Dash Mom Chapter 2

>This has been the best meeting of this group since the founding.

>Her parents are here!

>Windy and Bow are incredible.

>"That concludes our presentation of all the articles of Rainbow Dash and her exploits to save the world from Eternal Night!"

"Amazing! I knew I could count on you two to get every article about her."

>All the members holler in appreciation.

>The newspaper from Cloudsdale was really interesting to read.

>Calling out that storm of the century she made to fight that big shadowy monster.

>Epic stuff for sure.

"Now, we need to archive these into the vault so that future appreciators of Rainbow Dash will have these historic artifacts for all time."

>Bow picks up another bundle of papers.

>"That's why we got three copies!"

>Shed a single tear at the beauty of their dedication.

>Still tempted at burning the one article from Stalliongrad, they said she should be thrown in jail for stirring up tornadoes like that.

>Please, she's a professional and too cool to lose control.

>That Griffonstone one was really weird.

>Said it was all fake.

>Like, come on, look at the moon.

>"We also have some articles about our grandson, Anondash."

>Oh yeah, him.

>Immediately hooves start stomping in the crowd.

>"Do it, do it!"

"Hey now, one presentation is enough."

>"We can do another one!"

>Windy loudly exclaims.

"But this is the Rainbow Dash club. Yeah sure, Anon was kind of cool that night, but we're here to appreciate the spectacular Rainbow Dash."

>Stomp the podium in an effort to make your point.

>Just then a pile of papers just as big as their first slam on the table.

>Bow just laughs.

>"We found just as much about our baby grandcolt."

>First one on top has a headline saying 'Princesses Put Colt in Danger. Down with the Monarchy'.

>Windy quickly pulls that one away and sets it on fire in the clubhouse.

>"Oops, forgot to burn this one. Oh those opinionated ponies saying heretical things about Princess Celestia."

>The warm glow certainly leaves an impression.

>Noi raises her hoof.

>"Come on Scootaloo, just this one time. It's a special event. He's basically an extension of her."

>All the members nod.

>Sigh with a defeated head drop.

"Fine. Let's hear what Windy and Bow have to say."

>On cue, they go into a blaze of excitement in this presentation.

>Guess it is neat that a school mate is getting world-wide recognition.

>You do notice that the group isn't cheering as much as they Rainbow Dash presentation.

>A few of them are thinking real hard about something.

>Except for Snips and Snails.

>They're really into this one too.

>A win for the colts you guess.

>Then you can hear some of the fillies grumbling with each other.

>Noi, Piña Colada, and Aura whisper to each other.

>Lean in to hear.

>"It totally isn't fair."

>"What is?"

>"You know. Her. Diamond Tiara."

>Why are they talking about her?

>Figures the moment Anon comes up he ruins everything.

 

>Diamond Tiara is already a real annoying filly to deal with at school.

>Mostly bothers that Apple filly.

>Sweetie Bell thinks we should initiate her into the group.

>We'll see.

>"You know all she's going to do is lord over us about having a coltfriend."

>"As if she doesn't need anything else giving her a big head."

>"Or is it giving big head? Mom was kind of drunk when I asked her about coltfriends."

>Dear Celestia, they're talking nonsense!

"Hey, we got a presentation we're listening to."

>That was louder than intended.

>Bow and Whistle stop their story and look at you fillies.

>Whistle tilts her head at you all.

>"Whatcha talkin' about fillies?"

>Before you can divert this, Noi jumps up.

>"We're talking about how unfair it is that Diamond Tiara is making Anon her coltfriend."

>The adults in the room all share a look of amusement.

>Bow chuckles at that.

>"Hey now, ain't no finer coltfriend then our boy."

>Noi just digs deeper.

>"That isn't it. Diamond Tiara is a jerk!"

>That elicits a gasp from all of you.

>A mean word.

>Snips and Snails even 'oooh' at that.

>"Oh come on, you all know I'm not wrong."

"Why does it matter? Diamond always gets what she wants."

>Noi stomps a determine hoof down.

>"What if she doesn't. Just this once."

>Piña Colada nods in agreement.

>"Not like Anon is just some pushover. We all saw him, he didn't even care that she wants him."

"Well he was saying Celestia was going to throw him in a dungeon."

>Windy immediately steps in.

>"Our Grace Celestia wouldn't do something like that. She's our great Monarch after all."

"Yeah, we know. It was a joke. He used it to throw Diamond off."

>Noi snorts.

>Would probably sound serious if she wasn't such a tiny filly.

>"When he gets home she snatches him."

>Aura frowns deeply.

>"Then she won't shut up about it forever! Recess is going to be even more annoying."

"So what are you saying?"

>"We beat Diamond Tiara and her goon at their goal. One of us will be Anon's fillyfriend."

>The thousand yard stare from you answers her.

>Noi points at Rainbow's parents.

>"What does Anon like? I'm going to woo him."

>"No I will. I want to shove it to Diamond."

"You're all wasting your time. Anon doesn't like fillies."

>Then Snips joins in much to your surprise.

>"Yeah, I think he has a crush on Cheerilee."

"The teacher?"

>Snail laughs annoyingly.

>"Mumbling snowpity or something funny. He tells us we'll understand when we're older."

>Noi shakes her head.

>"That bully won't accept that, and neither will I. Mrs. Windy, what does Anon like?"

>Windy and Bow look at each other and think.

>"I mean, we figured Scootaloo would be a good fillyfriend. Just as athletic, and also loves Rainbow Dash."

"No. I tried to be his friend."

>"What happened?"

"He told me I would be happier with Sweetie Bell and Applebloom. Like what kind of answer is that?"

>Piña Colada taps her hooves.

>"Maybe fillies scare him. Most colts are a bunch of goofs around fillies."

>All of you look at Snip and Snails.

 

>Back to being Anon, train rides are pretty fun.

"Figures you would have turned a date into a competition. Didn't know you played pool."

>Dash looks proud of herself.

>"Well kiddo, turns out I'm just really good at practically everything worthwhile."

"Well, did you enjoy it? I teased him the whole way to the train yard, but you didn't give me your gold bit."

>"He's fun. I wouldn't say no to a second date. What do you think of him?"

"Royal Guard? Don't know him. Seems friendly enough. He did say you were hot."

>"Yeah and water is wet."

>Geez, what an ego.

>Then again, Rainbow Dash.

>Ego is her natural state.

>She then gets a more serious look.

>"So, what are you planning now? 'Cause I'm not going to let you just do stuff on your own like that. We're going to talk about it."

>Not going to beat around the bush.

"The main stuff? That's up to Celestia. I can't save the Tree of Harmony or the other stuff by myself. The small stuff? Not sure yet. I need to figure out what's important."

>Tap your chin.

"Could make a trip out to the badlands."

>"No."

>Pout like a spoiled child.

>"Wait, were you serious? What could possibly want out there?"

"Honestly, I'm probably going to need Aunt Fluttershy's help. Though I'm unsure how good her worm word-fu is. Got to walk without rhythm."

>"I really wish you wouldn't speak in riddles."

>Oh, riddles.

>When does Zecroa show up?

>You want to be first in line for alchemy lessons.

>All you have to go by is what the library has to offer.

>Wonder if Twilight brought new books with her.

>The choo of the train sounds as we finally come to a stop.

>Good to be home.

>Hopefully you can get right back to work figuring out this world changing shenanigans.

>So much for keeping to the canon.

>Guess you'll just figure out what's best as you go.

>A familiar face is waiting for you at the station.

>"Anon, my boy! Dashie-poo!"

"Hi Zephyr."

>Dash wacks you upside the head with her wing.

"Hi Dad."

>"Better. Hey Zephyr, don't call me that again. How's it hanging?"

>"Happy to see you two again. Guess what."

>Out of his feathers like trick cards, Zephyr produces two golden tickets.

>"I got for you tickets for the Grand Galloping Gala. Interested?"

>Dash's jaw drops as those shiny tickets glow in her eyes.

>"How did you get those!? That's an exclusive party. The Wonderbolts go to that party!"

>Zephyr has a cheeky grin.

>"Oh I have my ways."

>Rainbow looks so impressed.

"You got them from Twilight and Spike."

>Like he was just punched in the gut, his head drops down to your eye level and just stares.

>He's basically mouthing 'How did you know' mentally.

"Celestia gave them to her."

>Dash glares at him unimpressed.

>Quite the 180.

>"Did Celestia tell you when you two were talking?"

>Just shrug.

"I'm not interested in going. You two can have fun."

>Taking the tickets from his grasp, Dash shakes her head.

>"I'll think about it."

>Zephyr sighs as he straightens up.

>"Sis and the rest of your friends got tickets too."

 

>"Right, so we do need to talk later. Princess Celestia helped out our situation, but I don't want to just blab about it in public."

>As mom talks, you notice ears poking out of a bush.

>A filly dressed in camo paint on the roof.

>And is that Scootaloo watching with binoculars?

>Are you about to get pranked?

>"Also Anon is going to be joining my workout routine as part of his grounding."

>Zephyr gives you a pained sympathetic look, then pauses.

>"Really?"

>"Our little guy was doing some real dangerous stunts, so I feel it's appropriate to let him know his limits through serious training. Burn that excess energy off."

"Make me too tired for school."

>"If that becomes an issue I'll adjust."

>"I can join."

>Slowly, both Dash and you turn to Zephyr.

>Don't say anything, just wait for the punchline.

>"I'm serious. It'll be good for all of us to get some real bonding going."

>Dash shakes her head trying to not sound too mocking.

>"Dude, you live in Cloudsdale. You would have to get up even earlier to meet up."

>Hold on a moment, those fillies are stalking you.

>No wait, they're watching Dash.

>They're all in her club.

>No need to panic.

>Kind of odd to trot past your grandparents.

>Why are they hiding with cameras ready?

>Poor Rainbow Dash.

>She's about to get jumped.

>"Maybe I could stay at your house. Would help out."

>Dash snorts.

>"No. We're not doing that again. Unless you want me to get angry at you and kick you out a week later."

"Could stay at Aunt Fluttershy."

>Kind of want to see how long he lasts on a Dash workout.

>Any kind of workout.

>Dad thinks on that suggestion.

>"Yeah that could work. I'll ask her. Don't worry Anon, my boy. Old dad is going to be the positive role model and cheerleader against mom's oppressive punishment."

"Here's to our survi--Um, hi?"

>Standing in your way is Noi.

>Blushing really hard.

>"Say the lines, Noi."

>You think you hear Scootaloo in a nearby bush.

>"Hey, I don't like your girlfriend!"

>What?

>"I think you need a new one!"

>What!?

>Aura comes up behind you.

>"I could be your fillyfriend."

>Did you stumble into a Lavigne song?

>Oh crap.

>Noi quickly grabs your attention with the next verse.

>"Hey, I know that you like me!"

>No way, no way.

>"We know it's not a secret."

>Aura practically belts out the next part.

>"Hey you, I want to be your fillyfriend."

>Danger!

>You're in real danger!

>Don't know where Piña Colada came from, but she's broken the personal bubble layer.

>"You're so fine, I want you mine."

>You jump like a cat around cucumbers.

>Crash into a low hanging cloud and just sit on top of it.

>All three fillies stare up at you, really annoyed that you just left.

>Zephyr looks like a man dying in a desert watching another man drown in the ocean.

>Dash just looks confused.

>"Ok, ok fillies. What's all this about?"

>Piña Colada produces a mug.

>"I will give you apple cider if I can have Anon as my coltfriend."

>"Deal."

"Mom! That belongs to Berry. She'll never give it to you."

 

 

"No, seriously, what do you all want?"

>"Anon, fly down here and talk to them before I drag you down here."

>Thanks mom.

>Groan exasperatingly as you float down.

"What's this all about? This feels like it happened overnight."

>Noi shuffles on her hooves as she chews her lip.

>"Nothing's changed. Why would it? You'll be a great coltfriend."

"Thanks."

>You say flatly.

>Aura skitters up next to Noi.

>"We can sit together during lunch time. Play on the swing set. Scheme together."

>What was that last part?

>Piña Colada puts her front hooves together to make a heart shape.

>"Come on, it'll be fun."

"So how does Scootaloo fall into all this?"

>"Ignore me!"

>Dash jerks her head to the bush.

>"Scoots!? What are you doing there?"

>Sighing, Scootaloo scrambles her way out of her hiding place.

>"Just trying to help them out. I'm not interested."

>At least someone is sane.

>"Unless he asks me."

>You're wrong.

>The world has gone insane.

>This is the kind of fimfiction nonsense that you threw in the trash.

>Isekai wish fulfillment bullshit.

>Oh look at you, the OC that gets all the mares.

"Grandma! Grandpa! Get out here please."

>"Have you decided on your first fillyfriend? My vote is Scootaloo."

>"I think they all have great taste."

>Bow and Windy hover bounce out of their hiding spot.

"Why is this happening? Did you give my classmates the idea?"

>They look a little nervous at that accusation.

>Surprisingly, it's Scootaloo who answers you.

>"Do you always have to over analyze everything? Fine."

>Notice that the three fillies are shaking their heads no in their own exaggerated way.

>Scootaloo doesn't care.

>"We want to stick it to Diamond Tiara."

"DT?"

>...

>Oh.

"I forgot about that."

>"Dang, Anon. Pulling that many fillies from school."

>Dash nudges you with a proud grin.

>Noi objects quickly.

>"Diamond is a bully. She's just going to take him as a colt-toy to show off. She doesn't actually care about him."

"Do any of you care about me? This whole thing seems to be about her."

>They all look away, kicking dust, one of them coughs.

>Except Scootaloo.

>"Well, are you going to say no to her? How do you think that's going to go?"

"I'll think of something. Besides, she'll be angry if I got a fillyfriend when she already asked to be mine."

>"Well you could always lie. You're really good at that."

>Buck you.

"Then I'll just tell her no. There. You all happy?"

>They all shake their heads no.

>A picture is taken.

>"Our grandcolt is rejecting four fillies at once. What a lady killer. Dashie was a real heart breaker in school too."

>"Yeah, my heart!"

>Thanks dad.

"I can't believe I go from talking to Celestia about the future to school yard soap operas."

>Banalities of real life doesn't stop just because you're on a life mission.

"Great. Really looking forward to school tomorrow when all of this comes to a head."

>Look up to Dash.

"Can I call in sick?"

>"No."

>Turn back to the fillies.

"Is it really that bad if I'm Diamond's coltfriend?"

>"Yes."

 

>You've seen this game.

>The only winning move is to not play.

>Too bad someone has handed you a controller mid-tournament.

>Look at all of these fillies.

>Do you throw a fit?

>Play hard to get?

>Come one, Anon.

>Use that big human brain of yours.

"All well and easy doing this behind Diamond's back. Do any of you actually have a backbone when she approaches me as school tomorrow? Or am I going to be hanged out to dry when you all retreat with your tails between your legs?"

>They all give you determined looks in the face.

>"No way."

>Scootaloo seems to take more offense to that.

>"I ain't scared of her. That filly has got nothing on me."

"Blank."

>...

"You know what comes next."

>"Why are you so mean."

>That wasn't even a question from her, just a statement.

"What do you think she's going to do!? To all of you. Then she's going to get mad at me and I don't really want to deal with that sassy pink brat and her silver stooge."

>"So what, you're scared of her?"

"Way to miss the entire point."

>Miss fingers right now.

>So you can massage your temples.

>Oh wait, you have wings.

>Sometimes pegasi do finger-like things with feathers even though they really shouldn't.

"I dunno. Have a competition? Kind of weird to go this route. If you can beat her at it, Diamond will have to accept that she lost."

>Noi, Piña Colada, and Aura look at each other.

>"Like the Sister Hooves Social?"

"Maybe."

>Scootaloo jumps on her ride, and starts to buzz her wings.

>"We can work with that. Fillies, I'm going to the Foal Free Press. If Anon is going to be so hard headed about this, might as well have some fun with it."

"Just don't go overboard. Last thing we need is to make this into a whole episode."

>Noi just shrugs.

>"Could've just said yes to me. Everything after this is all on you."

"No it isn't!? Don't run away now!"

>Feel like the butt of a joke as the fillies flee.

>Dash just pats you on the back.

"I really hope this doesn't escalate."

>"Well, what filly do you like?"

"I don't know!? I never thought about it."

>You, ah, do like fillies right? Not that I would have a problem if you preferred colts."

"No, I don't swing that way."

>"Oh thank Celestia."

>Dad doesn't seem to be jealous.

>"Anon, how do you say no to four cute fillies like that?"

>Not jealous, but bewildered.

"Weren't you listening? They don't like me. They just hate another filly more."

>"Actually Noi has quite the fan shrine to you."

>Stare blankly at Grandma Whistle.

>"Right next to the Rainbow Dash shrine. Really impressive."

>You're never staying in the same room with her alone.

>Ponies like that are all insane.

>Dear Princess Luna, if this is a nightmare please wake me up now.

"I think I just signed my life away. I'm. I'm going to have a fillyfriend. I didn't ask for this."

>Wait.

>What if?

>...

>There is one filly who can be really helpful.

>Doctor Hooves is always on the ball.

>Trying to get into his lab is difficult.

>Is he seeing Derpy now?

>If Dinky competes.

 

>An unholy beep wakes you.

>You knew this was going to happen, you tried to prepare for it.

>Getting up early is going to be a chore.

>Like a zombie, you rise from your bed and slam the alarm silent.

>Crawl out and open the door of your room and see Dash is waiting for you.

>"Good, don't have to drag you out. Come on."

>Mumbling some kind of acknowledgement.

>Yup, still dark this morning.

>Rainbow flings open the front door and just shoots off into the darkness.

>Follow behind her until you reach a field.

>"We're going to be doing some stretching then do basic Wonderbolt maneuvers to warm up."

>Both of you look around.

"I don't see him."

>Dash shakes her head.

>"I'm not surprised. Your dad likes to sleep."

>She then goes to stretch in the classic pose.

>Don't say it.

>That's your mom.

>"There you are."

"Oh, morning Fluttershy."

>"Good morning young colt. Zephyr get over here."

>"I'm coming. Sorry, I slept through my alarm."

>Fluttershy rolls her eyes and mutters under her breath.

>"Kicking and screaming out of the bed and the house."

>Rainbow sighs as she finishes her stretches.

>"You didn't have to."

>"He needs to keep his word. I want him to bond with Anon at the least."

>Zephyr trots up next to you and tries to mimic your stretching.

"Morning."

>"Not a good morning, champ?"

"We both hate getting up this early."

>He nods sadly.

>"It is a cruel misery. Don't worry Anon, I'll be with you so we can suffer together."

>The girls chat briefly before Fluttershy waves.

>"Stay strong you two. Zephyr, try to look for a job before getting home."

>"But breakfast!"

>Fluttershy hesitates, then crumbles.

>"Ok, you can get breakfast, but you need to go out to find a job."

>Dash shakes her head, but doesn't address that.

>"Fine. Come on boys. Get into gear. This is only the first morning."

>---

>That wasn't terrible, but still don't enjoy getting up so early.

>The morning sun had risen some time at the tail end of the workout.

>Dad is on the ground, heaving with his entire body just to breath.

>Dash gives you a large glass of orange juice.

"I won't tell AJ."

>"Har har, just drink it. At the end of the week I'll get us some chocolate milk."

"Not the protein shakes?"

>"That stuff is for way more specific training, we're just doing a normal routine also you're too young to drink that."

>"W-would it, <weeze>, help, <cough>, help me? I need so much help."

>Poor Zephyr really struggled at the end there.

>"Dude, you barely did half. Water is your friend."

"So what about training for the Best Young Flyers' Competition?

>Rainbow looks up at the sky, probably thinking about work.

>"I can fit it between cloud kicking."

"No mid-work naps?"

>"Fewer power naps you cheeky colt."

>Whew, you're sweaty.

>Shake your mane and let it fly free.

>Air out your wings by letting them stretch out as far as possible.

>A camera snap goes off.

"What?"

>"And there he is folks! Looking real good after his morning workout."

>Pinkie Pie of all ponies just yell out in a megaphone.

 

>Pinkie is showing off her pearly white grin as she bounces.

>"He certainly shows off, doesn't he fillies! Let's get this party started?"

>Where did they show up!?

>Mares and stallions are in bleachers as they all stomp in approval.

>There is a podium where you watch Mayor Mare stand proudly.

>"Ladies and gentlefolks, it has been a while since the last time we've had an event like this. This time we have several fillies pining for a colt."

>Then she turns aside and slightly lowers her voice.

>"Like every other time. We need more stallions in this town."

"What's going on?"

>Pinkie saddles up next to you and just presents this event to you.

>"Silly billy--"

"I'm not a goat."

>"True! This is the Grand Heart's Winning. An event to help love bloom on the battlefield."

>This is some real small town nonsense.

"There's no way Cheerilee is ok with this."

>"Whew! Go fillies go!"

>Never mind, there she is with her cheerleader outfit.

>The rest of the class are sitting on the bleachers with their parents.

>Look over to a prep pin where several more fillies are stretching out.

>Several of their parents are coaching them.

>Except for Scootaloo, she's by herself.

>You're about to remedy that, just restrain yourself from strangling her.

"Scootaloo are you crazy!? What did you do?"

>"What do you mean what did I do? You decided to be hardheaded."

>She slams her head against yours as you both just glare eye to eye.

"Don't play coy. Who did you talk to?"

>"Wasn't my fault! I just ran into Diamond Tiara and we started arguing."

"Where!? In the middle of Ponyville?"

>"She sure did!"

>Pinkie helpfully adds as she bounces by.

"I should have stayed in Cloudsdale."

>"Yeah well, can't run from this."

>"Well well, looks you came anyway blank flank."

>Orange chicken and you turn to see the filly of the hour.

>Dressed to the nines with a workout outfit and an oversized energy drink is Diamond Tiara.

>Scootaloo huffs trying to brush off the insult.

>"Only so I can beat that smug look on your face."

>"Smug implies a level of superiority, which I am."

>Diamond looks you over.

>"Hmph, well no cutie mark aside, at least you look good."

>Did?

>Did she just compliment you?

>What a weird feeling.

>"Ha, got you to blush. Silver, we got this one in the bag."

>As she turns away, she gives you a side glance.

>"Then I'll teach you to Bump! Bump! Sugar-lump, rump!"

>Watch as she trots away, straight to her mother.

>Oh great, her.

>Strain your ears to hear what Spoiled Rich says.

>"Good work. You did exactly as I told you."

"This town is crazy."

>Look over to see who's all competing.

>Surprised at how many there are.

>They have to be doing this for the fun of it, or to skip class.

>Float over to Cheerilee.

"Teacher please call this off."

>With a mischievous grin she pats you on the head.

>"Nope."

"But why?"

>She gets a far away look in her eye.

>"I remember my first event. It'll be good for the fillies who lost. Just like me."

"That's a good thing?"

>"It's an important lesson."

 

>You know, Cheerilee did have her strange moments on the show.

>Ignoring bullying right in front of her, then laying down the law the next moment.

>It's more consistent when you live in the same town as her student.

>Still really annoying when she lets stuff slide.

"It's that annoying feeling when you feel adults are useless."

>Cheerilee rolls her eyes.

>"No need to be dramatic."

>Look over to the fillies again, and your blood freezes.

>Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Applebloom are talking to each other.

>Way before they should be meeting.

>Why are they all here!?

>Fly your way to the filly pin only to get snatched by rope.

>"Whoa there fly-colt. Ain't no use complaining to them about this."

>Applejack pulls you down next to her and Rarity.

"Really!? Both of you? Why are your sisters here?"

>Applejack shrugs as she rolls up her rope.

>"Applebloom has that competitive spirit in her."

>Don't even buy that for a moment.

"Really."

>"And she wants to get a cutie mark."

>Now that makes more sense.

"A cutie mark in coltfriend making?"

>Applejack chuckles at that.

>"She'll try anything. I doubt she'll get one here. Can't rush it after all.

>Rarity pats you on the head.

>"Now Anon, a young stallion like yourself should be honored to be pined for by so many beautiful fillies."

"They all want to do it to put mud in Diamond's eye."

>"Not me!"

"Noi, you have a shrine of me in your closet. That scares me!"

>Rarity pulls you in and just throws her hoof out like a theater presenter.

>"War and love are often held hoof in hoof. Think of it, electric thrills of winning the heart. For the glory of defeating your foe with clever words and choice tactics. As brilliant as you are, you have to see that."

"Do you see that with your sister?"

>Rarity grimaces and whispers.

>"I don't think you have to worry about her winning."

>Once again you have unintentionally ruined everything.

>Timeline is going to be a mess.

>If they're friends early that shouldn't be a problem right?

>Butterfly effect is a bitch.

>Make everything harder and harder to control.

>At this point, all you can do is go with the flow and try to recover this.

>Figure out the rules, and get a fillyfriend that doesn't matter in the overall story.

"So if Diamond wins, what does that say about your war and love fantasy?"

>Rarity shrugs.

>"Sometimes darling, the heel wins. Not the end of the world."

>Don't see Dinky, so much for that plan.

>See a few background fillies.

>Those will be safe.

>Wait, is that Twist?

>Why is she here?

>Ok, you can work with these choices.

>Figure out the rules to this shindig clown show and get the most out of it.

>Pinkie and Mayor Mare are chatting at the podium.

>Perfect, time to get answers.

>As you approach, you feel something heavy.

>It stops you short, then you look up.

>A blur crashes in front of you.

>The explosion throws up clouds of dust, forcing you to land and start coughing.

>The ground has split apart.

>The flower mares are screaming.

 

>All the ponies lean closer in anticipation of this new arrival.

>Mayor Mare is calling for order.

>Pinkie just looks excited.

>You see a shape, a pony with large wings.

>It looks around, before it focuses straight at you.

>A glow of magic shines in the darkness.

>A wind blows away the dust and dirt to reveal who it is.

>[spoiler]”Hi Anon!”[/spoiler]

>What!?

 

><Moments before impact>

>Be Rainbow Dash, one awesome mare.

>Just got done exercising with Anon.

>And Zephyr.

>He tried.

>As Applejack would say, bless his little heart he tried.

>This, however, has been quite the change of events.

>Ponyville has gotten together for another wild event.

>All over your boy no less.

>Poor colt looks like he's losing his head with all the running around he's doing.

>Turns out exercise doesn't bleed much energy from him.

>Just like you.

>Look down at the heap of Zephyr.

"You gonna get up?"

>"Find me a necromancer and I will."

>Drag his limp corpse up the bleachers, and find the perfect spot.

>A cloud above the bleachers.

>Pegasi always have the best seat in the house.

"Make way, coming through. The mom of the hour is here. Derpy! There you are."

>Sit down next to her, only to find your rump just squashed somepony.

>An 'eep' tells you who quickly.

"Fluttershy? Really?"

>Her yellow head pokes out of the clouds.

>"It's a big crowd, and I know somepony is going to be asking the family members very personal questions for the paper."

"Then why did you come?"

>"Pinkie invited me. Then told me I better support my nephew or he'll cry."

"No he wouldn't."

>"No, but she did and it made me uncomfortable enough to say yes."

>Derpy clears her throat to get your attention.

>"Dash, did you by chance get to read the morning paper? I've been delivering it and it's about your colt."

>Pick it off her and quickly glaze it.

"Let's see. Yup, that's us in that picture when we left the train station. 'Small Town Foal Makes Fool of Celestia's Finest.' Wow, front page. Hold on."

>Look down into the crowd.

>They're all reading that paper, and gossiping.

>"Is any of that true?"

"Yeah. Leaving out a few details, but it's spot on."

>"Give me that!"

>Zephyr tries to snatch it, fails, then you slowly give it to him.

>He reads it very quickly.

>"You went on a date! With the Royal Guard."

"Not the Royal Guard, He's Royal Guard."

>"That's what I said."

"He's a Royal Guard named Royal Guard."

>The mares 'ahh' when they finally understand.

>The stallion is just shocked.

"What? It was a plan to see what Anon was up to. He offered a reasonable way for me to be out of the way for Anon to make his attempt."

>"Reasonable!?"

"Why are you focusing on that? The story was about Anon and what he did."

>"But, you, I, we!? HIM!?"

>Fluttershy smacks him over the head with her wing.

>"She's allowed to date anypony that interests her."

"Thanks Fluttershy. Now I have my own reading material I want to share."

>Pulling out of your pocket, you show them a small book.

>On it is Celestia comforting a small foal.

>'So your Foal Can See the Future - And other Strange Things To Learn for Adults'

"Good news. I know what Anon's problem is."

>Derpy squints at the material.

>"He's got Precognition Clairvoyance?"

>The three of you just stare at her spouting that one out.

"Yeah. Got it in one."

>"Dinky has been reading about spell types for homework."

 

"So why isn't Dinky competing?"

>Derpy gives you a sly grin.

>"Aw, do you want to see our foals going out? That's really sweet of you Dashie."

"Oh come on, not like that. They seemed to get along just fine."

>She rolls her gaze down to behind the bleachers, where Dinky was reading a book.

>"I told her not to do it. Said that he needs a real friend right now, and a better time would be to approach him afterwards."

>Rub the back of your head, slightly embarrassed.

"Yeah, that's probably for the best. I really need to tell him to actually make friends. Twilight could help me out with that."

>Shake your head, you open up the small book.

>Oh nice, pictures.

"Let's see here. 'Some ponies can see visions of the future, yadayada. Some don't come to past, a few have.' Yeah, I guess that makes sense."

>Fluttershy looks over your shoulder.

>"So Princess Celestia thinks that's what is going on with Anon?"

>Oh right, she wasn't there for the breakfast.

"I mean, yeah. When we met with Celestia, Anon basically spilled everything."

>Eyes go wide with realization.

"Oh dang, he said a lot of stuff. Do I have to tell Twilight and the others? It's all pretty important."

>Zephyr tilts his head with curiosity.

>"Like what?"

"Ancient heroes, magic crystal trees, other villains. I napped through some of it, but the drawing he did was pretty clear. By the way Fluttershy, he said he used your animal friends to go into the Everfree forest."

>Flutteshy facepalms, then slowly drags her hooves down her face.

>"That colt and Angel do get up to trouble together."

"I thought they didn't like each other."

>"They act more like kid brothers to each other. Harry has a terrible habit of never saying no."

>Back to the book.

"Right, so if your child has changes in moods, it might be due to such visions of the future. Most of the time it is a one time thing, but there have been cases of repeated exposure. The magical nature of such visions is still mostly a mystery."

>"Hmm, that's interesting."

>Zephyr taps his hooves.

>"I haven't noticed a behavior change in our colt. He's always been, him."

"Maybe he saw them early on. Explains how he's had so much time to prepare for Nightmare Moon."

>Fluttershy suddenly looks really uncomfortable.

>"Oh. Oh dear."

"What?"

>"I dunno. Maybe I shouldn't say. Never mind, it's nothing."

>Roll your eyes.

"Spill mare."

>"Just don't jump to conclusions. I'm probably wrong."

>Geeze, just drive up the suspense why don't ya.

>"So you know how Anon, um, feels. Saying that you."

>Fluttershy is basically whispering at this point.

>"About not being born thing."

"What about it?"

>"What if, and I'm just saying, he saw you die."

>Whew, where did that cold breeze come from?

"Saw me die? Because I had a foal?"

>"Because you had a foal, you were too slow. Maybe, you were going to die when Nightmare Moon attacked."

"Oh."

>Oh buck.

>Could that have happened?

>Quickly reread the book.

>'Behavior changes, they can be extreme.'

"That makes way too much sense."

 

>Zephyr throws a stray hoof, blowing it off.

>"No way, Anon is way too smart for that."

>Derpy is very quick to respond.

>"It doesn't matter how smart you are. Your baby colt watched his mom die. It does make too much sense. It's his driving force. Everything he does is because of what he saw."

>Fluttershy waves her hooves in a panic.

>"I said it was just an idea."

"An idea that has way too much merit to ignore. Given everything I know, I think you're spot on Fluttershy."

>Close the book and stare at it.

>How many parents had to deal with this?

>Look down at your body.

>You're lean, yeah, but you're still recovering.

>Practice this morning might have been light, but your body needs that right now.

>If you didn't have a foal, it would be easier to bounce back.

>And Anon knows that.

>Join the Wonderbolts.

>He wants you to do that.

"Ok."

>The three look at you.

"My boy is very dodgy about what he sees, but he's been way more open with me than I thought."

>"What do you mean?"

"I need to be fast. Strong. Powerful. He wants me to be a Wonderbolt."

>They nod as you continue.

"Then I'll do it. For him. I can be the best dang Wonderbolt that has ever been. Come that competition, I'm going to blow them all away. For my name is Rainbow Dash. I'm Celestia blessed awesome and I'm going to get way more awesomer."

>Fluttershy brushes off a tear.

>Zephyr still has that dumb look on his face.

>Derpy looks curious.

>"Could you do the Sonic Rainboom again? You did it once."

"Yeah. My body recognizes the kinetic magic so it'll be easier each time I use it. Just not too soon."

>Gotta heal, then work hard again.

>Then you feel it, a change in the air pressure.

"What's that?"

>Derpy looks up as well.

>"Not sure."

>Fluttershy and Zephyr look confused.

>"What's what?"

"How can you not feel that? You two aren't earth ponies. Don't you read the air?"

>Their dumb looks make you roll your eyes.

"Somepony is coming. Flying really hard and displacing the air. Got big wings."

>Derpy is squinting and trying to focus her eyes.

>"Can't really tell who. Those are some really strange wings."

>Then you see it, a blur.

>Wow they're going fast!

>Who is that!?

>They crash hooves first into the ground, and earth is kicked up.

>Stand up on your hooves when you see just how close Anon was to that impact.

>Ponies are all yelling and causing a commotion.

>Anon looks confused.

>Pinkie is doing something Pinkie.

>Mayor Mare is trying to call for order.

>The wings flap, and the dust is thrown aside.

>And you see her.

>"Hi, Anon!"

"Princess Cadance!?"

 

>Be the utterly confused (and trolled) Anon.

>Princess Cadance, has shown up in season 1.

>You'd be crucified alongside Josh Haber for this.

>Don't panic!

>Maybe this is just a weirdo off screen event.

>"Just the colt I'm looking for!"

>Looming over you with sheer pink princess pony pleasure, Princess Cadance smiles brightly.

>"You have the answers I need."

>Oh no!

>Before you could process how screwed you were, a savior comes to your rescue.

>Pinkie Pie, in all of her spastic glory, doesn't contain herself.

>"Oh wow! That makes three princesses in a role! Bingo! Speaking of bingo, howdy howdy Princess Cadance! Welcome to Ponyville! Just in time for this event to win the heart of this young colt, and you just so happen to be the Princess of Hearts, and cards, and those delicious heart shaped boxes with the chocolate variety that I can't help myself when I just eat the whole thing all at once. Whew, really mixes up the flavors. Anyway, since this is a local flair thingy, you can consider this a love theme welcome party where we all watch these lovely fillies learn the art, war, and despair of looooove!"

>Pinkie gives you a pear.

>Cadance blinks as she takes all of that in.

>She looks around at this little goofy town shindig.

>"You are hosting what now?"

>Mayor Mare, who is giddy to get in the graces of another princess, slides---

>No wait, she just butts Pinkie out of frame with her rump.

>"Princess Cadance! What a surprise. Well, here in Ponyville we have our ways to handle certain disputes. Like in this case, to be Anon's fillyfriend."

>Pausing at that information, Cadance beholds the glee of the little fillies who have all gathered close by to see her.

>"That's a really strange way to form couples. Are you all serious?"

>Mayor Mare laughs nervously.

>"Well we have a bit of a gender imbalance in this town, so to stop mares from doing irresponsible things we have made it into a public spectacle. It's fun for the whole family!"

>Cadance looks at you then at the fillies.

>"Interesting. I can feel the curiosity about love from them. So they have to be a couple?"

>Mayor Mare flicks her ears behind her to the crowd whispering loudly.

>"To prevent bad actors, the winner has to go on at least three dates, or stay together for a month. So that's the show."

>"I see. I'm competing then."

>Everyone, and you mean everyone just gasps.

>Pinkie, the crowd, the fillies, you, Pinkie, the birds watching.

"Can she do that!? How is that fair? Why would you!?"

>"Well I oversee 'love' I suppose then I should compete."

>Bullshit.

>"It won't be fair."

>Bullshit!

>"And I saw my aunt looking at something really interesting about something called the Crystal Empire. The visions that she got from YOU. I want to know more."

>Your eyes shrink to pinpricks.

>Muscles tense like iron rods.

"Celestia let you see those?"

>"Yes."

>...She just outright lied to your face.

>Oh you silly ponies, when will you ever learn that you all suck at lying.

>You bolt.

 

>Granny Smith yells out over her own megaphone.

>"Woo-wee, we got a live one folks. I was hoping the little fritter had some fire in him. The game has changed fillies! He's a galloper. You have to catch him then hold him for ten seconds. Well, whatcha waitin' for? Get your tails moving!"

>A dust cloud forms behind you.

>Fillies upon fillies thundering after you.

>Fly up to avoid the swarm, only for a shadow to overlap you.

>"Got you!"

>Cadance goes in for a quick lunge, which you dodge deftly.

>Way too close for comfort.

>Tuck and roll through an open window and out another one.

>Eat window bush in the process.

>Don't stop as you spit out leaves.

>"Wow, I thought she had you there for a moment!"

>Speeding alongside you, is Pinkie Pie wearing a referee shirt.

>Perfect, you can use her.

>Cadance teleports on top of you.

>"Clever, but I got you now."

>Need to break line of sight.

>So you stick your hoof into Pinkie's mane.

>"Hey!"

>Then just throw everything you can grab in her mane at Cadance.

>She squeaks in surprise as a pie is thrown at her.

>Cadance dodges it, followed by a rubber ball, a rubber chicken, then a large shadow eclipses her.

>"Oh Bu--"

>You hear a harpsichord crash.

>"No! I just tuned that!"

>Pinkie stops to inspect her mangled instrument on the heap that was Princess Cadance.

>Loony Tunes antics aside, you can work with this.

>Jump into a dark alley, slink through the shadows, then hop into a hedge.

>Right, you need to reach the library.

>Can't fly high, Cadance rules the skies.

>You can't keep getting lucky.

>"He went down this way?"

>"I think so."

>A few fillies bounce their way past you.

>"How is he so fast!?"

>Look at what's around you.

>Stacks of hay blocks, classic.

>Pinkie might have stashed a few gimmick objects too.

>When the fillies look away, you fly straight into a hay block.

>Glasses, a party hat, and noise makers.

>Not the best find.

>Freeze when you see Cadance fly overhead in a random direction.

>Breath again.

>You and a few others.

>"Wow, she was close."

>Ah, you're not alone.

>"Sweetie Belle!"

>"Sorry!"

>Jump back as Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo surround you.

"Hey now, why do any of you want to do this? None of you like me."

>"At this point, I just want to beat you."

>"I want to show Rarity how to treat a coltfriend. She needs pointers."

>"I want a cutie mark."

"In what!? My face on your rump?"

>Applebloom gets a dangerous grin.

>"Catching hooligans."

>Grab Sweetie Belle, she squeaks as you whirl her around and throw her straight into Applebloom.

>Scootaloo tackles you, but you roll with it.

>Roll and roll until you use the momentum to kick launch her off you.

>Kicking up dust, you bounce to your hooves.

>Several fillies have seen you now.

>Unhelpfully, Pinkie appears next to you.

>"He's right he--"

>Slap her party hat over her mouth with a noise maker.

>A muffled 'spitz' is heard.

>The water fountain!

>You jump into it and start to work as the horde gets closer.

 

>Moments earlier, be Diamond Tiara.

>This is the worst possible outcome, this throws out all of your plans.

>The entire filly school class is chasing after him.

>"Wow, he is crazy fast. His cutie mark should be some kind of dashing bolt or something."

"I know Silver Spoon."

>Look over to your mom.

>Spoiled Rich isn't even looking at you, just shaking her head in disappointment.

>Both of you know that you don't have the physical acumen to pull this off.

>Even if both Silver and you got your hooves on Anon, he'd just overpower you.

>"So what do we do now?"

"We're not out of this yet. Come on, I might have a slim chance."

>Just need to use the talents that you have.

>Gallop after the herd, round a house and you find Princess Cadance under a piano.

>Stars dance around her noggin.

"Come on, let's help her."

>"What? Why?"

"Just do it!"

>Run up next to it and try to push it off her.

"Pinkie Pie, please help us."

>"Oh right, better be quick. Got to catch that sneaky colt."

>It's easily shoved off her the moment the adult finally does something.

>"I'll fix it later, have fun girls."

>Pinkie vanishes, like she always does.

>Pat Princess Cadance's face gently.

"Princess, are you ok?"

>Fix her pretty crown back on her head.

>Then with Silver's help, push her up off her side.

>"Ow, did anypony get the license of that harpsichord?"

"Princess Cadance, I was so worried!"

>She shakes her head, then looks around.

>"Did not see that coming. Thank you, young filly."

"I'm Diamond Tiara."

>"Aw, thank you Diamond Tiara. Did you see where Anon went?"

"No, we were behind the herd. But, can I ask you something?"

>"Please be quick."

"I was the filly who approached Anon first to be my coltfriend. This whole thing started because other fillies were jealous."

>Then you start to lay it on thick.

>Big eyes, tears, Silver playing a small violin.

"They said mean things. That I don't deserve to have one. They just want to win to bully me!"

>Cadance holds her hooves to her mouth.

>Hook, line, and almost sinker.

"So they argued with me in front of the whole town, setting off this cruel event. I know I can't catch him. He's strong. The other fillies are also fast and strong. I have no hope."

>Hold your tail and slowly rub it.

"When you win. Can you, give him to me? After your dates of course."

>Cadance puts a reassuring hoof on your shoulder.

>"Young filly, your story touches me. All I need is enough time to talk to Anon. I will give him to you."

>Her wings erupt outstretched from her side.

>She rises like an angelic being.

>"Fear not, for your budding curiosity of young love will be rewarded"

>With speed greater than Anon's, Cadance rises and jets off over town.

>And you smile wickedly.

"Hook, line, and sinker."

>"Good work, Diamond."

"I know. Brilliant as always."

>"What's the first thing we should do when we have Anon?"

"Bump, bump, sugarlump, rump, with him between our rumps."

>Muhahaha!

 

>Back to being a desperate colt named Anon.

>Currently in the fountain at the center of town.

>They all know you jumped in.

>Can hear some of them complain that they have to get wet now.

>Not sure where Cadance is, but she won't be too far behind if she sees the herd of fillies closing in.

>Right, here it is.

>Pick up a bottle you've placed down here a while ago.

>Inside is a cloud seed and a rainbow drop.

>Unlike the one Rainbow Dash unleashed in the Everfree against the Pony of Shadows, this one is way more benign.

>Makes clouds.

>That's it.

>Just add water, and you have a lot of water here.

>The trick isn't done yet.

>Holding your breath, you can see the shadows of fillies overhead looking down at you.

>Hurry up.

>Pick out a feather from your wing.

>Make an air bubble around the bottle to put it in.

>Look up to see Cadance is flying above you now.

>Something funny happens.

>Several of the fillies have jumped her.

>Barely hear the muffling war cries from the fillies.

>"Get her! Don't let her win!"

>Noi is currently chewing on Cadance's ear.

>Sunny Daze has attached herself to one of Cadance's wings.

>Liza Doolots, of all ponies, is holding on to Cadance's left hind leg.

>Screaming in a mixture of panic and just more panic.

>None of them are getting any headway on their foe.

>Princess Cadance is not one bit fazed, just descends upon you.

>Shake up your concoction of pegasus feather, cloud seed, rainbow drop and a bit of water.

>Pinkie Pie is yelling out her megaphone that the fillies got you cornered now.

>Then open the bottle.

>All the water in the fountain is converted into clouds.

>Ponyville's town center explodes into fluffy rolling clouds billowing out from the fountain.

>The fun trick was adding the cloud walking spell to the concoction.

>Fillies, Pinkie Pie, and Cadance go screaming in surprise as they are all sprung sky high.

>They all crash land safely on the soft clouds and roll in various directions.

>You wish you could've saved this trick for more dangerous situations, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

>Using the weather you've made as cover, you slink your way out of the fountain and start booking it to the library.

>Can hear several fillies complaining.

>Well, except for Noi.

>"I got her crown! Now I'm Princess Noi. Get me that colt my subjects."

>Scootaloo yells out somewhere to your right.

>"Would you cut it out? Where did he go!?"

>Sweetie Belle just screams joy.

>"This is like a trampoline! Weeeee!"

>Rainbow is probably going to give you an earful for stashing work related items in unsafe places.

>Grandpa Shy might find it funny though.

>Get to the library, rip open the door, then slam it shut behind you.

>Bolt the lock, slam the wood brace, chain up the chain lock, click the little pointless lock on the door handle.

>Breathing hard, you look at it.

"Those aren't there normally. Oh well. Twilight!!!"

>The bookworm jumps from her reading table.

>"What? Oh Anon. No need to yell. What's going on?"

"Where's Spike!?"

 

"Is Spike in the kitchen, basement, deck?"

>"Calm down, Anon."

>Twilight trots over to you and tries to calm your rapid breathing.

>"Did you run all the way here?"

"Yes!"

>Slap your mouth shut, that was way louder than intended.

>"Ok, just take a deep breath. I learned this from my dear foalsister."

>Oh my God, please Twilight, don't waste your time like this.

>Your foalsister is the one causing you problems!

>She puts her hoof close to her barrel then breathes out.

>You don't have time to react.

>The door slams open, with you on it.

>Pancaked into the wall, you hear several fillies.

>"I don't see him."

>"Nope."

>"Bye Ms. Twilight."

>The door closes, and you flop down flat as a place mat.

>Slowly, you pull yourself together.

>Twilight picks you up.

>"Why is there a cloud outside the library?"

"A cloud seed got used in the town fountain. Spike? Please."

>"He's helping Rarity today."

>Rarity?

>She was at the event helping Sweetie Belle.

>Spike wasn't there, he might be at the boutique doing some mundane choir like a simp.

>"Anon, are you in trouble?"

"Just me against the world."

>"'I am against the world', would work better."

"I know the correct grammar, I wanted to break the rules."

>"Ah yes, classics do tend to do that.

>Twilight holds a scroll close to her heart.

"Can you teleport me there, please?"

>She tilts her head.

>"You trust me to do that? Most ponies are not keen on that."

"Yes."

>Twilight smiles as her horn glows.

>"Just tell me all about this when you're done. I'm sure it'll be a greater letter to Princess Celestia."

>Yeah, that's the plan.

>With a *bamp* you appear before Rarity's shop.

>Quickly look around, the cloud is already starting to rise.

>Slip inside, cringe when the bell dings and quickly close the door behind you.

>"Sorry, didn't you see the sign? The store is closed for now. Oh hi, Anon! What brings you here?"

>Spike is covered in glitter and dust.

"Just the dragon I'm looking for. I need to send a message to Princess Celestia."

>"I dunno. I'm busy filtering gem glitter through a pan. Rarity wants the finer ones drudged out."

"I can write the letter. You just send it to her."

>He shrugs.

>"Suit yourself. Don't write anything that'll get yourself in trouble."

>You already are in trouble.

>Steal a feather pin and one of her finest notary document page.

'Dear Princess Celestia,

How are you?

I'm fine.

No wait, I'm not fine.

Cadance is trying to wring me out for information. She saw you looking at one of my visions. Please stop her.

Sincerely,

Your number one problem foal

Anon

PS I think I beat Twilight at this point for problem foal. Autistic I think she still has me beat.'

>Hoof it over to Spike.

"Please send."

>With a burst of flame, the spell sends the letter out like a puff of smoke.

>A pony could have seen that, so you duck behind some cover.

>Just need time before Celestia gets here.

>Sure enough, the bell rings.

>"I thought I saw something, Spike what are you doing here?"

>Scootaloo.

 

>And where there is Scootaloo, there are--"

>"Hi, Spike!"

>"Howdy, Spike."

>Wow, Sweetie Belle's voice just won't stop cracking.

>Look at what's around you in this dressing room.

>Scarfs, towels, saddles, shoe boxes.

>What do you do?

>"Oh hi girls. I was just doing some work for Rarity."

>"And that weird smoke leaving the place?"

>"I blew fire. Don't worry, it won't catch anything on fire."

>You can hear them shuffling around the place.

>Looking under random stuff.

>Start tossing together a costume.

>The mirror gives you a good idea with what you're working with.

>It's idiotic.

>Which means its going to work.

>The curtain is ripped wide open.

>Sweetie Belle looks up at you, and tilts her head.

>"Oh I'm sorry mister. Didn't mean to bother ya."

>Politely closes the curtain.

>Wait a beat.

>"Sweetie Belle! Somepony is here!?"

>The curtain is thrown open as the three fillies look at you.

"Well howdy fillies. Was just testing out my suit. Yup sir-ye."

>Pitching your voice down, you gangly walk out into the lobby.

>You got a top hat on, four shoe boxes taped to your hooves, pants (cause you know that's weird), a paper-mache mustache, bottle glasses, and a mop head under the hat.

>There's no way they're going to buy it.

>"Sorry mister. Have you seen a green colt?"

>"Anon, have you seen Anon?"

>Never mind, it is one of those days.

"Can't say that I have little fillies. Go on and play now."

>They look at each other and give a determined nod.

>As the CMC gallop out the door, Applebloom stops.

>She looks up at the 'close' sign, then back to you, then back up at the sign.

>Try to grin as politely as possible.

"Couldn't line up our schedule today. Spike was helping Rarity with my business."

>Spike belches fire.

>A letter appears in his claws.

>"Oh look, Anon! Princess Celestia is heading this way right now."

>Glare fire and death on the little drake.

>He blinks owlishly.

>"Oops."

>"Fillies! It's him!"

>Flee up the stairs, open Sweetie Belle's door and slam it shut.

>Then quietly sneak inside Rarity's room and close it quietly.

>Hear them gallop up the stairs.

>"Hey stay out of there. Only after at least three dates can we play house in my room."

>Does Rarity keep any useful tools in her room?

>That's when you trip over Opalescence.

>She hisses vengeance and the claws go flying.

>Panicking, you open the window to fly out avoiding the angry cat.

>Just get a little claw swipe on your tail.

>And now you're back out in the open.

>Pinkie yells out.

>"There he is! He's lasted long enough to make a new Ponyville record. Give Anon a round of applause."

>All you get are hisses of fury from many fillies.

>Tough crowd.

>That's when someone grabs your hind hooves.

>Scootaloo just jumped out of the other bedroom window to get you.

>"No escaping this time."

>There is a meow of fury.

>Both of you turn to see Opalescence leaping out at you both.

>Needless to say, you both scream.

>You two dodge in opposite directions, which ends quickly for her since she can't fly.

 

>You land on the ground with a dusty stomp.

>Already fillies are upon you.

>Pinkie is ready to start the ten second timer the moment one of them nab you.

>But you know when that happens, Cadance is going to pry you out of their little hooves into her grasp.

>Quickly dodge Aura's leap and Piña Colada's tackle.

>Can't stay here, wind up your wings then spring off.

>Low to the ground, you kick up lots of dust.

>That's when a mattress crash lands in front of you.

>Not even flinching, you copy-cat Dash's move when Nightmare Moon tried that and kick off the ground.

>Spin in a ball over the obstacle and land front hooves in the air like an Olympian gymnast.

>Princess Noi looks annoyed at you foiling her trap so gives you a 4 out of 10 rank.

>Can never win them all.

>Blast off again to not get nabbed.

>Also, ouch!

>Kicking the ground as hard as you can hurts.

>Turn the corner to main street once more, most of the clouds are floating away now.

>All the remaining schoolmates are here, and Pinkie is handing out nets.

>She must be getting bored of you evading all of them.

>"No, I got ice cream cake and we're really getting close to it melting."

"Oh thanks for having enough faith in me surviving this long."

>You call back sarcastically.

>"I would like to share ice cream cake with you."

>Hair stands up on the end of your back.

>Cadance is right behind you.

>Buck, you're out of options and tricks.

>No.

>You got one.

>The very thing Rainbow Dash gave you at birth.

>Tighten up the muscles attached to your back.

>Screw alicorns and power levels.

>You are going to go fast.

>Explode with power as you jet ahead.

>Fillies fail to react completely as you zoom by.

>Leave them all in the dust, except Cadance.

>Who is creeping closer and closer to you.

>Beat your wings harder until it starts to burn.

>Take advantage of your size and buzz through the market stalls.

>Cadance simply flies higher, but is still on you.

>She's probably trying to aim her horn to safely grab you.

>Deep inside you, you pull at that inner strength you've seen mom pull off.

>Wings are now screaming, pain and adrenaline.

>It's exhilarating.

>Air cones, but only to a certain degree.

>You ain't pulling off a Sonic Rainboom, but you can get close.

>Cadance gasps as she realizes you're now out flying her.

>"Oh no you don't!"

>She starts to teleport spam to keep up.

>Just as you pass by Apple Acres, she pops up in front of you.

>Must have been a mistake on her part as she flinches.

>You plow hard into her, can feel your skull drive straight into her soft belly.

>The world spins as you both fly through the air.

>Face plant into the ground, then bounce painfully.

>If you were cognoscenti you would be grateful to be a rubbery young pegasus.

>At the moment, you taste apple trodden dirt.

>Can hear the gasps of ponies as you come in for a landing.

>Seems you're back where you started, and unbelievably dizzy.

>Hooves grab you in a hug from behind.

>"I got him!"

>Can't tell who it is.

>Cadance recovers quickly.

 

>Cadance looks a little worse for wear, but that determine look of hope never left her face.

>You, on the other wing, look exhausted.

>Between morning exercise and this running man scenario, you’re tapped out.

>Can’t see who the filly is that has gotten you.

>Strong grip on you, can’t wiggle out.

>Look at the adults watching this.

>Where are your mom and dad?

>--

>"Do you have any idea what your child just did by releasing unscheduled cloud coverage in the project area!? The added moisture is going to push up our storm schedules to unacceptable boundaries! Are you listening to me!?"

>The weather manager is currently laying into you (Dash), Zephyr, your parents, and Fluttershy.

>They're not even on the weather team.

>"Where did he even get cloud seeds like that!? Those are Cloudsdales Cumulus as well!"

>Really hope Anon is doing well.

>---

>Pinkie Pie zips next to you then starts counting.

>”10!”

>”Go away! A princess should know better.”

>That filly, you think you recognize the voice, but where?

>Cadance doesn’t pause as she stalks closer.

>Behind her, you can see the grinning form of Diamond Tiara rubbing her hooves together.

>"Young filly, I've been worried my entire life."

>"9!"

>"Always asking who I am, what does my cutie mark mean?"

>"8!"

>"I'm a grown mare and still asking these questions."

>"7!"

>Can feel the filly tremble with fear.

>"I'm supposed to be a princess, but I feel so lost."

>"6!"

>"Anon can tell me what I need to know."

>"5!"

>Cadance is almost towering over you two.

>She whispers the next sentence.

>"Who I'm supposed to fall in love with. Is he the heart of my eye?"

>She must be worried about Shining Armor and her relationship.

>The filly answers her back.

>"And I want somepony who will stand up for me, because I'm afraid to do so."

>"4!"

>Cadance looks resolved.

>"You'll still find somepony who can do that for you. I win Anon and he'll go to Diamond Tiara."

>She lunges to grab you.

>The filly shifts her weight, pushes you beneath her, and shoves.

>See magenta pigtails and light raspberry colored hooves.

>What happens next, shocks you all.

>The filly makes contact with Cadance, and she folds.

>With a surprised 'squee' noise, Princess Cadance is sent flying like she was just hit by a boulder.

>Lily Longsocks stands over you, trembling with anxiety.

>You look over to Pinkie Pie, who's jaw dropped.

"3, 2, 1, she wins."

>She shakes her head.

>"Hey that's my line!"

"You seemed distracted."

>Pinkie snorts with amusement then raises Lily's hoof.

>"We have a winner! Lily Longsocks everypony! Somepony please check if the princess is ok. That looked like a doozy of a hit."

>The crowd stomp their hooves slowly, mostly because they're still in shock at what just happened.

>Nurse Redheart has hopped off and is checking on Princess Cadance.

>Get up and dust yourself off.

>Tilt your head at your new 'fillyfriend'.

>She has trouble looking you in the eye.

"Hey. Good work."

>"I can't believe this!"

>The shrill voice of Diamond interrupts you.

 

>"I told you that he's mine."

>Diamond Tiara seems to be throwing a tantrum.

>She stomps up to Lily and pokes her barrel with a hoof.

>"I told all of you he was mine. You had one job. One!"

>Lily tries to answer, but her mumbling is interrupted.

>"I don't want to hear it. Useless."

>Diamond stomps her hoof.

>"Hoof him over. Now."

>"!"

>Longsocks looks shocked, and hesitates.

"No."

>Diamond glares as you step between her and Lily.

"You played stupid games and you lost. Congratulations. Could've held your mouth, but you had to get your pride all hurt. In fact."

>Look up to the referee.

"Pinkie. Megaphone."

>She bounces it to you.

>Point it at the crowd of adults.

"Y'all can kiss the hairiest part of my rump! That humiliation ritual was idiotic and I never consented to any of that. Griffons! All of you! Spinless when a princess shows up."

>Look particularly in Spoiled Rich's direction.

"Get dunked in liquid rainbows. I'm out."

>Turn to Pinkie with the megaphone still in your mouth.

"Pinkie!"

>The voice blows her mane to one side and freezes.

>Turn it off and put it down.

"That was mean of you."

>Pinkie Pie has the decency to look embarrassed.

>Finally look over to your new filly friend.

"I'm picking you up at 5 pm. Don't worry, you don't need to bring anything."

>You see Princess Celestia lowering from the skies.

>She seems confused about what is going on.

>Everyone stands up and bows immediately.

>"My apologizes everypony. Where is Princess Cadance?"

>"I'm over here."

>Despite being a wreck, Cadance is still able to speak up.

>Redheart has managed to completely cover up her royal patient in bandages.

>You follow after Celestia to join in this conversation.

>Cadance tries to get up, but her nurse keeps her down.

>"How did you know I was here?"

"That would be me."

>Celestia glances aside at you.

>"He was able to send me a letter about your little escapades. What's going on here? Anon. You look like you flew into a wall."

>You quickly explain what this entire shitshow was.

>Cadance looks especially guilty when you basically explain that she took advantage of a stupid event to try to force you to 'date' her.

>Celestia sighs, she seems tempted to apologize.

>"Cadance. I'm not done looking at the visions."

>"But I want to know."

>Celestia gives Redheart a 'look'.

>A 'Do Not Talk' look.

>"The visions include alternate timelines. I am not done shifting between what is relevant to us and what are bad scenarios. Young Anon is not going to know the difference without guidance. Also I expected you to be more critical of this event. You've told me that love shouldn't be treated like a game show."

>"I know. I'm sorry."

>"Don't apologize to me. You need to address the ponies of this town. I'm sure you have ideas on how to improve their situation. Be a better example and be a princess."

>Cadance looks down at the ground, sighs, then stands up more determined.

>"Anon."

"No. I'm too angry right now to accept an apology. I will later. I need to cool off."

 

>You don't see Princess Cadance address the adults about their actions.

>Hopefully it got all tied up in a cute little bow with a nice little Saturday morning parable.

>And Celestia will eat all of their cake.

>Sorry, you're still peeved.

>1 out 10, worst episode of season 1.

>Or at least tied with Owl's Well That Ends Well.

>Nurse Redheart is giving a once over in a hospital room.

>"Well you don't have a concussion. A few bruises, but we can get that healed up quickly. Turns out princesses are soft targets."

"The ground wasn't."

>"True, but that's mostly scrapes and cuts. Easy to clean."

>The alcohol wipes burn, but at least you look better.

>Rainbow Dash pats you on the back.

>"Wish I was there squirt. We, uh, had work related stuff to deal with."

>Zephyr was about to say something, but a wing slap from Rainbow across his mouth shuts him up.

"So you didn't see who won?"

>Rainbow opens her mouth, just for Grandpa and Grandma Dash to dart their way right to your face.

>"Really!? Who was it?"

>You try to answer.

>"Was it Scootaloo? Or Noi!? Or maybe that pink filly who was really giving you the eyes."

>That was Diamond Tiara giving the look of evil.

"No."

>"Aw, well that's too bad. You didn't kiss her yet did you? That's one picture for the album we don't want to miss."

"No."

>You yawn.

"I have a date with her this evening. Going to keep it simple. Picnic at the pond."

>Grandparents rub their hooves together and giggle.

>Dash gives you a sweet smile.

>"Already got it planned out. Need me to do anything?"

"No."

>Rainbow pauses her next statement, then looks away with ears dropping.

>"Oh. I see."

>It takes you a few moments for your brain to catch up.

>Right, maybe not be so self-reliant.

"Well, maybe you all could expand on the menu. I was just going to make carrot dogs and apples."

>That sets them all off.

>Several more items, desserts, and drinks are proposed.

>Specialized cupcakes.

>Geez, who's more excited for this date?

>This is completely different from you human life.

>In getting a date and being supported in this way.

>Kind of makes you want to smile.

>Yawn again.

>Ok, you need a quick nap.

>That must have been obvious as Dash rolls up next to you and lays you on her back.

>Grandma takes another picture.

>It doesn't take long for you to start to fade.

>And sleep takes you.

 

>Sleep through your date?

>Not you.

>You weren't that tired.

>Sore, yes.

>Regardless, you are looking at your prep work at the swimming pond.

>Got the gimmick set up and ready to go.

>Parents got a picnic table for you.

>Well, Dash picked the whole thing up and brought it.

>Zephyr was moral support.

>Grandparents decided to make the moral support competitive.

>Really hope they don't get too obtrusive.

>Fluttershy is walking next to you as you go to get Lily.

"So Dash's boss yelled at you all?"

>She sighs and droops.

>"She was already upset about the weather event in Everfree. Turning the fountain water into clouds made her more frustrated."

"Then why aren't you guys more upset with me?"

>Fluttershy pats you with a wing.

>"I would never get angry with you."

>Please don't say absolute statements like that.

"But?"

>"Oh, um."

>Fluttershy looks away, guess she was hoping her answer would've been enough.

>"It's a bit complicated. Let's just say Princess Cadance had a lot to say to all of us while you slept. Including the weather district manager."

>Ah, that explains something.

>Guess Cadance got more on the ball when Celestia scolded her.

>You see the house, so you get your gift ready.

>Knock on the door.

>Sure enough, her mom answers the door.

>"There you are. Right on time. Lily, honey, Anon is here."

>Lily peaks from behind her mom's tail.

>She doesn't say anything, just slowly trots out.

>There's a bow on her tail.

>Cute.

"I got you something, if you don't mind."

>"Ok."

>Take out a clip with a fresh lily flower, and attach it to her mane.

>Very cute.

"Are you ready?"

>Lily Longsocks nods.

>The mom closes the door and follows you two alongside Fluttershy.

>Not surprised that she's going to chaperon for her own filly.

>"Thank you. It smells nice."

"Sadly it will wilt, but it makes for a nice snack after tonight."

>She plays with it a little bit.

"Diamond hasn't bothered has she?"

>"N-no."

>Probably not enough time to do so.

>Stay quiet as you make your way back.

>You listen to the adults behind you.

>Well, it's more of a one sided conversation.

>Fluttershy is a bit reserved to talk back.

>Who would have guessed.

>Ah, there's the pond.

>"Are we swimming?"

"Nope. Do you want to eat, or see the surprise?"

>Lily's eyes widen.

>"Surprise! Please."

>Open your wings and fly out over the pond.

>Take out some small bottles.

>There are tiny snow flakes inside them.

>Pour them out at select points over the pond.

>A cold mist blankets the area.

>Buzz your wings over it to manipulate the ingredients.

>There's a cracking sound as the water absorbs it and freezes over rapidly.

>Look over your work and see that it looks solid.

>Nod with approval and fly over to your date.

>"Wow."

>Lily taps the edges of the pond tenderly.

>Get out the last gift in your saddlebag.

>A pair of ice skates.

"Ever been ice skating?"

>"No."

"I'll show you."

>"Anon, where did you get those?"

>Fluttershy can't help but ask with a little bit of worry.

"Cloudsdale snow globes."

 

"Don't worry, this won't cause weather issues. Grandpa showed me how to grow them. It's safe to skate on for about an hour."

>Grandpa Shy is really knowledgeable about weather growth.

>See Dash by the picnic table, looking over the pond.

>She's shaking her head and rolling her eyes.

>Spy Grandparents are with their camera and have been taking pictures non-stop since you've shown up.

They're eating this up.

>Help Lily Longsocks put on her skates then have her saddle up next to you.

"All right, balance carefully. I'll support you. Try to match my moves."

>She stiffens as you put a wing on her back.

>It's a bit forward, but you really don't want her to fall.

>Push onto the ice with your charge.

>Lily's knees wobble.

"Breathe slowly, in through your nose, and out through your mouth. Keeping calm helps."

>She nods and tries.

>Tighten your wing grip on her and guide her to the other side of the lake.

>Lily looks back over to the other side.

>"Again."

>Can't help but smile.

>She's more stable this time.

>So you pick up speed.

>You're helping her, but your ears are picking up whispering.

>Ponies are watching you.

>Guess you have company.

>Reach the other side after doing some circles.

"How's that?"

>"This is fun."

"Ready to skate without me holding you?"

>Lily nods, she snorts as she gathers determination.

>Stay close, have a simple path to the other side again.

"So don't look now, but I think our classmates are watching us."

>Lily freezes and looks around.

>"Where!?"

"They're hiding in the bushes."

>Lily squints her eyes, but eventually spies a pair of ears poking out a hedge.

>"Oh."

"Well, they probably want to join. Should we let them?"

>"I'm ok with that."

>Smile at her answer.

>So you yell out at the rest of the class.

"You guys want to join the pond? No need to hide."

>The result is immediate.

>Horse horde comes barreling out as the class comes to the edge of the lake.

>Fluttershy squeaks with surprise.

>It quickly turns into a recess event.

>Fillies and colts slide across the pond with various degree of skill.

>You stay close to Lily as you continue to show her how to skate.

>Diamond and Silver skate close by rather skillfully.

>"Ice skating. Not a bad date."

>That was surprisingly cordial.

>Scootaloo can't help herself and just launches across the pond as fast as possible.

>Clearly having fun.

>Noi.

>"That's Princess Noi to you."

>Clear your thoughts purposefully.

>NOI.

>As you were thinking, seems to be getting some help from some of the other fillies.

>Did she really keep Cadance's crown?

>"Finder's keepers."

>Roll your eyes.

>The pond becomes filled with the happy yelling and whooping of foals.

>Some hoping to get a cutie mark in ice skating, but ultimately failing.

>Lily has a lot more control now.

>"So Anon, where did you learn to skate?"

"Cloudsdale is really big on it. Want to see me do it bipedal?"

>"That sounds neat."

>Stand up, it's easy.

>Being a pegasus is cheating, can't imagine earth ponies or unicorns doing it easily.

 

>Be Rainbow Dash, watching your son play with Lily.

>You forgot Anon asked to use the frost flakes on the pond.

>Your parents are just going wild with taking pictures.

>Cheering him on as he skates with Lily.

>Anon seems to be mostly focusing on teaching her.

>Or he can't hear them over all of these other foals yelling and having fun.

>Not surprised that they showed up, Ponyville is a small town.

>"So this is what your boy was planning."

>Look over to see Filthy Rich and Spoiled Rich.

"Oh hey, yeah. What about it?"

>"Well it was originally for our daughter wasn't it?"

>Pause a moment as you try to remember.

"Maybe. Not totally sure. Which one is yours Filthy?"

>"Just Mr. Rich please, and Diamond Tiara is ours. The pink filly with a crown."

>Squint as you suss her out of the crowd.

"Ah, so that's who the other fillies were fighting with."

>Filthy Rich clears his throat with some embarrassment with your bluntness.

>"Right."

>His wife speaks up.

>"Seems your colt puts more thought into a date than I had expected for his age. He's blunt, stands up to authority, and shrewd."

>Wait, what is this?

>Are they pecking up to you?

"So what you're saying is that your daughter should be the one dancing on the ice right now with him."

>"That's how it was going to play out at first."

>Ok, so?

"Well sure, but then it all got out of hoof. They're foals, this will all blow over for the next big thing."

>"If I know my daughter, she might not forget about it."

>Filthy leans closer and lowers his voice.

>"There's a chance this will become an obsession."

"Is that a problem?"

>This is kind of weird.

>"Our daughter is very intelligent."

>Can't help but roll your eyes.

>Any parent will say that about their filly.

>"She's starting to get an understanding on business, but your Anon blows her out of the water."

"What do you mean? Is this the stock stuff?"

>Filthy pauses as he thinks.

>"Did you not teach him?"

"No, I just know what comes into my paycheck and put some in savings."

>Spoiled just squints at you like you grew a second head.

>"Did his dad teach him? Grandparents?"

"No. He reads, stuff. I don't know. He was trying to get some egghead in Canterlot to get started on some kind of spell research."

>They just stare at you blankly.

>"He just knows, and puts money into arcane research."

"Yeah, stocks and stuff. Imaginary bits."

>"He learned that all on his own."

"Don't they teach it in school?"

>Filthy starts to talk faster.

>"No! They don't. My Diamond knows because I've been teaching her. Anon, as far as we can tell, has been doing it because he's a genus savant."

>"One that was doing it anonymously."

"Huh?"

>"Ms Rainbow, you boy has a lot of investments in my businesses and others across town. We only know about it now because the Crown forced the matter by looking into him. They split the books wide open when they investigated him."

>Does he get this knowledge from that vision stuff?

"What do you know?"

>"A great deal. By the bountiful earth."

 

>Filthy Rich takes out a piece of paper.

>"This is a record that the Crown has put together based on my business' information, does not include any other in town."

>You look at the statement, and just see lines of letters.

>Letters and numbers; AAPL.

>Dividend Reinvestment.

>"You're not looking in the right place. You're getting bogged down in the weeds."

>Filthy points to a date.

>"That's when he bought his first share."

>...

"He. He would have been."

>Filthy stays quiet, Spoiled tries to say something, but he holds her off.

>One year old.

>He was 1!?

>The paper drops from your hooves.

>You stare at him.

>He's balancing on his hind legs, showing the bipedal stance on ice.

>Your memories are flooding back to you.

>He doesn't cry, but he does have panic attacks.

>He holds it all to himself, but you can hear his heart beat.

>It happened when he was still being held in your hooves.

>You think Filthy is talking to you, he sounds concerned.

>"Rainbow? Are you ok?"

>Don't panic and re-grab the paper.

"Hold on. I need something. Right. Mom, Dad, watch him for me, I'll be right back!"

>Jet straight up and out towards town.

>Did the princesses leave yet?

>No!

>You see Cadance outside the library!

>Like a blur you land in front of her.

>She bounces back in surprise.

>"Oh! I was just heading out to the date party. To apologize. Has he cooled off yet?"

"Yeah! At the pond, you'll find him there. Is Princess Celestia here?"

>Cadance sees the unease in your face.

>"Come in. She's speaking with Twilight."

>Knock on the door pretty hard, and open it.

>Sitting around the wood table drinking some pleasant smelling tea, is Twilight and Celestia.

>Celestia sits up straight when she sees you, her previous warm grin gone and replaced with concern.

>"Rainbow Dash? What's the problem."

>Take out the pamphlet about a child seeing visions.

"I haven't finished this yet, but I can't wait."

>Twilight raises an eyebrow as she tries to see what you have.

>"What do you have there?"

"You looked into Anon's finances right? Did you look close? Really close."

>Celestia pauses uneasily.

>"Twilight, please go outside with Cadance. This is a personal discussion about Rainbow's child."

>Twilight looks between you and her, nods and leaves.

>"I'll be honest, I haven't had the time to do so."

>Slap the statement down on the table.

"How young can a foal see them?"

>Celesta brings it up to her.

"How clear are they? Is there a limit to what they experience?"

>Float up so you can look at her eye to eye.

"Did my baby colt experience lifetimes before he could talk?"

>Celestia doesn't answer, just looks at what you brought before her.

>She gets up from the table and starts to pace.

>Never would have thought to see worry on her face.

>Tears are threatening to form around your eyes.

"Please. I'm trying to be the best mom I can be, but I am so over my head."

>"I've met young seers, and those who've trotted entire worlds. My own are brief, rare, but clear."

"So it's possible."

>"Yes."

 

"How does this happen? Who did this to him!?"

>You're basically ranting at this point.

>You need to vent this out somehow.

>Flying in circles around the room.

>Might as well rant to the Princess!

"I thought it would be that shadow monster, but there are other ponies like Anon."

>And it felt good beating that monster into a pulp.

>Look up down to Celestia from the ceiling.

"Who did it to you?"

>"There isn't anyone responsible, my little pony. It is a magic that finds a pony, or any creature, and touches them."

"Does it have to be my colt? He shouldn't have to carry this cloud bank. I was holding him in my hooves. I remember it like a clear summer's day. When you swaddled a little foal and his eyes looked at you like only a foal can to their mother. Then one day, I see it, I hear it, I feel it and I don't understand. The panic in his eyes, the rapid heart change, the struggling. I thought something scared him. Like a shadow in the corner of the room."

>Celestia gives you a look of recognition, like she's experienced the same thing.

>"That happens to me."

>Take your hooves and just drag them across your muzzle.

>Slowly you lower yourself back down to ground level.

"How much have you been looking at? Years, decades?"

>Celestia shakes her head.

>"Rainbow Dash, I can't give you an answer I don't know. I can tell you he thinks the world of his mom."

"He's scared of hurting me."

>"And when he is facing down the most wicked monsters he thinks of you."

"He's so darn agreeable probably because he has seen me hurt."

>Or dead.

>Or better off without him.

"No. No backsliding. I just told him that we're going to work on this. Even if he has enough memories to be an adult several times over."

>It's not fair.

>Tonight, you're going to hold him.

"You can tell right? From a vision to what's real?"

>Celestia pauses, and her eyes close.

>"Most of the time."

>But her visions are short.

>"Nothing I've seen in his visions are what have occurred now. He was never an Element of Loyalty."

"So they're not accurate?"

>"They are. He knows things about me no pony knows."

>Buck.

"So what's changed?"

>"He's tried to manipulate what he's seen. That has had an impact, even when they went out of his control."

"To where we are right now."

>Celestia nods.

"This time it's real. I get this chance now to be with him."

>"Encourage him to make real connections. Real friends. Help him flourish."

>Be his mom.

>That will never change.

>This date with that filly might be a really important step for normalcy.

"I'm going to head back. Thank you. Really, thank you."

>Celestia gets up and stretches out her wings.

>"If anything else happens, I will help you."

"So ETA for the whole saving the tree thing?"

>"Soon. You'll know ahead of time."

>Fair enough.

>Open the library door to the open evening sky.

"Aw buck, I think the Filthy's were asking me to arrange marriage Anon with their filly. This is so weird now."

>"I'm sorry what?"

 

>Be Scootaloo, master of going fast on ice.

>This event has been a blast.

>Losing stings, but Diamond losing totally makes up for it.

>Lily is currently being held aloft as Anon skates across the ice bipedal.

>That joy on her face, makes you want somepony to do that to you.

>"So are you done blazing across the ice?"

>Sweetie Belle is currently on her belly after another failed skating attempt.

"I think I'm good for now. How about you Applebloom?"

>"Well I tried to race you, but those wings really just make you go real fast."

>At the same time, you three check your flanks.

"Dang."

>"So much for that."

>"Better luck next time, blank flanks!"

>Your checks flush with anger as Diamond and Silver skate by laughing the whole way.

"Yeah, why don't you go skate with your coltfriend! Oh wait! Coltless filly."

>"So are you!"

>Stick your tongue out at her.

>A confetti cannon goes off, getting everypony's attention.

>Pinkie yells out from her megaphone at the benches.

>"Snacks on fillies and colts! Come and get your carrots hot and your lemonade cold!"

>Buzz your wings fast enough to zoom across the ice pond.

>"First!"

>Spring right in front of Pinkie.

>Pinkie pats you on the head.

>"Now, now, the colt and filly of this date should get first dibs."

"Oh come on!"

>"Worry not young Scootaloo."

>Bow and Windy give you approving smiles.

>"You can sit with us, Anon, and his date."

>Maybe you can get next to Dash.

>Where is she?

>"How many do you want, Lily?"

>"I'll take one. With a bit of hay on it. That muffin looks good."

>Anon and Lily take their orders from Pinkie.

>Pinkie is smiling way too wide.

>"Here Anon. On the house. A double vanilla, orange sliced, chocolate cubed, peanut brittled, sprinkles sparkled, whip cream crowned with a big ol' strawberry. Please still don't be angry with me about forcing you into a date event you weren't comfortable with."

>"I'm not angry, Pinkie. Thank you."

>"Oh thank goodness."

>Pinkie practically melts at that.

>"Can we have two straws so we can share?"

>"Okie, dokie, lokie."

>As soon as they get their plates, one appears into your waiting hooves.

"Thanks, Pinkie!"

>Bouncing your plate on your head, you land yourself on the bench with the Dash family.

>Bow and Windy are really talking their heads off.

>"You two looked great out there skating!"

>Lily shrinks as the two of them start chatting her up.

>Anon scooches closer to her.

>"Thanks for helping out Grandma and Grandpa."

>"Our absolute pleasure."

>Your ears stand up, and your sniffer smells something familiar.

>The Dashdar is going off!

"Rainbow! Down here!"

>"There you all are."

>Huh, she doesn't look quite right.

>Dash hovers a moment before landing next to you and Anon.

>In a blink or you miss it, a plate of food from Pinkie appears in front of Rainbow.

>"Hi mom. You ok?"

>"Oh? Yeah, doing just fine. How are you two doing? Lily, right? Having fun?"

>Anon gets a real confused look.

>Honestly, you share it with him.

>Dash doesn't sound fine.

 

>Lily is happily nibbling on her carrot dog.

>"I am Ms. Anon's Mom."

"It's Rainbow Dash."

>"Oh right. Sorry. I wasn't expecting anything like this."

>She turns to Anon with a pleased grin.

>"Why didn't you want me to bring you something?"

>"It's a date. I'm supposed to make you feel special."

>Or whoever would have won.

>Makes you wonder, would Anon do the same if you had won?

>He fought back pretty hard when you encountered him both times.

>Though the cat broke up that last one really quick.

>Anon draws in the shake concoction Pinkie made and starts to share it with Lily.

>He starts off by blowing bubbles in it, making Lily giggle.

>You're not jealous.

>Nope!

"Rainbow. How did Anon make the pond icy? It's way too warm for that."

>She shakes her head as she refocuses on you.

>"That trick? Well when you make winter weather we have snow shards that are like pumped up snow flakes. Anon's other granddad, Fluttershy's pops, has a bunch of snow globes that can contain snow shards during off season. He's really good at weather element control. Granted he's retired now--."

>Good, you've distracted Rainbow from whatever has gotten her down.

>Though it feels like she's grabbed on to the topic like a life preserver.

>Anything to think of something else.

>She just keeps going.

>And going.

>Wow, you think she's really stressed about something.

>"And that's how a high pressure current can make a pond like this freeze over if you don't have any ingredients. Takes a long time though."

>"Wow honey, you're so smart when you talk about work!"

>Dash's mom chirps up happily between pictures being taken.

>You just stare at her, confused mostly.

>Does she not see her daughter is upset about something?

>That's kind of weird.

>Especially for someone who loves their daughter like they do.

>Anon clears his throat.

>"Hey Lily, want to do something cool?"

>She finishes licking whip cream off her chin.

>"Sure!"

>"I'm going to carry you out onto the pond, and I want you to punch the center of it. It's about time for it to break up and I want to see you shatter it."

>Lily shrinks a bit and starts to hold on to her pigtails.

>"You sure?"

>"I think it would be a great sendoff for it. Unless you don't want to."

>"Others are watching."

>Anon blinks as he seems to restrain himself.

>"Ah. That's fine. I didn't know you weren't comfortable with that."

>Lily nods as she flushes with embarrassment.

>"I think it's pretty awesome that you're strong."

>Now she's having trouble looking him in the eye.

>"Thanks."

>What is this?

>Anon barely talks to his other classmates and he's just being so smooth here.

>Totally unfair.

"Are you going to kiss her now?"

>"Scootaloo!"

>He practically hisses that at you.

>Ha, still got it.

>Rainbow pats you on the head as you stick out your tongue.

>"Now, now squirt. This is all for fun. No need to tease them."

>Lily squeaks and tries to hide behind her pigtails.

>"Hi Anon!"

>You all scream as the pink alicorn princess just pops up again.

 

>"Do pink ponies just have the ability to appear out of nowhere?"

>Pinkie yells out from across the way.

>"Pink is the superior color for stealth!"

>Cadance is looking between Anon and Lily.

>"Well aren't you two adorable!"

>"I know, right princess! We can't help but keep taking pictures of the two!"

>Windy is cheek to cheek with the princess as they fawn over the two.

>Never mind, you're not jealous now.

>That looks annoying.

>Lily just looks embarrassed enough to die.

>"I'm sorry I hit you so hard!"

>Also terrified of being in trouble apparently.

>Princess Cadance raises her hooves trying to calm the poor filly.

>"No, no, no, that wasn't your fault. I went too far. I'm here, in fact, to apologize to the both of you."

>Anon is chewing on his straw as Cadance gives him that awkward smile adults give you when they know they messed up despite being the authority figure.

>"Yeah I'm good. Certainly made things interesting. I hope you don't mind me tattle-telling on you."

"So that's what you were doing with Spike. Applebloom was the one who called you out."

>"The fastest way to message Princess Celestia is with Spike."

"We were so close to catching you there. You threw that disguise together really fast."

>Lily mumbles under her breath accepting the apology.

>Cadance looks revealed at that.

>"Whew, thank moon. No more chasing after foals for me."

>Anon sucks in his lips, but doesn't say anything.

>She looks over her shoulder.

>"I probably need to get going, Princess Celestia is waiting for me. Have a blessed week everypony."

"Bye princess!"

>Hmm, it seems it is getting dark now.

>Some of your classmates are heading out with their parents.

>Lily's mom gets up from the table.

>"Lily, you have school tomorrow. Make sure you have everything ready. Don't want you missing any homework."

>"Yes mommy. Anon!"

>Anon flicks his ears to her and before he can turn his head, she kisses him on the cheek!

>"Thank you! See you at school tomorrow!"

>"Y-you too!"

>He's rubbing his cheek, clearly shocked.

>Probably safer than a hug from her.

>"No! We missed his first kiss. Do it again."

>Bow and Windy call out to the retreating filly.

>"Mom, dad, cut it out."

>Dash shakes her head as she tries to keep her parents from running after the poor filly.

"Think things are going to quiet down now?"

>Anon sighs as he lays his head on the table.

>"I hope so. Getting tired being the center of attention."

"So what's up with Rainbow? Something really got her down."

>"I'm not sure. Going to ask her on the way home."

"Probably something you did."

>"Wouldn't be the first time.

>He sits up to look around.

>"Need to help Pinkie clean up first. See you later, Scootaloo."

>Welp, guess that wraps that up.

>Thankfully your guardians aren't too pressed on making you go home.

>Going to go ride your scooter around town some more.

>Got at least an hour before it's actually dark.

>Take another hotcarrot on the way out.

 

>It's a little later for you, busy doing tricks on your scooter.

>Easier to do tricks when not as many ponies are walking around.

>Currently finishing up a lap around town, when you see a filly you never expected.

>Diamond Tiara.

>She's all alone too as she trots on the trail.

>Kicking the dirt and grumbling.

>Diamond looks up as you skid to a halt in front of her.

"You got to take up the whole road too?"

>"Do you have any idea of the mess you caused? He was mine."

>Roll your eyes as you decide to rest your wings.

"Please, he doesn't even like you. You both would be miserable."

>"Shows what you know. You claim to know him so well."

>She just drags out that 'so'.

>Diamond begins to stalk around you.

>"Relationships are all about transactions. He's smart, he knows who I am. We give each other what we need to accomplish our goals."

"Really. Did you read that off of a pamphlet or your mom?"

>Mention of her mom makes anger flash on her face briefly.

>"Well that's what happens when you get a cutie mark. The whole world changes. I see things like an adult will."

"News flash, Anon doesn't have a cutie mark."

>She sticks her muzzle right to yours.

>"And yet he's smarter than most adults I know. Do you want to know how smart he is?"

"And don't really care how big of a nerd he is."

>"He bought stocks when he was one."

>Stare blankly at her.

>Diamond Tiara groans loudly.

>"Of course you don't know. He knows business better than my dad did at the same age. He's currently in the news for giving Nightmare Moon a run for her money. He's going to be in the news tomorrow for doing the same to Princess Cadance. He goes to Canterlot! He talks to Princess Celestia!"

"Good for him."

>"You only see him as an accessory to his mom. I see the big picture, and you had to ruin it."

>That makes you pause.

>Ouch, that is kind of true.

>You really wanted to be his friend long ago because he was Rainbow Dash's son.

"Why don't you own up to the fact that he doesn't like you."

>Diamond rolls her eyes this time.

>"All colts our age are boneheaded, but at least he can be worked with. Why don't you date Rumble or something. He's more your speed. Literally."

>That almost gets you to blush.

"He's cute, but I'm not interested."

>"You sure were interested when Anon was on the table. You caught him twice."

"Because I wanted you to lose."

>"Great. Congratulations. You've delayed the inevitable. Lily will have her fun, but I know how to get what I want."

>A familiar smell triggers you, wings flutter.

>She's here!

"Rainbow Dash is close by."

>You lean back in surprise when Diamond grabs you and pulls you into a nearby bush.

>"Quiet. At least try to be subtle."

"What's this for?"

>"Didn't you see her in a funk? Their grandparents are at their home right now. She probably wants to talk to Anon alone."

>The temptation of hearing something juicy shuts you up.

>Rainbow and her son are overhead then land on a cloud.

>"This is good enough. Don't see anyone."

>"What's up?"

 

>Dash seems to sit uncomfortably, which is odd behavior.

>Anon is waiting patiently.

>"We didn't want to talk with the rest of the family?"

>Dash shakes her head.

>"I'm still trying to process it. I will when we can figure this out."

>Anon flicks his tail.

>You've seen him do that, it's a nervous behavior.

>"I know I said I was ok with you keeping your secrets, Anon. I just."

>Rainbow stops and just tries to collect herself.

>"I need to know."

>"Ok mom."

>"Don't just 'ok mom' me. I got done talking to Filthy Rich."

>Diamond perks up when her dad is mentioned.

>"And Princess Celestia. I know about that stock stuff. When you did it and how old you were."

>Dash sighs, like she's remembering something.

>"When you were a tiny foal in my hooves. You had a vision. Celestia told me hers are clear as day. What did you see?"

>Anon's tail has stopped flicking.

>He looks aside, then sighs.

>"I saw Equestria."

>Rainbow, you, and Diamond tilt your heads at the same time.

>"I saw Equestria and it was beautiful. A place with big adventure, tons of fun, and magical friendships."

>He stands up, and looks right at Dash.

>"I saw you. Twilight, Pinkie, Rarity, Applejack come together to do amazing things. I adored what I saw. I couldn't stop watching. I fell in love."

>What is he talking about?

>"My clairvoyance, my visions, they showed me a lot. Think of it like going to one of those talky theaters. Sitting as an audience in one of those."

>Dash chokes up a bit.

>"How long? How much time passed as you watched?"

>Anon pauses to think.

>"Many seasons passed. I don't know how much time lapsed. It wasn't like I saw days back to back. Just important moments in time. I saw ponies in Ponyville, Manehatten, Canterlot. Colt and fillies getting their cutie marks."

>He saw that?

>Does he know yours?

>"It meant a lot to me. It still does. It wasn't like I saw perfect vision. Take Lily for example, I only saw her occasionally. I barely know her for real. I didn't see Grandma or Grandpa until way later because you had issues with them."

>"So when you awoke from that magic, you saw me."

>"Yeah."

>"You were scared."

>Anon's voice hitches at that.

>"Yeah. Rainbow Dash, you have to understand, I saw your entire history and I was never part of it. I watched it over and over again. It was so cool! Then you wake up and you realize, you're actually looking at her."

>Rainbow sits back and brushes her mane back.

>Eyes wide open.

>"So that's why you think the way you do. You remember a life without you."

>Anon slowly nods.

>"I'm sorry."

>Rainbow just grabs him and pulls him into a hug.

>"Don't be. I love you. You saw the future, a different one, big whoop. We got this future together now."

>"But I'm so scared that I'll destroy it for everypony. You almost died! That never happened in the visions. Had some close calls sure, but never this terrifyingly close."

>Dash starts to pat his head as Anon begins to blubber.

>First time you've seen him cry.

 

>Anon pushes away as he starts to babble.

>Oh wow, his voice is even cracking.

>"I stole everything from you. Your future. Your hard work. The Element of Loyalty."

>Dash is shaking her head, but Anon keeps going.

>"If anything, all I've done is hurt you even more. Damn if I do damn if I don't. I have screwed up everything!"

>He's outright adult pony cussing, and Dash isn't stopping him.

>"If anything, I can completely understand Celestia now. We both tried to change the future. Only I was arrogant enough to think I could do it better than her. The audacity of it all. Even the small scale stuff has blown up in my face. Scootaloo's and your relationship is different now. That might change what her cutie mark is. I'm trying to balance what I know and what I should do and falling short. I don't care if I have money now, magical power, or adult knowledge."

>Anon knows.

>He knows about your cutie mark!

>Diamond Tiara looks over to you and hushes you with a hoof.

>His voice has come down now, it strains with bitterness.

>"I'm trying to do what's right. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry."

>Rainbow envelops him with her wings.

>Then in a blink of an eye, she flies skywards with him.

>Leaving behind that rainbow trail.

>They disappear high above, and out of sight.

>For the moment, both you and Diamond are quiet.

>Until you break the silence.

"What did we just listen to?"

>Diamond jumps out of the bush and you amble behind her.

>"What we heard, doesn't get out."

"What?"

>"He knows Princess Celestia personally. She knows him and what he was just talking about. We talk, we're in trouble with her."

"But he knows my cutie mark."

>Diamond actually looks peeved at you.

>"Weren't you just listening? He has seen the future, he knows the future, and yet it scares him the most out of all of us. Of course you were going to get a cutie mark, we all will."

"But you--."

>"I give you hay because I don't like you. Of Course now your cutie mark is going to be different from what he saw. Probably will get one that's way lamer."

>Could knowing the future change what you were supposed to get?

>Anon seems to think so.

>And he was trying to help you in his own dumb way.

"He also knows you."

>Diamond looks away, with an angry grunt.

>"Yeah. Seems that way. Explains a lot with how he talks to me."

"Disdain? Uninterested? Annoyed? Even if he didn't see the future, he's seen how you act at school."

>"Get off your high horse, you've treated him worse."

>She pokes your chest rather hard.

"I'm not trying to win him, you are."

>Smack away the offending hoof and get back on your scooter.

"Have fun winning him over with that personality of yours. You got nothing else to offer him. Anything your family has, he already can get."

>Diamond's face actually starts to turn red with anger at that.

>"I'm not done yet."

"Call it quits before you embarrass yourself. Oh wait, you already did in front of the whole town."

>She stomps her hoof.

>"Real rich coming from you, blank flank."

 

>Be Anon, Rainbow Dash has yoinked you and is flying up into the skies.

>She's not going the absolute fastest she can possibly go, but she is still a speed demon.

>Her heart rate is barely ticking higher than normal.

>Wind is blowing past you like you're on a roller coaster.

>Throughout all this, she is holding you tightly and securely.

>Couldn't be any safer than this.

>Though not sure why she's doing this.

>Then she slows to a stop, just the two of you.

>Dash holds you out and has a fierce look in her eye.

>"You are not a fraud."

>That shuts you up.

>"Say it. 'I am not a fraud.'

>Bit down on your tongue.

>You can't.

>You don't believe it.

>"Nor are you a thief. That Rainbow Dash might be cool, but I got you and she will never have that. In my book, that is at least twenty percent more awesome."

>It is different living with her, rather than watching her.

>Technically you lived this life longer than you 'watched' it.

>"If you want to be a hero, we can do that. All that stuff you've seen, you don't have to do that alone. That Dash didn't, and I sure didn't as well."

"What if I mess up again? Make it worse?"

>"Eh."

>Dash flicks her mane back.

>"Guess I'll just have to punch that monster's lights out."

>Let's hope it doesn't come to that again.

>"Hey Anon."

"Hay does sound good."

>She rolls her eyes, but still smirks.

>"Hey Anon."

"Yes?"

>"I love you."

>Damn it, your squishy heart.

>"Now say it, 'I am not a fraud.'"

"I am not a fraud."

>Her ears flick back and forward.

>"Didn't really hear it that time. What did you say Anon?"

"I am not a fraud!"

>"Louder! I want the Wonderbolts to hear it all the way at their headquarters."

>Fluff your chest out and you take a deep breath.

"I. Am. Not. A. Fraud!"

>"Well it's a start. Something for you to think about Anon."

>Tilt your head as she lets you go allowing you to fly on your own.

>"Anypony can have foresight and most don't do anything about it. You went out of your way, and worked incredibly hard. That's all on you."

>Credit that to being a hyperactive young pegasus.

"Well good thing I take after you more than dad."

>She groans alongside you.

>"Don't remind me."

>Rainbow starts to laugh.

>"At least I can walk you through having a filly friend. I was worried you knew everything about everything. I want to enjoy being a mom."

"Could always have a second foal."

>"With who? I'm not having another one out of wed-lock again."

>Simply shrug at that.

>"Not too worried about it. One thing at a time. I haven't forgotten, you're still grounded. We have another early morning tomorrow."

"We can make this a regular thing. I don't mind working out with you."

>Not sure how long Zephyr will last.

>"Anon."

>Oh, is she going to say "I love you' again?"

>"Race you home."

>Before you can object, she's already dashed away.

"Get back here!"

>"Don't let your old mom beat you."

"You're not old!"

>"My hearing must be getting worse, I can't hear you eat my dust clouds!"

>You don't beat her home, but you don't mind.

 

"Hi family, we're home!"

>Dash and you walk into the house to find the rest of the kinfolk hanging out.

>Don't see Fluttershy, but she might be on her way back after putting her animals to bed.

>Of course, the two in your face are your Dash Grandparents.

>"That date went great Anon! You really swept Lily off her hooves. So when's the second date?"

>"That Lily filly was really sweet with ya, Anon! I knew you had a keen eye. So when's the second date?"

>Hold on, you didn't decide on her.

>Lily caught you, not that you're complaining.

>Bow and Windy are so happy with how today went.

>Well, that's their modus operandi when they're around Dash or you.

>What shuts them up quickly is a firm hug.

"Thanks for helping me out Grandma and Grandpa."

>"Aw. We love helping you Anon dear."

>"Warms the heart honey."

>Looking over their should at the other grandparents.

>Posey and Breeze smile softly.

>Also you can smell dinner.

>Posey's crispy hay hash brown casserole.

>Oh that's the good stuff.

"I didn't see you two today."

>Breeze does something odd, he looks away from you briefly.

>That pony thing ponies do when they're hiding something.

>Grandpa Shy is hiding something from you?

>That's a first, unless it's a surprise.

>"Oh well, I was adding on to your mother's home some extra rooms so we can all sleep here."

>Right, cloud houses have some neat benefits.

>Grandpa Shy is the master of cloud manipulation.

>Master retired craftspony.

>Dash nods.

>"I saw that on the way in, there should be plenty of bedding in the closet."

>No, that's all pretty normal.

>Tired brain can't think of anything.

>Posey leads you all into the dining room with the food hot and ready.

>"Fluttershy and Zephry should be here soon. So I heard Princess Cadance was in town."

>As you sit down, you actually see Bow and Windy frown.

>A rare expression.

>"She was! The princess came here to see Anon and we couldn't watch what happened!"

>Bow facehooves his face.