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- > Be Twilight Sparkle, going over some fascinating readings
- > Not just because this is the first time a stallion let you do a full body scan
- > But also because of who that stallion is
- "Anon, this is amazing! As far as I'm able to determine, you have no magical foci, nor a thaumaturgical membrane!"
- > He frowns
- > "And what would those be?"
- > You set your parchment aside and focus on him
- > Not that that is hard to do~
- "A magical focus is the part of your body that concentrates and manipulates the mana in your body."
- > "Like a unicorn's horn?"
- > You nod happily
- "Or earth pony bones, or pegasus feathers. As for the thaumaturgical membrane, it's a sort of barrier your body creates as you grow older. The membrane of a foal is almost non-existent, and so they are affected very easily by the currents and eddies of ambient magic. That's why they perform a lot of involuntary magic, they are trying to reduce the pressure on their foci by using up that magic. As you get older, your membrane grows and creates a sort of harbor for your foci, or perhaps a reservoir. It slows the ambient flow of magic into you, but you are able to retain more mana."
- > You realise that you have slipped into lecture mode
- > You give Anon a sheepish smile
- "I'm not boring you, am I?"
- > He shakes his head, a strange glint in his eye
- > "No, this is fascinating. So what you are saying is, I would need a magical focus to use magic, but even if I did, it would be prone to spontaneous spells, since I have no membrane."
- > You feel your heart sink as you remember why Anon asked for the full body scan in the first place
- "I'm sorry, Anon. I'm afraid you won't be able to use magic at all."
- > He shrugs
- > "It's probably because there is no magic where I come from, so I wouldn't grow the organs necessary to use it. I was expecting that, to tell the truth."
- > A thought occurs to you
- "Anon, there's something you should know. The thaumaturgical membrane also lets you resist spells. Since you don't have one..."
- > You frown, thinking of some of your creepier classmates from Canterlot
- "You wouldn't be able to resist a charm spell, or anything like that. Let me know if you suddenly feel strange, and don't believe in love at first sight with a unicorn. Especially if she doesn't seem surprised about it."
- > He raises his eyebrows
- > "Good to know. Is there some sort of ward, or anything that would protect against that?"
- > You chew on your lip, thinking
- "Crystals have something like a membrane, so if you wear some around your body, it should disrupt whatever spell they throw at you. Make sure you hide a few, the sort of mare that would try something is used to normal jewelry arrangements."
- > Anon nods thoughtfully
- > "Thanks Twilight, I'm glad I talked to you about it."
- > You smile
- "Glad to help!"
- > He gets up with a sigh that almost sounds indecent
- > "Sounds like I should visit a certain fabulous horse. See you around, Twilight."
- > You walk him to the door of the castle
- "Likewise, Anon. And if you ever want to know more about magic, just let me know!"
- > He chuckles
- > "I'll do that."
- > As he walks away, you eye his shifting posterior
- > ...
- > You do still have his body scan
- > Perhaps you could fabricate a pillow, as well as something for, ah, penetrating self-insight
- > Be Rarity, minding the counter
- > It is something of a slow day, as you are in the middle of the spring season of fashion
- > You pass the time sketching out designs on a pad, searching for inspiration
- > Then the door opens with a chime, and you put on your business smile
- "Welcome to Carrousel Beautique, where- oh, Anon, how may I help you?"
- > The tall janefilly smiles sheepishly
- > "Remember when I said your designs were too gaudy?"
- > You huff, partly sincere in your anger, however,
- > Delight bubbles up inside you
- > You can practically taste the fabulousity that is about to occur
- > But you absolutely must not let that show
- "I do remember you saying something of the sort."
- > You make a show of examining your forehoof
- "If you still feel that way, I can't imagine why you would be here."
- > Anon sighs
- > "I'm sorry Rarity, I didn't realise you were just trying to protect me."
- > You look up abruptly, searching his face for some sign of duplicity
- "Protect you?"
- > He nods
- > "I heard about charm spells from Twilight, and well..."
- > He shudders
- > The poor dear, to have been sheltered from the dark side of mares for so long, finding out must have been a shock
- > At once you realise the reason for his change of heart
- > You had hoped to get a little flirty with the measurements, but that would be in poor taste now
- "I understand completely, Darling. Now, there are few options for what you are looking for. If you want completely hidden protection, I can make something with very thin, flat gems sewn between two layers of cloth. It is significantly warmer that may be comfortable for you, however."
- > He nods
- > "I'll probably want some of those for winter."
- "Indeed. For warmer weather, the trade off is between how many of the gems will be in the open, and how many you can stand rubbing against your skin. I can hide a few in collars and hems and such, but for the most part, it's either comfort or more easily avoided protection."
- > Anon rubs his chin, considering
- > "Let's try one of each, and I'll see how I feel about it after wearing them around. How much would it be for one of each kind of outfit?"
- > You wave your hoof dismissively
- "I wouldn't dream of charging for your safety, Darling. Once we get you into something where you can feel safe, then we can start talking about prices and adding to your wardrobe."
- > He smiles softly at you
- > "Thank you, Rarity, I appreciate that."
- > Your heart beats ever so slightly faster at the sight
- > You do your best to ignore it, focusing instead on measurements and possible designs for Anonymous' unusual frame
- "You are quite welcome, Anonymous."
- > As the last word of the pleasantry leaves your lips, you devote yourself to the cause of Fabulousity once more
- > Be Roseluck, minding the shop
- > The bells on the door jingle as it opens, and you are not surprised to see that resident alien walk through the door, pulling his little shopping wagon
- "Welcome back, Anon. Thinking about adding to your flower garden?"
- > He smiles
- > "Got it in one. I figure I should have a large crop for when company comes by. I'm thinking tulips this time, twenty should be good."
- > You raise an eyebrow
- "You sure lilies wouldn't be better?"
- > He tilts his head at you
- > "Are they?"
- > You grin knowingly
- "Didn't you hear the rumor? A secret somepony has been planting flowers in the Ponyville cemetary. Imagine my surprise when I find that it's the same assortment as your flower garden."
- > Anonymous starts to sweat
- > "What a coincidence..."
- > You roll your eyes at his poor acting
- "Well, I think it's sweet. As a matter of fact, if I were ever to meet that special secret somepony, I might offer them a discount on their order."
- > He blinks
- > "Oh. Well, yes, I think I will buy the lilies then."
- > You head into the back and load up two trays of the potted flowers
- > As you do, you call over your shoulder
- "If you don't mind telling, what inspired your little project?"
- > You grab the first tray with your forehooves and totter back to the counter
- > Anon is looking down at his shirt, an understated black polo with actual emerald accents
- > "I've been on the receiving end of a lot of kindness here at Ponyville, and I thought this was something I could do to pay it back a little."
- > Not specifically to Rarity?
- > You have a chance, then
- > You smile at him
- "As I thought, you're just the sweetest thing."
- > He blushes, speechless
- > You set the tray before him and turn around, sashaying slightly on the way into the back room
- > When you return with the other set of flowers, he has recovered a little, but his cheeks are still noticiably pink
- > You regrettably return to business
- "That will be twenty bits, Anon."
- > He carefully counts out the money before setting it on the counter
- > "Thanks for this, Roseluck."
- > You sweep the bits into the register drawer with practiced ease
- > You lean your elbows on the counter and rest your chin on your hooves
- "Well, it's not like I don't get anything out of it. The cemetery is practically one big advertisement for my shop now."
- > He picks up the first tray, the muscles in his arms tensing in a way that makes you lick your lips
- > "Huh. Well, I'm glad it worked out that way."
- > He turns around and crouches as he sets the tray in his wagon
- > DatFlank.floralarrangement
- > He retrieves loads the second tray just as distractingly
- > "See you around, Roseluck. And thanks again."
- > You smile at the sweet stallion
- "No problem, Anon. And come around whenever you like, I can always use the company."
- > He nods and pushes on the door
- > "I'll take you up on that sometime."
- > With that he heads out into the street, door closing behind him
- > You sigh
- > One of these days you really should ask him out on a date
- > Oh well, you'll have plenty of chances later
- > For now you stow the receipt in the drawer and settle in to wait for the next customer
- > Be Fluttershy, heading home from town
- > A sparkle in the distance down the road catches your eye
- > You walk sedately towards it, wondering what it could be
- > As you draw closer, you recognize the tall, lanky figure
- > Sunlight glints off the small gems in his clothes pleasantly
- > You are glad for Anonymous
- > Ever since he got his new clothes from Rarity a few months ago, he has been much more confident
- > You never realized how much he was intimidated by magic users
- > In a strange way, you felt a certain kinship with him
- > If only you could overcome your fears so easily...
- > Oh!
- > That's right, you have to tell him about the thing
- > You trot towards him, mustering your courage
- "Hello, Anonymous."
- > He turns and smiles
- > "Good afternoon, Fluttershy. Doing well, I hope?"
- > You draw up along side him, trotting to keep up with his long strides
- "Oh yes, very well. And how have you been?"
- > "Can't complain. Oh, and the fish you got me were delicious, thank you."
- > You smile at him
- "I'm glad to hear that."
- > Silence falls for a moment as you try to find the least alarming words possible
- "Anonymous, I have something to tell you."
- > He raises his eyebrows
- > "Yes?"
- "My little friends told me about a new monster in the Everfree. I figured that since you also live pretty close, you should know."
- > He stops walking and looks at you with wide eyes
- > "Is it magical?"
- > Oh
- > This poor stallion, even with all his precautions, of course he is still afraid of magic
- > You smile reassuringly up at him
- "It might be, but don't worry. Twilight is tracking it down. I'm sure she can deal with. And, um..."
- > You feel your cheeks redden
- "If you like, you can stay with me until it's gone. If you want to."
- > You said it!
- > Aw yeah, you are so marely right now!
- > Anonymous smiles gratefully at you, tousling your mane with his hand
- > Mmmm, nice
- > "Thanks for the warning and the offer, Fluttershy. I think I'll trust in Twilight, and just stay away from the forest. That should be safe enough, right?"
- > Oh
- > Of course, moving in with a mare is kinda drastic, especially a colty mare like you
- > You manage a cheerful expression for Anonymous
- "You're right, you'll be fine just depending on Twilight."
- > You hold back a sigh
- > You wish you could be as powerful as Twilight, so that stallions could depend on you
- > Anonymous crouches down, wrapping you in his arms
- > You freeze, unsure what to do
- > He smells so nice
- > "Hey, if I do see that monster, I'll come straight to you, and you can use your stare on it, alright?"
- > You smile and return the hug, warmth blooming in your chest
- "Of course. You can depend on me."
- > He gives you an extra squeeze, mashing his chest against your tuft, then releases you
- > He stands up and gives your head a final pat, then starts off to his home
- > "See you around, Fluttershy!"
- > You wave to him
- "Y-you too!"
- > As you trot home, you hold your head up high
- > Maybe you don't have to be as powerful as Twilight, you can just be yourself
- > Be Twilight, scanning the Everfree
- > You don't have a lot to go on
- > Fluttershy's animal friends only told her two things; the monster leaves most of its pretty intact, and it smells like death
- > You aren't sure what that last part means
- > Does the monster eat mostly carrion? But why would it hunt and then eat so little?
- > Perhaps it's some sort of undead...
- > You pause
- > If it is, then a scan for gravesoil should lead you right to it
- > You recall the special composition, shift the parameters of the spell formula, then...
- > Your horn pulses
- > The chaotic nature of the Everfree interferes somewhat, but you can detect traces near the edge
- > As good a starting point as any
- > You glide to the largest response area
- > As you get closer, you feel uneasy
- > Isn't Anonymous' house out this way?
- > You flap your wings in earnest, hoping the monster hasn't gotten to him
- > You arrive within minutes, just as Anonymous heaves a large chest out of his house
- > You descend for a landing
- > Wait, doesn't he look bulkier than before?
- > And you've never seen that outfit before, white stripes and a guady assortment of colors in between
- > It's only when your hooves hit the ground that you understand
- > Anonymous sets the chest down at his feet, drawing what you suspect is a gem studded unicorn horn from his hip holster
- > The white stripes are bones, the colors are countless feathers
- > You feel sick
- "Anonymous, where did you get those..."
- > He grins, spreading his arms to more fully display his ghoulish suit
- > "Impressive, isn't it? Don't worry though, the cemetery was plenty for my purposes."
- > You shake your head
- "Anonymous, we have to return those bones to their rightful owners. They were not meant to be used this way. You are skirting too close to dark magic."
- > He frowns at you
- > "Yes, I thought you might say something like that. Well, give my regards to our friends."
- > Before you can speak, he waves the bejeweled horn and vanishes in a flash of light
- > You immediately cast a scrying spell on his astral tunnel, rapidly fading as it is
- > You follow through, bracing the structure with your own magic
- > You arrive several miles away from town, with Anon nowhere to be seen
- > You scry again for astral tunnels, finding one far above you, already dangerously small
- > He has too far a lead, and he knows where he is going
- > With a heavy heart, you return to Ponyville
- > You have a letter to send to Celestia
- > From time to time as the months turn into years, you hear news of Gravelord Incognito
- > Tales of heroism, accounts of war crimes, cities saved and treasures stolen
- > He even shows up under a different name in a recent Daring Do novel
- > Fluttershy, the poor mare, keeps his house clean
- > You knew she had a thing for him, but even so...
- > Be Fluttershy, in Anonymous' bedroom
- > His scent lingers deliciously
- > You lay sprawled on the bed, huffing at his pillow
- > Your ears prick at the clatter of bones on wood
- > At once, you leap out of bed and glide down the stairs to the entry hall
- > You arrive as Anon finishes tucking his suit into the hidden closet by the door
- > You lean against the wall, standing on your hind legs nonchalantly like a cool marely mare
- > He stands, sweat glistening on his bare skin
- > Mmmm, mama likes~
- > He gives you a warm smile
- > "Honey, I'm home."
- "Welcome home honey. Now give me some sugar."
- > He leans in and kisses you, filling you with love, confidence, and a little tongue
- > You respond in kind, the only mare marely enough to tame this wild stallion
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