/bootleg/ Jacky Part Eight


                                            >"We gotta get Sparks... Sparks and..."

                                            >Jacky dropped onto her 'bed': a collection of loose fabrics, discarded garments and scavenged blankets

                                            >Faint Prism watched her little sister collapse

                                            >They weren't going to recover from this

                                            >She knew this

                                            >They had scraped by for so long, and had ultimately accomplished so little beyond filling their bellies and gaining a reputation

                                            >Prism was not fond of her reputation

                                            >Her wings were her one saving grace, and they were now broken

                                            >Half in sheer shock and of acceptance of her fate, she left the only consistent home she knew

                                            >The two ponies were gone

                                            >The food was gone too

                                            >This was all because of those two unicorns

                                            >She sat down, the poise she had built up for years crumbling in seconds

                                            "You can't have taken this from me... not when there's nothing to even show for it."

                                            >She didn't bother to look for Sparking Shine

                                            >The rowdy unicorn was never meant for much, Prism knew that much

                                            >She was an extra pair of hooves, a source of magic, and a necessary distraction for Jacky

                                            >The only issue is that if her body is found nearby, they'll have to come up with an excuse

                                            >Prism's lip quivers

                                            >If she goes back inside and finds that Jacky isn't moving...

                                            >She can't think that

                                            >But she is

                                            >It's too difficult to stay strong when there's no one to be strong for

                                            >"Did you get any food out of all of this?"

                                            >It's one of the unicorns

                                            >Not Sparking, but the other

                                            >A green pony, with a black mane

                                            >She looks like she's been kicked around, but her injuries pale in comparison to Jacky's

                                            "Do you see any food here?"

                                            >The green stranger looks around before shrugging

                                            >"I guess not."

                                            >She had appeared seemingly out of nowhere and claimed to just some sort of vagabond

                                            >Jacky was happy to have a new friend so Prism let it slide

                                            >She had even brought food a few times

                                            "I don't need food... I need medicine."

                                            >"For your wing?"

                                            "No. Let my wings rot. Jacky needs help."

                                            >Prism speaks with the confidence of someone who knows that she's already dead

                                            >"Can medicine really fix what happened?"

                                            "It has to."

                                            >Something about the unicorn's facial expression is unsettling

                                            >Despite getting roughed up and running away from the fight, she's acting like nothing bad happened

                                            >"I can help."

                                            "And your cost?"

                                            >Everyone had a price

                                            >To offer themselves, or their services, there was always something they wanted in return

                                            >The only time Prism had ever seen otherwise was when Jacky helped her

                                            >Of course, she always helped Jacky without hesitation

                                            >They were the only ones who they could trust

                                            >Even if Jacky didn't know better, Prism did

                                            >"My cost?"

                                            >The unicorn sounded amused

                                            >Disgustingly so

                                            >"Nothing. Besides, you don't have anything to really offer, do you?"

                                            >Prism looked down at the blood-stained cobblestone

                                            >"Let me rephrase... you don't have anything to offer that I could want."

                                            >She spoke with an even more vile tone

                                            "Help her."

                                            >"And what about you?"

                                            "I don't care what happens to me."

                                            >Prism replied without hesitation

                                            >She was a dead pony walking

                                            >She had been for as long as she could remember

                                            >But Jacky had a chance, a future

                                            >That chance had to survive

                                            >"Iiiiiii see. What about Sparking?"

                                            "Am I supposed to care about her now?"

                                            >"I suppose not..."

                                            "Help her. Before it's too late."

                                            >Time was running out

                                            >Jacky had taken a few bumps to the head before, but she always recovered

                                            >She was strong, ever since she was a filly

                                            >Strong enough where she probably didn't even need Prism to survive

                                            "I'm begging you."

                                            >Those last words caused something to dislodge itself from the guardian's throat

                                            >She fell over, her energy finally drained

                                            >Her eyes focused on the blood clot that Jacky expelled

                                            >"Alright, I'll take care of her. But you gotta remember that you asked for this. Don't get mad at me."

                                            >Faint Prism's eyes focused on the blood clot

                                            >She listened to the unicorn move toward the sewer entrance

                                            >She tried to speak again, but she couldn't bring herself to muster the power

                                            >Prism's vision started to blur

                                            >And then fade


                                            >"LET'S GET READY TO RUUUUUUUMBLLLLLLLLE!"

                                            >Prism snorts and jerks her head up

                                            >It was that dream again

                                            >Sounds like Jacky

                                            >"IN THIS CORNER, THE PONY THAT BRINGS HOME THE BALOGNA, THE RED HOT RUMBLER HERSELF, SPARKING SHIIIIIIIIIIIIINE!"

                                            >After a moment of silence, she can hear what sounds like a pre-recorded series of cheers

                                            >"AAAAAAAAAND IN THIS CORNER! THE MAN WITH THE PLAN, HAS TWO HANDS AND KICKS SAND, AHHHHHHHHHH-NOOOOOOOOOOON!"

                                            >Kicks sand?

                                            >"Kicks sand?"

                                            >Anon's voice comes up

                                            >"Yeah, well... you know. It rhymes."

                                            >"See, she gave you a crummy intro because you're going to lose."

                                            >Sparking speaks up

                                            >They must be having another little gaming competition

                                            >Though it took time, she was warming up to the unicorn

                                            >She was warming up to Anon too

                                            >Or trying to

                                            >She understood that he was going through things she couldn't hope to replicate

                                            >She wanted to be on a better level with him, if only for Jacky's sake

                                            >"You kidding me? I get the worse intro, I'm the underdog, that means it'll mean that it'll be a huge upstart when I win! I didn't even get an applause!"

                                            >"Oh... crap..."

                                            >The applause audio starts back up, but it doesn't start at the beginning

                                            >The illusion isn't nearly as convincing, even she can tell

                                            >"...thanks Jack."

                                            >"Ah... sorry... uh, ANYWAY. MAN VERSUS MARE. TWO LEGS VERSUS FOUR. LET'S SETTLE THIS LIKE TRUE WARRIORS AND GET IT ON!"

                                            >A blasting song out of nowhere starts

                                            >Or, more like they unmuted the TV

                                            >It sounds like one of those fighting games

                                            >In no time at all, mutual trash talking erupts

                                            >Prism pulls herself up, sitting in the living room

                                            >Anon has so many blankets and pillows that she was able to more or less recreate their home

                                            >As much as a home could be when it was a dry, relatively scent-less section of tunnel

                                            >Part of her wants to join in

                                            >To be one of the gang

                                            >Something stops her from moving

                                            >She always feels so weak after those dreams

                                            >Like the dream never ended

                                            >Her wings ruffle

                                            >Of course, they're fine

                                            >She's examined them time and time again, and every time they're completely fine

                                            >Maybe a little stiff from not being used

                                            >They still shimmer too

                                            >She used to be so proud of them

                                            >Anon seemed impressed too

                                            >That little bracelet they cobbled together for him sent him over the moon

                                            >Of course, the headband and necklace were... interesting to see

                                            >Same with the garter she still kept on her hind leg

                                            >It was relatively so little, and took hardly any time at all to make

                                            >But everyone enjoyed it

                                            >Maybe that was enough

                                            >Prism nudged a few blankets into place and laid back down

                                            >"EAT MY HORN, LOSER!"

                                            >"EAT MY LOSER, HORN!"

                                            >"THE SALT IS FLOWING! AS GOD AS MY WITNESS, SHE'S BROKEN IN HALF!"

                                            >"SHUT UP, I'M STILL-"

                                            >"DEAD, FUCK YEAH!"

                                            >The mocking, anguished, excited screams fill the apartment

                                            >It's comforting, in it's own way

                                            >Jacky is happy

                                            >Sparking may as well be a new pony

                                            >And Anon...

                                            >Anon is keeping everything together

                                            >She is thankful for him

                                            >And maybe even thankful to the other unicorn

                                            >No one seems to talk about her

                                            >The name is difficult to remember

                                            >She isn't even sure if she does remember it

                                            >Maybe it was just her imagination, reaching out for anything

                                            >But maybe it happened

                                            >Or maybe her dream was nothing except a dream

                                            "...N..."

                                            >It wasn't worth worrying, surely

                                            >Otherwise she would know the name


                                            >Sparking Shine usually has her video games

                                            >Jacky has her movies and music

                                            >But they both also have Anon

                                            >Prism knew well that they got along swimmingly

                                            >And that she was the odd mare out

                                            >Perhaps it wasn't by active measure but more merely personality affinity

                                            >Jacky was more than happy to roughhouse, as she always was

                                            >Sparking hated getting hurt but the pair bickered and fought as often as they got along

                                            >As much as they could have gotten along, given circumstances in the past

                                            >To an extent, Prism felt left out

                                            >Like sometimes her only true friend had forgotten her

                                            >The smile she wore was greater and brighter than anything the pegasus had ever seen before

                                            >It didn't hurt to see her smile in such a way

                                            >It just hurt that she wasn't the cause of it

                                            >It didn't hurt nearly as severely as it did before

                                            >Maybe it was just a fact she had to work around

                                            >She wasn't out of the fight just yet

                                            >"YAHAR ME HEARTIES!"

                                            >Prism grimaced

                                            >Anon got a new bottle of alcohol

                                            >Of course he would guzzle it quite freely and proudly

                                            >Jacky followed him nearly gulp for gulp

                                            >She didn't understand how such a smaller body could contain so much of the spirits

                                            >Maybe it was because she was always trying to be in high spirits

                                            >"GUT ALL YE SCHALLYWAGS WHO DON'T BOW TO THE CREW OF ONE PLUS TWO!"

                                            >Oh no

                                            >Sparking joined in on the drinking

                                            >The trio stomp out from around the corner, in the hallway

                                            >Anon's wearing a green bandana

                                            >Jacky has a yellow one around her head, leaving her ears poking out and a fluff of her hair coming out to cover half of her face

                                            >Sparking's red bandana is lopsided, going over one of her eyes

                                            >"THE BIRD. YAR SHE BLOWS."

                                            "Blows?"

                                            >Like a pair of minions, the two ponies from behind him spring forward!

                                            >Sparking leaps first, emitting what could only generously be called a warcry

                                            >Prism ducks to the side, missing contact by a hair

                                            >From the sound of it, she landed fine on a pillow

                                            >"YOO-HOO, YAR-HAR, A PIRATE SHIP IS JUST THE WATER EQIUVALENT OF A CAR!"

                                            >Jacky stopped her assault to do a small wiggle of a jig

                                            >When she saw that the rhyme and dance only caused a smirk on the pony, she crossed her eyes and let out a cry

                                            >She rammed her head forward, only to be stopped by the one trick Prism always had up her sleeve

                                            >Up her wing, rather

                                            >It WAS her wing!

                                            "Pegashield! Brigands like you can't even afford my down!"

                                            >As quick as Prism deployed the wing, Jacky slowed her motion down to a crawl

                                            >She slowed and deepened her yowl, only to gently slide her face into the bundle of wings

                                            >With the most minor of flaps, Jacky flung herself back as dramatically as she could

                                            >Thankfully her nearly backflipping ended up with her face sliding along a quilt

                                            >She thunked to the floor gracelessly, which wasn't surprising because she could only control so much of herself for slow motion

                                            >Anon glared at her

                                            >"Aye... you've done goofed now, lass. FOR I WILL SLAY YE AND CLAIM MY BOOTY!"

                                            >Sparking snickered behind Prism, insisting on staying laid out

                                            "If you think you can... try me. Your prized pony crew haven't harmed a hair on my head. What could a human captain do?"

                                            >"I'LL... DO THIS!"

                                            >He whips out something from his back pocket in his shorts

                                            >It's... a small length of metal with a rubber grip and a... brush at the end?

                                            >Like it's an ancient art, he pulls his arms out while holding onto the rod

                                            >It extends to four times its original length

                                            >"SCRATCHING BACKS, BACKING SCRATCHES, I'LL USE YOUR FUR IN MY SAIL PATCHES!"

                                            >Wielding the extendable back scratcher like a claymore, he steps menacingly toward her

                                            >The crazed look in his eye tells her that he isn't the same human that so intently dismissed her when they had a chance to speak

                                            >The crazed look in his eye also told her that he had drank more than what was his norm

                                            >The cheering from minutes earlier must have had something to do with it

                                            >"EAT THIS!"

                                            >Anon rears back and swings overhead

                                            >His swing is as slow as Jacky's attempted skull crusher of a headbutt

                                            >"Captain, noooooooooooooooooooooo...!"

                                            >Jacky holds up a shaky hoof, holding onto the 'ooo' note as long as she could

                                            >"Avenge meeeeeeeee...!"

                                            >Sparking has a rougher time trying to hold her 'eee' tone, her voice audibly trembling

                                            >The stereo sound of the girls letting out their own earworms could only last so long

                                            >Surely

                                            >Anon's blade of itch eradication stops three quarters of the swing

                                            >Amused, he shifts his attention to the two ponies

                                            >Both of them are making rather awkward faces, trying to hold onto their note for as long as required

                                            >Prism notices his viewing and smirks

                                            "Waiting for something?"

                                            >He pivots the rubber grip in his fingers, presumably to scratch his back

                                            >"They can really hold a note, can't they..."

                                            "Must be all that singing..."

                                            >As quiet as they were, it was no doubt impossible to listen to normal words when screeching such sounds

                                            >Both of them admired the dedication

                                            >The eyes closed

                                            >The warbling voices

                                            >After almost a full minute of listening to their voices fail, Anon clears his throat

                                            >It half sounds like an attempt at a roar

                                            >Immediately the two subordinates stop and look at him

                                            >"Let's parley. Better to not spill blood when not needed, aye?"

                                            >"Aye... aye-aye, cap'n!"

                                            >Jacky closes her eyes when she speaks up, her throat thoroughly put through its paces

                                            >"Blech... I'll survey this pillow here."

                                            >Sparking sounds gassed, like she was giving it her all

                                            >Anon sits down, crossing his legs and putting his hand on his knee

                                            >The gesture makes him look a bit more bigger than he is

                                            >"Aye... grab the Stoke. First mate Shiny be defeated. But she never flee, see...?"

                                            >He squints at Prism as he speaks

                                            >She would have to admit that all of this is rather entertaining for being impromptu

                                            >They had been goofing around for the better half of an hour prior so they must have had something to build up to

                                            >"AYE AYE!"

                                            >Jacky cries out with her eyes closed, fighting through the croaking in her throat

                                            >She wobbles to her hooves and wanders off after a hard, quick yawn and a shake of the head

                                            >Prism peeks over Anon's slumped shoulder, watching her wander off back to the bedroom with less than keen dexterity

                                            >He sighs

                                            >He seems relaxed

                                            >Certainly more relaxed than he's been for days now, probably longer

                                            "Letting off some steam and playing around, I see?"

                                            >"What can I say, it's not rum but I was feeling a little like a scallywag."

                                            "I can tell. Enjoying Jacky's haircut?"

                                            >Anon holds up a straight finger, leaning into the palm planted on the side of his knee

                                            >"I will have you know that it is indeed a work in progress... and that the more messy it is, the more appeal there is for various enterprises."

                                            >Prism's smile crinkles and her eyes narrow

                                            >She isn't displeased but it is a little more information than she would like to know

                                            >Presuming she knew what he was referring to

                                            >And presuming what he was referring to was what she was thinking of to begin with

                                            "I see... well. What would you like to parley about?"

                                            >Anon gives the pegasus a stern glare

                                            >One that looks like genuine frustration or anger

                                            >As soon as it comes up, he shrugs

                                            >"Iunno. I thought you were being left out."

                                            "I don't mind. The alcohol you have is... certainly stronger than what I've had before."

                                            >She did sneak into a handful of small, upper-class parties

                                            >Back when the trio were far more ambitious and had stars in their eyes

                                            >After having been swat down one times too many, and far harder than usual, Prism made sure that they didn't try anything again

                                            >Jacky was almost never punished or harmed from their schemes and attempts

                                            >Prism would never admit it to anyone

                                            >She broke her body for Jacky

                                            >Even now, when she was sure that there was no pain

                                            >Part of her just couldn't let go of the stiff, stinging sensations that came with certain movements

                                            >She was proud of it

                                            >It was the sort of pride that came with the understanding that it could never be uttered in public, or to any living soul

                                            >That pride kept her going

                                            >The pride of not just being Jacky's best friend, not just her sister for all intents and purposes, but to be her shield from harm

                                            >She was the pony's shield from some of the most vile, disgusting, sadistic evils of the world

                                            >The world as she saw it, anyway

                                            >The world as they experienced it

                                            >The limited world that they couldn't escape, no matter how hard they tried

                                            >Prism shook her head

                                            "I have had alcohol before we came to you. Can't say I'm a fan."

                                            >She smiles at him, as if that were that

                                            >"Ah... well dang. I suppose that's fair. Shine doesn't have a stomach for it but that's nothing a little peer pressure can't fix, eh?"

                                            >He waits for an answer

                                            >Prism twists her head around to look at the plundering unicorn

                                            >She's out like a light, with the bandana over both of her eyes

                                            "Well now... you're down one crew."

                                            >"Aye... it sure seems that way, doesn't it. Well, bless her for that dive, truly magical."

                                            >Who would have thought that a pony like Sparking Shine would ever end up in such a lofty position in life?

                                            >And yet she seemed to hunger for more still

                                            >Prism wasn't jealous, and didn't pity her

                                            >She really didn't feel anything at all

                                            >Maybe a twinge of companionship, when they sang and danced for Anon

                                            >An appropriate reward for his deeds, of course

                                            >She worried that she was just too worn down, and remembered their clashes too well to put them behind her

                                            "Yes... I'm happy she's here. I can't imagine her being happier anywhere else."

                                            >"Thanks, I suppose. You know, you're making me sober. JACKY, WHERE BE THE LIQUID GROG FOR MOTION SLOG?!"

                                            >Jacky let out a wooping mix of... syllables from what could only be presumably his room

                                            >"...well I guess she's taking a bit of a break too."

                                            "Well you are quite the slaver driver of a captain."

                                            >"Aye... aren't we all?"

                                            >Maybe

                                            >None of them would ever be playing so roughly and so freely, if she had her say so

                                            >Of course, there was no plans to pour over or thefts to attempt

                                            >To an extent, Prism felt like she just couldn't let go of her own life

                                            >How could she?

                                            >How could anyone ever get over what had happened in the past?

                                            >These thoughts and more swirled around the pony's mind

                                            >She was nothing if not a thinker

                                            >It allowed her to stay one step ahead in most situations, even when her body refused to follow her commands

                                            >Despite the constant questions and probes, her smile remained

                                            >He didn't seem to notice that at all about her

                                            >Good

                                            "You don't drink all that often... is there a special situation?"

                                            >"Aye! Christmas in two days! I've gifts to give, work to not go to, on account of the white blight out yonder, and time to sleep in!"

                                            >His boisterous voice and vague accent starts to peel off but he still seems amicable

                                            "I see... that is a lot of good news."

                                            >Before she can tell why or when, Anon lurches over

                                            >He holds her in a tight hug, both of his arms squeezing her wings to her body

                                            "...can... can I help you?"

                                            >"I love you, D."

                                            >What in the world caused this revelation!?

                                            >"You're my friend. I'm sorry I'm not the easiest to talk to at times, and it seems like I keep a lot of things locked inside. I just try to do what I can to make sure I don't drag anyone here down. For a friend like you, I would gladly ride a train to hell, and endure whatever flames may bake me for your wellbeing."

                                            >He releases her from the bear hug

                                            >Part of her wishes that the hug could have continued

                                            >"Same with Shine an' Jack. For all of you, my sword and my rifle are there for your just cause. Anything less is a false fluke of friendship that I wouldn't wish on even my worst enemy."

                                            >She can't help but feel an air of finality from him

                                            >She's felt this sort of seriousness before

                                            >This tone and weight wasn't unfamiliar, but it was alien

                                            >What did she ever do to warrant such fealty?

                                            "...this is the alcohol speaking, isn't it."

                                            >Anon rears himself back and then lurches forward, waggling a finger

                                            >"Yes... and no. This sort of good stuff doesn't make me say anything fake. I just feel more boisterous. What man could drink such substance and not feel pride for what value he has in his life? If he wouldn't fight for such sustaining ideals and relations, what would he fight for? What could he fight for?"

                                            >For all of his words, she seems to understand his point

                                            >Probably

                                            >Some of it sounds similar to her

                                            >"I know you have secrets. I know that as the older sibling, you've gone through hell and stepped on landmines so those younger to you can stay innocent and safe for longer."

                                            >His smile widens as he say that

                                            >But he's not looking at her

                                            >It's like he's looking at something that only he could perceive

                                            "E... excuse me? And how do you know that?"

                                            >"Because, I'm an older brother! And older brothers and sisters like us, we're aware."

                                            >His smile fades

                                            >But the look in his eye remains

                                            >"I... suppose I should say that I was an older brother."

                                            >His eyes slide down to Prism's face

                                            >The growing wetness behind his eyes causes her to avert her gaze

                                            >"Cherise the bonds you've forged through fire and pain. You forsook tools, shortcuts and sacrificed only yourself. You were the brains and the invisible guiding hand. Only you could give the best advice."

                                            "I... think you should either get some rest or try to at least ease off of the drink."

                                            >"Aye... my first mate will keep you captive."

                                            "If Sparking Shine is your first mate, then what is Jacky?"

                                            >Anon mumbles something and scratches the side of his face

                                            >That mumbling turns to a cheerful laugh

                                            >"Ah... she's my right hand. Where I go, she goes. There's no rank when it comes to her and I."

                                            >He's certainly more earnest than normal

                                            >"Anyway... a captain drinks with his right hand! Haha!"

                                            >He stumbles to get up

                                            >Fails

                                            >Tries to get up again

                                            >Succeeds

                                            >And awkwardly gets to his feet

                                            >He sighs like he let off some massive weight and stumbles off

                                            >Or maybe the sigh was him putting back on a weight

                                            >Prism watches him wander off, her ear flickering and twitching to listen to Sparking snore

                                            >She had worried that Jacky may have told him something about her

                                            >But... maybe he had a point

                                            >He had lost his little siblings, in a way

                                            >He was a big brother as much as she was a big sister

                                            >If he didn't have them, what would he have left

                                            >More so, if she didn't have Jacky, what would she have left?

                                            "...I suppose there are more similarities than I gave him credit for...big brother Anon, hm?"

                                            >She smiled

                                            >There was no way he could have done so much good

                                            >Not compared to her

                                            >If she had nothing else, she knew that she succeeded in her every effort


                                            >Prism enjoyed sleeping in beds

                                            >But they weren't her favorite

                                            >The firm, solid floor was something solid for her to spread out on

                                            >She didn't have to worry about falling off

                                            >And she could share her space without having to worry about constraint

                                            >"Hey... hey Faint Prism."

                                            >Prism nuzzled the blanket that she used as a pillow

                                            >After balling it up and mashing it flat, it was the best

                                            >"Hey.. pspspspspst... look at me."

                                            >Who could be bothering her?

                                            >It doesn't sound like it's Anon

                                            >Or either of the other two girls

                                            >Groaning, she barely opens one of her eyes

                                            >The one in her face is a human... possibly?

                                            >With a big, long red cap that has white fur on it

                                            >And a big, long beard that obscures the face

                                            >"Hey... ho ho ho."

                                            "WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!"

                                            >Her wings shoot out and her body goes stiff

                                            >"Wait, no... shit, hold on..."

                                            >Her scream continues, eyes locked to the panicked human

                                            >"No... presents... fuck, be quiet, or you'll wake them up!"

                                            "JACKY HELP ME!"

                                            >Her tone was so full of genuine fear that the bearded human recoiled back

                                            "JACKY IT'S AN INTRUDER! SPARKING, PLEASE!"

                                            >"No, shit, fu..."

                                            >The human scrambles off, leaving through the front door with a slam

                                            >Jacky stumbles out of Anon's bedroom, with Sparking in tow

                                            >"Wha happened? What was that slam?"

                                            >Jacky's cautious and half-alert

                                            >The unicorn doesn't even bother to open her eyes, taking tiny steps to stop from bumping into somethingi

                                            >Prism finally manages to stand up, running toward the front door

                                            "HE WAS HERE, AND THEN HE-"

                                            >The front door opens

                                            >Prism nearly screams again... at the sight of Anon

                                            >Anon holding a bag

                                            >"Geeze... some big guy in red just ran past me. Crazy times."

                                            "Anon! Thank goodness, you saw him!? He was in here, he was in my face an-"

                                            >"Nah, don't worry about it. That was just Santa Claus."

                                            >Anon closes the door behind him, preventing any pony from giving chase

                                            >Not that two thirds of them seem to care

                                            >"Anyway, enough about him, I have presents!"

                                            >That finally makes the the unicorn perk up enough to open her eyes

                                            >"Presents? Why?"

                                            >"Because... Christmas!"

                                            >That comment makes Jacky perk up next

                                            >""It's Christmas again? Awesome!"

                                            >She bounds off to the living room but she's the only one who seems to understand that

                                            >"Come again?"

                                            "Presents? This is no time for presents, Anon someone broke i-"

                                            >"Yeah yeah, I saw him. Don't worry about him, he's gone."

                                            >Something about this is... off

                                            >Prism follows behind the human, her energy spike starting to taper off

                                            >Anon sits across from Jacky

                                            >Sparking sits right of Jacky

                                            >Prism sits right of Sparking

                                            >All of the ponies look tired to some degree

                                            >Anon looks wide awake

                                            >Excited even

                                            >"So... presents. First off, Jackonaught!"

                                            >She puffs out her chest when her name is called

                                            >He pulls out two nondescript boxes that are covered in flamboyant red and green... paper?

                                            >Two are set down in front of her

                                            >"Next, our very own Shiner..."

                                            >He produces two more box... but one is obviously bigger than either of Jacky's

                                            >The smug unicorn chuckles with a sly grin, like she won the contest of bigger boxes

                                            >"And, of course... D-live rocker."

                                            >What did he just call her?

                                            >The two remaining boxes he pulls out are...

                                            >Well, they really aren't any bigger

                                            >They're actually rather small, in relation to Sparking's one big box

                                            >At least they're all covered in the same wrapping

                                            >"So... that Santa guy threw these at me on his way out. I don't know what's in them so... I guess we just gotta see what's in them!"

                                            >That's really all that needed to be said

                                            >Jacky was quick to almost headbutt her presents, tearing at them with reckless abandon

                                            >Sparking's magic causes the wrapping to pull apart in a quick whirlwind of red

                                            >Even though she isn't physically touching it, she seems to enjoy the destruction

                                            >A little less worried if that Santa character really did have intent on giving them gifts, Prism got started on her boxes too

                                            >Anon beamed at the trio ripping and shredding

                                            >All of the boxes, when stripped from their wrapping, lack detail

                                            >Normal white boxes

                                            "This is... interesting."

                                            >"Gotta open them, bonehead."

                                            >Prism couldn't help but notice that Anon has no presents of his own

                                            "Where are your presents, Anon?"

                                            >"Me? Ah... eh, Santa said they were on the way. But don't worry about me, check them out!"

                                            >Jacky opened one of her boxes and let out a squealing... noise of joy

                                            >The sound was completely alien to her

                                            >She brought up the box's contents with her front hooves, revealing... her?

                                            >Not her

                                            >The fur and mane colors are inverted

                                            >And thee little western-style hat on the plushy doll is brown

                                            >"IT'S MA!"

                                            >She hugs the doll as tight as she can

                                            >The doll lets out it's own squeak

                                            >The doll squeaks...?

                                            >"AND MA SQUEEE-EE-EE-EEEAKS!"

                                            >She falls over to the side, hugging the doll repeatedly

                                            >It's maybe half as big as her

                                            >It looks well-made too

                                            >"Jack, don't forget your other present."

                                            >Anon's smiling as wide as he can but he's managing to hold it together in front of her

                                            >Unable to control herself, she flings herself onto the other box and effectively vaporizes it

                                            >She holds open the contents: a folded up... blanket?

                                            >Anon pries it from her mouth and unfolds it

                                            >"Poncho. Same pattern as Blondie's, so now with this and your hat..."

                                            >Jacky neighs some sort of response and leaps at him, knocking him clear over

                                            >The two start talking over each other in an audible mosaic

                                            >Prism looks over to Sparking

                                            "...have you seen her this happy before? I really... I'm sort of at a loss for words."

                                            >"Yeah... she told me that Christmas was supposed to be a big fancy deal with family. But last year they didn't really do anything."

                                            "...well, shall we open your presents next?"

                                            >"Sure. But I don't really know what would really make me all that excited..."

                                            >Their attention shifts back to Anon

                                            >He flings Jacky back, with the poncho equipped

                                            >It's orange with a yellow pattern sewn into it all over

                                            >She lands on her back and scrambles around until she captures the Applejack doll

                                            >She coils around it and gives it a Jacky-strength squeeze

                                            >It squeaks in what could only be presumed glee

                                            >Or pain

                                            >Even if she wasn't frail, Prism wouldn't want an extra-strength Jacky Squeeze

                                            >"So... I think she's happy. Alright Shine, you're up."

                                            >Sparking shrugs and opens the smaller box first

                                            >"Alright but I don't know wha-WHOA!"

                                            >The smaller box's contents raise up into the air

                                            >It's a red hat with yellow lettering

                                            >The lettering says "GET SMOKED"

                                            >She lifts it up and places it onto her head, in awe

                                            >It doesn't fit well due to her horn

                                            >"Hold on, let's..."

                                            >Anon leans forward and turns the cap backwards before settling it on her head

                                            >It still doesn't fit well since it was presumably made for humans but her horn keeps it in place

                                            >"That's some pro gamer gear right there, Shine. Trash talk, fashion, and it hangs off your head like.... a... well, like a hat on a horse."

                                            >Sparking rears back onto her hind legs, front legs shaking

                                            >"I WILL BRING THE FIRE!"

                                            >From what she has heard and see, Sparking certainly fits the description of someone that would wear... a hat like that

                                            >Her red aura starts to undulate from her body

                                            >"GET SMOKED, BOX!"

                                            >The bigger white box gets shredded apart so quickly it practically explodes

                                            >The confetti of thin, white cardboard reveals her second present

                                            >A...

                                            "...what is that?"

                                            >"A fight stick controller. Allows you to play fighting games and stuff like you're in an arcade. A lot of pros actually use those rather than normal controllers. Since you have magic and all, I guess ergonomics don't mean a lot... but hey, just in case, right?"

                                            >A vicious grin spreads on the unicorn's face

                                            >"Oh Anon... I'm going to beat the crap out of you with this... you can't hope to win now."

                                            >The gaming pad lifts up, covered in red

                                            >She gallops out of the living room at full speed, cackling like she was gifted a death machine

                                            >The last thing Prism could see was the 'GET SMOKED' text on her new hat

                                            >A small cloud of cardboard confetti followed in her wake

                                            "...oh dear..."

                                            >"Yeah... I'm an enabler. But joke's on her because she'll have to get used to the control layout and she can't steal intel on that from me because I never got around to using one."

                                            >He gives the pegasus a knowing smirk, like he outwitted his opponent

                                            >"Anyway... yeah. Your turn."

                                            "Well, I suppose I should prepare myself for any embarrassing acts of..."

                                            >The first box she nudged open was filled to the brim with bottles, jars, and even a big brush

                                            >"A few scented oils, shampoos and stuff for fur/mane/hair care and... a brush. For wings too, maybe? I'm... not sure how wings work. Or how you deal with them. So I'd hope that you'd know how to mess with these in the best way."

                                            >Prism nudges through the bottles

                                            >A lot of them are pretty scattershot when it comes to scents and themes

                                            >Some sound far more appealing than others

                                            "That's... that's very thoughtful of you. Thank you."

                                            >"Yeah, sure, don't worry about it. And then your second one too..."

                                            >Intrigued by what he could come up with next, she nudges the top off the second box off with her hoof

                                            >Inside is a rectangle

                                            "What... what's this again?"

                                            >He reaches inside and holds it up

                                            >It has a glass pane in the center and has some sort of wood lettering that says 'Sisters' on top and 'Always best friends' on the bottom

                                            >"Picture frame! Granted, we gotta get a picture but... you know, for you and Jack. Pictures are important, right? So with something like this, it'll just be really nice."

                                            "Oh... Anon, that's..."

                                            >"Merry Christmas."

                                            >As wholesome as the moment is, it's broken when they can both hear Jacky squeezing her doll

                                            >"...I don't think she's paying attention."

                                            "...so is that doll meant for people, because...?"

                                            >"Of the squeaker? No... it's for dogs."

                                            "You bought Jacky... a dog toy."

                                            >"I bought Jacky... a Jacky toy."

                                            >He points a pair of finger guns at the unicorn and smiles wide

                                            >A squeak from the Applejack toy just seems to cap it off

                                            >Unable to help herself, Prism bursts out in modest laughter

                                            "Ooooh boy... we're going to hear that squeaking forever, aren't we."

                                            >"Yes. Yes we are."

                                            "Ahhh. Thank you Anon."

                                            >"Ho ho ho, D."

                                            >Prism's warm feeling turns to an icy chill that bolts down her entire body

                                            "W... what was that, Anon?"

                                            >"Nothing, D. Merry Christmas."

                                            >"ANON! HOW DO I GET THIS THING TO WORK?!"

                                            >"Aaaand that is my cue... make sure she doesn't eat her ma, too much, ok?"

                                            >Anon slips into a rising step and heads to his room

                                            >Presumably to spend the rest of the morning playing games with Sparking

                                            >"Yeah yeah, you won't be able to win with it anyway. But let's see what buttons do what."

                                            >Left alone with the hugging strangler herself, Faint Prism sighs at the remnants of all of the presents

                                            >There was really no build up to this at all

                                            >As far as she was aware, there was no build up to this

                                            >He certainly never went around asking them what they wanted, to her knowledge

                                            >Jacky sighs, nuzzling the Applejack doll

                                            >The hat has already been knocked off from the doll

                                            >"Christmas is awesome, Dashie..."

                                            "I agree! But what does Santa Claus have to do with Christmas?"

                                            >Jacky stops her squeezing of the doll

                                            >The look of intense concentration on her is admirable

                                            >Even if it ended not three seconds later

                                            >"Don't remember, don't care!"

                                            "That's ok. Merry Christmas, Jacky."

                                            >How many Christmases have they missed out on?

                                            >Maybe that shouldn't matter too much now

                                            >Maybe it's ok to live in the present more


                                            >As quickly as the festive Christmas spirit came, it was already gone

                                            >Sparking's new fighting game pad has dominated her waking hours

                                            >Between that and the silly hat, she has gotten... very passionate about her video games

                                            >Jacky has been squeaking the Applejack toy consistently

                                            >She hasn't been wearing the bolo tie, as she said that was for going out, but she hasn't taken off the poncho except for when she takes a bath

                                            >The two have been exceptionally happy

                                            >But something doesn't sit well with the pegasus

                                            >Anon had set up a laptop in the living room, to give Sparking control over the desktop computer and bigger TV

                                            >And to presumably get some more peace and quiet

                                            >Prism sat next to the half-laying Anon, who was playing some sort of 2D game

                                            >She cleared her throat, trying to think of how to act toward him

                                            >She was used to having plenty of faces and personalities

                                            >The longer she stayed, the harder a time she had lying

                                            >Acting

                                            >Pretending

                                            >When Anon didn't react to her throat clearing, she repeated the gesture

                                            "Anon... how did today go at work for you?"

                                            >"Eh? Oh it was fine I suppose. What's up?"

                                            >The insistent squeaking makes her frown

                                            "Is... isn't Jacky a little too old to have some toy like that?"

                                            >"What makes you think that?"

                                            "Well she... isn't..."

                                            >Prism trails off, trying to figure out the best way to word herself to convince him

                                            "She isn't a filly... not anymore. And I suppose I..."

                                            >She can't just say that she's annoyed by the squeaking

                                            >Or that she's jealous because she hadn't seen Jacky be so happy in so long

                                            >Or that she feels embarrassed by proxy

                                            "Is it healthy for her?

                                            >He pauses his game, rotating to read her face

                                            >"What do you mean?"

                                            "It is of Applejack and she still believes that it's her... well, you know."

                                            >"Is that a problem?"

                                            >He doesn't sound mad about it

                                            >He sounds genuinely inquisitive

                                            "Well... it isn't true."

                                            >She pats the floor with her hoof

                                            >"I suppose it isn't."

                                            "It isn't."

                                            >"What else don't you like about it?"

                                            >With her chance to speak freely more or less granted, she leaned forward and lowered her voice

                                            "It. Is. A. Dog toy!"

                                            >"A Jacky toy."

                                            "No, Anon! It's a toy for animals and she needs to...!"

                                            >She isn't sure what Jacky should be playing with

                                            >If she should be playing at all

                                            >She never had time to play

                                            >She couldn't allow herself to play when there was food and safety at stake

                                            >Something about all of it just didn't sit well with her

                                            "She needs to... do something better."

                                            >"Better... like what?"

                                            "Well. You have bills. Isn't it time that we do something to help with that?"

                                            >"Eh."

                                            >He shrugged with a smile

                                            >"Nah. It'll take a hot minute before my savings raise back up... but I think we're getting along fine as is, unless something's a problem."

                                            "But you could use more."

                                            >"Not really. Money's nice to have but when push comes to shove, I really shouldn't make such a huge deal out of it. I'm kinda used to not having a ton. So I make do as is. And I think it's nice that I can make do, slowly build back up, and then still get you guys stuff."

                                            >She doesn't really have an answer to that

                                            >It's also veering off course from Jacky and her toy

                                            >Sighing, she sits up straight and adopts a more formal posture

                                            "I think Jacky's too old to be playing with a toy like that. And I think she should be more responsible. Same as Sparking and myself."

                                            >"...eh. It's not a priority."

                                            >The nonchalant answer makes her deflate

                                            "Come again?"

                                            >"It's not a priority, so don't worry about it. You guys don't really add a lot to the bills as is and... I guess it's kinda cool to have you three around. Work can be pretty stressful. And if I come home and if anyone else is stressed from work or bothered, it kinda compounds. And I guess... Iunno, I don't know how to word it. It just isn't a priority to me that any of you work. Enjoy yourself, you know? Do what you like. Don't worry about having to take care of issues."

                                            >He sounds confident in his words but he is getting visibly uncomfortable

                                            >If she keeps pressing, she may be able to convince him

                                            "It would only be fair, wouldn't it? None of us are useless, w-"

                                            >"It's not about being useless, man."

                                            >His tone is neutral but his reaction is a quick snap

                                            >It is enough to surprise her

                                            >"Just... don't worry. Give it some more time to just get adjusted. If you're really that dedicated to making some scratch, we can look into methods. But just don't worry about it. It isn't a requirement, I'm not asking for it, I've never had the intent of any of you doing that."

                                            >He focuses back to the game on his laptop

                                            >"You guys are my friends. And it was Christmas so t'is the season for gift giving and all that."

                                            "But wouldn't you like something in return?"

                                            >His discomfort is palpable

                                            >"I want my friends to be happy. There's no reason to worry about me."

                                            >It could be selflessness

                                            >But it could also be something else

                                            >She's seen enough to know that the 'something else' most likely isn't malicious

                                            "Alright then..."

                                            >He shifts, trying to nudge off some invisible weight

                                            >"And about Jacky and her toy... let her have it. Everyone's goofy in their own ways. If you don't like it, talk to her about it. Not me. I like that she has it, and I like how happy I've been able to make her. I wouldn't ever ask her to stop it. It doesn't bother me all that much. Same with Shine. The hat..."

                                            >He chuckles to himself

                                            >"Maybe I went a little far with the hat. But it does psyche her up and it fits with her smack talking."

                                            "Well I don't really care about her."

                                            >Her reply came out so fast it was obvious she really didn't care

                                            >"Then there you go."

                                            >While she was soundly defeated when it came to her topics, she did seem to strike gold in addressing things he really did not want to go into

                                            >She sat down behind his back and leaned against him

                                            "I am glad that you see me as a friend. I do appreciate the things you got me."

                                            >"Yeah, I can tell. Didn't think Jack would smell so nice with lemongrass."

                                            "I'm still content with smelling of cherries."

                                            >"...yeah. That is nice too."

                                            >Prism smiled and leaned against his back more with her side

                                            >Her wing extended out, covering the top of his side

                                            >"Something else up?"

                                            "No... just acting as a blanket. I used to do the same with Jacky when we were much younger. Before we gathered so many scraps and fabrics and blankets."

                                            >Prism looked over the mess of a nest she made of the living room

                                            "It took... many months. And a lot of cleaning. And some stealing. We lived in what was basically a sewer tunnel. So we used whatever scented items we could. And we just had a little... hole in the tunnel that we called home."

                                            >She immediately feels regret at saying such things openly, in her own voice

                                            "Until we got enough... I would just cover her. And keep a few oranges or apples near her face so she would have something better to smell."

                                            >She sighed

                                            "I... guess she used to get on my nerves back then too. She was very active... and I was often too tired or hurt to play with her. Or worried."

                                            >"Yeah... you did good, D."

                                            "Thank you."