/rgre/ Equestrian Raised


                                            >"Nonny, it's so great of you to want to hang out with me!"

                                            >Pinkie said that but she's the one who visited you

                                            >Your room, while technically a closet in Twilight's huge tree of a house, is plenty big for you

                                            >She even got you a lot of neat adventure books to read and the "best video game ever"

                                            >You'll be the first to admit it

                                            >Super Mareo is good but it's not THAT good

                                            >If it were, you'd be able to beat it

                                            "Well yeah, you're the best Pinkie! You even made dinner!"

                                            >Dinner was outside of the room

                                            >Like any growing lad's dream dinner, it is an absolutely gargantuan cherry and blueberry pie

                                            >"Sure did!"

                                            >Pinkie sidles up to you

                                            >While the room is a good size for you, the fully grown mare seems a little cramped

                                            >"You look like you're stuck on that level. Wanna play a quick, short game to take a break?"

                                            >As much as your idea of fun was showing her how awesome you were at dying to the same mini-boss, you nod

                                            >You haven't surrendered

                                            >You're merely planning

                                            "What sort of game?"

                                            >"It's a GREAT one! Twilight and I used to play it aaaaaaaalllllllll the time!"

                                            >If she used to play the game with your Aunt Twilight, it had to be a great one

                                            >Twilight wasn't really your aunt but she has taken care of you ever since you came to Equestria

                                            >What's weird is that Pinkie doesn't usually stop by when Twilight is around

                                            "Does it include magic? Aunt Twilight said that one day, even I might be able to cast spells! If I become a unicorn."

                                            >You furrow your brow

                                            "Or an alicorn."

                                            >You shake your head, trying to remember some of the details of what you were told

                                            "Or... maybe humans can cast magic with just their hands...?"

                                            >Pinkie giggles at your confusion

                                            >"Nooo, not magic! It's a super SPECIAL game!"

                                            >She bounces in place, hopping from your mattress on the floor to the bare wood of the tree home

                                            >She's so good at that she bounces clear over your head at least twice

                                            >"It's called Truth or Dare!"

                                            >Your eyes light up

                                            "H-hey! I know that game from back home!"

                                            >"That's because that game is AWESOME!"

                                            >Pinkie ends her bounding with a single leap upward that ends with her splatting an inch away from your bed

                                            >Her acting like roadkill, deflated and with her tongue lolled out, is enough for you to laugh yourself nearly blind

                                            >She winks and re-inflates, scooting over to sit on your bed

                                            "Well I probably know how to play it. So what made it so special with Aunt Twilight?"

                                            >Pinkie's lips curl upward in an unusual way when you say "Aunt Twilight"

                                            >Her bright, shining blue eyes are always so gleeful, though it can sometimes be difficult for you to know what she's thinking

                                            >"Because she would tell me all sorts of awesome truths and facts! It was a super easy way for her to show how smart she was. And when she did a dare, I would get to see all of the magic tricks she knew! It was the best!"

                                            >While her energy is infectious, you're physically incapable of matching her zeal

                                            "Wow... if I ask you truths, will you tell me all sorts of cool things too?"


                                            >"You betcha! And if you ask me to do a dare, I'll do anything!"

                                            >Her smile changes

                                            >A little

                                            >It's

                                            >A little

                                            >Less happy?

                                            >Her eyes relax just enough

                                            >"Anything... but Twilight doesn't really play many games these days. So... she won't really be able to join anytime soon."

                                            >The way her tone shifts to something smoother and softer

                                            >Something causes you to shiver

                                            >You don't know why, the tree house is always warm

                                            >"So do you wanna go first, or pick?"

                                            >You contemplate the choice for a whopping four seconds

                                            "Truth."

                                            >"Yay!"

                                            >That "yay" sounds... different

                                            >"Soooo Nonny. Are there any ponies that you reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaally like in Ponyville?"

                                            >She leans toward you while asking, unable to contain something more like a smirk

                                            "Well... Aunt Twilight is awesome. I love her."

                                            >You notice Pinkie's smirk twitching

                                            "She kinda is like a real aunt to me... I mean. I don't think a real aunt would be any different. I never had one before."

                                            >You sigh and try to remember the names of all of the ponies you've met

                                            "I... I like... Buttersky? She's nice."

                                            >Her smirk twitches again

                                            "She kinda scares me though... she acts like she's never seen a boy before or something. Applejack's sister is cool too! She sounds like my old neighbor."

                                            >Pinkie's smirk droops but snaps back to place

                                            >"Dooooooooo.... you like me?"

                                            >Pinkie rotates and leans around in a circular motion

                                            "Oh. Oh yeah! I mean, I love you! Definitely!"

                                            >You reach over and give the big pink pony a powerful hug

                                            >As powerful as you can muster, given your stature

                                            "You visit all the time, even if Twilight tells me to watch out because she doesn't want me breaking my legs, you can make the best food in the world, and you don't talk about me having to join some sort of classroom to study!"

                                            >Part of you wants to say that you wish you could live with her instead

                                            >But

                                            >You really like the quiet

                                            >And the video games

                                            >And the reading

                                            >And Aunt Twilight

                                            >Pinkie giggles and sighs like she had been holding her breath

                                            >"And I love you too! This definitely IS fun! Me next, me next!"

                                            "Hah, alright! Truth or dare?"

                                            >"Truth me!"

                                            >You pause to think over what you could ask her

                                            >You ask her things all the time

                                            >This has to be something that require her to be bound by the laws of the game

                                            "Are you sure you've never seen another human before? You act like you've been around me forever! And you don't try to get me to eat those hayburgers either..."

                                            >The only time she fooled you about eating flowers was when she pulled out a bag of flour

                                            >You still think the bag was just spelled wrong

                                            >"Super sure! I would definitely remember someone as h... cute as you!"

                                            >As if to emphasize that, she leans down and nuzzles her face against yours

                                            >She's never been able to do that without giggling like a maniac

                                            >"Besides, Twilight thinks so too! She just thinks she knows better. Even if she's really just the same as me."

                                            "The same as you? How is she the same?"

                                            >You raise an eyebrow at the pink mare


                                            >Pinkie's giggle descends into a throaty chuckle

                                            >"Oooh Nonny. She just thinks you're the cutest thing ever. Just like I do!"

                                            >You feel a little embarrassed about being complimented in that way

                                            >Sensing your hesitation, she bounces once on the bed without getting up

                                            >"Your turn! Truth or dare, Nonny?"

                                            >Truth is kinda boring, honestly...

                                            "Dare!"

                                            >You nod as you speak, confident in your choice

                                            >"Ok! In that case... I dare you to close your eyes."

                                            >You smirk and close your eyes

                                            "Ha! Easy!"

                                            >"And keep your mouth open!"

                                            "I-"

                                            >...

                                            >...

                                            >...

                                            "What?"

                                            >"Y-yeah! It'll be a funny face."

                                            >You shrug and do as the dare demands by opening your mouth

                                            >"Liiiiiiiiiiittle bit wider, Nonny!"

                                            >Finally starting to feel like you're at a bit of a disadvantage, your cheeks warm up and you open your mouth further

                                            >Obviously, you're not in a position where you can speak

                                            >"H-ha... ha h-ha. Look at you, y-you're a silly colt, aren't you?"

                                            "Ahm ah oi."

                                            >You speak without closing your mouth

                                            >It's the hidden ace up your sleeve!

                                            >Your retort causes some sort of shivering sound from the mare

                                            >"H-heh, ha... hey, Nonny."

                                            "Ah?"

                                            >"Stay juuuuuuuuuust like that for a little longer, ok?"

                                            "Oh-ey."

                                            >You relax and let your muscles droop

                                            >It is starting to feel natural that your eyes are closed

                                            >It feels weird to breathe through your nose but you're at ease

                                            >"Hold on. Ok Nonny?"

                                            >You nod

                                            >Is this on a timer?

                                            >You never thought to push for a time limit on things

                                            >Before you can think on anything else, you feel something hot

                                            >Wet

                                            >And long

                                            >And wriggly

                                            >Enter your mouth

                                            >By sheer shock you recoil, just to feel a pair of hooves on your shoulders

                                            >You flinch as the weird, big, flat thing keeps lashing over your mouth

                                            >Once it finds your tongue, it starts to curl and whip at it

                                            >You want to ask Pinkie what the heck is going on but you can't speak

                                            >She's still there but the noises she is making is starting to scare you

                                            >She sounds...

                                            >Hungry

                                            >Like the type of hungry you would be in if you couldn't eat for an entire day

                                            >Eventually the thing pokes further in the back of your mouth

                                            >Your internal panic meter peaks out and you let out a gargled scream and launched yourself back

                                            >You open your eyes and wipe your mouth

                                            >You can hear your heart pounding in your ears and in your chest

                                            >You feel light-headed to the point you don't even notice the way that Pinkie is staring at you

                                            >She's huffing just as much as you are

                                            >She licks her lips multiple times

                                            >"W-wow! I-I can't believe you could handle a party horn in your mouth! Th-that was rea-really funny!"

                                            >Her giggling uneven and awkward, she shakes her mane and makes a glistening pink party horn fall out

                                            >"I-it was a prank, silly! It's ok!"

                                            >You glare at the horn

                                            >You can still feel it prodding and twisting around in your mouth

                                            >It tasted sweet

                                            >Rather, you didn't even register that the taste existed until after it ended

                                            "T... that was kinda scary."

                                            >And it made you feel weird

                                            >"Aw... I'm sorry, Nonny! I won't use it again, ok?"


                                            "Y-yeah..."

                                            >Unable to get the wet, snaky sensation out of your mouth you wipe your lips again

                                            "...Truth or dare, Pinkie?"

                                            >She seems excited that you want to continue playing

                                            >"Dare! Definitely dare me!"

                                            "Alright. I dare you..."

                                            >You squint at her, like you're thinking of something truly nefarious

                                            >She seems unphased

                                            "I dare you..."

                                            >Pinkie remains still

                                            "To..."

                                            >The smile on her is massive, which is an accomplishment

                                            "Be my pillow! For me to lay my head on until I say otherwise."

                                            >You puff our your chest, proud of your ultimatum

                                            >Because obviously she can only be your pillow

                                            >Or she LOSES

                                            >"You got it!"

                                            >With great enthusiasm, she flings herself back on your bed

                                            >She lays on her back, legs outstretched

                                            >"You can use my leg as a pillow! That way I can relax and your head won't be all wonky-weird!"

                                            >You don't follow but you agree

                                            >You rest your head on the inside of one of her lower legs

                                            >Something hard is poking the top and back of your head

                                            >Your answer to that is to vigorously rub your head against the mystery nub

                                            >Pinkie lets out some loud, strained laugh while you do that

                                            >She must be ticklish

                                            >You close your eyes, kick out your own legs and relax

                                            >This must be what being a king is like

                                            "Ha. This is awesome. You should definitely be my pillow more."

                                            >"Y-y... ohhh yeah, Nonny. Y-you bet."

                                            >Maybe she's trying to hold back her laughing or yawning

                                            >Would someone get sleepy if someone else is laying on them?

                                            >You've seen cats get tired just when one lays near another

                                            >"Do you feel a... poking thing?"

                                            "Huh?"

                                            >You roll the back of your head along her

                                            >You feel it

                                            "Yeah."

                                            >"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaanna do me a favor and rub your head against it? It's... like scratching an itch! And if you feel a second one, scratch that one too! With your head."

                                            "Oh. Well sure. Ok I guess."

                                            >With your new quest given, you lean forward and throw your head back

                                            >The nub is super hard but that means you can feel it perfectly against your head

                                            >You spend a few minutes solid rubbing against the nubs

                                            >They don't go away at all

                                            >Transfixed on your own request, you fail to notice that Poinkie's voice has gotten louder

                                            >Her moans sound like her just making noises to you

                                            >You continue until you hear a distant door open and close

                                            >You bolt upright, snapped out of the game

                                            "H-hey! That's Aunt Twilight! She's home!"

                                            >Pinkie doesn't get up

                                            >She huffs and pants, violently shivering on your bed

                                            >"W...whew. N-nonny, that was... that game was a ton of fun!"

                                            >"Anon? Are you up there?"

                                            >Pinkie sits up, her mane lopsided

                                            >The look in her eye is one of pure peace

                                            >"Oh Nonny... that was fun. Next time we start, let's continue where we left off, ok?"

                                            "Oh. Yeah, ok."

                                            >You go to your bedroom door and open it

                                            "We're up here, Aunt Twilight!"

                                            >"...."We"? Who else is there?"

                                            >Twilight sounds like she's gonna throw a fit

                                            >Her friends always make her shout and act mad

                                            >But she's never really mad

                                            >Except when it's Pinkie Pie

                                            >And when she's alone with you


                                            >You have a task today

                                            >One of the most important jobs in all of Equestria!

                                            >You have to find some eggs for Aunt Twilight!

                                            >She doesn't do it very often at all but she's out with Applejack and Pinkie Pie

                                            >They're all cooking up some sort of thing

                                            >Or was it a competition?

                                            >To be honest, you did not pay as much attention as you should have

                                            >But... to be fair

                                            >You were in the middle of playing Mareo

                                            >You still died but you were closer to rescuing the Prince than ever

                                            >You kick at a stray pebble, glancing at a map in your hand

                                            >Aunt Twilight gave you a map of Ponyville that is so detailed you're not sure it isn't some sort of magical trinket

                                            >You slow when you see...

                                            >You're not sure what you see

                                            >Dozens of bird houses

                                            >Holes and gaps in the ground every few steps

                                            >A natural bridge over a pristine pond

                                            "W... was I supposed to get eggs from these?"

                                            >It seems unrealistic that you would be asked to just start robbing nests

                                            >...

                                            >...

                                            >...

                                            >But where else are you supposed to find eggs?

                                            >Aunt Twilight said it was important

                                            >You pocket the map and clap your hands while eyeing one of the least spindly trees

                                            >You're sure it will hold your weight despite the funny way it bends and splits

                                            >You prepare

                                            >And grip

                                            >And climb

                                            >And raise up

                                            >And...

                                            >And...

                                            >Uh

                                            >You're kinda far up already

                                            >If a clone of yourself were on the ground, you'd be able to step on his shoulders

                                            >If...

                                            >If you fell

                                            >You might die

                                            >Like Mareo falling into a pit

                                            >...

                                            >...

                                            >...

                                            >Oh crap

                                            >You're frozen stiff

                                            >What do you do now?

                                            >Do you keep going?

                                            >You can't fail Aunt Twilight

                                            >But if you fall, you're dead meat

                                            >...

                                            >...

                                            >...

                                            >Time passes while you helplessly cling to the branch

                                            >You keep trying to prepare yourself to just jump off since you forgot how you got up so high

                                            >You don't have the will to go through with it

                                            "H... help..."

                                            >You finally speak, much to your own shame

                                            "Help."

                                            >Hearing yourself cry for help spikes your fear to full blown terror

                                            "SOMEONE HELP ME!"

                                            >Overwhelmed by the horror of death via splattering into a burst of blood and skeletons, you black out

                                            >You hear humming

                                            >You're floating through space but somehow hear humming

                                            >Have you ever felt this warm?

                                            >Maybe, once before...

                                            >If only you could...

                                            >"Oh my... you're awake! Are you ok?"

                                            >Your eyes flutter open

                                            >You're indoors

                                            >Nothing hurts

                                            "...Buttersky?"

                                            >"Fluttershy, sweetie. Were you trying to say "hello" to some birdies?"

                                            >The large yellow mare looks down at you

                                            >Her wings are folded over you, providing you with a rather warm cover

                                            >You don't want to tell her the truth

                                            >You know enough that you would probably get in trouble

                                            "...eggs..."

                                            >"What was that?"

                                            >Fluttershy tilts her head at your mumbling

                                            "I... I was told..."

                                            >Think Anon, think!

                                            >You have to make sure you don't get in trouble

                                            "A-Aunt... Twilight... told me to get some eggs. And..."

                                            >You avert her direct gaze

                                            "I... wanted to see where eggs came from..."


                                            >Fluttershy's entire face goes bright pink

                                            >Pinker than her mane

                                            >"Oh... oh my...!"

                                            >She giggles and fold her wings over you

                                            >Only now do you notice that you're on the floor, but you at least have a pillow over your head

                                            >You're kinda stuck, how you are

                                            >"Well, you are certainly an inquisitive little critter, aren't you?"

                                            >Since when were you a "critter"?

                                            >"I think you may need to be a little older before I can give you the details... but it is something mommy and daddy birds do when they're all alone. And if they're peeked on, they get shy and wait. But if they wait too long, it will be dangerous!"

                                            >With no prior understanding, you absorb the story like a sponge

                                            "...Dangerous? Will they die?"

                                            >Fluttershy shakes her head in a slow sway

                                            >She leans down to peck a kiss on your forehead

                                            >"It won't get that bad. But if they don't have their own eggs and hatch little baby birdies, they'll be all alone. And that isn't good at all. So next time, be careful and let the birdies play their games and other things without bothering them. Ok?"

                                            "I... ok..."

                                            >You agree to her terms with a sullen expression

                                            >You lied but you still got chastised

                                            >Just for something completely unrelated

                                            "How did I get in here?"

                                            >"I carried you in, naturally. I couldn't let Twilight worry about you! Especially after Spike left on his journey..."

                                            >Have you heard that name before?

                                            >"She always such luck! First, a baby dragon. Then I get to see him grow up-at least a little-and then she finds a baby human! I can't wait to see what you grow up to look like."

                                            "I'm not a baby..."

                                            >She doesn't know better but you still feel insulted

                                            >"Oh, I know. You're very big. You're interested in how baby birds are made, after all."

                                            >She leans down and pecks your forehead again

                                            >The kiss lingers for a few seconds before she pulls her head back

                                            >"Very big indeed...."

                                            >She sighs and closes her eyes

                                            >Her wings begin to brush over you

                                            >Despite you being surrounded by yellow feathers, there is some unmistakable weight behind them

                                            >You want to sit up but if you did, you would have to push past her

                                            >So you just remain laying

                                            >"Twilight always was so lucky... if you were my human, I could brush and pet your mane every day. And even feed you by hoof and see what you could do best at... and we could help learn about a lot of animals... and how they make eggs. Or get them fertilized."

                                            >The mare giggles before giving another soft sigh

                                            >Something about the atmosphere and her voice

                                            >It makes you close your eyes

                                            >Her voice is so soothing

                                            >It is just quiet and gentle enough

                                            >"I bet Twilight wouldn't mind if she let me watch over you... imagine how much we could learn from each other. You would like that, wouldn't you?"

                                            >Without much thought put into it, you nod

                                            >Your agreement causes her to make some sort of weird noise

                                            >Like a cat purring

                                            >"I want to learn so much about you, Anon... you aren't like me and Twilight. Oh no... it's very natural for you to look for eggs. It must be instinct."


                                            >Fluttershy isn't speaking a lot of sense

                                            >But the way she says it is dreamy

                                            >The second you lose track of yourself

                                            >Or has it been only a second...?

                                            >You feel something on your face

                                            >You're in such a comfortable, cozy embrace that you can't will yourself to move

                                            >The something on your face repeats

                                            >It feels like kisses

                                            >"If only you could spend winter with me... Angel is with his little bunny family... I'll keep you happy. And I bet I know juuust how..."

                                            >Fluttershy whispers in between kissing your forehead

                                            >Then your face

                                            >You flinch when she kisses your mouth

                                            >She relaxes her lips

                                            >She does not move away

                                            >Something crashes outside

                                            >That is enough to break her spell under you

                                            >It is also enough that she pulls her face away

                                            >But not before pressing against your lips and licking once

                                            >"Heeeeeeeeey Fluttershy! Y'there? Anon got lost-again! Twilight and everyone's waiting for those eggs! Do you still have them?"

                                            >The rowdy, loud voice further breaks you out of your trance

                                            >You can't even see straight but you recognize that voice

                                            >"Oh, I already sent them out, Rainbow Dash! I'll join in a little later, ok? Keep a slice of buttermilk and pecan pie for me, please!"

                                            >"Yeah yeah, but hurry! They're only giving five whole minutes for things to cool off, then it'll be a free-for-all!"

                                            >"Well now..."

                                            >Fluttershy looks down right at you

                                            >She seems pleased with herself

                                            >"I bet you were wanting those eggs, weren't you?"

                                            >You thoughtlessly nod

                                            >"I asked the mailmare to carry them over. It seems like Twilight didn't get the letter in time. But that's ok... it means we got to spend some time together."

                                            >She pulls her wings back, freeing you from her embrace

                                            >"Now, let's go eat some yummy pies and other goodies! If you ask Twilight reallllly nicely, I think she might let you come back home with me. Wouldn't that be nice?"

                                            >Not really

                                            >You want to go back to Mareo


                                            >"Alright, Anon! Quiz time!"

                                            >The purple library mare sitting in front of you clops her front hooves together

                                            >You're seated at an old desk she said she grabbed from the local school house

                                            >It is a little small for you

                                            >You haven't kept track of time here but Aunt Twilight doesn't look so huge anymore

                                            >She's still far larger than you

                                            "Is it one of those written ones? Ooopen... book...?"

                                            >You give her your best smile

                                            >Aunt Twilight returns the smile

                                            >"No!"

                                            >Aw man

                                            >You feel your soul sink

                                            >"Aw, it'll be ok! It'll be a super simple one, most colts get it right the first time too!"

                                            >That doesn't inspire you with confidence

                                            >Come to think of it, you haven't seen many colts or stallions to begin with

                                            >Not that you get to go out and socialize

                                            "Alright... I'm as ready as I can be."

                                            >"That's the spirit!"

                                            >Twilight clears her throat and closes her eyes, like she's about to sing an opera

                                            >"Now first. Where do we live?"

                                            >That

                                            >That's not an easy question

                                            "...at home?"

                                            >Aunt Twilight smiles

                                            >"Technically, yes. But think bigger!"

                                            "Ponyville?"

                                            >"Bigger!"

                                            "Uh... oh. Well, yeah! Equestria."

                                            >"Hurray! We're one for one now!"

                                            >Aunt Twilight sways from side to side, beaming

                                            >You can't help but feel embarrassed at needing three guesses

                                            >"Next question! Who controls the sun?"

                                            "Oh-well that's easy. Princess Celestia!"

                                            >"Heh, Mr. Smartypants today, aren't we? But who controls... the moon?!"

                                            >Her sudden snap to the new question catches you off guard

                                            "W-wait. I know that one. It's still a princess."

                                            >Aunt Twilight opens one of her eyes, like she's peeking at you

                                            >"Yes...?"

                                            "And... her name..."

                                            >"Yes, Anon...?"

                                            "Is Princess..."

                                            >Being put on the spot, your eyes widen

                                            >Oh crap

                                            >You're drawing a blank

                                            >You're drawing a blank?!

                                            "I... uh."

                                            >Aunt Twilight simply watches you, as amused as can be

                                            "Princess... Mooooonaaa...?"

                                            >You recoil back and shrink as you whisper your answer like a balloon deflating

                                            >"Did you say Princess Moona?"

                                            "Y-"

                                            >"Or the correct answer, Princess Luna?"

                                            >Oh no

                                            >You got it wrong

                                            "T... the right one."

                                            >"The right one, huh?"

                                            >She smirks at your apparent difficulty

                                            >"Let's call that a half-right. Ok?"

                                            "Ok..."

                                            >"Ok?"

                                            "Yeah... ok."

                                            >Aunt Twilight gives you a moment before clearing her throat again

                                            >"Question three!"

                                            "Don't you mean four?"

                                            >"Ah ha!"

                                            >Aunt Twilight giggles

                                            >"I couldn't slip that one by you, could I? You're such a clever boy."

                                            >That sort of complimenting makes you feel like a million bits

                                            >"So, question... four. What is the biggest difference between stallions and mares?"

                                            >Well that's a silly question

                                            "Well mares have foals. And the stallions are the protectors."

                                            >"Supporters."

                                            "Huh?"

                                            >"They're the supporters, Anon. Some can protect but I've never ever seen a stallion be able to stand up against a mare!"

                                            "O-oh."

                                            >Well that makes sense

                                            >You don't think you could ever fight Aunt Twilight

                                            >Or any of the other mares you know


                                            >Even Applebloom teases you about how you haven't won a wrestling match yet

                                            >It isn't your fault she defaults to sitting on your head and asking why you can't just buck back

                                            >Even Applejack laughs, and she's supposed to be the referee!

                                            >Aunt Twilight picks up on your thoughts

                                            >"Is something wrong, Anon?"

                                            "Ah, uh. No, it's ok."

                                            >Twilight pets your head with her hoof

                                            >"It's ok if you think it's weird. I mean, you aren't from here after all. But how could it ever be any other way? Our magic tends to be stronger, Applejack is the strongest earth pony I know so there's no way a stallion could match her."

                                            "I mean, I don't think it's weird. But if I'm always going to be the weakest around..."

                                            >"Hey, strength isn't everything! Do you know what human boys are best at?"

                                            >You furrow your brow

                                            "...This isn't part of the quiz, is it?"

                                            >Another giggle

                                            >"Not at all, Mr. Smartypants."

                                            >What would the answer be?

                                            >You are getting to be really good at Mareo

                                            >But no one will really watch you play it, except for Pinkie Pie

                                            "Uh... eating blueberries?"

                                            >"Being the cutest boy in Equestria!"

                                            >Aunt Twilight leans over and kisses your cheek

                                            >The kiss lingers for a bit longer than it usually does

                                            >Or is that your imagination?

                                            >"...ok, you eat a lot of blueberries too."

                                            >Aunt Twilight retreats to her original position, as happy as ever

                                            >"So, are you ready for the last question?"

                                            "Ready!"

                                            >"What do you want to do when you grow up?"

                                            "I...huh?"

                                            >You shake your head a few times

                                            "What do you mean?"

                                            >Aunt Twilight nods

                                            >"I mean what I said! When you're all grown up, what do you want to do?"

                                            "What do I want..."

                                            >What could you want?

                                            >You love living in a library

                                            >Aunt Twilight is the best

                                            >A lot of ponies in Ponyville know you better now, and you always get treated nicely

                                            >Pinkie Pie...

                                            >Well

                                            >You've kinda been hanging out more with her alone

                                            >And that usually means Truth or Dare

                                            >...

                                            >...

                                            >...

                                            >You've been picking Dare more often

                                            >And then there's Fluttershy

                                            >She still kinda scares you because of her wings but her voice has to be a super power

                                            >If she gets her wings over you and starts talking, you're hopelessly paralyzed until she chooses to stop

                                            >It's scary

                                            >But it makes you feel really good too

                                            "I..."

                                            >You mumble your answer

                                            >"What was that?"

                                            "I... I wanna learn how to bake. A-and... take care of other animals... better..."

                                            >You shift your eyes away

                                            >You expect her to catch on and say something

                                            >Instead, she gasps and clops her hooves together

                                            >"That is an excellent idea! You could accomplish a whole lot by being a baker! And even better, that explains why you've been reading up on birds too!"

                                            "Y-yeah..."

                                            >As embarrassed as you are, the reason you haven't been looking up books on birds hasn't been due to that

                                            >It's more the wings

                                            >They just freak you out

                                            >Even if Fluttershy's are soft and smell nice, it is terrifying to be stuck in place

                                            >Nevermind if she one day got angry at you and picked you up, flew high into the sky and...

                                            >You shiver


                                            "So... is it ok if I go to Fluttershy's house? She... s-she said that she would help teach me a lot. She just wants to make sure that if I stay too late, you won't worry. Because I'll... be there."

                                            >You try to swallow a massive lump in your throat

                                            >You're doing exactly as she told you to do

                                            >She said that if Aunt Twilight gave her approval, you could stay over for a night

                                            >And if you do...

                                            >"Fluttershy? Well... I don't think she has a spare room that would fit a human! I mean, a bear, a turtle, a spare fish tank, hole in the ground, bird house, lily pad..."

                                            >Oh no

                                            >She isn't going to allow it

                                            >"...who am I kidding, if she has all of that, of course she'll be able to make a spot for you!"

                                            >Your head perks up

                                            "You mean it?"

                                            >"Well sure! She's one of my best friends, not to mention she's the most magical beacon of kindness!"

                                            >She is?

                                            >"As long as you promise to stay safe, it's ok!"

                                            >A powerful surge flows through your body

                                            >Feeling a flush of warmth go to your cheeks, you pump your arm

                                            "Sweet, awesome!"

                                            >You can't wait to tell her!

                                            "Can I go to Pinkie Pie's bakery too?"

                                            >"Sure, as long as I'm there too."

                                            >The party train in your head comes to a crashing halt

                                            "H-wha? Why?"

                                            >Your quick question makes her raise an eyebrow

                                            >"Well, one reason is that I want to see and taste the results!"

                                            >Her answer is not what you expected

                                            "O-oh. Yeah. Well of course!"

                                            >"And... she sometimes gets a little weird with colts."

                                            >It turns out that she's going exactly where you were worried

                                            "W-well I mean she hides candy in her mane... that's kinda weird."

                                            >"It is. But, Anon, what I mean to say is that she... takes the idea of fun a little too far sometimes. So... I don't want you to be at risk of anything. Ok?"

                                            >At risk of...

                                            >You shift uncomfortably

                                            "I.. uh..."

                                            >"What is it Anon?"

                                            >Oh crap

                                            >She's not letting you get away from talking about her

                                            "I..."

                                            >You can't tell her

                                            >Can you?

                                            "A... about Pinkie Pie..."

                                            >The guilt in your voice causes an alarm

                                            >Aunt Twilight stands up

                                            >The tone in her voice is painfully serious

                                            >"...what is it, Anon?"

                                            "I..."

                                            >You can't let her know

                                            "I... talked to Pinkie Pie about that before. When I saw her one time."

                                            >"You did...? Why didn't you tell me?"

                                            "I'm sorry. I said you were worried and she..."

                                            >She told you that she'll never find out about their secret games

                                            "She said that if she could have a little brother. That she would want him to be me."

                                            >Twilight watches you

                                            >She almost never has that sort of serious expression

                                            >It's enough to cause strong discomfort

                                            "That's when she asked if I wanted to learn how to bake stuff like her..."

                                            >The unicorn's eyes narrow

                                            >You're about to crack

                                            >You can't handle this sort of drowning pressure


                                            >Just when you're at the brink of begging her to forgive you for lying, she sits down

                                            >"...you know, she has a lot of sisters. But no brothers. I guess I never even thought about that."

                                            >Instead of sounding suspicious, she sounds solemn

                                            >"I guess that makes sense. Ha. Ha ha!"

                                            >Aunt Twilight gives a relieved laugh

                                            >You don't think it's funny but she really seems to

                                            >"That... is actually kinda funny. I know Shiny is a big brother, but I can't imagine being an only child."

                                            "Y... yeah. And she's... kinda like a big sister. She's not as serious as you."

                                            >You let that last comment slip out as a way to relieve internal stress

                                            >She laughs at that

                                            >"You sure got that right! That pony makes me think that I'm a thousand years old sometimes. I don't know how she's always bouncing off the walls. Sometimes even bouncing off of the ceiling!"

                                            "H-ha... yeah..."

                                            >That was close

                                            >It's a good thing because you've protected your secret with Pinkie Pie

                                            >But

                                            >Why do you feel so scummy?

                                            >You never thought you would lie to Aunt Twilight like this

                                            >"Ha... ha... ah..."

                                            >Aunt Twilight circles around the desk and hugs you

                                            >Tight

                                            >"I'm... I'm sorry I snapped, Anon. I'm just... I don't know what I would do if something happened to you. I really do love you, you know."

                                            "I know... I love you too."

                                            >You return the hug as hard as you can

                                            >Maybe if you hug her for long enough, it'll make up for you lying to her

                                            >"I would say that was an excellent four and a half out of five. You did brilliantly."

                                            >She rests her throat against the top of your head

                                            >You remain this way for entire minutes

                                            >By the end of the hug, your arms are completely sore

                                            >"How about we go over to Applejack's? I told Granny Smith that you were gonna ace a super hard quiz so she's cooking up a storm. Applebloom will be there..."

                                            >You grimace at the mare

                                            "But she's mean to me."

                                            >Aunt Twilight chuckles

                                            >"Oh Anon. She's not mean, she's just... showing you that she cares."

                                            "But last time we wrestled she wouldn't get off my head!"

                                            >Your cry of injustice is met with a stifled giggle

                                            >"It's ok. Some fillies are just... aggressive."

                                            >There's no getting through to her on that

                                            >Even if you're destined for a filly-filled beatdown, at least you get to try out more of the Apple family cookbook

                                            >Maybe Big Mac could teach you how to escape


                                            "Pinkie Pie, I'm here!"

                                            >"Nonny! Wai-d'oh-wait a second! I'll be right there!"

                                            >Today is another day you get to spend at Sugarcube Corner

                                            >You've finally remembered that name

                                            >Given everything else Aunt Twilight makes you remember, maybe it isn't your fault

                                            >She says that you'll be a great husband and assistant one day, if you keep up your studying

                                            >Maybe it's just you but not a lot of ponies seem to be interested in how well read you are

                                            >Pinkie Pie rolls down the staircase, tied up in some sort of white thing

                                            "G-gah! Are you alright?"

                                            >As silly as she gets, you always rush to her aid

                                            >You help pull the pony up, tugging away the white thing that had engulfed her head

                                            >"That... I was not expecting. And wow, look at you! You're so much taller now!"

                                            >You have grown, apparently

                                            >Aunt Twilight isn't so giant anymore, but the way she teaches you things make you feel small

                                            >Fluttershy isn't nearly as scary, even if her wings still cause you discomfort

                                            >And Pinkie Pie...

                                            >She rotates herself forward on her front hooves until her mouth mashes against yours

                                            >You've learned what a kiss is through her

                                            >Her playful tongue enters your mouth and whips around at a high speed

                                            >You still can't handle the sensory overload but you manage to stand it without going dizzy

                                            >She ends it right before your trembling hands move to push her away

                                            >"Puah~ Boy, am I happy to see you! I got you a gift!"

                                            >Your brain whipped into a gentle mush, it takes you a moment to reply

                                            "T... that kiss wasn't a gift?"

                                            >The purple pony giggles and scoops up the white thing that had caused her fall

                                            >"No, silly! That's a special greeting from me to you! This is because I think you're finally ready!"

                                            "Ready for what?"

                                            >She beams and wags her extended forelegs at you

                                            >You pluck the thing from her and hold it up

                                            >It's...

                                            "...Is this an apron?"

                                            >"It IS! It is! Since you walk on two legs most of the time, this style of apron will fit you a ton better!"

                                            >Without much thought, you slip it on and tie it tight

                                            >While Aunt Twilight can just zap your clothing to clean them, it would be nice to no longer have to bother her nearly as much

                                            "It fits pretty well... what's the occasion?"

                                            >"You're gonna sell your first batch of cupcakes!"

                                            "Wait, what?!"

                                            >In between games of Truth and Dare, nap times and other things done together, you've baked probably dozens of things now

                                            >Usually when Aunt Twilight says that she wants to watch and try out your latest attempts

                                            >To be honest, it feels like you learning to bake was only her secondary goal

                                            "Am I going to be ready? I mean we're talking about selling them! If they aren't good, it's gonna be bad isn't it?"

                                            >Pinkie nuzzles your shoulder

                                            >Getting taller hasn't stopped her

                                            >"That's why I'm gonna still help! But I'm just gonna watch, ok? No hooves, it's all gonna be hand-made!"


                                            >Apron?

                                            >Check

                                            >Hair net?

                                            >Check

                                            >Utensils?

                                            >Check

                                            >Cook book with a lot of scribbles and notes in them by Aunt Twilight?

                                            >Double check

                                            >You set it on the book stand and flip it to her favorite chapter: Cooking with Flower: Power Flour and Recipes in an Hour!

                                            >A little scribble underneath it reads "always sweet, never sour!"

                                            >Thanks Aunt Twilight

                                            "Alright..."

                                            >You keep glancing over to Pinkie Pie

                                            >She's watching you with a comfortable smile

                                            >You've never actually cooked from start to finish by herself

                                            >Acting like Applejack did that one time she cooked in public at a faire, you face her and clear your throat

                                            "Today, I will be making rose mare-y cupcakes with an extra helping of cinnamon. Which is..."

                                            >Her eyes light up at your presentation

                                            "Which is... uh..."

                                            >You falter

                                            >Were those chopped up and left as little shreds or ground up and left as chunks?

                                            "Which is... e-especially delicious! I can't get enough of it and neither can you!"

                                            >"Yaaay!"

                                            >Pinkie applauds your recovery

                                            >You still don't remember the exact detail but that's what the book is for

                                            "Without further interruption, let's get started!"

                                            >You triple check your work nearly every step

                                            >The few times you make a mistake, Pinkie saves you by asking a question about the process

                                            >You really aren't used to it but the way she watches you and subtly hints at the right course of action, she really is a pro

                                            >She isn't like Aunt Twilight where she'll tell you that you're wrong

                                            >She... kinda jokes about it

                                            >Like making a funny face and turning green if she catches you grab salt instead of sugar

                                            >Or more flour instead of baking soda

                                            >You've really come to respect her craft, even if she makes it look easy

                                            >You wonder where she learned it from

                                            >Mr. and Mrs. Cake sure seem to be skilled in their own ways

                                            >Maybe you can learn to stand out too

                                            >Your worries melt as you work, replaced with practiced motions and gestures

                                            >And letting Pinkie steal a tiny bit of a taste

                                            "And now, ta-da! One dozen in the oven with enough to make another three!"

                                            >You kneel and pose in front of the oven to the raucous applause of one pony

                                            >Maybe watching that weird traveling magician wasn't such a bad idea after all

                                            >"Yay Nonny, you're amazing! What are you gonna do for the icing?"

                                            "Oh that's easy, I-"

                                            >...

                                            >...

                                            >...

                                            "H-hold on a second."

                                            >You mumble and re-read the section in it's entirety

                                            >There's

                                            "T... there's no part about icing. These are the shortbread ones, aren't they? Aunt Twilight's favorites?"

                                            >"They are! Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut if you wanna sell them, most ponies love icing!"

                                            "...oh."

                                            >Ah crap

                                            >So caught up in your ways, you forgot the actual purpose of doing all of this


                                            "I... uh. Can I... do something else?"

                                            >Pinkie's cartoonishly long gasp sounds almost like a balloon deflating in reverse

                                            >"What are you cooking up in that head of yours, Nonny?!"

                                            "I... uh."

                                            >Think, Anon

                                            >What do ponies like to eat with cupcakes

                                            "G-garnish?"

                                            >You speak the first word that comes to mind

                                            >You only know that word because Aunt Twilight made you do a book report on baking and other types of Canterlot-style cooking

                                            >"On cupcakes?!"

                                            >Pinkie's reaction, even if you're used to her, causes a lump to spike up in your throat

                                            >Double crap

                                            >Is that not allowed?

                                            "S-sure. Like... uh..."

                                            >Applejack and Applebloom use apples in everything

                                            "Sl... uh. Sliced apples? Or blueberries? Do we have any?"

                                            >Those are really the only things you can think of that would look nice on a barren cupcake

                                            >Pinkie rolls across the floor while her head remains aghast and facing you

                                            >"You're crazy! Cinnamon and apples and blueberries is a crazy idea!"

                                            >While she repeatedly calls you crazy, she barrel rolls out of sight

                                            >You are not sure what you should feel but you can't help but smile as you hear her cry out "crazy!" even when out of sight

                                            >She rolls back to where she was, repeating herself like a parrot

                                            >In the blur of pink, a basket of apples and blueberries pops out

                                            >"CRAZY I SAY, CRAAAAAAAAZYYYYY-oh, also you have super good timing! I didn't even know we had those. They look super fresh too!"

                                            "I-wha-how...?"

                                            >You're floored

                                            >How in the world did she have those ready?

                                            >Her answer is a huge smile with a squee

                                            "Well... ok then..."

                                            >Regaining your focus, you decide to go all in with the crazy

                                            >You have enough for three batches so you decide to go for three ideas

                                            >When the first batch comes out, they'll have four blueberries surrounding an apple wedge

                                            >Then the second batch: mashed into a paste and covering the top

                                            >The third batch, you...

                                            >Triple crap

                                            >What can you even do with that?

                                            >In your excitement, you mashed all of the remaining apples and blueberries together

                                            >Pinkie has been watching in abject glee

                                            "F-for this third batch, I..."

                                            >You can't do the same thing twice, can you?

                                            >What if ponies don't like it?

                                            >Then you'll have wasted two thirds!

                                            "Am... going to..."

                                            >You rub your thumbs and index fingers together

                                            >As much as you like looking into Pinkie's eyes, you're a little too stressed to get that type of distracted

                                            "Fill them?"

                                            >Pinkie gasps so much her head pops into confetti

                                            >It then pokes out from her neck

                                            >She stares at you and whispers the most quiet "ᶜ ʳ ᵃ ᶻ ʸ ᵎ" you've ever heard

                                            >It is crazy, but you're out of ideas and you desperately want to succeed

                                            >By the time the third batch finishes, you apprehensively hang back and let the master baker appraise your work

                                            >The first batch came out a little on the dark side

                                            >Even for shortbread

                                            >The second batch was less dark, but the mashed fruit is uneven

                                            >The third...

                                            >You may have went a little fill-crazy on some


                                            >"Let's see if they sell! I'll set them up, you go outside and advertise!"

                                            >Now you're advertising too?!

                                            >This isn't at all what you were expecting

                                            >Without thinking to take off your hairnet and apron, and still pockmarked with flour and cinnamon, you go outside

                                            >Unsure of what to do, you awkwardly stand in front of the bakery

                                            >Not a second before you decide to walk back inside, a minty green unicorn trots up to you

                                            >You relax out of reflex

                                            >Maybe unicorns just help ease your mind because of Aunt Twilight

                                            >"Oh, wow! You're Twilight's co-er-boy! A human, right?"

                                            "W-why... yeah. I am!"

                                            >You can only guess that you hesitated due to your inability to immediately sell a product

                                            >"She was right, you are adorable! And you smell just as sweet!"

                                            "Y... yeah?"

                                            >You give an awkward laugh and tug at the top of your apron

                                            "Thank you. I just got done baking my first batch and thought that-"

                                            >"Wait a moment! You made some sweets?"

                                            >She sounds more impressed than anything else

                                            "...yeah?"

                                            >"Hand made?"

                                            >How else would you make them?

                                            "That... that's right."

                                            >"Wow, I'm jealous! Who's it for, do you got yourself a little filly friend?"

                                            >Her grin and leer causes a nervous laugh

                                            "W-wha? No, nah, not me. It's for..."

                                            >You clear your throat again

                                            >If this wasn't about making money, you really don't believe it would feel so weird

                                            "For... sale."

                                            >Her eyebrows raise

                                            >"Really! They have a sweet thing like you making stuff to sell already... well, I just gotta check them out!"

                                            >She walks right past you and into the bakery, but not without giving you another glance from behind

                                            >Did you just sell something?

                                            >You sigh and look down at the ground

                                            "...well that was weird..."

                                            >Is running a bakery always so stressful?

                                            >"What's weird, Anon?"

                                            "Well I gotta sell the cupcakes I made and I don't think I did a good job."

                                            >"Why don't you think you did a good job? You followed the instructions, right?"

                                            "Of course I did, Au-"

                                            >This voice sounds too familiar

                                            >You look up

                                            >Aunt Twilight is right there, smirking at you

                                            "Aunt Twilight!"

                                            >You shamelessly latch on and hug her with all of your might

                                            >You hear at least one "awww" from a passing pony

                                            "Check it out! I made one of your favorite recipes and they've got blueberries and apples and cinnamon an-"

                                            >"Whoa there, Anon! You had me at "your favorite". Come on, let's go see what you made."

                                            >Apparently your show of affection and more earnest explanation caused a few ponies to follow you inside because by the time you get to the glass displays, there are enough to start a minor ambient wave of talking

                                            >"Twilight's human actually knows how to bake!"

                                            >"Think he could cook dinner too?"

                                            >"Why are there flour hoof prints on his clothes?"

                                            >The minty unicorn is talking to Pinkie about something

                                            >"Nonny, your first sale! Lyra bought two... of each!"

                                            "Of each!?"

                                            >Lyra gives you a wink

                                            >"Pinkie let me have a sample and they're the best things I've ever eaten! So I'm gonna try out one of each, and then the other set is for a friend."


                                            >"Did you hear that?"

                                            >"Two of each?"

                                            >"How many is left?"

                                            >"Can I watch him knead dough later?"

                                            >That seemed to set of the small crowd

                                            >Shocked to the point of being frozen stiff, you watch the three dozen cupcakes dwindle down to only four by the end of it

                                            >Some ponies didn't even ask for a box but would just eat it then and there and then pay

                                            >Two even tipped!

                                            >"Alright, make sure to come back next time! He's a little baking genius!"

                                            >Pinkie screeches out, waving so hard her foreleg blurs

                                            "Holy crap."

                                            >"Language."

                                            >Aunt Twilight whispers a reminder to you, having stood back to watch it all happen

                                            >With only so many left, she puffs out her chest and confidently strides to the counter

                                            >"Good day, Pinkie Pie. I've heard that my precious little Anon made some cupcakes. Can I see what he made?"

                                            >"Hiya, Twilight! Yeah, Nonny made all of these all on his own!"

                                            >You raise up a finger in an effort to mention how she found the fruit but she squints down hard

                                            >"And he's craaaaaaaaaz-eeeeeeeeeeee... he didn't even follow the recipe completely!"

                                            >Twilight gasps

                                            >"He didn't follow the book completely?!"

                                            >Oh no

                                            >If there's one pony who has a strong dislike for things being out of order, it's Aunt Twilight

                                            >"He didn't! Look at them! He said that he was making cupcakes but some of them look more like tarts! TARTS!"

                                            >Looking at the four remaining, there is only two from the second and two from the third batch

                                            >The third batch remaining pair are overfilled and starting to leak a tiny bit

                                            >Your studious aunt tilts her head at the leaking pastry

                                            >"What did he do with these?"

                                            >"Oh! Nonny went full nutty coo-coo and stuffed them. He's a natural puffy pastry pumper!"

                                            >Aunt Twilight's head recoils

                                            >Her purple face turns red

                                            >"E-excuse me?"

                                            >"Here, try one!"

                                            >You watch

                                            >In slow motion

                                            >As Pinkie scoops up the messiest stuffed cake

                                            >And flings it into Aunt Twilight's mouth

                                            >The manic joy in Pinkie's bright blue eyes is far too capitvating

                                            >Time resumes when she speaks up

                                            >"Come on, tell us how it is! It was used with the last of his load! Of filling!"

                                            >Aunt Twilight sputters something out but decides to focus on eating

                                            >You wait with the weight of the world on your shoulders

                                            >Aunt Twilight's face turns more red

                                            >Pinkie remains as pleased as can be

                                            >She swallows hard enough that even you can hear it

                                            >"Pinkie... you know better than to say things like that in front of him."

                                            >"Nonny, ask her what she thought about your load!"

                                            >"Pinkie!"

                                            "S... so..."

                                            >They both focus on you

                                            "Is that... still your favorite recipe? I had some actual roses I added in."

                                            >Aunt Twilight nods, giving you her special kind of smile

                                            >It was the sort of smile she always gave you when you succeeded in a test

                                            >Apparently tests are different than quizzes, but they feel the same to you

                                            >"I would say that you passed with flying colors! Pinkie, I think I'll take the one with the fruit glaze. That'll leave two for you."

                                            >"Bingo! Nonny, we just sold out!"

                                            "We did?"

                                            >That was easy


                                            >"Now come home once you're done with clean up, ok? And for that apron, I want you to leave that with Pinkie. She can clean it, and it'll be easy for you to find it again later."

                                            "Will do!"

                                            >"I'm proud of you, Anon. And here I thought she was lying about teaching you things... or something else. It has been ok, hasn't it?"

                                            >Aunt Twilight gives you a suspicious look

                                            >Outside of that sort of special greeting...

                                            "Y-yeah, of course! I acted like that one pony with the magic show."

                                            >"Trixie?"

                                            "I knew I remembered her name somewhere!"

                                            >Now if only you could remember any of her actual tricks

                                            >"Ugh... well... she can be fun to watch sometimes. But don't believe that all of those tricks are real. And don't ask her about any ursa majors."

                                            >What was that?

                                            "I... sure...?"

                                            >Aunt Twilight pecks your forehead

                                            >"You did great, come home before nightfall."

                                            >With that, she trots off

                                            >Given her pace, she's probably busy herself with something

                                            >With your chest only just now swelling with some sense of accomplishment, you walk back into Sugarcube Corner like you're the best

                                            >You sold not one, not even a dozen, but three dozen cupc...

                                            >Tart...?

                                            >Whatever those were