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2805 15.11 KB 210
2805 15.11 KB 210
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>To say you’re nervous is an understatement, you can hardly focus right now.
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>”You’re asking for my help in getting a ticket, for a friend?” Cliff gives you a neutral look.
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>He is the only pony you can turn to for this, but that doesn’t stop him from staring into your soul.
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>Gulping down your fear, you put on your best poker face.
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“Yes, please help me Cliff. It’s very important to her, I promise to repay you.”
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>He blinks slowly and leans back in his chair before letting out a small sigh.
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>An uncomfortable amount of time pass, you begin to sweat and he finally answers.
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>”This friend, you’re doing it for ‘her’?” He says as he stares at you.
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>You nod as words are unable to form.
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>Cliff sits up straight again. “When you say ‘her’, is she your marefriend?”
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“No, she is my best friend. I want to her to see this play, and it-”
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>He cuts you off with a wave of his hoof. “Mellow, I’ve been acting for almost my entire life. I can tell she is more than a friend to you.”
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>You’re stunned, how does he do that? Can he read your mind?
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>Before you can ask, he continues. “While I’m not a mind reader, I’ve learned to read ponies, and you’re no exception.”
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>Well crud, guess there is no hiding this.
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>You run your hoof through your mane and sigh.
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“She means the world to me, she is the only pony that understands me. I think tonight I want to ask her out tonight.” You feel yourself slouch.
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>He nods slowly, and seems to take on a regal appearance.
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>Fitting, considering his role.
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>”Are you certain of her feelings for you though?” He postulates.
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>Though you feel uncertain, you answer anyways.
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“No, not completely, but I can’t keep hiding this from her. I’ve been hiding it for years, and I can’t hide this anymore...”
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>He mulls over it a moment before answering.
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>”Very well, I will try to get you a ticket. However, do not count on it. This is at last minute.”
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>You feel so relieved, but freeze as Cliff touches your wither.
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>His face softens and his age shows. “I wish you the best of luck in your confession.”
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>You feel your eyes moisten and you close them to hide it.
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“Thank you Cliff, I appreciate the wishes.”
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>He gives you a gentle pat before letting go and trotting off.
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>You’re still stunned from earlier, he really does surprise you sometimes.
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>Then again, that probably comes with age and wisdom.
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>Shaking it off, you stand to go prepare for tonight with a flame of hope burning within.
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>Shouldn’t take too long either, the rehearsals have been pretty consistent.
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>Plus you spent a good chunk of this morning and last night going over your lines again.
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>Probably would’ve studied it more if you weren’t spending time with Paper, but she matters more.
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>Can’t let yourself get too distracted though, need to focus on making sure everything is ready.
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>Several ponies, yourself included, work on the finishing touches for the play.
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>Everything seems to be in place, which means you have time to look over the script again.
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>Can never be too safe either, you don’t want to blunder this play.
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>You were so lucky that Mr. Town was kind enough to look over your past mistakes for this role.
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>To be relegated to a background role is miserable, to have no real purpose in the play.
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>At least here your character has a good purpose to this, plus you enjoy how it ends.
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>As you’re reading, you feel somepony tapping you to get your attention.
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>You turn to face and see Cliff standing there with a ticket.
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“You did it? That’s awesome Cliff! Thank you so very much. I don’t know how I can repay you.” Your heart soars.
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>He nods. “You’re welcome. It wasn’t easy, and that’s putting it mildly. We can worry about you repaying me later, just remember to stay focused for the play though.”
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“Yeah of course, I promise I won’t forget.” You beam and get ready to visit Paper.
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>After a quick once over in the mirror, you leave the theater with a hastened pace.
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>Your heart is beating so fast now, this is it at last.
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>You’re going to ask her out tonight after the play, it’s now or never.
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“I’ve got to grow up someday, like dad used to say.”
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>Talked out loud again, but you don’t care enough at the moment.
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>Dad never really understood acting like you did, mom did at least.
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>That’s not really fair to say though, he did support you as much as she did.
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>Before you can get too deep into thought, you’ve arrived at Paper’s home.
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>You stop at the door and make sure your bandanna is on straight.
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>With everything in order, you knock and wait.
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>The door opens to reveal her smiling face. “I was wondering if that was you, I’m glad to see you.”
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>She quickly pulls you into her signature hug, one that you readily return.
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“I got the ticket for you, wanted to come by to drop it off and check in with you.”
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>As she pulls out of the hug, she beams with an excited look. “Oh Mellow that’s wonderful, I can’t wait to watch it.”
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>Paper backs up for you to come inside with her.
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“So how was your day?” Figure you can ask her this time around.
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>She looks a little surprised. “Pretty well, sold some more crafts and talked to a few ponies. Nothing too special.”
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>”But it’s even better now that you’re here.” Her green eyes seemingly sparkle as she says that.
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>Yesterday she said things like that, and you’re pretty sure she was trying to tell you her feelings without actually saying it.
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>She probably wanted you to confess, but you didn’t have the guts to ask her right then and there.
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>You intend to change that tonight, though.
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“You make my day better as well, but I’m going to head back to finish getting ready. See you there?”
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>She nods with a great smile as her bow bounces. “Of course, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
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>With a smile of your own plastered to your face, you nod and start to make your way back.
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>As you watch Mellow leave from your window, you feel confused.
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>He acted aloof yesterday, and seemingly ignored the signals you sent out.
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>Where you not obvious enough or was he just not interested?
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>But then why did he get you a ticket to the play, especially on short notice?
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>It’s all so confusing...
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>Unless you’re misreading this whole thing, but you thought everything was so crystal clear.
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“Maybe he doesn’t see me that way...But still...”
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>You feel so conflicted, and it hurts deep down.
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>The same pain you feel everyday, just stronger now.
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>It’s not like Mellow would intentionally hurt you though, that doesn’t stop the pain.
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>Can’t let it take too much of a hold though, so you start to prepare.
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“I-I need to get ready...I said I would watch the play and that’s what I’ll do.” You shakily say.
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>Though as you start to get ready, you find some difficulty in basic tasks.
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>Like figuring out which bow to wear or whether you should wear a dress.
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>Just focus Paper, all you need to do is wash up and go see the play.
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>Easier said than done, you go start a bath.
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>An old thought enters your mind...You could cut like you used to.
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>But you already do, just with paper instead...Although the razor would be more effective at relieving the stress.
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>Shaking your head, you know better.
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>You won’t fall back into that routine again.
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>You take a quick bath to save on time, and put on one of your usual green bows.
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>They’ve always helped keep your long mane in check, and accented well with your eyes.
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>Giving yourself a look in the mirror, you see yourself looking like your usual self.
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>You give yourself a pep talk before you finish getting ready.
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“Alright, just be there for him. He’s counting on you.”
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>With that out of the way, you head back into the other room and pause.
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>You still have time, why not make some sculptures?
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>After all...This pain won’t go away on its own, no.
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>Normally you don’t try to cut yourself, but you’re going to make this intentional.
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>The only downside is that this tends to ruin the sculpture.
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“That just makes it more unique is all...”
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>With each cut you make, you let out a small gasp and wince.
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>The cuts sting, but at least the deep feeling brooding within is settling.
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>Albeit slowly, but it’s still going down.
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>You finish up a slightly dented and blood stained paper heart.
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“How fitting.” You muse.
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>Grabbing another sheet, you start again, though this time you make something more complicated.
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>You rapidly fold and press the sculpture into the shape of a star.
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>It slowly takes form, though you have added some complexity by adding more points than usual.
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>Giving it another press, you lift it and carefully examine your work.
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“It’s...Not all that bad actually.”
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>Somehow, you’ve made a happy accident here.
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>Strange how sometimes pain can lead to such creativity.
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>You’d work on another, but you’re certain that time is short.
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>A quick glance to the nearby clock confirms it.
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“Need to get going, can’t be late.” Setting the paper aside, you stand and stretch.
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>With one final check, you head out the door and into the streets of Ponyville.
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>The evening air helps ease the pain a bit more.
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>As you’re out, you see other ponies out as well, and some even greet you kindly.
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>You return the greeting each time with a fake smile or nod.
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>Maybe you’ll enjoy the play, you will try at least.
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>No matter what happens, you will be there for Mellow.
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>Even if it hurts, you will be his rock in this storm, much like he is to you.
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>Why does this all have to be so complicated?
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>Your mind slowly blanks out, and soon you find yourself at the theater.
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“Thank Celestia...” You barely mutter.
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>You get into line and try to stay level headed.
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>While being ponies didn’t bother you too much, there is quite a few here at the moment.
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>Some are clearly couples, and it makes you feel self conscious.
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>Focus Paper, you can’t let this get to you.
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>Fortunately the line moves a decent pace, and you find yourself next.
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>Hoofing over your ticket, you make your way in.
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>It’s here that you realize that you have a front row seat.
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>Guess Mellow really pulled out all the stops then.
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>You take your seat and wait as the theater slowly fills.
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>Not a full house from what you can see, but there is quite a few ponies here.
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>Minutes pass and finally, a pony emerges from the curtains dressed in robes.
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>”Fillies and gentlecolts, welcome to tonight’s show. We have a wonderful, yet tragic tale to share with you...”
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>The pony narrates on that this took place during the fall of the Crystal Empire.
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>However, you already got some spoilers from the talks Mellow had with you, but you’re excited none the less.
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>King Sombra overthrows the princess and quickly begins his stranglehold on the empire.
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>But he encounters some resistance from the loyalists, and the old guard.
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>It doesn’t take long for Mellow himself to show up as captain Spark, he looks quite handsome in his costume.
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>He captures your attention, and you’re thrilled to see he is doing so well.
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>The story however, is quite sad, as he is twisted into serving the king.
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>It’s pretty screwed up how the scene works as well, but it’s a play after all.
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>The saddest part quickly approaches, with Spark having to torture his own wife.
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>Now you get what Mellow meant from earlier, it’s really messed up.
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>”My king, if I may have a moment of your time?”
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>>”What is it captain? Do you not understand your orders?”
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>”I do understand them, but I am concerned about my wife.”
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>>”What’s there to understand? Do you forget that loyalists brainwash their followers? Of course she will be resistant to reeducation.”
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>At the word of reeducation, you feel yourself cringe, it’s so horrible.
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>”I haven’t forgotten, but I worry for her. She isn’t eating and looking worse by the day.”
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>Sombra gives him a look of pity before smiling.
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>>”All will be well, she will saved soon enough. You needn’t worry.”
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>You can already see how this will end.
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>>”If you don’t have anymore questions, then leave me. There is much I have to do.”
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>Spark says nothing and leaves, changing the scene.
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>Things continue to go on until Spark visits his wife in the dungeon.
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>”How are you feeling my love?”
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>As he gentle prods her, she doesn’t move.
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>Oh no…
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>”Amber? Amber can you hear me? What’s wrong?!”
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>He rolls her over to reveal her lifeless body, your heart breaks.
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>”This isn’t funny, please open your eyes! Speak to me! Say anything!”
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>His face goes through a series of emotions, it all ending in him losing his mind.
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>He snaps, finally breaking free of the hold over him. About time too, this was almost unbearable.
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>Spark seeks out the loyalists and manages to reach out to Equestria for aid.
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>However, the king shows up and leads an assault on them.
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>In his final climatic battle, Spark faces Sombra one last time.
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>”You will pay for what you did you monster! You took everything from me!” Spark points his sword at the king.
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>Sombra grins. “Everything belongs to me, even your life, and now...You will die...”
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>Spark snarls and charges him, but unlike last time, it’s clearly one sided in Sombra’s favor.
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>As expected, Sparks is disarmed and struck a fatal blow with Sombra standing over him.
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>”Such a shame that it had to come to this, now you can join your ‘wife’ in Elysium.” He gloats.
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>Sparks gives out a choked laugh. “That is true, but your end is near, of this I am certain...”
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>Sombra arches an eyebrow before his face twists into rage. “I AM KING SOMBRA! I! AM! ETERNAL!” Each word he stabs the captain again and again.
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>The play winds down with how it ended in history, the princesses coming to the rescue.
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>But it reminds everypony of the sacrifices of those who fought against tyranny.
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>As it ends, the crowd gives a loud applause.
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>The actors all take a bow before going backstage.
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>You get up and wait near the stage for Mellow, feeling quite excited.
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>Though you don’t have to wait long, as he emerges with several other actors.
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>”So how did you enjoy it?” He says with a smile.
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“It was a bit sad, but wonderful, you did so well Mellow!” You give a smile in return.
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>His own widens, and he closes his eyes for a moment before taking on a serious look.
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>”Can we go talk outside? There is something I need to ask you.”
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>You feel some fear and anxiety, what does he want to talk about?
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“Yeah of course.” You nod.
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>He leads you outside and over to some benches.
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>Mellow takes a moment, and looks extremely nervous, your anxiety grows.
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>”Paper, would you do me the honor of letting me take you out on a date?”
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>Oh. My. Celestia.
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>He asked? He asked!
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“YES!” You accidentally shout. “Ahem. I mean yes, I would love that.” Your cheeks are burning.
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>He blinks a few times before your answer settles in and his face turns to joy.
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>”T-that’s-I mean-uh-um...” He stumbles for a second before gathering himself. “Wonderful, how about tomorrow around seven? I’ll swing by and pick you up.”
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“I don’t have anything going on then, so sure!” You nod and nearly bounce in place.
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>”O-okay, it’s a date then. See you tomorrow!” He says as he trots off with a slight hop in his step.
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>You stand there for a few moments after he is out of sigh before finally letting a cheer.
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“WOOHOO!”
by NHanon
by NHanon
by NHanon
by NHanon
by NHanon