> I Have No Social Skills, But I Must Go Out! > by Trashmaniac > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1: Nightly Routine > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Anon POV) Cocoa, slippers, and a good old book—these have consumed my life lately. I ended up here through a wormhole drop-off and have been living peacefully ever since. I sell herbs and spend my days in the serene beauty of the ponyvill. It's been pretty easy-going overall, with good food, breathtaking scenery, and the ponies keeping to themselves. However, there is one pony who stands out. When I first arrived, it was a struggle to adapt to the eccentricities of a certain pony. But just like anyone facing challenges, I learned to adapt. I smirk as I caress a small wooden case on the table beside me. It's just big enough for a pair of glasses. In my cozy red and black checkered house coat, I lean back in my chair, enjoying the warmth. Taking a sip of my cocoa, I pause and notice my green skin, an unexpected side effect of my drop-off. Oops, I realize I've been absentmindedly pressing the cup into my own face, so I place it back on the table. Looking out the window, I see the sun slowly setting. I woke up earlier than usual, but now it's the perfect time to head out and find some relaxation. I stretched before getting up and headed to the kitchen to grab an apple. Taking a bite, I scratched my chin and looked around, a nagging feeling of having forgotten something important. Shrugging it off, I made my way to the door and put on my shoes. Still feeling a bit off, but unable to pinpoint why, I muttered to myself, "Oh well, I'll remember it eventually. Right now, it's time to harvest some herbs." Anon grabbed a lantern and set off towards the woods. Unbeknownst to him, he had missed the calendar hanging on the wall. It had a red circle around a specific date, clearly marked as the summer solstice celebration. As I casually walked down the bustling streets of the town, I couldn't help but notice the ponies preparing to wrap up their day. They had gotten used to seeing me around, and some even waved at me in a friendly manner. Lost in my own thoughts, I barely acknowledged their greetings. With my unusual green complexion and a question mark covering most of my facial expression, I walked by without making eye contact, causing the ponies to feel a bit unsure about my presence. This world I found myself in was truly puzzling. The day and night cycle seemed to follow its own rules, the weather was completely predictable, and the behavior of the ponies... well, let's just say it was unlike anything I had ever encountered before. And let's not forget the unique visual style of this place, where things appeared less detailed but burst with vibrant colors. It was a world that defied the norms I was familiar with. Two things remained consistent: taxes and money. Luckily, the housing in this town was charming, even for someone like me. It was one of the reasons I didn't mind staying here; I was already more successful than in my previous life. Although I still had a soft spot for Earth - after all, it's where my heritage and history lie - I quickly shook my head to rid myself of those thoughts. Dwelling on them never ended well. Finally paying attention to my surroundings, I found myself on the last trail leading out of Ponyville and into the Everfree Forest. Admittedly, it was a dangerous place, but it also held untapped potential. The unique plants and herbs found solely within its depths presented a lucrative market. With the townspeople often fearful and the zebra rarely seen, it provided me with an excellent opportunity to gather useful items during my walk and sell them to people both within and outside the town. This could sustain me for quite some time. I lit my lantern and approached the edge of the forest, the sounds of the town slowly fading behind me. The tranquility of the surroundings would have been comforting, if it weren't for the unsettling noises of the animals around. Nevertheless, I tried my best to ignore them and followed my familiar path as the setting sun's orange glow was blocked by the trees. As I ventured deeper into the Everfree Forest, my senses heightened, attuned to the unique herbs and plants thriving in this untamed wilderness. The serene surroundings were occasionally interrupted by the rustling of leaves and the distant calls of mysterious creatures. Carefully, I collected various herbs, focusing on those with potent healing properties or enchanting aromas. Each step brought me closer to a bountiful harvest, and I eagerly anticipated the rewards these rare finds would bring. Suddenly, while I was engrossed in gathering a particularly elusive herb, I caught a glimpse of a dark blue mist out of the corner of my eye. It whizzed by me with disconcerting speed, and I couldn't help but startle, almost dropping the herbs I had collected. My heart raced as I scanned my surroundings, hoping to catch sight of the strange entity that disturbed my peaceful venture. However, there was nothing—only the whispering trees and the disquieting silence of the forest engulfed me. Shaken by the encounter, I promptly decided it would be wiser to head back to the safety of the town. I retraced my steps, my pace quickening as I made my way out of the Everfree Forest. The familiar sounds of the town gradually replaced the natural symphony I had left behind. I couldn't help but notice the curious gazes of the ponies, who sensed my unease and conveyed their concern through their expressions. Walking through the streets, questions raced through my mind about what I had witnessed. What was that dark blue mist? Was it a mere figment of my imagination, or something more menacing? Whatever it was, it was none of my business. Cocooned within the safety of my cozy home, I closed the door behind me, momentarily shutting out the outside world. I knew I would have to gather my thoughts and venture back into the forest eventually. But for now, I embraced my familiar routine, cherishing the allure of the herbs I had collected and the cocoa I forgotten to finish. (Flash Trade POV) As I step out of my house, I casually cast a glance at Anon's place on the outskirts of Ponyville. It could really use a fresh coat of paint and some trimming of the overgrown grass. Thoughts of the strange events from last night and Anon's peculiar behavior briefly cross my mind. However, for now, I set them aside because my main focus is getting to the town hall quickly to secure a coveted front-row seat. Walking towards my destination, anticipation for the upcoming Summer Solstice celebration fills my mind. The excitement of witnessing Princess Celestia lower the sun fuels my eagerness, easily overshadowing any lingering questions about Anon's odd behavior. Right now, my priority is capturing the grandeur of the moment, putting aside the mysteries surrounding Anon. Arriving at the bustling town hall, my excitement mounts as I aim to secure the best seats for the Summer Solstice celebration. Festive banners, announcing the vibrant event, flutter in the breeze, creating an atmosphere of joy and anticipation. Ponies of all kinds gather, their cheerful chatter adding to the lively ambiance. Navigating through the crowd, I can feel the anticipation building within me. Princess Celestia's imminent arrival, marking the start of summer and bringing warmth to all of Equestria, is something I eagerly await. Engrossed in lively conversations and surrounded by the sense of unity, I push aside any lingering thoughts about Anon's odd behavior. Suddenly, the expected moment takes an unexpected turn. Nightmare Moon, cloaked in an eerie darkness, materializes before us. Gasps and murmurs ripple through the crowd, as confusion and fear fill the air. My senses reel as I struggle to comprehend the gravity of the situation. Amidst the chaos, a memory resurfaces, making my heart pound. Earlier in the day, as I stood at the edge of the Everfree Forest, I witnessed something strange. Anon emerged from the depths of the forest, with a mist trailing behind him. There was a nervous look in his eyes and something about his demeanor felt off. In that moment, I couldn't fully grasp the significance of what I had seen. Now, as Nightmare Moon's malevolent presence fills the town hall, realization rushes through me. I can't deny the pieces falling into place any longer. It was indeed Anon who emerged from the Everfree Forest just as the mist descended upon Ponyville. Urgency overtakes me, and I cannot contain my voice any longer. Rising above the noise, I call out desperately, "Wait! I saw him! I saw Anon walk out of the forest after the mist did! There was something strange about him!" Ponies turn their heads, perhaps initially failing to fully understand the weight of my words. But soon, other voices join in, confirming my account and sharing their own sightings of Anon's odd behavior. A collective realization dawns upon us, linking Anon's presence at the forest's edge to the unfolding chaos. While Nightmare Moon continues her monologue, her words resonate with chilling power. Amidst her dark pronouncements, my thoughts fixate on Anon, the one who walked out of the Everfree Forest with a nervous look. What role did he play in all of this? How does he connect to Nightmare Moon's emergence? As I desperately call out about Anon's strange behavior and the mist he brought from the forest, my words catch the attention of Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack who happen to be nearby. Their expressions turn curious as they exchange glances, intrigued by the mention of Anon. Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow, her voice filled with skepticism. "Anon? What's he got to do with any of this? Is he involved with Nightmare Moon?" A mischievous grin spreads across Pinkie Pie's face as she bounces on her hooves. "Ooh, ooh! I bet Anon's a super secret spy for Nightmare Moon! That's why he's the one pony who's always managed to avoid me and my amazing parties!" With a thoughtful furrow in her brow, Applejack speaks up, her voice steady. "Hold on, y'all. Let's not jump to conclusions just yet. Anon helped me out before, gettin' herbs for Granny. Maybe we should give him a chance to explain." Pinkie Pie interrupts, blurting out excitedly, "So where does Anon live? We have to go find him and get to the bottom of this!" I quickly respond, matching their eagerness, "Anon's house is on the edge of Ponyville. You can't miss it—paint chipping off the sides and all." Rainbow Dash wastes no time, determination etched across her face. "Alright, let's go. We need to find Anon and get some answers." Applejack nods, a hint of concern in her expression. "But let's make sure we give him a fair chance to speak. We don't want to jump to any conclusions, and you already left." The moment the three ponies left, the realization dawned upon Flash Trade and the rest of the town. It hit them like a ton of bricks—the princess was gone and Nightmare Moon had resurfaced. However, what caught Nightmare Moon's attention more was the undeniable fascination the ponies displayed towards this pony called Anon. Their lack of fear towards her left her perturbed, causing her to abruptly truncate her monologue. Instead, she resolved to swiftly take action, realizing that the moment had been marred by the chaos and frenzy unfolding amongst the crowd. Their unruly behavior quickly escalated into a riot, compelling her swift departure. Her primary focus now fixated on hastening to the castle to acquire the elements of harmony and to promptly cast an eternal night upon the land. (Anon POV) I wake up in the evening, as I'm more of a night owl. Feeling groggy, I stumble out of bed and head straight to the bathroom for a refreshing shower. The warm water revives my senses, and I quickly dry off, wrapping a towel around my waist. Once I feel clean and rejuvenated, I walk back to my bedroom to choose my attire for the evening. I carefully select an office shirt, a red tie, dress pants, and leather shoes, ensuring that everything looks presentable. With my outfit complete, I feel ready to face the night ahead. Leaving my bedroom, I make my way towards the kitchen to prepare breakfast. After enjoying a satisfying meal, I gather my belongings and approach the door, prepared to start my evening. I step outside my front door, anticipating the night ahead. Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes for a moment, relishing the cool evening air. As I open my eyes with a smile, my excitement quickly fades. The town is in chaos, with ponies running around in a frantic state, as if something terrible has occurred. Among the crowd, I notice a pony named Flash Trade. He abruptly stops, staring at me with an unsettling expression. I meet his gaze with confusion, wondering why he seems so irrational. We lock eyes for a brief moment before he raises his hoof and yells at me. "YOU!" Instinctively, I close and lock my door, intending to retreat back to my room, already feeling drained. However, as I'm about to head upstairs, someone starts pounding aggressively on my door, their knocks growing more forceful with each thud. Curiosity gets the better of me, and I cautiously approach the side window to take a peek. To my surprise, it's Flash Trade himself, attempting to break down my door. "I know you have something to do with this, Anonymous! I saw you running out of those woods just after that strange blue mist." Before I can calmly question his accusations, I notice a group of ponies sprinting towards my house out of the corner of my eye. Their presence alone would have merely annoyed me, but what truly terrifies me is the pink, blue-eyed pony leading them - accompanied by two of her friends who are likely just as unpredictable. Acting swiftly, I shut my window, causing the pony outside to jump in surprise, searching frantically for my whereabouts. The approaching group of ponies starts picking up their pace, intensifying my annoyance to pure fear. Determined to evade the angry pony and his companions, I grab a small case containing – my secret weapon – and swiftly make my way towards the Everfree Forest, a place seldom ventured into. But I'm stopped in my tracks by a pink, fluffy... Dear God. I quickly open the small case containing my ultimate weapon and skillfully equip it, preparing for battle. As Pinky bounces back up from our collision, she places her hooves on my shoulders and swiftly spins me around. "Haha! I finally caught you, Ano- Mario! What are you doing here?" Pinky exclaims. "Uhh, making-a a pizza... Delivery-a pizza to a, uhh, Mr. Anonymous," I respond, with my hastily put-on mustache slightly crooked, as sweat falls off my head. My bald, bald head... I miss my hair, man. As I stand there, alarm bells ringing in my head, Pinky Pie's bright blue eyes widen with curiosity as she gazes at me intently. "Hey there, Mario! I was just looking for Anon!" Pinky chirps, bouncing on her hooves. With my heart pounding, I do my best to maintain my composure and keep up the charade. I adjust my crooked mustache, hoping it looks convincing enough, and attempt to deliver my response with a convincingly Italian accent. "Oh, uh, you know-a me, Pinky. Always-a delivering-a pizza to my-a customers! But Anon, uh, he is not-a here. I don't-a know where he-a went," I stutter, hoping my vague explanation will satisfy Pinky's curiosity. Before Pinky can respond, the sound of rapidly approaching hooves fills the air. Out of the corner of my eye, I see a blue mare darting toward us, her cyan mane flowing in the wind. "What's going on, Pinky? We're supposed to find Anon not a pizza- wait is that a monkey?!" Rainbow Dash exclaims, coming to a skidding halt next to Pinky. I furrowed my browse as I muttered. "What the heck did you just call me?" Pinky turns to Rainbow Dash with a mischievous smile. "Well, I thought I found Anon, but it turns out it's just Mario delivering a pizza! How random is that?" Rainbow Dash's eyes widen with excitement and curiosity as she spots the small case in my hand. She leans forward, squinting to get a better look. "Is that supposed to be a... pizza?" "..." "..." "Y-yes?" I stuttered, unsure of how else to explain it. Applejack came barreling around the corner, panting slightly as she came to a sudden halt. "Ya'll couldn't wait up for me? Oh hey, Anon! How ya doin'? And why in the hay are ya wearin' that contraption on yer face?" Rainbow and Pinkie gave Applejack confused looks as I felt my body tense up at being called out. Running out of options, I did the only thing I could: I spun around and tried to make a run for it into the forest, only for the weight of three ponies to suddenly hit my back. > Chapter 2: In Search Of Answers > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The three ponies forcefully pulled me back into my house, dragging me into the cluttered kitchen. The room was a mess, filled with herbs, trash, and a thick layer of dust. Pinkie Pie bounced excitedly in her chair, her energy seemingly boundless. Rainbow Dash stood tall against the countertop, her wings flared out, radiating an intimidating aura. Applejack, on the other hand, approached me with an unsure expression on her face. Rainbow Dash crossed her forelegs defiantly and spoke with suspicion in her voice. "Alright, spill it, Anon. What do you know about the chaos in town?" Trying to keep calm, my mind raced as I desperately searched for a way to escape. "Honestly, I have no idea. I just stepped out and saw everything in disarray." Pinkie Pie hopped onto the table, her eyes narrowing playfully. "Oh, come on, Anon! You're hiding something, aren't you? Did you help Nightmare Moon? Are you trying to make night last forever too?" Taken aback by Pinkie's accusations, I blinked in surprise. "No, no, you've got it all wrong! I don't even know who this Nightmare Moon is. I'm not involved." Sensing the tension, Applejack calmly stepped forward. "Look, Anon, we ain't accusin' you just yet. We just need to figure things out and ensure everyone's safety. Can you help us?" My mind continued to race for a possible escape plan, but I knew I had to remain composed. "I...I'm not sure. But I think the library might have something about it. Maybe you should check it out." Pinkie Pie tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "Oooh! The library? Let's go, let's go! It might have some clues about what's going on!" With suspicion evident in her voice, Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes at me. "Nice try, Anon. You're not getting rid of us that easily. We're taking you with us to make sure you're not playing any tricks." Letting out a defeated sigh, I realized their distrust would not allow me to escape. "Fine, take me with you if you must. But please remember, I have nothing to do with this chaos." Applejack nodded cautiously. "We'll be keeping a close eye on you, Anon. Don't try anything funny." I nodded in defeat. "Yeah, let's just go to the library and get this over with." Pinkie's voice filled with excitement as she clapped her hooves together. "Yay! It's a mystery-solving adventure! And if we find anything awesome, we can throw a party to celebrate!" Pinkie's comment momentarily set aside the earlier suspicions and accusations. Her infectious energy seemed to spread to the rest of us. I was a bit confused by the sudden change, but if it kept the anger away from me, I was okay with it. Rainbow Dash's eyes sparkled with newfound purpose. "You know what, Pinkie? That's a great idea. Let's uncover what's really going on and throw the best party ever once we're done!" Applejack nodded, a small smile on her face. "Sounds like a plan, y'all. Let's get to the bottom of this mystery and make it an adventure worth celebrating." Pinkie Pie jumped out of her chair, bouncing excitedly. "Woo-hoo! To the library!" We left my cluttered house and began making our way towards the library. Pinkie's excitement dimmed for a moment as she realized something. Her eyes widened with realization, and she turned to me with curiosity and confusion. "Wait a minute," Pinkie exclaimed, realization in her voice. "Anon, I've never seen you at one of my parties before, have I?" Feeling uncomfortable, I shifted under Rainbow Dash's suspicious gaze. "Um, no, Pinkie. I haven't been to any of your parties." Rainbow Dash's skepticism grew, her eyes locked onto me. "Hold on a second. No one can avoid Pinkie's parties for that long unless they're some sort of super spy or something. What's really going on here, Anon?" Applejack glanced between us, surprise evident on her face. "Well, now that y'all mention it, it is mighty strange. I've never seen Anon at one of Pinkie's bashes." Feeling trapped, their suspicions surrounding me like a tightening net, I could only mutter, "I-I don't know why I haven't attended any of Pinkie's parties. I just... haven't had the chance, I suppose." Pinkie Pie's curiosity quickly shifted back to excitement as she bounced back into her usual energetic state. "Ooh, that makes it even more exciting! Anon, you definitely need to come to our party once this mystery is solved! We'll make it the best party ever!" Rainbow Dash didn't seem convinced, still scrutinizing me carefully. "Alright, but this doesn't mean we're letting our guard down. We'll be keeping an extra close eye on you, Anon." I nodded, realizing that any attempt to escape scrutiny would be futile. "That's fair." As we entered the library, a heavy cloud of tension engulfed the air, emanating not from our small group, but from a heated exchange between two ponies. Before us, a purple unicorn and a pink and purple-maned pony were facing off against a white unicorn with a purple mane. In the background, a timid mare with yellow fur and a pink mane cowered, clearly uncomfortable with the situation. Intrigued, I couldn't help but inquire, "Why are Marshmallow and Grape Juice fighting?" My question momentarily silenced the two mares as they turned their attention towards me. "Apologies, but did you just call me Marshmallow? Oh, dear Anon! It feels like forever since we last crossed paths. How have you been?" Marshmallow exclaimed, surprise and delight in her voice. Before I could respond, Grape Juice interrupted, her expression grumpy. "Sorry, but I don't have time for this. Nightmare Moon is... Wait, is that a monkey in a suit?" Confusion filled the room, and I instinctively scanned my surroundings, half-expecting to find a hidden camera crew. The word "monkey" seemed to be thrown around inexplicably. It was as if everyone had a fixation on it. "I'm not a monkey, I'm a human," I protested, but Marshmallow cut me off with a self-satisfied grin. "He's a houman, Twilight. Maybe you should crack open a book, dear," she taunted, her voice dripping with smugness. "Actually, it's pronounced 'human'," I corrected, my patience wearing thin. However, their argument continued to escalate, each pony attempting to outwit the other with their knowledge and cleverness. The chaos and absurdity were overwhelming, and I turned to the remaining three ponies, desperately hoping they could restore some semblance of order. Rainbow Dash promptly shrugged. Pinkie Pie assumed a thoughtful pose, while Applejack contemplated the feasibility of using her lasso to intervene. Realizing that the others were too preoccupied to act anytime soon, I approached Strawberry Banana, who seemed lost in her own thoughts and didn't notice my presence. I settled down beside her and cleared my throat softly to get her attention, causing her to startle. "Hey, uh, my name is Anon. What's your name?" I asked, trying to sound casual. "Uh, my name is Fluttershy," muttered Strawberry Banana barely audibly, her words stumbling over each other. "Huh? Sorry, I couldn't hear you. Can you speak up a bit?" I requested, cupping my ear. "My name is Flutershy" she repeated, speaking a little louder this time. I wanted to ask her to speak up again, but she seemed on the verge of tears, so I decided to go with what I heard. "Okay, Flubershy. Mind telling me why you're all here?" I asked, attempting to sound reassuring. "My name is Fluttershy!" she corrected, her voice a little sharper this time. Startled, I jumped up in surprise. Flames seemed to flicker in her eyes as she then turned towards the two ponies still engaged in their verbal battle. The three ponies who had followed me over noticed Fluttershy's sudden change in demeanor and cowardly edged their way toward me as she approached the oblivious duo. Fluttershy confronted Twilight and Marshmallow with determination in her eyes. Sensing her presence, the two unicorns turned to face her, momentarily taken aback by the intensity radiating from the typically reserved Fluttershy. "Twilight, Rarity, this argument has gone on long enough," Fluttershy spoke firmly, her voice commanding attention. "Blaming each other won't solve anything." Twilight and Rarity exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of guilt and defiance. They both opened their mouths, seemingly ready to continue their blame game, but Fluttershy's stare silenced them, cutting off their words before they could be spoken. "Enough!" Fluttershy's voice held a hint of steel, her usually gentle demeanor replaced by unwavering resolve. "You two are better than this. It's time to put your egos aside and apologize to each other." Twilight and Rarity exchanged a tense glance, realization slowly dawning on their faces. They had allowed their disagreement to spiral out of control. Rarity took a deep breath, her voice softer as she spoke. "I'm sorry, Twilight. I didn't mean to come off so accusatory. I should have listened to you instead of jumping to conclusions." Twilight's expression softened as well, her voice tinged with remorse. "And I'm sorry too, Rarity. I shouldn't have been so distant. We're all just trying to get to the bottom of this." The tension dissolved, and the two unicorns embraced in a heartfelt hug, accepting each other's apologies. As their heated argument transformed into genuine understanding, the room seemed to exhale, the air lightening. Feeling a bit confused by the sudden change, I couldn't help but think that when someone gives you the 'I'm gonna beat your ass' look, it's easier to let bygones be bygones. As peace settled in the library once more, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack approached us. "So, what was all that about?" Rainbow Dash asked, sharing a confused glance with Pinkie Pie and Applejack. "Yeah, you were really mad," Pinkie Pie chimed in. Applejack nodded in agreement. "That was one intense fight, sugarcube." Rarity coughed delicately into her hoof, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she glanced around the room. Twilight, meanwhile, seemed to find the library ceiling incredibly fascinating. "Well, you see," Rarity began with a strained smile, her eyes darting around to avoid direct eye contact. "I might have overheard Twilight mentioning her knowledge about Nightmare Moon, so I may have, ahem, followed her home and accused her of a few things." Glancing at the three mares standing beside me, who wore expressions of both confusion and concern, I cleared my throat and muttered, "Small world, isn't it?" Twilight finally tore her gaze away from the ceiling and redirected it to the floor, her face slightly flushed. "Um, yes, well... I guess I did act a bit strange and unclear when Rarity confronted me. I might have ended up sounding like an outsider delivering gloomy prophecies about Nightmare Moon's return." The tension in the room slowly dissipated as the ponies absorbed Twilight and Rarity's apologies. Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack exchanged puzzled glances, trying to make sense of it all. It was Rainbow Dash who broke the silence. "So, about Nightmare Moon... Do any of you know how we can stop her?" Twilight let out a thoughtful sigh, her determination evident on her furrowed brows. "We don't have all the answers yet, but we need to gather more information and come up with a plan. Nightmare Moon was defeated once before, and we can do it again." Pinkie Pie's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Ooh, ooh! I have an idea! We could throw a huge party with all the ponies in Equestria and challenge Nightmare Moon to a dance battle! The loser gets sent to the moon!" Applejack shook her head, wearing a skeptical expression. "That might be a tad unrealistic, Pinkie Pie. We need to figure out a way to weaken Nightmare Moon." Rainbow Dash's wings twitched, her eyes glinting with determination. "I say we confront Nightmare Moon head-on!" Fluttershy, her voice gentle and soft-spoken, cleared her throat to speak up. "Um, perhaps we should try talking to her first. Maybe we can change her mind?" "I'm with Rainbow on this one. Let's just take her down like the British!" I chimed in from my corner. Applejack glared at me, suspicion in her eyes. "Hold on there, partner. What if you're a spy? And biting the bullet in battle won't do us no good." "Oh, come on! That's exactly what a spy would say. But yeah, my plan is awesome!" I replied nonchalantly, smirking at Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash flashed a triumphant grin, thrilled to have someone supporting her bold approach. Applejack interjected, "And what do we do when she starts firing magic at us?" "Simple. Use Rainbow as a shield," I retorted, dismissing the concern. "Fly out of the way! And what do you think you're gonna do, you little-" Applejack began before being cut off. "That's enough!" Twilight yelled, commanding everyone's attention. "We don't need any of that. We just need to find the Elements of Harmony." "But are you sure these Elements of Harmony can really defeat someone who can move the moon? I mean, just based on their names, it's hard to believe they can beat her," I voiced my doubts. "Absolutely. They stopped Nightmare Moon once before, and they can do it again. We just need to find them, wherever they are," Twilight said, her determination shining through her furrowed brows. There was a moment of silence as everyone pondered the situation. I glanced around and noticed that no one was paying attention to me anymore. They were fully engrossed in their discussion. Seeing an opportunity, I began stealthily making my way towards the door, drawing on my sneaky skills from childhood. Surprisingly, reaching the door took mere seconds. But just as I reached for the doorknob, Pinkie Pie's voice rang out, causing a jump in my heart rate and a sheen of sweat to form on my forehead. "The Elements of Harmony, a reference guide." My nerves calmed slightly as I turned to see the ponies in time to witness Twilight body-checking Pinkie to grab hold of the book. "How did you find that?" Twilight asked, surprised. "It was under 'E'!" Pinkie Pie sing-songed as she bounced around. "Oh," Twilight replied, her ears drooping with realization. Twilight used her magic to pull the book out, capturing the attention of the ponies gathered around her. As they anxiously listened to her talk about the elements, I took a moment to calm myself down from a small panic attack and regulated my breathing and heart rate. "There are six elements of harmony, but only five are known: kindness, generosity, laughter, honesty, and loyalty. The sixth element remains a complete mystery." Realizing that the ponies were engrossed in their storybook, I seized the opportunity to make my escape. I quickly sprinted towards my house, but my plans abruptly changed when I saw my home surrounded by an angry mob brandishing pitchforks and torches. "Anon has taken the princess; now we must take his life!" Flash Trade bellowed with a bloodthirsty fervor, standing on a makeshift platform. "Um, I don't really want to kill him," a mare in the crowd said, her expression uncertain. "Yeah, can't we just burn down his house and apprehend him?" a stallion chimed in, tilting his head thoughtfully. "Ugh! Fine, but we're still going to rough him up!" Flash Trade grumbled, his annoyance evident. The mob cheered as they set fire to my home, their screams piercing the air and urging me to sprint even faster. As I dashed through the forest, I racked my brain for possible places to seek refuge for the night. The nearest town would be hours away, and navigating the deep parts of the Everfree Forest after dark was out of the question. The zebra girl is friendly, and we often trade, so she might let me stay the night. But involving her in this mess would be completely unfair. What about the water serpent? No, wait, he doesn't have a house, and with his incessant talking, I would probably end up diving into the river to get away. I could try that abandoned castle. Most ponies wouldn't think to search for me there, especially not until they regrouped, which might take a few days. And even if they managed to gather their wits and search within an hour, the main path to the castle is treacherous. I remember my first time taking it—ominous trees, animal dens, cliff trails, that serpent, and that wretched rope bridge. Thankfully, there's an alternate route, more overgrown with bushes but still preferable to that death trap. With renewed determination, I set my sights on the castle, praying it would provide a temporary sanctuary from the chaos that ensued behind me.