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It's Not Paranoia if...

By Tuesday
Created: 2025-08-13 01:29:14
Updated: 2025-09-04 04:43:42
Expiry: Never
applejacktwilight sparklefluttershyrainbow dashanonymousfingerbang

  1. 1.
    >Anonymous was happy.
  2. 2.
    >Unfortunately this was a rare thing.
  3. 3.
    >Currently he was in PE playing their local dodgeball variant German Prisonball.
  4. 4.
    >In this version, once a player was "out", they went over to the outside of the opposing team's court. And if a ball made it past the opposing team, they could grab it and throw it to knock out an opposing team member.
  5. 5.
    >So eventually a 'winning' team would be getting attacked from all four sides.
  6. 6.
    >Anon's last teammate had just been knocked out.
  7. 7.
    >Coach Soarin gave a short whistle blast and announced "Three minutes!"
  8. 8.
    >The opposing team had three minutes to try and knock out Anonymous.
  9. 9.
    >By now everyone knew how this would play out as Anonymous gracefully dodged every throw.
  10. 10.
    >He never threw the ball himself.
  11. 11.
    >He never tried to catch it.
  12. 12.
    >He only dodged with a big smile.
  13. 13.
    >The three minute rule had been a compromise after it became apparent nobody could land a hit on Anonymous. Not even his only friend Norman.
  14. 14.
    >How long the game went on didn't seem to matter.
  15. 15.
    >But that left Coach Soarin with a problem in that half of his class was left out of the activity as Anonymous enjoyed dodging.
  16. 16.
    >So Coach Soarin explained this to Anonymous and Norman and proposed the three minute rule.
  17. 17.
    Anonymous replied with "Ok. Thank you."
  18. 18.
    >It didn't hurt that three minutes was short enough that the opposing team didn't get tired of trying and Anon's teammates didn't get tired of cheering when he managed a flashy dodge.
  19. 19.
    >Most students wouldn't get this kind of treatment, but Anonymous had special needs.
  20. 20.
    >The story that had circulated went something like..
  21. 21.
    >Before coming to CHS, Anonymous and Norman had attended Bullworth. Widely known to be one of the most violent schools in the nation.
  22. 22.
    >Neither Anonymous or Norman abstained from the violence. They weren't using violence to pursue any particular goal, they just never backed down from a fight.
  23. 23.
    >Not from pride, more from general principal.
  24. 24.
    >Thing was, they were both among the best fighters AT this school full of fighters.
  25. 25.
    >They both had natural ability.
  26. 26.
    >They had learned how to beat folks that were stronger, faster, or smarter, either in part or in whole.
  27. 27.
    >They barely payed attention to the odds against them in a fight and said it took at least 3 opponents to cause them to wake up.
  28. 28.
    >Then came the fateful day near the end of their junior year.
  29. 29.
    >Details were unknown, but Norman was about to take a hit that would actually kill him.
  30. 30.
    >Anonymous jumped in and took the hit instead.
  31. 31.
    >He didn't die, but he DID take brain damage.
  32. 32.
    >Anonymous took a month to recover and assess the damage.
  33. 33.
    >Norman stayed by his side, never forgetting his friend had only been injured to save his life.
  34. 34.
    >Anon's brain damage manifested in a lack of emotional control.
  35. 35.
    >He got angry at unpredictable times and almost without reason.
  36. 36.
    >Only Norman and Anon's father could recognize the signs of Anon getting angry in time to react.
  37. 37.
    >Anon's father was his only living relative and his health was declining,
  38. 38.
    >Still, he fought like hell to get Anon into CHS. No way was he putting him back into Bullworth.
  39. 39.
    >Vice Principal Luna looked at Anon and Norman's record and had several concerns to voice.
  40. 40.
    >Eventually a shaky compromise was reached. Anon and Norman would have the same class schedule with the expectation that Norman would keep Anon under control.
  41. 41.
    >Failure to do so would see them both disciplined.
  42. 42.
    >Anon's father passed away the week before school started.
  43. 43.
    >He made Anon PROMISE to finish high school.
  44. 44.
    >There was no funeral or memorial service.
  45. 45.
    >Anon expressed his grief by breaking down in front of Norman a few times.
  46. 46.
    >Then school started.
  47. 47.
    >There were some tense moments, but eventually Anon and Norman settled on a pattern of holding themselves apart from their fellow students.
  48. 48.
    >This behavior confused their fellow students.
  49. 49.
    >CHS was a generally friendly place after all.
  50. 50.
    >And Anon looked a lot less happy than most of the students most of the time.
  51. 51.
    >Dodgeball being the major exception.
  52. 52.
    >Of course folks asked Norman why Anon only seemed happy during dodgeball?
  53. 53.
    >Norman explained it this way "Brain damage doesn't always make a huge amount of sense. But, when he's playing dodgeball in PE, he can see it as play instead of as being attacked. So it's basically the only time he can actually enjoy being with his fellow students."
  54. 54.
    >Soon the game, and then class, was over.
  55. 55.
    >Then it was on to History class, which today meant open study in the library.
  56. 56.
    >Anon and Norman were at a table by themselves reading appropriate books to avoid undue attention.
  57. 57.
    >They both looked up as three girls sat themselves down at the same table.
  58. 58.
    >Technically there was nothing wrong with Applejack, Twilight Sparkle, and Rainbow Dash sitting in unused seats, but everyone knew by now that getting near Anon was inadvisable.
  59. 59.
    >Norman advised Anon to focus on his book as he checked the surrounding area for the girls's friend Pinkie Pie.
  60. 60.
    >Pinkie somehow managed to set Anon off the worst of anyone.
  61. 61.
    >Their first meetings had nearly resulted in a disaster.
  62. 62.
    >Pinkie only wanted to be friends of course, but was shocked when Anon and Norman refused categorically.
  63. 63.
    >That NEVER happened.
  64. 64.
    >Pinkie decided that maybe she had caught them at a bad time? After all, these two CLEARLY needed more friends than each other.
  65. 65.
    >But when Pinkie tried again by popping out from behind something, she was very surprised to find Anon was pointing at her.
  66. 66.
    >He was looking away as expected, but clearly he had noticed something far quicker than anyone else ever had.
  67. 67.
    >Then he turned his head towards her, bared his teeth and started growling!
  68. 68.
    >Norman noticed at that point and moved to restrain Anon.
  69. 69.
    >Pinkie fell backward in a minor panic and began backing away on her hands and knees rapidly.
  70. 70.
    >Norman, with work, moved Anon down another hallway.
  71. 71.
    >Anon calmed down when Pinkie was out of sight.
  72. 72.
    >Vice Principal Luna heard about the incident and investigated.
  73. 73.
    >After interviewing witnesses and those involved separately, she had to conclude it was Pinkie's fault.
  74. 74.
    >Pinkie had already been told 'no' and pushed on anyway.
  75. 75.
    >Yes Anon had scared her, but as long as she wasn't in front of him, he had no particular issue with her.
  76. 76.
    >And honestly, Pinkie scared others all the time by suddenly popping out.
  77. 77.
    >So Anon and Norman made efforts to simply avoid Pinkie in particular.
  78. 78.
    >But there was no sign of her in the library today.
  79. 79.
    >Just the three of her friends that had suddenly sat down at Anon and Norman's table.
  80. 80.
    >Norman knew there were plenty of other places they could sit, so there must be a reason why they were here.
  81. 81.
    >Whatever. The faster they got what they needed to get done, the faster they could go away.
  82. 82.
    >Anon felt a bump at his foot. When he looked down he saw a small white rabbit.
  83. 83.
    >Norman quietly said "Hello ladies. What brings you by?"
  84. 84.
    Anon suddenly said "Hi Angel." and gently lifted the bunny to the top of the table and started petting with a gentle look on his face.
  85. 85.
    >The girls looked on in silence, shocked.
  86. 86.
    >Norman patiently explained "He gets on better with animals than he does with people."
  87. 87.
    >Norman then prompted "Anyway, you were saying?"
  88. 88.
    >Twilight found her nerve and said "Right. Sorry. Hello. So have you guys seen the posters about the off brand Sadie Hawkins dance tonight?"
  89. 89.
    >Norman responded with "Yeah we've seen them. The Sadie Hawkins part seems off because it isn't a leap year though."
  90. 90.
    >Twilight said "Yeah we get that a lot. Someone started it with odd timing quite some time ago and it became a tradition. And this year we're on the dance committee."
  91. 91.
    >Norman said "Alright, so let me sum up where we are so far. Sadie Hawkins means girls ask guys. But you ladies are on the committee, so you've had the most notice of everyone. So you aren't here at the last minute to ask US to be your dates."
  92. 92.
    >Twilight looked a bit relieved as she said "All of that is correct. We just have a duty to make sure you know it's tonight at the school and you are welcome to come, even without dates."
  93. 93.
    >Norman said "Alright, message delivered."
  94. 94.
    >Just then, Angel moved away from Anon and jumped off the table.
  95. 95.
    >Then he hopped about six feet toward the aisles of books in the back of the library, then paused and looked back at Anon.
  96. 96.
    >Then Angel turned again to the back of the library and hopped a dozen more feet, paused and looked back at Anon again.
  97. 97.
    >Applejack said "I'm just thinking aloud, but he might want you to follow him."
  98. 98.
    >Angel had traveled far enough that Anon could determine which aisle he was headed to.
  99. 99.
    >At the end of the aisle there was a head poking out with pale yellow skin and bright pink hair.
  100. 100.
    >A fleeting smile crossed Anon's face, then a look of sorrow and he quickly put his head on the table and hid his face with his arms.
  101. 101.
    >Rainbow couldn't take it and exclaimed "What's wrong with Fluttershy?"
  102. 102.
    Anon sat up straight and said "Nothing!" and then he continued a bit more slowly and said
  103. 103.
    "She's nice. She's a good person. She's... really nice."
  104. 104.
    >Then Anon put his head back on the table again.
  105. 105.
    >Rainbow tried to strike a more supportive tone as she said "So then what's the problem? Just try talking to her."
  106. 106.
    Anon sat bolt upright suddenly and said "I'M the problem ok? I get to mad at all kinds of silly things and sometimes I lash out! I didn't come to school to hurt her, you, or anyone else."
  107. 107.
    "I want to be a good person. I do. It's just everything gets so twisted by anger."
  108. 108.
    "I really don't want to hurt Fluttershy. She's better off staying away from me... Just like everyone else."
  109. 109.
    >Then Anon put his head on the desk again, hid his face with his hands, and started crying.
  110. 110.
    >Norman then spoke up "Ok girls. Thank you for the information and probably the best conversation he's had recently, but he's starting to get upset."
  111. 111.
    >As the girls got up Twilight said "We understand. Please excuse us."
  112. 112.
    >After class the girls got together and Fluttershy asked "What did he say? What did he say?"
  113. 113.
    >Rainbow responded with "Well the good news is he seems to like YOU plenty."
  114. 114.
    >Twilight then added "But the bad news is he doesn't seem to like himself much at all. So I'm sorry but I don't see anything happening there."
  115. 115.
    >Applejack followed with "Yeah he didn't reject you so much as he rejected himself. YOU he's fine with but he doesn't want to risk losing control and hurting you. Or anyone really."
  116. 116.
    >Rainbow then asked "But doesn't that give us another set of problems if they don't come tonight?"
  117. 117.
    >Twilight furrowed her brow and said "Maybe. But they didn't outright refuse. I'm thinking if Norman comes, Anon will be somewhere near."
  118. 118.
    >Applejack and Rainbow both said "Gotcha."
  119. 119.
    >Also after class Norman said to Anon "Hey I'd kinda like to go to that dance actually."
  120. 120.
    "Then you should." Anon said "It's a nice, normal, and healthy high school activity."
  121. 121.
    >Norman asked "What will you do?"
  122. 122.
    "I'll hang out in the upstairs classrooms. Won't be hard to leave some places unlocked and all the staff will be at the dance."
  123. 123.
     
  124. 124.
    >Evening came and Norman went to the dance.
  125. 125.
    >Anonymous went up to a third story classroom to work on some homework and periodically text his buddy.
  126. 126.
    >This was something they had learned to do at Bullworth where divide and conquer strategies happened a lot.
  127. 127.
    >As a counter strategy, a close friend would text you every so often and expect a response.
  128. 128.
    >The response might even be a code phrase in some circumstances.
  129. 129.
    >In any event, not getting a response translated as 'go help your friend!'
  130. 130.
    >At Bullworth, this was so common it barely had to be explained.
  131. 131.
    >But here at CHS Norman had to explain the concept every time.
  132. 132.
    >Many people struggled with how to respond.
  133. 133.
    >Their first instinct was to invite anyone of their classmates to come over.
  134. 134.
    >But then they recalled that Anonymous had some special issues.
  135. 135.
    >And yeah, Anonymous coming here could cause some REAL problems!
  136. 136.
    >And yet, no one wanted to say anything bad to Norman about his friend either.
  137. 137.
    >So they stuttered and stammered their way through that part of the conversation.
  138. 138.
    >Then at some point, a small quiet voice said "E-excuse me Mr Norman?"
  139. 139.
    >Norman turned around, noticed Fluttershy, and said in a soft polite voice "Yes Miss Fluttershy?"
  140. 140.
    >As Norman had turned, he had noticed several of Fluttershy's friends nonchalantly hanging around and pretending to not be paying attention.
  141. 141.
    >That was worth an internal chuckle.
  142. 142.
    >Fluttershy said "Oh you don't have to call me 'Miss'. Just Fluttershy is fine."
  143. 143.
    >Norman kept up the calm and polite tone as he responded "Why thank you Fluttershy. Please feel free to call me Norman. How can I help you tonight?"
  144. 144.
    >Fluttershy spoke with a tiny bit more confidence at Norman's gentle treatment of her. "Thank you too Norman. Well to be honest, I've heard several folks mention you've been texting Anonymous while you're here. That gave me an idea. Would you be willing to give Anonymous my number so he could text me?"
  145. 145.
    >Norman curled his lip in thoughtful consideration. "Oh I see. That's actually pretty creative. My compliments on that."
  146. 146.
    >Fluttershy gave a soft smile and said "Thank you."
  147. 147.
    >Norman said "You're quite welcome. Yes I'll do that for you, but I have to be honest. I have no idea if he'll do it. Nothing like this has ever happened to him before."
  148. 148.
    >Fluttershy asked "He's never texted a girl before?" Then she immediately worried she had overplayed her hand.
  149. 149.
    >Norman suppressed a gentle chuckle and said "Not in any way he would consider social. Look I'm going to help you out a bit here and lay down some facts. He's never had a girlfriend because he's generally clueless that a girl might be interested in him. I'm saying my best friend is a bit dense when it comes to the ladies."
  150. 150.
    >Fluttershy was hanging on Norman's every word and saying "Oh my."
  151. 151.
    >Then Norman added "But you and Angel have made it the farthest with him I've yet seen. So best of luck.
  152. 152.
    >Fluttershy gently smiled and said "Thank you. Here's my information for Anonymous." And she handed Norman a folded paper.
  153. 153.
    >Norman said "Alright. I'll get this to him, but like I said, that's all I can promise."
  154. 154.
    >Fluttershy kept smiling as she said "Thank you." and skipped away.
  155. 155.
    >A bit later up on the third floor, Anonymous had a sudden bout of dizziness.
  156. 156.
    >Fortunately he had been sitting already. the sensation lasted around twenty seconds and then it stopped.
  157. 157.
    >A few minutes later it seemed the front of the school was lit up for some reason.
  158. 158.
    >Anon was in a side-facing classroom and didn't have a direct line of sight to the front of the school.
  159. 159.
    >But it was easy enough to tell there was a lot more light than expected down there.
  160. 160.
    >Anonymous texted Norman to ask about the light at the front, but the message eventually came back as undelivered.
  161. 161.
    >That was new.
  162. 162.
    >In fact, that had never happened at CHS before.
  163. 163.
    >But realistically it could be almost any type of network issue as far as he knew.
  164. 164.
    >The best thing to do would be to wait a couple of minutes and resend the message.
  165. 165.
    >Then he saw the lights in the hallway through the window in the classroom door.
  166. 166.
    >Best guess is it was multiple flashlights from one end of the hallway.
  167. 167.
    >The lights disappeared.
  168. 168.
    >After about twenty seconds they came back.
  169. 169.
    >Seemed like they were getting closer.
  170. 170.
    >Then the lights disappeared again.
  171. 171.
    "They're trying doors." Anon said softly to no one in particular.
  172. 172.
    >It wasn't staff. Staff would be one janitor with ONE light, not multiple.
  173. 173.
    >For a moment, Anon considered hiding.
  174. 174.
    >Then he ruled it out because that would put him in a weaker position if they searched the room and found him.
  175. 175.
    >Instead he stood at the front of the class, two steps in front of the teacher's desk, and waited with arms crossed.
  176. 176.
    >Five figures dressed in black with black ski masks on entered the classroom. Watching each other as they entered. Two were taller than the other three.
  177. 177.
    They froze and looked at me when I said "Hello."
  178. 178.
    >One of the taller ones asked in a scratchy voice "Why isn't he asleep?"
  179. 179.
    >The other tall one answered "Dunno. Might be that non-standard brain he has."
  180. 180.
    >The three smaller ones asked in unison "What're we gonna do?"
  181. 181.
    >The second tall one said "You three take off before he gets upset. We're gonna talk to him."
  182. 182.
    >The smaller trio exchanged glances and exited the classroom without another word.
  183. 183.
    I asked the remaining two "Where's Norman?"
  184. 184.
    >The second one said "He's safe."
  185. 185.
    >The first one with the scratchy voice said "Yeah he's safe. Him and the other guys are napping while they take a trip."
  186. 186.
    "A trip you say? May I ask where?"
  187. 187.
    >The second one said "If we told ya, I doubt you'd believe us. BUT we can take you to Norman and the others with no problem!"
  188. 188.
    >The first one said "Yeah!" eagerly.
  189. 189.
    "Do you have ANY idea how bad this all sounds? It's a mass kidnapping at the very least. And you STILL want me too? Needing a full set is starting to sound ritualistic. And it's a ritual where consent is VERY optional at the very least. How would you react if I had kidnapped every other girl in school and asked you to come along like this?"
  190. 190.
    >For a minute they were silent with no idea how to respond. Then the second one said "Ah can see where you're coming from. And it certainly doesn't help that we aren't allowed to tell you everything. But the guys ARE safe and no one is going to harm them."
  191. 191.
    "Assuming that's true for the sake of argument and leaving aside the question of 'how', there's still the big question of 'why'? As in 'Why would you even consider kidnapping EVERY guy at school?' There HAS to be a convincing reason. And then there's the big question that's going to be very telling."
  192. 192.
    >The first one asked "What's the big question then?"
  193. 193.
    "The big question is simple 'What will you do when I say no?' I mean, you can't force me after all."
  194. 194.
    >The first one asked "Don't think girls can fight? There's two of us!"
  195. 195.
    "Oh I KNOW girls can fight, please understand that. At Bullworth some girls were just as violent as the guys. So understand that I WILL hit a girl before you do something reckless. If anything the reason to take it easy on you is there's ONLY two of you. So with that said, how sure are you that you need every guy?"
  196. 196.
    >The second one said "Unfortunately we DO need every guy. I'd like to ask you again, will you please come with us? You won't be harmed."
  197. 197.
    "Said the lady wearing the mask." I commented.
  198. 198.
    >The second one said "Sorry. I forgot we were wearing them. The masks were never for you." Then she looked at her compatriot and the both nodded and unmasked.
  199. 199.
    >The first one was Rainbow Dash and the second was Applejack.
  200. 200.
    >Applejack smiled at me and asked "So will you please come with us?"
  201. 201.
    >That smile from a pretty girl hit hard. A part of me wanted to say yes.
  202. 202.
    >Thank god it wasn't Fluttershy smiling at you. For HER you might have gone.
  203. 203.
    >But this whole thing still stank to high heaven.
  204. 204.
    >They really should have found a way to leave Norman and me alone!
  205. 205.
    >Norman was my friend.
  206. 206.
    >My ONLY friend.
  207. 207.
    >And they were taking him FROM me.
  208. 208.
    >Was it actually ok to start getting mad here?
  209. 209.
    >Probably? But keeping a level head would likely get better results.
  210. 210.
    >It sucked having an actual reason to get mad and not do it. Very annoying.
  211. 211.
    "I don't know why you girls are doing this."
  212. 212.
    "And honestly I don't really care."
  213. 213.
    "I have one friend. That's Norman."
  214. 214.
    "And I want him BACK!"
  215. 215.
    >Applejack sighed and said "I understand. And I wish I could. But we don't have the ability to get any of the guys back before they're set to return. I'm sorry. But like I said, they won't be harmed."
  216. 216.
    "You think taking Norman away isn't doing any harm?" I asked with my voice getting louder in my frustration. "Have you asked your friend Pinkie about that?"
  217. 217.
    >They both stiffened at that reminder that Pinkie was scared out of her wits by me.
  218. 218.
    >Rainbow said "Leave Pinkie out of this."
  219. 219.
    "Gladly! Just give me back Norman and everyone can go their merry way!"
  220. 220.
    >Applejack said "I already told you we can't do that. For the next couple of days, the only way to see Norman is to come with us."
  221. 221.
    I looked Applejack in the eye and said "Not happening."
  222. 222.
    >Rainbow said "Well we tried talking to him first. We can tell Fluttershy that at least."
  223. 223.
    >Applejack responded with a simple "Yup."
  224. 224.
    >Then Rainbow Dash charged at me..
  225. 225.
     
  226. 226.
    >Rainbow Dash was charging at me with her arm outstretched, clearly intending to clothesline me as she passed.
  227. 227.
    >When she was 3 inches from contact I bent my knees and let gravity take me down.
  228. 228.
    >It would look to her like I suddenly disappeared.
  229. 229.
    >While I was squatted, I bumped her hip lightly with my shoulder.
  230. 230.
    >This was enough to throw her off balance while moving at combat speed.
  231. 231.
    >As I stood up, she was careening head first into the window sill.
  232. 232.
    >She then fell to the ground as I faced off with Applejack in a casual stance.
  233. 233.
    >Applejack grimaced and started approaching me with the light dancing steps of a boxer.
  234. 234.
    >It wasn't the worst idea to try to throw off my timing with rapid footwork, but the experience gap was far to wide between us.
  235. 235.
    >When she did throw a punch, I dodged by leaning to the side.
  236. 236.
    >While I did that, I grabbed her hips and pulled her towards me while sticking out a foot to trip her.
  237. 237.
    >She went down. Narrowly missing the teacher's desk in the process.
  238. 238.
    As they rose to their feet while eyeing me warily, I said "Please feel free to tell me when you've had enough. And remember, all I actually want is my friend back."
  239. 239.
    >All the while I was keeping my stance and speech casual.
  240. 240.
    >They were persistent.
  241. 241.
    >It took 9 more throws EACH before they gave up.
  242. 242.
    >They had plenty of scrapes and bruises from being thrown to the ground so much, but no broken bones or major injuries.
  243. 243.
    >It might take a couple of days, but they would basically walk this off.
  244. 244.
    >Rainbow asked "So what now?"
  245. 245.
    I said "Well what I want hasn't changed. I want Norman back."
  246. 246.
    >Applejack said "And I already told you. WE don't have the ability to promise that. And while I can't say why, I really don't think they would send him back anyway."
  247. 247.
    >Then Applejack got a weird look in her eyes.
  248. 248.
    >It wasn't the obvious pain and frustration..
  249. 249.
    >It looked like,.. pity.
  250. 250.
    >Applejack said "I really wish you would let us take you to him. You don't know what's coming here."
  251. 251.
    "And let me guess." I said. "You can't tell me that either."
  252. 252.
    >"No." was all she said, and pounded her fist on the floor in frustration.
  253. 253.
    "Wonderful." I said.
  254. 254.
    Then I turned towards the door with the three heads silhouetted in the window and declared "I'd like to leave the classroom peacefully now."
  255. 255.
    >The heads backed up to the other side of the hallway and let me out unimpeded.
  256. 256.
    >When I was halfway to the stairs, one of them shouted at me "That was mean!"
  257. 257.
    >I stopped and turned around to face them.
  258. 258.
    "Mean?" I asked and then asked something else. "You were watching?"
  259. 259.
    >They exchanged quick glances and nodded.
  260. 260.
    I kept my distance as I said "When I asked them to not kidnap my friend, they came at me with raised fists."
  261. 261.
    "All I did was throw them down."
  262. 262.
    "I didn't hit them with my fists."
  263. 263.
    "I didn't kick them when they were down."
  264. 264.
    "Now I can understand that maybe that was the most violent thing you've ever actually seen."
  265. 265.
    "But I happen to think I was being pretty nice about it."
  266. 266.
    "After all, no one broke any bones."
  267. 267.
    "No one has to go to the hospital."
  268. 268.
    "Heck, in a few days any marks will heal."
  269. 269.
    "And tomorrow morning, they'll be able to walk to school on their own."
  270. 270.
    "But yeah, I'm mean old Anonymous because I didn't want to be kidnapped."
  271. 271.
    >They had nothing to say back.
  272. 272.
    "Just go help your friends." I said as I turned and went home.
  273. 273.
    >The next morning I went to school on my own for the first time without Norman.
  274. 274.
    >It felt like most of the people that saw me were staring.
  275. 275.
    >No wait, they actually WERE staring!
  276. 276.
    >Most of them looked nervous, but some were downright SCARED.
  277. 277.
    >As I got closer to school, it seemed folks were giving me a wider berth than normal.
  278. 278.
    >Also I wasn't seeing any other guys, but I had mostly expected that.
  279. 279.
    >But the lack of guys made it seem more alien somehow.
  280. 280.
    >There was a crowd around the doors of the school.
  281. 281.
    >Someone in the back of the crowd saw me coming and everyone went inside post haste!
  282. 282.
    >There was a notice next to the door.
  283. 283.
    >It led off with "MANDATORY EVACUATION!"
  284. 284.
    >Then it advised students that school was optional today and would only last 2 hours.
  285. 285.
    >But it also asked students to report to one of three classrooms so attendance records could be taken.
  286. 286.
    >I chose Ms. Cherilee's class at random and headed there.
  287. 287.
    >As I did so, my fellow students were clearly trying to get away from me.
  288. 288.
    >Entire hallways cleared out essentially the moment I appeared.
  289. 289.
    >Normally folks would just leave Norman and I a clear path.
  290. 290.
    >Now it was like these girls were just running scared.
  291. 291.
    >I got to the classroom and opened the door.
  292. 292.
    >Everyone turned and stared at me in shock.
  293. 293.
    >As if they couldn't quite believe what they were seeing.
  294. 294.
    >Ms. Cherilee recovered first and said "Why hello Anonymous. We didn't know if you would come today. As it happens, school is completely optional today so you can go home or visit family in another city if you want."
  295. 295.
    "Um Thank you but school isn't optional for me." I said after a small time of consideration. "My dying father made me promise I would finish school and come every day I was healthy enough to walk to school."
  296. 296.
    "No family left."
  297. 297.
    "Closest I had was Norman."
  298. 298.
    >The mood in the room had suddenly shifted.
  299. 299.
    >There were still notes of fear.
  300. 300.
    >But now there was also pity.
  301. 301.
    >And guilt.
  302. 302.
    >Ms. Cherilee was about to say something when Trixie stood up from the desk nearest the door and said "Excuse me."
  303. 303.
    >All heads turned to her.
  304. 304.
    > Trixie said "Anonymous, we're sorry to hear about your father. We didn't know. We're also sorry about, everything else, but we can't be here."
  305. 305.
    >Then she turned and left.
  306. 306.
    >Most of the class followed her.
  307. 307.
    >Some were openly crying.
  308. 308.
    >Only Ms. Cherilee and four students stayed.
  309. 309.
    >The four students were Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Twilight Sparkle, and Fluttershy.
  310. 310.
     
  311. 311.
     
  312. 312.
    >Twilight was occupied writing into a rather large book it seemed.
  313. 313.
    >As I took a seat, Rainbow declared "I'm going to put a note on the door so no one is surprised by Anonymous being here."
  314. 314.
    >Applejack said "Anonymous, we're also sorry to hear about your dad. I barely remember mine, so I'm glad you had more time with yours."
  315. 315.
    Complicated feelings were going through me but I managed to get out a quiet "Thank you." this time.
  316. 316.
    "That reminds me. While I'm clear headed I need to ask for some help. Norman isn't around, so if I start to get angry and out of control, could you girls please keep me from hurting Fluttershy?"
  317. 317.
    >Twilight perked up from her book at that and asked "What about me?!?"
  318. 318.
    "Since you asked," I said. "you've always struck me as someone that could make a quick decision to run when needed. So you would help Fluttershy to run away is what I'm thinking."
  319. 319.
    >Twilight said "I.. guess that makes some sense."
  320. 320.
    >Suddenly Fluttershy quietly declared "It's ok Anon. I can help keep you calm during class."
  321. 321.
    >Then she walked to the desk in front of my and sat down.
  322. 322.
    >I was equal parts fearful and happy she was getting that close to me!
  323. 323.
    >Fluttershy then put the small white rabbit named Angel on my desk and asked "Would you like to give him a treat?"
  324. 324.
    >The tension had mostly left my body by the time she asked and I replied with a dumb smile and a nod.
  325. 325.
    >Ms. Cherilee whispered a question to Twilight "Will that work?"
  326. 326.
    >Twilight responded with "I think it has a good chance. I just saw it for the first time yesterday myself but apparently she's had Angel spend time with him several times before. And as you can see, he likes Anonymous and isn't shy about asking to be petted."
  327. 327.
    >While they weren't about to say it out loud, it occurred to all of them as I gave Angel a treat that it wasn't Angel eating out of my hand so much as Fluttershy had me eating out of hers.
  328. 328.
    >I thought it too.
  329. 329.
    >Didn't bother me a bit.
  330. 330.
    >While I was mostly focused on Angel, when Fluttershy looked around the room her friends gave her a supportive thumbs up for her good idea and for making progress with the boy she liked.
  331. 331.
    >The rest of class basically passed by without incident.
  332. 332.
    >Oh sure there were a few times when girls who were talking with each other came up to the door, went quiet when they read the note, and then quickly decided to go to a different classroom. But that had almost no impact on Anon playing with Angel.
  333. 333.
    >Angel really enjoyed the extra attention until he curled up next to my hand and went to sleep.
  334. 334.
    >It was fun even just watching the little guy sleep.
  335. 335.
    >He was probably normally asleep at this time, but had been willing to wake up for a treat and some attention. And who could blame him for that?
  336. 336.
    >Eventually however, Ms. Cherilee had to announce the end of class.
  337. 337.
    When that happened, I looked up at Fluttershy, who was looking right at me, and said "Thank you." with a relaxed smile.
  338. 338.
    >Fluttershy happily responded with "Oh you're very welcome. By the way, I think Twilight has something she wants to ask you."
  339. 339.
    >So I looked to Twilight who said "Oh, um, yes. Anon we were hoping you could come to the gym with us and play some dodgeball please?"
  340. 340.
    "While I do love me some dodgeball, it seems like an unneeded risk to others during the before and after. Thank you but I should probably pass for the safety of others."
  341. 341.
    >Twilight said "There's one more thing. We've been cleared to answer all of your questions and tell you what's happening as well. I just figured dodgeball was the safest way to have that conversation."
  342. 342.
    "Ah, that makes sense then." I said. "Ok, you got yourself a deal. Meet you at the gym in 5."
  343. 343.
    >Twilight responded with "Thank you." as I picked up my backpack and headed out into the halls.
  344. 344.
    >In theory I could have just gone with them to the gym but I wanted a moment to order my thoughts.
  345. 345.
    >That was a bit more challenging when Fluttershy was near.
  346. 346.
    >Obviously the big question was "Why did they try to kidnap ALL of the guys?"
  347. 347.
    >I mean, that's several hundred people! And if any other guys had escaped, I hadn't seen any sign of them.
  348. 348.
    >Any other questions I had depended on the answer to THAT question.
  349. 349.
    >But some contenders were "Why the emergency evacuation?" I mean, what could trigger that?
  350. 350.
    >Also "What's with the sudden emotional reactions?"
  351. 351.
    >Most of the time folks were appropriately wary of Norman and I. But now we, no *I*, was getting pity and guilt.
  352. 352.
    >Some girls had even broken out crying!
  353. 353.
    >That was WAY outside the reactions I normally got!
  354. 354.
    >Not to mention the hallway clearing.
  355. 355.
    >Basically it looked to me like everyone remaining was scared I was still HERE.
  356. 356.
    >Ms Cherilee had even discretely suggested I go to another city for some reason.
  357. 357.
    >But it was clear that Twilight and her crew were neck deep in this.
  358. 358.
    >So with my thoughts in order, I headed to the gym and answers.
  359. 359.
    >When I arrived at the gym, the others were in position surrounding what was obviously to be 'my' side of the court.
  360. 360.
    >Fluttershy was in 'her' court with several balls on the ground near her.
  361. 361.
    >Twilight was opposite her at the top end of my side.
  362. 362.
    >And Rainbow Dash was on the left side with Applejack on the right.
  363. 363.
    I took my place in the center of my side and said "Shall we begin?"
  364. 364.
    >As Fluttershy threw balls to her teammates, Twilight began talking. "This starts with other dimensions being real. We've locally been visited by at least 2 of them."
  365. 365.
    >That was an unexpected start! The girls were also throwing balls for me to dodge now.
  366. 366.
    >Twilight continued with "The first is a demon that comes every four years and takes a high school boy from this area and turns them into an agent of chaos and destruction."
  367. 367.
    "And today is demon day?" I asked.
  368. 368.
    >Twilight responded with "Yes. But there's more to tell. During the course of our research into the demon, we also made contact with a friendly dimension. They proposed a solution."
  369. 369.
    >"They would take our boys for two days until the danger had passed and then return them. We just needed to get the boys into one area the night before."
  370. 370.
    "And then I happened along and messed up the plan." I said. "But why couldn't you have told me this last night?"
  371. 371.
    >Twilight answered with "Because a few times in the past there were boys who got left behind like you and we told them everything. They promised to resist the demonic possession, but they lied. They eagerly took all of the power the demon offered them and became the most destructive ones."
  372. 372.
    >"And that happened even after we told them the price of that power. Which is it will burn you out and kill you within a day. Oh and it will also strip your personality away, which basically makes you an entirely different person."
  373. 373.
    >"And so their bad behavior burdened you."
  374. 374.
    "That's a bit to take in." I said. "But why were those girls in class crying?"
  375. 375.
    >This time it was Rainbow Dash that answered "Because the special needs kid is going to be a demon sacrifice! NO ONE is ok with that!"
  376. 376.
    >Applejack then somberly added "You should have been one of the most protected. But we failed."
  377. 377.
    "So why are you four sticking around if I'm demon chow at any minute?"
  378. 378.
    >Twilight took over answering again "Several reasons actually. First, we're guardians of a sort. When the demon takes you, a lot of power will be released in the area. We're going to take some of that power and fight the thing that takes you over."
  379. 379.
    I looked at Fluttershy and asked "Even you?"
  380. 380.
    >She looked down at first, then took a deep breath and looked me in the eye and said "When that thing takes you, it will be a mockery of everything you are now. You'll destroy buildings, kill people and even animals. All things YOU would never choose to do! So yes, even me."
  381. 381.
    >Applejack added "It's a mercy really at that point."
  382. 382.
    "Speaking of mercy, why not just kill me before all of that? Why am I still sucking air?" I asked.
  383. 383.
    >Twilight responded with "Well firstly, we're not killers. Secondly it's forbidden by our contract with Equestria. That's the friendly dimension."
  384. 384.
    "So what are the other reasons you're hanging around?" I asked.
  385. 385.
    >Applejack answered "It's a mishmash of a lot of things. Like we're partly responsible for your only friend not being here. We owe you the duty to face this with you like he would have."
  386. 386.
    >Fluttershy said "No one should die alone."
  387. 387.
    >Twilight added "We need to remember you."
  388. 388.
    >"To ourselves."
  389. 389.
    >"To our classmates."
  390. 390.
    >"And to the world at large."
  391. 391.
    >Rainbow said "You may have only had one friend, but you guys are insanely loyal to each other."
  392. 392.
    >Applejack added "You never hid the truth from anyone."
  393. 393.
    >Fluttershy said "You always tried to protect everyone from your worst side."
  394. 394.
    >Just then something odd caught my eye. There was an oval of red light in the front of the school.
  395. 395.
    >Which I could somehow see despite there being several walls between me and it.
  396. 396.
    "I think something's happening." I said as I stopped to look and several balls bounced off of me.
  397. 397.
    >Then a massive tendril of red smoke burst through the open doors and seized me.

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