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

I decided to compile all of the chapters into a single paste for easier reading.

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~An Affinity With the Sun~
{Act I}
[Chapter I]
|Confessions of the Heart|
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
"How can she just stand in the rain like that?"
>You've noticed the marble white horse a few weeks ago
>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
>She claims she's a giant fan of the cakes
>But in actuality she is here for you
>You see this in the way you two briefly exchange glances, though she holds them a bit longer than you anticipate
>Today she breaks the norm however
>It's no longer sunny and rain falls over Canterlot in a gray haze
>Instead of sitting at her familiar window seat she now stands in the rain 
>You've seen her make countless attempts of entering the establishment, but none have succeeded
>She looks agitated and your lunch break starts in 5 minutes
>Maybe you should talk to her
>It's not everyday you get to casually converse with the leader of an entire country
>You lazily clean dishes as you watch her trot in circles outside in the rain
 
>Finishing the last of your dishes you make your move
>Over the counter, pass a few tables, and through the door is all it takes to close the distance
>She doesn't notice your approach and nearly shrieks in surprise
"Hey Princess, you've finally had enough of our cakes? Don't worry, I'll save you the trouble of breaking our hearts."
>You try to break the ice
>This is the first time you've actually exchanged words
>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.
>You wonder if she's like this with everyone else
>She chuckles at your joke, to your relief
>"Hello Anonymous. It seems you're not very busy."
>She peers over your shoulder to the nearly vacant bakery
"Well, actually it's always been like that."
>She gives another slight giggle, though too stifled to feel genuine
>You've realized that she has not once looked you in the eye
>She's been eyeing the ground ever since she noticed you
"Is anything wron-"
>"Do you love me?"
>She interrupts you
>With the strangest question no less
>You don't know how exactly to answer
>She waits on the edge of every second for your response
>What should you say?
>You hardly know her, and isn't she a Princess?
>You'd imagine that all her subjects 'loved' her
"Well, I can't say I -don't- like you"
>You try to tip toe around the question, but to no avail
>"But do you -love- me?
>She inches closer this time
>Making sure the question has the desired impact
>She studies your silence
>"I've been following you for sometime now Anonymous. Though it be embarrassing to say, you've caught my eye."
>She still avoids your gaze
>Ever so unsure of herself
>You stand there, trying to think of a response
 
"You've been following me?"
>Is all you can say
>She shows signs of embarrassment and annoyance that you're avoiding her inquiry
>"Yes, I've been following you. Is there any shame in that?"
"Well, I can't say I'm like the idea of a giant horse deity stalking me."
>"Stalking? Don't mistake my love for mere lowly stalking!"
"Your what?"
>She holds a hoof over her mouth
>She practically just said she loved you, in front of everyone
>You noticed that nearly the whole town has surrounded the two of you
>Curious on what the Princess could want with Canterlot's most mysterious resident
>You lower your voice to maintain even a little privacy
"So, you love me? We've never even spoken before. I think calling an infatuation love is a bit overdoing it Princess."
>She raises her head high and gives you a stoic gaze
>"Do you mean to imply that the love of a Princess is not worth your attention?"
>She regains some of her royal confidence
>If she meant to intimidate you, it was working
"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."
>In an instant, her confidence shatters and she leaves without a word, the crows of ponies parting as she makes her exit
>The only thing that crosses your mind is how strange and how short the conversation actually was
>Though you can't be blamed, this world is full of strange happenings
>You return to your work station after dismissing the crowd of ponies who had gathered
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>A couple of weeks have passed and you haven't seen her
>Maybe she's over you?
>After a hard day of honest bakery work, you're ready to clock out for the day
>Your boss calls over to you, prolonging the rest of your day
>"Anon, could you come on over for a minute?"
>You think to yourself that he is probably going to pack more hours into you
>Not that you'd mind though, you rather like working at the bakery
>And you've been doing it for two whole years
>But instead of increasing your work hours, the opposite happens
>He fires you
>The shock is immense
>"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."
>Now you walk home in disbelief
>How were you going to pay the bills now?
>It wasn't easy getting a job in Equestria, being the only human and all
>You turn the final corner leading to your residence
>The sight before you is enough to send tears rolling down your cheeks
>Your house is doused in roaring flames
>It's flames blending with the oranges and yellows of the afternoon sky
>All of your possessions and the only things that remind you of Earth have now gone up in flames
>You run toward the ponies dressed adorably in firefighter garbs
>The report is your house caught flame from some little rascals playing with fire
>You stay long enough for the fire to be controlled and extinguished
>Now you are alone in the vacant lot where your house once stood
>You're homeless from this point on
>Just as you are about to crack from all the stress you feel something touch ground behind you and approach
>"Do you still think my love is nothing but mere infatuation?"

{Act I}
[Chapter II]
|Deprivation of Happiness|
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>You spin on the balls of your feet to face her
>She stands there, head held high above you
"You did this!"
>"Correct, my love~"
>She's delighted that you've acknowledge her actions of love
"Why? I lost my job, my house, I don't have anything now!"
>You raise your voice, something you've haven't done your entire stay here in Equestria
>Between the day's stress and annoyances, you haven't been angry with anyone
>But this was the exception
>She giggles to herself
>"That's right Anonymous. You have nothing. Which means there is nothing to distract you from my love!"
>You recoil
>That's what this is about
>But you'll be damned if you give in to her ludicracy
"How is taking everything from me 'love'?! You're insane you silly ol' horse!"
>She does nothing but take pleasure in your attention
>"Oh look at us, arguing like an old married couple."
>She says gleefully
>It just makes you writhe in anger though
>"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!"
>She laughs triumphantly
>It's apparent that Sun Horse has gone absolutely crazy
>Her laughter dies and she focuses her gaze on you
>"Come dear, your new life awaits with me~"
>She motions towards the palace with her wing
"I'm not going anywhere with you!"
>You walk past her and you can swear you can hear her heart snap
>The distance grows between the two of you
>"You can't run from my love Anonymous. Soon, I will be everything you want, and need."
>She waves at you with her hoof before you exit her sight
>"I love him."
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>A week has passed
>You now live in a homeless shelter
>It would be an understatement to say you weren't depressed about your current condition
>You're trying your hardest to fall into routine to forget about everything that's happened
>But you can't help but think she's watching
>And right you are
>You can feel her eyes digging into the back of your head from Canterlot's tallest spire
>You can see clouds in the sky that display your name with hearts
>And the abundance of flowers that come in the mail every few hours
>You've made a few friends
>One pony with broken legs
>Another with an addiction to your hands
>And another who reminds you of an English kid back home
>This is your band of misfits
>But after the third day of your stay, you were told they had been given homes by the government
>Strange
>You now stand in the cafeteria washing dishes
>You take on more chores than you need to around the establishment
>Though you're more than happy to
>The small talk and idle chit chat you have with other ponies is enough to ease your pain
>Suddenly a large clamor begins to rise in the outside
>Finishing the rest of your dishes, you join the growing crowed outside of the shelter
>It's her
>"Good morning my faithful subjects."
>She gives a warm, motherly smile
>A smile that sends a chill down your spine
>She scans the crowd for your face
>Which she immediately finds as you try to avoid her
>The supervisor sheepishly bows to the Princess and inquires her visit to his humble shelter
>"I have come to give you all homes and a new life!"
>Immediately the crowd bursts with praise for the Sun
>"Come with me my subjects, we have a long day of house shopping ahead of us."
>Everyone rushes past you to her side and they embark on their new lives
>Leaving you alone
>She looks over her shoulders back at you
>Smiling, as if to say "You can not escape my love."
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>Three days have passed
>The shelter is now empty other than the supervisor and yourself
>You're informed that the shelter is closing down due to no one being homeless
>Except you
>Due to your address being burned into the ground, you never received your severance check
>You now roam the streets of Canterlot
>A dirty hobo
>No money or possessions other than the clothes on your back
>You lay on a park bench, your bed for a couple of nights
>The night is cold and you close in on yourself for warmth
>It helps, though only a little
>You are moments away from sleep until you feel a foreign warmth against your back
>Instant realization hits you, but before you can act you faint into darkness

{Act I}
[Chapter III]
|Anon vs. Wild|
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>You recover your vision and the first thing your eyes see are Sun Horse's golden hoof cups
>She stands over you, giving you the same smile that sickens you
>"Hello my love."
>She says to you
>You prepare to nope as hard as you can and run for the hills
>But wait, you're already in the hills
"Where are we?"
>You ask, to which she responds
>"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!"
>She claps her hooves together in triumph and giggles
"Fuck that, I'll have you know I've graduated top of my Boy Scouts class and I'm perfectly experienced with the wilderness!"
>"Ohohoho?"
>She chuckles at your determination
>"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~"
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>An hour
>An hour was all it took to be up to your neck in shit
>So far, your injuries are light
>A twisted ankle, bruised knee, and a various scrapes and pricks from thorns
"This is bullshit.."
>You thought to yourself
>Why did you have to be the victim of a Princesses' love obsession?
>Nevertheless, you must persevere
>But to be honest
>Her offer is looking pretty good right now
>Part of you wants to accept it, the other doesn't want to give her the satisfaction of winning
>Eventually you tire and settle in a clearing
>You use what little knowledge you remember from the Scouts to start a fire
"Things just get worse and worse for me. What is it with everyone in the Anon family having insanely bad luck?"
>You have nothing to eat, the pit in your stomach confirms that
>Before you can complain you hear a rustling in the bushes
>It could be her
>You put up your dukes, ready to sock a horse in the jaw needed be
>But instead of being greeted by your familiar alabaster horse
>A large grizzly stomps out of the shrubbery
"Goddammit..."
 
>The grizzly reals up on it's hind legs, roaring and clawing at the air
>You're scared shitless
>Terrified that death may very well take you at this very instance
>But wait, this could be your salvation
>Your path to liberty from the oppressive Pone who bares the sun on her flanks
>You know that it would also hurt her greatly if you laid down and died
>Perhaps your pay back for her ruining your life, you have nothing to live for anyway
>But would you dare?
>Would you lay down and die just to spite her?
>You search around your soul to find the balls to do it
>Whether you find them or not is unknown
>But you plop down on your ass and get ready for the mauling
>You keep the thought in your head
>The thought of your revenge
>Maybe you could come back as a ghost and haunt her for the remainder of her immortal life
>The bear charges and is on you in a second
>Before his teeth meet your face, it poofs away in magical clouds
>"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."
>Her voice echoes through the forest from an unknown location
>She's taunting you
>You begin to think to yourself
"Maybe I can't escape her love. Maybe I should give in."
>"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."
 
>What can you do now?
>You honestly don't what you can do
>It seems like she's got everything planned
>You're just trapped in her love game
>But to hell with that, you're an honest, workin' man and it will take a lot more to break your spirit
>For the sake of Anons, you strive forward
>New determination is now flowing through your veins
>You won't give in to Sunbutt's demands
>It's time to utilize your skills you've gained from summer camp
"Moss..."
>You use your Eagle-Eye badge to spot moss in the dense forest
"Moss always points north!"
>You head in the direction the plant points
>It will be dark soon, shelter would be needed
>If you were going to survive the trials of a god mare in love, you're going to have to bring your A-game
>You forage around for berries and other eatables
>Gathering twigs and thin branches for your bedding
>You were determined to make it out of this wild the next morning
>Maybe you'd even march straight back to Canterlot just to shove it in her face
>But as you fall asleep in your makeshift bed
>You can't help but feel a tinge of emotion for the pony doing this to you
>Whether it's pleasant or not is debatable

{Act I}
[Chapter IV]
|Cynical Lies|
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>The next day you wake feeling determined
>Your first priority is to make it out of this forest in one peace
>It shouldn't be too hard
>You've been walking on foot for a couple hours and the trees are now thinning out
>The Sun completes it's peak and watches over you high in the sky
>Your reminder of what you must do
>It doesn't take much longer for you to make it out of the forest
>The forest leads out onto the top of a hill, which you can see Canterlot suspended atop the tallest mountain
>You begin your trek through the rest of the wilds until you come across a quiet country town by the name of Ponyville
>It's always annoyed you how every city has some horse pun in it
>It's high noon, but you don't see anyone about their daily business
>However you do notice the giant banner that hangs from city hall which reads "Welcome Equestria's Bride & Groom"
>You read the sign aloud which triggers an eruption over by a market stall
>A pink pony makes a b-line to your location
>She takes an exaggerated deep breath and screams
>"Anon is here!!!"
>Suddenly, ponies emerge from their homesteads to gaze upon the new arrival
>You are swarmed with ponies of various color pallets and you their prying eyes make you feel a bit uncomfortable
>You wonder how any of them could possibly know you
>Just then a slightly long-necked purple horse approaches and bows
>"Mr. Anonymous, it's a pleasure to meet the husband of Princess Celestia."
 
"Husband? How the hell did that happen?"
>The purple unicorn suddenly looks familiar
"You're the new princess right?"
>You notice her wing/horn combination
>It doesn't look good on her
>"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."
>She claps her hooves together
>It sickens you to the core
>It's apparent she has been spreading lies
>And you've only been gone for a day!
"There was no wedding. Why would you think we're married?"
>The question doesn't phase her
>"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."
>Private wedding?
>Not only has she spread lies about you but made you out to be the most beta man in existence
"Listen Twilight, you shouldn't believe anything that mare says about me. Everything she's told you is probably a lie."
>"Are you calling me a liar, dear?"
>Her voice nearly forces you to evacuate all substances in your stomach
>There she is, the pony that's caused you so much strife
>It's time you plot your revenge
 
>"Hello my husband, I see you are enjoying your stay in Ponyville. Hello Princess Twilight, it's good to see you."
>She smiles warmly at Twilight, and than shoots a playful yet lethal glance in your direction
>"Hi Princess, Anon and I were just talking about the wedding."
"Yeah, we were just talking about how much of a liar you are."
>The three of you fall silent
>The surrounding ponies have now dispersed, giving the three of you some privacy
>Celestia is the first to break the silence with a giggle
>"Oh Anon, you mustn't joke like that, it might give ponies the wrong idea."
>Her hoof makes contact with your shoulder, a bit too hard to be considered friendly
"Maybe I want to give them the wrong idea."
>You challenge her
>Annoyance flashes across her face for a fraction of a second but you could see it
>Another awkward silence over takes you three again
>"Well, why don't we go inside, I'd like to introduce you to my friends sometime Anon."
>Twilight turns and leads the both of you to her castle
>It can be seen shining terribly in the near distance
>You and Celestia fall behind her
>Each step you take, she draws closer
>And you also draw further away
>"Oh Anon, why do you act so distant? We're married, we should be closer than the best of friends."
"We aren't married, you've lied to the entire country and frankly I want nothing to do with your crazy ass."
>This sends a twinge of pain to Sunbutt's heart
>It's as if she really did love you, though her methods be insane
>You arrive at Twilight's eye-sore of a castle and settle down for tea
>The three of you sit at the end of a long dinning table
>Twilight occupying the end seat, and you and Celestia sitting side-by-side
>"So when is your honeymoon?"
>You spit out the freshly made tea you have just brought to your lips
>"Anon and I are planning to just take privacy in Canterlot. He thinks going to exotic locations aren't very fun. Right dear?"
>You slowly lower your tea cup onto your saucer
>You decide to play along
 
"Yeah, we plan to spend it in the highest tower of Canterlot. Fucking like wild animals."
>Now it was Celestia's turn to spit out her tea
>"How....intimate." Twilight replies
>Twilight is also caught off guard by the statement
>Celestia regains her flawless composure, with a slight blush of course
"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."
>Celestia's face is now bright red
>Perfect
"So Twilight, you got anyone special?"
>Twilight joins in on the spit taking 
>"NOPE"
>A pretty straight forward answer
>You notice a guardspony who stands out from the rest look at Twilight curiously
>Twilight buries her face in her tea, nearly gulping it down
>Celestia giggles and moves her seat closer to you
>You allow it, surprising yourself and her
>Stick to the plan Anon
 
>The three of you spend hours talking on various subjects well into the afternoon
>"Well Princess Twilight, thank you for your hospitality. We'll be sure to visit after the honeymoon. Right Anon?"
>You nod in agreement
>The two of you board the chariot bound for Canterlot and at the order, the pegasus guards spring into the air
>It's quiet between you two, but you don't mind
>You find a small peace in the silent air with your 'special somepony'
>"Anon..."
>You turn to her in interest
>"Did, you really mean what you said. About loving me the moment you saw me?"
>The question was exactly what you expected
"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."
>Your words send her over the cliff of happiness and the warmest of smiles spreads across her muzzle
>You see her in her most sincere state
>She is truly happy
>It's going to be a shame when you tear her heart to pieces

{Act I}
[Chapter V]
|Heat That Warms the Heart|
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>The two of you arrive in Canterlot too late for dinner
>You decide to retire to Celestia's bedchamber instead
>You nearly drop to your knees at the sight of the giant bedding
>You've haven't slept in a decent bed in weeks
>Celestia giggles as you collapse onto the sheets
>She happily strides to the opposite side of the bed and climbs in after removing her regalia
>You undress and climb in along side her, taking the initiative to wrap your arm around her
>She quivers slightly at your touch but eventually warms up to it
>"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."
>You remain silent
>You're a bit insulted that she sees you as some child who needs to be 'taught'
"Well Celestia. I can't blame you for what you did. I was naive and couldn't see through my own selfish needs."
She moves closer to you
>Shes so close, you can feel the softness of her coat and the warmth of her body
>You find yourself counting the number of times her chest rises and falls
>"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!"
>She looks at you with her giant magenta eyes and you have to avoid her gaze
>You feel it would make you feel guilty
>You do nothing but smile and rest your head on hers
"I love you Celestia."
>It hurts to say it, but it must be done for your eventual retribution
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>You wake up to a pleasant morning with Sun Horse
>She lay in your arms, content with being able to finally share a bed with the one she loves
>You're also content with the feeling
>Wait, since when did you start feeling like that?
>You opt to get out of the bed as soon as possible before you could think on the subject more
>Your rustling of the sheets disturbs Celestia from her sleep
>"Good morning, my love."
>She stretches herself out on the bed as you begin to pull your shirt over your head
"Morning. Did you sleep well?"
>You ask out of courtesy, not genuine curiosity
>Or do you?
>"I slept very well, thanks to you."
>You stand in front of the vanity adjusting your tie as she approaches from behind
"Why do you say that?"
>She lay her head on your shoulder, gazing at the happy couple in the mirror
>"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."
>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
>She kisses you on the cheek lightly and leaves your side for pre-morning activities
>The sudden change of temperature is enough to slightly throw you off
>Which is strange and unexpected
>"Do you have anything planned for today Anon?"
>Your Sun Goddess asks from behind
"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...."
>Celestia pokes her head out from a walk-in closet
>"Oh nononono. You can't leave the castle at all."
"...What?"
>"I'm not letting you out of my sight, my sunshine. You may try to run."
>You stop mid-way from pulling your familiar black suit jacket over your shoulders
>It seems your revenge won't come as easily as you thought
 
>You walk side by side through Canterlot castle
>Trying to think of a way to escape Sunbutt's hooves
>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
>"Anon, have you ever watched the Sun rise?"
>She asks you, to which you think back on it
"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."
>She smiles at your response
>You arrive at the balcony and she leaves your side to take center stage
>You lean against the cold pre-morning wall to watch the display that only regular ponies get to see once a year
>Her horn begins to radiate with magical energy from the Aether
>Streams of ethereal energy begins to flow around her body
>Her hooves part from the marble floor and she slowly ascends into the air
>Her mane and tail flow elegantly on winds unseen
>And over the mountain peeks, the Sun rises just over the horizon
>The experience you feel is strange
>The only word that comes to mind is 'intimate'
>It slowly creeps from behind the distant gray mountains and sheds it's light over the vast valley and the rest of the land
>You have the indescribable feeling that this morning was specifically made for you
>Celestia slowly lowers herself onto the platform and turns to you, slightly red in the face
>"I put extra work into this morning, for you, Anon. Do you like it?"
>Your heart aches because.....
"It's beautiful..."

{Act I}
[Chapter VI]
|Solar Winds|
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>Your day with her is pleasant beyond belief
>You feel like you can actually get used to this new life
>Woah Anon, careful, remember what she did to you
>Your personal vendetta cannot be so easily forgotten
>But now, as you sit here with her at sunset, you can't help but feel increasingly more guilty
>She took everything from you, but would you be able to take everything from her?
>The sun you so much enjoyed now sinks into the west
>Along with your hatred for this mare
"It's night, we should probably head in."
>"The night never comes when you're around, my sunshine."
>She giggles and leads the way into the castle
>You hesitate to follow, but in doing so you feel your heart tug your body toward her so you follow in her stead
>You stroll through the halls of Canterlot
>Wishing goodnight to all of the servants you pass by
>A particular pony stands out however
>She's tall, dark, and broody
>"Goodnight Luna. I trust Night Court has yet to start?"
>Luna glances in your direction, her icy cold gaze freezes you over
>"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?"
>Her stare never leaves you
>She either immediately hates you, or very protective of her sister
>You decide to go with the latter
>"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."
>Celestia moves you out in front of her
>Putting you directly in front of her sister
"Uh, hello princess. Pleasure to meet you."
>You extend your hand outward, but gain no response from the Princess of the Night
>"Yes. Likewise. Sister, we will not pry into your private affairs, but we do think that your choice in spouses in quite strange. Goodbye."
>She trots off in the opposite direction from the two of you
>"Oh don't mind her, she's wonderful once you get to know her."
"I'm sure."
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>The both of you retire into your now shared bed
>You take the familiar position from the previous night
>You stroke your mare's mane
>Something that would have repulsed you days ago
>you sit in content silence as you both play through the days events
>Your mind goes back to the sunrise
>That was the moment you confirmed your suspicion
>You love this mare
>"Anon..?"
"Hmm?"
>"I was just thinking. Even though we have yet to be married... Would you like to, maybe, make love to me tonight?"
>Your heart nearly explodes
>And it takes every ounce of will power not to wipe the sweat from your forehead
>Okay, keep it together Anon
>Keep your eye on the prize, your revenge
>This could be it! The perfect moment for your revenge!
>But would you really be so cruel to the mare you love?
"Celestia, I....think we should wait until we are married. It would be more special that way y'know?"
>Celestia hardly hides her disappointment but agrees
>"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."
"Imagine?"
>"Yes. Honestly, I have yet to been with a stallion. Is that a problem for you?"
>It takes you by surprise that this mare who lived over a thousand years has never got any actiom
"No! No, not at all...."
>Oh boy, the guilt just keeps piling up

{Act I}
[Chapter VII]
|Nocturnal Doubts|
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>Each morning is a repeat of the last
>She performs her daily ritual for you everyday
>It has become 'your' daily ritual
>Something both of you share on the deepest level of intimacy 
>She has resumed her court duties, leaving you a lot of free time until her intermission
>These times you find yourself talking with staff or gaurdponies to kill time
>You even offer to help out around the palace just to be occupied 
>Today you sit with a nice mare by the name of North Star
>Who is new in the castle
>She works in the kitchen, she's the one who made the superb pie you and Celestia shared the previous night
>To which you compliment her
>But your pleasant chitchat doesn't last long as she bows mid-sentence
>Celestia approaches from behind you, eyeing the kitchen mare intently
"Hi Tia, intermission already?"
>You smile warmly
>"Anon, who is this?"
>You turn to the kitchen mare who remained in the kneeling position
"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."
>A smile creeps onto the kitchen mare's face
>Celestia is unamused and will have nothing of the sort
>"Anon. I won't have you talking to strange mares behind my back."
"I'm sorry what?"
>Celestia begins calling for the guard and the kitchen mare is hoisted up from her hooves
"Celestia, what are you doing?"
>"I won't have you consort with lowly mares who are only after my husband. Guards, I want her out!"
>This is insane, all you did was exchange small talk
>How is any of this ethical
>North Star begs the Princess for mercy where there is none
>She is dragged out of the palace, never to be seen again
>You stand there in disbelief
>This isn't the Celestia you fell in love with
>But it appears that it is
>You feel her wing wrap around you and she pulls you close to her body
>"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."
>She nuzzles into your neck and you instinctively run your hand through her ethereal mane hesitantly
"Love you too.."
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>The rest of the day passes in normalcy
>The only incident happening being the firing of the kitchen mare
>"Anon, good news! The preparations have been completed, we can marry at on Sunday!"
>Celestia trots over to you and wraps a hoof around your body
>You can physically feel how happy she is
>A few hours ago you'd be willing to say the same
>Now you're unsure of yourself more than anything
>Nevertheless you wrap your arms around her in a tight hug
"Tia, I was thinking. Which is more important, the marriage, or the sex?"
>She's surprised by the question, but she is steadfast
>"The wedding of course. The consummation is but a bonus!"
>She pecks you on the cheek and readies for bed
>You feel that your question was misplaced and strange
>But her answer confirms it
>This mare truly, and absolutely loves and adores you
>But your mind always replays earlier's events
>For her to fire someone just for talking to you
>Maybe her love -is- just an obsession
>You steal a glace at her as she climbs into bed
>Or maybe she's protecting you and wants only whats best for you
>She notices your stare and pats the empty space beside her with a hoof
>"Come dear, don't keep me waiting."
>Suddenly, all your doubts melt away and feel you are with the mare you fell in love with
>Your wedding is in five days
>Your last conversation of the night is what kind of cake would be served

{Act I}
[Chapter VIII]
|The Accused Bride|
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>It's the day of the wedding
>You've changed from your normal, dull suit, to garb fit for a prince
>You haven't seen the crazy mare you love all day
>Due to her superstitions
>You'd like to think you're nervous
>But in actuality you can't wait to be married to your lovable alabaster princess
>No more doubts plague your mind
>You no longer mind the questionable acts of Celestia
>Instead you find yourself turning a blind eye to her mishaps
>Your mind is going a million miles a second as you stand at the alter
>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 
>To your right, is no one
>You have no friends
>No close bonds with anyone except for Celestia
>That's okay though
>She is the only pony you need
>The hall falls silent
>An infant dragon raps his fingers on the piano with profession
>All heads turn to the giant double doors leading into the hall
>All but except you
>You can hear the doors open
>You can hear the 'ooohs' and 'aaaahs' as she approaches
>Her hoofsteps echo in your brain
>But the loudest sound of all, is the sound of your own heart
>Threatening to tear itself from your body
>It is only now that you are nervous
>The bride completes her stride and takes her eternal place by your side
>You hesitate but you opt to steal a glance from her
>Only, her eyes have been trained on you the second she entered the hall
>Her giant eyes stare back at you and you feel at ease
>A subtle remedy for your agitation
>The tall pink pony princess in the center of you two begins the ceremony
>"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?"
>The crowed of ponies laugh on queue
>Celestia blushes from slight embarrassment
 
>You faintly laugh in her embarrassment
>To which she nudges you in the arm, slightly throwing you off balance
>You've been tuning out Cadance's words of formality
>You honestly just want to get to the I do's
>"The couple has chosen to give their own vows."
>Wait hwhat?
>Celestia turns to you, tears welling in her eyes
>Oh geez, she's gonna get you started
>"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."
>Fuck man
>Giving everyone teary eyes n' shit
>But what do you say to all this?
>You've never been good with speeches or proclamations of love
>You feel your knees start to buckle
>Steadfast Anon
>Don't succumb to the fate of a lesser man!
>You notice Cadance turn towards you
>You clear your throat
>Stalling for more time to gather your words
>You are absolutely terrified that you may say something idiotic
 
>That alien thought of revenge creeps into the back of your mind
>It reminds you of your old self
>Your true reason for being here in the first place
>But have things changed?
>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
>But that was just because you couldn't see her love...right?
>You were a naive little child
>You know now that she knows whats best for you
>Why fight it?
>What point is there?
>Exactly, there is no point
>You would give everything up just to be with her
>And thankfully, she already saw to it that you have nothing but her
>What an amazing gift she's given you
"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."
>Your vows earn a questionable look from the audience
>More so the Princesses
>Cadance no longer wears her false smile
>Your testimony confirms her suspicion
>Luna and Twilight exchange glances of worry
>And the ponies exchange gossip among themselves
>Celestia is oblivious to all this
>But suddenly, the once foreign idea of revenge grows stronger in your mind
>As if a foggy cloud has been lifted from your vision
>Holy shit, you are just about to be married to the one thing you despise in this entire plane of existence
 
>You stand there at the alter with your bride
>Cadance has her muzzle buried in the good book, but ever so often you see her eyes peek out to study you
>Suddenly, Cadance has has stopped speaking
>Raising a questionable look from Celestia
>"Princess Cadance, is something the matter?"
>Celestia leans closer to study her features that may give insight to her health
>Cadance does nothing but sighs
>She closes the book with her magic and lays it aside
>Now everyone in the room looked worried
>"Princess Celestia. As royal minister of love, I cannot allow this wedding to take place."
>Shock rolls over the room
>Ponies whisper among themselves
>The mane 6 and Luna all exchange glances and move toward the center of the alter
>Celestia feigns a light chuckle
>"And why is that Cadance? Don't tell me you're jealous."
>Cadance retains her dead pan look
>"Princess Celestia, you are found guilty of crimes against love."
>The entire hall gasps, nearly leaving the room void of oxygen
>"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!"
>Celestia turns to stone
>No sign of guilt seeps through her facade
>You look bewildered
>Trying to grasps the reality around you
>"You're meddling in affairs you don't belong in Cadance. I advise you to stop this, I'll forget all about it."
>The air around Celestia changes drastically
>Her warm, caring smile has been replaced by a vengeful, ugly sneer
>"All matters of love are my affair, Princess."
>Cadance challenges Celestia's sneer with own
>Princess Luna and Twilight approach the alter
>"Sister, what is going on?"
>Celestia hides her eyes under her flowing mane
>"It is nothing Luna, but honestly. Some low-borns should learn their place."
>Cadance recoils at the insult, but stands her ground
>"Look at what you've done to him Celestia! He's but a doll robbed of his own free will!
 
>You stare at the two alicorns, still passing the shock of your mental state rapidly changing
>"I cannot allow you to marry someone who does not share your feelings."
>Cadance moves closer to you, moving you behind her
>"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."
>Celestia's wings span outward to assert her dominance
>Cadance unfurls her own
>The civilians start evacuating the hall upon witnessing the display
>Guards rush in to maintain the situation around the two battle locked alicorns
>"Cadance, you have now power over me. My love for Anon is far superior to your naive understandings."
>You find it ironic that she would claim to know more about love than the pinnacle of knowledge on the subject
>The situation far outplays your plans for revenge and unless you step in, half of Canterlot could be obliterated
>What was your little nickname for her?
"Tia.."
>Celestia breaks her focus on Cadance to eye you
>You step out in front of the pink alicorn and open your arms to hug your princess
"Don't listen to her. She's just can't understand our love. We can find another minister to marry us."
>You calm Celestia from her fury and her scorn is replaced by her familiar gentle smile
>"I'm sorry my love, I shouldn't have let my emotions get the best of me."
>She lowers her head to your shoulder and wraps her wings around you
>She trains her eyes on Cadance one last time
>Mocking her
>"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."
>She parts with you and leads you out of the half empty hall
>You look back at Cadance who eyes you suspiciously
>You loose sight of her at the door

{Act I}
[Chapter IX]
|Psychiatric Evaluation |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>The two of you reside in your chambers
>You run through the last weeks of your life
>Trying to find what caused you to fall head over heels with your captor
>This must be what they call the stockholm
>"Can you believe her? She thinks she has the right to tell me who I can, and cannot marry? The nerve of her!"
>Celestia raves up and down the room
>You merely sit there, trying to collect your thoughts
>You don't know if the love you feel for her real or not
>Could she had casts a spell on you?
>Has she just been manipulate you the entire time?
"Celestia"
>She stops mid-sentence to focus all of her attention on her Sunshine
"Is it true what Cadance said? Did you really cast some sort of spell on me?"
>She is insulted
>How can you doubt her that much
>The fact that you doubt your own feelings is enough to almost send her spiraling into sadness
>"Do you have so little faith in me..?"
>She trots over to you, staring you in the eyes
>The gate way to your soul
"Answer the question."
>You see her composure completely fall apart
>Tears begin to well in her eyes and her muzzle scrunches slightly
>"You wouldn't love me Anon...."
>You listen intently
>Keen on what she has to say
>"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!?"
 
>Anger
>That's all you feel
>Not only has she taken everything from you
>But brainwashed you into living a lie
>She lead you to believe you were in love
>She changed your entire psyche to suit her own needs
>You can't control the anger you feel
>Your original ambition of revenge roots itself completely in your brain
>You were dead set on making her pay
>You would rip her heart out and stomp it into the ground
>But how?
>How would you make the most evil being in the world pay for her crimes against Equestria's humanity?
>But you still had feelings for her
>Whether they be real or fake, they were there and very much alive
>You will bide your time
>Wait for the perfect moment, when she is so enthralled in her love for you
>That is when you will strike
 
"Celestia, forget the wedding. I think, we are going to need time to sort things out."
>Celestia's eyes never leave you
>Neither do your eyes escape her's
>".....Very well. Will you forgive me..?"
>Her eyes pleads
>Her head is leveled with yours and she's mere inches from your face
>An unknown force drives you to her lips
>You take her by surprise as you fill her with passion, and vice versa
>She pushes against you and you recline onto the bed
>You don't hesitate
>You have no control of your body as it's temperature rises to an inferno
>You don't feel any foreign influences playing tricks on you
>Whether this is a trick of her magic or not is something you'll have to debate in the morning
"Stop."
>You stop her before she presses any further
>She looks at you with mournful eyes
>Begging you to make her yours, to make love to her
>But you're too full of doubt to proceed
>She kisses you again and tries to force herself on top of you
>But you deny her once more
"No!"
>You manage to push her away, physically and emotionally
>She finally backs off
>"You confuse me Anon. You are playing with my heart and I don't appreciate it."
>Playing with -her- heart?
>Who is she kidding
"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?"
>Celestia is hesitant but resigns to the idea
>"Very well, I will give you time. Hopefully you'll realize what's right."
>She turns away from you and heads toward the door
>"I won't be sleeping her tonight. I need to recollect on the day's events. Goodnight Anon."
>She exists before you can so much as wave goodbye
>The door clicks shut and you fall onto the bed staring at the ceiling
"What was that just now?"
>You contemplate on the reason why you kissed her, it felt genuine and real
>But you can't fathom why
>You retire into bed when the clock strikes twelve

{Act I}
[Chapter X]
|Salving the Sunburn|
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>The next morning Tia is nowhere to be found
>Day Court is closed and the Sun is dim and moves sluggishly across the sky
>You wonder the halls in deep thought
>Skulking like a ghost haunting through the castle
>You sub-subconsciously search for the kitchen mare you managed to make friends with
>Only to realize that she doesn't exist as far as you're concerned
>A particular voice calls out to you on your stroll through the garden grounds
>It's Princess Twilight running up to you like a girl who spotted a lost puppy
>It annoys you
>"Hi Anon, have you seen Celestia? I can't seem to find her anywhere."
"Nope, haven't seen her all day. Why?"
>You take a seat on a garden bench and invite Twilight to join you, to which she does
>"Well, after what happened the other day...."
>She trails off, not really wanting to remember the spectacle
>"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."
>You take comfort in the fact that at least someone other than Celestia is interested in you
>Just then it hits you
>You've been trying to deal with your problems without any insight from anyone else
>And who better to ask than Ms. Twilight Sparkle of Friendship
"Hey Twilight, what do know about friendship?"
>A rhetorical question she answers anyway
>"What do I know? Anon, my entire life revolves around friendship! I practically know everything on the subject!"
>Her boasting doesn't bother you
>You're actually glad that she shows signs of being willing to help
>You ask for her help and she gleefully agrees in an instant
>She begins to tell you her story of how she met her friends, the obstacles they've over came together
>The entire recap of her life takes hours to catch up to the events of today
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>"And that is why I came to find you. Well, you already knew why I was here."
>You are bored to tears
>Who knew her life of adventure would be so boring to listen to?
>"Anon? Are you listening?"
>You assure her that you are and she begins to tell another story, which you promptly interrupt
"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?"
>Twilight settles down from her excited persona and takes in the subject
>"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."
>You knew that Twilight had been Celestia's protege for sometime now
>And lately you've been wondering if any signs of Celestia's behavior ever shown through to Twilight
>"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."
>You take Twilight's words to heart
"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."
>Twilight is captivated by your resolve
>"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."
>Twilight stands from the bench in determination matching your own
>She says it's getting late and she retires to catch the late train to Ponyville
>You also decide to head 'home'
>Maybe Celestia is there waiting for you
>As you stride through the halls you feel a lot happier and determined to bring Celestia her peace
>Revenge couldn't be further from your mind
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>You walk into your chambers seeing Celestia laying on the bed curled up in a ball
>She greets you
>Though without the sincere gratitude of seeing you
>You approach her and sit by her side
"Hey Tia, I've been talking to Twilight."
>"Oh?"
"Yeah, we talked about what happened and she gave me advice on how I should approach you."
>"Oh."
"....Celestia, right now you're....like an egg."
>She cranes her neck to look at you
>"What?"
"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."
>"If you're trying to insult me you're doing a fine job dear."
"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.."
>Celestia smiles at you
>The kind of smile a mother gives to her clueless child
>"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."
>She coos in your ear
>But you resist
"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?"
>She breaks eye contact with you and lays her head back onto the bed
>"Of course I do. But if you weren't so resistant in the first place I-"
"If you didn't fly off the handle and were willing to be patient maybe you wouldn't have had to brain wash me!"
>She falls silent
>You keep your eyes fixed on her for any kind of responses
>She says nothing
>You sigh, feeling a little defeated
>Just when you were about to resign and give up before you even try, she speaks
>"Perhaps you're right Anon. Maybe I have been a little inconsiderate of your feelings. Even so..."
>She turns her entire body to face you
>"Will you stay with me, and teach me how to please you?"
"Of course I will."

{Act II}
[Chapter I]
|Pursuit of the Heart|
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>A week has passed since your commitment to each other was made
>And you can say that the days after have been positive and much brighter 
>You can actually see her trying
>It would be a long shot to expect her to renounce her ways within a week though
>Her old self still shows through from time to time
>But that's okay, just means the two of you have work to do
>And today, the both of you are having a private picnic (Inside the castle of course)
>You were still not permitted to leave without her supervision
>But that was also okay, one step at a time
 
>You wait for her on the cliche red and white checkerboard blanket as you take in your surroundings
>The sun is especially bright today and rests just on the center of the blue sky
>Only a few stray clouds voyage across the Sun, casting a small shadow over you and the ground
>You're a patient man but you have been waiting for at least thirty minutes. How long was she going to make you wait?
>"Anon. I have arranged the food in a hundred different ways I hope you'll find to your liking."
>Several baskets and various eating utensils are suspended in her magical glow
>She's brought enough food for a family of seven
"Tia, you actually think we'll be able to eat all of that?"
>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
>"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."
>She hovers a piece of cake to your lips and you reach out to bite it
>But you taste nothing
 
>"Ah, ah, ah. This piece is mine, you get this."
>She passes you a tiny saucer with a carefully crafted slice of cake
>Though incredibly small
>You lock eyes with her
>Challenging her for your right to enjoy the full extent of the cake
>You consider raising the people and leading a march on Canterlot to dethrone the cake hoarding tyrant
>But you digress as she laughs jokingly and slides a more hefty size to you and you take it gratefully
"Should you even be eating all these sweets?"
>She stops mid-bite to stare you down
>"What are you implying?"
"You might get fat."
>She humphs in mock offense 
>"Well, if you are here to watch my weight than I suggest, we get more physical."
>She moves the assorted sweets aside and starts stalking towards you
>You back away, not wanting to give her the satisfaction of your capture
>She draws closer, an evil intent assuming the look of a hunter who has just cornered her prey 
>"What's wrong? I could use the exercise."
"What? What kind of exercise?"
>She's close enough to be face to face with you and you feel a trickle of sweat roll down from your brow
>"Run."
"Excuse me?"
>"Run!"
 
>You tear through the bushes and hedges of the garden, praying to god you're legs don't give in
>You hear her galloping behind you
>Each hoof step being a crack of thunder
>She pursues you, barreling through staff and tourists
>You're going to have to think fast if you want to even break her line of sight
>You hear her laughter behind you as she gains speed
>You make quick left into the castle, the sound of your leather shoes popping soft echoes 
>The sound of Celestia's gold plated hooves send out a crashing chime
>"You won't be able to run for long, my little human~"
>Her words only push you further
>Your will is unbreakable and you feel the need to run as fast and as far as the ends of the earth
>Only you can't
>The two of you tear through the castle like a typhoon of chaos and disorder 
>But alas, your fun is snuffed as you run into Luna, Princess of the night
>Your impact barely phases her but you are knock off your feet as soon as you make contact
>You feel you stomach twist in a knot 
>Celestia slows her gallop to a canter, and then to a trot
>She approaches the two of you panting and smiling
>Luna observes the trail of destruction following in your wake and gives an impatient stare at her sister
>Celestia stares back in nonchalant innocence 
>"What?"
 
>"What doth thou think thou are doing?"
>You pick yourself up on your feet and dust yourself off
>"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."
>She offers a playful smile, which Luna doesn't accept
"That's not at all what happened!"
>They both look at you
>Luna's expression unchanging but Celestia can't keep from cracking up
>Luna returns her attention back to her sister
>"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."
>Celestia pouts and sighs
>"Honestly Luna, you're no fun at all. You should get out more often."
>Only now does Luna's expression grow sour
>"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." 
>Luna dismisses the both of your existences as she exits the conversation
>You walk over to Celestia and rest an arm on her back
"What's your sister's problem, she's always moody."
>Celestia sighs and leads you away in the opposite direction of her sister
>"It's a long story Anon, one I've told too many times."
 
"What about the food we left outside?"
>You ask her while the two of you make your way to your room
>"Someone will take care of it. But it's nice to know you're considerate enough to care."
>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
>"Well, here we are."
>She opens the door to the room you've grown accustomed to over the past weeks
>You even have your own closest place
>She holds true to giving you everything you wanted
>Not that you require so many material possessions
>And it doesn't help that you are now without your relics from Earth
>But the new life ahead of you could be worth the loss
>You seat yourself on the bed as Celestia moves about the room
>You study her movements
>As always they are graceful and perfect
>But ever so often clumsy and ill calculated
>"Ah!"
>In her haste she trips over her own hooves and face plants into a wall
>A sight almost too comedic to believe
>You allow a laugh to escape you
>She joins in your laughter sheepishly
>You gotta learn to laugh at yourself, right?
>You lean back and stare at the ceiling 
>Her cutiemark carved into the heavy marble above
"Today was a good day."
>Celestia questions your sudden statement
>"What makes you say that?"
>She joins you on the bed as you elaborate further
"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."
>She giggles at your choice of words
>"Hopefully this doesn't become routine. I have a country to maintain."
>You kick your shoes away and you climb to the backboard of the bed
"Yeah but, lounging about just sounds perfect right now."
>"Where are you going with this Anon?"
>Celestia begins to slip off her royal relics and joins you
"Well, you know awhile ago when you told Twilight I didn't like to go to exotic places?"
>She nods in confirmation 
"Let's do that. And do nothing all day."
 
>"You know I can't do that."
"Why not?"
>You make sure to immediately counter with a question to make sure she doesn't escape
>"Because I have been laying about with you enough as it is and Luna is right, we both have duties we must attend to."
"Then why don't we plan for a vacation later?"
>You push the subject even harder, to her own discomfort
>"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."
>She kills the lights and rests her head on her pillow, leaving you in the dark
"You still don't trust me. Even after I promised I wouldn't go anywhere, you're still caging me up like a bird!"
>You raise your voice at her, hoping that it'd go a lot further than her ears
>"It's not a matter of my trust in you. It's a matter of my trust in the other mares."
"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?"
>She lifts her head from her pillow to look at your shadowed face
>"Yes. It -is- too much."
"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."
>Silence falls over the two of you for a few moments
>You can see her purple eyes glow in the setting sun
>You stare back at her hoping she's having an internal war with herself
>She finally brakes the silence with a sigh
>"Fine. If it's that important to you than we can go on this little adventure of yours. Goodnight."
>She rests her head back onto her pillow and turns away from you. defeated
>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
>Genuine feelings this time
>You fall asleep to her quiet snores and the thoughts of tomorrow

{Act II}
[Chapter II]
|Late Night Calls|
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>"Anon....Anon wake up."
>Your sleep is interrupted by Celestia's prodding 
>"Anon...I think someone is outside our door.."
>You begrudgingly wipe the sleep from your eyes and rise out of bed
"What? Aren't you like, an all powerful Sun goddess? Why don't you take care of it."
>You attempt to fall back into the lulls of sleep, but it doesn't take you as you're pushed out of bed
>"Anon, go check outside. It could be a spider!"
>What?
"I'm pretty sure you can't hear spiders from the other side of a door."
>You say flatly as you rise to your feet
>"Well, if it isn't a spider, it could be a variety of things nasty things."
"Don't you have gaurds?"
>"It could be a monster."
"Call the guards."
>"It could be someone here to steal you away from me!"
"I doubt it."
>"Go check!"
>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
>Twilight lays beneath you, dizzy and confused, just like yourself
"Twilight, what the hell are you doing here?"
>Twilight recovers from her daze and remembers everything up until the point of your collision 
>"Oh hi Anon! I just came to see how things are going between the two of you."
"At 3 in the morning?"
>Twilight blushes as you push yourself off of her
>"Yes well, a good friend must be ever diligent!"
>"Anon? Who is it!?"
>You peek inside the darkroom to see Celestia with the sheets nearly covering her face
>Cute
>You deny her an answer and crack the door slightly, focusing back on Twilight's intrusion 
"What are you really here for?"
>"Oh! I also came to give you this."
>She cranes her neck backwards to mouth her saddle bag, pulling a thin book from it
>"Tadaa! A complete guide to the yandere!"
 
"Guide to the what?"
>"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."
>Lunatic?
>A lunatic wouldn't wake you in the middle of the night to go and check if there was a spider outside
>.....
"Twilight, what exactly is this for?"
>"It's to help you with the Princess, Anon. Duh, that's why I brought it?"
>You skim through the pages: "If your friends and family suddenly vanish than you are neglecting your yandere and enabling such consequences."
>Although you appreciate Twilight's kind gesture, you hand the book back to her 
"Yeah, thanks Twilight, but I don't think this will be useful. I've got things under control."
>Twilight looks disappointed 
>She -did- research everything about your predicament so it wouldn't be too much if you accepted her gift
"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."
>"Really? Last time she thought I was a bear."
"What?"
>"Well, I should go Anon."
"Last time?"
>"Make sure the two of you come to visit, I'd like to see your friendship grow first hoof."
>Twilight is gone in a flash of purple 
>You let out a groan as you walk back inside to your Sun horse in waiting.
>"What was it?"
>She says worriedly
>You climb back into bed, exhausted, and when she asks again, you don't answer
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>The next day you rise and perform your morning ritual
>Today instead of laying about like an urchin you're invited to spend the day with your Princess in Day Court
>So far, it's been nothing but small criminal sentences and city planning
>The most boring hours of your life
>In between her appointments you ask her for to skip out on work and spend time together
>Her answer is always a stern No
>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
>At least you're not the total center of her life
>Around 6 o'clock a large family of six plead an audience with the Princess
>They look tired and sickly
>They say they are without a home, little to no money, and not knowing where the next meal will come from
>All the homeless shelters were closed down due to her little stunt of isolating you from the world
>But without a second thought Celestia is practically throwing houses at them
>It's time like these that you see her in her most natural state
>A kind and benevolent ruler who would give up the vast luxuries and lavishes of her life to help another
>You can hardly believe that this is the same mare who caused you so much strife
>But all that's in the past
>The poor family weep tears of joy and praise their kind ruler for her generosity 
>Celestia merely smiles and takes the compliments with stride and sends them on their marry way
>She notices your staring before you do
>"Yes?"
>She has her muzzle buried in documentations and the like
>But she still finds the time to cater to your curiosity 
"Nothing, just, that was a pretty nice thing you did. How come you didn't give me a home when you burned it down?"
>You're joking but she takes the question in absolute seriousness
>"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."
>Touchy subject
 
"Inside the castle?"
>She ignores your prodding, tending to her advisers and delegates 
>It was late in the after noon and the Sun had just began to sink behind the horizon
>This makes you wonder where the Sun retreats at the end of the day
>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?
>You make note to research the astrology later
>But for now it was time to retire
>The transition from night and day causes the stainglass pictures to dance in an array of colors
>From the giant double doors Luna makes her entrance
>Greeting her sister, and hardly acknowledging your existence, as always
>But you've learned to care little about that fact
>Today was as boring as ever
>This morning Celestia insisted you attend Day-Court to avoid other 'mishaps' like with the kitchen mare
>That event was fading from your mind however
>Instead of retiring into your bedchambers as usual, Celestia saw fit for the two of you to take a stroll -outside- the castle
>To explore the lively nocturnal city of Canterlot, she says
 
>The nightly city of Canterlot buzzes brightly with street attractions and performers
>You find yourself nostalgic for your old life, but also somewhat content with your new one
>The two of you are accompanied by four palace guards in their signature golden armor, reflecting the city's lights
"You know, this doesn't count as our vacation."
>You make sure to get the point across before she tries to insinuate the opposite
>"Of course it doesn't my love. I just thought you deserved a small reward for being so well behaved today~"
>She nuzzles you as the two of you walk through town, gaining small glances here and there, but it's to be expected
>You turn inwards into a park where a small ensemble plays away for the nightgoers 
>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
>Also in fear of the mare walking closer and closer beside you with each step
>"Tonight is quite lively. Come, let's take a seat."
>She practically pulls you down next to her, assuming a guard dog over you 
>You figure it to be her 'asserting her dominance'
"Why exactly are we stopping here?" 
>You rest on her back as she cranes her neck to lay her head on your lap
>"It'll all be clear soon."
>Whatever that means
>You notice the music begin to die down a bit as the moon reaches it's peak
>The lanterns in the park dim and ponies began to gather, staying a safe distance away from your part of course
"What's going on? Tia, you planning something?"
>"Shhh"
>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
>After the initial burst a multitude follow in it's wake to paint the night sky a wonderful rainbow
>How could you forget about Canterlot's fireworks?
>You've seen them countless times, they even kept you up at night
>But never had they been more beautiful than they are right now
 
>The dazzling lights casted shadows over the grassy fields 
>The various 'Ooo's and 'Ahh's filled the air
>A certain ripple of colors depicting Sunhorse and you with hearts caused you to stiffen at all the stares
>But Celestia just sat and smiled, at peace with the special moment you two were sharing
>No matter how many ponies bore witness
>The pounding sounds of the explosions became rhythmic and you began to doze off into a sleep-like state
>Not fully awake, but not fully sleep either
>Celestia took it as a sign for your nearing departure from the park and so she levitated you onto her back as she arose
>"Enjoy the rest of the show my little ponies." she says as she turns with her small convoy of guards
>The sea of ponies part as the two of you make your way into the castle walls
>In your current state, you feel some sort of connection with Celestia
>As you sit atop he back you can feel every muscle from her legs to her hunches, to the slight haze of her breath 
>That confirmed it, the sneaking suspicion that you loved this crazy mare was deadlocked into the billions of neurons in your brain

{Act II}
[Chapter III]
|Dash to the finish|
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>The smell of eggs, pancakes, and orange juice march into your nose as you lay in your bed
>It's almost enough to make you get out of bed
>But it's not until you hear the familiar "Rise and shine, my love." that you make any motions to move
>You were beginning to get comfortable with the nickname she had given you since day one
>Your eyes slowly slide open and you sit up to see Celestia standing at the foot of the bed
>Smiling as warm as the sun, and you return it with an even warmer smile
>A moment of content silence passes 
>You move to get more comfortable and your legs shift around the bed
"Good morn-"
>The sound of shattering porcelain and glass interrupts your first words of the day and the smile from Celestia's face instantly vaporizes 
>She sighs in defeat as you scramble to your apologies 
>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."
>Now your really sorry
>She made this just for you, and you ruined it
>You would definitely have to pay her back somehow
>Her magic lifts the shards of glass and bits of food away from the bedside, before dropping it down the garbage shoot 
"How long did you let me sleep in?"
>"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."
>Luna asked about you? That's new. But more importantly, why where you allowed to sleep in today?
>"Would you like to visit Princess Twilight's friends this afternoon?"
>Guess your question will go unanswered
>But you aren't going to refuse a chance to get outside the castle
"Uh, sure. Just let me get dressed."
>You hop out of bed and over to your closet
>"You have five minutes~"
"What?"
>"Better hurry~"
>Celestia dashes for the balcony and leaps off to the castle grounds
>You chase after her until you realize that you can't fly
>Five minutes!?
>She's right, you better hurry
 
>After only managing to slip on your slacks, shoes, and dress shirt, you sprint down the halls of Canterlot to the chariot 
>To which you see Celestia with a stop watch, levitating it in front of her face
>"Nine minutes and twenty-two seconds. You're going to have to get in shape. No more sleeping in for you, dearest."
"What the hell? Why only five minutes!? I haven't even gotten a chance to eat anything!?"
>A single slice of cake shoots into your mouth on the end of a fork
>"Ah ah ah, language Anon. It's unbecoming of a prince to use such a rotten tone~"
>You scarf down the cake, nearly choking on it as you practically crawl to the chariot
>This crazy horse was going to kill you one day
>If not by exhaustion, than by stuffing your face with sweets
>But you'll have to brave through her dungeon if you want to survive
"Can we just go already?"
>You stand in the chariot, hunched over the rim
>"Very well."
>She turns to the guards with a smile
>"To Ponyville please."
>The wing beat of the two pegasus guards blow through your shirt, without your signature black jacket, everything is a bit chillier 
>The chariot picks up speed until it finally leaves the ground and into the air, making a b-line for Ponyville
>You can already see Twilight's castle shining brightly
>It's so tacky, but everyone has their own taste, you think
>Most of the trip there is in silence
>It's not until you land that the trumpets breaks the air
>Around you, ponies gather to greet Celestia, only a few actually saying hello to you
>Which you don't mind, you hated the spotlight anyway
>"Ah, here comes Princess Twilight. Anon, make yourself presentable."
>Celestia references your shirt, you left the two top buttons unbuttoned
>You do just that as Twilight and Celestia bow to eachother
>"Hello Princess, hello Anon."
>You return her greeting as she leads the two of you to the enormous crystal castle
 
>You looked forward to meeting her friends, you wonder what the ponies who kept this insane bookworm in check were like
>You're escorted through the castle, passing the large dinning room you three shared tea in
>You're lead down a few corridors and stairways until you reach circular room with six crystal seats
>What greets you is the entire ensemble of the Elements of Harmony 
>"Anon, allow me to introduce you to my friends: Applejack"
>"Nice ta meetcha." she says, tipping her hat
>"Rarity."
>"Hello dear." She smiles 
>"Rainbowdash"
>"What are you? Some sort of hairless monkey?" Twilight cringes at her friends rudeness
>"....Fluttershy"
>"Rainbowdash, I don't think he's a monkey. He looks more like an ape." This time, you cringe
>"And finally, Pink-. Hey wait, wheres Pinkie?" Twilight searches around the room
>"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
>You figure Pinkie must be the pony you first met when you stumbled here from the forest
>Wait, whats that nudging against your back?
>You're pushed forward onto the ground as a blurry pink ball bounces into the air, and takes the form of the familiar pony
>"Surprise, Pinkie, Tickling, Attaaaaaack!!!!"
>You roll out of the way before she has a chance to land on you
>Celestia holds herself back from laughing
>You scramble to your feet and try to retrieve your composure 
>Five minutes in Ponyville and attempts are already being made on your life

{Act II}
[Chapter IV]
|Tea Over Departure|
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>Now that everyone had been situated, you all take your seats around a large oakwood table 
>Twilight tells you it was fashioned from the wood of the old library which once stood on the grounds the castle rested on
>Things have calmed down after the half hour spent trying to sedate Pinkie into submission
>Now the eight of you exchange idle chit-chat
>"I hear the two of you are going on vacation somewhere?" Twilight says as her tea cup meets saucer
"Huh? How'd you know?"
>"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
>This makes you cringe with displeasure, but before you can even raise a hand in protest Celestia giggles to herself
>"It was a joke dear."
>Now it was the girl's turn to giggle and poke fun, you hardly feel embarrassed though
>Honestly, you kinda of felt relieved to get out of the castle and actually socialize with other ponies
>You've been Celestia's caged bird long enough
>Do you want emancipation?
"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
>"If I can somehow juggle Day-Court and personal affairs than I suppose."
>Twilight smiles in your direction
>Silently congratulating you on your small progress in your relationship
>At first, it'd be a cold day in Hell before she'd let you anywhere near the palace gates
>Now your miles away from the suspended city, in the quiet town of Ponyville
 
>"So Princess, what exactly is he? He's a monkey right? Some sort of Minotaur?"
>Before you know it Dash is casually poking your limbs and sizing you up
>You hardly mind it, it'd make since for strangers to question your appearance
>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
>Now that you think of it, you never told anyone of your full story
 
>It's not that you never felt a need to tell anyone about yourself, just no one really took an interest. 
>As far as they were concerned, you could work and pay bills
>Because of that, you didn't remember much of Earth, or even make true friends here in Equestria
"Actually Dash, where I'm from, it was commonly accepted that we evolved from monkeys. So you're not too far off."
>Fluttershy perks up a slight bit more at the mention of monkeys
>"Oh, what kind of monkeys? Chimps? Mandrill? Baboon?"
>It never really crossed your mind what specific breed humanity spurred from
"I really couldn't say. But I do know we are closer to apes. If that helps."
>Fluttershy seems somewhat content with the answer
>"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?"
>Celestia nudges you in the side, forcing you out of your seat
>You didn't know anything about teaching, but you have to start somewhere
"Well......Back on Earth, humanity accomplished many amazing things. We also did terrible things to each other, but that's besides the point."
>You scratch the back of your head for a main topic
>Ah yes, the pyramids
"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."
>You're 'class' is half asleep
>Only Celestia and Twilight bothering to amuse you
>"Tell us more about 'you' Anon." Celestia says
>You weren't the best at talking about yourself, mainly because you didn't often need to
"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-"
>"How did you do with women?" Celestia interrupts your session of fond memories
>The question took you by surprise, like a truck had caught you j-walking
>You can hear Twilight stifle a giggle
 
"W-well, I never had many women in my life. If that's what you're asking."
>Celestia silently returns to sipping her tea
>The air is slightly more uncomfortable now
>Luckily Twilight butts in for damage control
>"So Anon, enough about Earth. Tell us about your life at the castle!"
>It was a question that lifted the mood somewhat
"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."
>Celestia sets her cup down on her saucer
>"I'm sorry if managing a country is 'boring' Anon. We could always, do something more 'exciting'."
>She winked at you, causing that familiar sensation to travel up your spine
>You retake your seat next to Celestia
"How many times have I been saying that?"
>You place a hand behind her ear and scratch the place she loves so much
>The rest can't help but blush slightly
>It was a peaceful moment, one of those special instances that could only be caught rarely
>Suddenly a messenger gallops through the large double doors of the dinning hall
>Out of breath, he bows to Celestia before making his report
>"Your majesty. Princess Luna has requested your presences in Canterlot immediately! There is an emergency!"
>The peaceful scene devolves into one of urgency
>"Very well, I'll return as soon as possible."
>Celestia slowly stands, and so do the others out of respect
>"I'm afraid our little visit will have to be cut short. Anon and I will have to be on our way."
>You wonder what exactly is going on, but you decide to wait until you were in a more private setting to ask
>After brief goodbyes the two of you once again board the chariot and make way for Canterlot
 
>The ride was made in silence
>You were in such a hurry that you were almost blown off by the wind
>Canterlot comes into full view as you make your landing
>Atop the observation spire you see Luna retreat into the tower
"Do you have any idea whats going on?" You say as you help her down from the chariot
>"No, I do not. But it must be important due to such urgency."
>The two of you continue onward to the throne room
>Luna's dark blue shade clashes with the palace's marble walls and columns, she stands out like a sore thumb
>"Welcome back sister. We apologize for the sudden request, we hope your trip was safe."
>She nods in your direction, still the only greeting she will give you
>"We are fine. But what is it that you wanted to discuss?"
>Luna lets her gaze roam around the hall, looking for any eavesdroppers
>"Come, we have much to discuss."
>She leads the two of you into the throne room and you follow suite
>However, before you make it past the door Luna stops you
>"We would prefer if the human allowed us to speak privately."
>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
>"....Very well. Anon, would you mind waiting for me in our chambers? I'll return shortly." She says with a forced smile
>You surrender to the request and agree
>You figured it was not your place to overhear important discussions between monarchs, you were no king
>You part ways with the two alicorns and start your ascent to one of Canterlot's many towers
 
>Hours pass as you await Celestia's return
>The Sun had already disappeared behind the valley and the moon casts shadows into the bedroom
>It was a depressing vibe
>You hear the turn of the door knob and Celestia returns, tired and somewhat afraid
>You get up from the bed and get straight to questioning
"You alright?" 
>She smiles at your concern and plants a small kiss on the cheek before making her way to the bed
>"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."
>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
"Can you fix it?" You ask
>You join her on the bed, gently removing her regalia and tiara
>For a long time, Celestia remains silent and it worries you
>"Luna and I will have to establish a summit with their leaders. Though, negotiations could last longer than a month..."
>You allow yourself the selfish thought of your vacation being ruined and she picks up on that
>"I'm terribly sorry Anon. I know how much you wanted to go on that trip."
>Her wing stretches and pulls you into her
"No, it's fine. The country should come first. We could always go another time."
>She leans on you and you support her weight with yours
>"Luna has also advised me to leave you here. She fears that you shouldn't be involved in our political affairs..."
>That didn't surprise you, but the thought of being away from Tia did sadden you
"...When will you be leaving?" You ask
>Her expression becomes solemn as she tells you that she will be departing tomorrow
>Even more of your time has been swept away
"Looks like we don't have much time together....Tell you what,"
>You slowly lie Celestia on her back, the darkness in the room adding to the excitement
"How about a 'going away party'?"
>She giggles and wraps her forelegs around your neck and the both of you fade away into the night

{Act II}
[Chapter V]
|Birds Who Prey on Shoes|
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>You awake with the familiar warmth absent from your side
>It bothered you to not see her off, but she insisted you stay in bed
>The clock above the vanity read 2:55 and the Sun had long since completed it's climb
>It was time for you to remove yourself from bed and try to spend the day however you liked
>Adorning your usual wear, complimented with your favorite red tie you make way for the door
>The door opens with the faintest of creaks as you pace down the steps of Canterlot's tallest spire
>This counted as your days exercise, you found yourself playing games with yourself
>Sometimes skipping the third step, or walking on one side or the other
>These games entertained you long enough for you to reach the bottom, usually
>You exist into Canterlot's palace halls, it seemed almost empty and void
>Though there were plenty of guards and staff, the marble walls seemed to lose their luster in the absence of their princess
>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
>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
>You near the draw bridge, passing by workers and guests alike
>You're nearly through the alabaster gates until the combined wingspans of two guards halt you
>"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."
 
>The guards look at you stoically
>Unfortunately, you can't say the same
>Your face is switching from various expressions of different emotions
>All you can do is stand there and watch your day of freedom burn to a crisp
>There were no words to describe the immense since of anger you felt
>It was sort of like watching every little achievement you've made with Celestia this month go up in smoke
>It may have actually just been that
>You stand there in shock a little while longer
>The guards remaining as indifferent as before
>The guard on the left repeats himself
>"Sir Anonymous, please return to your chambers until the princesses have returned from the trip abroad."
>There was no point fighting now, you felt utterly hopeless and defeated
"Yeah, alright. I'll do that.."
>Their wings fold inward and they resume their position of attention
>They don't bat an eye as you slowly sulk your way inside
>Not only did she leave you for an entire month, but she locked you up again
>It was the biggest betrayal yet!
>You'd never let her hear the end of it
>Through the door, through the halls, and up the stairs brought you back to your 'cell'
>You nearly hover over to the bed and collapse onto it
>A loud groan escapes your body
>In response to your call of grief you hear a flutter make it's way in from the open balcony
>Philomena perches herself on your head, singing her greeting to you
>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
>She sits proudly, expecting you to notice and compliment her vibrant feathers, you do no such thing
>But you do sit up, making eye contact with her as she cocks her head to the right
>It seems she can read the sadness on your face and glides a bit closer to offer what little comfort she can
 
>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
>At least in your isolation you can have some form of companion
"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!?"
>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
>You decide not to think about it and begin to remove your shoes
>You weren't going anywhere anyway
>Carefully placing your shoes at the side of the bed you turn back the the flaming bird only to see her absent
"Don't tell me she in ashes..."
>It'd be hell to clean that from the bed spread
>Instead she caws at you from your feet
>You can't help but laugh at the fact that she's snugged happily in your size 10's
"Get out of my shoe, I don't want to make the smell worse."
>Instead she locks her talons on the rim of your loafers and carries it into the air
"God dammit put it down!"
>You reach out for your abducted footwear, but with each reach it rises higher and higher
>You're standing on the bed now, jumping as high as you can to rescue your shoe from it's assailant, you're unsuccessful
>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!"
>The impact is painful, as well as pride damaging
>You'd be damned if you were outsmarted by a damn bird!
>You spin your head backwards, nearly catching whiplash
>Philomena makes her way out into the hall, carrying your shoe with her
>Without a second thought you give chase
 
>For the second time today you're traveling down these incredibly long stairs
>Philomena's descent is far greater than your own, on account that she isn't limited to the stairs
>You double-time it and hit the bottom just a few seconds after she flies into the halls
>Chasing her proves to be difficult on account of your socks sliding on the polished floor
>You nearly ran into seven ponies so far
>But you were determined to get your shoe from that damn bird!
>You can feel her taunting you as she caws back at you
>She was always a trouble maker but now she's just being an ass
>No one in the halls opt to help you on your wild pheonix chase, instead the stare at the amusement of your pleight
>She's really giving you a run for your money and you soon find yourself chasing her into Canterlot's library
>You only catch a glimpse of her as she ducks behind her desk from Philomena's fiery trail
>All this for a shoe. You though
>She's dodging into corridors of books and shelves evading your pursuit
>Books and pages rustle as she flies past, your tiring body following
>Maybe this was your body's way of telling you to hit the track
>Philomena darts behind a corner and you follow suit
>However, she disappears beyond sight and what greets you is a massive door stricken with runes and enchantments
>You approach it, feeling oddly drawn in
>Without your control your hand moves forward, an ambient feeling overtaking you
>But before you could lay a hand on it your shoe hits the hard floor in front of you, startling your hand away
>Above you see Philomena perched ontop of the arched doorway
>The feeling vanishes as you pick up your shoe, Philomena gliding down to 'congratulate' you for catching her
>Instead of a thank you, she receives a pluck to the head and she caws in disapproval
>You could care less
 
>Right now you're more interested in this thing you've never seen before
>Maybe it was some forbidden archieves, maybe it was some sort of portal to a world where everyone were multicolored humans
>It did intrigue you, like it had some sort of spell over you
>And that was the moment you had an idea
>Celestia once told you that every creature had some form of magical energy in one way or another
>Theories say that animals evolve because of magic
>So far only unicorns have been the only pony race to be able to exploit magic for all it was worth
>Who knows what a human would be able to do?
>You feel a tinge of excitement at the prospect and Philomena looks at you curiously
"Hey Philomena. As a reward for catching you, why don't you show me where I can find books on basic magic."
>She casually preens her feathers, ignoring you
>Again you wonder why you're talking to a bird
>However, she does guide you out of the maze of books and into the main lobby of the library
>At the front desk you ask the librarian about the books in question
>Although surprised and hesitant, she relents and hands over a small book titled "Understanding the Magical Spectrum"
>It was a light book, so you weren't going to be doing any heavy reading
"Thank God.."
>You thank the librarian and check out
>Tonight was going to be long, but you did nothing but sleep in these days anyway
>It's not like you had your old job at the bakery
>Philomena joins you as you walk back to your room, bare foot, with a shoe in one hand, and a book in the other
 
 
>The room is exactly as you left it, now that you put your shoe next to it's twin, making them a pair again
>It was slightly darker than when you left, so you had plenty of time before you'd need to light a candle
>Philomena left your side on your way up the stairs
>Who knows what that bird is doing
>Probably causing trouble with staff
>The first thing on your mind is the book you borrowed
>You immediately crack it open to a random page in the middle
>You read aloud
"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."
>It seemed interesting, you'd love to see what goes on in that crazy horse's head
>You make a note to return to that section later
>Skimming through the thin pages you find yourself in the physical side of magic
>A catalog of pyromancies, necromancies, and different variations of the prefix
>The one that draws you in the most is "Holy" magic
>The book says it was once used by paladins, those who gave their lives in the name of the princess
>The field ranged from healing to arrows of light shooting from the Sun itself
>That'd take a lot of mana for sure
"I wonder if mana is an actual thing.." you trail off as you continue reading
"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."
>Light magic sounds the most promising and interesting
>You doubt you'd get anything out of it, but you were going to be here for a long time without any supervision
 
"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."
>It sounds....'easy' enough
>There's definitely someone who sends you spinning on the emotional wheel
>So you decide to focus on the thought of her
>You recall the moment you first saw her raise the Sun
>The emotion you felt then was ever present now
>You were trying to perform a simple illumination spell
>Starting with the very basic is never a bad idea
>You shut your eyes in concentration
>Imagining everything about Celestia that makes you teem with life, as well as cause you despair
>From behind your eyelids you feel white light breaking through
>But you dare not open your eyes
>As you concentrate on her, the light grows brighter and brighter
>You're sure it's brighter than the Sun
>The light feeds off your heart as emotions sore in your mind
>Happiness, joy, love, and anger course through your mind in an emotional overload causing you to lose control of the spell
>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
>Your eyes have remained shut, you doubt you could even open them now
>You feel fatigued, and drained of all energy
>huffing and puffing, you trying to regain your breath
>There is no point to even attempt to make your way into bed
>Sleep is overtaking you for now
>Before you give over to the spirits of the night you look on the 'bright' side
>The fact that actually caused something to happen is enough proof that you're at least capable of using magic
>This month would surely hold new surprises

{Act II}
[Chapter VI]
|Bird Brain|
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>The cold floor is all that greets you as you awaken from an exhausted sleep
>Last night was a bit of a blur, but you remember the magical spout you had just before you passed out
>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
>Maybe you were getting too privileged
>You try to bring yourself to your feet to start the new day
>With a few wobbles you gain your balance
>Philomena now rests on the bed spread, she must have flown in in the middle of the night
>You find the magical book you checked out from the library across the room
>Flipping through the pages, you recall it saying something about being able to traverse the minds of others
>What a skill that'd be to have
>You figure since you were able to produce something last night, maybe you'd be able to conjure something today
>And who better of a guinea pig then your favorite fire bird?
>Your finger stops on the page with the excerpt
>It all sounds familiar, things about being extremely careful or you could wind up trapping your psyche in the mind of another
>It would be wise to avoid that
 
>You carefully take a seat next to Philomena as she enjoys her lazy afternoon nap
>It would be cruel to wake her, you think to yourself
>With book in hand you begin to read
>"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."
>Sounded easy enough
>You begin to only concentrate on the slight sound of Philomena's breathing
>Analyzing it, recognizing the seconds between inhale and exhale
>As you concentrate, you continue reading
>"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."
>The next part sounded difficult
>You hardly knew what that meant, but nevertheless you give it a shot
>You try not to think of anything in particular, but try to imagine what her thoughts would be
>A moment passes in silence, a moment more, and another
>You're about ready to give up. Until an echo of a voice seeps into your brain
>You've never heard the voice, but you instantly identify it with the pheonix
 
//Seeds. Bird seeds. I need to preen my feathers. 100 years to go. Princess. Nonny, and Princess.\\
 
>Your eyes shoot open in shock
>It's an other worldly experience
>The voice was heard so clearly, yet it felt so alien and disconnected from the physical being
>Was this what magic was?
>You almost reconsider this idea before you press onward
>Again, you focus all thoughts on her, trying to grasp the voice from before
 
//Red. Loud birds outside. Princess is gone, have to look after Nonny for Princess.\\
 
>You find it easily the second time and you allow yourself to be drawn in by her thoughts
>The feeling that overcomes you is one you cannot describe
 
>Not even Steven King could describe this horrid feeling
>It felt so detached and empty as you flowed freely into Philomena's thoughts
>You could see nothing, but you could her every sound in her body
>Soon you'd find yourself in her dreams. One of her most common dreams
>Like Mr. Scrouge, your ghostly feet make contact with the grassy ground
>On the edge of a forest you can see Canterlot under construction
>Red flashes zip by you and into the forest
>Behind them follow 3 adolescent dragons, chasing them on all fours
>They make a b-line for you and your screams go unheard as they pass right through you, knocking you on your backside
>Nearly suffering a heart attack you rise to your feet
>Turning your attention toward the forest
>The trees and bushes brushed out of place by the large dragons
>By some inclination you follow
>Time seems to flow with the consistency off drunk Father Time and your instantly find yourself at the scene of a crime
>Two phoenixes lay dead among their brightly colored eggs
>"Hurry up and take the eggs so we can smash em' already!" one dragon says
>"Shut up, I got em'."
>The one that seems to be the leader collects the eggs and hands two of them to his friends
>They each snicker in their favorite pass time, which makes you sick to your stomach
>One egg hits the ground in a loud crack
>The second, not a moment later
>But before the third egg could be smashed, a familiar alicorn swoops down from above
 
>An alabaster white alicorn lands in front of their 'leader'
>Trying her best to seem intimidating
>It hardly works as the dragon reaches into the air to smash the last egg
>But the magical chime of her aura falls on everyone's ears as his claws are bound
>"Don't you have anything better to do than smash a bird's eggs?"
>A younger looking and sounding Celestia speaks to the 3 assailants
>"Whats it to you? You stupid horse!"
>The other two dragons chime in
>"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."
>The phoenix egg is guided from the dragon's claws and tucked under Celestia's wing
>"Hey, that's mine-"
>"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."
>You can't help but laugh at the threat, you never took her to be so upfront about sending someone directly to the sun
>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!
>"You ponies, think you're so damn proud! My dad would turn your shitty piece of land into hell!"
>The young dragon is now shouting
>However, Celestia just chuckles at the threat
>"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?"
>She shoots him a coy look
>Damn, Celestia was one ballsy horse!
>You notice the young dragon go silent with no reply
>"I thought as much. Now please return to your families, I'm sure they are worries about you."
>Her magical grip loosens around the dragon's wrists as she turns to take flight
>Begrudgingly, they turn away and head back, bad mouthing the pony-princess
 
>Again, you find time slipping away from you as you are carried into the Princesses' chambers
>Celestia sits alone, the phoenix egg sitting peacefully on a pedestal
>She idly goes over documents of some kind
>A familiar sight
>Shes humming some sort of tune, one you're sure you've heard before
>But the soft songs is broken by the sound of the egg cracking
>Piece by piece, the egg shell falls apart, revealing a yellow beak, and then red feathers
>Celestia stands up and approaches the egg, giving it small words of encouragement
>Finally, the egg completely falls apart and the phoenix chick spreads it's wings for the very first time
>"Kweh!"
>Are the bird's first words
>"And hello to you too!"
>Celestia calls back
>You presume the bird to be Philomena, it'd make sense after all
>You see her look around her station, maybe hoping to find more eggs that might of hatched with her
>Sadly there are none, but Celestia keeps her kind exterior
>"Don't worry. I'm sure your siblings are in a better place now. No doubt you heard all the commotion awhile back."
>Philomena nods in reply, abit solemnly
>"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."
>This adds some sort of comfort for Philomena, misery loves company after all
>"Now lets see, I supposed you'd want a name..."
>She puts her hoof to her chin, thinking of a name that'd be equally as magnificent as her new friend
>"How about......Armageddon, Lord of Fire!"
>She nearly shouts out the name, as proud as can be
>But Philomena recoils at the horrible choice
>"Kweh...."
>"What? I think it's a perfect name!"
>She plays offended and pretends to put up an argument
>It feels strange to actually catch the Celestia in this kind of form
>She much more outgoing and carefree, you wonder how she became the obsessed jailer she is.
>"Fine, how about....Philomena?"
 
>She's much more serious about the name this time
>Philomena thinks it over in silence, until she finally agrees
>"Kweeh!"
>Celestia looks happy with herself as she picks her new found friend up with her hoof and perch her on her head
>"Come Philomena, let's introduce you to everyone."
>And with that, you find yourself loosing connection
>The dream fades and the colors of the room fade into a mesh until they are completely gone
>Once again that terrible feeling over takes you as you are pulled back into your own body
>The transaction is something you'll never get used to
>Without too much time passing, you're back in your physical home
>Now able to open your eyes to a now awake phoenix
>Philomena greets you with a coo before perching herself on your head
"Ow, get your claws off of my head!"
>You shoo her off you and she takes flight, circling you in a playful manner
>You feel like you know Philomena more now as you think back on what you've just experienced
>You extend your arm for her to perch, which she does
"You sleep too much, you lazy bird."
>She coos again on your arm as you pull it closer to your chest
"Yeah yeah. We should probably go get something to eat. It's getting late."
>From the balcony you can already see the sun begin to make an effort to sink behind the horizon
>You don't waste any time making your way to the kitchen, now with your feathered friend
>You had more to look forward to this month after this successful experiment

{Act II}
[Chapter VII]
|The Caged Bird Tastes Freedom|
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>So far, everything has gone smoothly
>It's the second week of your magical training, you're confident enough to say you're pretty good
>For a beginner
>Yesterday, you were able to hear Philomena's thoughts aloud, which were mostly about bird seeds
>The day before that, you learned that the princesses may be returning sooner than expected
>And kind of excited you to know that you'd be able to see her again
>It also gave you motivation to continue practicing this new magic you've found
>You'd also ask about that strange door in the library
>But for now you'd bide your time
>No use getting worked up and loosing focus
>You sit alone in your room, Philomena being the only one to keep you company, flew off sometime in the morning
>Sitting on the edge of the bed, you close your eyes
>Her image comes to your mind, as always
>You focus on her and before long, your hand illuminates
>It's normally too bright to completely observe, so you crack your eyelids
>It's hard to describe exactly what you see
>The light in your hand constantly flickers and fluctuates
>Never keeping the same shape, like a fire
>You're mesmerized by the simplistic comfort the light gives you
>It reminds you so much of her, how she seems to constantly radiate light off of herself
>Maybe a perk of being the avatar of the Sun
>Your lack of focus causes the light from your hand to disperse into the air
>You feel out of it today, maybe all this practicing is putting a strain on your spirit
>Maybe it's possible
>It was getting rather boring having no one to talk to, Philomena doesn't count
>Slipping on your shoes, you rise from the bed and descend the endless stairs leading from your 'cell'
 
>Though there isn't any need, you sneak about the halls of Canterlot
>Most likely giving into the boredom of these weeks of solitude
>Guards ponies slack around the palace, you've been seeing more of this since Celestia and Luna headed out
>With no princesses to wow, why should they put so much effort in guarding an empty castle?
>Slowly rounding a corner, you come to a halt as two guards come your way
>Being the sly ninja you are, you pick a hiding place behind one of the very large flower pots
>"So what do you think of the princess' new pet?" the older guard says
>"Pet? You mean that monkey she keeps locked in her chambers?"
>He nods to the younger guard
>"He seems nice enough. Though I don't see why she would worry about a guy like him. He looks harmless."
>The two guards continue to exchange words of you as the pass by
>Some not flattering
>Eventually they fall out of hearing distance and you emerge from your hiding place
"At least the guards feel for me..." you think to yourself as you continue down the hall
>You have no idea what the time of day is, but judging from the shadows, it's still somewhat early
>You decide to take a peek at the kitchen, see whats on the menu
>The double doors swing open as you walk into the bustling workplace
>A kitchen boy bumps into you, almost spilling a vat of hot soup on your dress suit
>"Oh! Uh, sorry. You're not supposed to be in here."
>He places the vat down on a counter, not really seeming authoritative in his tone. More like a suggestion
"Relax. I'm just hear to grab something to eat. Is anything cooking?"
>You look over his shoulder, observing the various others prepare different meals
>"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."
>He picks up the vat of soup and attempts to move past you, but stops midway
>"Actually....would you mind doing me a favor?" he says
 
>It surprises you
>No one has asked you for a favor in so long
>The idea kinda got you all giddy inside
>Maybe you were desperate to be given some sort of purpose instead of milling around all day
"Uh, sure. What do you need?"
>The stallion looks relieved that you've accepted
>"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."
>Delivery? You haven't done that since you worked at the bakery
>It brought back small memories you had
>But wouldn't that require you to leave the castle?
>You don't think about it much and accept the carrying bag he gives you
>Over the other chatter you hear the head chef yelling at the kitchen stallion
>He immediately walks off to attend his duties, leaving you with the task at hand
>You slowly exit through the double doors, trying to not attract any attention to yourself
>How were you gonna bust out of this place?
>The answer was improvising
>Moving through the castle like a camouflaged snake
>Eventually, you're at the gates you were a week ago
>From your hiding place you have a full view
>Two different guards stand watch this time
>The one on the left slightly dozing off
>Traffic in and out of the castle was slow lately
>Not many had business in a princessless castle
>Hardly anyone was around, which would make for the perfect mad dash out of here
>Except you'd probably be caught immediately
>Then it hits you, it was time to see if your practice payed off
>You find yourself silent as you concentrate
>Focusing on a single emotion, light glows from your hand
>You stand and cuff your arms to your chest as you wind up for a pitch
>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
>Now was the time for your mad dash
>You weren't in the best of shape, but you reckoned you'd be able to atleast pull this off
 
>Running through the light, you see the road leading into the city
>Before the mysterious light dissipates, you're long gone
>Huffing and puffing in a backside alley, you recover from the sprint
"I wonder if Canterlot has...a gym...."
>From between the buildings, ponies mill about in the lively city of Canterlot
>Nostalgia creeps into your mind as you take to the streets
>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
>From the looks of things you're in the shopping district
>A few blocks from here is Canterlot's Bread Basket, the bakery you worked at
>A couple blocks opposite was your old house
>You'd probably head there later
>But now you'd stop buy the bakery
>The streets were busy and you tried not to make a habit of bumping into ponies
>Before long your at the glass door leading into the store
>The smell of freshly baked bread is the first thing that hits
>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
>"Careful! Don't pack too much yeast into the dough!"
>It pleases you that he's as busy as ever
>You move to the counter, gaining stares from others. But you were used to it by now. How could you not be?
>Leaning on the hard wood counter you place an order
"One cranberry coffee crumble, please." One of your old favorites
>The pudgy baker freezes in place before turning to you in shock
>"Anon!? Dear Celestia boy, how have you been?"
>He moves quickly around the corner to pull you into a hug
>It's a firm hug, but not one you couldn't break from
 
"I'm doing fine Mr. Dozen. How's business?"
>He retrieves her forelegs from around you and places them back onto the floor
>"Oh, same as usual. Nothing to write home about."
>You both chuckle, passing small talk for a short while
>The conversation soon dies down after a few moments
>"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."
>Maybe it was your vanity, but it felt good to know that you were missed
"Yeah well, I'm kinda locked up in Canterlot right now. I'd come visit everyday if I could."
>He nods and smiles
>"I appreciate you coming by today though. You've been the talk of the town lately. 'The Princess' new pet!" 
>He chuckles at the idea, but it makes you cringe
>"By the way, what brings you out today? I thought you'd be with the princess at the summit."
>He begins to polish the counter, wanting to keep his hooves busy
"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
>And you should be going pretty soon, periodically and guardsman checks on you in the tower
>"Well Anon. I won't keep you long. But you're always welcome here anytime."
>Mr. Dozen gives you a genuine smile and you return it
"Thanks. I'll try to visit as much as I can. You were one of the first to help me out."
>Now that you think of it, you supposed you looked to Mr. Dozen as sort of a father figure
>You'd really have to do something nice for him
 
>Saying your goodbyes, you head from the bakery and onto the streets
>You decide to make you delivery before stopping by your old house
>Remembering the address in your head, you head toward 863. Horseshoe Rd.
>The walk there was a workout in itself, who knows how many hills you've climbed
>It takes forever before you can get to the right address
>The estate you stand at is one of the biggest houses you've ever seen
>A convoy of caterers mill in and out of the estate
>Carefully, you move in with the crowd
>From the inside, the house looks even bigger
>This had to be the most luxurious houses next to the castle
>From your carrying bag you pull out the stack of menus and carry them along. Looking for the director
>"Pinkie! I don't think that this will-"
>A loud crash interrupts the familiar voice
>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
>Pinkie notices you before you can even completely step in the large room
>"Anon~! What are you doing here? Twilight said you were going to be at the castle."
>She happily hops in place as Rarity sets aside her anger for later
>"Yes, Pinkie and I were planning to visit you late this evening."
>Setting the menus on a nearby table, you turn to them
"I'm actually doing a favor for someone. What are you two doing here?"
>Pinkie pulls down a canvas with little drawings of Pinkie and Rarity's heads, mounted on a train to Canterlot
>"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."
>Rarity clears her throat and steps forward
>"Actually, I'm here to keep an eye on Pinkie and make sure she doesn't make a mess of everything."
>You look at the broken disco ball behind the two and raise an eyebrow
"Yeah, you seem to be doing a great job with that."
 
>Pinkie giggles and moves to clean up the mess as Rarity begins to explain why everything is Pinkie's fault
>Other workers move about the hall, preparing for whatever large part Fancy Pants is hosting
>Among them you see the stallion who gave you the quest
>He nods at you and you return it
>"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."
>That's true
>Last time, your visit was cut short
>It'd be a good opportunity to actually get to know each other more
>But you were supposed to due back at the castle within the hour
>Dare you risk it?
"Yeah, that'd be nice. When do you plan on leaving?"
>Rarity seems happy, and by extension, so does Pinkie
>"Actually, we will be leaving in a few hours. I'd rather not let Pinkie stick around when the part is in full swing."
>You laugh to yourself
>Figuring that it'd be a good call
"Alright then. I'll just stick around until you both are ready"
>Pinkie joins you both, seemingly popping out of nowhere
>"Sounds like a plan!"
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>The three of you are leaving right as the part is getting underway
>It was just a little past high noon and the catering wagons were being loaded up and pulling away
>"So, do you know any good spots in town Anon? It's been awhile since we've last been in Canterlot." Rarity asks
>Before you can speak, Pinkie bolts ahead of you two and into Canterlot Park
>Most likely attracted by the lights
"Well, I guess it's a start."
>The two of you follow Pinkie into the quiet grassy park
>Not much has changed in the time you've seen it last
>You wonder if there would be fireworks
 
>The three of engage in small chit chat as your stroll through the park
>You tell them more about Earth
>About how you ended up in Equestria
>And how Celestia has had such an impact on your life
"Honestly though. Before she pulled this crap. Things were looking up. I felt we could actually make it work Y'know?"
>Rarity and Pinkie listen to you intently
>Pinkie even stopped bouncing and is now paying close attention to you
>"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
>"Yeah, by locking him up in a tower forever?" Pinkie chimes in
"I know she doesn't mean anything bad by it. I just need her to trust me."
>You find it surprisingly easy to talk to the two of them, despite you hardly knowing them
>And they've been real appreciative of you opening up to them thus far
>Twilight really has some great friends
>"Don't worry Nonny, I'm sure Celestia will come around. Just give it time~" Pinkie says
>Rarity nods in agreement and you begin to see things in a different light
>Maybe it is a bit unfair to expect Celestia to make such a drastic change in her personality so quickly
>Perhaps it was a good idea to tolerate what she threw at you, at least for now anyway
"Your both right. Maybe I should just wait it out. Thanks."
>They both nod in unison, accepting your thanks
>After awhile, you run out of pathing and exit Canterlot Park
>"Well Anon, today has been great. But Pinkie and I should be heading home."
"Yeah. If any of you are ever up in Canterlot, stop by the castle."
>"Will do!" Pinkie pulls you into a hug, and you hug back
>You stand there waving, watching them move slowly out of sight
>The castle was some block the opposite direction
>And on the way was your old house
>This would be your last stop before heading to your other home
 
>You stand in the empty lot
>Long since cleaned and stripped of debris
>The other sounds of the bustling city are blocked out as you remember the quiet life you once lead
>Though you didn't really mind your new life, something about standing here overtook you with sadness
>Without warning a tear escapes from your eye
>And soon more follow as you collapse onto your knees, your pants getting dirtied
>Though you were sad, you weren't really sure if you were grieving
>Maybe you were, or you were accepting everything that's happened
>Maybe this was your way of letting go of the past and looking onward into your future with Celestia
>Whatever the case, you shed tears that stained the dirt beneath you
>From your blurry vision, a gleam catches your eye
>A foot away from you, is a golden ring slightly poking out of the dirt
>Something the workers must have missed
>Getting to your feet, you walk over to it and retrieve it
>You recognize it instantly the moment you hold it up to your eye
>It's the ring you had with you the day you woke up and Equestria
>A memento from Earth
>You move to slide it on your finger, but stop
>Instead you return to your knees and roll up your sleeves
>With your hands you dig a small hole and gently place the ring inside
>Burying it, to completely accept what you've lost
>You no longer thought of yourself as the same Anon as before
>You've grown, you were someone who wanted to look ahead, rather than behind
>From this moment onward, you would completely dedicate yourself to the betterment of Celestia
>You conviction is engraved on your heart as you stand a face the now setting sun
 
>Here you left behind your past and walked into your future

{Act II}
[Chapter VIII]
|High Above the Clouds|
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>Seven more days
>A weeks time before you can see her again
>You can hardly contain your excitement
>What should you do for her upon her arrival?
>First of all, lecture her on why leaving you cooped up in the castle was a terrible idea
>But you're not mad
>If anything, it just made you appreciate her more, if that makes sense
>Today began like all the others
>Sprawled out on the magnificent bed like a dog
>Often times you've woken to yourself spooning with your pillow, it would be embarrassing if anyone saw you
>Luckily on Philomena is the only being with you mostly, she's just a bird, she can't make fun of you
 
//Nonny likes the pillow more than Princess?\\
 
>Here thoughts leak into your mind, it's been happening more and more recently since you peaked into her dreams
"No, I don't..."
>You finally rise from your half sleep to look her in her glowing eyes
>You hold the stare, playing a game with yourself just to see if she'd turn her head first
>She doesn't and you sigh in defeat
"I must really be getting bored."
//Does Nonny not want to play?\\
>You ignore her thoughts and move to get out of bed
>First slipping on your bunny slippers, as to not feel the touch of the cold marble floor
>From the open balcony, rays cascade into the large room
>It makes you wonder if she's put more effort into it than usual
 
>In the bathroom, you make yourself decent
>It's been getting hotter so you often leave your black jacket behind, only wearing your dress shirt
>Maybe it was time you get some new clothes, maybe you should have asked Rarity when you last saw her
>Exiting the bathroom, you catch Philomena gnawing at your ties
>She was going after your favorite red one too!
"Dammit, get your beak of my shit!"
>A small scale tug-of-war ensues which ultimately ends in your favorite tie tearing in two
>It's enough to put a slight damper on your spirits, but you'd be damned if you let a bird ruin your day
"Fine, I'll just go without a tie. Asshole."
//Awwww, are Nonny's feelings hurt?\\
>You get a small feeling that she's mocking you
>Good job Anon, you're getting sassed by a bird
"Why she keeps you around is anyone's guess."
>She happily flutters over above you and gently perches on your head
//Birdseed.\\
>It not worth it to stay mad at a bird, so you let it go
>You could always get new ties, right?
 
//Birdseed!\\
"Alright, I'll get your damn seeds! Let's go."
>The familiar route
>Through the doors, down the stars, into the halls and to the kitchen
>It took less time to arrive than usual, maybe you were getting into shape from going up and down those endless stairs
>Before you can lean on the counter Philomena jumps from your head and onto the suspended bird feeder above you
>She really does pig out
>Stray seeds fall out of the basket and litter the floor
>You're sure someone will get that later
>"Oh hey!"
>You look up and meet gazes with the young kitchen stallion
>"Is there anything you need?"
>Before you can speak, more bird seeds trickle down from the basket
>The stallion adjacent to you gives a similar look of disapproval
"Uh, I'll just take a sandwich, thanks."
>He nods and returns to the kitchen
"Philomena, you mind not making such a mess!?"
>Her tail feathers suddenly stop and from the other side of the basket, her head pokes out
//Sorry.\\
 
>Philomena's kind enough to peck at the spilled seeds on the floor and counter
>She's pretty quick at the job too
>Before long, the stallion comes back with your sandwich, the plate held tightly between his teeth
>You take it from him and thank him, as you bite he begins to speak
>"Thanks for helping me out with those menus. I owe you one."
"Don't mention it."
>You take the first bite of your sandwich before a certain phoenix can have her way with it
>"My name is Juniper Berry...yeah, parent's wanted a filly."
//What a girly name...\\
>Your shoe nudges her to give her an idea of her being out of line
>Though it's a strange name, you don't think much of it. You've hear weirder
>He extends a hoof to which you take it with a spare hand
>"Your name's Anon, right? So....you fucking the princess or what?"
>You nearly choke to death on your sandwich
>Either the sandwich is terrible or you heard something you weren't prepared for
>Most likely both
>Juniper chuckles as you choke down the rest of it and gasp for breath
>"You totally are, aren't you!?" he's choking back full-blown laughter
>Even Philomena is having a fit of laughter
"What...makes you say that?"
>His expression falls flat
>"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."
 
>Philomena finally joins you at the counter
"Well, I won't confirm nor deny anything. But, why? Is the rest of the castle wondering the same thing?"
>"Of course they are!? You think nopony is going to ask questions when the princess just brings some random guy in from the streets?"
>He does have a point, but that doesn't mean he should be prying into your private life like that
>"Honestly though, what does she see in you?"
>Now there's a question actually worth considering
>Not even you thought about it that much
>It was certainly something you've never thought about
>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
"I....honestly don't know. Maybe the fact that I'm an alien."
>Why not? It carried the banter
>"Alien? Maybe she's into that kind of stuff. I've never thought of her to be any sort of sexual deviant."
>Man, everything this guy says just catches you off guard
"Hey, don't just go assuming things like that. She's no kind of deviant."
>"How do you know? She's never tried any BDSM?"
>He's unnaturally curious, that type of thing will get him in trouble
>Each word he says he's just prying you open more and more
"I don't know why I'm having this conversation with you.."
>You away from the counter and head off in any direction away from Juniper
>"Hey, wait!"
>Oh great he's following you
>Philomena also follows as the two of you head off
 
>Juniper can't keep himself from laughing as he follows you
>You can't say for sure if the new 'friend' you've made is a good thing or not
>He continues to henpeck you about your private life
>If this was the magic of friendship, then magic could just fuck off entirely
>His questions follow you everywhere
>You don't even know where your going, you're just wandering around at this point
>The scenery soon changes from the castle's halls, to the courtyards
"Don't you have a job at the kitchen?"
>"That can wait. You still haven't told me anything. Like does she-"
>Juniper is cut off mid-sentence as both of you simultaneously notice the golden chariot make touchdown in the courtyard
>Among them, are a dozen more larger chariots, filled with ponies who's expressions are pitiful
>But that isn't what draws your attention
>Your line of sight is immediately drawn to her
>The sight nearly knocks you on your ass
>It's been almost forever since you've seen her
>What little self control you have left is stopping you from making a mad dash to her
>That and her gloomy sister who dismounts along side her
>Juniper is nowhere to be found, he must of headed back as you gawked at her
>Philomena also leaves you as she flies over to her lifelong friend
>She and Luna part ways for a moment and it seems she's yet to notice you. Now's your chance
 
>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
>Her deep magenta eyes stare into yours, almost like she's looking into the starry expanse that is your soul
>Silence passes, and the words hitch in your throat
>"Hello, my dear."
>There it is! Instantly the silence breaks and you wrap your arms around her
"Oh man, I've missed you so much."
>You nuzzle your face into her chest fluff a little more, it'd be really embarrassing if anyone like Juniper saw you
>But you could care less right now
>Her wings wrap around to pull you in even closer
>God how you've missed this!
>She's the first to break the hug before planting a small peck on your cheek
>"Come, we have much to talk about." She says, she also directs the guards to escort the extra ponies into temporary housing
>You figure that'd come with the talk later
//Princess seems worried..\\
Philomena's thoughts trickle into your mind, but they catch you by surprise
>You examine Celestia's face as the two of you retreat to your chambers
>She looks troubled, which enough to trouble you by extension
 
>The double doors click shut behind the both of you
>A very tired and stressed Celestia calmly removes her regalia and sits on the bed spread, her tail thumping the sheets
>You gingerly take a seat next to her, careful not to sit on her sprawled mane
>Your hand gently strokes her back, making an attempt to calm her
"You alright? Did anything happen at the summit?"
>Her ears point backward at the mention of the conference
>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
>You remember the large number of ponies who also arrived with the princesses
>She remains silent and you try to hear her thoughts
>This would be the perfect time to test the fruits of your labors
>Your mind goes quiet and the numb sensation creeps through your brain
>Amidst the silent void inbetween your thoughts, you latch onto hers
>Most of it moving too quickly for you to understand, and bits and pieces
>Her mind must be move a mile a second, and then some
>"Anon..."
>Her voice breaks you from the trance and you feel the shock reverberate through your body
"Yeah?"
>"I, may have to send you away for awhile..." she says timidly
"What? How come?"
>Your hand stops gliding over her back
>"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."
>You feel her tremble underneath your hand
>It instantly puts you on edge
 
"You saying....they've declared war?" you say
>Celestia remains silent
"Have they?!" you raise your voice louder then you intended
>"Maybe so. Judging by the way things ended, I'd be surprised if the weren't here by tomorrow.."
>Though she had thousands of years to perfect it, she couldn't hide her worry from you
>It comforted you to know that
>You're silent as you move closer to her and she rests her head in your lap
>"Oh Anon. I'm afraid I've really complicated things..."
>She continues as you begin to stroke her mane
>"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."
>You give a slight chuckle and it visibly calms her spirits
>"..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."
"Well, if it makes you feel better. I thought of you ever day."
>She blushes at the flattery, nearly trying to hide it
>But it was the truth
>Everytime you awoke in the morning, you expected to see her either rising the sun or preparing for day
>Everytime you crawled into bed, you'd feel denied the warmth of her body next to you
>It is almost painful to think about, you did truly miss her
>"Not a day went by when I didn't think of you either."
 
>Silence pass as the two of you take comfort in each other's presence
>She's only been back for a few hours, but it already feels like forever has passed
>The world is void of any hardship and complication and you revel in the simplicity of the moment
>You, and your mare, laying side by side as if laid in stasis
>But the silence is broken as Celestia shuffles on the bed, changing her position
>She now completely faces you
>It's always mesmerizing to look her in the eye, like you could be swept away by the boundless sea of her magenta eyes
>The stare holds for longer than you're comfortable with, and it's starting to weird you out
"...What?" you ask
>Her expression is somewhat vacant but her lips part
>"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.."
>She trails off and leaves you on the edge of her words
>"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?"
>You've long since stopped asking yourself the same question
>The answer became obvious the day you had that talk with Twilight in the gardens
"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."
>You break eye-contact with her and stare off into nothingness
"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."
>You hope you didn't sound like a complete idiot just now
>Or maybe you did, but as you look back at her, her empty expression is now lit up with life
>Faster than your reaction time, she pulls you into the tightest hug you've ever had the misfortune to experience
 
>It's getting harder harder to breath, until finally she relents
>"Thank you, Anon." she says as a kiss finds it's way to your cheek
>"I'm glad I snagged you before another lucky mare could." She winks as she moves out of bed
>The sound of her hoofsteps echo off the marble floor as she makes her way to the open air balcony
"Where are you going?" You say, also getting off the bed
>She looks back at you, her mane translucent
>"Come Anon, the sun is still high in the sky. And I think you've earned a reward for waiting so patiently for me."
>Celestia calmly sits, baring her back to you and beckoning you with her wing
"What? Seriously? Where're we going?" you say as you mount her for a second time
>Once again you get the feeling of oneness with her as she rises from the floor and spreads her wings
>Slowly, she carries you both into the air, hovering slightly over the railing
>You hold on tightly to her mane and brace yourself. You've never flown before, at least not on horseback
>"We're simply, going out!"
>Without warning to two of you plummet down the side of the sky crawling tower at an incredibly alarming speed
>The wind is enough to almost blow you away
>The ground is getting closer and closer at such a rate you're sure you'd hit it within the next second
>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
>Beyond you are the castle gates, where two guards stand post
>They notices both of you and quickly take cover from the incoming typhoon as you zip past them
>Once through the gates, she crawls into the sky and behind you the castle gets smaller and smaller
>The experience is both terrifying and blissful
>Like you could just fly for days and days and never get bored
>It's the one true form of freedom for you and Celestia
 
>Celestia spirals through a cloud, obscuring your view of the vast blue sky
>Your cloths are slightly doused in dew when you exit
>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
>Below you, and as far as your eye can see is the vast expanse of Equestria
>Equestria and all it's beauty and majesty laid bare before you on a seemingly endless canvas
>"Anon...I've wanted to show you this for a long time."
>You can see the sparkles in her eyes as she stares out into the distance
>"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."
>You'd kiss her if it wouldn't result in the two of you plummeting into the ground
>But you could definitely add this moment to your 'Most Amazing Experiences' list
>You have no words to convey your current emotion
>Celestia knows this and lets you enjoy the scene a little longer
>But the moment is shattered when Celestia notices the large cloud of movement near the surface
>Down, far below, a horde of dragons made their way to Canterlot
>Casting large shadows over the little pony's smiling faces
>Bells can be heard from Canterlot as they draw closer and closer and Celestia's breath hitches in sudden realization
>"Anon, hold on tight!"

{Act II}
[Chapter IX]
|Coming to an End, the Climax!|
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>With the mightiest wing beat she could muster, Celestia shot through the air like a bullet
>The speed you were going before could never compare to the speed you were at now
>She carries you back on a near 90 degree angle for Canterlot, the dragons slowly making their way over Ponyville
>As you get closer to the alabaster city, you hear the sound of bells and alarms
>"Luna must have already sounded the alarms!" She calls over the howling wind
>"I'm afraid she may be planning to take hostile action! We must convince her otherwise!"
>You can hardly keep a grip on Celestia's mane and you can barely keep yourself on her back
>The urgency really adds to the tension
>Canterlot grows closer with each wing beat and before long Celestia lands the both of you in the square
>You almost pass out from going such an insane speed, but you persevere to follow her inside
>Guards rush through the halls, carrying weapons and pulling large cannons to the walls
>Looks like Luna has already made her decision
>You and Celestia turn into the throne room where Luna waits patiently
>"Sister, it is as we feared." Luna says
>"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."
>Celestia leaves your side and approaches her younger sister
>Luna contemplates the idea, but ultimately declines
>"There are dragons on our door step. Which means they are declaring war. We doubt there would be any way to avoid this."
>"At least allow me to try. You're always so quick to handle matters by force. Not everything can be won with conflict."
 
>Luna scoffs at her sister's words, but that didn't make them false
>"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!"
>"But we've always put diplomacy first. Allow me to do it, not out of necessity, but out of formality."
>Luna pauses to think it over, until finally shaking her head in contempt
>"Fine, but as soon as it goes wrong, we're moving in." Luna says as she passes by Celestia
>"Oh, you make it sound like it's going to fail Luna. Have faith in me." Celestia laughs of the premonition from her sister
>"It almost definitely will." With that, Luna vanishes behind the great double doors, leaving you alone with Celestia
>The look on her face is ponderous, and worrying
"Hey, I'm sure you'll do fine out there." You say as you approach her
>You wrap your arms around her neck and she yields to the hug, she visibly appreciates it
>"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."
"Well, no matter what, I'll be cheering for you."
>You pat her on her haunches for emphasis
 
>"Your majesty, Princess Luna request you join her on the wall."
>An unfamiliar guard pony enters the room to deliver the message
>Celestia nods in appreciation for the relay and he promptly exits
"Why is she so bossy? Aren't you older than her?"
>"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!"
>You share a fit of laughter at Luna's expense as you exit the throne room
>Now even more guards seem to be milling through the halls, with the inclusion of staff moving to safer areas of the castle
>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.
>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
>That fact that this may turn into a full scale war is a bit baffling
>What could Celestia possibly have done to incite this?
>Was telling off a dragon really such a huge crime, but then again, aren't dragons extremely prideful?
>There was really no point and thinking about it now, thinking in hindsight only gets you so far
 
>The two of you join Luna on the outer walls
>The dragon horde seemingly growing bigger and bigger as they draw nearer
>"We hope you know what you are doing." Luna says as she stares into the distance
>"You worry too much Lulu. Try to relax."
>You notice Luna's expression change to one of annoyance and she's about to give her elder sister an earful
"It's gonna be fine." You interrupt
"Besides, it wouldn't be the first time you've both avoided a crisis right?"
>"We've been lucky over the past millennium. We can only pray it doesn't run out today."
"Jesus, you're grim. You've gotta lighten up if we're going to be related."
>You try to lighten the mood, well, not really trying mostly to tease the both of them
>Luna just stares at Celestia, who pretends she didn't hear a word
>"Perhaps..." Luna says
>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
>Does she hate you or something?
>"Your majesties, all arms are prepared. We are at your orders."
>A guard interrupts the moment with the update and once he is relieved he hurries back to his comrades
>Everyone's attention refocuses to the horde, which is in range of the cannon fire
>The sprawling mass of scales and wings flock together near the base of the mountain
>From the horde steps a larger dragon, with terrible black wings and teeth that could rip through steel
>"I'll go and meet them in the mediate" Celestia says as she begins to spread her wings
>Luna urges her to be careful, and to not give into their threats
>You rightfully assumed that you'd be tagging along, but when you move to mount Celestia, she is surprised
>"I'm sorry to leave you again Anon. But I think it would be best if you waited here." she says
>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
"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."
>Celestia only sighs, shooting an annoyed look at you
>"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."
>She leans in for a hug, which you almost don't receive
"Fine. Just don't do anything stupid.."
>She laughs and turns from you, leaping off the edge of the wall and gliding downward to meet with the dragons
>It is only you and Luna now
>You try to think of something to say, before the awkwardness can set in
>"You're pretty whiny Anon. Many mares are repelled by that you know?" she says
"Fuck off."
 
>"In all seriousness. We think you should wait inside with the others. You'll be in the way in the event that conflict arises."
>You weren't going anywhere, and you made sure she knew that
>"It's not up for discussion." she says, completely casting away your argument
>Before you can protest any further, the scenery around you quickly changes in the blink of an eye
>What was once the open sky above Canterlot, was now the ceiling of a damp kitchen cellar stocked with ponies
>It happened so fast, you can't really process it
>But you knew what essentially happened
>Around the dim cellar you can make out the surprised faces of ponies
>But they all fade as a familiar stallion approaches you
>"Anon! Do you know whats going on? All we've heard was that there are dragons!"
>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
"Yeah, there's dragons. Apparently things didn't go right at the summit and now Equestria could go to war because of it.."
>The worried ponie's faces grow more frightened at the thought of Equestria ever becoming a battle ground
>More so their homes here in Canterlot
>"Woah, are you serious? How come you aren't out there with them? Aren't you like, the princesses coltfriend or something?"
>Juniper's question gains a curious look from the other ponies
>As inquisitive as their kind are, they're probably only interested in prying more into your private life
>Still, boyfriend? That's still something to consider.
>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'
"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."
>"Negotiate? These are wild dragons!"
>Juniper, being a bit louder than necessary reals on his hind legs and bares his flattened teeth for emphasis
>It only makes him look like a kid
 
"I know, which is why I wanted to go with her. But no 'I'd be a liability'."
>Juniper settles down and reassures you that Celestia would probably be fine
>She did run a kingdom for a thousand years on her own didn't she?
>You suppose it wouldn't hurt to put some faith in her
>With nothing else to actually do, you decide to just play the waiting game
>You entertain yourself with more pleasant thoughts
>Some about Celestia
>The conversation you had with Pinkie and Rarity
>Getting out of this cramped cellar
>That vacation Celestia promised you both would take
>But it isn't long before the dark silence is shattered by the volley of cannon fire
"Shit! What was that?" the sound shocked everyone in the room
>"Sounds like peace talks are over..."
>Juniper and the other ponies now huddle together in comfort
>After the initial blast, more follow and shake the foundation of the cellar
>Loose stone and dust trickle down from the ceiling 
>A few roars can be heard outside along with pony battle cries
>War actually broke out, just a few moments ago everything was fine
>But now, Canterlot is probably getting leveled
>You desperately wanted to be out there, helping in some way
>Even if it was just cheering Tia on
>Maybe the biggest reason is that you didn't want to feel like a pet
>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
>"Hey Anon. You got family here in Canterlot?" Juniper asks
>A stupid question, but one you answer any way
"Nah. You?"
>Juniper shakes his head and reclines on a crate
>"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."
 
>You move to take a seat next to Juniper, him being the closest thing you have to a friend now
>Various rumbles vibrate off the walls as the two of you talk to pass the time
>At one point, you were so worried about Celestia that you tried to leave
>But a guard stopped you from getting very far
>"All staff must remain hidden until the conflict is over." He said
>Now your once again moping next to Juniper
"I can't stand waiting in here... What if something happened? We wouldn't know because we're all being kept in the dark!"
>"Why would you wanna go out in the middle of something like this? Are you crazy?"
>He stares at you like you have some sort of mental illness, and he could be right
"...Maybe. But how can you stand sitting in here? It's been almost an hour!"
>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
>A moment of silence passes before Juniper speaks up again
>"Hey, you really want to get out of here..?" he says, not making eye contact
>You hesitate for second or two, but nod your head in response
"Yeah. Why?"
>Juniper sighs and rises to his hooves
>"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?"
>You had no idea Juniper actually thought of you as a friend
>As far as you were concerned the two of you were just shooting the shit because you were familiar with each other
>But if he was willing to call you a friend, then you figure you could do the same
"I'm not gonna die. I'm too lucky!" You couldn't be further from the truth
>Juniper smiles and leads you to a corner of the cellar
>"You better be."
>He moves a few barrels and crates to the side and reveals a small trap door
"Woah. Wait, that was there and you didn't show me!?"
>"I'm showing you now aren't I?"
>That was fair enough, and steps aside
>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
>A cool draft wafts into the cellar, giving everyone some fresh air
>"By the way, I'm coming with you. I found it one day while I was cleaning. I've always wanted to explore it."
>He sounds like such a kid
>But the gesture is still appreciated and you take the initiative and start climbing down the ladder
 
>Juniper takes his time following, probably reassuring the other ponies in the cellar
>Or telling them to not tell where we've gone
>He eventually climbs down after you, closing the door and leaving you two in darkness
>"Okay, this is already a bad idea.."
>He's right, but just then it hit you
>You start to concentrate all of your will into your left hand
>The darkness is expelled by the light emitting from your palm
>The tunnel and it's passages are revealed instantly when your eyes finally adjust
>"Woah! I didn't know you could use magic!" Juniper nearly slips off the ladder in surprise
"I've been practicing for a while now. I'm not sure how long I can keep this up, so we better hurry."
>Juniper nods and the two of you inch further and further down the ladder until you finally reach the bottom
>The tunnels are lined with stone and built with magnificent arches
>It must be some sort of hidden network of some kind, or some spooky old crypt
>Either way, it was going to lead you out into the surface, or so you hoped
>You and Juniper notice a small indent in the stone, creating a stream of water the flows into the dark
"The water's gotta be going somewhere.."
>Juniper agrees and the both of you head in the direction the water flows
>Your combined steps echo around you, each time you think someone is following you
>Or you could just be paranoid
>Maybe it was just too quiet and unpleasant thoughts were creeping into your brain
"So, what actually brought you to Canterlot?" you ask
>You could tell Juniper didn't expect the question from the look on his face and he considers his answer
>"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."
>The answer seems void of any real reason, but you don't pry further. You don't need to.
>"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."
"Oh? What kind of store" You ask
>"Just a general store. Y'know, variety type stuff."
>The two of you talk more to fill the quietness of the tunnels
>He tells you more about himself, and his family and life in Manehattan, you make a mental note to visit one day
 
>Your talks are interrupted by an impact that shutters through the tunnels, followed by more
"Holy shit, things are really heating up!" you turn to Juniper, he oddly isn't there
>Instead he is bolting ahead of you screaming "RUN!"
>Behind you, the tunnels start to collapse and you break into a sprint
>Even though Juniper had a head start, you catch up to him pretty quickly
>The stone and debris falling behind you is nipping at your heels though
>And your legs are already carrying you as fast as they possible can
>Same can be said for Juniper
>The light in your hand beings to flicker on and off
>The worst possible time
>But as the light begins to fade, you spot the shape of a small door just ahead of the both of you
>You a Juniper both come to the same conclusion and sprint to the door as if the devil was nipping at your boots
>Closer and closer you get and with each step the door grows bigger
>The two of you slam into the door, only for it to not budge at all
"Shit! It's locked!"
>"What!? Don't you have some fancy magic you can pull out of your ass?!" Juniper yells into your ear
"Of course not!"
>The rubble grows closer as the arches begin to cave in
>"Get out of the way!"
>Juniper hurls you to the side and begins to furiously buck at the door
>It's loud thuds echoing
"Hurry up! Hurry up!"
>Just in the nick of time the door flies of it's hinges and reveals the bright light of the sun and open air
>You both hurry to the other side right before the tunnels could be completely destroyed
 
>On the other side, you both catch your breath on the mountain side, silently celebrating the two of you cheating death
>You seem to have emerged out into a forest right outside Canterlot, the door Juniper kicked down was covered in moss
>The small stream of water leading further down into a small brook
>You pat Juniper on the back for a job well done and the light from your other hand completely goes out
>"I thought. We, were going to die." Juniper says, panting
"We were..."
>But your reprieve is broken as a large dragon flies over head
>It almost slipped your mind that there was a war going on and the two of you recover at that moment and get moving
>The sound of cannons and dragon roars are the only thing thing in the sky right now
>You both run along the forest trail and through the tree line you can see some of the action
>It doesn't look pretty, you just saw a dragon's face collide with a cannon ball
"I hope she's alright.."
>"Shut up, she's a princess. I'm sure she's fine!" Juniper reassures you that you're just being a worrying idiot
>It makes you glad to have a friend like him
>But it just occurred to you that you're on a live battlefield
>You were in the middle of a war between dragons and Equestria, you'd have to be really careful
>You exit the forest and are now able to see most of the battered landscape
>A lot of dragons lay on the grassy hills, either wounded or dead
>You scan the skies for Celestia, but she is nowhere to be found
>Juniper is hesitant to step out into the open, but as you lead, he follows
>You navigate through the maze of dragons, some large some small
>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
>It's enough to make shell shock you
>You have the thousand-yard stare and you can't look away from the carnage
>For every dragon, at least 5 ponies die trying to take it down
>But in the middle of it all, in the center of the chaos is Celestia
>Weak and battered
 
>Celestia staggers in her movements but fights on
>Sparks fly from her horn with each blast it produces
>A heroic, yet demonic sight
>Though she was exhausted, she still somewhat managed to move with grace and the skill of a dancer
>Around her lay many dragons, slain by her power
>But also her fellow countrymen, scattered among the battlefield
>You knew it was a bad idea for her to go alone
>But what help would you have been anyway?
>She'd probably would be in worse shape had she been trying to protect you
>But she is still fighting to protect you and the kingdom
>The scenery just seems to play in slow-motion as everything around you acts on itself
>You can only focus on Celestia, fighting a nearly losing battle
>"Anon! Snap out of it!" Juniper tugs on your sleeves to get your attention
>You snap out of the trance to see a very large dragon falling from the sky above you
>"Anon we gotta move!"
>Juniper pushes you downhill and your sent rolling downward
>The dragon's impact sends you both flying and kicking up dirt
>You hit the base of the hill among the battle, ponies clash with dragons and magical projectiles zip through the air
>Juniper recovers and witnesses everything
>"Holy shit.....what am I doing here. Anon! Why'd I let you talk me into this!?"
>You ignore him, through the mass of steel and gleaming armor you can make out a ragged Celestia in the center
"Juniper, I want you to get out of here!"
>"What?! What about you!?" Juniper is more than willing to leave, but he probably doesn't feel right just leaving you by yourself
"I'll be fine! Get lost!" You shout
>Juniper takes his sweet time making up his mind before nodding and making you promise you won't die
"I promise!" you reply
>And with that, he takes off in the direction you both came
>Ahead of you, was a more or less clear path to the epicenter of the battle
>Where she waited for you
 
>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
>Unarmed and unprotected, your drive is all you have now and through the chaos of battle you can feel it pushing you further
>In the air you can see beams of golden light shoot outward from the center
>She's still putting up a good fight
>You're getting closer
>Your advancement is halted however by 3 smaller dragons who bare their fangs at you
>Right then and there, your life flashes before your eyes as you prepare for death
>But a dark blue beam of magical energy carves through the ground and taking obliterating the dragons before you
>Up above, Luna watches you
>A look of absolute anger on her face, you weren't looking forward to talking to her. At all
>"WHAT ARE YOU DOING THERE YOU IDIOT!?" her royal Canterlot voice breaks the sound barrier from shear anger
>But that anger distracts her and she is tackled mid-flight by a dragon and slammed into the side of Canterlot
>That was completely your fault
>Though, there were more important things to focus on
>You press onward, to the source of the golden rays of magic
>Celestia is probably getting weaker and weaker with each spell she casts
>But you're stopped once again as you're caught in a charge of ponies
>They jostle you around, nearly trampling you
>This gauntlet was becoming increasingly tedious to run
>But the fruits of your labors bloom as you reach the edge
>You break from the crowds of clashing ponies and dragons and stand on the edge of the center
>Before you can call out to her she's pinned down by two dragons who got the drop on her
>Though she seemingly effortlessly repels them
>But in an instant. One tiny fraction of a second! You saw it.
>One of the dragons dug a claw into her wing, leaving it stained red
>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
>The mere sight was enough to crush your heart and shred the pieces
 
>Everything stops around you as the scene repeats itself over and over again in your mind
>Breaking the cycle of replays, you rush to her side
>The sounds of battle blocked out and the blood in your body nearly frozen
>In the middle of this grand battle, time seemed to stop the moment Celestia touched the ground
>You didn't notice, but everyone felt it
>The very instant she hit the ground, all fighting ceased
>Everyone looked on as you fell to you knees, tears breaking away from the corners of your eyes
>The grounds were silent, so quiet you could hear the heartbeat of everyone surrounding you
>But you weren't sure if you could hear her's
"Tia! It's me, Anon! C'mon....get up!"
>You take her head into your arms and try to jostle her awake
>Only small breaths escape her mouth and you can feel them tickle the side of your face
>She was absolutely silent
>You continued to shake her, trying to stir her awake
>Her name leaves your mouth one last time, and by some greater magic, she finally responds
>Her eyes quiver and slowly part, and a wave of relief washes over you
>She's slow to gather herself but she recognizes you in her cloudy vision
>"Anon..? What are you doing here?"
>Her expression is a mix of annoyance and happiness
>You don't answer her, instead you bring her in close with a tight embrace
>The sun reappears over top of you and illuminates the field around you
>You're so glad she's alright, nothing would be able to coax you out of the despair you would have found yourself in
>Celestia moves from under your arms, breathing heavily
>She again questions you being here and it takes time for you to gather words
"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.."
 
>"Anon..." She starts
>"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."
>She places her hoof on your cheek, slowly tracing your features
>"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."
>Her request moves you deeply
>Let's be honest, you're just a human in a world where terrible monsters attack almost on a daily basis
>What be so bad as to let someone protect you from all of it's dangers?
>You stair into her wondrous eyes
>Though you've stared into them before, only now do you truly appreciate their beauty
"Alright." you accept her will and stand
>Looking around, you observe the many muzzles and snouts of the ponies and dragons around you
>Could it be that seeing Celestia in such a weak state swept away their will to fight?
>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
>Whatever the case was, they all looked unwilling to raise their hands in war
"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!"
>For a few minutes, no one moves
>But after a while, a spear is thrown on the grassy plane
>The single spear releases a chain reaction of various weapons leaving their masters to hug the ground in the name of peace
>Celestia tries to stand, but you tell her to take it easy as you ask for a team to escort her inside
>The conflict seemed surely over, but from beyond the rows of dragons rises the familiar black drake
 
>This dragon was by far larger than the rest, at least three times a large
>He was as black as night and his claws and fangs as sharp as finely cut diamond
>His tongue falls from his snout as he gives a distorted laugh of amusement
>"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!"
>The dragons around you begin to consider their leader's words
>Tension begins growing the two factions and conflict was imminent
>"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!"
>The dragons begin to rally and bare their claws
>And ponies retrieve their strewn weapons to defend themselves
>"No! You sorry excuse for dragons will sit and watch, as I show you what a true, proud dragon looks like!"
>His thunderous claws tear through the ground as he makes his way over to you and Celestia
>Behind you, Celestia tries to rise once more, but fails
>She's too fatigued
>She won't be able to defend herself
>Guards try to surround you, but the black dragon orders the others to occupy them
>It's only you and Celestia in the center
>You're absolutely terrified and you find yourself unable to move
>You're stone cold and unable to pass a single thought
 
>The black dragon draws closer and closer
>Each step sending a shock wave of terror through your body
>The thought of everything coming to an end frightens you on a whole other plane
>Your life on Earth, in Equestria, in the palace with Celestia
>It was all going to become past tense in this moment if you didn't do anything
>But it was in these times that heroes would do the most amazing things
>Pull a rabbit out of their hat
>This was the climax and you were the final key to open the door to your destiny
>The adrenaline was already coursing through your body
>Giving you a slight high
>Your finger tips tingle and just then, it clicks
>Every single memory you had of your time with Celestia suddenly flooded into your psyche
>So fast and sudden you were sure you'd explode
>But your body had other plans
>As if against your will, your hand rose into the air
>The concentrated thoughts manifesting in the raw power of light in your hand
>Everyone was motionless, gawking at the sight
>A single pillar of light sprang from your hand, resembling lighting
>Without thinking you pull your arm as far back as possible
>Your heart and desires acting as a catalyst and launch the ray of white light forward
>Coursing through the air in a loud, sharp whistle
>Everyone's eyes follow as it spans the battlefield
>Effortlessly, it pierces the heart of the black dragon in mere seconds
>It drove enough force through him to completely exit on the other side before shooting away into the distance
>And for that single moment in time, that single piece of eternity, silence was heard throughout the world!
 
>He reels up on his hind legs in pure pain
>A gaping whole staring into the sky
>His roars echo loud and wide as the feeling of power courses through you
>The other dragons stare in disbelief as your hand produces another pillar of light
>Your light could out shine the sun as it sprang through the sky
>One after another, lighting leaves your finger tips and strike the dragon time after time
>It came naturally, you wouldn't say it was enjoyable
>But your fear was replaced with motivation
>From the ground, Celestia watched as you launched lighting through the air
>You still had the panic look on your face, but underneath she felt your resolve
 
//I will protect her no matter what the cost. This is my will!\\
 
>Your thoughts rang out within her and moved her on the deepest levels of her emotions
>The last bolt would leave your hand, caring your will into the dragon's very being
>And for years to come, dragons will know of the man who slayed this drake with such raw power
>He finally fell, slowly
>The sound mimicking an explosion
>Your breath was ragged, and your vision was starting to waver
>Around you, dragons began to retreat and many rushed to your aid
>You were exhausted, but you felt satisfied
>Slowly, you fell into the soft grass next to Celestia
>The last thing you feel is her wing wrapping around you
>What came next was the best sleep you've gotten in years
 
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
>"I don't think that'd be wise Anon."
"Nonsense. He may be old but his heart is still healthy enough."
>It's been about a few days since the whole incident with the dragons
>You apparently passed out on the fields
>Celestia told you that it was most likely magic fatigue
>Saying that to release that much power in very quick successions of one another was a magical marvel
>The both of you spent your recuperating days together, mostly taking long walks in the garden, or just sitting indoors passing time
>Now, you, Celestia, Juniper, Twilight and her friends all sit quietly in Canterlot's Bread Basket
>Waiting for Mr. Dozen to walk into his seemingly normal shop on a Sunday morning
>"But Anon, what if it -is- too much for him?" Twilight asks
"You worry too much."
>The lock on the front doors jimmy and you rush everyone to get quiet
>The doors open and Mr. Dozen walks in, not expecting anything out of the ordinary
>But as soon as he flicks on the lights, the lot of you spring up and shout "SURPRISE!"
>Mr. Dozen nearly falls over from fright
>And everyone looks at you with a certain 'I told you so' look
"Okay...maybe we over did it.."
>Mr. Dozen recovers with his bout with fright and stands
>He doesn't know whether to curse you, hug you, or bow before the princesses
>"A-Anon, what is all this?" he stutters
"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!"
>Mr. Dozen recoils at the suggestion and slowly admits
>"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."
"Oh...."
>Awkward silence passes over you all
"Well, how about coming to work in the castle?"
 
>"What? R-really? I'm just a humble baker!"
>Mr. Dozen wipes the beads of sweat off his brow with a handy handkerchief
>"Nonsense. We would love to have you come work in the palace kitchen. It'd be my pleasure." Celestia says
>You can see his face light up with determination
>"Well, I'd better give you a sample of my work then!"
>Mr. Dozen moves past you all and works his way into the kitchen
>Your party settles into the booths and tables as he bakes away
>It'd be nice having him around in the castle, now that you think about it
>Celestia being a sweets lover would probably place him on a pedestal
>You certainly wouldn't put it past her
>All of you sit around, laughing and passing time as the early morning turns into high noon
>Other ponies enter the shop, more than usual and Mr. Dozen has his hooves filled with orders
>Awhile ago Juniper offered to help him and has been busy
>You and Twilight catch up on recent events
>You also talk to her friends, learning more about them and engaging in pleasant small talk
>Looking around you can see everyone's smiling faces
>You could get used to this
>You slip away while everyone is distracted in their own conversations and only Celestia notices your absence
>She follows you outside and joins you
>Ponies wave to you both as they pass by, ushering greetings and bows
>Celestia walks up behind you and covers you in her wings, leaning her head on your shoulder
>"So Anon. And ideas on where to go for our vacation?"
>You take a small moment to ponder the question
"No. Not really. But you know what?"
>She hums her response as you scratch behind her ear
"I don't think we need to go anywhere. I'd like to spend more time with the friends I've made."
>Celestia smiles as the chaotic nature inside the bakery gains your attention
>Thanks to Dash, a food fight had broken out
>You'd rather not get involved, so you and Celestia remain outside, and bask in eachothers warmth