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Triad of Terror

By Glimbrain
Created: 2025-05-30 21:40:54
Updated: 2025-06-01 21:51:25
Expiry: Never
anonsafeyanderescrapped

  1. Synopsis: Anon has the worst best friends.
  2.  
  3. *** AUTHOR'S NOTE ***
  4.  
  5. This is a scrapped story. It features a complete prologue, but know that this green will stay incomplete before you head in.
  6.  
  7. ***
  8.  
  9. >A new day is dawning, and the glow of the morning rays rouse you from your heartfelt slumber.
  10. >You slide off your bed, your feet hitting the crystal floor.
  11. >One of your hand rests upon the nearby crystal wall.
  12. >Your eyes gaze upwards at the crystal ceiling.
  13. >You breathe in the crystal air—okay, that part's a lie.
  14. >But there is a *lot* of crystal in your house—because it's made of crystal.
  15. >Then again, what do you expect when you're living in a place that's literally called the Crystal Empire?
  16. >Most stuff here is made of mineral—from your bed frame to your doors to your shower cubicle.
  17. >Thankfully, you have a comfy mattress on top of your bed, and your shower head spits water instead of sediment.
  18. >Despite your mostly stony situation, you don't mind it here.
  19. >Though to say you had some rocky beginnings would be an understatement.
  20. >You are Anonymous, a human—the only one of your kind in this land of talking equines.
  21. >You used to live among your own people—a human among humans.
  22. >That was until a magical portal suddenly appeared in your bathroom and sucked you into it.
  23. >You were soon sent hurtling through the dimensional warp; incidentally, dimensional travel tastes like burnt chicken.
  24. >Upon being deposited on a cold crystalline floor, you were greeted by a screaming princess pony.
  25. >Who then quickly turned into a profusely apologising one.
  26. >She informed you that you were now in the magical horse land known as Equestria.
  27. >Specifically—the Crystal Empire.
  28. >Even more specifically—her Crystal Castle in the Crystal Empire.
  29. >She explained that your summoning was a "freak accident"—a magical spell gone horribly wrong.
  30. >And that meant she had no idea how to send you back.
  31. >The sudden paradigm shift was…a lot to take in at the time.
  32. >You had a pretty big emotional crisis over losing everything you've ever known up until that point.
  33. >But you're over that now.
  34. >…Still kinda miss your folks back home, though.
  35. >Your sovereign summoner was quick to offer you her hoof in friendship during those times; you were glad for it—despite her being the reason that you were in this mess in the first place.
  36. >At first, she was weirdly insistent that you stay in the castle with her and let her take care of everything.
  37. >But you held steadfast in your belief that you didn't want special treatment—you wanted to carve your own path in this crystalline city.
  38. >She eventually relented, and helped you get a place of your own within the Crystal Empire.
  39. >And as you step out of your shower and put on a fresh set of clothes—you surmise that it's a pretty good one.
  40.  
  41. >There's a saying in this city: "Wake up and smell the crystals."
  42. >Probably because most of the plants in this place are made up of crystals too.
  43. >You have a few pellucid potted plants of your own in your living room.
  44. >They smell nice.
  45. >Like the rest of your house, your living room is predominately crystal.
  46. >The fireplace? Crystal.
  47. >The pendant? Bunch of luminescent crystals from the ceiling.
  48. >The couch? Carefully sculpted crystal.
  49. >The cushions placed on the couch seat? Thankfully not crystal.
  50. >The roommate lounging on the couch? Flesh and blood.
  51. >Oh, right. You have a roommate.
  52. >Most of the denizens of this city are a reflective breed of equine; they're aptly named "crystal ponies."
  53. >Coincidentally, your roommate is one of the few ponies in this place that *aren't* crystalline in nature; she's a unicorn hailing from a distant land—obviously not as distant as yours, though.
  54. >Her coat is cerise pink; it's a colour that's garishly girly and to the point.
  55. >On the other hand, her mane is like an untamed flame, with yellows and oranges intertwining to form a mishmash of horse hair; she has a loopy forelock at the front and a frizzy ponytail at the rear.
  56. >She lies on her back, her head resting on a pillow-covered couch arm while the rest of her body lies across the couch seat.
  57. >Her horn glows amber—the same shade as her eyes—as she holds two distinct items within her magical grip.
  58. >One is a mug filled with her favourite drink, levitating at her side; the other is a opened book that hovers directly above her.
  59. "Reading Daring Do again?"
  60. >"Mm-hmm. Plot's starting to pick up."
  61. >She doesn't take her eyes off the book—but she *does* take a sip of her drink.
  62. >As you watch both items float in the air close by her—it evokes the imagery of her holding her book in one hand, and her mug in the other.
  63. >But when you see her deftly turning the page of her book while still holding her drink—it's like she has three hands.
  64. >Man, unicorns have it made.
  65. >Your roommate slowly lifts her book over her head to make eye contact with you.
  66. >She gives you a friendly smile.
  67. >"Oh, hey. Morning, Anon."
  68. "Morning, Luster."
  69. >This mare is Luster Dawn—your roommate.
  70. >Supposedly, she's a prodigal student from some far-off place called Canterlot.
  71. >Although you never would've guessed it from the way she carries herself.
  72. >She's a bit of a slob, to put it lightly.
  73. >You can usually catch her lounging around the house, doing not much else other than read and eat.
  74. >She's a homebody through and through; the inside of a good book is her preferred domain.
  75. >Were it not for her day job as a librarian—you'd call her a stinky shut-in.
  76. >Instead, she's just *one* of those things; showering is merely a weekly ritual for her, causing her to cultivate a certain…unwashed marely musk that dares to singe your nose hairs if you drift too close.
  77. >And that's not even mentioning the fur she sheds everywhere…
  78.  
  79. >But despite the myriad complaints you may have towards her, you don't dislike the mare—you're actually quite fond of her.
  80. >She's a jovial sort, and a great conversationalist for when you want to chat about this and that.
  81. >Thankfully, she's the kind of roommate that *doesn't* invite any obnoxious house-guests to party late into the night.
  82. >And she even cleans up after herself!
  83. >…Well, most of the time.
  84. >An amber glow takes up most of your vision as Luster levitates her mug up to your face.
  85. >"Hey, want some 'nog?"
  86. >You peer into her mug, still half-filled with milky eggnog.
  87. >And you quirk an eyebrow at her.
  88. "From your used mug?"
  89. >She flashes you a half-smile.
  90. >"What, scared you'll catch my mare cooties?"
  91. >With a playful chuckle, she waggles her mug in front of you.
  92. >"Watch out; they might make you fall in love with me~"
  93. >You sigh, gently pushing her mug aside.
  94. "I can scarcely imagine a worse fate."
  95. >She chuffs, taking her mug back.
  96. >"More for me, I guess."
  97. "Meanwhile, I'm gonna go get a drink that's *in* season."
  98. >You turn around, ready to head to the kitchen.
  99. >"Hey, wait a sec."
  100. >You look over your shoulder back towards the couch, seeing Luster lying on her side, propping up the side of her head with a forehoof.
  101. >"If you come a little closer, I can you show something else that's in season~"
  102. >She waggles her eyebrows at you.
  103. >You squint your eyes at her, before closing them entirely and sighing.
  104. "…I walked right into that one, didn't I?"
  105. >She snorts amusedly.
  106. >"You totally did, Anon."
  107. >After opening your eyes and rolling them for good measure, you head to the kitchen to grab some breakfast.
  108. >That's another thing about Luster:
  109. >She's a shameless flirt.
  110. >She loves to tease you—but it's all in light-hearted fun at the end of the day.
  111. >Initially, you weren't quite sure how to take it when a small pastel equine started putting "the moves" on you.
  112. >Needless to say, she found a lot of enjoyment at your expense during the first few weeks you spent living with her.
  113. >But after having spent a few months with this unicorn, you became a chaste monk with a mind of steel—completely desensitised to Luster's lusty larks.
  114. >Perhaps more of her taunts would land if she cleaned up better.
  115. >Because she stinks goo—
  116. >Bad. She stinks bad.
  117. >Terrible, even.
  118. >…Can mare cooties be transmitted through the air?
  119. >You need your morning drink, stat.
  120.  
  121. >Soon, you return from the kitchen, cereal and coffee retrieved and ready to be consumed.
  122. >You seat yourself on a crystal armchair (with fluffy cushion) that's opposite the couch, and you set your breakfast down on the coffee table that lies in between.
  123. >The coffee table is made of—you guessed it—crystal.
  124. >Luster is now sitting upright on the couch, head buried in her Daring Do book; her eggnog is presumably depleted, as her mug is also set on the coffee table.
  125. >Having noticed your presence, she slightly lowers her book, peering at you from just over the top of it.
  126. >"I see Mister Coffee-Lover has returned."
  127. "And *I* see Miss Drinks-Eggnog-in-July never left."
  128. >Her brows furrow.
  129. >"Hey, 'nog is delicious all year round. What's wrong with that?"
  130. "It's supposed to be for, uh, Hearth's Warming, yeah? Drinking it right now is…weird."
  131. >"Weird, huh?"
  132. >She gives you a wry smile.
  133. >"Where does it rank on the weirdness scale, you reckon? Is it *above* or *below* falling through a magical portal that crosses dimensions?"
  134. "It's…"
  135. >You pause, choosing your next words carefully.
  136. "…in another dimension of weirdness."
  137. >"'Another dimension of weirdness?'"
  138. >She sucks in her bottom lip, thinking for a moment.
  139. >"Well, I guess I could…take you into *my* dimension of…weirdness? Eh…"
  140. >You shake your head.
  141. "Yeah, no. That one was weak."
  142. >She pouts.
  143. >"Aw, come on, Anon. You're not giving me much to work with here."
  144. >You pick up your cup of coffee and take a triumphant sip.
  145. "Think it's time to finally call it quits on teasing the local human?"
  146. >She gasps.
  147. >"No! Never! Making you uncomfortable is my lifelong goal!"
  148. "I thought it was studying Friendship."
  149. >"That's my second lifelong goal."
  150. "Got any more?"
  151. >"Yup."
  152. >She raises her Daring Do book back up, blocking you from her view.
  153. >"Finishing this book."
  154. >The conversation dies down as you focus on refuelling yourself for the day ahead.
  155. >Your cereal of choice is a brand called "Scootaloos."
  156. >They consist of crunchy torus-shaped oats, and they also taste vaguely of chicken—you're not sure why.
  157. >But you've long since stopped questioning the quirks that separate Equestria from your world; this horsey horse world operates on fundamentally different laws to yours—so it makes sense that the food tastes different, too.
  158. >As another example, the milk that you buy here has this strong strawberry aftertaste to it—despite you always buying it whole.
  159. >You had asked Luster about it one time, and she assured you that the milk here always tastes like that.
  160. >Curiously enough, it tastes just like regular milk when it's freshly bought; it only takes on the strawberry flavouring after about a day of leaving it in your refrigerator.
  161. >…Eh. Maybe it's just taking in the ambient magic in your fridge or something; Luster knows way more about this world than you do, so you'll take her word for it.
  162.  
  163. >Speaking of Luster and her words—she's been quietly reading that book of hers for the past ten minutes.
  164. >Squinting your eyes, you can just barely identify the title:
  165. >'Daring Do and the Lost City of Skyros.'
  166. >Sounds like a grand adventure.
  167. >You've glimpsed her going through several of these "Daring Do" books recently, but you've never thought to read one of them yourself.
  168. >Maybe you can get a recommendation from the veteran?
  169. "Hey, are those books any good?"
  170. >She peeks out at you from the side of the book.
  171. >"Oh, you interested?"
  172. >With a sly smile on her face, she shuffles over to one end of the couch and pats the spot next to her.
  173. >"Why don't you snuggle up to me so we can read it together~?"
  174. "Nah. I prefer to learn about the media I'm interested in purely through second-hand sources."
  175. >She blinks at you, her sly smile soon becoming a frank frown as she hides her face behind the book once more.
  176. >"Peh. Suit yourself."
  177. >Silence descends upon the room once again.
  178. >You take a sip of your coffee.
  179. >It's actually the last sip.
  180. >The caffeine well has run dry; only the dregs remain.
  181. >Sips over.
  182. >Just. Over.
  183. >As you stare into your empty coffee cup, thinking of better, coffee-having, times—Luster speaks up.
  184. >"…Honestly, this book has been a huge disappointment so far."
  185. >You look up from your sad sight to see a sad Luster.
  186. "Oh? How so?"
  187. >"It's one of the more recent entries and…well, you know this book series is named 'Daring Do,' right? But Daring Do herself hasn't been in these stories for years."
  188. "Huh. And I'm guessing Daring Do's supposed to be the main character?"
  189. >She nods.
  190. >"She *was* the main character—until she retired and the focus shifted to her son: Raring Do. But they still kept putting her name on the front cover because they know that's what sells.
  191. >"But the problem is—Raring Do is just so…lame. And his sidekicks are *just* as lame. They all keep making obnoxious quips that take away from the action—not that there's much action to begin with."
  192.  
  193. >She sighs.
  194. >"I'm about three quarters into this book, and I've read a total of *one* fight scene."
  195. >She lowers her book onto the coffee table and looks at you.
  196. >"And do you know that there hasn't been a single mention of this 'lost city' thus far? I'm starting to think they forgot to write it in."
  197. "Sounds like the books took a nosedive when Daring Do left."
  198. >"Yeah, she was the soul of the series. Nopony's reading this book for these new lame-os. They want to read about Daring Do!"
  199. "So why are *you* still reading it, then?"
  200. >"Because…"
  201. >She purses her lips.
  202. >"Because I've read all of the preceding books, y'know? Figured I owed it to myself to see how it'll eventually end."
  203. >She picks up her book—in her forehooves, this time—and pensively frowns at it.
  204. >"But, eh, I think I've had enough. It's time for me to return this book and find another series to fawn over."
  205. >After setting her book back down, she grins at you.
  206. >"Like your auto-biography—whenever you get around to writing that."
  207. "Smooth. Too bad I'm not gonna write it any time soon."
  208. >"You should. I'd love to read what you think of me."
  209. >You count off the fingers in your hand one by one.
  210. "Lecherous, brazen, shameless, flagrant, depraved…"
  211. >She playfully bats a forehoof in your direction.
  212. >"Aw, stop it. You're making me blush~"
  213. >After shaking your head a few times, you pick up your bowl of chicken-flavoured cereal submerged in strawberry-flavoured milk—and you dig in.
  214. >…It's an acquired taste.
  215. >After a few bites, you address Luster again.
  216. "Still, those books must have been pretty good to begin with if you managed to read that far in."
  217. >"Yeah. Back in Canterlot, my mentor could *not* stop gushing over them, so when I saw the full series over here at the library—I figured I'd give them a shot."
  218. >She leans forward, resting a hoof on the table as she stares down at her disowned tome of adventure.
  219. >"Shame she never told me how bad they'd get."
  220. >You nod in empathic agreement.
  221. "Ah. By the way, your mentor…"
  222. >You tap your chin with your free hand.
  223. "That's…Princess Twilight Sparkle, right?"
  224. >"Yep, the very same Princess of Magic, Friendship, Harmony, the Sun, the Moon, et cetera, and so on… She's got a lot of titles."
  225.  
  226. >You've never met her face to face, but you've seen photos of her in the newspaper.
  227. >Like most pony princesses, Twilight Sparkle sports both wings and a horn.
  228. >She has a purple coat and a long wavy mane.
  229. >She's also very tall, easily towering over her accompanying royal guard.
  230. >You're pretty sure she'd tower over the pony princesses that you *do* know, as well.
  231. >Which makes sense, considering that Twilight is basically the head honcho of the entire world.
  232. >And Luster Dawn is her student—her top student, even.
  233. "So, that makes *you* the Personal Protege to the Supreme Ruler of Equestria…"
  234. >You nod to yourself, humming.
  235. "That's quite the title you've got there."
  236. >She grins.
  237. >"Yup. And that's why you better treat me with the proper respect while I'm still your roomie—or I'll start implementing human-specific taxes when *I* become Princess of Equestria."
  238. "Yeah, yeah…"
  239. >An involuntary shudder runs through you as you imagine Luster in a position of princessly power.
  240. >The mare can barely keep up with her side of the chores.
  241. >Equestria will never be ready for Princess Luster Dawn.
  242. "Gotta admit, it's still a little hard to believe, looking at you."
  243. >She scoffs in offence.
  244. >"Oh yeah? And why's that, huh?"
  245. "…Reasons."
  246. >She leans back, crossing her forelegs.
  247. >"Name one."
  248. "Alright then."
  249. >You take another bite of cereal before laying your verbal smack down.
  250. "Why is that the Illustrious Luster Dawn, Esteemed Student of Princess Twilight, spends all of her time over here in the Crystal Empire instead of back at Canterlot? Why have I never seen your mentor come to visit you—or you leave to visit Canterlot?"
  251. >She slowly opens her mouth to respond—but you cut her off; you know you've got her.
  252. "You know, I have a theory. For why you're *really* here."
  253. >She raises an eyebrow.
  254. "I think…"
  255. >You lean forward with a smirk.
  256. "…you're just here to see my pretty face, eh?"
  257. >Chuckling, you scoop up another spoonful of Scootaloos and bring them up to your lips, opening your mouth—
  258. >"Yup, you got me. The only reason I still come to this God-forsaken hellhole is because I'm madly in love with you and want to have your babies."
  259.  
  260. >You freeze mid-bite.
  261. >Slowly, and with your mouth still agape, you drag your eyes over to Luster's deadpan face.
  262. >And you hold eye contact with her.
  263. >For several.
  264. >Tense.
  265. >Seconds.
  266. >…
  267. >You close your mouth.
  268. >Luster's lips curl upwards.
  269. >As do yours.
  270. "…Pfft."
  271. >"Snrrk."
  272. >And you two of you soon burst into giggling fits.
  273. "Oh…oh man. That was a good one."
  274. >"Hehe. Right?"
  275. >Finishing your scoop of cereal, you point your spoon at her.
  276. "Seriously. 'God-forsaken hellhole?' You've been hanging around me waaay too much."
  277. >"Your human words are so funny."
  278. "I guess in Equestria it'd be, uh…'Twilight-forsaken Tartarus-hole,' eh?"
  279. >She ponders your statement, rubbing her chin with her forehoof.
  280. >"Hm. Nah. Doesn't have quite the same ring to it."
  281. >After lowering her hoof, she continues.
  282. >"But to answer your question—I'm studying abroad. Twilight and I exchange letters with each other to check up on my progress."
  283. "Gotta make sure you aren't slacking off, eh?"
  284. >"Yeah. She calls them 'Friendship Reports.'"
  285. >You quirk an eyebrow.
  286. "'Friendship Reports?' What, do you tell her how many new friends you made in that week?"
  287. >She giggles.
  288. >"Something like that. I mainly write about the exotic hunk that I share my bed with—and the friendship lessons we teach each other deep in the night."
  289. >Your brows knit.
  290. "…We have separate bedrooms."
  291. >She waves her forehoof dismissively.
  292. >"Psh, so I throw in a few embellishments here and there—it's not like she'll come all the way from Canterlot to check our bedrooms herself; she's *way* too busy for that."
  293. >She flashes you a sly grin.
  294. >"Buuut…I bet I got you thinking about it, huh? You and me—sharing the same bed~ cuddling under the same covers~"
  295. >You shake your head and take another bite of your cereal—which is growing soggier by the second.
  296. "As if I would ever let such obscenity pervade my mind."
  297.  
  298. >Soon enough, your Scootaloos are Scootagone, and your breakfast has been conquered for the day.
  299. >Picking your empty bowl and coffee cup in your hands, you rise from your armchair.
  300. "Well, I'd love to stay and keep chatting about bad books and purple princesses—but I've got a day job to get to."
  301. >"Yeah, yeah." She limply waves a forehoof in your direction. "Go on, then. Don't wanna keep you from your suuuper important role in society."
  302. "Hey. It *is* super important."
  303. >"Oh, I'm sure. What could be more important than running your hands *all* over the bodies of paying ponies, am I right?"
  304. >She lays on her side and stretches out along the couch, making a discomforted groan.
  305. >"Ugh…hey, think you can give me a freebie before you go? My joints are aching."
  306. "Nope. You gotta pay like everyone else."
  307. >"Can I pay in kisses?"
  308. >To accentuate her offer, she makes little kissy faces at you.
  309.  
  310. "As tempting as that sounds, I think my, uh, 'special somepony' will have some choice words to say to that."
  311. >"Oh yeah…"
  312. >Her eyes widen.
  313. >"That's right! Somepony's got a hot date tonight! Did you remember to pack the condoms?"
  314. "Cond—"
  315. >You cough, breaking eye contact with her.
  316. "Wh-whoa, whoa, hold on now. This'll just be my first night out with her, I-I mean…"
  317. >Challenging yourself to re-establish eye contact with Luster, you ask that uncomfortable, yet-all-too-important, question.
  318. "Ponies don't…they don't put out on the first date, do they?"
  319. >"Well…"
  320. >Her face breaks into a wide grin.
  321. >"Depends on the pony…and the human who's asking~"
  322. >She ends her statement with a playful wink.
  323. "O-on the pony? W-wait…but then she…what if…I-I don't…"
  324. >Your rambling ruminations are cut short by Luster's loud laughter.
  325. >"Gotcha~!"
  326. >She joyfully kicks her hooves about in the air, having found great enjoyment at your expense.
  327. >A sigh of defeat escapes your lips.
  328. >Damn. She got you good there.
  329. >You let your guard down.
  330. >Days since jimmies last rustled by Luster: back to zero.
  331. >With great effort, Luster manages to calm down her chortling fits—though the grin she gives you is no less jubilant.
  332. >"Ahah…sorry, Anon. You made it *way* too easy that time."
  333. >You roll your eyes, completely unamused.
  334. >"But to be serious for a sec—no, ponies don't rut on the first date."
  335. "Okay. That's…that's good."
  336. >"On the second date, though? That's a whole different story…"
  337. "I'll only start worrying about the second date *if* I survive the first one."
  338. >You take a deep breath, pushing all condom-related thoughts out of your mind.
  339. "…Man, I really hope it goes well tonight."
  340. >"Of course it'll go well, Anon. Any mare would be lucky to have you."
  341. >She sits up straight, holding a forehoof up to her chest.
  342. >"And hey, even if it doesn't—know that you'll always have a spot in the Club of Esteemed Bachelors and Bachelorettes."
  343. >A ghost of a smile creeps up on your lips.
  344. >Luster Dawn is uncompromisingly brazen, and she's armed with a repertoire of crass remarks for seemingly any occasion.
  345. >But you know that she means well at the end of the day.
  346. "Hah. Thanks, Luster."
  347. >You head to the kitchen to stash away your used porcelain.
  348. >After doing so, you head back to the living room and make your way to the front door.
  349. >You turn back to Luster, who's still on the couch; she's currently attempting to read through the rest of her Daring Do book with a pained expression on her face.
  350. "I'll see you later; you have fun with your books and reports."
  351. >"Pfft, sure." She shoots you a cheeky smile. "And *you* have fun with your sweetheart. I'll be rooting for you."
  352. >And with that, you head out into the shining city of crystal.
  353.  
  354. ***
  355.  
  356. >The streets of the Crystal Empire are paved with the material of its namesake—shiny and sleek.
  357. >The crystal buildings that run alongside the roads have this peculiar low-polygonal look to them.
  358. >Each building is built with monochromatic mineral; some are blatantly blue, while some are readily red.
  359. >Your house is no exception to this.
  360. >Apparently, azure is your colour of choice.
  361. >Thankfully, whoever built these houses had the sense to use material that isn't painfully reflective; thus, your retinas have mercifully been spared from a bright and shiny end.
  362. >There is only one building that your eyes know better than to linger on for too long—
  363. >The Crystal Castle itself.
  364. >The layout of the Crystal Empire is in the shape of a snowflake—with the Crystal Castle standing proud in the dead centre of it.
  365. >It balances on four legs, with the spire jutting out of its top threatening to pierce the very heavens.
  366. >And it is built with *very* shiny crystal.
  367. >It can be grossly incandescent at times.
  368. >And it's those times that prove to be most problematic for your eyes—considering your house is situated right next to the castle.
  369. >It's not that you're some kind of optical masochist.
  370. >Back when you were looking into moving into your own place, your princess friend had *implored* you to live near the castle—just in case you needed her for an emergency.
  371. >Not wanting to overly worry your first friend in this world—you acquiesced, and you moved into a house that is indeed close to the castle.
  372. >It also happens to be in clear view of the castle's balcony that overlooks the city; you can only imagine the grand speeches that must have taken place up there.
  373. >Taking your eyes away from the balcony, you look down to the streets—and the city's populace milling about.
  374. >The majority of the citizenry consist of crystal ponies—shiny equines that nearly always lack wings or horns.
  375. >But the Crystal Empire also happens to be a popular tourist trap—so you often see many different species of talking creatures throughout your day:
  376. >Griffons, kirin, minotaurs—even dragons.
  377. >And of course, you see plenty of non-crystal ponies, too:
  378. >Earth ponies, pegasi, unicorns…
  379. >Incidentally, there's a particular unicorn that has caught your eye right now.
  380. >She's standing just down the street, closer to the Crystal Castle than you.
  381. >Her coat is light blue, while her wavy mane is white.
  382. >In her golden aura, she levitates a notepad and pencil; with them, she interviews a local crystal pony, dutifully noting down what they say with precise and perfunctory strokes.
  383. >She's breathtaking in many ways, but right now, you prefer to keep your distance; you're not ready to face her quite just yet.
  384.  
  385. >Her coat may not sparkle like the majority of this city's denizens…
  386. >But to you—she's easily the brightest one here.
  387. >Because she—
  388. >She's turning around to face your way.
  389. >She's giving you a radiant smile.
  390. >She's galloping in your direction.
  391. >Wait, what?
  392. >Oh God. You're still not ready to face her—physically *or* mentally.
  393. >What do you say to her?
  394. >Quick. Think!
  395. >Think about the way her flowing mane billows in the breeze as she runs across the gleaming streets that sparkle in the daylight.
  396. >Think about the way her golden eyes are as radiant as the morning sun.
  397. >Think about how she's only a couple metres away from you—and closing in fast.
  398. >Uh.
  399. >A greeting.
  400. >You weakly raise a hand up to chest level.
  401. "H-hi."
  402. >She—
  403. >"Can't talk. Gotta run!"
  404. >—dashes past you.
  405. "Y-yeah…g-gotta…gotta run…"
  406. >You sigh, watching her disappear around a corner.
  407. >She had to run, man. She had to run.
  408. >…
  409. >Wait, you've gotta run, too—you have a job to get to.
  410. >Regathering your wits, you head down another street, ready to begin your daily commute.
  411.  
  412. >One uneventful trek later, you find yourself in front of a particular crystal building.
  413. >Like the others, it's monochromatic; this one is a calming shade of lime green.
  414. >There's a sign out front that depicts a beaming crystal pony with plentiful sparkles surrounding them.
  415. >It also displays the name of this fine establishment:
  416. >'The Polishing Parlour.'
  417. >You head inside, greet your co-workers, and clock in for the day.
  418. >This is the place where you work.
  419. >You're a masseur.
  420. >…
  421. >Despite their solid-sounding name, crystal ponies are actually quite soft to the touch.
  422. >They may have a glassy-looking exterior—but they're living, breathing creatures just like you.
  423. >When they're pleased, they literally sparkle with happiness.
  424. >And when they're *really* pleased, they turn fully translucent.
  425. >Even in this state, they retain their deceptively pleasant softness.
  426. >On the other hand, crystal ponies who are in a *bad* mood lose their shine and colour both; they turn grey-ish, with their muscles stiffening up to an unnatural degree.
  427. >At that level of rock-like hardness, your hands have no hope of granting them the succour they desire.
  428. >That's when you have to bring in the buffer.
  429. >Turning see-through when they're happy…and turning sedimentary when they're unhappy…
  430. >You're quite fond of how crystal ponies operate; they make a wonderful indicator of how well you're doing your job.
  431. >And that's extremely useful information to have—considering that you've never kneaded another body in your life before falling into Equestria.
  432. >Take your current client, for example: he's an elderly male stallion, lying prone on the flat massage table while you tend to him.
  433. >He sparkles, but his body remains opaque—which means that there's still work to be done.
  434.  
  435. >In the midst of your ministrations, you hear the door to your room creak open, and another stallion soon pokes his head through the doorway.
  436. >After throwing a glance his way, you quickly recognise him; he's part of the security department for this place.
  437. >You're surprised this parlour even *has* a security department; you've never had an unruly client here.
  438. >Then again, maybe that just means they're doing their job well.
  439. >After scanning the room for a few seconds, he coughs into his forehoof, then leaves the way he came.
  440. >Your client's ears perk up, and he shuffles to the side, halting your hands.
  441. "Sir?"
  442. >With a weak groan, he clambers off your workstation.
  443. >"A-ah…now *that* was a proper massage! Well worth every bit! Thank you kindly, sonny!"
  444. >He turns to leave, and you arch an eyebrow his way.
  445. "Are you sure you want to cut the session short? You've still got thirty minutes."
  446. >"Sure as sugar! I feel like a freshly polished gemstone, that I do! Now I really must be goin'. My missus'll be missin' me soon! An' trust me, sonny—you don't ever want to get on a mare's bad side!" He chuckles.
  447. "Um, alright. Have a nice day, sir."
  448. >With wobbling steps, he promptly exits your room.
  449. >Left by your lonesome, you take the opportunity to clear your workstation (which is thankfully not made of crystal), swapping out the towel that lies on top of it, as well as the pillow.
  450.  
  451. >After about five minutes, you hear a set of curt knocks upon the door to your room.
  452. >Wait? Already?
  453. >Well, you *are* just about ready to receive your next client, so…
  454. "Come in!" you shout.
  455. >The door is thrown open, and a pegasus promptly stomps into the room.
  456. >She's a familiar one to you; that distinctly striking appearance of hers can belong to none other.
  457. >Her neatly brushed coat is salmon pink, bringing to mind both sweetness and sanguinity.
  458. >Her baby blue mane is meticulously curled up into large, poofy ringlets; both her mane and tail are adorned with a cutesy beige bow.
  459. >With a stern scowl upon her face, she impatiently scans the perimeter of the room.
  460. >And when her fierce scarlet eyes fall upon you, her expression softens for just a brief moment.
  461. >"Ah, Anon. There you are."
  462. "Good—"
  463. >Your eyes quickly flit to the clock hanging on the wall.
  464. "—morning, Cozy. Everything alright?"
  465. >Her snout scrunches.
  466. >"No. Everything is *not* alright. I am *several* minutes overdue for my appointment."
  467. >Taking heavy hoofsteps across the carpeted floor, she quickly hops onto your station with a huff.
  468. >She glares at you expectantly.
  469. >"So get to it. The usual."
  470. "Right away, my liege."
  471.  
  472. >She makes an indignant snort in response to your jape, but nonetheless lays her head against the pillow, ready for you to begin.
  473. >This bossy pegasus is a frequent-client-turned-close-friend, Cozy Glow.
  474. >She visits this establishment daily, specifically requesting for you every time—and she always signs up for the maximum duration.
  475. >You may primarily be a masseur of crystal ponies, but you've gotten quite used to the act of running your hands all over this particular pegasus's body—
  476. >In an completely professional manner, of course.
  477. >Right now, Cozy's body is bunched up on the table; she lies on bent elbows, and a multitude of stresses picked up over the course of her tumultuous life can clearly be seen on her tensed body.
  478. >After starting the timer, you make your way over to her side; you lean forwards over the table, gently resting your hands upon her shoulders.
  479. >With a practised and experienced precision, you calmly locate the various points of tension present throughout her upper body, kneading each one back to a serendipitous state.
  480. >Cozy's breathing steadies, and all traces of anxiety and animosity in her expression soon fade away thanks to your attentive touch.
  481. >"Golly…this is exactly what I needed…ooh…"
  482. >A deep sigh escapes her lips as she allows herself to completely relax into your cushiony workstation, straightening both her forelegs and hindlegs along the table.
  483. >For each sore spot you find, you softly squeeze out her stored-up stress, causing her to coo with delight.
  484. >A serene smile forms on her face, and her body lays slack against the table.
  485. >You can tell her whole body has drifted into a state of total relaxation.
  486. >Well, except for one part:
  487. >Her tail is flagging.
  488. >You've been in this world long enough to know what that signifies.
  489. >But you've also been employed as a masseur long enough to understand that such is a reaction is normal in this line of work.
  490. >Apparently, human hands are *very* stimulating for ponies—crystal or otherwise.
  491. >Sometimes, you end up doing *too* good of a job with your clients, and "accidents" happen—but that's what the towel is for.
  492. >Nevertheless, you're a professional.
  493. >As long as you don't stare directly at it—you're good.
  494. "So…how's work been?"
  495. >She groans.
  496. >"Ugh, terrible. I've had my hooves full dealing with imbeciles who can't tell a dangerous artefact from a decorative ornament."
  497. "Any code purples?"
  498. >"Thankfully, no. But we did get a code blue; one of the guards stationed in the south-east quarter it'd be *hilarious* to swap the cutie marks of everypony in his squad."
  499. "Oof." You wince. "What was the punishment?"
  500. >"Latrine duty for six months."
  501. >She sighs into her pillow, eyes slowly fluttering shut.
  502. >"It's times like these that I'm really glad for your hands; my day just can't start without them."
  503. "I aim to please."
  504.  
  505. >Working your way down her body, you gently rub the area around her wings, lifting them up when need be.
  506. >Whenever you reach this part of the massage, you can't help but admire the great efforts that Cozy puts into maintaining her surprisingly toned body.
  507. >During your time as a masseur for primarily pony clients, you've had the opportunity to run your hands through a wide variety of builds.
  508. >But Cozy in particular hides a lot of muscle mass under her soft fur.
  509. >It makes sense, considering her occupation.
  510. >But wow.
  511. >Mare definitely hits up the horse gym.
  512. >The feeling of her burly body under your fingers is contrasted-yet-complemented by that which you can sniff out.
  513. >Such as the floral fragrance of her favourite perfume;
  514. >The smell of vanilla coming from her mane conditioner;
  515. >And perhaps the subtle, spicy scent of something else.
  516. >Subtleties aside, Cozy smells a lot nicer than Luster does; that's for sure.
  517. >She clearly prides herself on her appearance, effortlessly blending beauty and brawn together.
  518. >Doubtless there are many ponies out there that would consider her to be the apex of attractiveness.
  519. >To you, though—she's just a dear friend who enjoys a good massage.
  520. >Your hands move down to her flanks
  521. >Her body may be toned, but her flanks have a certain level of pleasant softness to them; throughout your conversations with her, you know this is all thanks to her sweet tooth that she loves to indulge in.
  522. >The silence of the parlour is frequently broken up by Cozy's satisfied sighs and happy hums as you tenderly knead her horse butt.
  523. >…It's times like these that you need to exercise the utmost professionalism.
  524. >So, instead of thinking about the suppleness of her flanks, you think about what's on them, instead.
  525. >On either side of her butt, you can see a particular symbol emblazoned onto her fur.
  526. >This is a characteristic that all ponies—crystal or otherwise—share; it's a magical tattoo called a cutie mark, and each pony has their own distinct mark.
  527. >What it represents is also unique to the pony; it could relate to their skill set, personality, or something more esoteric.
  528. >You recall that Luster Dawn's cutie mark has the imagery of a sun peeking over the horizon.
  529. >There's probably some deep symbolic meaning behind her mark—but you like to imagine she has it because she's the first pony that you see in the morning.
  530. >Cozy's cutie mark is a chess rook.
  531. >Perhaps it means that she's really good at chess.
  532. >But it could also mean that she's an excellent leader—one who is adept at managing large groups of ponies like the pieces on a chessboard.
  533. >It would tie in well with her occupation.
  534. >Because Cozy Glow is the Secretary of Defence for this fair city.
  535.  
  536. >In the past—far before you came along—there was a time where this city's protection was handled entirely by the royal guard.
  537. >But times change—as do the titles.
  538. >Nowadays, Cozy is in charge of the guard, both royal and regular.
  539. >She runs a tight ship on everything within this city, swiftly stamping out crime where it may pop up.
  540. >In a magical world where villains could lurk around every corner—you totally understand the need to be prudent with protection.
  541. >Incidentally, Cozy herself was one of those villains at one point.
  542. >She tried to take over the world—and was sentenced to a still and stony imprisonment for her crimes.
  543. >Bizarrely, this all happened while she was still a filly; perhaps she was always destined for grand schemes.
  544. >Her petrification lasted several years, but thanks to a certain princess, she was freed and given a second chance.
  545. >Now, having turned over a new leaf, Cozy works tirelessly to keep this city safe.
  546. >Working your way down Cozy's left hindleg, you ask her a question.
  547. "Had any exciting tea parties lately?"
  548. >"Tea parties?"
  549. >She raises her head and glances at you with a quirked eyebrow.
  550. >"…Oh, you mean with our 'mutual friend,' hm?"
  551. "Yep. Our pink, playful, and princessly pal."
  552. >"Don't forget 'pea-brained.'"
  553. >With a mirthful hum, she lowers her head back onto the pillow.
  554. >"Honestly…"
  555. >She sighs.
  556. >"She's so hopeless. It feels like I'm doing all of the work around here."
  557. "Well…"
  558. >Reaching the end of her left hindleg, you massage her hoof, gently working your thumbs up and down her tender frog.
  559. "You *do* put in a lot of work."
  560. >"Mm…don't I know it."
  561. "So I'm sure she appreciates your efforts."
  562. >"She better. Ooh~"
  563. >Satisfied with your work on on her left hindleg, you begin massaging her right—starting from the hoof.
  564. >"Mm…but if I had *one* good thing to say about her, then it would be that she's the reason I can come over here every day for your relaxing massages."
  565. "Makes the pony-wrangling you do all worth it in the end, eh?"
  566. >"Absolutely."
  567. >You slowly work your hands up her leg.
  568. >"But sometimes, I do miss those villainous days. Things were so much simpler back then—so much easier."
  569. "So you keep telling me. But I imagine your current situation is still highly preferable to being stuck as a statue."
  570. >"Oh, without a doubt. You never truly appreciate the ability to stretch your wings until you get turned to stone."
  571. >Once you reach her thighs, you catch sight of Cozy's wings shuffling outwards.
  572. >"Ah, speaking of my wings…"
  573. >She lazily unfurls her feathery flappers, leaving them splayed over the table.
  574. >And she looks back to you with a half-lidded gaze.
  575. >"They're in desperate need of your delicate touch. Get to it, masseur~"
  576. "Right away, madam."
  577.  
  578. >Ah, the wings.
  579. >You were never trained in handling a client's wings—likely due to the their mostly wingless nature.
  580. >So everything you've learned about this type of massage is purely a result of hands-on experience—
  581. >On Cozy's body—as per her detailed instruction.
  582. >The process involves going through both of her wings, carefully checking each individual feather; you gingerly straighten out the uneven ones and gently pluck the bent ones.
  583. >It's a simple enough task—but it takes a long time.
  584. >You lather your hands up with a specialised oil that's suited for handling pegasi wings.
  585. >Since this kind of massage is "off the menu," so to speak, it was Cozy who personally bought you this oil so that you could give her the best possible service.
  586. >She's also strangely insistent that you never do this with any other client.
  587. >Very curious.
  588. >…But at the end of the day, all you're doing is running your hands through her wings to make sure they look neat and tidy.
  589. >Cozy's a well-paying customer, and you trust her enough to not pull any funny business, so you don't mind indulging her in…whatever this is to her.
  590. >After all, you're a professional.
  591.  
  592. >…
  593. >"By the way, you have that date later tonight, don't you?"
  594. "H-huh?"
  595. >An indiscernible amount of time has passed since you'd started preening her.
  596. >Your mind has been on auto-pilot when it comes to taking care of Cozy's wings.
  597. >It looks like you're on her second flapper.
  598. >Looking at Cozy, you see her flashing you a grin, one that displays the clear amusement she feels in having caught you off guard.
  599. "O-oh. Yeah, I do."
  600. >Did you bring up your upcoming date to her?
  601. >Yeah. You must have mentioned it to her at some point; you and Cozy have a habit of chatting about this and that during these long sessions.
  602. >"She's a lucky mare. She better treat you right. Harmony knows I would if I was her."
  603. "Oh, you would, would you?"
  604. >"Mm, yeah. For starters. You'd never leave my office. And I'd have you tend to my aching body morning, noon, and night…"
  605. >She runs her eyes up and down your body a few times before lidding her eyes at you.
  606. >"Hm…maybe get you a skimpier choice of wardrobe while we're at it…"
  607. >You let out a tired sigh.
  608. >Cozy is nowhere near as bad as Luster, but…
  609. >Why are the pink ponies always the lewdest ones?
  610. "Wait, hang on a minute. This all sounds like me treating *you* right."
  611. >"Well, there's a little give and take, y'know?"
  612. "Give and take, huh…"
  613. >You tenderly "take" a damaged feather from her wing, depositing it in the nearby trash can.
  614.  
  615. "So, I give you as many massages as you want—you take my freedom and give me a cold, empty office to live in?"
  616. >She titters.
  617. >"Not quite. I'd refurbish my office so you could live in it, obviously. You'd have a nice and comfy double bed."
  618. "A double bed, eh?"
  619. >"I don't plan on sleeping on the floor, silly."
  620. "What, you'd be living there too?"
  621. >"Saves me the trip there."
  622. "Hm, you're putting quite a lot of thought into this hypothetical scenario."
  623. >"Who says it's a hypothetical?"
  624. >Her grin becomes toothier.
  625. >"The offer's out there~"
  626. >She gives you a wink.
  627. >You give her the double whammy of a tilted head and a raised eyebrow.
  628. "Hey now. Friends don't keep friends locked up in their office."
  629. >"Oh, don't you 'friend' me, mister. We're basically family at this point."
  630. "What, are you like my mom or something?"
  631. >In an instant, her eyes widen and her grin vanishes into the ether.
  632. >"Wh-what?! No! Of course not!" She sputters. "How old do you think I am, Anon?!"
  633. >A slight chuckle escapes your lips.
  634. >But you know that you'll have to answer her real soon—because she's giving you the evil eye.
  635. "I-I'm just joking, Cozy. Really now, you're like a sister to me."
  636. >Her entire body stiffens up like a stone statue.
  637. >It only lasts for the briefest of moments, though, as she quickly relaxes into her prior state.
  638. >She turns her head away from you, her expression unknowable.
  639. >"Sister, huh? Hm, okay. That's better."
  640. >Was it really better, though? That split-second reaction indicated otherwise.
  641. >…Perhaps you should have called her your cousin instead.
  642. >After just a little longer, you finish preening Cozy—much to her delight.
  643. >As the two of you still have some time left together, you begin a second rotation around her body to work out any lingering discomfort.
  644. >Frequent bouts of small talk are exchanged between the two of you—idle chatter surrounding the city and its citizenry.
  645.  
  646. >The timer beeps, signifying that today's session is over.
  647. >"Oh, that time already?"
  648. "It appears so."
  649. >Cozy sighs with just the slightest hint of annoyance.
  650. >"Well, I guess I better go and do my all-important job…"
  651. >She hops off the table and performs a few stretches.
  652. >"Dealing with utterly incompetent ponies…"
  653. >She walks over to the door and opens it.
  654. >"Counting down the hours until I can get another massage from my favourite masseur…"
  655. >Just before she leaves, she holds the door open and turns her head your way, flashing you a sly smile.
  656. >"That is, unless you're reconsidering my offer…?"
  657. >With a sly smile of your own, you shake your head and wave at her.
  658. "See you around, Cozy."
  659. >She giggles, waving back.
  660. >"See you~!"
  661. >She leaves as yet another satisfied customer.
  662. >As usual, you clean up your workstation, enjoying the idleness of this silent intermission.
  663. >Once your brief respite is over, you find yourself greeting your next client.
  664. >And so your work continues.
  665. >But between both Luster's and Cozy's reminders, your mind can't help but fret about the upcoming date tonight.
  666. >Thankfully, there are many hours to go until the appointed time, so you have plenty of opportunity to mentally prepare yourself.
  667. >…
  668. >It is now evening; your shift is over.
  669. >Time flies when you're anxious about the future.
  670. >Unfortunately, you are no more mentally prepared than you were several hours ago.
  671. >A yak came in at one point.
  672. >Their fur got *everywhere.*
  673. >You've still got a lot to learn when it comes to massaging non-ponies.
  674. >But you appreciate the challenge; it gives you something to strive for.
  675. >Now if only you could feel channel that same optimism towards your romantic endeavours.
  676. >Still, even if you can't *mentally* prepare yourself—you can at least *physically* prepare yourself.
  677. >Just before you leave the parlour, you head to the staff locker room and grab a duffel bag you had stashed away; you'll need it for your next trip.
  678.  
  679. ***
  680.  
  681. >The sun is setting over the Crystal Empire, its fading rays washing over this tranquil cityscape and painting it golden.
  682. >It reminds you of her.
  683. >The city is quiet at this time of day; ponies walk the streets, but it's the howling of the wintery wind that keeps your ears company and your body shivery.
  684. >Besides the wind, you can also hear the clip clop of hooves on hard surfaces.
  685. >One set of hooves runs quicker than all the others—
  686. >"Nonny!"
  687. "Oh?"
  688. >Somewhere across the street, you hear a chipper voice calling out a playful moniker.
  689. >So you turn to face it—
  690. >Just in time to feel a jittery pair of forelegs wrap themselves around your back in an impromptu hug.
  691. >When a pony rears up on their hindlegs—they can reach up to your chest.
  692. >When a young alicorn rears up on their hindlegs—they reach all the way up to your face.
  693. >Incidentally, you are currently nose-to-nose with such an alicorn.
  694. >She smells sugary sweet, as she always does.
  695. >Her bubbly blue eyes peer straight into yours, pupils as wide as saucers.
  696. >You'd stagger backwards—but she's holding you in place.
  697. >Instead, you gently rest a hand upon her chest.
  698. "F-flurry. A little close for comfort here, no?"
  699. >She blinks; you can almost feel the shock wave of her eyes crashing down with how close you are.
  700. >"O-oh. Sorry!"
  701. >She quickly disengages from you, releasing you from her hug and taking a step back.
  702. >With no human to latch onto, she descends onto all four legs and beams up at you.
  703. >Her coat is light pink like cotton candy, and her styled swirly mane is purple-pink with blue highlights.
  704. >Her smile is an apologetic one.
  705. >"I just missed you, you know?"
  706. "Could've visited me in the parlour if you missed me *that* much."
  707. >"Yeah but you're always just *so* busy in there and I always feel like I'm intruding when I bother you at work so I figured I'd just wait until you left because that's when we can hang out!"
  708.  
  709. >Taking a brief moment to pause, she awkwardly clears her throat.
  710. >"N-not that I was specifically waiting for the *exact* time that you left the massage parlour so I could ambush you right when you came out or anything like that because that would be super-creepy stalker-ish behaviour and I'm totally not like that I'm just—"
  711. >You rest a hand on her head, silencing her.
  712. "Flurry, if I thought you were a 'super-creepy stalker'—I would've filed a restraining order ages ago. You're good."
  713. >"Oh, p-phew!"
  714. >Using one of her extended wing tips, she wipes her forehead in a histrionic manner; it brings an amused smile to your face.
  715. >This excitable alicorn is Flurry Heart.
  716. >She cuts a tall, slender figure—one that sets her a head higher than most ponies.
  717. >Not only that, but her assets are bigger as well.
  718. >By that, you're obviously referring to her wings and horn.
  719. >Her spiralling horn is longer than Luster's, and her fluffy wings are larger than Cozy's.
  720. >Alicorn genetics are strong stuff.
  721. >While Flurry can be a bit overbearing at times, she's also the first friend you made here—and the one who helped you get settled in.
  722. >So you owe her a lot.
  723. >She was also the one who inadvertently brought you to Equestria through that freak accident.
  724. >It's a fact that still stings you sometimes, but you can't bring yourself to hold it against such a bright and bubbly pony like her.
  725. >Mistakes happen, and there's no use dwelling on them.
  726. >All you can do is move on.
  727. >…Oh right, you've got to get a move on.
  728. "Say, Flurry, I'd love to stay and chat—but I've got places to be."
  729. >"Oh, okay! Is it alright if I walk with you?"
  730. "Sure, that's no problem."
  731. >She trots in place with a giddy squee.
  732. >And as you set off towards your destination, she happily prances at your side.
  733.  
  734. >Her mane and tail bob up and down with every sprightly step she takes.
  735. >Flurry is a giddy sort, not liable to stick around in one place for too long.
  736. >She's spontaneous and sporadic—yet the energy she possesses is boundless.
  737. >It wouldn't be far off to consider her the heart of this city—as she is literally connected to it.
  738. >Flurry Heart is a princess, one of Love—just like her mother.
  739. >Her cutie mark depicts a blue Crystal Heart: an incredibly magical stone that looks exactly like how it sounds.
  740. >It lies right underneath the Crystal Castle—between its "legs"—and its radiant energy is the sole reason that the Crystal Empire is safeguarded from the raging blizzard just outside its borders.
  741. >Flurry's magic, with the aid of the townsponies, is able to maintain the Crystal Heart and keep it shining bright.
  742. >As Cozy has ranted to you countless times: the Heart's location is in a "completely ridiculous spot to place such an irreplaceable artefact" and "those idiotic royals are just begging for somepony to come and steal it."
  743. >You agree—but neither you nor her make the rules regarding how the Crystal Heart is handled.
  744. >Neither does Flurry, for that matter.
  745. >"By the way, what's in the bag?" Flurry throws a curious glance at the duffel bag you hold in your hand.
  746. "You'll see."
  747. >"Ooh, surprises!"
  748. >Flurry may be a princess, but she's still only the heiress to the throne.
  749. >The current rulers are her parents: Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor.
  750. >They're good folks; you haven't interacted with them much—especially since getting your own house—but they were very understanding and sympathetic towards your sudden displacement into Equestria.
  751. >While Flurry may not rule this empire quite just yet, she still has her fair share of royal duties to take care of—which include attending lessons to better prepare her for when she eventually *does* take the throne.
  752. >Despite her obligations, she always tries to make time to hang out with you when she can.
  753. >Sometimes she visits you on your commute to work; sometimes she books a (very short) session in the parlour; and other times—like now—she visits you after work.
  754. >On rare occasions, you have been known to be the one who visits her in the castle.
  755. >Those rare occasions are a dangerous game, as more often than not your fate will be sealed for the rest of the day; she'll drag you all throughout the castle, having you indulge in tea parties and accompany her during royal court.
  756. >When you're not being constrained within the castle, she enjoys visiting you right after you finish work for an impromptu "play date," where she takes you around the city, enjoying the sights.
  757. >You quite enjoy these get-togethers; they've proven to be a wonderful way to learn more about the city you live in.
  758. >They're also how you learned about your imminent destination, so you're thankful to her for that.
  759.  
  760. "Well, here we are."
  761. >"Oh!"
  762. >You and Flurry stand in front of a crystal building.
  763. >It's two stories tall, and has a cylindrical shape; the thin pillars supporting it from the outside evokes the imagery of a merry-go-round.
  764. >Fittingly, it's called the "Crystal Carousel."
  765. >"Hey, I recognise this place!" Flurry beams at you. "This is one of Auntie Rarie's shops!"
  766. >You spare another look at the building.
  767. >It's two stories tall, and it's made with purple crystal—
  768. >And blue crystal, and yellow crystal, and white crystal.
  769. >And if that wasn't enough—there are large glowing diamonds embedded into the walls, making the building stick out even more among its monochromatic peers.
  770. >This "Auntie Rarie" must really love standing out.
  771. >You head inside and greet the cashier by the counter; she's a crystal mare who's garbed in some manner of "haute couture," and she's currently peering down at a ledger.
  772. "Good evening, miss."
  773. >"Good evening—oh!" She raises her head to look at you, noticing your bipedal form instantly. "Anonymous, was it? I assume you're here for your suit?"
  774. "That's right. Is it alright if I get changed in here?"
  775. >"Not a problem at all! I'll go and get everything ready for you!"
  776. >With a curtsy, she moves past you and trots deeper within the shop.
  777. >Flurry slowly turns her head to you.
  778. >She then slowly tilts it.
  779. >"Suuuiiit…?"
  780. >Her inquisitive expression beggars a in-depth explanation to your independent escapades.
  781. "Mm-hmm," is all that you give her.
  782. >After a short wait, the cashier returns; she holds a sealed set of clothes by the hangar in her mouth, and she also carries a shoebox on her back.
  783. >She enters a nearby changing room to deposit the clothes
  784. >Soon, she leaves, unburdened.
  785. >"Anonymous?" She calls out to you. "Your suit is ready. You can get changed over here."
  786. >She gestures towards the changing room.
  787. "Right. Thank you."
  788. >She gives you another curtsy before making her way back to the counter.
  789. >You bow back; so does Flurry.
  790. >You walk over to the changing room, pull back the curtains, and enter it.
  791. >So does Flurry.
  792. "Um."
  793. >You take a step back and pull Flurry out of the changing room.
  794. "Flurry."
  795. >"Yes?" She smiles at you.
  796. "This is a private changing room."
  797. >She blinks.
  798. "Only one creature is allowed to use it at a time."
  799. >She blinks again.
  800. >You point into the changing room.
  801. "Me go in there."
  802. >You point where she's standing.
  803. "You stay out here."
  804. >Her eyes slightly widen in acknowledgement.
  805. >"Oh…oh! Yeah, yeah—I knew that! No problem, I can wait."
  806. >She sits down on her haunches—
  807. >Right in front of the changing room.
  808. >With a sigh, you step inside.
  809. >Then, you close the curtain—trying your absolute best to ignore the pink princess sitting right on the other side.
  810.  
  811. >Right then. Clothes.
  812. >This cubicle has a large mirror to check yourself with.
  813. >You're still wearing the clothes you had on for work.
  814. >Comfy—but not date-ready.
  815. >You set your duffel bag down in the corner and open it.
  816. >It has a fresh pair of underwear and socks—and it'll also be where you stash your old sweaty clothes.
  817. >You kick off your shoes, sliding them under the small bench to the side.
  818. >You take off your jacket, shirt, and pants, setting them neatly on the bench—next to wear your shoebox lies.
  819. >Now you're just in your undergarments.
  820. >All you have to do is…
  821. >…
  822. >You see something disconcerting through the mirror.
  823. >You turn around.
  824. >And see the tip of a pink snout poking out at an angle near the edge of the curtain.
  825. >Its lips are curved upwards; its nostrils are flared—
  826. >And your patience is waning.
  827. "Flurry."
  828. >"Ack! S-sorry!"
  829. >The snout swiftly disappears from sight.
  830. >You hear scrambled steps as Flurry beats a hasty retreat.
  831. >Soon, you hear her stammer out from behind the curtain—a safe distance away.
  832. >"I-I didn't mean to get that close! Really!"
  833. >You roll your eyes; why is it always the pink ones…
  834. >You continue disrobing.
  835. >Off come the dirty socks and underwear.
  836. >On come the fresher, stronger ones.
  837. >And now—the suit; it hangs off the railing opposite the bench.
  838. >You have a white dress shirt, complemented with a golden necktie.
  839. >Your vest, suit jacket, and trousers are all lime green; they sparkle slightly—imbued with magical thread.
  840. >Finally, the shoebox contains brown dress shoes to complete the look.
  841. >…Truthfully, all this green makes you feel like a leprechaun.
  842. >But for pastel ponies—garish garments are what's considered *in* all year round.
  843. >So you dress to impress; you're putting on a suit for success.
  844. >Moreover…
  845. >You admire yourself in the mirror, noting that the suit's magical weave is taking effect:
  846. >Your entire body is now both shimmering and translucently green—the same shade as your suit—just like a crystal pony.
  847. >It's bright; it's shiny; it's a little obnoxious—
  848. >And you hope it wins her heart.
  849. >You fill up your duffel bag with your old clothes and you pick it up.
  850. >You exit the changing room—
  851. >And Flurry is right there, patiently sitting on her haunches like a trained dog.
  852. >Her jaw immediately drops upon seeing the new you.
  853. >Her eyes are laser focused on your suit.
  854. >Her sparkling, saucepan eyes.
  855.  
  856. "Uh…"
  857. >"Oh."
  858. >Her entire body is subtly vibrating.
  859. >"My."
  860. >Her eyes shoot up to meet yours.
  861. >"GOSH!"
  862. >The pink hurricane quickly surrounds you; Flurry zips around and above you with uncanny speed, her hyperactive voice assaulting you at every angle.
  863. >"Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh I love your suit it's so sparkly so shiny you look just like a crystal pony I love it oh my gosh I love it so much—"
  864. "Flurry."
  865. >"—you should wear suits like this every single day I'll pay for all of them because this is the absolute bestest thing ever you look amazing I love this so much marry me plea—
  866. "Flurry!"
  867. >Trapped in the eye of the pink storm, you open your third eye.
  868. >And you thrust out your arm with tactical precision, firmly grasping it—
  869. >Her snootle.
  870. >Flurry is forcefully brought to a stop, held steadfast by your iron grip—though she still attempts to speak through her shut snout.
  871. >As her murmurs begin to quieten, you address her.
  872. "I get it. You like the suit. Thank you."
  873. >You chance a glance over to the cashier.
  874. >She's desperately trying to hide an amused grin.
  875. >She's failing.
  876. >You look back to Flurry.
  877. "Now, I'm going to let go of you—and you're going to be calm, okay?"
  878. >"Mrm-huh." She nods.
  879. >You let go of her.
  880. >She sits back on her haunches, gazing at your suit with awe.
  881. >"Oh my gosh…" she whispers to herself.
  882. >Well, at least she's trying.
  883.  
  884. >With payment settled and suit primed, you leave the Crystal Carousel and head on your way—with Flurry hot on your heels.
  885. >"You. Look. Amazing! Did I tell you that already? I think I did but you deserve to hear it again because you really *do* look just that great!"
  886. >She quickly stopped trying.
  887. >"So, what other places have you 'gotta be?'"
  888. "Well—"
  889. >"Because I was wondering when you're finished if you'd like to go on a play-date with me? There's sooo many places I'd like to show you and you can bring that sparkly suit of yours and—
  890. "Flurry I—"
  891. >"—we could go to the Crystal Stadium, the Crystal Museum, or—oh!—Mistmane's Crystal Gardens look wonderful at this hour! Maybe we could grab a bite to eat or—"
  892. "Flurry I've got a date tonight."
  893. >Flurry sharply comes to a halt.
  894. >"H-huh…?"
  895. >For a few seconds, the only sounds you hear are that of your own steps.
  896. >Just as you're about to consider turning around to check on her—Flurry quickly catches up to you.
  897. >"Um, sorry, Nonny, but did you say 'date?' Like, actual date-date? Not play-date?"
  898. "Yup, I—"
  899. >You stop dead in your tracks and turn to face Flurry.
  900. >There's an uncharacteristic frown on her face, and her ears lie limp.
  901. >Even her mane is drooping.
  902. "Sorry. Did I not tell you?"
  903. >She looks to the side, idling rubbing her left foreleg with her right forehoof.
  904. >"I…no. You didn't."
  905.  
  906. >She blinks, eyes suddenly widening as she snaps her head to face you.
  907. >"N-not that it's a problem! It just came as a bit of a surprise to me, that's all! I'm not bothered—not bothered at all!"
  908. >…She's bothered.
  909. >She is *super* bothered that you basically blew her off for today.
  910. >Flurry might be overbearing at times…
  911. >But she's still your friend.
  912. >You pat through her mane to try lighten the mood; she doesn't react.
  913. "I'm really sorry about this, Flurry. Look, how about I make it up to you tomorrow, alright? We can hang out all day in the castle."
  914. >"I…"
  915. >She briefly purses her lips.
  916. >"I guess. Like I said, it's fine. It's no big deal."
  917. >Unable to think of anything more to say, you continue walking along the path.
  918. >Flurry paces by your side, she follows you almost autonomously, having lost the pep in her step that she had mere moments ago.
  919. >The streets of the Crystal Empire grow quieter still as day turns to night.
  920. >The friendly warmth of the sun is all but gone now, replaced by the awkward nightly chill.
  921. >Your suit provides adequate protection to the elements, and you look pretty dapper, too.
  922. >Physically, you are now prepared for the trials that lay ahead.
  923. >Mentally?
  924. >Uh…
  925. >"So, um, where are you heading now?" Flurry suddenly speaks up.
  926. "Back home, to drop this bag off." You jostle your duffel bag for emphasis.
  927. >"Oh. And then you're going to pick up your date?"
  928. "Well, there'll still be a bit of time before then—but yeah, I'll be picking up my date not long after."
  929. >"Okay."
  930. >Thinking about it, you were planning on using the spare time in between to psyche yourself up.
  931. >But maybe you should spend it hanging out with Flurry?
  932. >Make it up to her for leaving her out to dry?
  933. >She *is* quite fond of the suit.
  934. >"S-say, um, why don't you hoof that bag over to me?"
  935. "Huh?"
  936. >"The one with your, ah, sweaty clothes that you've been wearing all day. I'll bring it to your house for you."
  937. "Oh, are you sure?
  938. >"Yeah! Yeah, of course! And then you can focus on psyching yourself up for your date!"
  939. >You sometimes wonder if this mare can read minds.
  940. >Can alicorns do that?
  941. >Maybe.
  942. >Part of you wants to handle your luggage yourself.
  943. >But you still feel a sense of guilt from earlier, so you can't bring yourself to reject her.
  944. "Well, it'll save me the trip home, I suppose. Here."
  945. >You hand her the duffel bag; she takes it in both forehooves.
  946. >"Great! Thank you!"
  947. >Her smile returns as she flaps her wings, bringing her up off the ground.
  948. >"I'll see you tomorrow, Nonny! Good luck with your date and, um, don't forget to tell me how it went!"
  949. "Yeah, I'll make sure to keep you in the loop this time, don't worry."
  950. >You wave to her, and she takes off, duffel bag hanging from her forehooves.
  951. >…Is she bringing it back to her castle?
  952. >Eh, whatever.
  953. >You've got bigger things to worry about.
  954. >Like your upcoming date.
  955.  
  956. ***
  957.  
  958. >Night has officially fallen on the Crystal Empire, and the moon hangs high in the sky.
  959. >On the ground level, the crystal streetlights shine softly with a pale blue light, and that's not all…
  960. >The glowing crystal ponies who continue to roam the streets at this hour shine out their own personal light—their merry mood coming out as bright brilliance.
  961. >Just as the stars in the night sky keep it alight, so do the stars of the city—the crystal citizenry—keep the earth aglow.
  962. >And you are yet another one of those shining stars of the city—wearing that magically tailored lime green suit of yours.
  963. >You radiate confidence.
  964. >…
  965. >Okay, that part's a lie.
  966. >The minutes are counting down until your date.
  967. >And you stand at the mouth of the footpath leading up to her home, trying to draw forth as much courage as you can before the big moment.
  968. >Her house is made of azure crystal, just like yours.
  969. >That must mean the two of you are alike, right? Isn't that how it works?
  970. >…You are ready.
  971. >You take a step forward.
  972. >And then another.
  973. >And then ano—oh God you're already at her front door.
  974. >You are not ready.
  975. >You—
  976. >You sigh.
  977. >There's no running from this.
  978. >She deserves better than that.
  979. >So you knock upon the door.
  980. >And wait.
  981. >After only a few seconds, a melodious voice answers you from the other side.
  982. >"Just a minute~!"
  983. >A minute?
  984. >Does she mean that in the literal sense?
  985. >That's fine. You can wait a minute. It gives you more time to mentally prepare yourself.
  986. >You could wait two minutes, even.
  987. >She opens the door twelve-and-a-half seconds later.
  988. >And she—
  989. >Wow.
  990. >During your time in Equestria, you've gotten to know quite a few mares—in the platonic sense.
  991. >Many of them were amicable towards you, with some of them displaying a clear interest in pursuing something deeper.
  992. >You always thought it was strange—the idea of feeling attraction towards an entirely different species.
  993. >Perhaps to them, it just comes naturally, seeing as ponies live in a world with talking dragons, minotaurs, and bipedal dogs—among other bizarre creatures.
  994. >But in your case, you could never bring yourself to bridge that species barrier; you never saw a need to.
  995. >That was, until you met her—
  996. >The unicorn standing in front of you right now.
  997. >Her coat is a light shade of blue—just like the fresh morning sky—while her wavy white mane is reminiscent of the free-flowing clouds that decorate it.
  998. >Her golden eyes are as radiant as the sun—no, even more; in them, you can see her innermost brilliance—her hopes for a brighter tomorrow.
  999. >She wears a gleaming gown that matches her eyes; it covers most of her body, only exposing her forelegs and tail.
  1000. >"Wow."
  1001. >She looks up at you, mouth slightly agape.
  1002. >"You are…very shiny."
  1003. "Ahaha…yeah…"
  1004.  
  1005. >Wait.
  1006. >Did you go overboard with the translucent crystal suit?
  1007. >You blithering fool! How did you not account for this?!
  1008. >In what world would a mare actually *want* to see a boorishly bright human shining like a—
  1009. >"I like it!"
  1010. >She beams at you, and your heart skips a beat.
  1011. "Th-thanks. I like yours, too."
  1012. >She gasps.
  1013. >"Y-you do? Oh, thank goodness!"
  1014. >She does a little twirl, showing off her gown.
  1015. >"I was stressing so much on whether you'd like it or not that I was starting to lose sleep and—uh, wait; I probably shouldn't be telling you that."
  1016. >She hastily clears her throat.
  1017. >"Let's just say I'm happy you like it!"
  1018. "Hah, I'm glad, too. But, um…"
  1019. >During her twirl, you could see that part of her dress was hiking up, letting you see see one of her cutie marks.
  1020. >It's that of a small star; small though it may be, great beams of light spread out from it.
  1021. >It's inspirational, but you shouldn't be able to see it right now; you should let her know.
  1022. "…part of your dress is riding up your flanks."
  1023. >"It…is?"
  1024. >You point to her right side; she cautiously checks her flank.
  1025. >"O-oh!"
  1026. >She hastily pats down her gown, bringing it all the way back to the ground level where it belongs.
  1027. >Turning back to you, she nervous giggles while ruffling through her mane with a forehoof.
  1028. >"Thanks Anon! Can't believe I missed that!"
  1029. "No problem, Star."
  1030. >This mare's name is Morning Star.
  1031. >And she lights a spark within you.
  1032. >"So, um, shall we get going?"
  1033. "Y-yes. Let's. Uh, let me…"
  1034. >You hold out a hand towards her.
  1035. >She blinks at it for a couple of seconds before breaking into a wide smile.
  1036. >"Ooh, a gentlecolt! I love it!"
  1037. >After closing the door behind her, she gently rests her forehoof in your outstretched hand, and you lead her out of her front yard.
  1038. >And together, you step out onto the pavement.
  1039. "By the way, I'm pretty sure I saw you earlier this morning; you seemed busy, though."
  1040. >"Oh…oh yeah! Yup, I was *really* busy! Had to chase a hot lead and couldn't spare the time to chat, sorry about that!"
  1041. "Ah, it's fine; it gave me time to…uh…do stuff, yeah."
  1042. >Nailed it. This mare has absolutely *zero* clue that you're barely holding it together.
  1043.  
  1044. >The moonlit crystal streets of the Crystal Empire truly are breathtaking.
  1045. >And they become even more breathtaking when you're holding a cute mare's hoof as you walk through them.
  1046. >"Sooo…where are you taking me?"
  1047. >Yeah, where *are* you taking her?
  1048. >As serene as this little stroll is, you're certain that there's more to a date than just walking around.
  1049. >You were taking her to the…
  1050. >What was it…
  1051. >The eaty place?
  1052. "Um…"
  1053. >She giggle-snorts.
  1054. >"Hehe! We're dining over at the 'Gleaming Shield;' did you forget? It's that way!"
  1055. >She points towards a street that you were most definitely *not* going down.
  1056. "O-oh. I knew that, yeah."
  1057. >"Mm, and did you remember to reserve a table there?"
  1058. "H-huh? I…"
  1059. >You—
  1060. >You didn't.
  1061. >Oh God you didn't.
  1062. >What do you do without a reserved table?
  1063. >Ask if they have a spare?
  1064. >Do they kick you out at the lobby?
  1065. >What if you have to eat outside in the alleyway?
  1066. >Can you even order food in the alleyway?
  1067. "I-I don't—"
  1068. >"Because I did!" She giggles. "That was my job!"
  1069. "A-ah. Um. Right. I-I knew that, too."
  1070. >You awkwardly cough.
  1071. >You're pretty sure you've used up all of your "I knew that"'s for this date.
  1072. >Night's not looking good.
  1073. >Star flashes you a wide grin.
  1074. >"Sorry, I couldn't resist! You're just so cute when you're flustered!"
  1075. "C-cute?"
  1076. >You cough to the side.
  1077. "Y-you too…" you mumble out.
  1078. >Your cheeks are flushing for a multitude of reasons—most of them awkward.
  1079. >An equally awkward silence hangs in the air for a few moments as you continue walking hand in hoof.
  1080. >"…I, um, hope I'm not putting you off. I have a bad habit of joking around when I'm nervous."
  1081. >Her grin falters, becoming more bashful.
  1082. >"N-not that I'm nervous right now! Even though I said I am and uh…"
  1083. "N-no, it's, ah, fine. Because…me. Me nervous too."
  1084. >You have devolved back into a caveman.
  1085. >Good job, Anon.
  1086. >Alright. Take a big gulp and try again.
  1087. "But, um…the nervousness is worth it when I'm with you."
  1088. >Her initial response is that of silence as she slowly takes in your words.
  1089. >But then, with a blush on her face, she turns away from you, bashful smile still lingering.
  1090. >"Hehe…you too…"
  1091.  
  1092. >Soon, the two of you arrive in front of the Gleaming Shield.
  1093. >It's a two-story restaurant comprised of ivory crystal; through the windows, you can see the inside illuminated with a royal blue light.
  1094. >The exterior of the building is decorated with shield-shaped crystals.
  1095. >The entryway is flanked by two crystalline sculptures that face inwards; they both depict a reared-up mare holding a shield with their forehooves.
  1096. >Something about this restaurant's colour and general aesthetic rings familiar to you.
  1097. >Yet you're unable to put your finger on why…
  1098. >"Hey, let's head in!" Star nudges you.
  1099. "Oh, right."
  1100. >The two of your head in through the double glass doors;
  1101. >Check in at the lobby;
  1102. >Head up to the second floor;
  1103. >Seat yourselves at your reserved table by a window;
  1104. >Order your food;
  1105. >And wait.
  1106. "N-nice place, huh?"
  1107. >"Y-yep."
  1108. >…And wait.
  1109. >Here you are, sitting in one of the most prestigious restaurants in the city with your marefriend—
  1110. >And neither of you are able to break the ice.
  1111. >Hell, the two of you are barely looking at each other right now; taking in the ambience of the restaurant just seems so much more enticing.
  1112. >For example, there's the cool blue lighting contrasted by the generous magical heating.
  1113. >The strong smell of good food wafting in the air.
  1114. >The smooth jazz playing in the background.
  1115. >And the idle chatter coming from the other—far more confident—patrons.
  1116. >Occasionally, your eyes meet hers, an awkward smile is shared, and an "ahah…" or "eheh…" is vocalised.
  1117. >But for the most part, you can't take your eye off of the bar over yonder.
  1118. >Not because you want a drink or anything, no.
  1119. >But the bar seats, man.
  1120. >They're very…seaty.
  1121. >Crystal legs with a cushion at the top.
  1122. >You've gotta admit: you could probably sit on one of those if you put your mind to it.
  1123. >Yeah, you totally could.
  1124. >Eventually, your meal arrives.
  1125. >The two of you thank the crystal pony waiter, and then you begin to enjoy the food.
  1126. >Firstly, you take it in with your eyes.
  1127. >You ordered a large steak; there are some fancy spices and garlic butter seasoning the top, but for most part—it looks like a delicious slab of meat.
  1128. >Compliments to the griffon chef.
  1129. >Star ordered spaghetti carbonara with a side of salad; it looks nice.
  1130. >The both of you also have a glass of red wine.
  1131.  
  1132. >Well, time to eat.
  1133. >Star has already taken up some spaghetti in her magically lifted fork.
  1134. >With a knife and fork, you cut off a piece of steak and bring it to your lips.
  1135. >You can feel her eyes upon you, but you're not gonna force her to say anything; you can't even force yourself to say something.
  1136. >All you can do is chew.
  1137. >It tastes savoury and spicy.
  1138. >Chew, chew, chew—
  1139. >"D-did you know that ponies can eat meat?"
  1140. >Slow chew.
  1141. >Stop chew.
  1142. >And stare at Star, who is sweating a little.
  1143. "R-really?"
  1144. >"Y-yeah. We can, um, digest it, and stuff… B-but it's more convenient for us to stick to a vegetarian diet for…reasons."
  1145. >You swallow.
  1146. "W-wow. That's…that's interesting."
  1147. >"Right, but there are actually, ah, tribes of ponies out there who subsist primarily on fish."
  1148. "Th-there are?"
  1149. >She nods.
  1150. "Um, tell me more."
  1151. >"O-oh, sure! They're live somewhere out in the Frozen North, and they have *really* thick coats of fur to protect them from the elements."
  1152. "The Frozen North…that's just outside the Empire's borders, isn't it?"
  1153. >"Yep! I'd love to interview one of them some day, just to get a deeper understanding of what their life is like. I just need to find a way to meet up with them."
  1154. "Knowing you, I'm sure you could pull it off."
  1155. >She flashes you a smile—one you find yourself returning.
  1156. >Though you can't help but add an addendum:
  1157. "But, uh, don't forget to bring a winter coat if you plan on exploring that blizzard, alright?"
  1158. >She giggles.
  1159. >"Don't worry, that's priority number one! 'Local Reporter Freezes to Death' would make a pretty poor story, don't you think?"
  1160. "Hah, right."
  1161. >Oh, that's right.
  1162. >You haven't mentioned it yet, but Morning Star is a freelance reporter.
  1163. >Your first meeting with her came about when she accosted you out of the blue during one fateful morning; she wanted to interview you about your life in Equestria as a human.
  1164. >She invited you to a nice cafe for a chat, and you two of you got to know each other from there—and that's when you began to fall for her, too.
  1165. >Equestria is a land of constant change, so there's a correspondingly constant demand for ponies who able and willing to keep up with this ever-evolving state of affairs.
  1166. >Star is one such pony; she has a passion for exploring the unknown, surviving the unknown, and then writing about it.
  1167. >She's similar to the late Daring Do in that regard, albeit her "priceless artefacts" are that of newsworthy tales.
  1168. >Perhaps that's why she took a chance on you—the unknown ape man.
  1169. >Speaking of change, it feels like the mood has lightened considerably since that conversation about meat.
  1170. >The two of you are now casually making small talk with each other, and your once-stiff postures have slackened in relief.
  1171. >The ice has successfully been broken, and it's starting to feel like a proper date.
  1172. >A *good* proper date, even.
  1173.  
  1174. >…
  1175. >The two of you are now partway through your meals.
  1176. >Star has already had a couple refills of her wine; you're still on the first glass.
  1177. >After downing another sliced chunk of steak, you bring up a question.
  1178. "So…what's the latest scoop for Miss Morning Star?"
  1179. >"Well—"
  1180. >She slurps up a string of spaghetti.
  1181. >"—right now, I'm working on a story that focuses on the royal family."
  1182. "Ah, Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor?"
  1183. >"Yup, and don't forget Princess Flurry Heart, too."
  1184. "Oh yeah…"
  1185. >Admittedly, you did kinda forget; it's hard to imagine Flurry being a bona-fide princess sometimes.
  1186. >"It's all about their influence on the Crystal Heart and the ceremonies surrounding it—and why we have to place the Heart right beneath the castle instead of locking it away in a safely guarded vault somewhere."
  1187. "You know, I was wondering that myself; it's such a strange spot to put it."
  1188. >"Mm-hmm! Me too!" she nods. "From what I've learned, it's right there in the open so it can more efficiently gather up and disperse the positive magical energies that the crystal townsponies constantly exude."
  1189. "Huh, that's interesting."
  1190. >"It is! This city's culture is so fascinating! I'm glad I moved here."
  1191. "Heh, me too."
  1192. >…Not that you had a choice in the matter, but it feels good to say.
  1193. >After all, if you weren't flung through that portal—you would've never been able to meet Morning Star.
  1194. "But if you're writing a story on the royals, then I'm surprised you haven't interviewed me yet. I'm well acquainted with them."
  1195. >"Oh, I was planning to, but I wanted to wait until after this date."
  1196. >Her eyes briefly flit to the side.
  1197. >"A-and it definitely wouldn't be right of me to interview you *during* the date, would it? After all, this night's supposed to be about us."
  1198. "Yeah."
  1199. >You admire her integrity.
  1200. >It's one of the many reasons you fell for her.
  1201. >"But don't worry, I'll sure to ask you a *ton* of questions about Princess Flurry when I get around to it. I'm sure you must know *all* of her deepest secrets!" She flashes you a playful grin.
  1202. "Ahah…you really think so?"
  1203. >"I *know* so. You and the princess are the talk of the town most days. You two spend so much time together!"
  1204. "Oh wow, really?"
  1205. >"Mm, and not only that…"
  1206. >She leans forward, cupping her cheek with a forehoof.
  1207. >"There are even some rumours out there that she's courting you to be her prince!"
  1208. >Your eyes widen.
  1209. "What? That's crazy. We're just friends."
  1210.  
  1211. >She leans back, giggling.
  1212. >"Hehe, I know, but you know how the rumour mill goes; ponies love gossiping about potential romances, no matter how unlikely."
  1213. "Hah, and I guess that's your job to sift through bogus rumours like those so you can find the good ones, huh?"
  1214. >"Yep! You hit the nail right on the head!"
  1215. >She levitates her glass of red wine, the crimson fluid being blurred by her golden aura.
  1216. >"Still, there are…other rumours out there…"
  1217. "About me?"
  1218. >"No, not about you."
  1219. >She floats her glass up to her lips and takes a small sip.
  1220. >"The truth is…there's another story I've been chasing. One that only tangentially involves the royal family."
  1221. "Hm? What is it?"
  1222. >She doesn't respond immediately; instead, she narrows her eyes at her wine glass, idling twirling it within her magic and watching the drink swish about.
  1223. >Then, she takes another sip;
  1224. >Exhales through her nose;
  1225. >And sets her glass down, turning to face you and leaning forward.
  1226. >"Okay, so there's a lot of stuff that goes unnoticed in this city; stuff that the news doesn't report on."
  1227. >Wow. This conversation suddenly took a turn.
  1228. "Y-yeah? Like what?"
  1229. >She leans forward even more; so much so that the tip of her dress is dipping into her spaghetti.
  1230. >"Hear me out on this—but we're talking things like misplaced magical artefacts, shady back-alley deals, ponies disappearing without a trace…"
  1231. "…overnight strawberry-fication of milk?" you whisper back.
  1232. >She blinks at you, puzzled and perturbed.
  1233. >"…Um, what?"
  1234. >You awkwardly cough; you picked a bad time to try and insert some levity.
  1235. "Sorry, just a dumb joke. G-go on."
  1236. >She blinks another time, leaning back into her seat.
  1237. >As she does, her eyes drift down to the sauced-up section of her dress, and she hastily wipes it with a napkin.
  1238. >"U-um, anyway, like I said: there's a shadier city to this city that flies under the radar of most ponies. I've been pushing to publish a article on the matter, but no news outlet will take me, all of them calling it bogus."
  1239. >It *does* sound kind of out there…
  1240. "This is the first time I've heard about 'ponies disappearing without a trace.' How do you even come across information like this?"
  1241. >"By keeping my ears to the streets; I've also gone undercover a few times."
  1242. >She takes a swig of her wine before continuing.
  1243. >"And you know what? There's a common name that keeps cropping up whenever I investigate this side of the city. One spoken of only in hushed whispers."
  1244. >After pushing her plate to the side, she leans forward again.
  1245. >She motions for you to also lean forward and meet her halfway; you do so.
  1246. >Her voice is but another one of those hushed whispers.
  1247. >"Are you familiar with the Secretary of Defence?"
  1248.  
  1249. "Huh?" you speak at normal volume. "You mean Coz—"
  1250. >Your mouth magically snaps shut.
  1251. >You see Star's horn glowing gold.
  1252. >Her eyes rapidly flit around the perimeter of the restaurant.
  1253. >Seemingly satisfied, her ears flit back to you.
  1254. >"Yeah. Her."
  1255. >She releases her spell, leaving your lips loose and free.
  1256. "O-okay then. What about her?"
  1257. >"Those oddities I mentioned earlier: I believe that they're all linked a criminal underworld that runs deep in the city—and I believe that 'she' has close ties to it."
  1258. "U-uh…"
  1259. >You lean back and throw a quick glance at her near-empty wine glass; you're starting to worry about how drunk Star might be if she's dipping deep into conspiracy theories like this.
  1260. "What makes you so sure?"
  1261. >"Think about it; don't you think it's weird that she calls herself the 'Secretary of Defence' despite being in charge of the entire Royal Guard?"
  1262. "Maybe she just likes the title."
  1263. >"O-or maybe it's her way of saying that she's above even the Royal Family. She controls and monitors everything, from the castle to the streets; there's no way that she doesn't know about shady deals going on in the city—she probably has a direct hoof in them."
  1264. >You arch an eyebrow.
  1265. "But…why would she have ties to a 'criminal underworld' if she's in charge of the Guard?"
  1266. >"I think it's so that she can carry out unscrupulous activities right under the nose of the Royal Family, such as selling stolen magical artefacts and priceless heirlooms to the highest bidder—or quietly getting rid of anypony who casts doubt on her."
  1267. "…And do you have any proof towards any of this?"
  1268. >She leans back into her seat again.
  1269. >"That's what I'm working on. She covers her tracks well, but there are still some ponies slipping through the cracks who are brave enough to speak out against her."
  1270. >You let out a small sigh.
  1271. >Yeah. You can imagine no shortage of ponies that would distrust Cozy.
  1272. >But you can also imagine *why* they'd distrust her.
  1273. "So you've never *seen* a pony vanish or be kidnapped or whatever?"
  1274. >"W-well, no. Those are just rumours. Very believable ones though…"
  1275. "But you still have no definitive proof; they could still be absolutely bogus for all you know."
  1276. >"M-maybe, but it's still my job to follow up on them and investigate."
  1277.  
  1278. "Don't you think…"
  1279. >You rest both hands on the table.
  1280. "Don't you think you're being too judgemental on her because of her past?"
  1281. >"Wh-what? No! This has nothing to do with her past!"
  1282. "I have my doubts about that. Why else would you be so suspicious of her?"
  1283. >"B-because she…she…"
  1284. "Look, Cozy's not some…power-crazed criminal mastermind manipulating everything from the shadows, okay? She's putting in her best efforts to keep this city safe, so just—"
  1285. >You stop yourself.
  1286. >The restaurant feels quiet—and your voice felt several decibels louder than it should've been.
  1287. >But you don't care if anyone in the restaurant is staring at you or not.
  1288. >What you *do* care about—
  1289. >Is the fact that Star is despondently frowning down at the table, ears flattened.
  1290. >Because you—
  1291. >You feel awful.
  1292. >Swallowing a lump in your throat, you attempt to address her.
  1293. "I…I'm sorry, Star. I shouldn't have snapped at you like that. It was completely uncalled for."
  1294. >She shakes her head.
  1295. >"No, it's fine… Y-you have a point. My hypothesis is based on total hearsay and…and I came into it with a total bias against her; you're totally right."
  1296. "Well…I'm biased too."
  1297. >She lifts her head to look up at you.
  1298. >You clear your throat.
  1299. "The thing is, I'm…um…I'm actually close friends with Cozy, so I ended up jumping to her defence without really thinking about what I was saying; again, I'm sorry."
  1300. >Her eyes slowly widen.
  1301. >"W-wait, you mean you…you're friends with her? The Secretary of Defence?"
  1302. "Mm." You solemnly nod.
  1303. >She gives a few surprised blinks.
  1304. >"G-gosh, I…I didn't know."
  1305. >Her eyes fall back to the table.
  1306. >"And here I was, just running my big mouth without a care in the world, making my date's friend out to be some kind of underground supervillain…"
  1307. >She chuckles dryly.
  1308. >"Guess my Star's a little dimmer than usual tonight… Silly me…"
  1309. >Damn it. Now you've just made her feel worse.
  1310. >Think—how can you salvage this?
  1311. "Um, hey, how about we call it even?"
  1312. >"Huh?" She wearily gazes at you.
  1313. "We…we both ended up saying things we shouldn't have, but mistakes happen, yeah? The night's still young, and we shouldn't let a few slips of the tongue ruin it."
  1314. >Her countenance remains unchanged, but she does eventually give you a sullen response.
  1315. >"…Mm…"
  1316.  
  1317. >As she hangs her head once more, you chew on your lip for a bit.
  1318. "And, um, for the record, I'd love to see how that article of yours eventually turns out."
  1319. >Her head snaps back up, eyes wide.
  1320. >"Wh-what?! But it's just…just meaningless slander."
  1321. "Well, every wild story has a nugget of a truth in there, you know? Maybe there is some pony out there running a criminal ring…or an illegal spiral…or a delinquent whirlpool…"
  1322. >She tilts her head, puzzled.
  1323. "A-ahem. Th-the point is. I'm biased, sure, but you shouldn't let that stop you; you're the reporter here, and I think you should trust your intuition."
  1324. >With pursed lips and squinted eyes, she turns to her wine glass.
  1325. >"My intuition…" she mumbles to herself.
  1326. >After a few moments of drink deliberation, she comes to a wide-eyed conclusion.
  1327. >"You know what—" She suddenly slams a forehoof onto the table. "—you're right!"
  1328. >The smile she gives you is one of renewed confidence.
  1329. >"I'm Morning Star! It's my job to shine a light on the uncomfortable truths that lurk in the shadows!"
  1330. >She puffs out her chest.
  1331. >"Because if I don't—who will?!"
  1332. "I love that slogan."
  1333. >With a giggle, she raises her wine glass up to her lips—
  1334. >And then reluctantly floats it away, a bashful grin forming on her face.
  1335. >"A-actually…I think I'd better lay off the wine for the rest of the night; my lips feel loose enough as it is, ahah…"
  1336. "…Mm."
  1337. >You—
  1338. >You do not admit this with any pride—
  1339. >But your mind immediately went to a very dirty place when she finished that sentence.
  1340. >You blame your roommate.
  1341. >Thankfully, Star's voice snaps you out of your mental debauchery.
  1342. >"Hey, do you want the rest of mine?"
  1343. >Her wine glass is now hovering very close to yours.
  1344. "Well I—"
  1345. >She tips the contents of her glass into yours before you can answer.
  1346. >"Theeereee you go~! Ehehe~!"
  1347. >Her fluids splash onto yours, filling the cup right to the brim.
  1348. "Th-thanks."
  1349. >It's a miracle none of it spilled out.
  1350. >But it would be foolhardy to try and pick it up in this state.
  1351. >So…
  1352. >You bring your lips down to the rim of the glass, gingerly slurping up the wine from the tip top.
  1353. >Star watches you drink with an amused expression on her face.
  1354. >"Now you're drinking the pony way, Nonny!"
  1355. >…
  1356. >The night continues on.
  1357. >Dinner turns to dessert.
  1358. >A sugary sweet, blueish "Crystal Heart Cake" is shared between the two of you; thankfully, the heart-shaped crystals embedded into the sides are merely decorative frosting.
  1359. >You also finished your wine glass.
  1360. >And then you *might* have asked for a refill.
  1361. >And then you *might* have asked for another refill after that.
  1362. >Maybe.
  1363. >Just a possibility.
  1364. >A distinct one.
  1365. >A fermented one.
  1366. >A questioning one.
  1367.  
  1368. "Hey, Star, I've been wondering…"
  1369. >"Mm?" She finishes her slice of cake.
  1370. "What did you do before the…reporter thing?"
  1371. >"Before the reporter thing? I…hm…"
  1372. >As she muses over your question, she idly circles her spoon around the rim of her plate.
  1373. >"…oh! Oh yeah!"
  1374. >Setting her spoon down, she runs her forehoof up her horn with pride.
  1375. >"I may not look it now, but *I* was once a student at Canterlot's School of Magic!"
  1376. "Hey, I think I've heard of that place."
  1377. >"Yep! It is *the* place for unicorns to go and hone their magical skills!"
  1378. "So you're a big shot unicorn, huh?"
  1379. >"Yes!" She beams.
  1380. "Oh!"
  1381. >Her ears slightly fold.
  1382. >"…Um, actually, no. I flunked Magic School."
  1383. "Oh."
  1384. >"I-it's not that I *couldn't* keep up with the work; it's…"
  1385. >Her mouth flatlines.
  1386. >"…okay, maybe I struggled a little."
  1387. "Hey, it's alright; there's no shame in failing—and plus, you're a kick-ass reporter now, aren't you?"
  1388. >"Y-yeah! I kick hineys all day *and* night!"
  1389. >She sighs.
  1390. >"But let me tell you: it was tough-enough work trying to wrap my head around all of the advanced spells they teach you over there—but *then* you had to complete the curricular friendship lessons on top of that…"
  1391. "Wh-what—you had to learn about making friends, too?"
  1392. >"Mm. Although if you're *really* good at the 'magic' part, you can make it pretty far in school without having to worry about friends."
  1393. "Oh really?"
  1394. >She nods.
  1395. >"As an example, there was this student in my class who was absolutely *aces* at magic—but skipped all the friendship stuff. She wouldn't even show up to the classes that focused on the subject."
  1396. >You find yourself nodding in…understandment? Is that even a word?
  1397. >Yeah, you're understandmenting.
  1398. >"Buuut…even though she kept to herself, she was *easily* the best magic user in the school—that's why Princess Twilight Sparkle herself ended up taking her in as her personal protege."
  1399. "Ah…I see…"
  1400. >…Wait.
  1401. >Princess Twilight's personal protege? That sounds familiar.
  1402. >Running mental diagnostics—powered by Inebriation Inc.—and…
  1403. >…Oh!
  1404. "Hey, Star, just curious—but do you recall this student's name?"
  1405. >She blinks a few times.
  1406. >"Huh? Oh…I think it was Luster…um…"
  1407. >She hums thoughtfully.
  1408. >"Ah! Luster Dawn! Yeah! That was her name!"
  1409. "…Wow."
  1410. >She tilts her head.
  1411. >"Wow?"
  1412. "Well, it's just…I think I might know this Luster of yours."
  1413. >"Really? Did she come to visit you as part of a friendship lesson or something?"
  1414. "Not exactly… Thing is…"
  1415. >You build up the suspense like a house of cards.
  1416. "…she's actually my roommate."
  1417. >The cards collapse, and Star sits there wide-eyed and mouth agape.
  1418. >"No. Way."
  1419. "Yes way." You smile.
  1420. >Probably way?
  1421. >How many mares out there are named Luster Dawn, attend the School of Magic, and study directly under Princess Twilight?
  1422. >Has to be at least one.
  1423.  
  1424. >"I just…wow…I mean…I can't even…yeah."
  1425. "Am I blowing your mind right now?"
  1426. >She jostles her head to bring back her vernacular.
  1427. >"Listen, I'm just surprised Luster slept somewhere other than the school library."
  1428. >You snicker.
  1429. "Okay, I didn't expect *that* from you. You sound a bit more familiar with her than you let on."
  1430. >"Ahah, yeah. The thing is, I actually…well, I looked up to her, you know? She was sooo good at magic and I just…wasn't."
  1431. >She rubs the back of her head with her forehoof.
  1432. >"I tried to become friends with her, but she always kept to herself; if she wasn't advancing her own knowledge in magic—she wasn't interested."
  1433. "Luster, keeping to herself? Now there's a surprise."
  1434. >"Hm?"
  1435. "She always came off as a total party animal to me. She's very…shall we say 'lax.'"
  1436. >You decide against mentioning her bawdy behaviour.
  1437. >"Ooh… Maybe she's changed since then. Does she have a bunch of friends now?"
  1438. "Well…I haven't seen any, but she sends out Friendship Reports to her teacher every so often, so she's probably made a bunch of friends here."
  1439. >…That's assuming that she *isn't* just faxing Princess Twilight written human erotica featuring you and her.
  1440. >You wouldn't put it past her.
  1441. >"And *you* live with her; does that mean you're her friend too?"
  1442. >You nod with some hesitation.
  1443. "For the most part, yes—but my friendliness with her fluctuates based on how willing she is to do her side of the chores."
  1444. >"Chores? But she's a unicorn! Aren't there spells for that?"
  1445. "You underestimate just how lazy she is."
  1446. >She snerks.
  1447. >"Does she still smell and look like she just got out of bed in the morning?"
  1448. >She ruffles both forehooves through her mane for emphasis.
  1449. "Pfft. Yeah. And you know what else?"
  1450. >You lean forward and whisper to her.
  1451. "She drinks eggnog out of season."
  1452. >"Oh. My. Gooosh…" she whispers back. "Who *does* that?"
  1453. "She does. Every day."
  1454. >"Wow…"
  1455. >The conversation slowly dies down as you steadily sip on wine and heartily munch on a slice of cake.
  1456. >Heh. Heartily.
  1457. >Because the cake was shaped like a heart.
  1458. >And it has little heart-shaped decorations on the sides and top.
  1459. >And it tastes like…blueberry.
  1460. >Nice.
  1461. >"Don't you think it's weird, Anon?"
  1462. "Hm?" you hum through chewed cake.
  1463. >"I mentioned three distinctly different ponies tonight: Flurry, Cozy, and Luster—and you're somehow close acquaintances with all three of them."
  1464. >You swallow your cake.
  1465. "Well, you already knew about me and Flurry Heart."
  1466. >"I know, but…it just feels like a long string of coincidences, you know? Maybe destiny?"
  1467. "You ponies and your destiny…"
  1468. >You set your spoon down on your plate.
  1469. "I stopped worrying about 'weirdness' when a magical portal appeared in my own bathroom and sucked me into another dimension."
  1470. >"Oh… Sorry, I didn't mean to dredge up any unfortunate memories…"
  1471. "Nah, it's fine. I'm not too bothered by it nowadays."
  1472.  
  1473. >Taking up your wine glass, you finish the sliver of alcohol it has left.
  1474. "Maybe my life is a string of unlikely coincidences, but…"
  1475. >You're setting up your house of cards again.
  1476. >These ones are all kings, baby.
  1477. "…those coincidences brought me to you."
  1478. >Your romantic remark leaves her speechless—but not shocked.
  1479. >Instead, she simply stares at you, expressionless.
  1480. >…She's giving you the Mare Stare.
  1481. >"That—"
  1482. >A ghost of a smile creeps up on her face.
  1483. >"—is so corny, Anon."
  1484. "Is that bad?"
  1485. >"No… I like corny, hehe."
  1486. >You exhale in relief.
  1487. >Date status: still not ruined.
  1488. >These are the coincidences that you're *truly* glad for.
  1489. >"I know I already wrote a story about you. But maybe I should write another, one of these days!"
  1490. >She clears her throat and spreads her forehooves wide in the air.
  1491. >"How about this: 'My Coltfriend is an Alien from Another Dimension!'"
  1492. "That sounds more like the title of a novel than a newspaper article."
  1493. >She lowers her forehooves, giggling.
  1494. >"Ehehe! That's true!"
  1495. >There's one slice of cake left.
  1496. >You reach for it…
  1497. >And it begins up float upwards, held in a golden aura.
  1498. >You look at Star, who has slipped back into the Mare Stare.
  1499. "Hey…" You squint your eyes.
  1500. >"Hey, you too…" She squints her eyes back.
  1501. "Maybe we can split it?"
  1502. >She scoffs.
  1503. >"Half a slice? What kind of pony do you take me for, Nonny?"
  1504. >So it's an impasse, then.
  1505. >"But…"
  1506. >Her Mare Stare becomes a Mare Smile of Negotiation.
  1507. >"I might be willing to part with this slice…if *you're* willing to tell me some stories from your world."
  1508. "…Deal."
  1509. >And so the conversation drifted to you.
  1510. >And then back to her.
  1511. >And then back to you.
  1512. >And then to the giant crystal statue of a baby dragon that could be seen through the window.
  1513. >And then to the second Crystal Cake that you two ordered.
  1514. >And then…
  1515. >…
  1516. >And now you're walking her home.
  1517. >Wine-vision has turned all of the crystal-based lighting into one big hazy mass.
  1518. >You might struggle to see more than ten feet in front of you—but you can't forget the mare walking by your side.
  1519. >She supports you, you support her; somehow, this house of cards is still going strong.
  1520. >Okay, you're not THAT drunk.
  1521. >You're sober enough to know that you gotta take the mare home like a true and proper gentleman and—oh you're here.
  1522. >As you stand on her front steps, you see Star open her door and step inside.
  1523. >Her home's interior is dark, but she quickly flicks on her lights, illuminating your senses.
  1524. >When she turns to face you, she looks like an angel, warm light radiating from behind her.
  1525. >"Well, um, here we are! That's what you're supposed to say at the end of a date, right?"
  1526. "Y-yeah…"
  1527. >Is this it?
  1528. >Date successful?
  1529. >What happens next?
  1530. >What was it Luster said again…?
  1531. >Condom on the…date…or something?
  1532. >Oh. But you didn't bring any. So…
  1533.  
  1534. "I-I don't have the…thing for the…thing, yeah. So I gotta stay outside."
  1535. >She titters.
  1536. >"The whaaat? Anonny, you're so silly."
  1537. "Good silly or bad silly?"
  1538. >Her eyes narrow, and she tilts the side of her head, facing one of her ears towards you.
  1539. >"Uh…say again?"
  1540. "Good silly or bad silly?"
  1541. >"I…I don't…"
  1542. >She raises a forehoof up her ear and cups it.
  1543. >"…could you come a little closer?"
  1544. >With a sigh, you crouch down and lean towards her.
  1545. "Good silly or ba—"
  1546. >She whips her head back to face you—
  1547. >And she lunges forward, pressing her lips against yours.
  1548. >Wait.
  1549. >This is a kiss.
  1550. >She's kissing you.
  1551. >Whoa.
  1552. >Time slows down as everything in the world becomes so much more poignant.
  1553. >The lusciousness of her pony lips; the whistle of the cool breeze; the twitch of her right ear; the rustling of a distant bush; the scent of sweet alcohol on her breath—
  1554. >And just like that—she pulls away.
  1555. >There may not have been any tongue involved—but the gesture feels no less affectionate.
  1556. >The both of you mirror the other, laughing awkwardly and rubbing your necks.
  1557. >"Ahah…thanks for taking me out tonight, Anon. I had a lot of fun."
  1558. "Yeah…same here."
  1559. >Your eyes wander.
  1560. >That golden gown of hers is so pretty.
  1561. >Matches her eyes.
  1562. >Mesmerising.
  1563. >You wonder when you'll get to see them again.
  1564. >Wasn't she gonna interview you on the Royal Family?
  1565. "Guess I'll see you on that interview, then."
  1566. >"Oh…oh yeah! The interview! A-and maybe we can arrange our next date then?"
  1567. "Sounds good."
  1568. >You nod, completely cognisant and perfectly prepared for your next few engagements with her.
  1569. >Except…
  1570. "…when is the interview?"
  1571. >She thinks on that.
  1572. >"Uh…soon…ish? I need to check my schedule."
  1573. "Soonish. Gotcha, I'll mark it on my calender."
  1574. >"You do that!"
  1575. >You tipsily turn around and begin walking away from her house.
  1576. >After a few steps, she calls out to you.
  1577. >"See you around, green glowing human~!" She waves to you.
  1578. >You look at your sleeve; your body still looks like translucent green crystal.
  1579. >It makes you chuckle; you look so silly.
  1580. >You wave back to her, she closes the door, and you head on your way.
  1581. >And then she closes the door.
  1582. >…
  1583. >After only a miniscule number of drunken stumbles, you safely return home.
  1584. >The lights are off, and not a peep can be heard from inside building.
  1585. >Squinting at the clock on the living room wall, you can make out that the time has just passed midnight.
  1586. >Your roommate is likely fast asleep in her room.
  1587. >Soon, you will be too.
  1588. >In your room, that is.
  1589. >Definitely not in her room; that would be weird, and you don't want her getting any ideas—
  1590. >Because you've got a marefriend.
  1591. >You are also tired and tipsy; the chores can wait until morning.
  1592. >So you head into your room and flop onto your bed, soon closing your eyes.
  1593. >Sleep comes easy.
  1594. >For you are Anonymous—
  1595. >And today went much better than expected.
  1596.  
  1597. ***
  1598.  
  1599. >The city and castle shine in the far distance.
  1600. >Beacons in the darkness they may be, they shrink in size as you move further and further away from them.
  1601. >The night air is dead silent, save for the sound of your own hoofsteps upon the dirt road.
  1602. >Tranquil greenery surrounds you at both sides.
  1603. >Your gait is calm and composed—practised and pertinent.
  1604. >But your heart is pounding.
  1605. >You are on one of the northern paths that lead out of the Crystal Empire and into the Frozen North.
  1606. >You wear a hooded brown cloak that shrouds your identity.
  1607. >Upon your back, you carry a heavy bag—one that had been entrusted to you.
  1608. >The contents are…
  1609. >…
  1610. >You're coming up on the archway: two crystal pillars that are linked at the top by an arch of floating crystals.
  1611. >Once you cross under it, you'll be home free.
  1612. >You just need to keep it together.
  1613. >In situations like this—remember the teachings of your mother.
  1614. >Deep breaths.
  1615. >Breathe in.
  1616. >Breathe out.
  1617. >Breathe in.
  1618. >Breathe ou—
  1619. >"STOP in the name of the law!"
  1620. "EEP!"
  1621. >A pink pegasus leaps out from behind one of the crystal pillars.
  1622. >She's—
  1623. >Ahem.
  1624. >She's nopony.
  1625. >She doesn't know who you are.
  1626. >"Whatcha doing, Flurry?"
  1627. >She knows who you are.
  1628. "I-I—"
  1629. >Or does she?
  1630. "—I'm not Flurry."
  1631. >She blinks.
  1632. >And strides over to you.
  1633. >You take a few steps back—but she's much faster than you are.
  1634. >Quickly closing the distance, she flips over your hood, exposing your face—and your identity.
  1635. "G-gah!"
  1636. >You turn your head to the side and instinctively reach up a forehoof to cover your face—but you know that's it's futile.
  1637. >"Hm…"
  1638. >Her hums hang in the air like floating daggers, poised to pierce.
  1639. >"Golly, you look pretty Flurry-like to me! Are you telling me the Crown Princess was hiding an identical twin all this time?
  1640. "Y-yes?"
  1641. >"Do you want to test my patience any further, or do you want to come clean?"
  1642. "Urk…"
  1643. >Lowering your forehoof, you turn your head to make eye contact with the Secretary of Defence.
  1644. >She smiles at you—but you know that it's only a surface-level pleasantry.
  1645. >You are Flurry Heart.
  1646. >She is Cozy Glow.
  1647. >And you—
  1648. >You were so close.
  1649. "O-okay. You got me, Glowie. It's me."
  1650.  
  1651. >You stand a head taller than her—but she is no less intimidating.
  1652. >"There, there. That wasn't so bad, was it—telling the truth?"
  1653. >Cozy slowly circles your right side, sharp scarlet eyes focused on the bag on your back.
  1654. >You slowly turn at her pace, keeping her in your vision.
  1655. >"Now, why don't you tell me why you're leaving the Crystal Empire at this time of night, huh?"
  1656. "I'm…"
  1657. >Knowing who you are is one thing.
  1658. >But you absolutely *cannot* let her know what you're doing.
  1659. >Cozy is one of your besties—but she's also in charge of the Guard.
  1660. "…j-just heading out to catch a bit of cold air; that's all."
  1661. >You're a terrible liar; you know this.
  1662. >Cozy knows this, too.
  1663. >Ugh. Why did you have to get caught?
  1664. >Cozy changes direction, slowly circling your left side.
  1665. >You match pace.
  1666. >"What's in the bag?"
  1667. "Th-the bag? Um…it's, uh…"
  1668. >You had a story for this.
  1669. >But it's hard to think while she's circling you.
  1670. "C-camping gear! Yes!"
  1671. >"Camping?"
  1672. >She swerves to your right, forcing you to react promptly.
  1673. >"But I thought you were just catching 'a bit of cold air.' Why are you suddenly camping now?"
  1674. "Th-that's what I call camping…"
  1675. >"Really?"
  1676. >She swerves to your left.
  1677. >"Don't you know how dangerous it is to camp out in the Frozen North?"
  1678. >To your right.
  1679. >"Do you have any idea what monsters lurk in that blizzard?"
  1680. >To your left.
  1681. >"What's *really* in the bag, Flurry?"
  1682. "I—"
  1683. >She suddenly slaps you on the snout with a precise wingtip.
  1684. "Agh!" you wince.
  1685. >You stagger to the side, the stinging pain forcing you to shut your eyes.
  1686.  
  1687. >In the midst of your floundering, you feel a weight being taken off your back—
  1688. >But only in the literal sense.
  1689. >The metaphorical weight just grew ten times heavier.
  1690. >Your eyes shoot open, and you see the bag—a duffel bag—lying on the ground a couple feet away.
  1691. >Cozy is already on it.
  1692. >"Now, what do we have here…?" she hums.
  1693. >She quickly unzips the bag—
  1694. "W-wait!"
  1695. >—and a sky blue hoof limply falls out.
  1696. "A-ah."
  1697. >Cozy stares at it, expression unchanging.
  1698. >"Jeepers, would ya look at that…"
  1699. >She crouches down to inspect the inside of the bag.
  1700. >You remain frozen, rooted in place.
  1701. >Your mind races through a multitude of different scenarios—none of them good.
  1702. >The world around you is melting.
  1703. "Th-the, um, I-I can…I can—"
  1704. >"Phooey, let me help you with that."
  1705. >Cozy casually shoves the hoof back into the bag and zips it back up.
  1706. >She turns around, giving you a wide smile.
  1707. >"I gotta say: you princess-types sure know how to pick your camping provisions—but who am I to judge, huh?"
  1708. >Your throat feels like a desert, but you wet it all the same as you struggle to speak up.
  1709. "W-wait. Y-you're not, um…"
  1710. >You gulp.
  1711. "…mad?"
  1712. >"Mad…?"
  1713. >She softly titters as she walks up to to you.
  1714. >"Oh, Flurry…I'm not mad."
  1715. >She gently rests a forehoof on your shoulder.
  1716. >And her pupils jitter ever so slightly.
  1717. >"I'm absolutely livid."
  1718. "Wh—"
  1719. >Cozy rears up and clamps your face in between her forehooves in one swift movement.
  1720. "G-guk!"
  1721. >She smushes your cheeks firmly, using just enough force to let you know that she could do a lot worse.
  1722. >She's at eye level with you now; her smile is unchanging—and her scarlet eyes stare dead into yours.
  1723. >"But since you're my *best* friend—and I'm an *extremely* patient gal—I'm willing to hear you out."
  1724. >In just one blink, her face morphs into one of disciplinary disdain.
  1725. >"You better have a good reason for why you did what you did. Speak. Now."
  1726. >Your judge is crimson.
  1727. >Words—excuses and all—leap off your tongue in a desperate bid for clemency.
  1728. "I-it was all for A-anon!"
  1729. >"Was it now?"
  1730. "Y-yes! I had to! Th-there was no other way!"
  1731. >"What did you do, Flurry? Tell me."
  1732. >Her tone is bitingly soft.
  1733. "I-I saw Anon out with another mare tonight. They were laughing and smiling and talking a-and…"
  1734. >Your breath hitches. Your pupils shudder.
  1735. >While almost nose to nose with you, Cozy is unperturbed.
  1736. >"Mm? And?"
  1737. "She kissed him."
  1738. >"And then what happened?"
  1739. "S-so I went into her house and called her what she was—a l-loose WHORE who had no RIGHT breathing the same air as my Nonny. I-I told her t-to stay away from him if sh-she knew what was good for her."
  1740. >"And then?"
  1741. "I thought she'd be scared off, but instead she…she got so angry. She started screaming and shouting a-and…"
  1742. >"And then? And then?"
  1743. >Cozy leans in just that little bit closer—harsh scarlet twisted with manic interest.
  1744.  
  1745. "No matter how much I raised my own voice—sh-she just wouldn't stop making *noise.* She wouldn't *stop.*"
  1746. >Briefly shutting your eyes, the scene of the crime begins to replay itself in vivid detail—
  1747. >You remember her glowering golden eyes;
  1748. >Her slightly slurred speech;
  1749. >Her venomous tongue—and how she threatened to *expose* you for the *monster* you truly are.
  1750. >How *dare* she.
  1751. "…Before I knew it, I started channelling a spell."
  1752. >She just wouldn't stop speaking nonsense.
  1753. >You had to quieten her down.
  1754. >And you did.
  1755. "Th-there was a bright flash—and the next thing I knew, sh-she was lying on the floor in front of me. She wasn't moving or breathing, and she was cold to the touch."
  1756. >You gulp.
  1757. "S-so…"
  1758. >"*So* that's why you decided to go on your little 'camping trip,' right?" Cozy interjects.
  1759. "…Yes."
  1760. >Cozy blinks, her conclusion uncertain to you.
  1761. >"Hm. Okay."
  1762. >She releases you, and you reflexively stagger backwards to give yourself some personal space.
  1763. >She then walks over to the bag and rests a forehoof on it, throwing a glance your way.
  1764. >"This is Anon's bag, isn't it?"
  1765. >You weakly nod.
  1766. >She sighs, shaking her head.
  1767. >"Flurry, Flurry, Flurry…"
  1768. >She stares into you.
  1769. >"Ya wanna know how I see things?"
  1770. >You give her silence; she gives you an answer.
  1771. >"Princess Flurry Heart—Heiress to the Throne—breaks into a mare's house and murders her in cold blood."
  1772. >"*Then* she stuffs the mare's corpse into a bag—Anonymous's bag—and dumps it on the outskirts of the Crystal Empire."
  1773. >She takes her hoof off the bag and strolls over to you.
  1774. >"One dead mare. Anonymous as her last known witness. And a bag chock-full of incriminating evidence just *begging* to discovered in the snow.
  1775. >"Tell me, Flurry. What do you think will happen when the public gets wind of this? What do you think this means for you? What do you think will happen to Anon?"
  1776. "H-huh?"
  1777. >Anon could get in trouble?
  1778. >Because of you?
  1779. >But you just…you didn't mean to…
  1780. "I-I didn't…"
  1781. >Cozy pats you on your cheek with her forehoof.
  1782. >"Yes. I know. You didn't think, Flurry. You didn't stop to use even a single brain cell inside of that empty little head of yours. You act first and think never—leaving everypony else to clean up your mess."
  1783. "U-urgh…"
  1784. >Your head hangs.
  1785. >Back then, that mare's words made you feel like you were standing up against a storm.
  1786. >Right now, Cozy's words make you feel small and worthless.
  1787. "B-but what else was I supposed to do? If I didn't step in…they might have gotten even closer, a-and I…"
  1788. >Cozy's mouth opens—
  1789. >"You could have done literally *anything* other than drag a dead body all the way through the city."
  1790. >—but the voice that comes out isn't hers; it comes from your side.
  1791.  
  1792. >Both you and Cozy turn your head towards the sound of the third party, finding nothing but empty air.
  1793. >The air slowly distorts and warps as it peels away like a ghostly curtain; a pink unicorn reveals herself—
  1794. >It's your other bestie.
  1795. "L-lustie. H-how did you…"
  1796. >Luster Dawn taps her horn.
  1797. >"Cloaking spell. And that's not all; how else do you think you managed to make it this far away from the city without anypony noticing?"
  1798. >You blink.
  1799. "Um…cover of night?"
  1800. >Luster facehooves.
  1801. >"Magic doesn't solve everything, though," Cozy quips. "After all, *I* knew Flurry was gonna come here."
  1802. >"Well, obviously." Luster rolls her eyes. "Can't even *breathe* in this city without *you* knowing about it."
  1803. >"That's because you barely use mouthwash."
  1804. >Luster breathes onto her hoof and sniffs it.
  1805. >"My breath doesn't smell that bad."
  1806. >"It totally does. Not only that—" Cozy's nose wrinkles. "—but when was the last time that you showered?"
  1807. >"Hey, I have it on good authority that Anon likes a mare who isn't afraid to express her natural scent."
  1808. >"Authority of your dreams, maybe. Ugh, why are *you* the one who gets to live with him?"
  1809. >"Because you scare him."
  1810. >"I do *not* scare him! I make his heart flutter!"
  1811. >"Those are called palpitations, Cozy."
  1812. "W-wait a minute!"
  1813. >Both mares turn to you.
  1814. "Lustie, you must have known Anon was dating this mare—why didn't you tell me?!"
  1815. >"Because I *knew* you would've freaked out over it! I had things under control, Flurry."
  1816. "Th-they already had one successful date together—and they even kissed! I-it was only a matter of time before they…th-they—"
  1817. >"—before they would've broken up," Luster interjects.
  1818. "Huh?" You tilt your head.
  1819. >"A few mind-altering spells here and there—and Anon's special somepony would've wanted nothing more to do with him after the first date. Sure, Anon would be left heartbroken, but that's what we're here for."
  1820. >Cozy nods with an affirmative hum.
  1821. >"See, Flurry? Our nosy little problem would've eventually taken care of itself, one way or another; all you had to do was be *patient.*"
  1822. >Cozy sighs before continuing.
  1823. >"Ah…but what's done is done, I guess. Now we have a dead body to take care of."
  1824. "W-wait. 'We?'"
  1825. >"Well, *somepony* has to clean up this mess."
  1826. >Cozy nudges you, throwing a sidelong glance towards Luster.
  1827. >"You might want to watch for Luster, though! She might hold it against you—seeing as you offed one of her school buddies."
  1828. "Wh-what?"
  1829. >Your head snaps to Luster.
  1830. "Lustie, did I really…?"
  1831. >Luster doesn't mask her emotions anywhere close to the degree that Cozy does.
  1832. >While the slight frown on her face is no doubt a result of your impulsive actions—you don't feel any animosity coming from her.
  1833. >But still…
  1834.  
  1835. >"Eh." Luster ruffles a forehoof through her mane. "Don't worry about it. I wasn't close to anypony in that school."
  1836. >She flicks her mane over in the bag's direction.
  1837. >"Morning Star's only purpose was to get Anon used to the idea of dating mares like us. Past that point—I couldn't care less about her."
  1838. >Morning Star? So that was her name…
  1839. >"Golly, Luster, that's *so* cold!" Cozy gasps. "I think I might be starting to rub off on you!"
  1840. >Cozy giggles and Luster sighs—but you are no less certain about your situation.
  1841. "Um, so what do we do about the b-body?"
  1842. >"Hm?" Cozy hums very briefly. "Oh, right."
  1843. >She walks up the bag and hops on top of it, elevating herself above you.
  1844. >After turning to face you and Luster, she flares out her wings as she prepares to make a grand speech.
  1845. >"Okay girls, here's the plan: our intrepid little Morning Star over here—" Cozy pats the bag below her. "—went out to explore the vastness of the Frozen North all by her lonesome."
  1846. >She shakes her head, tutting.
  1847. >"She lost her bearings in the midst of a raging blizzard and never found her way back home. Poor thing."
  1848. >"Really? 'Lost in a snowstorm?'" Luster remarks. "That was the best story you could come up with?"
  1849. >Cozy narrows her eyes.
  1850. >"I *hope* you can appreciate how short notice this is. And besides: this cover-up's worked plenty of times before—so why change perfection?"
  1851. >Cozy gestures to herself.
  1852. >"Now, as for us: I'll dispose of the body—and I'll clean this bag up too while I'm at it."
  1853. "You're going to dump it in the Frozen North? But isn't that, um, what I was going to do?"
  1854. >"No. I prefer to dispose of my obstacles more…chemically." Cozy flashes you a toothy grin. "Far less evidence that way."
  1855. "Oh."
  1856. >Even though you're both the Crown Princess and Cozy's closest friend, there are still many things that you're unaware of regarding the Secretary of Defence's operations within the city.
  1857. >…But as long as the life between you and Anon isn't threatened—you're willing to turn a blind eye.
  1858. >"And Luster—" Cozy points to your other bestie. "—lucky you, you get to be Anon's shoulder to cry on once he realises that his heartthrob isn't ever coming back."
  1859. >You can't help but frown at the idea of Luster getting to comfort Anon at his most vulnerable.
  1860. >She might be one of your besties, but…
  1861. >If only Anon had agreed to live with you in the Crystal Castle, way back when.
  1862. >Then *you'd* be his comfort pony—and *he'd* be your comfort human.
  1863. >He'd have been under your constant vigil, and you wouldn't have gotten in this mess to start with.
  1864. >Darn it.
  1865. >You could use your comfort human right now…
  1866.  
  1867. >"More importantly," Cozy continues, "keep a very close eye on him; make sure he doesn't suspect anything. Hypnosis is an absolute last resort—we want him pure."
  1868. >"Yeah, I know," Luster replies.
  1869. >Cozy hops off the bag and folds up her wings.
  1870. >Your besties both have their own roles to play, and—
  1871. >Wait.
  1872. "Wait. What about me?"
  1873. >Cozy strides over to you with a smile.
  1874. >"Oh, Flurry. You have the most difficult task of all…"
  1875. >She suddenly boops you on the nose with her forehoof; it hurts.
  1876. >"You have to somehow make it through the next few days *without* flipping your lid and snuffing another pony! Think you can do that for us?"
  1877. >You rub your snout in pain, sniffling.
  1878. "Owie… Why do you girls have to be so mean…"
  1879. >"We're not mean; we're honest," Luster states with an indifferent tone.
  1880. >"Mm-hmm." Cozy nods. "And aren't you *lucky* to have such good *honest* friends like us? Honesty's one of the core tenets of Harmony, ya know!"
  1881. >The stress of the situation begins to take its toll, and you hang your head in shame.
  1882. >Stupid, stupid Flurry.
  1883. >Through your hazy vision, you see Cozy crouching down on her knees right at your hooves; she looks up at you with a strangely sympathetic smile.
  1884. >"Aw, cheer up, Flurry. I might have given you a hard time back there, but that's only because I *care,* y'know? The three of us are a team! We've got to look out for each other!"
  1885. >Luster nods, stepping forward.
  1886. >"The three of us made a pledge to watch over Anon and keep him safe."
  1887. >Cozy nods in agreement and springs to her hooves.
  1888. >"And then, once he's finally ready for us…"
  1889. >You steadily raise your head.
  1890. "…we'll share him, right?"
  1891. >"Yep!" Cozy beams at you.
  1892. >She walks a couple paces away and turns back to face you both; then, she sticks her forehoof out in front of her.
  1893. >"For Anon, right?"
  1894. >Luster places her forehoof on top of Cozy's.
  1895. >"Yeah. For Anon."
  1896. >They both look at you expectantly.
  1897. >You take a deep breath to compose yourself.
  1898. >Breathe in.
  1899. >Breathe out.
  1900. >You're a Princess of Love—just like your mother.
  1901. >Yet your love is different to hers.
  1902. >It's purer.
  1903. >Pure enough to transcend dimensions.
  1904. >Pure enough to give both form and focus to your magic.
  1905. >Pure enough to summon him into your world.
  1906. >You see that exact same love reflected in the eyes of your best friends:
  1907. >That maddening, all-consuming passion.
  1908. >They're the only ones who could understand your feelings—
  1909. >And you know they feel the exact same way.
  1910. >You place your forehoof on top of Luster's, making a tower of solidarity.
  1911. "Mm-hmm… For Anon."
  1912. >You need only wait a little bit longer.
  1913. >And he'll be yours.
  1914.  
  1915. *** END ***
  1916.  
  1917.  
  1918.  
  1919.  
  1920.  
  1921.  
  1922.  
  1923.  
  1924.  
  1925. *** HONEST THOUGHTS ***
  1926.  
  1927. The story was inspired by this image: https://twibooru.org/3154547
  1928.  
  1929. I'm very mixed on this one. I think there are some good bits in there, but there are also some "ehhh" bits and some "this ain't it, chief" bits.
  1930.  
  1931. The opening scene with Luster was alright. Though I think the part where she rants about Daring Do dragged out for too long; it was meant to be a tongue-in-cheek nod to how Luster replaces Twilight in S9E26, but think I could've tightened it up a bit.
  1932.  
  1933. The massage scene with Cozy was decent. No complaints. Come to think of it, Cozy is basically a crime lord *and* a sugar momma in this fic, which is…yeah, that's pretty hot.
  1934.  
  1935. The boutique scene with Flurry was good. I liked the part where she stuck her snout through the dressing room curtain; it's cute.
  1936.  
  1937. The date scene with Morning Star was…not good. Don't get me wrong, there *are* some things I like in there, such as how awkward these two lovebirds acted around each other. But the part where they talked about those three pink mares could have been handled a *lot* better.
  1938. Specifically, the segment where Star suddenly turned into a conspiracy nut regarding Cozy Glow, which caused Anon to go on the defensive regarding his feathered friend, felt very awkward. I wanted to cut this segment out of the fic while I was reviewing its completed state—but at that point, it felt too "embedded" within the story, so I had no choice but to leave it in.
  1939. That being said, the end of the date scene where they're both piss-ass drunk is funny stuff.
  1940.  
  1941. The "yandere reveal" scene was okay. It had decent bits and awkward bits.
  1942.  
  1943. Overall, it's not the worst thing I've written, but…well, I did decide to scrap this story for a reason—a few, actually.
  1944.  
  1945. Quick background info: I started writing this green during early June 2024—which was pretty much straight after my scrapped filly harem fic.
  1946. The premise of this one is that it's a "SFW triple yandere fic, featuring a trio of three extremely possessive mares working together to ensnare a blissfully unaware Anonymous within their web of lies."
  1947. The "web" in this case would've been these three mares attempting to keep Anon in the dark regarding the journalist that Flurry had murdered.
  1948. -Anon would attempt to investigate Morning Star's sudden disappearance on his own, finding the whole situation dubious (though hesitant to suspect any of his pink-coated friends).
  1949. -There'd be plenty more yandere shenanigans through the story—expect more innocent mares to inexplicably vanish from the Crystal Empire.
  1950. -The bonds between these pink ponies would become increasingly strained as the story steadily escalates. (Anon's investigation could come dangerously close to figuring out whodunnit. Or maybe one of the mares will start seeing her peers as a distinct risk to Anon's safety.)
  1951.  
  1952. So, even though I had some ideas on how to continue this story, I couldn't bring myself to write past the prologue.
  1953. Why?
  1954. Well, to be blunt, in a dark story like this—I felt like I had to kill at least one of the yanderes at one point, and I didn't want to do that.
  1955. (I also wished to write a full-length story, so I didn't want to leave things at a prologue)
  1956. Also, as you can probably tell with my brief review of the green up above, there were still some parts of the prologue that I wasn't happy with, so I focused my efforts on trying to fix those instead. However, I was really struggling to rewrite the date scene into something I'd be happy with, and I found myself quickly losing motivation as a result of that.
  1957.  
  1958. To summarise, then—I thought the prologue was bad, and I didn't like where the rest of the plot was heading.
  1959. Sure, I *could* have spent more time rewriting the date scene into something that matched my standards, but honestly, I was rapidly growing tired of this story, and I started wanting to try writing something new at that point.
  1960. Thus, I promptly ditched this idea and began working on a new green—a certain smutty megafic that would eventually come to surpass 360k~ words…
  1961.  
  1962. Anyway, the way I see things, these characters all now happily live on in Pink Haze, so I have no regrets with sending this particular story to the scrapyard.
  1963.  
  1964. (Hell, even Morning Star got a better deal of things within Pink Haze—though whether "anally gaped by an alien" is actually a more pleasant fate than "violently murdered by an alicorn" might be a subject that's up for some hot debate.)

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