I’d like to introduce you to the one, the only, Twilight Sparkle!” As Discord gives Twilight her grand entrance confetti and streamers shoot out from the bookshelves while fanfare plays. Neither you nor Twilight seem amused, in fact Twilight seems as if she’s about to burst into tears when she looks around the library floor.

“Great, now I gotta clean up this mess,” she says as she looks around her library. Discord shows no concern over the labor the unicorn is now forced to endure.

“Not my problem,” he turns to you before adding, “have fun Anonymous, not only do I expect you to make friends with Twilight, but I also expect a report on something you’ve learned about friendship.” Well now he’s just throwing you for a loop. Before you have a chance to respond Discord snaps his fingers and blinks out of existence. His laughter echoes throughout the library for a few seconds before fading away. You and Twilight sit/stand across from each other, staring at each other for a few minutes. The two of you occasionally glance over to where Discord was a few moments ago. You decide to be the one to break the ice.

“So how do we do this?” She sighs sadly before looking away dejectedly.

“Do what exactly? Discord’s only doing this to rub failure in my face. Friendship Reports, I can’t believe he has the audacity—” Twilight trails off as her horn begins to glow with a magenta hue. The aura suddenly appearing out of nowhere in combination with the sound of that same ringing causes you to back away to the wall. The light from her horn fades as she looks you over.

“What, it’s just magic. It’s not as if I can really DO anything with it,” she says sadly before looking at the scattered confetti around herself. Her depressed demeanor is starting to play on your nerves. The light begins anew and some of the confetti starts to glow in turn. She seems to give a halfhearted grunt before giving up. She sighs before turning to look at you.

“I can’t even lift colored paper,” and with that she lies on her belly, you see her pout her lips before turning and nudging a piece of confetti, “Stupid paper,” she says to no one in particular. You groan audibly before face palming. She reminded you of a lazy co-worker that only came in to work to sleep off his hours. Within two hours of first meeting him you were ready to toss him into the machinery in order to shut him up; his constant whining and complaining took a huge toll on your nerves. You were not about to hear that it a second time if you could help it. Without thinking more into it you stand and walk over to Twilight. The sound of your footsteps startles her. She turns to face you when you stop right before her. You proceed to kneel before her, and then you start picking up pieces of confetti. She watches you clean the mess with confusion plastered on her features.

“What are you doing?” You were thinking of giving her a sarcastic response, but that would be a terrible way to start. Regardless you can feel your anger start to boil from deep within. There is no way she can really be like this could she?

“Twilight, I’m supposed to be your friend right? What better way to do that than by helping you clean up this mess?” You were hoping she would have gotten it without you having to explain it. Helping her out is a fairly obvious gesture. Twilight gasps as she lets what you asked sink in.

“But we haven’t even properly introduced ourselves! That’s step one!” she gasps again before adding, “and you’re helping me clean but I’m not doing anything, I should make some tea, NO I should write down a checklist of what I need to do for introductions, NO NO WAIT! I need to-,” her voice lowers to mere muttering, “oh who am I kidding. I can’t do anything right,” her head slumps to the floor. You were going to berate her, you can’t stand this attitude of hers, but when you see a single, solitary tear slide down her cheek you sigh. Getting angry at her won’t solve anything. You turn away from cleaning to face Twilight before extending your hand to her, she looks at you quizzically.

“Huh,” She eyes your hand before raising her head to look you in the eye.

“It’s how humans introduce themselves, they say their names before shaking their hand— Er hooves— you know what I mean. Anyway, my name is Anonymous.” You wait for Twilight to return the gesture. She looks from your extended hand, to you, then back to your hand. ‘Come on, shake my hand damn it,’ you think to yourself as you wait. Finally you see a smile form on Twilight’s lips. She gets into a sitting position before she extends her hoof. You take her hoof in your hand.

“Twilight Sparkle, it’s a pleasure to meet you. You know, gryphons do the same thing,” Looks like you’ve befriended a bookworm of sorts. Makes sense considering she’s probably the librarian. It dawns on you that she just mentioned a creature that comes from your mythology. Are those things truly real on this planet? If so you wonder what else might exist around here. You decide you’ll ask her all about it after you’ve taken care of the mess. You give her hoof a single shake. After that you get right back to cleaning up the confetti, when you notice she isn’t making any motion to move you turn to see she’s still looking over you in confusion.

“Is that it,” she asks in bewilderment.

”Yup,” you say before promptly turning back to the confetti and streamers. You’re picking up the colored paper for about half a minute before Twilight shouts.

“I did it!” You turn back to her and see that she’s trotting merrily in a circle with a large smile on her face, “I did something right! Right?” Her ears flatten when you realize that you aren’t smiling back.

“You didn’t mess up at all Twilight,” You go right back to cleaning. You can’t help but grin to yourself when you hear her giggle with excitement. Unfortunately your smile disappears when you see that she’s still not helping you clean. “Now, are you going to help me clean up this mess? It’s your place after all.” Her giggles go from happy to nervous. She rubs the back of her head with a hoof. The human like motions these ponies seem to be able to do is going to take some getting used to.

“Yes, sorry,” You’re surprised to find that she isn’t using her magic to clean. Instead she’s collecting the confetti with her mouth.

“Twilight?” You ball up the confetti and streamers you’ve collected.

“Yesssh,” Her response is muffled considering she’s got a mouthful of streamers.

“Aren’t you going to use your magic to clean? You're a unicorn.” Twilight shakes her head. She then spits out her collected trash.

“I’m two for two right now. I’m cleaning AND I properly introduced myself, why risk messing all of that up over
something as silly as magic.” She looks at you as if her response was the most obvious thing in the world. It takes all of your willpower to keep from cursing. She just teleported into the room and now she’s saying she can’t use properly use her magic. Your body starts to shake with rage.

“Are you okay?” She sounds concerned when your eye starts to spasm.

“Oh I’m fine, I’m just wondering how you managed to teleport in here if you’re implying you’re bad at magic.” Twilight shrugs before turning her back to you. As she gets ready to pick up more confetti and streamers she responds.

“I am bad at magic. I got lucky with that spell.” It takes everything you have to keep from picking up one of the books in the floor and throwing it out a nearby window. You don’t believe her for a second. Today is going to be a long day…

Author's Note

The "..." is used to help either advance time, end a chapter, or to switch perspective.

Chapter Three: Meanieshy and The Overly Depressed Mage

//------------------------------//

// Chapter Three: Meanieshy and The Overly Depressed Mage //------------------------------//

You’ve spent the better part of an hour picking up the streamers and confetti from Discord’s little intro for Twilight. She helped clean up as well, but due to her nature she stopped a few minutes in, leaving you to finish. You grumble as you watch her sit in a chair next to one of her shelves, she’s done nothing but watch you clean and it’s getting irritating. As you throw away the last bits of confetti, and when you’ve picked up her books, you walk up to her and give her a forced smile. She gives you a smile in turn.

“Cleaning’s done, thanks for the help,” you hope she picks up on the sarcasm you’re portraying. You’re laying it on kind of thick here, but she doesn’t.

“Oh, I didn’t do much. That was all you Anonymous. I just wish I wasn’t so, me,” she trails off before looking to her book shelves. You shouldn’t be angry about how she’s acting, it’s just the way she is. This helplessness she’s showing is really pissing you off. “But I did think of a few things to do while you were cleaning, I hope you don’t mind.”

“What did you have in mind?” You’re hoping she’ll answer with something productive. Judging by her obvious occupation she has to have a few books regarding the nature of this world. You’ve come to terms knowing that creatures you once thought were mindless are actually sentient, and that there are some mythological creatures that exist here. But you have no idea what types of creatures live here aside from what was already mentioned. If you’re going to make friends it’ll probably be with creatures other than just ponies. You can’t afford to insult anyone nor can you risk remaining ignorant of how this world works. The quicker you learn the basics the better off you’ll be.

“Well, Discord didn’t tell me a single thing about you. I figured I’d ask you a couple of questions.” You watch as she gets out of her chair. She then trots over to a nearby desk with ink and parchment ready to be used, “I can’t believe it! I get to be the first to study an alien!” You’re taken aback by her excited tone. You didn’t think she was capable of being cheery. If this keeps her from being down then you’ll happily tell her anything she wants to know. To an extent of course, you’re not exactly an encyclopedia on human history and advancement. Besides, if you help her she can help you. Trading information for information could play out nicely for you.

As she sets up her papers and opens her bottle of ink you take another look around the room. That’s when you notice that everything in this library, including that desk she’s sitting at, is much too small for you. Everything here is seems to be built for ponies, even the books seem much smaller than the ones you remember using back in school. Your thoughts are interrupted when Twilight clears her throat. You turn to her and see she’s got both her paper and a quill encased in a magenta aura.

“Are you ready to get started Anonymous? I know I am!” When her grin widens out of anticipation, you swear you hear something along the lines of a rubber duck squeaking. You chalk it up to merely hearing things.

“Alright, what do you want to know about first?” You take a seat on the floor in front of Twilight and wait. You were going to take a seat in an adjacent chair, but your size would probably break it. Last thing you want to do is break something, she’d probably go off on a tangent about how she was unable to properly provide comfort for the alien or something. Suddenly, the sun zooms across the sky and below the horizon. The moon is now in the sky, the library is now encased in almost total darkness, only a few rays of pale moonlight help to illuminate the room. “That’s really annoying.” Twilight sighs and you nod in agreement.

“Indeed, that’s going to make me sick,” that’s when you get an idea. It’s a shot in the dark, but you might as well give it a try. What do you have to lose? “How is anyone going to appreciate all this chaos when the sun and moon switch out every few minutes? I’m sure if both were on a set path the ponies would get a fulfilling experience of it in both lights.” It doesn’t take long for Discord’s voice to come echoing throughout the library. You were right in suspecting him to be a stalking type of creature.

“You raise an excellent point.” With a resonating snap the moon lowers and the sun rises. It seems like Discord can be very accommodating if he sees that he can benefit from it. After spending a few seconds hopelessly trying to find the Draconequus the two of you get back to what you were doing.

“Well, that was unexpected.” Twilight casts a glance of disbelief your way. You respond by shrugging your shoulders.

“That’s what I’m supposed to be Twilight. I wouldn’t be me if I wasn’t.” Neither of you can pinpoint where Discord's voice is coming from so you don’t bother restarting your search. Unfortunately Twilight presses the issue.

“But why would you set something str—“You interrupt her by reaching up and placing your hand over her mouth. You shake your head.

“I wouldn’t dwell on it.” You state, hope Twilight doesn’t press the matter any further. You don’t need to give Discord an excuse to think you weren’t grateful for what he just did. Twilight nods and you pull your hand away.

“Maybe now we can get started. Question number one: Where are you from?” Hours seem to pass as you answer every question Twilight has for you. She seemed to have a wide variety of questions that you were able to give at least semi-decent answers to. She seems to go through a large amount of individual pieces of paper, so half way through the discussion she switches to rolls of parchment. Some of the questions are simple. She asks what you are, how your species works, what sort of government you have, does your planet share similarities to hers, and many others. You explain that humans used monarchies in the past but it’s become outdated, then you give Twilight a brief explanation of republics and how they work on your planet.

Unfortunately you can only give Twilight small details for most of the things she asks, as you aren’t one for politics, nor are you a scientist. You had no real profession other than melting down metal and you were sure she wouldn’t be interested in that. She seems a bit disappointed by your lack of specifics in most of the areas mentioned, especially when you couldn’t tell her how to make an assault rifle. But at least she was able to catch a glimpse of what your world was like. When she grows bored of asking she turns to your personal life.

You tell her about how your last few years had gone, being sure to leave out the major details, you take special care in keeping your sister a vague topic. You’ll do anything you can to keep from talking about her. In its place you tell Twilight about how you had to scrape by and that you starved yourself on occasion so you could keep that shoddy apartment roof over your head. Then you told her about the forklift you operated for twelve or more hours at your job, now that you could go in to detail about. After you talk to her about your job you tell her about the people you were forced to interact with. When you tell her about the lack of friends you had back on your planet she seemed sympathetic. When all was said and done Twilight seemed somewhat satisfied, then it came your time to ask her about Equestria.

As it turns out there are four different kinds of ponies on this planet. Unicorns, Pegasus, Earth Ponies, and the very rare type of pony called the Alicorn. As Twilight describes each species’ capabilities you mention that you found two Alicorns taking up residence on the moon.

She gasps, “Oh my goodness! You saw Celestia?! Is she okay, is she trying to get back here to help us?!” Her voice holds a frantic desperation that catches you completely off guard. The way her gray eyes flashed purple with a bit of hope catches your attention. As she finishes her question she’s holding your cheeks in her fore hooves, pulling you close. Her eyes read yours in hopes of finding an answer she so desperately seeks. It’s unfortunate that you’re going to have to break her heart.

“I don’t know… I only got a brief glimpse of her and another Alicorn.” Her eyes lose that special spark and her hooves fall limply at her sides.

“Oh.” Her voice is flat and cold. She looks to the floor, absolutely devastated by your news. Seeing a new friend in such a state shouldn’t put such a weight of disappointment in your gut, but it does all the same. You wish you could do something for her, but there isn’t a single thing you can do, you’re only human.

Even though Twilight’s demeanor has changed completely after being told about Celestia’s fate she continues to answer your questions, even though they’ve become halfhearted. You learn that weather doesn’t operate on its own here, aside from the Everfree Forest that resides on the edge of town the rest of Equestria uses Pegasus Ponies to manipulate the weather. Not only could they do that, but they could literally walk on the clouds and shape them into livable homes. Needless to say you’re quite surprised. Then she goes on to talk about the magic unicorns are capable of using.

You were surprised at the simplicity of it. When it came to unicorns, they could really only use magic associated with their cutie marks. Twilight is considered lucky considering her cutie mark revolves around magic. She’s able to do things most unicorns are incapable of doing. There are those out there who can’t even teleport. When Earth Ponies come up it turns out they’re more durable than the others. Sure it’s not flying or magic, but they have something the others don’t. When it came to Alicorns though it turns out they have the traits of all three pony species.

After she explains her species and some of the work you’d see each doing, she goes on to tell you about the cutie marks and what they represented. As it turns out, when these ponies discover what they’re truly good at, they get a mark that appears upon their flanks. At least that explains the brandings you’ve seen on both Twilight and Screwball. The next subject revolves around the two Alicorns by the names of Celestia and Luna. As it turns out they are the ones in charge of running Equestria. You ask if they’re queens, Twilight explains that they are in fact Princesses.

You inquire as to where the King and Queen are if two princesses were left to rule. Turns out the King and Queen died over three thousand years ago, well Twilight put it a little differently. She spoke about it in a way as if to inspire awe. Basically the King and Queen of Equestria moved on to Elysium and Tartarus in order to rule the two plains of life after death. Just like your race this one believes in an afterlife.

When Twilight starts to cover other nations you’re sure to lean in and listen. Gryphons have a mountainous kingdom to the north, the Minotaurs have a place in an area called The Badlands, and of course the Dragons live in the volcanic regions of this planet. While she doesn’t go into vivid detail about each group, she does give you the basics you should know in case you ever meet one. At least with this knowledge you won’t go around offending another species and potentially losing your life as a result.

Hours seem to tick on by as Twilight goes back over Equestria and what cities and towns make it up, and a brief history of each. It’s a large amount of information to take in, but you’re sure you’ll retain a good chunk of it. If there’s anything you’ve learned from this, it’s to stay away from the Everfree Forest. The creatures Twilight mentions that inhabit that forest sound like something you’d never wish to run in to. Wolves made of timber, Manticores, Bats made of fruit, and tiny insects that literally ate anything and everything in their paths. You shudder at the images Twilight showed you depicting them. When the sun has nearly made its way across the sky you sigh with relief, it seems like Twilight has decided to put a stop to the lesson.

“Is there anything else you’d like to know about Anonymous?” She starts to roll up the parchment she used to take notes. Before you could utter a response you hear something slamming in to the door.

“Open up, you waste of space!” some mare says from the outside. Twilight cringes before rolling up her parchment. She then puts it behind a random book on her shelf. You wonder just why she’d hide her notes, but before you can think on the matter any further the knocking gets louder, interrupting your thoughts.

“Hey Twilight, who’s that?” You point to the door in question. Before Twilight responds the ‘knocking’ comes back. You hear the wood begin to splinter under the hooves pounding on the door.

“Hurry, hide,” Twilight says as she points to the stairs leading up to the library’s second floor.

“Why am I hiding?” As you get out of your seat Twilight starts pushing you in the direction of the stairs.

“If Fluttershy finds you she’ll be less than pleasant,” Twilight explains as she makes her way to the door, “just a minute.” She points to the stairs again and you sigh. You might as well just go with what Twilight wants. If it avoids causing trouble then who are you to go against her? With that mindset you make your way up the stairs, when she can no longer see you she unlocks her door, that’s when a set of hooves gives the door one swift buck. The door swings open, nearly colliding with Twilight’s head in the process…

When you hear the door swing open the first thing that comes to mind is curling up into a ball. Even though your body is completely hidden from sight it doesn’t hurt to take extra precautions. You opt for hiding as far back from the opening as possible. If you can’t see down to them, they can’t look up to see you. Hopefully that logic won’t get you spotted by Fluttershy. Your mind starts to wander as to what Fluttershy might look like. Her name makes her sound as if she’s calm and quiet, but with her nearly tearing down the door and her yelling there’s no way that can be true. You mind starts to picture Twilight staring down a manticore.

That’s when you hear her loud and clear, “Hey Twilight, why’d you keep the door locked huh? Didn’t want Ponyville to see your stupid ugly face?” Well now that she isn’t yelling she doesn’t sound as threatening.

“Hi Fluttershy, what brings you here?” You can hear how nervous Twilight is. Whatever Fluttershy is doing to intimidate her right now is working.

“Oh nothing, I just wanted to get a quick laugh at Equestria’s most useless unicorn.” You’ve dealt with these kinds of people back in high school and in college. Listening to Fluttershy berate Twilight is only adding fuel to your slowly growing fire, “and maybe I just wanted to ‘borrow’ a few of your stinky, smelly old books.” You hear her trot before stopping, probably at a book shelf. That’s when you hear the shelf itself start to creak, then you hear it slam against the floor. The entire tree house shakes from the impact, you hear Twilight gasp, “Oops, did I make a mess? I’m so sorry, NOT! Besides, it’s not like you’ll do anything anyway.” You grit your teeth while clenching and unclenching your fists. You need to remain calm, but if Fluttershy does one more thing you swear to God you’re going to march in there and beat her black and blue. You don’t care what she is you’re going to break her.

“W-w-why’d you do,” you can hear Twilight voice start to crack as she holds back tears.

“Aww, is the filly gonna cry? Come on, get those waterworks going Twilight. It’s all you’re good for anyway,” Well, a man can only handle listening to so much, Twilight may be a new friend, and you may not know her that well, if at all, but no one deserves that kind of treatment.

“Hey Flutterbitch?” You shout as you make your way to down the stairs. When the library’s main floor comes into view you see Twilight looking up at you with her jaw hanging open, and then you see another gray on gray pony. Unlike Twilight, this one lacked a horn, but it had wings. The body type was generally the same, though Fluttershy here seemed to be a bit thinner than Twilight. Her tail reflected her mane’s curl and you find two triple butterfly cutie marks adjourning her flanks. Her long, light grey mane seemed to cover one of her eyes. She blew it out of her face in order to get a good look at you. Her scowl showed that she didn’t approve.

“Did that thing just call me a dog?” She seemed too focused on taking in your appearance to insult you or Twilight. You take this time to survey the damage. Fluttershy did in fact knock over one of the shelves, dozens of books litter the floor. You just got done cleaning up the library and here’s another mess for you to clean up. Then you see Twilight in the pitiful state she’s in. She’s trying to hold back tears as she looks over the mess Fluttershy made. Then she looks to you and the tears start flowing.

“See, I told you I can’t do anything,” She slumps to the floor. As the tears flow you can feel your heart wrenching in your chest. It hurt you to see her like this.

“Hey alien, do I look like a dog to you? Are you blind or are you stupid?” You’re going to give her a taste of her own medicine.

“Damn right I did, but now that I got a good look at you I can’t call you a bitch,” you smirk after finishing.

“Good, I thought you were ugly AND blind,” She gives you smirk of her own.

“Oh no, you misunderstand me, you look more like a horse than a dog,” You chuckle as you watch Fluttershy’s smirk drop from her face, “oh what’s wrong HORSE, don’t like it when someone talks back to you.” Fluttershy responds by flaring out her wings and glaring at you. You have to admit, getting her angry was a rather easy task.

“Take that back you giant eyesore or I’ll—” you cut her off.

“Or you’ll what, pick on Twilight some more? Yeah I’m putting a stop to that, I don’t care who or what you are. I’m not gonna let you talk to her like that,” you ball your hands in to fists. Your fingers let out an audible crack. The sudden noise causes Fluttershy to flinch, “what’s wrong? Scared of something you know nothing about?” You approach the little Pegasus in order to make the height difference more pronounced. These ponies only come up to your crotch so height provides proper intimidation. As you get closer she starts backing away, you’re hoping she’ll just turn tail and run but she doesn’t. Too bad for you, you aren’t really watching where you’re going. You’re too busy staring her down to notice the book.

You end up slipping on it and Fluttershy takes advantage of that, as you fall flat on your face she leaps on to your back. A yelp escapes you when you feel her hind hooves slam in to the center of your back. The impact causes your body to jolt. When your legs come up she grabs hold of them by the ankles. While digging her hind hooves in to your back, she pulls on your legs with her front hooves. Soon your body is in a crescent shape. That doesn’t sit too well with your spine. As your body is forced to endure this submission hold you can’t help but think that confronting Fluttershy was a bad idea.

You hear Fluttershy grunt before pulling on your legs as hard as she can. That’s when you hear a loud snap come from your spine, then pain flares from the affected area, causing you to shout in anguish. The agony your back is experiencing snakes its way throughout your entire body. Your nerves feel as if they’re on fire each time Fluttershy digs her hind hooves into your shoulder blades.

“What was that? You want me to pull harder?” You cry out in pain when she bends your body further, your hands start randomly grasping out at nothing. It won’t be long now before your back breaks. You’ve got to think of something fast before Fluttershy snaps your spine, just how are p0nies this strong? She shouldn’t be doing this much damage to your body. You look behind you to see Fluttershy’s wings flaring out, they seem to be shaking. It’s an awkward angle but you manage to reach behind you and grab hold of her wings. You her hear squeal, then she freezes in place, you tighten your grip on her wings.

“Let my legs go, now,” you say through gritted teeth. When she doesn’t comply you twist your hands through her feathers causing what you hope to be greater pain. Fluttershy lets out a pained cry before letting your legs go. When your legs hit the ground relief never comes. Each move Fluttershy makes while you grip her only worsens your pain. But you can’t lose your grip, you know as soon as you do Fluttershy will put you in that hold again. Slowly but surely you manage to pull Fluttershy off of you. It’s made much easier with her being completely at your mercy. You don’t know how fragile these wings are but judging by her pained expression you know you’re doing something.

With her finally off of your back you slowly rise to your feet making sure not to let go of her. When you pick her up and bring her face to face with you, you see that her eyes are as wide as saucers and she’s showing an expression of shock and pain. She’s shaking like a leaf in your grip. She’s afraid of you, meaning your message will sink in deep. You wince from the jolts of pain in your back. Unfortunately for her this causes you to tighten your grip. She clenches her teeth and her eyes reflect her pleading. You’ll let her go, but not yet, there’s one thing she’s got to do first, you pull Fluttershy over to Twilight. You kneel down and bring her to eye level with the unicorn.

“Apologize,” you growl. You ignore the look of shock on Twilight’s face as she wipes away her tears. You shake Fluttershy a bit while she’s in your grip in order to get her to hurry up. Judging by her lower lip quivering you assume Fluttershy is on the verge of tears herself.

”N-N-Never,” Fluttershy stutters, you twist your hands along the base her wing, this makes her let out an audible shriek, “Okay okay! I’m sorry, Twilight,”

“Not bad, now make it sound convincing,” Fluttershy looks to you in disgust.

“Buck you!” She shouts right into your ear. Twilight stifles her gasp by placing her hooves over her maw. You guess the term ‘buck’ is a curse word on this planet. As you’re contemplating this Fluttershy spits in your face. That in turn flipped a switch. You mercilessly start yanking her wings in odd angles and pulling them. Her pleas for mercy fall on deaf ears, the tears streaming down her face from the pain only drives you to continue. You see Twilight trying to get your attention, but you’re distracted from the task at hand. When Fluttershy unleashes a high pitched scream you finally come to your senses.

”I’ll do it I’ll do it please stop!” She sobs. At this point your panting so hard from the exertion you’re unable to respond. Instead you place Fluttershy at eye level with Twilight yet again. I’m- I’m sorry about the books AH! And I’m sor-sorry for calling you those names,” she tries to continue but her sobbing won’t allow it. At this point you don’t care whether Twilight will actually acknowledge her apology. You feel as though your work is done.

”That’s better,” You stand and carry Fluttershy to the open door, you lift her up a little bit before tossing her out onto the poker card road. You hear her grunt when she makes impact. She looks up to you angrily, “get out of here before I rip those wings off of your body!” you yell before promptly slamming the door.

With the offending Pegasus gone you turn to look at a still shocked Twilight, you give her a smile before breathing a sigh of relief. When you see she doesn’t return your sentiment you start to wonder why.

“What?” You walk over and kneel down to Twilight’s level. Your anger and adrenaline was masking it for the most part, but with your body calming down the discomfort steadily gets worse. You cringe as pain flares in your back, causing you to drop to your knees. You swear loudly before you lie on your stomach. Your back can’t take bending at all right now. Even with you trying to keep it straight the agony comes in waves. You want to squirm as it works its course through you but each move you make only makes it worse.

“Oh my goodness, Anon!” Twilight exclaims before looking over you, “Here let’s get you to my bed,” She takes hold of your jacket sleeve in her maw. You’re in no position to refuse her. You know you’re too heavy for her to pull so you crawl to where she pulls. That way she doesn’t have to strain. You wince, cringe, and cry out as she moves you. When you reach the stairs you can’t help but picture the hell you’re about to put your back through. Twilight sees this as well, she spits your sleeve out and looks to her stairs, then back to you.

“Just use your magic,” you are definitely not in the mood for what she responds with.“

“B-but what if I mess it up, I’ll make it worse!” She looks to you with terror etched into her features. As soon as she finishes you hear an audible yawn resound from the second floor.

“Spike, are you awake?” She trots up the stairs a bit.

“Wait, whose Spike?” You ask with a pained grunt.

“Yeah,” you hear him respond. Within a minute you hear the pitter patter of Spike’s feet as he walks down the stairs. You’re greeted by the sight of a small purple bipedal lizard. Judging by his size you’d say he was an infant in age. Green protrusions stick out of his head and his abdomen reflects the same color, if maybe a few shades lighter. His slit shaped eyes look you over with a mixture of confusion and disgust. He scratches his head with a claw.

“Twilight, what the heck is that thing?” Looks like you’ll have to go through introductions again. Maybe Twilight will give you a break and tell him what you’ve told her. But your aching back needs to be taken care of first.

“No time, help me pull him up there,” Twilight grabs hold of one of your jacket sleeves as does Spike. The two work together to pull you up the stairs quickly rather than carefully. You suppose their mindset was like ripping off a band aid, quick and painful. You would readily agree that it was painful and you voiced out as such. With each step taken you cry out and your back sends agony to each and every nerve throughout your body. With each passing second the sensations became worse. Relief washes over you when the two stop for a moment to take a break. Even with you using your legs as a sort of boost you’re still not making good progress.

“Whoa dude, you’re kinda heavy,” He says while gasping for air. You can see the end of the stairs is just a few feet away. Hopefully relief will be soon to follow. When Twilight gets you to the second floor the two manage to get you to the bed through trial, screaming, and error. You’re lying on your stomach and the pain hasn’t lessened a bit. The final hurdle has arrived.

“Anon, this is gonna hurt, but only for a second okay?” You’d laugh if you weren’t hurting. She takes a deep breath and her body tenses for what’s to come. You gasp as your body leaves the ground. Spike and Twilight have just tossed you into the air, if you had time to scream that moment has finally arrived. As soon as you hit on what you would have assumed to be soft and comforting you unleash a feral scream that forced your two helpers to cover their ears. Your screaming is cut short when your vision blurs. It’s like an electrical storm raged in your nerves for a full minute before the sweet embrace of unconsciousness overtook you.

“Is he dead?” When the two move their hands away from their ears Twilight looks to Spike with disgust.

“No Spike, he’s fine,” Spike narrows his eyes, “Well, he will be after we fix him?” Spike crosses his arms.

“You mean you. You’re the one with magic Twilight. I just sort the books and send the letters.” Twilight takes a seat in the floor, a look of determination spread along her features.

“You’re right Spike, I’ll just cast a spell and he’ll be just fine.” Despite her confident appearance she doesn’t sound so sure of herself. Twilight sits there studying your unconscious form while Spike waits for her to start. After a few minutes she looks between you and Spike, she’s gone from confident to frantic in no time. Spike sighs before shrugging.

“What about a hospital, can we bring him to Ponyville Medical?” She shakes her head.

“No, we can’t, if we keep moving him we’ll make it worse. Besides, Discord made the hospital into a catapult. It’ll launch him like the others.” You stir as Twilight explains to Spike how bringing you to the hospital is out of the question. You groan, the agony being almost too much to bear. The two look to you as you turn your head and open your eyes.

“If the hospital is out of the question, then the only thing you can do is use magic,” Twilight shakes her head hysterically.

“But I can’t! If I try healing magic I’ll only do more damage!” You have no idea if it’s her attitude, or the pain you’re in, but you’ve had enough of this unicorn and her doubting herself. You tell her what you hope will sway her.

“Damn it Twilight cut that out. Come on, you’re a unicorn for crying out loud, and from what you told me you’re great with magic! Just because Discord put his little claw on your head doesn’t mean you’re useless!” You bite your lip in order to stifle a yelp. Your voice causes Twilight to back away in surprise. She regains her composure before speaking.

“Th-that time has come and passed, I can’t do it anymore,” You growl, it starts low but slowly starts to build gusto as your rage starts to pile on. You can feel the anguish start to numb enough for you to keep going.

“See, that’s what I’m talking about! Stop being so damned depressed and just try!” Your eyes are twisted with fury and your voice is filled with malice. When you see that your anger is scaring the poor unicorn you try another approach. You’re not going to help her get out of this sadness by just being angry with her and telling her what she needs to do, you need to try something a little more constructive. Besides she just had a portion of her library ruined she doesn’t need your rage making it worse. You sigh and try to calm down.

“Listen Twilight, we’re supposed to be friends now right?” She nods, you can see tears pooling around her eyes. It seems like she desperately wants to do something to help alleviate your suffering, “and friends help each other out right?” Twilight nods again. “Okay, I really need your help right now Twilight. Even if I haven’t seen you use it, I know you can do it Twilight, I know you can fix me. So please, please fix my back.” You basically begged for relief.

Spike takes this time to put in his two cents, “Listen to the alien thing Twi, You hatched me, and you and I both know you can do something as simple as this. Come on, this isn’t the Twilight I know,” She looks over to Spike; hopefully his words of encouragement will get through to her. “The Twilight I know would have fixed him up by now and been on her merry way. You can’t let what happened with Discord stop you from being you, so hurry up and fix him up Twi, and get him to stop whining already!” You think you’re going to punt this little purple lizard when you’re better. You’ll give him hell about that later, right now getting Twilight some confidence is top priority. Twilight sits there for a moment, taking in what you and Spike had said to her.

Your words break her train of thought, “If it helps Twilight, I trust you,” That was a bit of a lie, you’ve only known Twilight for a few hours. In all honesty you have no idea if what she’s told you what unicorns can do were lies or what, but every little bit helps.

It’s another minute of before Twilight says anything, “You-you two are right, I can’t let one failure get the best of me,” she looks you over with determination she should have had fifteen minutes ago. You see her horn begin to glow with a magenta hue. You close your eyes and await the impending pain, or relief. With your eyes closed you don’t see Twilight start to strain as she focuses on the troubled area on your back.

She grits her teeth before shutting her eyes in concentration. You feel a warm sensation on your pained area, but still no respite. Then for a split second Twilight lets out a pained grunt, and in that moment her entire coat turns purple, as do her eyes and mane. Then you hear a loud pop as you feel your back realign, then relief finally comes, you breathe a sigh of satisfaction. With the spell cast Twilight crumples to the floor in exhaustion and her color fades away.

“Oh man, thank you Twilight,” You run your hand along the area that was causing you so much trouble not but a few moments ago, it’s as if nothing ever happened. With your back no longer hindering you, you get to your feet. Your eyes widen with shock when you see the state Twilight’s in. That must have taken more out of her than you thought. Her whole body is shaking from the shock it’s been forced to endure. At this moment, you feel as though this little unicorn has earned a break. You squat down and gently wrap your arms around her. Then you pick her up and set her on her bed, careful not to just drop her and leave her. “We told ya so.”

Twilight offers you a small, tired smile, “I guess I shouldn’t doubt myself so much huh?” Her eyelids grow heavy and she lets out a soft, adorable yawn that seems to tug on your heartstrings. You nod before stepping back from Twilight.

“Exactly, go ahead and get some rest,” before you finished your sentence Twilight is already sound asleep. You chuckle before looking down at the purple lizard, “She always like this after a spell?”

He shakes his head, “Not all the time no, depends on the spell. Besides it’s been a while she’s gotta get back in to the swing of things,” He keeps eyeing you, “Just what are you anyway?” Before you answer his question you recall the condition the library has been left in.

“Tell you what, Spike was it?” he nods, “How about this, I’ll tell you everything you want to know. In return you help me clean up this mess for Twilight, deal?” He groans, obviously not looking forward to cleaning up. He still nods all the same, “Awesome, let’s get started.” You and he walk side by side as you walk down the stairs and to the warzone…

“I still don’t understand how I could have slept through all of this,” Spike states as he helps you pick up the fallen bookshelf.

“Neither can I little guy, just hope a fire doesn’t break out in this library,” Last thing you need is something else making things harder for you. With Spike’s help you’re able to life the bookshelf and place it back in its proper place. You’re relieved to see that nothing broke on the shelf itself. However some of the books weren’t so lucky, a few covers were now warped and a few pages have been torn. You and Spike spent the better part of an hour separating the damaged books from the others. Thankfully out of the two hundred books that fell, only twenty were damaged. But from what Spike tells you, Twilight will probably spend the better part of the evening crying over the damaged books.

It takes another two hours to alphabetize and reshelf the books that fell. During the organization process you and Spike began to go through the same things you did with Twilight. You tell him a bit about humans and he in turn tells you what he knows about dragons. Turns out, Spike is a baby dragon. That makes him a bit cooler in your books, when you watch him breathe green fire you were in awe. Then he tells you about the link he has with Celestia, apparently his fire can send messages between himself and the princess. Too bad she is stuck on the moon. The time seems to fly by, you don’t even realize how late it is until the sun is setting across the horizon. When you finally finish your task you hear a yawn from upstairs, indicating that Twilight is waking up.

Spike volunteers to go check up on the tired mare while you wait downstairs. You hear whispers from above but can’t make out a single word from your distance. You don’t think too much into it. If it’s something important that involves you they’ll probably tell you. After a few minutes Twilight enters the library’s ground floor via teleportation. When she comes into view her exhaustion seems to have been renewed. She’s breathing heavily from the effort.

“See, I told you I could do it Spike,” She turns her head towards the little dragon as he comes walking back into the library. A wide, triumphant grin from Twilight is there to meet him.

Spike grumbles as he makes his way over to the two of you, “Yeah, yeah, I can see that Twilight. Just don’t do too much at one time,” you chuckle, despite Spike being the baby he sounds more like a brother from your point of view. You take this time to kneel and examine Twilight as she catches her breath. Her legs seem to be trembling.

“Need a hand Twilight?” You extend a hand. She shakes her head in response.

“No no I’m okay, just give me a moment,” Twilight responds as she sits on her haunches. When she finally catches her breath she surveys the area. “Y-you guys did this while I was asleep?” She looks to you with utter shock, you nod. You seem taken aback when her coat turns purple. Her mane and tail follow suit, minus a strand that seems to have been dyed magenta. Suddenly she leaps at your chest, you instinctively catch her. Upon impact you lose your balance and fall over backwards.

Twilight doesn’t seem to notice, she’s too busy wrapping your neck in a vice grip of a hug. Before he can move away Spike is surrounded in a colorful aura of magic. She brings him over and adds him into the hug. “Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you,” she repeats over and over again as her grip tightens. You can’t seem to get in any air and Spike appears to be in the same boat. He tries to get her attention by tapping her, it works but not as fast as you would have liked.

“Huh,” Twilight notices you twitching from the lack of oxygen, “Oh Celestia sorry!” She shouts before finally releasing the two of you from her vice grip. You gasp for precious air as does Spike. This unicorn has a grip the likes of which you’ve never experienced before in your life. That shouldn’t even be possible, for one, she’s a pony; her bone structure shouldn’t let her hug you. But then again you’re not on Earth anymore.

You’re dealing with aliens not animals, though in this case they’re the normal species on this rock and you’re the alien. When you’re finally able to speak you turn to find Twilight sitting next to you, her face showing concern. Her grey coat, mane, and tail have returned, “You okay?”

“Y-Yeah, just don’t hug me around the neck like that,” you rub your neck for emphasis. Twilight’s ears drop and she looks to the floor.

“I can’t even hug properly. I just knew I’d mess up somewhere,” You sigh before getting to your feet. Her personality is going to keep doing this one eighty. She’s going to be happy for one second and then depressed for a minute. Looks like your efforts won’t have any real effect, at least for now. She’ll come around after a few days, or weeks. For now, you’re going to try to change the subject.

“Twilight, I have a question,” she looks up to you.

“Yes?” She sniffles and you do your best to ignore it.

“Do you have a place for me to sleep? I mean if you give me a blanket I’ll take the floor, but a bed would be amazing,” Twilight wipes away the tears that were forming and points to a nearby door.

“Actually, Discord set up a place for you in my basement. He said he wanted you to be as comfortable as possible. Something to smooth your transition in to Equestria,” she explains before putting her hoof down.

“Oh, well that was nice of him,” You really don’t believe a word of that. Discord launched you into space in a bubble. He is not looking out for your best interest. Twilight nods in agreement.

“I know, he never does anything nice for anypony,” Twilight leads you to the door, you follow with Spike following close behind. When Twilight opens the door and walks inside you follow her to find a laboratory of sorts. On the far side of the room you find what you’d consider to be a queen sized bed. The pillows, sheets, and blankets were all different colors and designs. Your blanket looked like it’d been stitched together with poker cards, the sheets looked like a checker board, and the pillow cases had rainbow swirls. The clashing patterns alone were more than enough to give you a headache.

Regardless this bed is something you’d never be able to afford back on Earth. Despite its odd design you’re thankful for it. After surveying the bed you turn to Twilight.

“Thanks again for putting up with me, I know you didn’t have a choice, but you aren’t being hostile towards me. I really appreciate that,” You even surprise yourself with you friendly you can be. In fact, you could say you feel… happy. You’ve forgotten what it feels like to be around someone you could refer to as a friend. Twilight offers you a small smile in return.

“Have yourself a good night Anonymous. And thank you for taking care of Fluttershy,” as she heads up the stairs and out of the room you can hear her add, “she used to be so nice.” Spike offers a wave before following after her, when you’re alone you decide to give your bed a test run, sure it’s not night yet, but it’s not as if there’s a lot you can do today. You’ve done quite a bit as is. A nice long soak in a warm bath or the comfort of a bed would do wonders for you. As you remove your shoes and climb under the covers you could say that this bed could rival the one in Canterlot in terms of comfort. As you wrap yourself up in a cocoon of sorts you feel something pulling your ankles. Before you could react the pulling became forceful. Your shout of surprise is cut off when your head goes under your blanket.

Darkness floods your vision. You can’t see a thing but you feel yourself being pulled rather roughly. Suddenly a blinding light floods your field of vision. You close your eyes for a moment, the brightness being too much of a shock for you.

“Hey alien, stop being stupid and open your eyes already,” Comes the familiar snide sounding Eris. You open them to find that you’re in a well-lit and wacky looking hallway. You turn your back to her to see that half of the hallway is shrouded in darkness.

“What the hell?” You turn back to face the Draconequus to find that she’s disappeared from sight. “Weird.” The hallway, like your blanket, has a poker card pattern adjourning the walls, floor, and ceiling. Six closed red and blue striped doors, three per each side help off-set the hallway. You walk for a few seconds before you finally arrive in what you assume to be a living room area. You see a large red and green polka dot couch on the right side of the living room. In front of the couch sits a zebra striped table. A second table and couch with the same designs are on the ceiling. You find that Eris has taken to reclining on the ceiling furniture.

“Sup?” she greets as she looks down at you, with a snap of her fingers she teleports. In a brilliant flash of purple light she appears a few feet in front of you at eye level and thankfully right side up.

“Hey. What’s with this place?” You motion to every single object in the crazy looking living room.

“This is where you’ll be staying,” It appears that you haven’t been thrown for enough loops enough today. Discord has to pile on more confusion.

“But I thought I was staying at Twilight’s,” you point back towards the hallway.

“You actually thought Discord was going to let you sleep in some tree?” She laughs while shaking her head in disappointment. She’s acting like you should have faith in Discord. That in itself nearly causes you to laugh. After her little laughing fit she wipes away a metaphorical tear before continuing, “Heavens no Anonymous. You’re bunking with me and Screwball.”

“Well I wasn’t’ expecting that,” You can’t seem to get used to the color scheme. When you notice that there’s a blue striped bar, ping-ping, and poker table your patience with this room starts to run thin. Eris notices you looking over the furniture,

“Daddy has a thing for human games. I don’t see what he sees,” She looks on with you, not knowing that you aren’t exactly focusing on the objects in the room, rather the colors. Her voice breaks your concentration, “tour time,” She drapes her lion arm over your shoulder. After that you’re forcibly pulled in to the hallway. “Screwball’s room, my room, your room. Personal bathrooms are across from the rooms.” You’re a ragdoll in Eris’ grasp and she doesn’t seem to notice or care. With that over and done with she pulls you over to the wall to the right of the couches. With a single knock on the wall a red and blue striped door appears.

“Wait, why is the wall like that?” It seems like they’re actively trying to hide rooms from prying eyes. Odd enchantments, color, choice of furniture placement and patters all seem to culminate causing you to feel sick to your stomach. This is definitely going to take some getting used to for you.

“It’s Chaos. You’ll learn that it’s better to just go with it.” Eris opens the door and she ends up dragging you down another hallway. Within a few seconds the two of you arrive in another room. This one is at least four times the size of the living room; it also sticks to the same pattern as the living room as far as the walls, ceiling, and floor are concerned. You believe Discord may have a bit of a gambling problem. Though there are a few obvious differences. Eris points to a few amenities, “Kitchen, hot tub, swimming pool, and library,” It doesn’t take long for you to notice that they don’t have a single book on those shelves.

“Well this is gonna take some getting used to, but thanks,” The swimming pool is a nice touch. But with it being so close to the kitchen you’ll end up losing your lunch if someone is mean enough to drag you into the pool. That’s probably why it’s like this in the first place. They’re chaotic beings. It’d make sense for them to play pranks on one another. Even if the patterns make you sick to your stomach you can’t complain, because this is a lot better than what you were accustomed to. Finally Eris lets you out of her iron grip and you breathe a sigh of relief.

“Took you long enough to get here, didn’t it Anonymous,” comes Discord’s disembodied voice, well, it is until he materializes in the pool, complete with little water wings and an inflatable tube around his midsection. You stifle a laugh, to you Discord looks ridiculous, “So I trust your day went well,” He starts floating around, but he’s sure to give you his full attention on his answer.

”Yes it did, we ran in to a bit of an issue, but I helped her work through it,” you say as you cross your arms.

“Issue?” He leans in and waits for you to explain, which you readily do.

“Yeah, some Pegasus named Fluttershy came in and started wrecking the place. She’s a strong little sucker but I showed her whose boss. I tossed her out of the library.” You take a seat at the edge of the pool.

“Ah yes, I forgot to mention some of Ponyville’s inhabitants are a bit violent,” He chuckles nervously before scratching the back of his head. Now he can’t seem to meet your gaze.

“Yeah, Fluttershy did a number on my back,” You pat your back for emphasis.

“Really?” He starts to make his way over to you.

“Yeah, it hurt something fierce. Tried to get Twilight to fix it, but she has some sort of confidence issue. Me and her little dragon finally got her to cast a spell, she fixed me right up,” you say with a smile. Discord offers you a smile in return.

“Excellent, it seems as if your friendship with Twilight is progressing at a fair pace,” He finally reaches you, “got a friendship report for me?” It’s a little out of left field and you would be lying if you said you were prepared, but nonetheless you comb your mind for a believable response.

“Hmm, sometimes friends will get to a point where they feel as though they can’t do anything. It takes the patience and understanding of a good friend in order to help them overcome their issues and push forward. A helping hand goes a long way too.” You get to your feet when you start to think Discord might just pull you into the pool. You can’t be too careful.

“You’re adjusting to this a lot quicker than I expected, and I’ll accept that report,” He closes his eyes and snaps his claws. All at once you realize that moving back would not help you escape your fate. Suddenly a tidal wave comes from within the pool, soaking you and Eris to the bone in the process. Discord doesn’t try to contain his laughter. He sees that you aren’t finding this amusing. Same could be said of his daughter. “Why the serious face Anonymous, I’m letting you stay in this place for a reason! Loosen up, relax, have fun. That’s what Chaos is all about!”

You spit out the water you’ve collected in your mouth before sighing. You look over to Eris and see that she’s giving her father a glare that chills you to the bone. It looks like you’ve finally gotten the crazy college roommates you’ve never got to have back when you were in school. As you let yourself air dry a single question crosses your mind. Just how are you supposed to get back to Twilight’s basement from here? If you’re supposed to be getting to know her better it’d probably help to be able to get back.

Author's Note

I've said it once I'll say it again. Any readers out there capable of proof reading please do not hesitate to PM me any problems you see.

For those of you out there, descriptions of areas aren't my strong point so those portions might now flow as well as others. Fair warning.

Chapter Four: Befriending Pinkamina Diane Pie

// Chapter Four: Befriending Pinkamina Diane Pie //------------------------------//

You stir from your slumber to feel something sitting on your chest. As soon as you felt those hooves kneed on your chest you knew that last night wasn’t a hallucination. You were truly living in Equestria on an entirely different planet. Putting that aside the feeling of having Screwball on your chest is messing with your breathing. Your chest can’t fully rise due to her weight.

“Get up Anonymous!” She screams before rapidly tapping your forehead. That has to be one of the worst ways to get your attention. You weren’t prepared for her yelling so you wake up with a jolt. When your eyes finally focus on the light in the room she grins. “Wakey wakey sleepyhead! Daddy’s got a mission for you!” You’re not too sure if you heard that right.

“Mission?” You sit up and let the mare slide down your chest and into your lap.

“Yup, Daddy says that since you made a friend so easily yesterday you’ve gotta make a new one today!” You can’t help but wonder how she can be so happy about something like this. You don’t exactly share her enthusiasm. If the other ponies out there are anything like Twilight or Fluttershy then you know you’re in for a bad time today. You still can’t believe something like Discord really wanted you to make another friend. You’re still getting used to the aspect of being around inhuman creatures. You’d ask what Discord would do if you refused. But the fact that he rules over Equestria and his capability of traveling in between worlds made you think refusing him would be a bad idea.

You begrudgingly get out of you soft, comfortable bed and walk over to your dresser. Lucky for you Discord allowed your bedroom to stay somewhat normal. White carpeting covered the floor of your fairly large space. By the wall opposite your door is where your bed has been placed. Like the bed you first woke up in it’s a queen sized mattress. A dark blue thick, fuzzy blanket lays crumpled at the foot of your bed. You told Discord it was a bit much and that your cotton white sheets would be all you need. Discord keeps this place kept quite warm. He insisted and you weren’t about to refuse his kind offering so you kept it.

Before you an over-sized oak dresser took up space, inside is the clothing Discord graciously provided for you. And by ‘graciously provided’ you mean he simply teleported to your apartment, grabbed your clothes, and then hastily threw them in to it. As far as other furniture is concerned you’ve got a simple oak nightstand sitting next to your bed, other than that there’s no furniture. It feels kind of empty but you can’t complain; it’s better than what you had. You sift through the drawers of your dresser in order to come up with an outfit. A white short sleeved shirt, blue jeans, and white high tops end up being your choice of clothing for the day. But before you put anything on you were grabbing a shower.

You grab a folded rainbow swirled towel and start to strip out of yesterday’s clothes, but stop when you get to your pants. Reluctance hits you when you see Screwball is eyeing you curiously from your bed. She made no move to leave; you figured she would have just flown out of the window like before. But then again there are no windows in your room so she would go nowhere.

“Are you gonna leave or was there something else you needed to tell me?” She shakes her head in response to your question.

“Nope,” she goes back to watching you that smile never leaving her face.

“Then why are you here? I’m tryin to prep for my shower,” that sounded a bit rude so you try to recover, “not that you being here is bad, just doesn’t feel right getting naked in front of someone I’ve just met yesterday.” You motion towards your door.

She shrugs, “I’m still wondering why you’re wearing clothes at all, nopony wears clothes,” You noticed that early on, but that won’t sway you to walk around nude.

“It’s a human thing,” you respond with a shrug of your own, “Now please leave.”

“Fine, hurry up though. Twilight will be checking up on you in an hour.” Using her propeller she takes to the air, and then she makes her way over to your door. But before you leave you ask her how she could know that about Twilight.

“How do you know that?” She opens your door and turns back to you.

“Daddy made me watch her sleeping patterns for you. Trust me, I know,” and with that she leaves you to your own devices. Well, looks like Discord isn’t winning ‘father of the year’ anytime soon. You shake your head out of disappointment before stripping down to your birthday suit. With pep in your step you grab your towel and open your door. The hallway is the same as you left it yesterday, and it still gives you a headache when you look at it. As you make your way to your bathroom door you watch the adjacent door open. Out comes Eris with her hair wrapped up in a black towel, she turns to look at you.

“Morning. Oh, what’s wrong with you! Have some decency!” she covers her eyes with her lion paw. You hurriedly open your bathroom door and walk inside. When you’re concealed you peer out of your bathroom, you see Eris uncover her eyes. “Dude, at least warn me when you’re gonna walk out like that,” she obviously doesn’t approve of what you’ve done. The sound of a certain purple earth pony laughing catches your attention. You look behind her to see Screwball laughing her flank off.

You shout out to Screwball, “I thought being naked wasn’t a bad thing since you’re all naked anyway!” you hope she understands sarcasm. Eris picks up on it and responds for her.

“Yeah we’re naked, but that doesn’t mean I want to see some stallion’s package just flopping around,” she shakes her head before floating in to her room. She is sure to slam the door behind her. You give Screwball a deadpan glare, which makes her laugh even harder. With a sigh you shut the door to your bathroom. Like your bedroom, your bathroom is nothing special. Sure it’s large, but the white tile floor, white tub, silver shower-head and knobs, white sink, etcetera isn’t anything out of the ordinary. You’ve seen similar items back on Earth, but they look much better when you’re using them rather than seeing them on display at a department store.

You take your shower, using a nearby bottle of lilac body wash and shampoo you get to work. After a good thirty minute shower you dry off, head back to your room, and get dressed for the day. As you’re heading out of your room you look to find Screwball sitting in the dark half of the hallway, she stares off into the abyss almost mesmerized by it. When you close your door she turns to you.

“So, ready to go?” She gives you a devious grin. You open your mouth to answer, “Too late!” She gallops over to you, grabs your shirt in her maw, and with strength no living creature should have she flings you in to the dark half of the hallway. You can hear the wind whipping around you as you fly into the darkness. You yelp when your head hits the pillows of the bed in Twilight’s basement. Luckily you didn’t keep flying at that insane speed. At least you know how you’re going to get to and from your bedroom. Teleportation that doesn’t involve you being sling shot through the air, you could get used to it.

From your position you take a quick look around the dim lighting of Twilight’s basement. Aside from that, a set of assorted beakers, and what you believe to be a lie detector set upon a nearby table there’s not much to look at. You get out of bed and make your way up the stairs to the main floor of the library. As you get to the door frame you bend down to ensure you don’t smack your head upon it. Once you’ve made it to the main floor you see that the sun hasn’t fully rose. You look to find that neither Twilight nor Spike have woken up yet. Screwball wasn’t lying when she said she memorized her sleeping patterns.

You’re still having problems figuring out why that’d even be necessary. You’re so confused you don’t even hear the approaching hoof steps of a pony from outside the library. The mystery pony knocks upon the door rather loudly. This brings you back from your thoughts of Discord being a terrible father.

”Twilight open up in there!” comes the shrill voice of a mare. “We know you’re hiding an alien! Fluttershy said so!” She starts beating on the door even harder than before when no one answers. Without thinking you approach the door, curiosity guiding your actions. You kneel and open the library door. It’s then you realize that you’ve just made a big mistake. When you open the door the mystery mare keeps pounding away, this time on your chest. Hooves pound in to your chest and stomach. ”I said open up in there!” She’s got her eyes closed and she’s looking away, not doubt trying to put her all in to knocking. It looks like you’re going to get to deal with another pony just like Fluttershy. You try to get the mare’s attention.

”The-ouch-door-fuck-is-god damn it! Open!” you shout, spit flying from your maw all the while. She stops in mid knock, opens her eyes, and looks over to you. Just like Twilight and Fluttershy she’s gray. But unlike them she has no horn or wings, so she’s an earth pony. The next thing you notice is her overly poufy mane and tail, after that you see the triple balloon cutie marks adjourning her flanks. While you examine her she does the same to you. For once you’re graced with the sweet sound of silence, but it doesn’t last. Her eyes switch from surprise to anger.

“What are YOU supposed to be?” Her high pitched voice carries spite you wouldn’t expect from something so small. You rub your chest in order to numb the pain from her knocking.

“I’m a human.” You get to your feet and look down at her.

“A human huh?” She rubs her chin with a hoof. Not looking to start a confrontation you move out of the way and let her inside, now she’s circling you, examining you. After a minute or two of her looking over you she’s had her fill.

“That’s it? No super powers, no claws, fangs, no wings, or tail?” You shake your head.

“Well that’s a little rude coming from someon- sorry somepony who can’t even introduce themselves,” You cross your arms and stare at her disapprovingly.

She scoffs, “I’m Pinkie Pie, but don’t bother remembering it. I’m not gonna be friends with something as stupid looking as you,” as her rant picks up in volume you fight the urge to punt the little pony across the room, “I just wanted to stop by to see the alien and let him know that I hate him and he’ll never get a proper Ponyville introduction because I hate his guts!” Her shouting has enough force to blow your hair back. It was like a hurricane’s winds in comparison.

You have to say that this is definitely not one of your better mornings. You shake your head before sighing. Pinkie Pie definitely doesn’t approve of your demeanor.

“What?!” she says her muzzle suddenly a few inches from your face. Her face blocks your vision. You have no idea how she’s at eye level with your right now, you can’t see past her eyes and mane.

“Pinkie, why do you hate me? Do you have a reason?” you wait for a response.

”I hate you because you’re you!” Yeah you figured she’d have no real reason.

“Well thanks for that Pinkie. Fuck you and have a good day,” You grab hold of her mane and roll her like a bowling ball out of the library. When she stops rolling in the streets you hurriedly shut and lock the library door. You hear her shout angrily before storming off. That’s two for four in the instance of meeting hostile ponies. You start to wonder just how many others will be like that around here. Hopefully there won’t be, but you’re not guaranteed anything. You gaze takes a sudden turn towards the stairs leading into Twilight’s room. You assumed Pinkie’s voice would have woke them up, but it appears as though that didn’t happen.

With nothing else to do in particular you approach one of Twilight’s bookshelves. You sift through them and find nothing of interest. That is until you come across a book with a picture of the Equestrian Map on its cover. You pick up the thick tome and sift through its pages. You spend the next half hour learning about the mountains of the Gryphon Kingdom and learning a few things about how these ponies carry themselves. As it turns out your world and theirs share eerily similar traits, you consider yourself quite lucky. Now you won’t have to bend over backwards in order to change what you’ve grown into. You seem to lose yourself in the pages for an untold amount of time…

The sound of Twilight descending her ladder catches your attention, finally breaking you from the seemingly permanent trance this book put you in.

“Morning.” You wave cheerfully. You receive a tired grunt for your efforts. She’s probably still tired from yesterday. As it stands it seems like those spells took quite a toll on her. Also, Twilight didn’t stir when Screwball said she would, she was off by a few hours. “Sleep well?”

“More like not enough,” she yawns before trotting over to you. Her tired eyes seem to have spotted the book you’re holding, “Oh, you picked a book on Equestrian Geography and Sociology? Makes sense after all you’re not from around here,” she yawns yet again ending it with the smack of her lips.

“Yup, gotta learn whatever I can as quickly as I can. If I’m going to make more friends I’ve got to at least have some basic knowledge of Equestria right? I mean hey everyone needs a good conversation starter.” As you explain you take a good look at Twilight, she’s right when she said she didn’t get enough rest. Her eyes are baggy and bloodshot, her mane and tail are an absolute mess, and that morning breath is pounding into your senses each time she exhales.

”More friends?” She looks over you with confusion before rubbing her eyes.

You smirk, “What did ya wanna keep me all to yourself?” You chuckle when you see you’ve gotten a rise out of the little unicorn. It looks like her cheeks could get some color when she’s embarrassed.

“N-no, it’s just-nopony is really friendly anymore,” she looks at the floor. You continue to laugh.

“Yeah I noticed, some mare named Pinkie Pie came by earlier,” this gets Twilight’s attention.

“Really?! What happened?” she asks. You close the book and place it in your lap. Judging by how this explanation will probably lead into more questions you decide you’re done reading for now.

“She was less than friendly. Apparently Fluttershy told the ponies about me, and if she hasn’t I’m sure Pinkie will. God she’s got a mouth on her,” You grimace as you recall just how loud she got with you.

“Oh, well, I guess the secrets out then. I can tell you you’re not the strangest thing out there now, so maybe the ponies won’t be so abrasive when they see you,” Twilight seems to be mulling the thought of you actually walking among the ponyfolk. ”At least you cleaned up,” she nods approvingly. “I assume you’ve found out about the bed enchantment?”

“Wait you knew?” You narrow your eyes, your anger rising at a quick rate. Just what else could she be hiding from you? Is it a good idea to place any sort of trust in a pony? Twilight laughs nervously, refusing to meet your gaze.

“Y-yeah I was kinda tired, must have slipped my mind,” She shrugs while you get to your feet. You turn your back for a moment to put the book back where you got it, your hands shaking all the while. You were resisting the strong urge to bring your fist across the side of her head. You take this moment to try and gather your bearings. She just made a simple mistake nothing more, you have no right to get like this over something so small, and it’s not as if you got hurt over this little oversight. You take a deep breath and relax your posture. When you turn back you’ve found that you’ve calmed down enough to not yell at her.

”Since you fixed my back I’ll forgive you, but please, Twilight, tell me if there’s something I need to know,” She nods before wiping her brow.

“I will. Thank you for not being mad.” Relief is clear in her voice. You nod, before walking past her. You can’t forget that you have a mission in mind, better to get started now rather than later. The sooner you make a new friend or acquaintance the quicker you can relax and not worry about your day. When you put your hand to the handle of Twilight’s front door she calls out to you.

“Wait, where are you going?” She trots over to you, as she does you look back and answer her.

“I’m going to do what boss-man says, I’m gonna make friends with the ponies. Anyone you have in mind?” Twilight looks away in deep thought for a moment. She smiles when an idea strikes her.

”This is a bit of a long shot, but you should try Pinkie,” Her suggestion is surprising to say the least. After all you have no idea how to go about befriending someone who hates you simply for existing.

“Really?”

“Yeah! If you have any effect on her like you did me then maybe you can help her too,” Twilight’s eyes seem to have a gleam of hope sparkling from within.

“She used to be one of your friends, didn’t she?”

“Yes, and I miss the old her you know? I’d give anything to have her back. She used to be the pony that’d brighten up your day. I hate what she’s become, and I feel terrible because I can’t do anything to help,” And just like yesterday there’s the depression you’ve come to expect from Twilight. Should you take her advice?

Perhaps she’s on to something, Twilight seems confident you’ll succeed. Maybe if you forced yourself to stay with Pinkie and take her verbal abuse you could befriend her. After all you did have at least some effect on Twilight and you’ve only known her a day. That alone helps build confidence towards this particular goal. You could almost picture succeeding. All you had to do was go for it. Besides, this seems like it’d mean a lot to her if you could help one of her old friends. For Twilight, you’ll make an effort to befriend Pinkie. Like she said it’s a long shot, but what do you have to lose?

“You know what, I’ll do it. Or I’ll at least try.” As you unlock and open the door Twilight makes her way over to her shelves.

“Great! She’s probably at Sugarcube Corner,” she uses magic in order to levitate the book you were reading out of its spot.

“You mean that bakery you were telling me about yesterday, one of Ponyville’s main attractions or something?”

“Yup that’s the one, make a right outside and head straight down the path. You can’t miss it,” says Twilight, waving you off with a hoof as she does so. And with that you open the door, step outside in to the chaos that is Ponyville, and make your way in the direction Twilight said to go. You’re sure to shut the door behind you as you leave. The last thing you want is for some random pony to just waltz in to Twilight’s library without her permission. Without you there they’re liable to do anything, after all Twilight isn’t going to defend herself. She made that quite clear yesterday. You shake your head of those thoughts. She’ll be fine.

You need to focus on the task at hand. If you’re going to befriend someone like Pinkie you’re going to have to deploy something a little special. You remember a certain saying your mother used to tell you. A perfect tactic for someone like Pinkie Pie ’If someone’s being mean to you, kill them with kindness,’ Kindness for someone like Meanie Pie. You chuckle at the thought and the nickname.

Within no time at all you’re standing before the large gingerbread building known as Sugarcube Corner. It helps that your mind was preoccupied for the majority of your venture, though you did get a good look at the town of Ponyville. Just like Canterlot, Ponyville suffered the effects of Discord’s chaos. You weren’t surprised to find that there were only a dozen or so ponies out today. The ones that did see you didn’t really pay you any mind; after all there were weirder things to gawk at. It didn’t help that the same pink clouds from Canterlot are hovering around. Though you have to say you were quite relieved to find that the clouds rained down chocolate milk rather than excrement.

For example each structure around seemed to be in the shape of some sort of game piece. Dice, chess pieces, checkers, dominos and many others dotted the streets. Each ‘building’ seemed to have doors and windows etched into them, so at least they could still pass for shelter. But the entire town seemed ridiculous. You’re still wondering how Sugarcube Corner remained unaffected.

And not just the buildings, the grass and roads matched the oddity. Even the sky was affected, instead of a blue sky you were subjugated to a swirling mass of pink and white. The grass disappeared and in its place was flat marble like checkered patterns. The roads themselves were made entirely of poker cards. You recalled knocking a few up when you gave the road a practice kick. What time you didn’t spend looking around was spent dodging around rabbits with elongated legs and ballerina tutu wearing buffalos. Regardless you’re happy to know you’ve completed your journey, and along the way you’ve come up with no plans in order to get Pinkie to not hate you. It’s no big deal. You’ve come up with plans on the fly before.

“Well here goes nothing.” You bend down and open the door to Sugarcube Corner. Despite squatting down you still manage to smack your head upon the door frame. You rub your now sore forehead letting a curse slip as you do so. The size difference is astounding, yet another thing you’re going to have to get used to if you intend to integrate. When you feel you’ve done enough rubbing you take a quick look around the homely little establishment. The display case in front of the register catches your eye, more like gets your attention, your undivided attention.

You slink over to the display case and marvel at the various amounts of cakes, cupcakes, doughnuts, cream filled goodies, and the like. Your mouth begins to water when you cast a glance over a chocolate sprinkled doughnut. You have half a mind to buy something, but unfortunately you’re broke. Last time you checked you have no bits. You frown when you open your wallet to find that you’ve only got a couple bills. There’s probably no chance that they’ll accept your money. As your hopeful mood becomes ruined at this turn of events you hear a pony clear their throat.

This tears your attention away from the delicious goodies on display. “Oh, sorry,” You look up to find a light blue mare with a magenta, or is it a two tone maroon… you can’t really peg the mane and tail color on this one. Though judging by her older appearance, tired eyes, and rather large figure you imagine this mare to be close to your parent’s age.

“May I help you… whatever you are?” She asks from behind the register.

“I’m a Human and yes, I’m here to see Pinkie Pie,” You lean over the counter and smile politely, “she wouldn’t happen to be here today would she?” She seems to be mulling over your title.

“Hoo-man, never heard of you,” she turns and points to a set of wooden double doors behind her, “yes Pinkie’s in there, but I doubt you want to see her. She isn’t herself,” Judging by the tiles you see from under the doors you believe that to be the kitchen. You wouldn’t really peg Pinkie Pie as a baking type, then again, you don’t know her at all so who are you to make any sort of assumption?

“Yeah I noticed. She came by Twilight’s earlier and she wasn’t exactly friendly.” You tell the mare about Pinkie meeting you for the first time. She seems sympathetic.

“Oh dear. I’m sorry she was like that, she usually loves meeting new ponies-er people,” She grins awkwardly before giving you another look over, “you know you don’t look all that strange, sure I’ve never seen anything like you, but at least you aren’t like one of those things outside,” She points to the front door right when the long legged bunnies come stampeding by. Yeah you agree, the entire town is filled with out of the ordinary things, aside from pastel colored talking ponies of course. You chuckle when you actually consider the alien ponies to be normal.

“Well thanks for not calling me a freak or ugly, you’re a lot nicer than Pinkie…or Fluttershy,” you say before the sound of a pan hitting the floor turns your attention towards the kitchen. The beautiful, honey laced voice of Pinkie Pie graces your ears.

“You think that’s funny Gummy?! I’ll show you funny!” Suddenly a baby alligator flies through the double doors, landing belly first on your face. Considering it seems harmless you don’t immediately freak out and start running around. Instead you pry the reptile off of your face. You hold him by the scruff of his neck and look it face to face. It smiles at you, not a single tooth can be seen in that pink maw of his. That confirms that this little creature poses no threat to you.

After setting Gummy down on the counter you ask, “Mind if I go back there and talk to Pinkie, misses…?” You weren’t expecting the answer she gives you.

She finishes for you, “Cup Cake, and yes you may. It’s a long shot but maybe you can say or do something that can help her. Poor dear is just so rotten now…” You’re honestly surprised by how willing Mrs. Cake was. Were she a human there was a good chance she would have ran you out of her store rather than take a complete stranger’s help. This mare must have very little cynicism to allow something like this. She hasn’t even cast a single glance of suspicion your way. You’re definitely not used to something like this.

“Thank you I’ll see what I can do. Oh where are my manners, I’m Anonymous,” You extend your hand. It takes Mrs. Cake a moment before she brings her hoof to it.

“Oh, you must forgive me. It’s been a while since I’ve used that greeting. There hasn’t been a gryphon or minotaur in town for quite some time.” With a quick thank you, you make your way past Mrs. Cake and in to the kitchen. You find Pinkie hard at work cleaning up a rather large mess. There is flour, pans, trays, milk, and other items littering the floor. You’re reluctant to step any further lest you get your shoes covered in baked ingredients. Pinkie freezes while picking up a pan when she hears you step in.

She turns to you with a malicious glare, “What are YOU doing here?” Her sudden screaming causes you take a few cautious steps back, “I thought I made it clear that I hate your guts!” At this point your mind is in a million places at once. You’re not used to being put on the spot like this, and the way she’s holding that pan does little to calm your nerves.

“Uh… Well… I thought you could use some help?” You answer in the form of a question rather than a statement. Pinkie doesn’t believe that for a second and you know it.

“Oh really? Why don’t I believe you?” she eyes you suspiciously, like she’s just looking to see if you’re lying. Befriending Pinkie is starting to seem less likely by the second. You only have one real shot at this, so you might as well build off what you’ve already laid out.

“It’s the truth Pinkie, this is a big mess for one pony to clean. Let me give you a hand. Maybe you won’t hate me so much afterwards.” And just like that your plan seems to be in shambles.

”I see what you’re trying to do alien, you’re trying to make me be your friend, well I’m not interested!” Pinkie shouts before shoving you out of the double doors. You manage to maintain your balance. She’s unbelievably strong. When Pinkie closes the doors behind her you turn to Mrs. Cake who merely shrugs.

“I guess she’s just, well, her,” While her dejected tone would probably put down an average person it does nothing to deter you. What she doesn’t seem to know, is that you don’t give up easily. Well starting now you don’t. You make your way back in to the double doors and find that Pinkie’s still working on cleaning up. With her back turned she’s not paying any attention to you.

“Stupid alien, trying to be nice, who does he think he is!” It’s a good thing this mare talks to herself, or else she’d of heard you come back in. You can ignore the implications doing that brings. While she rants about how stupid you are to no one in particular you grab a nearby broom and dustpan. After that you get to work sweeping up what you can. When she stops she turns to the sound of the broom to see you at work. You’re too busy sweeping to notice her approach you. She knocks the broom out of your hands.

“I told you I wasn’t interested! Get out!” She growls at the end of her order. You put a hand to your chin in mock thought.

“Hmm, nah.” You pick up the broom and go back to sweeping. Pinkie grits her teeth before shoving you. You move back a few feet, at first you feel as though you’ll fall, but you’re able to keep your balance and remain standing. You walk back over to where you were and keep sweeping. You intend to ignore the mare and hope that she’ll simply shut her mouth and let you do your thing.

“You’re not going to make me stop that easily. Just give up and let me help you,” You don’t even bother to look up from your work as you speak.

Pinkie seems to have blown a fuse and her rage only gets worse, “Oh really?! Fine! You want to clean up a mess? I’ll give you such a doozie of a mess you’ll stop right now!” And with that she leaps into a set of cupboards. Within a minute the entire kitchen, and you, are covered in chocolate syrup, sugar, baking powder, cookie dough, ice cream, and other assorted items. You cough out a small cloud of flour dust. Your clothes are ruined now.

“Well? Bet you regret saying that huh?” Pinkie gives you an evil grin of triumph. Every single fiber of your being is begging you to tear this pony limb from limb. You visibly begin to sweat, your face heats up with anger. The only thing holding you back is the broom you’re gripping. Yet despite all of this you’re able to maintain a somewhat neutral expression. After a minute of fighting yourself internally you take deep, calming breaths, once the heat from within finally dies down you find yourself able to speak again.

You shrug, “Whatever, it’s not like I had anything to do anyway.” You walk past Pinkie Pie and make your way over to the nearby sink. If these ponies have electricity to keep the lights running then maybe they’ll have some cleaner. Judging by the equipment in Twilight’s basement there’s a distinct possibility. As you rummage through the cupboards you glance over Pinkie to see her jaw nearly hitting the floor in shock. It’s obvious she really wasn’t expecting that for an answer. As you sift through the lower cabinets you turn your head to her.

“You gonna help me or what? You’ll just get in my way if you stand there. Besides, if Mrs. Cake comes in and sees this I’m sure you’ll be out of a job,” Pinkie tries to speak but no words come. You’ve got her and she knows it. Even though you’ve just agreed to do a job that would take three to four people to clean. Just keep that anger of yours in check, you can complain about it after you’re done. Pinkie seems to be sputtering, trying to come up with some feasible excuse.

“Wha, uh, but…,” Pinkie lets out a growl before storming out of the kitchen, “You’re so stupid!” is her parting words. You listen as her hoof steps echo up a set of stairs. When you believe you’re finally alone the situation dawns on you. Knowing that your entire day is done over an angry mare causes your rage to boil over, just a tad. You pick up a dirty pot and sling it in to the nearby fridge. It makes a satisfying clang upon when it hits. The impact leaves it dented and unusable.

“Whoops,” you shrug while struggling to keep your voice level. All you have to do is remain calm and work, that’s it. You managed to find some cleaner, a mop and bucket from a nearby supply closet, and more rags than you know what to do with. There’s a good chance you might not be able to clean up every single speck, but at least you’ll be able to do something.

As you’re cleaning up the mess you wonder how it is Mrs. Cake didn’t hear a single bit of what happened. You look under the double doors and see that she’s no longer standing at the register. As far as you know she probably went out on break when everything went down. With that little mystery solved you can fully focus on the task at hand.

Within the first hour of cleaning you’re making hardly any time at all, you’re not the best when it comes to heavy cleaning. As you’re taking care of a section next to the fridge you hear the stomping of hooves as Pinkie comes back down the stairs. The double doors burst open to reveal none other than Pinkie. She looks around the kitchen for a few moments and scoffs.

“You’re still here? I’d of been done in five minutes! You’re terrible at this Anon,” It looks like she won’t stop being rude anytime soon, though one question plagues your thoughts.

“How do you know my name? I never told you what it was.” You state as you continue to clean, not bothering to look over to the mare.

“I heard your stupid mouth when you were talking to Mrs. Cake, duh!” And that’s yet another mystery solved for today.

“Interesting, where is Mrs. Cake anyway?” You start scrubbing a section of the floor. Thankfully there was a brush with the mop and bucket so you’re actually able to make some leeway.

“She went to the market, won’t be back until tonight,” You’re surprised that there wasn’t an insult or yelling behind that explanation, “why do you care anyway, you stupid alien?” You sigh before shaking your head. “What?” You knew it was too good to be true. You point towards the doors.

“Leave, you’re annoying. Let me clean up the mess YOU made so I can get back to doing nothing,” You vigorously scrub a stain on the linoleum in order to keep from really lashing out at Pinkie. One wrong move and you’ll kiss your opportunity goodbye.

“I’m not the annoying one, you are. You won’t leave!” Pinkie retorts, you can feel your breaking point readily approaching. Your last ditch effort is to just ignore her entirely. This is the last little strategy you can use in hopes of keeping yourself together. Pinkie continues to talk, but you’ve managed to tune her out. Her words come out as garble as you keep at your work. When Pinkie realizes she’s unable to do anything to annoy you now she really gets mad.

She’s about to strike you with a hoof, but another thought comes to mind. She smiles deviously, “by the way you missed a spot,” you hear something large creak before slamming to the ground with a resounding thud.

You turn around to see a series of shelves in the floor, and there are more ingredients all over the area. She undid the work you’ve done and then some. Red bleeds into your vision as anger overtakes you. Like a poison it seeps through your nervous system, slowly numbing you starting from your very core, all the way to the edge of your finger tips and toes. Your adrenaline causes your heart to beat at a rapid pace giving you a feeling of light headedness.

“Yeah and this spot too!” You grab the bucket you were using and toss it at the counter. The dirty water from within coats the mess you’ve yet to sanitize. As soon as it hits you reach down and pick up the mop. When your grip tightens upon the shaft you swing it like a bat, shattering the dishes left to dry. You yell as you continue to slam the mop on the counter top until it snaps in half. You toss the piece still in your hand at a nearby wall.

A few minutes pass as you spread the mess around, all the while Pinkie sits there with a smug grin on her face. Every time you kick up more confectionary items she giggles. After an unknown amount of time passes you finally feel yourself starting to cool down. It helps that you’ve run yourself ragged from throwing things and breaking objects. When you throw your last pile of powdered sugar you sit in the floor and catch your breath. You take this time to look over the damage you’ve done.

The kitchen has become a warzone. You feel that is a good summary for what you’ve done. While Pinkie’s stuns left only the floor a mess, you took it an extra step further. Broken dishes lay scattered about the floor and counter tops. Holes dot the walls from where you struck them, broken pieces of wood from both cupboard doors and the broken mop dot the floors, and every single inch of the kitchen has some sort of sugar, flour, chocolate powder, or something similar coating it. Fixing this in hours would be a miracle. Mrs. Cake would be lucky if she could fix all of this within a week.

You whimper when you realize the gravity of your situation. That mare placed her trust in you, a total stranger, and you blew it. You’re not helping anyone like this. This is the result of you losing control. You should have kept your cool and ignored her to start with. You shouldn’t have freaked out like you did. If you didn’t then all this damage could have been avoided. Coming here was a mistake, now who knows how long you’ll have to work in order to fix this. Will you even be able to get a job? Who would hire an alien like you? What do you have to offer?

You place your head in your hands and rock back and forth. You promised yourself you’d never get like this again, not after what happened a year ago. Thoughts of your sister plague your mind, this situation and the one from back then are so similar. Thinking about what happened only causes you to rock faster than before. As you’re having your breakdown Pinkie’s smile slowly drops from her face. She thought she would have fun watching you get mad, and at first she did. To her it was the most hilarious thing she’d seen in a long time, but the end result isn’t as fun as she’d want it to be. Pangs of guilt well from within as she watches you. She can’t believe she feels bad about what she made you do, and that she’s actually considering giving you a helping hoof. She growls softly before shaking her head, and then she gets to her hooves and trots over to you.

The sound of her approaching momentarily stops your rocking. You turn to Pinkie when she’s no more than a foot away. With her being so close you’re expecting her to make things worse. You expect her to tell you that she’s going to tell Mrs. Cake about what you’ve done.

“Pinkie I swear if-” You stop, shocked at what you see. Pinkie moves past you and grabs the lower half of the mop.

“You’re taking too long. If Mrs. Cake comes in and sees this I’ll be in big trouble.” As you sit there, not believing what you’re seeing, Pinkie gets to work. She moves over the mound of ingredients and takes the overturned bucket. Within a few minutes she’s mopping the floor as if nothing happened. You sit there, shocked at what you’re seeing. After all the hell she’s managed to put you through she’s helping you? There has to be something up, you’re half expecting her to turn around and throw the mop at you, or to somehow make this whole situation worse. When she doesn’t you find yourself unable to believe what you’re seeing.

After a minute or two Pinkie turns to look at you, “Are you gonna help me or are you gonna sit there and be useless?” You snap out of your trace and get to your feet. You find it best not to look a gift horse in the mouth. If Pinkie is seriously looking to help, you’re going to need it.

Many hours pass and the majority of the kitchen is done. You look out of the nearby window to see the sun setting in the distance. The job has become a race against time. You don’t know what it is with Pinkie, but she’s able to clean at a must faster rate than you. Or maybe it’s just going by faster now that you have some help. Either way you’re glad that you’re actually making progress with this job. Just a bit more chocolate and sugar and you’ll be done with this portion of the kitchen. As you work you’re suddenly knocked off balance when you feel a bunch of sugar smack in to your back.

“Hurry up Anon you’re taking forever. I’m doing everything and you’re just sitting there doing nothing!” You turn and see she’s giving you an evil grin. She blows raspberries before getting back to work, you’ve had it. While Pinkie isn’t looking you pick up a pile of chocolate powder and toss it at her. It hits her and gets stuck in her curls. She stops in mid wipe of a mess and looks up at you. You can see the rage behind her blank stare.

You smirk, “Can’t take your own medicine?” You chuckle when bits of chocolate powder falls out of her mane. Before you can react Pinkie picks up a pile of sugar and throws it at you, smacking you in the center of your chest.

“Ha, I got you!” She cackles as you wipe away the new layer of powder. For a moment you’re able to see that she’s virtually ruined your clothes. You’re going to definitely need a washer and dryer after this, but for now you must have your revenge. You reach out and grab handfuls of flour, you toss them at Pinkie, and in the end she’s unable to dodge. Her face becomes covered in the powdery substance. She returns fire with chocolate powder. Let the war commence…

“Raaaaah!” You hurl handfuls of flour and sugar, pelting Pinkie in the process. Her entire body reflects your clothing now. The only grey that can be seen is in her mane, eyes and tail, everything else has been artificially colored.

“I’ll get your for that!” She shouts before returning fire. This confectionery fight has gone on for a good hour, both of you are covered in head to toe. The kitchen is right back to its messy state. Neither of you seem to care. While Pinkie has been infuriating you have to say this has been quite a fun time for you. You’re reluctant to see it end, but unfortunately after you threw that last batch you’ve become spent. You’re on your knees panting, trying to catch your breath. Pinkie is sitting on her haunches doing the same thing.

Suddenly, “Ah… Aaah…. Aaaaaaaaaahchoo…” Pinkie sneezes. Your eyes widen as you’re pelted with confetti and streamers. The only thing you can think of to do at this point is to wipe your face of the offending party items. You don’t know why you did what you did next, perhaps it was her surprised expression, perhaps it was the way she scrunched her snout. But whatever it was, you found it hilarious. So much so that you start laughing, low and quiet at first, but it quickly builds in to hysterics. You hold your stomach before rolling on to your back. Your laughter echoes through the kitchen.

Pinkie doesn’t seem amused, “What’s so funny?” Hatred poured from her voice. She obviously doesn’t like your laughter, but you can’t find a reason to care. So you keep on doing what you’re doing.

You weakly point her way, “You! You look so crazy!” Pinkie narrows her eyes before looking at her reflection in the somehow clean fridge. When your laughter dies down a bit you’re able to look up. You see her eyeing her reflection. Her lips start to quiver the longer she looks. Now she’s smiling, and soon, like you, she bursts out in to fits of laughter. She joins you in your spot in the floor.

“Oh my goodness, you’re right, I look ridiculous!” The two of you roll on the floor giggling for a good ten minutes before either of you can manage to say anything. Whatever horrid feelings either of you had for the other seems to melt away. Your jovial feelings are more than enough to make that happen.

“I really needed that,” You’re holding your now aching stomach.

”Ditto,” Pinkie wipes a tear away from her eye. You look her over and see a completely different mare than what you saw this morning. Plus the area she’s wiped reveals her coat to be pink? And her eyes seem to be a sparkling sky blue. If her fur is a different color maybe that means her disposition has changed as well? There is only one way to find out.

“Hey Pinkie?” You sit up and cross your legs in order to get into a more comfortable position.

“Yeeees Anon?” She bats her eyelashes. It’s as if her personality has flipped.

“Do you still hate me?”

Pinkie puts a hoof under her chin in mock thought before leaping in to your chest. You let out a whoosh of air before the weight puts you on to your back. Pinkie sits on your chest, a big smile plastered on her face. When she wraps you up in a tight hug you’re given her answer without her having to say it. She still does anyway.

“You helped clean the kitchen when I was being mean and nasty. Then you got into a super fun food fight with me,” she explains her reasoning as though it were supposed to be obvious, “how can I hate you silly?” Pinkie asks before looking over you as if you were crazy. You have no idea how you managed to do it, but you believe you’ve made a new friend… and despite her being rude to you in the beginning you couldn’t be happier.

“Well, that’s nice to know Pinkie, but I have to ask you another question.”

“What question is that Anon?”

You point past her, “What did I clean?” Pinkie looks around the kitchen before giggling nervously.

“Oopsie?” is Pinkie’s only response.

”When will Mrs. Cake be home?” Pinkie gasps in horror before pulling your face close to hers. Her eyes reveal panic.

“Ohmygoshshe’sgonnabehomeanyminute!” Pinkie exclaims, suddenly she’s nothing more than a Pink blur as she moves around the kitchen at high speeds. Within a minute the entire kitchen is spotless and the damage has been undone. When she comes to a halt you find a hammer in her maw. How she managed to pull that off within a few seconds is beyond your understanding. You decide not to question the antics of this new and improved Pinkie Pie.

Almost as if on cue you hear the double doors to the kitchen open to reveal none other than Mrs. Cake. When you stand she looks over how dirty the two of you are, and then she looks around the now clean kitchen. Then she sees the hammer in Pinkie’s mouth. Pinkie’s eyes widen when Mrs. Cake’s eyebrow rises. Without putting any thought into it she swallows the hammer and gives Mrs. Cake an innocent grin.

“Pinkie, did you just… never mind,” she turns your way before adding, “let me guess, the two of you made this kitchen a complete wreck, then Pinkie here cleaned it up in like a minute, didn’t she?”

“Yup,” you and Pinkie say in unison, she giggles at the end. Mrs. Cake’s eyes widen and her jaw hangs loose.

“What?” Mrs. Cake turns from you to Pinkie, then back to you, “Did you really?” She turns away from you and quickly approaches Pinkie. With a swipe of her hoof she reveals Pinkie’s pink coat from underneath the large amount of flour. Mrs. Cake gasps, “Pinkie, you’re…you’re Pink again!” she exclaims.

“Yes indeedie, I can’t believe I was gray in the first place! Can you believe it?!” Pinkie asks before shooting Mrs. Cake a smile. She seems at a loss for words.

She looks to you before asking, “Did…did you?” you nod.

“Yes, it was a bit of trouble, but she’s back to her old self. Well old for you, new for me.” Mrs. Cake wraps you up in a hug even tighter than Pinkie’s . You find it nearly impossible to breathe.

“You did it! I just knew you would! I could tell!” You can’t respond, you’re too busy gasping for air and your back feels like it’ll snap from the pressure. Thankfully Pinkie notices, she taps Mrs. Cake in order to get her attention.

“Um, Mrs. Cake, I don’t think Anon can breathe,” She points to you and Mrs. Cake finally realizes your face has started turning blue.

“Oh! Oh my, sorry!” She releases you from her death grip. That finally allows you take in a few good lungful’s of air.

“AIR, PRECIOUS AIR!” You’re a little overenthusiastic about it, but you feel that it was necessary. After your little spectacle Pinkie loses it a second time today. Apparently she finds you and your need to breathe hilarious, and Mrs. Cake actually joins in on the laughter. You have to say, this day turned out to be a lot better than what you thought. As it turns out, it was a lot easier to make a new friend then you thought. All you needed was a bit of patience. Today’s little lesson is something you’ll carry with you in case you run into a similar problem in the future. You have to say, seeing Pinkie’s smiling face made the abuse you took worth it, well almost.

After a few minutes Mrs. Cake looks over her now dirty apron, “Anonymous, you and Pinkie could use a bath,”

“You don’t say.” Your sarcasm earns another giggle from the Pink Pony.

“You’re more than welcome to use our bath, but it might be a little small,” She looks you over, really getting in your height. You take this time to look over yourself, there is no way in Twilight is letting you back in to her housebrary covered in this stuff. You just hope pony tubs aren’t too small.

“Thanks, I think I’ll take you up on that offer,” you say before making your way to the double doors, Pinkie hops along next to you. “Hey Mrs. Cake, where is your bathroom anyway?”

“I’ll show you,” Pinkie Pie answers cheerfully, as soon as the two of you make your way back to the ground floor of Sugarcube Corner Pinkie points to a set of stairs leading up. “Up here,” she starts bouncing up each step. You follow behind in silence, when the two of you hit the top she leads you down a narrow hallway with various doors along the walls. You assume that the second floor acts as a sort of home for these particular ponies. At the end of the hall is the bathroom, she opens the door for you and you step inside.

You can immediately tell that this is nowhere near the size of your bathroom, but the homely appearance is quite refreshing. The pink cupcake wall paper attests to that. Pinkie flicks on the light and shuts the door behind her as she steps in with you. Unfortunately the tub is tiny compared to you, if you get in your legs will be protruding over the sides. Pinkie seems to notice this fact as well.

“Don’t worry Anon, I’ve got an idea,” she says before approaching the tub. By means nothing living should be capable of doing she elongates the tub by stretching it. It’s now nearly twice the size of your bathroom’s tub.

“Pinkie? H-how did-” you’re cut off.

“Magic,” Pinkie answers.

“But you’re not-”

“Magic, Anon.” She doesn’t seem like she’ll divulge past that answer. Before you can ask again Pinkie turns the knobs and the water begins to fill the new, now huge tub. It takes a few minutes but the warm waters and steam start to seem really inviting right about now. Before you can remove your clothes and step in Pinkie leaps in to the tub, sending water everywhere. You’re now a drenched, dirty mess. Pinkie’s head emerges from the tub, somehow completely clean. This will probably the last time you’ll get to see Pinkie’s mane as it is right now, straight and tame. That’s not a bad look. In fact it makes her look a lot less like a wild mess.

“I guess you’re taking one first, then. I’ll leave you to it.”

“See ya Anon,” she waves goodbye as you step back out into the hallway. With nothing else to do you sit outside and wait, and wait, and wait some more. After thirty minutes or so Pinkie comes walking out of the bathroom wrapped in a few towels.

”Your turn Anon,” She points back into the bathroom before trotting past you and out of sight. You get to your feet and walk inside to find that Pinkie has already drawn your bath for you. You make a mental note to thank Pinkie before you leave tonight. As you close the door and start stripping you take a look out of a nearby window.

“Damn! It’s night already?” You need to hurry up and get home to Twilight. She’s probably worried about you, and you definitely didn’t expect to be gone for the entire day. You hastily step in to the hot water of the tub and curse. You didn’t give your body time to get used to it and now every part of your skin is feels like its burning. When your body finally does the thought of hurrying back to Twilight is quiet low on your priority list. As the hot water starts to relax you, you sigh happily before leaning back against the tub.

As the water works its magic on your muscles you close your eyes and soak for a little while, allowing your mind to wander. Two days have come and passed since you’ve arrived and already you’ve managed to make two new friends. You could never hope to accomplish this back on Earth. To you it seemed like everyone there had an ulterior motive. Those that were friendly towards you had probably thought they could get something out of you. When they found that out, they were anything but friendly. You could get used to how these ponies seem to carry themselves.

And if you decided you were going to include Discord and his daughters that’d make five. You have to admit that even though you’re still adjusting to your new surroundings you have to say this is a lot better than what you were doing prior. Going to work every day, then sleeping in some crummy apartment? Discord saved you from that in the most unorthodox manner he could think of.

But a few questions came to mind. Why did he choose you? Why does he want you to make friends? What does Discord have to gain from you making friends? He doesn’t come off as much of a nice guy, there has to be a reason. With you contemplating your position you’re too out of focus. You don’t notice the door opening, nor do you notice a certain Pink mare slink in to the tub without a sound. You’re none the wiser as she swims under the water and right up to you. When she’s just a few inches away from your closed eyes she produces a rubber duck from under the water. She holds the duck right at your nose. Suddenly, a shrill squeak brings you back to reality. You open your eyes to see a yellow duck in your field of vision.

“HI!” Pinkie half shouts before taking away the duck and giving you a smile. You have to admit your reaction wasn’t the best one. You let out a yelp before quickly curling up in to a ball. Pinkie moves away from you laughing incessantly as she does so. “Oh man you shoulda seen the look on your face Anon!” When you relax and stretch out as you were, she settles into the same posture as yours on the other side of the tub.

“What are you doing in here Pinkie?!” You bring your hands over your crotch.

”What? I figured you’d want some company,” This mare is either clueless or she was sheltered as a foal. This is not normal for you, but then again pastel colored world of ponies. You shouldn’t have to remind yourself of that every single time something odd happens.

”Pinkie, I just met you today, you shouldn’t be in the bath with me,” Nervous doesn’t even begin to describe how you’re feeling right now.

“Is it because you’re naked Anon? Oh come on, don’t be a baby. Everypony’s naked.” You’ve already realized that, but nudity is only half of the problem.

“No, it’s because I’m a damn GUY that’s naked.” Maybe she’ll understand when you put it in that sort of context.

“Soooo, what’s the problem?” You groan before face palming, you’re thankful she’s this innocent. It doesn’t take long for you to stop covering yourself. Even if she did understand what you were getting at it’s not as if she’s a human or you’re a pony. The species barrier prevents that from mattering anyway. That realization finally gets you to relax.

”There isn’t one.”

“Good.” With that little portion out of the way Pinkie opens the flood gates. It’s almost as if she’s trying to catch you up to speed with everything so you can be her ‘Super Bestest Alien Friend.’ She tells you about her past, how she got her cutie mark, how she lived on her rock farm, and pretty much how things were before Discord. She even turned around and showed you her cutie mark now that it had its color. Thankfully she kept her tail lowered so you were subjugated to those other bits.

You in turn tell her about your life on earth, how boring it was, and how it was living in a bad part of the city. In all actuality you give her the same song and dance you gave Twilight. Though she doesn’t ask in depth questions like Twilight did. She didn’t seem interested with how things worked, rather she seemed interested in how you lived.

She asks about how humans know what their special talents are, and you in turn explain that any sort of special talent a human learns is the result of practice and interest. A human could be good at anything they wanted. She seemed to love that concept, the ability to do whatever you wanted instead of what you were ‘destined’ to do seemed to be a much better option than sticking to a single talent. She wasn’t saying she didn’t like bringing joy to others oh no, it’s just some ponies apparently get the short end of the stick when it comes to special talents…

When you realize you’ve spent a great amount of time talking to your new friend you hurriedly scrub yourself in order to finish your bath. Unfortunately when you’re done you realize you have nothing to get dressed with. Your clothes are still completely dirty. You groan before getting out of the bath and wrapping yourself up in a towel, looks like everyone’s going to get a good look at your ass on the way back to Twilight’s. Oh well, ponies are naked anyway. What are they going to do have you arrested for public indecency? As you dry off Pinkie drains the water from the tub.

”Well that was nice, Anon.” That smile has yet to leave her face, same could be said of that little spark of life that seems to flash in her sky blue eyes. While she seems to speak a mile a minute, and even though she has a tendency to go off on a tangent, her personality more than makes up for it. You can see yourself becoming great friends with this party pony.

“I agree. Can I borrow the towel, Pinkie? I really don’t want to walk back to Twilight’s naked.” You wrap the towel tightly around your waist.

“Okie Dokie Lokie! Just remember to bring it back.” You nod letting her know you understand.

“Thanks Pinkie I’ll be sure to return it, and thanks for having the tub ready for me.” You start gathering your clothes now that the towel is secure. As you turn to leave the bathroom you feel Pinkie hug your waist from the left side.

“Thanks for helping me today Anon… I’m really happy you put up with me.” You find yourself leaning down and rustling her curly mane.

”You’re welcome. It’s great to be here. It’s just… a little…” she finishes for you.

“Crazy, random, funny looking?” You nod, “yeah Discord messed this place up pretty good, sure it was fun at first, but it's been going on too long.” You’re inclined to agree. The town is one giant eyesore to you. Though you have to say it’s an upgrade from what you had prior.

“That may be, but I can tell you one thing, this place is better than Earth.” And with that she stops hugging you. As you descend the stairs you find a brown paper bag sitting on the center of one of the tables. Upon closer inspect you find that it says ‘To Anonymous’ on the front of it.With curiosity guiding your actions you walk over and open the bag to find three cupcakes covered with blue frosting and sprinkles.

”When you went to wash up I got hungry and made some cupcakes. Then I thought you were probably hungry too so I saved some for you.” Your stomach rumbles, eagerly waiting to consume the treats that lay within the bag. The noise causes Pinkie to giggle.

“Awesome, thanks Pinkie.” You say before grabbing hold of the bag.

“You’re welcome! Goodbye and goodnight Anon,” Pinkie says before waving you goodbye. With a quick wave in return you turn your back to Pinkie, open the door, and step in to the moonlight chaotic streets of Ponyville.

Author's Note

Just like last chapter and the ones before if you see anything messed up please PM me and let me know.

I believe I've used the "Thank you" bits in excess, feel free to tell me what you thought of it. Also to those of you who believe Anon and Pinkie became friends too quick remember this: It's Pinkie Pie.

Chapter Five: Anon's Anger, Fluttershy's Cruelty, and Applejack's Lies

// Chapter Five: Anon's Anger, Fluttershy's Cruelty, and Applejack's Lies //------------------------------//

The walk back to Twilight’s was fairly uneventful. Nothing major hindered your progress back, aside from the nocturnal helicopter squirrels. You found them quite interesting since you’ve never seen a rodent’s tail move quickly enough to keep them airborne before. When you arrived at the treebrary Twilight opened the door before you could even knock. She was worried sick about you. You were expecting this; after all you were gone the entire day. She was afraid that you were trampled by rabbits or something worse.

You stifle your laughter. “Oh come on, Twilight. I doubt a few rabbits can hurt me.” You wind up patting her head as you cross through the threshold. She bats your hand away with a hoof.

“You could have let me know you were staying,” She closes the door behind you and walks with you.

“I’ll be fine, Twilight. You don’t need to treat me like a child. Besides, I’m pretty sure I’m older than you.” She shakes her head. Clearly she’s flustered with your laid-back demeanor. And for good reason, you’re new to this world and you’re not fully aware of the dangers here.

“You’re in an unfamiliar place and I’ve only scratched the surface when it comes to educating you. As far as you’re concerned you ARE a child. You know about as much as a foal would when it comes to Equestria.” You would have said something about that, if she was not absolutely right. It was rather unwise to stay out so late. Despite this world and yours sharing some similar traits you’re sure there are plenty of things that haven’t been covered yet that differ. One of which is currently looking up at you.

“You’re right Twilight,” you sigh before adding, “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”

“Its fine, as long as you’re not hurt… and what’s with the towel?” You see her eyeing both the towel around your waist and the dirty clothes under your arm.

“Oh this, when I was working with Pinkie we ended up throwing sugar and stuff at each other. Got kinda messy, had to clean myself up.” Twilight’s interest hits its highest point when you mention Pinkie’s name.

“Did you have any luck with her?” you nod.

“Yup, she’s pink and bubbly again,” You shoot Twilight a prizewinning grin. Twilight returns your smile with one of her own before trotting to her stairs. You assume that now that she knows your safe, she’ll turn in for the night, but before she starts her climb it seems she’s curious.

“So how’d you do it?” You're quick to answer.

“Confectionary fight, cleaning supplies, and a lot of laughter.”

She giggles, “That’s Pinkie for ya… and thank you Anonymous.”

“It was my pleasure. Now if you’ll excuse me I’m gonna go head on back ‘home’ and get some clean clothes. Have a good night Twilight.”

“You too,” as she heads up her stairs you open the basement door and head inside. You find your teleporting bed in the same spot as it was before. As you look it over a childish idea comes to mind. When you hit the bottom step you take a running leap and land on your bed. You bounce a bit before settling down. A part of you has always wanted to do that at least once.

You throw the covers over you and crawl your way down. Eventually you end up in the hallway to your discorded paradise. The color scheme assaults your vision yet again, causing your to rub your temples. At least Eris and Screwball aren’t out and about. You’re sure they’d have something to say about you being in a towel, especially after what happened this morning. You open the door to your bedroom, step inside, and grimace at the sight of Discord, Eris, and Screwball sitting on your bed. Apparently they were waiting for you.

“Well. It seems like you had an interesting day.” Discord laughs and Screwball joins immediately. Eris however blushes before throwing her grpyhon hand over her eyes.

“Dude! What’d we talk about this morning? Put on some pants or something!” She shouts. Not wanting to hear anything else on the subject you toss your dirty clothes next to your dresser. Then you dig through your drawers to find something to wear for tonight. Zebra-striped sleeping pants, socks, and a wife beater are what you choose, when you’re dressed Discord motions for you to take a seat. You find that he’s given you a black pleather recliner. You have to admit it’s a nice touch to your otherwise empty bedroom. You position it so it faces your bed, then you take a seat.

“Thanks for the chair boss,” You pull the lever and recline in your seat, Discord nods approvingly.

“You’re welcome. I noticed your quarters were lacking.” Screwball looks to you with jealousy.

“Aww, Daddy never gets me anything.” She mutters under her breath.

“Except the roof over our heads, your room, your stuff, and that lovely little hat,” He flicks the propeller on her beanie for emphasis.

“Screwball, you get like that whenever ANYPONY gets anything… spoiled brat,” Eris crosses her arms and glares at her sister.

“What was that?” Screwball growls before shooting Eris a glare of her own.

“You heard me, pipsqueak.” She flicks her long, serpent-like tongue out at Screwball. As soon as Eris did Screwball lunges. Soon the two of them are fighting in a cartoony cloud, which rolls out of your open door. With a snap of his fingers Discord closes the door behind his daughters.

“You have to forgive them. They fight all the time.” Discord takes to reclining on your bed, “So do you have a friendship report for me?”

You nod, “Kinda pulling this outta my ass, but I’d have to say friendship can be hard to achieve when one pony says they ‘hate’ the other. It takes patience and understanding to look past that fact and at least try to make friends anyway. Who knows, you may come to find out that their hate is only a front?” You shrug at the end. You probably could have worded that better, but it’ll have to do.

“You know that reminds me of a situation I was in not too long ago.”

“Really?” you ask. You find that his eyes seem to be looking at something far off as he speaks.

“Yes. Princess Celestia said she hated me, she told me she hated my guts. So, I tried to be friendly, threw a little chaos here and there, and it didn’t work.”

“So what happened?”

“I banished her and her sister to the moon of course!” He breaks down into hysterics. You can’t say you approve of that at all.

“Jesus, Discord that’s morbid!” You’re not finding the situation funny in the slightest. Discord wipes away a metaphorical tear after his laugh.

“I know, right?” Like the flip of a switch his face becomes stoic. “”I’ll accept what you’ve given me, and I expect a better one tomorrow. Another day, another new friend, farewell,” you hold your hand out to stop him but it’s too late. He’s already snapped his fingers and teleported out of the room. You had questions that needed to be answered and you doubt he actually lives in this place. He has an entire palace for himself after all. You’re going to have to make a trip to Canterlot if you wanted to have a chance to speak with him.

Until then you’re going to have to go along with making friends without knowing WHY you’re making friends. Sure having new friends is fine and all, but why you and why ponies? With nothing else to really do you stand, walk over to your bed, lie down upon it, and head off to sleep. Meanwhile, Eris’ and Screwball’s fight began to heat up.

Eris was pulling Screwball’s mane, then Screwball somehow ended up on top of Eris and she started beating her with her hooves. Then it all went back in to a cartoony cloud of violence. The cloud proceeded to destroy the couch, the ping pong table, the bar, the fridge, and of course the ceiling furniture. Their fight continued well on into the night…

You wake up the next day to find that you have company on your floor. Eris is passed out at the foot of your bed. Screwball is lying on her back with her hooves in the air. The two of them are bruised and beaten. Screwball is groaning in pain while Eris remains unresponsive. At least they didn’t keep fighting your room. You get up and walk over to your dresser, choosing to ignore the two sisters as they whine and moan. You figured both of them were capable of casting some sort of healing spell so they’d be fine. As you’re putting on your jeans you hear Screwball speaking up.

“Hey *huff* Anon. What’s *huff* up?” Screwball pants as she weakly lifts her head.

“Nothing much, just wondering just what the hell happened while I was asleep last night.” A plain black hooded jacket, white t-shirt, blue jeans, and of course the same shoes were your choice for today.

“Oh nothing really. Sis and I got in a fight and destroyed everything.”

You scoff, “You can’t be serious,” You don’t believe a word. That is, until you step out of your room, and into a warzone. Screwball wasn’t lying. The building looks like a wreck. It’s as if your room leads into ground zero; doors are off their hinges and lying around, the walls have holes in them, when you step in to the living room you see nothing remains of the furniture, except a few bits and pieces. You can’t even count the amount of scorch marks this room holds. At least one table survived the horrors of war. You walk over to it and pat your hand on its top. It has to be pretty sturdy to make it through the fight.

As you walk away the table crumples in to a pile of ashes. You don’t even hear the poor thing breaking down and deteriorating. You head back in to your room and over to Screwball.

“So who won?” you ask as you kneel down to her.

“I did, Eris can’t handle this,” you hold up your fist and Screwball bumps it with her hoof.

“Good job.”

“Thanks,” She passes right on out. Almost as if you flipped her off switch. You don’t mind letting the two keep your room for today, after all they’re going to get an earful from their father, probably. You walk out of your room and head through the darkened section of the hallway. As soon as your head pokes out from under the covers you’re assaulted with Twilight’s voice.

“There you are Anon! What took you so long? I’ve been calling in to that blanket for an hour!” You shrug as you step out in to Twilight’s basement.

“Sorry, your voice doesn’t carry. I didn’t hear a thing.” She groans from frustration before wrapping her hoof around your hand. She starts trying to pull you, “W-what is it?” you ask as you start sliding along the floor. You’re surprised by the grey mare’s strength. When you don’t comply with her pulling she puts you in a bubble of magic, and then levitates you with her. Bad memories resurface as you recall your first day. Sweat forms upon your brow as the thought of orbiting past the moon comes to surface. You pray that Twilight has no intention of doing something similar. As the two of you enter the library you see Spike in a magic bubble of his own.

“Sup?” You wave to Spike. You’re doing a great job at keeping your voice level.

“Hey Anon I see you’re in a bubble. I’m also in a bubble myself.” He laughs nervously before poking his spherical prison.

“Now that I have the two of you I can show you the amazing thing!” Twilight giggles madly while clopping her hooves together.

“Wait…what amazing thing?” You shift your position in your bubble in hopes of getting comfortable. Twilight merrily trots to her door with you and Spike in tow.

“So how’d you end up in a bubble?” You turn to Spike.

“I wanted to sleep in. She didn’t want me to sleep in,” Spike says before shooting Twilight a stern glare, “And today was my day off too!”

Twilight waves a hoof dismissively at his whining, “Oh Spike, don’t be such a baby,” she magically unlocks her door.

“But I am a baby!”

“Details, details.” She steps out in to the front pathway of her housebrary. You and Spike are forced to follow, and the two of you see something that neither of you could believe. The buildings weren’t spring loaded and ready to fire, nor where they in the shape of game pieces. It’s as Twilight explained the day before, these homes are quite simple in appearance. Most of the structures in Ponyville seem to be timber-framed with distinct thatched roofs and overhanging upper floors. Though you could spot buildings in the distance that didn’t have that trait. Unfortunately, the streets still resembled poker cards and there were still dancing bulls and long legged rabbits, but the town is now a step up from where it was before.

“Isn’t this great, guys?! First the sun and moon are put back on track now the buildings!” Twilight exclaims as she trots around her path. You have to admit, you don’t really share Twilight’s enthusiasm. Then again you haven’t lived in Equestria for very long. You haven’t had the time to appreciate the potential splendor this town held. But judging by the care and craftsmanship that went into making these homes… you know you’re only seeing a small taste of what this town had. You could only imagine what the rest of the place would look like without Discord’s influence. You can only hope that you would eventually view all of Ponyville the way it was meant to be.

Until then, you’re to make as many friends as possible. That reminds you of the questions you still needed to have answered, and now new ones come to mind. Why was the town becoming normal again? Was it something to do with you?

“I just can’t believe it!” She pops the bubbles you and Spike are in. You hit the ground on your stomach, and Spike ends up landing on your back.

“Thanks for the cushion,” Spike says before getting to his feet and leaping off your back.

“Don’t mention it,” you grumble as you get to your knees. You wipe the dirt from your clothes before getting to your feet, you curse when you see the dirt on the knees of your jeans. You’re going to have to find a washer and dryer. Soon all of your clothes will end up looking like this and at this moment you have no way to wash them. But you don’t have to worry about that just yet. Discord brought all of your clothes from Earth; you’ll be fine for now. When you look over to Twilight you see that she’s got this silly grin on her face as she merrily trots around her housebrary.

“I don’t know how it happened or why but today just seems so great!” you watch on in silence as the gray starts to melt away from her revealing her purple coat. The color slowly creeps up her hooves, then to her main body. It all suddenly dissipates as soon as a voice mockingly calls out from above.

“Hey Twilight, what’s soaking wet and clueless?” You look up to see Fluttershy hovering over Twilight with a bucket full of water; suddenly Fluttershy slams the bucket down on Twilight’s head, soaking her. “Your face!” Fluttershy exclaims. Before you can do anything Fluttershy flies out of your reach and out of site.

“Damn Pegasus…” you murmur. Ruining happy moments must be her special talent. You walk over to Twilight and pull the bucket off of her head. You still don’t even know how Fluttershy managed to get into the library undetected. She doesn’t seem to be a mare that uses subtlety. Twilight’s completely soaked, “Are you alright?” you ask as you kneel down to Twilight’s level. Whatever happy mood she had is gone now. Twilight hangs her head down before trotting up her stairs. You sigh out of frustration when her bedroom door slams shut. Fluttershy keeps messing up Twilight’s day and you’re starting to get sick and tired of it. You’ve only been here three days and she’s done nothing more than piss you off and hurt Twilight.

“Hey Spike,” you turn to the little dragon.

“Yeah Anon?” He looks up at you.

“Do you know where Fluttershy usually hangs out, or could you tell me where she lives?”

Spike nods, “Yeah she’s got a cottage on the edge of the Everfree Forest, but she won’t be there till tonight. Ever since she turned grey she started hanging out with Liarjack during the day”

“What kind of a name is Liarjack?” Sounds like an obvious reference to a fibber to you.

“Well, her real name’s Applejack but when she went grey she turned into a really bad liar,” Spike takes the bucket in your hands and sets it next to the door.

“What makes you think Fluttershy’s with Applejack?”

He turns back to you, “Ever since Rarity became a greedy hoarder, and Rainbow Dash up and left town, the only ‘friend’ Fluttershy has left is Applejack. That’s how I know,” Spike explains as he takes a seat at Twilight’s doorstep. Good, with your search narrowed down this hostility with Fluttershy is going to stop. If she won’t listen to reason you’ll MAKE her leave Twilight alone.

“So what does Applejack look like and where can I find her?” Spike is quick to answer.

“You’ll find her at Sweet Apple Acres, a farm on the outskirts of town. Like Twilight and the others she’s grey. Also she’ll have three apples for a cutie mark and she’ll be wearing a brown Stetson hat.” Spike’s kind enough to point in the direction you need to go. And that’s all the information you need, with the town’s buildings looking normal it won’t be too hard to spot any barn or apple trees.

“I’m gonna go have a little talk with Fluttershy,” you say as you stand and start walking. You curse when a few poker cards come loose, causing you to trip and fall flat on your face. Spike laughs hysterically.

“You alright dude?” He asks in between fits of laughter.

“I’m fine, that didn’t happen.” You get to your feet and resume your journey. As you make your way down the road Spike puts a claw to his chin in thought.

“Hmm, I wonder how I’m going to make Twilight feel better,” he snaps his claws when an idea hits him, “oh I know I’ll make some hot chocolate, that’ll help cheer her up.” He gets up and walks into the library, being sure to shut the door behind him.

As you walk the carded path leading over a bridge you start thinking of ways you could approach this. If you find Fluttershy there you’re going to have to shut her up long enough for you to say what you need to. You’ll probably have to worry about this Applejack pony too. A liar and a bully is a very bad combination. If you run in to Applejack asking for Fluttershy then she’ll probably lie, hence the nickname. You just hope Spike’s little nickname for the pony isn’t as accurate as he made it out to be. Regardless bad liars have an easy tell, this pony’s going to have one too. Just got to figure out what it is. After a good thirty minutes of walking you finally start seeing apple trees lined up in close rows to each other. You must be getting pretty close.

You walk a wide dirt path leading to a two floor homely looking place a ways off from the road. You’re thankful that you’re finally able to walk on dirt and grass rather than the cards and checkered patterned ground. As you walk further in you spot a few cows eating in an open field near the back of the ranch. Then you see the chicken coops not too far off from the fields, and the apple trees, there are so many apple trees. As you near the house shrill barking catches your attention. A little brown and white spotted dog bounds towards you. You half expect it to slow down but unfortunately that doesn’t happen.

You contemplate running, but when that dog hits full speed you knew there was no way you could outrun it. Suddenly the dog leaps for you when it gets in close. You reach your arms out and catch it. You position your hands so they’re holding the dog under her front legs. She’s kicking her hind legs and barking incessantly.

“Hey,” the dog keeps barking, “Hey!” She still isn’t listening to you, “GOD DAMN IT SHUT THE FUCK UP!” The dog lets out a yelp before growing silent. You don’t know if she understood you or if she knew that tone inflection. Either way you’re relieved that she’s finally done barking your ear off. Regardless you decide to test the idea of her understanding you.

“Do, do you speak? Other than bark or woof I mean,” You’re curious as to whether or not dogs could really talk in this world. When it tilts its head and whimpers you sigh. Of course the dog can’t talk. It was silly to think otherwise. “Listen, I’m looking for Applejack, can you find Applejack…” you look at the dog’s tag, “Winona?” her ears perk up when you say her name. “Where’s Applejack?” you her before setting her down, she sits and tilts her head, looking up at you as she does so. It’s like she’s looking you over.

Maybe if you tried that demeaning baby talk that all dogs seem to eat up she’ll lead you to her. “Huh? Where’s Applejack, girl? Where is she? Where’s the little pony, Winona?” She lets out a joyful bark before spinning around in circles, she looks at you then her head turns in the direction of a large red barn, then back to you. She spins around again.

“Come on, Winona, Take me to Applejack! Aw, who’s a good girl?” you coo as you pat your knees. Winona takes that as an invitation to put her paws on your legs. Lucky for you Winona seems to be all bark and no bite. If she weren’t, you’d probably have half your meat torn off now. You scratch her behind the ears. “That’s a good girl Winona, now take me to Applejack,” you say with a smile, Winona lets out a happy bark before taking off towards the barn. She looks back at you to make sure you’re following…

Because you’re not exactly track material, Winona easily runs past you and ends up at the barn before you even make it halfway. As you make your way over to Winona and building you start feeling a little nervous. You really didn’t want a repeat of your first day here. You were hoping to avoid conflict if at all possible. You don’t need to have Twi-cry fixing your back again. When you get to the barn Winona starts scratching at the door. You open the door for her and she runs inside. You follow in close behind. Immediately Fluttershy’s harsh voice assaults your ears.

“What are YOU doing here you freak?” Things have gone from hopeful to sour in less than five seconds. You sigh before looking up to the second floor. Unfortunately from your position all you can see is a ladder leading up and the floorboards.

“Fluttershy I'm not in the mood for your bullshit. If you don't want a repeat of the day before yesterday you'll come down here.” While your voice remains calm your threat is laid bare. You tap your foot and wait for her to appear. If she doesn’t come down to you then you’ll gladly climb up that ladder and go to her. You’re surprised to hear the southern drawl of a mare call out from the second floor.

"Ya'll ain't gonna find her here no sir, no Fluttershy here.” Just from that lie alone you already suspect who that other mare could be. It’s as Spike said, Applejack is a poor liar.

"Let me guess, Fluttershy. Applejack's up there with you isn't she? I'm guessing that's her?" You wait for another lie to come spilling forth. Lo and behold you aren’t left waiting long.

“Ah told ya'll, Applejack, I mean Flutter- both of us ain't here!" Applejack sounds pretty angry, but then again you’d be mad too if you couldn’t tell a good lie to save your life.

"Maybe Applejack is up here, maybe she isn't. And I'd watch your mouth alien. Nopony threatens me," She finally flutters down from the second floor and hovers at eye level.

You shoot Fluttershy a cocky grin, "Good thing I'm not a pony huh?" she growls in response. Suddenly a gray mare matching Spike's description peers out from the second floor.

“Is that the alien ya'll told me about Sugarcube?" Applejack asks as she looks over you. She doesn’t look disgusted, rather she seems curious.

Fluttershy nods, "He's ugly isn't he?"

"That there's the ugliest darn thing ah ever seen, uglier than a manticore." Applejack says before looking from side to side, you note a few beads of sweat upon her brow. If that’s her tell, then does that mean she’s lying? If it is, then that is a pretty obvious one. It’s almost painful to watch her lie. You shake your head before pinching the brim of your nose.

"Yup, you're Applejack alright," you mutter as you look between the two, "Now on to business. Fluttershy, you're going to apologize to Twilight for what you did earlier.” Fluttershy laughs, loudly, she has to land because her wings start fluttering out of her control, after about a minute she wipes away a tear. You hand at your side starts to shake from how hard your clenching it. You didn’t like it when people laughed at you in school and you definitely don’t like it now.

"Maybe you're not so bad after all, that was a great joke. Me, apologizing to her? That's a riot," Fluttershy shakes her head, disgusted by what she just said. "You're not so bad? What's wrong with me?"

"I'm being serious, that shit you pulled made her cry and it pissed me off. Now either you do as I say or I make you regret it. Got it?" When your crack your knuckles her eyes wide. She definitely remembers what you did to her wings. The intimidation only works for a few moments unfortunately. Fluttershy's eyes go half lidded, now she isn't taking you seriously at all. Applejack climbs down the ladder and takes her spot next to Fluttershy.

"Bah, this alien ruined a perfectly good nap too, he ain't much o' nothing.” This time she doesn’t avert her eyes. A small sprinkle of truth and it’s to insult you. Why are you not surprised?

"Well sorry to disappoint, but I don't really care. I'm not here for you.”

"Well now that's just plain ol rude!"

"I don't care. Anyway, we're going," You make your way to the barn door. As you reach the doors you turn to see Fluttershy hasn't moved an inch. "You coming?" you ask through gritted teeth.

Fluttershy pretends to ponder your question for a moment, “mm. Nope.” Her smirking only manages to make your face red from anger. You’re a thin hairline away from simply walking back over to her, throwing a hook at her jaw, then dragging her with you.

You sigh in a futile attempt at calming down. "Okay, if you're not going to come along, I'll just beat you to a pulp then drag you there myself.” That’s the final time you’re going to threaten or warn her. If she says no again you’ll no longer be held liable for what you’ll do. You start walking back to her, making sure to appear as menacing as possible.

"Better idea. You do something for me, and I'll give Twilight her apology," You stop in your tracks before raising a brow in question. Do you really want to ask what she wants? You know she's made herself out to be a selfish, uncaring, pony. And she'll probably refuse to go along with you if you were to hold true to your end of the bargain

You take the bait regardless, "What did you have in mind?"

Fluttershy's grin seems to be getting wider. "Oh I've got a few ideas, Anonymous, and I'm fairly certain you'll enjoy them.” Her ominous grin and tone does little to calm you.The three of you stand in silence for a few seconds. You’re growing impatient.

"Again, what did you have in mind?"

Fluttershy looks at your hands before her wings flare out from her sides ever so slightly.

"Those hands…" She says softly.

"What about them?" You look over your digits. You don’t see anything out of the ordinary so you don’t see where she’s going with this.

"Give me a wing massage," at the end of her order her eyes go half lidded and her smile becomes a sly one. At this point there are obviously a few things wrong with this request. Number one, you’re inexperienced with massages. The second one is that you didn’t like the thought of relaxing a pony like her if it turns out you could.

It didn't help that Applejack started giggling like mad. "Are ya'll serious Sugarcube?" When Fluttershy nods Applejack's smile fades, she whispers, "but Fluttershy, he ain't even a pony. It'd be wrong! 'Sides, what if he tries to rip em off ya?" She looks to you suspiciously.

Fluttershy whispers back, "Applejack, when he grabbed my wings, and before he started twisting, they were like a dream. They were so soft, now shut up and go along with it you hick." Applejack’s features turn sour.

"Fine, but don't ya'll say ah didn't warn ya.”

"What the hell are you two whispering about over there?" You don’t like how they’re whispering and looking at you like you’ve been put on display.

"Oh um, nothing you need to worry about," Applejack says before biting her bottom lip out of nervousness. And just like that you’ve lost whatever inkling of patience you had left for her lying. It’s as if these ponies were created to get under your skin and make your blood boil. So much so that you consider not going along with Fluttershy’s little deal. It sounds way too fishy for your taste.

"You know what, forget the deal. I'll just kick your flank.”

"Anonymous, I will apologize if you do this for me," Any sort of cocky attitude, or condescending tone disappears. This causes you to remain standing in place rather than walking over and doing things the easy way. You have no idea if she’s serious, or is she messing with you. If you give her what she wants what's stopping her from just taking off? That’s when you realize she’ll be in arm’s reach. If she tries anything you’ll just grab her wing and give them something a lot rougher than a massage.

You smirk when you realize you’ve got the upper hand, "Deal," you say as you walk over to a nearby apple sorting table. You find two bales of hay near the table, after stacking them upon each other you now have a proper place to sit. With that ready you take the baskets filled with assorted apples and set them on the barn floor. You put your elbows on the table and lean in when it's cleared. "Hurry up and get over here. Let's get this over with," You motion for Fluttershy to come over and lay down.

Fluttershy saunters over to the table, and she wastes no time in flying to the top of it. When she finds a comfortable position she lies on her stomach and stretches a wing toward you.

“Get to it, alien.” You sigh before reluctantly pulling her outstretched wing into your hands. Unfortunately for you, you have no idea what you're doing. At least this is nothing more than a massage. You can probably do a half decent job and still get what you came for. But you can’t help feeling gullible, as though you’ve just fallen for an obvious trick. You start by preening her wings, being sure to straighten any out of place feathers you could find. As your fingers run along the smooth texture of her primary feathers Fluttershy sighs happily. It seems like you’re doing something right after all.

The more you straightened her feathers, the more she seemed to squirm in your grip. As if her wings were quite sensitive. Perhaps their wings have more nerves than you thought. When you see her wing flutter in your hands, you can’t help but think that’s out of her control. It does nothing more than confirm your suspicion. You could really hurt a Pegasus pony if you weren’t careful with their wings. At this point you could quite easily snap her bones and ground her for life. To ground a Pegasus sounds like the ultimate way to break their spirit without outright killing them… to be seen as an outcast among her peers… the temptation is there, but you remain civil in your endeavors. You’re still mad, but not to that extent.

You move on from her primaries to her primary converts. As soon as your fingers brush against them you elicit a soft moan from Fluttershy. She starts to shake a little, but it doesn’t deter you. As you continue to work your magic she bites down on her lower lip in order to stifle another moan. You don't notice Applejack's reddening cheeks as you continue to work. With the feathers along her converts straightened you move your hands up to the bend of her wing. When you feel the bone you start putting a bit more pressure upon them than you did her feathers. You're careful not to use too much force. After all, you're not looking to hurt her. At least, not yet.

After a few minutes of massaging the bend of her wing you start to smell a particular scent. If you didn’t know any better you’d say it smells like the grass of an open field.

"Fluttershy, what's that smell?" she's quick to respond.

"Ignore it... keep going," she mutters breathlessly.

"If you insist," you shrug, unsure of the situation now. When you started becoming thorough you notice she’d squirm. Her breathing became ragged and her face lit up with a tint of pink. If you didn’t know any better you’d say your massage was having a second effect on the mare. While a part of you tells you to stop you keep going per her request. You’re about halfway done anyway. When you feel the bend has received enough attention your fingertips trail along the converts and to the axillaries.

While your right hand focuses them your left hand focuses upon the node. When you apply pressure both of her wings shoot out from her sides. You find that they are stiff to the touch. You don’t know if you pinched a nerve or what, but you can genuinely say you’re surprised to the point of worry. She has yet to do this and you have no idea how to handle it.

"F-Fluttershy?"

"Please Anon, don't stop.” Your technique actually got her to ask nicely. You’re shocked to say the least.

"I... okay," you say as your fingers start to kneed, it doesn't take long for her to start squirming yet again under your touch. The scent soon becomes pungent, when you start to apply greater pressure her little moans turn up in volume. Her reactions open up a new door of possibilities for you. Perhaps you’ve got the opportunity to make a career out of something like this. It would be infinitely better than the last job you had. At least you wouldn’t run the risk of losing your fingers. You hand start to alternate yet again. This time you go back to massaging and preening areas you've already taken care of. Fluttershy makes her approval vocal.

"Sweet Celestia!" She screams. Suddenly her body begins to shiver violently, and then her eyes seem to roll up in the back of her head. Her entire body goes limp and the smell is almost overpowering now.

"Applejack, is this nor... mal..." you ask as you look over Applejack. Her face is as red as the apples you've moved, Fluttershy's face is fairly flushed as well, and she's got this satisfied, lazy grin, and she's panting. You can feel the gears turning in your head. All of these factors all lead to one thing: that you're a fucking moron. You should have noticed something when the smell started. You have zero experience when it comes to this, but you've watched enough erotica to know what just happened.

You just stimulated Fluttershy sexually. Self- Disgust wells within, upon realization your hands start to shake. You pull them from Fluttershy's wings as if you were pulling them away from an open flame. You feel so dirty… you look at your hands, revolted with them, and yourself. To do such an act is against everything you stand for. Fluttershy isn’t a human, she’s an animal. This would get you thrown in prison back on your world. You look to where Fluttershy’s hind hooves are. The wood is a shade darker from being soaked. Droplets from your actions pitter off the edge.

Fluttershy speaks to you between breaths, "Thanks... for the... massage... whorse," she laughs with bated breath. And you are no longer responsible for any following action... You feel used, you feel unclean. You've just molested a pony; you've done something you'd never think of doing to anything let alone an alien horse. But regardless of what you've done, Fluttershy still made a deal with you. Whether she's horrid or not is irrelevant, she's going to apologize to Twilight and to you for having you do this.

You clench your hands in to fists and grit your teeth, "So is Twilight going to get her apology?" you ask as you angrily stare down Fluttershy. You know the answer that follows before it flows from her maw. Fluttershy waves a hoof in a dismissive fashion.

"Nah, she's not getting a single thing from me," she smirks. She doesn’t realize the grave mistake she’s just made. You’ll do your part to help her open her eyes so she can properly see her fault. You don't like being used, and you really hate liars. You grab the underside of the table Fluttershy is laying on and flip it, knocking Fluttershy on to the barn floor.

"Hey, you freak, that hurt!" Fluttershy yelps as she picks herself up off the floor, when she tilts her head to look up at you her little eyes reflect anger. She should be afraid, but then again, nopony has stood up to her so why should she? She'll have to learn fear from you. With a swift kick you knock away the overturned table that separated the two of you.

"I really don't like liars, cunt," you growl. As you approach Fluttershy she has that look of anger and defiance, but her body starts to betray her. She starts to back away from you, and you walk to close the distance. When you do she backs away from you again, neither of you take your eyes off of the other.

“You're running out of room to run," when she turns around to look you leap to and try to grab her. Fluttershy tries to fly away but the massage you gave her wing has left her weak. She's barely manages to fly over your hands before having to land again. "What's wrong? Can't fly?" You ask as you get to your feet. Now, Fluttershy is afraid. She looks from you, to her friend, then back to you. You reach out to try to grab her yet again. She manages to dart around you. When she gets over to her friend she hides behind her.

"Applejack! Take care of this creep!" Applejack looks from you to Fluttershy before quirking a brow.

“Ya'll want me to fight an alien?" Applejack asks in disbelief, Fluttershy nods vigorously as you walk over. The two of them are in a corner; there is no escape from you this time.

You have no bone to pick with Applejack, but if she tries to stop the glorious retribution Fluttershy so desperately deserves, you won't hold back on the little earth pony. You should break her, she obviously knew what was going on and did nothing to stop it, but you’re feeling generous towards her.

“Get out of the way, country horse." Maybe this little warning will be enough. As soon as your order is uttered you hear the barn door open behind you. You turn to the source of the noise to find a pony standing in the doorway. This one stands at a much larger height than the two mares in front of you. You assume this pony is a stallion considering the masculine forming of his muzzle. His emerald eyes look over you and the two mares you have cornered. He separates himself from his cart full of apples and trots over. Not knowing what you are causes him to keep a good amount of distance between you and him.

"What in the heck are you an why ya'll got mah sister in the corner?” the mystery stallion asks. His deep voice seems to rattle your very bones. He seems to be calm despite the situation. Were you a pony with his sister and her friend in such a position he probably would have already started charging. At this point he probably doesn’t know what to think.

"Big Mac! This nasty alien molested Fluttershy, and he was gonna get me too! Help us big brother!" Applejack suddenly shouts, you feel a cold chill run spine as Big Macintosh narrows his eyes.

"Please! I'm so scared!" Fluttershy adds, you can hear Fluttershy start to break down. Big Mac's eyes twist in anger; he obviously believes the garbage they’re spewing about you.

"Oh this is bullshit!" You shout. You make your frustration apparent. Big Mac's voice remains even, but his tone carries authority.

"Get away from mah sister and her friend. Now." You waste no time in doing so. An angry brother is a strong brother. Big Macintosh trots over to the three of you, causing you to move to further back in order to keep yourself away from him and the mares. He stops when he's standing in between you and them. You try and see if he’ll listen to reason. You know how bad it looks, but maybe, just maybe he’ll give you the benefit of the doubt.

"Big Mac, I know this looks bad, but you've gotta listen to-" he cuts you off.

"No, YOU listen. Nopony does that to mah sister. Now ah'm a gentlecolt so ah'ma give ya five seconds to high tail it out of here before I chase ya'll down." He snorts and paws at the ground. Despite having a few feet on him you can’t help but feel intimidated by his actions. You can’t believe you thought he’d listen to you in the first place, it’s only natural he’d listen to Applejack rather than some human. You can honestly say you’ve had better days than this. First Twilight's happiness gets flushed down the toilet, and then you get tricked into pleasuring the one who made Twilight sad.

Now some country pony's big brother is about to make you pay for something you weren't going to do. You have the greatest luck of any living creature known to pony kind. Why did things have to turn out this way, all you wanted to do was make your new friend happy. She deserved to be it, from what you saw she was completely miserable before you got here. Sure it was annoying but no one seemed willing to lend a hoof to help. You’re sure Spike tried to do something, but it obviously had no effect. Big Mac’s words tear you from your thoughts.

"One, two," Big Macintosh seems ready to charge right now rather than when he hits five. You look behind him to find Fluttershy and Applejack smirking. Your anger has hit a level you never thought existed. Sorry Big Mac but you're in the way. "Three," you walk over to the ladder used to get to the barn's second floor and tip it over. It's built for ponies, not for humans of your size. You stomp on the side of it as hard as you can and a portion of it snaps off. You hold the broken piece like a thin club. It's not much but it should do something to a pony like Mac here. "Four," you hear his hooves dig deep into the dirt. You turn around and start walking towards him with your 'club' in hand.

"Five," you finish for him. You swing the piece of broken wood and before he can react you crack it along his muzzle. His head jerks in the direction you struck, Applejack and Fluttershy gasp in horror. "There, maybe that knocked some sense in to yo-" Big Mac tackles you, cutting you off mid-sentence. It’s as if your strike did nothing, once he has you on your back Big Mac brings his front hooves down on you. You feel the air leave your lungs when he makes impact. Your vision blurs as your torso becomes numb. You thought your landlord hit hard, that fat Italian had nothing on Big Mac.

As you struggle to get in a breath of air Big Mac swings a hoof across your jaw, you feel a tooth come loose. When he brings his hoof back for another swing you spit your dislodged tooth at his face. You get him right in the eye with it. Big Mac yelps before backing away. You use this time to try to catch your breath. When the air finally reaches your lungs Big Mac gets right back to pounding his hooves in to you. Luckily you've brought your arms up to block them, but they can't take the blows. You end up rolling onto your back while he rains down punishment upon you.

It's like someone's hitting your arms with a bat, if this keeps up he's going to snap the bones before too long. You’ve got to do something and fast. When he lifts his hooves for another strike you bring your knees up to your chest, then you place your feet on Big Mac's belly. Using your legs you try to lift Macintosh and by some miracle you're strong enough to do so. You push him away from you and scramble to your feet.

"Get em, big brother!" You hear his sister shout. Big Mac turns around so he can buck you. You’ve heard how destructive those can be when a full grown horse does it to a human. Judging by Mac’s size compared to you he’ll end up bucking you in the stomach. You know that he’ll easily snap your bones if he’s able to connect. You move in the direction he turned so you can avoid his buck. He tries again, and again you move in the same way. You hear him grunt in frustration. He tries a third time and when he does you position yourself so you're parallel to him. You run forward and tackle him from the side. When he hits the ground you straddle Bic Mac so he's stuck on his side.

"Now are you gonna stop and listen to me!" you shout as you try to keep him pinned. His response is turning his head and spitting in your fact. You visible shake as your adrenaline and fury burn from within. You hold him down with your left and rain down strike after strike with your right. You slam your fist down as hard as you can in to the side of Mac's face. From the position he's in he can't get in a good hit, nor can he get up or defend himself from you. You keep punching his muzzle, his right eye, his head, withers, anywhere you could.

He tries to tuck his head in to his hooves but you don't let him. You move your knee so he can no longer use them. He’s an unfortunate victim, but at this moment you can’t find reason to care about that fact. As you’re about to swing again you feel something smack the side of your head, stunning you for a moment. You look around to find an apple on the ground.

"What?” You look to the cart Macintosh rolled in to find Fluttershy and Applejack standing there. They’re glaring and holding apples in their hooves. You growl and try to get to your feet. You’re going to make those two pay for hitting you. That's when they start pelting you with apples. Honey Crisps, Macintoshes, Granny Smiths, Red Delicious, and many others bombard your chest, face, and stomach. You bring up your arms to protect your face, and you start running towards them.

That's when you feel a Honey Crisp pelt you right in your nether regions. The impact is like an off switch to your aggression. Your jaw hangs open in disbelief and from utter pain. You whimper before clutching your privates. You fall to your knees, and those mares take this time to keep hitting you with apples. Each one seems to hit you harder than the last, but they pale in comparison to how your testes feel at this very moment. You grit your teeth and try to ignore the aching so you can get to your feet. You manage to kneel before you feel a set of hooves slam in to your back.

Your eyes widen and you open your mouth in a silent scream before hitting the ground. Your perception of the world blurs, the pain coursing through you is indescribable. Thankfully, it only lasts for a few agonizing seconds before your body grows numb. You want to open your mouth and scream but you can't seem to breathe. It’s as if your body has shut down on you. You want to move around and writhe, but nothing works. You can’t move anything.

Your condition does nothing to deter Macintosh, nor does it stop Fluttershy. She trots over to you and the two alternate between strikes. There isn't a part of your back they don’t hit. You don’t feel a thing, but each impact darkens your vision bit by bit. Eventually sweet relief overtakes you as your sight fades completely. As your unconscious body is being beaten by Macintosh and Fluttershy, Applejack stares uneasily at the events taking place before her...

Applejack watches silently as both her brother and her friend pound into you without relent. As she watches your body jolt from each punishing blow, pangs of guilt well from within. She wonders why she was so quick to lie. You had no intention of hurting her; you made that plain as day for her. It was going to be directed at Fluttershy. She took advantage of your ignorance and willingness to help Twilight just to get a cheap thrill. Applejack has no idea why she was so willing to defend her.

She deserved at least a stern talking to, and she didn't help by rubbing it in and calling him a whorse. IF Applejack were in your position she would have beaten Fluttershy herself. She was so rude, and dishonest… just like her. Ever since Discord used his influence on Applejack she’s done nothing but laze around and lie to her kin. It'd be over the most ridiculous things too, things that wouldn't even net her any sort of trouble. Little things like 'did you leave your hat in the chair’, or ‘is Applebloom up yet’ and things of that nature. She’d tell a little fib here and there, and things would be fine. And no pony ever got hurt from it, at least not physically.

Now she gets to see firsthand what her lies truly do. Someone’s getting the beating of a lifetime over her lies. You don’t deserve it, she knows it, but she went ahead and lied anyway. She feels that she can't just sit here and let this happen, but if they find she’s been lying, Applejack knew Big Mac would get really mad. She feels that maybe it’d be easier to just keep quiet and let them keep doing what they’re doing to you. But it isn't right… She looks at her brother and sees the rage billowing from him. He's stomping on you as hard as he can, and Fluttershy is doing the same.

"Take that!" Fluttershy screams, she shows no signs of stopping.

"Ya dang rapist, ya'll get what you deserve!" Macintosh’s words only make her feel even worse. She can’t bear to look at the scene any longer. She knew that without a doubt she’ll have to say something. She has to stop them before it’s too late. Applejack doesn't notice but as her guilt grows her color starts to return, as her heart aches over your undeserved beating she slowly regains her true nature.

"Stop," Applejack mutters. Neither of them hears her. As she gets to her hooves, the orange color of her coat starts snaking over her cutie mark and mid-section. "Stop!" She breaks off into a gallop. When she reaches you she starts by yanking her brother’s tail with her teeth. She has no idea where she found the strength to do it, but she manages to pull her brother off of you. He turns to her when he’s a few feet away from you.

"What is it Applejack? Ya'll wanna beat ‘em up too? Go right ahead, ah won't stop ya.” Applejack takes this time to see that her brother’s eye is starting to swell like a balloon. She should have said something sooner, now he’s hurt because of her actions. Macintosh can see the horror planted on his sister’s face. "What's goin’ on sis? What's wrong?" she averts her eyes from Macintosh, "And what's with yer coat?" you start tapping your hooves on the ground in anticipation. There’s still a part of her screaming internally, saying that she shouldn’t utter a word.

"Ah..." Her color starts creeping up her neck. She looks around frantically as sweat starts to pour down her face, "ah..." Her mane and tail regain their blonde hue, "Ah lied to ya.” The last bit of her to return to normal is her eyes.

"W-wha?" Big Macintosh’s disbelief causes him to sit.

"Ah lied. The alie- Anonymous wasn't gonna touch me. He was gonna hit Fluttershy for tricking ‘em into doin’ somethin’ inappropriate." Silence falls between the two of them; the only noise that can be heard is Fluttershy's hooves. She has yet to stop, but her strained breathing and ever weakening blows shows obvious signs of fatigue.

"Are ya serious?" He starts to look over his own hooves in horror.

"Ah was under pressure and ah had to tell a fib." Big Macintosh's response is an angry one. His thunderous voice forces Applejack to her haunches.

"What kinda excuse is that?! Do ya'll know what ah was doing? Ah was gonna kill em!" Big Macintosh wastes no time in turning around and swatting Fluttershy away from Anon.

"Hey!" She turns to face Macintosh. Any further her response is cut short by Big Mac's furious glare.

"Ya'll went along with that lie! What the hay's wrong with you?!"

"What? Applejack you told him the truth?! What gives? And here I thought you were cool." Fluttershy is utterly disappointed with her friend.

"Ah don't care why ya'll did it, but ah do know one thing. Ah don't hit mares. But if ya'll don't skedaddle ah'll make an exception," Big Mac's threats aren't to be taken lightly.

Fluttershy knows this fact, "Whatever, I don't wanna hang out with a bunch of losers anyway." And with that Fluttershy takes to the air. She flies past the barn door and out of sight. Applejack looks out the open barn doors where Fluttershy made her escape. The sound of you being dragged along the ground catches her attention.

Big Mac has the hood of your jacket in his teeth; he's dragging you towards the apple cart. When he puts you next to the cart he dumps it of all its contents. Apples go spilling in to the floor. Applejack shakes her head in disbelief.

"Big Mac, what are ya doin?"

"Ah'm takin’ ‘em to the hospital, he's barely breathin’. Ya'll need to help me load ‘em up." She nods before making her way over and helping him empty out whatever apples remain in the cart. When it's clear she moves under your legs while Big Mac lifts your upper body. Since neither of them has magic to help it takes longer than needed to get you into it.

The two of them manage to set you on your back. As she starts to strap Macintosh to the cart a few questions come to her mind. Would any pony at the hospital actually know how to help you? The only one who she can think of who can help is Twilight. She’s got enough magic to fix you after all, or at least she thinks so.

"Hey Mac, change of plans," she tightens the straps while he looks over her with his good eye, "we're takin’ ‘em to Twilight."

Author's Note

If you find any problems with this as far as grammar or overall flow is concerned feel free to PM me.
Sexual themes play more towards the Mature crowd, but its not full blown content, so it'll remain Teen.

Chapter Six: Discord's Wrath and Anon's Recovery

// Chapter Six: Discord's Wrath and Anon's Recovery //------------------------------//

As Macintosh and Applejack rush to Twilight’s in order to save you, she’s enjoying a cup of hot chocolate Spike made for her. The little dragon told her about you going after Fluttershy and Applejack. Admittedly, she was worried. After all she didn’t want you to get hurt over her. Unlike Pinkie, Fluttershy has proven that she can be violent. She didn't want you to end up in a situation similar to your first day here.

Spike insisted that you would be fine, after all you’re fairly tall and you appear to have some strength behind you. He said that there was no way Fluttershy could take you on. The dragon had faith that you could handle anything she threw at you.

“Don’t worry, Twilight. What’s the worst that could happen?” He told her. With that mindset Twilight was able to fully focus on the treat given to her. After a hearty sip she sighs with contentment. She was sure to have Spike make a cup for you too after you came back. If you somehow managed to help out both her friends then the least you deserved was a warm beverage. As she continued to sip she’d take a few glances out of her window towards town. Due to the recent return of their homes some of the ponies had begun to wander around. Her home was slowly, but surely coming back to life.

Though the dancing bulls, stampeding rabbits, and card-lined streets and grass remained an issue, the ponies were more than free to move about. As she watched a few ponies start to set up stalls Twilight can’t help but wonder why Discord allowed the buildings to go back to the way they were. Discord’s magic is powerful, more so than the Princesses’, so why would he perform a kind gesture?

One possibility is that his magic has worn off and he has yet to take notice. Another is that because you made a friend, a single issue was fixed as a result. If the second one was the case, then that means she, along with her other friends, are possibly connected to the town. If he fixes Fluttershy or Applejack, and if something else reverts as a result, then her hypothesis may in fact be true. She doubts Discord would stop paying attention to his little tricks.

That in turn presented another question. Why would he let you do anything to help you or the other ponies in the first place? It’s obvious that you’re not an agent of Chaos like he or his spawn are. There was no way bringing you into the picture would spread more chaos, your first impression did more than enough to prove that. She became tempted to read a few books in hopes that something lying within their words would help paint a clearer picture. But as soon as the feeling came it was piled under a heaping amount of self-doubt.

‘Even if I did sift through them, I wouldn’t find anything anyway. I’m not smart, I’m just me.’ She thought, ‘Twilight the failed protégé. Couldn’t even stop Discord from taking over.’ She sighs to herself before taking a hearty sip.

“You okay Twi?” Spike looks over his caretaker with concern. Twilight turns to him and opens her mouth to speak, but a sudden banging on her door caught her attention. The loud knocks came at a rapid pace and showed no signs of stopping. Twilight levitates her cup onto a table and makes her way over to her door.

"Hey, the library is closed for today. What the hay do you... want?" Twilight opens the door and saw a site that caused her jaw to hang loose. She turns to look at her assistant, her eyes wide with terror. “Spike, come quick! It’s Anonymous!” Her shrill tone causes Spike to run over without bothering to set his cup down. It shatters upon the floor. He takes his place next to Twilight to find Big Macintosh and Applejack panting. His eyes wander to the cargo Macintosh has strapped to his back. When his gaze passes over you, he sees the terrible condition you're in. Your face is bruised and swollen from the abuse it took.

But that wasn’t the worst part; the thing that worried the two most was that your breathing was erratic and strained.

“We need to get him inside!” Twilight’s horn glows and your body illuminates in turn. She lifts you out of the cart and into the library. Applejack helps unstrap Macintosh and the two follow her inside. Spike runs to her basement door and opens it for all of you. Twilight gallops downstairs and hurriedly places you upon your bed. When you’re situated she turns to Applejack and Macintosh.

"What happened?!" She cries as she looks over them. Neither can seem to look her in the eye. Instead they cast their gaze to her basement floor. Despite Applejack’s fur having regained its orange color she still doesn’t fully trust her.

"Applejack, please don't lie to me. What happened?" Twilight trots over to her. Before she can place a comforting hoof upon her wither Discord’s voice resounds throughout the basement. His venomous tone causes a shiver of fear to travel down her spine.

"Yes, please. Tell Twilight what happened." Purple fire erupts in the form of a circle upon the floor. Slowly but surely Discord rises from it. When he’s in full view the flames disperse. He floats over to you and examines your broken body. Any sort of goofy antic or any sign of a smile is gone. When he’s done looking you over his red eyes stare down Twilight’s. She shivers out of fright before curling up. She’s trying to make herself seem as small as possible in hopes of avoiding whatever he has planned. None of them have seen Discord in this state. Macintosh stands in front of his sister, as if to protect her. Spike is nowhere to be seen.

"Please explain how Anonymous’ body could be so damaged, when all he's doing is making friends. That doesn’t seem very friendly at all does it? I expected better from you creatures.” His expression remains neutral, but his voice betrays his appearance. He’s quite angry.

Applejack finally speaks, D-Discord… Twi… it was all mah fault… ah-" She’s cut off when Discord back hands her with his gryphon claw. The force of impact sends her crashing into the nearby wall. Apparently that was all he needed to hear. When she lands on the table she ends up breaking whatever beakers happened to be lying on it at the time. Her fur drips with the wasted ingredients of Twilight’s various endeavors. Macintosh tries to move in, but when he sees the wisps of purple magic entwined in Discord’s digits he freezes in place.

“That’s not very wise, Macintosh. If I were you, I’d stay right where you are,” He knows he’ll suffer the same fate or worse if he tries anything.

"You know I'm a friendly Draconequus, but when my plans are pushed back due to somepony's negligence or impulsiveness I get irritated.” He turns to Mac and Twilight. Finally, she manages to find some courage to stand and shout.

"Why'd you hit her?!" Discord leans in until the two are face to face.

"It's as she said, it was her fault. Unless she was lying of course," he says with a smile, “is there something you're hiding Ms. Sparkle? Perhaps a minute detail Applejack failed to mention?" Twilight tries to look away from his fiery gaze, but when she moves her head he puts a paw under her chin. He forces her to look at him.

"He… he was trying to get Fluttershy to apologize for throwing water and a bucket on me, and… I guess he got hurt. He probably found Fluttershy at Sweet Apple Acres, and then things escalated from there.”

"Thank you for your honesty Twilight," he turns to Big Macintosh, "is there anything else that needs to be added?" Big Mac nods, “Okay then let’s hear it.”

"Fix mah sister," Big Mac says quietly.

Discord’s laugh is raucous, "YOU'RE ordering ME? Oh that's rich, perhaps you'd like to turn into a dog again," Big Mac starts to back away.

"N-no, not again," he backs up until his flank hits a wall, "Ah don wanna chase mah tail again, or lick mahself in public," Big Mac starts to shake.

"Then between Fluttershy putting a bucket on Twilight, to Anonymous trying to make her apologize, and then having him ending up back here bloodied and beaten, what happened? There are gaps that need to be filled," Discord explains.

And thus Big Mac tells Discord everything he knows. His sister had explained along the way that Fluttershy had taken advantage of your ignorance, and that Applejack convinced him that you tried to rape the two of them.

Discord nods once before looking over Applejack, he cringes when she makes no motion to move. "It appears as if I've overreacted," and with a snap of his fingers a purple aura consumes Applejack. When it dissipates he tries to diffuse the situation he created.

"She'll be fine in the morning. I suggest you bring her back to your farm. You're dismissed," as soon as Discord finishes Big Mac rushes over to his sister, he puts her on his back, and then he gallops up the stairs and out of the basement.

“You’re welcome,” he mutters under his breath. With Macintosh, Applejack, and Spike gone that leaves Twilight with him. He turns his back to her, flies over to you, and then stops above your unconscious form. "I'll be taking Anonymous. Despite what has happened, Anonymous was in your care, and he was your responsibility. The blame shall be shifted to you.”

"Hey! that's not-"

"Fair? Yes you're right. It isn't fair that you left Anonymous to fend for himself. Were he with you, you would have been able to explain to Macintosh that Applejack was lying," she opens her mouth in protest but Discord doesn't her the chance, “and Anonymous would have not have done such a thing to Fluttershy had you remembered to fully explain pony anatomy." he narrows his eyes and crosses his arms. He doesn’t realize how personal a subject like that is for Twilight. Of course she didn’t go into vivid detail about ponies and how they react to certain stimuli.

She didn’t feel that it was important at the time. You made no attempt to massage a pony’s scalp, rub a unicorn’s horn, rub a tummy, or massage the wings of a Pegasus. You have only been here three days. Such intimate subjects are best saved for when they’re needed. You’re not even a pony, so why would you need to know that information anyway?

"Why didn't you go with him? Is it because you were too busy crying over a little water? Oh, boo-hoo, Twilight. He needed you and you failed him. Just like how you failed to stop me. Because of that, Anonymous has to suffer. You're such a great friend Twilight." And with those parting words he teleports out with Anonymous. The gravity of your situation starts to play on Twilight… Regret and guilt for what has happened weighs heavily upon her, so much so she collapses into the floor and cries. As she cries she believes Discord to be absolutely right. Her fur turns a darker grey that day…

Meanwhile, Screwball and Eris are currently sitting on stools that face different corners of their living room, the ruins of their little battle lying around them. When Discord stopped in for a visit he didn’t appreciate the state their home was left in. He gave the two quite a talking to before putting them in their corners as punishment.

Screwball is obviously worse off than Eris in this little penance. She fidgets in her stool, curious as to what the room looks like rather than the wall she’s been forced to look at all day. Eris is a bit more subtle with her displeasure. She’s been grumbling for the better part of two hours. It’s already late afternoon and he hasn’t allowed either to move.

Screwball grimaces before looking to her obviously sore flank. As soon as her eyes turn away the crackling sound that signals Discord’s magic fills their ears. The two turn to see their father appear with you in his arms. The two cringe when they see your face, to them it looks like you’ve been through a stampede.

"Girls, your punishment is over. I'm going to need your assistance for a few moments.” His daughters are in front of him in a flash, neither wish to anger him lest they end up on the dreaded stools yet again. Besides, judging by his scowl he’s already let them know he’s in no mood for games. With Eris and Screwball in close proximity they can really see what happened. Both of your eyes are swollen shut, your jaw has swelled up like a balloon, your clothes are dirty and torn, plus the fingers in your right hand are bent at awkward angles. As if someone had stomped on them furiously.

"Whoa. What happened to him, Daddy?" Screwball seems more awestruck at how you look, rather than concerned.

"Screwball, Anonymous got in to a little scuffle," he doesn’t go into further detail. Instead he makes his way to your bathroom. Eris and Screwball follow close behind.

"A little scuffle? Dad, he looks like he got run over by a train,” She’s generous enough to hold the door open for Discord. As he floats inside he sets you down in your spacious tub. It seems like he intends to clean you before doing anything else. At this point you won’t feel a thing, so it’s better to do it now instead of doing it while you’re conscious, at least that’s how he thinks.

"Girls, remember that hospital I had you go to a little while back?"

"Of course I do! You had us get those hospital beds and we raced them down that hill!" Screwball shouts happily. She recalls the time where she won that race; she felt that it was too bad the humans that were strapped to them didn’t have any fun.

"Yes, now do you remember all that medical equipment around those beds?" The two nod in response. "Good, I'm going to need you to get those things, and I'm going to need you to steal everything from those little medical cabinets. I already healed Anon's ailments once. It'll be another day until I can heal him again.” He strips you of your clothing and turns the knobs on your tub. Water starts to pour over your battered form.

"Last thing I need to do is try to fix him with my magic still inside him. If I cast another spell I’ll probably turn his heart in to a parrot or something,” he puts his claws in the water to test the temperature, slowly but surely it’s heating up, “while the two of you gather the medical equipment, I'm going to clean him up and get him in bed. I sincerely hope he doesn't wake up during this little procedure. At least, not until we get the morphine in him.”

"He's gonna be hurting isn't he?"

“Did you really ask that? There is no way I’m related to such an airhead.” Eris is generally ignored.

"Oh, you have no idea, pumpkin," he turns back to look at his daughter, "can I count on the two of you to get the stuff I need?" They answer by saluting. "Good girls, now go."

Eris snaps her fingers and the two are teleported to Earth. They take to their mission with the upmost care and importance. While Eris gathers supplies Screwball uses her magic to terrorize the populace. It would have been a near instant process, but Screwball insisted on making a storm in the Atlantic Ocean. When the two appear in your room they find that Discord already has you in bed; clean as a whistle. When he sees their entrance he smiles.

"Ah, I see you've brought me… everything. Well, I never specified and it's better to have too much than too little," He motions for them to set their stuff down. When they do so he snaps his fingers. The medical items disappear and reappear properly applied to your body. Your hand has been put into a cast, and your veins are being pumped full of the items necessary for your recovery. A heart monitor and oxygen mask are there to keep your vitals checked and kept steady.

“That’s all that I’ll needed, I’m going to stay here and see if there’s any change. The two of you are free to do as you please.” Discord takes to your recliner, and with a flick of the wrist a book is brought into existence. He thumbs through the tome while Eris and Screwball take their leave…

The two sit in the ruins of their living room, all the while trying to come up with various schemes. Each idea seems to get progressively worse, but at least they’re passing the time in a way that isn’t destructive. Screwball has done enough damage to last a lifetime.

Eris comes up with an idea that does nothing to help Screwball’s boredom. In fact, it exacerbates it. She suggests that they work together to clean the mess from yesterday’s fight.

"But I don't wanna clean up," Screwball whines before lazily kicking her hooves.

"Screwball, we have magic. It won't take more than a few minutes.” Despite the labor being very easy, Screwball will have none of it.

“But that's too long, sis. I'm tired, I'm hungry, and I wanna do something fuuuuuun-ah.” She rolls around, only spreading the debris.

"Oh for the love of...Screwball we just came back from grabbing a mountain of electric thingies, you're putting forth more effort with that than this," her explanations fall upon deaf ears.

"Meeeeeeh!" Screwball’s whining raises in volume and she kicks her hooves again.

Eris cries out in frustration at her antics, "Fine! I'll do it, you lazy flank!" she snaps her claws and a broom materializes. Screwball looks on in wonder as more brooms appear and start sweeping. They work to put the broken pieces of furniture into separate piles. When she sees that she won’t have to do a single thing she lies back and crosses her hooves behind her head.

When she closes her eyes a broom sweeps into her side. She opens an eye to watch the enchanted broom continue to hit her. It’s not enough to hurt, but it’s quite an annoying sensation for the little chaos pony.

"Hey sis, I think you've got a "special" broom here.” When she gets to her hooves and starts to float in the air, the offending broom sweeps up the mess she was laying on. Screwball didn’t appreciate that one bit, "Hey, I was being lazy on that!" She shouts.

She tries to lunge for the treacherous broom, but it flies away from her. She ends up landing on her stomach. Before she can get up she can feel the bristles smack against her flank.

Eris starts laughing at her misfortune, "Why don't you just leave and let the brooms do their thing?" She points toward the door leading further in, "after all, there's a pool you can do nothing in.” Screwball’s ears perk up at the prospect of swimming. In fact, that would be the perfect thing to do in order to pass the time. She smiles before making a mad dash to the hallway leading to the pool and hot tub.

Thankfully, neither of them fought in that area so everything remained intact. She trots around the floating pool toys so she can get a clear view of the cold, crystal clear water. The tiles that made up the pool's floor and walls reflected the wacky color scheme the rest of your little home had. Multiple colors in varied patches cover the pools interior, even the pool lights were multi-colored. Screwball dips a hoof into the water in order to test the temperature. Realizing that it’s just right she wastes no time leaping into the air and doing a dramatic dive. Unfortunately she didn’t move forward at all, instead of ending up in the water she face plants into the concrete on the side of the pool.

When she’s able to lift her head she stops for a moment and counts the stars that swirl around her head. She shakes it rapidly in order to dispel the phenomenon. Then she crawls into the pool instead of risking another dive. The cool, refreshing waters work wonders on her now pained skull. She takes a deep breath before diving. No one knows how she does it, but she manages to move her hooves in a way that allows her to swim without any trouble. Every other pony has to doggie paddle, but not her. Then again, she’s not like every other pony. She spends the rest of her time enjoying the wonders of swimming beneath the waters of her pool…

"Mmph fmmph Hrmmfr?" You try to open your eyes, but your body refuses to cooperate with you. When you’re finally able to open your eyes they only get a few centimeters before you’re forced to close them again. You’d groan if your jaw wasn’t throbbing from the abuse you were forced to endure. Judging by the sheets you’re on and the needles in your arms you’d assume you were in a hospital of sorts. A light wrapping covers your face, though a portion has been moved around your nose so you can breathe normally.

Regardless of how your face feels, you need to try to move. At this point you’re in unfamiliar territory. You try to sit up, but your body refuses. The muscles spasm within, and your broken bones only enhance the agony you're feeling. You let out a closed mouth wail before lying flat on your back. You could swear you felt your ribs poking into your lungs. You’re almost afraid to breathe.

You’d feel angry were it not for your condition. You can’t believe you lost that fight with Macintosh. And it’s all because Fluttershy had to hit your nether region with an apple. Sad as it may be, that area isn’t actually hurting. Then again, when your arms feel the tubes attached to the needles you’re fairly certain you’ve got something pouring into you in order to numb the pain. You shudder at the thought of how much you’re not actually feeling. The short, steady beeping from above you matches your pulse… so you’re even hooked up to a heart monitor. Just how damaged are you? As you’re trying to establish just how broken your body is a familiar voice calls your attention.

"Ah, so you're awake," you hear Discord call to your right. You turn your head to the source of his voice, “let me guess. You can’t move your jaw, can you?” You shake your head. He in turn sighs before you hear him shut a book. “I can’t help but feel somewhat responsible for your injuries, considering I’m the reason why you’re here in the first place.” You can only grunt in reply. “And I bet you’re wondering why I haven’t healed you yet like I did a few days ago, correct?”

You don’t even have to respond to that for him to know you’re wondering that. If Discord is really with you then the medical equipment isn’t needed. He could just fix you up with the snap of his claws and you’d be right as rain. But, there seems to be a problem with that.

"The reason why I haven’t is because the chaotic magic I used from before is still dwelling within you. If I cast another spell on you my magic and the remaining magic won't mix well.” It appears as though you’re getting a crash course in Chaos and how its magic works. By the sound of it, you don’t exactly like where this is probably going.

“And I might end up killing you.” That’s exactly what you were waiting for him to say. You’d rather recover the normal way rather than risk dying as a result of botched magic. “It'll be another day before I can heal you.” Another twenty four hours of being stuck on a bed with no way to do anything? That doesn’t exactly sound like a good time.

“Screwball and Eris saw to making sure you had some semblance of recovery. The equipment attached to you should keep you somewhat comfortable during the duration of your wait.” You’d smile at that, but your body is no condition to do so. You find it pathetic that you can’t even smile. Though Discord gives you something that makes you wish you could.

“Also, I’ve been avoiding this, but I’ll answer any sort of questions you have when you’re well enough to speak,” you can hear him shuffle his feet, “I sort of tossed you into this mess blind… the least I can do is answer anything Twilight forgot to mention.” Discord snaps his claws and gasps when he realizes something he forgot to mention.

“I completely forgot to tell you this. You need to eat something a.s.a.p. You haven’t had any food or any water since you’ve arrived. It’s been days,” he’s absolutely right. You haven’t eaten or drank a single thing since coming to Equestria. You remember being hungry back in Twilight's library the first day you arrived, but after Discord cast his healing spell the hunger left you. You figured you'd end up being hungry or thirsty later, but it never came. You assumed it was just a bi-product of Discord's magic.

“A very unfortunate side effect. Your body still needs its nutrients, but it’s getting them from the magic that still remains, and nothing more. When that dries up and dissipates, your body is going to feel the effects of eating and drinking nothing over the course of three days,” you hear him start to pace around the room, “I honestly don’t know how you humans work in that aspect, but three days without water kills you, doesn’t it?”

You’d shout out of frustration at this series of events, but your jaw can’t open at all. Instead you can only grunt angrily. You wish Discord told you this sooner, now you're probably going to die after having to deal with being unable to move. You have no idea how dehydration feels when going without water for a long period, but you know it won’t be pleasant. Unlike you, Discord doesn’t seem all that worried.

“Bah, don’t worry about it Anon. It’s not all bad. We’ll figure out a way to keep you hydrated. We’ll probably give you water through a straw or something. Don’t worry, I’m not gonna let you die from something like this.” He’s reassurance does wonders to help calm the storm of anxiety currently coursing through you. “And my daughters will be more than capable of taking care of you for today and tomorrow." Discord finishes hearty laugh, “Here, allow me to demonstrate. Eris, could you come here for a moment please?”

Silence permeates the room as Eris makes no attempt at revealing herself. Discord chuckles nervously as the two of you wait. One minute passes, then two, then three. There is still no sign of Eris to be found. He taps his hoof on the ground impatiently at the five minute mark. He growls to himself when ten minutes have passed by.

“Anytime now Anon, have patience." You shake your head in disappointment. Discord is the one getting mad and he’s telling you to have patience. He grumbles again before turning to you. "Guess a number between one and twenty.” Yeah you know about this game, and you hope he knows you can’t exactly guess right now. You weakly raise an arm and point to the wrapping around your face. Your jaw won’t be moving anytime soon. “Oh, ah yes, of course.”

“Mmphfr.” Luckily that little bit with your arms gives you enough courage to try with your other arm, and then you try your legs. Thankfully they only focused on your torso for the most part rather than your legs. Well, aside from your hand of course. That was currently in a cast. You found that to be rather annoying, but it’s only one hand rather than both so you can live with it.

“I spy?” Discord suggests yet another game, this time you point to your eyes, “Oh, ah, yes of course.” A broken record if you’ve ever heard one. You believe he’s only doing this to get a cheap laugh for later. He obviously knows you’re in no condition to do anything.

Discord continues to list games as a way to pass the time and you in turn keep pointing to yourself. ‘How the hell is this amusing?!’ You think to yourself. Discord stops mid suggestion when something thumps against your door. With Discord silent you can hear frantic whispering on the other side of your door.

"No, I'm not going in there like this!" You hear Eris whisper.

"Oh, come on! It'll be fun," Screwball says in return before giggling.

"Screwball, no, this is demeaning.” Suddenly the door opens and you hear Eris get thrown into the room. She grunts when she lands on your floor. It’s too bad you can’t see what Eris is wearing at the moment. As it turns out they heard Discord call for them, it just took them a little while to prepare for you.

"Heeeey, Anon! Your maid is here!" You hear Screwball giggle after her little introduction, “Oh wait! You can’t talk… and you can’t see. Huh, that kinda defeats the purpose.” She sounds so disappointed. You feel a weight sit upon your bed; you assume it to be Eris. What you don’t know is that she’s donned a French Maid’s outfit. Screwball is doing her best to keep from bursting out into fits of laughter. Discord just looks on smirking at his daughter.

Eris waves a claw in front of your face to test if you really can’t see. Her cheeks are alight with blush at being forced into such an embarrassing outfit. But some of that embarrassment fades when she realizes only her family can see her in her get-up.

“Ha! You’re totally blind!” She cries triumphantly. You grunt in response, “Oh, I shouldn’t be happy about that… sorry.” You nod before giving her an confirmatory grumble. “So uh, what did you want, Daddy?” She turns to her father.

“Well, I don’t want anything, but Anonymous NEEDS someone to look after him. For starters he needs to drink some water. There should be a few bottles in the fridge, and we should have some straws on top of the microwave.” Eris nods before flying out of the room. All the while Screwball is too busy laughing and rolling around in your floor to care about your condition. And to think you actually considered her a friend. All you can feel for her right now is contempt.

Although, she’s not priority number one right now. That’s your position. Right now you need to get some water in you. It’s as Discord said, you’ll feel the effects of going without that life source, and you really do not want to know what dying from dehydration feels like. After a minute or two you hear Eris make her way back into the room.

“Got it,” she says before floating over to you, “here let me take care of this…” her gryphon claws tear through the wrappings keeping your jaw shut. Immediately she places the straw right on your lips, without skipping a beat you open your lips slightly and sip at its contents. Crisp, refreshing water makes its way down your throat. While the need for water isn’t there you know you need to drink as much of it as you can.

It isn’t long before you finish your bottle, and for a second bottle to replace the first. Like before you drink up the second bottle, but you’re unable to finish it. When you feel the lining of your stomach poke against something sharp you refuse to down any more. Eris notices this before taking the straw away from your maw.

“Anon needs to drink more than that, sweetie.” You point to your stomach so Discord understands what you mean. There’s no way you can drink anymore without putting pressure on your stomach. If you do that you’ll be having a bad time. It doesn’t help that the water you’ve just consumed is going to come out sometime.

“He can’t drink anymore. He’ll probably hurt himself if he does.” You hear the sound of Eris throwing your bottle at the wall, the sound of an explosion causes your ears to ring for a few moments. You bring your hands up to them and cup them in obvious pain.

“Great job Eris, now he’s probably deaf too.” Eris giggles nervously before rubbing the back of her head with her claws.

“Oops?” Discord sighs before shaking his head out of disappointment.

“I can fix this!” Eris prepares to snap her fingers.

“No! You’ll just make it worse!” Discord rushes over and grabs hold of her claws. “Just give him a few moments, maybe he’ll be fine,” the two look you over for a few moments before Discord decides to lean in and speak. “Hey Anon can you hear me?” You nod. He breathes a sigh of relief before wiping his brow, “bullet dodged.” You’re thankful that the ringing went away without any trouble. You didn’t need to add to the list of issues you had to deal with at the moment…

Over the next few hours your issues came to light more than you would have liked. Eris, being the good friend she is, kept going back and forth giving you both soup and water in hopes of stemming the tide you’ll be forced to endure once the magic leaves your body. The discomfort in your abdomen became too great and unfortunately the majority of what was made for you went to waste.

You were surprised at her willingness to do this. Perhaps you were more important to them then you thought. You haven’t known them for long at all, yet one of them is taking time out of their day to keep you comfortable and taken care of. She seems a lot more mature than she lets on. Unlike Screwball who ended up leaving as per Discord’s orders. Everyone in the room was getting sick of her laughing.

During the entirety of your day you can’t help but wonder why they’re even doing all of this in the first place; after all, Discord is probably going to heal you as soon as the magic runs out. You’ll probably get dehydration and starvation for a few seconds at most.

Regardless of whether Eris knows that or not, she keeps doing her little routine. That is, until the need to urinate arises. Naturally she was against doing such a thing, but after a little coaxing from her father she left the room and came back with a bedpan. Admittedly it was awkward for you considering you didn’t feel comfortable doing such a thing with the two of them right there, but nature calls no matter how you feel about something like that.

Thankfully no one said anything about it, and Eris handled it quite well. You were expecting her to sound disgusted or for her to freak out at seeing that part of you. Instead she was silent. It was a welcome change to what you had to deal with before from her. Then the moment of truth came to light. Your bedtime, basically Eris and Discord increased the flow of whatever was attached to you. All too soon you feel your eyelids grow heavy and your breathing began to slow…

“Ffmank moo,” you say as sleep’s gentle embrace overtakes you. Eris sighs, tired from having to go back and forth for you for the better part of the day.

“You’re welcome,” she leans in thinking you’re still awake, “but I swear if I have to do this again I’m going to tear my hair out.” You wouldn’t be surprised that she didn’t have any fun. Taking care of someone in your condition isn’t supposed to be so. But with you sound asleep she takes your bedpan and leaves the room, being sure to shut off the lights before shutting your door...

The moon hangs high in the sky, its gentle light cascades across the landscape. But not all is as calm and serene as the quiet land of Equestria. While the majority of the populace sleeps safe and sound in their beds, two girls break the norm. Screwball uses her hooves to slowly push your door open. They find you sound asleep in your bed. The medication they have pumping into you is really doing the trick.

“Yeah, he’s asleep,” Screwball whispers out into the hall, slowly Eris slinks around the corner and up to her.

“Screwball, this doesn’t seem like a good idea,” She peers into Anon’s room as she speaks.

“Well it was your idea, sis. I’m just helping you because I’m such a nice sister,” Screwball whispers back to her before smirking.

“Yeah. Is it because you’re nice, or is it because you’re curious too?”

“What I’m curious about is irrelevant. This is because YOU wanted to do this.” And with that Screwball flies into your room. Eris creeps in right behind her. They freeze when they get halfway to your bed. When they see that there is no change in your breathing they keep going until they’re right next to you.

“Okay, since daddy didn’t put his clothes on after his bath this should be easy.” Screwball grabs hold of your blankets and starts to slowly pull them away from you.

“I’m still not sure we should do this. I feel… I dunno, guilty.”

“Hey, you’re the one who said he was cute. I’m just helping you along,” Screwball continues to pull the covers back.

“You said it too, you little harlot!” First your feet are exposed, then your thighs. Screwball stops for a moment and turns back to Eris.

“Wait, didn’t you get to see it earlier?” Eris’ cheeks take on a pink tint before she turns away, embarrassed beyond all belief.

“I… uh… when I put the bedpan down for Anon I kind of shut my eyes.” Screwball giggles before shaking her head.

“Then this is your second chance. Come on, Eris, don’t be a wimp,” she sticks her tongue and Eris grumbles under her breath in response.

“Fine. Hurry up and do it,” Screwball needs no coaxing beyond that. In a quick movement she pulls back your covers to fully reveal your lower half. Eris' face goes red and she covers her eyes, then she moves her digits so she can peek, eventually she's able to actually look without being embarrassed. Screwball is a lot less reserved when it comes to things like this so eyeing your package isn’t an issue for her.

“There, remember what it looks like, cos you’ll never get to see it again.” Screwball taunts. She sticks her tongue out at Eris only to have her glare in response.

“This is already awkward enough as it is, you don’t need to piss me off too.” She says its awkward yet she doesn’t take her eyes off of you, though she does occasionally glance at the lumps rising from your abdomen. The two of them hope their father will be able to fix you tomorrow. You don’t need to suffer any more than you already have.

After a minute they lean in and look over your lower half in greater detail.

“Why is it so small?” Eris squints her eyes in concentration. Screwball scoffs at her sister.

“Don’t know you know anything? Stallions are always this small down below. You gotta make him bigger.” Her explanation only causes Eris’ cheeks to turn a darker shade of pink.

“Okay I get that, so how would you do it smart mare? It’s not like YOU’VE ever seen one before.” Screwball puts a hoof to her chin in thought for a moment before shrugging.

“I dunno. Daddy never taught me stuff like this.”

“That he hasn’t. Say, aren’t we over a thousand years old or so?” Screwball nods, “We’re sheltered aren’t we?” She nods yet again. Apparently Discord couldn’t handle the thought of either Eris or Screwball finding that special someone. Even if they did, Discord would probably vaporize their suitors. As the two reflect their father’s protective nature, Screwball finally breaks the silence.

“So, wanna boop it?” She points to your lower half…

Author's Note

This particular chapter is shorter than the others because there was a portion to this chapter that turned it into a crossover.

Considering this story isn't a crossover I had to delete that portion and in turn nearly four thousand words were deleted as a result. Changes had to be made as a result.

However, this will be the shortest chapter, the others will more than likely exceed the length of the previous ones.

Also, I cannot stress this enough, if you find something wrong readers please PM me and let me know. I have no proofreaders.

Chapter Seven: Anon's Past, Recovery, and Discord's Master Plan

// Chapter Seven: Anon's Past, Recovery, and Discord's Master Plan //------------------------------//

When you finally stirred, the scent of chicken broth graced your senses. When your head turns to the source of the delectable aroma you hear Eris hum in approval.

“Alright, you’re finally up. I knew it’d work. No one can resist this.” Now that she knows you’re up she wastes no time in using her claws to carefully tear away at the bandages covering your face. It takes a minute or so for your eyes to get adjusted to your lights but when you do, you’re grinning like an idiot.

You see her maid’s outfit firsthand. It’s been made to fit her form and she even wears the black stockings that go along with it. She raises a brow in question before looking down at what she’s wearing. Immediately her cheeks light up and her smile fades.

“What?” She asks, obviously knowing what you’re smiling about.

“I didn’t think you’d really wear something like that. It’s, well, I never thought I’d see a chimera in a dress.” You gauge your jaw’s soreness with that statement. While you were able to speak normally it wouldn’t be wise to speak for long periods of time. You were wincing while talking due to an acute pain shooting throughout that section of your mouth. Plus you sound ridiculous with the wind flowing past your missing tooth.

“I’m a Draconequus, not a chimera,” she corrects you. You see her stir the broth with a spoon for a few moments before dipping it in. When she brings out a spoonful of the off yellow substance you grimace. The steam coming off of it makes you think it’ll burn upon contact with your tongue. You’d rather keep your sense of taste.

“Can ya blow on it or something?” She glares at you as though she’s offended by your question.

“No.” You whimper before giving her the best begging stare you can. You pout and make your lower lip quiver as your eyes take on a saddened expression. The only thing you manage to do is make her laugh at you. She shakes her head.

“Okay, fine. Here ya go, you big baby.” She leans in and blows upon the broth until the steam is barely noticeable. When she places it near your lips you willingly open your mouth and let the spoon in. It’s a bit awkward considering you’re in a reclined position, but the two of you manage to make it work. As soon as the broth hits your tongue the warmth, coupled with the taste, sends pleasurable warmth throughout your very being.

In a way, Eris’ broth brought home to mind. Back when you were a child, when your sister wasn’t tormenting you, if you ever came down with a cold or something along those lines. Your mother would take time to make a little bit of broth for you if you suffered from a sore throat. It always did the trick, much as it’s doing now.

But despite how good it felt to finally have something in your stomach, a few things worried you. You finally noticed what Discord meant about your body not having a necessity to take in food. After it went down your oesophagus and hit your stomach, you didn’t feel any different. You didn’t feel fuller, nor did you feel hungry for more. You could probably drink the broth until your stomach tore open and you still wouldn’t feel satisfied. Eris notices your distress.

“You okay Anon?” You shake your fearful thoughts from your mind and nod.

“Yeah, I’m thinking about what Dis— Fuck.” You rub your sore jaw gingerly with your uninjured hand.

“I’m right here, ya know, you can whisper or whatever. I’m sure the wider you open your mouth the more it hurts.” You take her advice. She’s right, surprisingly; with you barely opening your mouth to speak the sharp pain is now tolerable discomfort.

“So, you were thinking about what Daddy was telling you, huh?” You nod, “What about? He’s told you a lot of things.”

“It’s about the not eating thing.” Eris nods as she readies another spoonful of broth. Just like before she blows on it before having you open your mouth. Another spoonful slides down your throat and she goes back to getting a third serving ready for you.

“Well, you won’t have to deal with it long. Daddy says the magic will run its course here in a few hours. After that you’ll be right back to making more friends.” She doesn’t sound very enthusiastic when she says it. You’re tempted to ask what’s wrong, but you decide to save it for after you’re healed. You don’t need to talk more than you absolutely need to.

The next few minutes is spent in silence as Eris repeats spoon feeding you your meal. Albeit it’s a bit awkward, and her smile has disappeared and she seems distant. She continues her pattern of giving you your broth until the bowl is emptied of its contents. Thankfully, you’re able to fill yourself up without your ribs causing you any issues. Poor Eris doesn’t realize you’ve finished it until she puts the empty spoon into your mouth. You grunt disapprovingly which finally brings her back to reality. Her eyes widen at the realization before she pulls the spoon from your maw. She giggles nervously before floating off of your bed.

“Sorry about that,” she makes her way for the door, “I’ll be back to check up on you lat—“ She’s interrupted by your opening door. Screwball bucks it so hard Eris ends up crushed between your wall and it. Using the propeller on her beanie Screwball flies over to your bed, bedpan in hoof. You see that it’s sporting a medical symbol on its front.

“Good morning, Anon! Its potty time!” She cheerfully shouts before raising the bedpan over her head and gently placing it on your crotch. You look down at the little piece of metal and she floats above you expectantly. How she expects you to use the bathroom on your own with only one usable arm and an injured torso is beyond you. Her swirling purple eyes widen when she finally comes to realize that you’re incapable of using the bathroom alone.

“Oh, duh, of course!” she face hoofs before moving your covers away and helping you set up to use the little metal bowl. While it’s a bit embarrassing to do your business in front of Screwball that doesn’t stop nature from running its course. It only delays it. After that little ordeal was over and done with, Screwball’s eyes glow with a dark purple hue. An oval shaped portal of swirling chaos appears next to her. She takes the bedpan and casually tosses it into the tear in space. It immediately closes up after its purpose has been served.

“Where’d you throw it?” She giggles madly, and then promptly stops before shrugging.

“I don’t know, somewhere awesome I bet.”

While the minutes tick on by back on Earth your landlord is currently walking down a set of stairs of a medical center. As it turns out your beating did more damage than you’ll ever know. His face is currently wrapped up in a similar fashion as to how yours was. Though there’s a gap in the wrapping for his mouth and nose. As of right now he’s looking to disobey his nurse’s orders. He’s going out to the front to smoke a cigarette. As soon as he passes by the fourth floor door your full bedpan phases into existence. It slams into the back of his head causing him to lose his balance.

He curses in Italian before promptly falling down the rest of the way. When he hits the ground floor his head slams into the first floor doorway, knocking him out almost instantly. Not only has he suffered more head trauma, but now he’s covered in your urine. He never saw it coming. If only you knew the issues a lazy act of disposal caused…

As Screwball turns to leave, she sees your door slowly push away from the wall to reveal a very two dimensional Eris. Her body’s been forced into a very uncomfortable looking shape. Her eyes are wide with shock. Screwball loses it when she sees her sister in such a state, she falls to the floor and rolls around laughing all the while.

Eris grumbles before she reaches up and peels herself off of your wall. She floats in midair for a few moments before she sticks her thumb in her mouth. After a few seconds of blowing on it she slowly fills herself out and with an audible pop her body returns to normal.

“Yeah, very funny,” she says before snapping her claws. A broom suddenly appears in the air. Screwball’s laughing stops immediately.

“You wouldn’t,” Screwball mutters before slowly backing away from the floating object. When it comes too close for comfort she screams out of fear before scrambling out the door. The broom follows close behind. When she makes it out of your room you can hear the occasional thwack of the broom and yelp from Screwball as the broom makes contact with her flank. Eris lets loose a bout of evil laughter before following Screwball out into the hall. She’s sure to slam the door behind her. You can’t help but imagine the possible horrors that will be lying beyond it.

You breathe a sigh of relief, finally you’re alone. You just hope one of them come back to clean up the broken bowl and warped spoon that now lies right next to your door. You get to spend maybe thirty seconds alone with your thoughts before Discord decides now is the best time to pop in and say hello. A quick crackle of magic assaults your ears as Discord appears to your left. You leap in your bed out of surprise and fear, causing pain to shoot throughout the entirety of your body. Your agonizing scream causes his eyes to widen and the smile to drop from his face.

“Ooh, so sorry Anon, I forgot you’re not used to that kind of stuff.” He looks away while scratching the back of his head nervously. “But hey, at least you won’t feel pain for much longer anyway, am I right?” His anxious laughter only causes you to glare angrily.

You’re sucking in air through your clenched teeth and you’ve gone from docile to absolutely livid in less than five seconds. Only a creature like Discord can achieve such a feat with you. Each bit of breath you take in only enhances the discomfort you’re feeling.

“Fuck you Discord,” You say through gritted teeth.

“Tsk tsk, come now, is that any way to talk to the one with the answer to your problem?” He drives a very hard point into your skull. He’s your ticket out of this constant discomfort you’re feeling. It seems as though not even the morphine can dull everything. While you stop clenching your teeth and glaring you aren’t able to extinguish your anger, at least not completely.

“No, no its not,” Discord’s smile returns and he takes a seat at the edge of your bed, his back faces you.

“Precisely. Now that you’re able to speak, please tell me how you like Equestria thus far.” You sigh quietly before shrugging with your uninjured arm.

"Well, I can say I'm a little on the fence about it," you answer honestly. Discord turns himself towards you.

"Why is that?" You scoff in response.

"Probably because I got my ass kicked by a stallion, and because I had an apple tossed at my sack." Discord hearty laughter does nothing but make you dig your nails into your palm. Of course he’d find something like that funny, it hasn’t happened to him.

"I could see how that would hamper anyone's fun," Discord manages to say between fits of laughter. You could feel your anger raising back to the level it was at before, but you maintain a calm tone.

"Yeah yeah, laugh it up, Discord.” You grumble. When his laughter finally dies down the two of you sit in silence, neither really looking to say anything to the other after that. When he makes no motion to continue the conversation you turn your gaze to the ceiling. After a minute or so Discord comes up with a question that catches you completely off guard.

“Anon, I have to ask. How bad were things for you before I came into the picture?” You do a double take before raising a brow in question.

“I thought you knew everything about me, you said so yourself.” He chuckles before shaking his head.

“Anon, when we locked eyes that night, I only got a brief opportunity to glance over a few things. I don’t know as much as I led you to believe. That night I was trying to intimidate you, and I daresay that worked.” Is this honesty you’re being given? You look over his features in order to see if he’s lying. He’s showing no signs of a smile, nor is there any sort of mischievous glint to his eye.

His expression is grim, void of the chaotic nature you’ve come to expect. As you mull over his words you can’t help but think about it. It’s as though you’re digging in a pit of memories that you’ve long since buried. Thoughts and feelings you hoped would remain hidden from the world. It’s been many years since you’ve recalled any event of your past that didn’t involve the incident as a focal point.

As you continue to reminisce about your childhood memories you can't help but feel more than a pang of regret. Things didn't exactly go your way growing up. You look from your hands, then back to Discord before nodding. You do so more for yourself than for him. It isn’t easy.

You’re not one to speak of yourself in such a manner. No one ever bothered to ask, because no one cared. As long as you could work, that’s all they needed. The factory supervisor had no use for what brought you to where you were, it only mattered to him whether you were competent or not. But you’ve got friends now, something that was nonexistent back on Earth. It’s in a friend’s nature to ask such questions. You’d have to be willing to answer them, and to do so with honesty.

“Alright, you want to know more about me?” He nods, “I hope you’re comfortable. This will take a while.” As you drum your fingers upon your bed you start by telling Discord that you learned that life wasn’t fair at an early age. You informed him that you wished you knew how to at least soften the blows of that realization back then.

The world around you seems to melt away as you tell him about events long since passed. You picture yourself as a child, and a feeling of nostalgia washes over you. Your house was like every other typical suburban home in a gated community. A white picket fence surrounded your small your two floored home. You still had a vivid recollection of it. The plain and uninteresting asphalt colored shingle roofing, the white paint, the sturdy oak used to help shape your home, and of course, the little gray shutters placed on both sides of each window.

Your home reflected the neighborhood. Calm, or serene, would be two words you'd use to describe it. Nothing seemed out of place and nothing appeared to be out of the ordinary. It was simple, it was peaceful, and you loved every bit of it. You can even remember all those evenings when you'd spend the majority of your time outside playing with sticks or running around aimlessly. The soft crunching of grass coupled with your joyous laughter would fill the air as hours seemed to pass by in minutes. Though you spent most of your time alone; your imagination would be all you needed.

To your joy the neighborhood kids would come by and play with you as well. They'd have little stick fights with you; you could recall the adventures you'd have. Of course you never won those stick fights, but that wasn't important to you. Fun was first and foremost; you could stand losing.

You don't really remember spending any time indoors unless a storm reared its ugly head or whenever your parents were away. They were gone a lot more than you would have liked. But whenever they got home from their business trips, or whenever they decided to work from home they'd always squeeze in time to include you when they could. You didn't ask much of them; after all, without Mom or Dad you would have never been born. You owed your mommy and daddy your life even if you couldn't fully comprehend that.

You had friends, loving parents, and you had fun things to look forward to whenever you got home from school. Life was great. Your childhood wasn't a bad one, so why did things go south for you? Discord asked the exact same question. He did not expect the sole cause of things getting worse for you was your sister.

You remember being four, or was it five? You could never guess the right age. You were playing in your living room while your babysitter read one of her little teen magazines. Your mother had been pregnant for the past nine months. When you were first told you were ecstatic. You'd be getting a little brother or sister. You would finally get another playmate when he/she got old enough.

So you waited patiently as the months dragged on. Your mother's belly started getting bigger. You could remember your poor father having to deal with your mother in her hormonal state. Thankfully he took the brunt of that little problem; though it was a small price to pay for bringing another life in to the world. A life that you had no idea you'd grow to hate.

When the front door finally opened and when your mother and father came walking through the threshold you saw them carrying that little pink blanketed bundle of joy, you knew your life was about to get all the more exciting. But you had no idea just how wrong you were. As an infant you knew she'd require more attention than you, and the way your parents would coddle her didn't sit right with you. Your sister would grow up to expect things to be given to her. Even as a child you knew there was something wrong with what they were doing but you're a kid and they're the adults. Back then you could probably chalk that feeling up to jealousy, but it doesn’t matter now.

You explain to Discord that you took the back seat so to speak. They were busy with the baby, so much so that your mother stopped going out on business trips. She would work from home while your father was the one who travelled. You, however, would have to stick to your toys, and you'd have to learn to leave mommy alone while she watches the baby. No matter, in a few years she'll join you and things would be normal again, but with a new addition!

The years went by for you in a blur, soon both of you had grown older. Elementary School was just getting started for you, and already you had to deal with her spoiled attitude. She would constantly cause a fuss if she didn’t get what she wanted. You realized that it was better to simply keep your wants to yourself rather than blatantly spout what you want.

It didn't help that your parents kept folding and giving her what she asked for. On the occasion where you did ask for something your father would end up pulling you to the side and explaining to you why it'd be bad to act like that while being the older brother. He described how the younger sibling would take on the values and behavior of the older sibling, so you had to steer clear of things that would make you seem greedy or spoiled.

However, no matter what you tried to do, she never picked up on your mannerisms or morals. In fact, she seemed to go towards the opposite end of that spectrum. She even started trying to make your bus riding time full of grief. They made you sit with her and she took advantage of that. There were times where she'd ram her head in to the seat and start crying. She'd blame you, saying you were the one who hurt her. No matter what you'd say no one believed you.

They believed the younger sibling over the older. Your bottom received constant 'rehabilitation' from your father's belt because of her antics. Eventually you grew to despise your sister altogether. You could never get away from her because she was your sister.

At home she'd continue her terrible behavior. She came to understand that your father was away often and that your mother would be in the basement hard at work on her computer running her business via documents, various emails, and of course a fax machine. She had a little at-home office down there. That meant she could do anything and they wouldn’t see until after it happened.

Your mother would hear thumping noises and your sister crying, she'd automatically assume it was your doing, considering her little angel could never do anything wrong. You were growing tired of it. After a while you'd start yelling at her to leave you alone, or you'd avoid her completely whenever you got the chance. Either way she'd tell your mom or dad what you were doing and they'd both reprimand you.

Your mother would do so with her words, and your father with his actions. Things continued on in this state for years to come. It didn't help that she started becoming smarter as she got older; and not only in the sense of pranks, but academics as well. Soon she'd excel in places where you'd be coming up short, leading her to skip two grades. Now you had to share the same school building, along with everything else it seemed.

Being a conniving person, she learned to start spreading rumors early. Your middle school years became your most embarrassing. You couldn't walk down any hallway without someone cutting a glance your way and snickering. You learned to simply ignore your peers and whatever they'd be saying about you.

You figured out how to cope with her lies, and that only made her angrier. It seemed as if ever since she met you she hated you, and your school years only helped prove that. Needless to say your opinion of her only became poorer and you'd start finding yourself releasing your irritation in small bursts. Whether it was throwing your items in your room or simply punching things.

Soon you learned to bottle up your anger. Your parents never believed a word you said about her and that bit of frustration became too much, so you learned to stop caring about it. It was infuriating! You never did a thing to her, you tried to show her how she should behave, and all she did was make your life miserable! But you had to set an example; you had to be a good older brother.

And there was no way in hell you'd give her the satisfaction of letting her know she got to you anymore. That was one of many factors that caused her to get worse. It wasn't enough for her to get more things than you, more friends, more popularity, and better grades. No, she had to make sure you had no friends. When you were midway through high school her rumors started becoming nastier. She'd tell various girls around school that you were stalking them among other things.

Because you'd do nothing to dispel the rumors your friends started to believe them. Soon you had no friends to call your own. You couldn't talk to anyone because they'd shun you. You had no chance at getting a girlfriend because the girls at the school started finding you disgusting. It grated on your nerves and you could only repress your displeasure for so long.

This combination of anger, regret, depression, sadness, fear, and loathing ran amok within your being. It was twisting you into something you weren't. But still you would not relent; you would not give your sister the satisfaction of knowing how miserable you were.

In a weird way it made you happy that you could get under your sister's skin by simply living your life. It was as if it made her sick to find you enjoying yourself even if it was an elaborate hoax. And so she kicked it up a notch. Because she had the looks that drove teenage boys wild she was able to get the dumb jocks to listen to her.

She'd tell them how you acted at home. Of course she'd tell nothing but more lies. But when she started offering ‘favors’ in order to help make school a miserable place for you, who were they to think she wasn't telling the truth then? And that's when the real bullying began. You have to stop your little flashback for a moment. You’re grinding your teeth together so hard it hurts.

“Anon, if it’s making you feel like this you don’t have to keep going. We could just—“ you hold your hand up in order to silence him.

“No, I’m okay. I can keep going; I can’t even feel what’s wrong with my jaw. I gotta take advantage of that, heh.” When you start back you recall times where your books would be pushed from your hands; and when the straps of your backpacks would be cut so you were forced to carry your things. There were times in between classes where you'd be pushed in to lockers or tripped.

You could vividly picture the times where food would be thrown your way in the cafeteria, and the times where people would mark things in your textbooks. Phalluses were ever present. You remember shelling out money you didn't have for damage you never caused. Little did you or your sister know, you were reaching your breaking point.

Your senior year of high school was when that point was finally reached. It was a few weeks before your graduation. You had gone through school successfully. You were considered to be one of the better students of the school, despite your reputation. The bullying was dying down, and people stopped being rude to you. Life was getting better, slowly but surely.

You had a plan ready to go. Your parents were still supportive, even helping you shape your future as a journalist. Even though it seemed like they were hurrying to get you out of the house, things were going great. You couldn't complain. But your sister still had plans to make your final year the most memorable. One day, when you were in weight training, the instructor had to step out to take an important call.

You knew four of your bullies where in that class with you. When the teacher left they approached you. They brought you outside and in to the cold rain that was pouring down. You could still remember shaking from the bitter wind that brushed past your exposed skin. It was there no one would see what would happen next.

Apparently, they thought you were having too easy of a final year and that it was time for a little senior 'prank.' This prank consisted of the four of them taking turns hitting you. You had gotten stronger from lifting weights over the past few months, but you were no real fighter. Needless to say you were getting beat pretty badly.

But you could not feel their strikes, you couldn't hear them as they berated you, and you ignored when they brought up things that never happened. The only thing you could focus on was the mixture of feelings you kept bottled up for so long. It was time they came out. It was like a disease, a poison to you.

Something that ate away at you until you became a mere shell of what you were before. Your happiness, your carefree attitude, it was all lies. To help convince yourself that everything was fine and that your sister would stop. It was because of her you were like this, it was because of her these teenagers were beating you, and it was because of her your parents were treating you like a stranger in the family.

The last thing you could recall before snapping was a fist flying towards your face. When you finally came to you were lying on your back. You saw immediately that you were holding a bloody piece of concrete in your right hand. Try as you might you could not remember when you picked that up and used it.

You could feel tremendous discomfort from the swelling in your right eye and right knee. You could barely keep yourself standing. You tried to move your index and ring finger on your left hand. When you did pain shot up your entire arm. You looked to see that said fingers were bent in awkward positions, and they broke your leg right at the calf. Once you saw the blood you really started to freak out.

You shuddered as you came to terms with it all. At some point you bit your lip, it was bleeding worse than the various cuts you had along the exposed pieces of skin from your torn shirt. Your bullies were in a worse state than you. One of them was on the ground. He was reclining on the side of the building to keep himself propped up. Upon closer inspection, his shoulder was out of its socket and his head was bleeding. He flinched when he noticed you were moving.

He screamed at you to get away, he called you an animal, and a freak. It was then it dawned on you; you did a lot more damage than you thought. The others had various injuries just like you. The most prominent were the bite marks. Unlike the one sitting up, the others were out cold. You ran your tongue along your teeth to find bits of skin caught in between them.

You were physically sick as you thought about what you did. It disgusted you to know that you went to such a place, to lose control and fly off the handle like that. It was something you thought you weren’t capable of doing. In your rage induced state you seriously injured a bunch of people. You did the first action that came to mind: you flipped over on your stomach and tried to crawl away. But it was too much; you managed to get a few feet before being unable to continue.

This was something you couldn’t run away from. Someone would come looking for the five of you, and they wouldn’t have to look far. You were dreading how it would go down for you and for them. It scared you to no end, at this point you thought your life was over. You believed you would be arrested for assault with a deadly weapon.

Because you were unable to lose consciousness you were forced to suffer through the injuries inflicted upon your person. It only piled on to the problems you knew you were going to face. Eventually a student came out to find your little group.

The ride to the ER was a blur of faces you didn’t recognize and blending colors. Disoriented wouldn’t even begin to describe the condition you were in. Light headedness and the injuries you sustained kept you from being able to move a muscle as your adrenaline left you. You don’t know how many hours were spent in the hospital, but you do know that when you were finally alert they had already performed the necessary surgery for your battered body.

You can vividly picture lying in your hospital bed with a breathing apparatus attached to you, along with other assorted items in order to help keep you nice and docile. Unfortunately nothing they gave you could hope to dull what happened next. Your parents came rushing in to your room; they were worried sick about you. They assaulted you with question after question.

They wanted to know what happened, how it happened, and why it happened. You weren't surprised to find that your sister wasn't with them. That was a good thing; now there would be no one around to defend her or deny the truth. You told them everything that you could in your condition, about how your sister acted in school, about how she got those bullies after you in the first place, and everything you could recall in between.

Needless to say they were sceptic. They still couldn't believe their own daughter would be behind something like that. What could you say? She had gotten good at putting up a facade. You and she were one in the same in that aspect. She still had that spoiled attitude, but it was nowhere near as bad as it was when she was a child. Plus she actually learned to fake showing respect for others. She got good at being bad.

So your accusations weren't taken as seriously as they should have been. They believed you were bullied and they believed you were being treated unfairly, but they didn't believe it was your sister's fault. In the end got away with it, just like she always did. It pissed you off to no end, but at least they were willing to address half of the problem.

So instead of pressing the matter and digging a metaphorical hole for yourself you instead took joy in knowing things would be taken care of. Your parents were sure to let you know that you'd receive no backlash for what happened. After all, you did what you did in self-defence, at least from your standpoint.

Whether your bullies would try to press charges or not were up to them...

Your thoughts are cut off when water is poured in your face. You gasp out of surprise and the shock from having such cold assault your senses. That was a big mistake. Your day just got a whole lot worse. Immediately after breathing in, you start coughing incessantly in order to expel the water you've accidentally consumed. This puts unnecessary stress on your body; each cough causes your torso to erupt in pain. You could feel your ribs apply pressure to your expanding lungs. You couldn't breathe, your chest was flaring and your head was pounding from the lack of oxygen.

After what feels like an eternity you calm down enough to where you're able to take in a calm breath of air. Even then the discomfort in your chest doesn't go away. Suddenly you hear Discord's voice yell out.

"YOU IGNORANT FOOL! WHAT CAUSED YOU TO DO SOMETHING SO IDIOTIC?!" Discord shouts with rage. You turn to look at what he’s looking at to find Screwball on her hind hooves. She’s holding an empty bucket in her hooves. She looks mortified at what she did to you.

"I wanted to get his attention and I thought it'd be funny! I didn't know that'd happen! I'm sorry!" Screwball shouts, you can tell from her sniffling she's holding back tears.

"Don't apologize to me, apologize to him!" Discord growls before pointing to you. Eris is next to speak; apparently the yelling and your coughing fits caught her attention. She’s leaning on your door frame.

"Actually, I think it'd be better if you leave, Screwball. I don't think Anon is in the mood to listen right now.” She crosses her arms and glares her sister’s way. Both she and Discord are giving Screwball such a look it’s causing the poor mare to shrink away and try to hide.

The fury behind his eyes sends a shiver of terror down your spine. Discord is quite a fearsome sight to behold when he's mad. Suddenly Screwball fills your field of vision. She props herself up on your bed using her front hooves, and then she looks upon you with sad, swirling purple irises. Her lower lips quivers.

"I-I'm sorry Anon, really, I didn't mean to," she says in a low voice. You can see the tears starting to pool around her eyes. The irritation you're experiencing is keeping you from feeling anything but anger for this mare. You say the only thing that comes to mind at this moment.

"Get. Out." you say in a firm tone. Screwball sniffles a bit before the tears start flowing down her cheeks. You start to growl when she makes no move to leave. Finally she gets the picture.

"I'm sorry," she repeats before galloping out of your room with her head hanging low. When she’s out of your room Eris sighs before turning to look out into the hall.

"Here let me grab a few towels." She says before disappearing from sight via teleportation. You groan out of annoyance before turning your attention back to Discord. He shakes his head in disappointment before turning back to you.

"I swear that pony needs to learn when to pull a prank and when not to. I had already covered that lesson with her, but it appears as though she wasn't paying attention." This comes as a surprise to you. You figured he would have encouraged his daughter's actions but you guessed wrong.

"So wait, you're angry at her for what she did?" you ask out of curiosity, when he shakes his head you're even more confused than before.

"No, I'm angry at the WHEN, not the WHAT," Discord explains in an agitated tone, "We're supposed to cause chaos in ways that bring little to no physical harm. If a creature ends up with a scraped knee or something like that, then it’s no big deal, but if someone experiences what you just did then it becomes a problem. If some pony sustains a major injury from chaos that means they can die from it.” He snaps his claws that bring a cup of chocolate milk into existence. He grasps it in his claws before continuing.

“What's the point of causing chaos if there's no one around to revel in it? If all my chaos did was kill others then there would be no fun to it. Screwball knows this all too well, yet she did something that could have done that to you. What if your ribs punctured a lung from your coughing? We’ve still got an hour before I can heal you. With you being in the state you're in I can't find it funny.” You manage a nod before looking at the ceiling yet again. You find it refreshing that someone is looking out for your well-being.

"You have a good point Discord, but what about the ponies of Equestria?”

“What about them?” He asks as he takes sip of the glass, rather than the milk itself.

“You can't sit there and tell me that they aren't dealing with a great amount of pain from what you're doing. You're hurting them with those bulls, and from what you're doing to their homes. I'm sure there have been accidents from what you did with the Sun and Moon too." You look to see him smiling at you.

"I guess that would make me a hypocrite then?" He chuckles. You look at him incredulously.

"How can you laugh at something like that?" you ask in disbelief. Your jaw would hang loose if you could open it wide enough. All he does is laugh in response.

"Because, Anonymous, it's all in good fun. Even if these ponies end up hurt it's not as if anything major happens to them. No pony has died from what I've done.”

“"Somehow I find that hard to believe," right when you finish your door opens to reveal Eris carrying in a handful of towels.

"We'll continue this conversation later Anonymous. For now, let Eris dry you off.” As Eris floats over to you Discord reaches under your covers and produces a thick, worn tome. The cover appears blank; you believe the pages themselves are blank as well. He's probably using that book as a means to avoid conversation while his daughter is in the room. At least that's your assumption.

Eris doesn't say anything as she snaps her talons. Her chaotic magic forms a purple aura around the entirety of your bed. Soon the magic gets to work removing the collected moisture from your blankets, sheets, mattress, pillows, and pillow cases. You could feel warmth radiating from your bed as her magic ran its course. Her methods are confusing you though. After all, you're still covered in ice cold water.

"Wait, if you could just remove all the water with magic, why leave me soaking wet?" you ask before quirking a brow. She’s quick to respond

"So you wouldn't mind me super heating your flesh until all the water evaporates?" She accentuates her question with an evil grin. You gulp nervously before answering.

"Actually I would mind that very much." You say before promptly shutting up.

"Yeah, that's what I thought." After that she gets to work drying you off. She has to work carefully though, with you being in the state you are the slightest touch can hurt worse than anything you've ever been forced to experience before.

Somehow she's able to dry you without making your pain any worse. She's a lot better at this recovery bit than you thought. When her job is complete you thank her before she departs. As she leaves she informs you that your dinner will be ready soon, you manage a nod before she opens and shuts your bedroom door behind her.

"Now where were we?" Discord folds the corner of the page he's on in his book. When he closes it and puts it back under your blanket he turns to face you.

"I said I didn't believe you when you said no ponies died from your chaos."

"Well, whether you believe doesn’t concern me," His smile widens.

"I knew you'd answer like that," you say, obviously annoyed by your lack of a direct answer. Discord chuckles before saying:

"Is there anything else you'd like to ask me?" you did have more questions, and you had the time to ask them, so why not go ahead and do so?

"Here's one, why did you choose me? I'm sure there are other humans who met your qualifications." Discord scratches his chin in thought.

"I already explained this to you back when we were in your apartment, Anonymous. As I said, I saw the potential you have. I really can, but you can't. At least, not yet. You just need to be put into the right setting and the right condition for you to see it yourself." his explanation causes you to laugh.

“What do I have the potential to do? To make friends with ponies you've messed with? To fix the problems you've caused? Or is it to get my ass handed to me by ponies who wouldn't know a fair fight if it came and slapped them across the face?"

"See, there it is again. You still don't see what I see, do you? Don't you find it amusing that you're able to persevere, despite the odds stacked against you? Not every human could make friends with the ponies I've corrupted."

You argue his case and point. "Yes Discord, any human could. All it takes is patience and the willingness to accept others faults," you explain as if it’s something obvious. You only seem to make him happier with your response.

"You can honestly say that all HUMANS are capable of doing that? Because to my knowledge it seems like that's a lie, especially since humans are afraid of the unknown." you nod in agreement.

"Yeah we do, I don't know what's going on half the time and when I don’t I'm afraid for my life. I'm on some random planet which is probably in another dimension as far as I know. I have every right to fear this place. I've barely come to terms with it let alone understand it." Discord nods, he seems to understand where you're coming from.

"What do humans typically do when they fear something beyond their understanding?" He doesn’t wait for you to answer, “Nine times out of ten they will destroy that which scares them. They won’t seek to know it. They’ll erase its existence simply because it’s scary.” Discord's knowledge of extremists strikes you as odd.

"How do you know all of this?" His response is quick and it was not something you were expecting.

"It's as I said back in your apartment. When I find something of interest, I try to learn everything there is to know about it. Look at Earth. You and I both know humans wage senseless wars against each other; whether it is out of fear or for some other petty excuse. You and I both know how corrupt humans can be when put into a position of power. Your species interests me more than the creatures I've been around. You humans are some of the most chaotic creatures I've ever seen, how could I not be interested in learning?!" Discord's enthusiasm and wide smile scares you.

He sighs and in turn his demeanor becomes more relaxed. "You're different though. Despite fearing the unknown you don't seek to conquer it. You don't see these ponies as lesser creatures. Do you find them so threatening that you wish to kill them?" You immediately shake your head and his smile returns, "See? That answer puts you on a level higher than the rest of your species. There aren't that many humans out there that see things as you do. There are even less with your patience."

"Yet there are those that do Discord, so why, why me? There's more to it than just me having a mediocre life, my patience and understanding, or because I had a less than stellar childhood. Tell me why you chose to yank me off of my planet rather than another poor schmuck!" Your body seems to hate your shouting because your chest flares with pain anew. You growl angrily before deciding to stop the Q&A. Your body's condition is infuriating, as is Discord's answer.

"Anonymous, that's not something I can explain. Think back to what I just said. You need to be put into the right setting and condition. Then the answer will become clear as day." and with that your discussion comes to an end. You now know that your answer will never come to you and you'll just have to accept what you were told; albeit it could have been done without his incessant rambling. You didn’t need a history lesson on your species from something that isn’t human. As you lie back and relax your thoughts drift back to Twilight and the others.

How are they doing, have they gone on with their lives as normal, or are they genuinely worried about you? You haven't gotten the opportunity to get that close to them so you honestly do not know. But that, like your question will be answered in time. Patience is the key. The rest of your hour continues as normal. That is until Discord starts to vibrate and he emits a high pitched alarm from his maw.

You assume that means your time is up. As soon as he stops he snaps his talons. You grimace when you feel your body heat up and your bones rearrange themselves within. After a minute or two passes the warmth fades and your insides stop shifting about. Thankfully you now have another three days to get a good amount of water and food in you. With your body back to some semblance of normal you no longer see why you need these needles to stay in your arms…

The next few hours are spent eating the delicious turkey dinner Eris managed to cook. You’re absolutely gushing over her meal as you dig into each delectable gravy covered bite. Having gone without good food for so long it’s as though you’ve reached heaven. She naturally sucks up all the compliments with poise and insists you continue to praise her. You would, but at this point you’d be virtually licking her boots so to speak.

Thankfully Screwball was nowhere to be found at the dinner table. You were afraid that if you did see her you’d crack her skull under your feet. Rage didn’t even being to describe how you felt about her at this moment. For her to have such blatant disregard for your well-being did not sit well with anyone at that table. You hope she wouldn’t get anything to eat today. It would serve the little mare right for being so rude.

With your belly full of something that isn’t ramen noodles or soda you dress yourself in a pair of jeans, your high tops, and a long sleeved black shirt. To you it felt great to finally be clothed again. It was rather awkward being without, and even more so considering you ate dinner with them in the nude. But it’s not as though they stared at you, after all, they’re naked all the time. With a full belly, revived determination, and a goal in mind you set your sights on the darkened edge of the hallway.

Discord wanted you to make friends and you feel you've made good progress. Despite spending little time with the equines, you've come to believe that the friends you've made will be the best you've ever come to know. At least you hope. You turn to them and offer a final wave goodbye before stepping through the threshold and out of sight. As soon as you’re gone Discord sighs.

"You know, I withheld some information. The reason why I chose him instead of another human is for one reason. There isn't another human alive that has the potential to ruin my plans.” He chuckles to himself, “Good Luck Anonymous. After you crawl out of that bed, you'll be right back to it. I expect to be beaten within a week or two. Don't disappoint me," With that being said Discord promptly snaps his talons and teleports away.

Eris floats alone for a few moments before giggling to herself, “Daddy, if you think I’m just gonna let Anon win you’ve got another thing coming.” She laughs so hard she starts holding onto her stomach. “You said to find them back where you began. It’s too bad they never figured it out.” She finally calms down enough to where she’s able to hold her lion’s paw out in front of her.

Purple ethereal flames coat her paw as she summons a very particular item. A single book, a golden unicorn’s head graces the front cover. As soon as she opens it she reaches in and pulls out a single artifact. A brilliantly crafted gold necklace with a single red lightning-shaped gem now lies in her gryphon hand.

Author's Note

After almost a month of trying to figure it all out I finally get it done.
Any comments, questions, feedback about this particular chapter, or previous chapters is appreciated and encouraged.

Also, please point out any mistakes you find and PM me your discoveries please. Hope you guys enjoy.

Chapter Eight: Anon's Return, Lyra's Obsession, and The Elements of Harmony

//------------------------------//
// Chapter Eight: Anon's Return, Lyra's Obsession, and The Elements of Harmony// Story: Living the Good Life// by Aetherpony//------------------------------//

As your walk soon turned into a crawl you stop for a few moments. While you’re still in the dark abyss you reach down and rub your stomach wearily. In all honesty you were afraid of this. Not knowing when you were hungry or thirsty meant that you were going to have to keep up with making sure you got nourishment. You can’t allow yourself to forget again.

God help you if you don't eat anything over the next few days. At least with Pinkie Pie as a friend, you possibly had access to cheaper sweets from Sugarcube Corner. But there'd be no way you'd get anything for free. You're a new friend; you're not someone she's known for a while like Twilight or Applejack. You have no money and you don't have a job to rectify that. Perhaps Twilight will know someone in town who can hook you up with a job.

With that in mind, you go back to crawling. The longer you dallied the more time you’ll lose. Finally you emerge from under your blankets. You look around Twilight's basement to find that everything is as it was yesterday. You're not surprised; after all you were only gone for a little over a day. It’s not like Twilight would accomplish much in that time, especially with that poor attitude of hers.

You crawl out of bed and on to the hardwood floor. After standing up and stretching you ascend the small flight of stairs and open the door at the top. As you step out onto the main floor you find that not a single candle has been lit. It was an odd occurrence, and judging by the light pouring through a nearby window you assume Twilight would be up and about by now. As silly as it is, you believe you've made somewhat of an impact on her.

Though something really doesn’t feel right. You scratch you chin as you look out the window. You suddenly do a double take and approach it. Sure enough you look up to see the sun is near its midpoint in the sky. It’s odd considering you just ate DINNER with the Chaos Family naught but an hour or so ago. That raises more questions that you know will probably never be answered.

You assume that maybe she's out visiting Pinkie, or maybe she's just taking a nap. You decide to try and eliminate one of those possibilities by checking Twilight's Room. As you approach the stairs you swear you can hear some mare sniffling coming from the second floor. That opens up a third possibility: Twilight crying up in her room.

She can't possibly be like this over what happened with Fluttershy could she? Sure, slamming a bucket on her head was a bit of a rotten move, but something that small shouldn’t keep her down. You finish climbing to the stairs and look into her room. You find Twilight lying upon her bed on her belly.

She has her face buried in her hooves and you can see her withers hitching in turn with her sniffling. When your feet cross the threshold you clear your throat in order to get her attention. Twilight looks up from her position and your frown deepens. It's obvious that she's been crying for a while. Her red and puffy eyes attest to that. She looks at you for a few seconds before her eyes begin to water again.

“What's wrong?" Your voice comes out in more of a demanding tone than a concerned one. Whether you meant to sound like that or not isn't important, what is important is finding out why she's like this. If its Fluttershy did something again you're going to be pissed. You swear you'll be breaking her wings if she pulled another cruel prank while you were gone. Finally Twilight smiles, wipes her eyes, and speaks up through her sobs.

“I’m so happy you’re okay! I was so worried!" Suddenly she leaps out of her bed and gallops over to you. When she gets close enough she gets on to her hind hooves and wraps her front hooves around your waist. She openly cries into your jacket. At this moment you freeze in place and stare down in confusion. You can’t remember the last time something like this has happened.

It’s been so long since you had someone worry about you to the point of tears, or to be embraced tightly. This feeling, it’s foreign to you. You’re joyful that she was so concerned about you. It shows she cares, but why? A culmination of joy and utter confusion clouds your mind. You haven't even been here a week, why would she be so anxious over someone she doesn't know?

You wouldn't be this broken up if a new friend got themselves hurt, especially over doing something utterly idiotic. If anything, she should be angry with you for going off alone into unfamiliar territory. These ponies must really appreciate friendship, much more than humans do anyway. No one you knew would get like this over you, not even your own parents. In a way you find it refreshing.

“Well, yeah, I'm okay. Discord fixed me right up." You half smile before kneeling down to her level, forcing her to break her hug, “but you shouldn't be crying over me. It's not your fault I got my butt kicked." You say with a chuckle. Twilight drops her jaw in shock before shaking her head.

“But it’s my fault that happened! I didn't go with you, and you got hurt because of it. You're supposed to be my responsibility, and instead of keeping you safe I stayed inside and, well, I did what I’m doing now" Twilight sniffles as she looks at the floor gloomily, “it's just like Discord said, I am useless." Hearing her utter those words annoyed you.

You groan before putting a hand under Twilight's chin. You tilt her head so she's looking in to your eyes.

“Twilight, I'm only going to say this once so listen up. You are not useless. You're a unicorn capable of incredible things." Her sniffling appears to stop as she seemingly hangs upon every word you say. “For one, regardless of choice, you took me in. Instead of treating me like a burden, you were open and friendly. Kind of. You've done more for me than the majority of people I've known on Earth, and for that you're far from useless. On another note you can do magic. That's impossible to do on Earth. And I gotta say it’s pretty awesome. You should do it more often." Finish with a laugh. Twilight opens her mouth to protest but you cut her off before she can say anything.

“And I'm a big boy Twilight. I make my own choices. I deal with the consequences whether I make a good one or not. You shouldn't feel responsible for the things I do okay? That's silly." You hope she's getting the message. You're not being all that delicate, but you're not one to sugar-coat something like this.

“B-but, I should ha-"You put your free hand over her mouth to silence her.

"No buts. I was an idiot for going out alone. I had good intentions but poor execution," you take a breath and continue. “Instead of making you happy, I made you miserable. You were worried sick about me. If anything I'm a terrible friend and for that I'm truly sorry." you get back to your feet and walk over to Twilight's bed. When you take a seat Twilight joins you. “I did what I did because even though I've only known you for a few days, it hurt me to see you like that."

“You didn't have to go that far.”

“But I wanted to Twilight. Your happiness means a lot to me," Twilight's ears perk up and her smile grows, “sure, Pinkie seems fun, and I guess Applejack might be a good friend when she isn't being a lying bitch, but neither of them are you." A joyful silence befalls the two of you for a few moments before Twilight decides to break it.

“T-thank you Anon. I needed to hear that," Twilight says as she clops her front hooves in front of herself lightly. She turns her head away from you to fixate upon her hooves.

“Can you forgive me for doing something so impulsive?" Silence is your reply; Twilight appears to be thinking of an appropriate answer. Finally she turns back to you.

“I can, on one condition," Twilight flashes you a smirk before leaping off of her bed and trotting over to her dresser. Using her magic she opens up one of the top drawers. You hear the jingle of coins as a sack comes floating out of the dresser drawer. You watch as it opens and ten coins are levitated out of the bag. They fly over to your left and land next to you on the bed. After the coins land Twilight puts the sack back in the dresser.

“Grab those bits and get us some cupcakes from Sugarcube Corner. Ten should be more than enough." Twilight says happily before trotting back over to you. You pick the coins and look them over. They look like nothing more than simple coins about the size of a penny, though they appear to be gold in color, but that can’t possibly be right. Could gold be easy to come by on this planet, so much so that Twilight can have such a large amount in her home?

You think it’d be better to simply keep those kinds of questions to yourself. You stand and put them into your pocket, after that you give the little gray mare a salute.

“Right away. Any particular kind?" She shakes her head, “Chocolate cupcakes it is." With that you walk past Twilight and over to her door. Before leaving the room you stop and look to Spike's bed. You just realized he wasn't in the room, in fact he wasn't in the treebrary at all as far as you could tell.

“Hey Twilight?”

"Yes Anon?"

“Where's Spike?" You point to his empty bed. Twilight looks in the direction your pointing.

“Oh, he cleaned up the library for me so I gave him some bits. He went to Sugarcube Corner to get a few of those gem encrusted cupcakes he loves so much." You nod in understanding.

“I guess I'll meet up with him then. Want me to bring ‘em back here?" Twilight shakes her head.

“No, I gave him the rest of the day off, so he'll be back by sunset." That comes off as a little odd to you, after all your impression of Spike is that he's a small child. Or maybe he's nearing his early teens or something? Perhaps Ponyville is safe enough for a little dragon to be walking around unattended. Well, he's not your responsibility and he can probably take care of himself.

With that in mind you make your way out of the treebrary and into the now crowded streets of the town. It looked like no pony is afraid of the remaining animals, or the appearance of the town as a whole. Though you notice a good portion of them are walking around with their umbrellas at the ready. Those chocolate milk raining clouds seem to be out in full force today. You walk at a brisk pace in hopes of keeping from getting wet.

As you move around you find that there are much more than a dozen or so ponies today. Seeing them reminded you of looking at a palette of many hues. None seem like they have a matching color scheme when it came to coats, manes, or even eyes. In a way it gave you as much of a headache as it did when you stayed in your new home for too long. But you can’t let it get to you; after all you’ll be making friends with some of them.

What you find to be surprising is that some actually greet you as you walk along. They tell you “good morning” or phrases similar to that. If Twilight or Pinkie Pie were any indicator then all of these ponies are just as potentially friendly as they are. You reply warmly in turn by offering a smile and waving to those that speak to you.

You'd stay and possibly chat with a few of them but you don't want to risk getting covered in chocolate milk. Last thing you want to do is use Pinkie's water again for another bath. When you find a break in the clouds you slow back down to a walk. As you do so you take a good look at the surrounding buildings.

It's as Twilight explained, these homes are quite simple in appearance. Most of the structures in Ponyville appear to be timber-framed with distinct thatched roofs and overhanging upper floors. Without Discord's magic distorting them it's a lot easier to tell how they're made. You take a more scenic route to Sugarcube Corner this time around. There were a few things you have yet to see and you wished to change that. As your cross over a stone bridge you take a quick glance over the side to find a river running through below.

The once clear crisp water has been polluted by the chocolate milk. You can find multiple brown streaks in the water as the current carries the water along its path.

“Disgusting." You say to yourself. As you complete your trek across the bridge, you spot a large tower-like structure and an adjacent fountain when you finally hit the center of town. When you spot the gingerbread and stacked cake roofing of Sugarcube Corner you come to realize that this was much easier than walking around the town. Then again it's actually safe enough to travel through town. Thankfully Discord seems to be merciful. You hope he keeps it up, you'd love to see this place the way Twilight described it…

You continue to look around the adjacent buildings as you make you way over to your destination. Upon arrival you find Spike sitting at an outside bench. He's busy munching away on his cupcakes. His bench mate, a mint green and white unicorn, is sitting with an odd posture while sipping on some slurpie balanced on its belly. Its pose is eerily similar to yours when you recline in a seat.

That can't possibly be good for its back. You consider asking why it's sitting like that, but the call of cupcakes garners your attention. As you're about to turn to the door, you see the unicorn turn its head to you. You catch its gaze and turn back to face the pony. The two of you stare at each other for a few seconds before the unicorn rubs its eyes with its hooves. When it blinks its eyes and looks at you again its jaw drops.

The pony gets to her hooves, spilling her drink in the process. This is a first, as you figured every pony around here would react the same way, but it seems like this one is afraid of you. Well at least you thought she was afraid of you until you saw her start to grin. Then her smile got wider and her eyes appear to light up. She looked absolutely astonished to see you.

Suddenly, the unicorn takes off into a gallop in some random direction. You and Spike watch as she gallops out of site. When Spike turns to look where the unicorn was looking prior to running, he finds you. He waves a little claw at you and you do so in return. Since he's out of earshot you instead point in the direction the unicorn galloped off to and shrug your shoulders.

Spike repeats your motion before shaking his head and returning to his meal. With that weird tidbit out of the way you reach out, open the door to Sugarcube Corner, and promptly lose your footing as a pink blur races out of the store. You land on your back, as you do the playing cards that made up the ground are flung in to the air. They come down in a small rain around you and the pink ball of fluff upon your chest.

“Oh-my-gosh-its-you-hi-Anon-are-you-okay-I-heard-Big-Mac-hurt-you-real-bad-but-you-look-okay-now-I-knew-you'd-come-by-and-get-something-to-eat-what-do-you-want?" Pinkie asks excitedly. She gives you this huge expectant smile while her bright blue eyes bore a hole to your soul. You have no idea what she said her lips moved so fast they seemed to vibrate.

“Pinkie, take a deep breath, and ask me that again. But slowly this time." You eye Pinkie wearily, you prepare for another onslaught of rapid speech. Your eyes widen in shock as the pink mare takes a comically large breath of air. Her body is literally inflating! What's going to happen when she lets it all out?

Once she does, you feel the force from her exhalation push into skin and force your hair back. Now you know how a dog feels when it sticks its head out of a car window while it's moving. When she's back to normal she finds you glaring at her angrily. She giggles before blushing out of embarrassment.

“Sorry about that, Anon. I just get super-duper excited sometimes!" Despite seeming remorseful she still manages to exhibit this excited behavior. You feel your anger melt away at the sight of her smile. "So, what brings you by on this bright and sunny day? You’re hungry right?" Pinkie takes this time to step off of your chest, allowing you to finally stand.

When you get to your feet and wipe yourself off you answer, "I came by to get some chocolate cupcakes for Twilight. I’m looking to get a baker's dozen. How many bits is that?"

As you and Pinkie walk into Sugarcube she says, "That'll be four bits." you reach in to your pocket and pull out the necessary bits. When you put them in Pinkie's outstretched hoof she takes off into the kitchen. You have no idea how long it takes to bake that many cupcakes so you decide to you’ll sit and wait at a nearby table.

As you sit idly you rap your knuckles upon the table top in a repetitive beat in order to pass the time. Your eyes wander around the interior, you spot a few cakes and pies set up in various display cases throughout the ground floor.

All of them look scrumptious. The cakes seem like they were baked to perfection and the pies smelled heavenly. It was very tempting to buy a few things, oh so tempting, but you're not going to use Twilight's bits to fill your greedy stomach.

You don't even feel hungry, thanks to Discord's magic. That reminds you that you’ve basically gone without breakfast. So what if you did? You'll be getting cupcakes soon enough. Besides why would you want any heart shaped or red icing covered cakes? They seem a little too Valentine for your tastes, plus you'd feel a bit silly eating something representing love alone.

That reminds you of something very important. You make a mental note to be sure to eat and drink at least three times a day so you won't end up having to deal with the sensation of being starved or dehydrated. When your eyes get their fill of the sweets on display you turn to look out into Ponyville. The first thing you spot is that same unicorn from earlier.

This time she’s looking at you through a privacy hedge bordering a nearby building. The unicorn has a pair of binoculars and is looking at you through them. Half of the mare’s body is protruding from the hedge. The poor pony doesn’t seem to understand discretion or that you’re looking right at her. You narrow your eyes and lean in making it obvious that you know she’s there.

She gasps in abject horror before fumbling the binoculars in its hooves. The unicorn glows mint green for a split second before disappearing from sight. Unfortunately she didn't get a good grip on her binoculars, so they were left to hit the ground. Suddenly she teleports back to grab them, and then she teleports away again.

You sigh before shaking your head. That has to be the oddest pony you’ve met so far, and hopefully she’ll stop spying on you since you caught her in the act. You chuckle to yourself when you believe she’ll stop being weird the day Fluttershy stops being a bitch.

Your attention is drawn to the sound of a box being placed upon your table. You turn to find Pinkie Pie beaming at you from the side. How she's managing to balance on her hind hooves is amazing to say the least. In fact, her body structure at this moment seems to perfectly mimic a human’s.

“Uh, Pinkie?” She flutters her eyelashes before leaning over the table. She crosses her hooves in front of herself and smiles lazily at you.

“Yeeees, Anon?” Yet another human like gesture to tack on to your state of confusion.

“How are you doing that?” She looks over herself for a few moments before staring back up at you.

“How am I doing what, Anon?” She knows exactly what you’re asking about, you just know it.

“Standing like that.”

“What about it?” You groan before pinching the bridge of your nose.

“How are you standing on your hind hooves like that?” You hope she won’t be able to find a way to avoid your answer now. She shrugs.

“I dunno, I just do it.” You fight the urge to growl out of frustration.

“Aren’t you risking breaking something by doing that?” Your jaw drops when you see her wiggle one of her hooves like it has no bones in it at all.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, Anon.”

“I— what- but, I—“ you try to formulate a proper sentence.

“Is something wrong?” She stops her odd movements. It’s now you realize that there’s probably no feasible explanation for what she just did.

“No, nothing’s wrong.” She beams at you.

“Okie Dokie Loki! Enjoy your cupcakes!" Pinkie says with glee before opening the box. You see that your cupcakes seem to reflect the overall theme the other baked goods are showing off.

Red icing in the shape of a heart, with pink and white sprinkles cover the tops of the chocolaty goodness now in your possession. This prompts the following question out of you.

“Pinkie, what's with all the hearts?" Pinkie gasps in shock; her body begins to float from the intake of air that came about it. When she finally stops she hits the ground landing flank first. Immediately she’s on her hind hooves yet again. She reaches over and mushes your cheeks in her hooves before pulling your face close to hers. You’re uncomfortably close.

"How can you not know about Hearts and Hooves Day?!" She’s looking at you like you’ve lost your mind.

“Because I'm new here. What, is it like Valentine's Day or something?" You break away from her surprised gaze to look at one of the confectionary goods in the box.

“What's Valentine's Day?" You take this time to explain to her what that day means and she nods in understanding. "That's just like Hearts and Hooves Day!" She exclaims before becoming giddy with excitement.

“So what, is that today or something?" you ask as you take a bite of your chocolate treat. Immediately an explosion of flavorful delights tickles your taste buds. A near perfect combination of chocolate and cherry, mixed into one sugary treat. You look in the cupcake to find that Pinkie baked pit-less cherries right into it. Despite the icing also having a cherry flavor as well it doesn't overpower the chocolate of the sweet itself.

You eat the rest of it without stopping. Pinkie giggles over your lazy smile as you slowly chew the rest of your treat in order to savor the flavor.

“They're that good huh?" you nod, "and no, Hearts and Hooves Day isn't today silly filly. It's the day after tomorrow! We're getting a head start!" Pinkie explains as she takes a seat across from you. “So Anon, do you have a special somepony for Hearts and Hooves Day?" She wiggles her eyebrows as she asks.

You decide to ignore her gesture and dwell on her question for her moment. A special somepony is probably this world’s equivalent to a boyfriend or girlfriend. When you come to that realization the thought of getting with an alien pony is in fact alien to you. Hopefully Pinkie won't press the matter any further. There’s no need for an awkward conversation about relationships. It’s bad enough you’ve never been in one.

You shake your head before pointing to the window, "No I don't, but judging from the way this unicorn keeps spying on me, I might as well go ahead and say I do." You turn your head to where you’re pointing to find that the mint green unicorn has returned. This time she’s wearing a tan overcoat with a fedora, along with a pair of sunglasses. She's sitting upon a bench.

Despite wearing sunglasses, you can tell she’s staring at you. She’s got a pen and notepad, and she’s scribbling away furiously, occasionally glancing between you and her notepad as she does so. When she notices you and Pinkie staring at her she panics, before throwing the pen and notepad in some random direction. Then she picks up a newspaper that was lying next to her and opens it. It's a poor attempt at hiding, it doesn't help that the unicorn glances around the side of the open newspaper to see if you're still looking her way.

You sigh out of annoyance before turning back to Pinkie, "Pinkie, who's that, and why is she staring at me?" Pinkie turns back to you.

“That's my bestest buddy Lyra Heartstrings. And I dunno, maybe she finds you interesting?"

"Riiiight,” you say before grabbing the box of cupcakes and getting to your feet. "I'm gonna go now. Thanks for the cupcakes Pinkie." as you turn around and head to the front door you hear Pinkie call out from behind you.

“You're welcome Anon! Come again!" She waves goodbye to you as you open the door and step outside. You close it behind you and set off on your journey back to the treebrary. But before you go, you decide to try to get to the bottom of this spying thing. You approach Lyra as she pretends to read the newspaper in her hooves.

“Excuse me, Lyra?" You decide to stand in front of her. She doesn't look up from her newspaper.

“Yeah, what's up? I'm kinda busy at… the… moment…" She seems to hang upon each word for a moment as she realizes you’re standing right in front of her. Lyra cries out in surprise before scrambling away from you. She runs in the opposite direction of you, and she doesn't take her eyes off of you as she runs. That turns out to be a mistake.

When she finally turns around to see where she's going she runs face first into the side of a building. She stands there for a moment before slowly sliding onto her belly. You see stars swirl around her head. As she lies there in an attempt to recover from her self-inflicted injury, you use this as an opportunity to get close to her again. When you get within five feet of her she's back on her hooves. Lyra looks to find you right there near her. Before you can say anything she decides to teleport away.

“Hey wait a… never mind." You’re disappointed to find that she wasn’t willing to stay and answer your question. Your eyes scan over the pair of broken sunglasses and tan fedora she left behind. Before you can reach out to grab them a blur of gray comes running out of nowhere. Whatever it was manages to swipe the items before speeding away.

You hear the gray blur shout, "THOSE ARE MINE, YOU UNCOUTH BRUTE!" before disappearing from sight. You growl angrily before looking to the sky and shouting to no one in particular.

“WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH THESE PONIES! ARE THEY ALL CRAZY?!" your voice carries throughout the town and some passing by ponies stop to look to you, more out of confusion than fear. When your small shouting match with the sky ends you look around you to find that you've drawn a crowd. You take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves before speaking to them.

“Sorry about that. I’m just a little mad, nothing to see here." You wave a hand at them dismissively before heading off in the direction of Twilight's treebrary.

A few passersby shrug before going about their daily lives as though nothing happened. None seemed too put off by your anger, after all they've seen worse. Before you came along they had utter chaos to deal with day in and day out. In fact, some ponies have started thinking that you're the reason why a good portion of the chaotic problems have ceased. That's why they approach you openly, that's why some say good morning to you. It's too bad no pony has actually told you that as of yet…

After a good ten to fifteen minutes of walking Twilight's treebrary finally comes into view. Fortunately the unicorn isn't following you anymore, or she's just gotten better at keeping herself hidden. Regardless, not feeling as if you've been put on display is a good one indeed. You open Twilight's door and walk in to find her sitting at a nearby table reading one of her many books. The noise of your approach causes her to turn your way. She flashes you a smile before shutting her book and getting to her hooves.

“I see you've brought the apology treats." She levitates the box out of your hands and over to herself.

“That I have." You flash Twilight a smile and a nod, when she opens the top of the box via magic she eyes them hungrily. Then you watch as her determined smile and ravenous eyes turn into a look of confusion.

“Anon, you do realize these are Hearts and Hooves cupcakes right?" Twilight asks as she looks up to you. You nod in response.

“Yeah, Pinkie said something about getting a head start on the holiday." you state with a shrug as you walk over to Twilight. You reach in and grab a cupcake, unlike the first one you ate back at Sugarcube Corner you don't take the time to savor the flavor of this particular sweet.

As you eat, you can't help but think of the two ponies that’ve made their mark on you today. Lyra the Stalkercorn, and the gray greedy blur of fur. Maybe Twilight can shed some light upon them.

“Hey Twilight, I ran into a few new ponies today." You tell her as you finish gulping down the bits of chocolate cupcake that remained in your maw.

"You did? Who?" Twilight wipes her mouth of the bits of chocolate that remained. As you tell her about how Lyra was acting, and about the gray pony calling you a brute the two of you walk to the purple cushioned couch she has set up on the far side of her library.

When the two of you take a seat she finally speaks up, "I have no idea why Lyra's like that. She seems so open and cheery. Perhaps she finds you interesting?" You shrug your shoulders in response.

“Pinkie said the same thing. What about the pony that swiped her stuff?" As you wait for her to answer you cross your right leg over your left knee for comfort.

“That's Rarity, the town's number one tailor and fashionista. She’s a unicorn as well." Twilight doesn't seem too pleased to be talking about her. “She used to be so caring and generous, and now she's a complete jerk!" Twilight shouts irritably before casting a hateful glance at her bookshelf. “It seems like a lot of ponies are jerks lately. Or maybe it's just Fluttershy. Who knows?”

“Wait, so she wasn't always a thief?" You ask before taking another cupcake. You feel as though you'll grow addicted to these things if you don't stop sometime soon. Twilight nods.

“No. Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash all used to be such nice ponies until Discord came in and screwed everything up." Twilight casts her gaze to her floor.

That's the first time you've heard the name Rainbow Dash. Twilight only gave you the basics and Discord hasn't given you anything at all as far as information goes. Maybe it's time to get more educated.

“That means Discord only messed with you, Pinkie, Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy right?" She shakes her head.

“No he's messed with other personalities too, but the influence on them wore off over time. The six of us don't have that luxury." Twilight states as she digs into another cupcake.

“And why is that?" Twilight turns to you.

“It’s because we are the only ones capable of wielding the Elements of Harmony. They’re the only thing capable of beating him,” she sighs sadly, “that's why we're like this."

You’ve never heard of The Elements before, and if what she says is true, then why would Discord be happy with you making friends with those he wants out of commission? From what you've seen, when you befriend a gray pony they become their natural pastel color, and no longer act as Discord dictates. Isn't that counterproductive for him? This bit of new information alone does little to keep your curious mind from asking the following...

“What are the Elements of Harmony anyway?" You ask as you put the cupcake you were holding back into the box. Food can wait, you need answers. Maybe this will shed some light on things once hidden away…

Author's Note

The single shortest chapter in this 20 chapter story.

The others will not be this length, they will be longer.
Just like with the others any comments, questions, or feedback is appreciated and encouraged.
And again I ask you PM me any grammar errors you find in the text document.

*Spoiler Below*
I get it, I used a bit of Lyra's fanon, but don't jump ship just yet.

Chapter Nine: Cupcakes with a Friend, A Lunch Date, and A Greedy Fashionista

//------------------------------//
// Chapter Nine: Cupcakes with a Friend, A Lunch Date, and A Greedy Fashionista// Story: Living the Good Life// by Aetherpony//------------------------------//

“The Elements of Harmony are six ancient artifacts. One could say that they’re the single most powerful thing on this planet." Twilight explains as she eyes one of her cupcakes.

“And let me get this straight. You and the other corrupted ponies are the only ones able to use them?" You cross your arms and lean back on the couch. When Twilight nods that helps but a few things into perspective for you.

"Yes. Rainbow Dash represents Loyalty, Rarity represents Generosity, Fluttershy represents Kindness, Pinkie has Laughter, Applejack has Honesty, and I have Magic. Put the six of us together with those relics and anything representing disharmony is taken care of." Twilight states as she takes a bite out of her cupcake. This is the first time you’ve heard of anything like this. Sure you assumed there’d be some forms of enchanted items considering the fact that unicorns here use magic.

It makes sense to be able to fill something with magic, but something existing with the capability of getting rid of almost any threat sounds like something beyond the capability of any living magic user here. It probably took a lot of magic from a lot of unicorns in order to make them.

And if that’s true why would Discord not care about you making friends with them? If his ultimate plan is to continue ruling Equestria why would he risk having all that fall apart by adding you to the equation? Even if the chances were slim you wouldn’t want to risk anything on a gamble like he’s doing. You’ve already made friends with two of the six elements. The third you’re still on the ropes about for very good reason; after all she did accuse you of rape.

That reminds you, “Hey Twilight, what happened with Applejack? The last thing I remember before waking up in my bad was being beaten.” Twilight nearly chokes on her cupcake. She turns to you with wide eyes.

“W-What happened at their farm, Anon?!” She sounds a bit frantic.

“Didn’t they tell you?” she shakes her head, “oh, well, alright let me tell you…”

You spend the next few minutes telling Twilight about your venture to Sweet Apple Acres. You’re sure to leave no details out of your explanation. You tell her about Applejack and her lies, Fluttershy’s request, and the eventual rage induced yelling from you. She blushes when you mention how Fluttershy got when you massaged her wings. Then she apologizes to you for not telling you that Pegasus wings are sensitive if stimulated in that fashion.

You forgive her. It’s not as if she knew that’d happen to you. There’s no way either of you would have saw it coming. When you mention Applejack’s rape lie and the fight that started after Twilight grumbles irritably before glaring at the half eaten box of cupcakes.

“If that’s the case, then I’m glad Discord hit her.” You’re shocked to hear that come out of Twilight’s mouth.

“Wait, he hit her?” Twilight nods.

“Yeah, he did. I guess after Applejack got her colors back she told Macintosh the truth. They brought you up here in a cart, and then we put you on your bed downstairs. After that, Discord came in and demanded why you were hurt. As soon as she said it was her fault he backhanded her. He knocked her out. Macintosh didn’t explain what happened. Once Discord healed Applejack and left, Macintosh took Applejack and ran all the way back to Sweet Apple Acres.”

When she finds a point to stop her explanation, you consider the impact your actions had, or lack thereof. At some point during the fight Applejack’s guilt rid her of Discord’s Influence. So, in a way you cured another pony. That means that half of the six have been put back to normal. It’s only now you realize that the fact that she’s no longer gray means you’ve went against Discord in some way without even realizing it. What is his deal and why hasn’t he told about the elements or about their bearers?

Maybe he didn’t want you finding out this information, but he brought you here to make friends. Surely he figured you’d make friends with the ponies that offer him the most threat at some point. Trying to wrap your mind around Discord’s reasoning is making your head hurt. That is until you start thinking you have a reason as to why Discord is letting you go about as you are.

There’s a chance that he wants to be beaten. You laugh at the thought, so what if he’s the embodiment of chaos? There’s no logical reason to actually want to lose after winning. You push that thought out of your mind and put your attention back to Twilight and the cupcakes. She returns to the subject of the elements. She further explains the origin of the Elements of Harmony, its past users, and what they look like. It’s too bad she doesn’t know where they are.

She levitates a large book off of one of her shelves in order to show you what they look like via a picture, rather than leaving off with a brief explanation. As you look it over you find that its title has been stripped away due to old age. The spine of it is starting to fall apart as well. The fact that it’s still in one piece surprises you.

When she opens it you’re greeted by the site of an ancient looking rendition of what Twilight told you. Each of them are a gold necklace that bears a certain colored gem as its center. Aside from Magic, that one appears to be a tiara. You scrutinize each individual artifact in order to learn their general shape, color, and overall appearance. It’s just in case you so happen to find one of them while you’re here.

You could see what Twilight meant when the Elements chose their users. The star-shaped gem, the balloon shaped gem, and the apple shaped gem; all of them resemble the cutie marks of the ponies you’ve befriended. So laughter, honesty, and magic were purified.

Well, magic needed some more work considering only her eyes have managed to regain their original color. The rest of her coat, mane, and tail are still gray. With that aside you’re now in quite a predicament. You can either continue to help these ponies, and ultimately beat Discord. In doing so you give Equestria back to them.

Or you can go right ahead and start making friends with other ponies and avoid the other elements all together. Besides, even if you really wanted to make Discord lose his title as ruler there are many factors stopping you from doing so. For one, he’s a chaotic creature and is scary when angered; another is that he’s your landlord and soul reason for having a somewhat decent life. You couldn’t outright betray the chimera.

If you did you’d potentially put Screwball and Eris in danger. Sure you’re pissed off at Screwball, but you don’t want to see her getting hurt. Neither she nor Eris seems bad. Well, maybe you could stand to see Screwball hurt a little…

This is something that is going to take some time. After all, you haven’t even been in Equestria for a week. As far as you know these ponies may not even be worth sticking your neck out over. Lyra the Stalkercorn isn’t helping out their case. If she’s like that, there’s no telling how the other ponies can be. That puts a bit of a scare into you. Also, both Fluttershy and Rarity seem terrible. One tricked you into molesting her and pegged you in the lower region with an apple. The other is a greedy little thief.

You’re sure their real personalities are much better, but is it worth the headache you’ll no doubt have to endure in the process? As of now you don’t think so. But, you don’t know everything about Discord either. He may seem fun loving and he may appear as though he doesn’t have a care in the world. But how much do you really know about him?

For all you know he could be using chaos as a means to really mess with these ponies. How many others are still gray? Twilight said it wore off eventually but there may still be some out there affected. You imagine various ponies out and about mistreating their loves ones, causing damage they wouldn’t normally be causing, and overall just running amok in the streets of whatever cities they may be in.

Could you really just sit idly by and allow this to happen knowing that there’s a chance you can make things better for others? In helping the six Elements you would effectively be saving a nation. The lives of the ponies would return to normal and they’d be able to go about their daily lives in peace. If they knew you were the one behind it they’d probably be eternally grateful.

With gratitude comes respect. Ponies worldwide would see you as a savior of sorts. Not that you’d want them to revere you or anything, or have them kiss your feet. You’re not that kind of person. If anything you’d just like to have price reductions on items, or at least a stipend. Being poor in this new world is going to be awful when you feel its effects. Sure you haven’t had a need to buy anything as of yet, considering Discord has been helping out. But if you went against him you’d need a way to get bits just like every other hard working pony. There are so many things to gain and yet there are many things to lose…

These thoughts spin about in a torrent within the recesses of your mind while you idly examine each and every element present within the book Twilight is levitating before you. Twilight notices the far off look in your eyes.

”Are you okay?” She closes her book and places it back upon her shelf. You sigh to yourself before looking over to Twilight.

“Yeah I’m fine, just thinking about a few things is all.”

“Like what?” She gives you her full attention.

“Well, what if I kept trying to befriend the elements? Kindness, Loyalty, and Generosity, I mean. What will happen if I helped them like I did the others?”

Twilight is quick to answer, “If you help them like you helped Applejack and Pinkie then we’d be able to put an end to Discord and his rule! We’d be able to bring Princess Celestia and Luna back!” Twilight smiles widely after explaining. She knows the potential result of you befriending ponies it seems. It’s only natural that she’d want you to help her friends, and you know she’s going to ask you to do so.

But is that what you really want to do? Before you can think about it any further your prediction proves true.

”Anonymous… I know you haven’t gotten the chance to see Equestria at its best, but there are a lot of good ponies suffering out there. I know I’m asking a lot of you, but can you please help my friends? I know you can do it, if you do Equestria will be back to normal. and I’d be able to show you just how great this place can be… So will you do it?”

Hope shines bright in her eyes when she asks you. She almost radiates it. She has faith in you for her fellow ponies, and for all of Equestria. It’s come down to this Anonymous. So save the lives of thousands or to stay loyal to the ones whom you owe everything to? You wish you could make both parties happy, but you can’t have it all. You know that one for a fact. One is going to be upset in the end…

You need more time to think about all of this. Your hesitation is starting to have an effect on Twilight. You can see the figurative stars in her eyes begin to fade and her hopeful smile does so in turn. To disappoint someone so early into a friendship, you need a walk.

“Twilight, I can’t answer that right now,” you can’t look her in the eye as you get to your feet. You turn your back to your friend and make your way to the door.

“W-wait! Where are you going?” Twilight starts trotting after you. You turn back to her and kneel.

“I’m going to go clear my head… when I come back, I think I’ll be able to answer you. I just need some time alone, okay?” You run a hand through Twilight’s mane.

“Oh… okay.” Twilight replies gloomily while looking to the floor. You hate doing this to her but you desperately need some time to really think about all of this. Before you leave you place the remaining bits she gave you on a nearby table next to the door. You give her one last look before opening the front door.

She’ll just have to accept that you might not be willing to help all of her friends. Soon you’re outside and into the warm afternoon air of Ponyville. With your walk in mind, just where are you going to go? There are plenty of places you haven’t visited so why not just go and explore a little? There’s no need for a set destination when all you wish to do is clear your mind and figure out just what you’re going to do from here.

As you make your way down a random path through town you don’t notice a certain mint green unicorn spying on you from a nearby bush. She watches you intently as you walk between two buildings and out of site. Using her magic she produces a notepad and ink quill from out of thin air.

“Subject walks upon its hind legs. It has appendages similar to that of a Minotaur, and the lack of hair, aside from what’s on its head, may just confirm that this is a homo sapiens. In other words: human.” As she speaks the quill scribbles down her speech. “I, Lyra Heartstrings, shall take it upon myself to study this human from afar.” She smiles excitedly.

“But I will soon make contact with it. I hope to befriend it as a result. And maybe, just maybe, he’ll rub my tummy.” Lyra’s smile widens and she emits a noise similar to that of a rubber duck. She shakes her hooves in an excited fashion before darting out of the bush. She then gallops off in the same direction you walked off to. Her notepad and quill float close behind. Little do you know, your day’s about to get a bit more exciting…

You continue on your merry way through town, oblivious to the mint green unicorn’s presence. She continues to dart through bushes and around the sides of homes in order to make sure you don’t see her. While she stays to spy on you, your inner conflict keeps your attention. You’re still deciding on who you should side with… it’s regrettable that you’re not paying attention to the happenings around you.

Aside from the occasional chocolate rain cloud, or the frequent poker card that comes dislodged from the ground due to your dragging feet, the town seems to be at peace. The dancing buffalos and stampeding bunnies have moved on to the fields outside of Ponyville for the most part. Any real chance of collateral damage occurring has left without you even realizing it. There are more ponies up and about today. In turn the town has taken a more lively appearance. There are construction ponies setting up red and pink decorations for the inevitable festival that is to come on Hearts and Hooves Day.

The once quiet streets no longer exist and it’s all because of you. You may not realize it yet, but the ponies around you have been thinking that in your stead. Those that pass by you wave happily. You only mumble a halfhearted hello in response and keep your eyes to the poker cards that line the streets. You take a turn leading you into the Ponyville Marketplace. As you walk through, you come across various kiosks selling apples, pies, drinks, cooking utensils, books, and vegetables. There’s even one selling various scented soaps.

The majority of their signs are painted with red and pink hearts that adjourn the tops of their stalls. It seems that when Ponyville celebrates a holiday they really get into the festivities. Lyra pops out from behind a carrot stand, binoculars in hoof. She’s managed to get herself a white safari helmet. She trains her binoculars on you as you walk around various stands.

Her notepad and quill appear out of thin air around her. She speaks in a forced Australian tone while keeping her eyes no you.

“It appears that the human known as Anonymous isn’t striking fear into the hearts of Pony-kind. Rather they are openly approaching him. While they wave and offer him smiles he mutters in return. Why he is like that remains unknown. I may need to get a closer look in order to further inspect him.”

While she’s distracted with her speech an earth pony with a beige coat, pigment blue mane with a rose pink streak, cerulean eyes, and a cutie mark of three pieces of wrapped candy trots over to her. She seemed to be in the spirit of the coming holiday as well. She carries two tan saddlebags upon her back, both filled to the brim with little chocolate candies, hearts, roses, and the like.

Her eyes take on a half lidded, deadpan expression when she sees Lyra spying on you. She looks from your retreating form to Lyra before clearing her throat. This pony ends up surprising Lyra, causing her to fumble her binoculars in her hooves. She ends up dropping them. Upon contact with the ground the lenses crack.

“Buck! What the hay, Bon-Bon?!” She shouts before turning to face her. Bon-Bon’s deadpan glare causes Lyra to stop her incoming onslaught of yelling.

“Lyra, what are you doing?” She sounds agitated.

Lyra stutters while motioning at you, then at her notepad and quill. Bon-Bon sighs exasperatedly before shaking her head.

“Try that again.” She leans around Lyra to get a good look at you. Unlike Lyra she isn’t clamoring to spy upon you with such interest.

“Okay, I was to get info on this human.” Lyra explains as she starts trying to pick up the broken lenses of her binoculars with magic.

“Did you try trotting up to Anonymous and asking about him yourself?” She looks upon Lyra as if she’s a complete fool. Lyra opens her mouth to respond, but when she realizes that she has no real reason to act like she has been, she stops. She rubs a hoof under her chin in deep thought before responding.

“I dunno. I didn’t think of that?” Lyra grins nervously before shrugging. At this point she’s looking anywhere else but Bon-Bon. She face-hoofs; after that she reaches out with her hoof and wraps it around one of Lyra’s. Then she starts trotting off in your direction while dragging Lyra behind her.

“W-What are you doing?!” Lyra asks as she desperately tries to pull herself from Bon-Bon’s grip. As Bon-Bon drags her along her items all hit the ground and disappear.

“We are going to introduce ourselves to that human.” Bon-Bon states in a nonchalant tone as she continues to pull. Lyra contemplates biting Bon-Bon’s hoof in order to free herself. She decides against it though, not wishing to incur whatever wrath may be brought upon her if she just so happens to do so.

“Bonnie, lemme go!” She tries to pry her hoof free but to no avail. Bon-Bon groans before turning her head to look back at her friend.

“And drop that Manticore Hunter accent. It’s getting annoying.”

“Don’t say shit about Steve Irwing, that griffin is awesome!” Lyra shouts in her normal speaking voice as she glares at her friend. It doesn’t take long for Bon-Bon to get to you. When Bon-Bon is within reaching distance she balances upon her hind hooves and grabs hold of your pants leg with her free hoof. With a single tug she disrupts your thoughts.

You turn to find a mare tugging at your pants leg. When you see her, and that she’s holding Lyra’s hoof in a vice grip you can’t help but look upon the two with scrutiny. You wonder if this could be a trick of some sort.

“Can I help you?” Your tone represents curiosity, rather than contempt . After all there’s no need to be rude… yet.

“Good afternoon, Anonymous. My name is Bon-Bon and this…” She pulls Lyra into a one hoof hug. Bon-Bon looks to Lyra, waiting for her to introduce herself.

“Come on, say hi to the nice human.” Bon-Bon finishes by flashing you a close eyed smile. You raise a brow before tilting your head in confusion. Not because of Bon-Bon of course, but because of the visibly sweating Lyra. Now that the unicorn has nowhere to run she’s trying her hardest to keep from looking up at you. She looks around frantically hoping for an escape. When finally makes eye contact her face becomes flush with embarrassment. Finally, Lyra seems to find her voice.

“H-Hi Mr. Anon. I-I-I’m Lyra H-Heartstrings.” Her voice comes out barely above a whisper and she stammers out her greeting. There are many ways you could go about this. For one you’re a little agitated that this unicorn had to be forced to introduce herself. It doesn’t help that she’s been stalking you for the last couple of hours. On the other hand maybe she was just nervous. You should expect this, even though there are ponies openly greeting you not everyone is going to share their opinion of you. Some will naturally fear you.

Perhaps she was just trying to study you to see if you were a monster or something. Could you really blame her if that was the case? No, no you can’t. So instead of being a jerk, you instead do the following. You kneel down to their level, you offer them a warm smile, and then you reach out your hand to them and wait for them to shake. Lyra takes your hand into her hooves in less than a second.

“Ooh, Bonnie! Look! Fingers!” She gleefully exclaims before giggling. She’s gone from a nervous wreck to an excited mess in less than five seconds. The little unicorn “oohs” and “ahs” as she wiggles your fingers. When she pushes your index finger, and when you curl it she makes an odd squeaking sound and her smile seems to stretch past the normal limit. You haven’t felt this uncomfortable in a long, long time.

You clear your throat and Bon-Bon gets the message. She slaps Lyra’s hooves away with her own. Lyra looks at Bon-Bon like she’s just drowned her puppy. She looks like she might start crying.

“W-Why?” Her eyes begin to tear up.

“Because you’re being weird, and you’re freaking him out.” Bon-Bon answers before sitting on her haunches and pointing to you with a front hoof. When Lyra sees you looking at her in disbelief she giggles before scratching the back of her head.

“Whoops? Yeah… sorry, I kinda have a thing for hands.” You can FEEL her embarrassment. You let her shake your hand for a second before yanking it away.

“A thing? Try an obsession.” You say jokingly. You chuckle to yourself before offering your hand to Bon-Bon. Unlike Lyra here Bon-Bon reaches out her hoof in order to complete the hand/hoof shake. Thankfully she doesn’t act like Lyra when it comes to your digits. She is obviously the more level headed of the two. When you get to your feet you place your hands in your pockets.

“So, what’s up?” You know there’s more to it than them just introducing themselves. Judging by how Lyra is acting she’ll probably want to ask you questions like Twilight did when you first arrived. You wouldn’t mind answering her questions as long as she remains calm and civil about it. Hopefully Bon-Bon is going to stick around, because judging by Lyra’s actions that might be impossible.

Plus, this little encounter just might help you put your thoughts into perspective for you. Also you’ll be making friends with ponies that aren’t the Harmony Wielders.

“Well, seeing as how Lyra here thinks you’re so awesome. Why don’t we all have lunch together? Besides, Lyra isn’t the only one that wants to know a little bit about our newest addition.” Bon-Bon finishes with a smile. As much as you’d like to join the two for lunch there are two factors stopping you from agreeing. You just stuffed your face full of delicious cupcakes, and you’re completely broke.

“As nice as that sounds I’m afraid I’m going to have to say no. I’m broke.” You pull out the pockets of your jeans to show that they’re empty and free of bits.

“Oh, that won’t be a problem! I’ll pay for it!” Lyra shouts a little too loudly. When she realizes just how vocal she was she immediately shuts herself up by putting her hooves in front of her mouth.

“Wow, isn’t that nice of you Lyra? Well, I know there’s a café nearby that has the best daisy sandwiches around. So how about it?” Free food and a chance to make new friends, how can you say no to something like that? Your opinion on Lyra is shed in a more of a positive light now.

After all it’s not every day someone offers you free food. Though the flower sandwiches doesn’t sound like your cup of tea. You’re sure they’ll have something you can eat.

“Since Lyra’s being so cool, sure why not?” You accentuate with a shrug and a grin. Finally with something to do you follow them as they lead you through the market. Little do you know, there is one unicorn pony and one unicorn filly en route to the same café; but unlike your group the two were heading there for a much different reason.

The mare leading the foal had her color drained from her much like the other ponies you’ve been unfortunate enough to meet. Her grey fur, eyes, curled mane, and tail made her out to be plain and dry. But the way she trotted with elegance and poise seemed to put her above the rest.

Her refinement was offset by her choice of clothing. She just so happened to be wearing the fedora and sunglasses she had stolen from Lyra. The filly herself had color. A white coat with a purple and pink mane and tail along with light tinted green eyes made up the little filly. She looked to her grey counterpart with concern.

“Um, Rarity, why are you wearing those? Wouldn’t you say they were “uncouth” or something?” Rarity responds with a cultivated trans-Atlantic dialect.

”Sweetie Belle, you simply must agree that this beret and reading glasses are absolutely delightful. Why it would be a crime against fashion NOT to wear these items together.” Sweetie Belle examines Rarity’s wear yet again.

“But those sunglasses are broken. You put them together with scotch tape.” Sweetie retorts as she turns her head back to the path ahead.

“I’m afraid I have no idea what you’re talking about dear.” Rarity seems to have her head in the clouds, at least to Sweetie’s standards.

“Okay… so what are we doing in Ponyville?” Sweetie asks as she spots a café coming into view. Rarity smiles at Sweetie’s question.

“Today I’m going to take whatever I claim to be mine of course.” Sweetie Belle looks to her sister disapprovingly.

“That means that anything that hits the ground is yours. You’d be stealing from other ponies.” Sweetie states flatly before narrowing her eyes at her sister.

“How is it stealing if a pony drops it? It becomes public property as soon as it hits the ground and I am a part of that public.” Rarity turns to look at Sweetie. Sweetie shakes her head before looking forward.

“I want my old sister back.” She whispers to herself. The two trot on, their destination unknown…

Meanwhile you, Lyra, and Bon-Bon have arrived at your destination. A giant bronzed and black colored, hollowed out coffeepot-shaped building on the outskirts of the market. The café has outdoor seating in the form of white overturned coffee mugs and round mahogany tables. Black and white patterned umbrellas pierce through the centers of the table and open at the top to shade customers from the sun.

Upon inspection through one of the front windows you come to find that the interior seating matches the outdoors’s, minus the umbrellas of course. On the far edge of the tables and seating area lies a counter. Reminiscent of Sugarcube Corner, the front portion of the counter shows various café treats on display.

Considering the sky is harassing the citizens of Ponyville in the form of isolated patches of chocolate milk your group considers inside seating. Upon entering you’re met with the subtle scent of freshly ground hazel nut; you inhale deeply before sighing happily. This is the kind of smell that got you going in the mornings.

And the café itself seems so clean and neat. The ponies that run this place must have fairly high standards; it probably isn’t all that cheap either. You won’t get much; you don’t want to drain Lyra of her bits. Maybe you could get some coffee or one of those little cream filled cakes or something. When the three of you approach a table near the center you pull out Bon-Bon’s and Lyra’s chairs for them.

You’re getting free food and drinks from Lyra so you might as well try to be as polite as possible. Both of them thank you before sitting on their respective mugs. You take a seat on a mug of your own and lean in, placing your elbows upon the table top as you do so. It’s unfortunate that the table and mug you’re sitting at are much too small for you.

Hopefully they won’t break on you. It doesn’t take long for a brown Pegasus pony with a whip cream colored mane and tail dressed in waiter’s attire to approach your table. She comes bearing three menus wrapped in a wing. She passes them to the three of you and introduces herself.

“Hello, my name is Mocha Latte and I’ll be your waitmare for today. Take a few minutes to browse our delicious choices and I’ll be back with you shortly.” With that she offers your group a quick bow before trotting off to another table.

The three of you thank her as she leaves, and then open your menus in silence. It doesn’t take long for you to find your meal of choice: Strawberry cheesecake and milk. When you tell Lyra what you’d like she tells you that it’s at a fair price and you smile with joy. You haven’t had cheesecake in years!

When Bon-Bon and Lyra choose their orders Mocha Latte comes trotting back to your table. Your group places your orders and Mocha informs you that it’ll be a few minutes. Once she trots away with the three of you decide to take this time to talk. Of course Lyra starts off by asking you virtually the same questions as Twilight.

Who you were, if you really were a human, how you got here, what your hobbies were, what kind of human you were personality wise; and more things of that nature. When you finish the brief bit about your family Bon-Bon speaks up.

“Your sister sounds like a spoiled flanking bitch.” Lyra nods in agreement. You’re not surprised to find that they agree with you.

“Yeah, well, we can’t choose our siblings.” You shrug before tapping your fingers upon the table impatiently. Lyra watches your fingers with interest. Her head bobs in sync with your tapping. When you notice you stop moving your fingers and glare. She looks to you nervously before giggling.

“Sorry about that.” Lyra moves her eyes off of your hands and to the front window of the café. With their questions having died down you start to ask them questions. You wanted to know as much about them as they did about you.

Turns out Bon-Bon met Lyra through a field trip. At some point Lyra’s class at Canterlot University visited Manehattan’s museum of natural history. The two saw each other when they were both looking at the same exhibit. When the two talked they realized that they had quite a bit in common and the two became friends as a result.

When Lyra left the two kept in touch all throughout Lyra’s schooling as pen pals. For years they’d send letters back and forth describing their experiences. During their separation Bon-Bon ended up getting quite a lot of business with her candy selling, so much so that she was able to save up enough bits in order to make the trip out to Canterlot.

At the same time Lyra’s skill with a lyre got her recognized by music ponies all around. She was even offered a chance to be brought into the Canterlot Orchestra. Then, during Lyra’s graduation, Bon-Bon made a surprise appearance. Lyra was overjoyed to see her friend after so long. There were plenty of hugs and tears; turns out Lyra made a little scene that involved her lifting Bon-Bon up and spinning her around in a tight hug while crying loudly.

“B-B-Bonniekins, I m-missed you!” Bon-Bon mockingly cries as she describes the day the two reunited. The two of you share a laugh at Lyra’s expense. Lyra scoffs before smirking at her.

“Well I remember a certain pony hugging me back and crying: Miiiiinty, I missed you too!” Lyra laughs at Bon-Bon’s angry glare. After the ceremony had come to an end Lyra left her home in Canterlot to pursue whatever career she could with her lyre, as long as it involved Bon-Bon, of course.

You figured Lyra would have gone with the Canterlot Orchestra, but her friendship with Bon-Bon took a higher priority so she turned them down. After all, she’d be traveling everywhere in Equestria with them. That would mean little to no Bon-Bon interaction. So Lyra and Bon-Bon instead made their way to Ponyville. Bon-Bon ended up selling the property that her candy shop was set upon back in Manehattan.

Then she used the bits to open up a new shop here in town. Lyra took it upon herself to provide the music and atmosphere while Bon-Bon provided the candied goods. Turns out the two of them are quite the success. Their business, Candyland, is on par with Sugarcube Corner when it comes to attracting customers. Looks like Pinkie skipped out on that bit of information when she told you about Lyra this morning.

As the two of you continue idle conversation Mocha finally makes her way back with the food. Cheesecake and milk, Lyra’s cream puffs with a mango smoothie and Bon-Bon’s daisy sandwich with tea. The three of you eat your meals in relative silence. You chuckle when Lyra’s way of eating causes her to get cream all over her muzzle.

“Here.” You grab one of your napkins and wipe away the excess mess from Lyra’s face. You notice her reddened cheeks while you cleaned. She must be embarrassed with herself and her eating habits. Or she probably thinks you’re treating her like a filly. Well if she wouldn’t eat like a starving child she wouldn’t have such a messy face. Before you get back to eating you decide to ask her why it was she was spying on you.

“So Lyra,” You start while cutting up your cheesecake with a fork.

“Yes, what is it Anon?” She takes a sip of her smoothie.

“Why were you spying on me this morning?” Lyra sputters and chokes on her smoothie. She coughs in an attempt to get in a breath of air. When her coughing fits die down she’s able to get in a good breath of air.

”Heh, yeah about that,” Lyra stars, blushing out of shame all the while. She takes another breath before continuing, “You’ll think it’s silly, but here it goes: I had a dream.”

“A dream?” You echo out of disbelief.

“Well a few dreams.” Lyra takes another sip. You can’t seem to comprehend what she’s saying. Lyra was stalking you because of a fantasy she came up with while asleep?

“A dream?” you ask again, she nods not bothering to stop drinking. She takes the straw out of her mouth and continues.

“Uh huh. See, I told you it’d be silly,” you nod, “see, in the dream I was floating like right above me right? I was watching myself sleep,” you nod again, “okay, so after a while I felt myself being pulled to the ceiling. Then, like a sling shot, I was flung into the sky. After that I pretty much left the planet being pulled to Celestia-knows where.” The more she explains the more far-fetched it seems

“I passed by like a bunch of planets and stars and stuff until I finally came across a world that looked like ours, but the land was in the wrong places ya know? So I knew it wasn’t mine.” Lyra explains as she eats her final cream puff. She speaks with her mouth full.

“Hmmm mhmmm naummmm hmm.” When she realizes you have no idea what she said she holds her hoof up and swallows her meal. “Sorry about that, anyway, I was pulled to the planet. When I finally reached the ground I was pretty much just floating around at super-fast speeds. And I saw it all; you human thingies walking around, blowing things up, begging on the streets, working, etc.” Lyra speaks in awe at what she saw. The more she clarifies the more you start to believe her.

She mentions your president and his physical appearance down to the buttons of his suit. Any part of you that didn’t believe went right out the window when she did.

“I was… enthralled by the various lifestyles, how you guys looked, and the different cultures you humans had that I started making a mental list of what I saw.” She suddenly points to Bon-Bon, “and she thought I was losing my mind!” Lyra exclaims before taking a huge gulp of her smoothie. Bon-Bon’s jaw drops before she says.

“How could I not?! You were spouting things about hands and hairless monkeys all the time! I wanted to take you to a therapist but you were being so adamant about it that I gave up!” She crosses her hooves much as you would your arms. Then she looks away and harrumphs.

“Well, here’s proof that I’m not crazy! So there!” Lyra sticks her tongue out at her.

“So let me get this straight, you were only watching me because?”

“Because I wanted to see how our species interacted together, and, well, there was a personal reason too. But I won’t say anything about that.” With that she goes back to focusing on her drink. With your curiosity sated you go back to eating. Lyra and Bon-Bon are the first ones done so they chit chat among themselves while you eat your food in peace.

“So Bon-Bon, who’s your special somepony gonna be?” Bon-Bon reaches into her saddle bag and pulls out a heart shaped box of chocolates. The box itself is closed with a pink ribbon, in between the ribbon and box is a card with an hourglass on it.

“I’ve got my eye on Time Turner down at the hourglass shop. He’s come by to visit me every day this week and we’ve been talking…” Bon-Bon trails off.

“Aaaaand?” Lyra smiles slyly before leaning in. You look back and forth between the two. You wonder what Lyra’s implying?

“And we went on a date the other night. He was so nice and charming. A real gentlecolt so… yeah I’m gonna ask him,” Bon-Bon giggles before clopping her hooves together excitedly, “so what about you Lyra, did you find any pony?” Lyra laughs before slurping up some of her smoothie.

“Me, a special somepony, that’s funny,” she cuts her eyes, looks off to the side, and takes a rather loud sip of her smoothie.

“Oh come on, Minty, there’s gotta be a pony out there you have your eye on,” Bon-Bon insists. Lyra shakes her head. That’s when both ponies turn their gaze to you.

“So what about you Anon? Have you found anypony?” Bon-Bon asks. Lyra simply stares at you with a raised brow while taking a drawn out slurp of her smoothie.

You stop eating for a moment to answer, “I don’t go outside my species.” After answering you go right back to your lunch. Bon-Bon doesn’t seem satisfied with your answer.

“Anonymous, how many humans are there on this rock anyway?” Bon-Bon asks as she puts her gift for Time Turner back in her saddlebags. You shrug.

“Don’t know, aren’t I the only one?” You don’t really see where Bon-Bon is trying to go with this, at least not yet.

“Okay, let’s say you are the only one. So what you’re just gonna live alone for the rest of your life?” Bon-Bon asks while raising a brow. Is this something a new friend should be asking?

“Live alone? I have friends. Well, I’m going to make friends.” You whip your mouth of crumbs. Bon-Bon just shakes her head.

“How about this, do you think you’re going to go back to Earth?” Bon-Bon waits for your answer; she doesn’t have to wait long.

“I’m not going back, and if I’m forced to I won’t go without a fight. I haven’t been here a week and I like Equestria more than Earth.” You finish off your milk and wipe your mouth with a napkin.

“If that’s so, then I’m afraid if you want to find love you’re gonna have to settle for a pony, or a griffin, or even a dragon. I don’t judge.”

“Yeah, well, I think I’ll be fine. No offense but I don’t find ponies, griffins, or dragons appealing. Not saying you mares aren’t hot. I’m sure you are to a stallion, but not to me. Though if we throw personality into the mix that’s a different story altogether.”

“What do you mean? What do you like in a ma—err girl?” Bon-Bon asks. Her gaze goes from you, then to Lyra, then back to you. You sigh from frustration before putting your head into your hands. You’ve had about enough of this subject and wish to end it.

“Can we just drop it please?” You ask without making eye contact with either mare. While you’re occupied with your empty glass of milk Bon-Bon turns to Lyra and wordlessly mouths ‘sorry’ to her. Lyra shrugs before frowning. With her smoothie finally empty she has nothing to do other than sit in silence. Mocha ends up coming by and telling you guys that the meal costs a total of 20 bits.

At that point you’ve finished your meal and are ready to head out. Lyra reaches into Bon-Bon’s saddle bag and produces a sack of bits. It’s at that time that a certain unicorn and filly come trotting by the café…

Lyra uses her teeth to try and undo the rope keeping her bits secure inside the bag. Unfortunately she yanks too hard and the sack slips out of her hooves. Her sack hits the ground and her coins go everywhere. The grey unicorn’s ear twitches when the money clangs upon the ground.

Suddenly the door to the café flies open. A grey blur comes in and swipes all of the bits off of the floor before anypony can make an attempt to grab any. The grey unicorn stops at the door for a split second and turns to face everyone inside the café. It’s in that moment you see that it’s the pony that stole Lyra’s property. In fact she’s wearing it right now.

The unicorn yells “Mine!” at the top of her lungs. Then she runs out. The filly looks from you, to Bon-Bon, and then to Lyra. Then she looks in the direction the thief ran off to.

“Wait for me!” The filly’s voice cracks as she gallops after the grey unicorn.

“Thief!” Lyra cries as she points in the direction the two ran off in, “and she’s got my hat and sunglasses too, that whorse!” She gallops over to the front door. Lyra opens it to find that they've gotten quite a bit of distance from the café.

You don’t know if any of those ponies in the café can catch them, but you don’t think they’re moving all that fast. Without giving it a second thought you’re to your feet. You break off into a sprint past Lyra and out of the front door. When your feet hit the poker card laden streets you go into a full blown run. They may have a bit of a head start but if you maintain your speed you might just catch them… or at least the filly…

Chapter Ten: Ponyville Pursuit, Derpy's Shenanigans, and Apple Family Redemption

//------------------------------//
// Chapter Ten: Ponyville Pursuit, Derpy's Shenanigans, and Apple Family Redemption// Story: Living the Good Life// by Aetherpony//------------------------------//

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQFTAFLBdi4

You hear Lyra shout something as you run down the road, but you’re too busy focusing on Rarity and the filly as they run away. Ponies going about their day watch on in confusion as you chase after them. Other than that, none of them make an attempt to run after you or the thieves. When you disappear from sight they go back to what they were doing.

You race full speed in pursuit. You’re at a fairly good distance behind them. But you’re catching up at a fair pace considering your size compared to theirs. Every time they bring down all four hooves to propel themselves you only have to bring down one foot to keep up.

You can clearly see Lyra’s sack of bits in the larger pony’s mouth. It swings in sync with the thief’s galloping. Needless to say you’ll overtake them in moments. That is, until they round another corner. You curse as you follow only to find that they’ve disappeared. You look down the row of close set homes hopelessly.

Where could they have gone?! You run down the thin row of adjacent homes in hopes that you’ll find something. Your search provides a few poker cards slowly floating to the ground. That’s right. If they run out of sight all you have to do is follow the cards. If they so happen to kick any up they’ll lead you right to them. You make a quick left turn past someone’s backyard and you end up on one of the main roads in Ponyville.

You look to the left, then to the right. There, you see their retreating forms. You break out into a run again and try to cover the distance gained. They aren’t trying to lose you like they did back around those homes. Again you start catching up. You’re only a couple of away from them now. As you reach out you don’t notice that the path ahead splits into three; a wooden sign with three arrows shows each direction the path splits in and where they lead.

They take the path to the right and you do so in turn. You lose your footing a bit due to the poker cards and end up sliding into the signs that indicated what direction lead where. You stagger for a moment before regaining your footing and running after the two thieves yet again. You look ahead of them and see an open field greeting you in the distance. Just when you think they’re trying to get out of town they turn back to see you pursuing.

They make a hard right and run back through the collection of Ponyville homes and you do so in turn. You watch as they leap over a white picket fence that separates one pony’s backyard from the others. Considering your size difference you simply hurdle over the fence in hot pursuit. You dodge past a small group of fillies playing with a blown up beach ball.

You apologize on the run and hop over the other portion of the fence. They look on with confusion as they watch you try to keep up with the thieves for a few seconds before going back to playing. The two dive over yet another fence into a new backyard as do you. Because it’s taking more of an effort to successfully clear their jumps than it is for you, you’re catching up.

You smirk as you get closer to them. The smaller of the two ponies looks back at you before screaming. Then when they reach the edge of the fence on the other side they jump.

Because the fence into yet another backyard is too close they’re forced to cut to the right again and make a break for the main path through Ponyville. They’re essentially leading you in a square. When you clear this hurdle the loose poker cards of the ground cause you to slide into the fence that the thieves were unable to clear. You end up tripping head first over it and into the yard.

You land headfirst into a plastic hot pink foal pool. When you stick your head out of the ice cold water of the foal pool you turn to your right to see that you’re sharing the pool with a filly unicorn. This foal has a carnation coat color, a thulian pink mane, and green eyes. They are wide with surprise and her jaw is hanging loose at the sight of you.

After a few moments you push yourself up and out of the pool. You stay on your knees and examine yourself. The majority of your hooded jacket and shirt is soaked, along with your head and hair. You spit out a bit of the water before rubbing your eyes. Then, you sit on your rump and start to gingerly rub your now sore thighs. The pain from the impact that occurred when your legs hit the top of the fence is starting to become apparent.

“Hi, I’m Berry Pinch! What’s your name?” asks the filly, seemingly no longer fazed by your appearance. You turn to her breathing heavily; you’re trying to use this time to catch your breath.

“I’m Anonymous, and I’m trying to catch two bad ponies. They took my friend’s bits.” You explain as you point in the direction the two you were chasing galloped off in.

“Oh, well hurry up and get moving, or they might get away!” Berry Pinch exclaims while pointing to where you came in. Her little voice cracks from yelling. It’s quite adorable, or at least to you it is. You take a deep breath and get to your feet. You shake yourself of some of the excess water before leaping back over the fence and in the direction you last saw them gallop off into.

When you hop over the fence and out of site an earth pony with a plum colored coat, mulberry mane, and with a cutie mark of a bunch of grapes and a strawberry comes trotting out to Berry Pinch from the back door.

“Honey, is everything okay? I heard voices?” The mare looks around her backyard. Berry Pinch turns to her mom with a huge smile.

“Mommy! I saw the hairless ape!” Berry shouts with joy before pointing in the direction you ran off in. When the earth pony doesn’t see anything she smiles before looking back to Berry Pinch.

“Sure you did sweetheart. Now get out of the pool and get dried off. Mommy has dinner ready.” The earth pony turns tail and walks back inside.

“Aw, okay mom.” She begrudgingly gets out of her foal pool. She looks off in the direction you went off into once more before galloping over to the door.

Meanwhile, you’ve made your way back out into the main streets of Ponyville. But from here your form is hidden by a home on either side. You’d like to remain hidden until you can get sight of the thieves.

You lean out from the side and look down both ways. When you look to the right you spot the two thieves catching their breaths by the sign you ran into during your chase. The sack of bits sits in between them. They took a break thinking they got away from you. Now that’s a big mistake that you’re about to capitalize on. Knowing your body is nearing its limits you brace yourself for one final push. You take a deep breath before you run full speed out from in between the two houses and over to them. They hear your foot steps and turn to find you bearing down upon them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkjNbdIMqIU

The two shout in abject terror before making a break for it. The thief wearing Lyra’s stuff is sure to pick up the bits before running. They aren’t going to get away this time, at least you hope. You’ve been at this for a good ten minutes and your body isn’t exactly used to running for long periods of time. This time they go straight ahead. That path leads into the marketplace. You hope to find a way to keep from losing them in the various stands and stalls.

As you chase them yet again your eyes spy the poker cards that are kicked up during your run. That helps you to formulate a plan. A single poker card alone doesn’t go very far. But a stack is another story; you could gather a brick size of these things and hopefully toss them at one of the two thieves. You’d need something to keep the cards together though.

Wait, maybe you’ve got something, you remember you were wearing pants like these on the job back at your factory. Your boss gave you a stack of business cards that were supposed to be given to the other employees, and they were wrapped with a rubber band. You remember putting it in your pocket. You search your pockets on the run and you shout out a victory call when you produce the single rubber band from your pocket. With it in hand you start catching and collecting poker cards that are knocked loose during the run. Occasionally you bend down and grab a handful while maintaining a decent speed.

The two thieves make a left turn, galloping over a stone bridge in the process. It’s one of three that lead towards the center of town. They never hit the marketplace. When the two cross the bridge they make another left.

They’re heading back into the direction of the sign. You believe they need to learn to stop going in such a predictable pattern. As you’re crossing the bridge you’re straightening the cards in your hands.

You’ve collected a total of seventy or so for this makeshift brick. You’ve got them straightened and you’re wrapping the rubber band around them as the two thieves make their way around Town Hall and to the nearby bridge.

Yeah, you were right in predicting where they were going to go. They weren’t trying to get away; they were trying to wear you down so you couldn’t follow them. You hope the rubber band holds for this. You’re a good thirty yards away and you’re going to have to throw a little bit ahead of them, but if you can hit one of them in the head it might just stun them.

You take aim; your target is the thief wearing Lyra’s clothing. You throw; from your position it appears to be on target! At the speed she’s going your stack of cards are going to hit her horn. At least, you think so…

Where did that grey Pegasus with the blonde mane and tail come from? She’s flying rather low and she’s got a huge saddlebag filled to the brim with envelopes. It’s probably weighing her down…

“No… no no no.” you start as you watch this figurative train wreck occur before your eyes. You shake your head as you watch the Pegasus fly lower and lower until, “god damn it!”

You cry out in anger when your brick sized bunch of cards collides with the side of the Pegasus’ head. Why that pony was flying so low, you’ll never know. Your rubber band snaps causing the cards to go flying in all directions, same goes for some of the envelopes from the pony’s saddlebags when its body lurches from the impact.

Then the Pegasus drops from the sky and lands face first into the river that the bridges are built over. You run to the ground’s edge to find that the Pegasus is still underwater.

You give her ten seconds, then twenty… the Pegasus isn’t coming up. You look in the direction the current is heading in. You jog past the bridge the two thieves ran over in order to follow it. The saddlebags float to the surface, but no Pegasus. Well it looks you like just screwed up without meaning to.

Without thinking twice about it you hold your breath and dive into the river, you come to find out that the river is much deeper than you thought. The depth of the river is a good eight to nine feet, but it’s quite narrow when it comes to width. You open your eyes in the water to find the unconscious body of a Pegasus floating away from you slowly. Thankfully the current helps propel you towards your unfortunate victim.

You reach out and pull the pony over to you. You hug it close by wrapping your left arm under its front legs. With her to your body you use your now aching legs to propel yourself up. When you finally break the surface you inhale sharply. Then you swim over to the river’s edge and grab hold of a punch of poker cards. You curse when the poker cards come loose. If you can’t properly grab onto the ground you can’t pull yourself out of the water.

So there you stay, floating with a half-submerged Pegasus, going wherever the current takes you. Your arm starts to strain from the weight. It’s fairly heavy and it’s starting to weigh you down. Your tired legs are frantically kicking trying to keep you above water. That is until you feel something gripping you. You look over yourself to find that you’ve got a mint green outline around you.

You gasp in surprise as you and the pony you rescued are lifted from the water and onto dry land. You look around to find that a small crowd of ponies have gathered around the river, curious as to what just happened. When they see you and the unconscious mail pony a few start whispering to each other.

“Thanks Lyra.” You tell her while you prod the soaked Pegasus next to you. She responds with “You’re welcome.” When the Pegasus doesn’t respond you put an ear to her chest. The pony is making no attempt at getting any air in. You assume that you knocked the poor mail mare out and she breathed in some water when she went under.

You know how to perform CPR. You went to one of those seminars at your college in order to learn, but to perform it on some animal… you don’t know if it’ll work the same way. You look to the crowd and shout.

“Does anyone here know how to perform CPR? She isn’t breathing!” You look to the crowd and watch as one by one they shake their heads; Lyra does as well. You get an idea.

“Lyra, if you don’t know, can’t you at least use magic to force the water out of her lungs?” She shrugs in response.

“I don’t know! I’ve never tried something like that before. Twilight could help her though.” She looks over the unresponsive pony you’ve saved. Since Twilight is currently on the other side of town in her treebrary it looks like it’ up to you to try something. You sigh before positioning the Pegasus on her back and kneel to the left of her.

You’ll just have to hope that the human method of CPR will work. You lift her chin while pushing down on the mare’s forehead in order to open her airway. When you do that you turn and ask Lyra.

“Her nostrils are too big for me to pinch closed. Can you use your magic?” Lyra nods and her horn glows. A familiar hum of magic fills the air. When you see the mare’s nostrils close you open her mouth and take a deep breath.

You breathe into the mare’s mouth and watch her chest as you do so. It rises and, when you pull back to take another breath it falls. You repeat the process again and the same thing happens. There is no response. You move to chest compressions on the Pegasus. You place your hands in what you hope to be the proper positions and you start. One, two, three, four, you count to yourself per each compression.

When you get to compression twenty the mare’s body lurches up. She turns her head and vomits a combination of water, chocolate milk, and bits of what you think to be muffins. When the retching finally ends she starts inhaling precious air. Her golden eyes scan the crowd around her. You notice that one eye seems to focus on the ground while the other looks at the ponies around her.

You’ve yet to see a pony with a lazy eye. Then again, you haven’t officially met that many ponies; it might not be that uncommon. When her eye meets you she looks upon you with confusion. When her breathing goes into a steady rhythm she asks.

“W-w-what are you? What happened?” the mare asks in between breaths. You’re about to answer her but with your adrenaline finally dying down you can feel the incredible burning sensation in your legs from all that running.

Your lungs feel as if they’re on fire, you hold up an index finger to the mare before lying upon your back. You haven’t done anything that physical in quite a while; so you need a moment or two. Lyra is kind enough to answer the mare’s questions for you.

“Derpy, this is Anonymous the Human, and he just saved your flank from drowning.” She points to you with a smile. Then she points to herself, “I helped, of course, no need to thank me. Just me being awesome… okay maybe you can thank me a little.” She finishes with a giggle. As you sit there and relax you hear a few ponies talking among themselves.

“Did you see that?” One pony murmurs.

“Yeah, I need to learn how to do that CPR stuff.” Another states.

“First that hoo-man helps make Ponyville less scary, and now he saved Derpy! He’s a hero!” shouts a filly from within the crowd. A few ponies voice their agreement. You groan at the sound of hero talk.

“Ugh, I’m not a hero! You ponies are just too thick headed to learn CPR! Any of you could have done what I did. Hell, a unicorn would have had an easier time.” You yell from your position on the ground. You’re angrier at how things turned out then being called a hero. You may have saved the life of a pony, but in return you let Lyra’s thief escape.

You don’t know how many bits were lost to that greedy pony. She was one of Twilight’s friends that much was for certain, but what was her name? You knew it wasn’t Fluttershy, which left Rainbow Dash or Rarity. You’re leaning more towards Rarity, considering the name ‘Dash’ might befit a Pegasus more than a Unicorn.

When you’ve caught you breath you sit up and look around. Your eyes look over the bridge Rarity and that filly galloped over. A white coat catches your eye. Rarity is nowhere to be found, but the filly is right there on her belly. With a little help from Lyra you get to your feet and stagger in the direction of the bridge. The small crowd parts for you making your path an easy one to walk.

You approach to see the filly trying to crawl away, tears streaming down her face. You look her over to find that her right hind leg is swollen and bleeding. She probably saw Derpy falling out of the sky, got distracted, and hurt herself. That would lead her to be tripped by the loose poker cards that ended up covering the stone bridge.

It looks like all is not lost after all. You kneel over the filly and she looks up to you with fearful eyes. You will not be swayed with tears and small injuries; this filly ran when Rarity ran. If she were innocent, she should have stayed. Regardless, she’s a small child; you need to approach this calmly.

“Tell me why you helped Rarity steal those bits.” The filly shrinks away from you and starts to sob thinking you’re probably going to hurt her. You sigh before shaking your head. You’re approaching this all wrong; she may be guilty of helping Rarity, but like you’ve thought she’s just a kid. You need to try a better method than that. You sounded like a total jerk when you said what you did.

You kneel down, reach out, and gently take her chin into your right hand, and then you gingerly turn her head to face you. Let’s see if this method will work.

“Listen, I’m not gonna do anything to you. I’m sorry you got hurt, but you’ve gotta tell me why you ran. Why did you run with Rarity when she stole Lyra’s bits?” You speak calmly and softly. You hope this tactic works better.

“I-I thought I was gonna get in trouble for being around my sister, so I ran away. When I tripped I called for help and all she did was shout e-everypony for themselves.” When you take your hand away she buries her face in her hooves and continues crying. “I’m-I’m sorry I was such a bad pony! I don’t wanna go to jail!” she wails in between her fits of weeping. You shush her while softly petting her mane.

“You’re not gonna go to jail. I don’t think Lyra is gonna say anything bad about you.” You hope to lift the little filly’s spirits. Lyra’s voice from behind surprises you.

“Anon’s right, you’re innocent. Your sister on the other hand…” She trails off through gritted teeth. She looks away and glares angrily before saying to herself, “One hundred bits gone.”

With her hearing this bit of information her crying dies down little to soft whimpering. With that out of the way you’re left with wondering just what you’re going to do next. Honestly, you’re at fault for this filly getting hurt. After all you chased her. You reach out and scoop your hands under her. Then you pick the filly up and cradle her in your arms. She yelps when your forearm touches her sore leg. Other than that she makes no indication of pain nor does she try to struggle out of your grip. You assume that means her leg isn’t broken at least.

“W-what are you doing?” the filly asks while wiping her eyes. Without answering her you look to Lyra.

“Hey Lyra, where’s the hospital around here?” She points in the direction of Sugarcube Corner.

“Go in that direction; make a left at Sugarcube Corner. Then it’s a right past an earth pony fountain. You can’t miss it.” The filly seems to realize what’s going on with that question and answer alone. She doesn’t bother to ask again. Bon-Bon comes trotting up to the two of you.

When you turn to look at her you glance at the ponies that are still there with Derpy. A few of them seem to be looking her over and she appears to be trying to let them know she’s fine.

When Derpy sees you looking her way she waves happily before going back to talking with the pony-folk. Odd, you figured she’d still be lying down or something. That pony must be pretty resilient, except when she’s hit with poker cards. Lyra pulling on your pants leg draws your attention.

“Hey Anon if you’re going to the hospital can I come along? I don’t have a bucking thing to do.” You shrug in response.

“Do what you want. What about you Bon-Bon?” You ask.

She shakes her head. “I gotta get my stuff home, so bye guys. Lyra, be home before dark alright?” With that Bon-Bon tightens the straps on her saddlebags and trots away.

“Okay mom,” Lyra says before sticking her tongue out at Bon-Bon. You start walking off in the direction of Sugarcube Corner. Lyra finishes her little taunt and follows. It doesn’t take her long to catch up and trot alongside you.

“So, since I totally helped save Derpy’s life, I think you owe me a little something.” You sigh before looking down to Lyra. You find her smirking back up at you.

“Fine, name your terms.” You state flatly.

“Your hands,” Lyra point to them, “my tummy. I believe a tummy rub shall cover it.” Lyra finishes by pointing to her stomach. Belly rubs for helping you out? That sounds fair to you. The filly giggles in your arms when you agree to Lyra’s terms.

“What’s so funny squirt?” You look down at the little filly to find her puffing out her cheeks and glaring up at you.

“You two, and my name is not squirt. It’s Sweetie Belle!” You feel your heart wrench in your chest when Sweetie’s voice cracks. You don’t think your heart can take this level of cute.

“Well nice to meet you, Sweetie Belle.” You say before turning your gaze back to the path ahead. Sweetie Belle lets out a “Hmph,” before crossing her front hooves in front of herself.

You wonder just what might happen next. It looks like your days here have a tendency to pile on terrible things. Hopefully nothing worse will come of today, with the way your body is aching you think you’ve had enough excitement.

Your walk to the hospital is spent in relative silence. The occasional back and forth between other ponies is caught along your way, but other than that the clopping of hooves and the scuffing of shoes is all that’s heard.

When you made it to Sugarcube Corner Pinkie smiled then waved enthusiastically to you, Lyra, and Sweetie Belle from within. She saw you carrying Sweetie Belle; as soon as she did she rushed out of the building in a pink blurred streak. Pinkie immediately started examining the little filly in your arms.

When she saw Sweetie’s hind hoof she inspected it. Pinkie saved you a trip to the doctor’s office by bringing you into her store. A simple first aid kit and bag of ice later Sweetie was patched up and ready to be brought to wherever.

You and Sweetie thanked Pinkie for her assistance. She even volunteered to have your hoodie thrown into their dryer to be dried. You accepted her gracious offer and thanked Pinkie yet again. You would have given her everything else, but you’d rather not carry what parallels to a small child in your arms while naked. You’ll endure the weird squishing of your shoes. The sun should do its job, but with you wearing a jacket your shirt won’t dry properly. So with your hoodie in Pinkie’s capable hooves, and after she gave Sweetie Belle a “Get Well Soon” cupcake you see yourselves out.

You have no idea where that cupcake came from, considering she grabbed it out of mid-air, but you find it better to not question Equestrian Physics. Now you’re back out in Ponyville and you have no idea where you’re going to bring Sweetie Belle.

You could bring her back to the treebrary maybe? Or perhaps Lyra could take her in for tonight? You’re reluctant to go out and find where Rarity lives. You know Sweetie is Rarity’s sister and all, but it’d be irresponsible to leave a filly alone with somepony like her, especially with her being on such a greedy streak.

As you and Lyra walk around aimlessly through town you turn to her, “Hey Lyra, I don’t suppose you and Bon-Bon could take Sweetie in for tonight?” Lyra shakes her head sadly.

“No can do, sorry Anon.” She shoots you and Sweetie a troubled glance. Well that idea went out of the window, maybe you’re going to have to bring Sweetie to Rarity after all.

“You know you could just take me to Sweet Apple Acres. I’m sure Granny Smith wouldn’t mind me spending the night with Applebloom.” Sweetie seems to have come up with a solution herself.

On one hand, you’re happy that there’s an answer that doesn’t involve Rarity, but on the other hand that means you’re going to have to go back to that farm. You’re dreading having to see the Apple Family. Your first encounter is still fresh in your mind. You and Macintosh would probably have it out again. That Liarjack would probably try to tell her brother that you’re the one who harmed Sweetie Belle. Then the two would try to fight you.

Without any apples being thrown towards your lower area you’d have the advantage, probably. But, the risk is worth the reward. Sweetie would be safe and secure. Hopefully you won’t have to brawl with Macintosh again.

“Alright Sweetie, we’ll bring you there.” You make a sharp right turn in the direction of the farm. Lyra, being the diligent friend she is, walks with you. Along the way Lyra asks if you’ve ever met any of the Apples. You tell them that you have had the misfortune of meeting Macintosh and Applejack.

When she asks what you mean about misfortune you tell her a little bit about your first visit to the farm. You’re sure to leave out the bit about the rape accusations. You’d rather not explain to Sweetie what rape is; you know she’d probably ask.

“That’s horrible!” Lyra exclaims, catching the attention of a few ponies in the process. Lyra uses her magic to levitate herself up to eye level with you. “Listen buddy, after we drop Sweetie Belle off if either of em give you any trouble I got your back. They won’t know what hit em. I’ll give them the good ol’ one two,” Lyra finishes by jabbing a few times in the air around you.

You laugh before shaking your head, “Let’s just hope it doesn’t escalate.” Unlike Lyra, Sweetie Belle appears to be in shock.

“I never thought Applejack would lie like that. Least you seem okay.” Sweetie looks you over for any injuries. You spend the rest of the trip to the Apple Family’s property in relative silence. The sun has made a good portion of its journey across the sky by the time the familiar cultivated fields come into view.

You sigh, exhausted from your travels. Your previous run, coupled with your swim and filly carrying, has worn you out. Your entire body aches from the labor it was forced to endure. At least your clothes have dried. You’re definitely going to need a shower though, you’re sure your wet shoes and socks are going to leave the best smell in the world when you decide to remove them.

As you’re passing under the white vine covered archway leading to the main house and pastures of Sweet Apple Acres Winona comes bounding up to your group. Unlike the first time she isn’t barking like mad, instead she sits and wags her tail happily. You greet Winona and she in turn barks a greeting. After that she goes running off in some random direction and out of sight.

You resume your walk to the large wooden home that lies in the center. Your shoes and Lyra’s hooves creak upon contact with the aged wooden stairs. When the three of you head up the stairs and onto the front porch Lyra walks over to the front door and knocks. You hear the unlatching of locks before the twisting of the door handle.

When the door opens the three of you are greeted to the site of an elderly looking earth pony. Her coat looks as if it’s an off green; her white hair is pulled back into a bun. Her only wear is a single orange and white laced apple printed bandanna, and like the other apples you’ve met she’s got an apple based cutie mark: An Apple Pie.

“Hi, Granny Smith!” Sweetie says while waving happily. Granny Smith’s tired amber eyes squint to see the filly in your arms.

“Well howdy, Sweetie Belle! Ya’ll come by tah visit Applebloom? And what in the hay is that?” Granny Smith asks before trotting out to you. Lyra had even raised her hoof to wave to Granny Smith, but she was completely ignored. She sighs sadly before putting her hoof down and looking at the floor boards. Granny examines you much like a doctor would. She brings out a hoof and taps your knee. It feels like a marshmallow hit you so you don’t react to her.

“Hm,” Granny hums while rubbing her chin with a hoof, “Ah been livin here since ah was a lil filly, an ah ain’t never seen anythin like you, sunny. What are ya, a shaved monkey?” Lyra snickers as you try to come up with an appropriate answer.

“Well, I’m a human. I guess you could say I’m what a monkey might be in a few million years?” you end on more of a question rather than a statement. Granny Smith appears satisfied with your answer regardless. That is until she asks yet another question. One you were dreading.

“Ya’ll wouldn’t happen to be the hairless monkey Big Mac said he beat up would ya?” Granny asks as she starts to trot around you in a circle, still examining you.

“Listen, that was a—“you start to say before Granny raises a hoof to silence you.

“Ah know bout what happened, Big Mac told me everythin. He said it was a big misunderstandin and that we should invite ya’ll to dinner as an apology.” Granny explains as she finally finishes her inspection.

“Oh no, Ms. Smith, you don’t have to go that far.” You insist. You really didn’t want to sit down with the family that put you in a bed for day. Granny Smith shoots you a toothless grin.

“Ain’t nothing, sunny! Why, it’s the least I can do fer what happened…” her focus seems to be on Sweetie Belle’s leg.

“What happened to yer hoof Sweetie?” Sweetie Belle is quick to answer.

“Oh no, I’m fine Granny. It’s just a sprain. Anonymous helped get me some ice and then he carried me here, and it feels much better.” Sweetie is trying her hardest to reassure the elderly pony.

Lyra’s jaw drops, “What am I, chopped hay fries?!” she cries before letting out an angry huff of air. Granny Smith turns to her.

“Well howdy, Lyra, when’d ya’ll get here?” She asks before smiling at the mint green unicorn. Obviously Granny has a few screws loose if she didn’t notice her until just now.

“I’ve been here.” Lyra carries an annoyed tone as plants her flank on the porch.

“Well, ya’ll shoulda said something. Mah eyes ain’t what they used to be.” Granny retorts before turning to look inside her home.

“HEY APPLEBLOOM, BIG MAC! WE GOT SOME GUESTS, GET THE EXTRA PLATES!” You don’t remember saying anything about agreeing to dinner, and you’re sure Lyra didn’t say anything.

You shrug and Lyra groans. “Bon-Bon’s gonna kill me.” She whines before getting to her hooves. Looks like the two of you are staying whether you like it or not.

You hear Big Mac’s deep, booming voice. ”Alright, Granny!” when he calls out you notice Granny only mentioned Big Mac and the name of a pony you’ve yet to meet. She said nothing about Applejack.

“Hey, Ms. Smith?” Granny turns to you.

“Ya’ll ain’t gotta say “Miss”. Granny’s just fine, sunny.” Fine you’ll do this her way.

“Granny Smith, you didn’t say anything about Applejack.” You scan the property for any signs of a brown Stetson hat, “Where’s she at?”

“That little troublemaker told me about how she got you beat up. Since you got all hurt, and cause she used Mac to do it, she got to work the Apple Orchards alone this week. She won’t be in till night-time.” It seems you like this elderly pony more and more the longer you stay around her. “Well, don’t ya’ll just stand there, come on in!” Granny promptly trots inside after that. You and Lyra walk inside behind her.

As you do, the smell of freshly baked apple pie hits your senses. You inhale deeply before sighing happily. When you glance throughout you spot a green couch along the far wall. Like Granny Smith, it’s old and worn. Multiple patches of different colors adjourn areas of the couch that have been torn in the past. You spot an old rocking chair to the right of the couch, presumably Granny’s. The entirety of their living room seems to give off a simplistic homely feeling. The various pictures of what you assume to be relatives hang above the furniture.

The fire place opposite of the couch is lit spreading warmth throughout the home. As you look around you notice that this home resembles that of an old log cabin in aesthetics. All in all the subtle scents, the inviting appearance, and the overall feel of the place seem to help relax your aching form. You leisurely follow behind Granny Smith into their dining room.

You find Macintosh setting up plates and silverware along the mahogany table that sits in the center of this small room. A candelabra made of silver acts as the centerpiece and as a source of light for the room. Unfortunately you’re unable to sit down at the table. The chairs are much too small for someone of your size. You’d break one if you were to sit.

You’ve decided to go ahead and stay for dinner, regardless of seating arrangements. If you were to leave now it’d appear rude. Lyra appears to be thinking the same thing. She takes a seat at the table and motions for you to sit beside her. You sit Sweetie Belle down in one of the chairs opposite of Lyra before moving over to her. You get to your knees and wait for the meal to be brought out.

It doesn’t take long for Macintosh to head into the kitchen and return with various bowls and trays. You spot the Apple Pie you smelled, along with the apple fritters, diced apples, apple sauce, and many other apple based items.

It seems as if these ponies can eat quite a bit. The sound of a young country filly causes you to jump. “Sweetie Belle!” the filly shouts with joy. You see a red mane and tail pale yellow earth filly gallop into the dining room. The huge pink bow she sports bobs in time with her as she does so. She comes to a halt and takes a seat next to Sweetie Belle. She starts hounding her with questions. What happened, are yah okay, and how’d yah get here, are some that were asked.

Sweetie explained what had happened. She was sure to tell Apple Bloom that you were the reason she was able to get here. That’s when Apple Bloom notices you for the first time. She shouts in surprise before looking you over just like Granny Smith did, minus the pacing of course. She was quite a curious youth.

As Macintosh finished setting up the table for supper you start answering each question Apple Bloom threw at you. After question twelve you were starting to get annoyed. It was like every question answered wasn’t enough and she wanted to keep asking more. Luckily Macintosh clearing his throat finally got the little filly to stop.

Apple Bloom giggles out of embarrassment before apologizing to you. With everything finally set, and with everyone sitting in their respective places, you begin your dinner. Your mother’s cooking couldn’t compare to the quality of apple based feast you were currently indulging in. It was as if Discord’s magic held no sway over your stomach in this regard.

Your body seemed to crave these delights and you mindlessly satisfied its craving. When you finally started to slow down you noticed you were getting a few stares from the others at the table.

Lyra, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle laughed at your expense. Your response was to use a napkin to calmly wipe away the bits of crumbs and juice your lips and cheeks managed to collect over the course of your meal.

It’s too bad that your napkin couldn’t cover your rapidly reddening cheeks. But just like with every meal you needed something to wash it down with. You peer into your wooden mug and sniff. Apple cider; you loved this stuff when you were a child, and just like you did back then you chugged your mug like no one’s business. You let out a satisfied sigh when your mug is drained of its contents.

You notice that you’re the first one finished with their meals; the others have been spending their time watching you eat rather than eating themselves. With the show over and done with they get to their respective meals. Over the course of dinner you’re treated to yet another round of twenty questions. This time they’re coming from Granny Smith. Lucky for you she sticks to the generic questions Twilight asked rather than personal ones.

Regardless you couldn’t help but feel like a broken record. Having to explain your planet and what little you knew of it was starting to get quite tiresome. But with new ponies you know you’re going to have to explain it over and over again. You might as well get used to it.

As you spoke with both Granny Smith and Apple Bloom over the time you’ve spent here you couldn’t help but catch Big Mac staring at you from the corner of your eye. Whenever you tried to make eye contact he looked away from you and rubbed the back of his head. It seemed like he wanted to say something, but not in front of his family.

In fact, his role in the conversation, well there really wasn’t any. Unlike the talkative Apple Bloom, or the story telling Grandmother, Big Macintosh was the stone silent guardian of the table. He seemed content with just watching on in silence, quietly enjoying his meal all the while. Was he normally like this, or is it because of you, Lyra, and Sweetie Belle being here?

He seemed to be more than willing to talk back in the barn. What’s stopping him now? When dinner finally ends, and when Apple Bloom and Macintosh clear off the table, you and Lyra get to your feet/hooves. Your rub your knees gingerly, you were on them for quite a while. You had to, or else you wouldn’t have been able to reach the top of the table. You hate the thought of dining in and leaving afterwards, but you needed to get home, as did Lyra. The two of you thanked the family for the meal and they thanked you for the company.

Thankfully they were able to take in Sweetie Belle for the night so that bit of worry was taken from your thoughts. As you and Lyra made your way to the door to leave you hear the clopping of hooves coming from behind. You turn to find Big Mac walking over to the two of you. Maybe now you’ll finally get some answers as to why he was acting the way he was at the dinner table.

“Hey, can ah talk to ya’ll outside for a moment Anonymous?” Big Mac asks before motioning to Lyra, “Alone?” She glares at Macintosh suspiciously. She seemed a bit reluctant to leave you alone with the stallion that injured you so badly, but when you agreed to talk alone she backed off.

“Sure, let’s talk. How long will this take?”

“It’ll only take a few. Don’t worry; ya’ll be on your way in a bit.” He reassures you.

You nod before making your way into the now night air of Ponyville. You didn’t realize so much time had passed over the course of your dinner. Then again with you constantly answering questions it was sort of hard to gauge just how much time each answer took. The cold air nips at you. You start to shiver as you turn to Macintosh. When he steps outside and closes the door he sighs. Then he looks up to you with a saddened expression.

“Listen partner. Ah’m, ah, ah’m sorry about what happened back in the barn. If ah knew that mah sister was lyin, I’d a never done what I did. Ah ain’t askin ya’ll to forgive me, but maybe we can put that moment behind us and try to start from scratch?” He look up at you hopefully.

You’re still angry with him for beating you to a pulp, but you know he did what he thought was right. If your sister wasn’t as terrible as she was, then you would have gladly stepped up to help her too. It’s only because of that reason you’re able to look past this.

“Big Mac, you did what you thought was right. If I was in your hooves I’d have done the same. So yeah, let’s start over and try again.” You say before extending a fist out to Macintosh. He examines it for a moment before he brings up one of his hooves. You fist/hoof bump in order to seal the deal so to speak.

“Alright, thank ya part. Ya’ll have a good night.” As he turns to head back inside he stops at the doorway. He turns to you and gives you something to think about on your walk home.

“Ah know ah shouldn’t be the one askin ya this, but ah don’t think it’s right. From what Applejack told me the way Rarity’s been actin lately is downright awful.” He trots over to an old, worn out bench on the front porch and takes a seat. You thought this would only take a moment. “Ah can’t stand it when mah lil sister’s friends are in trouble you know. Do ya think you might be able to help her like ya did mah sister?” He asks as he reaches to the side of the bench. He pulls up a jug sloshing with brown tinted liquid.

“I-I’ll see what I can do, but I can’t promise anything. I’ll try something I guess.” You shrug. Macintosh only adds to Twilight’s side of things. Loyalty to Discord is starting to become less of an option. While he’s in charge ponies far and wide suffered. You have to say with Sweetie’s situation you couldn’t help but picture yourself in her place.

You have a sister who only thought of herself. She didn’t care what happened to you; as long as that greedy sibling of yours got what she wanted in the end. In fact, if your sister was a pony she would probably BE Rarity. And from what happened with Sweetie today, you couldn’t help but feel for the little filly. No one should have to go through the same situations you had to face.

You could only imagine just what’s been going on behind closed doors of Rarity’s home. How far would Rarity go to take what she thought was hers? Would she starve Sweetie because it was Rarity’s food? Or would she just steal it and claim it as hers? What of personal belongings? It’s in that moment you make your decision.

You’ll make sure Sweetie has her true sister back. Loyalty to Discord held no meaning, nor did it hold true for Equestria… This was personal...

Author's Note

I forgot to add in the hoodie back at chapter seven so that's been edited.
Reason for that being that article of clothing holds some significance between Anon(You) and Pinkie.
That will be shown in later chapters.

Any comments, questions, or feedback is appreciated. I'll probably be posting a new chapter every day now that I'm on a roll.

Chapter Eleven: Drunken Night with the Mint Mare, A Gift For The Party Pony, and A Cruel Encounter with Greed

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// Chapter Eleven: Drunken Night with the Mint Mare, A Gift For The Party Pony, and A Cruel Encounter with Greed// Story: Living the Good Life// by Aetherpony//------------------------------//

Macintosh can see the resolve in your eyes despite the low lighting. He tosses the jug in his possession to you and you instinctively catch it. You watch the contents of the jug move about from being tossed.

“What’s this?” you ask with a furrowed brow.

“It’s a gift. Apple cider from last season, it’s my special brew. It’ll make ya forget your day if ya drink enough. Think of it as a thank you fer helpin me get mah sister back, even if it involved ya getting yer tail whipped.” He chuckles at the end of his explanation.

You remove the top and inhale its contents. You can feel your nose hairs figuratively burning upon smelling the cider. It’s going to knock you on your ass if you aren’t careful. Doesn’t help that you haven’t touched the stuff since college. Those classes can be stressful.

After you thank him for the cider he gets off of the bench and walks inside. Lyra comes out to greet you soon after. You place the top back on the jug and move aside so she has room to walk.

“Sup Anon?” Lyra asks before trotting past you and onto the dirt path leading out of Sweet Apple Acres. “So, what’d you and Mac talk about?”

“He just wanted to thank me for helping out his sister, and he apologized for beating the hell out of me.” You explain as you walk alongside Lyra. She eyes the jug in your possession.

“So… you get the cider from em too?” You nod in response before putting the jug to Lyra’s eye level. You pull off the top and let Lyra inhale its contents. Her eyes widen before turning to look up at you.

“Whoa… Anon, are you sharing?” She shifts her gaze between you and the jug. You scoff before placing the top back.

“You’re already getting a belly rub, don’t push your luck.” You say with a grin. Lyra groans in disappointment. The two of you walk on in relative silence. The only noise that keeps the two of you company is the chirping of crickets and the pitter patter of your feet and Lyra’s hooves.

As the two of you head off in the direction of town you take a few moments to glance at the moon in the sky. The gentle illumination of the moon seems to embrace the land in a soft glow.

Fireflies dot the area around you, occasionally flashing their yellow bulbs as they pass. The wind seems to chill you as it flows. You shiver a bit; you really wish you had your hoodie right about now.

Maybe it’s already dry, at least you hope. Your walk to Sugarcube Corner takes a little longer than intended. Lyra insists the two of you spend some time slacking off. More or less she wanted to chase fireflies while you watched from under an old oak tree. You have to say that her reaction time isn’t the best.

You watched as she crouched down and wiggled her flank in the air right when she was about to pounce. When she did she’d usually miss the firefly completely and end up face first in the poker cards. While it was fun watching her pretend to be a predator it was eating up a good bit of your time.

After letting Lyra have her fun for a good half an hour the two of you set off for Sugarcube Corner. As expected when you arrived at the gingerbread laden shop you saw Pinkie getting ready to turn in for the night. You knock on the door, and when she turns to look at the two of you she perks up instantly.

She rushes to the door and opens it greeting the two of you with a smile. “Hi Anon! Hi Lyra! Come in!” She motions for you to follow. You do so and she leads you to the center of the ground floor. Pinkie then bounces over to a nearby table. She comes bouncing back to you carrying what you think is your hoodie… but there’s a problem.

It shrank in the dryer. It’s less than half its normal size. Pinkie passes your jacket along to you and giggles out of embarrassment.

“I swear that’s never happened before, sorry Anon,” you sigh while looking over your now shrunken coat. You’ve had this thing for years, it was your favorite. And now it’s ruined; looks like you’ll have to go to your black hoodie now that your red one here is un-wearable.

“Thanks for trying Pinkie, just remind me to never let you wash my clothes again, never again.” She winches when you put emphasis on how displeased you are.

You’re trying not to come off as ungrateful considering she only wanted to help, but it was your favorite article of clothing. You look from your jacket to Lyra and Pinkie. Maybe one of them could get some use out of it. Seems like it’d fit a pony just fine.

“Have a good night Pinkie.” You say as you walk to your door.

“Bye Anon,” Pinkie hangs her head dejectedly. While you and Lyra walk out the door Pinkie remains on the main floor for a few moments before trotting up the stairs in the back. Lyra walks ahead of you considering you have no idea where her house is around this town. As the two of you walk she decides to strike up a conversation.

“So that was a little mean.” She says without turning back to look at you. You respond while still looking over your jacket.

“Well, I’m a mad that she messed up one of the few jackets I’ve got. Human clothes aren’t exactly easy to come by, and judging by what Twilight told me the only tailor in town is a greedy unicorn.” While Lyra walks ahead you try to measure her up to your now shrunken coat.

“Yeah, but still, she only wanted to help Anon.”

“I know, and I told her thank you. It was appreciated, but her help only ruined what she set out to make better.” She sighs before changing the topic.

“So, you gonna stay the night so you can give me that glorious tummy rub or what?” She turns her head to look back at you.

“I don’t know, am I allowed? Mommy Bon-Bon might not like you bringing strange men home.” You say teasingly before chuckling. Lyra scoffs before shaking her head.

“Yeah she might get a little mad, but hey I do what I want.” She sticks her tongue out at you and turns her head back to look where she’s going. She leads you through a collection of homes before stopping in front of one that has Bon-Bon’s cutie mark on the front mat.

“Well, here we are.” As you approach you stop when you realize that you’ve made a mistake. You need to tell Twilight you’ll be out for the night. She’ll probably worry if you don’t check in with her. As you hand Lyra the jug of cider you tell her:

“Hey, listen, I’m gonna go let Twilight know I’m okay and that I’ll be here if she needs me.” You turn to face the direction you’ll have to go to get to Twilight’s place.

“Heh, and here you were giving me flak for Bon-Bon. Alright, go ahead and go, but you better be back here soon though, mister. My tummy won’t rub itself.” She giggles before using her magic to open her door. You can hear Bon-Bon shout angrily before Lyra shuts the door behind herself. You smile to yourself, looks like Lyra’s going to get an earful.

With pep in your step you make your trek through Ponyville to the other side of town. Along the way you can’t help but notice the shadow of a building as it looms over you. You turn to the source of the shadow to find the silhouette of what looks to be a carousel.

Though much larger in size, the illumination of the lights from within shows a familiar gray pony as she parades around with Lyra’s bit sack. Now that you know she lives here that make things a bit easier on you when you decide to put whatever plans you have into action.

You don’t linger for long though, as you don’t want to risk being seen. After a good five minutes of walking you make it to Twilight’s Treebrary. You open the front door to find Twilight reading a book on her couch.

She looks up when you enter the room. “It looks like you had a busy day, saving the mail mare, taking Sweetie Belle to see Pinkie, and hanging out with the mare stalking you this morning.” She closes her book and trots over to you. Judging by her tone and glare she doesn’t seem too happy with you.

“I don’t see what the big deal is. You ponies are easier to get along with than humans. Besides, Lyra seems really nice. She just didn’t know how to go about introducing herself. Bon-Bon had a helping hoof in that.” You kneel down to Twilight’s level.

“Well what happened to thinking about helping us? You know, the whole reason you went out in the first place?” Her frown deepens as she waits for you to respond. You’re not in the mood for this.

“Listen, I’m going to help out with Rarity,” Twilight’s frown seems to make a one eighty as it turns to a small grin, “But, I’m only helping out Rarity as a favor to Sweetie Belle. That doesn’t mean I’m going to stick my neck out for Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash.” Twilight sighs in frustration.

“Oh well, it’s a start, thanks.” She says not looking to meet your gaze. She scuffs her hoof along the floor quietly.

“What? Were you hoping to yell at me or something?” you chuckle.

“Well, yeah I had this whole argument planned out and everything! And here you are just… well… being you.” She sounds disappointed. You smile before standing.

“Sorry to disappoint.” When you’re about to tell her your plans Twilight speaks first.

“Hey, I was looking at this new book on The Gryphon Kingdom, and I was wondering if you wanted to read it with me? I figured you’d want to learn a little bit more about the nations outside of Equestria.” Twilight says before motioning towards her book on the couch.

You shake your head, “As interesting as that sounds I’m going to have to say no. Got plans with Lyra tonight.” And that frown returns. You bend over and rustle her mane a bit, earning an annoyed grimace from her.

“Let’s save that for tomorrow. I know, how about we hang out here and you can read me all the books you want! How’s that?” You’ve just signed your own death warrant. When you pull your hand away you gulp nervously. You don’t know if Twilight’s mouth can handle that kind of smile.

Just like Lyra did earlier Twilight makes a squeaking noise before bouncing around happily, she must really love the thought of reading books and teaching others. You haven’t seen Twilight this excited before. Not even during your first day was she like this.

As she bounces around you watch as color seems to slowly creep its way up Twilight’s mane and tail. You see that she’s got a dark indigo mane and tail with a single magenta streak in each. When they have their original color it stops. It doesn’t spread to the rest of her body, but it’s a start. As she starts to ramble on about what books she’s going to read to you she realizes she’s keeping you here instead of where you need to be.

She apologizes before pushing you towards the door. How this pony has the strength to push you so easily is beyond your understanding.

“Whoa, wait a minute! You’re kicking me out?” Your disbelief is palpable.

“The sooner you leave and spend the night with Lyra, the sooner tomorrow will come. Okay bye.” Twilight pushes you back out into Ponyvile and slams the door behind you.

Well that was unexpected. You shrug your shoulders before setting out to Lyra’s house. As you walk along you come across the large carousel shaped building yet again. This time however the lights are off. A few thoughts cross your mind as you eye the building shrouded in darkness. Thought you never thought you’d think…

You crouch and walk over to one of the windows and peer inside. Due to the lack of lighting you’re unable to make out anything in the room other than what the moonlight shows.

You spot a sewing machine along with some fabrics upon a nearby table… and you can see a few mannequins in the back. The thing that really calls your attention though is the sack of bits sitting on top of the sewing machine. Without thinking you test the windows to see if they’re locked. You question just what you’re doing. You can’t just break into a pony’s home and steal whatever lies within. But, it’s not like you’d be stealing anything of Rarity’s. You hold no interest in fabrics or clothes.

It’s Lyra’s money, not hers. She shouldn’t have it in her possession. That leads you to wonder why no one reported her to the authorities. Probably because Discord rules the land, he doesn’t seem to be the kind to hold authority figures in high regard.

But that means that if you’re caught in the act no one would stop you either. You could get away with this if you were careful about it. You swore you wouldn’t go so far as stealing. You said to multiple people that such an act was below you, but technically you’re not stealing. You’re taking back something that doesn’t belong to a thief.

With that concept in mind, and with the windows locked you move on to the door. You give the door knob a test twist and come to find out it’s locked as well.

“Fuck.” You’re frustrated that your venture is over before it even began. At least you thought that until you saw the diamond shaped doggie door at the bottom of the front door.So it seems Rarity owns a pet. You notice that it’s an average sized animal door on what’s an already small entrance. You get to your knees and push on the doggie door to find that it opens.

You reach in and your fingers claw their way up the door’s wooden frame and to the knob on the other side. You give the lock a twist and you can hear the click signifying that the door is unlocked. Success, you get to your feet and quietly open the door. Upon peering inside you find nothing. Neither pony ready to pounce, nor animal barking at your presence. You’re off to a good start.

You quietly make your way over to Rarity’s sewing table, looking around as you do so. When you get to the table you reach out and grab the rather heavy sack of bits. The money jingles when the sack dangles in your hand. As you sneak back to the door a light clicks on in one of the back rooms connected to the foyer you’re standing in.

You hold your breath and stay absolutely still. Rarity steps into the back room. You find her looking over a few of them before she finds one wearing a black suit. She uses her magic to lift the top hat off of its head and there she finds a small emerald.

“Ah, there’s momma’s sleeping gem.” She whispers with a smile. Without even looking your way she turns around and trots off to wherever she came from. When she turns off the lights and when the clopping of her hooves disappears you breathe a sigh of relief.

That was way too close, you silently tip toe towards the open door and out into Ponyville. You’re sure to lock and close the door behind you on your way out. With your hoodie in one hand, and with the sack of bits in the other, you walk off towards Lyra’s house. As it comes into view you can’t help but occasionally glance over your shoulder.

What can you say, you’re a bit paranoid sometimes; especially when you do something that’s out of your element. You can’t believe you just did that, but as you thought before you sneaked in you didn’t steal anything of Rarity’s.

You’re simply retrieving Lyra’s property for her. It’s like you’re delivering a package. It’s too bad you couldn’t find her hat or sunglasses. Then again, you would have been pushing your luck. You stop at the wrapped candy mat and knock. You hear Bon-Bon shout, “Coming!” before the clopping of hooves can be heard.

She opens the door and whatever smile she had is immediately dropped. “I got a bone to pick with you monkey man. I wanted Lyra home before dark and it’s almost ten now! What the hay… made… you…?” She stops when she eyes the sack of bits in your grasp.

“Is that?” She points to Lyra’s sack of bits. You nod before kneeling down and opening the sack to show her that Lyra nearly lost a lot of bits. One hundred bits is quite heavy if you do say so yourself. Bon-Bon eyes Lyra’s bits before sighing and opening her door all the way.

“You know, I think I can overlook her being late over this, and I think I’ll let you spend the night tonight. Come on in.” She points to her home’s interior. You get to your feet and walk inside. As you pass through her doorway you feel a tug on your pants leg. You kneel down yet again.

“Yeah, what’s up Bon—“you’re cut off when she throws her hooves around your shoulders, “Bon?”

“Thank you, Lyra and I thought we were gonna have to take out a loan to pay our property tax this month.” She hugs tighter. Her hooves have made their way to your neck and you’re finding it hard to breathe.

“N-no prob. Bon-Bon, you’re kinda…” you tap on one of her hooves. She gets the message

“Oh!” She exclaims before releasing you. She giggles nervously, “so, um, do you want to see the rest of the house?” Her grin is just as anxious as her laughter.

“Nah, I think I’ll do that myself.” Lyra says from her position in the hallway. She doesn’t sound too happy. She looks upon the two of you suspiciously.

“What’s up?” you ask. She seems upset about something, but you can’t imagine what. Bon-Bon shares your sentiment.

”Why’s Bon-Bon all over you huh? Wait, is that my bits?” She asks as she points to the sack in your hand. She trots over, and when she gets a good look her eyes widen, “oh okay, I thought… Never mind, it’s nothing.” You pass Bon-Bon her bits bag before narrowing your eyes at Lyra.

“Yeah, it wasn’t “nothing,” what’s up?” You kneel down to her level. Lyra doesn’t seem to want to meet your gaze.

“I was just being silly, now am I gonna give you the grand tour or what?” You’re obviously not going to get a straight answer from this mare, so you might as well just go along with it. After all if you’re going to be staying the night it’d be nice to know what is where. It seems as if Bon-Bon isn’t going to join you on this little tour. It looks like she wants to get her friend’s bits to safety as soon as possible. She trots past the two of you and down their long, narrow hallway.

She trots up a set of white wood topped stairs and out of sight. Before Lyra shows you into any of the rooms she motions to the hallway the two of you are standing in. You take a quick look around. Stark white painted wooden walls, hardwood floors, and small oval shaped lights illuminate the hallway.

It seems as if this house has electricity. You swear pony technology is quite sporadic at best. Sugarcube Corner has regular lights as well, but Twilight’s library is illuminated by oil lanterns and candles.

You’ll have to ask somepony why there’s such a huge variation to technology. But before then you need to pay attention to your surroundings. You spot one open doorway leading to one room to the right. A white painted wooden door lies to the right beyond the first doorway, a third room to the right beyond the closed door. It’s also shut off from your curious eyes.

A fourth room straight across from the third room is an open doorway much like the first room. Lyra waits for you to finish looking around.

“Hallway,” Lyra says before trotting into the first room on the right. You follow soon after. Judging by the mint tiled flooring and the sink and counter combo opposite the doorway you assume this has to be the kitchen. When you take a look to your right a white refrigerator blocks your vision. You’re forced to walk into the kitchen if you wish to see it all.

The wall to the left houses various pony sized cupboards. A small silver trash can sits in the gap in between the fridge and cupboards. You also spot four cupboards attached to the wall above the sink. Two lie to the left of the sink and two lie to the right. A window closed by cream colored curtains shows the dark outside.

“We don’t have a pantry, but these babies can hold our snacks just fine.” She points to the cupboards along the left side of the kitchen. Lyra goes over the various drawers and cupboards along the front of the counter. They’ve got a utility drawer, cleaner drawer, silverware drawer, zip lock bag drawer, and they even have one completely dedicated to those little twist ties for bread.

Lyra notices you looking over the multicolored twist ties. “Got sick of losing them and my bread going stale. So I save these babies in case I lose one.” She goes on by pointing to the four cupboards above the sink. Those are used to hold plates, bowls, cups, and what I like to call: “Fancy Stuff.”

When you’ve gotten an eyeful she leads you back out into the hallway. The first closed door she opens to reveal shelves of towels and rags. So it’s virtually a hallway closet. The third room on the right side remains closed. “That’s Bon-Bon’s exercise room, I’m not allowed to go in.” She chuckles nervously.

”Why’s that?”

“Oh, well, you see, I kinda, sorta messed up a spell in there and it peeled the paint off the walls. She got mad.” Lyra shivers as if recalling the event scared her.

“Nice,” you laugh heartily.

Lyra lightly strikes your leg with a front hoof. “Hey, it’s not funny! I had to repaint the whole bucking room!” Lyra exclaims. You shrug.

“Whatever, you deserved it.” You smirk and her frown deepens.

“Anyway, here’s the next room.” Lyra she points to the final room in the hall. The two of you enter. Like the hallway this room sports hardwood flooring. You look around the room and spot a cream colored sectional a near the center of the room. A mahogany coffee table sits in front of the couch. You see Macintosh’s gift sitting upon it. In front of the coffee table are three book cases that lie upon the wall.

Each book case contains five shelves. Various books line each shelf. Their age varies; some appear brand new while others appear worn beyond repair. A fireplace sits to the left of the book cases.

A huge gap lies between the left side of the room and the couch. On the left side of the room lies an oval shaped dining table with four pony sized chairs and a window giving you a view of their front yard. A single basket of fake fruit acts as a centerpiece for the table.

“This is the living room. Over there is where Bon-Bon and I eat and stuff. We got a few extra chairs for guests. Over here is a comfy flanking couch… sectional… whatever you wanna call it.” Lyra explains as she trots over to it.

“And up those stairs in the back is my room, Bon-Bon’s room, and our bathrooms. My stuff is on the left side up there while hers is on the right. That concludes your tour.” With that Lyra trots to her table and grabs the jug of cider.

While wondering just how the hell she’s able to grab things with her hooves you walk over and join her on the couch. When you set your shrunken jacket along the arm of the couch she passes the jug to you, and you pop the top.

“Party time?” you ask with a smile.

“Almost,” you watch as Lyra gets off of the couch and trots over to the book cases. She picks one up in her magical aura, then she levitates it over to the table before joining you back on the couch. You point to it.

“What’s with the book?” you ask as you take a whiff of the jug’s contents.

“Oh, you don’t know? Twilight’s basically the town’s witch right?” You nod.

“Well, one day when I went to check out a few books she was looking to make a new spell. She was wondering what she wanted to try. I asked her if it’d be possible to project a story or information out of a book in order see what it describes, you know?” You have no idea what Lyra’s talking about and it shows. “Yeah I figured. It’d be best if I showed you. Twilight taught me how after she perfected her spell.” Lyra’s horn begins to glow and the book she chose does in turn.

Lyra closes her eyes and begins to concentrate. Her horn starts to grow brighter, so much so that it’s almost blinding. You’re forced to cover your eyes as a result. When the light finally dissipates you look to find that the book is open, but that’s not what causes you to gasp.

What does is the three foot by three foot moving image being projected a few inches out of it. Suddenly the image freezes. You’re shown a heroic looking Pegasus Mare dressed in cyan colored Praetorian gear. The title above the mare says, “Sonic Boom the Dragon Slayer.” Needless to say you’re surprised at what you see. Lyra smiles triumphantly.

“You like it? I call em: Visual Novels. You gotta be a unicorn if you wanna use em. It beats having to go to the movies and it saves you bits too.” To you it’s like looking at a hologram straight out of a science fiction movie. ”Party time begins now.” As the movie begins you’re greeted with fanfare coming from it. Least you’ll have sound to go with it.

You start off by taking a deep swig straight from the jug. The contents burn your esophagus on the way down. You cough a few times from the sudden sensation. It’s like rubbing alcohol mixed with apple cider.

“Damn, what is this moonshine?” You wheeze. You were under the impression that these ponies wouldn’t know a thing about alcohol, and it looks like you were wrong. You pass the bottle off to Lyra and she imitates you. When she pulls her lips from the bottle you see her eyes watering.

“Oh my Celest-“she can’t finish before she starts doing the exact same thing you did. When she’s finally able to speak again she passes the bottle back to you. The more you drink the easier it gets. You have no idea how much time passes, but you do know one thing. Your entire body feels heated from the liquor. Your thoughts are swimming about in your head.

You smile stupidly as you watch the novel play out. Sonic Boom faces off against a dozen minotaur bandits, there is no way she’s going to beat them, at least that’s what you think. Your head hangs lazily as you turn it to look at Lyra.

Her cheeks are a deep shade of red and she’s sporting a grin. She can’t seem to sit still either. Her entire body appears to be wobbling around. It’s as if she has no balance while sitting. In your drunken stupor you finally realize you forgot Lyra’s tummy rub.

“Oh shit, Lyra?” You raise your right arm limply and poke her cheek. When she turns to you she makes no motion to move your finger. Now you’re scrunching up her snout.

“W-what’s up Anoooon?” She giggles in between drunken hiccups.

“I forgot t-to give you that, belly rub, thing.” You manage to formulate your thought; albeit the entire thing was slurred. Lyra’s eyes open wide and she gasps, it ends with a hiccup.

“You’re t-to-totally right,” She nods, or she loses all feeling in her neck. You can’t tell at this point.

“So, like, how do you want it?” You carefully try to set the jug down next to the book without spilling any on it, somehow you’re successful. Lyra simply lies on her back and uses your thigh as a pillow. You have to admit that the way she curls her hooves in front of herself makes her look like a dog. “You look silly.”

You laugh like it’s the funniest thing in the world. She sticks her tongue out at you in response. “Just *hic* rub my tummy.” Lyra says.

“F-fine.” You reach your hand out and place it along the center of her stomach. Her coat is unbelievably soft to the touch. Lyra smiles as she looks from you, to your hand. Lyra lets out a short gasp when you run it from the top of her chest to just above what you think to be her equivalent to breasts. You repeat the action in reverse. Your hand travels at a slow rate. You watch as your fingers part her coat along their paths.

You switch between curling your fingers along her fur and simply running your hand down her. Lyra sighs happily as she snuggles her head into your thigh. Soon enough you become distracted by the visual novel and you turn your head to watch it. You’re able to multitask between watching the entertainment and giving Lyra her tummy rub. At least you think you can.

Little did you know she's been dreaming of this moment when she saw a human run their hands along a dog’s belly. She’s wanted this for a lot longer than you know. She lets out a quiet moan when your hand runs back up to her chest. She looks up to you and sees you’ve become distracted by the novel. You continue the belly rub for an untold amount of time.

During the movie Sonic Boom starts her fight with a black scale dragon by the name of Glaurong. It’s interesting to say the least. You get the feeling that Lyra isn’t watching a single bit of it. She’s really missing out, this movie looks amazing. The vivid colors, the clear voices, the enchanting music; why couldn’t humans make such a wondrous thing?

Hours later Sonic Boom starts a second fight with Glaurong and what you think is his son, that’s when you realize that the bathroom calls your name. You’ve long since stopped your belly rubbing; you look down to find she’s asleep. You watch as her chest rises and falls with each little breath she takes. She’s still using you as a pillow though.

You’ve got to say, Lyra is adorable when she sleeps. You’re careful to get up as gently as possible. You succeed in getting her off of you without waking her. You’re sure the alcohol played a huge part in that. You step out into the hallway and you eye the stairs leading up.

Thanks to you letting that liquor sit untouched for a while you’ve sobered up a bit. That allows you to scale the stairs without you making too much noise. When you come to the top you see a hallway similar to the hallway on the first floor. It’s as Lyra said there are two doors to the left and two to the right. You’re sure to stick to the left.

You open the first door on the left and you’re greeted to a rest room. You don’t bother taking in its appearance. There’s a sink, a toilet, and there’s a bath. There’s no need for anything else. You walk over to the toilet and do your business.

After washing your hands and shutting everything off you make your way back down the stairs to find Lyra curled up on the side of the couch. You hate to wake her, but that couch is looking really comfortable, and you’re fairly tired. Today drained a lot of energy, and you could use a good night’s sleep.

You scoop her up in your arms and carry her back up the stairs. Using your feet you nudge open her bedroom door and carry her inside. The room may be dark but you’re able to the silhouette of her bed. Without thinking of the consequences you unceremoniously plop her on her bed, then collapse next to her.

You decided that it’d take too much effort to go back to that couch. Besides you’re sure Lyra won’t mind, you think. As you’re getting yourself comfortable you can’t help but think that today went a lot better than you thought it would. Aside from the obvious today wasn’t bad.

You were able to put what happened between you and Macintosh behind you. You were able to get Lyra her bits back. You were also able to take care of a filly when she was hurt. As your eyes begin to close and as sleep’s embrace comes you wonder if there’ll be a day to top this one in the future…

You wake up the next day to the sun shining its light into Lyra’s room. You rub the sleep from your eyes before letting out a tired yawn. You find it a little hard to move considering the weight upon your chest. When your eyes are able to adjust to the light you find that the weight is actually Lyra. At some point in the night she ended up using your chest as a means of sleep. She’s curled up into a little ball sleeping peacefully.

As much as you’d hate to wake the little unicorn you need to get up. You reach out and lightly poke her snout. That only causes her to snuggle into your chest and let out a contented sigh. You’re going to end up a diabetic if you’re exposed to such sweetness for too long. You’re forced to shake yourself in order to get her up. She lets out an adorable little yawn before rubbing her eyes.

“Sleep well?” you smile lazily. Lyra’s tired eyes bore into yours. Then she gives you a smile of her own.

“Yes, and buddy,” she pokes your nose, “best, tummy rub, ever. My leg wouldn’t stop kicking.” She giggles as she recalls the events of last night, or what she could remember anyway.

You tell her that you were the one who ended up carrying her to her room last night. This causes her face to light up with a new shade of red. When she realizes just where she’s at it takes her less than a second to get off of your chest. She mutters out an inaudible sorry before getting out of bed.

That’s when Bon-Bon decides to make her appearance. She opens the door and shoots the two of you a deadpan glare. Before you could ask what’s up she tells you.

“The two of you left the lights on. Also, Lyra, hurry up and get ready. We gotta head in today.” Bon-Bon points to a watch on her hoof that isn’t there. Lyra’s eyes widen; lethargy is now distant memory.

“Oh buck! I gotta get ready!” Lyra scrambles through her mint colored dresser in hopes of finding something to wear.

“Lyra, you don’t wear any clothes.” You say as you get out of her bed. she seems to realize that you’re right, she doesn’t. Except for special occasions of course, but work isn’t one of those things.

“Uh, yeah. right.” She laughs nervously before trotting over to Bon-Bon. Before the two leave for their jobs Bon-Bon tells you to help yourself if you’re hungry and to lock the door when you leave. You wave good bye to the two and they head down the stairs and out of sight. When you hear the door shut you can’t help but feel surprised.

You haven’t known them for long, yet they trust you enough to leave you alone in their home? Crime must be rare in this little town. You get out of Lyra’s bed and walk into her restroom.

After taking care of your business you decide to see if Bon-Bon or Lyra has anything appealing in their cupboards. After all Bon-Bon said to help yourself. So you do, or at least try to. When you check their fridge and cupboards you realize that a good portion of their food would be inedible for you. Grass chips do not sound appealing.

Deciding on skipping out on breakfast you decide to just leave their home with hoodie in hand. After you’re sure to lock and shut the door behind you, you set off towards Twilight’s treebrary. You’ve got things to do and by things you mean more education. Twilight seemed ecstatic to teach you, and why wouldn’t she? After all you’re an empty space looking to be filled with knowledge.

That’s a little much; you’re not the bookworm you used to be. In fact you were never one. You realize today’s going to be boring for you. But whatever makes Twilight happy. If she’s happy then maybe she’ll regain more of her color. Having someone confident in their abilities would prove useful should you really go against Discord.

Twilight could probably help her friends herself if you could just cure her. There’s a good chance she probably knows a spell that would get rid of Discord’s influence. In no time at all the treebrary comes into view, and an off pink pony does as well. Pinkie appears to be sitting in front of the door. Her hair lacks its poofy nature; instead it’s as straight as a board.

She appears depressed; she’s looking at a pink box with “Sugarcube Corner” written on the side. When she sees you approach her frown seems to get worse.

“Hey Anon,” she says despondently when you get close. What could possibly have this pink bundle of joy so sad? You just have to know.

“What’s gotten into you Pinkie?” you ask kneel down to the pink mare’s height. She’s eyeing the hoodie you still have in your hands. You’re able to put two and two together rather quickly.

“I brought some doughnuts to show you how sorry I wa--“you hold your hand up to silence her. It’s just an article of clothing. Sure it’s your favorite, and sure you don’t have that many clothes. But it’s not like it’s the end of the world. It’s not worth being angry over nor is it worth having Pinkie be like this.

“Pinkie, I’m not mad at you. If it helps you feel better, you’re forgiven.”

Pinkie doesn’t seem satisfied with that. “But you can’t wear it anymore it’s too small, it’s worthless now.” Is she really trying to find a reason to stay sad? You look over your jacket again. She’s right you can’t wear it, but that doesn’t mean it’s worthless. You look over Pinkie and compare her size to that of your coat. It’s just like with Lyra. This thing could be worn by your little friend her too.

“I may not be able to wear it, but that doesn’t make it useless, in fact.” You throw your jacket at Pinkie. She’s temporarily blinded by the red clothing. As she uses her hooves to pull it away you get up and walk to Twilight’s door.

“Here’s a present. Now stop being so glum. Apologies can’t change what happened, but at least you feel remorseful. If you didn’t care I’d be pissed. Besides, I’ve got another one.” Pinkie says nothing as you open the treebrary door and enter.

When you close the door Pinkie sits there for a moment. She looks over your jacket before smiling to herself. It takes her a few moments but she’s able to put it on. When she adjusts the little strings for the hood you come back out. You see that Pinkie’s already in her “present.” You take a look at the pink box on the ground; you reach out and grab it.

“I think I’ll still take the doughnuts, for, umm” as you try to find a reason Pinkie looks you over with a raised brow, “science, yes, eating doughnuts for science.” Pinkie giggles at your nervous demeanor.

“Anon, you’re so silly!” and here come those pink curls, “enjoy the doughnuts!” And with that she bounces away happily. You breathe a sigh of relief before walking back inside the treebrary and shutting the door behind you. Her body reflecting her mood has got to be the oddest thing you’ve ever seen…

You see Twilight looking over a few open books set upon a nearby table while Spike brings her more. When she finishes one she orders Spike to get two more. The poor little dragon is being run ragged. You walk over to the two and take a seat on the nearby couch.

“Hey Twilight, what’s up?” you ask as you pick up one of the many books that have already been read.

“Anon! I’m looking for the elements!” Twilight says frantically as she tosses another three books off of her table. You set down the book you were sifting through.

“I thought you said they were missing,” you close the book you’ve opened and set it back where you got it. Twilight looks to you with blood shot eyes.

“I know but I finally figured it out! Go back to where you began, that’s what Discord told us! Do you know what that means?!” You shuffle away from her a bit, she doesn’t seem to notice.

“What does it mean?”

“That they should be in the library somewhere, this is the beginning! But I’ve checked every single book, looked under every cushion, and searched every room, they aren’t here.” You see tears welling in her eyes, “they just have to be!”

“Twilight, if you really believe that then you would have found them by now. You seem to be pretty good at finding something when you need it. Maybe his riddle meant some—“

“NO! I’M NOT WRONG ABOUT THIS!” she cries, you visibly flinch from her shrill tone. She uses her magic to shove the books Spike gathered off of her table.

“I pretty much said the same thing Anon,” Spike says as he goes over to the book shelves to grab some more. Twilight yanks them out of his claws with magic before he can even get back to her. She searches through them before tossing them away.

“Need help?” you ask with a raised brow as you watch Twilight casually toss books away

“Please?” Twilight turns to you again. This time her eyes are filled with tears. She turns back to her books, but before she starts sifting through them again you place a hand on her withers. She flinches from your touch and her head jerks back to face yours.

“What?” You wipe a stray tear running down her cheek before putting your hand back where it was prior.

“Twilight, please, take a deep breath and calm down.” You try to come off as understanding, “you’re not gonna find anything when you’re like this. You’re bound to make a mistake if you this anxious.” She shakes her head in disbelief.

“Calm down?! Anon do you realize how important this is?!”

You nod, “I do, I can see it in your eyes, but please, Twilight, you need to give yourself a moment. When did you realize the meaning behind his riddle?”

“An hour after you left, I haven’t slept…” she trails off. You sigh before getting to your feet.

“Anon, what are you doing,” you point to the stairs leading up to her room. She shakes her head, “you expect me to stop? Are you crazy?!”

You nod, “Yes I do. Spike and I can handle things down here.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” She gives you a defiant glare. You open your mouth to speak, but when you look into her purple orbs you promptly shut your mouth. In that moment you realize that no matter what you say, she’s not going to stop until she’s certain they aren’t here.

If you really want to help her, you’ll aid her in her search. When you know it’s hopeless then you’ll force her to get some sleep, but until then you’re stuck on book sifting duty.

You sigh when you grasp this, you weren’t looking forward to be put through lessons and this was even less appealing. But Twilight needs help and she’s your other tenant aside from Discord. You’re sort of obligated to help, unless you want to be out of a home. So you suck it up and start grabbing books off of the shelves. Spike seems to be thankful for the assistance.

So instead of spending your time reading with Twilight you’re instead on a frantic search for the elements. Book after book is torn from the shelves…

Many hours pass and you’ve nearly searched through every single book within the library. With each book you sift through the search becomes more and more hopeless. You’ve been at it for the entire day almost. You haven’t eaten, and you’re pretty sure neither Spike nor Twilight have either. You’re in need of a break, you know finding the elements is a huge deal, but you can’t search on an empty stomach.

You haven’t had time to grab a single doughnut since your search began. Your mouth begins to water as you picture what they must look like. You shake your head of these idle thoughts. You cannot allow yourself to be distracted with hunger. You must find the elements. You’re about to grab another six books until a loud banging comes from the treebrary door.

The ferocity of the knock causes the three of you to stop what you’re doing. Suddenly a very familiar voice calls out, and it’s calling out for you specifically.

“I KNOW THAT THIEVING APE IS IN THERE! LET ME IN!” shouts Rarity from the outside. You cringe from her tone as does Spike. The banging continues louder than before. Judging by the sound of it there’s more than one hoof knocking. Either Rarity is standing upon her hind hooves or she’s got somepony with her.

“YEAH YOU DUMB MONKEY! OPEN THE BUCKING DOOR!” shouts none other than Fluttershy. That is just the pony you didn’t want to see. Spike looks to you expectantly. You look at him in turn.

“What?” You ask before pointing to the door, “Don’t tell me you really want me to go out there.” You say with uncertainty. Twilight seems to be ignoring the two troublemakers for the most part. That is until the wood on Twilight’s door begins to splinter.

“Anon, I don’t know what you did, but please go out there and settle this?” Twilight asks without turning away from her books. You sigh loudly; you really, REALLY didn’t want to do this. But you get up and walk over to the door anyway. Your anger from Fluttershy has subsided slightly and Rarity would have to be referring to Lyra’s bits so you’ve already got her there.

All in all you have answers for their outbursts. Maybe this won’t turn into another fist fight. You’d rather not fight either a Unicorn or a Pegasus pony today. As you turn the handle to open the door it bursts open. You’re greeted by two very angry looking mares. You open your mouth to say something but Rarity is more than willing to interrupt you.

“WHERE ARE MY BITS?!” She shouts angrily before trying to walk past you and into the library. You move to block her path. There’s no need to be nice about this.

“I don’t have YOUR bits because they weren’t yours. They were Lyra’s and you know it you thieving little shit.” Malice drips from your voice.

“She dropped her bits on the floor. That made them public property. I am a part of that public and thus I am entitled to that money.” Rarity says simply before trying to make her way into the library again. You step forward, forcing her to walk back, and shut the door behind you. That blocks the both of them from getting inside.

“You had better give us those bits Anon, or else we’re going to tell everypony that you’re a no good lying crook.” Fluttershy ends with an evil grin. You laugh in her face.

“Really, so the ponies that SAW Rarity steal those bits, and the ones who saw me chase them around town are just going to believe you over me? That’s cute.” Your smirk only further fuels their flames of anger.

Fluttershy doesn’t appreciate your laughter one bit. She lets out a low growl before snapping at you. “Stop laughing!” That only makes you laugh even harder.

You point to Rarity, “and you, you think your logic makes any sense? That’s hilarious. I have a better offer. How about the two of you fuck off?” Any sort of laughter you had died off when you finished your question. You cross your arms and look upon the two with scrutiny.

“Y-y-you…” Rarity stutters. She’s shaking with anger as she glares at you. You smirk and kneel down to Rarity’s level.

“Y-y-you what?” you mockingly ask with a smile, “I guess there’s s-s-something wrong with your voice?”

“Now!” Rarity shouts. You furrow your brow when you hear Fluttershy grunt. You turn to see that Fluttershy is hovering in the air eye level to you. You have no time to move as her hind hooves are driven right into your field of vision. You should have kept eye contact on both of them rather than the fashionista.

The force of impact causes you to fly right back into the door. Your weight causes it to come off of its hinges. You’re now lying on top of it in a daze. Your vision blurs and splits, you see multiples of single objects.

Rarity walks over your body and into the library. Fluttershy flies over you, and she spits in your face as she goes. Rarity takes a look around the room. She spots the surprised Twilight and Spike. The two of them are in the same area as before, except now they’re looking at the damage with slack jaws. Rarity clears her throat daintily.

“Because you have such a rude monkey as an assistant we were required to perform such brutish actions. Now please return my property to me before I’m forced to have Fluttershy tear apart each and every book in your library.” Twilight reacts with a gasp.

“No you can’t do that!” Twilight shouts before stepping in front of her books.

Rarity lets out an elegant laugh, “oh but I can and I will. No pony steals what’s MINE. NO PONY!”

Author's Note

Here's yet another chapter. Any comments, questions, or feedback is appreciated.
If you happen to spot any plot holes(lol) please don't hesitate to let me know.

What's gonna happen with Twilight? Will Fluttershy and Rarity succeed? Find out in the next chapter.

Chapter Twelve: Anon's Rage Unbound, Burning Bridges, Princess Plans, and a Chaotic Proposition

// Chapter Twelve: Anon's Rage Unbound, Burning Bridges, Princess Plans, and a Chaotic Proposition// Story: Living the Good Life// by Aetherpony//------------------------------//

You let out an audible groan as you get to your hands and knees. Your head is tender with pain from the blow you’ve just received. Thankfully nothing’s broken, but everything below your nose is pulsating, you can feel blood pooling in your mouth. As you try to collect yourself you try to shake the disorientation you’re feeling.

You don’t know how something so little can hit so hard; even after fighting her twice prior to this. It just doesn’t make any sense. Regardless, this is the last time. With the thick taste of copper invading your mouth you part your lips slightly. With that the crimson liquid formed from your bleeding gums is expelled. A single stream trickles from your lips and onto the door.

You wipe it away and shoot the back of Fluttershy’s head an angry glare. The rage you’ve felt from the first day you two fought, from being tricked, and being put into a bed for a day. All of it begins to culminate.

She’s berated you, she’s hurt you, and she had a stallion turn against you. It’s about time you gave her a taste of her own medicine. With fury dictating your actions you get to your feet and walk over to the two mares. A familiar feeling within the confines of your chest begins to rise. Hot flashes of your time in high school only add to the raging inferno begging to be released. Twilight leans around Rarity and sees the anger seething from you and she backs away.

“What’s wrong with you egg head?” It takes Fluttershy a moment to register what Twilight is staring at. By the time she turns to face you it’s already too late. You’ve brought your right leg back and you’re ready to strike. When she turns to face you, you don’t give her time to react.

You bring back your right leg and swing horizontally. Using your waist and abdominals you not only add power to your kick, but speed. The tip of your shoe nails her right in the right side. She lets out a breath of air as she goes sailing into the book shelves. As soon as she makes impact they splinter and fall apart.

Fluttershy hits the ground stomach first with a loud thud, she struggles to get up but broken pieces of the book shelf give way and smack her right on the top of her head. She drops back on her belly.

Rarity does nothing more than gasp and back away from you. At this point you don’t really care about her. Fluttershy is going to get her punishment first. You walk over to her as she finally shakes away the dizziness. The books that litter the ground around her give her little time to balance. She actually slips upon an encyclopedia. She can’t seem to stand on her own so you’ll give her a hand.

You wrap your fingers around her mane and lift her up. When you bring her to eye level hers bore into yours with pure malice. You can’t help but smile at what you plan on doing next. You walk her over to the desk Twilight was using to look through her books. Fluttershy struggles to pull herself from you grip but you don’t let up. She does nothing more than cause more stress on her roots.

You can feel her swinging her hooves into your arm, but you can barely feel their blows. You’re way too angry, and your adrenaline rush is too much for her to hurt you now. You bring your arm back and slam Fluttershy face first into the desk as hard as you can. The desk snaps in two right down the middle. You fingers tighten around her locks.

“How does that feel huh?!” You shout as you pick up Fluttershy. You turn her towards you so you can look at the damage you’ve done. Fluttershy’s right eye is forced shut and her lip is bleeding. It’s good, but it’s not enough. You run full speed towards one of Twilight’s front windows. You stop right before one and chuck the Pegasus as hard as you can at it.

The window shatters as Fluttershy goes through it face first. You watch as she lands, and then slides along the poker card laden ground. You calmly walk out of the treebrary and over to her the satisfying sound of glass crunching under your shoes is like music to your ears.

You take this time to look over the various red lines dotting her coat, face, and hooves. The glass cut her up pretty well, and you’re going to add to it. You’re about to bring your foot down upon her skull, but as it turns you didn’t do enough to daze her.

She’s flies up like a bullet; you feel your feet leave the ground as the top of Fluttershy’s head slams into your chin. Your neck pops back from the sheer force exerted. You’re lucky it didn’t snap from the sudden movement. Instinctively bring your hands to your chin and grunt through the agony coursing through your head. You feel the air leave your lungs as you land flat on your back. Luckily your shirt provides ample protection from the window shards. As you sit up you take a moment to rub your chin.

You look to find yourself at eye level with Fluttershy. She’s smirking and trotting to you, thinking she’s got you on the ropes. Even though you’ve had the wind knocked out of you you’re anything but beaten.

“Stupid monkey, you better stop before I kick your flank again.” Fluttershy taunts as she sticks her tongue out at you. You feel something snap in the back of your mind and everything goes black…

Fluttershy doesn’t seem to like how silent you’re being or the vicious glare you’re giving her. So she decides to taunt you again.

“Did you hear me you ugly, hairless ape or are you too stupid to—“you cut her off with a feral roar. She has no time to react as you bring your foot back and slam it right into her snout. She yelps and shuts her eyes, backing away from you as she does so.

You’re on your feet in an instant and are readying another kick. You’re about to punt the little Pegasus like a football. The air leaves her lungs when your foot is driven right into her solar plexus. It knocks her up rather than forward, allowing you to reach your arms up and grab her out of the air.

As soon as your fingers tighten around her sides you lift her over your head and throw her straight down with all of your might. She lets out a squeak of pain upon impact. Before she can get up you roll her on to her side, then you press your knee into her wing to keep her pinned. Your left hand wraps around her neck and keeps her head from moving.

With her being unable to move, and not capable of flapping her wings, you take advantage of it. You ball your right hand into a fist, bring it up, and then smash it down upon her muzzle. You don’t stop with one punch though. You keep them coming. Like a jackhammer you land blow after blow upon the side of her head. After your sixth strike her only working eye has tears pouring from it, and that only causes you to put your whole body into your blows.

You don’t notice it due to your blinding rage, but with each hit her fur becomes canary yellow and her mane slowly turns pink. She’s openly sobbing now but she’s cut off with each punch you throw. A crowd begins to gather around you to see what the commotion is about.

“S-stop,” she manages to blurt out in between hits. You don’t heed her words, instead you keep going. The color spreads throughout her coat, mane, and tail. For you that just gives you a brighter target.

Twilight, Spike, and Rarity watch from the treebrary’s entryway. Each sports an expression of varying levels of shock as you mercilessly beat the Pegasus. Their eyes move with your fist. Fluttershy’s whimpering and pleas finally help Twilight snap out of it.

”P-please—“her swollen jaw takes another hit. When you bring your fist back you plan on this one sinking into her large eye. But it stops mere inches away, a purple aura surrounds your arm stopping you from doing more damage. You turn to look at Twilight to find that she’s holding you back with all the magic she can muster.

Twilight shakes her head. “Anonymous, please that’s enough.” She tries to calm you while slowly pulling you from Fluttershy.

“I’LL TELL YOU WHEN IT’S ENOUGH!” Your yelling startles Twilight, causing her to lose her grip on you. Regardless you’ve forgotten all about Fluttershy. She’s done anyway, but the fashionista is a whole other story.

You give Rarity the same murderous stare you gave Fluttershy. You get off of the beaten Pegasus and move over to her, she’s too scared to move. Her gray eyes stare at you with abject horror. Her fear holds her in place for you.

When you grab hold of the back of her head she manages to snap out of it long enough for her to shout, “Let go of me you brute!” Despite her yelling and struggling you manage to drag her out of the doorway and out into the street. Everything else she utters is muffled when you push her muzzle into the poker cards.

“God, I wish this was fuckin dirt!” You push her head further into the ground. Her hooves move about frantically, “So that way I could tell you to get a good taste you uppity high class whore!” The crowd lets out a collective gasp at your insult.

Rarity’s horn is being applied the same pressure as the rest of her face is. Because of that she’s unable to conjure up a spell to defend herself with. It doesn’t help that she’s too scared to think logically. You lean in and growl into her ear.

“Wanna know what I had to do yesterday? I had to help your little sister because she couldn’t walk! I had to carry that little filly to Sweet Apple Acres. Do you have any idea how far of a walk that is?!” Rarity’s muffled whimpers are her only response, “here’s an idea: how about you stop treating your little sister like trash and stop being such a greedy little cunt? You get one chance Rarity, if I see Sweetie Belle hurt because of your selfishness again,” you pick her up by her mane so she can get a good look at Fluttershy.

“Then you might as well consider what I did to Fluttershy a fucking massage.” You turn Rarity’s head to face yours. “Do you understand?!” You dot her face with spittle as you yell. She whimpers before nodding frantically. “Good!” You toss her over to her little accomplice. She gets to her hooves and gallops away like a bat out of hell.

“Anon, listen,” Twilight starts. You turn to her and she doesn’t utter anything further.

“No YOU listen. I know you were going to let them do whatever they wanted. You weren’t going to stop them.” Twilight shakes her head.

“You don’t know that An—“you cut her off.

“Yes I fucking do! I’ve been here long enough to know you don’t have any backbone. You’re a damn coward who cries about everything, and that’s why I have to clean up this fucking mess!” You motion to the ground and cotton candy clouds as you yell, “You can’t help your friends, only I can! Well you know what; I just gave Rarity and Fluttershy some tough love. So how about you get off your flank and go help Rainbow Dash?! Oh, that’s right you’re going to have me do that too. Well fuck you!”

You see tears begin to form in Twilight’s eyes. Her lower lip begins to quiver. You turn your back to her and start walking away. “I’m going on a walk.” You intentionally step on Fluttershy’s unfurled wing as you walk away; the crowd of ponies that have gathered to see you beating Fluttershy part for you.

Twilight takes one last look your way before running inside sobbing loudly. Spike shakes his head at you before following her inside. A few ponies dressed in scrubs come out of the crowd to carry the sobbing and shivering Fluttershy away on a stretcher. The rest of them disperse now that there isn’t anything going on…

After about an hour of walking aimlessly around the town you finally start to calm down. When you find a bench you decide to sit upon it you recline. Your heart is still going a mile a minute in your chest. The soreness from the head butt and bucking is starting to make itself apparent. Your mind is plagued with the thoughts of what you’ve just done. Unfortunately you weren’t given the mercy of forgetting everything you did when you snapped this time around.

Fluttershy’s broken and battered face, Rarity’s fear, and Twilight’s tears. All of it is freshly implanted into your mind. You were angry, not only at them, but at yourself. You did what you promised yourself you’d never do. Fluttershy deserved a beating, but not like the one you gave her. She wouldn’t be able to see or speak for quite some time. You put your head in your hands before sighing.

And you blew up at Twilight too, you know she can’t help being like that. She acts that way because of Discord, but apparently that didn’t matter to you. You’re going to have to give her some space for a little while, you’re sure she doesn’t want to see you right now.

That means you won’t be going home tonight, so you need to decide who you’re going to stay with. You’d stay with Pinkie but she probably saw what happened. No way will she let you stay with her after beating up Fluttershy and making Twilight cry.

You don’t want to impose on Lyra and Bon Bon either. With no way to Discord’s home it looks like you’re stuck on this bench for the night. Perhaps you should learn to control that anger of yours. All that will ever come if it is harm. Friends, enemies, bystanders it doesn’t matter. You obviously can’t tell the difference when you’re like that. At least you didn’t hit Twilight. If you did you could never forgive yourself.

As you sit in self-pity you don’t notice as two very familiar characters slink out from the shadows under your bench. It’s none other than Eris and Screwball. Screwball takes a seat next to you. She’s so quiet you don’t even notice.

“Hi Nonny,” Screwball shouts happily into your ear. You unleash a cry of terror and flail your arms. Unfortunately Eris was in the process of climbing over the bench to sit on the other side. One of your hands smacks her across the face. She recoils and rubs her cheek gingerly.

It takes a few seconds for you to register what happened but when you do you can’t help but feel annoyed. You really don’t need this right now.

“What do you two want?” you ask while facing forward. You didn’t want to look at either of them right now.

“Well that’s rude. Daddy wanted us to check up on you, and that’s how you act?” She moves her jaw around to make sure everything’s in order before sitting with you.

“I gotta say, Anon, you seem to be doing fine. I didn’t know you could beat up a pony like that!” Screwball seems amazed by your supposed prowess. The following glare you give her makes her ears flatten against her head and shrink back a little.

“I’m still pissed about what you did, Screwball.”

“I said I was sorry.” You scoff before throwing your hands up.

“That’s just great, that makes everything all better.” You flash her a fake smile.

“Really?” She smiles hopefully.

“No, you idiot,” you drop any premise of happinesss, Screwball does so in turn. You look to Eris, “And you can tell Discord that I fucked up pretty good, and that I probably lost half the friends I made.” You turn your attention back to Screwball, “And I can’t believe you’d approve of what I did. I beat up one of your kind! Aren’t you the least bit angry at me?” Screwball shakes her head, only adding to your disbelief.

“It wasn’t me, so I’m fine,” Screwball opens her mouth to say something more but she stops. Eris looks to Screwball expectantly.

“Isn’t there something you wanted to tell Anon?”

“But,” Eris’ eyes narrow at Screwball’s disposition, “O-okay, fine, I’ll do it.” You have to say this is throwing you off. You wonder what Eris means by that. Screwball looks off to the side for a moment before sighing.

“I know I sound like a broken record, and I know I wasn’t thinking when I did that to you. If you still hate me I understand, but I really didn’t want you to get hurt, honest.” Her melancholy gaze bores into your very heart. You stare at her in silence for a few moments.

Judging by how you’ve acted today, can you live with yourself if you stay angry with her like this? You know full well what it did to Twilight and the others. Do you really want to stay as you are towards her, or do you want to give her a second chance? You sigh to yourself, you realize this might not be your wisest decision, but you can’t keep things the way they are now. You find that it’s best to take care of it early, rather than letting these feelings fester within.

“I don’t hate you, and I accept your apolo—“you’re cut off as Screwball wraps her hooves around your neck and squeezes. You feel her snout nuzzle into your cheek.

“I’m so glad. You have no idea how much that helped. Feels like a weight’s lifted off my chest ya know?” Screwball happily nuzzles your cheek. Eris looks over the two of you with narrowed eyes. Her claw and lion paw pull the two of you apart.

“Okay, Happy Hug Time is over. Break it up you two, you’re making me sick.” Eris tries to pry Screwball off of you. She sticks her tongue out and clings tighter.

“No, you’re just jealous cause he likes me more.” Your eyes widen, surprise by Screwball’s sudden accusation. You glance over to see Eris’ face light up with blush. Okay, what the hell is going on here? This is coming out of left field something fierce.

“Why would he like a little trouble maker like you, anyway! You’re too immature!” Eris shouts before shooting Screwball an angry glare.

“Is this because tomorrow’s Hearts and Hooves Day or something? Cause you’re both sounding pretty desperate.” At this point you’re trying to find an escape route, “Seriously, what brought this on? I haven’t spent that much time with either of you. What gives?” You start trying to pry Screwball off of you. You freeze in your tracks when gryphon talons are laid upon your shoulder.

“That’s the point, you haven’t. We feed you, and help clothe you. We keep you healthy when you’re injured, and what do we get: the cold shoulder.” She shakes her head disapprovingly.

“So you’re gonna make it up to us.” A smile forms on Screwball’s face. You look into her purple, swirling irises. You’d be a fool not to see the mischief behind them.

“And how’s that?” you ask, unsure as to whether or not you should have done so. Both Eris and Screwball give you evil grins.

“Oh nothing much, you’re just going to spend Hearts and Hooves Day with us. We have some ‘special plans’ in store for you.” Eris’ smile turns sly.

“Why do I not like the sound of that?” you ask as you try your best to scoot away from Eris. You only manage to make it worse by allowing Screwball to hug tighter.

“Let me answer your question with a question. Would it sound better to you if I told we have these?” Eris removes her hand and snaps her talons…

The Element of Honesty appears within her grasp. The illustration within the book Twilight showed you did it no justice. The gold used to make the necklace shines brilliantly in the light of day. The orange, apple shaped gem reflects your visage perfectly upon its face. Your eyes widen in surprise, so those two are the reason why the elements were never found. You can tell what Eris is about to say next.

“You spend the day with us, show us a good time, and maybe we’ll give you the elements.” Eris says smugly as she twirls Honesty on one of her talons. You turn to Screwball and see that she’s wearing magic on top of her beanie. Well looks like you’re in a bit of a pickle.

“Besides, you didn’t think we’d just let you undo what daddy built did you?” Eris asks as she places her lion’s paw under your chin. She forces you to look her way. Eris thinks you know exactly what she’s talking about. She knows about Twilight and I…

“I wasn’t planning on helping them all.”

Eris laughs, “Yeah, I’m sure it would have happened completely by accident.” She snaps her fingers and both elements disappear.

“You know, I don’t like the concept of being turned into stone. In fact I hate that thought. I’m sure Daddy and Screwball here think the same thing.” Eris says motioning to Screwball as she does so.

Screwball nods, “Yup. I don’t want to be separated from daddy ever again! So no elements for you!” Eris smacks Screwball over the head.

“Ow,” Screwball starts rubbing the back of her head gingerly.

“Idiot! You weren’t supposed to say that part!” Eris snarls; her voice full of malice. You smile. Knowing that they weren’t intending on really giving you the elements leads you to believe that they’re quite villainous. Going back on one’s word is not the makings of a good individual.

“What’s the big idea sis? You weren’t being subtle either!” She exclaims as she points a hoof accusingly at Eris.

“So I have no reason to do anything with either of you tomorrow? Good to know,” you smile before adding, “nice try on the blackmail though, not gonna lie.”

Eris groans out of frustration, “Listen, how about you spend time with us and we’ll see where your loyalties lie. If it’s true that you have no intention on helping these ponies, we’ll give you the elements.” Now things have become interesting, if she’s being sincere that is. You lean in and listen.

“But, that’s quite risky. We’ll trust you, at that point you’d be able to either help us rule for eternity, or have us be imprisoned. I guess you could say we’d be at your mercy.” Eris explains as she reclines upon in the air above you. You swear this Draconequus must be trying to sweet talk you or something.

“Are you serious?” Eris nods. You turn to Screwball and she does as well. As long as Discord doesn’t find out about this then you’re all for it. It wouldn’t help you with your decision, but when you do make it it’ll hold a much larger impact than before.

Actually, do you want something like that on your shoulders? If you change your mind after making your decision you know one side will be out to get you. And whoever you choose will seal your fate in this place. You might as well go with the flow now, and then make your decision later. You’re sure you’ll be able to weigh your options at a later date.

There’s also the possibility that Eris is just toying with you in hopes of getting a free date. After all she said, maybe; even if she’s gauging your loyalty she can still say no. And what could you do about it? Fighting a Pegasus is one thing, but fighting an Agent of Chaos is another. As far as you know she’s out of your league when it comes to fighting. A simple snap of her digits and you’d be done for.

Well, here goes nothing. You sigh when you come to a decision. “You know what? Sure. Let’s do it. What do I have to lose?” Screwball hoof pumps while Eris seems indifferent to your decision. “But you better not be screwing with me. I better have a damn good chance of getting those elements.”

“Yeah yeah, whatever,” Eris sports with a smarmy grin now that you’ve agreed, “let’s get you home then shall we?” She leans in and wraps her lion’s paw around your shoulders.

“Wait how are we,” your vision blurs and suddenly you’re in your room, “going to get home?” you finish. You realize just how foolish that question was, as do Eris and Screwball. “Well, that was an interesting experience. I’m gonna get out of these and take a shower.” You start to remove your shoes.

“Yeah, you do that.” Screwball gags when she gets a whiff of your feet. Immediately she heads for the door. You sniff your feet as well and realize that you didn’t dry them properly. Your shoes, socks, and feet all smell from yesterday’s river adventure. You’re going to need a washer and dryer or new shoes.

As you get to your feet you walk over to your dresser, pull open a drawer, and find a towel. With towel in hand you make your way out of your room; Eris floats out after you.

“If you want to discuss tomorrow with either of us you know where we are.” She informs you as she opens to the door to her room. As soon as her door shuts you proceed into your bathroom. When you get your shower ready to go you step inside and shut the glass screen behind you. You sigh in contentment as the warm water envelopes you.

Today was another one of those days. You really need to stop wondering if the next day is going to be more chaotic than the last. You should just come to accept that as inevitability. As you start to scrub yourself clean your thoughts drift onto Rarity. You have faith that she took your angry words to heart; Sweetie needs her real sister back. Hopefully your threats will be enough.

As you shower yesterday’s and today’s grime and sweat from your body Rarity paces around the foyer of her boutique. She has been doing so for many hours.

The sun has since set over the horizon, and the moon has made its way into the sky. As She moves back and forth her mind replays her day over and over again. Your words from earlier repeat over and over in hear head; as do your actions. She would admit that you scared her beyond belief and she would also believe that you were an evil, immoral creature.

But, your words may hold meaning to Rarity. Her thoughts then drift over to her dear sister Sweetie Belle. The more that she thinks about it the more she realizes she really has been treating her like dirt. Whenever Sweetie was hungry, and whenever she asked for something to eat Rarity would make things for her. But there would be this, this urge in the back of her head forcing her to steal away Sweetie’s food.

And the things she said to Sweetie when she caught her making things for herself. Rarity’s surprised Sweetie managed to get anything in her stomach at all. Were it not for Ms. Cheerliee and her sharing her lunch with Sweetie she’d probably starve. What kind of sister would that make Rarity? A terrible one, as much as she hates to admit you were right. Rarity sighs as she trots over to one of her windows. She sees the far off silhouette of Sweet Apple Acres in the distance. Maybe Rarity would get around to checking up on her sister.

But would Sweetie want to see her? Rarity wouldn’t blame her if she didn’t. She’s been, less than engaging to say the least. Well there’s only one way for Rarity to find out. With her sights set upon Sweet Apple Acres Rarity takes a step out into town. It looks as though tonight is going to be one to remember for her. And maybe, just maybe she’ll be able to make things right with Sweetie…

After about an hour or so you feel clean enough to finally stop scrubbing yourself. When you step out of the shower, dry off, brush your teeth, and take care of your business you finally make your way back out into the hallway.

You take notice of its appearance. It’s changed significantly since you first arrived. The intricacies of the first patterns have given way to a more basic pattern. The design that now lined the walls, ceiling, and hardwood flooring was diamond patterned. It also retained its checkered-like appearance. Whatever diamond shaped parts that weren’t white were instead black. You noticed that very rarely a red, yellow, or blue diamond would break through the repetition of black and white. The only thing standing out from all of this was your white painted wooden doors leading to your bathroom and bedroom; at least those two parts of the hallway retained normality.

You sigh irritably before shaking your head. Discord has a funny way of giving you a headache. This color scheme is painful to look at. It doesn’t help that each color is bright. In fact, you have no idea how this hallway is illuminated. You don’t see a single light upon the celling and the tiles that make up the wall, ceiling, and floors aren’t glowing.

Why does nothing make sense around here? How come Discord has to piss you off? You decide to take the time to look at everything else. You need to see what has changed, or if it has been changed. As you walk down the hallway and into the living room you were right to think that Discord made a few renovations. The living room seems to have grown to twice the size since you’ve seen it last.

On the far right wall sits an eight cushioned rainbow striped couch. In front of the couch sits a stained glass table. In the center of the room is a ping pong table. Luckily that’s retained a normal design. It seems to be the one thing sticking out. Ha, look at you thinking something normal is standing out. Upon examination of the floors, walls, and ceiling of this room you compare this pattern to that of a rubix cube; except each individual square is no larger than a finger print. And each square is a different color, and like the hallway it retains no repetitive pattern. The color scheme upon one wall is different to its adjacent wall.

At least the squares aren’t in a constant state of motion; now that would mess with your stomach big time. You spot another stained glass rectangular table on the left side of the room. There are four chairs around it; one red, one blue, one black, and one purple. This can’t be it though; you distinctly remember an opening that used to stand in front of you upon the opposite wall. That opening led into the pool/hot tub area of this little apartment. Maybe it’s still there, after all Eris’, yours, and Screwball’s doors are still in their same positions.

You walk over to where the opening used to be located. You run your hands along the small tiled squares in hopes of finding a niche for a door at least. When the tiles began to move under your touch you jerk away in surprise. You watch as the blocks disappear one by one until an opening of your size is created. You walk in, perplexed by this occurrence. You’ve never a wall do that before.

You find that the pool and hot tub are just as you remember them. The design in this room is the only one to remain the same. At least there’s some familiarity in this place. You spot Discord lounging in the hot tub. Upon entrance his eyes open and he turns his attention to you. He motions for you to come over to him.

“Good evening Anonymous, I trust your day went well?” You see he’s sporting a smug grin. Bastard probably knows all about what happened today. As you walk over to the side of the hot tub you answer him.

“Cut the bullshit, Discord. If Eris and Screwball saw what happened then I know you did too.”

Discord chuckles before shaking his head, “oh no, I didn’t see anything, Anonymous, I FELT it. The only other creature here that surpassed your anger was Nightmare Moon and even she wasn’t as prone to such savage acts. I was right to choose you. You’re a little firecracker filled with chaos.” His smile grows wider.

He motions for you to enter the hot tub, “care to join?”

You shake your head. “Nope. Also, you say Nightmare Moon in such a casual manner. You’re acting like I know who the fuck you’re talking about.” You make no move to get into the hot tub.

Discord smacks his forehead, “Of course! Sometimes I forget you’re new here. She’s of no importance. Nightmare Moon died long ago. Well, the personality is dead anyway.” Discord scratches his head with his talons as he attempts to come up with a better explanation.

You hold your hand up to stop him before crossing them, “don’t bother, I don’t even care. What I do care about is why the hell you’re letting me befriend ponies who wield the Elements of Harmony. Isn’t that bad?”

Discord shakes his head, “Anonymous, if I restricted who you could befriend that’d be defeating the purpose. I want you to makes friends with whoever you want. If that involves the Element Bearers so be it. It makes no difference to me. Besides even if you did, and even if you managed to remove my influence it’s not as if they have the tools to stop me. Eris has those.” He motions in the direction of Eris’ Room.

After that you sigh to yourself. Discord has a good point; if he restricted you then he’d be the one keeping you from doing your “job.” But you can’t figure out why he’s being so calm about all of this. Shouldn’t he be worried you’ll help out Equestria rather than look out for his best interests? As you stand and ponder what he told you he brings forth a cotton candy cloud.

With a snap of his claws a cup appears in his lion paw. The cloud rains chocolate milk into the glass. As Discord takes a drink you strike up the second portion of your conversation. You still have questions that need answering.

“You have a good point; now on to other matters. One: When do you want that friendship report? And two: Why are your daughters wanting to take me out on a date tomorrow?”

Discord projectile spits out his chocolate milk like a highly pressurized fire hydrant. Judging by how wide his eyes got he had no idea about this. He hacks violently on whatever he didn’t spit out.

“W-what!” he manages between wheezing breaths.

“I said,” he cuts you off before you can continue.

“I heard what you said, I just can’t believe it. I didn’t think they were serious when they- wow,” Discord is actually surprised by something? You figured nothing did that. Then again, he’s as much of a dad as he is a God of Chaos. He’s probably thinking something along the lines of “This monkey isn’t good enough for my daughters” or something like that.

“Now you have to join me.” He points to the hot tub. “We’re gonna have a little talk.” You respond by looking down at your towel. You hesitate for a moment before realizing all these creatures are naked all the time.

“Fuck it.” You strip yourself of your towel before stepping in. The water is a good, warm temperature. Not too hot, but not lukewarm either. It’s actually more relaxing to sit in this than it was to shower. But you digress, you’re not going to disobey or disregard the father of the two girls you’re forced to going out with tomorrow. There are some things you’re going to respect even if the dad is completely insane.

As you lie back your inner thoughts take precedence over Discord’s words. I haven’t exactly had any luck with human women; maybe a non-human would be fine… Wait! Listen to yourself! Going on a date with a chimera and a horse… err… pony. What the hell is wrong with you? They aren’t even your species! It doesn’t help that you’ve never been on an actual date before. Sure, you know how to act on one, your father and mother taught you to be polite and respectful should such a situation ever arise.

But it’s not as if you actually got to put their advice into action. Your sister saw to that; actually there were many times where she came close to having you swear off women. As far as dates are concerned, you don’t count that little get together with Bon Bon and Lyra, nor do you count that dinner at Sweet Apple Acres. So how’s this three way date going to… wait Discord’s talking?

“What was that?” you ask before shaking away your idle thoughts.

“Pay attention Anonymous. I was saying that the “Friendship Reports” are nothing important. You don’t actually HAVE to give me one. I just wanted to see if you would.” His smile widens.

“You dick.” Discord seems as though he’s about to laugh but he stops himself short before taking on a fatherly tone.

“Joking and anger aside Anonymous, tell me why I should allow you to go on this date.” He refills his glass as he waits on your answer.

“You shouldn’t.” you state simply, “I don’t know anything about dating a Draconequus or pony. I don’t know how to act, I don’t know what is and isn’t proper.”

“So what you’re telling me is that if I allow you to go on this little outing with my daughters it’ll crash and burn?” He taps his digits together as if plotting something. You nod. “How delightful, not only will I allow it, I encourage it!” Discord states happily. In your impulsive moment of anger you splash Discord’s face with hot tub water.

“You’re supposed to say “no you can’t date my daughters you’re not good enough!”” you state through clenched teeth. It’s almost as if Discord really wants to see you at your most miserable; and so much for being respectful.

“Oh come now Anonymous don’t be like that. I’m just getting enjoyment out of your misery.” Discord finishes with a chuckle as he drinks his hot tub water and chocolate milk mixed drink. “Now leave me to my precious nectar. I have many things I need to straighten out and your presence will ruin my concentration.” Discord shoos you out of the hot tub.

You’re too angry to respond. You know Discord’s lying, but if you call him on out on it he’ll probably dismiss what you have to say. So you grab your towel, get out of the hot tub, and make your way to the opening. As you exit to the living room you find Eris and Screwball with their backs against the wall on both sides of the opening. As soon as you cross the threshold into the living room the blocks that were missing rematerialize behind you; cutting you off from the pool/hot tub area.

“So you two were eavesdropping? Cool, then I won’t have to explain how tomorrow’s going to go down.” You attempt to head off to your room. Gryphon talons and a hoof wrap around each of your arms, stopping your movement. You sigh to yourself before you’re pulled over to the two.

“Oh, come on! It won’t be THAT bad.” Eris says as she waves her lion’s paw in a dismissive fashion.

“Yeah, I’m sure you’ll only be a little awkward.” Screwball insists, a cheery smile planted upon her features.

“You’re just saying that, aren’t you?” You ask without looking at either one of them,

“That may be, but I’m being optimistic.” At least Screwball seems happy about this.

“It’s not like we’re going to force you to bend over backwards, and if it goes well you know what you’re reward is going to be.” Eris’ smile widens, unlike her father you see she’s sporting four fangs rather than just one. It’s a little intimidating to say the least.

You shudder at the thought of what those teeth could do to you. The elements are starting to become less appealing the more you think about it. They finally push you forward towards your room.

“Now go get some sleep, we’ll be waking you up a little early so we’ll have the whole day.” Eris says as she continues to push you. You move away from them and turn to the two.

“I’m perfectly capable of walking by… myself.” You notice that neither is looking you in the eye. They are both “studying” what lies below your waist. You never wrapped the towel back, you only grabbed it. You blush out of embarrassment before backing away. “My eyes are up here you know.”

“We know.” Eris says without averting her eyes.

“Uh huh.” Screwball says, neither seem to be paying attention to you.

“Perverts,” you mutter before wrapping the towel around your waist. They groan in displeasure as you turn tail and walk away. You waste no time in going into your bedroom, tossing your towel somewhere, and getting in your bed.

You don’t even bother to shut off the lights or putting on pants. You’re too focused upon getting sleep to care. As sleep’s gentle embraces overtakes you, you can only hope that you have a dreamless slumber...

While you’re sleeping peacefully, the two tenants upon the moon look towards their planet. Both of them have a look of concern planted upon their features.

“Did you feel that Luna?” Celestia asks as she looks towards the continent that Equestria claimed as their nation. Luna nods in response.

“We did, we have not felt such malice since—” Luna shuts her lips tightly, not wanting old wounds to resurface. Celestia responds without taking her eyes off of the planet.

“That, coupled with Fluttershy’s fear, my student’s sorrow, Rarity’s guilt, and Applejack’s regret… I worry for our ponies Luna. Whatever that thing is, it’s hurting them both physically and emotionally. We need to get off of this rock as soon as possible.” She turns her back to the planet.

“But sister, that thing… it’s as if we are sensing a third Draconequus among the populace. What if we are not powerful enough to stop it? In fact we are powerless as it is…” The Midnight blue alicorn turns to walk with her sister.

“That may be, but I believe in my student. She’ll find a way to fix this. When we’re brought back from this barren wasteland we’ll be able to clean up the mess.” Celestia explains as she and Luna continue to cover the landscape they’ve traversed hundreds of times prior.

“After all, the Elements cannot be used in rapid succession. They’ll only be able to stop Discord. His spawn and that thing down there will still be free. It’ll be up to us to take care of them.” Luna steps in front of her sister, blocking her path.

“You cannot mean we… “Luna trails off, she couldn’t think of doing what she believes her sister is planning on doing upon their return.

“I hope it doesn’t come to that, but if they retaliate, we will have no choice. Discord alone outmatches us. If we allow his daughters and that alien to linger then we risk Discord being freed immediately. I just wish we could at least see what was happening rather than sense it. I feel so useless.” Her voice is filled with hopelessness.

With that the two sisters go back on to their walk, Luna attempts to comfort her along the way. There is no doubt they are thinking of the possible outcomes that are sure to happen in the future…

“Hey…” came a voice from within the dark recesses of your consciousness. The sudden sensation of having your eyes opened by clawed hands and the light that invades them causes you to shout in surprise. You shoot up and out of your bed to find Eris lying upon it. She’s laughing at you while pointing to you with her griffin talon.

“Ha, you shoulda seen the look on your face!” she manages to say in between fits of laughter. You are not amused in the slightest. You were enjoying having a dreamless sleep… your dreams aren’t exactly the best ones.

“Well aren’t you just a joy in the morning?” You hope she understands how profound your sarcasm is. Eris responds by holding her head in her claws. She’s got a lazy smile on her face.

“I could have been a real pain in the flank by waking you up sooner, but you looked so peaceful I just couldn’t do go through with it… Well, for a few minutes anyway.” Eris giggles.

“Wait, you were watching me sleep?” You give her a disapproving look before walking over to your dresser. When you see her jaw drop, her cheeks turning red, and her eyes widen it seems she understands just how disturbing she sounded. Now it’s your turn to laugh, “Creeper.” You add as you dig through your drawers for your clothes.

When you find a pair of black boxer shorts, blue jeans, socks, and a red t-shirt you rush to put on your clothes. Lucky for you your black sneakers are set next to your dresser. Thankfully you don’t have to wear your smelly old shoes today, so that’s a plus. You don’t bother putting them on just yet, there’s no need to; at least you hope.

When you’re fully dressed you turn to see Eris is staring at you angrily, “Hey that wasn’t very nice you know?” Eris whines before pouting.

“Deal with it,” you say in return before adjusting your clothes. “So, where’s Screwball?” You take a seat with Eris.

“Still sleeping, she won’t be up for a couple of hours.” Eris explains while inspecting her claws. You lie back upon your bed and put your hands behind your head to act as a cushion.

“So what are we going to do until then?” Eris’ face fills your vision. A mischievous grin is planted upon her lips.

“I can think of a few things…” Her voice is barely above a whisper. Your eyes widen as she starts to lean in. A subtle hint of peppermint invades your senses…

Author's Note

Here's yet another chapter. I hope you're satisfied with the beating Fluttershy was forced to endure.

So how will the Princesses enact their plan? Has Anon ruined their chances of succeeding?
Will his Hearts and Hooves Day be filled with misery? Find out tomorrow.

Quick note: Anon's thoughts are italicized.

Chapter Thirteen: Draconequus Explained, Awkward Moments, and A Ruined Date

//------------------------------//
// Chapter Thirteen: Draconequi Explained, Awkward Moments, and A Ruined Date// Story: Living the Good Life// by Aetherpony//------------------------------//

When her lips are mere centimeters away you feel her sock you in the arm. She pulls away laughing while you’re stuck rubbing where she struck.

“Oh man, that was priceless!” She manages in between fits of laughter. You’re tempted to take a swing at her but you know better than to try it. Another idea comes to mind.

“It’s a good thing you stopped. Otherwise I would have kissed a freak of nature.” A sly grin graces your features. This earns you another punch. You yelp before rubbing your other arm, now that one left a lasting impression.

“Well aren’t you smart? You’re not supposed to call the girl holding on to the Elements a freak of nature, idiot.” Her smirk is still planted upon her face.

“Sue me,” You mutter as you get to your feet. You’re willing to overlook what might have happened had Eris been serious. Besides, today takes precedence over something trivial like that.

You’re thinking it might not be as bad as a few of the days you’ve gone through since being here. In fact, it might just bode well for you. Except for the fact you’re going on a date today, well all day. Whatever feeling of excitement you had dissipated almost instantly. Dread slowly creeps its way through your form. How are you going to pull this off?

“Hey, you alright?” She looks upon you with a raised brow. You nod before nervously pulling on the collar of your shirt.

“Y-yeah I’m fine.” Apparently you look a bit more nervous than you thought. You wipe your brow of the accumulated sweat. Come on Anonymous, calm down. After all, the Elements are on the line.

In all honesty, while you didn’t want to mess up your chances of getting the Elements; you also didn’t want to have your first two dates go awry. That makes you wonder just how the date will proceed. You’ll be spending time with both of them, so does that mean Eris has the morning/ early afternoon and Screwball has late afternoon/evening? Or will they both be around you the whole day? Those questions needed to be answered. You’d rather not just go with the flow for something like this.

“So, Eris about today, how is this gonna go?”

“Well, I was going to start us off with breakfast, then a morning swim. After our swim Screwball should be up. When she’s with it we’ll be going out on the town.” Eris explains as she floats over to you.

“So wait, we’re going to be going around Canterlot?” Reluctance is clear in your tone. You doubt Discord has been doing to all of Equestria like he’s done with Ponyville as far as undoing his work goes. You still remember how Canterlot looked from the first day you arrived. The spring loaded buildings, the carded streets, the dancing animals… You don’t even remember seeing a pony among it.

Those ponies have either fled Canterlot, or have held up inside their homes like the Ponyville Ponies did. If that’s the case then the city itself presents a danger. You don’t want a spring loaded building smashing into you. That is not your definition of a good time. Eris’ question brings you out of your idle thoughts.

“Yeah, is that a problem?” Eris looks to you for your answer.

“Well, yes. I don’t want to end up getting hurt by a building or by a stampede of dancing animals. I don’t need to be bedridden again.” Eris takes your words into consideration and her answer is something close to what you expected.

“But that’s what makes it exciting! Canterlot keeps you on your toes. You have no idea what’ll happen.” She sounds just like her father.

“No, that’s what makes it a hazard. I want to enjoy myself, not worry if I’m going to get hurt.” Eris may have entertainment in mind but you’ll be damned if you’re going to put yourself in harm’s way just for a date. The Elements aren’t worth it.

Eris groans in frustration, “you obviously have no idea how to have a good time. We gotta change that.”

You’re taken aback, “What do you mean? I know how to have fun!”

Eris ignores your reply and continues, “And we have to work on that anger too. It isn’t healthy.” You weren’t expecting her to take you seriously, but the fact that she really isn’t doesn’t sit too well with you.

“I’m not ang—“you try to shout. Eris’ cuts you off by putting a griffin clawed finger to your lips.

“I’m done. We aren’t arguing over this. I’m gonna cook breakfast, we’re gonna eat, then we’re going to have a nice swim.” She finishes with a look that seems to dare you to go against what she’s said. You’re thinking about doing so. That is, until you see sparks of purple fly off of her lion’s paw. Suddenly trying to convince her that she’s wrong doesn’t sound like a good idea anymore.

She moves her griffin talon so you can speak, “Fine. What’s for breakfast?” She flashes you a toothy grin. Then she slithers around you and over to your door. As she opens it she motions for you to follow her, which you do. As you follow her down the hallway you’re forced to look forward. You can’t look at the interior design lest you get sick to your stomach.

You feel a throbbing sensation in your head coming on if you spend too much time staring at the room’s decal. As you enter the living room you find that a section of the wall on the left side is gone. Much like the section of the wall leading into the pool and hot tub area, this one leads into a kitchen; at least you think it does. It looks like the entirety of that room is made of blue tinted stained glass.

You can’t tell where the fridge is, where the counters are, or even if there’s a working stove in there. Plus it looks like it’d shatter if you stepped into it. You’re thoughts upon the kitchen, and just how strange it appears is cut off when Eris wraps her lion’s arm around yours. She drags you over to the couch and has you sit.

“Sit back, relax, and wait.” Is all she tells you before flying over the dining table and into the kitchen. You watch in wonderment as the individual squares that make up the wall re-materialize to close the gap between you and the other room. That’s a strange feature that’ll take some getting used to. Without anything to do other than wait, you wait.

Throughout that time thoughts of Ponyville plagued your mind, particularly what you said to Twilight. Pangs of guilt still weal within you, she really didn’t deserve that verbal beating you gave her. Time spent away from her only made you feel worse. As you’ve had to tell yourself numerous amounts of times before Twilight’s actions are dictated by Discord himself. She’s the way she is because of him.

If you were to spend more time with her you could probably dispel his influence. You could make time for the purple mare. After today it’s not like you’ll have anything else to do. But will she want to see you after how you acted? You wouldn’t be surprised if she locked you out of the treebrary you do deserve it. You could vividly picture the tears running down Twilight’s face as you screamed at her.

Eris is right you do have anger issues and you need to do something about it. But if by some miracle Twilight forgave you and took you back in helping her out would be messing with the set up Discord has. You’ve already given Fluttershy, Applejack, and Pinkie their color back.

Judging by what you said to Rarity she’ll probably come around as well or she’ll outright ignore you. Either way you’ve potentially helped out four of the six element bearers. With Twilight turning back to normal that only leaves Rainbow Dash. Bringing her around would probably be easy considering every one of her friends would be helping you out.

After that you’d give them the elements and whenever Discord came by the ponies would take care of him. Well, that’s what would happen if you were to relinquish them. You’re under the assumption that he’ll either be imprisoned or killed. Discord may be a pain, and he may love causing mayhem, but as far as you know he’s never took a life.

He doesn’t deserve death, also what would happen to Eris and Screwball? They are his kids after all. You’re sure they’ve caused their own bouts of chaos. If Discord is sealed away would they do the same to his daughters, or would they eliminate them? You refuse to be the one responsible for their demise if it came down that scenario. So if you don’t help your pony friends they’ll certainly suffer as they’ve been, and if you do help them you’re potentially killing some of the friends you’ve made.

You were hoping to keep these thoughts hidden away, but with the situation at hand how can they? And here you were hoping to get some enjoyment out of your day. You lie back and recline on the couch content with merely looking upon the ceiling. The more you think about your situation the more you start thinking of the torrent of chaos you’ve been placed within. You’re given only a few choices to go about cleaning the mess of chaos. The choices available won’t allow you to clean everything. You can only take care of half the mess, the other will remain.

You try to push that out of your thoughts and try to find something positive. It’s too bad that you’re failing at that. Looking at the ceiling’s design isn’t helping you at all; in fact it’s making it worse. That clutter of color you’re looking upon right now reminds you of you. Your reluctance, your anger, your despair, your indecision, it culminates within you stirring you up. It causes you to lash out at those you’ve come to care for.

You hate that part about you, but it’s how you’ve come to be. You’ve learned to just bottle things up and sort things out for yourself; to contain the chaos within or something like that. But it doesn’t always work. The lining of your “bottle” is what keeps you from breaking; much like the black borders around these squares are the only things keeping the assortment of color from mixing together.

You know what would happen were the borders to break and allow the colors to mix around. You wish you could do the same for how you’ve been feeling for the past few years. But you can’t properly categorize and separate your thoughts. You’re not some robot; you’re only human. Could that possibly be the real reason Discord brought you here?

To throw you into a crazy situation such as this in order to see how long it took until your sanity ebbed away? To see you unleash your repressed thoughts upon those around you? It would be horribly chaotic, at least until you stopped. You’re sure Discord would be getting plenty of laughs at that. Your musings are cut off when a red and black swirling plate invades your line of sight.

“Equestria to Anon, come in Anon. Your food has arrived, so you can stop drooling all over yourself now.” Eris starts to set the plate down. You get with it and grab it before it ends up on your stomach. You come to find that she has cooked quite a large breakfast for you. It consists of scrambled eggs, toast, sausage, and bacon. When you inhale the scent of your meal memories come flooding back to you.

Your dad, before things went south, was one hell of a cook. His specialty was always breakfast foods. Whenever he wasn’t away on business he’d try to find time to cook for you and your sister. You could recall those rare mornings where you’d be getting ready for the bus just to see him flipping pancakes or hear the familiar sizzling of your favorite morning meal. When you took a bite you swear you felt like a kid again. With that simple taste test you were soon turned into a one man eating machine.

Manners took a back seat, you were hungry and your stomach’s cries for sustenance would be sated. While you ate Eris looked on smiling for a few moments before joining you with a plate of her own; though her eating habits were much more controlled than yours. At least she didn’t use her fork as a makeshift shovel.

It didn’t take long for you to finish breakfast; your plate was clean after a few minutes while Eris seemed content with eating half of her meal before setting her plate upon the table. You lean back on the couch and rub your stomach while sporting a lazy grin.

“Eris, that was delicious. Where’d you learn to cook like that?” you ask as you loll your head in her direction.

“Well, when your only sister and father insist on eating candy and drinking chocolate milk someone has to learn. I don’t want to end up with a gut.”

“But you’re the daughter of Chaos itself. I didn’t think your body was capable of changing unless you willed it.” She turns to you after chewing and swallowing her food.

“You’d be surprised,” you swear you hear her stomach grumble, “bleh, I always make too much.” She mimics you and reclines. “So, what had you staring off in to space?” turns her head towards you as she asks.

“I’m still thinking about yesterday, and about why I’m here.”

“Look Anon, yesterday was a long time comin’. Discord really pumped Fluttershy full of bitch magic. If it wasn’t you it was bound to be somepony else.” Seems like she’s trying to help rid you of your guilt.

“It’s not only about Fluttershy, but Twilight as well. Both of them aren’t acting like their normal selves and I couldn’t see that.” You’re now leaning forward and looking on at the stained glass table. The multi colored diamond-shaped patterns conflict with everything in the room. You sigh before shaking your head.

“Why does everything in this house have to look crazy? It’s making me sick to my stomach.” You rub your belly.

“I don’t know, but you’re going to have to deal with it. Daddy makes the rules. As far as Twilight goes I’m sure she’ll come around. If your yelling works for Rarity then it’s going to do something for Twilight.” Eris shrugs. This information leaves you taken aback.

“Wait what, how much did you see? How do you know what I said is helping her?” your full attention is now upon her. She gives you a nervous grin before shifting her eyes around the room.

“Crap, I wasn’t supposed to say anything. Rarity took what you said to heart and she paid Sweetie Belle a visit.” Eris explains, you lean in not wanting to miss a thing.

“And how did it go?” You allow yourself a hopeful smile.

“Sweetie Belle yelled at her, there were plenty of tears, and Rarity went back to her boutique. She’s been pacing around inside it ever since.” Whatever smile you had vanishes. You were really hoping something would have happened that would have helped Sweetie, but you guess you were wrong.

“I watched her last night in the same way I’ve been watching you. Daddy’s orders; and they’re supposed to stay a secret.” Her mood seems to turn sour. You get the hint; you won’t let Discord know you know. “Can we move on to something else please?”

“Sure. Why don’t you tell me how you came to be?” Eris raises a brow.

“You really want to know about that?”

You nod, “Yeah, I’m quite curious.” She sighs before shrugging.

“Alright then, let’s see, where do I start? Well, I’m going to skip how I was made; long story short, Draconequi and humans are made the same way. We don’t lay eggs or corrupt a pony’s form or anything like that. Also, no matter what mates with a Draconequus the kid is a random species. ” She tries to explain. You’re quite confused but Eris doesn’t seem to notice.

“The chance of it being a specific creature increases when a Draconequus mates with that animal. Discord bumped uglies with a pony and bam, Screwball was born. But she could have just as easily been a griffin or even a dragon.” You take this time to speak up.

“I was talking about how you ended up in Canterlot, but continue. You might as well tell me everything.” You chuckle. “Go ahead and finish your explanation. I don’t know anything about Dracon… Draconequ…” you try to say. Eris giggles while shaking her head.

“Draconequus, Anonymous. As I was saying, our species’ kids can be random. That’s why I look like a culmination of animal parts and why Screwball looks like an earth pony. As it turns out I’m a rarity.” Eris emphasizes by pointing to herself. “Typically they might have a child that looks like any of the five or six animal parts like me or my dad are made of. Griffons, Minotaurs, Ponies, Manticores, Boars, Ibexes, Deer, Goats, Lizards, you name it. But whatever a Draconequus gives birth to will look a little weird.”

“Like the eyes Screwball has?” you ask, hoping you understand at least a little bit of what she’s explaining to you. Thankfully Eris nods.

“Yeah, deformities like that will happen; some may even be able to do magic. It’s how you can separate a Draconequus-born child from the rest, but it’s never anything major. No extra appendages, no missing hooves, or anything like that.”

“So what are the chances of one like you being born?”

“One in ten thousand,” Eris grins. You whistle in amazement. “Yup, doesn’t matter what my mom is; even if she might have been a Draconequus like my dad. It’s the same no matter what.” She states proudly.

“So, who was your mom?” you ask, and judging by Eris’ frown you realize you’ve just a nerve. Aren’t you just the best human ever?

“I-I don’t know. Dad won’t tell me. Same thing goes for Screwball.” Gloom is ever so present in her voice. For the next few minutes the two of you stay in utter silence doing no more than staring at the floor. Come on, Anonymous. There has to be something you can do in order to brighten things up.

“Well, I think it’s bad ass that you’re rare. Means you’re unique, a cut above the rest. At least that’s how I see it.” You look to Eris and smile nervously; you’re not exactly used to talking to girls, or anyone like this. The only thing you really have to go on is what your dad and mom taught you. Eris’ ears perk up when she hears you.

“It is pretty cool isn’t it?” Eris mutters while looking over herself. She watches her griffon talons as she curls and uncurls them, “so how about that swim?” Before you have a chance to answer her lion’s paw wraps around the fabric of your shirt.

She flies over to the area of the wall that leads to the pool, dragging you along as she does. When the opening reveals the pool within it doesn’t take long for her to make her way to the water’s edge. When you hear her snap her fingers you watch in horror as your clothes are burned away in a purple wildfire. She grabs hold of your shoulder and lifts you into the air.

“Mind testing the water for me? I don’t wanna swim in it if it’s too cold.” Eris gives you a sly grin. Before you can say anything in protest she tosses you into the pool.

You furiously swim towards the surface. The chilling waters help give you that extra boost needed to swim up and take a lung full of air. It feels like it’s in between artic and northern ocean in temperature. Your body immediately begins to shiver in order to make up for the lost heat. You’re rubbing your shoulders trying to retain some semblance heat. All the while your legs are kicking in hopes of keeping your head above water. At least your teeth aren’t chattering.

Eventually your body becomes used to the water’s temperature and you stop shivering altogether. You look where Eris tossed you from to find that she’s gone. You start to search along each side of the pool in hopes of finding the now missing Draconequus. When you fail to find her you let out an angry groan before slamming a fist into the water.

You’ll get her back for this. You’re about to swim for the side of the pool until you feel talons and claws latch on to your shoulders. You shriek with fright before flailing about helplessly. It isn’t until you hear Eris laughing do you finally calm down and look to see what’s holding you. When you see that it’s her fear quickly turns into anger.

“That was hilarious,” her breath along the nape of your neck send shivers down your spine. When she lets go of you, you spin around to find her back stroking away from you.

“To you it was. Don’t do that again.” You speak through clenched teeth. Eris sticks out her tongue at you.

“See? You’re too angry. Try to laugh stuff like that off. It’s not like you’re dying.”

You open your mouth to retort, but you can already tell this won’t go anywhere for you. You decide it’d be best to stay quiet and try to get some enjoyment out of this pool. You don’t even care if you’re in the buff. The only time you can remember being in a pool this size or at all would have to be back in your early high school years. You start off slowly; using the breast stroke you move around your immediate area.

Soon you get enough courage to start crawl stroking within the water. With your feet kicking behind you, you propel yourself around the pool at a leisurely rate. Occasionally you’d turn your head to find Eris floating along or watching you as you swam around. After a few minutes of doing what you’ve been you decide to take a break and start floating upon your back as well.

While looking up at the ceiling you don’t notice as Eris snakes her way through the water and over to you. She silently glides within the water until she’s a few feet away. When she thinks she’s close enough she goes back to floating on her back. Surprisingly she doesn’t try to scare you this time. When she reaches out to poke you she doesn’t get the same jumpy reaction she got before.

“Sup?” You turn your head to face her.

“Enjoying yourself?”

You nod, “Are you?”

She shrugs, “I was at first, but swimming gets boring after a while.”

“Well you could always answer what I tried to ask on the couch. How’d you end up in Canterlot?” Eris’ eyes open wide in realization.

“Oh yeah! I didn’t, did I? Hmm, I came here because of my dad. After he was set free and was able to mess with the element bearers, he found my statue and Screwball’s. See, the elements turn creatures like me, my sister, and dad into stone. Brings harmony to disharmony or whatever those legends say. After being exposed to chaos we were released from our prisons. We’ve been here ever since.”

“Well, that was pretty short, don’t you think?” you ask with a grin, “How about you tell me what happened BEFORE being imprisoned?” And so you spend the next two hours floating around listening to each other as you tell a few stories of each other’s past. Though Eris’ list of past adventures was much larger than yours, and even though they were more exciting, you were able to keep her entertained by telling her about your family life.

While she and her sister helped spread chaos to various nations around the world, you were dealing with average life in your city. The scale tipped heavily in her favor. She sympathized with you when you mentioned your sister. When you were done telling her the story up until the event that forced you from your home she was grinding her teeth.

“Man your sister’s a cunt.” Anger is clear in her tone.

“You wouldn’t believe how close she was to making me swear off women.” You add with a laugh. Eris scoffs.

“If she did I’d have a reason to visit Earth. It’d give me an excuse to make a human have an accident, or accidents.”

“Could you? I don’t think you know how happy that’d make me.” The two of you share a short laugh after that. When it dies down the two of you look at each other, each sporting a smile. Maybe this dating thing wouldn’t be so hard after all…

It looks like you haven’t ruined it yet and all you’ve really done is act friendly. Well, you got a bit mad at some points but that’s to be expected. You’ve also got to realize that your day’s just started. Can’t get comfortable just yet, you’ll probably mess up somewhere down the line today, and as soon as you do you can kiss getting the Elements goodbye.

“So, should we wake up your sister soon or let her sleep?” You start swimming towards the edge of the pool closest to the open door.

“Yeah, and she’s gonna want lunch too. And she’ll probably want chocolate or something like that.” Eris grimaces.

“You’re right about that one.” You hear Screwball say. The two of you turn your heads to the opening to find her standing there with knowing smirk on her face. “Well what do ya know Eris; looks like you have him half way there.” She wiggles her eyebrows for emphasis, “So, could you get me one of those cotton candy clouds daddy loves making, please?” Her smirk dissolves into a childish grin.

When Eris makes her way out of the pool she’s sure to dry herself off with a little spell. You wish she’d use it on you, but it looks like you’re stuck drip drying. Eris sighs in exasperation.

“Fine,” with a snap of her talons a cotton candy cloud materializes over Screwball’s head. She squeaks with joy before leaping up and latching on to the cloud. You watch with curiosity as Screwball sinks her teeth into it. From the angle it appears as though she’s sucking the chocolate milk from it like a vampire would its victim.

Slowly but surely it shrinks as Screwball clears it of milk. When Screwball is satisfied with her drink she eats what remains of the cloud itself. She hits the ground flank first. Then Screwball licks her lips and rubs her tummy.

“That was delicious!” She now sports a satisfied grin.

“Hey, do we really have to go to Canterlot?” You try your best to ignore Screwball’s wandering eyes; but when she makes no move to look away you move your hands in front of yourself in order to block her view. She’s really got a problem.

“Well, if you’re against it THAT much it I guess we don’t have to.” Eris puts her claws to her chin in thought. Your eyes widen as a light bulb materializes above her head. When it clicks to life you watch as Eris’ smile turns sinister. “I could just show us off to your little friends in Ponyville. I’m sure Pinkie and Lyra would love to see you.”

“Okay.” You shrug, completely ignoring the evil gleam in her eyes. You can’t seem to figure out Eris. What does she mean by ‘show us off’ and why does that sound like it’ll end badly?

“Just let me get dressed first.” You move past them and back to your room. When you look inside you find the clothes you were just wearing a few hours earlier on your bed. So after drying yourself off you re-dress. You’re now ready to start the day. You’re about to head back to Eris and Screwball but come to find out they’re already waiting for you by your door.

“Alright. Let’s go.” Eris grabs hold of you, and then snaps her talons. You feel your stomach lurch as you become helpless in the face of teleportation. This is something that you’ll probably never get used to. When you’re able to see something other than a tunnel of swirling purple magic you fall to your hands and knees dry heaving. The light from the sun fills your senses only making it worse for you.

“Anon, you’ve really gotta do something about that. Some foals can teleport too and they can handle it better.” You hear Screwball say next to you.

“Kiss, my, ass,” You manage to utter in between dry heaves. After a minute or two you’re able to get to your feet. When you dust yourself off you come to find that your entrance has drawn a crowd. Various ponies stare at the three of you, some with their jaws hanging loose, and others with angry glares. “What’s with you guys?”

“They’re staring at us, Anonymous.” She motions to herself and Screwball.

“You’re kinda standing with the daughters of their ruler. You know, the one who banished their benevolent princess to the moon?” Screwball adds.

“That’s a valid point.” You flash the ponies a nervous smile. One earth mare wearing red and pink hearted clothing comes trotting up to you.

“Anonymous, are you really with THEM?” she asks in disbelief. Before you can explain yourself you feel Eris drape an arm over your shoulder.

“Yeah, I am. their dad is the one who brought me here in the first place.” You answer without missing a beat. A few ponies back away, surprised by your sudden answer. It looks like none of them thought that he was behind your appearance here in Equestria. A few ponies in the crowd shake their heads in disappointment before leaving.

“Wha-what, oh come on! I help you ponies out, and now I’m bad just because I’m around these two?” you ask while motioning to Eris and Screwball. You’re left sputtering as more ponies start to leave. Though unlike the first few, they aren’t cutting your eyes at you, nor are they shaking their heads. At least you got through to the more sensible ones.

You groan in frustration before lightly kicking at a random poker card that was sticking up. “I guess it didn’t help that I beat the crap out of Fluttershy.” You place putting your hands in your pockets. “Whatever. So what did you two have in mind?” you ask before turning to your two companions. “Well, there’s a café near the center of town.” Eris suggests.

“You mean that one I went with Bon Bon and Lyra to?” Eris nods, “alright, fine.” You lead the way through the poker card laden path through town. Unlike prior walks through the area you don’t bother to look around at the now ornamented town for too long.

All in all the various building owners have finished setting up their Hearts and Hooves Day themed decorations. Pink and red lights have been strewn up along the roofs and windows. Banners fly in the wind; some windows are even enchanted to take on a heart shaped appearance. All in all it’s as if the day itself has taken over the town. These ponies take their celebrating seriously.

Eventually you reach the café to find that it has also undergone a transformation. Heart shaped cushions and tables now sit outside while the inside of the café itself has the red, white, and pink colors of the holiday. The walls have hearts painted upon them, as do the floors and ceilings. You see various paired names written within them. Looks like a lot of ponies became couples today.

Luckily you don’t find any ponies you know. The last thing you need to do is explain your situation to Lyra or Pinkie. If you do so you’re probably out of the running for the elements. The three of you spot a booth located near the back section of the café. You take on side while Eris and Screwball take the other. It doesn’t take long for three menus to be placed upon your table.

“Oh hey there, Mocha Latte.” You give the Pegasus a small wave upon realizing who it is.

“I didn’t think I’d see you back so soon.” Mocha’s eyes scan Eris and Screwball, “and I didn’t expect to see you with those two.” Like the other pony patrons Mocha doesn’t seem to take too kindly to Eris and Screwball being around.

“Its fine, Mocha. They aren’t going to do anything to the café. I’ll make sure of it.” You reassure her before opening your menu, “We’ll let you know when we’re ready, alright?” Mocha gives them one last look before turning to you.

“Alright, thank you Anonymous, and be careful. They can be quite tricky.” She warns before making her way to the nearby counter.

“So what’d you two do to the café?” you ask while searching your menu for something to eat. Eris scratches the back of her head while Screwball giggles.

“We kinda, sorta, filled it with hot chocolate,” Eris says with a nervous giggle.

“And it was delicious!” Screwball adds with glee.

“Well that’s nice,” you’re sure to sound disinterested while flipping a page. While Eris notices your sarcasm, your tone seems to fly right over Screwball’s head.

“I know right?! Daddy loved it too!” She eyes the interior. It looks like she’s contemplating doing it again.

“Screwball, no.” you sound like you’re reprimanding your pet. She turns to you sporting a huge frown. You will not be swayed with quivering lips. Back on to the subject of food. You’re thinking about getting the exact same thing you got before. After all it was probably one of the best treats you’ve had since coming here. The cheesecake is delicious, and you’d love to have some more, but there’s a problem. You have no bits, at all. How are you going to pay for this?

“Hey girls?” you ask as you motion to the menu in your hand. “How are we going to pay for this? I have no money.” They laugh at your statement. You can’t find what’s funny about it.

“Anonymous, Discord rules Equestria and we’re his daughters. We don’t pay for anything, and since you’re with us that applies to you too.” Eris explains while closing her menu. Despite the position you’re in you still feel bad for not paying for your meal, or giving a tip for that matter. If that’s how things are going to work around here you’re not going to say anything against it. After all you’re broke.

“So, what are you two getting?” You close your menu with your choice in mind.

“I’m getting the raspberry doughnut stacked cake.” Screwball licks her chops before tossing her menu in a random direction. You shut your eyes tight when you realize what’s coming.

You cringe when the menu explodes along the wall of the café, leaving a black singed area of impact. A few ponies around the area dive under their tables in fear. All activity within the café stops. Ponies turn to stare at the three of you.

“She’s sorry.” You flash them a nervous grin. A few of them start glaring and whispering among themselves.

“No I’m not.” Screwball tells you before blowing raspberries. You shake your head.

“Damn it Screwball.” Knowing you won’t be able to instill respect into her you turn to Eris, the same question in mind.

“I’ll go with a couple of blueberry muffins and a caramel frappe. This place makes their stuff in a way that tastes so much better than what I get at Canterlot.” Eris states with enthusiasm before shutting her menu. Unlike Screwball she doesn’t casually toss it over her shoulder. Thankfully she has some sense.

“Probably helps to have a working building that doesn’t spring up every few seconds.” Finally Mocha makes her presence known.

“So are you ready to order?” Mocha asks while looking between the three of you. You nod before handing Mocha your menu.

“I’ll have the raspberry cheesecake with an iced coffee.” You say before placing your hands and elbows upon the table. As soon as they give their orders Mocha heads to the back of the café… but not before looking over the scorch mark on the wall.

“I’ll get someone to clean that up.” Mocha says, her voice oozing with annoyance. She disappears behind the café counter. As you wait Screwball goes on a small rant over how she’d change up the café. Rather than take in the beauty of the decorations that probably took these ponies hours to set up, she’s talking about how terrible they look.

You and Eris just sit in silence and listen to her go on and on. Well, neither of you really listen. You two virtually sit there with your heads in your hands. Will Screwball ever shut up? Yes, she will, thank God. A good ten minutes of talking is silenced when your food comes to the table.

Screwball happily digs in while you and Eris eat your respective dishes calmly. Like before, you savor the taste of your cheesecake. You would definitely pay whoever made this all of your bits if you could. It appears as though Eris is enjoying her muffins as well. She occasionally takes a few sips of her frappe. All in all the three of you eat on in silence. None wish to acknowledge the obvious stares you’re getting from the ponies that can’t seem to leave well enough alone.

Oh well, it’s not as if you can do anything about it. You know an outburst will only exacerbate things for you. You don’t notice but Eris seems to be eying you eating your cheesecake. When you finally look up from your plate you find her staring.

“What?” You forget you’re still chewing up bits of cheesecake. Your voice comes out muffled and little bits of food fall from your mouth. She giggles and you cover your mouth in response. And here you thought you could get comfortable. You swallow your food before wiping away any excess from your mouth via a napkin.

“Enjoying your food, aren’t ya?” She smiles and you nod in response, “can I get a bite? I gotta try it, if you stuff your face it must be good.” Eris motions to your cheesecake. For a brief moment you feel like shoving what’s left of your precious meal into your gullet in order to keep her from getting a bite. But you decide against it considering you’d look like a jackass and you wouldn’t succeed. So instead you push your plate towards Eris. She looks from you, to your plate, then back to you.

“What?”

“I’m not going to just take it off your plate with my claws.” Eris speaks out of disgust. You tilt your head to the side and give her an irritated glare.

“Well then what do you propose I do?” you immediately regret asking that question. You know just what she’s about to ask.

“You feed it to me of course,” Eris flashes you a toothy grin. Screwball has stopped eating and is now looking at the two of you. A sly smirk planted on her face.

“Ha. Nope.” You chuckle. You look between the two daughters of Discord. Their smiles slowly turn into frowns while yours simply widens. Eris lets out a few fake coughs; you can clearly hear her say the word “elements” in between them. She clears her throat for emphasis.

“Eris that sounds serious. Need a Ricola?” Screwball mockingly asks before turning back to her cake made out of doughnuts. How do they even know what those are?!

“No I’ll be fine just as soon as Anon—” you cut off a bit of your cheesecake with a fork and balance it. “There we go.” Her smile returns. She leans in and opens her mouth her snake-like tongue hangs out of her mouth loosely. Eris gives you a half lidded gaze and you can’t help but feel uncomfortable. Your reluctance is apparent, but if it’s for the elements…

You bring the fork up and over to her maw. She uses her tongue to close what little distance there is. You visibly shake when her long, wet muscle wraps around your forks and around your fingers. When she leans in and takes the food from your fork you pull away as soon as her tongue becomes slack.

Eris chews slowly, letting out soft moans of satisfaction as she swallows your cheesecake piece. You can feel sadness well within your chest. You almost want to cry, your precious cheesecake piece is gone now.

“That was delicious.” Eris accentuates with a sigh of satisfaction. She looks over her last remaining muffin. Then she gives you a devious grin. “I think I need to return the favor.” She picks up her muffin. You shake your head.

“Oh no, its fine, there’s no need-” You would say more, but Eris has forced your mouth open with magic. She wastes no time in shoving her meal down your throat. You cough as your lips are forced closed in order for you to hopelessly chew your food.

While the muffin tastes freshly made you cannot savor it considering you’ve virtually swallowed it whole. When you feel it finally slide down your esophagus you open your mouth to breathe. Screwball is busy laughing her little flank off while Eris is snickering. You look around at the patrons. Some are looking on in disgust while Mocha Latte is pretending to have one of them in a headlock.

She beats the air with her hoof where Screwball’s or Eris’ head would be. She doesn’t like what they did one bit and neither did you. Screw the elements. Without saying a single thing you get out of your chair and head out the door. Neither seems to notice you leave considering they’re laughing with their eyes closed. Once you slam the door behind you Mocha Latte trots over to the two laughing sisters sporting a cocky grin on her face.

“Hey girls, guess what?” Mocha asks happily.

Screwball wipes away a tear before looking at Mocha. “What?”

Her smile widens, “your date’s gone.” She trots away laughing all the while.

Eris’ mirth dies off instantly. Her eyes widen when she sees your seat empty.

“What?" Screwball looks on in disbelief, then she turns to face her sister, “hey Eris?"

"Yes?"

"I think we bucked up."

Author's Note

And it looks like I forgot to italicse Anon's thoughts in the last chapter. Great.

Also, yay two chapters in one day!

So, will Eris and Screwball try to salvage the date, or is it too late? Find out in the next update.

Chapter Fourteen: Eris vs Pinkie, A Beautiful Melody, Greed's Redemption, and Lyra's Sorrow

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// Chapter Fourteen: Eris vs Pinkie, A Beautiful Melody, Greed's Redemption, and Lyra's Sorrow// Story: Living the Good Life// by Aetherpony//------------------------------//

The two scramble out of their chairs and out the door. They look around in hopes of finding you, but you’re already out of sight. You’re walking at a brisk pace towards Sugarcube Corner. After what just happened you need to find a friendly pony to hang out with. At least until today blows over.

You just hope she didn’t see what you did to Fluttershy. Pinkie was probably friends with her too considering they were both elements. You possibly beat up one of her best friends. You sigh to yourself as your mind wanders over the events that occurred just yesterday. The image of Fluttershy’s beaten face and her sobbing only furthers your guilt.

You can’t seem to stop thinking about it. Twilight’s crying makes its way into your thoughts as well. You thought you were doing well, or at least you thought. Perhaps you messed up your ability to make friends when you took that factory job. Then again anyone who worked in that place became a husk of their former selves. When people weren’t on break they’d perform their tasks in a daze.

It was like being a robot without the cool stuff that brings. That is, until someone was stupid enough to perform their task wrong and lose a finger. You remember a guy who worked with you by the name of Bob Hurst. He was a prick among pricks. He’d do things incorrectly, he’d spread rumors, and he would love giving people the middle finger. One day when he was working on melting the metal being brought in, and he was smoking on the job. You recall him gasping and reaching out for the cigarette he couldn’t keep in his mouth.

He screamed at the top of his lungs. The moron reached into the liquid metal for his nicotine fix. When he pulled his hand back there wasn’t much left of it. You chuckle to yourself as you recall the event. You also remember what you said to him when he came into work some time later, “Hey Bob, please tell me you fap with your left hand. If you don’t you’re fucked and not in the good way.” You smile as you recollect how much he yelled. He was so mad at you, and you couldn’t have laughed any harder. He brought his injury upon himself.

A pink and red ball of fur latching to your chest jerks you from your thoughts. Hooves wrap around your torso making whatever it is stay attached. You yelp before leaping a little from the sudden sensation.

“Hi Nonny!” you hear it shout. Oh wait, it’s just Pinkie Pie. You look down to find her smiling up at you. Her eyes and parts of her mane are covered by the hood of the jacket you gave her. Hold on, what did she just call you?

“Wait, did you just call me Nonny?” She responds by nodding her head rapidly. You swear you can hear something rattling within her skull.

“Yes indeedie! So, why’re YOU all alone on Hearts and Hooves Day?” Her eyes seemingly stretching out of her head as if to examine you closely. As if she wasn’t close enough, you still can’t get over the concept of being given a pet name. Screwball called you the same thing.

You sigh before looking around. You find pony couples going about their day. Some are being confessed to with gifts, other ponies are sharing meals, and even some older ponies are sitting upon benches together content with just enjoying their day together. None seem to be in ear shot however. You’re going to tell the party pony all about your morning, but you’d rather not have others overhear you.

“It’s a secret.” Pinkie’s eyes seem to light up before her smile widens.

“Ooh! Did you Pinkie Promise not to tell anyone?” you shake your head, “Awesome! Tell-me-tell-me-tell-me-tell-me-tell-me-tell-me-tell-me!” she repeats without stopping to catch a breath of air.

“Okay, fine! Just, calm down.” Pinkie stops her endless chatter and gives you her undivided attention. After taking a deep breath you tell her about your little date with Eris and Screwball, and about how they have the elements. Then you tell her about Eris shoving the muffin down your throat and pissing you off. Pinkie’s immediate reaction surprises you

“That’s it?” The flat, disappointed tone throws you for a loop.

“Y-yeah I guess that’s it.” You raise a brow when Pinkie starts to snicker.

“Aw, come on, Nonny! You can’t just be a Grumpy Gus and storm off because someone’s being nice! Eris just wanted you to try a muffin silly filly!” You refrain from shouting “what” at the top of your lungs. You find it odd that she’s not acknowledging the part about the elements, or that you’re hanging out with Discord’s daughters.

She’s only pointing out the fact that you’re alone. She let’s go of your chest and hits the ground on all fours. Suddenly, one of her front hooves wraps around your wrist. You find yourself being dragged in the direction of the café.

“I’m not gonna let meanie-weanie-Anoninie ruin his day!” Pinkie happily drags you along. You’re trying to pry yourself away, but you fail at each attempt.

“How the hell am I being mean? I’m not the one trying to suffocate people with my food!” Pinkie giggle snorts at your reply.

“Oh, Nonny, you’re so crazy. Nopony wants to hurt you! You should have just chewed your muffin!” you growl, your patience is wearing thin. Pinkie’s happy attitude isn’t helping either.

“I can’t chew a muffin when it’s forced down my god damn throat!” you grind your teeth as you start trying to remove Pinkie’s hoof with improved vigor. You contemplate gnawing your hand off at the wrist.

“See! You shouldn’t be like that. Why are you so mad Nonny? You’re supposed to be having fun, and shame on you for leaving your special someponies alone.” The muscles in your left eye twitch involuntarily. It gets worse when you see a very familiar chimera and pony searching around buildings near the café. When Pinkie spots them she calls out their names. You try desperately to get away and run for it but it’s no use.

“Hey!” Eris shouts as she and Screwball approach. Neither seems to be sporting irate glares nor do they seem to be angry. In fact, they seem worried, at least until they saw you.

Eris breathes a sigh of relief, “There you are!” Pinkie’s beaming at this point. She probably thinks she did a good job while you think she’s nothing but a dirty traitor.

“Here you go!” Pinkie pushes you over to Eris and Screwball. “Nonny was being weird! He thought you two were trying to kill him!” Eris avoids eye contact while laughing nervously.

“Yeah, that’s crazy, yup.” Screwball snickers while you glare at Pinkie, “Well… thanks for bringing him back.” Eris seems reluctant to say anything more to the pink party pony, let alone a thank you. You try to take a step away from Eris but her lions paw drapes around you before you can. You curse inwardly.

“You’re welcome!” Pinkie exclaims cheerfully.

“Now if you’ll excuse us,” They turn to leave with you in tow, but the party pony steps in front of them, blocking their path.

“No can do. Nonny here ran away and is being a total grumpy frumpy lumpy! I’m going to stay and make sure it doesn’t happen again.” Pinkie trots over and stands with the three of you.

“Besides, he needs to learn how to be a proper special somepony. You can’t just run out on a date.” Pinkie adds.

Eris looks her over, “And I suppose you’re the pony for the job?” To everyone’s surprise Pinkie nods. Eris’ frown deepens, “Yeah… nope,” she snaps her talons. Right when she does Pinkie’s body glows in a purple hue before disappearing in a flash of light. “There we go.” With that Eris leads you and her sister away from the area.

Like you were with Pinkie, you’re forced to go in whatever direction Eris is leading you in. You’re wondering just how these creatures could be stronger than you furiously. The fact that they are only infuriates you.

“So, where are we going and why didn’t you consider this date a crash and burn after your fuck up?” You’re sure to keep anger out of your voice. Regardless you still sound like an ass.

“We’re giving you a second chance Anon. Please try not to mess this up.” Eris smirks, though the guilt from what happened is prevalent behind her gaze.

”Yeah!” Screwball adds. You look down to her to find her glaring up at you; her lower lip is stuck out in a pout.

“And about what happened in the café, I’m sorry. I won’t do that again.” Your eyes widen a little before casting them towards the chimera. You were expecting something along the lines of verbal abuse, yet you got an apology.

“Well, I didn’t think you’d say that.” You surprise is palpable.

“Why not? You’re supposed to have fun too. You shouldn’t have to be worry for your life or be miserable. Why do you think we’re here and not in Canterlot?” She asks.

“I thought you were supposed to be making this hard on me. To make me think I really earned the Elements.” You grimace when Eris thumps the back of your head with her lion’s claws.

“You really believed that banter Anon?” With that question comes more confusion. You nod causing Eris to groan when she realizes yes, you did believe her and Screwball. “For the love of… ugh Anon, daddy found out we stole The Elements and he’s making us give them to you. It doesn’t matter how today goes.” Eris explains, obviously annoyed by your reaction.

“W-what?” is all you can manage. Confusion is one of many words that could be used to describe how you’re feeling right now.

“So, we’re just going to have fun today? No pressure?”

“That’s what we were hoping for yes. The muffin incident kind of put a damper on that.” Screwball glares her sister’s way.

“And that ‘giving you a second chance shtick?’” you inquire.

“What? You can’t take a joke?” Eris asks before winking and giggling. You could honestly say you felt a large weight being lifted off of your shoulders. And maybe you could allow yourself to have some semblance of fun. You needed something to help take your mind off of yesterday’s happenings. Aside from the awkward stares, the immaturity of Screwball, and the near muffin suffocation today might not be all that bad.

Besides, Eris apologized, and maybe you did over-react a little. After all, if you really were going to die by asphyxiation you’re sure they would have helped you. You still remember how bad Screwball felt for hurting you with her water prank back when you were bedridden from your injuries. There’d be no way she’d let you die.

All of that could be possible, or you’re being too forgiving and this is a huge mistake. You’re better off just winging it and seeing what will come of it. If something like what happened at the café happens again you’ll just call it quits and go about your day. You still get the Elements, so what do you lose, aside from potential friends? Friends that were also your room mates…

You sincerely hope nothing else happens. Well, what’s the worst that could happen? The sound of an electronic, repetitive beat catches your attention. Without realizing it you’ve made it to the other side of town. Just how long were you walking with Screwball and Eris? You have really have to stop putting yourself on auto pilot. One day you’ll probably walk off of a cliff and won’t notice until the ground is right there in your face. As the music grows louder you look between the two.

You notice both are silent, hopefully you weren’t ignoring anything they were saying. You’re starting to feel quite anxious, it doesn’t help that they haven’t’ stopped dragging you along.

“Hey guys, where are we going?”

“I told you there’s ponies’ gathering in the market. They’re having a good time with each other. I figured we should join em.” Eris looks back at you sporting a grin. “And you need to learn to pay attention.”

You open your mouth to retort, but Eris is right about that. Seriously what’s wrong with me? Screwball’s snickering at your sudden realization causes you to narrow your eyes.

“What? She’s right, you know.” She says in between giggles. As the stands along the outskirts come in to view you see crowds of ponies near the center of the area. Dozens of them are dancing upon a red and pink cloth that covers the poker cards. A long rectangular table to the left of the “dance floor” has assorted sodas, snacks, and candy.

It seems like Hearts and Hooves Day is a holiday that helps support bad eating habits. It reminds you so much of Earth. People on Valentine’s Day couldn’t get enough candy either. As you, Eris, and Screwball get closer to the crowds the ones who notice you start getting the attention of the other ponies around them.

They point to your small group as you draw near. The ponies on the dance floor part like the sea for the three of you. You hear the music end abruptly with a record scratch. You awkwardly glance at the staring ponies. It seems like this kind of situation is going to follow you wherever you go. They start by glaring, and then whispering to one another.

This state of events goes on for a few more moments before you hear Pinkie call out among the figurative sea of ponies.

“Aw come on, everypony, let them have their fun!” she shouts before climbing upon a random stallion. She trots over the heads and backs of various ponies. Her eyes are set on the record player located near the concession table. After she fumbles with it for a moment the beat picks right back up yet again.

While you appreciate Pinkie’s willingness to help you out, you can’t help but wonder what she’s doing here. Eris teleported Pinkie away somewhere, you assumed it’d be far away from here. You turn to Eris to ask, but it seems as though Eris already knew what was coming.

“Anon, I sent her to Trottingham, a town twenty miles from here. I have no idea how she got back here in fifteen minutes.” You shrug in response, “I guess the best way to explain it is, she’s Pinkie Pie. I figured she was a bit different.” You watch as Pinkie starts doing her own rendition of what you think is the chicken dance.

Eris rolls her eyes, “I think I might be losing my touch.” Once the tune starts getting faster Pinkie goes from pony to pony. She gets them to move in sync with the beat of the music.

“Get those flanks moving everypony! There’s nothing to see here but couples!” she yells over the noise as she continues to make other ponies moving. Her infectious attitude seems to cause the ones staring at you to finally stop and go back to flitting about. Though it doesn’t stop them from casting the occasional glance your way it’s better than what it was.

You watch as Pinkie comes trotting up to the three of you. She bobs and weaves around various ponies, dancing all the while until she finally appears at your feet.

“You too Nonny!” Pinkie yells with a grin before wrapping her hooves around the three of you. Your group is forced to the center of the dance floor. None of you dare try to break out of Pinkie’s iron grip. For one if Eris’ magic didn’t do its job it will probably fail again. The second reason would be because her gripping you alone is breaking all kinds of physical laws.

When she finally lets go she tries to get the three of you to move just like the other ponies are. Screwball seems to be a fan of trance so she gets into the beat without too much trouble. Eris won’t take her doubtful gaze off of Pinkie, but she herself becomes engrossed with the song. Soon she’s moving about without a care, aside from the occasional glance at Pinkie of course.

You can’t blame her. Where you in Eris’ metaphorical shoes you’d be apprehensive of the pink party pony too. Now you’re the only one not dancing among the sea of ponies.

“Come on, Anon! move those legs!” Pinkie exclaims before lighting tapping both your knees with a hoof. You shake your head before attempting to move off of the dance floor. You don’t mind if Eris and Screwball dance that’s their thing, let them have fun. You however aren’t much of a dancer. The snacks and pop are calling your name though.

Pinkie won’t have it. You feel her hooves wrap around your legs at the thigh. She forces you to turn to her. She alternates between hopping around you and dancing on her hind hooves. That in turn keeps you from going anywhere.

“Don’t ruin the fun! Get dancin’!” Judging by how Pinkie seems to be attached to your hip there’s no way you’re getting out of this without at least swaying a little bit. You sigh to yourself before your shoulders slump. You really didn’t want to do this, you were hoping to avoid it altogether, but Pinkie just had to step in.

Fine, if Pinkie wants you to dance you’ll do it. You start moving back and forth in repetition in hopes of getting into sync with the beat. Eventually your shoulders, arms, and legs are all moving in beat with the song. Pinkie nods approvingly. Luckily trance is easy to move to and no one around you is silently judging you; you hope.

You don’t dance often, and you’re a little self-conscious about it, but no one around you is paying you any mind. That helps you get more into the music. Soon the only thing occupying your mind is the beat that seems to reverberate through your very core. Your ears are alight to the sharp sounds of the tune playing through the record player. You almost stop wondering as to how a record player is capable of playing any sort of techno beat…

An untold amount of time passes before you open your eyes and really take a look around. You find Eris and Screwball dancing together just a few feet away while Pinkie hasn’t move from her spot in front of you.

“I see you’re having fun, Nonny! I’m also having fun myself!” She giggles and snorts before going back into her little boogying world. She’s thrown flank shaking into her repertoire of dance moves. You can’t help but laugh as she does her little move in exaggerated motions, almost as if she were a child trying to copy an adult’s way of dancing. You don’t know how but she can hear you laughing over the music. She turns around and blows raspberries at you.

“I know I look silly, but I’m enjoying myself!” You point to her and say nothing. You simply smile before shaking your head. Sometime later she yells out, “I saw what you did to Fluttershy.” You freeze in your tracks before looking to Pinkie with wide eyes.

Of course she knew she knows what happens to every pony. At least that’s what Twilight told you. Pinkie’s smile is gone, but she doesn’t appear angry with you; she just seems sad.

You open your mouth to speak but she cuts you off, “I know why you did it. She was being mean and nasty to Twilight. That really wasn’t Fluttershy, so I’m not mad at you.” You wipe the sweat from your brow in relief, you try to go back to dancing but Pinkie’s frown and sad stare stops you.

”Was I that bad? I know I was being mean to everypony, especially you, but I don’t remember everything I did. I think I can remember you coming into Sugarcube Corner, but I don’t know anything after that, until you threw powder at me, and the mess.” Pinkie looks to you for an answer.

You shake your head. “All you did was make me clean up that huge mess. Fluttershy had me bedridden. You weren’t bad compared to her.” You tell Pinkie before trying to get back into your groove. Pinkie nods before her frown starts to melt away.

“Hey Anon?” she asks while bouncing around.

“Yeah what is it?” You finally find the groove you were in prior to Pinkie’s questions.

“Are you really Special Someponies with those meanies Eris and Screwball?”

“Nope, not at all,” you answer her without a moment’s hesitation. After all you’ll be getting your reward no matter what happens. There’s no need to lie. You have no idea if you should even consider this a real date or not.

Right now it’s just you having fun with your room mates and friend. Pinkie’s smile seems to get a little bigger from your answer. She starts bouncing around you in a circle yet again. She performs poses in the air at the peak of each bounce.

“Well, then, how, about. Being, my—“she tries to ask between bounces. She’s cut off by a combination of both Screwball and Eris knocking her away with a hip bump.

You watch as Pinkie goes flying in some random direction. She’s caught by a sea of ponies. You see her point a hoof in anger at Eris and Screwball before being forced to ride the wave of dancing patrons. Soon Pinkie is out of sight.

”Hey, Anon!” Eris and Screwball greet you with a smile.

“Isn’t this beat great!” Scewball asks before grabbing hold of your hand with a hoof.

Eris mimics Screwball’s actions, taking your free hand in hers. Together they lead you to the opposite end of where Pinkie is at.

“Uh, yeah it is.” You’re a bit thrown off by their actions. While you’re curious as to what Pinkie was trying to ask you, you’re sure that if it was important she’ll find you and ask you again. Until then, you’re going to enjoy the rest of your time here on the dance floor. An hour or two passes with you either grooving with Eris and Screwball, or taking a break to get a few drinks in you.

When the next song ends there’s a ten second pause before an announcement rings out from the record player. A deep, booming voice calls out the ponies.

“This next one’s gonna take you way back to the early days. You party animals are gonna get a good ol’ dose of nostalgia. Better grab your special someponies for this one.” How is that record player doing all of this?

As a combination of clarinet and violin, along with various other instruments begin their concerto, you're awestruck. This masterpiece, you've never heard anything like it. Light, yet commanding and unyielding. The way the symphony carries itself just makes you feel airy, weightless even. It makes you want to move, not in the way the trance was earlier. No, this, you couldn't just move in sync with the music. What you’re hearing is something you had to feel, to savor, to play with and enjoy. You find yourself moving unconsciously.

It's almost as if the tunes themselves are embracing you. To carry you away from the culmination of anger and fear that wells inside. The indecision of who to side with, the thoughts that dwell upon Fluttershy and Twilight; it all starts to fade away as the melody rises in volume and in strength. You allow the melody to flow through your very being. To become entranced by this, is so relaxing. The world seems to give way to an abyss filled with the notes from the symphony being played.

It's as if the burning from dancing these past few hours has melted away. With a lazy, contented smile playing upon your features you continue to move with the concerto, oblivious to those around you. That is until Eris taps upon your shoulder. You turn around to find her staring you up and down with a raised brow.

“What’s with you?” She doesn’t sound concerned, just utterly confused. You smile and weave slowly with the music.

“I think I just need to enjoy it. I haven’t gotten to do something like this in a long, long time.” You say before closing your eyes and entering your wonderland of melody for a second time. Eris rubs her griffin arm with her lion’s arm nervously while glancing back and forth at the various ponies dancing with their significant other.

“Hey Anon,” you open an eye when she says your name. “Ya know, all these ponies have a partner, and I know you don’t HAVE to be around us today if you don’t want to…” you can see where she’s going with this already. “But it looks a little awkward, what with the two largest things out here dancing alone.” You take a quick glance around to find that you and Eris are literally the only ones out on the floor without a partner.

Admittedly you're a bit reluctant to do so. She did nearly suffocate you with a muffin. While you're making a grand attempt at pushing that image out of your mind; it still resurfaces. She can feel sorry about it all she wants, but that won’t make you want to be around her any more.

What if she ends up dipping you while you dance? God forbid she bends you so far back she snaps your spine. She can’t just “sorry” something like that away. Or what would happen if she spun you? She obviously doesn't know her own strength. Her tossing you into the pool like a ragdoll attests to that. She might make you spin around like a top.

Naturally you'd end up smacking in to other ponies in the process. You don't want to make these party patrons hate you any more than they already do now.

“Then find someone. I'm having fun here." You turn your back to Eris and getting back in to the melody.

Eris shakes her head in disbelief, “I was referring to us; as in, you dancing with me?” You wave your hand in a dismissive fashion.

“Yeah I’m not doing that with you. I’d like to stay in one piece.” You say, not breaking out of your repetitive movements.

“Oh come on! I said I was sorry, and I really meant it that time!” Eris exclaims angrily. When she realizes you won’t acknowledge her beyond that she becomes so angry her body shakes. “Fine, I’ll find somepony else to dance with, then you’ll be all alone out here.” She crosses her arms and floats away, leaving you to your fun.

You shrug; it’s no skin off your bones. With her gone you can finally have the peace you were hoping to get for this melody. Over the next few minutes you find yourself lost to the symphony of sound being emitted from the blessed record player.

That is until you hear one of the stallions shout, “Hey let me go!” your peace and tranquility is broken when you open your eyes to find Eris dancing with him. By dancing you mean she’s got him off of the ground and at her level. His hind hooves dangle helplessly as Eris leads in a dance fit for something more your size than a pony’s.

Your eyes widen when you find that this stallion has an hour glass cutie mark. What was the name of that stallion Bon-Bon mentioned? Time Turner was it? You look next to the dancing duo to find Bon-Bon fuming over the sight of her partner dancing with Eris. You can see the muscles in Bon-Bon’s eye twitching.

Within a minute you know Bon-Bon is going to drown Eris in her righteous fury, but she seems none the wiser. In fact when she turns to look at Bon-Bon she sticks out her tongue. You sigh exasperatedly. It looks like you’re going to have to be the one that administers damage control. Hopefully you can do something to end the impending storm of rage that’s billowing on the dance floor.

You walk over to the three, “Bon-Bon, is there anything I can do to help?” you ask with a nervous grin. Bon-Bon’s ice cold gaze turns to you. You shiver with fright; you’ve yet to see a pony give such a look. Big Macintosh’s glare from back then was nothing compared to this. It’s like death was behind her gaze just waiting to strike.

“Get, that FREAK, away from Time Turner,” her angry tone causes you to shrink back. Bon-Bon notices this but she doesn’t seem to care. “Please,” she adds. Malice is dripping from her voice. You gulp before nodding. With the possibility of severe retribution in mind you make your way over to Eris and tap her on the shoulder.

“What do you want? Can’t you see I’m dancing?” Eris turns to you obviously annoyed by you cutting in. You point to her partner who’s in obvious distress to the angry Bon-Bon. Eris giggles, “Okay, so she’s angry. Why should I care?” Here’s the part where you need to come up with something quick, something believable.

An idea comes to mind, but you really didn’t want to go through with it. The last thing you wanted to do was stroke Eris’ ego, but it’s either that or Bon-Bon’s fury.

You sigh to yourself. “Eris, this isn’t about her.” You’re trying to sound as convincing as possible. Eris stops dancing, she turns her head to face you but she doesn’t let go of Time Turner.

“Then what’s it about?”

“I’m jealous. It shouldn’t be him dancing with you. It should be me.” You explain. You see a small smile form on Eris’ muzzle. “Besides, I’d probably make for a better partner anyway. After all I’m closer to your height than he is.” You accentuate your point by motioning to Time Turner. You could feel a part of you die inside as Eris’ smile grows. You can see her fangs poking out from her lips. She thinks to herself for a moment before dropping Time Turner.

“Yeah, you're right.” Eris’ voice trails off, “besides, he was boring anyway,” She adds before dropping Time Turner, grabbing your arm, and dragging you off to another part of the dance floor. You couldn’t hear if Bon-Bon thanked you or not, but she better. She has no idea how much you’ve sacrificed in order to get Eris away from her date.

When Eris finds a proper place she finally stops dragging you around. The two of you stand in that spot for a few moments, well you stand, she floats. She smiles to you happily while yours is forced beyond belief.

It doesn’t take long for the same question to work its way through both of your minds. After all it’s only natural for the two of you to be curious. As realization washes over the two of you the two of you ask simultaneously.

“Are you going to lead? I thought you were going to lead!”

“Okay, here, hold on.” With a quick shift of your hands and hers you’re able to get into the proper position for what you think is the waltz; but there’s a problem. One you don’t know what you’re doing and two…

“Eris?”

“Yes?”

“How are you supposed to lead when you’re feet aren’t on the ground?” Eris typically floats and flies from place to place. You’ve seen her feet touch the ground maybe once during the entire duration of your stay.

“Give me a moment and I’ll show you.” Eris stands straight. As soon as her Minotaur and lizard feet touch ground her limbs and torso elongate and contorts in order to mimic your height.

Soon she’s eye level with you. “That’s better.” She has to re-adjusts her claws positions. But with her new appearance it’s not much of an issue. While her griffin talons interlock with your fingers her lion’s paw rests upon your shoulder.

You take your free hand and place it where you believe her hip would be. You’re hoping your hand isn’t trailing any lower than it should. Since you haven’t been slapped yet you believe you have your hand in the right place.

And so you begin. While the dance you are doing should invoke passion that would reflect the sheer beauty of this song, you’re instead showing these pony couples just how little you knew about dancing.

Even with Eris leading you’re stuck looking at her feet in hopes of moving with her. Multiple times you’ve stepped upon her lizard foot. Lucky for you, you can’t exactly step on a hoof. You’d alternate between looking at her and giving her an awkward smile coupled with an apology, to looking at her feet hoping you wouldn’t step on her.

At least you aren’t the only one having problems. On more than one occasion Eris jerks you a little too hard in her direction, causing you to bump in to her. She in turn ends up hitting one of the pony couples trying to enjoy their time. They cast you two an angry glare.

“Sorry.” You mutter before you and Eris get back to your train wreck of a dance. Five minutes pass before your barely passable dance becomes smooth enough for you to take your eyes off of her feet. When you look to Eris’ face you’re met with laughter.

“We look ridiculous don’t we?” She tries to dip you. You nearly lose whatever balance you had and Eris is forced to lean in order to keep you from falling on a unicorn. This is one of the few moments where you’re glad she’s part serpent.

When she pulls you into a standing position you answer, “Yeah we do, but who cares? Are you having fun?” She nods. “Then don’t worry about it.” You grin. Unbeknownst to you a few ponies within the crowd watch you and Eris as you move. Your lack of grace and odd dancing style catches their attention. They’ve never seen a human dance before and yet here you are swaying in a half assed waltz with a chimera. You have really set the bar for human dancing talent.

“So, what happened to Screwball?” You scan the crowd for the little cap wearing pony. Your own question is answered when you find her sipping punch over by the concessions table. You guess she doesn’t dance to this sort of tune. When she catches you looking her way she raises her eye brows before winking. You shake your head before turning your attention back to… Pinkie?

You’re no longer dancing with Eris. At some point Pinkie replaced her; you look down to find that Pinkie appears to have stilts on her hind hooves so she can match your height.

“Hey Nonny.” Pinkie greets, her grin becoming ever so prominent upon her muzzle. “You look so weird dancing like this.” She dips you just like Eris did. Unlike Eris Pinkie’s hooves are able to stretch with you and keep you secure. Pinkie doesn’t even have a humanoid body yet she’s able to accomplish something Eris couldn’t.

When you’re back on your feet you shrug, “Pinkie, I have no idea. I just go with it. And where’s Eris?”

“I dunno! Something about an alligator in the tub?” Pinkie answers with a giggle.

“But Pinkie, that doesn’t make any… sense.” Your eyes widen when you look around her to find Eris stomping towards you and Pinkie. She’s completely soaked and her once disheveled mane now lies flattened due to the water.

You find Gummy has latched himself to a strand of her hair. His soulless eyes stare off into space. When Eris gets to you she growls before pulling you and Pinkie apart. You wince at how tight of a grip she has on your shoulder. She stares menacingly into Pinkie’s eyes.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Eris ends her question with a low growl. Pinkie gives her an oblivious grin before answering.

“I’m just having fun with Nonny! See, I was trying to be nice because I thought you were each other’s special someponies, but since you aren’t I was thinking Nonny’s up for grabs!” You’re thrown into confusion yet again. Before you can ask what Pinkie means she continues her explanation.

“Then I thought ‘Pinkie you should totally get him to be your special somepony’ and I told myself ‘you’re crazy Nonny wouldn’t go for it.’ So I decided to try it, after all what’s the worst that could happen?” Pinkie shrugs when she finishes.

Why would Pinkie want to be your special somepony? What did you do that made her want to? Besides it’s only been a week, that title shouldn’t come up from ANYTHING living on this planet when it regards you. Before you can voice out against Pinkie’s explanation Eris does it for you.

“Not gonna happen.” Eris snaps her talons. A pink cannon appears where Pinkie once was.

“Ooooh what’s this thingy?” you hear her call from within the cannon. Eris smirks before aiming it; her target is Sweet Apple Acres. With a pull of a string the cannon fires Pinkie into the air. You hear her shout with joy as she leaves the cannon. You watch as a blur of pink is launched to the farmlands in the distance. Upon impact Pinkie leaves a small mushroom cloud of pink smoke in her wake.

“W-what?” Your jaw hangs slack upon your face, pony patrons around you stare at the smoke as it slowly dissipates. When it finally does they go back to dancing as if nothing happened.

“Don’t worry about her, she’ll be fine.” Eris takes her place back as your partner. You seem unsure when it comes to Eris’ claim. But if Pinkie could come back to Ponyville almost instantly after being sent to a town many miles away, then she might come back from that.

When Eris places her claws upon your hand and shoulder the two of you try to get back into what little groove you had, but there was a slight problem.

“Eris, you have something in your hair.” You point to Gummy hanging from her locks. Eris’ eyes cast a quick glance over it before looking to face you.

“Oh, don’t worry Anon, it’s just an alligator,” her voice trails off as she processes what she just said to you. Her eyes widen in fear before she shouts, “OH CELESTIA THERE’S AN ALLIGATOR IN MY HAIR!” Eris pushes you away before flailing her arms wildly in a hopeless attempt to knock the Gummy away. She flies around in a panic, knocking over ponies in the process.

You should find this funny, but the angry glaring of the party ponies is keeping you from doing so. You hope Eris can take care of her problem. Finally she manages to swat him and the poor thing goes flying into the punch bowl. A poor unsuspecting pony is now covered in a fruit punch flavored beverage.

“What the heck was that?!” the pony asks before investigating the punch bowl. The curious pony is rewarded with the alligator latching to his snout. “IT’S ON MY FACE! IT’S ON MY FACE!” the pony screams before taking off in a gallop away from the marketplace.

Eris is hyperventilating by the table, Screwball is dying of laughter, and each pony around you looks like they want to kill you. You gulp nervously before tugging at the collar of your shirt.

“I uh, I think we should get going.” You say to no one in particular. You waste no time in picking up Screwball. She laughs in to your ear but you ignore it. You grab hold of Eris’ arm and help lead her away from the dance floor. Lucky for you neither is putting up any resistance.

Eris remains floating while muttering to herself about reptiles and Screwball is busy trying to get in a breath of air from all the laughter she emitted. You have no real destination in mind, but anywhere that isn’t the marketplace or café sounds good to you right about now…

While you’re busy with your chaotic trouble, Rarity the seamstress is having problems of her own. Like the night prior to this one she paces about the foyer of her shop lost in thought. She casts an occasional glance over to a large boulder that has taken residence in the corner of her shop. Sweetie Belle’s words play in her mind like a broken record, as do Applejack’s. When Rarity made her way to Sweet Apple Acres she found Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom playing on the front porch of her friend’s home.

When the two fillies saw Rarity coming Apple Bloom ran inside to get her sister while Sweetie sat and waited for Rarity to get to her. When she stepped on the porch the pits of Tartarus seemed to open up for her. Sweetie didn’t want to have anything to do with her.

Sweetie screaming in such a shrill voice felt like nails upon a chalk board for Rarity. She cringed when her little sister started naming off the things Rarity has done. Sweetie covered topics from as far back as she could remember: Rarity taking her food under the premise of her owning it since she spent her bits to get it. The food hoarding, along with her constantly stealing from others while leaving her to take the blame was taking its toll on the little filly.

Rarity gasped in abject horror when she saw the bandage around Sweetie’s leg. She wanted to examine it, she wanted to see if her little sister was okay, but Sweetie wouldn’t have any of that. Sweetie was sure to stay as far away from Rarity as she could. All the while she kept listing off each and every wrong Rarity has done to her and other ponies.

Each thing brought to light cut into Rarity like a cold, unforgiving knife. She felt as though her heart was being wrenched and torn asunder inside her chest. As her little sister continued to scream through the tears now pouring down her face, Rarity found herself to be in the same state. She couldn’t stand it anymore, this thing she’s become, it isn’t her. It isn’t her at all. Rarity would never willingly put Sweetie Belle through that.

For the first time, Rarity broke down on the Apple Family porch that night. The sheer atmosphere of it all brought Rarity to her belly. She shouted apologizes through her tears. She begged Sweetie to forgive her, but Sweetie would not accept a single one, she couldn’t. Not while Rarity is the way she is. Eventually Apple Bloom came back outside with Applejack in tow. To see her friend in such a state frightened Applejack like no one would believe.

While it hurt her to make this decision, she knew that Rarity couldn’t stay here and do this all night. Applejack had apples to buck and the two fillies needed to get their sleep. With tears of her own beginning to pool around her eyes Applejack had to lead a sobbing, hysterical Rarity off of the property…

As Rarity looks back on it all she finds herself in tears yet again. She’s disgusted with herself, both for what she’s done to those she cares about, and about how she presented herself. She considers herself a mare of class, regality, and of poise. Not some sniveling, helpless mare. This greedy, cowardly persona she’s taken on is a false one, it took the harsh words of her little sister to make her realize this.

Rarity looks upon the boulder yet again. Her eyes narrow in anger. She’s allowed herself to be tricked! How could she have been so foolish? That boulder she thought was something of value wasn’t at all!

“Tom, you’re nothing but a-a horrid boulder!” Rarity promptly turns her head away from the large rock. “While I would take great pleasure in forcing you out of my boutique I’m afraid there are matters that take a higher priority!” Rarity says to the inanimate boulder as she trots into the room containing her mannequins. “I cannot allow such a travesty to continue. I have tarnished my good name enough to last a lifetime. It’s about time I made a few alterations as to how I carry myself.” She appears to be searching for something her eyes light up when she finds a glorious red heart shaped ruby acting as a pendant for one of her dresses.

With a bit of magic she removes it from the dress. She examines it for a few moments before nodding. With a plan set she wipes away the tears upon her cheeks and a look of determination sweeps across her features.

“And I know just where to start.” With her destination made she places the ruby in a saddle bag. With it in tow she makes her way out of her boutique and into the busy streets of Ponyville. While Rarity sets off to make things right you’re currently catching your breath while using the side of a building as support. Eris has finally calmed down and Screwball can’t giggle without yelping in pain.

It appears as though her sides weren’t able to handle laughter of that magnitude. Serves her right, she did nothing to improve the situation. If anything Screwball made it worse. It looks like today has become a train wreck.

The café was a bust and while you were able to dance for a while that too soured. Though the day isn’t over yet, sure the sun is starting to set, but you know the two daughters of Discord have another plan up their sleeve. It only makes sense, considering bad things happen in threes. While you recover from your excursion Eris rubs her chin in thought.

The sound of someone singing catches her attention. Her ears flick from the sound. She turns to find that the three of you are resting next to Ponyville’s Karaoke Bar. There’s a pony current singing something. You have no idea what, but judging by the fact that this pony can’t carry a tune she isn’t doing a very good job.

You look to Eris to find her smiling at the front door of the bar. You turn your head to find Screwball smiling at you menacingly. The two seem to have the same idea in mind.

“Oh no, no no no no.” you repeat while shaking your head. Screwball nods, her eyes never leaving yours.

“Oh yes Anon. We’re gonna sing our hearts out tonight!” Screwball pumps a hoof in the air.

“That we are.” Eris adds before she wraps her claws around the sleeve of your shirt.

It’s your turn to be carried somewhere, and that somewhere is through the threshold of the karaoke bar. You are dreading the terrible moment that is sure to come from this venture. The interior, like most of the buildings today, reflects Hearts and Hooves Day. The tiled flooring has a repeating pattern of Red, Pink, and White. The seven booths lining the right side have their cushions and back rests lined with red material while the tables in the center of each booth appear stark white. The bar opposite to the booths has barstools that match the booths themselves.

The barstools have a red cushion and the pole keeping them planted upon the ground is white. The wooden bar and shelves behind the bartender stallion are all pink. At least the drinks lining the shelves aren’t matching the theme. The interior walls, much like the café’s, have hearts lining them. You’re getting sick and tired of seeing the same patterns and colors everywhere you go. A bar that you believe to be made for certain ponies to come in and forget about the day has now become a jolly, bright, and happy place to be.

Judging by the exhausted look upon the bartender’s face he isn’t happy about the aesthetics of his bar, or maybe it’s because of the mare singing; you don’t know. Speaking of which, you’ve managed to figure out as to why the mare’s singing is horrible. You hear her words being slurred in to the microphone. Whoever is singing is quite inebriated.

You get to your feet and dust yourself off. You’re thankful that Eris has finally let go of your shirt. As you remove the dirt from your jeans you look to the small white and red striped stage at the back of the bar to find a very familiar unicorn standing there. Her mint green coat gives it away. Lyra is standing upon her hind hooves; a bottle of Applejack Daniels in one front hoof, a microphone in the other…

Author's Note

Here's yet another Chapter.

Why is Lyra drunk at a karaoke bar on Hearts and Hooves Day?
What is Rarity's plan to redeem herself?
Will Anon really get the elements at the end of the day?
How will the singing go and what will Anon sing?

Find out in the next chapter. Also, I noticed that I use quite a few words in repetition. I hope you can look past that.

Chapter Fifteen: Drunken Confessions, Singing, Shenanigans, and A Surprising Twist

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// Chapter Fifteen: Drunken Confessions, Singing, Shenanigans, and A Surprising Twist// Story: Living the Good Life// by Aetherpony//------------------------------//

W-when the truth is *hic* found to be lies,” She sings in a drunken stupor. She sways about, nearly falling down in the process. “And all the joy, w-w-within you *hic* dies.” Lyra ends up getting tangled in the microphone’s wire, but she still manages to stand and keep singing.

“Don’t you want some-some-somepony to love? Don’t you need some *hic* pony to LOVE!” She shouts out the last bit of her song. The alcohol has obviously made her a terrible singer. Her voice changes pitch far too often and most of her words come out as slurring your hiccups. You can’t let her embarrass herself any further.

You pull yourself out of Eris’ grip, “Hey!” she exclaims before watching you make your way to the stage. Lyra appears to have forgotten the words so she just hums off key. You grab hold of the hoof holding the Applejack Daniels bottle. This causes her to stop and look your way; she wobbles before narrowing her eyes. She tries desperately to get a good look at who’s holding her.

“HEY what’s the big idea? Oh my goo-goo- *hic*! Hi Annnnnon!” Lyra yells into the microphone before giggling madly. Without waiting for her to say anything else you untangle her and drag her off stage. Eris and Screwball follow you to a nearby booth both snickering like mad.

“Whoa, she’s so gone!” Screwball exclaims before taking a seat across from you and Lyra. Eris joins her sister in the booth before looking over Lyra too.

“Anon, why’d you take her off the stage? She was great entertainment.” Eris pretends to be utterly disappointed.

You glare in response, “Because I’m not going to let a friend make an ass of herself,” you turn to Lyra and see that she’s looking up at you, her body still swaying even while sitting still. “What’s got you drunk and singing alone on stage? Thought you’d have found a stallion,” you try to keep Lyra still, but she just won’t have it.

“I’m alone!” Lyra shouts happily, “But that’s okay I got something that’ll make it aaaaall better.” She adds while snuggling her Applejack Daniels bottle.

“Well, that sucks. I’m sorry to hear that,” you say out of sincerity. Lyra waves a hoof dismissively before turning up the bottle and drinking some of its contents. When she pulls away she waves a hoof to you.

“N-n- *hic* stallions don’t like an ecc- eccentric, yes that’s the *hic* word, mare.” Lyra giggles joyfully, “Besides, stallions lack something.” Lyra adds while staring at the table in a trance.

“And what’s that?” you ask. Your question is answered when Lyra nuzzles the hand you have on the table.

“They don’t have haaands, digits, fingers, and bare skiiiin.” Lyra drags the words out as she goes from nuzzling to lazily licking your fingers. You pull your hand away before wiping away the pony slobber. “If a stallion can’t *hic* rub my tummy like you can, w-what’s the point?!” Lyra eyes fill to the brim with tears, and then dry heaves before covering her mouth with a hoof.

“Oh gods no, please no,” you try to get away from Lyra. Your gasp when she puts a hoof on your shoulder to steady herself. You’re unable to get away. Then Lyra dry heaves yet again. You’re forced to bear it as Lyra lets loose a stream of brown liquid into your lap. Three streams of vomit and booze are let out before Lyra starts dry heaving yet again. It seems as if she’s done vomiting, at least you hope so. The strong smell of stomach acid and liquor invades your senses. If you didn’t have a strong stomach you’d be puking with her.

Eris and Screwball burst out into fits of laughter. Eris laughs so hard she starts hitting the table with her fist. Screwball looks like she’s crying from it. You can feel your anger begin to boil. It’s as if exterior forces are at work, almost like you’re cursed for wanting to have a good day or something.

Discord has to be behind your misfortune, he just has to. There is no way things would turn out this bad without his claw playing its part in this. A flurry of angry thoughts and reactions flash through your mind in a blur, each seeming better than the next. Your fingernails dig into the table…

“Luna! there it is again!” Celestia exclaims as she looks to the planet. Her eyes are filled with fear at what could possibly be occurring in Equestria.

“What is it sister? Is that creature angry again?” Luna asks as she trots over to stand with her sister.

Celestia nods, “Yes, it’s not nearly as pronounced as it was around Fluttershy, Rarity, and Twilight, but still.” Celestia seems to gag before shuddering and turning away from the planet. “Feeling that rage is like drinking poison,” She starts to trot away, but instead she freezes in place before looking to the planet again, “and it’s gone?” Her confusion is apparent…

You’ve managed to suppress your anger before you did something you’d regret. Lyra’s depressed and she drank a little too much, that’s all. Don’t get angry, just because you can feel bile and liquor on your lap, don’t get irate. You don’t want to repeat what you did to Fluttershy; you won’t allow yourself to go there again. You take a deep breath before turning to Lyra. She’s stopped dry heaving and is now sobbing loudly.

“Oh Celestia, I ruined everything!” Lyra shouts through her sobbing. She latches onto your shirt and soaks it in her tears. “I’m-I’m so *hic* sorry!” she cries hugging you tighter than before. You feel disgusting, your pants are ruined beyond belief, but you can’t get irate with this unicorn. Instead of yelling and berating her you ask:

“Can you walk?” she looks up to you with tear filled eyes before shaking her head. You sigh again before getting to your feet, without waiting for Lyra’s confirmation you grab hold of her and pick her up. You cradle her in her arms.

With her secure in your grip you look to the still laughing Eris and Screwball, “I’m taking her home. I’ll be back after I clean up.” You don’t believe they heard you and you can’t find reason to care. You carry Lyra out of the karaoke bars, ignoring the wild snickering of both the patrons and your room mates to the best of your abilities.

Lyra says nothing as you carry her to her home. She doesn’t even bother to make eye contact. You ignore the murmurs of various ponies as you walk past. A few giggle and others point at you but you’re more focused on getting her out of the public’s scrutinizing eye than what they think.

After a few minutes of walking you finally make it to her front door. You nudge it open with a foot before stepping inside. Wasting no time, you carry Lyra up her stairs and into her bathroom. Hopefully she’s sobered up some since you started.

“Here, brush your teeth while I get out of these pants.” You set her down in her down in front of her sink. She doesn’t respond, but she gets her toothbrush and toothpaste out all the same. As you take special care to remove your pants you realize that her vomit managed to soak through the denim. You’re going to have to clean all of your clothes and bathe. The smell is overwhelming, but you manage to maintain control of your bile.

“Don’t turn around.” You order as you set your pants down and strip out of the rest of your clothes. You turn to find Lyra looking down into her sink bowl while brushing her teeth. “I’m going to toss my clothes, after that I’m going to shower. You puked all over me and I carried your flank home. I think I’ve earned it.” Lyra merely nods in response before rinsing her mouth out and reaching for mouth wash under her sink. At least she’s only swaying every so often as she takes care of herself. You figured you’d have to help her brush.

With your clothes gathered in your arms you make your way out and back down the stairs. Upon entering the kitchen you find the garbage can. It’s unfortunate Lyra and Bon-Bon have no washer and dryer. It’d make things so much easier. Then again, ponies don’t normally wear clothes so what sense would it make to have those appliances?

But it didn’t matter, as you doubted the stains would come out regardless. Without putting any more thought into it you toss your clothes into the garbage can. As you walk back up the stairs you see Lyra brushing her teeth for a second time. Looks like she’s is trying to be thorough with her mouth cleaning. You find dental floss in her bathroom’s garbage can. You make your way to her bath tub and step inside it.

After pulling the clear shower curtain so Lyra can’t see within you get to work turning the handles. Once the water adjusts to an appropriate temperature you use Lyra’s shampoo and soaps in order to scrub away the stink and brown stains on your skin. You feel you spend a half an hour in there scrubbing away at your body diligently. After soaping down a good five times and shampooing twice you step out of the shower to find Lyra sitting there with a white towel in her front hooves.

“Here,” she trails off as she hands the towel to you. She’s keeping her gaze locked on her tile flooring.

“Thanks.” You say flatly before drying yourself off.

“I’m—“you cut her off.

“Sorry? Yeah you said that back when you threw up on me.” You finish off by wrapping the towel around your waist. It’s a bit short, it only covers from the waist to the knee, but it’ll work. It’s better than nothing. “Think you’ll make it to your bed?”

Lyra shakes her head. You reach out and pick her up yet again. After carrying her into her room and setting Lyra on her bed you turn to leave.

“Ya know, it’s funny. Well to me it is, anyway,” Lyra lies back on her bed. Your curiosity tempts you to turn around and you do so.

“What’s funny?”

“I wanted you to spend time with me today. Looks like I got what I wanted, but in a bad bucking way,” she rolls onto her side so she can face you, “See, Bon-Bon didn’t want me to be alone for Hearts and Hooves Day again, and because you were such a gentlecolt the other day Bon-Bon thought we’d make a cute couple.” You lean against her door frame and wait for her to continue.

“I thought you were really awesome that day. You didn’t walk away when Bon-Bon brought me up to you. You went out of your way to help both a pony and a filly you didn’t know. You acted really mature around Big Mac’s family, and you got me my money back. That tummy rub you gave me helped you out tremendously, can’t forget that.” Lyra finishes with a giggle.

“You going to get to the point Lyra?” You don’t feel like hearing her ramble on.

“I’m getting there, Anon,” Lyra sighs, “so cause Bon-Bon saw all those good qualities in you so she wanted me to set up something for today; said you’d be a stallion that’d help me grow up a little.” You shake your head. You guess that interspecies relationships aren’t abnormal on this world. Too bad for them you’re not a xenophile. Sure you’ve never been with a girl, but you’re not going to settle for a pony, or a Draconequus, or anything that isn’t a human for that matter.

At least Lyra isn’t beating around the bush here. “So I went to Twilight’s Library to see if you were in. When I didn’t get an answer I assumed I’d see you around town.” Lyra sits up, “I did see you. Unfortunately it was with Eris. From the way you were walking around with her I thought I was too late. So I sort of got depressed over missing my chance and decided to loosen up and enjoy the day.” Lyra finishes with a sheepish grin.

“And now here we are,” you say with an obviously forced grin.

Lyra snickers, “Yeah, I bucked up bad didn’t I?”

“Oh tremendously, you thought I would go for a pony. I’m not into, well, anything that isn’t human. Though I’m sure you didn’t know that since you saw me with Eris. Besides, I thought I made my point perfectly clear back at the café.” You explain while glaring at Lyra.

“Then why were you with Eris?”

“Because I was forced to. That is, until Eris explained a little something to me.” Of course Lyra wanted to know what you meant and you explained it. Eris and Screwball stealing the Elements of Harmony, forcing you to spend time with them in exchange for them, almost being forced into acting like a special somepony, how your day was fairing since then, and Eris telling you that you were going to be given the elements at the end of the day, regardless of how it went.

“Wow. You got screwed over pretty good didn’t you?” Lyra asks; you nod in response

“Yeah I did, still wanted to salvage the day with dancing, and apparently karaoke but—“

Lyra adds on to that, “Then I came along and bucked that up?” You don’t bother responding to her question. The answer should be apparent enough. She looks like she’s ready to cry again, but she’s able to keep herself together for the most part.

“Yeah, listen, I understand I don’t have a shot with a terrific guy, but did I lose a friend today too?” You see tears starting to form in her eyes. It’s now you realize you’re a slave to that expression.

“Yes to the first, and no to the second. You puking on me almost did it, but I’m looking past it because you explained yourself.” Lyra breathes a sigh of relief, “I’m not mad at how you feel about me though, in fact it’s flattering. Girls on my planet don’t even give me a second glance.” Lyra wipes away her tears and listens in.

“But,” Lyra starts, though you intervene.

“But, for the last time, you’re a pony and I’m a human. It’s not going to work out. There, I shouldn’t have to say this again.” Lyra makes no move to object to what you say, choosing to nod in understanding.

“Alright, but hey, at least we can still hang out. Right?” Lyra seems to be trying to salvage the situation.

“Yeah we can, but I’m not sleeping in your bed again.”

Lyra groans, “But you were so comfy!”

You shake your head, “Too bad, Lyra. If I spend the night at your place I’m crashing on that couch.”

Lyra snorts before shooting you a mock glare. “Fine, but I still get tummy rubs.”

“We’ll see about those. Now if you’ll excuse me,” you say before turning around.

“Wait!” She leaps off of her bed and wobbles a bit before trotting over to her closet. With a bit of magic she opens her door, pulls out a white robe, and floats it over to you. You turn and grab hold of it.

“That outta do better than that little towel,” You’re about to point out that the bath robe she gave you is too small, but with a spell she increases its size. “You know, I could just magic the vomit and stains out of your clothes.” You shake your head before putting on your new robe.

To you it wouldn’t matter if she got the stains out of your clothes. Something blew chunks on them, there’s no way you’re wearing them again. If you could you’d burn them. As you tie the string around your robe to fasten it you can’t help but think that Lyra could have used this spell on your favorite hoodie. If you were to get it from Pinkie now you’d be taking back a gift.

And people who take back gifts suck; you don’t suck. Speaking of which, you need to have a talk with Pinkie. She had said something about making you her special somepony too. Looks like you’re going to get to shoot two mares down today instead of one, if you see Pinkie again today that is. You haven’t seen her since the mushroom cloud incident.

“Thanks for the robe Lyra,” you promptly take your leave.

“You’re welcome,” she whispers. She winces when you slam her door shut. When she hears you leave she gets back in bed and curls up. Your walk from Lyra’s place to the karaoke bar is filled with relative silence. The sun has started to set and a good portion of the ponies out and about today have gone home.

You feel that you were able to suppress your anger quite well. After all, you didn’t blow up at her, you managed to do nothing more than slam her doors and take her robe. And you were able to salvage your socks and shoes so you don’t have to walk around barefooted. Your mind occasionally wanders upon Lyra as you make your way back. That look of disappointment and her tears. You couldn’t help but feel a bit guilty for how things transpired, but she’s going to have to deal with what she did and what you said.

Besides, had Lyra been a human there would be no way you’d go for her. You don’t want a girl who’d go about drowning her sorrows in booze if things didn’t go her way. That and having your clothing ruined by her bile was not enjoyable in the slightest. It took everything you had to repress your anger and not blow up at Lyra. It didn’t help that your head was pounding the entire time. It looks like that’s been happening every time you try to keep yourself from blowing up at something.

You’re going to be spending time away from Lyra; you know that much. A good week or two ought to do it. You’re still dreading that you’re going to have to tell Pinkie virtually the same thing you told her. Pinkie appears to be a very elastic mare. She could bounce back from being told no, you’re sure of that.

With that thought you feel some of the weight being lifted off of your shoulders. As the karaoke bar comes into view you can’t help but wonder just what Eris and Screwball have been up to since you left. Upon entering you see that they stayed in the same general area. They’ve moved a booth over and are talking across from one another. No pony has made their way to the stage.

You have zero intention on getting up there. Instead you walk over to Eris and Screwball. As soon as you take a seat next to Eris their eyes are on you.

“So, did you have fun bringing Lyra back?” Screwball giggles, you feel the lid of your repressing jar pop for just a second.

You slam your hands on the table, stand up, and shout, “SHUT THE FUCK UP!” Screwball shrinks away from you and starts to shake.

“I-I’m sorry.” Fear is ever present in her voice. You turn to see Eris open her mouth to talk.

“And I don’t want to hear a God damn thing out of your mouth either! You could have helped, but no, sitting and laughing at me is just fine I guess.” Eris’ ears flatten before she looks away.

“Yeah, but still, you don’t have to get like this about it,” you sit back down and rest your hands on the table.

“Now I’m going to sit here, and then I’m going to drink some god damn whiskey until I can’t see straight.” You growl while tapping your fingers on the table impatiently. It takes a few minutes but a stallion comes trotting over to you with a list in hand.

After selecting your drink the waiter walks away and you go back to waiting. Screwball and Eris stare at the table, both of them have their ears flat, and their faces retain downtrodden expressions. They are actually feeling guilty for making fun of you. You’d enjoy it if you weren’t so angry. If you could get a few drinks in you then your rage might be a thing of the past.

Two minutes pass before the waiter comes back with your bottle. With a quick “thank you” you take it out of his hooves, open the top, and take a hefty swig. The taste of oranges and alcohol burn the back of your throat as you drink. It is a good burn. After you feel that you’ve drunk enough you remove the sweet bottle of elixir from your lips and exhale. Slowly but surely your body begins to heat up. It started from your belly and soon worked its way throughout the entirety of your form.

While you enjoy the heat radiating from within, Screwball and Eris whisper among themselves. They glance your way while talking to make sure you aren’t listening in. They nod before Eris puts a clawed digit to your temple. For a moment you feel something as cold as ice pierce through your skull. While there’s no pain your jaw is frozen in place.

You feel a slight sting when she pulls her digit back. After that she and Screwball teleport away; leaving you to your booze. While you take the occasional draft you swear you can feel something snaking along the back of your skull, you chalk it up to the alcohol. You take a few more swigs before realizing they have left.

“G-good riddance,” you slur. Your eyes lazily look about the bar. There are a dozen ponies sitting around as couples. You look to your empty seats. Thirty minutes pass, your mind is a blur of various thoughts. Some of them come across Earth. You start to think that even though your life was terrible there at least it was familiar.

There were times where walking around Ponyville gave you a huge headache. The color scheme did little to help your eyes. Everything was so bright and vibrant here. It didn’t help that you were the only one of your kind. There were some ponies you were able to click with here, but you couldn’t help feeling like an outsider the whole time. That’s because you are an outsider. You’re an alien on this planet, an extinct species. You’re all alone…

A wave of depression rolls over you. You look to the ponies in the bar again and sigh to yourself. It looks like booze is your only chance at a familiar relationship. You hold your nectar of the gods and rub your cheek against the bottle.

“Y-you won’t judge me will you?” When you set your bottle down you find that Screwball and Eris have returned. The two are sporting wide grins. Eris leans in and whispers.

“Heeey Anon?” She asks, her muzzle a little too close for comfort.

“Y-you here to make fun of me again?” You try to take another drink, but Eris’ claws grab hold of your wrist. She stops you from downing any more of your whiskey. You shoot her an angry glare, “I demand an explanation.”

“Alright, see we were thinking you’re probably like the best singer out there.” Screwball giggles quietly while Eris tries to butter you up. You, being as inebriated as you are, think she’s being honest. “So what we were thinking is that you should get up on stage and sing a little something for us. Ya know it’ll get your mind off things, and you’ll have a blast up there.” Eris is making this sound really tempting to you.

“You really think so?” Maybe she’s right. It seems like you have the most fun when you’re doing something that doesn’t involve moping around. Though it could be a trick, if it is you’re not sure if you could handle it. You would explode worse than you did with Fluttershy.

Though the booze is doing wonders for your anger. Instead of it you’re feeling crushing depression and loneliness! You get to your feet and wobble for a moment. You drank a little too much too fast. Eris and Screwball help you make your way to the stage. A stool has been placed there so patrons can sit while singing.

When you take a seat Eris places the microphone in your hands. You look over the foreign object for a moment before turning to the small monitor sitting next to you on the ground. You didn’t even notice Eris brush a claw up against the monitor. It glows purple for a few moments before fading. When you look to the booths you see Eris and Screwball have already taken their seats.

“Woo come on Anon!” Screwball cheers, her grin getting wide and goofy. Eris applauds and a few pony patrons start to look your way. It’s probably because a hairless ape wearing a bath robe is about to sing. When the music starts to play on the monitor you do a double take. That saucy melody, it can’t be. There is no way these ponies should have this song.

It’s a song you heard on the radio back on your planet. The radio host played it so many times you memorized it word for word. When the lyrics appear on the monitor you don’t wait any longer.

“Man it’s a hot one,” you start, “Like seven inches from the midday sun. Well I hear your whispers and the words melt everyone.” Despite singing off key and slurring the ponies seem to lean in and listen. “But you stay so cold. My mu equita; my Spanish Harlem Mona Lisa. You're my reason for reason. The step in my groove, yeah…” Here comes the bridge Anonymous, “And if you said this life ain't good enough I would give my world to lift you up I could change my life to better suit your mood. ‘Cause you're so smooth.”

You feel yourself weaving to the beat of the music, when it comes time for you to continue you do so. Your enthusiasm has reached new heights and you have your whiskey to thank for it.

“And it's just like the ocean under the moon. Well that's the same as the emotion that I get from you. You got the kind of lovin' that can be so smooth, yeah. Gimme your heart, make it real, or else forget about it!” You get off of your stool and lean on the microphone stand for support. Your stool ends up falling over but you can’t find a reason to care. The music is flowing through you and you must sing.

“Well I'll tell you one thing. If you would leave it'd be a crying shame. In every breath and every word I hear your name calling me out.” you try to place the mic back so you don’t have to hold it but you fail miserably. Oh well. you can hold it and sing into it that way, “Well out from the barrio you hear my rhythm on your radio. You feel the turning of the world so soft and slow. Turning you round and round…”

Unfortunately you start to lose your balance. You save yourself from falling and try to catch up to the music on the monitor.

“And if you said this life ain't good enough I would give my world to lift you up. I could change my life to better suit your mood. 'Cause you're so smooth.” You sing while picking up your stool. “And it's just like the ocean under the moon. Well that's the same as the emotion that I get from you. You got the kind of lovin' that can be so smooth, yeah. Gimme your heart, make it real, or else forget about it!” When the guitar solo kicks in a euphoria washes over you.

It’s as if everything, your anger, your sorrow, and your hopelessness begin to evaporate. Soon you’re left with nothing but warmth in your chest and the urge to sing.

“And it's just like the ocean under the moon. Well that's the same as the emotion that I get from you. You got the kind of lovin' that can be so smooth, yeah. Gimme your heart, make it real, or else forget about it!” Despite your obviously horrible singing the crowd seems to be moving with you.

“Or else forget about it… Or else forget about it… Oh, let's don't forget about it. Gimme me your heart, make it real, or else forget about it.” As the song comes to a close you repeat the last bits of it until the beat fades away. When you finish you take a breath before setting the mic on the stool.

You turn to face the crowd; they stare at you for a moment before the bar echoes from the sound of hooves clopping. Some of the ponies cheer, others hoot and holler. Eris is applauding while Screwball bounces in her seat with joy. You stumble off the stage and your waiter comes to your aid. He helps you keep your balance as you make your way back to your booth.

“Sir, that was amazing.” The waiter says with excitement apparent in his voice. He looks to you with a wide grin.

“But-but I was terrible,” You almost fall but the waiter catches you and puts you back on your feet. This stallion seems fairly strong.

“Who cares? Didn’t you see everypony moving? The only ponies we get in here are amateurs so we aren’t expecting much, but you had such raw emotion. You had these ponies loving every minute of it!” God this stallion is such a nice dude. Even though you sucked he’s buttering you up. That smile has to be forced, it just has to be.

As he sets you next to Eris he continues, “You need to come back again Anonymous. Seriously.” With that he departs.

“Well look who finally stopped being such a sour puss and had some fun?” Eris sports a cocky grin. Screwball nods rapidly. You stick out your tongue at the two of them. Very immature but at this point you’re so happy it doesn’t matter. You don’t want this to end, and it doesn’t have to. The night is young…

“Hey guys,” you motion for them to lean in, “We, should do more fun stuff.”

“Oh? Like what?” Screwball asks innocently.

“We should… we should go to Canterlot and mess with ponies,” You start to chuckle. You gasp feel Eris drape her lion’s arm over you and pull you over.

“Now that’s a plan I can get behind.” She smiles before snapping her clawed digits. You feel your body lurch as your forced to what you believe to be Canterlot. Luckily you grabbed your whiskey before the spell so you have your liquid courage. The three of you are now standing on top of the only passably normal building in the entire city.

You look down at the scene below, there are a few ponies about, but at this time of night there as many as you’d expect there to be considering the circumstances. You’re sure Eris and Screwball can think of a way around it…

Over the next three hours you direct Eris and Screwball to perform certain pranks, and they comply with their magic. Ponies are tossed out of their spring loaded homes; others are forced to run from chocolate rain as it pours on them in torrents.

“MY SUIT!” one screamed.

“MY MANE!” cried distressed mares. You ate it up; you don’t remember laughing this hard before in your life. The whiskey, your company, your situation, and mood… all of it culminated into one big cesspool of chaos, and you loved every single second of it.

Eris and Screwball were kind enough to bring forth bottles of vodka, whiskey, and many other types of liquor with their magic. Tonight just keeps getting better and better. The two join you in your drinking and soon the three of you are fairly inebriated, you more than them. When you order them to perform a chaotic prank they become sloppy.

The ponies aren’t being hurt, but the humiliation is a bit more severe. You watched cotton candy clouds rain syrup down on a small group of ponies in their pyjamas. At one point you found a stallion galloping down the streets. You have Eris grab him and levitate him over to your little group.

“What is this tom foolery!? I, Prince Blueblood, order you to set me down this instant!” You can see from his pure white coat and perfectly groomed mane and tail that this pony must be the nobility of nobilities. At least it makes sense to your drunken mind. “Did you not hear me you ugly pasty-faced street urchin? I demand you set me free at once!” Blueblood’s voice carries authority. He honestly thinks he can order you around. You find it funny.

“I dare-dare *hic* say old chaps! This pony thinks he can order us a-a- *hic* round.” Your face grows sinister and you rub your hands together to emphasize you’re plotting. “PREPARE THE CATAPULT!” You shout at the top of your lungs.

“CATAPULT!” Screwball drunkenly echoes. The little fan on the top of her hat begins to spin. She points her hoof to a section of the roof and a battering ram appears glowing in purple light. “Buck *hic* let me do it again!” She shouts. She dismisses the battering ram and on her second attempt she manages to bring forth an old worn catapult.

While it seems like it’ll fall apart at any moment, it will do. You have Eris tie Blueblood up and soon he’s set and primed to fire. You have Eris aim the catapult towards a building made completely out of lemon cake. You cackle madly. Eris and Screwball join in on your cackling.

“Oh, dear aunt, please don’t do this to me.” Blueblood pleads.

“What’s wrong BlueBALLS? You afraid to get dirty?!” you ask with a crazed grin. Blueblood’s eyes shrink to the size of pinpricks. When Eris has the catapult properly positioned you start the order. “READY! AIM! FIRE!” you point to the cake building. With a bit of magic Eris fires it. Blueblood’s screams are high pitched as he sails through the air.

“No not again!” he cries through his screams. They’re abruptly cut off when he flies right into the center of the cake building. The three of you chortle hysterically as he slowly slides down the side. Tears stream down from your eyes you’re laughing so hard.

When you finally calm down you give yourself a moment to catch your breath. At some point you ended up falling on your back. Eris and Screwball are lying in the same way. They have taken residence on either side of you. The three of you revel in your joy while gazing upon the stars. Unfortunately their majesty is lost to you. Each individual star seems to have three swimming around it in the sky.

Regardless the three of you stare up at the night sky in silence. It seems like you had enough fun to last a lifetime. You stay like this for about an hour or so before you finally get the urge to stand. You stumble to your feet. This catches the attention of your two companions.

“What, you ready to go Anon?” Screwball asks. You nod.

“Yeah I think it’s about time. It’s like, midnight.” Eris giggles. She floats up until she’s eye level with you.

“Aww, okay,” Screwball sounds disappointed about leaving, but it’s getting late and you’re starting to feel the fatigue from your day. You’re sure both of them are feeling it as well. With a snap of her griffin claws the three of you are transported to your apartment.

The three of you arrive in the living room, and it’s the same as when you left it this morning. You still can’t stand to look at the wall’s patterns.

“Well, that was fun and all guys, but I’m gonna—” Screwball passes out in the middle of the floor. Her body makes no transition between standing and falling flat on her face. It’s as if a few frames went missing in her animation.

You scoff, “Nice one Screwball.” You step around her and make your way down the hallway, Eris follows close behind. Neither of you feel the need to pick her up. She’ll be fine sleeping there. When you get to your door you turn to find Eris standing right behind you.

“Eris, you know, I think I was wrong about you two. I haven’t had fun like that in years.” You flash a tired smile. She looks away, silent. You don’t think too much about it you’re sure she gets the sentiment. You turn around and you reach out to open your door to your bedroom, but clawed fingers interlocking with the fingers of your free hand cause you to stop in your tracks.

You look down to find that Eris has grabbed hold of you. With a slight tug she turns you to face her. She takes a quick look towards living room before speaking in a soft, quiet tone.

"I had a great time too; breakfast, the dance, karaoke, and pranking ponies in Canterlot. We did a lot today didn’t we?" Eris’ voice trails off, her red eyes locking with your own. You can feel nervousness welling from within.

Your heart begins to pump faster than before. Every fiber of your being is screaming internally, begging you to break away from this moment. But for some odd reason you don’t. You feel almost locked in place. Being this close to her has allowed you to really take in her features. The way she's kept the fur and scales along her body well-kept and neat. The apparent danger that she presents; her chaotic nature; the way her white hair, while dishevelled, still manages to look unique…

The fact that you're starting to notice these subtle things about the chimera floating in front of you is only wanting you to end this as quickly as possible. You decide it'd be best to come up with a simple excuse; after all the activities of today have drained you of a good portion of your stamina. You flash a nervous grin before saying

“Yeah we did, I'm happy you enjoyed yourself, now if you'll excuse—" you stop in your tracks when you feel Eris’ lion paw wrap around the back of your neck. She leans in… you can smell the liquor on her breath. You catch a small glimpse of… something in her eyes, but you can’t but your finger as to what it might be.

Mischievous might be the best word to describe it. Before you could back away you feel her lion’s paw push your head forward. She doesn’t exert enough force to hurt you, but you’re not exactly backing out of this.

Your eyes widen and your heart seems to make a dramatic leap into your throat as she closes her eyes and leans in. The sensation of her soft, velvet like lips meets yours, which causes you to inhale sharply.

This was the last thing you were expecting at the end of your night. Conflict rages within the back of your head. You can’t tell whether you feel disgusted, or welcoming to this turn of events.

Your body begins to shiver as she lets go of your hand, only wrap it around you in a hug of sorts. Her lion’s paw trails a single claw down the back of your neck and onto your exposed skin you can feel the goose bumps form from the feeling of her claws against your bare flesh. All the while you can feel your robe coming undone.

She continues to trail it around your neck, stopping at your shoulder. She pinches the collar of your robe in between her digits. When she finally pulls back she looks to your chest rather than your eyes. Her cheeks are now tinted pink. She clears her throat after a moment.

“The elements are on your dresser, I trust you'll do what you feel is right." she backs away from you and twiddles her thumbs for a moment before looking up at you. “But you should pick me—I mean us, just sayin." She giggles before scratching the back of her head. Then she points a thumb back at her door. “Anyway, I should head to bed. Goodnight.”

And with that you watch as she floats towards her room. When she enters her tail wraps around the doorknob shutting it behind her. She leaves you, unknowing that this brief moment of affection has thrown you for a loop. Various thoughts and feelings rush through your mind.

Whatever peace being drunk had given you has disappeared. A few thoughts remain on self-disgust at having kissed something you've come to believe to be different. Something that you'd never lock lips with back on Earth. But you're not on Earth are you? And you're sure your first kiss could have been much worse. Who are you to complain? With that trivial mindset you sigh to yourself before entering your room.

As Eris said the trinkets that you've come to know as The Elements of Harmony lie carelessly upon your dresser. You glance over them for a few moments before removing your robe, socks, and shoes. As you get into bed you find yourself looking up at your ceiling for a few moments. You're hoping sleep would bring you into its gentle embrace, but you can’t stop thinking about what you’ve just done.

With the way things are now, how can it? The stakes of choosing between sides have been raised, and for once you really ask yourself… is choosing the ponies over Discord really such a good idea?

Author's Note

And Eris tries to seal the deal. Will Anon be swayed and join the chaotic forces?
Or will he stick true to the ponies and aid them?
What ever happened to Pinkie?

Find out in the next chapter. As always if you find mistakes please PM me.

Ponified Song Lyra Sang: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjIIVfzfD3o
Song Anonymous Sang: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GThZf9fG5tA

Chapter Sixteen: Discord's Lies, Anon's Insanity, and Zecora's Helping Hoof

//------------------------------//
// Chapter Sixteen: Discord's Lies, Anon's Insanity, and Zecora's Helping Hoof// Story: Living the Good Life// by Aetherpony//------------------------------//

You have no idea how, but you finally managed to go to sleep that night. Thankfully nothing invades your dreams; you manage to slumber in peace. When you wake up hours later you sit up and stretch. You were half expecting to deal with a hangover. Luckily your head wasn’t pounding, nor was the light bothering you. You were able to recall the events that transpired last night as well.

The breakfast Eris made for you, and the swim. Hanging out at the café where you had a muffin shoved down your throat. That dance where you ended up being passed around by Pinkie and Eris, and of course the karaoke bar. Despite having to deal with Lyra’s and her vomit you had the time of your life. You don’t know how it happened, but those ponies had one of your favorite songs primed and ready to play.

And boy did you sing your little drunken heart out. Remembering how you made an ass of yourself, yet managed to be entertaining causes you to grin. Then you, Eris, and Screwball did many pranks that night. You laugh as you recall launching Blueblood into a cake house. His screams were so delightful.

Then, of course, the last thing that happened before you went to sleep last night. You run your thumb across your lips. You could still feel Eris’ upon yours.

“So, that’s what it’s like,” You get out of your bed, and then you remove your robe. You completely forgot to get rid of it last night. You’re probably going to change your sheets today. It’s been a week after all. As you start to change someone knocks on your door.

“Just a minute,” you scramble into a pair of boxers and jeans so the one at the door won’t have to wait long. You walk over to it buttoning and zipping up your jeans as you go. When you open it you find Eris floating there.

“Morning, what ya want for breakfast?” she sports a small smile.

“Same thing you made yesterday.” You say recalling how delicious it was. She scoffs and her smile gets larger in turn.

“You really need some variety.” Eris says while crossing her arms and leaning against your doorframe.

“I think that kiss from last night counts as variety.” You retort with a grin of your own. A pink tint lines her cheeks, her eyes widen, and her smile disappears. So Eris can get flustered after all. Yeah you’re going to exploit this all day. You think you could vaguely recall not liking the idea of kissing something outside of your species. You chalk it up to you being close minded about your new surroundings.

“Eggs, toast, sausage, and bacon coming right up.” She states as quickly as she can before darting down the hallway and out of sight. You chuckle before shutting your door and walking back over to your bed. You leap on it and lie on your back content with simply staring at your ceiling. With the way things are shaping up to be, you might as well get used to the idea of finding a pony and taking her out. After all you’re sure you could do worse than Eris or Pinkie.

The more you think about it the more you realize you haven’t seen any of your new friends as equals. Sure they may have the same sort of emotions and tendencies of humans. But still, they weren’t. They were little pony creatures, that was a physical and mental barrier you couldn’t just magic away, but now…

You shake your head of that idea. You’re probably thinking into this a bit too much. You don’t have anything to do so you might as well lie there and wait on your food. You remain doing so for a few minutes, allowing your mind to categorize what you needed to do today.

After breakfast you’re going to go to Twilight’s treebrary and apologize to her. Next you’re going to find Pinkie and see if she was serious about that special somepony business. Then you’re going to find out where Fluttershy is and pay her a visit. As far as Applejack and Rarity are concerned you’ll just leave them to their own devices. You don’t feel like being around the Apple Family, or a greedy fashionista. Another knock on your door catches your attention.

“You may enter!” you shout while sitting up. You’re surprised to find Discord on the other side of your door. You watch as he floats inside and shuts it behind him.

“So, I see Screwball had fun yesterday,” Discord starts floating over to you. He doesn’t appear to be sporting a grin nor does he look to be angry. “Did Eris have fun as well?”

“Well, yeah,” you start to tell Discord how the day went. You told him about all the ups and downs. As you explain you see his neutral expression slowly turn into a smile. Soon he’s grinning like the mad man he is.

He laughs heartily. “Oh that’s something alright. No wonder why you look so cheery.” You decide to leave out the kiss considering he’d probably tear you a new hide. And just like that, it looks like you can’t keep anything a secret. “So did you like kissing my daughter?” You’d do a spit take if you had a drink in your hand. Here it comes, he’s about to bring down righteous fury upon you. You’ve touched his daughter and now the father is going to seek vengeance and he’s laughing… What? He’s laughing so hard he’s holding onto his stomach. “Oh Anonymous, you look like you just woke up a dragon!” He wipes a tear from his eye.

“Wait, you’re not mad?” Utterly confused wouldn’t cut it. When he’s able to speak again he tells you that he followed you three the entire day. Knowing that, your happiness seems to melt away bit by bit. You ask him how and why he did it. He won’t tell you the why but he tells you the how. Turns out he turned himself into a pony and watched. After his explanation his tone turns serious.

“Though, I can’t help but feel worried for you,” Discord states while stroking his beard.

“Why would you be worried about me?”

Discord sighs and looks over you. “There are a few things about my little Eris that you don’t know about. I feel like I need to explain them.” Now this catches your eye.

“Like what?” You lean in so Discord knows he has your attention.

“Eris loves the complexity of the brain, and how adjusting a few thoughts or stimulating the synapses could have the whole thing come crashing down. I did the same thing to a few ponies.” He explains, his voice taking a more sympathetic tone.

He floats over to you and puts an arm around you, much as you would a friend. His touch alone causes a feeling of dread to wash over you. While he seems to have your best interest at heart you have a hard time believing him. Eris may have a tendency to appear confident and overbearing, but there’s meekness to her. It doesn’t look like she’d mess with you like that.

“Discord, I doubt she’d do something like that to me. She doesn’t seem like that kind of Draconequus.” Discord shakes his head sadly, his eyes reveal pity.

“I guess I need to show you,” He places a griffin talon on your temple. You wince as a jolt of pain courses through your skull. It’s like the feeling you experienced when Eris did that to you at the karaoke bar, except the pain is at a higher volume. You spasm when Discord takes his talon away. “You feel that Anonymous? That’s what happens when we mess with creatures. They feel pain, and then after it fades they are no longer themselves. Don’t worry I did nothing to you, I just simulated the feeling. So, that song Eris picked out for you. Do you really like it, or could that have been the first time you ever heard it?"

Discord shrugs to emphasize his question. You open your mouth to tell him that yes you have, but that familiar sensation that Discord just showed you courses through your head again. Now you don’t feel so sure.

“I-I don’t know.”

“Just think, Anonymous. That song could have been made up. In that split second, Eris peered into your thoughts she could have taken words you know and twisted them.” The more Discord talks, the more his words seem to claw their way into you. They alone are able to wear away at you, filling your mind with doubt. Discord doesn’t stop, he keeps pounding his way through your resolve and you’re forced to listen.

“Did you honestly believe my daughter likes you? Do you think that little kiss she gave you meant anything to her? You haven't realized it yet, but you've become nothing more than my daughter's plaything. Would you have done such a thing the day before yesterday?” You turn your gaze to the floor. You would try to object, but Discord seems to know just what to say, “Just think, soon she'll be moving your memories around to suit her needs.” You wince as the metaphorical daggers dig deeper. “In the end you'll be just another faceless creature to be used and thrown away when she grows bored.” You don’t see it but Discord’s smile has returned. He seems to enjoy the reaction he’s getting out of you. "Face it, Anon, you're being used by my own kin. Screwball is just as guilty. Do you think she’ll lift a hoof to stop Eris from making a new playmate?”

Your mind is a blur of thoughts as you begin to pick apart what you once thought was true. You start piecing together the mental puzzle with the pieces Discord keeps feeding you.

“Anon, I'm your real friend, not them. I wish to keep you safe. I will not allow them to pull the wool over your eyes anymore." You feel his claws dig into your shoulder. “If I do, then I’m going against why I brought you here in the first place. I brought you here to be happy, to make friends. Not to be used as some pawn for the amusement of others.” His words are comforting. So why does it hurt when he speaks? His face contorts to show a cruel smile. “Do you understand?” You nod wordlessly. With that he floats over to your door. With his back turned to you he dons a cheerful tone, “Have a good day Anonymous.” You sigh as Discord opens the door and closes it behind him.

You stay there, with your feet off of the bed staring at your floor. You rub the spot both Discord and Eris placed their claws upon. You don’t want to believe it, but you’ve not been here long enough. You haven’t exactly wormed your way into their hearts so to speak. What did she do to you? After she worked her magic she made you have fun. You were so happy and drunk that you didn’t think anything about the pain you felt at the time.

The alcohol numbed it a great deal, and then you pranked ponies; the victims of Discord and his magic. You rubbed salt in the wounds of creatures who want nothing more than to try to live their lives. Even though none of them got hurt they didn’t deserve the humiliation you helped put them through, why did you do it?

You’re not some frat drunkard; you’re a guy who likes getting plastered and hanging out in a quiet place. Your mind trails on the kiss yet again, you feel disgust well within you. What if her magic was used to open you up when drunk, and then to get a kiss out of you? It could have sealed the deal for you if Discord didn’t open your eyes.

While she did that, what else could she have done to you? Did she make it to where you wouldn’t mind having a pony or chimera companion? Your hands creep up both sides of your head. What about Twilight and the others? Discord himself said he messed with their heads and they themselves confirmed it. It’s possible that they are nothing like their true selves. The discoloration could be nothing more than an aesthetic. There are so many things you don’t know and you’re afraid to ask.

You’re scared because you no longer know what’s real anymore. A headache forms the more you think about it. The familiar feeling of something moving about in your skull resurfaces. You grunt while rubbing your temples, when the pain subsides you start thinking yet again.

Those ponies, they aren’t themselves. Discord could make them anything he wanted. Whatever he felt like doing he did without hesitation. For all you know the “friends” you’re making is nothing more than a fabrication set up by Discord himself. He might even BE those ponies; he could just be sitting in their sub-consciousness using them like puppets. Your whole little quest for friendship could be nothing more than an illusion. Twilight, Pinkie, Lyra, Bon-Bon, Spike, Eris, and Screwball, could the things you’ve done with them be fake? There’s a possibility that everything he said could just be him telling lies. He could have brought you here himself for his own entertainment. That’s when you realize it…

You’re just a random guy who got very unlucky, that’s it. You have to be the unluckiest guy on the planet. You can’t trust him, you can’t trust his daughters, and you can’t even trust the ponies in Ponyville. Because it’s all lies, no one here is your friend. You’re just a pawn like Discord said.

Whatever’s within your head is writhing about frantically. Your hands start to shake, your breathing becomes ragged. The entire time you’ve been thinking a cold sweat has begun to pour down your brow. You’re nothing, Anonymous, just a plaything. You’re something to be used, broken, and discarded. The accusation of rape from Applejack is Discord’s doing. Fluttershy assaulting you, Twilight annoying you, Rarity stealing and running from you, Lyra pretending to be your friend and like you, it’s all him. How could you have been so stupid? You believed every word he said; when he offered you a chance at a new life you took it without hesitation.

You’re a fish that took the bait like a fool. You grind your teeth as tears begin to form in your eyes. Your grip on your blanket causes your hands to turn pink. It wasn’t enough was it? Growing up being helpless to stop your sister, your unhappiness was her form of entertainment; in fact you could say you were her plaything as well.

This is all your life has consisted of. You were going through things like this since you were a kid, and everyone thought it was so funny. Your bullies laughed at you, your sister laughed at you, your parents laughed at you. Now these chimeras and ponies are laughing at you right now. Why are you surprised? You swear you can hear their snickering as it echoes throughout your skull. You are Anonymous the broken human, and you have had enough…

Luna watches her sister from her position on the surface. Celestia stares intently at the massive orb they silently orbit around.

“Sister, thou hast been staring upon our planet for quite some time. Perhaps thou should play with us; another game of Tic-Tac- Toe perhaps?” Luna offers her a small smile.

“I-I can’t,” Celestia trails off while she shakes her head, “I hate him for this Luna. I really do.” Luna gets to her feet and trots over to her sister.

“Celestia, please, sit down, do something else. Thou hast not slept in days,” Celestia snaps her neck back to look at Luna; she has a crazed look in her eyes.

“I CAN’T SLEEP!” Celestia’s shrill voice causes Luna to jump, “How can I? All I can sense is that thing! Every time it’s angry or lonely or sad I can feel it eating away at me!” Celestia trots towards her sister talking all the while. Her blood shot eyes and the bags under them show the strain she’s undertaken since your arrival; whatever Discord is trying to do to Celestia, it’s working.

“When I lay down to shut my eyes that alien keeps me awake. And right now,” Celestia turns back to the planet, her eyes begin to water. “All I can feel is his pain. He’s tearing himself apart. I don’t want to have him banished anymore. I can’t believe I considered that in the first place. All I want to do is help him, or at the very least talk to him. And I can’t even do that.” When Luna gets to her sister’s side Celestia yells in frustration. ”Stop crying!” Celestia shouts to the planet, “I can’t take it anymore, just stop! Please!” Celestia hangs her head low.

The sound of a resounding crack of hoof upon head could be heard echoing throughout the empty landscape. Celestia collapses to the ground unconscious. She groans once before growing quiet.

“We apologize sister. We did that for thine own good… “Luna nuzzles her for a moment before turning to look at a few nearby craters. “Now, what sort of games can we play alone?” She bounces her way over to a collection of rocks in order to scratch up a game board.

Meanwhile, whatever was holding your emotions bottled within shattered. You find yourself staring at yourself in the mirror on top of your dresser for the longest time. The veins are bulging in your neck; a blood vessel has popped in your right eye causing a red tint to slowly spread throughout it.

Your head feels like a jackhammer is pounding its way through. Your hands shake as the grip on your dresser tightens. Suddenly you bring your right arm back and swing. Your fist collides with the mirror shattering it. That set you off for the rest of the events to come. With a feral roar you lift the mirror off of your dresser and toss it at the far wall. What bits of it didn’t crack completely shattered upon impact.

After that you turn your attention to the furniture itself, you bring your right foot up and bring it down onto the front of your dresser. Your foot goes through the wood of one of the drawers. You feel the now fragments of wood cut into your foot and ankle, but the pain has been numbed. You bring your bleeding foot out of the hole and slam it into your dresser yet again in a new spot. After a few stomps your vision fades to black…

You stand, panting heavily while looking around at the destruction you’ve caused by your own hand. Both your dresser and nightstand are no longer recognizable. All that remains of them are large, broken piles of wood. Your bed lies in ruins. The sheets are shredded; cotton from your pillows lay strewn around.

The box spring is splintered and the railings of your bed frame are warped and bent to the point of being unfit to use. Your blankets sport various holes throughout them. Your walls have countless scuff marks and holes from you throwing your furniture up against them. Blood and broken finger nails lie near the areas of the dry wall that you’ve pulled off with your bare hands. Light brown bile stains run along the lower portion of your walls in some areas.

That’s when you decide to look over yourself. Small red streaks line along your skin. The blood from your self-inflicted scratch marks run down your body. Each provides a subtle stinging sensation for you to deal with. Patches of hair have been torn from your head. Your lips bleed from you biting them as hard as you could.

Your throat feels like it’s on fire from the whiskey you vomited, your head is pounding, and your body is exhausted and broken. Yet despite all of this, your anger, the feeling of betrayal and resentment, you feel great. For once in lord knows how long you feel liberated…

No one made you do this, it’s all you. It’s your decision, there are no outside influences causing you to do what you did. As your eyes scan the ruins of your room your anger finally subsides. You feel overwhelming joy welling in your chest. You did it, you went against Discord and those traitors you thought were friends! Oh if you could see the looks on their faces when they get a load of your work!

A small smile forms upon your lips, and soon you find yourself cackling. Joyous, enthusiastic laughter resounds throughout your room. You can’t control the pleasure you feel from this moment. Your laughter doesn’t stop. This is the greatest feeling in the world, but if that’s true then why are tears pouring down your cheeks.

You fall to your hands and knees unable to stand from the sheer feeling of it all. Your perspective on Equestria has crashed down upon you. You’re alone on a strange world and all you can do is laugh about it, it’s hilarious to you. Your glee is cut off as your body begins to shake. You feel another wave of vomit creeping up your throat. You unleash another stream of last night’s whiskey.

When you’re done you sit back on your knees in hopes of catching your breath; you think you’re done. You really think you’ve released every single speck of anger you had dwelling inside, and all the alcohol you consumed. When the sound of your door creaks open you turn to face it.

“Hey Anon breakfast… is… ready…” Eris looks around your room in disbelief. Her smiling face is replaced with a look of horror. Her hands lose their grip causing your breakfast tray goes crashing to the floor. “Anon, what…” Eris is a loss for words as she looks upon the destruction. Her head snaps in your direction when you start to laugh yet again.

Her eyes and that slack jawed expression, it’s so god damned funny! You unsteadily get to your feet, still chuckling. You throw out your arms wide before doing a three sixty in order to point everything out.

“Do you love it?! It’s like fuckin’ Picasso came rollin’ on through!” you shout as you step towards her. She seems to have forgotten her ability to use magic. Because instead of casting a spell she backs away from you, her eyes filling to the brim with fear. Your steps begin to pick up in speed as you close the distance between you and her.

She’s got her back to the wall out in the hallway and you’re now standing a single foot away from her, your smile widens as she starts to whimper.

“Shh, don’t be scared Eris, it’ll only hurt for a second!” The last part of your sentence comes out in an animalistic growl. She’ll be the first to receive retribution for ruining you. You start by bringing your fist back. She shuts her eyes tight, her whole body shakes. Instead of hitting her you slowly bring an index finger towards her. You push her snout.

“Boop,” you start cackling before taking off towards the darkened portion of the hallway. You can’t wait to see Twilight; she’s going to be so happy to see you. After all it’s been a few days. You have so much to catch up on; you hope she has enough time to listen to your rambling.

As you crawl out of the bed in Twilight’s basement you take a look around the room. It seems the same as always to you. The little unicorn really takes care of her workspace. You take a mad dash up her stairs and burst through her door. You bask in the light for a few moments before looking around the main floor of the library.

As you’re getting ready to unleash your happiness upon all the denizens of Ponyville Eris remains floating in the hallway. She’s still in shock from seeing you in such a state, and from seeing your room in ruins. She stays frozen in place for quite a while before her claws close into shaking fists.

“DISCORD, GET OUT HERE!” Her shouting wakes Screwball right up. Her head shoots straight up and her body goes with it.

“Where’s the fire?!” She screams as she looks around the room. When she sees that there’s nothing wrong she breathes a sigh of relief. “Eris, you can’t just shout like that when I’m asleep! You scared me.” Screwball’s smile of relief disappears as she walks out into the hallway and she sees her sister’s agitated face. Eris’s eyes are twisted with fury; her teeth are bared ferociously. She lets out a snarl before floating over to Screwball.

When Eris is standing right before her sister she casts her gaze to the ceiling. A fireball springs forth from her gryphon hand; with a quick swing she tosses the fire at the ceiling. In a purple colored explosion it gives way to reveal another room.

“I know you’re up there! Come out!” Her voice echoes throughout the room above. Discord sticks his head and neck through the hole. When he finally spots his daughter he gives her a grin.

“Hey honey! What’re you doing on the ceiling?” He chuckles at his own joke, “what’s goin on with you? The only time you say my name is when you’re mad,” Discord’s eyes widen when he sees Eris grinding her teeth.

“What, did you do, to Anon?” Eris asks, her voice dripping with malice. Discord gives her a look of pure innocence.

“Honey, I have no idea what you’re talking ab-RIBBIT!” He croaks like a frog when Eris grabs him around the throat and pulls the rest of him through the hole. When he’s right side up she tightens her grip and looks him right in the eye.

“Don’t give me that bullshit what did you do?”

Discord sighs before slapping Eris’ hand away. He gingerly rubs where she grabbed him.

“Lighten up Eris, you’re no fun.” Discord voices his displeasure.

“Get to talking,” Eris crosses her arms and waits, Screwball looks between the two in confusion. The poor mare has no idea what’s going on, but if it involves you she wants to know.

“I have merely undone the damage you’ve inflicted.” Discord answers simply before giving Eris a sly grin, “Don’t tell me you’re mad about that?”

“You’re damn right I’m mad, do you have any idea what you’ve done?!” Discord strokes his beard as he pretends to think.

“Well one thing I did was give him back his inhibitions. I noticed those went out the window after last night. I wonder what the cause of that was?” Discord adopts his daughter’s posture.

“This isn’t about that dad, you didn’t see what I saw, and there is no way your magic did anything to help him!”

“And why is that?”

“You said it yourself, about what would happen if you used your magic on him!”

“So?” Discord shrugs.

“SO?! It’s what stopped you from healing Anon a few days ago remember? You said you had to wait or else the magic in him would react badly with yours!” Eris explains, her anger only rising

Discord tries to retort, but he stops himself in order to recall the events of what happened the day he smacked Applejack into a wall.

“So, you did more than read his mind? You really did release his inhibitions didn’t you? I was just joking about that! What did I say about messing with the human Eris? I am disappointed in you!” Discord’s reprimanding falls on deaf ears.

“This isn’t about me you bumbling idiot! You made things worse!” She exclaims before dragging Discord to your room.

“Look at that he tore up everything!” Eris places her hands around his head so she can guide it around the wreckage.

“Oh wow, he did!” Discord cries with joy. To him it seems like he’s made you better; after all, you destroyed the norm you were living with.

“You wouldn’t be happy if you saw him. He turned on himself when he ran out of things to break in here,” Discord’s eyes narrow as he comes across traces of hair and blood that you’ve left in your floor.

“I-huh, I guess what I said coupled with my magic and yours must have made a very chaotic mess indeed.” Discord’s eyes widen with fear when he realizes what he just said.

“And what did you say to him daddy?” She asks quietly before turning Discord’s face to look at hers. She sports a sinister smile. He feels a lump in his throat.

“I may have told him that I was his only friend, and that you and Screwball were using him. That may have caused him to think that, well, no one was really his friend and that everything’s a lie? The angry father in me made me do it I swear.” Discord smiles nervously.

He can see the impending massacre playing out from behind Eris’ eyes. Discord looks to Screwball as she sits in the hallway staring at the two of them.

“Screwball?”

“Yes daddy?” Screwball asks with a goofy grin on her face.

“Get daddy’s first aid kit please?” Eris balls her lion’s paw into a fist and swings…

One dozen ponies comprised of stallions, mares, and foals stand on the edge of a precipice overlooking a large valley that separates Ponyville from Canterlot. A single Unicorn mare is leading the group on a tour around the outskirts of Ponyville. She wears a blue collared uniform provided to her from the company she works for.

“And if you look to your right you’ll see a lovely view of Canterlot and—“the tour guide mare’s jaw drops as a purple mushroom cloud rises from the center of Equestria’s Capital. She and the patrons stare at the mushroom cloud as it dissipates. Silence resounds through the valley they overlook. The tour guide gets with it and attempts damage control. ”And if you look below you’ll see lovely lush green landscape…”

“Oh Twilight?!” You shout in a fit of exaggerated joy. You giggle to yourself as you walk around the ground floor of the library. You feel the crushing need to poke each and every book on the shelves so they slide just a little bit. With so many books this will take a while.

When you get to what you believe to be your thirtieth book you hear Twilight descend her stairs. You turn your attention to her and snigger with excitement. Her gray mane, fur, and tail have disappeared to give way to a combination of purple and a single magenta streak that runs through her mane and tail. You don’t know how it happened but it looks like she’s managed to get her color back all on her own. For once there was a pony here that DIDN’T need your help.

You see she has an open book floating next to her, covered in a magenta tint. It’s been a while since you’ve seen her cast a levitation spell.

“You! You have some nerve coming back here Anon!” Twilight shouts before slamming her book closed. She floats it over to a nearby table and sets it down. “Ever since your little freak-out I’ve been reading night and day! I’m going to SHOW you that you’re being an inconsiderate jerk and that I’m not—“Twilight’s anger evaporates when she sees your damaged form. “What happened? You look like you fought a group of Timberwolves, Anon. Anon?” You’ve started laughing again. The sight of Twilight being brought back to normal is making your glee sky rocket.

Sure, she’s not really your friend, and it might be true that she isn’t even real, but she proved to you that she could stand on her own hooves without you being around! Twilight backs away slowly, unsure how to gauge your reaction. While she’s in arms reach you quickly snatch her up and wrap her up in a tight hug.

“You did it! You did it! You did it!” You repeat over and over again happily as you spin her around in your arms.

“Whoa, Anon put me down!” Twilight cries out as you spin her faster and faster, “I’m getting dizzy!” When you feel you’ve spun around enough you stop suddenly and set the dizzy unicorn down. With that done you feel you should move on to another pony. As you walk towards the front door you walk over to a nearby shelf of books.

”I’m JUST so happy for YOU!” while you can’t seem to control the volume of your voice you don’t care. Your excitement shouldn’t be judged by something so insignificant. You reach out and swipe a good dozen books off of the shelf. You grab hold of two and toss them towards one of Twilight’s windows.

The sound of glass being shattered fills your ears with a sharp clamor that sends a shiver down your spine. You cackle madly before kicking open Twilight’s door and running out to Ponyville. As you step outside Twilight stumbles around on her hooves. After a few moments she shakes her head of the dizzying feeling she’s experiencing. When her eyes realign themselves she looks at the mess you made, then her open door.

“What has gotten into you? And why is your skin so gray? Did Discord…” She gasps before quickly galloping outside after you. She looks both ways down her street, when she doesn’t find you she lets out a frustrated groan. She’s going to figure out what’s wrong with you, but first she needs a helping hoof…

Meanwhile you’re skipping through town, loving the feeling of grass in between your toes. You do the occasional twirl as you round a corner of random buildings. Right now you’re taking it all in. The poker cards have vanished only to be replaced with dirt, cobblestone, and grass. All of the stampeding animals are gone. The only thing wrong with Ponyville is the cotton candy clouds that rain chocolate milk. Everything else has returned to normal.

As you merrily make your way through the busy streets ponies all around seem to have forgotten who you were with yesterday. They send smiles your way and you smile right back. Why can’t this be real? All those ponies waving to you, saying “Hi how are you” and “Thank you so much.” You would give anything to have this. Unfortunately you’ve failed to realize just how far you’ve fallen into insanity.

You notice a few are looking at you with worry. What was it Twilight said got you? Timber wolves or something, you can’t remember how you got these cuts but they do sting. Maybe claws got you.

“Timber wolves are gone! Won’t be botherin’ ponies again!” you announce as you skip around the towns ponies. You’ll pretend for just a little while longer. You find Berry Pinch sitting with who you assume to be her mother.

Their coat colors look eerily similar, though while Pinch is a shade lighter and a unicorn, the other next to her is darker and she’s an Earth Pony. You spot the cutie mark of a collection of berries on her mom’s flank. You merrily make your way over to the two and Pinch giggles at your antics.

“Honey, was this nice monkey thing you were telling me about?”

“Uh huh!” Berry Pinch smiles your way, she lets out an excited squeal when you reach out and put her on your shoulders. When she’s set she starts to giggle as you parade around with her. You make your way along, a giggling little unicorn your only companion. Pinch’s mother walks with you obviously concerned for her child, but she doesn’t dare disturb you.

She can see the far off look in your eyes, and to her your skin color seems abnormal. Pinch’s mother isn’t going to let you out of her sight. But you don’t notice any of this; your eyes are looking straight ahead.

As you make your way through town you can’t help but feel the sensation of wanting to sing rise in your chest. Everything seems so great, nothing can bring you down! Your force a smile as the words comes to your lips. You open wide and pour your soul to the ponies that trot along with you.

“Raindrops are fallin' on my head.” You start and the music just seems to sweep its way through you. “And just like the guy whose feet are too big for his bed. Nothin' seems to fit. Those raindrops are fallin' on my head, they keep fallin'.” You look around as ponies happily trot in beat to the song that you believe to be playing in your mind.

What you don’t notice is that the interior lining of your mouth is giving off a purple glow. The music is literally playing from within you. While your voice isn’t pouring out sweet notes at least you have music accompanying it. Too bad your muddled mind doesn’t realize this. You chalk it up to nothing more than being free of Discord’s blinding influence. Your mind has allowed you to experience something grand and it’s because you’ve stopped being a fool.

“So I just did me some talkin' to the sun. And I said I didn't like the way he got things done.” While singing you leap up on the stone railing of the bridge and gain your balance. You move along while keeping yourself on the railing.

“He’s sleepin' on the job. Those raindrops are fallin' on my head, they keep fallin.'” At the end of the railing you leap down and stroll around Town Hall. Pegasus ponies who are giving the building a fresh coat of paint turn your way when they hear the music. You wave to them, “But there's one thing I know. The blues they send to meet me won't defeat me. It won't be long till happiness steps up to greet me.”

You continue to serenade your dancing entourage while a certain white unicorn with a royal purple mane and tail comes trotting you way. Like Twilight she took your words to heart. What you don’t know is how she managed to bring herself out of her discorded state of mind. She gave her gem back to someone close to her. She told him that a mare like her didn’t deserve such generosity. After that she went back to her boutique, tossed away her boulder, and got to work.

To the ones who wanted her beautiful dresses, she made them free of charge. With each thread she stitched more of her color returned until she finally returned to her normal state. Sweetie Belle trots alongside her, when they see you they make their way over. Rarity clears her throat dainty in order to get your attention.

Your singing, coupled with the music, makes her go unheard. She trots closer and when she does she gasps in horror. Your gray skin, your bleeding cuts, your patches of hair… you look so uncouth to her it should be against the law to have you walking about in public.

While your choice of music isn’t bad your dancing is horrid to her. She shakes her head in disgust before making her way over to you. She believes you have obviously lost your mind.

“Anonymous, darling, what exactly are you doing?” when you hear her accented tone you turn her way and give her a smile. She grimaces when she sees your bleeding lips. “Anonymous you simply must cease what you are doing and come with me right— WAAA HA HA!” She doesn’t get to finish. You’re so happy you helped her that you pick her up by her front hooves and spin her along. You’ve taken this classy mare by surprise alright.

Berry Pinch holds on to your head giggling innocently. Rarity’s eyes are open wide with fear as you gaze at her. Like Berry Punch she notices your thousand yard stare.

“Raindrops keep fallin' on my head.” Rarity tries to reason with you in between your lyrics, “But that doesn't mean my eyes will soon be turnin' red. Cryin's not for me.” You set her down and she struggles to keep herself standing. You set Berry Pinch on the ground and get back to singing. “'Cause I'm never gonna stop the rain by complainin.' Because I'm free, nothin's worryin' me.” you make your way around Town Hall and over the central bridge. The crowd of ponies has stopped following you.

You find yourself leaving Ponyville and heading into the Everfree. “It won't be long till happiness steps up to greet me,” the wood line is growing closer. “Raindrops keep fallin' on my head. But that doesn't mean my eyes will soon be turnin' red.” The Everfree Forest is now a few yards away. “Cryin's not for me. 'Cause I'm never gonna stop the rain by complainin.’” You step through a few bushes leading into the forest and walk in.

Rarity and the others look on with worry, but none step forth in order to stop you. Both Berry and Rarity are afraid and the others think it’s a part of your gimmick.

“Because I'm free, nothin's worryin' me…” your voice, along with the music fades as you disappear into the thicket of the Everfree. You have no idea what you’re doing or where you’re going, but you couldn’t stand being around them anymore. You were playing pretend long enough. The bright and sunny sky, the happy faces of those you’ve come to enjoy being around all of it…

It took everything to convince you to keep going. When your legs cry out in protest from walking through a briar patch you lean up against a tree and take a break. Just how long have you been walking? The thick foliage doesn’t allow much lighting, in fact, the area you’re in has barely any light at all.

A few rays force themselves through the thick leaves and branches. They cast multiple spots of light giving your small clearing some illumination. Your eyes have managed to adjust fairly well. You’re able to see the various lines of silhouettes that make up the plant life around you. While you’re able to take in your sights you can’t help but wonder where all the animals are. Usually you’d hear birds chirping or squirrels running about where you in the woods.

But here it’s silent, eerily so. Not a single sound accompanies your breathing as you look around. The hair on the back of your neck stands on end. There’s something wrong with this place, maybe Discord didn’t like how you acted. This could be another one of his little tricks in order to mess with you.

You chuckle, “Discord, seriously, I know you can come up with something better!” Only your echo as it carries around the area is what you hear in response. You stop leaning on the tree behind you and look around. “I know you’re out there somewhere you damn freak of nature! Come out!” You don’t have to wait long. Something DOES come out to greet you. You freeze when you hear the low growling of an animal in the bushes to your left.

You turn to the source to find at what first glance appears to be a large dog. Though there are a few things off putting about it. For one it’s staring at you much like a wolf would its prey. Another thing is that this particular creature is made out of wood, timber to be exact.

Discord must think he’s hilarious, “Oh man you’re so funny! A TIMBER wolf, good stuff, good stuff.” You take a look around, trying to find the Draconequus among the foliage. The timber wolf seems to study you while tilting its head. It’s as if it understands you and is thoroughly confused. It’s wondering why you aren’t afraid.

It doesn’t matter to this creature though. To it, you’re lunch. It licks its chops hungrily as it lets out another threatening, throaty growl. You turn to it again and shake your head. Wait a minute… if Discord is mad at you… he might be mad enough to hurt you. Like he did when he put his finger to your head… and like Eris did…

You clench your fist, and your knuckles pop from the stress. So that’s it, Discord wants to hurt you again huh? He doesn’t like you going against him, he must hate it when pawns get tired of his nonsense. You laugh as you look down at the creature walking around you.

“Oh I get it now! I hope you don’t mind if I fight back right? I don’t think I deserved to be punished for getting sick of your shit!” the muscles in your neck twitch causing your head to spasm a little. When more growling can be heard around you, whatever confidence you had melts away. Soon two timber wolves join the first, then three, then four.

An entire pack of them are looking at you like you’re going to be their next meal. At this point you would consider yourself intimidated. You know how dangerous wolves are from those national geographic shows you watched back when you still lived at home. You assume these things are probably as dangerous.

You might be able to face one of these things alone, but a pack? You’re going to be food for these things. Discord is going to get his way. Neither you nor the pack notice the fog as it slowly creeps its way into your clearing. The sound of high pitched screeching catches yours and the pack’s attention. All of you look around in hopes of pinpointing the location of this racket, but none of you manage to accomplish that task.

The bushes and the trees seem to move, as if the forest itself is coming to life. The rustling bush seems to startle one of the timber wolves. This causes a chain reaction and soon all the wolves are yelping among themselves while looking around in fear. When they can’t take the noise anymore they take off into the thicket and out of sight.

When they disperse the woods around you seem to calm down and grow still. You can hear the crunching of leaves as a single creature steps out from behind a tree and over to you.

It’s the size of a pony that much is for certain, but unlike the others this one appears to be wearing a dirty and patchy brown cowl. Pale yellow eyes shine out from behind the concealed area of the hood. Whatever this thing is, it’s not something you seen before. It trots over to you and you back up to your tree. With nowhere to go you wait as the small pony-like creature closes the distance.

It stands only a few feet from you now. It reaches up and removes the hood, as the hood reveals the black and white striped mohawk that lay beneath the yellow glow around its eyes disappear. What stands before you is not a pony as you first thought. The black and white stripes that cover its body dismiss that claim.

This is a zebra. You and this creature lock eyes for a few moments. Like the wolves she studies you, and like the ponies you left behind she can see your condition plain as day. An uncomfortable silence hangs in the air. Finally you work up the nerve to speak.

“Uh, hi.” You wave at the zebra. When she speaks you’re surprised by her rhyming couplet that acts as her response. Her unique tone graces your ears.

“Anonymous the Human so large yet meek, I’ve heard of you from the ponies who speak; A kind stranger from an even stranger land. Seems to have taken to these ponies hand in hand.” You open your mouth to speak but she cuts you off.

“I believe my shelter you should seek, in to the depths of your mind I wish to take a peek. I have what is needed back at home; now please let’s go, this forest is not something you wish to roam alone.” You stand there dumbfounded by this creature unable to decide on what you should do.

Should you listen to this rhyming zebra and follow her to who knows where? Or should you remain where you are now? For all you know this could be a trick or a trap, but something within tells you that isn’t so…

You nod, causing the little zebra to smile. “I can see you are in pain, and if you follow me not only will I help you, but all shall be explained,” almost in a trance you follow this new acquaintance to a destination unknown…

Author's Note

And here we're nearing the end of this little story.
All have been brought back from the brink except for Rainbow Dash.
Like previous chapters I noticed a lot of repetition with my words, again I hope you can look past it.

What does Zecora intend on doing?
What did Eris do to Discord?
Where will Anon go from here?

Find out in the next installment.

Song Anon Sang: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT1HCQcSHW0

Chapter Seventeen: Anonymous Faces His Demons, and Reclaims His Sanity

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// Chapter Seventeen: Anonymous Faces His Demons, and Reclaims His Sanity// Story: Living the Good Life// by Aetherpony//------------------------------//

You wade through creeks, you climb over hills, you walk through thickets of briar patches, and still you haven’t reached your destination. You’re starting to doubt that this zebra knows where she’s going. You’ve been following her for about an hour now. During your little hike you’ve had to fight tooth and nail in order to keep up with her.

Not once did she stop to rest, though she would turn her head occasionally to make sure you were still following her.

“Our travels are almost at an end, do not fret for soon your wounds I’ll mend.” Is all the little zebra told you about a half an hour ago. The crunching of leaves and sticks caused by your feet and her hooves are the only forms of entertainment you have on this little journey.

All the while you’ve been suspecting this creature. Sure she saved you from whatever it was Discord sent your way, but what if this is another ploy to lure you into a false sense of security? You expect to find Discord waiting with a cocky smile whenever you reach your destination. If she leads you to him you don’t know what you’ll do.

The thought of him is starting to cause you a headache. In fact ever since he put his claw to your temple your head has been experiencing this uncomfortable pressure. It comes and goes, but when it surfaces there are times when it’s almost unbearable. You stop to massage your temples in hopes of getting rid of this pain.

“We cannot stop and take a break, there is too much at stake.” Your companion moves behind you. She pushes the back of your legs with her head in order to get you to move.

“Why should I be following you anyway? All you’re gonna do is turn me over to Discord when we get out of here.” You push against her to keep from going anywhere. This causes the zebra to stop pushing. She moves her head away from your legs and steps in front of you her expression seems to be one of pity.

“Is that what you believe? That I mean to deceive?”

“Well, yeah. I’m not expecting anything other than that. Everything here is against me. Discord made that pretty clear.” The zebra shakes her head in disappointment before going back to trotting ahead of you. “Yup, as soon as we get out of here you’re gonna hand me over to that chimera.” You continue while following. “Then he’s probably gonna wipe my memory or kill me or keep rubbing in the fact that none of this shit is real and that Twilight and the others are all fakes or figments of my imagination or something.” You’re taken aback when the zebra begin to laugh. It’s like she’s mocking what you’re saying.

“That had to be the funniest thing I have ever heard. Anonymous, that accusation is quite absurd!” your companion’s rhyming words are starting to get on your nerves.

“You’re not exactly dismissing my “absurd” theory either.” You cross your arms. The zebra turns back to look at you.

“And why is it might I ask, that makes you think that is my task?”

“Well for one thing I’ve never told you my name.” Yeah you knew it; she messed up right when you first met. You’ve never spoke to this zebra before yet she somehow knows your name?

“I told you an hour ago, ‘Ponies spoke of you’ I said. There must really be something wrong with your head.” Your retort comes swiftly.

“I haven’t seen you in Ponyville once since I got here. So please explain how you know so much.” You say it as an order rather than a request.

“I make trips into Ponyville once a week. I came at the time when you were not at your peak. Your scuffle with Big Macintosh I heard was severe. To survive his bucking I must endear.” Her explanation makes sense. If what she says is true then it’s quite possible that you missed her by random chance.

“It appears as though you retain some sense. I must admit your condition was cause for suspense. To have your mind broken and torn asunder, what remained of your sanity I began to wonder.” Why does this zebra keep trying to convince you that you’ve lost your mind? Your eyes have been opened. You’d be crazy to keep going along with that false life you were given. You’re liberated, not broken!

When you get to wherever she’s taking you, you’ll explain that to her in full. The rest of your little trip consists of silence. Another fifteen minutes go by before the two of you come upon a hollowed out tree. The bloated bit of bark seems swollen near the base. Upon closer inspection you find a two circular holes acting as windows and a single door appears to be like the one leading into Twilight’s library.

A wooden door literally built into a tree remains an alien concept to you. Though it doesn’t matter either way since seeing this tree hut is better than seeing Discord. The Zebra makes her way over to the hut and opens the door. She motions for you to follow her. You still have your doubts but this creature has yet to lead you astray. You duck down and follow her inside. When you do, you feel as though you’ve just stepped into one of those African huts you saw on the discovery channel.

Masks of ever changing shapes and sizes hang up on the walls. Though the masks are unusual and appear to depict quite fearsome effigies, they don’t take away from the otherwise warm and inviting look of the hut. A black cauldron sits in the center of the room you’ve stepped into. Looking to your right you find that a part of the tree’s interior is hollowed out to act as shelves.

Many bottles of different colors, shapes, and sizes rest within these small alcoves the zebra has made for herself. Several shelves line the walls each with their own bottles and tools used for the cauldron. Even the small table in the corner of the room has many utensils and empty bottles. It seems like every single inch of this room has something hanging off of it.

The hut is a bit too cluttered with objects for your taste. Looking through the rounded archway in the back shows a small bedroom. A leopard skin blanket can be seen from where you’re standing, but the bed itself remains hidden. All in all, it isn’t bad for someone if they’re looking to stay isolated. She points to you, then to her bedroom.

“In there is where you need to sit,” she eyes you up and down, “though be careful it may be a tight fit.” The stinging sensation in your legs and feet drive you to seek comfort.

You duck under the rounded archway and take a seat upon the pony sized bed. It’s not the most comfortable thing you’ve ever sat on, but then again you’re comparing her bed to yours… there is no competition.

There isn’t enough room for you to lie back so you lean forward instead. You watch as the zebra starts pouring various liquids into her cauldron. After that she sifts through a few other bottles, pulling out a variety plants and such as she does. Into the cauldron they go.

When she feels she sufficiently gathered enough ingredients she lights the wood underneath. For the next twenty minutes or so you watch her work her figurative magic as she mixes her concoction. A unique aroma fills the room. It’s not that it stinks; to you it smells like a combination of baked bread and raspberries. But you’ve never smelled anything that’s burned your nostrils before.

Before you could think more on the matter the zebra pours some of her concoction into a wooden bowl. She comes trotting into her room balancing the bowl on her back. The smell permeates through the air; the concentrated scent coming from the bowl makes it feel like your senses are on fire. This is really irritating you, somehow the zebra remains unaffected. She’s just standing there studying you without batting an eye.

“My brew is ready for you. A single gulp and your problems are through.” She turns so you’ll be able to grab the bowl. The concoction is hot to the touch through the bowl, and the burning sensations are getting to be unbearable. You cringe when you set the bowl in your lap.

“Are you sure this will help?” To say you were uncertain wouldn’t even cover how you’re feeling.

“That and plenty more, there is a source that you must explore.” What could she possibly be referring to? “The reason behind your anger is great; you must look ahead and face your hate. You’ve repressed a great deal, so much so you can no longer see what is real,” You sit in silence. You know you have a problem with anger. You’ve been that way for as long as you can remember. You recall all the horrible things it drove you to do… you could never forget… but how could this zebra know anything about you? Did she watch you beat Fluttershy to a pulp?

You wouldn’t allow yourself to feign ignorance. Those guys you hurt back in high school, your family, the reason why you were living by yourself in a shitty apartment for the last year, you wouldn’t dare forget. When you thought you had everything under control you still lashed out. You fought Big Macintosh with the intent to kill, you beat up Fluttershy, a pony whose only crime was being broken.

You berated Twilight to tears, called her a coward, and you shoved Rarity’s face into the ground. And as your battered mind recalls the events in your room you can’t forget the fury you unleashed upon yourself. Ever since Discord put his claw to you, you haven’t been able to think straight. One minute you’re faced with blinding fury, the next you feel happier than ever

Your body begins to shake and you find it hard to keep the zebra’s concoction in your lap. She grabs hold of the bowl and starts leading it to your lips. You make no move to stop her.

“I worry for you and the ponies you’ve come to know, I wish to see your friendships grow. So please Anonymous take a drink. Let go of your past and step back from the brink,” the zebra finishes her rhyming couplet. This could possibly be the biggest mistake you’ve made yet, but if what she says is true then you’ll drink it. You take the bowl from her hooves.

With a final sigh of acceptance you put the bowl to your lips and drink. The burning sensation gets worse. Immediately it feels like the skin within your nostrils is blistering. Your tongue and throat mimic the feeling. You grab your throat and wheeze. Your screams of pain come out as nothing more than dry wheezing. It seems like you did make a mistake, this zebra has poisoned you. She’s an apothecarist so it makes sense that she wasn’t affected by the smell. This is the last time you put your trust into a creature you barely know. The pain is excruciating. Everything burns; your eyes, nose, stomach, lungs, and heart…

It cripples you and forces you into the floor. Slowly but surely the burning consumes your entire body, then the light fades from your vision. You embrace the relief from the fire quelling within. The darkness is quite comforting. Your body finally stops convulsing from the stimulation the zebra’s brew caused. An untold amount of time passes before your eyes manage to open. The first thing that nips at you is the chilling breeze.

You get to your feet shivering, upon looking at your surroundings you find that you’re on Earth. The same old colors, the buildings that seem to rival the skies height, and the people. So many people, hundreds of them walk along the city block. None seem to have the time to simply slow down and enjoy each other, each having somewhere to be. The thing that makes you quake in fear the most is that none of them sport any sort of facial features. Each is a blank slate, expressionless.

You were one of them for the longest time, simply content with going about your day. No desire to talk to others if you didn’t need to. It was quite a lonely life for you, even if you’d never admit it.

This area you’re in is quite familiar. You’re near central park in your city. There were times you’d pass this place at night when you didn’t want to take the short way home. Days that you wanted to walk and reflect upon how far you’ve come in life. A useless degree for a job you could never land, a family that wanted nothing to do with you, and the mistakes you’ve made throughout your life. Many of those subjects would invade your thoughts here.

The faceless ones that are walking around you pay you no mind. None glance your way. There’s no way you can be back on Earth, at least not all of you. People would turn to their heads to see a naked, patchy haired guy in the streets. Regardless of whether this place is your home or not you feel very cold. While rubbing your arms in hopes of maintaining some sort of body heat you move on. Unsure as to what your destination will be…

You feel as though you’ve been walking for an eternity. You haven’t really gone anywhere. The only thing that’s changed is that the people walking around you have become blurred. They move so quickly around you they are nothing but colored streaks. It’s as if someone hit the fast forward button on a remote, yet you remain unaffected. You watch as the world around you begins to fade, bit by bit and soon an endless expanse of black is all you can see.

A familiar voice calling out to you catches your attention, echoing from within the abyss. No… it couldn’t be her… it just can’t be… But when the scene around you regains color and light you find that you’re in your old home back in your little suburban section of the city.

You find yourself in your old room the cold is finally gone. You wiggle your toes on your carpeting; it feels foreign to you. Your body had become so used to concrete and hardwood flooring you’d forgotten how good carpet can feel. You watch from within the corner of your bedroom as your sister stands above you while you sleep. She’s trying to shake you awake and slowly you get with it.

“Get up, you piece of shit! You’re supposed to take me and the girls shopping today!” she yells at you. You watch yourself groan out in protest before turning over. You remember this day; you were nearing the end of your first year in college. You were on break after taking an arduous test. You watch as the scene plays out…

Having felt relief from passing out you decided to catch up on the nights you went without sleep. Unfortunately your sister wouldn’t stop hounding you.

“Fuck off,” your past-self groans as you cover your head with the pillow. She tears it away and forces you to look her way.

“If you don’t get your lazy ass up I’m going to tell mom and dad where their alcohol is going!” your sister warns you before giving you a smug grin.

“What are ya gonna tell them? That you’ve been stealing it and bringing it to your little guy friends?” He sits up in bed.

“No, moron, I’m going to tell them you’ve been stressed out from school. Gonna let them know you’ve been hitting the bottle in order to keep cool.” He scoffs before shaking his head.

“You’d really do that?” He asks, knowing that your parents favor your sister’s word over yours. When she nods he sighs to himself before squeezing the bridge of his nose. “Fine, just let me throw something on.” He says defeated, for years you would try to point out that your sister is a liar. You don’t remember when you ruined your credibility.

“Good, now hurry the fuck up big brother.” She laughs before leaving him to get his clothes on. When she slams his door he grinds his teeth in anger before slamming his fist down on a nearby nightstand. This was when it started getting harder to keep your calm, collective attitude.

When your past-self gets to his feet the scene starts to dissipate into darkness again. As it does, you grab hold of your chest. Seeing that play out caused your body to recall the anger it was experiencing. It hurts you, like something was trying to tear its way out of your body.

You knew what would happen should you lose it; you repressed your anger that day. Another scene plays, this time you’re in the middle of class. Your college professor is currently taking flash drives. This particular course required you to use one of those little pieces of tech. Students would give him their flash drives, he’d grade your work that was on it, then give them back the following Monday.

You watch your past-self as he’s sitting at one of the many tables in the room. He looks over his little flash drive out of boredom. He jolts in surprise when a balled up piece of paper smack into the side of his head. You thought it sucked that a few of your sister’s friends from high school ended up going to the same college as you. Disgust fills your thoughts when you saw that you shared the same passion as a couple of terrible members of society. Though you wouldn’t call what you have a passion; your parents wanted this for you more than you did.

You groan before face palming at the scene. You recall hoping high school was over and that people would grow up and mature. It’s too bad that you were horribly mistaken that day.

When your professor calls your name your past-self gets to his feet and tries to walk over, but one of your sister’s friends had something else in mind. As you walked by he tripped you up causing you to fall flat on your face. Other students in the room laughed at your misfortune.

Before he got to his feet he cursed quite loudly. Turns out he snapped his flash drive in half when he fell to the floor. The one that tripped him looks over his shoulder as he holds both pieces in his hands.

“Sucks bro.” The bully says before leaning back in his chair. Here’s another point of when you almost lost it. In a flash your past-self is on his feet and next to the bully’s chair. He grabs him by the collar of his jacket and brings his fist back.

“MR. UKNOWN!” your professor shouts to him. His entire body tenses up and he freezes mid swing. “Just because you’re a klutz does not mean you should take your anger out on other students!” Again no one seemed to believe that anyone could possibly be making your life harder than it needed to be. It was just like being at home and in high school. You were alone at college.

“You should know better than to do that! I was going to give you an opportunity to make up your grade. But your actions have prevented it!” He reluctantly relaxes his grip on the perpetrator’s shirt. He and his friend get as far from you as possible. “Your midterm is now a zero Anonymous, now please take—“he didn’t wait for him to finish. He grabbed his things and left after that. After that day you worked your tail off getting things done for that class, but you never stepped foot in there again.

You would send everything via email and you took your final electronically. You barely passed. As the scene begins to dissolve much like the first you find yourself brought to your knees. You grab hold of your chest again. The pain is much worse than before. It feels like something is pushing against it, trying to free itself from within. You swear you can feel your muscles tearing away. There’s something writhing around inside of you. You have no idea what it could possibly be. What did that zebra have you drink?

Another scene fills in the dark expanses around you, and dread creeps from within. Its night time at your house and your past-self is in his room sitting at his desk. He has an empty bottle of vodka sitting on his desk in front of him. Your parents were out at some fancy restaurant meeting some clients. Apparently that night was going to be a big break for her and your dad, and you didn’t want to mess it up for them.

So instead of having your parents go to your ceremony you told them to take care of what they needed to. Naturally, your sister didn’t show up, so you got to spend your time alone after graduation. Well, that wasn’t entirely true. Vodka was being a pretty good friend to you right about now. You got drunk a couple of hours ago and you’d sobered up quite a bit at this point.

Your past form sits at his desk merely staring at the bottle in boredom. You would browse the internet every so often but even that grew tiresome. When he hears the door open downstairs he thinks it’s his parents coming back from their dinner. But when he hears only a single set of feet walking around he realize it’s his sister.

“Hey homo, I’m coming up!” Your sister shouts while ascending the stairs. When she throws open the door to your room she grimaces. “Oh god you look pathetic. You really are a drunk, ain’t ya?” she giggles. When he ignores her comments she walks over to him. She smacks the back of his head like she used to do in middle school when he did something she didn’t like. “Hey asshole, I’m talkin to you!” He doesn’t respond. Once she sees that doesn’t get a rise out of your past-self from that she irritably before rubbing her temples. She was acting like HE was giving HER a headache.

“Fine, whatever. So how’d it feel to be all alone? Bet you’re probably used to it by now.” She laughs; she’s not giving up. She sits on his bed and looks at you with a cocky grin, “So I got that job working at daddy’s company. Gonna be makin six figures! Feels great to know I’ll still be beautiful when I retire.” It used to piss you off to no end, however, it had become nothing more than background noise. Her attitude has never changed since childhood. She was always vain. “I’m just tryin to figure out one thing though,” she starts before lying back on the bed.

“How did it feel? All these years with me fuckin with your sorry ass, Mommy and Daddy never listening to you, I made sure you never made a single friend in school, and I drove you up the wall.” She shouts out with glee when she figures you out, “Oh I get it! You’ve been ignoring me! Oh well, sucks to be me right? Can’t bother you anymore, but I gotta say it’s terrible having a mom and dad that love me, and friends that appreciate me.” You find yourself being unable to ignore her. Your past-self wraps his hands around the neck of his empty bottle; he doesn’t look her way, not yet.

You want nothing more than to look away, but something forces you to watch your unforgivable act. It seems that no matter what you do you’ll be forced to relive this horrid moment yet again.

“I guess you wouldn’t know anything about that since no one gives a shit. Mom doesn’t care, Dad doesn’t care, and I don’t care. If we did we would’ve watched you get your little piece of paper.” Your sister explains, her grin getting wider all the while. “And to think you only got it to make them happy! To get them to see you succeed, to have em pat you on the back and say “we’re proud of you son, we love you.” God you’re fucking stupid if you thought that’d work. Good job on wasting your time big bro.” She gives you a sarcastic round of slow applause.

You watch as your past-self as he gets out of his seat. Vodka bottle in hand. “Oh shit, looks like I struck a nerve! Big brother’s angry. What you gonna do, cry to mommy again?” You shiver with fright when you see yourself smile and turn her way. Your sister’s laugh falls short when she sees your grin.

“Naaaah, but I will do one thing. I’m gonna solve a problem!” your past-self shouts before swinging the empty bottle. Your sister shrieks in pain as the glass of your bottle shatters over her head. When she grabs hold of her eyes and starts to squirm on your bed you start laughing.

“You like that?! Huh?!” You cringe from the sheer glee in his voice. He isn’t done as of yet, he picks up your sister. She struggles in his grip but he’s much, much stronger than her. “Wonder if mommy’s gonna recognize your pretty little face when I’m done!” Again the scene fades away, but not the sounds of the broken glass as you cut into her face, or her screams. Her sobbing, her cries of anguish, the sounds amplify until covering your ears no longer muffles it. It’s like nails are being drug along a chalk board.

You find yourself shouting into the dark in hopes of overpowering it. You fail miserably until it finally dies down. There are no more sounds of skin being cut or shouting, just sobbing and the sound of you panting. That was when you blacked out for the second time, and that was when you could no longer stay in your home.

The abyss plays out the rest of your year for you. There are no instances of anger, nothing to grate your nerves, just you trying to survive. You stole all the money you could from your parent’s room. You packed what food you could. Then you ran out of the place you once called home. You managed to avoid the law enforcement your parents called out on you. Surprisingly you still managed to get out of the city.

You could recall days where your only shelter were the larger trees or sewer drains you found while you wandered aimlessly. Three days passed before an old man in a pickup truck would help you along. You gave him what money you could spare and he happily took you to where he needed to go. After many days you reached where you thought would be a new start. Finally, you happed upon a new city in an entirely new state.

Knowing you didn’t have the funds for a decent apartment you searched high and low for the lower income areas of the city. That’s where you found your grimy little apartment, your fat Italian landlord, and of course your factory job. Neither your landlord nor your boss asked too many questions.

You were offering your landlord money for rent, and you were offering to work for the factory longer than the other employees for less pay. Who were they to get in your business? So you lived your life, as boring as it was. You were hoping to leave behind what you’d done and you did for the most part. You would keep yourself so busy you didn’t have time to feel guilty about it.

You had to melt that steel; you had to drive the forklift. You needed to make sure you had food and water. Your landlord had to see his check every month. Your life was nothing more than repetition. Then Discord came along and offered you a chance to really start over, and now you’re here. The scene around you dissipates once more, hopefully for the final time.

You think it’s all over, that is until you hear someone call out. A voice you once dreaded hearing. Seems like God or whoever seems it fit to punish you. “Anonymous?” your sister is calling you…

You turn to the source of the voice to find your sister walking towards you. The only objects that seem to be giving off their own lighting are yourself and her. Everything else remains shrouded in darkness. Her pale blue eyes seem to glow as they fixate themselves on you. Why aren’t her eyes covered by something, why are there no scars, and how is she looking dead at you?

The time it takes for her to approach you is maddening. Thoughts and possibilities race through your mind. The majority of them cover negative actions and consequences. In fact, there’s no way to determine if she’s real or another hallucination brought on by that zebra’s medicine. You don’t know if any of this is real, but you do know one thing.

This clawing from within your body is real, and it’s scaring you most of all. When she’s only a few yards away the thought of turning and leaving becomes quite tempting. But where would you go? There is an endless expanse of nothingness all around you. Walking away would be pointless and a waste of your time.

You probably wouldn’t go anywhere anyway. Besides, it’s about time you faced her again. That night has plagued you for over a year; it’s time to finally get some peace. When your sister is within arm’s reach she stops and looks you over.

She doesn’t scrutinize, she doesn’t examine you like you’re some sort of foreign object. She’s just checking you over. It’s as if she’s trying capture your image so she has something to remember. When she’s done she looks up to you and she smiles. You feel a bit of air leave your lungs when she wraps her arms around you in a tight hug.

Needless to say you’re thoroughly confused. You don’t know whether to hug her back or shove her away. So you decide stand there with your hands at your side and wait for her to finish. Finally she pulls away; her smile isn’t as prominent as it was before. You can see the vast amounts of pity behind her eyes. She turns her head to the right and you do in turn. What you expect when a scene begins to play is another memory of you and her…

But it isn’t. Instead you see your mother and father sitting on opposite sides of a hospital bed. Your sister is in the bed. Your mother’s crying while your father is watching her intently. You want to see what’s behind the gauze covering your sister’s face so badly, your father holds your sister’s hand. He reassures her that everything is going to be fine, that they are going to get her help. That they’ll help her adjust to her new life, they tell her she’s blind. The night you smashed the bottle over her face then cut her up with the glass left her permanently crippled.

A doctor who looks to be in his mid-2os comes in and explains how her operation went. They were able to repair her tear ducts but her eyes were beyond repair. The glass did far too much damage. He says that the scars along her cheeks and neck would heal in time, but that it’d be wise for your parents to put her through therapy. To get her used to the idea of using a guide dog or white cane would take a few weeks, but the doctor was confident that she could get used to it and go back to living her life.

The scene advances past her therapy; it’s been a month and a half since she’s left the hospital. She sits on her bed with her feet hanging off of the side. She has her cane lying next to her. She takes in a deep breath, holds it for a moment, and then lets it out in a long steady pace. She gets to her feet, her cane in hand. She makes an attempt to leave her room and she does with little incident. She almost tripped over one of her shoes but she manages to keep her balance.

When she opens her door she walks down the hallway, her cane acting as her guide. After a few quick taps she manages to find the stairs leading down. She misjudges the distance and goes falling down them. She lands in a heap on the last step.

She curses loudly and grips her arm, her pain apparent. Other than a sore arm though no other injuries occur from her mishap. You know you should laugh, seeing your sister get her comeuppance from what she did to you should fill you with glee, but no laughter comes. Any sort of blissful feeling you could have from watching your sister suffer doesn’t surface. Instead all you can feel is guilt.

Guilt for what you had done to her, and for how it affected your family and those around them. You only wanted her to receive penance, not your parents, nor your aunts or uncles when they helped care for her.

Your one selfish action took its toll on the people you cared about the most. You watch as more scenes begin to play. You see your sister trip over low walls, hit her head on low hanging plants, running into doors, bumping into people in the streets, and many other mishaps.

It was hard for her to live like this, but she kept moving on. She didn’t let what you did to her stop her. All the while she messed up there were people around her; scrutinizing her, judging her, seeing her as something less because of her disability.

For once she got to see what it was like to be you. To feel helpless and alone in the world while others watch with scorn as you try your best to live, but it’s as she said that night you took her sight away: at least she had a mom and dad who loved her dearly. Her home was her only bastion from those in the outside world.

Her own friends started spending less time with her because she couldn’t be as outgoing as she used to be; her blindness wouldn’t allow it. You watch countless nights of her crying into her pillows, or screaming out and cursing your name. She’d shout about how much she hated you, or about how she hoped each and every day was its own personal brand of hell for you.

For months she wouldn’t stop blaming you. She couldn’t truly see why she was in this position. She could only see that it was you that blinded her. So she lived her life in a combination of self-pity and anger. Soon you found her lashing out at people who would be sympathetic, screaming at them to leave her alone or to mind their own business.

She even started snapping at mom and dad. It was as if she was trying to be independent, but you knew it wouldn’t work for her. She was always relying on others for support, whether it was her friends or her family. They were always around to help her or give her what she needed she didn’t have to learn what it’d be like to be alone.

Her life was all planned out for her as well, and she didn’t even realize it. She was going to be sitting comfortable for the rest of her life after only a decade or two of work. But because of you, the dreams of a happy and comfortable life was shattered. You were the driving force behind her misfortune, the tables were turned and there was nothing she could do.

She hated it, she hated you. Oh did she hate you. Her last visual memory is of you as you took her sense away from her. More of her days pass by in a blur, those days turn to weeks, and those weeks turn into months. You find her sitting on her bed again during the evening hours. But tonight is different from the other nights she’s spent. Your sister’s voice coming from next to you startles you. You turn to her as she explains what you’re seeing.

“Anonymous, I’ve spent so many days loathing you and everyone around me. I hated myself too. Those scars and my eyes made me look like a freak.” She turns away from the scene playing and looks up to you. “I was so depressed the thought of suicide crossed my mind more than once. Because of you my normal life was over and I was forced to live a new one.” As your sister speaks she turns her whole body so she’s facing you. “Not once for the first eight months could I understand why I was the one being punished. That was until I realized that I deserved it.” Your attention is drawn back to the scene. Your sister seems to have that same realization in the memory, “That, led me to think if I wasn’t such a…” she starts, unsure of what to call herself.

“Cunt, you were a cunt.”

She nods, “Yeah, we’ll go with that one. If I wasn’t like that then you wouldn’t have snapped. When I finally realized it was my own fault, I started thinking about how I drove you to be so angry. I didn’t know how much rage you kept bottled up. Because of me you had no one to turn to.” She looks down at the ground as she speaks. “You were all alone and all I did was made it worse. Not even mom and dad listened to you, and that must have been horrible.” she shivers, “From when we were kids, through school, and even in college I didn’t let up. I didn’t take the time to see what I was really doing to you, and all you did was take it in stride. You’re a lot stronger than me, I’ll give you that one Anon.” you sister’s giggling becomes choked up through her soft sobbing.

You pay her no mind as you watch the events of the rest of her year play in front of you. She told mom and dad everything during dinner one night. She told them about how she treated you, about how school life really was for you. Your sister lists off each and every lie she could remember. When she finished she was in tears and all your parents could do was sit there stoic and silent. Your mom and dad would recall the times you’d come to them crying about her.

Neither listened to you, both thought you were lying. There were times where they’d talk about you and laugh at how ridiculous your claims were. There was no way that their darling angel would do something like that to her brother, but hearing it from her mouth, it was like their whole perspective about you shattered like glass.

Both were angry with you for doing something like that to her. They wanted to see you punished for what you’ve done. They wanted you to be tried and found guilty. To be forced into prison and left to rot for doing such an unspeakable evil to your own kin. To think otherwise after nearly a year has gone by, it was a lot for them to take in. The final scene ends with your mother crying into her napkin, your father looking at his hands in deep thought, and your sister looking down at her empty plate. When darkness is all that remains you turn to your sister to find her sobbing. Her whole body is shivering as she forces out more words.

“I’m so sorry, I did everything I could to get mom and dad to see the truth, but it’ll never be enough. I can’t take back everything I’ve done, I made you into a monster… my own brother…” her breathing is erratic, but she continues. “B-but no one’s mad you anymore, mom and dad miss you, I miss you, please… please come home.” She pleads.

“I-I want to be the sis-sister I should have been. I’ll do anything I can to make things right,” she wraps her arms around you and clings. A chance to start over back on Earth; it would be easy to have Discord send you back, you’re sure of it. He’ll probably be glad to get rid of you. You could find a phone and call home, and then you could be a family again, a real one. Sure it would take some time to adjust, but your life on Earth could be a happy one.

Your dad might be able to make a few calls so you can put your journalism experience to work, and you’d get to have those home cooked meals you loved so much. The more that you think about it the more homesick you become. You miss that old house back in your suburban neighborhood, the peaceful summers, and the calm winters.

You even missed your neighbors, if that were possible. You’d be free from your factory job and your apartment, and you’d be safe and warm in a decent bed. You would have entertainment; you might even make a few friends. With your sister being on your side instead of making your life hell it would be possible…

But look at what you’d be giving up if you wanted such a life. Your mind recalls the week you’ve spent here. Could you really leave them behind now? You have real friends in a real place. You aren’t alone anymore. You have a home here, the ponies and other creatures around you are pleasurable company.

The ponies within Ponyville don’t shrink away from you in fear. They don’t look down on you or avoid you; they see you as a great person. Hell, they think you’re a hero. To them you’re someone to be looked up to, to be respected. These ponies have given you something you thought you’d never get to experience… a place to belong…

Some of them even like you as something more than a friend. Here you don’t have to be alone, and as far as you know there’s no war and the only corruption comes from Discord. And even he isn’t all that bad. He’s wacky and a bit misguided, but he isn’t evil. Your sister looks to you with tear filled eyes. You separate yourself from her and speak.

“Listen, you can’t change what’s happened, and I can’t change what I did. What’s done is done. But the regret your feeling, the anger I’ve had to deal with, we can’t let that control us and make us who we are.” You comb through your head, hoping to find the right words to say. “You can’t live your life thinking about how things would have gone were you a nicer person nor can I allow myself to wonder how things would be had I stayed that night. If we do that we go nowhere.”

You admit you’re probably not the best at things like this, but you believe your words will be able to convey what you want to say. “I was stuck in the past for so long. I was so angry and spiteful towards you, mom, dad, and everyone else in my life that I let it lead me down a very lonely path. A path that had me in repetition, and I probably would have been that way until the day I died.” You find yourself looking at your hands. “I would never get to experience what life had to offer me, what risks I could take, but thanks to you, thanks to this,” you motion around at the endless expanse, “I think I can move on now.” you offer your sister a genuine smile.

“I don’t harbor any feelings of hatred towards you or our parents’ anymore. So thank you; thank you for showing me this. For once I truly feel at peace. And sister, if you want to make it up to me, you only have to promise me one thing.” You say while backing away from her.

“What’s that?” she asks, wiping away her tears as she does so.

“Promise me you guys will move on. To just keep me in your hearts and remember the few good times we shared, because I have no intention of coming home.” As you speak to your sister you hear the sound of hoof steps. You look around you to find Twilight, Lyra, Eris and the other’s you’ve managed to befriend standing around you, and you smile. “I’ve made friends here, formed bonds, and I can’t leave them behind, I won’t. I’m staying where I am. I’ve started a new life here on a new world, and I intend to see it through to the end.”

You sister looks to the creatures around you before nodding, “I can’t force you to come home, but I’m glad you’ve found people, err, ponies that make you happy, that’s all I wanted. I guess this is goodbye then?” You nod, “I guess I’ll see you around?” you sister asks with a sad smile.

“No, you won’t.” you respond while shaking your head. With a final wave your sister slowly fades from your vision as do your friends, leaving you all alone yet again in the endless expanse. Though the peace doesn’t last, whatever lays within claws with such ferocity it causes you to cry out in pain. You find yourself brought to your knees as this thing slowly climbs its way up your throat.

You start to gag as a black viscous fluid starts to trickle from your open maw. Then the dry heaving starts. More and more of it pours from your mouth, you feel as though there’ll be no end to this. Finally, it’s over, you’ve vomited everything. The only reason you can point it out among the rest of the dark area is because the watery substance has various colors swimming through it.

You find yourself moving as far away from it as possible. Arms begin to reach out from within it; clawing at the air in a desperate hope to escape. You can’t seem to find your breath. Its otherworldly roar causes you to put your hands over your ears. You watch as the color begins to change. Starting from the fingertips the liquid forms into a solid gray stone. The sound of it cracking can be heard as the new color spreads along all the arms, and through the puddle you’ve expelled. It stays frozen in place.

“W-what the hell was that,” you say when you’re finally able to breathe again. You don’t get to ponder it for too long before finding yourself being forced up and into the sky…

You awake gasping for air. You look around the area, in hopes of recognizing where you are. When you realize you’re in the zebra’s hut you’re finally able to calm down. You turn to find her sitting on her bed, watching you through curious eyes.

“You said many a thing while you were at rest. I believe you no longer feel any weight in your chest?” As your breathing regulates to a normal pace you nod. Whatever she gave you, it worked. When you nod she beams at you, “Knowing you are well I am glad to hear, thinking you would pass in your sleep filled me with fear. My brew gets rid of impurities that much is true. Do you believe it worked for you?” The zebra tilts her head as if confused.

“Yes, it-it really did. Thank you,” you start but you can’t finish since you don’t know the zebra’s name.

“Zecora is what I am called; you never hearing of me has me appalled.”

You shrug, “sorry about that, but because of the chaos no one said anything, I guess.” It’s a terrible explanation, that much is obvious.

“Anonymous, that excuse is poor, just for that I should force you out the door.” The zebra giggles at her own joke and you do in turn. You get to your feet; your cuts aren’t as painful as they were when you got here, and everything seems to have cleared up. Your mind isn’t racing a mile a minute any longer. “It is unwise for you to move right now, why don’t go lie back down?” Zecora suggests before motioning to the makeshift bed you’re standing on.

You would really like to leave, you want to check in on your friends, but you don’t know the Everfree. You have no idea how to get out of here and it being dark won’t help. So you do as Zecora says. You get back on the makeshift bed and cover up with your little black blanket.

“It is good to see that you’re willing to listen to me. I believe you need more sleep, your woken state I shall not keep.” The zebra says before getting comfortable under her sheets.

“Hey Zecora, are you against taking in assistants?” you ask while getting comfortable on the floor. Zecora’s voice comes as you snuggle into your pillow.

“Help is always something I need, what may I ask caused you to suggest such a kind deed?” You figured the answer would be obvious to her.

“Because you went out of your way to help someone you don’t even know, so I want to help out, though I doubt I’ll be able to repay you for what you’ve done.” Zecora’s laugh catches you off guard.

“Anonymous, you’ve helped me more than you might think. Your presence in Ponyville is more than enough I think. If anything it is I that owes you, for you’re setting straight what was once askew. Now please rest for tomorrow you will really be put to the test.” Zecora says no more as she rolls over in her bed. As sleep’s embraces comes to claim you… a certain sensation prevents it from doing so. You turn to Zecora’s bed.

“Zecora, where’s your bathroom?” She points a hoof to her front door.

“Thanks.” You say as you get to your feet. After taking the time to relieve yourself, and wiping yourself clean with a large amount of leaves, you go back in Zecora’s hut to get some sleep.

Author's Note

And Thus Anon is finally freed from the nightmares that held him for so long.
But what will he do now that he's been freed of his corruption?
Find out in the next chapter.

Also, I feel that this chapter was lacking overall.
Scene descriptions, flow of the story, etc. If you have any comments suggesting how I could make it better feel free to tell me.
Also, in order to avoid confusion, when Anon's past persona is mentioned. The past persona is given the "him, he, his" title while Anonymous himself retains the "you, your, yourself"

And for those of you wondering what Anon threw up, it's supposed to be a metaphor.
Anger, jealousy, resentment, hate, fear, all of it culminates within us.
If you're not strong enough, it'll consume you and destroy who you were.
Like a poison it'll spread throughout your very being until you're nothing more than a hollow shell.
Anon puking up his corruption is supposed to be the point where Anon is no longer controlled by his hatred.
He's free...

Chapter Eighteen: Anonymous' Return, Plans for the Future, and The Everfree's Corruption

//------------------------------//
// Chapter Eighteen: Anonymous' Return, Plans for the Future, and The Everfree's Corruption// Story: Living the Good Life// by Aetherpony//------------------------------//

The next morning arrives much sooner than you’d expect. You’re stirred from your sleep by Zecora as she gets out of bed. When she hears you yawn and stretch she turns to you.

“I was hoping you wouldn’t arise, seeing your eyes open at this time is quite a surprise. I felt that more recovery was needed, since you still have wounds untreated.” She examines your cuts and scrapes. The larger ones have scabbed over and the smaller ones have closed. When you get to your feet this time you’re able to stand with little to no pain rearing its ugly head. As it turns out though, the wounds she mended were in a more metaphorical sense than physical.

“What time is it?” You feel your back pop as you stretch.

“Dawn is the current time of day. Anonymous please I implore you to stay. There is another brew I must give you, and breakfast should fill your belly too.” Zecora gives you a reassuring smile. Breakfast does sound like a good idea, and she’s offering…

A few hours pass from then to now. You and Zecora discussed what she did for a living over a few bowls of salmon soup. She herself dined on a few plants. You didn’t think it, but you were hungry beyond belief. Without having any sort of food yesterday you were liable to starve. You had to eat at least three bowls before you found yourself full. Unfortunately, without any chaotic magic in your body, you didn’t have any sort of resistance to your body’s needs.

You really need to make sure you eat. With all that chaos magic being poured into you so frequently it’s getting hard to know when it’s okay to eat and when it isn’t. Your stomach hasn’t been giving you its telltale signs and that worries you. Though, hunger aside, you have to admit that Zecora’s life seemed an interesting one to you.

The solitude the Everfree gave her was one of the many wonders of this place. The plants she’d scour the forest floor would take her on many a journey both far and wide through the thicket. She’s come across ancient ruins, monsters of untold origin, unpredictable weather patterns, and much more. She spent a great deal of time discussing her adventures in a vivid manner. It also seems like she’s taken the assistance offering seriously. You make a mental note to at least retain half of what she tells you. After all, if you come back here with zero knowledge what use are you?

Though it’s a little hard considering her instructions are all in rhyme, you’re coming back to this hut with a scroll, ink, and some quills. When the two of you finally finish your meals Zecora is more than willing to point you on your way. Turns out the path near her hut will lead you right to Fluttershy’s Cottage.

Ten to twenty minutes of walking and you’ll be right back in Ponyville. Before you leave Zecora gives you a manticore skin flask filled with the brew she gave to you last night.

“Please make sure every drop remains, you will need it for the pony with the rainbow mane and any others that remain.” Rainbow Dash is the last of the Mane Six, the only one still affected by Discord. You reluctantly take the flask Zecora offers. You have so many items that could turn the tide for either side. It’s horrible being the neutral ground sometimes…

You see that there’s no need to recall what you’re possible choices are, nor do you feel you need to remind yourself what’s at stake or what you would lose. You’ve gone through this song and dance many times. There’s no need to do it again. You made your decision last night before you went to sleep. Though, when you tell the ponies and Discord what you’ve chosen will either be happy with that? Regardless it’s your choice to make. They’ll have to cope with the circumstances that come about it.

“Thanks Zecora, I’ll keep it close.” You tell her before making your way to the front door. Zecora bids you a final farewell as you step out of her home and onto the path leading out. Your walk is spent in relative silence. Like yesterday there is no sign of life from within the thicket, the only sound gracing your ears is your feet as you trudge along.

The faster you get out of this place the better. You're now jogging as you look at the forest line on both sides of you. Even during the morning hours you don’t want to tarry… it feel as if the forest itself is watching you…

You're panting when a break in the tree line can be seen in the distance. You break out into a full blown sprint. Your fingers that are wrapped around the flask turn pink from gripping it too hard. You don’t look back as you race through the tree line and to a… very homely looking cottage. At least you believe it to be a cottage.

Like Twilight’s treebrary there’s a building seemingly built into a tree. Around the property you come to find are various animals and places built for them to sleep. Their little shelters range from fence in chicken coops for the chickens, to makeshift boxes for squirrels and other rodents. You never got to really learn about Fluttershy… but it seems like before she became a cruel and manipulative Pegasus she was an animal caretaker of sorts.

You can’t imagine her being that kind towards anything, especially little animals. Your first impression of her was that she’d harm them on sight just to laugh at their misery. You take care to move around the little makeshift homes. Last thing you want to do is step on any of them. As you make your way out from behind the cottage you can hear someone humming.

Whoever she is has got to have the most soothing voice you’ve heard since arriving here. Almost in a trance you make your way over to the source of the noise. The closer you get, the more it feels as though you’re safe; as if nothing bad will ever happen to you again. When you reach the front of the cottage you pot a bridge leading into town.

The humming is coming from under the bridge itself. Taking care not to trip and lose the contents in your bottle you carefully inch your way down the embankment. You turn to look under the bridge to find Fluttershy, and she looks awful. The damage you did to her face is still there.

The bruises, the swelling that’s forced her eye shut, and her jaw to remain closed. Your inner disgust seems to overpower the calming tune Fluttershy is humming to a family of ferrets. When the ferrets smell your presence they turn to you, causing Fluttershy to stop her humming.

“Oh my, what’s wrong little crittters?” when she turns your way she freezes. The only eye that can see you has a pupil the size of a pinprick. She visibly starts to shake the longer she looks at you.

“Fluttershy-“you try to say.

“PLEASE DON’T HURT ME! Ow…” Fluttershy shrieks before rubbing her sore jaw. You make a motion to move towards the timid Pegasus only to have her take off running. She scrambles up the embankment and gallops full speed into her house. You cringe from the door slamming, then look on in confusion as the sound of at least a dozen locks is put in place.

You sigh before looking to your reflection in the water below the bridge. You immediately wish you hadn’t. The dried blood upon your lips and the missing patches of hair make you look like a monster. No wonder she’d run from you, even if she were going to give you a chance you looking like some sort of freak would have her or any pony running for their lives.

It doesn’t help that you’re the reason why she’s so beat up, even if she did deserve it, seeing something so kind act that way towards animals, and that frightened look in her eye didn’t help matters at all. It was as if someone squeezing upon your heart. It doesn’t look like you’ll be making a friend out of this one anytime soon.

You would stay and at least try to talk to her but there’s no way she’ll listen… so you turn to face the two ferrets whose breakfast you interrupted.

“Sorry for interrupting your meal.” You tell the ferrets. They stare at you for a few moments before eating the fish Fluttershy left. With that you climb back up the embankment and make your way into town. There aren’t that many ponies out and about at this time; the ones that are wave to you as you pass.

Others stop you to inquire about your injuries, and about what you’re carrying. While you insist that you’re fine you explain to them that you’ve started carrying water around with you.

No ponies questioned it, but most recommended you go see a doctor or at least a medical unicorn for your cuts. It takes a little longer to get to Twilight’s home as a result of stopping to chit chat. Upon arriving you see Spike talking to Derpy. It seems as if they got a package. Not wanting to risk being locked out of your home you pick up the pace.

You make it to the two just as Derpy hands off the package to Spike. Spike is the first to see you approach. He stares at you for a moment before looking you over.

“Dude, what happened to you?” He asks as you get within a few yards.

“Who’re you talking to?” Derpy turns to look where Spike is looking. When she sees you she gets this big smile on her face, and one of her eyes starts looking at your feet. She flies over to you and wraps you up in a huge hug. You swear you can feel your bones snapping under Derpy’s iron like grip. You manage to make a few gargling noises before trying to tap out.

“Thank you so much for saving me! I didn’t get a chance before!” her voice sounds all kinds of adorable but at this rate you’re going to pass out. She needs to let go. You start to squirm as hard as you can in hopes that she’ll get the message. “Hmm?” she looks over your beet red face. “Oh! Sorry!” she releases you from the grip of death. You graciously take in as much oxygen into your lungs as you can.

“Don’t, don’t mention it.” You wheeze before dropping to your knees.

Derpy giggles nervously before rubbing the back of her neck with a hoof, “Uh, whoa, look at the time! I got more letter to deliver okay cya please don’t sue!” she flies away in a blur and ends up ramming into a street light, then into a wall, she gets it right the third time it seems. Once you get to your feet you find Spike standing before you. He’s got the package on the ground next to him. While he looks up at you he gives you an angry glare.

“You got some nerve coming back here after what you said to Twil-“you cut him off before he can go on a long winded rant.

“I’m here to apologize for being a prick, can I talk to her?” your mentioning of an apology causes the angry glare Spike was sporting to become a look of confusion.

“Wasn’t expecting that one. Okay, come on in.” Spike picks up the package and motions for you to follow. That was easier than you thought it was going to be. Maybe he’s just eager to see Twilight chew you out since she didn’t get to do it yesterday. Or maybe he’s taking pity on you for your little outburst. Yeah you’ll go with outburst. As he opens the door and steps inside you watch as the package is levitated out of his grip and away from sight.

“Thanks Spike,” you hear Twilight say from within the library.

“We have a visitor.” Spike says before motioning for you to come inside.

“Oh we do? Who is it, Spike?” Twilight trails off as she sees you walk into the room. The two of you stand idly by for a few moments. Neither you nor she seems to be willing to strike up a conversation. The air feels a bit heavy and you find yourself with a dry throat and nervous sweating. You cast your eyes to the floor, expecting to be yelled at or berated for the insults you threw her way. The wait was maddening. Where’s the shouting? Where’s the verbal beat down?

“Anonymous, about yesterday,” she starts, “Are are you—” You rub your arm nervously as you nearly choke out your response.

“Cured? Yes. Zecora helped me out when I ran into the forest an-“you're unable to continue since Twilight wraps you in a hug. Her little hooves can’t seem to wrap around you so she’s satisfied with holding onto your sides. When you feel warm tears hit your lower stomach you squat down and hug her back. ”So I take it you’re not mad?” Twilight adjusts her head so she can rest it on your shoulder. She shakes it before wiping away her tears.

“How can I? I was so worried about you I didn’t have time to! When I saw you skip into the Everfree I knew I had to get to Zecora a.s.a.p.” she sets herself upon the ground and sits on her flanks.

“So I teleported to the path and galloped as fast as I could, and oh thank Celestia she found you.” She flashes you a smile showing her relief. The two of you stay like this for a moment, you kneeling before the purple unicorn and she looking up at you from her sitting position. Suddenly she giggles. She raises a hoof over her muzzle in hopes of stopping herself.

“What’s so funny?” you ask as you get to your feet.

“You look ridiculous Anon, you need to let me fix you up.” You can recall Twilight trying to fix you back when you first got to Equestria. That did not end well for her. She did bring you relief but she was exhausted as a result. Even if you believe she could fix you, you doubt she’d be able to. After all Zecora said that the potion got rid of your impurities, you have no idea if that includes the chaos magic from Discord or not. And you’d rather not risk getting hurt again.

Discord warned you about chaos magic back when you were bedridden and there’s no way in Tartarus you’re going to allow yourself to be put in a precarious position like that again. Hell, Discord’s little example combined with whatever Eris did was what helped break you.

“Twilight, no. I’m just gonna deal with what I did to myself for a few days. You can fix me up the day after tomorrow.” You say before backing away from the unicorn.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes I’m sure,” you respond, “while it’s nice to see you and all, and it’s great to see that you’re back to your old self, I’ve gotta get to Discord.” You say before walking around Twilight.

“Why would you want to see him?! He’s the reason why you’re like this, Anon!” Twilight exclaims before moving to block your path.

“Twilight, I’m the reason why I’m like this. All Discord did was push me a little, and if it wasn’t for him then I’d still be an angry, sour, elitist mess.” Twilight can’t seem to believe what you’re saying. “His mistake is why I met Zecora in the first place. He doesn’t know it but because of him and you I’m a lot better off. If anything I need to thank him for messing me up.” You chuckle. “Plus, I managed to get the Elements of Harmony from Eris. I’ve got to get them in my room.” Now that catches Twilight’s attention.

“You really found them?!” Twilight’s eyes are wide open in shock.

“I took Eris out on a date on Hearts and Hooves Day. She gave them to me because she had fun. She said it was my reward.” You explain. That isn’t the whole truth but you don’t need to bore Twilight with the details.

“So it was Eris that stole them, I should have realized. But still, now that we have them again we can fix Equestria. We can get the Princesses back!” Twilight cries happily before bouncing in place. “Wait, you went on a date with a Draconequus? I thought that’d be nothing but a headache for all parties involved?” she’s stopped bouncing and she’s looking to you inquisitively.

“It was, but it got better as the night went on.” To you it felt incredibly awkward talking about these things to Twilight, especially with Spike snickering on a nearby chair.

“Hehehe, I bet you kissed her too huh, Anonymous?” Spike’s laughs while slapping his knee; looks like he thinks he’s some sort of comedian. You are not amused and neither is Twilight.

“Hey Spike? Did you know dragons are a delicacy back on Earth? Yeah, a whole lot of us will gang up on em and eat them. We get crazy when we’re hungry.” You flash him a toothy grin.

Spike’s laughter dies away immediately, only to be replaced with a scared gasp, “R-R-Really?” he shivers with fright. You nod.

“Yeah, I haven’t eaten a good meal in days and you’re looking pretty tasty right about now.” You take a single step towards him and Spike ends up running out of the library. Now it’s your turn to laugh, Twilight punches your leg with a hoof. “What?”

“Was that really necessary?” Twilight narrows her eyes at you.

“Yes it was.” You answer before stepping around Twilight.

“Okay, I won’t keep you, but Anonymous, we still don’t have Rainbow Dash. The elements won’t work without her.” You put the flask Zecora gave you in front of her.

“Zecora said that Rainbow has to drink this, it’s the same stuff Zecora gave me. It’s used to rid ponies, and apparently humans, of impurities.”

“But getting Rainbow to come off of a cloud long enough to make her drink it. That’ll be a challenge, and I’m not sure if we’ll be able to catch her.” You put a hand to her whiter and she looks up to you.

“Twilight, you’re probably the smartest mare I’ve ever met. I have no doubt you’ll come up with a plan to get Rainbow to come back.” You reassure her that you’ll help in any way you can. With that you head off into the basement, leaving Twilight to come up with whatever she can for Rainbow. If her name matches her flying then she’ll probably be a pain to catch…

But if she’s got the strength of Fluttershy then you should be more than capable of holding Dash down long enough to force the concoction down her throat. Once you have somewhat of an idea in mind, you hand off the flask to Twilight, and then you make your way down the stairs and under the covers of your basement bed.

It doesn’t take long for you to make your way into your home’s hallway. You sigh to yourself before stepping over the darkened threshold. You hear items being moved around from within your room. In fact, you see that your door’s open. It’s obvious Screwball and Discord saw the mess and they’re probably clearing everything out.

You reluctantly make your way over to your open door to find Discord fixing your things. He’s repaired your bed and nightstand, and he’s working on pushing your dresser over to your wall. Eris stands looking over him with her arms crossed. Discord himself is covered from head to toe in bandages. It’s almost as if you’re looking at a mummified version of the Chaos Bringer. Screwball bounces on your bed with a smile on her face.

“You’re going to put his dresser back JUST like Anon had it, or else round two starts on your sorry flank!” She shouts. Discord seems to cringe in fear at his daughter’s harsh tone. What happened while you were gone? You watch as Discord finishes putting your dresser up against the wall. When he sets the mirror on top you walk into the room. “That’s wrong! Move it to the left daddy.” Eris commands before pointing with her lion’s paw.

“Actually, it’s fine where it is.” You make your way over to them. Your voices cause the three of them to drop what they’re doing to look at you. They stare silently at you as you make your way over to your dresser. When you lean against a piece of furniture and look their way you speak, “Wow, such a warm reception guys. I really feel welcome.” You chuckle.

“Are you, uh alright in the head?” Eris asks while pointing to your cranium.

“Yeah, I’ve calmed down now,” You smile. You see Screwball has already made her way over to you. She’s clutching to your leg.

“Yay! Anon isn’t crazy anymore!” she shouts before nuzzling into your leg. Eris grabs hold of Screwball and pulls her off of you.

“Screwbal,l give the guy a break. He’s been through Tartarus and back.” Eris sets her next to Discord. Discord himself looks around anxiously.

“Is there something you want to say daddy?” Eris asks before placing her claws on her hips, at least you think it’s her hips.

“Are you serious? Do you have any idea who you’re talking to?” Discord tries to sound authoritive, but it’s all for naught. Eris’ glare stops that. “Alright, you win. Anon, about the whole breaking you, and trying to fix your mind, and making you crazy bit, my bad.” He flashes you a nervous grin.

That was probably one of the worst apologizes you’ve ever heard in your entire life, but it’ll do. You’re not angry with him in the slightest. Okay maybe you’re a little mad, but what came about as a result is too much of a positive.

“Discord, its fine, but I feel I’ve got to thank you.” Discord looks on in confusion as you explain. “If you didn’t use any of your magic on me I wouldn’t have been able to face what made me so angry in the first place. So, thanks, thanks for being inconsiderate, and for bringing me to Equestria.” Needless to say you threw Discord for a loop. Same could be said of Eris and Screwball. Neither can believe what you’ve just said. He sputters out a response.

“I… uh… um….eh… you’re welcome?” Discord manages to say. “So, do you want me to take care of your uh… patchy head?” He points to your scalp. Fear overtakes you for a moment.

”NO! Eh… heheheh… no thank you,” you find yourself cowering before him.

“So be it. I have finished my task. I shall take my leave, but before I go,” Discord uses his magic to summon the Elements of Harmony, and then he places them upon your dresser in a row. The magic used to bring them out has caused them to glow with an eerie light. “Please be sure not to pile rubble on top of them next time you have a mental breakdown.” Discord says before snapping his talons and disappearing from sight.

“Alrighty, I’m gonna go hot tubbin. See you losers later.” Screwball sticks her tongue out before galloping out of your room. That leaves you and Eris.

“Hey, about yesterday, I’m sorry if I freaked you out. I wasn’t myself, and I’m sure Discord wouldn’t be fixing up my shit if you didn’t knock some sense into him. So good job on that one.”

“You’re welcome, jerk.” Eris sticks her tongue out at you.

“Hey, what’d I do?”

“You made me drop your food all over your floor! So, you owe me for that AND making daddy fix your stuff.”

You scoff, “So what would you have me do?”

“You’re going to keep me company.” She may be giving you a cocky smirk but she can’t hide the red tint in her cheeks.

”You know what? I’d love to.” You say before walking over to your bed. “I can’t wait…”

You weren’t going to say anything about eating all of that salmon soup with Zecora; if you did, that meant that you’d be losing out on a meal. That would be terrible in your book. When Eris gets back with your meal a few minutes later the two of you eat in relative silence.

Throughout your second breakfast you can’t help but take notice of the glances she keeps throwing your way. She grimaces as she looks over your various wounds. When you turn to her she yelps before looking at her own plate.

“I look like hell, don’t I?” you ask when you finish the last of your eggs.

“Yes you do, and it’s kinda my fault. I shouldn’t have read your mind, and I shouldn’t have tried to change you.” Her ears flatten and she looks over her plate with a saddened expression.

“Don’t tell me you actually feel bad about that? You didn’t seem to feel bad about shoving a muffin down my throat.” You chuckle. In response she punches your arm. You wince before rubbing it. She shoots you a glare before continuing.

“Anyway, I’m sorry about all that. You just seemed so miserable and I wanted you to have a good time, ya know?” you nod in understanding.

“When you got on that stage and started pouring your little drunken heart out up there it looked like you were having the time of your life.” The two of you share a short laugh at that.

“Eris, that was probably the most fun I’ve had in a long time. Same thing goes for the pranks we did after.” You start digging into your sausage links.

“What about what happened afterwards? When we got back, I mean?” Eris seems to be playing with her food at this point.

“You mean the kiss?” Eris nods.

“I don’t know.” Eris turns to you confused.

“What do you mean you don’t know?” she asks, dumbfounded.

“It was my first one. I don’t have anything to compare it to.” You shrug before getting back to your meal. You don’t notice the little smile play across Eris’ features. The rest of your meal is spent in relative silence. As the day wears on the two of you spend it inside. Just like on Hearts and Hooves Day the two of you go for a swim in the pool.

Screwball decided to join you on that little venture. You’re still wondering how a pony could come across an inner tube or inflatable water wings. After the swim came the hot tub. The warm, constant stream of bubbles did well to ebb away the chilling waters of the pool. You loved the way they seemed to dance around you.

It seemed to slowly chisel away the stress your body underwent yesterday. Soon you found yourself nearly falling asleep in the tub. Eris was virtually in the same boat as you. She found her way over to you at some point during your stay in the hot tub. She ended up using your arm as a head rest.

“Aaaah, I could live like this every day.” You say with a contented sigh.

“Eeyup.” Eris agrees. After about an hour your little in home adventure moved to the living room. She decided it’d be a wise idea to challenge you to a game of ping pong. Neither of you expected the challenge you provided. You found out that day that you had a knack for the tabletop game. She didn’t score once against you in the seven games you played.

With each victory you got she would up the amount of games it took to win. You could see that with each point you received she got a little bit angrier, until she threw in a little of her magic. When she served, and when you went to hit the ball back to her it exploded into confetti upon contact. The force sent you flying back and onto the couch.

Eris cheered in victory while you recovered from the shock on the couch. Admittedly you were a bit reluctant to get back into the game after that so the two of you moved on to other things. Those other things involved her showing you the secret door that led into Canterlot Castle. The door in question was revealed when Eris put her claws to the wall on the right of the couch.

The pristine white hallways, the regal red carpeting, the gold laced trimming that decorated the carpet and curtains that lined the hall, all of it culminated into a rather awe-inspiring sight. The Celestial Banners that hanged above every archway matched the carpeting, but unlike the carpeting the banners shown golden suns that were expertly woven into the fabrics.

You and Eris, well, you tore a large amount of them down, you threw a few pieces of furniture out of windows, and the two of you had a dinner cart race that led you throughout the majority of the castle. Eris beat you by a figurative mile considering she has wings to propel herself and you, well, you have feet. When you finally make your way to her she’s bragging about how badly she beat you.

She felt that she earned a prize for smoking you, so you raided the Canterlot Armory. The entire time the two of you are sifting through spears and pieces of armor you can’t help but wonder about something.

“Hey Eris?” you ask while examining a lance.

“Yeah what’s up?” you turn to find Eris sifting through a container full of helmets.

“Where the hell are all the guards?” you ask before placing the lance on a nearby table. Eris shrugs.

“I don’t know. After Discord made Shining Armor do that strip tease the rest of the guards left.” Eris explains.

“Who? And wow, seriously?”

“No pony important, but oh man, you should have seen it! Those poor guards couldn’t take it!” She laughs madly. After that moment in the armory you move on with new items in hand. The two of you spent hours traversing the castle, spying on many rooms, moving a few things around, and defacing a few walls.

Eris tok ten containers of ink and painted a giant pony flank with a sun on it. It read “Stop eating the cake sunbutt” in bold lettering. You asked Eris who she was referring to.

Unfortunately she was too busy laughing to tell you anything. Oh well you’re sure you’ll find out eventually. Hours later your little escapades in the castle finally come to an end. The two of you head back home as the moon starts to make its way into the sky. The fun didn’t end there though, turns out Daddy Discord has a stash of booze in a hidden compartment of the fridge. Eris decided it’d be best if the two of you raided it. Which you do, a good portion of his liquor is now in your possession. With Discord being gone and with Screwball hanging out in her room, the two of you sneak off into her room in order to enjoy your bounty.

What you see upon entering is quite a surprise to you. She seems to be into the… rock genre a little bit. You see various posters lining her walls of what you believe to be pony rock bands. Well,
at least they’re carrying the proper instruments that allow them to pull off the look. You browse over a few of them; Avenged Seven Wings, Foal Fighters, The Moonshiners, and many others.

The room’s paintjob seem to mesmerize you. It felt like you were looking into a constantly moving pool of colors. It reminded you of one of those features on TVs where you could watch color move to the beat of music. Like something you’d watch if you just got done taking recreational drugs and wanted to kill a few hours.

Her dressers, nightstands, and desks mimicked the wall’s exotic patters. The only thing that didn’t was her bed itself. Black blankets, upon black sheets, with black pillow cases. It’s like this chimera has a thing with focusing only on the colors that played upon her walls. To say it was disorienting would be a very accurate statement.

“Hey Eris?” you ask as you make your way over to her bed, “what’s with the uh, decor?” you motion to the erratic flow of colors on her walls.

“It’s unique and I like looking at it. It calms me down if I’m having a stressful day.” Eris explains before grabbing opening one of the Applejack Daniels bottles; “that among other things.” Eris says under her breath.

“What was that?”

“Nothing.” She hands you a bottle of your own. You decide not to question it; after all she just handed you booze. You turn up the bottle and drink the night away…

An untold amount of time has passed since the two of you have started drinking. It didn’t take much to get the two of you drunk. Perhaps Eris should have held back on the number of bottles she stole. The two of you lie upon her bed and watch as the colors morph and twist around the room. It’s a sort of tranquil silence that you found rare back on Earth. Here you have something you could just lie back and watch for countless hours and not have to worry about work the next day.

You sigh happily before a collaboration of yellow and purple wisps catch your eye. You watch as they snake around Eris’ posters and onto the ceiling. They fade away into multi colored dust when they hit the center of her of it.

“Eris, it’s*hic* beautiful…” you trail off as more colors demand your attention.

“I know right?” she nudges you. When you turn her way you spot her pointing to a color combination of blue, purple, and green. The patterns form an intricate looking lily before morphing into a snowflake. You would have killed to have a room like this as a child. Then a very familiar sensation hits you, interrupting your fun time.

“Bathroom…” is all you manage to say before trying to get out of Eris’ bed. You lose your balance. When you fall to the floor your arm ends up hitting her nightstand.

The loud bang jolts Eris from her tranquil state. She scurries over to the edge of her bed, when she looks down she finds you lying on your back in the floor.

“Anon y-you okay?” You nod.

“Yeah, gimmie a… *hic* a moment.” As you shakily rise to your feet the sound of something vibrating catches your attention. You can hear it as it hits the wooden interior of Eris’ nightstand. What could it be? “H-hey Eris?” you try to maintain balance.

“What?” When she sees you point to her nightstand her eyes widen in horror.

“W-what’s making that noise?” you reach out and grab the night stand’s handle.

“N-nothing!” she gasps before racing over and pushing you away. She stands in front of her nightstand as if to hide something from you. A small scuffle ensues as you try your best to move past her in order to sate your drunken curiosity. She in turn tries to keep you away.

“C *hic* come on Eris! What’s in… in…” you reach out and grab hold of the handle and Eris pushes you away yet again.

“Its priv… private!” She shouts, when she realizes she was a bit too loud she covers her muzzle with her claws. Her cheeks are nearly glowing from her embarrassment, or it could be the alcohol you can’t figure it out. Knowing that you won’t be able to get into the drawer you merely shrug it off before turning around and leaving the room.

“Be right back.” You stumble out of Eris’ room and into the hallway. You find yourself using the wall for support as you make your way to your bathroom. After breaking the seal, washing your hands, and heading out into the hall you spot Eris coming out of her own restroom. She's rubbing her stomach.

“Ugh,” Suddenly her cheeks inflate. She puts her claws over her mouth before flying back into her bathroom. You hear the sound of her emptying her stomach into her toilet. As you step through the threshold into Eris’ room you can’t help but think you forgot something. You swear it has something to do with Twilight, but you can’t recall as to what.

Oh well, you’ll just… oh wait, the Elements! You were supposed to give her the Elements! What if she thinks you got hurt or something? You sigh when you realize your stupidity. Of all the irresponsible things to do, and you’re not fit to make such a trek to Twilight’s library, even if it is only a couple of feet away. She’d just be angrier if you came to her drunk.

You’ll just have to deal with her tomorrow when you get up. With that in mind you make your way back to Eris’ bed. You collapse upon her it and wait, and wait, and wait, after what feels like an eternity Eris finally comes back into her room. She lets out a pained groan before floating over. She takes a spot next to you on her bed. You can smell the mint from here.

Seems like after she was emptying her stomach she cleaned out her mouth, she probably over did it on the mouthwash hence the strong smell. She buries her face into her pillows.

“I’m done…” she whimpers, her words muffled by the pillows. You don’t bother answering; instead you adjust yourself so you can get into a comfortable position. It’s not as much fun drinking alone; if she’s done then you’re done as well. So there you lie watching the colors play about until your eyelids grow heavy and sleep’s sweet embrace takes you…

As you sleep peacefully, a slew of activity chugs along not but a few rooms away. Twilight Sparkle, along with Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie are all standing in her library coming up with a plan; a plan to catch the last discorded element bearer. The five of them stand looking at a table in the center of the room. That table has a map lying open on top of it.

The map itself shows the town of Ponyville, The Everfree Forest, and a few other territories lying around it. While Twilight discusses a plan she tells her friends about the Pegasus ponies who’ve happened to see her over the weeks of her disappearance.

Twilight has these places marked with a marker. “These three areas… here, here, and here are where Cloud Kicker and other members of the weather team have seen Rainbow.”

“She still on that there cloud a’ hers?” Applejack asks before looking over the three circles Twilight marked on the map. Twilight nods.

“Yes, and she still believes that it’s Cloudsdale. Whenever a Pegasus pony gets close she takes off with it in tow, but she always stays in her pattern. Whenever Rainbow goes over the Everfree Forest the Pegasus ponies refuse to pursue.” Twilight explains as she draws arrows leading to each circle. “Rainbow seems to move in a clock wise pattern around town. The problem is that there aren’t any Pegasus ponies fast enough to catch her.” The ponies nod to each other in agreement. “What we need to do is figure out a way to force Rainbow into town, but after we get her in we have to find a way to keep her there, but how?” she looks to her friends for ideas.

“Um, i-if you don’t mind I might have a—“Fluttershy’s suggestion is overshadowed by Pinkie and her plan.

“OH I KNOW! WE’LL THROW HER A HUGE PARTY!”

“Pinkie, how is a party going to help?” Twilight asks.

“Come on, think about it! We could totally put up streamers in Ponyville and—“Applejack silence Pinkie by throwing her hooves over her mouth.

“That might not be a good idea sugarcube. how bout you Rarity, ya’ll got any ideas?” Applejack turns to the fashionista.

“I still can’t believe Discord made Rainbow think that dainty little piece of fluff is Cloudsale!” She exclaims.

“Well he made ya’ll think that big ol’ rock was a diamond didn’t he?” Applejack asks with a sly grin. That seems to strike a nerve with Rarity.

“I thought we would never speak of that again!” She casts the farm pony a glare. This causes Applejack to laugh heartily.

“Um,” Fluttershy tries to say again.

“What is it Fluttershy? “ Twilight asks as she turns to her beaten and battered friend.

“I have an idea.” Fluttershy moves her mane around in hopes of hiding her bruises.

“That’s great Fluttershy, let’s hear it!” Twiliight happily exclaims. The others turn their attention to the timid Pegasus. Fluttershy shivers as she tries her hardest to tell them her plan.

“Well, I, um if we get her over the Everfree, I-I could lead unicorns into the forest and, oh this sounds so mean.” Fluttershy’s ears droop.

“Keep going Fluttershy, its okay, she’s not herself. If we have to be rough to get our friend back we will.” Twilight speaks with confidence. Fluttershy takes a deep breath before continuing.

“I could um, set up unicorns under her, and h-have them scare her off the cloud with magic? T-then when she moves away on her path we can have pegasi ready to block her. If we have pegasi on the other side she can’t go back, so she’ll HAVE to head into town. Then, we can have our friends fence her in somewhere-oh this is cruel!” Fluttershy covers her eyes with a hoof.

“Fluttershy you’re a genius!” Twilight smiles then squees with joy. Fluttershy moves her hoof away from her eyes.

“Are-are you sure? B-but who’ll catch her? I’ll be in the Everfree. Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie will have to help set something up in town,” Twilight strikes a confident pose.

“I’ll catch Rainbow with my magic.” Twilight states before pointing to her horn.

“But, um, what if Rainbow breaks free?” Twilight ponders that possibility for a few moments.

“If by chance Rainbow gets free from my magic then Anonymous will have to be there to pick up the pieces.” Twilight shrugs. When Twilight mentions your name she cowers in fear. Applejack’s ears flatten before she finds herself pawing at the floor with a hoof. Fluttershy is still scared of you and Applejack still feels guilty about what happened to you.

That night you came to their farm for dinner she didn’t dare go anywhere near you. She had a feeling you would have blown up at her if you saw her. Twilight notices her friend’s dilemmas.

“You know the two of you are going to have to face him eventually.” Twilight states flatly. Both look her way but neither Fluttershy nor Applejack acknowledges what she says. Twilight sighs in exasperation before shaking her head. “Applejack, you need to invite him to a family dinner or something so you can talk about what happened.” Twilight moves on to Fluttershy after that.

“Fluttershy, you may not remember it, but you were a pain in the flank and you hurt Anon multiple times throughout his stay. I’m sorry to say this, but you deserved the beating he gave you.” Tears form in Fluttershy’s eye after Twilight finishes.

“I-I didn’t mean to be a bad pony,” Fluttershy’s tears start to pour out of her good eye.

“We know you didn’t, but you need to give Anon a chance to meet the kind Fluttershy. Do you think you can do that?” Fluttershy gives a meek nod.

“I’ll-I’ll try, b-but he’s so scary,” Twilight seems satisfied with that. It’s better than Fluttershy avoiding you for the rest of your stay. Speaking of which, Twilight is starting to get worried about you. She assumed you’d be back within a few minutes. Did something happen to you while you were gone? Twilight tried to follow you by crawling into your bed, but it didn’t work for her.

There’s a barrier keeping her from going through the same portal you’re able to go through. It’s frustrating but she’ll have to trust in you and hope that you’ll return with the elements. If you don’t then the plan will be all for nothing. She casts a glance back to her basement door in hopes of seeing you coming up the stairs, but you don’t. She gives her group a final announcement.

“Okay, so, now all we have to do is get the townsponies to help. Everypony needs to do their part in gathering anypony they can. All of us have a part to play…” with that the meeting is adjourned…

Discord watches Applejack and the others head home from within the flames currently roaring within his fireplace. His foreboding laughter resounds throughout his quarters.

“This is perfect!” Discord exclaims with joy while reclining in his chair, “It appears as though the pawns are moving into position. I think it’s about time the King made a move of his own.” With a snap of his talon purple fire erupts from them. His eyes seem to glow as he watches the flames dance along his digits. “After all how boring would it be if I really sat here and did nothing!” Discord cackles as the flames long his claws snake their way off of him and to his fire place.

When it comes into contact with the flames already burning they too take on a purple hue. The flames rush through the top of the chimney and out into the night sky. Almost as if the fire were sentient it snakes through the endless expanse of sky at unmatchable speeds. Its destination: The Everfree Forest.

As his mysterious plan takes action Zecora finds herself mixing a few items in her cauldron. She’s looking to make some healing ointment she can trade to the populace of Ponyville. She's unable to concentrate as an eerie purple glow begins to shine from right outside her window. Zecora stops what she’s doing in order to take a look outside her hut.

“Tonight seems to be in quite a state, and to think things have been quiet as of late,” she watches as the flames from Discord make its way through the brush. “I think it may be wise to leave, that thing bears ill intent I believe,” Zecora puts out the fire burning under her cauldron, packs whatever she can, and leaves her hut in a rush. What Zecora doesn’t know is that while she heads to Ponyville, Discord’s magic begins to work its way into the hearts and minds of those dwelling within the forest.

Manticores, cockatrices, Fruit bats, timber wolves, and many other creatures become enthralled by his will. The more the flames begin to seep into the sleeping creatures the more are turned…

“Ugh, my head…” Celestia grumbles. Her disoriented vision can’t seem to focus upon anything. “Did-did I eat all the cake again?” she turns over to face Luna.

“Ah sister, thou art awake. No thou did not eat thine cakes again.” Luna says from nearby.

“I’m hungry,” Celestia trails off before licking her lips, “Do we have any cake?”

“No sister we don’t have any cake, you know this.” Luna sounds annoyed.

“But, delicious pastries…” she whines.

“Celestia, thou art going to have to cope with thine circumstances there is no—“Luna fumbles over her words when Celestia cuts her off.

“Cake is really yummy, and I want it all in my tummy,” she sings before promptly falling back into a state of unconsciousness with her tongue lolling out of her mouth.

Luna groans, “We believe we bucked thou a little too hard…” She looks to the planet yet again. What little bit of a good mood she had seemed to disappear every time she looked over it. Lately Luna can’t help but feel as though something major is about to occur, as though all the pieces lying upon the board were falling into place…

Author's Note

The first and final battle is about to begin.
Just how far will the Everfree Creatures go to do Discord's bidding?
Will Anon be able to stop them?
Is Fluttershy's plan ruined?
Will Friendship win out?

Find out in the next chapter.

Chapter Ninteen: Discord's Plan Revealed and The Everfree's Invasion of Ponyville

//------------------------------//
// Chapter Nineteen: Discord's Plan Revealed and The Everfree's Invasion of Ponyville// Story: Living the Good Life// by Aetherpony//------------------------------//

The subtle hint of raspberries tickles your senses, causing you to stir from your slumber. You sigh happily before your eyes flutter open. You’re greeted to the site of Eris’ dishevelled mane and horns. Luckily you weren’t impaled by them in your sleep.

At some point during the night Eris decided to use your chest as a pillow. Not that you’re complaining, but getting up to use the restroom will make not waking her up impossible. And she’s sleeping so peacefully too. She moans happily in her sleep before nuzzling into your chest. It’s too bad you’re going to have to interrupt her little dream.

You nudge her gently, “Hey Eris, I need to get up.” You say quietly. Eris lets out a yawn of protest.

“Just five more minutes,” She pretends to fall back asleep. This time you shake her.

“Come on lazy bones get up,” You chuckle.

“Grr, no!” she swats your hand away.

“What, are you going to use me as a pillow for a few more hours?”

“That’s the plan.” You see Eris’ fangs point out from behind her own tired grin.

“I’m kinda running on a full bladder here Eris.” You warn, her eyes pop open and she sneers at you.

“Fine, you win, jerk.” She gets off of you and you rush out of the room. You take this time to go over your morning routine. After your shower, your bathroom run, and brushing your teeth you step out of your bathroom to find Eris floating by your door with her arms crossed.

“Okay, you took care of yourself; now get back in my bed.” She orders.

“Wow, a little hasty there aren’t ya? We’ve only gone out twice.” You give her a smarmy grin.

“Don’t give me that bullshit, you know what I mean.” Judging by Eris’ half lidded gaze she doesn’t seem to be in the mood for your shenanigans. You put your hands up defensively.

“Alright, alright, fine, no need to be mad.” You walk with her back to her room. Right when you open the door you find Discord floating in the center of the room. He’s sporting a smug grin as he eyes the two of you.

“Good, you’re awake. I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” His cheerful voice is a little off-putting. When Eris sees him she voices out her displeasure.

“Damn it daddy, get out of my room.” Eris growls, anger apparent in her voice.

“Oh come now Eris, you had your fun time with Anonymous yesterday.” When Discord floats over to you he puts his lion’s limb around you and pulls you over to his side. “Today he’s going to be spending some time with his other friends.” As Discord tries to lead you out of the room you find yourself unable to move. Eris has grabbed hold of your arm.

“What happens if I say he’s staying with me?” Eris glares at her father.

“Eris, that’s implying you HAVE a say. I’ve played your little game; you got to act like you were the boss, the game is over Eris.” When her father looks down upon her she reluctantly loosens her grip on you. He smiles in triumph. “Good girl, when the day is at an end you MIGHT get to play with your little toy again.” You could feel the familiar boiling feeling in your stomach. You thought you were past your anger.

But here he is referring to you as if you were some sort of object; as if you were an item merely to be used when someone is looking for entertainment. You can never predict how this guy is going to act. One day he’s nice, the other he seems helpful, and even then he can still manage to act like an evil entity. He’s like one of those sociopaths you saw on TV back on Earth.

As the two of you step into the hallway Eris calls out, “Anonymous isn’t an object Dad.” Discord chuckles.

“Your fascination with this human is amusing Eris.” He pushes you towards your room so he can turn back to look into his daughter’s room. “But at the same time your infatuation is starting to annoy me, and trust me when daddy’s angry, nopony will have peace.” With a snap of his claws he causes her door in her face. Then it slams shut and locks.

He turns to you, his smile gone. “Come Anonymous, there is much I need to discuss with you.” He motions toward your bedroom door. You size up Discord for a moment before walking into your room. Discord floats in shortly after. As he shuts your door he sighs. “I’ve grown tired of this game,” He states before turning your way.

“Why do you keep referring to everything as a game Discord?” you ask while making your way over to your dresser.

“Because it is! EVERYTHING is a game to me, Anonymous. I am the most powerful being to ever wander this planet. Queen Oscura, Queen Chrysalis, King Gale, Kings Glaurung and Griaule, all of them combined and they still cannot compare to me. All of you are living your lives as I dictate.” His little explanation causes you to groan out of frustration.

“You’re talking to me like I know who any of them are! And who pissed in your breakfast? I swear you’re laid back one second and a raging tyrant the next! Is it your time of the month or something?” You shake your head.

“I am whoever I want to be Anonymous. If it suits my needs, and leads me to my goals I’ll act however I want, but when the pieces I put into the game do not act to my specifications I get a little irritated.” Discord chuckles before picking up one of the elements to examine it.

“And just what is that supposed to mean?” you ask while putting on your clothes.

“It means your indecision is breaking the rules I’ve set Anonymous.” When you button up your jeans you respond.

“I thought you hated rules Discord? Isn’t me going against what you want, what you want?”

He chuckles heartily, “Yes, yes it is. It’s fantastic while being absolutely infuriating!” he shouts with joyfully. “You’ve exceeded my expectations and I couldn’t be happier; yet I just can’t help from feeling contempt every time I think of what your decision is going to be.” He adds before placing the element back on your dresser.

“And what is my decision? Since you seem to know so damn much why don’t you tell me?” you ask while putting on a pair of socks.

“Your decision is that you’re not going to make one!” Discord states proudly before getting uncomfortably close to you. For once since your arrival you can truly see the torrent of chaos locked within his gaze, it causes you to shiver in fear. “You’ve hit an impasse Anonymous. On one hand you’re friends with ponies in Equestria, and on the other you’re friends with my daughters. And one of them even has a little crush on you.” He starts to float back and forth around you, as if he’s pacing.

“You’re torn because you don’t want to give up either side. You wish to have your cake and eat it too. It does not work that way.” Discord turns to you with a sinister grin. “Anonymous, MY side is the bad side. It always has been. I feel merry when I tear into the order of one’s mind and set it astray. I love watching creatures far and wide try to adapt to the chaotic mess I set them in!” Discord goes back to pacing around in front of you.

“You’re supposed to hate me and everything associated with me. You’re supposed to side with those infernal ponies and give them The Elements of Harmony!” His calm and even tone being replaced with sudden yelling has you backing away. “GOOD TRIUMPHS AND EVIL FAILS THAT’S HOW IT MUST BE! And do you want to know why Anonymous?” You move further back to your bed.

“Why?” you ask once you’re sitting at the foot of your bed. He seems more than delighted to tell you.

“Because that’s how I want it to be! I WANT to lose!” His evil laughter echoes throughout your room. “The reason why I let you be friends with Twilight and the others is because I wanted you to set them on the right path. I wanted you to get them ready to imprison me again.” Discord explains before reclining in the air. When he’s comfortable he continues. “I didn’t care who else you helped. Lyra, Bon-Bon, Big Macintosh, all of them hold no meaning to me. None of them are as important as those six.” Discord starts to examine his lion’s claws.

“If you didn’t make friends with them, or at least make them go back to their old selves then YOU would be the useless one, and I would have disposed of you as such.” Discord flashes you a grin while flexing his lion’s claws. “But as I’ve said, you’ve gone above and beyond my expectations. You do not have to worry about that, because there is no way I’m going to dispose of you, not when the endgame is within sight!”

You take this time to put on your shirt; you’re trying to get dressed as quickly as possible. This, Discord saying all of these things, you can’t stand it. The reason why you can’t is because the more he speaks the more insane he seemingly becomes. What kind of creature would want to be beaten? Who would want eternal imprisonment?

Though, the mere thought of all of this being a game, that apprehensive idea, the fact that it’s true. Knowing that your time here really was for the amusement of a chaos god, you stop putting on your shoes.

“What’s wrong Anonymous?! What happened to that drive of yours? Hurry up and get dressed so you can go out and help Rainbow Dash!” Discord mockingly exclaims.

“You know I heard a saying once, that the only winning move is not to play.” You turn to face Discord.

“What do you mean?” His fiery enthusiasm is all but extinguished.

“I’m saying no, Discord. I’m not going to help Rainbow Dash, and those ponies are not going to get the Elements.” You walk over to Discord and stand face to face with him. “Your game is at an end Discord.” And with that you step around him and walk out of the room or at least you try.

Discord didn’t seem to like that sort of response. You find yourself pinned to your wall with your feet dangling helplessly. You’re forced to look into his red irises yet again.

“NO! You are not pulling that stunt on me Anonymous; it will not end like that!” He shouts, “Oh you will play, you’re not getting out of this. You could try to leave. Maybe start a new life in Boardor or the Griffin Kingdoms.” He explains a few hypothetical scenarios for you, “But no matter where you go you’ll find yourself back here courtesy of me. You’re far too important to be put out of my game.” He cackles madly, “You’re going to see this through to the end whether you want to or not, though there is one thing you must keep in mind. While this may be a game, the friends you’ve made here, the lives you’ve touched, the ponies that have come to enjoy your company, that’s all real.” When your eyes widen his smile does in turn. “You want to quit now? You really want to abandon them? The only ones you’ve ever liked in your pathetic existence?”

“Ooh yes, I can see it now. Twilight and the others lose hope because one selfish human couldn’t bite the bullet and play along. Chaos reigns supreme, all your work undone.” Discord’s expression turns sinister. “In fact, that doesn’t sound unappealing, maybe you quitting isn’t such a bad idea after all!” His grip on you tightens. He wouldn’t. Actually, judging by that psychotic grin he’s sporting, yes he would.

“NO!” you find yourself shouting, “No, I’ll-I’ll play,” Discord’s crazed smile softens when you give in.

“You are wise to do so Anonymous. I would have gladly waited another century for a second human to come along.” You breathe a sigh of relief when Discord finally lets you go. You take this time to move around him and back to your shoes. “Oh wait, you’ll need the elements!” Discord states while picking up and holding all six artifacts. “You’ll probably need a backpack or something too, I’ll be back.” He disappears in a purple flash.

Looks like you’re going to get to go through another headache yet again. You grunt in displeasure before tying up your shoes and heading out into the hall. When you turn to look down the darkened hallway leading to Twilight’s library you find Eris floating at the threshold.

“Hey,” you halfheartedly murmur before walking over. Judging by her downcast glance it seems as though she feels guilty for the part she’s played in all of this.

“So daddy told you everything huh?” She doesn’t look up to meet your gaze.

“Yeah he did, frankly I don’t know whether to feel angry or betrayed or what.” You shrug.

“Yeah dad has a tendency to throw people for a loop.” Eris admits with a nervous chuckle.

“So, I have to ask, the time I’ve spent with you guys, was it all a game to you too?”

“We aren’t our father Anonymous, you’re not some object to Screwball and I.” Eris gives you a reassuring smile. “He’s obsessed with chaos. So much so he doesn’t care who he brings into it. While we enjoy a little here and there we aren’t consumed by it.”

Do you have any idea what he’s up to right now?”

Eris answers back with a shrug. “He hasn’t said a thing to me,” you walk over and lean on the wall next to her. “What about you? Are you really going to do what dad wants?”

You nod, “I don’t really have a choice in the matter, but it goes without saying that I’ve still got a trick or two up my sleeve.” You smirk.

“Oh? Do tell,” Eris seems interested in what you’ve got in mind.

“I think I’m gonna keep it to myself until the time’s right.” She groans out of disappointment, but she doesn’t press the matter.

“Fine,” Discord materializes in a column of purple light, backpack in claw. You catch a glimpse of the elements before he zips it up.

“Alright, I’ve got the elements ready to go. Before I forget, there’s something I need to tell you, Anonymous.” As Discord speaks he hands off the backpack to you.

“What is it?” You start putting on your pack.

“Ponyville is experiencing a heavy downpour of chaos. Have fun.” Discord’s cocky grin doesn’t instill any confidence. Of course he’d make things harder for you. If you were able to get Dash without any problems were would be the fun in that? With Pinkie you had a food fight, with Applejack there was the rape accusation, and with Fluttershy you had to beat her.

Rarity and Twilight cured themselves; at least they were the easiest. With the straps adjusted you depart leaving Eris with Discord.

“Did you really have to act like that?” she asks before turning to her father.

“Oh come on Eris can’t I have fun once in a while? I’m sure Anonymous didn’t take what I said to heart.” He waves his paw in a dismissive fashion.

“Whatever you say daddy,” Eris shrugs before moving around him, “You do realize he takes what you say seriously, right?” As she makes her way to her room he turns to her.

“Well how else do I give him incentive to go against me? If I acted all buddy-buddy with him he wouldn’t be going to Ponyville right now.” Discord retorts while pointing to the darkened portion of the hallway. “So, does Anonymous have anything planned?” Eris smiles before turning to her father, sporting a grin.

“It’s a secret, daddy.” She then floats into her room and slams the door shut behind her. Discord’s eyes widen before he flies over to her door.

“What secret?! Tell me! I must know! There cannot be a single factor hidden from me!” he starts banging on her door. “Give me a hint at least!”

“Okay!” Eris says with glee from behind her door. Discord’s smile widens as he puts his ear to her door. “It’s a total game changer, daddy.” Discord nods in understanding.

“What makes it that way?”

“You said you wanted a hint and you got it.” With that Eris floats over to her bed.

”Somehow I knew she wasn’t going to tell me anything.” Disappointment is clear in his voice, “Oh well, at least I have a show to look forward to…”

As you crawl out of your bed in the basement and make your way up the stairs; the sound of loud banging calls your attention. As you step out of the basement you find Spike trying to hold up a barricade at the front door. His little body is pushed aside every time something from outside rams the door.

“Hey, Anonymous! You couldn’t have come at a better time.” Spike says nervously before piling more books onto his barricade. “What’s in the bag?” he points to it.

“I got the Elements of Harmony.” Relief washes over the little dragon’s face.

“Oh that’s great, cause we kinda need those right now.” He points to the door.

“Why, what’s going on outside?” You start to walk over. Before Spike can answer you watch as a section of the tree the library is built in is chewed away by a group of what Twilight referred to as Parasprites.

The two of you watch as everything is chewed away on that section but the door and barricade. You spot a squad of timber wolves trying to ram their way in. You look past the timber wolves to find that Ponyville is completely overrun with various animals. Ponies scream in fear and run as manticores give chase.

Others cry out in protest as parasprites eat away their livelihood. Timber wolves cause mayhem by chewing up stalls, ramming down doors, and chasing ponies. You spot various fires on rooftops, and dust clouds kicked up from where houses have already fallen. You and Spike stand side by side and marvel at the sight around.

“Huh. So THAT’S what Discord meant by chaos.” You say while pointing to everything going on outside. With nothing keeping the timber wolves at bay they rush in and start chewing on the books. They don’t seem to care about either you or the little dragon. It’s as if neither of you are even there to them. You’re eerily calm about all of this.

“Seems like it.” Spike says before glancing over to the timber wolves tearing up the books. You notice he makes no attempt to rescue any of them

“Aren’t you gonna…?” you point to the damage being done.

“Nah everything will be fine.” Spike reassures. You look over the little dragon.

“You’re freaking out aren’t you?”

“Oh you have no idea.” You clap your hands together and hold them.

“Well I’m gonna go out there and see what I can do to help.”

“Yeah go ahead, also Twilight went to Town Hall when it all started. Might wanna find her, I’ll hold the fort down here.”

“Alrighty then, see ya.” You wave goodbye to the little dragon before cautiously stepping over a timber wolf. The one you step over appears to be chewing on a history book of some sort. As you step out into the town and look at all the damage being caused you have to say that you’re taking it astonishingly well. In all actuality you’re losing it on the inside.

There are so many fires and homes that have been torn apart. You find hurt ponies crying while others are screaming for help, who do you help? Where could your friends be? Where are the Town Guards if this town has any? Your thoughts are interrupted when you find a few earth ponies cornered by a manticore.

The hulking beast towers over them. It unleashes a feral roar and they clutch to each other in fear. You look to a piece of a broken fence post lying nearby. Without wasting any time you run over and grab hold of it. Wielding it like a bat you run over to the manticore. You smack the post against the side of its head while it’s distracted. The beat crumples like a deck of cards.

“Huh, that was easy.” You start looking over the earth ponies you’ve rescued. They look up to you with fear filled eyes.

“Oh, it’s Anonymous.” One of the stallions says in disbelief before picking himself and his friend up.

“Yeah it’s me, what happened here?” You motion to the destruction around you.

“It’s horrible!” the other stallion shouts, “We were minding our own business when suddenly these monsters started stampeding out of the Everfree! Some of the Town Guard was escorting us to Town Hall but we got separated.” That’s enough of an explanation to go on.

“Discord, you’re an asshole,” you say to yourself, “Can you two make it to Town Hall from here?” When they nod you point in the direction of the Mayor’s building. “Get goin’ then. I’m gonna see if I can help out anyone else.” You start surveying the immediate area. The two thank you before galloping away.

You take this time to think of the options available. At this point you know Twilight is at Town Hall and if the town’s ponies are being brought there then Pinkie and the others are probably there too. There’s also the possibility that they’re stuck in their homes much like Spike was, and as you saw there are plenty of stragglers around town, so what do you do? You sigh to yourself before coming up with what you believe to be the most obvious solution. You’re going to go around and see if you can help any other ponies that were left behind.

With that you use your ears in order to seek out ponies calling for help. That doesn’t take long as you hear the screams of some fillies nearby, today is going to be a long day…

You spend the next couple of hours running around town with your trusty fence post piece. Like the first manticore, you take the opportunity to hit them when they aren’t paying attention. One blow to the head is all it takes; you figured they would be made out of some tougher stuff. Then again, their skulls could be softer in the back. You don’t know; you’re not an expert on the animals here. During your little search and rescue mission the ones who didn’t go to Town Hall after you helped out stuck with you.

After some time passed you found yourself leading a small group comprised of three unicorn mares, two pegasus stallions, one earth pony mare, and yourself. The buildings that they helped you get to: Sugarcube Corner, Carousel Boutique, and The Latte Café were all deserted aside from a few timber wolves. At least a good part of the populace managed to make it to the center of town. The more you think about it the more it seems like heading there yourself would be for the best.

After all if you could talk to Twilight and the others you’re sure you could come up with some way to stop Discord’s latest scheme, plus you could really use a break you’re not used to running around like this. Your companions were more than willing to go to Town Hall. Some had family there while others wanted to hear what the Mayor had to say about all of this.

Along the way you couldn’t help but feel lucky that the ponies you were helping were being harassed by manticores rather than the timber wolves. You doubted you could do anything against a creature made of wood. You were still in shock that you did anything to those manticores.

Then again, sneaking up on something when it’s distracted isn’t a hard thing to accomplish. After a few minutes of walking you collapse in front of a bridge leading to Town Hall. The muscles in your legs send sparks of pain shooting through you every time you bend them. Whatever adrenaline you were running on has since run out.

The two armor clad ponies stationed there helped move your tired body on to the bridge itself. They were kind enough to help you lean against the side of it and offer you some water from one of their canteen. You feel relief wash over you when you look over the golden armor these ponies wear upon their bodies and heads. Finally some form of authority, protection ponies can somewhat count on.

You were so used to not seeing any of them that you thought this town had nothing more than a local militia. No real weapons or armor, just volunteers willing to put themselves in harm’s way. When you ask the guard why he gave you his canteen, he informs you that the ponies you rescued mentioned that they were rescued by you, and that he felt that he needed to help you out.

As you take a few drinks from the guard’s canteen your companions leave you to rest while they join up with the mound of ponies standing in front of Town Hall. You take this time to look out to the disrepair the town has fallen into. Parasprites chow down on roof tops, timber wolves tear into bags and closed doors, and manticores continue to prowl around looking for food.

All in all they avoid the center of town; content with causing damage to the surrounding area. You hope nopony is hurt… Judging by the fires that have started you know there’ll probably be a few who didn’t make it. Just how many guards does this town have and why aren’t they out there doing their job?

There are four in total guarding the bridge you’re on. There are two by the center of town and two on the outside. The other two bridges have the same amount of guards. So there’s at least a dozen stationed in this town. How many more are in that mob of multi colored ponies? How many are out there trying to help the others?

“Hey uh, guard pony.” One of the two at the outer end of the bridge turns your way.

“Yes citizen?”

“How many of you are out here anyway? I only see twelve.” You state while motioning to the other guards.

“In total there are twenty-four of us in this town. The crime rate is non-existent here so an entire regiment is un-necessary. But because of the Everfree this town gets more of us stationed here than most. In fact towns like Tall Tale and Hollow Shades have no more than a dozen each.” He adds before trotting over to you.

”You’re very forthcoming with information,” you’re surprised by his willingness to divulge guard numbers to you. The guard shrugs.

“I’ve heard what the ponies here said about you, and I saw what you did for the mail mare. I doubt you’ll be leading an invasion against us, but just in case, this will be our little secret.” The guard laughs nervously before looking towards his post partner. Said guard shoots the one talking to you a glare before resuming his watch over the town. “Anyway, do you have any more questions?”

“Yeah, how many are at Town Hall, and how many are in town?” You lean forward to look into town yet again. Nothing seems to have changed since the last time you looked at it.

“Six are with Mayor Mare, and six are in town escorting ponies to Town Hall, however the guards out in town haven’t come back in over an hour.” You were expecting as much, and here Discord said he didn’t like hurting ponies with his chaotic magic.

You really have to learn to stop believing anything that Draconequus says. The sound of a microphone being tapped on turns your attention towards Town Hall. You find that the mob of ponies have silenced their conversations in order to give the mare walking up to a podium their full attention. You assume this to be the mayor.

An older mare, tan in color and grey in mane, continues to tap upon the microphone until virtually every single pony is looking her way. At this point your little companion returns to his post. She adjusts her spectacles for a moment before clearing her throat.

“Attention Everypony.” She calls out, “it has come to my attention that the efforts of the Town Guard will not be enough. The creatures of the Everfree have seen fit to not only damage our property, but to hinder our efforts to rescues those still in town.”

She goes on to say that if there are any volunteers willing to go out into town to help those trapped, to speak up now. You’ve never seen these ponies so quiet before. The ones you’d expect to volunteer are Applejack, Twilight, Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Rarity. The five of them inform the town that they’ll do whatever they can to help the ponies in need. You watch as Zecora, Big Macintosh, Mocha Latte, and two others join them on stage for a total of ten ponies.

When they step off and into the crowd the Mayor gives them what you feel to be a proper send off. She wishes them the best of luck and to come back safety among other things of that nature. They wade through the crowd and over to the bridge you’re reclining on. At this point the burning sensation in your legs seems to have died down enough for you to stand.

“Hey guys.” You greet Twilight and the others as they make it to the bridge. Twilight shows immediate relief.

“Anon! It’s great to see you made it safe and sound. How’s Spike?” her voice is frantic.

“He’s doing well, but the library is…” you trail off.

“It’s what Anon?”

“Parasprites kinda, ate half of it, and then Timber Wolves started eating your books.” You finish with nervous laughter. Twilight takes on this thousand yard stare. You watch as parts of her mane become disheveled. Her entire body begins to shake as your words really start to sink in. “Twilight are yo—s” She interrupts you by laughing in a way that sends chills down your spine. She sits in front of you and her eyes seem to separate. One looks at the left side of the bridge, the other looks to the right.

“Anon, now’s not the time for jokes, silly!” you find yourself afraid of this little unicorn.

“Twilight I’m not joking,” you try to shuffle towards the end of the bridge leading into town. The muscles in Twilight’s neck spasms, causing her entire head to tilt for a moment.

“Soooo everything’s gone? Like… ALL of my books?” She can’t seem to stop laughing in this odd way. The other ponies start to back away from her while staring her down. “WELL THAT’S JUST BUCKING GREAT!” She dons a deranged smile that seems to stretch from ear to ear. You gulp and keep moving away until you’re standing next to the guards. You’ve never seen this side of her before and you can’t say that you like it. When Twilight’s body begins to vibrate uncontrollably you find yourself hiding behind one of the guards. Applejack cautiously makes her way over to her. You can hear Twilight’s neck pop as she turns to look at her.

“Hey Ap-ple Jack, do you know how much it’s going to cost me to replace everything?”

“Uh, ah reckon it’s a lot?” Applejack answers.

“Five thousand, three hundred, and seventeen bits! I’ve counted and recounted the amount twenty times! Heheheheeeeeee!” Applejack inches closer to the cackling unicorn.

“Sugarcub,e ah’m doin this for your own good,” Applejack brings back one of her hooves, then slaps Twilight across the face with it. After the hoof makes contact she shakes off the disorientation.

“Wha… who… huh?” Then the same realization dons on her for a second time and she breaks down in tears. Applejack wraps a hoof around Twilight in hopes of comforting her friend.

“Now now, ah know ya’ll are sore about them timber wolves, but ya’ll can’t change what happened. We’re gonna have to stop them critters before they can do any more harm.” The others agree. Well, all of them but Fluttershy it seems. When she saw you she started cowering behind Big Macintosh. She’ll probably be scared of you for the rest of her life. Twilight nods before sniffling and wiping away her tears.

“You’re right, the town’s ponies come first, besides I’m sure Celestia will understand, if she ever makes it home.”

“Hey Twilight,” you step out from behind the guard. She turns to you, “Where’s that flask I gave you?” you ask before stepping over to the group. Zecora makes her way over and passes you your flask from within her saddlebags. “Thanks.” She nods before stepping back to the others.

“Why do you need it now Anon? Rainbow isn’t around, she’d be over the Everfree,” Twilight’s eyes widen as a possibility begins to dawn on her. “If she’s over the Everfree then the parasprites would have forced her to move. If the swarm was big enough she might have taken shelter in town!” Twilight exclaims before jumping.

“Well, I wanted it because I felt it’d be safe with me, but that sort of changes things, doesn’t it?” You smile, happy to find that something might be going your way.

That makes this process a whole lot easier. If Rainbow had to take shelter in town then all you’ll have to do is go on a little hunt for the Pegasus, and since Twilight and the others are heading in anyway…

“I’m gonna tag along if you don’t mind.” None of the other ponies seem to object to you coming along. Applejack and Fluttershy on the other hand don’t seem to bother answering. Applejack looks away in shame while Fluttershy remains hidden; you’re going to try to clear a few things up on this little venture of yours. The apple farmer and the caretaker are both going to talk to you about what happened whether they like it or not. They’re going to hear you out. And so your group sets out on the town in hopes of cleaning up the mess, and finding the rainbow maned pony…

The sun makes it past it’s midpoint before your group decides to take a break over by the school house. During your search you were able to help out quite a lot of ponies. You and Big Mac worked together to take care of whatever timber wolves or manticores came around. Of course Twilight gave magic support. With that combination the creatures weren’t an issue, though you probably should have brought your fence post. Why'd you leave it back at the bridge?

All in all you’ve managed to help over thirty ponies since you started. At this moment an earth mare named Cheerilee is currently leaving the school house with a group of fillies and colts. Berry Pinch was in that particular group and she felt the need to give your leg a hug before leaving with her classmates.

“Looks like you’ve got a fan, Anon.” Mocha says while playfully bumping your leg with a hoof.

“It’s just cause I’m awesome.” You smirk.

“Are you sure you’re not Rainbow Dash?” Twilight asks while rolling her eyes. You ruffle her mane in response.

“Oh come on Twilight, lighten up.” You chuckle. She shoos your hand away before glaring at you.

“I’ll lighten up when this is all over, also what’s in your backpack?” she asks while looking it over. You take this time to set it down in front of them. When you unzip it and show them the contents inside it they gasp.

“The Elements!” Twilight shouts in utter shock.

“Eeyup.” You zip the backpack back up, and then you reapply the straps to your shoulders. “And you guys aren’t getting them.” The ponies look to you like you’ve just erased all joy from the world.

“What, but why not?!” Twilight nearly screams.

“Yeah Anon, what’s the deal?” Pinkie asks, bouncing in place.

“Why I never,” Rarity comments.

“Now that just ain’t right.” Applejack shakes her head in disappointment. Fluttershy merely whimpers then she turns her gaze to the dirt. The others seem to share the same opinion, in fact they look angry. You step back and hold a hand up.

“Now wait a minute. I hate to play this card, I really do, but there’s some things that need to be set straight. Until then, none of you are getting these elements, I’m talking about you two by the way.” You point to Applejack and Fluttershy; when you finish Applejack nods in understanding. She doesn’t miss a beat, she knows what’s at stake and if talking to you about what happened in her barn helps then she’ll do it.

“Anon, ah feel awful about that day. Not a night goes by where ah don’t think about it at least once. Heck, when ah heard ya’ll were havin dinner at mah place ah stayed outside so ya wouldn’t have to see me,” she trails off while scuffing the ground, “ah know ya’ll aren’t gonna forgive me for what ah done, but ah’m gonna show ya that ah’m a good an honest pony. Ah don’t know how ah’m gonna do it yet, but darn it, ah’ll figure it out eventually!” Applejack looks into your eyes for the rest of her little speech.

You can tell from her gaze alone that she’s telling you the truth. It does more than enough to warm your heart. If only you got to meet the uncorrupted Applejack first. Her words are like a breath of fresh air to you. You wish the city you were forced to reside in could have at least half of this pony’s drive.

“Applejack, coming forward and talking to me is more than enough to prove that you’re a decent pony, but yeah you’re going to have to do a few things for me, I was stuck in a bed for a day.”

She nods, “Ah’m will ta try just about anything.” Determination is apparent in her voice.

“Big Mac on the other hand has already made reparations with his cider.” You laugh.

“Ah don’t know what ya’ll are talkin about. Nnnnnope not at all.” Big Mac seems incapable of maintaining eye contact with anyone around. Half seem to laugh at Mac’s disposition while the others are far too shocked to see him say anything other than one or two words.

In the end that’s one pony down, leaving you with Fluttershy. This one is going to be a little bit harder. Unlike Applejack, with Fluttershy you actually feel as though you were in the wrong. You don’t know why you feel as though you are. You were the victim, she harassed you. She defaced property, she was cruel to others. She should be the one apologizing to you and Twilight.

You walk over to where Fluttershy is busy cowering and kneel. The poor Pegasus can’t seem to stop shivering. She eyes you warily, as if waiting for you to make a move on her. The two of you lock eyes and remain in your respective positions for an untold amount of time. Silence consumes the others as they watch the two of you. They wait for either you to start or for Fluttershy to run away. Finally you open your mouth to speak and Fluttershy shuts her eyes tight.

“I- I’m sorry Anon…” she says, barely above a whisper. You’re forced to have to lean in since you can’t decipher her mumbling.

“What was that Fluttershy?” She raises her head a bit and says loud enough for you to scarcely pick up.

“I’m sorry, about hurting you, and my friends. I-I didn’t mean to,” you can’t tell if the tears forming in Fluttershy’s eyes are from her fear or her guilt. Her voice rises in volume as she goes on, “It-it was awful, like a nightmare I couldn’t wake up from. I kept doing so many mean and nasty things to Twilight, my friends, and my animals,” Fluttershy openly sobs. “I couldn’t help it. I kept breaking everypony’s things, and-and beating ponies up. I stopped feeding my animals, oh Celestia I could see their ribs…”

“And-and you came along. I-I did those things to you too, but-but unlike everypony else you got tired of me.” Here’s where your guilt comes in. As Fluttershy gets to her feet you open your mouth to speak, “N-no Anon, let me say my piece.” She says while trying her hardest to keep from crying. You let her keep going.

“When-when you beat me up, and when I was me again. I thought all my friends w-would abandon me, and I thought everypony in Ponyville hated me. So I hid in my house…” Fluttershy explains while wiping her eyes. The longer she goes on the more you feel your heart wrench in your chest. ”But I-I couldn’t do that. My animals needed me, so I fed them. And when I did they were so happy,” Finally her eyes seems to clear up.

“They didn’t hate me and they didn’t run away. I was so relieved, and when-when I had to go into town nopony yelled at me, nopony tried to hurt me, I didn’t understand. I was such a bad p-pony, why, why were they being so nice to me?” she asks in disbelief.

“They carried on like I did nothing wrong, and that hurt the worst. When I asked them they told me they were happy I was back to normal,” the tears begin anew for the timid Pegasus. “And, and when it came to you I-I couldn’t face you. I never wanted to face any pony after that day, I still don’t.” Her voice starts to crack.

“So what you’re saying is, you weren’t hiding because you were afraid of me?” She shakes her head.

“No Anonymous, I’m not scared of y-you, you’re a nice human. I didn’t hide out of fear, I-I hid out of shame!” When she finishes Fluttershy breaks down and says nothing after that. Your shoulders slouch as you get back to your feet. Having Fluttershy feel this way would have brought you joy a few days ago, but now all you can feel is remorse.

You regret thinking all those horrible things about her. About all the violent ways you’d go about tearing her apart, or how you’d force her to apologize to every pony in town she wronged. You didn’t think for a second that Fluttershy was feeling terrible about what she’d done or how ashamed she was that she acted that way in the first place. You never took her feelings into account. With this, you feel that you’re able to give them what they need.

“Alright, the elements are yours when you need them.” You turn to the others. Twilight and the others smile at you when you say this. Then they walk past you in order to comfort Fluttershy. You move away from them and take a seat upon the grass. After a few minutes pass Twilight levitates a scroll out of Zecora’s saddlebags.

She walks to you while carrying it in her magical grip. When she gets to you she opens it to reveal that she’s actually holding a map. She goes over the markings that indicate Rainbow’s little pattern, but because of recent events they no longer hold any meaning.

As Twilight explained earlier, the Everfree’s parasprites flying into the sky might have forced Rainbow to seek shelter in town. Naturally she would have chosen a home closest to where she was. That meant that she was on the western side of town somewhere. Currently your group is by the school house which is to the north…

Judging by Twilight’s calculations it’ll take seven to ten minutes for your group to make it to the western edge of town. Twilight’s calculations are quite precise, then again this is Twilight; you’d be surprised if her calculations weren’t this accurate.

When Fluttershy is fit to move again you group sets off in hopes of finding Rainbow. The trip to the west side of Ponyville is spent in relative silence save for the quiet gasps made by Fluttershy. Every little snap of a twig or growl of an animal causes her to crane her neck in whatever direction it’s coming from, she’s quite skittish.

“Hey Fluttershy, you alright?” you turn back to face her, and she nearly leaps from the sound of your voice.

“Oh, um, I’m fine, Anon, thanks for asking. It’s just that… normally animals are so well behaved around me, but they aren’t listening to me, I tried everything but they…” she shudders.

“It’ll be fine; as soon as we find Rainbow we’ll be able to fix this, right?” Mocha asks before looking to the others. The element bearers in the group nod. “I have to ask, how in the flaming pits of Tartarus do they work anyway?” she asks while looking over the group. You were hoping for more silence, but Twilight goes into what you’ll forever refer to as: Egghead Mode.

She spends five minutes explaining the legend behind them and how they were used on Nightmare Moon when she made her return. You were tempted to ask who Nightmare Moon was. You don’t recall Twilight mentioning her when she told you about Equestria when you first arrived. Discord made a mention of her as well. But that would entail more of her talking and explaining thing, and you’re not in the mood for that at all. When Twilight finishes her explanation Mocha comes up with a question.

“So, it’s magic?” Mocha asks.

“To put it simply, yes.” Mocha groans out of frustration before shaking her head.

“It’s ALWAYS buckin magic, stupid unicorns and their horns and their not making sense…” she trails off while kicking at a loose pebble.

“Jealousy is unbecoming of a lady.” Rarity murmors quietly’ Mocha cranes her neck to look Rarity’s way.

“What was that?” You throw your hands up in defeat.

“Oh boy, here we fuckin go…” you say before Mocha starts shouting obscenities. You spend the next few minutes hearing the two mares go back and forth. When you finally reach your destination you, Twilight, and the others survey the area. The parasprites hit this place pretty hard. Most of the buildings have collapsed due to having their foundations chewed away. Others are only barely managing to stand, and it’s so quiet.

Only six houses in the immediate area seem to be fit enough to use for shelter. As you move over to them Mocha’s volume seems to rise even higher. The white unicorn maintains her composure throughout the entire argument, until Mocha insults her hair. You learned a valuable lesson that day: Never insult Rarity’s hairstyle. The sound of glass shattering could be heard when Rarity’s eyes snap open.

“Oh, it. Is. On!” She shouts before leaping over to Mocha. A cartoony cloud of violence erupts around the two mares as they fight. The sound of two cats wailing at each other only adds to the little scene playing out before your eyes. The flailing of hooves can be seen as both try to gain the upper hand. And slowly they start to move in the direction of the six remaining homes.

Twilight and the others try to break up the fight but to no avail, so your group watches in horror as they move into the first home. Within seconds it comes crumbling down, and still those two are going at it completely unaffected. They emerge from the rubble and move on to the next house, the same things happens to the first.

“You know, I’m starting to notice a repeating pattern.” You take a seat and watch the fight drag on in comfort.

“You don’t say, Anonymous.” Twilight says before sitting next to you. As Rarity and Mocha move on to the fourth home you can’t help but catch the rubble of the second moving. Your eyes narrow and you lean in; yeah it’s definitely moving alright.

“Hey guys,” your voice trails off as you find yourself compelled to investigate. As you move closer to the rubble it parts a bit.

A single, gray hoof shoots out of it. It figuratively grasps at the sky for a moment before falling limply onto a piece of broken wood. You cautiously make your way over to the single hoof sticking out of the rubble. When you get close enough you nudge it with your foot, there’s no response. Suddenly you hear a mare groaning in pain from underneath.

“Yup, that’s Dashie!” Pinkie calls from right next to you. You shout in surprise before clutching to your chest. It takes a few moments for you to calm down. Pinkie waits for you to relax bouncing in place as she does so.

“H-how can you tell?” you ask when your chest settles.

“It’s so super simple Nonny, watch!” Pinkie lies on her back and flails her hoof sluggishly while moaning. “Ugh, I think I had too much cake last night…” Pinkie moans. Her tongue lolls lazily out of her mouth for emphasis. She’s back on her hooves in a flash. “She sounds JUST like that when she parties too much!” Pinkie says with a giggle, “But I don’t know how you could party TOO much. There’s never enough partying where—“and you stop listening in after that. Pinkie’s mouth starts to move a mile a minute as she rants on about parties and chocolate milk. How does that even… Pinkie Pie. The rest of your group finally makes their way over to you.

“Good job guys, you found her!” Twilight shouts with joy. Thankfully this stops Pinkie's rant. “But, we should probably pull her out of there.” Your grip tightens on your flask.

“As soon as we pull her out, and when she’s with it, keep her held down.” Twilight looks to you and nods. Admittedly you’re a little nervous. This will be your first meeting with this particular pony, you have no idea what to expect. Whatever is in store for you, you can only hope you’re ready…

Author's Note

Here we are guys, we're near the end. The next chapter is the finale.
Will Zecora's Concoction work on Rainbow Dash like it did Anon?
Will they be able to defeat Discord and bring harmony back to Equestria?
Does Discord have another trick up his sleeve?

Find out in the final chapter.

Chapter Twenty: The Everfree Invasion Comes to a Close and Anon Makes His Final Choice

//------------------------------//
// Chapter Twenty: The Everfree Invasion Comes to a Close and Anon Makes His Final Choice// Story: Living the Good Life// by Aetherpony//------------------------------//

Rarity and Mocha’s fight finally comes to an end after the final house in the area crumbles to the ground in a heap of broken wood and metal. When they calmed down, they started blaming each other for the damage that was done. At least they were until both noticed your group surrounding a gray pony.

That caused them to form a truce of sorts, after all they found who they were looking for; at least they hoped. When they approached and saw that you had managed to find Rainbow Dash they were ecstatic. Any hostility in the air seemed to vanish at that very moment. Now the ten of you wait on Rainbow to awaken. While she sleeps you drag her away from the rubble and onto an open patch of grass. She stirs after some time has passed; she lets out a low groan before rubbing her head with her hooves.

“Wha, what happened? I think I got hit by a train?” When Rainbow sees you she is on her hooves in an instant, “Whoa, what the heck are you?!” Rainbow screeches in surprise. Twilight and the others take this time to keep Rainbow grounded. “Not you losers! Lemme go!” she wriggles in hopes of breaking free. Her hopes are dashed when Twilight’s magic comes into play.

Without any way to gain leverage, Rainbow is forced on to her back and her wings are stuck to her sides. She still grunts and groans in hopes of somehow breaking out of Twilight’s hold. When you see the unicorn start to sweat you realize that time is not on your side in this venture. You have Macintosh and the others give you some room so you can kneel next to the Pegasus.

As you take the top off of your flask you try to calm Rainbow down. “Hey Rainbow, my name is Anonymous. Don’t worry, I’m here to help you get better.” The fearful gaze Rainbow casts your way tells you that you are doing a poor job of doing that.

“Like I’d believe that you freaky buckin’ monkey! You’re with those lame ponies over there! I know you’re bad news!” She shouts as she tries to escape again.

“Well, looks like we’re going to have to do things the hard way. Probably the worst first impression I’ve made on a pony since, well, since I got here.” You say more to yourself than to the others. “I know this looks bad, but I need you to keep your mouth open,” you motion to your flask. Rainbow instantly shuts her trap and gives you a defiant glare. “Twilight,” you sigh.

“I got it, just hurry up.” Twilight voice sounds strained, she’s sweating bullets, but she’s able to help. Slowly but surely, Rainbow’s jaw is lowered enough for you to pour Zecora’s concoction down her throat. You waste no time in tilting the flask and pouring the contents into Rainbow’s open maw. She tries to turn her head in order to spit the liquid out but Twilight forces her mouth shut.

That’s when you come in. You lean in and squeeze her nostrils shut. The two of you stare each other down for a few moments.

“If you don’t swallow what I gave you then you’re going to suffocate.” You say calmly. Rainbow moans out a response but the meaning is lost since she can’t actually speak. You assume she told you to kiss her flank and that she can hold her breath for a long time or something. You can play the waiting game with her. Within a minute the redness in Rainbow’s eyes becomes more and more apparent. Her gray face turns a darker shade from the lack of air.

When you hear Rainbow gulp the liquid down you let go of her nostrils. Immediately Twilight loses her grip on Rainbow, and the Pegasus tries her best to take off into the sky. All the while she’s wheezing up a storm and clutching her throat in agony. Just like you she has to deal with the overwhelming burning that comes with drinking that medicine.

She makes it a good twenty feet into the sky before her entire body goes slack. She hits the ground back first and makes no motion to stand after that; everyone except you and Zecora rush to Rainbow’s aide. You’re a little shocked by this turn of events. Sure it was easy to get Rainbow to drink, but you weren’t expecting her to take off. You hope she didn’t break anything. Though there is one thing on your mind that calls your attention.

“Zecora?” The little zebra turns your way. “How long do you think it’ll take for Rainbow to uh, get rid of her impurities?” You motion to the incapacitated Pegasus.

“The time it will take I cannot tell, it may take longer considering she fell.” Zecora answers before slowly making her way over to the group. She has them part for her so she can examine Rainbow. After a few moments of Zecora examining her skull and listening to her heartbeat she nods. “Rainbow is fighting inside, this much is true,” Zecora turns your way and raises her voice, “Anonymous, we may not have to wait for as long as I did for you!”

You pray that Rainbow will take less than eight hours. You doubt this town will last that long at the rate it’s going. Those animals will only be entertained by the ruins of the outer area for so long.

“Guys! Look!” Pinkie exclaims before pointing to Rainbow Dash. Curiosity getting the better of you, you make your way over to the group. What you see shocks you. The color has started to work its way down Rainbow. They start from the tip of her mane, and it works its way down at an agonizingly slow pace. Within a minute a few locks of hair regain their multiple colors. At the rate it’s going Dash here should have fully recovered within an hour, maybe two or so tops.

You can see why her friends call her Rainbow Dash. Her mane is quite the sight and only a few locks have regained their color, though you can’t marvel for long. The sound of animals growling around you calls your attention. As you look around the area you discover timber wolves, manticores, and many other variations of Everfree creatures. Without wasting any more time you pick up Dash and throw her on your shoulder. When she’s set you turn to Twilight and the others.

“We need to get back to Town Hall now.” You tell them. You do not wait for a response. You break out into a jog and head towards the center of town. The others are hot on your trail.

While it would have been great if you were able to avoid conflict your luck wouldn’t allow it. Five minutes into it you have to duck under manticore swipes. Timber wolves that run alongside you take turns biting at your legs. As you run you realize that more creatures have joined in on the chase.

Desperation sets in as magic and hooves start flying in hopes of knocking away some of the creatures. Applejack’s legs, Twilight’s magic, Big Mac’s strength, they use everything they have at their disposal. Finally Town Hall is within sight; your bastion is within reach. You’re the first to run past the guards, followed by Twilight, Big Mac, Zecora, Mocha, and the others.

The town guards positioned at the front of each bridge retreats to the center of town. When the guards watching over the center of town see the stampede coming for the bridges they spring into action. Every available unicorn guard works together to erect a translucent cyan dome that encases Town Hall and the rest of the immediate area. The towns ponies within the dome look on in shock. All of the Everfree creatures that attacked the town concentrate on doing everything they can to get through the dome. Claws join razor sharp teeth as the animals throw everything they have at it.

You have no idea how much power six unicorn guards have at their disposal. You can only hope they can keep this barrier erected long enough for Rainbow to recover. You and the rest of the Mane Six wade through the crowds and over to Town Hall, where the mayor awaits. She ushers you into the building. You don’t bother trying to take in the décor of the interior. Your only point of focus is on the solitary brown couch that sits on the right side of the room.

Once you place Rainbow upon it you make your way past Twilight and the others in order to go back outside. You stop in the middle of the room and remove your backpack from your shoulders.

“Here,” you say before casually tossing your backpack to Twilight. You watch as her magenta aura surrounds the bag. She carefully sets it next to the couch. “As soon as Rainbow gets with it you get that element of hers around her neck and get outside.” As you turn to head out you cast one last glance upon Rainbow. The entirety of her rainbow colored mane and half of the fur covering her face have regained their rightful colors. You never thought her fur would be cyan, it suits her.

“What are you going to do?” Twilight asks as starts to remove the artifacts from your bag. Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy take hold of their respective elements.

“I’m gonna go out there and see if I can find Lyra or Bon-Bon. I didn’t spot either of them in the crowd.” You state before opening the door and stepping out.

“I hope you find them Anon, and be careful.” Twilight calls out to you. As you shut the door behind you Twilight and the others turn their attention back to Rainbow Dash…

You take your time, looking over every pony you could within the immediate area. You spend a good half an hour scanning over the droves of pastel colored equines. While a few ponies seemed to share a similar color scheme to both Bon-Bon and Lyra, you were disappointed with the fact that you failed to spot either of them.

“Anon!” you hear a familiar voice call; you turn to the source to find Bon-Bon galloping towards you. She comes skidding to a stop a few feet from your legs.” Have you seen Lyra?! Turner and I have been looking everywhere!” She starts looking over the ponies around you.

“I’ve been looking, but I haven’t had any luck,” you trail off. Bon-Bon’s expression turns to a look of pure horror.

“Oh no, what if she’s still out there?” You nearly jump when she latches on to your leg, “Anon, we have to do something!” Her eyes start to line with tears as she waits for you to say something, anything that can put her at ease. You sigh to yourself before looking towards the guards.

“I-I could probably get them to let me out of here. If they do I’ll go out and find her,” Bon-Bon’s hug on your leg gets tighter.

“Oh thank you thank you thank you!” She squeals with joy. Her sudden cheerful demeanor stops as she looks to you questioningly. “Wait, you mean WE will go out there and find her,” Bon-Bon tries to correct you. You had it right the first time. You’re not having Bon-Bon go out there.

Without wings or a horn, you don’t see her lasting long against those Everfree animals. You shake your head and Bon-Bon’s expression turns angry before she lets go of your leg.

“Anon, she’s my friend too! I’m not going to just sit here on my plot and do nothing while you go out alone!”

“Bon-Bon, this isn’t up for discussion. You can’t do magic and you can’t fly. I’d say you could just beat em with your hooves, but you’re a candy maker Bon-Bon.”

“Wha, but, but I,” she tries to come up with an explanation but you cut her off.

“I don’t want to risk you getting hurt, I know you want to be out there with me,” Bon-Bon gives you a hopeful smile. ”But you can’t do anything to help me if a manticore or something tries to stop me, what can you do other than make it harder on me?” You kneel down to her level.

“You,” Bon-Bon sighs, “You’re,” She’s trying to find the right words to say, you place a hand upon her withers.

“I know I’m being an insensitive prick, but I’m right.” You say sternly before adding, “If I find her, I’ll let her know I had to have guards drag you away kicking and screaming cause you wanted to come along.”

“Alright fine, just hurry back okay? You don’t have any wings or a horn either dummy.” Bon-Bon says before poking your chest with a hoof.

“No, but I’d have a damn fence post if I was smart enough to keep it with me,” you say under your breath before getting to your feet. You walk over to two of the unicorn guards that were starting to strain under the pressure of the constant assault against their dome.

The closer you get to them the louder the sounds on the outside become. You can hear the claws as they rake across the barrier, and the gnawing as the creatures try to chew through it. As you approach one of the guards that aren’t working to keep the barrier turns to face you.

“What is it Anonymous?” asks a Pegasus. You point to the bridge you’ve left your fence post lying against.

“I need to get back out there.” The guard gives you a bewildered expression.

“I’m afraid I can’t allow you out of the barrier. If we open it for you we risk letting those creatures in.” The guard turns back to face the dome.

“What, that’s it?” you cross your arms. “You know there are townsfolk here who could probably help. You know, volunteers?” you motion to the pony crowds.

“Indeed there are, and I can see where you’re going with this, but there aren’t that many unicorns in town that use their magic past levitation and short range teleportation.” The guard explains. “If we open up a portion for you to go through we’d need to have unicorns that can use offensive spells. Then we would have a way to keep these creatures from getting in.”

Teleportation or levitation, why didn’t you just think about that in the first place? You don’t have to fight your way out at all.

“Wait, why not get a unicorn to teleport me outside the barrier?” The guard takes your suggestion into consideration.

“Hmm, we could, but then you’d have no way back in.” the guard turns back to you, “If you could find some place to hunker down for a while…”

“I could find a place, if the parasprites haven’t gotten to it, plus the one I’m going out to rescue is a unicorn.” You look over the crowds and cup your hands around your mouth. “HEY!” a chunk of the ponies silence themselves and turn your way when you yell, “ANYPONY OUT THERE WILLING TO TELEPORT ME TO LYRA’S?!”

You put your hands back to your sides and wait. You swear you could hear crickets chirping if it wasn’t being drowned out by the animals outside of the barrier.

“Anyone at all?” You’re hoping that at least one unicorn would come your way. You slump in defeat when a few seconds pass. You’re about to walk back to Town Hall but the sound of two ponies arguing stops you in your tracks. You watch as Bon-Bon drags a unicorn over to you. The unicorn shouts in protest all the while Bon-Bon pulls harder.

“Let me go, you crazy mare!” the mare cries while struggling.

“No! You’re helping,” Bon-Bon places the unicorn in front of you, “Him.” The unicorn looks you over for a few moments before turning to her captor.’

“He’s too big! I can’t cast anything on him!” She says while motioning to you. Bon-Bon grabs hold of the unicorn by the throat and pulls her uncomfortably close. The two lock eyes.

“You are going to find a way or so help me I will destroy you!” Bon-Bon screams her threat to the poor pony. The unicorn yelps in fear before looking to you again.

“O-okay scary candy pony,” Her horn begins to glow with an orange aura, “H-hold still, L-Lyra’s place right?” You nod. Bits of orange light spark her horn as she concentrates. You watch as your body is slowly encased by the light.

“Thanks Bon-Bon,” you flash the beige mare a smile, “I’ll have Lyra back here before you know it!” Before Bon-Bon can say anything you feel yourself lurch in a random direction. As you’re pulled towards your destination your vision of the known world blurs. The colors that seem to mix together as you’re teleporting does little for the force being emitted on your stomach.

You start dry heaving when everything finally comes into focus again. It looks that you lack the energy to stand. The labor your body went through is more than enough to bring you to your hands and knees. It takes about a minute for your body to finally stop acting up from the spell; you hope this gamble on location plays out in your favor. You know that there’s a high chance Lyra was somewhere else when the Everfree animals went crazy, but you might as well start where she lives first.

Luckily the mare that brought out you here was able to get you relatively close. You can see the rooftop of Lyra’s home from here, or what’s left of it.

Parasprites have eaten at least half of the thatched roofing of their home. When you’re able to stand you make your way over to the building in question. And what you find causes you to freeze in your tracks. You see that Lyra is alright, but she’s unconscious and bleeding. A timber wolf is slowly dragging her out of her broken doorway and into the street.

Without putting any thought into it you make your way over to them. It doesn’t notice your approach until it’s too late. You punt the timber wolf as hard as you can. It lets out a loud yelp from the impact and the beast goes sailing through the air. When it hits the side of a nearby building the creature bursts into a pile of broken sticks. With the creature being dead, at least you think its dead; you turn your attention to the mint green mare lying on her welcome mat. You kneel down and check for a pulse.

You breathe a sigh of relief when you feel the familiar pulse of life beat under your fingers. You take this time to check over her wounds. While the front hoof the timber wolf was holding shows little damage other than teeth indentions, her hind legs seem to be in bad shape. Walking for Lyra would be difficult and fairly painful.

Both her right and left hind hooves sport various bite and claw marks. She’ll need stitches or at least something to wrap her wounds up. That only makes things harder on you. How are you going to carry this mare all the way back to the dome? Would that be the best course of action?

The pain she may be experiencing would have her unable to focus. As you continue to look her over she lets out a soft groan. Finally her eyes start to flutter open. When she turns her head to look your way her eyes widen.

“A-Anon?” She attempts to stand but when she moves her hind legs she lets out a high pitched shriek of pain. She makes no attempt to stand after that.

“Lyra, I need to wrap up your wounds, do you guys have a first aid kit?” Lyra weakly points towards her broken doorway.

“Second floor… Bon-Bon’s mirror…” She murmors. You get to your feet and walk carefully inside. You have no idea just how much damage the parasprites could have done to this house. Each step up stairs is taken with caution, the creak that echoes from each step does little to put you at ease. As you near the top part of the stairs the last few steps collapse forcing you to make take a leap. Lucky for you this house isn’t that large, you manage to grab hold of the top of the stairs and pull yourself up the rest of the way.

With that little surprise out of the way you enter Bon-Bon’s bathroom. Like Lyra tried to tell you, her mirror doubles as a medicine cabinet. When you open it you see a small white box. Opening it you find items with which to take care of Lyra’s cuts. A few gauze pads, some adhesive tape, and the disinfectant bottle are all it contains. It should be more than enough for you to take care of her.

It’s a labor getting back to her, due to the stair case’s condition, but you manage. Unfortunately, as soon as you hit the last step what remains of the stair case collapses separating you from the top floor.

“God I feel sorry for these ponies. Taxes taken out to fix all this is going to suck.” You look over the damage one last time before heading to the front door. When you make your way outside you see Lyra glaring at you.

“What did you break?” she asks while crawling over to you.

“Oh, uh, the stairs broke themselves. Heheheh…” you kneel down. Lyra shakes her head before you begin your work…

Ten minutes of applying, reapplying, and squirming later you’ve managed to disinfect and dress Lyra’s cuts and bites.

“Thanks…” Lyra looks over the job you’ve done, “I feel much better.” She adds before giving you smile. “So what brings you out this way Anon?”

“You,” As you lean in and bring your arms out you notice the red tint in her cheeks. She squeaks like a rubber duck when your arms wrap around her mid-section. As you pick her up you continue. “Bon-Bon and I were worried sick about you so I made my way here.”

“What about Bon-Bon? I don’t see her anywhere.” Lyra looks around, “What, did she stay with Time Turner or something?” You didn’t like the malice her tone had when it came to those two.

“Let’s just say the guards at Town Hall dragged her back kicking and screaming. She wanted to come by, but I told her it’d be better if she stayed. I didn’t want to risk her getting hurt too.” You explain as you bring Lyra inside. You make your way into her living room and gently set her upon the couch.

“What are we gonna do on the couch Anon?” she giggles. Choosing to ignore the obvious innuendo you answer.

“We’re gonna stay here for a while. The guards have a barrier around Town Hall because most of the animals moving in. We can’t get in until it clears up.” You take a seat next to Lyra.

“So we’re be stuck in my house?”

“Yes.”

“Just you and me?” You nod. Lyra takes this time to smile before setting her head in your lap. ”That’s fine by me.” She breathes a sigh of relief before snuggling into your lap…

Over the next half an hour you spend your time setting up a makeshift barricade around her front door. That way any timber wolves or manticores would have to go through junk if they wanted you. The sudden sound of your stomach grumbling catches Lyra’s attention, and it catches yours. Thankfully Zecora’s medicine did get rid of the magic within after all. You never thought you’d be happy to hear that noise.

“We’ve got some pepper jack chips in the kitchen cabinet, and some bottled water in the fridge.” Lyra calls out from the living room.

“Alright then.” Within five minutes both you and Lyra have a large bowl filled with her pepper jack chips, cheddar cheese pieces, pretzels, wheat crackers, and plenty of water. Lyra winces from discomfort as you try to sit her up straight so she can eat. “Are you okay?” She nods before waving a hoof dismissively.

“I’ll be fine I’ve had worse.” She uses her magic to slide one of the tables over, “So, Anon, what do you wanna start on first? I’m starving.”

“You grab what you want, I’m gonna put everything I can find at the front door. Might as well feel extra safe.” You state before grabbing a few chairs…

After the final piece of furniture you can use is in its proper place you go back into the living room to find that Lyra has eaten a good half of the snack mix bowl by herself. You shake your head in disgust.

“What?” she asks; her mouth full of chips, “I was hungry!” bits of food spills out of her maw. When you take a seat next to her yet again you chuckle.

“I’m just joking, calm down.” You start trailing your fingers through her mane, “Just save some for me will ya?” You watch as Lyra picks up some of the snack foods in a magical glow.

She throws the bits she’s picked up in your face. “What was that for?!” you cry before wiping away bits of pretzel.

“That’s for implying that I’m a fatty.” She sticks her tongue out at you.

“I told you it was a joke!”

“Yeah, a mean one.” Lyra retorts, “And I believe you need to make up for it.” You watch her roll onto her back and place her head in your lap. You can see where this is going.

“Let me guess, you want a tummy rub?” you grab a handful of chips and shove them into your mouth while waiting for Lyra to answer.

She nods, “Uh huh. If you give me one I just might forgive you,” she flashes a smirk your way. You raise a brow while looking down at her. She in turn stares up at you. The two of you stay locked like this for about a minute before you concede. You sigh out of defeat.

“Fine, I’ll do it.” Lyra still lets out a squee of victory, as your hand trails through her coat she sighs happily before nuzzling the back of her head into your leg. “You were desperate for one of these things, weren’t you; especially if you had to pretend to be mad to get one.”

“Don’t judge me because I like your hands.” With that she shuts her eyes and relaxes while your hand works its magic. It isn’t long before the sensation of your fingers starts to loll her to sleep. It’s a few minutes before her voices breaks the silence.

“Hey Anon?” she asks softly before opening an eye.

“Yeah, what’s up?” you look her way.

“Thanks for coming back for me, and I’m sorry about what happened the other night…”

“When I found you lying there with a timber wolf gnawing on your hoof; it kinda made me forgive you for that.” You laugh nervously, “Besides it wasn’t that big of a deal now that I think about it.”

“That’s good…” she snuggles into you yet again. With that she’s silent, content with letting you rub her tummy in peace. Soon she’s off to sleep. You continue your tummy rubbing for a few minutes longer before Lyra’s soft, steady breathing starts to take a toll on you.

Running around for the majority of the day, beating Everfree creatures senseless, and helping to escort ponies has left you without energy… Your eyelids can’t help but get heavy; your petting becomes sluggish and slow. Soon you’re leaning your head back and falling right to sleep…

“GAME OVER!” an otherworldly voice shouts. The echoing of those words startles you from your sleep. It does the same to Lyra. You end up holding her out of fear while she shivers.

“What was that?!” she yelps before clinging to you, “It was so loud!” When you’re able to find your voice you answer in hopes of calming her.

“I don’t know, but I think it may have been Discord?” While the voice was thunderous and carried the tone of a raging storm, it did have familiarity to it. You and Lyra find yourselves being yanked from her couch in a forced teleportation. When your vision returns to you, you see that you’re standing in front of Town Hall with Lyra in your arms.

You scan the crowds and they all stare at you from a good distance away. You look down to find that the earth is scorched from your appearance. Looks like those ponies wanted to give you enough room to appear. When you go back to looking around you find Discord floating before Town Hall.

Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy all stand ready to go. Each carry a look of determination and the group has their respective elements on. Though your gaze is torn away from the site when Bon-Bon comes galloping up.

“Minty!” she cries before coming to a stop in front of you.

“Bonnie!” Lyra cries with joy. You kneel and set Lyra down in front of the candy mare. The two share an embrace before Bon-Bon looks her over.

“Are you okay?! What happened?” Bon-Bon looks over the adhesive tape and gauze pads. Lyra points to you and smiles.

“Oh I’m fine thanks to awesome guy right here; you know the one with the fingers? Yeah, he kicked the Tartarus out of a timber wolf and patched me up. You shoulda seen it; it was soo cool!” Lyra squeals and her grin gets ever wider.

“He did?” Bon-Bon looks to you in question. When you nod she unleashes a deafening squee before leaping to your chest. You see your feet leaving the ground as you’re forced into a tackle/hug.

“Thank-you-thank-you-thankyou!” She wraps her hooves around your neck. You quickly find yourself being unable to breathe. As luck would have it, Discord is torn away from his little showdown to see you losing air. He sighs.

“Anonymous, you’re ruining the moment,” he snaps his griffin talons, “Honestly stop trying to steal the show.” You take in a lungful of air when Bon-Bon is forcibly separated from you. Then you watch as your body lights up in a purple aura. Discord raises you into the air and brings you over. He has you floating helplessly a few feet off the ground, and a few feet from his face. He gives you a cocky smirk before clearing his throat.

“You’ve done quite a lot of damage haven’t you? You’ve turned those infernal ponies back to normal. But if you think I’m just going to sit here and wait you’re sorely mistaken.” Discord says with a sadistic grin. You feel his aura tighten around you, causing you to yelp from the sudden sensation. It’s as if the air itself is trying to constrict you like a snake.

Relief washes over you as you realize you’re encased in a mint and magenta bubble of magic. Both Lyra and Twilight synchronized a shield spell to save you from Discord’s wrath. They gently bring you away from him and over to the Mane Six. When your feet touch ground and when the shield dissipates you thank them both.

“We got your back Anon!” Lyra cries from her place in the crowd.

“We won’t let Discord mess with you again.” Twilight adds before glaring his way. Discord laughs manically.

“Oh Twilight, you’re adorable! You honestly think you can… you can…” he stumbles over his response. He has no idea what to say. “Hold on a moment,” he snaps his claws. A stack of paper is brought into existence. For about thirty seconds he flips through the pages. He squints when he comes across a certain page. “Wait, he has me saying that? Well that’s unbecoming of me.” Discord says more to himself than to those around him.

He shrugs before setting the paper ablaze. “I’ll just wing it. I’m great at doing that.” He smiles, “Pre-written dialogue is so boring.” He adds before chuckling and tossing the burning paper over his shoulder. He looks to the sky before sporting a cocky smirk. When he shakes his head at it he only further confuses the crowd.

“What in tarnation was that?” Applejack asks. Discord ignores the apple farmer’s question and goes right back to speaking with Twilight.

“Take two. Oh Twilight you’re, adorable! Do you honestly believe that you alone can stop me?” Discord shakes his head in disappointment, “I thought you smarter than that.”

“That’s cause she’s not alone!” you hear Rainbow Dash exclaim before trotting over to Twilight, “The six of us are gonna kick your flank as a team, right guys?” she turns to the rest of her friends.

“Yeah, wouldn’t be right lettin a friend try and stop ya all by their lonesome.” Applejack adds before moving in front of Twilight. Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie all take their respective places in front of her, as if to block Discord from getting to her.

“So that’s it? Is this the part where you use the Elements to encase me in stone yet again?!” Discord’s grin widens.

“That’s the plan.” Twilight states as her eyes begin to glow with a bright white light. As she floats into the air the others around her start to mimic her. The gems on their respective elements begin to glow; the immediate area darkens to a near pitch black. The air around you begins to heat up as the magic wisps of white light dance around the Mane Six. You find yourself covering your eyes as the light being emitted becomes unbearable to look upon.

The brilliant display of power has you backing away from the group. It appears as though you’re afraid to be near them, lest you be affected by what’s to come.

“You’re being too hasty!” Discord shouts, “What about your precious pony princesses!?” As the question dons on the Mane Six the elements begin to power down. When the light fades and when they touch ground again Discord laughs triumphantly. “Oh yes, you know that they will be forever imprisoned if I’m taken out of the picture! But,” he adds with the snap of his claws. You watch as the moon takes its position in the sky. The sudden loss of light comes as a surprise to you and the denizens of Ponyville.

It isn’t until now you realize that the Everfree animals and the dome are no longer here; did Discord send the animals away upon his entrance? Your thoughts are interrupted as a brilliant column of white light connects with the ground its origin: the Moon. You watch as two silhouettes travel through it.

When they stop at the ground the light dissipates, and you’re subjugated to a sight you never thought you’d ever get to see. From the descriptions and pictures Twilight showed you back when you first came to Equestria, you know you’re looking upon Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.

Twilight described the two with magnificent qualities. She told you that Celestia’s coat was of the purest white, and her ever flowing mane was a wonder in and of itself. The prismatic colors that shone from her mane and tail was said to be a marvel to those who would get to witness its beauty…

As for Luna, she was described to be the embodiment of the night itself. Midnight blue coat, coupled with dark clouds around her cutie mark, were to show both the illustriousness and elusiveness the night brought.

The thousands of tiny bits of light that made the stars in her forever moving dark blue mane and tail were rumored to be its own splendor. That looking upon it would bring you a sense of peace…

Twilight also told you that both Celestia and Luna carried themselves highly, yet were humble enough to not think themselves above those they rule over. All in all, they were the textbook definition of fairytale figures of authority.

In reality, from where you’ve grown up, you’ve learned in history classes that most monarchies revolved around propaganda and corruption. These two were supposed to be the exact opposite… But looking upon them now, you can’t say that Twilight’s enthusiastic interpretations of the two are accurate. In fact they looked downright pitiful.

Their coats are matted with gray spots of dirt from the excessive moon dust they’ve been forced to sleep on. The purple shadows under their baggy eyes show that they’ve been subjugated to sleepless nights upon that giant orb. Their crowns, necklaces, and shoes are in a state of disrepair. You can see the missing gems and deep scratches that run along their jewellery.

Both seem so disoriented from being brought here neither seem to have the strength to even lift their heads and look upon their subjects. In fact Luna appears to be shaking, almost as if she were going to collapse in a heap of exhaustion. You hear Twilight gasp.

“P-Princess Celestia!” Twilight shouts with worry. She points a single hoof Celestia’s way. When you look to where she’s pointing you spot a single trail of blood running down the side of her head. It looks like she conked her head pretty hard on something up there. When devastation seems to consume the Mane Six and the towns ponies Discord starts laughing yet again.

“What’s wrong, girls, have you lost the will to fight?” He asks in between fits of laughter, “Well that’s just too bad isn’t it?” As he finishes you find Eris and Screwball standing upon opposite sides of the Princesses. This is the first time you’ve ever seen the two looking what you’d describe as wicked.

Eris’ irises seem to be glowing in the night, her dishevelled hair seems even more so than usual. The claws she sports seem razor sharp; and that grin, it’s like looking into the maw of a shark.

Screwball’s once goofy grin appears to be twisted into a psychotic smile that’s too big for her face. Her wild swirling violet eyes glow with an eerie light. As you watch this standoff you can’t help but wonder how you were friends with things that seem so intimidating? They really are monsters born from chaos itself...

The hair on the back of your neck stands on end and chills running throughout your very being as Eris’ eyes lock with yours. She winks and in return you start backing away. The wall of Town Hall stops you from moving any further.

“As you can see, I hold all the cards. If you try to imprison me you can kiss your rulers goodbye, but I’m willing to make a small trade.” Discord says calmly before snapping his claws. A tear in space forms next to him, looking inside you can see… your city. The one you were staying in before Discord brought you to Equestria. Numerous people walk on by as if nothing’s there. How can they not see this?

“What are you playing at Discord?” Twilight is obviously suspicious.

“You let me go on my merry way. I’ve grown tired of this place, and I’d love a change in scenery. You may not know it, but these humans… I’ve yet to see anything so chaotic…” Discord looks into the rift in fascination.

“Do you think we’d let you go to Anon’s world and mess with it?!” Twilight cries angrily, “We aren’t going to let you destroy where he came from!”

“Brave words coming from a foal, but are you willing to risk your princesses for a human you barely know?” Twilight looks to you, then to the princesses. She hesitates.

“I,” Twilight starts.

“Choose wisely girls. Let my daughters and I go, and your princesses shall be free. You’ll finally be rid of me.” He motions to Celestia and Luna. “Or you can try to imprison us, and in turn lose your rulers for good.” His smile widens as she sees the helpless expression on Twilight’s face.

“Since he’s the reason why we’re to this point, why don’t we let Anonymous make the decision? Go on Anonymous, choose.” Suddenly a glowing hand of purple wraps around your shirt. It tugs you so you’re stuck in between him and the Mane Six.

When he releases you, you stand there mouth agape. As you turn to face your options you look from Discord; to his two daughters that were holding the Princesses hostage; and finally to the ponies you’d come to know as your friends and neighbors.

Your little plan is in shambles. Discord stopped you before you could enact it. You were hoping that you could have both remain. You wanted the princesses to be able to get along with Discord. You wanted Eris and Screwball to stay despite how they’re coming off now. And you wanted Twilight and the others to remain as they are now. You want so many things you don’t even realize just how childish you really are.

Life is full of choices. As you’d learned over the years not all of them are easy. And more often than not you realized you can’t have the benefits from both. A sacrifice must be made. That’s a part of becoming an adult, learning how to make necessary sacrifices.

Admittedly coming to this colorful world, being around all these smiling faces, you feel as though you’ve regressed a bit. The childlike wonder you never got to truly experience arose the longer you stayed in this place. You turn your gaze to your shoes. Even now you feel as though you can’t make a decision. Everyone’s waiting on you Anonymous. It’s time to weigh your options.

If you let Discord stay then there’s no doubt that things will go back to the way they were when you first arrived. You’ll probably get to spend more time with Eris and Screwball since the ponies will consider you a traitor. Your little thing with Eris might turn into something greater. Screwball herself, despite her over the top pranks, is an absolute joy to be around. She’s goofy and she knows how to have a good time, as does Eris. Discord himself might in turn be your friend, one that doesn’t string you along like some puppet. In a way you’re saving him from his stony fate by doing this, would he be grateful?

You turn to face Twilight and the others. To see them disappointed or to see them hate your very existence tears into you. If you side with them, you may be given a home along with citizenship status. You’ll get to build a house here; which will in turn allow you to live like one of them.

With that, you’ll be able to strengthen the bonds you’ve made. If what Pinkie asked you back when you danced with her was an honest question, then she might be the one you spend the most of your time with. These ponies seem to hold you in high regard; you’ve notice that these equines lack the cynicism humans have in abundance.

Were they humans you doubt you would even have friends here. They connected your appearance to the world getting better, rather than becoming hostile and suspecting Discord’s trickery. You’ve proven that you care for them with the various acts you’ve done. You saved Derpy, you helped the Mane Six return to normal, and you rescued ponies for the majority of your day today. You could see a bright future in siding with these ponies. You can have fun with Discord and his daughters too.

You nearly slap yourself when you didn’t even bring Earth into the equation. If Discord, Eris, and Screwball leave there’s a good chance you’ll never see any of them again. If you don’t choose them they’ll be gone from your life for good.

“I-I chose,” you start. Everyone around you starts to lean in, hanging on your every word. You just hope you don’t come to regret your choice. You turn to Twilight and the others and give them a grin. “The ponies that I’ve come to call my friends…”

You’ve made your decision. You should be happy, but why do you feel full of regret? Why does it pain you so to choose Equestria over Discord? The crowd is silent as your announcement sinks in; before erupting into a loud chorus of cheers.

Eris and Screwball look on sadly while Discord seems happy with your choice. You still can’t seem to face any of them. You cringe when you feel Discord wrap an arm around you as he leans in.

“I can see you’re hurt by all of this, but I will not apologize for it. I’ve given you the tools to start over and improve. Do you feel you have a better life here?” Discord asks with earnest. After a few seconds you nod. He gives you a genuine smile, “You’ve made the right choice in siding with Equestria. With me gone everything here SHOULD return to normal. And I’m glad you’re living a good life here. It’s all I wanted out of you in the end. What I asked, or rather demanded of you has been fulfilled.” With that Discord makes his way past you and over to the rift. He turns to you and offers his parting words “Make it last… my friend.” He says with a small wave before snaking his way through it and out of sight.

“Bye, Anon,” you hear Screwball say sadly before she comes over to you. You kneel down and wrap the little purple pony in a tight hug. “I wish you could play with us some more, that stuff in Canterlot was so much fun,” her lower lip quivers. You rustle her mane a bit before getting back to your feet.

“I know you do, but you’ll have lots of fun on Earth.” You say in hopes of reassuring the little pony. You still don’t see how any of these creatures got so attached after such little time.

“If you say so,” she doesn’t sound convinced. Before slinking over to the rift she shouts, “Cannonball!” She suddenly leaps into the rift curled up in a ball.

“Heh, she got over it pretty quickly.” You chuckle before turning to find Eris floating at eye level with you. She’s back to her normal form, and like Screwball she doesn’t look happy to leave. “Oh come on, not you too. I didn’t think you’d get all sappy with me at the end,” you give her a smile, but your eyes betray how you truly feel. If only there was a way to keep her and the others around. “I guess that date was a waste of time?” you shrug. She shakes her head before coming closer.

“Nah, I had fun, and I know you did too.” She leans in and whispers, “Don’t worry, I’ll be paying you a visit from time to time.” She gives you a quick peck on the cheek, “I’ll see you around Anon.” With that she joins her father and sister in the rift.

The ponies in town continue to cheer as the rift begins to close and the remaining purple and black wisps of chaos quietly fade from existence. It doesn’t take long for it to dawn on everyone that the god that caused them so many headaches has finally left for good. The Mane Six rush to greet you after they deem it safe to approach.

“You did it Anon!” Twilight jumps with joy.

“Good show darling!” Rarity chimes in.

“Ah knew you’d choose us!” Applejack exclaims.

“Oh my gosh Anon we should totally have a party to celebrate!” Pinkie suggests while bouncing around you. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash are the last to approach.

“Um… yay?” she asks before moving her mane in front of her face to hide. You can’t help but laugh at her shy demeanor. When it comes to Rainbow Dash she sits on her flank and stares at you blankly while you in turn stare back. Why does this feel so awkward… oh right first impression.

“So, you held me down and forced some nasty, burning stuff down my throat.” Dash says in a flat tone. You suck in air through your teeth before sighing.

“Yeah, I kinda did. Sorry about that,” you chuckle nervously, Rainbow smiles and waves her hoof dismissively.

“You did kinda save Equestria, so I think I can look past it. But you’re totally buying me some cider after all this is over.”

“I can probably get some more cider from Big Mac,” you suggest before pointing to him. He looks away nervously.

“Nooooope. Ah don’t have none o’ that stuff.”

“Ha, that’d be so awesome!” she says before lifting her hoof to you. Your eyes widen in surprise when you realize she actually knows the gesture. Without hesitating you bump your fist with her hoof. For a few moments, all seems right with the world. You may have given up a few friends… but in turn you’ve gained the approval of a lot of friends, and the good graces of a nation…

Celestia takes this time to make herself known to the masses. She lifts her head up high and slowly she trots over to you and the others. Silence overtakes the crowd yet again as they watch her move. When she’s close enough she clears her throat to get yours, and the Mane Six’s attention. They turn and bow to her while you stare on.

While her weary eyes, ruined attire, and disheveled mane would make her seem unapproachable. Her tired smile gives you the relief necessary to put you at ease. It’s as if years of stress had started the process of melting away from the Princess of the Sun. As she gets close, you couldn’t help but notice as her once dirty coat begins to brighten bit by bit…

She rivals you in height, which to you is breathtaking. She virtually towers over her subjects. Her muzzle comes to the center of your chest, though her horn makes her a tad larger than you. She may be unkempt but she still held an air of superiority, of regality. She stands with a posture that commands authority despite her present condition.

You find yourself unable to stand straight in her presence. As if your own body was working against you, you bow before her. The others do so in turn. When she speaks, the soft harmonious manner in which she speaks plays a beautiful tune to the ears.

“You may rise, my little ponies. I apologize for interrupting, but Anonymous and I have a few things we need to discuss.” Your eyes widen as you stand straight yet again. She offers you a warm, almost motherly smile, “Anonymous, take a walk with me.”

She doesn’t order you, she doesn’t demand it, she simply requests it. And you are more than willing to oblige. You turn to your friends and all of them motion for you to go. Your celebration can wait…

“As you wish, Princess.” You bow. As you rise she moves to the side so you can join her, which you do. As the two of you make your way through the crowds Celestia turns to Luna,

“Sister, would you be so kind as to take care of things here for me?” Luna nods in response. “Thank you sister.” Celestia turns to you, “I believe a stroll through the park shall do.” As you walk with her something dawns on you.

“Ponyville has a park, your highness?” Celestia giggles.

“Yes it does Anonymous. I see you haven’t taken in all the sights, let us rectify that…”

As you and Celestia make your way through Ponyville, Discord, along with his daughters, are currently hiding in the shadows of a skyscraper. Their current location: New York City.

“So daddy, what are we gonna do now?” Screwball asks.

“Well, I’ve always wanted to try leading a country as a president. Being a king is quite fun, but letting others pretend to make decisions is even more delightful.” Discord laughs heartily before shaking his head. “But there is one thing I need to take care of first.” He turns his head to the east, and then he snaps his talons…

Neither of his daughters will realize what he’s done. Neither will you, but on that cold autumn day, a certain relative of yours has regained something she has been without for so long. Just like you she’s been given a second chance to live a good life…

Author's Note

And here we come to the end of the series.
I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing it.
A lot of work went into this, though I know there are plenty of mistakes that need to be fixed.
I'd like to know what you readers thought of it. Don't hesitate to spam the comments with your thoughts.
I'm sure a lot of you have questions that haven't been answered through this story:
How is Anon going to live? Will he and Pinkie get together? Is this the last we'll see of Discord?

Would you like to know why I didn't answer those?

Because of the sequel. Anon's Adventure will continue in Equestria.
Though, his new adventures will bring forth new enemies and new challenges.
Who will those be? What will those be? Stick around.