>Be Brilliant Gleam >Be waking up from the most comfortable sleep you’ve had in forever >You yawn and blink a few times to adjust to the sunlight >You feel something soft, yet firm under your head >You shift around to try to get a better look without leaving your comfy spot, to no avail >Begrudgingly you lift your head and turn to see >LORD ANONYMOUS!? >You wrack your brain to try and process just how you came to nap on the lap of the All-Father >Slowly it starts to come back to you >You lost your job, cried into ravioli, Anonymous came to your door >He comforted you, yet also accosted you >Then he… >he… >Pet you >It was SOOOOOO comfortable >His appendages glided across your fur so delicately, yet purposefully >They knew just where to stop and scratch >He worked out stress in places you didn’t know you had >As you’re reminiscing a thought eats at the corner of your mind >Why did he pet you? >For your lord to pet you, and right after he reprimanded you >You’re confused, it hurts to think, you feel… warm >The familiar warmth of madness envelops your body, and threatens to overtake you >N-no, you are High Priestess Brilliant Gleam >Servant of the All-Father >You are steeped in the mystical >You shall not succumb to the madness >You get up, and unsteadily make your way to your kitchen >Your hoof shakes as a wave of madness threatens to overtake your mind >You fight to keep sane and turn on your faucet >You can barely hold on as the last of your sanity fights to hold fast >With the last of your strength you plunge your head into the rushing ice-cold water >With the shock the madness recedes back into the depths of your mind >With your sanity restored the full impact of the Icey water hits you and you reel back >You lose balance and slip, falling onto the floor >You lie there, tired and drenched, thankful that you still have your sanity >That was close >Too close >Though you are a high priestess it seem that being in contact with your lord for too long is dangerous even for you >It terrified you, just how powerful he is >Even though you spent most of your days in the Castle, building up an immunity to the madness the princess’ produce >Yet he could bring you to the brink of madness after just one night >You are tired >So tired you don’t notice as Lord Anonymous picks you up >Be Anonymous, waking up to a loud bang >Shit, what the hell was that? >You take stock of what’s around you and notice Brilliant isn’t around >Shit what did she get into? >You quickly look around and notice that sound of running water >The Kitchen >You rush to the Kitchen to see Brilliant lying on the floor in a puddle of water and the faucet running >You don’t have time to worry about that though, Brilliant needs help >You scoop her up and take her to the couch so you can see if she’s injured >You comb through her mane but find nothing out of the ordinary >You move on to her back but again, everything is in order >You check her hooves >Fine >Her Snout >Fine >She seems fine, if a bit stunned >You breathe a sigh of relief >You look towards the closed door behind you >You’ve never been in that room but you think it leads to her bedroom >You look down at Brilliant >She seems to be asleep >You hope she doesn’t mind you going into her room without her permission >But it’s for a good cause, she needs sleep and a couch is no place for a nap >Unless you’re desperate, but she’s not >Picking her up, you make your way to the door >Shifting Brilliant around you turn the doorknob and push open the door >As you walk inside you’re greeted by the scent of sandalwood >Interesting, choice of incense >Scanning the room you confirm that this is indeed her bedroom >Her bed is, to you, a full size bed with pink satin bedsheets with lace trim and a mountain of pillows >You lay her down beneath the sheets as you tuck her in >Pulling the sheets over her you sigh >You really are like a father to some of these little ponies >Looking around you notice a framed paper hanging on the wall opposite to you >Getting a closer look you see it’s her guard academy certificate of excellence >Shit, no wonder she thought her life was over >If she got something like this, she must have dedicated her life to being a guard >You exit Brilliant’s room and make your way to the kitchen to turn off the faucet >While you’re here, you decide to make some breakfast for Brilliant >And maybe a little for yourself > looking through her cupboard you take out some oat cereal and pour two bowls >In her fridge you take a couple eggs and some fruit >You fry up the eggs. Over easy for you, scrambled for Brilliant >As you set up the spread for you and Brilliant you wonder how she got in that position >As you munch on your cereal you resolve to ask her when she wakes up >Damn this is some good cereal >Be Princess Cadence >And you are worried >Today is the first day in a long time that you and Shining are going to take care of Flurry >You have everything planned out today >Well, you HAD planned everything out >But your plan got tossed aside once it was clear Flurry had her own plans for today >You were currently chasing her halfway across the palace >How does Anonymous keep up with her? >Where was Flurry leading you anyway? There wasn’t much in this wing of the palace. “Flurry *huff* dear… it’s time for *huff* you to go with daddy now… *Puff* he’s… he’s probably waiting for us at the barracks now.” >You and Shining were supposed to trade off responsibility at lunch so that neither of you got too behind on your work >Oh thank Harmony, Flurry seems to be stopping >In front of a tapestry of some sort “Okay Flurry, did you get all that out of your system? You ready to go see Daddy?” >Flurry doesn’t respond >She simply stares at the tapestry >You turn to study the tapestry as well, to see what has enthralled your daughter >It’s old, very old >Depicting the former King Sombra, fighting wendigoes >Why would Flurry be drawn to this? >Be Brilliant Gleam >You have a splitting headache >What’s going on right now? >You had a weird dream where Anonymous came to your door >He pet you and then you dreamt that you fell asleep together >You get up out of bed as you think >Funny, you don’t remember going to bed >You freshen up in your bathroom before going to get some breakfast >A nice big bowl of Oats will clear things up >Why would you dream something like that though? >Was Princess Luna trying to tell you something? >Or was it your mind that had something to say? >You suddenly feel very uncomfortable as you walk out of your room to see… >Oh by the Princesses it wasn’t a dream >At your table sits your Lord >Something feels… off about this >You feel… something… stirring inside you >He hasn’t noticed you yet, somehow >Maybe you can sneak back into your room and hide till he leaves >*SQUEAK* >You had subconsciously taken a step back when you accidentally stepped on a squeaky board >Anon’s eyes snap up to meet yours filling you with a primal dread you can’t explain >His expression softens as he sees you, giving you a small smile >You feel… strange >He reaches out a hand offering you a seat opposite him >You’re uncertain about how this day will proceed, but one thing’s for certain >You need some oats >Be Anon, currently finishing the last of your breakfast >The food you make doesn’t have the same flavor as if you ordered it >You never could figure out how these ponies make the food taste so good >Probably magic of some kind >But just because you aren’t magic doesn’t mean you can’t make something passable >*SQUEAK* >Your eyes bolt up to see >Oh it’s just Brilliant >She’s looking well >Hopefully she doesn’t have any lasting damage “Hey feeling alright?” >She looks a little confused >Shit does she have some brain damage from her fall? >”I’m fine Anon, thanks for asking.” >You breathe a sigh of relief >She seems fine but she’s speaking kind of softly, she sounds almost distant >She takes the seat across from you and begins picking at her eggs >You two eat in mostly silence occasionally broken by a cough or burp >It’s… nice, eating with a friend >”Anon, did you cook this?” >Wait, she’s only NOW asking who cooked? “Uhhh, yeah? Why, is something wrong with it?” >”O-oh no, I just… didn’t know you could cook.” >Really? It’s just eggs and cereal, not like you made some five star quail’s eggs and hollandaise. “I mean, yeah. I gotta know how to cook since I live on my own.” >She looks a little embarrassed >Fuck she’s cute when she gets embarrassed >But there’s something more important on your mind “Say, Brilliant. Are you sure you’re okay? I don’t mean to pry, but you looked like you had a big fall. What’s up with that?” >She snaps out of her embarrassment looking puzzled >”I… I don’t really remember.” >You’re pretty sure she’s bs-ing you, but you probably shouldn’t pry >Time to get your day sorted >What are you gonna do? >Be Anon >Be finishing up breakfast with your impromptu sleepover buddy >Brilliant is being pretty quiet >You don’t know how she acts normally during the morning; she’s always been really chatty when you hang-out with her >Maybe you should invite her to go somewhere >You need to pick some stuff up, maybe you could make a day out of it “Hey, Brilliant, you doing anything today?” >Brilliant looks up from her bowl with a puzzled face >”No, I think I’m free today” “Great, I need to pick up somethings from the grocer, do you wanna join me?” >Brilliant stares at you for a minute >And stares >And stares “Helloooo! Equestria to Brilliant. You there?” >Huh maybe she did hurt herself, you can’t really tell >Maybe if you poke her >Be Brillia—ERROR: INTIGER OVERFLOW >Restoring memory… >…3% >…24% >…76% >ERROR: MEMORY CORRUPT LOADING LAST STABLE MEMORY >Loading… >Load complete >Welcome User >Executing CutePoner.exe >Be Brilliant Gleam >D-di Anonymous just ask you on a-a-a >A date? >”-stria to Brilliant. You there?” >You feel something prod your cheek snaping you back to reality >Huh wha? >Oh right Anon was asking you on a d-date “U-uh s-sure An-Anon, that sounds f-fun.” >BRAIN WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!?! THIS IS LORD ANONYMOUS!!! >YOU CAN’T DATE HIM! THAT’S LIKE DATING PRINCESS CELESTIA!! >… >so why do you want to? >”Cool, get ready and we’ll head out in a minute.” “YEAHGREATGOTTAGOFRESHENUP” >You quickly rush back into your room and bathroom locking the door behind you >What have you gotten yourself into? >Be Princess Cadence >You finally got Flurry to go with Shiny >Harmony help him, that girl is a ball of energy >You can finally get to work >As you enter your office you see a pile of letters sitting on your desk >Unsealing the top letter you quickly skim the letter Dear, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza We from the, Blah, Blah, Blah… In the hopes that you will Yadda, Yadda, Yadda… Meet with the pantheon at a specified date. Sincerely Prime Minister Gale Force >It seems the leaders wish to finally meet >This is good, now you may put your plan in motion >…. >…. > How to begin >Ah perfect >You write your response telling them to meet in one week from now >In Canterlot >A shiver runs down your spine >Harmony help those poor souls >But if they wish to meet with the pantheon >They will >Be Anon, a half hour later >Be walking around town square with Brilliant >Is it considered a town square in a city? >The market square >You’re walking around the market square with Brilliant >You’ve been walking around for a bit and picked up what you needed >Milk, cheese, bread, cereal all that jazz >You decide against going to the gryphon deli for now, you don’t want to gross out Brilliant >Brilliant’s been kinda fidgety the whole time though >You look down at her >She’s nervously looking around >You wonder what’s got her on so edge >Maybe a snack will help calm her down >Glancing around you spot a small café on the corner “Hey Brilliant, you hungry?” >”Huh wha? O-oh yeah Anon I c-could go for a bite.” “Awesome” >You guide Brilliant to the Café and sit down >The Chairs outside your apartment have always been a bit small, but you make do >You two look over some menus provided at the door and decide on what to snack on >You decide on a cup of Earl Grey tea, and a slice of pound cake while Brilliant decides on a cup of apple juice and daisy sandwich >Your afternoon snack goes by relatively calmly, though Brilliant still seems to be a little wound up >tbh Brilliant’s been acting kinda weird lately “Hey, Brilliant is everything alright? You seem kinda stressed. >She seems to snap out of deep thought at your voice >”Oh, yeah Anon, everything’s fine. I’m just… just thinking is all.” >Okay yeah, she’s not fine >Then it hits you >She “lost” her job for a week and what are you doing? >Fucking parading around town like everything’s hunky dory >She probably doesn’t want to be out right now and risk being seen by one of her co-workers >As big a city as the capital is, it’s still fairly tight knit >God you feel like a bit of an ass right now >How are you gonna make it up to her? >Be Brilliant Gleam, and you don’t exactly know who you are right now >Ever since your over-exposure to Anonymous things have seemed… >Off? >Different? >Things just don’t make sense anymore >Not everything… just certain things >When you ate lunch with Anon, you noticed just how sweet everything was >Was food always that sweet? >And when you were shopping with him, the prices of things didn’t make sense to you >One bit for an egg, but two for a carton? >You couldn’t figure out why… but it seemed off >Things weren’t making sense >You glance at Anonymous >You realize you’ve stopped adding Lord to his name >Why? He was still Lord Anonymous the All-Father. >He was still all powerful >… >… >So why does it feel wrong? >You glance at his “Hands” as he calls them >Something happened when those descended upon your form >Perhaps if you could recreate that sensation things might make more sense >Yeah… that’s the reason >THE ONLY REASON >[spoiler]They feel really good though[/spoiler] >No… bad head >But how to get him to pet you more? >”Hey Brilliant.” >You snap away from your Fana… planning. “What’s up Anon?” >Anon sheepishly puts his hand behind his head and smiles >”Uh… I wanted to apologize.” “What for Anon? Have you done something bad?” >”I guess. I forgot that you had been given mandatory leave and yet asked you to come along like nothing was wrong.” >To be honest you had almost forgotten about that >Sure you didn’t want to see your co-workers right now but… >WAIT >This is your chance >”Anyway I can make it up to you Brilliant?” >It’s now or never Brilliant, don’t let this slip through your hooves >FOR THE PETS >… for science of course “Uh, yeah I can think of one thing.” >He looks relieved >”Ah, sweet what is it?” >Deep breaths Brilliant “Co-c-could y-you…” >Come on B brave face “Could y-y-you m-mayb-be p-pet m-me?” >Anon looks at you confused >”Um could you repeat that? I couldn’t hear you” >Oh sweet Harmony “Y-yeah, could… you …please…” >come on Brilliant you’re almost there “Um if you want maybe… pet me?” >He looks a little confused still >sweet harmony, don’t make you do that again >”Uh sure I guess.” >He shrugs >TOUCHDOWN BRILLIANT IT’S PET CENTRAL FOR YOU >*cough* for science *cough* >Anon reaches out a hand and “W-wait Anon.” >What, isn’t this what you wanted?” “Well, yeah. But not here, it’s too embarrassing in public.” >”Oh…OH…oh.” >He somewhat blushes >[spoiler]Cute[/spoiler] >He pays for your lunch and you both make your way to the apartment building >this day is looking up >Be *&%@$&*%@!#% >This stallion tempts you with sustenance >You shall abide for now >You shall wait for now >Wait for him to return >Wait for him >Wait >Be Princess Luna, Champion of the Night >Princess Cadence has just informed you and your sister of her intentions to host talks with the other leaders. >Here >In Canterlot >You’re no stranger to madness, but this was utterly insane >And yet it was absolutely brilliant >The pressure you three would bear down on them, it might break there very will >And, you mustn’t forget, Anonymous’ own form of pressure >He’ll sit right next to you and… >No, you shouldn’t get ahead of yourself >You swore to protect him, and you shall do just that >Tis a mere coincidence that you can best protect him if he were to be by your side >For now you must wait >Wait… and make everything perfect >Be Brilliant Gleam >And you are in heaven right now >Seriously, Anon’s “fingers” feel so good on you >This was your best idea ever >You can’t even begin to describe how relaxed you are >You could just… fall asleep… right now… >*Sigh* >Wait!!! >Brilliant, remember why you’re doing this >[spoiler]Because it feels nice[/spoiler] >Because you need to test… something? >What was it? >Sleep? >yeah… that was it >NO!!! >You need to test if Anon… has… affected you in anyway >You don’t feel any different >…do you? >Think Brilliant, think >But it’s so hard to think when you’re so relaxed >no, what did it feel like before? >it was >it was >A warmth >That’s right you felt a warmth deep within you >Wait, was that after you had woken up? >Maybe you should sleep, to test if you’ll feel that warmth again >Yeah >Be Anonymous >Brilliant just fell asleep on your lap >You thought this might happen, after all that went down today >Looks like she’s sleeping in your apartment this time >Still there are worse things to happen >after you put the groceries away, Brilliant all but demanded you pet her >what was it with her and pets >She acted all demure and shy in public, but now she was forceful and assertive >You seriously hope this is as platonic as you think >Well, not much you can do now >A thought crosses your mind >where will you two sleep tonight >The obvious answer would be, in your bed >The ponies here are innocent enough that something like that wouldn’t be TOO much of a faux pa >the ponies would believe you two were just really good friends >But you weren’t a pony >She’ll have the bed then >And you the couch >Ah well, the couches here were as comfortable as any bed >Time for bed >Be Knead Love the baker >Things had been slow these past couple days, but you were making due >You were busy closing up shop for the night >A long process but a rewarding one >Lord Anonymous smile upon your store “(*Q@^&$*(^@#$^*(@^!#()$#$&^” [spoiler]”Knead Love come”[/spoiler] >Your ears perk up, something was wrong “)($Q&#*()@!$&#” [spoiler]”The Park”[/spoiler] >You feel compelled >quickly gathering your things you finish closing and head out >You should head home >You want to head home >But… “)($&()!@&@($” [spoiler]”Go, Now.”[/spoiler] >something spurs you on >Towards the park >As you arrive you wait >you don’t know what for but you wait “!)@$(&!%$#@(%^)!&@$)!” [spoiler]”In the bushes.”[/spoiler] >hesitantly you approach the bushes >Something is there >Something dark >your hoof reaches to part the bushes when you stop >The air turns cold >You feel a primal urge >RUN it yells at you >Something is beyond this bush that frightens you to your very core >And yet… >The bush parts from your path and you see “You!”