>You are Aux.
>You are a bat pony.
>You live in Hollow Shades, the village of bat ponies.
>You however are not like other bat ponies, your cutie mark very different.
>You got your cutie mark after you were rejected by the first girl bat pony you tried to ask out.
>Your cutie mark is a heart, that is crossed out.
>You believe this has to do something with how you still have not had a single girlfriend.
>But today is different, you have an amazing plan to make the Jasmine, the bat pony you have admired for quite some time, fall in love with you.
>One day, you were taking a walk at night, and you came across a camp fire where a pony in some crazy wizard outfit was sleeping.
>At the campsite, you found a lot of fireworks, so naturally, you stole some.
>After spending all day setting up the fireworks, so no one would see you doing so.
>Now it's finally starting to become night time, and you'll finally have your chance to show Jasmine how much you care.
>You stand ready with the match in your mouth, ready to light the fireworks as soon as you see her.
>After sitting idly for a while, you see her emerge from her house.
>Lighting the match as fast as you can, you lower it towards the fuse
>Sparking the fuse, it burns all the way up to the fireworks you've strategically planted.
>Reaching the fireworks, the fuse ignites them, send them into the air.
>The fireworks are extremely light, blinding you, Jasmine, and whatever unlucky bat ponies happen to be outside their houses at the time.
>Oh no, this isn't what's supposed to happen.
>Fireworks are supposed to be happy, you've heard magical things about them from normal ponies, but these things are blinding.
>Your blinding pain is only matched by the sheer horror you feel when you noticed one of your fireworks have misfired, lighting Jasmine's house on fire.
>Rushing as fast you can, you do the only thing you can think of.
>You run to to Jasmine, scooping her up as you try to get her away from danger, even though you're still blinded by those dreaded fireworks.
>This is your moment, saving Jasmine from danger, even if you were the one who created it.
>But no one knows that? For all they know, this could be an attack from those dreaded Diamond Dogs.
>But no, even this moment, is ruined, when you drop Jasmine.
>The worst part? You didn't just drop her, you dropped her off the walkway you were on, so now she's falling from the trees, plummeting towards the ground.
>Watching her fall, which seemed like an eternity, with her house still burning behind you, you realize she has fucking wings.
>After seeing her spread her wings and land safely, she gives you a stare of pure hatred.
>Trying to ignore it, you turn back to her house, seeing a large mass of bat ponies have started to help put out the fire with buckets of water.
>Running into your house to grab your own bucket, you rush back to the Jasmine's house.
>Flying up to dump the water on the house, you actually do something right, and dump the water on the house.
>Right when Midnight Blossoms flies right under you.
>A drenched Midnight looks up at you with a look that could kill small Taiwanese children.
>Wait, what the fuck does that even mean?
>Flying down to the lake located at the base of the village, you fly back up, and this time, succesfully dump the water on the flames.
>After a few mintues of doing this, the flames are finally extinguished.
>Now that the flame is finally put out, you should go back to your house, so no one thinks it was you that started this.
>Walking back, you walk past a few guards interegating a lady bat pony.
>Upon spotting you, she raises her hoof and points at you screaming.
>"IT WAS HIM!!!
>Looking back, you see the two guards rushing at you.
>Wide-eyed, you try to run away, only to be tackled by the guards.
>You've heard what happens to people that cause vandalism.
>Wait, it was forced rape.
>This might finally be your chance to get some!
>Being dragged to the middle of small town, lots of people begin to gather around, saying mean things about.
>You specifically heard Jasmine say how much of a terrible person you are.
>Even if you are about to have sex for the first time, this still cuts really deep, since you've done so much for her to like you.
>Being sat down in the center of the main walkway, four female bat ponies gather around a bucket that is laid out by one of the guards. It contains four mangos.
>You recognise two of them as Midnight and Night Watch.
>With all of them reaching into the bucket, all of them pull out a mango.
>"Oh no, does it really have to me?"
>Looking at the four ponies, you see that Night Watch has pulled out the shortest mango.
>That means she's the one that has to rape you.
>And now, it actually is rape.
>You've heard other stallions talking about how hard Night Watch is in the sack.
>You heard that she actually broke a stallion's pelvis.
>Your thoughts are interupted when you are being dragged by the guards again, into a small house, built only for the sole purpose of this punishment.
>The guards are followed by Night Watch, who is then left alone with you.
>"I'd like to remind you, that the only reason I'm doing this is because I HAVE to. I would NEVER do this with someone like you on my own accord."
>Swallowing, you nod, showing you understand.
>As she takes off her armor you get on the bed, waiting for her.
>As she walks over to you so you can get this thing started, you hear a scream come from outside the rape chamber.
>Night Watch rushes to the door, looking outside, she turns to you.
>"The Diamond Dogs are here."
>Wow, even when you're about to finally get some, even if it is forced, this happens. I guess a cutie mark really does tell your destiny...
>Running outside as Night Watch begins to put on her armor, you see Diamond Dogs emerging from the caves near your little town.
>These guys never give up attacking you guys, they do it just about every month.
>The damage is never really bad, and they've never managed to kill one of you.
>While flying down to try and help the other defenders, something catches your eye.
>Jasmine is fighting a dog by herself, and she seems to be in trouble.
>You rush over to her so you can help her, and maybe you can get back anything you had ever managed to build up with her.
>Upon getting closer, you land, and run over to help her.
>WHAM!

>You are Jasmine.
>You're fighting a Diamond Dog, and you just elbowed that idiot who lit your house on fire in the face.
>It felt really good.

>You are Aux.
>While trying to help Jasmine, a diamond dog must have managed to hit you in the face.
>It stings worse than when you got hit in the face with a mango by Echo.
>Finally regaining all of your senses, you notice the Diamond Dogs are finally retreating.
>Standing up, you see Jasmine trotting away from you.
>Deciding not to follow her, so you don't just make things wrose than they already are.
>How that would even be possible, you don't even know.
>Heading back home, you try to stay out of sight, so nothing else bad can happen.
>Finally in your home, you wait out the night, resting since you stayed up the night before preparing those dreaded fireworks.
>Also, everyone knows it was you who did it now, so you don't want to remind them.
>Walking past to other bat ponies conversing, you over hear their conversation.
>"Yeah, but some of the others thought it was the Diamond Dongs who set up those fireworks, so they attacked them.
>"Oh, so that's why they came here this close to their last attack?"
>Wow, some people thought it was the Diamond Dogs who lit the fireworks?
>This village is full of idiots.
>Oh, wait, you were the one who blinded half the village and lit Jamsine's house on fire...

>Finally reaching your house, you decide to wait out the rest of the day so nothing else bad will happen.
>Getting in your bed, you sleep through the night, since you stayed up all day yesterday setting up those fireworks.

>Waking up, you look outside to see how long you have slept, to be met with the friendly night.
>You must have slept all the way through to the next night.
>Thinking it might now be an okay tiem to come out of hiding, you step outside your house.
>The last few days have gone horrid for you.
>First, a few days ago, you accidently tripped Jasmine on the walk way.
>Then, the whole firework incident, which followed you basically destroying anything you had ever built up with Jasmine.
>It's almost as if your whole life revolved around her.
>You desperately need something to change your life around for the better.
>All this time spent trying to win over Jasmine...
>It's like your life up to this entire moment has been one tragedy followed by another.
>The best thing you could do right now is to just go to Jasmine and tell her you're sorry for what you did.
>Walking down the walkways if your quiet village, you see Jasmine's house, being rebuilt by some bat ponies.
>Looking around, you see Jasmine is with some of her friends.
>Trotting over to her, you ask if you can have a moment if her time, to which she hesitantly complies.
"Jasmine, I know I've done some pretty stupid stuff recently, but it was only to impress you. I've liked you for a very long time, and I just wanted to let you know that I'm sorry.
>"You expect me to forgive you after everything you've done?"
"Well, no I-"
>"No, let me stop you right there,you blinded me with those fireworks, you have burned down my house, almost killed me, and almost got me killed again by a Diamond Dog, and that was only in one day! You have been a pain in my ass for far too long, and I will never like you, no matter what you do.
>Standing there, dumbfounded at how much the girl you've spent so much time admiring, hates you.
>Water forming in your eyes, you try to rub them to get it to stop, but you can't.
>Fully crying now, you begin to turn and run away from Jasmine and her friends as you hear them laugh at you.
>"Keekeekeekee..."
>Trying to stop crying, you back to your house.
>Entering your house, you lie on your bed and try your hardest to try to stop crying.
>Rubbing the last few tears out of your eyes, you sit up in your bed.
>Walking over to your drawer, you open it, and pull out a small amulet.
"My life has no meaning anymore, so I might as well give it some.
>You remember the stories your grandfather used to tell you.
>He always said your ancestors used to serve under Luna before she was banished. Some say they were the best warriors in the entire army.
>Your grandfather didn't live long enough to see Luna return from the moon though.
>The only right thing you can do now is try to honor him and live up to your families name.
>Putting the amulet back, you walk out of your house a confident look on your face.
>You only have two things on your mind right now.
>The royal army.
>Plus, girls love an army guy, right?
>Trotting down the walkways, eyes still stinging from the earlier waterworks, you come to a building.
>Walking inside, you see a few other bat ponies, some bigger than you, all looking like they have meaning in their lives.
>Walking over to the desk, you do all the shit to get signed up for the army, but not without accidently knocking coffee onto the female receptionist.
>Eventually, you are finally a member of the royal army.
>Best part is your best friend Echo is also in the army, so you could probably help her guard the castle at night.
>But oh Luna, those puns are terrible.
>Wait, now you're in the army.
>You ACTUALLY signed up for the army.
>And at a time like this with all these bad things happening since those "Elements of Harmony" showed up.
>What were you even thinking?
>The best thing you can do now is see your best friend, Echo, and see if she can help you.
>Maybe she can even get you assigned with her on guard duty.
>Trotting up to a house you very well recognize, you knock on the door.
>The door opens with the bat pony Echo smiling.
>"Hey Aux! What's up with you?"
"I did something I really regret right now."
>"You mean those fireworks? Those things were a blast! Keekeekee!"
"Uuuugh, Echo! Seriously!?"
>"Keekeekee, sorry, I just had to do it. So, what did you do?"
"I signed up for the royal guard. Which now I really regret. I was hoping you might be able to pull some strings so we could guard together."
>"No can do Aux, normally I would, but I have to be stuck with Midnight Blossom, since the she had sex with the last pegasus she was stationed with."
>Peering out the window, you notice it's starting to get late.
>Considering everything that's been going on in your life right now, there is only one answer.

>Slamming your mug on the counter, you tell the bartender you want more.
>Alchohol.
>The solution to all of the world's problems.
>You've had like 5 mugs so far, and you feel great.
>Well, not so great, everything is getting fuzzy.
>At least Echo is here with you.
>While waiting for the bartender to fill up your glass, you notice someone enter the bar.
>Jasmine walks in with her friends.
>The friends that laughed at you as you cried.
>Now you're not sad anymore, you're angry, angry beyond compare.
>Fueled by the alchohol, you jump off of your seat, and begin walking towards Jasmine and her group of friends.
>This girl is the reason you're in the royal guard now.
>She made you cry, hurt you beyond compare.
>And here she is, laughing it up with her friends.
>She's the cause of everything bad in your life right now.
>You are now the alpha in the equation, and you're going to show her that.
>Walking up to her, feel your balance begin to faulter.
>Trying to straighten yourself, you only end up tripping over your own leg, slamming your face onto the table Jasmine and her friends are sitting at.
>Trying to pull your face off the table, you shift all of your weight onto it, tipping the table over.
>Falling with the table, it lands on top of you.
>All the girls stare at you.
>Bursting out laughing Jasmine and her friends all point at you with their hooves, one of them even falling over in their chair.
>Feeling the tears to well up in your eyes again, you try to push the table off of you, but you aren't strong enough.
>You sit there, crying into your arms, surrounded by Jasmine and all of her friends.
>You're stuck under the table until Echo comes over to help you, which takes a few minutes, which feel like an eternity to you.
>Finally getting the table off of you, you walk out of the bar, still crying.
>Walking home alone, wiping the tears from your eyes, you wonder what Echo did when you left.
>At least things couldn't get any worse than they already are.
>As if the clouds above the village were listening to your thoughts, they start to rain, pouring water all over your coat as you walk home crying.
>At least once you become a royal guard, you'll be in Canterlot most of your time and you won't have to see anyone here in the dreaded place.
>Yeah! These jerks will be stuck in the stupid little village, while you're up at the royal castle with the royal sisters and all the royals.
>Heck, you could probably even get Luna as your girlfriend.
>You'll show them, all of them, especially Jasmine.
>You open your eyes to the darkness you so love.
>It has been two days since the bar incident, and you've hidden out in your house since then.
>The only person who you let into your house was Echo, and most of the time spent with her was you crying onto her shoulder.
>But today is different, today is the first day of your royal duties as a guard.
>This is the first time since you've signed up that you're actually looking forward to being a royal guard.
>Even if you can't be with Echo, you might get put with someone cool, maybe a stallion just like you.
>You guys could have so much fun together!
>Or you could end up with a jerk, who would puch you around all day.
>Either way, your stupid brain made you sign up for this, so you're going to get the most out of it you can.
>It's finally time for you to get going so you can head to Canterlot.
>You aren't used to waking up this early in the morning though, for the last couple of days you've stayed in your bed until Echo came over.
>But now is not the time to dwell on the past, your great future is so close.
>Walking out your door, you close it behind you as you trot down the walkways, whistling a happy tune.
>Your destination finally comes into view as you turn around a walkway.
>Parked on one of the main walkways is a chariot where all the night guards are boarding to head to Canterlot.
>You recognize Echo, and some other faces, but most of these ponies you don't know personally, just really seen them around town.
>You see some of the people that were at the bar a few days ago near the chariot.
>Hopefully they don't bother you, but you're prepared for whatever they can throw at you.
>Walking up to Echo, you greet her as you both walk up to the chariot.
>Step no to the staircase to get on the chariot, you feel your weight shift forward, making you fall onto the stairs, hitting your head.
>Looking back you see the people from the bar had tripped you, and were now laughing at you.
>Trying not to cry again, you sniff, and wipe your nose with a hoof.
"Keke... nice one guys..."
>Heading to the back of the rather large chariot, you sit alone as Echo goes up to the front of the chariot.
>The entire time there you think about how much your life has gone down hill since that day with the fireworks.
>But now you're a royal guard, the top defenders of Canterlot.
>You are somebody important now.
>Your thoughts are interupted when the chariot sets down on the ground.
>You had never been in Canterlot, only heard about it.
>Some bat ponies said it was a great place, filled with magic and wonders.
>Others said it was a boring place, where nothing fun ever happened.
>You were a night guard however, and not much happens during the night.
>Walking down the steps of the chariot, you are very cautious as to not get tripped by the jerks from earlier again.
>Your group is met by a stallion, who tell all of the new recruits where they will be gaurding, and who their partner is.
>You however are lost in your thoughts about everything that's happened recently in your life.
>Your train of thought is haulted when you hear your name said by the white stallion.
>"-and Aux will be partnered together, and they will be tasked with the duty of guarding the south tower entrance."
>Hearing your name, you look up, and give the stallion a blank stare.
>Everyone looks at you, and you start to sweat, not knowing what to do.
>Standing up, you give a nervous laugh, and try to act like you know what you're doing.
>Walking forward, you go up to the white stallion who called your name.
>"Son, is there a reason why you're standing in front of me and not following your partner over there to your post?"
>Looking over, you see another bat pony in armor walking away.
>You could tell the bat pony was a female by the way her hips were swaying as she walked.
"Uh, n-no sir, I-I uh..."
>Lowering your head, you begin to follow your new partner from a distance.
>What if she was pretty? What if she tried to talk to you? What if she's mean? What if she's just like Jasmine and breaks your heart?
>Looking up, you noticed she has disappeared.
>Looking around for a few minutes, you realize you can't find her.
>And that you're now lost inside the castle.
>Your only hope now, is to just wander around and pray to Luna you find your partner.
>But you don't even know what she looks like, or where your position is.
>All you know is that your partner is a female, but that doesn't help either, because half of the guards were female too.
>Well, you're not going to get anywhere just standing here, you gotta go find her.
>You think the stallion from earlier said you were positioned in the... East tower?
>Maybe that's your best bet for now.
>But, you don't even know which way is East.
>Wait, you know that Echo guards the East tower entrance, maybe if you actualyl found out which way that was, you could get her help.
>Walking down one of the hallways, you come to a lone mare, sitting in front of one of the tower entrances.
>Wait, you recognize that cutie mark, it was the one of the mare that was walking away!
>Overjoyed, you increase your speed.
>Upon reaching her, the doors she is guarding swing open, slamming into your face.
>Taking a few steps back, you hold your nose.
>Feeling the waterworks coming, you wish that the hit had knocked you out or something.
>Looking up, trying not to cry, you see Luna, your princess, walking through the door.
>Noticing that she had hit your nose, Luna rushes over to you, and holds your hoof.
>Still trying not to cry, you stand up, and a single tear falls down your cheek.
>"I'm sorry I hurt thou young bat pony, I did not notice you when I opened the door."
"I-It's fine princess... it takes more than that to hurt me."
>Wiping the one tear from your cheek, you fianlly realize who you're talking to.
>The princess, the one who you even had thoughts about being your girlfriend, was now holding your hoof.
>Feeling blood rush to your cheeks, you try to hide it with your hoof as you awkwardly back away to your post.
>Staring at you in confusion, the princess begins to walk away.
>Realizing you had just humiliated yourself in front of your idol, you begin to cry, not caring if the other mare was watching you or not.
>After getting control of your tears, you wipe the last of them from your face.
>This was supposed to be your time, where you finally became someone and you just made yourself look like a child in front of Luna.
>Finally realizing you had just cried yourself dry in front of your partner, you look around, seeing her.
>She was looking at you with a look of discomfort.
>She must think you're the biggest weirdo ever, first showing up late, getting hit with a door, crying and acting all shy in front of the princess, and now you just cried for what, twenty minutes in front of her?
>You can't even see most of what she looks like, her helmet is hiding most of her face.
>Wait, where's your helmet?
>Oh, great, you forgot that at your house. Maybe if you had actually brought it, it wouldn't have hurn so much when Luna hit you with that door.
>Finally coming to your senses, you blink, realizing you've just been staring at the mare for a while.
>Shaking your head, you look down.
>"That was quite a hit earlier, I hope you're alright now."
>Did she just talk to you? Her voice sounded so nice. Wait, she's looking at you now, say something.
"Y-you too."
>Fuck, did you really just say that?
>"Keekeekee."
>Wait, did she just giggle?
>It must have been at you.
>You've become so pathetic it must be funny to other ponies.
>You can only hope things don't get worse.
>Looking over, you see her take off her helmet, revealing her blue curly hair.
>Damn, most bat ponies don't have that color of hair, but it looks stunning on her.
>Wait, are you falling for her? You can't. Not after what the last one did to you.
>You signed up for this, now it's the only thing that should be on your mind, mares have been the cause of all the trouble in your life.
>Echo is the only mare you trust, since she's always been there for you.
>Looking back at the mare, you see she has light blue eyes and looking closer at her flank, you see her cutie mark is like a cresent moon.
>You should at least try to talk to her to pass the time, and it would be the polite thing to do.
>Your mom always told you to be polite to others.
>Okay, now you're just stalling, talk to her.
"My n-name is Aux, what's yours?"
>Damn, almost as smooth as sandpaper right there.
>"Keekee, my name is Moonshine."
>Wow, even her name sounds pretty.
>Trying to think of something else to say, your mind wanders off.
>This girl is beautiful, maybe you should ask her out on a date.
>No, she probably already has a boyfriend, and that would only end in a screeching contest.
>You've never won a single one of those in your life.
>Maybe she doesn't, but taking the chance could end in your humiliation.
>But it's not like that's something uncommon to you.
>As of recently, you get humiliated on a daily bases.
>"You know, you're kind of handsome."
>Looking over at her, she's staring forward.
>Was that your mind playing tricks on you, or did she actualyl say that?
>You've never had a mare call you handsome before.
>But winners have to take risks, so you better not screw this up.
"You're k-kinda handsome t-too."
>Did you really just say that?
>Looking over at Moonshine, she's staring at you in confusion.
>You must have just imagined what she had said to you.
>"Kekeke, you're funny. I've never had a stallion call me handsome before."
>Is this for real?
>It's as if she likes you being completely stupid.
>Not knowing how to respond, you just sit in silence for the rest of your shift.
>Upon seeing the sun rise from over the balcony, you gues that your shift is over when you see Moonshine pass you.
>Standing up you follow her, dragging behind.
>You've haven't stayed up this much for a long time.
>Feeling your pace begin to slow, and having trouble keeping your eyes open, you decide it would be best to rest for a bit.
>Coming up a small closet, you open it up. Looking inside you mind some boxes that you could use as a bed.
>Getting on the boxes, you close your eyes.
>You wake to a blinding light in your eyes.
>Squinting, you see a figure standing in front of you, and feel pressure on your side.
>Upon coming into focus, the figure is revealed as one of the royal guards, and the pressure is him poking you with his hoof.
>"Mind telling me what you're doing in here, bat pony?"
"I-I, um, I kind of fell asleep in here after my shift. I wasn't used to staying up as late as it was."
>"Well, I could either let you go, or I could report you to your superior. But I think I'll just let you go as long as I never see you pull this again."
>Jumping up, you exit from the closet, only to be blinded by the sun.
>Without the trees like in Hollow Shades, your eyes take a few minutes to adjust to the sun.
>Blinking a few times, you try to get your bearings.
>You got lucky with the guard from earlier, he could have gotten you fired.
>Oh, wait, you don't even want this job anymore. That was the perfect oppurtunity to get out of this, and you blew it.
>Walking down the hallways, you head back the way you believe you came down to get back to the chariot.
>It was probably gone by now, but it didn't hurt to check.
>If it was gone, then that means you'd be stuck in Canterlot for the day.
>You had never been in the city before, and yesterday was the first time you were ever in the castle.
>Maybe you could find someone who could help you.
>Maybe your best bet was to find your way to town first at least.
>You were still lost in the castle, and you kept getting weird looks from the other guards as you passed them.
>After wandering around for a good while, you finally come across the castle gate.
>Walking down the stone stairs, you see the city of Canterlot.
>This place was bustling with ponies, however you couldn't see a single bat pony anywhere.
>Walking down, you see that it's getting pretty late in the day.
>Wandering around town, you come across a bar.
>This place would be your best bet for any information and maybe you could get a drink while you're at it.
>Entering, you come upon something very stange inside the bar.
>There are only stallions in here.
>Walking up to the counter, you see many of the stallions staring at you.
>You even saw one drooling at you.
>Taking a seat at the counter, the bartender steps over to you.
>"What would you like, darling?"
>He had a very strange accent. If that's how most of the people talked in this place, then it'll be annoying the entire time you're here.
>Also, why would a stallion call you darling?
"I'll just have a cider, please."
>Upon the bartender walking away, two other stallions come and sit next to you, one on each side of you.
>"We haven't seen you around here before, sweetheart." says the one on your left.
>Great, this guy has the same accent as the bartender, and he called you sweetheart.
>"Yeah, you also have some nice wings, where are you from?" says the other stallion.
"I'm from Hollow Shades, the bat pony village."
>The bartender comes back and sets the cider in front of you and walks away to cater to other customers.
>"Oh, I've never been there before. You might need to teach me some of their culture." the one on the left says as he winks at you.
>Your eyes widen at finally realizing where you are.
>You wandered into a gay bar, and now all of the stallions think you're also gay.
>Trying to not seem hostile, you have to think fast.
"Oh, um, I'm not like that, I just came in here for a drink."
>"Well why wouldn't you want to be like us?" Replies the pony on your right, "It's so much fun."
>These stallions do seem to be pretty happy.
>When was the last time you were happy? Thinking back you can't remember, your life has been so terrible lately.
>Maybe they were right. Maybe this is the reason why you have trouble with mares.
>That could be it, the reason why you've never been able to get a girlfriend.
>Taking a large gulp out of your cider, you slam the mug onto the counter.
"You know what, maybe I am just like you guys.

>It's now been a week since you officially became "gay."
>And it has been terrible.
>It turns out you're even worse with stallions then you are with mares.
>No one knew that you were gay however, and it seemed nobody at Hollow Shades was gay.
>You didn't even really feel like you were gay, you just started saying you were because you wanted to be happy for once.
>But now it hurt even more, having been rejected by not one, but both genders.
>Your job however was going better.
>You didn't get hit in the face with doors anymore, but you still get a strange feeling.
>You always found yourself attracted to Moonshine, but gay guys aren't supposed to like girls.
>You were still questioning if you were even gay anymore.
>It might have been fun at first, but now you don't even like it.
>Opening up the door to the bar, you walked in and sat with your two gay buddies.
>These guys were at least nice to you.
>They were also the only ones who know you considered yourself gay, not even Echo knew.
>Looking at them, you decide to come clean on what you've been thinking about.
"Guys, I really don't think this whole gay thing is working out for me."
>Looking at you, Richard, the one who sat on your right when you met the two, raises an eyebrow.
>"What are you saying? Are you implying you want to go straight?"
>Pondering for a minute, you put your hoof on the table.
"Actually, yes I am Richard."
>"Fine with me. You can do whatever your heart tells you Aux."
>Turning to you, Walter, the other pony, he looks at you.
>"The time we spent together here, drinking, was fun. We'll miss you buddy."
>Drinking from his mug, Walter extends a hoof to you.
>Standing up, you shake it, and walk out of the bar.
>You were now officially straight again, and you even got away with never having gay sex once.
>Walking down the street towards the castle, you come across a couple, staring into each other's eyes.
>Sighing, you keep walking.
>It seems as if you'll never have happiness, but things are the way they are for a reason.
>Maybe you had some big destiny that would involve you sacrificing yourself, saving all of the other ponies in the world, and a lover would just get in the way.
>Whatever it was, you still didn't like not having someone to love.
>You were a perfectly nice guy, yet whatever you tried always failed with any mares.
>Finding you had gotten to your location, you walk up the castle steps.
>Reaching the top, you turn down the hallways you had finally become acquanted with.
>Walking past a window, you look out to see a very odd sight.
>The chariot that transports you and all of the night guards was at the castle, which it was never was at this time.
>Rushing to the landing, you come across many bat ponies, which was very strange, since most of them stayed in Hollow Shades.
>Reaching the chariot, you approach one of the white stallions who pulls it.
"Um excuse me sir, but what's happening, the chariot never comes back to Canterlot at this time, and it never brings this many bat ponies."
>"We had to come back to Canterlot with as many as the chariot could carry, the Diamond Dogs have mounted a full assault against Hollow Shades. The guards stayed there to fend off the attack, while we brought all of the civilians to safety."
>The Diamond Dogs never did anythign like this, sure they attacked at least once a month, but never anything where they've had to evacuate the town.
"Sir, you have to fly me back to the town."
>No can do boy, we have strict orders to not return until we get the signal it is clear."
"But that's the point. You might never get the signal, and they need all the help they can get!."
>Shouting out into his face, you stomp your hoof on the ground.
>That was your home. Even though it was infested with terrible people, there were still others that cared about you there, and your parents would want to to protect them, and your home.
>"I'm afraid I can't do that. Sorry."
>Filling with rage, you scream into his face.
"I am the captain of Luna's royal guard, and if you don't take me to Hollow Shades, then I will personally have you fired!"
>Stumbling back, the stallion regains his balance, and turns to the other stallion that pulls the chariot.
>Shrugging, the stallion turn to you.
>"Get in."

>You had never done anything like that before.
>It felt awful. You lied to him.
>But it was for your home, and your friends.
>Well, friend, since Echo was the only one you really had. But there was also Moonshine, you really liked her, and if helping her meant doing this, you just had to.
>Finally reaching Hollow Shades, you see that the town has fires spreading, with lots of bat ponies attacking the Diamond Dogs.
>There were more of them than you could count, and they were destroying your town.
>What could have provoked them, you have no idea.
>Looking around, you see that the Diamond Dogs are even grabbing some bat ponies and dragging them into the caves.
>Flying down through the smoke, shielding your eyes from the hot air, you land on the ground.
>Rushing towards the caves, you spot Echo and Moonshine being dragged into one of the caves by two Diamond Dogs.
>Those bastards! If they want to take the only people who you actually care about, they're going to have to take you too.
>Rushing into the dark caves aftet them, you follow them down the paths, turning whenever you hear a noise in a different direction.
>You had never been in these caves before, but that didn't matter, all that mattered was you find them.
>Running down one path, you come to a large opening in the rock, and take cover beside it, looking inside.
>Observing the enviornment, you see a large number of bat ponies locked inside cages, most likely to be killed later.
>There seemed to be no Diamond Dogs around, so bolting in, you run to the closest cage.
>Reaching it, you see it's locked, but looing around you quickly find a key hanging on a wall.
>Coming back to the cages, you begin unlocking them, opening Echo and Moonshine's cages last.
>"Aux! I never thought we'd be saved, let alone by you!" says Echo as she hugs you.
"There's no time, get out of here before the Diamond Dogs come here."
>Turning around, your eyes are met by the very thing you had hoped wouldn't find you.
>Standing over you, is a grey Diamond Dog, three times as tall as you.
>Turning to Echo and Moonshine, you yell at them to run.
>Turning back to the Diamond Dog, you glare at it, knowing you couldn't possibly get away from a monster this large.
>"Those were ours! And you set them free! How dare you!" it screeches in a raspy voice.
>Without replying, you do the one thing you could. Attack.
>Jumping onto the dog, you sink your teeth into its neck.
>Sqealing in pain the Diamond Dog throws itself against a wall, slamming you into it.
>Filling with pain, you don't let go, sinking your fangs deeper into its neck.
>Peeling immense pressure on your sides, you notice it has grabbed you, and started pulling you off of it.
>Feeling your grip loosen, you let go, only to be slammed on the ground by the dog.
>Bringing its claws into the air, the Diamond Dog lashes out at you.
>Rolling out of the way, your wing is still caught by the claws, tearing holes in your left wing.
>The pain is unbearable as you get off the ground, only to feel claws sink into your side.
>Falling onto the ground, you can feel the blood pouring out of you onto the cave floor.
>Eyes becoming heavy as you try to get up to continue fighting, you hear shouts from the cave as you close your eyes, passing out from blood loss.

>Slowly opening your eyes, they are filled with light.
>Trying to sit up, you are filled with pain.
>Falling back, you feel you are on a bed, but your vision is still blurred.
>Blinking a few times, your surroundings come into focus, revealing you are in a hospital.
>Looking around, you see you are alone in your room.
>The last thing you remember is fighting with a Diamond Dog, but why were you fighting it?
>Looking around, you see a button to call assistance.
>Reaching out a hoof, you press it, and lay back in your bed.
>Pulling up the covers, you see your side has a large scar on your right side.
>Sitting back, you wait until someone enters the room.
>Opening the door, a brown stallion walks in, presumably the doctor, and takes a seat next you.
>Looking up at him, you speak before he can say a word.
"Why am I here? And what's this?" You say as you point to your side.
>"Well, you went to Hollow Shades during the Diamond Dog assault, and you got into a pretty rough fight with one of them."
>Realizing what had happened, your eyes widen.
>Before you can speak, the doctor seems to have read your mind.
>"Don't worry, everyone is okay, you saved all of them, and reinforcements came and drove back the Diamond Dogs and Hollow Shades was fully rebuilt while you were in your coma."
>You were in a coma? It didn't even feel like you had been gone that long.
"How long have I been in a coma?"
>"You were asleep for about a month, and thankfully we were able to heal you fully, except for one thing."
>Upon hearing him say this your face fills with worry.
"What weren't you able to fix?"
>"Well, your left wing took a pretty bad hit. We're afraid there's a chance you may never be able to fly again."
>"I'll give you some time alone to reflect on everything you've heard."
>Getting up, the doctor walks over to the door, and opens it, turning to you.
>"We're sorry."
>Walking through the door, he closes it behind him.
>You may never fly again? You flied a lot. Flight was basically the only way to get around Hollow Shades, and now you may never do it again.
>Trying to open up your left wing, you feel immense pain, and stop trying.
>Sitting up, it hurts less now.
>Looking over, you see a window.
>Getting up, you walk over to the window, looking outside.
>You were apparently in Canterlot, and you were pretty high up, at least on the tenth floor.
>Reaching for the handle, you pull open the window.
>Getting up on to the window sill, you stand on your hind legs, and hold onto the sides of the window.
>You may never fly again, and that was one of the only fun things you still did.
>Flying through the air with the breeze in your hair was one of the only things you could do that made you happy, and you could never do it again.
>At least you saved your friends in the process, and Moonshine, the girl you loved.
>Those were the only two people that cared about you since your parents died.
>Well, you weren't even sure if Moonshine even cared about you from the way you always acted around her.
>Your life was full of pain more than anything else.
>Looking up, you observe the scenery from the window sill.
>You can see lots of little ponies, some were couples.
>You would never know happiness like all of them.
>Seeing lots of little colts and fillies playing brings some joy to your heart.
>Those little children would know happiness in their lives, and they would never go what you've gone through.
>You've set off fireworks and burned down the house of the girl you love.
>You've been rejected, and cried.
>You've humiliated yourself and got laughed at.
>Not only after that, you got lost in the castle, then humiliated yourself in front of your idol.
>You then failed at any chance you had with Moonshine.
>You called yourself gay, and then went straight only after a week.
>You saved the people you cared abotu from dying, and got into a fight with a Diamond Dog three times your size.
>Looking at your wing, you turn your gaze back outside.
>You lost one of the only things that brought joy to your life in the process though.
>You had basically nothing to live for right now, and in just one easy step, you could end it all.
>Looking down, your eyes fill with tears.
>Blinking they roll down your cheek, and fall out the window.
>You close your eyes, and raise your head.
>Opening your eyes, you wipe your tears away with your foreleg.
>No. No tears, you were about to be in a happier place.
>Breathing slowly, you begin to prep yourself for the single step that would end your tragic life.
>Extending your leg out, a strong breeze blows past you, making papers flutter around inside the hospital room.
>Pulling your leg back, you turn your head back to the papers.
>Looking at the papers, you notice something on the desk next to your bed.
>Slowly turning around on the window sill, you look at the object on your desk.
>Sitting on the desk is a small envelope, with a small heart shaped sticker sealing it.
>Before you can do anything, the wind rushes past you into the room, this time picking up the envelope.
>Flying around the room, the envelope turn towards you, and flies right past you out the window.
>Trying to reach for the envelope, you begin to fall forward.
>Sticking your foreleg back, you grab onto the window with your hoof.
>Looking back, you reach out and try to grab the envelope, just out of your reach.
>Pulling yourself back from the window, you do the first thing you can think of.
>You run to the door, swinging it open, as you turn down the hallway, passing doctors, nurses, and patients.
>Your body ached, but it didn't matter, you had to get that envelope.
>Running past the receptionist's counter, she looks up and yells for you to stop.
>Ignoring her, you reach the stairs, and begin jumping down them floors at a time as you run as fast as you can.
>Finally reaching the bottom floor, you run out the front door as doctors and nurses try to stop you from leaving.
>Running outside, the direct sunlight burns your eyes.
>Quickly looking around, blinking to adjust your eyes to the sunlight, you finally spot the envelope flying with the wind, just about twenty feet away from you.
>Sprinting as fast as you can, you finally reach the envelope, just a few feet above you.
>Running with the wind, you jump up, grabbing the envelope with your mouth.
>Envelope in mouth, you begin sprinting back to the hospital, retracing your steps back up to your room.
>Opening the door, you run inside, slamming it behind you.
>Running over to your bed, you sit on it.
>The pain in your body finally catching up with you, you fall back onto the bed in pain.
>Laying there, you rub your side, until the pains subsides.
>Leaning forward, you grab the envelope, and examine it.
>On the front, it simply says, "To: Aux"
>Turning it around, you see the small glitter covered, heart shaped sticker.
>Pulling off the sticker, you open up the envelope, and pull out the piece of paper.
>Before you can begin reading it, you hear this doorknob turn.
>Stuffing the letter back into the envelope, you put it behind your pillow.
>Looking back, you see the doctor from earlier entering your room.
>Walking up next to the bed, the doctor gives you a stern look.
>"So I heard you went for a little jog?"
"Um, yes. I did."
>"Care to tell me why you would have done such a thing?"
"No. I mean yes. Um... I just felt like it?"
>"Yes... well, just don't do it again, it could hurt you in your current state."
>Turning around, the doctor walks out of the room, leaving you alone.
>Leaning forward, you reach behind you pillow and grab the letter.
>Unfolding it, you begin to read it.

Dear Aux,

I must have written this letter at least one hundred times before I got it anywhere near as good as you deserved, yet it's still not nearly as perfect as I wish it could be. I'm leaving this since I won't be able to visit you everyday like I have up till now because of family matters. Echo however promised to continue to visit you everyday. Because of you, not only do most of us still have our lives, but we were able to find the Diamond Dogs, and we made sure they won't attack us anymore for a very long time. But you risked your life to save ours, and for that, I could never repay you. And since I saw you on that first day as a royal guard, I always thought you were cute. But everyday I've come to visit you, I've found myself more and more attracted to you. But now I'm writing this letter, and I find myself filled with more emotions than I could ever imagine, so I'd like to say, thank you.

Love, Moonshine

>Dropping the letter, you get out of the bed, and walk towards the window.
>Looking outside, you observe all the beauty this magical word has to offer.
>And you wanted to throw it all away.
>Reaching over to the handle of the still open window, you close it.
>Looking back at the letter on the floor, you pick it up and read it for what felt like one hundreds times.
>Finally letting your mind wander, you set the letter back on the desk.
>Climbing onto the bed, you pull the covers over yourself.
>Looking down at your hooves, you think about how your life just got one million times better.
>And you wanted to throw it away.
>Eyes filling with tears, you begin to cry.
>But these weren't tears of sorrow, or pain, or misery, but of something you hadn't felt in a very long time.
>Joy.

>Today is your last day is the hospital.
>This means that you will be able to see Moonshine right after you get out.
>The amount of joy you have can not be described in mere words.
>Lying in your hospital bed, you gaze at the ceiling and think about what your future with her could turn into.
>You both could get married, and maybe even have some little children.
>Wait, you haven't even gone on a single date with her, stop thinking this far ahead.
>Hearing the door handle click, you turn your attention towards the stallion entering the room.
>Walking towards your bed, he is followed by a mare with a wheelchair.
"What's the wheelchair for?"
>"It's our policy to check out patients in wheelchairs."
>Getting out of the bed, you sit in the wheelchair.
>After checking out, you exit the hospital.
>Looking down you see the permanent scars on your side from your fight with the Diamond Dog.
>Walking down the street, you turn down a street you hadn't been on for a very long time, but still knew well.
>Coming upon the castle, you are reminded how large it is, since it seemed so small from your hospital window.
>Going over to the landing, you sit on a bench, and wait for the chariot, which should be arriving soon.
>While you're waiting, you watch the scenery.
>It seemed you never saw this kind of stuff when you were sad.
>Your thoughts are brought back to this world when you notice the chariot landing.
>Climbing on to it, you think about what you should say to Moonshine when you see her.
>You know you're going to go to her house first thing when you land in Hollow Shades.
>Finally seeing Hollow Shades from the chariot, you try to push your hair back to make yourself look nicer.
>Feeling the chariot land, you get off of it, and begin walking down the streets you haven't been on in over a month.
>Walking around town, you see some familiar faces, most of which used to make your life miserable.
>Finally coming to your destination, you stop, and open the door.
>Walking inside, you are greeted by Moonshine.
>Walking up to her, you spread out your arms and hug her.
>After spending some time at her house, sitting in her kitchen and chatting, you decide to bring up the letter.
"Moonshine, I saw the letter you left at the hospital, and I'd like to say I feel the same way about you. I do love you back."
>Dropping her glass, Moonshine looks up at you.
>"What letter?"
"The letter you left for me, at the hospital."
>"Aux, I don't remember any letter. I never even came to the hospital since the only free time I had was waiting for the chariot between Canterlot and Hollow Shades."
>Hearing those words was like getting punched in the face.
"B-but, i-it said your n-name on it..."
>"Like I said Aux, I never wrote any letter to you, and if that's how you feel about me, I don't think we should be friends anymore, because I don't think I can handle with you liking me like that.
>Tears, welling in your eyes, you stand, and walk over to her door.
"Good day, Miss Moonshine."
>Opening the door, you step out of her house, and slam the door behind yourself.
>Trying to walk home, your legs feel too weak, and you sit down on the walkway next to Moonshine's house.
>Tears pouring down your cheeks, you look up to the sky.
>Even when you finally had joy, it was fake.
"Mom... Dad... what should I do?"
>Dropping your head, you lay on the ground and continue crying, only to be interrupted when a small filly walks by you.
>"What's wrong sir?"
>Looking up at her, you wipe the tears from your eyes, and try not to cry anymore.
"I thought the girl who loved me liked me back. But that was all false."
>Walking closer to you, the little girl hugs you.
>"It's alright sir, I'll keep you company if it helps you."
>Feeling a smile come to your face, you tousle her hair.
>Pushing her back, you look her in the eyes.
"I'm sorry little filly, but... I couldn't do that to you, please, the best you could do for me is for YOU to be happy."
>Sitting back down, you watch as the little girl walks away.
>Remembering what had happened with Moonshine, you slump back down.
>Wait...
>If Moonshine didn't write the letter, who did?
>Laying down, you begin to feel the tears come to your eyes again.
>Somebody actually hated you enough to do this to you.
>Tears pouring out of your eyes, you see many other bat ponies walk by you.
>Some of them doing their best to ignore you, others just looking at you in disgust.
>Somebody catches your eye as they begin to walk by you.
>Looking up at them, you notice it is Jasmine and her posse.
>As she walks by you, you hear three words leave her mouth as she points back to Moonshine's house, leaving you more crushed than you had ever imagined possible.
>"Consider it payback."
>Laying there crying, you finally try to stand up.
>Slowly walking to your house, you think about what just happened.
>She just ruined your one chance at love, over something that was an accident.
>You blew it with her, just because you actually believed that stupid letter.
>Reaching your house, you open the door, and walk to your room.
>Getting in your bed, you look at the ceiling.
>This is all Jasmine's fault.
>All you did was accidently burn her house down, and that was forever ago.
>Maybe you should think about this in the morning, you head kind of hurts.
>Sliding under you covers, you close your eyes and begin to dream.

>Opening your eyes, you are met by a very strange sight.
>Sitting in front of you is Luna.
>Falling backwards, you try to regain your balance.
>Last time you saw her, you blew it, this time you won't.
>Sitting up straight, you look around.
>None of this looks familiar.
>"Are you troubled little one?"
>Looking back at Luna, you reply.
"Um, no, not really."
>Standing up, Luna looks at you in disappointment.
>Sighing, you stand with her.
>You might as well tell the truth, it's obvious she knows.
"Actually, yes princess, I am. Someone tricked me, and I lost one of my close friends, someone who I actually loved."
>Staring to walk, Luna looks back at and motions for you to follow.
>Walking with her, you observe your surroundings.
>You seemed to be in a forest, and there seemed to be lots of luminescent plants glowing in the night.
>"It seems there are lots of bad things happening in your life right now Aux."
>Pulling back, you look at her.
"How do you know my name?"
>Laughing, Luna looks down at you with a smile.
>"It's a princess' duty to know all of her loyal subjects and to protect them.
>Nodding, you continue walking with her as you tell her all that's happened to you in the last few months.
>"Well Aux, it seems at the moment, the worst thing seems to be in your head right now."
"What do you mean princess?"
>"You doubt yourself. If you actually know what you're possible of doing, you'd probably even be able to get that girl you liked."
"Thank you princess, but I've tried that, and it didn't really work that well."
>"Now tell me Aux, did you really? Just think about that, and see where you go."
>Before you can reply, your eyes open and are met with the moonlight flooding through your window.

>Sitting up, you think back to your dream.
>You're usually not able to remember them that clearly, but it felt as if this one was burned into your mind.
>Looking out of your window, you can see Moonshine's house through your trees.
>You shouldn't have believed that letter.
>Rolling back onto your bed, you think about how she doesn't like you now.
>Whether you like it or not, you got yourself into this.
>And you either have to fix it, or deal with it.
>Luna told you to believe in yourself.
>If she can believe in you, you should at least be able to do it yourself.
>Rolling off of your bed, you stand up.
>Time for Aux to show what he's made.
>You walk down your stairs and into your kitchen.
>Opening one of your drawers, you pull out a certain tool.
>She'll never know what happened.

>Waiting out the night, you clean around your house since you haven't been her for over a month.
>Looking to your window, you see sunshine slipping through your blinds.
>Walking out of your house, you look around.
>It's day outside, so no one should be awake.
>And if anyone is, they're probably going to be too drunk to even remember you.
>Walking down the walkways, you look at your wing.
>This would be so much easier if you could fly, but you saved your friends, and it was worth it.
>Coming to your destination, you look around to make sure no one is around.
>Pushing open the door, you walk inside, and go up the stairs.
>Seeing your victim, you begin to go to work.
>Finally finishing, you escape from their house as quietly as you can.
>Running back to your house, you put the metal tool away and go up to your bed.
>You've never done anything like that, ever.
>And it was fun.

>Hearing a scream shoot through the village, you open your eyes.
>Getting out of your bed, you stand up, and walk over to the window.
>A smile creeps across your face as you see your work unfold between your eyes.
>Seeing a bald Jasmine emerge from her house, running around, you begin laughing.
>Falling on the floor, you keep laughing until you can't breath.
>Wow, you never thought you could do something like that.
>The best part? They'll never suspect someone like you did it.
>Now that she's dealt with, only one thing's left.
>Time to get the girl you loved.
>And you know just exactly how to do it.

>Walking down the street, you come across your first destination.
>After spending days of planning, you finally know how you're going to get Moonshine to love you, just as much as you do her.
>Pushing open the door, you enter into Echo's house.
>Calling for Echo, you hear her coming downstairs to join you.
>Walking over to her, you put your hoof on her shoulder, and look at her.
"Echo, you have always been there for me. But I need to you one last time."
>"Wow, Aux, at least tell me what you need before you say things like that."
"Oh, yeah, sorry."
>Sitting down on her couch, you spend the next few minutes explaining your plan in as much detail as you can, sparing no expense.
>"Wow, that plan is pretty, flashy, if I did do say so myself."
>Slapping yourself on your forehead, you walk out of her house, after confirming her part in the plan.
>As you trot down the walkway, you look back at your wing.
>You're going to need to do something about this, maybe you could use leather to patch the holes.
>Looking back, you see your next destination.
>Midnight's house.
>This is going to be a lot more difficult than convincing Echo, but for Moonshine, it has to happen.
>Walking up to the house, you knock on the door.
>Upon opening the door, Midnight sees who you are, and attempts to slam the door in your face.
>Sticking up your foreleg, you stop the door before it could stop.
"Give me five minutes."
>Narrowing your eyes, you give her a look as if you'll kill her if she doesn't do as you command.
>Sighing, she opens the door, and steps outside.
>After explaining your plan to a rather hesitant Midnight, you finally manage to get her to agree.
>Leaving her to prepare her part of the plan, you begin walking to your next participant.
>With two ponies already having joined, all that's left are three more.
>This next one is probably going to be the hardest.
>Night Watch has never liked you, and would probably slit your throat if given the the opportunity.
>Coming up to her house, you knock on the door.
>As soon as she opens the door, she sees it's you, and slams the door before you can even react.
>Knocking again, you hear her scream from inside.
>"Go away."
"No, I will not. I need to talk to you, and I'm not leaving until you listen to me."
>"Nope, go away."
>Filling with rage you slam your hoof on the door.
>You'll sooner die them let her stubbornness stand in your way.
"Open the door right now, or I'm coming in there!"
>Hearing the door click, you step back and put a smile on your face.
"Thank for making the right decision, now, I have a plan, and you're going to help whether you like or not."
>Explaining the plan to her, you start to see her smile and slowly nod her head.
>"Fine, I'll join you."
>Filling with joy, you jump into the air, and begin to trot towards the center of the town.
>Walking up to the town hall, you enter the building and walk up to the front desk.
"I'm here to speak to the mayor, and yes, I have an appointment."
>Looking up at you, the receptionist waves you over to the mayor's office.
>Walking into the room, you are greeted by a bat stallion with brown slicked back hair, sitting in a rather large chair.
>"Why hello Aux, I understand you have something you'd like to show me."
"Yes Mayor, I'd like your permission to set up something rather large in the center of town."
>Pulling a piece of paper out of your saddlebag, you set it on the table and explain your plan to him.
>Walking out of city hall, you think about how you actually convinced him to let you do this.
>Only one person left, and you're pretty sure they'll be all for it.
>Walking to the all familiar landing, you wait for the daily chariot.
>As soon as it arrives, you climb into it with other bat ponies who wish to go to Canterlot.
>Taking off your saddlebag, you set it next to you on your seat.
>During the ride, you look at the scenery that you've never really looked at, and it is breathtaking.
>Messing with the heart shaped buckles on your bag, you accidentally pull it off.
>Dropping it on the floor, you begin to lean over for it, only to see a tiny hoof offering you the button.
>Looking up, you see the little filly that comforted you on the bridge.
>Taking the buckle, you reattach the buckle, and turn back only to see her gone.
>Looking around, you see her returning to her seat with her mother.
>You look closer and see the little filly hugging her mom while her mother strokes her mane.
>Looking out the window you think to how you and your mother used to do that exact same thing.
>Feeling tears coming to your eyes, you wipe them away and remember what Luna said to you.
>Finally feeling the chariot stopping, you step out of it, and begin walking towards the castle.
>Looking back at the filly and her mom, you smile, remembering happier times, but at the same time, thinking of happy times ahead.
>Entering the castle doors, you begin to walk towards your destination.
>Passing many guards, they let you pass since they knew who you were.
>You look at many paintings as you walk down the hallways.
>Even though you've seen all of these multiple times, they're beauty always catches your eyes.
>Coming to the east side of the castle, you open two large doors and continue down the hallways until you find Luna's throne room.
>Walking up to Luna, you are stopped by two bat pony guards.
>Raising her hoof, Luna points at you.
>"Let him pass."
>Motioning for your to join her, you sit next to Luna.
>"Now Aux, what brings you to come see me?"
>Looking up at her, you smile.
"Let me tell you what love can drive a boy to do."

>Waking up, you sit up.
>Today was the day that you'd finally show Moonshine how much you cared about her.
>And every part of your plan had fallen into place perfectly.
>You had gotten everyone to agree with it, and even got Luna to supply you with everything that you needed.
>Jumping out of the bed, you have a spring in your step as you walk out your door down the walkway.
>You had even fixed up your wings with leather and stitches.
>It didn't look the best, but at least you could glide again.
>Walking to your destination, you even buy some flowers.
>Maybe you could give these to the girls to show your appreciation for what they're doing.
>Trotting along, your destination comes into view, and with it, what everything has been building towards.
>On the main platform in the middle of town, was a large stage being set up by many bat ponies, and beside it you saw the three girls chatting.
>Jogging over to them, you greet all of them.
>Reaching into your saddle bags, you pull out the three flowers you bought, which you had no idea what kind they even were, just that they were white.
>Handing one to each of the girls, you ask them how things have been going with preparations.
>Sniffing her flower, Echo points up to the stage.
>"They're setting up the lights now, it should all be done soon, then we can get this show on the road."
>Walking over to the stage, you pull yourself onto it, and look around.
>Observing your surroundings you can see everything clear as day.
>Running over to the edge, you open your wings and glide off, enjoying every second in the air.
>Landing on the ground, you walk back over to the girls.
"So you all know everything for this correct? We don't want any screw ups."
>Walking up to you, Night Watch jabs you with her hoof.
>"You're lucky we even agreed to do this, so shut up."
>Pulling Night Watch back, Midnight nods.
>"Yes, we all know our parts perfectly, there's no need to worry Aux, this will work out fine.
"I hope so, I've been working on this for a week now, and I want it to be perfect for Moonshine."
>Looking at you, Midnight raises an eyebrow.
>"What do you even see in her, she was pretty mean to you, even though you saved her life. Besides, you could do better than her."
>Squinting your eyes, you look at her with the same fiery passion of hate from when you told her the plan.
>Backing off a bit, Midnight goes on to the stage to continue setting up the stage.
>Following her, you begin helping her set up, continuously checking the time until the show.
>You were so excited for this show.
>It was the final thing that would win over Moonshine, you were perfectly sure of this.
>Setting up a light, you pause, and look over the village, where you see lots of ponies noticing the stage.
>Walking over to Echo and Night Watch who were below the stage, lots of them ask what was going on.
>Continuing to put the lights up, you tune them out, and finish positioning it.
>Grabbing your papers, you look over the plan one last time.
>This was the best thing you had ever come up, and will definitely top your fireworks display.
>Gliding down to the stage, you begin setting up the last few parts of the plan.
>Calling over Echo and Night Watch they walk over to you.
"How many people know about this?"
>Stepping forward, Echo gestures towards the crowds gathering.
>"About everyone in town."
"And do they know I'm the one in charge?"
>"I'm pretty sure they don't, you haven't really been that noticeable, and we never mentioned you."
"Perfect"
>Stepping over to the edge of the stage, you look over at the crowds.
>You had never done anything in front of this many people.
>What if you mess up?
>"Hey, is that Aux?"
>"What's he doing up there?"
>Looking back, you see Echo, Midnight, and Night Watch all in their places.
>Looking back you scan the crowds, looking over every bat pony, until you meet eyes with her.
>Moonshine.
>Stepping forward, you grab the microphone in front of you and take a deep breath.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlMEGBsw6j8
>Looking over the crowd, you begin singing to everyone, even though it was all focused towards Moonshine.
>Singing out to the crowd, you feel your chest begin to hurt.
>You've been singing for the last minute and forgot to breath a single time.
>Taking a deep breath, you continue the best you can to the cheering crowd.
>While singing, you look back at the girls and see them all on their instruments.
>Echo on the guitar, Midnight on the bass, and Night Watch on drums.
>While singing, you see two hooves grab onto the edge of the stage.
>Followed by the head of a stallion you see probably the edgiest pony ever climb onto the stage.
>He had hair like a rockstar and red eyes.
>Looking over to the crowd, you stands on his hind legs and raises his fore legs in the air and look over to the crowd.
>Looking back, you see an enraged Midnight stepping towards him, not missing a single note as she advances towards the oblivious stallion.
>Sneaking up from behind him, Midnight kicks the edgy stallion off of the stage, followed by him hitting the wooden walkway.
>Finally coming to the end of your song, you look back over the crowd, only to see a teary eyed Moonshine looking back at you.
>Finishing the last note of the song, you drop the mic, and glide off of the stage and mix into the crowd, leaving the girls on the stage with a cheering crowd.
>Running through the crowd, as you trying to reach Moonshine, you bump into a bat pony.
>Landing on your back, you feel something softly land on your face.
>Opening your eyes, all you see is black, until you realize you had a hat on your face.
>Picking yourself up, you take the hat off of your face.
>Turning around, you come to face with a cute bat pone with dark turquoise hair.
>Looking in your hands, you realize this weird looking hat must be hers.
>Extending your arms, you offer her the hat, which is returned by a smile.
>Taking the hat, she puts it on her head, and tries to make conversation.
>"You were the one who sang the song, right?"
>Trying to look around for where Moonshine is, you can't see her, and this bat pony probably won't let you go until you at least talk to her.
"Yes, I was."
>"Well, you sang very nice. You should do it again more."
"That might really happen, I did this just for the girl I like."
>"Oh, what's her name? Wait, I haven't even told you my name, or even asked you yours. My name is Speck, what's yours?"
>Finally seeing an opening to follow after Moonshine, you slip past her and yell back to her.
"My name is Aux! Come by my house sometime!"
>Turning back around, you begin to chase after Moonshine again.
>Looking around, you can see Moonshine running away from the crowd.
>She was still crying.
>You never wanted to make her sad, you just wanted for her to love you.
>Maybe you should talk to to her.
>But what if you just make things worse?
>Thinking for a moment, you look back at where you lost sight of Moonshine.
>Taking a step back, you run as fast as your legs can carry you, turning the corner towards where you lost sight of Moonshine.
>Coming to another corner, you turn again.
WHAM!
>Feeling your face sting, you fall to the ground.
>Through blurred eyes, you look around to see a large grey figure standing over you.
>Feeling yourself move forward, you notice the figure is beginning to drag you.
>Looking around, you see no one around you.
>Trying to call out, you feel your eyes become heavy and you drift to unconsciousness.

>Opening your eyes, your head feels heavy.
>Looking around, your vision is blurred.
>Squinting, you try to put things into focus.
>Wait, something doesn't feel right. You can't tell what, but you can just feel it.
>Trying to move, you look at you body and feel yourself tied in rope.
>Blinking a couple times, you try to observe your surroundings to see where you are.
>Scrunching your muzzle, your nose begins to hurt beyond compare.
>Wiggling your body, you feel your weight shift.
>Finally feeling your vision come into focus, you find yourself to be... swinging?
>Looking up, you see you're rather looking down.
>Coming to grips of your situation, you observe your surroundings.
>You appear to be in a cave, but how did you get here?
>Thinking back, you remember singing, then chasing after Moonshine, running into that girl with the weird hat, then a grey figure dragging you away...
>What's grey and lives in caves?
>Diamond Dogs.
>You were in deep shit now.
>They must have come for you since you ruined their entire raid on Hollow Shades.
>Looking down, you see you're about 10 meters above the ground.
>Looking up, you strain your neck to see you're suspended from the ceiling by a thin rope.
>How did the Diamond Dogs even put you up here?
>Also, how they even get into Hollow Shades without being detected?
>Observing you surroundings again, you look to see if anyone was captured along with you.
>The cave seemed deserted besides you.
"I-is anyone there?"
>No response.
>Maybe you should call out louder?
"Hello!? Is anyone there!?"
>Dropping your head, you look around the cave.
>There seemed to be a passageway in the wall in front of you.
>Sighing, begin swinging around so you can get a better look at the rest of the cave.
>If the Diamond Dogs really captured you, you had to get out of here fast.
>Looking at the walls you see a part of the wall with sharp rocks sticking out of it.
>Maybe you could cut your ropes on those?
>Swinging around, you begin to pick up some motion.
>Getting closer, you try to sway where the ropes will get cut instead of skewering you.
>Even if it did skewer you, it'd probably a lot faster and a lot less painful then what the Diamond Dogs had in store for you.
>Getting closer to the wall, you close your eyes, only to feel yourself swinging back the other direction.
>Opening your eyes, you shift your weight towards the rocks again, closing your eyes again.
>Coming closer to the wall, you hear rope snapping, and a sharp pain in your right foreleg.
>Looking down, you open your eyes to see a large cut on your foreleg.
>Able to move more, you feel the ropes loosen.
>Swinging back towards the wall, you miss the rock, slamming into the wall.
>Feeling all the air leave your body at once, you try to breath as you feel the ropes becoming loose.
>Opening your eyes, you see the ground advancing towards you.
>Furiously flapping your wings, you find it of no ues as you plummet to the ground.
>Slamming into the ground, your vision becomes hazed as you cough furiously.
>Through hazed vision, you see crimson liquid dripping from the end of your muzzle.
>Coughing again, through hazed eyes you see more blood splatter onto the cave floor.
>Slowly picking yourself up, you lean onto the wall next to you.
>After resting for a moment, your vision returns to you as you begin slowly walking through the caves.
>Holding up your right foreleg, you examine the cut while you walk down the caves.
>It doesn't look that bad, better not walk on it though.
>Continuing down the caves, you begin hearing voices coming from a large opening.
>Sneaking up to the door, you look through to see a large Diamond Dog talking to himself while preparing a meal.
>"That pony with be a nice meal. It'll be so much sweeter as revenge."
>Looking at his neck, you see a large scar.
>Remembering back, this is the same Diamond Dog that ripped your wing when you saved the captured bat ponies.
>Walking backwards you think about how you should approach this.
>He easily beat you last time, and you're lucky you're still alive at this point.
>Looking around the room, you examine everything inside the cave.
>A table, some cabinets, simple tools.
>Your eyes are drawn to a large box in the back of the room.
>Squinting your eyes, you are barely able to read the letters printed on the box.
>Dynamite
>That can't be right. Where would a Diamond Dog get such a thing?
>Your thoughts are interrupted as you here the Diamond Dog confirm your suspicions.
>"And after I eat this bat pony, I'll blow up Hollow Shades, and prove to the others I'm not worthless."
>Thinking for a minute, you pace the cave as you think of a plan to get pass the Diamond Dog and stop his plan.
>Looking back in the room, you think back to that night in the bar where you fell onto the table in front of Jasmine.
>You knew just how to deal with this mutt.
>Sneaking into the room, you make your way over to the table without being detected by the Diamond Dog.
>Pulling out a chair, you sit in it, and put your forelegs onto the table.
>Turning around the Diamond Dog drops the pan he's carrying as his eyes notice you.
>"How did you escape!?"
>Leaning forward, you look the Diamond Dog straight in the eyes.
"That's of no importance, but looks like you're making a nice meal, whatcha cooking?"
>Squinting his eyes, the Diamond Dog leans forward.
>"You!"
>Seeing the Diamond Dog begin to run forward, you reach underneath the table a pull up with all of your might.
>Flipping the table up, the Diamond Dog slams its face straight into the table.
>For good measure, you push the table on top of the Dog.
>Looking under the table, you hear breathing, but upon closer inspection you see that you knocked the Diamond Dog unconscious.
>Standing up, you look back at the box of explosives.
>You needed to deal with those, and fast, every minute in here is another minute the Diamond God might wake up.
>Scavenging the entire cave, you look for some sort of matches until you open one cabinet to find a small box of matches.
>Picking up the box, you walk over to the crate full of dynamite.
>Looking through the crate, you find the main fuse and pull it out, dragging it down the caves as far as it will go.
>As soon as you light this, you're going to need to run. Fast.
>Striking a match on the cave floor, you lower it to the fuse, holding it there until you see the fuse spark.
>Turning around, you begin running, ignoring the pain in your right foreleg as you sprint as fast as you can down the lengthy caves.
>After running for what felt like an eternity, you hear a large explosion from what seemed like a fair distance.
>Continuing to run, you don't let up.
>The explosion seemed to be very far away, but it could likely reach you, seeing as how much dynamite there was.
>Continuing to run, you eventually see a small light appear at the end of a long stretch.
>Slowing down your pace, you jog over to the opening.
>Emerging from the cave, you find yourself in a small opening in the forest.
>Looking into the skies, you notice it's dawn.
>That's usually the time the chariot heads to Hollow Shades.
>Looking into the skies, you wait for a while until you notice the large chariot fly overhead.
>Starting to walk, you head in the direction the chariot was heading.
>It was flying low, so Hollow Shades mustn't be that far.
>Your thoughts are confirmed when you find yourself at Hollow Shades in less than fifteen minutes.
>Walking over to the trees, you begin climbing the staircase installed for easy access to the walkways.
>Reaching the top, you head in the direction of your house.
>You have no idea how long you've been gone, so best to just head home.
>Walking up to your house, you enter through the front door, and begin cleaning the cut on your foreleg.
>Heading upstairs, you lie in your bed and drift off to some much needed sleep.

>Feeling something poking your face, you awake.
>Opening your right eye to see what's touching you, your vision goes dark accompanied by a sharp pain.
>Pulling back you scream, holding your hoof over your eye.
>Opening your other eye, you're met by Echo standing next to that bat pony with dark turqoise hair.
>What was her name? Spot? Speck? Yeah, that was it.
>Sitting up, still holding your hoof over your eye, Echo gives you a light shove on your shoulder.
>"Where were you yesterday? We looked for you everywhere."
>so that's how long you were gone? Only a day?
"I was just doing something, it's not that important."
>Leaning forward, Echo looks you in the eye.
>"Well, you missed out on something I think you'd like to know a lot."
>Stepping backwards, Echo puts her hoof on Speck's shoulder and smiles.
>"This is Speck, and she just happens to be a very close friend of Moonshine."
>Standing up, you take your hoof off of your eye.
"Well, what does that have to do with anything?"
>Looking at each other, Echo and Speck smile.
>Turning their heads back to you, they speak both at the same time,
>"Have we got something to tell you!"

>"Well? Spit it out!"
>This waiting was getting to your head.
>This could be the greatest news you've ever received in your entire life, and these two mares thought they'd take you to a restaurant to tell you.
>"Well look who's an impatient little pony."
>Giving you a smug grin, Echo continues drinking the blood from her glass.
>Sitting back, Speck looks at you.
>"We'll tell you when the food gets here, okay?"
>Of all the times Echo chooses to be a huge jerk to you, it has to be today?
>The worst part is, they keep building it up, as if it's some sort of life changer.
>If they didn't tell you soon, you might just have to make them talk.
>Looking back towards the kitchen, you wave over for a waiter.
>"Yes?"
"Um, I was just wondering how long it'll take before our food to get out?"
>"It'll be about fifteen minutes"
>Waiting for the waiter to walk away, you groan and put your head on the table.
>Looking up, you see Speck and Echo giggling to themselves.
>This was going to be the longest fifteen minutes of your life.
>Finally having the food arrive, you pay no attention to that and lean over the table and look at Echo and Speck.
>Cutting into her steak, Echo smirks.
>Having the smell reach your nose, you hold your muzzle and fall back into your chair.
>You never did like blood, let alone meat.
>The worst part is having to hurt something to get them.
>Well, you did kill that Diamond Dog in those caves when you blew them up, but that was to save your village, and those mutts are anything but innocent.
>Shaking yourself out of your thoughts, you look over to Speck.
>You should at least be able to get her to talk, and she even ordered a salad.
"Well?"
>Looking up, Echo gives you a smug grin.
>"Well, what?"
>Slapping your hoof on your face, you look over to Speck.
"What's the news?"
>Glancing over to Echo, Speck has the same grin as Echo.
>"I don't know what you're talking about."
>Looking over at each other, Echo and Speck turn back to you.
>"Maybe some shopping might jog our memory?"
>Looking over to Speck, Echo gives a smile of pure joy.
>"That sounds like a great idea!"
>Following Echo and Speck into several different buildings throughout the day, you continuously feel your rage build.
>Reaching a small building, you look up at the sign above the door.
>In bright letters, read "Salon."
>"Maybe we should get Aux a makeover!"
>Opening your eyes wide, you look back at Echo and Speck who a just filling with glee over your immense torture.
>Flailing your arms in pure rage you look at Echo and Speck.
"Not in your lives."
>"Well I guess you'll never know then."
>Beginning to walk away, Speck and Echo start giggling to themselves.
>Sighing you put your hoof up.
"Fine, but this is the last thing I'm doing, and you better tell me what's going on. Or I'll MAKE you tell me."
>Giggling to themselves, Echo and Speck turn back to you.
>"Okay, after this, you'll have earned it."
>Leading you into the building, Speck walks up to the counter.
>"We have a very special stallion here who we'd like to treat to makeover."
>Looking back to you, Speck gives a grin.
>Grumbling to yourself, you're led over to a chair in front of a mirror.
>What followed had to be probably the worst experience of your entire life.
>Several hooves trying to apply different kinds of cosmetics to your face and then try many different hair styles on you.
>You felt like a doll that a filly would play with and try to dress up.
>It couldn't get any worse than it already is, right?
>Nope, they were just getting started.
>Apparently Speck and Echo also paid for a spa treatment.
>Walking into a small room, you see what looked like a table with padding on top.
>All this walking around all day and this torture had been killing you.
>Maybe you should rest for a little bit.
>Climbing onto the table, you lay down on your stomach.
>Closing your eyes, you lay there for a minute until you feel something on your back.
>Someone just put something on your back.
>AND IT BURNS!!!!
>Shooting out of the bed, you run over to a wall and put your back to it.
>Looking around the room, you see a spa pony holding a hot rock with a tong.
>"Is something wrong, sir?"
"YES! Don't put those things on me, they HURT!"
>Giggling to herself the spa pony begins to walk out of the room and motions for you to follow.
>Walking out the room, you come back to main room to find yourself in a room full of mares.
>Looking at your back, you see a large black spot on it.
>That rock was a lot hotter than you thought, and it still stung.
>Walking over to Speck and Echo, who were resting with hot towels on their faces, you poke Echo with your hoof.
>Sitting up, the bat pony takes the towel off of her face and nudges Speck.
"Can we finally go?"
>"No, first we have to tell you the big news."
>Oh, that's right, you had forgotten about that during all the hell you've suffered through.
"Well? Spit out then!"
>Walking over to the center of the room, Echo and Speck sit at a table.
>Sitting next to them, you see lots of the mares crowd around the table, giggling.
>Reaching into her saddle bag, Speck pulls out a small notebook and sets it on the table.
>"I got this from Moonshine's house."
>Reaching over for it, you stop, and put your hoof down.
"I can't look through Moonshine's things."
>Putting a hoof on the table, one of the spa ponies looks at you.
>"Honey, I think it's best you look at this, Moonshine's a regular here."
>Reaching over for the notebook, you flip it open.
>Looking through the pages, you see probably the last thing you ever expected.
>Every single page had something to do with you on it, whether it be unfinished love letters, to drawings of you and Moonshine together.
>Dropping the notebook, you look up at Speck and Echo.
"What does this mean?"
>Looking at you, Speck and Echo giggle.
>"I think you know very well what this means, Aux."

>Sitting on your couch, you lean forward.
>Picking up a pencil with your mouth, you lay on the couch with a piece of paper of paper at the end.
>Beginning to write your thoughts on the paper, you find yourself making very good process.
>After writing for a little while, you pick up the paper and begin to read over it.
>As you read every word, you begin to fill with rage.
>Scrunching the paper, you throw it across the room, missing a trash can overflowing with abominations to the world of literature.
>Laying back in the couch, you look across the room to see Echo and Speck sitting at your table enjoying some coffee.
"Are you sure this is a good idea? Everything I come up with sucks more than a bucket of ticks."
>"Come on Aux, you aren't even letting us read them."
"That's because they're not for you. I'm trying to put my true feelings into this, and all I'm coming up with is just the regular cliche love stuff."
>"Well I can't help you there, Aux. Speck, do you have any ideas?"
>Looking up from her coffee, Speck begins to speak, but is cut off by the booming thunder from outside.
>Getting up, you walk over to the window and look outside to see the rain pelting the walkways.
>Seeing lightning from outside, you see what appeared to be a large figure on one of the walkways.
>Looking closer, more lightning flashes to reveal nothing in the previous spot.
>Probably just your head messing with you.
>Walking back over to the couch, you see Echo digging through the trash bin, reading your different letter.
>Running over to her, you snatch the letters out of her hoofs and shove them back into the trash bin.
"I already told you. These aren't for you to read."
>Pouting, Echo walks back to the table where she begins drinking more of her coffee.
>Looking over to you, Speck interrupts you beginning to write again.
>"Why do you even have to do this? She already likes you, another song won't really do much."
>Sighing, you set down the paper and look over to her.
"I don't know. It's really cliche, but it seems like it would be best. Just really the sweetest thing I could do for her."
>Picking back up your paper, you go back to trying to write a song that wouldn't make Moonshine's ears bleed.
>After some time, you finally begin to feel your emotions pour onto the paper.
>After giving it a few more tries, you finally hold up something that actually might work.
>Running upstairs, you close your door behind yourself and sit in a chair.
>Entering your room, you look over at the corner to see an old, neglected guitar.
>Walking over to it, you pick one of the strings as you remember your father playing songs for you as a child.
>Hearing hoofsteps you stop messing with the guitar, and slowly go over to the door.
>Opening the door, you step back to see two bat ponies fall onto the floor in front of you.
>Looking up, they scramble to their feet as fast as they can, dusting themselves off.
>Stepping past them, you drop the piece of paper into the trash as you walk by it.
>Going over to the door, you open it and look out into the pouring rain.
>Turning around to Echo and Speck, who had followed you down the stairs, a tear falls out of your eye.
>"Why are you crying Aux?"
>Turning to Echo, you lower your head.
"I'm not crying. It's raining, can't you tell?"
>Turning back into the rain, you close the door behind you as you begin to walk towards Moonshine's house.
>Walking down the walkways, alone in the rain, you think about the stories you parents used to tell you about great heroes who would always get the ones they loved.
>You missed them more than anything.
>The day they died was ten times worse than anything that had ever happened to you.
>They were the only ones who loved you back, and then they were just gone from your life.
>You never even said goodbye to them.
>But now you finally had someone who loved you back.
>You were sure your parents would have loved to meet her.
>Getting closer to Moonshine's house, you can't tell whether it's the tears or the rain that's blinding your vision anymore.
>Finally seeing her house, you wipe all of the tears from your eyes as you step over to her house, and stand in front of her door.
>Raising your hoof, you knock on her door very lightly.
>Hearing hoofsteps from inside her house, you try to fix your hair the best you can.
>Seeing the door open, you are met by Moonshine who gives you a blank stare.
>Returning the stare, you feel your cheeks becoming warm, as you notice hers are too.
>Sitting there for around five minutes, you two just stare at each other while you both blush heavily.
>Suddenly frowning, she steps to the side of the door.
>"You shouldn't be standing out there Aux, come inside."
>Not sure what to do you stand there for a minute until you slowly walk into her house.
>Looking around you remember when you came here after you got out of the hospital.
>Standing in the middle of her living room, you look back to Moonshine.
>Blushing, she gives a smile and sits down and pats the seat next to her.
>"Would you come sit with me?"
>Lowering your head, you let your hair cover most of your face as you slowly walk over to her.
>Sitting next to her, you look around, still hiding your face under your wet hair.
>After sitting there awkwardly for a few minutes, you feel a hoof on your face push back your hair.
>Not moving you feel a pair of lips meet your cheek.
>Feeling your lips blush even deeper than you had previously imagined possible, you turn to her.
"D-did... you j-just-"
>"Yes Aux, it's the least I could do after I've been so mean to you.
>Reaching her forelegs around you, Moonshine hugs you.
>Not knowing what to do you feel yourself begin to stutter illegible noises.
>Looking up, Moonshine smiles at you as all you can do it sit there with a blank stare.
>Hearing a knock at the door, you both turn your heads toward the door.
>Standing up, you look back at Moonshine on the couch.
"I-I'll get it."
>Walking over to the door, you try to look out the window to see who was outside, as you had no idea who it could be.
>Not being able to see them you walk over to the door and pull it open, to reveal three large figures standing in front of the door.
>Flashing behind them, the lightning reveals the figures to be the exact last thing you would have wanted to be standing outside the door.
>Diamond Dogs.
>"Hey, old friend."
>Slamming the door, you turn towards Moonshine.
"We need to go."
>Looking at you, her smile turns to a look of shock.
>"W-why, what's wrong?"
"No time to explain, just go out that window, and head over to my house. Echo and Speck should still be there."
>Following her out the window, you look around the corner to see the Dogs standing in the rain.
>Running away, you hear them break down the door into Moonshine's house.
>"Well, if he's not here anymore, we'll just search this whole place! Alert the others, we're taking the town tonight!"
>Running to your house with Moonshine, you look back to see the Diamond Dogs heading towards the center of town.
>Reaching your house, you open the door for Moonshine and follow her inside.
>Looking around, you see Echo and Speck sitting on your couch looking through your terrible attempts at writing a song for Moonshine.
>Pointing to the papers, Moonshine turns towards you.
>"What are those?"
"Nothing of importance. Now I'm going to stop them, I want your three to all stay here, and don't attack the Diamond Dogs unless they come in here. I don't want any of you getting hurt."
>Walking up to your room, you grab your saddlebag and return, to the girls and grab a few key items.
>Heading to the door, you turn to the girls.
"If I don't come back in an hour, I want all of you to fly to Canterlot."
>Stepping forward, Echo has a worried look on her face.
>"But what about you?"
"Don't worry about me. All that matters is that you three get to safety."
>Turning around, you exit the door and shut it behind yourself without a another word.
>Running down the walkways, you head towards the center of the town towards the Diamond Dogs.
>Sneaking past many houses, you can hear Dogs tearing apart the insides of them.
>Hiding in the shadows the best you can, you eventually reach the town hall, which from the inside, you can hear shouting.
>Walking up to the entrance, you slowly open the doors and look inside.
>Looking through, you see many of the Dogs tearing apart the inside, with the mayor and his secretary huddle in a corner.
>The Diamond Dogs were even hanging banners on the inside of the building from the balconies.
>Sneaking inside, you go around the edges of the walls advancing towards the mayor.
>Upon reaching them, you say nothing as you motion for them to follow you.
>Sneaking back to the entrance, you hear stomping advancing towards your direction.
>"Looks like we found the little rat, boys!"
>Turning to your left, you see a large Diamond Dog.
>This one was from earlier, it wore a red vest, and it was obviously the leader.
>Pushing the mayor and his secretary towards the door, you see them scurry out the door as you turn to face the Diamond Dog.
>"And what have you come here to do you little idiot!? Save the town and be a little hero?"
>Laughing to himself, the Dog steps towards the front entrance.
>Reaching into a pocket of his vest, the he pulls out a key and locks the door that the mayor escaped out of.
>"Now it's just you and me. I'm going to make you pay for destroying our caves."
>How did he know you set off the explosives in the caves?
>Walking in a semi circle, you advance towards the Dog.
"How did you know I was the one that did that?"

>"Oh, little Frederick came by us after we had kicked him out. He kept telling us he had captured the little rat who was the source of all his problems. We didn't have a clue what he was talking about, but when we found our explosives gone, we knew it had to do something with you."
>Stepping forward, you bare your nubby fangs.
"I didn't steal those, the other Diamond Dog did!"
>"Well it doesn't matter now, because you're going to die right here!"
>Stepping back, you run as fast as you can towards the Diamond Dog.
>Maybe if you caught him off gua-
>What?
>Looking down, you see nothing but large claws that seemed to disappear where you body started.
>Staring at it for a minute, you realize what just happened, as you see red pouring out of yourself, old scars reopening.
>Feeling yourself become sick, you empty your stomach onto the ground.
>Wait, what was happening?
>It seemed as if you were weightless.
>Looking around, you see that you had been lifted into the air.
>Feeling yourself move, it seemed as if gravity had pulled you towards the ground with amazing force as the Diamond Dog threw you onto the ground releasing his claws.
>Slamming onto the ground, you can feel your own ribs crack as you hit the wooden floor as your saddlebag flies off of your back.
>Trying to get up to continue the fight, you find yourself unable to move.
>Finally feeling the pain reach your body, you thrash in agony as you watch your own blood pool onto the floor.
>Feeling your eyes becoming heavy, you try to fight it as you can hear the Diamond Dog laughing at your misery.
>Trying one last attempt to move, you reach towards your saddlebag.
>If you could just reach it you could stop this.
>Moving your foreleg, you try your best through enduring pain to reach the bag.
>Just inches away, you begin to feel your arm become heavy as do your eyes.
>Unable to move, you feel your eyes closing as your world fades to black.
>But wait...
>Why doesn't it hurt anymore?
>Shooting open, your eyes see nothing but white.
>Where was your pain?
>Looking down, you see your own, clean coat.
>Feeling yourself with your hooves, you marvel at your body.
>Even the scars weren't there.
>Standing up, you look around, but you are surrounded by nothing but emptiness.
>Looking around more, you flap your wings as you feel yourself raise into the air.
>You could fly again!
>It felt as if all of your worries in the world had just disappeared!
>Landing, you turn around to be greeted by to faces.
>They were also bat ponies, just like you, but there was something about them.
>Who were these people?
>Feeling memories rush back to you, you realize who these people were that stood before you.
>Though they were much younger than you remember, you were sure of who they were
"Mom? Dad?"
"H-how is this even possible?"
>This was probably the weirdest thing you have ever seen.
>Stepping forward, you mother tries to put her hoof on your shoulder, but you pull back away from her.
>"We've missed you for so long Aux."
"Wh-what are you even talking about?"
>Stepping up to you, your dad looks at you.
>"Son, me and your mother are dead."
"Well I already know that, Dad! But how are you here too!?"
>"The better question would be, how are you here?"
>You hadn't thought of that.
>How did you get in this place?
>The last thing you remember was unbearable pain.
"I... I don't know..."
>Sitting down you hold your head trying to remember what the last thing that happened to you was.
>But nothing came up.
>Lying down, you rub your temples are you work around your head.
>It was like a fog had drift over your recent memories.
>You remembered Moonshine kissing you, and Echo and Speck, but not much else.
>Standing up, you turn towards your parents.
"Well, what do I do?"
>"There's only one thing you can do, honey."
>Stepping over to you, your mother hold your hoof.
>"Let go."
>Stepping back, you pull your hoof out of her grip.
"What do you exactly mean, 'let go?'"
>Walking towards you your mother reaches out a hoof towards your face.
>Swatting the hoof away, you squint at your mom.
"What do you mean?"
>Sighing your mother looks away.
>"You're still trying to hold onto your life, you need to let go of that so you can join us."
>Wait, this wasn't life?
>Your head was filling with so many questions it felt like it was going to burst.
>But wait.
>What about Moonshine?
"I can't let go, I have to get back to Moonshine."
>Smiling, you mother tries to touch you again, but you slap away her hand.
>Your mom had never touched you this much.
>Something was off about you dad too.
>He was too quiet.
>"Honey, it's fine, Moonshine will find a stallion just perfect for her."
"How do you know!? She loves me!"
>Did you just raise your voice at your mother?
>Giving you a scowl, your mother walks up to you and looks you straight in your eyes.
>"Let. Go."
>What was with her and wanting you to die?
>This was not your mother at all, she'd want you to continue living, especially if there was someone like Moonshine waiting for you.
"No. I'm not leaving Moonshine."
>Obviously filling with rage, your mother steps towards you and smacks you on the side of your face.
>Your mother had never hit you. Ever. No matter what.
>Rubbing your cheek, you look back at your "mother."
"You're not my mother."
>"I already told you once you little brat. Let. Go."
>What was wrong with them?
>"It's best you do what your mother says and just let go."
>Stepping towards your parents, you scream at them.
"NO! I'M NOT LEAVING MOONSHINE!"
>Running towards your so-called mother, you try to hit her.
>Stepping to the side, she bares her fangs and bites your neck from behind.
>As her teeth make contact, you feel a rush of air.

>Breathing in, you open your eyes.
>You were back in the town hall, lying in the pool of your own blood.
>Looking up, you see your hoof on your saddlebag.
>"I thought I killed you!"
>Facing towards the noise, you see the Diamond Dog with the red vest.
>"This isn't possible! I skewered you!"
"I don't die that easily."
>Feeling your hand reach what you've been looking for, you pull it out of your bag along with your pack of matches.
>Looking at the Diamond Dog, you show him the object.
>A large red rocket.
>A firework.
>Pulling out a match, you light it.
"If I'm going, you're coming with me."
>NO!"
>Seeing the Diamond Dog running for you, you light the firework, and point it at the cieling.
>Shooting into the rafters, lighting the wood with a bright explosion.
>Trying to cover your eyes, you are still blinded by the light.
>Hearing fire, you try to look up, but can't see that very well.
>Looking around, you could hear other Diamond Dogs running around, trying to get out of the building.
>Feeling something push you to the side, you see the outline of a Diamond Dog trying to open the front entrance they had locked.
>At least you would take all of these bastards with you.
>Then maybe you could meet your real parents.
>You would miss Moonshine though.
>The fire sounded to be getting worse.
>A lot worse.
>Hearing a large crack, you look up to see a larger support beam falling.
>Seeing the support beam slam into the ground, flames shoot out, burning you.
>Falling onto the gorund, you rub your eyes.
>Finally having your vision cleared, you try to stand up, but feel your bones aching.
>Observing your surrounding, you see the entire city hall in flames.
>You had almost landed in a large fire burning the floor boards.
>Looking around, you see barely anything but fire.
>Hearing a large crack, you look up to see a large beam fall from the cieling and land near you, shooting more flames, burning your entire left side.
>This was really it now.
>You couldn't escape no matter what.
>Hearing shouts, you try to turn your head towards the source of the noise.
>Those sounded like ponies!
>Coughing, you try to shout, as you feel yourself losing your grip on life.
>Even if they could get to you, it was too late.
>Your ribs were crushed, you were burned all over your body, and were still bleeding immensely.
>It would probably be better if you just died right now, and saved yourself from the pain.
>Closing your eyes, you try to think of happy things, like your parents, and Moonshine.
>Wait, Moonshine!
>You still have to see her!
>Trying to stand up, you can hear your own bones crack and grind against each other as you try to stand up.
>Falling on the floor boards, you close your eyes and wait for yourself to just die.
>Feeling it hard to breath, you move your hoof over your mouth as to not breath in the smoke.
>Laying for a minute, you hear closer shouting.
>Opening your eyes, you shout again.
>Looking around, you see a group of ponies running through the fire towards you.
>"We got a live one!"
>Running over to you the ponies ease you onto the largest one's back.
>Closing your eyes, you allow yourself to rest.
>Feeling cool wind on your face, you open your eyes to see that you were now outside.
>"Where is he!?"
>That was Moonshine!
>Trying to move, find yourself being lifted onto a stretcher.
>Hearing hoofsteps, you look around to see a blue haired pony run beside the stretcher as you are moved.
>"Aux!"
>Looking at her, you see tears rolling down her cheeks as she runs by your side.
"H-hey Moonshine..."
>Coughing you look up at her and smile.
"This wasn't how I was planning on seeing you again."
>"Why would you do such a thing! You could have died!"
>Feeling youself be lifted higher, you see they have put you in a chariot, most likely to take you to the hospital in Canterlot.
>Looking at you, and doctor in the chariot examines you, and puts an IV in your foreleg.
>Feeling the chariot fly into the sky, you felt your body lurch.
>Turning towards Moonshine, the doctor has a very solemn look on his face.
>"We're not sure if he's going to live through this. His heart rate is very low, and we're losing him."
>Tears streaming down her eyes. Moonshine looks at you.
"Reaching up, you wipe the tears from her cheeks and look at her."
"Don't worry Moonshine, I'm not afraid to die. Just a little disappointed I'll never get a first date with you."
>Sniffing, Moonshine holds your hoof.
>"D-don't say things like that, you're going to make it through this."
>You could feel your mind becoming foggy as you could feel yourself slipping, as if reality was mixing with your dreams.
"Don't worry, you'll find someone nice, Mother told me."
>Looking at you, Moonshine stops crying and just stares at you.
>"What about your mom?"
"I met her. She told me you'd find someone nice."
>Laying her head on your chest, Moonshine begins crying again.
>"I don't want anybody but you, Aux."
>Putting your hoof in her mane, you stroke her hair.
"After all this is over, you want to go somewhere?"
>Looking up, Moonshine gives you a look of confusion and shock.
>"Wh-what...?"
"I've always wanted to go to some place tropical, where palm trees grow."
>"Um, sure, after this is over, and you get better, we'll go somewhere tropical together."
>Taking your hoof out of Moonshine's mane, you feel her face.
"I'm glad we're sharing my last moments with you, Moonshine.
>Tears running down her face, Moonshine runs her hand across your face.
>"Don't say that."
>Turning towards the flying pegasi, Moonshine yells towards them.
>"Can't you fly any faster!?"
"Don't yell at them, I'm the one that caused this. If anyone, you should be mad at me."
>Turning to you, Moonshine lookes at you, and you return the gaze, looking into her deep blue eyes.
"No matter what happens Moonshine, I'll always love you."
>Feeling your hand drop, you feel your eyes begin to become heavy.
>Letting your head turn on its side, you close your eyes for the last time.
>But not before seeing something.
>Something very strange.
>On your flank, there was no red.
>Just what was always underneath.
>A heart.

The End.