When a human arrives in Equestria, strange things tend to unfold
Anonmopolise, a human sucked into the cartoonish world of Equestria, embarks on a personal adventure to understand friendships, albeit forcefully, by the cute and colourful ponies of this world. Aided by a spiritual guide named Cermina created by his own imagination, he sets about trying to understand why he was sent here and, if possible, how to get home.
After his first encounters with a certain pink pony, he is eventually put under the care and employment of Applejack who has him working the night shift at the orchard farm she runs.
His time in this strange and magical place becomes a bit.... problematic as the Princess of the Night takes an interest in Anon's nocturnal capabilities. Soon enough, he is thrown into a deep internal conflict residing within the capital city of Canterlot and eventually goes about becoming something more than he ever thought possible.
However, when an evil rises from the darkness and threatens to cast its shadow over the land, Anon and his new friends must stand firm against foes from outside...and within.
You wake up with your face in the dirt, not sure exactly what happened last night but you certainly remember coming home that time. Shaking the sleep from your head, you look up to see you're not even at your house, you're entirely outside, in the middle of a clearing surrounded by trees.
"What the fuck is this shit?"
IT seems odd how you remember being driven home, walking to your room and going to sleep, but how you woke up in the middle of nowhere just seems like a bad prank.
"Okay...well...I wonder who i owe money to."
"You owe nothing of the sort."
You turn to see a figure sitting on a rock just at the edge of the wood beyond you, she, or at least by the sound of her voice being a she, was a beast nearly the same size as you, reptilian, with black scales across her body with crimson red ones down her center from lower jaw to hEr inner thighs and tail; a dragon but no wings; the small frame certainly didn't spell "Big scary monster".
Something oddly...familiar about her.
"I'd say V'elcome comrade, but like you, I do not know how I got here either."
You blink a few times, either you're totally off your rocker, but you seem to be looking directly at a child's representation of an anthro dragon...a nice looking one at that. She stood around 5 feet, a long tail that went at least 3 feet from her body, curved ram-like horns on both sides of her head.
You don't speak, your mind is quite blown. She looks at you, those crimsons eyes flashing brightly in the midday light as she seems to study you with an inquisitive, almost curious look; nothing that says shes going to kill you
safe?
Your brain snaps to attention "Start talking moron, maybe she won't bother with you, and having been the first thing to speak-"
"Uhh, what is your name m'lady?" you ask, taking the most gentlemanly of tones
The drakess smirks, somewhat flattered but more in good humor as a tom-boyish chuckle escaped her maw
"My name? Comrade Anon, have you not bore witness to me many times before."
You blink, rubbing your head "Perhaps, but my mind is telling me not to." 'Or just not understanding it' you think, shits getting too real.
The drakess looks at you, expecting an answer, you look back with no real idea what she's going on about.
She huffs at you, slowly growing impatient. You blink in disbelief, perhaps utter mind-farttery
"Well?"
"Well what?"
"Do you know who I am"
"The fuck should I know?"
"The beast you at least create, perhaps the beings that are the closest to you."
"and what does that mean?"
The drakess sighed, you can see a pang of annoyance in her expression
"Do you trully not remember who I am, or does Anon's brain choose not to bother."
"What do you mean choose not to bother, the fuck can you say when you wake up in a world not like your own and see a creature you believe, hell, you damn well know for a muddafuckking FACT is something straight out of your head?"
"You say hello."
You pause, exhaling before you swat your face.
"Alright, alright, Hello, my name is Anon, what is your name."
"Charmed Anon, my name is Cermina, Matriact of the Arubrun Talon.
"Uh huh"
Oh
Fucking
Shit.
Perhaps you are off your rocker, but going through the many files and folders in your brain, it sparks a whole query of pictures, stories, draft works of this character; her very creation a fabric of your own imagination years ago...now...she stood here in physical form.
Cool.
You can't help but grin, she grins in return, that grin, that wicked toothy grin.
"A drake is fine for what I am comrade, but my talons are means to eradicate all those who must be ended, tis the way of my dealing, of my doing, of my purpose.
"To kill things?"
"To slay those who dare cause harm to my kin, comrades, and country..."
"Very patrotic"
She nodded "I am trained in combat comrade Anon, as soldiers are trained for their country. Being here by powers unknown and seeing you as my comrade, I shall be please to work alongside you in keeping you alive." Touching...at least for the most part of it, considering you're still unsure where you are, having some personal 'muscle' never hurt.
"Well, I don't think dying here would be the biggest issue on my mind, so what else?"
"The fact we should probably move from this area."
Yep, its her all right, can't really deny the characters actions nor how she looks; fuck, who or what ever got you here decided to rape your brain and take something out of it.
You ease your hands to your sides, dusting yourself off as you look at Cermina.
"So, why are you here, are you...real, is this real?"
The drake shrugged, raising both talons "dis is as real as you can get..." she tapped the rock, clunking her talon's knuckle along stone. "As for you and I, well, dat is questioning what this world has provided for us."
You blink, rubbing your stubble chin, you hadn't shaved for the past few days, guess doing nothing with your life finally drove you to go insane, but why here, what got you here, and why the hell did they create something that you developed through your own dabbling into the world of art and writing?
"So...you're telling me that I am here, and when I got here it created you."
"Dah"
"So then tell me, what IS here that we need to be concerned about?"
Cermina shook her head, raising shoulders to shrug as the answer clearly wasn't in her mind, let alone yours.
"I do not know, I have not yet scouted this area as properly as I should...tell me, do you wish for me to do dat comrade?"
The head pain you still have bothers you, sitting down, you wave a hand at her.
"Fine, go and do a perimeter patrol, at least until you get to the edge of the wood, then report back."
The drakess smirked, saluting a bit and then turning into the woods as you heard her footfalls stepping upon the soft grass, a broken stick, and then suddenly silence.
She was certainly all you expected her to be, no one else could be that sneaky and get away without a trace.
You lean back, gazing up at the semi-clouded sky above you, resting your arms behind your head as you compile your thoughts. The Drakess, Cermina, was something you made as a kid, a fantasy creature you grew up with, she was your "strong back"character, someone you could have to feel protected by, though not as impressive as your mind had made her. Perhaps its almost sickly have you sudden realize that something you fantasied as a kid has now been created in this world, oddly enough, you can't see any problem with it. Science fiction says this shit can happen, guides for those in new worlds.
"Maybe its a defense in my brain?"
You speak aloud, no one to hear you, words bounce about. A sigh as you feel all alone again, no one to talk to, no one to listen to.
You sit up, deciding it be better to figure a few things out before nodding off to sleep, you begin to check yourself out now, trying to see what you got. Your clothing is still on from yesterday, black shoes, jeans, a t-shirt and short sleeve button down, your glasses, and a bucket hat on your head. You check your pockets next, you have your phone and...clink...wallet with some change. Don't know how far that will get you here....better to have some form of ID if not anything else.
You hear rustling in the brush to see Cermina return, she came close, taking a kneel before you with a satisfied grin; she had done her job.
"Dere is a village 2 clicks from the woods clearing, occupied, dere was movement within. I have not investigated further, but wait for your word."
You stand up, stretching a bit as you look in the direction she pointed, wondering what sort of things you'd see. Would they be friendly? Hostile? Or just plain crazy? You didn't have much choice in the matter, and it would be a better chance of pace than sitting out in the middle of nowhere.
"Show me."
Cermina takes you through the bush, its thicker than you thought considering it looked like a normal forest from the outside, not some creepy jungle swap from the inside. You crawl about through the wilderness, it was peaceful, better than most woods you've been too around your place, and certainly a lot calmer than the busy city.
> Its sweet in the air, no pollution at all, which is nice.
"dis place is quite...cheerful." Cermina begins
"I'd figure, everything just looks brighter."
"Bah, too bright comrade, no stain of struggle or threat, it is utterly peaceful."
"You can say that again, I don't think this place can fathom war, it just...doesn't look like the kind of world that-."
She stops you suddenly
"Shhhh"
"What" you ask, getting your footing as you look at her, crimson eyes of hers fixate ahead at something she seen.
"Contacts...two of them....get down."
Cermina pushed her talon downward, you have enough knowledge of military maneuvers from TV and games to know she wants your body on the deck, you don't hesitate, letting your hat slump over your eyes a bit before easing it up to see. Its quiet for a few moments, nothing but the occasional chirp of a bird, but then, you can suddenly here the trotting of what sounds like...hooves...through grass and a few mutters of voices but nothing you can pick up clearly.
Cermina laid down just beside you as her upper body was arched upwards just enough to see clearly as she tracked the two for a moment before they left. You of course couldn't see shit with your head all the way down. as the voices and noise slowly fades and silence recovers.
"Its clear..." Cermina muttered after a few minutes of watching "come, let us move before they double back."
You're impressed, especially considering her perseveirance to combat methods. She certainly had her survival instincts settled, you could care less as you slowly get to your feet and follow her further inwards, or outwards as you can see the crest of the other side of the woods. As you reach the egde, the wood clears, and not too far fdrom you there seems to be a village, you can already hear the commotion from it and the smells.
Oh those smells... sweet.
"Dere." Cermina points towards a small town just over a few short hills, eyes go wide as your mind clicks to where the heck you are.
"Don't tell me."
"What, is dat bad?"
"No, but I have a very odd feeling that this is going to turn into the craziest thing of my life."
You rub the bridge of your nose a bit as Cermina moves forward "come, we can get a better spot from dere." she notes the wood extending to your right, around the crest of a small stream that borders the village. You can make your way around it to get a bit closer and have the lake as a boundary to prevent anyone from coming right at you.
Cermina goes first, keeping low as you do the same, monkey see, monkey do, you don't plan to suddenly show in there like anyone else might. The fact you were now being led by what could simply be considered a figment of your imagination was just too much fun to deny.
You arrive at the second point Cermina had mentioned, closer now, you can make out better details of the town and then some.
Brightly coloured ponies EVERYWHERE, not just horse-ponies, Pegasus and Unicorns are among them.
Instantly you face-palm.
"Dey are equines."
"Yes...and I know exactly to what."
"So, you familiar?"
"More than I'd like to be, this just takes the cake...Dear diary, today I found myself in a land of ponies."
"Dat does not sound bad."
"Not really, it does when you think this whole thing will be a great big ball of what the fuck."
Cermina huffed "Its better den being in a place of fear and pain."
"True argument there..."
Sighing you sit back and fiddle your hands into your pocket, pulling your phone and wallet out with you. Your phone is fully charged, always plug it in before bed and your wallet has plastic, some bills and cash. You count it.
"Ten and change..."
Cermina turns to you, grinning.
"I will go investigate." she smirked, easing forward
"Are you nuts!" You shout, grabbing her tail as she turns to you, eyes alight with a soft hiss of discomfort. "You're going to stand out like a sore thumb."
Cermina growls a bit
"You do not trust my skill?"
You pause, releasing her tail slowly."
"It's not that, its just...you will look really out of place."
"Dat is, if dey can see me."
You blink, sighing.
She is intent, so you let her go.
Cermina set off quickly, sprinting to the lake and leaping, yes, leaping right over the small brook to somersault into the opposing side, landing on her gut and crawling to the edge of the shore.
She looks for a few moments before pulling herself up and sprinting towards one of the closer houses.
Runs to one of the houses and presses her back tightly against the wall away from the interior of the town, directly facing you as you. She gives you a talon-thumb up, you mouth "you are nuts" in return.
She only grins wider, and turns to the house she laid against, easing herself onto a well place crate to get onto the roof, crawling up to the top of it and gazing over, having only her head poking out to see towards the town square.
You curse yourself that you can't move like that, but its best not to bother, you aren't as fit as she is, nor as well trained, best you sit tight as she scouts ahead.
She's watching everything in the town, why has no one noticed her?
The stillness is suddenly destroyed by loud trumpets blaring and then the wind changes.
Cermina lays on the roof as still as stone you notice a golden chariot pulled by two well armored Pegasus landing in the center of town, just a bit always from Cermina's perch.
Oddly enough, you can see it fairly clearly as a large white equine steps off it, greeted by bows of all the others focusing directly onto her.
"Clearly she's in charge..." You think as you can see has wings and a horn.
"Hrmmm, i think those are called Alicorns..."
You can see Cermina staring directly at the white one, yet she doesn't seem to be phased by it, perhaps she is unable to detected Cermina, but you can't help worry that she may be seen.
Even though she is on a roof she is still, you know, a dragon, smell and all.
The ponies begin to talk, among them you can see six of them speaking directly to the princess; two unicorns, one white with a purple mane and tail, the other purple with a matching mane aside from a light pink stripe both in mane and tail. behind them were two Pegasus, a light blue one with a rainbow mane and tail, and a yellow one with a long pink mane and tail. Finally, there we're two normal ponies; one bright orange with blond hair and white freckles, the other a Technicolor pink with almost cotton-candy like pink mane and tail.
They all seem quite chipper as they speak to the royal subject.
You watch them speak, laugh, even dance a bit in delight before the princess eases back onto her chariot and off towards a mountain in the distance before the ponies all disperse among the town.
Sometime later, you see Cermina making her way back to you.
"Did you see?" she asked as she returned to a kneeling position by your side.
"Yes...what were they talking about?"
You ask, Cermina sighs
"I could not understand much, but the Royal one had spoken of an unusual feeling about this day, and she asked them if the other ponies had known anything. No one seem too figure what she meant, made little sense, but I think she may have senses our presence.
"You mean mine, if she had sensed yours I'm sure she'd be on you like a cat on a rat."
Cermina smirked
"Cornered rats fight back, I would have taken her."
You roll your eyes a bit
"I do not like her."
You pause, looking at your drake friend
"Why not?"
"She feels...wrong.:
"In what way?"
Cermina turns to you, claws extended
"She is a good kin, her heart is warm and bright, but, her mind, her mind is one I can sense too well; I felt it all over the place, wandering around, seeking things out, it was...chilling."
"Are you saying while she was standing all there that she was seeing things through her mind?"
"I Cannot be sure, but she presents power unlike the others around this town."
"Powers?"
"Perhaps something beyond what you would consider magic or intelligence, something melding the fact she can expose peoples thoughts."
You sit back, if this royalty member did have a way to send her mind out to see things, then could be considered descendent of a god? You've read sci-fi to know that only really powerful creatures can do that "All seeing" sorta thing, perhaps that's what Cermina is talking about.
You tip your hat down a bit
"Sounds suspicious, but noted."
"We should wait till nightfall before we check out the rest of that place."
You nod "would be better to survey at night then to worry about being seen."
You decide to wait till the night, for now, you're still sleepy, so you lay back down and let your hat cover your face to catch some winks.
You wake up sometime later, eyes focusing to see Cermina crouched at the edge of the forest, the night sky hanging high above as stars twinkled and a full moon bright with its illuminate glow.
Cermina turned her head, seeing you awake.
She rose, easing over to you and patting your shoulder."
"Wake up comrade, are you well?"
You're groggy, you shake your head a bit to get the sleep from your eyes.
"Whats happened?"
Cermina points to the village
"Dey all went to sleep, we can move without problem."
"Did you check other spots?"
The drakess nodded "Dah, dere are several buildings of interest, perhaps we can find information in them."
"We need a library, sure there is one."
"Library?"
"If we want to learn about these guys, we look at their books."
Cermina hurred
"Right, lets move."
Cermina went forward first, taking the lead as she kept crouched, rushing the small brook and jumping over it.
She turns, waiting for you.
You aren't superman, but you take a few moments to gather your breath and run for the brook.
Its not a large stream, but jumping over, somersaulting and landing on your gut at the bank edge beside the drake makes you feel quite please with yourself.
She had done it before
Cermina just looks at you.
"Show off."
"Let me have fun."
Cermina rolled her eyes, easing slightly forward on her chest, just over the bank, hissing softly as the air escaped and a fork tounge lashed out.
"Hrmmmmthe innocent sleep, dis is a very good smell." she muttered, sensing the heat about of the ponies all slender in bed, their body temperature radiating in soothing comfort.
"I don't care if its lollipops and sugar drops, its far to late to be outside."
Ohshit.
You are Pinkie Pie
You wake up to find your whole body twitching, your tail is perking about, ears flapping against your face, even your nose inches
You get out of bed in a flash, feeling your whole body tingle and twitch.
You look up, down, around, all over your room to see nothing out of the ordinary.
You look outside
Nighttime
Sleep time, like you should be
Twitch twitch.
Can't sleep, too much twitching, something is here.
Out there
Outside
You know its late, you know no one wants a party this late
not like last time]
A party at midnight sounded so fun!
No one liked it very much.
Everyone kept falling asleep
But something is out there
Something is making your pinkie senses go haywire.
You ease softly out the door.
Don't wake Mr and Miss Cake
Sneaky sneaky through the hallway
Sneaky sneak down the stairs
Sneaky sneaky past the kitchen
Sneaky sneaky out the door.
Its cool outside
You close the door behind you and look around
Silence
Stillness
Then the twitching.
Ears begin to flap forward, almost in a direction as your pinkie sense drives you forward
You begin trotting towards the bride into town
Trotting quietly along the cobblestone path
Over to the bridge
And then you see him.
You are Anon
"HI I'm Pinkie Pie, whats your name? You're new to Ponville aren't you? I know your new because I know everpony here and I mean everypony, even those who aren't ponies! Why are you out and about so late?"
You tumble back, feeling your whole body clench right to the very earth you were resting on, exposing the whole front to the cotton candy maned, pink colored horse.
"OH geeezes shit." you whisper, keeping your stale eyes upon the creature. Fuck, its near midnight in your body, its insane to actually be UP this late. Thank the graveyard shift for that one.
"You need a whip? We have tons of whip, whipped cream, whipped chocolate, whipped caramel, whipped apple."
"Apple"
"Uh huh!" Her eyes are big and gleaming "Whip apple is so amazing!"
You swear you can see starts and fireworks exploding in her eyes as your trace fixated on them for a few more minutes as you blink
"Uhh...well, thats...good, I guess."
"You guess, you guess? Whipped apple is so amazing, you gotta try it cause its the sweetest thing and-"
"You should move, this is not what were here for." Cermina's voice pierced the very topic Pinky had been mono toning on to realize her eyes were closed, perhaps by instinct he just moved, up to the side of the house and onto the roof; he crawled to the far side then slid down the opposite,eventually landing right back down...in front of the pink one.
"Do you liked Whipped apple?"
"uhhh n-no...not really."
"Why not?! Its so amazing~!"
'Well, I guess, you see...'
>Smooth
'I never really had the concept of whipped apple come to mind, and frankly, i just can't understand how the formation of whipped apple could be conceived without something of the utmost whipping power.'
"Well, we certainly have something that could do it good! Come on, you should try it!"
"Uhh no."
"Why not"
"Just...no..."
"Why not?"
"Just...no..."
"Why not?"
Back against the wall, eyes fixated completely on the pink ponies blue eyes, the pupils extremely big in comparison to the white stuff...
"Because I don't like whipped apple."
"But why?"
"Its...to...hard."
"Hard, as in crumble hard, or crunch hard."
"Uhhh, more like firm press."
"So, not soft."
"No, Not Strawberry Banana soft."
"Oh, you like Strawberry Banana? I LOVE strawberry Banana!"
"You do?"
"Hrmmm!"
She flips about, landing some distance away from you, on her hind legs with her fore ones gripping her cheeks in delight, exposing those rather...large white teeth.
"This is so crazy."
Cermina laid by your side, expressing rather taint disbelief in the fact he was now talking with something exposed, he's not being tactical.
"Hey.."
You pause
"So, your name is Pinkie Pie?"
She nods
"Pinkamina Diann Pie, but everpony calls me Pinkie, cause imso pink! Whats your name?"
You blink a few times
This feels really childish, but you can't help but feel upbeat about this little pony.
"Well...Pinkie, I'm Anonimuspole, but you can call me Anon."
"Anonimsupole sounds funny, but Anon works!
She jumps around you in delight.
"HEY! That makes you a new friend, we should throw a party to welcome you to Ponyville."
"Uhh I think its a bit too late for that, shouldn't you be alseep."
"Oh but I was asleep, but you see, I suddenly got all, pinkie keen, my tail went twitchy twit, my ears went flappy flapp, and even my nose crinkled, I was totally surprised to feel a sudden desire for me to go outside and see what was up, and I found you."
You chuckle a bit, not too surprised by her comfortable reaction, you smile a bit
"Pinkie, might I ask you something"
"Oh, that may have to wait, sugar cube corner is closed, no strawberry banana is out yet."
"Uhhh not really, but I'd like to use the library"
"The Library? At this hour? Oh but Twilight is asleep."
"Who?"
"MY good super awesome friend Twilight! she lives in the library!
Lives
in
the
Library
"What, she's a bookworm?"
"Yuh huh..."
"Oh..well, I'd ask if we could at least try to do it all...sneaky like/"
"Why would we want to sneak?|
"Cause I don't want anyone to be awake.
"But, no one is here."
"I mean the..."
can't say people...
"Ponies, you know, everyother pony, i don't want to wake them."
"Well, I don't know about sneaking into the Library, but it certainly sounds fun! Lets do it!"
"What?"
"Sure, I mean, I don't mind sneaking around at all! its what i do best!" she went to a low whisper,finding yourself suddenly right at the ground level with her maw.
"uhhh, right...well can you show me?"
"Of course, follow me!"
Cermina just shook her head.
-
The Library was not too far from the center of town, a few walks away from the riverbank and they were infront of the giant IOakwood tree that was the Library.
Cermina stood by the entry sigh, hiding partially behind the cover erected as she monitored the back way. Pinkie of course simply led Anon to the door.
"Is there a back door"
"Nope, just a trunk!" she smiled wide, why was she not tired?
"Good one"
you rest against the wooden frame of the door, slipping a hand down into your pocket for your wallet, easing out a credit card, you gently begin to slide it along the lock frame, you ease it from the top down
eventually hitting the strike.
no lock.
"Thats messed..."
You open the door slowly, not a sound reverberates from its hinges as you look at Pinkie, she smiles
"She never locks it, why would anypony lock the door to a library, I mean duhhh, its not that nutty you can't take a book to read.
"Yeah, I would imagine."
You hold the door, motioning towards Pinkie,
she just stands there
you nod your head to the door, not in agreement, but trying to signal her/
she just sits there
"pinkie"
"Yuh?"
"I;'m holding the door, you can go inside."
"Oh, that's silly, why would you hold the door for me?"
"Cause...as a gentleman, I would ask if the lady enter first?"
Pinkies eyes lit up a bit
"Oh, you don't have to be so nice, that's for Rarity!"
You blink
"Rarity?"
"Yuh huh! you're a smooth talker, you should talk to her."
"maybe..."
Pinkie goes inside first before you follow suit
Tactical,
She goes in, everything's cool, no one questions the 5 foot tall bipedal creature entering a library should someone actually BE up.
You quickly follow behind her, entering the dark lobby of the library, book shelves surround you aside from one cut away to expose a staircase upwards.
You see Cermina standing by one of the shelves, pointing to a book that was amidst a trio of golden rimmed books. They looked like encyclopedias, a perfect choice to study some new things.
The one she was pointing to was I-P in the three book series.
You take it, easing it gently into your hands as you pulled it tight up to your chest and walk to the table.
Where an owl looks right back at you.
"....whao..."
Owls are cool, you're not unfamiliar with them, but this one was just...nuts. It was sitting perfectly still on a bird cradle just at the back end of it, its black eyes perfectly solid, almost endless as it glowed very dimly in the light, reflecting the smallest traces.
You can see Cermina growing tense a bit seeing it
You sigh a bit, thinking straight as you open the book to P
Ponyville
Read wiki-like section about Ponyville
+1 to General Knowledge of Ponyville.
You close the book slowly, gazing outside you can see that the night has slowly gotten brighter, day would be soon as you exhale softly. Though the owl remained vigilant, Pinky had oddly enough, fallen asleep by the book side. You weren't much for parties, but her company was enough to make you feel good about it.
"Well,thank you kindly Pinkie" you say softly as you see her quite off in dreamworld with her eyes shut tight. You wonder if she would awaken soon, perhaps that "keen" she mentioned was keeping her awake.
"Hopefully this will just be a dream to you...at least, unless you think it should be known."
Cermina walked over, patting you on the shoulder
"As hard as it is comrade, tactics dictates we keep low profile, if you wish to care for dese kin, den you must try and get use to dem before you begin to engage dem."
She was right, Pinky was easy, but how odd would it be to be human and simply be in this world of beasts, it wouldn't be easy for them to cope, even if Pinkie was so cool to the whole thing, the others certainly weren't this open. Closing the book quietly, you put it back in proper place before slowly looking at the owl, a smirk across your face as you run a hand along your lips, zipping them shut. The owl seems to twist its head a bit, perhaps understanding the message before you slip out and close the door behind you.
You are Twilight The arrival of the princess yesterday was unexpected She had said she sensed something unusual nearby and thought to check up on you. Odd she's never just come on a whim You know your mentor, she is whimsical, but she certainly always knows what to do and is doing coming here out of the blue seemed, unlike her, unprofessional. You shake your head at the thought as you ease upright in bed, sitting on your rump with a soft yawn as you use your fore-hooves to rub the sleep from your eyes.Trotting from your bed, you walk into the bathroom, brushing your hair, washing your mouth and brushing your teeth. You can hear Spike yawning in the other room as you step out from the bathroom, eagerly awaiting your breakfast as you trot downstairs....only to find Pinkie sleeping there. "Pinkie, what are you doing in the Library?" You ask, poking the pink p0ny a few times as her eyes fluttered open. "huh...Ah OH high Twilight! I was just sitting here with my friend of the night!" "You mean Owlilicious?" "Yes...well No...I mean yes Owlicious was here, but, I had another friend here, a new friend, he wanted to read some books so I showed him your library." You look shocked, Somep0ny wanted to read your books? You felt both scared and oddly flattered at the same time. "O-oh...really now?" "Yuh huh! We spent the whole night reading together, everything about P0nyville." You quirk an ear at the notion of the subject and quickly dash off to the ecycolpedia section only to find all the books there, nothing out of place. Strange "Are you sure? Spike and myself were sound a sleep, nop0ny could have possibly been that quiet" "He was super uber quiet, he asked me real nicely to be quiet too, that's why I fell asleep." Pinkie... quiet, that was indeed shocking. "Pinkie, I don't think anyone else would have come in here, there is no missing book, everything is the way it was when I left it." You search through the I-P Encyclopedia, reminded of Pinkie saying her "friend" looked up P0nyville. The pages weren't even creased, the whole thing seemed as fresh as you bought it. "I really...don't think somep0ny else was here." "But somep0ny WAS here...well...not exactly a p0ny..." You can't make out the last line, but ignore it as Pinkie mumbles a bit, discontent with your disbelief. "You probably just had a bad spell of Sleep-trotting, it's a common thing. "But...I..." Pinkie tries her best to explain but sighs "Fine, you're right, no one was here, I was just up in the middle of the night bouncing around and meeting somep0ny new, somep0ny not a P0ny."| You smirk "Perhaps a new friend for you like Owlicious for me?" Pinkie nods a bit, seeing as you clearly have the upper hand in the debate. "Now, why don't you go on home Pinkie, I'm sure you still need sleep." Pinkie grumbles a bot, her cotton candy mane poofing out a bit, perhaps because you wouldn't believe her, but she decided that perhaps it was best to not make stuff up. You can't help but feel bad about it. She was always close with everyp0ny, she always loved making new friends, and she met a new friend in the middle of the night who wanted to read a book. THAT didn't make sense, nothing logical about it. You go about your morning duties, of course breakfast came first, the subject of Pinkies silliness the least of your concerns.
You are now Pinkie Pie "Its no fair, why does Twilight not believe me!" You've been talking to yourself the whole way home, which is odd since you often talk to other ponies, this time you can't help but think about this on your own. "Always so serious, never open to new things unless they deal with study" You snicker a bit, always seeing Twilight as the silly bookworm, but she was so sweet, a wonderful friend you were glad to have. "If not a bit boring." You eye the Everfree forest and your vision brings you to the bank of the stream you saw Anon last night, he was quite silly all surprised, and then asking for whips, who does that? Whips aren't very fun unless its for candy. You do recall though some words Anon said as you slept, saying it was all a dream, what did he mean. He should be shown to her other friends, but something about those words. You pause for a moment. "Does he want to be alone?" Your thoughts only propelled you further to seek out Anons daytime hiding spot; something had to be done! Nop0ny, even if they aren't a p0ny, should have to be alone their whole life!
You are Now Anon You are sleeping at the same spot you've been at since yesterday, edge of the wood just before P0nyville. You wish you took another book to read for keeps, but that wouldn't have been good. "A bookworm would know" Cermina had said as you returned to the woods after reading your fill. "Its legit study to be the keeper of all those books when you live in the library." You agreed as you slunk into darkness. You felt bad leaving Pinkie pie back there, she should have been brought home, but that would have taken too long and increased risk-factor. Last thing you want is to LOOK like your kidnapping, in this case "P0NY"-napping, Pinkie Pie rather than returning her. You sigh, turning over to your side as you look at the grass, watching the familiar Pink P0ny trot along the shoreline you were found at yesterday. She seems quite cheerful despite the muttering as she goes over the spot she found you, seeking high and low, even under the bridge, talking to herself. Cermina smirks "Seems her friend did not believe her." "I'd imagine, we kept no trace, she has no evidence but visual, not much to go on, and that owl seemed pretty...tight." "Its an owl, few can understand dem." You sit back. Again, you feel bad for Pinkie, and it makes you uneasy because she knows, but knowing few would believe her was a good thing, mean, but good. You decide to wander around the rest of the perimeter of the Village, you have already been to the library and about the main area, but the rest of it still was...a mystery. You can't go far out of the woods, its still broad daylight and the last thing you want is attention. Don't want it Don't need it. Need to get use to the fact you are NO LONGER in the same Planet, heck, UNIVERSE even, and the only moment of your life is this drake who was pulled from your imagination. Fuck this shit, Fuck life, why does it mock you so? You slap a hand over your face and drag it down, getting yourself ready for the day despite only 6 hours of sleep.
You're standing atop a hill overlooking what seems to be a city on a mountain side. Its burning There is something big there, something terrible. You hear a roar, see the electricity dance Claws, sickly weapons used only by a beast of malice as you witness the demise of several guard ponies. A dragon, none like you've seen, glinting of massive crystals and eyes as piercing as knives begins to rumble through the debris of the city, right towards the main tower, where you see a white Alicorn standing, her ever flowing mane glinting brightly in the blood dusk this beast created. Its jaws open, a massive roar and a lunge.
You shake your head as the vision passes What was that Future? Something that just shot into your head? Geeze, it felt messed up, what was all that about? Cermina turns to you, your expression disturbed "Comrade?" "I"m fine...just a bit shaken" "You look pale' "Bad dream" She refrains from pushing as you get up "lets go, want to see how far around we get." You start by going to your left from facing the village, your path takes you to another part of the brook and a second bridge. Too exposed, but more wood on the other side, you decide to back tack and try another way The route you take leads you around the entire village, cresting a large apple orchard some distance away from it. Passing by, you heard loud thumps, like something slamming into oak as you peer through the trees to see an orange p0ny with white freckles and three apples on her flank, she was rear end towards a tree, slamming her rear hoofs into it and causing dozens of apples to fall out. "She's strong" Cermina slips beside you "Must move on, do not wish to get her attention." You nod in agreement, low profile, that's what you wanted right now, that's what you ne-"Hey there ANON!" came the loudest, chirpiest voice you ever heard as you tumble onto your back. Big inhale
Ohsnap
Pinkie stood above you, the biggest, corniest grin on her face "Found you! Silly, why aren't you around P0nyville, I have so many ponies for you to meet!" You grumble "I"m not interested in meeting many ponies Pinkie, I want to keep on my lonesome for the moment,figure things out." "Whats to figure out? You're in P0nyville, you need to have a welcome party!" "Yeah, maybe in a year." "Then you'll be older by then, it won't be the same!" "I guess you can say I'm just not one for parties right now." Pinkies colour seems to fade slightly as she heard this, those eyes big and deep as she looked at you "You...don't like parties?" You blink a few times, feeling the pain in her voice. "Its... "You don't like parties?" Tears swelling in her eyes "Its not that I don't like them....I just....never had one." "Never "Had" "A" "PARTY!?" Those words almost rang out across the land, the shock wave reverberating all around you. "Somep0ny whose NEVER had a party, thats....thats..." "I think you broke her" Cermina tapped her forehead as she stood beside you "An outrage!" Pinkie exclaimed, pinning you to the ground "You mean you never had or been to a party?" "N-no...not since I was a little kid, but..." "But nothing, you sir are in need of some serious catching up to do!" "Pinkie...I don't think that's necessary" "It is Anon, it certa-" "Now what in hay is going on here?" An unfamiliar, southern belle voice breaks the unusual argument as you look to see the orange p0ny staring down at you and Pinkie, her green eyes looking in shock at yours as you seem very...very small right now. "Hey Applejack, have you met Anon!" "Uhh no I haven't..." "Oh! Well Anon, this is my friend AppleJack, Applejack, this is my new friend Anon, he's new here." "So a'e see, don't think there eve'a been a creature like 'at before." "She is Southern...the accent....it does not bring pleasure to ears." Cermina mutters, keeping her focus directly on Applejack, this new P0ny was unknown, she was not going to be left unaware of this one. "Uh hiya..." You sound small to Applejack as she just looks at you, though her expression is more of confusion. It goes soft as she extends a hoof "Well, I may not known yah as Pinkie does, but a friend o Pinkie is a friend of mine." You slowly take her hoof and find that you're brought to your feet quite quickly and given a very firm shake. Your body twitches, a few bones crack at the sudden strength leveled in your hand. "Ow..." "Oh, sorry bout dat, fragile fella aint he?" "Just sore..." "Well if you've been sleeping out here all day and going out at night, I'm sure you would be." Pinkie's comment perks Applejack's curiosity "Whatayamean "going out at night?" Pinkie looks at you, you shurg, the goose has been set lose. "I wasn't sure where I was so I sneaked out to see the town at night, not much of a person to talk to all those ponies. I spent the night at the Library thanks to Pinkie, and read up a bit on your town." You tip your cap "Well, that's certainly the oddest thing I heard, but big on yeh for saying it like dat. Most people tend to be more open here, but I' aint surprised to see some folk shy and uneasy." "Its not...no...I'm not shy or uneasy, just..." You pause "Unsocial" The two ponies look at each other "I don't do well with people, or in this case ponies, sometimes....I'm rather uncomfortable." They nod slowly, getting what you say "So how ya'll fine with us?" You rub the back of your hand "I guess I'm just finding it easier to be comfortable, then again, you both sorta engaged me in conversation." They look at one another again and chuckle "Well sweet pea, many ponies here are always willing to talk to new fellers who come by here, Pinkie just happens to be a one p0ny welcoming committee" The pink one bounces about "That's right, You still need to have the P0nyville welcome!" "Maybe...later..." Pinkie seemed a little let down at that, but you pat her head "Its not anything I don't want to see, its just...I need to get use to the fact I'm not...you know...home anymore. "Ah can understand whatcha mean Anon, it aint easy leaving home on your own." You look at AJ "Oh really?" Aj nods "When I was just a filly, I wanted to leave the farm and make it big in the city, boy, what a change it was, and a mistake I made to leave my home...Eventually, I smart'n up and came back as soon as I could!" "that....doesn't help." You abruptly reply, tapping your fist into your palm. "You went back, found your heart at home. I don't think I can go back home right now." AJ looks at you, rather dumbstruck with how you shot her down so easily. "Sorry...s'why I'm not so social, tend to be quiet...blunt." AJ waggles a hoof, seeing her mistake. "Nah its fine darling, I getcha, you're right, I gather it aint easy to be alone without anyone else like yeh. Don't think we ever had any two legged folk round her aside from dragons" "Dragons" DRAGONS Cermina grins wickedly for a moment before you look away, any other dragons were always fair game in her eyes. You turn your attention back to the Ponies as you dust yourself off "You hungry Anon, we're just bout to have lunch!" You haven't eaten for nearly a day, you're not hungry, but hell, food is always good. "That sounds wonderful, thank you." AJ smiles "Then follow me!"
"Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres" AJ begins as she leads you through the orchard towards the main barn of the farm. You can't help but gawk at just how BIG the orchard was. "Its the best darn place to find all yer apple needs. Myself, Big Macintosh, AppleBloom and granny Smith have been runnin' this here s'tablishment for quiet a long time. Lotta ponies rely on our apples for their daily needs, so we work mighty hard to supply em." "Seems legit..." you say as Aj nods "Darn tootin it is, we take might fine pride in our work, and you couldn't have come at a better time. Plenty of apples came in this season, Big Macintosh and mahself have been hoof deep in picking, whoo, but it will be worth it when we go ta market." AJ seems quiet sure of herself, you can imagine two ponies working alone on this massive farm would be quiet a...predicament, but she certainly didn't seem to mind. That or didn't want anyone else to help. "Applejacks family is famous for so much of their apples! Everyone in P0nyville loves them so much, and we can use them for pretty much anything!" Pinkie giggles as she jumps around, seeming to 'orbit' you with bounces. "Why, during the last summer sunset festival, mah family and I were in charge of the refreshments, was a grand 'ol time on that one."
You find yourself staring down Celestia, her expression of bewilderment, perhaps even fear radiates across her face
You grab your head in pain as you recoil slightly AJ turns to see this "Whats wrong suga cube?" AJ's voice is rather sweet about that, her southern accent makes you feel giddy inside as she sounds rather alluring. You pause, shaking your head a bit They are ponies Fuck those dirty thoughts, you're not a pervert "Sorry, I've got this headache that comes now and then and it really makes me flinch a wee bitsy." Your answer is quick, true, but quick to the point AJ seems a bit skeptical, but decides not to pressure "Get some grub in yeh, you're thin as a stick, may be good to stopping those head sores of yours." "Can't argue with that."
The barn AJ led you to was quite well kept for being the obvious. Hay was neatly staked away above the floor, which was empty of everything but the hay on it. There isn't even a bad smell to it. Set before you is a very long table with 3 place-mats put upon it, each one with a plate and, napkin, and a mug. The center had a basket full of red, green and golden apples.The barn was bright red with white support beams all along it like a standard barn fashion. Flowers in every window, including those on the second floor; living space...upstairs?
The barn itself was...well the barn, there weren't any other buildings except the coupes and pens for the chickens and sheep. Guess that explains the rooms above. Cozy "Well I'll be." "Granny Smith, AppleBloom, Big Macintosh, we got guests!" "Oh boy, guests!" It was the cutest child-like voice you ever heard. Dear God this is going to be one crazy kid. You see what look like a smaller p0ny, and a much larger, big, red one. Honestly, whats with red and being the dominant colour. Whats wrong with blue, or black. The two new arrivals look at you, a sense of bewilderment in their eyes. The little one perks up "Apple jack, who's that?" "AppleBloom, Big Macintosh, this is Anon, Anon, this here my lil sister AppleBloom and my brother Big Macintosh. "Charmed" you bow a bit in a sign of respect. The ponies don't really get it, but they smile "Pleasure ta metcha Anon" AppleBloom said "E'yup!" spoke the Stallion, not much of a talker. A moment later, a third p0ny straggles in. She's an older mare, much older than AppleJack. She seemed scrawny, using a walker to move about as her big eyes seemed to peer around the room, occasionally squinting to see. "Granny Smith, we got a visitor. "Ahma commin, ahma comming, w-we best get our good plates for the newcomers. She goes right to the table, sitting on her rump at the edge of it. her eyes closed a bit as she mutters something you can't make out. The others do the same as you look about, not really able to just sit on your behind. "Something wrong Anon?" AJ inquires "I need a seat." AJ blinks, but realizes you aren't a p0ny, surly you don't sit the same. "got any hay-bales I can use?" "Plenty, Big Macintosh, can ya-" "No need" You see one square bale of hay laying near the side of the barn, quickly easing over, you grip the string and lift it. Oddly enough, its lighter than you thought and you easily carry it back, dump it down, and then sit on it. "There, easy as pie" "I LOVE Pie!" pinkie exclaims "Aye you youngins, make an old granny proud to see such strength..." she goes off muttering something about having a hard time to find food, but you don't bother about it; the history of this place is not yours to care for now anyway. Brain wants food Table means food Where is the food?! You sit across from the Green one as AJ and Pinkie sit on either side of you. "Oh, were are mah manners, Anon, this is dear ol Granny Smith. She's been around since the founding of P0nyville" "That' right!" Apple Bloom chirped in "If ya'll got any question bout P0nyville, she's the one to ask. You tip your cap down a bit "|Thank yeh, I'll be certain to ask." Granny Smith seems to eye you very seriously for a moment, to the point where her gaze seems to attract everyp0nies attention. They turn to you "Whats up Granny Smith?" Pinkie asks "Ya'll didn't say one of em Dragons would be joining us." The room feels very cold for a moment Cermina blinks, hissing a bit as she was standing right behind you. "Granny Smith, you sure ya'll right? There be no dragons round for Miles." "Now don't be misjudging me cause I'm old!" she flails a bit "Dere's a dragon rite dere, standing rit dere, why not let em sit!" AJ, Pinkie and the others look around in surprise, but they see nothing. You just see Granny Smith bearing her eyes into yeh. "Been a long time since I heard bout em Walking Dragons, never thought I see one one of em." "Walking Dragons?" You ask, hoping to disrupt the awkward silence "Yeh, Aint been since the first Dragon Wars those kind had been seen. "The first Dragon Wars?" Apple Bloom asks "A'yep, before you or even I was a fillie, before P0nyville was P0nyville, and Equestria was a big and proud country, there were dragons." "Of course the're still around Granny, tons of em, we watched em migrate a few times in the past." "No, dis is different!" Granny barks "What you see is just the small litter of those left, back den, they would rule the very sky!" Granny eased back in her chair. "Mah granny once told me, long go before she was a granny herself that their family were serving with the Royal Guards of Equestria. Back then, everyone had to take part in military service, what with the griffons and the dragons and all the other creeps n' beasts from the Everfree forest and beyond. The dragons were the worst of em all, no matter how many mares and stallions could be brought up, it took many just to bring one dragon down." Her voice falls a bit as you're clenching your seat, taking in all this. Cermina seems offended, but keeps her arms crossed behind you, glaring at Granny. "One day, when the dragons were planning to launch a massive attack on Canterlot, a small band of oddly shaped dragons, no bigger en Princess Celestia, appeared before the Royal court. They would want to see peace between dragons and P0nykind. We ain't never see a creature like em before, their words were sweet and our kingdom listened, the dragons too had listened, and peace was given between us. S'why now, we let those dragons fly through on migration, part of the treaty between dragon and p0ny that prevented either side from whiping the other out. You could say, they saved Equestria from being destroyed by dragons." Cermina can't help but smirk a bit. "Well, that's quite a story" You smile a bit, finding it quiet interesting to have listened. "Well, you youngins don't know much bout your history, s'important to know where your roots come from, now c'mon, your grannys mouth getting tired of yammering."
Lunch went smoothly, aside from the male storm of questions about who you were, the Ponies were more than friendly enough towards you that you are quiet comfortable being with them. Pinkie was busy chatting up with AJ, clearly their friendship was quiet strong. Big Macintosh was simply eating, a quiet type, like yourself, and then AppleBloom who kept staring at you in awe. Kids...or in this case "fillies" You still find it odd how they aren't thinking you as some demon or monster, but being invited into lunch was kindness enough. Granny Smith still bothers you slightly about the story. Dragons like Cermina? Impossibur! It couldn't be the way you were probably thinking it, brain seems to be generating so many wild ideas you have trouble focusing on what you were eating. Apple things It began with some apple strudel for an appetizer, followed by large apple fritters, sized to almost your fist in length as the main course with some greens. Apples and Greens, that's the oddest combination. Ponies don't seem to eat much else other than the obvious, and meat was out of the question. You'd still needed protein, don't think much of that would be inside apples. "So, what's it like being a huu man?" Applebloom suddenly spoke as you had a piece of apple fritter in your mouth, you look at her, chew very, very slowly, each bite almost drove on before you swallowed and gently whipped your mouth with the back of your hand. "Scrumptious!" you say "my thanks to the chef!" AJ smiles "Ah shucks, Granny and I can whip up a storm of good eats, glad ya'll like it." You turn to AppleBloom. "I am who I am, I cannot say I've been anything else." "But you must have lots of stories about what sort of things you do!" "Perhaps, some to say, some not, I guess I'm not really...open to debate my life with a p0ny I don't know too well." Applebloom seems a bit let down. "Tell yah what, maybe if we spend some time chatting about you, I'll be more than happy to open up about me." The filies eyes light up "Really!" "Really" "P0ny Promise?" She extended a small hoof towards you and you gently take it. "Sure, I'll be more than happy to." You can see Cermina smirking a bit, she liked children, but she kept turning her gaze to Granny. "She is wiser than she looks, be wary comrade." You roll your eyes a bit, sighing as you eat the rest of the fritter. "pardon my asking Anon, but ya'll got a place to stay?" You look up from your concentrated chewing, swallow and sigh AppleJack has an expression of concern on her face. "Not...really, been sleeping in the woods around here." "Tsk, nop0ny should have to sleep in dem woods darling, why not shack with us? We have plenty of space." You look oddly at AJ "That's the sweet darling, I'd be happy to oblige." You present your best 'western' voice you got. Aj seems to blush "Ah well, d-don't mention if sweet pea, you're more then welcome." She held up well. "perhaps there is some way I can repay you?" AJ looks at you in surprise "Oh, think nuttin of it darling, you're more then happy to stay here. "No, I can't just accept that, thank you kindly, but I feel I must return the favor." AJ looks thoughtfully for a moment before Pinkie Jumps in "Hey, why don't you work during the night?" Genius Pinkie smiles, almost like she knew. "Well 'at would be mighty fine of yeh." You nod "Yes, it would, I mean, I'm sure I won't be able to do as much as you can during the day AJ, but I'd be happy to know that any little bit Ido during the night will help you in the coming morn." AJ nods. "Sounds like a fine thing to me, we got a deal!" She extends her hoof again, you take it with equal vigor this time before Pinkie jumps about "Whoo hoo, now were definitely have to have a party for you!" You rub the back of your head as you finish with lunch, you didn't realize how much they cooked You hadn't realized just how much they ATE. Pinkie aside, from a mountain of apple-based foods, only the plates were left.
After you pitch in to clean up, AJ and Pinkie show you around the orchard. It's huge How does a p0ny acquire so much land? It makes you look at AJ oddly, she must have come from a very well of family. "We got plenty o'apples that nee a bucking every season, we make a pretty profit off them in P0nyville, but...I wish ah could'a sold em during times in Canterlot." "What was wrong with that? You're food is awesome!" you comment, remembering the fritters and pies you had. "Well thank yah kindly Anon, but, the noble ponies in Canterlont don't really see a lil country-girls food as "fine dining". AJ seemed a bit down as her head fell a bit, you gently pat her neck and she straightens it, looking at you. "Cheer up, never bother with those snotty upper-class colts and fillies, personally, country food like yours is the best; all natural and wholesome goodness." AJ seems to smile a bit brighter with that comment as she trots on ahead with a bit more vigor. Pinkie on the other hand is still bouncing behind you, not trotting which was rather weird. "So, you harvest all of em?" "Yup, Big Macintosh a myself do it each year." "Sounds like a big job." "It is, learn the hard way that its good to have help."| Pinkie nods "Yeah, when she did, we all pitched in to help her harvest." "Sounds like quiet an undertaking?" "And you wouldn't believe how many apples we got!" Pinkie exclaims "We could make so much apple cider than season." AJ seems quiet proud of herself. "Well that's pretty awesome." You wrap up the tour of the field an hour later back at the barn, inside, AJ shows you a quiet spot above the main floor in the rafters where it seems to almost look like a separate level below the ceiling. "Ya;ll can sleep here, you;ll be away from all the noise and bustle during the day, and ease of use during the night." You climb a small ladder that takes you to the "troft" and you will call it. Enough space to lie down upon a heap of hay. "This will work out nicely." "Den we're all settled, a pleasure to have you on the farm Anon."
You wake up sometime later from your own rest that evening, seeing the stars come out Down at the doorway you see Cermina look out into the Orchard, she looks up at you and grins "Dis will be fun comrade, can do much training here." "Yeah, that sounds like a plan, but we also got work." She nods "Can do both..." You ease down the ladder to the floor and meet with the drake, she salutes and you both leave the barn Halfway from the building you hear the sudden howl of wolves. OHSNAP They sound very loud, not like wolves back home, something bigger and deeper with an almost unnatural hint to it Timber Wolfs as Granny had yodeled the rest of the night, successfully waking the others, you, Pinkie, and AJ meet outside, since you were all up, the topic of smores came into play and you go build a fire. 'Interesting, a play on words' "Ah whut?" AJ asks "Play on words, it basically stating the obviousness of wooden, timber in this case, wolves." "Ah, so you fancy yourself a smart talker?" "if your questioning my smarts, then yes, my conversation speak sucks." AJ and Pinkie chuckle a bit "Hey since were up, why not tell us about yourself Anon?" AJ ask You pause What is there to tell How you lived your life pretty much alone Talked to online friends you never could see Never had many good friends Such a sad story "well i didn't do much after i graduated university" "university?" AJ asks "a school of higher learning, you know, you attend it after high-school." The Ponies can't seem to get it at first, perhaps seeing as the only real school looked like an elementary school. "You mean like that school twilight talks about?" Pinkie inquiries "Whats it called?" "Princess Celestias school for gifted unicorns, shes the top student." You rub your chin "Talk a lot about this Twilight" "Cause shes a totally awesome friend slash Brainiac" Brainiac? "ah don't think brainiac is the right word Pinkie, a'h give my two bits to say shes "well read", she has a book on sleepovers for shootin sake. Aint never heard anyone else with a library that diverse." "Well duh, she lives in one." "I don't think that's the point pinkie." "No, this is!" Pinkie skewers a whole row of marshmallows and lay them over the fire. You watch as they cook and she shoves the whole thing into her mouth. You feel a bit sick as you shake your head. "so Anon, what was University like?" "It was great..parties...all th-" "Murrnur!" Pinkie exclaims behind a bulge of white in her mouth before swallowing it... Unnaturally. "Parties are always great!" "Not exactly that kind... I... Sorta kept away from them." "But why? Parties are super great, with food and drink, dancing and fun with your friends." "That's partly it." They look at you. "i didn't have any friends." The best way to say it is that you seemed to blow a part of their brains clear out of their heads on both of them, Pinkie and Applejack seemed completely taken back by the comment "You didn't have ANY friends' Both girls say with the most shrill, surprised expression their voices could muster in perfect unison. "Sad isn't it..." "SAD!? Its just....TERRIBLE!" Pinkie exclaims, grabbing you with her hooves "How could you have NO friends?" Her eyes beam into yours "Well...I was busy with studying" "That sounds just like Twilight, but, ah doubt that be all the reason?"AJ says "I didn't like the crowd much.." "Just like twilight" they both say as they sigh "It seems you and her certainly have something in common. Sounds like you'll be a good pair to talk.' "That's right!" Pinkie jumps behind you "She was sent here by Princess Celestia to make friends, and in doing so, helped stop Nightmare moon" "Who?" "She was Celestia's Sister, but she went something nasty, she came back only awhile ago to try and reign in utter darkness." "But Twilight, she knew all about it, and...despite us not being so sure, she was true to it." "WE all helped her figure it out and became the Elements of Harmony." You raise a hand "Elements of Harmony?" Both girls nod "Elements that make up Friendship!" Again in perfect sync, that's nuts. Pinkie was trying to get more marshmallows on her stick. "I'm the element of Laughter" AJ raises a hoof to her chest. " a'h am the element of Honesty." "Pleasure." You smile a bit, but then those thoughts in your brain Systems are running! "what happened to Nightmare" The two ponies look at one another, then at you, the air about them seemed to change a bit to a more 'serious' feeling. "She reverted back to her true self, Luna, the Moon Princess, and lives in Canterlot with her sister watching over the night. It was...quite a magical moment, we had a HUGE party afterwards!" You pause, looking up at the stars "So is she watching us now?" "Wouldn't be surprised if she was." "Charming...maybe she would be interesting to meet." "You want to meet Luna?" Pinkie becomes slightly more restless by the though as her mane was now stuck to several partially metal marshmallows. "Whats the problem if I do?" "Well..." AJ rubs her head, pushing her hat over her face." "She aint one to be taken kind to, after wut she did, many ponies aren't to...happy..with her." "She kidnapped Celestia, made it eternal night, and threatened to rule over us! You can NOT SAY that's just the meanest thing to do!" "yeah...but...well." You sigh, it seems that she had done some pretty bad shit, honestly its a shame since she's the Princess's sister. kinda upsetting, but perhaps something to think about. AJ Yawns "Welp, if y'all gonna be up all night, Ah best be off to bed to get mah sleep, busy day tomorrow." "Sleep well AJ,pleasant dreams." The orange p0ny "kirtsies" crossing her forelegs and bowing her head slightly "Well thank yeh kindly Anon, you take care yourself."
Pinkie smiles, turning to you as she jumps towards you and hugs, smelling of marshmallow as you keep her at arms length to avoid getting sticky. She seems fine, flailing a bit in your arms. "Have a wonderful night Anon! I hope we can see you tomorrow!" You smirk, easing her down and patting her...rather sticky...mane. "We'll see what happens then, I'd be happy to spend time with you." Pinkie wiggles in your arms before you release her and she bubbles up all around you "YAY, it will be loads of fun! Have a nice night!" she says before bouncing off to her home, leaving you to do your night time duties.
IT started with you greeting your subjects of the royal court, the elements of harmony present
and...something else, something you never saw before was standing there. You try to see what it is, but his figure is erratic. You try harder as it suddenly changes to something horrific and lunges at you.
Darkness.
You shoot awake in an instant, panting hard, sweat along your brow as you cough a bit, easing out of bed to get a drink of water. As you stand upon the balcony, you looked out over the kingdom of Canterlot as the night sky captivated your gaze with the brilliance of a full moon and stars, your sisters handy work as you close your eyes, letting your horn brilliance for a moment as a beam shoots out.
Silence for a long while, eventually interrupted by the wing beats of another Alicorn. Luna, the younger sister and second princess to Celestia, made her way down upon the observatory platform, facing you before bowing her head slightly. "It is a quiet night sister, why tho set to me during my nightly rounds?"
You gazed over your midnight blue sibling, giving a rather unsettling sigh of relief.
"I had wanted to ask your presence sister, for I feel the time of something deep draws near. Each night I have been visited by a spirit in my dreams, a creature not like anything seen upon this plane. I fear that what it may bring could cause serious consequences to this world."
"Surely you jest."
Luna remarked
"I doubt any form of such item can exist away from the realms of sleep."
"I am not so sure, something...seems almost real about it."
"Real, sister? How so?"
You simply shivered your wings, your ever flowing mane casting along your face.
"It was aware of me..." you said as it grazed over your eyes, the vision of its own returning the stare before you woke. Luna seemed a bit unsure of what you had said,but the expression her eyes gave seemed to bear witness to the fact.
"Then what shall we do?"
"I...do not now. I have no idea what creature this may be, but I will be certain it shall be coming soon."
Luna nodded, turning herself slowly back towards the twinkling stars of the night."
"Then we must prepare, and you need your rest Sister, i SHALL check upon thee in the dawn." and off she went.
YOU sighed, seeing her leave into the night before turning to settle back into your bed.
This slumber, for the first time, brought uncertainty of what tomorrow would bring.
--
You are Luna
What your sister had said troubled you
A creature not of this world
It made you uneasy, but your sister would surely be a lot more on edge
This thing would most likely be out during the day
your nights remained calm.
You feel terrible for your sisters plight, but know you cannot waver from your responsibilities.
As you land at the observatory, you begin by surveying your sisters Royal subjects of Ponyville, since your return, Ponyville had been the jewel of Equstria aside from Canterlot, it held great value to your sister as it was the home of the Elements of Harmony.
As you survey the farmland at the edge of the town, you witness something among the vast apple trees;
something you could not identify.
It moved with purpose, speed, and great skill, it would climb tree,pluck apples, and then leave them in
baskets around the trunk.
You were certain it was not anypony you knew, none of your sisters subjects often took to the night, so the interest in something ELSE being active during your period of diligence was...exciting.
You watch it further, carrying a large ladder from one tree to the next, doing the same thing as before, stopping now and then.
It stood upon two legs, perhaps it was one of the beasts of the Everfree forest, but that could not be.
How could such a creature comprehend such tasks as this one was committing.
Your interest has been doubled
You think back to your sisters words
"Something not of this world."
Your eyes go wide
Could that? No...it cannot be something she would fear?
You decide it would be best to investigate yourself
you spread your wings
but..
you pause, you cannot, your duty as princess of the night required you to remain vigilant.
You sigh in disbelief, gazing through the telescope again to see the creature work.
It...whatever it was, was certainly strong. As it climbed into the tree, it would pick apple after
apple, dropping them down right into the buckets at the base of each tree,slowly filling them with as much
effort as it could muster.
Once the tree was picked, it would climb down, move the ladder to another tree and then go back to grabbing a pair of buckets again to fill.
Strange, it seemed like it had its own routine
Your wings beat with puzzlement as you slowly drew your body from the observatory deck.
You couldn't hold it in, this thing had to be seen closer, your telescope couldn't do justice.
But, what if its harmful.
Of course not! it does not seem like the thing to do so...
You are Anon
You like working nights
You've do so in many jobs before back home, you honestly preferred it
The silence
Stillness
Picking apples at night was a cake walk in itself, you didn't have anyone bothering you, no supervisor looking over your shoulder.
Peace and quie-
"Someone is coming comrade."
Cermina is standing below you, her gaze is upwards to the sky as she hisses
"at this hour?" you ask, dumping a few more apples it the basket below you.
"Its seems to be coming in from further than Ponyville."
"So its not some pony from there... Then who?"
Cermina hissed
"whoever it is, she has strength, i sense great magics"
You pause, remembering what AJ and Pinkie sad said about the princesses, they were near-god like entities right?
Could one of them?
No, why, that made no sense as you
You cant be sure what the reason is, but she is coming, the only thing you can guess is that white one got smart and decide to investigate.
Great... So much for an easy night.
You slip right into the leafage of the tree, pressing your back tight against the trunk and both arms pressed against two branches, keeping you steady.
Wingbeats, big ones
You brace tightly against the tree, all around you is leafage, you huff one last time as you keep your eyes to the hole you made coming in.
You had a decent view below the tree to finally see the late night inspector
But its nothing like you expected
There, landing gently at the base of the tree is an Alicon, but not the white one you say before.
This one was smaller. At least half the size of the great white one but with dark blue fur and a ever flowing mane that match the night sky above.
Who the fuck is this?
She is
Beautiful.
The Alicorn Princess looks around a bit, confused no less to find nothing where something was before.
"Creature of the night." she began, her voice proud and booming
It hurt to hear as you grimaced a bit.
"I, Princess Luna of Equestria, seek an audience to understand thy creatures purpose."
She sounds so...ugh...royalty.
But she looks...well...she looks something better than the white one you've seen before.
Easing forward a bit,trying too get a better view.
Cermina hisses a bit, suddenly you see why
Your shoulder nudges an apple
It falls
right
on
the
Alicorn.
*Thump!*
right on its head
"Ow...by Celestias horn, what treachery is this!? I seek only answers and you reply with force?! I shall be swift in judging your actions!"
She turns directly to the tree
directly to you
but she cannot see you.
You can see the magic slowly orbiting around the apple tree, leaves gently pulling away
"Move!" Cermina barks as you quickly double back downward, taking the opposite side of the tree down to the ground and running, very fast, away from the princess as she opens the entire leave litter
Nothing
"I shall find thee beast of the night for thy answers I seek!"
You run, no pakour skills in you, but bounding off trees as you go deeper seems cooler
Cermina is right behind you, watching your back
love that drake
You make it to another tree, quickly clambering up and getting into the same position like in the last one
just as the other Alicorn arrives
"Beast of the Night!" she calls
"I ask for no struggle between us, but seek answers, you have been witness by royal eyes as concerning and my sister has deemed a creature of wariness to come. Let me see you for my own eyes to pass if thy is worthy of being welcome to our realm"
Is she serious?
She is seriously saying that they think you're a threat
Fuck this shit
you pluck another apple, you are doing this one on purpose as she looks around
"Perhaps we are not clear, we seek an audience with you to pass judgement on you, a threat or ally, we seek to know."
You drop the apple, you WANTED to throw it, but this was a lot more fun.
it falls, waking her along the head again.
Newton would be proud at your accuracy.
*CLUNK*
"|INSOLENCE!" she barks, looking up at the tee
"Do you seek our rage and not our kindness!?"
She does the same magic trick, pulling the leaves apart right as you ditch the tree again
Landing down, you move quickly yet again, running further and further until you reach the last group of trees before the stream
no were else but up!
You clamber up into a tree
safe again as you wait.
Silence
No trotting of hooves, did she give up, no, it can't be that easy to escape someone of royalty who wants to know what you are. You can't help but wonder who she is, definitely NOT the white one, just seeing her fur as dark blue and a mane of dark night was enough to guess this was the sister AJ mentioned of their Princess Celestia, who was she, Luna? The Nightmare Moon who had overpowered Celestia but was banished to the moon.
You smirk, she's pretty cool to be able to do that, but that smirk is cut short as you heard a soft Fwump
above.
You look up to see the Alicorn standing atop the tree, wings outspread as she bellows/
"Creature of the night, this is the last warning thee shall receive! I grow tired of your insolence, we asked merely to speak, but you toy with us, we are not amused, and we shall have our answers by truth from your maw or by force!"
"By force?" you call back "well, if lil miss night puff here can force it out of me, then lets see what she's got!"
Luna grew a bright red blush on her face, swinging her head left and right, seeking the voice out, but not sure exactly from where.
"You...dare question a royal demand?"
"I question it enough to know that I don't give a damn."
"You...little, show yourself, so that we may dispense the judgment of your actions!"
She doesn't seem to realize you're below her.
Good, that's what you want.
Slowly you ease your hands out through the top of the leaf covering of the tree, you can see the Princess
looking left and right, wings drawn up, horn glowing steadily as you gently grip her fore-hooves and yank
her forward.
She comes right down into the tree, her lower half still above while her upper half, the part with her head, is pulled down right in front of you.
"AUGH!!" Luna exclaims, closing her eyes as you pause, having her now half way through the leaves of the top of the tree, you hold her in place.
"What, what is this, dare defile my hooves with your...." she flails a bit, her eyes closed as her horns
glows.
"Easy there..." you whisper "You are under my control now...do not move or you shall draw harm to yourself."
"Ah.,..the beast speaks, s-show yourself!" she tries to open her eyes but you place your hat upon her face
"Do not see, you do not need to. I am the beast of the night you witness, and I have now caught you as my
prey."
She grows tense, you can feel her body quiver in your hands as you press yourself against her, trying to keep your balance.
"I come here for the night, a night I gander at and enjoy, a night that is mine, where I rule."
"YOUR night?" she demands "I had brought the moon and stars, this is not YOUR night!" she struggles, trying to free her self from your hands, but you hold her tighter.
"No, this is MY night, for you are now under MY power, i may slay you, but no...a waste of such beauty does not require blood."
"W-waste o-of beauty?" she seems to stutter a bit, her expression calms just for an instant as she hesitates in her next few breaths,
"Yes...a fine....almost succulent specimen to divulge in...I have not eaten in quiet awhile" you bring your mouth close to her ear and make a small "bite" sound with your teeth
Its enough.
"AHHHH!!" she starts screaming like crazy, you can feel her whole body shake and flail as you try to keep her contained, but she is too much, and shoving and pulling, pushing and failing eventually causing you both to slip, you holding her, and tumbling right down from the tree....with a loud thud...onto thew soft grass.
You wake up slowly, eyes gently opening as you see Cermina crouched beside you
"She is a fine one comrade....but her powers are not as strong as the white one."
You blink, suddenly feeling a hefty weight on your chest, looking up, you see the blue Alicorn right atop
you. Her legs sprawled outward as her body pressed against yours. It felt...oddly cool and her ever flowing mane twinkled like the stars above.
"Whao..." is all you can say admiring the dark blue mare as she slowly begins to fidget.
"Ah...have we...fallen asleep on our duties..." she looks around, seeing her eyes slowly come into focus before she looks down to you
wide eye
"YOU!"
She gets up instantly, horn forward right before you.
"Dare see that we are now in control, THIS is our night, and this is what we say of insolence to the crown."
You huff a bit, easing up
"Well gee, look who was the one who feel upon me, dare say you owe me an apology?"
"Only because you had caused it! I do not see need to apologize for a transgression in harassing a princess"
"Harassing? You call teasing you harassment, well geeze aren't we the one wound up tight."
"we are not wound, we are not some toy you may give a fille. We are Princess Luna, and you have dared to cross the royal highness of the night."
"Highness of nothing is what I see."
You prod her, it seemed fun to watch the princess get steamed, it wasn't often you could do this as you
see her horn glow.
"INSOLENCE, you shall pay!"
Her horn glows a vibrant purple blue as she sends a wave of magic towards you. It tickles, but, you cannot
feel any pressure from it. Perhaps she was trying to lift you, or something, but the magic doesn't stick, and you shake it away.
"What...this cannot be? What trickery is this?" she demands, sending another spell at you.
No effect
"Seems your mumbo jumbo ain't gonna cut it."
You smirk
"C'mon, is that what the great princess of the night has to offer, I've seen fillies with more magic then that.
A nerve, you can see her turn red.
"You....you are finished!" she lowers her horn, fixating it directly onto you as she suddenly charges head long.
You avoid it easily.
Her eyes were closed, and within a second you here a thump as she lodges herself into the tree behind you.
"What....what is this!" she struggles, eyes still closed
"Unhand me you...vagrant beast!"
"I'm not holding you!' you call as she slowly opens her eyes and sees herself in the situation.
"Oh dear me!" she exclaims, trying to get free, but finding her long horn properly stuck through the trunk.
"Well...seems the great princess is no longer a threat, my my, and its been so long since I ate.
"Wh-what!?"
You walk towards her, admiring her form, a subtle body, but well portioned as you creep around her flanks
"You see, I have only been eating apples here, but my species cannot simply live off these...small fruit...we need protein, we need sustenance only live creatures can give...and indeed, I am famished, I have not eaten my protein fill in quiet awhile....maybe I'll start with a leg..."
You gently grip her rear leg as the princess yelps softly, closing her eyes. Her body is quivering.
"And then...a little thigh." you grace your hand along her leg, very gently, slowly, up to her flank where
her markings were; a crescent moon on a night sky, circling it with a finger.
"And then...a helping of rump!" and swat her behind
She yelps loudly, squeezing her tights together as you suddenly hear a little...dripping.
Did she...
you start to smell it
:Oh...d-dear me....please...just...end me quickly...." she whined a bit, her inner thighs were now wet with
what you can only guess is urine as you back away
"tut...I do not wish to eat such chicken beast who cannot hold her bladder, you must taste awful!"
"W-whaty!? How...how dare you call me a chicken...I do not..." she struggles to get free "bear feathers of those foul...my rump is perfectly accepting as an Alicorns can be."
"Well if you're an Alicorn, I still think you taste bad."
"But...how can you..."
she looked at you, you smile, a sheepish smile
"you...you kid me...do you not."
You nod "I guess you can say, but I didn't expect you to be so easily scared
"I'm not scared...just....u-unprepared...now...if you do not wish to eat me, what do you plan?"
You ponder, tapping your chin
Well, you did kinda act mean to me, maybe I;ll leave you here for somep0ny to find you
"NO!"
"Or maybe some wild creature will see you...well...smell you, and come running for a feast
"NO!"
she cries louder
"Or maybe...
"ENOUGH! PLEASE!" she closes her eyes "P-please...s-stop...I do not wish to be nothing...."
"Who said you were nothing"
you walk over to her, you can see she starting to tear up
"Hey...easy now..." you gently stroke her cheek, but she fidgets, trying to move away.
"Why do you mock me, why do you toy with me? What have I don wrong to deserve this?"
You pause, sighing
"You've done nothing....in fact, you did the right thin, I guess I got carried away teasing you.
Carried away, but you are still here?"
"Figure of speech..."
"Then what does it mean
"I went overboard, I went a bit far teasing you...I'm sorry."
She looked at you, a slight blush of embarrassment
"I guess...I need to find ways to better protect myself, you monster, you would have feast on my flesh!"
"That actually isn't all true. I don't think your kind carries the kind of sustenance I need."
She gulped a bit "r-really"
"No...but I don't know for sure...maybe I should..." you stroke a finger along her flank, she shivers,
tingling down her spine.
"Ah....I kid...I shall not wish to eat you."
"t-then stop it, you scare me...I do not wish to be toyed so!"
You ease away from her, studying her figure
"What are you doing?"
"trying to figure out how t get you free."
W"W-what...how will you?"
"Well, I may need to tug you out from your horn...may I?" you point to her, she blushes, looking around she turns back and gazes at you, the expression in her eyes enough to permit a yes.
You ease right up to her, gently placing one arm around her neck and the other on her horn,you gently tug.
"Hrmmm, its not that bad, clean puncture in, won't be too hard to pull out.
She fidgets sin your grip, you ease away
"W-what is it now?" the princess asked.
"Well, if i free you, whats stopping you from trying to square me again hrmm, or maybe use your magic to
tickle me?"
"Ah...demands now, you seek demands for my freedom, you arrogant-"
"Hey...never said any demands yet Missy, now shush and listen. If I free you, will you spend the night with me here. I have...questions to talk about and maybe one of the royal family can help me answer....if you wouldn't mind it."
She looks at you,. blushing a bit "I-i see why not...you will not eat me?"
"No...I doubt you'd taste good anyway."
She huffed, ruffling her wings, but doesn't say anything
"Fine...I accept your request, free me, and I shall remain by your side JUST for tonight...insolent little beast."
"Thank you"
you grip her horn and her body, slowly pulling her with a gentle increase in weight,
Slowly, she eases out of the impact hole
Slowly
Slowly...
Suddenly with an unexpected POP you both tumble from the tree, you landing against another tree and she...well...
She now being free tumbles and lands right against you.
She sees you and quickly flies off, landing before you on the grass.
"There...all free."
She doesn't say anything, looking at you, seeing her now standing as she soon, and can't help but awe.
"I...thank thee for their aid, but still disdain thee for their insolence!"
you grin
"WEll exxccccuse me princess."
she huffs, her wings flutter but she does not speak, instead she looks away
You humm a bit as you slowly get up, smirking as you extend your hands."
"Fine, fine, this is your night, you say what yours is yours."
She seems hesitant, looking at you.
"We see...no harm in your appearance... Do you hide your identity from us, or do you seek to bewilder?"
"Neither, but you're right that you probably never saw something like me before.|
Luna looks back, she can see that you really don't look all that threatening as she can see no sort of claws, mandibles or horns upon your body, just some...hairless thing.
"What...what are you?" she said, taking her stance defensibly now, but her horn back before you
"A-are you discord, or some changeling from the scotched lands?" her Horn wavers a bit as you can see she's not too intent on fighting. You step forward a bit.
"Again, I am neither, but I would ask what those beasts be, this land is...unfamiliar to me."
She stops, easing her head fully up, both in surprise, and amazement.
"You...are not of this land?"
"Nay your highness, which I believe is what you are."
"Y-yes, but...you are no noble subject of I or my sister's grace, why tho thee permit such formalities to an unknown majesty?"
You shrug "I came for peace here, the night has been my home, my salvation away from my own realm, I seek solicitation, and thy noble of this establishment has done much to offer her kindness to my willing."
|"Ah, so you speak thee of Applejack, she is one of sisters favorites, truly I shall make note but...you good sir, why thou are thee?"
You bow a bit
"I be a human M'lady, simply a human, a wanderer in this land. I have been offered work for thy AppleJack as her nighttime shift, which is what I have been doing until you disturbed me"
"Then behalf of my horn I apologize to thee.
"I accept, thank you."
Luna smiles as she looks up
"Uhm....I'm...sure I shouldn't be talking all...formal like that, but....it is the royal Canterlot expression. Oddly... I...feel comfortable with you to request we speak like this...if you can accomplish that." she seemed to give a rather sultry gaze to you, seeing to test you a bit as you smirk.
"Well that's perfectly acceptable, I don't mind speaking calmly with you. I am Anonimuspole, but you can call me AnoN."
"Anonimuspole." Luna muttered, it sounded like Anuunmispoll
"Well...Anon...I greet thee to Equestria, I am Princess Luna of Canterlot. Oh! Have you been welcomed by the soft pink one?"
You blink
"You mean Pinkie"
"Y-yes, the pink one, Pinkie Pie."
"Well, yeah, kinda, I was able to avoid the Ponyville welcoming commit, but she met me on calmer terms elsewhere.
"Calmer?"
"I guess she just seemed calm around me, by the way she goes about it she can be one heck of a speedster, I'd gather she was acceptable with being calm when it helped her realize the kind of person I am."
"You do not approve of her antics?"
You blink
"What...no. I got nothing against them, I think they're hilarious...I just."
"Wasn't open to making new friends?"
You look at Luna, a sheepish smile on her muzzle.
"I know the feeling...I have yet to meet well with the elements, but,the moments I had allowed me to share some..comfort in knowing and understanding them. Others...did not seem me as such."
"SO I've heard..."
She looked "You know of it!? Oh dear me, I...I..!" she turned away, fluttering her wings as if she was about to take off.
"No wait!" you call "I...never said I didn't like it, in fact, I want to know more about it!"
Luna pauses mid skip into flight, eyes open wide as she looks
"You, wish to know, but, you had said."
"Yes, its a figure of speech, I heard of your tale, being resentful of your sisters day and seeing how her subjects plaid about while slept during your night. It is...sorrowful, but a realization of how things work."
She slowly eased her hooves down flat, folding her wings slightly before turning back to you.
"You wish to know of me as Nightmare moon. Oh...but you will be upset by what I've done, even I cannot...cannot forgive myself for it. She was mys sister...." tears in her eyes, you ease closer, step by step, waiting to see her reaction as she doesn't move.
"Hey....don't cry, its...not becoming of a princess to cry like that."
"Oh...?" she sniffs "and what is, to be sadden by the fact you never could be better than your sister, or the fact you did what you did against her because you secretly hated her..."
she paused, eyes wide as she looked at you, almost a "OHSHIT" face.
"So...it seems my theory was right."
She looks confused.
"Theory?"
"A thought process. I had understood the story of Nightmare moon. I found out about it when I was reading an encyclopedia about Ponyville. it...well...it makes sense, best I can say is that it makes perfect sense what you did, and completely reasonable. I still think you acted...harshly, but...well...you did what you had to do."
Luna stepped back a bit, she seems bewildered, puzzled to the point that this suddenly UNKNOWN creature had not only bested her physically, but was able to allow her to be accepted as Nightmare Moon, holding no resentment towards herself.
She nearly feel to her stomach had her wings not shot out to send her flying upwards slightly. She landed quickly, trying to hold her composure of one quiet unusual and almost delightful smile as she trotted over to you.
"I...have never been so grateful in all my life..."
"uhhh..."
you pause a sigh and look at her, its almost as thought a heavy weight was lifted.
"You're welcome..."
"I am glad...I'm not sure what I should make of this,of you, what are you?"
"We're called humans"
"Hoo-mans?"
"Yeah...you can say that"
"And what are these Hoo-mans like?"
"Well, they're me. I'm an average human, well maybe above average but hey..."
you try a joke, she doesn't seem to catch it.
"So I see...you...certainly do look fine for a species we have never seen before."
Your rub the back of your head
"ehehe, thanks."
"What is your species capable of?"
"many things we are builders, thinkers, explorers, warriors..." you pause
"Oh my, so many things, it interest me so as we to ha- OW!"
You blink
"Are you okay?
Luna shakes her head
"N-no, my horn...it hurts."
You can't see anything wrong with it
"hey...you sure, looks fine to me?"
She shakes her head
"There is this...pain...in my horn."
You walk over to her
"m-may I?" you ask, extending a hand around her horn. She flushes, easing away a bit
"I..I wish you do not...it is....sensitive."
"Sensitive?"
she nods
"Ow..."
You shrugged, sitting back as she waggles her head about
"Augh...I do not understand, why is this pain so...OW!"
You walk over to her.
fuck if shes a princess.
fuck if its sensitive.
You gently grab her horn.
Her eyes go wide as she stares at you.
"A-ANON!"
"Shush, can't stand to see a lady in pain"
"L-lady..." she quivered a bit "oooOOhh..."
You sorta see why she said it was sensitive.
You gently stroke along its length, it was quiet long, never seen a unicorns horn, even one this big before, but you can tell she is enjoying the gentle stroke; her wings flutter ever so briefly each time you run the length of it.
"ahhh....oh that is nice..." she giggled a bit as you stop for a second, she blinks
"W-what is wrong, why did you..."
She pauses as you plunk an apple, feel it, and then look at her
"no...you cannot mean what I think..."
-THUNK!-
"Ahhhh!"
you slam the apple onto her horn, impaling the poor fruit on her point before slowly pushing it down until a good quarter of the tip is deep inside the core.
"I think this will help..."
"y-you think!?" she exclaims "Why do you t-think....oooh~" she closed her eyes a bit
"D-don't...that's....all sticky..." she whines a bit, whimpering as you turn the apple about her horn with
one hand, rotating it along as its acidic juices begin to dribble down the horns length.
She gasped, huffing softly as you turned the apple slowly, pushing it down gently until it now was at the half way point.
Luna's head jumps upward at the shift, exhaling deeper breaths as her wings spring straight out.
you push the apple further, she lets out more moans as you now twist the fruit with both hands
Her legs shiver, her body quakes, she closed her eyes tight as bright blush rushes across her cheeks
Lower on her horn.
the moans get louder
finally, as you "hilt" the apple to the base of her horn Luna lets out a wetly scream
The sudden smell of
Cream pie?
Fills the air.
"Oh by Celestias horn...~" she cooed a bit, collapsing to her stomach as her rump settled in a pool of
her...essence.
"That was...amazing!~"
"That's kinda nasty..." you think to yourself.
Well, for the first night out on your own here, what did you accomplish?
You had filled several baskets of apples
Got the interest of a princess
Damaged property of your employers
Befriended said princess and made her cream herself by trying to help her.
and now have the princess's SISTER a potential...inconvenience...in the future.
Not...what to really expect from a place of magic and friendship.
Its funny, but your mind can realize that the thing this place is going about is in good form; nothing wrong is being commit.
He was an alien.
The princess's sister, also a princess oddly enough, has been granted concern by your presence.
It seemed that even remotely trying to meet her, or anyone who is really close with her would be considered a very bad scenario.
"As much as it may mean comrade, its obvious you cannot seriously get involved."
Cermina muttered as she stood over the princess blissfully unconscious body.
"I honestly don't now, I mean, never realized the horn was so sensitive when...you know...you use yours for fighting."
Cermina has a "duh" look on her face
"Really...you mean?"
"They still have some nerves comrade, we can feel lightly.
"I can see that, s'long as you don't break the root."
"Exactly, similar to 'shedding"
You nod in agreement at the thought before turning down to the princess.
First order of business was to clean her up.
You didn't know how ponies, let alone alicorns, act in water. The topic of "taking a horse to water" Began to filter in your head. Its obvious you won't know if she will disintegrate, or actually sink.
She looks light enough, hell, I'm sure she's as buoyant as ever.
You pick her up slowly into your arms, cresting her fore legs and rear legs over your arms, holding directly at her inner arms and thighs. It was slightly uncomfortable...be so close to...you know...but you gotta do something right or it would end rather sour.
Fortunately, you had moved further back from the main farm to be near the small brook. AJ said they used it for their water supply further up stream, so it was fine to use this brook here.
You sigh, you're not really wearing swimming gear and the fact you had clothes on made it even weirder, but what choice did you have, plop her down, strip, and go in with her...
God that was perverted.
You huff, slowly easing your shoes off, using your toes to rub your socks off before slowly slipping in.
The water...was actually rather warm for being a 'wild' brook, kinda creeped you out.
fuck it, roll with it.
It almost feels like bathwater, without the soapy suds in it.
As you slowly ease the alicorn into the water, you can see her shiver as it slowly let her body submerge in, rear legs downward first as her rump landed squarely on the sand bed just beneath the surface, having her sit upright with her neck well above the water.
Which was another problem in itself as it reek of apple.
Let alone how sticky it was.
You take the chance to spread out her wings a bit, least thing to do would be clean those, scrubbing a hand along the bone length, easing out to the tips of her feathers.
"Damn wings..." you mutter
"Dragons are better." you here Cermina at the shore, watching you with delightful intent.
"Ah fuck you, ain't that messed up.
She stuck her tongue out, flipping her talon before turning back around, sighing a bit as she grinned,
watching in her periphery.
You ease down her flank to her rump, not wanting to feel between her legs as you run up to her neck, gently swishing water over it.
You don't mind this.
you wanted to groom dogs at one point in your life.
ponies are just a step up.
it takes roughly twenty minutes before you realize your phone is in your pocket. Yanking it out, you look with satisfaction it somehow survive.
It didn't make sense at first, but fuck it, your phone's good, you can listen to music again.
It also tells you that making mistakes happen.
hell, but this ain't no mistake if your plan to help a horn in pain turned into a sexual escapade.
It wasn't intentional, but you didn't know.
You feel a slight jitter as you realize her body is waking up.
Her eyes suddenly open wide.
"wh-what is this, what s going on!"
She seems afraid instantly, suddenly splashing about as she nearly knocks you right in the head.
You duck underwater in an instant, seeing her slowly start to raise her back hooves.
You swim back, whip kick propelling you as fast as you could go before Luna returns to all four hooves and
instantly calms down, blinking.
"Oh...dear me..."
she looks around
"Uhh hello..."
bubbles suddenly from her right as she watches them stop right in front of her
her eyes gazed at them in confusion before your head slowly pops up.
Your hat almost freaking her out as she looks wide eye'd at you. Your expression quite serious as you reach quite high compared to her.
She gulps a bit, stamping back a bit.
"A-ah H-hello...s-sorry if I may have...surprised you."
You instantly relax
"Nah its okay, I want to apologize for...you know."
"Oh t-think nothing of it..." she blushed realizing what you were saying when she had her thoughts return.
"Are you-"
"Oh yes...I-I am perfectly fine with that, no harm has become of me, and no shame towards thy name. I am grateful for the night you have offered...and am sorry if we are...interesting creatures."
"Diplomatic, you're ponies, that's all I can see, got no problem with that."
She smiles, a quite relived. She was pretty, her mane all wet, it looked like a sea of stars, a single long line of light blue along it had turned into what looked like a galaxy spiral arm.
Riveting.
"You never told me why you like being out so late, surely your species require the day for work and the night for rest as ours do?"
"Yeah... that's 100 percent correct, the thing is, humans are very adaptive, and sometimes, we need to make sure we can get work done as efficiently during the night as we could during the day. Its something I can credit myself saying I had learn how to do."
"So that is why you are up?"
"Pretty much, I work for AJ, she's sweet enough."
"No...why else, I know there is more than what you say."
You pause a bit, surprised how...interested she was in the subject now.
"Well... I think its simply beautiful. The night has so much to offer to us in regards to sheer beauty, but also in the symbolism of it; peaceful tranquility and an endless expanse of knowledge and splendor. Such sights we see at night can ONLY be seen at night, for the sun makes the sky blue, and we lose the way of the stars."
Luna seemed to blush deeply, much more so than from the apple's sensation.
You can see this.
It's quite a lovely purple, slight glimmer to it as though stardust littered them.
Was she...crying?
You can see a teardrop, not one of sorrow, one or utter joy and perfection as she raises a hove to wipe it, gently holding it upon the flat base of it to show you.
"That is truly sweet Anon, I...I have never guessed your kinds mind is willed to such desires of beauty and hope; to see the night such as that...I am truly blessed to be the princess for them."
The drop looks like a world; a brilliant blue hazed over like the complete cover of a water world, clouds wafting all around it.
"Oh, dear me, the dawn!"
Your mind returns to reality as you can suddenly see the crackle of light in the distance.
"My sister shall be raising the sun, I must put away the moon; thank you Anon, and may our paths cross again."
She handed you the tear, its form now as solid as glass as you gently take it in your hands before she turns and flies off towards a mountain bristling with a city.
Your walking back to the farm with a basket in hand. Its hard to figure but you can't help but think that everything here weighs slightly less than you would think.
The apple basket, just one of several, didn't weigh as big as it looked, similar to the hay bale you hauled last time. You sigh, easing it down near the front of the barn just in time to see AJ trot out.
"Morning Anon, have a nice night?"
Yu grin, the thought of it brought some interesting expressions to your face as AJ seems puzzled
"Girl, I got stories like you wouldn't believe!"
"Ah, really now?"
You tell Aj of your escapade with Luna, she is certainly surprised, but she shows quiet a soft expression when you tell her what you told Luna of the night, leaving out the insanity with the horn and apple of course.
You felt bad about avoiding that subject to Aj, who was the Element of Honesty, and hopefully, you could poker-face enough that she wouldn't question.
"-I think she's quiet special, not often you get to meet someone who can rule the night."
AJ seems quiet pleased, surprised, but pleased.
"That's mighty sweet of yeh Anon, I'm surprised how well she seemed to take you... not many Ponies willing to open so easily to Luna."
"I think that's just stupid."
You bark that line, AJ looks at you.
"I think suddenly revoking her of being able to spend time with her subjects just as much as Celestia has been is not just stupid, but not fair"
"Darling, ah told ya'll why she can't, Celestia herself made it so, Ah sure as shootin can't argue with the princess."
"But thats just it! Luna is a Princess too! They're BOTH princess's, neither should command the other!"
AJ looks quizzically at you, a bit to her left, then to her right.
"Ah aint one to talk bout this Anon, but that goes against a lot of trust we have to the princess." she begins to walk towards the Orchard, stopping just at the edge.
"Well ya'll coming?"
You follow AJ.
"Whats the deal?"
"Ya'll a smart one Anon, trust me on dat, but you're putting yourself into deep water. Princess Celestia is the ruler of Equestria, Luna is her little sister."
"But she is also the Princess."
"Yes, but Celestia has shown her strength already, and Luna, well, you know her past."
"That still don't make it fair. She went ballistic because she felt her role unjust, she wanted her subjects to love her night as they loved her sisters day."
"Anon, you and Ah both know dat aint possible."
"Yes, I do, it takes a lot to work day and night, so I can understand her pain."
"Can yeh? Can yah understand the pain of eternal night?"
Aj seems a bit hissy about the subject, as though the very values she had of the Princess could be questioned.
"You're agreeing with me arent you?"
AJ continues to trot ahead.
"You know that Luna and Celestia are, by all means of authority, equal, and that Luna should be granted the same rights, the privileges to spend time with her subjects."
AJ keeps going, checking out trees.
"You know that, yes,she did do bad things, but she is still royalty, and as she surely has been forgiven by her sister, she is still being treated like a criminal. Furthermo-"
A sudden slam as AJ rams her back hooves into a tree.
"Now just you hang on there Anon, ya'll be shooting from the hip on a matter ah don't want to be pushed into. I love our princess, we all do, but we cannot just drop dat fact Luna, as sweet as she is, went about trying to rule us all, even bring HARM to us."
She sighs, fixing her hat as she exhaled deeply
"Luna got what she deserved, but she also got a chance to better her'elf"
"By being locked away during the day and only let out at night."
"Now you don't know thart for sure Anon!"
"I see no evidence of it not being a lie, if she was given free reign, why has she never come to Ponyville to see you, You and your friends were the ones who freed her right?"
AJ doesn't respond, she turns and walks deeper into the Orchard leaving you with a deep sigh.
"Great, nice going brain."
"No problem Anon, fucking you up since you were born."
You slam a fist into your head as you walk on after AJ, she had made it several meters before she started bucking trees, not to far where you stopped last night.
You caught a glimps of the tree Luna had punctured, just behind the one AJ was bucking.
DEAR WHATEVER ENTITY ABOVE SHE DOESN'T SEE.
"Anon"
AJ begins
"Ah can understand ya'll want to feel for Luna's problem, ah may not know her well nor would ah know you, but mah gut tells me yu're a bit too smart for all this."
she knocks the apple tree harder
"You care for Luna... you told me you had a nice time with her last night, so I can gather that much, but your barking up a tree you aint suppose to be near."
"Why?"
"Because matters of Princess Celestia and her siblings aint ours to question."
"So you're saying whatever she asks of you, you do."
Aj nods
"God...thats...well...."
"She aint never steer us wrong Anon, you got to understand that."
"Oh I do...its just...." you can't really argue with that, these Ponies loved their Princess, but you still felt uneasy about Luna being mistreated, even if she did cause a lot of shenanigans before.
"Anon...what'ya'll suppose this is?"
AJ suddenly breaks your train of thought as she points to a small hole right through the tree.
"Uh...wood pecker?"
"We aint got any of those round here...no dead trees."
Shit, she knows that much.
"It looks like...somep0ny..."
"Oh for fuck sakes...." you bark out, AJ looks at you in surprise
"Luna and I had a complication when we first met."
"Complication?"
"A disagreement. I was pulling her leg."
"AH can imagine she'd take wrongly to having any of her legs pulled out from-."
"No no no, not Literally...I mean that I was joking around with her, playing a prank and all, and well, she got pissed about it and tried to skewer me."
"Skewer you?"
You point two fingers at your chest.
"I think it was more out of fear, I did kinda...mess around with her in my vilious mode."
Aj rolls her eyes and sighs
"So wha happened after, I take it you got her free?"
"Yeah...but her horn was in serious pain..so I massaged it.
Aj looks up instantly at you
"You...massaged her horn?"
"Y-yeah....I even used an apple to do it...she liked it."
Aj seems rather...unsettled by the notion of you "massaging" a princess's horn.
"Anon, ya'll one crazy coot."
"What, certainly felt quite relived after I finished."
Aj's hat seems to perk off her head
"You...ya'll didnt... you perv-"
"NOT like that" you bark at her instantly
Aj pauses
"I found her horn sensitive to touch, so I used an apple, its juices much cooler than my hands, to relax her horn. Turns out she got quiet the rush... I cleaned her downstream a little afterwards."
AJ looks at you with the utmost "what the fuck" look you could imagine for a pony.
Shit...now she might think your some perverted bastard...
"Applejack, I tell you with the utmost truth in my heart that I didn't touch her in any way, shape, or form to be consider violation of her body. I merely found an unexpected twist to a means of helping her and made sure she was taken care of in the most respectable means possible."
Her look calms, and she trots over to you as she smirked a bit, easing up right to you.
"Well, I aint gonna be saying you're a monster for doing that, but ah am gonna say you're a fool for doing it none the less...savvy fool, but a fool."
You sigh
"Did she enjoy it?" AJ asked.
You blink
"Uhh...I gu-"
"Enjoy what!?"
A sudden familiar, almost annoying voice perked up from above as you and applejack look to see Pinkie sitting in a tree, almost like a cat would as she grinned with a big sheepish grin.
"How long..."
"Just a few moments, I got up to "Did she enjoy it"
"Pinkie, whatcah'll doin up there?"
"Nooothing...just seeing my favorite Non-Pony."
"Non-pony?"
"Yup, you're not a pony, but you're still a friend Anon, maybe AnonPony would be a good name?"
"Lets not and say we did."
"But we didn't?"
"FIGURE OF SPEECH!"
"Ya'll certainly have a lot of those Anon, could be more trouble then there worth."
You shrug
"Meh, its how I roll."
"But you're standin-"
you raise a hand
"SHush!"
//
Luna sighed as she settled next to Celestia at the table. Despite the tardiness of her nighttime sister, Celestia could see that LUna was slightly distracted by something. She took a bit longer than normal to put down the moon and stars for the night, but she had felt that with the smile and happiness attitude in her that certainly was not there before. Of course, Celestia was pleased her sister was happy, but she was slightly concerned, how, and why was she so happy?
'Dear sister." Celestia began, gently sipping her morning coffee "what kept you from your duties? You were a little on the tardy side today."
Luna eeps as she levitates a scone "Oh...oh I was...sorry, I had just the most wonderful evening in a long time that I nearly forgot entirely...I-I am sorry dear sister."
Celestia simply smiled with a soft giggle.
"It is no harm sister, I am glad you enjoyed yourself, but your duties are your duties, they always come first."
"Oh but of course Sister, I know far too well my duties MUST be done so that the sun may rise and the moon may sleep, but for that one night I had enjoyed myself beyond what I would have expected, beyond what I may have seen, even beyond what I may know of the creatures of this world."
Celestia looked puzzled, edging a bit closer
"What do you mean beyond what you know?"
"Oh, it was a creature none of which I had ever seen before. It was certainly not a p0ny, but it was not a beast as I've seen in the Everfree forest, even in the realms of other creatures WE know already...it just was...different."
Celestia sighed a bit, sipping her coffee and putting it down as she seemed intrigued.
"Can you describe it?"
Luna blinks, easing back as she begins to nibble on the blueberry scone.
She liked scones
they were so sweet and tasty...
what did she have to do again, her mind kept going back to the creature...Anon...should she say his name, of course not, perhaps she could keep Anon as her own...Sister dear did have the whole love of her subjects, but Luna had so little...
She blinked as she saw Celestia still staring at her
"Errr...well he's taller than I, perhaps around your height....he stands on his rear hooves, but...he doesn't have hooves, instead he has...well..fingers...like those monkeys in the garden..."
She pauses
"He is a hairless ape, he walks upright and his words, those words are sweet and sophisticated...I was quiet... allured by it."
Celestia nearly choked on her coffee as her expression instantly went sour
"Allured?" She muttered as she swallowed it
"Oh..dear me, is it too strong a word?"
Celestia coughs, covering her maw with her hoof "P-perhaps..."
"Oh...well...as he would say,"Its how I roll."
"But dear sister, you're not rolling anywhere."
"I think its a figure of speech..."
Celestia seems amused by this creature, this hairless ape.
"Is there a name for these things?" Celestia asked
"He called himself a Hoo-man, not sure if its exactly that, but he said they were very adaptive creatures."
"It certainly can explain his nocturnal capabilities."
Luna nodded
"Indeed, oh but it was so fascinating to be with him, he certainly has a way with words."
Luna seems triplicated almost by this thing...
Strange
Celestia couldn't help but feel more and more interested the more Luna spoke of it.
Again, it was sweet, but it was troublesome.
Such a creature was for her sister
that was pleasant but...
it would also make her
more...powerful.
Celestia kept that thought to herself, if a creature was indeed there for Luna, and if she seemed attracted to it, what was stopping it from becoming attracted to HER?
The power of Love was strong, surely it would make Luna much stronger than she already was...
Could it be that she would even demand a bit more...
NO
Celestia put down the cup, cursing those thoughts of EVER thinking her sister would revert to Nightmare Moon a third time, it was unlike her to want to cause harm.
Celestia knew this thing, this Hoo-man, could pose a great threat of not observed properly, she knew that this thing had to be studied and decided if it should remain in their realm.
Shifting her wings, Celestia eased from the table
"My Dear sister, I must be off for my duties, tell me, shall you be seeing this creature again?"
"Oh yes!"
Her answer was instant
"He spends his night at the farm...Sweet Apple Acres I believe, I wouldn't be surprised if he
slept
there
during
the
day.
Celestia was on her feet, shifting her wings as she smiled
"I am pleased to hear that, I do hope you enjoy the rest of your day and yes, go on and see your friend of the night, it should be good for you."
<Back at the farm>
You explain the nights events to Pinkie about how you and Luna met and what you did, excluding the excitement of her horn.
"She really did enjoy the night, I think it touched her to finally find someone that was out at night to talk to."
Pinkie smiled a bit as she began to hop.
How does she do that?
"I'm glad you got to befriend Luna...I would love to see her come by so we can throw a super welcome party for her!"
You look at Aj, she looks at you.
"AJ's told me a lot about how your townsfolk find Luna."
Pinkie stops jumping
"You mean how they're all afraid of her? Well Duh, she did do something pretty awful last time she was here."
"Yeah, but that was Nightmare Moon."
Pinkie shakes her head.
"It was still her, she still was Luna, and she really did some mean and nasty-"
"Pinkie"
Pinkie looks at you as she meeps a bit, easing away
"Ya;ll seem awfully attached to Luna.
AJ asks as you blush a bit
"Well... I" you pause a bit.
"I took comfort in knowing somep0ny else had been dealing with troubles I can relate to. You both are wonderful ponies and am glad to have met you, but I don't think you've had the same issues with friends as I have."
The two ponies blink, look at one another and then back, nodding
"Ah see whatcha mean suga cube, perhaps it is right dat ya;ll mingle with the night princess."
"Yeah, who knows, maybe you'll bring some cheer into her!"
'Comrade, we have problem."
Cerminas voice rings clear in your head
"The white one, she is coming, I sense her magic drawing close, you MUST hide."
You don't need your brain to tell you that.
You look at Pinkie and AJ
Shit,
Shit
Wait...
"Hey Gals."
"Yuh?" they both say
"I'm just going to...finish something elsewhere...I uh...gotta go...like now."
AJ looks puzzled
"Wahtc'ya'll mean?"
"I think...my headaches are coming back....I'm going to lie down..."
You start walking away as thw two ponies seem confused.
"Uhh sure thing darling." AJ calls "Ill see you at the farm."
Not a moment too soon as the sudden wing-beats of one giant white Alicorn whip up a storm of leaves as Celestia herself lands atop a tree.
Celestia spread her wings wide before folding them back to her flanks.
Majestic in every sense of the way
AJ and Pinkie bow instantly to their princess.
"Good morning Celestia." they say together
"Good Morning Apple Jack, good morning Pinkie Pie, how are my loyal subjects?"
"We're fine and dandy your highness, just gettin ready for the day of apple buckn'
"Oh that sounds splendid, and you Pinkie?"
The pink mare smiles
"Just helping out Applejack, she can use all the help she can get with all these apples, i mean, just look at them all."
Celestia looks at all the apple trees
"It certainly does seem so, but i have faith you and AppleJack can accomplish this."
"Well thank yeh kindly your majesty."
Celestia smiles
"I'm sure its wonderful for AppleJack to have help from her friends, I'm certain you can use hands to help you both at day...and during the night."
Celestia paused, smiling.
"Luna had mentioned to me this morning she had seen something in your orchard during the night. She had said "it was picking apples" and I had to be quiet surprised that nothing from around here can do that easily....Were you aware of this AppleJack? It would be a sorry instance to realize something is taking your apples."
Both ponies tense up instantly
AJ looks at Pinkie whose just smiling and staring at Celestia
"She had said that whatever this thing had done much to bring her happiness for the night she spent with it, and of course, my sisters happiness comes first. However, I need to make sure her safety is number one."
AJ removes her hat from her head.
"Well Princess ah don't think anything wrong would'a happened to your sister here, these farms the safest in the land. Only thing we ever hear at night is dem Timber Wolves, but they hardly come out to the farm."
"Well, if its not too much trouble, perhaps I can pick up some of your wonderful apples? Luna seemed to enjoy the ones I had purchased from you before."
"Ah be more then happy to yer highness."
AJ smiles, but Pinkie shoots her a quick look, a look that spoke "HE's in the barn!"
AJ bit her lip, this was the PRINCESS, she couldn't just lie to her, but Pinkie was right, Anon was in the barn sleeping, he had made a note to keep out of sight.
Something in AJ's head turned a bit.
How did he KNOW Celestia was coming before she arrived?
Celestia smiled at AJ
"Well, shall we?" she asked "I still have much to do, so I do not wish to dally."
Celestia walks towards the barn, passing both Applejack and Pinkie as the two ponies follow.
AJ kept passing looks as Pinkie just keeps smiling
AJ huffs, seeing nothing much her friend could do as she trotted ahead of Celestia
"pardon your highness, but I can bring the apples to yah, just gimma bit to get em ready."
"Oh that's quiet alright AppleJack, I would be just as happy to see the rest of your family before I conduct my duties. Ah is that your brother Macintosh?"
AJ turns to see big Machentosh walking over, he seems suprised but bows quickly to the princess.
"An honour Macintosh, are you well?"
"E'yup."
"Wonderful, do you have any spare supplies of apples?"
"E'yup"
"Splendid, may I acquire some?"
"E'yup."
He points to the barn as AJ is already off towards it, quickly rushing inside....but finding no one there.
She looks around then upwards at the "'spot" Anon would be sleeping, only to feel a sudden chill down her spine.
"Ah AppleJack, is there something wrong?" "
Celestia smiles down at AJ as the mare turns "
"Ah err nothing princess, just seeing if we-"
"Had any ready, well I see one basket right there, I would be happy to take it." she points to one basket oddly set in the very center of the barn, Aj is puzzled, but Celestia just has her smile as she trots over and levitates it with her magic.
"Thank you kindly Apple Jack" she said as she walked out, drawing out one apple and biting into it
"Delicious" she mutters between bites as a dozen or so golden bits float into the orange mares hoof.
"A little extra from me, thank you kindly." Celestia said before she took flight with the basket and apples within as BM and Pinkie walk up beside her, all three standing there in semi-dumbfound as their princess flies back off to Canterlot.
"I'm surprised, I never thought the princess would just come by unannounced."
AJ said as she looked back at the barn. Her expression of concern relived as she looked at Pinkie
"You think she knows?"
The Pink mare nods
"I know she does, did you see her eyes, she kept looking around, she kept trying to find Anon, and we nearly led her to him!"
AJ groans, sighing as she goes to the ground, her fore-hooves covering her head.
"darn shootin, we nearly brought a whole lotta trouble to poor Anon."
Pinkie nudges AJ
"Don't feel glum AJ, she came and went without a problem, so we shouldn't feel bad."
AJ sighs, easing back up and smiling at Pinkie
"ya'll right, ah guess we can be glad she didn't find him, but ah feel bad not telling her bout it."
"What she won't know wont hurt her..." Anon mutters from above as he looks down at AJ who looks up, first in surprise, but calms as he smiled down at her.
You are Anon
You had the shit scared right out of you just seconds before.
thank God or whatever entity like beast there was that the Princess didn't sense you.
In fact, you were glad you got a chance to see Celestia again, closer this time. She's elegant in style, but you still feel its unsettling.
Cermina had warned you well in advanced of Celestias arrival, she had sensed her a mile away.
"Her magic reeks of strength, she is a force to be reckoned v'ith comrade."
"You think she knows of us?"
"Perhaps..."
Cermina had suggested she would follow Celestia, so while you had slunk off to hide in your little getaway place, she had spent the short period of time studying the sun princess.
She had left, so the place was safe as you clamber down to the main floor, watching AJ trot off into the orchard to conduct her duties for the day.
"How did she find out about this place so easily?"
Cermina hurred
"SHe had mentioned Luna had said something..."
You sighed
"Well, that's something, but can't blame her for that. Guess she spoke with Celestia about it then."
Cermina nodded
"Seems dat way, shall we relocate?"
"No...not a wise choice. Celestia doesn't think where here, oddly so, how she didn't even detect me was a miracle in itself."
You turn to see Pinkie standing there.
"Hi Anon, whatcha doing?"
She comes closer
"Who yah talking to? Is that some new friend?"
You look at Pinkie, then Cermina, then pinkie again, who got even closer.
Shit, she's kinda creepy.
Cermina sighs, nodding
"Tell her, better she knows then princess."
You look at Cermina
she's cool with this...
"Pinkie...I'm going to be straight with you."
You kneel a bit to go eye to eye with her.
"I have a special friend."
"A special friend?"
"Shes... how do you say it...mystical...only I can see her."
"Ooooo sounds exciting!"
"Yeah...well she's able to go around your world without a problem and its because of her that I've been able to...shall we say "feel" things that I may need to avoid."
Pinkie head tilts
"Avoid the princess, but why?"
You rub the back of your head.
"Lets just say that I have a few...theories in my head...and that if I decide to befriend the princess, she may want to find out a bit more about those sorta things that I'd really much not give to her."
"But...but shouldn't that sort of thing be shared among friends?"
"Thats just it Pinky, I'm not sure I am friends with the princess, let alone would I prefer to tell her those things....they are kinda my secret...so hush hush."
Pinkie blinks a few times, but nods quickly "oh okay, so its a secret to not let the princess know your secrets?"
"Uhhh, yeh I guess..."
Pinkie nodded slowly
"As hard as it is to keep it from the princess, you got reason to keep your secrets yours."
You smile at her.
"so, tight lipped?"
Pinkie notions a hoof over her maw with a smile.
"Good girl."
You ruffle her hair as she pushes into your hand.
"So, what are you going to do now that you are awake?"
You sigh
"Well, seeing as I nearly had a heart attack from Celestias impromptu arrival, my heart is beating a mile a minu-"
Pinkie presses a hoof to your chest, feeling the rhythmic beating of your heart.
"It doesn't sound that fast."
You sigh, way too literal for ponies...
"Anyway...I'm far to excited to want to go back to sleep so maybe I'll go help Aj..."
"Why not go to Ponyville with me, we can celebrate your welcoming!"
You blink
Go to Ponyville?
But Celestia was just here, perhaps finding nothing would ease her mind but you didn't feel going to Ponyville just yet would be a good idea.
Shaking your head, you pat Pinkies.
"I thank you for the offer, but it's still too early, if Celestia is aware I exist, I don't want her getting to over-protective of her subjects, let alone her sister, if she thinks I'm not a safe thing to have around then it would be best to try and wait her out."
Pinkies head lowers, big eyes saddening.
"But you can't just stay here!"
"I know, but I don't feel I'd be comfortable going to Ponyville, at least during he day."
Pinkie sighs
"I think your just torturing yourself Anon, why do you choose to be alone?"
You pause, exhaling slowly.
"Because the mind I possess, I would dare not wish to be seen as a threat to you or anyone else. This is a peaceful place, I don't want to have to be feared by those here."
Pinkie just pushes into you, full body to hug as you sigh, embracing her.
"I won't let you be alone Anon, noPony should have to be."
"Thanks Pinkie, I may not want to meet your other friends just yet, but soon. I know I will be happy to."
Earlier that morning after the warm and fuzzy with Anon you had heard an unusual grumbling from his tummy.
Poor Anon was still hungry and the basket Celestia had bough was actually one he had made for himself.
It was sad; he had even said that apples weren't fitting to keep a steady diet.
"Well what do humans eat?"
"Mostly protein, such as meat, but I doubt you guys have any of that here, I mean being ponies and all..."
It did concern you a bit that Anon needed meat, but it certainly was reassuring he wasn't going to go eat up your friends anytime soon.
What fun would that be if he ate all his new friends?
"So what else would you be able to eat?"
"Well, that depends on what's around...I know of a few food-stuffs we could use."
"food-stuffs?"
"Its a term for foods in general, one of my old professors used it quiet a bit."
"ah..."
"I mean, don't get me wrong, apples are fine, but I just can't live off them. It'd be the same if you could only eat...well...hay I guess. Its good, but it doesn't give you all the stuff you need to be a healthy pony...Sides, I would imagine 'you are what you eat' would play a role here.
"So...if you kept eating apples...would that mean you'd become an apple monster?"
Anon made a sour face but grinned, making a fast grab at you and pulling you in against his chest.
"Eeeeep!"
"Rawr I am the terrible Apple Anon Monster. Give me your apples!"
You laughed and joked about that, it was fun, Anon was fun, you really hope he could meet the others soon, he'd be a barrel of fun!
Then an idea!
"Why don't I pick you up some proper food? We have a market that sells all kinds of goodies and I can get you sweets at Sugar Cube Corner!"
Anon smirked, a big grin came across his face.
"That sounds great, but I can't just let you do that, I'd feel guilty to not pay you back somehow."
You just smile
"Making sure your happy and healthy is important to me. All my friends should take care of themselves but seeing as you are sorta stuck here, it's the least I could do."
Anon blushed, rubbing his eyes
Was he... Crying?
"Damnit Pinkie, your too sweet."
You smile, patting his head.
"It's what friends do!"
With that conversation in mind, you took off to Ponyville lickity-split.
Anon was a hungry human.
He had mentioned a few choice foods to pick up.
Humans were " Omnivores", eating both veggies and meat, but since meat wasn't really a choice, Peanut Butter was the best alternative.
"I LOVE peanut butter!"
"Crunchy?"
You nod, Anon smirks
"That's perfect."
You flail a bit "and Jelly?"
He snapped his fingers, pointing at you with a grim.
"Great minds think alike, Strawberry?"
You nod "We also have Apple."
Apple
Anon seemed surprised, but slapped his face with his hand.
"I'll stick to strawberry."
Now, back in Ponyville, you sought out the much-needed food supplies.
Sneaking all sneaky like.
Just like anon.
Eventually, the market comes into view, perfect place to find the food stuffs as you begin to trot around.
"Oh Pinkie!" spoke the familiar voice of Twilight Sparkle.
"Hiya Twilight, how are you this amazing day?" you ask as you hop around your best friend "want to help me find some food-stuffs?"
Twilight blinks a bit confused but smiles "Sure, I came here looking for anything odd interest..."
"That's not true Twilight." spoke Spike from her back "you wanted to see if you could get a better deal on quills and paper."
Twilight blushes, knocking Spike off her back.
"Hey!"
You smile.
"The quill and couch store was out of quills, I can't write anything so I hopped to find some here."
"Well... Nothing wrong with that."
"Of course there is something wrong! I'm going behind my trusted suppliers back to find something I need, you can't say that's not right"
You tilt your head.
"But Twilight... If they are out of stock then-"
"No buts, its not best we continue this, I must find the supplies I need to write away for more!" and without a notion, Twilight galloped off... Leaving spike and you alone.
"What's with Twilight?" you ask spike
the drake sighs and shrugs.
"Not too sure, she's been acting strange ever since you mentioned your friend of the night in the library, she's been making checklists non-stop, especially with Inventory, she spent all night re-arranging history books and encyclopedias!"
You blink again "Poor Twilight."
"Its not only that...but..." spike eases closer "the Princess had asked her to do a special research project, seems some new creature emerged that she wants Twilight to look up, something about a hairless ape..."
Pinkie freezes, her mind stops instantly as she blinked a bit.
"Hairless ape?"
"Yeah, funny aint it? Never imagined the princess to be taking into animal research, you'd think she'd ask Fluttershy for help on that."
"Yeah...but I since Twilight is her student, it only seems obvious...."
"I know, but I don't think its right, what hairless ape exists around ponyville, I'm certain I never saw one."
"I don't think I've seen one either..."
Of course you know what they are going on, but Anon was a secret, he had asked you to.
It wasn't lying to your friends, it was protecting them.
That's how Anon would have said it.
Spike nods "I think she needs a break, a good time away from books, paper and quills-"
"Spike, Hurry up!" called Twilight as the drake sighed.
"Later Pinkie!"
You waggle a hoof as Spike rushes off.
You had your task, you start snooping about for what you need.
Though what Spike had said ran through your head.
It certainly could explain Celestials arrival at the farm that morning...
You Are Celestia
You aren't sure why, but these apples taste different.
They are still as sweet and juicy as ever but... Something about that taste, a subtle difference that perks your curiosity.
It's not like it's a bad taste but...
"Oh did you get more apples?" Luna asks trotting into the kitchen where you were with the basket on the table.
"Indeed I had sister, care for one?"
Luna blinks a bit, looking at the basket, her mind going off to the night before.
She blushed a bit.
"Y-yes, that would be quite welcome."
You watch Luna take one, sniff and then bite into it
She paused mid chew.
"I noticed a strange taste to it, do you think so too?"
Luna blinked once before returning to chew, shaking her head a bit as her expression calmed as she swallows "Dear sister, they are the sweetest apples from Sweet Apple Achers, I don't taste anything odd about them."
You cross your hooves under your chin, looking at her, she wasn't lying, no hesitation in her voice.
"Must be me then... thank you sister."
You let Luna leave, taking two more apples with her in a soft giggle before she left to her room.
Strange on her attitude
You return to your room some time after you put the Apples aside, having taken one with you to study. Settling upon your cushion with a sigh you look at your reading stand.
Twilights letter from yesterday placed on it with a mark underlining her notion on the "nighttime friend" Pinkie had mentioned.
"...I had found Pinkie Pie asleep in the library this morning, when I had asked what she was doing there she had said she was reading with a new friend who went about the night and wanted to read a book from the library. I thought it strange but I had also realized I too have such a friend; Owlicious. Pinkie had said this creature was nothing like that but I still had my doubts.
I guess I am unsure of its important to take what your friends say to heart at all times or wither it could just be a bad case of sleep-trotting..."
You had 't thought much of it until Luna's tale, could they be linked somehow? If that's he case, then such a sophisticated creature could prove interesting to pursue, but the notion of its existence? What dangers did it bring if unchecked? Would the kingdom be in danger? Were there more like it?
You pause
Luna was going to see him again tonight
This creature of he night
And you, caring for your sister, court and subjects, would go and investigate.
You are Anon
And you just had a chill down your spine.
"Are you alright comrade?"
Cermina sat beside you as you were busy whittling a long stick of wood.
"I just got a really weird feeling about something....
"Aside from being in land of ponies?"
"Har Har..."
You push the thought aside as you get up from your project.
You had asked Big M for a knife and some wood to put your time to use in whittling.
You never did it before in your life but it looked fun.
You had found a long, sturdy stick you were carving into a staff when you hear the trotting of hooves and he sudden jingle of bells.
Pinkie must be back, but she you turn to see here she has a party hat and bells on her tail.
"Do I want to know?"
"maaaybee?" she says with a big grin as a basket was on her rump.
"I got this for you, happy welcoming day to Ponyville!"
"Welcome welcome Anon, we hope that you are great
We hope your stay around here will not be second rate...."
She began to sing, like, legit break out-near Broadway style musical stanza as she twirled about the box she had in her forehooves, dancing on her rear ones before tossing it up into the air and having land right in your lap.
You blink, partly surprised, partly dumbstruck as she holds he ending pose for a good few moments.
You smirk, chuckle a bit as you start clapping.
Cermina was astonished.
"Bravo!" you shout as Pinkie giggles.
"It's not the same as the full bell and whistle, but you did want to be kept low key."
You smile as you look into the basket.
Two small loafs of bread
Two jars of Peanut Butter, smooth and crunchy
And three jars of jam; strawberry, banana, and wild berry.
A tear in your eye
"Thanks so much Pinkie, this is the best gift ever."
Pinkie smiles as she trots over.
"It's the least I can do for my friend."
"Remind me to have you throw me the real thing once all this shenanigans of keeping away settle down."
Pinkies eyes to bright "I'd love to!"
She then notices your staff
"What's that?"
"Oh this? Well I was bored so I stared carving a walking staff."
"Oooo it looks get nice!"
You grin "Thanks, it's not exactly finished but it kept me busy."
You put aside the knife, sticking the blade into the ground per-safety reasons.
You pick up the staff, it looked a bit lopsided by the upper end, but the whittling job had carved fairly square sides along it.
It was almost octagonal in shape by this point.
"I used to use a lot of long-sticked items at home, like rakes and stuff, and I'd spend time twirling them about and using them as staffs, it was always fun."
Pinkie giggles as she looks at it.
"Well it would be a fun little toy to have if you can finish it, I'm sure it will get a lot of interesting admirers."
"Perhaps, maybe selling special "walking sticks" for ponies is in my future?"
Pinkie giggles, so do you, god she's so fun to be with.
You open a bag of bread, crack a jar of Pb and place all three jams out.
"Which do we start with?"
Pinkie blinks looking at you, then the jams, then you.
"Uhmmmm..."
Serious thinking going on, Pinkie takes a seat across from you gazing over all three.
"You were kind enough to buy them for me, so you should get first dibs."
You spread Pb on two slices as you wait for her to decide.
She looked kinda cute all serious like that.
God you were losing it...they are Ponies.
Cermina watched, sighing at the stupidity as Pinkie picks out the wildberry one.
She has a sheepish grin as you smirk.
"That you final answer?"
She nods as you put the slice before her and she dumps a good glop of it on it before putting it with another slice and eating it.
"Mmmmm!"
Pinkie enjoined it, you pop your strawberry jam open and plop a small bit, spreading I along the Pb before curling he single slice into half it size and eating it.
"MmmMmmm!"
You emphasizes the taste
Pinkie gives you a look
It
Is
On
She takes another slice and spreads Pb, then her jam flavour, then yours, point at you before slamming the whole thing Ito her maw.
Open face
It was a mess
"Mmmmmmhmmmm!"
You retaliate
Spread
Jam one
Another slice
Pb
Jam two
Slam into mouth
You had to thank summer camp for that as you point at her.
"Mmmmmhmmmm!"
"you two are idiots..." Cermina muttered as you continued to stuff your face with sammiches.
"What in tarnation ya'll doing?" AppleJack ask coming over with more apples along side-saddled baskets.
She sees a human and a pony messy mouthed by peanut butter and jelly and looks at you both with the most confused expression on her face.
You swallow coughing a bit as you wipe your lips
"Pinkie got me some foods, so we were trying them out, care for some?"
AJ shakes her head "Na but thank yeh kindly."
"Wha, you allergic to Pb?"
AJ looks At you.
"Ain't got no part against the nutty stuff, just surprised to see ya'll acting so silly over eats."
"Or maybe your just chicken, Aj can't cope with the feisty sammich eaters."
"Sammmich!" pinkie exclaims as Aj looks at you
"Y'all saying I can't eat the stuff?"
"Well you aren't being forced too, but declining the offer means yes."
She looks at he jams, then you.
"Well first thing sugah is ah don't eat the sissy stuff.
Sissy?
"Sissy?" Pinkie exclaims
"That's right, fillies and colts eat that stuff."
"You bashing the classics?"
Aj nods "We do it different here on the farm."
"well then, perhaps the great Aj can show us how it's done then?"
"Ah would, but y'all see how busy I am?"
Pinkie looks at you, you look back and both start cracking up.
Oh god full tummy laughter.
"Wha so funny?"
"you"
"me?"
"You're such a serious Pony Aj, telling us all that and not wanting to show it. Guess you can talk the talk but ain't walking the walk."
That got her
She seems pissed
"Ah can too Walk the walk!" she looks at Big M, the Stallion could pick up what his sister wanted and he just nodded, continuing with the duties of the farm as AJ turns back with a big sneer.
"If we gonna play it that way suga, den I better get my good tools."
She turned, walking almost with a strut to the barn, returning sometime later with two jars in her maw.
She places both on the ground
One is an apple jelly, no surprise there.
But the other your never seen before
Ever
It was a rainbow colored jam
That
Was
Fucking
Awesome!
You actually feel excited
You notice even Pinkie is getting quite pumped too as she smirks a big 'ol grin.
Aj smiles
"Let's dance partners."
--
Zap Apple Jam
That's what she called it
She, well it, it's a made, so it is a she...
Fuck your head was splitting with that taste.
Applejack had accepted the challenge
No good turning down one to her face
And no matter the honesty in her, when it's your honor at stake, you make the choice to take the gamble.
What she did was boosted it.
Apple Jam was an unusual concept in itself.
You know of Apple Sauce, but this certainly was a lot...thicker...than sauce.
it was a firm taste for a jelly
It could be considered near JELLO in regards to its form, but it wasn't worth complaining; it was good, and quiet sweet in the process.
Complementing Peanut butter wasn't exactly the best combination.
Pinkie seemed to disprove of it; it caramelized the nutter.
"ah heh, its mean to be eatun on its own." Aj mutter "Sorry dere Pinkie."
Pinkie shook her head
"AH its not that bad once you get past the solid nuts." she grins, several large splats of the stuff along it.
"Brush your teeth when you have a chance miss Pinkie, you certainly can't be seen in public like that."
The mare giggled "Well duh, I would be a creep to everyone."
"nah I wou'dnt say creep Pinkie, you bring smiles to all dem folks yah meet."
you swallow your share of the jelly.
"I think this stuff would be better in baked goods, but its got some zing to it. But Pinkie, I agree with AJ, you're not some creep like me, you're the flavour of Ponyville.
"Oh that's silly, I certainly wouldn't taste that good."
You chuckle
"That's not what I meant, you inspire people Pinkie, hell you're such a wonderful companion its no surprise everyone loves yah."
The mare smiles wide, closing her teeth and eyes as she let out the cutest giggle.
She was Pinkie pie.
And she was awesome.
"So, Aj, whats that?"
You point to the rainbow coloured jam.
And that's what brought you to this point.
Slammed to the floor, gazing up at the sky as your mind slowly returns to its senses.
Your eyes begin to refocus
"Suga cube, you alright?" Aj asks, the utmost concern in her voice as you see her easing over you, her face looking down at yours, eyes alight with worry and fear that something may have happened.
Pinkie was there too, she was concerned, but not as nearly as Aj was.
You blink a few times, getting your vision in check as you slowly sit up, rubbing your head.
"What happened?" you asked
"You tried some Zap Apple Jam and the next thing we know, you were on the ground!" Pinkie exclaims
"Ah am terribly sorry hun, didn't think you may find something uncomfortable in that there jam."
You waggle your hand at Aj
"Nonsense, its...fine...I'm good, nothing broken, nothing sick....ugh, what is Zap Apple anyway?"
Aj explains the whole process of Zap Apples, how they are these 'magical fruit' that appear once every year and a certain method of harvesting MUST be done to the letter to get the best results.
it sounds like a very tedious practice, but according to AJ it was extremely popular.
"lotta Ponies love Zap Apple Jam, its the founding food of Ponyville.|
"Really?"
AJ nods "Granny Smith helped my great grandfolks harvest the very first batch, its what brought ponies to this plot o land and started to grow into a bustling town."
"Well that's quiet an impressive feat..."
You ponder that for a moment, so, if Apple Jack's Granny help found the town, why wasn't she...you know...the major or something?
"We built this farm and eventually Ponies came and settled Ponyville!"
Pinkie smirked "and since then, we still come for the great apple products from Sweet Apple Acres."
You can't help but chuckle.
It was fascinating to realize one simple farm paved the way for all of Ponyville.
It was something to think a out as you capped the other jams, tied the bread and put it all back into the basket.
"Anon, I do hope you can come to Ponyville sometime soon, you'd like it so much!"
"I second that dere notion sugar cube, you seem like the perfect type to fit in."
You sigh a bit
It's getting to you
As much as you want to deny it, you should, it may prove good for you.
Cermina is right about understanding them better, and honestly, if Pinkie and Aj are by your side, it won't be so bad with them introducing you to their friends.
"Alright then, perhaps tomorrow I shall venture to Ponyville, if you don't mind escorting me?"
"Darlin if you mean I have us show yah around, then by mah cutie mark I'd be happy to."
"Me too!" cries Pinkie, slamming herself into you with a generous hug.
Falling back with her atop you as she smiled wide.
She's so cute, can't be mad.
"Omph....hehe...I look forward to it then."
/--/
The night had come
Sooner than you'd thought
Perhaps Luna made that happen?
It wasn't beyond coincidence as she was quite attracted to the concept of spending time with another creature of he night.
"I have bad feeling comrade, tonight is... Not calm."
"What do you mean?"
Cermia stood by the tree you had already climbed on to start picking apples, dropping them to the basket below.
The sun was setting steadily as the sky slowly began to shift from blue to a dark orange/red hue.
You climb down to look at the drake, she turns full on towards you
Eyes alight as she twitches her talons.
"Something is spawning at this moment, i cannot say for sure wat, but zees feeling is not normal. Something v'ill happen."
"I figured, when."
"I do not know, tonight perhaps?"
"Perhaps nothing, its the princess, that's what. I'm sure at this moment Celestia is dealing with Luna on something..."
Celestia was nestled gently on her pillow as she bit into a banana muffin she had received during her time in Cloudsdale, horn glowing steadily as she gently puts down the sun to rest, completing its time of day. Her mind contemplating her nighttime duties as she eases some items into a saddle bag by her side, she had her own snooping to do tonight.
A soft giggle escaped her lips
It had been so long since she was out during the night.
It could be fun.
"...whatever the case, last thing i want is to be found by her."
"Princess Celestia?"
"Especially her. I would not, should not, like what would or may happen when i do, cause i know sometime it will have to happen, i just want to know that i can-"
-Thunk-
An apple lands squarely on your head.
A soft giggle above as you look up to see a horn ans a pair of blue wings poking out from inside the tree canopy.
You smirk
She was quiet smart in the fact she copied your trick, but her form certainly was against her as you sigh, rubbing your head before kneeling and picking up the apple.
"Ow...well now, what do we have here?" you say with a concerned tone.
"Trees now strike at me with their fruits? Such is the way of a Human yes?"
You bite into the apple as you look up
"Or perhaps there is another that wishes to toy with me tonight?"
A soft eep as a rustle of leaves causes a second apple to fall, missing you by a good foot before you shake your head.
"Nice try Luna...why not come down now my dear?"
"Oh drat!"
The night time princess poked her head full out from the leafage as she had an upset look on her face.
Discouragement as she made her way down to face you.
"I was trying so hard to be silent, but the fun of seeing such a silly situation was most enjoyable... Al-bet rude for one of majesty..,"
"Hark, thy lady it means nothing to witness such troubles on a young man."
"Nay good sir, I say such acts are less fitting of Canterlot Royalty."
"But it amuses you?"
She blushed a bit.
"Yes... Such a prank as that is always laughable.
You smirk, rubbing your head.
"Yeah, its funny, but why are you here Luna? Don't you have the moon and stars to attend to?"
The alicorn mare laughed, nodding in compliance.
"Oh but of course! However, your words of our prior engagement had give me something to think about, and... I wish to thank you with the most beautiful thing i could show you."
You blinked, your expression blank.
Oh shit...
She wasn't...you know.
"Luna?"
The sun set, the sky darkened by the absence of the light.
Turning slowly into a deep blue colour just as Lunas crown and horn began to glow, her eyes went stark white as hear wings outstretched.
With a sudden leap she took right up into the air, climbing a great distance above just as the crest of the moons light began to break the horizon, shining directly onto the Lunar princess.
Bathing her in a spotlight of perpetual glow.
Taking the moons light, Luna began to fly with it, but not by the flight of a bird, a dance of a woven blanket.
She flew, yes, but her movements were graceful, her body a shadow of brilliance along the skyline, drifting off stardust to create the vast a array of brilliant lights, twinkling as she cast them all around the heavens of Equestria.
Though the full dome of the stratosphere, the alicorn passed the woven sheet of light along with grace; the stars seem to shine and twinkle along with her motions as if on cue with her very breath, ever expanding out to create vast blazes of stars, showing the constellations, reaching beyond the very sky the eye could see and into the furthest reaches.
Fading into the crystal hue of the midnight blue sky.
And the moon hug over the world, casting its brilliance to the whole heavens as you can see Luna gently coming in for a landing: a soft, crisp stop held her in places she opened her eyes.
Her mane flowing with the brilliance of the star haven she had just created beyond the clouds.
God was it beautiful...
She was beautiful.
She smiled, seeing your expression speechless joy as you simply sit in wonder and bewilderment.
Luna of course rushes to your side to help you down right.
You wave her off, your fine as you sit easy against the tree.
She "lays" before you, neck straight and body composed as her mane was ever flowing as her sisters was during the day.
"Gorgeous...simply gorgeous." is all you can say
A sheepish smile on Lunas face.
--
While Anon and Luna sat there for awhile, neither had bothered to consider the odd feeling of someone watching them.
Even anon felt no reason to fret as he watched the night sky with Luna in admiration and silence, unaware that across the brook, another Alicorn had made her way to a decent vantage point, her white coat hidden well admist the tree as her Green, Blue and Pink mane lay still along her body.
However, from her vantage point, all she could see was Luna sitting, speaking to something the Sun Princess could not see.
"It certainly is smart, it acts as thought it senses the danger, yet Luna can still admire it...how skillful."
Celestia sighs as she settles down, so strong was her care that she would be with her sister until the dawn to make sure she was okay.
She had to study this thing, but clearly snooping on it wasn't a good plan.
Her head hung low, ears perked as she listened in, her magic aiding her as her horn glowed, picking up the voices like a microphone.
"Would you like to come with me to Ponyville tomorrow?"
"P-ponyville? My sister had said many things of that place and i have always longed to go..."
"So why not?"
Luna tenses up, but looks away
"She felt I needed to better understand myself for my actions-"
"That's bullshit..."
Luna blinks
You tip your cap down, its just as you thought with the sun princess...
"How can keeping you away from your subjects be "bettering yourself"?"
"W-well, i understand what i did wrong and i spend my time reading what has happened in history have been done to figure myself into society..."
"And your sister wants you to read about it?"
Luna nods
You sigh
"that's the stupidity of royalty is it not?"
"E-Excuse me?"
"You heard me, i think that's wrong for you to have to be put through. You can only learn through experience personally to truly understand it. I mean, who the hell reads a book to figure out how to fit in and make friends?"
Back in Ponyville, Twilight stops her study instantly, a sudden perk down her spine.
"What is it Twilight?" Spike asked as he readied himself for bed.
"I don't know, but I feel someone had made a comment directed to me..."
Luna shook her head, turned away in shame.
"You may speak truth Anon, but you do know of my past, and those subjects of ours don't forget what i...what Nightmare Moon transpired."
You pull her chin to face you
Her expression surprised, blushing as she looked directly into your eyes.
"I can understand your sisters method, but shes doing about it all wrong."
"All wrong?"
You nod
"You need to be out here and meeting your subjects. They only know of Nightmare moon; not Princess Luna. You should show them you've changed, show them you are there for them as a Princess should."
"R-really?"
"Yes, that's why I want you to come with me, least it will make me feel better."
Luna nods "I-i would be happy to, if you feel i should..."
"I know you should."
"And my sister? Surely she would need to speak voice if I request it?"
Anon sighs, smirking
"Celestia cares, that's what I can see, but something about the fact she's keeping you from your subjects confuses me. My mind says that's wrong, that you're both Princess and neither one should hold power over the other. Yes, she may be older, but that still merits little if rank comes into question. Second, I just think its utterly stupid to simply keep someone locked away, making them read about living rather than actually experience it. I doubt she's ever had to deal with something like that so she can't really feel uneasy about putting it on her younger sister. It just, seems off to me."
Celestia had heard all she needed.
This creature
This Anon, whatever he may be
Certainly held no threat to her Sister
But... His comments concerned the sun princess.
Something would have to be done.
His mind was wise and his words strong.
An ally
Or a great threat.
Celestia knew shed need to see him eventually, little did she know, her own presence was being watched by a pair of crimson eyes.
Upon arrival to the farm you are surprised to see AJ and Pinking waiting for you.
Its 6am, what are they doing up?
"Morning Anon!" Pinkie exclaims, noticing Luna as she and AJ bow
"Good morning Princess" they both say as Luna blushes
"Oh dear me..g-good morning Pinkie Pie, Good Morning Apple Jack, are you well?"
They nod
"Very much so yer majesty."
Pinkie smiles
"Its a pleasure to finally meet you! We're so glad you could have come today!"
Luna seems to push tight against Anon, blush across her cheeks of embarrassment as you smirk
"Ah, ease up on her Pinkie, she's still new to all this, why you two out here so early?"
"For you suga' cube, we're ready to bring you both to yer party."
"Party?" Luna asked
"Dats right, Pinkie and I had spent a good deal of yesterday preparing for the event, ah don't you worry your pretty little thing either Princess, it wont be very big either."
"That's right!" Pinkie exclaims "Only the bestest friends of ours will be there, Twilight, Rairty, Rainbowdash, Fluttershy and Spike."
"Oh that sounds lovely!" Luna exclaimed, quite excited by the prospect of her own party
"Well, that's a wonderful gathering group..."
You grin, putting down the apples as does Luna behind yours.
"Well, shall we begin?"
"Just a moment" Luna says as she spreads her wings and flies up, she still had duties, and putting the moon away as her sister began to rise the sun was paramount.
Unlike her nighttime Dance, the setting of the moon was far simpler in its execution.
Luna would fly towards the moon, her horn radiating with energy as she gently guided the massive ball of rock slowly down the horizon out of the way as the sun began to rise on the opposite end.
They were in perfect harmony, synchronized in their fall and rise before the Princess of the night landed back down, her once lovely, ever-flowing mane slowly faded to its bright blue colour, still against her body as she smiled.
You clapped.
"That's awesome..." you say as Luna bows "It is not much, but it still is part of my duty." she said softly, smiling up at you as Aj smirks
"Well, what'yall waiting for, we have a party to get too!"
AJ and Pinkie moved quickly, almost too quickly that you had to drag Luna to keep pace.
Nopony was up since it was early, which made it easier to mosey through town to Sugar Cube Corner.
From the backside, Pinkie showed you a door, shoving you inside quickly as you find yourself in the back end of the main hall, behind what looked like a curtain
Is this some sort of joke?
You look at Luna, she's nervous
Easing down beside her, you stroke her neck, letting your hand ease through her mane.
She seemed to...pause, calming slightly.
"Hey, relax..."
She looks at you, fidgeting a bit as she nods
"I-I am sorry, I never had been part of a 'party' for me before...I wonder....what Pinkie has planned?"
"Well I'm sure we wi-"
"Fillies and gentlecolts..."
"AHEM"
Oh...sorry...I mean gentledragons!
Pinkie certainly had planned this out well.I
"Today we have a special surprise for all of you, she is the maiden of the night, the sweet sister of our beloved Princess and the mare that brings us the beauty of the stars and moon! Everypony welcome Princess LUNA!"
The drape opened as you could see Pinkie showing her hoof behind it, ushering Luna forward as you smirk and give her a swift 'tap' on her rump.
EEP!
she exclaimed, trotting forward into to the open to see the familiar ponies of her freedom all before her, smiling before they all bowed.
"Your highness" they all said "it is an honour to finally meet you."
"Oh darling you are simply ravishing!" one of them said
"Ill say, Celestia has spoken much about you Luna, its a pleasure to finally meet you!" another said.
You grin
Luna's the life of the party tonight.
"And we're not done just yet!"
Pinkie announces, Luna eases to the side to look behind to see you, her expression perfect as she smiled.
"For the first time in Ponyville history, we are introduced to a completely new creature not of this world... a nice fellow and a warming friend, the first HUMAN to visit Equestria, I give you, ANON!
The curtain pulls back further as you slowly step out, standing to your proper 5 foot 11 inch height as you smile and wave.
"yo"
You can see a myriad of colourful ponies. Two unicorns, a white one with a lavender mane and a purple one with a matching mane aside from a bright pink stripe. There were also two Pegasus, a blue one with a rainbow mane and a yellow one with a long pink mane.
It was silence for a moment, so much so you could hear a pin drop...
In this case someone dropped a cupcake as it splatted to the ground.
"Spiiike!?" Complained Pinkie as you could see a little dragon standing on the buffet table, a fallen cupcake below him on the floor.
"Sorry Pinkie...its just....I never seen a creature like that before."
Pinkie seems a lil upset at the loss of a precious sweet, that was until the white one let out a tremendous gasp
"Oh my word! Are you really wearing such dreadful garbs?" the white unicorn asked, having trotted to your side to study your attire.
"Oh dear me such dreadful coloration, and the smell, darling you simply cannot stand to be looking like...like THIS all day!"
"Hey, I don't have the luxury of a diverse wardrobe Missy, don't be bashing what Im wearing.
"Good heavens, how rude!"
"Well excuse me if I like what I wear."
"How can you like...that ensemble?"
"Cause it defines me..."
"No no, certainly not, dear me I would be most willing to find you something better suited for an ambassador of your kind."
"Ambassador."
"Well you are the first Human to be here are you not? That does make you an ambassador yes?"
You nod slowly "y-yeah, I guess..."
"Very well, perhaps we may find time to fit you as a proper individual should!"
You're not sure what just went on, but you nod in agreement with the white one as she eyed you, those eyes, turning from focusing on something to...is that allure?
"Pinkie...is...this the nighttime creature you mentioned before?" the purple one asked, taking a step towards you.
You just stand there looking at her as she looked at you.
"Yuh huh, thats him alright."
"Fascinating...I...I never expected something like THIS to be what you meant...can he understand us?"
"Well DUH! I mean, how else did I help him get into the library, he asked me to help so I did!"
"I see...."
"I take offense to that...":
"Oh...I I am sorry if I did."
"Can I understand you...geeze, what do I look like a child?"
Obviously your words seemed to bother the purple one as she stepped back
"I...I didn't k-know..."
:Una steps by your side.
"Do not worry my dear Twilight...Anon is...well...sensitive to be considered lesser.
"Geeze...thanks for the support....Twilight is it right?"
The purple one, Twilight, looks back at you "Y-yes, I'm Twilight Sparkle...I...i didn't believe Pinkie at first, so I'm surprised how...I was proved wrong."
"Sometimes its better to keep things in mind with what your friends tell you, they may be true no matter how silly they are."
Twilight nods, eyes wide with understanding as she trots right in front of you
"Well on behalf of my friends and I, we welcome you."
"Hey now hold on!" spoke the blue Pegasus as she flew right into your face
"Why not pick on someone whose tougher then you are eh?"
"Look whose talking blue ball, you don't look to tough yourself....you with your rainbow mane."
"HEY I'll have you know that this is the coolest mane in all of Equestria"
"I doubt that."
"Oh really?"
She gets right in your face, you get pissed
"Yeah, I do, cause you know what, you got an attitude complex that makes it matter zilch, besides, the Princess of the Night has a cooler mane then you... 20% cooler actually."
That seemed to hit a nerve as the blue Pegasus pushed her head right into yours, forehead to forehead "why you lil-"
"Rainbow!" Everyone exclaimed as the Pegasus turned
"WHAT? He started it!"
"NO I didn't you lying putz":
"Hey, you wanna fight?!"
"Any time and place."
"FINE!"
RAINBOW!"
The blue Pegasus huffed as she was pulled away, grumbling to herself as AJ tugged her by the tail.
"Sorry bout that Anon, Rainbow here gets a lil...defensive bout her tail and all."
"Yeah, I can see that, just tell her I'm happy to blow off some steam with some tussling."
RD just huffs, looking away from you as you turn to your left to see the biggest...cutest eyes gazing at you
Ohgod
You ease back a bit as the yellow Pegasus was getting...oddly close.
"Wow...hes so tall..."
"Uhh hi?"
"Meep..." she seemed to ease back from you as you calm, sitting up straight.
"H-hi...you are?"
"oh...um...my name is Flutterhsy...and...I wanted to...uhm.. say you don;'t look like some scary monster...i-in fact I think he looks quite cute for a hoo-man"
"Cute?"
The Pegasus nods "Yes...you don't have any scary horns or teeth or claws...just...hairless pink body"
"Well...err excuse me if I concur, but I don't like being called hairless
She seemed to drop her smile to a bit of a worried frown
"Oh..s-sorry, I I didn't mean-"
You wave your hands, making her pause
"Its okay....*sigh* you Ponies are quite...literal about things."
"What do you mean by that?" Twilight asks.
You sigh again
"Don't worry...I'm just thinking out loud..."
You look down to see a small dragon tugging on your pant leg
"E-excuse me sir, but...what are you called again?"
"HEY I'll have you know I help her write all the letters to Princess Celestia. In fact, I remember she wrote one about you"
You look at Spike, then Twilight, who turns, feeling an odd chill down her spine as you walk over to her.
"So...you told your princess about me?" you ask her, towering over her as she seemed to squeak a bit.
"W-well yes...I had to, I spoken to Pinkie when I found her in the Library and she said she had met a new friend in the night."
You nod
"Well...that explains a lot..." you sigh
"II hope I didn't trouble you, oh my, was I not suppose to?"
"N-no no, not at all, its just...well...it would have eased a lot of tension.."
"Anon Ah think ya'll should tell em your thoughts..." AJ said as you look at the orange mare and give a big sigh.
"I've been... trying to avoid the princess."
"Avoid the Princess?" everyone asks at once.
Ow your ears...
"yeah...i have my...reasons..." you mutter as they all stare at you
Shit.
"Why?" Twilight asks.
You were about to explain when a sudden knock knock came from the door.
You look at Pinkie
"Expecting anyone else?"
The pink mare shakes her head
Oh shanp
"Pinkie...I need to hide...now.
"B-but-"
"No buts...now!"
Pinkie pauses, the knocking came again
"The Kitchen is just back there!" she points to it and within a second your gone, finding the tallest pantry to hide in as Pinkie goes to the door to open it find Princess Celestia standing there with two royal guards.
You are Celestia
And you've been feeling this searing pain in your horn ever since you rose the sun this morning.
Luna had not returned, perhaps still spending her time with that nighttime creature.
She had done her duty with him, perhaps to show her magic to him.
It was sweet, she seemed to grow attached to him more and more, and that made you glad.
But the idea that you didn't know of this thing
this creature...
It bothered you.
Your horn was another issue.
Something bothered it, and it wasn't a common instance either.
You sigh, easing back into your room to look at yourself in the mirror, raising a brush with your magic as you fix your mane.
A sharp pain hit your horn as you drop the brush
Sighing you ease your head down to cast a enchantment to it, bringing it back up as you gaze in the mirror-
Something is watching you
The creature from your dream
the beast
a dragon?
Black scales, red eyes
it watched you with a sinister gaze!
You whip around instantly, tossing the brush aside and readying your magical spells
but no one is there
you look back in the Mirror
its not there either
You exhale, your mind aches of the sudden fear rippling down your spine as you look out the window, perhaps it...
Nothing outside either.
You turn back in, smelling a unusual...
odor
something burning....
you look on your wall
writing
burned out of the very stone.
"I'm watching you."
-+-
"Pinkie, is Luna here?"
The pink mare blinks
"Oh Princess, of course she is! We're throwing her a party!"
"May I see her?"
Pinkie steps aside as she lets you in, all the ponies bow instantly, including spike.,
"Princess Celestia?" Twilight asks
"Twilight, my faithful student, and the elements, a pleasure to see you. I apologize if I am interrupting something but I must see Luna."
"Yes Sister?"
The Moon Princess stood at the stage, smiling a bit, but seeing your expression of deep concern brought a sudden change.
she seemed worried
"Luna, we must return to the castle at once..."
"But...why?"
"Something has happened, and I fear for your safety."
"My safety, but sister, I am indeed not in any danger."
"Luna, I have witness a creature that I fear may be what you have been seeing, it showed itself to me, taunted me...even wrote...a warning...on my wall. I cannot simply stand by as this thing now roams...we must head back at once.
"But."
"No buts...we must go at-"
"And why does she have to listen to you Princess, she is a Princess herself is she not?"
That voice
"You..." Celestia says with a cold spike in her words
Anon stepped out from the kitchen his eyes upon the celestial princess of the sun as he crossed his arms.
"A pleasure to finally see you Princess Celestia, I am Anon."
"Anon...so you are the creature Luna has been seeing these past nights?"
"Yes, I am...and I am also saying that you won't remove her from this party, this is for her and I plan to let her enjoy it."
"YOU, plan for MY sister?"
"Yes...I plan to let her develop as a proper Princess should, not like some other sister who plans to keep her locked away for past sins better left forgotten."
Celestia huffs, her eyes fixated deeply on you as she trots over, making you step back, keeping your distance.
She pauses
"You fear me?"
"Fear? No, not in the slightest, I just like my personal space... I feel uneasy when somepony gets too close."
"Yeah, I can agree to that.." Rainbow Dash muttered as AJ knocked her in the gut.
Celestia seemed intrigued
"Anon...I do not see you as a threat to me, you have taken kind to my sister and she has to you, but you cannot change what must be done by royalty, she must return for her own safety.
"Safety from what, from something that's taunting you, I doubt she would be in any danger if she's here and nothing has bothered her."
Luna nods slowly as Celestia looks at her, then back to you.
"DO you mean to say you know of what I saw."
"Perhaps I do...perhaps I don't, whatever your case may be, shes not in any danger here, and I plan to make sure she enjoys this party that's for her."
Celestia seems...complacent, but she turns to her guards, nodding them off.
"If you seek to take responsibility for my sister then I shall let it be so, she has spoken highly of you, but that is not enough for me; you are either an ally or a threat to my realm and I have yet to find either reason to judge accordingly."
"Then perhaps allow me to find time to talk with you about that, I don't mind a nice sit down over coffee rather than accuse me of being a villainous monstrosity.'
'perhaps....i shall take you up on that offer...Anon...a pleasure to allow me the chance to finally see you."
And without another word she left, closing the door behind her.
Silence
Stillness...
"Well whats everypony standing around for, lets PARTY!"
Its hard to just let that get out of your head as you sit by the punch bowl, sipping the juice you had in hand as everypony was talking with Luna. Spike sat beside you,nibbling on a cupcake
"So, you're a human right? Guess it must feel odd to be out here with these gals eh?"
"Spike, you don't know the half of it..."
RD flies up to your face, glaring at you again as you give her a "i don't care look."
"You still want to fight it out?" you ask, she nods
"You wanna challenge me, then you better be ready to bring it all on."
"Fine with me, but you can fly, I can't so the argument is invalid."
"What, you saying your chicken?"
"No, but you have an unfair advantage, I don't fight those who can win because they have a natural affinity to be better.:"
"Hah, so you admit me being better?"
"Never said that, just that your kind is 'superior" since you can fly. The only way I can fly is if I can pilot an aircraft."
"Aircraft?"
"A flying machine, can be as simple as a balloon to something as complex as a jet fighter."
Rd sits before you
"I know Pinkie has a flying contraption and Twilight has a Balloon, but whats this Jet fighter you mentioned, it sounds cool."
You sip your drink
She really wanted to know eh...god this was going to be fun.
"How fast can you fly?"
"Pretty fast, I can clear the sky in Ponyville in 10 seconds flat"
"Its true, seen it" Spike chirps as you look at the blue Pegasus
"Doesn't give me a number...."
"I can create a Sonic Rainboom"
"Sonic Rainboom?"
"Its....well...its a big boom that makes a rainbowand I go super fast FWOOOSH!" she starts flying around in circles, eventually smacking herself into a wall.
You chuckle, certainly shes resilient as she flutters back.
"Well...ow...not as impressive as the real deal..."
"hrmmm, a Sonic Rainboom seems to be considered a sonic boom, similar to our world...meaning you probably went at least Mach 1 to achieve it, breaking the sound barrier is that boom, though how it makes a rainbow I don't get..."
"Yeah, that sounds right, so, whatcha got against that?"
"Well...we have aircraft that can achieve that...
"WHAT!?"
"And break it."
"WHHHAT!?"
"Humans loved to fly, the jet fighter I mentioned...well...it can break mach 2 and then some...."
"Mach 2? 2? you mean its ONE more better than ME?"
"Yup!"
RD seems upset as she starts flying all over, smashing into things before she is suddenly stopped by A
"Now calm down dere suga cube, what seems to be the problem.:"
"Ill tell you the problem, Anon says Hoo-mans have made things FASTER than ME! Can you BELIEVE THAT!? FASTER THAN ME!?"
You roll your eyes.
"Look, nothing is faster then you here suga cube, whatever Anon mention probably aint from round these parts, so relax will yeh?"
RD sighs, she turns to Anon
"You and me still need to duke it out, I wont let this stand to have ANYTHING faster than me."
You raise your arms, hands open non-aggressive like
"Fine fine, ill wait for the day then.:"
RD grumbles as she flutters off.
AJ sighs, trotting over.
"Ya'll make a cute couple you know that?>"
"Oh shush."
AJ smirks
"Don't mind Rainbow, shes rather...possessive and stubborn, but shes as loyal as a firend ya;ll ever could have; shes proven it many times."
"I don't doubt that, she seems fun... once you get past the ego."
"I heard that.":
"Drink?" You pour her some
"Why thank yeh Anon."
She sips i through a straw you plunk into her cup.
"So whatcha'll think of everyone?>"
"Well...Twilights nice, i think shes quite cute being so...inquisitive...Rarity is interesting, though wanting to make me new clothing is always a plus. Fluttershy is...well...yeah...shy, and Rainbow...she's a bit of a mule."
"I HEARD that too!"
"Meant for you to!"
AJ rolls her eyes
"Well, yall seem to be settling in fine, dats a good thing."
"Yeah, see, I told you that you'd be fine Anon."
All the ponies now gather around him, Luna included as they all smiled.
It was kinda creepy, but at the same time, it felt...comforting
You finish your last bit of punch
"Well...you're all wonderful...wonderful ponies, and I thank each n'every one of yez for being so...kind and stuff...been a long time since I've...had such...kindness....
You black out'
You're exhausted....last thing you remember is tumbling forward, and everypony suddenly jumping out to catch you.
--
You wake up sometime later back at AJ's barn, your head hurts a bit but you feel quite...comfy.
You notice you're not wearing the same clothing as before...but a soft...what the fuck?
You're wearing lose pants and a shirt.
The heck is this shit?
Where's your jeans and your...things.
You flip out, quickly rummaging around until you see below all your clothes hanging....the length of the barn had a wire strung out with your shirt, pants...socks even.... and your phone and everything else nearly placed on a stool.
Wow....how...sweet of em.
You groan a bit, perhaps staying up far longer than you'd like for the party had its consequence as you slowly wake your senses.
You look at the fabric you were wearing
it was...familiar
Was this the same material the curtain at the party was made from?
Rarity...perhaps she had a thing to do with it.
Perhaps she did.
It certainly wasn't just thrown together, you can actually see seam-work done to the fabric to make it fit around your form.
the thought of her doing that while you were unconscious was...unsettling...but perhaps it was useful for them to understand your physiology.
you certain felt a lil less comforting to know that somepony was checking out your body while you were asleep.
After a brief stretch, you make your way down to the main level of the barn, checking your clothing as you did
Dry
That's good, you can change back into them
u go over to your phone
Still fully charged
Th
at was unusual.
You can't imagine that your phone could last 2 full days without losing some battery life, but the indicator was still at 100%.
You shrug
Best not to bother, it was a good thing
Turning back to your clothing, you go and grab your garments, pants, shirt, over-shirt.
You look around
No one about
you sigh as you slowly pull down the pants
"Ah Anon!" spoke a rather soft, yet proper voice.
You turn to see Princess Celestia 'sitting' to your left on a cushion with a cup of coffee before her, another cushion and cup of the same brew lay across from her.
You flush red as you whip your pants back up
THANK GOD you were wearing Underwear
"E-excuse me, but...d-do you mind?
"Mind what?"
"I...want to...you know, get changed, can I have some privacy?"
Celestia seemed confused, but seeing you gripping your pants feverishly was enough to realize the error of her suddenly saying hello.
He had not noticed you till then, a shame, you may have been able to watch him and see his physique.
"Oh..but of course."
Her wings spread out and cover over her head and body, shielding her gaze from you as you sigh
Not the same, but fuck it
you slip on your pants and shirt, folding away the "sleep wear" rarity had made for you before sitting down across from the princess.
"Thank you your majesty." you say as she eases her wings down and back to her flanks.
"I was hoping to take you up on that offer to talk Anon, so I decided to wait here while you slept."
Geee...that's comforting
"And Luna?"
"She has been returned to Canterlot, She was quite happy even in her sleep. You really imprinted yourself on her; I have never seen her so pleased before."
"Give a lil love I guess and it goes a long way."
Celestia perked her head a bit.
"figure of speech"
"Ah...she mentioned...those....you use them quiet frequently."
"Its what I feel best saying, sorry for the confusion."
She shook her head, levitating her coffee mug to her lips to drink
You do the same...with your hand of course.
IT WAS very sweet
Holy crap
it wasn't a cup of joe.
more like Josephine
You sip it back, i tasted good none the less, not too strong either
Funny, you never thought coffee was okay with horses, but hey, they love eating sugar cubes...
"I wanted to ask about you Anon, you certainly have...a way with words strongly so that I nearly felt include to....scold you for it.
"Scold me? I don't think that would work Princess..." you say near monotone.
Honestly, what was she thinking? You could care less about being 'scolded' though it did sound oddly...
...motherly...
"How else does a princess treat one who nearly insults her in front of her royal subjects some manners?"
You blink, there are several ways you think this through, realizing the fact MAGIC and a giant Alicorn are involved cut down the ideas instantly....
Yeah...
Scolding would be best...
"Well, I guess you do scold them, but if the Princess has done wrong then she is in no right to do the scolding."
"Oh really?"
you take a sip
"Yeah, I stand by what i said, I think how you treated Luna was wrongful on your part, it certainly isn't how sisters should be treated, especially if she's done much wrong in the past because of her lonesome."
Celestia seemed to grow still for a moment, you worry, but seeing her take a sip of her coffee was enough to press on
"She wanted to better herself, you know that, hell I'm sure once she was freed of that darkness she was willing to make herself look better, to make her subjects see her better."
"That is true my dear, very much so that I can not disprove because it wasn't they who had seen it troublesome..."
she sips
"...it was my subjects of the court that made me do so."
"The court?"
Celestia nods
"I may be Princess of Equestria, Anon, but I assure you I cannot lead my subjects efficiently as my own. The court's based around leaders from every Major city in Equestria to debate the needs and musts of my subjects. I alone never make the full decision on certain matters, and Luna's case was no exception"
"but shes family?"
Celestia sighs, hrmming with deep focus
"Yes, and trust me Anon, I wished never to banish her in the first place, I understood her plight, I did so with great worry and fear. She had turned into something I wished she hadn't... but the facts were there, and what happened happened because of my leading, and of my error. The court was ass assembled by every major figure from the main cities of Euqestria.
Manehatton, Filidelphia, Hoofington and the others sent representatives chosen by the whole city to attend the courts sessions...and for the first hundred so years it went superbly. "
You sip....it made senses, something you can expect from your world, but the clincher was on the table now.
"Wat happened after that first 100 years?"
Celestia looked at you, a expression you never thought possible on such a power as her.
She was sad, depressed with deep regret.
"The court became...upstanding."
"Upstanding?"
"Yes...full of themselves, and I partly know who is to blame"
Oh shit...
"My Nephew...Prince Blueblood, descendant of the Princess Platinum, had somehow risen among the elites of Canterlot as a prized speak to represent the ponies requests as a whole. It was...interesting to say the least how one could be so influential that ALL support backed him from within Caterlot. I had no reason to object to his addition, but..."
"But what?"
"I felt a pang of regret, one that I've lived with, one that placed itself alongside the regret of my sisters life."
That's bad
"I had sent away to the other cities, asking if they knew of BlueBlood, surely he bore some...intent within his mind to seek power. His Mother was the same, and I would not be surprised if he had taken to her striding."
"And what did the other cities say?"
"They were in worry of it."
"Worry?"
"The old Princess and her minions had been everywhere, many of them had attempted to take seats of power in every city, but they all saw through their veils, it was obvious they wanted to grant the Princess, more for the matter BlueBlood, with more strength in the decision, almost to challenge my own power and superiority.
"I take it that it didn't go through, surely your court would have seen-'
"Blueblood had been accepted...without my consent."
You nearly dropped your coffee
"H-how the fuck?"
She looked at you with big eyes, almost finding more insult in your curse word then the subject
"Anon!"
"Sorry your highness, but serious, dubbuye, tee, eff, what the heck happened there?"
"HIS INFLUENTIAL ABILITY, THAT'S what!"
she almost barked that one, as thought it was a pang of more then just regret, almost of insult....pain.
You sit back, surprised by her outburst as she comforts herself with a deep sigh, fluttering her wings before settling them back against her flank.
""I had no choice, he was settled into Canterlot office...and he ruled the court from there."
"Wait..old up...how the heck did he get settled into the court without the Princess consent? I mean, Hello, you're the one in charged here?"
"Do you think me a fool Anon? I had every idea of his intentions, the fact that he Avoided my judgment was unfitting, even belittling me of my right as ruler of Equestria...I had....never been so insulted by my own subjects..."
You smirk, sitting back
"What? You dare mock my trifle?!"
"Well...maybe....if you're "all knowing" then how did you not see this coming?"
She got mad, you could see her expression anger.
"YOU...you don't understand the responsibility i take to my subjects, you do not realize, perhaps even fathom what duties I attend. If you think solely the raise and fall of the sun is all I manage then you are sorely mistaken...My subjects are my responsibility, tending to them, governing them, protecting them. This court was my open hoof to extend a connection from them to me, and this Prince, this Prince...swine....wanted to settled those matters before me...."
"I take it this has to deal with Platinum then, sending her kid to fuck this up?"
"Anon!"
"Sorry..."
She paused, calming a bit from her rant as she sipped another bit of her coffee and poured, extending the kettle to you as you nod, letting her fill it.
"I could not refuse his offering when the entire court requested his acceptance....to refuse would have been the worse possible solution to relationships with my subjects and the court....it also seemed apparent to Blueblood to single the situation with Luna as a primary means of concern. Even though I had banished her, he sought more from her, preventing her from ever leading a normal life again."
"That sucks...'
"I would have been much worse....Platinum had seen fit to make my matters becoming as difficult as possible, and Blueblood's appearance, as well as certain desire to enlist into the court, was not beyond my thoughts on the matter. What I found out further however was far worse."
"Oh do tell, how can some Bashful prince bastard come in the muck up your court..."
"He wished to remove me from the throne.."
There was a long silence, even you felt a sudden pang of dread from how a place like this...well...could still have the soils of political greed and destruction.
"A coup?"
"Coup? ANon, we are not chickens..."
"No no...that's not it, a political coup."
"What is this...Coup?"
"Its known as a forceful overthrow of the assembly of leadership in a location by the military or a separate political power all together. More often it means lots of shooting up and dying..."
"I dare say such a thing could exist here."
"I wouldn't be surprised if influence and treachery are as common as you make it out to be."
Celestia sighed, accepting what you said for a moment before sipping a bit more of her brew.
"Since then, I have challenged BlueBlood, and he has me in every decision the court makes. It has become so bogged down in plotted infighting, overruling and disapproval that it has halted much of the required situations that are needed from all the other cities; weather management of several locations to the funding of reconstruction of broken or old property."
"sO IT WENT All to crap?"
"Yes, fortunately many of the city governors were wise stallions and mares, they did their jobs well and i could have some severance knowing they could handle themselves, but...Canterlot is a bit city, and eventually it was becoming apparent we couldn't led even ourselves efficiently.
"BluebLoods doing?"
"YEs, I can already figure the blame game was on me since the start Anon, and it has been a thousand years since then.
"So with the return of Luna..."
"They have only begun to bicker, but I senses BlueBlood wants to try something..."
You sigh, putting down your cup
"Well, if you wanted me to hear your story of authority crumble around you then you have my sympathy, but I really don't care much about it. Politics can kiss my arse for all I care."
"Anon...?"
You start grabbing your wallet, slipping it into your pocket.
"I honestly don't want any part of your banter towards dealing with your subjects, that's your call, not mine."
"Anon!?"
You put on your hat and begin grabbing your phone when you can see a magical aura around the stool, pulling it away slightly. You sigh, looking up at Celestia.
"what?"
"Please, do not joke me. Do not take me for a wild mare who seeks to make you relate to her pain. I ask that...you at least allow me to have you present yourself as witness to the court this evening, such is your words that I would have a very good...feeling...about you presenting to them."
"About what, how stupid they are? You can do that just as easily."
"Nay...":
"Nay>?:"
"I am a princess, and for the past several hundred years, BlueBlood has drilled that fact into the courts head; they see me as ROYALTY, not as Politics."
"Yet Royalty still has a say."
"Until they are no longer needed."
You look at Celestia, and then back at your stuff, the time on your phone said almost 3pm, so you decided to think about it.
"Tell you what, I got some things planned for this afternoon....you come by before sunset sharp and I'll give you my decision"
Celestia smiled, her expression warming as she slowly rose "I shall wait your arrival Anon."
"That don't mean I will agree to it."
"I understand, but I have faith you may do the right thing for me."
"Yeah...well...Luna deserves it at least, if they start bitching at her, I want to start bowling some heads."
"bowling...some...heads?"
You smack your fist into your opposite palm a few times to bear reference to the rather violent nature of the word as Celestia just seems to smirk, giggling a bit at the fact
"You are a wild species Anon, I wonder if I should expect much more of you?"
"I wouldn't put that past yeh, besides...someones going to get a beat down tonight, I can tell you that much when any human is involved in politics."
You left the barn soon after, seeing the princess leave the other side back to Canterlot.
Strange
She didn't take her cushion or kettle...a gift perhaps?
It didn't matter, right now you had to see-"
"HEY ANON!"
Pinkie bounded down on top of you, pinning you to the floor.
"Diddja like it? DIDJA LIKE IOT!?" She put her face right onto yours as you blink
"Augh, Pinkie GHEEZE!" you ease her back a bit, sitting up as you dust off
"just got em clean....did I like what?"
"THE party!" she jumped in place few times, smirking as big as ever
"Yeah...
you say with a smile
"yeah I did very much...thank you."
"I...I hope the Princess wasn't too much of a problem for you, I didn't tell her, honest."
"No, I kno0w you didn't, Twilight, she did, but not you, I can't be mad at you from your friend taking something so serious to heart that she must tell her mentor....she needs to get out more."
"I know! I tell her ALL the time."
"I think she needs a bit more then that then..."
You stand up, dusting your pants off now and your shoes before you fix your hat
Pinkie smiling at you
"Hay, where is Rarity's place...she wanted to get some new clothing for me if I recall from her statement at the party.
Pinkie nods
"Sure thing Anon, I was wondering when you;'d take her up on that offer."
"Hey, its free clothing, free is good, and it would be rude of me to refuse.
Pinkie smiles
"You're going to like rarity, shes the kindness, most generous pony you could ever meet.
"Sounds like quiet a person
"yes, she also is a wonderful tailor."
"Oh?""
"Yuh huh! She made us super awesome dresses for the galla!
"Well, then I guess she wont have any trouble for me then, she did make me those jammies."
"What?"
"Oh, the curtain, did she use that?"
"From the party? Oh rarity INSISTED she make you some proper sleep wear. I let her take my old curtain and well,you were wearing them"
"comfy too, hope you didn't mind?"
"Not at ALL! I wanted to get a new one for awhile anyway so it just made my job a lot easier."
She giggled, of course it wasn't that complex in being given something to help with.
She did buy you PB&J, that's just another thing to add up for Pinkie, she was so nice.
making you feel welcome and comfortable.
And if she was this nice, and rarity made you this outfit, how would SHE be towards you?
"Pinkie! Oh its so wonderful top see you!"
The two mares hugged as Rarity welcomed the pink one to the door. You can remember her from the party that morning, white cat with a brilliant violet mane that matched the fur perfectly.
She was elegant in style and design, certainly in the 'sexy' category for ponies, perhaps almost show-pony',material since her mane was so...well..perfect.
"And Ah, Anon, it is so wonderful to see you.
She trotted over, looking up and down at your form
"My my, much more spectacular standing tall, you would not believe how difficult it was to measure you out sleeping on the floor...indeed you take the...silliest...of positions."
Shge giggled, you rubbed the back of your head a bit
"Yeah...funny, but I don't remember asking for it..."
"Nonsense dear, I made my words clear, an ambassador of a new species must look the part. Style and fashion are most befitting for a person of such political standing...'
"Oh....uhh well I'm not all that for being "political" I'm just here, lost from my own world."
Rarity gave a sadden face
"Oh dear me, such a shame to hear that, I do apologize, I did not-"
You waggle your hand
"Think nothing of it m'lady, I was just trying to make it clear I am not the "primary" example of my species, hell, I'm sure there are a lot better ones of me back there, but I am in no way the Ambassador."
"Well, you are the only one here darling, at least take a title fitting"
"I'd say Expeditioner"
"VEry well, an Expeditionist still requires the right attire1' and she turned about, almost "strutting" in style back inside...
Was she showing off her rump?
You follow inside, Pinkie didn't follow.
"Pinkie,not coming?"
"Sorry Anon, Rarity makes it explicit she wanted to see you alone, so I'm off to prepare for your second welcome party!"
"But we had one before."
She nods
"Duh that was Luna's party, we still need to make one just for you and I HAVE JUST the thing to do it!"
"Great...well that may need to wait...but thank you Pinkie."
"No problem Anon, you be kind to Rarity, she can kick a lot more than any other pony when it comes to words."
"Eh?"
Pinkie smiles and just skips off
What did she mean by "kicks harder with words?"
Rarity "Boutique" as she called it was a mix between a house and a storefront. Walking inside through the main door opened to several "mannequins" or in this case PONY-quins of shape, male and female, with some of them donning outfits of elegance and grace.
You were no fashion artists, bit you could tell these suits and dresses were quite well done
Their stitching looked nice, and some even were incrusted with-
Oh
shit...
are those DIAMONDS!?
You blink, the suit on the Stallion seems to have embroidered diamonds all along the collar. Even around the pocket it had three separate jewels encased around the lip.
"Do you like it?" Rarity asks, turning about to see Anon gazing at the outfit
"Its...well...very nice, but I've never seen so much crystal-work in a suit."
"Crystal work?"
"Diamonds and rare stones."
"Oh! Well darling its quite the high level of fashion, almost EVERYpony who wants to be well known sports some form of jewels, diamonds, sapphires, ruby's, emeralds...
You pause, she didn't seem all amazed as you were
"Wait...you say that so causally."
"Well of course dear, its not like its hard to find jewels to make dresses."
"Wait...what?"
"Oh dear me, please do not say your lack of fashion has made you not realize what bea-"
"no no no....I'm just....in my world Rarity, stuff like diamonds are expensive, let alone used as extensively in most fashion shows."
Rarity eyes light up
"Fashion shows, then you MUST tell me of them! Though, seeing your style...perhaps I should worry for them?"
You roll your eyes, shaking your head a bit.
"N-npo, my lack of fashion doesn't mean humans lack it."
"Then what do you mean?"
"Well, we have a good deal of fashion ability in our own race I just don't follow it."
"I can understand why darling, Jeans with a short sleeve, how tacky, really, turtlenecks are the only way to sport such a colour as denim.
"Uhhh right...anyway, you wanted to make some new clothes for me?"
Again the brightened expression as she nodded
"Oh YES Indeed I did darling, but, come now, where are my manners, do you want something to eat or drink, you certainly have been asleep for awhile, did you not eat before you come?"
"I uh-"
A growling of your stomach makes the answer pretty clear as rarity suppresses giggle
"My dear Anon, let me fix you something, perhaps some eggs or a hay-on-toast sandwich, or perhaps oatmeal?"
"Oatmeal works!" you call back, you prefer oatmeal and you've hadn't really had anything other then apples and the PB&J Pinkie got you.
"Very well, some oatmeal for the explorer! Sweetie Belle!" she called out
"Be a dear and get some good plates,we have guests!"
"Okay Rarity!" Chipped another cute child-like voice as the rapping of hooves on tile suddenly came into existence.
"Oh boy a guest1 Who is it?"
"A new friend darling, his name is anon, he's waiting in the foyer, why not go meet him."
"Oh Would I!"
Sweetie Belle trotted on small legs right over only to see a tall, spindly looking...thing...standing there.
You were still wearing your hat, she couldn't even seen yopur face, just a pair of brown eyes gazing at her
"AIEEEE!"
"SWEETIE BELLE!?" Rarity yelped, rushing into the aid of her sister.
"Whats the matter sweetie?"
"M-MOnster, there's a Monster here Rarity!"
"OH, little fillie, stop being so silly..THATs anon!"
She sighed, realizing how intimidating you DID look.
"Anon...I'm sorry for this, I guess a little Fillie who hasn't seen a human can be a bit scatted...would you-"
"Take off my hat? Yah..."
Your bucket hat came off, your brown eyes from behind your glasses were clearer now, no shadow, and your black hair curled a bit, almost like Sweeties.
The white unicorn fillie with hair split between Pink and Purple looked at you from her Sisters arms
"Oh-oh! AppleBloom told me about you!"
"AppleBloom...?"
The yellow fillie from AJ's farm
You had total forgot about her.
She was certainly one to spill the beans...you still had to talk to her bout you. Shit...keep forgetting things and its gonna be a problem
"I..i have to go tell her that you;'re at MY house now, I'm sure she'd want to see you again Mr Invisible."
She skittles from her Sisters grip and right out the door.
Rarity sighed
"Fillies these days, so energetic..."
"Why you say that, aren't you like a fillie yourself."
Rarity blushed, both with embarrassment and flattery "haha Oh dear me Anon no no, I am a sophisticate and beautiful mare, please, I'm sure your kind has a difference between young and old just as we."
"We do, so I guess you'd be an elegant "mademoiselle"
She seems to blink at the word, eyes alight again
"Oh my Anon, do you spot yourself as word of such elegant tongue?
you pause, smirking a bit
"Wee mademoiselle Rarity, I cannot say I haven't bothered with learning such finery tongue and etiquette."
"Oh simply wondrous, Pinkie was right about your words, such a elegant vocabulary...please please, take a seat, I will have your oatmeal read in just a moment!"
she began to hum, it seems she enjoy cooking, even a simple meal like oatmeal, made you smile a bit, felt quite glad that someone enjoyed doing things for others. Guess that's what the others meant by "Generosity"
You dared not to take advantage of such a thing...but could that even be possible to the very element of it?
"Here you are Sweetie, now eat up, Rarity worked hard to make it just right."
"Its oatmeal?"
"tut tut! Even oatmeal needs the tender care as a full dinner would need especially when its made for someone else!"
You nods, looking at her as she stood by your side, almost like a waiting chef for the result of a meal...it kind creeped yeh, but you slowly took the spoon, dipped it in, drew a blob, and then stuck it in your mouth.
It was sweet
Really sweet
Sweet to the point of perfection without lousing the taste of the oatmeal itself.
You keep the spoon on your tongue, the oatmeal already in your mouth as you plus the silverware from your mouth and let the food sit.
It did taste good, even its heat was right
You've eaten a lot of oatmeal in your life
This...was probably
the
BEST
you ever had
You swallow, it even went down smooth as you nod and gave a thumbs up.
Rarity's expression brighten as she jumped slightly.
"Wonderful, simply wonderful!" she trotted to another chair across from you and sat
"Now then dearie, Rarity had said to make you some clothes, and I do not mean those for your bed ware; every pony deserve something to sleep it, dreadfully not what you wear when you go out! Thank Pinkies kindness for the curtain, being an old sheet from a bed. It would have been dreadfully hard to get you settled so quickly without you waking up mid-process, how unfitting a lady to have to do everything with their client a sleep, simply ungodly method of customer service."
You just eat your food, her rambling is...quiet in depth, but you nod, too busy with food in the maw
"Now then, seeing you...ensemble....made me think that I would need to completely think about how one designs clothes for a new species. I've never much delved into making clothing for animals....but....oddly enough the premise of a PET line of clothing does sound quiet....oooo....Ideeeeaa~!"
You take another spoonful as she starts going off about pets and dresses and dresses for pets...
Weird...
You didn't care
oatmeal
"....Oh but I digress...where was OH!" she clapped her hooves together as she got up and walked to your sides
"Anon, I would like to take your measurements, a fashioner cannot make miracles without some instruction now can she? I must ask if you let me get your numbers."
You gulped the spoonful
"uuhhh sure?"
There goes breakfast
"Oh simply wonderful!" she trotted off and sat across from you again
"But do be a dear and finish, it won't do well cold, especially if you're hungry."
And you thought Pinkie was kind
Holyshitgenerosity.
She led you to her tailor room; it was another section of the main level.
Its well lit, two large windows looked out into the green pastures beyond Ponyville as Rarity went to a desk nearby, grabbing a few items and n=magically levitating a pair of oversize orange glasses onto her face.
They weren't lens-less
Holy shit they were elaborate as all fuck
and that colour.
You snicker, holding in a giggle
"Is something the matter anon?
She chirped, grabbing a measuring tape in her maw and trotting over to you
"There,. be a dear and...
She looked at you, her eyes open for a moment of realization
"You are still wearing your clothes
"Yyyyeah so?""
D;
"darling, I would need you to....oh my."
She began to blush immensely
"oh my...I...never realized that., oh dear me its not that you're a handsome....ahh oh my I'm so sorry, I couldn't...when you were...eeke...oh my oh my oh my..."
she see,med to scamper about on all four hooves as you blink a few times.
"Uhhh Rarity?"
She paused
"Y-yes?"
"Its fine..." you wave both hands "if you don't mind turning around for a bit, Ill get this off."
She blushed, nodding in compliance as she turned ,levitating two samples of fabric over her peripherals like blinders
She was still a lady respectability was number one as you flung down your pants, and remove your button down.
Your briefs were snug...aside from the obvious and your shirt helped covering just a bit as it was snugly fit;perhaps being washed did something to it."
"okay, I'm ready."
Rarity turned slowly, you can see her eyes study your face, then your body and then directly to between your legs.
She blushed more, hiding it as she stepped forward
"o-okay...l-lets begin."
Shes jittery with the tape, perhaps seeing his "manhood" rather close like that (compared to ponies who seem to lack that from the value of it).
You were more concerned about that horn....
Dear god it was hovering way to close.
"t-thirty three leg..." she muttered
"Oh dear me that certainly is a tad longer than I've ever worked with... how tall are you my dear?"
"Uhhh...five foot eight"
"Hrmmm, five foot eight...that requires bit more thinking...yes...."
She looked at you, your legs, then a ponyquin...she trotted over to it, gently magicing the fabric doll as she adjusted the limbs, standing it straight up and along side you.
"hrmmm close, but a bit short on the outcome...very well, Anon, may you raise your arms?"
"What like this?"
You raise your arms out from your body past your head; starfish
"Perfect, now, Rarity needs you NOT to move an inch!"
This was...
so pathetic
You're arms wouldn't go down after you finished with rarity, you had strained your muscles to the point that you needed HER to help plop them back down.
"Im terribly sorry my dear, by that's the only way to have made the measurements perfect.
"Gee...thanks....ow."
You feel your other arm fall and roll your shoulders, yet definitely needed a GOOD STRETCH AS you stand up and rotate your body partial clock and counter clockwise, letting your arms work out.
"I want to thank you kindly for that either way Rarity, means a lot to me that someone wants me in good fashion tastes."
"Oh of coruse dear,i WOULDN'T dream OF Having such an important figure in his species to look beneath himself, clearly it was most requiring of me to befit you in the BEST possible garments one can offer to their ambassador."
"Explorer"
"Explorer!"
You chuckle
'well...thanks either way, but may I ask a favor?"
Rarity perked her ears, turning
"Yes dear, what is it?"
"Can i ask...you...to make me a vest."
"A vest? Why certainly dear, I can easily add that in with the ensemble, hrmm, a vest, yes perhaps a classical Ponisaunce attire or maybe a Follia design or-"
"Not that kind of vest"
She turns
"then, what my dear?"
"A combat vest?"
"COMBAT? OH how dreadful,why would you EVER request something so...savage and brutish?"
"Because I feel I need it for my own safety?"
Rarity paused, her expression went tense, much more than before
"Darling, why would anyone want to bring harm to you, especially seeing as you're not even known by manyponies here?"
"You forget one thing; the important ones do, you SAW Celestia at the party this morning, she SAW me, in fact, she visited me after the party...after you kindly took me home."
"We....Didn't take you home..."
You pause
"What do you mean?"
"Dear, none of us took you home because Celestia had done it for us."
You go pale white
"So did she-"
"No no, I still made your sleepwear, by her request of course, and she then asked to take you home personally."
"And Luna?"
Rarity nodded "The Guard Ponies took her home before Celestia, she will be put to bed in her room."
You sigh
"That's a relief....I'm glad she got home, but...I thought I would take care of her."
"Oh dear but you did! You were such a gentlpony to her."
"Gentleman"
"Yes...of course...such a gentleman to her, she certainly does seem attached to you, very odd, but who am I to question royalty, maybe its the latest thing."
You smirk
"Well...yeah...Kinda guess why she wanted to ask me to attend a court in Canterlot."
"A WHAT!? Rarity seemed to drop her expression
"A COURT? AS IN THE MOST ELITE OF ELITE PONIES OF CANTERLOT COURT!?"
Rarity jumped right up to you, fore hooves on your chest face to face
"OH DARLING! My clothes to be seen witness to the very esteemed individuals of the court!?" She fluttered against you, her whole body pulsated as she rested on your chest
"My word, why didn't you mention it~?" she whispered, her tone suddenly very surly "I would be happy to make something so befitting of you...but..."
She paused, pulling away "that does not explain the desire for a....combat...vest." she said, tapping your chest to emphasis the question.
You sigh, shaking your head "She mentioned some pretty....deep shit"
"Anon!"
"Sorry....she mentioned some pretty important things regarding the court, things that she'd want me to help her handle. I don't honestly know why she would, but she felt my "attitude" would be best suited for the situation. Problem is, that's a ROYAL court, and despite it being as such, by the way I figure, someones going to be armed with a sword and someones going to be willing to use it."
"Anon, dearest me why must you think such a hellish thought?"
"Call it my bare essence of survival and tactical awareness. I Don't slack off when I'm going to something important in a place I know nothing about; I would be damned if I somehow end up on the end of a stick without anything to protect me especially when I have no idea just how...painful....it would be to die like that."
Rarity sighed, nodding "A Romantic ideal Anon, but I can assure you no such a thing would be considered here....I will make you the vest, but promise me, promise me you will not wear that thing unless its absolutely necessary. Wouldn't DREAM of advertising myself as that, and for the respect of you, showing it around wouldn't go well either...such a barbaric thing, I should swat you for such a request..." she gently batted your shoulder, making a rather pretend prissy "oooooh!" sound.
You laugh
"I promise, I won't wear it out in public, but I'll still wear it at the court."
Rarity sighed, giving a casual smile as she took off her glasses
She did look cuter without them off, dear god she looked cute with them on
Dear god brain what the heck
"Roll with it"
"Wha?" Rarity suddenly said, the momentary silence bewildering her just as it did you
"Ah nm-nothing"
you pull back instantly just as you hear a knocking at the door.
SAFE
You exhale, slowly letting Rarity trot around you to open the door
You hear a click and a yawn of the door opening
"Oh Twilight! What brings you here?"
"Hello Rarity, Pinkie told me Anon was here, I just wanted to drop in and say Hi to him."
"Oh yes, he and I have just finished a wonderful plan for an ensemble he must wear tonight
"Oh really?"
"Indeed, his clothes are simply atrocious, I cannot understand how his kind can wear them...mind you he looks quite good in them when you pout that aside.
Twilight seemed to pause for a bit as Rarity looked at her
"Oh deary me, I hope that didn't sound so...raunchy of me." she giggled further as she led Twilight into the fitting room
"Anon, we're coming-"
He wasn't there.
"S-strange...he was just sitting here a moment ago?"
--
NOPE
nope nope nope
NOOOOPE
you DO NOT want to see Twilight, DEAR GOD NOT NOW!
You were flushed red when your brain drew you into that dim fantasy of what Rarity was imposing
Those eyes, god damn those eyes! What was in them, geeze they looked like galaxies...."
Probably why she is so hard to avoid allure
Whatever the case, you were well...in aroused mode.
Last thing you want is to go off and think of Twilight like that
FUCK not Twilight
It was bad enough her MENTOR, the PRINCESS gave you the motherly treatment this morning, its even worse you started thinking naughty of her STUDENT...let alone her SISTER.
The former being slightly wrong in any sense of the matter.
Rarity knew the request, she'd didn't, you could trust her too, question is...what could you do while you wait
You had crept out the window when Rarity had uttered the word Twilight, and her gossip talk gave you enough time to break for the window, find it unlocked, and sneak outside with it.
Now, all you were needing to do was
"Hey!"
You pause to see Pinkie standing there
"I saw what you did there.."
"Uhh Pinkie?" she begins to walk towards you, pointing you back the way you came
"Pinkie, what the heck?"
"You need to speak with Twilight, nopony and I MEAN no pony will just leave from a conversation
"But-Pinkie, t-theres a perfectly good explanation!"
"NO BUTTTS!" she points a hoof at your mouth
"Its not nice of a friend to ditch other friends..."
You paused...she was right
You facepalm yourself
You weren't here to be tactical, this was to get to KNOW these ponies...
Fuck, the questions you could ask
You open your eyes as you don't see Pinkie in front of you any more and your back to the window you left from
"Anon, dear what are you doing outside?" Rarity ask, having opened the window when Twilight noticed you.
"OH...just needed to get some air, so I came out from the window."
"But darling...there is a back door."
You sigh, chuckling a bit
"You know, I never like taking the back door, windows are much cooler."
Rarity rolls her eyes as she chuckles "You're certainly the silly one."
"If Twilight wants to talk, then send her outside, we'll leave you to your work."
Rarity smirks "Oh, and leave me all alone?"
"We'll be right here, you're welcome to join us."
she waggled a hoof as she went back inside, bringing out Twilight who had the most confused expression on her face
"What...just happened here?" she asked
She looks at you suddenly and freezes
She was so close to you again, this time it seemed she was a bit frightened of it.
"Hey, you coming or not?"
"Uh...y-yeah, sure..." she eases her frame about the window, trying to figure out how to slip out.
"Oh...oW!" she mutters, trying to bend over the frame a bit
"Twilight..." Rarity began in a near monotone voice "just use the door."
--
She stood beside you with a hat on, or at least one she thought of wearing.
"I read that its better to be as equal to your partner in attire as possible to make them feel comfortable."
"Where did you get that?"
"Ambassadors Etiquette 101."
Who the fuck has a book on that?
You shrug, bookworm....you'd bother about it and it get you no where.
You were both looking out over the pasture, several times Twilight stared at you, not sure if she should say anything.,..at all, or waiting on you to say something.
You sigh
:"So, you had questions?"
Twilight blinked "ah, yeah, I do...number one...well...Welcome to Equestria and Ponyville...I'm Twilight Sparkle, and you are Anon yes?"
A scroll suddenly fluttered from the girls saddle-bag as she began to scribble out with the quill levitated with her magic, same way Rarity did for items she wanted to 'hold"
you scoff, smirking a bit as you reach into your pocket
"Strange, you don't resemble anything within the history of Equestira, nothing I've ever read about had a "hairless ape" hrmmm, certainly important for initial findings but it certainly is going to be hard to describe your past."
"What is this a biography?"
"Yes Anon, yes it is, Celestia requested I study you as best as possible, I plan to do so, wouldn't make me a proper student if I didn't."
"oh god...you have got to be kidding.
"about what?"
"What you're doing, geezes do you really gotta be that boring?"
"Boring?"
"yes, boring, I mean, who writes a biography about someone new rather then just talking to them, drop the scroll lady, you don't need that."
"Don't NEED that, may I remind you that I can't just save all my memories to some form of literature, whats wrong with being through when you need to write about a new species?"
"Well for one...its rude. I don't come out to talk to a reporter, blasted things are all a bother."
"A reporter!? Certianly I am not, I'm a Librarian, and I work at the Ponyville Library, so I MUST document this."
"Go ahead jelly doughnut, don't mind me then."
"Jelly...wait...how the hell did you even think that?"
"I don't know, maybe because I think you need to liven up more and stop being so plain"
"P-plain? How am I plain?"
"Just....your attitude...why are you writing this thing. Why not just experience the fact you're talking to a new creature in your world..."
You start walking forward
"Hey,w-where are you going?"
"For a walk, seems your too busy to bother with your writing
"H-hey now, that's not true, Anon...ANON WAIT!"
TL ran after you, you just bolted through the open plains before you until you hear the galloping of hooves and feel a hefty weight on your back
"Anon!"
"Oh crap!"
You fall, she's on top of you.
"Anon, WAIT, I can't let you leave until I document this! Celestia insisted on a report, I have to make on-!"
"GET THE HECK OFF ME!"
You shove her right off, arm swinging back as you knock her quiet hard.
She's actually thrown nearly a foot away as she lands beside you, you get off and are about to bolt when you suddenly hear sobbing.
Twilight is on the ground, shes twitching a bit, not from any shock, but from the crying she was doing
"W-what did I...*sniff*...do wrong...I..I read everything about envoys and meetings and how to act proper towards delegates of other regions...and and..."
She starts whimpering something else, her breath exhaling quickly as you turn around, slowly walking back to her, easing down beside her so she could see you. On your toes, legs squatted as you look at her.
She looks at you, eyes tearing up.
"You okay? Anything hurt? I hope I didn't get you in a sensitive spot.."
She shakes her head slowly...
"Good, then lie on your back"
"What?"
"Just do it..."
She nods, sniffling away some tears as she turns over onto her backside, gazing up at the sky.
She would hear your footsteps as she tried to tilt her head without much success as you lay down on your back, directly opposite from the very point of her head to yours.
"There, you got questions, I'll answer...
"*sniffle* a-alright..."
She paused, in fact, her eyes were distracted by looking...well...up
Rainbow dash hadn't cleared the sky yet, a common thing for her to do while she lazed about, but that didn't mean it was an off kettle thing to worry about. Twilight gazed at the clouds, they seemed...calming...almost serene, more-so then usual.
She exhaled, letting a soft breath escape
"Where did you come from?" she began
"Earth...a planet much like this, that's all I can gather that I certainly am not there anymore,"
"So...how did you get here? Did you fly a spaceship?"
"Nope"
"Teleportation"
"nuh uh.."
"Time Travel?"
"I doubt this planet is a past or even future example of earth..."
"Trans-dimensional?"
"I wouldn't put that one past it, but I'd still have to say no.
"Then how?"
"The concept of how eludes me, and I haven;t the foggiest as to what did it in the first place and why."
Twilight sighed, putting her hooves to her chin
"That doesn't make sense, how can you just BE here?"
"The same way you can exist here perhaps? I can't give you answers Twilight, I'm just as dumbfounded as you.
"Maybe he came from a distant star cluster, sent here by ancient aliens that needed him to save us all from sheer disaster?"
The chirpy voice of Pinkie knocked the two upright instantly as Pinkie was lay amongst then seemingly out of nowhere, connecting her head position to Twis' and Anons, making a three pronged star like formation"
"I doubt that, I don't think aliens would abduct a HUMAN to fix a problem elsewhere, we're not the best kind of species for that"
Twilight sits up
"Why do you say that?"
"HUmans... or humanity in general, is a selfish, greedy race that seeks little in the way of making things better; our own world is too messed up to consider being a prime example of planetary care to begin with, minus the wars we fight amongst ourselves quite commonly."
"Sounds...terrible"
"It has its moments...but those are far and few...I can't say I dislike it, its home, and I just live with it."
Twilight sighed "Well, guess I can be glad we got a good seed of your race?"
"I have my doubts, no human is ever a GOOD seed, we all have the qualities of evil; greed, lust, gluttony, the usual sort of chaotic mixtures we disdain but cant avoid.
Twilight's expression seem to sour
"You mean, you have chaos in you?"
"Perhaps, we all do, at least humans do; many literature on our species, mostly religious ones, speak of a balance of good in evil in all mankind, depending on what...and how...we use our lives changes the balance."
Twilight seemed quite...in awe.
She never expected an actual creature with not just good in them, but Chaos as well, it was quite mind blowing such a possibility could exist.
Anon laid back down, resting his head on the grass
"You ever do this? Just sit back and watch the clouds?"
The sound of trotting hooves echoed nearby as Rarity ran up the embankment
"Oh heavens darlings are you alright? I heard Twilight shout Anons name and then chase after him, I do hope nothing terrible has happened."
Anon turns a bit "nothing at all Rarity, Twilight was just about to show me some unusual formations of cummulis clouds
"Oh....well...alright then..." Rarity had a bewildered look, the same could be said for Twilight as anon just laid there. Pinlkie giggled pointing a cloud
"Hey, that one looks like a banana"
Anon smirks "Were? All I see are potatoes..."
"Potates, bleh, they are not fun!"
"But they do make french fries"
Pinkie rubbed her belly "Mmmm I LOVE french fries, I wonder why they are called that when there isn't much French here, unlike your world which has France...but does that mean French Fries come from there...?"
How the hell did this ponie know that stuff?
You shrug
Best not to question, last thing you want is to figure an answer you'd hate yourself hearing.
"Well, If its all well and done here girls and gentleman, I shall return to my duties, I am indeed having MUCH fun designing your attire Anon, who would have imagined HUMANS to be excellent fashion models....oh the wonders..."
Rarity trotted off, babbling to herself about some ideas in her head for clothing, perhaps some she could work to her normal ensembles she would design for other ponies as you poke Twilight flank
"Hey, we're not done are we?"
Twilight blinked as he signaled to have her lie down again as she did without hesitation.
"SO...what makes you choose between Good and Evil?"
Anon shrugged "Depends, could be anything from simple desires of power and wealth to the prospect of revenge to just having little voices in your head that tell you to do something stupid...it can't be explained, but its just how people choose to live their lives. Me, personally, I feel I have a good balance of both."
"Both?"
"I have good thoughts and then I have thoughts of me wanting to break someones neck."
"There's nothing good about something like that."
"Well, it explains my use of force with you moments earlier...still sorry for it..."
"its okay...in the past....but you certainly are quite...strong for someone so...well...thin."
You roll your eyes
"Muscle tension; I am quite durable for my looks, never judge a book by its cover."
"That should be easy for Twilight, she has thousands of them!"
"I know, she does live in a Library..."
You and Pinkie Pie giggle
"Hey, that's not nice!" Twilight huffed
"Ah relax Twilight, no harm, no foul..." you sit up looking at her "Sides, where I come from, girls who are quite...intelligent are always famed for their skills...and you..well..seeing as you're a pretty well-read pony, you'd look quite...attractive if you were a human."
Twilight face went blush red, almost close to Pinkies as the pink mare turned about on her stomach
"Oh hey, Twilight's turning PINK like me!"
She shot Pinkie a look and then quickly ran off.
You watch her go, rubbing her head.
"Uh...was it something I said?"
"Maybeee?" Pinkie adds look up at you
Oh darn, hope I didn't offend her"
"No...shes just not use to be so well complimented on her looks."
"What do you mean"
Pinkie sighs"She doesn't get out much, you'd think someone like her would be for meeting somepony special, but seems she doesn't ever get many chances, what being a bookworm and all."
"Shame, can see that she needs to get laid."
"You know it brother...trust me, we ALL know she needs that special somepony."
You nod as you watch her flash away with her teleportation, not even going to say bye to Rarity, you must have really got her riled with just one compliment.
Either ponies were too literal, or they just seemed to drop around you.
Speaking of drop....
You lay back down next to Pinkie as she wiggles a hoof at the sky, making airplane noises
"Nerrrr p'shew p'shew! This is Pink Leader, were going in!"
"what are you doing?"
"Oh, just imagining a valiant fight between dragons and jet fighters."
"Dragons and jet fighters?"
"Yeah, it'd be super cool, see, the jets they can fly almost as natural as Pegasus, but the dragons are tough so they need to fly super crazy and fast, working as a team and-"
"ughh that's all fine and dandy, and I like where that is going, but serious, what?"
"Oh, that's probably going to happen later..."
Pinkie snickered as she laid back again
"What do you think was with Twilight?" you ask as Pinkie shurgs
"I was just as surprised as you, shes never reacted like that to ANYpony
"Well, I hope I didn't insult saying she'd be cute as a human."
"Perhaps it was the opposite like on Opposite day, you know, maybe she thinks you find her cute as a pony, and even more so as a human."
"Oh god, please tell me she wont use her magic to change form...god sakes I'd hate myself if she went through all the trouble t-"
You pause as you look up, seeing a small bird fly over...but that's no bird...its bright blue'
A Pegasus.
A rainbow tail chased her flight path, lining up with each of her maneuvers, swooping up and down, left and right, making the clouds spin all about as she moved quickly through the canopy.
"Wow...wait...she looks familiar?"
"Oh that's Rainbow Dash! Remember her from the party?"You remember a certain Pegasus getting in your grill.
was she the same one?
You pause, laying back as Pinkie was now waving wildly about
"Whooo go DASHIE!"
As if on cue to the cheering her friend made, 'Dashie' began to intensify her flight pattern, she went left and right with breakneck speed and perhaps even more g-force than a human could ever take. Her body was nimble, quickly flying, banking, diving and even whipping around clouds into a frenzy as she puts all her heart into it.
She really was trying her best, but something seemed...a miss.
She didn't seem to catch air as properly as you thought, something about her tail position or maybe it was her hooves in the rear.
She certainly had a lot less drag on her than say the yellow Pegasus from the morning, Fluttershy was it? Her hair was much shorter and even her tail was cropped just a bit to allow for better airflow.
She did seem aerodynamic to the extreme, moreso that she was a female build rather than a male.
You lay back to watch the rainbow trail behind her as you see her suddenly bank downwards at...incredible speed
"Oh shes going to try a Sonic Rainboom"
"A sonic whatsits?"
"Ooooh just watch, its too awesome to explain"
You indeed do, sitting up as you see her drop altitude at an incredible pace, you never seen something drop so fast, especially now that her angel seemed...oh dear....a bit too close to the ground
"C'mon Dashie!" Pinkie cried as the Ponie looked up just in time to see....you.
She seemed to hesitate, and rather than pull up like she should do, she slammed hard into the dirt, dragging a trail from the point of impact right to your feet.
Pinkie had a frown "awww, no good Dashie?"
The sky blue Pegasus rose her head, spitting out dirt as she looked up at Pinkie, then you.
Quickly getting to her feet she glares at you
"That was still super awesome Dashie!"
The Pegasus turns to Pinkie
"Aw, thanks Pinkie, but it aint the best, not with this lameo standing around, made me mess up my flight."
"Excuse me?"
What was that, was she just BLAMING you for her mistake
"You uncouth swine....how low can you go? Guess the dirt is too rich for yah, gotta go to clay dontcha?"
"Whaddya mean clay? I am the fastest speeder around, I can beat your clay in an instant"
She didn't get it, Pinkie was about to interject but she sighed a bit.
"Wow, guess brawns do take away brain."
"Hey I'll have you know it takes lotta skill to get these maneuvers just right, what does a fancy pants like you know about flying? Don't have any wings."
"PErhaps not, but I do know when a dame is dragging herself across the sky rainbow butt....or should I say rainbow Flank."
"Rainbow FLANK!? You serious, now that's not cool."
"Blaming others for your mistake isn't either."
"You're just boring!"
"What?"
"You got no edge to you, so boring I crashed when I saw you."
"Are you kidding me?"
"You saw me didn't you?"
"Saw you try a Sonic Rainboom, can see why its called a rainboom, you crash at super speeds, why not call it Sonic Raincrash?"
That seem to strike a nerve, she was about to speak something back
her hotheadedness, as you learn, got to her.
She lunged at you
And boy did she LUNGE
"IT'S A SONIC RAINVBOOM YOU BORING BORESONE!" she shouted, tackling intro your upper body just enough for you to feel the wind knock right out of you.
You take a hefty breath as time seems to slow just a bit, seeing Rainbow smash into you, moving your arms to grab her forehooves, gently push against her and as you fall backwards, raise your foot to slam into her gut.
Time returned
You nailed a direct flat-foooted kicked right into the pegasis tummy.
She seemed to cringe as you released her hooves in the same instant, seeing her LAUNCH from your body
Were you really stronger?
She flew almost five feet back, slamming into the ground with a resounding WHUMP
Shit son, you certainly were stronger
or these ponies were made out of marshmallows.
Whatever the case, it didn't take long for Rainbow to slowly get up
"Augh, haven't been kick...that hard since the fight with AJ....man you got some kick...but that isn't going to save you!": she lunged again
Durable bugger
"NOW WAIT!" suddenly came a proper voice from behind as Rainbow dash stopped instantly in mid flight, only two feet from you as Rarity trotted out, several fabrics hovering by her magics as well as a few needles and thread with a tape measure.
"Don't you dare think about harming this Gentlman Rainbow, he has been the most superb model, and designing clothing for him is absolutely DIVINE, now Anon, be a dear and stretch out your arms?
You blink
"uuhh...sure?"
you stretch out your arms as you suddenly feel several pieces of fabric strap along your body; the "suit" was coming on nicely, you could see the actually "chest" section was done and the sleeves were coming along well. It seemed one was-
"Ah, I see, the left is a tad too big...no matter, an easy fix... Hrmm, but your legs..." she knelt down, looking at your long legs
"Be a dear and bend one?"
You sigh, bending your leg upwards, keeping your balance on your stable foot.
"Ahh fascinating, still the same as our own, perfect! Was worried I may have to add more room for a joint here or there..."
She smiled, rolling her measuring tape out and checking a few more things.
"Thank you ever so much Anon, your attire will be absolutely SMASHING!"
she trots off with a hum
"Oh, you may continue." she added, just as you feel the second impact of Rainbow slamming into your gut...
Again
She needed better accuracy.
You tumble back with her
heading back to the ground as again time seemed to slow just a bit
you see her, cringing as she seemed to feel just as much impact pain from hitting you directly in the ribs as you did feeling her thick head.
You groan, pushing yourself down slowly, keeping your neck tight with your body as you grabbed her fore-hooves again, pulling her into you as you let your leg again stretch out and then press her up and over your tumbling body.
Time returned to normal
She would fly right over you into the Boutique of Rarity, moments before the unicorn entered the back door.
Feeling the rush of wind past her cause the White Unicorn to pause as she sees Dashie and in a heap of fabrics
"OH Darling Rainbow, do you wish to model for me later too? Such a fine design I have in mind for yoouuuu~"
"AUGH!" Rainbow sped out, letting Rarity have a playful smirk on her face before heading inside.
She came at you again, faster this time, she probably was getting real tired of being tossed around like that. Her expression showed it effortless, all you could do was smirk.
She looked rather determined like that, easily the one stubborn of the group, the one who could pave the way for the team.
You had one like her...somewhere....and that instant was all Rainbow needed before slamming right into your gut....a third time.
"Getting old..." you think as you slowly grab her forehooves tighter this time and begin to rotate them like a bicycle pedal. As you did, you slowly pulled down onto your back, legs up, but your lower legs laying along the girls underbelly, keeping her steady above you as she seemed look down at you with...surprise.
"H-hey?" She said, her expression reddening as you were ducking below her
"What y-you doing?"
"You have too much drag, not enough focus on the wings."
"WHa?"
She seemed to pause in her motion as you set her arms outright, pausing in your fall
"Can you flap your wings?"
"What?"
"Just do it."
She didn't hesitate, she began to flap, and flap, and flap.
You place her hooves together, legging the foreleg gently so they almost crested together like a sword.
"What are you doi-"
"I'm making you fly better, trust me, you have some drag here and if you really want to go top speed..." you grin "you need to be it both in mind and body."
As you finished her position, she looked quiet sleek, forehooves forward, rear hooves stretched out back, like one solid object as you ease her back and then suddenly rush her forward.
"NOW LAUNCH!" you bark as you launched her right off your legs, she takes flight instantly, actually going much faster than before.
What started as an unexpected WHAOOo turned into a whale of yells and cheers as the Pegasus reached a speed previously not attained before (even though it wasn't really THAT much faster she would later think) she felt her body actually streamlining through the air much quicker, and that was always a plus to go even faster.
You stand up to watch her trail soar off to who knows where as you turn to Pinkie, the biggest smile on her face.
"Wow, how did?"
"Flying is like swimming right? I just figured if she's going to fly, she should fix her posture to be as aerodynamic as possible, the legs and one arm out just too super hero, she wants speed, she needs to look the part."
"How dd you get that from swimming?" Pinkie asks
"Strokes"
"Strokes? You mean bad hearts?"
"No..strokes...if you swim, you move your arms and legs right?"
Pinkie nods
"Yuh huh"
"Well in this case hooves, but the principle of body posture is the same..."
Pinkie nodded again
"Super smart Anon"
You chuckle
"Hey...I need to find somepony, mind telling Rainbow Butt when she gets back down to earth that she owes me one?"
Pinkie giggled "Sure thing Anon, I'm sure she won't live it down until she can get you back for it, which probably will happen later on..."
"Yeah, if things go the way they often do in adventures like these..."
Pinkie blinked
Did he just...?
Walking your way around the Boutique you bump into Rarity hauling what looks like a rather large wagon-like cart. It certainly wasn't a shabby wooden one like you saw on AJ's farm, this one was more of a child-toy that would be strapped to the back of a bike or pedal-truck. It was bright purple along the rim with a white carriage and matching bars that settled comfortably along the ponies flanks
"Ah Anon, so glad to see you, don't mind me leaving the boutique but I MUST collect more jewels for your vest, I simply cant find enough to sew into the fabric.
You rub your head
"Gems for my vest?"
"Why yes dear, you wished for a combat vest to protect you yes? Well of course I cannot use something as barbaric or uncouthly as METAL now can I? Simply far to rough to work with such delicate hooves. I certainly MUST find the right size crystals for your garment that would only be fitting for a normal warrior stallion!" she seemed to look dreasmy eye
"Such would be a dream, swept away by a valiant knight in shining armour...*sigh~*"
You blink
Okay, she was either off in la-la land fantasizing about some hunk, or she was just way to pent up...perhaps along the lines of Twilight, but surely she had some fine suitors....
"So... you're going out to collect jewels?
"Why yes darling, what ever else would I be going to do with such a big burden on my behind...*sigh* it is always so troublesome finding good help to manage my passions, dare I even consider putting Sweetie Belle into such a request, she is far to young to be bothered with such hard work.
"Your such a caring sister..." you mutter
"Oh darling you have NO idea how much I've learned about my younger sibling, she and I may not always see eye-to-eye, but I love her, cherish her more than anyt suitor Stallion could ever hope to present. She IS family after all."
You snicker "Well thats fine and dandy, but if your trying to pry me to help you, Ihave other plans
"Oh heavens NO Darling, I would never sink to such a level to ask my model to be even CONSIDERED to work such dirty duty, I already haver the perfect companion for such a task.
"Who?"
"Why Spikey Whikey of coruse"
"Spikey...whikey?"
"OH yes, he's the cutest little dragon, assistant to Twilight if you remeber from the party."
Your mind reflects on the pruple green dragon.
"Ah, yeah, speaking of which I do need to see Twilight."
"Oh? Wasn't she just with you?"
"Well...yeh...but I think I over-complimented her in some way that I really HOPE she doesn't take too seriously."
"Oh dear me...and then what?"
"Well she left, without saying mucvh of anything, so I would assume..."
"She's at her Library deary, knowing her, probably reading up on something you said."
"I...figured..."
Rarity chuckled "Very well darlijg, you mayt follow, I shall take you right too her."
--
This would be your second time going to the library, the first was a rather impromture visit under the covert of darkness, now, as the afternoon sun began to crest over the town of Ponyville, you can see the library in a much better light.
Aside from it being a tree, it had several open balconys along the top, each one with a wide door and platform for anypony to stand and view a good chunk of ponyville. At the topmost balcony was a small telescope, one you'd be quite interested in viewing at some point.
Rarity had been going on about a few good ideas for fashion designs thanks to working on your 'form' it was kinda creepy how she'd be so easily willing to tak ideas from what you asked for and derive them for ponies. She insisted the combat vest was not neccissary but you held true to your reason.
"I nearly got skewered once by the princess of the night, last thing I want is her sister to find a reason to do so to me as well. I know she's nice and all but..."
"But nothing darling how could you even THINK of such a thing from Princess Celestia, she DID take you home and settled you into bed personally."
"Which I still find odd and strangly creepy."
"She's being hospitable dear, you are considered an outter-wordly creature, what would the example of her be if she just left you alone?"
"Perhaps the fact she may not mind my presence, I still feel out of place having to so suddenly go to a 'court' for a reason I'm not too sure about..."
"You mean she didn't tell you?"
"Not really, she only said my 'attitude' was perfect for the situation....I can't help but wonder what she's planning..."
"Well I can assure you darling she would do nothing dastardly of the sort, she is a wise and kind princess, she probably would be more than happy to-"
Her words were cut short, as you went to grab the doorknob, a sudden explosion rocketed you and Rarity from your footing, sending the door swining open and you flat on your back.
Rarity was in no better standing, uinhurt, she lay on her side.
"Eeeek I can't move!" she whined, the cart obviously weighing her down as you slwoly get up, vision blurry and ears ringing, to help push her upright.
"There...yah go....what the heck happened?
You realize that Twilight and Spike are inside.
You quickly dive inside admist the mess of black smoke.
"Anon!" Rarity shouts, unable to unhitch the cart from her body quickly enough to stop as you land on the floor of the library
get below the smoke
You cover your mouth as you hear hoof falls
"Anon!"
Rarity
"OPEN THE WINDOWS!" you bark as she looks around, coughing heavily as she gets a face full of smoke
"Augh, my mane, oooh this will defintily ruin it!"
"Enough talk, get the damn windows!"
Rarity huffs, coughing more and more as she uses her magic to open every windows in the library as you see where the smoke is coming from.
"The basement?"
You crawl your way over to the stairwell leading own to find it curved right below thge tree into a giant labratory, smoke billowing from aplatform not too far down.
Twilight....shes unconcious on the floor surrounded by books and things, Spike was nearby, trying to get her moving
"C'mon Twilight...get up...gawuh, I told you that was a stupid idea."
You make your way down to the little Dragon, he flails
"ANON you gotta help her?"
"Yeah yeah,. already doing that."
You gently touch along her neck, a pulse, she's alive.
You check her maw
breath...she's still breathing
"Unconcious...c'mon, we gotta get her out...what the HELL were you doing?"
Spike srhugged
"She kept going on about "shifting", not sure what she-"
"Oh crud....she did take it literally..."
"What?"
"Nothing, just help me get her on my back."
You can't see much with the smoke, but...you realized there was no fire; no real heat anywere, just this...unrelenting wave of black smoke.
And then you see it.
A mirror...or something, floating, right in front of you.
it glints and twinkles like an anomoly as you slowly back away, only to see it shift, and then phase a reflection of you.
You are not a human in what you see...
You back away instantly as it sudden crackles and fades from existence, a slight peowb like a computer shut-down made it clear it was done with whatever it had come for.
"Spike?"
You look around to see the little guy grabbing something from the desk nearby, an opened book.
"Twilight was reading this, I never seen it before, but I think you should." He keeps the book close as you nod.
"Thanks, lets get her out of here, we can ask her about it later."
With Spikes help, you got Twilight onto your back
She was much lighter than she looked as you let her body sag over your shoulders, seeing her still head across your right arm as you begun to walk up the stairs with her.
Outside a crowd began to gather, Rarity had to pull herself out from inside as the smoke got too thick, but the windows had all been openbed as it began to billow out.
Apple Jack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rainbow had arrived on scene a moment later, and RD was already whipping up a wind storm to clear the rest of the smoke away.
There...everypony sees you, carrying out Twilight on your back
Shocks, Expressions of awe and bewilderment of this....thing that emerged from Twilights home
None had seen it before,
It was...astounding for some
Others were petrified
"Oh Anon are you arlight? *GASP* Is Twilight okay, oh please tell me she's okay!
"Shes fine, just...out cold... hell man, what was she doing?"
Rarity and the others ease Twilight off your back, settling her down as the white unciron rushes off and returns with a warm towel, placing it on the purple ones head.
You sigh, coughing a bit as you dust yourself off.
Spike hands you a towel, you gladly take it, nodding
"thanks"
you whipe your face of the smoke as you can see Twilight slowly
"Ugh...my head..."
Instantly all her friends hugged her
"TWILIGHT!" they shout
"Augh...w-what happened?"
"Oh we're glad you're okay, there was a loud BOOM and the whole town shook, there was smoke and all this ickyness from your house, but Anon dove in and saved you, he's a HERO!"
Pinkie shouts.
"*cough* oh indeed Twilight, Anon was simply wonderful in acting to help you, my word, what were you thinking?"
"A-non?"
Twilight turns to see Anon sitting there, whipping his face, cap brim low as she slowly fidgest over
"A-anon...t-tha-"
You bop her on the head, hard.
She recolis, Yelping as she gripped her head in pain.
"WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU TRYING TO DO?"
She looked upat you, her eyes were with shock as you look out into the crowd
"A-anon.."
"Were you trying to do to get yourself killed? I mean, you certainly weren't trying to recreate the explosion of 1812, so what in the hay were you thinking of accomplishing by nearly blowing yourself up?"
"a-anon..I...I was'
"Trying to shape shift."
Spike perked up, handing a book to Anon who took it.
"Molecular Manuipulation: Alternating the physical form of..."
you drop the book, glaring at Twilight
"Are you insaine? What gave you that....no...wait don't answer it...I did...fuck it."
"A-anon?"
"Twilight, what I said was a compliment, why would you go try and turn your physical FORM into something you have NO idea what is? Where's the intelligence in that? I thought you were smart, but this certainly was a dumb thing to do, god, go head, get yourself killed over someone making a nice comment to be something else...don't you think things through I mean sheesh, you leave the coinversation all flustered and then what, try to make youreself human when you have really NO idea what a HUMAN looks like or how it would even fit from your form."
She was tearing up
"I...I just wanted to see..."
"See what? See how something else looks on you? Its not like a new pair of clothes Twilight, I can't belive you'd do that..."
Twilight looked down, she felt a deep...almost impecable urge to cry, but she didn't, she didn't want to do it now, she was stupid, real stupid.
An hour passed before the smoke cleared, the Ponies of the town all ventured off, few muttering aboiut this new creature, this ANON, that saved Twilight from her home...it wasn't a bad rumor to go around, but it certainly made Twilight think hard about what she was trying to do.
Some had even said that she brought the thing here, a wld idea that she was trying to break dimensional barriers...whoever thought of that was either crazy or brilliant in the creativity department.
You were sitting inside the library now, a bath-time later, and Twilight was wrapping up the cleaning job, as seeing as Spike had advised her against the little 'experiment', was best SHE cleaned up her own mess.
"I'm really sorry Anon..."
"Forget it...its my fault for saying something like that"
"No...its not...its my fault fore being so...well..
"Wanting?"
She blushed
"Y-yeah....you could say that."
You chuckle
"Im supruised you'd be so quick to even fall for a creature not of the same species...I mean, really now, you don't have...whats the word...some-pony special to be with?"
She shook her head
"wow....that's...terrible."
"I...guess I was jusy too busy...or picky....whichever you want to think of it. Rarity knows what she wants, we can see it so blatantly in her choice of Stallions but...well I never could find one for me,"
"Why's that?"
"I was a bookworm...ponies aren't always thrilled to find someone who leads a boring life."
"I dunno....being this "element of harmony" thing sounds pretty cool."
She nearly dropped her book
"H-how?"
"Pinkie...what, is it a big deal?"
"W-well...sorta...I mean, not many ponies even KNOW that were the Elements of Harmony.
"They told me the story about you and Nightmare Moon, pretty cool stuff, I'm surpised the power of friendship is so strong."
"Well...its also magic."
"Aint gotta s'plain shit then..."
"E-excuse me?"
You blink
"Well....we...don't belive in, more or less posses, magic. Humans, aside from those in fantasy novels, never had any "magical" capabilities, we're more based around fact and science then myths..."
"Hrmmm, that is interesting, not even a smidge of magic?"
"Nope, its something that can't be exlplained. A friend has a saying "Its magic, ain't gotta s'plain shit." because its just something unexplainable, no real evidence exists of how it works so we really can't tell."
"Certianly....vulgar....but you are right; I guess a species that never contacted true magic wouldn't be able to understand it."
"Well not exactly."
You pause, fishing out your phone.
Twilight's eytes light up as you tap the screen, causing a vivid display to appear and a few taps to access the main menu. From there, you click an icon of a notepad and show up several pages of notes.
"Lesse..."
Twilight trots over,m gazing at the little device with awe
"W-what is that?"
You look up at her, then the device.
"Never seen a Smartphone before?"
"S-smart phone? You mean it can talk?"
"N-no, its...well....hrmm."
You waggle it abit to think, Twilight watches, stepping back a bit thinking you may be doing something with it.
"oh...I know...you can consider this OUR kind of magic; we use technology right, so, we build devices like Smart phones and comnputers to help make our lives easier..."
"I...see...I think. How so?"
"Well....its a phone, I'm not sure if you ponies have telephones or not..."
Twilight shakes her head
"Perhaps in the bigger cities....but...not here."
"Its sorta like that...only I can call anywere I want at any timne during the day."
"Thats amazing."
"Theres more...I can also send text messages."
"Text messages....oh you mean like letters? How...does the scroll fit in there?"
"Uh,...nono, I can TYPE a letter out...see."
you draw up the notepad and begin to tap letters down, Twilights eyes go wide.
"Oh my, that...that looks so SIMPLE!"
"Trust me, it gets so easy once you can use it...care to...try?"
You look at her hooves
"Its.,..a touch screen, not sure if you can use it with..."
"Touch screen?"
"It senses 'contact' of a finger" you waggle your finger and draw it around the screen, highling the letters as you ran it over them "and then places the letter you click."
Twilight furrows her brow as she watched, her horn gently glowing as she created what looked like a small orb of energy and began to tap it on the screen
it responded
"Wow....you're quite good at that magic stuff."
"Well I AM the element of Magic."
"Touche..."
"You notion a lot about your worlds literature, it certainly seems quite...advanced."
"Well...when you're a writer, you tend to look at many-"
-THUMP-
Twilight was on you, her forehooves to your shoulders, face to face
"YOU ARE A WRITER?"
"Uhh....y-yeah.."
She inhaled deeply as she seemed to bounce right off you
"oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh!"
She came at you again
"What books have you written?"
"Uhhh mostly fiction"
"FICTION! OH I do so enjoy a good book of fiction, anything else?"
"A scolarly paper on Video Games?"
"Video Games...oh...those are those things Rainbow and Pinkie play...wow...that's amazing!"
They have Video games here but no cell phones?
"Have you...publish anything?"
"N-no...not really, I never actually finish books I write."
Twilight seemed to mellow out, a bit depressed as she eased off to stand before you.
"You never finish, but why? You seem like you know qyuite a lot about writing."
"Call it short-attention span...the problem with know SO much is you get distracted and overhwlemed with new ideas before you can finish the old..I know I have several near-complete works back home...but...none are ever clkose to being finished."
Twilight seemed saddened "thats terrible."
"A gift and a curse..." you tap your phone, gently turning the screen off and putting it away
"Speaking of which, I came to ask for some help."
"Help? After what I did?"
"Well, don't fret about that, this is serious....I need to go to Canterlot tonight for something..."
"Oh is that...WAIT WHAT!?"
She was on you again
YOU"RE GOING TO CANTERLOT? WHY!?"
"Princess requests, Celestia asked me after the party this morning if I could come down for some sorta 'court' thing, I wasn't too sure on what, but she said my 'attitude' would help."
Twilight eases off, sighing "thats...thats bizzar, why would she so suddenly want you to go to Canterlot, and to the grand court for that matter..."
"Im just as baffled as you, When I told Rarity about it she flipped out too, was saying how my attire has to be simply PERFCT now."
"Well, you are sorta advertising her clothing line.
"True....anyway, whatever the reason, do yopu have any books on this court thing, or just politics in general? I'd like to have something to read so I can figure it out along the way."
Twilight hrrmede, turning about to her collection
"Lets see....we have "Diplomatic Immunity" "The Guide to Politcal Debates." "Archtypes and Policies." ooooh! "Canterlot Refference to Court Debates!" she drew a rather...thick...blue lined book with golden embridery
"5th edition, yup, knew I had one of these." her magic levitates the book to your arms as you grab it...it felt...holy crap...HEAVY'
"Ulp....you got anything...smaller?"
Twilight shook her head "if you want a single read for everything, thats the best book, its been written after several generations of corut debates, should give you more than an idea of what to do."
"Geeze...thanks...I'll be certain to return it when I'm done."
Twilight smiles
"Anon...may i ask a request?"
You turn to Twilight
"Sure...whats on your mind?"
She looked down a bit, hiding some blush from her cheek "Could you...write me a story?"
You pause for amoment, a story, for her?Well that didn't sound to complicated...
"What...kind of story?"
Twilight looked up, eyes alight
"Ooooh I have SO many ideas...I...I just want something very nice...and well....I guess personal...to read."
You blink a few times 'hrmm...well then let me ask, who should the protagonist be?"
Twilight blushed more
"Well....uh...me?"
You chuckle
"Hey, i-i'm serious!"
"You really want me to writre a story about you?"
"Well...yes...you...did say I would look...cute as a human, why not write something with that?"
You facepalm, but exhalea soft laugh
"Fine, I'll see what I can come up with, but It won't be long okay, maybe when I get back we can try, but lets just keep this between us okay?"
Twilight nodded, littlerly bounding into you as she hugged you tight
"Oh thank you thankyouthank y-"
knock knock knock
who could that be?
Twilight clambers off you instantly as she fixes her bhair a bit and walks to the door, opening it to show Rarity holding several clothing peices with her magic.
"Good evening Twilight, are you well?"
"Oh very much so Rarity and you?"
"Simply SPLENDED my dear, is Anon around?"
"Why yes.."
"Oh wonderful, Anon, I do hope you try not to escape the back windowe this time..."
"I plan not to Miss Rarity."
"Oooh Miss Rarity, now now, not so formal dear, Rarity has just come by to deliver your...goods...shall we say?"
She levitated two pairs of clothing to you, ther first was a nice pair of black pants with a white tutelneck top, following with it was a nice dark grey jacket-like button down as you look them over
"Rarity, these are amazing!"
"Oh don't thank me yet dear, check the second."
The second pair of clothing consisted of something quite...wonderious. It was a vest
Simialr to a kevlar vest you knew from your world, the difference was this
vest seem to be stylerd a loit differently, it almost look like a blazer jacket with added padding on the chest, core, and along the spine in the backl. Despite its bulk, it was extrmely light.
"What did you put in this, its so light?
"Oh just a few diamonds...I swered them in withas many layers of toughen fabric I could get a hold of, it will protect you from almost ANYTHING."
"Almost anything?"
Rarity giggled "Well dear,. its not exactly field tested, but they are diamonds, they line the entiery of your suit, with one...veyr large one over your heart, for one who has such a big one, I could not DREAM of letting it simply be unprotected... even if it is a bit...extnesive."
You smirk, looking at it.
"Well, go on, try them on."
"What?"
"An artist must be able to marvel in her masterpeice Anon, please, go put them on."
You roll your eyes
"Bathroom?"
The two mares point up the stairs as you clamber up to get changed.
--
"Simply smashing! Oh i wish I could take a picture!"
Anon stood atop the stairs as Rarity was in awe foir your new attire, certainly you did look much more handsome in this than your oldere clothing. The whole ensamble was well fit, snug against yourt body but just lose enough to move freely. The black pants worked well with your shoes, matching perfectly as your white turtle neck perked right up through your dark grey button down. Rarity eyes flutter "Oh darling it certianly so gorgious, i am very pleased."
"As am I rarity, you've done a wonderful job."
The white unicorn blushed "All in a days work darling, I am glad you like it."
You then grab the vest, slowly putting it on; it was defnitly a lot lighter and fit snug over the shirts you wore...of coruse Rarity had a rather scruitiunzed look.
"Hmm, something is not right..." she trots close, her horn glowing as she opens the "blazer-vest" just a bit at the top
"Ah, perfect!"
You did present a slightly...buffer...exterior, but not really noticable that it made you look different.
With her work done, Rarity gave a satisfied nod, not before levitating something...oh god.
"I err...took the liberty, if protection was on your mind, to fashion you this...Anon, I...well...a man must protect what is most sacred to them yes?"
You look at the object, it weas a hollowed out stone with a lining the interior, held in place by a strap-
"Uhhh oh yeah, thank you...uhm..."
You know exactly what it is as you slip it into your pocket "ill put that on another time..."
Twilight was blushing just as much as Rarity, she noticed this.
"Good heavens Twilight, do you think me as uncoth? I would never DARE to try something to a creature we know LITTLE about, I am just caring for his...well being."
"Uh...huh..."
Akward...silence followed.
*ahem*
They both turn to you as you lift up Twilights book.,
"I thank you both very much for your help,m Rarity, your clothing design is...as they say 'manifque' and Twilight, the book is something I definitly will take a reading to as soon as possible.
The two gave sheepish smiles
"Well, we're quite astonished by the fact her MAJESTY wishes to see you so suddenly, but who are we to challenge what Celestiadesires am I reight?" Rarity winked a bit as you rolled your eyes.
God she defeintly was posh, but in a good way, she loved her gossip.
"Ill be certian to point any stallions interested in my wares to you Miss Rarity, I'm certian many would take a liking with more than just your clothing."
"Oh dear me, such a fresh one.." she blushed redder as she truned abit.
"Well I'll leave you two alone...ta ta~" she said and "strutted" out the door, leaving a love sick Spike standing before us.
"Wow...him too?"
Twilight shook her head, freeing herself from the sillyness in her mind.
"Anon...if I may?"
"Go ahead."
"You're about to be the first Human going to the Canterlot court, I may not know much about your customs, but this is something very serious and very important, I do hope you can play a good part...I mean...not that I doubt what you could do, its just..."
"You don't want me to make myself look bad...that and the Princess as seeing she was the one who requested me."
Twilight nodded.
"I will do my utmost Twi, Celestia may have seemed...unettling to start, but I think I can trust her, this COURT however I'm not too sure, s'why I asked Rarity for this vest and well....lets call it a cup."
"O-okay...but, will it be neccissary?"
Anon shrugged as he walked down the rest of the stairs to the door, easing Spike to the side as he seemed to "float" off to the opposit wall.
"With me around, I wouldn't put the possiblity of something unexpected to happen. There's a saying; Prepare for the Best, Expect the Worst, Screw what others think and Do your own thing."
Twilight blinked
"It means to be ready for anything, keep your mind and eyes out and always trust your gut, trust me, my gut always wants me to be careful and a place where I have no idea what is or what will be given to me, best thing I could do is simply preapre for the least expected outcome."
Celestia indeed was right about meeting up with an envoy, but it wasn't her; Luna had been instructed to pick you up instead as the setting sun signaled the hardest part of Celestia's day.
The Moon princess didn't present her flowing mane, but her sky blue hair was brilliant in its still form; not often you can see it like that, but it certainly was beautiful even without the star-glitter.
Her chariot was not the same as Celestias, where gold had been, a dark and midnight blue with pale white lining cover the chariot in a near sinister view, and it made little difference to the two "nightly" guards Pegasus who pulled it. Both donning dark grey hides and large crested helms of near bat-like brims, their wings capped with a prim in the same way as their helm, making them look 'bat-like'
If Luna was considered Nightmare Moon as a villain, the chariot she left behind certainly sealed that fact.
You watch as they flew through the clouds as the sun began to set slowly behind the 'Canterlot mountains' bathing the perpetually white city in a wonderful florescent glow.
"So its harder to rest the sun then rise it?"
"Yes. Dearest sister Celestia has to work exceptionally hard to make sure it doesn't crash down and hurt itself."
"What?"
"The sun, it is her source of power anon, as the moon is thy source of power, so is the sun for her. We both take time to recharge before it settles for the day or night, though, thy difference is quite obvious as to who is stronger."
You look at Luna, she gives a sheepish smile.
"I kid sir Anon, I speak merely the fact since the moon is smaller, I receive only a fraction of power compared to what thy sister attains. Her mane ever flows with the warmth and energy the sun, even within the night. It is something fascinating to behold, I do so enjoy watching her each dawn and dusk."
"So that explains why your mane was ever flowing?"
"Yes, because the moon and stars shared their light with me, and I witness the strength of the entire cosmos blessing me with eternal life."
"Sounds...creepy."
"Oh....I did not mean to...fear thy fellow, I hope my words were not too mistaken of thought?"
"No thy lady of the night its just...the ambiance we have here seems eerie, and the slight taste of the night seems to wickedness to it."
She blushed
"Oh ...I had no intention to sound such a way! I merely only speak in fact, oh bother, thy still show of Nightmare Moon hath thou continue to be cursed by it."
"I wouldn't say that....at least you realize its more or less 'kidding around."
Her wings seemed to straighten slightly at your words as she blinked
"Y-yes...kidding around as you say? A joke...?"
"Pretty much, but I wouldn't worry about it much. We're entitled to make mistakes, big and small, and simply brooding on the fact of what we've done, well that's just a waste of energy. What matters is what you do tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that, how we learn from it and make ourselves better....as for tonight.." he fixed his collar a bit "lets see what all this fuss is about."
You near Canterlot as the sun continues to fade, cresting the world in a dark purple haze, the mist of the very falls cascading from the edge of the city had turn near crimson, catching the light perfectly in their wake, but...almost presenting the look of blood in the water.
Anon probably was the only one who noticed this as he turned to the city, fixing the necking on the turtleneck.
The spires all around him reached much further than he had first thought, they were huge.
Most of what the city was made was built around them, smaller shops and homes litter the bastions beneath, covering the entire city with a lush, rustic glow of lights and rooftops. it was almost calming to see such a perfectly settled city amidst pillars of the sky. The largest boasting itself square in the center the royal cauldron of the basin.
The chariot slowly descended towards the giant spires landing pad, its main crystalline lights glinting over the edge of the wooden and stone pad that the flying craft gently touched down on. The guards huffing, fluttering their wing as they made perfect 3 point-landings. They seemed pleased, smirking at one another...perhaps a mutter about their...unusual cargo.
They seemed to stare quite a lot at Anon, the fact that he wasn't even a pony was one thing, but nothing even like a griffon, dragon, or beast of the forest; he was...just him.
You move aside, easing the space open fort Luna to exit first, she smiles, bowing respectfully before stepping off, you follow suit, fixing your cuffs under the shirt you were wearing.
A walkway was stretched from the pad inwards towards the main spire as there, standing not too far ahead was the very one Princess Celestia.
Her and her guards of course.
all twenty of them.
"Luna!" she called with delight as the night time princess rushes to nestle with her bigger sister, the very sensation of love almost riveting from the pair as they embraced.
They had a bond of good sisters, even despite the past, they loved each other as family, probably why it was so hard for them to fight; Celestia didn't have the heart to slay her family.
It was heart warming but at the same time almost degrading; what had caused a family pair such torment that they had to witness a chilling realization of whats to come.
"She is tried for Treason"
Those words...those words shattered anything that you hoped to see come good of this. Their connection would be cut, and something like that would definitely be the end of them
Was this...was this the reason she wanted Anon?
"Treason?" You had to say something from the utter shock.
"I"m sorry Anon, but that is the situation at its best...and....I'm glad you're here."
"Well...could have said that first."
"I couldn't anon, I needed to see my sisters reaction myself.
Luna was probably in the worst of shape. Its not that she was surprised, in fact it almost seemed she was far from it. Her expression was downtrodden, depressed to a sullen level of despair shielded under amass of uncertainty and despair
"I know that it would eventually be considered, the Law had stated such acts would merit a form of punishment."
"So what do the charges dictate?"
Celestia sighed "Luna of Canterlot has been tried for Treason on accounts of one Nightmare Moon. The tries count for the first, a thousand years ago, and the second, only recently this year."
"Recently? You're kidding right? I heard that from some of the ponies, but it sounded so far off!"
"At the start of the Summer Sunset Festival, the ending of the seasons to bring about the new seasons."
"That was where you had Twilight..."
"Yes...i could not get involved, not a second time...I had to trust my student, and she pulled through."
"But why?"
"She is part of a bond-ship unlike any other Anon, through thick and thin she and her friends will always endure, I could see that, something only the best of fillies can get when they meet for the first time.
"Consider it fate..." LUna muttered "they were the ones to become the new bearers, just as time held before."
"It is...something that happens, but in centuries, millenniums even. Twilight and her friends all possess the elements within them, and therefore, the very power to wield them.
"Each one is a strand of a full wand of magic. Its something only so few can get, only those few who can control them are chosen for it, and they often are called upon to help maintain order between law and chaos."
"Such as Nightmare Moon."
"Correct, though, I was impressed with my sisters formatude this time around...never thought she'd banish me to my own sun."
You blink at Luna, jaw agape as she seems to be too embarrassed not to look away.
"I-it was not meant to hurt her. She is immune to the suns heat even as a banishment...b-besides, the spell was not that strong."
"OH I think it was, a little too strong sister, you've certainly gotten better."
She blushed further, almost sinking low against Anon as he stood beside her.
"Yes...well...if we are done making the little one wet herself, shall we move in."
"Oh, yes, of course Anon, but, may I make a request; there is something I feel that should be explained..."
She led you to her room; the guards slowly parting in pairs along the trek, taking positions along the lengthy corridor to corral a path to the exit way, permitting Anon some degree of freedom as he fell slightly behind.
He had reached down into his pocket, fiddling with his phone as he realize the fact its there.
Drawing it out, he taps it, creating an odd *clicking* sound with each tap.
Celestia's ears suddenly twitch as she pauses and looks back, seeing the human staring at...what looks like a window into something she can't quiet see.
"A-anon?" Celestia asked as you look up at her. "What are you doing?"
Luna eventually paused and turned to, both looking at you as you raise it, pointing a small black lens-
FLASH
The camera on the back lights up the room instantly. Everyone who stared at it was blinded, temporarily at least as all their eyes sank to tiny pupils.
Two guards instantly fainted as the other began to blink slowly.
"w-what is that!? Celestia barked, quickly magicking the phone away from your hands
"HEY! Easy with that, its not a toy."
"Such...such a device, how....how did it create such a blinding light?"
"Its...cause it has a Camera"
"Camer-a?"
"You know, for taking photos"
"fo-tos?"
"Pictures."
Celestia Blinked as she looked at the window, only now, it seemed like a mirror. There, on the screen she saw herself, Luna and several guards all staring directly at the picture-taker. It was...interesting to say the least, their eyes weren't phased by the slightest until that flash had done them in.
The picture was well done too, not as though by hand., but the light from around seem to brighten the room.
"Fascinating...such a device for pictures? But...where does the film eject?"
"Uhh...no film in that one...its called a Digital camera."
"Digital? Explain this...Digital?"
"Digital is something along the lines of electrical energy, I believe with the use of the lights here that could be an example. Digital is the use of COMPUTERS, not sure if you have those sorta things but they allow us to deal with information and communication on a method...I guess you can say simulates magical capabilities."
They all blinked for a second
"Uhhh, like
the Television, it uses digital 'magic' princess..."
"OH yes!"
Luna sighed, shaking her head. She didn't know Digital, but electronic wasn't unfamiliar to them; bigger cities such as Manehatten and Fillidelphia and a good portion of Canterlot relied solely on Electrical fuel.
Lighting was in sufficient supply these days, it was quite useful for powering big cities.
Celestia...on the other hand believed in older ways, simpler ways; despite her love of the television, she preferred to remain in the ordinate style of living; she did it very well.
"Hrmmm...I must request I relinquish this device from you only until we get to our destination?"
"Eh...uh sure, just be gentle."
"This screen, how does....one interact with it? I see no remote.."
She tried to "tap" it with magic...oddly enough it didn't seem to make any effect.
"Its know as a TOUCH screen, you have to put something against it."
"Oh, like this?" she rose it above her head, gently tapping it with her horn.
"Ayeee NO NO NO NO NO NO..." you exhale deep as she eases it back down.
"It senses warmth of a finger, your body temperature and even a returning energy. Cold objects don't work."
Celestia nodded, easing the phone back to her face, causing a small swirl of magic to form into a rather...misty-looking ball. It almost seemed water-like, but pressed neatly against the screen, causing the lock screen to appear.
'ah, its...password protected...it is MY stuff,but the camera can still be used... there is a camera symbol at the bottom of the screen."
Celestia looked down
"Yes, I see it."
"Press it."
"The orb of magic did so, opening what LOOKED like a shutter from the screen and exposing the ground in front of her.
"Oh yes! how wonderful!" she began to whiz the thing around, trying her best to steady and shoot the camera, but the unusual 'delay' of the process was something to get used to.
Luna giggled, causing Celestia to turn and take a picture of her.
"HA! I see a Luna in this mirror...my my sister did you put on weight?"
"EIIYAAA...w-where?"
Celestia laughed
"Ah, dear me I kid, that is simply how I thought I saw it on the screen."
Luna's huffed "I wish to see dear sister, please may I ask you relinquish that to me."
"No" she said, but not in a mean way, a cutesy, childish way.
"Whaaa, not fair....i wanna see!":
Luna set a magic spell around the base of it, but its whipped quickly away by Celestia before it can stick,.
"Tsk tsk, you can wait your turn dear sister, I still have much picture-taking to do!" she pranced a bit ahead as Luna sighed, sulking her head low in a cute pout.
It takes about half an hour to arrive at the top of the stairwell. Had you known they were this high up you would have requested if you could be flown up; it seemed the tower had been built with that in mind as Luna flew up with her own guards to her chamber just below the one your set path was taking you.
Sadly, Celestia had insisted they WALK the spiral staircase to her chamber.
Fuck i hate stairs.
You can see the guards don't like it either.
"Here are my quarters.." she said as she tossed the phone back to you, magicing it over into your hands without a worry of dropping before she waved off the last two guards who flew back to the base of the stairs. Celestia smirked at Anon
"Come please, I wish to show you something before the trial."
Her room was quite...elegant, its nighttime wallpaper carefully placed to show the vastness of their known sky at night, distant planets and millions of stars dot sections along its placing as Celestia paused near the entrance. her horn pointed to one section of the wall.
"I'm watching you."
It was like someone had carved it out of the wood...
"Such a thing had occurred when you arrived, I had witness you...Anon, in my dream and with it, a creature I had never seen....one day, I had witness this beast in my mirror and had a dreadful fright of it! I sought it out, but only found these words..."
Her expression turned cold
"It dared to expose itself to me, it has made it clear what its intent is... as my duty as princess, I must deal with this matter personally....It is taunting me, I wish to know what you may know about it."
You face palm instantly, she gives you a blank stare.
"And what does that mean?" she asked, looking at you "did the creature make you hit yourself!?"
"No no.,..this is....god....this is so stupid."
"Stupid? How can you consider such an act Stupid Anon? Royalty targeted by such a threat? I cannot allow myself to fall whim to this, let alone it dare to approach my Sister."
"I don't think that's the issue, you're sister is perfectly fine. This...creature...just wants you."
Celestia took a step forward
"So my suspicions were right...and how would you know it just seeks I and not my sibling?"
"Because its...a creature of MY creation."
There are no words.
Just the feeling of magic wrapping around your body, and hooves slamming you into the door you had came from.
"YOU CREATED IT?"
Your glad the vest was on, you felt better already pinned against the doorway, Celestias body weight pressing into you like a knife as he glared deep into your eyes.
"You...explain this transgression!"
"T-transgression?"
"You had ordered it to STALK me...had you not?"
"What...what the hey are you talking about? I SAID I created it, I NEVER said I had told it to do that."
Celestia paused, her expression went quizzical.
"What...your beast is of your charging, does it not...obey you as ordered?"
You slowly ease off the door, dusting yourself off slowly, coughing a bit from the excitement.
"If I ever gave them, yes, but Stalking you wasn't one of them...this is definitely her handy work, but its far from stalking."
"Then...tell me what it is?"
"She's challenging you, she's not looking to kill you, she's looking to fight you."
"and which would be worse? At least one gives a fighting chance."
"No...she's above the art of simple killing, no joy, no real achievement. The nobility of the Dragon dictates her ethos on the matter of combat is to find the strongest foe and defeat them."
Celestia blinked, part of her was almost touched that this beast, this dragon, sought her strength to challenge.
She couldn't help but feel excited.
"A...dragon you say?"
Celestia paused for a second, she looked at you then turned and trotted off, going over to her massive bookshelf.
"Can see where Twilight got the idea for having a library..." you mutter to yourself as the princess fiddles through texts.
"There was once, long ago such a beast existed... I wounder.." Celestia spoke aloud as she began to magic books out and back into the shelve, diligently reading each title before she pulled out the one she sought.
"AHA, I knew it was familiar."
Celestia returned with a large, blue cover book with golden embroidery along its edges.
"Equestrian Ancients." it was titles as she put it before you.
The pages Celestia had turned to had a large picture taking up. Early. On the page with an arrow paragraph along he right side. The pictures luster was certainly fitting for the space it occupied.
It was a picture of a lavished Alicorn donning impressive armor set made of shiny metal, surrounding her are ponies of all kinds, Unicorns, Pegasus, and of course Earth ponies. To the opposite side are tree large dragons, each one a different colour blue, green, and red. They looked calm and complacent as they seems to stare at the Ponies across from them.
Between them however are two large, anthropomorphic dragons, beasts that looked far more elegant than even the Alicorn and the dragons thy divided.
Each one held out arms to their respected sides, a glow drawn around them as their robed clad bodies seems to show a sense of... Calm between them...
Cermina was no different in design.
"Year 0279, Fall Season: End of the Draconis Struggle or "Great Dragon War"
princess Platinum along with her subjects and the dragons of the scorched lands were brought to a peaceful truce moments before a cataclysmic battle was to ensure between these two parties.
Moments before he order was given to attack, two beasts, bearing the features of dragons but walking upright higher than any alicorn, stood between the two armies mere moments before the clash of steel and claw. Their words touched all who witness and a resounding calm seemed to envelope all around them. As though by the sheer valiance of these two beasts, both armies laid down their weapons and killing intentions, seeking to rebuild rather than destroy. In the seasons to follow, the Equestrian and the Draconis issued a treaty, the dragons would not harm the Equestria s on heir land while the Equestrians allows for the dragons to migrate above their land each year for their migration. After that truce, he two beasts simply vanished. To this day, no one knows of where they went, but peace between dragon kind and ponykind had been achieved rather than the two kinds slaughter."
"They had done a diligent service to our kind those years ago, but their origins are shrouded in mystery."
They did look like Anthromorphic dragons alright, Cermina was no different, but they felt... Out of place with his world.
"You are familiar with these creatures, being the "creator" of one?"
You rub the back of your head before you look at Celestia, seeing her return the book to the shelve.
"Well... Yes and no."
"Oh?"
"Dragons in general don't "exist", they are mythical creatures of legend and fiction. However, creatures like mine and those in there here however, yes i have seen them, in literature fiction and fantasies, but, never reality"
"Then how does such a creature come to exist here if they do not in tour world?"
"I asked myself the same question."
"and?"
You shrug
"I'unno"
Celestia sighed as she watched you step into he middle of the room.
If Cermina was "stalking" as Celestia put it, he. She wouldn't be too far.
You start to humm.
"hmm humm hmm... Knock three times on the ceiling if it you want me... Oh ohh... Twice on the pipe, if you aint gonna showwww~"
Celestia blinks as she watches you waltz around her room, tapping on the different wooden furniture in sync with the song.
"Oh my darling! *knock knock knock* on the ceiling if you want me.. H mmmm... Twice on the pipe..."
A slight pause as the sudden *tink tink*
"... If you aint gonna show...."
There she was.
On he balcony, back to you both, though only through your eyes she could be seen as the large drakess was clinking a claw on the metal banister surrounding the balcony outside.
"Finally decided to arrive eh comrade?"
"From the one who sneaked off to seek her quarry?"
"Tsk, she was too powerful to just let slip away... Even after she decided to snoop on you and Luna."
You look at Celestia, though she cannot hear, her sudden attention made her look right back at you, somewhat surprised as you had a bit of a "serious face" on.
"Well, it seems my friend here's told me you were snooping on myself and Luna, that's not a very nice thing to do."
She huffed,ruffling her wings
"When you care for the well being of your sibling, is it not right to take the proper...precautions to make sure what she seeks as joy and pleasure be fitting for her? I would not have willed it so she find herself somepony...or some thing, that would do her harm, but you, well you already understand that I see little worry for you being with her."
You grin "good answe-" you pause as you see Cermina walk directly up to Celestia, the Alicorn watches your expression change
"A-anon, wh-what are you staring at?"
Cermina slowly stepped closer, a grin, broad and toothed was on her maw as Celestia just blinked,suddenly feeling a rather...chilling sensation down the mares spine. her wings twitched, and her horn began to glow, almost as if signaling something as the Princess gazes up at it with bewilderment.
"W-what is this...why does it suddenly feel so c-cold?"
You inhale, clenching your fists, you DIDN'T want Cermina to do ANYTHING rash, not now anyways you see her ease herself right before the princess, standing slightly taller than she as she cupped her chin.
To the Princess however, all she would feel would be an unknown force suddenly pulling her chin upwards slightly and a chilling cold to slowly be replace by a soothing heat. Celestia began to blush as you watched Cermina slowly eased close, sniffing her. It was obvious Celestia couldn't see this and the slight tint of fear in her eyes made it apparent she was quiet surprised.
"Such a sweet...scent..." Cermina whispered, pressing her maw gently along the flank of the Alicorns head, just inches from the cheek as she hissed in her ear almost with a hint of allure before lapping her tongue along its rim.
Celestia quivers, closing her eyes as she seems to fidget quite a bit in place as you see the once strong barred Drakess warrior now becoming a suitor for the princess...or perhaps fixing some other sickly agenda she had in mind. You honestly didn't mind the showing, but the Princess certainly wasn't to comfortable with the fact something invisible or even non-existant was...hitting...on her.
"A-anon... is this y-your doing?"
I'm standing right here princess, I ain't got a finger on you
"t-then...is your....oooh my!"
Cermina clasped her cheeck, gently stroking claws along its flesh cold and warmth fluctuate from her as the feel gently began to caress and sooth her.
The princess's eyes closed, almost lidding as she seemed to comfort herself, blush rippling along her cheeks before the drakess pulled away, her satisfaction quite guaranteed as she turned to your side. The princess stood there...dazed in a blissful, almost whimsical feel as her body seemed near slouch forward, her mane flowing as vibrantly as before as her wings were...perked...slight from the concert.
"oh m-my...A-anon, is your..."
you nod as she gazes over to you
"Dear me...such...a warming sensation it presents..."
She paused her eyes slowly returning to normal as she began to realize what she was doing.
"O-h my...so unfitting..." she blushed as she quickly shook her head, gently fluttering her wings over her face to hide the blush still present as you smirk.
Cermina hurred "challenge can mean any number of things comrade...I plan to make use of the very...best...v'ones for her."
You roll your eyes, slowly easing back against the wall as the Princess recomposes herself and trots over.
"A-anon...I must ask that your friend certainly controls itself in the future...I...I would not like to have it find me so suiting when i have no idea of what it may be...attempting."
"She...means well Princess, I don't think she would find reason to destroy you in a fight."
Celestia's head tilts a bit, getting a rather odd...sensation
"DO you consider me weak in doing so?"
What?
"Why does she not seek to engage me, yet, if she could do such a thing as-that-why not anything else?"
You shrug
"I have...some ideas."
"Such as?"
"The fact that perhaps her non-existence in reality would be tampered to a point that even the blaze in its being could be felt through small openings of connection?"
The princess hrmmmed a bit, thinking it through
"Such folley is to note on dimensions, but I can understand what you would mean. She is not present, but her connection with you...."
"You could say she's within me, I can see perfectly fine, but you, well you cannot see her, but by some break in the line, she can "intimidate" you."
"Intimidate, what do you mean by-" it took her a second to realize something you had said, the strange fact that one word had echoed amongst the rest.
"SHE?"
"Yes, its a she."
"A she who....dare say finds attraction in me?"
Cermina snickers, seeing the princess squirm with her mind like a child watching a cartoon.
You roll your eyes."
"Uhem...well yes, it is...good to know the answer tomy question was granted in good time Anon..." Celestia began, using her wings to 'cough" into "I belive it is almost time for the trial."
"Oh, I was wondering about that..."
"Are you uncertain of your desire to attend?"
"What...err no, I just wanted to ask if there was...someon-somePONY I should watch out for?"
"Dearest Anon, the court is the most bewildering thought of this era, surely you would know which beasts to look out for.":
"I take it you're still going to tell me."
She sighed "There is one figure, and that certainly is all Anon; HE is still FAMILY...in the barest extent..."
"SO...would you...ever mind me hitting him?"
"What? HOW dare you ask such a request, no, I shall not let you strike him,. especially in the court."
"What? You mean to say that if this dodo begins to belittle Luna for her "traitorous acts", I swear I will beat his head so far up his FLANK he won't be able to go to the bathroom without s-"
Celestia swats a wing at your mouth.
"You shall NOT disrespect my own family in MY court Anon...I know you care for Luna, and I know the words I spoke of him, but he is STILL family....and you know that I will defend him as needs must..."
"Then I must oblige yeh by saying that I would not dare care....I would rather fight my way to him then let his relative protect him."
"YOU....such an insult, is this what you would be willing to commit?"
"Damn well if I need be...you're an idiot if you feel your "relative" is more important than your sister!"
No words again
in fact nothing again as her expression presented rage under the utmost of control.
"Out.
"Wha-"
"OUT!"
she didn't hesitate, magicing your whole body she literately passed you right out the door, down the stairs and to the very BASE of the case where you once began, the slam of her door echoing deep down into the caverns below.
"Smooth..."
Cermina whispered as you flick your hand away and turn to walk towards the hallway.
"Sir...Anon....Sir, may i request your audience."
It was one of Luna's GuardStallions, he was presented in his armour, quite impressive at this closeness.
"You...seek with me?"
"Yes sir...well...WE do..."
Another guardStallion approached from behind, their features oddly familiar as you recognize them as the two Pegasus from the chariot ride.
"What do you want."
"We seek nothing but answers-
"-of what you considered to be reason WHY you stay with our maiden."
Oh god...
THOSE kind of guards.
"uhhh well, more or less SHE came to me, I simply was doing my business when she...well...showed up."
They look at you quizzically, but their expression returns to the serious, almost...foreboding face they could muster.
"She speaks many words of you Sir Anon-"
"-the beast that calmed her wounded heart...a "gentle human" as she had said it."
"Now all we seek to know is what you had DONE to her..."
"Nothing.."
They suddenly push into you, one pinning your back, the other in your front. You can't feel the pain; Rarity's vest helped with that, but it certainly would still be a hurtful thing to be pinned by two Armoured Knights.
"Urgh...I am serious."
"You lie....what would be considered simple to impress-"
"-us not of what our princess posses."
"I did only the thing I did, she was Happy to see me as a creature of the night."
They pressed harder.
"Trully you test our patience-"
"-our time with you is growing short."
"Grant us the answers we seek-"
"-and perhaps you will live for another week."
You guys are crazy
"You're nuts, fine...then if you want to do it, gut me...right here. I stand by the fact I did nothing to her, and was more then willing to share her company during the night. Yes...and you can ask her yourself....I did try and tease her....but...you don't gotta take these measures to make me feel it wasn't tolerated."
The pause, slowly parting from your body, keeping quite close, but not to the point of pressing
"Speak then..."
"SHe had arrived when I was working in the orchard at Sweet Apple Aches, I simply hid in the tree above where she landed because I wasn't too sure what to expect from a magic Alicron
"And the fact I warned you comrade..."
You nod a bit, but that wasn't something for THEM to know.
"And then what, decided it best to toy with her?" They step close by one hoof, the clank of armour resignating along the corridor and their helms coming quite close to your frame.
They looked sharp.
"no...I didn't, it got out of hand a bit, she tried to attack me and...I defended myself. She went into a tree on her own accord when I side-stepped, since magic didn't exactly work on me."
They look at one another
Taking a step back
"After I freed her, she had a sudden horn pain...and well, I did what I could to relieve it, required some washing afterwards, but she was alright, not a taint upon her."
The two looked at each other again, then back at you, then each other....
"We see that you meant no harm-"
"-to our lovely maiden's star."
"But we cannot just let you go unscathed-"
"-Because we do not wish for you to run away.":
"Well, duh, I still have to be ready for the trial."
"That is not the meaning!" they both say at once, suddenly talking as they shake their heads.
"Act is over, but we have said our piece-"
" We seek to know if you are geniune."
"Keeping in mind that you had shared your tale."
"We shall be certain to remember every detail."
"From here on in we stand by you."
"So nothing bad will happen...to...aw crud."
"Always at the ending Airstone?"
"Well I'm sorry Sunshine if I can't figure out how to rhyme that last word..."
You blinked as the two simply trotted off back to the opening of Luna's chamber, standing tall as they mirrored beside their celestial counterparts.
--
Fillies and Gentlecolts of the Court, you may now reside at your standings, the Princess has arrived.
Celestia gently trotted in from behind her throne, a royal crown placed upon her head and her necklace and hoof outfit glinting with the utmost in design and antiquity. Everypony bowed...everypony aside from one...white....Unicorn.
He knelt, not even going low enough to consider the full sign of respect, his eyes fixated upon his "dear' aunt as she returned the gaze with the same chilled intent.
"Thank you my Loyal subjects...The charges of the trial this night is pressing, all those set to attend are to remain settled UNTIL the final verdict will be required. Treason....my subjects...is what we are dealing with tonight, and it is of the utmost...displeasure...to have to admit to the siting as the Judge. All final say shall be settled by me tonight...as it affects me the most. Tonight, we stand for the trail of my Sister...Luna... that settles the act of TREASON she held against this court as Nightmare Moon."
There was sullen murmur in the courtroom as the vast jury listened to Celestias statement.
From the door were two "blocks" of stalls for the jury along the west side of the room; 16 ponies, 8 mare and 8 stallions, all settled in rather elegant garments positioned in two rows.
Closer towards the "thone" for the judge was the Prosecution table...there...BlueBlood and several of his "mentats" sneered over at the culprit across the room.
Luna...the prosecuted, sat in the view of all at the sole table on the East side of the court room, she donned an expression of deep regret, her eyes shallow as she kept her gaze down, occasionally looking at her sister, but being given no sign of sympathy.
"She has no choice.,.." Anon whispered to Luna "She can't take a side, it will be bad for her as much as it would be for you."
The human had taken the other seat at the defense table, everyone had looked at you with expressions of surprise and bewilderment.
Only BlueBlood and his "cronies" expressed distaste towards this "creatures" presence.
"Dearest Celestia, may i ask of this "thing" you have to defend Luna during your trial?"
Blueblood words almost hissed with a venom of discontent as you feel the anger inside you.
Five seconds in and already you hate this guy.
Must be a new record.
Celestia flutters her wings, keeping herself composed as she looked at her nephew.
"Filles and Gentlecolts, the defense is residing with one Sir Anon, a creature who has resided his existence during the night as Luna has, and per my request, shall stand as her defense consulate."
BB doesn't seem amused
"Really Princess, a creature not of Equestrian blood in the royal court, what beast shall we be greeted by Griffions or even Dragons next?"
A ripple of laughter
Celestia is not amused, neither are you.
*ahem*
they look at you
"I didnt think they would bother letting children in here either, if such rudeness is what an ambassador is met with."
BB tsked "Save your words beast, you are a colt among stallions."
"If the colt is you, then yeah, but last i check i was no colt."
BB sneers
"Whatever you are, you have no place here."
"I know, but for he sake of princess Luna, i shall stand by her side and defend her from he likes of creeps like you. Not a lick of sense in yeh for this whole thing."
Celestia stamps her foot "Order... We shall begin with the prosecution... BlueBlood, you have the floor."
Blueblood
You couldn't understand how he got the name, the most logical reference you could think were the police, but...this was a prince, what rule of law did he....
Oh shit...
"Fillies and Gentlecots of this court, I come to you with a proposition; does the right of Luna's freedom from the fears she put us through worth privileging her with immunity from the law that was signed for her?"
Some acknowledging mutters rippled through the crowd as the white unicorn smirked, his expression poised as he prepared to state his claim.
"I ask you tonight why we are here; a menace to our society has been regarded a creature we should show sympathy for. Yes, she is a princess, but sadly, she is also a monstrosity that had tormented us not once, but twice in the lifetime of this grand city. Is it right to let her be granted the privileges of us, the subjects, who suffered under her darkness?"
More murmurs...you can feel your stomach twists with this bastards tongue.
He turned to Luna, trotting towards her.
"I'm deeply apologetic to you your highness, such a lovely pony having to deal with such...issues in regards to her past certainly can feel the strain of having to see her subjects in anger over her past, trully I am-"
"Oh fuck off..."
BlueBlood turned to you.
"A tongue you have on your maw...I suggest you control it."
"And I suggest you back off from my client before I am force to do it."
Blueblood just smirked, turning away and trotting back to the crowd.
"I have with me a document that had been drafted post events of Nightmare Moon, in which the grand chancellors of the Royal Court at the present time dictated as the result of seeing the situation having deteriorated so quickly. Several weeks of darkness under the rule of Celestias Sister.
It was a complete disregard of the love and affection towards the royal subjects of the court and had been instigated with the hopes it shall never happen again."
*uhhum*
...Should the presence of Nightmare Moon continue to be viable within the history of our Great Canterlot, the resulting punishment towards Nightmare Moons...Luna's...actions must be contained within the walls of the Canterlot court. As such, Post-Banishment of Luna "Nightmare Moon" shall be regarded as holding herself account at all times within the city of Canterlot.
Failure to abide by such law is considered an act of TREASON and should be dealt with as proper matters may reside at the time."
Silence
BlueBlood rolled up the sheet of paper and slid it back into his coat.
"The document states that such an occurrence would be resulted with this task, and now it falls upon us to settle this situation TONIGHT. I do not need to remind you the fears we all had with the night of forever more, nothing had even been as frightful not by just ourselves, but our children. We could not conduct our work, we could not conduct our trade, our livelihood would have been in shambles has she ruled. Perpetual night, a desire we seek none of our fillies and colts to bear."
More murmurs of agreement.
A fucking law.
You turn to Luna, her face almost as pale as her sister; it seemed she certainly wasn't aware of how grave the situation had become and the sheer fact of the matter was we were fuck.
You cannot beat what was written on paper.
Then it hit you.
That thing was from the Royal court....
It...
No...
She have had to...
You clench your fists tightly, fuck, what would make Celestia DO that, your whole mind rages as you think of what the shit was just going on with this whole fucked up trial.
Was she trying to play a plot game against herself or was she really letting BlueBlood have it this time... there wasn't just the fact LUNA was at risk.
She was too
and if this was a gamble, then...well she plaid her cards already.
You sigh
You have to beat this, but without much paper in front of you, you're options are extremely limited.
You look at Celestia
Nothing in her gaze as she stomped her hoof.
"Order..." she turned to you "Will the defense present its case."
"Yes ma'am, but..may I just say that this is a waste of time and a serious diversion of attention and resources this city may need."
"Your case...."
You cough "I'd give you one, but I'm not sure I can trust you to realize this, or perhaps the fact YOU MADE A LAW OF IT!"
You glare at the Princess.
"This whole thing sickens me, but if I must abide by your rules, then I'll be the mamma's boy."
You look at BlueBlood, he looks to you, that snivel smirk now a frown of resentment as you look down, closing your eyes.
"Ladies-"
Not that
"Fillies and Gentlecolts of the Jury and this Court. I request your time for just a mere beast to explain his mind, for you see I am no Pony, this place is unfamiliar to me as are your history and royal customs. I stand before you, literally, upon two leg, and as different as I may appear, I still wish to find the right and just means to condemn this lousy excuse for a law." you pause for a moment, inhaling.
"It and this whole trial don't make a lick of sense either, I say that life is a game, we are each players on a side of good and evil, we choose where we go, what we do, how we live. Those few who are destined to be more..."
You look at Celestia
"....are meant to act as examples and lead their people to victory through development and expansion. Such is the way of all Royalty yes? To serve and Protect their SUBJECTS as their guards serve and protect them."
You shoot a glance at Luna's guards, standing at the far edge of the room hidden behind the Celestial throne, out of sight of the normal mares and stallions who did not wish to see.
They nodded...slowly.
"You see, I think I understand the entire claim in this case; if i may regurgitate what my counterpart has said "the Law is stated to have Princess Luna cast within the city limits for eternity"...well that certainly seems like a reasonable solution, she cannot leave to allow herself to become corrupted by the darkness again.
Need I remind you that she still performs her duty as diligently as ever, I have witness the splendor of her night and the serenity it has given me. But, preventing her from leaving the castle has a very big flaw.
She cannot protect you while you sleep, and is that not what her true duty detailed?"
The crowd seems...stunned.
Their expressions were quite...focused at this point.
Suprise in several sections, a pocket of sudden uncertainty, and a few...small..beacons of true understanding fluttering through the mass of faces.
BlueBlood seems a bit...absent, his expression focusing entirely on Anon to not even witness a few of his own advisers muttering amongst themselves.
"I had said before I am no Pony, this of course is true...i mean, I don't look like a pony."
You stand before them all.
"In fact, I don't even walk on all fours."
For shits
You go down on all fours and "walk" about.
Oddly enough you do a good job.
"I bet I look silly like this, a creature that walks with a grasp pace at this kind of path.
But...that is not what I'm here to talk about."
You stand up, walking towards the audience.
"I had come to this land during the night, a time where you and your family are sleeping soundly, a time of innocence and serenity, of peace and harmony, silence....but not stillness.
I had ventured through the fields towards your homes, towards your place of living, and though I may not seem harmful here, what if I had been sent to slay?
Sent to Kill
Sent to Destroy
What if I had been a creature so diabolical in design and fashion that no possible attempt could be made to stop me.
You would suffer much worse than anything you could experience.":
EVERYPONY is now scared shitless...
"Unpleasnt...is it not?"
You smirk
"I degrees, my reasons here, for I don't want to talk about the what ifs, I want to explain the situation and the result of it, not by some pompous bastard here who seeks to make words of a law written in the past with such...vague...mention of the real responsibilities that I could not hope to explain or even ask you to grasp the concept of what it means." You look over to the princess, a slight...smile on her face, your words were true, but your facts, what would base your notions?
"Luna had done something that was against that law...she had indeed committed the crime of leaving the city bounds, but by her royal decree, she had been diligent in her duty, seeking what this..."Creature" is.
You turn to Luna
"Luna...tell me, of the events three nights ago, when you were commencing your duties for the "night shift."
The Princess blinked a bit, somewhat shaking from the surprise of your speech, but she nods, closing her eyes to think a bit.
"I had taken my place atop the Sentinel Tower of the South Eastern Approach. The Telescope there had a wonderful view of Ponyville in its arch range and I did so enjoy seeing the wonderful incandescent glow of their town. I had started to pan over the farmlands when I noticed a strange...thing...moving amidst the trees.
At first I thought it to bear some wild beast, a deer or perhaps a bear rummaging for food; no concern there, many of the wild ones tended to keep to the fields than bother the residence art their homes.
Strangely though, this...thing wasn't just rummaging about.
I noticed it walking...upright.
Certainly no DEER could do that, possibly a BEAR?
No, it was too thin, not enough girth in the center.
Bears tend to keep to the woods though so again that-"
"Uh Princess.."
"Y-yes?" LUna looked up
"Can you skip the details and tell us the main facts."
"O-Oh...of course...I had seen you, and you certainly weren't a creature of ANY beast that I had ever encountered."
"And then what did you do?"
"What COULD I do? That was the first thing to mind, what COULD I do? Was this thing a threat, a new creature of a far off land? I had no idea! I had wanted to wake Sister, but she often would slumber late into the night for her duties in the day were tedious...strange, often I would hear her in there...but wonder why she would not come out?"
Celestia blushed
No one saw...
"I had only one thought in mind, Investigate it for myself."
"And so you left the castle common."
"Yes....I did."
"Luna, let me ask, were you AWARE of this law?"
The Night Princess looks up at you, shaking her head slowly.
"It never was spoken to me by the chancellors OR my Sister upon my return to the castle as my released form. I never...never knew it would be a crime for their royal leader to be forbade to leave the grounds to aid her subjects."
"And yet you did, against this "invisible" law.:"
:"My subjects...matter most my dear...I shall, nay I SHAT EVER let beast of beyond our realm harm them.."
You pause, extending your hands, thumbs up towards Luna./
"Such a wonderful princess is she not? Need I remind you, according to your scriptwriters of the incident of a thousand years ago that no Mare or Stallion was ever harmed during the rule of Nightmare Moon? Despite the fear and commonalities as subjects, mortals as we share compared to your Alicorn royals, you never once were parted by force from any possessions or accounts you held dear."
Nods of agreement now, you're getting somewhere.
"I Object!"
BlueBlood stomped forward
"You dare to compare yourself with us? What right do you possess to consider the fear and torment we had to deal with?"
You turnto him
"Let me give you a little view of my world. It was right of your Princess to investigate me, had I been something much worse then you wouldn't even be standing here right now."
You would all be dead..
"Luna confronted me.
She came to ME.
She committed her life at that VERY moment to the duty of her royalty and of her SUBJECTS safety, to see what I was."
"And you know what?"
"It was a smart choice."
You smile at Luna
"Luna had shown me a kindness that I never had received in my existence. She had shown me the small hospitality of her world to me, and that moment was something I cherish, something that made me see some good in her. Luna had taken a stand for her people, and its fortunate that she had done the right way."
Course she needs to REALLY work on her combat...
"Fillies and Gentlecolts. I said it before, this was a waste of time, but as we are here to conduct the duty of the Court for the best interests of the people, then I say that you make the choice that will benefit the whole, rather than the few."
You nod over to BlueBlood.
"Insolence!" he barks, slamming his hoof on the table.
He magics the scroll from his shirt and pulls it out, flailing it.
"THIS LAW DICTATES SHE MUST OBLIGE TO THE COURTS RULING."
"Your ruling, or the ROYAL ruling?"
Blueblood stammered back
"How....DARE you..."
You start turning away
"If you need me to explain to you the laws flaws, then I can do so on a sentence level...Tell me BlueBlood...what DOES an Act of Treason detail? And in relation to that, what does it STATE as punishment for committing it?"
BlueBlood
he just looks at you
he stutters
Choked
"If you ask me, that law sounds unusual in ever sense of the way....if I may your honor have a moment to inspect that?"
Celestia looks down, noddoing slowly as she magics it to your hands.
You open it
]Its not fake.
Thats what your gut tells you, this BlueBlood DID have a legit copy of this law, markings and rulings were all present as were.
Shit
There it was.
Celestia's signature...
You inhale a bit, studying the passage he read.
"Act of Treason...."
Something about how it looks is just... off.
Normally something like this would be hand written.
But, it appears almost...fashioned into place.
You'd go as far as saying somepony printed it.
And much more recently than anything you'd expect to be...older
How, you don't know, but what you see is what your gut starts telling you.
You put down the scroll
Turning from the table you return to yours, placing your fists down on the counter of it. You look over, Luna seems...confused.
"A-anon?" she asks, seeing your eyes almost...glazed...
You gently reach down and grab your stool, pulling it up and over the desk you turn and walk back to the Prosecution stand, slowly raising the chair as you did while stepping briskly towards BlueBood
you aim
and then rush the swing
For some reason, BlueBlood reacts
A guard to his left had no idea what had happened.
His mind was without witness to the trial at hand, not much else for him to do but stand pretty
Yup, a perfect position in a nice cozey j-"
A chair impacted his head
The cushion and head of the stool slam right into the metal helmet of the guardponies armour, rippling along the metal frame as the top of the stool shatters apart, sending the head flailing off behind him as only the legs and the connection triangle were all that was left in Anons hand.
"You...."
Back swing the stool, raising it over your head
and then stopped
Magicked
Celestia is looking down at you
She is PISSED
"ANON!" she barked
"Princes..."
"Anon, dare NOT continue that motion...put the stool down..." she said it slow as you growl, you don't want to, you want to see this bastard dead....no, you could still do this.
You toss the stool down, making a few rounds in place, pacing in a small circle before you kneel down beside the injured guard.
"Anypony going to call the medics?"
Everyone blinked
"Hey, you...guard pony...get over here..."
The second guard approaches, eying both of you with uncertainty and fear
"Hey...focus...I need you to help me take your buddies armour off..how does th helm remove itself?>"
"W-well uhh.."
"Forget it...just help me pull it off."
You look down at the armour ensemble, from the design it looks like a full connection of plates from thee upper body along the neck and to the head where the helm is, a giant dent on the left side of it as you begin to seek clamps, clips, anything that held-"
"Click"
one of the clamps fell from the neck and the helmet; so it was separated.
You fiddle the opposite side, removing the roman style helmet from the ponies head.
It was a stallion of course, perhaps since most guards were male.
You gently stroke his head along the injured side
No blood, the mane seems okay...there is a big bump on the head but you can't feel too much swelling. You heard clopping, two more ponies enter the room
The first was a white earth pony wearing a full nursing outfit, her green eyes casting over the guard with shock as she rushes over. Behind here was another white stallion, a unicorn with a pair of sleek glasses, his black mane gently brushed along his neck and his tail tied just along the end to lengthen it slightly. His cutie mark was a stencil pad and pencil, perhaps he's good a prescriptions.
"What seems to be the..." the Doc pauses as he suddenly rushes to the guard
"Oh Dear me....this is serious."
"Uhh not really."
The doc turns to you
"What?"
"Hes's suffering a mild concussion, the helmet took most of the damage but I can't tell if there are any hairline fractures of the skull, if you can check that out for him then he should be okay with some rest and hot and cold compress on his head.'
the doc seems...confused as he nods "r-right...well then we shall get him off your hands."
He magicked a stretcher into place as the second guard and you help the earth pony lift the injured guard onto the stretcher.
"go with them, he's you buddy right?" you ask the second one, he blinks, empty stare like he's seen a ghost.
You sigh
"Go with them, they could use another pair of han- err...hooves."
The Guard nods, walking with them to the door and following them out.
You're walking with them till the door, he is your "victim", stopping to see them leave down the hall.
You sigh, closing the door as you walk past the Jury, all of them empty stares as you return in front of Celestia.
Perplexed
Well that's good.
*ahem*
BlueBlood began to speak "I see that we have a rather unsettling problem in the court room today, but perhaps I shall be most correct in saying that the defendant is INSANE...how dare he commit such an ACT towards the Royal Court."
"Its not your court you moron!" you bark back "For pete sakes, you put a guard in front of you, that crime isn't going to be paid by anything but you."
"You accuse ME of committing that act? It was you who sought to harm ME!"
"Yeah, and you made ME hit a guard rather then your sorry ass face."
"Why you little ingrint"
"Screw yourself."
you turn from him, walking towards your table when
"ANON!"
Luna shouted just as you felt the impact of the stools HEAD in your back.
Ugh....you feel the vertigo of the fall, but there is no pain on your back end as you slam to the ground.
Wind escaping, the VEST certainly did its job, but the impact wasn't on the fabric itself.
Something else had stopped it, and your back certainly felt the sting of the bruise from the book slamming hard into your skin and frame.
ANON!
Luna shouted again as you slowly open your eyes, vision slightly blurred as you clench your fists and slowly slam them into the ground. you cant help but feel stunned BB actually went through with it, it was obvious you struck a nerve with him and now he was wallowing in dread about the whole thing.
HE was breaking, that's a good thing..
You rise slowly, palms opening as you press upwards to raise your body off the floor before slowly stepping your way over to the defense table and slamming both fists on it, supporting your body against it, eyes unseen as you smirk at Luna, only your maw can be see with that toothy grin.
"It seems the snake has struck, a certain fashion is it to strike your foes when their back is turned; it is a sure sign of a coward. Normally i may have been unable to take such a hit and get up, but i was certain of my gut something such as this may happen.
you begin to fiddle with your shirt
"so i took precautions, something a creature of survival acts on instinct.
-fwip-
there is a blue book embroidered with a cold rimming; its brass plated titled "Canterlot Reference to Court Debates"
Celestias eyes go wide
"Anon, where did you acquire that text?"
'your student, Twilight Sparkle. i had made mention of my reasons going to her and she presented me with this book to read up on. Problem was i didn't have time to read it, so i did the next best thing; body armour, as seeing the chicken has become a goose."
you glare at Blueblood as Luna suddenly magics the book.
"Anon, i am familiar with this text, will thy sir relinquish possession of it to me?'
you pause, she had the mind for it.
she did study a lot, you nod in agreement, slipping the book off from under your blazer and off your shirt, laying it face up, your hand still on it as you look at Luna.
'as long as the one in its capable charging see it returned, I shall gladly give this to you.
Luna nods 'i shall make it so dear anon'
she magics the book, magicking it open as she begins flipping pages before she stumbles across a chapter on the act of treason,flipping all the way to the end and closing the book with a proud hoof stamp
'no act of treason law had been recorded on the sanctions of its being broken; as though it never existed... it is not reference in the scripted text; it is a lie.'
Blueblood went pale as the crowd began to mutter
'Fillies and gentlecolts. what you have witnessed today is a prime example of Lunas capability, she has not only proven you to her diligence in the night, but wisdom and knowledge of laws and structures a society must live on. i ask again if it is worth keeping such a law, even if it wasn't a lie? Luna is for her people, she is their leader, their maiden of the night. Give her your trust, love, respect, she is here for you and she is willing to fight to protect you. you got to give her the best chance in life, anything can be possible for her.'
more mutters, loud, almost breaking out into shouting and cheers, they were convinced as you turn to Celestia, she smiles, almost a tear in her eye as she stomped her foot''
my loyal subjects, you have heard both sides, now make your verdict when the time is right.
one pony stands 'we... the jury have unanimously declare the pone princess Luna of Canterloot Not Guilty, may her moon shine strong as her Sisters Sun.'
The court had adjured, everypony began to file from the hall, weary but proud faces the right thing had been done as you and Luna sit atop the prosecution table beside Blueblood
'so mind telling me why i shouldn't be utterly pissed off with this... cretin, i swear he stooped so low...'
'well it is not just that good sir anon, the unanimous vote score makes it unchangeable for all eternity, you cant fail a perfect score.'
you grin
'true dat, seems old Blowblood is out of hot air.
BlueBlood huffs
"you mockery wench...i shall see to it the day you are kept behind bars for this action, you dare insult me as within my own crowd and shuffle the people from my political grasp.
you took everything..."
'well maybe not lying about it and being a cock and balls sorta pony, then maybe you should fine better lies to spill, or whoo the day it comes crashing down, you ignorant..."
'fuck you, i had come to your table to be civil and yet you mock me, this was your mistake and now you don't want to ma....stallion it up and move on with a better life.'
Blueblood is steaming as he slams a hoof on the table
you grab him by the collar
'don't you dare use force on me pal.'
"Anon!"
'Celestia'
"put my relative down...slowly"
you drop blueblood and turn to her, flicking the scroll out from your pocket and unrolling it.
'why did you sign it?'
"I had no choice-"
'save me the coffee spill Celestia, why did you sign it?'
she doesn't respond, you push it right into her muzzle
'why?'
nothing
'Why?'
she looks at you, determined expression on her face as you shift your gaze.
'your a coward to want to stand up for this moron, even worse for this signature a piece of shit is worth more than this and frankly its only because it has your-"
you feel her mane wrap around you as she got in close, you barely have time to guard as she swumps into your body, neck wrapping around you and bringing you in close
"i don't want to fight you Anon, please, do not relent on my nephew, i understand everything and know why you are upset, please, don't let hate control you."
inhale
shes right, god she was right.
you calm, lowering your guard as you just lean on her, sighing as you push away from her and return to Luna, you and her nod, perhaps she wanted to do as you as she flutters up beside you.
"you are welcome to stay in my quarters; i-if you dont mind of course."
'I wouldnt but your guards?'
"they trust you completely."
thats assuring as you both leave the court room, justas celestia passed a devious, almost uncommpromised determind rage "Blueblood...a word with you."
"Its not much compared to my sisters, but its quaint."
'Not too shabby, its a nice spaced room... why are both your rooms dark? was half-expecting Celestia to have sun filled wallpaper.'
Luna sighs, rolling her eyes.
"She is around all day Anon, wouldn't expect her to want to see it at night, i had taken great pleasure in painting her room."
'you?'
"mmmhmmm"
she nods her head, smirking with satisfaction.
"She loves me so much that she allowed it over several other artisans! it was a wonderful treat to paint the perfect night for her."
'I can imagine that you are pretty regarded by her, so then why that law.'
"it bothers you so?"
'yeah, to the point i don't even care about BlowBlood.'
Luna chuckles, walking towards her dresser as she slowly eases off her royal ensemble she too was wearing, unlike Celestia's golden parts, this was made out of dark blue metal, it wasn't as glamorous but it still was pretty as they were neatly placed in drawers before she trotted behind a screen.
"He'll simmer down in good time and be at it again, Celestia has had to deal with him for generations without my support... we both would deal with him when his antics surface.. but for the Thousand years i was gone..."
'she was going through hell as well.'
Luna sighs, walking from behind the screen in a 'baby-doll' nightgown, a near transparent silk fabric gown of light blue that glinted along with her mane as she trotted over to her window as she gently pulled a picture of the two of them from the banister of her fireplace.
"I can imagine, with a stallion heir to the throne, it conflicts with Celestia's capability to properly judge herself... or her actions.''
You sigh, resting against the fore end of her bed as you just watch, putting a hand to your head.
'Then what do you think about her having signed the law we just wasted time and humiliation, course it was fun when we bombed his sorry arse.'
You chuckle, Luna turns, a curious expression on her face.
"sir Anon, do you take pleasure in these misfortunes?"
'you mean if i like to watch people suffer?'
Luna turns to you, her eyes fixated on yours with a rather serious expression.
"You have a violent nature, more so with the fact you swung a stool at him..."
'...and nailed a guard, i swear i did not think he could move so fast... good thing the guard had a helmet, would been a lot worse. Pegasus too, poor guy.'
"oh don't worry, the guards are all unanimously toughened to be equal in performance and strength, despite the weaknesses, the primary focus is durability and efficiency."
'Makes sense, but that still don't 'splain how Blueblood could actually lift one...'
The Alicorn smirks "its one story that does seem to sound odd, but I do not mind saying it." she steps over, drawing over a few images of Guard Ponies she had around, among them was one that looked...oddly familiar.
"BlueBlood was at one point a guardspony, a nice one at that, rewarded for his skills and regarded for his kind and capable nature. he was not like other unicorns, he was a capable fighter and a brilliant tactician; obvious as a general, even with the attitude, but he cannot be higher than Major for being royalty bled, its troublesome to consider yourself worthy if you cant become the highest standard."
You nodded 'sounds like a major hindrance on your career path.'
"indeed it does, he certainly was doing his best, though apart from the lying i don't think either of us would have stood a chance."
'gee very supportive...' you mutter
Luna blushes "s-sorry...not one to sound glum, just stating facts; hes not Blueblood for nothing."
you sigh, apart from being tired, your certainly glad that Luna was so willing to take you in...
you did just save her ass...
Suddenly a bottle hovers before you, held in place the enchantment Luna had on it.
'what is that?'
Luna smirks
"Zap apple cider, only a wee bit is made each year specifically for the royal court. my sister had procured a bottle or two and gave one to me. its strong cider, id say its almost a wine but then it wouldn't have the kick cider does."
Two glasses levitated beside you, gently taking one as you gulp.
you remember the last time you had zap apple, the jam knocked you on your back, what would the cider do?
'Hold on Luna, I'm not so sure this is a good idea?'
Luna blinks, having already poured.
"why is that sir anon?"
You rub your head a bit 'i had zap apple before and it wasn't too...accustoming for me.'
"oh... does it make you sick?"
'i don't know...i mean i want to know cause it tasted good but the kick... well...'
"i guess i should mention why they are call zap apples; tis their hint of raw magic in them that makes them unique."
'explains me being thrown on my ass, humans aren't too good with magic.'
Luna giggles "explains how my magic was impervious to you."
'perhaps....' you take the whole bottle as you hold it up 'a swing won t hurt.'
you wiggle the jug in the air as Luna giggles
"well then good sir, a toast to victory and justice."
'to keeping a cool head and standing by whats right'
You take a swig of it from the bottle as Luna drinks through the glass.
second glug
then put the bottle down.
'man..' you lick your lips 'thats gooooo-'
you feel yourself thrown into a wall as the hit literally knocks you to the back end of Luna's bed, resting yourself against the wall as a dozen plush pillows cushion your impact
Your mind wobbled in place as the dizzyness slowly subsided.
"anon?"
'im okay princesss...ugh, that stuff hits hard...gotta get use to it.'
Luna giggled, trotting over to your side and nestled lightly against you.
a bit of blush on your cheeks as looks at you.
uber cute eyes
"are you hurt?"
'just my tastebuds....'
another giggle as she leaned firmer against you, resting her head over your legs, looking up as she smiled
"thank you again Anon, it means so much to have had you as my guardian for that sea of trouble.'
'now now m'lady, you showed the utmost of skill reading the entire book in a matter of seconds! i do not think even Twilight could have done it better.'
Luna flushed lavender along her cheeks as she giggled again, easing her head up your chest to face you.
"a-anon?' she whispered, easing closer
'Luna...' she was coming closer, her eyes alight with the cosmos her breath
a faint smell of wild berries....
no
no no no
you pull back, surprising Luna
'S-sorry... i i cant be that close to you Luna, not...not now anyway.'
Luna blinks, a huff of defeat as she just went back to resting against your chest, nestling close with a pout.
"cant blame a mare for trying?"
'yeah, but your a pony, I'm a human, not really seeing it there.'
"well i don't think your physiology is all-"
'not the time for that....'
you stand, going to the table and grabbing the second glass.
'say, would you be okay with me seeing how Celestia is holding up? last i saw she was ripping Bb a new one with a verbal lashing, maybe she needs some 'tlc?'
"TLC?"
'tender love and care, least i can do when she took care of me after your party in Ponyville.'
Luna sighs, but nods
"i can understand your reasoning...though i do not wish you to go''
'ill be back later, for now why don't you chill out n stuff? Maye later we can do some painting?'
She looks at you almost dumbstruck but nods slowly with a grin on her face as you step out to the stairwell and begin to climb to Celestia's room above.
<><><><><><>
You exhale as you reach the landing just before Celestias room, oddly quiet, but you had a hunch the sun princess still had work to be done, still if she was just being lonesome, company never hurt.
*knock knock*
you rap your knuckle gently against the door
'celestia?'
silence?
was she asleep?
as you turn to leave, you hear a click as the door opens on its own, seeing the entrance way bathed in a warm orange glow of a fire, the smell of burning wood and a sweet taste of berries.
Similar to Luna, did they bathe in the thing?
"enter..." spoke a soft, almost meeked voice as you press your back into the door and slowly push it open.
It smelled sweet, much sweeter than before and the scent of berries was about.
Before you, on the floor was the ensemble the Princess had worn during the trial; golden 'hoof-shoes' and the neck piece just dropped in a neat pile on the rug, following the mess to a shrew disaster zone of books, scrolls and quills covering a woefully unkempt desk that seemed to whine under the strain of its occupants.
'I...brought some drink?' you say aloud as the trotting of hooves echo from the balcony and Celestia returns to her room.
She certainly had seen better days as the slap of exhaustion seemed to harm her elegant features. Her mane, still flowing, slightly frayed here and there as she smile weakly.
"a pleasure Anon, it brings warmth to my heart to see you..." she eyes the bottle "is that...?"
'Zap apple cider, thank Luna for it.'
the Princess broadens her smile as she trots over.
"Sorry for the mess Anon... i have not been in the best of straights since the trial ...i... cannot thank you enough for your aid for my sister...i just-"
'cant believe Bb did what he did? Seriously why do you stick your neck out for that blowhard?'
Celestia sighed, turning from you to look at the view outside.
"because i had made a promise to watch after him."
you smirk, putting the bottle and glass on the table before leaning against it.
'sounds like a story is in order'
Celestia smiled, turning to you before looking over at the painting of herself and Luna.
"When Platinum abdicated the crown to take the roll of duchess, she had asked me to watch out for her son and heir Blueblood, being his aunt and all... he was family."
'as you've said over and over...'
she shoots you a look but sighs
'Luna said he was better before, what happened?'
"he wanted to achieve the highest regards, but his royal ties hindered him for that."
'so why not just remove the royal title? I mean he can simply choose not to follow-.'
"it isn't that easy, especially when his mother had request he
be her heir, it troubled him so and i fear the rest degenerated into angst for his 'set' path without the freedom of choice."
you nod again as you listen in
'seems like he cant get a break, sorta feel bad for breaking him like that...'
"I would not fret Sir Anon, BlueBlood has done this many times, more often it has little merit towards my sister and I, only the trial tonight had beckoned concerned."
You pour Glass for Celestia, picking it up an d walking over to her, extending it out..
'still don't 'splain the law you signed.'
Celestia ruffles her wings a bit as you extended the glass to her and she magics it to herself.
"wont let me forget?"
'Its your sister, for pete sake, least tell me why.'
she let out another sigh as she trotted back to her window, gazing out over Canterlot
"when the elements infused themselves with me, the power was unimaginable! Forgive me if i gorge upon its essence and capabilities that i had lost realization of the world around me. They said a law to help prevent my sister from committing such an act, but, ah...to be young and naive, i was easily swayed to finding any way to prevent my sisters darkness from consuming her and my kingdom."
she sips, pecking her lips at the taste before sighing with a sense of relief.
"it has been too long since I enjoyed such vices..."
'so, basically they took advantage of you? Thats-'
"diabolical? yes, yes indeed it was, but i was stubborn to its reality, perhaps you could say Platinum had a say, she was at the time a close and powerful relative."
'why did she stand down from the throne?'
Celestia pauses "no one is sure, perhaps because she wanted a war to show her strength, perhaps she was ashamed she had ton rely on other-worldly beasts for her tasks, no one is sure, it was just...sudden."
you swing the bottle back with one gulp
cringing and expecting the kick...
nothing...perhaps you were getting use to-
you feel your head knock back as you recovery instantly shaking your head viciously to give Celestia a giggle.
'stuff packs a punch.'
"it is good."
you sigh
'look, lets just put that behind us, shit happens, we gotta live with it.'
Celestia arches a brow
'sorry...stuff happens.'
she nods in approval.
fucking ponies... you hold the bottle tight.
'maybe i should see Blueblood, i feel a bit uneasy having mucked about with him. I feel...well...perhaps i should see if i cant settle the dispute with him, maybe some kindness can go a long way.'
Celesia blinks, fluttering her wings a bit as she approaches you
"he may not wish it.."
'fuck that, least being nice and offering to share a drink is always a good way to settle things.'
you wiggle the bottle as its magicked away, only to be replaced by a full one.
You look at Celestia.
"Its best you play the part proper, a near empty bottle certainly isn't worth the moment."
you nod 'i guess not...thank yo-"
you didn't have time to react as Celestia 'hugged' you, her body was incredibly warm and down soft, like a comfy blanket as she rubs her neck along your shoulder.
"Anon, it just a few days you have proven much of yourself to be seen as a friend to our kingdom, your kindess and dedication to my sister, your generosity to aiding her in a time of need and your care for the guard you had...
'uhp uhp, that was partially Blueblood.'
Celestia huffs but smirks
"that may be true, but you had still committed it."
she giggles as you roll your eyes, she slowly parts, bowing her head.
"Anon, though i am still uneasy about you seeing Blueblood, i respect your desire to help him, but im not so sur-"
'dont worry about it, i wont do anything to him, hopefully i made enough of a point to show im not worth a struggle against him.'
Celestia eyes you, but sighs
"i trust you to take kind to him anon, please do not harm him."
'you have my word princess, though i may smack him around if he starts acting like an arse.'
"Anon!"
'just kiddding...'
you wiggle the bottle as you leave the room, giving Celestia sigh but the nagging feeling something may happen still bothered her. With a ruffle of wings she heads outside, taking flight to go to where the best place to monitor this feeling... Bluebloods quarters.
BlueBlood certainly didn't skip out on luxuries of royalty, he had a whole level of the south western tower to himself, probably one of the more confusing locations to get to had some of the guards not been helpful enough to escort you there. It was obvious how much influence Bb had in this part of the castle; from golden armoured pony knights to more stately gray and regal blue of those set to guard the Platinum heir. These guards were a lot more menacing to look at, their faces just as stern as any other guard, only a tint of resentment seemed to linger as they watched both you and the royal guards proceeding through the halls.
Bluebloods quarters were similar in height to Celestias, not wishing to be any less of her no doubt as you wave off your escorts, bowing to thank them as you walk up to the door, knocking gently.
"who dares disturb my study?" came a sour voice from within as you roll your eyes, gritting your teeth as you exhale
'Sir Anon.'
"go away, you are not welcome here anon, i have more pressing matters to attend to."
'I brought drink.'
a pause
"what kind?"
'Zap apple cider.'
another pause, you step back a bit, turning slowly before you here A click.
"come, and be quick, i may have just enough time for you after all."
what a prick...
Celestias quarters were something, but Blueblood held no expense in extravagance. His room presented a Victorian style furnishing that would make Napoleon proud, as seeing as their complex's could match so well.
'Nice digs' you mutter as you step inside, a lance pointed at you, with Blueblood at the handle of it.
"they are not 'digs' you barbarian, please, some civility in my presence is all i ask."
he lowers the weapon, magicking it away
'civility?'
"yes, you do know what that is?"
"it means the elegance of royalty is to be given proper treatment?'
"exactly"
wow, dumb too, how the hell did he get so influential unless brains were in short supply...
"now then, make your statement, I'm a busy stallion with much do to...your fiasco has put me behind in my duties and i must catch up."
you take a good look at Blueblood, unlike Celestia, he seemed in calmer straights, his white fur well kept and blond mane neatly combed. He wore a red velvet gown similar to a kings from medieval times and each hoof had a slipper embroidered with gold. His desk was certainly spares aside from a book or two and a scroll and quill, definitely not as busy as Celestia, perhaps gloating to himself as you walk over to the desk and sit on it.
"Heavens! Do get off my study! I shall not have the likes of you encroaching your filth on it."
'geeze, relax, came here to chat, not be scolded like a bad student.'
"hah, that certainly is fitting for you."
'oh shush....'
you put the bottle down as BB whisks it from the table
"Hmmm, a good blend, where did you acquire this?"
'your auntie gave it to me when i decided to see you.'
his expression changed, a flash of disgust?
he tossed the bottle back to you
"WELL?" he demands "serve us."
you blink as you look around for glasses, seeing a few on another table you go over to it.
"no no, those are cider glasses, ugh, must i do everything myself?" he walks over to a cupboard, opening it wide to show his...liquor collection of ciders, a dozen or so, perhaps more as he grabs a pair of glasses, one...oddly smaller than the other.
he places them both on the table as he ushers you over.
there was a rather large...knife...on the table, but you can see its a dull blade, a scroll-opener perhaps, it was...unsettling to see it, but you shrug, uncorking the bottle as you pour for him...in his big glass...and then for you.
As you pour yours, BB magics his glass to 'bump' yours aside, spilling a bit on his desk.
"Ack, you mongrel, do you lack the skill for such a simple task?"
'funny how you call me the mongrel when you bumped the cups.'
"accusations now? such trifle, your species is certainly primitive."
you roll your eyes, huffing as you pick up your glass and pour, going to raise it for a cheers only to see Bb drinking his down.
"mmm excellent, you certainly do have some merit in your blood, excellent choice of brews."
'its just cider...' you mumble as you drink yours back.
"now then, to what do i owe this gesture of'...ahem...gratitude?"
you finish your drink as you look at him 'errr nothing, just wanted a chance to get to know you, both Luna and Celestia spoke quite well of your past before..you know...you became 'el gradne douschbagery'.
Blueblood raises a brow "your sarcasm is not welcome here, and neither my care for my aunt or her sibling, they mean little to me."
'certainly not the most pleasant thing to say about them...'
"and why not? Luna, the deranged psyco who had sought control over the kingdom because of her loneliness or perhaps Celestia and her spineless leadership."
'hey now, considering how much Celestia looks after you.'
"oh please! hold your tongue, i can manage myself fine without them, Celestia cant even manager her own sister let alone her kingdom."
You can feel the hate in you towards this prick rising, as does the urge to kill him, your hand grips the glass tight as the unicorn prince swirls his around, studying the liquid.
'why do you say that?'
Blueblood seems intrigued.
"are you familiar with the dragon wars? its the war that was to decide the fate of Equestria and dragon-kind, despicable beasts those dragons were, only seeking their own salvation...ah yes, i remember the stories well despite what you may know already, let me tell you what those fillies and colts who wrote our history neglected to mention." he magics the bottle, pouring himself another glass...and does bother to fill yours only half way... "the Dragon Wars were a sham, it was not us fighting for our survival, rather it was the dragons plight to prevent themselves from going extinct." He turned from you, looking at the small fire in the fireplace as he swirled his glass.
"When my mother, Platinum, held the crown, she rarely had to call on any sort of elements of harmony as my auntie had often used, rather, my mother had a much better understanding of the true strength of Equestria: she was so influential in her speak that scores of ponies would submit to her wishes, eventually rallying the entire country of Equestria behind her banner in a grand crusade to rid the world of the dragon menace!" he trotted about, almost taking a triumphant pose under a painting of himself.
"Let me be clear Anon that dragons have no purpose for us, despite being immune to all but the most powerful magics, the dragons sought nothing more than to pillage, steal and destroy from out loyal subjects. With those thoughts in mind, it was simple to rally every mare and stallion to battle and the grand army had been assmbled in Equestrian history been so large under the lead of my mother." His expression suddenly soured.
"When the battle was about to commence however...they...those...despicable ancient dragons, showed up.
Their words and powers far surpassing that of my mother as they extended an olive branch of peace to both sides. My mother had never felt such shame in her life, so much so that she relinquished the crown to her sister and allowed for those terrible creatures to even use our airspace for their silly migration. I tell you Anon, had none of those creatures showed up, my mother...no...all of Equestria would have rallied under one banner...Platinum, and no force on this earth would dare ever oppose us.'
he slammed down his glass, panting heavily as his mane was frayed, with a soft exhale, he coughs, fixing himself up as he pours another glass.
'I Take it by how things are now its not the same, I don't see a dictatorship around me.'
Blueblood turns to you "sometimes..." he begins with a grin "the best kind of ruling is one that keeps everypony in line, no one speaks out, no one takes a stand, simple control of the masses."
'Sounds like a brilliant plan.' you mutter with a mocking voice.
"Doesn't it? You see Anon, all these ponies that bicker and complain in court simply desire to solve all the problems the common pony speak of." he sipped his cider "but if you remove all that and simply place one ruling power...well." he waggled a hoof as he walked up to you "things become a whole lot simpler."
He turns away, walking back to his window.
"Had the dragon wars been a success, then things would have been different, Platnium would have been a Queen and all our loyal subjects to our beck and call; the world would never dare question the Platinum ruling.'
You gulp the rest of your cider down, a chill in the air, Blueblood wasn't just crazy, he was twisted, messed in the head, how could a pony be so hellbent on such an evil form of ruling.
"yes...those stupid...pathetic beasts, those mongrels that had brought nothing but shame and spite to our subjects, to royalty, to everything!" he began to stamp around, clapping his hooves onto the floor. "we're mocked from the outside, nearly overruled from within, the world is against us...all because of those worthless, useless beasts call dragons, nothing has pained me more than those foul beasts..they don't even deserve to exisit-"
That tore it, at least that's what your mind though...
Cermian thought so too, but she wasn't restraining herself.
she was angry
piss angry
you had finished your glass when you noticed her, her expression showed it all as she started walking towards Blueblood during his rant, claws flexing, tail lashing as you look in surprise at her
'no' you whisper
'no, dont you dare...'
she dared as she grinned, clenching a talon into a tight fist....and smashing it into Bluebloods head, sending him right into his desk.
She then picked him up right by the scruff of his neck and threw him across the room into the bedside table, smashing the lamp and breaking the wooden furnishing with the impact of the unicorn.
You drop your glass
"Cermina!?" you bark, she growls, passing you a look before walking towards Blueblood, her eyes filled with rage, blinded, clouded with the utmost of hate and disgust to this Pony as she stepped towards him.
You grab her tail, pulling it as she turns and hisses wickedly, those eyes baring into you.
"Release me!!" she barked as you held her
'Don't, fucking don't do it..you get me?"
"He deserves it."
'No he doesn't, your better then that...'
Cermina growled, lashing her tail from your grasp as she walks over to the Unicorn, groggy and unable to get his bearings as she lifts him up.
"Pathetic..." SHE hissed, dumping him back to the floor as she walked away.
"hehe...hehehe" Blueblood twitched as he looked at you "you fool, you have written your doom....now...you must watch, as the very shrivel of trust she has given...deteriorate under your failure."
*ahem*
"OH CELESTIA! HELP, OH HELP ME!"
No words, your eyes simply gape to the reality as the window frame blasted open, rushing wide from the powerful burst of wind uttering one word
"aAnon!"
Celestia came through the now open window, her benevolence now radiating as all her prior exhaustion had simply been swallowed up by the power she was no radiating,c as she trotted slowly into the room, her expression is of both surprise and bewilderment. seeing you, standing before her, a d Blueblood in a heap against the wall.
"Anon, what is the meaning of this...?!"
'Celestia...i can explain.'
"Oh Auntie Celestia, please protect me from thus vile monster, he has sought nothing but to harm me!" Blueblood cowers close to his Auntie, almost clinging to her leg. ]
Celestia, never having seen such amount of injuries to one Pony turned to Anon, sternness in her eyes.
Grumbles, this shit got stupid real fast as you slowly back away to the door...Celestia simply trots forward, following you.
"Anon-"
'Celestia, gonna ask you real nice, just keep cool and let me explain myself... I came here just to speak to BlueBlood...' you raise both hands slowly, opening your palms
"He lies, he lies, he tried to murder me!"
'what? What are you talking about?'
"You see, there, in his hand, a knife, A knife!"
You look at the object in your hand, it definitely wasn't there before, but you can tell it's all too familiar.
The letter opener from BlueBloods desk was now in YOUR hand.
"anon...is this true?"
"No!" you bark, gripping the 'weapon' tightly in your hand as you put your arms down to your side "I told you I wouldn't DO anything to him."
"Oh Auntie, do not listen to his forked tongue! He is trying to trick you, he had done so to get close to me and now I lay before you a wreck, thank your horn you had arrived when you did."
Celestia glared at her nephew, a long moment of silence before she turned to you.
"Anon...how...how could you?"
'Celestia, I didn't-'
"How could you? A-after what we had talked about, after all that, why...why would you suddenly break the trust I had given you?"
*RAGEFACE INSIDE*
Celestia trots forward, almost over the desk as she glares at you, the once calm and soft expression you had remembered only an hour ago was forever replaced by the serious face of this royalty, and her now utmost desire to see you brought to justice.
"Anon, I ask that you lay down your arms and surrender immediately."
You back away just a bit, finding it harder and harder to keep a distance between you and the Princess 'God damnit you mother fucking...' you mutter
"what was that?" Celestia demanded, her voice holding no sympathy..
"I said 'you mother fucking idiot!"
"Anon!?"
"Don't Anon me Celestia, I didn't do shit to Bb, but rather than listening to me, you instantly cower to the beck and call of your nephew, just like in the trial right, over your sister, over the human who stood by her, not some blow hard Prince who just wants to get ahead."
Perhaps it got a bit too personal, but Celestia began to trot towards you quickly now as you blink in surprise and duck to the side, jumping on the bed to you right as Celestia looks up at you from where you were standing before.
"Anon, do not make this hard for either of us, stand down and submit to your actions."
'No... and I don't plan to without a fight.'
Celestia huffed, turning towards the bed, her trots very firm on the wooden floor, you can feel the pressure as she flapped her wings and lept towards you.
you dodge again,jumping to the left, now your back was to the door.
again, she turns to look at you, wings fluttering as she lunges at you, you tumble, over the desk and behind it, reverse from the start.
Back to the window.
"Anon...there is nowhere to run, give up, make this easy on you and surrender."
You stamp the knife down onto the table, blade jammed into the wooden counter top.
'forget it Princess, I won't give in to you...to your nephew. Until you realize how blind you are, then I don't plan on wasting my time.'
"Anon, do you not know what you have done?"
'I do, but i don't think my explanation can justify the action, especially since....well..' you point to Blueblood who is now cowering against the wall '...Prince Blowhard here is a stunning example of the violence a human can present.'
"Anon...what are you-"
You grab the bottle of zap apple cider, uncorking the thing as you point at Celestia 'I'm sorry for what may happen, but let it be known no malice shall be mine to wrought, and if I must defend myself from you Celestia, I will, but for now, don't...waste...my...time!'
You knock back half of the bottles contents before putting your free hand down to grip the table edge.
waiting for it
Celestia trots forward, slowly letting her horn glow "Im sorry Anon..." she replied as you chuckled.
'No you aint...'
you flip the whole table up towards her.
Time slowed again, and for a moment you can almost hear classical music as the Zapp apple hits you like a brick, only this time you force it through your whole body.
Celestia reacts by taking flight away from the object, you take the low road, sliding underneath her feet first until you leave the room and plant both feet on the opposite wall in the hallway. Time returns and you hear the loud fwump as you can see Celestia stopping the whole thing mid-air with her magic and slowly, with some strain, easing it back upright and dropping it, letting it hit the floor with a THUD.
Celestia flaps over to her nephew to help him onto his bed...Sweet of her as she did before turning to you.
You blink...then remember what you were doing.
ohshit!
You run, full speed down the hall, the guards at both sides just watch you, no order to bother with you had been given as Celestia flaps out of BlueBloods room.
"Aanon, stop this instant!" she barked, you don't listen, just run.
feet don't fail now...
Your guts turn about as you approach the main section of the tower now, its canopy opening to expose a massive hollow cylinder with several floors descending down towards the base.
You can't admire the view as you run towards the balcony...your heart skips.
'always wanted to fly...' you mutter as you jump right from your run...Celestia yells your name but you tune it out as you descend on an angel towards the lower floor...and wham, smack right into the stone floor three levels below.
You tumble, catching yourself just a bit to roll onto your rump and skid to a stop, turning to see Celestia wide eye as she began to gallop to the stairwell...why didn't she fly after you?
You didn't bother to answer as she begins to descend the staircase, her heavy hoof-falls echoing nearby as you leap up and dive towards the opposite wall and its staircase, trying to keep your distance as you begin leaping flights of stairs, hanging onto the handrail for dear life as each leap increases your speed..faster and faster until you blow yourself from the stairwell into the hall of the main level, landing flat on your face as you feel your body scream, winding down from the rush of zapp apple as you slowly rise to your feet...to your surprise right in front of the medical staff and the guard from thee court room.
"Sir Anon?" the doctor said, you wave a bit as you notice the cider bottle still in your hand.
'Here...' you say giving it to the guard 'get well soon.'
all three are speechless as you hear Celestia "Aanon!"
'gotta go!'
You're off again, not as fast as before but with enough of a lead to give Celestia a workout, she was now flying after you...made you feel good she was trying, even though you were sick with what just happened; fuck...wish it could have gone differently.
You turn right, then left, then right and left again, for being so simple, it certainly was troublesome to go around this castle as you finally make a left and see the gateway to the exit
Almost home-
You stop, well, your body stops as you feel yourself pulled into a small crevice.
You cannot move, your body is still, you cannot speak, something on your mouth.
"hush and be still..." spoke a voice "she will not see you."
You watch, hearing the flap of big wings as Celestia zooms past follow closely by two Pegasus guards. "Anon! Aanon!" she barks "tsk...where has he gone, he is becoming more trouble then he is worth...Guards, search the castle, he must not be permitted to leave the grounds!"
Well, there goes an easy escape as the two assistance to your flight nod slowly "stay quiet, someone wishes to speak with you."
What choice did you have as the creatures led you into the shadows.
"Oh Anon!" Cried Luna as the entirety of the alicorn princess's weight was sent into your gut as you fall back onto her floor. The guards had led you through a secret stairwell back to Luna's chambers, where you now rested on the floor with the night princess atop you.
"I had been so worried for thy safety, there has been much commotion going on around the castle..w-what has happened?"
You huff, easing Luna off you as you dust your shirt and pants.
'Its a long story...'
"I have the night Anon..."
You sigh, and explain everything, from visiting BlueBlood, to seeing Cermian break him, to being framed and then pursued by Celestia herself.
Luna just listens, her expression turned from fear to shock to sudden despair in a flurry of motion before she began to speak again.
"Anon...h-how is that possible?"
'I don't even know... the thing is, Cermina...'
"Cermina?"
you sigh 'she is my spirit guardian, and well, she's been helping me through Equestria since my arrival, helping me keep a low profile and all that, being tactical in a new environment. Well, when `Bb began bashing dragons as the most useless things in existence, she got pissed..i mean she IS a dragon...and i was just surprised how easy it was for her to literally break reality and do such harm to Bb. Of course, its hard for anyone to believe a 'ghost' beat up a prince when the only person in the room is a human with a knife.'
Another sigh as you look at Luna, she stepped closer to you, you can see tears in her eyes as she embraced you instantly.
"Oh Anon, such a terrible position you have settled in."
you gently return the hug, keeping her close 'yeah...yeah...and i can bet your sister would be on the way here right now to see if I snuck over to see you.'
Luna sighs, shoving you away slowly, she had a wicked grin.
"Well, we just have to make sure you aren't here..."she motioned to her guards as they approached "Arrowstone, Sunshine, see Anon is escorted from the grounds of the castle immediately, take the secret tunnels to the reservoir and show him a way out."
"Yes m'lady, he shall not be harmed." they both say as Luna smiles
*knock knock*
"Princess Luna, this Captain Stratos of the Solar Guards, your sister request we move you to safety, please come with us immediately, a menace has been set lose in the castle and your safety is priority one."
"Oh shoot...Just a moment!" she called out, rushing over to her wardrobe and yanking out a drab, brown woolen cloak.
"Anon, wear this."
she tosses it to you 'what is it?'
"Its a illusion cloak, it will turn you into a regular looking pony for anyone who may look at you, I enchanted it myself when I was young to sneak out at night, using the hidden passages all over this castle, it became second nature, same for my guards."
You nod, slowly slipping it over and onto your body.
"Now hurry, those guards wont wait forever."
You smile under the cloak 'thank you Luna.'
Luna shakes her head "just be careful...come back to me when this is over."
You nod...turning to the guards as they escort you back down into the secret staircase.
You can't see much else aside from the backside of the guard before you and feel the soft pushes the one behind you.
"Keep moving, there must be no hesitation, every moment of lax is a moment of your discovery." one of the guards whisper as you descend lower and lower along the spiral staircase.
Along the outside wall of the catacomb, you can hear the rustling and bustling of guards, their voices calling out to find this 'menace' this 'monster that sought the prince.' it made you feel sick... real sick.
You pause, the guards stopping as they look at you, their eyes aglow for the darkness as you keel over a bit.
A void in your gut, a void that was once the small ounce of trust you had with Celestia, nothing more than a pit of despair and regret.
Its hard to think just a few hours ago you were the word of the town, Celestia was proud of your actions and everything was going all right.
Then that situation with Blueblood, that fiasco of him framing you from breaking his worthless behind on his desk and wall...well...Cermina anyway, but you can't blame her for that can you, she was a dragon, he was bashing dragons, fuck man, if he was bashing humans, you'd do the same.
You slam your fist into the stone, exhaling as your thoughts pushed you just as the guard behind you had done, pushing you on.
You rise, slowly following the guard downwards, lower and lower, keeping pace as the guards take you deep into the castles bowels.
Sure enough, you start hearing water, the reservoir Luna must have mentioned was close as the caver starts to get brighter.
The guards pause, gently pushing you forward as one points to the stream.
"There, follow this river through the city and it should lead you to your freedom. Solar Guards may begin patrolling the city already so stick to the shadows; you may have a guise as a pony, but the hour is late, not many ponies venture out, especially ones dressed such as you." he notions to the cloak as you nod.
'Not like I had a choice, but I'll keep my head low.'
The guard smirks, turning to his companion as he starts to turn away, leaving just you and the lone guard standing by the river.
"Sire Anon." he began, gazing up at you "Luna...has put her kindness, faith, and deep trust in you. She knows you are not at fault for this and will do all she can to change it just as you aided her in the trial. Please, return to her once this subsides, she will have wished for nothing but your safety, seeing you return safe and sound will bring the utmost happiness to her."
Luna...
You couldn't just abandon her, even if you thought escaping the city was the best idea, it wouldn't be long until Celestia found you, then what, run again? Hide away at the edge of this world until she eases her mind to forgive you? Definitely not after what you did...
You can't just drop this, you'll have to face her.
Only place to do so was here.
"`Ill do what I can, but I don't think ill get far from this city, I have my own plan to deal with all this." you mutter, easing the hood over your face as you feel your body tingle and the world slowly sink lower, finding yourself on all fours now but a sudden...renewed... spirit in you.
"Stay safe Sire Anon."
'I will...and thank you.'
You emerged from the reservoir below a cobblestone bridge just above you at street level.
Gazing ahead and behind, the river flowing steadily before you as you notice stairs alongside the bridge to the street.
It was weird climbing stairs as a pony, you had four legs to consider in movement and despite the stability, you felt awkward as hell, like a little kid on your hands and knees.
Of course, you were still a human simply disguised as one, so the fact you felt unusual was probably as normal as ever as you make it to the street, gazing left and right.
Silence
Stillness
nothing moved as you turned to see the castle, massive searchlight s seemed to glamor the white walls of the spires, illuminating the whole thing in brilliance. your eyes track several wings of pegesai three to each, whooshing around the palace with a sole sentry checking other locations; it seemed they thought you were still inside the castle...that's good....better to keep em guessing than knowing your exact local.
That's...what Cermina would recommend.
You felt uneasy again, you haven't seen Cermina since her outburst against Bluelood, you got pissed with her, she knew it, you knew it, what had happened was because of her.
Now you may have just lost your only aid and guide in this place, and the timing couldn't have been worse.
You were on your own, no backup, technically wanted by the royal guards and without much hope of rescue.
Just another day at the office, felt like some cliche secret agent action movie.
You pull cloak closer against your form as your focus returns to the river, the Night Guards had said to follow it out of the city.
Looking back at the water, you can see it flowing away from you general direction, perhaps towards one of those falls you saw flying in.
The bridge you stand on runs over the lake, so the only way to follow is to take a street.
You look to your right, seeing the castle beyond the massive wall surrounding it with the courtyard and gardens separating them from the city proper.
To exposed, definitely don't want to get closer to the castle, that's just insane.
you look left
the city common, market section, devoid of life, cover everywhere.
You turn left, then turn down, trotting slowly parallel to the river as you gaze about the merchant district. Stall and shops all closed off, nopony around as every door and window was closed and not a single light on.
You wonder what it would be like to spend a day here, probably close to living in a city back home, lotta ponies going this way and that, getting to their appointments, buying things.
It gives you a chuckle as you pass by a sidewalk cafe, its windows near perfect mirrors as you study yourself.
Big brown eyes look back at you as you can see your facial hair stubble along your jaw and muzzle as your expression was firm and rugged.
You look pretty decent for a pony, perhaps around five feet in height with a nice tan, almost beige hide.
Perhaps Luna would like you more as-
no
No No No
Brain what the fuck are you doing?
You shake your head, slowly moving further as you catch one more glance at your pony form, pulling the cloak tighter to your body as you continue down the street, passing the second bridge only to see a trio of Pegasus guards flying over, noticing you and sweeping back.
Shit...ok ok...act calm.
The guards land, surrounding you on three sides as the lead one steps forward.
"Good evening sir, I apologize for stopping you but we are seeking a menace to the throne and we were wondering if you have seen any strange or unusual creature prowling around the grounds."
You cough, flipping on a frail accent.
"Ah...sorry sirs. I have not seen anything unusual as of late...I'm just a traveler whose wandered about the a little to late into the night and just wish to ask for directions to the nearest exit."
The guards to both your sides mutter something as the lead guard nods, stepping aside as he notions the direction you were going. "Just keep trotting down this avenue and you should head right to it."
'Thank you kind sirs.' you reply, bowing a bit as you see the lead guard take flight, soon after the other as well as you begin trotting.
Crisis averted
The streets become more harder to navigate as more outer shops and stalls simply covered by tarps begin to impede your path.
Keeping close as you become less visible with the overhangs and carts still about, keeping to the shadows block your sight of the guards, their wing beats still flying above you as more start to search the city proper..
You make good progress, eventually making it to the third bridge before the sound of wing beats echo behind you again and the same three guards land in the same positions as before.
"Sorry sir, we...didn't identify you properly before, per orders of the royal guard may we ask you pull down your hood to be identified?"
'w---why would you ask that of me? I have never been to this city before."
The guards at your side look at one another, then back at you.
"Sir, that is a direct request, we need to identify you...."
You smirk, easing your fore hoof up and waving it in front of the guard
'You do not need to identify me.'
"Excuse me?"
'I said you do not need to identify me.'
"sir...?"
you grin "I am not the pony you are looking for."
The three guards look at one another, then at you.
"Sir, you're going to have to come with us."
The guard takes a step forward, you take one back, keeping the same distance as you watch your flanks.
'I don't think I will.'
"Sir i won't ask-"
the two close in, you back further away, spreading your hooves out to go into stance.
'come and try!'
They all immediately go for you, lunging for you.
Hesitation, and then time slowed just a bit.
You jump over the lead guard as his companions topple over and amongst themselves in a flutter of hooves and wings.
"Halt. its Him! he is in disguise!" one shouts as all three struggle to untangle hide and armour.
You bolt, making good pace before the guards could compile and start to chase after you.
You begin to gallop, making your way through the avenue at a fast pace, the guards flying low just behind you.
Stupid Pegasus immune to Jedi.
You keep running as the Guards begin to gain.
Three more fly down ahead of you, high speed, racing towards you, boxing you in...
What would Cermina do?
Rooftops.
Out of the corner of your eye, you can see a stack of oddly place crates just a few meters ahead of you as you jump for them, lunging away from the six guards who crash into one another in a heap below as you clamber up to the roof-tops
and look down at the horse pile.
You smirk 'Cant get me up here!'
Three of them glare at you as they fly up, two of them serious expressions of displeasure while the one closest one has a coy grin on his face.
Stupid pegasi and flying...
You turn and bolt across the shingles, your hooves glakking against the metal and tar coverings of each roof as you jump over the first grouping; being so close there were no leaps of fate here.
Your pace is no better on the rooftops, Pegasi simply fly around you, several now as you keep avoiding their wings, jumping on roof top to roof top, forgetting which direction you had to go as you suddenly stumbled onto one of the larger rooftops, head over hoofs as you quickly recover...only to find the way devoid of anything but the wall...
Shit.
You turn back, preparing to go the way you came, but three guards block your path...THOSE three again as they begin to advance onto you, backing you towards the wall, their faces stern and serious before a pair of more powerful wing beats echo from around them, and one powerful, royal voice, caused them to pause.
"Leave Anon to me, he has no escape." Celestia ordered as the three guards eased back, taking positions at each far end of the roof they stood on as the white Alicorn touches down angelically on the roof top just beyond you, perhaps two buildings back, keeping her distance as her ever flowing mane caught the light of the moon perfectly and her snow white hide glinted with the stars.
Beauty certainly was in the eyes of the beholder, too bad your blood wasn't welcoming her presence.
"Anon... it is foolish to continue this game, please, surrender yourself, and I shall be certain to pass fair judgement on your actions.
You 'tsk' as she spoke those words, justice? for what, breaking the body of the worlds biggest dousche that nearly tired to imprison your sister? Seems she was ignorant to that fact even now.
'I refuse princess, you can take your justice and shove it for all I care, you seem intent on doing your nephews dirty work...then take me, right here, drop me now with a steak in the heart.'
No one moved, every guard suddenly seemed hesitant as Celestia kept a straight face, bowing her head slightly as she smirked.
"Persistence towards ignorance Aanon?"
'More like stubborn defense, I know what I did and what I didn't do, and though I can't bring a case to explain myself, putting these accusations on me is no better than what BlueBlood had tried with your sister."
Celestia seemed to change her expression, returning her coy smirk to a serious face.
'Oh dear me, strike something deep?'
"Anon,,, do not press your chances here, you are already wearing my patience."
'Oh, I'll do more than that Princess...you're simply the blind following the blind.'
"Anon..."
'following the words of your nephew, even against your own Sister.'
"Anon..."
'and what is there to show...nothing but the same cock and bull that you started with...never going to change...you spineless-'
Her hoof slammed into the roof, her eyes blazing now as she took a step forward.
"Anon, that is enough." she exhaled, recomposing "I had asked you a simple request, and what do I see but it being broken."
'Not..by my hand, but I doubt the truth would be easy to understand.'
"Then what is there to say Anon, you have no words to stand with and no evidence to present...cast away this veil and submit, you will not see victory here."
'I still refuse Celestia, you want to take me in..." you whip off the cloak, throwing it at a guard, causing him to flop from his height and tumble to the ground. 'then you will have to take me down.'
Celestia is surprised, shocked even as you stand there, eyes fixated on her.
'Humans have the strength to fight against any form of oppression, fight for whats right, even die for it...I know what happened, and i know the consequence, but I won't submit to false accusations and I won't back down to a princess who is coiled around a bastard child's hoof without realizing the ones she must care for are simply abandoned.'
Celestia sighs, closing her eyes as she magics herself for a moment, easing her crown, sash, and hooflets from her body as she opened her eyes again.
"If reason cannot be met Anon, then I shall grant you the fight you seek, if to make you understand and surrender, then I shall fight with all my might."
You smirk, spreading your legs into stance as you raise a hand, palm towards you as you stick your fingers together, and flick them towards you. 'Alright Celestia... Let's dance.'
Your calm, exhaling a slow breath as you can see Celestia sizing you up, your legs slowly begin to bounce back and forth as you stand, always in motion as you clench your fists, bringing them to guard your chest as the princess seems to grin, and then she came at you, trotting along the rooftops towards you, leaping over gaps until she rushes right by you, just brushing along you as she slows...exhaling as she turns and charges you again, clopping of hooves on shingles as she pass your opposite side now, keeping you in place as she makes her second pass, again brushing by you.
was she gauging your strength or was she not in the fight?
you couldn't help but notice her 'exposure' at each pass, her flank, being the weakest part to engage a horse, was always shown to you with every pass...with a single good hit...
You ponder the thought quickly as Celestia turns and comes at you again, you sidestep to the far right as she comes to the same side, exposing her whole flank as you throw your fists, turning them to open palm and shoving her hard...
you can see her body take the impact, even as an open palm it sent her back a good few, her footing failing as she seemed to pause just inches from the edge of the roof, huffing as he eyes seemed to flash in brilliance...a smile?
She came at you directly this time, head tall as she went right for you body, but you could expect that, you brace and then tumble right...below her.
She leaps over you like a pony at a show, surprised of course as you recover, still low to the ground as she comes at you again, raising her form with an almost unexpected shout before she slammed her hoofs down...hard.
You narrowly avoid it, ducking out of the way before she comes at you.
stomp stomp stomp.
you keep avoiding, but you're running out of room as your last tumble brought you to the edge.
A sign of content on Celestia as she trots over, rearing up...
you tumble under her, stopping right between her fore and back hooves just as she comes down...
and you push up, clasping a firm grip on her stomach before hauling her up and launching her from the edge, head first.
you exhale as you watch her fall, sheer surprise and shock as she flops downward.
you rush to the edge to look down...
and she launches back up, whipping skyward as she circles the roof and lands at the opposite end, a smirk as she flashes her horn and then lowers her head, stomping her fore hoof like a bull...
she charges, faster this time as a wind snap strikes across her rear as her horn glows.
You tumble under her again, but she figured that.
As she jumped over, just when her fore hoofs touched down, she dropped her rear hoofs instantly, nearly smashing them into you.
She was getting serious.
You narrowly avoided the impact as you double back, seeing her turn slowly, lowering that horn, and coming at you.
You watch her charge, those eyes of hers fixated on you...a slight flash of concern in them as she seems to slowly just a bit as she comes right at you...expecting you to tumble.
You don't
She slams her chest into you, her fore body comes right to your shoulder as your hands guide her horn away from you as she impacts, sending you a few feet back as you clung to her, huffing as you feel her warmth....the comfort as your grip tighten.
you can't defeat her, you can't, your mind knows this.
what benefit would come if you beat the one ruling power that had some good in her...that would go over terribly.
You grit your teeth as you slam your feet down, stopping her sluggish advance as you begin to rotate Celestia, using the last vestige of her momentum to whip yourself around a full 180 and tossing her right off the roof a second time.
You turn another 180, not watching her tumble over the edge a second time as your mind hangs on your last thought.
You can't defeat her
but how do you best her?
you exhale a bit as you suddenly hear another wind snap and Celestia flies up, higher this time as she looks down at you, easing forward, and then lunging at you, horn extended out as you narrowly avoid the strike, feeling the sudden rush of wind as she sails skyward again.
The horn...
dear lord what the fuck would you be doing...
to Celestia no doubt .
Bound to happen eventually.
Celestia strikes downward, horn blazing bright as the tip charged with a dose of her magical might.
Geeze, thats poetic
You could see the very premise of this situation, you're fucked, But damned if you do... damned if you don't
She needs true strength
and so did you.
You jump up to grab onto the sailing alicorn, and hang on for dear life
How shit, shes fast...
you pick up speed as your arms clasping onto the soften flank of the alicorn, gripping in a way to ease your palms flat across her core, linking fingers tightly as she gazes back at you, eyes alight with her power as you gain your bearing; gravity upwards was going towards the very reaches of the stratosphere, clasping the clouds before your weight took hold.
She started to drop, stalling if you please as all forward momentum stopped.
Your falling, fuck this shit.
Celestia's weight is slight, she can be easily wavered as you release your locking grip. Clasping your hands gently along her hide you rotate her (shes falling backwards into you, you gotta get her straight) and glide onto her back, easing forward to rest against her neck and flap open her wings; spreading your fingers to catch the wind.
Celestia's body was limb, was she dead?
No...there it is.
Time sped up as you felt her pulse returning before those eyes flashed open in excite, gazing the one directly at you.
"aAnon?"
'Shut up and keep flying'
"wh-what are you doing?"
'taking you in for a landing, now you gonna help or you gonna complain?'
Celestia huffs, straight face as she turns a subtle smile "Very well then..." she sped up, heading faster into the ground as your eyes come to life at the ground sailing to you.
OhshitOhshitOShit.
She aint kidding bout this, you clamber over her, hands levitating above the sheer aura of her power as you clasp her horn with one hand.
She reacts in surprise, eyes alight as always with her subtle notion of "what the buck?" as you pull yourself up to it. It stalls her slightly as her neck is pulled up against the G force, limiting her areodyanmicies, and using her wings with your feet begin slowing the decent.
SonofA she's strong...
You feel her pushing back down, your grip slipping and relapsing quickly against the bone membrane , bringing your opposite hand up and latching onto the same place, easing your body upright to hold tight the closer you got.
Celestia strained, harder and harder as she fought against you as the ground came near, you realize you passed the point of no return...
shit...
you fix her head perfectly straight as you slam into the earth below with a cataclysmic boom that bolted into lighting.
Dust everywhere as the impact took you right into one of the parks of the city.
As the cascade subsides, the guards above can finally make out a pair of figures slowly rising from the earth, Celestia, seen first, slowly eases to her feet, her mane a mess, her flank matted with dirt as she let out a few coughs before standing upright, spreading her wings wide, showing strain on her left one from the impact.
You were no better, you're body is screaming in pain, your left leg is numb and there's a sharp pain in your chest. You can feel blood going down your neck and your right wrist may be shattered.
You both have injuries, but like Celestia, you take your stance.
'So...ready for round two?'
Celestia chuckles, one eye open as she seems to have a busted rib or something when she tried to laugh, you smirk, you can...for once...feel equal about this as you both start approaching one another.
Faster...you begin to run
She gallops
You collide, chest to chest as you brace against one another, keeping your guard up as you press against her fore body.
She didn't charge her horn, perhaps to close to risk harming herself as you begin to push her back.
"Has your...decision changed?"
'Not even close...your majesty!'
You break apart, collide, then break apart again, nothing fancy, just a grudge match at this point.
Your both panting now as you feel both your legs getting numb as your body aches for sleep.
You deny it...not yet.
You can imagine Celestia is no better, but hell, she hides it well.
'Ill...never submit...'
"Then I shall continue..."
'Try...me.'
Your body launches at Celestia, and she to you, but... mid flight, the world begins to sink, everything begins to fade as all you can do is fwump fully against Celestias warming form...so soft...
She senses your weight, and her expression turns to utter shock.
"Anon!"
So soft...and warm...
Soft and warm, that's how it started to feel when you began to wake.
Everything is sore as your mind begins to realize you're still alive.
That's good...all you can remember was your fight with Celestia...
Celestia.... dear lord what had happened to you.
Fighting the princess of the sun, the one good ruler of this whole twisted city, and you fought her; real smart on your part, and what did that get you? Your arse now locked away somewhere perhaps...but that didn't seem right, if this was a dungeon, why was it so comfy.
You open your eyes slowly, but everything is so bright.
White light...everywhere, were you dead? No...can't be dead, death has no place here..somewhere else?
You try to raise you arms but they are stuck to your sides, you squint instead, trying to accustom your sight to wherever you are...and as it focuses you see..flowers...flowers right in front of you.
You blink a few times as the room comes into view...it...looks like a hospital room.
Looking right you see a table with a few pieces of foodstuffs; oatmeal, some bread, peices of fruit, a glass of milk as you can see, to your left you can see various charts placed about on a table, a file and a few medical utensils, some bandages are there as well, perhaps just use as you look at yourself.
in bed...
wearing a smock
you're naked...and now you feel hella awkward.
Damn, this the Second time ponies saw you naked and did stuff to you...at least it was beneficial this time.
You can't see your hands, they, like most of you, are under the sheets draped atop you.
Bandages on your head as you can see the edges of them circling your temple and forehead, probably a battle injury...you did remember being slammed into the earth at neat sub-sonic speeds, being alive after that is a miracle in itself, but...what the heck...you're a tough sod.
You exhale, laying back as you hear a clink, and look across the room to see Cermina sitting on a table, dangling her legs over the edge, gazing downward, sleeping of course as her eyes are shut...
had she been there the whole time?
Dear god...
You sigh, smirking
'Cermina?' You ask the drakes stirs, eyes opening.
"Anon...oh...you're avake...dat is good." she smiles a bit, being awfully calm and quiet.
'How you doing?' You ask, smiling 'was worried about you...'
"Comrade...do not show me sympathy, I had done much wrong...letting emotions take better of me..such a childish act... and den leaving you...what comrade am I?"
she looks down...you can tell she's torn by what she did, genuine and all, almost a tear in her eye as you smirk.
'you're still a good companion Cermina, I...understand what you mean by your actions, honestly I would have done the same if he started mouthing off humans... though, leaving me, you gotta 'splain dat one.'
Cermina looks up, smiling as she exhaled.
"I was upset, but I never left you comrade, just...refused to exist for the moment. I...locked myself away in your mind, dinking bout what I did..."
'and you think that was the best action, c'mon cermina, not cool.'
She looks down again "i am sorry comrade, from deep heart I wish I hadn't."
you exhale, smiling a bit with a chuckle 'forget about it, its happened, no use brooding..'
Cermina blinked, but smirked "Dank you comrade...i...wish I could have helped more."
'well, no harm really, didn't turn out so bad in the end.''
"You certainly did make hard for dem."
'well, when you pick a fight with Celestia...'
Cermina does a double take as she looks right at you.
"Sjot! I must have missed such a grand display!"
you laugh, coughing a bit as you feel your chest ripple with pain.
'long story...'
"I got tim-"
There was a knock at the door as Cermina hisses and quickly looks about to hide, seeing no good place, she jumped right under your bed as the door opens to show a well formed gray Unicorn dressed in a white medical coat and sporting some oddly familiar glasses.
"Ah, hello Anon, its good to see you awake, I'm surprised how quickly you recovered..heh...they didn't believe me that you were different, well, you've proven me right, thank you kindly."
You blink a few times as you watch the unicorn trot beside you, his clip board hovering before his face as he flips a few pages.
"It is Anon right?"
'Anaomopolise if you need it for record purposes.'
The doctor smirks "Ah, that sounds like a very good name, lots of strength to it."
'Thank you'
"You're very welcome, you're certainly a capable species, your physiology is simply fascinating, so much similar to that of a pony but at the same time vastly different...hrm... it is a bother though to see how much you had taken in terms of injuries. Major concussion for one, minor fracture of the shoulder blade, a broken rib, sprain your right wrist and damage to your left arm. Your hips are fine but you had twisted your left ankle quiet a bit. You certainly took quiet a beating, its no wonder you were given royal consent to be treated."
'Ah...well...i guess i'm just a tough kinda...wait...what do you mean royal consent?'
He looked at you "You don't recall? Princess Celestia brought you in personally, you both had some serious injuries but she insisted you be treated first, we didn't hesitate upon her word and did our utmost best to tend to you."
You lay back a bit, exhaling some as you close your eyes, your mind wandering back to the fight...you and Celestia, going toe to hoof.
You remember taking hold of her, getting close, wanting to bring her down, but you fell, you lost consciousness.
Celestia... she was appearing more and more as a mother to you each time, you couldn't help but feel bad for what you've been putting her through.
You open your eyes again, the doctor is perusing your file as he hums a soft tune.
"If i may, what had happened to cause such injuries to befall you two?"
'Celestia and I... had a disagreement, when push came to shove....it got rather physical.'
"Oh my, you and her scuffled didn't you, impressive, never expected you to hold so well against her?"
'Excuse me?'
The doctor smirks as he flops the pages back down "Well, after your...escapade with Prince BlueBlood during the trial, many were certainly impressed with your strength, taking the princess on certainly was a surprise, but seeing as you are still here, well, you must have really been a far more capable fighter than any stallion could be."
'Humans are capable fighters, you could say were stubborn, don't go down easy either.'
"So we've seen, or at least, what you have from your diagnostic. I must admit I was worried, but I'm glad you pulled through."
The doctor removed his glasses, magicking them into his pocket "What you did during the trial, standing with Princess Luna when all of Canterlot was against her is no easy task, let alone show such a display of kindness, and intelligence enough to make even the grandest of schemes BlueBlood could muster simply falter. His actions had made the Royal guards very wary of him, I guess you could say he doesn't have the nobility air of him for such a coward to place a Guard at such risk..." he chuckled a bit as you share the humor, imagining BlueBlood all alone without anyone helping him, it was sad, but in some way, deserved for him being a royal prick.
'He had it coming...' you mutter as the doctor looks at you, then back to his paper work
"Many feel the same way, and thanks to you, murumurs of his defeat are spreading, support for the Princess is actually becoming better off than before, perhaps you are a good omen to befall this city."
"Perhaps even more than that good Doctor, Anon has truly set himself as an interesting individual, and an even more welcomed guest to this Kingdom."
Celestia stood at the doorway, her figure all prim and proper without a scratch on her, flowing mane presenting her benevolence as she had a calm smile upon her muzzle. "how is he doctor?" she asked, eying you from afar.
"He has come along nicely, a bit more rest and he should be at his peak."
Celestia smiled "wonderful, may I ask for some time alone with him?"
The doctor blinks "W-why yes of course your majesty" he bows, turning to you.
"Anon, all your information on your diagnostic is here...feel free to read it at your discretion." He plopped the clipboard onto the night table beside the bed, putting his glasses back on "We also took a bit of blood work, just to be safe of course, your results will be ready within the day if you wish to-"
"Doctor...?" Celestia says again, causing the practitioner to sigh, chuckling in embarrassment "yes yes, my apologies..." he turns to you "A pleasure Anon, do take care." he turned, bowing to the princess before trotting out, closing the door behind him.
Celestia smiled, her smile was heartwarming in every way possible. Compassion, care, general well-ness of a friend was all you could read from her expression.
You choked, you could help but feel both terrible and welcoming at the same time as you adverted your gaze to your right, out the window, watching the sun rise.
Perhaps Celestia got the hint, and simply nodded, trotting over to the left side as she looked over the small breakfast serving, somewhat disappointed that it remained untouched as she magics the tray over to you, opening the bedside table in front of you and placing it on top.
You look at her out of the corner of your eye and see the food there.
You were hungry as she smiles.
"Eat, you need your strength." she magicked a piece of fruit over to you "it is unwise to let good food go to waste."
You remain silent, turning back to the sunrise as Celestia lowers it, ears folding slightly down as she trots close.
"Anon...please...don't shun me...I do not wish to bring you any more trouble."
You still don't respond as you huff, keeping your gaze away as she trotted around your bed to face you.
She stood there, her expression serious, but turned soft, ears still folded down "Anon...please speak to me..."
You remained button up, looking beyond her, your expression cross as you shoot her a slight glare.
She lowers her head just a bit, submissive almost as her eyes cast their sight to yours, never waving as her mane continues to ebb and flow.
"Anon...I bring news of the trial for you...I thought you would may like to hear them... Blueblood has seen it fit to condemn you for your crimes; he's already got the council set up....the problem for him so, they had no direct agreement. It was a perfect balance between your exile, and your freedom." she sighed, raising her head and trotting away from you as she stood at the foot of the bed. You tracked her, watching her with a rather concerned expression.
"Blueblood believes that your actions against a heir of royalty and the very presence of his honor at stake. However, the other half of the council thinks you should not be at fault." She paused keeping her expression soft.
"I believe you to be innocent Anon, but my word alone cannot be enough to release you, but there can be no other assurance in the matter that I go through your.... mind...to find the answers. I'm...sorry it has to be like that."
'Oh you can't be serious.'
"Anon?"
'Aint no WAY somepony is gonna read my mind, are you out of yours? Please understand that no one, not in a million years, can go through my mind. That's private property TO me and only me.'
You look back at her as you exhale, your expression breaking just a bit as she comes closer.
"Anon, i wish only to apologize, I alone cannot permit your freedom, and with BlueBlood demanding the case, the only way we ,can permit any avoidance is to take the very memories of what happen from your consciousness."
'I said...not in a million years....a billion now cause your pushing.'
"Anon... speak of what has occurred. There is little more I can do but courier that news to you...I tried...I had done much seeking to find the answer, but this is the only way we know can be done to help... and... how wrong I was."
You blink again, not much you can think about, suddenly shaking your fists to find that you were still unable to move them.
"You were right all along, and in my condolences for harming you, I seek your forgiveness. I..I know you are right, that your actions were just despite the violence...I know...but this cannot be enough...Please...Anon....there is little help my sister and I can be to you if you do not let me read your memories, you can keep what else away...and I shall solely find the memories I seek."
That was unexpected, big of her, but her sorrow expression, closed eyes and all were a testament to her desire to be forgiven, perhaps more-so that she knew you were right.
"Anon, you had defended my sister when I should have, you had offered her kindness and protection when In should have. what sister does that make me to not even take a hoof forward to protect those closest? I was...ashamed with myself after what transpired in the courtroom. If I had been the right kind of sister as Luna sees me as...I...never should have let the trial happen in the first place."
She turned a bit, gazing out the window, watching the waterfall cascade down the embankment of the city edge "Then the events of last night, with you and Blueblood...how...not allowing you a chance to explain, not trusting you...Oh I felt worse, shamed of my actions not only to an honored guest, but a creature vanguarding a race we have never spoken of or seen in our existence...I hate to admit, my student may even be cross with me; the discovery her little heart and mind would flutter for."
She sighed, you can see its serene before you exhale, turning to her, as her head was lowered tears almost in her eyes.
'Celestia... I know that I may not be the best example of my species, but I can assure you that I always have good intentions for those I meet with; patience, consideration, and just plain good feeling wrapped in a blanket of calmness.
I can understand your sorrow and you know, I can't be mad at you for any of it. I mean, we make mistakes right, nothing can ever be perfect, stuffs gotta go south at SOME point in our lives.'
Celestia looked up at you smiled, slowly trotting over to stand before you, the sun cresting her form, hiding her out like a shadow before you.
"I mean well to Anon, for my subjects, my family, and the very members I wish to protect and see the best intent. Everypony under my sister and I rule shall always be served the utmost kindness and dedication to keeping them alive with hope and adoration they continue to give. The ponies are our power are they not? Their love is what fuels us, perhaps because it is a habit of many to realize its power; the utmost in dedication and kindness to the seeker of it. Anon...you hold no hate for my subjects, and your kindness had been proven by your actions in the court...how...I could still consider that...stallion of a ruth nothing more than fettle trash; he put my sister upon the stake, what reason is there to be forging for that?"
You smirk, she did have some hella ovaries in that sensation, being able to admit that sorta thing...well...
'Celestia..." you begin as the mare smiles at you, her expression captivated by the realization, perhaps almost naughtiness of saying such uncouth things 'the one thing I really took away from my family is that there are always sleaze. No matter how "picture perfect" it may be, the sheer fact that not everyone is kind is just a realization we hate to be with. No one wants bad blood with their tree, but...even the proudest trees have bad roots.'
Celestia hrmmed a bit, not too certain she followed Anon completely, but she understood the sincerity in his voice. Sheepishly she eases over, standing somewhat before you in a near protective manner.
"Thy still has much food to kinder, nourishment is paramout is it not?"
You blink a bit, not really sure where she was going with this, the sheer awkwardness of her closeness was rather unsettling as you stare up at that horn.
'Uhh thanks, but I think I should be able to handle-'
She was on you in a second, fore-hooves placed upon your legs as she stares at you from your knees while her horn glowed.
A piece of bread floated in front of your face as you stare at it, as she to you.
Its bread, nothing to be unnerved about as you take it in your mouth, chewing the soft, moist interior and perfectly firm exterior of the bread and crust. It was good...oddly enough it was sweeter than you normally remember, chewing and swallowing as Celestia smiles.
She hovers another piece of bread, gently waggling it before you as you give her a look.
'I'm not a dog, if I could move my arms, you wouldn't have to.'
Celestia looks down trotted before she eases upright to gaze at you, pulling part of the sheet away to expose a silver gauntlet with blue padding along the interior, chained to your wrist and the bedpost it was attached to. It looked more like armour than anything else...perhaps you could use that....
"It bears the coat of arms of Prince Blueblood, no magic but his own can free you from them." Celestia said as she eyed up at you, head having went low and come quiet close to you, that horn waved just above your head as the tip began to simmer.
"I...uh...hate to say it, but he doesn't want you to leave... Anon, let me see your thoughts, let me be close to your mind to understand...."
She was closer how, her maw coming right to your mouth.
Holy shit
"Sister dear...what...what is all this?"
Celestia pauses, there...at the door...was Princess Luna and her entourage of two guards. Hovering just beside her were a bottle of cider with two crystal goblets on one side and a box of what appeared to be cookies and a small ensemble of flowers.
Luna of course just saw her elders sisters fore-hooves on the bed, her head oddly close to the humans face and her horn....glowing?
"Guards...leave us." Luna says, her expression somewhat defiant as the two guards leave within an instance, closing the door behind them.
"Hello there Sister dear, what brings you about this early in the morning." Celestia began, speaking with an uncharismatic tone as though her sister walked into something important as she eased her fore hooves off the bed and stood there. smiling at her.
Luna huffed, trotting to the other side of the bed, across from Celestia.
"I had just happen to complete my night time duties, and decide it would be best to check on my loyal knight having recently been taken into custody at the Canterlot General, I just had to go investigate his condition immediately, why thou not be a part of my nightly duties?"
Celestia smirked, keeping her expression calm "Ah, but of course, he is...still under your charging? I don't recall having him knighted though.."
'I don't remeb-'
"It was recent, the moment I aided his escape from the city it-"
'Oooh, so you admit to helping a fugitive"
Luna was taken back. "Sister, dare say such a thing, Anon is not of any crime nor to be accused as such, thy should know his kindess is potent to stray away even the darkest of desires."
"Yet, you bring him cider and flowers....it seems more you seek than just to see Sister."
Luna seems tense, both of them almost glaring at one another in their own way, While Celestia remained calm, you could see the distaste in Luna's expression mixed with the slight embarrassment that her sister was right.
'Before you two start ripping into one another, may I ask you do it outside?' you remark, clearly being the middle ground in this unusual confrontation as both look at you then sigh.
"I can see how right he is sister, we are bickering over something fruitless, obviously anon is capable of noting our flaws, but then, we are not perfect." Celestia remarks, causing Luna to gaze at her sister, she'd never expect to hear her admit such a thing, being such grand royalty.
"Well...yes i can understand what may be the case for your reason thy sister, but that leaves how Anon got here, surely something had occurred?"
Celestia turns to you, then to her sister, explaining the entirety, in perfect detail, of the fight between you and her. Luna's expression shifted more times than you'd think, each one turning from worry, admiration, surprise, and eventually heart--warmth when Celestia noted her deposit of Anon in the hospital and had him administered first.
"That was...kind of you sister, and well in regards to what you had caused." Luna said pointing her head at her sister who nodded slowly.
"Anon showed me that clearly Luna, what sister had I been when so far twice now I have failed my duties of sibling, rather than of family, especially when one as rotten as he shall be refrained from speak."
Luna chuckled "all too true sister."
There was a sudden knock on the door as Celestia and Luna turn, oddly enough, neither of them felt inclined to answer before it swung open and there, somewhat in a riled mess, was Prince Blueblood. He hadn't fully recovered from Cermina's beat down as he still had some blemishes upon his face and a poorly done bandage wrap around his forehead and horn.
"You...diabolical little welp..." he began, trotting in with two of his burly armoured guards "you think you can get such royalties from our higher class facilities for such a commoner? Perish the thought if we were so kind to all those who suffer at thy hand of thy Auntie, yet when her own kin is harmed, she grants warmth and comfort than justice? Auntie dear, you seem to be...lacking."
"And nephew dear, I would beg your silence to endure, you have no place to speak here, you already demanded him secured, and Anon is still, but you were not to come until the period of the trial."
Blueblood smirked, ushering HIS guards forward, each one standing before the two princess. "Oh, i am aware of thy demands, but you see, though I cannot gain superior leverage to you through my normal means, I had the...luxury... of speeding the process of the trial to within an hour from now."
"An hour? ANon has yet to heal, are you that cold thy prince?" Luna asked, only to get a rather hateful glare and the guard, almost without a word, pressed forward, backing Luna into the bed.
"You best hold your tounge child, I do not seek any remorse for thy either, I stand by my vows to seek you put away for your crimes, and i shall have that when the time comes."
You want to smash him...so...bad.
You can feel the rage in you, the hateful, disgusting rage of a thousand angry midgets, you want to tear into this bastard with as much fevor as nerds seeking a pizza at a convention; you will rip him apart.
"Blueblood...I suggest you relinquish your guard from my sisters presence immediately before I am forced to dispatch him my self."
Blueblood scowls, huffing as he almost reeled in the guard, having him trot back several paces before pausing. Blueblood didn't need to be told twice, the brilliance of her Aunties horn was enough to satisfy her demands.
"Very well, then I guess he was made aware of the situation the council is in?"
Blueblood asks as he smirks at Celestia. The princess's expression unchanged, from sternness to simple dread as she exhaled deeply "yes...he has been..." she began, looking at you with sorrowful eyes "he knows the crime, and the punishment the council has assigned."
"Good...very good, it seems you can do something well, how did it feel to tell him, oh, don't bother, im sure he felt resentful to you as you had for him with me" he chuckled a boyious, almost satisfied chuckle as he stepped back, turning slowly to the door
"because, auntie dear, if he does not wish for you to, I am the only other capable of such a thing."
The door closes with an almost ominous click as you and the two princess stand in utter silence. The words of Blueblood ringing in your ears as you can remember them perfectly "... i am the only other capable of such a thing."
Shit
shitshitshit.
Perhaps it could be a good thing, focus your mind on other thoughts or try to get him kill, but it wouldn't end like that, not in a good way anyway; the risk was to high, if it failed.
"Anon..." Celestia began, easing close to your bedside "please...i beg of thee to allow me the chance to seek answers from your mind. Anon, it is the only way, at least to prevent...him...from doing so."
'I don't know, maybe I'd want him to try.'
"That won't get you anywere, Anon, Blueblood is malicious, he would seek them and find them before you could even think of a response to his invasion. He would seek the darkest corners, a stallion with no kind emotions, especially to thy foe, well...it won't end well good Anon, and...I couldn't dare to see you wind up a wreck."
"Nor do I." Luna added, trotting her fore-hooves in place.
You smile as Celestia nudges your shoulder gently. "anon...you have done so much, to let..." she paused "...to let him defile you would be the utmost shameful thing I could experience...please...for the sake of my subjects, for the sake of me...please let me find the answers we seek."
You really have no argument, either Celestia does it gently, or Blueblood rapes your brain.
Tough choice.
The fact it was reading your mind was even more degrading and insulting...it...it wasn't something she would enjoy just as much as you. He expression behind the mask was the deepest worry you could conceive; never once did she say anything less of you, it almost made you feel the need to hug her, bring her close, but you're tied...and since Bb didn't seemed inclined to release you, this would have to be just you and your thoughts.
'Can I ask you both to leave me be? He said an hour right? If either of you could come and get me before he arrives, I much like the protection from his dastardly grace, give me some hope to know I have someone on my wing.'
The two princess were reluctant, but with an almost synchronized sigh, they nod.
"I must be upon my throne Anon, perhaps Luna can be your escort... you are more familiar with her and her guards are you not...sir knight?"
You blink, watching Celestia trot towards the door, slowly opening it as she turned to smile at you as both you and Luna shared a surprised expression.
"Take care of him Luna, the responsibility is in your hooves this time around." she wiggled her nose a bit as she opened the door, easing out and leaving the two alone, closing the door behind her.
Luna blinks, turning from the door to you as she sighs.
"Well, if you wish for a moment of peace...I shall leave you be." She trots over, easing against the bed "are you sure you will be alright Anon?"
you smile 'Ill be fine...its more trying to figure the best way your sister could read my mind without exposing anything I may regret.'
Luna chuckles "I may not know the experience, but I am sure sister Celestia wishes the same, perhaps you can leave it out in a box?"
'a box? hrmm...that may work.'
"Really?" Luna blinks "if thou has plan, we wish to hear of it."
'I simply let her see what I saw right, I mean, its like giving someone a film to view, video footage, like.... moving pictures.'
"Perhaps, thy not know what to expect yes?"
'Mind reading isn't exactly common in my species, we think the mind is our own, though we always do want to know what others think.'
"It is not frivolous..." Luna remarks, huffing slightly as she looks away from you. "Celestias mind will enter yours, part of her shall expel into you to seek what she desires, it will be instant but blending of minds to such a level that even the slightest mistake could...."
You look at her, she was tearing up as her gaze returned, seeing you stare at her.
"I would not want either of you to end their lives like that, both...both of you are precious, to rule and to guide...both of you are something...this world...needs." she smiled a bit, blinking to wash the tears aside, sniffling a bit. "I...I know you will do whats right Anon, and....I will make sure to support you because...i know you know." she turned a bit, her rump to you as she starts trotting towards the door, opening it just a bit before turning and galloping over to you, planting a soft...kiss...upon your cheek before she flew from the room, red blush dimming to violet across her face.
"It seems you are very popular with dem comrade." Cermina says, slipping out from under the bed before getting up and keeping her gaze on the door. Rolling her shoulders, she turns back to you, a sly grin on her face.
'oh don't start' you retort, wanting to cross your arms, but looking pretty bleak about it.
"Tut, was trying to lighten mood comrade, no v'one wants to have dere minds read."
'I don't suppose you know any means of defending against such a thing, least I want to have some solace of control when someone goes looking in there.'
Cermina hurrmed, putting her talon to her lower jaw.
"Mind reqding v'as something v'e were though of to do, but dat was simply a myth, v'at we did learn is method on preventing interrigation...torture if you v'ill."
You perk your head 'how so?'
"We'ver trianed to move our consciousness to a subconscious level, allowing whatever horrors befalling us dare not compromise our integrity. Ve made sure dat any knowledge of our own was hidden, and our minds suppressed the pain our bodies eudure."
She separated her talons, bringing them palm upwards as she extended them before her. "We trained our bodies to take great pain, but since ve' cannot do dat, ve must find a means to train you to suppress brain, perhaps some level of control as an interrogation countermeasure."
'so basically...some control of my thoughts?'
"more or less, it takes many months to perfect duch ting, but...for a kin as me, it had only taken days. For you comrade, v'e have vune hour, we will have to...shall we say...crash course...you to understand at least bare minimum."
'I can take anything yah give me CerminA, lets get this over with.'
An hour past when Luna came to the door, greeting her with a rather...exhausted smile.
"Anon, are you well?" she asked, seeing the exhaustion in your complexion.
you nod 'yeah, sorry, just was trying to get my head around this whole thing....and mentally preparing myself for it.'
"Ah..." Luna replies with a smile as she trots over with two guards "Then let us make haste to the council chamber..." she said, smirking as she motioned to her guards who began pushing you out of the hospital room, bed and all. You noticed one of the guards held a ruttsack on his back, drawing it forward he plopped it on your lap.
"Your clothing, cleaned, mended and pressed for you, we may not be able to free you, but we can provide you with what is yours before we commit you to your sentence."
'Thanks...uhh but how am I suppose to change with my arms tied down?"
Luna huffed "It would be a matter of dispelling them, fortunately, I have an old trick to do just that."
She grinned, coy as she looked left and then right before he readied her horn, lowering it directly to each gauntlet chain, but keeping the device locked in. A magical burst and the chain broke, allowing you to move your left arm before she trotted over to your right and did the same thing. "There...now...those gauntlest can only be removed by Prince Blueblood, but your arms are free to move as you see fit."
You nod, gripping the wrists gauntlets as they were quite secure on his wrists.
'Thank you Luna...I can always feign being tied down so he doesn't get too...suspicious.'
"That should be sufficient, anything to give you some freedom should...well..." she looks away as you smile.
'Hey, s'gonna be okay, your sister will do all she can to make this work.'
"You trust her to do so?" Luna asks, still figuring you were disapproving of it.
'She talked to me a bit before you came, saying it was either her or Blueblood, I mean, what choice is there?"
Luna huffs, nodding "I understand, if it were me who was granted such a power, then I would do it for you with the utmost care and secrecy, your thoughts are your own right?"
'Yeah, but, if I'm to help Celestia in any way towards this case, then I must let her do whats neccissary.'
Luna smiled "I am glad you are so willing to allow her."
'Call it thinking ahead, my best bet here is to help you both keep Blueblood at bay, less we find ourselves under his foo- uhh hoof.'
Luna giggled a bit "ah, but that be the day when we come to losing all hope and sanity if this fair city, you and I both know that won't happen easily."
'I wouldn't know exactly, but pretty much the last thing we'd want is Bb in power. Things would just be crazy, already with the other half of the council taking my side is enough of an achievement in itself.'
Luna smiled "indeed it is."
You lay back as you feel the cart come to a halt outside a pair of massive doors. The two guards turning you to face it as the doors open, exposing the same council chamber just last night you had been settling Luna's trial in. Nothing changed, the same setup as before, only BlueBlood being absent and his booth had only a few advisers this time around.
You noticed the others, donning red robes this time around compared to the blue and gray they had before, signifying their difference as you were wheeled over to them at the defense table. Two of them were male, a Pegasus and an Earth pony, the other was a female unicorn. They smiled, each one bowing respectfully before you are straightened and the two guards stepped back, allowing Luna to stand beside you.
Celestia was not present, perhaps since the trial had not been called to order she was preparing herself, and why wouldn't she be, she'd be going into your mind soon enough.
You are Celestia
All your dreams you had about Anon, about what he was, what he brought with him.
They stirred around in your head, questions this and that, doubts, concerns.
Reading a mind was risky for both parties, especially considering a part of your conscious dives into his subconsciousness.
Its almost like going into somepony's home uninvited, seeing their deepest desires, dreams, even fears.
You shiver, hesitating to rest your crown atop your head, you detested this whole, perhaps more than anon; breaching his trust just to let him be freed by your arrogant nephew who sought nothing more than to cause as much strain possible for you, your sister, and now Anon for his display against him in court.
You trot over to the window, watching the sun slowly creep towards the highest point, noon, the time of his trial, of your dastardly work, Bluebloods answer...
You turn, exhaling as you settle your bare hooves into your hooflets, easing them snugly into place as you here a tap tap at your door.
You trot over, donning your sash as you open it to show your two guards, at attention.
"Your Majesty, it is time." one said as you nod.
'Yes...let us go.'
The same courtroom before you, the same ensemble of faces, smells and just expressions. Passing through the drape as your arrival was announced was calming, you could see all eyes gaze at you, even your nephew with some shred of dignity and respected looked, but quickly turned away as you trot before your throne.
'Fillies...gentlecolts...today we seeking answers, truth behind a crime that one had commit.'
You stare at Anon, he stares back, no expression, but you can see he's ready for anything.
'Anon...your actions as we have seen during the trial of Luna were the very essence of compassion and friendship we have seen, as the court had befell to grant her innocence, we had only moments before actions in question...brought about this trial to your head.'
"Oh auntie dear?" Blueblood calls, your hide shivers aw you turn your gaze to him.
'Yes....nephew prince?'
"Need ai remind you that this court suggest you take neutrality, and we know for a fact your sympathy for him..." His voice chilled for the word of him, his distaste for Anon is far more apparent than you'd remember him; almost as though he himself was being floored by a 'lesser species'. You smirk, enjoying that though with a tight not.
'I understand that nephew, I had done so before in the ruling of Luna's trial, but Anon is not of this court, nor is the verdict left without royal consent.'
You turn to Luna.
'As per equality for Anon, Princess Luna....nay sister....will be aiding Anon's case as his defense attorney. As he had done so magnificently for my sister, by her word, she wishes to stand by his side this time in stride to support him.'
For the first time...you heard a faint clop of hooves on the stone baseboard of the benches, and a smile crept along your muzzle.
'His crime however, is one not of relaxing complaint; Anon, as per BlueBloods case against you, this trial is for your attempted Murder of prince Blueblood.'
Murmurs in the heard was apparent as many ponies had taken a liking to Anon for his aid towards the Celestial princesses, but those who were so strongly with Blueblood, shared his utmost distaste of this human, perhaps his stifling the darkness Blueblood was committing could start bringing those who followed him into the light.
'However...' you begin again, hushing the murmurs without another word 'there is one thing different from this trial; we are at an impasse.' you turn to Luna, she nods with a step forward.
"The council is left divided equally, with no fault or reason for this crime and trial, however, since a stalemate refuses any form of outcome, Anon....has been requested to have his mind read for the final piece of evidence; his own witness to the events of last night."
You tense as Luna concludes your speech, you can see Blueblood angst towards you as obvious as ever whilst you give a small smile in reply as you hear the wheels of Anons bed strolled before you, held in place atop the center carpet of the courtroom floor.
'Anon....are yo-'
"Just hit me with it Princess...lets get this over and done with."
You can't help but blink in surprise at his edgarness, his frank words almost pushing you on as you feel the energy crawling up your rump and spine. It was alluring to be pressured on, even more to remain so calm about it as you stand, slowly trotting down the stairs to him before stopping just at the edge of her thrones staircase.
"Alright Celestia...lets just do this once okay, don't want any reruns to do now okay?"
A chuckle escapes your lips, batting your eyes cutely to him before you lean forward just a bit.
'You and I both know this will be pleasant Anon, I shall make it the grandest display of mind induction as possible.'
Anon smirks a bit, perhaps a bit too strong? You can see him reeling against the bed firmly as those hands grip the sheets.
'I meant no fear Anon, I shall do my duty for you, respectfully and dignifiably'
Anon calms "Thanks..." he mutters, still gripping the sheets as you step back up to your throne, turning to...wiggle...your rump before him in an ever so swag walk.
You sit, gaze at him, eyes catching his as your magic begins to conduct into your horn. Your eyes go wide, wider still on his side as you hear the charging of magic flowing into your horn. It radiates, stabilizing before charging further and further, eventually casting such a brilliance hour whole body glows with luminescence before you unleash a steady beam from the tip of your horn, instantly into Anons forehead.
His eyes gape...and you draw yourself in.
Anons mind is dark
darker than anything you've seen.
Complete blackness orbits you as you regain vision inside the mind of this human, Anon.
You are unsure what to make of it as you almost float in utter nothingness before you catch a faint twinkle in the distance. Noticing, you light your horn, spreading wings and with a wind snap, flying forward. You made silver trials along his thoughts, casting the only light in the shadows as you fly closer and closer, the twinkle becoming ever bigger and bigger, until you soar from the dark into a brilliant place of the spacial reaches beyond. Your eyes scan what you can only see as a system, several planets before you, centered around a brilliant sun further in as your eyes scan the brilliance of the blues, purples, violets and oranges of the stars, casting glows and hues to brown, green and grey upon the planets below.
However, something catches your interest as what looks like an object floating before the closest planet seems to blink with red and green lights. A sudden twinkle of a blue light catches your interest again as you sweep your wings and fly towards it.
The station was massive, a single spanning almost the length of your fair city Canterlot with a massive array of glimmering blue scales before it ((SOLAR PANNELS)). You were perplex, but you see the same blue light almost leading you over top the station, behind it causing you to turn and see two large sections cast in brilliant white and blue. A single blue light beacons atop one of the engraved objects, its doors slowly opening to expose an interior complex as you fly towards it, green lights stretch from the platform casting almost a path along either side of you, guiding you in before the doors seal and the dim red light of this place catches you again in the dark.
No one greets you as everything becomes silent, no warmth of a welcoming, not hint of life as lights glint along the floor, again, guiding you inwards to another pair of doors that hiss open and you trot inside; white washed hallways casting fair light around you as you're guided by these strange little lights.
You come to a broad hallway, a single stone placed within this massive chamber, and a little red box upon it.
You blink, trotting over to the box as you study it, seeing nothing unusual of it as you magic the latch open, and find what looks like a screen...similar to that device he had...his...phone?
You recall using it, easing it gently into your magical grasp as you see a picture on the screen.
"Tap me." it said, and so, creating the Myst like ball, you tap the screen. The picture changes to a personal perspective...leaving your room no less, checking the bottle of zap apple cider neatly tucked in place.
You watch the scenes to follow, going to BlueBlood, the talk, his rant towards the kingdom, the city, you and your sister, but most of all, those dragons. He had said many hurtful things, things that even you felt detested to hearing. Tehen...something unusual appears, a creature that was not there earlier in the screen time. She appeared far larger than you, deep crimson scales donning her chest surrounded by black scales all down her arms, legs and backside. She began approaching Blueblood, her long tail lashing about as those talons glint and her teeth bare.
Why had BlueBlood not noticed, was he that ignorant to the threat?
He kept talking as it lunged...and then the violence.
By Equestria...her ruthlessness...
She pounded him into the desk, slamming his head once, twice, three times into it before pulling him up and throwing him to the wall.
You grab her tail, she turns, hissing, blinding rage within those eyes. They calmed, seeing you, but held the hatred as strong as before.
She mutters something, and then goes forward, smashing Blueblood across the face before walking away and...vanishing.
"Not my best moment, but I assure you, dat was a rare occurrence; such hate is only reserved for enemies, dosha."
You whip around to see that creature, the drakess.
'Cermina?' you say slowly, having met her before in the castle... in your dreams.
"Ah, so anon spoke of me, good, dat is good. He is good human, good friend, he means much to me, so I am glad to stand by him."
'You know him well?'
"Dah" she replied, a big grin on her maw "He made me."
It took a moment for you to remember what Anon told you about her, she could be trusted, and you smiled.
'SO, you admit to the crime?'
"Yah, t'was me, but had reason, he bashed kin, ruthlessness bear ruthlessness, I acted as any of my kin would."
'It is still a crime.'
"Den will you challenge me for regards to be subdued? I do not tink so."
She had a point...even as an entity non-existant, she had...touched you....it made you quiver but she kept her distance.
"If dat is what you seek, take, but, dere is je request I ask of thee "
You quirk a brow 'what would that be?'
"To release me."
You shiver at those words.
Releasing a beast unknown into your realm?
You had seen the damage she had done to Blueblood, could she be trusted with freedom?
You back away from her, easing towards the stand were the box of evidence lay, causing it to shift in place, closing atop the small viewing device.
The darkess hissed "You do not trust me comrade? I am shamed, Blueblood was rare case, he deserved beating I gave to him, but I would dare not bring harm to your kind, they hold no reason to see as threat."
You stand firm, returning the gaze to this beast 'You had committed a crime against my subjects and against my family, there is little for me to say but to condone you to be punished for your actions.'
Cermina hurred, smirking a bit "Really, dat is all you can say; to see me punished for actions against one of YOUR kin who, if given the chance, would be just as easy to take hold and rid the world of my kin? You did hear what he said did you not?"
You pause, she of course was right, you did hear him say his distaste for the scale-kin, dragons were something that had rid his mother of the ruling power, but that gave no reason to beat someone for it.
'I stand by my words, you cannot commit an act of violence without the repercussions of the court, you had done wrong, and you must pay for it."
Cermina hissed "You are a fool, you are blinded by your own rules to realize dat you cannot keep following dem, soon, something v'ill break and den what, cower back to the same laws you stand by, de same ones dat nearly put your sister away?"
|You glare, a nerve, but you hide your anger 'you dare speak of such things as though you are an authority? The law had been passed, one that even I did not wish to happen.' you look away, Cermina just crosses her arms.
"Realize that even laws are not best, you are just to blame for actions towards your sister."
'That still...doesn't resolve your crime, you had assaulted Prince BlueBlood in cold blood.'
She huffs, pointing to herself "I am dragon, tis my nature to be cold blooded..."
You pause for a second, a stifle of laughter in your gut as you shake your head 'I meant your actions were unjust and unnecessary, assaulting a pony is one thing, Royalty is another matter, one that cannot go unpunished..'
The drake only grins "So, what do you wish to do, you cannot simply punish me here, dat would be foolish, dis is not your world Celestia, I am free to do as I please."
You blink, it had all returned to you that you were in ANON's mind, and this thing certainly did have all the power in the world to do as it saw fit.
"You seem to forget dat you cannot simply 'punish' me here comrade, dis is my world, and I plan to avoid having to deal v'ith such tings as punishment here."
You look quizzically at first, but that changes when Cermina grins and snaps her claws.
Everything changes, you are now standing on what looks like a platue, a flat surface within a range of mountains.
All around high mountains of dirt and stone surround you, nothing like those of Equestria..
The ground is...odd....it feels as those a thousand ranges of flame had scorched this land, leaving ash and dust in its wake.
And the smell
That smell...
it was...
death.
You feel cold, your purity now being tainted by this place, the essence of the dead slowly wafting around you as you can sense it, feel it ripple through your hooves as you shake your head.
"Tis wonderful yah?" Cermina mutters across the plateu from you "death...destruction, the dark side of humans...humans like Anon, but den, humans make wars far more devastating den anything you or I could comprehend." She grins, easing her arms behind her head.
'Where are we, how did-'
"We get here? Dat is my power here comrade, I put you in my mind, no longer Anons... hehe... I did give you easy choice to make, but you refused."
'Choice? More like demand, the evidence for your freedom, certainly not a measurable demand... especially considering it is you to blame and not Anon.'
You trot in place, slowly feeling the ground, the ash making it hard to keep steady, the air now thick with its fumes.
"True and I admit my reasons as just, you may not see dat you are simply coyed by your nephew; family as he is, seeking his own agenda even against you comrade. Hah, do not make me laugh, do not even doubt you are GLAD it happened. BlueBlood saw nothing but the worst in you, your sister, even your kingdom, yet you go blindly about without knowing dat he wishes simply to remove you and rule, but your just spineless princess unable to handle duties."
You glare 'Your wrong..if you hear all around Anon, then you must have known what I spoke with him about, you were there were you not?'
Cermina hurred, but said nothing.
'His reasons were noble, and my doing was my fault, my mistake for not trusting him and bending backwards for a nephew rotted with hate. I was a terrible sister and a worse princess...but...Anon made me realize something; I am still able to rule my subjects, I am still there for them, and shall be so for a very long time. I know that Anon is of truth and just and that finding his freedom is all I can for him, to make amends for my mistakes...his...suffering.' You look down, Cermina smirks, grinning.
"Noble, i applaud your attitude and means well for your future, but little to now, you still have dis to deal with."
'My words stand...Cermina...you may be charged under Anon, but I cannot trust you. Your crimes cannot simply go unpunished, so I cannot allow your freedom from this place.
"Hrmmm...den if dat is your choice, den I guess dere is no other option for me." she grins, slowly coming forward "if you cannot let me leave, den I shall not let you."
You blink, was she...serious? Certainly in this realm she did have control, but you would not submit to her, never, she wasn't evil, but her crimes would not permit her to have that freedom.
You already know what you need to know, despite no physical evidence, you dare not waver.
You spread your wings, and take to the sky.
Cermina below, growling as she rushes to the place you launched form, already high above her as she hisses loudly, scuttling off into the distance as you veer your head to the sky, seeing nothing but haze and clouds....and a twinkle of a bright star in the distance.
You bear straight for it, not wasting a moment in this wretched place as your wings snap you forward. Following that light
That star
Could it be a way out?
You think, but your thoughts are stopped by a sudden noise you never heard before.
It sounded like blades...cutting through the air.
And a noise that was almost unnatural.
Come up behind you is a beast you've never seen before.
Its shape was like nothing you've seen before.
A creature with two massive orbs in its front, glinting, showing the reflection of the world around it. Two smaller ones above them as something above it, like a blade, rotated atop the beast with a sickening whirring noise.
IT was wide, carrying two small wings along its side as each one held orb like objects, glimmering as its nose began to shift towards you.
It almost resembled a dragon...almost.
The kept close, no matter how fast you flew it was still there, still giving chase.
Its noise was deafening, but you pushed it aside
The twinkle
That star
You keep going, flying higher and higher.
Increasing your altitude, going completely vertical as the thing behind you starts to sag.
Cermina breaks from one of the glass globes, growling as she begins to trod across the front of it.
You're surprised, shocked as you fly higher, leaving the thing behind as the Drakes crouches, and then with a strong jump, soars right towards you.
The star brightens as you fly nearer and nearer.
Its light envelopes you both as you fly right into it...feeling the cold scales...upon your body.
its been almost twenty minutes since Celestia began the mind reading of Anon.
Twenty minutes of distress, you couldn't dream what sort of things would be hidden in this humans mind.
More-so, any thoughts he may have of your sister or...Celestia forbid, even of you!
What sort of thoughts could a creature of such fond kindness and dedication to another it views as a friend forge into a mind far more advanced than of theirs...it almost made you quiver to think what things...naughty things...could be inside there.
You shake your head as you trot in place behind the defense table, no permission from either side was given to approach Anon's bed while he had his mind studied.
Blueblood of course was more than happy to keep his distance, what things Anon could do to him.
Even with the gauntlets, it would be idiotic to even approach him, then again, seeing as how you unfastened them from their chains, little would be stopping Anon if Blueblood even bothered to try something.
You can't help but grin a little as you pass an unchallenged look to Blueblood... HE didn't know that.
You look back at Anon
His head was upright, proud in stature despite being laid down upon a bed. His black hair slightly curly without his hat covering it, and the faint stubble upon his chin, more so along the center like a goatee.
He certainly looked handsome with his eyes fixated on Celestia as she fixated on him.
It felt almost romantic, if not somewhat unsettling to be sharing such deep mental connections with another, let alone of a different species.
Part of you wishes to be in your sisters place... to share such a bonding was rare in this kingdom, but to do so not only with a creature such as Anon, but just seeing what he is capable of in thought...
You tense up as you start to see a flicker in Celestia's eyes, her head slowly bobbing up and down before she raises her form, exhaling as she...blinks...breaking the enchantment.
You can only smile as she seems to regain her composure...but you notice something about her.
Was that...fear in her eyes?
Then the whole room darkens and everything...even you..stop.
You are Cermina.
Freedom...
You gaze up at the Princess through the eyes of your master, grinning...causing his mouth to smile.
"Princess...." you whisper, your voice through him "do you tink its dat easy to escape me?"
The whole room begins to whip into a frenzy of energy, darkening to shades of black, grey and white as you feel the wall of reality crumbling.
Pressing your form forward like an edger child to a present on their birthday...
Or a hunter ready to pounce upon its prey.
Tearing away the blockading fabric as your form materializes straight from Anons eyes as you lunge through the gap, and rush right towards Celestia in a leaping flight.
Wait...
What is this?
Something is wrong...
You land before the princess, your talons ready as you gaze...up...at her?
"What?" was all you could say as you realize whats different.
Why are you shorter....and why is your body suddenly smaller...
"Sjot...." you whisper as Celestia blinks down at you, being only half her size now compared to the intimidating beast as before.
"Well...." Celestia begins, recomposing with a smile "aren't you just adorable for a drake."
"W-what? What trickery is dis?"
You growl as Celestia chuckles, bringing a forehoof to her maw "what have you done?" you hiss.
"Nothing my dear Cermina, perhaps it was another power, but your form seems fitting for this world."
"Does not comrade, dis is a child's form, not my true form of strength and power!"
"A childish exterior for a childish interior...I do think so."
You grumble, lowering your claws, you know damn well that you don't have as much power here as before...you dare not challenge Celestia here.
"I do believe, Miss Cermina, that you still have a crime to answer for." Celestia begins, right to business as you hiss.
"Hrrr...dat may be so, but I shall still defy that crime comrade."
"Even here?" she replied "I don't believe you have any position in that matter, especially after your actions in your mental scape."
Your tail twitches and you grimace.
"However, being anons creature, I cannot simply charge you without his consent, especially seeing his actions were such beneficial to our Kingdom, I can allow you...the freedom to escape, but the consequences are yours to handle, you and ANon cannot escape the law forever, but, I trust you both to find a means to solve it."
You blink, such...a gesture of gratitude by her majesty?
A trap?
No, it does not feel as such, her words are true.
You can't help but grin "Dat is kind of you princess..but v'hy?"
The princess smirks, eying her gaze at Blueblood then back to you "It was not I who instigated this trial, but rather the one you engaged in the castle proper, he must do so, I just wish to make it...difficult...for him to have his desires filled. His...temperament and distaste for your master is duly noted, and perhaps, being who I am, I cannot help but see how he may handle this."
You blink, was she seriously allowing you to escape with Anon? Surely she was jesting...but that look in her eyes, serious in her words, no lie, nothing beyond the utmost truth held with strength and compassion as she turned her gaze to Anon.
"I may not be sure to trust you Completely Cermina, but you and Anon have done nothing to justify this... well...him anyway, in time, you must step forward to accept punishment, just...not now."
You gaze around, the room still frozen in time from your breaking of reality as you smirk.
"I shall be certain to keep it as...difficult as possible comrade."
"That's what I hope."
Time slowly returned, for everyone in the courtroom, the sudden arrival of a creature such as Cermina standing before the Princess was enough to shock everyone.
The guards, bewildered, instantly go for the Drakess, but she is fast, back flipping off the royal throne back to Anons side as the human's mind returns.
'w-what?' He mutters as you grip his wrist and yank him from the bed.
"No time... we must go, now!"
Anon blinks, but you don't let him hesitate as you yank him from the bed and begin to pull him from the room, smashing the door open as you hoof it from the court room.
Blueblood was furious as you can see him barking at the royal guards...the Celestial princess in white, hiding that smile of delight as you leave the council chamber to the castle common.
Back to Anon
You swear its deja vu all over again as you're yanked from your bed and pulled down the hallway of the council chamber. Surprise gazes from all the ponies around centered on you and the drakes...Cermina...pulling you from your trial...under the shouts of Blueblood demanding your capture.
Shit got real...real real.
Cermina suddenly throws you from the chamber, rushing behind you as she stops, turns, and slams the door closed behind her, bracing herself against it.
*Fwump*
*Fwump*
The noise of guards smashing into the door reverberated from the other side as Cermina chuckles, hurring with delight as her tail whips about.
"Dat wont hold for long comrade, get dressed." She tossed the rucksack before you, sliding it to your legs as you blink, eye the child form of Cermina for a moment as she braces the door, slamming the wooden stopper down, looking back at you.
"DO not dally comrade, we must move from her at v'once!"
she barked her order, and you don't hesitate to follow it, whipping off the smock, donning your proper garbs ala Rarity, the vest, your phone, which Luna had kept safe...and something else, a scroll, sealed with a wax emblem of the royal guard.
You want to open it, but the sudden banging against the door tells you the guards aren't too happy.
Tucking the scroll back into the sack and lugging it over your shoulder, you pat Cermian on hers.
'Lets go!'
She nods, slamming the door back and rushing forward, passing you as she led the way, guiding you down the hallway, passing surprised coucil-ponies and guards alike as you storm down hallways.
"Seize them! They must not escape!" barked Blueblood from somewhere behind you as Cermina hissed.
"He should have been slain."
You look crossly at her as you run by her, keeping pace 'nothing would have been accomplished.' you reply as you turn another corner, rushing down the main hallway to the exit. The massive double doors of the main gate lay before you as Cermina speeds up.
"Hurrrah!" she shouts as she charges the doors, breaking right through them as they blow open to the courtyard, the sun shinning brightly as your eyes adjust to the midday light.
Already you can see Pegasus guards veering down towards you as Cermia grins, talons at the ready for a fight.
"Comrade...ve have company." she began to say, her tail lashing behind her as she waited for the first guard to fly just a bit too close before she leaped, and boy did she leap.
Taking the guard by the neck-plates of his armour, she dragged him right down to earth, hissing as she readies her talons.
'Cermina!' you bark 'No killing, we don't need blood on our hands...well..talons...understand?'
Cermina hisses, looking at you, then down to the guard before smashing a fist across his head, knocking hard into the steel armour and causing him to black out.
"Fine..." Cermina muttered, eying up at the other guards as they kept their distance both in surprise and perhaps even fear.
"I will make sure none die by talons of fire." she turned back to you as you smirks 'Thanks..' you reply as she huffs.
"If we are cornered and caught, I blame you." she smirked
'Thanks for the vote of confidence.' you retort as she looks down at one of the statues of a guard nearby and with a smirk, walks over and yanks the metal spear one held, snapping the blade end off and handing you the staff.
"Den do favor and watch back, not need guards flanking comrade."
Cermina leads you from the castle grounds, hissing at the guards desperately trying to get close, but between the human with the staff and the drakess, they hesitate, especially considering the actions of Anon, they still saw him as a 'friend' of the guard, but could not dare get close without the drakess pulling them down.
You both hoof-it from the castle, shouts of guards yelling at citizen ponies to move away as they keep track of you through the busy streets. Oddly enough, the deja vu kicks in again, taking the same path you took before, leaving the castle from the center bridge as you rush into the market district, causing the guards to veer off.
"We must get off main street!" Cermina hissed as she shoved aside ponies left and right, leading you south towards the city exit as you keep the staff close, pressing tight to the Drakess flank as she leads you towards a small building, leaping atop it, but turning and lowering herself to help you up onto the roofs.
Deja vu times three.
Fuck...this could end the same damn way as before...
You and Cermina start leaping rooftops, taking the high ground as more guards start to converge, they were getting bolder.
Much bolder.
Cermina takes down one as you wave off two of them from the rear, again, not causing any serious injury as she knocks out a second...and then a third one as your staff clocks a fourth in the helm, causing him to spiral and crash onto the roof.
"Dey seem persistent." Cermina mutters as they back off again before taking the chance to throw one guard at another and then jumped over a gap between the roofs.
You step back, following suit, breaking into a run as you leap, fly...and just miss it, grabbing onto the edge as Cermina doubles back, reaching down quickly for you but just missing your hands as you fall into a pile of cardboard boxes.
"Sjot, comrade!" she barks as three guards converge on her. She nails one, but the other two slam into her.
She recoils, falling from the roof just where you landed.
"Great...dis is not good." she whispered as you helped her up.
"you okay?" she asks
'Yeah...nothing broken...s'ept my pride.'
"Was too big a jump?"
'didn't count for the rucksacks weight.'
"Ah...v'ell, we still can make it." she smirked, tugging you through the backstreets now as the guards keep flying over, unable to find you between the narrow streets of the city's back alleys as she keeps leading you south, the main gate exit you saw from flying in, perhaps it won't be as guarded as the rest? DOubt it...you need an alternative.
You break from the city common into one of the parks, its large opening made you stand out clear as day, but the Guards seemed more intent on searching the city.
Five minutes tops till they notice?
You don't care as you and Cermina take cover under a big tree.
"We must leave now, dis getting too hot." she says, pointing at the gate where several guards are flying around it.
'there goes escape plan A...'
"You have plan B?"
you pause 'I'm working on it...'
"Sjot..." Cermina sighs as she eyes the lower end of the bark, just west of the gate to spot a waterfall trunging water down to a massive river below.
"Comrade...ever high dive before?"
'What?'
She points to the falls.
'Your kidding right?'
"Only v'ay" she shrugs "dat or any option C you may have..."
You sigh 'Fine, better than nothing, but what about you, aren't you ill to water?'
"I will manage...tis not as though it attacks me." she grinned, "I' vill do v'hat I can for comrade, dat mean jumping into river den I shall."
You smirk and nod as you both get up and make your way to the fall, not too far from your current location as you hug any tree cover you can get, but the closer you got, the sparser the cover got in return.
You exhale as you catch a glint of white fur in the distance, eyes up as you see...Celestia herself...flying towards you.
Tapping Cermina on the shoulder, you point it out as she hisses.
"We move, double quick." she kneels down before you, smirking "piggy back, get on now."
You bink...was she serious?
Could she even lift you?
You sigh, no time to argue as you ease onto her back.
She only grinned as she started lifting you slightly as she began to leap through the park.
She kept you close to her back by gripping your thighs against her flanks, leaping and running towards the falls, even with you on her back she was still fast, and hella strong.
Her last leap lands you into the river rushing towards the falls.
Cermina nearly trips up against the smooth limestone lining the river bed as you hold tight, almost gripping your hands against her...chest...area.
"COmrade..." she mutters her voice somewhat...allured "we do not fraternize with our kin in arms..." she smirked as you blink, easing your hands off her before she kneels and eases you from her back.
Just as Celestia lands behind you.
"Anon...Cermina..." she began as Cermina hissed, stepping between you and her, nudging you back towards the falls as you take a few steps.
'Celestia...' you reply, taking a tight hold of the rucksack as you eye her.
"Here we are again...the stage is set ANon, little can change what will happen, but I ask you ,surrender yourselves, and you shall not be harmed."
"V'e do not plan to, v'e are done v'ith trials and rules."
"Oh, is that what you believe?" Celestia remarks, trotting forward.
SHe was bold.
Cermina steps back a bit.
"I cannot allow actions of assaulting royalty to stand, now, with you refusing to abide by the laws and scriptures we present your transgression shall only broaden."
'Then let it, we cannot help the blind.'
Celestia looks at you, you can see a shot of regret, but its hidden quickly by stern disapproval.
"If you do not wish to surrender quietly, then you leave me little choice."
Her horn starts radiating as its brilliance charges.
At the same time, Cermina's claws begin to glow as she growls, tail lashing the water.
Celestia rears, and with a triumphant whine she slams her hooves down, firing her beam from her horn as Cermia lashes her claws forward, catching it in a vortex of fire.
She starts backing up, digging her talons into the limestone as she was being pushed back by the overwhelming strength of the princess.
"Hurrr...dis...is not over..." Cermina grunts digging her talons as her claws cast a vibrant glow of their own, brilliance instantly as she suddenly slashes her claws apart using the princess own magic to create a wall of pure fire, dancing just above the water as Cermina hisses, turning to you.
"GO NOW!" she barked as you turn with her, rushing down the last leg of the river...and leaping with your drake right off the edge into the river below.
"Auntie dear, did you get them?" BlueBlood asks, landing in his chariot just behind Celestia pausing to see the wall of fire there, and the perpetrators no where to be seen.
"I see...they have eluded you, or has your negligence to your duties swayed with your...affection...for the human."
Blueblood sneers as Celestia huffs, stamping her foot.
"He...had nothing to do with your injuries, his dragon kin did, she refused to remain, but she was strong...stronger than expected."
Blueblood doesn't waver, his eyes fixate on Celestia, seeking any weakness in her story, but they ring true and he is forced to ease his gaze.
"Then they have escaped, and we must find them...I shall speak to the council of this, soon we shall have him, and any...attempts...to harbor both those criminals shall be wrought with force...auntie dear, I think its time you let me handle this." He smirked a wicked smirk as he returned to his chariot and rode off to the castle.
Celestia remained, easing over to the edge to gaze down, hoping that Anon and Cermina were capable.
"Be safe...be strong." she whispered as she took off to the castle.
--
The fall was harder then you thought as the water came up much too quickly for you to prepare.
That or you were out of practice.
No Olympic diver in your blood.
You were lucky you didn't belly-flop.
Hitting the water as a dive straight and true, head first, arms above your head like a bullet.
You struck deep down, going several feet below before turning upright and swimming a few meters below the surface, holding your breath as you suddenly breach the surface, exhaling and inhaling deeply as you look about.
No one followed, that's good.
You eye the shoreline nearby, it wasn't that far to the nearest spot of low land that you could beach yourself on.
Which led to a rather important question.
Where was Cermina?
You whip yourself around to see if you can see her.
Nothing above the surface.
Shit.
You dive down underwater again, swimming about.
Getting tired, have to find her.
You swim around underwater for several minutes, no sign of her.
Super Shit.
Inhaling again, you dive back down.
You can imagine she either smashed herself on the cliff-side last minute because of being a chicken, or she drowned, whichever was worse you really hoped were just thoughts.
Which were abruptly paused as you feel a pair of claws grip you.
Dragging you deeper into the water.
Face to face with a very frighten Cermina.
Either by some other-worldy force or some super secret training technique, she brings you right close to her and latches her maw to your mouth.
You get a rush of warmth as her breath heats your body.
Soothing almost, if it wasn't for the fact she was keeping you under.
Then her weight collapses onto you.
Its not much, oddly enough, but you can feel it.
Did she...
Yeah, she was unconscious, gripped by fear or perhaps the realization that she wasn't sure which way was up.
You hopped the former, it would seem pretty stupid to find her only a few meters or so from the surface without knowing.
But that was just thoughts, and it was best you help her, she doesn't seem the type to give you air before fainting.
You turn her around, letting her back rest to your front, arms under hers, wrapping up to her head as you swim up, breaching the surface with her.
You exhaled, and inhale, taking your time to get your bearings as you lay Cerminas body atop the surface, keeping her head straight in a proper spinal maneuver, body straight and head resting on your shoulder as you whip kick to the shore.
"Son of a..." You exclaim as you drag Cermina up the shore, she weight less than nothing in the water.
Whole other story on land as you drag her through the sand up to the soft grass of the wood nearby and propped her against a tree.
Shivering, you begin scrounging for wood and rocks, finding both around the wood and along other parts of the shore near the mountains you were close to.
The woods themselves seemed to spread around these mountain bases, being to sheer to actually root like the Rockies or something back home.
Unusual, but, nothing to dwell on as you make your way back to the site, creating a makeshift fire-pit with sand and rocks before snapping the twigs and braces and dumping them in the pit.
You sigh, no lighter or matches on you as you look over at Cermina.
You had propped her up against te tree, she was still alive just unconscious.
Remembering that her talons could create fire, you grab one of her claws, taking two of the digits and striking the claws together like flint and tinder.
*clink* *clink*
C'mon...
*click...click...click.*
You..
*click*
Stupid
*click*
Peice of...
*snap!*
*Fwoosh*
The talons light up instantly, spraying a shower of sparks onto the wood you collected, catching instantly as you suddely feel the claw draw away as Cermina eyes you.
You look away..
'sorry about th-'
She grabs you by your scuff of your shirt and pulls you into a kiss.
"Shh.." She whispered, parting as she smirked "you save Cermina, I am grateful, dat is something I honour as your friend...and hope to repay."
'Hehe...well..' you blush a bit 'It what I do.'
She hurrs in delight before sitting upright and eying your rucksack not too far off. "Have you checked dat?" she asked pointing to it.
You shake your head.
'Aside from getting my clothing, I think its full of important items, but I haven't checked.'
Cermina grins, easing up and walking over, collecting the satchel and plopping it on your lap.
"Den we check." she grinned, sitting across from you as you look through the contents.
First out came a bundle of scrolls, a quill, and an ink bottle.
"Charming, dey expect you to write to dem what?"
'Maybe Luna would want me to write it for her, but how would I?' Your eye catches another bottle, only this one is filled with what looks like green...sand.
'Any idea?' You ask, tossing it to Cermina who looks at the contents, opening the top to sniff it.
"Smells like sand..." she hurred, taking a speck and licking it, with a rather...unsettled expression.
"Bleh, taste like heavy salt."
'Hang on...' you notice a note beneath it as you read it.
>Ânon...if you are reading this, then I fear what my sister and I may do now cannot help you return to the peace you once hand. I had made this satchel for you as a means to provide for yourself.<
'How sweet.'
"Seems Princess Luna had been more tuned den v'e first thought."
>Within this bag you shall find scrolls, quill and ink to write to us, as you may have noticed, there are no easy means of sending it. The green sand inside you bag is messenger sparkles, its the same substance dragons under the jurisdiction of Princess Celestia can use with their breath to send letters to her. I had done the same with this batch, though they will send directly to me, reliving tensions on my sister.<
"So...dis must be it...but how?"
'Maybe you eat it?'
Cermina makes a face "Do not joke, tastes disgusting."
You chuckle, continuing to read.
>Simply sprinkle this all over the scroll you wish to send, then toss it into a flame, the flame shall turn green and send the letter to me.<
'Makes sense.'
"Better den eating..."
>Additionally, I have included a map of our realm, Equestria, and a compass of directing to guide you to any location you seek.<
You draw out the golden compass, embroidered with royal insignia on the back and its face depicting the time of day.
"Smart." Cermina hurrs, eying it.
>One thousand bits have been placed inside your purse as well, should you require the currency.<
"Thousand bits?"
'sounds like a lot of money.'
"Hah, perhaps, pay back Rarity for attire?"
You chuckle, but realized that you should head back to Ponyville... the ponies may be worried about you, seeing its been a full day since you left as the sun slowly settled over the hilltops.
Night soon...
Luna may be out, hopefully you can get a message to her.
>I hope that your kindness and skill can help you in these coming times. Truly thy has set himself above and beyond his species, and I trully hope we can solve this.
Your Night Time Maiden
Princess Luna<
You pull out a quill, scroll and a bottle of ink as you set to writing your letter.
Keep it simple, you're alive, in hiding, hoping to return to Ponyville soon and figure this out with your friends there, Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie, Rarity, Rainbow and Fluttershy.
Together, perhaps you can figure all this out...and Cermina?
Cermina is Cermina, she's going to make sure no one dies.
After finishing and signing the letter you turn to Cermina.
'Ready to try this out?'
Cermina hurred "Dah, should be good."
She tosses back the jar as you take a few pinches of the sand and sprinkle the letter with it, looking over at the fire you bite your lip...and toss it in.
The fire flares up, turning green as the letter is burned, carrying itself off in a green mist to where ever it was destined to.
"Now, ve head to Ponyville?"
You nod, looking at the Compass, already its arrow was pointing North, but another seemed to point in another direction...towards Ponyville.
"Very smart.."
You are Twilight Sparkle
And you feel very...very..concerned.
A letter had come from Princess Celestia.
It had went on about how Anon was absolutely paramount in the trial, winning the case hooves down for Luna, and bringing out a sorry spittle to Prince Blueblood.
It was comforting, but its second part brought...unsettling news.
Anon was now being tired for attempted Assault on Prince Blueblood.
Oh it was terrible.
The letter ending saying Anons trial was tonight, and the verdict would be settled then, but such a time she was hoping to spend indulging with Anons brain, why did she have to take him.
"oh, such a bothersome feeling Spike, the sheer unknown respect of finding knowledge..."
"Yeah, I can see how much you care."
The purple and green dragon was holding a pink gem, studying it attentively before eating it down.
"Augh, you don't fully understand, not like Anon would, he's so wise and strong..."
Spike rolled his eyes, easing off his stump on the bookshelf, easing into a stretch before going towards the door.
"Well, whenever he's needed in Canterlot for must be rather urgent...perhaps it's already been dealt with.
You humm, it made sense, "Princess Celestia always knew the best."
You smile, turning as Spike opened the door, his sudden expression in pure quizzicalness as another drake stood at the door.
"Move...Dosha..."
You are Anon.
You move slowly through the wilderness, tight behind Cermina, compass in claw as you hugged the map.
"Well, dis is useful..."
'ill say...' You watch the map, enchanted with a small glowing orbs of two green dots tracking your progress.
The magical pop-outs helped too.
You gaze up, seeing Cermina's form, slightly towering your shadow as she held the compass in her left hand.
She suddenly paused, raising her right talon, fisting it before she took a knee.
"Company"
'what?'
"Several forms... no weapons, i smell no steel among them, but they are not harmless, they are predatory: sense blood and fang."
You get down.
'Great, are they coming this way?'
"No, they cross path, no wind."
'then what now?'
"Wait...let them pass, you cannot defend."
You fidget, she was right, you wanted to be able to pop em one if a fight broke out but you didn't have anything to do so.
Cermina hurred, easing into a calmed defense.
"we let them go, they mean not to harm unless we stray."
You sigh, finally sitting down slowly, pulling the bag over and easing the map back into place.
'I guess we got some time then, eh?'
"Perhaps, catch breath, how far from Ponyville are we?"
You sigh, blanking as you pull the map back out and opening it.
Gazing at the dots, you can see a few paths back to Ponyville, the closest was a tight climb atop a cliff to get to a pleatue.
The middle was wide, but it was made of a good portion of water with a pond within, crossable, but narrow.
The furthest path took you back to a dirt road, the trail chariots and carts make along to both places; it was theclosest civilized point this far out.
"The second path is only a few kilometers away, i'd say another half to full 'our till we get there."
Cerminha hurred
"keep map out, easier den fishing."
You nod, slipping the map under your arm as you both move on.
"dose creatures still prowl ahead, wind is at our front so we can smell dem, but dey cannot smell us."
'That's assuring.'
Cermina chuckled, but her humor is cut short as she suddenly pauses.
Raising her head, she sniffs the air, and lets out a soft hiss.
'Whats wrong?'
"Wind changed... do not smell beast anymore. Sjot...wind is at our backs."
'And that means?'
"Dey smell us... and dey approach."
You get down with Cermina, you have no idea what exactly is coming, but you can't help but feel at odds; you cannot defend yourself.
"Climb tree, get out of sight."
'Whatabout you?'
Cermina huffs "I can take v'hatever dey may throw, but you cannot...go hide so dey only sense me."
You don't want to, but do you really have a choice?
No claws, no tough hide, not even a weapon.
Cermina was a living one, she could handle herself.
'I don't like abandoning my comrades.'
Cermina hurred "Nor do I, but you, as you are now, liability. Cannot risk your injury here, no help for you."
It feels almost...childish to have to resort to hiding in a fight, but what could you really argue against with a drake who was willing to protect you against the odds.
You owed her a drink...a big one.
With a nod, you begin to clamber up the nearest tree, finding its branches strong enough to support you as you settle on the second tier of the foliage from the trunk.
For a moment you rest there, seeing Cermina below you, senses fixated on this approaching threat.
Well beyond you capabilities of a human being.
Can't help but feel envious how cool she is.
You hear rustling, Cermina turning fully to see whatever may be approaching, guard up as a pair of spindly legs emerged from the brush.
Then several more.
Pulling the ugliest spider like creature you have ever seen.
God...gage reflex strength!
SPiders, why did it have to be SPIDERS!?
Cermina didn't hesitate to attack it, hissing as she lunged at the small creep, instantly pouncing and slamming talons deep into its abdomen, slicing clear through as the creature clicked, slowly collapsing to the floor, its legs sprawled as Cermina rips her talons from its corpse.
"Hah...is dat all?"
More clicking as the entire bush around them began to rustle.
Spiders EVERYWERE!
You grip the branch tightly as you watch them swarm from the wilderness, overtaking Cermina almost instantly under a massive mound of legs and bodies. Occasionally one would die from a claw striking through its gut, only to be covered up by three more.
You wonder if they are actually biting her.
Her scales are probably tough enough to resist.
That however...didn't help you as the spiders noticed.
They started to climb.
Oh shit.
You HAte spiders...
You start climbing higher as this sudden swarm begins to acend the tree.
Dear god why...Why did you deserve this?
You make it to the topmost branch, only to see just a pile of spiders below you, all of them covering atop Cermina.
You sigh...leap of faith time.
You jump, crashing down atop the mound of spiders, scattering the furry buggers all over, squishing the one you landed on with a shrill cry in its death throws.
You see Cermina laying there.
'Shit...' you whisper aloud, seeing several bites along her inner neck, weaker and exposed sections of scales as you grab her, arms slinging under hers as you start pulling her away.
The spiders don't like that.
They come after you, spitting you both with webbing as you struggle.
More and more.
Till everything is covered.
You're stuck in place, unable to move as you see them crawling all over you, carrying you and Cermina off from your spot and across the forest floor.
An hour passed, perhaps more as the sun began to crest over the mountain beyond and dusk slowly began to approach.
The spiders seemed in high spirits, enthusiastic chirps and clicks as they lead you towards a cave
Towards a cave.
Figured.
Mommy must be waiting for her brood.
You can't imagine how big a spider mum might be to have spider children around the size of your chest.
You watch them draw you into the cave.
Cermina still out cold beside you as you suddenly go vertical, upside down as you're stuck to the ceiling which is covered in webs.
The spiders soon part, assured you were tightly secured as the room went quiet.
The air is still, no scent you could pick up as you try to free youself.
Had you flexed your muscles, you may have been able to loosen the webbing, but pulling Cermina had put you at a disadvantage position towards being captured.
fuck that
no one gets left behind.
"Ugh..." Cermina mutters as she stirs, trying to move her arm as its held in place "Sjot...feel like branding iron smacked face."
'If your in pain, that's the least of your worries, I think we're about to feed those things mum.'
"Mum? Den..we are?"
'in the nest.'
"Sjot...shoulda flamed dem all down."
'and risk burning the forest '
Cermina grumbles to herself, obvious of how true your answer was>
"Well, prefer Hero's death on field of battle..."
'I would too, this is just pathetic....'
You hear distinct clicking noises of a dozen or so mandibles clicking together as you gulp.
Cermina shows little in the way of fear, but you can...start to smell burning wool like someone's shirt was on fire...
was she?
Good girl...damn good.
However, no time to celebrate as you see a wave of the spider things emerging all around you. Glowing red eyes fixated on you both as they came close, but dare not step on the webbing you were tied to.
It was almost as if they were afraid...
and with good reason to.
You feel a tug on the webbing, something very heavy moved as Cermina begins to hiss.
"mum...approaches." she whispers, claws still singing but not fast nor hot enough to break the webbing.
Was it made of diamonds or something?
You huff, suddenly feeling something behind you as you turn your head to see a
Massive
Furry
Spider.
It seemed to hiss as its mandibles...drooled...at the prospect of such fine flesh.
Its forelegs go for you first, seeing the struggling Cermina and finding your sheer fear of it almost intoxicating.
You gulp again, lifted from the web as it began to draw you close to its maw.
"Anon!" Cermina cried as she dug her claws in deep to the web.
"Stop right there!" Came a cute, yet highly serious squeak from below as you look down.
There, on the cave floor is the smallest yellow Pegasus with the longest mane you've ever seen.
Fact is, its the only little Pegasus you've ever seen, eying it attentively with a half hearten scare in your expression.
Then you remember.
That was Fluttershy!
She looked so small from up here, especially considering 'mama' wasn't too happy having uninvited guests for lunch.
She began to spiral down towards Fluttershy, landing just in front of the little mare who seemed to be showing no fear at all.
Strange considering who she was.
"You weren't going to eat poor Anon were you?" she asked in her soft, cute voice "because...uhm...hes a friend and friends don't let other friends get eaten so, could you please...uhm...let him go."
Mama spider simply hissed, mandibles drawing out.
"oh..well...o-okay, if thats what you want...then...im sorry if... i must do this."
"Heeeyhaaah!" the little Pegasus moved instantly, slamming a hoof right into the spiders mouth before flashing over to the side and grabbing two of its legs, gripping them and quickly flipping the spider onto its back side.
It squealed as Fluttershy lept up and landed right on its center point, trotting rather firmly over to its head.
"Now...will you let them go, or do I need to round two this?"
The spider wheezed, crumpling her legs close and almost...nodding.
"pleeaaaasssee don't hiiiit meee again."
Fluttershy smiled, stroking a mandible "I promise I wont, and I'm terribly sorry for doing it, but..." She turned to Anon and smild "he is a friend, and friends don't let other friends get eaten. Maybe you could find something else to feed your babies, I know a big swarm of pest bugs flew in not far from here, you can eat those."
Mom seemed complaisant, but being below Fluttershy, she sighed, clicking and hissing at her kids to fetch the two.
You were brought down quickly, the thread torn away and spooled up in balls as you're placed right beside Fluttershy.
"Thank you...if...i may ask, will you need that spool of thread? My friend Rarity just loves using your silk."
The spider paused, but was more than willing to get rid of used resources as they all eased away back into the darkness, leaving the two spools before you.
You blink, looking at Fluttershy just smile and ease close.
"Hello Anon, its...good to...see you again." She eyed up at you.
Oh gawd so cuuute.
You want to hug her...so bad.
"Geeze, its you i got to thank for saving both me and Cermina from that."
Fluttershy nods, but blinks, turning to see the drake standing beside her, easing close to look at the slightly smaller mare.
"Ohh...hi...you're a Young dragon too hrmm? Oh have you met Spike, he's an adorable little baby dragon and im sure you two would get along fine."
Cermina huffed "i...do not tink..." she paused, seeing the almost empathetic gaze of Fluttershy and sighed "yah...might be good idea."
You huff, feeling rather light headed as you suddenly lean forward, you feel a turning in your gut as you go to your knees.
"comrade Anon?" Cermina mutters as she watches you suddenly exhale...and collapse to the floor.
Cerminha rests you down onto a rather concerned and semi reluctant Twilight Sparkle's bed, easing you straight on your back as the purple mare watches over you. Fluttershy had left to get the others, leaving the pony, two dragons, and the human alone to figure out what happened.
"What do you think it is?" Twilight said, placing a warm compress on your forehead as Cermina sighed.
"Maybe its something from the Everfree...a curse of poison joke?"
Cermina shook her head, trying to say something as Twilight continued.
"Or maybe its Hoof and Mouth, always a problem but could it ever get this severe, let alone caught by a species not indigenous?"
Twilight doubled back, easing over to shelf of books and grabbing one here and one there, skimming and dropping it when nothing of use was found.
Back and forth, looking at Anon, then to the books.
"Maybe its mad pony disease, sympons do include fainting..."
She ran off again.
"Or Sleeping Mane? Prolonged unconsciousness... no, he doesn't have a mane....hrmmm." she turned from Anon, turning back before planting both hooves on either side of the bed and sticking her nose right into your sleep face.
"What...is it?" She said...and though she wanted to rush back to her books and look for more, something...almost magical kept her there.
She had never seen Anon asleep like this before, he was...calm, serene, almost at peace as Twilight gazed down at him, feeling the unusual sense of comfort from this human.
"He is malnourished, and suffering dehydration comrade..." Cermina mutters, head down, eyes close over by Anons feet.
"How do you know?" Twilight whispers, easing off the bed.
"I...am somewhat familiar with him, he and I had met in Canterlot, and seeing as he and I escaped togeder, i know dat he had not ate or drank during dat time. Not even sure if he consumed nutrients at all before den, what v'ith all the nonsense about the city involving him."
Twilight approached Cermina, she hadn't had a chance to study this one, but clearly seeing her similarity to Spike, she must be a dragon native to Equestria, at least, for Cerminas sake, was all she concerned herself with before sighing.
"Well, what do you suggest we do then Miss...?"
"Cermina..."
"Cermina...what do you suggest?"
The drakess was going to speak, but the sudden boom of a door being thrown open and the clatter of hooves along the stairs as the other ponies, Applejack led the way with Rainbow close behind, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Rarity led the back as they all crowded into the room.
Neither Cermina nor Twilight could really expect such a sudden rush of bodies into the already cramped room.
"Oh poor Anon, such a dreadful situation he has led himself into?" Rarity always the first to begin the conversation.
"He looks like a mess, something musta really took him out..." Rainbow muttered "I mean, serves him right, probably bothered the wrong pony..."
Applejack nudges Rainbow hard
"Now dat aint right ta say it was his fault sugah cube."
"Den whose was it?" Rainbow demanded, going face to face with Aj.
"Was not his, rader...it was mine."
All the ponies turned to Cermina.
"Oh...my..." Rarity begins "I must admit I never had seen a dragon so...elegant." she began as she studied the now present dragon that...everypony seemed to have missed.
"Whoa, didnt think 'ere be another one of em dragon folk here...ya'll aint a cousin of Spike or sumtin?"
Cermina eyed Aj, then the little dragon who still seemed rather spell-bound by the dragons presence.
"No, he no blood kin of mine, but..tank you on compliment."
"She certainly talks funny..."
Rainbow mutters flying close "What do you mean it was your fault then?"
Cermina was about to explain before a shrill eeep sounded from behind her and Pinky had landed herself right atop Rainbow "Hey, new friend, new friend, oh wow, and a dragon too! I should get the Borsch and Vodka ready as soon as possible."
"What...?" Cermina asks blinking
"Duh, you're Russian right?"
Cermina doesn't answer as everyone stares at Pinkie.
"WHat...its ture?" She persists.
"Whats a "Russin?" Rainbow muttered as Cermina coughed.
"To answer rainbow pony question, Anon had gotten into trouble in Canterlot with Royalty...and due to dat royalty being rather...influential...ended poorly for his odds."
Everypony froze, silent, too shocked for words.
"You can't mean Celestia? oh dear me please say it wasn't her." Twilight stammers, trotting in place.
"It v'asnt her."
"Oh thank Celestia."
"Hold On!" Rainbow interrupted, now free from Pinkies pin as she flew up to Cermias face.
The drakess bore her fangs, Rainbow was unmooved.
"How do we know she's not some secret agent working against Celestia, dragons have no reason to bother with pony matters "
"Actually Rainbow...dragons do...in fact, a few reside in Canterlot for politic-"
"Argh...alright, fine."
Rainbow looked at Cermina.
"So if your not an agent, how did you meet Anon..."
"And how did you know what happened?" Twilight chirped in, making everyone turn to Cermina.
In truth, Cermian didn't want to say anyhthing; telling how she was freed when Celestia read Anons mind certainly would cause a lot of concern, especially with the Purple one. They were smart these ponies...but naive, she wanted to keep that as that.
"I was working in Castle as envoy to dragon kin, I came from fire lands to see Canterlot. I met Anon when he v'as venturing city, was nice time...but....when things went bad...I helped him escape."
The ponies were in utter surprise, what sort of thing happend there?
"I do not know exact details.!" Cermina said, looking to the upper right "but...it v'as not good, and royalty v'as involved blaming Anon for crime."
Twilight looked concerned "Well...if it wasn't Celestia, and knowing it was definitly not Luna...who else cou-"
"HEY!" Spike shouts, having gotten to the window of the upper floor "Royal guards are landing in the center of town!"
"Well...dere you may find answer." Cermina mutters as Rarity trots over.
"oh my...royalty here...oh and me without my saddle bag of attire." She begins to fix up her mane a bit as she looked out the window.
"Well...lets be good guests and go welcome them."
Every pony nodded and trotted out quickly, leaving the two dragons and the Human as perplexed, if not relived, behind.
"You..."
"...have..."
"...got..."
"...to..."
"...be..."
"Kidding me!"
All six mares were shocked by who the royal envoy was to arrive.
The moment that white coated, blond maned Unicorn Stallion with the half-hearten curl along the front trotted from the chariot, all six of them held their disgust.
It wasn't a surprise to tell it was none other than Prince BlueBlood himself, escorted by several armour cladded guardponies, each one expressionless behind full-clad helms.
"Fillies and Gentlecolts of Ponyville." he began, stepping atop a pair of his own guards to raise his stature, glancing over the ever growing crowd surrounding him.
A smile crept along his face as his eyes catch the mane six near the end of the group, and he cleared his throat to continue.
"As you may or may not know, a new creature has made its appearance in our great land of Equestria. Some of you may have already met him, befriended even, others have gone upon sight, and some simply words. I however, have born true witness to this creatures.... darker side."
Blueblood looked about, eying the crowd of surprised and rather confused faces, the mane six however showed no such change, he just smiled wider.
"We, the royalty of this great land had granted this creature. this...Anon..." his words held a hidden spite to them "a chance to witness the means of our ruling and hospitality as a guest to our humble abode. Clearly though, this human as he is called, had other plans on his table. When kindness and generosity were given, he only sought hate and anger in return, and had done about such a disregard for such things only royalty could give. Whats more, his vile hand sought no friendship, but harm and fear as he had set upon me when I opened my hooves to him in kind."
There were odd murmurs through the crowd, despite what Blueblood was saying, many ponies had no real idea how...snake like...this prince was. Only the mane six held no change in their expression, easily seeing past the lie BlueBlood was weaving.
He didn't seem to mind as he chuckled, catching their disgusted expressions from the corner of his eye.
"If you feel that what I say may not be easy to believe, that you may have met this Anon or befriended him, then let me add that he even sought his own plans against that of your dear Princess Celestia!"
A shock rippled through the crowd, even Twilight had started to show some concern.
"Princess Celestia?" she whispered, her friends looking at her with worried stares as `Blueblood smirked, seeing their wall slowly start to crack.
"Upon coming to my aid, Celestia herself had been engaged by the ruthless beast that was Anon, and despite her valiant efforts, had nearly fell to the strength this creature hid behind his almost...frail...demeanor. Had I not regain my own strength, Anon surely would have bested the Princess and ended her rule and protection of her loyal subjects."
Shock....surprise, even downright appaulment now shifted through the crowd as they muttered amongst themselves, still hard to believe that the 'savior of Twilight Sparkle' had turned such a dark hand to their ruler and guardian.
Expressions of anger now filtered through the crowd.
"Now....perhaps many of you wonder why I come here, it is simply a matter of tracking this criminal down; his actions against my Auntie and myself cannot go unpunished, and prior to his trial of justice, he had fled our grasp, and sought refuge in the one place he knows. As it stands, by royal decree, my guards and I hereby sentence Ponyville and its subjects to Marshal law as we seek out this perpetrator to the throne.
Those who provide aid shall be rewarded, while those who cower and hide this criminal shall be punished to the utmost degree. Comply, and we shall be done swiftly and without incident, I assure you...no beast such as Anon shall escape the royal hoof that protects you."
His guards instantly took flight, patrolling the skies like hawks for prey as many others began to search through shops and houses, leaving everyone somewhat frightened, none able to stand against the intimidating armoured stallions that now searched their homes.
Twilight and the others simply remained at the rear of the crowd, their expressions broken, shocked even by what Bluelood said.
"It...it can't be true...can it?" Twilight mutters as Aj trots forward.
"Sugh, Ah wouldn't trust Bluebloods word fer a secon, ya'll know he's just a bad seed."
Twilight turned to Aj "But what if its true? Anon did look pretty banged up."
"The...spiders did capture him..." Fluttershy squeaked "But...i don't think they would ever do something like that."
Twilight looks back at Blueblood as he fixed his mane, smirking as she started trotting towards them. The mane six all blink in surprise as the royal stallion approaches.
"Twilight Sparkle, so good to see you again, and I see your friends are all here....lovely....did you enjoy my speech."
"A crock full of lies was it not BlueBlood, surely not every pony here can believe that rubbish." Rarity retorted as the Stallion turned to her
"My dear...sweet...Rarity, why must you continue to elude my charm, surley a...lady...of your standards realizes it not...polite...to insult royalty."
Rarity huffed, looking away.
"Hey, back off!" Rainbow barked as she flew between them "we got your speech, we just aint seen Anon since he left!"
"Oh, really now?" Blueblood asked, eying the pegasus
"Yeah, just us boring old Ponies, no humans here...maybe he got captured by griffons or...or eaten by a spider."
"I...don't think a... spider would do that." Fluttershy muttered as BlueBlood looked at her then back to Rainbow "funny, i doubt even he wouldn't be worth anything to the griffons, let alone meat for their flock of savages."
Rainbow hesitated, she wanted to sock him so bad, but Aj yanked her tail "C'mon suga cube, yah said ya'd help me harvest taday, lets get it started, leave this here prince ta his duties."
The two mares left, glancing at Twilight with concern as they did, Aj pulling Rainbow by the tail as she was dragged along, sticking her tongue out at Blueblood as he huffed, turning back to Twilighnt.
"I do hope you will cooperate with me on this Twilight Sparkle, you mentor certainly would not be pleased if you refuse, I merely seek the...best...for my Auntie and her rule, and finding the one who had an attempt at her life is of the utmost importance."
He sneered, for a moment Twilight was shocked, too shocked for words.
"Oh, come now Sir Blood, can't you see she is traumatized?" Rarity insisted, easing Twilight away from the stallion "Anon had been such a wonderful friend to her, to say that he has done such dreadful things to her teacher is simple purposterious, why I have it in my mind to ask for proof of such acts."
"Proof? You seek proof from the mouth of royalty?" he chuckled, almost menicingly as he coughed, fixing his mane slightly, easing his magic over a scroll from his breast pocket.
"Normally I would have you taken for insolence against royal rule, but as seeing as you are my aunties pet-favoriets, i have no reach on you, but, you cannot go against the rule of the `Canterlot Court.'
He flipped the scroll open, both Rarity and Twilight blinked as they read aloud.
"By royal decree of the Canterlot Court, the individual known as 'Anon' is sentence for arrest under charge for assault towards royal bodies, disturbing peace and serenity of the Canterlot proper, defiling public property, and avoiding trial prosecution. It is hearby decided that the bearer of this document' signed by BlueBlood's name 'is given complete authority in tracking, locating and apprehending this criminal of the court and the royal commune. Full legal right in the jurisdiction of Canterlot and neighboring locations are under control of the document bearer and all assets shall be granted in concluding this crime."
Both Twilight and Rarity say nothing as Blueblood rolls the scroll up and puts it away. "As you can see, the majority of those in Canterlot see it justifiable to bring Anon in for his crimes, and with full authority given to me, it would be utmost unwise to refuse me to my duties."
Cermina looked out the window towards the town square where the ponies were dealing with that royal envoy. The drakess didn't really wish to partake in those shenanigans, but her tuned eyes were capable of seeing the...discontent...in the ponies they had to call 'friends'. Her horns vibrated slightly as a pang of resentment towards the Prince rippled through her body as he shifted that paper before the mares, almost waggling it about like a prized trophy.
She felt sick.
She should have done much worse to him when she had... but...
Her eyes cast over to Anon.
He would not have faired any better had she done so.
The prince obviously was quiet pleased with himself, his motions and perhaps even his 'proud posture' represented a beast quite fit in their position, and the sheer fact that whatever reasons behind his arrival were certainly in his favor.
Cermina growled, digging a claw into the wooden frame of the window as Blueblood wrapped up his speech, taking leave of his guards to approach the ponies.
Words were spoke, and to Cermina, it seemed that this prince certainly was no pushover in arguments, easily riling up the rainbow pony who was quicly pulled off by the orange one; fiesty, Cermina admired that as she watched the duo leave towards the library and hoof back inside.
"What was that for?" voices echoed from downstairs
"Fer yah own good, aint gonna help anypony if ya'll get arrested."
The orange one certainly had a good head, would be useful later as Cermina turns back to the window to watch as she saw Bluebloods expression shift from his calm, almost superior deminior to that of a sick, twisted brute.
He trotted close to each mare, barking at them, eyeing each one as he huffed, turning his head up as he quickly about face, casting one more glance at the four before he went on his way.
After he spoke, the four ponies slowly turned, allowing Cermina to see each one...and their expression of pain and flustered angst were easy to see.
"This can't be happening, oh such a horrible feeling to be locked down by such a dreadful stallion...and to think I once though so...highly of him."
"Seems you need a better taste in suitors."
Rarity crinkled her nose, glancing at a smirking Rainbow as she trotted over.
"Now is not the time for antics Rainbow dear, this situation is much to grave for any sort of tom-foolary."
"Tom-foolary? Another one of your suitors?"
Rarity huffed, edging closer to Rainbow "if you have a problem with MY Choice in Stallions, I would have you know that I always look for superiority, not uncouth ruffians like you may enjoy."
"Hey, I have just as good taste in stallions as you do."
"Oh really?"
"Girls!"
Twilight shouted, she had recomposed herself after their discussion with Blueblood, the group was obviously on edge.
"I know we're all on edge for this, but we...we can't start getting mad at one another." Twiight was still frazzled by what Blueblood had said, her expression was somewhat depressed, but she kept trying to fight it "we can still solve this, there has to be something we can do."
"Ah think we best start worryin bout Anon, whats stoppin Blueblood from knockin down yer door and takin him away?"
Twilight sighs "I think he wants to avoid dealing with Celestia, and any form of...encroaching on her student.... certainly would not bode well for Blueblood, no matter the relationship they had as family."
Celestia of course certainly wasn't too happy with him either, and their relationship already quiet strained with whatever dealings Anon had done in Canterlot.
"Well, anon certainly earned mah trust, ah'd lose mah ow hoof before ah turned him in."
Applejack said, confident in her choice.
"It would be the last thing any lady like pony would do, turn in sweet Anon to such a dreadful fate to await him." Rarity added.
"I double double that notion!" Pinkie shouted "he won't even geet touched by Blueblood."
"Well...uhm...I may not know him... all that well, but uh...he isn't a bad creature, he doesn't deserve anything that...P-Prince Blueblood would do."
Twilight smiled as all eyes turned to Rainbow Dash "What...?"
she asked "Its not like I'd want him to be taken away too yah know, i mean c'mon, who else is there I haven't shown my awesomeness too?"
All six smiled at eachother, giggling as they group hugged.
"Then its settled, we won't abandon annon to BlueBlood, but...how do we go about keeping him from being found?"
"Perhaps I can help comrades."
The drakess stood at the top of the stairs, her eyes alight at each of the main six as she hurred.
"Tis good you not betray comrade Anon, would not like having to destroy you."
The ponies all gulp in a rather uneasy manner s Rainblow flies right up to her.
"oh yeah? Well you don't lo-"
Cermina was fast, and her patienhce even faster as she nailed Rainbow into the wall.
"Do not test me, I can easily destroy anypony foolish enough to wish to face me. You are comrade Anon's friend, I see no fight against you, but it is unv'ise to push luck."
She yanks her claw away and growls, letting Rainbow sink to the stairs before she turns to the others.
"Anypony else?"
The others shake there head.
"Good, den let us move to task at hand yah? I v'ish to help you v'ith anon."
The ponies blink, Rainbow, nothing really hurt but her pride, flutters back to the others as they look at one another.
"W-well...she...did help...Anon..." Fluttershy meeped as Twilight nods "Of course she did, there is no question in that...I just wonder..."
"Wonder what sugha cube?" Aj asked.
"If her past...well...if what she said was ture."
"It is v'ise of you to question dat Twilight v'as it?"
"Y-yes..."
"I agree, v'hen i am unsure of new companion, I just as uneasy, but i Ask dat you trust me. I care for Anon more den any of you, and I v'ill tell you all vhen he is v'ell. However, v'e must deal v'ith what matters now, dat is keeping Anon from Blueblood."
"Well duhh." Rainbow replied "I mean no one wants to deal with the prince, but how do we hide him?"
Cermina hurred, closing her eyes as she rubbed her lower jaw.
"Perhapss dere is...a vay, but all help is needed from you to achieve dis." She looked at eachn one, slowly decending the stairs as she stood before them.
"Tryst me v'ith dis...you will not be steered v'ong."
The mares glance at eachother, deep looks of fous from each before they all looked at twilight.
"We'll help, on one condition."
"Vus dat?" Cermina asked, her horns vibrating.
"No one gets hurt.." Twilight asked "and that includes BlueBloods guards."
Cermina growls, huffing for a bit as she nods "Very v'ell, no harm to dose who trouble us."
A knock suddenly came from the door. The ponies all blinkecd as Cermina hissed, horns vibrating as she began to step back up the stairs towards Anons room.
"W-what is it?" Twilight asked as she looked at the door.
Cermina looked at Twilight, then the door with a sour expression.
"The prince...has arrived."
"Ah Twilight, sorry to...drop in." Blueblood snickered, easing inside as two huge guards push their way inside.
Everyone backed away as Blueblood looked about the place, seeing nothing that caught his attention, let alone the uncelestial amount of books.
"Ah...your highness..." Twilight stuttered
"Tut tut...no need for formalities Twilight, we're all...friends...here. "
Everyone looked at Blueblood in disgust.
"oh, has a nerve been struck? Wonderful, all the more reason for you to listen."
He turned to everyone, his expression almost lifeless, cold and unremousing.
"You will herby be the number one witness for Anon's sake, as what we know of him, he had established himself with you in several ways." he looks at Applejack, that sneer expression almost terrifying as an eye glanced down at her.
"You gave him employment, unregistered and unrelated to any creature in known existence."
"We'll yeah, he wus kind enugh te take the work, s'pecially in the late time of day."
Blueblood paused, turning away from AJ, easing his sight to Twilight, who seemed to jump in place as that serious, almost hateful glare turned to her.
"Twilight Sparkle, student of my Auntie Princess Celestia and noted as one of the most talented magical unicorns in Canterlot. I am quite...suprised...you had taken such a liking to this...hooman."
"Its pronounced...Hu-man" Twilight said
Blueblood grumbled, glaring at her as Twilight meeped "Human...yes...and you had taken the time to study him correct, as what you tend to pride yourself on and being the only librarian of this village."
"Y-yes...I did have a chance to ask Anon a few questions....but."
"But?"
Twilight huffed "He tends to not enjoy being catalouged, he was rather...foreceful on that notion."
"Ohho!" Blueblood sneered "and what did he do?"
"Well.." Twilight began "He ran away from me first, I caught him, then he took me to the ground but...it didn't hurt much, he checked me over to make sure I was okay and then we cloud gazed for hours..." she smiled "it wasn't bad at all, such kindness in him." Twilight seemed to flutter at the thought "He is very wise, and though what he may say can be...silly...his merits are good and his wisdom is much ap-"
"That will be all Twilight...thank you."
"uhm...yes sir..."
Blueblood huffed, he wasn't getting anywere as he looke over at a rather...calm looking...Pinkie pie.
"Well then, as curdiousy regards this little village is famouse for, you, Pinkie Pie, are registered as a 'one-pony welcoming committee' [= and as dictated, you tend to meet every newpony to the Ponyville proper." he paused, looking at her, not seeing the 'usual' insanity she had witness before, not present in her returned expression.
'That is correct, as I pride myself on being the element of laugher for the six harmonies, it is only fitting that i bring smiles to everypony's faces.'
Blueblood simply looked at Pinkie Pie, not what he'd expected to hear, and in such a...calm...deminor as he huffed.
"I...see... then you must have been around to introduce Anon to Ponyville."
'Yes, that is correct, he wasn't easy to find, but he was found eventually.'
"And where did you find him?"
Pinkie smiles 'The Everfree, duh, it wasn't like he waltzed into Ponyville and started expecting something, he was rather shy about it.'
Blueblood grumbled, not what he wanted to hear, especially since the Everfree was massive in size.
It'd be hard to find him there.
"Very well...moving on." he said, not finding anything really else as he could ask her, if she had met him, then she certainly didn't have a clue where he was now.
Finally, he turned to Rarity.
"Well...Rarity, it certainly seems you are one of the other few who must be willing to acknowlegde your part in aiding anon."
"I...beg your pardon?" |Rarity asked, rather confused with the question.
"Do you think I do not know such fine cratfsponyship when I see it? Oh dear me Rarity did you not think after seeing your galliant displays at the gala that even I could forget your work? Why...Anon himself was brandished in no finer garms than that oif you, such Rarity, your tender sticthing and perfection in design." he smirked, sneeing a bit "as well as being one of the most generoius and skille ponies in fashion, it was obvious you had designed such a work... a shame." he said, trotting around her now "That your work now suits a criminal and vagrant."
"Well I never!" |Rarity stampered "Is it wrong to help a creature, an ambassador of his species, to fit his proper garments when HE himself had been summoned by Celestia for council reasons, is it not fitting to have him donned in the utmost of beauty and perfection to establish his species as a whole?"
Blueblood huffed "Indeed M'lady Rarity, it is, but you do realize that even the court wishes to have his head, and considering the attire was made by you..."
"You...you wouldn't dare."
"Oh rarity..." Blueblood said, waving his mane back and forth, smiling that sick smile "I would be more than happy to explain that the attire a criminal has been wearing, one that had assualted royalty, even went against Celestia herself was wearing fashion that YOU had made for him...if word should get out..."
He began to chuckle menically "you would never be able to set foot into Canterlot again...."
Rarity was stone silent, she was both shocked and outraged, a radiant blush of anger went across her cheeks.
"You little...spinless..."
He clapped his hooves as the guards took his side
"You were saying? Dear me Rarity, how unlady like of you, I merely am stating a fact, one that, you obviousoly couldn't have forseen, but shame that...circumstances...have put you in such a place." he smirked, easing closer to her.
"I could...however, sweep that under a rug, and let it fall into nothingness, letting your fashion remains ecured and fitting for any pony willing to show their true..colours. I can make sure your skills are well known and more imporetsantly, that they know you as Rarity, fashion artist of the century!"
"How...k0kind of you..." Rarity muttered, rather disgusted, but hiding it.
"I know...kindess is something I value, and you Rarity...you are somepony I wish to have...come with me, let me take you from this, everything would be perfect, you could live the life you wanted, desgining the BEST canterlot would offer to the WORLD! All of Equestria would know your name, you just...have to be my special somepony..."
He pressed closer to Rarity.
"I..." she began, easing back
"Yes..?" Blueblood asked
"I cannot accept that..." she said, looking away "I cannot allow you to see someone so....vile when he has done such good...perhaps we are unsure WHAT he had done with the Princess, but he is Anon, and knowing him, he probably had good reason to do so, perhaps so much that even the Princess, such a lady as herself, would kindly forgive him."
Blueblood sneered, a sneer that showed the uttermost detest in his eyes as he turned.
"Remeber...Rarity...I always get what I seek, and if you will not choose to be mine, then I will...make certain, you, all of you...will be living in torment until this human is found...."
He swept his head forward and tortted out, lkeaving the mane six both shocked, and appauled as Rarity crumbled to the floor once BluebLood left.
"What...can we do...oh Celestia...what can we do?" Rarity sniffled, trying to hold back tears as Cermina left Anons room, sighing as she walked down to the main floor.
"D'ere is something v'e can do...but as I said...v'ill you trust me?"
They all turn to her, nodding.
"Yes....we'll do anything to keep Anon from that horrid beast of a stallion!" Rarity barked as the others nodded "Yeah" "we won't let em!" "all fer one gals!"
Twilight smiled "So...Cermina...what did you have in mind?"
As Blueblood and his guards began their 'lawful control' of Ponyville, Cermian and the mane six had made sure to make it as difficult as possible for him to have any hint at finding Anon. No amount of pursuation or even bartering would allow any of the ponies ti give up Anons location.
Blueblood of courese was more than happy to respond in kind.
When Anon was still hold up in Twilights Library, blueblood had begun searching the rest of ponyville.
Since the prince couldn't pin the evidence the mane six had anything to do with Anon at this point, there was little he could really do towards them, so he spent the first day inspecting everywhere else in Ponyville, checking unsuspecting ponies homes, searching through shops of the market, checking carts and chariots that came and went with the utmost degree of percision, and in some sense lunacy to detail. All the while Anon slept, unconcious, unmoving, and seren.
It was almost intoxicating to the mane six, Twilight especially as she had 'first guard' of Anon, and spent quite a deal of time over him, despite Cermina's dissaproval of her interest.
As night fell and Blueblood wrapped up his daily search, he made his way, guards and all, back 'home', which was the Ponyville Hotel.
Part of Cermina's plan was to keep Anon moving, which wasn't an easy ttask when guards are all oover the place. It was almost good forune that Blueblood demanded all guards to protect hiss quarters at the hotel...which he book the entirety of.
So, with a few black slick suits, grease, and some help from AJ's big brother Big Machentosh, the ponies were able to ease Anon onto a make-shift bed and hauled him out of the Library.
Anon spent the next night hidden in the alchove of the barn, the same place he had hid the first time.
Everything went well, up until the following morning when Blueblood began a more 'thorough' search, starting with the place that had employed the services of this human upon his arrival.
"Greetings good Apple Jack." Blueblood said the following morning, the prince fresh from his slumber and two large armoured pegasi guards at his flank as the Apples were busy with their harvest.
"Ah...ahem...honor ta have yah come ta our farm Prince Blueblood, what can we for for yeh?"
Blueblood huffed, magicking an apple from the basket, brushing it against his chest and then taking a bite.
"Delicious as always...a grand treat you Apples can make."
Aj just huffed, easing her saddle baskets down before easing them asside.
"If ya'll here fer ANon, he aint...we been working double time cuz he aint comin round no more ta work nights."
"Such a shame" Blueblood said with a false sympathetic voice "At least he hasn't tainted a crop."
"Celestia forbid, ah dun think he'd ever want ta do that, not like him. Anon's a good soull, he be kind n'very helpful, and he was more en willin ta work times we couldn't, good folk if ya ask me."
"Charming, I'm sure." Blueblood responded rolling his eyess as he signaled hhis guards to check aroound.
They flew off insantly, swooping over the orchard and around the barn, going inside to ninsppect before returning with no fiindings.
"Are yeh don sugh, we gots lotta work ra do."
"Quiet so Miss Apple...nothing out of the ordinary, but...there may be some...issue with your currennt crop."
"Ah issue?" AJ asked with a quizzical look "Whatcha alll mean?"
"Well...its touched by a Criminal yes? That means it could be...contaminated, and thus, must be removed."
He nodds, the guards suddenly swooping in, taking baskets in hand as they flew off with them, dumping them in the stream at the edge of the farm.
"Yah darn tootin metal...beast!" Granny Smith shouted, creaking her way fromm the barn as Appleblooom gave chance "Granny!" she called.
"This be all your fault Blueblood, why, back in ma day, Royalty left us workin folk alone."
Blueblood simply laughed "Well, Im terribly sorry, but i am in charge of what goes oon here, and as soon as you give up Anon, we won't bother you any longer."
No one spoke, Blueblood smirked.
"Very well..." He nodded, his guards kept shufflin apples froom the barn out to thw River befoore nothing was left but a handful of baskets.
"Well, it seems he's not here...very well, you may continue with you, meanial work...ta ta Apples...haha." He turned, leaving with his guards as he tossed the applecore aside, leaving a rather upset Apple family.
"Ah hope you were right with this one sis..." Appleblood asks Aj.
"Course she is!" Granny muttered, turning to her yougins "we made way when it wqas much ahrder fer us back in a day, and we aint gonna let a snobby ol' prince stop us now aint we?" Granny boasted, smiling as she watched the prince trot off. "Been through much harder scrapes, but this ere prince certainl aint one ta be pleased with us busy folk, would be mighty fine for Celestia ta give him Big ol whoopin for gumming up what we take pride in doin." Aj and Applebloom smile as Big Macintosh nods "E'yup."
Granny turned, slowly making her way back to the barn.
"Biggest ting ta remeber yougins is neva betray yer friends trust, Anon aint no villian, and he done us kind in helpin us, best we return ta favor, and make this here prince have as hard a time as possible ta get him." She chuckled to herself as she began to hum a tune, leaving the three children in rather high spirits.
Aj smiled, looking down at Applebloom "We aint lettin Blueblood take Anon, we just gotta get back ta buckin and keep on workin, not let sum price pansy ruin our day!"
Applebloom smiled "thats right!" and off to work then went, starting from square one.
That night, as the group began to move Anon, Aj told Cermina of what happened.
"I saw dat..." The drake said "Done good job comrade, v'as v'orried Blueblood sniff out Anon, but you kept strong."
Aj chuckled "Was part help from Granny, she told us ta neva betray trust with friends, and Anon sure as shootin aint losin mine."
Cermina grinned "Den we must be quick if searching comrade AppleJacks is start of Bluebloods plan."
"Well, were do you propose we hide him?" Twilight asked as they trotted towards Ponyville.
"V'e cannot send him to Rarity's..." Cermina muttered as the white mare gasped.
"And why not? He'd be perfectly-"
"Ah think cause he'd be searching your place next sugha cube, best ta not give Blueblood what he wants."
Rarity huffed "Fine...then-"
"Why not my place?" Pinkie spoke out "OOoo it'd be so much fun! We can have a secret slumber party and hide Anon there!"
Cermina huffed "dat could v'ork, but be v'ary, Blueblood may try something."
Pinkie smirked, an almost diabolical smirk "Oh don't worry, I have the perfect plan for dealing with him...Mwahaha!!!!"
Everypony blinked
"What? sheesh, just trying to be dramatic..."
"Why Prince Blueblood, such a wonderful suprise to see you." Rarity began the following morning as Prince Blueblood stood at her door, flanked by two armoured pegasi knights, each one emotionless as Rarity just smiled.
"To what do I owe such a grace of royal presence?"
"Well, well Miss Rarity, I'm quiet suprised to see such a sudden change in attitude, yesterday you sought me as a swine, yet today you grace me as the royalty, I am intrigued."
"Oh dear me, you must excuse those notions of mine, I had a dreadful night sleeping off the mere though of how unlady like I was to you, now now, I may not be to pleased with your guards sniffing about our quiet town, but a noble Prince has his duties yes? Much to my dismay, I certaiinly was uncoth with my attitude and decided to be proud of how efficent our royal guardians seek our well being."
Blueblood blinked, he was obviously shocked as Rarity kept that beautiful smile. He chuckled, swaying his mane aside "Very well, it would be wrong of me to refuse such kindness...Guards, remain outsid, I shall handle this personally."
Rarity let out a soft giggle, grabbing Bluebloods attention and both went inside.
The two guards stood there for a moment, huffing as they about-face and stared back towards the town common.
Unbenounced to them, they we're being watched.
Cermina, perched on one of the roofs across from Raritys shop watched everything. "Shes good..." she muttered, keeping her eyes on the guards outside.
Rarity led Blueblood inside, the ponyquins donned their galiant wares as the Stallion eyed them all, trying his best to find the wardrobe she may have used for `Anon, but seeing nothing of the sort in her designs. Of course Rarity noticed, but simply smiled.
"Its an honour to have you in my humble abode dear Prince, I hope you will excuse me for my outburst yesterday, but to be such an lout towards a prince certqinly is...ill fitting for a lady such as I."
Rarity said, batting her eyes as Blueblood turned to her.
"I can agree Miss Rarity, it certainly was unfitting of you, but, I am more than willing to put that aside."
"Ah how kind of you noble prince, trully you are a gentlecolt among Stallions."
Blueblood rose his head high "Indeed, I pride myself for being a stallion so many can see as 'fitting'.
Of course, Rarity had to swallow the spite in her mouth, keeping her expression charmed and almost...alluring.
"Oh, where are my manners, may I offer you something to eat?" Rarity asked.
Prince Blueblood hrmmed, the hotel had served wonderful waffles from Ottailwa from up North, laden with syrup and icing sugar, but perhaps having Rarity provide some of her own food from her coffers would be justifyable for her actions in the day past. He smiled at the thought "why yes, I am feeling a little peckish..."
Rarity nodded "Ah, wonderful." She said, leading him into the kitchen as she went to the cuboard and pulled out the large bag of oats "Will oatmeal suffcve? I know it isn't much for such a esteemed memeber of the royal family, but we are rather short of food supplies, what with your inspections and all..."
Blueblood huffed as he dusted the chair with his tail and sat. "I'm dreadfully sorry, but we must be vigilant in our search for the criminal..." he coughed, such common food unfitting, but if it was hers, then he felt a bit better eating it. "Oatmeal should suffice, a good food of the commonners."
"Commers...the nerve..." Rarity muttered pouring a bowl for him, taking the utmost in care to prepare it as she had with ANon.
She may detest Blueblood, but acting rational and indecent while he was within her home was not fitting for her, considering she didn't want him here.
"Will fruit be alright?" She askedc magicking a few rasberries from a bowl.
"AH, that would be splendid!" Blueblood replied "I do enjoy fresh fruit with my breakfast." Rarity huffed, rolling her eyes again as she shifted the bowl abit...and noticed Opel's medicin.
She got an idea...it was dreadful stuff, but neccissary whenever Opel had a run-in with a cold or some other form of illness only a cat could get. The vet had been insistant not to injest it...not that it would harm anypony, but...would give quite an upset stomach.
She smirked, easing her magic around the bottle as she dropped just a few...spoonfuls...into the mix, stirring it up real well to hide the rather baige looking liquid into the mix before she exhaled, and turned, that smile still held tight as she troted towards Blueblood.
"Bon appetite." she said with a smile as Blueblood nodded "Very good...I shall enjoy this." he said with a grin as he started to...stuff his face...rather un gentlecotly. Rarity didn't mind, in fact, the quicker he ate, the harsher the medicin would be, plus perhaps the only means of getting even with this lout of a prince was to hit his stomach...metaphorically speaking.
"A splendid dish for such a common meal." Blueblood said, dapping his muzzle with a napkin and easing it into the bowl "I can safely say that Anon is not here, and your generosity certainl exceendes you Rarity, I am quiet happy to have come here...but...you know, ;y offer still stands." He rose an eyebrown "interested?"
Rarity shook her head "As gentlecotly and wonderful you may be, my home is here, and my work and pride all come from being around my friends, it certainly would be nice to be known in Canterlot, but I wish to settle that matter personally."
Blueblood huffed "Very well, I may not hold that offer forever..."
Rarity just smiled "~We have long lives to live, we shall see."
The prince huffed, bowing as he turned and trotted towards the door, pausing as he waited for Rarity to open it, which she did with that same smile.
"A grand pleasure my prince, I do hope your day goes well."
She opened the door for him as he smiled "Oh it shall, thank you kindly my de-" he paused, his tomach starting to churn a bit as a passing of gas made him blush a bit. "uhm..e-excuse me a bit..." He muttered.
"Are you alright?" RArity asked.
"Yes yes I'm..." another passing "oh my...must have eaten to...urp..quickly." and without a second word he rush off back to the hotel, leaving his guards in suprise as they went after, and a giggling as she closed the door behind her...a little victory for her.
"We can't keep moving him all over." Rainbow dash complained that following night, the group already easing Anon from Pinkies place, carefully carrying him outside and to the center of town, furthest from the hotel as the six ponies and one drake ease down around him, checking the human, making sure he was doing okay. Pinkie had made certain to rig up some apple sauce into an IV she nabbed from the hospital, Twilight had gone about looking up remedies and other ideas to tend to his malnourishment and dehydration...which of course meant he needed food and he needed water.
Simple enough.
Feeding him was the hard part, they couldn't exactly ram food down his throat.
Cermina thought of that to be suicidal for Anon.
"It would choke him."
The only means they could wait with the IV, feeding him liquid diets and water, but it was slow, and it was obvious Rainbow disliked slow.
"C'mon, we can't keep moving him, this is insane!"
"Rainbow, its best ta keep calm about it, Anon aint like anyother pony." Aj interjected "We can't just speed time up."
"Yeah...well we can't just keep waiting either."
"Enough" Twilight muttere "both of you are right, we can't keep waiting and moving, it won't do good..."
"I have to agree comrade, BlueBlood will get more...determined....and he would continue to hound you all for anon's location, its best v'e find good spot to keep him for awhile."
"Why not Cloudsdale?"
Rainbow suggested, everyone looked at her.
"Rainbow...that might just work!" Twilight said as Cermina hissed.
"Dat is risky, moving Anon in air, not good choice."
"Its one of the only few we have Cermina!" Rainbow complaiend "and I mean, its not like Blueblood has wings or anything, he'd have to take his chariot up, and we'd hear it a mile away!"
"I do not think its wise..." Cermina retorted.
"Then what do you suggest huh? Keep slogging Anon through the village, hiding him here and there, I mean, in Cloudsdale, its a lot harder for BlowBlood to find him, its a hUGE city."
"But Anon cannot fly, how can we keep him atop clouds."
The group paused, that was....a rather tricky thing to consider as they all looked at one another.
"I know!" Twilight shouted "The walking-on-clouds" Spell I used during Rainbows airshow?"
"Aye YEAH! I nearly forgot that!" Rainbow said, swatting her hooves togehter "Hah, see Cermina, we got this in the bag!"
Cermina blinked.
"V'hat bag...?"
Cloudsdale was a city as it sounded.
A city of clouds.
Big puffy clouds shaped into buildings and bridge.
All weather and rainbow control was stationed here, allowing the pegasis to do what they needed with it, and making their weather manipulation possible on a grand scalefor all of Ponyville.
It was a nice city despite the fact it was entierly made of clouds
"I still don't trust dis..." Cermina said that evening, easing Anon into the basket of the balloon Twilight had used many times before, it was the quietest way tio get him up to Cloudsdale without the guards noticing.
"What's whats not to trust Cermina, we can handle this. Fluttershy and I always like to sneak around at night in Cloudsdale, itsa our home, well...second home to Fluttershy, she stays at the cottage."
"Yah, I remeber day, filled v'ith animals of fuzzy, I still have tanks for saving our butts from spider comrade, had you not been dere, v'e may have been lunch food."
Fluttershy blushed "It was...oithing...thank you...." she said, easing her hooves around Anons legs and gently placing him inside thebakset as Twilight began to use her magic toi levfill the baloon, making it levitate very slowly. Only she and Cermina could go, so Applejack, Pinkie, and Rarity remained behind, wishing them all the best as thegroup of four began their air ride to Cloudsdale.
"Good luck y'all, be careful!"
They all nod, waving their friends off as they float up towards the city in the sky.
"So, v'ere v'ill v'e hide him, oh great Rainbow Dash."
"Well, now we just have to..." she paused, suddenly flying right up to Cermina "What'cha say?"
"I Said v'ere now oh great Rainbow Dash...dis is your plan yah, I put all responsibility on you comrade."
Rainbow huffed.
"W-well yeah, I mean its a great plan, no need to worry about it!"
Cermina growled "I hope so...do not v'ant to have to fight guards off from Anon."
Rainbow fluttered her wings, drifting beside the basket "Well, don't worry, where we hide him they won't even think about looking there."
"So, v'ere do v'e keep him?" Cermina asked as they neared the cloud base of Cloudsdale.
Rainbow huffed "I'm working on that..."
"You mean you don't know? Sjot, just great, v'e v'orking v'ith idiot."
"Hey, I don't see you with any bright ideas."
"Dats because v'e already are using mine."
"Girls!" Twilight shouts "Please, enough arguing, we need to be subtle, not an annoyance."
Rainbow and Cermina stare at eachother before humphing and looking in seperate directions
"Rainbowbutt."
"Lizard breath."
The ballon drifted in silence as they flew over cloudsdale, the city devoid of light this late in the night as Fluttershy notices something.
"W...why don't we put him in the rainbow factory? That has lots of places to hide him."
Rainbow smacks her hooves together "Hey, you're right! We can hide him in the rainbow factory! Thats amazing Fluttershy."
The yellow mare blushed "oh...my...t-thank you rainbow."
Cermina huffed as she rolled her eyes "V'ery v'ell, wont argue, lets just do dis."
As the balloon touched down, the group quickly disembarked, taking Anon along with Twilight and Cermina who carried him while they were using the 'walk on cloud' spell. Nopony was awake so it was easy to get from the landing field to the entrance to the rainbow factory.
The group shuffled around, it was rather tricky to find a hiding spot for Anon, considering that he would need to be magiced for the entire day here as he wasn't 'light' enough to sleep on the clouds.
"hrmmm..." Rainbow said, easing about as she floated all over "Hey I know!" she smirked, easing up to one of the large pour-bins that would be filled with colour "We can put him in here!"
"Are you nuts?" Cermina barked "Is dat even a good idea, v'hat if dey fill it?"
Rainbow flutters back "Hey, why don't you keep your socks on."
"I'm not v'earing any!"
"What?" Rainbow blinked, shaking her head "whatever, look, relax, there aren't any scheduled plans for rainbows tomorrow, so lets not worry too much okay?"
"I do not v'ish to lose anon comrade, if anything bad happens, I shall hold you responsible."
Rainbow is a bit taken back, but flutters forward "Hey, I don't plan on losing anypony to anything, besides, I care for Anon just as much as the rest of us do."
"You do?" Twilight asked "last I remeber you hated his guts."
"Thats not the point....rgggg, look, he's a boring guy, but he's cool okay, he knows how to make flying faster and thats...." she flail "thats just something I GOT to figure out from him."
Cermina grabs Rainbows head and smirks
"Den if you wish dat, I shall give you space comrade, do what you think best, dis is your mission."
Rainbow blinks for a few moments, looking at Cermina and a small smile crept on her face.
"Y-yeah...yeah, see, you can rely on me!" she held a proud pose as she and Fluttershy eased Anon into the big cauldron above them.
"There...and none the wiser."
"I hope dis works, last ting I v'ant is him getting drowned in pink."
"Haha, I wouldn't worry about that." Rainbow replied
"and v'hy not?"
"Because that's the blue cauldron."
Cermina huffed, rolling her eyes as the group returned to the balloon.
"Well, he's in your hooves today Rainbow, take care of him."
Rainbow nodded, saluting "You can count on me!"
"Rainbow...RAINBOW!"
The pegasus groaned as she tossed about in bed, she didn't want to get up, but whoever was calling her name certainly did.
"RAINBOW, c'mon!" the flutter of wings were at her window "wake up, you're not going to believe who came by!"
Rainbow muttered abit, turning over in bed "I already don't believe you did...you don't see me going all jumpy."
The dark purple and white maned Pegasus huffed, landing in Rainbows room "Honestly, the way I put up with you. C'mon, wake up, we got some super cool visitors who you'll be dying to meet."
"Great, then I plan to stay alive a bit longer."
"Rainbow..."
"WHAT!?" The light blue pegasus rose a bit in bed, seeing the other pegasus there "Geeze CloudChaser, can't it wait till later?"
"Not when its the Wonderbolts wh-"
It didn't take much else to get Rainbow out, and the utterance of the Wonderbolts, her faved and admired flying team was enough to send her right out of bed, flying high into the sky with her rainbow trail right behind her.
"AW YEAH!" she shouted at the apex of her climb, looking about to see the Wonderbolts among a slowly gathgering crowd as Rainbow flew right down to see them.
only to come face to face...with BlueBlood and his guards.
"Ah, good morning Rainbow Dash, such a pleasure to see you."
Rainbow reeled just a bit "P:-Prince BlueBlood, what are you doin here?"
"Well..." Blueblood began "I thought I might take a leaisurly stroll about Cloudsdale, besides, its still part of Ponyville you know, seeing as all weather control happens here, it just seems like a common thought to patrol such a place, make sure there isn't anything...suspicious."
Rainbow huffed a bit, eyeing the three Wonderbolts behind him "And what makes this somehting the Wonderbolts have to show up for? Certainly seems...beneath them."
Blueblood chuckled "why they are my escort dear Rainbow, they are here to help with inspection."
"Inspection!?"
"Thats correct."
Blueblood had really gone far with this one, and Rainbow was getting rather...annoyed that her idols were reduced to simply shift-patrolling her home...cloudsdale. What fun was that? They were show ponies, not soldiers, unless called upon by Celestia no doubt, but this weas just...rude.
Rainbow could see Spitfire, her expression stern as ever, but something about her seemed that she and her team weren't too thrilled about this either, but what choice did they have?
Blueblood huffed, waving a hoof "Now, go about it." he said as the three Wonderbolts soared into the sky flying about Cloudsdale.
Instantly Rainbow flew off, not a care from BlueBlood as he trotted off with his guards, his own magic keeping him atop the clouds as his guards wings kept them afloat.
"Ah, such wonderful control to spread about..." he said as he gazed around Cloudsdale, ponies all over watched as the Wonderbolts flew overhead, keeping keen eyes out for anything...suspicious as Rainbow kept low, she hated having to avoid these guys, but if they were going to 'inspect' then Anon may be in a bit more danger than she hoped.
It was a stroke of luck the Rainbow factory was closed for the day, something about a pegasus getting pink mixed into orange and falling in herself, spilling quite a bit, they had to clean that whole area off, and considering Anon was hiddin in the Blue Cauldron, no one would notice (course, blue wasn't as popular as red or green.)
Flying in from a window, Rainbow gazed about the factory.
Darkness
She forgot they had closed it tight for the day and few ever would be given access to it.
Then again, she WAS Rainbow Dash, nothing was off limits to her as she soared over the silent cauldrons, eying each one.
Where was Anon?
She paused over the Blue one, the same one she had watched herself and Fluttershy place Anon in...
but he wasn't there.
"Whats all this now?"
Rainbow turned to see a rather surprised yellow Pegasus with re flaming mane and wings. Her body semi-covered in her yellow on blue Wonderbolt jump suit.
It was none other than Spitfire... the team leader of the Wonderbolts.
Rainbow reeled back "Ah h-hey uh, ah, what are...y-you doing here?"
"Was going to ask you the same thing Rainbow, its good to see you again."
Rainbow blinked "W-what? How do-"
"I know you? Well, you did make quite an exhibit of yourself at your air trails some months ago, then the escapade at the Gala, as well being one of those who defeated Nightmare moon was quite achievement, but I'm curious why you're here."
Rainbow blushed, she wanted to be all over Spitfire like the crazed fan she was, but this was serious time, and she put on a serious face.
"Not unless you tell me first."
Spitfire chuckled "Going to play it that way...well...you better catch me first if you want to find out." and she flew off.
"HEY!" Rainbow called, giving chase as the pair buzzed about, over and around caldrons, through loops, down hallways, each one catching the other, barely gaining ground as they matched speed, flying faster and faster before Spitefire made a wide turn and crashed right into Rainbow.
The pair tumbled along the ground, slumping into a wall, Spitfire forweard, Rainbow upsidown
"*pant pant* alright...not bad..." Spitfire muttered as she fixed herself upright.
"You alright?" She asked as Rainbow huffed, easing up quickly
"Yeah I'm fine...t-thanks."
Spitfire smiled "So...what brings you here?"
Rainbow sulked "Awee, well...we're sorta hiding a friend out here."
"Oh?"
"Yeah...and we're keeping him secret, but he's not where he should be?"
"This wouldn't happen to do with BlueBloods 'inspection'?
"Probably, did he ask you to look for something?"
"Yeah....anything unusual, but it was more or less to keep other ponies from getting smart on it."
Rainbow huffs "Well, I guess we can both rest a bit easier, BlueBlood won't exactly find him since he's not where we kept him."
"Oh?"
Rainbow nods "yeah, I don't know where we went, but he certainly was moved."
Spitfire sighed "Well, thats good for us, I'll keep it wise with my wing-mates to avoid this place alright? Let Blueblood search it himself."
Rainbow went wide eye "R-really?"
"Of course, we're no fans of BlueBlood, so making it a bit harder for him won't hurt."
With that settled, despite the fact the Wonderbolts were used as nothing more than a disrespectful method of power pushing, Rainbow had a rather good day...despite the fact that Anon was missing. It wasn't until the evening that Rainbow found Anon....and Cermina.
"How...how did you get here?" She asked Cermina as she found them that evening in the same place they started the night before.
Cermina chuckled "After you left, spent rest of night moving Anon from your silly place to a better spot at edge of city, thank Twilight for increase magical spell to keep him and I above clouds." she grinned.
"Yeah...well..." Rainbow tried to rebuttle, but all she did was just joke about with Spitfire, and that wasn't very much as she sighed "alright, fine, not a good idea, nearly got caught by BlueBlood, and doing that with the Wonderbolts...well..thats just low."
"His evil sinks to levels below what you know comrade, dat is v'hy i thought it best NOT to hide him here...as you can see, reach for him is easy."
Twilight nodded "I agree with Cermina, we best find the best place to keep Anon, we don't have much longger, if this keeps up, I'm sure he'll grow tired of it."
"Or try harder..." Rainbow muttered
"We can expect dat comrade, but now, v'e must move Anon."
Rainbow sighed as Twilight and Cermina began easing Anon intop Twilights balloon, the drakess noticed Rainbows expression and paused.
"You did good comrade, not many can take such responsibility in dere hands, your ideas was quite...sound...despite being silly."
Rainbow blinks, looking at Cermina
"r-really?"
"Dah comrade, tis good you v'ish to care for Anon and dat v;ould mean much to him as to me." she patted Rainbow on the head "But....you got to control cockiness, be end of you if you let it go out of control!" she joked as Rainbow smiled "Y-yea....aha...i guess..HEY!" she barked "What you mean cockiness!"
Cermina only laughed as Rainbow got her dander up only to come back down and laugh with her.
Good times.
With a few last moment goodbyes, the trio leave Rainbow in Cloudsdale and return to Twilight's home.
===
"I grow weary of your shenanigans" Blueblood muttered, trotting into Twilights Library the following morning.
"I'm onto you Miss Sparkle, I know exactly that you and your little friends are conspiring against me, and you know what, I am more than happy you are."
Twilight blinked, she had gotten up early to read up on Anon's condition, which was improving, only to be distrubed by BluebLood demanding an audiance. She let him in as curdiousy, but he began to rant about what was going on endlessly, and she was getting tired....that was until his last line.
"Wait... what?" she asked, perplex
"You see...the more you conspire my dear Miss Sparkle, the more pressure I am 'forced' to put into Ponyville. Sure enough I'll have to put the entirety of this village under my sternness hoof, and I'm sure you couldn't go about living with that." He smirked, eying Twilight.
"Imagine, AppleJack's apples cut off from market, being 'tainted' by the hands of a criminal, or Pinkie Pie, having to be watched all hours of the day, not able to throw any parties, or....poor Rarity, her designs slandered for being worn by the one responsible for harming Celestia!" Blueblood seemed totally off his rocker as Twilight just blinked.
"You know Celestia won't stand for this."
"Oh but there isn't anything she can do."
"W-wha?"
Blueblood waved the same paper he showed them before "remember, I have the royal courts consent, and if she dared to disapprove, how would her SUBJECTS see her?"
He was right, and he certainly had Twilight for a loop.
"Well...what do you plan to do about me huh? I don't think this can go unanswered."
"Thats true, that's why Twilight my dear, I shall do absolutely nothing, it would not be good for me to harm the student of Celestia, but then again, SHE can't do anything as stated before, so all you can do is watch and squirm as your friends end up hating themselves more and more, and then hating Anon for their troubles, Ooooh it should be splendid to watch you all crack like eggs."
Blueblood let out a rather diabolical laugh before coughing and shaking his head to fix his mane "Now then Miss Twilight, I will lket you back to your duties...ta-ta~" and he was out.
Twiligth was speechless, she didn't expect BB to be so...rash, but she couldn't blame him; had she been in his hooves...
She didn't want to think about it as she turned her attention to the door opening above.
'about time the sucker left, was hard enough listening to him.'
"ANON!"
==
All the ponies gathered back at Twilight's, and after a quick brief and debrief, everyone was put up to speed.
"The nerve..." Rarity began "such impudence towards their subjects, how ever did I see some...grace in him."
"Cause he was related to Celestia?" Aj muttered
"The ONLY reason....other then that!"
"Well, he's certainly losing his head, and that paper he keeps showing off..."
"Document...Rainbow"
"Document...whatever....point is we can't do anything while he has that."
"So why not take it from him?" Cermina asks as you and her sat at the table, watching the group sit before them.
'Yeah, I mean, if you ask me, I think something's fishy about that paper.'
"Oh?" Twilight asked
'Yeah...in the trial he had a forged document...it looked legit until I noticed it was a bit too...pristine, like he had it made recently...same thing could be for this, I mean, if its legit, well crap, but if its fake...' you smirk 'he'd be in a world of hurt.'
"But...I don't think he'd EVER drop it, I mean he carries it ALL over with him." Pinkie said "I know, I followed him ALL day and he never put it down!"
"Then perhaps we can try distracting him?"
"How?"
'By giving him what he wants.'
Everyone turns to you.
'Look, he wants me right...let him have me, and I'll draw him off you all and hopefully, with enough luck, you can snatch that document.'
No one budged, no one nodded
"Anon, we spent a week keeping yah from BlueBlood, we aint gonna turn tail and give him te yah after all we've been through."
"Yeah!" Rainbow added "It was hard keeping your fat butt hidden all the time."
"Please Anon, don't just give into that ruffian, he deserves a good spank from Celestia, and we certainly don't want to goat him into thinking he did a good job...."
you raise a hand
'How about I lead him away, I mean let him see me, then make a dash for the everfree?'
Everypony gasped "surely you can't be serious!?" Rarity asked
'I am serious...and don't call me surely.'
"Well...if you are, how you going to guide yourself around, I don't think ya'll know much of that land."
'No...I guess not....'
"Perhaps v'e can try?"
'May be good at first, not so in the long run...'
Everypony paused for a bit, thinking deep as they girls all look at one another.
"Anon?" Twilight begins
'Yeah?'
"I think its best one of us goes with you."
'Out of the question, BlueBlood will just make things worse for the rest of you.'
"But what choice do you have? No offense to either you or Cermina but you don't know the land."
Twilight persisted, pushing forward
"one of us should go."
All the ponies nodded "Yeah sugha cube, ya'll better ta have a guide den nopony at all."
You smirk 'Gee....you guys are sure something else.'
They all smile
'So...whose going to come? We'd have to find a way to keep that per- I mean pony... around Ponyville...perhaps disguise the one coming to throw BlueBlood off the trail...'
Twilight stepped forward "I'll go."
'What?'
"I'm the best at all angels of learning, Anon, I know the land much better than anypony else."
"She's right on that one partner, Twilight's a sure good map reader and an even betta navigator."
Every other pony nodded.
"Plus, it keeps her 'copy' easy to manage!" Pinkie shouts out "All she has to do is stay in the library!"
'I see your angel on this....you okay with going out into the wilderness, that means NO books.'
Twilight cringed at the thought, but nodded "yes...I know it must be done for yours...and our sakes."
'Alright then....' you say, easing to the window 'Twilight, get a letter ready for Celestia and Luna, we better let them know of this, once that's done...lets get this party started.'
It started as a quiet day, the sun was shining, the birds were singing, and Bluebloods guards continued their diligence in searching for Anon.
It had been a good week since the start of the martial law around Ponyville and the residents were getting weary of their stay.
Blueblood however was enjoying himself as he lounge on the balcony of the penthouse suite, taking his princely time to enjoy the sunrise over the crest of thee mountains, letting the rays soak along the green fields up to the little huts of this serene village.
He did so enjoy this place, even for its simplicity, it still had its on 'je ne seu quai' that made it ever so enjoyable.
"Ah...such is the diligent of duty for the royal crown, tut tut anypony who may disagree."
He tossed back a glass of the local cider brew as he sighed contently.
That was until a sudden sound of armoured wing beats caused the Unicorn to pause.
"Your majesty..." it spoke, its monotone voice almost lifeless as it knelt to its prince "we have found the one you seek."
Blueblood paused mid sip, halting his glass with the magic from his horn to pass a quick glance to his guard.
"Are you sure?"
"Positive"
"No trick?"
"No sign of common magic detected, he was simply there."
"Where?"
The guardpony turned, pointing to Twilight's library, and there, standing outside from it was Anon, his attire well pressed and his hat fitted firm.
Blueblood's expression was priceless as he dropped his glass, letting it shatter upon the floor.
"After....Him....At....ONCE." he demanded.
You are Anon
"Are you ready yet?"
You say that soft to yourself as your eyes meet, you can tell Blueblood was rather...surprised, quickly shouting to his guard as the metal pony lunged and flew back towards you.
It was a menacing thing to see, large wings encased in armour flapping full wing as the Pegasus made easy headway, slowly flying upwards then descending right towards you.
Quick time event
PASS
You dive beneath it, hitting the deck as the beast flies over and past, only to quickly turn and head back.
You blink, they were far...quicker...than Celestia's guards, and certainly quiet edger to take off your head.
"You got to be kidding me" you mutter, seeing this pony with hound like efficiency go after you, turning quickly about, almost unnaturally before dive bombing again.
You hit the deck in kind, narrowly avoid the second pass as you begin to get your footing in order and speed towards the buildings nearby, rushing quickly into an alleyway as the guard pony follows from above; its heavy set armour making it almost impossible to follow in the tight space as you begin to take the back routes of Ponyville...which weren't as extensive as Canterlot.
You cursed, realizing that this wouldn't be easy, cover was not only limited, but you could be boxed in quiet a bit.
You pass behind another store, avoiding the cart as you watch the guard pony from above, circling, it as though he hasn't seen you.
You can't be sure, especially with THESE guards.
Back at the castle you had seen them, armour clad, their eyes which bore no emotion.
Set to their cause, their duty, and their master.
Fitting for Blueblood, at least Celestia's and Luna's guards had personality and character, these just seemed like shock troopers without a care for anyone but their leader.
Disgusting no matter how you slice it as you slowly clamber through another alleyway into the main street.
Right into the path of two more guards.
They seem complacent at first, staring at you before one of them rears up and charges you.
"Apprehend the criminal!" it barked, almost in a robotic tone as you bound over it, almost subconsciously as you tumble between the legs of the other and are off again.
Perhaps its the sheer fear of being caught, or the joy that these guys seemed to be as slow as tanks, the fact you were dodging them so well just seemed unreal.
But hey...
You're in a land of technicolor talking ponies, that's pretty unreal right there.
You feel quite cool running away from those guards, their heavy armour giving you a very slight speed advantage.
Was a shame you didn't remember the first guard.
He smashed right into you, head first, and he was a LOT stronger than Rainbow Dash.
You got flying back, tumbling to the ground in a heap as you sit up
"Son of a..." you mutter as the guard slowly approaches you, eyes brilliant and nostrils flaring as heavy armoured hooflings trot across the dirt.
"Surrender or-"
ZAAP!
A magical bolt seemed to jump out from nowhere, striking the guard pony directly in the flank and sending it careening off to smash into a nearby food-cart, causing its pony-tenant to dive away in fear.
You look upwards to the house nearby to see a cloaked figure, a vibrant glow from its horn as the guard rose and shook itself free of the fruity remains. It turned to Anon, but then to the figure, identifying a new threat.
"Cease or be punished." it said as he lunged at its assailant, whizzing towards the unicorn just as she vanished in a flash of magical energy, appearing atop another building as the stallion guard turns and flares his nostrils, charging right towards her again just as Cermina lept from the roof of another building not too far off and slammed right into it, gripping hold of its center mass.
"not so...fast...dosha!" she barked.
The Pegasus whined, flapping its wings violently as it tried to shake Cermina, almost flailing like a mad bull, but the drakess held on tight and slowly brought him down.
Once it was, she smashed its head with a back fist, causing the guard to fwump into dream land as it laid there.
"Dat is v'one...two more to go." Cermina says, seeing several more suddenly converge from mid altitude, every patrol around the village suddenly and systematically heading right towards you.
The unicorn teleports again, this time right in front of you just as the other two stallions begin to approach.
Metal wings flapping, nostrils flaring behind darken visors.
Cermina quickly rushes beside the unicorn, both standing before you like two guardians.
"Dis not be easy. comrade, I count nearly two dozen of dem."
"Then lets try and even those odds." the unicorn said as she powered her horn with magical brilliance.
More zaps from the Unicorn at the guards, several going wide off their mark, but a few striking those armoured equines, striking dead on as they fell to the ground, but not making a clear difference to their numbers.
Cermina hisses as they came closer, seeing that this would be one heck of a fight, sh pounds her fist together.
"Let us die like v'arriors!" she barks.
"I don't plan on dying just yet!" shouted the unicorn in dismay as she looked about and then eyed the everfree.
"The forest!" she calls "we have to get away!"
You don't hesitate as you run, Cermina notices and gives chase, following as planned; besides, you wanted Blueblood to KNOW where you're going.
"AFTER HIM!" you can almost hear the Unicorn shouting as you make your way into the forest, you, Cermina and the mysterious mare all dart as deep as you can before you slowly come to a pause when you feel you've went as far as you could, eventually coming to a halt against a large tree.
Cover taken...now just wait.
A few moments later, Cermina tumbles over, hurring as she finds herself flat on the ground.
"Sjot...dey are no ordinary guardponies." she muttered as she got up, dusting herself off "Dey do not give down easy, took...much strength to bring bastard to hooves."
"Yeah, I doubt these are run of the mill, their armour is tougher and their faces." you shake your head "i honestly don't like it."
"Neither do I, but thats what we must deal with." Spoke a familiar female voice as the hooded mare seems to trot in from nowhere.
"Yeah, well, no one figured BlueBlood would have some special units up his sleeve, but, we managed." you look at the mare "Thanks for the save by the way."
The mare smiled, bowing slightly as a purple magic glow envelopes the hood and pulls it down, showing it to be Twilight Sparkle.
"You're very welcome Anon."
--
Blueblood of course wasn't to thrilled with your escape, not only did your sudden appearance catch him completely off guard, but your evasion from his perfect guards was a tarnish on their name just as much as his; he felt that you simply scoffed in his presence and now he looked nothing more than a fool.
He didn't like being seen as a fool.
No sooner had Anon escaped his grasp into the Everfree that Blueblood gathered the mane six yet again to interrogate them in the Library.
How Anon had avoided his searches till now and even eluded capture by some mysterious unicorns aid was far more press than what he'd like.
"Ah, and we all gather here yet again my dearies." Blueblood began as he stood across from the line of mares, two guards flanking him at the doorway, their expression unchanged as the mane six stood before the prince.
"I did say I would pay extra attention to all of you, being the closer ones to ANon, and yet, even after my past discussions, none of you talked as to where he was?"
"Because we didn't know!' Rainbow blurts out "he kept himself away from us, we had no clue where he was."
"i doubt that..." Blueblood interjected "but...without evidence, perhaps I should take your word yes?"
The mane six blink as they look at one another.
"Whatcha'll sayin? That you believe us?"
"Not exactly, I still feel you all had a part to play, but seeing as none of you...least those I could see, were around when ANon made himself know...perhaps can let it slide...aside from the fact that a certain unicorn interjected..." he turned to Twilight as he trotted forward to her, coming...rather close as the mare took a slight step back.
"Twilight Sparkle, ever since the start I figured you to challenge me every step of the way, even without your princess to aid you, you still show defiance. Only you have such a skill in offensive and defensive magic to create such abilities, yet, here you are, standing before me." he eyed her.
"Where were you earlier today if I may ask."
The mare blinked, opening her maw.
"SHe was with me in the library." Spike interjected "She and I were busy with shelving books." he said, pointing to a large pile.
Blueblood hrmmed, a hoof to his chin as he looks at Twi, the spike, the trots away.
"I see...as diligent with your duties as ever?" he chuckled "i guess it can't be helped." he shrugged a bit, turning back to all six.
"Seeing as this mare in question escaped with ANon, I can only assume a seven member is to be considered, but who....hrm..."
He trotted about, at some points he seemed to turn to them and start to speak, but paused and then went silent.
It took twenty agonizing minutes before Blueblood sighed.
"AH, dear me this is certainly a conundrum..." HE HUFFED AS He looked at the ponies.
"Certainly there is little else to be said now...so I shall make my leave..." HE EYED Each one as he turned to the door BUT Paused.
"I wish you all a pleasant day now." he said before he trotted out, leaving all six holding their breath as the door closed behind him.
"Phew" WAS The collective sigh from everypony as AJ smirked, and then Rainbow and then everyone began to laugh...aside from Twilight.
"I must admit, I had my doubts about this illusion trick, but, can't believe he fell for it. "
Rarity said, trotting over to the illusion of Twilight as she waves a hoof through it, seeing it glitch like a bad reception on TV.
"Yah gotta give credit ta Twi..." Aj adds as she trots over "...she took a might big risk fer us, but yah got ta admit I am impressed by it all."
The others nod.
"SO what now?" Rainbow asks
"We keep doin what we do, act natural." AJ added "S'what ANon said ta do."
"Simple enough, how dreadful it must be for them to have to be on the lamb, more so for Twilight." Rarity said, saddness in her voice.
"Twi said she'd do it herself, woulda not wanted ta put any of us in danger, s'ides, she knows more bout dem wilds en any of us would."
The others nod "SHE CHOSE to go Rarity." Rainbow added "She's got guts, not as much as me, but guts none the less."
Rarity chuckled "Well, I thank her for taking the burden off our shoulders, but I wish she let me fix that old cloak up for her."
"Woulda been suspicious to see some of your craftsmanship on a random mares cloak." Aj adds "Woulda blow it."
"Are you saying my work is noticeable?"
"With Blueblood? best not take that chance." Rainbow adds.
Rarity huffs, but blushes a bit 'well, perhaps I should look into making my style a bit more...hidden "
"I think its lovely." spoke A soft Fluttershy.
Rarity perked right up "WHY Thank you darling, that means the world to me."
She hugged the yellow Pegasus as Pinkie began to jump around.
"Oohh this is so exciting. Anon, Twilight, Cermina all on an adventure! We better prepare a welcome back party!''
After a few more shenanigans, and leaving Spike with a few goodies, the mares all break off to return to their homes.
Unaware that the cold, unmoving eyes of one of Bluebloods guards, perched atop a tree, watching the library, its duty set to keep a careful eye on Twilight, Blueblood knew something was up, but he wasn't too sure about what.
"You shall keep a watch, but do not be seen."
--
"I don't think Blublood will be any wiser to my disappearance than we'd like to be. I made sure that 'I' would still be around to keep him off our trail."
Twilight said, an air of confidence in her voice as she trotted around a bit, smiling.
"Its a simple duplication spell, its the same as me, just...an image. As long as no one tries to dispell it, we should be fine, and will drive a certain prince bonkers when he can't figure it out." she giggled "Not my proudest moment, but it gives me a chance to try this new book out."
She hovers a book from a saddle bag beneath the cloak.
"Landmarks of wild Equestria, a travel guide for the navigational challenge." you read "Lovely thought we agreed no books."
"But its Important!" Twilight confess as she flips through it, pulling out a map "see, we're here." She marked your position on the map "closest landmark is...the castle of the Celestial sisters."
"Den we better get moving comrades...I sense does armoured stallions approaching dis way, dere scent of steel..." she sniff "it reeks of corruption."
You huff, standing up as Twi puts the book away and flips on her hood.
'Alright, so we're currently being chased by a prince's elite guard and you want us to slow down?" You ask as Twilight led the way for you and Cermina.
"We have to be careful here, even without the worry of Nightmare Moons magical influence, we still have to be careful, there're a lot of wild animals, poisonous flowers and beast of horror we may have to face."
"yah, v'e can vouch for dat." Cermina huffs, nudging you "V'e listen to unicorn yah?"
"Fine fine..." you grumble.
Hate slowing down, but...haters gonna hate as you creep through the wilderness.
You've never been this far in before.
You know thats what she would say for a thought like that, but this is legit, the deeper you went...the..realer the wilderness came.
You could swear it reminded you of your childhood expeditions to your nearby nature park and such.
And yet the ponies all feared it.
The spiders were one example, but, it was so beautiful.
"I think we've arrived." Twilight muttered as she magicked a bush aside to show a vast expanse beyond. A place where a bridge once had been was devoid of any means to cross, but beyond the other side, a sole turret of an ancient castle loomed in the glare of the mid day sun.
"We're so close, but how do we cross it?"
"Ahem, you do know I can do magic right?" Twilight boasts a bit, proud of it as she trotted forward "leave it to me...Anon, if I may ask you to..." she paused "uhhh, you'll need to be close to me to do this."
"You...mean like ride you?"
"Wh what?' Twilight says in surprise.
"Err...well in our world, we have horses, and we ride atop them."
Twilight seemed flabbergasted "you...you do?"
"Course their bigger than you...maybe the size of Celestia..."
Twilight fidgets "Aha...well, no need to be that close..but..." she looks away a bit "A hug would be good."
You shake your head, brain aint flippin as you nod "Sure...i'll be gentle."
You can almost here Cermina chuckle as you ease over to Twilight, her bashful expression trying to avoid yours as you kneel down and gently wrap you arms around her neck.
She squeaks a bit, her tail perking up as she blinks, blushing as you can't help but smell...lilac?
"Ah...ah hang on." she stutters as her horn begins to brilliance.
You close your eyes.
You hear a flashing noise like a camera.
Poof.
You open your eyes to find yourself on the other side of the gorge, the castle slightly closer now as you inhale and exhale, taking a big whiff of Twilights scent before realizing how...close...you are to her.
double take whammy release and stand straight, dusting off, keeping your cool as you smirk.
"Good stuff Twi."
Twilight blushed "thank you ANon...now just need to get Cer-"
Before either of you could turn about, Cermina landed hard behind you with a heavy thud, indenting into the dirt path as she hissed, grinning before rising slowly.
"I do not need magicks v'hen I got strength." She grinned "I can han dle anyting dat is thrown at me."
SHe laughs a bit, patting Twilight on the head as she takes the lead.
"Come now comrades v'e have castle to crash!"
"Is she always this showvanistic?" Twilight asks, shaking her head to fix her mane.
"Only when she knows she can show off."
Twilight looks at you "really?" she said sarcastically "i never would have guessed.'
You start walking, and she begins to trot alongside you.
"I take it you've been here before?"
"Yeah...long time ago, when I first came to Ponyville and met my friends. We had to go to this castle to summon the Elements of Harmony to stop Nightmare Moon."
You pause for a moment.
"I never did hear the whole story of about beating Nightmare Moon and freeing Luna when I first arrived, mind filling me in?"
Twilight's eyed you quizzically, almost as if something important that was forgotten had just been remembered.
"Oh, I'm surprised no one told you the tale."
"Guess being so busy with saving Luna's rump and dealing with the shenanigans I guess I never asked."
She inhaled and began to tell you the story of how Nightmare Moon came to be from Princess Luna, how she was banished to the moon and that a thousand years would pass before her escape. WHen that did happen, Twilight told Celestia but didn't take much notice of it, sending Twilight to Ponyville to help with the Summer Sunset festival. It was going rather well and Twilight had made her first real friends that night. However, when Nightmare Moon did come back, she made it eternal night, and that's when Twilight and the others had to venture out here.
"Nightmare Moon tested us, showing me the true value of friendship with the elements within each of my close friends. When we finally did come together and faced her, I realize the final element, the spark, was magic, magic of friendship. With that strength, we banished Nightmare Moon and brought back Luna. The rest..." she smiled "is as you see now, though, we never really expected such things with the Canterlot Court and Prince Blueblood to be so..difficult."
You had listened well, and the story certainly was riveting, explains why everypony was uneasy with Luna, that more or less mad everything better considering it was you who showed the court Luna's value to her kingdom and her care for her subjects.
"I'm rather glad you went and helped Luna to become accepted again through Canterlot and Ponyville, it means a lot to know she is willing and able to move on and do her duty."
'Yeah, shame she still will be scrutinized, and with Bluelood holding most, if not all the cards to this game, the two princess are more or less at odds to him.'
"I wouldn't doubt them just yet." Twilight said with a chuckle "Celestia had a way of doing a lot of sneaky work."
'Sneaky work?'
She nods "consider my story, Celestia did indeed know of the danger, but she put it to me to handle it, which not only proved my own strength, but gave me true values of friendship and wonderful friends."
"yet she didn't do anything."
"Exactly the point, especially when she can't, leaving it to those who can handle it has a way of working out."
You blink a few more times running it through your head.
Knowing how tough Celestia was, it was obvious she could handle anything so why dump it on her student.
Perhaps the benevolence isn't her thing?
Or was she afraid of failing in front of her subjects.
Your thoughts are stopped as you bump into Twilight's behind as she stood behind Cermina who was standing over a crest of a hill looking down at the castle of the Celestial Sisters.
Despite it being a ruin, it was a rather impressive complex.
Four turrets, connected by large, wide arched bridges around a massive center tower was all there was, three out of the four turrets were gone and the center complexes was in woeful disrepair as you slowly trod down together towards the stone gate.
"Dis is impressive, yet, vhy is it left here?"
Twilight sighs a bit "When Celestia banished her sister Nightmare Moon to the moon, the final battle took place within these walls." Twilight noted as you all passed the gate into the empty courtyard, it was overrun with shrubbery and only the stone path remained.
"It was here where the elements of harmony were kept and where my friends and I vanquished Nightmare Moon."
"Explains v'hey dey not use it...bad history."
"Not always, before Canterlot even existed, this was Luna's and Celestia's home, and it was here their seat of power was place...but you can imagine after such an event how they would wish to move on from it."
You know "Seems Legi-"
Cermina pauses instantly, hissing as she begins to look around.
"Comrades...v'e are not alone..."
Suddenly, the triumphant whine of a stallion ripped the silence as you all turn to see three of Bluebloods guards rushing down towards you.
Everyone hits the deck as they buzz pass.
"How dey find us?" Cermina hisses, covering her head as she glared at Twilight.
"I I don't know!" Twilight exclaims "They must have not given up when we thought we lost them."
"V'ell, we better do something quick before we end up caught...make your way inside...NOW!
You all get up and rush inside, darkness quickly overwhelming you.
"TWILIGHT!" you call "CERMINA"
no answer as you slowly feel your way forward, eventually finding yourself coming through what you can only guess as a tunnel.
You're not sure how you ended up here, you remember running with your friends into the castle and expected to enter a foyer, it wasn't late out so the sun would be shining through.
You didn't expect a tunnel however, and now you found yourself in a pitch black environment.
"Can anything ever make sense?" you mutter.
This was getting annoying as you suddenly feel a slight drop in your step as you look out into an open room, massive in size as the glow from crystals seemed to enrich the room in a deep blue light.
The room was a hollowed out cavern, deep underground as no natural light seemed to be present. The question of when and why you were sent here came to mind, but all you could really consider was some for of magic or some being living in this castle that must have taken a liking to you.
Never the less you survey the room and notice several pathways from other ends of the cavern all running to one center spot where a faint glow from something you couldn't make out was there.
floating above a stand in the center.
You hesitate, a million different thoughts from film and games swim through your head.
Traps
There had to be some here.
No one has a castle and not has some form of trap to keep would-be thieves at bay.
Canterlot Castle may not have had traps, but its hidden passage network was enough to rise the idea these ponies didn't squander their skills in construction.
Slowly you bend down, easing a handful of rocks from the floor as you rise and look at the pathway before you.
You toss one, as far as you can as you watch it sail across the bridge....
and then thunmp against what looked like some magical barrier around the center section, sparking energy and stopping its momentum before landing right at the edge, only a foot from the center platform.
"Wiggy..." you mutter as you toss another, then another.
You progressively toss rocks closer and closer to you as you eventually create a trail of them from the center back.
As the last rock is simply dropped in front of you, you exhale.
"Okay, no more chicken..." you mutter, slowly taking a step forward.
Nothing
No traps, no weak stones.
You take another...and then another, eventually walking right up to your first stone thrown, and the barrier wall.
Its faint, but it almost looks like a bubble of sort surrounding what looks like a gauntlet or a slab of armour of sorts.
You inhale, slowly exhaling as you place your palm on the bubble, feeling energy suddenly coursing through it...then you...before subsiding and causing the barrier to fizzle and vanish with a flash.
You step forward onto the platform, eying what could only be considered a wrist gauntlet.
Which was not designed for a pony hoof.
It was designed for a HUMAN WRIST.
It floated there, suspended over a stone pillar, rather simple in design as you approach it.
Trap
Its a trap.
That phrase keeps going off in your head as you slowly extend a fist towards the gauntlet and with one smooth motion.
SWIPE
You yank the gauntlet from the center pillar and hold it tightly in your hand.
Silence.
You hold your breath as you grip the gauntlet tight, it feels durable like Armour but covered in parts with what you can only guess as a fabric covering.
"This looks like the power glove..." You mutter, eyeing the 'gauntlet' like device.
"How the heck does something designed like this even exist here?"
Its design doesn't seem to fit human exactly, but the five holes, similar to a fingerless glove could consider a creature with a humanoid hand could use it.
"But...who...certainly they're aren't any other humans around."
"Perhaps thy not ask who, but why and how they tool you possess came to your grasp."
It wasn't Twilight or Cermina who spoke, not Luna nor Celestia, even Blueblood didn't...sound that soft yet so...confident.
"What do you mean, and who the heck are you?"
The voice chuckled slightly "I am neither friend nor foe to your kind, but you, you hold a very special bond with the ones who had forged this tool, made this place."
"What? You mean to tell me I'm related to ponies in some way?"
The voice laughed "AH dear me, such foolary you speak, but I must comfort you on such thoughts. Though the ponies had built upon this place with their castle, the temple you are within is not of such a relation."
"Relation? SO, you're something else?"
"Precisely."
You think for a moment.
The only other possibility of species you think could do such a feat would have to be.
"Dragons then?"
The voice hurred "very perceptive My child, yes, the draconis kin had built this temple long before Equestria was founded, but during the years of struggle between us, it had been lost to them."
"Platnium right?"
"SHe is the witch princess we had sought to rid the peace of this land, when Equestria was merely a province towards the kingdoms of dragons. Her rule had brought much strife between us had we not intervene."
"Wait, are you..." you pause "The dragons who stopped the final battle."
Another hurr "You pick up swiftly young one, such is the truth you have uncovered."
'So why can't i see you'
The hurring subsided "There are reasons for that my child, as we have long since left that plane of existence, so has our bodies done the same. What you hold is the last vestige of our race, a gauntlet designed to unlock the powers of magic for any creature carrying even the slightest trace within their blood. You...human creature...may not believe in such things, but your blood holds many secrets and this tool... shall be passed to you."
You chuckled 'you can't be serious...magic...me? Maybe some cheap parlour tricks but-'
"IT IS IN YOUR BLOOD CHILD" the voice boomed, only, many voices "you carry the blood of our ancestors, and with it, the gift of this tool."
'Okay okay...geeze, don't have to yell.' you mutter easing the gauntlet from your grasp to study it. "How am I in any way relate to your ancestors?
Silence for a moment, a mutter of different voices.
"He doesn't know"
"What has become of his memories?"
"Has the guide not told him?"
You catch faint glimpse of thought from others around, but nothing directed at you.
Nothing you could understand anyway.
"Though there is much we wish to tell you, child of the dragon, there is little time for us to give. Your friends above may require your aid as the bastard prince...the son of the witch princess...continues to seek their demise with his brutes. You must go to aid them.
'Okay, hang on a sec, I can't fight those things, don't even have a weapon.'
"The gauntlet you now possess shall aid with your plight, wield it with your talent and open your heart to it; from it you shall learn and with it, defeat those who set to harm you."
You huff, not willing to try something you know zip about, but if these...voices...these dragon spirits, are right about whats going on, you'd be better off trusting them and using this dumb thing.
"Alright...fine...what do I do?"
"put upon your arm the gauntlet, and from there it shall do the rest."
You nod, slowly extending your right arm as you slip it into the crevice below the Armour, watching it slip through the fabric holster and letting your hand glove the fabric within, popping out the other side covered in the black material.
It suddenly began to glow, and with it, upon the wrist, a chamber opened or at least formed to...fit...something square.
Your phone then begins to float from your pocket as you blink in sheer surprise at what you are seeing.
"The device you carry radiates energy of a different...kind...of magic, yet, you may still seek its use for this gauntlet, it shall help channel your strength, let them become...one."
And so they did...the phone fitting snugly into the opening as oi screen went blank, leaving the time, battery and signal icons at the top, but showing nothing but a black screen within.
"Your powers remain dormant, but they shall become available when you call upon them. Perhaps what may transpire to aiding your friends be a good tune to see what can be forged."
You fix the gauntlet on your wrist, clenching your fist as you observe the gloves grip.
"Awesome...so how do I get to my friends then?' You ask.
The voice chuckles "leave that to us, a savior requires an entrance does he not?"
OF Course, before you could interject, you feel a tingling sensation as a sudden flash of teleportation takes you from the room.
"My the dragons guide your quest young one." THE Voice said as the room suddenly puffed again into darkness.
You are Celestia
And you've had better days.
Ever since Blueblood got the court to rally into a fickle of what to do about Anon, he had somehow moused his way to getting a majority support.
It was...troublesome, considering it originally was Anon who had the majority, but ponies can change, especially when on...greases the right axle.
Celestia and Luna could not get involved any further into the situation, their duty as royalty was to protect their kingdom, but Anon had done no harm, despite his flee from Canterlot and the rustle with you that one night, his crimes were easily forgiven.
His companion not so much, but Blueblood didn't know that.
It was easy for him, that sinister tongue of his to set about his own desires in motion, simply putting aside all the work Anon had done to show his wicked hooves and yet the council simply upped and forgave him.
"Well he IS A prince...not wise to sully relations with royalty." You mutter to yourself as you trot through the near vacant hallway of the medical ward
You yourself were in no better state.
You were exhausted as well, many wanted to know what had become of the human, and your rest for the last few days had been dreadful.
Ever since ANon left, the nightmares had returned, showing the same thing each time.
Fears of something.....something evil rising.
The same nightmare over and over.
It was hard enough to just keep with your daily duty to the sun let alone the hissy fit of Blueblood and the court.
"Princess Celestia?" spoke a rather calm voice as you look to see the professor unicorn from the first time you were here with ANon.
"Ah, professor Sketch, it is a pleasure to see you again."
"Likewise your highness." He replied with a bow "I am glad you could come on such short notice."
You smile "as coy as it may seem, any excuse to leave the confines of my study is much appreciated; what is it that you wish for me to see?"
The professor smiled as he led the princess into his study lab, shutting the door tightly behind him.
"Must it be so secret?" You ask as the professor nods.
"Science such as this should, would not want some unyielding prince to hear us."
you relinquish a soft giggle as the professor grabs his note pad and trots towards the back end of the room.
There, you notice a rather elaborate table christened in stone of pure white, laden with various instruments of unusual shape and kind.
It was almost daunting to see their positioning as your head
is drawn down
towards a vile
suspended | | between
two arms that hold it
Within an energy sphere
of magic entombing it
"Is that?"
'encasement spell you're majesty, I apologize before hand if this an inconvenience for you.'
"Not at all" you respond kindly to had bending forward in kind to respect.
"I am glad to appoint my subjects time accordingly."
Of course you know of Blueblood, having to deal with that stallions shenanigans.
"It is the least I can do for treating ANon. It could never had been enough for me to leave you aside like that...'
'can say it was worth the risk, considering the reward.'
You turn you gaze along with the stallions to the blood sample.
The aura of magic perfectly surrounding the device
protected from any number of harmful means that become of it.
'this sample, something very strange has become of it.'
'your majesty, if I may say that this sample has unusal... properties.'
He paused
"Why thy sir show concern for something such as this."
'I guess you can say i wish to keep my head about this.'
"You do not mean Blueblood?"
The stallion nodded his head 'that's a good thing, to be mindful of what this is could be a rather...'
"What of?"
"dangerous to be exact, not in the destructive sense."
You pause a bit, looking over the professor before eying back to the vile.
"Is that why it is suspend?"
'Not exactly.' he responded as the unicorn trotted over.
'Whatever is within this humans blood is something very strange.' he let his horn glow as the sphere slowly dissipated.
'I do not wish to bore you with facts and figures, rather I'll let you see for yourself your highness.'
He eased away.
'Please, if you may, magic the vile and try and pick it up.'
"Try?" You respond somewhat perplex "that is merely the work of a telekinesis spell."
You wave your horn, keeping your focus onto the vile as a golden colour of magic began to encase just the vile of red.
Slowly, you start to put pressure on the hold.
But, something odd happens.
Your magic starts to lose its grip.
Your spell dissipating instantly the moment you went to 'grab' the vile.
You huff, trotting in place as you cast the spell again.
Yet to no avail, it dissipates.
You huff again, clearly perplexed, if not agitated by the sudden difficulty of this task.
Magicking it again.
Easing it tight in your grip, slowly...very slowly raising it up.
And again, your magic dissipates, letting it sink back into place.
'Let me stop you there princess.'
The professor spoke, clearly not one to have his royal highness flustered by this conundrum as you realize the folly of your agitation and sigh contently before trotting closer to the vile.
"What...causes such a dispelling of even my magic?"
'His blood bears trace amounts of something that is quite immune to our magics.'
"You...don't mean."
There was only one creature in all of Equestria that had such a resistance to magic as powerful as yours.
"Dragons?" You ask as he nods slowly.
'We've already run samples of dragons...the few we had...and found quite a few similarities between them." he flipped out his glasses as his note pad fluttered over.
'I'm not sure if all humans are like this, but clearly he is far more capable at dealing with magical creatures that you may think.'
"It explains his... resilience.... during out confrontation."
'Perhaps, but I wouldn't doubt he can use that ability far more effectively if he knew of it.'
You look at the professor "What do you mean?"
'I mean your highness that I don't think he knows of it, considering how he simply assumed good fortunate in not dying against you. The colognes of dragon blood with his own made him resilient. Imagine him almost twice as strong if he knew of this development.'
"Be thankful he didn't, better yet, it should prove helpful in his dealings with Blueblood." YOU can't help but smIrk.
ANon was already formidable without knowing of his bloodline, imagine how much so he will be to Blueblood should they met again.
'There is one last thing your highness that must be mentioned... there is a second property to this humans blood that is rather...perplexing.'
"Perplexing?"
'Yes... had you ever notice an unusual...sensation of peace around ANon?'
"WHy...yes professor, now that you mention it, anytime ANon and I conversed, always did feel at ease."
'that is because something else in his blood carries properties of the element of calmness.'
"Element of calmness? You are not jesting professor are you?"
The stallion shakes his head 'I'm sorry if the term is unfitting, but it is the best way to describe it. Whatever is near or around ANon can be instantly calmed by the sheer presence of this human. It is not to say it some special property of his genetic, but whatever gave him the dragons line also produced this aura of serenity...'
You were slightly dumbfounded, you had known little else of elemental magic such as the elements of harmony, had this human, Anon, had his very blood create an entirely new element?
"I do not follow professor, are you saying he posses the same elemental magic as the elements of harmony bearers do?"
'Yes...that is exactly what I am saying. We've even tested it in a room with other ponies. To our surprise, we've come across astounding results.' He flips a file before you.
'Each test subject underwent a series of distracting events, from simple annoyances to Pinkie Pie's constant banter. Once we moved them into a room circulated with a small sample of ANon's blood, they all calmed down instantly, two even fell asleep.'
You blink again, such an amazing discovery, or at least what you could gather.
'Never the less princess, Anon is very special, a creature such has him has never existed, yet holding ties with one of the most powerful species in Equestria? It just...' he sighed 'it makes no sense, but only increases the awe in finding out more.'
"I would not have Anon turned into a test subject professor, it is unfitting to even consider such a thing."
'I...i am sorry princess.'
You smile "It is alright professor, I just..." you sigh "Wish to know he is okay."
There was a sudden knock at the door as both you and the professor share a glance.
You turn, slowly letting the stallion trot over, and check the door.
'Who is it?'
Silence for a moment as the professor huffs 'may I ask who is knocking?'
"Is Celestia within? I was told she would be here."
"Luna?" You remark in surpise as you magic the door to see your sister.
She smiled, trotting inside as she closed the door, and after a quick embrace, dangles a scroll before you.
"I was looking all over sdear sister, some news had reached my ears."
"Oh? what of."
She smiled, easing the scroll at your nose.
It...smelled like...ANon!
"He had sent a message and I thought you would be interested in reading it sister."
Course, you don't mind being up high, hell, flying up with Celestia that one time wasn't bad.
Its just, ever go on a balcony and fear looking over the edge?
Its like that.
Which is worse and also chicken of you.
But hell, its high up, and you really can't see yourself growing wings.
You step back, just as you hear a yelp from below.
Quickly you get down on your stomach and crawl to the edge, the only 'safe' way you can.
There, down below, you can see Cermina pinned by two guards, each one atop either arm as she struggled violently below them.
And a third
Approaching Twilight with dead set ambitions.
Odd, wouldn't any royal guard know of Twilight sparkle? She was Celestia's student...
then again, this was Bluebloods guard.
And chance he had to strike at his auntie certainly would be taken, and with Celestia unable to do anything, you can't help but feel anger building deep inside of you.
You stand up, wanting to get down there, but seeing no real way off the tower you were stuck on without dropping down to a rather narrow battlement lined balcony.
You clench your first, powerless to help your friends.
What kind of a guy were you to just do that, it wasn't fair, it wasn't right.
But, for whatever reason, you suddenly start feeling a tingle in your right hand, and a faint blue light suddenly catches your eye as what you thought was a short black stick materialize in your hand.
"What the hay?" You mutter as you study the new addition to your wardrobe.
It looked like a sword's handle as you study it, slick black fabric of sorts with a blade shield on one end, and a hexagonal butt on the other.
You grip it tightly, feeling its feather weight in your hand as you look it over, but, where was the blade?
From all the movies you've seen with a tool like this, you can only guess it requires some means to activate, like an energy sword or a light saber. You take another look at the blade and notice the center grip is a light shade of grey with a rather unusual feel to it.
Pointing the blade with its shield guard away from you, you gently begin to squeeze it, tightening your grip just as a large blue energized blade flashes forward from the tip.
"Whao..." You grin, holding the blade firmly as you sweep it left and right.
One thing comes to your mind now, you now posses a means of malice in your hand
Not a tool, a weapon.
You can almost hear the PG-13 rating screaming in your ear as you look at the blade.
Despite it being a weapon, it is a sword, it is something noble, something worthy of a knight wishing to save those he cares for.
Fitting... if you do say so yourself.
You grip tighter, noticing the blade getting slightly longer.
First Short sword, then broad, then longsword.
"Well, this is certainly useful..." you mutter as you twirl the blade and let the energize end of it fizzle out before looking back down.
"Now, to get down there, and fast." you think as you can see the guard getting close just as you hear Twilight yelp again.
The bastard.
No other options
Its Hero time.
You toss away your fear, ease back, and then with a running start, leap right off the towers top.
Perhaps not thinking the whole thing through as you whip the blade forward, gripping it tightly as the sword grows from a short sword, to a broad sword, a great sword, then eventually a long sword as you feel your leaping momentum slow and then a sudden drop as you twist the blade downward, right towards the guard moving towards Twilight.
You are Twilight Sparkle
And for the first time, you're rather shocked by the roughness of the guard before you.
Never had you seen such brutality, and certainly nothing from the guards you knew of Celestia and Luna's own regiments.
These ones...these one's were different, more so than you'd ever remember or even reading about as these heavy clad...war ponies...seem to trod over to you without hesitation or remorse.
The fact they took down a tough fighter like Cermina was...even more unsettling as the guard loomed over you.
"Justice...shall be done." it muttered in a monotone voice.
"Wh-what justice?" Twilight replies, well, through a near squeak.
"Assisting a criminal and engaging those set to apprehend him, such is a crime in itself...now seek your punishment."
It rose a hoof as you close your eyes and brace.
Only to hear a rather sickening...stabbing noise as you look up to see the guard immobile, its eyes glazed as it masked face seemed to contort and then vanish into the helmet as it seemed to just...fall...off.
Anon...
He was holding tight to a extra long blade jammed right through the neck and into the ground, himself being held up almost eight feet off the ground with the blade rammed right into the dirt.
"A-anon!?" you exclaim as the human dangles from the blades handle as your expression brightens.
The sword slowly shrinks before dissipating and the human lands beside the now headless...armour husk.
But you don't care you leap at him, embracing him.
"Oh its so good to see you alright!"
'Uhhh...Twi?'
"Yeah?" you ask as you notice the other two slowly ease from Cermina towards you.
Big mistake on their part.
The drake is up instantly, leaping atop one and grabbing its head, twisting it and yanking the helm right off, exposing nothing but armour as the second neighs and starts to take flight.
"Not dis time..." She muttered one and threw the helm of the first right at it, smashing it square into its gut as it collapsed to the floor.
She didn't give it a chance to recover as she went upon him next, dragging him down and yanking his helm off the same as the first, exposing nothing but shadows beneath armour plates.
"V"HAT DIS?" Cermina exclaimed as she was left with nothing but a helmet in her claws "V'ere is soft squishy inside?" she demands, sniffing about the suit.
"Wait...I've seen this before!" you exclaim, trotting over to the first guards unmoved form that ANon beheaded, you could tell this armour was definitely not anything Celestia or Luna had on their guards.
It looked older
Heavier, built around a time when armour was more for protection rather than show.
Even its slight details were impressive, but that wasn't what you sought.
Your gaze travels about the head to the neck and torso, noticing a small symbol along the metal plate connecting the body armour to with the upper sections of the neck guard.
"Aha!" you exclaim as you plucked the piece of armour with your magic and showing it to ANon and Cermina "look at this, maybe this can help you with why there are no ponies inside them."
There, upon the plate was a marking of sorts, a royal seal that looked like a shield surrounded by an elaborate vine and a sword cut through the center.
"Celestia once told me that Princess Platinum was able to animate suits of armour with magical energy...its..." You pause "a reanimation spell, it turns whatever is inanimate into a living, moving object, hence the armours emotionless...traits." You huff as you toss the piece aside "its a very powerful spell, perhaps done by Platinum herself for her son...but, according to what modern wizards had said of it, its considered dark magic."
"Dark, dat does not seem dark." Cermina huffed "Good v'ay to make up for lack of numbers yah?"
Twilight nods "perhaps...militarily, yes...but...it uses the wielders own essence to animated it, basically, if this was done by Platinum, then part of her spirit is in each one of these.
'And I take it she was very powerful, considering what she did.' ANon adds as you nod.
"EXACTLY, Perhaps why they follow Blueblood so willingly, its almost frightening to think just how many he has at his hoof and call."
"I'vould guess many, considering dat is coming." Cermina said as she pointed to what could only be described as a chariot being pulled by two of those armoured guards with Blueblood seated within...and several more guards at each of his side.
"Too many..." Cermina huffed as she looked over to ANon "V'ith dat glow stick, perhaps v'e can take em?"
"I wouldn't try it this time Cermina." you speak out, concern in your voice "his forces would be limitless if this spell was done by his mother, we better escape and hide."
'I have to agree...even though my sword and your claws would be effective, there would be too many to take on by ourselves.'
Cermina growls, hissing a bit before she swatted her tail "Fine, tactical v'ithdrawl."
You are Celestia
You've just been given a letter from ANon sent to your sister and no sooner had she given it to you that you trotted off to your quarters to read it.
leaving Luna and Professor Sketch in a flurry of wings, almost too quickly perhaps as you settled down atop your plush pillow.
You eye the letter intently, how ANon was able to send it to your sister was a matter in itself, but knowing Luna, she always had a way to slip something past even your watchful eye.
Ever since she was a fillie, she was capable of sneaky feats and certainly made your head spin.
But you valued it.
Now, time and again, she had done so with ANon.
Ever since his first time here she had be willing to side with him, was only...fitting...she was able to sneak another means of aid for him under your nose.
You giggle a bit at the though, reminiscing a bit as you unfold the letter.
It wasn't written like Twilight's letters.
It was...different, the writing was unusual not just in style, but...
It didn't even read properly.
You blink, somewhat upset that his writing style was...drastically different, in fact, not just different, how much incorrect wording he was using, an extra letter there, a missing one over there...
Wait...
You ponder your thoughts for a moment, Anon would do much more than just send you a letter, considering BlueBloods desire to capture him
Perhaps... Code?
You scramble over to your bookshelf, slowly pulling fourth the few books you had on such matters.
Code breaking itself was a rarity among your collection, very few times had it been called upon for assets that affect royalty.
You can recall during the earlier Griffin wars that plaid during your earlier reign that many of the griffins orders and plans were transferred via code, and you had certainly your fare share of trying to crack them.
Anon's was no different, albeit perhaps a little more...complex.
It was a wonder why you never considered that instantly.
TO think ANon had poor literacy, to be such a poor scriptwriter?
Preposterous!
Still, he was indeed full of surprise as you flip open a few books, browsing each one quickly and decisively in ways that would make your prized student envious.
Sure enough, the code slowly starts to come through, and the once poorly written letter turns into something else.
'Dearest Celestia
I hope this letter finds some joy in the insanity that has befallen your kingdom.
By know, word of Bluebloods 'confinement' of Ponyville in his search for a criminal has run many of its inhabitants thin, and though we left in a hurry, I wish to let you know that I'm still alive and well.
I've come to realize just how important the value of friendship and strength of the elements of harmony are, they alone had hid me from BlueBlood during my period of illness, risking hoof and neck to keep me away from the princes's prying eyes. I owe them much, but sadly, there is little I can do at this point considering I am on the run.
I must give a double thank you to your student, Twilight Sparkle, by her own choice and desire, she has fled with myself and Cermina from Ponyville into the Everfree forest. We plan to draw Blueblood and every single one of his guards from the place and see if we can't get them good and lost to ease tensions around town.'
You pause, he certainly didn't hold any quarter on his wording of the situation, and indeed it was dire.
Bringing Twilight along was even more perplexing, but...you had faith in your pupil.
"At least they are well."
You say to yourself as you breath a sigh of relief and read on.
'I do not ask of your aid at this point, getting you involved here would be disastrous, considering BlueBlood may not hesitate to hold back against you; being away from Canterlot would put you at a sever disadvantage, considering how many guards we've seen as the prince's entourage.
Hopefully, what you can do there would be enough. Convince the council of Bluebloods actions, certainly most 'un-prince like'' of him to go around like this, especially towards the element bearers. If at all possible, try and get him reigned in, perhaps even punished for his actions.'
"Oh ANon..." You sight as you pause again "if only it were that simple."
Despite the logic behind ANon's idea and the value of pressing this uncouth situation to the council, the majority support still favored the prince over yours and Luna's, and though you had tried before, the only result was needless squabble.
It was beginning to look like that nothing would be solved in any way possible by 'conventional means'
but
You are Princess Celestia.
You alone can change this, and despite the council and your nephew and even the title you bared, you were still ruler of Equestria.
And if your subjects were set in harms way, to be forced like wild animals under the scrutinizing eye of a prince, it certainly would not be something worth standing by and letting pass.
You exhale, looking back at the letter.
'I hope whatever word that can get out about this be said, Blueblood crossed the line when he marshaled the citizens of Ponyville under law to let his ponies tear up the place in search of me. I feel at the heart responsible for it, and if i have to face Blueblood mono eh mono, then at least I can be satisfied knowing little will stop me from showing him his place.
I wish you best speed on this Princess.
May your sun shine and guide all.
Sincerely yours.
-Anon'
You sigh again, folding the letter and easing it away from view, hidden into your desk as you rise from your cushion and trot over to the window.
Gazing out over Canterlot as the sun was hidden behind the veil of clouds that hung over your city.
A dreary day for a dreary mood.
You can't help but feel, for the first time in many many years, powerless to help Anon.
His words were true, had you or your sister gotten involved, then the consequence to the court would be astronomical.
Celestia, the princess of the sun and ruler of Canterlot aiding a criminal?
Pray Luna had been relived of such titles, being aided by ANon as her defense was enough to merit her aid to him, but it would only make things worse.
Blueblood could spin a tail of torment about her reasoning and even more so, bring about how she may try to overthrow....
You shook your head, passing another sigh from your maw as you let the chill wind of the coming winter season touch your skin, closing tour eyes to revel in the calm.
*Knock knock*
Oh, who could that be?
You turn, trotting towards the door as you magic the balcony doors closed and brush a comb through your mane for a quick touch up.
"Yes? May I ask who it may be knocking upon my door.'
"Dear Sister!' chirped Luna "it is I, I was worried when you left in a flutter, are you well?"
You open the door to see your sister, a look of concern on her face as you smile.
"I am well enough Sister...just...surprised ANon finally sent us a letter."
Luna looks at you with interest "Yes, I do agree, in light of recent events, his ability to keep us informed is well kept." she smirked T you, obviously suggesting something else.
"DO you not think I care deep for him?"
"Enough to whisk away with the letter to your quarters, almost as a star crossed lover...yes?"
She nudged closer to you "certainly questionable towards the princess and ruler of Equestria to fall for a human hrmm?"
You blush "it...it is nothing of the sort! I simply care for him as he had done for you and I. He is no threat to our kingdom..." you huff "a shame Blueblood thinks not."
Luna eased back, sighing "Is there nothing we can do? Surely something of the prince's actions cannot be condone. I understand wanting to pursue Anon, but, marshal law on Ponyville?"
You pause for a second as an idea came to mind.
What Anon said
And what Luna mentioned.
"Sister dear?" You ask, the confidence returning to your voice.
"Yes? What is it?" She replied.
"Take yourself and whoever able to the royal archives, check if there is any law that could in fact condone Bluebloods actions, search as deep as you can."
You trot back to your balcony, swinging opening the doors as you step out.
With a swift whistle, you summon two Pegasus, armour clad as the swoop beside you.
"and what of you Sister?" Luna asked
You huff, smirking "anon and mys student are in danger, and even though I cannot aid ANon, my student is with him, and she however is entitled to my care and protection." she smiled as Luna returned it, nodding quickly.
'yes, yes of course!' she replied as she turned about "i shall get on this immediately!' and she was out the door as you turn towards the Everfree, closing the door behind you as you and your two guards take flight.
"Be safe ANon, `I shall be there as soon as able."
--
Back inna woods
You are ANon.
Cermina was dusting her claws from the magical sand Luna gave you to send letters to her.
"let us hope dat v'orks comrade, I do not know how v'ell dese ponies are for combat tactics."
'we can only hope they don't get noticed.'
"I doubt they would" Twilight assured "Luna and Celestia are very capable, both as royalty and warriors."
You smirk
'That's good to know, least we can be certain they won't have an issue back in Canterlot, considering Bb is out here with us somewhere.'
"Dah, but tis best v'e do not give him chance to find us, come, v'e dally long enough." Cermina muttered as you pick up your things and pack them away, helping Twilight with her hooded robe as you start walking through the wilderness, Cermina on the other hand was busy making a false trail. If Blueblood saw himself as any sort of a tracker, he'd find these breaks and claw marks as pointers in the direction he thought they were going.
'Least it gives us a bit of breathing room, the harder it is for him to find us, the better.'
Cermina chuckles, but pauses quickly, raising a fist as she hisses "V'e have company, take cover!" she whispers in a high voice as you all get down, just in time to hear the clop clop clop of armour ponies and a carriage.
Not too far off, Blueblood studied yet another tree with claw markings that could only have been made by that dastardly dragon.
It was clever how she would be leading them about like this, and he had to question the...stupidity...of her method.
But, that wasn't for HIM to bother with, he had more important matters to deal with.
His eyes scanned the tree marked up, gazing in the direction the claws marked, different from the last, but still pointing in a direction away from them.
He looked the other way, then back the other, and sighed.
"They must be careful, they could get lost, then something horrid shall become of them!" Blueblood said as he chuckled "Such a shame to lose my quarry to some ravage beast."
He looked around, easing back to his chariot as he points in the direction of the claw marks.
"They must have gone this way, hurry!"
You figured something else about Bb's guards compared to the others that served the Celestial Sisters.
They lacked self thought; simple husks had no mind of their own to study the situation and respond to their master with advice, they just followed suit.
A pity.
Such things were little more than dolls to him, moving and working by his command.
Pathetic if you look at it, how cocky he was to lead his men especially when they never tire or complain.
"Comrade." Cermina muttered as you watch Blueblood trot off in another direction, seeing his grand entourage follow as you crouch low, eying them leave before falling back to the other two.
"It certainly was a stroke of genius ANon, I never would expect to use the inability of the guards simple mindset to avoid Blueblood being steered in the right direction." Twilight said in surprise as you smirk.
'he wants to find us, never said it'd be easy for him, least he isn't using dogs.'
"Dogs?"
You chuckle 'when we, humans, hunt, we sometimes bring dogs to sniff out the trail.'
"Ah...I see..."
'He doesn't have one, so best not to bother with him finding us unless he really tries.'
"I hate to interrupt party comrade, but you should see dis." Cermina muttered as she stood on the crest of the hill behind you, gazing out over the Everfree as you step up beside her.
There
Not too far away, stood a sole tower.
It was made of black stone, and stuck up straight into the air.
Nothing about it seemed familiar, and even the castle of the Celestial Sisters bared no resemblance top it, not even the palace in Canterlot.
"Strange...." Twilight said, trotting up beside you "I don''t ever remember reading about a black tower."
'I think its more of an obelisk than a tower, something rather...'
"Un'velcoming..." Cermina muttered "But, dat v'ould be v'ise place to go tor rest, dusk shall be coming soon and it is not v'ise to stay out here."
You nod, looking at Twilight as she was perusing her book.
"NOTHING!" she exclaimed, flipping forward and back through pages as she looked about for any site of this tower "It has nothing in here."
'Perhaps it was never discovered? We are pretty deep.'
Twilight shakes her head "Impossible, the author of this book had been all over, and that obelisk as you called it certainly stands out... if it has never been discovered, then it must have either been built recently...or he needed to get his eyes checked."
"I hope for latter on dat comrade, dat tower does not bode v'ell in design..." Cermina hissed "Strange feel of it, and dat black colour... somting bout dat does not bode well."
"I can agree to that..." Twilight mutters, closing the book and slipping it back into her saddle bag "Nothing mentioned about some black tower, definitely a creepy one though..." she remarked, looking back at the unusual structure as the sudden shouts of Blueblood rippled the air behind them
'we better gt moving...' you mutter, kicking your shoes against the tree to knock some dirt off them 'I say we make a bee line for it, the only real adequate shelter we can find at this point right?'
"Wel...I guess..." Twilight replied, feeling a tad uneasy about the tower, it was like it wasn't suppose to be there, and she felt it to the very tip of her horn that it wasn't a pleasant sight.
"I agree, Blueblood may not be as inclined to follow us yah?" Cermina noted "if coward is as coward does, sight should be intimidating."
'That or its an open invitation to our location.' you mutter.
"tink positive!" Cermina hissed "BETTER Den nothing."
---
You are Blueblood
and you swear you've never seen that tower before
that dark tower
that scary tower.
ANypony in their right mind would never dare venturing there
why, one could get a hoof splinter.
such nasty things.
all those thickets were brush with thorns.
despite what he felt about it, the criminals wouldn't nearly have the sense to go about such a trifle of a thing.
"guard"
one trots over and kneels 'm'lord?'
"Search down there, see what may be around that abomination."
he was off without a word.
--
"Im not to...sure of this one guys..."
'Then turn back, you don't need to risk it.'
"I...I wouldn't mind that..."
"Hah, only cowards shrink from opportunity comrade, dis is discovery you v'ould like yah?"
Twilight scrunched her nose as she looked at Cermina, a rather unimpressed expression on her face as she was slightly uneasy about venturing further.
"Its not that I'd turn down a discovery such as this...just."
'not prepared for the unknown.' you note aloud as you pause for a bit. The thicket had been getting lesser and lesser as you approached the tower; nothing but thorn bushes all around the obelisk.
Cermina had been kind enough to take point, her heated talons easily cleaving through the brush as you slowly made your way closer and closer to the base of the tower.
Twilight was quiet uneasy about the whole thing, resisting the 'temptation of discovery' as she had said because she knew nothing of what they were approaching.
"You not able to ever find new tings if you do not take risks."
Cermina had said, making Twilight feel rather...inadequate in her role as guide.
"F-fine..." she muttered "only because the promise of a new discovery makes it worth it."
"Yah...maybe dey write book bout it."
"Really!?"
That got her, you didn't feel like getting Twilight into trouble.
Lord knows Celestia would have your head
but she was still a part in this, an asset, and of course, your friend; and friends don't abandon friends in the middle of the wood.
You cleave your way forward still, right behind the drakess as the thicket begins to clear, opening to small mounds of the same black stone.
"Amazing...its...sheen is quite remarkable." Twilight exclaims, studying a slab as she finds a small fragment and takes it, plopping it into her saddle bag.
"Certainly a lot of refuse for v'one tower."
'I'd guess so too, but perhaps it was more than just a tower?'
"I doubt dat, no foundation to say it, dis refuse, perhaps...carved...from bigger stone?"
"IF that's true....this...." Twilight's legs wobbled "Who would have such a skill or technological level to do that?"
'Aliens.'
"Aliens?"
'yeah, ancient ones, maybe they came down on some big space ship and carved it out with a laser beam.'
"Space ship? Laser beam?" Twilight said in awe, and almost dumbfounded ignorance "I take it your kind has already explored such exotic things?"
'Sorta, we always like to believe something we couldn't do was done by aliens.'
"Odd..."
'Well, we don't use magic, keep that in mind.'
"No, you don't, but you do use technology correct?"
'Now you're getting it.'
Twilight seemed a tad chipper with that though and trotted right on with you before stopping to see they had cleared the thicket and the base of the obelisk was before them.
It was gigantic, far larger than you expected when you looked at it from afar.
It certainly was much bigger than the front gate to the castle.
And far more intimidating.
"Dat big castle, who suppose it for?" Cermina ask, standing with you and Twi at least a good twenty meters from the towers front entrance; displayed in a lifeless courtyard of tangled bushes and long eroded mounds of rubble.
"Nice digs yah?"
'I wouldn't mind some redecorating.'
"Bah, it has its own unique charm."
'Its dreadful.'
"aww v'ere is your appreciation for art?"
'Reserved for art that has meaning.'
"Uh...guys?"
"What?" You both shout at a surprised and rather startled Twilight.
"Uh, just w-wanted to know if we were going inside?"
Cermina looks at you.
You look back
and both crack uo.
Twilight is confused "What?"
'Heh, its nothing Twi, lets...just go inside okay?"
You approach the doors, Cermina smirking as she feels a slight hint of triumph for convincing Twilight.
You thought the same thing, for her sake.
It was best she stayed with you, last thing anypony would have wanted was her to be captured or worse.
'The sooner we get inside the better, I would rather take my chances in there then with anything Prince BlowBlood may have in store.'
"I can agree to dat." Cermina added, easing her claws against the door as you push your hands to it.
Twilight eased her hooves up to.
"It will be a team effort then, friends all work together."
You smirk, nodding.
'Alright, on three...one...two...
Three.
The door heaved, its ancient hinges whining as it swept open inwards to the desolate foyer that greeted you.
Dark...lifeless, certainly not fitting for anypony, but you weren't just anypony.
You were Anon.
"Dat va'sn't so hard." Cermina said as she peered inside "Certainly not best vacation spot, but make do yah?"
You smirk, looking at Twilight as she gazes about "Wow...I've never seen such a large building before, not since my time in Canterlot...and maybe then this would still be bigger."
She was about to step further inside when Cermina lashed out, gently grabbing the mares fore shoulder and pulling her back.
"I v'ould be careful little v'one, dis not place for simple minded adventure, v'ho knows v'hat traps lay dere."
"T-traps? Oh goodness m I never even consider such a thing!" she said with a start as she smiled at Cermina.
The drakess grinned "Dat smart girl, al'vays good to let ladies first." The drakess added as Twilight nodded.
"Exactly....hay Wait!' She retorted, only to get the tail end of the drakess before she vanished into the darkness.
'C'mon Twinkle toes, lets go in before she gets lost, shes not too good with directions.'
"I heard dat!"
You nudge Twilight, she smiles a bit, feeling a bit better as she trotted inside before you.
'Ladies first' you assure as she blushed, casting a slight glow with her horn before you follow her inside, unaware of the prying eyes of the guard from above, watching...waiting.
--
Cermina took point as you glance around the towers entrance, the outside light illuminating a great deal of the masonry work, carved black stone, smooth and perfect all around as all three of you kep your heads about you.
"Fascinating...I never seen such work before...despite the black stone, I can't help but find it very curious who built this."
'Well somepony did, not like it sprung up overnight.'
Twilight paused, turning to you as she had the brightest smile.
"Then, that means we're first at this new discovery, oh yay!"
She grabs a scroll and quill from her saddlebag and begins to write, turning from you as she monologues.
"The discovery of the Dark Obelisk, by Twilight Sparkle."
'Better put me in there too.'
"Dah, as v'ould I comrade." Cermina calls from ahead "V'e did push you into dis yah, best give credit v'hen credit due."
Twilight blushed in embarrassment.
"Ah..hehe...right...sorry, caught up in the moment." She crossed it out and did the corrections.
"Discovery of the black Obelisk by Twilight Sparkle, Anon, and Cermina."
'Better.'
"V'hy do I be last?"
Twilight rolls her eyes, sighing as you shake your head.
'Don't bother with that, keep going.'
Twilight smiles and does so.
"Our adventures in the Everfree forest had led us towards an unusual structure, a tower, not seen within any travel guide or text of even the sharpest ponies, ANon, myself and Cermina set about searching within this giant structure." she paused, trotting slowly from left to right as you follow her inward.
"At first, we assumed it to be an ancient tower of the Celestial sisters, but the interior architect is both stunning and disturbing; the stones are dark as night, carved to the utmost smoothness of perfection, spanning upwards, higher than any of those seen within the walls of Canterlot." she smirked as she pressed forward, the room slowly growing darker the deeper you came.
"As impressive as this may seem, the intimidation on the outside with its design and the lack of light within brings a foreboding...uneasiness to our discovery."
Cermina pauses with those words passing Twilight's lips as she felt a sudden chill.
Turning back, her eyes caught yours.
"You feel dat?" She asked.
'feel what?' you reply, just as the whine of the big double doors slowly begin to close behind you, slamming shut and pitching the room into complete darkness.
Silence for a moment before Twilight's horn began to glow steadily.
"Oooo...just like one of the ghost stories we told at a campfire, how exciting!" Twilight exclaimed as you start to see things again.
Your eyes catch the red glow of Cermina's eyes as she huffed
"Dat...comrade...by fluke...or chance...somting v'ants us here."
you shake your head as Twilight jotted down more notes.
'Considering it could be something like Twilight s ghost story...I wouldn't be surprised.'
You trod on, Twilight leading the way as Cermina held your back, she didn't trust this, and it made you nervous.
Twilight couldn't care, she was too deep into the prospect of a new and exciting discovery to notice her face walking right into a stone tablet.
"Ow!" she exclaimed, stepping back as she dropped her quill and scroll as she stumbled onto her rump and rubbed her nose.
"ah...that hurt!" she whinned as you help her up.
"Best to v'atch v'ere you goi-" Cermina was about to say until she saw what Twi bumped into it.
"Anon....you see dat?"
You look up.
Holy shit.
It was a massive statue of what looked like a coiling dragon doing battle with an Alicorn.
Twilight looked up in awe as she trotted over to the tablet.
"This statue..." She read from the tablet "Depicts the fierce battle between Princess Platinum of Euqestria against Dragoon Silverslash of the dragon tribes. The only ever dragon/pony conflict to ever happen before the Ancients pacified both sides."
'Thats strange...' You mutter as you look at the statue 'No one ever mentioned any battle happening, the ancients came before it started and brought peace to both parties.'
"I know...Which is rather concerning since there is no record of any actual conflict such as this." She tapped her chin as she grabbed her scroll.
"Our findings have been rather curious as of recent within this tower, a statue unlike any other depicts confrontation between the late princess Platinum battling a dragon of the tribes, such a conflict was mentioned in our records, but this fight, this battle, is news to me."
You nod in compliance, from what Celestia and even Granny Smith had said, no fight like this ever happened, which could only mean one thing.
'I have a very bad feeling about this place...'
"join de club comrade, heavy door closing on own, no lights, giant statue of fake battle... makes no sense."
You suddenly start to feel a chill, something easing an almost embrace like hold around you as you feel your sense dull, everything began to grow dark as you see Cermina turn, her eyes alight with sudden panic.
"Anon!!!!" she called.
That was the last you heard of her.
--
Darkness becomes you.
At least for a few moments as the sense of weightlessness passes on.
Its funny really, you and castles just have of way of getting lost together, be it by choice or accident.
And this was definitely not by choice.
Soon, as you start to regain yourself, the black slowly begins to fade into a deep blue, almost like a haze as sounds start echoing in the distance, you can't tell what, but whatever brought you here certainly would want you to see.
You proceed forward, more and more the darkness subside to the deep blue and haze thickens more and more before you start to identify the sound.
Water
Running water.
Impossibur!
There weren't any rivers for miles!
Least not above ground, you can safely say that this place has underground springs.
Considering this who or whatever built this thing had location in mind.
Though another thought pops into your head.
Doesn't the hero of these adventure type things get a few more try outs with his new toy before he's dropped with another quest or teaching?
Certainly felt a bit too soon for these ancient folk to call you back, but the further you go into the abyss, the less concern you become that its the same thing.
Because someone...or thing...is singing.
You just start to hear it.
Th softest tune and melody plaid by a wonderful voice as the mist slowly clears and you find yourself in an oddly familiar cavern with a single stone passageway to a large center platform.
Along the walls however, you can see several waterfalls pouring down into the cavern, filling a deep pool below you as the mist and haze wafts back towards the way you came as above the center platform, three giant crystal hang above, embedded at their bases against the ceiling's rock.
However, that wasn't what caught your attention the most.
There
On that platform
Stood a beautiful figure, one you could only guess by its size and presence of a horn and wings upon a tall, well thinned mare, to be an Alicorn.
Her hide was snow white and her mane a deep blue with a glinting effect of silver.
For a moment you thought it to be Princess Celestia, but something about that mane, extending right from the length of the horn down to her tail end was...
Offish...didn't seem 'normal'
Her voice however sounded as sweet and clear as the sun princess, and her golden eyes flash as she fixates her gaze upon you, turning to face you head on.
"Ah, at last, the great Human...Anon, you have come. It has certainly been long since whispers of your triumph whisked into my ears, it is finally a pleasure to meet you."
Her voice was quiet soothing, sounding almost along the lines of Celestia's, but not quiet, indeed her beauty could match however, and you slowly take a few steps forward.
'I think you may have me at a disadvantage m'lady, I do not think any word had spoken of you.'
"Ah, dear my manners ANon, you are correct." she trotted in place a bit.
"My name is Kamilia." she bowed her head "it has been many cycles since such guests blessed this place. To see that you, ANon, were set to be here, such a thing could only have been done by the wheels of fate."
'Fate? What brings that into this?'
Kamilia smiled, easing forward from her platform before pausing at the edge of connected to the bridge you stood on, clearly she could not venture any further, why, you hadn't the slightest.
"I have listen to the rumors of a creature unlike any other to bless the realm of Equestrian with his...talents. You abilities as both a friend...and a fighter...were quite impressing to hear. How you saved Princess Luna's demise within the Trial and...even confronting Princess Celestia in battle is no easy feat, let alone nearly claim victory over her."
You blush a bit, looking away 'she had the advantage, being flying and magical, all that you know?'
"Indeed I do, which is why such a creature as I am glad to bear witness to you ANon, and why I say only fate could have brought you here."
She swept her mane a bit, letting it ebb and flow over her body as she showed you her flank, her cutie mark to be a silver shield crested by a vine of the same colour.
'Well...thank you for the compliment, it certainly holds much considering I've never heard much of you.'
The alicorn sighed "I would imagine, few words of alicorns other than the princess exist within tomes long forgotten, it is a shame that only she has set to be see as the ruler of a land at one time was ruled by many."
You quick your head 'What do you mean by that?'
Kamilia smiled "long before Celestia, before Canterlot was rhe seat of power, Equestria was ruled by several ALicorn families, each one granted a peice of this beautiful land to watch over and maintain. However, not all families were peaceful in this design; selfishness and greed took hold, and a terrible war between all the families erupted, ripping the world asunder. From the remains, only two families remained, that of Celestial bodies, such as Celestia and Luna, and those of the Earth."
'Like...Platinum?'
Kamilia nods "so you know of her, Princess Platinum?"
'From what Celestia told me, she was a powerful leader, shame she was too...militaristic.'
Kamilia huffed slightly as she turned back to you.
"In time, both families worked together to rebuild our world, Celestia's parents set about creating the sun, moon and stars while the Terra family built the land and shaped the mountains. We made Equestria what it is, though, since Celestia acenstion to the throne, many have forgotten the old tales of such things."
You rub your head, certainly an interesting story to hear, you can bet that Kamilia was probably from the Alicorn family of Earth, though, why she seemed to dislike Celestia so was....unsettling.
"My family was soon left in the shadows by the Celestial's, and soon, like the ground all ponies walk upon, uncared for, and left as dust."
'That sounds upsetting....I'm sorry to hear that.'
"Sorry?" She said with a start "Sorry...is.... kind of you ANon, such kindess no doubt stemming from your unique heart, but sorry cannot return the mineral families rule to the land they built."
'It wouldn't be possible either, to suddenly sweep the rule of Celestia aside would be a big undertaking, let alone close to impossible.'
"A big undertaking indeed...but not impossible."
You look at her 'You don't say, and how can you be sure of that?'
"Because every great leader as a weakness, no matter how poweerful they are, they all have a flaw for their greatness, her's...just happens to be her inability to rule as those before her had."
You get upset, this conversation just got sour.
Celestia was a good princess.
'Celestia is a fair and kind ruler, I doubt that's any sort of flaw among her subjects, especially how kind she was with me. I doubt Platinum would have been as generous.'
Kamilia eyed you, her expression a mixture of uncertainty and shrew discontent, but that was hidden behind a smile.
"kindness may be good for a princess, but a queen demands strength of herself and her subjects, should ever conflict break towards Equestria, then Celestia would not have much hope to rally her kin. That is why I seek your help ANon."
'My help? For what?'
"Returning the true strength of Equestria to its rightful place...as queen, and ruler."
'Hold on...' you extend both hands 'are you suggesting that you... take the ruling crown of Canterlot?'
"I am ANon, it would be best for all of Equestria for a ruler to be as strong as needed, and I am more than capable of such a thing."
You pause for a moment, the sheer weight of her request slams on you, but you don't buckle.
All you do is simply stare.?
Blink.
And then crack out laughing.
You laugh so hard your sides ache, coughing eventually as you pause, Looking at the 'ex princess' and whipe away a tear.
'Ah, that's rich...real good on yeh to want to go against Celestia...hah...you had me there.'
She is not amused.
"Truly such boystrious nature of the princess resides in you, perhaps your lack of the truth shall be beneficial in my explanation."
you wipe a tear away 'truth?' you ask between coughs 'what truth? You want to overthrow the rightful princess.'
"Ah but you are mistaken, she is not."
'She's not?' You look quizzical 'And pray tell why not?'
Kamilia shook her head "Such is the ignorance of our subjects since my time, truly she had done little to better them."
'Hey now, I don't think she's dumbed down her subjects, but you're spewing a bit of nonsense yourself missy, what does Celestia have to do with you?'
The alicorn smirked, her expression both of despair and perhaps some ingenious pride.
"Because she imprisoned me here and took the crown for herself."
You rub your head...there was only one other royal figure in Equestrian history, Princess Platinum, BlueBloods mother, but...according to Celestia, she succeeded the crown to live out her days as a Baroness or something.
This certainly didn't look like some ancient Alicorn of old.
In fact, she looked as young as Celestia.
'She took the crown from you? She never even mentioned somepony like you.'
"Thats because she chose to hide it, the rightful Queen of Equestria silenced to this forsaken tower to live out her unlimited days." She eased away from your walkway, trotting to the other end of the platform, back to you as she sighed.
"It is not pleasant to be stuck here, but once I heard of your...exploits, all I could do was hope you'd come, and as you stand before me, my hope has been answered."
You step forward 'and I take it you want me to take the crown back for you?'
"By means, yes, to retain the title I rightfully deserve."
'Not happening.'
Kamilia paused, blinking a bit before she grinned "i thought as much, Anon, friend and aide of Princess Celestia, Knight of Princess Luna, a title most fitting a warrior such as yourself, but surely you know it will not last."
You exhale, taking guard as you look at her.
'Why'zat?'
"You are a human, not a pony, nor an alicon for that matter, you are...lesser...then they are."
You can't help but feel...insulted as you turn 'screw this...screw you, I'm out of here.'
You start to walk away, back the way you came, or you though as you hear the charge of magic...and a zap as the path before you is destroyed in a sudden strike as the Alicorn stood behind you.
"You are mistaken Anon, when I ask you for aid, you shall give it to me.
"Not on your life.' You say, whipping around, blade drawn as the ALicorn backs away.
'I don't plan on betraying my friends of companions Kamilia, so stand down.'
She laughed, easing closer.
"You are in no position to order me around human, you shall either help me..." she lowered her horn. "or be destroyed."
You are Cermina.
And you're rather annoyed with ANon.
"i do not get dis comrade." you ask as Twilight is pacing about in a panic "each time v'e go to castles, Anon is taken.... dat is crazy yah? Maybe he has secret crush on castle."
You go about making kissing faces "ohh dark obelisk, your valls or so soft and smooth." you say in your best ANon impression.
"OH ANon, your frail exterior is simply divine..." you reply, in a female voice before you clack your claws together like two kissing lovers.
"How can you be so calm at a time like this!" Twilight shouts as she looks over at you.
You shrug "I know Anon, he handle himself v'ell, sides. saved you did he not?"
Twi blushed a bit "Aha...thats not the point, he shouldn't keep vanishing like that."
"You saw darkness engulf him, dere v'as little v'e could do when rooms own shadows dance...I am dragon, not mage!"
"But you're the one with the most combat prowess!"
"Dat not mean I can fight v'hat I cannot hit!"
You glare at each other for a moment before Twilight moaned "ugh, fine, we couldn't do anything, but we can't just sit here."
SHe was right, you knew that much; a moment of lax such as this, with comrade Anon taken, was a moment longer his captors had him.
Dat would not do.
"Come, v'e must get moving, dere is no time to v'aste."
Perhaps it was the tone of your voice, the sudden burst of confidence, or perhaps Twilight would much rather do something than sit around, never the less, she looks at you with intent.
"Alright...then were to?"
You pause.
"I...had not thought of dat."
Twilight does an anime-esq fall as she lays there for a moment.
"What do you mean you didn't think of where to go?"
"Do I look like adventure dragon? No, I do not know dis zone, dis tower, v'ere are stairs, perhaps you find dem?"
Twi grumbled a bit before she huffed "FINE, ill' go find them!"
Lighting up her horn, Twilight sets off with you behind her, truth be told, you preferred it.
Not because you thought Twilight knew navigating a bit better.
But because if something attacked Twilight, you would react with the utmost speed to protect her.
It was what Anon would want, you just didn't want to admit it.
Carefully you pass into the next chamber, a smaller, but wider corridor that led to two flights of stairs spiraling upwards.
"There." Twilight said with pride as you study the stairs, clearly only wide enough for them to go one at a time.
you didn't like it.
Too vulnerable.
"Hrmm, dis seems a bit v'isky..." you mutter "doubt dere is any oder vay either."
"Its the only way we got, I think we should take it."
You pause, you feel like arguing the matter at how exposed you'd be, but the sudden clunk of metal on stone caused you to pause.
"Twilight..."
"Yes Cermina?"
"Start going up dose stairs, I tink v'e may have company." you turn slowly, gazing back towards the way you came.
"But...we should stick together!"
Twilight protested
"Yah, but if dis is a big monster, do not v'ant it getting to you...get climbing."
"Cermina! I won't leave you.... i...i'm afraid to go alone."
You look back and smile. "do not v'orry for me comrade, you brave pony, you handle yourself v'ell, besides, if ANon at top, I do not v'ant bad guy stopping your 'romantic encounter.'
Twilight blush "w-what?"
You grin "I joke comrade, but...I serious too, get climbing, find ANon is big issue."
Both flustered and slightly embarrised, Twilight nods, slowly pacing up a step, then another, then seveeral more before she is out of site.
You turn back and start walking towards the statue room, rolliing your shoulders.
"Ah, so dere is somting in here dat v'ishes to play v'ith Cermina?" You bark "Den show yourselv ,v'e make dis quick!"
You smirk, cracking your knuckles, just in time to catch a glimps of one of Blueblood guard ponies bearing down at you.
HAd you not seen it at that moment, you may have been crushed.
You raise your guard quickly, clasping onto the neck peice and fore chest opening of the enchanted husk, slowing its bull rush into you as you are pushed across the floor.
You smiirk "So, he did send v'one here, maybe he not so dumb after all."
You grip into the metaol pony, quickly pulling him into you and then down to the floor, but its a lot quicker than you thought, and it quickly pushes its head right into your gut.
You tumble back, feeling the sudden impact as you land on your backside, glancin g up just in time to see the pony leap and nearly slam down onto you as you tumble away in the last moment.
It was intense, you quickly revocer as you sharee glares with this husk.
"You good fighter, epxected armour to v'eighyt you down, hehe, dis be a good fight!"
The husk says nothinhg, its stale blue eyes gleaminbg back at you as it lunged.
You did in return.
Smashing head on with it as you grip into its shoulder armour.
Locked in struggle as you hiss.
"Lets see how tough you are v'henh I remove dis sardine can!"
You bark, digging your claws into the shoulder plates, slowly starting to tug at them before the stallion whines and botts forward, knocking you back.
You fall onto your rump but look up just in time to see the guard raise its rear hooves.
Then everything starts to shake.
The whole room begins to vibrate violently as the gard tumbles to the floor in a heap.
You get up, staring at the statue in the center of the room as the movements of the stone begin to cdause it to crumble until suddenly.
BOOM
Debris fly everywhere, nearly knocking you out as you see a sla of stone smash into the guard pony, sending it towards the wall with a thud as you look over at the ruble it lay under.
"heh..." You mutter "LUCKY Break."
You suddenly turn back to the statue just in time to see what ripped through it.
There, being propelled upwards was Anon, sword at the defense against what you would guess as an Alicorn, but it looked different.
Like it was...part dragon too.
Only for a few moments before the dueling pair shoot upwards further, and you realize that Twilight is trotting up the stairs.
You pray she doesnt fall from this as you rush towards the stairwell to give chase.
You are Anon
ANd you're in the shit.
At least thats what you can call the situation.
You swear a million movie tropes can fill this scene as you stand atop the towers platued steeple.
Sword drawn, defensive stance ready.
Across from you is a giant hole you and your assailant made your way through to the top.
Now, she stood across from that, her dragon like wings splaying as her horn glinteed with magic and her mane, which looks more like a very long, elogent frill from her horn, down her spine.
To the tail
It was pretty, but so evil.
You wish it wasn't.
Kamilia, a hybrid of ALicorn and Dragon by the look of it wantss to rule Equestria.
She wanted you to help her overthrow Celestia.
Of course, you weren't going to let that happen.
She was persistant.
The bitch.
"As I said before Anon, I always make my desires furition. you will help me, or I shall destroy you."
'Heh, I'd like to se you try, besides, you won't have me if you destory me.'
She blinked obviously she didn't think that through.
Dumb broad.
"You are correct, but I certainly cannot allow you to foil what I plan on doing, and being the only human here, your importanhce to my plot is paramount."
'Well, it aint happening.'
SHe smirked "Refuse all you want, it shall happen."
'Over my dead-'
"Anon!"
A familiar voice.
No...not good.
You glance to your flank just enought to see Twilight out your perhiperhal.
"Anon...wh whats going on, who is that?" she asked, already shocked at what she was seeing.
'Twi, keep back, this isn't a good place to be.'
"Dear me, is this THE Twilight Sparkle, student of Celestia? Oh what a treat to have such folley in my reealm."
Twilight is slightlhhy suprised "how do you know me?'
Kamilia smirks "Twilight deary, I know so much more than you think, and its certainly hard to miss out on the fillie protigiy of Celestia...a perfect treat to prey on!"
She lunged quickly, too quikcly for you to rect as Kamilia went for Twilight.
Only to hit...right into the Cermina.
The drakess huffed, having just narrowly caught the beasts neck as its horned flailed inches from Twilight, the mare clearly scared witless doubled back as Cermina hissed .
"No v'one hruts friends of Cermina!"
she barked and with one swift movement, through the Alicorn back.
Kamila nearly twisted in mid air as she landed back on all fours.
"insolent little..." she paused eyeing Cermina "ooo, I finally get to see the mysterious dragon spawn."
Cermina growels as you ease between them.
"Little is said about the one named Cermina, the draconis that was said to have come from ANons very mind...is that right dear ANon?"
Both you and Cermina freeze.
"How...did she know comrade?" Cermina asked as you huff.
'I don't know...but that can't be good.'
She starts to laugh ''ahah, so it is true.''
Twilight blinked ''what is she talking about?''
'Don't bother with it Twilight...'
yiou mutter.
''oh no, please do...'' Kamilia ushurd Twilight, her eyes glowing steadily as she turned to face Twilight.
''Anon...'' she asked again, Cermina sighed.
''Tell her ANon...better you den dis v'ench.''
Kamilia smirked as you look back at Twilight and sigh.
'I createed Cermina...she is a...product...of my imagination.'
''Oooh so it is true!" Kamilia interjects as Cermina hisses at her.
''I...don't understand...Anon...you made Cermina?''
You exhale again 'Not eactly, she...origonally was a figment of my imagination, a guide that was given existance as a spirit to me, its what kept me alive and protected when I first came here. WHen I went to Canterlot to help LunA, I got into some very bad issues with BlueBlood which led to my fighting Celestia. As punishment, Celestia was to read my mind.'
"Anon...you...you can't be serious?"
"He is comrade, just listen."
'After she did...without much choice, she was meet by Cermina inside my head. They fought, and when she tried to leave, Cermina followed her out.'
Twilight is shocked, you glance over quickly to see she is dumbfounded, spellbound by the new information given.
"Anon...so....you created Cermina?"
"That he did, to think, Humans have such a power, to think ANon had such a power, isn't it something worth...mentioning?' Kamilia slyly implied as you huff.
'I didn't want to get you mixed into all tis Twi.'
"Dat is right, v'e kept it from you to protect you."
"Anon...I...I don't know what to say." Twilight began "the fact you didn't say such an important aspect of your species exitsed...or the fact you lied to us, all of us."
'Twi....' yhou begin.
''Anon...no...you...you can't just talk out of this."
"Twilight, it v'as not someting you need to know.''
''Yes it was....we...we should have been told that you created cermina, the whole thing of being able to do that....''
'Is something even I didn't know how to explain...' you blurt out, pausing a bit as Twi keep sioent...you continue .
'I didn't know I could do that, humans...we can create ideas, dreams, fantasies, our imaginaion is limitless, I guess when I came to a land of magic, that sorta thing came standard with the ideas in my head....I'm sorry Twi...'
you add, looking at her 'I;m sorry if i did lie to you, i will explain everything i can to you when this is all done, but please...don't hate me now, we have bigger fish...er..ponies...to fry here.'
''Yah...comrade, dis not time for ocmplaints, let us do dis before we dispense your anger to us, v'e can take it.''
Twilight looks down, then back at both of you.
"A...aliright, but you owe me a big explination Anon, friends...don't lie or keep secrets unless its important, and...i guess you were entitled to it.''
She smiled, as did you before turning back....just in time to see Kmailia charging right at you.
You cannot react in time
It feels...cold.
Her horn...penetrationg your gut, just below the vest Rarity made to protect you, narrowly missing your sensative bits as your vision blurs and nyou hear her chuckle.
"Fool...you shall die for your neglegince." she whispered as Cermina yanks her from you, smashing her into a wall and pinning her against it.
"You v'ittle betch..." she muttered just as she slammed the alicorn to the ground.
She starts to laugh.
her mind confirmed of her action.
You topple down as she smashes Kamilia to the tower, but she...just laughs.
An insane, menacing laugh as she stands, completely unphased by Cermina' assault as she kicks her back without a second thought.
"Haha...yes...victory is mine...and soon...all of Equestria shall burn by the hand of ANon, how will those who see him so highly react when all he sees is death and hate....hahah...yhou shall all die!"
SHe suddenly flashd away in a bright blaze of light just as you start to fall from your field of view
everything goes downhill from here.
You feel yourself falling, litteraly, down into the abysee of subconcious.
Several feet happen before a sudden abmber glow encased you in a tight bubble.
Eyeing the exterior, the world is in a soft yellow hue as your eyes see the sky above your head.
You slowly start to rise, acending towards the lip as your eyes gaze upon the horizion, the sun dettings tinto a blanket of clouds, sourring it on both sizes.
Turning its rays into a wonderful hue of crimson red.
Blood.
Clouds lining of the seams with a matching thread.
The pulsating heart sinking into the abysee at night.
feels like something out of a fictional movie.
You know for certain it's the same.
These mares just get power from it.
She was a hybrid of earth and fire.
Celestia's weakness is her ability at night, that what is when we are
to see the sun slowly setting....tand the sound of heavy wing beats echoing in the distance.
Anon...
Anon?
Your eyes slowly open to your name being called as you see yourslef laying on the floor, your shirt lifted as bandgages are wrapped upon your gut.
Above you, Cermina and Celestia look down as her guards are escorting Twilight onto a chariot.
"Ah, praise the sun, ANon I was worried about you." Celestia says, her voice not as soothing...almost...distasteful...as a poorly riped furit.
You eye her slowly then lower your head.
No happy thoughts whisp past your mind, only the sudden desire to hurt her.
Harm her.
You slowly rise, feeling weakness in your limbs
What did she d to you?
"Anon...comrade...be careful, you are in no shape to movee."
Cermina eased her claws on you.
Her....claws
on.
You.
No one
and you mean No One touches you.
You gripped her claw tightly as she blinks "Anon...v'hat is..."
SHINK!
Celesita's eyes go wide.
Cermina's are dinner plates as she looks down to see your sword.
your sword.
in her...gut.
"Anon..." She worded before you yank your sword from her gut and with the handle, you push her back as she falls, collapsing to the floor with an almost vacant stare in her eyes.
"Anon! what is the meaning of this?"
Celestia's voice rings in your ears as you turn to her, lifless expression as your eyes are hidden by your hat. You bring your sword forward as the two guards quickly double back from Twilight to porotect their princess.
The step forward.
Your sword sinks into the left one instantly. SLicing into his neck as you pull it through in one smooth motion.
HE falls, eyes glazed overf as the other lunges at you.
He dies too, a slice through his abdomen and neck end his pathetic life as Celestia trots back
"GO"
She shouts to the chariot pulling ponies as thney rush off with Twilight, leaving you...and the princess...alone.
"Anon" the princess began, the utmost pain in her voice.
Suffering.
Great loss.
You only smirk.
'Princess.' you reply, like always 'it seems we are again in this position of battle, only this time, I am not willing to be defated by you.'
"Anon, what folley is this, why have you turned this way?" she looked at the fallen body of Cermina, the drakess wounded but her breath still in her.
'Because I've come to realize something princess. Hmans...like myself...we do not care for such things as kindess, we do not see any benefit in being 'nice' or 'helpful' when everyone simply walks upon one another.' You chuckle 'there is a saying. Do a million good things and get a gold star, do one bad thing...' you pause, drawing up your sword 'and live with the fact you did it, people only ever remeber the worst of us...and I guess I would much rather be remebered as the one who brought you down.'
"Are you listening to yourself Anon? What atrocities are you spewing forth about what you've done? Have your accomplishments ment nothing to you?" Celestia barks back "What has happened to te noble, kind Anon, the anon who has done so much for my subjects...for me...?''
You snort, slowly advancing 'a change of heart, thats what.' you lunge at her.
SHe is prepared, albet sloppy as your sword clinks against her horn as a field of brilliance surrounds it.
'Consider it a realization, you, princess, had allowed such things as that pathetic prince go behind your back, putting myself and your six royalest subjects at risk! You are not fit to lead.'
You push closer, pressing your blade closer into her, resting right into her 'chest' area.
Warmth
Softness.
You had felt it before, but now it was disgusting.
She was trying to distract you.
Brandishing the sword you strike again.
Her horn reacts, countering the blades attack as a field of magic zapped against the energized blade.
Again and again, you press close and attack, yet she blocks as vigilantly as ever.
You're impressed
But annoyed.
You get close yet again, you can see her expression shift from worry to defiance, then back to concern as your attacks keep coming.
"Anon...please...what has happened, this is not who you are."
You huff 'you don't know a lick of me,and you never will.'
You rush her, and like before, she blocks, but yours strike takes her wide as you raise a fist and smash her in the side of the head.
This...is the first time you ever hit her.
You can see the bruise on her cheek as she staggers back.
A fist to the face.
Nothing, not even an alicorn can contend with the strenght you just pushed into her.
"A-anon..." she says, her face losing its colour slightly as those eyes.
They look for answers.
You give none.
Your sowrd draws forward.
You attempt one lasts strike.
SHe takes wing, quickly flying above you.
"Anon... why has they heart turne to stone?" she said, a stifled sniffle as you glare and point at her.
'Because the truth is hurtful, and realizing what....I'm really meant for....is something that I wish you to live with for a very...long....time.' You extend the sword to her, blade out 'You cannot escape me princess, I shall come for you, and your crown soon."
SHe closes her eyes, slowly exhaling before opening them, her look of determination recovering.
"Then I shall be ready." she said and flew off
shedding....a few tears as she turned away with full wing.
The discomforting winds blew over Canterlot as Luna stood upon her balcony, eying the reddening sky with uncertainty. Only once in Equestrian history had the sky darkened in such a way as the flutter of wings beckoned the arrival of her sister, Celestia.
"Sister..." Luna muttered as Celestia looked down in dismay.
"Its as we feared sister, the sky has shed tears of blood and the night of torment shall be upon us...I...am sorry we could not save him."
Luna's expression sadden as she hugged Celestia tightly, nestling her neck close to her elder sisters chest
"I know...we...we tired...but his mind has turned to the darkness."
"Hush sister..." Luna protests "I know Anon will never become one with evil, he is strong, far too strong to simply submit."
"Yet he approaches, bearing the crystalline scars of whatever has subdued him; his armour impervious to magic and his strength nearly unparalleled..."
Luna huffed, turning from her sister. "No...you cannot be so sure he has changed, he...he is still Anon..."
"But as one with the side of dark, Luna... I had seen his eyes, nothing but hatred, nothing but the blinding rage within his body and mind. He tore down two of my guardians without a second though and yet you still think he is Anon?"
Luna bit her lip as she turned "I know...i just know he's still anon..."
Celestia sighs, trotting over to her sister, nestling her from behind "I know your heart yearns for him, and i am proud how you still stand with him, but..." she eased away "what if he is gone, would you be willing to fight to get him back?"
Luna looks down, the only time she ever did fight him was when she first met anon...at Sweet Apple acres, and what a riot that was. Anon could have swept her aside...but he showed great kindness when so few but Celestia had to her ever since her freedom from Nightmare Moon. He meant a lot to her, and now she felt having to fight to save him...against his dark side...she was worried, but she knew Anon would, he'd fight..even die...for what was right.
"When the time comes sister..." Luna began, turning with vigor in her eyes. "I shall challenge him."
Celestia smiles, trotting beside her "Then i shall want you at my side...he is both of ours to save, and together only we can bring him to the light."
You are Anon
You cannot feel remorse, sadness, even the blood on your hands as hate and rage cloud everything.
The two blades of crystal from your wrists are stained with the blood of the two dead Royal Guards before you.
you can smell their flesh
meat
you want it
but your mind refuses
locked behind glass your subconscious bangs on your head, trying to fight the control that dragon witch put you under. Your hands feel cold as the
crystals begin to sheath, fingers turned to blue as the stones embed themselves around your wrist.
You feel deep pain, pain nothing like before
beyond pain
betrayal, betraying Celestia....Luna
you hate yourself
and yet your strength grows.
You point your hands at both the guards as crystals shoot out like bullets, riddling them full of the crystal blue tint of your new weapons as their body slowly become encased.
Inside, each one of them begins to change, the crystals infusing with their forms slowly. The cocoons you've made keeping them steady as soft flanks tuned to stone and hooves to jagged diamonds.
Horns to brilliant blades, as their very figures turn into sleek dealers of death.
You smirk, or perhaps your body does as your mind builds guilt around it, sealing itself away from the pain you were causing these two, their family, their friends...murdered by the human who at one point was a symbol of strength.
You saw Celestia's terror, she hid it, but you know she was frightened
it only increased your power as both shells break and your brood whine like savage beasts.
"come..." you said as they stood by your side "to Canterlot..." you whisper as you climb atop of of the crystal beasts, a pair of large wings sprouting from its sides as it takes flight, taking you skyward to your destination.
Canterlot
The guards lined the walls around the city, the light perfect for both the Solar and Lunar detachments in the city could equally operate, and with good reason, the threat approaching was no matter to let slide by either side.
Celestia and Luna stood atop the castle spire, the balcony overlooking the horizon as both are clad in armour of pure crystal., calmness beyond as Celestia's horn gently began to glow.
"He is close..." she whispered with a chill in her voice as Luna looks vigilantly across the mountains and planes to catch a faint glint off the horizon.
Him
Celestia fidgets just a bit, tuned to her realm as Anons very presence sends chills down her spine.
She can see him flying upon a creature of pure crystal...seeing the corpses within them, moving them...her guards.
The ones he killed.
Luna is equally tense as she watches the three invaders edge closer, seeing anon atop a beast that bore resemblance to an alicorn was something, perhaps almost a romantic display of what a knight should be...
but not this one
not him, not now
all those wings carried was death as he flew closer, right over the main wall...and dropping himself right in the center of the interior wall to the castle.
You are Anon
and you are about to lay siege to Canterlot.
You've avoided the city, it is not of your target, the citizens need not die, only react in fear as you decide to remove Celestia from the throne by force.
You're very impact sends a ripple through the floor, no pain as your crystalline armour now encasing your arms and legs removes any weakness in form.
They turned blue, massive shards encroaching from your finger tips to your elbow like some elaborate glove as your legs bare the same from toe to knee like glass boots.
Guards surround you.
Solar on your right
Lunar on your left
each one tense, many of them don't want to fight you, but more still fear you.
You've been considered a hero, now a villain?
Many of them didn't understand.
You can't see the two Lunar guards that helped you escape Canterlot the first time.
Good, they deserved to live for that.
Your glare turns to the center as you see Celestia and Luna looking down at you from their balcony, expressions of worry and feelings of concern hidden behind masks of utter seriousness.
"Anon..." Celestia calls...like always
You’re sick of her calling you all the time.
'Celestia' you reply, poison in your words as you...bow...respectfully 'ready to witness the demise of your kingdom?'
"Anon...stop this insanity at once, what has become of you? The human who had graced us with his strength now seeks to end us?"
'Perhaps I have been given the right incite on what I must do...and my duty to the darkness now around me...Celestia, your time...is up."
Celestia seems composed, her eyes alight as the challenge again was dropped to her hooves as she trotted forward, lunging herself from the balcony...just as you lunge at her.
Your blade flashes
Diamond shields react.
Your smirk
she shows now expression as you split apart, landing with you back onto the wall and Celestia upon a roof across from you.
"I do not wish to fight you Anon, but for the safety of my subjects and my kingdom, I shall stand against you with all my might." she flared her wings as your energize blade crackles, easing against the stone floor as you draw it up to point at Celestia.
"I don't seek your kingdom or your subjects Princess..I seek you and only you to be rid of your presence on the throne...and none else."
You lunge at her, body rushing as you draw your blade up and strike towards Celestia.
She doesn't flinch as the ting of diamond stopping blade radiated between you.
"Why...?" she whispered
You look at her, deepest expression of hate on your face.
"Because you need to die."
Celestia doesn't respond as you suddenly kick her in the chest, she recoils, tumbling back both in surprise and perhaps...more.
"Anon...you...you wouldn’t dare say such a thing?"
'Humans are good at killing Celestia, we make a sport of it...perhaps mounting your head for all to see will judge your actions accordingly..."
The Alicorns expression almost contorted to sheer disgust as you just grin.
"Got a nerve huh? hehe, I’ll do more than that...'
You strike again, her diamond shield still hovering before her blocking your blade.
Cheap wench....
You grin, jumping back as you ready your next attack, the blade raising just as your about to engage her again.
The magic blast strikes inches from your face as you can see the brilliance of Celestia's horn glowing before you.
"You cannot scare me Anon, I bested you once....i shall defeat you here."
'You only did because you could take a few more hits; I was still able to stand, had I not taken the blow to the head.'
"Then maybe another will clear your mind of this evil."
'Try me...'
She smirked "You said the same thing before...I gladly shall."
She lunges, horn forward as a magical spike radiates from it.
Your blade comes up, blocking it.
She parries, and the duel begins.
Celestia was faster than before, no holds barred here as she pushes right into you.
You back away as she magic’s your legs, flipping you up instantly as the crystals suppressed your resistance.
"You seem to lack the defense to magic Anon" Celestia mutters with a grin "...and I should know...those crystals are the same as my armour, they can protect you from anything...but...magic can influence them just as easily as a stone."
Shit...
You can feel more anger inside you, little prissy princess thinks she can beat you...You get up quickly and rush her, striking against her armour as her horn challenges your blade, trotting to the left to clash with your sword, her expression strong, bristling with confidence.
She was losing her fear.
Good.... you want that.
You fall back each time you disengaged, she'd sway her horn before you, you'd attack, but fall back.
Nearer and nearer she'd come, each time you did the same until you back into the wall.
Celestia smirked, she charged.
'Nice try...'
You side step, quicker than before, the crystals boosting your speed as you turn your sword, and smash the princess with all your might in the side of the head with the butt of the handle.
Its enough...you can feel it clank against the crystal helm she wore, the magic suddenly dissipating from her horn, armor fragments of crystal splintering from the impact as her eyes close, expression of pain as she gritted her teeth and tumbled back several meters and over in a heap, her crown tumbling off her head as you smirk.
"Celestia!"
Your foot is on her neck as she fidgets, your blade glowing steadily as you hold it up, but you do not move.
You want to slice her head off, but your body freezes, your mind refuses.
Your hand slowly turns the blade downward, easing it up with as much strain possible to raise it above Celestia's head.
An impact to the rear with a magical strike.
You’re sent tumbling off Celestia into the wall, your sword dropping just in front of the princess face.
Luna looked at you; from the corner of your eye you could see her.
Tears on her checks, her horn radiating her brilliance as you slowly recover.
"Bad...move...you little..." you rush her.
Hate
She denied you the kill!
She must pay
Your body aches...you couldn't, but your mind had no power as you clasp the blade mid run, swing it back and with a war cry, slash right for Luna's neck.
Her barrier brilliance deflects it, zapping sparks all over as you can feel her strength, she donned lesser armour, but her magic’s rivaled that of her sister.
Luna stares at you, eyes full of sorrow.
"Anon...' she whispered, her tears held back by sniffles
"Anon..." fear in her trembling voice, her shield starts to buckle.
"Anon." her hooves hold their ground, her body is tall as her shield begins to crack.
'Anon!' she shouts, the blade sweeps past her barrier, just over her head as you slam your fist into her gut.
Her eyes go wide as you ram your palm right into her, sending her back almost four feet as she lands with a thud.
You slam your foot down hard inches from her head.
"Now...you watch...then you die..." you utter as Luna whimpers, her eyes looking right you as she tries to move, but her whole body seems...infused...with pain. Her legs would not walk, her magic would not start...what had he done to her?
You slowly turn, eyes scanning the night princess, glazed by whatever seemed to control you as you turn away from her, Celestias unconscious form still laying there, breathing steadily as you crack your blade to life.
Luna grunts, trying hard to get up...she must rise, she must defend...her sister.
"If you need to fight him to bring him back...will you?" Celestias words rang in Luna’s head as she began to slowly rise...watching you in the corner of her eye as you approached her sister.
"No..." she muttered once, her hooves regaining their feeling.
"No..." she muttered again, wings flapping to raise her body off the ground.
"No!" she shouts, lunging with her body in full flight towards you, slamming herself right into your backside as your pushed forward, right over Celestia as Luna abruptly stops, sending you over the wall....holding back the tears as Celestia open her eyes.
"Luna..?" Celestia mutters as the white alicorn rises.
Luna huffs, turning to her and pressing herself against her sisters front.
"Oh sister....dear sister...." she whined, her body shivering as she began to cry, she had...saved her sister, but surely anon would...
A sudden rumble erupted all over as the two crystal ponies fly back and down to recover their master as a surge of energy rippled from behind the wall.
Celestia and Luna stepped back as something large began to form before them, and with a shrill, almost terrifying call, a massive dragon born entirely of crystal rose from where you had fallen.
it rose from the very spawn of torment, anons form cast deep within its chest as its massive wings flapped down, sending it airborne as it began to circle the castle common.
Instantly the guards rise to fight it, Pegasus buzzing past with their lances and unicorns from below casting their magical missile, all to no avail as glancing hit after hit dinged of the crystal carapace hide of this beast as it turned, and soared straight towards the two princesses.
Luna began to quiver, such a beast, it was not like the dragons of their world, this beast bearing only two wing-arms and powerful legs, crying its high pitch scream as it crashed through the guards that opposed it, casting them aside like discarded toys of a child before it slammed down to the catwalk and roof of the place its master had just fought.
Its maw gaped as it began to grind its body towards the two Princess as Celestia stood before her sister.
"leave this...to me sister, i shall end this."
"sister Celestia...but...what of Anon?"
She didn't answer as the beast jaw snapped, flailing its wings and digging its foot talons into stone and shingle towards the two princess as the white alicorn spread her wings, horn glowing bright, and flew right into the vast maw of its foe.
Almost aware of its victory, the beast swallows, taking flight again as it began to soar around the common.
"CELESTIA!" Luna cries out...and again she felt very alone. Taking flight, the moon princess begins to chase the massive beast around and between the spires of the castle, she dare not lose it as it began to twist and turn, eying the second prey it had sought and doubled in a spiral twist back towards her.
Luna hesitated, but dropped altitude quickly as she now became the target as she swooped low over the castle common.
It kept chase
its eyes glaring as it followed the young alicorn around and about the spires, over the garden and then out the city.
Luna flew, not wishing her subjects harm as she led the beast out beyond the range of mountains surrounding the city of Canterlot.
Luna was trying hard to keep ahead, but in open air, the beasts larger wings began to grant it speed greater than that of the lunar princess, its body gaining, maw extending as it came closer...closer.
"Celestia..." Luna whispered "Anon...please..." she closed her eyes, flying as fast as she could, the beasts maw agape, closing in...and then...the light.
From the corner of the princess eye, a brilliant white light began to appear from the creatures belly.
It suddenly veered off, turning...back...to Canterlot as Luna slowed, turning with the beast and keeping chase as it seemed...to calm.
Its great wings flapped slowly, gliding it across the sky as it began to twist and turn, flying right towards the castle again, but turning up...flying upwards, high, high into the sky, higher than any Pegasus could soar before breaching the clouds above, its wings outstretched as the light engulfed the entire body, its crystal cracking, fragmenting as the light grew brighter and brighter.
The beast let out a soft moan...almost a whimper as it coiled in on itself and the light exploded, sending the crystals as rain-like fragments down to earth before the light slowly faded.
There
To Luna's surprise and amazement
Was Celestia, her Sister, and Anon, hovering before her, his eyes pure white as his mouth moved, but a voice unknown spoke.
"Thank you...Princess... his mind and soul had been saved..."
You are Celestia
You had never seen a creature such as this before.
The once strong Anon, now consumed by the crystal that tainted him, now as a draconian beast that sought your demise.
Your body was still in shock from his strike, but it was non-lethal, a simple blow to the head.
It was enough to tell you Anon was still inside, still alive, still fighting like he always did.
This beast, this creation he forged was of his pain, and though it was a great dragon, the human inside, the spirit, still held strong, wishing to be free from the world of hate that surrounded and clouded his mind.
As Luna hid behind you, your only thought was to get to Anon inside the belly of the beast.
You spread your wings and take flight, soaring right for the monsters head, its eyes fixate on you, a chill down your spine as it know of you, perhaps what you plan.
You can't stop, you can't hesitate.
you soar right at it, its maw gaping wide as you fly right down his throat.
"CELESTIA" is all you hear before everything goes dark.
You fly straight and steady, never veering as your path is true...the eventual beating of its heart as your path lightens, and there, before you, a figure hovered suspended in an encased crystal.
That was calm until the beast came at you.
The pair of crystalline alicorns with him took flight towards you.
You fixate your attention on them.
Two of them, both in resemblance equally to you.
Its concerning, but almost flattering as you smirk, and kick back your wings, gaining near sonic speeds as you fly to intercept the attackers, quickly brilliance your horn as it encases it in a javelin of magic, sending it straight at the first one.
You watch as it impacted through its neck and freeing the corpse's hold on its figure, shattering instantly as it and the body of the lifeless pony fell, dissipating from existence before they touched the shadows.
You shiver, the mere thought of what that was a forgotten memory...and a distraction.
The second alicorn was already upon you, its horn of brilliance radiating similar to yours as it flings it own spearhead at you.
Something from Anon reverberates in your mind.
You descen quickly, letting both it and the alicorn soar right over you.
As the alicorn passes, you flap your wings down, soaring upwards, letting the other creature become open from below, and the force of the impact upon its weaker underbelly launched it from the very plane of flight, up into the air as its figure vanished into the abysee above.
You turn to the heart, the very light above it radiating the one connection still fighting for freedom as you gaze up at it.
"Hello" spoke a voice as suddenly, standing in front of you.
A dragon, but not one of your equestrian estates.
"My name is Kushan T''ydiis, I speak the voice of our ancient kin of this world and I must ask you, do you really wish to save this human child?"
Celestia pause...a child...a creature like their fillies and colts within presence here? A child so intelligent and capable that it seemed unequestrian in very nature, yet too was a creature...much like her sister.
You look at this dragon, standing taller than you with two large outstretched wings, and a pair of black spandex pants from his legs to his toes.
"A child you say...well...it certainly explains the reason for his almost innocent nature..."
Kushan looks at you with an unchanged expression.
You sigh.
"Only a foal is the true essence of innocence, only as they mature do they acquire their loss of such treasures."
The beast grins 'Innocence still brings doubt, but even a child can never be sure of himself sometime.'
You pause, looking back at the dragon, his eyes bright blue and white.
"I know what he is, and see what he's capable of...he's something we need in this world...and I'm willing and capable of seeing him prosper through."
The dragon nodded slowly, stroking his lower jaw.
'We shall be watching' he said before he suddenly vanish from existence as Celestia turns herself fully onto the light of hope, aiming her hear straight down before a single flap-whip sends her mach one towards it
Your aim must be very precise here as you expose and bite your tongue in meticulous thought before you summon all your straight and right about you before you strike the right spot of the essence reverberate.
It clinks, and a sudden flash of light.
a field.
A field is where you find yourself after Anon's freedom.
You appear alone, feeling the soft grass beneath your hooves as you eased down to your stomach, feeling the cold texture around you, falling to your side, laying there.
It had been a long time since you could rest like this, open air, grass cold and soft.
You enjoy it immensely.
'Well, seems I owe you big time.'
A voice...familiar and comforting as you lift your head to see Anon.
He's normal, smiling his smile as he stood before you.
"Anon."
He nods, gently patting his chest.
'Celestia... thank you.'
You smile back, simply rolling onto your back in the grass as you eye him with cuteness in your expression.
"It is my duty to protect my kingdom and its subjects, save the human who has been a blessing to our world."
You neigh a bit, turning upright to proper posture as you rest back on your tummy.
"I could not simply stand to lose you, much have you done to warrant my deepest care and...trust for you."
Anon smiles as he rubs the back of his head.
'After what I did...I didn't-'
"Nonesense... Luna..." You pause "Luna always knew you'd fight till the end, it was never an issue of you siding to the dark...just...having to take you down..."
You look away, feeling slightly remorse about fighting Anon again, with both your lives held in balance of losing one or the other.
Your thoughts are interrupted as Anon begins to stroke your cheek, blush suddenly radiating over your face.
'It helped either way, I did my all to prevent myself from trying to, sure you noticed it...but...' he looks back at Canterlot in the distance.
You can see even from here some ruin about the once proud castle.
"It can be repaired, and no lives had been...." you pause, looking around as you notice the two bodies of your guard ponies almost materialize behind Anon, lifeless only for a moment as they rise, clad back in their respective wares, looking around with confusion before seeing ANon and backing away.
You giggle, smiling as they look at you, smiling at them in return.
"Do not fear, the danger has past."
The two look at one another, then at Anon, then you.
"You may return to Canterlot."
They bow, doing so without haste as their minds couldn't really fathom what had happened.
'I hope i didn't mess them up to much...'
"They should be fine... a bit shaken, but no worries on their well being... dying and coming back is still...jarring."
Anon sighs, sitting down next to you as you rest your head on his lap.
'So, id that it? I mean, most adventures tend to end with some celebration, welcoming the victory of the good guys.'
"That would be so, but the outstanding of your crimes still play a bothersome tune."
Anon looks at you, rather bothered in expression.
'I take it Bb won't let that go, but what about what you saw?'
You huff "Indeed, I did see what I needed to see, and my word can pass judgement to your crimes, but that leaves your friend Cermina still...well...unaccounted for."
Anon seemed to look away for a moment, then at his hands.
"You harmed her, did you not?"
'Yeah, took a chunk out of the drakes side when i went at her...she's tough, not a grievous wound.'
"She will not be crossed?"
Anon chuckled
'I think she will be more upset about the fact I didn't finish the job, what way is a warrior to go but death, not to be crippled... she'd probably want to face me again, she didn't expect me to be so...'
"Violent?"
'Was going for aggressive...but yeah.'
Celestia smirked "you two suit well together, perhaps this will benefit her."
'I saw Twilight tending her before she teleported her away, i can only assume the others in Ponyville helped her out.'
"That I can grantee, my student cares deep for her friends, and the bond you share with them would mean the utmost in care for your friends."
Anon smiled 'Well, when she gets back, I guess you can put her to judgement, she did do okay with keeping your student safe from me.'
"Indeed Anon, her actions were befitting merit, but there is still her origonal crime."
'Let BlueBlood try, he'd be to squeemish to refuse anything you may punish her with, as intent I would imagine it to be.'
You turn to the castle, then Ponyville "the thoughts of her 'contribution' to our society as her punishment have come to mind, she will find good use in her...new assignment, keeping her busy and with honorable cause."
'She'll like that.'
You rise from the comfort of Anon, going to your full height as you spread your wings as your flowing mane ebbs behind you.
"Anon, I do believe a celebration is in order, marking our victory over darkness, and the presence of a saviour to our kingdom, subjects, and of course, my sister and I."
'Ah, sounds like a wonderful idea.'
You smile, eyeing Ponyville in the distance.
"And I know just the pony to help.
Pinkie had gone all out with this party, which was odd because it wasn't what you expected.
She turned Canterlot, in the span of one day, into
The
LARGEST
party
Ever!
How Celestia permitted this was beyond insanity, but hey, victory parties always gotta be big right?
You found yourself being led through the city, confetti raining from Pegasus flying overhead as you, Celestia and Luna are carted through the city with ponies from all over waving, cheering, and guards saluting as you are brought through to the castle gates of their now proud city.
The Palace had been undergoing repairs, scaffolding lined the damage wall sections and archways you struck, but it went on as though nothing happened.
Better to be ignorant than aware.
To many of the other ponies, they thought you had slain that crystal dragon, bringing peace to their city from a terrible monster.
Well...less they knew.
Celestia eased from her seat in the chariot, and with Luna in toe, land atop a raised stage as they turn to you.
The crowd dies down as everyone holds their breath.
"Anon, once again I give you my thanks, and hope that wherever you see yourself in the future, the kindness and generosity of your efforts, the strength and fortitude of your abilities, and the skill of your conviction shall never waver."
Hoof clopping and some cheering as Celestia's wings brandish to a full wingspan, silencing the crowd.
"Twice, you have done due diligence above and beyond any creature we've witness venture to our land, your strength in friendship and compassion is second to none, aiding my sister in her troubles, and...reminding me what it means to be princess of this wonderful kingdom." she smiled.
You easing your hat close to your head, she was putting it on heavy.
More cheering, another wing flaring.
"Anon, let it be known that your aid to us has changed many ill fated ideals and reasons our kingdom would have foolishly conducted without truth and reason, make away the threats we face and..." she looked at her sister "The strengths we all bear. Anon...never again shall weakness befall this kingdom, its court or even its subject. Anon...we thank thee, and welcome you as a Canterlot Guardian, may your strength bring great light to our city for many eons to come."
Two Pegasus drape a large medal around your neck, glistening gold as it depicts a Sun beneath a crescent moon spiked by a sword.
You smiled, holding the weight in your hand and gazing at the princess before you salute.
'You have my word, I shall honour it to the end of my days."
Cheering rippled through the city as Celestia and Luna take off with delight, flying alongside the Wonderbolts high above.
"This is so Aweeesome!" spoke a familiar tomboyish voice from behind as you turn to see them.
The mane six.
Twilight with Spike on her back, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, PinkiePie, and Rainbowdash.
'Hey, you guys made it.'
They all smile
"Wouldn't miss it fer the world sugh."
"Yeah, not often some boring bore some gets this kind of cred with royalty."
Applejack nudges Rainbow in the gut, both stare at one another before giggling as Rarity trots forward, resting herself against you.
"Oh darling, it is so wonderful to have seen such a presebtation of masterful elegance for a creature that trully can shoe such great compassion...of course, looking the part helped too, and darling you look simply fabulous."
'Well, can't blame me for that, it was your help that made me so, swave.'
Rarity blushes a bit "oh, such a gentleman."
You smirk as you turn to Pinkie who tackles you, pressing her faace into yours.
"toldya we'd get a super awesome party for you!"
'yeah, so I see...thanks Pinkie.'
Pinkie smiles a big smile as she bounces off and back to the others before Twilight approaches.
"Anon...I."
You sigh, sitting up as you can see some blush upon her cheeks as you ease over and pat her head.
'Relax...what happened, happened...I'm...just glad you weren't hurt.'
Twilight blushes a bit more "I couldn't just let you go off on your own..."
'and it was quiet a risk to take, but if anypony had to, i'm glad it was you who did.'
All the other ponies giggled as Twilight lowered her ears in embarrassment before she went close and hugged you.
D'awww
So cuute.
"There...is one thing...." Twilight began as she and the other ponies looked at you "can...you really create something like Cermina again?"
The other five mares nod, Twi probably had mentioned what happened to them, and it was high time you spoke of it.
'To be honest Twi, I couldn't answer that, be it a fluke, be it something beyond even me, I will never know. Cermina was never meant to be a harmful creature nor would anything else my mind would ever dream to think of." you sigh "I guess, perhaps the power of imagination is enough to create something from nothing, and certainly able to make one heck of a support character."
Twilight smiles "Well...that....is certainly something to keep in mind, but...I don't think its really necessary to say its a thing your kind can do." she giggled a bit "certainly an interesting idea none the less."
You pat her gently as she parts from you, a smile across her face as you realizw someones missing.
'Speaking of which....is Cermina okay?"
Twilight looks down a bit before you hear footfalls behind her to see Cermina, left arm in a sling and bandages around her gut as Fluttershy went over to her to check out the injuries.
"Fluttershy was quick with tending to her, and well..."
"As you can see comrade, takes more den dat to stop me."
Cermina grinned, easing over, patting your shoulder before drawing you close.
"Nevar knew you had such...ferocity..." She licked her jaw a bit as she pulled you right up to her maw.
"Sw'hat drives me...wild..."
She kissed you
hella did she kiss you.
All the other ponies went wide eye before the drake parted "I Tink...its time to head home comrade...."
and she shoved you back.
Falling backwards
you feel the world go silent as you close your eyes.
On your bed
In your room, you slowly fidget awake as you eye your clock.
8am?
Had...it been a dream?
You shift, feeling the weight on your chest, easing your right arm over, seeing the medal...and then the gauntlet on your arm.
'Nope...'
Epilogue
"Anons disappearance post the party was unfortunate, but he was not of our world. If we shall see him again, that is uncertain, but for now, this court stands upon the trial of one Cermina."
The party had come and gone, and with Anon having left for his world, the last vestige of his presence here was still remaining.
Cermina had been brought before the court, cooperating as she would per Anons request, and Celestia was more than happy to see her come forward.
Luna, as well as those who defended Anon did the same for Cermina, though those against her, BlueBlood especially, were absent from the trial.
"As princess and judge of this court, your crimes against royalty cannot go unpunished, but...as seeing as the prosecutor is absent, I have taken the liberty of preparing my own punishment for you."
Cermina hurred, looking away from Celestia for a bit before the Princess smirked.
"Cermina, for your defiant actions, and combat prowess, I hereby sentence you to protect the citizens of Ponyville as their guardian. You shall reside within the Everfree forest, keeping charge of all creatures that potentially could harm those who reside within."
Cermina turns back to Celestia with a surprised look on her face but slowly turned it to a smile as she hissed delightfully.
"Until the time of your requirement is needed, that is where you shall stay."
Cermina huffed "Dat is...fitting..." she remarked "I shall accept."
Celestia smiled, stomping her foot down onto the floor "Then this court is adjourned."
Elsewhere, far from the comforts of Canterlot, the safety and security of its gates and walls, a defeated Blueblood wanders about with the last few guardians under his command.
His fur was a mess, mane unkempt, but he had escaped
That Human and his dragon pet...they had ruined everything.
Twisting his Auntie and her Sister to defy his plans, making his life miserable, and above all, harming his perfection with their commoner hands.
He felt sick, they all needed to pay as he yelled and smashed a tree with his hoof.
"Such anger and rage, fitting for a washed up Prince."
Blueblood paused, the voice...it...sounded like Auntie.
"Who..who goes there?" His guards stand firm as their emotionless gaze survey the emptiness as one of them suddenly collapse in a pile of metal.
Blueblood wheels around "Show yourself?" He demands as laughter returned, and then the second guard fell.
Blueblood wheeled around again, only this time seeing another Alicorn, striking a similar appearance to his Auntie, but...bearing traits of something...else...A dragon?
"So...the once mighty Prince reduced to nothing, for shame thy must be set about as a fugitive when at a time, thy was king of his realm?"
BlueBlood tensed as he backed into the tree.
"A-auntie?"
The alicorn laughed "Haha, oh to be considered as much as that weakling, I am not."
She grinned, stepping forward, making BB back into the tree he kicked as this Alicorn was now upon him.
He quivered.
"Hrmm...your rage for them...it is shared, and desires to be satiated." she came closer, whispering.
"I seek the downfall of all, and to rule Equestria...but....I need allies, and you, are one such."
Blueblood blinked "w-what? Why do you seek me?"
"Do you wish not to rule Canterlot? Powering over your Auntie and her sister without as much as a whim? AH, perhaps you do, but maybe I should seek another."
"No...I would want nothing more than to take power over my despicable Auntie and her sister, to make the Ponie's lives miserable, and to rule with an iron hoof over Equestria as my mother had done long ago."
"Then...all you have to do is say yes...and It shall be yours with my aid."
Blueblood tensed for a moment, this Alicorn was...offering him his dream, but, could he? COULD HE? he smirked "Why...yes...I would."
"Then...let us prepare, soon. our time shall come."
With a flash...both vanish, their own twisted plot slowly beginning to turn.
