Chapter One - The Afterlife

Arc III - Frame of Mind

5 months later...

So our journey continues here, upon the planet known none other than Equus... A beautiful sight is it not? A place full of peace and love, a planet where the inhabitants take care of it, and in return are rewarded. A pretty blue and green marble suspended in space shouting out to the rest of the universe, unaware of the dangers it possesses.

Up here, everything looks so small, yet you know that it's quite the opposite. The planet below divided not from war, but from negotiations and trade. The species of Equus divided themselves up, and from time to time they would think back on if that was such a wise move.

Equestria! One of the major continents of Equus! Filled with tolerant and loving ponies, all united under one banner, and two fearless leaders. The first, Princess Celestia, an alicorn pony with the power to move interstellar objects such as the sun itself. She looks upon the ponies of Equestria as children and not of peasants. In turn she is rewarded by their love and devotion.

Second is Princess Luna, she as well is an alicorn pony. However unlike Celestia, Luna's powers reside only on the moon. Ponies around Equestria have many names for her, such as "Mare in the moon", and "Nightmare moon". However these names are no longer used as Luna has proven herself to be trusted once again. Luna is now back in control of raising the moon every night as her sister Celestia raises the sun every morning.

To the East of Equestria lay the lands of the Griffins. The griffins are well known for their bargaining and combat skills. They started out among the pony folk in Equestria, however things got crowded and the griffins wanted a place they can call their own.

So as things tend to happen the griffins made the decision to isolate themselves from the ponies. At first the ponies of Equestria were angry with their decision to leave the lands of Equestria. They called it "The Great Deparcher.". The ponies blamed the griffins for the economical downfall that took place soon after the deparcher. But as time went on the ponies realized that the griffins were not so much to blame as them their self's.

However someponies still conspire in the shadows of the streets of Canterlot, the capital of Equestria. These ponies are usually the first to jump to conclusions and are the ones that hold their grudges close to hart.

On the other side of things the griffins celebrated their new independence, in their new continent. They were so happy and excited that they themselves forgot to name the very continent they founded. So to this day, the land they live on is called the land of the griffins.

Celebrations went on for weeks, and where there is celebration there is trade. Running low on the basic necessities for life, the griffins soon realized that their land had some downfalls. The ground was not fertile, and the various mountain ranges present prevented them from creating any ground cities or towns.

In a desperate attempt to get back on track, the griffins worked overtime, day in and day out to re-establish new and better trade routes. With Equestria in its economical downfall this presented the best opportunity.

Once the wagons were rolling and the chariots were flying, things started to re-sustain themselves. Food was now being dropped off in bulk and the necessary tools needed for building a great empire arrived. With the determination to set things straight the griffins built their empire in record time.

However on the other side of the world, to the far west of Equus laid the dragon ranges. Equestria had its fair share of dragons here and there. They seemed to be uninterested in the pony kind and just flew past.

You see dragons need to live in extreme heat in order to keep their health in tip top shape. So Equestria was a no-go for them. The ranges to the west of Equestria seemed to be perfect for them, like the whole planet was laid out to make sure that all the beings upon it would be happy and not feud over land.

Dragons range as the ponies call it, is full of tall mountains peaking way above the clouds and scattered between them are highly active volcanoes. The land its self is burnt to a chard black color. For ponies to wander such a place, they would need to be equipped with fire boots. An entity that is only forged by the griffins.

So out of respect that the dragons keep to their territory the ponies kept to theirs. To the north of Equestria lay the frozen north, home to the great crystal empire. An ancient race of ponies that worshiped love in order to keep the freezing temperatures away.

Sadly this empire had mysteriously vanished off the face of Equus after the past king decided to go against the very divines that kept the city warm. Many years passed, and the empire turned into stories and myths. However a couple years back the empire reappeared with its deceived leader.

A group of ponies calling themselves the "mane 6" rushed into the crystal empire and effectively neutralized the threat that was present. I'm sure you know of them?

"No sorry I don't..." You state slightly confused.

Does the name Rainbow Dash ring any bells?

"It sounds familiar..." You reply trying to remember that name. It seems like it should be very important to you, yet it's all blurred out.

Do not fret Anon, I have all the faith in Equus that you will remember. Anyways the "mane 6" succeeded and was rewarded greatly for their bravery and heroics. The crystal empire was now rebuilt! Even now it stands as a memory and a home for the ponies that choose to remember and respect the past.

On the opposite side of the map, to the south of Equestria lay the badlands. A place where you can see how much 'time' can really do. Great trenches dug deep into the Equus crust from the rivers that once flowed there. Giant mountains cut in half from the sheer force of the rain and wind.

Other then the trenches and the sliced mountains the only thing you'll see is sand. The badlands, as the ponies call it is home to the changelings. A species that feeds of love. They can sustain themselves with their own love for one and another, but the thirst to have more is all they long for.

The changelings live in the trenches of the badlands. They cut and carve out tunnels using their magic to erode away the rocks. However using this magic has its own side effects and the changelings began to die mining out their homes.

One by one changelings died, their bodies coating their own homes ground. Years passed and the bodies seeped into the rock turning it black. However the color was not the only thing that changed, the texture did as well. The rock became softer and sticky, a perfect building tool for a growing empire.

Chrysalis the queen of the changelings demanded that the new rock be mined. She had it in her mind that the new rock was stronger than steel yet it could be molded in ways pony smiths dreamed of. Soon armor was created out of the rock then weapons, a material so abundant and so precious it drove the queen insane.

Chrysalis spoke to the changelings about the possibilities this material could do for them. However the changelings denied her proposition as mad. Chrysalis claimed that the material would be such a big advantage on the battlefield that the army she possessed now could take over the mighty continent of Equestria.

Aggravated from the changelings refusal to go to war, Chrysalis developed an elixir that would make the changelings follow her command. She called it "The Hive Mind.". For many years Chrysalis slowly poured the elixir one drop at a time into the changelings drinking water and soon enough it started to take its effect.

Changelings disobeyed the line of command that they grew up respecting and now turned their attention and devotion to Chrysalis. The former leaders too in time fell to the elixir spell, and now the whole changelings hive takes its orders from Chrysalis.

Greed is greed in the end no matter how you look at it. With her new found power Chrysalis invaded Canterlot with everything she had. However what she wasn't expecting was the "mane 6". You sure you don't know them?

"Yeah I told you before. Never heard of them." You state slightly annoyed at this voices constant poking.

"But you remember your life back on earth?" The voice states.

Out of nowhere memories of your childhood flood into your head. Times you spent getting picked on, times your sisters played their little "games" and thankfully at the end the time that you and your friends spent together.

"Yes... I remember back when I was on earth." You say to the body-less voice.

Great back to the story. So the "mane 6" once again intervened and successfully disposed of the threat. Chrysalis and her army was sent back to the badlands and there they sit, gathering, breading and mining.

From what I understand the world that you come from 'Earth' is filled will violence. Anything that could lead to it, you take it. Your planet was nearing its capacity when you left it, billions of your kind roamed the surface.

The once beautiful blue and green marble in space turned to concrete and fast food. Polluting the vary air you depend on. Does that blue and green marble remind you of anything?

"Equus?" You ask knowing that you're probably right.

Right! Your world is dying however your race will live on like it always does. It will spread throughout the stars, from planet to planet gaining more information as they do so. The present for your race is a future most people on Equus dream of.

To be able to break the sound bearer without your life devotion to sports. To have all the information you desire at the press of a button. To be able to tell if someone is honest by hooking them up to a machine. To design countless ensembles without having to waist any materials. To tame animals into doing most anything, and lastly to have millions of people gather for a single party.

All of the things you take for granted, driving a car to the store around the corner because your too lazy. Using a calculator to do simple addition and subtraction. Using a computer to write perfect words and for it to correct you when you're wrong. All of these things you will learn to live without, and if you can't you'll just have to invent them.

But our journey does not start on earth nor does it start in the north, south or east of Equestria. Our journey starts in the west. The place I told you about before. Dragons range, for you see on the edge of the dragons territory is a place that all ponies fear to be sent. A place which all of the heat comes from, a place known none other than Tartarus.

Defying God.
Chapter One:

The voice fades and you're left to your own thoughts. Who the fuck was that! You say to yourself as you regain your senses. The weird thing is not the voice, no that is understandable, it could be your consciousness. However what gets you is that you have no idea what happened in the past month. It is like everything has been erased, like when you format a hard drive.

Slowly but surely you make your way to your feet. The place you're in seems to not know the meaning of light and so they have decided it is best that they live in the dark. From what you remember about the voice he said that you're in a place called Tartarus. Isn't that some form of hell back on earth? You ask yourself.

Putting two and two together you realize that in order for you to be in hell or a place equivalent to it, you would of have to of died. Well that solves it! I died and that's why I can't remember the past month. With a smile upon your face from being clever enough to figure it out you take your first step in this new world called Equus.

Taking the first step you are greeted by a *squish* and then the ground. As your face reaches the ground it is greeted by the unwelcome feeling of extreme heat. "HOLY FUCK THAT'S HOT!" You state as you tare your face away from the ground. However when you go to feel your face it seems like it did not leave a mark.

With your hands now in front of your face you realize a second things, your hands have blood on them. "WHAT THE FUCK!" You yell out as you stubble backwards into the darkness. As you hit the ground for the second time all becomes silent, the only thing you can hear is the echo from your statement before.

Pulling yourself together you do what feels most conferrable and get on all fours. This feels so weird but at least I won't fall again. You state mentally. It does not take you much time to once again start thinking about your situation.

OK Anon what do we know that can help us here.

Well all I know about hell is that it is impossible to get out off in less you make some sort of deal with the devil. Another thing is that this place should be filled with demons, and lastly you're supposed to hate every single second in this place.

Nice any information is good information no matter how terrible it is!

With the limited information you have you get up and walk around the seemingly pitch black area. From what you can see there is no walls, no doors, and no windows. The only thing you can see is darkness, this both relaxes you and scares you.

Every time you take a step you hear a *squish* sound, reminding you that you're not in the average cave. The sound is kinda amusing but nevertheless painful to think about. Each step you take the ground seems to get progressively hotter.

Seconds pass by then minutes, then they too turn into what feels like hours. The floor that you step on now feels like molten rock, causing you to start running in order to minimize the time each foot has to touch the ground. The heat of the ground is so hot that you start to cry from pain, and your tears evaporate before they contact the ground.

With nothing to do you continue down the never ending room full of darkness and pain. The more you run the more your hopes dwindle. However through all this pain you keep thinking because thinking is the only thing keeping you sane right now.

The voice it knew that I was going to be sent here, yet it spoke as if I am going to escape. You say to yourself as a little light in the distance comes into view. Instantly you can feel your moral rise, the feeling like you're invincible. You can hardly feel the pain of the heat now as your feet have gone numb.

Closer and closer you get to the light and more and more a smile comes upon your face. You can practically feel the light reaching out to protect you with its ever godlike aurora. The more light that shines upon your body the more you feel alive.

With a last burst of energy you make a mad dash straight to the light and soon you exit the room and onto a ledge. With your instincts kicking in you put both your feet down into the ground to stop you. Sliding a few feet you come within centimeters of the drop.

The ground out here feels much colder then inside the dark filled room that you now walk away from. Looking over the edge of the ledge you take sight upon a river of molten rock. The flow of the river seemed so unnatural, the whole place you're in feels so surreal.

Taking your eyes away from the molten rock below you focus on the path ahead. The ledge was just big enough to fit about two people standing side-by-side. However you think that staying closer to the wall is a better idea. The thought of swimming in bone melting temperatures gives you a well needed chill up your spine.

The ledge that you're traveling on seems to lead upwards and to the top of the U shaped cavern you found yourself in. For what the surface will behold makes you shiver in fear, all of that talk about hell you never really believed it until you're actual there. Hehe that's so me. You state to yourself as you travel the last couple feet of the ledge.

Breaching the surface you stop to take a look of the area around you. The sight is literally breath taking, it would be beautiful if this wasn't where you get tortured. Hundreds of lava rivers, or would you call this magma rivers since you're inside the earth.

Shaking your head you gaze lands upon what you assume to be the middle of this god forsaken place. A huge volcano much larger than anything you have ever seen lay there in a never-ending torrent of eruptions. Pieces of rock fly into the air like artillery shells, magma poured out of the opening at the top fueling the many magma rivers that shape the landscape.

You can't seem to take your eyes away from the scale of it all. If you didn't know any better you would of called this all a dream. However that room full of darkness took that theory away as no dream can inflict that much pain.

Once again you do the only thing that has got you through it all and that is think. Better get moving Anon, if anything is going to get me out of here its near that volcano for sure. At any other moment that statement would make no sense, but here in Tartarus it seems to fit in. If a devil were to make a base what better then a giant volcano that never stops erupting.

So with nothing left to do you start your journey to the center. Starting your walk you notice something that is off about this place. Since the moment you breached the surface you had this feeling like something is not right. Where is all the demons and shit that are supposed to be guarding this place. You state while the hot air takes what's left of your moisture and evaporates it.

Shaking the thought out of your head you turn to other questions that seem to be so obvious yet so elusive. Like what were you doing the past month, Who're the mane 6 and why do you know the name Rainbow Dash?!

It seems like minutes have passed yet when you arrive at the base of the volcano that what you thought was hundreds of kilometers away is now in front of you, you think otherwise. Clearly the questions that you're trying to decipher are much more complex then they first seem. Who am I to complain, at least it's a good thing to pass the time.

Now at the base of the volcano you look around for any sort of building or unnatural structure. Time passes by rather slowly as you calmly walk around the circumference of the volcano. Once again you use the questions in your head to pass time.

*BAM!*

Being caught off guard one of the enormous boulders that the volcano spits out come crashing down not 20 feet from you. Being scared shit-less you stumble backwards only to feel something behind you. The object that stands behind you seems to be half the size of you so in turn you turn around ready to engage in combat.

However to your surprise when you turn around you lay eyes on a pony. Well it looks like that voice guy from earlier wasn't lying about the ponies. You state looking at the pony with two horns one looking like an antler and the other looking like an actual horn. The pony itself had a brown body and a silver mane and to you looked like no threat at all.

"Hello?" You state with your fist ready to punch the fucker in case he/she does anything funny.

"C-can you help me?" *cough* "I know a way out of here but I cannot pass as I am to weak." *cough* "But you, you're new here, full of strength and ideas." *cough* "I will show you the way out, I just ask that you do one thing for me." *cough*

To be honest you did not expect the pony to talk your language. Being slightly surprised you continue the conversation. "What is it that you want me to do in return?" You state all the while thinking. This could be the devil... but he looks so fucking adorable. You state to yourself as the pony responds.

"There is a statue made of stone in a castle garden." *cough* "Its has the same features as me except it looks like a serpent." *cough* "If you break it then I will get the strength to exit this horrid place." *cough*

Vandalism is my key out of this hell hole. Man he could of said kill someone and I would do it! With the heat getting to you, you smile at the stallion. "Sure thing just show me how to get out of here." You state not questioning the talking pony as you're in Tartarus and you have seen weirder things.

The stallion smiles and trots off in the direction you were heading in. Low in behold not even a couple feet and a building comes into view. You were literally a couple seconds away from freedom with no ropes attached. Meh vandalism is not that bad of a price to get out of here. You state to yourself as you follow the pony.

"So.." *cough* "What did you do to get sent to Tartarus." *cough* "I mean... you don't look like the type of pony that would be sent here." The stallion states making you stop in your tracks.

"Wait did you just call me a pony?" You state gesturing to him with you..... hoof. OH SHIT! You say to yourself as you look at your body to realize that you are covered in a gray fur. "I need to see myself!" You yell to the pony that turns around with its horns glowing.

Out of nowhere a mirror appears in front of you. "How....What... Never mind." You state to the pony. Sighing you look over to the mirror and what you find the refection is not something that you would of expected.

"I'M A FUCKING PONY!" You yell out as the mirror in front of you vanishes in a cloud of smoke. "How did this happen!" You state trotting in circles.

The stallion then proceeds to laugh then click his two hooves together. As his two hooves clop together they create a purple smoke and then it vanishes. "Sorry I love pulling that trick on new comers." He states as you look back at your hooves to see that they are back to hands.

"Yeah real funny" You state taking in a deep breath that only serves to burn your trout as the air here seems to be poison. "Are you always this cruel to new comers? " You ask.

"Yup!'" *cough* The stallion states. You would think that this stallion would be surprised that you came from another world yet he seems like it's no big deal. Then again he was sent to Tartarus and everything here is surprising. Guess you get use to it.

As silence arrives the stallion takes the lead and heads into the rather demonic looking building. The walls rouse higher than most buildings back on earth. The doorway that he was leading you to seemed to go directly into the volcano.

"So how does one get out of Tartarus?" You ask the stallion as you and him travel down the darkened hallway. Memories of not long ago come into your mind and you can mentally feel the heat starting to come back to your feet.

The stallion keeps walking with his horns illuminating the path ahead. "In the middle of the volcano lays the hart of Tartarus. You fall into that and you will find yourself at the gates." The stallion states no longer coughing. "It will hurt like a bucking bitch but I'm sure you will pass through no problem."

"Ah I see." You state thinking to yourself. Should I trust this guy? You ask yourself as a second light source comes from the end of the tunnel. He's the only person you know here so why not. you reassure yourself.

It doesn't take long before you and the unnamed stallion reach a open area within the volcano. The room was massive the size of it reminds you of the crater back on earth that you can't seem to find the name of.

"Falling into the eye of Tartarus is one thing." The stallion states. "Surviving what happens next is probably impossible."

With that statement you take a step back from the room and into the darkness of the hallway. "WHAT!" You yell out. "You could of told me that before we walked all the way over here. Not only do you want me to commit Sudoku... I mean suicide but you say that after that is something worse." Where did that Sudoku thing even come from? you state in your mind as you await the stallions response.

"I would not lead you here in less it was the only way out. Trust me I would do it if I had the strength, but as of right now I would not even touch the magma before dying." The stallion states getting a bit emotional.

I can't believe I'm saying this. "Fine but if I die and go to a lower part of hell I coming for you." You state still thinking about what you're about to do. With all your courage mustered up you look down at the bubbling magma.

"Thanks for showing me the way out devil." You state with a smile plastered on your face.

"I don't know what you're talking about, I'm a pony not the devil." The stallion states walking up to you. His voice shows that he is offended but you don't believe it, you know that the devil is a clever man and is very sly with his ticks.

"You really think I'm that retarded?" You ask. "I knew you were the devil all along. It's funny really, how you think I was going to set you free." And with that being said you lift up your hands to flip him off. With nothing left to say you jump backwards and into the magma bellow.

As you make your rather fast decent into the magma bellow you close your eyes and take it all in. The last seconds of your life or the last seconds of being in Tartarus. With that being your last thought you feel the immense heat from the magma hit your skin and you start to burn alive.

HOLY FUCK, SHIT, FUCK THIS IS HOT! You yell mentally as you slowly descend into the magma. Your basically screaming out but the magma covers your mouth and all you can let out is muffled voices. The deeper and deeper you go the more you regret taking this decision.

Soon you can feel your very skin melt off along with your mussels, but worst of all you stay conscious during the time where your nervous system starts to melt. You can't even describe how much pain you're in as it feels like forever before the darkness overwhelms you.

You have no idea how long you were out but when you awaken you find yourself laying in a cave. The floor is the first thing you notice as it is black and it's not because of the shadows, its literally black. You sigh in relief when you realize that it's much better than the red floor that you got in Tartarus.

The funny thing is you would of passed it off as a dream if not for the obsidian colored gate in front of you. Did I really just crawl out of Tartarus? You ask yourself as you make your way to the gates. However when you take a step towards the gate you hear a noise that stops you dead in your tracks.

Screeching sounds come from outside the gloomy gates as barking comes from behind you. If you would have to guess the screeching sounded a lot like a dragon and the barking sounded a bit too loud to be from a normal sized dog.

Regretting the very idea you turn around to see a dog with three heads. Not only that but its HUGE! It's at least five times the size of you. Gulping down a large amount of air you turn back around and book it the hell out of there. heh... hell out of there...

As you run you can feel the ground shake as the demonic dog chases after you. It's too soon to die again! You yell mentally as you slip through the large gate. However much to your disliking when you turn around to see if the dog is stuck he bursts through the gate like it's nothing.

"JESUS!" You yell out as you turn back forward and bolt it out of the cave. The dog on the other hand slides to a halt at the mouth of the cave. He then looks at you with wide eyes and runs back into the cave. Smiling at his actions you turn your head back forward only to see a full blown dragon twice the size of the dog.

I now see why the pony in Tartarus said that getting out was half the journey. You say in your mind as you look at the dragon in the eyes. Thinking fast you bolt it under the dragon while it lets out another blood curling screech. "Fuck the dragon ranges!" you yell out as the dragon turns around to run after you.

Thankfully the dragon is huge and can't seem to turn very well. Using that to your advantage you weave in and out of boulders and caves. You almost shit yourself when you enter a cave only to be tailed by a wall of fire. Fortunately the fire stops inches from touching your body that you now realize has no clothes upon it.

This will lead to an awkward situation later. You say to yourself as you exit the cave on the other side. "Let's see you catch me now!" You yell out into the cave as you slow down to a walk. Sadly you forget that dragons have wings and within no time you find yourself walking in its shadow.

Getting another dose of adrenaline you pull out into a full on sprint. You can feel the ground shake as the dragon fires fire balls at you in small bursts. You want to turn around but you doubt you will get to see the dragon before it devours you whole.

The shadow soon passes ahead of you and you instinctively jump to the side. As you roll you watch as the dragon slams into the ground causing the ground to crack at the sheer pressure. Stumbling back up you hide yourself behind a bolder, not the best hiding spots but it will have to do.

To your surprise as you sit there the dragon starts to talk. You had no idea that, that was possible but nevertheless it happens. "I can smell your fear little one." The dragons voice booms out as he scouts the area. "There is no point in hiding and running when you know your fate." He states in a wise and deep voice.

Calling total bullshit on that you inch your way away from the dragon, hoping that if you get far enough you can just break out into another sprint. "However I do like a good chase." The dragon states as the lays a wing on a rocky spire. "It gets my blood pumping." He claims as he snaps the spire in two, sending bits of rock everywhere.

Arriving at another rock you stay still waiting for the dragon to look the other way. "I always love it when a creature escapes Tartarus. They think they can do anything, but let me let you in on a little secrete." The dragon says, his voice getting louder.

To afraid to look you get up and bolt it just in time as you see the dragon head slam into the spot you were ones in. "They never pass me!" He states spreading out his wings and flapping hard lifting him off black cracked floor creating a dust storm in the process.

Keeping your current pace you once again weave in and out of caves and rock formations. The dragon seems to be getting tiered but the determination in his ember eyes tell you that he will chase you till he drops.

Looking ahead you take sight upon a mountain range that towers above all the others. It looks kind of like a wall but from this distance you cannot tell. With a new goal in mind you change your heading towards the what you assume to be a mountain range.

Time passes by as you run tirelessly away from the dragon. The mountain rage that you first saw is now nearing and you can make out the little details. The range was not a range but yet a large wall constructed by the same materials of the ground giving it a black and gloomy look.

You visibly sigh in relief when you take note of the creatures standing above it. From here they look like dotes but when you get closer and closer you realize that they hold the same shape as the pony in Tartarus. "Yes civilization!" You yell out remembering that the voice told you that they're sentient.

This being said you take every last ounce of your energy and sprint to the door. You have never ran this far and fast before, If this wasn't a way to get rid of a dragon then it might as well be a marathon. The ponies above the wall take sight upon you and seconds later you can hear a horn sound.

Smiling at their willingness to help you, you run up to the gate that is slowly opening below the wall. "Freedom!" You yell out as you enter the wall and the doors slam shut behind you. From what you can hear you can assume that the ponies are succeeding in driving the dragon away. Taking in deep breaths you instantly sit down to regain your stamina.

Your resting ends when you hear the sound of hooves in the distance. Soon the pony that the clip clopping belonged to arrives with a strong expression on this face. His golden armor accenting the black material around him. "What are you and why was that dragon chasing you!" The stallions voice booms out.

Gathering a breath you answer the ponies question after all he did save your life. "I'm a human." You claim getting another breath. "He was after me because I just escaped Tartarus, well that's at least what I think. If not then he just wanted a meal." The stallions eyes grow wide.

"By the gods! You escaped Tartarus!" The stallion asks in awe yet a bit skeptical. He no doubt is wondering why you were sent to Tartarus in the first place. "No pony can escape that cruel underworld!" He claims making you chuckle a bit at the way he speaks.

"Yes it was rather painful." You wince remembering every moment of being tossed into the molten magma. "Well that statement still holds true, as I am not a pony." You state as you get your breath back finally.

It's at this moment that you re-realize that you're not wearing any clothes. As the stallion talks about the place you're at -which is apparently the border of the Dragon Ranges and Equestria- your face starts to turn red from the embarrassment. Even though he doesn't seem to care it makes you feel uncomfortable.

"-My name is Shadow Dusk by the way." He states as his name suites him. His coat is midnight black along with his tail and mane. However his mane and tail have a streak of red in it. Along with his mane and tail his eyes are blue and he seems to have a tattoo on his flank. Not really the place I would put it, then again I know nothing about pony fashion.

"So I assume you work for the army in Equestria?" You ask looking around for anything to cover you up. Sighing you realize that the wall that you now walk in is as desolate as the rocky mountains that lay passed it.

The stallions expression drops. "Sadly no, they rejected me. Something about me being what they call 'short tempered'. They said I wouldn't go well with a spear in my hoof." He then goes on to tell you that the armor he wears is from his father that was part of the 'royal guard' as he calls it. He also states that the ponies manning the wall are just volunteers, there are some that work for the guard but they're scattered here and there.

Nodding at his story you patiently wait for him to finish. After about ten minutes his story comes to an end and you let out a question that you wondered ever since the dragon saw you. "You wouldn't by chance have any clothing my size laying around would you?"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWj5-ZGv970&list=UUioNNjH3S7X8byCjPDEqZkA

"Say 'I give up!' because the moment you hear it come from your own mouth it bears a new meaning." ~ CCpone

Chapter Two - A Journey's Tale

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"I don't think that we have any clothes for your spices, but I wouldn't mind looking around." Shadow Dusk states walking with you out of the wall and onto the other side. Reaching the other side Shadow Dusk puts a smile upon his face and gestures a hoof to the little village outside the wall. "This is the little town of Maresaw!" He states with a happy tone that you think he should never do again. His figure just doesn't fit it.

You think about the name for a while before you realize that it's a horse pun for Warsaw. However Warsaw from what you can remember is a huge city. This is just a small little town. Shrugging it off as a coincidence you nod and follow the stallion towards the town. "I don't understand why you need to be clothed. Us ponies rarely ware clothes." The stallion states arriving at an old looking house.

"My species the 'humans', don't like to walk around naked." You lecture as he opens the door with his mouth and steps inside. You follow in suit but you have to duck in order to enter the building. The inside however of the house has a taller ceiling so you can comfortably stand up straight.

Shadow Dusk stops once he's inside and looks at you with a questionable look. You know if this were earth things would be much different. Not to mention it's a social taboo to be completely butt naked in someone's house. "What an odd tradition." The stallion states as he walks up stairs.

Sitting down on a nearby stool you look around the house. It looks comfortable and well decorated, however the painting could use some work as you can see scratches and tears in it.

It doesn't take long before the stallion remerges from upstairs with clothes folded neatly on his back. "You're a lucky guy. My tailor messed up one of my orders. The suit is way too big for me, but I think it will fit you just fine "

Smiling you take the pants from his hoof along with the two tops. "Since ponies only dress up on special occasions this is all I have." He states as you look down at what type of clothes they are. Surprisingly the pair of clothes look identical to a tux back on earth. Looks like I will be looking fancy for now. You state to yourself.

"Thanks!" You state looking over the ensemble and since you're already naked you put on the clothes right then and there. To your liking the clothes seem to fit, although the under shirt was kind of tight. Tying up the tie to make the suit complete you look towards the stallion. "Does it look good?" You state with a smile.

"Well you look better then you did a couple minutes ago." He states grabbing a seat of his own.

However there was one thing wrong and that was that you had no shoes. When you look at yourself you can't help but chuckle. You look all swanky and snazzy up until you reach your feet. "I can't thank you enough for this." You state taking your eyes off your feet and onto Shadow Dusk.

"It's no problem really, they were just going to go in the trash anyways." You're not sure if that was an insult or just an excuse, nevertheless you're grateful. "So while you're here what did you do to get sent to Tartarus?" He asks.

Thinking about his question thoroughly you brainstorm reasons why you would be sent there after death. "Well I guess it's because I was a soldier that killed people. Other then that I can't think of any other reason." You state the truth. "I was sent there because I died, well at least I think I died." You claim.

"What do you mean you think you died?" Shadow Dusk asks with confusion present in his voice.

"When I woke up in Tartarus I couldn't remember what happened in the recent past." You say as you once again try and remember but to no avail. It's starting to annoy you now but there is nothing you can do about it.

Shadow Dusk looks at you with a sympathetic expression. "Wow that must suck." He states getting of his stool and walking over to a refrigerator. You don't even question how the refrigerator runs with no electricity. You have seen so much shit that nothing now really surprises you.

Opening the door he reaches in and grabs a cup of cider and from what it looks like it's apple cider. As you look at the two mugs he takes out, you get a feeling like you should be remembering something. Passing it off as nothing you take the mug that Shadow offers you.

"So do you remember nothing or are there some stuff that you remember a bit." Shadow asks seeming to know exactly how you feel right now. Taking a large swig of the apple cider you realize that it has a bit of alcohol in it. Not a lot but it still states its presence.

Placing the mug down you look over to Shadow. "Well there is one thing that I know, I know, but I can't seem to remember." You claim taking another swig of the golden liquid. You will admit that this apple cider is amazing, it's like nothing you ever tasted before.

"And what may that be?" Shadow asks taking a swig from his own mug. "Who knows maybe I can help you with it."

Finishing off the last bit of cider you place the empty mug down. "For some reason I remember the name Rainbow Dash. Do you know who he/she is or where he/she may live?" You ask getting a glance from Shadow.

"Yeah I actually do. She's quite famous here in Equestria. She's one of the elements of harmony." Shadow states finishing up his mug as well and slams it onto the table with more force then he thought.

"That's Awesome!" You state ignoring the part about the elements of harmony, because it sounds rather made up. "So you know where I can find her? I'm hoping that she might be able to help jog my memory." You state with enthusiasm.

Shadow smiles at your mood change. "Well last I heard she lives in Ponyville with the rest of the elements of harmony." He claims. "That's a far way's away though, about seven hundred kilometers." He states brining your mood back down. You really don't want to walk seven hundred kilometers, that would take forever.

"Is there a fast way of getting there?" You ask in hopes that there might be a train or something.

Cleaning up the two mugs Shadow answers your question. "Well there's three ways of getting there. One is of course walking, second is hiring a unicorn to teleport you, or lastly taking the train to Detrot City then catch a boat to Vanhoover then hop on another train to Canterlot then to Ponyville."

Your mood drops further when you realize that two of the three options requires you to have money. Something that you do not have at this particular moment. Sighing you place your head down on Shadows table with a large *thunk*. "At moments like these I wish I had money."

Shadow lets out a hearty laugh as you regain the strength to lift your head up again. "Don't we all." He states placing the two mugs back in their respected places. "By the way I didn't catch your name?"

"My names Anonymous, but you can call me Anon." You state getting up off your stool. Well better find out if I can sneak onto that train. You state to yourself remembering that you were pretty good at it back on Earth. Not to mention this time you have an actual reason.

"Nice to meet you." Shadow states with a warm voice that once again does not suit him very well.

Taking a stretch you can hear multiple pops and cracks granting you a smile upon your face. I don't think I will ever forget how that feeling feels like. You state to yourself as you prepare to ask Shadow two more question before you leave. "You know what time the train leaves for Detrot?" You ask having trouble saying Detrot but you think he gets the point.

"It usually leaves around eight." The stallion states taking a seat on the stool again.

"What time is it now?" You ask making your way to the Shadows door.

"Its seven forty-five." Shadow claims. "November, 15th if you want to know the date." Shadow lectures once again bringing back the feeling like you are missing something. Pushing it off your shoulder once again you open up the door.

"Thanks Shadow I really appreciate the help. I will repay you when I get my memory sorted out." You say as you leave the house.

However when the door is about to close you can hear him yell back. "No problem! You don't have to repay me! And may our paths cross again!" Smiling that you're going to repay him either he likes it or not you make your way to the train station you saw walking into town.

Arriving in no time at all at the train station you look around the place. The ponies standing for the train take glances at you when you're not looking but you notice one or two that fail to hide it. Other then that the place looks like a rather normal train station.

It has platforms on either side so you can board on both sides. You also take note of the clock that lay above some benches. The time on the clock reads 07:55, so it took you a good ten minutes to get here from Shadows.

Thinking back you realize how accepting he was for a new spices. He didn't seem fazed at all that you were nearly twice his size. It just amazes you that he went out of his way to help you out. Hell he even clothed you for crying out loud.

Smiling at how lucky you are you take sight on the train. It's whistle blows right before it starts to slow down, causing the ponies on the benches sit up. The whole scene looks hilarious, ponies acting like people. One of the ponies even has a tie and suitcase.

Taking your attention off of the train you grimace as you take sight upon the conductor that is now checking every ponies tickets. With a fool proof plan in mind you casually walk off the train platform and follow the train tracks leading north.

Stopping a good distance away up track, you turn back to look at the train. You can't help but let out a little chuckle at the color and design of it. The train was colored a bright light pink, with little hearts decorating the cart walls. If you didn't know any better it looked like the train belonged in a vacuum pact container in the kids toy section at Wal-Mart.

Reaching the spot at 08:00 the train whistle blows, allowing the ponies around it know that it's leaving for its destination. You watch as the train slowly makes its way out of the train station and towards you. With the speed increasing slowly you should be able to jump onto it at the last second.

Watching the train intently you plan out every move precisely. One wrong move and back to Tartarus you go. As the thought of returning to Tartarus lingers throughout your mind you take a large gulp and get into a jumping position.

The train nears, its speed is increasing exponentially and you start to have second thoughts about the jump. Before you can talk yourself out of it the train passes you with great speed. Thinking fast you run alongside the train franticly looking around for any sort of ladder or protruding object to grab onto.

When not one comes into view you look behind to see that the train is almost over. Pushing yourself to the limits you sprint as fast as you can increasing the time your by the train. However it's not enough to keep up and the trains last cart comes into view.

As the last train car is passing you, you notice that at the back of the train there's a little outside section. With the trains speed still increasing you find yourself moments away from the jump. Taking in another deep breath you jump at the last second and time seems to slow down.

You watch as you slowly soar through the air towards the end of the train. The gravel beneath you wiping by as you reach out your hand towards the railing. For a moment you think that time has stopped completely but nevertheless you still move towards the end of the train.

In a split second time resumes to its normal rate and you receive a jolt of pain throughout your right arm as you grab onto the cold metal railing. Smiling at your success you grab onto the railing with your other hand and pull yourself up panting form exhaustion.

Once on the other side of the railing you fall to the floor and lay there for a good while catching your breath and letting the pain in your right arm subside. The pain lasts for a good ten minutes and even after that you don't bother getting up as you are dead beat tired.

It takes you a good half an hour before you feel like you can get up again. PT back on earth has nothing on this. Finally you get the energy to lug your limp body up off the cedar floor and enter the train. Much to your surprise the train cart that you step into is completely empty.

Scratching the back of your head in confusion you look around the cart to find that its very well decorated. It even has a bed and dresser. This must be the VIP cart. You state to yourself as you walk through the cart and into the second one.

Much like the first cart you entered, this cart is just as luxurious. Paintings adorn the walls as well as some mirrors. As you glance around the seemingly identical room before you realize one keen difference. Unlike the first cart this one actually had a pony in it.

"EEEP!" The diamond blue pony squeals at the sight of you, her face frozen with fear. Just as lost for words as she is, you both stare at each other in complete silence. After a couple of minutes you're able to recompose yourself and break the think silence that has befallen both of you.

"Don't worry I won't harm you." Is the first words out of your mouth. "I'm just hitching a ride to Detrot." You state with a steady voice. The diamond coated mare looks at you for a short moment before she speaks up.

"Well we all are 'hitching' a ride to Detrot." To blue mare states with a regal tone. You roll your eyes at the pony as you realize she missed the point you're trying to get across.

"Well yes, but what I was trying... you know what never mind." You say changing your mind on telling this pony that you got on for free. Who knows maybe she's the tattling type. You think mentally as you continue on with this conversation "I'm Anonymous, you are?"

The mare rolls your name in her head for a moment before replying to your question. "I'm Diamond Heart." Diamond claims her regal tone never dissipating. Her parents couldn't of picked a better name, it suites her perfectly. You state to yourself looking at her mane. It was so well maintained that it looked like a river of liquid silver.

"Are you somepony important?" You ask gesturing to the cart that you both are in. "This cart looks like it's for royalty."

Diamond looks around the room, her frightened expression melting into happiness. "No, but it's nice to know that ponies think of me like that." You wince when Diamond uses the word pony. "Sorry... I mean people." She states apologetically.

"So how did you end up in this cart? Are all carts like this on this train?" You ask wondering how well Equestrian's economy is if all ponies are subjected to this amount of hospitality while traveling. Back on earth you would of called this first class and first class means expensive.

"No." Diamond states. "I'm just on a long journey to Canterlot. My sister is supposed to meet me at the train station there and show me around." The mare states with excitement in her eyes. "I have never been to Canterlot before so I have high hopes!"

"Small world I'm on my way there too, however I plan to continue towards Ponyville." You state truthfully. "I wouldn't suppose you know the mare that goes by the name Rainbow Dash would you?" You ask hoping to get as much information before meeting her. For all you know she could of been you're arch enemy and that's why you remember her.

"Of course! She's one of the element bearers!" Diamond replies. "Where have you been living? Under a rock?" She states surprised that you even asked that question.

"Well Tartarus, but technically your right seeing as I was beneath the earth." You comment taking a seat on a nearby chair. Glancing back at Diamond you realize what you had just said, the mares eyes are now as wide as dinner plates.

"What did you do to get sent to Tartarus!" The mare exclaims backing slowly away from you in fear that you might harm her.

"As I said before don't worry. I will explain just relax." You say staying seated. You're slightly surprised that the mare didn't act like this when you first arrived. You know being a new species in all, not to mention your twice her size. If something came up to you on the train twice your size, you would be bolting it out of the cart.

Diamond seems to loosen up at your words but she gets no closer. Understanding her reasoning you continue to tell your little tale. Since the story was not that long -as you don't remember yourself how you were sent to Tartarus- it only lasts a couple of minutes. However at the end you think your tale did its job as the mare fully relaxes and once again approaches you.

The mare gets a sympathetic look upon her face. "That's horrible, not just the pain you went through but the memories you lost." Diamond states in a comforting tone. You're still surprised at how well this mare is dealing with this situation, now that you think of it, all the ponies you met are surprisingly understanding.

"So how did you get on the train?" Diamond asks, as you left out the part of you sneaking your way onto the train. You shuffle uncomfortable in your chair as you don't know if you can tell this mare. She might still tell on you, then again she might understand why you did it.

Letting out a deep breath you decide to tell Diamond. "I snuck on..." You state telling the mare exactly how you were able to get on the train undetected. "And so here I am talking to you." You state ending your explanation.

Diamond nods giving you a warm smile. "That explains why you entered through the back." The mare comments. "Don't worry, if you stay with me the whole way I will make sure that you make it to Canterlot unnoticed."

Smiling at the mares willingness to help you, you lean back in your chair. "Thanks that means a lot to me." You state to Diamond who jumps upon her bed and lays down facing you. Her fuchsia colored eyes fixated on you.

"So tell me Anonymous, what was your life like on 'earth'?" Diamond asks.

"It's kind of a long story." You state not really wanting to replay the past, as thinking about some parts hurt. Telling the story will just open old wounds and remind you that you're no longer on earth.

"Well this train ride is four hours long." Diamond states rolling onto her back looking at you upside down. You will admit it looked funny but at the same time it was adorable. "It's either that or sleep."

"Sleep sounds very tempting." You state remembering that the only time you rested was at the back of the train and that was only for thirty minutes. Diamond lets out a rather adorable 'hmpf' and adorns a frown.

"Please Anonymous. It's not every day that a pony gets to speak with a human." The mare begs still upside down on her bed, so it's hard to take her seriously.

Rolling your eyes you sigh. "Fine!" You state with an irritated tone. "You can call my Anon by the way, all my friends do." You comment makes the mare turn up back up right with a smile. "What do you want to hear first?"

The mare tosses the thought around her head for a bit before speaking up. "Tell me your most exciting moment back on 'earth'." Diamond states sitting up on her hunches, giving you her full undivided attention.

hmm that is a good question in disguise. What was my most exciting moment back on earth?... You think about what the mare said and toss ideas and moments around in your head. You can't help but let out a little smile as some of the good memories fill your mind.

"Ok I got it." You say, sitting up from the chair. "The night was stormy and gloomy..." You start off your story, mentally reliving the moment. Diamond stays seated her eyes and ears pointed right at you as you continue the tale.

"GET THE PLANES PREPED! WE DON'T HAVE ALL DAY!!" Ryan yelled over the sound of the crashing waves that bombarded the carriers sides and the sirens that told of the oncoming enemy attack.

"WHY THE HELL DID THE CAPTAIN THINK THIS WAY WOULD BE A BETTER!" You yell back at Ryan who is now holding the hood of his rain jacket so it won't fly off. The wind was so harsh that everyone on the deck was being pushed around like leaves.

"HOW SHOULD I KNOW! NOW EITHER YOU GET INTO YOUR JET OR WE WILL FIND SOMEONE THAT WILL!" Ryan yells back pushing you to walk back across the tarmac and towards your jet.

Diamond buds into your story with a question. "What's a carrier?" She asks still not done with her questions. "Also what's a jet?"

Sighing you realize that this story is going to take much longer to tell. "A jet is a machine that enables us humans to fly. The one that I was getting into was specifically meant for aerial combat. A carrier is a type of ship that carries these jets out to sea, as our jets need fuel to run." You lecture. Diamond nods in understanding and you continue your story.

Arriving at the jet that is already loaded and rolled onto the tarmac you climb up the ladder and open up the canopy. The only noises you hear is the rain pelting your helmet and the wind whistling its way passed.

The canopy finally opens all the way up and you waste no time hopping in. The feeling of adrenalin kicking in as the thought of glorious air combat lingers throughout your buzzing mind. The two people that will be your wingmen today are Chase Dennis and Maxwell Proctor.

Chase was a 32 year old male that acted like he was in his twenties. He hated to be alone and so it was common to see him wondering the carrier corridors in search for someone to chill with. 35 year old Maxwell the other pilot was the leader of this operation. His experience and determination was the reason he was picked to lead not only that but he had a adherent desire to put others needs in front of his own making him an excellent choice.

Then theirs you twenty-two year old Anon. With this being your first combat mission the others were sceptical flying with you. Who could really blame them, if anything you would slow down the team. Nevertheless the captain decided that it was time for you to experience combat.

Once again Diamond interrupts your story. "I like the sound of this Maxwell guy. Seems like a real hunk." Diamond states getting all dreamy eyed. "I wouldn't mind hearing more about him."

"Hay who's this story about." You state crossing your arms contemplating whether or not to continue telling the story to this mare. I started so might as well finish it. You say to yourself with a sigh. Diamond apologises and you continue the story.

As the F-18's glass canopy closes you take note of the basic's. "electronics check, flaps check, ailerons check, horizontal stabilizers check, vertical stabilizers check, and lastly throttle, check." You state to yourself out loud making sure you got everything working.

With all the planes now prepped for takeoff, you watch as Maxwell and Chase roll their planes towards the catapults. Their planes not budging against the wind that bombards them. Following behind them you notice the armaments upon their wings.

Just like briefing all three planes including yours adorn four AIM-9x sidewinders, four AIM-120c AMRAAMs and lastly three external fuel tanks. The normal load-out for aerial combat over the pacific, for you do not know how long you will be fighting for.

By the time you're done looking over the armaments, the two planes are locked into place and unfolding their wings. Following them in suit you unfold your wings and await for them to take off. Once the wings are lowered the tarmac behind them lifts up and the line that is the catapults starts to smoke white signalling that they're ready.

It takes no time at all before the two planes increase their throttle and engage afterburners. The sound of their four engines cover over the sound of the sirens and rain. With a quick salute Maxwell's plane is launched from the carrier at speeds of 200km/h.

Right after Maxwell was launched the tarmac lowers and you move into position. All the while Chase lets out a salute and is launched, trailing behind Maxwell. Eagar to join them in the mission you lower your launch bar and it hooks into the catapult.

You have launched from a carrier before, but now that it's into combat it brings a whole new feeling. Patiently you listen to the sound of the rain patting against the glass canopy, a relaxing sensation that is interrupted by the sound of the tarmac rising behind you.

Looking ahead you can see Maxwell and Chase bank right to circle around. Their planes ignoring the harsh winds that they are subjected to, however your gaze is stolen from the white smoke that now emanates from the catapult.

As a grin carves its way onto your face you throttle all the way up and engage afterburners. The F-18 that you sit in roar to life as the twin General Electric F404-GE-402 turbofans produce eleven thousand pounds of horizontal thrust each. With the afterburners on it increases the thrust to almost eight-teen thousand.

The grin soon becomes a full smile as you make a salute to the ground crew. Within seconds the catapult is released and you're forced to endure the three g's it produces. If you would of blinked you would of missed leaving the carrier as you're now fly above the water.

Pulling up the landing gear you ascend till you're at the altitude you're briefed on. As expected Maxwell and Chase are to your left. All three of you fly in an echelon formation with Maxwell in the lead. Following the briefing you need little conversation to continue on.

"Ohh, not only a hunk but a leader." Diamond interrupts getting you to facepalm. However at least this time she has some question's that you find reasonable. "So they launched you from a catapult!? I thought those were only used during nightmare night to launch pumpkins."

Chuckling at the thought of an F-18 being launched from old fashion catapult you speak up. "No, not that type of catapult. This was just a wire that was attached to the plane so it can help it accelerate." You lecture once again. With Diamonds nod of approval you continue.

"Looks like the altitude they set for us is in the clouds." Maxwell states with a annoyed tone. "I hate flying in the clouds. Not only do they force you to fly using the interments, they also rob you with the sight of your kill once you get one."

"I'm sure you'll still see the bright light from the explosion." Chase states over the radio. "But I can see how it would be disappointing, all that work."

Ascending in formation you, Maxwell and Chase reach the cloud layer. Patiently you wait looking out of the cockpit that is now streaked with water from the clouds. There was not much to see with the clouds in all so you look back down towards your interments.

"Enemy's on radar." Maxwell states. Sure enough when you glance over to the RWR you spot two dotes closing in. "Stay sharp, it looks like they want to play chicken with us." Maxwell points out. The closer the dotes come the more your heart races. The feeling of combat is just what you expected it to feel like. Your mind is set and focused as you switch to missiles.

What you didn't expect was the endless torrent of beeping that came from your plane. The noises stating that you have been locked on. "I'm locked." You state into the com's, your hand fingering the flair button.

"Anon, I want you break off." Maxwell states firmly.

Without any arguments you release the flairs and bank away from the group. The beeping soon stops and you notice that the two planes that locked onto you change targets and chase after Chase and Maxwell. With a smile at what Maxwell was trying to accomplish you bank left and head back into the fray.

Angling your jet back to the fight you line up behind one of the dots and start to lock on. The jet that you chase attempts to shake you off but his actions bring him no reward. With the lock now set you release the first missile.

Excitedly you watch the missile leave its hard point and trails its victim. As you follow close behind you receive no explosion. Determined to get your first kill you release your second missile, however once again there was no explosion and the dot did not fade from the radar.

Nevertheless being the determined person you are you release the third one. Much to your dismay the missile once again yields no explosion. Infuriated by the jets capability to dodge you switch to cannons and attempted to catch up to him.

Once again the jet seems to elude you, even with afterburners the jet seems to surpass your speed. Switching back to missiles you're caught off guard when you plane once again bursts into a fit of beeping. Looking back towards the radar you notice that during your engagement the second jet has now settled on your six.

"I got one on my six!" You state into the microphone as you bank right and deploy flairs. You always thought that air engagements would be easy. The whole time you grew up the media portrayed the enemy as incompetent and stupid, but now that you're in the real thing you realize that they're just as good as you if not better.

"Roger Anon I'm right behind him." Chase states over the radio. "Just keep him occupied I have a Sidewinder with his name on it." Chase comments, his voice sturdy and serious.

Following Chases orders you keep the jet trailing you, popping flairs here and there. "Can you hurry up Chase! I'm losing flairs!" You yell over the com's. The reality of the situation is now setting in and you start to worry for your own life.

"Calm down, the guy is so into killing you that he forgot what's behind him." Chase states and shortly after you can see a bright light come from behind you. Seconds later a large boom is heard as you look back to see a fireball fall from the sky.

"Nice kill Chase." You comment, a wave of relief washing over you.

"Keep your compliments till after the fight Anon." Maxwell buds into the conversation. "We still got one more guy left." Chase agrees with Maxwell and you see their two dots converge onto the last target.

Joining in with them you near the last target. Converging from all sides of the jet it shoots up and out of the cloud layer. With incredible speed the jet flees the scene. "Don't bother chasing after it." Maxwell states banking his plane back to the carrier. "Their SU-35's can out run our F-18's any day."

Sighing in relief that it's all over you fall into formation. Silence falls over the radio as your squad makes its way back to the carrier. Chase is the first one to break the silence. "So Anon how was your first combat mission?"

"To say the least it scared the shit out of me sir." You state truthfully over the radio. "Sucks that I didn't get a kill on my first run."

"Don't fret, I never got a kill on my first combat mission either." Chase states lighting up your mood. "besides you made it out alive, I would say that's a good start."

"I got a kill on my first mission." Maxwell states gloating.

"You're not making the situation here any better." Chase snaps back at Maxwell, rewarding him with a hearty laugh. "anyway... I assume the rookie lands first?" Chase states getting an approving answer from Maxwell.

Without any other word you line up with the carrier and begin your descent. With the ATC acknowledged of your approach you lower your landing gear, flaps and your tail hook, the jet soon touches down on the ball.

Releasing the wire you raise the tail hook and roll the F-18 over to the elevator. Shutting the engines and electronics off you the folding the wings and watch the rest of your team one by one land on the carrier.

"...and that was my most exciting and exhilarating moment back on earth." You state feeling the effects of reciting a long story. Your body screams for sleep as your mind wants to know what Diamond thought about the story.

Diamond sits there on her hunches for a while before breaking the silence. "Your life is much more exiting then mine." Diamond states truthfully. "What I would give to be able to fly like you did." She says her eyes glancing of into the distance.

"Pretty awesome isn't it?" You claim. "Now I don't know about you but I really need to get some shuteye." You say giving out a yawn. "You wouldn't mind if I crashed out here on the floor would you?" You ask politely.

"I certainly would!" Diamond exclaims out loud. "Why should a person like you sleep on the floor when this bed is big enough for the both of us." The mare states tapping a hoof on the bed.

To tired to argue with the blue mare you get up and collapse onto the bed. Diamond lets out a little chuckle but you pay no attention. "Goodnight." You say out loud.

"I think the proper phrase is good morning." Diamond corrects you, and you soon fall into darkness that is sleep.

"Not all those who wander are lost" ~ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

Chapter Three - Detrot and Canterlot

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You're awakened by the sound of the train stopping. If the medal screeching didn't do the job then the force of a sudden stop sure did. Groaning you attempt to sit up in bed, only to notice that Diamond Heart has taken it upon herself to sleep right on top of you.

While it was adorable and pulled at your heartstrings you had to get up. So without further ado you get up and watch the blue pony roll off of you and onto the mattresses bellow. With a large *Twap* Diamond hits the mattress and scrambles to her feet frantically.

Smiling at her confusion you shuffle over to edge of the bed and place your bare feet on the cold cedar floor. Getting her sense back together, Diamond jumps off the bed. "We're here!" She yells out seemly ignoring the fact that she just got tossed out of bed.

"Yeah that's right." You state in a tiered tone and wiping the sleep from under your eyes. "Why were you sleeping on top of me?" You ask out of curiosity as you get up off the bed and walk towards the door that leads outside.

Diamond blushes at your question but answers it nevertheless. "Well I was tiered to." She states the obvious trying to work her way around the real answer. Taking the hint you let this one go and continue towards the cart door.

"Have you ever been to Detrot before?" You ask Diamond as you both step out of the cart and into the train station. Unlike in Maresaw where the train platforms were outside, here there inside a large building.

Looking around you can see hundreds of busy ponies running around from one train to the other, and the occasional one that glances at you. "No, I never left my old town before." Diamond states. "This is just as new for me as it is to you." She beams her smile towards you.

"Here's another question. Why do all the ponies here not run away screaming at the sight of me?" You ask, as that has been a question burning in your mind ever since you saw Shadow. "You know because I'm a different species in all."

Diamond looks at the ponies for a second then back to you. "I see your point but here in Equestria we welcome all races and species. We have seen beings such as Minotaur and griffins. So a new species like you comes to no surprise."

"Then why do I still get glances from ponies here and there." You state walking with Diamond out of the busy train station and into the bustling city streets. The view from the station took your breath away as you can see multiple skyscrapers reaching towards the heavens.

The streets were filled with wagons pulled by ponies instead of cars and the street lights were not electric, instead they held candles. "Well like I said you're a new species so its bound that you get a few stares here and there."

Accepting her logic you both make your way down the streets. "So where we heading to?" You ask as you have no idea where you're going. You're lucky that Diamond Heart is coming along with you or you would have no idea where to go.

"To the docks of course!" Diamond Heart states like it was one of the most obvious answers, and in hindsight it kinda was obvious. "From there we will board one of the many ships heading out towards Vanhoover. Once in Vanhoover it's just a simple train ride to Canterlot."

"Great! All I need to do is find a way to sneak onto this boat and the next train and I'm golden!" You state with fake enthusiasm, as sneaking onto a boat is hard and stressful.

"Oh don't you worry none Anon." Diamond Heart states with a smile upon her face. "I will pay for your ticket. After all you're my only source of entertainment during these long rides." She states as you turn onto a street that leads all the way to the harbor.

You know this because you can smell the salt water and in the horizon you can see the dark blue ocean. "You really don't have to pay for me." You claim, sneaking onto a boat may be stressful but at least it saves the money. Money that you're sure she would want.

"Nonsense I'm paying and that's the end of it." Diamond claims bringing the argument to a dead end.

While walking down the street you take a look at some of the shops that are along the way. Most of the stores are ones for furniture and clothing, while scattered in between them are restaurants and coffee shops. The whole place had a safe and secure feeling to it, something that Detroit back on earth never had.

In fact Detroit was one of the worst city's. It had a high crime rate and if you read the newspaper there would always be some sort of murder. While this place sure didn't feel like Detroit you couldn't help but walk a bit closer to Diamond.

Arriving at the docks you and Diamond make your way towards an information booth. Being the new one in Equss you let Diamond do all the talking. "Do you know where we can get tickets to Vanhoover?" Diamond asks the stallion inside the booth.

"Follow the docks farther down, once you reach a gate turn right. Keep walking till you hit terminal D-3. Once inside you will be able to purchase tickets for the ship that departs from Detrot to Vanhoover." The stallion states not even lifting his head up from his newspaper.

"Thanks." Diamond responds in a cheerful voice. Without anymore words you and Diamond make your way down the docks. Just like the stallion stated you both soon reach a black gate that blocks further access. Following his directions you and Diamond turn right and continue.

"Do you know if this boat is even here?" You ask Diamond. From what you understand she planed out this whole trip beforehand. Hence the reason she navigated her way through the huge city of Detrot without struggle.

Diamond looks up towards you with an offended expression. "Of course I do!" Diamond claims in a offended tone.

"Then when is it leaving the harbor?" You ask.

"In about three hours. I wanted to leave enough time so I could get the tickets. Detrot is known for their long lines." Diamond states trotting over to the building that is just now coming into view. The building looked very modern with many windows facing towards the ocean. On the outside of the building lay a sign that bare the symbols "D-3".

"You better be right about the lines." You state. "I don't want to be stuck waiting in the terminal for three hours without any reason." You comment. Diamond looks back at you with a grin upon her face.

"Yeah, yeah stop your whining and get you flank over here." Sighing at her terminology you walk up to the building and enter. Inside was just as you expected. There were little food and gift shops adorning the walls, while in the middle lay multiple tables where ponies sat awaiting the ships arrival.

Taking your glance away from the shops and tables you watch Diamond walk up to a booth where another stallion sat. "Hello." The stallion in the booth states to Diamond. "On your way to Vanhoover? I heard that its lovely weather over there."

"Really?" Diamond Heart asks. "My sister said that it rains all the time over there."

The stallion takes the money that Diamond hooves over. "Yeah it usually does rain there." The stallion lectures. "You buying two tickets miss?" The stallions asks as he re-counts the bits in his hoof.

"Yeah, I bringing a friend along with me." Diamond states as she turns around and points a hoof at you. "His names Anon, he just came back from Tartarus." Diamond claims making the stallion in the ticket booth eyes go wide.

"Here's your tickets." The stallion states handing over the tickets to Diamond. As Diamond leaves the booth you can see the stallion mutter something under his breath. From the way his lips moved you assume that he said. "May Celestia watch over you."

Once again you're reminded about the voice you heard back in Tartarus. 'Two fearless leaders. The first, Princess Celestia, an alicorn pony with the power to move interstellar objects.' I guess the voice was telling the truth.

Your thoughts are interrupted when Diamond arrives in front of you. "Here's your ticket Anon." Diamond says hoofing you the ticket. "We are seated with the rest of the ponies this time. No VIP cart this time." She states with a smirk.

"Whatever shall we do!" You say in fake enthusiasm that is rewarded by Diamond rolling her eyes. "So what do we do now, miss-the-lines-will-take-three-hours." You state with a smug expression on your face.

"Well we can always grab a bight to eat." Diamond claims gesturing the food and gift shops. The mention of food makes your stomach grumble. You haven't ate since you Maresaw and even that was just a cup of cider.

Shaking your head you respond. "Not here, if I had learned anything from back on earth is that terminals overprice their products." You state hinting at the signs that hung over the various eateries. Turning her head Diamond looks upon the signs.

"Huh learn something new every day." Diamond states turning back to you. "So then if not here then where would you like to eat?" Diamond asks her smile never leaving her face. To be honest you like the way she smiles, it both soothes and relaxes you.

"Well on the way here I noticed that there were some little coffee shops open, or if you feel like you want a real meal I think I also saw some restaurants." You claim turning towards the terminal entrance with Diamond in toe.

Diamond rolls the options in her head. "How about we grab a snack at the coffee shop and in Canterlot me, you and my sister will have dinner." Diamond replies. You're not sure you like the idea of her spending all this money so you make a counter proposal.

"How about we grab a bight to eat at the coffee shop and instead of you buy me dinner at Canterlot you can just show me around with your sister. After all I don't think that I will have enough time to eat a full meal without missing the train to Ponyville." You say exiting the terminal and stepping back onto the docks.

"Sound like a deal." Diamond states clearly missing the fact that you have yet to do anything to repay her. The amount of kindness that these ponies have is overwhelming and you're starting to feel guilty using it so casually. It really takes no effort to make new friends here in Equss.

Silence once again arrives as you and Diamond make your way through the docks and back to the city streets. Just as you last saw it the streets are crowded with multiple chariots and ponies moving about. If it was even possible the streets looked even more crowded than before.

Making your way down the busy streets you're the first one to brake that silence. "Here this one looks like a nice coffee shop." You state pointing to a building that resembled Starbucks back on earth. As soon as you thought about how the horse pun is already in the name you look up to see that the name has not changed.

These horse puns. You state to yourself as you and Diamond open the door and enter the shop. As the door opens it hits a little bell that rings throughout the store alerting the ponies working there that they got new customers.

"Welcome to Starbucks! What can I get for you?" A mare on the other side of the table asks Diamond with a smile. Her smile soon turns to shock as her gaze moves from Diamond to you. She stares at you for a good while before returning her focus back to Diamond.

"I would like a simple coffee one salt and one milk." Diamond states making you wince at the fact that she put salt in her coffee. You have never seen anyone order a coffee like that. Diamond turns around and steps out of the way. "Your turn Anon."

Without thinking you state "and I will have a grande coffee with two milks two sugars." The mare behind the counter gets a confused look upon her face. You to get a confused look as you don't know what you said that could of confused the mare.

"grande?" The mare states confused. oh they must not know the size I wanted. You state in your mind and a knowing expression comes across your face.

"Oh don't worry about it then I just meant a 16oz cup" You states and the mare makes a 'O' shape with her mouth as she trots to the back to prepare the two coffees. "And here I thought they would be just like the ones on earth." You state getting a nudge from Diamond.

"You have Starbucks back on 'earth'?" Diamond states struggling to say the word earth again.

"Yeah as a matter of fact we do. I thought with the same name and the same service they would have the same lingo if you know what I mean." You state starting to lecture Diamond. "A tall is usually a 12oz, a grande is 16oz, venti is 20oz in hot and 26oz in iced. "

Diamond nods and is about to say something but is interrupted by the mare behind the counter. "That's a pretty cool idea." The mare states. "Maybe we will give it a try one day. Anyway here're your drinks." The mare claims hoofing over the two cups.

You and Diamond take your drinks from the counter and head towards a table by the window. "So you liking it so far in Detrot?" You ask Diamond as she takes a sip from her coffee. "I know I'm having a fun time on Equss."

"I always thought that Detrot would be small." Diamond States placing her cup down onto the table. "Back home I always read up on the many cities, and Detrot from the way the books portrayed it was small compared to the other cities."

"What other cities are there that you know of?" You ask Diamond curiously. "All I know is the small town of Maresaw the capital Canterlot and the two cities Vanhoover and Detrot." You state truthfully. A part of you misses the days where you could recite all of the countries and where they are located.

"From what I remember I know that there is a city called Manehatten, Los Pegasus, Fillydelphia and Baltimare. That's as much as I know from books." Diamond lectures. You can't help but chuckle at the names, they're all horse puns of earth cities.

"Hey what you laughing about." Diamond states with a annoyed expression. "I know I don't know a lot but that's no reason to laugh!" Diamond snaps at you. For the first time now you are seeing her mad.

"Calm down, I wasn't laughing at you." You comment regaining your breath and taking another sip of your coffee. The taste resembling the one they serve back on earth almost exactly. "It's just funny that the names of the cities are all horse puns of earth cities."

Diamond settles back down and looks at you with a another confused expression. "Horse puns?" She asks. "They're just random city names?" She comments, her innocents shows that she truly doesn't know anything about humans.

"Back on earth we had cities named; Vancouver, Las Vegas, Manhattan, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. Now do you see the resemblance?" You ask as Diamond Heart's eyes grow wide. It looks like she just deciphered the biggest mystery.

"That is pretty weird." Diamond states taking another sip of her coffee. "There must be some connection between ponies and humans for that to occur." Diamond brings up a good point. In order for something like this to happen there has to be a connection. A coincidence like this just doesn't happen.

"Seems like a good question to kill time with." You state remembering back in Tartarus when you used questions like this to pass the time. Now that you think of it you don't even know how long you were in Tartarus for. While in Tartarus you never felt hungry nor thirsty and the volcano that you were walking towards seemed to be hundreds of kilometers away.

It's a very likely possibility that you walked for days without realizing it. "Yeah it does sound like a good question to think about." She states getting up from her seat. "Well I think we overdid out stay here. Want to walk back to the terminal?" Diamond asks with a smile.

"Might as well." You reply standing up and pushing your chair in. "Lead the way." You say opening the door for Diamond to exit. Diamond gives you a warm smile in return and exits the small coffee shop.

With coffee in hand and mouth, you and Diamond make your way towards the docks once again. "So who's your sister? More specifically what race is she and what's her name?" You ask taking a sip from your coffee.

"mhhhmmhhmhmm" Is all you can hear from Diamond as her voice is muffled from the coffee in her mouth. Being the gentle man that you're you take the coffee from her mouth and hold it in your other hand. "Thanks, now as I was trying to say. My sisters name is Longshot she a earth pony like me."

"Why did your parents name her Longshot? Seems like a weird name?" You ask downing the last bit of coffee in your cup and tossing it into a nearby trashcan. "I heard weird names before but they're usually based of something."

"To be honest I don't know. I don't even thing Longshot know, It's just a name that my parents chose for her." Diamond states walking passed the information booth and onto the dock. "I guess one day she will find out, how soon that day will come unknown."

Turning right at the back gates the terminal D-3 comes into view, however this time you can spot the ship behind the building. To your amazement the ship was a old fashion sailboat, you know the ones you see pirates use.

What was slightly disappointing was that the ship lacked any form of cannon and in their place were windows. "How long do you think it will take to get to Vanhoover?" You ask. You remember that it takes months if not years for these ships to cross oceans. All the while at risk of sinking into the endless water bellow.

"We aren't going that far so I would say about another four to five hours." Diamond states once again kicking your logic in the gut.

"That docent sound right.. Back on earth ships of this make took years to cross the ocean!" You state trying to defend your point. "Not only that but the entire journey you would be risking your life as the ocean is a harsh mistress." You state sounding a bit like a pirate at the end.

"Well we aren't on earth are we." Diamond claims with a smile. "Here in Equestria we use magic to power the boats, the sails are only used when the unicorns are resting." Diamond says entering the terminal with you in toe.

"You use this magic stuff a lot." You state rubbing your forehead.

"And you humans use that focal fuel stuff a lot." The mare counters with her signature smile.

"touché." You state walking up to the boarding area. "Looks like we were gone longer then I thought. Funny how time flies when you're at Starbucks." You say handing the mare tending to the boarding door your ticket.

The mare takes your ticket and hole punches it with her magic and smiles at you. "Have a nice journey." She states picking up Diamond's ticket and repeating the process. Pushing through the doors you walk onto the docks that spread aside the ship.

"Yeah felt like a hour at least." Diamond states walking passed you and onto the ship. As you step onto the boat you can smell the salt water and feel the sea breeze. "I hope that the seats here are as comfortable as they are on the train."

"I would be surprised if we got any." You state remembering what the ships back on earth were like back in the day. Much to your surprise when you follow Diamond Heart down into the bowels of the ship you gaze upon a luxurious seating room.

On the roof lay a chandelier that when the light shun upon it gave a crystalline affect. The floor was made out of cedar just like the train and was accompanied by a large rug that span the entire length of the room. The walls were painted a nice shade of white, not to bright as to blind you but not to dark as to give the gloomy effect.

The seat on the other hand looked absolutely uncomfortable. As they took on the shape of a normal pony without any thought of any other species. For ponies they would probably feel heavenly. Looks like I'm going to be standing this entire journey or risk messing up my back. You say to yourself.

"This place looks amazing!" Diamond Heart states with excitement. "I never been on a boat but it's just as I expected it to be. Just look at the decor! It's simply magnificent!" The way she said the sentence sparked and old memory of yours.

"I do say Anon I am very sorry for my behavior at the door. You do seem to have a very... 'interesting' taste in style." You can recall the voice and the sentence but you cannot remember the name of the person or pony that said it.

Shrugging it off you walk up to Diamond that is now conversing with a group of ponies. "Where are you two headed?" She states at a couple that are taking their seats. "Me and Anon here are on our way to Vanhoover." Diamond states with a smile.

The couple stop for a second to glance over you. "We are on our way to Las Pegasus. It's our honeymoon." The mare states with a smile. "Is this Anon here?" She states pointing hoof at you. Diamond nods in response. "Are you a different race of Minotaur?" She asks taking her seat.

"No, I am actually not from here. I come from a planet named earth." You state getting awed expressions not only from the couple but from the rest of the passengers on board. "I'm sure you have tones of questions but I had a long day and would like to just relax." You state lying, to tell the truth you rather just not answer their questions.

The couple nod in understanding. "Very well, it was nice meeting you two though." She states before you and Diamond move to your own seats.

"So Anon you going to tell me another one of your amazing stories?" Diamond states her smile growing with anticipation. Sadly you wish to just rest and take in the boat ride. Diamond understands and leaves to mingle with the other ponies.

Much to your surprise the boat ride didn't take that long. Just as Diamond stated the unicorns powered the sailboat like it was a motorboat, reaching speeds that both baffled and amazed you.

After the boat ride was finished you and Diamond immediately boarded the train to Canterlot. The train was the same as the one in Marsaw and was just as comfortable. By the time the train reached its destination it was three a clock in the afternoon. With the six hour train ride still ahead of you, you didn't mind taking Diamond up on the 'tour' of Canterlot.

Stepping out of the train with Diamond you're taken back at the sight of Canterlot. All the buildings were colored white with gold trim. Detrot and Marsaw had nothing on this. You state mentally as you gaze upon the cobblestone streets where high class ponies roamed.

"This may be smaller than Detrot but is it beautiful!" You state with your jaw slack. The city looked as if it came right out of a fantasy novel. Great spires arouse above the rooftops of the many buildings as a castle keep lay in the distance. Its scale was unlike the ones you would find back on earth.

"It's even better then I dreamed of!" Diamond states with a grin upon her face as she too looks around the city in awe. Ponies around take glances at the two of you but that was no problem, you didn't mind the attention if you got to take in this masterpiece of architecture.

Snapping back to reality (oops there goes gravity.) you and Diamond step of the train platform and onto the streets. "DIAMOND!" a voice yells out from the crowed of rich ponies. Diamond looks around the group until she comes across a red coated pony.

"LONGSHOT!" Diamond beams with happiness as she trots off towards her sister. "It's been so long since you left." She states as she brings Longshot into a hug. "How's things in Canterlot? I can't imagine it being bad with a place that looks like this." She states gesturing to the city.

"It has been amazing sister! I have started my own shop and it's been doing fairly well. Just this month I managed to earn four thousand bits!" She states with a smile. Longshot and Diamond break the hug and Longshot glances over to you. "Who's this?" She states. "I don't think I ever seen a Minotaur like that before."

"He's a human." Diamond states. "He kept me entertained with his stories while on the trains." Diamond claims as you walk up to her and Longshot. "He has a very interesting life and is only here in Canterlot till the train to Ponyville arrives."

"Ah, then we must show his the wonders of Canterlot in that short time!" Longshot states with a smile. "Nice to meet you Anon. It's a pleasure to meet you, I'm Longshot, Diamonds sister." Longshot claims what you already know.

"Yeah Diamond talk about you during the ride here. It's nice to see you face to face." You state reaching out your hand to shake hers. At the beginning Longshot looks at your head unaware of what to do, that is until Diamond whispers something in her ear and she raises her hoof to shake.

"That's quite an odd gesture." Longshot states. "Anyhow I think the first place we should take you is the Castle. We can eat there as well, they have one of the best restaurants there." Longshot suggests. Without arguing you and Diamond nod in agreement and Longshot leads the way.

"So where you from Anon. Diamond only told me you were human." Longshot states walking through the crowded streets. The view no matter where you're at is breath taking, as you can see the castle and spires everywhere you go. The sun light just adds to the whole experience making the building radiate purity.

"Believe it or not I'm from another planet." You state nonchalantly. "I have no idea how I ended up here but I did and of all places Tartarus to." You claim think back on how lucky you were to get out of that hell hole.

Longshot stops in spot and turns towards you with a curious glance. "What?" You state looking at Diamond for answers but she is just a confused as you are. "Do I got something on my face?" You ask trying to figure out what she's looking at you for.

After a good minute of awkward staring Longshot shrugs it off. "Sorry, there was an event that happened in Ponyville a while back that some ponies were talking about. They said it had to do with a new species and the element of loyalty."

Longshot's words brings back the feeling but they fail at jogging your memory. "Whatever let's just get some food I'm starved!" Comments Diamond . Without any other words Longshot turns around and guides you to the Castle.

The walk was rather uneventful other then the small chitchat that occurred between the two sisters. For your own sake you tuned them out the minute they started to chat about gossip around Canterlot, as you are not the one for gossip. It also proved easy as all you had to do was focus more on the buildings then the conversation.

After a while the three of you find your way to the Castle gates. The feeling coming back stronger then the previous ones. The gates were already opened up and looking inside you could see the restaurant that Longshot was taking you to.

"This looks really fancy." You state starting to feel the gilt rise up again. The only thing that you have done since you gotten to Equestria is take. For once you would like to give back something to these ponies but your memory is blocking that from happening. If you knew what you did the past month then maybe you would have something to go off of.

"Yeah it's one of the finest restaurants in Canterlot!" Longshot states as the group enters the restaurant. "If this is your first time here in Canterlot I want to show you the best!" She states beaming like her sister. I can see the resemblance starting to settle. You state mentally.

Arriving at the front a waiter greets you. "Welcome! Seating for three?" He asks not even glancing at you twice. It seems that the staff here are versed for all occasions and events. Diamond nods in agreement and the waiter leads the way to a familiar looking table.

As you sit down the feeling pushes against your mind hard. It's like the answer is on the tip of your tongue but you can say it. "This place looks very familiar..." You ponder out loud getting a glance from Diamond and Longshot.

"You starting to remember?" Diamond states with excitement. You never knew that she cared that much about your memory problem.

"You know that feeling when you want to say something you know but you can't quite say it? Like it's on the tip of your tongue." You ask and in response Longshot and Diamond both nod in agreement.

Looking around the beautiful restaurant you state. "That's what it feels like to me right now. It's like I should remember this place yet I do not. It's starting to get really annoying this forgetting nonsense."

Diamond and Longshot look at one and another. "I'm sure you will remember one day." Diamond states with a smile. "Now what do you want to drink Anon the waiter is waiting." Diamond states with a smug expression upon her face.

"Oh, sorry... I will just have a water please." You state to the stallion before he hooves you a menu. Grabbing the menu you open it up and take a look at the entrees. Much to your dismay the meals upon the menu seem to be catered towards the pony side.

However as if a sign of hope hidden at the very end of the menu you stumble upon the meat section. Oh my lord they have meat! You yell to yourself as you look upon the rather small selection. The section might of been small but oh boy did was it a selection.

The menu stated that they serve steak, bacon and ribs, all which made your mouth water. As you peruse the menu further looking at the types of things ponies eat you fail to realize that the waiter has returned. "Are you all ready to order?" The waiter states placing the drinks upon the table.

Diamond and Longshot look over to you. "Yeah I'm ready." You state to them and they both nod. "You two order first I just need to pick from three entrees." You state looking back towards the menu. Steak? Ribs? or Bacon? You say to yourself.

Well it's not the morning so I really don't feel like bacon. I find that you get more meat from Steak then you do from ribs so it looks like I got myself a choice. "And you sir?" The stallion states as you close the menu.

"I would like to have you stake please. Make it rare to it adds more flavor I find." You state to the stallion as you lean back in your seat. Glancing over to Longshot and Diamond you notice that both of their mouths are open. they keep their mouths like that they're going to catch a fly. You state to yourself.

"What?" You state look back over to the waiter that is just as surprised. "Why put meat on the menu if you're going to act this surprised about it." You claim to all three ponies. "Is it really that bad for me to eat meat?" You ask.

"Well you see Anon all ponies are vegetarian. The only reason they have it on the menu is for the griffins and even they order mostly vegetarian meals." Diamond lectures. "It just came to me as a surprise that you're a carnivore."

"Well I'm not a carnivore per say more of an omnivore. I can eat both, but I do love my meat." You state once again getting winces from all three ponies. "If you want I could order the fruit salad. If it will make you ponies feel better?" You ask.

To your amazement the all three ponies agree to you eating the fruit salad. While it is yummy, yummy, you would of preferred the stake. You never knew that ponies were so against eating meat. You would go as far as to say that eating meat in front of ponies is almost as bad of a taboo then roaming the streets naked back on earth.

"Fine I will have the fruit salad." Your statement in turns relaxes Diamond, Longshot and the server. You could see the servers problem as he would actually have to hold the meal, but for Diamond and Longshot to be that surprised really got you thinking.

"Thanks Anon. It means a lot that you refrain from eating meat in front of us." Diamond states in a warm relaxing tone. She then turns towards her sister and continues to chat about various things.

Dinner goes by rather quickly after all the ponies present got over the fact that you were an omnivore. The fruit salad was amazing as expected from this class of restaurant but nevertheless was less filling the say the stake that you wanted.

Longshot paid the server as well as a hefty tip and left to the gate of the Castle with the rest of the group. "Well it looks like this is where we part ways Diamond." You state giving Diamond and Longshot a warm smile. "Maybe I will come back and repay you both."

Diamond shoves a hoof at you hitting you in the shoulder. "You better come back. Me and my sister will be waiting." She states stepping back from you. "But anyways it was nice traveling with you."

Longshot gets a smug expression upon her face. "Yeah you come back. I will be looking forward to a free dinner." Diamond hooves Longshot like she did to you. "I was just kidding!" Longshot states with a smile. "Well anyways, goodbye."

"Heh, I will make sure we get the same table." You state earning a smile from both Longshot and Diamond as they make their way out of the castle and into the city. As you to make your leave you fail to realize a tall white pony staring at you from within the castle, eyes wide and frozen from shock.

"Remembering is painful, it's difficult, but it can be inspiring and it can give wisdom"~ Paul Greengrass

Chapter Four - Lorin's Quest

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Lorin's POV:

Cracking your eyes open slightly, you're greeted with a blurry image along with some kind of blue tint. What the heck happened to me? You ask to yourself as you sit up on top of the table that you lay upon. The last thing I remember I was trying to escape the changeling hive. Then... then they put me in some sort of pod, after that I fell asleep.

Your vision starts to focus as you rub the back of your head with your hand. "Anyone out there?!" You yell out. The blurry images start to take shape, however you realize that the blue tint stays. What is this? You state as you attempt to get off the table only to find your right hand chained in place.

Panic starts to fill your mind as you look around the darkened room. The only light that existed came from a pulsating green pod attached to the wall. The pod was accompanied by a changeling, Who, from what you could see was examining the contents that lay within it.

You have awaken. A voice whispers in your mind. It was definitely not yours, you know what your own voice sounds like and that was not it. I sssshale get the queen. The voice stated again as the changeling in front of the pod turns around and exits the room, leaving you alone.

As soon as the changeling leaves the room the green glow from the pod dissipates and you're left there in the darkness. Like hell I'm going to sit here! You shout to yourself as you tug at the chains holding you down. They felt weak and old -no doubt rusted- so you put all of your strength together and pulled.

The creaking and rustling of the chains could be heard throughout the room as it echoed off of every wall it came across. A noise that made you ponder the possibilities of escaping this place alive. Not only that, but once you did there would be a giant desert waiting for you. We will deal with that when we get there. You say in your mind as you tug once more.

There was a clear snap and then your arms were free. The shackles were still attached but they were no longer connected to the table by chains. With a smirk you jolt up off of the cold table and onto the even colder ground. Everything around seemed to be the same way, no heat whatsoever was given off. Enough thinking, more escaping! You lecture yourself as you bolted towards the door that the changeling had gone through.

Sadly your idea of escaping was cut short when Chrysalis herself emerged from the same door. "Trying to escape again are we?" She asked in a suggestive tone that tempted you to try and escape. "By all means human, leave if you desire so. I doubt however that you will make it to the front door." And with a sly smile she stepped aside granting you full access to the hallway.

"Well then I guess I'll be off." You reply to the queen, the sentence drenched in confidence. With that statement being said you run passed Chrysalis and through the corridor. Is she really going to let me go like this? You ask yourself as you try and navigate through the maze of tunnels.

I guess she had a - Is all you're allowed to think before a high pitched noise is pushed through your mind. Falling down to your knees you press your hands against your ears to stop the noise. Sadly the noise doesn't stop, in fact it gets louder, and louder. At one point you swear you could hear millions of little conversations most of which were yelling in pain.

What fresh hell is this! You scream in your mind. As the voices progressively get louder, your vision starts to once again go fuzzy. Finally it came to a point where you would assumed that if it continued you'd go deaf. "MAKE IT STOP! PLEASE!!! JUST MAKE IT STOP!" You shout out, but you could not hear yourself as the constant screaming muffled it to bellow a whisper.

Tears started to form and fall. The voices finally dying down to a bearable level, then after a few minutes stopped all at once. "Thank god! THANK THE HEAVENS!" You yell out stumbling back up to a standing position. Now what the fuck was that!? You question turning around deeming it to be Chrysalis's doing.

Sure enough there she was standing in the hallway behind you with the other changeling at her side, her smirk still ever present. "I'm surprised you lasted that long." She claims with a innocent voice. "The longest any being has withstand the hive mind was ten seconds. You will make a great asset to my hive." You could feel the rage inside you boiling up as she spoke.

"What did you do to me?" You ask in a dangerously calm tone, your right eye twitching. If she said anything you didn't like then you were going to let her have it. You didn't like people messing with your mind let alone a big bug creature.

The queen smiled showing her pure white fangs. "Why I thought you would of noticed by now." She replies with a royal voice, but it did nothing to calm your nerves. "You know with that blue tint and your improved night vision, I thought for sure that you would of figured it out."

Your facial expression drops as soon as you realize that what she said was true. You remember back when you first came to the hive it was almost pitch black and the only reason you could see was because of those pod things. Now that you're in a hallway devoid of any light you realize that you can still see. A feat that would have proven to be impossible when you first came here. "What did you do to me!?" You repeat this time you let your anger clearly show.

"Humans, you're so boring you know that." Chrysalis states with a saddened expression, her mouth slightly frowning. "Well I guess you deserve the truth since you can't really do anything about it now, and you're bound to find out eventually. What we have done was change you into a changeling!" She answers with a happy tone, one that did not fit her.

"What!" You yell as you look to your hands, but yet there're still hands. You were still human as far as you knew. She's trying to trick us! You state to yourself. "You're lying I'm still human! See!" You counter holding up your hands as physical proof.

Chrysalis seems to ponder your argument for a while before speaking up again. "Yes, you're still a human. I had no desire on changing that aspect, as you're taller and stronger than the normal changeling. So what I did was simply add to you. Now that I think about it you should be thanking me for going through with such a procedure."

Standing still you try to absorbed all of the information Chrysalis is giving you. You can't really be mad at her for adding to you. The only thing that you saw was a downside was that constant yelling and screaming coming from what Chrysalis said was the 'hive mind'. "So what did you add to me specifically?" You ask less angry and more intrigued, however if she once again states something you don't like you're going to tear this entire hive down with your own two hands.

A smile appears on Chrysalis face. "I always knew that you were a power hungry human the moment I laid eyes on you. Since we put you through the 'pod' process, you have gained every ability a normal changeling has. I'm quite excited to see if the powers are stronger when you wield them, seeing as you're already stronger physically than the rest."

You're speechless, you always wanted to have some kind of superpower and now you got one. "So what are these abilities?" You ask once again, this time you make sure to ask about the side effects of using the powers as well.

"Well for starters you will able to change your appearance. It's not that hard to use, it requires a little dose of magic to convince the creatures around you that you're in fact said creature. Nevertheless the power does not mean your true identity is concealed. You will have no memories of the creature you choose to mimic, and you have to of seen the creature beforehoof to change into them." Chrysalis lectures, she is about to continue before you ask another question.

"Do I have to see the creature directly before I turn into it or could I have a mental picture of what it looks like? Also can I replicate non biological objects?" You ask hoping that the answer for both questions is yes.

Chrysalis's expression turns into a confused one and then a curious one. "I suppose if you know how the creature looks like exactly then you could in turn change into it. Why you would want to do that is beyond my knowledge. For your second question I have no Idea, I for one have never attempted to change into a object." She continues to think about the new possibilities.

"What about strength. Say if I turn into a changeling that is stronger than me would I gain his or her strength?" You state, because if that was the case then this might be the best gift anyone has ever given you. It would also mean that you most likely possess the strongest superpower other than time travel.

"Sadly if you wish to copy the strength it requires more magic. Which in turn means that you would have to start training almost immediately. I doubt however that you would use it in combat seeing as you're already pretty strong physically." She claims walking down the hallway. "Follow me we can walk and talk."

Following Chrysalis you continue to ask questions. "But I assume that if I say copy you, I would not be able to transfer the magical abilities you possess." You say that because copying someone's physical appearance is much easier than copying someone's mental state.

"Yes that is correct, you cannot copy anything nonphysical like I said before you can't copy memories. I must say that this power comes with a down fall Lorin, it is something you should take into account before using any spells." Chrysalis lectures once again but this time you can see that she's not joking around.

"And what may that be?" You ask curious, there must be a limit somewhere. For if this power had only positives you could consider yourself a god. Heh me as a god, I can hardly picture it. You state to yourself with a chuckle.

You both turn a corner in the hallway leading you both into another one. However at the end of this hallway you can see a bright green light. Chrysalis stops and looks straight into your eyes. "You're power's are only as strong as the love you feed off of." She states making you put on a confused expression.

What the fuck? Love you feed off of? What kind of shit is this? You state in your mind. Chrysalis seems to get your confusion as she goes on and tells you about what she meant. "We changelings feed off love. It's the only thing that keeps us alive. We can sustain our own lives here with the love we give one and another but our powers are weak. If we were to say walk into a another town we could feed off others. It won't do anything to the creature we feed off of, but it will enable us to use more powerful magic."

This gets your attention, ever since high school you always looked for a loop hole. If you found one here then you would be able to become a god. A smile creeps onto your face, that is until you remember the yelling and screaming you heard before. "So what happened to cause all those screams and yells I heard. You called it the 'hive mind' but why does it happen?" You ask pondering the question yourself.

The both of you continue to walk towards the glowing green glow. "That is just so I know you won't use your powers against me if or when you become stronger than any of us in the hive. I have high hopes for you Lorin and I just wanted to make sure you were on my side." She states looking down towards you with a smile.

Bitch I never said I wanted to join you! It's cool in all that you gave me these powers but I don't work for no... bug. You think to yourself, you were always the rebellious type of person. Nevertheless you kept your mouth shut, you will follow her orders till you know you can take her on. "So this 'hive mind' activates when I'm about to attack you?" You state curiously.

"No it only activates when I want it to. I control the hive mind, so it is wise that you don't disappoint me." She states in a very sturdy tone. One that would give off the impression that she would know exactly what you're thinking. So if she doesn't know she's going to die she’ll never activate it... hehehehe, mwahahah You claim laughing a bit to yourself at the end.

Chrysalis gives you an un-amused expression. "Nevertheless here we are." She states pointing her hoof out into the open when you both pass through another door that the green glow was coming from.

The place you now stand in was huge. The ceiling went for miles and all around changelings zipped around. It looked like a real hive however when you looked closer you realized that this place was in fact a city. Many homes were dug into the walls and even little shops lay scattered around.

"Welcome Lorin to the heart of the hive. This is where you will be living if you so choose to stay here. We have all the shops that a person like you should ever need." She lectures proudly. It seems like she really takes her job seriously.

"So I can just get up and leave the hive whenever I want to and roam the planet? What's there to stop me if I say turn against you?" You ask with a confused expression once again. Stepping into this hive is like stepping into a new world -which technically it is-.

Chrysalis smiles down towards you. "Well first there’s the hive mind. It will activate immediately if you were to start causing damage to the hive. Secondly I really don't think you want to tear this place down seeing as it's your only hope of getting proper training for your abilities." She makes a good point one that you find hard to go against.

Nevertheless you still rather live somewhere else. The houses look top notch but the gloomy atmosphere is not where you belong. You like to think of yourself as an adventure rather than a person that stays in one spot. "I appreciate the home offering but I think I'm going to pass." You state making Chrysalis's mood drop.

"I see, what is your plan then? You're a changeling now and your blue eyes give it away. If you wander into any town you will be engaged." She states making you look towards her once again in confusion.

"Blue eyes! When did this happen!" You yell to the queen who does not even flinch. It seems like she must be used to this type of reaction. "Is this why my vision is tinted blue! Is there any way I can get rid of it?" You ask hoping that it's not permanent.

Chrysalis sighs as her horn glows green. "It's not as bad as you think it is." She states and a mirror pops out of nowhere. Staring into the mirror you’re greeted by the same person, however your iris is colored a dark blue and you can see a bit of blue smoke emanating from them.

"What's with this smoke!" You yell out, it looked cool but you didn't want to have it forever. However on the other hand you did look good with dark blue eyes, it almost suits you.

"That only happens when you're angry. To tell the truth it surprises me, usually it only happens when a changeling is really mad. This is because the magical output spikes and the body can no longer hold onto the magic. I take it you're not really that mad right now, so the only other reason is that you produce a lot of magic on your own. Either that or you have very little space to store magic." Chrysalis lectures.

"So this will only happen when I'm slightly angry?" You state, it sounds pretty cool. You don't mind it that much if it's a side-effect. Chrysalis doesn't answer you but instead holds up the mirror again. When you look into it you see that the smoke is gone cementing your thoughts and her words in place.

Chrysalis looks at you with a neutral expression. "Well then Lorin it looks like I shall lead you out of here. I only ask that you do one thing for me in return." She states with a tone that suggest that she's planning something and you’re just another pawn in her game of chess.

"And what may that be?" You ask wondering what it is that she's going to ask. It must be something really important if she was willing to give you these powers. "If I have to kill something sentient you can count me out." You state with stern eyes.

The look on her face shows that she really doesn't believe what you said. "You killed over thirty of my changelings last time you were awake what makes killing anything else different?" She asks with a pout once again her actions do not suit her as she's supposed to be a queen and all serious.

"Well for starters they tried to kill me!" You state in a loud tone. "secondly I was just dumped here, confused, and scared. What else am I supposed to do, it was my instincts kicking in that got them killed." You claim telling the truth, you really weren't thinking back then due to lack of water and food.

"That is true, however this task does not involve killing. All I want you to do is visit a town called Ponyville and get to know a pony there called Twilight Sparkle. After that you're free to go where ever you please." She states in normal tone.

"Well that's actually not a bad deal." You reply and her only response is a smile. "Before we go you wouldn't by chance have a shop that sells some sunglasses here would you?" You ask, this only makes the queen chuckle and nod in understanding.

"I don't know for sure. What the changelings sell here is none of my business. I'm only here to make sure they don't start a riot or anything. Although I don't doubt that there will be one around here somewhere. I assume you're trying to cover up your eyes so you will be able to enter villages?" You nod in response to her question.

Also it wouldn't hurt having some new shades. Only one problem I have no money to pay for such a commodity. "You suppose you can lend me some money to purchase the shades?" You ask feeling a bit guilty for asking someone for money.

Chrysalis's horn glows and she materializes a scroll before you. "Give this to any changelings and they will give you what you want." She states in a monotone voice, it looks like she is getting a bit bored from your conversation. "When you wish to leave just ask any of the changelings and they will lead you out." She claims turning around and walking away however before she's out of view she states one last thing. "Remember Lorin we feed off love, make sure to find some someplace." She lectures with a wink and then walks out of view.

You nearly vomit in your own mouth, you don't think you will ever love a changelings. You can hardly tell what gender one is. Shoving the thoughts aside you shove the scroll into your pilot coveralls and walk along the edge of the cylindrical city. Eyes peeled for any sort of shops that might sell some shades. Why changelings would sell shades is far beyond your comprehension.

Hours pass by and you find yourself in some sort of market square where multiple booths are setup. The way they made everything out of this black material was weird. Another thing is that you have yet to get hungry or thirsty. You remember that ever since you came here you were parched, but now that you’re a changeling all desire to eat or drink is gone.

Searching wasn't easy as well, there were no signs anywhere which could lead you to a shop. Not only that but everywhere you went these changelings would be looking at you with wide eyes. Since you're the only human changeling you understood why.

Now that you stood in the middle of some sort of market square you began perusing the wares. Some were confusing, like balls of green goo and others where normal, like a quill and ink. You thought you saw a sunglasses stand however when you walked up to the stand you realized that they sold gadgets, such as night vision goggles. Which to you seemed useless since all changelings were basically born with it.

Nevertheless you walk up to the stand. "Hello do you know where a changeling would sell some sunglasses?" You ask the changeling.

"Why would you want ordinary sssunglasssesss, you don't look like the ordinary changeling." She states doing the same weird 's' thing like the other changeling when you first woke up. It kinda suits them anyway, being a bug and what not.

Sparking your interest you continue the conversation. "Why you ask? You have something better than 'normal' sunglasses?" You ask leaning in close to the table. The changeling leans back a bit and picks up a box that was under the counter.

"Yesss." Is all the changeling says before she opens up the box. Looking inside you take note of some rather modern looking aviators. Talk about jackpot! I fucking love aviators. You state to yourself as you ponder what she said before.

"So what makes this better than any other pair of sunglasses? hmm?" You ask trying to see if the changeling was cheating you out for more money. "Because I have seen these before, and there nothing but normal sunglasses."

The changeling starts to smile. "Why don't you put them on and sssee what makes them sssso sssspecial" Following the changelings orders you grab the aviators out of the box and put them on. To your amazement they were a perfect fit, surprising because you thought that they would of catered their wares to them then to a human.

"See nothings special about them they're just normal sunglasses." You claim about to take them off, that is until the changeling speaks up.

"How about now?" She claims and you can clearly see the sound waves that the changeling produces. Having seen that you turn around and see that you can see every sound wave in existence. It's really cool but you rather not have your vision filled with multiple sound waves while you're walking. You can see how it could get annoying very fast.

"I will say that it's pretty sweet, but it's too distracting." You claim taking off the glasses and putting them back in the box. However when you go to place the glasses down she moves the box away from you.

She then looks at you with a smirk. "You know you can change the frequenciesss you can sssee." She states making you look at her dumbfounded. "All you have to do isss focusss on the sssoundss you want to hear, and if you don't want to sssee any then don't focussss on any."

Putting the glasses back on you look around the room once more. All the sound waves bouncing around the room start to give you a headache. But you're not the one to give up so you just focus on the view and not the waves. Much to your liking the waves slowly disperse.

Turning back to the desk you place the glasses back in the box. "I still don't want the product." You say in a serious tone however the changeling still has its smirk on. It's like she knows you're going to buy it eventually.

"Sssorry but you wore them ssso now you have to buy them." She states, her tone ever so innocent. "That will be 95 bitssss." She states making your anger start to boil up. The blue tint gets harder to see through and you slam your fist onto the table.

"What kind of fucked up deal is that!" Your voice booms out causing the changeling to look at you with fear. "I demand that you take these back or let me keep them for free, you know since you're so keen on giving them away."

The changeling gulps and hides behind the counter, no doubt cowering from your sudden outburst. When she fails to come back up you walk away from the stand, the changelings that watched the event happen stepped aside as you passed them. None of them willing to stand up to you, they all knew that the changeling was trying to rip you off.

You walked till you couldn't see the market square anymore, and it's at that time that you realized you still had the glasses on. Well it looks like I'm keeping these. You state to yourself as you look around for a changeling to show you the way out of the hive.

As you look around you notice that all the changelings are keeping a small distance away from you now. They all most likely heard about your argument with the gadget changeling. How they all know in such a small amount of time is amazing but you don't doubt that these changelings gossip.

Nevertheless you still are determined to get out of this gloomy hive and into the hot sun that is the desert. You don't know how you're going to get out but you would be dammed if you didn't try. So you do what the queen said and walked up to one of the changelings roaming the hive city.

Coming across one proved to be a task as every time you tried to talk to one they just simply walked away. It wasn't long before you started to get a bit ticked, you know that you're a human and they're all afraid of you, but you thought that the queen would of stated your presents.

Finally after trying to talk to multiple changelings you come across one that doesn't bolt it. "Could you please show me the way out of the hive?" You ask, practically begging. You tried other ways of asking but they just seemed to make the changelings run faster.

"Sure but it won't be free." The changeling speaks and for the first time it doesn't have that annoying 's' thing going on. "I would say 10 bits would be a fair price for exit of the hive." He states with a sly smile on his face. He is no doubt taking advantage of your situation.

"Fine, I don't got bits but I got this letter from Chrysalis." You state passing him the letter. The changeling gladly takes the note and opens it up breaking the wax seal. He takes some time to look it over and after a couple minutes he smiles up at you.

"Follow me sir and I will show you the way out." He claims vaporizing the letter with his magic. At first you thought that he just destroyed your letter, but then you realize that Chrysalis made the same letter reappear out of thin air. So it was probably just a spell that stored the object, really convenient now that you think about it. You have a slight feeling that all this magic stuff is going to take a while to get used to.

Time passes as you follow the changeling through the black stone streets. He takes a lot of turns and entered many doors, making you wonder how long he had to live here before he memorized all of this. To you, you were completely lost, if he dumped you here he could just flea and probably get away.

Thankfully that was not the case and you both found yourselves standing in front of two large double doors that were already open, revealing the blinding light of the sun. Just outside of the doors was a ledge and then an almost 90 degree drop.

"How the hell am I supposed to get out of here?" You ask the changeling. He only responds with a shrug and then casually walks away as he held his part of the deal. Not wasting any time you walk up to the opening to see that the hive lays inside a large cavern.

Looking down you can see that the cavern itself goes down for many miles and stretches even further. On each side of the entrance stood two changeling guards decked out in armor. Each of them stood at attention, their spears held in front of them poised to attack and a one handed sword sheath to their side.

From this display you think it's safe to assume that they will help you get out. The entrance was not that far from the top of the cavern and all you would need is for one of them to help you up. That is unless they had a way of getting you out another way.

Moving into position you walk up to the first guard. "Hey. You mind helping me get out of here, I don't have wings like you guys do." You state in your normal tone. You don't think that being aggressive with these guys is going to work out to well.

Without warning his horn glows a bright green like the queens and he shoots you with a green beam. Begin caught off guard at his sudden act of violence you have no chance to dodge, enabling the beam to hit you square in the chest.

Soon the light fades and the pain dies down. Looking around you find yourself at the top of the cavern. Right, fucking magic. is all you say before you look around some more. As expected the only thing you can see from horizon to horizon is sand. The burning sun high in the sky telling you that this is the hottest it's going to get.

However you realize that you're not hot at all, in fact you feel like you're at the perfect temperature. Pushing that thought aside you look out into the open desert. I really should of asked one of them for directions as well. You state as you start your long journey into a random direction, relishing the fact that you don't need food nor water to survive.

Days pass as you walk tirelessly through the desert. The trails you leave behind are instantly covered as the wind blows more sand into their spot. When you look in front of you, you can see nothing. Right now you're walking right through a sandstorm. An event that you never thought you would be able to live through, but it seems that being a changeling also makes you resistant to such things. You have no sense of direction, you could be traveling in circles for the past two days and you would of never of known.

But on the other hand you have never been so determined in your life. All you wanted to do was get out of this godforsaken desert and find that town Chrysalis mentioned. For when you're done visiting the town and meeting this Twilight Sparkle you can go off and explore the rest of the world, since you doubt that you're still on earth.

You also need to figure out how this feeding of love stuff works. From the way Chrysalis talked it should just come naturally and should not harm or alert the source of the love. Lastly you still need to see if the powers Chrysalis stated you have actually work.

That would be an easy one to test. Just enter a town in a disguise and ask someone what you look like and that's another thing. You have no idea what race this Twilight Sparkle is? The only life forms you have seen on this planet is the wooden wolfs and the changelings. Maybe there're some more humans on this planet! You think to yourself only for it to be shoved out again.

The way Chrysalis spoke about you made you think that she had yet to see a human. However you never know, maybe she just didn't explore that much and meet all of the races that inhabit this planet. It was a long shot but it was the only glimmer of hope in your unique situation.

Sighing you lift your head up from the sand to look in front of you. The sandstorm that you were in is starting to die down, and every minute more and more comes into view. With your hopes to see something other than sand you continue forwards in hopes to get out of the desert.

Hours or days pass, you can't really tell anymore and the sandstorm is completely gone. You nearly screamed in joy when you saw on the horizon a thin line of green. With the new destination in sight you start to run towards it, your energy never faltering for one second. You were just so happy to now see a way out.

The desert had done a number on your body but it was still in working order. You just hope that somewhere in that thin line of green was a village that had working water. Not to drink but rinse yourself in and relax, not to mention the love that you get to feed on while you're there.

I wonder what feeding off love feels like? Is it just like eating, or does it just give you more power then you already had? You ask yourself as you keep up your pace. The energy that you had stored up was like a never-ending well and since it showed no signs of drying up you used it to its fullest.

The smile on your face growing bigger and bigger the larger the thin line became. Hours passed by and you were still running not feeling the effects at all. The only thing that you wanted to do was to get out of this desert. You know you keep saying that but it really is going you be amazing to not walk on sand but instead walk on nice solid ground. Ground that would not move, ground that would not get stuck in your boots. Soon the desert sand turned into cracked mud and soon that too started to show signs of life. The rare bush here and there.

Finally after miles upon miles of running you come upon what you wanted most, the edge of the desert. Unable to contain your joy you step off the cracked mud and onto the lush green grass. "Now to find that village!" You yell out slowing down to a walk.

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power."~Abraham Lincoln

Chapter Five - The 7 stages of Rainbow.

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Anon's POV:

A large crackle is heard throughout the brisk evening air, a sound so loud that it made you turn around curiously. Sadly what ever made the sound left as you now stare into the empty castle hallway behind you. Chalking it up to magic you shrug and turn back around towards the train station. This magic thing is really going to take some getting used to. You claim mentally as complete the turn and come face-to-face with a large white unicorn.

"Sweet baby Jesus!" You stumble back yelling. This was the first time any pony came close to mirroring your size. Looking over the unicorn you note that it not only has a horn, but wings as well. Memories start to fill your mind of the time the voice spoke to you. Given enough time you would be certain you would of solved the mystery of the mares name.

But as things tend to happen around you, you are cut from your thinking. "Anonymous! You have a lot of explaining to do!" The white unicorn's voice booms out for all to hear, however it did not contain any hint of anger. If this were back on earth you would of just ran away, but sadly here on Equss they have magic. An ability that not even the slipperiest of humans can escape.

"H-How do you know my name?" Is the first thing to escape your mouth. You don't trust this unicorn anymore then you do a complete stranger, so you keep your distance. Not like it would really do anything if she were to unleash her magic upon your fragile body. If you were any good at math you would be playing the possibilities throughout your mind.

The pure white mare looks at you with rock hard stare. It's as if she expects you to answer the question yourself. When she fails to speak up you're left to move onto another question. "Okay if you won't answer that one at least tell me who the heck you are."

The question seems to spark something within the unicorns mind. Her face changes to one of sympathy, completely catching you off guard. Geez this mare needs to pick one emotion and stick with it. This is getting really hard to follow. You tell yourself as you wait for the mare to respond to the question you asked.

After a couple of seconds the mare recomposes herself a states with a regal tone. "I'm Princess Celestia, ruler of equestrian." This makes you step back from the mare. Anypony with this height can claim to be a princess so you don't buy into it. It wouldn't be the first time you made that mistake if you fell for it.

"Yeah and I can make pigs fly, but in all seriousness who are you and why do you know my name." You figure leaving out asking why she was mad at you for now. Who knows maybe she is a real princess and the reason you died was because you stole something from her and was sentence to death. A highly unlikely possibility, but you played '9:05' the text based adventure game back on earth and you're not taking any chances.

The so called princess looks around the area. Ponies of all shapes and colors stood around you two watching patiently. "I will tell you but it would be best if we talk somewhere more private." She replies, her voice no longer booming out.

"Sorry but I got a train to catch and I can't miss it just to talk to a mare that claims to be a princess." You lecture the truth. This train ride is a chance to meet this so called 'Rainbow Dash' you vaguely remember. If a chance to jog your memory presents its self your dam sure you're going to take it.

"While I accept your reasoning for not trusting me, I have to relay this information to you. Guards!" You filch at the mares command, but that's all it took as multiple gold armored ponies with spears fell from the heavens. The way they executed the maneuver while staying in formation made you put on an impressed expression.

Once again you found yourself in another one of your signature problems. No way of escape and little to no chance of survival if you follow through. It amazes you that you're still alive. "Well it looks like I have no choice but to follow you now." You state walking up to one of the guard ponies that circle you.

Celestia looks at you with a smile upon her face. "You haven't changed one bit Anon." You're so tempted to say 'so have you' but since you don't even know the mare you keep your mouth shut. Once she notices your lack of a response her horn lights up a bright yellow and soon all you can see is white.

Another crackle is heard and your stomach starts to turn. The feeling like your stomach is in the middle of an evacuation process states its presents as you fall to your knees. That is not the only thing that changes, the chilling nip from outside is no longer there and is now replaced by a nice warm breeze. So this is what teleportation must feel like. You claim to yourself as you stagger back to your feet.

"Sorry about that but I need us both to be in a private location." Celestia states as you rub your eyes, attempting to focus them. Just like a electronic camera your vision starts to focus and you look around the new room you find yourself in. The floors were checkered light purple and white, while the wall were coated a nice dark purple.

Turning around you notice a nice king sized bed with a mahogany dresser and bedside table accompanying it. Bellow the bed ran a soothing turquoise rug that circled most of the room. You yourself stood on the rug and it felt softer then the sheets on your bed. The thing that made the room look stunning was the placement of the windows. Every inch of the room was covered by pure sunlight, you could see no shadows whatsoever.

Glancing back at the princess you realize that her mane is colored; blue , pink, and green. As if the colors were not beautiful enough it blew in an eternal breeze. You really wonder how you managed to miss such a feature when you first met her, maybe it was the fact that she teleported right in front of you scaring the living daylights out of you.

"So what is it that you need to tell me?" You ask leaving out your arrogant tone. For now that you see her true power, you have no problem believing that she is what she says she is. That and the way she called upon the guards like it was nothing.

"This might be hard for you to take in at first, but you have seemed to have lost a bit of your memory." Celestia states making you almost burst into laughter. Once she sees your reaction to her statement she adorns a confused expression, one that suites her as much as it did Shadow.

"You came two days too late." You claim to the princess. "I noticed that the moment I was sent to Tartarus. Which by the way is very, very poorly guarded. I got out of there without so much as a scratch on my back." You lie recalling the time when you were in the heated floor room, and the dog and dragon that attempted to kill you as you escaped.

Celestia's mouth hangs a bit open. If you weren't looking for it you would never of seen it. "You escaped Tartarus? This explains a lot." She states pondering over ideas in her mind. You for one are a bit curious of what goes on in a princesses mind.

"Yup that's right. I assumed I had to of died to be sent to a place like that, but no matter how hard I try, I cannot remember how it happened. The only thing I remember is the name 'Rainbow Dash' which from what I hear is the name of a pony in Ponyville."

Celestia smiles at the information you relayed. "Ah Anon, even in such a state you cannot forget such a name and too find her just proves my suspicions wrong." You really wish you knew what she was talking about but it seems like she knows a lot about your passed, maybe she did execute you. You just hopped you said something catchy when you died.

"You seem to know a lot about me. You know how I died?" You ask curiously. Just like the last phrase you hope that you died doing something amazing, like sacrificing yourself to keep the world from blowing up. Sadly ponies would of told you by now if you did such a heroic act, so you throw that idea with the wind.

"Sadly, I cannot tell you. For I am not the one that should tell you." This freaking mare with her cryptic words. Sometimes you wish it was as easy as asking, but that's never the case is it. Sighing you look over the princess again, this time checking out her flank tattoo.

Doing so sparks a question within your mind. "Hay I always wanted to know, is it true that you can move celestial objects such as the sun? Because back where I come from if a person claimed to have such powers they would be tossed into the loony bin." This gets the mare to chuckle.

"While I would love to answer your many questions, I believe that some other mare is looking to meet you. For if she knew I was hogging you all to myself she might just hurt somepony." Once again you're confused. You don't think this princess can speak normally without wise words, you were never the one for solving riddles.

"The only mares I know are Diamond and Longshot, last time I left them they said their goodbyes. Who would want to see me that badly?" Celestia smiles once again and its starting to become a thing of hers. Maybe that can be your next question, 'why do ponies smile so god dam much' sure the world here is perfect but even some ponies must have bad days.

"That is for me to know and you to find out." Celestia states making you grown in response. Did she really just say that to me. You tell yourself as her horn begins to glow. Wait glow! You state to yourself, but it's too late as your vision is already colored a pure white. Without so much as a word the bright white light fades and your left standing in the middle of a crowd of ponies.

As your vision starts to come back you notice that all the ponies are stomping their hooves to the beat. All of the ponies are too into the concert that is happening right in front of them that they pay no attention to the human that just teleported in. Listening to the beat you start to realize you know this song all too well, a song that was created back on earth.

You can't help but sway to the sound of the saxophones melody and the pianos notes. Since you were taller than all the other ponies you were able to see the ponies that were playing it live. A minty green pony was on the stage with her saxophone hitting every note dead on, while a white mare was at a pair of turn tables.

The music was so moving you couldn't help but yell out over all the other ponies "This is mah JAM!" As if a light switched was flicked all of the ponies stop what they were doing and stare straight at you. Most of them are looking at you with awed expressions while others are simply speechless. It was so quite you could hear a pin drop.

Rainbow Dashes POV:

One month ago.

You sit there by Anon's side looking at his motionless body. Your last words never got the chance to touch his ears. Pain and guilt is all you're able to feel at a moment like this. To make it worse no pony is around to help you with Anon. Which is strange because the place you found yourself, was in Twilights library.

It's dark surrounding telling you that either she is sleeping or is out of the house. The later one proving to be the most likely seeing as light is pouring through the windows. Come on Dash we have to get him to the hospital! There still might be a chance that he will make it through. You lecture yourself as you get under Anon and lift him up.

You didn't care that his blood now dripped onto your mane and coat. All you wanted to do was to get him to the hospital, however no matter how strong you were Anon was still just as heavy as he was when you lifted him up to the cloud. Now that you were mentally and physically drained from the day's events you had to put ever ounce of energy into carrying him.

Kicking open Twilights front door you're greeted by the chilling dusk air. It's cold touch is welcomed as it helps cool you down, pushing you even harder. The hospital was across the town and you would continue until you passed out or till you got there. For his life is completely in your hooves, an event you wished never happened.

As you step into the Ponyville streets ponies everywhere stared. They all knew how hard it was for you to carry the human but none of them helped. All of them no doubt somewhat happy that the 'big monster' is no more. The thought of them thinking that way boiled up your rage to a point where even you couldn't with hold it.

All you wanted to do is to yell at all of them, but that in turn would of used up precious energy that you needed to carry him into the hospital. By the time you're done thinking about other ponies thoughts you have the hospital in sight and still nopony to lend a helping hoof.

The seconds pass by and you can feel more of Anon's blood soaking into you fur. His breathing has gone down so much that you question if he is alive anymore. Nevertheless you push on and enter the hospital. Almost immediately the nurse rushes up to you with a wide eyes. "Miss Dash! What happened!"

"It was an accident! Can you help me?" You ask the nurse on the verge of conciseness. The nurse nods and trots off to a nearby stretcher. With lightning fast reflexes she grabs it with her mouth and rolls it over to you. With the nurses help you both manage to get Anon onto the stretcher, and without any warning the nurse pushes the Stretcher away leaving you behind. Being to week to continue you pass out on the floor of the hospital.

One week later.

So it turns out that Twilight and the rest of the girls were out in Canterlot for the day trying to find a way to get you back. Once they got word from Ponyville that you have returned they rushed back home, skipping the train and using mass teleportation or something like that.

When they arrived you were still waiting in the hospital. The doctors and nurses refused to let you in to the operating room no matter how hard you tried. Something that is a feat even in its self, not much can stand in your way, but today they proved you wrong.

When the time came you were reluctant you had your friends nearby. The doctor opened the light green doors and gave you a grim expression. His saddened look was all you needed to know, but out of hope you waited for what he had to say.

"I'm afraid Mr Anonymous did not make it through the operation." The doctor simply stated. The emotions that you had bottled up the entire the entire stay busted open and you started to feel drops of water roll down your cheek. Memories of what he did to keep you safe and happy rolled through your mind. Memories of what he left just so he could stay with you in Equestria.

You were not the only one that was feeling this way as you looked to see that most of your friends were taking it hard as well. Within seconds you succumbed to the group hug that followed shortly after.

Two week later.

The funeral was one of the hardest things to go through. Celestia, Luna and the rest of the girls were all present. Each one wearing an article of clothing that was colored black, a normal tradition on earth but not in Equestria. You felt that he at least deserves a proper funeral from his own kind.

When the time came to say the speech you walked up to the podium and looked out amongst the ponies and the coffin. You could hear the light pitter-patter of the rain tapping against its doors in a never-ending knock. You wanted to go through with this unprepared so you could say your last words to Anon from the heart.

"Anon was one of my best friends. Since his arrival in Equestria he had done nothing but try to gain the trust of the ponies around him. Sadly he was met with hardship and cold shoulders, but Anon was not the man to give up...no. He kept trying up until the day he died. I know that you all think poorly of Anon, but I just want you to know what he gave up coming here." You state to the crowd of ponies that are gathered around.

"Before his death, Anon showed me his world. It was plagued with violence but also beauty. Anon was not some monster as some of you claimed. He had a family and friends, he was no different than me or you. Even if he was forced to come here, I don't think any of us would of been as strong as he was. The reason I'm going to miss him the most, is because even through it all he managed to brighten my day and make me smile..." You trail off stepping down from the podium.

The crowd was silent as Anon's casket was lowered into the ground. They all knew that you rarely said mushy stuff in public. For you to do so showed to them how much Anon really meant to you, and how wrong they really were.

One week later.

Days passed by without you noticing. The world just felt so much more empty without him. With Anon there would rarely be a day where you would do nothing. That was most of the reason you hanged out with him so much. Now that he's gone it feels like you can't move forward with your life.

As the third day passed you heard a quite knocking at your door. Your mind wanted you to answer it but your body refused. Turning over you look out of the window where you first saw Anon fall from the sky. You would really hate to admit it to him face to face, but you think he had a real chance at beating you with his jet.

The knocking ceases and you let out a large sigh. You know you have to move on one day but it hurts to much to think about it. As you lay their gazing out of the window you notice the sound of flapping. Sitting up in your bed you walk over to the window, the flapping getting louder and louder.

Finally the source of the sound shows herself as she flies up to your window. "Fluttershy? what the hay are you doing here?" You ask as you look at her with a stern expression. You live pretty far from Ponyville so it's rare that any pony comes up here.

Fluttershy lets out a little 'eep' as you caught her off guard. "Well... um... we were thinking that you would want to come down and talk with us for a bit." Us? You think to yourself as you poke your head out of the window to look down. Sure enough all of the girls were down there waving to you. The thought was heart warming that they wanted to see if they could help you in anyway, so you accepted Fluttershy's offer.

After a couple of seconds you open your door and glide down to the tip of the hill where the rest of the mane six sat. They all looked at you with sympathetic expressions as they sat down on a picnic blanket. "I know what you girls are going to say. I just need a bit more time to get over it." You claim walking up to the picnic blanket and sit down with them.

"We know darling, but you have been in your house for over a week. If you do not come to terms with the loss of Anon then you might follow in his steps." Rarity states with a serious tone. You don't think you have ever seen her this serious outside of work.

"Rarity's right Rainbow. You can stay up in your house all day, it's not healthy." Twilight supports Rarity. The other girls seem to nod at their statements. You know they're all right you really do, however you get this feeling like he's still alive somewhere. Sadly it's just a feeling and feelings are not always true.

The next to speak up is pinkie pie. "Well I know you feeling super sad right now, so I think Anon would of wanted you to have this right about now." Pinkie states hoofing you over a large black duffle bag as well as Anon's backpack. A nostalgic feeling overcomes you as you look over the two bags that Anon always had with him. You already knew what was in the backpack, but the black duffle back remained a mystery.

As you rummage through the backpack pinkie speak up. "So what in the bag?" She states trying to peak over your shoulder. Even at times like these you can be mad at pinkie she's just to... fun.

"I know that it had held all of Anon's valuables. I'm just making sure everything is in here." You state as you reach your hoof in and pull out Anon's gun. Twilight looks at the gun with wide eyes, no doubt thinking of the scientific possibilities. Something that Anon would of teased her about.

Reaching in further into the bag your hoof makes contact with an box. Never recalling a moment where Anon pulled out a box you grab it and pull it out. The box is wrapped in a newspaper and tied with some wool string, and a little card was jammed where the knout was tied. Being intrigued you pull off the card and flip it over.

"What does it say sugar-cube?" Applejack states tilting her Stetson up so she can get a look of the box that lay in your hooves. "Is that another one of Anon's contraptions?" She ponders as she to gets up and walks closer to you.

Clearing your throat you read out the little card. "To: Dash, From: Anon." You say a bit surprised you never knew Anon bought a gift for you. You were starting to go off the assumption that he never gave gifts or bought anything for anyone. Then again he was in Equestria a place where he has no money. "I hope I can be there when EQUESTRIAS FASTEST FLYER opens this up. You're face is going to be priceless." You state out loud chuckling at his choice of words.

"So what is it...?" Fluttershy asks.

"I don't know yet it's a present, I have to open it first." You state rolling your eyes to Fluttershy. "But whatever it is it's from earth, Anon had no money here on Equestria so that's the only possibility." Once again Twilights ears perk up like a dog when he hears the word 'walk'. As expected Twilight stands up and walks over to the package much more interested.

"Well what are you waiting for Dash open it." Twilight state looking a bit more exited then you are at the moment.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm opening it." You claim as you undo the knout making sure to take as much time as possible. Teasing Twilight like this always brightens your day. With the wool string now untied the newspaper coverings fall to the grass. Not surprisingly Twilight picks up the wrapping with her magic as it too is from earth.

Once the newspaper is out of the way you look down to see a nice clean white box. Sliding the top of the box off you look down to see another cover. "Do all humans pack their gifts like this?" Twilight states on the edge of her metaphorical seat.

"I think Anon did this solely to piss you off Twi." Twilight winces at your response, but you nevertheless continue to open up the package. Pulling up the little paper cover the real present is revealed. You almost drop the box right then and there when you take sight upon a phone resembling Anon's.

"I-Is that Anon's 'Phone'?" Twilight states however this time you're the one more surprised than she is. All you do is nod in response the feeling of guilt returning. You were the cause of Anon's death and even in his eternal slumber he still manages to make you smile. Taking the phone out of its slot you take sight on a little note that lay at the back.

Holding back your tears you read the note. "Have a wonderful birthday Rainbow Dash. I have no idea how you're going to charge it, but I'm sure we'll find a way." With that you can no longer hold back the tears, seeing your state the rest of the girls pile in for a group hug.

While it was a nice gift, you read it three days to early...

Three days later.

Today unlike any other day is your one and only birthday. With that being said you make sure to look around every corner for pinkie pie. If there's one thing that pinkie is known for its her parties, and even more worldly know is her ability to spring one up when you least expect it.

With Anon's gift pushing you to move on, you feel like you can finally let loose and relax. After further investigation you realized that Anon loaded the phone up with some 'apps' that suite your personality. On top of it all he had all of his songs copied over, which you may or may not of gloated about to the rest of the girls. You were the sole owner of extraterrestrial music.

However you think that you might have gloated to much as Twilight snatched the phone when you weren't looking. She gave it back but not without taking some data from it. You knew that she would eventually attempt to take it, but you never knew she would succeed.

Peaking around another corner you sigh in relief when no pony is there. "HAY DASHIE!" Pinkie pies voice yells out from behind you. You achieve so much air that if you were an earth pony you would be able to enter the Equestrian games.

"Pinkie what did I tell you about sneaking up on ponies like that." You scold pinkie pie that doesn't seem to be even slightly phased by your tone. She knew all too well that you hate being sneaked up on the only reason she would do such a thing is for your birthday party.

"Come on Dashie I have something I want to show you! I know you're going to love it!" pinkie pie lectures as she bounces off to the center of Ponyville. Having nothing better to do you follow in toe. Each step you take you think about Anon. You would of loved for him to attend a party with you. Pushing the sad thoughts out of your mind you follow pinkie to the town hall where hundreds of ponies stood waiting.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" They all shout out. No matter how obvious it was you still manage to jump back at the sheer sound of all the ponies shouting. Nevertheless Pinkie is not done with her surprises as there is a buffet of sweets and drinks. Walking over you notice that Lyra and Vinyl are setting up for some sort of show.

Grabbing a plate of cake you sit back and watch the two ponies setup. You have never seen Lyra and Vinyl play a gig together, you always thought they hated each other. Shrugging it off you take a bight of your cake and wait for the music to start.

Minutes pass until Vinyl announces to the crowd. "All right Ponyville! You ready to party!" The roar and stomping is so loud that you almost cover your ears. "You better be, I'm about to lay down some new beats for all of you." The roar and stomping gets louder and you take another bight of your cake. You will always love pinkies cooking.

As soon as she stops talking Vinyl starts the melody to a song that is literally out of this world. All you can do is have your mind blown as she copies the song note for note. This was one of your favorite songs that you listened to that was on Anon's phone. You liked the 'AC-DC' album on his phone more but the abundance of this 'electronic' music on his phone told you that he liked this type of music more.

The music plays on and you walk up to the girls that were talking to each other by the punch bowl. "How do you like the party Dashie!" Pinkie states with a huge grin plastered on her face. She knew that the music would blow you away and she was just milking you for complements. Complements that were well deserved on her part.

"It's amazing, how did you get the music from my phone?" You ask only to have Twilight cough nonchalantly. You look at her with wide eyes.

"I didn't just take your phone only for the science." Twilight states sheepishly. "And I hope you don't mind but I copied some of the songs for my own personal use. I have come to find that I like this music a lot." You always thought Twilight was into something eggheadish like classical music however she never ceases to amaze you.

"I however find this music garish, but I can see how ponies like it." Rarity states acting all ladylike like she always does. However you can tell that she is enjoying the music as well from her hoof tapping on the ground.

The music switches to another song. As expected the song is once again from Anon's albums. The music moves you but in a different way then it does the other ponies. Instead of making you want to get up and dace the song makes you think about Anon. It has now been one month from his death and it's the first time you feel yourself finally getting over it.

You let a tear fall as you listen to the songs that Vinyl plays. What confuses you is that Lyra just sits there in the corner of the stage. When the next song plays she continues to sit there. She looks very pretty with her mint green dress, yet her expression shows one of pain. All you want to do is go over there and comfort her yet you find yourself staying with your friends.

The music keeps playing in the background and you go back to talking to your friends. "So how long did it take you to set this all up?" You ask attempting to make some conversation. Twilight and Applejack are talking about something while Pinkie and Rarity are arguing about musical taste. Which makes you giggle because pinkie is literally talking about how music tastes.

So in turn Fluttershy speaks up. "Oh it didn't take us that long. With Big Mac's muscles and Twilight's magic it was quite easy. I hope you like it." She claims with her voice lowering with each word.

"Like it! I love it!" You state making Fluttershy squeal. "So what do you think about Anon's music?" you ask Fluttershy.

"It's a bit loud." Is all Fluttershy says in response. Figuring that there is little left to talk about you walk over to Applejack and Twilights. You manage to hear a bit of their conversation before they see you and stop.

"Twi I looked, he's was not in there." Applejack states looking a bit scared. It frightened you a bit to see Applejack scared, she's never frightened. Well other than Zecora walking into town, you still don't know why she got that scared over a simple zebra.

"But that makes no sense I saw -" Is all Twilight can says before she notices you listening in on them. "Oh hi Rainbow!" Twilight states with a sheepish smile. If being with Anon for over a month has taught you something its to see when someone is bullshiting you.

"Hi Twilight, hi Applejack, what you two talking about?" You state in tone that tells them you heard in on their little conversation. Twilight looks over to Applejack but her only response is to tilt her Stetson and walk away to join Pinkie, Rarity and Fluttershy.

"Oh I was just telling Applejack about the stallion stuck in.... in... in the well!" You raise an eyebrow at that. It amazes you that she even tries to lie. You are the only one in the group that can lie and not act suspicious about it. "I was surprised to see that he got out without help." Twilight claims and she starts to visibly sweat.

Trusting Twilight that the reason she is not telling you is for your own good you let it slide. "Well then you liking this party!" You ask gesturing to the crowd of ponies that are dancing in front of the stage. "Because I think that this party is through the roof!"

Twilight sighs in relief as the next song comes on and it just happens to be one of your favorites. You guess Twilight is really thankful that you stopped questioning her about the conversation. "Yes, it took a lot of effort to setup. Well for me it did." Twilight replies gesturing to her horn. "Magic might be helpful at times but is it ever tiring!" You nod in response.

"THIS IS MAH JAM!" A voice yells out from the group of ponies making you roll your eyes.

"Some ponies need to learn when to keep it down so the rest of us can enjoy Anon's music." You claim to Twilight, however instead of saying anything in return she just looks wide eyed. "Hay Twilight, you okay?" You ask waving a hoof in front of her face.

No matter what you try Twilight stays in place looking off towards the crowd of ponies. "What's the matter Twilight you find a stallion you fancy?" You state jokingly and give Twilight a nudge. This seems to snap Twilight out of her state.

"No but I think I found you one." Twilight claims making you put on a confused expression. Without any warning Twilight turns you around in your spot. The cake in your hoof drops to the ground as you stare straight at Anon dancing in the crowd of ponies.

“Don’t grieve. Anything you lose comes round in another form.” ― Rumi

Chapter Six - Rose

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Twilight's POV:

The moment you're hooves left Rainbow Dash's body, the entire crowd of ponies -once stomping and partying- turn all in unison towards Anon. You yourself can hardly believe the situation taking place, but it's happening right now and in front of you so you can't just say otherwise.

Along with the crowd turning, the music stops abruptly and soon the entire town is silent. Well it was silent before the sound of a plate shattering amongst the ground made itself known. Snapping back to reality, your eyes jolt towards Rainbow Dash where the sound originated from.

"Rainbow Dash?.... You okay?" You ask your flash frozen friend.

Blinking once it seems your words of worry never got the chance to hit her ears. Standing where Rainbow once was, was a broken plate, a pile of half-eaten cake and just above it a trail of rainbow colors that led over the crowd of ponies.

Anon's POV:

Suddenly you get the slight feeling that yelling out at this performance was a bad idea. Ponies everywhere are now staring at you with confused and awed expressions, however you do see some that have hints of anger showing. While all these emotions could be explained it still caught you off guard. This was a musical performance -one that they were stomping to- so having one bipedal creature yell out should be no big deal.

You know that you're the only human on this planet, but Diamond reassured you that ponies are quite welcoming of new species. Hell she even told me that Minotaur's live in peace amongst the ponies, so what makes you any different? All these thoughts brought you no closer to solving this mystery, in fact it raised more questions.

Well I never asked for thi-. You say to yourself only to be cut off by a blue blur and then the ground. As much as you admired ponies for their positive attitudes, the fact that they leap into action way to quickly counters it.

Rolling over with a grunt you come to lay eyes on a cyan blue Pegasus with a rather displeased expression upon her face. You lay there motionless as you stare into her magenta colored eyes. Suddenly the mental barrier snaps in your mind and memories of your passed life come flooding in. Memories of your fall are the first to come up from under the surface.

The image of the F-22 burning in the sky brightly, yet staying intact felt so real it made you feel like you were there now. As fast as the image came it faded away, being replaced by another then another. The first time you met a sentient pony by the river, your first job, the little filly that looked up to you, the little filly that you left.

Soon the images stopped coming only to be replaced by voices. "I'M RAINBOW DASH, FASTEST FLYER IN ALL OF EQUESTRIA!", "Takes true courage to do that.", "HE CAN TALK!", "But what if you don't get the job Anon?", "!حیوانات با اسلحه", "ANON WE'RE STALLING!", "I-" The last voice just cut off there, the exact point when you succumbed to the darkness.

Like the images did the voice ceases and you're left staring at the one mare that was with you the whole time. You don't care that she shot you, she did it out of self-defense. It was the one thing that you told her to do should someone come after her. No matter how hard your logical side wanted to blame her for all your suffering, you couldn't do it. For the eternity of your stay in Equss Rainbow Dash has done nothing but be loyal to you.

You were so deep in thought that you didn't notice said pony yelling at you. "We all thought you were dead! Do you know how much pain I went through to lug your limp body to the hospital! YOU HAVE A LOT OF EXPLAINING TO DO!" You wince at the last part. Her volumes reaching levels that would mimic the music a couple of moments ago.

In truth you have a very reasonable explanation for all this and for sure you will tell Rainbow Dash, however now is not the time. Without any warning you reach up and hug Rainbow Dash. Instead of a hoof to the face that you were expecting, she full on hugs you back. You can feel her smile against your neck along with some stray tears.

As everyone knows all good things must come to an end and before you knew it Rainbow Dash was back on top of you staring down. To tell the truth you were expecting this from her, while you know she's happy that your back she still needs to uphold her 'image'. "I still don't hear you talking mister." She states with a stern tone.

"Yeah, yeah, I will get to that as soon as you get off of me." You reply. Her only response is to step back giving you ample room to stand up. Smiling your thanks you slowly get back up to your feet, but as things tend to happen in Equestria the simple task is disturbed causing you to digress from the main task.

Sadly the thing to distract you is a rather bright white light and a loud crack. Ah shit here we go again. You state mentally as you're dematerialized and are sent hurling through space. Within milliseconds you find yourself in Twilights library with all the rest of the mane six. Each one sporting a different expression, but out of all of them you like the yellow ones the best. What's her name again?

Your question is left unanswered as you now proceed to throw up. "Sorry teleportation really gets to me." You state as you stumble back and try to regain focus. "Celestia's teleportation's put me on the edge, especially since she sent me from Canterlot to Ponyville." The statement doesn't seem to affect any of their reactions, other then Twilight's who just gets more confused.

"Ya' got a lot of explaining to do sugar-cube, we all thought you died on us." Applejack states cutting right to the chase, however she was a couple seconds to late as Rainbow Dash said the same thing before the mass teleport.

"I will explain just give me a moment to recompose myself." You reply breathing heavily.

"Ah say you had enough time to 'recompose' yourself while you were laying in that coffin o' yours." Applejack snaps back. "Poor Rainbow here was so depressed that she spent most of her time in 'er house." This gets you to think, do they know how you died?

"Hay! I had no intentions of making you all feel like shit. If I wasn't sent to Tartarus from being shot then I would of gotten here much faster." This statement seems to shut the orange mare up, allowing you to get in a breath. "Now like I said I just need a couple of seconds or I'm gonna throw up again." You claim walking to the nearest chair in sight which so happens to be the couch.

Sitting down upon the couch you let out a large sigh of relief. For the first time in a long time you have your old memories back, and all you want to do is skim through them. Nevertheless you still need to tell these ponies what happened or else their going to force you.

"All I want to know is how you got out of you coffin after we buried it!" Pinkie states gaining the attention of everyone in the room. "What!? It would be a cool party trick?" Pinkie quickly states with a shrug.

"Coffin? I was never in a coffin." You lecture to Pinkie.

"Yes you were silly nony." Pinkie claims standing her ground.

"I have to agree with Pinkie darling. We held a funeral for you when you were claimed, forgive me for saying ...'dead'... by the hospital." Rarity is the next pony to join in the conversation.

"Yeah I carried you all the way to the hospital from Twilights house." Rainbow Dash adds in to support her friends.

"Does anypony not care that Anon just stated that he escaped Tartarus!" Twilight yells out catching the attention of everypony including you.

"There! At least somepony is willing to listen to my story." You claim making everypony turn their attention towards you. "Now like I said, here is my story on what happened." Sparking the attention within everypony the whole room goes silent. Gathering your breath you start to retell your tale.

"Okay my tail begins after Rainbow Dash shot me. When I woke u-" Was all you were allowed to say before everypony interrupts you at the same time.

"RAINBOW DASH SHOT YOU!" They all yell out in unison before turning their gaze towards Rainbow Dash who's face is now turning a tint red from embarrassment. Why do I even try to explain myself to these damn ponies. You say to yourself as Rainbow Dash immediately try's to inform her friends why she did it. To be honest you're not really surprised that she didn't tell them, nevertheless it's still fun to watch her try and wiggle out of murder.

"Now girls it was really dark and I couldn't see who it was, not to mention we were fighting other humans at the time." Rainbow Dash states backing up. "Tell them Anon!"

Your only response is to smirk at her when all the attention is drawn away from you. She gives you a pleading look and you can't help but split it up, as it's getting far enough. "Alright fine, she only did it out of self-defense. I told her to shoot anyone that came after her. What I didn't expect was for her to enter the apartment. It seems that Dash here isn't really the one for following orders."

With that being said all the girls turn back around. "So as I was saying after Dash shot me in the chest I was forced back to Equestria. Sadly that was the least of my worries, when I woke up I found myself in a pitch black room..." You go on to tell the mane six about your great escape and your journey back to Ponyville. Twilight as expected was writing down every word on a parchment, while the rest just sat and listened.

"... Then Celestia teleported me into the group of ponies. By the way why was there a concert in the middle of Ponyville?" You ask in confusion. "Ponyville is the last town I would expect to see a concert in."

"Why do you think! Today's my birthday!." Rainbow Dash is the first to break the silence.

A smile comes upon your face when you realized why they were playing your playlist. "So I guess you found my present." You claim. "It was hard enough keeping it a secret, what with you always following me around."

"Sorry to interrupt ya' but I think we have a more pressing matter on our hooves." Applejack interrupts, however Dash's expression is the only answer you need.

"And what may that be?" You ask curiously as not much can be more pressing then your return to Ponyville or the fact that you just recovered your memory from your past life.

"If your 'ere then who did we bury?" Applejack states.

Lorin's POV:

These past couple of days have been nothing but relaxing to you. With the change of scenery you really come to appreciate this place much more then Earth. While Earth does have lush forests, none of them have vibrant colors like this one. Since you don't require food nor water to survive and you never really get tired the days seem to slip on by without you noticing.

The village that you look for has yet to come into sight, but then again that might just be because you have no idea where it is or where you're going. Before your crash you did remember seeing a village west of the forest, but once the wolfs attacked, you wanted nothing more than to get out of the area. Sadly your mind was not thinking of where it wanted to go and instead of the village it lead you into the desert.

shrugging off your misfortune you continue down the none existent path in front of you. At times like these you would like to think that you knew where you were going but deep down inside you knew you were truly lost.

Letting out a large sigh you're caught off guard when you start to hear crying. Crying? who the heck is out in this god forsaken forest. You ponder to yourself as you follow the sound. The closer you get the more you realize that it's not so much as crying as it's screaming in pain. With this thought in your mind you quickly race to find out the source.

Jumping over roots and rocks you slowly make your way towards the sound. Branches that were once blocking the path now lay broken upon the forest floor. The feeling you were getting was so surreal. Here you where with superhuman powers running towards screams of pain. I guess dreams really do come true. You say to yourself as you dodge another branch.

However just before you reach the cries of pain you skid to a stop. If Chrysalis didn't know your race then for certain this creature wont and the last thing you want to do is scare it away. So instead of bursting through the bushes and meeting this creature face to face you slowly enter the bush and push back some of the leaves to give you a better view.

What you were greeted with was pony -literally a pony- trying to fend off some wolfs. Rage started to boil within you, your hatred for the wolves was unmatched by anything else you have encountered. Sadly you came a bit too late as the wolf was already hacking at the poor pony that lay on the ground curled up in a little ball.

Time to see if this disguise things works. You say to yourself as you copy the pony upon the ground. You yourself felt no change but when you looked to your hands you realized they were now hooves. This is so cool. You say to yourself as you jump out of the bush and continue towards the lone wolf.

Each step you take you put more power behind it making your speed increase exponentially. At the last second you jump into the air and perform a flying kick. As expected you land the hit right in the wooden wolfs face with a crack causing it to tumble to the ground. Sadly you don't know how to work this new body out, so you too fall with the wolf.

Thankfully from your kick the wolf stayed down dazed and you regained your footing and turned towards the mare that lay on the ground. "Can you walk?" You ask switching back and forth from the mare and the downed wolf. "I need an answer quickly!" You state as you see the wolf start to get up. What am I thinking! Ponies can't talk! I guess after see Chrysalis my view on the world has changed significantly.

You get no answer as expected along with a slacked jawed expression. "Y-You're me!" She yells out to your surprise and then passes out right there on the ground. Wops should of seen that one coming. You say as you run up to the mare switching back to your human form. Wasting no time you pick up the pony and bolt it out of there not wanting to fight the wooden wolf any more then you have to.

You don't know how long you have been running thru the forest with this mare on your back, but you think it's safe to say that it was a while as the mare is starting to wake up. With a safe distance away from the wolf you place the mare down and instantly change back to pony form. This time however you make sure to change the mane style and colors. You don't want to lug this pony any longer then it's necessary.

Slowly the mares eyes start to open. "You okay? You took quite a beating back there." You claim getting on all fours as you expect this is normal for a pony. This planet is all sorts of fucked up. First the bug things now talking ponies. You state mentally.

"Yeah... I think I'm okay." She replies rubbing her head with her hoof.

"Good, do you have a name?" You ask curious to know this pony more and wondering why it's in a dense forest and not out in the plains.

"I'm Rose." The mare responds looking up towards you from her seat. "And you are?"

"I'm loran." You reply.

"That's an unusual name.." The pony states. Not as unusual as you -a pony- being able to talk perfect English. You claim to yourself mentally.

"So why are you out here in this forest?" You ask.

"I could ask you the same thing." She points out. "I came out here because this zebra named Zecora told me that there was a large patch of lovely rose bushes near the heart of the forest. While I did manage to find them so did the Timberwolves... There's talking zebra's too! What else!

"Well your safe now or at least I hope so." You lecture looking around the area making sure that the wolf didn't follow you the entire time. With a large sigh you turn back to the mare. "Do you know how to get out of here? Preferably to the nearest town?"

"Oh for sure Ponyville is right over.... over...." The pony spins around in her spot her expression turning to one of worry. "over..." She states again, this time her tone is much lower.

"You don't know where it is do you?" You ask sighing to yourself along with a well needed face hoof.

"Well I did! But now that you carried me away I have no Idea where we are." Rolling your eyes at her response you start to walk in a random direction. "Where you going!" She says still trying to regain her bearings.

"Somewhere, anywhere, maybe I will stumble upon a path." You claim looking back at the now still mare.

"Wait for me then!" She yells out as she takes a few steps forwards only to trip over her own weight.

Rolling your eyes once again you walk back to the mare. "Need some help there?" Her only response is to stubbornly get up herself and attempt to walk again with a humpf. "You know I don't mind helping you out, I did after all carry you away from the 'Timberwolves'."

"No I'm good, really." She says with a smile taking another few steps but you can see that she is obviously trying to hide the pain.

"Your lying is as bad as my friends, just as stubborn too." You state with a chuckle taking the mares front left hoof -the one that was injured- and flinging it over your neck for support. She doesn't say anything in response and just continues on.

"So this Ponyville, do you happen to know someone that goes by the name Twilight Sparkle?" You ask attempting to do two things at once. One break the ice and two get a lead on this creature you're supposed to meet and get to know.

"Everypony knows about Twilight Sparkle she's Celestia's personal student. However she's not the one you should be looking out for, there is this big monster thing that has been walking around town." You lift up one eyebrow at this.

"Big monster thing?" You claim unsatisfied with the description she is giving you. "You're going to have to tell me more than that."

"Well the ponies in town call him a 'Human' however I call him for what he is and that's a monster. I have never seen anything like him, even the diamond dogs and Minotaur look less threatening." Your mind immediately skips over the fact that she stated two new species and focuses on the first one.

"A human, does he have a name?" You ask out of curiosity.

"Anon I think it was. Why are you so interested in him? He's nothing like me or you, he's a human! From another world!" Anon! He's here!

"I think you should be more 'accepting' of humans." You claim keeping your true identity and excitement sealed away under the surface.

"Why should I! He has done nothing but cause trouble." She says with an annoyed tone. "Did you know he ruined one of the elements of harmonies birthday party." Heh that's so the Anon I followed into battle. You say to yourself.

"Well you can't blame him, you know him being the only human on the planet." you reply.

"Just because he's the only one of his kind doesn't mean he gets any special treatment while the rest of us work our flanks off! Can we please change the subject?" Her voice is now pleading and you find it best if you go with it. I can't believe Anon is here!

The two of you continue to walk through the forest talking about random stuff that comes to either of your minds. Nevertheless you're thankful that you saved this pony as now you have someone to talk to during your journeys, even if she doesn't know what you truly are.

Hours soon pass by and you find yourselves exiting the gloomy forest and into the brightly lit plains. It was so bright that you had to shield your eyes for a while before you got used to it, but what caught your attention was a large city that lay at the bottom of a large mountain.

"Is that Ponyville?" You ask pointing out towards the city. "Because that looks more like a city to me then a town."

Rose finishes whipping her eyes and glances up. "No that's Saddle Lake City. At least we didn't travel in the complete opposite direction."

"How far is Ponyville from there?" You ask moving towards the city with Rose at your side.

"It's actually much closer from here but even still it would take us six hours on hoof. I say we stay at saddle lake for the night then head off to Ponyville. Your heading there too right?" Rose asks taking her gaze away from the town to look at you.

You nod your agreement. "Yeah I got a couple of questions to ask this Anon guy." You state with a small smile coming upon your face for the first time in a long time. "I hope you have money because I'm broke."

"What kind of stallion are you? Making the mare pay!" She states giving you a nudge in the ribs. "Don't sweat it I think I have some bits in my saddle bag." She lifts up her rear to emphasize the bag that sat upon it.

Once again the time passes by like chaff before the wind and you both find yourselves entering the city. You have never seen a city on this world and to tell the truth you were surprised to see that it looked a lot like the ones back on Earth, albeit smaller than the normal.

Another thing that caught your attention was that the ponies here seemed to be stuck in a era that is mixed with the medieval, early 19 century, and amazingly the modern era. Replacing the cars were ponies and buggies, they had modern lamps and medieval guards.

"Have you been to Saddle Lake before?" You ask Rose as you follow her into a large building.

"Only once, I came to see the annual flower convention. I stayed in this very hotel during my visit." She claims gesturing to the interior of the hotel. The hotel itself looked quite average, not complete shit and not high class. "This place even has a pool room with a hot tub!" It seems that entering this hotel has completely changed her frame of mind.

"I might join you, however we're getting your hoof fixed up first." You comment with a stern tone showing that you plan to get that done whether she likes it or not.

Rose smiles at your response and trots over to the front desk. "Sounds like a date." She then turns around towards the stallion at the desk. "I would like a room for two please." She states taking off her saddlebag and opening it up. I hope she was joking about the date thing. You say to yourself.

"One bed or two?" The stallion at the desk states as he turns around to look at the keys upon the wall.

"One, we can share they have big beds here." She claims nonchalantly -Now you really hope she was joking about the date thing-.

You really don't need sleep so you don't mind if there's only one bed. Worst comes to worst you will spend the entire night in the hot tub. The stallion at the desk picks up the key and hoofs it over to Rose. "If you want to stay another night all you have to do is let us know by twelve tomorrow." Rose nods and turns towards you.

"Alright so how do we get this hoof of yours fixed up?" You question.

"Well it doesn't look that bad so I think I just need to bandage it." Rose states obviously trying to avoid going to the hospital by all means.

"You're kidding me right? You can barely walk and when you do you fall face first." You say poking her on the hoof.

"Ow!" She yelps out in pain. "Fine! Let's get this over with." With a satisfied smile you help Rose with her saddlebag and help her out of the hotel and into the cobblestone streets.

While it took forever for Rose to get checked up it was necessary. When you entered the hospital it was just breaking six o'clock by the time it was all finished the clock struck ten. "See now I have to wear this cast!" Rose huffs in anger.

"That's what happens when you break your ar-hoof." Rose gives you a suspicious glare but then returns to trot down the street with just three hoofs, how she manages to stay standing blows your mind. "It's also better than the alternative." You claim.

"And that would be?" She asks.

"Dead." You reply simply.

This gets Rose to stop her little trot. "You okay Rose?" You ask walking up beside her.

"Thanks..." Rose states turning her head to look at you. "Without you I would of probably died today. I just want you to know that you saved a mares life today and that she is very grateful."

"Well I couldn't of just left you there to die now could I." You reassure her and continue towards the hotel. "Enough with this depressing talk, let's get our as-erm flanks in the hot tub."

Rose trots to catch up to you. "Don't have to tell me twice!" She beams.

Arriving at the hotel Rose splits off. "I will meet you at the hot tub, I just need to put these saddlebags away." Nodding you turn to the stallion at the desk.

"Can you tell me where this pool room is?" You ask. All the stallion does is point his hoof over to a door at the end of the room. "Thanks." You reply and walk off towards said room.

Opening the door you come to see that you're the only one in here. The main pool was decent sized, big enough for you and probably huge for a pony. However the pool is not what you came here for, what you came here for was the hot tub.

Walking over to the edge of the pool you look in to see your reflection. What you see staring back is a pony with a brown mane and beige coat. You didn't really think about the looks of the pony at the time you changed forms, so it seems like this is what you would look like if you were born a pony. I can't believe I'm still sane after today. You say to yourself with a sigh.

*boop*

Without warning you find yourself off balance and tumbling into the chilling waters bellow. Instinctively you let out a yelp in surprise attempting to turn around to see the culprit, nevertheless your vision is taken away when you enter the water and sink to the bottom.

Shit! How the hell do I swim in this form! You yell mentally as your breath is slowly being taken away from you. The cold water doing nothing to help you through this dire situation. Out of pure fear you start to kick around but to no avail.

You were just about to change forms when Rose jumps into the pool after you. Her expression is once again one of worry. Within a couple of seconds she grabs your hoof with her good hoof and helps you up to the surface.

*GASP*

You break the surface and grab a mouthful of beautiful, lovely O2. Rose pushes you over to the side of the pool and you quickly climb out gasping for more air. "Never. Do. That.... Again!" You state as you now proceed to spit out the chlorinated water.

"Well how am I supposed to know that you a stallion that can knock out a Timberwolf can't swim! Like what the buck man!" Rose claims dragging herself onto the side of the pool, she is also gasping for air.

"Whatever you crazy mare." You claim lying down on your back staring at the ceiling thankful that you didn't have to expose your true self to her.

Rose is the first to get up as she walks over to you and stares down at you with a smile. "Hot tub time?" She claims.

"Hot tub time." You reply as you roll over and get back on your hoofs.

With neither of you talking you both make your way over to the hot tub which is thankfully like a normal one and does not require you to swim. Placing your first hoof in your greeted with the relaxing sensation of the nice warm water. "Ahhh that's good." you claim climbing all the way in.

Rose follows in toe complementing the water herself. "Nothing beats a hot tub after a long walk." You nod your agreement and lay back closing your eyes.

"So what were you doing in the Everfree forest?" Rose speaks up.

"Everfree?" You ask propping open on eye.

"The forest that we were in." Rose states it like it should be obvious. "How can you not know about the Everfree! Everypony knows about it!"

"Almost everypony." You correct her.

Rose lets out another irritated huff. "Anyways what where you doing there. The Everfree is like one of the most dangerous places in Equestria."

"In all honesty I was looking for Ponyville so I can meet this Twilight Sparkle." You lecture closing your one eye again and let the water relax your every muscle.

"I get that part but couldn't you of taken the train? or at least asked somepony for directions?" Rose questions.

"I could of but I didn't." Is all you say in response, for if you give this mare any more information she might just break your mystery and all hell will break loose. "Enough about me what do you do? You a florist?" You ask giving your best guess.

"But you hardly told me anything about you!" Rose whines.

"Your lucky you got that much." You state with a smirk. Roses response is to simply splash some warm water into your face.

"Fine then I won't tell you what my occupation is." You crack one eye open to see that Rose is sporting her own little smile.

"You really didn't have to answer my question, because I know you're a florist." You reply closing your eye once again. If there is one thing this mare can't do it's keep something to herself. Plus it was pretty obvious with her looking for flowers and her name literally being a name of a flower.

"Why do you have to be so 'difficult'" You can't see it right now but Rose is now displaying the scrunch of the century "At least tell me why you need to see Twilight Sparkle."

Sighing you give into the ponies command. "There is another pony that wants me to get some information from her." Technically this was a white lie but most of it was true. "I don't even know what she looks like, she could be a griffon for all I know." You state jokingly.

"Twilights a unicorn griffons are off to the east." You don't even bother to give a fuck that griffons are real, however you will give one for the unicorn part. The only ponies you have seen have been normal -no horn what's so ever-.

"A unicorn!" You jolt up opening both eyes. "You shitting me right? Please tell me your shitting me?" You ask.

Rose gets a disgusted look on her face. "Why would I be 'shitting' you." She claims only making you face hoof.

"Never mind about that, tell me about this unicorn race?" You question, however Rose just looks at you like your retarded or something. "What? I need to know if I'm going to meet here."

"Have you been living under the rock all your life? Did you even go to school?" Rose asks with certainty.

"just tell me." You command, if you told her that you did take school she will ask where, due to your current lack of basic knowledge.

"Okay no need to get all grumpy." Rose replies crossing her arms. "Unicorns look exactly like us except they have horns which they can use to channel magic. The other race is Pegasus which have wings. I thought everypony knew about basic pony races."

All you do is just sit there soaking up all of this information. Magic I understand because Chrysalis showed me, Pegasus now that is messed up this is like a fantasy world! "Lorin you there bud?" Rose waves a hoof in your face.

Shaking your head you look towards Rose. "Oh, yeah, just rethinking my life." You say instinctively.

"How can that make you rethink your entire life?" Rose ponders out loud. "You grew up here right?"

Acting fast you reply "Of course I grew up here, but I come from faraway where ponies aren't a common sight." Rose just looks at you curiously. "I think it's time we get some shut eye." You claim getting up from the hot tub. Rose's expression drops but she follows you in toe.

Walking over to the lobby room you flank bump Rose causing her to yelp and fall into the pool. "That was for pushing me in." You say with a smile as Rose breaks the surface.

"I'm starting to rethink you saving me from the Timberwolves was such a good choice." Rose mumbles as she climbs out of the pool.

One finds limits by pushing themselves. ~ Herbert Simon

Chapter Seven - Grave Robbing

View Online

Arc IV - Equestrias Greatest Secret

Anon's POV:

"W-w-wait one second here, you're telling me that while I was trudging through Tartarus on my hands and knees you girls were burying an exact copy of me?" You don't even let the ponies answer the question as you continue. "No, don't answer that, take me to the body. I need to see this in order to believe it myself."

"That's the thing we can't. While I was lowering the coffin into the ground it felt awfully light; considering you were in it." Applejack states.

"Hay!" You snap back looking down at your stomach.

This gets the rest of the mane six to let out a small chuckle. Nevertheless Applejack continues on with her story. "Anyhow, once everypony was gone and ah was left to fill in the hole. Ah couldn't help but check out if you were still in there m'ah self. I'm glad ah did because when ah opened 'er up ah was shocked ta see it was completely empty."

The statement makes you seriously doubt that this even happened. The possibility of an exact copy of you running around is highly unlikely. "Sorry to say this Applejack, but I can't just trust your word on this. It's just to... surreal." You comment truthfully.

"Ah'm the element o' honesty, I'm pretty sure you can trust m'ah words Anon. The only thing I can show yah is where we buried you." It's these kinds of statements back on earth that would tell you if someone was lying, then again you're not on earth.

"Well if that's the best you can do, then show me." You claim crossing your arms.

"Alright, if you say so." Applejack replies to you then turns around to look towards Twilight. "Can ya take us to the cemetery?" She asks making you a bit confused, but soon it hits you.

Jumping to action you jolt up from the couch. "No, no, no I prefer to walk." You state just in time as Twilights horn was already starting to glow white. "I don't think there's anything left in my stomach to throw up, other than the stomach itself."

Twilights face adorns a disgusted expression while Applejack seems unfazed. "Oh, right."

"I don't think that might be a good idea Anon." Rainbow Dash comments. "The ponies of Ponyville might have gotten the wrong message when you reappeared in the middle of my party."

"What do you mean 'they might of gotten the wrong idea'?" You question Rainbow Dash.

"Well from another ponies perspective it might of looked like you did this on purpose as some kind of cruel joke. I know that's what I was thinking when you re-appeared. I just think that if you go out now, there are some ponies that won't hesitate to run you out of town."

"Then how am I supposed to do anything without enraged ponies coming after me?" You ask only to get silence in response.

"I think it would be best if yah stayed here at Twilights for a day or two, while the rest of us try to settle them down. The only other option is teleportation and like you said, I don't think you can take another trip." The only response Applejack gets is a slow nod.

It would be nice just laying low for a while. It'll give you time to skim through your thoughts and relax with a clear mind. "Alright but just for a day or two, after that I am out of here to see that grave for myself." You make sure to give Applejack a stern look.

Applejacks response is to simply turn around towards Twilight. "So yah still going to see the grave?" She asks Twilight, who is contemplating whether or not to stay or go herself. You can't really blame her too, if she stays she can question you about your journey. However if she goes she can investigate this site herself and draw a conclusion to what really happened.

"I would like to go if it's alright with you Anon? I would hate to leave you here alone on your first day back." Twilight replies, her expression is one of sympathy showing you that what she stated was true.

"Don't sweat it Twilight, back on Earth you get used to being alone." You claim getting the rest of the mane six to wince. Seeing this you quickly react "But I'm here now, and for that I am grateful even if I had to let go of my past life."

Before you had the chance to let in a quick breath a pink blur latches onto you. You weren't allowed to react as a blue blur does the same along with many other colors. "And that is the reason we'll never stop being your friends!" Pinkie states as you try and squirm out of the spontaneous group hug.

"You ponies and your affection is going to be the death of me one day." You state jokingly.

"We all know you love it Anon, the only one you're fooling is yourself." Rainbow Dash states with a smile upon her face.

Seconds soon passed and all the ponies that were once hugging you tightly are now slowly recomposing themselves. "It truly means a lot to us Anon that you're powering through this rather rough time." Rarity comments as she uses her magic to straighten her hair from the group hug.

"It really was nothing-" Is all you could say before the yellow pony interrupts you making the rest of the mane six look at her with a confused expression.

"Maybe for you Anon, but I don't think there is a pony in Ponyville that would go through what you had gone through. It takes true dedication to do what you did, especially since you had no memory of why you were here." The yellow Pegasus retreats the moment she realizes that she's the center of attention and everypony in the room is staring at her.

Shaking it off, Twilight was the first to break the silence that befell the room after the shy ponies surprise statement. "Fluttershy is right Anon, I don't think I would be able to leave my family and friends and go on living." Aha! Her name is Fluttershy! I really need to spend some time with the rest of the group. You state to yourself.

"Thanks again; you ponies make the sacrifice all worth it. However on more important matters don't you all have a grave to be checking out?" You ask looking around the room at the various colored ponies.

Twilight once again is the first one to break the silence. "Right! You girls coming?" Twilight asks, and you can see it in her eyes that she rather not go alone to a gloomy old cemetery to dig up your own coffin, that may or may not be empty.

"Ah got tah head back to the farm. With winter coming ah have to put in extra hours to get the fields ready. Not to mention I have to collect as much apples as I can, so mah family can make it through the winter." Applejack claims already getting ready to leave. You have no doubt that she's telling the truth. You had grandparents back on earth that worked on a farm and you know how hard this time of year can be.

With Applejack being the only one to voice her reasoning the rest of the mane six all agree to accompany her. "Alright everypony we got Anon's grave to defile!" Twilight states with a happy tone bringing confused expressions all around. "What? It's not every day you get to say that without offending somepony." Twilight continues.

As the mane six all walk towards the front door you notice that Rainbow Dash has yet to move from her spot. It seems that you were not the only one to have noticed this. "Rainbow Dash aren't you coming with us?" Twilight states opening the door reveling the night sky, thus allowing a swift chilling breeze to whip by your feet.

"I'm going to stay here with Anon." Rainbow Dash states flying up next to you. "After what happened back on Earth I ain't letting him out of my sights." She replies giving you a little nudge with her hoof.

"Can't argue with that." Twilight comments as she and the rest of the mane six leave the library and head off in the direction you assume the cemetery would be. Well most of the mane six, Applejack trailed off the main group heading to her farm.

The two of you are left there in silence until the front door shuts closed. Slowly you turn towards Rainbow Dash with a smile. Without any warning you jump towards her and grab her in a tight hug. "Miss me you multi colored excuse of a pony." You claim giving her a nuggy in the process. It's acts like these that you only share with your best friends.

"Hay stop it!" Rainbow Dash yells out as you proceed to commence the well feared ruffle.

"Just couldn't stand being away from me to visit the cemetery huh? Had to spend some quality time with your good old friend Anon." You comment ruffling her mane till it's well ruffled and indistinguishable from its former glory. As much as you wanted the moment to continue, you by mistake let your hold on her loosen, an error that could cost you dearly.

As expected the cyan Pegasus uses the weakness to her advantage and manages to wiggle free. "At least I don't smell like I rolled around in shit for the better half of my day." Rainbow Dash is quick to react causing you to smile.

"I don't smell that bad. Do I?" You claim lifting up your arm and taking a quick sniff of your armpit. "Oh lord!" You comment stepping back out from instinct. "Okay maybe you're right, but in my defence I just crawled out of Tartarus."

"Well now that you have some time on your hands I think you should take a shower." Rainbow Dash replies with a scrunch and a hoof over her nose.

"Yeah your probably right." You state as you look around the library. "So which way to the bathroom?" You ask Rainbow.

"Up the stairs the first door on your right." Rainbow recite with ease. "Don't use up all the hot water, after a hug like that I think I need one to." Her only response is a low grunt of approval.

Twilight's POV:

Why is it that every time somepony goes to visit the cemetery in a movie or book that it so happens to be night time. Not to mention a storm that is on its way; You can thank Rainbow for setting that one up. It were these thoughts that flowed through your mind as you stood in front of two rather large black iron gates.

The Ponyville cemetery unlike other cemeteries across Equestria was barely used. In fact Anon's body was the twelfth on to be put into its cold grounds. "Is anypony else suddenly getting the feeling like this wasn't such a wise thing to do without Applejack or Rainbow Dash?" You ask pushing one of the demonic black gates open.

As if to delay you even more your mind comes up with more questions. Why was it that the architects for cemeteries always insist on putting gloomy and evil looking decorations around places meant for resting and peace. The only good thing that came from the questions was the distraction and for that you silently thanked them.

"I did but probably in a different way." Rarity replies breaking you out of your mental thinking. You watch as she delicately manoeuvres around multiple mud puddles attempting to keep her hooves as clean as possible. "This is so uncouth for a lady like me to be doing."

"No one is forcing you Rarity." You reply with an emotionless tone. "You can leave at anytime, but something is telling me you already knew that." You comment looking back over your withers to look at her.

"Alas, it is true! My curiosity will not let me simply walk away." Rarity states as she once again stops to walk around a particularly large puddle. "Why can't the ponies that maintain this place do a better job." She once again whines.

"Come on Rarity! This is exciting, we're like grave robbers!" Pinkie states zooming around from tombstone to tombstone with a shovel and lantern in hoof. "Nope, not Anon, negative..." She continues till she's about a good kilometer away. "FOUND IT!" She yells out.

Sighing, you, Fluttershy and Rarity all continue your walk towards Pinkie Pie. You know you gave up on figuring her out a while ago, but you can't help that every time she does something like this your right eye twitches. The sooner I see the coffin and perform my spells the sooner I can relax. You mentally calm yourself, however another thought shoots through your mind. And the sooner I can question Anon and Rainbow Dash about their trip.

With trans-dimensional knowledge in mind you quickly trot on over to where Pinkie stood. "Alright this will just take a second." Standing back you concentrate on a spell to remove the dirt out of the way. To any other ordinary pony it would seem like a simple task, but separating the dirt from the ground is actually quite advance. Especially if you don't want the dirt around it to cave in.

Nevertheless you pride yourself in doing tasks like this with ease, so in turn within a couple of seconds the dirt was out of the way and neatly placed beside the grave.

Moving to get this done as fast as possible, you walk to the edge of the hole and look down to see the wooden coffin. Its black wood was not helping your nerves, it almost feels like it's staring right back at you. Gulping down a good chunk of air you perform a basic levitation spell to open the lid of the coffin.

*Rumble* *CRACK!* *BANG!*

As the lid opened the ground subtly shook and lighting struck off in the distance. It's bright light and loud crack causing you and the rest of the mane four to jump back.

"EEP!" Fluttershy yelped as she ran behind Rarity, who stood still from shock.

Quickly recomposing yourself you go back over to the hole to see that there was nothing in the coffin, just as AJ stated. "Girls you can relax nothing is in here. Well at least nothing I can see." You claim glancing back at Fluttershy and the rest.

"Then what made the ground shake?" Rarity questions as she walks over to the edge to see for herself.

"It was probably the ground reacting to my spell that removed the dirt. But we're not done yet, I still need to scan this coffin to see what happened to the body that we saw. If I find what I want to find then we will be out of here in no time." You claim getting ready to cast another spell.

*RUMBLE* *RUMBLE*

Once again the ground shook this time so violently that it forced you to abort the scan spell. "Okay, now that wasn't my spell." You claim as you back away from the grave. "It seems like whenever I start to cast a spell on the coffin the world reacts." You ponder out loud. "Whatever magical information this coffin is hiding, it seems contempt with keeping it that way."

"Maybe you should leave the coffin alone darling." Rarity comments.

Being the stubborn pony you are you ignore Rarity's advice and walk back over to the hole in the ground. "Get ready girls I'm getting to the bottom of this one way or another!" You yell out partially from determination and partially from anger as you charge up another scan spell.

*RUMBLE* *RUMBLE*

Ignoring the violent shaking you complete the spell and cast it on the coffin. The information that you got back made you yell out in frustration; Mostly because your scanning spell came up dry. "Whatever was in this coffin is gone now. If only I stayed strong my first time!" You say as you once again scan the coffin, this time no shaking and no magical signature followed.

"That's a good thing right darling?" Rarity claims.

"I can't say for sure. Best case scenario, it was just some anomaly that in the end fixed itself. Worst case scenario, we triggered something we weren't supposed to trigger." With this thought you go back to casting spells on the coffin, hoping that you can at least salvage something, anything, from this failed attempt.

Anon's POV:

Stepping out of the washroom you're greeted by what felt like a large earthquake. "What the hell is going on here!" You yell out as you attempt to walk down the stairs only to be thrown off your feet by one of the shakes. You don't have to be a genius to guess what happened next.

Reaching the bottom of the stairs in a rather painful way you groan into the wood floor. "You okay there Anon?" Rainbow Dash asks landing in front of you.

"Just peachy." You mumble as you slowly tear your face away from the ground. "Now like I said before, what the hell was that!?"

Rainbow Dash just shrugs. "Knowing Twilight, its probably her doing. She did after all go out to check on your grave. If anything she's probably doing a whole bunch of experiments. I wouldn't be surprised if this continues for the rest of the day."

"Well in that case the showers all yours." You reply as you walk on over to the kitchen. Last time you ate was in Canterlot and with all the teleportation's happening you think it's safe to say that your dinner there is no longer in your stomach. Who knows maybe Twilight will have something other than flowers and hay to eat.

Arriving in the kitchen you can hear the shower upstairs turn on. The kitchen is arranged like the last time you saw it. One refrigerator, One large table in the middle for eating, cupboards along the walls as well as a stove and a sink. The room itself was curved to fit the tree and had two lamps dangling from the bare ceiling, no doubt being powered by some sort of magic.

If living in Equestria has taught you anything, it's that if something defies all reasoning and logic its magic. Throwing that thought with the wind you come up to the first cupboard. All right let's see what Twilight has. You ponder to yourself. You also make a mental note to pay her back when you get the bits. A task that will prove to be quite difficult seeing as the last time you were here you got fired from your job.

I wonder if the mayor is still holding my house for me. You say to yourself as you open the wooden door revealing various flowers and neatly stacked piles of hay. Should of seen that one coming. You claim moving over to the next cupboard. Sadly the only thing in there that could be used for anything that you can eat is some powdered flour.

You sigh as your stomach growls as well you close the cupboard and head to the last one. Unlike the other two cupboards this one held different types of spices, salts, sugars and herbs. Still nothing edible. You say to yourself as you once again close the cupboard and head on over to the fridge.

Opening the door you do a quick scan through of the items that lay within. Milk, butter, eggs, some berries and what do you know more hay! Why do ponies even refrigerate hay? letting out a large breath you close the fridge only to open it back up again. Wait one second here! Milk, eggs, flour, salt, sugar, butter! A smile soon finds its way upon your face as well as a little bit of drool that you quickly swipe away.

Grabbing the milk, butter and eggs from the fridge you place them onto the counter. Next up sugar and salt! You say opening up the spice cupboard and quickly taking out some salt and sugar. Now all we need is some flour and a bowl to put it all in.

Moving around the kitchen you open up various cupboards to find any form of mixing bowl. As expected with your luck it so happens that the bowl of your desire is in the last cupboard you open. Nonetheless you place the bowl down and start the process of making some delicious Finnish pancakes.

Let's hope I remember this correctly. You say to yourself as you crack 2 eggs and place the innards into the bowl. Tossing the shells aside for now, you pour in what you would assume is 3 cups of milk.

Out here in pony land you don't know if they have any measuring cups. Even if they did, you don't know if the measurements carry over.

With the milk now in, you place 1 teaspoon of salt and 2 tablespoons of sugar. You can practically smell the pancakes as you slowly mix all the ingredients together while slowly tossing in 1 and a half cups of flour.

After about 2 minutes of mixing, the batter starts to looks like it's supposed to. Setting down the wooden spoon you make your way over to the stove. Now how the heck does this thing work? You question as you look at the stove.

The top had four panels for the pan to sit on like a normal stove, but the controls were way different. Instead of normal switches they were spheres. When in doubt try random shit. You claim as you roll the sphere all the way to the right. Nothing notable happens and you attempted to roll the sphere the other way. Once again you are greeted by silence. Dam these ponies making basic shit like this complicated! You curse.

Nevertheless you don't give up there and roll the sphere upwards; still no dice. Maybe it's like a gas stoves? You think as you press the sphere inwards.

With a loud *Fwoosh!* a flame ignites. The flame is so large that if your instincts didn't kick in to lower the temperature you're pretty sure you would of burned the tree to the ground. When would you ever need that size of a flame! Why is this even an option!? You say to yourself as you place a nearby pan onto the heated panel.

Okay, back to cooking. You state cutting a piece off of a butter stick and tossing it onto the now heated pan. That was one thing you liked about gas or in this case magic stoves, it doesn't take long for the pan to heat up.

As the butter melts on the pan you make sure to move it around. The more surface area you cover the easier it will be to flip the pancakes. Soon the last piece of butter has melted allowing you to pour on the first pancake.

Your mouth waters as the batter sizzles upon impact with the pan. The aroma wafting by your nose was so good you would consider it intoxicating.

Having the stove set to an unknown temperature you flip the pancake over early just to make sure you don't burn it. Your planning ahead is paid off when you take sight of the golden brown color.

While the pancake bakes you open up a cupboard and take out a plate to rest the finished products on. Hehe 'finished'. Placing the plate next to the stove you take a moment to look out of the window over the stove. Looks like it's going to rain. You guess before turning back to the pancake on the stove.

One done! Nine more to go! You state pulling out a pot and setting it on another burner before laying down the next pancake on the pan. Look at me, Anon master chef! You chuckle to yourself.

With the pancake now cooking you take out the strawberries and place them into the pot. By the time you have all the strawberries in the pot the second pancake is done. Sliding the pancake onto the plate you place some more butter onto the pan.

Once again the butter melts giving you time to wash and crush the strawberries. Once that is done you pour the third pancake onto the pan and go back to making your jam. Almost instantly you pour some sugar into the pot and start to heat up the burner. Okay that will take some time... so back to the pancakes.

It takes some TLC but after your eighth pancake the jam has reached its boiling point. A smile comes upon your face as you continue to mix the jam as it cools down. It has been so long since I ate a home cooked meal like this. This is going to be SO AWESOME! You state lifting the pot to another burner that is not currently on.

Another couple of minutes pass by and soon all ten Finnish pancakes are done and sitting on a nice plate. You watch as the steam slowly rises from the expertly created crapes. Leaving the pan where it is to cool you grab another bowl and place the lukewarm strawberry jam inside.

With both pan and pot cooling off you place the plate of pancakes onto the table as well as the jam. Turning back around to grab the sugar you hear the shower upstairs stop. It doesn't take long before you hear the clip-clopping of hoofs heading down the stairs.

"What smells so good?" Rainbow Dash claims with her eyes fluttering as she enters the kitchen her nose held up high. It seems like she has perfect timing as you just finished placing the sugar on top the table.

"Take a look for yourself." You claim pointing to the finished, Finnish pancakes along with the homemade jam.

Rainbow Dashes eyes grow wide. "No way! I never knew you could cook!" She states wasting no time grabbing a plate for herself.

"Never underestimate a human Dash." You claim chuckling. "You see since we have no cutie marks back on earth we have to guess what our talent is. Luckily enough before I became a pilot I took up some cooking classes. You know as a plane B."

That being said you to grab a plate from one of the cupboards and slide a pancake upon it. Now if you're going to eat a Finnish pancake you're going to do it the right way, well your family way. Grabbing some of your homemade jam you place a good portion on top the crape after your take a bit of sugar and sprinkle it on top.

Now time for the best part! You claim as you roll the pancake into a tub folding the bottom so it won't spill out when you eat it. You make sure to give your masterpiece a good look before you respectfully chow down on it. Sweet baby Jesus is this good! You state to yourself as you let out a sigh of relief.

Taking a quick glance up you can see that Rainbow Dash is thinking the same thing as she reaches for a second one. "Good huh?" You state after you swallow what's left of the pancake. Following in her hoof steps you grab a second one as well. At this pace they won't last long.

"There dolishosh." Dash comments with her mouth full of food. You can't help but smile at the sight. At least someone likes my cooking. You say to yourself as you both continue to eat and exchange small talk along the way.

Twilight's POV:

"no, No, NO, NO, NO!" You yell out. It has been nearly three hours since you have arrived at this godforsaken cemetery and you have yet to get any form of reading on this coffin.

Now if you found the coffin like this with no magical signature to begin with this would be a different story; But no! This coffin just had to teas you with a little sneak peak of what it's hiding and you're going to get to the bottom of this.

"Twilight..." Fluttershy spoke out in a volume just above a whisper.

"Not now Fluttershy! I'm on the edge of this mystery, any minute now and we will know what happened to the body that we saw." You retort.

"You said that an hour ago. You really expect us to believe you this time?" Rarity adds in her two cents.

"Yes!" You snap back a bit too loudly.

"Oh is this a yelling game! I love yelling games!" Pinkie Pie states keeping true to what she suggested. Luckily you were to wrapped into your work to care about the pain in your ears right now.

"Well if you don't mind I have to get back to work. I have already delayed my new line of clothing for far too long." Your only response is a grunt and with that Rarity made her leave.

"Oh that reminds me I have a party to plan!" Pinkie yelled out once again. With that she was nowhere to be found.

Lastly Fluttershy was the one to speak up. "If it's okay with you Twilight I would like to head home as well. I have my animals waiting for me and if I don't feed them soon they might get a bit reckless."

You nod in response and as the phrase goes 'and then there was one'. Now with complete isolation your mind roamed free. How can a coffin have a magical reading one second and then the next not! You question. In order for an event like that to happen the coffin had to of used it in some way or another. When you use magic it leaves behind residue like a hoof print in a crime scene, however after your tenth time scanning you came up with absolutely nothing.

To be honest this was getting rather frustrating if this kept up you might just call it quits. After all you have done every scanning or probing spell you know on this hunk of wood. The only other option you can think about is if the coffin was connected to another magical being.

Having it linked would mean that the other creature could pull back there magic. It would be like if after the crime the criminal sterilized the entire scene. The only way to find out who it was would be to look at other clues at other places they have been. The hospital! I can ask to see if they have any blood samples from when Rainbow Dash took the body there!

With the blood you could perform a basic spell along with the coffin to figure out what the body was, if it had any magical abilities, and lastly if you're lucky where it went. A large smile started to creep upon your face as you dropped your current spell and darted off to the hospital.

Anon's POV:

The pancakes didn't stand a chance with you and Dash on the scene. There was only two more left and they were already being eaten. Of course Rainbow Dash being the competitive one finished first Tartarus can that mare eat! You chuckle to yourself.

"What so funny?" Said mare questions.

"Oh nothing. Just that it took you literally half a second to scarf down that crape." You reply taking another bite out of your own.

"It's kinda hard not to eat that fast when there this good!" Rainbow Dash voices her complement.

"Well I'm glad you liked it." You state.

Silence soon filled the room. The only noise that could be heard was the ever so delicate chewing. While you do love Finish pancakes you don't plow through them, you like to take your time and enjoy the rewards of your efforts.

"So you took my death pretty hard huh?" You state in-between bites.

Rainbow Dash suddenly becomes aware how amazing the floor looks as she shuffles in her chair. "Yeah... it didn't help that I was the cause of it to." She claims fidgeting with her hooves on the table.

"You know that I don't blame you for what you did." You reply finishing off your crape and pushing the plate aside.

Rainbow keeps her gaze glued to the floor. "I know... it's just... I couldn't find it in myself to move forward. The look on your face when I pulled the trigger, I couldn't get it out of my head. In my dreams it would continue to play over and over again and there was no way of stopping it." She says with her voice shaking a bit.

She finally breaks her staring competition with the ground and looks up towards you. What you saw almost broke your heart. Dash looked like she was on the verge of tears. "I... I... I need to get some fresh air." She states shooting up from her seat trying to cover up her face in the process as she heads over to the door.

You know that Dash's pride means a lot to her, but if this isn't solved soon then you fear that more damage will be done. So as she passed by you to get to the door you pull her into another hug. "I'm here now Dash, what you did means nothing now." You claim.

Rainbow just looks up towards you, her flood gates about to give in any second now. "Let it all out Dash, I won't judge you." You comment truthfully.

With those words she willingly let the gates open. Tears now streaming down freely like they should. No pony should bottle up their feelings and you know that Dash has been doing just that since you both got reunited at her party. On her birthday to... You say to yourself as you slowly guide Dash over to the living room couch.

Sitting down with Dash on your lap you look down towards her. "You want to talk about it more? or leave it to another day?" You ask the rainbow mare. "I'm not going to force you to talk about anything you don't want to."

Rainbow Dash nods as she picks her hoof up to wipe away the tears. "It's not just you Anon. I killed those people back on earth. They all probably had friends and family just like us and I ended it."

So she's still tied up about her actions back in Iran. You state to yourself. You will admit that there was a lot of blood.

"Dash," You say pulling her chin up so she's now looking you in the eyes. "They knew what they were getting into. They were the ones that attacked us. If they didn't want to die then they wouldn't of engaged us like that.

Even if we were in the wrong I am the one to blame not you. I was the one that brought you to earth, you were my responsibility." You say looking into her magenta colored eyes. You can see the pain slowly fading away. "You still want that fresh air? Even though the girls told me to stay inside, I'm pretty sure a mare such as yourself can protect me from rampaging ponies."

This gets the rainbow mare to let out a little chuckle before nodding. Letting a small smile touch your face you get up and off of the couch with Rainbow Dash in tow. "I'm not usually this sappy." She claims wiping her eyes once again.

"Neither am I." You claim letting out a well needed laugh. With that out of the way you open the door and step out into the night air. Looks like Rainbow Dash wasn't the only one that needed some fresh air. You claim letting out a breath of fresh air. Looking back you can see that Rainbow Dash followed you.

Shooting her a smile as she catches up to you. Not knowing as much of Ponyville as you would like to, you let Rainbow Dash lead the way. What surprises you is that she takes you on a trial that leads out of Ponyville and into the grassy plains.

"I always like to come out here when I'm feeling down. The open fields allow me to fly freely without much thought, enabling me to think about different things." You raise an eye brow. You never thought Rainbow Dash was the one to take strolls by herself.

You both continue down the path until it ends, yet Dash keeps gliding forwards. It amazes you that even in a relaxed state she still pulls off little corkscrews in the air as well as loops. Each one is done slowly and ever so gracefully.

Seconds turn into minutes as you both continue across the plains. To you, you didn't even notice the time pass-by. If it weren't for Dash landing next to you, you probably would of kept going forever. "So what about you?" She asks brushing along the side of your leg.

"What about me?" You ask looking down at the mare with a confused expression.

"What are you going to do now that you're back in Ponyville. You don't really have a job anymore and last I heard somepony else bought your house." Rainbow Dash claims.

"Awh man really! Well I guess I should of seen it coming with me being away for nearly six months." You claim kicking a rock forwards. "Then I guess that is a good question. I might have to sleep on the streets till I get another job."

"Well I heard there's an opening at sofa's and quill's." Rainbow Dash claims looking up to you with a serious expression. You look back down to her with an equally serious expression. It doesn't take long before you both burst out into laughter. "I can just picture it now, you working at sofa's and quill's."

The laughter is soon halted when you feel the light tap of rain. Giving the stone one last good kick you are rewarded by a large *Sploosh*. Wait what? You say to yourself as you look up to see the river that you crashed into during your first day here in Equestria.

Glancing over the river as the rain pours down on it you take notice of a piece of black metal sticking out of the water. As soon as you saw the piece of metal your smile grew.

Rainbow Dash seems to have caught sight of your smile. "What's on your mind?" is her simple statement.

Slowly you turn to face Dash. "I think I found out my next job."

"Mystery creates wonder and wonder is the basis of man's desire to understand." ~ Neil Armstrong

Chapter Eight - Dare or Dread

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Anon's POV:

All was quite in the library as your eyelids fluttered open. What little of the sunlight remained poured gracefully through the clear glass windows and danced all around the library. Their gentle rays illuminating the room with their nice and calming touch. The storm from yesterday was still going on, the light rhythmic pitter-patter of the rain upon the glass windows. The sun gave one last burst of light before seeping back behind the dark clouds, plunging the library back into the darkness. You smiled as you let in a breath of air, today was one of those days that you did nought but relax.

Sadly now that you have said that, today is going to turn out to be the complete opposite. It's at this time that you become aware of the weight laying lazily across your lap. A glance downwards proves your thoughts right. Rainbow Dash was out like a light, her stomach softly rising and lowering with each breath she took. So much for not being sappy. You say to yourself as you lay your head back and stare into the wooden ceiling above.

The many rings of the trunk portraying its age out to anyone that dare spend the time to count them. Letting out a large sigh you think to yourself. I wonder how my friends are going to cope with me gone. Will they miss me? Will they sympathise for me? Will they remember me? The last thought threw a fist into your gut. Will your friends just move on and dismiss you like an old newspaper?

No of course they wouldn't. They were.... are my friends and if I know my friends, I'll know that they're as loyal as the Pegasus pony upon my lap; just as stubborn to. You let out a soft chuckle to yourself. Yeah they will be fine.

Glancing back down to the cyan pony you can't help but melt inside. She looked so peaceful laying down, her head on your lap adoring the most goofiest of smiles. Every now and then her ears would twitch around, swiveling to find the source.

Out of pure instincts you place your hand up-top her head and start scratching behind her ear. Taking a quick peak bellow shows you that Rainbow's smile has seemed to have gotten bigger. Now that you're paying attention to the details you notice a second thing.

It's quite. You ponder to yourself. Something was off, something was missing.

Too quite You claim remembering.

Leaning down you position your mouth right next to one of her ears. "I know your awesome in all and I should be honored that your using me once again as your pillow; but you're going to have to do better than that to make me believe you're sleeping."

"Awh horse apples!" Rainbow Dash claims as you gently nudge her off. Her cheeks turning a lovely shade of red from the embarrassment you bestowed upon her. "How did you know?" She asks rubbing her eyes as you start your walk to the bathroom upstairs.

"That's for me to know and for you to never find out." You reply with a simple smile. That and Rainbow Dash is usually a really loud sleeper. Snickering at Rainbow Dashes scrunched expression you continue towards the bathroom.

Arriving within the bathroom you do a quick strip and jump into the rather small shower. It's the little things like this that make living in a pony infested world difficult. You say this because nearly everything is ponified. The beds are too small, the chairs are way too low to be considered remotely comfortable, they don't sell any clothing for your species and you don't even want to talk about the 'waste' disposal process here.

Sadly you have to deal with it. Pulling the shower cord your greeted by the warm sensation as the water impacts your body. With gravity's help the water makes its way down your form rinsing away all your problems and grime.

This is nice. You say to yourself as you just stand underneath the shower head. The pressure came out just right, as it feels like the water is slowly massaging you scalp. That is everything 'was' nice and relaxing up until the door to the bathroom shot open, a cyan mare standing in its place.

"What the fuck Dash!" You yell looking around franticly to find anything to cover up your manly regions. Rainbow Dash just stood there face beet red, wings fully extended, eye wide staring directly at you, well not really 'you' per say more like your buddy down south. It's at this time that you stop the water and grab the nearest towel to do the best you can to cover up whatever dignity you had left.

"I-i-i..." is all Dash was able to get out of her mouth. The words that she was looking for just didn't seem to come to her. Then again not much words came to Dash, she wasn't an 'egghead' after all. Nevertheless she still stared at the same place, given anymore time you would be certain that she would stare a hole right through the towel.

"Out!" You below tying the towel around your waist.

Without missing a single beat Rainbow Dash bolts it out of the door, closing the it in the process. Gathering up another breath of air you let out a large sigh. Ponies... their ethics are going to kill me. You say walking up to the fogged over mirror.

Wiping away some of the fog you look into your reflection. The man in the mirror that stared back had a five a clock shadow and messy hair. The only thing that stayed the same was your green eyes. The man you were seven months ago was gone.

After returning to the shower and cleaning yourself up undisturbed, you open the bathroom door and head down to the main room of the library. The same room where you first showed Twilight and Rainbow Dash your phone. You still remember their faces, it was priceless.

Stepping down the stairs you come to see Rainbow Dash sitting back on the couch. Her tail swishing around behind her and her wings still extended. That's not what caught your attention though, what caught your attention was her expression. She adorn a frown as she looked towards the ground.

Along with the depressed state she seemed to be mumbling to herself under her breath. The words came clearer as you approached her. "Way to remember the important things Dash." She said in tone so low it would give fluttershoe a run for her money. "Now he's going to hate me." She claimed.

Falling back onto the couch with a large *thump* you wrap a arm around Rainbow Dash. "Now why would I hate a pony as awesome as you?" You question the Pegasus pony. The one of which is now five feet skywards.

"SWEET CELESTIA ANON! Don't you know better than to not sneak up on a mare!" Dash yelps. With her attitude and altitude back to normal you think it's safe to say that she's no longer worried about if you're mad at her or not. Truth be told you were a bit pissed at the time of the event, but now it felt like nothing.

"I do know better, I just had to get my favorite mare back for jumping into the bathroom when I was showering." You claim looking up towards said pony culprit.

Rainbow's ears flatten up top her head, her surprised expression growing back into the sad and depressed one. "I'm sorry, I completely forgot that you humans have a reason for wearing clothes. I guess I got so used to you wearing them that I forgot you take them off."

"All's well that ends well." You claim with a big smile upon your face. No need to bring down the mood. The storm outside is already doing as good of a job as anyone else. "I understand that it's hard for you ponies to remember my human ethics. In the end I'm just glad you guys here notice them and respect them."

Her frown slowly fades away at your statement. "Thanks..." She reply's "...For letting it go." With a simple nod and smile on your part Rainbow settles back down. "I can use the bathroom now right? No more ethics that I forgot?" She asks with a sheepish smile.

"Not that I'm aware of, knock yourself out." You say as Rainbow Dash passes you and heads upstairs.

"So... what you want to do today? With the storm going on out there, it looks like we're stuck in here." Rainbow asks heading down the stairs. Her mane and coat practically shining from her shower.

"How about we play a game?" You ask. "Nothing beats chilling with your friend and playing some games on a rainy day." You state.

"I'm down, what game you have in mind?" Rainbow Dash asks trotting up to you.

"That's a good question. To be completely honest I have no idea what games you ponies play. I have a couple earth ones, but I don't think Twilight has cider, red cups, and a ping-pong ball." This just gets Dash to scrunch her face up, in what could only be confusion.

"I'm not even going to ask what that game entails." She comments.

"Well do you have any games? I mean we could go real cliché here and pull out the really common rainy day games. Cards, charades, truth or dare..." You say manoeuvring yourself so you're laying down on the couch.

"Truth or dare sounds fun!" Rainbow Dash picks a bit to energetically. "I always win that one!"

She would go for the most cliché one. You state to yourself rolling over so you're facing Dash. "That sounds so lame. How about we step it up a notch, you know if you're not scared to make the game a bit more interesting." You reply with a smile.

"Do you know who the hay you're talking to! I'm not scared of anything!" She retorts flying up into the air and striking a heroic pose.

"Alright, alright I get it, no need to stroke your own ego." You claim sitting up. "Instead of 'truth or dare' we play 'dare or dare'. Here's the catch, the person that can't perform the dare being ordered has to do follow the next one no matter what."

"hmmm, seems reasonable if not a bit interesting." Rainbow Dash claims landing back down. "So who starts?"

"You have a bit?" You ask Rainbow.

"Nope, but I'm sure I can find one laying around somewhere." You had no time to even reply as she zooms off leaving behind a trail of rainbow colors. Within ten seconds she returns holding a shiny gold coin. "One bit, here you go." She claims dropping it into your hand.

"I guess having 'the fastest flyer in all of Equestria' as a friend comes with its perks. Anyways Celestia or Luna?" You ask placing the coin on your thumb.

"Celestia." She states as you flick the coin into the air. Flipping your hand over so your palm is facing downwards, the coin lands on the back of your hand. You quickly cover up the coin so no one or pony can see what it landed on.

"You feeling lucky Rainbow Dash?" You ask her with a smirk.

"Just show me the damn coin!" Rainbow replies rolling her eyes.

Taking your hand away from the golden coin you look down to see Celestia's smug ass smile, staring back up at you. Even in coin form she's still a troll. You claim looking up to see Rainbow Dash with a smile plastered upon her face. An expression you have come to love and hate at the same time.

"Ahhh yeah!" She pumps her hoof into the air. "I dare you to lick the floor." She claims with ease, pointing towards the dirty wooden flooring. Just that statement alone made your stomach turn. Nonetheless you follow through on the disturbing endeavor, that by the end of it had Rainbow Dash laughing her flank off.

"Yeah, yeah time for my dare." You claim with a evil smirk on. "So dash how long did you spend in the bathroom fixing up your mane?" You ask.

"None, my hair is naturally this amazing!" She replies flashing her mane around as she does so. "I can see why you asked though." She continues, a smile on her face from the complement and ego boost.

You give her a good neutral look. "Good to hear that, then you won't mind stepping outside for a good five minutes." Your plan seems to have succeeded as Rainbow Dash's pupils are now smaller then pinpricks, it only lasted briefly if you would of blinked you would of missed it.

Shaking herself out of her current thought she glances at you with a smirk. "Oh that's all. You see Anon I don't mind getting a bit dirty." She claims in a seductive tone as she passes you flicking her tail up towards your nose and heads towards the front door.

It was now your time to let out a rather deep blush, thankfully Rainbow had already passed you.

Flinging the door open she jumps up into the air and flies out a good distance away from the library. Once satisfied that she's in the middle of the storm, she sits down in the mud and pouring rain. The entire five minutes she sat there staring directly at you, her grin growing as she no doubt planed out her next dare.

Once the time was done she simply and gracefully got up from her spot and walked into the library, her smile still there.

"Okay my turn!" She claims cheerfully. "I dare you to go outside roll in the mud and give Rarity a big hug." She was kind of doing two dares in one, but you would let this one pass. At least it's not as bad as you thought it would be. So much for staying inside.

"Easy!" You claim jumping out of the library and into a giant puddle. It had been ages since you last played out in the rain and you're not going to let this opportunity pass-by willingly. With the ponies all in their homes keeping dry, it just made it all the more safer.

Wasting no time you proceed to slip and slide all the way over to Rarity's. Rainbow followed in tow once again laughing up a storm as you continued to make a fool out of yourself.

Once you're in front of Rarity's boutique you knock three times. Glancing back you can see that Rainbow Dash has taken it upon herself to hide in a nearby bush. Sadly her 'hiding' wasn't really good as you could see her rainbow mane and tail stick out. Remind myself to play hid and go seek with her later on for money.

"Coming~" A sing song voice came from inside. Within a couple of seconds the door opened up. As expected Rarity gasped at the hideous atrocity standing before her. His once dashing tuxedo he got from shadow drenched in mud and water. "Anon dear what in Equestria happened to you!"

Just like a band-aid. Just like a band-aid you claim as you reach down and hug the white mare. Letting go quickly you turn around and bolt it out of there, not wanting to feel the fashionista's full wrath. Let's just hope that she's to shocked to chase me. You state while taking a chance to look back, what you saw made your legs work overtime. Rarity's mane was literally on fire and she was just two meters behind you.

"IT. IS. ON!" She yelled out.

"So what did you learn today Anon?" Rainbow Dash said in a serious tone, however you can see it in her eyes that all she craved was to laugh in your face.

"Not to get Rarity dirty." You claimed like a child getting scolded all the while rubbing the bruised spots upon your back. "Fucking magic. I can't do anything against it! I mean I'm immune to it in all, but my clothes aren't." You say as you and Rainbow Dash walk back to the library. "Anyways here's my dare. You have to go the entire month without flying."

"Pass." Rainbow Dash says admittedly. There was no arguing with her, flying was her life and she would never give that up. It was the reason you respected her so much, that determination and loyalty will go far in life.

"Fine, then you do realize you have to do the next dare no matter how much you protest." You claim with a smug expression.

"And what if I don't?" Rainbow questions.

"Then I tell Pinkie on you for ruining this lovely game." At that Rainbow Dash gulps and slowly nods. "So my dare to you is rather simple. You just need to tell me one thing." Rainbow Dash seems to visibly relax at this change of events.

"I dare you to tell me what you said to me right before I died. I was on the verge of death and tipping in and out of consciousness so I didn't really hear what you said." This was complete bullshit, you knew what Dash said to you. You just wanted it to come from her without the drive of you dying.

"On seconds thought flying for a month doesn't sound that bad." She claims with a forced smile. "We can go back can't we?" She states looking up at you with puppy dog eyes. No matter how cute that was, you still stood strong.

You stop walking and turn to her with the most blank expression you can muster on your face. "No" Is your simple answer. The rain still pouring down as both of you stand in the middle of the Ponyville park. "So Dash..." You say with your smile returning. "...what did you say?"

Rainbow Dashes POV:

"...what did you say?" Anon asked you. Your eyes darted around the sky looking for any way out of this situation. Like Anon said it was a simple dare, yet it was incredibly hard for you to complete. Why, why, why! Is this so hard! You yell to yourself, time at the moment seemed to freeze.

The rain stood still and you couldn't move, the only thing you were able to do was think. Just say it Dash, just come out and say it! You say mentally as you looked up into his calming green eyes, however now they only served to make you more nervous. What if he doesn't like me that way!? What if by saying this I ruin our friendship!? I don't want to ruin what we already have!

Silence fills the air around you bringing with it the false sense of security. I have faced a dragon without so much as a flinch, I have stood in front of the god of chaos himself and made fun of him, but why, oh why is this so much harder to do?

Once again you looked up towards the still anon. Just the sight of him made your heart pound in your chest. You had never been like this with other stallions, maybe this was the right time to take the step forward.

You were never the one for planning, you left all that up to Twilight. You... you were a mare of action, do now and regret it later. For you believed that actions stood out more than words. With one more look at Anon you sighed.

Oh buck it!

Anon's POV:

"...what did you say?" Your question rings out in the open park.

As things tend to happen in Equestria you get your answer almost immediately. Before you knew it Rainbow Dash had her lips locked with yours. To say you were surprised was an understatement, you really didn't think Dash would answer in such a passionate way. This being said of course you didn't argue with the sudden change of pace.

It was your first time kissing a pony so you will say it was fairly different. You noticed that her lips where a lot smoother then a normal humans. She wasn't holding back either, bringing in the tongue right at the beginning. Out of reaction you pulled her in closer.

Letting your mind rest you simply took the kiss in. Each breath you breathed you could smell her sent, it kind of reminded you of the ozone. It was like the smell of the forest air or fresh bed sheets straight out of the drier. It was a welcoming smell as the two of you kissed letting the rain come down upon you both.

You don't know how long it lasted and quite frankly you didn't care. Rainbow Dash portrayed her true feelings for you and you accepted them. From now on you both will continue life knowing that you both love each other.

Both of your lips parted and Rainbow Dash stared deeply into your eyes. "I said, I love you." She claims with a large smile. You can see her relax, all of the weights upon her shoulders finally disappearing. "S-So... do you love me to?" She asks.

"Of course I do you multi colored excuse of a pony." You state bringing her in for round two.

Twilight's POV:

Seen by every doctor snuck in Twilight. You bounced around the hospital in you're black stealth suit, like a giant lavender and black pinball. How you thought no pony would notice a giant pinball was a mystery no one had the time nor dedication to solve. After all, here in Equestria the princesses just seemed to do whatever they wanted.

Everywhere you went you checked to make sure no one was looking. I'm rather good at this! No pony has yet to stop me! You claim to yourself as you continue down the long and winding corridors. Hundreds of rooms covered each wall, each one sporting either patients, supplies or doctors. You however were after the second one on that list.

All you needed to complete the tracking spell was a vile of the so called 'Anon's' blood and you knew that they took a sample during his stay here. Slipping around another corner you tip-hoof over to the door of which you seek. Just two lock pick away from solving this mystery for good.

Positioning yourself in front of the lock you take a quick glance both ways before pulling out your kit. I'm so glad I got locked out of my house that one day! You state to yourself as you start to get to work. To you lock picking was fairly easy, all you had to do was push all the pins up and twist the lock. After that it was only a matter of taking the picks out and pushing the door open. Simplicity at its finest.

A common comment was why you didn't use your magic, your simple answer was that you wouldn't gain as much knowledge if you did it that way. Plus the feeling of adrenalin you get when you can't just brute force the lock open. Not much people knew, but you were quite the adrenaline junkie.

Now there was a time when you came across a more complex lock, with many magical wards to protect you from doing such things. Nonetheless this was not one of them, a mental story for another time perhaps.

With a satisfying *click* as you twisted the lock. Pushing the door open you did a quick glance around the room. Many supplies occupied the metal shelves ranging from saline to powerful anesthetics that could knock an Ursa Major out like a light.

Slipping in you walk towards the end of the room where the walk-in fridge was kept. In there would be the many samples of ponies blood. However through all of the samples only one would be from a human. The thought of blood made you shiver, you would never be a good doctor and you knew it. That was besides the point, however for here you are to solve a mystery!

Standing in front of the fridge door you perform a basic scan spell. As expected the door was riddled with magical wards. Each one preventing you from physically lock picking it, some were pretty tricky, one wrong move and the alarm would go off alerting every pony about your intentions.

"Might as well get started." You say as your horn lights up and you place an ear to the fridge door. What she didn't notice however was the black shadowy figure that snuck into the same room, closing the open door behind it.

Anon's POV:

Anyone that says Rainbow Dash is not a sappy pony is completely and utterly wrong. For here she was riding upon his back just like the good old days. Except now they were in no immediate danger from the local wild life and they knew exactly where they were.

"So you knew this whole time!?" Rainbow Dash claims.

"Well I was close to death and I didn't really know if you were actually saying what I thought you were saying. You know, sometimes the mind tells false information. To be honest even if you didn't say that and I heard it, it would of still been one hell of a way to die." You reply to Dash.

Rainbow Dash looks down towards you. "I can't help but feel that you're going to get me back for every shoot I took."

"And each step I took in Tartarus." You say looking back up towards Dash with a smile.

"So where we headed? I thought we were going back to the library?" Rainbow Dash asks as soon as you took the wrong turn.

"I have a little orange filly to apologise to. I told her that I would take care of her and I just went up and left her. I hope she doesn't hate me too much for it, I know I would hate myself if I was in her position." You claim looking forwards to see the red and white school house.

Rainbow Dash hops off your back and hovers to the right of you. "I don't think she will take it as bad as your thinking. She's one of the coolest fillies I know." You smile at her remark. "I'm sure everything will go just fine."

"I sure hope so. If not I'm sitting on the streets alone." You comment.

"No coltfriend of mine is sitting out in the streets! I'm sure when Twilight figures out this mystery she'll find a solution to this problem. She always does!" You will give it to her the mare's got determination.

"But what about scoot's? Last time I checked she still lived on the streets." Rainbow Dash's smile only grew.

"Once the rest of the girls heard about poor little scoot's they all came to an agreement. Scootaloo will stay at Applejacks with Apple Bloom. Rarity would make her, her own attire for special occasions and Pinkie was kind enough to let her eat for free at 'the sugar-cube corner'. Scoot's has got it better than me!" Rainbow Dash relays.

You let out a whistle "Wow looks like she no longer a vagabond. It makes me happy to see you girls taking care of her, she didn't belong living out here. Now you see me, I'm a human, I'm used to living in the dump." You comment, last thing you need is for Rainbow Dash to invite you over to her house. You may be a pilot but something about living in a cloud made you fear heights.

Rainbow Dash only sighs in response. "You do realize I'm taking you in if Twilight wont." And just like that, your nightmares have came true.

"I think I prefer it on the ground thank you. I don't need one of Twilight's spells to where off when I'm sleeping, or worst of all showering." That would be pretty bad dying and having your friends find you naked in a pool of your own blood. Nonetheless you shake the thought out of your head as you come upon the school house.

"Well here it comes, the oncoming storm..." You trail off as you knock on the front door three times. "It is school time right?" You ask about to turn around.

Again Equestria works it's magic and before you could turn around the door to the school opens up. Standing under the door frame is a purple, pinkish pony. "Oh. Why hello there you must be Anon. I have heard a lot about you." The mare claims holding her hoof out to you. Being curious you shake the mares hoof. "I'm Cheerilee, what brings you here today?" The tone she used was warm and welcoming, something that the teachers back on earth surly lacked.

Not entering the door you just state your intent. "Can I speak with Scootaloo in private for a moment? I promise that it won't be long." You ask as nicely as you can. Cheerilee takes another glance at you probably questioning why a human is asking for one of her students, however all her worries ceases to exist once her eyes land on the cyan mare hovering next to you.

"I don't see why not." Cheerilee claims as she enters the classroom leaving you and Rainbow Dash out in the freezing rain. "Scootaloo, you have a guest that wants to speak to you." Cheerilee sings out. You can hear shuffling around and whispers in the classroom before the orange filly comes out and stands underneath the door frame.

Her eyes narrow as soon as she sees you. You can't tell what her expression is, either it's surprised or angry. "Well look who came back." She comments in a bitter tone. Yup definitely the second one, she is definitely pissed off at me.

"I'm so sor-" was all your aloud to say before she cut you off again.

"Sorry doesn't mean anything to me anymore!" She retorts, her volume steadily increasing each word she speaks. "I trusted you and you just got up and left me. You didn't even say good-bye to me face to face, you left Twilight to do that." the little fillies words cut deeper than any weapon could. It was all true, every word.

"Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity and Pinky Pie all say nice things about you, but I know the truth! Your just a monster! An evil monster!" That word just echoed throughout your mind never leaving, a permanent scar. Monster

Where you really this monster, all you wanted to do was to see your family and friends one last time. At what cost's though. This filly felt like she was abandoned and that was purely your fault. There was no excuse, how could there be one. You deserved all of this hate and more for what you did, you Monster.

"Even Rainbow Dash here said you would come back." She turned her little head towards the cyan Pegasus. She too was in shock of the little fillies words. "I can't believe I thought you were cool. Yet here you are standing right next to the person that abandoned me."

You took a quick glance over to see Dash. Her expression pulled at your heartstrings, her normal egotistic attitude deflated like a balloon. Those powerful words left you both shocked, but you can see where they came from. A month for a filly could feel like a year, and you were gone 7 months.

Dash and you were so caught up in the shock that you didn't even notice when the orange filly left. When you finally started to process things again the school door was closed. Complete and utter silence was what followed, the rain and the wind were the only things still talking. Turning back over to Dash you come to see what you expected, she wasn't there.

Twilight's POV:

"Almost there, Almost there..." You muttered under your breath as you magically unwinded the invisible tangled wards. *Click* "Aha!" You exclaim in a hush whisper. With the wards now done and gone you slowly open the fridge door. As expected the inside was filled with multiple bags of blood. Each one labelled and categorized, your dream come true! The organisation not the blood.

Shutting the door behind you, you start walking through the various aisle looking for the blood of one Anonymous. Which sounds easy, but when the hospital here takes Anonymous blood donations it starts to get a bit tricky. You know that they would never store his blood with the rest of the anonymous blood from other ponies, so what would be the next thing they would label it?

Well he is a human, let's look under H. You mentally say to yourself as you walk further down the aisles until you come across the 'H' section. Alright let's see what we got here. Happy Days, Heckler Joe, Honey Drop, Human, Hunt.... Stopping and walking backwards you stop at the label that read 'human', except the bag that was supposed to be above it was gone.

"Oh my, looks like somepony stole the bag you were looking for." A ghastly voice spoke up from the shadows. The fridge door clicked locking itself. "However I've been looking forwards to talking with you, so I could say this is just a 'happy' coincidence." The voice spoke again making sure to say happy as creepily as it could. This time it sounded like the voice was much closer and from a different direction.

The light was already dark in the fridge, but somehow it got even darker; like there was a black fog surrounding you. Soon you couldn't even see your own muzzle in front of you. "W-Who are you?" You shout out casting a small light spell, sadly as soon as it leaves your horn it fizzled out of existence.

"Come on Twilight you're a smart mare you can figure it out." The voice said again, this time it sounded eerily familiar.

"I don't know." You claim after minutes of silence. You really thought hard and it felt like the name was on the tip of your tongue.

"Such a shame... But don't fret for soon you will know the answer..." The voice trailed off only for it to come up again in a different spot. "Do you like books Twilight?"

"Of course I do!" You state as if that was the most obvious answer in the universe.

Then tell me... have you read 'The tail of Progenitus'? The voice echoed in the confinements of the fridge.

"No I don't think I have." You claim. This pony or whatever it was could be lying. For as far as you're aware such a tail does not exist. Then again you could be easily proven wrong.

"Ah I see, you don't believe me do you? That there is a book you have yet to read." The voice calmly stated.

"That is right. Even if you're telling the truth it must not be an important book, or else it would be in the Canterlot Archives. You can trust me when I say I have read every single book and scroll in there." You respond with a little up tight 'hmpf'.

"That's where you're wrong young one. You're arrogant and that's what makes you weak." The voice claimed and suddenly all of the lights flickered back on. The fridge door thankfully unlocking itself.

Looking around the room it looked just like it was before, only one slight alteration. Sitting in the middle of the room lay a black battered book.

Me arrogant! Ha that's a joke! You state to yourself walking up to the book. Blowing away the dust on the cover you reveal its name. 'The tail of Progenitus.'

A twitch in your right eye made itself known. "Books!"

"It's always calm before the storm,." ~ Jennifer Weiner

Chapter Nine - The Canterlot Express

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Lorin's POV:

You awaken from your slumber completely flabbergasted. Not only did you manage to fall asleep, but this Rose pony has made her way off her bed and is now leaning up against you. Which by itself was a surprise, seeing as you slept on the couch across the room. I guess that hot tub 'relaxing session' really got to me, and apparently her too. You say to yourself as you get up and let the pony laying upon your shoulder let out a large yelp before making impact with the ground.

With her dazed state you walk over to the rooms balcony, stretching the whole way. Which was actually quite different now that you're in pony form. Who knew that ponies would have so many muscles to stretch. Nonetheless before you get to the balcony Rose speaks up.

"How rude! I was enjoying a nice and relaxing dream!" Rose scoffs as she too stood up.

"What's rude is sleeping on someo... somepony without having their consent." You retort opening the door to the balcony. "Now get ready quickly, I don't want to stay here all day." Rose said nothing in response, she just simply walked towards her saddle bags with her head held high.

Walking towards the bathroom she tightened the straps attached to the bag, causing her once again to not pay any attention to her surroundings. However, miraculously she managed to miss the rooms lamp by inches, avoid the night stand and open the door all without looking. This mare has some sort of sixth sense or something You claim as you step out and onto the sun bathed balcony.

The sight that it portrayed was something else you will say. Looking out and into the distance you could see rolling hills, the grass that coated them was covered in morning dew causing it to reflect the light in a crystalline effect. Peeking out from under the horizon was a large misty forest, the trees there lined up like soldiers awaiting orders. It was like any moment now their fearless leader would give them their command and they would advance onto the empty plains ahead.

If you shifted your gaze to the right you would be able to see the foot of the enormous mountain that the village you're currently within, settled beneath. How could anyone live underneath the shadow of this monstrosity? You pondered as you leaned against the railing.

From where you stand you could just make out the winding path that lead up the mountain. The path looked to be made out of cobblestone, yet it was very well maintained. Straining your eyes to look closer you could see the multiple carts and ponies heading up the path, each one taking their time causing the whole event to look like a modern day traffic jam.

You don't know why, but something about watching other beings at work and progressing through their day is entertaining. If it weren't for Rose stating her presents then you would of stayed there watching them for hours. "Ehem..." She coughed out. "We going?"

"Yeah, was just taking in the view." You respond truthfully. "So why are all those ponies traveling up the mountain?" You question, as you walk back inside the hotel room. "Looks like it must be important if that many ponies are willing to make the climb."

Rose looks at you dumb founded, "You really don't know what's on top of Mont. Canterlot?" She claims looking at you like you were the most retarded pony on the planet. Which in history and geography terms is not that far off from being accurate.

"Nope." Is your simplistic answer.

"I guess you're really not from Equestria." Rose replied. "That mountain that you saw while on the balcony is probably one of the most famous mountains in the unicorn range. Not the tallest mind you, but sure is the most known."

"So if it's not the tallest then why is it so famous?" You question walking out of the hotel room and down the stairs leading to the lobby.

"Really?! Even after I told you the name of the mountain you still don't know why it's so famous?... The boats don't go where you live do they." Rose huffed rolling her eyes in the process. "The reason why you saw so many ponies heading up the path is because the city of Canterlot is up there, you know, the capitol of Equestria!"

A brief image of Lord of the Rings flashes through your mind. That would make a lot of sense. You claim to your yourself. "I guess that does make sense." You reply to Rose. "So is that the same road -the one that goes up the mountain- we take to get to Ponyville?" Just the word pony was awkward and uncomfortable to say.

"Well for most of the journey yes. We follow 'The Canterlot Express' or 'TCE' for four hours then we take the Ponyville trail all the way down." Heh looks like ponies and humans aren't that much different, they even got highways for their carts. "We could just take the train as well, but I don't think I have enough bits for the trip." Rose claims as she rummages through her saddle bags.

Reaching outside you let Rose take the lead, after all you have no idea where you're going. "So this trip will take us 6 hours right?" You ask not liking the idea of walking for that long. Memories of when you were a kid in air cadets came flashing through your mind.

The trumpets at the camp played over the PA system, awaking all of the cadets that dared to sleep in. The sound was so loud and obnoxious that it sounded like it was right next to you. If anyone could sleep through it, then they have been blessed. In your opinion you don't think any kid has to deal with such a sound.

"ALRIGHT CADETS FORM UP!" The captain yelled out, standing on the dirt covered road. "MORNING P.T STARTS IN FIVE MINUTES! I WANT TO SEE EVERYONE OF YOU OUT HERE!" His voice strong, a tone suited for a leader.

Following his orders you rush to make your bed and jump into your rank. The silence those mornings is something that you will always remember. "Squadron! Left... turn!" The squad leader yelled out. Each one of the cadets followed the order to the T, so much so that it looked like the entire flight was one organism. "Squadron! Forward... March!" Once again all of the cadets followed the order. With that the flight left the dirt path in their wake and walked onto the paved road. "Squadron! Halt!" The squad leader yelled out.

"Okay Morning P.T will now commence! Follow me and STAY IN FORMATION!" He made sure to put a heavy emphases on the formation part. Within seconds the captain of the flight started to sprint forwards, with him the cadets followed. Sadly you were placed in the middle, meaning that you could not screw up, for if you did you would either cause the entire flight to stop or you would get trampled.

The run felt like it went on forever, the captain made it clear that he wanted his flight to be the best and so he made you run the extra long course. About halfway in your legs started to burn, your throat started to dry up making each breath feel like you were swallowing millions of little knifes. Nevertheless you pushed thru and after the last check point your legs were pretty much all numb. It's at this moment in time where you feel like you can run forever, the pain in your chest is gone and the dry mouth is unnoticeable.

Cadets were all around you, each one looking like they reached their limits. One girl in particular to your left looked like she was going to pass-out right then and there. "We're almost there, just a couple more minutes." You say to the red haired girl, attempting to raise her hopes and push her further. The last thing you need is for this chick to pass-out and in turn aggravating the captain, with your luck the captain would most likely force everyone to re-run the course again.

Hearing your words she glances towards you. "Hey are you okay? Lorin?" Wait I don't remember telling this girl my name? "Lorin hello? Hello?!"

"Hay, you okay?" Rose states waving her hoof in front of your face.

Shaking your head to regain your senses you nod in response. "I'm sorry; dozed off there for a moment." You state sheepishly.

Rose rolls her eyes once again and lets out a sigh. I wonder how many times this mare rolls her eyes every day? "You know you should really listen to mares more often, it'll help them like you." She claims in a perky tone. Well I really have no intentions on making any mares like me. Especially this one. She's too... forward? is that a thing? You retort in your mind.

"Yeah sure whatever. So six hours right?" You repeat your question.

"More like seven seeing as we'll stop half way for a break. Can't walk the whole thing in one go now can we." Well you can't, I can. After all; all I need is love to keep me going. Speaking of which. You claim to yourself as you start to think of ways that will enable you to do it. Maybe I just need to think about it really hard and stare at my target. Having nothing really to do you give it a shot.

"Yeah I guess you're right. Either way a break halfway would be welcoming." Seconds soon pass-by and then minutes, each of which you spend staring at the Rose pony in front of you.

"You know its impolite to stare." Rose claims glancing behind her. "If you wanted a date you could just ask." She continues. Yup definitely too forward for my tastes.

Now it was your time to roll your eyes. Fuck its contagious! "I don't have any intentions on hooking up with you." You claim. "Trust me when I say that."

"How can I trust you when you keep staring at my flank." She replies accompanied by a little giggle. "Don't get me wrong though I'm flattered." Of course she would be flattered, she was the one that cuddled up to me in the hotel.

Time once again passes by while you and Rose make your way to the TCE, however that being said your journey to the main road was not dull. In fact you would say the journey was quite the opposite, seeing as it was your first time in this town. So in order to keep your mind busy you took in the view around you.

Multiple shops littered each side of the path that you and Rose tread. Each one sporting a different product, most of which had their names cleverly picked. Such as Horseshoes shoe shop, mane street stylist, and of course the resemblance was uncanny when you spotted the star'bucks'. I wonder if they sell my favorite raspberry and cheese tart there. We'll have to come back here at a later date.

Sadly your daydreaming ended when you and Rose came across the busy street. A street that you assumed was the TCE for if it wasn't then all hope of having the trip only last 6 hours goes out the window. "Is it always like this?" You question gesturing to the pack of busy ponies walking up and down the cobblestone street.

Down here in the town you noticed two different things then you did when you were up on the balcony of the hotel. First, was that down here the road looked like you would expect a medieval road to look like, un-kept, jagged and littered with trash. The other thing you noticed was that the ponies that were walking this path looked to be of common wealth or below. I guess all the rich ponies go on the train.

"Not always, seems like there might be an event in Canterlot." Rose replies as she steps into the crowd. While she was saying this your eyes were elsewhere, well when you say your eyes were elsewhere you mean that you were looking at a particularly enticing bakery. The products of which were just begging to be eaten. That is saying you can still taste and enjoy them in your changeling state.

"I wonder what eve..." You trail off turning around only to see a crowd of ponies, Rose nowhere to be found. "...nt. Ah shit! Where the hell did she go?" You question yourself as you proceed to enter the crowd. "Rose! Rose?!" You start yelling out, however the hundreds of ponies that are now around you seem to yell louder.

"MOVE OUT OF THE WAY!" One stallion yells out. "ARE YOU STUPID OR SOMETHING!" A mare is next to add in her two bits. "Mommy why is this stallion going the wrong way." And now the little fillies are having a go at me, just perfect. Nevertheless it does not stop there, after the words of hurt are done and over the pushing and shoving comes. No longer are the ponies attempting to tell you your wrongs, but have now moved on to showing you the right way by force.

"It's this way sunny." An older stallion claims turning you to face the mountain. God this is turning out to be like Toronto during the Pan Am games! You state to yourself as you finally give up and walk the direction everypony is telling you to go. If worst comes to worst I'll just ask for directions. You reassure yourself.

Moving with the flow you look left and right for any sign of exit, when none come up in the better half of an hour you give in to asking for help. "Hay sir, would you mind telling me how to get to Ponyville from here?" You ask a nearby pony.

"Hehe, you're going the wrong way then if that's where you want to go." The pony claims.

"Yeah I know, but when I try and walk the other way everyone gets pissed off at me." You reply.

"Ah you must be new Equestria then I take it." You answer with a nod. "Just make your way to the right of this group and take the next street off. Once you get off try to find a bridge that will take you to the other side of the express way. There should be one every exit, at least for your sake I hope so." The stallion claims.

"So all I need to do is get to the other side of the express and the traffic travels the other way?" You question. The stallion that you were talking to nods back. So this is like the highways back on earth! You comment to yourself. "Thanks for the help, names Lorin by the way. You are?" You ask.

"Names Green Thorn, nice to meet you Lorin, but you best be on your way. Don't want to be traveling on the TCE at night." Green warns. "This maybe a highly used route, but it doesn't mean that it's any safer than the others." He continues.

"Thanks for the warning, I guess I better start moving then. Seeing as I was traveling in the wrong direction the whole time. Rose must be so frustrated that I got lost." You answer the friendly and helpful pony. With a quick nod and a knowing smile from Green, you start to make your way to the edge of the crowd.

Just like he explained the crowd thinned the further from the center you got, eventually to a point where you could see each oncoming exit. "This makes things much simpler." You commented with a hint of relief in your voice.

Slowly but surely you finally made your way to the exit, stepping off in the hopes to make it to Ponyville before nightfall. What Green told you about the TCE at night time frightened you a bit, you have never been the one for night strolls and having potential death as a viable consequence makes you start to rethink taking the TCE. Sadly your worries were thrown away by the thought that Rose is probably going to be on the road as well.

"Sometimes I'm so considerate." You mumble to yourself as you stop to look around the area that the exit brought you to. It was a pretty worn down area of town, the shops were boarded up and the streets looked to be completely barren other than a few stray ponies here and there. Which surprisingly is a more comforting atmosphere then the one you got on the TCE. There everypony just seemed to hate their lives and in turn took it out on you, a hopeless and lost person and here I was thinking that ponies were much nicer than humans.

Scanning the length of the TCE you take notice of a small wooden bridge a couple of meters down. The thing looked like it was made in someone's backyard, but then again it was your only means of getting to the other side. The only other option was to go the other way and if your vision serves you right then the next bridge over the TCE would be a good two to three kilometers.

Since the bridge was really not that far away from you, it only takes a couple of seconds to get there. It's old and cracked wood getting more and more detailed as you neared, it seems like your predictions were wrong about the bridge. While it still looked like it would give in to your weight, the design that was carved into it proved that it was once a normal if not fancy bridge.

These thought just further your concern of crossing it, you have no idea if this bridge is a memorial or anything. Nevertheless you still step onto it, if the ponies here didn't want you crossing it then they would of put up fences or signs. So without further ado, you climb the wooden steps, each one creaking as you step upon it. I really hope this bridge can take my weight. You pray as you continue forwards.

About half way across the bridge you take your eyes off the floor and glance towards the TCE bellow you. To say it looked like the 401 in Toronto was an understatement. Here in Equestria each lane was huge, the lane heading towards Canterlot was about three times the size of a normal 4 lane highway. What also shocked you was that the lane going back from Canterlot was almost completely empty, only a few ponies walked the path and even then they would get off at the next exit.

Turning back forwards you come to see a face full of Rose colored hair. "Oof" The air escapes your lungs as you topple over to the ground. The thought of you falling on such a weak bridge picked at your nerves.

"There you are! You're just like a foal, do you need me to hold your hoof." Rose claims stepping off of you. Your only response is to stand up with her, your expression clearly showing that she better be kidding. "What do you expect me to say when you just disappear like that!" Rose huffs. This mare reminds me to much of my mom right now. You state to yourself as you stand up and dust yourself off.

"Nothing, in all honesty I thought you would of just gone without me seeing as we have only known each other for two days. I don't know about you, but most peo-ponies-" You quickly fix yourself but are cut off right after by rose.

"What was that?" She asks getting a bit closer a prying look in her eyes, yup she definitely heard my little fuck up this time.

"Well before you interrupted me, I said 'I don't know about you, but most ponies wouldn't care that much if one of their acquaintances just disappeared.'" You reply trying to play it off like she heard something. "Why did I say something wrong." Rose just shakes her head Phew that was a close one.

You and Rose head off of the bridge on the other side "But I'm not just an acquaintance am I?" She questions stepping down from the bridge and onto the deserted express way. "I mean we shared the same hotel room together, I would think we would be considered more of friends then acquaintances."

"Just because we shared a room doesn't automatically make us friends. All I'm trying to do is go to Ponyville to see this 'Anon' guy. He seems like an interesting dude to meet, like a one in a life time thing." You reply.

"In my books it does!" Rose chimes out. "It doesn't matter if you accept my friendship or not, all that matters is that I'm willing to give mine out." She must get scammed everyday seeing as here in medieval times they use markets and not the internet. "And why are you so interested in meeting the human?"

"I just told you, I would like to see him because it's a one-in-a-lifetime thing." You respond.

"Being friends with such a loving and amazingly good looking mare is a one-in-a-lifetime thing." Rose comments batting her eyelashes at you.

"Really who is she?" You joke back to Rose, one of which that hoofs you in the side.

"You must have really bad tastes in looks then." She retorts, Or I just don't like ponies to begin with. You add on in your mind. "Either way I don't think I will ever go near another human again. Something about them seems to put me on edge. Maybe it's just their hideous looks." Oh if she only knew. You sigh in your mind, being bashed about your race is something you never thought would see the light of day, nonetheless here you stand being corrected.

Something in you is just begging to change back into human form just to show her up, then again another part of you is yelling that if you do, you might draw a lot of unwanted attention. Not to mention Rose would probably run away or beat you for hiding it from her. So in order to keep the balance on the TCE you keep to your pony form.

"Maybe the human's thinks the same way about us ponies." You raise a good and true point. "I mean even if you don't like 'Anon' he might feel the same way about you. Yet you don't see him bashing the pony race." If you keep going on defending humans Rose might start to put two and two together, however if she finds out just by this little argument then you would be colored impressed.

"What makes you think that he thinks the same way about us? You've never even seen him? Either way I highly doubt it, the way he acts around Rainbow Dash would say otherwise. If I didn't know any better I would of thought they were a couple the way they both acted when he returned from the dead." This blob of information hit you like a freight train. Anon back from the dead? What the hell happened to him!.... wait, one second here did she just say that he was all buddy-buddy with a pony?

Your mind is going a mile a minute. Millions of thoughts flowing through your mind. "Could you say that again I think I miss heard you. 'Anon' this human were talking about is back from the dead and is in love with this pony named Rainbow Dash?"

"Yup that's right, I myself could hardly believe it. Then again it happened right in front of me, one second he was gone and the next he was here. I even went to his funeral and all." You shake your head, you don't really care about Anon's resurrection, Anon is capable of many things and you wouldn't put it past him if he somehow managed to escape deaths cold hand. What you're more interested in is the pony relationship part.

"Who is this Rainbow Dash?" You ask intrigued on how Anon fell for her, if it is even a she.

"You really don't know? I mean not knowing Canterlot is one thing, but not knowing one of the elements of harmony. Where do you live? Under a rock?" You ignore her jabs at your intellect and let her continue. "Rainbow Dash is one of the fastest Pegasus in Equestria and a bearer of the element of loyalty. She was in the Global newspaper multiple times with her friends, she's kind of a big deal here, some ponies view her as a celebrity."

So this is the pony that my dear old Anon fell for. I guess if he was going to fall for anypony here it would be one of the fastest and most known ponies around. Hehe and loyalty is what she's known for, I guess he really did find his match here in Equestria. Either way you still find it fucked up that he's even in this relationship. How the hell does he think this is going to work out, she's a pony and he's a human. Then again you're a human and this pony next to you seems to flirt with you whenever a chance to do so arises.

This is going to be stuck in my mind the entire walk. You claim to yourself as you continue to generate small talk with the Rose pony beside you.

4 hours later:

The walk on the TCE was rather dull, the only thing that was note worthy was the mountain that you left behind. Everything else you came across was either rolling hills or thick forests. That being said Rose did help out a lot, just her being here to talk to was a huge help. You don't really want to think back when you traveled the treacherous desert with no pony to talk to. It amazes you that you made it out of there completely sane.

"So where're you from? I know you said you're not from Equestria, but I think I know the world map enough to get a general idea." Rose finally asks, it was this question that you were trying to avoid the entire walk. That being said you had a lot of time to think about what to say when it does come up. Now that you think about it during this long walk the personal questions were unavoidable.

"A faraway place, a far, far away place. I don't think they even marked it on the map, so me telling you would make no difference." Rose just stops on the road.

"That's not true, you can tell a lot about a place just from the name. Like when I hear 'the land of the griffins' I imagine large mountains ten times as big as the ones here in Equestria. Castles built for war and harsh weather. Now that I think about it I always wanted to go there, I heard they have some really rare flowers there. One griffin tol..." You let her trail off as it seems to work out in your favor, the more she talks about this griffin place the more she will forget about her original question.

Nonetheless that being said, it gave you a lot of time to think about Anon and his current situation. You already accepted that he has a thing for a certain pony, but now your mind wanders over to his resurrection. What happened to you Anon? You ponder, wondering if he is even the same person because of it. How would I react if I finally get to him and he's completely different? Will I even show him my human form if he's like that? That's it! if he's just like how I remember than I'll show him my true form!

With that thought in mind you start to re-tune Rose's conversation. "Can you believe it! He jumped off my stores roof only to ask me out! I mean sure it was entertaining, but a bit over the top. Not to mention he broke his legs in the process." Rose continues for a bit longer before pointing her hoof at an oncoming sign, one of which was labelled 'Ponyville Trail'.

Two more hours and I get to be reunited with one of my favorite friends. You state in your mind. "Here we are, we should be able to see Ponyville on the horizon about an hour in, right after we exit white tale woods. As for now this seems like as good as place as any to take a little brake, I think I have some food in my saddle bag." Rose says as she takes off her bags.

Women, no matter what race or what planet their on, they have everything in their purses. It's like another dimension in there, and sadly us males are never allowed to look in to find the answer. A question that us males will never know the answer to. You state to yourself as you sit down on your hunches. "So what's on the menu today?" You mock Rose "You got some stakes in there?"

"Why in Equestria would I have meat of all things in my bag!" She claims with her head stuffed into the bag. Oh right ponies are herbivores, that could of ended really poorly if she answered that another way.

"Just teasing you, so what do you have?" You ask. Frankly you could care less, but its polite to keep a conversation going. Rose doesn't reply instead she pulls out what looks like a wrapped sandwich. "How long has that been in there?" You ask kind of revolted that she has a sandwich in her bag.

"since I left Ponyville, but it should be fine." Rose claims unwrapping the sandwich before splitting it into two slices.

"But that was two days ago!" You comment backing away from the sandwich. "That probably has mold in it." You continue pointing your hoof out towards the sandwich.

"That just means it has extra cheese on it." It was that statement and that statement alone that made you almost vomit right then and there. For a girly pony like she is, she sure knows how to buck up and take one for survivals sake. Nevertheless you don't feel hungry, nor do you really need to eat it. After all you have yet to eat for a week.

Shaking your head you push the sandwich back towards Rose, "You know what? I'm not really that hungry at the moment, thanks for the offer tho-" You are cut off as a the same slice you gave back is now shoved in your face.

"A stallion should never turn down a mares gifts, it would be awfully impolite." Sure now she acts all sophisticated, it's not like she's eating the same moldy sandwich or anything. With an already regretful mind you take the offered slice and bring it up to your mouth. "Here goes nothing." You claim as you open your mouth to take a bight of it.

As if the heavens knew that you were about to consume such an atrocity a large howl is heard echoing throughout the forest. "What the hell was that?" You claim taking the sandwich away from your mouth. "I thought this rout was relatively safe during the day?" You question glancing around, when you find no sign of life you look back over to Rose.

"It's supposed to be. Timberwolves never come up this far north. Even when they do it's always in the night." Great why do these bastards always find out where I am. You curse to yourself as you continue to glance around.

"But don't think that howl is your ticket out of eating that sandwich! Even you need your energy, and I'm not hulling your body back to Ponyville." Fuck she saw that! Well it was worth a try. Swallowing up your pride you pick back up the sandwich and down it in one fatal swoop. To you the sandwich tasted like any other which was weird because you were sure that it would taste like complete shit.

"See that wasn't as bad, hmmm." She comments taking a light bight out of her own, only to spit it out seconds later. "SWEET CELESTIA THAT WAS AWFUL!" She yelps out tossing the sandwich on the floor. "How did you even manage to eat it?" She claims wiping her muzzle. weird it tasted like a normal sandwich to you.

"I guess my piece was the better of the two and for that I thank you mademoiselle." You give her a light smirk. It was her the in the end that forced you to eat the slice so she's at fault for her mishap. "Anyways let's get going before these wolves show up, I would hate to have to fight them again." Rose nods in response, packing up her things as she does so.

When the two of you are ready once again you head off. The long and winding gravel road your only sense of direction. "So two hours right? Doesn't sound that bad. This is going to be a cake walk!" You comment.

Why oh why did I think this would be a cake walk! You yell in your mind as you and Rose dash down the gravel path, two hungry wolves tailing you. "WHY DOES THIS ALWAYS HAPPEN TO ME!" You yell out as you push your muscles to their limits.

"YOU KNOW THIS IS QUITE THE TURN ON!" Rose retorts as she gallops next to you, a smile plastered upon her face. Is she enjoying this? Does she think this is a fucking game? You question as you pick up your pace.

"WOULD YOU STOP WITH THAT ALREADY!" You yell back to her, now is not the time for her to be hitting on you. If anything her words make you want to stop and let the wolves kill you, for that would be a less painful experience if she continues with this.

"YOU KNOW YOU LIKE IT!" She laughs out loud.

"HOW CAN YOU BE SO CALM AND COOL AT A MOMENT LIKE THIS!" You question the perky mare. "LAST TIME I SAW YOU, YOU WERE CORNERED BY THESE THINGS!" You continue.

"YEAH BUT NOW I HAVE YOU WITH ME." She beams a smile, these ponies are going to be the end of me! You tell yourself.

The path you follow makes a quick right turn making you lose your footing for a moment, however that's all it took. Seconds later you found yourself ramming into Roses side, causing both of you to topple over, rolling a good ten feet afterwards like in one of those cartoons.

Both of you let out large yelps before coming to a complete stop in the middle of the trail. Acting on instincts you get up and look around the forest for the wolves that were chasing you moments ago, but what greets you is nothing, just the empty forest. The wolves weren't there, did they get tired? distracted?

The questions you ask are soon answered when the carcass of one of the Timberwolves lands right in front of you. "WHAT THE FUCK!" You jump back once again bumping into Rose. Seconds later the second lifeless body drops, however this time a pony jumps down as well. With the forest canopy blocking out some of the light you could just barely make out some of the large details.

The pony that stood in front of you seemed to have holes in its legs and it's horn was jagged. Wait I know that look. Mere moments later the sound of a thousand screams returns to your head, it was like a tsunami hit your brain and now you're drowning in its aftermath. Unable to fight the waves of yelling you immediately collapse onto the floor, the blue eyes of the shadowy figure focuses on you.

Your orderssssss have changed, The bug like voice rings out above all of the other screams. You attempt to say something in return but your energy feels like it's been zapped out of you.

Rose being the caring pony she is immediately jumps in front of you. To be honest you're actually surprised she's not cowering behind your limp body. "WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM!" Rose yells out towards what could only be a changeling, however the changeling does nothing to respond only stands there motionless.

You're to eliminate the creature called Anonymoussss currently ressssiding in Ponyville. If you complete the tassssk the queen will relinquisssh you from your bondsss. With that the Changeling is engulfed in green flames and vanishes, leaving you no time to protest to the new orders. You don't care what this changeling said you'll never kill your own friend, you rather die, I'll complete the first task and that's all! You manage to yell out mentally before the voices fade back to nothingness.

"Are you okay Lorin?" Rose claims "That was one weird pony but at least he helped us out. You weren't hurt or anything were you." She continues.

"No, just lost my footing." You lie, the last thing you need right now is this Rose pony learning your secrets. "Let's just keep going." You state emotionless. Rose nods and helps you back up, "So which way?" You ask not remembering the direction you were previously heading in.

Before answering Rose gives you a curious yet worried look. "This way", She claims walking down the path. At least she's not the type of pony to pry and stick her nose into other people's business. "So who do you think that was?" She asks as you both walk down the path.

"No idea, I will say that I'm thankful he or she killed the Timberwolves." You reply with a chuckle.

"Well I was never really that worried to begin with." Rose states triumphantly, says the pony that jumped in front of me when I collapsed. "Anyways we should be almost nearing the end of the forest."

Her words were true, minutes later you and Rose found yourself exiting the forest. A small village came into view sitting on the horizon, one that you would assume was the Ponyville that you seek.

"I'm coming Anon buddy, just you wait!" You yell out to tired to think of what you're doing. That changeling really did zap a lot of energy out of you.

"Anon's your friend?!" Rose is next to yell out in surprise.

shit....

"There are no shortcuts to any place worth going" ~ Anonymous

Chapter Ten - A Voice Left in History

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Anon's POV:

You know when people say it's the small problems in life that really get you the most, because they multiply and stack on top of each other. Well here you are, the living embodiment of that statement standing underneath hundreds if not thousands of clouds searching for one that may or may not look like a house. Even if you manage to find the right needle in this proverbial haystack you could be yelling at it for hours and the inhabitants of said cloud would never hear you.

Sadly that's not the only problem with what you're trying to accomplish here. The biggest problem in your pool of conundrums is that the pony you seek, is possibly the most stubborn pony in Equestria. So getting her to come out -even that on its own- is a hassle.

"Rainbow! Please! At least answer me!" You yell out at a random cloud drifting by. Why am I doing this? There's at least a ninety-nine percent chance that I will never find her. You really don't know what drove you to continue searching like this for hours on end. The average person would of stopped looking by now, given up and gone home. Maybe it's because I'm just as stubborn as she is. You think to yourself; letting a light chuckle escape your mouth.

It seems that Rainbow Dash was much closer to Scootaloo then you first originally thought. Which to be completely honest with yourself here, was not close at all. Seeing as she never even noticed that Scootaloo was living without a home. Just the thought that Scootaloo was homeless in a world like this threw you off balance, then again no world is 'truly' perfect.

Nonetheless this just raises more questions like, why was Scootaloo not informed of your departure, Why did Scootaloo never tell anypony that she was homeless and lastly why did no one else seem to notice a filly wondering the streets alone? Even back on earth someone would of noticed a little kid walking around with no parent. Then again cities and towns on earth are much more dangerous than the ones here, well at least from what you can see so far.

No matter what, I guess the only way to know now what truly happened is to talk to Scootaloo. It's either that or travel back in time and frankly you don't think that that's going to happen. Sighing you take another glance up towards the sky. "Don't worry Rainbow, I'll fix this, one way or another." You promise.

4 months ago...

"Twilight what are you doing?" Spike asks when he see's Twilight rush upstairs to pack her bags. "Are you going to tell Celestia about what happened here?"

Turning around Twilight faces Spike. "Yes, well after I tell the rest about what happened." She replied to Spike while imaging the rest of her friends reactions. I hope they understand why I did the spell. Twilight thought to herself. With this thought of her friends reactions fresh in her mind she sped up her packing, fueled only by fear.

"What about Scootaloo?" Spike asks causing Twilight to freeze in her tracks. "Didn't Anon tell you to look after her while he's gone?" Spike comments while looking at her with a confused expression as he doesn't know what to do should she leave him alone.

"Buck! I forgot about that!" Twilight replied to spike. "What time is it?" She asked in hopes that she'll have enough time to sort this fiasco out.

"It's one in the afternoon." Spike recites with ease.

Come on Twilight you don't got all day figure out a plan!... Aha! With a sudden idea popping out of seemingly nowhere Twilight tells Spike what to do in order to fix this sticky situation. "Spike I need you to pick Scootaloo up after school at three OK." Twilight continued not even waiting for the little dragon to respond, "When you meet Scootaloo tell her that she has to stay at the library till Anon gets back. When or if he does get back I'm sure I or he will have a more 'long term' plan. Just make sure you tell her what happened. This is very important, Scootaloo will be in a very fragile state once she learns about the event that transpired."

With a quick salute from Spike, Twilight grabs her saddle bag and heads out of the library saying goodbye as she does so. "Goodbye" Spike responded as the door shut closed, "Leave it to Twilight to dump all of her responsibilities on me." Spike mumbled under his breath as he slowly walked back to his bed. While it was one a clock in the afternoon spike planed to catch some rest before picking up Scootaloo from school.

However before he even reached the stairs he heard a knock come from the front door. "Spiky whiky are you in there?" A voice so beautiful it would be a crime to forget who wielded it. At that moment it was like a switch was flicked in his head; all of his goals for the day seemed to vanish replaced by everything he could remember about the high class mare.

As fast as the little purple and green dragons feet could take him, he rushed towards the door opening it up with gusto. "Hello Rarity what are you doing here?" He asked to in love to care about anything else at the moment.

"Well I was on my way over here to ask Twilight if she wouldn't mind helping me organize my new winter clothing line. However when I met her exiting the library she didn't answer me, instead she told me to meet her at the market square in ten minutes." Rarity let out an adorable little humph. "Sometimes that mare has no manners!"

"Yeah, Twilight messed up on one of her spells today, so she's going to go to Canterlot to get Celestias help." Spike replied.

"Canterlot! And she has yet to invite moi!" Rarity gasped in mock horror. Her swaying hinted that she might fall at any given moment, but Spike knew that if she were to fall she would just materialize the red couch to catch her.

"I'm pretty sure that's why she wanted to talk to you. I don't think she would go to Canterlot by herself." Spike was quick to answer.

"You're right darling! I must hurry then...." She trailed off, only to look back down towards spike with puppy dog eyes. "... Spike could you do something for me while I'm gone?" She cooed. All she really needed to do was to ask for help, the cooing only cemented his complete and utter detection to the task.

"Sure Rarity anything for you!" Spike answered without a second to lose.

"If you're not busy today would you mind organizing my winter line for me. I know that you spend a lot of time with me, so I'm sure you'll be able to do an amazing job." Rarity didn't even have to blink before the little drake responded.

"No problem, I'll start working on it right now!" Spike replied.

"Oh thank you so much Spike! You really are a true gentle-drake" Rarity thanked, kissing him lightly on the cheek. "I don't know where I would be without you." with those words Rarity was gone and spike was left standing under the door frame frozen solid.

Keeping true to his word, Spike closed the libraries door behind him. Wow a kiss from Rarity! I'm glad that there was nothing else important to do today. Spike told himself with a glee filled tone.

4 months later...

Well If the odds aren't going to change on their own volition, then I guess I'll just have to change them myself. You claim, finally taking your eyes away from the beautiful cyan sky. Maybe one of her friends knows where she lives. You ponder as you make your way back to Ponyville. Who would know Rainbow Dash the most? You question yourself.

It's at this time where you realize you really don't know any of her friends that well. Sure you have heard about them from Rainbow Dash, but she talked about each one equally. So in your mind each one would be equally close to her. Sadly this did not help your situation, in fact it made it a bit more difficult, because now you have to decide on your own who to go to first.

Letting a stressed sigh escape your mouth you wander into Ponyville, Twilights library/house the first stop. You thought if you stopped by her house first you might be able to convince her to help you out with your little side project that you have recently started to work on. Well not really started to work on, more like thought about it and realized it might actually work with magic and all. In the end, talking with Twilight would be like hitting two birds with one stone.

Placing one foot in front of the other you eventually make your way down the gravel path and to Twilights front door. The door was left unlocked so it seems that she had already made her way back from her little expedition last night. Which now that you think about it lasted pretty long, did she pull an all nighter? You question as you enter the library.

You're question was almost immediately answered the moment you placed one foot inside the library. Pillars of books rouse ten feet from the ground and scrolls lay scattered in-between them. It was if a mini-tornado was set loose throughout her house, leaving only the strongest pillars of books standing in its wake. "Twilight?" You call out in a somewhat worried tone.

Silence was the only answer you got in return, either this was a good thing or a bad thing. Good being that she's not here and went out or passed out somewhere. Bad being that she's here, but severely invested in one of her studies. If that's the case then getting any answer out of her would probably end up with you having electrodes stuck to every portion of your body. An event that you really wouldn't like to stumble upon.

"Twilight?" You call out again, this time your lower you voice. If she is in fact sleeping then you would prefer if she stayed that way. "Twilight?" You whisper, the library is as silent as a soldier. It was as if you were to do anything you would trigger the beast, which is actually quite close to the truth.

Turning the next corner you come across the kitchen and sitting down at the table -passed out- was Twilight. Her face was jammed into a book, one that to you looked rather old. Maybe she actually found out something about what happened before you arrived.

Tip-toeing around the table you glance at the title of the book 'The tail of Progenitus'. isn't that the name of a card in 'Magic' or something? Huh maybe there're other similarity's then just card names as book titles in this world. You state to yourself. Shaking it off as a coincidence you head over to the fridge in hopes to get a quick snack.

"All right let's see if there's anything editable in here." You claim under your breath as you open the door to the fridge. Hopefully she won't mind me snatching an apple or something, either way I'll pay her back. You reassure yourself, because if you do then you won't be any more in the wrong then in the first place.

"What do you think you're doing?" The familiar female voice speaks up from behind you, freezing you in your spot. Fuck! She caught me red handed. You state to yourself as you slowly turn around to see Twilight giving you a smug expression. You were amazed she's even able to pull off that expression at a time like this.

"How the hell did you manage to not hear me calling your name, but hear the fridge opening." You comment closing the fridge and crossing your arms. To be honest you're actually quite impressed that she managed to hear you, Maybe she was just ignoring me earlier, if that's the truth then that's pretty rude.

Twilights smug expression switches to a plane old smile, "Looking after a hungry dragon does that to a mare" She answers simply, "And by the way I don't really care if you take something from the fridge, don't want you to go raiding Ponyville's trashcans." She's right that would definitely not do any good to your already skewed reputation.

"I guess having a dragon would do that to anyone." You reply defeated, that was a good excuse. "So what are you doing reading about Progenitus, I'm quite surprised that name even exists in this world."

It seems like you said something that you shouldn't of, because Twilight now has that look in her eyes. "You know what that name means!" She practically shouts out, any louder and the pillars of books would've fallen over like dominoes. Your response is to quickly turn around and open the door of the fridge hoping that you can change the subject as quickly as possible.

"Do flowers even taste good?" You ponder out loud.

"Anon I really need to know what that names means!" Twilight quips back, she's now out of her seat and standing right behind you.

"How about wheat? Do you eat it like it is? or do you grind it up and use it as ingredients. I guess you could use it as a filler like french fries." You comment reaching in and grabbing an apple. I really wish that these ponies had more than just fruits and vegetables to snack on. You whine to yourself as you close the door to the fridge.

"Can you stop trying to change the subject! This is important!" Twilight is now yelling. Shit looks like I'm not going to get out of this lecture. You state to yourself as you take a long hard bight out of the shiny green apple.

"It was just a name of a creature in a card game I used to play. Was a bitch to play but if you got him out you were basically guaranteed the game." That is saying the opponent didn't have a spell to kill him instantly. "I was pretty shocked that you were reading a book about him or her, can't really tell with those creatures."

"Yes, yes its interesting that this name was in one of your games, but what can you tell me about it?" Twilight prods deeper into the question.

"Well Progenitus is a five headed hydra said to be the soul of the world. As the lore behind him goes he was worshiped as a god. According to Animas visions, it had become bored with creation and unleashed five storms to consume it: wildfire, earthquake, windstorm, flood, and void. Nevertheless the good guys always win right, so in the end elf cylia used a poisoned dagger to kill it." You state straining your memory. It took you a while to get the names, but in the end you're quite pleased with your recap of the creature.

Twilight just gets a distant look in her eyes. "I highly doubt that this creature is what you're reading about. I just think it's a coincidence that they both have the same name." You claim eating the last bits of your apple and tossing the core into the garbage.

"I hope your right for all of our sakes." Twilight comments as she goes back over to her book. "So tell me more about this 'Progenitus' and the game it's in." Twilight asks, Does she really want to know about the game magic? You state to yourself.

"The only other thing I remember is that the author described it pretty well. It went along the lines of 'The heads disappear into the heavens, the body is hazy from the distance alone. You can't even see the entire beast.' Other then that I got nothing. If you want to learn the game, then perhaps another time. After all, I have to get Rainbow Dash down from her home and get Scootaloo to forgive me." You state sitting down in front of Twilight, a stern look in your eyes.

Twilight just looks at you with a confused stare, "Why do you need to get Scootaloo to forgive you? What did you do? Even more so what did you do to Rainbow to have her kept up in her house?" She asks even more confused.

"I don't know, maybe someone forgot to tell Scootaloo that I was going back to Earth to say my goodbyes." You say nonchalantly as you lean back.

"But I told..." Twilight trails off thinking about what she was just about to say, "SPIKE!" She yells out, you can hear the poor dragon fumbling to get downstairs. The look on Twilight's face is one that anyone would grow to fear. "SPIKE! GET DOWN HERE!" She yells out once again, clearly very unhappy that he's taking this long.

"Yes Twilight!" Spike calls out.

"I thought I told you to pickup Scootaloo and tell her what happened the day Anon and Rainbow Dash left." Twilight states in a calm, but not so relaxed tone.

Spike just stands there completely motionless, a 1000 yard stare on his face. If you were quite enough you would be able to hear the gears in his head turning away. "Oh... whoops." is all Spike says in return. You will have to admit not only Twilight was getting mad now. One little mistake later and now one pony hates your guts and the other one won't even talk to you.

Your right eye twitches a little bit, Spikes cool and calm demeanor to this whole situation is starting to push your buttons. Maybe he doesn't know why this is important, maybe Twilight didn't tell him how important this was. "Whops is all you can say!" Twilight vents, "After I told you just how import this is!" She yells out only to calm herself down at the end. So he did know how important this was. Now I really want to hear his excuse.

"I was going to tell her I swear, but then Rarity came over and I completely forgot about everything." Of course, only Spike could have complete memory loss when a mare he fancies comes around. You sigh to yourself. "She told me to help her out and I just couldn't refuse. So when I finished everything up I had completely forgotten about it." You don't know if you could just take this excuse, but right now there is nothing you can do, it's in the past.

Twilight opened her mouth, but you spoke first "Look, Spike, this is in the past so there is nothing me nor Twilight can do to change this, however you still can. If you come with me and Twilight we can fix this whole situation today."

Spike beams at this idea, after all it gets him out of hot water with Twilight. "That being said." You add, "I still don't completely forgive you, such thoughtlessness needs a well thought out apology." You comment, Spike seems to understand what you're trying to convey as he nods to your words.

"All right then, now let's fix this problem before it starts to get any bigger." You claim getting out of your seat and pushing the chair in. "I don't really need your help Twilight so you can go back to sleeping." You state giving her a smile as you walk out of the kitchen and into the main room, Spike following in tow.

When Twilight gets up and walks with you two, you don't even argue. After all she's Spikes guardian and it's somewhat her fault as well for not seeing the promise completely through when she got back from Canterlot. Either way with her coming along you can ask her to help you with Rainbow Dash and your project.

I wonder what pain Scootaloo must of gone through after I left. You say to yourself, the guilt starting to set in.

Four months ago...

The school bell rang and the little fillies and colts that attended ran outside, laughing, screaming and playing. The weather couldn't be any better the sun was out and skies were clear. It was a day that was meant for you to go out and enjoy.

Coming out of the school last was the three fillies, known none other than the cutie mark crusaders. "What an amazing day." Apple Bloom yawned out exiting the confinements of the school house, she stretched her hooves doing so. "I wonder what crusading we can get done today!" She continued.

"Oh I know! How about Cutie Mark Crusader skydivers! We could ask Rainbow Dash to fly us up to a really high cloud." Scootaloo chimed in adding in her two bits.

"I don't know that sounds kinda dangerous." Sweetie Bell was the filly to speak next. "I mean do we even know of anypony that would be willing to lend us a parachute?" She continued making a very good point. Parachutes in Equestria were rare and expensive seeing as they were rarely used by anypony, plus the only way ponies would buy them were if they were using them for sport.

"We could always just make our own." Apple Bloom claimed with a smile on her face as she looked towards Sweetie Bell. "Or should I say you could make us some!" She added, her smile starting to get contagious as Scootaloo joined in with the smile, however on the other hoof Sweetie Bell didn't looked to thrilled.

"I don't think Rarity would let me use her materials again after what we did to them on our last crusade." She claimed making the gestures of a bullfighter. "I don't think she would even let me near the supply room anymore." Sweetie Bell stated looking towards the ground.

"It's all right," Scootaloo replied "We'll just have to figure out another way to get one." She said as she started to pace around trying to think of somepony that would have a parachute. "You think Rainbow Dash might have one?" She asked.

"I wouldn't think so, after all why would she out of all ponies have one. She's a Pegasus couldn't she just use her wings." Apple Bloom commented.

"Oh I know! I remember Anon telling me that he came here in a plane. He said he was a 'pilot' back on his planet, I bet you he has one somewhere." Scootaloo states remembering the time when he first met her. Ever since that day Scootaloo has always wondered about how he could do the things he claimed, at first she thought he was lying but when she saw him and Rainbow Dash arguing like friends she didn't doubt it again. After all Rainbow Dash only befriends the coolest of ponies.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle glance over at each other with mixed expressions before speaking up. "Well if you really think he'll have one then why not." Apple Bloom chirped in.

"All right then let's do this!" Scootaloo yelled out pumping her hoof into the air.

"CUTIE MARK CRUSADER SKYDIVERS!" They all yelled out before bolting it towards Twilight's.

4 months later

The thing that you didn't quite realize before all of this started to happen was where Scootaloo was to begin with. So in turn instead of this ending right of the bat which would of been all nice and everything, you, Twilight and Spike had to start searching for her. Which once again ended up to be like your search earlier, but instead of clouds they were ponies.

"Any luck?" You asked once you all met up. It was an hour of searching and apparently none of you had any luck. Of course this would be a lot easier should you have Dash on your side, but she herself won't come out until things have settled.

"Sadly no." Twilight answered, followed by a similar response from Spike. "I really hate to do this to you Anon, but I really need to get back to my studies. I'm on the edge of something really important. I promise I'll help you tomorrow when I have more time." Twilight claimed.

Giving her the all clear to leave you watch as the two of them depart. Realistically you weren't going to get the full day of searching that you wanted. Nonetheless that didn't mean you were going to stop searching when they did, because in the end this whole problem was all your fault no matter what anypony else will say.

Letting out a sigh you continue your walk to the outskirts of Ponyville. At this time you were thinking to give calling Rainbow another try, but in the end that would just prove to be a waste of time. There would be no point as you would never be heard or seen from that far up. Nevertheless you still continue your walk, the thoughts of how you would feel if that happened to you come flowing through your mind.

Two months ago...

Rainbow Dash has returned from who knows where and frankly she didn't care. The world seemed to be denying her with everything she wanted. Scootaloo wished that the day Anon said he would always be there for her would never end. It was a greedy wish and she knew it, but she felt like with all the misery in her life she deserved just this one shred of light. Sadly the world thought even that was too much.

I guess this perfect world needs to have its balance, everypony here lives their lives to the fullest while the world throws all of the pain my way. This thought got her to smile, for at least all of this pain would not be for nothing. At least if she went through this she would be helping out other fillies and colts.

Scootaloo sat looking at the setting sun, the light breeze blowing past. It was at this sunset that everything change, she was not going to wait for something amazing to happen, she was not going to cry over spilled milk, she was going to change her life herself. The new found determination burned inside her like wildfire, her mind yelling at her that this was the wrong choice. All she wanted was someone to come home to, but if that wouldn't happen on its own she would go out and find it.

It was here on this lonely hill that she finally came to the truth about the world. If you want something done you'll have to get it done yourself, no one is going to be there to hold your hoof when you need it the most. You just have to deal with it and keep fighting, fight to survive another day, fight to be special.

These thoughts only fueled the fire within her, tears started to stream down her face. Instead of the cold comforting feeling of water that she would of thought tears would bring, she got the feeling of molten rock. It seems even the world can't give me a proper moment with myself. Scootaloo sniffed as she whipped the burning tears away. That's okay...it really is... because now I can move on. She claimed to herself. ...but then why do I still feel so empty... She questioned as she watched the sun dip below the horizon, plunging the area around her into darkness.

Two months later...

Each thought felt like a hot iron rod being shoved into your stomach, the guilt of it all really starting to hurt you. You attempted to reassure yourself by saying she wasn't your child so you shouldn't really beat yourself over it, yet no matter how much you said it to yourself it just pushed the rods deeper. It was if deep down inside you, she felt like the little sister you never had and here you are saying that you shouldn't beat yourself up.

Step after step the thoughts flared, the small fire that was started since the encounter yesterday has now grown out of control. Kicking a nearby rock out of anger you watched as it tumbled down the gravel path. No it wasn't anger that boiled within you, no that would be too easy on yourself. Instead you felt disappointment, more specifically disappointment in yourself. You should of told Scootaloo face to face, you should of left her in better hooves... the list went on and on in your mind like a never ending river of whispers.

The path you tread soon vanished beneath you, the gravel slowly turned into dirt then grass. It wasn't long before you found yourself sitting on top a small hill that skirted the Ponyville river. It's cold dark waters swaying in the breeze, can I ever forgive myself for bringing such misfortune to a filly? You asked yourself as you watched the waves gently slap against the tale of your F-22.

"I guess this world isn't much different then my own." You mumble to yourself as you toss the stone you kicked into the river. A part of you wanted someone, anyone to say you were wrong, but just like back on earth no one was there to help you. You wished that out of nowhere Scootaloo would show up and you would have the chance to apologies, sadly those kind of things only happen in stories.

Laying back on the hill you stare out at the beautiful night sky, Luna sure didn't hold out tonight. You claim as your eyelids slowly got heavy, I think that if anything Scootaloo deserves an apology and for me to disappear. You felt a small tear roll down your face before letting the night take you.

Seven hours later...

Light droplets of rain fell onto your face forcing you out of your deep sleep. The sleep may of been deep but it sure wasn't relaxing, the thought and ideas of what Scootaloo went through plagued your every dream. Yesterdays slumber must of been the worst one you had in years and now waking up you feel even worse.

You have yet to make any progress in your apology to Scootaloo and if the weather your now experience is anything to go by, today will yield as much progress as the last. Nevertheless that doesn't mean you're not going to try, if living on earth has taught you anything it's that if you don't fight to swim you drown. Above all else you made a promise to Rainbow Dash to fix this, even if she didn't hear it you're still going to carry it out.

Man I'm really starting to get depressed... You say to yourself as you get up and off the hill. The rain not letting up, in fact it started to rain harder as if to spite you. You felt like stopping but you continued hopping that your mind was just playing tricks on you this whole time and that any moment now you would wake up in your comfy bed back on Earth, your family and friends waiting for you.

But that was the easy way out and life is never that simple, oh how you wish life was that simple. You remember all of the arguments you had with your parents. At times you felt like ending each one in order to move on, but that voice in your head would not give in, always wanting to be right. It's now that you truly regret not acting nicer around them, not apologizing to them for all of the hard times you caused them. After all they were the ones that supported you by feeding you and sheltering you, who can argue with such kind people.

You guess that after your dad left and your mom dating another guy things started to change. It felt like this new 'father' was using your mom as a door mat, something that did not bode well with you. However the joy in her eyes whenever he was around halted any further advancements you would make against him.

Heh, listen to me moping around with my own problems. You tell yourself as you walk back into Ponyville completely drenched. Not many ponies were outside, once again proving to be a good thing seeing as they all think of you as a horrible person now and who wouldn't. They all think you appeared after the funeral just to play around with Rainbow Dash's feelings.

Continuing down the streets of the town you come to across the first place you met Scootaloo 'the gilded griffon'. "I wish you were here now so I could apologies to you." You state to the empty alleyway.

"And what difference would that make?" The voice you have been searching for speaks up from behind you. Turning around you come to see Scootaloo standing there, the rain pouring down on both of you. "I waited for you here, you know that. Every day, hoping that you would return." She stated, her voice starting to get shaky. "I WAITED FOR YOU!" She yelled out tears now freely falling from her eyes.

"I know and there is nothing I can do to change that. The best I can do now is apologize for what I have done." You say. You know your apology means nothing to her but you just needed to get off your chest for if you didn't you could never live with yourself. "It was my fault that you were never told about my departure. I really wanted to tell you, but I just didn't know how much time I had left to make my decision."

"You didn't even have one minute to just tell me!" Scootaloo yells once again, her words cutting deep into you.

"I JUST WANTED TO SEE MY FAMILY ONE LAST TIME!" You yelled back, tears now streaming from your own eyes. They however were left unnoticed like the rain pouring down on you, the only things you could manage to feel was the pain in your gut.

Your yelling echoed through the ally exiting at the end and dispersing. Scootaloo stood there staring at you, her eyes wide. "T-that's why you left?" She asks, her voice returning to normal. "To say goodbye?" She continued.

"Yes, Spike was supposed to tell you but he forgot. It's not his fault really it's more mine, I should of told you myself." You answer, your voice is starting to get raspy from the yelling you just did. "I don't expect you to forgive me," You state looking down towards the ground. "however I would like to ask you one thing?" You say breaking your stare with the ground.

Scootaloo doesn't answer and you can see why, who would want to do something for a person like you. Nevertheless you still say it, "Would you mind if I stayed out here with you? I don't really got a home anymore." You claim looking towards Scootaloo. It seems that your words have shocked her as she's starting at you with wide eyes again. No answer was needed, you took her silence as a 'no, please leave'. With that you started to walk out of the ally way "I'm sorry I asked, I'll leave you alone from now on." You comment as you pass her.

"Please don't leave me." You hear her say as you walk past, you turn around to see that she's once again crying. "Please... please don't leave me again." She restates her voice is once again on the edge of crying. You didn't even reply before Scootaloo ran towards you and pulled you into a nice big hug.

The feeling of relief washed over you like the rain, it seems like Scootaloo has finally forgiven you. You don't think any other feeling could be as good as the one you're experiencing right now and after a couple of seconds of hugging a smile found its way onto your face. The first true smile you smiled since leavening Equestria.

The rain continued to come down, the both of you in complete silent. "I'll forgive you under one circumstance." Scootaloo claimed breaking the hug, a smile upon her face.

"And what may that be?" You question the orange filly.

"You pay when we go back to Sugar-Cube Corner." She stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "No apology would be complete without sweets." She said, her smile starting to become contagious.

"You drive a hard bargain, but ah guess I'll have to do what I'll have to do." You claim walking out and onto the streets with Scootaloo, you both laughing at how ridiculous your southern accent sounded. As you walked towards Sugar-Cube Corner a beam of light shot through the thick cloud layer, the world truly is cruel, but there is no greater reward then when you fix it. You say to yourself as you open the door to Sugar-Cube Corner.

"Never ruin an apology with an excuse" ~ Benjamin Franklin

Falling For a Star: Heroes

by CCpone

Chapter One - The Afterlife

Chapter Two - A Journey's Tale

Chapter Three - Detrot and Canterlot

Chapter Four - Lorin's Quest

Chapter Five - The 7 stages of Rainbow.

Chapter Six - Rose

Chapter Seven - Grave Robbing

Chapter Eight - Dare or Dread

Chapter Nine - The Canterlot Express

Chapter Ten - A Voice Left in History