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An Affinity With the Sun: Chapter I + Chapter II [Archive]

By ponepasteaccount
Created: 2021-07-16 21:31:33
Updated: 2021-03-06 02:57:27
Expiry: Never
anoncelestia/yandere/completedgreentext

  1. This is a copy of the green made by Djinn-Ifritus that I decided to bring here because I enjoy reading greens with a black background. Original can be found here: https://pastebin.com/u/Djinn-Ifritus
  2.  
  3. I decided to compile all of the chapters into a single paste for easier reading.
  4.  
  5. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  6.  
  7. ~An Affinity With the Sun~
  8. {Act I}
  9. [Chapter I]
  10. |Confessions of the Heart|
  11. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  12.  
  13. "How can she just stand in the rain like that?"
  14. >You've noticed the marble white horse a few weeks ago
  15. >Everyday right after sunrise she stops by the bakery you work at and ever so often throughout your day you catch her somewhere in your background
  16. >She claims she's a giant fan of the cakes
  17. >But in actuality she is here for you
  18. >You see this in the way you two briefly exchange glances, though she holds them a bit longer than you anticipate
  19. >Today she breaks the norm however
  20. >It's no longer sunny and rain falls over Canterlot in a gray haze
  21. >Instead of sitting at her familiar window seat she now stands in the rain
  22. >You've seen her make countless attempts of entering the establishment, but none have succeeded
  23. >She looks agitated and your lunch break starts in 5 minutes
  24. >Maybe you should talk to her
  25. >It's not everyday you get to casually converse with the leader of an entire country
  26. >You lazily clean dishes as you watch her trot in circles outside in the rain
  27.  
  28. >Finishing the last of your dishes you make your move
  29. >Over the counter, pass a few tables, and through the door is all it takes to close the distance
  30. >She doesn't notice your approach and nearly shrieks in surprise
  31. "Hey Princess, you've finally had enough of our cakes? Don't worry, I'll save you the trouble of breaking our hearts."
  32. >You try to break the ice
  33. >This is the first time you've actually exchanged words
  34. >The air around her isn't what you'd expect it to be, instead of a stiff and cold atmosphere, it's soft and welcoming.
  35. >You wonder if she's like this with everyone else
  36. >She chuckles at your joke, to your relief
  37. >"Hello Anonymous. It seems you're not very busy."
  38. >She peers over your shoulder to the nearly vacant bakery
  39. "Well, actually it's always been like that."
  40. >She gives another slight giggle, though too stifled to feel genuine
  41. >You've realized that she has not once looked you in the eye
  42. >She's been eyeing the ground ever since she noticed you
  43. "Is anything wron-"
  44. >"Do you love me?"
  45. >She interrupts you
  46. >With the strangest question no less
  47. >You don't know how exactly to answer
  48. >She waits on the edge of every second for your response
  49. >What should you say?
  50. >You hardly know her, and isn't she a Princess?
  51. >You'd imagine that all her subjects 'loved' her
  52. "Well, I can't say I -don't- like you"
  53. >You try to tip toe around the question, but to no avail
  54. >"But do you -love- me?
  55. >She inches closer this time
  56. >Making sure the question has the desired impact
  57. >She studies your silence
  58. >"I've been following you for sometime now Anonymous. Though it be embarrassing to say, you've caught my eye."
  59. >She still avoids your gaze
  60. >Ever so unsure of herself
  61. >You stand there, trying to think of a response
  62.  
  63. "You've been following me?"
  64. >Is all you can say
  65. >She shows signs of embarrassment and annoyance that you're avoiding her inquiry
  66. >"Yes, I've been following you. Is there any shame in that?"
  67. "Well, I can't say I'm like the idea of a giant horse deity stalking me."
  68. >"Stalking? Don't mistake my love for mere lowly stalking!"
  69. "Your what?"
  70. >She holds a hoof over her mouth
  71. >She practically just said she loved you, in front of everyone
  72. >You noticed that nearly the whole town has surrounded the two of you
  73. >Curious on what the Princess could want with Canterlot's most mysterious resident
  74. >You lower your voice to maintain even a little privacy
  75. "So, you love me? We've never even spoken before. I think calling an infatuation love is a bit overdoing it Princess."
  76. >She raises her head high and gives you a stoic gaze
  77. >"Do you mean to imply that the love of a Princess is not worth your attention?"
  78. >She regains some of her royal confidence
  79. >If she meant to intimidate you, it was working
  80. "Well, uh... I just don't know how to respond to a love struck horse. And actually, I've got to get back to work."
  81. >In an instant, her confidence shatters and she leaves without a word, the crows of ponies parting as she makes her exit
  82. >The only thing that crosses your mind is how strange and how short the conversation actually was
  83. >Though you can't be blamed, this world is full of strange happenings
  84. >You return to your work station after dismissing the crowd of ponies who had gathered
  85.  
  86. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  87.  
  88. >A couple of weeks have passed and you haven't seen her
  89. >Maybe she's over you?
  90. >After a hard day of honest bakery work, you're ready to clock out for the day
  91. >Your boss calls over to you, prolonging the rest of your day
  92. >"Anon, could you come on over for a minute?"
  93. >You think to yourself that he is probably going to pack more hours into you
  94. >Not that you'd mind though, you rather like working at the bakery
  95. >And you've been doing it for two whole years
  96. >But instead of increasing your work hours, the opposite happens
  97. >He fires you
  98. >The shock is immense
  99. >"You've done nothing wrong. We just aren't making enough money to keep you. Business hasn't been all that great lately. It's like everypony's afraid to come in here. I'm sorry Anon, you are a good worker and it's a shame to let you go. You'll get a severance check in the mail."
  100. >Now you walk home in disbelief
  101. >How were you going to pay the bills now?
  102. >It wasn't easy getting a job in Equestria, being the only human and all
  103. >You turn the final corner leading to your residence
  104. >The sight before you is enough to send tears rolling down your cheeks
  105. >Your house is doused in roaring flames
  106. >It's flames blending with the oranges and yellows of the afternoon sky
  107. >All of your possessions and the only things that remind you of Earth have now gone up in flames
  108. >You run toward the ponies dressed adorably in firefighter garbs
  109. >The report is your house caught flame from some little rascals playing with fire
  110. >You stay long enough for the fire to be controlled and extinguished
  111. >Now you are alone in the vacant lot where your house once stood
  112. >You're homeless from this point on
  113. >Just as you are about to crack from all the stress you feel something touch ground behind you and approach
  114. >"Do you still think my love is nothing but mere infatuation?"
  115.  
  116. {Act I}
  117. [Chapter II]
  118. |Deprivation of Happiness|
  119. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  120.  
  121. >You spin on the balls of your feet to face her
  122. >She stands there, head held high above you
  123. "You did this!"
  124. >"Correct, my love~"
  125. >She's delighted that you've acknowledge her actions of love
  126. "Why? I lost my job, my house, I don't have anything now!"
  127. >You raise your voice, something you've haven't done your entire stay here in Equestria
  128. >Between the day's stress and annoyances, you haven't been angry with anyone
  129. >But this was the exception
  130. >She giggles to herself
  131. >"That's right Anonymous. You have nothing. Which means there is nothing to distract you from my love!"
  132. >You recoil
  133. >That's what this is about
  134. >But you'll be damned if you give in to her ludicracy
  135. "How is taking everything from me 'love'?! You're insane you silly ol' horse!"
  136. >She does nothing but take pleasure in your attention
  137. >"Oh look at us, arguing like an old married couple."
  138. >She says gleefully
  139. >It just makes you writhe in anger though
  140. >"My plan is brilliant, my dear. Slowly, I will take everything from you. Everything you possess, and everyone you love. I will take them all from you. And slowly, you will break and succumb to my love!"
  141. >She laughs triumphantly
  142. >It's apparent that Sun Horse has gone absolutely crazy
  143. >Her laughter dies and she focuses her gaze on you
  144. >"Come dear, your new life awaits with me~"
  145. >She motions towards the palace with her wing
  146. "I'm not going anywhere with you!"
  147. >You walk past her and you can swear you can hear her heart snap
  148. >The distance grows between the two of you
  149. >"You can't run from my love Anonymous. Soon, I will be everything you want, and need."
  150. >She waves at you with her hoof before you exit her sight
  151. >"I love him."
  152.  
  153. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  154.  
  155. >A week has passed
  156. >You now live in a homeless shelter
  157. >It would be an understatement to say you weren't depressed about your current condition
  158. >You're trying your hardest to fall into routine to forget about everything that's happened
  159. >But you can't help but think she's watching
  160. >And right you are
  161. >You can feel her eyes digging into the back of your head from Canterlot's tallest spire
  162. >You can see clouds in the sky that display your name with hearts
  163. >And the abundance of flowers that come in the mail every few hours
  164. >You've made a few friends
  165. >One pony with broken legs
  166. >Another with an addiction to your hands
  167. >And another who reminds you of an English kid back home
  168. >This is your band of misfits
  169. >But after the third day of your stay, you were told they had been given homes by the government
  170. >Strange
  171. >You now stand in the cafeteria washing dishes
  172. >You take on more chores than you need to around the establishment
  173. >Though you're more than happy to
  174. >The small talk and idle chit chat you have with other ponies is enough to ease your pain
  175. >Suddenly a large clamor begins to rise in the outside
  176. >Finishing the rest of your dishes, you join the growing crowed outside of the shelter
  177. >It's her
  178. >"Good morning my faithful subjects."
  179. >She gives a warm, motherly smile
  180. >A smile that sends a chill down your spine
  181. >She scans the crowd for your face
  182. >Which she immediately finds as you try to avoid her
  183. >The supervisor sheepishly bows to the Princess and inquires her visit to his humble shelter
  184. >"I have come to give you all homes and a new life!"
  185. >Immediately the crowd bursts with praise for the Sun
  186. >"Come with me my subjects, we have a long day of house shopping ahead of us."
  187. >Everyone rushes past you to her side and they embark on their new lives
  188. >Leaving you alone
  189. >She looks over her shoulders back at you
  190. >Smiling, as if to say "You can not escape my love."
  191.  
  192. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  193.  
  194. >Three days have passed
  195. >The shelter is now empty other than the supervisor and yourself
  196. >You're informed that the shelter is closing down due to no one being homeless
  197. >Except you
  198. >Due to your address being burned into the ground, you never received your severance check
  199. >You now roam the streets of Canterlot
  200. >A dirty hobo
  201. >No money or possessions other than the clothes on your back
  202. >You lay on a park bench, your bed for a couple of nights
  203. >The night is cold and you close in on yourself for warmth
  204. >It helps, though only a little
  205. >You are moments away from sleep until you feel a foreign warmth against your back
  206. >Instant realization hits you, but before you can act you faint into darkness
  207.  
  208. {Act I}
  209. [Chapter III]
  210. |Anon vs. Wild|
  211. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  212.  
  213. >You recover your vision and the first thing your eyes see are Sun Horse's golden hoof cups
  214. >She stands over you, giving you the same smile that sickens you
  215. >"Hello my love."
  216. >She says to you
  217. >You prepare to nope as hard as you can and run for the hills
  218. >But wait, you're already in the hills
  219. "Where are we?"
  220. >You ask, to which she responds
  221. >"We are in the wilderness. I figured that you haven't had enough incentive to accept my offer. So I thought I'd leave you stranded in the forest until you need me to save you!"
  222. >She claps her hooves together in triumph and giggles
  223. "Fuck that, I'll have you know I've graduated top of my Boy Scouts class and I'm perfectly experienced with the wilderness!"
  224. >"Ohohoho?"
  225. >She chuckles at your determination
  226. >"I love it when you play hard to get. Very well my love, I'll play along. Let's see how long you can survive~"
  227.  
  228. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  229.  
  230. >An hour
  231. >An hour was all it took to be up to your neck in shit
  232. >So far, your injuries are light
  233. >A twisted ankle, bruised knee, and a various scrapes and pricks from thorns
  234. "This is bullshit.."
  235. >You thought to yourself
  236. >Why did you have to be the victim of a Princesses' love obsession?
  237. >Nevertheless, you must persevere
  238. >But to be honest
  239. >Her offer is looking pretty good right now
  240. >Part of you wants to accept it, the other doesn't want to give her the satisfaction of winning
  241. >Eventually you tire and settle in a clearing
  242. >You use what little knowledge you remember from the Scouts to start a fire
  243. "Things just get worse and worse for me. What is it with everyone in the Anon family having insanely bad luck?"
  244. >You have nothing to eat, the pit in your stomach confirms that
  245. >Before you can complain you hear a rustling in the bushes
  246. >It could be her
  247. >You put up your dukes, ready to sock a horse in the jaw needed be
  248. >But instead of being greeted by your familiar alabaster horse
  249. >A large grizzly stomps out of the shrubbery
  250. "Goddammit..."
  251.  
  252. >The grizzly reals up on it's hind legs, roaring and clawing at the air
  253. >You're scared shitless
  254. >Terrified that death may very well take you at this very instance
  255. >But wait, this could be your salvation
  256. >Your path to liberty from the oppressive Pone who bares the sun on her flanks
  257. >You know that it would also hurt her greatly if you laid down and died
  258. >Perhaps your pay back for her ruining your life, you have nothing to live for anyway
  259. >But would you dare?
  260. >Would you lay down and die just to spite her?
  261. >You search around your soul to find the balls to do it
  262. >Whether you find them or not is unknown
  263. >But you plop down on your ass and get ready for the mauling
  264. >You keep the thought in your head
  265. >The thought of your revenge
  266. >Maybe you could come back as a ghost and haunt her for the remainder of her immortal life
  267. >The bear charges and is on you in a second
  268. >Before his teeth meet your face, it poofs away in magical clouds
  269. >"Ah ah ah my little human. You can't escape me, even in death. Stop this foolish game and come to me! Even if you died, I'd find a way to bring you back to me."
  270. >Her voice echoes through the forest from an unknown location
  271. >She's taunting you
  272. >You begin to think to yourself
  273. "Maybe I can't escape her love. Maybe I should give in."
  274. >"Oh my little human. I know what's best for you. I am the only one who can love you, protect you, and supervise your well being."
  275.  
  276. >What can you do now?
  277. >You honestly don't what you can do
  278. >It seems like she's got everything planned
  279. >You're just trapped in her love game
  280. >But to hell with that, you're an honest, workin' man and it will take a lot more to break your spirit
  281. >For the sake of Anons, you strive forward
  282. >New determination is now flowing through your veins
  283. >You won't give in to Sunbutt's demands
  284. >It's time to utilize your skills you've gained from summer camp
  285. "Moss..."
  286. >You use your Eagle-Eye badge to spot moss in the dense forest
  287. "Moss always points north!"
  288. >You head in the direction the plant points
  289. >It will be dark soon, shelter would be needed
  290. >If you were going to survive the trials of a god mare in love, you're going to have to bring your A-game
  291. >You forage around for berries and other eatables
  292. >Gathering twigs and thin branches for your bedding
  293. >You were determined to make it out of this wild the next morning
  294. >Maybe you'd even march straight back to Canterlot just to shove it in her face
  295. >But as you fall asleep in your makeshift bed
  296. >You can't help but feel a tinge of emotion for the pony doing this to you
  297. >Whether it's pleasant or not is debatable
  298.  
  299. {Act I}
  300. [Chapter IV]
  301. |Cynical Lies|
  302. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  303.  
  304. >The next day you wake feeling determined
  305. >Your first priority is to make it out of this forest in one peace
  306. >It shouldn't be too hard
  307. >You've been walking on foot for a couple hours and the trees are now thinning out
  308. >The Sun completes it's peak and watches over you high in the sky
  309. >Your reminder of what you must do
  310. >It doesn't take much longer for you to make it out of the forest
  311. >The forest leads out onto the top of a hill, which you can see Canterlot suspended atop the tallest mountain
  312. >You begin your trek through the rest of the wilds until you come across a quiet country town by the name of Ponyville
  313. >It's always annoyed you how every city has some horse pun in it
  314. >It's high noon, but you don't see anyone about their daily business
  315. >However you do notice the giant banner that hangs from city hall which reads "Welcome Equestria's Bride & Groom"
  316. >You read the sign aloud which triggers an eruption over by a market stall
  317. >A pink pony makes a b-line to your location
  318. >She takes an exaggerated deep breath and screams
  319. >"Anon is here!!!"
  320. >Suddenly, ponies emerge from their homesteads to gaze upon the new arrival
  321. >You are swarmed with ponies of various color pallets and you their prying eyes make you feel a bit uncomfortable
  322. >You wonder how any of them could possibly know you
  323. >Just then a slightly long-necked purple horse approaches and bows
  324. >"Mr. Anonymous, it's a pleasure to meet the husband of Princess Celestia."
  325.  
  326. "Husband? How the hell did that happen?"
  327. >The purple unicorn suddenly looks familiar
  328. "You're the new princess right?"
  329. >You notice her wing/horn combination
  330. >It doesn't look good on her
  331. >"Yes, I am Princess Twilight Sparkle, former student of Princess Celestia. I'm surprised the two of you hit it off so well. She says you've only known each other for a few weeks, and now your married! It's impressive. I've never seen someopony become such great friends so quickly."
  332. >She claps her hooves together
  333. >It sickens you to the core
  334. >It's apparent she has been spreading lies
  335. >And you've only been gone for a day!
  336. "There was no wedding. Why would you think we're married?"
  337. >The question doesn't phase her
  338. >"Oh, shes told me how shy you are and you felt you wouldn't be comfortable with a public wedding. Which is kind of cute if you ask me."
  339. >Private wedding?
  340. >Not only has she spread lies about you but made you out to be the most beta man in existence
  341. "Listen Twilight, you shouldn't believe anything that mare says about me. Everything she's told you is probably a lie."
  342. >"Are you calling me a liar, dear?"
  343. >Her voice nearly forces you to evacuate all substances in your stomach
  344. >There she is, the pony that's caused you so much strife
  345. >It's time you plot your revenge
  346.  
  347. >"Hello my husband, I see you are enjoying your stay in Ponyville. Hello Princess Twilight, it's good to see you."
  348. >She smiles warmly at Twilight, and than shoots a playful yet lethal glance in your direction
  349. >"Hi Princess, Anon and I were just talking about the wedding."
  350. "Yeah, we were just talking about how much of a liar you are."
  351. >The three of you fall silent
  352. >The surrounding ponies have now dispersed, giving the three of you some privacy
  353. >Celestia is the first to break the silence with a giggle
  354. >"Oh Anon, you mustn't joke like that, it might give ponies the wrong idea."
  355. >Her hoof makes contact with your shoulder, a bit too hard to be considered friendly
  356. "Maybe I want to give them the wrong idea."
  357. >You challenge her
  358. >Annoyance flashes across her face for a fraction of a second but you could see it
  359. >Another awkward silence over takes you three again
  360. >"Well, why don't we go inside, I'd like to introduce you to my friends sometime Anon."
  361. >Twilight turns and leads the both of you to her castle
  362. >It can be seen shining terribly in the near distance
  363. >You and Celestia fall behind her
  364. >Each step you take, she draws closer
  365. >And you also draw further away
  366. >"Oh Anon, why do you act so distant? We're married, we should be closer than the best of friends."
  367. "We aren't married, you've lied to the entire country and frankly I want nothing to do with your crazy ass."
  368. >This sends a twinge of pain to Sunbutt's heart
  369. >It's as if she really did love you, though her methods be insane
  370. >You arrive at Twilight's eye-sore of a castle and settle down for tea
  371. >The three of you sit at the end of a long dinning table
  372. >Twilight occupying the end seat, and you and Celestia sitting side-by-side
  373. >"So when is your honeymoon?"
  374. >You spit out the freshly made tea you have just brought to your lips
  375. >"Anon and I are planning to just take privacy in Canterlot. He thinks going to exotic locations aren't very fun. Right dear?"
  376. >You slowly lower your tea cup onto your saucer
  377. >You decide to play along
  378.  
  379. "Yeah, we plan to spend it in the highest tower of Canterlot. Fucking like wild animals."
  380. >Now it was Celestia's turn to spit out her tea
  381. >"How....intimate." Twilight replies
  382. >Twilight is also caught off guard by the statement
  383. >Celestia regains her flawless composure, with a slight blush of course
  384. "Oh yeah, we're really in love. From the first time I saw her I knew I was in love. Love at first sight and what not."
  385. >Celestia's face is now bright red
  386. >Perfect
  387. "So Twilight, you got anyone special?"
  388. >Twilight joins in on the spit taking
  389. >"NOPE"
  390. >A pretty straight forward answer
  391. >You notice a guardspony who stands out from the rest look at Twilight curiously
  392. >Twilight buries her face in her tea, nearly gulping it down
  393. >Celestia giggles and moves her seat closer to you
  394. >You allow it, surprising yourself and her
  395. >Stick to the plan Anon
  396.  
  397. >The three of you spend hours talking on various subjects well into the afternoon
  398. >"Well Princess Twilight, thank you for your hospitality. We'll be sure to visit after the honeymoon. Right Anon?"
  399. >You nod in agreement
  400. >The two of you board the chariot bound for Canterlot and at the order, the pegasus guards spring into the air
  401. >It's quiet between you two, but you don't mind
  402. >You find a small peace in the silent air with your 'special somepony'
  403. >"Anon..."
  404. >You turn to her in interest
  405. >"Did, you really mean what you said. About loving me the moment you saw me?"
  406. >The question was exactly what you expected
  407. "Of course I did. I see now that you ruined my entire life, most likely abducted my friends at the shelter, and dumped me into the wild for a reason. You must love me beyond belief."
  408. >Your words send her over the cliff of happiness and the warmest of smiles spreads across her muzzle
  409. >You see her in her most sincere state
  410. >She is truly happy
  411. >It's going to be a shame when you tear her heart to pieces
  412.  
  413. {Act I}
  414. [Chapter V]
  415. |Heat That Warms the Heart|
  416. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  417.  
  418. >The two of you arrive in Canterlot too late for dinner
  419. >You decide to retire to Celestia's bedchamber instead
  420. >You nearly drop to your knees at the sight of the giant bedding
  421. >You've haven't slept in a decent bed in weeks
  422. >Celestia giggles as you collapse onto the sheets
  423. >She happily strides to the opposite side of the bed and climbs in after removing her regalia
  424. >You undress and climb in along side her, taking the initiative to wrap your arm around her
  425. >She quivers slightly at your touch but eventually warms up to it
  426. >"Anon. I'm so glad you accepted my love. I was beginning to think you didn't love me. But I knew you did. I'm sorry, I burned you home, took your job, and abandoned you in the wilderness. It was the only way to teach you how much I love you."
  427. >You remain silent
  428. >You're a bit insulted that she sees you as some child who needs to be 'taught'
  429. "Well Celestia. I can't blame you for what you did. I was naive and couldn't see through my own selfish needs."
  430. She moves closer to you
  431. >Shes so close, you can feel the softness of her coat and the warmth of her body
  432. >You find yourself counting the number of times her chest rises and falls
  433. >"I really do love you Anon. There is nothing I wanted more than to lay in your arms, just as I do now. I'm sorry I lied about the wedding. Soon, we can actually get married!"
  434. >She looks at you with her giant magenta eyes and you have to avoid her gaze
  435. >You feel it would make you feel guilty
  436. >You do nothing but smile and rest your head on hers
  437. "I love you Celestia."
  438. >It hurts to say it, but it must be done for your eventual retribution
  439.  
  440. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  441.  
  442. >You wake up to a pleasant morning with Sun Horse
  443. >She lay in your arms, content with being able to finally share a bed with the one she loves
  444. >You're also content with the feeling
  445. >Wait, since when did you start feeling like that?
  446. >You opt to get out of the bed as soon as possible before you could think on the subject more
  447. >Your rustling of the sheets disturbs Celestia from her sleep
  448. >"Good morning, my love."
  449. >She stretches herself out on the bed as you begin to pull your shirt over your head
  450. "Morning. Did you sleep well?"
  451. >You ask out of courtesy, not genuine curiosity
  452. >Or do you?
  453. >"I slept very well, thanks to you."
  454. >You stand in front of the vanity adjusting your tie as she approaches from behind
  455. "Why do you say that?"
  456. >She lay her head on your shoulder, gazing at the happy couple in the mirror
  457. >"Sometimes, I would lose sleep thinking of you at night. I constantly wondered where you were, what you were doing at every given hour. And every time I went to check on you, you were always asleep."
  458. >You're a bit bothered at the prospect that she would stop by your house in the later hours of the night to find you sleeping
  459. >She kisses you on the cheek lightly and leaves your side for pre-morning activities
  460. >The sudden change of temperature is enough to slightly throw you off
  461. >Which is strange and unexpected
  462. >"Do you have anything planned for today Anon?"
  463. >Your Sun Goddess asks from behind
  464. "Actually, I was thinking of going back to Ponyville. Twilight promised she'd introduce me to her friends. And I know how keen you are on friendship so I figured...."
  465. >Celestia pokes her head out from a walk-in closet
  466. >"Oh nononono. You can't leave the castle at all."
  467. "...What?"
  468. >"I'm not letting you out of my sight, my sunshine. You may try to run."
  469. >You stop mid-way from pulling your familiar black suit jacket over your shoulders
  470. >It seems your revenge won't come as easily as you thought
  471.  
  472. >You walk side by side through Canterlot castle
  473. >Trying to think of a way to escape Sunbutt's hooves
  474. >You hadn't noticed before but it is well dark outside and the two of you were heading to the balcony to take care of that
  475. >"Anon, have you ever watched the Sun rise?"
  476. >She asks you, to which you think back on it
  477. "Well, as a kid I never slept much during summer so I'd always see the sun peek in from my window. But I've never actually watched the sun rise."
  478. >She smiles at your response
  479. >You arrive at the balcony and she leaves your side to take center stage
  480. >You lean against the cold pre-morning wall to watch the display that only regular ponies get to see once a year
  481. >Her horn begins to radiate with magical energy from the Aether
  482. >Streams of ethereal energy begins to flow around her body
  483. >Her hooves part from the marble floor and she slowly ascends into the air
  484. >Her mane and tail flow elegantly on winds unseen
  485. >And over the mountain peeks, the Sun rises just over the horizon
  486. >The experience you feel is strange
  487. >The only word that comes to mind is 'intimate'
  488. >It slowly creeps from behind the distant gray mountains and sheds it's light over the vast valley and the rest of the land
  489. >You have the indescribable feeling that this morning was specifically made for you
  490. >Celestia slowly lowers herself onto the platform and turns to you, slightly red in the face
  491. >"I put extra work into this morning, for you, Anon. Do you like it?"
  492. >Your heart aches because.....
  493. "It's beautiful..."
  494.  
  495. {Act I}
  496. [Chapter VI]
  497. |Solar Winds|
  498. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  499.  
  500. >Your day with her is pleasant beyond belief
  501. >You feel like you can actually get used to this new life
  502. >Woah Anon, careful, remember what she did to you
  503. >Your personal vendetta cannot be so easily forgotten
  504. >But now, as you sit here with her at sunset, you can't help but feel increasingly more guilty
  505. >She took everything from you, but would you be able to take everything from her?
  506. >The sun you so much enjoyed now sinks into the west
  507. >Along with your hatred for this mare
  508. "It's night, we should probably head in."
  509. >"The night never comes when you're around, my sunshine."
  510. >She giggles and leads the way into the castle
  511. >You hesitate to follow, but in doing so you feel your heart tug your body toward her so you follow in her stead
  512. >You stroll through the halls of Canterlot
  513. >Wishing goodnight to all of the servants you pass by
  514. >A particular pony stands out however
  515. >She's tall, dark, and broody
  516. >"Goodnight Luna. I trust Night Court has yet to start?"
  517. >Luna glances in your direction, her icy cold gaze freezes you over
  518. >"Nay sister, we have yet to begin. We have heard that thou art married. Why is it that we have yet to meet your claimed husband?"
  519. >Her stare never leaves you
  520. >She either immediately hates you, or very protective of her sister
  521. >You decide to go with the latter
  522. >"Ah yes, sorry. It was such short notice I didn't exactly get the chance to show him off did I?. Anon, this is my sister Luna."
  523. >Celestia moves you out in front of her
  524. >Putting you directly in front of her sister
  525. "Uh, hello princess. Pleasure to meet you."
  526. >You extend your hand outward, but gain no response from the Princess of the Night
  527. >"Yes. Likewise. Sister, we will not pry into your private affairs, but we do think that your choice in spouses in quite strange. Goodbye."
  528. >She trots off in the opposite direction from the two of you
  529. >"Oh don't mind her, she's wonderful once you get to know her."
  530. "I'm sure."
  531.  
  532. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  533.  
  534. >The both of you retire into your now shared bed
  535. >You take the familiar position from the previous night
  536. >You stroke your mare's mane
  537. >Something that would have repulsed you days ago
  538. >you sit in content silence as you both play through the days events
  539. >Your mind goes back to the sunrise
  540. >That was the moment you confirmed your suspicion
  541. >You love this mare
  542. >"Anon..?"
  543. "Hmm?"
  544. >"I was just thinking. Even though we have yet to be married... Would you like to, maybe, make love to me tonight?"
  545. >Your heart nearly explodes
  546. >And it takes every ounce of will power not to wipe the sweat from your forehead
  547. >Okay, keep it together Anon
  548. >Keep your eye on the prize, your revenge
  549. >This could be it! The perfect moment for your revenge!
  550. >But would you really be so cruel to the mare you love?
  551. "Celestia, I....think we should wait until we are married. It would be more special that way y'know?"
  552. >Celestia hardly hides her disappointment but agrees
  553. >"Perhaps waiting awhile longer wouldn't be so terrible. I often longed for the day we could be one with each other. I imagine it's the best feeling in the world."
  554. "Imagine?"
  555. >"Yes. Honestly, I have yet to been with a stallion. Is that a problem for you?"
  556. >It takes you by surprise that this mare who lived over a thousand years has never got any actiom
  557. "No! No, not at all...."
  558. >Oh boy, the guilt just keeps piling up
  559.  
  560. {Act I}
  561. [Chapter VII]
  562. |Nocturnal Doubts|
  563. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  564.  
  565. >Each morning is a repeat of the last
  566. >She performs her daily ritual for you everyday
  567. >It has become 'your' daily ritual
  568. >Something both of you share on the deepest level of intimacy
  569. >She has resumed her court duties, leaving you a lot of free time until her intermission
  570. >These times you find yourself talking with staff or gaurdponies to kill time
  571. >You even offer to help out around the palace just to be occupied
  572. >Today you sit with a nice mare by the name of North Star
  573. >Who is new in the castle
  574. >She works in the kitchen, she's the one who made the superb pie you and Celestia shared the previous night
  575. >To which you compliment her
  576. >But your pleasant chitchat doesn't last long as she bows mid-sentence
  577. >Celestia approaches from behind you, eyeing the kitchen mare intently
  578. "Hi Tia, intermission already?"
  579. >You smile warmly
  580. >"Anon, who is this?"
  581. >You turn to the kitchen mare who remained in the kneeling position
  582. "Oh, this is North Star, she's the one who baked the pie for us last night. Not only that, she's really fun to talk to."
  583. >A smile creeps onto the kitchen mare's face
  584. >Celestia is unamused and will have nothing of the sort
  585. >"Anon. I won't have you talking to strange mares behind my back."
  586. "I'm sorry what?"
  587. >Celestia begins calling for the guard and the kitchen mare is hoisted up from her hooves
  588. "Celestia, what are you doing?"
  589. >"I won't have you consort with lowly mares who are only after my husband. Guards, I want her out!"
  590. >This is insane, all you did was exchange small talk
  591. >How is any of this ethical
  592. >North Star begs the Princess for mercy where there is none
  593. >She is dragged out of the palace, never to be seen again
  594. >You stand there in disbelief
  595. >This isn't the Celestia you fell in love with
  596. >But it appears that it is
  597. >You feel her wing wrap around you and she pulls you close to her body
  598. >"It's alright dear. I forgive you. It's not like you meant to betray me, so long as you learn your lesson, I'll forgive you of anything. I love you."
  599. >She nuzzles into your neck and you instinctively run your hand through her ethereal mane hesitantly
  600. "Love you too.."
  601.  
  602. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  603.  
  604. >The rest of the day passes in normalcy
  605. >The only incident happening being the firing of the kitchen mare
  606. >"Anon, good news! The preparations have been completed, we can marry at on Sunday!"
  607. >Celestia trots over to you and wraps a hoof around your body
  608. >You can physically feel how happy she is
  609. >A few hours ago you'd be willing to say the same
  610. >Now you're unsure of yourself more than anything
  611. >Nevertheless you wrap your arms around her in a tight hug
  612. "Tia, I was thinking. Which is more important, the marriage, or the sex?"
  613. >She's surprised by the question, but she is steadfast
  614. >"The wedding of course. The consummation is but a bonus!"
  615. >She pecks you on the cheek and readies for bed
  616. >You feel that your question was misplaced and strange
  617. >But her answer confirms it
  618. >This mare truly, and absolutely loves and adores you
  619. >But your mind always replays earlier's events
  620. >For her to fire someone just for talking to you
  621. >Maybe her love -is- just an obsession
  622. >You steal a glace at her as she climbs into bed
  623. >Or maybe she's protecting you and wants only whats best for you
  624. >She notices your stare and pats the empty space beside her with a hoof
  625. >"Come dear, don't keep me waiting."
  626. >Suddenly, all your doubts melt away and feel you are with the mare you fell in love with
  627. >Your wedding is in five days
  628. >Your last conversation of the night is what kind of cake would be served
  629.  
  630. {Act I}
  631. [Chapter VIII]
  632. |The Accused Bride|
  633. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  634.  
  635. >It's the day of the wedding
  636. >You've changed from your normal, dull suit, to garb fit for a prince
  637. >You haven't seen the crazy mare you love all day
  638. >Due to her superstitions
  639. >You'd like to think you're nervous
  640. >But in actuality you can't wait to be married to your lovable alabaster princess
  641. >No more doubts plague your mind
  642. >You no longer mind the questionable acts of Celestia
  643. >Instead you find yourself turning a blind eye to her mishaps
  644. >Your mind is going a million miles a second as you stand at the alter
  645. >To your left are the brides maid, which list off Princess Luna, Twilight, a farm girl, yellow pone with butterflies on her ass, one with rainbow mane, another who's extremely overdressed, and the pink one you remember from Ponyville
  646. >To your right, is no one
  647. >You have no friends
  648. >No close bonds with anyone except for Celestia
  649. >That's okay though
  650. >She is the only pony you need
  651. >The hall falls silent
  652. >An infant dragon raps his fingers on the piano with profession
  653. >All heads turn to the giant double doors leading into the hall
  654. >All but except you
  655. >You can hear the doors open
  656. >You can hear the 'ooohs' and 'aaaahs' as she approaches
  657. >Her hoofsteps echo in your brain
  658. >But the loudest sound of all, is the sound of your own heart
  659. >Threatening to tear itself from your body
  660. >It is only now that you are nervous
  661. >The bride completes her stride and takes her eternal place by your side
  662. >You hesitate but you opt to steal a glance from her
  663. >Only, her eyes have been trained on you the second she entered the hall
  664. >Her giant eyes stare back at you and you feel at ease
  665. >A subtle remedy for your agitation
  666. >The tall pink pony princess in the center of you two begins the ceremony
  667. >"We are gathered her today, to witness the most holy of unions. Your benevolent princess, and her wonderful stallion. This has yet to happen in this grand kingdom, ever since Princess Celestia took power. What took her so long?"
  668. >The crowed of ponies laugh on queue
  669. >Celestia blushes from slight embarrassment
  670.  
  671. >You faintly laugh in her embarrassment
  672. >To which she nudges you in the arm, slightly throwing you off balance
  673. >You've been tuning out Cadance's words of formality
  674. >You honestly just want to get to the I do's
  675. >"The couple has chosen to give their own vows."
  676. >Wait hwhat?
  677. >Celestia turns to you, tears welling in her eyes
  678. >Oh geez, she's gonna get you started
  679. >"Anon. I knew from the exact first moment I laid eyes on you that I wanted this. Although you were a bit stubborn and played hard to get. But underneath that rocky exterior, was the kind hearted human I had come to love. Anon, I promise to keep you from all harm. I will never let you stray from your duties and always regard your happiness over my wants. I will never leave your side in hardship, and will always lead you you to prosperity. It may took you awhile to notice, but you are my everything. My all, and my one. You are the Sun that I so carefully guide through each day. The Sun that I rise with each morning. And the Sun which I fall with each night. I love you, my little human."
  680. >Fuck man
  681. >Giving everyone teary eyes n' shit
  682. >But what do you say to all this?
  683. >You've never been good with speeches or proclamations of love
  684. >You feel your knees start to buckle
  685. >Steadfast Anon
  686. >Don't succumb to the fate of a lesser man!
  687. >You notice Cadance turn towards you
  688. >You clear your throat
  689. >Stalling for more time to gather your words
  690. >You are absolutely terrified that you may say something idiotic
  691.  
  692. >That alien thought of revenge creeps into the back of your mind
  693. >It reminds you of your old self
  694. >Your true reason for being here in the first place
  695. >But have things changed?
  696. >They certainly have if you're willing to accept the fact that you love the mare who stalked you, ruined your life, and abducted you
  697. >But that was just because you couldn't see her love...right?
  698. >You were a naive little child
  699. >You know now that she knows whats best for you
  700. >Why fight it?
  701. >What point is there?
  702. >Exactly, there is no point
  703. >You would give everything up just to be with her
  704. >And thankfully, she already saw to it that you have nothing but her
  705. >What an amazing gift she's given you
  706. "Celestia, I can't thank you enough for all you've given me. I agree, at first I was ignorant of your feelings. And I realized that you were just doing whats best for me when you took everything I loved that wasn't you. You made me see that you were more important than my job, house, and I thank you for that. I'm no longer blinded by my greed and I can wholeheartedly focus on our love. I vow to never harm you in any way. To always be by your side in your time of need. And always listen to your wise judgment through our life together."
  707. >Your vows earn a questionable look from the audience
  708. >More so the Princesses
  709. >Cadance no longer wears her false smile
  710. >Your testimony confirms her suspicion
  711. >Luna and Twilight exchange glances of worry
  712. >And the ponies exchange gossip among themselves
  713. >Celestia is oblivious to all this
  714. >But suddenly, the once foreign idea of revenge grows stronger in your mind
  715. >As if a foggy cloud has been lifted from your vision
  716. >Holy shit, you are just about to be married to the one thing you despise in this entire plane of existence
  717.  
  718. >You stand there at the alter with your bride
  719. >Cadance has her muzzle buried in the good book, but ever so often you see her eyes peek out to study you
  720. >Suddenly, Cadance has has stopped speaking
  721. >Raising a questionable look from Celestia
  722. >"Princess Cadance, is something the matter?"
  723. >Celestia leans closer to study her features that may give insight to her health
  724. >Cadance does nothing but sighs
  725. >She closes the book with her magic and lays it aside
  726. >Now everyone in the room looked worried
  727. >"Princess Celestia. As royal minister of love, I cannot allow this wedding to take place."
  728. >Shock rolls over the room
  729. >Ponies whisper among themselves
  730. >The mane 6 and Luna all exchange glances and move toward the center of the alter
  731. >Celestia feigns a light chuckle
  732. >"And why is that Cadance? Don't tell me you're jealous."
  733. >Cadance retains her dead pan look
  734. >"Princess Celestia, you are found guilty of crimes against love."
  735. >The entire hall gasps, nearly leaving the room void of oxygen
  736. >"You have enslaved Anon to your will! You have brainwashed him into believing you are the only thing that he feels for. You have burned his home, revoked his license to work, and abducted his soul!"
  737. >Celestia turns to stone
  738. >No sign of guilt seeps through her facade
  739. >You look bewildered
  740. >Trying to grasps the reality around you
  741. >"You're meddling in affairs you don't belong in Cadance. I advise you to stop this, I'll forget all about it."
  742. >The air around Celestia changes drastically
  743. >Her warm, caring smile has been replaced by a vengeful, ugly sneer
  744. >"All matters of love are my affair, Princess."
  745. >Cadance challenges Celestia's sneer with own
  746. >Princess Luna and Twilight approach the alter
  747. >"Sister, what is going on?"
  748. >Celestia hides her eyes under her flowing mane
  749. >"It is nothing Luna, but honestly. Some low-borns should learn their place."
  750. >Cadance recoils at the insult, but stands her ground
  751. >"Look at what you've done to him Celestia! He's but a doll robbed of his own free will!
  752.  
  753. >You stare at the two alicorns, still passing the shock of your mental state rapidly changing
  754. >"I cannot allow you to marry someone who does not share your feelings."
  755. >Cadance moves closer to you, moving you behind her
  756. >"Allow me? You are nothing compared to my power. The beautiful and powerful Sun far outweighs the power of love. The Sun will conquer all who opposes it. Even those it loves."
  757. >Celestia's wings span outward to assert her dominance
  758. >Cadance unfurls her own
  759. >The civilians start evacuating the hall upon witnessing the display
  760. >Guards rush in to maintain the situation around the two battle locked alicorns
  761. >"Cadance, you have now power over me. My love for Anon is far superior to your naive understandings."
  762. >You find it ironic that she would claim to know more about love than the pinnacle of knowledge on the subject
  763. >The situation far outplays your plans for revenge and unless you step in, half of Canterlot could be obliterated
  764. >What was your little nickname for her?
  765. "Tia.."
  766. >Celestia breaks her focus on Cadance to eye you
  767. >You step out in front of the pink alicorn and open your arms to hug your princess
  768. "Don't listen to her. She's just can't understand our love. We can find another minister to marry us."
  769. >You calm Celestia from her fury and her scorn is replaced by her familiar gentle smile
  770. >"I'm sorry my love, I shouldn't have let my emotions get the best of me."
  771. >She lowers her head to your shoulder and wraps her wings around you
  772. >She trains her eyes on Cadance one last time
  773. >Mocking her
  774. >"You see? Our love is pure. I'll forget all about this transgression and forgive you. Come along Anon, we must find another to conduct the ceremony."
  775. >She parts with you and leads you out of the half empty hall
  776. >You look back at Cadance who eyes you suspiciously
  777. >You loose sight of her at the door
  778.  
  779. {Act I}
  780. [Chapter IX]
  781. |Psychiatric Evaluation |
  782. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  783.  
  784. >The two of you reside in your chambers
  785. >You run through the last weeks of your life
  786. >Trying to find what caused you to fall head over heels with your captor
  787. >This must be what they call the stockholm
  788. >"Can you believe her? She thinks she has the right to tell me who I can, and cannot marry? The nerve of her!"
  789. >Celestia raves up and down the room
  790. >You merely sit there, trying to collect your thoughts
  791. >You don't know if the love you feel for her real or not
  792. >Could she had casts a spell on you?
  793. >Has she just been manipulate you the entire time?
  794. "Celestia"
  795. >She stops mid-sentence to focus all of her attention on her Sunshine
  796. "Is it true what Cadance said? Did you really cast some sort of spell on me?"
  797. >She is insulted
  798. >How can you doubt her that much
  799. >The fact that you doubt your own feelings is enough to almost send her spiraling into sadness
  800. >"Do you have so little faith in me..?"
  801. >She trots over to you, staring you in the eyes
  802. >The gate way to your soul
  803. "Answer the question."
  804. >You see her composure completely fall apart
  805. >Tears begin to well in her eyes and her muzzle scrunches slightly
  806. >"You wouldn't love me Anon...."
  807. >You listen intently
  808. >Keen on what she has to say
  809. >"You wouldn't love me. Even though I promised to give you everything. I made sure that I was the only thing in your life, but you still denied me. How could you? I have a long, and lonely life. I've never had anyone to call my own. I would lie awake at night, wondering why love was so elusive for me. And then I saw you Anon, and became obsessed with you. You were so..'otherworldly'. You instantly drew me in and I couldn't control myself. I found myself following you, watching you everyday with my telescope. And when you did notice me, you denied me in the most painful way possible. How could you do that to me Anon!?"
  810.  
  811. >Anger
  812. >That's all you feel
  813. >Not only has she taken everything from you
  814. >But brainwashed you into living a lie
  815. >She lead you to believe you were in love
  816. >She changed your entire psyche to suit her own needs
  817. >You can't control the anger you feel
  818. >Your original ambition of revenge roots itself completely in your brain
  819. >You were dead set on making her pay
  820. >You would rip her heart out and stomp it into the ground
  821. >But how?
  822. >How would you make the most evil being in the world pay for her crimes against Equestria's humanity?
  823. >But you still had feelings for her
  824. >Whether they be real or fake, they were there and very much alive
  825. >You will bide your time
  826. >Wait for the perfect moment, when she is so enthralled in her love for you
  827. >That is when you will strike
  828.  
  829. "Celestia, forget the wedding. I think, we are going to need time to sort things out."
  830. >Celestia's eyes never leave you
  831. >Neither do your eyes escape her's
  832. >".....Very well. Will you forgive me..?"
  833. >Her eyes pleads
  834. >Her head is leveled with yours and she's mere inches from your face
  835. >An unknown force drives you to her lips
  836. >You take her by surprise as you fill her with passion, and vice versa
  837. >She pushes against you and you recline onto the bed
  838. >You don't hesitate
  839. >You have no control of your body as it's temperature rises to an inferno
  840. >You don't feel any foreign influences playing tricks on you
  841. >Whether this is a trick of her magic or not is something you'll have to debate in the morning
  842. "Stop."
  843. >You stop her before she presses any further
  844. >She looks at you with mournful eyes
  845. >Begging you to make her yours, to make love to her
  846. >But you're too full of doubt to proceed
  847. >She kisses you again and tries to force herself on top of you
  848. >But you deny her once more
  849. "No!"
  850. >You manage to push her away, physically and emotionally
  851. >She finally backs off
  852. >"You confuse me Anon. You are playing with my heart and I don't appreciate it."
  853. >Playing with -her- heart?
  854. >Who is she kidding
  855. "I said we need to sort things out before we do anything else. I just don't want to feel I'm being controlled, or forced. You understand?"
  856. >Celestia is hesitant but resigns to the idea
  857. >"Very well, I will give you time. Hopefully you'll realize what's right."
  858. >She turns away from you and heads toward the door
  859. >"I won't be sleeping her tonight. I need to recollect on the day's events. Goodnight Anon."
  860. >She exists before you can so much as wave goodbye
  861. >The door clicks shut and you fall onto the bed staring at the ceiling
  862. "What was that just now?"
  863. >You contemplate on the reason why you kissed her, it felt genuine and real
  864. >But you can't fathom why
  865. >You retire into bed when the clock strikes twelve
  866.  
  867. {Act I}
  868. [Chapter X]
  869. |Salving the Sunburn|
  870. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  871.  
  872. >The next morning Tia is nowhere to be found
  873. >Day Court is closed and the Sun is dim and moves sluggishly across the sky
  874. >You wonder the halls in deep thought
  875. >Skulking like a ghost haunting through the castle
  876. >You sub-subconsciously search for the kitchen mare you managed to make friends with
  877. >Only to realize that she doesn't exist as far as you're concerned
  878. >A particular voice calls out to you on your stroll through the garden grounds
  879. >It's Princess Twilight running up to you like a girl who spotted a lost puppy
  880. >It annoys you
  881. >"Hi Anon, have you seen Celestia? I can't seem to find her anywhere."
  882. "Nope, haven't seen her all day. Why?"
  883. >You take a seat on a garden bench and invite Twilight to join you, to which she does
  884. >"Well, after what happened the other day...."
  885. >She trails off, not really wanting to remember the spectacle
  886. >"By the way, I'm sorry I wasn't able to introduce you to my friends. Distractions keep occurring. They all can't wait to meet you though, I hope it'd be soon."
  887. >You take comfort in the fact that at least someone other than Celestia is interested in you
  888. >Just then it hits you
  889. >You've been trying to deal with your problems without any insight from anyone else
  890. >And who better to ask than Ms. Twilight Sparkle of Friendship
  891. "Hey Twilight, what do know about friendship?"
  892. >A rhetorical question she answers anyway
  893. >"What do I know? Anon, my entire life revolves around friendship! I practically know everything on the subject!"
  894. >Her boasting doesn't bother you
  895. >You're actually glad that she shows signs of being willing to help
  896. >You ask for her help and she gleefully agrees in an instant
  897. >She begins to tell you her story of how she met her friends, the obstacles they've over came together
  898. >The entire recap of her life takes hours to catch up to the events of today
  899.  
  900. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  901.  
  902. >"And that is why I came to find you. Well, you already knew why I was here."
  903. >You are bored to tears
  904. >Who knew her life of adventure would be so boring to listen to?
  905. >"Anon? Are you listening?"
  906. >You assure her that you are and she begins to tell another story, which you promptly interrupt
  907. "Hey Twilight.Everything Cadance said at the wedding was true. She completely turned my life upside down, brainwashed me, and trapped me in this castle. Don't you think she's a bit insane?"
  908. >Twilight settles down from her excited persona and takes in the subject
  909. >"Yes. I have noticed her behavior lately. But I never thought she'd do anything like that. I've often seen her staring off into space and she'd always seem so lonely even though I was practically around her everyday."
  910. >You knew that Twilight had been Celestia's protege for sometime now
  911. >And lately you've been wondering if any signs of Celestia's behavior ever shown through to Twilight
  912. >"I understand how you must feel Anon. But she's a good pony, honestly. And she really does love you. I can see it when ever she talks about you. I think you should at least give her a chance and get to know her. Who knows, maybe you'll end up loving her in return."
  913. >You take Twilight's words to heart
  914. "Y'know. You might be right. But Twilight, I'd like to find a way to make her see what she's done. I want her to be able to see what she does to me and what it means to truly love someone."
  915. >Twilight is captivated by your resolve
  916. >"Anon, that's a wonderful thing to do for her and it's really admirable. I would like to help you in this. For your happiness and hers."
  917. >Twilight stands from the bench in determination matching your own
  918. >She says it's getting late and she retires to catch the late train to Ponyville
  919. >You also decide to head 'home'
  920. >Maybe Celestia is there waiting for you
  921. >As you stride through the halls you feel a lot happier and determined to bring Celestia her peace
  922. >Revenge couldn't be further from your mind
  923.  
  924. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  925.  
  926. >You walk into your chambers seeing Celestia laying on the bed curled up in a ball
  927. >She greets you
  928. >Though without the sincere gratitude of seeing you
  929. >You approach her and sit by her side
  930. "Hey Tia, I've been talking to Twilight."
  931. >"Oh?"
  932. "Yeah, we talked about what happened and she gave me advice on how I should approach you."
  933. >"Oh."
  934. "....Celestia, right now you're....like an egg."
  935. >She cranes her neck to look at you
  936. >"What?"
  937. "You're like an egg that hasn't been hatched yet. Or, a baby that doesn't know what it wants or how to get it."
  938. >"If you're trying to insult me you're doing a fine job dear."
  939. "No, here me out. Celestia, do you have any empathy for me at all? Have you ever though about how you make me feel when you keep me locked up in this castle? I can't even have friends or my own property because of you.."
  940. >Celestia smiles at you
  941. >The kind of smile a mother gives to her clueless child
  942. >"Oh Anon, I do these things because I have to. It's the only way to make you see that I care for you. Where would we be had I not done that? You'd still be slaving away doing dishes and never realizing your love for me."
  943. >She coos in your ear
  944. >But you resist
  945. "That's exactly what I'm saying. You treat me like I'm just some pet. Don't you feel any guilt for what you put me through?"
  946. >She breaks eye contact with you and lays her head back onto the bed
  947. >"Of course I do. But if you weren't so resistant in the first place I-"
  948. "If you didn't fly off the handle and were willing to be patient maybe you wouldn't have had to brain wash me!"
  949. >She falls silent
  950. >You keep your eyes fixed on her for any kind of responses
  951. >She says nothing
  952. >You sigh, feeling a little defeated
  953. >Just when you were about to resign and give up before you even try, she speaks
  954. >"Perhaps you're right Anon. Maybe I have been a little inconsiderate of your feelings. Even so..."
  955. >She turns her entire body to face you
  956. >"Will you stay with me, and teach me how to please you?"
  957. "Of course I will."
  958.  
  959. {Act II}
  960. [Chapter I]
  961. |Pursuit of the Heart|
  962. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  963.  
  964. >A week has passed since your commitment to each other was made
  965. >And you can say that the days after have been positive and much brighter
  966. >You can actually see her trying
  967. >It would be a long shot to expect her to renounce her ways within a week though
  968. >Her old self still shows through from time to time
  969. >But that's okay, just means the two of you have work to do
  970. >And today, the both of you are having a private picnic (Inside the castle of course)
  971. >You were still not permitted to leave without her supervision
  972. >But that was also okay, one step at a time
  973.  
  974. >You wait for her on the cliche red and white checkerboard blanket as you take in your surroundings
  975. >The sun is especially bright today and rests just on the center of the blue sky
  976. >Only a few stray clouds voyage across the Sun, casting a small shadow over you and the ground
  977. >You're a patient man but you have been waiting for at least thirty minutes. How long was she going to make you wait?
  978. >"Anon. I have arranged the food in a hundred different ways I hope you'll find to your liking."
  979. >Several baskets and various eating utensils are suspended in her magical glow
  980. >She's brought enough food for a family of seven
  981. "Tia, you actually think we'll be able to eat all of that?"
  982. >She looks at you with her giant magenta eyes as she slowly levitates a basket over to you and lifts the lid revealing a the professionally crafted cake
  983. >"Well of you don't want it. I'll be more than happy to eat it all in front of you and watch you beg for just a taste."
  984. >She hovers a piece of cake to your lips and you reach out to bite it
  985. >But you taste nothing
  986.  
  987. >"Ah, ah, ah. This piece is mine, you get this."
  988. >She passes you a tiny saucer with a carefully crafted slice of cake
  989. >Though incredibly small
  990. >You lock eyes with her
  991. >Challenging her for your right to enjoy the full extent of the cake
  992. >You consider raising the people and leading a march on Canterlot to dethrone the cake hoarding tyrant
  993. >But you digress as she laughs jokingly and slides a more hefty size to you and you take it gratefully
  994. "Should you even be eating all these sweets?"
  995. >She stops mid-bite to stare you down
  996. >"What are you implying?"
  997. "You might get fat."
  998. >She humphs in mock offense
  999. >"Well, if you are here to watch my weight than I suggest, we get more physical."
  1000. >She moves the assorted sweets aside and starts stalking towards you
  1001. >You back away, not wanting to give her the satisfaction of your capture
  1002. >She draws closer, an evil intent assuming the look of a hunter who has just cornered her prey
  1003. >"What's wrong? I could use the exercise."
  1004. "What? What kind of exercise?"
  1005. >She's close enough to be face to face with you and you feel a trickle of sweat roll down from your brow
  1006. >"Run."
  1007. "Excuse me?"
  1008. >"Run!"
  1009.  
  1010. >You tear through the bushes and hedges of the garden, praying to god you're legs don't give in
  1011. >You hear her galloping behind you
  1012. >Each hoof step being a crack of thunder
  1013. >She pursues you, barreling through staff and tourists
  1014. >You're going to have to think fast if you want to even break her line of sight
  1015. >You hear her laughter behind you as she gains speed
  1016. >You make quick left into the castle, the sound of your leather shoes popping soft echoes
  1017. >The sound of Celestia's gold plated hooves send out a crashing chime
  1018. >"You won't be able to run for long, my little human~"
  1019. >Her words only push you further
  1020. >Your will is unbreakable and you feel the need to run as fast and as far as the ends of the earth
  1021. >Only you can't
  1022. >The two of you tear through the castle like a typhoon of chaos and disorder
  1023. >But alas, your fun is snuffed as you run into Luna, Princess of the night
  1024. >Your impact barely phases her but you are knock off your feet as soon as you make contact
  1025. >You feel you stomach twist in a knot
  1026. >Celestia slows her gallop to a canter, and then to a trot
  1027. >She approaches the two of you panting and smiling
  1028. >Luna observes the trail of destruction following in your wake and gives an impatient stare at her sister
  1029. >Celestia stares back in nonchalant innocence
  1030. >"What?"
  1031.  
  1032. >"What doth thou think thou are doing?"
  1033. >You pick yourself up on your feet and dust yourself off
  1034. >"Well, Anon and I were having a picnic. He said some offensive comments that I won't repeat. He threatened to hold my bakers hostage. I pursued him to make sure nothing happened to the royal staff."
  1035. >She offers a playful smile, which Luna doesn't accept
  1036. "That's not at all what happened!"
  1037. >They both look at you
  1038. >Luna's expression unchanging but Celestia can't keep from cracking up
  1039. >Luna returns her attention back to her sister
  1040. >"As we said previously, we will not pry on your private dealings. But we do ask that thou not run amok like common school children."
  1041. >Celestia pouts and sighs
  1042. >"Honestly Luna, you're no fun at all. You should get out more often."
  1043. >Only now does Luna's expression grow sour
  1044. >"Some of us don't have the freedom for antics and pranks. Some of us have duty to the state, and we'd like for you to keep that in mind."
  1045. >Luna dismisses the both of your existences as she exits the conversation
  1046. >You walk over to Celestia and rest an arm on her back
  1047. "What's your sister's problem, she's always moody."
  1048. >Celestia sighs and leads you away in the opposite direction of her sister
  1049. >"It's a long story Anon, one I've told too many times."
  1050.  
  1051. "What about the food we left outside?"
  1052. >You ask her while the two of you make your way to your room
  1053. >"Someone will take care of it. But it's nice to know you're considerate enough to care."
  1054. >She gives you a light kiss on the cheek and you return her affections my scratching the place behind her ear you discovered about a few days ago
  1055. >"Well, here we are."
  1056. >She opens the door to the room you've grown accustomed to over the past weeks
  1057. >You even have your own closest place
  1058. >She holds true to giving you everything you wanted
  1059. >Not that you require so many material possessions
  1060. >And it doesn't help that you are now without your relics from Earth
  1061. >But the new life ahead of you could be worth the loss
  1062. >You seat yourself on the bed as Celestia moves about the room
  1063. >You study her movements
  1064. >As always they are graceful and perfect
  1065. >But ever so often clumsy and ill calculated
  1066. >"Ah!"
  1067. >In her haste she trips over her own hooves and face plants into a wall
  1068. >A sight almost too comedic to believe
  1069. >You allow a laugh to escape you
  1070. >She joins in your laughter sheepishly
  1071. >You gotta learn to laugh at yourself, right?
  1072. >You lean back and stare at the ceiling
  1073. >Her cutiemark carved into the heavy marble above
  1074. "Today was a good day."
  1075. >Celestia questions your sudden statement
  1076. >"What makes you say that?"
  1077. >She joins you on the bed as you elaborate further
  1078. "We've done literally nothing all day. I'm beginning to get comfortable with all this. Dicking around all day has been appealing to me lately."
  1079. >She giggles at your choice of words
  1080. >"Hopefully this doesn't become routine. I have a country to maintain."
  1081. >You kick your shoes away and you climb to the backboard of the bed
  1082. "Yeah but, lounging about just sounds perfect right now."
  1083. >"Where are you going with this Anon?"
  1084. >Celestia begins to slip off her royal relics and joins you
  1085. "Well, you know awhile ago when you told Twilight I didn't like to go to exotic places?"
  1086. >She nods in confirmation
  1087. "Let's do that. And do nothing all day."
  1088.  
  1089. >"You know I can't do that."
  1090. "Why not?"
  1091. >You make sure to immediately counter with a question to make sure she doesn't escape
  1092. >"Because I have been laying about with you enough as it is and Luna is right, we both have duties we must attend to."
  1093. "Then why don't we plan for a vacation later?"
  1094. >You push the subject even harder, to her own discomfort
  1095. >"No. It's out of the question. I've told you I don't want you outside the castle grounds. We are dropping the subject."
  1096. >She kills the lights and rests her head on her pillow, leaving you in the dark
  1097. "You still don't trust me. Even after I promised I wouldn't go anywhere, you're still caging me up like a bird!"
  1098. >You raise your voice at her, hoping that it'd go a lot further than her ears
  1099. >"It's not a matter of my trust in you. It's a matter of my trust in the other mares."
  1100. "Then we can go in privacy! Dammit you crazy horse! Is it too much to ask that we can spend a day outside these walls?"
  1101. >She lifts her head from her pillow to look at your shadowed face
  1102. >"Yes. It -is- too much."
  1103. "Are you serious? After everything I said. After everything you've taken from me, you won't give me this? This is what I'm talking about. This is what you're going to have to fucking get over if you want to make this whole thing work."
  1104. >Silence falls over the two of you for a few moments
  1105. >You can see her purple eyes glow in the setting sun
  1106. >You stare back at her hoping she's having an internal war with herself
  1107. >She finally brakes the silence with a sigh
  1108. >"Fine. If it's that important to you than we can go on this little adventure of yours. Goodnight."
  1109. >She rests her head back onto her pillow and turns away from you. defeated
  1110. >Score 1 for Anon, you consider the road ahead to be difficult but you are willing to blaze it for the mare you begin to grow feelings for
  1111. >Genuine feelings this time
  1112. >You fall asleep to her quiet snores and the thoughts of tomorrow
  1113.  
  1114. {Act II}
  1115. [Chapter II]
  1116. |Late Night Calls|
  1117. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  1118.  
  1119. >"Anon....Anon wake up."
  1120. >Your sleep is interrupted by Celestia's prodding
  1121. >"Anon...I think someone is outside our door.."
  1122. >You begrudgingly wipe the sleep from your eyes and rise out of bed
  1123. "What? Aren't you like, an all powerful Sun goddess? Why don't you take care of it."
  1124. >You attempt to fall back into the lulls of sleep, but it doesn't take you as you're pushed out of bed
  1125. >"Anon, go check outside. It could be a spider!"
  1126. >What?
  1127. "I'm pretty sure you can't hear spiders from the other side of a door."
  1128. >You say flatly as you rise to your feet
  1129. >"Well, if it isn't a spider, it could be a variety of things nasty things."
  1130. "Don't you have gaurds?"
  1131. >"It could be a monster."
  1132. "Call the guards."
  1133. >"It could be someone here to steal you away from me!"
  1134. "I doubt it."
  1135. >"Go check!"
  1136. >You're lifted from your feet and the feeling of weightlessness takes you as you're thrown across the room and out the door, only to land ontop of your favorite purple pony princess
  1137. >Twilight lays beneath you, dizzy and confused, just like yourself
  1138. "Twilight, what the hell are you doing here?"
  1139. >Twilight recovers from her daze and remembers everything up until the point of your collision
  1140. >"Oh hi Anon! I just came to see how things are going between the two of you."
  1141. "At 3 in the morning?"
  1142. >Twilight blushes as you push yourself off of her
  1143. >"Yes well, a good friend must be ever diligent!"
  1144. >"Anon? Who is it!?"
  1145. >You peek inside the darkroom to see Celestia with the sheets nearly covering her face
  1146. >Cute
  1147. >You deny her an answer and crack the door slightly, focusing back on Twilight's intrusion
  1148. "What are you really here for?"
  1149. >"Oh! I also came to give you this."
  1150. >She cranes her neck backwards to mouth her saddle bag, pulling a thin book from it
  1151. >"Tadaa! A complete guide to the yandere!"
  1152.  
  1153. "Guide to the what?"
  1154. >"The yandere. It's a characteristic popularized in Neighpan. It categorizes mares in the archetype of being completely devoted, loving, and kind, whilst being a deranged lunatic."
  1155. >Lunatic?
  1156. >A lunatic wouldn't wake you in the middle of the night to go and check if there was a spider outside
  1157. >.....
  1158. "Twilight, what exactly is this for?"
  1159. >"It's to help you with the Princess, Anon. Duh, that's why I brought it?"
  1160. >You skim through the pages: "If your friends and family suddenly vanish than you are neglecting your yandere and enabling such consequences."
  1161. >Although you appreciate Twilight's kind gesture, you hand the book back to her
  1162. "Yeah, thanks Twilight, but I don't think this will be useful. I've got things under control."
  1163. >Twilight looks disappointed
  1164. >She -did- research everything about your predicament so it wouldn't be too much if you accepted her gift
  1165. "Fine, I'll take the damn book. Now get out, Tia thinks you're a spider or something and I'd like to get back to bed."
  1166. >"Really? Last time she thought I was a bear."
  1167. "What?"
  1168. >"Well, I should go Anon."
  1169. "Last time?"
  1170. >"Make sure the two of you come to visit, I'd like to see your friendship grow first hoof."
  1171. >Twilight is gone in a flash of purple
  1172. >You let out a groan as you walk back inside to your Sun horse in waiting.
  1173. >"What was it?"
  1174. >She says worriedly
  1175. >You climb back into bed, exhausted, and when she asks again, you don't answer
  1176.  
  1177. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  1178.  
  1179. >The next day you rise and perform your morning ritual
  1180. >Today instead of laying about like an urchin you're invited to spend the day with your Princess in Day Court
  1181. >So far, it's been nothing but small criminal sentences and city planning
  1182. >The most boring hours of your life
  1183. >In between her appointments you ask her for to skip out on work and spend time together
  1184. >Her answer is always a stern No
  1185. >You think to yourself that it's a good sign that she still cares about her kingdom and balances it between you and her duties
  1186. >At least you're not the total center of her life
  1187. >Around 6 o'clock a large family of six plead an audience with the Princess
  1188. >They look tired and sickly
  1189. >They say they are without a home, little to no money, and not knowing where the next meal will come from
  1190. >All the homeless shelters were closed down due to her little stunt of isolating you from the world
  1191. >But without a second thought Celestia is practically throwing houses at them
  1192. >It's time like these that you see her in her most natural state
  1193. >A kind and benevolent ruler who would give up the vast luxuries and lavishes of her life to help another
  1194. >You can hardly believe that this is the same mare who caused you so much strife
  1195. >But all that's in the past
  1196. >The poor family weep tears of joy and praise their kind ruler for her generosity
  1197. >Celestia merely smiles and takes the compliments with stride and sends them on their marry way
  1198. >She notices your staring before you do
  1199. >"Yes?"
  1200. >She has her muzzle buried in documentations and the like
  1201. >But she still finds the time to cater to your curiosity
  1202. "Nothing, just, that was a pretty nice thing you did. How come you didn't give me a home when you burned it down?"
  1203. >You're joking but she takes the question in absolute seriousness
  1204. >"I've told you before. It was to prove to you that my love was all that you needed. What are you going to say next? You want another house? If so I would be more than happy to construct one inside the castle."
  1205. >Touchy subject
  1206.  
  1207. "Inside the castle?"
  1208. >She ignores your prodding, tending to her advisers and delegates
  1209. >It was late in the after noon and the Sun had just began to sink behind the horizon
  1210. >This makes you wonder where the Sun retreats at the end of the day
  1211. >Does it provide for the other countries of the world? Or is Equestria and it's surrounding kingdoms the only nations that inhabit the globe?
  1212. >You make note to research the astrology later
  1213. >But for now it was time to retire
  1214. >The transition from night and day causes the stainglass pictures to dance in an array of colors
  1215. >From the giant double doors Luna makes her entrance
  1216. >Greeting her sister, and hardly acknowledging your existence, as always
  1217. >But you've learned to care little about that fact
  1218. >Today was as boring as ever
  1219. >This morning Celestia insisted you attend Day-Court to avoid other 'mishaps' like with the kitchen mare
  1220. >That event was fading from your mind however
  1221. >Instead of retiring into your bedchambers as usual, Celestia saw fit for the two of you to take a stroll -outside- the castle
  1222. >To explore the lively nocturnal city of Canterlot, she says
  1223.  
  1224. >The nightly city of Canterlot buzzes brightly with street attractions and performers
  1225. >You find yourself nostalgic for your old life, but also somewhat content with your new one
  1226. >The two of you are accompanied by four palace guards in their signature golden armor, reflecting the city's lights
  1227. "You know, this doesn't count as our vacation."
  1228. >You make sure to get the point across before she tries to insinuate the opposite
  1229. >"Of course it doesn't my love. I just thought you deserved a small reward for being so well behaved today~"
  1230. >She nuzzles you as the two of you walk through town, gaining small glances here and there, but it's to be expected
  1231. >You turn inwards into a park where a small ensemble plays away for the nightgoers
  1232. >You recognize some of them, especially the grey mare bearing the cello but you don't make a move of greeting for fear of distracting her from her work
  1233. >Also in fear of the mare walking closer and closer beside you with each step
  1234. >"Tonight is quite lively. Come, let's take a seat."
  1235. >She practically pulls you down next to her, assuming a guard dog over you
  1236. >You figure it to be her 'asserting her dominance'
  1237. "Why exactly are we stopping here?"
  1238. >You rest on her back as she cranes her neck to lay her head on your lap
  1239. >"It'll all be clear soon."
  1240. >Whatever that means
  1241. >You notice the music begin to die down a bit as the moon reaches it's peak
  1242. >The lanterns in the park dim and ponies began to gather, staying a safe distance away from your part of course
  1243. "What's going on? Tia, you planning something?"
  1244. >"Shhh"
  1245. >Her hoof makes contact with your lips as a single sparkle beams into the air and explodes in an erratic display of colors and hues
  1246. >After the initial burst a multitude follow in it's wake to paint the night sky a wonderful rainbow
  1247. >How could you forget about Canterlot's fireworks?
  1248. >You've seen them countless times, they even kept you up at night
  1249. >But never had they been more beautiful than they are right now
  1250.  
  1251. >The dazzling lights casted shadows over the grassy fields
  1252. >The various 'Ooo's and 'Ahh's filled the air
  1253. >A certain ripple of colors depicting Sunhorse and you with hearts caused you to stiffen at all the stares
  1254. >But Celestia just sat and smiled, at peace with the special moment you two were sharing
  1255. >No matter how many ponies bore witness
  1256. >The pounding sounds of the explosions became rhythmic and you began to doze off into a sleep-like state
  1257. >Not fully awake, but not fully sleep either
  1258. >Celestia took it as a sign for your nearing departure from the park and so she levitated you onto her back as she arose
  1259. >"Enjoy the rest of the show my little ponies." she says as she turns with her small convoy of guards
  1260. >The sea of ponies part as the two of you make your way into the castle walls
  1261. >In your current state, you feel some sort of connection with Celestia
  1262. >As you sit atop he back you can feel every muscle from her legs to her hunches, to the slight haze of her breath
  1263. >That confirmed it, the sneaking suspicion that you loved this crazy mare was deadlocked into the billions of neurons in your brain
  1264.  
  1265. {Act II}
  1266. [Chapter III]
  1267. |Dash to the finish|
  1268. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  1269.  
  1270. >The smell of eggs, pancakes, and orange juice march into your nose as you lay in your bed
  1271. >It's almost enough to make you get out of bed
  1272. >But it's not until you hear the familiar "Rise and shine, my love." that you make any motions to move
  1273. >You were beginning to get comfortable with the nickname she had given you since day one
  1274. >Your eyes slowly slide open and you sit up to see Celestia standing at the foot of the bed
  1275. >Smiling as warm as the sun, and you return it with an even warmer smile
  1276. >A moment of content silence passes
  1277. >You move to get more comfortable and your legs shift around the bed
  1278. "Good morn-"
  1279. >The sound of shattering porcelain and glass interrupts your first words of the day and the smile from Celestia's face instantly vaporizes
  1280. >She sighs in defeat as you scramble to your apologies
  1281. >Celestia waves a hoof and pouts to the side saying "It's alright. I didn't put much effort into it. It probably would have tasted terrible."
  1282. >Now your really sorry
  1283. >She made this just for you, and you ruined it
  1284. >You would definitely have to pay her back somehow
  1285. >Her magic lifts the shards of glass and bits of food away from the bedside, before dropping it down the garbage shoot
  1286. "How long did you let me sleep in?"
  1287. >"Well, day court is over. I figured you wouldn't like how boring it was. Nothing exceptionally exciting happened today. Save for Lulu asking of your whereabouts."
  1288. >Luna asked about you? That's new. But more importantly, why where you allowed to sleep in today?
  1289. >"Would you like to visit Princess Twilight's friends this afternoon?"
  1290. >Guess your question will go unanswered
  1291. >But you aren't going to refuse a chance to get outside the castle
  1292. "Uh, sure. Just let me get dressed."
  1293. >You hop out of bed and over to your closet
  1294. >"You have five minutes~"
  1295. "What?"
  1296. >"Better hurry~"
  1297. >Celestia dashes for the balcony and leaps off to the castle grounds
  1298. >You chase after her until you realize that you can't fly
  1299. >Five minutes!?
  1300. >She's right, you better hurry
  1301.  
  1302. >After only managing to slip on your slacks, shoes, and dress shirt, you sprint down the halls of Canterlot to the chariot
  1303. >To which you see Celestia with a stop watch, levitating it in front of her face
  1304. >"Nine minutes and twenty-two seconds. You're going to have to get in shape. No more sleeping in for you, dearest."
  1305. "What the hell? Why only five minutes!? I haven't even gotten a chance to eat anything!?"
  1306. >A single slice of cake shoots into your mouth on the end of a fork
  1307. >"Ah ah ah, language Anon. It's unbecoming of a prince to use such a rotten tone~"
  1308. >You scarf down the cake, nearly choking on it as you practically crawl to the chariot
  1309. >This crazy horse was going to kill you one day
  1310. >If not by exhaustion, than by stuffing your face with sweets
  1311. >But you'll have to brave through her dungeon if you want to survive
  1312. "Can we just go already?"
  1313. >You stand in the chariot, hunched over the rim
  1314. >"Very well."
  1315. >She turns to the guards with a smile
  1316. >"To Ponyville please."
  1317. >The wing beat of the two pegasus guards blow through your shirt, without your signature black jacket, everything is a bit chillier
  1318. >The chariot picks up speed until it finally leaves the ground and into the air, making a b-line for Ponyville
  1319. >You can already see Twilight's castle shining brightly
  1320. >It's so tacky, but everyone has their own taste, you think
  1321. >Most of the trip there is in silence
  1322. >It's not until you land that the trumpets breaks the air
  1323. >Around you, ponies gather to greet Celestia, only a few actually saying hello to you
  1324. >Which you don't mind, you hated the spotlight anyway
  1325. >"Ah, here comes Princess Twilight. Anon, make yourself presentable."
  1326. >Celestia references your shirt, you left the two top buttons unbuttoned
  1327. >You do just that as Twilight and Celestia bow to eachother
  1328. >"Hello Princess, hello Anon."
  1329. >You return her greeting as she leads the two of you to the enormous crystal castle
  1330.  
  1331. >You looked forward to meeting her friends, you wonder what the ponies who kept this insane bookworm in check were like
  1332. >You're escorted through the castle, passing the large dinning room you three shared tea in
  1333. >You're lead down a few corridors and stairways until you reach circular room with six crystal seats
  1334. >What greets you is the entire ensemble of the Elements of Harmony
  1335. >"Anon, allow me to introduce you to my friends: Applejack"
  1336. >"Nice ta meetcha." she says, tipping her hat
  1337. >"Rarity."
  1338. >"Hello dear." She smiles
  1339. >"Rainbowdash"
  1340. >"What are you? Some sort of hairless monkey?" Twilight cringes at her friends rudeness
  1341. >"....Fluttershy"
  1342. >"Rainbowdash, I don't think he's a monkey. He looks more like an ape." This time, you cringe
  1343. >"And finally, Pink-. Hey wait, wheres Pinkie?" Twilight searches around the room
  1344. >"She said she had some things to take care of before she met Mr. Anonymous." Rarity says as she bounces her curls on her hoof
  1345. >You figure Pinkie must be the pony you first met when you stumbled here from the forest
  1346. >Wait, whats that nudging against your back?
  1347. >You're pushed forward onto the ground as a blurry pink ball bounces into the air, and takes the form of the familiar pony
  1348. >"Surprise, Pinkie, Tickling, Attaaaaaack!!!!"
  1349. >You roll out of the way before she has a chance to land on you
  1350. >Celestia holds herself back from laughing
  1351. >You scramble to your feet and try to retrieve your composure
  1352. >Five minutes in Ponyville and attempts are already being made on your life
  1353.  
  1354. {Act II}
  1355. [Chapter IV]
  1356. |Tea Over Departure|
  1357. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  1358.  
  1359. >Now that everyone had been situated, you all take your seats around a large oakwood table
  1360. >Twilight tells you it was fashioned from the wood of the old library which once stood on the grounds the castle rested on
  1361. >Things have calmed down after the half hour spent trying to sedate Pinkie into submission
  1362. >Now the eight of you exchange idle chit-chat
  1363. >"I hear the two of you are going on vacation somewhere?" Twilight says as her tea cup meets saucer
  1364. "Huh? How'd you know?"
  1365. >"I took the liberty on inviting them with us, to serve as my eyes and ears. That way, you'll never be far from my sight." Celestia says
  1366. >This makes you cringe with displeasure, but before you can even raise a hand in protest Celestia giggles to herself
  1367. >"It was a joke dear."
  1368. >Now it was the girl's turn to giggle and poke fun, you hardly feel embarrassed though
  1369. >Honestly, you kinda of felt relieved to get out of the castle and actually socialize with other ponies
  1370. >You've been Celestia's caged bird long enough
  1371. >Do you want emancipation?
  1372. "Yeah well, hopefully after the trip you'll be seeing a lot more of us. Right Tia?" You lean on your mare in question, who pauses on her tea
  1373. >"If I can somehow juggle Day-Court and personal affairs than I suppose."
  1374. >Twilight smiles in your direction
  1375. >Silently congratulating you on your small progress in your relationship
  1376. >At first, it'd be a cold day in Hell before she'd let you anywhere near the palace gates
  1377. >Now your miles away from the suspended city, in the quiet town of Ponyville
  1378.  
  1379. >"So Princess, what exactly is he? He's a monkey right? Some sort of Minotaur?"
  1380. >Before you know it Dash is casually poking your limbs and sizing you up
  1381. >You hardly mind it, it'd make since for strangers to question your appearance
  1382. >Dash's prying suddenly stops as a golden magical glow traces her body and lifts her into the air, slowly gliding her back to her seat
  1383. >Now that you think of it, you never told anyone of your full story
  1384.  
  1385. >It's not that you never felt a need to tell anyone about yourself, just no one really took an interest.
  1386. >As far as they were concerned, you could work and pay bills
  1387. >Because of that, you didn't remember much of Earth, or even make true friends here in Equestria
  1388. "Actually Dash, where I'm from, it was commonly accepted that we evolved from monkeys. So you're not too far off."
  1389. >Fluttershy perks up a slight bit more at the mention of monkeys
  1390. >"Oh, what kind of monkeys? Chimps? Mandrill? Baboon?"
  1391. >It never really crossed your mind what specific breed humanity spurred from
  1392. "I really couldn't say. But I do know we are closer to apes. If that helps."
  1393. >Fluttershy seems somewhat content with the answer
  1394. >"Anon, I don't believe you ever told me much of Earth. And sense Rainbow Dash brought it up, what say you give us a small history lesson?"
  1395. >Celestia nudges you in the side, forcing you out of your seat
  1396. >You didn't know anything about teaching, but you have to start somewhere
  1397. "Well......Back on Earth, humanity accomplished many amazing things. We also did terrible things to each other, but that's besides the point."
  1398. >You scratch the back of your head for a main topic
  1399. >Ah yes, the pyramids
  1400. "In fact, there was a country called Egypt. The Egyptians built three giant pyramids to honor their rulers. Even in modern day scientist don't really know how they built them."
  1401. >You're 'class' is half asleep
  1402. >Only Celestia and Twilight bothering to amuse you
  1403. >"Tell us more about 'you' Anon." Celestia says
  1404. >You weren't the best at talking about yourself, mainly because you didn't often need to
  1405. "Well, I was born in a big city by the water. I got an average education and after graduation I moved out of my parent's house at 19. I had a few friends, but they weren't anything special. I also-"
  1406. >"How did you do with women?" Celestia interrupts your session of fond memories
  1407. >The question took you by surprise, like a truck had caught you j-walking
  1408. >You can hear Twilight stifle a giggle
  1409.  
  1410. "W-well, I never had many women in my life. If that's what you're asking."
  1411. >Celestia silently returns to sipping her tea
  1412. >The air is slightly more uncomfortable now
  1413. >Luckily Twilight butts in for damage control
  1414. >"So Anon, enough about Earth. Tell us about your life at the castle!"
  1415. >It was a question that lifted the mood somewhat
  1416. "Actually it's really nice. When I'm not sitting around in bed I'm in court with Celestia, though it can get really boring."
  1417. >Celestia sets her cup down on her saucer
  1418. >"I'm sorry if managing a country is 'boring' Anon. We could always, do something more 'exciting'."
  1419. >She winked at you, causing that familiar sensation to travel up your spine
  1420. >You retake your seat next to Celestia
  1421. "How many times have I been saying that?"
  1422. >You place a hand behind her ear and scratch the place she loves so much
  1423. >The rest can't help but blush slightly
  1424. >It was a peaceful moment, one of those special instances that could only be caught rarely
  1425. >Suddenly a messenger gallops through the large double doors of the dinning hall
  1426. >Out of breath, he bows to Celestia before making his report
  1427. >"Your majesty. Princess Luna has requested your presences in Canterlot immediately! There is an emergency!"
  1428. >The peaceful scene devolves into one of urgency
  1429. >"Very well, I'll return as soon as possible."
  1430. >Celestia slowly stands, and so do the others out of respect
  1431. >"I'm afraid our little visit will have to be cut short. Anon and I will have to be on our way."
  1432. >You wonder what exactly is going on, but you decide to wait until you were in a more private setting to ask
  1433. >After brief goodbyes the two of you once again board the chariot and make way for Canterlot
  1434.  
  1435. >The ride was made in silence
  1436. >You were in such a hurry that you were almost blown off by the wind
  1437. >Canterlot comes into full view as you make your landing
  1438. >Atop the observation spire you see Luna retreat into the tower
  1439. "Do you have any idea whats going on?" You say as you help her down from the chariot
  1440. >"No, I do not. But it must be important due to such urgency."
  1441. >The two of you continue onward to the throne room
  1442. >Luna's dark blue shade clashes with the palace's marble walls and columns, she stands out like a sore thumb
  1443. >"Welcome back sister. We apologize for the sudden request, we hope your trip was safe."
  1444. >She nods in your direction, still the only greeting she will give you
  1445. >"We are fine. But what is it that you wanted to discuss?"
  1446. >Luna lets her gaze roam around the hall, looking for any eavesdroppers
  1447. >"Come, we have much to discuss."
  1448. >She leads the two of you into the throne room and you follow suite
  1449. >However, before you make it past the door Luna stops you
  1450. >"We would prefer if the human allowed us to speak privately."
  1451. >You'd be lying if you said you weren't hurt by the comment, and you could see Celestia's face shift into one of discomfort
  1452. >"....Very well. Anon, would you mind waiting for me in our chambers? I'll return shortly." She says with a forced smile
  1453. >You surrender to the request and agree
  1454. >You figured it was not your place to overhear important discussions between monarchs, you were no king
  1455. >You part ways with the two alicorns and start your ascent to one of Canterlot's many towers
  1456.  
  1457. >Hours pass as you await Celestia's return
  1458. >The Sun had already disappeared behind the valley and the moon casts shadows into the bedroom
  1459. >It was a depressing vibe
  1460. >You hear the turn of the door knob and Celestia returns, tired and somewhat afraid
  1461. >You get up from the bed and get straight to questioning
  1462. "You alright?"
  1463. >She smiles at your concern and plants a small kiss on the cheek before making her way to the bed
  1464. >"Luna has told me that the boarder issues Equestria has been having with dragons are worsening. Earlier today we received threats from the clan leaders."
  1465. >Most of it flew over your head. You had no idea there were problems along the boarder, or that dragons were even a prominent threat
  1466. "Can you fix it?" You ask
  1467. >You join her on the bed, gently removing her regalia and tiara
  1468. >For a long time, Celestia remains silent and it worries you
  1469. >"Luna and I will have to establish a summit with their leaders. Though, negotiations could last longer than a month..."
  1470. >You allow yourself the selfish thought of your vacation being ruined and she picks up on that
  1471. >"I'm terribly sorry Anon. I know how much you wanted to go on that trip."
  1472. >Her wing stretches and pulls you into her
  1473. "No, it's fine. The country should come first. We could always go another time."
  1474. >She leans on you and you support her weight with yours
  1475. >"Luna has also advised me to leave you here. She fears that you shouldn't be involved in our political affairs..."
  1476. >That didn't surprise you, but the thought of being away from Tia did sadden you
  1477. "...When will you be leaving?" You ask
  1478. >Her expression becomes solemn as she tells you that she will be departing tomorrow
  1479. >Even more of your time has been swept away
  1480. "Looks like we don't have much time together....Tell you what,"
  1481. >You slowly lie Celestia on her back, the darkness in the room adding to the excitement
  1482. "How about a 'going away party'?"
  1483. >She giggles and wraps her forelegs around your neck and the both of you fade away into the night
  1484.  
  1485. {Act II}
  1486. [Chapter V]
  1487. |Birds Who Prey on Shoes|
  1488. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  1489.  
  1490. >You awake with the familiar warmth absent from your side
  1491. >It bothered you to not see her off, but she insisted you stay in bed
  1492. >The clock above the vanity read 2:55 and the Sun had long since completed it's climb
  1493. >It was time for you to remove yourself from bed and try to spend the day however you liked
  1494. >Adorning your usual wear, complimented with your favorite red tie you make way for the door
  1495. >The door opens with the faintest of creaks as you pace down the steps of Canterlot's tallest spire
  1496. >This counted as your days exercise, you found yourself playing games with yourself
  1497. >Sometimes skipping the third step, or walking on one side or the other
  1498. >These games entertained you long enough for you to reach the bottom, usually
  1499. >You exist into Canterlot's palace halls, it seemed almost empty and void
  1500. >Though there were plenty of guards and staff, the marble walls seemed to lose their luster in the absence of their princess
  1501. >The gloomy halls seemed cramped enough, you spent a month living inside them, you decided to take this rare opportunity to take your first, legal step outside your 'prison' walls
  1502. >Maybe you'd visit your old job and help out for the day, maybe you'd visit the vacant lot where your home once stood, who knows what the rest of the day could hold
  1503. >You near the draw bridge, passing by workers and guests alike
  1504. >You're nearly through the alabaster gates until the combined wingspans of two guards halt you
  1505. >"I'm sorry Sir. Anonymous. But by order of the princess you are restricted from leaving the castle grounds until her majesty returns. Please remain inside your chambers until she returns."
  1506.  
  1507. >The guards look at you stoically
  1508. >Unfortunately, you can't say the same
  1509. >Your face is switching from various expressions of different emotions
  1510. >All you can do is stand there and watch your day of freedom burn to a crisp
  1511. >There were no words to describe the immense since of anger you felt
  1512. >It was sort of like watching every little achievement you've made with Celestia this month go up in smoke
  1513. >It may have actually just been that
  1514. >You stand there in shock a little while longer
  1515. >The guards remaining as indifferent as before
  1516. >The guard on the left repeats himself
  1517. >"Sir Anonymous, please return to your chambers until the princesses have returned from the trip abroad."
  1518. >There was no point fighting now, you felt utterly hopeless and defeated
  1519. "Yeah, alright. I'll do that.."
  1520. >Their wings fold inward and they resume their position of attention
  1521. >They don't bat an eye as you slowly sulk your way inside
  1522. >Not only did she leave you for an entire month, but she locked you up again
  1523. >It was the biggest betrayal yet!
  1524. >You'd never let her hear the end of it
  1525. >Through the door, through the halls, and up the stairs brought you back to your 'cell'
  1526. >You nearly hover over to the bed and collapse onto it
  1527. >A loud groan escapes your body
  1528. >In response to your call of grief you hear a flutter make it's way in from the open balcony
  1529. >Philomena perches herself on your head, singing her greeting to you
  1530. >But you're hardly in the mood for it and you shake your head, causing her to instead perch on the bed's head rest
  1531. >She sits proudly, expecting you to notice and compliment her vibrant feathers, you do no such thing
  1532. >But you do sit up, making eye contact with her as she cocks her head to the right
  1533. >It seems she can read the sadness on your face and glides a bit closer to offer what little comfort she can
  1534.  
  1535. >Your extended hand finds itself petting Philomena's heated feathers and she coos in approval but she could tell you weren't in the mood to play
  1536. >At least in your isolation you can have some form of companion
  1537. "To tell you the truth, I wish I had wings right now. It sucks being locked up in here, and when she gets back I'm gonna tell her off you hear me!?"
  1538. >Philomena cranes her neck to the side in response and you find yourself laughing at the fact you're speaking with a Pheonix who may or may not be completely sentient
  1539. >You decide not to think about it and begin to remove your shoes
  1540. >You weren't going anywhere anyway
  1541. >Carefully placing your shoes at the side of the bed you turn back the the flaming bird only to see her absent
  1542. "Don't tell me she in ashes..."
  1543. >It'd be hell to clean that from the bed spread
  1544. >Instead she caws at you from your feet
  1545. >You can't help but laugh at the fact that she's snugged happily in your size 10's
  1546. "Get out of my shoe, I don't want to make the smell worse."
  1547. >Instead she locks her talons on the rim of your loafers and carries it into the air
  1548. "God dammit put it down!"
  1549. >You reach out for your abducted footwear, but with each reach it rises higher and higher
  1550. >You're standing on the bed now, jumping as high as you can to rescue your shoe from it's assailant, you're unsuccessful
  1551. >One miscalculated jump and your falling off the bed, in the time between the air and the floor you hear "No more monkeys jumping on the bed!"
  1552. >The impact is painful, as well as pride damaging
  1553. >You'd be damned if you were outsmarted by a damn bird!
  1554. >You spin your head backwards, nearly catching whiplash
  1555. >Philomena makes her way out into the hall, carrying your shoe with her
  1556. >Without a second thought you give chase
  1557.  
  1558. >For the second time today you're traveling down these incredibly long stairs
  1559. >Philomena's descent is far greater than your own, on account that she isn't limited to the stairs
  1560. >You double-time it and hit the bottom just a few seconds after she flies into the halls
  1561. >Chasing her proves to be difficult on account of your socks sliding on the polished floor
  1562. >You nearly ran into seven ponies so far
  1563. >But you were determined to get your shoe from that damn bird!
  1564. >You can feel her taunting you as she caws back at you
  1565. >She was always a trouble maker but now she's just being an ass
  1566. >No one in the halls opt to help you on your wild pheonix chase, instead the stare at the amusement of your pleight
  1567. >She's really giving you a run for your money and you soon find yourself chasing her into Canterlot's library
  1568. >You only catch a glimpse of her as she ducks behind her desk from Philomena's fiery trail
  1569. >All this for a shoe. You though
  1570. >She's dodging into corridors of books and shelves evading your pursuit
  1571. >Books and pages rustle as she flies past, your tiring body following
  1572. >Maybe this was your body's way of telling you to hit the track
  1573. >Philomena darts behind a corner and you follow suit
  1574. >However, she disappears beyond sight and what greets you is a massive door stricken with runes and enchantments
  1575. >You approach it, feeling oddly drawn in
  1576. >Without your control your hand moves forward, an ambient feeling overtaking you
  1577. >But before you could lay a hand on it your shoe hits the hard floor in front of you, startling your hand away
  1578. >Above you see Philomena perched ontop of the arched doorway
  1579. >The feeling vanishes as you pick up your shoe, Philomena gliding down to 'congratulate' you for catching her
  1580. >Instead of a thank you, she receives a pluck to the head and she caws in disapproval
  1581. >You could care less
  1582.  
  1583. >Right now you're more interested in this thing you've never seen before
  1584. >Maybe it was some forbidden archieves, maybe it was some sort of portal to a world where everyone were multicolored humans
  1585. >It did intrigue you, like it had some sort of spell over you
  1586. >And that was the moment you had an idea
  1587. >Celestia once told you that every creature had some form of magical energy in one way or another
  1588. >Theories say that animals evolve because of magic
  1589. >So far only unicorns have been the only pony race to be able to exploit magic for all it was worth
  1590. >Who knows what a human would be able to do?
  1591. >You feel a tinge of excitement at the prospect and Philomena looks at you curiously
  1592. "Hey Philomena. As a reward for catching you, why don't you show me where I can find books on basic magic."
  1593. >She casually preens her feathers, ignoring you
  1594. >Again you wonder why you're talking to a bird
  1595. >However, she does guide you out of the maze of books and into the main lobby of the library
  1596. >At the front desk you ask the librarian about the books in question
  1597. >Although surprised and hesitant, she relents and hands over a small book titled "Understanding the Magical Spectrum"
  1598. >It was a light book, so you weren't going to be doing any heavy reading
  1599. "Thank God.."
  1600. >You thank the librarian and check out
  1601. >Tonight was going to be long, but you did nothing but sleep in these days anyway
  1602. >It's not like you had your old job at the bakery
  1603. >Philomena joins you as you walk back to your room, bare foot, with a shoe in one hand, and a book in the other
  1604.  
  1605.  
  1606. >The room is exactly as you left it, now that you put your shoe next to it's twin, making them a pair again
  1607. >It was slightly darker than when you left, so you had plenty of time before you'd need to light a candle
  1608. >Philomena left your side on your way up the stairs
  1609. >Who knows what that bird is doing
  1610. >Probably causing trouble with staff
  1611. >The first thing on your mind is the book you borrowed
  1612. >You immediately crack it open to a random page in the middle
  1613. >You read aloud
  1614. "Perceiving the mind of another is an odyssey not to be taken lightly. For the mind is a deadly labyrinth. Prod too much in the wrong corners and your drawn down into the repressed. Slack your effort too hard and you'll wander into their process of thought. However, with enough practice you'll be able to master the art of psychonauts."
  1615. >It seemed interesting, you'd love to see what goes on in that crazy horse's head
  1616. >You make a note to return to that section later
  1617. >Skimming through the thin pages you find yourself in the physical side of magic
  1618. >A catalog of pyromancies, necromancies, and different variations of the prefix
  1619. >The one that draws you in the most is "Holy" magic
  1620. >The book says it was once used by paladins, those who gave their lives in the name of the princess
  1621. >The field ranged from healing to arrows of light shooting from the Sun itself
  1622. >That'd take a lot of mana for sure
  1623. "I wonder if mana is an actual thing.." you trail off as you continue reading
  1624. "Holy magic is thought to be magic's purist form given shape. The strongest heart could bend light at his will and use it to either smite his enemies, or bless those unfortunate."
  1625. >Light magic sounds the most promising and interesting
  1626. >You doubt you'd get anything out of it, but you were going to be here for a long time without any supervision
  1627.  
  1628. "Holy magic being one of the only forms of 'natural' magic we know of. Most species are able to perform with some ease. You must concentrate on a single thought. One that brings you the most intense emotion. It can be something that makes you angry, sad, or stricken with love. So long as you can focus on it. Pinpoint it's exact location within your heart."
  1629. >It sounds....'easy' enough
  1630. >There's definitely someone who sends you spinning on the emotional wheel
  1631. >So you decide to focus on the thought of her
  1632. >You recall the moment you first saw her raise the Sun
  1633. >The emotion you felt then was ever present now
  1634. >You were trying to perform a simple illumination spell
  1635. >Starting with the very basic is never a bad idea
  1636. >You shut your eyes in concentration
  1637. >Imagining everything about Celestia that makes you teem with life, as well as cause you despair
  1638. >From behind your eyelids you feel white light breaking through
  1639. >But you dare not open your eyes
  1640. >As you concentrate on her, the light grows brighter and brighter
  1641. >You're sure it's brighter than the Sun
  1642. >The light feeds off your heart as emotions sore in your mind
  1643. >Happiness, joy, love, and anger course through your mind in an emotional overload causing you to lose control of the spell
  1644. >The light is so immense you feel heat singe your finger tips as the spell implodes and propels you backward off of the bed in a loud explosion of sound and light
  1645. >Your eyes have remained shut, you doubt you could even open them now
  1646. >You feel fatigued, and drained of all energy
  1647. >huffing and puffing, you trying to regain your breath
  1648. >There is no point to even attempt to make your way into bed
  1649. >Sleep is overtaking you for now
  1650. >Before you give over to the spirits of the night you look on the 'bright' side
  1651. >The fact that actually caused something to happen is enough proof that you're at least capable of using magic
  1652. >This month would surely hold new surprises
  1653.  
  1654. {Act II}
  1655. [Chapter VI]
  1656. |Bird Brain|
  1657. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  1658.  
  1659. >The cold floor is all that greets you as you awaken from an exhausted sleep
  1660. >Last night was a bit of a blur, but you remember the magical spout you had just before you passed out
  1661. >It was about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, normally you'd be awake by now and you find it strange that the palace workers hadn't even bothered to check on you
  1662. >Maybe you were getting too privileged
  1663. >You try to bring yourself to your feet to start the new day
  1664. >With a few wobbles you gain your balance
  1665. >Philomena now rests on the bed spread, she must have flown in in the middle of the night
  1666. >You find the magical book you checked out from the library across the room
  1667. >Flipping through the pages, you recall it saying something about being able to traverse the minds of others
  1668. >What a skill that'd be to have
  1669. >You figure since you were able to produce something last night, maybe you'd be able to conjure something today
  1670. >And who better of a guinea pig then your favorite fire bird?
  1671. >Your finger stops on the page with the excerpt
  1672. >It all sounds familiar, things about being extremely careful or you could wind up trapping your psyche in the mind of another
  1673. >It would be wise to avoid that
  1674.  
  1675. >You carefully take a seat next to Philomena as she enjoys her lazy afternoon nap
  1676. >It would be cruel to wake her, you think to yourself
  1677. >With book in hand you begin to read
  1678. >"First, one must clear all thoughts. Only concentrate on the sound of the things around you. Such as the sounds of the air, the buzzing of a bee, or the song of a humming bird. Synchronize yourself with nature, be one with the earth and you'll have access to all it's creations."
  1679. >Sounded easy enough
  1680. >You begin to only concentrate on the slight sound of Philomena's breathing
  1681. >Analyzing it, recognizing the seconds between inhale and exhale
  1682. >As you concentrate, you continue reading
  1683. >"Next, it's important to establish a bridge between you and the subject. Latch on to their thoughts, meaning open your mind to their projections. Once you can feel their thoughts, you will be able to ride your way into their mind."
  1684. >The next part sounded difficult
  1685. >You hardly knew what that meant, but nevertheless you give it a shot
  1686. >You try not to think of anything in particular, but try to imagine what her thoughts would be
  1687. >A moment passes in silence, a moment more, and another
  1688. >You're about ready to give up. Until an echo of a voice seeps into your brain
  1689. >You've never heard the voice, but you instantly identify it with the pheonix
  1690.  
  1691. //Seeds. Bird seeds. I need to preen my feathers. 100 years to go. Princess. Nonny, and Princess.\\
  1692.  
  1693. >Your eyes shoot open in shock
  1694. >It's an other worldly experience
  1695. >The voice was heard so clearly, yet it felt so alien and disconnected from the physical being
  1696. >Was this what magic was?
  1697. >You almost reconsider this idea before you press onward
  1698. >Again, you focus all thoughts on her, trying to grasp the voice from before
  1699.  
  1700. //Red. Loud birds outside. Princess is gone, have to look after Nonny for Princess.\\
  1701.  
  1702. >You find it easily the second time and you allow yourself to be drawn in by her thoughts
  1703. >The feeling that overcomes you is one you cannot describe
  1704.  
  1705. >Not even Steven King could describe this horrid feeling
  1706. >It felt so detached and empty as you flowed freely into Philomena's thoughts
  1707. >You could see nothing, but you could her every sound in her body
  1708. >Soon you'd find yourself in her dreams. One of her most common dreams
  1709. >Like Mr. Scrouge, your ghostly feet make contact with the grassy ground
  1710. >On the edge of a forest you can see Canterlot under construction
  1711. >Red flashes zip by you and into the forest
  1712. >Behind them follow 3 adolescent dragons, chasing them on all fours
  1713. >They make a b-line for you and your screams go unheard as they pass right through you, knocking you on your backside
  1714. >Nearly suffering a heart attack you rise to your feet
  1715. >Turning your attention toward the forest
  1716. >The trees and bushes brushed out of place by the large dragons
  1717. >By some inclination you follow
  1718. >Time seems to flow with the consistency off drunk Father Time and your instantly find yourself at the scene of a crime
  1719. >Two phoenixes lay dead among their brightly colored eggs
  1720. >"Hurry up and take the eggs so we can smash em' already!" one dragon says
  1721. >"Shut up, I got em'."
  1722. >The one that seems to be the leader collects the eggs and hands two of them to his friends
  1723. >They each snicker in their favorite pass time, which makes you sick to your stomach
  1724. >One egg hits the ground in a loud crack
  1725. >The second, not a moment later
  1726. >But before the third egg could be smashed, a familiar alicorn swoops down from above
  1727.  
  1728. >An alabaster white alicorn lands in front of their 'leader'
  1729. >Trying her best to seem intimidating
  1730. >It hardly works as the dragon reaches into the air to smash the last egg
  1731. >But the magical chime of her aura falls on everyone's ears as his claws are bound
  1732. >"Don't you have anything better to do than smash a bird's eggs?"
  1733. >A younger looking and sounding Celestia speaks to the 3 assailants
  1734. >"Whats it to you? You stupid horse!"
  1735. >The other two dragons chime in
  1736. >"It's my business to see that every living creature is treated well within my kingdom. And you have strayed far from the agreed reservation. As far as I'm concerned, you are trespassing on my land."
  1737. >The phoenix egg is guided from the dragon's claws and tucked under Celestia's wing
  1738. >"Hey, that's mine-"
  1739. >"Do you know how hot the Sun is? Your hides may be able to withstand the extreme heat of molten rock, but you'd instantly be burned to a crisp if you so much as step a foot near it. I could show you, if you'd like."
  1740. >You can't help but laugh at the threat, you never took her to be so upfront about sending someone directly to the sun
  1741. >But you figured it'd have to be some sort of boast, she can't just kill three young dragons could she? That'd start some sort of war!
  1742. >"You ponies, think you're so damn proud! My dad would turn your shitty piece of land into hell!"
  1743. >The young dragon is now shouting
  1744. >However, Celestia just chuckles at the threat
  1745. >"That may be. But today's victory however, belongs to me. And I'm sure your father would agree with me if I told him you had been breaking the law and straying from the reservation. Wouldn't he?"
  1746. >She shoots him a coy look
  1747. >Damn, Celestia was one ballsy horse!
  1748. >You notice the young dragon go silent with no reply
  1749. >"I thought as much. Now please return to your families, I'm sure they are worries about you."
  1750. >Her magical grip loosens around the dragon's wrists as she turns to take flight
  1751. >Begrudgingly, they turn away and head back, bad mouthing the pony-princess
  1752.  
  1753. >Again, you find time slipping away from you as you are carried into the Princesses' chambers
  1754. >Celestia sits alone, the phoenix egg sitting peacefully on a pedestal
  1755. >She idly goes over documents of some kind
  1756. >A familiar sight
  1757. >Shes humming some sort of tune, one you're sure you've heard before
  1758. >But the soft songs is broken by the sound of the egg cracking
  1759. >Piece by piece, the egg shell falls apart, revealing a yellow beak, and then red feathers
  1760. >Celestia stands up and approaches the egg, giving it small words of encouragement
  1761. >Finally, the egg completely falls apart and the phoenix chick spreads it's wings for the very first time
  1762. >"Kweh!"
  1763. >Are the bird's first words
  1764. >"And hello to you too!"
  1765. >Celestia calls back
  1766. >You presume the bird to be Philomena, it'd make sense after all
  1767. >You see her look around her station, maybe hoping to find more eggs that might of hatched with her
  1768. >Sadly there are none, but Celestia keeps her kind exterior
  1769. >"Don't worry. I'm sure your siblings are in a better place now. No doubt you heard all the commotion awhile back."
  1770. >Philomena nods in reply, abit solemnly
  1771. >"You know, I also have a sibling who isn't here with me now. We got into a pretty bad fight a long time ago. So you aren't alone in your loneliness."
  1772. >This adds some sort of comfort for Philomena, misery loves company after all
  1773. >"Now lets see, I supposed you'd want a name..."
  1774. >She puts her hoof to her chin, thinking of a name that'd be equally as magnificent as her new friend
  1775. >"How about......Armageddon, Lord of Fire!"
  1776. >She nearly shouts out the name, as proud as can be
  1777. >But Philomena recoils at the horrible choice
  1778. >"Kweh...."
  1779. >"What? I think it's a perfect name!"
  1780. >She plays offended and pretends to put up an argument
  1781. >It feels strange to actually catch the Celestia in this kind of form
  1782. >She much more outgoing and carefree, you wonder how she became the obsessed jailer she is.
  1783. >"Fine, how about....Philomena?"
  1784.  
  1785. >She's much more serious about the name this time
  1786. >Philomena thinks it over in silence, until she finally agrees
  1787. >"Kweeh!"
  1788. >Celestia looks happy with herself as she picks her new found friend up with her hoof and perch her on her head
  1789. >"Come Philomena, let's introduce you to everyone."
  1790. >And with that, you find yourself loosing connection
  1791. >The dream fades and the colors of the room fade into a mesh until they are completely gone
  1792. >Once again that terrible feeling over takes you as you are pulled back into your own body
  1793. >The transaction is something you'll never get used to
  1794. >Without too much time passing, you're back in your physical home
  1795. >Now able to open your eyes to a now awake phoenix
  1796. >Philomena greets you with a coo before perching herself on your head
  1797. "Ow, get your claws off of my head!"
  1798. >You shoo her off you and she takes flight, circling you in a playful manner
  1799. >You feel like you know Philomena more now as you think back on what you've just experienced
  1800. >You extend your arm for her to perch, which she does
  1801. "You sleep too much, you lazy bird."
  1802. >She coos again on your arm as you pull it closer to your chest
  1803. "Yeah yeah. We should probably go get something to eat. It's getting late."
  1804. >From the balcony you can already see the sun begin to make an effort to sink behind the horizon
  1805. >You don't waste any time making your way to the kitchen, now with your feathered friend
  1806. >You had more to look forward to this month after this successful experiment
  1807.  
  1808. {Act II}
  1809. [Chapter VII]
  1810. |The Caged Bird Tastes Freedom|
  1811. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  1812.  
  1813. >So far, everything has gone smoothly
  1814. >It's the second week of your magical training, you're confident enough to say you're pretty good
  1815. >For a beginner
  1816. >Yesterday, you were able to hear Philomena's thoughts aloud, which were mostly about bird seeds
  1817. >The day before that, you learned that the princesses may be returning sooner than expected
  1818. >And kind of excited you to know that you'd be able to see her again
  1819. >It also gave you motivation to continue practicing this new magic you've found
  1820. >You'd also ask about that strange door in the library
  1821. >But for now you'd bide your time
  1822. >No use getting worked up and loosing focus
  1823. >You sit alone in your room, Philomena being the only one to keep you company, flew off sometime in the morning
  1824. >Sitting on the edge of the bed, you close your eyes
  1825. >Her image comes to your mind, as always
  1826. >You focus on her and before long, your hand illuminates
  1827. >It's normally too bright to completely observe, so you crack your eyelids
  1828. >It's hard to describe exactly what you see
  1829. >The light in your hand constantly flickers and fluctuates
  1830. >Never keeping the same shape, like a fire
  1831. >You're mesmerized by the simplistic comfort the light gives you
  1832. >It reminds you so much of her, how she seems to constantly radiate light off of herself
  1833. >Maybe a perk of being the avatar of the Sun
  1834. >Your lack of focus causes the light from your hand to disperse into the air
  1835. >You feel out of it today, maybe all this practicing is putting a strain on your spirit
  1836. >Maybe it's possible
  1837. >It was getting rather boring having no one to talk to, Philomena doesn't count
  1838. >Slipping on your shoes, you rise from the bed and descend the endless stairs leading from your 'cell'
  1839.  
  1840. >Though there isn't any need, you sneak about the halls of Canterlot
  1841. >Most likely giving into the boredom of these weeks of solitude
  1842. >Guards ponies slack around the palace, you've been seeing more of this since Celestia and Luna headed out
  1843. >With no princesses to wow, why should they put so much effort in guarding an empty castle?
  1844. >Slowly rounding a corner, you come to a halt as two guards come your way
  1845. >Being the sly ninja you are, you pick a hiding place behind one of the very large flower pots
  1846. >"So what do you think of the princess' new pet?" the older guard says
  1847. >"Pet? You mean that monkey she keeps locked in her chambers?"
  1848. >He nods to the younger guard
  1849. >"He seems nice enough. Though I don't see why she would worry about a guy like him. He looks harmless."
  1850. >The two guards continue to exchange words of you as the pass by
  1851. >Some not flattering
  1852. >Eventually they fall out of hearing distance and you emerge from your hiding place
  1853. "At least the guards feel for me..." you think to yourself as you continue down the hall
  1854. >You have no idea what the time of day is, but judging from the shadows, it's still somewhat early
  1855. >You decide to take a peek at the kitchen, see whats on the menu
  1856. >The double doors swing open as you walk into the bustling workplace
  1857. >A kitchen boy bumps into you, almost spilling a vat of hot soup on your dress suit
  1858. >"Oh! Uh, sorry. You're not supposed to be in here."
  1859. >He places the vat down on a counter, not really seeming authoritative in his tone. More like a suggestion
  1860. "Relax. I'm just hear to grab something to eat. Is anything cooking?"
  1861. >You look over his shoulder, observing the various others prepare different meals
  1862. >"Actually, we're preparing a big dish for some noblepony's party. Everypony's stretched thin as it is, so I'm afraid none of us can get you something."
  1863. >He picks up the vat of soup and attempts to move past you, but stops midway
  1864. >"Actually....would you mind doing me a favor?" he says
  1865.  
  1866. >It surprises you
  1867. >No one has asked you for a favor in so long
  1868. >The idea kinda got you all giddy inside
  1869. >Maybe you were desperate to be given some sort of purpose instead of milling around all day
  1870. "Uh, sure. What do you need?"
  1871. >The stallion looks relieved that you've accepted
  1872. >"Thanks, you're doing me a huge favor. Okay, I need you take these menus to Mr. Fancy Pants. He's the organizing the party. I can give you his address."
  1873. >Delivery? You haven't done that since you worked at the bakery
  1874. >It brought back small memories you had
  1875. >But wouldn't that require you to leave the castle?
  1876. >You don't think about it much and accept the carrying bag he gives you
  1877. >Over the other chatter you hear the head chef yelling at the kitchen stallion
  1878. >He immediately walks off to attend his duties, leaving you with the task at hand
  1879. >You slowly exit through the double doors, trying to not attract any attention to yourself
  1880. >How were you gonna bust out of this place?
  1881. >The answer was improvising
  1882. >Moving through the castle like a camouflaged snake
  1883. >Eventually, you're at the gates you were a week ago
  1884. >From your hiding place you have a full view
  1885. >Two different guards stand watch this time
  1886. >The one on the left slightly dozing off
  1887. >Traffic in and out of the castle was slow lately
  1888. >Not many had business in a princessless castle
  1889. >Hardly anyone was around, which would make for the perfect mad dash out of here
  1890. >Except you'd probably be caught immediately
  1891. >Then it hits you, it was time to see if your practice payed off
  1892. >You find yourself silent as you concentrate
  1893. >Focusing on a single emotion, light glows from your hand
  1894. >You stand and cuff your arms to your chest as you wind up for a pitch
  1895. >Your arm carries the swirling ball of light through the air and it arches perfectly in the air, landing inbetween the guard ponies, stunning them
  1896. >Now was the time for your mad dash
  1897. >You weren't in the best of shape, but you reckoned you'd be able to atleast pull this off
  1898.  
  1899. >Running through the light, you see the road leading into the city
  1900. >Before the mysterious light dissipates, you're long gone
  1901. >Huffing and puffing in a backside alley, you recover from the sprint
  1902. "I wonder if Canterlot has...a gym...."
  1903. >From between the buildings, ponies mill about in the lively city of Canterlot
  1904. >Nostalgia creeps into your mind as you take to the streets
  1905. >Hardly anything has changed, you've only been her once since your time with Celestia, and now you'll be able to enjoy it without worrying about her say so
  1906. >From the looks of things you're in the shopping district
  1907. >A few blocks from here is Canterlot's Bread Basket, the bakery you worked at
  1908. >A couple blocks opposite was your old house
  1909. >You'd probably head there later
  1910. >But now you'd stop buy the bakery
  1911. >The streets were busy and you tried not to make a habit of bumping into ponies
  1912. >Before long your at the glass door leading into the store
  1913. >The smell of freshly baked bread is the first thing that hits
  1914. >Like always, only a few ponies occupy the tables and booths and in the back you hear your old boss milling about behind the counter
  1915. >"Careful! Don't pack too much yeast into the dough!"
  1916. >It pleases you that he's as busy as ever
  1917. >You move to the counter, gaining stares from others. But you were used to it by now. How could you not be?
  1918. >Leaning on the hard wood counter you place an order
  1919. "One cranberry coffee crumble, please." One of your old favorites
  1920. >The pudgy baker freezes in place before turning to you in shock
  1921. >"Anon!? Dear Celestia boy, how have you been?"
  1922. >He moves quickly around the corner to pull you into a hug
  1923. >It's a firm hug, but not one you couldn't break from
  1924.  
  1925. "I'm doing fine Mr. Dozen. How's business?"
  1926. >He retrieves her forelegs from around you and places them back onto the floor
  1927. >"Oh, same as usual. Nothing to write home about."
  1928. >You both chuckle, passing small talk for a short while
  1929. >The conversation soon dies down after a few moments
  1930. >"Y'know Anon...things haven't been the same since you left... The shop lacks that, sort of.....glow it had when you were around."
  1931. >Maybe it was your vanity, but it felt good to know that you were missed
  1932. "Yeah well, I'm kinda locked up in Canterlot right now. I'd come visit everyday if I could."
  1933. >He nods and smiles
  1934. >"I appreciate you coming by today though. You've been the talk of the town lately. 'The Princess' new pet!"
  1935. >He chuckles at the idea, but it makes you cringe
  1936. >"By the way, what brings you out today? I thought you'd be with the princess at the summit."
  1937. >He begins to polish the counter, wanting to keep his hooves busy
  1938. "Nah, she kinda left me at the castle. I actually had to sneak out. And I'm actually running an errand." You almost forgot that last part
  1939. >And you should be going pretty soon, periodically and guardsman checks on you in the tower
  1940. >"Well Anon. I won't keep you long. But you're always welcome here anytime."
  1941. >Mr. Dozen gives you a genuine smile and you return it
  1942. "Thanks. I'll try to visit as much as I can. You were one of the first to help me out."
  1943. >Now that you think of it, you supposed you looked to Mr. Dozen as sort of a father figure
  1944. >You'd really have to do something nice for him
  1945.  
  1946. >Saying your goodbyes, you head from the bakery and onto the streets
  1947. >You decide to make you delivery before stopping by your old house
  1948. >Remembering the address in your head, you head toward 863. Horseshoe Rd.
  1949. >The walk there was a workout in itself, who knows how many hills you've climbed
  1950. >It takes forever before you can get to the right address
  1951. >The estate you stand at is one of the biggest houses you've ever seen
  1952. >A convoy of caterers mill in and out of the estate
  1953. >Carefully, you move in with the crowd
  1954. >From the inside, the house looks even bigger
  1955. >This had to be the most luxurious houses next to the castle
  1956. >From your carrying bag you pull out the stack of menus and carry them along. Looking for the director
  1957. >"Pinkie! I don't think that this will-"
  1958. >A loud crash interrupts the familiar voice
  1959. >Poking your head into the dinning hall, you see Ponyville's own Pinkie Pie sitting on a broken disco ball and Rarity silently wishing murder was legal
  1960. >Pinkie notices you before you can even completely step in the large room
  1961. >"Anon~! What are you doing here? Twilight said you were going to be at the castle."
  1962. >She happily hops in place as Rarity sets aside her anger for later
  1963. >"Yes, Pinkie and I were planning to visit you late this evening."
  1964. >Setting the menus on a nearby table, you turn to them
  1965. "I'm actually doing a favor for someone. What are you two doing here?"
  1966. >Pinkie pulls down a canvas with little drawings of Pinkie and Rarity's heads, mounted on a train to Canterlot
  1967. >"You wouldn't believe this! Fancy Pants has asked moi! Pinkie! To cater for is super fancy party! I brought Rarity along since she likes this sort of stuff."
  1968. >Rarity clears her throat and steps forward
  1969. >"Actually, I'm here to keep an eye on Pinkie and make sure she doesn't make a mess of everything."
  1970. >You look at the broken disco ball behind the two and raise an eyebrow
  1971. "Yeah, you seem to be doing a great job with that."
  1972.  
  1973. >Pinkie giggles and moves to clean up the mess as Rarity begins to explain why everything is Pinkie's fault
  1974. >Other workers move about the hall, preparing for whatever large part Fancy Pants is hosting
  1975. >Among them you see the stallion who gave you the quest
  1976. >He nods at you and you return it
  1977. >"Anon, if you're not too busy, would you like to join Pinkie and I later. We hardly got to know you last time you were in town."
  1978. >That's true
  1979. >Last time, your visit was cut short
  1980. >It'd be a good opportunity to actually get to know each other more
  1981. >But you were supposed to due back at the castle within the hour
  1982. >Dare you risk it?
  1983. "Yeah, that'd be nice. When do you plan on leaving?"
  1984. >Rarity seems happy, and by extension, so does Pinkie
  1985. >"Actually, we will be leaving in a few hours. I'd rather not let Pinkie stick around when the part is in full swing."
  1986. >You laugh to yourself
  1987. >Figuring that it'd be a good call
  1988. "Alright then. I'll just stick around until you both are ready"
  1989. >Pinkie joins you both, seemingly popping out of nowhere
  1990. >"Sounds like a plan!"
  1991.  
  1992. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  1993.  
  1994. >The three of you are leaving right as the part is getting underway
  1995. >It was just a little past high noon and the catering wagons were being loaded up and pulling away
  1996. >"So, do you know any good spots in town Anon? It's been awhile since we've last been in Canterlot." Rarity asks
  1997. >Before you can speak, Pinkie bolts ahead of you two and into Canterlot Park
  1998. >Most likely attracted by the lights
  1999. "Well, I guess it's a start."
  2000. >The two of you follow Pinkie into the quiet grassy park
  2001. >Not much has changed in the time you've seen it last
  2002. >You wonder if there would be fireworks
  2003.  
  2004. >The three of engage in small chit chat as your stroll through the park
  2005. >You tell them more about Earth
  2006. >About how you ended up in Equestria
  2007. >And how Celestia has had such an impact on your life
  2008. "Honestly though. Before she pulled this crap. Things were looking up. I felt we could actually make it work Y'know?"
  2009. >Rarity and Pinkie listen to you intently
  2010. >Pinkie even stopped bouncing and is now paying close attention to you
  2011. >"Oh Anon. I can't speak for the princess, but I'm sure she really loves you. I'm positive that she only wants what's best for you." Rarity says
  2012. >"Yeah, by locking him up in a tower forever?" Pinkie chimes in
  2013. "I know she doesn't mean anything bad by it. I just need her to trust me."
  2014. >You find it surprisingly easy to talk to the two of them, despite you hardly knowing them
  2015. >And they've been real appreciative of you opening up to them thus far
  2016. >Twilight really has some great friends
  2017. >"Don't worry Nonny, I'm sure Celestia will come around. Just give it time~" Pinkie says
  2018. >Rarity nods in agreement and you begin to see things in a different light
  2019. >Maybe it is a bit unfair to expect Celestia to make such a drastic change in her personality so quickly
  2020. >Perhaps it was a good idea to tolerate what she threw at you, at least for now anyway
  2021. "Your both right. Maybe I should just wait it out. Thanks."
  2022. >They both nod in unison, accepting your thanks
  2023. >After awhile, you run out of pathing and exit Canterlot Park
  2024. >"Well Anon, today has been great. But Pinkie and I should be heading home."
  2025. "Yeah. If any of you are ever up in Canterlot, stop by the castle."
  2026. >"Will do!" Pinkie pulls you into a hug, and you hug back
  2027. >You stand there waving, watching them move slowly out of sight
  2028. >The castle was some block the opposite direction
  2029. >And on the way was your old house
  2030. >This would be your last stop before heading to your other home
  2031.  
  2032. >You stand in the empty lot
  2033. >Long since cleaned and stripped of debris
  2034. >The other sounds of the bustling city are blocked out as you remember the quiet life you once lead
  2035. >Though you didn't really mind your new life, something about standing here overtook you with sadness
  2036. >Without warning a tear escapes from your eye
  2037. >And soon more follow as you collapse onto your knees, your pants getting dirtied
  2038. >Though you were sad, you weren't really sure if you were grieving
  2039. >Maybe you were, or you were accepting everything that's happened
  2040. >Maybe this was your way of letting go of the past and looking onward into your future with Celestia
  2041. >Whatever the case, you shed tears that stained the dirt beneath you
  2042. >From your blurry vision, a gleam catches your eye
  2043. >A foot away from you, is a golden ring slightly poking out of the dirt
  2044. >Something the workers must have missed
  2045. >Getting to your feet, you walk over to it and retrieve it
  2046. >You recognize it instantly the moment you hold it up to your eye
  2047. >It's the ring you had with you the day you woke up and Equestria
  2048. >A memento from Earth
  2049. >You move to slide it on your finger, but stop
  2050. >Instead you return to your knees and roll up your sleeves
  2051. >With your hands you dig a small hole and gently place the ring inside
  2052. >Burying it, to completely accept what you've lost
  2053. >You no longer thought of yourself as the same Anon as before
  2054. >You've grown, you were someone who wanted to look ahead, rather than behind
  2055. >From this moment onward, you would completely dedicate yourself to the betterment of Celestia
  2056. >You conviction is engraved on your heart as you stand a face the now setting sun
  2057.  
  2058. >Here you left behind your past and walked into your future
  2059.  
  2060. {Act II}
  2061. [Chapter VIII]
  2062. |High Above the Clouds|
  2063. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  2064.  
  2065. >Seven more days
  2066. >A weeks time before you can see her again
  2067. >You can hardly contain your excitement
  2068. >What should you do for her upon her arrival?
  2069. >First of all, lecture her on why leaving you cooped up in the castle was a terrible idea
  2070. >But you're not mad
  2071. >If anything, it just made you appreciate her more, if that makes sense
  2072. >Today began like all the others
  2073. >Sprawled out on the magnificent bed like a dog
  2074. >Often times you've woken to yourself spooning with your pillow, it would be embarrassing if anyone saw you
  2075. >Luckily on Philomena is the only being with you mostly, she's just a bird, she can't make fun of you
  2076.  
  2077. //Nonny likes the pillow more than Princess?\\
  2078.  
  2079. >Here thoughts leak into your mind, it's been happening more and more recently since you peaked into her dreams
  2080. "No, I don't..."
  2081. >You finally rise from your half sleep to look her in her glowing eyes
  2082. >You hold the stare, playing a game with yourself just to see if she'd turn her head first
  2083. >She doesn't and you sigh in defeat
  2084. "I must really be getting bored."
  2085. //Does Nonny not want to play?\\
  2086. >You ignore her thoughts and move to get out of bed
  2087. >First slipping on your bunny slippers, as to not feel the touch of the cold marble floor
  2088. >From the open balcony, rays cascade into the large room
  2089. >It makes you wonder if she's put more effort into it than usual
  2090.  
  2091. >In the bathroom, you make yourself decent
  2092. >It's been getting hotter so you often leave your black jacket behind, only wearing your dress shirt
  2093. >Maybe it was time you get some new clothes, maybe you should have asked Rarity when you last saw her
  2094. >Exiting the bathroom, you catch Philomena gnawing at your ties
  2095. >She was going after your favorite red one too!
  2096. "Dammit, get your beak of my shit!"
  2097. >A small scale tug-of-war ensues which ultimately ends in your favorite tie tearing in two
  2098. >It's enough to put a slight damper on your spirits, but you'd be damned if you let a bird ruin your day
  2099. "Fine, I'll just go without a tie. Asshole."
  2100. //Awwww, are Nonny's feelings hurt?\\
  2101. >You get a small feeling that she's mocking you
  2102. >Good job Anon, you're getting sassed by a bird
  2103. "Why she keeps you around is anyone's guess."
  2104. >She happily flutters over above you and gently perches on your head
  2105. //Birdseed.\\
  2106. >It not worth it to stay mad at a bird, so you let it go
  2107. >You could always get new ties, right?
  2108.  
  2109. //Birdseed!\\
  2110. "Alright, I'll get your damn seeds! Let's go."
  2111. >The familiar route
  2112. >Through the doors, down the stars, into the halls and to the kitchen
  2113. >It took less time to arrive than usual, maybe you were getting into shape from going up and down those endless stairs
  2114. >Before you can lean on the counter Philomena jumps from your head and onto the suspended bird feeder above you
  2115. >She really does pig out
  2116. >Stray seeds fall out of the basket and litter the floor
  2117. >You're sure someone will get that later
  2118. >"Oh hey!"
  2119. >You look up and meet gazes with the young kitchen stallion
  2120. >"Is there anything you need?"
  2121. >Before you can speak, more bird seeds trickle down from the basket
  2122. >The stallion adjacent to you gives a similar look of disapproval
  2123. "Uh, I'll just take a sandwich, thanks."
  2124. >He nods and returns to the kitchen
  2125. "Philomena, you mind not making such a mess!?"
  2126. >Her tail feathers suddenly stop and from the other side of the basket, her head pokes out
  2127. //Sorry.\\
  2128.  
  2129. >Philomena's kind enough to peck at the spilled seeds on the floor and counter
  2130. >She's pretty quick at the job too
  2131. >Before long, the stallion comes back with your sandwich, the plate held tightly between his teeth
  2132. >You take it from him and thank him, as you bite he begins to speak
  2133. >"Thanks for helping me out with those menus. I owe you one."
  2134. "Don't mention it."
  2135. >You take the first bite of your sandwich before a certain phoenix can have her way with it
  2136. >"My name is Juniper Berry...yeah, parent's wanted a filly."
  2137. //What a girly name...\\
  2138. >Your shoe nudges her to give her an idea of her being out of line
  2139. >Though it's a strange name, you don't think much of it. You've hear weirder
  2140. >He extends a hoof to which you take it with a spare hand
  2141. >"Your name's Anon, right? So....you fucking the princess or what?"
  2142. >You nearly choke to death on your sandwich
  2143. >Either the sandwich is terrible or you heard something you weren't prepared for
  2144. >Most likely both
  2145. >Juniper chuckles as you choke down the rest of it and gasp for breath
  2146. >"You totally are, aren't you!?" he's choking back full-blown laughter
  2147. >Even Philomena is having a fit of laughter
  2148. "What...makes you say that?"
  2149. >His expression falls flat
  2150. >"C'mon man, you've been living here for almost two months. In HER room! You can't tell me there's nothing between you two."
  2151.  
  2152. >Philomena finally joins you at the counter
  2153. "Well, I won't confirm nor deny anything. But, why? Is the rest of the castle wondering the same thing?"
  2154. >"Of course they are!? You think nopony is going to ask questions when the princess just brings some random guy in from the streets?"
  2155. >He does have a point, but that doesn't mean he should be prying into your private life like that
  2156. >"Honestly though, what does she see in you?"
  2157. >Now there's a question actually worth considering
  2158. >Not even you thought about it that much
  2159. >It was certainly something you've never thought about
  2160. >Other than the fact that you've seen her around the bakery, you've never actually had any real conversation with her personally until recently
  2161. "I....honestly don't know. Maybe the fact that I'm an alien."
  2162. >Why not? It carried the banter
  2163. >"Alien? Maybe she's into that kind of stuff. I've never thought of her to be any sort of sexual deviant."
  2164. >Man, everything this guy says just catches you off guard
  2165. "Hey, don't just go assuming things like that. She's no kind of deviant."
  2166. >"How do you know? She's never tried any BDSM?"
  2167. >He's unnaturally curious, that type of thing will get him in trouble
  2168. >Each word he says he's just prying you open more and more
  2169. "I don't know why I'm having this conversation with you.."
  2170. >You away from the counter and head off in any direction away from Juniper
  2171. >"Hey, wait!"
  2172. >Oh great he's following you
  2173. >Philomena also follows as the two of you head off
  2174.  
  2175. >Juniper can't keep himself from laughing as he follows you
  2176. >You can't say for sure if the new 'friend' you've made is a good thing or not
  2177. >He continues to henpeck you about your private life
  2178. >If this was the magic of friendship, then magic could just fuck off entirely
  2179. >His questions follow you everywhere
  2180. >You don't even know where your going, you're just wandering around at this point
  2181. >The scenery soon changes from the castle's halls, to the courtyards
  2182. "Don't you have a job at the kitchen?"
  2183. >"That can wait. You still haven't told me anything. Like does she-"
  2184. >Juniper is cut off mid-sentence as both of you simultaneously notice the golden chariot make touchdown in the courtyard
  2185. >Among them, are a dozen more larger chariots, filled with ponies who's expressions are pitiful
  2186. >But that isn't what draws your attention
  2187. >Your line of sight is immediately drawn to her
  2188. >The sight nearly knocks you on your ass
  2189. >It's been almost forever since you've seen her
  2190. >What little self control you have left is stopping you from making a mad dash to her
  2191. >That and her gloomy sister who dismounts along side her
  2192. >Juniper is nowhere to be found, he must of headed back as you gawked at her
  2193. >Philomena also leaves you as she flies over to her lifelong friend
  2194. >She and Luna part ways for a moment and it seems she's yet to notice you. Now's your chance
  2195.  
  2196. >Your stealth has improved these past weeks, but that doesn't stop her making a complete 180 degree turn to come face to face with you
  2197. >Her deep magenta eyes stare into yours, almost like she's looking into the starry expanse that is your soul
  2198. >Silence passes, and the words hitch in your throat
  2199. >"Hello, my dear."
  2200. >There it is! Instantly the silence breaks and you wrap your arms around her
  2201. "Oh man, I've missed you so much."
  2202. >You nuzzle your face into her chest fluff a little more, it'd be really embarrassing if anyone like Juniper saw you
  2203. >But you could care less right now
  2204. >Her wings wrap around to pull you in even closer
  2205. >God how you've missed this!
  2206. >She's the first to break the hug before planting a small peck on your cheek
  2207. >"Come, we have much to talk about." She says, she also directs the guards to escort the extra ponies into temporary housing
  2208. >You figure that'd come with the talk later
  2209. //Princess seems worried..\\
  2210. Philomena's thoughts trickle into your mind, but they catch you by surprise
  2211. >You examine Celestia's face as the two of you retreat to your chambers
  2212. >She looks troubled, which enough to trouble you by extension
  2213.  
  2214. >The double doors click shut behind the both of you
  2215. >A very tired and stressed Celestia calmly removes her regalia and sits on the bed spread, her tail thumping the sheets
  2216. >You gingerly take a seat next to her, careful not to sit on her sprawled mane
  2217. >Your hand gently strokes her back, making an attempt to calm her
  2218. "You alright? Did anything happen at the summit?"
  2219. >Her ears point backward at the mention of the conference
  2220. >From what you've heard, Dragons weren't that hard to negotiate with so it'd have to be pretty dire if something didn't go right
  2221. >You remember the large number of ponies who also arrived with the princesses
  2222. >She remains silent and you try to hear her thoughts
  2223. >This would be the perfect time to test the fruits of your labors
  2224. >Your mind goes quiet and the numb sensation creeps through your brain
  2225. >Amidst the silent void inbetween your thoughts, you latch onto hers
  2226. >Most of it moving too quickly for you to understand, and bits and pieces
  2227. >Her mind must be move a mile a second, and then some
  2228. >"Anon..."
  2229. >Her voice breaks you from the trance and you feel the shock reverberate through your body
  2230. "Yeah?"
  2231. >"I, may have to send you away for awhile..." she says timidly
  2232. "What? How come?"
  2233. >Your hand stops gliding over her back
  2234. >"The other day. At the summit, complications arose and lead to heavy conflict. I'm afraid that you and the citizens of Canterlot would be in grave danger if you remain here."
  2235. >You feel her tremble underneath your hand
  2236. >It instantly puts you on edge
  2237.  
  2238. "You saying....they've declared war?" you say
  2239. >Celestia remains silent
  2240. "Have they?!" you raise your voice louder then you intended
  2241. >"Maybe so. Judging by the way things ended, I'd be surprised if the weren't here by tomorrow.."
  2242. >Though she had thousands of years to perfect it, she couldn't hide her worry from you
  2243. >It comforted you to know that
  2244. >You're silent as you move closer to her and she rests her head in your lap
  2245. >"Oh Anon. I'm afraid I've really complicated things..."
  2246. >She continues as you begin to stroke her mane
  2247. >"The entire time, I was so anxious. Being so far from you, for so long. I was very irritable, I even told off one of the clan leaders."
  2248. >You give a slight chuckle and it visibly calms her spirits
  2249. >"..Now I'm afraid I've put the entirety of Equestria in danger. Most of all, you. I should never have locked you up here, I should have brought you with me. No matter what Luna's say was."
  2250. "Well, if it makes you feel better. I thought of you ever day."
  2251. >She blushes at the flattery, nearly trying to hide it
  2252. >But it was the truth
  2253. >Everytime you awoke in the morning, you expected to see her either rising the sun or preparing for day
  2254. >Everytime you crawled into bed, you'd feel denied the warmth of her body next to you
  2255. >It is almost painful to think about, you did truly miss her
  2256. >"Not a day went by when I didn't think of you either."
  2257.  
  2258. >Silence pass as the two of you take comfort in each other's presence
  2259. >She's only been back for a few hours, but it already feels like forever has passed
  2260. >The world is void of any hardship and complication and you revel in the simplicity of the moment
  2261. >You, and your mare, laying side by side as if laid in stasis
  2262. >But the silence is broken as Celestia shuffles on the bed, changing her position
  2263. >She now completely faces you
  2264. >It's always mesmerizing to look her in the eye, like you could be swept away by the boundless sea of her magenta eyes
  2265. >The stare holds for longer than you're comfortable with, and it's starting to weird you out
  2266. "...What?" you ask
  2267. >Her expression is somewhat vacant but her lips part
  2268. >"I'm sorry for all I've done to you. Even though I locked you away from the world, even after all I've done. You still stay with me.."
  2269. >She trails off and leaves you on the edge of her words
  2270. >"Anon, answer this question, and please be as honest as you can. How and why can you forgive me after I've caused you so much trouble?"
  2271. >You've long since stopped asking yourself the same question
  2272. >The answer became obvious the day you had that talk with Twilight in the gardens
  2273. "Well, they always say relationships are full of compromises. I don't mind putting up with you, so long as you own up to your mistakes and let me help you be a better you."
  2274. >You break eye-contact with her and stare off into nothingness
  2275. "I can tell you're trying. And that means the world to me. We've come too far together for me just up and quit. I made a promise."
  2276. >You hope you didn't sound like a complete idiot just now
  2277. >Or maybe you did, but as you look back at her, her empty expression is now lit up with life
  2278. >Faster than your reaction time, she pulls you into the tightest hug you've ever had the misfortune to experience
  2279.  
  2280. >It's getting harder harder to breath, until finally she relents
  2281. >"Thank you, Anon." she says as a kiss finds it's way to your cheek
  2282. >"I'm glad I snagged you before another lucky mare could." She winks as she moves out of bed
  2283. >The sound of her hoofsteps echo off the marble floor as she makes her way to the open air balcony
  2284. "Where are you going?" You say, also getting off the bed
  2285. >She looks back at you, her mane translucent
  2286. >"Come Anon, the sun is still high in the sky. And I think you've earned a reward for waiting so patiently for me."
  2287. >Celestia calmly sits, baring her back to you and beckoning you with her wing
  2288. "What? Seriously? Where're we going?" you say as you mount her for a second time
  2289. >Once again you get the feeling of oneness with her as she rises from the floor and spreads her wings
  2290. >Slowly, she carries you both into the air, hovering slightly over the railing
  2291. >You hold on tightly to her mane and brace yourself. You've never flown before, at least not on horseback
  2292. >"We're simply, going out!"
  2293. >Without warning to two of you plummet down the side of the sky crawling tower at an incredibly alarming speed
  2294. >The wind is enough to almost blow you away
  2295. >The ground is getting closer and closer at such a rate you're sure you'd hit it within the next second
  2296. >In the last moment, Celestia's wings expand and you can see the various blades of grass and loose leaves fly outward as the two of you glide along the ground, leaving a trail of swirling wind behind you
  2297. >Beyond you are the castle gates, where two guards stand post
  2298. >They notices both of you and quickly take cover from the incoming typhoon as you zip past them
  2299. >Once through the gates, she crawls into the sky and behind you the castle gets smaller and smaller
  2300. >The experience is both terrifying and blissful
  2301. >Like you could just fly for days and days and never get bored
  2302. >It's the one true form of freedom for you and Celestia
  2303.  
  2304. >Celestia spirals through a cloud, obscuring your view of the vast blue sky
  2305. >Your cloths are slightly doused in dew when you exit
  2306. >Her spiral slows high above the ground, and what you see can only be compared to the beauty of the first sunrise you've witnessed with Celestia
  2307. >Below you, and as far as your eye can see is the vast expanse of Equestria
  2308. >Equestria and all it's beauty and majesty laid bare before you on a seemingly endless canvas
  2309. >"Anon...I've wanted to show you this for a long time."
  2310. >You can see the sparkles in her eyes as she stares out into the distance
  2311. >"This is where I'd come whenever I was faced with hard ship. It always gave me comfort to look out and see all the happy little ponies in Equestria. They remind me that no matter how many mistakes I've made, they still live happy and content lives. But now, I'm no longer striving to make Equestria a better place for them alone. But you as well."
  2312. >You'd kiss her if it wouldn't result in the two of you plummeting into the ground
  2313. >But you could definitely add this moment to your 'Most Amazing Experiences' list
  2314. >You have no words to convey your current emotion
  2315. >Celestia knows this and lets you enjoy the scene a little longer
  2316. >But the moment is shattered when Celestia notices the large cloud of movement near the surface
  2317. >Down, far below, a horde of dragons made their way to Canterlot
  2318. >Casting large shadows over the little pony's smiling faces
  2319. >Bells can be heard from Canterlot as they draw closer and closer and Celestia's breath hitches in sudden realization
  2320. >"Anon, hold on tight!"
  2321.  
  2322. {Act II}
  2323. [Chapter IX]
  2324. |Coming to an End, the Climax!|
  2325. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  2326.  
  2327. >With the mightiest wing beat she could muster, Celestia shot through the air like a bullet
  2328. >The speed you were going before could never compare to the speed you were at now
  2329. >She carries you back on a near 90 degree angle for Canterlot, the dragons slowly making their way over Ponyville
  2330. >As you get closer to the alabaster city, you hear the sound of bells and alarms
  2331. >"Luna must have already sounded the alarms!" She calls over the howling wind
  2332. >"I'm afraid she may be planning to take hostile action! We must convince her otherwise!"
  2333. >You can hardly keep a grip on Celestia's mane and you can barely keep yourself on her back
  2334. >The urgency really adds to the tension
  2335. >Canterlot grows closer with each wing beat and before long Celestia lands the both of you in the square
  2336. >You almost pass out from going such an insane speed, but you persevere to follow her inside
  2337. >Guards rush through the halls, carrying weapons and pulling large cannons to the walls
  2338. >Looks like Luna has already made her decision
  2339. >You and Celestia turn into the throne room where Luna waits patiently
  2340. >"Sister, it is as we feared." Luna says
  2341. >"Luna, I don't think it'd be wise to engage these dragons head on. We have to try a more diplomatic solution if we want to come out of this unscathed."
  2342. >Celestia leaves your side and approaches her younger sister
  2343. >Luna contemplates the idea, but ultimately declines
  2344. >"There are dragons on our door step. Which means they are declaring war. We doubt there would be any way to avoid this."
  2345. >"At least allow me to try. You're always so quick to handle matters by force. Not everything can be won with conflict."
  2346.  
  2347. >Luna scoffs at her sister's words, but that didn't make them false
  2348. >"These are full fledged wild dragons! The closer the come to Canterlot, the more we endanger the citizens. They won't be swayed by pretty words!"
  2349. >"But we've always put diplomacy first. Allow me to do it, not out of necessity, but out of formality."
  2350. >Luna pauses to think it over, until finally shaking her head in contempt
  2351. >"Fine, but as soon as it goes wrong, we're moving in." Luna says as she passes by Celestia
  2352. >"Oh, you make it sound like it's going to fail Luna. Have faith in me." Celestia laughs of the premonition from her sister
  2353. >"It almost definitely will." With that, Luna vanishes behind the great double doors, leaving you alone with Celestia
  2354. >The look on her face is ponderous, and worrying
  2355. "Hey, I'm sure you'll do fine out there." You say as you approach her
  2356. >You wrap your arms around her neck and she yields to the hug, she visibly appreciates it
  2357. >"I can't say that I'm worried about negotiating. But this entire situation is a result of my errors. And it seems we'll all have to pay for it today. Whether it ends in heavy compromise, or war."
  2358. "Well, no matter what, I'll be cheering for you."
  2359. >You pat her on her haunches for emphasis
  2360.  
  2361. >"Your majesty, Princess Luna request you join her on the wall."
  2362. >An unfamiliar guard pony enters the room to deliver the message
  2363. >Celestia nods in appreciation for the relay and he promptly exits
  2364. "Why is she so bossy? Aren't you older than her?"
  2365. >"Well yes but, I want her to feel like she has a bigger role in the kingdom. I could easily bypass her command if I wanted. But that would be rude!"
  2366. >You share a fit of laughter at Luna's expense as you exit the throne room
  2367. >Now even more guards seem to be milling through the halls, with the inclusion of staff moving to safer areas of the castle
  2368. >You hope that fighting doesn't actually break out. It'd would undoubtedly have huge consequences. A hand full of ponies you see now may not be here tomorrow.
  2369. >But there was no use getting worried at a time like this, you were starting to lose pace and Celestia was far ahead of you
  2370. >That fact that this may turn into a full scale war is a bit baffling
  2371. >What could Celestia possibly have done to incite this?
  2372. >Was telling off a dragon really such a huge crime, but then again, aren't dragons extremely prideful?
  2373. >There was really no point and thinking about it now, thinking in hindsight only gets you so far
  2374.  
  2375. >The two of you join Luna on the outer walls
  2376. >The dragon horde seemingly growing bigger and bigger as they draw nearer
  2377. >"We hope you know what you are doing." Luna says as she stares into the distance
  2378. >"You worry too much Lulu. Try to relax."
  2379. >You notice Luna's expression change to one of annoyance and she's about to give her elder sister an earful
  2380. "It's gonna be fine." You interrupt
  2381. "Besides, it wouldn't be the first time you've both avoided a crisis right?"
  2382. >"We've been lucky over the past millennium. We can only pray it doesn't run out today."
  2383. "Jesus, you're grim. You've gotta lighten up if we're going to be related."
  2384. >You try to lighten the mood, well, not really trying mostly to tease the both of them
  2385. >Luna just stares at Celestia, who pretends she didn't hear a word
  2386. >"Perhaps..." Luna says
  2387. >It's always so hard to know what she thinks of you, and thinking about her as an in-law was difficult because of that fact
  2388. >Does she hate you or something?
  2389. >"Your majesties, all arms are prepared. We are at your orders."
  2390. >A guard interrupts the moment with the update and once he is relieved he hurries back to his comrades
  2391. >Everyone's attention refocuses to the horde, which is in range of the cannon fire
  2392. >The sprawling mass of scales and wings flock together near the base of the mountain
  2393. >From the horde steps a larger dragon, with terrible black wings and teeth that could rip through steel
  2394. >"I'll go and meet them in the mediate" Celestia says as she begins to spread her wings
  2395. >Luna urges her to be careful, and to not give into their threats
  2396. >You rightfully assumed that you'd be tagging along, but when you move to mount Celestia, she is surprised
  2397. >"I'm sorry to leave you again Anon. But I think it would be best if you waited here." she says
  2398. >She's of course right, but that doesn't change the fact that you feel that you should be with her when she confronts a mob of flesh eating dragons
  2399. "That's bullshit! I get that these guys are dangerous, but that's no reason for you to go it alone! I'm sick of just sitting here and watching. I want to actual -do- something."
  2400. >Celestia only sighs, shooting an annoyed look at you
  2401. >"I'm trying to keep you safe Anon. You would just be a liability for me, trust me. It'd be best if you stayed here."
  2402. >She leans in for a hug, which you almost don't receive
  2403. "Fine. Just don't do anything stupid.."
  2404. >She laughs and turns from you, leaping off the edge of the wall and gliding downward to meet with the dragons
  2405. >It is only you and Luna now
  2406. >You try to think of something to say, before the awkwardness can set in
  2407. >"You're pretty whiny Anon. Many mares are repelled by that you know?" she says
  2408. "Fuck off."
  2409.  
  2410. >"In all seriousness. We think you should wait inside with the others. You'll be in the way in the event that conflict arises."
  2411. >You weren't going anywhere, and you made sure she knew that
  2412. >"It's not up for discussion." she says, completely casting away your argument
  2413. >Before you can protest any further, the scenery around you quickly changes in the blink of an eye
  2414. >What was once the open sky above Canterlot, was now the ceiling of a damp kitchen cellar stocked with ponies
  2415. >It happened so fast, you can't really process it
  2416. >But you knew what essentially happened
  2417. >Around the dim cellar you can make out the surprised faces of ponies
  2418. >But they all fade as a familiar stallion approaches you
  2419. >"Anon! Do you know whats going on? All we've heard was that there are dragons!"
  2420. >It's Juniper, you can't say you're happy to see him. But you aren't hating the fact that you have a familiar face with you
  2421. "Yeah, there's dragons. Apparently things didn't go right at the summit and now Equestria could go to war because of it.."
  2422. >The worried ponie's faces grow more frightened at the thought of Equestria ever becoming a battle ground
  2423. >More so their homes here in Canterlot
  2424. >"Woah, are you serious? How come you aren't out there with them? Aren't you like, the princesses coltfriend or something?"
  2425. >Juniper's question gains a curious look from the other ponies
  2426. >As inquisitive as their kind are, they're probably only interested in prying more into your private life
  2427. >Still, boyfriend? That's still something to consider.
  2428. >You knew the both of you were on an intimate level. But she practically lied to Twilight and her friends about you being her husband. But after all of that, it would be weird to just outright say you're her 'boyfriend'
  2429. "Yeah. I guess I am. But Celestia has gone down to try to negotiate a truce of some kind. Luna just stuffed me here with the rest of you."
  2430. >"Negotiate? These are wild dragons!"
  2431. >Juniper, being a bit louder than necessary reals on his hind legs and bares his flattened teeth for emphasis
  2432. >It only makes him look like a kid
  2433.  
  2434. "I know, which is why I wanted to go with her. But no 'I'd be a liability'."
  2435. >Juniper settles down and reassures you that Celestia would probably be fine
  2436. >She did run a kingdom for a thousand years on her own didn't she?
  2437. >You suppose it wouldn't hurt to put some faith in her
  2438. >With nothing else to actually do, you decide to just play the waiting game
  2439. >You entertain yourself with more pleasant thoughts
  2440. >Some about Celestia
  2441. >The conversation you had with Pinkie and Rarity
  2442. >Getting out of this cramped cellar
  2443. >That vacation Celestia promised you both would take
  2444. >But it isn't long before the dark silence is shattered by the volley of cannon fire
  2445. "Shit! What was that?" the sound shocked everyone in the room
  2446. >"Sounds like peace talks are over..."
  2447. >Juniper and the other ponies now huddle together in comfort
  2448. >After the initial blast, more follow and shake the foundation of the cellar
  2449. >Loose stone and dust trickle down from the ceiling
  2450. >A few roars can be heard outside along with pony battle cries
  2451. >War actually broke out, just a few moments ago everything was fine
  2452. >But now, Canterlot is probably getting leveled
  2453. >You desperately wanted to be out there, helping in some way
  2454. >Even if it was just cheering Tia on
  2455. >Maybe the biggest reason is that you didn't want to feel like a pet
  2456. >You didn't want to feel like you were the princess's play thing, you were more than that and you felt you should be treated as such
  2457. >"Hey Anon. You got family here in Canterlot?" Juniper asks
  2458. >A stupid question, but one you answer any way
  2459. "Nah. You?"
  2460. >Juniper shakes his head and reclines on a crate
  2461. >"Nope. I'm actually from up north. Most of my family is in Manehattan. 'Was supposed to go see them this weekend, but that doesn't really seem possible now."
  2462.  
  2463. >You move to take a seat next to Juniper, him being the closest thing you have to a friend now
  2464. >Various rumbles vibrate off the walls as the two of you talk to pass the time
  2465. >At one point, you were so worried about Celestia that you tried to leave
  2466. >But a guard stopped you from getting very far
  2467. >"All staff must remain hidden until the conflict is over." He said
  2468. >Now your once again moping next to Juniper
  2469. "I can't stand waiting in here... What if something happened? We wouldn't know because we're all being kept in the dark!"
  2470. >"Why would you wanna go out in the middle of something like this? Are you crazy?"
  2471. >He stares at you like you have some sort of mental illness, and he could be right
  2472. "...Maybe. But how can you stand sitting in here? It's been almost an hour!"
  2473. >The air is starting to get to you, your ass hurts from sitting on the floor, and you'd like nothing more than to give those two princesses a piece of your mind
  2474. >A moment of silence passes before Juniper speaks up again
  2475. >"Hey, you really want to get out of here..?" he says, not making eye contact
  2476. >You hesitate for second or two, but nod your head in response
  2477. "Yeah. Why?"
  2478. >Juniper sighs and rises to his hooves
  2479. >"Look man, I like you. You're like, my only friend in this big city, it'd suck if you just up and died on me y'know?"
  2480. >You had no idea Juniper actually thought of you as a friend
  2481. >As far as you were concerned the two of you were just shooting the shit because you were familiar with each other
  2482. >But if he was willing to call you a friend, then you figure you could do the same
  2483. "I'm not gonna die. I'm too lucky!" You couldn't be further from the truth
  2484. >Juniper smiles and leads you to a corner of the cellar
  2485. >"You better be."
  2486. >He moves a few barrels and crates to the side and reveals a small trap door
  2487. "Woah. Wait, that was there and you didn't show me!?"
  2488. >"I'm showing you now aren't I?"
  2489. >That was fair enough, and steps aside
  2490. >You open the heavy lid and bend down to peer down into the narrow crawl space that seems to go on for a long time
  2491. >A cool draft wafts into the cellar, giving everyone some fresh air
  2492. >"By the way, I'm coming with you. I found it one day while I was cleaning. I've always wanted to explore it."
  2493. >He sounds like such a kid
  2494. >But the gesture is still appreciated and you take the initiative and start climbing down the ladder
  2495.  
  2496. >Juniper takes his time following, probably reassuring the other ponies in the cellar
  2497. >Or telling them to not tell where we've gone
  2498. >He eventually climbs down after you, closing the door and leaving you two in darkness
  2499. >"Okay, this is already a bad idea.."
  2500. >He's right, but just then it hit you
  2501. >You start to concentrate all of your will into your left hand
  2502. >The darkness is expelled by the light emitting from your palm
  2503. >The tunnel and it's passages are revealed instantly when your eyes finally adjust
  2504. >"Woah! I didn't know you could use magic!" Juniper nearly slips off the ladder in surprise
  2505. "I've been practicing for a while now. I'm not sure how long I can keep this up, so we better hurry."
  2506. >Juniper nods and the two of you inch further and further down the ladder until you finally reach the bottom
  2507. >The tunnels are lined with stone and built with magnificent arches
  2508. >It must be some sort of hidden network of some kind, or some spooky old crypt
  2509. >Either way, it was going to lead you out into the surface, or so you hoped
  2510. >You and Juniper notice a small indent in the stone, creating a stream of water the flows into the dark
  2511. "The water's gotta be going somewhere.."
  2512. >Juniper agrees and the both of you head in the direction the water flows
  2513. >Your combined steps echo around you, each time you think someone is following you
  2514. >Or you could just be paranoid
  2515. >Maybe it was just too quiet and unpleasant thoughts were creeping into your brain
  2516. "So, what actually brought you to Canterlot?" you ask
  2517. >You could tell Juniper didn't expect the question from the look on his face and he considers his answer
  2518. >"Well, I guess you could say I wanted to get out of the big city. Plus, I practically see the princesses on a daily basis, so that's pretty cool I guess."
  2519. >The answer seems void of any real reason, but you don't pry further. You don't need to.
  2520. >"I'm actually kinda working here for the money. My family owns a store and it hasn't been doing so well these last few years."
  2521. "Oh? What kind of store" You ask
  2522. >"Just a general store. Y'know, variety type stuff."
  2523. >The two of you talk more to fill the quietness of the tunnels
  2524. >He tells you more about himself, and his family and life in Manehattan, you make a mental note to visit one day
  2525.  
  2526. >Your talks are interrupted by an impact that shutters through the tunnels, followed by more
  2527. "Holy shit, things are really heating up!" you turn to Juniper, he oddly isn't there
  2528. >Instead he is bolting ahead of you screaming "RUN!"
  2529. >Behind you, the tunnels start to collapse and you break into a sprint
  2530. >Even though Juniper had a head start, you catch up to him pretty quickly
  2531. >The stone and debris falling behind you is nipping at your heels though
  2532. >And your legs are already carrying you as fast as they possible can
  2533. >Same can be said for Juniper
  2534. >The light in your hand beings to flicker on and off
  2535. >The worst possible time
  2536. >But as the light begins to fade, you spot the shape of a small door just ahead of the both of you
  2537. >You a Juniper both come to the same conclusion and sprint to the door as if the devil was nipping at your boots
  2538. >Closer and closer you get and with each step the door grows bigger
  2539. >The two of you slam into the door, only for it to not budge at all
  2540. "Shit! It's locked!"
  2541. >"What!? Don't you have some fancy magic you can pull out of your ass?!" Juniper yells into your ear
  2542. "Of course not!"
  2543. >The rubble grows closer as the arches begin to cave in
  2544. >"Get out of the way!"
  2545. >Juniper hurls you to the side and begins to furiously buck at the door
  2546. >It's loud thuds echoing
  2547. "Hurry up! Hurry up!"
  2548. >Just in the nick of time the door flies of it's hinges and reveals the bright light of the sun and open air
  2549. >You both hurry to the other side right before the tunnels could be completely destroyed
  2550.  
  2551. >On the other side, you both catch your breath on the mountain side, silently celebrating the two of you cheating death
  2552. >You seem to have emerged out into a forest right outside Canterlot, the door Juniper kicked down was covered in moss
  2553. >The small stream of water leading further down into a small brook
  2554. >You pat Juniper on the back for a job well done and the light from your other hand completely goes out
  2555. >"I thought. We, were going to die." Juniper says, panting
  2556. "We were..."
  2557. >But your reprieve is broken as a large dragon flies over head
  2558. >It almost slipped your mind that there was a war going on and the two of you recover at that moment and get moving
  2559. >The sound of cannons and dragon roars are the only thing thing in the sky right now
  2560. >You both run along the forest trail and through the tree line you can see some of the action
  2561. >It doesn't look pretty, you just saw a dragon's face collide with a cannon ball
  2562. "I hope she's alright.."
  2563. >"Shut up, she's a princess. I'm sure she's fine!" Juniper reassures you that you're just being a worrying idiot
  2564. >It makes you glad to have a friend like him
  2565. >But it just occurred to you that you're on a live battlefield
  2566. >You were in the middle of a war between dragons and Equestria, you'd have to be really careful
  2567. >You exit the forest and are now able to see most of the battered landscape
  2568. >A lot of dragons lay on the grassy hills, either wounded or dead
  2569. >You scan the skies for Celestia, but she is nowhere to be found
  2570. >Juniper is hesitant to step out into the open, but as you lead, he follows
  2571. >You navigate through the maze of dragons, some large some small
  2572. >A few more steps will bring you to the top of the hill and as you reach it's peak you witness a ferocious battle between ponies and dragons
  2573. >It's enough to make shell shock you
  2574. >You have the thousand-yard stare and you can't look away from the carnage
  2575. >For every dragon, at least 5 ponies die trying to take it down
  2576. >But in the middle of it all, in the center of the chaos is Celestia
  2577. >Weak and battered
  2578.  
  2579. >Celestia staggers in her movements but fights on
  2580. >Sparks fly from her horn with each blast it produces
  2581. >A heroic, yet demonic sight
  2582. >Though she was exhausted, she still somewhat managed to move with grace and the skill of a dancer
  2583. >Around her lay many dragons, slain by her power
  2584. >But also her fellow countrymen, scattered among the battlefield
  2585. >You knew it was a bad idea for her to go alone
  2586. >But what help would you have been anyway?
  2587. >She'd probably would be in worse shape had she been trying to protect you
  2588. >But she is still fighting to protect you and the kingdom
  2589. >The scenery just seems to play in slow-motion as everything around you acts on itself
  2590. >You can only focus on Celestia, fighting a nearly losing battle
  2591. >"Anon! Snap out of it!" Juniper tugs on your sleeves to get your attention
  2592. >You snap out of the trance to see a very large dragon falling from the sky above you
  2593. >"Anon we gotta move!"
  2594. >Juniper pushes you downhill and your sent rolling downward
  2595. >The dragon's impact sends you both flying and kicking up dirt
  2596. >You hit the base of the hill among the battle, ponies clash with dragons and magical projectiles zip through the air
  2597. >Juniper recovers and witnesses everything
  2598. >"Holy shit.....what am I doing here. Anon! Why'd I let you talk me into this!?"
  2599. >You ignore him, through the mass of steel and gleaming armor you can make out a ragged Celestia in the center
  2600. "Juniper, I want you to get out of here!"
  2601. >"What?! What about you!?" Juniper is more than willing to leave, but he probably doesn't feel right just leaving you by yourself
  2602. "I'll be fine! Get lost!" You shout
  2603. >Juniper takes his sweet time making up his mind before nodding and making you promise you won't die
  2604. "I promise!" you reply
  2605. >And with that, he takes off in the direction you both came
  2606. >Ahead of you, was a more or less clear path to the epicenter of the battle
  2607. >Where she waited for you
  2608.  
  2609. >You muster up all your will and courage to take the first step, and that step is a catalyst that sends you running forward into the fray
  2610. >Unarmed and unprotected, your drive is all you have now and through the chaos of battle you can feel it pushing you further
  2611. >In the air you can see beams of golden light shoot outward from the center
  2612. >She's still putting up a good fight
  2613. >You're getting closer
  2614. >Your advancement is halted however by 3 smaller dragons who bare their fangs at you
  2615. >Right then and there, your life flashes before your eyes as you prepare for death
  2616. >But a dark blue beam of magical energy carves through the ground and taking obliterating the dragons before you
  2617. >Up above, Luna watches you
  2618. >A look of absolute anger on her face, you weren't looking forward to talking to her. At all
  2619. >"WHAT ARE YOU DOING THERE YOU IDIOT!?" her royal Canterlot voice breaks the sound barrier from shear anger
  2620. >But that anger distracts her and she is tackled mid-flight by a dragon and slammed into the side of Canterlot
  2621. >That was completely your fault
  2622. >Though, there were more important things to focus on
  2623. >You press onward, to the source of the golden rays of magic
  2624. >Celestia is probably getting weaker and weaker with each spell she casts
  2625. >But you're stopped once again as you're caught in a charge of ponies
  2626. >They jostle you around, nearly trampling you
  2627. >This gauntlet was becoming increasingly tedious to run
  2628. >But the fruits of your labors bloom as you reach the edge
  2629. >You break from the crowds of clashing ponies and dragons and stand on the edge of the center
  2630. >Before you can call out to her she's pinned down by two dragons who got the drop on her
  2631. >Though she seemingly effortlessly repels them
  2632. >But in an instant. One tiny fraction of a second! You saw it.
  2633. >One of the dragons dug a claw into her wing, leaving it stained red
  2634. >The damage is felt universally as she slowly collapses into the dirt and the once bright light of the sun retreats behind the clouds, casting a shadow along the valley
  2635. >The mere sight was enough to crush your heart and shred the pieces
  2636.  
  2637. >Everything stops around you as the scene repeats itself over and over again in your mind
  2638. >Breaking the cycle of replays, you rush to her side
  2639. >The sounds of battle blocked out and the blood in your body nearly frozen
  2640. >In the middle of this grand battle, time seemed to stop the moment Celestia touched the ground
  2641. >You didn't notice, but everyone felt it
  2642. >The very instant she hit the ground, all fighting ceased
  2643. >Everyone looked on as you fell to you knees, tears breaking away from the corners of your eyes
  2644. >The grounds were silent, so quiet you could hear the heartbeat of everyone surrounding you
  2645. >But you weren't sure if you could hear her's
  2646. "Tia! It's me, Anon! C'mon....get up!"
  2647. >You take her head into your arms and try to jostle her awake
  2648. >Only small breaths escape her mouth and you can feel them tickle the side of your face
  2649. >She was absolutely silent
  2650. >You continued to shake her, trying to stir her awake
  2651. >Her name leaves your mouth one last time, and by some greater magic, she finally responds
  2652. >Her eyes quiver and slowly part, and a wave of relief washes over you
  2653. >She's slow to gather herself but she recognizes you in her cloudy vision
  2654. >"Anon..? What are you doing here?"
  2655. >Her expression is a mix of annoyance and happiness
  2656. >You don't answer her, instead you bring her in close with a tight embrace
  2657. >The sun reappears over top of you and illuminates the field around you
  2658. >You're so glad she's alright, nothing would be able to coax you out of the despair you would have found yourself in
  2659. >Celestia moves from under your arms, breathing heavily
  2660. >She again questions you being here and it takes time for you to gather words
  2661. "I, don't know.. I guess I just hated sitting around, not being able to do anything. Then next thing I know, I'm watching you get taken down right in front of me.."
  2662.  
  2663. >"Anon..." She starts
  2664. >"Nopony expects you to jump into battle on a moments notice. The reason I wanted you to stay was so I could guarantee your safety. And let's be honest, I was careless today if had you been here, worse could have happened."
  2665. >She places her hoof on your cheek, slowly tracing your features
  2666. >"You haven given me so much these past months. Things that I will cherish forever. But this time, please let me repay you. Let me protect you."
  2667. >Her request moves you deeply
  2668. >Let's be honest, you're just a human in a world where terrible monsters attack almost on a daily basis
  2669. >What be so bad as to let someone protect you from all of it's dangers?
  2670. >You stair into her wondrous eyes
  2671. >Though you've stared into them before, only now do you truly appreciate their beauty
  2672. "Alright." you accept her will and stand
  2673. >Looking around, you observe the many muzzles and snouts of the ponies and dragons around you
  2674. >Could it be that seeing Celestia in such a weak state swept away their will to fight?
  2675. >Her state of being may have shattered all morale for the guards, and maybe the dragons realized that they were just feeding off of mob mentality and realized that this attack was unjustified
  2676. >Whatever the case was, they all looked unwilling to raise their hands in war
  2677. "I think it'd be best if we all just stopped the fighting. Many have died here today. Dragons and ponies alike. This whole thing was an honest mistake. What ever insult the princess made to your leader, I'm sure she'll apologize for. But for now, please. Just stop the fighting!"
  2678. >For a few minutes, no one moves
  2679. >But after a while, a spear is thrown on the grassy plane
  2680. >The single spear releases a chain reaction of various weapons leaving their masters to hug the ground in the name of peace
  2681. >Celestia tries to stand, but you tell her to take it easy as you ask for a team to escort her inside
  2682. >The conflict seemed surely over, but from beyond the rows of dragons rises the familiar black drake
  2683.  
  2684. >This dragon was by far larger than the rest, at least three times a large
  2685. >He was as black as night and his claws and fangs as sharp as finely cut diamond
  2686. >His tongue falls from his snout as he gives a distorted laugh of amusement
  2687. >"What's this? Brothers, do tell me when dragons were swayed by such honeyed words! Are we not proud beings? I will not stand for such an insult to be gone uncorrected! For what is a dragon without his honor? It'd be the same if I were to lose my horde!"
  2688. >The dragons around you begin to consider their leader's words
  2689. >Tension begins growing the two factions and conflict was imminent
  2690. >"An insult on a clan leader is an insult to the entire house! Such is our way! Don't tell me you'd be coaxed into peace by such a weak little ape!"
  2691. >The dragons begin to rally and bare their claws
  2692. >And ponies retrieve their strewn weapons to defend themselves
  2693. >"No! You sorry excuse for dragons will sit and watch, as I show you what a true, proud dragon looks like!"
  2694. >His thunderous claws tear through the ground as he makes his way over to you and Celestia
  2695. >Behind you, Celestia tries to rise once more, but fails
  2696. >She's too fatigued
  2697. >She won't be able to defend herself
  2698. >Guards try to surround you, but the black dragon orders the others to occupy them
  2699. >It's only you and Celestia in the center
  2700. >You're absolutely terrified and you find yourself unable to move
  2701. >You're stone cold and unable to pass a single thought
  2702.  
  2703. >The black dragon draws closer and closer
  2704. >Each step sending a shock wave of terror through your body
  2705. >The thought of everything coming to an end frightens you on a whole other plane
  2706. >Your life on Earth, in Equestria, in the palace with Celestia
  2707. >It was all going to become past tense in this moment if you didn't do anything
  2708. >But it was in these times that heroes would do the most amazing things
  2709. >Pull a rabbit out of their hat
  2710. >This was the climax and you were the final key to open the door to your destiny
  2711. >The adrenaline was already coursing through your body
  2712. >Giving you a slight high
  2713. >Your finger tips tingle and just then, it clicks
  2714. >Every single memory you had of your time with Celestia suddenly flooded into your psyche
  2715. >So fast and sudden you were sure you'd explode
  2716. >But your body had other plans
  2717. >As if against your will, your hand rose into the air
  2718. >The concentrated thoughts manifesting in the raw power of light in your hand
  2719. >Everyone was motionless, gawking at the sight
  2720. >A single pillar of light sprang from your hand, resembling lighting
  2721. >Without thinking you pull your arm as far back as possible
  2722. >Your heart and desires acting as a catalyst and launch the ray of white light forward
  2723. >Coursing through the air in a loud, sharp whistle
  2724. >Everyone's eyes follow as it spans the battlefield
  2725. >Effortlessly, it pierces the heart of the black dragon in mere seconds
  2726. >It drove enough force through him to completely exit on the other side before shooting away into the distance
  2727. >And for that single moment in time, that single piece of eternity, silence was heard throughout the world!
  2728.  
  2729. >He reels up on his hind legs in pure pain
  2730. >A gaping whole staring into the sky
  2731. >His roars echo loud and wide as the feeling of power courses through you
  2732. >The other dragons stare in disbelief as your hand produces another pillar of light
  2733. >Your light could out shine the sun as it sprang through the sky
  2734. >One after another, lighting leaves your finger tips and strike the dragon time after time
  2735. >It came naturally, you wouldn't say it was enjoyable
  2736. >But your fear was replaced with motivation
  2737. >From the ground, Celestia watched as you launched lighting through the air
  2738. >You still had the panic look on your face, but underneath she felt your resolve
  2739.  
  2740. //I will protect her no matter what the cost. This is my will!\\
  2741.  
  2742. >Your thoughts rang out within her and moved her on the deepest levels of her emotions
  2743. >The last bolt would leave your hand, caring your will into the dragon's very being
  2744. >And for years to come, dragons will know of the man who slayed this drake with such raw power
  2745. >He finally fell, slowly
  2746. >The sound mimicking an explosion
  2747. >Your breath was ragged, and your vision was starting to waver
  2748. >Around you, dragons began to retreat and many rushed to your aid
  2749. >You were exhausted, but you felt satisfied
  2750. >Slowly, you fell into the soft grass next to Celestia
  2751. >The last thing you feel is her wing wrapping around you
  2752. >What came next was the best sleep you've gotten in years
  2753.  
  2754.  
  2755. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  2756.  
  2757. >"I don't think that'd be wise Anon."
  2758. "Nonsense. He may be old but his heart is still healthy enough."
  2759. >It's been about a few days since the whole incident with the dragons
  2760. >You apparently passed out on the fields
  2761. >Celestia told you that it was most likely magic fatigue
  2762. >Saying that to release that much power in very quick successions of one another was a magical marvel
  2763. >The both of you spent your recuperating days together, mostly taking long walks in the garden, or just sitting indoors passing time
  2764. >Now, you, Celestia, Juniper, Twilight and her friends all sit quietly in Canterlot's Bread Basket
  2765. >Waiting for Mr. Dozen to walk into his seemingly normal shop on a Sunday morning
  2766. >"But Anon, what if it -is- too much for him?" Twilight asks
  2767. "You worry too much."
  2768. >The lock on the front doors jimmy and you rush everyone to get quiet
  2769. >The doors open and Mr. Dozen walks in, not expecting anything out of the ordinary
  2770. >But as soon as he flicks on the lights, the lot of you spring up and shout "SURPRISE!"
  2771. >Mr. Dozen nearly falls over from fright
  2772. >And everyone looks at you with a certain 'I told you so' look
  2773. "Okay...maybe we over did it.."
  2774. >Mr. Dozen recovers with his bout with fright and stands
  2775. >He doesn't know whether to curse you, hug you, or bow before the princesses
  2776. >"A-Anon, what is all this?" he stutters
  2777. "Welp, I heard about you closing down and today was your last day. So, I figured that we'd come and bring you business with our likeness! In a few hours, you'll be swarming with business for years!"
  2778. >Mr. Dozen recoils at the suggestion and slowly admits
  2779. >"Uhm, gee Anon. I appreciate it. But I'm not as young as I used to be. I don't think I'd be able to manage such a large business."
  2780. "Oh...."
  2781. >Awkward silence passes over you all
  2782. "Well, how about coming to work in the castle?"
  2783.  
  2784. >"What? R-really? I'm just a humble baker!"
  2785. >Mr. Dozen wipes the beads of sweat off his brow with a handy handkerchief
  2786. >"Nonsense. We would love to have you come work in the palace kitchen. It'd be my pleasure." Celestia says
  2787. >You can see his face light up with determination
  2788. >"Well, I'd better give you a sample of my work then!"
  2789. >Mr. Dozen moves past you all and works his way into the kitchen
  2790. >Your party settles into the booths and tables as he bakes away
  2791. >It'd be nice having him around in the castle, now that you think about it
  2792. >Celestia being a sweets lover would probably place him on a pedestal
  2793. >You certainly wouldn't put it past her
  2794. >All of you sit around, laughing and passing time as the early morning turns into high noon
  2795. >Other ponies enter the shop, more than usual and Mr. Dozen has his hooves filled with orders
  2796. >Awhile ago Juniper offered to help him and has been busy
  2797. >You and Twilight catch up on recent events
  2798. >You also talk to her friends, learning more about them and engaging in pleasant small talk
  2799. >Looking around you can see everyone's smiling faces
  2800. >You could get used to this
  2801. >You slip away while everyone is distracted in their own conversations and only Celestia notices your absence
  2802. >She follows you outside and joins you
  2803. >Ponies wave to you both as they pass by, ushering greetings and bows
  2804. >Celestia walks up behind you and covers you in her wings, leaning her head on your shoulder
  2805. >"So Anon. And ideas on where to go for our vacation?"
  2806. >You take a small moment to ponder the question
  2807. "No. Not really. But you know what?"
  2808. >She hums her response as you scratch behind her ear
  2809. "I don't think we need to go anywhere. I'd like to spend more time with the friends I've made."
  2810. >Celestia smiles as the chaotic nature inside the bakery gains your attention
  2811. >Thanks to Dash, a food fight had broken out
  2812. >You'd rather not get involved, so you and Celestia remain outside, and bask in eachothers warmth

An Affinity With the Sun: Chapter I + Chapter II [Archive]

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MP - Prince Anonymous & Young Celestia - Part I [Archive]

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MP - Prince Anonymous & Young Celestia - Part II [Archive]

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