>"HEY, DROP IT! DROP IT RIGHT NO-GET BACK HERE!"
>The butler screams at me.
>Sorry to whoever was supposedly to get the baguette but it's mine now!
>I gallop as hard as I can for at least four blocks and cut around to alley to below the district bridge.
>By the time I stop to catch my breath, I've nearly chomped the baguette in half.
>Dashie is sleeping under a thick scarf we found.
>I lean down and chomp down harder, leaving the two halves perfectly even.
>...maybe one side is longer than the other.
>She should take the longer portion.
"Hey, hey Dashie! Dashie! I got bread, it's fresh too!"
>She is sluggish but she manages to lift her head at the smell of it.
>Her wings have always been really big but she looks like she's almost nothing but wing.
>She told me not to wander off or cause trouble but this isn't trouble.
>It's food!
>She inhales and tries her best to smile.
>"It must be from that cafe... Jacky... did you take this from someone?"
>My face scrunches up.
>She said not to cause trouble.
"N... no? I mean, it was gonna fall and I caught it. And because I caught it..."
>My eyes wander.
>Dashie keeps teaching me how to lie but I don't get it.
>It is how we get a lot of things.
"...finders keepers?"
>I smile as wide as I can.
>She shakes her head.
>"I don't believe you. You need to remember to keep it realistic. Ok? No one will believe you if you don't believe it."
>She reaches out with her neck and takes the smaller portion of bread.
"H-hey, not that one! That one is mine! You take the other one, here."
>I nudge the larger portion of bread toward her.
>She shakes her head.
>"Nope, I don't want it. It has all of your slobber all over it. So you take it."
"W-wha?! It does not!"
>Dashie smiles and continues to eat.
>"The bread is warm... thank you, Jacky. But you better eat up too. I may eat your half and leave just crumbs."
"You can't do that! Watch, I'm gonna finish up first and then eat YOUR bread too!"
>I take a step back just to pounce onto the feast.
>Its gone in seconds.
>By the time I finish, I feel too full to even move.
>Dashie is still eating.
>But she looks at me like I'm doing something funny.
>"Still want mine?"
>I wave one of my hooves at her
>It isn't a lot but there is a little creek under the bridge for water.
>It doesn't taste the best but it does smell clean.
>Mostly clean.
>Cleaner than where we were before.
"Think we'll get to stay here for a while? Winter's gettin' close ain't it?"
>"Jacky, don't roll around on the ground like that. It takes a lot to find shampoo to clean that lion mane of yours."
>I go from laying on my back to sitting up.
>I still feel energetic but Dashie doesn't want me dirty.
>She said that we look like "dirty homeless fillies" when we get too dirty.
>But it doesn't make sense to me, a lot of ponies look dirty when they're doing jobs or stuck out in the rain.
>Or a tornado.
>Tornados while it's raining even!
>"Did you listen to me?"

>My head stops bobbing from side to side.
>If there was a snowstorm tornado with a side of rain I could look normal no matter how dirty I was.
"Yeah..."
>"Then do it next time you go out. Ok? It's for your safety."
"Yeah, I know. We ain't ever get hurt before, why do you really want to worry about it everywhere we go?"
>"Because not everywhere we go is safe for us, Jacky."
"Yeah yeah..."
>You don't believe her.
>Some places weren't so friendly.
>But they would never be so bad that it would be dangerous.
>"And Jacky?"
"Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!"
>I roll my head around my neck, rolling my eyes too until it feels like the world is spinning.
>"Don't forget bread for Anon. When was the last time you got him something?"
"Wait, what?"
>In a sudden jolt I...
>Where am I again?
>"Jacky, I said Anon was grabbing bread from the store! WAKE UP ALREADY AND TELL ME WHAT ELSE YOU WANT!"
>That angry voice...
>It's Sparky
>Anon likes to call her Shine or Shiner or Shiny Heiny
>But she'll always be Sparky to me
"NnnnnnnnnnnnnnnAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!"
>I slowly erupt with my own roar as a response
>...
>...
>...
"WAIT NO I CHANGED MY MIND."
>I scamper out of our bed and do some sort of crawl-run that can only happen when your right legs are asleep
"ORANGE SHERBET, ORANGE JUICE, ORANGE CHICKEN!"
>By the time I reach the living room, I'm out of breath and tingling all over
>One more attempt to move and the billion pins and needles shooting down to my hooves keep me from saying anything else
>"...didja get all of that?"
>"Yup. Y'alright Jackerat?"
>It's Anon's voice from the laptop he keeps out in the living room
>It takes a little bit of effort for me to regain my tingly wits
"Ye-I... ah... legs fell asleep. Are you gonna go to the store now?"
>"Well I just left and I'm walking to the car so yeah. Tack on maybe an extra twenty minutes to my ETA?"
>I move to salute the internet call Anon
>Only for my eyes to roll up in my head and for my entire arm to burst into needles again
>Wrong leg
>"...yeah, Jacky just made a really interesting gesture with her face. You better make that an extra ten or you're gonna be missing out on something she's planning."
>I hear him bark out a laugh
>"Alright, I'm gonna double time it. Whatever you do, don't let her stop making that face. Later."
>Just as I manage to get the overwhelming sensation out of the way... he already disconnected from the call
"Ah... dang it... you had to go and tell him that?"
>"Don't you want him to think of your face more?"
>I push out my lips and squint at her
"...is this a trick question?"
>Sparky rolls her eyes
>"No you idiot."
>She shakes her head and stands up to stretch
>Who knows how long she spent today in front of that thing
>"You've been sleeping a lot lately, even when he's home. Are you feeling sick or something?"
"Sick? No, I..."
>I've been dreaming a lot lately
>Like little clips out of movies
>...clips I probably shouldn't tell her about at least

"...just like sleeping. It's finally getting colder now so it ain't so hot in here. Doesn't that want to make you nap too?"
>Sparks groans
>"I've been sleeping too much WITH that heat, you know. It's nice out... I want to be awake to feel it."
>I shake my head and yawn something melodic
>Something from one of the songs I've been listening to lately
>"You are just a complete prize, you know that?"
>I smile at her dull-toned compliment
>Joke or not, I take it as a compliment
"Well I'm sure glad you know it. Where's feathered filly free from... uh..."
>"Trying to do that wordplay thing Anon does?"
"Yeah."
>She gives me some sort of condescending smile
>"Practice more. She's in the bathroom."
"Oh... dang..."
>I want to talk to her
>"Are you having dreams about... you know. How things were before?"
>My ears fold down
>How did she guess that?
"...don't tell Anon?"
>She looks at me
>And sighs
>"Alright... but it's really not a bad thing to open up about stuff like that."
"Like coyotes?"
>It feels like my wit is starting to wake up too
>She glares at me
>"...don't start with that. Not today."
>I chuckle and nod
>Maybe it is a bit too soon to talk about that
>It has been a bit of a while since that happened
>Anon tried bringing it up once or twice but not even I spoke up about it
>I still don't know why I flinched that badly
>I've been in fights a ton of times!
>Maybe not that many real, dangerous fights
>Maybe not with... animals
>Maybe not with RABID animals on top of that...
>But I've taken care of myself before
>I didn't need Anon to scoop me up and run off with me like I was some sort of doll
>But it felt nice
>I felt safe
>...and after, I felt embarrassed
>"Are we having orange chicken tonight? Is it really with oranges or is it just because of the name..."
>Dashie's mature, cool voice floats in the air as she walks past me
"Dashie! I gotta talk to you later, can we?"
>She doesn't answer until she returns to her throne of pillows
>Maybe it's some sort of... nesting pegasus thing
>She didn't really use to do that back then
>"You don't remember? We're having a movie tonight. It's some sort of..."
>"Slasher movie Anon found."
>"Yes, that's the one."
>Sparks seems focused on the laptop
>It's spooky how well she can use it now
"...oh yeah."
>I frown
>It feels like I'm just... forgetting things lately
>Or maybe it's more like I'm just focusing on different stuff too much
"Well... is after that ok? It's important. It's about back then."
>Sparks smirks
>I squint at her
"Hey, you shush. It ain't from when you were around... it was before."
>Dashie looks serene in her nest
>"How far back?"
>I shrug
"I really don't know... that's the problem. I remember... like bringing bread to you. Washing myself in a river..."

>Now that bread basically comes from the magical bread isle at the grocery store, water comes out forever through a faucet and both of those things aren't actually infinite but is so openly plentiful...
>I really was a little piece of something bad, wasn't I
>"I haven't had any dreams like that. It has been... months now?"
>Dashie frowns as well and ruffles her wings all around
>"What do you think is the reason?"
"I don't know. It feels like it's forever ago but... it also feels like it just happened. You know?"
>I get the feeling that I know what both of them will say
"I can't tell Anon about that sort of stuff. Not yet."
>Sparks rolls her eyes and Dashie giggles
>"Jacky... darling, you've been an item with that man for how long and you're still saying something like that?"
>"And besides, how much does he already know about how shit we were?"
>The combined giggling makes me get up and stomp in between them
>It's more a show of just how mad they're making me
>It doesn't work to stop them
"I mean it! This sort of thing is different, ok... I feel like it's something important I gotta remember. Like maybe it matters to something..."
>Maybe it's a secret like how I'm some long, lost princess
>Or that Ma lost me and I'm set to inherent an entire massive orchard
>Anon would like that
>I hope it's something important in that way
>I really want it to be important

"Hey is that..."
>I see a red filly huffing around.
>She looks really familiar.
"It is...! Sparks! Sparky!"
>I gallop to her, ducking under a cart being pulled by some buff stallion.
>She sees me and tries to act like I don't exist.
>Of course it doesn't matter because I do!
"Sparky!"
>I leap onto her for a hug.
>She tries to act like I'm just bothering her but I really am happy to see her.
"I thought I wouldn't see you again! What are you doing all the way out here?"
>The last time I saw her, it was at least a month ago.
>We were having fun and ended up getting a... few too many ponies angry.
>"...just luck I guess. Will you get off of me already?"
>I finally let go of her.
>She's as scrawny as always, but even now more than before her belly looks concave.
>"Is your... uh. Who is she again?"
"Dashie! She's at home sleeping. She spent a lot of last night looking for food and she came back with some fruit stand's stuff. Want a banana?"
>Sparks grimaces at the sound of Dashie's name... but she scrunches her face at the mention of having something to eat.
>"...Yeah. You probably have more than just that I can have, right?"
>I giggle and pet her shoulder with my hoof.
"Of course! We're friends, right? I don't know why Dashie couldn't wait for you but we kept looking for you!"
>I look around, trying to sound more convincing.
>Dashie told me to not talk to Sparks anymore.
"I mean... well, you know. I did most of the looking."
>"Guess you found me before it was too late now."
>She sounds tired.
>She's always been irritable when tired but right now she doesn't even seem to care that you've been touching her.
"Yeah, well... let's go! We have a river and stuff too. It tastes good, really."
>She doesn't walk so fast but I keep a slow pace so we don't lose sight of each other.
>When we reach home, only around half of the collected fruit was left.
>...there are signs that birds came and went.
"Ah... crap..."
>Without asking, Sparks takes some of the largest bananas and apples and devours them, peel and all!
"Whoa... do those actually taste good? They were getting kinda brown."
>She doesn't answer me.
>When she finishes, she reaches to grab even more fruit!
>Even an orange!
"H-hey, not that one!"
>I shield the orange with my hoof, knocking away hers at the last second.
>She glares at me... harder than usual.
>"I need the orange Jacky."
"No, that one is mine for later!"
>"It's going to rot if I don't eat it now."
"I won't let it rot, it's good for at least this evening!"
>Sparky starts to sound more angry.
>It's hard to talk to her when she gets like this.
>Out of nowhere, a hind leg kicks into her!
>The kick leads to her landing in the mud near the river.
>"You aren't supposed to be here. Find another spot to stay, this is ours. And that food was ours."
"D-dashie! No, it's ok, I gave that food to her!"
>"It wasn't yours to give, Jacky."
>Sparks screams and struggles to get back to her hooves.
>She's covered in mud now...

>Her horn sparks up, enough for it to actually light up.
>That doesn't happen a lot.
>"You... LOSERS! You wouldn't have gotten anywhere without me! You think we're gonna be a gang and get things done right if you two keep running away whenever someone starts snitching?! I'm the brains, I'm the one who got us the most!"
>Her voice echoes under the bridge.
>"We aren't a 'gang', you leech. If you keep talking to Jacky I'm going to get you sent to a mine."
>"Yeah?! I bet you could do that, you sure are friendly with enough guards!"
>This is too much.
>They aren't supposed to fight like this.
>They're friends.
>We're all friends.
>...
>That dream still bothers me
>It feels like it happened yesterday
>But yesterday was a different dream too
>I watch Dashie and Sparky bickering over something
>They've been going at it for a long while now
>They try to cook everything and it seems like they're trying out some sort of new thing
>"Orange rinds, Sparking? You're disgusting."
>"It adds flavor, smell, and looks fancy!"
>"What would you know about fancy?"
>"More than you, you dumb bird-horse."
>Are they really so heated about something so minor?
"...why not try half with, and half without?"
>They look back at me
>And then at each other
"Jacky..."
>They both say at the same time
>"This is about quality and presentation."
>"This is about making something edible."
>They also speak their logic at the same time
>It makes me shake my head
"I... don't get it. What is this for, anyway?"
>"Orange chicken."
>They speak simultaneously again
>The stuff Anon got at the store?
"...why don't we just buy more? It's ok if we don't know how to make it, right?"
>"Number one... I know how to make it. Number two, we save money if we cook it on our own. And that means making use of everything we have to make it even better."
>"And that includes putting rotting rinds in our food and stomaching it because it's what you think is 'fancy'?"
>"You know what? I'm done with this. I'm gonna go bug Anon. He knows I'm right. Then we're going to laugh at you until you pluck your chicken wings bare out of sheer jealousy. Stay mad."
>Sparks stands up, flicks her mane at Dashie, and wanders off
>It's just me and her now
>Today has been going by so slowly that it has been difficult to stay focused
"Hey Dash... is this really worth threatening each other over?"
>Dashie grins with a chuckle
>"She may have the magic and better skill to cook, but we're not going to let her ruin everything for her ego."
"I guess... whatever happened to helping me learn how to cook too?"
>"Well..."
>She shrugs at the question
>"I mean, you already do a lot. And it's just important for me that our food turns out good. Shine may have better skills due to her magic but we still need more than just magic for good food."
>I don't believe her
"Yeah, sure... you aren't still mad at her, are you?"
>"For orange rinds? Not more than usual, dear."

>I sigh
"Come on... when you present this stuff to Anon and we all eat and all that, you guys are gonna get the praise."
>Some... sense of jealousy feels like it's starting to bubble up
>It feels like something familiar
"I want to do stuff too. I want to help out and create questionably delicious food and be able to be counted on."
>Dashie smiles and brings me in for a hug
>I don't resist
>"Oh Jacky, y..."
>She pulls away
>"...questionably delicious?"
"...orange peels."
>"...right."
>She hugs again
>"You already help us out. You're by and far the most well-adjusted, which means that you know how to bring us all together. You know how to make Anon happy which is good for all of us and you are usually the one to introduce us to new media. You're our frontiersmare when it comes to looking at..."
>She hesitates
>"...weird things on the internet."
"They're called memes."
>"...yeah... those."
>She releases the hug
>"We all have our own skills to let us shine. Even... well, Shine. But don't you worry, I'll teach you the right way to cook things. Especially since we can't rely on Shine and emulate her using magic."
>That sounds acceptable
>I focus on her words
>That sense of jealousy isn't going away
"...what do you mean keeping Anon happy is good for all of us?"
>I leer at her
"I don't... that's not what that is. That's never what that was."
>The mere thought of...
>How would I ever do that?
>How could I?
>Dashie looks at me like nothing's wrong
>"I know... but benefits are benefits, aren't they?"
>That's not what you have with him
>That's not the intent or even a benefit
>None of any of that has anything to do with l...
>L...
>I still can't even think the word
"I'm... gonna go."
>You want to tell her that you feel disgusted by that
>You don't want to hurt her feelings
>"Alright, Jacky. Look forward to dinner!"
"Yeah..."
>You go around the closest corner you can to get out of her sight
>You could go for some Anon right about now
>He's always open to talk about anything and everything
>But these dreams?
>He wouldn't get it
>He had his own share of stuff but it was never had it like you
>Not that you've had it so much worse than him either
>Probably?
"I just really need..."
>Something to help clear your mind
>When you get to Anon's room you see him sitting with his legs crossed
>With Sparks sitting on his lap
>Both of them are watching a game he's playing
>"If you don't get your guy out of range he's going to die next turn."
>"It's fine, he's meant to be a decoy."
>"But he's your last infantry."
>"I can make more."
>"Man... you're a harsh guy, you know that?"
>"War is hell, Shiner. And better they be gunned down than my neotanks get blasted to scrap."
>They're always so close knit
>And together
>That jealousy feeling feels like it's only flaring up
>Without saying anything I get onto our bed
>And lean against Anon's side

>"Hey there Jackula."
>Even without turning his head away he can tell it's me
>He smiles when he speaks
>"You've just caught me leading Orange Star to supreme victory over the foreign hordes of Black Hole."
>Sparks snickers at the last two words
>...I do too
>...Anon does too
>"Ah... God damn it."
"Are they really orange? They look kinda red to me."
>"You think so too, huh?"
>"Well they're orange when compared to me."
>"Your face is orange when compared to you."
>"That makes as much sense as why you put your bomber over there..."
>"It's for next turn, Spit-Shine. Guy's gonna probably push forward and I'm out of range of his missiles unless he moves those too. And if he does, they'll be what I bomb, or an enemy that's close enough that I won't be at risk."
>"...oh."
>He makes so much sense my eyes glaze over
>It's yet another game I haven't seen before
>I've been here for so long now but there's always something completely new that I haven't seen before
>I don't want to interrupt him...
>But I want Sparky's spot
"Hey, uh... Dash's taking out the trash. And she put those orange rinds in the trash bag too."
>The red lapmare sighs and rolls her eyes
>"Whatever... let her do it I guess. Next time I'm going to show he."
>She isn't moving
>I thought that would work
"Ah..."
>What do I say now?
"Hm..."
>"Something on your mind?"
"...my spot."
>Anon looks at me
>"What's your spot?"
"...I want in my spot."
>"What's your spot?"
>Sparks looks at me
>She's smiling
"...that's my spot."
>"I don't see your n-"
>Anon cuts her off by picking her up like how people pick up long cats
>And puts her at his other side
>She has the most disappointed look on her face
>"There... good lap pony."
>He pats her head
>Her flat face gently curls to a smile
>He opens his legs enough and pats his thigh
>"Alright, in your spot Jackinomics."
"Eheh, awesome."
>I climb onto his lap and curl up
>Rather than sit in it, I focus on laying back
>This is a whole lot better
"After this level, lemme play too."
>"You got it. This even has multiplayer too...up to three players."
>He leers down at me
>A familiar squint that gunslingers make in the high noon sun
>My smile hardens to a stern squinting
>We glare at each other
>"...see? You could have used that so-called 'decoy' to at least kill that unit there."
>He turns his glare to her
>As do I
>She doesn't catch onto what's going on
>"...what?"
"It's on."
>"Like Donkey Kong."
>This confuses her even more
>"...what? Who's Donkey Kong?"
>"Me, because I'm gonna beat your butts like a set of bongo drums."
>The way he says it is particularly threatening
"So what's a bongo drum then?"
>I know the timing is off but the face he makes is priceless
>"I'm gonna start with you, Jack. Make your peace."
>Oh no
"...it's not gonna be in front of everyone is it?"
>He raises an eyebrow like it hasn't even thought of it
>"You know, that's a good question."
>He clears his throat
>"Hey Priss-mass, you wanna see me beat some Jacky butt like a bongo drum?"

"Hey Dash, what are we doing here?"
>"You want to help me out more, don't you?"
"Yeah, of course!"
>"That's what you'll be doing today."
>I'm in the middle of some really big train station.
>There are a ton of ponies of all sorts talking and moving at once.
>All of them look so different in so many ways.
"...I don't get it. What am I doing?"
>"Listen to them... I want you to learn how they speak."
>I frown and try to listen to the chorus.
>It's too loud to focus on... and my stomach growling sounds louder than everything else.
"Dashie, I'm hungry... can we please go find some food?"
>She looks hungry too, but she doesn't like acting like she is.
>She doesn't need to act like she's so much better than me.
>"I know, dear... I'm going to go look. But you stay right here, ok? Do not move from this spot. Don't talk to anyone. Just listen. Ok?"
>We at least found a nice bench to sit on.
"Ok... hurry back."
>Dashie trots off, her wings shifted low to help hide her exposed ribs.
>She looks so skinny now, she didn't used to.
>She keeps finding new homes for us but I wish we could find one place to stay.
>"Well dang it, where did that little sprout go?"
>"Damn it, that stupid heifer said she would meet me here! Useless."
>"I ain't getting on that accursed contraption again! Did you see that it almost splattered them there birds?"
>"Ooh la la, zis is our déstinasyon! But ver iz ze... how you say..."
>...A lot of these stallions and mares sound funny.
>I can't imagine ever sounding so silly as a default voice.
>"Hello! Hello little filly!"
>I blink a few times.
>I see that the funny voice belongs to a... very large mare, wearing a mountain of ribbons.
>"Yes, you! I see you!"
>She trots up to me, smiling as big as she can.
>Which is a lot.
>"Hello to you, I am in searching of ze hotel. Ou est l'hotel?"
>I gawk at her.
>What in the world did she just say to me?
"H... huh?"
>The mare gives a loud, cheerful laugh
>"Esxcuse me, my tongue, she slips back sometimes! I am staying at a very nice hotel. Do you know, where the building iz?"
>I run the sentence through my head multiple times.
>...is she asking me where the hotel is?
"I... I don't know where any hotels are. I was told to just sit here and listen."
>I try to avert my eyes from her.
>I feel terrible for not being able to help her.
"I'm sorry. Dashie said she would be back with food."
>The mountainous mare inhales hard enough that it actually causes my mane to shift.
>"Oh NO! A little filly, without even a bite of food? Did you even have a little... what is, the petit déjeuner?"
>...what did she just call me?
"I... I don't know...?"

>I flinch and lower my head in embarrassment.
>Is she calling me hungry?
>"Your Dashie, she will return with the food! Yes? In that case, let us... how do... beat her to ze punch! Let us go!"
"Wait, I can't leave this spo--WAAAH!?"
>She wraps one of her front legs around me and scoops me away from the bench.
>I spend the entire day with her.
>We eat at a really nice place and she buys me a ton of stuff to eat!
>A soup, a salad, a funny sounding sandwich that had a lot of gross oil from olives in it...
>...I still eat the sandwich, but my mouth feels oily afterword.
>We even find the hotel she's staying at!
>I have so much fun with her and hear her stories of exploring the world that I don't even remember that I'm supposed to be at the station bench until...
>"Oh la la... look at ze sun! She is setting already."
"She iz, how you say... getting zleepy! Hon hon!"
>I've been having fun with her accent.
>She really seems to like it since it makes her laugh.
>"Zat is right, ma petit cherie! Your Dashie... iz she running late?"
>We only left the station for a little bit of time.
>The place we ate at oversaw the bench so I could see her easy.
>She has big wings and she doesn't have some sort of funny accent so of course she would stick out.
"I hope not... she is the..."
>I don't know how to continue that train of thought so I clear my throat.
"I don't know... she's never really late for anything. You know?"
>"I hope she does not punish me for stealing you away for ze day!"
>She laughs like it's the best joke she has ever told.
>I laugh a little too... but now I'm worried.
>"Tomorrow, maybe we meet again, yes? I shall buy a full meal for both ma Jacky et zis famous Dashie! It shall be a celebration of great fortune!"
>She continues to praise having met me but after a little while I do see Dashie!
>I hop up on the bench and wave to her.
>She looks like she was scratched up by something all over.
>She only has a single green apple tucked above her wing.
>"Oh ho! Zis is la Dashie extraordinaire! I am pleased to meet, I am Jelly Belly, I come from many trains to be here today!"
>Dashie looks... exhausted.
>She looks at me, and then at the mare.
>"...have you been talking with Jacky all day, miss?"
>Jelly Belly laughs again.
>It's almost so much that the bench bounces.
>"I have! Your Jacky, she is terrible to hide ze hunger! But zis is no problem, for I gave her an exquisite meal for helping me to find my hotel! Iz the best of both worlds!"
>Dashie looks at me again.
>I feel so guilty.
>I forgot to keep some food left for her too.
>She doesn't look angry.
>But she has this... distant look in her eye, like she's looking past me.
>"...I'm glad you were able to help her out, Jacky... please excuse us, we need to go home."
>She sounds so... dull.
>I really feel like I did something horrible.
>"Please say bonjour to your parents for me!"
>Before I can hop off of the bench, Jelly Belly claps her hooves together.

>"Dashie et la Jacky. Shall we meet tomorrow morning? I shall treat you both to ze best breakfast around! It iz the only thing I can do after she has helped me so much! I have been ze lost et lonely, and would continue to have been so if it weren't for her!"
>Dashie squints at the mare.
>At her lack of a response I stifle a giggle.
>Her eyes whip to mine as if they were looking for some sort of explanation.
"What she means is she wants us to have breakfast with her! Can we do that? Please?"
>"Please, Dashie? I meet new friends everywhere I go, but none look so... how you prefer, famished?"
>Dashie stands there, absolutely at a loss.
>"I... I suppose we can...? And you do not require anything in return?"
>"Ohhh non, I can not do that! You work very hard for Jacky, and you smell like tree sap!"
>Dashie's face scrunches.
>She really doesn't like to smell like stuff like trees or dirt.
>Jelly Belly gets up from the bench and laughs more as she trots off.
>"I shall meet tomorrow! Bonne nuit to you both!"
>Soon it's just me and Dashie in the station.
>Apparently it's also a 'plaza'.
>"...did you understand a word she said at all today?"
>I giggle and puff my face out as much as I can.
"Oui oui, I am ze Jacky! I understand ze alllllll of ze words!"
>She shakes her head and sighs.
>"I have no clue what you just said to me... let's go home. Good job, Jacky."
"I am ze best! Hon hon hon~"
>...
>I poke at my french fries
>Due to everyone being lazy and hungry, Anon got some drive through
>Some sort of weird zombie movie is playing that involves the zombies talking
>Who would ever want their zombies to talk?
"Zis iz le French of fries..."
>My tongue flickers easily
>"Oui. Ze fries flies where ze belly lies."
>Anon nods to himself with his tongue twister
>"Ou est le fry... not in zeese eyes..."
>Sparky lifts up a fry and points it into the center of our bags with a cautious leer
>We all look at Dashie
>She purses her lips and looks...
>Is it awkward?
>"Zeeese... eeEase... mon... food?"
>She visibly changes her face with every new sound, losing her usual air of finesse
>Sparky fails to hold in a snort
>"Oh come on, accents and... voices are the only things I can't do!"
>Everyone laughs at her resignation
"It ain't that hard, Dashie, you just gotta keep your tongue loose and sway with the words if they sound swervy!"
>I sway back and forth on my pillow seat
"Now try another one!"
>After some chuckling and small talk everyone falls silent
>Dashie's eyes dart all around
>Her face scrunches up and moves like she's chewing something super hard
>"...y'aint gonna hol'a gal like me all captive an'th'like, shucks."
>The room erupts with cheers!
>"Well dad gum, our little saloon queen knows how'ta speak like us common folk!"

>Anon speaks in his own exaggerated native accent
>She averts her eyes and purses her lips
>"...well it's not like I wanted to sound like some... huckleberry. It makes my mouth sound like dirt."
>"That might be because you like those burnt fries. They're gonna be a little earthy if you're not so lucky."
>Anon seems pretty happy for the night
>That helps make this feel so much better
>"How did you even pick up the accents? I mean, I grew up with goofy movies and stuff. I even used to sound Canadian, eh?"
>His voice gets a weird bounciness to it at the end
>Dashie shakes her head
>"Oh no, that's far too long a story. It's just a skill that we naturally have. Admittedly, Jacky here has her strengths on voices and I..."
>She clears her voice and her wings push out
>"I am the most absolute of royalty if required of my subjects!"
>I try to stifle a laugh
>It sounds so uneven
>It almost sounds like what she tried to be when she first came out of her box
"I... I think you can retire that one. It was never that good?"
>Dashie gives a loud, theatrical gasp
>"I do say, even Jacky has given me scorn?! Where will such injustices end?"
>She gives a high-energy gesture of despair
>...
>But... it just looks like her front leg windmilled a few times before landing on her eye
>I want to laugh
>But I think she used to do this seriously
>...No wonder some ponies looked at us funny
"Y-yeah... I mean... practice helps too, right?"
>I try to look at Sparky and Anon
>Both of them are doing their best to hold back laughter
>Anon's failing and doing a mini-emulation of her action with his fingers
>"Pract-eese? I am the paragone of class! This demanding tonne has gifted us with entire banquits!"
>Now some of her words are coming funny
>She's just now noticing that two of us are dying from holding it in
>And it's getting hard for me to stay composed
>"...and wot is so funny?"
>The entire room erupts
>Everyone is laughing
>I feel like I'm laughing too hard
>I remember when she used to pull that on guards and they would just stare at each other
>Sometimes they would be so confused that I could slip by and grab stuff
>It's so silly but it still worked!
>"Pezsants do not laugh at me! I am Baroness Faint Presm, heir to the Presm land deed!"
>I can't tell if she's playing it up or trying to remain in character but it's hilarious

>It's raining out.
>Dashie said we have to find a new home.
>I argued with her for hours but she didn't listen to me at all.
"...she said she would take care of us."
>"I said no, Jacky."
>We haven't seen another pony for hours.
>We're stuck on a dirt road to another town.
>After a really fun week, Dashie woke me up in the middle of the night and said we had to go immediately.
>I never even got to say 'good bye' to Jelly Belly.
>It makes me more angry than sad because she really seemed to like me.
"Why did we have to leave? What happened this time?"
>We always have to leave.
>And she always has a reason.
>Always.
>We walk for entire minutes without her saying anything.
>I stop.
>She only notices after a few more steps.
>"Jacky, let's go."
"No! Tell me why we left."
>"Later."
"No! I want to know right now!"
>"Later. Jacky the sun will be setting in a few hours and neither of us ha-"
"I don't care! Answer me!"
>I didn't think I could shout that loud.
"We left behind Sparky AGAIN, we left behind Mademoiselle Jelly Belly! How many other ponies have we left behind?! WHY?"
>I can feel myself tremble.
>I want to just stomp off... but what if she leaves me behind too?
>I can't be alone now.
>"Sparking Shine is not your friend, Jacky. She is not my friend either. She's too loudmouthed, she is a third mouth to feed, and she's useless to us."
>Only now have I bothered to look at her face.
>She looks so sure of herself.
>"That... mare. I don't know what she would have done with you. But she would have separated us. She would leave me to starve and take you off to who knows where."
>That hurts to hear.
>Jelly Belly said that both of us could globetrot with her.
>You never saw her look down on Dashie either.
"Yeah well... what if I wanted to globetrot..."
>She smiles at me.
>"Then it's better to do it with me. Aren't we globetrotting in our own way? Nothing and no one is stopping us from going where we want."
>That throws me off.
"Yeah but..."
>I feel a little confused now.
"...doesn't globetrotting mean that we have a home to return to?"
>She starts walking again.
>"That's what we're looking for, Jacky! Now come on, you'll find new friends soon. You always seem to make new ones anyway..."
>She isn't stopping... so I chase after her until I'm back up to pace with her.
"I still don't see why we had to leave..."
>"Because that wasn't home, Jacky. It was a ditch under a bridge."
>I don't like it... but I really don't know if that's really enough or not.
>We walk for hours without stopping, even with the sun starting to set.
"...What is home going to look like, anyway?"
>"Home to me, or home to you?"
"What sort of question is that? Isn't my home your home too?"
>You don't get an answer.
>Only when the sun is really low does she speak to me again.
>"We don't have anything to make a fire with... come on, let's find somewhere off the road we can sleep."
>If we were still with Jelly Belly we would be having dinner now...

...
>It's a lazy Saturday morning
>These dreams...
>They really haven't been stopping
>Anon has been noticing and has been extra cuddly lately
>We're both watching some documentary about frontier caravans and some sort of big country-wide trail
>It doesn't go into a lot about guns or cowboys so I don't really care about it
>He doesn't seem too into it either
>"Hey Jackquinox."
>My ears perk up at his voice
>I can't imagine what life would be like if I had to move away from that
"What's up?"
>"I got us some tickets to go somewhere tomorrow."
>Tickets?
>We've never done anything like that yet
>"Where to?"
>"A festival. It's not western but it has a lot of cool things like knights, swords, booze... I thought it'd be cool if we all went."
"Oh... weird. What's the occasion?"
>"It's the start of October and they're celebrating by letting a lot of people drink a lot of booze and stuff for really cheap. Which means you and I are gonna see who can hold more."
>I've noticed that over the last year, both of us have been drinking less and less
>I really liked doing it before since everything felt like a dream anyway so it wouldn't matter if I got sick
>But... this isn't a dream
>And we do a lot of things as is without touching it
>But it's still fun in it's own way too
>Especially if I can convince Sparky to drink
"Mmm... that's gonna be fun."
>I've been laying on him like a pony-shaped blanket, with my head on his shoulder
"Hey Anon."
>"What's up?"
"...am I still asleep?"
>I expect him to laugh at me but he doesn't
>He pats my flank
>And pinches it, making my entire leg twitch
>"Hm... probably not. That have something to do with how weirdly you've been sleeping lately?"
>...crap
>I was hoping he wouldn't notice
>Maybe it's not a good thing to hide this stuff from him
"Y... yeah. I guess so."
>"Anything you want to talk about?"
>Yes
"N...no."
>Crap
>"You're sure? Well... I hope you're talking to someone about it. I really don't want you to be bothered about dreams. They can kinda get worse if you can't stop them."
"Are they something you used to have?"
>"Kinda. I used to have a lot of dreams. To me, they were a lot more satisfying than staying awake."
"Well it ain't that... I like being awake. They're more like nightmares."
>"Like what, zombies and all that stuff?"
>I shiver and shake my head
"No but if I have a nightmare about zombies I'm gonna kick your butt for showing them to me."
>He chuckles
>"Alright so we know it's not about the big, bad zombambos. So what do they include?"
>Crap...he's good
"It's... stuff that I think is from back then."
>I don't want to specify further
>Mostly because I don't know how much more specific I can really be
>"Must be heavy stuff... you really have been acting kinda different lately."
"But am I acting differently now, or am I acting more like how I used to be?"
>He doesn't answer
>I don't think he can answer that, anyway
>I don't even know if I can answer that
>"Have the other two had similar dreams?"

"I don't know. Sometimes it's like they know exactly what I'm talking about... and other times they act like it was just a dream."
>He's gone back to petting me
>I've stopped trying to figure out if it's weird that he sometimes treats me like a pet
>It doesn't really matter anyway since it's not like I'm a human like him
>It doesn't interrupt anything either
>"Have you tried talking to them about it? Prismite has been your go-to for pretty much forever, right?"
"Right..."
>My hind legs kick out a few times
>I haven't been able to look at her directly for a few days now
"...what we say is usually kept between us, right?"
>He finally looks at me directly
>"Of course. I don't think we've ever had to worry about that before. Is it something about her?"
>I turn my head back
>Our door is open...
>I can hear a video game going in the living room
>And something... else?
"...what's that whistling?"
>"Sounds like that tea kettle is starting to whistle. I guess someone's doing something with hot water."
"Ah..."
>Then it should be safe to say
"I think she used to keep me away from other ponies on purpose. These last few nights I've been dreaming about some big French pony named Jelly Belly that was teaching me how to speak all frou-frou like the way you like? But anyway she said that she always wanted a pair of daughters since she never had a chance to have foals on her own and I was really excited about it but Dashie was all 'nah' and then we ended up running away from her and I never got to say 'good bye' and we even left Sparky behind too and it really hurt because I felt like I was being kept from my friends and I really wish what would've happened if I got to live nice and not have to worry about food anymore."
>Anon looks at me
>I think I said all of that correctly
>After the second sentence is all kinda... came out
>"That was a mouthful."
"...did... you get all of that by chance?"
>I feel my head pull back
>I feel more embarrassed than anything else
>This is Anon
>If I couldn't trust him with this sort of stuff, who could I trust?
"Loud and clear. I guess that does kinda explains some of the ways you talk. If we ever see her again, I'll have to thank her."
>If we met her again...
>Is that sort of thing possible?
>Would she forgive me for leaving?
>Wouldn't she be mad that she got me food and I didn't do anything to help in return?
>Of course she probably wouldn't
>But part of me worries
>Part of me feels like I'm still there and on the run
>He nudges my flank again
>I blink a few times
>"It's alright. You did what you could, you know? I'm happy she managed to help you how she did. And I bet she's happen she was able to help you out too, even if she couldn't do more."
>I inhale
>And exhale
>The exhale comes out as multiple short, hard huffs
"Do you think I'll ever be at the point that I can help someone out like that?"
>"Sure. But I think you've exceeded just giving someone a few meals."
>I have?!
"Since when?"

>The idea amuses
>Since when have I ever done anything that important?
>"Since you came into my life, Jack. It really is thanks to you that my life has finally felt like it has some purpose. You've helped me as much as I've helped you. Now whether or not that sounds like a lot... well, it is."
>His other arm is around me
>...He still hasn't moved his hand away from my flank
>Not like I could complain
"...Anon, I..."
>Something catches in my throat
>It feels like a physical item that is keeping me from speaking
>He looks at me like he's waiting for me to spit it out
"..."
>He chuckles and gives me a human-strength bear hug
>"It's hard, isn't it."
>I grumble out something
"...it's not hard..."
>That's half of it
"...it's embarrassing is all."
>"More embarrassing than the time-"
"Shh-shh-phft-ah-nope-no, not a word."
>I rush to cover his mouth with my front hooves
>I give him my hardest death squint
"...yes. And you ain't gonna say it. Not when someone could be listening"
>"DON'T WORRY, I'M NOT LISTENING CARRY ON!"
>Sparks calls out from the kitchen
>She must've heard us talking
"DANG IT SPARKY I'M GONNA SNAP THAT HORN OFF!"
>If I could just have three minutes to clean her clock, I'd...
>My hooves are meeting some sort of resistance from wanting to crush
>...It's Anon's face
>I carefully pull my hooves away and give my best smile
"...sorry."
>He releases me completely and takes a moment to massage his face
>"Well you didn't squeeze any teeth out of my head yet so... alrighty then."
>This is a perfect time to let the topic die out and switch to something else
>Anon has done that now
>...I have too
>Let something happen and suddenly the topic is just dropped and no one gets an answer
>And a secret is kept safe
>I can't do that
"...but yeah. That's kinda just how it is. I don't act like I don't, do I?"
"Well you may like me but you sure did hate my face for a moment there."
>Now I feel even more awkward
"I'm gonna say it, you know. When you least expect it I'm gonna knock your socks off."
>"In front of everyone?"
"Maybe."
>"It'll embarrass you."
"I'm gonna embarrass you even more."
>"Oh ho? And how are you gonna do that, my little Jacky?"
>I grin at him
"By acting like an animal so everyone thinks you're a weirdo."
>He opens his mouth to speak
>You know for sure he had an answer for almost anything you could say
>Almost being the key word
>He closes his mouth
>"...you wouldn't."
>I scoff
"Oh I totally would, pony boy. It's ok for me to like humans because I'm a girl but you liking some sort of animal girl like me?"
>I put my hoof up to the side of my face
"Ohhh the things they might say...~"
>He grimaces and puts his hands on my shoulders
>"Now you've done it."
>This catches me off guard
"...what?"
>"Call me Zeus."
>I'm completely lost
"...why...?"
>"Because I'm about to release the Jacken."
>That tone in his voice
>Oh no
>OH NO

>It was a lazy morning...
>After everything was done and... done some more
>Neither of us said the word
>But I felt it
>I still feel it
>I probably wouldn't embarrass him in front of a ton of people
>But I like that he doesn't get mad at the idea
>Maybe he wouldn't really mind it
>...
>Maybe I'll have to actually try it out and see what happens
>If I can say it in public, I can say it in private

>"Are we ready?"
"Ready!"
>"Ready."
>"...did we have to get up this early?
>I haven't seen Anon this excited in a while
>Dashie is awake and alert
>Sparky is tired and had to be carried to the car
>I woke up when Anon did and...
>I could still use a little sleep
>But it will be a bit of a drive too
>"Alright, that's what I like to hear!"
>His excitement lasts for maybe ten minutes of the drive before he mellows back out
>"You guys are gonna love it. It's like the larping week we did, except everyone's a giant dork."
"Does this mean I can be a barbarian again?"
>"No... well, yes. Not this year but next year. You gotta learn the ins and outs of the place."
>"How big is this festival? I'm sure you've waggled your tongue at Jacky enough about it..."
"H-hey, wording..."
>"No, she's accurate."
"Anon!"
>No one speaks for a moment
>"...but you haven't said much of it to us. Wouldn't this have made a prime date for just the two of you?"
>"Yes. But this is bigger than a date thing. I've been squirreling away some extra scratch and got four tickets for us. I can't promise that we'll all be dressed up like rogues by the end but there's booze, food, games, shows and... ah..."
>Anon scratches his head with his non-steering hand
>"...horses? I think there's some jousting going on. Y'know, guys on horses smashing each other with lances."
>I could probably carry Anon on my back
>But I doubt I could run fast enough for him to bash someone
>"Are you going to enter us into a competition? I'm not performing unless I get a cut."
>Dashie sounds... like she enjoys the idea
>Her tone is still sharp but she's not angry
>Anon doesn't seem to know that
>"What? No, I wouldn't put you guys in as some sort of... animal act or something."
>He glances at me a few times
>"I... I mean... three talking ponies, huh... y'think...?"
>That wouldn't be the worst idea... would it?
>We might be able to bring in money that way
>How many of us are out there in the world, anyway?
>"Eh. Nah. I wouldn't want to risk you guys getting the wrong crowd or something. It's gotta be safe or no go."
"Well, it would pay well, wouldn't it?"
>"Not enough to me, if it means risking bad attention or something."
>"How thoughtful... glad to see that our Anon isn't the sort that would sell us out."
>Dashie really doesn't sound like she's happy...
>But I know she is
>Even without looking at her face, I can tell that she's really happy
>"Well don't sound too excited there, Miss Wingspan..."
>I don't think Anon gets what she means
>"What's Shiner's opinion on this, anyhow? She's been quiet?"
>I peek behind me
"She's, uh... still sleeping I guess. Didn't think she was that tired."
>"She's trying one of those 'boss rush' things. She gets far too worked up over those things..."
>I don't think I remember Dashie really being so worked up over anything
"Well she kicks butt so why shouldn't she?"
>I'm still not so great at those games
>It's pretty awesome that she is
>Maybe she can teach me some stuff

>The trip has been pretty low energy so I asked Anon about where we're going
>He put me in charge of the navigation, which meant watching his phone's GPS directions
>Apparently we went in the exact opposite direction to the warehouse that had Nona
>I wonder how Hanz is doing?
>"GPS signal lost."
>Uh oh
"Uh, Anon? The phone said that we're lost."
>"No we're not."
"What?"
>"Look ahead of us, I know where we are now I think."
>I stop focusing on the phone and raise my head up
>There's at least a dozen cars in front of us, bumper to bumper
>"Safe to say the guy in front of us with the dragon wings painted on his rear window is heading toward ye olde festival."
>We...
>Slowly...
>Drive...
>For at least another half hour
>I check back at Dashie
>Even she's sleeping
>But... she's sleeping while sitting up
>I could never do that
"...is it usually always this slow?"
>"I... ah... not that I remember? Maybe it's a big year..."
>I shrug and try to poke around in Anon's phone
>The wallpaper is that picture Sparky took of us
>I look like such a goober
>She still has that smirk
>It feels like that happened a hundred years ago
"I like your wallpaper."
>I don't try to speak too loudly so neither of the two behind us wake up
>"I do too."
"...has it always been that?"
>Anon chuckles and scratches the side of his neck
>"Yeah... after a bit, I kinda just had to. Y'know?"
"Yeah..."
>I boop the touch screen to check out his other things
>Emails
>Spam
>Spam
>A... whole lot of spam
>A few receipts?
"Did you order a few things?"
>"Yyyyyyyyyyyeaaaaaa-no. Nope. Not for you or anyone else."
>His eyes dart down to me for a second
>"Don't look at those. Sales are going on now and Christmas is around the corner."
"Heheh... alright."
>I can't really sneak a look anyway with him in front of me so I boop my way out
"How are we doing?"
>"Good! We crossed the train tracks and our first volunteer is directing traffic and we're... going to the further parking area... Jesus, I don't remember this place being so packed last time I went."
"Ew... wait, when was the last time you went?"
>Anon shrugs
>"Honestly? I don't remember. But it is pretty neat. I hope you guys like it."
"What do you actually wanna do there?"
>"Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii think. I'd dig trying out the mead. And they have really great shows. Other than that, I don't know. I want to see you guys have fun. If talking ponies, including a unicorn and pegasus can blend in anywhere, it'd be here, you know? But I am kinda curious about how it'll turn out. I bet if we dressed up, we really could have some sort of goofy show."
"Would they allow that?"
>"Since they have no clue who we are? No. But people set things on fire so... you know. Shine might feel right at home. As long as she doesn't set kids on fire."

>More slow, jerky progress
>But I can see people now!
"Ha! That man's wearing a skirt!"
>"It's a kilt, Jackly."
"A wha?"
>"...it's a skirt. But it's a Scottish thing so it's not a skirt."
"Hey that guy's a pirate! And the wom... Anon, don't look."
>I can hear him giggling
>Oh no
>Did he know that women dressed like this?!
"You remembered that detail, didn't you?"
>I squint at him
>He shrugs
>"Hey, it's period-appropriate! That's just how it was back then."
"Yeah huh... pretty convenient."
>"Don't worry, my eyes will be stuck on the stonework, swords and shows."
"Being sold by ladies dressed like that?"
>I'm not jealous
>I'm not
>But
>"What? No, most pottery and artisan crap tends to be sold by really old timers who've been doing it for decades and decades. Pretty romantic stuff, honestly."
"Oh. Who's gonna make stuff once they retire?"
>"Who knows? Their kids, apprentices, maybe they'll have something good going on."
"It must be nice to have a sort of... legacy."
>"Yeah... that sort of thing ain't for everyone."
>I want to say something about the topic
>But I can't
>It feels like too much of a serious topic for what's going on right now
>But
"What, uh... what do you want our legacy to be?"
>He doesn't answer immediately
>I don't want to stare but I do look at him out of the corner of my eye
>He doesn't look sad at least
>That's good, isn't it?
>"Legacy... I don't know. What could we even have as a legacy, you know?"
>He looks behind himself
>I almost turn my head because for a second it looked like he was looking at me
>He looks ahead again
>"I guess the only legacy I want is that I gave you everything I could."
>He clears his throat
>He said that pretty quiet
>"And that's all I guess I have to say about that."


>I didn't expect there to be so much walking
>There are so many next level larpers that put our week to shame
"Wholesome qualities are what I might possess."
>Sparky yawns, doubling her efforts to keep up with us
>"That ride was too short.... my shadow has a different vibe than my nose has, and that's a fact."
>Dashie smirks at me
>We've all been working on a few more songs
>"I serve as an example of a something that's almost right."
>Anon points to each of us when his part comes up
>"Fixable, mixable, sitting in plain ol' sight."
>I inhale to go to the next verse... and stop when someone walking near us just...
>Stares at me
>"Dude, do you have talking dogs?"
>It's some man that's dressed up like a jester
>Instead of a knife, he has a carrot at his waist
>"Ah... nah, man. They're talking ponies from another world. One flies, one has magic and the other has legs strong enough to crush your head five times over."
>Are my legs that strong?
>The jester blinks at Anon a few times
>"...either you're on something or you need to give me some of what you got."
"Hey, at least he's being honest! Head's up, I'm not the one that uses magic."
>My own voices makes him jump
>He watched every word I said and still doesn't seem to be afraid or freaked out
>"Huh. Well, you sound like a babe. Gimme enough of anything and I game I guess."
>Anon scoffs
>"You act like you've never been around talking pony chicks."
>The jester thinks over that comment and shrugs
>"I guess not, man. My carrot's not for sharing so, you know."
>He picks up his pace and breaks away from our path
>"Well he was rude... he seemed almost disappointed."
>Dashie chuckles and gives her wings a single strong flap
>"As if we're so unique we'll turn heads... but maybe it'll be fun. Anon. Rules on how we should act?"
>Anon shakes his head
>"No stealing, mugging, kidnapping or ambushing."
>I snort at the disappointed look on her face
"Come on, we're here to have fun! And there are a lot of families here too. I bet this is a really great place, we can't ruin that for them."
>Her answer is a sigh
>"If I end up in the petting zoo I'm burning any kids that try to touch me. This is the only warning I'm giving today."
>Sparky still sounds tired
>Irritated and tired
>I sidle up to her and nudge her flank with my own
"Come on, it'll be fun! We can do all sorts of stuff and I bet we'll even get discounts for being cute and talking ponies! We've done stuff like this before, haven't we?"
>Sparks sighs
>"I don't know, have we?"
>"Eyes ahead, girls. I have the digital tickets and things are gonna get crowded so stick close."
>There are so many people standing and walking around us that it has gotten hard to keep track of them all
>So many of them have outfits that look just like stuff video game characters wear!
>Some even look like they have real swords and knives on them

>"Yup, hi there. Got tickets for four."
>Anon holds his phone out to a man in a green and gold outfit
>...the man is at least twice as big in size but he has a sorta squeaky voice
>"Four? Someone showing up? They're gonna need the tickets, I can't pre-approve them."
>"Wha? No, four. Me and... uh..."
>Anon looks at us
>"I mean... do my girls need tickets?"
>The big ticket keeper looks at me like he's confused
>I smile wide at him
>"N... no? The tickets are for adults and... uh... animals get in for free."
>"Ha! Awesome. Well I'll help myself then."
>"Don't worry Anon, we'll be good. And how hard is it to find us in a crowd anyway?"
>Sparks and Dashie trot off past the bewildered
>"Did those two ponies just-"
>"Yes, they talked. Keep up to speed, man."
>After getting his ticket validated, we walk through some big stone gate
"...so does this mean?"
>"That I wasted like eighty bucks on three tickets we didn't even need?"
>He sighs
>"...yup. Sure does."
"Oh... I'm sorry."
>Ducking and darting through at least a dozen people, I see...
>Another world!
>Every structure and store is all colorful wood and custom signs
>Everyone is very clearly either a normal visitor or some sort of larper in full attire
>Some even have armor!
"...woah."
>Without waiting for Anon to comment, I sprint off to check out nearly every store I can see!
>Clothing
>Huge pots and ceramic jugs
>Cups
"Woah, WOAH! Is all of this stuff handmade?!"
>"Well that's right, little lady."
>An old woman wearing the tightest corset I've ever seen answers
>"Care to check them out?"
>I look around
"...you're talking to me, right?"
>"That's right!"
"...you know I'm a talking pony, right?"
>The woman smiles
>"Honey, I've been setting up shop here for thirty-four years. I've seen weirder."
>She winks
>"Besides, I know we have all of that drone technology going on. You got a real high tech thing going on!"
>But I'm not...
>Wait
>Maybe it would be better if I play that angle up?
>This could be my chance to enjoy more normal stuff!

>"Hey, Anon! Let's grab something!"
>Out of the ether he pops up with a folded up map in hand
>"What's up?"
>"Your mare here wants my jugs."
"WHAT?!"
>"Oh score, she has good taste."
"WHAT?!"
>The two humans share a giggle and focus on me
>"So what are you looking for?"
"Iunno... how about a pair of..."
>A lot of things are high up on wooden shelves and tables but a lot are on the ground and on benches
"...cups? What cups are good for couples?"
>The woman's eyes dart to me and Anon
>"Well, depends what sort of couple you are. Complimentary colors or clashing?"
>I can hear Anon begin to speak but this is my time to shine
"Complimentary! Like these."
>I poke an orange ceramic cup
>And a green one
>"...are those complimentary colors Jack?"
>I look up at the woman
>She looks at me
>"Well I think they compliment the two of you."
>I look at Anon
"They compliment us."
>Anon shrugs
>"Fair point."
>"Gonna need bowls to go with those cups, aren't you?"
"We do..."
>We spend time comparing and contrasting not just bowl styles but colors
>Thankfully all of the things are in one of four colors so its easy to find the right options
>By the end of it, we grabbed a matching pair of bowls, cups, and even plates!
>I have no clue how often we'll actually use the plates since they're kinda small but we'll figure something out
>"Alright... you guys just get here? I can hold onto them for you."
"Please! These are fine, right Anon?"
>"Definitely. The green ones are mine, right?"
>I smirk at the woman
>She seems to get exactly what I mean
>"...I'm not liking the looks going on here."
>"Don't worry, Romeo, you're fine. So will that be cash or card?"


>"So we have our bowls, our cups-"
"Some cups, we need different sizes, right?"
>"Sure, so got those and the bowls."
"Yup!"
>"What's next? I don't think they really do silverware here. We might be able to find someone who makes those really long forks and knives but spoons were usually wood back then."
>I look up at him while we curve around the stream of people going every which way
>Some are looking at us
>At least I'm not paying attention to them
"Really? Why's that?"
>"Supposedly it had something to do with forks being more as a tool to assist in cutting stuff. Everything was pretty much done by knife. Cutting up, cooking, and eating your meat really only requires that."
"Ooh..."
>Even in some westerns they had spoons
>But were they all wood?
"Maybe we need a knife and huge fork then!"
>"I wouldn't say we need to go that far..."
"And a knight outfit with a really heavy looking sword..."
>"...what?"
>I slow down and...
>Just gawk
>At the mountain of a man that's wearing what looks almost like gold armor
>He has what looks like a huge sword on his back but it's hard to tell
>"Jesus... is that even a sword?"
"Iunno. Let's ask him!"
>"Let's not and s-wait, JACK! GET YOUR BUTT-"
>Spurred on by his shouting, I giggle and sprint up to the armored man with my head low
>I don't manage to stop in time and effectively headbutt his metal shin
>It wasn't the smartest thing I've done today
>"Wha-oh, hey there little thing."
>The man sees Anon running up to us
>"This goat yours? I've gotten rammed by all sorts of things, they really don't like the reflections."
>I can hear Anon stifle a laugh
>"Y... yeah. That must be it."
>Free from my daze I take a few paces back and raise my head up
"Hey, I'm not a goat! I don't even have horns!"
>The armored man
>This truck of a human being
>He sees and hears me speak and his first response is to scream and dodge away
>"Woah?!"
>He looks at Anon with some varying level of concern
>"...that's a neat trick."
>"It's not a trick."
"I'm NOT a trick!"
>Now that the initial shock has worn thin, he looks at me funny
"I got a question for you!"
>I punch my hoof up into the air at him
>I can hear Anon trying to talk but he isn't stopping me
"Tell me how much that armor cost so I can get Anon suited up!"
>Anon's voice winds down
>The man isn't sure who to look at, at this point
>"Well, uh... little... gallant mount. It's custom-fitted and it's actually a real suit made from a very popular fantasy series on TV you've probably watched. Cost me around eight grand, and that's because I knew someone."
>Satisfied, I smile and focus on Anon
"Well alright! You got eight grand on you, right Anon?"
>The mere mention of the number makes him look sick
>"...not really."

"Really? It can't take that long to get that sort of money."
>"It can take a very long time to get that sort of scratch, Jackbags."
"But it's worth it, look at him!"
>"And how often am I gonna wear that sort of thing anyway?"
"You can wear it while you rescue me!"
>"...from who?"
"That's a good question. Hey, golden boy who w...ou...?"
>I look around
>Golden Boy's gone
>A lot of people are staring
>"Are you guys performing at that one stage near here?"
>The woman saying that looks genuinely confused
>"If we were, I'd be dressed up."
"Yeah, he'd be dressed up!"
>What sort of question is that?
>I feel myself tense up to charge at her next
>Before I can chase her off, my body turns weightless
>Anon scoops me up into his arms and leaves me on my back
>I squint at the woman, who's now upside-down
"Be lucky my man's here."
>"Alright Jackoff, no more spazzing out, sorry everyone!"
>Anon carries me off just as a crowd starts to form
>After a few steps the slight bounce in his arms is enough to be comforting
>"Jack, you gotta chill. A lot of people here are just enjoying the day out, you know?"
>I huff
>Twice
>I want to argue but I get the feeling he's right
"...not a goat."
>"No you are not. You're a dork."
>I scrunch my face and sigh
"I refuse to believe that I'm such a weird sight."
>"And you aren't. You got all sorts of people here who don't see much outside of TV and work."
"Whatever... I don't like them anyway."
>It bothers me how other humans look at me
>They don't have the same look that Anon has
>He looks at me like I'm... not an animal
"Hey... can you put me down?"
>"Tired already of your knight carrying you?"
>Well when he puts it like that...
"...no. But self control isn't my strong suit right now."
>He puts me down almost immediately
>"Right. Definitely for the best of us right now."
>There are still people all over the place
>There really is no escaping them
"...is there any place where we can kinda be alone?"
>Anon chortles
>"I... yeah, I wouldn't recommend something like that out in public, Jack. Especially here."
"N-not that, But glad to know I'm on your mind like that."
>And I am
"There are too many people here... is it always so busy and crowded?"
>"Oh. Yeah, pretty much."
"Where are we even walking?"
>"No clue. Wanna take a break?"
"Yeah..."
>The walking isn't tiring
>The people are
>I always thought it would be fine to just go out, make a scene, have fun
>Kinda like in the old days that I think I'm starting to remember
>But they were ponies
>Not humans
>The disconnect is still weird to me even though they're in everything I see
>All of the westerns
>All of the other movies
>All in the games that I see
>We reach a mass of wooden benches and tables and sit down
>I sit right beside him and actively lean against him
>He puts his arm around me
>This feels a lot better
>Anyone who looks our way doesn't seem to think twice
>A lot of people are eating though
>Some of the food looks good

>There are so many smells that I can't really tell what is what
"...hey, can we get some food?"
>I keep my voice to a mutter so no one sees me talking
>Maybe that's the issue
>"Sure. What sounds good? Look around, we got options."
>Both sides of the road are lined with food stalls
"I want the caramel apple stuff. And I wanna try out the curds and one of those big pretzels."
>Anon chuckles and gives me a squeeze
>"Three course meal, coming up. Save our spot, alright? I'll be back."
>The bench wobbles as he gets up and starts on his pilgrimage
>I'm surprised it's still safe to sit on given how old it looks
>A few people look at me but don't make a big deal out of it
>Should I smile?
>Say something?
>How many of them are like Anon?
>Really like Anon?
>How many of them are not like Anon...?
>The thought sorta scares me
>...what is even happening to Sparky and Dash right now?
>They're capable
>They always were
>And this is obviously a safe place to be at
>...
>Right?
>Anon is taking too long
>I feel naked
>Someone sits down at a table next to ours
>They're going to talk to me
>I know it
>And it's going to be awkward
>This is getting to be-
>Someone sits right next to me
>I jump and can't stop a yip from coming out
>It's Anon!
>"Alright... hold on."
>In one hand he's holding a plastic cup full of brown liquid
>In the other is a large black bowl... and above that is a clear plastic tray... and on top of that is a huge pretzel
>He sets the cup down first then the cup and puts the tray nearby
>It all happens in slow motion
>The food
>It's a lot
>It looks so good
>"...y'alright?"
"Huh?"
>"You look like you're overthinking something."
"You can tell?"
>"Obviously. Listen, open your gob."
>I open my mouth
>Anon tilts my head back and pours part of the cup's content in
>He nudges my chin so my mouth closes
>It's... sweet
>Honey sweet
>I let my tongue swish it about
>It tastes kinda fruity too?
>It really is a whole lot smoother than any sort of alcohol I've had before
>I eventually gulp it down
"...what was that?"
>"Mead, my Jacken-Dazs. The real reason this place has lasted for decades without missing a single year."
>It warms my chest on the way down
>When was the last time Anon and I really had a drink together?
>It is one of my first memories with him
>Did I ever even have alcohol before that?
>"So, we have cheese curds with sauce, a big-ass pretzel, and a bowl full of chopped apples with caramel and some cinnamon ice cream. I told them to drown that sucker."
>What would I have done for all of this food before?
"...and it's fresh too?"
>I couldn't stop myself from asking that
>"Heck yeah, girly. I watched the curds and pretzel come out. Apples, I stole a bite and they are crunchy so I'd say we're good."
>Where do I start?
>This is all such a big shift from what we have at home, even if we've been going out of our way to try a lot of new things
>"You're drooling."
"Eh?"
>"You're drooling harder than the time I introduced you to chocolate syrup."


>The more the mead flows, the less I worry
>Technically he can only buy one cup per visit
>And people look at us funny when he gives me my half of the cup
>But screw them
>What do they know, anyway?
>Between the warm feeling that gives, and the hot food in my belly I feel great
>Even if I've been bored of walking since an hour ago when we first came in
"Anooooooon."
>"What's up?"
>He's standing on the side of the main road, looking at a shop that has a lot of leather items
"Where are we going?
>"Well... I guess we don't really have a destination in mind. Interested in a corset, by the way?"
"Eh... nah, that's alright."
>It'll take far more alcohol to get me to act funnier than usual
>But between the walking and the dirt and the grass and the gravel?
>I haven't felt this... filthy in a long time
>It doesn't make me feel good
>When did I used to care?
"Anooooooooonamooooooooo...!"
>I close my eyes and moo his name
>"Hold on, gotta write down the..."
>He fiddles with his phone and takes a note about something on a counter then comes back
>"Good looking stuff. What's up?"
>I want to go home
>And take a bath
>And watch a movie
>Being out here is fun but it keeps bothering me
"Let's find Sparky and regroup. It's been a while since we've seen her."
>Anon squints and scans the area
>"True... and she's kinda the sort that sticks out. Let's hope she hasn't gotten thrown out or stuck in a vase."
"Heh... gotta bust her out like a secret item or something."
>I wasn't having the best time
>She always has troubles going on
>Maybe together we would have more fun
>Anon keeps stopping every few stores to take a quick glance
>None of them really seem interesting to me
>Human clothing shops
>Sword shops
>Most of the clothing stops cater to women
>I can tell when he's thinking of getting something for me
>But what he's looking at doesn't fit me
>Not unless he really tries to modify something
>We search so many places without any luck
>I notice that less people stare when I don't speak
>"Haha, alright minions! Your empress will return again another day!"
>That voice
>"What the hell?"
>We share a look
>That's Sparky
>She's on a stone bench
>Wearing a white tiara
>With wings?!
"Sparky!"
>I trot up to her
>A lot of people that were watching her are watching me now too
"What's all of that stuff, where'd you get it?"
>"Oh, this? Nothing, just a REAL silver tiara with REAL dragon wings."
>Real dragon wings?!
"There are dragons here?!"
>"No, she's just wearing a set of wings that people put on their dogs. Nice fit though."
>Anon's amused explanation causes Sparks to give a sour look
"Oh, that's less cool. You look like an alicorn though, like a princess!"
>Sparks gives me a haughty laugh
>"Princess? As if. I am an empress."
>"Oh hey there's Prism too. Yup, over here!"
>Dashie's here too?

>She trots up and sits on the road next to Anon
>Though she isn't smiling I can tell she's really happy
>Her chest is puffed out and she has a tiara on too
>The tiara has a horn on it
>"Greetings, Jacky. Both of us have had an awakening while you were away."
>"...you smell pretty fancy."
>"I struck a deal with a perfume lady."
>"You had cash?"
>"Feathers."
>"Ahh... ew."
>This doesn't make any sense!
"How did you find the tiaras? And the wings!"
>She glances back to the crowd that had mostly dispersed by now
>"Oh, you know. Do a few magic tricks and people are easily impressed."
"Aw man... I want wings and a tiara too."
>Sparky scoffs
>"No way. You get Anon, I get the title of Empress and get to rule over humanity."
>I can hear Dashie clear her throat
>"...and... Marchioness Prism gets her own little spit of land in the middle of nowhere, it really doesn't matter."
>The pegasus holds her head up high and marches to the self-titled empress
>"Excuse me but selling my feathers has given us most of our money to get these."
>"Ew, that's because they're gross and gross people will buy anything."
>"They bought more of my feathers than your little parlor tricks."
>"Tell that to your stomach, my magic and polite asking gave us food!"
>"You know, you actually sort a like Princess Celestia now. You even have the narrow face and everything."
>...Anon has a good point
>Dashie opens her mouth to say something
>...
>And closes it
>"Given she is the ruler of all of Equestria, I take this as a compliment. Thank you."
>"Yeah, and she's a freaking jobber. Now Empress Shine on the other hand..."
>Both of them smell nice
>Both look like they're happy
>...I want a tiara too
>"...so you want your own wings and stuff too?"
>Sparky sounds so bored by asking that
"Well yeah! Totally! I want to be an alicorn too!"
>"Fiiine... I guess you can be... like a Duchess or something. Maybe a mayor."
>I look back at Anon
>He already looks pleased
>"Well would you look at that. I'm gonna have an entire royal court at this rate."
"Yeah! Lead the way!"
>Reunited, I follow the empress and marchio...
>Marchion...
>Empress-lite
>Even being an alicorn mayor would be awesome so it works for me

>From rags to riches
>A nobody to ruler
>I am
>An alicorn
>"...you done up there yet Jack?"
>Anon's voice...
>Oh how sweet he is
>For a mere mortal, he brings insight to my life
>He will make an excellent...
>An excellent...
>Companion?
>Assistant?
>Butler?
>I shrink back from my heroic princess pose, having run up a set of stacked benches to survey the area
>The fluffy white angel wings fit me perfectly, and act as an opposite to Sparky's black dragon wings
>The tiara is actually just a headband with extra bits but it has a lot of clovers and even some sort of fruit in the center
>I choose to believe that it's an apple
>"...Jack? You're getting that funny look again."
"Please, mortal man! Your mayor is contemplating life."
>"Yeah huh. You know you're not even on the level of some viceroy, right?"
"If I knew what that was, I might care."
>I re-establish my brave pose
>...the wings are really just part of some sleeve slipped over my chest but I'm sure I could get them to flap if I bounce enough
>With one last inhale, I bounce down to the dirt road
>Anon was close to eye level with me
>Now he towers above as is the usual
>Maybe it is better to be the ace up his sleeve...
"Hey, where did they go?"
>"Jousting arena, it's close to here so they're picking out some seats."
"Men riding mares into battle..."
>I look over Anon
>"And not just battle, if you know what I mean. C'mon, let's go."
>We keep pace until I see the empress and march...
>Empress-lite
>Dashie's tiara is a lot more place, with some sort of gem or piece of blue glass in the center
>Sparks' tiara is sorta spiky with a rose at the center
>They are nice but neither can really compare to mine
>"I'm gonna grab us some kettle corn, keep tight alright?"
>I nod at Anon's notification and squeeze between the two
"Fellow rulers, how go-eth the battle?"
>"Shh."
>"...not now Jacky."
"Come on, why not?"
>"Shh."
>"...not now Jacky."
>What's up with them?
>I focus on where their eyes are
>A quintet of men in colorful outfits are leading around huge horses that are wearing appropriately colored blankets
>Mare
>Mare
>Mare
>Mare
>M...
>Stallion
>While it a distance away, I can tell
>It's a stallion
"...I'm on purple team."
>"Get in line."
>"Mmm..."
>Barely a word is spoken until Anon comes back
>People are really starting to crowd around but he manages to squeeze onto a bench right behind us
>"Hey girls, I got kettle corn. It's usually sweeter than the usual stuff so it's a real treat."
>"Cool."
>"Mmm..."
"Yup."
>"Well... don't act so awestruck."
>Eventually the horses are led away and some wimpy looking dork runs into the center and starts shouting about different houses and clans and crests and boring things
>There's a kingly figure
>A queenly figure
>And even knights that are in full armor!

>"Yeah, get his ass!"
>One knight keeps winning these one-on-one duels
>After the stallion, there's really no interesting stuff that can keep up
>"...they're going to have jousting, aren't they Anon?"
>Dashie breaks our silence
>"Well yeah, after this. The jousting stuff is the dramatic climax, this is just warming the crowd up. The guys are in armor so dense that for the most part those swords would never d-"
>"Yeah yeah, thanks."
>"You're welcome, Empress Derp..."
>The purple knight gets a cheer from us even if he loses in under a minute of boasting and some sort of medieval slapping fight
>Then...
>The jousting
>What will eventually lead to the jousting
>All of the knights mount their horses and line up, proclaiming their own virtues and whatever
>I don't remember what the purple knight said but Anon starts cheering when they all distances themselves away
>"Blue man group, kick red's ass!"
>Sparky seems to take this as a challenge and glares at Anon
>"Blue sucks my horn, purple's going to teabag the competition!"
>Anon seems to take this as a challenge
>"Purple's packing teabags, blue's gonna show everyone a real pair!"
>Some people cheer with Anon's rally
"Anon, purple really should win you know."
>He scoffs
>"You kidding me? He's a jobber and a half, he's the most dull dude out there."
>This can not be
"No way, his horse is awesome and..."
>Crap
>What else is worth cheering on?
"Ehhh...?"
>He shakes his head
>"An awesome mount isn't enough if you can't handle a hit."
>He's not wrong
>But
>I focus on the arena
>The jousting is actually really fun
>At least two lances shatter!
>No one was seriously hurt but one was a critical hit on a shield and the other was deflected and dug into the dirt
>It feels like things are starting to wind down...
>Until the purple knight rides in!
>As he passes us, all three of us let out loud cheers that seem to confuse him since he stops and... doesn't say anything
>Like he forgot his lines
>After an awkward pause, he calls out to the yellow knight about how he's going to win or something
>It sounds like he's issuing a real challenge
>The purple knight's horse turns his flank to us, trotting sideways
>Someone brings the knight a lance that has some sort of different design to it
>After some more shouting, the knight gallops off to his opponent!
>The quilt flaps up during the sprint, causing all of us to cheer
>I think Dashie screamed a little too loud, her face got red
>The challenge lasts for three passes but eventually the purple knight is defeated
>The yellow knight wins all of the prestige...
>Even though at the end all of the knights present themselves and bow for the crowds

>"So... big fan of purple, are we?"
>We keep close as a group and walk off after everyone else starts to leave
>Anon sounds suspicious
"Yeah... he was so cool."
>Sparky looks satisfied
>Dashie looks excited
>I haven't seen her look so physically happy in I don't know how long
>"Hm... so, I noticed all of the mounts were mares. Why do you think they chose that for all of them?"
>I chuckle
"Come on, Anon. Obviously there were stallions there."
>"Really? I'm used to seeing mares. Green, blue, red, yellow..."
"But not purple..."
>We all three nod at the same time
>"...Jack?"
"What's up?"
>I don't know what he's talking about but today turned from good to great
>"Did you get you an eyeful of stallion?"
>All of us freeze
>...
>Empress and Empress-lite start to hurry ahead
>I'm stuck
>Don't look back at him
>Don't answer
>"You're gonna get it."
>Crap
"RUN!"
>All three of us break out into a full sprint
>I don't remember the last time I have ever seen Faint "Dashie" Prism run!
>She's keeping up actually really well
>I turn my head to ask her how the heck she's so fast...
>And then I see him
>Anon
>He's barreling after us with a bag of half-eaten kettle corn in hand
>"I'M GONNA GET ALL OF YOU, YOU BETTER PRAY THEY DON'T SERVE PONY BURGERS!"
>His outburst causes a burst of speed
>Rather than splitting up, we start to duck under and around people while keeping on the road
>The rush of getting caught and thrill of being an alicorn with horned apple tiara is too much to bear
>I can't tell if I started it but we all end up cackling and laughing at our escape
>Anon can keep up but he's nowhere near fast enough to catch us
>Feeling like I need a bath with a full belly
>Trotting on familiar feeling dirt roads
>Dozens of people around us that are too surprised to try to stop us despite the man chasing us and shouting cartoonish threats
>I feel like we're back to being fillies, free to be troublemakers and effortlessly evading The Law
>This was how things were supposed to be

>We lose sight of Anon and explore everywhere as a trio
>Though it was fun to stay on the run, we do let him catch up
>Every trio of alicorn leaders needs a strong knight
>I would dub him a knight but I don't think mayors have that authority
>"Alright... I'm starting to get pooped. And I can taste dirt in my mouth. When do we get to go home?"
>Sparks is the first to say what we're all thinking
>Sprinting around has felt amazing
>Ducking around people and darting through crowds really made me feel alive, like a real thief or rogue
>Even if I still do believe I fit a barbarian role better
>I sit down on a patch of grass on the side of the uneven dirt road road
"I kinda wanna take a bath too."
>Dashie frowns at the realization that her coat has turned visibly browner
>"I... do not miss the dirt."
>Anon's shoes and legs below the knee have some speckling of dirt and a light dusting of grey and brown too
>"Well we've been here for..."
>He checks his phone
>"Almost three hours now."
>He looks over all of us
>We have our wings
>Our horned tiaras
>"Well, we ready to head out then?"
"Is three hours enough?"
>"Well this is the third time I've seen this tree stump... and I'm an Empress. We don't have the stuff required to roll around in the dirt like commoners."
"Yeah well you also don't have an Emperor either."
>I glance up at Anon with a smile
>He picks up on this
>"Thankfully I'm not Emperor material. I'm more a captain."
>We all look up at him
"So, what do we do next, cap'Non?"
>Dashie smirks
>"I guess even commoners can grow into some form of authority. Orders?"
>Sparks scoffs
>"You better not get used to giving me orders, mortal."
>Anon takes a proud stance of authority
>A few random onlookers are taking notice of the man and his three technicolor mares
>"Mares, our destination is the entrance. We'll claim our kitchenware then head back to the car. After we drive off..."
>His eyes narrow
>"Steaming hot baths for every single one of us until there isn't a speck of dirt left."
>We all cheer at the order
"He's a true leader, he is!"
>I slip into a slightly silly accent with an unusual drawl, which is what a lot of the people in outfits stick to when in character
>A few onlookers even clap
>That causes Anon to shrink away from the newfound attention
>"...anyway let's kick dirt, girls."
>Before an even bigger crowd forms, he leaves
>We follow
>Sparky and I flank his right side and Dashie takes his left
>Maybe it's the wings and tiara but I feel like a bad ass now
>If we were really all alicorns, we could really rule the world
>Or at least conquer a city
>And bring Anon all sorts of great things and gifts
>Maybe that wouldn't be SO bad
>We end up at the entrance in record time, or maybe we were closer than I thought
"...were we this close to the entrance the entire time?"

>"I think so. Either that or we mentally mapped out everywhere. I'm surprised we didn't find more things to buy, honestly."
"Same... are you sure we'll be ok without grabbing some knives and those huge skewer forks?"
>Anon squints at me
>I slowly squint at him
>"You just want a skewer so you can poke me with it from a distance."
"Nnnnoo...."
>My mouth stays open while I stay on the 'o' sound
"...ooooookay maybe a little. But just when you're busy."
>"Not gonna happen."
"Dang it."
>"Stay here real quick."
>Anon breaks off from the group to go back into that store we went into
>The woman with the jugs seems happy to see him and hands him a pair of plastic bags that look like they, themselves, are in plastic bags
>Rather than coming back, he takes a detour to a guy sitting on a wagon
>You can't hear what he's saying but after some back and forth he exchanges a bill for an absolutely massive bag of... popcorn?
>What's medieval or fantasy about popcorn?
>He rejoins us and waggles his eyebrows
>"Alright, let's go."
>As a unit
>As a well-dirtied machine
>As reliably as a man herding cats, we go through the entrance and into the freedom of grass, gravel, dirt and a herd of people moving to and from the entrance
>"We're finally free... if none of you mind, I'm gonna rush ahead. I need to clean myself up."
>"Isn't that why we're going to take turns taking baths at home?"
>Anon doesn't seem to get it
>The Empress looks up at him like he's stupid
>"Magic? I can just clean myself that way."
"You can do that?
>"I guess you can do anything with magic, huh..."
"Except make ice twice."
>Sparky takes it personally with my comment
>"Hey, I did it once! That proves that I can do it."
>"...maybe that was just a cutscene ability..."
>Dashie snorts with her comment
>"I'm going to roast your wings and serve them for dinner, Prism."
>"You'll have to catch me first, dear."
>What happens next...
>I never would have expected it
>Prism lets out a dignified laugh, like she was royalty
>She takes off into a full gallop and after only six steps she flaps her wings so hard even I can feel the gust they create
>In one solid bound and with a few flaps, she's
>She's airborne
>She glides for dozens of yards, leaving a shimmering rainbow that lingers in the air for entire seconds
>People seeing cheer at the sight
>"Holy crap, they didn't have that last year! Mom, did you see it?!"
>You can make out at least one comment
>None of us move
"I... I don't think I've ever seen her do that."
>"I had no clue those feathers actually worked."
>Neither of us could believe it
>"...bro. Prismatic dissed you and sky-dabbed her way to the car."
>Anon and I look at Sparky
>The look on her face is that of sheer humiliation
>"...that bitch...!"
>"You gonna get stood up like that?"
>Her horn starts to glow
>I really should not encourage this

>But...
"...she's gonna get the front seat and get the prime air conditioning if she makes it there first too."
>The glowing intensifies until the tip begins to spark
>"She's dead."
>"Not if you can't catch up she isn't."
>There's this... teasing tone to Anon's voice
>It's such a tiny little thing but I can tell it's there
>Sparky huffs and stamps the ground
>After three breaths, she sprints ahead at full speed
>The black dragon wings on her start to glow and flap hard
>It isn't enough to get her off the ground but it gives her a noticeable boost in sheer speed
>Anon and I watch one chase the other into the dozens of rows of cars
"...was it a good idea to spur her on like that?"
>"Honestly? I'm not sure. But hopefully if they damage a vehicle no one will have proof."
>Left alone, we start walking as if the two talking ponies defying reality have nothing to do with the man and his talking pony that is dressed up vaguely like the aforementioned two
>Halfway to the car, we stop seeing signs of the two gliding and running around
>There are at least no screams of anger or terror
>That has to be a good thing, right?
>"...so you've never seen Prism fly like that, huh?"
"No, never."
>"...she's a fast runner too."
"Seriously."
>Less people are walking by us now, most likely a new wave of visitors
>"Hey Jack."
"What's up?"
>"Since we're apparently seeing all sorts of neat things today..."
>Uh oh
>I think I know what's going to happen
>"I have something to tell you."
>My defenses immediately drop
>Ok
>He isn't going to do that here
"...well, you know, we're all open books."
>"You remember when we were out at that park trail?"
"Yeah, our date!"
>He smiles
>"Yup. Since then..."
>He shakes his head
>"No. Before that point..."
>He doesn't continue
"What about it?"
>I'm not really sure where he is going with it
>We walk for another minute or two
>There are less people around but still a lot that are either changing behind their vehicles or getting ready for the day
>I don't get the feeling that he's actually waiting for there to be less people
>"...yeah... I don't have anything clever to say. I thought I did."
>He pauses
>"I hoped I did."
>I snort
"Anon's out of fancy-sounding words? What'd I do, finally dumb you down?"
>"Yeah well, I'm doing pretty damn well you know. People get a lot more dumb when they're in love."
"Ha! Yeah, I b e t . . . y o u . . . "
>I slow down my pace
>He said it so casually
>Just like we were talking about anything else in the world
>My mind really is drawing a blank on how to react
>No, that isn't right
>Of course I know how I should react
>But my body just won't move so well
>I end up sitting down
>Is it me or does the sky look that much more blue?
>The air is so fresh, even with the little bit of taste of dust on my lips
>Anon stops walking too
>He crouches down on one knee and puts his hand on my head
>His face
>That's the face of Anon
>That's the face of the man that just said he was in love
>I blink
"...with who?"

>The serene face of that man eventually melts into a concerned expression
>"With you, dumbass. Who do you think?"
>I blink again
"...you're sure?"
>The concerned expression grows
>"You really are a barbarian, aren't you."
"I-you-wha-"
>I'm caught off guard fully
"You don't just spring that on someone, I wasn't prepared!"
>Everything's heating and tensing up!
>"It's not about being prepared you dork, you just do it when it feels right!"
"Don't you call me a dork you GEEK! You do all sorts of things without letting me know!"
>"Because it feels right!"
"But how do I know if it does?!"
>"Then you just do it!"
>Our voices start raising until we're basically shouting at each other
"Then what do I do if it feels right?!"
>"Nike, bitch! Just do it!"
"Fine!"
>I spring off of the ground and launch myself at him with my full might
>I want to buck that stupid face off of his shoulders
>Instead, my lips meet his
>And a little extra
>Where does he get off for bringing up that sort of thing?
>Why would he say all of that when he's already proven it with his words?
>When did he think that and why wouldn't he have said it sooner?
>What does he think he's doing, just bursting that out and making me react this way?
>The kiss eventually ends
>I'm sitting on his chest, huffing with a furious burst of energy
>He looks
>Satisfied
>That silly face makes me want to buck a the next ugly car I see into junk
>Those smug eyes make me want to
>"Jack."
>That voice
>"You're salivating."
>I blink a few more times
"You're lucky I love you, Anonymous."
>"Why's that?"
"Because tonight I am releasing the Jacken."
>That look on his face fades
>It slowly changes into something of more genuine fear
>Good
>"...ah shit. It's going to get rough, isn't it."
"Yes."
>"It's going to hurt, isn't it."
"Eventually."
>"...volume control?"
>That stops my roaring fire
"...crap. I didn't think of that."
>He sighs and pats my head
>"Yeah, I know."
>I feel pent up suddenly
>This can't just... end now
>That's not how it happens in the movies
>He leans in to whisper
>"Listen... let's pretend that family over there did not watch a guy and a talking yellow pony make out. And let's go. Before they decide to do something that might involve cops."
"...o... oh shit."
>We both look at the family
>It's a man, woman, and three kids
>The one kid, who's eyes weren't covered, has his jaw dropped low enough to taste grass
"...oh... oh... no..."
>"Slowly hop off me... and let's fucking book."
>Still watching them, I get off of anon one hoof at a time
>They're watching me specifically
>They know I'm watching them too
"Anon... get up."
>I whisper to him
>"...can't."
"Anon, get up."
>"I'm paralyzed by both embarrassment and a little fear."
"Anonyouaren'tparalyzedrightthere,they'restartingtowalkoverherelet'sgonowAnonNOW!"
>That causes Anon to slowly, procedurally get back to his feet
>He looks at the family
>Slowly kneels down to grab the kitchenware and popcorn
>The staring contest continues

>There's no way stare downs in Westerns are this hair raising
>"...Jack?"
"...yeah?"
>"Cheese it."
>Surprising myself and the family, we basically break out into a full sprint like our lives depended on it
>We run like Mexican banditos, zombies, ghosts, cattle rustlers and American Union soldiers are on our tails and ready to shoot, stab, eat and rustle us
>We find Sparky and Dashie sitting in front of the car, idling talking about something
"CODE RED, WE NEED TO LEAVE NOW!"
>"What the hell is a code re-"
>Anon hurls the massive bag of popcorn at Sparks' face and smacks her with the weight of a moderate pillow
>He fumbles for his keys and unlocks all of the car doors
>Picking up on the urgency, Dashie grabs the bag and scrambles up into the car
>Magic slams all of the car doors shut
>With the haste of a madman Anon... calmly pulls back out and angles his way back onto the main dirt road to leave
>There's... a line to leave
>We patiently crawl along for at least ten minutes
>Not a single one of us is prepared to speak
>Only when we're back on the main highway does Anon peel off and start screaming
>Unsure of what to do, I start screaming too
>I turn my head back to the Empress and Marchio...
>Marchoni...
>Empress-Lite
>They're just looking at me funny
>"...Jacky, why are you screaming?"
>They don't get it
>Of course they don't get it
>They aren't in love either


>I can't stop myself from retching.
>The hoof to my stomach has turned my world into itself.
>"Thanks for the food, loser."
>The larger colt takes my bread and trots off, laughing with a full mouth.
>I feel completely alone but I know there are ponies all around.
>None of them stopped him.
>None of them helped me.
>After some minutes I go back to... where I sleep.
>Dashie found a new place to sleep.
>An alleyway between two big buildings.
>Everything's all muddy and grey or brown...
>She's still missing.
>"Hurts, doesn't it."
>It's a unicorn.
>A grey one and about my size.
>I don't say anything to her and lay down on a discarded quilt.
>It is one of the luckiest finds I've ever had.
>"You look dirty. Why are you still alive at this point?"
>I don't reply.
>It's probably just a bully anyway...
>A lot more of those are starting to pop up.
>Maybe it's because I've gotten older.
>Less ponies are nice to me.
>"You know. It's ok to die. If you really have no reason to keep going, it's ok. Everypony dies."
>She doesn't sound like she's trying to convince or talk down to me.
>I look away from her and try to focus on my stomach.
>"If things get too hard. You know that you can just die. I wouldn't hold it against you. I would do the same thing."
"Leave me alone."
>"Leave you alone? No way, you still owe me."
>That voice...?
>I lift my head up.
"S-Sparky?! It's you!"
>I struggle to my hooves and lunge forward for a hug
>I haven't seen Sparky in nearly a year!
"I've missed you, where have you been this entire time?!"
>The hug is too strong because she can barely speak.
>I let go and she backs away from me, huffing and puffing.
>"You freak, you're still living in trash and you got stronger?! What sort of shit is that, that isn't fair."
>She... looks really the same as I last saw her.
>Maybe a little more long in the legs.
>Her horn is still there.
"I'm not strong, you're just weak. Can you still almost-do magic?"
>She glares at me.
>"...listen. I found a way to get food. And money too."
>That catches my attention.
>Getting money means buying things, not just food!
>"But I need help. You want in?"
"Y-yeah! Of course! Have you seen Dashie? Maybe she can-"
>"No, Jacky. You need to stop trusting her."
>She steps closer to me.
>She looks serious.
>"That little punk that stole from you... I know where he lives. And his family has money."
>Is she talking about robbing someone?
>I want to tell her that's a dumb idea.
>But what if...
>I want to get back at him?
>...Is it ok to do this to live?

...
>I've been staring at the closet in Anon's room for too long
>He and Sparky are doing some sort of medieval breakfast thing
>It's been a week and all we've been watching have been movies about kings and knights and thieves
>I really like how the closet has changed
>It used to be just some of his stuff in there
>But all of our hats and wings and tiaras and other things are still there
>Except Dashie's tiara
>She's still wearing that
>She seems like a completely different pony with it on
>Anon ducks his head head inside
>"Psst. Jaqen H'ghar."
"Mm?"
>I don't look away
>I almost have a hat for every occasion
>Sparky wouldn't mind if I stole her 'GET SMOKED' hat, surely
>"Breakfast is ready. It's more... American colonialism than knights and stuff but we got eggs, oatmeal and figured out a way to make bread pudding."
>I frown at him
"That sounds like... what we eat already. How do you turn bread into a pudding?"
>"Through age-old magic... we also have a stew set up that'll be ready by dinner."
>He ducks his head out
>...
>He ducks his head back in
>"Pspsps... hey Jack."
>I smirk at the man
"Forget something?"
>"Love ya."
>He ducks back away after my surprised reaction
>For the last week we've almost been playing a game of it
>The more randomly that word popped up, the better
"Alright, time for goat's milk, goat cheese, goat steak and... uh..."
>"What are you talking about?"
>Sparky's up on a stool
"Oh hey, you have a chef's hat now!"
>"Yup."
>She's staring at a huge pot
"Is the stew in there?"
>"Yup."
"Cool. So... we aren't eating anything with goat in it?"
>"No, you dork. It's venison, apple, butter, potato, garlic and some herbs."
"...so why are you watching it?"
>I was ready and excited but her focus is draining the energy out of me
>"Anon said a watched pot never boils."
"...oh. Ok. Well I'm gonna go eat."
>"Breakfast is set up in the living room."
>I take a few steps before smiling
"Oh yeah... Sparky? Sparky warky?"
>"Yup?"
"I love you."
>"Mm. Love you too."
>I giggle and trot off
>Only after a few seconds do I hear a heavy thud and a 'WHAT?!'
>The blankets and pillows have been cleared up
>A huge pot and some bowls and other things have been set up
>Anon is pouring oatmeal onto a giant omelet and handing it to Marq...
>Mar...
>Empress-Lite Dash
>"And a breakfast fit for you, Marchioness Prismite."
>"Thank you Anon, you're a dear."
>Ever since she had that tiara on she's been so much nicer
>Our two plates also have a fat egg blob on them, along with a third that has one for the stew watching chef
"So what makes this special?"
>"Turns out? Not much at all. Humanity is pretty damn dull when it comes to cooking the exact same things for centuries."
"Ah... well that stew sounds cool anyway!"
>I'm not sure why apples are in a stew but if it turns out good then it'll probably be fine

>Chef de la Spark joins us and breakfast is had with not a whole lot of talk outside of commenting on how to make food that looks exactly like what we saw in the movies
>Nothing really stands out for conversation until Anon clears his throat
>"So gals... it's been kind of a while since we discussed D&D stuff."
>The minor commentary or conversations hush down
>No one has really wanted to talk about it since the last night of larping
>"...what about it?"
>Sparky is the first to speak up
>"Well, we still have our campaign going on. And I haven't heard of anything yet when it comes to perks."
>We all look at each other
>None of us have honestly sat down and discussed it
>No one has really approached us about it too, which means that we're probably safe
>"...glad to see that this hasn't been a completely scarring event..."
>He sounds worried
"It's not that."
>I rush to be the first to answer
"It's just..."
>"A little too real for us."
>Dashie followed through
>"Rabid animals aren't fun to deal with either."
>Sparky finishes
>"Yeah... I know. Sorry."
>That week wasn't bad at all
>It was almost all fun
"How about we set things back up tonight? Anon, you still have everything set up, right? We can just get back to it like normal?"
>He shrugs
>"Well yeah, of course. I still have my campaign notes and such too."
>I'm too full to be too active but I stamp my hooves down in a rhythm
"Then let's do that! We can begin with getting our perks or whatever and we can do and then go back to saving the world!"
>We weren't exactly saving the world
>We got distracted and our hometown got overrun with zombies but we were last tasked with going to a new town to protect them
>No one else really says anything about it
"Come on, aren't you guys excited? We get to fight zombies and we got some sort of... thing!"
>"It was an amulet. Anon won't tell us what it does and none of us are able to figure it out."
>Sparky speaks up while eating
>She's using magic to fold her omelet into some sort of burrito with oatmeal leaking out from both ends
>Except when it leaks out, it automatically ends up on top of the egg burrito
>"Hey, I can't give you everything for nothing. You had that one sage you could have brought it to."
>"And pay him?"
>Sparky snorts
>"I can do it. I just need... to spend a few more skill points to figure it out."
>"So tonight I suppose we're going to start our adventure once more?"
>"That's right, Prisimena."
>Anon seems pretty chill about it
>But I don't think he sees it
>I can see it
>The way we're all looking at each other
>Even if it is just a game, it is going to be really dangerous
>We have to make sure we cover each other
>Thankfully only I have gone down to 0 HP once, and that was due to an enemy landing a critical hit
>This time we'll be ready for anything


>Candles are lit
>Lights are off
>Laptop is on
>Character journals are out
>We started keeping track of things in journals after Anon stopped reminding us what we were doing, or where we were going
>He said that it was more 'old school' that way
>It has helped me at least because I've been able to write down plans!
>What to buy next
>What is weak to axe strikes
>What is weak to axe strikes with the blade turned flat!
>Anon gave me some bonus experience the first time I asked if I could do that for blunt damage
>Sparky thought I was dumb for wanting only an axe and not wanting to switch it out for something more heroic like a sword
>Dashie has been sticking with a knife and a bow
>While she does get a damage penalty, Anon has let her use arrows themselves as little things to stab with
>She hasn't let him know why, but she sees it as a good way to always have a weapon on hand
>Anon and Sparky are in his room discussing something
>I heard that it was about what she wanted her perk to be, and some other things that are more focused on how things work
>I bet she's trying to figure out how to bend the rules
>She was really bothered when she found out her spells can completely fail
>I nudge through my notebook
>A lot of it has random doodles
>Attempts at drawing enemies and important characters
>They aren't so great but they were fun to do while waiting for my turn, or waiting for questions to be answered
>I let out a melodious yawn and look at Dashie
>She hasn't taken off that horn tiara once that I've seen
"You know, you've been really chipper lately."
>Her only answer is a smile and a nod
>Have I ever seen her this obviously happy?
"...y'mind me asking why?"
>She shrugs and stretches out on her bunker of three pillows
>She doesn't really look awake enough to want to play...
>It has gotten late
>"I've always wanted to be one."
>I chuckle
"Is that really it?"
>It seems too simple
>At least it seems too simple given it's her
>She's been the most mature mare I could ever imagine
>She nods herself silly
>The tiara fits so well it doesn't even budge
"...when did you want that? I mean, I've never known."
>"Well I've never wanted to tell you."
>I scoff at the more usual curt response
"Well duh, I guess that makes sense."
>I leave the book and sit near her
>...
>The pillows she has work so I rest my head on one of them, her still in my sight
"C'mon, Prissee. Can you tell me about it?"
>The new nickname makes her chuckle
>"Oh all right... but there isn't a whole lot to it, you know."
>I focus on her completely
>"It's no mystery that... I suppose I was a bit of a control freak back then."
"Only back then?"
>A tease but it actually does make her lose some of her smile
"...I'm just messing with you, you know?"
>Maybe this isn't the best thing to joke about
"...I remember, yeah. I think I've been remembering more things."
>"I don't know if I've ever forgotten, to be honest."

>I can't even begin to imagine what is going on in her mind
>Her way of thinking and approaching situations has always been so different than mine
>"I always wanted to be powerful. Important. Alicorns were just fantasy but I knew that if I had a horn, and even an inkling of magic... I could just make things fall into place. I could be strong."
>Anon would probably have something clever or important to say if he heard this
>"When I saw how everyone was completely living the roles and outfits they had... they weren't acting or pretending. They really were. Maybe if I can keep it on, I'll begin to really have that strength."
>I understand her
>I really do
>But part of me feels... agitated?
"...so why'd you get all angry when Anon got me that doll of Ma?"
>She looks apologetic
"I mean... I know it's just a toy. And probably not even a real expensive or fancy toy that human kids get. But it's important to me. It made me happy."
>"...only made?"
"Well, I mean it still makes me happy. But... you know, I'm aware. It ain't her. If I have a real Ma... she probably ain't even look half as decent. And probably never knew I existed."
>Laying down and talking about this drains my strength enough that a shrug only moves my head
"But... you know. I have you. I have Sparky. Shiny. And I have Anon too. And with that doll, I feel like I at least have something of Ma with me. Like she's able to see how well I'm doing, you know?"
>"I'm sorry Jacky."
>I smile and give another ultra-lazy shrug
"It's alright. It's not like I talk to her every night anymore anyway."
>Not even Anon knows that I do that
>I've made sure of that
>"Is it too dumb of me to say that I thought it was too immature?"
>Says the tiara wearing pegasus to me
"Kinda. But I won't hold it against you."
>She raises her eyebrows for a moment and smirks
>"Well thank you for that. And I did. I saw how happy you were and... it just bothered me for some reason. I thought you should have been more focused on important things."
>She glances at me for a moment and continues
>"And no, I don't know what those important things actually consist of. But... I just thought that you and Anon would have had something more... I don't know, official? Something more visibly or functionally... adult?"
>She's starting to wake up by how she's shifting from laying on her side to her head coming up
>"I mean to be honest I barely recognized you when I first saw you. It isn't like you physically aged much but... your eyes."
>She looks me right in the eye
>"I can tell that who you were was very different than the Jacky I knew. Even now... and I always used to lead you to our new home. Our new goal. Our new... I don't even know."
>She looks around the room
>She looks like she's never genuinely seen the living room before
>It's where she spends most of her time

>"And... tell me, Jacky. Did I die? Did we die and is this some sort of heaven for us? A purgatory? Was this some fever dream or delusion that my mind cooked up?"
>Her eyes focus on me again
>...is this really Dashie?
>She was never this unsure of anything
>She was always convinced of herself somehow
>I think
>"I asked myself that again and again... and for months, I just... sat here. And wondered that. I watched Sparking Shine continue to adjust and go through her phases and, to be quite honest, end up incredibly powerful. I never thought I would see the day that she could wield magic and smile and laugh and... threaten me, but not entirely mean it."
>Her mouth has been creeping up into a smile, and went full blown at the last moment
>It's infectious and I smile with her
"Yeah, right? Now she can play a lot of games, she can cook well, help out... work doors..."
>I'm happy for her
>I really am
>But it bugs me how I can't do any of that
>Nowhere near as well as she can
>"And I watched you. Listened to you. Paid very close attention to this... beast called a man. This creature and this world where we are not on the same level as them."
>I get the feeling that if I bring up anything, she'll just talk right over me
>"And... the dream hasn't ended yet. It never ended, not even for a single night. Anonymous never turned feral on us, or abusive. I never woke up in that sewer. Or alley. Or ditch. Or cave. I never once ate and came to find out that it was mud or some insect-infested trash."
>Her lips turn to a disgusted snarl
>"And the bathroom. And the shower. Do you know what honestly broke me out of all of that? Do you know what truly, genuinely told me that this isn't just some sort of coma or fever dream, Jacky?"
>The look in her eye
>The slight trembling at the corner of her lips
>Has this always been what my sister was like?
>Have I really never been able to see her like this?
>"The taste of dirt in my mouth, and getting dirt stuck to my hooves and mane. Being surrounded by animals talking and gawking at Sparking and I, I'm sure I could fantasize in some twisted bout of head trauma. But that dirt? That feeling of being disgustingly filthy after only an hour of walking around and smelling food I knew I couldn't get on my own and being stuck with her as my only... friend!?"
>She licks her lips
>"And... and before I knew it, I sold a few feathers. For money, Jacky. Not for food, but for enough money to get hot, fresh food and this tiara. And a few other things that you saw."
>She nods a few times
>"And then we saw that stallion and..."
>She giggles
>I can't help but join in
"That was real."
>"It was... we didn't even need binoculars from where we were."

>She sighs
>"This tiara... being here. Maybe I've just been in denial. I don't know. But I like it. It's a trophy. A symbol of..."
>She trails off
>I guess I can never make fun of her for being quiet again
>"Of me. You have Anonymous. And us. Sparking has her magic and everything that allows, and us. And I... I have all of you. And I have this. Maybe it won't always be so important to me. Maybe it may sit on a desk or in a closet and gather dust. But it will still be a trophy. Something I got without having to steal. Or demean myself over."
>Her eyes look so bright
>Almost innocent
>Almost to the point like I feel like the big sister
"I'm glad you're doing better."
>What else can I say?
"You'll always have me. And you'll always have Shiny. And you'll always have Anon too, even if the two of us were missing or not around."
>Before I even know what I'm doing, I scoot to her and hug her as hard as I can
>She really is my sister
>Big or little, it doesn't matter
>She knows so much more than I ever will
>On some things
>But in other ways I've grown where she hasn't
>And that's ok
>"Pegashield."
>Her wings flap out to their full span
>They retreat to her sides, one resting and hugging me tight
"I love you, Priss. I guess I can't call you Dashie since you don't just strut around everywhere at your own pace, huh?"
>"Nonsense, I'll always be Dashie. And I love you too."
>A few moments pass
>"...I see Anon taught you that word just recently too... having fun using it?"
>I instantly try to deflect that but what comes out is awkward word salad
>I hold my tongue for a bit
"...well I just kinda realized that... it fits."
>"Does saying it change your view of me? Of him?"
>Does it?
>We haven't said it since that one time
>To be honest, how we were after saying it changed absolutely nothing from how we were before saying it
"...not really. Is that bad?"
>"I highly doubt it. I'll admit, when I first saw how close you and him were, I thought that word had been said daily."
"Heheh... it really is that obvious?"
>She gives me this...
>Condescending smile
>"Jacky, this is not an overly large apartment. It can be difficult at times to focus on things, even if the door is closed."
>Oh
>...oh...
"...I'm not sure what to say to that."
>"Neither am I, dear."
>I feel beyond flustered
>Beyond embarrassed
>Part of me wonders if I should even be embarrassed at this point
"...where's Anon anyway?"
>Out of freaking nowhere
>"Eh, I'm fine with holding it off until tomorrow night. Shiner and I got wrapped up in some shit and now we're doing a co-op run of Dynasty Warriors."

>"ANON, QUICK, IT'S LU BU!"
>I do feel more than embarrassed now
>Anon's in the kitchen, rooting around to grab a pair of sodas and a snack
"...have you been listening?"
>Anon looks at me with the items in his arms
>"..."
>He looks around the living room like he's trying to find something, or focus on a fly buzzing around
>"...nope, no. Not at all. Sound of the game and me being thirsty kinda distracted me."
>"ANON WHY IS HE SO STRONG, HELP ME ALREADY!"
>"Welp, she's getting thrashed and trashed, duty calls. Don't mind me."
>He makes a hasty retreat toward his room
>I don't hear any sort of video game going on...
>Normally if they're playing something neither of them shy away from blasting the speakers
"...next time we have a big talk, can we do it on the patio or away from prying ears?"
>"Why, are you worried?"
>Am I?
"...well, no. But I don't want everyone to hear this sort of stuff all the time."
>"Should've thought of that before you let Shine and I know just how close you were to Anon."
>I get a sort of sinking feeling
"You aren't gonna let go of that by chance, are you?"
>"Not until it makes you more uncomfortable than it made me."
"...does 'I'm sorry' cut it?"
>"I'm afraid it doesn't."
"...craaaaap..."
>My head drops down on one of the few pillows and my eyes close
"Send me to the glue factory already."
>Priss sets her head down and rubs her cheek against mine
>"Don't worry, we'll get through this too. Worst case scenario is that I add my own interjections and remind you that you aren't alone."
>I can't tell if she's teasing me or if she's serious
>I don't know which is worse


>It's another night
>Things are starting to really get chilly outside
>When Anon was at work I went out for a walk with Dashie and Sparky
>I've tried sticking with Prissy and Shiny
>...but it doesn't sound right to me
>Dashie will always be Dashie
>Sparky will always be Sparky
>They have both changed and grown but I still see them as the same scrawny fillies I grew up with
>We didn't go all that far, just in case, but it was refreshing
>A few people looked at us funny but I think that is pretty normal now
>We live so closely to so many people but I don't even know any of their names
>I don't think Anon knows any of them at all
>I don't know yet if it's really isolating or comfortable to know that so many people are nearby
>Anon is on his laptop, typing up something
>Nice music has been playing
>It's enough to make me want to sleep but...
>Sleeping has been weird
>Or maybe it's better to say that my dreams have been weird
>I want to talk to Anon
>But I don't want to interrupt the music
>As if he can read my mind, he stops typing and pats my flank
>"Jacky butt, Jacky butt..."
>He idly pats in time with his words
>I go from sitting on my side to laying down
>"Has anyone ever told you that you're basically a cat?"
>This sounds familiar
"...meow?"
>"...yeah. That's the good stuff."
>He nods in approval
>"You dork, tell me what you want for Christmas."
"Eh?"
>"That's right."
>His hand travels up to my stomach and keeps patting
>"I suck at deciding what would be best. What are you wanting?"
"Mmm..."
>I shrug
"Iunno. It's hard to want things when you have everything. Y'know?"
>"I suppose so."
>He doesn't sound convinced
"Welllllllll..."
>I roll onto my back and lock eyes with him
>His hand slides to my chest
>His fingers drum against my ribs
"What do you want for Christmas?"
>He shrugs
>"Iunno."
>I give him a trademark squint
"So how are your answer different from mine?"
>He returns the squint
>"Did you say 'how are your'?"
>I close my eyes and stick my tongue out
"Deal with it."
>"Fucking killer queen over here..."
>His hand goes up to my throat and pats it a few times before going back down to my belly
>"I guess... I can't blame you. To be honest, the only thing I could want for Christmas is to spent it with who's important to be. And you'll be here. Prismatic and acrobatic will be here. Shiner will be here. Did I mention you'll be here too?"
"I don't think so, better let me know where I'll be."
>He inhales
>Holds
>And exhales
>"...do you want to be here for Christmas?"
"That's a silly question."
>"You're a silly pony."
"And you're a silly man."
>I look up at the ceiling
"Did you know that we have a lot of neighbors?"
>"Yup. Not just down the hall but below us too. And in other buildings."
>Well he's known
>That kinda makes me feel a little more comfortable
"...so would it be better if we had a house rather than an apartment? I mean, would you want something bigger?"

>"Yeah. It would be nice. Obviously, my room isn't that big. And it would be cool to have a real kitchen that has space for more than one guy and poner cooking. And then you could all have your own rooms. Instead of the living room and my room. And that spare room that..."
"...well, there's junk in there so it works best."
>The thought of having an entire room to just yourself sounds
>It sounds...
>Lonely
>What would you even fill it with?
>Why would I want something like a bed to myself when it's always better to sleep with Anon or at least have the others nearby?
>I blow some air through my lips
"I guess if I had my own room, I would need a lot of Christmases to fill it out huh."
>"And your birthday."
"Mmm... wait, birthday?"
>"Yup. I think it's coming up pretty soon."
>My birthday...
>Anon decided that the day I popped up would count as a birthday
>But I don't see it as that
"Can I do a raincheck and get something later?"
>"Hm..."
>His hand goes to my front leg and idly swings it back and forth
>"No."
"Dang."
>Now you have to figure something out
"Anything, huh?"
>"If you have some secret third friend you want me to grab from the brink... I really don't think I have the money for that. It'll take another two years' worth of saving at the very least."
"Eh... ew."
>I grimace
>I don't like asking about that particular topic
>But every now and again I feel like I need to have a real conversation with him on how to make that up
"No... I don't think so, anyway."
>"That's a relief. I think."
"I think so."
>I look around the room
"Does it have to be physical?"
>"I don't think so."
"Can it be something like... a promise or something?"
>He's focusing keenly on me
>"Maybe. What are you wanting?"
>I return the gaze
>The direct eye contact is almost relaxing
>I know that he enjoys looking at me
"Can you let me know that you won't be going anywhere?"
>His eyebrows tilting at an angle tell me he doesn't really get it
"I mean... I'll have been here for two years, coming up soon. Can we promise that we'll do another two years?"
>"What happens after the two years from now?"
>I shrug and smirk
"We promise that we'll do another four years?"
>He returns the smirk
>"And what happens after those four years? We double up and go for another eight years?"
>I giggle and puff my chest out with achievement
>He understands fully
"And then sixteen and then after that and... yeah."
>Anon inhales
>Leans down from his sitting position to give me a full embrace
>My upper legs hook around his shoulders
>"You got it, Ackjay."
>He squeezes to intensify the hug
>I return the effort
"And maybe another thing is that next we make sure that you're spoken for."
>Rather than release the hug, he kicks out his legs from under him and lays on me
>His face is near the side of mine
>"And how will we do that?"
"Oh, you leave that to me."
>"That doesn't inspire confidence."


>Another night
>Another dream
>Another visit by that grey unicorn
>It told me that dying really isn't so bad
>Not when there's nothing to live for
>Was that really how my life used to be?
>Did I ever meet a unicorn like that?
>I haven't slept well for days now because of that
>The dreams feel too real
>I can taste the blood that I used to spit out after I started to get into fights
>I can taste the dirt that used to coat most of the food I ate
>I can smell the stagnant water and sewer tunnel I used to sleep in
>Did I always hate it?
>Did I know enough to hate it?
>Dashie has been getting more happy and content lately
>But the more we talk about it, the worse I feel
>I was really like that
>I don't know why I can't not focus on it now
>I try to talk to Shiny about it but she doesn't want to talk about it at all
>I don't want to make a big scene out of it but...
>She certainly has a lot of thoughts on it, right?
>She has to
>"Fuck whoever that little waste of space was. I'm not useless anymore. I can use magic just fine. I don't have to do anything like that for food anymore."
>That was the last thing she would say on the matter
>She was playing a new game while she said that too
>She and Anon have been playing it back and forth for days now
>I really want to talk to him
>I need to talk to him
>There's a bottle of mead that he bought next to the edge of the bed
>I don't even feel like drinking it
>That wouldn't help
>What if I drank it all anyway and left none for him?
>What if I'm just overreacting and this isn't a big deal?
>We all had a bad past
>Anon had a bad past
>Am I just selfish for being the only one that feels like it's getting to be too heavy a weight right now?
>How do I calm down?
>What do I do?
>The playlist I put on is full of comfy but sad music
>It's getting to me
>I've been laying on my side for hours but still can't muster the strength to change it to something else
>I can't move
>I'm frozen
>A dull, lazy sense of panic starts to set in
>It's starting to pile onto my chest
>I need to scream and let it out
>I can't though
>That would cause everyone else to freak out or for me to ruin the evening
>I can't help it
>I gotta do something
"ANON?!"
>I didn't expect my voice to be so loud
>Or for it to sound so... frantic
>I hear some crashing and Sparky yelping
>Anon doesn't just poke his head around the corner
>He hurls himself toward the bed and ends up kneeling on the edge of the mattress
>"Jack. What's up? Are you alright?"
>He isn't glaring but he is watching me closely
>He has that serious tone in his voice
>I'm sorry to take you away from your game
>I didn't want to
>Honest
"..."
>I try to speak
>But I can't
>I feel like I've been put on the spot
>Anon peeks behind him and closes the door as quietly as he can
>He sits down on the floor, next to the mattress
>His hand goes to my head
>"What happened? How can I help?"
>I try to speak but my throat clenches tight
>I can't tell him
>But I do

"...I... I've done a lot of bad things, Anon."
>My voice escalates into a whine
>Before he can ask me what's wrong I spill every bean to him
>Every dream
>How I stole from someone who bullied me
>Worse, I stole from his family
>And hurt him
>And hurt others
>And got into fights
>And thought it was normal
>I thought it was brave or heroic of me to hurt others because it was for food or tiny amounts of money
>Ma wouldn't be proud of me
>I don't even have a Ma
>I was just left alone and had no choice if I wanted to keep living
>It all came out as a single string of pent up words and thoughts and regrets
>I thought it was all normal
>I thought it was something to be proud of
>By the end of it all, I'm heaving
>And in his arms
>When did he drag me into an embrace?
>My breathing calms after a few minutes of silence
>Silence outside of the playlist
>"...you know you don't have to worry about that stuff anymore, Jack. You've done a lot of good since you've been here."
"How?!"
>I know he's trying to make me feel better but I have no clue how I could have done enough good to offset the bad
>"You've found your friends-your sisters. You've helped me in ways I can't even begin to list, and you know fully well you have."
"But is it enough?"
>Of course it isn't enough
>How could it be?
>"I don't know."
>Of course he wouldn't know
>I wouldn't ask him to know
>The panic and adrenaline start to bleed out from me
>He's hugging me pretty tight
>"You're not shaking as much now."
>Was I shaking?
>I didn't even notice
>I refuse to speak for longer
>There's no way I could
>It doesn't seem to mean anything to Anon
>He keeps holding me until I feel everything slow down again
>Rather than everything going by a mile a minute, it feels... more normal
>I can feel my lungs tire out to the point that I have no choice but to inhale and exhale normally
"...I feel dizzy, Anon."
>"I bet... how else are you feeling?"
>I shouldn't think
>If I think much longer, I feel like I'm going to scream
"Confused... sad."
>He gives me a squeeze so tight I let out a squeak
>Just like the toy of Ma
>She's on the far edge of the bed
>I'm still happy I have her
>"Yeah... panic attacks are never good."
>Now that I've told him everything, there's nothing more I can hide
>"You're here now, Jack. And you won't be going anywhere. Not alone, anyway."
>The authority of his voice tells me that he's serious
>Of course he's serious
>He wouldn't lie
"What do I do...? Everyone else has a trait or power or has something that looks fancy and I..."
>'I can only hurt other ponies' is what I want to say
>But something deep inside refuses to let me say it
>Like it's too taboo or evil a thing to utter
"I just... I just go with the flow. I don't have any skills. I can't DO many things."
>I can't do things like Sparky
>My stomach turns to a brick-sized knot at the split second that comes and goes before I can consciously attack it
>Within that split second, I wondered
>If I was just getting in the way

>I can feel my head spin until it doesn't even feel like I'm in the conversation
>Not really
"I thought all of the memories would come back them. I thought we had some sort of higher goal or journey or something. And all we amounted to was bad memories, and being a pest."
>Should I even be surprised?
>He tightens the hug again
>"What do you want to do?"
"About what?"
>"Anything."
>I glance up at him
"I'm not following."
>"I'm talking about you learning to do more things, My Little Dumbass."
>I can't help but smirk
>"I mean it. You got a pretty good voice. I enjoy your singing too. If you're looking to be more productive, you could always become a merJack."
"...do I wanna know what that is?"
>"Well, the seashell bra isn't mandatory. But a mermaid sort. Legend has it that they used to sing and lure sailors into the ocean where they'd drown. Or maybe that was sirens... wait, was it sirens? Or are they just the same thing?"
>I butt the side of my head against his chest
"Why are you asking me?"
>I think I get what he's getting at
>...I think?
"So you'd really appreciate it if I learned to sing a few things for you?"
>He adjusts himself until his back is up against the wall, dragging me further into his lap
>"That's right. But that's just for me. You've been here for a while, what sort of things are you really drawn to?"
"You."
>I speak without thought
>"Outside of me. Things, not pairs of hands with a guy attached to them."
>I won't dignify that sentence with a comment
>But I am acutely aware that I don't know how I existed before having him petting and brushing me
>And things
"I don't know. I don't think I'm good at much of anything. I'm alright with that controller you got me but I would rather watch a lot of games than play them. It's like watching more intense movies."
>I glance upward at him again
>His attention is 100% on me
>I can't not say it now
"...and yeah, I still don't like playing scary games."
>He smirks
"I mean, I guess I could try to help out with cooking... Dashie doesn't have magic and stuff but she helps, doesn't she?"
>"Kinda. She gets an A for effort."
"And outside of that... I mean, only you do laundry."
>"To be fair I'm the only one that regularly wears clothing."
"You know you don't have to, right?"
>"I do if I want to go to work."
"Yeah but... you know."
>I fail to stifle a laugh
>"I recognize that goofy chortle. If I do, you wouldn't be the only one seeing."
>Damn
>He has a point
"...well fine. I guess you can still wear clothes."
>"Thank you, o' courteous tyrant of threads."
>I look around his room
>It could really use a cleaning
>My mind brings up a big ol' blank for what would even work
"...living here really is kinda carefree, isn't it? Everything's so easily in reach or automated."
>"It sure is. I guess that can be a good and bad thing."
"I never really questioned it before, you know? I was kinda just happy to watch movies with you, sleep and eat with you. Mess around and all that. And... two years went by."

>"Almost two years went by. Still got a few days before then."
"Yeah but... I don't remember time ever flying like that. I don't remember time even being a thing. It was never a matter of "oh, it's a Saturday, I get to cozy up to Anon all day and passively keep him in bed"."
>"Passively? Last Saturday you actively refused to let me get up unless I had to go to the bathroom."
"Shut up, that's passive."
>He shakes his head
>"Whatever you say dear."
>That gives me a giggle
"But I mean it too, you know? Entire days blended together. I used to kinda keep track and worry that one day you might not pop up anymore, or that there might be some sort of... rule. Against me being here. And it never came. And after a while I just stopped thinking about it and started focusing on when you'd be here and when you'd be gone. So I focused on that and things just sorta fit into place."
>"So are you glad you don't interact with the outside world all that much?"
"Kinda? I mean, that's a bad thing, isn't it?"
>"I guess it can be. But I can't say I blame you either. I don't really do that."
>That sounds kinda funny to hear, coming from him
>This is his world
"How? There are people at work and you can talk to people pretty easily."
>"You are aware that I spend pretty much all of my time with you dorks, right?"
"...yeah?"
>"Then there you are. I'm not really part of the world at large beyond what I absolutely need to do."
"Oh. I guess that's right."
>I can't help but wonder
"...what do you think things would be like if we were all human? Do you think we'd all have jobs and be able to cook and go out without people looking at us funny?"
>Anon snickers
>"No, people would still look at all of you funny. You could change bodies but you'd still be a weirdo."
"You're a weirdo."
>"No you."
>I headbutt his chest again
>Or maybe it's more just a rub
>I feel emotionally drained, and replenished enough, to not shy away from any further close topics
"...if I were human, do you think we'd have a family by now?"
>Rather than look at me, Anon is looking forward
>Somewhat forward?
>He hesitates before answering
>"I think we'd be getting close to starting on having a second Jacklette if that were the case."
>He doesn't look unhappy while saying that
>But I can tell it really must not be something so happy to think about for him
"...yeah..."
>At the realization of just what that would mean and signify, I feel my heart drop
"...what if we try and give it our all?"
>"Is that what you really want?"
>He was quick to answer
"...well yeah."
>"Even though you say you can't do much?"
"I'll learn."
>I didn't expect to answer that quickly this time
>He sighs
>It's hard
>I can feel his chest deflate too
>"I would like that. I really would."
>He would like that
>I would like that
>But it probably can't happen, can it?
>Neither of us say anything
>Probably because it's a little obvious that it probably can't
"Do you think..."
>"I do think."
>I scoff
"Shut up."
>He nods

"Do you think. If I learn to do more things. Would that... I don't know. Trigger something? Like some sort of upgrade that has prerequisites?"
>It sounds completely silly
>But
>What if?
"I mean hang on for a second. Sparky couldn't really do her magic for... ever. Until she came here. Maybe it's because we're in a new world that the old rules didn't apply. Or maybe... like, she just needed a social link like in those other games?"
>It's a blind grasp but it makes sense
>Doesn't it?
"What if it's just... what if the issue is that I just haven't learned to do enough. And if I can do that, then that can happen?"
>"I'm not so sure the world works like that, Jackphilia."
"Yeah and the world doesn't have talking ponies that can fly in the air or do magic."
>...
"...sorry."
>I snapped pretty hard just then
>For a split second I felt more than angry
>At him
>"...I'm just saying, it was more a glide than flying."
"...yeah."
>Neither of us speak
>It was a stupid idea
>"If we're working by that logic. Do you think you're gonna wanna help out more?"
"Absolutely, if that's on the line."
>"Well, let's try it out then."
>I didn't expect him to accept my logic that easily
"Really?"
>"Sure. I mean, if this goofy idea works out... you'll kinda be more prepared, won't you? And even if it doesn't-yet-then that means you can still learn more and grow into doing more things that might be a little advanced."
>He gives me yet another squeeze
>He could probably squeeze me until I cough up my skeleton and it'd be fine
>"I guess talk it over with Shiner and just see how you can help out. She does the lion's share of stuff now. Or so she claims."
"Maybe I can be her apprentice or something then?"
>"Maybe."
>Maybe...
>Maybe this might be what I need
>If I can, I'll have a real goal to focus on
>And if I can reach that goal
>Maybe...
>It might lead to something a lot better
"Anon?"
>"Yeah?"
"My side is getting a little numb. Mind if I just readjust? You can keep me on your lap for a while."
>"Sure, Jack."
>...
>...
>...
>What feels like entire minutes pass
"...you gotta let go of me before I can move."
>"Yeah, I know."

>Anon's been making me look for Christmas presents
>He keeps saying that it's around the corner
>Maybe yesterday we got... an inch of snow?
>So I guess it is Christmas time
>Technically
"Hey, Sparky... what do you want for Christmas?"
>I'm sitting on a tall bar stool with her
>It's a little weird to sit on but she seems fine with it
>"I don't know."
"I don't know either..."
>We've been cooking every day now
>After talking with Anon about how things might change if I grow more, I've been doing everything I can
>Which doesn't... amount to much, honestly
>Even helping out with Sparky has more or less led to just keeping her company
>While watching water boil
>Except it isn't even boiling yet
"...is it supposed to take this long?"
>"Sometimes. Since I'm showing you stuff, I can't just flash fry it."
>It makes sense that she could do that
"...is that supposed to be safe?"
>"Good question. I haven't gotten hurt yet so yes, probably?"
>She doesn't sound so sure of herself
>With no laptop around and no one else, it...
>It's kinda boring, actually
>Does she deal with this every time?
"...Sparky?"
>"Jacky?"
>Both of us are watching the pot water only just now start to bubble
>Chicken breasts are in the oven and have a half hour left
>The plates are out and waiting
>Sparky found out a way to do "home made" garlic bread by personally burning thick bread with garlic butter and three types of cheese
>All that's left is the pasta
>I asked for it since it required a few steps total
>Going off of the oven... it's obvious that I could never set it up
>Not unless I could somehow stick my head in an oven while holding a tray and not get hurt
>At least I can help
>...right?
"...nothing."
>Sparks scoffs
>"Really?"
>I don't answer
>I feel like it would be silly to ask her
>"Well... ok."
>The oven timer says twenty minutes left
>The water is finally boiling and has pasta in it
"Is it usually this quiet?"
>"Not really. I mean, Prism has her things to listen to but she sometimes takes it outside. Then the kissy noises you and Anon make are pretty damn hard to ignore."
"Oh. I'm sorry."
>Sparks glances at you and grins
>"Nah, you're fine. I'm used to it. I just pretend it's me sometimes. Other times I make fun of you. At least once I mirrored your noises with my own."
>My jaw drops
"YOU'RE the one who did that!"
>You remember that situation well
>Anon couldn't stop laughing but wouldn't tell me what it was
>I just thought things were echoing
>"Ahh... yes. Yes I was. And I regret nothing."
>At least that wasn't the worst thing she could have done
>Even if maybe it was our fault
"Hey Sparky... thank you for being Anon's best friend."
>Though it's short, I can see her try to hold back a smile
>"Isn't that you?"
"Well..."
>Me and Anon...
>We are close
>Very close

>But I know that I'm not his best friend
>And...
>To be honest?
>He isn't my best friend either
>Dashie is
>She always has been
>And she always will be
>I'm proud of that
"No. Not really. I mean, I've seen how close you two are when you're playing stuff together. The way he laughs with you really is different than how he laughs with me."
>I should feel jealous
>But I know that I don't have a reason to worry
>Not really
"And the way you guys sleep together... I don't know. It's different than how he and I sleep."
>Sparky clears her throat
>"Well... it's not like I do it on purpose. Not really, I guess... I'm really not trying to ruin anything for anyone."
"No, I know. Trust me, I know."
>Trust
>I do trust her
>As much as she trusts me
>And as much as Anon trusts both of us
"Just... I don't know. For Christmas, can you be there for him in the ways I can't be?"
>The unicorn looks at me kinda funny
>"Jacky... where is this coming from, exactly?"
>I shrug
"These last few days... these last few weeks. I've really tried to kinda... not hide things? But to not worry about them. And I guess I kinda wanna just be honest with myself."
>Being honest means I'll be improving too
>And if it means foals
>With Anon
>No price is too big
"I don't know where to begin. I just know that I can't do everything. I miss when it was just me and Anon. I had him all to myself. And I knew that I could chase off any sort of competition or threat."
>I can still remember it
>The first worries that I had
>Was I what Anon wanted?
>Did Anon regret me?
>Did he care about me?
>Would I be thrown away?
>Was I defective?
>Was I wrong?
>Before?
>That would have made my head hurt
>That would have made me feel sick and want to cry and make Anon tell me that it was ok
>But I'm stronger than that now
>Because of him
>I have both of my friends
>Because of him
>All I could do was try to be what I thought what he wanted the most
>No
>That's wrong
>I tried to be what I thought I wanted to be the most
>I think?
>I'm still not sure
>"...you know, Jacky."
>She dropped in some of what you think is salt
>Rather than using a ladle or a spoon, she's stirring the entire pot with a flat, solid lump of red aura
>"That whole... mind reading thing. I kinda did it with Anon to win that stupid bet. And I was pretty dumb by doing it so carelessly. We're all lucky it turned out well. Mostly."
"Mostly?"
>She gives me a mock grimace
>"The dark recesses of that human's mind is a dirty place and sometimes I'm glad he has his sights on you."
>I'm not sure if that should make me very excited
>Or very worried
>Or both
>"But. You know. I'm not saying I would. But if you ever trusted me enough with that sort of thing... you could let me know that way. You know? I don't know if I could let you know what Anon's head was like. But it's magic, right? I don't gotta explain shit. I just gotta do it and... I guess it happens."
>I think I like what she's saying
>I think?
"What... exactly are you saying here?"

>She sighs and rolls her eyes
>"I'm saying, dumbass, that I could give you a really deep insider look on Anon. So you could really get to know him as well as anyone could. I guess as well as I know him."
"Oh."
>"'Oh' is what she says..."
>Would that be ok?
"I don't know. Wouldn't you only give me a sort of snapshot of what he thought before? That was a long while back..."
>Sparky gives a full, satisfied chuckle
>"It was a long while back... but I could maybe do a little more of a recent lookie."
"No."
>"Huh?"
"No, not gonna happen."
>"Oh come on, aren't you interested?"
>She sounds genuinely disappointed
"Well duh, I'm interested! But if he doesn't approve of it, that's... pretty bad."
>She doesn't reply
>The magic rod or stick or whatever keeps stirring
>"I guess you're right, huh..."
>She sighs
>"You're probably right. And it's not like I wouldn't know about that stuff to anyway and noooo, can't have that..."
>She sounds like she's mocking it
>She continues before I get a chance to say anything
>"I mean, I'm not... bothered. By it. If I were to do it. It would be in his best interest, you know? And if the two of us knew what he wanted most, I'm pretty sure we could really make a difference."
>That does sound tempting
>And it would help him
>It would also help give me a direct roadmap of which ways I could improve first
>To really show him the best of the best
"Does it work both ways? Could he really see what all I would want and think and all of that stuff?"
>"Psh. How would I know. For all I know this is gonna make my head burst open from being double-teamed by your combined stupidity."
>Our eyes meet
>For having such an apathetic tone, the look in her eyes tell me that she is completely focused
>"But... I'm serious too. If I could be as... well, shitty as I used to be back about things. Then I can do some dirty deeds for you too."
>She breaks eye contact to focus on the pasta
>She focuses on a single stand and makes it dance through the air and form shapes
>"You can question the morality of it... or if it's invasive. But for me? I can't bring myself to care. If it's what's best for him, he can suck it up and thank me later."
>A second and third and fifth strand float up
>They all shift and twist until it looks like... spaghetti art of Anon?
>"I used to feel bad. I really did. But feeling bad... feeling guilty. That just isn't for me. I know what I've been doing is good. I guess that's all that really matters to me. I know I might be wrong too... but I trust you and Anon to let me know."
>The noodles twist again until they look like... me!
>"And I definitely know you well enough in a lot of ways that I really can't be you. Not in ways that matter, whatever that means. So I can just be me. I can be a better me. Just like you're trying to be a better you."
>The noodles warp again until they're a pair of flapping wings

>"And Prism... I guess I'm glad she's out walking with Anon. I don't get her. I never did. I guess I certainly don't get her now. But that's ok. I know she will always do what she needs to, for you. So I can really respect her for that."
>The noodles all twist into a braid
>Sparky tilts her head up and lets the braided spaghetti rope drop into her open mouth
>"Maybe it's the D&D talking... but I have power none of us have. I should use it."
>She looks at me again
>The smile she gives me is so confident and prideful
>"And if it's for you and Anon...?"
>She gives a satisfied sigh and goes back to watching the pot
>"Then I should definitely use it..."
>I'm not so sure that would be a good idea
>But
>It would help


>We've moved homes again
>This time it's in a sewer
>Dashie swears that this will be the last time
>I don't actually believe her
>But it'll be alright
>We moved pretty far away this time
>My head's still ringing but it doesn't hurt
>Ever since I started 'working' with Sparky to get money...
>I never should have done that
>They money really helped
>But everything got so much worse as soon as we started to look for things beyond just food
>It's even worse now because we aren't even fillies anymore
>The view at the bridge above our little pipe is nice though
>No one talks to me after they've seen me go in and out of there
>"You're up early, aren't you."
>...Almost no one
"Hey."
>It's that grey unicorn
>She sits right next to me, on the edge of the bridge
>"You don't look like you're doing so good."
>How long has she been following me now?
>I feel like she does it just to mess with me
>She only really stopped talking about dying after the accident
"We have a home now. Can't you see it?"
>I wave my hoof to the half-broken sewer grate
>It was that way when we found it
>"Oh... I see. Then I guess I don't think you'd care to hear about other homes?"
"I don't really care."
>Dashie had left when I woke up
>She's...
>Probably doing something
>For food or money
>It bothers me to think about it
>So I don't
>How long has this unicorn been following me?
>She's never helped
>She doesn't stick around or talk to the others
"You know what? Who are you? You've never actually told me your name."
>She doesn't have a cutie-mark either
>"Who am I? Who are you? You've never told me your name either, you know."
"Yeah I have."
>"Please. Jacky isn't your real name. It sounds like an alias some criminal uses. A petty criminal, at that."
>...
>Am I a criminal?
>"Besides. Isn't it better that we don't know each other? We're just a secret that we keep to each other. No one else in the world knows each other like we do."
"I don't know."
>At least she doesn't sound excited
>She used to tease me a lot more
"What are you doing here? I get why Sparky comes with us... but what is your reason? What's your point in doing this?"
>"Hey Jacky?"
>I roll my eyes and look at her
>She's staring me down like it's her job
"What is it?"
>She's staring at me
>Through me
>And not even blinking
>"Did you know that if you jump from here, you'll be too far gone to save?"
"That's not funny."
>"I'm just letting you know."
>She isn't breaking eye contact
>I don't either
>I've had a few fights before
>You never break eye contact
"Why don't you just go away? You're never helpful to me."
>"Why don't you just jump?"
"Why do you want me to?"
>"Why do you think you shouldn't?"
>The back and forth slows
"...because Dashie and Sparky need me."
>"Do they need you or do they just want you around to help them out with their goals?"
"They need me."
>"For what?"
"Because if they don't have me, they won't have anyone else."
>"How's that working out for them?"
>The unicorn smiles wide
>Too wide

>I finally break eye contact
"Go away."
>I look down at the tunnel entrance
>"I'm just asking... where would you be right now? If your pegasus friend didn't drag you all around the place?"
"I don't know."
>"You could have had a better life."
"And?"
>"A safer life."
"And?"
>"A more fun life."
"And?"
>"A coltfriend by now."
"And?"
>Bile is starting to rise in my throat
>If she keeps talking, I don't think I could feel bad if I bucked her off the bridge
>"...Does it not bother you, to think about that?"
>I inhale
>Hold
>And exhale
"Of course it does."
>"So why did you go through with it all?"
>I shake my head
>Doing that doesn't make me dizzy anymore
"Because they're my friends. And if I went off with that lady or that traveling band or any of them... I wouldn't have either of them."
>"You had so many chances in life to become something... and here we are. Here you are."
>Could I have really been some globe-trotting explorer?
>Could I really have been some sort of singer or dancer?
>Could I really have been something more than some mare that sleeps in a sewer?
"At least I have them."
>"For how long?"
"Until we..."
>Die of old age, retired?
"Until we all decide otherwise, I guess."
>"And what will that have gotten you?"
"I don't know, why don't you tell me."
>"It'll have gotten you to where you are right now. You'll be sitting here. Just like this. And they won't be around. It'll just be you."
>Something rests on my head
>"And me."
>...what?
>I shake my head to get rid of whatever's on my head and look at...
>Some creature?
>"Hey crackerJack."
"Anon?"
>How did I know his name?
>How did I know it was a he?
"I... I don't understand."
>"Neither do I but. You know. I'm here now so it's alright."
>I double take between him and... everything else
>He isn't vanishing
"What... what happened to that unicorn?"
>"Who, Shiner?"
"What? No, the... other one."
>He looks around himself
>"Iiiiii'm not finding her. I guess I chased her away."
"I... I guess so...?"
>His hand goes back to my head
>Now that I know it's him I lean into some small, gentle petting
>"What're you doing up here? Your legs are kinda dangling over."
"I guess I'm just thinking."
>"Welp."
>Anon hops off the bridge
>"ANONYMOUS, NO?!"
>He remains airborne
>For not even a second
>What I swore was entire pony lengths' away was just inches
>Wait that's not true
>He stands over me, as tall as usual
>He extends his hand
>He's smiling like he knew I would be surprised
>"I've never seen your world before. Care to take a walk?"
>I'm flabbergasted
"I... uh... yeah?"
>I hop off the bridge too
>It's like I just hopped down from two steps on a staircase
"This... this is normally a lot bigger, you know."
>I can't hide a growing sense of embarrassment
>"Oh hey, that your home?"
"NO! No, we're not going there. Let's go this way instead."
>"Oh well... I wanted to see what it was like, too."
>He really isn't taking this seriously

>We walk through a number of streets
>Any ponies that see us either hide or vanish from sight like a ghost
>"Man, pony-sized cities really are something, huh."
"Yeah well you're just tall so... yeah."
>"I'm not tall. It just seems like I'm walking around a town made out of those cat condos."
>I look back to him to...
>I forget what
"I..."
>I'm not sure what I'm supposed to think
"Anon, why are you bigger than a building?"
>He stops and looks down at you, perplexed
>He takes a step back and ends up at least fifty yards back
>"...so is this what happens when I finally eat spinach?"
"Anon, you get back down here and shrink this instant!"
>"Fine, fine... but you know, I shrink down, everything shrinks with it."
>Before I can really contemplate the perils of that reality, he starts jogging toward me
>The closer he gets, the more he shrinks down
>By the time he reaches me he's... as tall as my shoulder
>"Woah nelly, you kinda grew a little too much, didn't you?"
>What in the world?
"More like you shrank too small you idiot!"
>The shifting sizes really unnerves me for some reason
>He doesn't seem to care
>"Hey, at least I don't have the squeaky voice, right?"
>Like a trained acrobat, he grabs onto a few strands of my mane and climbs on top
>He sits between my shoulder blades
>"Onward, Jackona!"
"...who?"
>"Jackona. It's like Jack and Epona."
>Since I can't see him, I squint into the air
"Anon, what the hell are you talking about?"
>"I don't know. I'm just excited that I get to ride you for once."
>...he has a point
>"Anyway, h'yeah!"
>The most I'm feeling is a moderate trot
>Anon seems content with that
>We end up at the plaza where I met Mademoiselle Jelly Belly
>"Nice train station... didn't know you guys had trains."
"Anon, they ride trains all over Equestria. We watched those episodes! Recently!"
>"Yeah but... come on now. That's Equestria. Does this place look Equestrian to you?"
>He brings up a good question
>The style is... off
>But was it always this off or is it just off because he mentioned it?
>He has weird size and reality warping powers now, I'm not too sure I should trust anything he says here
"Whatever... just... get off of me already!"
>I can feel him jump off of me, like a flea jumping off of a leaf
>When he lands, he's back to normal size
>"This place looks nice though... how many miles did we cover, anyway?"
"I don't know... a few thousand?"
>"Let's go take a sit over there. Got some chairs and everything."
>There really is no point in arguing with him now about whether or not the chairs will fit
>The chair fits me perfectly
>I remember because it was made with some sort of metal lattice design that left a pattern in my fur
>Opposite to me is Anon, instead of Jelly Belly
>The chair fits him too
>"So what's up?"
"What's up with what?"
>"These dreams."
>There must be something critically wrong in my head if I'm starting to ask myself why I'm asking myself why I'm dreaming using Anon as some sort of dream narrator

"I don't know. What are you doing here?"
>He nods with a grin
>"Well to be quite honest with you, I'm just proud to know that you dream about me."
>Should I even try to be serious?
>"Of course you should. Tell me what's going on, Jackrabbit."
>He leans forward, eyes on me
>"You've been kinda acting... well, not like yourself lately. I know you girls always have your... things. And such. So for the most part I kinda let you guys have your own things."
"And such?"
>"Yeah."
>I'm in my dream so screw it
"Anon... we both know that I've done bad things in the past."
>"We do."
"...and at some point. Things really just flew off the rails."
>"Is that how you got bonked on the head?"
"...I guess it is. Yeah."
>I focus on the metal lattice table
>I used to be more articulate than this
>I used to be more smart than this
>Wasn't I?
>"Do you think that's been kinda messing with you lately? Does it bother you know?"
"Well no. I mean, I don't have any headaches. I've never had a headache that was caused by that since you woke me up. My head never hurt. I never felt... dirty and straggly and hungry. I mean, I was hungry, but that first full day we ate and drank... it just felt good."
>Anon motions to all around him
>"So all of... this stuff."
>He raps his knuckles on the table
>"And this. Is this some sort of... reverse-amnesia?"
>I frown at him
>I'm not bothered by him or anything like that
>It's just sad to me
"I wish I knew... it's like when I remembered that Sparky's name is Sparking Shine. And that Dashie's name is Faint Prism. It just happened one day and it all came back."
>I tense up
>I can feel it
>I can feel what his next question is
>He's going to ask what my real name is
>"I don't need to ask you that. To me, you'll always be my Jack. No matter what."
>That catches me off guard
>"And even if I knew your so-called 'true name'."
>He puts up a pair of finger quotes
>"I've called you over a thousand things already. Like Jacken."
"Jackenstein."
>"Count Jackula."
"Jacqueline."
>"Jackass."
"Jack the Magic Dragon."
>"CarJacker."
"Jack, The Knife."
>"Jackoff Queen."
"ShhSHH!"
>I wave my hooves to shush him
"...not in public."
>"Oops... sorry."
>I try to hide part of my face, even though any figures I see going by are more ethereal than anything else
>The absurdity of this makes me giggle
>I rest my head on the table and look at him
"I guess it doesn't matter... I mean, it doesn't change who I am any. Does it?"
>"Not at all."
>He leans back and stretches
>"You're still you. And you'll always be you."
"I guess... but I wish I wasn't such a shit filly..."
>I look up at his face
"How did you deal with it? How can you do everything and do stuff like go to work and all that when you know you shouldn't deserve it?"
>He leans forward with his elbows on the table
>"Easy. I tell myself that I do what I do, for you. I can't give you everything I believe you deserve if I'm incapable of giving it."
"I don't believe you...is it really that easy?"
>"For you? Yes."

>"Hey Jack."
"Yeah?"
>"...you know, we can lay inside your tunnel over there."
"Nah. I like here better."
>After having lunch with Anon, we ended up back at the bridge...
>In not even ten steps
"This dream is weird."
>"Tell me about it, you keep thinking I'm super huge or tiny."
"I ain't doing that."
>"Then who is, me?"
"Obviously."
>Despite laying on the edge of the bridge, I don't really feel like I could fall
>I don't think he would let me
>"So what sort of things do you normally dream about?"
"Isn't it a little worrying if my dream version of you is asking me that?"
>"Humor me."
"...I guess the dream you wouldn't know when to give up either..."
>That really is one of my favorite things about him
"I don't really think I dreamed at all, to be honest. Every day felt like it was a dream. The dream, I guess."
>"Since we're establishing that I'm just a figment of your imagination... mind if I just go out and ask you something personal?"
"Well you don't need to be a dreamy Anon to ask me that."
>"What's your name?"
>Anon never asked me that
>Not once
"...is it important to you?"
>"That's an unusual name."
"Well that wasn't my name, dumbass."
>"So what is it?"
>He's the big spoon behind me, and I have two inches before I'm over the edge of the bridge
>There's nowhere I can go for distance
>There's no running away from this
"It's Lemon Pepper."
>He doesn't immediately answer
>I can feel his arms wrap over my torso
>"...are you sure you didn't just think back to that lemon pepper chicken we had a few nights back?"
>Shit
>He remembered
"...n-no. That's my name alright."
>"Well I sure as hell..."
>He sighs
>"I don't believe you."
"Why?"
>"Because your ma was all about apples and pears and... fruits."
"Peppers are fruits."
>"Wait, what?!"
...
>Something shoves me from the back, and causes my nose to bump into the corner of the laptop
>"Gah! What the hell?"
"Huh? What's wrong?"
>"Holy crap..."
>Anon roughly grabs leg front legs and yanks me onto my back
>He's looking really rough
"... you alright? You look like you've been..."
>I can't help but yawn
"Sleeping like, hard."
>He returns the yawn and rears his head back
>"Gah... speak for yourself, sister. What time is it, what even..."
>He leans over me to look at the laptop
>It's far too colorful with a video playing for my eyes to focus on it
>"...why does it say Saturday?"
>Saturday?!
"What? No, that ain't true."
>"Dude, it's super true."
>If that's true...
"What time is it?"
>"Just about midnight, my mare. So just now Saturday."
>How in the world did he sleep two days away and I not notice?
>Wait
>How did I sleep two days away and not notice?!
>In our shared confusion he goes to his phone
>"...well apparently I texted work and called in. So kudos on me I guess."
>Sparky
>She did this!
>I scamper out from under Anon and drag myself to my hooves
>"Hey Jack, hold on!"
>I don't stop for him
>She's gonna answer for pulling that sort of crap

>I tear down the hallway and into the living room
>Only Dashie is there
"Dashie! Where's Sparks?"
>The pegasus looks pleased to see me
>"Good morning, Jacky. I saw how nicely you two were snuggling and-"
"CAN IT! Where's Sparky, I gotta speak with her."
>"Is there a problem?"
>She's in on it
>She's gotta be
"FAINT PRISM YOU KNOW DAG DANG SOMETHING, CURSE, BRAGH!"
>I stamp down with the intent to atomize the carpet
"Be straight with me, come on! For once, don't tug me around and lie!"
>Her mellow façade finally melts away
>"...alright. I was told enough to think it wasn't a bad idea. She said she would be down in the garage and that she'd be near the elevators."
>She looks almost guilty
>"...whatever happened, it wasn't bad. Was it?"
>"I still have no clue what's going on but I guess I'm a part of this, huh..."
>I turn back to see Anon
>He's a lot more dressed than he was when we first woke up
>"Alright Jack. Let's go have a chat I guess."
>We leave the apartment and start down the hallway, toward the elevator
>I'm too bothered to speak
>Anon doesn't say anything either
>Only when he hits the button and we get into the janky metal box of elevated death does he say anything
>"...did you have the dream I had?"
>I can't leave him hanging
"...I don't know."
>"Huh..."
>From third to second floor
>"...would you really have jumped off that bridge if I wasn't there?"
"...I don't know."
>From second to first floor
>"...did you know something like this was gonna happen?"
"...I don't know."
>"...right."
>From first floor to garage
>We both step out into a long underground garage
>Anon doesn't usually park down here, but a ton of other people do
>I look around but don't immediately see her
>Until she rounds a corner near a truck
>She doesn't seem to notice me
>"Alright, let's go get some answers. Hey, Shiner! Get your ass here!"
>Anon calls out to her
>Rather than wait for her to come to us, I make a mad gallop at her
>My legs are moving so fast it's like I'm a race horse
>Sparking Shine doesn't look like she's surprised to see me going at her at all, and merely stands there with a little smirk on her face
>I skid to a stop on the concrete, inches away from her
>"Hey there. Sweet dreams?"
>She did know
>Nothing prepared me for what I did next
>I don't even remember doing it
>I met her question with a headbutt, aimed square at her nose
>She reels back
>I can see blood
>"Hey, Jack! No!"
>"Ah, you... bitch!"
"WHAT DID YOU DO?!"
>The feral scream I let out echoes in the garage
"Did YOU do all of this too?! Was getting me into fights not enough?! Were you that grey unicorn too, huh, just..."
>I can't finish that thought
>I don't know what I would do if she was that unicorn that kept visiting and...
>Saying those things
>Trying to get me to give up
>Anon kneels behind me and wraps a strong arm around my neck
>Just enough to make it hard to get free
>Sparking snorts a few times
>She blows her nose hard, a glob of blood shooting out

>How does it feel?
>To know I used to have to do the same thing
"How does it feel?!"
>I stamp in place
>I haven't felt so angry in so long, I may as well still be dreaming
>"You dumb jerk, I should..."
>She snorts more before coming to
>"You think I was that thing? What, you really think I'd stoop that low? Pretend to be some death freak?! Anon, hold her there, I'm going to teach her a lesson she's LOOONG overdue on."
>The fire in her eyes tell me that she's more than fine to return the favor
>Before she can do anything, Anon's voice bellows out
>"Both of you stop before I wear you like a new pair of boots."
>He grabs my jaw and wrenches my head up at him
>"You! I can and will slap some sense into you, and we both know that I will enjoy it more than I should. Fucking chill."
>With an admittedly hurtful, rude shove, he pushes me hard enough that I end up on my side
>He kneels down next to Sparking
>"Got you in the nose?"
>"Yeah..."
>You don't see what he does but that gets her to shout
>"Ow! Don't flick my nose you shit!"
>"You calm your hooves before I hollow out your horn and use it to carry mead."
>He doesn't push her but I feel better that he at least didn't giver her any sympathy
>He positions himself between us and kneels down
>"Ok. I have no clue what the hell is going on here but someone's going to start talking. Jack, save your bits for after. Shine, something really messed up happened and I want to hear about it."
>She rolls her eyes
>"Is this really the thanks I get from you two losers? Really?"
>If I say anything, I'm just going to go off on her again
>"No, treat me like an idiot and humor me."
>Sparking snorts again and glares at me
>"Jacky knows. We talked about it."
>The look Anon gives me is...
>Not a look I would want from him
>"Alright. Again, let's continue to pretend I'm retarded. Keep talking."
>Sparking inhales a few times to test her breathing
>"Ok. I, being the great friend that I am, decided to try a new magic trick. I put you both to sleep and kept trying to get you two to start dreaming together. Because hey, at least someone here gets to enjoy that sort of thing, right?"
>I didn't actually think she could do it
>"I told Prism what I was doing and she seemed ok with it. She said, and I will gladly use her words, that it 'could be romantic'. And you know what? I agreed! Happy freaking human gift-giving holiday to both of you. Now I know that this is the thanks I got, I'm glad you both apparently choked on it."
>The venom in her voice is both taunting and hurtful
>"...I'm not getting it."
>"You wouldn't, you're pretending to be retarded. Remember?"
>"First off, screw you. Second... I just don't get it. Who is this grey unicorn? When I first saw Jack, she was on a bridge."
>I'm not liking the way this is going
>It's hard to stay angry when things are being spoken over
"...she's a pony that used to follow me around."
>"And she used to follow me too. So, again, go eat trash."
"But... that doesn't make sense."

>"What doesn't make sense?"
>Anon doesn't seem to know anything about her
>How could he?
>Sighing, I try to take a step closer to them but just sit back down
"I... she started to follow me after a while."
>"And she told you to die, right?"
>Sparking sounds less vile but does sound far more disgusted
"...yeah! You've really seen her then?"
>"Hold on, how in the hell does Equestria have some sort of character like that?"
>Both Sparking and I shush him at the same time
"..tell me then. Would she follow you?"
>"She followed me like Prism followed money trails. After long enough she tried acting like my friend. Tried to talk me into turning my horn on myself, or to go take a short jump off of a tall building."
"...do you remember the bridge we had that fight at?"
>"Which one?"
>That... was a good question
"I... I don't know. The one with the tunnel."
>"I guess I do then? What about it?"
"She used to tell me to jump off. She told me a lot of things, since even before we started stealing for more than just food."
>"She told me that stealing would be the only option... that or I just turn myself in at a butcher."
>How could this be?
"I... I don't get it."
>"Neither do I. Context please?"
>We shush him at the same time
>Again
>"Ok, fine, kill each other for all I care."
>He threw his hands up
>I can hear how frustrated this has made him
"Do... did you have something to do with what I've been dreaming about lately?"
>Sparking looks at me like I'm stupid
>"Why, when, and how would I know any of that...?"
"B-because... you... uh....?"
>I was losing ground quick
>"I, uh, wha, huh?"
>Sparking crosses her eyes and tilts her head
>"Gee, I'm having bad dreams instead of naughty dreams, must've been magic! I've been cuddling up with my human too much or too little and now I'm having a little mood, must've been magic! Oh no, my best friend did some magical miracle and now I get to share naughty dreams with my human but it turned out less than perfectly, SHE MUST'VE FUCKED IT UP SOMEHOW, AM I RIGHT?!"
>The way her voice rises until she's screaming at me with a mad glint in her eye is...
>It's humiliating
>I'm not like that
>Am I?
>"COME ON, LAY IT ON ME DIRT PONY."
>Where was all of that energy I had?
>Where was all of that anger?
>Since when did she get to have all of it?
>I can't think
>I'm at such... an absolute loss
>"...are we done here, girls?"
>Sparking makes an effort to snort as hard as she can
>Nothing comes out but air
>"I've been done."
"I... uh..."
>I avoid her burning, direct stare
"I'm sorry."
>"Alright, cool. You two hashed it out. Now it's my ass you gotta crawl out of, what did you do that put both of us into a coma for two days?"
>She inhales hard
...
>And exhales hard
>"I will own up that I screwed up there."
>Anon leans over and flicks her nose again

>She reaches up with her hooves
>"You...! Eat my ass, I did you a favor!"
>"I don't care if you personally built me a sci-fi era centaur suit that turned Jack's head into the upper half of a human woman and made it anatomically correct!"
"...wait, what?"
>"You made me miss work, you faked messages, and what would have happened if we didn't even wake up? Did you even know what the hell you were doing?"
>"Well, obviously if I-"
>"Obviously nothing! You had no backup plan if you screwed up, you could've scrambled my head, her head, your own head, or any of our brainpans in any order! Even better, if you can't give me a good answer as to why you did this, I can and will flick you a third time and fourth time will be a five finger salute to your chatterbox."
>"I said it was for the holiday thing you guys have going on here, get off me! Fine, you wanna complain at me doing something risky then sure, do your Saturday morning special and teach me about morals and responsibility but it turned out well, didn't it? If I wanted, I could have actually had fun with it! I'm certainly entitled to some sort of reward after being such a team player, aren't I?!"
>I almost expect Anon to flick her again
>But...
>He doesn't
>I think she expected it too
>Her eyes dart to me like she's waiting for someone to hit her again
>Anon rubs his face with his hands
>It feels like all of the tension reached a fever pitch and just...
>Died
>"Yeah. I'm sorry Shine. Even if I don't exactly understand what you did, I'm glad you did it. Even if you didn't plan it and it could have led to up to three braindead bodies."
"An-"
>"Jack, you shush right now."
>He continues to rub his face
>"The... uh. The holiday you're looking for. Thanksgiving isn't about giving people stuff. That's the next one. I'm thankful you were thinking of me. And of Jack."
"Me t-"
>"Jack, shush."
>Dang it
>He didn't have anything further to say though
>He just sits back with his elbows on his knees and his face resting on his palms
>"...well. I guess I should be sorry. I could have screwed up in a huge way."
>Anon brings his head up to glare at her
>"...I should be sorry and I am. Only did it for your benefits. If it were anyone else it just wouldn't be my problem. And I wouldn't have even bothered."
>Seemingly content with her words, Anon sighs
>I get the feeling he won't shush me again
"...I'm sorry I got mad, Sparky. I only ever began to feel like myself once we found you. I really don't know where we would be without you."
>"Yeah... well... yeah..."
>It sounds like a lot of the vinegar is gone from her for good
"You're still my best friend. I hope you do know that still."
>"Oh yeah.. sure... you're still my best friend too. But the next time you go at my nose I'll make sure you can't look at Anon without thinking of my horn."
>"You mean how she'll look at your slice of bread and think of my loaf?"

>I can't help but chuckle at that
>"...come on, you really aren't going to let me have this?"
>Anon inhales and shakes his head, finally moving away from his hands
>"You make it too easy."
>We all look at each other
>"So... we're all alive. Yeah?"
>Both of us nod
>"And... we're all awake and not psychotic or mentally fucked up? More so than we already are?"
>While it's more hesitant, we both nod still
>"Then... alright then. Lesson learned, neat trip had. This doesn't happen again. Unless it's all planned out, like a camping trip that leads to heavy mushroom abuse."
"...how do you abuse mushrooms?"
>"By using too much hoof?"
>Anon quietly nods
>After another sigh he stands up
>"Ahhh I hate both of you now. Come on, let's go back now. We hugged and made up, let's get on with our lives."
>That really seemed to have quashed it
>We all end up making our way to the elevator
"...how much did Dashie actually know about all of this?"
>"I explained it to her like it was some mental vacation you'd both be going on. All romance and dancing through flower fields and crap."
"And she believed you?"
>"I think she wanted to. And don't worry, she warned me earlier today that if you didn't wake up soon, I wouldn't wake up soon."
>"Is that why you were down here?"
>"If I did that, it would be me admitting that she scared me."
"Did she?"
>"Shut up."



>It's snowing
>It's been snowing
>The patio has been shoveled mostly clean and a blanket has been set down
>Every morning we shake it free of snow that fell over the night and make sure it's good for sitting
>It's just me and Dashie
>We don't say anything though
>It kinda reminds me of how things used to be, just me and her
>Without the troublemaker Sparking Shine
>Without that grey unicorn
>Without Anonymous
>It was just us, against the world
"Did we ever used to have snow?"
>I finally break the silence
>She looks at me
>She looks so happy
"It's just... you know. don't remember."
>"I think we did."
>That's all she has to say about it
>Ever since that... shared dream
>I haven't been talking to Anon much
>I haven't spoken to Sparking Shine either
>I did forgive her
>But I don't want to talk to her
>At least a half hour has passed already
>I can hear video games playing
>They've been spending an awful lot of time together lately
>Or maybe it's just because I haven't been wanting to be around either of them
"I miss him."
>Dashie giggles
>"Do you really? Why?"
"Because we haven't been around each other enough."
>"Didn't I see you two in the bathroom a few days ago?"
>Whether or not either of us would ever openly admit it, he was in a rush and I had to go to the bathroom
"...no, that wasn't me."
>"I'm pretty sure it was you, you even started to-"
"Oh... shush, you."
>She isn't afraid to say things out in the open like that
"...so we aren't actually that far away... but it just feels awkward sometimes."
>"Why? Every time I see you look at each other, there's hardly any sort of remorse or suspicion going around."
>I shake my head
>I got my mane in twin tails again
>I'm kinda surprised I'm the only one who likes to try out different styles
"Because... he saw inside my dreams. He saw what I remembered. What I think I remembered. What might not even be what really happened..."
>That's the real reason for the distance
>Without my past, who am I?
>I know full well of where I am now
>I know that all of this isn't going anywhere
>Maybe it really is ok if I just popped up out of a box and had no real past to me
>But
>What if all of that really did happen?
>What if I was at risk of forgetting everything that made me who I am now?
"...you wanna know something funny?"
>"Hm?"
>The snow is starting to come down thick
>It's kinda cool to see my breath come out so visibly
"I told Anon my name was Lemon Pepper."
>She giggles
>"That sort of name would suit you, wouldn't it?"
>I grin
>It sounded so silly at the time
>I had no genuine clue why I said it
"I guess so. Do you think I should make that my name?"
>"What's wrong with Jacky?"
"Well..."
>Jacky isn't a real name
>Not like Sparking Shine
>Or Faint Prism
>It is only even barely similarly sounding to Applejack
>I still have my doll of her somewhere
>I still love her
"...I want to say it's so Anon has something special to call me."
>"What he calls you already isn't enough?
>That
>Is a good point actually

"...well I guess, yeah."
>"I'm serious, that man has a fetish for finding new ways to identify you."
>This time I giggle
"He has his favorites but he really hasn't run out of names, has he..."
>"Personally. I think those names are quite special."
"I guess they really are. I want to say that having a real, appropriate name might also make me feel more... I don't know. Normal?"
>Another joyous laugh
>"I'm sorry dear but I have never once seen you act normal in my life. You've only gotten weirder since Anon!"
>I squint at her and puff out my cheeks
"And what do you think you mean about that?"
>"Singing? Dancing? Sudden interests that you never had and even talking about family? You may want to disguise it as 'maturity' but you're certainly an oddball that has only turned more into an odd ball."
>I roll my eyes at her
"Don't even try, who's the one who put on a little song and pony show that last time...?"
>She clears her throat
>"I, my dear little sister, have always been a performance artist."
"Performing my butt, sure..."
>No matter how much we bicker or fight, it never goes beyond a certain level
>I wouldn't change it for anything
>She flaps her wings once, pushing the snow off of her wings
>I... actually feel decently warm, still
>Must be the winter coat
>Or I'm thinking of warm thoughts
"It's almost a new year here, Dashie... this is going to be my third year here. In this crazy human world."
>She nods at my astonishment
>"It certainly will. And it's getting close to the same time for me too. And only until rather recently, it feels like just yesterday that I woke up."
"Tell me about it..."
>Us getting Sparky
>Us getting Dashie
>Waking up and having that first night of alcohol with Anon
>Watching all of those movies together
>Helping Anon when he would come in and just lay on the floor for a few hours without even taking off his boots
>Trying to cheer him up when he told me he really had no family left
>Failing to cheer him up
>Being with him through as many steps as I could
>Our first time being... intimate
>It all feels like things that happened mere hours ago but I know that I could forget about them just as easily
"I think I'm getting to the point that I remember so much that I don't even remember what I forgot at times... that's kinda weird, isn't it?"
>"I think it's just a sign that you're getting older."
>Older...
>I wish I had a real birthday to go by
>I can only really go by the years I've been with Anon
"I'm not worried about getting older, Dashie."
>"I'm glad you aren't, Jacky. I don't think I'm worried, either."
"I... I worry about something though."
>"What's that?"
"Anon used to talk about his friends a lot."
>The thought has been bubbling in my gut for the last month
>It's almost too scary to even speak of
>But it's more scary to let it come true

"...we aren't gonna end up like that, are we? We're gonna stay sisters. Right?"
>Dashie looks at me
>She gives me a gentle headbutt with the side of her face
>"Bonk. Of course we are, don't be silly. What we went through together... the things I've done, both to help us and what ended up..."
>She trails off, audibly struggling to vomit out the right words
>"..what ended up costing you. I would really give up what little I have left for you, to keep us together. That will never change."
>Her lips flicker between a frown and a smile for just a moment
>"And I can only truly hope that you really do feel the same."
>The smile wins the battle
>"And when it comes to our little runt. Our little red-headed step-sister..."
>She grins
>I can't help but grin too
>It sounds too accurate
>"She's along for the ride too. Every step of the way. And I would give up just enough to keep her with us too."
"Really?"
>She doesn't answer immediately
>"...ok. I would give 99% of what I would give for you, for her. But don't let her know that."
>We both laugh
>It's one of those laughs that just feel too good to stop
>The sort where it just sounds embarrassing to hear
>By the time it fades, we're both left much warmer and relaxed
"How do I get over this hump, Dashie? Help me out, come on."
>She shrugs
>"My first instinct is to say 'I have no clue'... but if I had to take a stab in the dark? Embrace the intimacy. You two are already two peas in a pod. If you aren't around me, you're around him. And if he isn't around you, he's either around Sparky, at work, or sleeping... in which case I've seen both of you at least hang around his body."
>'Like a pair of freaking cats!', I can immediately hear in his voice
"I guess... it just felt too invasive."
>"I know. And you should still probably talk to him about that. But aside from the privacy issue... I'm pretty sure you two don't have many secrets from each other as is. And not because you two are always asking silly questions."
"No, we do that too."
>She rolls her eyes
>"I mean real questions, Jacky. Not which five-set movie collection you would bring on a deserted zombie island with no internet and you had to kiss each other for water or whatever it is you two make up."
"H-hey! I take offense to that!"
>She leers at me
>With a smile
>It is a little bit judgmental
>"Good. I can say this with confidence because it's not like I can escape it all the time."
"Ok, sheesh... some of those hypotheticals really are important though..."
>"No they aren't."
>Whatever
>She just doesn't get it
>She's the first one that zombies would crowd around and pluck all of her feathers off
"...think I can go in there and steal him away for a bit?"
>"You're asking me?"
"Yeah."
>Dashie leans close to me
>Her voice is hard and hushed
>"Between you and me, I see where he stares when you walk by. If you can't use your words, use your actions."

"...woah."
>I wasn't expecting that
>"I know what I'm talking about. Now skip to, and pretend that you're freezing and that you need strong Anon hands to warm you up."
>Who is this mare and where is my Dashie
"...that sounds like something I may have already done at least once."
>That's right...
>That's right!
>I'm obviously Anon's mare!
>I'm the one calling the shots!
>Well, sometimes
>The mood sorta does kinda pop up more often since it has given positive results
>I shake my head to clear my mind
"Alright, I'm going in. It sounds like Tekken so he's gonna be fired up."
>"You go get him, champ."
>Watch out, Anon
>He's gonna watch me dethrone an Empress


>New Year's Eve
>That means another year of this goofy life
>Of these goofy mares
>"You're gonna eat my snake sword, and then my ass, in that order."
"I'll shove your snake sword up your ass. How's that grab ya?"
>You really don't think your relationship with Jacky has been strained
>It was... quite something, to be in her dream
>You still aren't completely sure, yourself, if it should have happened
>You spent some time talking to Shine about it
>You spent a lot of time talking to Shine about it
>You believe that she did it out of good will
>But you still can't help but wonder
>"Oh you suck, you can't just keep timing my recovery!"
"Then recover another way, dipstick."
>Jacky hasn't really wanted to talk to you for... a while
>She still sneaks into bed with you, if she doesn't just outright lay at your side when you're tired
>If you set up a movie, she'll go in
>It really has gotten to be genuinely uncomfortable
>But she doesn't really want to talk about it
>You can't force it
>At least Shine has been there for you
>Prism too
>To an extent
>You've decided to try to just focus on your daily life until then
>"Oh, COME ON!"
>Shine gives a loud, throaty "UGH" and throws herself over your lap in a dramatic fashion
>You've won, best of three across three characters
>Your Siegfried beat her Kilik
>Her Nightmare demolished your Maxi
>Your Tira destroyed her Ivy
"Heh... nothing personnel, kid."
>You're quite proud of yourself
>Even if it was a close call on that third set
>You poke the side of your phone
>It's getting pretty close to midnight
>You part the side of Shine's chest
>Hollow like a drum
>Kinda like Jack, but a different tone
"We got a little bit of time left before the end of the new year. What do you wanna do next?"
>Shine rolls onto her back, her controller held in the air by her weird pony-based kinesis magic
>"Beat you to a pulp for playing dirty."
"All's fair in love and war, can't blame me for your loss."
>She smiles
>"I guess you are right, there... very right."
>She inhales hard and lets out a drawn out sigh
>"Speaking of love, how are you and Jacky getting along? Anything change?"
>You shake your head
>She isn't paying attention so you switch to the arcade mode so you can just do a run solo
"No... not really. She still kinda looks at me differently."
>"And how did she look at you before?"
"I don't know. Like I was a friend, I guess."
>You adamantly believe that it's just a short-term thing
>But you're starting to worry
>"Well... it's not like you're someone different. You're still the Anon you've always been. You just have some better insight on her. And you had a taste of magic. Maybe to her you look like a wizard or something now?"
"That's goofy. My eyes don't glow or anything."
>"Would you like them to glow? I bet I could do that?"

"Nope, no. To be honest, I think you've gotten a little too comfy with using magic on others. This sort of thing should really be taken carefully. Documented."
>"Researched. And what better research is there than direct experience?"
"If we had a monkey or chimpozo, I'd agree. But we don't."
>"You're technically a monkey, aren't you?"
"Technically humans are ape-adjacent."
>"Personally? I think it sounds like an excuse to me."
>She stretches, her front and back legs shooting up in the air
"You're an excuse to me."
>Her legs go slack
>"...how dare you."
>You pause on your first death of the run...
>Gotta love games that have bullshit AI
"Ah... damn it."
>You turn your neck both ways to pop it
>You can see Jack in your doorway
>She looks
>Worried?
>Or some sort of nervous
>Your eyes lock
"Hey Jack."
>Her eyes break from yours, to Shine on your lap and then back to you
>"That's my seat."
>Shine scoffs
>"Should'a got in it first."
>You shake your head
"Sorry Red, but the lady's got a point."
>You unceremoniously push her forward
>She shouts with an unflattering "WAGH" after being rolled off your lap
"I'm all yours, Jackaholic"
>"This is just wrong..."
>The unicorn remains laying on the mattress in front of you, crestfallen
>Without saying anything more, Jacky climbs into your lap and sits on her butt
>With a practiced shove of her front hooves, she's perfectly balanced on your lap with her back to your front
>It is nice to have her on you
"What's up?"
>"I dethroned an empress."
"That's... nice?"
>Apparently you're a throne now
>Shine rolls onto her hooves and blows a stray strand of mane out of her eyes
>"Yeah well this empress knows a few tricks. Get ready for another round, loser, I'm going to refuel."
"You go and do that. What's up, Jack?"
>Shine trots off, mumbling to herself about games and thrones
>No answer
>It's just you and her, at least for the moment
"Jackoma."
>Nothing
"Jaqueen."
>Not a giggle
"...Lemon Pepper."
>That gets a response
>She rolls her head up and back, to the point that you can see her upside-down face
>Without warning, a hand goes to her throat and your lips go to hers
>You were never an aggressive kisser
>But
>You devour this mare
>She's been so close by for the last month but it feels like she's been gone for almost all of it
>It was maddening, to be honest
>It still is
>Because she has a month to make up for her absences
>By the time the kiss ends, she's huffing and grinning
>"Me... meow."
"That... is the good stuff."
>You let go of her and she nuzzles her head into your chest
>Now she feels more relaxed
>It's something hard to explain but you can just tell
>"Sheesh, you guys certainly don't waste any time. Is that what I get when I get to reclaim my throne?"
>"Dream on, nerd. I win."
>"Anooooon, Jacky called me a neeeeeerd..."
>Shine trots back onto the mattress, giving her most apathetic whine
>"You can keep his lap. I'm taking his head."

>You and the yellow mare share a quizzical squint
>Until you feel the weight of pony on your shoulders
>Shine's hind legs drape themselves over your shoulder, with her back presumably up against the wall
>Your neck feels a bit funny
"...Shiner."
>"Yup?"
"What are you doing?"
>"Getting a better view of the TV so we can play another round."
>Given the red glow around her hind legs, she's probably using magic to keep herself anchored to you
>So thrashing around and making her fall probably won't work
>And it would disrupt Jack
"... well played, red horse."
>Her controller glows in red aura and lifts up
"Well, I guess we got another set going, Jack. Wanna cheer me on?"
>"Sure. What do I get when my cheering leads to you winning?"
"Sure. What do you want?"
>"To rub it in."
>The way she smiles and her tone
>You're not sure exactly what to expect from that
"Fair deal. Shiner, what are our stakes? Since I beat you like a schoolyard bully and took your soda money, let's make this the final round."
>You poke at your phone again
>Maybe ten minutes left to end the year
>That's probably enough for more than just a set of three
"One character, we keep playing until the new year."
>"What do I want when I win because you're too distracted to cheat?"
"That's right."
>"I. Am going to be the one to rub it in."
>Uh oh
>Not only does it not sound clear as to what she means but Jacky is too quick to answer
>"You won't get it even with good luck."
>"I don't need luck, Jacky. I, unlike you, have mad skill."
"I'm getting the feeling that I'm not getting anything when I win."
>"You get me."
>You hear those words in stereo
"Whatever. I win, both of you either duke it out or freakin' kiss and make up already."
>With your best friend and best mare, you begin the final round of the year
>Your Siegfried to her Nightmare
"I fear nothing... I will face my darkness."
>"I shall share with you... MY darkness!"
>Stakes were declared
>The autistic quotes are shared
>Virtual swords are bared
>With all of this, you three enter the new year prepared