//------------------------------// // Narcissism // Story: Cinnamon Bun // by Lord Erhswin Wholewheat //------------------------------// “Cinnamon! Wake up, you don’t want to be late for school again.” Cinnamon’s eyes fluttered open and stared vacantly at the ceiling. Despite going to bed early last night she still felt the effects of fatigue washing over her. Groaning in displeasure, she groggily dragged herself out of bed and trudged over to the bathroom. Making her way towards the sink, she turned to face the mirror and gazed at her reflection. Her auburn mane was tangled and unkempt, fraying in erratic directions. Streaks of dirty blonde ran through her bedraggled hairdo. Frustrated at the state of her hair, Cinnamon rummaged through the contents of the nearest drawer before fetching out a standard grey comb. Lifting the comb to her mane, she began her work. Cinnamon’s coat was a much lighter shade of her hair, and a cutie mark of a beaker full of a blue liquid adorned her flank. Her disheveled tail hovered slightly above the floor, a single streak of tarnished gold running through, and two minuscule wings graced her sides. Cinnamon gritted her teeth as she worked the comb, attempting the task of straightening her mane. The comb was handled unprofessionally, and only seemed to worsen the condition of her hair. Setting down the used comb, Cinnamon gazed at the mirror triumphantly. Her mane hadn’t appeared any more orderly, but Cinnamon was content with it. She hastily exited the bathroom, leaving the door slightly ajar, and rushed down the stairs. The sounds of clinking utensils and running water grew in volume as Cinnamon descended. “Cinnamon, you slept in. I made you a muffin for breakfast but eat it fast because -oh my goddess!” Cinnamon’s mom turned around and practically dropped the bowl of batter she was mixing at the sight of her daughter. “Cinna…” she whined. “Can’t you fix your hair nice once, for me?” “But, it looks cool like this.” Cinnamon said, barely audible enough for her mom to hear. “Talk some sense into your daughter, will you.” Cinnamon’s mom swatted a stallion sitting at the end of the table with her spoon, getting some batter on his muzzle. “She’s a growing young mare, let’er have her fun.” The stallion spoke, not looking away from the newspaper he was buried in. Cinnamon’s dad tsk’d, a grim look coming over his features. “Another break in,” He added, “Some no good kids beat a mare within an inch of her life.” “Another pegasus?” Cinnamon’s Mom had a worried expression. Her father nodded slowly, his expression darkening. “Where did it happen?” she asked. “Maple street.” he said. “Goddesses!” Cinnamon’s mom cried out, grabbing her daughter and embracing her tightly. “That’s only a block away!” She gazed worriedly into Cinnamon’s orchid colored eyes. “Mom, I’ll be fine, I swear.” Cinnamon uttered, struggling against her mom’s vice-like grip. “That’s what you said last time!” Cinnamon could have sworn her mom was almost ready to cry. “I-I’m going to be late.” Was the only thing Cinnamon could think of. Her mom took a deep breath before finally releasing her. “You’re right,” Cinnamon’s mom spoke apologetically. “I’m sorry, but it's my job to be worried about you.” She said while ruffling Cinnamon’s already messy hair “Moooooom, I spent all morning getting my hair right!” A sincere laugh escaped Cinnamon’s mom. “You kids with your crazy hairstyles.” Her mom remarked to herself, finally done with her fit of laughing. “Okay, I won’t hold you up any longer. Have a great day at school, and if you see any strange ponies, run the other way.” As Cinnamon dashed out the front door, the glare from the morning sun had her avert her head and grimace. A cloudless sky loomed over her and the gentle ambience pervaded the otherwise silent suburb. Cinnamon briefly nodded at her mother, who waved back as she took off down the street. Cinnamon galloped downhill along the road when the laughter of ponies resounded, causing her to come to a screeching halt. The laugh was distinct. It was a laugh she’d come to known. Shaking away the painful memories the laugh bore, Cinnamon hesitated before sighing and turning towards the origin of the noise. She heard a voice call out. “Well, well, well, if it isn't midget wings. How's flight practice been going?” jeered a conceited unicorn as two grinning earth ponies encroached on Cinnamon. The unicorn’s white mane was well-groomed, and his dark blue coat gave the impression of a starless night sky. His stubby tail was amusingly short, but well maintained, and a cutie mark of a constellation complemented his fur color. The unicorn’s horn radiated an indigo hued aura, and a few feet away from him the silver helm of a town guard was being lifted by the unicorn’s magic grasp. An intoxicated guard stumbled toward the helmet, lacking any headwear with his disheveled black hair exposed. The guard sluggishly lunged at the helmet only for it to be levitated out of reach. “S-s-Stohp, in the name of the, of, in the,” The guard hiccuped. “Law!” He leaned to the side, about to fall over before catching himself. “Ye, you bastards, don’t make me come o’er there an, an,” The guard didn’t finish his sentence, the three ponies simply laughed at the stallion. Upon the laughter ceasing, the unicorn once again turned his attention towards Cinnamon. “Hey Cinna, can you help me figure this out? There's this really, and I mean really dumb pegasus that goes to our school. Girl’s too stupid to realize that she could just fly there instead of walk. I’m trying to figure out why she just doesn’t save everyone’s time and just drop out already,” The unicorn paused momentarily. “Think you can help me with that, hmmm?” Cinnamon took a moment, choosing her next words wisely. “So when are you going to stop beating around the bush and ask me out, Midnight?” she replied, bluntly. “Excuse me!?” The unicorn named Midnight blanched at the statement and stared in disbelief. The two earth ponies with him backed away, giving him some space. “Are you implying that I would ever even think of dating one of your kind!” he snorted, the premonitions of anger coming over his features, the helmet lowered in his telekinetic grasp as his focus was directed completely towards Cinnamon. “Sure, why not? Mom always said the colts who pick on you the most are the ones that like you a lot.” her eyes shifted and landed on the guard. They locked eyes. She nodded to him and a moment later he nodded in understanding. Despite the alcohol dampening his agility he sprang into action alarmingly fast, snatching the helmet out of the unicorn’s grasp with his teeth, not even sparing the unaware unicorn a second to respond. The unicorn glanced at the guard then stared back at Cinnamon. “Did you..?” Was all he said before getting cut off by the slurred voice of the guard. “Now, Now yer all gettin’ thrown into the slammer, ya hear me!” He attempted to tackle the unicorn but he easily dodged him being fully aware now. “Did I what?” Is all she responded. The unicorn’s eyes widened in anger after realizing he was just played the fool. He pompously stuck his muzzle in the air before declaring. “Fine, enjoy your cheap hat guard. We have much better things to do anyway.” He and his two lackeys pushed past them, the unicorn named Midnight whispering a quick “Watch your back, pegasus.” before disappearing down one of the many streets in town. As Cinnamon watched the three ponies vanish from sight, her ears perked up at the voice of the drunken guard. “H-hey, thanks, thanks a bunch for a, a helping me here, yeah. What, whach’s your names anyway?” the tipsy guarded stumbled closer to Cinnamon. With the way his forehoof was out it looked like he was trying to wrap it around her shoulder, but she was able deftly dodged it. “Cinnamon Bun, you’re welcome.” Cinnamon curtly responded. “Good,” The guard paused to hiccup a few more times. “Good name, yeah. My name’s Brass… Brass Blade. I owe ya girl, just you know, call, whenever ya need me.” Cinnamon watched the guard stagger off into the distance, her thoughts still clouded with todays events. The distant ringing of a school bell dispersed these thoughts as she snapped back to reality and a mental alarm went off in her head. She was going to be late.