Struggling to stay awake because of my sleepless night, I followed Blueblood to the dining room where I sat in my usual place. Carrot Top greeted me before staring at my mane the way one would look at a Picasso painting.
"Wow, I've never seen a mane this messy before. "
"Sorry," I replied with a yawn as my eyes closed on their own.
"You don't have to be a sorry sweetheart, it's not your fault. It's just that it might be a little complicated to undo and that..."
The sound of Carrot Top's voice was already starting to get more and more distant as my eyes slowly closed until...
Splash.
I woke up with a start as my head collided with the cocoa in a bowl on the table.
"Anon, are you okay?" Asked Blueblood who had stopped reading for a few moments staring at me dumbfounded before looking at the bowl of cocoa that was his.
"Just a little tired," I admitted.
"Tired? You slept almost eleven hours! "
"Let's just say I needed a lot of sleep. " I lied, not wanting to worry them.
Blueblood was about to add something when Carrot Top cut him off:
"Whatever it is, it will have to wait a little while. We have an appointment at the town hall about the other sports activities you need to find out about. " She said as she worked to undo the knots formed in my mane which was quite painful.
"The other activities? I thought I had already done them all! "
"Do you think it's amazing? Let's just say that it's a bit complicated to complete a field day when you're barely halfway through it. " Dark Light said, staring at me with his amber eyes that terrified me.
"Anyway," she continued. "We'll finish it today! "
"Why are you so determined to finish it? "
"Why? Because it's the one interesting thing I'll never do in my life. So get out of that office and start warming up while I look at what we didn't do last time. "
"But we did everything, Ms. Dark Light," I lied, hoping it would work.
"No, we didn't finish! It's impossible that by disappearing in the middle of the day you're all done... Here, take a look. "
The mare with the shady coat caught in her mouth a sheet where was drawn in line drawings corresponding to the activities. Barely half of the boxes were checked off.
"Why Lord? " I stammered.
"I don't know who this Lord is, but believe me, wherever he is, he will not do his activities at your place. He won't do his activities for you," she said.
"Please stop! Otherwise, I will tell Littlenight that you are torturing his friends. "
"Anon, that's water. "
"You have no right to do this to me. This is monstrous. It's horrible. This is... "
"A pool. How is that so terrible? "
"I don't like pools. "
"Is that all? I was expecting a story where you were going to tell me that you had a terrible trauma. "
"Just going to the pool at a public school when everyone is laughing at you. "
"I don't understand anything you're telling me. Shall we start? Grab the buoy and float next to you. "
"No.
"Anon, get down in that pool and grab that buoy! "
"I don't want to. "
"Your parents warned me that you could be stubborn, but this is how stubborn! "
"I'm not stubborn. "
"Then do as I say or we won't have time to finish everything today and you'll have to come back another day. "
I looked at the large Ponyville pool decorated with sculptures of ponies in togas holding vases from which the pool water came. A smell of chlorine and roses emanated from the place, which was quite pleasant.
I looked again at Dark Light who was waiting silently before starting my descent into the water using the gentle slope until I was immersed up to my neck. I grabbed the buoy next to me and looked at the terrifying mare.
"That's good Anon, keep it up. Now... " The buoy started to move by itself in a lazy way to places where I had no hoof. I started to panic, clutching more forcefully at the buoy.
"Don't panic, it's normal. You just need to keep your grip on the buoy. "
I held on to the buoy a little tighter and my weight did not seem to disturb its course. Suddenly, a noise like a small explosion was heard violently in my eardrums. It seemed that I had squeezed the buoy a little too hard and that it suddenly burst.
Unlucky as I was, the buoy was at the deepest point of the pool where it was written in bold on the edge: "depth: 4 meters".
I wanted to cry out in distress but gravity was already doing its work. I was sinking. My attempts to use my hooves to get to the surface seemed vein-like.
I kept falling deeper and deeper into the bottom of the pool where yellow lights, similar to lost treasures, lit up the bottom of the pool.
As I gazed for a moment at these lights, I felt two sharp teeth on the back of my neck grabbing me but without any real pain. More like an unpleasant pinch.
The bottom began to become distant again until I realized that I was being pulled to the surface.
Still a little agitated, I noticed that Dark Light had deposited me on the edge of the pool. I instinctively rubbed my already irritated eyes from the chlorine-laced water.
"You shouldn't do that. "
Even with my vision still blurred, I could still make out Dark Light's form staring at me.
"Thank you. " I said.
"No worries. Are you okay? "
"I'm seeing a little blurry. "
"It must be the water. If not, don't you have pain anywhere else? "
"Why would it hurt anywhere else? "
"I don't know but you never know. In any case, we'll warn the lodge before we leave that these stupid Flim and Flam brothers' buoys are not unbreakable."
"Unbreakable? " I said wryly as I showed him a piece still stuck to my hoof.
"Certainly not. Speaking of which, I hope you have some energy left, you're going to need it. " She said with a little smirk that spoke volumes about the rest of the activities.
Finally! Thank you, Lord, for giving me the strength.
I had been run over by a sumo pony, drowned in a pool, lost to Rainbow Dash in a race, thrown from tree trunks in a junior club and the list goes on... But we had finally completed all the activities on the list.
"You can be proud of yourself Anon, you have succeeded in the course of your sports, Ponyville special. As a reward, how about I buy you a lemonade? Your parents will be here in twenty minutes. " She said, pointing to a bar of some sort.
I nodded, too happy to rest and quench my thirst.
So we entered the bar of "the beautiful daffodil", whose name was written in capital letters above the door.
The interior was decorated with many photos of different varieties of flowers, all framed in a very aesthetic way.
As I looked at the decoration, Dark Light motioned for me to sit down while she ordered the drinks from the waiter.
"So Anon, any ideas for sports? "
"I think I'm going to do buckball. "
"Is that your favorite activity? "
"Yeah, plus I could play with Littlenight? "
"Of course, and anyway you can come home and play with Littlenight. We have a big garden. "
"There you go. "Said the waiter as he placed our colorful drinks on the table.
After thanking him, Dark Light started to ask me more questions: "So, how do you like this city? "
"It's very pretty. " I said while looking at the drink. "What is it about? "
"It's a Rainbow Mist, a drink from Cloudsdale. A delight. "
I watched her drink for a few moments until I decided to do the same.
As soon as I put the drink to my lips, an explosion of tropical flavors invaded my mouth. What tastes! What flavors! What a...
"Anon, are you okay? You have a weird face. "
"I'm fine. It's just that I've never had anything so delicious. "
"I'm glad you like it," she said, smiling as I brought the delicious nectar to my mouth once again.
"I also wanted to ask you something. Do you know that Littlenight likes you? "
"Yes."
"And so I was wondering if you liked her too? "
I frowned at the question. What kind of weird question was that?
"Of course I do. Why are you asking me that question? "
"Nothing," Dark Light said nervously which didn't seem to be in his habit. "Oh, look your parents are already waiting for us in the square. Let's hurry," she said, grabbing me without letting me finish this colorful delight.
Arriving at home, I collapsed on my bed. Taking long breaths, I looked out the window at the sunny blue sky. I was completely tired and only wanted to sleep.
As I closed my eyes, the voices of Carrot Top and Blueblood disturbed the silence:
"Would you mind going to see if there are any books for Anon in the Twilight library? I have a feeling she doesn't like the ones we read to her too much my love. "
"That's a great idea," Blueblood said followed by the sound of an excessively loud kissing noise. So I held my pillow over my head.
At that moment, the door of the room opened and the two most discreet ponies of Equestria entered the room.
"Anon, how would you like to take a trip to the library? "
"Sure," I replied with a yawn. I only hoped I could sleep after that.
"Here we are, we've taken a tour of the library. I know it was a bit of a long presentation but it will have allowed you to see the immense diversity that exists in terms of books. "
"It sure is a lot," she said. "And I'm not saying that because we've just seen more than fifty different themes arranged in a very precise classification bordering on mania.
"It's because this is one of the largest libraries in the area," she said proudly. "Except maybe the one in Canterlot. Anyway, while you're waiting to pick out some books, I'm going to set up shop here," she said, pointing to one of the library's chairs.
"And don't hesitate to ask me for advice if you need it! " Smiled kindly at me from the mare named Starlight who resided at the castle.
"Okay. "
So I looked around at all the varieties of different themes that existed here, noticing Starlight's furtive glance at me from time to time. No doubt she had been warned about my mysterious disappearances and was making sure that nothing happened to me.
I thought about the conversation Blueblood might have had with Twilight about me. I hoped it would be something positive about me.
Returning to my current preoccupations, I noticed that I had been staring at a shelf for five minutes. All of these books seemed to be a deadly nuisance whether it was: the guide to the crystal fields, the crafting of magical items, or the equestrian history in date and place.
As I randomly picked up some of the books, more attracted by their covers than by what they said, one thought kept troubling me.
That night again, everything in the castle was devastated. And yet, when we returned, everything seemed untouched as if nothing of what had happened last night had happened.
The only logical conclusion that came to my mind was that strange green flash I had seen as I left the place although I couldn't be sure it was not the fruit of my tired mind.
More questions. Why did I keep thinking about it? I was almost certain that it was far beyond the competence of a being as stupid as me. Anyway, it's not as if someone was going to hand me all the information laid out on a silver platter.
As another bookshelf loomed, a book caught my eye. It was a beautiful book with a yellow and gold synthetic leather cover that inspired me to read. I silently read the title of the book in capital red lettering: "Alambar, the Zebra Adventurer and the Mysterious Realm of the Sacred Lock".
Suddenly, I thought of the name of that object I had deleted from Twilight's list: the kingdom lock. Perhaps there was a book here or somewhere that would explain what it was? I had to find out for sure.
I carefully put the book down and walked over to Starlight, who was too fascinated with her reading to see me coming.
"Starlight, excuse me... "
" AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH !!!!!!! " She shouted at least five seconds before I arrived.
"Sorry, I guess I was a little too into my thriller. "
"It's no big deal, just a minor hearing loss. I would look for a book that tells the story of a relic known as the Kingdom Lock. Would you know if it exists? "
"It sounds familiar. Why are you looking for such a book? "
" ... "
"Let me guess, you too like to study magic and the forgotten artifacts of Equestria?"
"Of course. "
"Really? I have to admit, I didn't expect that. I didn't think anyone outside of Twilight and me was interested in books like this. "
"Proof that they don't. So would you have it? "
"I'll see if I can find it. Don't move from there, I'll be back in a moment. "
Then Starlight disappeared in a flash of turquoise. Had she teleported?
As I looked at the pink mare's former location, another magical flash was heard behind my back.
"I found her! "She shouted triumphantly from behind me, causing me to jump and fall back onto my rump.
This one looked at me astonished. "You know Anon, if you want to sit down, there are chairs! "
" ... "
Starlight having stayed behind to put away the books that I had moved and put back in the wrong place, I walked alone in the crystal clear corridors of the castle.
Approaching the room where Twilight and Blueblood were talking, I began a stealthy walk, hoping to hear some snippet of the conversation about me.
However, the room seemed to be perfectly soundproof even as I pressed my ear against the door.
Suddenly, to my surprise, the doors opened sharply as I crashed miserably to the floor. Was it me or was a mocking chimera looking at me amused:
"This is what I meant by spy, great and trusting princess of friendship. "
"Discord, I already asked you not to call me princess. You know very well that I don't like to be called that! "
"Anon, were you spying on us? "Blueblood asked me, staring at me with a face of pure disapproval.
"Sorry?"
"Just so you know, we'll discuss this as soon as we get home! "
"Oh no, Blueblood pulled out the worst punishment in the world: a discussion with him. " Immediately Discord disintegrated into a pile of dust with a horrible howl.
Twilight looked up to the sky.
"Discord, stop this little game! You'll scare Anon."
"My apologies your royal highness. So you wanted me to analyze Anon? " Discord, who had just appeared behind my back in a doctor's outfit, began to examine me with a measuring tape.
"I already told you... Let me guess. You're doing it on purpose? "
"I can't say no. "
"There's no way Discord is touching a single hair on my daughter's head. " Blueblood cut me off curtly as he laid me on his back.
"I'd say I'm offended, but I'm fine with it. " replied Discord offended turning his back to the conversation.
"Blueblood, please. "
"No, my filly is in no way a thing you can dispose of for your experiments. "
"I know you're not happy, Blueblood, but this is very important to me and science. Don't you want to understand why Anon is resistant to the elements of harmony? "
"Twilight, it's not. "
"But... "
"There's nothing to discuss. Anon you picked a book? "
"Yes."
"Then we're off. "
"Wait, Blueblood, I can assure you that nothing will happen to Anon."
To which Blueblood simply closed the door behind us.
"Blueblood, are you okay?" I asked, worried about his silence.
"Don't worry about me Anon, I'm fine. I just don't understand Twilight. How can she trust that monster? He's already put Equestria on the brink of chaos twice, not to mention the time he kept you. I think that being from chaos or not, I would have gladly strangled him that day. "
"Wow, you hate him? "
"Let's just say I don't trust him. Especially when it comes to our beloved little filly of mine and Carrot Top. "
I blush. "Thanks. "
"You don't have to thank me Anon. I mean it, you know. We're family now. "
I nodded.
"And that's why I wouldn't let Twilight do any of her experiments on you in the name of some science. "
This time I wrapped my arms around him in a loving embrace. He stopped and looked at me. Smiling tenderly, he ruffled my mane.
"Hatred, don't make me think you had nothing to do with this! I don't think they went back to dust on their own! "
"Look, whatever you're talking about, I had nothing to do with it. "
"And you seriously expect me to believe you? "
"No, but remember what Dumbledore said when Harry and his friends were accused of killing the cat in the second movie. "
"Hatred, I want an answer! "
"Innocent until proven guilty. "
"So you're asking me for more evidence? "
"Exactly. "
" Anon. "
"What, Anon? You see her fighting alone against legions of specters? I'm willing to bet she'd pee herself just thinking about it. "
"Then why do you keep her if she's no use to you. "
"I didn't say that. "
"Anyway, I don't understand why you refuse my offer? "
"The one where I let you have it? "
"Perfectly, it is useless to you. And then, think of the army that I am ready to give you if you leave it to me. With it, you could take back a consequent place among the other lords. "
"I have already told you that I am not interested in that. "
"Then explain it to me. What are you looking for? "
"And what are you looking for? I don't think she'll be much use to you either. "
"My world, my business included. And you didn't answer my question! "
"The one where you ask me what I'm looking for? Hate, of course! Never anything more than that dear friend. "
"In that case, I hope this one won't send you back from the grave where you came from my friend. "
Back home, I greeted Grandma and Grandpa, who were in the garden in the presence of Carrot Top.
"Can I go read in my room? " I asked, looking at Blueblood.
"Of course, sweetheart. But won't you have trouble reading on your own? "
"No, don't worry. "
So I sat comfortably on my bed in the presence of the book, praying that none of the lords would come. I waited a good five minutes in the possibility that they would come, before beginning my reading.
As I was reading, Blueblood's voice called out to me:
"Anon, you have a visitors!"
" Visitors? "
I took my book with me and walked toward the living room where a familiar colt and filly were watching me. They were Littlenight and Dinky.
"I didn't know you knew each other? "
"Anon, me and Littlenight are neighbors in case you didn't notice," Dinky replied kindly.
"Yeah, and Diamond Tiara asked us if we could give you a ticket to her party which is today at 4 pm. It's at her house and there will be a birthday party and lots of outdoor games. "
"That sounds nice. But who is Almond Tiara?"
"Diamond Tiara, Anon. She's a pink filly with blue eyes who wears a tiara on her head all the time. " Blueblood answered me, who hadn't missed anything of the discussion.
"Okay, and you go too? "I asked the duo.
"Of course," they answered in chorus. "We wanted to know if you would come with us? "
I turned my head to Blueblood and to Carrot Top, who had just gone inside. They both looked at each other:
"I guess so," began Carrot Top. "But there will be adults to watch you at this party? "
"Of course, Mrs. Carrot Top. There will be Diamond Tiara's father and mother, not to mention all her servants. "
"Servants? "
"They are the richest ponies in town! " Littlenight added. "They have a lot of ponies at their service. My mom even worked as a sports coach for them for a while. Anyway, I heard it was going to be a huge party. "
"And are adults allowed? " Blueblood asked.
"I don't think so but I'm not sure," replied the little colt.
"Is that okay with you, Mom and Dad?" Carrot Top asked his parents.
"No, if the little one wants to go then we'll spend time with her another day. "
"I guess we have no reason to object then," Carrot Top muttered.
"That's great, we'll have too much fun! " Littlenight practically screamed into our ears as she flew up to ceiling height before descending again.
"Keep it down," I groaned for my poor ears.
"What's this book? " Dinky asked me, pointing to the cover with her hoof.
"A book about the mysterious objects of Equestria. "
"You read storybooks? " Blueblood looked surprised.
"Yes."
"And I thought you were bored with history lessons. " Littlenight said happily. "Can we visit your room? "
"Uh... "
"Please, you've had a good look at ours. "
"Okay. "
"But don't do anything stupid! "Blueblood ordered us in a falsely authoritarian tone that quickly calmed them down.
"Okay."
Then, closely followed by Littlenight and Dinky, I opened the door to my room. They both came in curious.
"Well?" I asked.
"I like your model boat. "
"And I think you have a nice view of the Everfree forest. Doesn't it scare you too much? "
"Of course not. "
"I would be really scared if I were you. I've heard some very scary stories about this forest. "
"What do you mean? "
"Sit down, I'll tell you. "
I was still shaking like a leaf even after Dinky and Littlenight left. Were there all these horrible creatures right outside my window? I hoped not, but that would explain why everyone was strongly discouraging me from this place.
"Anon, we need to talk! "
Startled, I gasped. Twilight was standing right next to my bed staring at me in a concerted manner.
"What are you doing here?"
"I need to ask you something! "
I looked at her but she didn't continue.
"So? What do you want to ask me? "
"Sorry, it's just that I'm not used to asking this kind of thing. "
"And this thing is?"
"Could you come with me so that Discord can analyze you? Without telling your parents of course. "
"What?"
"Look, I know I'm asking a lot of you. But maybe we're talking about the safety of Equestria. If you're resistant to the effects of the elements, then other creatures with the same power could one day come here and it would be catastrophic. And... "
I put my hoof over her mouth.
"I think I get where you're coming from. "
"So it's yes? "
"I'm afraid not. "
"Why?"
"I don't want Discord to examine me. Or you, for that matter. I want people to stop looking at me like I'm some kind of weird creature. I just want to be left alone. "
"Anon... "
"No, it's not. "
"Very well. I respect your decision. You have a nice boat, did Blueblood buy it for you? "
"That's... "
I suddenly felt very sleepy.
"Anon? Are you sleeping?" Carrot Top asked me as he entered the room.
"You'd say," I said, rubbing my eyes. "I had a really weird dream too. "
"My poor little angel, you must have been really tired. I wanted to warn you that Grape Capsule has arrived for your daily session. "
I nodded thoughtfully as I got up and headed for the door. Was the moment I was talking to Twilight a dream?
"Hello, Anon."
I turned my head and caught a glimpse of Grape Capsule staring at me smiling as I walked into the living room.
"Good morning. "
"I don't know if your parents told you but I'm taking you to the hospital. I heard they have space available for our sessions. "
Faced with my little pout, he put his suitcase on the floor and took out a lollipop of all colors such as I had never seen.
"It's yours if you smile at me. " He said.
I looked at him and smiled as best I could:
"That's very good Anon. A healthy mind is as important as a healthy body. "
"And with a satisfied belly, it's even better," I added, catching the lollipop in my mouth as we walked out of the house.
"Thank you so much Red Hearth! "
"You're welcome if it will help you cure this young filly. "
"Yes, I just have to get what I need out of my... my suitcase! I forgot it! "
"You must have forgotten it when you took out the lollipop. "
"What an airhead I am! I'll be right back! " Then he took off in a sprint before a hospital pony-pulled cart came around the corner from the hallway we were standing in. The noise was loud enough to make me think he must have been hurt pretty bad.
"I think you can go sit on the chair in the room while you wait. I think it's going to take him a little longer than expected. "
So I entered the white room where it consisted of a similarly white desk facing the entrance which had its back to a large bay window overlooking the hospital entrance. To the left was a bed.
I sat down on the desk chair and looked at the hospital entrance where I saw Grape Capsule running like crazy before flying away.
"Anon, I have to talk to you. "
I turned and faced Lord Fear.
"It's a mania today. "
"Of what?" the dark lord replied confused.
"Since this morning, everyone keeps appearing and disappearing behind my back. "
"I don't understand it all, but it doesn't matter. Listen, I'd like you to tell me where you were last night? "
"In my bed. " I lied.
"After all we've been through together, you still feel like lying to me? Didn't your parents teach you anything? " The tone was getting sourer in my voice.
I didn't like where this discussion was going.
"Don't talk about my parents. "
"Which ones? The ones you left behind or the ones you're going to leave behind? "
"I... " I didn't know what to say.
"The truth often hurts, as you will learn at your expense. But lies much more. " He said as he broke a pencil in half with a dismal crack. "Then I'll ask my question again. Where were you last night? "
I remained silent, too afraid to answer.
"I see, well I beg your pardon. "
"For what?" I asked, growing more and more worried.
"That" He said, pushing the desk suddenly towards me, which pressed me against the bay window, depriving me of all movement at the same time.
"I was in Twilight Castle. " I replied in a panic that his threats were suddenly becoming more physical.
"And for what reason?"
The desk was pressing with colossal force against my rib cage. A wave of pain began to wash over me.
"Lord Hatred sent me into the castle with a note telling me that I was to steal an object. "
"I suppose by the greatest of all coincidences, it is the lock of the kingdom? "
"Yes, it was you who sent this skeleton unicorn?"
"Here, I'm the one asking the questions! "
I heard the bay window behind me begin to crack under the pressure.
"Okay, whatever you want, but please hurry! "
"Which one of us do you like better? "
"You. "
" That's good. "
My bones were about to crack from the compression.
"I beg you, stop! You'll kill me! "
"Rest assured, that's not the point. "
He stopped pushing the desk with his colossal strength before grabbing me and gently depositing me on the floor. I immediately collapsed on the floor. I prayed inwardly that I wouldn't bleed internally.
Lord Fear propelled a unique and powerful kick against the desk which propelled him and the chair against the window which broke under the impact. With a horrible crash, the whole thing began a terrible descent to the bottom under the panicked cries of the stunned ponies.
"I'm afraid you came on a little strong, Anon," said Grape Capsule as he carried me home on his back.
"Please don't tell my parents that," I whispered weakly.
"Anon."
"Please. "
"They'll find out anyway. "
"Maybe not. " I didn't want them to worry.
"Either way, it's my fault. If anyone will be punished. It will be me. "
"No, I'm the one who broke it. "
"But I let you. "
We looked at each other for a moment before smiles lit up our faces.
"In that case, I guess it's our fault. "
"I insist it's mine. "
"You know you're a lovely filly Anon! "
Embarrassed at the compliment, I didn't know what to say until he pulled a new colorful lollipop from his suitcase and handed it to me.
"Thank you," I said, grabbing it.
"You're welcome. "
Arriving home, I immediately began with my session with Meteor Breath by sitting across from her. Meanwhile, Grape Capsule was in the next room explaining what had happened to my parents.
"Hello Anon," Meteor Breath said to me gently. "Your parents told me that you've been invited to a party this afternoon and that you're going with your friends. Are you happy? "
"Yes, but I'm having a little trouble with it. Is it still weird that someone I don't know is inviting me? "
"No, from what I hear, all the colts and fillies in town are invited. "
"Really? It's going to be a huge party then. " I said, massaging my chest, which was still a little sore.
"Is something wrong Anon? "
"Let's just say I had a little problem at the hospital. "
"A problem? "
"Yes, I... "
Blueblood and Carrot Top suddenly ran into the living room in the middle of my sentence and hugged me.
"Don't worry my little angel, Mommy is here. Nothing bad will happen to you. "Carrot Top was stuck to me like an oyster to its rock.
"Yes, we will find a solution, I promise. "
"What's going on here?" Meteor Breath asked, taken aback by the somewhat sudden interruption.
"Anon had a pretty violent seizure in the hospital," Grape Capsule whispered from behind. "She defenestrated a third-floor office. "
"Oh my Celestia! " Meteor Breath exclaimed in horror.
"Are you sure there's no way to stop her seizures? " Blueblood asked.
Grape Capsule sighed before sitting down:
"No, there is no way to stop his seizures. However, there may be a way to control it, but I doubt Anon will like it."
"What does it matter, this is about her health! She could get seriously injured next time. "
"This is a magic necklace of my own making. It generates a kind of soothing foam around Anon."
"Soothing foam? "
"Yes, I first tried sleeping necklaces, but the wearer didn't wake up until much later. The force field necklaces consume too much magic, so I thought of soothing foam. "
"And you were the one who made it? "
"Yes, I work in my free time on the manufacture of an enchanted object to simplify the current medicine. What do you think about it? "
Carrot Top and Blueblood looked at each other very hesitantly:
"It's not against you but... Are you sure this will work? "
"Yes, I've had the opportunity to test it on various occasions. "
"I'm not sure," Blueblood scratched the back of his head.
"Neither do I," admitted Carrot Top. "But are you sure it won't do anything harmful to Anon? Isn't the foam dangerous? "
"I assure you it is not, the foam is only to soothe and stop the patient in crisis. Why do you seem so hesitant all of a sudden? It's only foam. "
"Again, it's not against you but... "
"But let's just say you're not the most skillful stud we know. So it is normal that we wonder about its efficiency. " Said Blueblood visibly embarrassed.
"Oh," Grape Capsule's ears lowered a little. "I see. Is it that noticeable? "
We nodded unanimously.
"I... I have to go out for some air," he muttered. "But here's the necklace I was telling you about," he said, placing it on the coffee table before walking out.
"Do you mind if I go look at it? " Meteor Breath asked. "I promise I'll see Anon at another time but... "
"No, we don't mind at all. You'll just have to come back a little later in the week. "
"Thank you so much! I promise to take care of Anon as soon as possible. " Then the mare left in her turn.
My parents looked at me for a moment, then at the collar. Then they looked at me again. I didn't like that at all.
"Anon... "
Now wearing a necklace that was too big for my ridiculous size, I waited patiently at the front door for Littlenight and Dinky to pick me up before going to the party.
However, I noticed that behind me, in the corner of the window, two pairs of binoculars were dutifully observing me, hidden at times behind the living room curtains.
I smiled despite myself while thinking of all this ridiculous staging not to be spotted. They must have been two parents extremely concerned about the well-being of their fillies to act like this.
I wonder what they will do when I have a boyfriend, I thought before realizing my mistake.
No, they won't do anything at all because I'd go home, I'd finally get back to a normal life without all the weird stuff that's constantly going on here.
I would be alone again in a foreign country, without a job, certainly wanted by the police for a crime I didn't commit, without a home…
I sighed heavily. Should I stay here? No, I shouldn't think about it. I must go back to where I came from, to my body, to my life.
"For what's left of it," said a deep voice.
"Who's talking?" I asked, looking around.
But no one answered. A few minutes passed when Littlenight and Dinky finally arrived.
"Hi Anon, how are you? Nice necklace. " Littlenight said.
"Hi, I agree with Littlenight. Your necklace is just too beautiful. "
"Thank you," I said embarrassed. "Didn't you hear a voice before you came? "
They both looked at each other in surprise before answering in the negative.
"Is everything okay, Anon? "
"Maybe you were dreaming? "
"I hope so," I replied nervously.
"Don't worry, it must be the stress. So, shall we go?" Inquired the colt in a hurry to leave.
"You'll see Anon, we'll have too much fun. "
"I hear there's a bouncy castle and lots of great activities. "
"I can't wait to see that," I said with a smile.
The path we were following gradually led out of the city, towards the dark and threatening-looking forest.
"Are you sure it's this way? " I asked.
"I'm sure, my mother sometimes takes me there when she distributes the... "
"I asked you to check the wheels on our wagon before we left! " Shouted a stallion a few meters away, in front of us. Another replied from the cart at the side of the trail:
"How could I know the wheel wouldn't hold! It seemed to be in perfect condition just now. "
"Well, it's not anymore. "
"I think I noticed it pretty well! "
As we approached, I noticed that the first stallion we saw was yellow-coated in blue and white clothing and a hat.
"We can never argue with you anyway. Mister is always right. "
Another almost similar stallion emerged from the cart, his face furious. However, this one had a mustache, unlike the other one.
"Say you're always wrong! "
Both of them glared at each other before turning their backs, looking disdainful.
"What's going on? " Dinky asked shyly, now that we were close enough.
Both of them turned around in surprise at our presence before pulling themselves together.
"What's going on? My dearest brother didn't think it was worthwhile for us to change the wheel of our vehicle and now we only have three working wheels! "
"Let's just say that if a pony I know well had agreed to buy a spare wheel in case this kind of event happened, we wouldn't be in this mess! "
The two stallions glared at each other again.
"Calm down," I said. "Where were you going? "
"At Mr. Rich's filly party, we were in charge of the games and entertainment for a large part of the party, but I'm afraid we'll be able to manage that now. "
"But how will the party be able to take place without games and entertainment? " Littlenight looked disconcerted. "What about the food? "
"The food is not us. It is said that all the best cooks in the city have been working non-stop since this morning at Rich's mansion. "
"Whew," Littlenight said with relief. "All is not lost. "
"Maybe we could help you? " I offered.
"That's very kind of you, little filly, but we doubt very much that you can do anything about it. "
"Really? " I said offended. I hadn't fixed my old fridge freezer alone for two multi-colored equine creatures to tell me if I was helpful or not. "Let me see the damage. "
"If you want," sighed one of the two as he showed me the wheel in question.
The wheel was broken into a pile of wood, the pieces of which had been grouped in a small pile. The cart had tipped over, now lacking support.
"Would you have an object that could be used as a wheel? " I Iasked.
"I don't think so," muttered the mustache-less stallion. "We'd have to take a look. "
The two of them looked at each other for a moment, thinking about it until an idea came to them.
They entered the cart as one pony and then exited just as quickly with a deflated plastic object.
"What is it?" I asked.
"A buoy," they said in unison. "An object of our design that is highly resistant to impact and can move on its own on the water. "
"Don't tell me that... "
"The Flim and Flam buoy, easily found in all the pools of Equestria for a modest price for the sole purpose of helping the little ones learn to swim. "
"Tell me this is a joke! "
"Anon, are you okay?" Dinky asked.
"That buoy almost killed me this morning! "
"What?" they all shouted in unison.
"I had to finish my sports discovery day with Littlenight's mom this morning and we went to the pool in Ponyville. From there... " I told them the whole story.
"We are so sorry Anon. This one must have had a manufacturing defect... "
Another buoy burst after two minutes of using the wheel while we pulled the cart as best we could. Meanwhile, Flam was already scrambling to replace it with a new one.
"I have a strange impression that they all have a manufacturing defect. "
The stallion next to me was now starting to sweat.
"Not at all, let's just say they are not made for such use. "
"In any case, you're lucky to have such a large stock of them in your inventory. Otherwise, we'd still be there after the first attempt. "
"Let's just say they didn't work out so well. Oh, look, I can see the Rich mansion. "
A large mansion similar to Batman's stood like a giant beside the trees as the sky turned orange.
As I admired the big building, Flam's voice cut me off from my reverie:
"Push! "
The road was still long and our buoy wheels popped seven more times before we reached the gates of the mansion where we rang.
An old grey stallion ran up at once:
"Where have you been? The party started thirty minutes ago and nothing is ready."
"We had some problems with a flat tire," said Flim.
"But thanks to these nice kids, we made it. " Flam added.
"Children? But the visitors' entrance is not on this site. By any chance, isn't one of you named Anon? " he asked, looking at us.
"Me," I replied.
"The master has been waiting for you for at least an hour outside the visitors' entrance. Come with me immediately! "
"And my friends? "
"What about us? " asked the two yellow stallions.
"Go around the property to the right and you'll get to the garden where the party is held. " The old butler replied and motioned for me to follow him.
Curious to know why the owner of the place wanted to see me, I followed him silently.
We went around the house by the left side until we arrived at the main entrance of the big house dominated by two huge doors where engravings of grand oaks made me feel smaller than usual.
The stallion opened them with great respect to reveal a vast room composed of a large staircase and various fascinating equine armors.
"Don't move, I will inform the master of your presence. "
"Okay," was all I could think of to answer as I was so fascinated by the objects in this room.
The old stallion quickly climbed the stairs and disappeared into a hallway that led off to the right.
I approached the paintings hanging on the walls in total fascination. Countless paintings resembled those of my old world but with a pony version.
However, others represented terrifying creatures worthy of Lovecraft's worst monstrosities.
Finally, a small part always represented the same pink mare with a purple mane and pink fur. This one was represented in all possible ways. However, a strict and authoritative face was also represented in each painting of this mare. A deep voice in my back startled me:
"She is beautiful, isn't she? "
A stallion with a brown coat and a black mane was behind me. He was staring at the picture with a particular intention before finally
coming back to me.
"Oh, but excuse me. We haven't introduced ourselves. My name is Filthy Rich, owner of the house, father of Diamond Tiara whom you must have seen already and husband of the mare painted here," he finished pointing to the various paintings representing his wife.
"My name is Anon."
"Yes, I've heard a lot about you. How are your parents doing? "
"Fine. "
"I'm glad to hear that. You're probably wondering why you're here?"
"Yes."
"I'd just like to introduce you to my daughter. "
"Introduce me? "
"Yes, indeed. I figured you don't know many people in Ponyville and my wonderful little girl could give you the boot. "
"That's very kind of you and your daughter, but I already have friends. "
"Doesn't that prevent you from having new ones? "
"I guess not. "
Outside, foals and fillies were running around in the vast garden where countless tables, entirely covered with food, stood proudly. Despite my efforts, I could not see either of my two friends.
Dozens, if not hundreds, of multicolored balloons, were tied up all over the garden while hundreds of sequins covered the ground.
A little further on, Flim and Flam were preparing the installation of various stands not far from the vegetal labyrinth.
"There she is," Filthy Rich said to me as he pointed to a pink filly chatting with the painting mare. "Right next to my fantastic wife. But let's do the introductions first. "
However, the closer we got, the closer what I thought was a mother-daughter discussion seemed to be to an argument:
"What do you mean I'm not making an effort? I invited all of Ponyville to your birthday party when not a single one of them deserves to be here. "
"I know that and I thank you mom, it's a great gift you're giving me here. But please give them a chance. "
"No way! That you want to roll around in the mud with them is bad enough. Whereas I, Spoiled Rich, you ask me to be friendly with ponies who don't have a high social status... "
"Hello my loves," said Filthy Rich smiling. "Diamond Tiara," he said addressing the filly. "I found a filly that would like to play with you. "
"And who has sufficient social status? " Spoiled Rich asked.
The stallion nodded.
"And where is this rare gem? " she asked, looking around.
"Here," and he motioned for me to come forward. "This is Anon."
"Hello," I blurted out before holding out a hoof.
Spoiled looked at me like a plague victim and grabbed her daughter in her arms:
"Have you lost your mind, Filthy? This filly is the daughter of a prostitute and a vulgar and stupid soldier whose pleasure took precedence over the condom. "
"Honey... "
Diamond Tiara's jaw was now easily touching the ground.
"Don't try to coax me with your sweet words. This filly is the same as them. She used to talk about socks to her classmates when she was in the orphanage. I read it in a report about her. When she was in Ponyville, she deliberately threw up on Princess Twilight's staircase and the list goes on. Not to mention this morning she defenestrated a hospital table. "
"Is that true? " Filthy asked shocked as he looked at me.
I reluctantly nodded my head. "Except for the part where I purposely threw up. "
He stared at me for a long time before having an uncontrollable laugh.
"What? What's making you laugh like an idiot?" Snarled the morose mare.
"Well, it looks like this little filly has a lot of quality. "
"Are you kidding me?"
"Need I remind you that this child is the daughter of a prince? And that this prince's aunts are the princesses of Equestria who make the Sun and Moon rise every day? "
"She is nothing more than an illegitimate bastard. I refuse to let that thing come near my daughter. " She grabbed her daughter and took her with her a little further.
There was a small silence. I'm dreaming or I've just been insulted by this bitch! I couldn't believe it. The stallion next to me who noticed my shock politely apologized:
"I'm sorry about what just happened Anon. My wife is pretty old-fashioned when it comes to this whole social status thing. "
"I... That's okay. Can I go see my friends? "
"Of course. But please, at least think about it. Oh, and give my regards to your father. "
"IIt will be done, bye. "
I walked away quickly toward the large buffet, still in shock and now angry. How could she say that to me? Besides, if I had been a real child, I would have probably cried if someone had been so cruel.
Replaying the scene, I gobbled up everything in sight to take my mind off it.
"You're making a funny face, Anon! "exclaimed Pinkie Pie who was coming out from under the table with a bowl of custard that she was still beating.
Surprised, I swallowed a pastry whole and almost choked. But a few pats on the back and I was already feeling better. I looked at the pink mare:
"Hello, Pinkie Pie! What are you doing here?"
"I'm taking care of the all-you-can-eat buffet but I've already used up most of the supply so I'm making some more. You might want to ease up on the chocolate eclairs Anon, you've eaten most of them. "
"Sorry, I didn't mean to. "
"That's okay, food is meant to be eaten right? "
I nodded.
I nodded. "Good. As I always say, you have to live to eat, not eat to live! Tell me, is something bothering you? "
"Yes, but I don't want to talk about it. "
"Why not? It's a mysterious secret that reveals the location of an ancient pyramid in the middle of the jungle that happens to be the secret base of the Illuminati but also an ancient ship of the reptilians that no one has ever managed to repair? " She said as she now filled the cream of the bowl into cake pans.
"What? What's this about... What does it matter, no it's just painful to know that there are people who will judge you without even knowing you. "
"Oh, poor Anon," Pinkie Pie hugged me to her.
Minutes passed without her moving.
"Pinkie Pie are you okay?"
"Sure but I didn't know how sad you were so I thought, Pinkie, you should wait in case it's a big heartbreak. "
"Uh... Thanks. Do you mind if I go see my friends? "
"Of course not. Go on, off you go! " She said, pushing me gently before going back to her preparations.
Back in a good mood thanks to Pinkie, I looked for my friends before seeing them at Flim Flam's booth. I approached them.
"Come, come, come. Come and try your luck at the spilled can challenge for the lowly sum of two tokens in exchange for maybe winning the beautiful plush Princess Luna! "
As I arrived next to Littlenight, who was about to fire a baseball at a pile of cans in the back of the cart with all his might, Flim sneezed.
Surprised, Littlenight threw his ball a little too far to the left and only hit three cans.
"What? But that's so unfair, I've been trying three times and I didn't even get enough cans for the consolation prize. "
"Hi," I said.
"Hi, Anon. So how did it go with Mr. Rich?" Dinky answered me.
"As bad as it could be. But can we talk about something else please? "
"Littlenight can't get more than four cans down and he's on his third try. So I wait my turn but Littlenight won't give up. "
"I'm out of chips anyway," the little colt grumbled.
"Don't worry Littlenight, I'm sure next time you'll make it. "
"You think? "
"I'm sure I will. "
"Maybe you should try after Dinky, Anon. I don't have enough tokens for any more trials anyway. "
Dinky prepared herself by closing one eye, using her telekinesis to place the ball in front of her face, and... The ball went flying but suddenly ran out of power and fell halfway to the ground.
"Bad luck, kids. I guess you want to try it like your Anon friends? " Flim asked.
"I'd like to but I don't have a chip on me. "
"If you have bits I can trade them to you immediately for tokens. I heard your father has a lot of money. "
"Yes, but I don't. Maybe you could give me a free trial? "
"And why would I do that? "
"The fact that I almost drowned this morning with your buoys. And maybe we helped you bring your whole cart here. "
Flim suddenly looked quite uncomfortable before answering:
"The way I see it, I guess my brother and I can give you and your friends unlimited access to our entire facility as a sincere thank you and apology. "
"Thank you. " I said with a triumphant smile.
"You're welcome. Here you go, your ball. "
He placed the ball on my hoof but it immediately fell off.
"Can I take it with my mouth? "
Flim looked at me for a moment with a frown before answering in the affirmative.
I took the ball in my mouth despite my reluctance to do so and prepared to aim at the cans. I took a breath and spit out the bullet as fast as I could and it made a straight line towards the cans.
"How is that possible? " Flim exclaimed before glaring at me. "You cheated! "
"What? Of course not. "
"Let me inspect you! "
He looked at me from every angle before sighing and admitting defeat. He grabbed the huge stuffed animal representing Princess Luna that was easily bigger than me.
My friends were stunned that I could do it on the first try. I even suspected that Littlenight was a little jealous of the huge stuffed animal I had just won so I decided to give it to him.
"Really? " Littlenight asked. "I mean, are you sure?"
"Positive. "
"You're the best! " He hugged me before turning red and backing away in shame. " I'm sorry. "
"Can you win me one too Anon? " Dinky asked. "I've always dreamed of having a carnival stuffed animal. "
"With pleasure," I replied with a smile. "I hope I'm just as lucky in the next game. "
"I rather think your luck stopped there half-portions! " Said the infamous gray pegasus named Dear Damage as he approached me.
Another pegasus of the same age seemed to follow him and circled us amused.
Lord Almighty, you who rule this earth so unchallenged, why does all the shit in the world keep falling on me?