>Luna seems to be really good at just saying really cryptic things and then not elaborating on them right away
>You’re beginning to wonder if she’s doing it on purpose or not
>With a very faint steady rapping of her fingertips against the table she bites the bottom corner of her lip as her brow furrows
>”Though really it’s just a theory for now…”
>She throws a glance in your direction while you wait silently
>Her fingers continue their rhythmic tapping as you see the gears churn in her head
>As you open your mouth she stops her somewhat grating finger drumming abruptly
>”I can’t say it’s anything entirely concerning right now though, but suffice to say, I think it won't be too troublesome.”
>You really don’t know what to think about that statement, but boy does it make you raise an eyebrow
>She props her head up with a palm to her forehead as she stares at what remains of your meal
>”I’m sorry if this is a bit confusing; I haven’t thought about any of, this, in quite a while.”
>Don’t really know how she’s done that though
>You know you’re probably never going to be able to just not think about magic now that you know
>You almost entertain the question of how she could stop before you realize you already know the answer
>At least you’re pretty sure with how much she’s talked about papa Neato today
>She gestures with her free hand in an aimless fashion
>”There’s bound to be things I forget about that pop up the more I dust off the memories as with the sponge analogy.”
>You nod in understanding
>Though now that you have a basic understanding of how this pin actually works, you realize she never did answer the question

>You shift forward leaning on your crossed arms
“So the theories for what’s up with the sudden magic slinging aside, how much damage do you think I did to myself?”
>Luna brushes a stray bit of her bangs out of her eyes as she stares into your eyes
>You quickly speak as you feel her gaze burrow into you
”Besides that one incident and the apparent sleep healing, I can’t really think of any other times I used magic.”
>With a blink her eyes once again flick from your pin back to your eyes
>”Well, there’s a distinct possibility that you may have used more magic without realizing as we often did when we first made the pins.”
>With a somewhat wistful smirk she shakes her head
>”I certainly know how heated the engagements you’ve been having can be after all; sometimes that alone can pull the trigger even without thinking about it.”
>You really hope you haven’t been doing some sort of magic without you’re knowing it
>You already have enough problems to tackle
>She takes a moment to think as you find yourself returning her laser focused stare
>It’s only now that you’re really looking do you realize that she has really vibrant cyan eyes
>Huh?
>You blink and rub your eyes
>Thought you saw something for a second
>She breaks her line of sight with you with a nod 
>”Though considering that you’re not a completely different person I’d wager you’re alright.”
>That’s a rather specific and odd qualification for not being ok, but there’s a more important question
“So if I’m fine for now, what can I do to make sure I don’t keep using magic while I sleep?”
>Because while you like getting better real quick and all you really don’t want to experience any of the possibilities she’s listed

>Luna taps her chin thoughtfully with her pointer finger with a hum before snapping her fingers
>”Will had this same problem when we really got into the swing of things, and it was your father who reminded him that Occam’s razor existed.”
>So, simple solution to your problem is the right one?
>You can see her expectant gaze fall upon you as you think of the problem
>If it’s something so simple it should be right in front of your face
>You look down to the glittery little source of most your problems
>Can’t help but wonder if you’d have been better off witho-oh god damn it
>Looking up to Luna with a weary frown she grins
“I just take it off when I goto sleep don’t I?”
>With a proud smile she nods
>”Don’t worry; it took us two weeks of constant fighting before we thought of that.”
>Well now you don’t feel as bad but
“Are you telling me Will kept his pin on him at all times for two weeks?”
>Like, you’ve just been wearing your hoodie to sleep a lot since you’ve been getting knocked the fuck out, A LOT
>Averting her eyes you can see she’s trying her best to stifle a laugh
>”I, I don’t think he’d appreciate me regaling you with some of his past exploits.”
>This sounds like some sort of story you might want to hear, but for another time
>For right now, you’ve got a more pertinent question
“So while that’s a good way to stop hurting myself with healing it doesn’t exactly solve the underlying issue or anything.”
>You point to her with a half-shrug
“Since I should probably stop using magic until I know how to so I don’t hurt myself, could you maybe teach me how to or what?”
>Cause you’d really like to get started on that if this stuff really is as dangerous as you think it is

>Luna frowns slightly as she picks at the leftover nachos
>”While I would love to, I’m not exactly as practiced as I once was...”
>Damn
>Was really hoping that magic was like a bike
>She bites into a cheese covered chip with a sigh
>”Besides, I don’t think that our magical affinities would be very compatible from what I can gather.”
>Compatible affinities?
“How so?”
>She presses her lips together
>”If your burst of magic against Will is any indication, I believe you’d actually be more suited to learning under him.”
>Learn under the guy you tried to beat to death?
>God you aren’t looking forward to asking for his help
>Hopefully he’ll forgive you for your, mistake?
>”It’s unfortunate that he won’t be back until late Saturday at the earliest and early Sunday at the latest.”
>Won’t be back?
>Did he go somewhere?
“Wait, he left Canterlot?”
>She nods slowly
>”Did Ms. Dash not inform you?”
>Don’t think she did
“Pretty sure she just said we’d be meeting up with everyone after school today.”
>Yea, she didn’t say anything about Will, or that she knows who he is for that matter
>With a shrug she eyes the remains of the food left on the tray between you
>”Well, he and Sister both left Canterlot to recover for a bit.”
>Ah, you were wondering where Celestia was
>Seemed odd she wasn’t in her office
>Though now THAT begs the question
“Is Celestia alright?”
>Luna winces a bit in response
>That’s never a hopeful sign
>”She, went in too fast with a blatant disregard for how we sh-.”
>She cuts herself off before breathing a heavy sigh as she runs a hand through her hair
>You furrow your brow as you can almost see the exhaustion in her
“That bad huh?”

>Luna looks at you with a much more tired expression
>”No, sister will be quite alright; she only suffered a broken arm and a few lacerations to her left leg.”
>Shrugging she waves her hand in the air nonchalantly
>”She’ll be fine come the weekend.”
>Jeez, that doesn’t sound like something you can walk off
>Unless…
“Does she have regeneration powers too or something?”
>With a somewhat wry smile Luna slouches somewhat
>”No, as much as I was warning you about the dangers of doing so, I wish she could rely on that from time to time.”
>Oh, that’s surprising
“I thought that you could brute force your way to it, or just find a spell for it?”
>She shakes her head while teetering her hand
>”Somewhat; it’s easier with some magic than others, but unfortunately, healing is something that seems to be restricted to Will or someone with a more physical affinity like yourself.”
>Huh
>Wait
“So, if she can’t heal, how’s she going to be all fine by the weekend?”
>Luna holds up a hand defensively
>”Answering that question would eat up enough time that we would be done just in time for them to confirm the story in person.”
>Desire to know has intensified
“You can’t just say something like that and then leave me hanging, come on.”
>With a smirk she lifts her empty cup and shakes it around to confirm its emptiness
>”How about if I boil it down to one sentence to tide you over while fill my cup and consider telling you the whole story?”
>Well, that might help
>Though it also might just drive you up the wall
>Here’s betting on the former
“Sure.”
>She stands up slowly and walks up beside you
>”It was when we realized that the flowers had survived and didn’t wilt until a week after leaving did we decide to run more tests.”

>What?
>With a light pat on your shoulder you hear Luna’s footsteps grow quiet as she walks towards the soda machine
>What!?
“That, you can’t, what?”
>Looking at her backside you try to divulge answers, but instead you just see her go
>And boy, do you lov-stop thinking that!
>How can someone be cruel enough to do something like that?
>You swipe your cup of soda and take an indignant drink
>You come to realize a horrid truth with a loud and disappointing slurping of air
>You’re out of soda
>Guess you took a bit too many absentminded drinks
>That probably explains why you need to use the bathroom so much
>With a humph you throw yourself out of the bench
>Slowly sauntering your way to the bathroom you notice Luna giving her phone a particularly worried look at the soda machine
>Wonder what’s wrong?
>Pushing open the bathroom door you find yourself throwing away any attempts to speculate as you unzip in front of the urinal
>No way
>Is, is that a poster advertising for the battle between The Flashers and The Rainbooms?
>You squint just in case you’re going blind or something, and nope it’s still there
>You wonder how far the mighty Taco restaurant has fallen to allow this shitty leaflet in the men’s bathroom over the middle urinal
>Ok, calling it a shitty leaflet may be a bit unfair
>It looks professionally designed with its sleek organization
>Hell, it even displays all the information in a way that’s easy to read
>Though you can’t help but wonder how recently this poster must’ve been put up given how it’s the only one anywhere within view
>Not to mention who’d even put it up in the first place
>The only ones who SHOULD give even a single fuck are high school age
>At least, that’s all you remember seeing in the crowd yesterday

>Eh whatever, you doubt it’ll matter much
>Pretty sure The Rainbooms will win
>They won an entire battle of the bands against the sirens apparently after all, and you’re pretty sure they had more powerful magic than Fla—
>Holy shit!
>You have no idea how it JUST clicked but damn!
>The BJ brigade are ACTUAL SIRENS!
>Probably should’ve gotten the memo after fighting with Aria
>Though for some reason, thinking back to the hastily told story Sunset told you on the car ride home Thursday you couldn’t help but think about Adagio saying that you’ve fallen under their spell
>Wait, it was probably the whole, “And the entire school fell under their spell” part of the story
>Pretty sure Adagio said something like that when you slammed your door in her face
>Well still, even when she outright said, “even a siren has to eat” when she served you tendies you didn’t think she was serious
>Or you were hoping she was joking about that and the whole “having fans” thing at least
>Considering she’s chasing after you though, she must not that popular anymore
>Guess that’s probably because of the end of the battle of the bands
>Apparently people don’t like it when they learn you mind controlled them into being aggressive musicians who get way too into a competition that was supposed to be a charity event
>What a bunch of casuals
>As you zip up your pants the sight of the red hockey puck thing in the urinal reminds you a bit of the big red gem on Adagio’s neck
>Oh shit, that’s the gemstone thing that gave the sirens their power isn’t it?
>Weren’t they broken after that whole debacle?
>Maybe you should bring that up too?
>How would someone even get more siren gems?
>A better question, what even are they?

>Maybe you could ask Luna about that too?
>Apparently she and the rest of SIS are magic experts after all
>She probably knows something
>You throw the wet towels into the trash
>Hopefully you can work through a bit more of the list before you leave to meet up with the others
>Pushing the door open you hear a familiar voice coming from around the corner
>”Yes yes, I know you want 4 of the cinnamon ball thingies; I meant what do you want for actual food?”
>No no no
>That isn’t…
>Carefully hugging the wall like Sam Fisher you peek around the corner to the counter
>Of all the Taco places in all the states in all the US of A she has to walk into yours
>That she, of course, being one of like 5 women you really don’t want to see today
>Aria in all her angry glory
>You’d sneak back to your seat, but you’re pretty sure she’d spot you
>And you really don’t want to have to go through what no doubt will be either an incredibly violent or incredibly awkward exchange
>She hangs up her phone before engaging in what you think is a frequent occurrence of ordering food here
>You only say that because the exchange between her and the cashier is not only so casual, but incredibly quick
>You’d think it’d take longer judging by how long that receipt is
>Damn, that thing has to be a foot long
>Your peeled peepers also spot something else interesting
>Aria must be loaded or something!
>You don’t really know anyone who pays with cash in this day and age especially with a wad that thick
>Are those ALL 20 dollar bills?
>The thought occurs to you that she and her sister are sirens
>Pretty sure they had mind control or something
>Not really up to date on, apparently real, magical creatures

>Aria turns to the soda machine with three cups in hand
>This may be your chance to very stealthily sneak your way to your secluded corner of Taco!
>Or you could always just exit the building now and text Luna to meet you in her car
>As they say, discretion is the better part of valor
>While you quickly formulate your plan of action something hard bumps into your back
>”Oh I’m sorry I didn’t…”
>You turn around with your default closed eyes and small smile you assume whenever you unfortunately inconvenience someone
“Don’t worry about it I was just…”
>Oh fucken hell
>It’s another woman from the list of 5
>Sonata
>Now you’re just holding onto the edge of the wall while staring blankly at each other
>You can’t tell if she’s waiting for you to say something or if she’s just as frozen as you are
>She’s the first to look down to the somewhat greasy tiled floor before she mumbles a bit incoherently
>”I, uh…”
>Her own voice, no matter how quiet and similar to a kicked puppy it is, reminds you that you have your own
>Though what you should say eludes you
>Whenever you’ve done something in the past the people who you “wronged” would usually either verbally assault you loudly on sight, or outright avoid you
>Never had anyone quietly tremble in your presence after, an encounter
>Not that you blame her
>You almost killed her sister(?) over a door
>Ok, it was due to a bunch of little things piling up and that they wanted to turn you into a glorified sex-slave
>At least you think so
>Damnit, you’re getting off track
>You have a chance that fate has forced on you harder than the US forced Japan to surrender by nuking their asses twice, to apologize or something

>Maybe not to Aria and Adagio since, well even if you don’t want to kill them or anything you don’t particularly like them
>Sonata’s, just sorta been there with them each time
>Honestly, she seems to be the nicest if anything
>Though being the least poisonous frog in a pack of frogs doesn’t really absolve it of being a poison frog
>Do poison frogs roam in packs?
>Would it even be called a pa—
>Ok you are literally staring a problem IN THE FACE, and doing your best to ignore it
>Sonata is just averting her gaze as she cowers against the bathroom door like she expects you to tackle her into the bathroom and lock the door
>You need to do something
>Just, say what’s on your mind
>You literally could not have a worse inter-personal relationship with this girl right now after all
>Doesn’t get much worse than attempting to kill someone’s family or friends in front of them
>Just open your damn mouth!
“I’m sorry.”
>Her eyes slowly drift up to yours from underneath the triangle of her bangs while she still faces away from you
>Alright, could be worse you suppose
>At least you didn’t say anything that could possibly misconstrue what you meant to say
>Maintaining eye contact with those probing magenta eyes is a bit of a challenge
>You can’t help wonder what’s she thinking
>”Sonata, are you almost done in there?!”
>The sudden explosion of a yell from past the wall you’re pressed up against breaks the silence shared between the two of you
>Oh jeez, is she going to rat you out to Aria?
>Sonata’s eyes flick between you and the area to your right beyond the wall as her mouth attempts to form words
>She hesitates for a moment before averting her eyes and nodding to you with a meek expression
>Before you can say or do anything she walks past you
>”Heh, sorry about that Ari, I just saw a really weird poster!”

>What?
>”Oh yea, what was so weird about it?”
>Guess she didn’t want any trouble?
>”It was something about The Rainbooms duking it out with another band in the park on Saturday!”
>At least she knows you’re sorry, even if that doesn’t really mend fences or anything
>”Ugh, don’t even mention those idiots will ya.”
>You can hear their conversation die out as they exit through the opposite side
>Thank whoever that they didn’t exit through yours
>Realizing that you’re flexed and ready to run you calm down
>Didn’t think you’d be that wound up from seeing them
>With a somewhat relaxed step you saunter back to your booth
>As you get close you spot Luna slumped up in the corner near the window with her legs resting atop the rest of her bench
>Looks like she cleaned up the table as the only thing left are two sodas and the last untouched burrito thing
>As you scooch onto your bench you can see that she’s actually staring at her phone with a wistful look obvious on her face
>After you get settled she turns to you
>“It was them huh?”
>Figures that she heard Aria’s big mouth
>A silent nod is all you need to answer as you begin to look out the window into the empty street
>You can see that she’s staring at you from the corner of your eye, and you don’t like it
>Well, mostly the look on her face
>It’s too serious
>Which in your experience means…
>”Anon, we’ve only got another half hour before we need to return to school.”
>You turn and make eye contact with her as she tucks her phone away
>”I have a very, difficult topic I need to speak with you about.”
>This can’t be good
>She shifts in her seat as she clasps her hands together on the tabletop
>”We need to talk about your parents.”
>God, you hate being right

>You feel a light prodding at your elbow for the tenth time this hour
>Glancing away from your sprawled out textbook you see the pleading face of Rainbow once more
>”Come on; just tell me a little bit?”
>Crossing your arms over your textbook you let out a slight huff
“Why do you want to know so badly, we’re going to talk about it after this hour is up anyways?”
>AJ chimes in from your left
>”Ah know yer dyin ta know what happened Dash, but it’s starting to get a little annoying.”
>Rainbow ducks behind her textbook as she hastily defends herself with a whispered hiss
>”Alright, you maybe be fine with not knowing what happened, but I didn’t get to see a super cool secret warehouse hideout AND get to hear about the principals’ Scooby doo adventures!”
>It wasn’t THAT cool of a secret warehouse or anything
>Though you’ll admit you did enjoy hearing about your former mentor’s counter-part adventures
>Principal Celestia reminds you so much of Princess Celestia, and hearing about some of the things the principal version did definitely tied the two together
>AJ sneers at Rainbow from your left 
>”At least we told ya what we were doing, it wasn’t till dang near dinner time that we knew Anon was up and at em’!”
>That’s right, when you heard that he wasn’t coming because he’d been injured you were worried sick!
>You join AJ with a somewhat hard stare directed towards Rainbow
>Rainbow averts her gaze to the floor as she scrunches her mouth into an uncomfortable frown
>”I mean, he wasn’t even really up till like an hour before dinner anyways…”
>You and AJ make eye contact and share a tired glance
>”A little update on how he’s doing from time ta time woulda been nice though.”

>Rainbow rubs a page between her thumb and forefinger as she murmurs
>”I was sitting next to him for almost the entire day, and he just didn’t stop tossing and turning...”
>The mental image is enough to feed your already ravenous curiosity to know what happened to him
>Unlike Rainbow though, you can handle waiting a bit longer
>With a somewhat nonchalant shrug she adds
>”At least until he apparently decided to switch to just sweating and wincing in pain; was able to do some laundry when he settled down a bit.”
>You look to AJ who has the same uncomfortable frown
>Trying to ease the sudden tension you interject
“We can worry about all that soon, for now we should get back to reading.”
>AJ lets out a huff as she cocks her hat back
>”Ah guess we should get it done in class since we have the time.”
>Rainbow shakes her head with indignation before tapping her temple
>”I don’t have time to read right now with all this stuff floating around up here!”
>Oh no, she has that look on her face again
>The one that reminds you just how stubborn she can be sometimes
>Only AJ can surpass her in that regard
>”We gotta be thinking about important stuff like what song we’re going to use against Flash on Saturday, and when Sunset will tell me what happened at the party; I don’t have time to worry about some boring history assignment!”
>While you’ll concede that you all do have a bit more on your plate now, it’s certainly not more than you all have handled before
>Not to mention that you’ll be telling her about the party AFTER this hour is done!
>AJ points at Rainbow with an outstretched finger
>”Speakin of, just what do you think yer doing Dash?”

>Both you and Rainbow raise an eyebrow at AJ’s accusation
>”Trying to get Sunset to spill the beans instead of doing this lame reading on the ancient Suemarywhatevers?”
>You correct her to satisfy your inner Twilight
“Sumerians.”
>AJ shakes her head as she pulls something out of her binder
>”No, ah mean what are ya thinkin with making these posters?”
>She presents the crinkled paper by placing it over your textbook
>Not like you were trying to get your reading done anyways…
>You let out a sigh before both you and Rainbow inspect the paper
>Your eyes drift over the large font that seems to burst from the paper
”FlashBoom 2k16?”
>This appears to be a flyer promoting the Rainbooms’ battle with the Flashers
>Aj grunts in confirmation
>”Ah saw this on the notice board as ah was walking here from gym.”
>Rainbow furrows her brow as she leans forward onto her open book
>”I didn’t notice anything like that this morning...”
>You didn’t before lunch either
>”So you didn’t make this?”
>Rainbow shakes her head as she inspects the flyer closer
>”Nah man, when would I have the time to make this?”
>You almost forgot that she didn’t have a study hall instead opting for a second gym period
>Still don’t know if the whole captain of every sports team is a viable excuse for two gym periods though
>AJ peers at the paper from underneath the brim of her Stetson
>”So then, who else would go through the trouble of stickin flyers all around the school?”
>Rainbow scratches her head while scrunching her face up in thought
>”I don’t know, maybe Flash or one of his cronies did it?”
>Hmm, you don’t know about that
“We all saw Flash at lunch today; he was too busy reading to even get food.”

>AJ nods in agreement before adding
>”Not ta mention we’ve all seen the kind of company Flash keeps; besides Microchip, they ain’t the shiniest apples in the bushel.”
>You’re tempted to correct her, but ever since Flash became a cliché jerk his friends have fallen into his almost stereotypical caricature of a high school bully
>Rainbow leans back in her chair as she runs a hand through her hair
>“I haven’t even seen Microchip in a while anyways.”
>You haven’t either now that she mentions it
>Before you can ask about that AJ crosses her arms and asks with a perplexed look
>”So if it ain’t you, or them then, who made it?”
>There’s only one idea that you really have
“Well, Rainbow said Flash has some kind of magic that the sirens had, right?”
>Rainbow nods silently as she eyes you curiously
“Maybe like with the sirens his magic is making some of his fans act differently?”
>Both girls at your side nod in agreement
>”I guess that makes se—“
*BRRRRIIIIINNNNGGG*
>Rainbow’s interrupted by the bell signaling the end of another school day
>The students around you all start to scramble to escape
>As AJ and Rainbow begin to pack up themselves you shake your head
“Hopefully it’s nothing to worry about, for now let’s head to the principal’s office and meet up with the others.”
>They both nod as they sling their backpacks over their shoulders
>AJ jabs a thumb towards the hallway
>”Ah’m gonna get something from my locker and meet ya there.”
>Rainbow chimes in too
>”I’m going to the cafeteria quick to get something to munch on too.”
>You give the two a wave as they exit the room
>By the time you get up and open your backpack up the room is quiet with the only sound being the footsteps from the hallway and Ms. Harshwhinny cleaning the whiteboard
>A sigh escapes your lips as you look down to your book
>Looks like you’ll still have some reading for later tonight

>You push your glasses up once more as you hurry down the hall to the principal’s office
>Curse the draw of science for making you late once again
>Having the tantalizing option of using the equipment here at the school to examine what little residue you were able to secure before the events at the warehouse transpired was too tempting to pass up
>Even with stipends you can’t afford EVERY scientific instrument, as much as you’d like too
>Unfortunately this means you will more than likely be the last to show up to the predetermined meeting place
>Hopefully nobody minds too much
>As you turn the corner and avoid colliding with a small group of homebound students you spot your destination in the distance
>From where you are you can also see someone standing next to the door peeking into the room
>You slow down as you near to prevent bumping into them and speak
“Are you going in?”
>The girl, you don’t recognize them from behind, shakes their head before walking off with a lazy wave being thrown your way
>”Nah, they seem busy, wouldn’t want to, intrude.”
>You’re left somewhat perplexed by the odd inflection the girl used, but you swiftly push the feeling aside as you grab the door handle
>Opening the door you see that everybody seems to be engaging in idle chit-chat in a impromptu semi-circle
>On the right edge Applejack leans against the wall next to Rainbow Dash who sits backwards on a folding chair
>To their left Pinkie and Rarity share a bench together beside Rainbow Dash forming half of the middle
>Pinkie slings sentences together with a grinning Rainbow Dash while Rarity chats quietly with Anon

>Anon and Sunset share a pulled up couch with plenty of room between the two making up the second half of the middle circle
>Sunset converses with Fluttershy who has made herself comfortable on a small swivel stool beside her
>Finally, vice-principal Luna sits in what you believe is principal Celestia’s office chair sipping something from a moon adorned mug
>The chair looks a bit too big for her
>The group as a whole doesn’t seem to notice you as you close the door
>As you draw closer Vice-principal Luna places her drink down on the small coffee table before her and speaks up apparently seeing you
>”Twilight, it’s good you’re finally here.”
>You quickly attempt to excuse yourself
“I’m sorry vice-princi—“
>With a dismissive shake of her head she smiles
>”As with yesterday, any time we’re alone it’s perfectly alright to call me Luna.”
>She looks to the rest of your friends around the room
>”That goes for all of you.”
>You still feel a bit wrong not addressing her with her title, but if it’s what she wants
>Clearing your throat you restart your excuse
“As I was saying, I’m sorry, I lost track of time as I was analyzing the sample I was able to acquire from the warehouse party in the early hours of Monday morning.”
>Pinkie leans to her left and pokes Rainbow Dash in the shoulder while sporting her signature pearly white smile
>”I TOOLLLDD you that Twilly-twally was just fiddling with sciency do-dads.”
>Rainbow Dash grumbles with a frustrated frown as she shoves a hand into her pocket
>Pulling out a crumpled bill she shoves it into Pinkie’s outstretched hand
>”Yea yea whatever, can we get this started now; I’m dying to know what happened.”

>You take the empty space between Sunset and Anon on the couch as Rarity nods
>”Yes I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say we all share your sentiments exactly darling.”
>You certainly do, though more so in dreaded anticipation
>You still don’t know how exactly to feel about the whole ordeal
>Luna nods before leaning forward with her hands on her knees
>”Anon has been kind enough to fill me in on the general details leading up to your group splitting up, and a little on what he saw at the Fancy Pants and Co.”
>Anon nods as he gestures with his hand
>”Yea, I told her the bare details since we’re going more in depth later, for now who wants to go first?”
>Applejack speaks up first
>”Well ah feel like ah need a bit to really get my story straight with the others so ah’d rather we hear from Sunset's side first.”
>As he and the others discuss who wants to go first you can’t help but remember the conversation between Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and yourself from the morning
>Mostly the conjecture on Rainbow Dash’s part about something more being wrong with Anon since yesterday
>You’re beginning to worry about what exactly happened to her to cause her somewhat passionate worry for Anon
>Not that you aren’t worried for him, but she wasn’t exactly ecstatic to become chummy with him or anything
>In fact, if you recall correctly it was her who had originally deemed him a lost cause
>You have no doubt that whatever the events where that played out at Fancy Pants and Co. caused this somewhat sudden shift in her attitude, but you can’t help feel like she may be, overcompensating?
>Maybe you should speak with her in private?
>Perhaps you should check in with each of your friends individually?

>You haven’t exactly asked for their thoughts on recent events, or if they’re doing alright
>Not that you’ve had much time
>Spending most of Monday sleeping tends to drains most of the day away
>That’s not even mentioning Luna regaling you and the others for the rest of the day
>Ending your tangent and leaving a mental note to check in with everyone you focus back on Anon
>While his demeanor and physical appearance seem to suggest otherwise you can’t help but feel a bit uneasy because of it
>Disregarding the fact that you saw his condition yesterday morning, he seems to have gotten even better over the course of a school day
>He had a black eye this morning, and now it’s barely even yellow
>Perhaps he doesn’t wish to detract from the topic of discussion for now considering that only you and Rainbow Dash would know how he looked this morning?
>Though everyone should at least be somewhat surprised by his miraculous recovery
>You don’t usually shrug off injuries like he had in a day
>Looks as though you can do your individual check in with Anon tomorrow at lunch
>Whether or not everyone even notices his rapid recovery or is just politely ignoring the elephant in the room doesn’t matter
>You need to focus on the now and pay attention to what everyone is sa—
>”Something on your mind Twilight?”
>You blink as you finally realize that Sunset is trying to get your attention with a tap on your shoulder
>With a hopefully convincing smile you turn to her and try to wave off her question
“Just taking a moment to collect my thoughts.”
>She looks unconvinced as her eyes drift to Anon and back to you
>”Well, if you have yours collected I think I’m ready to start going over our side of the night.”

>You suppose you’re alright with that
>While you have been somewhat hesitant to actually take your time to thoroughly go over the events of the warehouse party you feel confident you can accurately retell the night
>Though you may, withhold a few choice details for now
>With a nod you point an open palm to Sunset
>She seems to take it as an offer to take the lead as she clears her throat
>“I wouldn’t mind starting us off on our side of things.”
>The others quiet down as Pinkie scratches her chin
>”Where are we starting from though Sunny; the spooky magic stuff or when those costumed girls busted in?”
>That’s a good question
>Rainbow Dash scratches her temple incredulously
>”She’s joking right; you guys didn’t have to deal with costumed heroes too, right?”
>You’d say that things really started to heat up around…
>Sunset struggles to neither confirm nor deny that as you turn to her and offer up an answer
“Perhaps when you and I separated after realizing the smoke machines weren’t supposed to be on till later in the evening?”
>She seems to approve as Fluttershy speaks up quietly from the side
>”You mean when you met with me about checking the spires around 10?”
>You nod as a few people around you exchange confused glances
>Sunset gives you a thumbs up as she hands the conversational reins to you
>”Sounds like a good starting point to me.”
>Clearing your throat you think back
“It was after Sunset and I separated that I managed to meet with Fluttershy by the bathrooms after navigating through the rather large crowd…”

>As you carefully make your way past a particularly rowdy group of 50’s greasers your objective comes into sight
>While you were right to assume that the restroom would be a high traffic area it looks as though Fluttershy’s having an alright time as she sits in one of many chairs nestled against the far wall
>She appears to be conversing with someone in a werewolf costume
>Breaking away from the steady trickle of people going in and out of the bathroom you make your way towards your friend
>Her conversation seems to end as she smiles at the werewolf before he departs
>She perks up somewhat as she notices you offering a small wave
>Once you close the distance you give your own greeting
“It’s good to see you’re doing well.”
>She nods happily
>”I was worried that the music would be too loud, but from here it doesn’t bother me very much.”
>You didn’t notice until she brought it up, but the music does seem to be less, intense back here by the bathroom
>You wonder if Vinyl designed the layout of the dancefloor to help facilitate as much as you notice small groups of people peppering the seating around the bathroom likely seeking their own little refuges from the blaring bass
>You almost get lost as you stare at the purple tinged outskirts of the dancefloor for a moment before shaking your head
>Turning back around you address Fluttershy
“We may have identified a problem.”
>Almost instantly she stiffens up as she looks out into the crowd
>”W-what is it, I can’t see anything from here.”
>You point a gloved hand in the direction of a spire nearby

“It’s nothing concrete yet as it may be a technical glitch, but the smoke machines aren’t supposed to be on until half-way through the Diamond Dogs’ show.”
>Fluttershy furrows her brow as she stares at the spire before sweeping the dance floor
>She stands up with concern clearly written on her face before she turns from the dancefloor back to you
>”Doesn’t it seem like there are too many of them going off to be just a glitch?”
>Hmm?
>Adjusting your glasses you scan the dancefloor for a moment
>It appears what was only a few machines spewing smoke into the party has quickly increased into almost every spire chugging like a chimney
>There weren’t nearly as many active just moments ago
>Your eyes can’t help but be drawn to the purple haze that bellows out of each spire as the warning Midnight Sparkle told you rings in your mind
>If it keeps up at this rate you’d wager that the fog covering the floor will conceal the entirety of the building
>Or at the very least, cloud it up enough that it’ll be even harder to navigate through the crowds
“This many spires weren’t spewing smoke like this when I first took notice.”
>You scratch your chin as you consider the implications of this recent turn of events
>”What should we do?”
>Your eyes shift back to Fluttershy as she looks to you for direction
>If what Midnight told you is true, then you likely need to act quickly
“I’m going to start sucking up some of this purple haze while seeing what exactly the fluid is that producing this magic vapor.”
>With a snap of your fingers you point to Fluttershy
“I need you to meetup with Sunset as quickly as possible and see if there’s a way to automatically shut off the smoke machines.”

>Fluttershy nods with determination before scrunching her face up
>”Um, where is Sunset, and how exactly would we uh go about shutting off all the smoke machines?”
>Easy
>You point to the DJ booth on the opposite end of the warehouse
“If you look around back there I’m sure Pinkie or Sunset will be able to spot you. Once you all regroup, there should be a master control system for all the lighting and extras in the room behind the booth.”
>You turn back to your less than happy friend as you realize who you’re asking to go straight to the loudest part of the party
>The words spill out of her tinged with uncertainty
>”O-okay, I can do that.”
>You frown as the thought of sending her into her own version of a lion’s den makes you a more than a bit guilty
>If only you could ease her burden…
>Wait a moment!
>Quickly digging a hand into your fanny pack you pull out your emergency earplugs
>You completely forgot about the precautionary measure you packed for the notoriously loud nature of partying
>You present the clear pack of earplugs to Fluttershy
“I know it won’t make there be less people, but it should help alleviate the loud volume of the music.”
>She gladly accepts them with a small smile of appreciation
>”Oh thank you.”
>As she puts the earplugs in she nods
>”I’ll make sure that we shut off the smoke machines if we can.”
>With a gloved thumbs up as your response the two of you part ways
>As you make your way to the nearest spire you switch your MCTEK on
>It’s better to at least get started sucking up as much magically conductive fog as you can
>Luckily it seems the music masks the normally loud sound of the MC-TEK as its low setting begins to vacuum up the fog

>You know that sucking up the fog with the MC-TEK containment gun is almost equivalent to trying to clean a pizza of grease by dabbing it with a napkin, but every little bit helps!
>Navigating through the stray groups doesn’t take long, but you do find yourself watching your step as you stomp through the smoke over the wired floor
>Luckily for you the spire lies borders the main body of the crowd
>With one hand holding the still sucking MC-TEK gun you pace around the spire looking for an easily accessible smoke machine
>After circling it once you find the easiest one to access is unfortunately very low to the ground
>You hadn’t really designed the HMS with the ability to squat in mind, but there’s nothing like running a field test firsthand!
>Besides, you’re sure that being able to jog requires much more movement than a simple squat
>The HMS should hold up fine!
>Very slowly you descend into what you believe to be a proper squatting position
>The leg servos groan somewhat, and after a few tense seconds you find yourself wondering if the whole thing will collapse
>It seems you were correct in assuming the HMS’s stability as you find yourself squatting perfectly!
>You let loose a quiet yatta with a quick fist pump before getting down to business
>As you inspect the still functioning smoke machine you do your best to extract it from the spire
>With a bit of finesse you manage to jiggle it out of its nestled position in the spire enough to inspect it
>Though with the poor lighting you can’t discern much detail
>Setting the containment gun on the ground you fish into your fanny pack once more and pull out your tiny flashlight
>With a swift click you take hold of the mobile light source with your mouth

>Twisting the smoke machine around into the light you examine the liquid tank
>Now that’s, odd
>You can see through the clear portion that holds whatever fluid the machine is using to produce smoke is actually slightly purple in color
>You thought the purple hue the smoke had was due to the lighting and not its own inherent properties
>With a careful application of force you unscrew the cap while keeping it a full arm’s length away
>When nothing immediately happens upon uncapping the substance, you cup a hand and waft to smell the mystery substance
>It smells like, musky earth?
>That’s odd as the smoke itself isn’t giving off a smell like that
>Or perhaps you just can’t smell it over the general smell of sweat and cheap latex costumes you’re surrounded by
>Regardless, you better gnab a sample of this magically conductive substance
>You set the smoke machine down for a moment and look into your fanny pack
>You’re pretty sure you had a swab test in here somewhere…
>First aid, extra pair of glasses, portable toothbrush, aha!
>While you really should be wearing more sterile gloves you should be ok
>Tearing open the package containing the swab tube you quickly unseal the tub itself
>As carefully as you can you submerge the swab into the fluid container
>Pulling it out the purple substance glitters brightly in the ray of your flashlight
>A cursitory glance gives you the imppresson of a purple honey with clumps of sugar crystals
>You seal the swab and stow it away in your fanny pack for later
>Hopefully you can get this under a microscope later
>As you put everything back into its proper place you can’t help notice that the purple lights overhead start to rapidly shift in their color
>Now instead of purple they flicker between red and green
>You don’t recall that in the schedule

>”I still don’t quite understand why someone would signal their arrival with such a dramatic flourish of lights.”
>You stare into the little coffee table before you as you know exactly why the lights started to freak out
>You can hear the bench to your left creek as Rarity leans forward
>”Well if they're trying to be a distraction darling.”
>It’s at that, that the laughter Pinkie was holding back is unleashed
>”Well maybe SOME people like to, but I think the lights being all spooky when he showed up was more on us!”
>You sigh as you look up to see perplexed stares all around before AJ questions Pinkie from over Rainbow’s shoulder
>”What’d ya mean by that exactly?”
>Both Pinkie and Fluttershy look to you expectantly
>Pinkie with a smirk and Fluttershy with uncertainty
>You probably should explain this one
>Clearing your throat and gaining the attention of everyone you attempt to clarify
“Well, that’s not EXACTLY our fault…”
.
.
.
>You know you told Twilight that you’d find Pinkie, but you’re suddenly realizing just how hard that is without the use of a cellphone
>It’s actually kind of funny now that you think of it
>You grew up without anything even resembling the instantaneous communication a cellphone offers, and only after a few years do you come to rely on it like a lifeline
>A sigh escapes your lips with a wry smile as you try your best not to collide with too many dancing people
>Nothing you can do about it now
>Maybe if you go up to the DJ booth you could pick her out of the…
>Your thought trails off as you spot your pink friend cheerfully dancing towards you
>Is she leading a conga line?

>”HIYA SUNNY!”
>Pinkie waves with as she clears a line through the crowd
>You wave her over towards the edge of the crowd which causes her to break away from the conga line
>After moving and grooving her way towards you she leans in close
>”What’s shakin bacon?”
>You point her in the direction of one of the active spires as it spews smoke onto the dancefloor
“Have you seen whoever turned those on?”
>With a scrunch of her face she twirls her poofy hair with a pointer finger
>”I can’t say that I have, but I think it’d be pretty hard to see into the control room from out here on the dance floor.”
>See them from the control room?
>It didn’t even occur to you that there was one
“Is that where someone would control all the smoke machines?”
>Pinkie nods enough that her hair doesn’t stop shaking for a few seconds after she stops
>”Yep, it’s either there or up in the DJ booth!”
>Huh, don’t know how Twilight forgot about that…
>”Probably because she figured that whoever’s trying to fill the area with magical fog wouldn’t be someone on the party planning team that’s have access to the control room?”
>That, makes sense actually
>Pinkie’s eyes shift to and fro before she pulls you closer
>”Should we check it out for any, SAABOOTTAAAAGGE?”
>That seems like the best option for right now
>Especially if you can turn off all the smoke machines at once there too
>You nod with a confident smile
“Let’s go!”
>Pinkie claps before pointing to you
>”Follow my lead then Sunnset-strip!”
>With a spin and a twirl she begins to rapidly disco her way into the crowd
>Deciding not to question her ability to travel through dense crowds you try to mimic her moves as you shadow her closely

>Surprisingly, or unsurprisingly, enough her disco-tech moves are able to easily clear the way to the empty area beside the massive speakers
>You’d expect the music to be the most deafening here, but it seems to be somewhat quieter
>Pinkie pants a bit as she grabs onto the metal gate that separates the DJ area from the crowd
>”Phew-wee, I haven’t danced THIS much since my last party; isn’t it so much fun!?”
>Even though you’re here to hopefully stop something bad from happening you’ll admit that dancing through the crowd was pretty fun
“Maybe just a little.”
>You both share a smile before she creaks the gate forward and points an open hand forward
>”After you.”
>You shuffle forward past the gate as you look for the control center
>Though all you really see are two sets of double doors on two separate hallways that protrude into the warehouse hiding behind a bunch of road cases and the stairs leading up to the DJ booth
>Pinkie points the left hand double doors as she pops up beside you
>”That’s where the control center should be, though…”
>She goes quiet as the two of you approach the left side double doors
>Looks like one of the doors is slightly ajar
>You’re stopped a bit suddenly as Pinkie throws out an arm
>She makes eye contact with you as her voice comes out in a hushed whisper
>”Where is everybody?”
>You look around as you try to pick out everyone and see that it’s pretty much empty back here
“Maybe they all went out to the dancefloor for a break?”
>You both uneasily turn back to the ajar door
>This time sneaking towards the door you peer into the room
>Looks like someone’s fiddling with some controls
>Can't tell who though as their features are obscured by the glow of the screens

>You peek upwards towards Pinkie who looks into the room a few inches above you and in as quiet a whisper you can manage ask
“Are they supposed to be messing with the controls?”
>She frowns before shaking her head
>”No, should we surprise em?”
>You harden your gaze as you slowly squeeze between the doors
>With Pinkie in tow the two of you tip-toe towards the unidentified figure
>Slipping behind various road cases and towers of machinery you advance towards the mystery operator
>Just as you almost get within gnabbing distance they stop messing with the different switches and knobs
>Both you and Pinkie stop in your tracks waiting to see what they do
>Time seems to stand still as they look up at the monitors
>You ready yourself to spring forth when they suddenly jump to action themself
>You leap forth as they sprint off to the left
“Get him!”
>Rushing towards the edge of all the junk blocking you from where they ran to you leap out past the turn
>Only to come face to face with a wall of various road cases, av equipment, and speakers
>Is whoever just ran off hiding in them?
>Pinkie slides to a halt behind you and looks at the massive pile of junk
>”Wow, I didn’t know Viny was such a packrat.”
>You either
>Stepping forward cautiously you try to see if whoever you just spotted could be hiding behind something
>However, you don’t think anyone with the exception of a contortionist or someone really small could hide back here
>Everything’s just too packed together
>”Uh oh.”
>You turn around to Pinkie who’s staring at the mass of buttons and switches on the stacks of machines
“What’s wrong?”
>You walk up to the terminal she’s inspecting as she points to one of several screens
>”Think we may have a problem.”
>Besides loosing someone who was obviously not supposed to be back here?

>Looking at the screen that Pinkie is pointing to reveals, oh
>SMOKE MACHINES BOOTING UP
>Ok, that may be a bit bad
>You look to Pinkie with a little ember of hope
“Don’t suppose you know how this thing works, do you?”
>With a shake of her head she shrugs
>”I know how to work my set-up, but Vines is really confusing with how she does stuff.”
>Oh boy
>Ok, just stay calm and think
>If Pinkie can’t work it then…
“We’ve got to get her down here before the whole place is filled with smoke.”
>Pinkie gives you a quick salute
>”I’ll get her here before you can say where the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked are!”
>With that she rushes back to the doors
>You’re tempted to try and turn off the smoke machines yourself, but one look at the armada of different controls makes you hesitate
>You decide to keep a lookout for the mysterious saboteur instead
>It’s not like they could just disappear or anything so they’re probably waiting for you to let your guard down before they leave
>You can make sure not to let that happen!
>Leaning against the wall to the left of the large collection of controls you keep your eyes peeled for anything
>Your ears drown out the dull noise of the music outside as you focus wholly on finding any movement
>Nothing seems to catch your eye as time marches forward
>Was kind of hoping to catch them in their escape or som—
>The sound of the door creaking opening makes your heart skip a beat as you tear your gaze towards it
>”H-hello?”
>Is that?
“Fluttershy?”
>Stepping into the dim light of the control center you can make her out fully as she takes something out of her ears
>”Is that you Sunset?”
>You wave her over
“Yep, just waiting for Pinkie over here.”
>Fluttershy looks around the mess that occupies most of the small room as she walks over
>”Oh, I saw her rush out of here and up the stairs to Vinyl; she looked like she was doing something important, so I came to check here for you.”

>You nod as Fluttershy stops next to you
“Yea, we found someone in here messing around with the controls, and we don’t know how to fix them.”
>She glances at the control systems for a moment before muttering
>”Oh my, that’s very complicated looking.”
>You nod in agreeance as she looks to the wall of junk a few yards away
>”Ohh, how could someone hid in there?”
>You shrug as she looks back to you
“I don’t know, I turned the corner and they were just gone.”
>With a hand clutching her chin she turns back towards the mess
>“You don’t think that whoever that was might’ve been a ch—“
*SLAM*
>The door slamming open interrupts her as both you and Fluttershy reflexively whip your heads to the doorway
>”And I’m back!”
>Pinkie walks in with Vinyl in tow
>Fluttershy seems to visibly relax as the other two stand before you
>Pinkie claps her hands with a furrowed brow
>”So you won’t guess who just got locked out of their smoke machine controls specifically! I’ll give you a hint, they have really cool shades and great taste in music.”
>You look to Vinyl with a cocked eyebrow
“Really?”
>She nods before stepping up to the control console beside you
>”Yea, I’m going to have to have a word with the tech team about this one.”
>Fluttershy’s gaze sweeps the are as if looking for something
>”Um, where is your tech team exactly, if you don’t mind me asking.”
>Vinyl looks up from the glowing screens and out into the room
>”Huh, they were all here a when I checked 15 minutes ago.”
>You cross your arms with a frown tugging at the corners of your lips
“Who exactly is your tech team? Besides you, I haven’t seen anyone running this place.”

>Vinyl bites her thumb while counting off with her other hand
>”Well tonight, Pepper Twist, Whiz kid, and Micro Chip were the team leaders.”
>Wait
“So if you’re here, and your tech team is nowhere to be found, who’s playing music?”
>Vinyl shares a little chortle with Pinkie before answering
>”Well technically I am.”
>You can’t help raise an eyebrow at answer as Pinkie smirks
>”See, when Viny wants to take five, she can leave the cardboard stand-in I made for her and it’s like she never leaves the DJ booth.”
>Oh ok, but…
“Isn’t that against being a DJ or something?”
>Vinyl shakes her head as she flips some switches on the console
>”I usually mix everything live, but I have a 7 minute loop I put on if I need a sec to trouble shoot.”
>Think this qualifies
>She cracks her knuckles before twisting a few nobs
>”Just a few more turns and the smoke machines should be down for the night.”
>Well at least that’s one less thing to wor—
>Your train of thought’s cut off from something moving in your peripheral
>Before you can turn to it both Fluttershy and Vinyl are thrown into you
>Pressed up against the wall with the two collapsed on top of you, you can’t do anything as a cloaked figure brings a pipe down onto the controls with reckless abandon
>Pinkie reacts quickly by rushing to your aid as the cloaked figure leaves its pipe jutting out of the controls before plowing through her and to the doors
>The encounter couldn’t have taken more than a few seconds as you’re left standing there for a moment stunned
>It’s only the collective moan of pain that everyone shares that brings you to your senses
>You look down to your friends as they wince
“Is anyone hurt?!”
>All three shake their head
>”I think I’m alright…”
>”A little sore, but I’ve had worse.”
>”Woozers, that guy was fast!”

>You breathe a sigh of relief as you help everyone to their feet
>Vinyl heaves a tired sigh at the sight of the pipe sticking out of the heap of electronics
>”Aw man, this is going to be such a pain to fix.”
>The three of you look at the dejected Vinyl with worry before Fluttershy breaks the silence
>”Will you be able to fix it and stop the magic fog?”
>Magic fog?
“The fog is magic?”
>She nods much to your dismay
>”Twilight said that all the smoke machines are spewing magical vapor now.”
>That’s not good at all
>Vinyl grunts as she struggles to pull the pipe out
>”I think, errr, I could get this up and, errgh, running again in 20, errghhh 15 minutes if I have a hand.”
>Pinkie gives her a hand with the pipe cheerfully
>”If we work together I’m sure we can do it in 12!”
>As they yank the pipe out of the gaping wound in the machine Vinyl wipes forehead
>”I’d appreciate it but then who’s gonna run the music?”
>Oh right, that’s kinda hard for you considering you don’t really know how to DJ
>Vinyl rests a fist on her hip as she points to Pinkie
>”You’re the only other one with DJ experience, and while I AM a great DJ, I think people are going to start to notice the music is the same after it loops for the third time.”
>She nods to Fluttershy with a raised eyebrow
>”You good at following directions?”
>Vinyl’s voice almost seems to startle Fluttershy as she flinches
>”Me? I uhh, I guess I can do that pretty well, but maybe you should have Su—“
>Vinyl grabs her hand and starts walking toward the wall of equipment
“Great, we’ll get this done in no time girls!”
>Even in the dim light of this place you can see Fluttershy’s silent plea for help as she’s dragged off

>You’re tempted to switch places with her before your own arm is snatched up by swift pink hands
>”Come on Sundowner, the show must go on!”
>Without even being able to voice your concern for Fluttershy you’re pulled towards the double doors
>As Pinkie pushes open the doors however you know something’s wrong
>Like a sixth sense just activating you can feel as though you walked right through the threshold of wrong
>The purple hue the lights once portrayed is now a mix of green and red strobes
>The music is still going but the noise that the ever partying crowd produced has gone eerily silent
>In its absence an almost familiar chanting has taken up residence 
>”s̶o̶ʇ̶i̶d̶o̶s̶ ̶o̶u̶ɯ̶o̶s̶ ̶i̶ʌ̶ɐ̶ɹ̶ƃ̶ ̶ʇ̶ǝ̶ ̶ǝ̶ɹ̶ǝ̶p̶ɐ̶ɔ̶ ̶l̶i̶ɥ̶i̶u̶ ̶ǝ̶ɹ̶ǝ̶p̶p̶ɐ̶ ̶s̶i̶ǝ̶ɯ̶ ̶s̶i̶q̶ɹ̶ǝ̶Λ̶ ̶u̶I̶”
>Pinkie seems to notice it too as her smile disappears and she crouches down bring you into one as well
>Moving forward with the cover of the road cases you try to sneak a peek at the dancefloor
>”ǝ̶ɐ̶u̶ɹ̶ǝ̶ʇ̶ǝ̶ɐ̶ ̶ɐ̶i̶u̶ɯ̶o̶s̶ ̶ɹ̶n̶ʇ̶u̶n̶n̶b̶ǝ̶s̶ ̶i̶u̶i̶ɯ̶ɐ̶ǝ̶l̶d̶ɯ̶i̶ ̶ʇ̶∩̶”
>Your mouth hangs slightly agape at what you see
>Every one of the party people on the dancefloor has, fallen asleep?
>At least you’re pretty sure they are as you can see their chests rise and fall
>”ɐ̶n̶b̶i̶l̶ǝ̶ɹ̶ ̶ɐ̶l̶l̶n̶u̶ ̶ʇ̶u̶ɐ̶ɔ̶i̶p̶”
>Not only that, but you see changelings?!
>They have the similar black carapacian bodies with holey legs
>Oh that one is using the same sickly green magic from its horn
>You duck back down and look at an equally panicked Pinkie
>You speak in barely a whisper
>”ʇ̶u̶n̶i̶ʇ̶u̶ǝ̶s̶ ̶s̶n̶ʇ̶ǝ̶ɯ̶ ̶ǝ̶ɐ̶ʇ̶i̶ʌ̶ ̶p̶ǝ̶S̶”
“Looks like the changelings came here instead.”
>She nods silently

>”So everyone’s asleep now and they’re doing something to them; how’d they put them all to sleep so quickly, do you think it was drugs?”
>Pinkie begins to list off other possibilities, but you think you already know
>”ǝ̶ɹ̶ɐ̶ɹ̶ǝ̶ʇ̶i̶ ̶o̶ƃ̶ǝ̶”
>Magically conductive fog, changelings, and that darn chanting!
>Dear Celestia, you think you actually remember that chanting!
>You need to stop it as soon as possible!
>”s̶o̶ʇ̶i̶d̶o̶s̶ ̶o̶u̶ɯ̶o̶s̶ ̶i̶ʌ̶ɐ̶ɹ̶ƃ̶ ̶ʇ̶ǝ̶ ̶ǝ̶ɹ̶ǝ̶p̶ɐ̶ɔ̶ ̶l̶i̶ɥ̶i̶u̶ ̶ǝ̶ɹ̶ǝ̶p̶p̶ɐ̶ ̶s̶i̶ǝ̶ɯ̶ ̶s̶i̶q̶ɹ̶ǝ̶Λ̶ ̶u̶I̶”
>But where is it coming from!?
>You didn’t see anyone with magic like that on the dancefloor so…
>The music, while many decibels lower, still plays as whoever chants the incantation takes deep breathes and pauses
>Wait of course!
>You can almost feel the words of the chant, which means!
>”ǝ̶ɐ̶u̶ɹ̶ǝ̶ʇ̶ǝ̶ɐ̶ ̶ɐ̶i̶u̶ɯ̶o̶s̶ ̶ɹ̶n̶ʇ̶u̶n̶n̶b̶ǝ̶s̶ ̶i̶u̶i̶ɯ̶ɐ̶ǝ̶l̶d̶ɯ̶i̶ ̶ʇ̶∩̶”
>You grab Pinkie by the shoulder and point to the DJ booth before whisper yelling
“We have to get up there and stop whoever’s chanting, RIGHT NOW!”
>She reaches into her hair and pulls out a muzzle as the two of you stand
>With her eyes set on the booth she nods
>”Okie dokie lokie.”
>You decide to throw any semblance of hiding out the door as you begin to sprint towards the stairs
>”ɐ̶n̶b̶i̶l̶ǝ̶ɹ̶ ̶ɐ̶l̶l̶n̶u̶ ̶ʇ̶u̶ɐ̶ɔ̶i̶p̶”
>After all, if you don’t hurry you may fall asleep, and what good will being unnoticed be then!?
>The sound of your footfalls unfortunately can be hear over the now mildly loud music
>As you hit the steps you can see the changelings’ heads down below snap in your direction
>”ʇ̶u̶n̶i̶ʇ̶u̶ǝ̶s̶ ̶s̶n̶ʇ̶ǝ̶ɯ̶ ̶ǝ̶ɐ̶ʇ̶i̶ʌ̶ ̶p̶ǝ̶S̶”
>Whoever’s chanting must be very good in order to not even hesitate at an unexpected intrusion

>Unfortunately for you, that last line was enough to make you start feeling sluggish
>Not enough for you to give up though!
>Even with fatigue starting to weigh you down you stamp your way up the stairs
>”ǝ̶ɹ̶ɐ̶ɹ̶ǝ̶ʇ̶i̶ ̶o̶ƃ̶ǝ̶”
>You wince as you can feel the drowsiness begin to take hold
>Now it feels like your feet are made of led
>Still you press forward as you hear Pinkie behind you struggling as well!
>”s̶o̶ʇ̶i̶d̶o̶s̶ ̶o̶u̶ɯ̶o̶s̶ ̶i̶ʌ̶ɐ̶ɹ̶ƃ̶ ̶ʇ̶ǝ̶ ̶ǝ̶ɹ̶ǝ̶p̶ɐ̶ɔ̶ ̶l̶i̶ɥ̶i̶u̶ ̶ǝ̶ɹ̶ǝ̶p̶p̶ɐ̶ ̶s̶i̶ǝ̶ɯ̶ ̶s̶i̶q̶ɹ̶ǝ̶Λ̶ ̶u̶I̶”
>Did the chanting just get faster?
>Or are you taking longer than you thought to get up all these stairs?
>No, no time to think, just stop him before i—
>”ǝ̶ɐ̶u̶ɹ̶ǝ̶ʇ̶ǝ̶ɐ̶ ̶ɐ̶i̶u̶ɯ̶o̶s̶ ̶ɹ̶n̶ʇ̶u̶n̶n̶b̶ǝ̶s̶ ̶i̶u̶i̶ɯ̶ɐ̶ǝ̶l̶d̶ɯ̶i̶ ̶ʇ̶∩”
>Ok they’re definitely reciting the words faster
>While you’re progress has slowed you can see the entrance to the DJ booth so close now
>Wait, is that who’s reciting the spell coming out now?
>”ɐ̶n̶b̶i̶l̶ǝ̶ɹ̶ ̶ɐ̶l̶l̶n̶u̶ ̶ʇ̶u̶ɐ̶ɔ̶i̶p̶”
>His magic infused words seem even more potent as they hit you
>A tall and slender man clad in a trench coat and fedora frowns at you while clutching a microphone
>Need to stop him
>You almost collapse onto the steps as you turn to Pinkie
>She’s asleep on the steps!
>”ǝ̶ɹ̶ɐ̶ɹ̶ǝ̶ʇ̶i̶ ̶o̶ƃ̶ǝ̶”
>With a tremendous amount of effort you turn back to the man with your eyes still open
>You try to fling yourself forward but only mange to fall down onto your arms
>Through an extreme exercise in will you pry your eyes open
>However you can only stare as the man walk down the steps to you without even needing to deliver the killing blow now
>You’re eyes drift closed as his voice whisks you to sleep
>”Sleep well Ms. Shimmer…”

“And that's the last thing I saw before being woken up by Twilight after everything was done.”
>You let the words hang in the air for a moment as you look to the only other two here who fell into the same sleep
>Judging by the slightly uncomfortable looks both Pinkie and Twilight are wearing you’d wager that their dreams were also less than enjoyable
>”And I thought it couldn't get worse, who'd a thought Sombra was going to be there instead…”
>Anon’s sudden words bring you back from thoughts of your dreams
>He looks to you as he leans forward with his elbows on his knees
>”At least I hope that there aren’t two magic dudes who dress up so conspicuously.”
>Well, you hope so as well, but that still begs the question…
>”Ifin that really was Sombra, then why was he there and not at Fancy Pants and Co?”
>Applejack speaks as she leans on Rainbow’s chair
>Rarity points to nothing in particular as she wags her pointer finger about
>”Well, since the changelings were at the party instead, perhaps then our, unexpected guest, could do whatever it is he wished to accomplish there?”
>Unexpected guest?
>You don’t really need to try hard to wager a guess at who she’s hinting to
>You look to Anon who nods
>”You might be right; when I finally met the guy he was pocketing some glowing thing in the jewelry department, and saying how he didn’t have time to waste.”
>Why would someone raid Fancy Pants and Co. for jewelry?
>While you’re sure like with everything they sell they have some high-quality diamonds or something, you know there are better places to go for expensive jewels
>Before you can interject for an elaboration Rainbow shakes her head with a frown
>”Hold up, we’re getting off track, I want to know how he got up there and chanting in the first place.”

>Rainbow shifts her expectant gaze to Twilight
>It takes her a moment to realize that Rainbow is waiting for her before she looks down to the ground
>”Sorry, but my recollection is a bit hazy. I do vaguely remember seeing the lights flicker to different colors, and I think I saw who we think is Sombra take over the DJ stand.”
>Taking off her glasses she lets out a sigh before wiping them off
>”Other than that however, I believe I was put to sleep similarly as Sunset and Pinkie were.”
>Putting her glasses on she purses her lips as she stares at the coffee table
>”When I next came to, the situation had drastically changed.”
>You’re still left wondering what exactly happened there
>Being woken up after everything seemed to have died down left a few unanswered questions after all
>She blinks before looking to Fluttershy who wears a frown similar to her own
>”And I believe only Fluttershy knows what transpired while the rest of us were out of commission.”
>All eyes in the room drift to her as she fiddles with her thumbs in her lap
>While you know she doesn’t like to be the center of attention with her being the only one up at the time…
>Luna lays a comforting hand on Fluttershy’s shoulder giving her a little jump
>”If you don’t feel exactly comfortable retelling what happened, then don—“
>Fluttershy suddenly looks up from her lap before shaking her head intensely
>”Oh oh no, while it was, scary..."
>She stops as the words apparently refuse to come out
>"I'm just happy things didn't turn out worse.”
>Pausing once again for a moment she brings a fist to her chin
>”I’m, trying to make sure I'm not forgetting anything is all.”
>Clasping her hands together she meets everyone’s gaze before quickly looking back down at the table
>”I-I think Pinkie and Sunset passing out was around the time I was…”

“Ar-are you sure I’ll know it when I see it?”
>Having managed to finally wedge yourself into what you thought was a wall of equipment you’re currently rooting around a small nook for, something
>You’re not quite sure what exactly
>Vinyl grunts as she lifts up some machinery
>”Oh yea, it should be somewhere in the back covered in neon green tape.”
>While that would be very helpful anywhere else, it’s a bit too dark back here to properly see much of anything at all
>You can barely see longer than arm’s length and you’ve almost hit your head against protruding equipment several times already
>Oh!
>You reach into your jumpsuit as inspiration strikes you and pull out your small phone
>While you haven’t upgraded your phone since middle school you’re pretty sure it has a flashlight function…
>It’s only as you look at it does its old age really readily become apparent planting a bit of doubt that it even has a camera to use as a flashlight
>After fiddling with the apps for a few moments you do find the camera function and bring a minor amount of light to this dark corner
>Moving your tiny beacon of light around you keep your eye out for any bright colors
>It almost seems like perhaps Vinyl was mistaken before a tiny glint of green appears in the far back corner by the actual wall
>My, that’s going to take a bit of effort to get to
>Stepping over yet another road case you try to get proper footing before continuing
>It oddly doesn’t take much effort as this far back into the storage there doesn’t seem to be much clutter on the floor
>Tracing a path through the cases in your way to get to the now easily viewable neon green stripped box is pretty easy
>As you’re about to though, a loud *SLAM* from behind causes you to let go of your phone in surprise

>You fumble to catch your phone before it clatters to the ground with the light faced down
>You blink away the temporary blindness from the light flashing in your eyes before plunging you back into darkness
>Squatting down you paw around at the floor looking for your phone as you hear Vinyl from behind you
>”Oh hey finally, where have you guys been?!”
>Hm, maybe her tech team came back?
>Your palm sweeps and pushes something on the ground
>”What’s with the silent treatment guys?”
>Is this it?
>Gripping the object you pull it up and see its ray of light grow
>Found it!
>”Hey, hands of—“
>Vinyl’s cries are suddenly muffled before you hear stamping and the screeching of shoes on concrete
>You almost call out to ask if everything’s ok before remembering exactly what you’re here to do
>Your heart beat begins to race as your imagination goes wild
>W-what’s happening over there!?
>Is she going to be ok?
>Hugging your phone tightly to your chest you turn around and peek over another stack of electronics
>Over the various discarded piles of stuff you can see Vinyl being tied up!
>If that’s not bad enough, it’s actual monsters doing the tying up!
>They kind of remind you of Jordan
>Well, only that they look a whole lot meaner and like they’d want to hurt you if they saw you
>Oh, what should you do!?
>You can’t stop them, but you can’t just cower back in the corner while they take Vinyl!
>The small bar of steel at your side weighs heavily on your belt
>Looking down you almost consider using it for a moment, but you’d never hurt someone, nevermind in such a, vicious way
>Your hand squeezes your phone a bit too tightly eliciting a *ding* from it
>You almost cry out as the small noise from your phone seems like the loudest alarm ever

>You stop breathing for a moment as you hear, chirping?
>An array of insectoid clicks and clacks begins to fill the air
>You have to clamp a hand over your mouth so you don’t make any noise
>However, that doesn’t mask the loud erratic thumping of your heart
>Amidst the swarm of chirps you hear what you imagine dragging a kitchen knife across a chalkboard sounds like
>Between the knife dragging noise is what sounds like hard metallic *tunk*
>Both sounds are getting louder as you think they’re getting closer!
>You can’t keep yourself from shivering as you bring your legs closer to your chest
>You almost move your arms around your legs before you see the little square of your chest being lit up
>You’re stuck, frozen here shivering in fear as the *tunk* and dragging ceases along with the chirps
>Holding your breath and trying to get a hold on your shaking you hear something
>A somewhat slobbery noise with a small amount of sucking accompanying it
>Is, is the changeling licking the air?
>The thought of it standing right behind you and menacingly licking the air as it stares down a mess of road cases is enough to distract you even now as you’re terrified for your life
>It’s an odd enough mental image that it actually makes you almost laugh, which helps you to calm down, just a bit
>Well, at least enough that you aren’t shaking as much now
>A sudden chirping from afar once more causes you to tense up
>The changeling you think is looking for you chirps back
>The shivering comes back as you realize that the pile of junk is the only thing separating the two of you
>However, luck seems to be on your side as the dragging sound returns and slowly gets quieter

>As you hear the loud slam of the door you finally let out your held breath and start to breathe deeply
>In
>You’re ok
>Out
>It’s ok
>In
>Out
>With your breathing more or less back to normal you lift up your phone
>You try to steady your still shaking hand as you look at your phone
>What do you do now?
>What can you do?
>I-if they took Vinyl, then that means bad things are happening right now
>Everyone was supposed to be here to stop that, but if they took Vinyl…
>You finally turn off the light on your phone and relax your grip on it slightly
>If they took Vinyl, then that means you’re, you’re the only one left…
>You begin to rock back and forth as the realization hits you
>M-maybe you can call for help?
>A glance at your phone kills that idea however as you see you have no service
>You should’ve listened to Rarity and upgraded your phone!
>You place the phone on the junk heap behind you before massaging your scalp through your hair as your whole body begins to tremble
>Whatdoyoudowhatdoyoudowhatdoyoudowhatdoyoudowhatdoyoudo!?!
>You begin to curl up into a ball as tears threaten to start a downpour on your knees
>From the beginning you weren’t very sure what you could do to help anyways!
>Now you’re the only one left who CAN do anything!
>But you don’t even know if that’s true
>You’ve always been able to face scary things down because you’re with your friends
>But now you’re all alone…
>Your rocking has gotten a bit too out of control as you rock back into the junk behind you causing it all to topple down
>Your heart almost stops at the noise it causes
>You sit still quietly listening for the dragging to come back and find you

https://imgur.com/okaNEfB
>It never does however as you’re left cowering alone in the dark
>Your eyes start to get blurry as you stare down at the cold concrete floor
>Y-you just want to go home…
>You don’t want to be here anymore…
>E-even if your friends…
>Your eyes land on your phone amidst the spilled items strewn about on the floor
>Its bright screen in the dark forces you to blink and wipe your eyes as it blurs your vision
>The smiling faces of all your friends as you stand in front of the Canterlot high statue silently weighs on you
>A mixture of guilt and shame begins to brew inside of you
>Balling your hands into tight fists you frown
>Now you’re not only mad about what’s happening, you’re mad at yourself
>You can’t leave or just hide in here while your friends are in trouble!
>Y-you, you need to do something!
>Even if you don’t really know what that something is…
>You wipe your tears out of your eyes with your jumpsuit sleeve before picking up your phone
>Gripping the phone tightly you squeeze your eyes shut as you whisper a small apology to your friends
“I’m sorry I even thought about, abandoning you...”
>Taking another deep breath you pocket your phone while wiping the last of your tears away
>Furrowing your brow and putting on your best serious face you can you carefully stand up
>Your butt is a bit numb from the cold floor as you turn around and try to make your way back to the control console
>It takes a bit of wobbling as you navigate through the now littered floor, but you make it out of the cramped space without making too much noise
>Brushing the slight coating of dust off yourself you peek around the corner towards the door
>Don’t see anything out of place as the doors are closed shut

>Well that’s good, you suppose
>You step out from your hidden position behind a big stack of road cases and begin to think
>Now that you’re out of that dark corner, you need a plan
>You were never one for coming up with those though…
>M-maybe you should think like Twilight?
>But how would she come up with one?
>You try to think about that as an epiphany occurs to you
>Isn’t she in your science class?
>Wait, not only that, but you did a project together a month or so ago!
>She broke down how to work out a problem in such an easy way
>So first, what’s the problem?
>You don’t know what you can do right now
>While that is a problem, you don’t think that’s the REAL problem
>You don’t even know what’s going on
>Yea, that sounds like a much bigger problem
>So maybe, you should find out what exactly is going on first?
>That sounds like something Twilight would do
>Can’t help a wounded animal if you don’t know what’s wrong with them after all
>Alright, so you just need to take a little itsty weensy peek out those doors
>You rub your arm as you stare at the shut doors down the hallway of different machines and road cases
>Those doors seem really big all of a sudden…
>The thought of seeing the changelings that took Vinyl outside those doors causes you to hesitate
>M-maybe you should work up your courage first?
>You turn away from the frightening doors and back towards the busted console
>Oh no, you almost forgot the reason you were back here in the first place!
>Really taking a look at the broken mish-mash of different equipment for the first time makes you feel a bit overwhelmed
>You don’t have a single clue as to what to do to fix this thing, or what to even do after to shut off the smoke machines!

>M-maybe, maybe it’s like a big computer?
>You remember your big brother having one before he went off to college
>He tried to teach you how to use it, but it was a bit too much for you
>Though he did give you one lesson that stuck with computery problems
>Getting on your hands and knees you look around behind the big amalgamation of machines
>Lots of cold concrete and dust
>Oh!
>You can see a big power strip with a bunch of plugs connected to it!
>Looking just a bit up you can see where the strip itself is plugged in
>Looks like you might be able to reach it if you stretch really far
>So if you were to just unplug the strip…
>Come on!
>You barely manage to pull it out after swiping at the plug a few times
>Yay!
>A smile pops up on your face as you stand back up
>Dusting yourself off once more you see that all the screens have gone dark and the machine’s soft whirls no longer sound
>You patiently wait for something to happen
>Though nothing seems to
>Wait, you feel like you were supposed to do something after unplugging it…
>Ohh, you were never good with computers!
>Well, as long as this makes the smoke machines turn off you don’t really think it really matters
>With a pleased nod you turn around back towards the scary doors
>Now you need to go over there…
>And then through the doors to see whatever those changelings are doing…
>You don’t think thinking it through is helping
>You suck in a big breath of air and puff out your cheeks
>Ok Fluttershy, you just have to go out there and see everything with your own eyes!
>Your friends are counting on you!
>Just, take the first steeeepppp
>Shaking like a tree in a tornado you put your first foot out towards the big, imposing, awful doors

>That’s good, now for the other one!
>After gently forcing yourself to continue to put one foot in front of the other for what feels like too long, you eventually reach the doors
>They don’t look nearly as big and frightening now that you’re right next to them
>In fact, you don’t even know why you were so scared in the fir—
>Huh!?
>You can hear something coming!
>Above the barely audible music it’s, the knife dragging noise again!
>Ohnothechangelingsfiguredoutthatyouwerehidinginhereandarecomingtogetyou!
>The loud *click* coming from the handle turning causes your panic to explode further 
>In an almost instinctual reaction you practically dive behind the door as it opens up
>As you cower behind the open door a changeling walks in
>Your breath seems to have been stolen away along with your heart’s will to beat as the changeling stands a few feet in front of you 
>Shaking its head it walks forwards leaving the door open and more importantly, you alone
>Your eyes quickly flicker between the lone changeling and the ajar door as your heart boots back up
>This, right now, you’re only chance!
>Trying to make as little noise as possible to make up for what your sure is the audible beating your heart you tip-toe sprint out the door
>Without much care you head straight for the nicest looking hole to crawl into
>Luckily for you, the road cases just outside the door make the perfect sanctuary
>Taking refuge in the veritable castle of road cases you try to bring your pulse under control as you begin to let out quiet breaths
>Oh, oh, oh,oh ok, ok
>It’s ok
>They didn’t see you
>You shakily let out a lung-full of air as you sit in your dark little fort

>As you slowly gain control of yourself once more, the pounding of your heartbeat is slowly replaced with music
>Though it’s not nearly as loud as it was when you were out here before
>It’s actually not that bad now that it’s not deafening you
>”s̶o̶ʇ̶i̶d̶o̶s̶ ̶o̶u̶ɯ̶o̶s̶ ̶i̶ʌ̶ɐ̶ɹ̶ƃ̶ ̶ʇ̶ǝ̶ ̶ǝ̶ɹ̶ǝ̶p̶ɐ̶ɔ̶ ̶l̶i̶ɥ̶i̶u̶ ̶ǝ̶ɹ̶ǝ̶p̶p̶ɐ̶ ̶s̶i̶ǝ̶ɯ̶ ̶s̶i̶q̶ɹ̶ǝ̶Λ̶ ̶u̶I̶”
>What was that?!
>An almost monstrous chanting flows through your ears as it speaks over the subdued music
>M-maybe it’s only a one time lyric?
>”ǝ̶ɐ̶u̶ɹ̶ǝ̶ʇ̶ǝ̶ɐ̶ ̶ɐ̶i̶u̶ɯ̶o̶s̶ ̶ɹ̶n̶ʇ̶u̶n̶n̶b̶ǝ̶s̶ ̶i̶u̶i̶ɯ̶ɐ̶ǝ̶l̶d̶ɯ̶i̶ ̶ʇ̶∩̶”
>Ohnonononononono, that’s too much!
>You can’t handle changelings AND spooky chanting Halloween music
>No!
>You quickly dig your hands into your jumpsuit pockets and pull out the ear plugs Twilight gave you
>In one swift motion you stuff them into your ears
>There, nice and quiet
>Sounds like the sea
>The nice, calming sea teaming with nice sea life
>Like a cute little sea turtle
>You smile as you feel a little better thinking about cute sea animals
>Ahhh, that’s better
>You look around your little hiding place now that you’re sufficiently calm
>It helps you feel much safer seeing that you’re surrounded on all sides by the road cases that make up this little alcove
>Trying to map out the warehouse in your head you try to guess where the dancefloor is
>You’re pretty sure that maybe this side faced the dancefloor?
>Gently you nudge a stacked road case to the side just enough so you can peek through
>Oh my
>The fog that permeated the dance floor before has seemed to become so thick that it makes discerning anything inside it difficult

>Not to mention how scary the entire dancefloor looks now that it has a blood red glow
>It seems like everyone’s gone save a few figures moving about in the mist
>Though just at a glance you can tell that the spire things that were pumping out smoke aren’t doing so anymore
>So at least you were able to do that
>You hold off on celebrating though as you spot a few of the figures standing above the fog coating the ground doing, something?
>Are those party-goers?
>They seem a bit short to be them though…
>Squinting hard you can see that whatever they are they’re picking up things off the ground and, putting them on trolleys?
>You think those might be the changelings…
>But what are they doing?
>The lights shift into a putrid green that brightens up the dance floor
>However it doesn’t make you feel better as you can now clearly see the dance floor
>Among the mass amount of sleeping party-goers you can see the changelings picking up people at seemingly random and putting them on trolleys
>What could they want with people?
>Are they going to, eat them?
>You gulp back some rising fear as you look around for any sign of your friends
>You’ve got to find them fast and figure out what to do!
>As your eyes skim over the foggy ground you spot a purple glow in the distance
>Is that?
>The fog around the glow seems to be thinning out slowly and after waiting a few tense moments you can clearly make out, Twilight!
>She’s so far out that she’s practically at the entrance now!
>You don’t think you can get to her from here, but you can’t help wonder why the fog seems to be vanishing around her
>Even without the smoke machines running the rest of the fog is still thick enough to be mistaken for clouds

>Maybe Pinkie and Sunset are close by?
>You scurry on your hands and knees to your left
>Maybe by the DJ booth?
>Taking even more caution you slide another road case to the side
>Peeking through you can see, oh no
>A tall man in a trench coat and fedora barks at a few changelings while standing above both Pinkie and Sunset
>Oh this is bad!
>You were pretty sure that this is what happened, but that doesn’t mean you wanted to be right!
>A weird red and green glow emanates from underneath the shade of the tall man’s fedora making you avert your eyes in fear
>Ok, so it really is this bad!
>You now know that everyone is asleep here except you and the changelings and that scary tall man
>Ohhh, you don’t have a single clue what you can do now that you know what’s happening!
>Maybe there’s a clue somewhere?
>You sweep your eyes over the scene in front of you once more while avoiding the tall man’s darkened face
>The tall man speaks into a microphone every so often while yelling at the changelings
>Both Pinkie and Sunset are lying on the ground next to each other
>You’re shaking as you realize you’re the last one awake
>The changelings seem to be milling about in the fog
>M-maybe you have to take the microphone from the man and shout to wake everyone up?
>Or maybe turn the music on loud again?
>Oh, but both those ideas mean you have to make it to the tall man or past him to the DJ booth
>That, seems very scary…
>You avert your eyes from the tall man and the DJ booth landing on your sleeping friends
>A warm feeling begins to flow from your chest as you stare at them
>But, but you can’t do nothing!

>Taking a deep breath you do your best to squash your fear
>Alright, this is for your fri—
>As you psyche yourself up you’re startled by all the lights above going out at once
>In the next second you can feel the music fade as the only beat you feel is the ever quickening one of your heart
>W-what happened!?
>Your vision is suddenly cut to barely past your hands as darkness envelopes you
>You slap a hand over your mouth as it’s getting very hard to breathe quietly
>Blinking you hope that your vision acclimates to the darkness quickly
>While it doesn’t seem to be you can still see the green and red from underneath the tall man’s hat though as they surge brighter
>An outline of his body can be made out in the darkness due to the glow
>Ohhhhh no
>You involuntarily back up from the peephole
>Why were his eyes glowing like that?
>What was he doing?
>It looked like, he was pointing?
>Somewhere near the entrance?
>Wait, that doesn’t matter right now!
>You have more important things to worry about right now!
>Like why the lights and music stopped!
>A bright white light eats away at the darkness in the corner of your eye
>Turning to the peephole you made facing the dancefloor you squint
>It looks like the doors into the warehouse are swung wide open with great beams of white light pouring out of them
>Blinking at the bright intensity of the light you shudder as green things fly through the light and onto the dancefloor
>The green things produce their own dull green light in slow strobes as they skitter to a stop
>What are those?

>Several black figures appear in the light
>The light’s way too bright for you to actually identify whoever they are, but you can see that they appear to be rushing in
>You’d try to count them, but you’re too conflicted on whether to feel happy or scared they’re here
>It’s as you try to get a hold on what’s happening do you feel it
>No, you even hear it through your earplugs
>A loud howl that pierces straight through you like the coldest wind you've ever felt
>Your eyes dart from the incoming figures to the direction of the wail that has a hold on your mind
>Even from this far away you can see it
>It’s hard not to now as you find your eyes are drawn to it
>The tall man is gone, and in his place is, a monster floats above you and your friends
>With eyes of fiery red and toxic green a maw of teeth forms
>Its black wispy body seems too dark even for the shadows blocking your vision as it’s somehow distinct from everything else
>You can’t even keep yourself sitting up anymore as you lean back on the road cases to support you
>You can’t seem to form words or think straight as you stare at this, thing!
>The support of the road cases gives out like your own back as you topple backwards
>The pain of falling backwards onto the cases gives you momentary respite from the monster as you’re forced to close your eyes
>However as you open them you see the red and green eyes are focused on you
>Now outside the safety of your road case castle, and with the eyes of the beast on you, you do the only thing left that your mind allows you
>You scream

>As Fluttershy begins to retell what happened to her you feel a nagging thought tugging at your mind
>While you know you’re all here to help everyone keep on the same page, you can’t help but wonder if everyone really needs to know EVERYTHING
>When you were rushing into here you were all but happy to keep everyone in the dark about Midnight Sparkle
>Now though…
>You saw the way Sunset looked at you
>She must’ve had a similar experience while in her catatonic state
>So would it really be ok to gloss over that part of the whole ordeal?
>You feel a bit, guilty about simply skimming over it
>After all, you know that you’ll have to speak next
>What if it’s a crucial part to putting a few of the pieces together, but you decided it wasn’t worth the shame of admitting it?
>Is not telling them the right thing to do?
>You look up from your lap and scan the faces of your friends
>You know none of them would judge you
>Even Anon seems like the kind of person who wouldn’t, especially considering…
>You let the thought drift in an attempt to buy yourself more time before you have to confront uncomfortable thoughts
>It doesn’t really work
>Your gaze shifts back to the coffee table lying before you as Fluttershy’s words pass in one ear and out the other
>Maybe you should pay attention and just make a spur of the moment decision?
>Thought you’ve never been one for that before…
>You don’t know what to do
>Perhaps you could try to comb through the memories once more?
>You have been purposely avoiding thinking about the implications of what your dream might mean…
>Maybe looking back on it you’ll find that it’s not nearly as bad as you first thought
>Maybe you’re blowing everything out of proportion?
>You hope that’s the case…

>”Twilight!”
>A voice jerks you from your thoughts
>Blinking you try to get a grasp on where you are
>It appears to be a, carnival?
>An assortment of rides and people surround you on all sides as the ambient sounds of amusement fill your ears
>Smells greasy and sweet alike fill the crisp night air
>Looking around the rides seem to have a Halloween theme to them along with several giddy people sporting their own costumes
>”Spacing out again, are you sure you’re alright?”
>Leaning into your vison a worry-tinged Sunset furrows her brow at you
>She appears to be wearing a rather stereotypical angel get-up complete with ruffled cream colored robes, fluffy feathered wings, and a shimmering halo a few inches above her head
>You shake your head and quickly make up an excuse
“Oh no, I mean yes; I’m fine, I’m, just a bit overwhelmed.”
>That’s, true actually
>That’s why you were so lost in thought…
>Sunset looks you up and down before nodding with a smile
>”Well chin up, can’t have my devil being so scatterbrained.”
>Her devil?
>Looking down you notice that you’re wearing a somewhat flashy crimson sequin dress with red high heels that go up to your knees
>While wearing red pointy plastic horns and holding a small red pitchfork…
>Don’t know how you didn’t notice that before
>Pointing to a rather tame looking façade of a mansion she grins
>”Come on, we’ve got to meet up with everyone at the mirror world!”
>Mirror world?
>She suddenly grasp your hand in hers and begins to lead you towards the cheap looking attraction as you examine it further
>The sparsely detailed and all together poor representation of a mansion sits at the edge of the park by itself

>The boldly lettered “Mirror World” stands out on a sign covered in smeared red paint
>As you draw nearer you can make out the small blurry line of subtext beneath it
>See your true reflection come to life?
>You can’t help feel a tad, nervous?
>Or perhaps, a feeling of foreboding?
>You can’t quite define whatever it is in time as you slow to a halt in front of the large sign
>A voice causes you to finally tear your attention from the red lettering
>”Finally, we’ve been waiting fooorrrever!”
>Turning away from Mirror World you see all your friends standing around with different mixtures of happiness and excitement on their faces
>Rainbow Dash’s werewolf tail almost seems to be wagging happily along with her excited jogging in place
>The patches of blue fur coming out through the holes in her old letterman jacket are a nice touch
>Jumping with just as much excitement beside her or perhaps even more, Pinkie bounces with such force that her pirate hat threatens to fly off her head
>It’s a pretty impressive feat considering that she’s doing it with a peg leg
>Standing next to the bouncing pair and shaking her head with a bemused grin, Applejack rests both her fists on her thick orange curves
>You don’t know why she decided a pumpkin this year, must be in keeping with her more simple themed costumes?
>Rarity, dressed in a quintessential Victorian era dress and parasol, touches up her blood smears and mascara with a small palm mirror
>You can’t help but smirk at the irony in that
>Fluttershy twiddles with the small bow in her hands before giving you a small wave
>You haven’t seen her style her hair so beautifully before, but you think it does wonders in keeping with the almost leaf like leather cuirass she’s wearing

https://imgur.com/OvkT2nY
>Finally, Anon stands to the side in a suit of ash black armor as he bites into a candy apple
>His dark tabard gives him an air of pride and chivalrous gallantry as the faded coat of arms, an inverted shield with a Neronic cross encased within, still somehow shines through the blood stains
>Rainbow Dash shouts gleefully as she rushes towards, whatever Mirror World is supposed to be
>”Last one through pays for candy!”
>Applejack, Anon, and Pinkie all instantly answer her challenge with determined grins as they run into Mirror World
>Oddly enough, both Rarity and Fluttershy trail not so far behind them as they all enter into Mirror World in one pack
>You sigh contentedly as you turn and stroll towards the entrance with Sunset by your side
>As you step towards the threshold of the faux mansion a momentary feeling of hesitation stops you just short of stepping through
>You don’t know why, but you stare into the long hallway
>Sunset continues without you, seemingly not noticing your absence beside her
>You attempt to call and reach out to her, but your voice dies in your throat
>It’s as though you can’t muster up the energy to speak
>Your feet feel rooted in place as you watch her stride towards the curtain at the end of the hallway 
>It isn’t until she disappears beyond it and the flickering lights deep within the hallway do you feel as though a weight is lifted off you
>You begin to wheeze between heavily taken breaths as you grab your chest
>Were you not breathing that whole time?
>Something feels wrong
>It’s got to be this place
>You just know it
>You need to warn everyone!

>Your legs fling themselves forward before you can give it a second thought
>You tightly grip your miniature pitchfork as you run
>Flickering lights pass by with loud insect like hums as your heels click clack on the tile floor
>How far away are the curtains?!
>Sunset got there in almost no time!
>You’ve been running so you should have gotten to them by now!
>The electronic buzzing of the lights overhead is your only companion as you frantically rush to your friends’ rescue
>You feel like you’re not getting any closer to the curtains
>Why does the floor feel so rubbery?
>Looking down you notice that your high heeled boots are just kicking up the tile flooring into a pile behind you as you run in place
>You quickly come to a halt as your heels begin to submerge through the permeable ground
>Doing your best to keep your calm you try to lift your legs out of the grey quicksand-esque floor
>You don’t do so well on both parts as you scream while sinking
“HELP, THE FLOOR, GET IT OFF!”
>Your screams must fall on deaf ears as you struggle to free yourself from the slow doom
>As the floor consumes your boots up to your ankles, you hear something besides your increasingly vain attempts at escape
>The sound of boiling water?
>Slow bubbles pop behind you as a dwarfing shadow engulfs your own
>W-what is…
>Slowly twisting your neck to look over your shoulder you see, ooze
>A giant, grey, moving pile of ooze
>Its texture is that of the floor tiles
>Is that the pile you were kicking up?
>It’s tall enough that you think it would smother you if it descended upon you
>Wait, descended?
>You realize how low you’ve sunk into the floor as your eyes flick down

>Oh my, it’s up to your thigh!
>At this rate it’ll swallow you up in no time
>Need to think
>Need to not sink
>You stop struggling as much as you can in the situation and force yourself to focus
>Like quicksand struggling makes you sink faster
>So maybe if you pulled yourself out on solid tile?
>With as much force as you can you reach out to the tile with your tiny pitchfork
>It's pulled through the hard surface with enough force that your hand is sucked up as well into the greyish mud like tile
>Don’t panic, don’t panic
>Stay calm
>You are having a VERY hard time doing so!
>Trying to withdraw your hand from the now rippled tile you encounter heavy resistance
>As you yank your arm the pile of tile behind you flows forward encasing your outstretched arm
>No, No!
>In a knee jerk reaction you try to tear the blob of tile encasing your arm with your other
>Only for the blob to devour that one as well
>You’re chest high into the ground now!
>Are you sinking faster, or!?!
>All your limbs and most of your torso that are submerged in the ground have gone numb
>It’s getting hard to breathe now
>You frantically struggle as the mound of tiles slowly ooze towards your head
>Opening your mouth you try to scream once more in a desperate maneuver to get help
>However before your voice can call out, the shifting blob of floor covers your head like a thick syrup
>You gag and try to cough as what feels like a mass of batter is forced down your throat
>The grey substance quickly fills your lungs as it consumes you whole
>You struggle to cling to your consciousness in the darkness as you feel the chill soak you to the bone
>And without warning, the suffocating prison disappears

>You choke and gasp as your ability to breathe has been restored
>Still somewhat in equal states of shock and disbelief you drink in the succulent air quietly for a few moments
>It isn’t until the discomfort of the cold ground outweighs your hunger for air do you decide to actually open your eyes and look around
>You’re on your side in a, dark room?
>Well it must be dark since you can’t really see anything, but then, why can you see your limbs perfectly fine?
>Can’t even see whatever floor you’re on
>It’s like there’s nothing
>Perhaps you should just be happy they’re still there…
>Getting back onto your feet you dust yourself off
>Looks as though you made it through, whatever that was, relatively unscathed
>Time to orientate yourself
>Squinting into the darkness you can’t really make anything else out
>You hug yourself as you feel the chill in the air bite into you
>You need to find a way out
>Turns out you were right about this place being trouble
>Deciding that moving would be better than shivering in the dark alone you start walking
>Only after a few steps do you feel antsy
>It’s so quiet…
*click-clack* *click-clack*
>The only sound that echoes all around you is the noise your heels make when they hit the floor
*click-clack* *click-clack* *click-clack*
>Even your own breathing seems mute compared to the loud footfalls
*click-clack* *click-clack* *click-clack* *click-clack*
>What’s that?
>You stop as you spot something in the distance
>A reddish blob
>While you know you should be a bit cautious of anything down here, you’re just glad it’s something
>Doing your best to drown out the noise of your heels you run towards whatever or whoever the splotch of color in the distance is

>You slow down to a staggered walk as you clearly see what’s in the distance
>It’s you
>That’s, what?
>A few more hesitant steps forward you can see a rectangular shape outlining your doppelganger
>You stop a few feet from the tall glasslike rectangle
>The other you wears an incredulous frown on her face
>Is this a mirror?
>With immense caution you inch closer and inspect the floating rectangle that frames the other you
>A somewhat reflective sheen extends from the bottom left corner to the top right diagonally
>Past your reflection you notice a bunch of similar mirrors behind you
>You don’t recall…
>Turning around you see no signs of any other mirrors
>But, in the mirror…
>No, there’s definitely similar rectangular mirror behind yo-
>Your thoughts come to a screeching halt as you notice your reflection isn’t mirroring you
>You’re looking over its shoulder as it stands there
>Mustering up the courage you look at its face
>Your heart stops
>It’s still you, but…
>Around the now turquoise pools that are your eyes rages similar colored flame glasses and horn atop your forehead
>Along with a freakish Cheshire grin
>A whisper from your mind forces itself out of your lips barely audible over how ragged your breathing has become
“Midnight Sparkle…”
>With a spastic cocking of its head to the side you jump back startled
>But she shouldn’t be here!
>The twisted reflection presses its face against the glass rectangle
>Its cheeks puff up as its fingers grasp at you, all while wearing the same manic grin
>She was defeated, Sunset helped you!
>The clawing noise of its fingernails scraping against the glass pierces through the silence as she locks eyes with you

>Cracks are starting to form on the rectangular pane as the demonic reflection drags her elongated nails down
>What do you do!?
>You need to run, or something!
>You fearfully step back with one foot preparing to pivot and start running
>Right as though it seems your evil half will break through the rectangular wall between you a voice sounds off in the distance
>”Oh, there you are Twilight!”
>Rainbow Dash!?
>The other Twilight stops raking its fingers across the glass pane as its smile disappears for a moment
>However, it soon reappears before mimicking your normal face
>”What’s the holdup Dash?”
>Applejack too?!
>The flaming glasses and horn of your counterpart snuff themselves out while her eyes turn to normal
>She winks before turning around
>”Oh, I’m just viewing what type of reflections this mirror transmits.”
>No
>”I told you Twilly willy was looking at the freaky mirrors!”
>NO!
>You run up to the damaged pane separating you from Midnight Sparkle and your friends
>You need to warn them!
>Applejack, Pinkie, and Rainbow Dash all stand at what looks like an entrance only a few meters away from your fake
>”Didn’t think she’d be so far ahead of us though you know, since we ran in first.”
>Anon wanders in behind the group with a smile
>Need to do something!
>Opening your mouth you try to let out the loudest yell you can
>Only for your voice to die in your throat once more
>No, NO NO!
>”It IS a rather complex maze darling.”
>Your evil twin saunters ever closer to your friends as Rarity waltzes in behind Anon
>If you can’t yell, then you’re left with one option!
>Curling your shaking hands into fists you beat the rectangular pane

>The sound of cracking echoes in the dark, but you don’t see any more cracks
>”It’s not as scary as I thought it would be at least…”
>You spot Fluttershy shuffle in looking around in wonder
>You NEED to get to them
>Once more you slam your fists into the only thing between your friends and you
>It’s just not working!
>”Where’d you go anyways Twilight, I thought you were right behind me?”
>Sunset is the last to join the group now mere feet away from the imposter
>No!
>You try once more to scream as you smash your fist onto the rectangular pane in frenzy
>The disguised Midnight Sparkle stops in front of your friends as she lies a hand on her hip
>”I guess I just got lost…”
>NO NO NO!
>She turns back to you as her turquoise features flicker back into existence along with her unreal smile
>”That’s fine I, Twilight?”
>The pane of glass in front of you shatters into tiny pieces as Midnight Sparkle turns back towards Sunset
>You’re left alone, with no way to help your friends…
>Now Midnight sparkle is going to…
>You fall to your knees as tears well up in your eyes
>You, she…
>You failed to stop the Midnight in you…
>Smacking the ground with your fist you let loose a cry of despair that makes your throat sore
>”AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”
>Your voice reverberates throughout the darkness
>Resting your forehead on the floor you curl your arms around your head
>Of course your voice works now…
>Of course after it’s too late to do anything!
>You can see your fallen tears pool together floating on the nothingness of the floor as you hold your head
>”It’s time to get up.”

>You take a momentary pause in your agony as you try to mutter the words that now nip at your mind
>They come out in a somewhat raspy whimper
“What?”
>You don’t understand
>SHE wants YOU to get up?
>So what, she can show you what she did?
>”You need to get up.”
>Lifting your head off the floor just enough you wipe your eyes clean of tears and sniffle
>You can just see her boots 
>”There’s no more time to waste.”
>Lifting your head anymore requires a bit of effort as you level your gaze at HER
>Instead of looking like you SHE wears her normal attire flaming glasses and all
>She offers a hand to you
>”Our friends are in danger.”
>Our friends?
>OUR FRIENDS!?
>Venom infused words pour out of your mouth as you sneer at HER
“They aren’t OUR friends you MONSTER, they’re mine!”
>SHE stands still meeting your glare with a stare
“And from what, YOU!?”
>Solemnly, SHE shakes her head
>”We’re smarter than this Twilight, you already know.”
>We?!
>There is no we!
>You’re smart enough to realize that!
>SHE sighs dejectedly while crossing her arms
>”Think Twilight, how did you get here?”
>Why are you even listening to HER!?
>SHE’s probably already hurt your friends
>”They’re fine, but not for much longer; answer the question.”
>No, you refuse to humor a monster!
>SHE frowns with an intensity you didn’t think possible as her head jerks forward
>Almost like she’s skipping frames she blinks towards you before hoisting you into the air
>”I TIrE OF TheSE GaMeS TWILIGHT!”
>HER face almost seems to literally drip off her head as she yells in your face
>”I Will NoT ALLow yoUR CHIlDIsh TaNTruMs TO bRing hArm tO OuR FRIends!”
>SHE stops for a moment before gently setting you down

>As you softly land back on the ground Midnight Sparkle brings a hand to her face
>They dripping pieces of her move back into place bringing it back to normal
>Grimacing she mutters to herself
>Why does she keep saying they’re both of your friends?
>Why does it seem like she cares?
>Is she trying to trick you?
>She speaks up suddenly while peering through her open hand
>”Count your fingers.”
>What?
>With a sigh she points to you
>”You don’t need to trust me to do that right? You can do that and watch me for any tricks.”
>That, that doesn’t matter!
>You don’t want to play HER game!
>But, you can’t help feel like you should
>Fine, but you’re doing it cause YOU want to!
>Lifting your hand into view you keep your eyes peeled on HER while counting
“One, two, three, four, five, six, sev—“
>Wait
>Blinking you shift your focus more to your hand
“One, two, three, four…”
>That’s, not right
>That’s not right at all!
>You point to Midnight Sparkle angrily
“What did you do!?”
>Bringing her arm down to her side she locks eyes with you
>”How did you get here?”
>The floor swallowed you!
>She steps forward a few paces
>”And how did you get there?”
>You walked here to meet your friends with Sunset
>She paces forward stopping less than a foot away
>”And what exactly happened before then?”
>That’s easy you…
>Well you…
>You don’t remember
>She offers her hand to you once more
>”Put one and one togethAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!”
>You cover your ears as she begins to scream
>Though her voice doesn’t seem right
>She herself seems confused by the yelling she’s doing before closing her mouth
>Put one and one together…
>Too many or too little fingers, can’t remember what’s happening, the somewhat surreal night…
>You go wide eyed as she smiles
>You’re dreaming

>A hand waving dangerously close to your face brings you out of your memory
>”Hey Twilight, kinda need ya back down to Earth right now.”
>You blink as you fully reel yourself back to reality
>”I mean, we’d probably appreciate it.”
>Tilting your head to Anon you try to muster up as happy a smile as you can
”Sorry, my mind was, wandering a bit there.”
>He furrows his brow before nodding slowly
>”So, are you going to chip in anytime soon?”
>It takes you a moment to pick up on the subtle hint he’s giving as you notice that all eyes in the room are on you
>Adjusting your glasses you cough into a balled fist
“Uh yes, of course, where were we?”
>Rainbow Dash waves a hand in the air
>”Oh you know, just at the part where a giant monster showed up and was going to eat Fluttershy!”
>Oh, that makes sense now that you think about it
>Sunset leans forward while brushing off Rainbow Dash’s comment
>”Fluttershy told us that, something happened, but she doesn’t know what.”
>Luna nods while gesturing to you with an open palm
>”We were wondering if you could shed some light on the situation as you were the only other one awake after all was said and done.”
>You nod while bringing a hand to grasp at the missing device around your neck
“Of course, I should be able to help clarify exactly what happened at the end of the night…”
>Everyone seems to pay a bit more attention as you take a deep breath
>You decide to keep Midnight Sparkle in your nightmare to yourself
“I was having a nightmare when I heard Fluttershy’s screams…”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVW4svdv1L4
>Eugghh
>Cold, moist, loud…
>Your head thumps as you wince
>Is that a vacuum and ehmmmm
>”AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”
>Who is that!?
>Forcing your eyes open you try to acclimate yourself as you feel like you recognize the voice
>You regret it almost immediately as pain surges through your skull
>You see some fog and green as your vison blurs
>However, it’s too dark to really find where you are
>While you try to make sense of where you are the same screaming from before fades in and out of your hearing
>You, you needed to do something?
>The soft purple glow on your hand helps you focus as you blink
>Maybe getting up…
>A new noise grates on your ears as you try to push yourself up off the misty ground
>A quiet whirling that barely registers over whoever’s vacuuming and the screaming
>The screaming…
>Your head throbs once more as your ears ring
>Shutting your eyes tightly you shake your head
>For some reason, despite your somewhat dazed state you manage to stand easily
>Blinking rapidly you see something besides floor
>Figures in the mist around you
>Lying on the floor and dancing?
>No, their movements are too aggressive to be dancing
>You bring a hand to your eyes and rub
>With a very rough hand?
>Is that a glove?
>Wait, you can’t see because you’re not wearing your glasses!
>Patting yourself down you don’t find your extra pair of glasses you usually carry, but you’re wearing a fanny pack
>Clumsily you fiddle with the large zipper and manage to open it up
>Rooting around inside you find among a bit more supplies than usual, an extra set of glasses!
>Taking care not to scuff them you put them on with gloved hands
>Though you don’t really remember what kind of gloves they are, but they’re eerily familiar
>Wait, at your feet lies some sort of device sucking up the fog

>What is th-
>A spark of recognition lights memories of current events on fire
>The MC-TEK!
>The man in the DJ booth!
>Your heart pounds as you remember Midnight Sparkle’s warning
>The girls!
>Trying to get a quick analysis of the situation your eyes flick to and fro rapidly as you feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins
>Glancing to your right you see that the figures in the mist from earlier are, changelings!?
>They weren’t supposed to be here!
>What changed?
>Shoving the thought away for later you focus on the now
>Looks like the changelings are engaging in combat with some unknown force of seven heavily armored people
>Whoever they are, they appear to be occupying the bulk of the changeling forces
>As your eyes flick over to your left you can’t help notice all the partygoers on the floor
>Not only that, but some of them appear to be cocooned in some sort of green substance atop large dollies
>Though you don’t really have time to process that as you see a changeling coming right at you!
>In your heightened state of awareness you’re just barely able to step back before its claws slash you
>It stumbles before regaining its balance and baring its fangs at you with a hiss
>While its height barely reaches your chin, you don’t want to find out what its claws can do to a person
>Your containment gun is on the floor beside you, thankfully being dragged by the extra durable cables attachments, so you reach for your stun baton on your hip
>Only to grasp at nothing!
>It must’ve fallen from your belt when you were lulled to sleep
>You can’t think of a retaliation method fast enough as it charges towards you
>As you move to pick up your containment gun a rather loud muffled bellow explodes from behind you
>”No!”

>Before you can react, one of the armored figures that was fighting in the mist a ways away blindsides the advancing changeling pinning it to the ground
>You use the chance to quickly acquire your containment gun
>Easily snatching it up you aim towards your savior ready to assist
>However, they appear to already be standing up and dusting themselves off
>That’s, surprising
>You get a good look at their armor as they stand above one of the small green lights scattered about
>Clad head to toe in black hard-shell and padding the tall man’s chest-plate reminds you of a centurion with its pauldrons
>Across his chest is the word “SHEILD”
>He silently stares at you as his chest rises and falls
>Well, you’re pretty sure he’s staring you down, it’s hard to tell with his full helmet
>The green light glistens off the reflective T down the middle of the face
>He turns to the left and staggers back before placing two fingers to the side of his helmet
>That doesn’t fill you with confidence
>Turning to the left you see, something looming over head
>Or do you?
>You don’t know if anything can be darker than the black of the warehouse
>Whatever it is somehow makes your heart pound even faster
>It’s descending towards the chairs on the sidelines though you don—
>”AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”
>With the cry to direct you, you can faintly make out a person cowering behind several overturned chairs
>Fluttershy!
>Your friend is in danger!
>Whatever the dark thing is will get to her before anything you do
>Or, maybe not…
>You don’t have any choice
>You already know what you have to do
>As the man who saved you rushes towards Fluttershy, you reach into your jumpsuit, and pull out your little black box

>Sometimes you wonder if you’re the only normal one around here
>Well, in this case you and Luna being the only normal ones
>Apparently everyone else already figured Twilight had used her pocket nuke a few nights ago
>Though the way they all describe it the actual blast was more like a bright light cracking through a dark glass dome than a mushroom cloud
>Not only that, but the actual light only seemed to have lasted a few seconds
>Twilight reasoned that it was that and the fact it was tucked away in the shipping yard is why no one’s reporting on it
>Just out of view of everyone, sans the four of you in Applejack’s truck who happened to be running with your tails between your legs just then
>Though you could forgive that, but you’ve been thinking about the next little tidbit of info Twilight shared afterwards
>You didn’t really get her hypothesis, but the gist is that after activating her little black box she was rendered unconscious
>But it’s what happened when she woke up that concerns you
>Enough that you’re still thinking about it while half-listening to Dash, Rarity, and Applejack retell what happened on your side
>Definetly not trying to keep your mind occupied by not thinking about that at all either
>No, what happened to the others is actually concerning
>Even if it has the added benefit of keeping you a bit distracted
>You heave a bit of a sigh before getting back on track
>After waking up after an unknown period of time, Twilight found that everything was, fine
>She along with Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Sunset were sleeping in a few chairs off to the side while the party was still going steady
>After waking everybody up, they went to Vinyl to ask what happened
>She however, had no idea what they were talking about

>You really don’t know what to make of that
>On one hand, everyone’s ok
>So that’s good
>However, on the other hand you have whatever Sombra was doing just vanish from existence
>So that’s just a little concerning
>Guess you should just be happy the whole thing turned out well
>After all, that could’ve ended a lot uglier
>Dash flicks her gaze all around as she describes Platinum Mettle beating up all three of those shadow dudes at once
>You were pretty, out of it, by the time they showed up, so him being there is a bit of news to you
>Though speaking of costumed superheroes like Platinum Mette…
>You can’t help wonder just how many costumed crusaders are there once more
>Ok, maybe costumed crusaders is a bit of a stretch for the strike team esque trooper people who showed up at the warehouse party, but they’re still at least a team who fights magical shit
>At least, you hope so
>Still, that’s how many people who fight the good fight?
>There’s that sentai team you ran into with Chrissy, Iron Will, this new team or whatever that intervened at the party, hell even Celestia, Luna, and Papa Neato were in a group!
>Is there anyone NOT in some sort of magical afterschool shenanigans?
>As you drag your hands down your face the mental image of the entire school dressing in costumes after school makes you groan lamely
>Sluggishly opening your eyes you see that Dash has a really hyped look on her face as she strikes a closed fist into her palm with gutso
>Maybe you should pay more attention for now?
>Deciding to quit tuning her out you listen in
>”It was like he threw a roman candle at the guy!”
>Delivering a quick jab into the air Applejack smiles
>”Then he punched it after it bounced back!”

>What?
>You feel like you just missed them retelling something really cool if the look on their faces is any indication
>As Dash opens her mouth to speak once more a peculiar ringtone interrupts her
https://youtu.be/niqrrmev4mA?t=4m25s
>Rarity gives everyone a sheepish smile as she fishes her hand into her purse
>”Oh, didn’t realize I forgot to silence my phone; I’ll just tell them I’m busy.”
>She swiftly answers her phone behind her hand while turning away from the rest of you
>With nothing to focus on you let loose a yawn as you become aware of how sleepy you’ve gotten
>What time is it?
>Your eyes gravitate to the clock situated above the door leading into the school
>7:05
>Man, it feels way later
>Rarity’s exchange seems to end abruptly as she turns back to everyone with a frown
>”I’m terribly sorry, but would you mind if I left our little soiree a bit early? I hadn’t realized how late it’s gotten, and I need to join my parents for a celebratory dinner.”
>Celebratory dinner?
>Just the thought of food sounds really good right now actually…
>Luna looks at the ticking timepiece perched above the door before nodding and folding her arms
>”I suppose it is getting late, I feel like everyone is appropriately caught up however, so I believe ending our meeting now is of little consequence.”
>With the ending of the serious officially stated the tension filling the room evaporates as everyone relaxes
>Fluttershy and Pinkie seem to be in a little bit of a hurry as they begin to stand after a few seconds
>You lean back as Twilight leans forwards to speak with Rarity as she packs up her things into her purse
>”What’s the occasion, if you don’t mind me asking?”

>You begin to veg out as Rarity smiles at the question
>”Well, I managed to talk Sweetie Belle into trying out for the freshman musical last week, and she managed to land a spot as an understudy for the leading role!”
>Huh, didn’t know that the freshmen were putting on a musical…
>Your state of vegging tunes out the conversation as Sunset joins in
>As you stare into nothing you manage to catch the others saying their goodbyes before they leave
>You lazily wave Fluttershy and Pinkie off, who give you their own small farewells as they hurriedly rush out the door
>Dash and Applejack gather near the door as they talk
>Rarity stands and gives a little wave to Sunset and Twilight beside you
>She then turns to you and throws a warm grin your way before walking to the door
>Your two couch mates get up shortly after seemingly getting ready to make their own exit
>Twilight offers you an outstretched hand
>”Would you like to join us?”
>Your brain fails to process what she asked for a moment before you snap out of your veggie state
>You have no idea what she just asked you to join, but luckily you already see an excuse in your peripheral
“Sorry, gotta talk to Luna here in a second.”
>At least you’re pretty sure a chat with her is coming as she stops Dash from leaving with Applejack
>Well not only that, but there’s the whole she’ll probably want to talk about housing now
>That’s a little important, you guess
>Twilight retracts her hand as she nods understandingly
>”You’ll have to join us on Friday then.”
>You give the best thumbs up you can as Sunset rests a hand on a cocked hip
>”We’re thinking of meeting there around 6 to hash out a plan for the battle on Saturday, you like sushi right?”
>Sushi?
>Sure!
>You had that before, like once
>When you were 10…

>Eh, you’ll find something to eat, probably
“Yea, sounds good; though I don’t know how much help I’ll be with song writing since I hav-“
>Twilight holds up a pointer finger with a smirk as she finishes your sentence
>”Have no musical talent?”
>You cock an eyebrow with a shrug
>Sunset smiles while nodding back towards Dash
>”Rainbow told us, but even if you aren’t good with music, it’s always nice to have another friend to help out.”
>You kinda doubt that, but if she thinks it’ll help…
“I’ll be there then.”
>Satisfied with your answer the two of them nod before heading out passing Luna as she leaves Dash’s side
>It’s only as they reach the door do you remember the fact that you have no idea where they were talking about
>Ah well, you’ll just ask before Friday
>Content to relax in your seat as you await the inevitable talk you know Luna will want to have with you once everyone’s gone you resume vegging out
>Or, at least you would if it weren’t for Rainbow blob slamming down onto the couch next to you
>”You know what Luna wants to talk about?”
>Shrugging you glance behind you catching Luna stepping out of her office with her purse in hand
“I assume we’ll know here in a second.”
>Dash stretches her arms out wide on the rest of the couch as she faces Luna over her shoulder
>“Is this about the phone call yesterday?”
>Luna brings a curled hand to her chin and asks what you’re thinking
>”Phone call?”
>Dash waves her question off as she turns around and sits cross-legged on the couch
>”Never mind, what’s up?”
>Coming to a stop behind the two of you Luna leans onto the couch
>”I wanted to personally thank you for taking in Anon on Monday in his parents’ stead.”

>Oh, well that’s nice
>honestly, you thought she’d be angrier about the whole going off to stop the bad guys thing without alerting the police
>At least judging from how she almost had an aneurism from hearing about Chrissy
>Dash seems to be happy too as she grins widely
>”It’s nothing; my friends crash at my place all the time.”
>Though probably much less in the literal sense like you
>Luna chuckles
>”Yes, well it’s still quite something to take care of someone in his condition like that even without your parents being there, so you have my thanks.”
>Dash looks like her head might pop if she inflates anymore
>But you get the feeling…
>Luna points an accusatory finger at the both of you
>”Though I’d appreciate it if both of you would rethink any plans of action like Sunday’s now that you know just how dangerous it can be.”
>Ah, there’s the bit of scolding you were expecting to come up at some point
>You share an awkward chuckle with Dash as Luna grins
>”However, putting that aside, be sure to bring Anon’s things to school tomorrow as I’m sure your parents won’t be as understanding as I am should they find it lying about.”
>Didn’t even think of that
>Doesn’t seem like Dash did either
>”Oh yea, I’ll be sure to do that, but where’s he going to stay now?”
>Luna pulls out her driving gloves from her purse
>”His parents have relayed the necessary information for me to drive him to his new lodging.”
>Ok?
>That’s a very matter-of-factly answer you didn’t really expect
>Dash scratches her chin
>”Well if you need me to-“
>Luna holds up an open palm stopping Dash mid-sentence
>”You’ve done more than enough Ms. Dash, for now I think it’s about time you get home.”

>Dash looks like she’s about to say something, but decides against it
>As she hops off the couch Luna pulls out her keys
>”Do you need me to give you a ride home?”
>If there was a god and if he was kind Dash would need a ride
>However, you know he’s not and that’s why she’s somehow allowed to drive
>Stuffing her hands into her pockets she averts her eyes from Luna’s gaze
>”Uh no, I have a ride covered since I uhh, kinda, drove…”
>Luna cocks an eyebrow as Dash inches her way towards the door
>”Wasn’t I the one who wrote you a ticket explicitly forbidding you from driving to school for another 2 months?”
>Ohhh, busted
>A slight shit-eating grin splits your lips as Dash looks to you for support
>Don’t know why she’s looking at you, you aren’t going to help someone who makes Death Race look downright leisurely
>”Well you see, I needed to get here and WOW, lookatthetimegottago!”
>She practically vaults over the tiny coffee table nearly tripping as she stumbles on the landing before sprinting out the open door
>Even though she seemed to barely stick the landing, you’ll give her a 7 for how fast she was
>Luna glances at you with a smirk reminiscent of your own on her mug
>”And she wonders why we don’t like her driving near the school.”
>You shrug as you stand up
“I’m more surprised she’s even allowed to drive in the first place.”
>Yawning you scratch your neck
“So are you driving me home, cause I’ll gladly walk if I have to.”
>She shakes her head as she points to the door
>”Of course I’m driving you; you’re staying at my place after all.”
>Woah what?
“I’m staying with you?”
>That is not what you really want to do right now
>You have a need, the need to be in your own bed because damn do you miss it

>Luna takes a step closer to you and places a hand on your shoulder
>”Of course you are, did you really think I’d let you run off on your own after hearing about what you’ve been up to?”
>Well uh, yes?
>She shakes her head as she pulls you toward her with her somewhat strong grip
>”Oh no, you’re going to keep me company for the next few days while we await sister and Will’s return.”
>Oh that’s, news to you
>Though you probably should have seen this coming…
>Maybe if you tell her about how much you REALLY want to go home
“But I kinda want to stay at my apartment for once…”
>You really don’t like the smug face that Luna’s wearing right now
>Nor her chuckle
>Nor how tight her hand is getting on your shoulder
>”Oh Anon, sweetie, I’m not going to let you sleep in a place where an unknown amount of enemies who wish you harm know you live.”
>Well uh…
>You didn’t really…
>As you try to stammer out some sort of reply she pulls you into a half-hug and continues
>”Not to mention from what I heard from Will, it’s usually required that you have a door on its hinges before you can safely sleep in a home.”
>Another thing you didn’t really think about…
>She is pressing against you right now, and usually you’d be really nervous about, but you’re feeling much antsier about her hand, which is starting to hurt
>Just a little bit
>She nods as she releases her shoulder crushing grip on you
>”So, you’ll be staying over for a while?”
>You feel equal parts annoyed and amazed by how she said that without a hint of smugness
>Like she honestly expects you to say otherwise
>With a thumbs up and a lukewarm smile you cheer
“Guess it’s time for a sleepover, again…”

>A familiar tower shining bright in the dark blue sky catches your eye as you’re pretty sure you're near your destination
>Canterlot heights
“I thought you said you didn’t live with Celestia?”
>You voice your question as you peer up at the tall, monolithic apartment building
>”And I was telling the truth, I was staying there to get properly acquainted with you.”
>Really Luna?
>She was there to get acquainted with you?
>If you remember correctly…
“I’m not very sure if eating in silence can really be considered getting to know someone.”
>She scrunches her face up as she drives past the gate into the apartment complex
>”Nonsense, in our first encounter I learned more about you than I could from you simply telling me.”
>Oh yea?
>You find that a bit dubious
>As you lean against the door and prop your head up against your fist you smirk
“Like what exactly?”
>She mulls your challenge over with a thoughtful hum
>You pass by the front entrance to the lobby as she contemplates
>The silence continues as your curiosity as to how much she learned then, or if she was just pulling your leg grows
>It’s only as you pass the garage door into the underground parking lot does she smile with a little ah escaping her curled lips
>”When you don’t like something, instead of not eating it, you consistently swallow it down with a gulp of water.”
>Oh, oh shit
>Stick you in a Crayola wrapper and call you the vert crayon, she really does pay attention
>You thought you hid it so well too only taking nibbles of the shit you don’t like between every three or so bites of the good stuff
>She grins from ear to ear as she parks
>”I used to do the same thing with some of Kibitz's more, exotic cuisine, so it was easy to notice.”

>It’s a good way to stomach stuff you don’t like
>Though it’s kinda weird imagining Luna around your age doing it with her parent’s food, or wait, her uncle’s?
>You remember her mentioning Kibitz’s name once before while talking about her high school years
>Mostly because you don’t hear a name like Kibitz often
>You can’t even really wager a guess as to what its origin is
>You decide to ask her about it as the two of you pile out of the car
“I remember you mentioning him before; he’s your uncle right?”
>Her smile softens as the car beeps with the lock
>”Somewhat, he was kind enough to look after us after our parents couldn’t.”
>Oh yea, her parents are dead
>Not that you forgot, it just kinda really hit you hearing her say it once more
>As the two of you walk towards the elevator you can hear her softly speak over the echo of your combined footsteps
>”He was an exceptional guardian; I couldn’t have asked for a more capable man to raise us.”
>The wistfulness is clear on her face even to you
>It makes you feel a bit somber yourself
>Standing before the elevator you press the button and speak into the silence of the garage
“Seems like a cool guy, wish I could’ve met him.”
>You stare at the led screen above the elevator as the numbers count down
>”Anon?”
>You turn to Luna who wears an odd smirk
“Hm?”
>The overhead light from the incandescent bulb glistens in her brightly colored eyes
>”You know that he’s not dead right?”
>Her words make your mind draw a blank
>You blink as you slowly gape like a fish
“But, like the way you said he was, and like ya know…”
>Great defense and explanation by your boy mouth
>Always there to pick up the slack when your brain goes haywire

>Luna tilts her head to the side as her eyes narrow and her smirk thins out
>You know she’s taller than you, but right now she’s seems to loom over you
>She’s one of the few people who’s tall enough to do so
>Not by much, but she’s got a good 3 inches or so
>Still, the way she’s staring down at you reminds you of a cat closing in on its prey
>Does that mean you’re a mouse now?
>”What is it Anon?”
>Oh fuck
>You only blink as your mind races to catch up with your mouth and think of something
>Unfortunately for you, you got nothing
“I meant, uh you’re an adult, and I uh, I figured he’d have, died by now…”
>Wow
>You are sure doing it
>You blame the way she’s looking at you for your ineptitude
>Definitely her fault
>Her lips curl back into a smile
>”Are you trying to say that I’m old so he must be dead?”
>No!
>Wait yes?
>Technically, but no!
>Maybe if you say nothing, she’ll just make up a better answer?
>With a hip cocked to the side she runs a hand through her hair sweeping it to the side
>”I’ll have you know, I’m the younger sister…”
>O-ok?
>She leans in forward uncomfortably close
>You, being the autist you are, don’t move as her somewhat hoarse voice whispers
>”I’m only 34.”
>You would back away as now she’s practically touching noses with you, but you’re kinda already against the wall
>She opens her mouth to presumably continue as the elevator dings halting her before she begins
>Oh thank Christ!
>You slide on out under her proverbial shadow and into the safety of the empty elevator
“Hey wow, thought that would take forever!”
>CAUSE IT FELT LIKE FOREVER

>Luna hums happily with a subdued smile before stepping onto the elevator herself
>You step next to the control panel and point to it as the doors close
“So which floor?”
>She reaches into her purse as she nods to the panel beside you
>”Penthouse.”
>The penthouse floor?
>You don’t remember there being a penthouse floor
>Sure enough, when you inspect the panel to be sure there’s no penthouse
>Got the ground floor to floor 8, but no penthouse
>Pretty sure Celestia lived on the 7th floor, so does that mean the 8th is the penthouse?
“Uh, is 8th floor the penthouse or?”
>You turn your head to Luna as she presents a little silver key in the palm of her hand
>”Just turn it clockwise.”
>You daintily pluck the key from her hand and inspect the panel once more
>You have no idea where this is supposed to go
>Maybe, here?
>You press the key into a small slit nestled above the 8 button that’s about its size
>Twisting the key clockwise causes an audible *click* to sound off as the 8 below turns into a 9
>You don’t know if that’s super sick or super stupid
>With a mighty press of your extended index finger you’re off!
>The elevator begins to ascend as you lean back against the wall
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD3v1B_aXw0
>You absentmindedly tap your foot to the beat as you stare at the floor
>However, the elevator ride seems to be over before you can really get into the music
>The doors open with a hiss and you move to leave
>Luna steps out before you can though, looking over her shoulder as she does
>”Don’t forget to turn it back.”
>Oh yea, might wanna do that
>You quickly turn the key and return the 8 to its rightful position as top button

>Quickly stepping out with the key in hand before the doors can close on you; you rush down the hall to catch up with Luna
>If the view of the building didn’t the hallway reminds you that this place is still as ritzy as you remember
>Whether it’s the modern geometric styled chandeliers dotting the ceiling overhead, or the nicely kempt red carpet at your feet, the place screams upper class
>Kinda makes you wonder how a principal and vice principal can afford it honestly
>You manage to stop your eyes from wandering about the place long enough to actually catch up with Luna as she stands before an ornate wooden door
>She slips a silver keycard into the door’s handle producing a green light from the device
>Pushing the door open she flows through over the threshold flicking some switches and waves you in
>”Please make yourself comfortable.”
>You shuffle in after her as she walks off and take a good look at the place
>It’s, something alright
>Besides being bigger than you expected, you didn’t expect the glass ceiling high above
>Being literally above most of the city lights, you can see the twinkling stars above shining down on you
>Really looks nice with the overall dark tones of, what you assume is, the living room before you
>Dark hues of purple and blue are the bread and butter of this penthouse’s color palette, surprise there
>Reminds you of Luna’s office
>A leather L sofa sits with a small glass coffee table in front of a large tv hanging on the wall to your left
>You can see another room and a hallway a bit past the tv and beside the sliding glass door to a patio area
>To your right you can see a bar like granite topped counter on the edge of a kitchen
>Almost all the appliances you can see from here are chrome

>Luna’s voice calls out to you from past the kitchen to the right
>”Don’t forget to close the door!”
>Oh, got absorbed in checking everything out again
>You do a 180 and shut the door
>Before you go back to snoopin around the place anymore you notice something that was hiding behind the door as it was open
>A tall stack of cardboard boxes with a variety of different labels
>Looks like moving boxes?
>You’ll have to ask Luna
>You also spot a black table on the opposite side of the door
>There are a few pairs of shoes neatly tucked underneath it along with a metallic bowl and her purse adorning the top
>Looks like good enough place to put your shoes as any
>As you slip out of your street shoes you peek into the small metallic bowl to see, a set of keys
>Don’t know what you were expecting there…
>You leave the elevator key inside as you turn away from the mildly disappointing bowl
>Feeling stiff you twist your back till it pops
>Besides working out that bit of stiffness the sound comforts you somewhat
>Don’t know whether to feel good that body is still a bit sore, or not
>Granted, it’s nowhere near how sore it should be, but it feels like a few hours after a particularly taxing work out
>So you’ll consider that ok until proven otherwise
>Hopefully you haven’t burnt your magical bore too much, or whatever
>You glance down at your pin as it dangles on your hoodie string
>Shouldn’t need this tonight
>Where to put it though…
>You glance over your shoulder at the bowl on the door table
>You’re only like 6 feet away
>With as best form as you can remember you spin and shoot your pin towards the bowl
>It lands dead center in the bowl with a *clink*
>Heh, looks like the three months or so you spent on the elementary basketball team weren’t for nothing after all!
>If only coach could see you now…

>Smirking you turn your attention back to snoopin around while you await Lu-well never mind
>As you turn around you spot Luna walking out of another hallway tucked behind the kitchen
>She’s tying her hair into a ponytail and has shed her normal workwear for something more casual
>Pajama bottoms and a tank top, a comfy looking combo
>That happens to leave little to the imagination
>You did not just notice that
>After putting the finishing touches on her ponytail she smiles at you
>”Are you as hungry as I am?”
>You nod as you both waltz toward the kitchen
“Famished.”
>You pull out a barstool at the counter while she looks in the fridge
>”Well, I’m not as skilled a chef as Celestia, but I think I may be able to make, something, that’ll satisfy you…”
>As she bends over to root around the bottom shelf you make your eyes wander literally anywhere but there
>You do not feel like having confusing thoughts about Luna!
>So instead you inspect the rest of her kitchen as you swear she wiggles her ass about
>Might just be you wanting to see her do that
>Not that you would, or not want, or...
>Feelings you haven't needed to actually deal with ever, are confusing
>Your attempt to find something to distract you bears fruit suddenly when you notice
>Wow, she has no dirty dishes near her sink!
>Actually, now that you’re looking, her drying rack looks a bit dusty
>Even with a dishwasher, you don’t think that should be dusty
>”Which do you prefer, alfredo or marana-what’s wrong?”
>Turning from the dusty drying rack you lock eyes with Luna, who’s currently holding a pair of unlabeled jars of red and white sauces against her chest
>You nod towards the sad drying rack
“Nothing, just noticed your drying rack is dusty.”
>She glances over at the disused rack and shrugs
>”Oh that, I just moved back in here a week ago is all, haven’t had much time to make dirty dishes.”
>Oh, that explains it…

>Luna both literally and metaphorically bounces away from the topic as she lifts each jar up and down with a wiggle of her eyebrows
>”Now, which one sounds good?”
>Gonna pretend not to notice that it also moves he-
“ALFREDO, I, I am an alfredo man.”
>She nods as she twirls in place back towards the fridge
>She seems particularly, alive tonight
>Or maybe she just lets loose at home?
>Can’t be serious 100% of the time, you know that
>As she opens the freezer she glances back over her shoulder
>A stray lock of purple hair parts the shimmering cyan sea that is her eyes
>”Are you alright with fettuccine and chicken?”
>Alright with it?
>You eat that like once a week
>You give her a big old thumbs up
“Practically live off the stuff!”
>As she takes out the chicken and fills a pot with water you twiddle your thumbs like an idiot
>Need to do something
>You perk up as she calls back to you shortly after turning the stove on
>”Why don’t you freshen up while I cook? You can take a shower; I took the liberty to get some replacement clothes for you just in case on Saturday.”
>Was she planning on having you stay with her?
>She does strike you as someone to prepare ahead of time
>At least, you could see it
>Regardless, showering is something to do, and you do feel a bit grimy after the day
>She points towards the hallway she came out of earlier as you stand up from the barstool
>”Bathroom is down the hall to the right; extra towels are in the bathroom closet.”
>You tuck the barstool away as you start your quest to freshen up while someone makes dinner
>Been a while since you did that…

>Opening the door the warm moist air rushes past you into the hallway
>Being sufficiently dry you don’t mind, but it’s a bit chilly when you step into the purple carpet
>The a garlicy oinion(?) aroma wafts into your nostrils along with the soft sound of humming
>Guess the food is coming along well
>Now where to get you some clothes?
>Probably should’ve gnabbed that first
>Looking into the room adjacent to the bathroom you find a bedroom
>You think it’s Luna’s, though with how neat it is you’re not sure
>Reminds you of your room in that it’s pretty barren
>Pretty sure you can see some boxes in the closet though, so she might still be moving into her room
>You’ll just have to bite the bullet and ask where the clothes are
>You hold your towel around your waste as you peak around the corner into the kitchen
>Luna sways in place as she hums and appears to be sautéing the chicken 
>You call out to her as she stirs up the frying pan
“Hey, which room had the spare clothes?”
>With a whole body sway she points to the living room while glancing back over her shoulder
>”The room left of the veranda.”
>You give her a nod before meandering towards the room
>It’s as you actually cross the living room for the first time do you notice that there’s only two rooms in what you thought might’ve been a hallway
>Really it’s a small little space with two rooms opposite each other
>The one you can see from the living room with some clothes and one with the door half open
>Really should’ve checked before asking, you would’ve been able to find which one you needed to go to easily
>Though now that you know which room has your clothes…

>You stand at the doorway to the guest room and stare at the half opened door
>The need to snoop arises within you once more
>Glancing over to the kitchen you see that Luna is still swaying in place over the stove with her back to you
>You probably have a few minutes to exploit this opportunity for some good old fashioned snooping…
>But didn’t the last time you snooped end up with you wearing Rarity’s, undergarments?
>Your eye twitches as you remember the scene once more
>You’re not gonna let that happen twice!
>You’re waaayyy too smart for that
>You smirk as you slip in past the half door
>You’ll be extra careful and evacuate if you see anything out, of, the…
>Holy shit
>In stark contrast to the entire rest of the apartment this room is cluttered to high hell
>You blink in amazement at the sheer mess of stuff strewn about the room
>A number of thick leather-bound books are stacked high upon the multitude of dusty shelves
>An assortment of masks, fossils(?), gemstones, and drawings are interlaced throughout the room
>Speaking of the room, jus how big is it?
>At a glance, trying to discern its size underneath all the junk, you’d say it’s almost as big as the kitchen and living room combined
>You spy a computer screen poking out of a cove of books on a desk a few feet away
>Deciding to inspect the desk you move in for a closer look at what all this is
>Surrounding the seemingly out of place computer setup are a couple of large dust covered texts with odd symbols you can’t really place on their spines, and a very intricate drawing of, something?
>It seems vaguely, familiar
>You can’t quite place it though

>It kinda reminds you of a skeleton made out of thin pipes
>Though it’s missing the head and feet, and hands
>Ok, maybe it’s not a skeleton, but it has a vaguely human shape
>Sorta
>Wish you knew what all the writing on it means, but it’s scribbled in something you can’t really make heads or tails of
>Looks pretty similar to the symbols on the books
>Whatever the drawing is, the paper it’s written on is pretty faded
>Moving on from the drawing however your gaze lands on the compute that seems anachronistically out of place with the rest of the room
>The entire setup has a sleek almost glass like design with little to no obvious metal that just accentuates its futuristic style compared to the worn pages of leather-bound books
>Even the keyboard looks like a touchscreen pad with no actual buttons
>Just getting closer and closer to minority report every year
>You poke the mouse to see if the computer is still on
>To your surprise the screen begins to boot up
>A login screen pops up with a sleek grey background
>Though something immediately catches your attention
>Louie?
>Why the hell is the username Louie?
>The user image is too low res to see properly, but you think it may be a swatch of stars?
>You furrow your brow and look at the keyboard
>If this was a mechanical one you could try to see which keys weren’t dusty to guess a passw- what the hell are you thinking?!
>Ok, that’s enough for you
>You are not going to invade Luna’s privacy anymore
>A little snoop is okay, but there’s a limit
>Not to mention that you see how much dust there is
>Staying here any longer is just tempting for fate to make you leave a mark of your snoopin

>Well, fug that
>You turn and slither on back out the half open door
>Glancing around the corner into the kitchen you can see that Luna is still swaying in place over the stove
>Snoopin completed without a hitch!
>Quickly, you rush into the guest room pulling the door closed behind you softly
>Gotta get dressed fast enough as to not draw suspicion!
>The guest bed room, like the rest of the apartment, is sparsely furnished
>Though Luna did not skimp out on the decorating
>Just like the living room the slanted roof above is window paned
>Though this one seems to have blinders on it
>Beside that the walls are painted a deep blue, almost black with how dark it is, with specks and splashes of twinkling glitter
>Like you’re in a sea of stars
>Pretty
>Not that you’re particularly surprised at the choice in decor at this point
>Your eyes drift past the neatly tucked bed with the small glass table beside it and directly to a large set of drawers
>Bingo
>You leap in front of the drawers and firmly grasp the top most knob
>Let’s see what’s behind door number uno
>Pulling open the drawer reveals, socks!
>Lots and lots socks!
>Like they are really stuffed in there
>This is an inordinate amount of socks to be stuffed into a single drawer let alone for one apartment
>You sort through the various colors and types
>There are stripy ones, really big baggy ones, and are those fishnets?
>OK, hey look!
>A pair of good old tube socks
>They’ll do nicely
>You snatch up the pair and close the drawer
>Now while you’ve worn nothing but socks when you’re alone before, you really don’t want to attempt that here
>So why don’t you see what’s in the next drawer?
>Sliding it open you get a peek at, underwear!
>Literally the exact same situation as the previous drawer except with undies…

>Instead of inspecting all of them, you’re going to save yourself the unwanted thoughts and just grab the nice pair of boxer briefs that’s front and center
>Closing the drawer shut you toss your new clothes onto the bed behind you
>Before you put them on however, there’s one last drawer
>Knowing that the other ones have socks and underwear makes you curious as to what the bottom final draw could hold
>Not being one to deny your curiosity for the most part you pull it open to end the mystery
>Here’s hoping for something cooler than just the replacement clothes you should be looking for
>Hm?
>That’s not what you expected at all
>Inside the drawer is a glass pane with a keypad on it
>While odd by itself, it’s what the pane is blocking access to that’s really got you scratching your head
>Inside a bunch of egg crate foam are two small black boxes with a ribbon tied to each
>One has a crème colored one, and the other a silver one
>Looks like there's another similar square hole besides the ones with boxes that makes you think one's missing
>Squatting down you squint at the palm sized boxes
>you're really getting the feeling that you’ve seen little boxes with ribbons really similar to these before…
>Wait, you’re probably just thinking of Twilight’s fucking nut-so insurance policy
>At least it paid to have it on Sunday though…
>Shaking your head you close the drawer satisfied with your discovery of the weird boxes
>So while you like finding cool stuff you don’t know the purpose of, this is somewhat of a problem
>Where are the extra actual clothes?
>You stand up and put your hands on your waist as you look about the room
>Oh!

>Tucked away in the corner on the other side of the room is a door!
>Must be the closet
>You grasp the door knob tightly before turning it
>Pushing it open reveals, darkness
>Oh shit, lights
>Doesn’t seem to be a switch on the outside so…
>You reach inside the past the doorframe and brush the sides
>You successfully flick a switch after feeling up the wall for a moment and are stunned to see, clothes!
>So many clothes!
>You walk in to the literal walk-in closet and inspect the plethora of clothes inside
>There’s dresses, suits, a leotard(?), and so much more!
>It’s actually a bit odd
>You pegged Luna for a better safe than sorry type, but not to this extent
>As your eyes flick from one set of clothes to another you do notice a few prevailing themes that make themselves apparent
>Every article of clothing is in a pair
>Usually one smaller version and a bigger version
>Not only that, but almost every single set of clothes has a visible layer of dust on them
>Starting to notice a trend here with a lot of this stuff
>Though it doesn’t really make much sense since Luna said she just moved into here…
>Chalk that up to the idle dinner topic you can talk about
>You spot a small section of grey tucked behind the open door
>Can it be?
>Closing the door you can see that it is!
>A whole section of grey sweat pants and sweaters
>Looks like there’s 7 pairs of them too
>Neat!
>You snatch a set before realizing that you should probably wear a shirt underneath the sweater
>Oh wait, there’s a tank top inside it
>It’s like Luna thinks of everything!
>You flick the switch off on your way out the closet and start getting dressed

>As you pull your new sweater down over your head you hear a knock at the door
>”Dinner’s ready.”
>A smile forms on your face at the promise of food
>You pick up your discarded towel and leave your clothes on the bed
>Opening the door up you see that Luna has already taken a seat at the counter
>You can hear music softly playing from the kitchen as the scent of grilled chicken and alfredo makes your mouth begin to salivate
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3R5cFNJv7iE
>Green Anon needs food badly
>Doing a hurried jog to the bathroom you hang your towel up over the shower curtain
>Jumping out of the bathroom you slide into the kitchen thanks to the combination of tube socks and slick tiled floor
>You see that beside Luna is a steaming plate of noodly goodness, but before you can chow down
>You unleash a finger gun to Luna who stares amusedly at you
>Probably saw your sick slide
“Where are the cups, or better yet, what do you have to drink?”
>You can see she’s nursing a can of ginger ale, but you’re not about that life
>Even if you’re normally not about that soda life either, you’re feeling in the mood for something specifically
>Luna taps her chin while thinking
>”Obviously water, ginger ale, diet coke, sprite, root beer, and some other things I don’t think you’ll be very, interested in.”
>And with that your craving is answered!
>You tear open the fridge and look for your target
>Wow, she has less stuff than you do in your fridge
>Besides a few twelve packs of soda her fridge is pretty barren
>Your eyes linger somewhat on the unidentifiable bottle hiding in the back behind a two liter of sprite
>You stuff away any more thoughts about it though as you snatch a root beer for yourself

>Pulling out a stool, you plop yourself down in front of the wide rimmed plate of food
>You sit across from Luna as she happily picks away at her pasta
>The smell is the first thing to that hits you as you make yourself comfortable
>Garlic and cheese
>REAL garlic and you’re pretty sure real cheese
>It’s been a while since you had a sauce that wasn’t straight from a jar
>It’s at this point that you just tear into the dish
>Not even bothering with your soda for now you practically snatch the fork and spoon buried within the dish and shovel pasta into your mouth
>Oh yea, that’s a real sauce, but more than that
>The white sauce hugs the pasta like a thick, sauce
>You’re not very articulate when thinking while wolfing down food…
>As you slurp down a particularly large bundle of pasta you hear an amused chuckle from across the counter
>Looking up from the dish mid slurp you raise an eyebrow at Luna’s smirk
>A somewhat incoherent noise comes from your closed maw
“Mrrph?”
>With an ever growing smile she puts her utensils down before hiding her laughter behind a clenched hand
>”I take it you’re enjoying it?”
>You nod as vigorously as possible without endangering your precious load
>You beat your chest lightly as you choke down the last of your monster bite before letting out a satisfied sigh
>”You know no one’s going to steal it from you, you can take your time.”
>You shake your head while waving her concern off with a broad flash of teeth
“That’s what they all say right before they snatch it from you.”
>You crack open the can of root beer and point to her
“But before I dive back into the fray, could you tell me what’s in the sauce?”
>Last time you attempted to make some you got a very bland cheesy goop
>She leans back a bit while looking over your shoulder happily
>”Well, there’s some nutmeg…”

>You shake the last few drops of root beer onto your tongue as you finish up your meal
>There’s always that stubborn bit of liquid left over that hangs out around the hole of the can
>Finally managing to get absolutely every drop of soda left, you take both your can and Luna’s in hand
>You let loose a long yawn as you stand from your stool
>Luna takes both your empty plates with a soft smile
>”Are you going to bed, or are you willing to indulge me a bit further?”
>You contemplate how much longer you can stay up as you shuffle to the recycling bin
>You are feeling pretty sleepy
>The cans clang softly as they collide with the small pile of other soda cans
>Though you did enjoy your conversation with Luna over dinner, even if you did really talk about nothing
>You even forgot to ask about the whole mass of clothes in the closet
>Luna sets the dishes in the sink and looks to you for an answer
>You wouldn't really mind a bit more chatter before bed
>Why not?
>With a shrug you lean back against the wall behind you
“What’d you have in mind?”
>She walks to the front door with somewhat of a pep in her step
>”Just a little star gazing.”
>Well that sounds fine and all, but you think it might be a bit cold to go outside at…
>Glancing at the oven clock you see it’s half past 9
>The lights then dim as darkness envelopes the apartment
>”I find that lying down on the couch and staring up at the stars is the best thing to unwind before bed.”
>Oh, that actually doesn’t sound too bad
>As she sits on the foot of the L couch she signals to the other portion with an open palm
>With a stretch you fall back onto the couch
>Slinking down, you lie back with your hands behind your head

>You hear a few clicks from behind you as the ambient music you were listening to changes
https://youtu.be/x18Wxs9Ph64
>The soothing piano lower to a barely audible volume as you stare into space
>The stars above twinkle and flicker like far off flames as your eyes adjust to the darkness fully
>The previously unidentifiable features of the apartment slowly blur into view
>Luna lets out a content sigh as the couch groans softly under her shifting form
>You shift slightly as well deciding to place your hands on your stomach instead of behind your head
>You quietly breathe as the music, darkness, and stars above try their best to lull you into a peaceful slumber
>The thoughts that wander in your mind become silent as your body begins to feel numb
>Your eyelids are feeling pretty heavy as you struggle to keep them open
>At this rate you may actually fall asleep on the couch
>”What do you see?”
>Luna’s hushed voice brings you back from the sinking void known as sleep
>Blinking you wake yourself up enough that you’re able to keep your eyes open
>What do you see?
>Darkness?
>You don’t quite get what she means
>Tilting your head to the side slightly you can see her bright cyan eyes shimmering a few inches away from yours
>Her eyes shift their focus from up above back down to you on earth
>”When you look up at the stars, what do you see?”
>Hmmm
>You look back to the glimmering specks of white in the distance
>Don’t be a dick and just say stars
>Your mouth opens, but you don’t say anything for a bit
>Lying there, in the darkness, with your mouth open like an idiot you grasp for words

>It isn’t until a brilliant shooting star streaks across the cosmos do words seem to find their way through your mouth
“I think about when I’ll look up at them again.”
>You don’t know why really, but it pops up whenever you look at them long enough
“They’ve always been up there high in the sky fiercely fighting the dark, and if I look up there, they’ll always be there twinkling back at me like before.”
>Might be a few more or less than fighters joining the party than last time, but there’ll always be some
>Of course that’s only if there’s no surrounding light or clouds blocking them out
>Which sounds like a really obvious counter, but still, you kind of find the thought, comforting…
“It feels nice to have a constant like that no matter what happens.”
>Huh, that doesn’t sound too bad
>At least you think so
>You words hanging in the dead air however make you second guess 
>You’re beginning to wonder if it only sounds good to your sleep-addled mind as the silence continues much to your dismay
>At least until you hear a chuckle from Luna
>”I can see why you’d think that, but I tend to think in the opposite direction.”
>That the stars are frightening, or?
>”Whenever I look up at my beautiful night, I can’t help but reminisce about the past…”
>Oh, that makes a bit more sense what with all the star like décor she has everywhere
>She sighs as you feel the numbness spreading across your limbs once more
>”Did you see the shooting star a few moments ago?”
>It was kinda hard not to
"Of course."
>The thing was like a brushstroke of stars suddenly appearing

>"It was during a star gazing session like this that I learned something interesting about shooting stars."
>Taking a deep breath Luna gestures to the stars with an outstretched hand
>”Long ago, there were those who believed a shooting star was a sign that the gods were peering through the celestial spheres.”
>What?
>You’d ask what a celestial sphere is, but she appears to not be done as she points to a particularly vibrant strip of stars
>”The stars would fall from the gap the gods created to look down on us.”
>She hums happily as her fingers trace the stars
>”So, when you saw a shooting star, it was more likely a god would hear your wish since they were already paying attention.”
>Well, that at least makes sense, sorta
>Guess it also explains why a wish wouldn’t come true if a god just didn’t feel like fulfilling your wish
>The leather of the couch shuffles somewhat against her clothes as she moves
>Looking in her direction you can see she’s staring at you instead of the stars
>Luna’s face has an odd smile on it
>Like a mix between the kind understanding you’ve seen on Celestia’s face and something, else…
>You don’t know what though, but you get a sense of sadness from it
>”Have you ever made a wish upon a star?”
>You can’t help but reflexively raise an eyebrow at her question as you turn back to the stars
>Of course you have, every kid has
>Like there was the time…
>You search your mind for any memorable wishes you’ve made in the past, but…
>You find you can’t really remember any specific times
>But you know you’ve had to at some point!
>Every kid hears about making a wish after seeing a shooting star

>Pretty sure none of them come true or anything
>It’s really hard to try and recollect any wishes from when you were a kid
>Like you feel like you should remember something
>Though it would be quite a bit ago now
>Guess that just comes with growing up
>Not like it matters or anything
“Probably, I don’t really remember any of em though.”
>Luna nods as she rolls over to face the stars
>”Ah yes, quite the day after all is said and done.”
>That’s for sure
>A yawn tears its way from deep within you letting itself loose loudly
>She smirks at you
>”And it looks like you’re ready to end today.”
>Yea, you were a few minutes ago there too
>You sit up and roll your head
“I think I might just do that…”
>You run a hand through your hair before looking to Luna
“How bout you?”
>As you stand up she gives you a nonchalant shake of the head before staring into the heavens once more
>”No, I wish to reminisce just a bit longer…”
>You shrug and begin to shuffle off, but stop just short of the doorway to the guest room before she calls out to you
>”Good night Anon, sleep well.”
>Looking over your shoulder you can see her getting comfy as the stars sparkle in her eyes
“Mhmm, goodnight.”
>With that you head to bed
.
.
.
https://youtu.be/eE039tB9_c8
>Cruel chunks of glass beneath you crunch into your soles and palms
>Sweat gathers on your brow
>Shadows surround you on all sides
>The world begins to spin
>Hope begins to dwindle
>A sudden light shines through
>A weakness to be capitalized on
>A tactic revealed
>Inspiration rekindles your inner flame
>Through daring and desperation you, succeed?
>”Perhaps I underestimated you, but let’s see how far you can go…”
>A pair of eyes watches you from the darkness

>You suck in a breath through your nose as your eyes snap open
>While taking slow deep breaths you stare at the starry sky
>Thought the nightmares were supposed to be over?
>Blinking, you realize your heart isn’t beating very fast
>Guess you can’t call that a nightmare as so much more of a…
>You scratch your head as the thought dies halfway to the station
>Whatever
>You’re far too sleepy for this shit
>Tossing over to your side you eyeball your charging phone
>You’ve got a blue light filter…
>Pulling the phone close you press the power button
>Oh fuck!
>The bright warm colored light from the screen causes your eyes to blur as you wince from the unexpected attack courtesy of your phone
>Forgot to turn the brightness back to normal it seems
>Guess there are perks to having your brightness just above the lowest setting
>Sliding it back to normal you do your best to blink away any moisture building up in your eyes
>That, combined with a bit of squinting, let’s you see that it’s 2 in the morning
>Just great, you’re supposed to be up in 3 and a half hours
>A yawn decides to force its way out of your mouth to accentuate the point
>Doing that however, just makes you realize how dry and slimly your mouth is
>Maybe a glass of water and you’ll go right back to sleep?
>That sounds like a good idea
>Maybe you’ll take a leak too
>Sitting up you look over the side of the bed
>Golly gee, that floor is so far away and…
>Sucking it up you swing your legs out of the warm comfort of the blanket and into the chilly non-blanket air
>In one movement you jump out of the covers and onto the floor with a soft *thump*

>Adjusting your crooked tank-top you begin the long arduous journey to the kitchen
>You stop at the doorframe to the guest bedroom as you see a certain sleeping someone on the couch
>Don’t know how you didn’t notice in bed, you had a clear view of her through the door
>Wait, you’re sleepy, duh
>Heh, you’re so smart sometimes
>Stepping out into the living room proper you see that Luna’s clutching a large book to her chest
>The giant red book creates a roof over her chest that rises and falls with her slow breathing
>You gotta take that book off her, but if you do…
>Your eyes linger on her chest before moving to your own hands
>That’s a bit close
>Ah what are you saying, she’s asleep, so it’s all daijobu!
>With carelessness thrown to the wind, you pluck the book off her by the spine
>Holding it aloft between your pointer and thumb, you get a small peek at what lies within
>Looks like a few pictures o-
>Luna turning in place startles you enough that you almost drop the book on top of her only barely managing to catch it with your other hand
>Ok, gonna take that as a sign that maybe you shouldn’t look inside it
>You set the heavy book down on the glass coffee table behind you
>Glancing back at Luna you see that she’s now clutching her arms
>Must be cold
>Maybe you should get her a blanket?
>You look around and see none
>Hmm
>Oh, there must be one in her room!
>You can just take it off her bed…
>Wait
>She probably wouldn’t like that very much
>You know you hate having to make your bed
>But you don’t know what else you could cover her with
>Should you cuddle her for warmth?
>You blink as the thought plays out in your head
>Furrowing your brow you reprimand yourself
>What the fuck is wrong with you?

>You are NOT going to even pretend that was a good idea
>You shake your head while wincing
>Why did you skip literally any better answer to go for cuddles?
>You need to sleep more; all this shit is actively getting to you
>Looking down to Luna’s sleeping form shows that she’s still in a deep slumber
>Looks pretty peaceful
>Maybe you could get your sweater or something and just lie it on top of her?
>You shiver involuntarily
>Maybe it wasn’t just the getting out of bed that made you cold, but that it’s actually cold out here?
>Either way, don’t think a sweater is going to cut it
>You look at your bare arms as they hang at your side, and back to Luna
>You know, you could probably lift her up…
>Could just carry her to her bed
>The thought of saying that out loud gives you a bit of a creepy vibe
>Pay no mind to you, just going to carry your unconscious not-mom to bed!
>Fuck, you’re tired, no one’s here, you don’t think she’ll care
>Just, get it over with
>Now, how you gonna do this?
>Maybe you could, oh!
>Lady luck smiles upon you as Luna curls up somewhat making her knees bend
>Why, you think she’s in the perfect position for a princess carry!
>You smirk as you take painstaking care to whittle your hand underneath her legs
>Even alone, you can’t escape being a weeb…
>Pushing past your self-depreciating you snake your arm across her shoulders
>She visibly relaxes as your arms wrap around her warm form
>It’s a bit awkward with how tall she is, or maybe since you’ve never done this, but you’ve got a good grip on her
>Not tight enough to wake her, but enough to make sure she won’t go toppling down when you lift her
>You don’t think you’ll need to, but you brace for a proper lift
>Spreading your feet shoulder length apart you breathe in
>3
>2
>1
>And upsidaisy!
>With a restrained effort you hoist the sleeping Luna into the air

>Holy hell, you should not have held back!
>You breathe deeply through your nose inadvertently smelling the vague scent of chamomile and citrus once more
>You wouldn’t know it by looking at her, but Luna is HEAVY
>While you know people aren’t nearly as evenly distributed as a barbell, you didn’t expect to have this much trouble
>Though you’re beginning to wager a guess as to why if her legs are any indicator
>You hate to think of it like this, but she is thick with muscle
>Not her entire leg or anything, there’s still a layer of fat coating the muscley core and shapely a-ok you should just stop right there
>Leaning the sleeping Luna against your chest you turn towards her room and begin your gentle march
>In the moonlight you tiptoe across the carpet doing your very best not to wake her
>God forbid you have to explain this
>As you get close to her room your heart skips a beat
>”Mppphmm…”
>Jim john Shamish you almost fucking tossed Luna!
>She wraps her arms around your neck as she mumbles
>”I love, mph…”
>Her breath tickles your neck giving you goosebumps
>You are SO CLOSE TO BED
>Going to just ignore everything now!
>You hurriedly rush to her bedside as you don’t want to hear any more sleep talk
>Thankfully you’re able to get to the bed without further incident
>With her leaning on you, you’re able to whip the blanket open
>Laying her down isn’t difficult either with the exception that she is still clinging to your neck
>Uhhh
>You wish the vibrating you were doing would break her grip, but no such luck
>One by one you peel her fingers off the back of your neck
>With your neck free you lay her head on her pillow and tuck her in
>THERE!
>You are done!
>You heave a sigh of relief as your gaze lingers on the sleeping Luna’s frown
>Looks like some hair is bothering her
>A compulsion forces you to whisper to no one as you brush the strand out of her face
“’Night.”
>You turn away from her and stifle a yawn
>Now about that water…

>A brisk wind whistles loudly as it flows around you
>Shivering slightly you dangle your feet over the edge as the cold bites, numbing the tip of your nose
>The vast snow dusted mountain range stretches out below you illuminated by the light of the full moon
>Your hands grip something
>Looking down the foil wrapped object glistens in the moonlight as you turn it over
>It’s a, present?
>As you further inspect the wondrous object sandwiched between your thick leather gloves a voice greets you from behind
>”Enjoying the view moons?”
>As you turn to face the familiar voice your vision begins to blur
>The dimly lit white around you mixes with a splotch of green before all fading into black before you can even open your mouth
.
.
.
>The ceiling
>You blink a few labored times as you realize you’re staring at your ceiling
>In your bed
>Warm, and alone
>Not up in the mountains
>With a mixture of dread and desperate hope you turn to your clock
>October 12th, 6:02 AM
>2016… 
>Rolling back over you stare at the ceiling
>An all too familiar shame wells up in your chest as your eyes begins to water
>It creeps in easily, taking up the empty space dread and hope left
>You massage your temples with a hand while squeezing your eyes shut tight
>Some things never change…
>You sigh doing your best to collect yourself
>Sitting up you attempt to stretch out only to feel your arms creak in pain
>Today is not going to be your day…
>Trying to both slowly wake up and do your best to forget the last of your dream you tune out the world
>Staring into your deep purple comforter you idly rub the hem between your thumb and forefinger as everything else drifts away
>It’s only you, the purple, and the soft fabric between your fingers
>The simple repetitive motions of your rubbing help to kick-start your mind

>Thirst is what comes back first as your mouth pleads for liquid
>Followed by a hunger pang from your now awake stomach
>Finally, sleep tries to call you back to its domain as a yawn works its way out from deep within you
>Ignoring it, you rub the sleep out of your eyes
>As your eyelids become lighter you feel your unstable grasp on lucidity tighten
>With your somewhat higher level of lucidity, perhaps you could attempt higher thought?
>You really don’t feel like it, but as you’re able to complain about doing so…
>Your eyes lazily drift over your room as your mind replays last night
>However, it comes up only as a haze
>Though you at least appear to be fine as nothing is out of place
>Limbs are intact
>Your picture frames are still in their proper place
>The small trinkets you keep as room décor are still lined up on the shelves
>It even looks as though all your books are in their proper place and accounted fo-
>No, wait…
>You squint hoping you’re just not seeing correctly, but are disappointed when nothing changes
>You’re missing a book
>A very important book you haven’t touched for a few years now
>You don’t remember taking it off the shelf though…
>A groan escapes your pursed lips as you fail once more to recall exactly what happened last night
>Not only did you have a bad dream, but apparently a bad night
>At least that’s all you can assume
>Dragging a hand down your face you contemplate just what could’ve caused you to dream of that once more
>You were reminded of a few, things, as you scoured through Anon’s mind, but that alone shouldn’t have prompted a dream like that
>Even with your degraded dream walking skills you still thought you kept more of your past mental discipline

>Though…
>Your eyes drift back to your clock that still gives you a tinge of disappointment alongside the shame
>Maybe that was a bit too wishful thinking
>Bringing a fist to your mouth you clear your throat
>Still you should get to th-what is that?
>You can’t help but notice a slight smudge on your hand as you pull it away from your face
>Is that, lipstick?
>Looks as though it wouldn’t be very noticeably different from your normal lip color, but the question now polluting your mind is; Why would you wear lipstick?
>As you try to come up with an answer a memory from yesterday’s dream walking vividly flashes in your mind
>Specifically what happened at the end of it
>When you…
>Thinking back to it now causes you to furrow your brow in confusion
>Why on earth would you think of that now?
>It seems like such a random thought considering what you’re th—
>Wait, it couldn’t mean?
>Your dream of that moment and then the events in Anon’s subconscious yesterday
>But why would your mind connect those two moments together?
>Besides having similar superficial aspects they don’t elicit the same emotional response
>You feel something else besides the immediate confusion as you think about it further
>Some sort of emotion in the back of your mind strong enough to be just noticeably different to confusion, but not strong enough to discern it properly
>The prickling emotion leaves you wondering what exactly it means
>Your eyes feel drawn to the only overturned picture on your shelf as you attempt to piece your thoughts together
>Furrowing your brow your shake your head
>Perhaps a shower would help clear up your mind?
>That sounds like a good idea

>Huh?
>Your awareness peaks as you, wake up?
>Guess you didn’t dream or something
>Opening your eyes, you see the morning sky above filtered through tinted glass
>Even with the morning sun tinted you squint a bit at the warm colors
>Still too bright for your tastes…
>You rub your sleep crusted eyes while rolling onto your side facing the nightstand beside you
>A stubborn amount of sleep clings to your eye causing you to half focus on rubbing it more while you grope for your phone charging beside you
>As you finally free yourself from the crusty crumbles you manage to grab your phone
>Pressing the power button you take a peek at the time with your fresh eyes
>7:24AM
>A frown curls your lips as you flop back onto your back
>Of course you wake up 6 minutes before your alarm
>You quickly deactivate the alarm as to not spook yourself later and breathe in the first deep breath of what’s sure to be a, day
>Yep, not going to jinx it or call it
>So you’ll just say it’s going to be a day
>Sitting up you go over what you need to do today
>Gonna ask Twilight about her stipends and stuff over lunch
>Wonder if she means off campus or not
>Can you even leave school during lunch, or would a better question be should you?
>While you don’t really enjoy what Luna pointed out last night, you’ll admit it makes sense
>Probably shouldn’t be so carefree if there’s so much going down you don’t know about
>Especially since apparently everyone knows you live
>Well ok, the sirens don’t really constitute everyone, but it was easy for them to find you
>At least you assume so
>Actually, how did they find you?
>There was that time they followed you to your apartment complex, but you don’t know how they found your exact door
>That place has no names on the letterboxes right?
>Not to mention that you need a key to get into the building itself

>You know that practically no one lives in that old apartment complex anymore too, so you don’t know who could’ve let them in
>Even though you say that, it just occurred to you that no one saw or heard your rage induced battle with Aria
>How was that not on the news, or did no one give enough of a shit to investigate?
>Seems a bit fishy now that you think about it
>Furrowing your brow you fail to come up with an answer
>You’ll have to investigate at some point, but for now you should get out of bed
>Wait, you were going over your day plans
>Ah, just do both!
>You toss the blanket off your body and expose yourself to the cold air
>Besides grilling Twilight about stuff over lunch you gotta, uh…
>You rub the stubble growing on the side of your face as you fling your feet over the side of your bed
>Oh!
>You gotta get your stuff from home!
>It’s about time you get to shaving isn’t it?
>Always hated how your facial hair grew in
>Never just how you wanted
>Well shave stuff aside; you kinda want to get your laptop
>It has all your, school work!
>Yep, need it for dat schoolin
>Oh shit, you have to catch up on school don’t you?
>You missed all of yesterday
>Two weeks ago that would be a nightmare where you’d actually have to ask the teacher about it, but now you have people you know in class
>Not only that, but people you don’t mind talking to!
>Standing up you do some stretches
>What a wonderful feeling it is being able to bum homework off of others!
>Or at least what you missed
>Your whole body is still a bit stiff, but besides that you only have very minor aches
>Enough to hurt a tiny bit, but not enough to really require any further acknowledgment really

>Least now you won’t have to take any more pills
>Even if the cost is doing an untold amount of damage to yourself
>You wave the thought off before it lingers and continue with your listing
>So you got lunch time with Twilight, supply raid on home base, and you get the lingering feeling you’re forgetting something
>Grabbing the clean sweatpants next to your little pile of dirty clothes you don them hastily
>Oh, maybe you should ask where to put the dirty clothes?
>Or just pick them up off the floor
>Picking up the old sweatpants you fold them up before slapping them onto the bed and moving onto the discarded hoodie
>However as you spread said hoodie out on the bed you notice something
>Aw crap, is that booger?
>There’s a tiny green blob on your hoodie’s back
>Nasty
>You ain’t touching that thing without protection
>You grab a dirty sock and wear it like a glove
>Perfect
>With a finesse and grace expected for peeling unknown shit off your clothes you remove the small green blob
>Oh god it’s squishy!
>Holding it as far away from you as possible you rub the offending globule into the side of the tiny wastebasket within the nightstand
>You flick the sock glove inside the garbage to be sure of its cleanliness before setting the sock on the bed
>Have no idea what that was, but at least it had the decency to not take much effort to get off your hoodie
>In a quick motion you scoop and toss the other sock from the ground onto the bed beside its mate
>EZ
>Your stomach grumbles annoyingly as you grab the clean hoodie from atop the dresser
>Looks like it’s food time
>You slip into your new hoodie as you step towards your closed door
>Odd, don’t remember closing that
>You shake your head as you grab the door handle
>That doesn’t matter, what matters now is what you can maaakkeee…

>You whistle quietly to yourself at the sorry sight that befalls your eyes
>Luna, perched on a stool at the bar counter, is currently drinking out of a mug pretty pitifully
>The stench of coffee being brewed permeates the air like a bad diner on Sunday morning
>Normally that’s fine, you know people like their fix in the morning, but what’s not normal is that it usually helps them really wake up
>Being really awake right now, is not the proper description you’d use to describe what Luna is however
>She looks like she just got hit by a truck and decided she’d rather walk it off instead of visiting a hospital
>Ok, maybe you’re being a bit, hyper uh, hyperbolic?
>Yea, that’s the word
>Still, she doesn’t look like that coffee is really doing her any favors right now
>In fact, you’d go so far as to say she hates it with how she’s glaring into her mug like it owes her money 
>Not only are her eyes tinged with a particularly noticeable crimson, but also appear to be carrying several people’s worth of bags underneath them 
>You’re going to go out on a limb here and say her face is a “I’d rather be dead right now” then a “Ready for the day” kinda look
>Pretty sure the thing that really wraps it all together though is the fact she’s wearing her work clothes
>This is how she looks after getting ready for work
>At least, you’d guess that given the clothes and slight slick sheen her hair has
>She brings a mug up to her mouth once more and takes a deep drink as you watch form the doorway like an autist
>For some reason, even though the answer is pretty plain to see, you can’t help but ask the obvious as you walk towards the kitchen
“You uh, not a morning person I take it?”

>Finally noticing you walking in Luna perks up wearing a wry smile
>”Sister was usually the one with a sunny disposition in the morning.”
>You can only smirk as you step in front of the sink
“Well, I guess that happens when you stay up late enough to crash on the couch.”
>Opening a few cupboards you look for a glass as she pipes up
>”I fell asleep on the couch?”
>You finally find the cups hidden over the stove of all places instead of above the sink
“Yea, I woke up around 2 to get some water, and found you snoozin away on the couch.”
>Yoinking a glass you set your eyes back on the fridge
“Probably fell asleep reading that book and star gazing.”
>Not that you could blame her, you can imagine how comfy that’d be
>You lean against the fridge and push your cup into the water dispenser as she takes another sip of coffee
>”Hm, I don’t remember waking up and getting into bed.”
>Turning to her you shoot her a finger gun while bringing the cup up to your mouth
“That’s cause I carried you to bed.”
>She diverts her gaze back down to her mug as you take a drink
>”I, well thank you…”
>It’s as you pull your cup away from your lips do you realize what words you just spewed out
>You had one chance, one opportunity, and instead of capturing it you chucked it as far as you possibly could
>You purse your lips as the awkward silence you single-handedly created becomes more noticeable
>Luna stares deeply into her mug mouthing something to herself as you place your cup on the counter behind you
>Need to smoothly segway into something else, and quick
>Uhhh
>Your stomach helpfully grumbles at the lack of foodstuffs it’s digesting
>Hey, that’s a pretty good pivot!
>Clapping your hands together you turn back towards the cupboards

“So hey, what do we want for the most important meal of the day? I’m feeling something heavy and filling!”
>Like pancakes, you could really go for some pancakes right now!
>Pretty sure you saw some mix in one of those cupboards earlier
>The sound of the stool suddenly screeching on the tiled floor hits your ears as you pull the cabinets open
>”You needn’t lift a finger; I will gladly prepare us a meal.”
>You look back over your shoulder at the now somewhat more awake looking Luna
>At least you think she’s tiring to look less tired with the rapt attention she’s now giving you
>Still, you ain’t having none of that
>You blow a raspberry at her and go back to looking for that mix you KNOW is in here somewhere
“That’s fine and all, but you made dinner last night so it’s only fair I return the favor and make breakfast.”
>Aha, there’s the bugger!
>Hiding behind the sugar for some reason
>Setting it down on the counter you turn around to see Luna is looking down to the right while she brings a fist to her mouth
>”I suppose if I made dinner last night, then it’s only fair…”
>Uhh, you just said that?
>You take out a particularlly big mixing bowl out of the cupboards as you raise an eyebrow
>She must be as out of it as she looks if that was all it took to stop her dead in her tracks
>You’re not sure you’d even want to risk her handling something mildly dangerous like a hot pan
>Taking a slow step towards her you place a hand on her shoulder
“Yea, that’s right.”
>She looks to you as you spin her towards the island counter
“So why don’t you go back to your seat, and we can talk or something while I make us some pancakes, how’s that sound?”
>She resists your gentle push somewhat as she furrows your brow
>”I can at the very least assist you in some way instead of sitting idly by drinking coffee.”

>Aw jeez
>Is Luna puffing her cheeks out as she pouts?
>Cause that’s not helping her case for how up-and-at-em she is considering you don’t think she’d normally resort to pouting so quickly
>You wave off pouty mc pout pout as you point to her mug
“You are most certainly assisting me; you’re keeping me awake with some riveting conversation and energizing company.”
>She doesn’t seem 100% convinced by your stellar reasoning and vocabulary choice
>You jab a thumb towards the mix
“That, and, pancake mixing is kind of a one person job.”
>Her gaze slowly pans to the mix as the gears turn in her head
>She frowns before nodding
>”I, concede your point.”
>Fantastic!
>Now all you have to do is hope she comes up with questions as spurring small talk sure isn’t your strong suit
>You pat her on the back and set about gathering the ingredients for the mix
>Grabbing a big bowl you saw in your random checking of all the cupboards you slap it down next to the mix
>You can see Luna chugging her remaining coffee out of the corner of your eye
>She gets up to presumably pour herself another cup as you check the fridge for eggs
>Which, lucky day, there appears to be more than enough for pancakes
>Hell, you didn’t get a good look last night, but this fridge is pretty stocked
>You grab the milk as well cause mix always tastes better with milk
>Closing the fridge behind you with your foot you set the milk and eggs next to the bowl
>Can’t help but notice the expiration date on the milk though since you like to check that before getting a whiff of sour milk
>It’s for the end of the month
>Did Luna just get this milk?
>Oh wait, she already told you she just moved back in here
>Oh shit, you have a question that needs answering!

“So I know you said you just moved in here within the past week last night, but…”
>Considering the state of all those dusty outfits in the closet, and not to mention that other room entirely with the mountains of books
>You’re pretty sure she didn’t move all the stuff in that room by herself in a week
>You crack the eggs into the bowl as Luna leans back onto the counter by the brewing coffee pot with a fresh mug in hand
>Don’t think she could’ve even with a few people to help out
>Tossing them into the sink, with what you hope is a garbage disposal, you make eye contact with her
“I was wondering if you’ve lived here before.”
>She breaks eye contact with you for a moment with a blink before tilting her head slightly to the left
>”I was, telling the truth about recently moving back in, but you are correct in your assumption that I’ve lived here before.”
>She stops for a sip while you search the drawers nearby for measuring cups and whisks
>”I had lived here since I graduated high school, but decided to leave for a while a few years ago...”
>What?
>She’s lived here, in easily one of the swankiest buildings in Canterlot, since after high school?
>Not only that, but in the penthouse suite?
>You can guess as to why she left this place a few years ago if she’s been here since high school and all, but now you’re just more confused
>You take the utensils you’ll need for the mix and plop them on the counter as you eye her
“How’d you manage to swing that?”
>A small chuckle escapes the thin smile of her lips
>”The owner owed us quite the hefty favor.”
>She then leaves that cryptic sentence hang in the air as she takes a long swig of her black liquid
>Us, who’s us?
>What kind of hefty favor?
>WHAT HAPPENED?!

>You purse your lips as you wait for Luna’s elaboration impatiently, only for none to come as she hums contently staring into her coffee
>She just loves fucking with you doesn’t she?
>Is this a game to her?
>You’re beginning to think it is!
>While measuring the appropriate amounts of milk and pancake mix you ask what’s on your mind
“You uh, you just gonna leave that one hangin there, or uh?”
>She seems to snap out of whatever trance she was in as you dump the mix into a big bowl
>”Oh sorry, it’s just quite a long story is all.”
>Is there ever something that’s not?
>You do your best to refrain from being an ass and instead drop it to begin mixing
“Well then, how bout we talk about today instead?”
>Apparently liking this new direction in conversation she nods with a yawn
>”Alright, is there anything you had in mind which you wanted to discuss first?”
>Staring into the quickly congealing goop you do remember a few things, most importantly
“So can I go home to grab some stuff if I’m staying here for, however long?”
>You turn the burner beside you on before realizing you don’t know where the pans are
>Luna must notice your plight as she taps the bottom of the oven with a socked foot
>”In the drawer, but I don’t mind driving you down there after school.”
>Sweet
>You pull out the draw and grab a flat pan
“Sounds like a plan.”
>So you can go grab your stuff right after class
>Setting the pan on the stovetop you goto the fridge to grab some butter
>Sure, you may have to postpone your workout for a bit but it’s not th-HOOOOOO BOY
>You almost drop the butter as you remember what it is you forgot about today
>You completely forgot that you have to show Trixie the ropes after school!

>It was probably because of all the stuff you did after setting up the time
>You think you said you’d meet up at, 5 5:30?
>You’d text and ask, but that seems a bit, rude to you
>Fuck it, you’ll just be there and ready by 5!
>Slapping a bit of butter on the heating pan with a spatula
>Wait, you double forgot!
>Students aren’t usually allowed into the weight room after hours without permission
>Something about how if too many use them the sports teams can’t
>Though you usually never see them
>Well wait again, you’ve got the de facto boss of the school right next to you
>Just ask her!
>You point at Luna, who appears to be enjoying while getting a ladle full of pancake batter
“So hey, I know you said it was alright if I did, but would it be okay if I showed someone else the weight room?”
>Not going to mention the whole part where you’re getting Trixie dinner afterwards though
>You can probably just swing to someplace close and call it a night
>Luna sets her now empty mug on the counter while she pulls out her phone
>”At what time were you thinking of showing them?”
>The pan begins to sizzle as the melted butter begins to vanish
>You pour a ladle of batter onto the middle before answering
“Around 5:30?”
>A few finger swipes and a smile later she looks up from her phone
>”Lucky you, that happens to be when I’m assisting Barbell with taking inventory of the sports equipment. So I don’t think anyone will know if you do.”
>Mr. Flies takes inventory?
>Always thought he made the football team do that or something
>Regardless, that’s great!
>You’ll have to figure out the whole getting dinner with Trixie bit later

>Though that does bring another topic to mind
>You flip the pancake over revealing a nicely browned side
“So I know I’m staying here because of the whole everyone knowing where I live and it’s dangerous thing, but how careful do I need to be besides that?”
>You remember that she and Celestia had asked you to stay with Sunset in that really cryptic message, but never really explained why
>Not that you don’t know shit is going down in town or anything, but it’d be nice to hear that the trouble Luna knows about is the same that you do
>Instead of another even bigger super trouble looming over the horizon
>She pockets her phone while furrowing her brow
>”While I wish you didn’t, you know about as much as I do about the extent of the danger present in Canterlot currently.”
>She clasps her hands together as you await her next words
>”It was only recently with your fight on Friday did Tia, Will, and I finally start taking action.”
>She looks up from her hands and directly into your eyes
>”While you standing before me is a testament that you’ve at least managed to, survive all the encounters you’ve had, I would rather you reduce any risks you may take.”
>She looks away somewhat dissatisfied
>”But I know you are a teenager, you must still have things you need to do, and places to go…”
>You?
>Think she may be getting you confused for a normal person
>She places a firm but gentle hand on your shoulder
>”I only ask that you call me at the first sign of trouble if you do have to stray away from where I can keep you safe.”
>Well, you didn’t expect her to be so, forthcoming?
>At least now you won’t have to literally sneak out with Trixie
>You nod reassuringly
“I can do that.”

>Luna smiles half-heartedly as she eyes your chest
>Letting go of your shoulder she sighs as you grab a plate
>”I believe it would also be in your best interest to bring your pin along with you.”
>Huh?
>Unexpected words if you’ve ever heard em
>You set the plate down next to the stove and turn to face her
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
>Grabbing her mug and the coffee pot once more she nods
>”Regardless of you not knowing how to operate it properly it can still help you defend yourself.”
>How?
>Like you get that it’s just wanting to use it that activates it or whatever, but…
“But I wasn’t able to use it when I needed it before.”
>Filling her cup up with more coffee she looks up at you with only her eyes
>”Are you sure about that?”
>Well, yes?
“Pretty sure, when I used it on Friday I had three colored aura things.”
>Setting the pot down she takes a sip before nodding
>”True, but not all magic is as brazen and colorful like an aura.”
>Well, you guessed as much, but…
“What about the whole wearing out my bore thing? I don’t really want to tempt fate.”
>You’d rather not see what happens to you if you overload on magic or something
>With a wave of her hand she smiles
>”As long as you try to escape as quickly as possible at the first sight of danger, then there shouldn’t be a problem correct?”
>Well uh, huh
>Yea, guess that’s one way of looking at it
>”Besides, with some of those who could cause trouble being our own students, I’d rather you have it and be in danger of using too much magic then be in more danger not having it.”
>Well, while you want to blame some of them, you think it may not be fully their fault
>At least, if your own experience is anything to go off of
>You still don’t know what to think about that pink stuff…

>You almost physically pull yourself out of that hole by shaking your head
>You’re pretty sure you don’t have anything to worry about at school
>Besides Luna being there, you don’t think anyone will trouble you
>Gilda probably skips all her classes, Flash is too busy reading, and the sirens…
>You think back to the way Sonata looked at you at the taco place yesterday
>Her cowering form at the mere sight of you
>The way her eyes focused on yours…
“I, don’t think the sirens, or any of them will be a problem any time soon…”
>Luna cocks an eyebrow before frowning
>”What makes you think that?”
>A wry smile splits your lips
“Just, call it intuition.”
>Oh god, is Luna’s cryptic bs rubbing off on you?
>She snorts quietly before pointing at the stove
>”You’re burning.”
>Burning up for yo-wait what?
>The scent of burnt pancake wafts into your nostrils as you realize your horrid mistake
>PANCAKE NOOO!
>Twisting back towards the now burning pancake with spatula in hand you quickly get to work
>With a single mighty shove you separate pancake from pan
>Flipping it onto the plate you’re met with a lovely solid charred pancake
>Luna chuckles beside you
>”Perhaps we should move to a topic less, demanding of your attention?”
>You look over to the now smiling woman
>Heh, she loves it!
>Watching you mess up that is
>She leans in with a now smug grin replacing her joyful smile
>”Lest you reenact the first time Sister attempted to cook pancakes.”
>Oh what?
>You point the spatula at Luna who’s now sipping her coffee, smugly?
“Ok then, why don’t you tell me about that?”

>You speed walk to the front entrance of CHS as the dry winds bite at your heels
>While you appreciate Luna dropping you off a street before the school as to not arouse suspicion you are starting to wonder why you bother
>The only people who’d even notice or say anything are probably Sunset’s squad
>You give a silent nod to the scrawny student who politely holds the door open for you
>Walking through the threshold you’re hit by the warmth of the blessed school heaters
>Either that, or the mass of people going to and fro just makes the chill melt away
>Though now that you think about it, you’d have to explain why you’re getting rides from Luna
>Weaving your way through the crowd you head towards the less crowded hallways
>Considering her apartment is farther away from yours then the school though, and you’re not the best at lying
>You’d probably just tell them the…
>You sigh as you spot your desolate section of hallway in the distance
>Luckily for you it’s not too far a trek from the entrance, and is incredibly visible on top of that
>Though that’s only by virtue of half the lights being burnt out
>You turn the corner and are immediately swallowed by the slightly darker atmosphere
>Seriously, you’ve been here for like two months and this one dead end of lockers is the only place without proper lighting
>You stop in front of the very last locker on the left
>With a few quick spins of the lock wheel the door peels open
>Revealing the mostly empty interior…
>Kinda forgot that you left your backpack at home
>Well, at least you have an extra spiral notebook and a single pencil!
>Truly, the equipment of academic elite

>Shutting your locker you spin on your heels back toward the brighter hallway
>Well, now you just need to find your way to first hour
>It feels like it’s been forever and a half since you last went to class
>Taking a leisurely pace you mosie towards brighter halls
>Leaving the shadow realm behind you you contemplate taking your immediate left
>You don’t usually, but you could stop by the cafeteria if you do take it
>Don’t know if you’ll have enough time to really enjoy zoning out in the corner
>Or, you know, doing what you probably should be doing and hanging out with the peeps who are going out of their way to be your friends
>A peek at a local clock above the lockers gives you the time
>8:30
>Ehhh, class is in 15 minutes and if you do hang out in the cafeteria you'll get caught up in practically the whole school rushing to their classes
>Like they all treat the warning bell as a starting pistol
>Still don't know why so many students wait till the literal last minute to get to class
>Just makes the place a ghost town until then like it is now
>Still, there's also the fact your first hour is somewhere on the other side of the school…
>Yea, you’ll pass for today
>You continue pass the turn and resume your normal route
>Just need to take this right up ahead, then left, and right and then you shoul-
>Oh shit!
>You quickly move to the side as someone nose deep in a book comes round the corner and almost straight into you
>What an asshole!
>You almost yell at the guy until he passes you and you realize it’s Flash!
>Again!
>That guy really needs to learn when it’s appropriate to read
>You stare a bit in disbelief as the fact Flash is reading this much troubles you
>You saw him yesterday doing it, AND today

>If you didn’t know any better, you’d be worried for The Rainbooms
>Though last you checked, gravity still works, it’s not raining cats and dogs, and the sun did indeed rise this morning
>So there’s no way that an idiot like Flash can come up with a song better than the girls can
>Right?
>It occurs to you that you’ve actually never heard them sing before
>Might have to ask about that, wait a second!
>In your dumb standing around you notice that Flash didn’t take the only right before the dark depths that are your locker hallway
>Oh god, is this a gift for you?
>Is Flash going to walk straight into the dead end?
>There’s no way!
>Not wanting him to see you if he indeed does pull a massive stupid, you hide behind the corner you were going down and peek your head out
>His footsteps echo throughout the empty halls with a painfully slow rhythm
>He’s so close!
>You are really into the idea of seeing him be an idiot aren’t you?
>Well, it would be pretty funny
>HERE IT COMES!
>As he takes the final step before assuring his own humiliation he, spins?
>Spinning on his heel he leans back onto the wall while still reading
>Wow, you don’t know if you underestimated his ability to not be an idiot, or if it as just wishful thinking that you’d get to see something funny
>That’s a whole minute of your life you won’t be getting back
>You move to resume your jaunt to class before noticing two people coming around the corner by Flash
>Some guy wearing a brown bead necklace and an awflly angry scowl
>Next to him is...
>Is that fucking Ringo?
>You’re pretty sure this guy is going for that look, but his mustache is too thin
>Guy just looks like a knock off Ringo who tried to pencil a mustache on

>Maybe it’s the combination of this guy’s distinct appearance, and your general inclination towards snooping, but you think you may just snoop
>Considering that class is a minute’s walk away anyways you might as well
>Not to mention Flash might be up to something
>You being here means you can immediately spring into action, and call Luna!
>You know, cause you’re not supposed to actively seek out trouble?
>The combined footfalls of the two new guys stop echoing as they stand in front of Flash
>Angry bead guy crosses his arms as he shakes his head
>”What do you want from us?”
>You can’t really see Flash as the other two are blocking your view, but you hear something slam shut
>”What, I can’t talk to my friends?”
>He just wants to talk, in the only dark and ominous place that’s perfect for shady meetings
>OK
>The not!Ringo looks to the bead guy with a similar scowl before turning it on Flash
>”Friends, man you haven’t spoken to us since you decided to get you’re little posse together after all the magic stuff at the battle of the bands!”
>Beadman clenches a fist at his side before violently pointing at Flash
>”Not only that, but we saw the flyers you made in the bathroom; I can’t believe you’d replace us and rename the band behind our backs!”
>Uh, you don’t want to defend Flash or anything, but isn’t he just creating his own new band at that point?
>”Flyers, I didn’t make any flyers?”
>Huh?
>Flash didn’t make those?
>That’s, odd
>He seems like the special kind of autist that'd do that
>”Besides, I didn’t replace you; in fact, I wanted to talk about that.”
>With those words, Flash steps out from behind them and stands facing a locker
>He stares for a moment before resting an outstretched hand on the locker door

>”Don’t you miss it, even a little bit?”
>The two guys you don’t know the names of turn to him skeptically
>Rango particularly seems a bit miffed
>”What, being a band?”
>Flash shakes his head before pivoting on his heel to face them
>”No, not just that, don’t you guys see what’s missing?”
>You can’t even begin to ponder what Flash would consider missing from his life
>More fans?
>Girls?
>Beads glances at Wrongo before scrunching his face
>”No, we don’t.”
>Good, it’s not just you
>Flash groans while dragging his hands down his face with a frown
>”How could you NOT?”
>That’s not a bit creepy
>Before either can respond he points at dollar-bin-go
>”Ringo, how many girls are you chatting up now?”
>Dear god his name is ACTUALLY just Ringo
>Ringo seems really, off put by Flash’s question
>”Lots of em man, like uhh…”
>Flash frantically grabs the other guy by the shoulders
>”Brawly man, how many chicks have hit on you in the past week, no wait, month?”
>Brawly looks between Ringo and Flash before averting his gaze
>”None…”
>Flash steps back with a clap of his hands while nodding
>”Exactly…”
>This can’t actually be abou-
>”We used to be the most popular band in all the school, but now you guys are just another face in the crowd!”
>Seriously?
>He clenches his fists as he angrily stares down a locker
>”The cream of the crop, the best of the best, all until those Rainbooms formed a band.”
>With a snort he gnashes his teeth
>”They used magic to claw their way to the top! That’s why EVERYONE loves their music, because they cheated!”
>He kicks the locker somehow causing what lights remain active to flicker as the bang of metal against shoe echoes in the hall

>”So we HAVE to play against the Rainbooms, and absolutely destroy them!”
>Wow, Flash seems really fired up about this
>To the point that you’d be worried if he were anybody else, but it is him
>This is the same guy who thought a riddle book was upping the ante
>There’s no way someone that stupid can be a real threat to the girls
>Though he’s probably stupid enough to try something
>Maybe you should watch out for him
>Brawly scratches his head
>”But it wasn’t even the Rainbooms who beat us.”
>Flash rubs his hands together with a nasty smirk
>”You’re right, but they beat the Dazzlings, so if we beat the team who beat them, then we’re the best!”
>Well that line of reasoning makes sense at least
>Brawly seems to be liking the idea as he nods slowly
>”Yea, yea that makes sense…”
>He scratches his chin tentatively
>”But what about the magic superpower stuff they use when they play? It’s so hard to not get strung along with their song when they grow those ear and tail things.”
>Still wondering about that yourself
>You’re pretty sure you’ve seen them, pony up, as Sunset referred to it in her mock story
>Though you don’t really know what the deal with that is
>Definitely going to have to move that whole seeing them play objective near your main priorities just to see it yourself
>Flash nods while holding up an open hand with a sinister grin splitting his face
>”I know, I know, but don’t worry about it; a friend of mine gave me something to deal with their magic, trust me.”
>That, doesn’t really bode well
>Maybe you should do some snoopin into who’s still friends with Flash
>Cause you don’t think many people have something to just deal with magic

>Ringo seems to explode as his silence is broken with a humph
>Stomping forward he pushes Brawly back a step with a nudge as if to physically distance him from Flash
>”Trust YOU, man! That doesn’t make any damn sense at all!”
>Advancing towards Flash once more Ringo angrily jabs his outstretched finger into Flash’s chest
>”After we lost the battle of the bands to those stupid, cheaters, you left us both high and dry like a pair of old loafers!”
>You find a frown parting your own lips at the second mention of Flash abandoning them
>You didn’t take Flash for someone to drop a person he labeled as a friend
>Especially with how much he practically revealed in how his posse filatiated him
>People like him who can so quickly turn on someone so close to them because of something bad…
>Your fist tightens on the corner your peeking out of
>Ringo’s continues yelling at Flash as he stamps a foot on the ground
>”That’s not even mentioning that The Rainbooms have magic just like The Dazzlings did, but they out magiced their magic man!”
>Waving his hands in the air he shakes his head
>”We saw you get your ass beat by that green kid, and I didn’t see him have any magic swirly stuff till that right he gave you! Yet you say that you have something to deal with it and to just trust you!?”
>Stepping back he pats Brawly on the chest as he coughs into his fist
>”Maybe there was a time I'd just nod and go along with it, but that's not now. Why should we even try to trust you again after all that? You’re the worst!”
>God damn, you don’t really know Ringo, but just from how much he’s shaking and how hoarse his voice sounded at the end there…
>Well, he doesn’t seem like the kind of guy to raise his voice a lot

>For the first time you’ve ever seen, Flash doesn’t do anything stupid
>He doesn’t puff his chest out
>He doesn’t immediately come up with an excuse
>Hell, he doesn’t even get angry
>Averting his eyes to the ground he dangles his hands at his sides
>Looks like he may drop his book as Ringo’s words weigh on everyone who could hear them
>Ringo seems to have stopped shaking as Brawly wraps an arm around his shoulder
>They both stare down the silent Flash
>You can’t really see from so far away, but you’re pretty sure he has a very familiar look on his face
>One you didn’t think you’d be seeing anywhere besides a mirror on a restless night
>You wince at the wording before shoving any thoughts out of your head
>Flash’s mouth moves, but no words come out
>Maybe, you should stop listening in…
>It’s as you start slinking away do words travel down the hall
>”You’re right.”
>You freeze somewhat startled by the unexpected words
>Did Flash just admit he did something wrong?
>You quickly peek back around the corner
>It appears you aren’t the only one stunned by his response as both Ringo and Brawly have confusion clear on their faces 
>Flash seems so small as his shoulders hangs as low as his head
>”I’ve been a horrible vocalist, lead guitar…”
>Contrary to his hunched over demeanor his voice is steady
>”But most of all, I’ve been a terrible friend. And I’m…”
>He finally looks them in the eyes as he speaks
>”I’m sorry.”
>Your jaw physically drops
>Several waves of disbelief are hitting you right now
>For the fact he actually said that, and the fact he actually said that!
>Or uh, how he said sorry and that he said sorry
>Yea, that’s it
>You, you didn’t think you’d ever hear Flash do that
>Or at least, not so bluntly
>Don’t think Brawly and Ringo did either
>They seem to be having a quiet conversation between the two of them via telepathic thoughts and glares

>Honestly, against your better judgment, you can’t help but empathize with Flash a little
>To say your feelings out loud and to be met with this
>Just silence
>It’s a bad experience
>The silence somehow gets heavier as Flash kicks the ground
>”What do I have to do to get the band back together?”
>Fuck, Flash is surprising you in all kinds of ways today huh?
>Not only admitting he’s wrong, apologizing, but actively asking for help
>If this keeps up you might start to think he’s not a complete idiot
>Ringo steps forward
>”Change the band name back for starters.”
>Brawly nods with a frown before adding
>”And we get to use your garage for practice.”
>Ringo raises an eyebrow at Brawly who shrugs
>”I like seeing Misses Sentry, she’s so pretty and always makes those chocolate chip cookies whenever we practice.”
>Flash nods stepping towards them
>”Of course, that’s super easy!”
>Brawly wraps an arm around Ringo and Flash bringing them together
>”It feels good to be back!”
>You can’t help but crack a small smile at the sight
>You may not really like Flash, but…
>It’s nice seeing people make up
>Though you thought they were going to consider helping Flash?
>You can’t quite see Ringo’s face, but you guess he’s fine with it if he’s not objecting
>They all share the embrace for a few seconds before letting go
>Ringo fist pumps excitedly
>”Let’s show the Rainbooms that Flash Drive is the coolest band in the school!”
>Flash gives him a thumbs up
>”Then everyone will see that WE rule the school!”
>Annndddd your warm feelings are gone
>What a surprise, all it took was Flash opening his mouth
>You shake your head as you stop snoopin
>You’ll worry about the newly revived Flash Drive later
>For now, it’s time to get to class
>You'll be late for being early at this rate

>Dangit dangit dangit!
>Now what are you gonna do?
>You didn’t really expect Rainbow to be free, but you had held onto hope
>Looks like it was for nothing since everybody’s busy tomorrow
>Maybe if you work extra hard today and tomorrow you’ll be able to pick up the slack?
>Hopefully nothing too serious comes up before you’re do-
>”Oomph!”
>Somebody bumps into you pretty hard almost toppling the both of you to the ground
>You manage to catch yourself and stop in the flow of people
>Getting ready to apologize you reach out to the frustrated girl as she rights herself
“So-“
>She cuts you off with a glare before stuffing her hands back into her hoodie and rushing off
>Well ain’t she just little Ms. sunshine?
>Probably wouldn’t have been able to fall over in the first place if she didn’t have such weird boots on
>Readjusting your backpack you continue back down the hallway to class 
>You really need to start leaving before the warning bell rings
>Havin to elbow your way through most the school to make it to your first hour ain’t the best way to start school everyday
>As you pass through the threshold of Ms. Cinnamon Swirl’s classroom the final bell rings
>You smile sheepishly at the teacher who motions to the door
>”Being the last in would you please?”
>You shut the door quickly before turning and scanning the room for a seat
>Well would you look at that, Anon is here, and he happens to be sitting alone once more
>Looks like you get to chit chat with him after all
>Maybe you could ask about what Rainbow brought up the other morning
>Though maybe you should let sleepin dogs lie
>As you saunter to his table in the back something hits you
>Anon’s here too!
>You’re supposed to be getting friendly with him anyways, and you don't really know a better way to get to know someone
>Maybe, you could ask him?

>Thank god
>You scoot the chair beside you out a bit and smile at Applejack who replies with her own as she makes her way towards your table
>It was going to be really awkward having to ask for an extra book so you could work on the assignment after you already went up to get said assignment in the first place
>You’d look like an idiot
>Lucky you, Applejack’s here
>”Was beginning to wonder if ya had more paperwork to fill out with vice-principal Luna.”
>She drops her book bag on the table while sitting in the pulled out seat next to you
“Nah, I got all that I needed to do done yesterday.”
>She lets out a short hum as she searches her book bag
>”So where were ya at then, ifin you don’t mind me askin.”
>You shrug while flipping your pencil between your fingers
“Got going a little later than usual, and didn’t feel like wading through the warning bell crowd after five minutes in the cafeteria.”
>As she plops her beaten up book down, she pulls her hat back
>”Ah get ya, been thinkin about leaving earlier myself to avoid em too.”
>Flipping open her book she pulls out a sheet wedged between the pages before her eyes flick to you
>”Did ya read the homework part, or do you want ta skim it some before we start?”
>You check the actual page numbers required for the first time
>A wry smile finds its way to your face as you do your best not to make eye contact with the cowgirl beside you
“We uh, we may have already read that far when we, read it out loud.”
>She stares down at the somewhat wrinkled paper and purses her lips
>”Oh, right…”
>Bringing pencil to the paper you nudge her with your elbow to get her attention
“Why don’t get this out of the way before we think too hard about that eh?”
>She opens her mouth but closes it quickly with a smirk
>”Alright.”

>Annnnddd there, all done
>Leaning back you stretch your hands with interlaced fingers as you let loose a yawn
>Overall pretty easy, really just busy work
>Usually the last essay questions are more technical term heavy, but this one was just an opinion piece on the romance genre in general
>Scribbling down that you can see why some people like it didn’t take long
>Taking a quick peek at the clock you smile
>Huh, looks like you’ve still got some time left in class too
>Schwing
>Looking over to Applejack’s worksheet it seems like she’s finishing up too
>While not your intention, you do catch a bit of her last answer
>While kinda dumb I really like the way romance makes me feel all warm an-
>You quit peeking as you’re pretty sure you get the gist of her feelings on it
>Wouldn’t have pegged her to be one for romance
>She sets down her pencil and stretches her arms out
>”Whoo, glad ta be done with that.”
>You take a deep breath as she stuffs her book back into her book bag
>”So hey, Anon?”
>Hm?
>Applejack still has her hands inside her book bag as she seemingly peers into its contents
“What’s up?”
>Her brow furrows slightly as you hear muffle tapping coming from within her book bag
>”Now ah know this may not be the best time, but…”
>Oh boy, she sounds quite a bit serious
>You stop leaning back and lean forward onto your elbows
>”Ah helped carry you out of there when ah saw the shape you were in…”
>Well points for you being right
>You frown at the thoughts popping up in your mind just at mentioning Sunday
>”So ah’ve been wonderin since yesterday about that.”
>Probably should’ve saw this question coming
>Normally people don’t just take a day off and come back perfectly fine

>Applejack turns to face you, stone faced
>She stares straight into your eyes with some sort of hidden intensity, lying just behind her emerald ones, that can’t be ignored
>”Are you, ok?”
>If you had a dollar for every time someone’s asked you that lately…
>You blink as you try to come up with a way to tell her that you are
>Ya know, without having to actually tell ALL the truth
>Though maybe…
“I was wondering the same thing, but Luna explained to me that it might have been all the magic I’ve been around that helped kick-start the healing process.”
>You rub the back of your neck with a chuckle
“That, and I’m still not FULLY recovered.”
>Applejack peers at you still now with a hand scratching her chin
>”So ya think you’ll be taking it easy for a while?”
>You smirk while gesturing with a raised palm
“For at least another day or so; got to give my body a chance to relax.”
>She rubs the bottom of one of her canine teeth with a smile
>”So you’ll be all good tomorrow?”
>Well, maybe?
>You don’t feel really that bad right now
>Feasibly, if you take it easy during gym and your session with Trixie you might actually be fine by tomorrow
>Free of soreness and injury at last!
>You give a big thumbs up
“That’s the plan.”
>Tapping the table with her fingers she purses her lips once more while staring into the wood
>Suddenly nodding she turns to you once more
>”Ah’m gonna be frank with ya; can you help me out at the farm?”
>Huh?
“I’m sorry, what?”
>That’s not what you expected at all
>She looks away while scrunching her face slightly
>”Well, Big Mac pulled something the other day and can’t help out like he normally does…”

>Applejack brings her hands up in front of her face she rubs her palms together
>”It’s that and, yer the only other…”
>She waves a hand in the air as if looking for a word
>”Phys-ically capable person ah know sides Rainbow who's busy?”
>Oh, alright?
“Thanks, I try my best?”
>She lightly punches your arm with a smile
>”No problem sugarcube!”
>You do your best to replace the awkward smile you plastered onto your face with a softer more genuine one
>So she just needs help
>That’s fine, you can do that
>Though now you’ve got to ask
“So what exactly do you need my help with?”
>Setting her book bag on the ground next to her she runs her fingers across the brim of her Stetson
>”Well, quite a few things actually…”
>She then begins slowly listing off the things needing to be done as she counts on her hand
>”What with all that’s been happenin lately we’re a bit late on harvesting this year’s apple crop. Ah’ll need ta finish it up soon, but ah also need to pack a buncha them fer shippin to the local customers in Canterlot. Not to mention starting on preparations for winter like meshing up all the young trees…”
>Her words start to blend together as she goes into further detail on all the tasks she has yet to do
>It’s honestly a bit mesmerizing
>Though one thing keeps running through your mind
>What did you just sign up for?
>Wait, don’t you have plans tomorrow?
>You’re about to open your mouth to attempt retracting your offer when she stops for a moment with a blink before focusing back onto you
>”Though ah’ll probably only really need to help with the harvest.”
>Well that sounds better than helping through that entire list at the very least
>Still…

>You lean forward with a pointer finger held up
“So, how long do you think it’d take to finish it up?”
>Applejack gestures with her hand in a casual manner
>”Tween the two of us, ah’d wager we could git it done in an hour, two tops.”
>Again, not too bad
>But the whole prior engagement thing and the fact you’re not really that keen on doing farm work…
>As you stare into the table trying to decide on what to do a ghostly recollection replays itself inside your mind
>”Or do you want to appear like you were trying to? So that when someone saw what you did, and what you’re doing, they would think favorably of you?”
>Your vision becomes darkened as you almost hear his voice
>Instead of responding this time though, the words stew as you slowly lose your sight
>It isn’t till a sudden warmth on your arm are you drawn back to reality
>”Ah’d really appreciate the help, heck, ah’ll even cook ya dinner for yer troubles.”
>You turn to see Applejack with a shine in her eye as she holds your forearm
>You know what?
>Yea, you want to help this girl
>You’re apparently the only other person besides Dash she can ask for help with this
>So why not?
>You just need to do some clever planning
>You can get your stuff during study hall or something
>With a vigorous nod you smile widely
“Sure, but I may need to take a rain check on the dinner part.”
>She leans back in her chair flashing her pearly whites
>”Are ya sure, ah make a mighty fine apple cobbler if ah say so myself.”
>While you do love anything that even resembles a pastry with caramel, you already committed to something
“Sorry, but between helping Trixie in the gym tonight, and going out and about with Rarity after school tomorrow, my dinner plans are kinda accounted for.”

>Applejack’s laid-back smile morphs into a look of abject horror as she shakily turns to you
>”Now ah musta heard ya wrong, you didn’t say that YOU were going shopping with Rarity tomorrow right?”
>That’s not worrying at all
>Nothing fishy about her sudden 180
>While you’re going against your better judgement here, you do have to answer
“I did.” 
>She leans forward onto the table bringing her pressed together hands in front of her mouth as she stares into the table
>”Dear lord, so HE was the poor sap that she tricked into bein her bag holder…”
>Wait really?
>THAT’S all?
>Isn’t she over-reacting just a tad?
>You lean back in your chair smirking as nonchalant as possible while simultaneously flexing a bit
“You’re worried about little old me over some bags?
>It’s only as you feel the fabric of your hoodie tighten against your bicep do you remember it’s not nearly as impressive while wearing your gains hiding clothes
>Thus making you look a bit like a tool in the process
>Your confidence takes a hit as Applejack’s eyes flick to you with no trace of amusement
>”Ah fer one, hope that Rarity has mercy on your poor soul…”
>Ok, now if you were a lesser man that would worry you A LOT
>You though, you’re a man, sorta
>So it only bothers you normally
>Though that still means it bothers you!
>As you open your mouth to say something a loud *BRRRRIIIIINNNNGGG* sees fit to cut you off preemptively
>Applejack rises to full height slowly shaking her head as she does
>Turning to you with a look of grief she pats you on the shoulder
>”Rarity usually takes an hour and a half to get ready for her “outings”. Ifin ya want to do something with yer life fore ya die; feel free ta give me a hand at the farm afterschool tomorrow or today.”
>She turns away and leaves without another word
>Ok, now this is just weird
>Maybe Dash will have an explanation?
>You sigh as you grab your pen and notebook
>Can’t hurt to ask

>”Ohhhoh dude, yea you’re screwed.”
>Oh come on!
>You frown as you and Dash stroll towards the dumbbell rack
“Really, that’s all you have for me?”
>She grabs two 15s and shrugs
>”What more can I say? I hope you had a good life, settle any unfinished business you got, and remember me in the will.”
>You reach for the 50s, but stop when you remember that you’re supposed to be taking it easy
>Instead you grab a 25
“Care to elaborate or am I just going to be screwed no matter what?”
>You begin to slowly curl the weight in your right arm
>Seems you were right about the soreness being nothing to really worry about as you’re hitting your full rom on righty with ease
>Dash begins to curl as well after thinking to herself for a moment
>”Well, are you really feeling as good as you look?”
>Pfft, if you didn’t know any better you’d be embarrassed
>You smirk a bit at what she’s saying even if you know what she means
“Well I dunno, how good looking am I?”
>You don’t know whether to laugh or feel hurt at the absolutely flat face she gives you
>”Better than the sorry state you were in, but you know what I mean. You shouldn’t have walked that off THIS quickly even if you are pretty sturdy.”
>Ok, maybe joking about that so recently after was a bad idea, based on how concerned she looks
>Still feels odd seeing someone feel concern for you
>Maybe you should just tell everyone when you see them that you kinda got magic heal powers so they don’t worry?
“I’m feeling pretty good; Luna says I might use some cool regeneration magic while I sleep.”
>Dash nods with a scrunched face
>”Oh.”

>That’s it?
>You kinda expected a more nuanced reaction, but it is Dash you’re talking about
>She seems like the kinda girl to roll with stuff
>Especially considering you don’t think minor regen powers really ranks as high as tearing portals to another world
>”Well, I hope your forearms are in peak form because you’ll be carrying pretty much an entire shop’s worth of bags.”
>You smile incredulously at the tiny blue athlete as you switch the dumbbell to lefty
>You don’t have the biggest forearms in the school thanks to Bulk and his wheelchair lifter physique, but you’re are nothing to slouch at
>Besides, how much can one girl REALLY shop?
“Rarity can’t be THAT bad.”
>As you feel a bit of resistance trying to achieve your rom with lefty Dash shakes her head with a somber frown taking real estate on her face
>”You don’t know man, I was there…”
>A visible shiver runs through her whole body before she shakes her head
>”AJ and I needed to get some clothes once too you know, thought we’d ask Rarity for a hand in helping us pick out some stuff...”
>She stops as her gaze lingers on the horizon just outside the window
>The seconds tick by before she finally places the weights back on the rack
>”Rarity was more than happy to tell us about how bustling a place the Fashion District was. Couldn’t help but get excited with how she described it being filled with more unique styles than even she could dream up.”
>Her sky blue hands go white as they tighten around the 20s with her head hung low
>”She said that it was such a nice place that she’d even grab a few choice things that caught her eye, but…”

>Dash shakes her head a bit as you manage to hit your rom with a bit of effort
>”Did you know that every single store on that cursed street has its very own credit card?”
>No?
>Didn’t even know the fashion district was a street, let alone about their business practices
>Really makes you wonder why it’s called the Fashion District if it’s a street 
>She tilts her head to you while still looming over the rack
>You can feel her lavender eyes peering at you from under the shadow of her hidden face
>”If you’re smart, you’ll pretend you’re still wounded from a few days ago.”
>What?
>You don’t think you’ll need to go THAT far just to deal with Rarity’s apparent shopaholic streak
>Dash seems to notice your disbelief as she sighs once more before lifting the weights off the rack
>”Hey man, I tried to warn you, but I’ll be sure to say some kind words at your funeral.”
>You can’t help but roll your eyes before re-racking your weight
“How kind, I do so appreciate it.”
>You decide to go up a bit in weight to see if you’re really in that good of shape
>40 shouldn’t be too high, hopefully
>You slowly pick up the hand-held chunk of steel
>Well, your right arm isn’t screaming at you
>In fact, it doesn’t seem to be that uncomfortable at all really
>How about lefty?
>Ehhhhh
>Your muscles feel more taut than screaming in pain, so that’s good?
>Maybe you will be back to 100% after today?
>Just need to not do anything stupid to hurt yourself before tomorrow!
>”Hey I forgot to ask!”
>You tighten your grip reflexively to Dash’s sudden outburst
>Glancing at her she seems to be doing some tricep extensions with a 25
>”Think you’d be up for helping out AJ today or tomorrow?”
>Must be asking about helping Applejack out with farm work

>Deciding not to tempt fate you re-rack the 40
“Applejack already asked me, she was the reason I asked about Rarity in the first place since she gave me pretty much the same reaction you did.”
>Dash waves her weight in the air with a smirk before crossing it over her neck
>”Are you going to help her out before…”
>She swipes the weight in front of her neck and hangs her head with her tongue lolled out
>”The end?”
>You already rolled your eyes once this class, so you can’t do so again
>Instead you decide to ignore her bait altogether as you shrug
“I don’t know, I’m pretty much fully booked until Sunday…”
>She sets the dumbbell on the bench beside her before leaning back against the weight rack arms crossed
>”You have plans?”
>You hold up your open palms in mock surprise
“I know, for some reason, I’ve just become Mr. Popular in the past week or so.”
>She nods with an air of meh as if to concede your point
>“So what are you doing then?”
>Easy
“Besides the apparent death sentence that is shopping with the fair skinned lady…”
>You point a lazily outstretched finger at her
“Both you and I have to do the whole brainstorming thing for the showdown on Saturday afterschool Friday.”
>Even if you still don’t know how someone who can’t even read musical notation would really be any help in song writing
>She bites her thumb’s knuckle as if she just remembered that
>”Oh yeaaaaaa…”
>You snap your fingers and jab a thumb towards yourself
“That, and later today I get the privilege of starting a journey with a new seeker of the truth.”

>Dash spreads her open palms in front of her face in an arc with feigned enthusiasm
>”Wooooow, so who’s the poor schmuck?”
>You clasp your hands together with a smile
“None other than the great and powerful Trixie!”
>Dash furrows her brow as she reels slightly shaking her head
>”Wait seriously; SHE wants to start working out with you?”
>Well that’s not the reaction you thought you’d get
“I mean, it’s not that surprising that’d she ask me.”
>After all, if there’s one thing you are capable of, it’s getting a good workout
>Dash shakes her head
>”It’s not like I don’t get why someone would ask you, but it’s just weird that SHE would.”
>A shrug is all you can offer
>You don’t really know Trixie at all really to actually say whether it’s weird or not
>She seems like a, nice girl?
>Bit weird, but at least she has something she’s passionate about
“Hey, there’s plenty of reasons she’d want to start looking after herself a bit.”
>You count with your hand as you try to think of them off the top of your head
“Like for not getting toasted by Gilda, or running away better from Gilda.”
>Those seem like the same thing though…
>Dash averts her gaze with a small frown tugging at the corners of her lips
>”Yea, I guess that makes sense…”
>She doesn’t seem very convinced
>Pinching her chin between her thumb and forefinger she bites her lip
>”I dunno, it’s just really weird to think of her as the exercise type, ya know?”
>Well, it’s not like you haven’t seen weirder
>Like…
“Looks can be decieving? Like, did you know Bulk plays the violin?”
>Surprisingly well too
>Didn't expect classical music when you waltzed into the GNC

>Dash and you both share a chuckle as she grabs her weight
>”Yea, he was pretty good in the battle of the bands…”
>She seems to be lost in thought as she curls absentmindedly
>Wonder what’s going on up there
>Oh wait, speaking of going ons
>As you stretch your arms you voice a curious thought
“So how come you’re not helping out Applejack?”
>Dash snaps out of her thoughts and lets her arm hang with weight in hand
>”Oh, that’s an easy one.”
>With a cocky grin she blows on the nails of her free hand before rubbing them off on her shoulder
>”I need to train my protégé for the next few days.”
>Wow, weird word to be hearing out of her mouth
“You’re teaching some up and coming star athlete?”
>She stares off into the distance as she resumes curling
>”Well, calling the squirt a star athlete might be a bit of a stretch, but with me as her teacher, the sky’s the limit!”
>The squirt?
>Your lips can’t help but curl upwards at the thought of Dash calling anyone a squirt
>You don’t want to be that guy, but you don’t think that those in glass houses should really throw stones
“Huh, there’s a girl shorter than you here, or are you training someone from the middle school?”
>Must’ve struck a nerve with how quickly she snaps her head to you
>”Hey, I’m not that short! I’m 5’3”, and I’m even an inch taller in the mornings…”
>You try, you try very very hard not to laugh
>However, as with most things, you fail
“Pfftttttbbbh, Ahaha!”
>She doesn’t seem to appreciate the humor you’re enjoying
>”Shut up, being shorter is good for going fast!”
>Man, she is really salty about her height!
>Mental note on that button for later, but to get back on point
>who are you kidding, you need at least one more poke before you let go
>You wave apologetically as you stifle your laughter

“Sorry, I didn’t mean it; no need to be so, short, with me.”
>You smirk like an ass as Dash tries to see if looks really can kill
>Ok, ok, you’ve had your fun
>It’s time to stop before she may actually get angry, or at least angrier
>By the time you actually give your shit eating a rest she’s settled on a pouting and diverting her gaze to the floor
>”Being short is better anyways, I don’t have extra weight to slow me down, and…”
>Holy shit, is she muttering excuses to herself?
>You withhold the urge to continue the attack and resume the conversation proper
“So uh, who is this Squirt?”
>Dash flicks her gaze to you before blowing a lock of her hair out of her face with a humph
>”She’s a pretty cool freshman, been having trouble running so she asked me to help out.”
>Ah, that makes sense
>Ironically, the only person who’s shorter than Dash happened to have just got out of middle school
>Guess you were almost right
>You physically restrain the smile growing on your lips before coughing into your fist
>With a loud *CLANK* Dash stands up suddenly
>”Let’s race!”
>What?
>You blink as her magenta orbs issue a challenge directly
“I’m sorry?”
>She throws out her outstretched forefinger
>”No, but you will be when I show you just how fast I am!”
>How does that do anything?
>You’ve never been very fast, AND you’re kinda in rest-because-you-were-injured mode
>She bounces up and down closer and closer to you
>”Come on, I want to go run, RIGHT NOW!”
>Can you even just do that whenever you want?
>The only course is outside anyways!
>You’re pretty sure the other class is using it right now too before the weather gets too cold
“What, are we just going to use the track while the other class does?”

>Dash shakes her head
>”No, that’s too easy!”
>What does she mean, TOO EASY!?
>She scrunches up her face as she contemplates for a moment before snapping her fingers and pointing to you once more
>”You live about a mile and a half away right!?”
>You guess so?
>Never bothered to actually measure or look up the distance
“About?”
>With a single curt nod she grabs your shoulders with a surprising amount of gentleness
>”Then let’s go!”
>Huh?
>She basically badgers you into a stand and pushes you away from the benches
“Wait, we’re not just going to leave class without permis-“
>She cuts you off by yelling into the coach’s office
>”Hey coach Barbell, Anon and I are going running outside for the rest of the period!”
>Seriously?
>She can’t expect him to just be o-
>The sound of Mr. Flies’s voice cuts through your thoughts as he pops out from the doorway giving a thumbs up
>”Just be sure to come back to school for your other classes this time!”
>NANI DA FUCK!?
>You know she’s captain of pretty much every sports team, but really!?
>She grunts as she continues to slowly but surely push you towards the locker rooms
>”See, *ergh* it’s *Euuah* ok!”
>Well you’re not ok with it!
“Do we really need t-“
>She cuts you off once more with a shove
>”Yes, run time is now!”
>You get the feeling that she’s really not going to let up on this
>Looking on the bright side, it would give you a chance to grab your stuff from home
>You glance at the clock
>You’ve got about 40 minutes left in class
>More than enough to jog there and back at a steady non-hurty pace
>You sigh as you start walking on your own causing Dash to stumble behind you
>Looking over your shoulder
“Alright, let’s meet in the front?”
>You think you catch her nod before she sprints towards the locker rooms
>Pinching the bridge of your nose you can’t help think this may be your fault
>Maybe don’t comment on her height ever again

>You breathe in the somewhat refreshing chill morning air before patting your sweatpants pockets
>Keys and phone, check
>Hood up just enough to block out any sun that peeks through the clouds with pin dangling on the string, check
>Very impatient blue girl bouncing up and down as she waits for you to saunter up to the impromptu starting line, check
>Welp, time to get this over with
>While you may not feel too bad, with what little you’ve seen of Dash’s running ability you don’t think you can keep up
>Here’s hoping you’re wrong or she takes it easy on you!
>Stepping up in line with her she smiles
>”Ready to eat my dust?”
>You do a light jog in place to loosen up your muscles
>Shooting her a glance you then focus on the empty stretch of road in front of you
“Yea yea, you remember where my place is Sonic?”
>She rubs her curled forefinger underneath her nose with a grin
>”Yea, like 1 and a half miles north in the same apartment complex that Sunset lives in.”
>It’s honestly probably a bit closer to 2 or so, but semantics
>You hold a finger up and add
“In B building to be exact, that’s the finish line.”
>She nods furiously her anticipation obviously reaching its limits
>”Got ya, let’s get going already!”
>You sigh as you get ready for the dead sprint you definitely aren’t going to do
“Ok, 3, 2, 1…”
>With one last breath in you ready yourself on the balls of your feet before shouting
“GO!”
>With a powerful leap the two of you push off
>The combined stomps of your feet destroy the calm morning ambience
>Hey, it seems like you’re actually keeping up!
>At least you don’t see a nice blue as-dust trail indicating you’re behind!
>That doesn’t seem right, that doesn’t seem right at all!

>You quickly glance at your would-be competitor and immediately regret doing so
>Dash has such a shit eating grin on her face as she looks at your feet
>Are you doing something wrong or?
>You’re doing your normal foot positon and stride
>A quick glance at her feet though…
>Is she striking with her heels first?
>You never liked how that felt especially since it made you so slooo-oh shit
>She grins like a mad woman before giving you a two fingered wave
>”Guess it’s time to leave you far, BE-HIND!”
>Right after sing-songly screaming that she mimics your foot position propelling her forward past you
>By the time you can turn your head to follow the now earnestly dashing Dash she’s far enough ahead that you’re pretty sure you’re not going to catch up
>How?
>Literally how?
>Are you that slow, or is she just THAT fast?
>Well, dash is literally her name…
>That and she’s known for being fast while you’re, well not
>You didn’t expect to keep up, but maybe you hoped you wouldn’t be this blown the fuck out so quickly
>So much for that
>You stare on in admiration as the bouncing blue shorty furthers her lead
>Just how does she go so fast?
>Is it really because she’s so small?
>Is it simply all the constant running she’s done over the years?
>Or, just maybe, she was just born with it?
>An innate essence of fast she’s managed to hone into a razor sharp edge
>You may never know, but you do know this
>You’ll watch her glorious charge into victory from afar as you’re already getting a bit of a cramp in one of your legs
>Your gaze lingers on her as she turns the corner and disappears behind a building
>Well, that was enough of a burst of actual running for you
>You slow down your pace into a much more comfortable jog
>Hopefully your leg will stop being a dick and not cramp

>Turning the corner you see that Dash is already rounding the next turn
>That’s ok though, you’ve accepted defeat
>You slowly jog as your gaze glides upwards to the patchy grey sky above
>Despite the minor chilly breeze storm clouds loom overhead
>Wonder if it’s actually going to rain today?
>You dig into your pocket and pull your phone out
>In a habitual movement you swipe it open and scroll to the weather forecast widget
>Likely hood of rain, incredibly
>Better grab an umbrella from home too
>You’re about to lock it back up but notice you have a text message
>Looks like it’s the fortune thingie again
>You really got to find out this thing’s angle at some point
>You’d try calling it, but the last time you called an obviously machine scam thing the frequency of junk calls in the afternoon and spam went up significantly
>That, and this one seems the most benign one you’ve received
>Not to mention interesting to think about if only for a minute or so
>Might as well check it out since you’re not really going that fast anyways
>Tapping it you read over the latest fortune
>First impressions are important; they’re just as likely to open new doors as close ones
>Being true to yourself will help establish strong connections with those you meet
>Did, did this fortune just give you the “just be yourself” advice?
>You think it did
>Thought this was a fortune, not an advice line
>Ignoring the somewhat odd but really generic advice you continue reading
>Your lucky numbers are; 7, 11, 96, and 99
>That seems like an incredibly random assortment of, “lucky” numbers
>Your color, cerulean
>You, don’t actually know what that is
>You’d look it up but you should probably hurry up
>By now Dash is probably waiting at your apartment thinking about how awesome she is
>You get a move on since your leg isn’t threatening to trip you up by cramping now

>Finally entering the courtyard after a bit more strenuous of a run than normal you slow your pace down as your building enters eye sight
>Well, that took you longer than expected, but at least you made it
>Guess you really should be taking it easy for a bit
>You’re at pretty much a walk by the time you see your racing opponent lazily leaning against the B building entrance
>She yawns as she stretches her arms out
>Must be pretty lonely at the top
>Dash notices you and immediately stands straight with confidence brimming out of her
>”Bout time you caught up, was beginning to worry you gave up and went back ho-to school!”
>Nice save, it almost sounded like she wasn’t going to say back home
>She jumps excitedly as she points to you
>”Anyways, I told you that being short would make me faster and I proved it!”
>You, didn’t think that was an issue, but hey if it’s an easy out
>You wave a hand in the air with a nod
“Yep, you were absolutely right; I couldn’t possibly keep up with someone so vertically gifted.”
>She smiles so broadly she practically shines
>”Thank you, thank you, I always knew I was right…”
>You nod shallow nods repeatedly as you stop beside her in front of the apartment entrance
“Yep yep, my long traitorous legs kept cramping so I couldn’t possibly keep up with your short speedy legs.”
>She stops soaking up the glory of victory as she crosses her arms with a disappointed shake of the head
>”Not getting enough water huh? You should know that’s a crucial part of recovery.”
>Yea, you’re usually on top of that
“I know, just haven’t really been paying as much attention as I should have.”
>You blame all the excitement
>Maybe you should start carrying your water bottle around with you in class?
>Seems like a good idea

>Why’d you even stop in the first place?
>Oh wait, Sunset…
>Eh whatever, you’re not the same man you were, about a week ago!
>Who cares that she took the time out of her day and went completely out of her way to deliver you your water bottle?
>You certainly weren’t perplexed by it that night and you definitely didn’t leave it at home because you felt weird about it!
>Cause you don’t now
>Wait, you NEVER did!
>Yea…
>You’re driven from your thoughts and back into reality by a blue blur in your face
>”Hey, we gonna start heading back, or what?”
>Dash waves a hand in your face impatiently while resting her other hand on her hip
>You shake your head as you reach for your keys
“In a sec, I gotta grab my stuff.”
>As you unlock the door she cracks her neck
>”What’s the matter, forget something this morning?”
>That’s, hmmm
>You hold the door open and usher her in
>How to answer that?
>You could tell the truth, just omit some stuff?
“Kinda, I’m staying at my folks’ house for a bit till all this magic stuff dies down; so I didn’t get a chance to grab my school stuff.”
>That’s, not untrue
>Dash hums
>”Yea I get you, my parents freaked on me when Sunset went all she-demon. Still don’t know how the principals convinced all the parents that the school was safe.”
>Even though technically it wasn’t since the whole Dazzlings event and Friendship Games happened?
>Oh, and you punching laser beam shooter Flash
>You shut the door behind you
>”Did you get to hear what she said to your folks?”
>Heh, well
>You scratch the back of your head as you head for your apartment
“Not exactly, but I get the feeling they were convinced a bit easier than the other parents.”
>Dash cocks her head to the side
>Maybe give her an answer that doesn’t really answer anything?
“Call it a hunch.”

>Yea, that’s perfect
>Dash seems to be ok with it though as you stop in front of your door
>”Oh yea, your door got kicked off the hinges right?”
>You almost forgot about that, almost…
“Yea, doesn’t look like anybody’s moved it though.”
>Firmly grasping the knob and a hinge you carefully move it to the side
>Dash let’s out a sharp whistle
>”Man, you really went to town on…”
>See stops mid-sentence and stares into your apartment
>”Is that a 10 layered Pinkie Cake-pie™?”
>Hey, you actually forgot about that
>The towering testament to confectioners everywhere stands where you left it
>Besides the slice you never got to eat being cut out of the monster it looks relatively ok considering it’s been left out in the open for a few days now
>You spot the dropped piece on the floor you never got to enjoy next to the small semi-yellow stain on the carpet
>Really should’ve cleaned that vomit
>At least it doesn’t smell
>Dash makes a b-line for the decadent dessert
>”She never makes this thing unless she REALLY wants to, which is never enough!”
>She seems REALLY into that cakepie
>Must be because of the whole CAKEPIE MADDNESS!
>Or because this thing seems like it’d be a bitch to bake
>”So I can have a slice right?”
>You shrug
“Don’t know how good it’ll be after letting it sit out for a few days, but help yourself I guess?”
>She rushes into your kitchen to presumedly look for silverware while narrowly managing to step over the broken plate
>Your stomach grumbles a bit as you stare at the collasal tower
>Maybe you should have some too
>Why not have cake for both breakfast AND a snack?
>First though, you should gather the stuff you wanted to grab in the first place

>Stepping around the bane of dentists everywhere you head into your room
>Looks like everything is the same as when you left it
>You spot your trusty black bag lying at the foot of your bed
>Good, now to just grab your best gadget, your laptop
>Quickly snatching up the power cord and the aging obsolete computer you stuff them into your large backpack
>Luckily, or maybe not so in this case, you didn’t even get to attempt doing your homework so it’s all already in your backpack!
>Since you’ve got one of those military bug out bag things it’s not as if you’re short on space in this thing
>Might as well bring a change of clothes or two
>As you secure the outfits you notice a discarded hanger on the floor near your closet
>Weird, don’t remember leaving that there
>You pick up the hanger and place it back next to the other unused ones
>Going back to packing you make sure everything in your backpack has enough space to breathe
>Satisfied with the relative ease of packing you hoist the heavy pack onto your back
>As you adjust and buckle the bag to yourself, the heavy, weight of literally all your class books weighing down on you brings a small measure of comfort
>There, nice and comfy
>While a bit heavier than your normal load, it’s not too noticeable since the thing was so heavy in the first place
>You should really weigh this thing at some point
>It seems like it’d easily be more than 25 lbs
>On that note, you make your way back to the hopefully not too stale treat that awaits you in the living room
>Popping out of the doorway you see that Dash has made herself quite the plate of cakepie
>Like damn
>At first it seems like she took a really wide wedge of cake, but upon closer inspection of the cake you realize she’s actually just taken a small slice from almost every layer

>Weirdly enough, you notice that she hasn’t taken a single slice from any of the pie layers
“That enough cake for you?”
>As Dash stuffs a forkful in her mouth she grumbles out between bites
>”Hey man, have you TRIED this yet? This is easily one of Pinkie’s BEST most AWESOME cakes!”
>She continues to stuff her face as you go to your slice lying on the counter
>Looks like Dash was thoughtful enough to place a fork near it for you
>Snatching it and the slice up you tear off another piece of cakepie
>You think this is a vanilla slice
>Might as well find out
>As your tongue touches the buttercream topped yellow cake a moan surges from your throat
“OHHHHHHHHHHHHH, WHAT KIND OF BLACK MAGIC IS THIS!?!?!”
>Dash smiles widely while chewing and nodding furiously
>”I know right, I’ve only ever had this twice before but every time she makes it I just, mmmmmhhhhhh!”
>You shovel more of the devilishly good treat into your maw
>You thought Pinkie was exaggerating about the cakepie madness bit, but holy shit if you wouldn’t actually go mad for this!
>The absolute mixture of vanilla and something you can’t place spreading across your tongue is truly a gift
>It’s like you can taste happiness itself being poured directly onto your taste buds!
>It’s enough to give you a smile and almost bring a tear to your eye
>Needless to say, both the slices don’t last long
>You look fondly at the 10 layer cakepie before your eyes drift to Dash
>The two of you silently connect as you lock eyes
>She’s the first one to speak
>”So, we’re gonna take a slice for the road right?”

>Take a slice?
>Oh no, with how good this is?
>You’re going to take a whole lot more than a slice
>Pointing to the dolly beneath the beautiful tower of tasty you smirk
“Why take a piece of heaven when we can move the whole god damn thing?”
>Dash’s eyes practically glow as she realizes that is indeed an option
>She tears her eyes away from the dolly and establishes contact with yours
>”We need to cover it.”
>Oh yes, you forgot about the whole rain thing
>Don’t think a single umbrella is going to cut it here
>Maybe…
>With a bit of urgency you root around the cupboard above your fridge
>You know you had some, aha!
>Tinfoil get!
>You present the glorious protection to Dash with an outstretched hand
“Think this’ll do?”
>In a blink of an eye the tinfoil is snatched out of your hand by the rainbow blur
>She eyes the cakepie as she pulls out a long sheet of tinfoil muttering to herself
>”Oh yes, this will be perfect…”
>With a speed you think may surpass even her sprint earlier she begins to circle around each layer of the 10 layer cakepie making sure none of it is exposed to the harsh fall elements
>Since she seems so happily occupied with that you look for your water bottle
>You think you left it in…
>Did you clean it?
>Opening the cupboard above the sink you spot it next to your other cups
>Guess so
>You pull it out and quickly plunk a few ice cubes into it
>As you fill it with some cold water you hear maniacal laughter coming from behind you
>”Aha, AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, now NO ONE will know! No one will even try to take a single bite from you!”
>You peek over your shoulder and raise an eyebrow

>Dash is happily rubbing her palms together as she licks her lips
>Every single layer of the cakepie is wrapped underneath a blanket of tinfoil making the thing look more like a frumpy metal sculpture than a dessert
>You get why she’s so hype since it is pretty good, but…
>She seems to notice your unsure look as she stops rejoicing and looks away
>”Man, every time, EVERY TIME, I always get a single slice and then it’s gone. I just, I just want to enjoy a second slice…”
>You blink as she stares off wistfully into the distance before looking back to you with a bashful grin
>”That’s not asking much yea?”
>You shrug as she grabs the handle to the dolly
>”Anyways, I’mgoingtogetstartedcartingthistoCHSyoucatchupbye!”
>She then takes off with cakepie in hand before you can reply
>The sound of your water bottle overfilling behind you breaks your momentary stupor at Dash’s overexcitement at the cakepie
>Turning off the tap and securing the lid you hear yelling from the hallway
>”S’cuse me, important payload coming through!”
>Oh boy, is Dash running over your neighbors?
>Wait, your neighbors?
>Oh shit, you completely forgot you had those!
>They probably heard all the fighting that went down on Sunday, or at least your animalistic screaming
>Kinda surprised nobody really came to investigate your fight with how much you were abusing your throat
>You should probably apologize to at least whoever’s out there
>For Sunday, and Dash almost running them down
>Tucking the water bottle in your backpack side pocket you swiftly make your way to the hallway
>Poking your head out the doorway you see a somewhat ruffled Mr. Calabash pressing the creases out of his pinstripe suitcoat
>Oh good, he’s your next door neighbor, so the one who’s probably heard the most of Sunday
>He’s a pretty quiet old man, and you’re pretty sure your recent, encounters probably weren’t exactly his cup of tea
>Definitely the one you need to apologize to the most

>At least it looks like Dash didn’t run Mr. Calabash down
>Small victories
>You pivot back and snatch up the door
>Sliding on through the threshold with it in hand you attempt to prop it up against the doorway once more
>Mr. Calabash spots you as you mess with the unhinged door giving you a small nod
>”Ah, Mr. Moose, might want to rein in your girlfriend the next time she comes over.”
>You shake your head a little too vigorously as you leave the door
“No no, she’s not my girlfriend, just an, acquaintance.”
>He smirks as he places his right hand into his old suitcoat pocket
>”Of course, she part of that group you brought over on Friday?”
>Oh jeez
“We weren’t too loud were we? I just had to grab some stuff before heading ou-“
>He stops you abruptly by holding up his left hand with a smile
>”No no my boy, you were no trouble at all. Frankly I was beginning to wonder when you’d be bringing any, *ahem* acquaintances over.”
>Oh, well
>That’s not the response you were expecting
>Especially since…
>You stop in front of him doing your best to keep your gaze somewhat near his head
“I actually uh, wanted to apologize for last Sunday…”
>And there goes your eyes drifting downwards to your fidgeting hands
>Just need to get the right words out of your skull
“It’s a bit hard to explain, but I can at least assure you that it won’t happen again!”
>Ok, maybe that’s not the best place to start
>You scratch the back of your head as you physically turn away from Mr. Calabash
“It was really a, uh one time occuranc-“
>A hand firmly grasping your shoulder causes you to tense up cutting off your stumbling
>Looking back up from the ground you see that Mr. Calabash has a very thoughtful expression on as he strokes his bushy grey mustache with his right hand
>”Now lad, I don’t wish to undermine what seems to be an issue you obviously take seriously, but I haven’t the faintest clue what you’re apologizing about.”

>You can’t quite comprehend the words you’re hearing
>That makes no sense!
>Unless Mr. Calabash wasn’t here on Sunday or something?
>”Why, when I was a strapping young lad myself I had many birds banging on my door to get a chance to snog.”
>He chuckles as he looks over your shoulder to your door propped up against the doorframe
>”Though perhaps mine weren’t desperate enough to bang my door clean off!”
>He lets go of your shoulder and holds his stomach as his chuckle quickly evolves into a boisterous laughter
>Huh?
>With a soft elbow he grins
>”I went back to my tea after seeing the tall lass kick the door in, but I assume everything went quite smashingly once they got in?”
>Smashingly?
>Well some stuff got smashed…
>Wait, that’s not what you should be concerned about!
“You didn’t hear the screaming?”
>He reels back with a grin
>”Blimey, you absolute nutter!”
>What?
>He pats you roughly on the shoulder
>”Consider me dead chuffed chap; I thought it went brilliant considering I didn’t hear a peep from here, but Bob’s your uncle!”
>Uh, can’t help but feel like you’re having some sort of miscommunication here
“So wait, you didn’t hear or see me smashing the walls with a girl out in the hallway?”
>Mr. Calabash slaps his knee with a shake of his head
>”Now I know you’re taking the piss!”
>So, he didn’t?
>He pulls out a very simple brass pocket watch from his suitcoat and checks the time
>”Ah, you’ll have to tell me all about your one off some other time I’m afraid.”
>With a sigh he places the brass watch back in his pocket before giving you a cheerful nod
>”I have to be off, but I’ll be seeing you. Cheers for now.”
>With that he walks off whistling a jaunty tune
>You don’t really know what to think
>He saw them kick the door down, but nothing else?
>What in the actual hell is going on here?

>Your hooves clip-clop loudly as you make your way to the throne room
>It’s always nice to be back here in Canterlot
>You miss the nostalgia sometimes, even if you’ve made more than enough new memories in your time at Ponyville
>The pair of guards standing before the large set of wooden double doors nod respectfully
>You give them a warm smile as they open the doors wide for you
>Stepping through the threshold into the throne room proper you spy Princess Celestia seated upon her throne
>She seems to be staring off into the distance as the brilliant sunlight causes her ethereal mane to glow brighter than the stain glass windows on the walls
>You manage to close most of the distance to the throne before the loud sound of the doors closing behind you echoes through the room
>She seems to just register your entrance as you stand before her throne
>Her head turns slowly to you and she wears that smile that always makes you feel so warm inside
>With a grace no doubt practiced throughout the centuries, she floats down from her seat
>”Greetings Twilight, it’s so wonderful to see you.”
>You gladly return the nuzzle she gives you
“It’s great to be here pri-*ahem*, Celestia.”
>You awkwardly smile at your slip-up
>Still can’t stop yourself from reverting to old habits…
>Celestia however, keeps her same smile as she nods towards the hallway to your left
>”I’m surprised; judging by your letter I would’ve thought you’d have arrived earlier.”
>You follow alongside her as you let out a nervous chuckle
“I would’ve, but Spike and Fluttershy told me I needed to sleep first and I might’ve been inclined to agree with them…”

>Even though you felt like coming over right away, your own body had other plans
>Celestia’s muzzle morphs into a knowing smirk as she stands before the door into the hall
>”Spend all night reading into the new subject of your research?”
>You shy away from her view with a bashful smile
“I only slept for 13 hours after getting to bed this time.”
>She shakes her head slowly as you both descend the spiral staircase leading to the mountain caves below
>You can't help feel excited each time you goto Starswirl's old sanctuary
>Speaking of
“If I may ask, why did you move the information on the Nihilem down to Starswirl’s personal library?”
>She tentatively thinks as the two of you descend lower and lower
>”While I was under Starswirl’s tutelage for a long time, and became dear friends with him, there is still much of his past even I am unaware of…” 
>Really?
>You never really considered her relationship with him, but from how fondly she referred to him you had assumed they were quite close
>Though what does that have to do with moving information?
>She stops at the foot of the spiral staircase suddenly before turning to you
>”This particular entity however, I was made aware of by Sunset back when she was under my tutelage.”
>Sunset told you as much
>It’s how you were able to get started researching, even if you ran into difficulties finding anything even referencing it by name
>”And after learning the small amount we could both gleam at the time I had any records of it removed from his section in the Library of Magic.”
>Hm, while you don’t agree with sealing away any knowledge you can understand why she did
>Sometimes relic of the past can be too dangerous to fall into the wrong hooves
>You shiver as memories of the alicorn amulet resurface

>Celestia turns back toward the caverns proper and resumes her slow trot
>”I moved any information to Starswirl’s personal library afterwards and have left them there for safe keeping.”
>So that’s why she wanted you to come to the castle instead of the library
>You figured you’d try his section before going straight to his athenaeum, but you’re not complaining if you skip right to the best part
>The two of you continue on in silence for a few moments before Celestia speaks up once more
>”By the way, how are Starlight and the rest of your friends doing?”
>Your lips curl involuntarily as the topic of your friends come up
“Great! Starlight seems to be really enjoy being Trixie’s friend, even if they do have the occasional spat.”
>Celestia gives you her full attention as you happily chat about your friends
“Rarity is currently working on a Yakyakistan inspired clothing line, while Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash are going to represent Ponyville in a curious sport known as Buckball.”
>Oh, that also reminds you!
“So I know I asked, but were you able to bring the Discord scroll down here?”
>Celestia nods as the two of you enter into the actual sanctum
>”Yes, I moved the scroll in question into here earlier this morning, though I hope ultimately it will be unnecessary.”
>You hope it isn’t either, but you can’t help have a bad feeling
>As you pass through the caverns your mentor smiles
>”Would you like me to explain how it works, or would you like to figure it out yourself?”
>As if that’s even a question!
“I appreciate the offer, but I’d be doing myself a disservice if I didn’t figure out the entire scroll myself.”

>Celestia softly smiles as she chuckles to herself
>”Of course, I figured as much.”
>You stop before the entrance to Starswirl’s athenaeum
>Celestia does the honors of pushing the doors open with her golden aura
>The sight of so much history still takes your breath away, that, and the pleasant smell of aged tomes
>Maybe while you’re researching on the Nihilem you could just browse a random book?
>That seems like it’d be a fun little break!
>The two of you stroll through the entrance as you eye up where you might pull a random book from
>”It feels like only yesterday that I first stepped through these doors…”
>Blinking you look back to Celestia who wistfully stares at the large statute of Starswirl
>She shakes her head and meets your eyes
>”The books about the Nihilem Sunset discovered in the library of magic have been stacked on that table.”
>She points you to the same table where you first read about the universe mirrors
>The stack of books leaves you a tad disappointed by how short it is
>A soft wing embraces you
>”Worry not; I’m sure you’ll find plenty more to read through in here.”
>You lean into Celestia with a smile
>The two of you separate after a short while
>”Now, I must see to the day court, I’m sure appointments have piled up in my quick absence.”
>Hope you didn’t cause too much trouble for her…
>She opens up the firepony pole exit and turns back to you
>”Be careful Twilight, and don’t hesitate to ask for my help if you need it.”
>You smile as you lay out the ten or so books and scrolls in front of you with your magic
“Don’t worry, how much trouble could I get in by reading?”

>”I dunno man…”
>Dash bites her thumb as she stares into the crosswalk
>Seriously, now it’s actually bugging you the more you think about it
“For god’s sakes dude, Gilda literally shot pink flame pillars that were at least 15 feet tall!”
>That was after throwing a massive fireball into the sky!
>You’re pretty sure Gilda even said she did that before to Trixie, but you don’t remember any headlines on 2 massive pink fireballs in the sky
>That and, while you weren’t there to see the end of your fight, but you don’t recall any news reports about the cops apprehending a fireball throwing thug
>Or hell, what about...
"You SAW the explosion thing that Twilight caused, I don't think it being in the docks could cover it up enough that NO ONE noticed it!"
>Dash gestures limply with her hand
>”Now it’s bugging me too, like I never really thought about it since there’s usually something else we gotta focus on.”
>You get that, raging she-demons and a trio of magical soul-sucking monster girls tends to take priority in your thoughts before “where are the cops?” but still
“So does this mean that the cops around here are just the laziest bums ever, or is there something else going on?”
>You’re leaning towards the latter, but with how lax things seem to be in Canterlot you’d be willing to believe the former
>Dash jabs you in the side lightly
>”Ok man, the only way you’re getting answers is by mentioning this to Sunset, or Twilight, or Vice-principal Luna I guess.”
>She shrugs as the crosswalk light turns white
>”One of them is bound to have an answer cause I sure don’t.”
>That’s not a bad idea
>You follow behind your cakepie pulling companion
>Guess you’ve got something else to add to the lunch time questions for nerdy weeb girl

>You can see the front entrance of CHS up ahead as you leisurely walk
>Dash looks over her shoulder with her left index finger wagging about
>”Now for the real important question, how are we going to store our dirty little secret during classes?”
>Hmm, obviously in the uhh
>She continues to stare expectantly as the two of you slowly advance towards the school
>Well you could bring it along with you into cla-that’s a dumb idea
“Maybe we could leave it with someone we know won’t eat it?”
>She rubs her chin before waving you closer
>You speed up a bit before she leans towards you conspiratorially
>”That works, but I can’t think of anybody trustworthy enough to not sneak a bite of the you-know-what…”
>Someone who could turn down the temptation of looking underneath the frumpy art sculpture façade Dash created for the Heaven on Earth dessert?
>You palm your pin as you think
>Pretty sure Luna wouldn't eat it if you asked her, and you could ask her about the cops if you went to her
>It's like killing two birds with one cakepie, in other words, genius!
>You stop abruptly near the Wondercolt Statue platform
“I can just keep it in the principal’s office; that way, I get to ask Luna about what the hell’s going on and hide the 10 laye-“
>Dash quickly shushes you with a finger and a glare before whispering
>”Exnay on the name-ey, you don’t know who’s listening…”
>She looks around at the surprising amount of students milling about outside
>Surprising in that there is a single student bobbing her head on the front steps
>Pretty sure her name was Vinyl…
>”Still, that’s a good idea. Let’s get it done b-“
*BRRRIIINNNGGG*

>The ending bell for class decides to interject cutting Dash’s sentence mid-air
>She grabs you by the shoulder with a grimace
>”Ok, you’ve got study hall next right? YOU get it done while I get to my next class.”
>You open your mouth to respond, but she doesn’t wait for you to answer
>Instead, she pivots towards the school and runs off
>How’d she know you have study hall next?
>You’d ask, but you’re sorta alone in front of the school now
>Whatever, Sunset probably told her
>You grab the dolly handle and pull the cakepie behind you only to stop right away
>A groan escapes your lips as you realize an obstacle blocks your progress
“How am I supposed to pull a dolly upstairs?”
.
.
.
>You sigh as the helpful clock in the hallway tells you just how much time you’ve squandered
>10:35AM
>A whole ten minutes, GONE
>All because you had to go all the way around the school just to get in with the cakepie, and THEN head to the principal’s office located at the FRONT END of the school
>With a defeated shake of your head you grab the door handle leading to the principal’s conjoined office waiting room thing
>Pushing it open you expect to be the eye of a few students, only to be surprised by the absence of anyone
>Looks like no one’s home
>Even the lights are off
>You quickly shuffle into the dead room, your footsteps and the squeaky wheels of the dolly grating against the serene sound of silence
>You close the door behind you after pulling the dolly with its precious payload to the side
>Where is Luna?
>As you shrug off your backpack onto the couch you look around the room as if its hiding an answer from you

>You were under the impression that the principal doesn’t leave their office during school hours unless it’s really important
>Maybe Luna’s taking a nap in her actual office?
>The door’s closed to it, and it is pretty dark in there
>You were close to dazing off a few times while waiting for her yesterday
>Can’t hurt to take a peek
>As you tread towards the door you do your best to reduce the noise your footfalls make
>Twisting the door knob you slowly push the door open
*CRREEEAAAKKK*
>The door however seems to really not give a fuck about your attempts at stealth as it lets loose an eardrum rupturing creak
>Well crap
>You immediately feel bad about peeking in on Luna as you see she was indeed taking a nap
>Was being the key word once more as she begins to stir
>Well, at least you can ask about the cops now
>She picks her head up off the arm she was using as a pillow with a small yawn
>You notice she’s holding something in her clenched fist as she rubs an eye
>While she blearily looks around for what roused her from slumber you grunt and wave
“Need more coffee?”
>She shakes her head while running a hand through her hair in an attempt to straighten it
>”No no, this is just a consequence of working in such a relaxing environment.”
>No kidding, place reminds you of her apartment
>She sits up straight after digging her clenched fist into her purse and pulling out her phone
>”While it’s nice for increasing productivity, when there’s a lull in tasks this room fosters too much comfort. Letting my guard down for even a minute, especially in the morning, I’ll often succumb to its sleep-inducing whimsy.”

>While that’s all good but…
>You point to the light switch to your left
“Maybe you should turn on the lights?”
>Luna taps her chin with her index finger while a smirk grows on her lips
>”You sound like Sister.”
>Probably because she’s right
>Luna checks her phone for a moment before putting it down
>With a limp wave of her hand she spurs you on
>”If you would please, I’m not going to be resting any longer.”
>You flick the switch bathing the room in much needed light
>As you walk up to take a seat in the chair across from her she claps her hands together
>”Aren’t you supposed to be in class?”
>You plop down into the old chair and spread your legs out
“Study hall.”
>She nods as she leans forward onto her elbows
>”Well, I assume since you undoubtedly have school work to do, you came to me for a reason?”
>What?
>You mock offense with a smirk and raised palm directed towards yourself
“Who me, nah; I just like to check up on my number one vice-principal.”
>She lays her arms down flat as she stares you down, her expression unchanging
“Well ok, if you’re gonna drag it outta me, there are two little things I want.”
>You jab a thumb over your shoulder as smiles softly
“Firstly, mind if I store my sculpture in here till lunch or after school?”
>She looks over your shoulder and through the doorway
>The cakepie should be visible from here
>”That’s quite alright.”
>Ah, great
>Off to good start!
>Now for the actual hard question
>You lean forward in your seat and gesture with your hands
“So hey, you ever think back to some time and realize something off about it only in retrospect?”
>She nods seemingly unsure of where you’re going
>”They say hindsight is 20/20 for a reason.”

>You clap your hands together before pointing to Luna
“Yea, exactly!”
>Ok, how to word this?
>You think for a second before you spew words at Luna
>She in turn, waits patiently, her eyes never leaving yours
>You feel a bit of pressure from her uncontested attention
“So thinking back, I’m really starting to wonder why it is that at not one of these magical incidents that’ve occurred in the past, the cops or the news hasn’t arrived to investigate.”
>Luna seems slightly taken aback by your statement
>God, you hope you didn’t just word salad that too much
>”That’s a perfectly sound observation with a clear decisive answer.”
>Wait, really?
>She knows the answer to a question you have AND she’s just going to tell you outright?
>Holy shit, you’d all but given up on actually learning anything by asking
>Figured it was fine to ignore anything bugging you and continue on!
>Works for most problems, as long as you keep ignoring them…
>She holds a pointer finger up like a professor about to start a lecture
>”Back when we first started SIS the police were actually quite dutiful in investigating any sort of disturbance that plagued CHS; to the point that we were taken in for questioning on more than one instance.”
>She lets slip a rare giggle as she smile
>”Quite a few times… But it was after a specific case during the end half of my junior year that we acquired a benefactor for our efforts, and through them, the support of the local police force.”
>Huh?
>Is she trying to tell you that her boss had enough pull around here to just make people ignore magical going ons?

>Luna seems to read the incredulity on your face as she leans forward
>”That’s not to say there wasn’t the occasional curious civilian, but any law enforcement and most news outlets here in Canterlot won’t investigate anything too suspect at CHS.”
>Ok, full stop
>You hold up an outstretched hand as you stare down into the desk
>You think the two of you may be on two different wavelengths here
>While this does answer why the police or news won’t cover the stuff that happens at school, it doesn’t answer how people don’t even SEE the events outside of it
>You look up while leaning forward on your forearm
“I don’t mean it that way, I mean like, my neighbor Mr. Calabash!”
>She furrows her brow as she brings a hand to her mouth
>”I feel like I know that name…”
>That doesn’t matter!
“Regardless, he saw the sirens, Adagio’s group, waltz up to my door, get rejected, and then kick my door down.”
>You hold both your hands up to accentuate your point
“But here’s the kicker, he didn’t see or hear anything that happened afterwards, not a peep.”
>She’s quick to open her mouth, but it seems the words take a moment to come to her
>”Are you sure he was there, or perhaps, he was preoccupied?”
>You wish, you really wish that was the case, but…
“He’s not, but even if he was, there’s bound to be one person in that place who’d have heard me in my apartment or out in the courtyard for that matter! Not to mention that the, don’t investigate order or whatever, doesn’t cover Galloping Fillies, or for god’s sake the warehouses at Sun and Moon shipping!”
>Twilight literally set off an EMP or something!

>Luna stays silent as she brings a fist to her lower lip in contemplation
>You really don’t like that she has to think about this
>It usually doesn’t bode well
>”I, don’t know then; this is highly worrying.”
>Really not the answer you wanted to hear
“Not even a guess?”
>She shrugs with a dejected sigh
>”I’ve only known of one being where people couldn’t see or hear what was going on within such a close proximity.”
>Laying a palm out on the desk pointing to you she frowns
>”And unfortunately , you’ve already encountered them.”
>What?
>Is she talking about…
>Memories of dark swirling clouds suddenly assault your mind as you know exactly what she’s talking about
>You haven’t thought about that about that night, or at least not that part
“You’re talking about that cloud dome that, was over Fancy Pants and Co.?”
>She slowly nods while turning her palm over and proceeding to tap the desk with her fingers
>”Those clouds effectively mask both visual and audio sources coming from within them. They aren’t even visible to anyone not imbued with enough magic or wearing a pin like yours.”
>Seriously?
>You don’t think anyone was using one of those on you at the apartment, or Galloping Fillies
>If they were, you would’ve seen something off in the sk-wait!
>When Gilda was first getting super angry, you remember something that stuck out as really odd
“Do you think someone could do something like that if they made the sky change color?”
>Luna nods
>”It’s certainly a possibility if someone exerts magical influence over an area.”
>Maybe that’s it!
>Though you don’t know how that explains the apartments or Galloping Fillies really
>You get the feeling that Gilda wouldn’t know how to do that, and you don’t think the Sirens did that either
“So say, if they were able to tinge the sky pink?”

>Luna furrows her brow once more as she stares into you
>Better clarify
“At Galloping Fillies, before I fought with Gilda, I noticed the sky had gone dark adopting a slight pink.”
>Luna rises to a stand as she stares into the desk
>”I will look further into this.”
>Oh shit, did you manage to inform her of something important?
>You clumsily stand as she steps around the desk
>”You however, need to start catching up on the school work you can do without your supplies.”
>Ha, don’t need to worry about that
>You smile waving her concern off as the two of you make for the door
“I can do all my work cause Dash and I jogged to my apartment for gym.”
>She stops at the doorway leaning against the frame while staring at your backpack as you retrieve it
>”Ah, well then, you do that while I, resume my principally duties.”
>She shoos you out of there pretty quickly as you’re suddenly out in the hallway with your backpack barely secured before the door slams shut quickly
>Must want to get right down to business?
>Or maybe she just doesn’t want to get you more involved?
>Which, while nice, is too little too late by now…
>You sigh as you make your way to the library
>For now though, you’ll chalk this up as a victory for finding out a bit more about Luna and your father’s group
>SIS…
>If they WERE a group, why did Chrissy mention them?
>You struggle with the thought as you turn the first corner
>However, you stop as you see a small girl fruitlessly pushing a cart stacked high with large cardboard boxes in the middle of the hallway
>Oh no, that girl can’t be more than 5 feet tall
>Whoever she is, she’s really trying to push the cart, but it ain’t budging
>”Come, on!”
>She’s standing in the path to the library too
>So if you walk past her as a big and strong dude you’ll feel kinda like a dick
>Curse your ooey gooey insides!
>Guess you can put off school work for a bit longer…

>As you walk towards the marshmallow complexioned girl she finally gives up pushing the cart and leans against it with a sigh
>Her eyes gravitate to you as stop in front of her
“Need a hand?”
>Standing back upright with nod she smiles
>”I’d appreciate that!”
>She moves out of the way as you grab onto the push handle giving it a test push
>It doesn’t budge
>”I don’t know why, but it just stopped moving after I picked up all the boxes.”
>You raise an eyebrow
>After she picked up all the boxes?
>The girl in question frowns
>”Someone ran into the cart and half of the boxes went tumbling down; took me a while to stack them back up since they didn’t even stay around to help…”
>Wow, rude much?
>Some people....
>Anyways, better get this thing moving
>Hm, maybe the wheel got stuck in a tile groove or something?
>You exert a bit more eumph than you might have intended into your push earning you a few inches of movement forward
*SKKRREEECCH*
>Along with the pleasant sound of tire against tile apparently
>The pint-sized ghost skinned girl covers her ears with a pained grimace
>”Huh, guess it might be the wheels?”
>You shrug before squatting down and inspecting the little rubber wheels
>Probably should’ve checked them first
>Looks like they weren’t stuck in the tile grooves, but…
>Wait; are the brakes on the front wheels applied?
>You can see the metal touching the wheel on them and not the back wheels
>Twisting the little wingnut looking thing on the front two wheels frees them from the metal clamp
>You stand back up and give the cart another push
>Only for it to move forward with no problem
>Well no problem besides it taking a bit of effort to move forward even with the wheels no longer locked down

>If it takes that much effort from you though, you can’t really imagine it’s going to be very easy for the girl behind you
>Maybe…
>”Huh, don’t know why the brakes kicked in for no reason, but thanks!”
>The tiny green eyed girl beams up at you brightly
>You wave her thanks off since it wasn’t a big deal or anything
>Getting another quick glance at the petite shorty your soft inner core decides your act of kindness isn’t done yet
>It’s not like you would’ve done your homework anyways you suppose…
“Where to?”
>You must have caught her off guard as her eyes flick between the cart and you
>”Oh I can, you don’t need t-“
>You hold up a hand as you espouse some hard truth in a way that she hopefully won’t resist
>Maybe you should never think that specific order of words again when interacting with a little girl
“This is heavy, you’re small, and I’m big; so I ask once more, where to?”
>She hesitates for a moment before relenting with a thankful smile once more
>”Ok, do you know where the AV room is?”
>HaHA, of course you don’t
“Nope.”
>She steps up beside you and points down the hallway
>”It’s in the back of the library; you know where that is right?”
>What a co-inky-dink, you should be there right now!
>Thankfully, you pretty much know where it is since you go there for study hall all the time
>Wordlessly, you start pressing forward at a reasonable pace
>The rhythmic *clunk* of the rubber wheels bouncing off the tile grooves in the floor is oddly soothing as silence descends upon you and the girl you’re helping
>Content with the silence you start to make up a little beat using the combined sounds of your footsteps and the clunking
>Of course, all good things must end as your tiny compatriot walking beside you breaks the rhythm

>”So uh, what’s your name?”
>Being polite you turn to face her before answering
>At least you would answer if she didn’t hastily start speaking
>”Oh wait, Rarity said it's polite to say my name first… Uh, my name’s Sweetie Belle!”
>Sweetie Belle extends her hand as she stops for a moment
>Feel like you’ve heard that name before
>Also did she say...
>You manage to stop the cart from lurching forward before extending your own hand to hers
>You squeeze her hand with a bit of restraint as not to hurt her
“Anon, Anon E Moose.”
>As you break off the handshake she scratches her chin
>”Wait, are you the Anon Rarity was talking about the other day?”
>Thought you caught her saying Rarity’s name a second ago
>Wait, she’s Rarity’s little sister isn’t she!
>That’s how you know her name
>Huh, small world
>You thought it was Sweet Gels for some reason
>That sounds like it’d taste good
>Oh double wait, Rarity was talking about you!
“If it was anything good, of course I am, but anything bad then no that’s obviously some other horrible Anon.”
>Sweetie Belle smirks before shaking her head
>”No it wasn’t anything like that; she just said what she was working on was for you to wear during a shopping trip tomorrow.”
>Ah, should’ve expected that
>You feel and can see her staring at you a bit more intensely than before from your peripheral
>It’s like she’s evaluating you or something as she purses her lips
>You’re about to say something when she lets out a short low hum and turns back to the hall before you
>What the deal with that?
>”So tell me Anon, what’s the E stand for?”
>Oh boy, that question
>Been awhile since you heard it
>Was only a matter of time since you’ve been talking to so many new people
“Well, it has to do with my Dad’s name…”

>You twirl your pencil idly in your right hand as you try to figure the last problem out
>The silence of the library helps to focus you, but your mind can’t help wander even as you attempt to solve this problem
>Inevitably, you lose track of your numbers amongst the tangled mess of sines cosines and tangents
>Ehhhh, maybe you should take a small break?
>Leaning back in your chair you stretch your arms to the sky as your hair dangles over your chair
>Staring into the dome above you lose yourself in the dome’s diamond patterned windows
>A sigh breathes out of you as you enjoy your temporary respite from the horrors of mathematics
>You never enjoyed busy work, even back in Equestria
>Wonder how princess Twilight and Celestia are doing?
>Are they off saving all Equestria while you finish up 6th period math?
>A silent chuckle escapes you lips as you realize how odd it is to even think that
>With the almost constant flow of problems that afflict both Equestria and Earth you’d think that you would enjoy any moment of peace, even if you know it won’t last
>A stray thought diverges from thinking about the temporary peace
>SINs huh?
>Since you know the Nihilem called Flash Pride it’s safe to assume they’re based on, Christianity you believe?
>You’ll need to do some research on that
>Religion never ranked up there in the things you needed to know to get popular in school 
>It occurs to you that you’re getting a bit too into something else than what you should be working on
>Guess you just don’t like math that much?
>You smile as you sit back up and bring yourself back down to Earth
>Before you get set to working once more you hear the doors slam open with a thunderous boom

*BOOM*
>You and the handful of other occupants in the library turn to the disturbance
>Is that Sweetie Belle?
>She shrugs sheepishly
>”Heh, sorry about that…”
>Miss Cheerilee rolls her eyes as everyone gets back to their various tasks
>You, your curiosity peeked, keep an eye on Sweetie Belle as she waves someone in
>A cart, loaded with a tall enough stack of cardboard boxes that it blocks you vison of whoever’s pushing it, rolls into the library
>Sweetie Belle leads the trolley towards the back rooms
>Must be going to the AV room to meet up with the rest of the CMC
>Kind of want to check out what’s up instead of doing this math
>You’re pretty burnt out on thinking too hard
>Your eyes track the cart wanting to know who’s behind the undoubtedly heavy load
>It isn’t till after it passes the center computer stations do you see who’s behind it
>Anon?
>What’s he doing helping Sweetie Belle?
>Or maybe you should ask what he’s got in his backpack?
>It’s way bigger than what you’ve normally seen
>Still, him helping out instead of working on homework is odd
>You know he doesn’t have anything to do with the extra-curriculars
>Unless he JUST joined one, but you doubt he’d do that with all the crazy stuff going on
>Especially not the CMC
>The two of them seem to be chatting as they make their way to the back
>Maybe he decided to help her out of the blue like he did Fluttershy
>That seems pretty likely considering how small Sweetie Belle is compared to that stack of boxes
>Maybe you could go check up on him?
>You didn’t really get a chance to talk to him yesterday besides the asking whether he had sushi or not
>Alright!
>You slap your hands onto the table and stand up quickly as they disappear into the back
>You’ll go check up on him!
>Several of your copious amount of books fall to the ground as you knock your leg into the table
>Right after you clean up all the books you just knocked off your table…

“So this is the place?”
>Coming to a stop in front of a large wood door flanked on both sides by large bookcases you peer around
>Doing your best to angle the cart in a way that you won’t knock over some stacks of books as you move out of the way for Sweetie Belle to step forward
>”Yep, this here is the main hub of our club!”
>A main hub in the far corners of the library?
>Shouldn’t it be somewhere more, known?
>You didn’t even know there where rooms way back in the library
>By the looks of it, the librarian might not even know considering all the dust on the surrounding shelves and the discarded books lying around
>With the creak of decrepit wood the tall door swings open
>”Come on in!”
>Being the dutiful cart pusher you are you push the cart in on her command
>Oh holy crap, that’s a lot of stuff
>All along the walls and ceiling are what looks to be movie memorabilia
>There’s both completely obscure collectables like what you’re pretty sure is a miniature Evolver of all things to blatantly obvious things like a framed copy of the 1950-2000 Grays Sports Almanac
>”Ah, ya finally got all the stuff!”
>”About time, we’ve been waiting to go forever!”
>After pushing the cart aside next to a shelf packed with an overwhelming assortment of dvds and bluerays you turn around to greet whoever the two new voices belong to
>Two other girls about the same size as Sweetie Belle sit at a dusty circular table covered in loose sheets of paper
>It seems they haven’t noticed you as Sweetie Belle nods happily
>”Sorry it took so long, I thought it’d take less time to move it all in one trip, but…”
>The orange or maybe beige skinned girl smiles as she points to the mess of papers atop the table
>”That’s no biggie, we got most of the outline done while we waited!”

>Sweetie Belle practically shakes with excitement as you idly wonder if you should just sneak out now, vanishing like Batman
>”That’s great! So we can start filming right away?”
>That doesn’t seem like too bad an idea actually…
>The yellow one shakes her head
>”Well we could, but we should probably get a script and more actors together first.”
>Orangina girl scratches her chin
>”Yea, we don’t want to go through what happened the last time we did improv.”
>All three of them shake as if remembering something horrible
>Ok, that’s pretty much your cue to get to getting
>You have a really bad feeling tha-
>Sweetie Belle claps her hands together excitedly
>”Wait, speaking of actors!”
>She pivots to her side and points to you
>”We could ask Anon!”
>Fuck
>It looks like both you and them are caught like a deer in the headlights
>You react first by sheepishly waving at the now three pairs of eyes on you
>The brownish girl collects herself from the shock second
>”WOAH, how’d you just hide like that, are you some sort of ninja?!”
>Followed by the yellow girl with the bow in her hair
>”Ah know, ah didn’t even see him a second ago!”
>Wow, you don’t know whether to feel insulted or worried that they actually didn’t notice you
>Like, Sweetie belle literally waved you in
>Speaking of Sweetie Belle, she slaps a hand to her forehead
>”Oh I forgot introduce him, this is Anon; he helped move all the stuff!”
>The yellow rainboot wearing girl steps forward with a hand extended towards you
>”Applebloom, it’s nice ta meet ya!”
>Applebloom?
>Why do you get the feeling that with her somewhat southern accent and apple themed name she’s related to Applejack?

>You firmly meet Applebloom’s handshake with your own
“You wouldn’t happen to be Applejack’s little sister would you?”
>She puffs her chest out with a smirk
>”That ah am! How’d ya know, is it cause ah’m the spittin image of Applejack?”
>You furrow your brow at her statement
>Not just because it’s obviously wrong, but because you genuinely can’t tell if she’s joking or if she just doesn’t know
>The latter seems more likely though
>The other unnamed girl places an unsure hand on Applebloom’s shoulder
>”Or maybe because you both have apple in your name?”
>Applebloom ponders that for a second before nodding
>”Oh yea!”
>The unnamed girl makes worried eye contact with you before shaking her head
>”Well uh anyways, hi there; I’m Scootaloo!”
>You grab the spunky girl’s hand with a nod
“Anon, Anon E Moose.”
>With introductions out of the way maybe you can still retreat before they ask you anythi-
>”Say, I feel like I’ve seen you somewhere before…”
>Scootaloo taps her foot as she scrunches her face
>”Yea ah get that feeling too.”
>Applebloom joins her, examining you with scrutiny
>Not like that’s making you uncomfortable or anything
>Sweetie Belle comes to your rescue as she grabs both the girl’s shoulders
>”Hey, remember it’s not polite to stare so much.”
>Applebloom seems to be the only one affected by her plea however
>”Ah right, sorry bout that. Ah just can’t place where ah’ve seen ‘em befo-“
>Scootaloo goes wide-eyed before letting out a shrill scream(?)
>You don’t really know because you think you’ve lost all sense of hearing
>Both Applebloom and Sweetie Belle cringe and cover their ears as Scootaloo does her best to pop your eardrums with just her voice
>Wait, maybe you should cover your ears too?
>No, you’ve gone at least a good 7 seconds without doing so
>Just ride it out Anon, just ride it out

>As you accept your new fate as a man with no hearing, Applebloom grabs Scootaloo by the arms and vigorously shakes her
>”WHAT IN TARNATION ARE YOU SCREAMING ABOUT!?!”
>Like the dying sirens of a city wrought with nuclear devastation Scootaloo’s screaming fades
>”HHHHHHHHHHHHHHhhhh, I know where I’ve seen Anon!”
>She practically bounces up and down as she flicks her attention between the three of you with a manic-esque fervor 
>”I first saw him last Friday after school when he had that super laser fight with Flash!”
>Oh yea, kinda forgot about that
>Well maybe not forgot, but it’s definitely been overshadowed by recent events
>Wonder if people are talking about that?
>You haven’t noticed any odd looks from people, but then again you haven’t really been here or paying attention to others in the past two hours
>Instead of bouncing now Scootaloo’s gone to vibrating with excitement
>”BUT more important than that, I was at the mall on Monday getting some props for the movie when I saw him!”
>Ok?
>Seems like Sweetie Belle shares your lack of understanding
>”What’s so special about that, I go to the mall all the time.”
>Scootaloo turns to her barely holding herself back before yelling
>”I saw him eating with Rainbow Dash!”
>Oh, okX2?
>That’s not that big a dea-
>”And since she doesn’t eat out with anyone besides the teams or her close friends, AND he’s not on ANY team!”
>Applebloom smiles and nods as if just getting why a joke is funny
>”Then that means!”
>Wait second, you get the distinct feeling of a misunderstand-
>Something dawns on Sweetie Belle as she boards the hype train the other two are currently balls deep in
>”He must be Rainbow Dash’s BOYFRIEND!”

>Wait, HUUUUHHHHH?!?
>All three of the girls excitedly chatter amongst themselves
>Nope, not doing this!
>This is not how you will go out!
>The gaggle of girls begins to throw you a few questions amidst their fast talk
>”How long have you been together?!”
>”Do ya have cute pet names for each other!?”
>”Do you two do secret workouts alone!?”
>As the three excitedly babble effectively cutting you off from even attempting to answer you decide to take drastic action
>Librarian forgive you
>Slapping your hands together you produce a loud *CLAP* to get their attention
“Alright, full stop!”
>They all quiet down diverting their attention from their own spastic conversations back directly on you
>That’s more like it
>Everybody’s calm and paying attention
>You crouch down to the tiny group’s eye level pointing at them with your trusty waggling finger
“Ok, first off, Dash and I are not, repeat, are NOT dating.”
>Like a kid being scolded by her teacher Scootaloo raises a hand with no doubt a question
>You don’t bother pointing to her
“What?”
>She leans forward with her brow furrowed in confusion
>”But if you’re not dating, how come you just called her Dash?”
>Applebloom leans forward over her shoulder nodding in agreeance
>”Yea, nobody calls her that besides her really close friends or teammates!”
>What is with these three, are they little kid-wait, they’re freshman aren’t they?
>Alright, plain and simple reason that's the truth but not really a go
“She literally asked me to call her that, ya know, since I have gym with her?”
>Applebloom and Sweetie Belle seem to take that to heart as they both scratch their heads in thought
>”Ah guess, huh, that makes sense…”
>”When you put it that way…”

>There, easy
>Even Scootaloo seems to accept that with a nod
>Now to quickly get out of here now that your point is ma-
>”Hold on, if you’re not dating, how come she was pushing you out of gym to go “running“ alone with her?”
>You stop mid stand stunned
>You don’t like the connotation Scootaloo’s putting on running, but there’s a more important question to ask
>How the hell does she know about that?
>WHY DOES SHE KNOW ABOUT THAT!?
>That happened like an hour ago!
>”Scootaloo, now yer just making stuff up!”
>You keep your gaze locked on the ground as you struggle to come up with an excuse that DOESN’T involve saying the two of you were just going back to your place
>Pretty sure that’d only exacerbate the problem
>”Yea, they’d never do something so, uh, scandalous(?), scandalous!”
>At least it seems like the other two don’t believe Scootaloo
>”No no I’m serious! I was in Coach Barbell’s office to talk about track when Rainbow Dash called out to him asking for permission; she was actually pushing Anon out of the weight room!”
>Maybe you should just keep your mouth shut?
>You’re already batting an ok as far as saying things and not getting into trouble, so if you try to correct her yourself you’re bound to do one of two things
>Say something that completely exonerates you, or completely proves her conspiracy
>So instead of tempting fate, you’ll let her two friends talk her out of any misconceptions for you!
>That’s a perfect plan that can’t possibly go wr-god that’s super dumb!
>Why are you even entertaining that idea?!
>”It ain't a secret that she like to run, Ah don’t think it’s really weird that she’d be really excited before one.”

>Come on brain, give us something!
>Uhhhhh, tell the truth kinda again?
>You cross your arms as you stand back up fully
>Hm, could just leave out the part about the race leading to your house you guess…
>Scootaloo quickly defends her preposterous idea
>”Yea, but why weren’t they on the track field? I checked for them after I was done talking with Coach Barbell and they weren’t anywhere in sight!”
>And would you look at that, a perfect opportunity to interject into the conversation!
>Thanks world
>With your best totally composed smirk
“That’s probably because we were racing to the Shop and Trot a few miles away.”
>Applebloom points to you
>”See, now that makes sense.”
>Sweetie Belle crosses her arms as the two incredulously stare down Scootaloo
>”Yea, a lot more than Anon here sneaking off with Rainbow Dash to do, any funny business.”
>Yea, preach on Clothing Sister
>You nod in agreement with her in hopes that it’ll be the final nail in the “Anon is totes making out with Dash during class” scenario that Scootaloo probably has in her noggin
>Though now it’s in your noggin
>Shit
>The tiny beige girl scrunches her face before having an aha moment
>Wonder if she’s come to some sort of an epiphany?
>She scratches her chin while looking you up and down
>”SO, you’re really NOT dating Rainbow Dash?”
>You shake your head and swipe a hand out in front of you to emphasize your answer
“NO.”
>She nods rapidly while holding up her pointer finger
>”But…”
>Oh boy, you already don’t like when someone just adds a but to something so succinct like no
>She claps bother her hands together before pointing to you with both index fingers out stretched
>”You do WANT to right?”

>As if your mind and mouth become one for this single moment only one word is uttered
“What?”
>What?
>Scootaloo inches closer to you with a grin splitting her lips
>”Come on, all the signs are there!”
>Oh, what fresh hell is this?
>The other two seem to be following along about as well as you are judging by their confused gazes they throw each other
>”I saw how the two of you were fooling around at the mall. The Rainbow Dash I know wouldn’t goof around like that unless you were someone special!”
>Really?
>You’re no Dash expert like you think the affectionately titled Squirt here is, but you’re pretty sure that Dash acts like that all the time
>At least, she has all the time you’ve known her
>You feel a tiny elbow faintly jab at your abs
>Glancing down you see Scootaloo holding a hand up to cover her mouth as she whispers
>”The only people she lets loose like that around, besides the other Rainbooms, are you and me.”
>Really?
>Like you haven’t paid attention to anybody, so you wouldn’t really know
>Though you’re pretty sure nobody acts differently around you
>Excluding the whole kinda weird fixation with being your friend
>Scootaloo pats her puffed out chest with a smile
>”Gotta trust me on this, I know Rainbow Dash, and I think there’s something there.”
>For some reason, you’re having a bit of trouble putting faith in the Squir-ehm Scootaloo’s assertion
>Pretty sure Dash is just bro tier
>She not only spotted you a place to sleep when you got your shit kicked in, but she even stayed up to make sure you were ok
>Guess they don't call her the element of Loyalty for nothing
>Still, the fact she'd be so kind to someone she met less than a week ago...
>Scoot and shoot pats you on the side
>”But hey don’t worry about it dude, I’m sure if she’s interested in you that you’ll be fine just being yourself!”

>Did this little fucking pumpkin spice colored girl actually give you the “just bee yourself” advice?
>Might need a minute as you contemplate why you even wake up in the morning if things like this keep happening to you
>Wait, that’s not what you should be miffed about!
>This pint-sized rip-off of Miss Cleo is honestly suggesting that Dash is interested in you, you!
>That’s so dumb
>You think she’s hot and all, but there’s nothing to suggest she likes you like THAT
>It’s just bants bro
>As you think that though, the distinct memory of her wanting to watch your ass on the way up to the roof of Chinese resurfaces
>Oh god, now you’re confused!
>Wait, make it doubly so since she watched Applejack’s ass too!
>EEEEERRRRRRRGGHHH!
>Ok know what, it’s time to abort this conversation
>Don’t have any clue on how to do that tactfully though
>Don’t want to be too much a jerk, especially if these three are all basically the little sisters of three people you may eventually become good fr-comrades with
>Maybe fake stomach pain or something?
>Whatever you’re doing, you gotta act fast cause the somehow shorter Dash-in-training looks like she’s about to continue listing her reasons so you better stop her now
>It seems as the World likes you just enough to intervene on your behalf as Applebloom’s eyes are drawn behind you
>She waves happily interrupting Scootaloo before she can force you back onto the romance express
>”Oh hey there Sunset!”
>Sunset?
>Stepping to the side you can see that indeed the bacon girl in the flesh is entering the movie themed room

>Ah Sunset! 
>Your leather jacket clad knight in shining armor here to slay the horrible situation dragon you find yourself subjugated to!
>Think you can feel a tear in your eye as she gives a casual wave
>”Morning, what’re you four up to back here?”
>Sweetie Belle eagerly pipes up to inform Sunset about what’s up
>”Nothing really, I was just going to thank Anon here for helping me out when Scootaloo was going on about how Rainbow Dash and Anon might be-“
>Scootaloo practically becomes a blur as she rushes to slap a hand over Sweetie Belle’s mouth
>”Come really good friends!”
>Damn Scoots, real smooth there
>Sunset looks to you with a raised brow at the obviously sketch action
>You just shrug
>Don’t know why Scootaloo wants to keep her theory that Dash is interested in you secret, but you’re more than happy to let sleeping dogs lie
>Placing a hand on her hip Sunset cheerfully smiles as she jabs a thumb at herself
>”Well, I hope he becomes great friends with lots of people, myself included!”
>Man, if this were anybody besides Sunset and her jolly band of merry girls you’d think she was making fun of you right now with how brightly her optimism is shining through her pearly whites
>You feel the need to shift focus here though
>Like to talking about that movie these three are shooting
>They needed actors right?
>Even if you’re going to turn them down, a change of topic would be great right now
>Especially one that doesn’t make you feel so, uncomfortable
>You cough into a clenched fist
“*ahem* Anyway, what’s this I heard about a movie?”
>Applebloom grins as she reaches for something on the table behind her
>”Well, it’s to finally give the club something to do besides watch movies, but it’s also an entry to this!”

>Applebloom holds a small poster aloft like a trophy
>You give the sparkling piece of parchment a quick look over
>Looks like a poster for the new live adaptation of Daring Do’s Bizarre Adventure, but with a lot of text underneath
>Greetings future movie makers, blah blah, trailer competition, radda radda, full backstage access while filming and even a chance at background or bit rolls in the movie!?!
>No way!
“This isn’t real is it?”
>Both the younger Apple sister and smol Dash vibrate with excitement as they nod
>”It sure is!”
>”Ah still couldn’t believe it, but principal Celestia said the director is a CHS alumni!”
>That’s actually pretty sick!
>Sweetie Belle seems happy, but not nearly as much as the other two
>”I thought it’d be fun to do with the club.”
>Sunset scratches her head as she stares at the dazzling poster in all its glory
>”Daring Do, where have I heard that name before?”
>The hype that was building up in all of you evaporates with that question
>A large need to autistically inform Sunset all about Daring Do consumes you whole
>Not only is it one of your favorite anime, but they’re adapting your favorite Doda, Doseph!
>However, the thought of your last autistic outburst with Dash a few days ago helps you hold your tongue
>Luckily, Scootaloo is more than happy to babble on about Daring Do
>You’d pay attention to fact check her, but you’re pretty sure you’d get caught up in the hype that is spreading one’s autism to the uninitiated
>You tune out of the conversation as you stare at the poster on the table
>Didn’t think that the director of the movie would have gone to CHS of all places
>Or for that matter, wanted to include CHS in a little competition with the reward being a free trip on set
>Must’ve really liked going here

>You’re brought out of your thoughts by Sunset’s voice speaking up for the first time
>”So you’re going to enter into this?”
>Applebloom’s bow jiggles on her head as she nods
>”Mhmm, we’ll probably start filming sometime near the end of next week!”
>Scootaloo’s eyes shift to you as she speaks
>”But for now we’re gonna scout out possible set locations, and get some actors till then.”
>She slides towards you with a hopeful grin
>”Speaking of which, how would you like to be Doseph Daring?”
>You blink
>It would be like a day dream come true…
>But you see several problems with this
>Like how soon that trailer is due
>That being November 5th
>Not to mention how acting for even a trailer would require a lot of time and effort
>Pretty sure those two things are kinda claimed by all the magic things you have to deal with
>You also don’t think you could handle being around these three for so long
>No offense to them or anything, but they kinda seem all over the place
>You hold a hand up as if to physically cushion the verbal blow you’re about to give Scootaloo 
“I appreciate the offer and all, but I don’t think I’ll have enough time since I kinda already have something that’s eating up all my ti-“
>Sunset suddenly cuts you off as she steps next to you
>”Don’t worry about it, I’m sure you can fit it in!”
>Sunset no, what is she saying!?
>She gives you a somewhat toothy smile as she grabs your backpack
>”If you want, I’m sure everyone in the Rainbooms would love to help out too!”
>The SINs and Nihilem and world ending plots though!
>The three movie makers all cheer at Sunset’s words
>”Great, ah can start designing some of the costumes, maybe ah could ask Rarity for help?”
>”If I know my sister, I bet she already has some fitting outfits for the Rainbooms! Think Rainbow Dash would help me write some guitar riffs?”
>”As if you need to even ask, sick riffs are what she does best! I think I’ll ask Twilight to help me come up with a manga true script!”

>Well now you’ll feel like a dick if you say no…
>Thanks Sunset
>She gives you a nod as she pushes you towards the door
>”I’ll tell everyone the good news at lunch today, I’m sure everyone will be glad to help! For now though, Anon and I have to go over some school work he missed yesterday.”
>The trio of freshman all bid you adieu as you’re kinda forced out of the room by Sunset
>”Alright, say hi to mah sister fer me!”
>”See you later!”
>”Remember to think about what I said big guy!”
>Oh you have a feeling you won’t be able to NOT think about it, especially around Dash
>You sigh as you and Sunset walk out of the room leaving their loud goodbyes behind
>Should really be a bit quieter considering it’s a library and all
>Wait, you’re getting off track again!
>You lean towards the apparently content Sunset as she walks beside you amongst the old books and whisper yell
“What the heck was that! I don’t think we have the time to spare and become the cast for a trailer even if I really like the anime!”
>She smiles sheepishly as she looks away from you
>”I have a reason for why it’d be better if we did partake while all this is going on.”
>What?
>Has she gone off the deep end?
“And what reason is that?”
>She makes eye contact with you once more giving you a great view of her cyanish eyes
>”Well, b-“
*BRRRIIINNNGGG*
>Oh are you fucking kidding?
>”Trust me, you’ll see why when I tell everyone else.”
>You shake your head as she shrugs with a smirk
“It better be good.”
>You decide not to press it any further since you’ve got to get to your next class anyways
>”It will be, don’t worry; I’ll see you later!”
>She gives you a wave before running off towards one of the tables
>Fucking Bacon Egg Slammer…
>Whatever, it’s time for History

>As usual, your walk to history is quick and uneventful
>Helps that it’s literally down the hall
>Ms. Harshwhinny gives you a nod with her signature resting bitch face
>Though you think you see a bit of a smile attempting to pull her lips up
>”Good to see you’re doing well Mr. Moose.”
>You nod reflexively as you get close to her
>See, this is why you think she gets a bad rep
>From her tone of voice you do genuinely believe she means that, but she looks like she’s ready to pelt you with a book
>Feel kinda bad for her
>You may not talk to any of your classmates but you do hear them constantly complain about her when there’s a sub
>Saying she’s too much of a hardass
>Wait, she’s pulling open one of her desk drawers
>Oh shit, you missed yesterday!
>Forgot about that
>Luna must’ve done you the solid of delivering an excuse to all your teachers
>Gotta thank her for that, even if she was the reason you missed the classes in the first place
>Anyways, your absence yesterday that means you missed packet day
>Ms. Harshwhinny pulls out the aforementioned packet and places it on her desk
>As you stop and pick it up she unexpectedly speaks in a hushed voice
>”I can give you my notes on yesterday’s lecture if you don’t want to…”
>You smile a bit at her words that would probably offend anyone else
>Seems like she’s noticed that you don’t really socialize with anyone
>She’s really considerate isn’t she?
>It’s stuff like this that makes you think her bad rep isn’t really warranted
>She’s never been mean to you!
>Though maybe she just likes you?
>After all, you literally never talk in class baring last Friday with Twilight and whenever you’re called on in class
>Pretty sure she pointed you out as the model student once while berating most of the class

>Guess as long as you do your work and don’t cause trouble in class, Ms. Harshwhinny isn’t really all that harsh
>Go figure
>But getting back to the present
>Normally you’d be all over free teacher notes, but you do have someone you’re supposed to at least try being chummy with in class now
>Not to mention that if you work together with Twilight you can get a head start on tackling all the questions you’ve got for lunch
>You carefully pick up the packet
“Thank you, but I don’t need it; got someone else I can mooch the notes off of.”
>She gives you a curt nod as she leans back in her chair
>”Alright, as long as you’re able to learn the material then it’s fine.”
>You give her a smile in appreciation before making your way to the back of the class
>Gotta get settled in before the purple terror comes
>Placing the packet on the table you shrug your backpack off with a heavy *thunk*
>Just as you plop down onto a chair Twilight the purple mad scientist herself waltzes into the room
>She’s looking over a notebook as she makes her way towards you
>With a nod she stops infront of your table and offers the notebook to you
>”Here, I took the liberty of copying my notes onto another notebook for you.”
>Could’ve just let you copy hers yourself, but it’s nice not having to you suppose
>You gladly accept the premade notes
“Thanks a lot, I was just going to ask to copy yours and not for A copy.”
>She adjusts her glasses as she takes a seat next to you
>”It’s no problem really; copying notes down a second time is a great way to memorize material.”
>Makes sense
>With an excited clap of her hands Twilight smirks
>”Now, let’s get started shall we Anon-bo?”
>But class hasn’t even started an-
>”If we get this done now, we can focus whole-heartedly on taking down Flash on Saturday!”
>When she puts it that way…

>Fuck
>You drop your pencil before promptly letting your head hit the table
>The crisp paper feels soothing on the side of your face
>While part of you knew, you were kinda hoping that Twilight was kidding about finishing it all today
>Last Friday it was just a chapter packet, but this one is much worse than a chapter packet
>Oh no, this is a review packet
>In other words, 6 chapters worth of packets
>Pretty sure the due date on this isn’t until the end of next week too
>Twilight groans as she puts down her pencil
>”Come on Anon-bo, we’re only three fourths the way through; If we work hard I’m sure we can get a bit more done before class is over!”
>Gods please no more
>Normally you can take actually working hard for a period, but not at purple smart’s break neck pace
>Kinda reminds you of Dash’s driving
>You look to the clock for an excuse as to why you don’t need to work anymore
>And hey, would ya look at that!
>You lift your head from the table and point to the glorious ticking friend
“There’s only five more minutes in class, time to pack it up.”
>She flips her packet closed with a frown
>”Hmm, I suppose you’re right; by the time we’d pick up momentum again the bell would be ringing.”
>You get to stuffing all your supplies into your mobile locker as twilight leans forward on her elbows
>”With this moment’s reprieve I do wish to bring up a concern before we head out to lunch.”
>Oh?
>You hope it isn’t about what place to eat
>She never did text you the details about where the two of you were going
>With a cautious glance at the surroundings she inches towards you conspiratorially before speaking queitly
>”It um, has to do with Jordan’s current, aliment.”
>Jordan!
>Knew you forget something, err someone important!
>Not that you forgot about them, you just weren’t thinking about them
>Wow, that actually sounds worse in this case

>Still, you’ve got to get the buggo out of Twilight’s house don’t you?
>Twilight pays no mind to your inner thoughts as she continues speaking in a hushed whisper
>”I did a bit of digging, and as I thought according to my dossier on changelings, Jordan’s prolonged transformation isn’t normal.”
>Well you could of told her that, but better to check any resources on hand
>Still, that doesn’t bode well
>Now that you think about it though, a dossier on changelings?
>You think you remember seeing that in her slideshow
“Where’d you even get a dossier on changelings anyways?”
>She grins smugly
>”My benefactor.”
>This cheeky cunt
>Is she doing this on purpose?
>You think she is
>Ceasing her grin Twilight furrows her brow
>”But getting back on topic, we’ll have to get to the bottom of what’s wrong with Jordan.”
>Definitely
>How do you even start on that though?
>Twilight glances away from you
>"I've been dragging my feet so-to-speak, but I've given the matter some thought..."
>Hm?
>"I believe I'll be moving Jordan and some other relevant materials into Luna's lab for further study with her particular equipment."
>Wish you could help with that, but you're no sciene guy
"Think you'll be able to get to the bottom of the poor dude's affliction?"
>She stares into the packets splayed out in front of you for a moment like she’s really thinking about it
>Makes you start getting worried
>However, before you can she gives you a confident smile and a thumbs up
>”I can’t guarantee that I can actually do anything, but I can guarantee to do the best I can.”
>She looks away smirking now
>”Not to sound conceited, but baring a few exceptions that tends to get results.”
>Wish you could say the same, but her confidence in her skills does comfort you a bit

>You gently cup Twilight’s shoulder
“Alright then, I’m counting on you.”
>She averts her gaze with a nod before breaking your conspiratorial huddle
>Clearing her throat she sits up straight
>”*ahem* Yes well, I don’t intend to fail a nakama!”
>Despite the weeb, a smile parts your lips ever so slightly when she calls you that
>She peers at you from underneath her hime cut after adjusting her glasses
>”Not to so radically change the subject bu-“
*BRRRIIINNNGGG*
>The bell drowns out her question
>Oh hoho Bell you glorious bastard
>With its signal it can only mean one thing
>Glorious food time is upon you!
>You stand up with a smile while hoisting your strongbox with straps onto your back
“Alright, guess it’s time for a much more important subject to tackle.”
>Twilight follows your lead standing up with her school supplies in tow
>”Yes, I believe I was just about to switch gears to that subject.”
>Great
>You rub your hands together as your tongue starts to salivate
“So, where we going for lunch?”
.
.
.
>Twilight points to a building not that far down the street
>”There it is, it’s the building with the few tables outside.”
>You size the building in question up as the two of you steadily make your way there
>Huh, that’s a bit surprising
>It looks like a completely normal café
>Complete with a pink awning and a few tables with pink patio umbrellas
>Even looks like there’s one or two people sipping coffee at one of them
>Not that you can blame them, it feels pretty nice outside
>The wind seems to have died down and the temperature is the perfect blend of cold and mild warmth

>As you push open the glass double doors a sickeningly sweet aroma washes over you
>Yep, this is a small café alright
>It’s got that scent that only comes when you mix a multitude of teas, coffees, and pastries permeating the place
>You survey the place as you step past the threshold
>Doesn’t look like the place is that busy as most tables are empty save another couple of people sitting in the back
>Oh shit, is that a couch?
>Know where you’re sitting
>You follow behind Twilight who waltzes toward a display cabinet filled to the brim with different desserts and lunch edibles
>Oh man, you suddenly remember just how hungry you are
>All that review takes a strain on your energy reserves
>Your eyes begin to ravenously devour all the available choices
>Where to start?
>”Oh hello there Twilight!”
>Oh jeez, is that a quadruple layer ham sandwich on sourdough?
>”Good afternoon Mrs. Cake, how are you doing today?”
>Though that triple fudge and peanut butter brick looks pretty good with its caramel glaze
>”Well I’m doing just dandy thank you, who’s your new friend?”
>Or maybe you could go with that rather delectable looking quiche?
>God you love eggs
>”This is my friend Anon, he goes to CHS.”
>Dear god, you need to rein yourself in
>If you don’t, well, you don’t want to say you’ll spend copious amounts of money getting a bunch of shit you don’t need, but that’s exactly what you’ll do
>A *clink* draws your attention from the cavalcade of food on offer
>The lady in an apron behind the register gives you a smile as you see she’s placed a bite-sized red cupcake on the counter
>”You look like you could eat a moose dearie, here have sample before you order.”
>Ok, maybe you were a bit too into checking out the food

>Still, you’re not one to look a gift horse in the mouth
>You snatch up the miniature cupcake with a nod
“Thank you very much, um…”
>You distinctly remember hearing voices while you were distracted, but what they said?
>No idea
>”Mrs. Cake.”
>You toss the cupcake into your mouth and HO GOD
>YOU KNOW THIS FLAVOR OF RED VELVET!
>THIS MUST BE WHERE THE CAKEPIE IS FROM!
>You manage to suppress the moan of ecstasy before it escapes your maw
>Doesn’t stop you from smiling though
>”Looks like I’ve hooked another one ay Twilight?”
>Twilight chuckles as you fully recover
“YO- *ahem* you wouldn’t happen to know Pinkie Pie would you Mrs. Cake?”
>Mrs. Cake points to her right
>Glancing in that direction shows picture of a much younger Pinkie covered in pink globs of cake with Mrs. Cake standing to the side
>Oh, well that explains that
>”I assume you’ll want the usual Twilight?”
>She turns to you with a matronly smile
>Alright, you’re up to bat
>Time to order
>The prices all looked pretty reasonable, so you don’t need to worry about that
>Just, don’t order nothing bu-
“I’d like two of those red velvet muffins, one slice of quiche, a brick of that triple fudge, and one of those ham sandwiches.”
>MOUTH NO!
>Sorry Anon, but your stomach is too powerful to be denied
>Blast!
>”Would ya like anything to wash that all down with?”
>Here’s your chance to make up for it!
>Just say wate-
“I’ll take one of those quarts of milk please.”
>Ok, that’s not TOO bad you guess
>The pastry mistress behind the counter rings up your order before decking a tray with your food
>Oh it looks good
>You quickly pay before grabbing the lunch
>Twilight already has her own lunch in hand
>Looks like she only got a single layer sandwich
>Now you feel like you may have got too much
>”Where do you want to sit Anon-kun?”

>Twilight’s words halt your thoughts
>AS if that’s a question
>You point to the couch you saw on the way in with your head
“That looks pretty comfy.”
>She nods in agreement as the two of you make your way there and get settled in
>You plop down on the end of the couch as she takes a seat at the circular table next to it
>As soon as your food is on the table you take no time to get started on your warpath
>By the time you’re done with this food you’ll be held accountable for crimes against foodkind
>Twilight brings a hand to her mouth as you bring the first of the red velvet victims to yours
>”Alright, so where should we begin?”
>Huh?
>You stop and chew as it dawns on you that you are here indeed to get answers
>Answers that you should probably focus on asking for first before digging in like an idiot
>You hastily swallow the tasty treat before clearing your throat
“I think that picking up where we left off at your house would be the best.”
>Twilight bites into her a triangle half of her sandwich and swallows before replying
>”Ah yes, I believe I was talking about the stipends I receive to do my research into magic?”
>Yes that!
“Mhm, so who’s your mysterious benefactor?”
>She sets her sandwich back down before leaning forward
>”Well, you’ve no doubt heard of him, he’s a prominent member of the local community.”
>Like you know anything about Canterlot’s community
>You hold your tongue as you await the reveal
>At least you’re pretty sure Twilight’s treating this like a reveal since she’s sure taking her damn time
>She smirks before saying
>”His name i-“
>”Twilight your drink’s ready!”
>DAMN IT MRS. CAKE
>Tiwlight smiles sheepishly before running over to get her drink
>You indignantly take another bite of your muffin before she sits back down with a mug in tow
>She nods before stating plainly

“Fancy Pants…”
>You stare at your disheveled work area, your eyes dancing across the multitude of old documents scattered about your desk as you hear a sudden sucking in of air over the line
>”Luna I, well I certainly didn’t expect you to be the one calling.”
>Guess this confirms that Sister was still indeed speaking with him
>While you do feel a bit betrayed that she would lie to you, you can see why she did
>Focusing back on task you swivel around in your chair
“Yes well, I wasn’t one for pleasantries in the best of times, but in my sister’s absence I find myself the one who has to call.”
>Even if you’d rather not
>Just hearing Fancy’s voice now….
>”Oh my, I haven’t heard from her in a while, is she alright?”
>You do your best to push past the bittersweet nostalgia brimming within you as you continue
“She is fine; currently she and Will are working towards recovering full operational status in the Empire.”
>Suppose you should be happy you have the restraint to be civil with Fancy Pants
>Even if you did simply revert to reporting the situation as if by instinct
>”Hm, that’s excellent; Do you thi-“
>You interrupt him before he can get going
“I’m sorry, but this isn’t exactly a social call.”
>Not that you’ve done one for anyone in the past 6 years anyways
>Do you even have anyone to call though?
>”I, figured as much, but you can’t fault me for wanting to keep up to date with a few old friends.”
>Friends?
>Using that word to describe any of you…
>Old resentment you thought gone smolders within you like the burning embers of a fire long snuffed out
>It’s strange for a feeling you thought sorted to have ignited after so long
>No doubt because of your most recent escapade…
“No, I can’t…”

>You can hear Fancy’s mouth open over the phone as he no doubt wishes to continue ignoring the divide between the two of you
>However, instead of giving him the opportunity, you direct the conversation
“I assume you know of the numerous concerning magically inspired incidents swirling around Canterlot lately?”
>He pauses, no doubt deliberating his next words carefully
>He was always good at tip-toeing around a subject
>One of the only things you’d thank him for teaching you even if it was on accident
>”I, have an idea yes.”
>He has an idea?
>For some reason you doubt it’s JUST an idea
>The bastard could never keep his fingers out of any pies here, the only exception being the ONE time he should’ve had oversi-
>You force the rogue train of thought to a halt as you breathe in deeply
>That, that’s not how you feel anymore
>You trusted Igi as well
>So you can’t fault Fancy for doing so too
>Even if you’d rather he didn’t in the end
>Need to be calm and stay on track
>For everyone’s sake
>Ask what you need to, and hang up
>With a slow exhale you resume your interrogation
“Then you know that the situation is bound to only get worse if things continue at this rate?”
>His voice barely registers over the hum of dead air
>”Perhaps more so than either of us may think…”
>Something you wish the two of you didn’t agree on
“I’m going to cut to the chase then, I want you to put me in contact with your new team.”
>Will he try to deny their existence?
>Or would a better question be how will he?
>Feigning ignorance?
>Perhaps passing the buck?
>No, he wouldn’t be stupid enough to expect you to believe him
>Or perhaps he won’t lie to you
>He’s smart enough to know you wouldn’t bring them up if you didn’t know they existed, right?

>Surprisingly Fancy chuckles
>”I’m sorry Luna, but I’m not in any position like I was five years ago; I simply catch up from time to time with colleagues who try to keep me in the loop is all. Enough to know trouble is brewing, but beyond that…”
>Hm, a combination of your two guesses
>Didn’t think of that he’d be dumb enough to use both
>The sack of shit must really be losing his edge resting on his laurels if he thinks you’d call him without some proof that you know he’s doing something
>No, he’s simply seeing how much YOU know
>He’s just being careful
“So then you know nothing about a team of armored specialists that combat magical hazards in Canterlot?”
>The mystery team of armored combatants that Twilight described assaulting the warehouse party on Sunday seems identical to the one that Igi and yourself proposed not too long ago
>Your mouth seems to continue your questioning of its own accord with a tinge of disdain
“Or is it that you simply don’t care what happens to them as long as your money greases enough cogs to keep people throwing themselves into danger, for the good of Canterlot?”
>Not that you don’t already know that
>He’s already made that clear to you
>No, that’s not true and you know it!
>He stumbles over his words as he quickly tries to quell your fiery accusation
>”That’s well, n-no I…”
>That’s right, he has no answer
>Even now, he won’t be able to absolve what he’s caused
>The bastard
>You can feel those embers starting to catch on the sticks he’s so kindly pilling up for you
>But you, being better now, palm your forehead as you purse your lips
>That’s not fair
>It’s not fair to hold him accountable for Igi
>For…

>You manage to squeeze out tired words after a sigh
“Look, just put me in touch with them so I can get an effective handle on the situation that’s brewing here.”
>You can’t hear it, but you can see it in your mind
>Fancy’s deliberating face
>The face he’d wear whenever you asked him something that left him conflicted
>Always kneading a bit of his thin mustache between a thumb and forefinger
>His voice breaks your mental image
>”Luna it’s, you know that my hands are tied here right?”
>His hands are tied?
>He’s the one running everything, how can they be!?
>Unless…
>You can hear the creaking of his old chair over the phone as he moves
>”After your, untimely retirement, things have changed; we run a tighter shift around here now for one.”
>We?
>Did he bring on more investors?
>”That day in the lab was the final nail in the coffin, after everything that SIS has gone through safety became our top concern.”
>Too little too late as far as you’re concerned
>”That includes the secrecy of all active agents to any unaffiliated personnel they come in contact with.”
>Secrecy of agents?
>Unaffiliated personnel?
>That makes it sound like Fancy’s actually running some sort of organization rather than a band of high-schoolers deciding to take things into their own hands
>Why are you getting a bad feeling here?
>”I can’t wave that away even if you were a founding member, but…”
>No, he isn’t
“Are you trying to get me to sign into employment under you before you’ll tell me?”
>You grip your desk with your free hand as you barely restrain the urge to curse him out
>”Well no, bu-”
>With as much civility as possible you cut off his sniveling
“Are you trying to infuriate me Fancy, because you’re currently excelling at doing so.”

>Fancy’s trying to strong-arm you into working for him once more
>The nerve!
>He takes a moment to compose himself before interjecting with a cough
>”*Ahem* Now now, you’re not a part of this world anymore, you yourself said so!”
>Of course you said that, but times have changed!
>Not only have things gotten exponentially worse, but those you love are in danger
>You can’t, you won’t sit by when you can stop it
>”It’ll go a long way to help smooth your transition into our new operations if you were to join up again. You’d be doing me a favor for sure!”
>Doing a favor for him is something you have a bit of conflicting feelings on
>You’re about to tell him as such before he somberly elaborates
>”After all, Lord knows we could use you! Without you or Igi we had to get completely new experts in separate fields to help sort through all the research the two of you conducted, with little success.” 
>That’s not unexpected…
>While you could always decipher Igi’s scrawlings, if someone who didn’t know how he organized his work tried to take a crack at it…
>Well, they’d probably make better progress researching themselves
>You can hear some pep being regained in Fancy’s speech as he goes on
>”Not to mention you’re probably the most knowledgeable person on the GATE in the world!”
>Buttering you up never works
>You feel like he should be the person most likely to know that
>The enthusiasm he seemingly gained dies quickly as he sighs dejectedly
>”Look, to be completely transparent with you Luna, we need you now more than ever. Unfortunately for us both I can’t just vouch for your loyalty to Canterlot’s well-being, even if you have a history of being such.”

>You stare through your notes with a clenched fist pressed against your lips as you listen intently to Fancy’s words
>”My new colleagues will need more, tangible proof. Say the confidentiality agreement that every sign on goes through. It’d be more than enough to assure their worries and mine that you won’t do anything you’d regret, in the case that things go south once more.”
>You furrow your brow as he breathes steadily taking a break in spouting his bullshit
>In case things go south?
>Is he REALLY alluding to what happened with Igi as things going south?
>Then not only is Fancy making light of that, but he’s telling you that his new colleagues are questioning YOUR trustworthiness?
>Not only them, but HIM of all people!?
>After all that you’ve suffered through for him, for Canterlot?!
>You do your best to reign in the building indignation you’re feeling, but you feel as though it’s in vain
>The fire pit was always there
>You never cleaned it up after quitting, and now those embers left over have started a small fire once more
>That’s only being amplified by
>You close your eyes as you shut out those thoughts because they’re wrong
>However, that doesn’t stop you from hearing something horrible from Fancy though
>”It’s for the best.”
>Those words…
>You remember them well, don’t you?
>Words of your own that you feel powerless to stop spew out of your mouth like a boiling torrent of fiery lava
“Listen here, TRAITOR, I don’t know who your new colleagues are, but your ineptitude has already cost the lives of enough precious to me! This time, I can see the disaster looming over the horizon and I won’t allow YOU to stand in the way of my ability to stop this from happening! Now you put me in contact with the team you’ve assembled or I’ll use less than civil ways to EXTRACT the information needed to do so from you!”

>As the words stop forcing their way through your mouth you can hear Fancy try to speak
>”You have to know Luna how sorry I am for that, I trusted him as much as you did. How could I have known that he-“
>And just like that, you find the words to cut him off
“Do NOT give me your EXCUSES Fancy Pants, you KNOW you’re at fault and no words will convince either of us otherwise!”
>With that, you shut the two of you up
>The silence that follows your words seems to all but smother the fire that raged inside but a moment ago
>Like the wind was taken out of your sails, you find yourself adrift in your own feelings
>Immediately the most prominent emotion you feel is, shame
>While you do mean ever word you said
>Fancy he, he didn’t deserve that
>Especially going so far as threatening to…
>You run your free hand through your hair as you wince
>Thought you put that behind you?
>You did, right?
>Though more and more it seems that the world tells you that you haven’t moved a single step past it
>”I will attempt to arrange a meeting with the currently appointed leaders for you…”
>Fancy’s voice tethers you to reality and slowly reels you back in as he speaks
>”I can see the writing on the wall, something is occurring in Canterlot once more, and even if you won’t stay on permanently, it’d be foolhardy of me to not try to accommodate your help.”
>He sounds, tired as well
>You don’t know how to answer him, so you do the best you can
“Thank you.”
>The silence between you resumes for only a few moments
>”I hope that, once everything’s over, you'll give me a chance to speak in person, as it’s been far too long.”

>You don’t ponder Fancy’s question too long as you’re afraid of the answer that might stir from within
“Let’s focus on getting to after this first, and then we’ll see.”
>A warm chuckle emanates from the phone as you stare into the ceiling
>Despite your inner turmoil you find yourself almost grinning along with him
>He recovers from the chuckle with a bit of levity present in his voice
>”Well then, make sure to take care of this mess for me then will you?”
>You nod even though he can’t see it
“Will do, goodbye.”
>As you lean back in your chair and examine your phone you hear him just before the line cuts out
>”Good luck…”
>Heh, you and the rest of Canterlot will certainly need it…
>You pocket your phone before hanging your arms over the sides of your chair as you slump down
>That was more, draining than you had anticipated
>Though certainly enlightening
>In more ways than one…
>You pinch your forehead between a thumb and forefinger as you frown
>You’ll be needing to not only update Sister and Will on the local going-ons, but you’ll need to discuss various, things with Sister alone
>It’s also obvious you’ll need to redouble your efforts all around
>Need to keep well fed, well rested, and overall well-adjusted so you can maintain control
>You can already see disaster coming on multiple fronts, and the last thing you’re going to do is lose on the home-front a second time
>Your eyes drift to the time on your computer
>12:32pm
>You don’t really need to do anything at school for another 2 hours
>Perhaps taking another nap will help with how drained you feel right now?
>Can’t hurt
>It’s not as though your bedroom isn’t right across the hall
>Alright, first a nap then you can see about helping Barbell
>First you’ll have to get out of your chair

>Wow, that’s quite the repertoire of civic achievements
>You finish up the last bites of the fudgey mess of a brownie on your plate as Twilight finishes up telling you all about Fancy Pants
>It’s odd; you always thought Fancy Pants was just a local higher class version of Costco or something not a world-wide business
>Between owning so many child companies that work on everything from agriculture to security and his love of financing anything that tickles his fancy you’re starting to wonder if the guy’s even real
>Hell, just give him one of Twilight’s exo suits and he’s just Iron Man
>Though apparently much more polite according to Twilight
>The teenage scientist in question puts her fork down as she wipes her mouth with her napkin
>”I’m very thankful for the opportunity Celestia gave me by putting me into contact with him, I don’t think I’d be able to do as much as I do with just my allowance.”
>Oh yea, and there’s that too
>Something about Celestia being an old friend of his
>Don’t really know what to make of that…
“So when you said that Celestia asked you to monitor the magic levels in Canterlot…”
>Twilight nods while tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear
>”Fancy Pants agreed to fund it.”
>She leans back lifting her drink off the table with a slow shake of her head
>”I don’t know if Celestia brought him up to speed on magic, or if he’s an old acquaintance from her days in SIS.”
>Was kinda afraid of that
>Seems that whenever you get an answer to something more questions pop up
>Gonna have to ask Luna or Celestia, whenever she gets back, about him
>Twilight snaps her fingers before pointing to you
>”But I did find out that he’s funding several “projects” in Canterlot currently to help combat magic.”

>No shit?
>Now you’re really going to have to ask about Fancy Pants, but speaking of combating magic…
“So if I remember right, you said you have daily scans of Canterlot?”
>While you know you shouldn’t be looking for trouble, it feels, wrong, not to try and at least go scout out potential trouble areas for, someone to do something!
>Yep, gonna go with that
>Twilight’s face brightens up a smidgen as she reaches into her pocket and pulls her phone out
>”That I did! Were you wishing to review the data I collected perhaps?”
>For once she actually guessed right
“Yes, actually.”
>She gets out of her seat and plops down right next to you on the couch
>You tense up just a little bit, but contain any kneejerk reactions as she unlocks her phone
>A few taps through some rather plain looking widgets and suddenly you’re staring at a geographical map of Canterlot
>Well, just downtown right now
>A really purple downtown
>Twilight glances to you while cradling the phone in front of the two of you
>”You remember how to read it correct?”
>Yes you do unfortunately
“More purple means more magic, which is really bad considering it’s all super purple.”
>She frowns seriously
>”Sono tori!”
>She then proceeds to press a tiny button on the top left of the map causing it to look a lot less purple
>”I’ve taken the liberty of filtering out the more consistent background magic I’ve observed over the past week or so and isolated the major spots of magical activity.”
>Huh, this is much less of a mess on the eyes at least
“So where are our hotspots?”
>Pinching your fingers you zoom out to get a good look at all Canterlot
>Surprisingly enough, there aren’t as many as you thought
>Though there are more than you hoped

>”As of yesterday they are, Avalon Resting Grounds, Canterlot Acres specifically B building, Canterlot General Hospital, CHS, Crystal Prep Academy, the Fancy Pants and Co. building, Galloping Fillies park along with a bit of the surrounding forest, Sun and Moon Shipping Yard, and the Whinnychester mall.”
>Well, at least you can cross most of those places off your potential scouting areas
>The level of magic at your apartment is due your recent encounter with the sirens
>The same can be said of Canterlot General Hospital, just replace sirens with the Nihilem
>CHS is obvious; after all it’s why you’re even talking with Twilight in the first place
>The Fancy Pants and Co. building is, definitely a thing
>Galloping Fillies still kinda hurts to think about
>Mostly that Gilda is still out there with magic powers that are at the very least end of Dragon Ball tier
>The Sun and Moon Shipping Yard though, maybe you should actually check that out again?
>Just, bring everyone along or something
>No doubt there’s something there you can find
>You didn’t know it was called Whinnychester mall, but you’re pretty sure any magic there is just Flash
>So that leaves you with Avalon Resting Grounds and Crystal Prep Academy as the places you have no clue to why they’re so magical
>Wait, wasn’t Crystal Prep the place that CHS just had the Friendship games before you transferred in?
>You’re about to ask Twilight, but she begins to speak once more while pointing to some light purple areas
>”Though there are several other areas that have significantly higher magic saturation than their surrounding areas, but aren’t quite as saturated as the others listed. My best guess as to the source of these few mile wide radii of saturation would be that they’re somewhat centralized around Bowling alley and Shadow Imperium records, give or take a few hundred feet.”

>Ok what?
“Bowling Alley?”
>Twilight nods while tapping the location in question on her phone bringing up some info and pictures
>”Yes it’s a bit of a, dive so to speak in the west end of Canterlot. I’ve heard my ni-chan used to go there when he was a teenager, but I haven’t seen it myself.”
>Canterlot once again being a shining example of a proper city with the names of places again
>You didn’t think they would, but someone named their bowling place Bowling Alley
>Not even their bowling alley, just Bowling Alley
>Your frustration with the naming conventions of Canterlot aside though, what the hell is Shadow Imperium Records?
>That’s somehow worse than the regular names in that it’s just way too evil sounding
>Definitely going to have to check that area out
>However, before you forget
>You lean forward propping your face up with your fist
“Wasn’t Crystal Prep the school that you guys had the friendship games with?”
>Twilight lays her phone on the table as she furrows her brow
>”Yes it is, and I’m a bit worried about that.”
>She leans back against the couch as she stares at her phone
>”The magic saturation of that place has been steadily rising since I started monitoring Canterlot, but it wasn’t until about a week and a half ago or so did it rapidly spike to where it is now.”
>Hmm, that doesn’t bode to well
>She’s silent as her eyes focus on the table
>Maybe…
“Think we should check it out?”
>She seems to be startled out of her thoughts as she blinks and turns to you
>”I would like to; the Shadowbolts may not have been my nakama by any means, but I think if you strip away the competitiveness and arrogance they’re good people.”

>You clap your hands together
“Well then that settles it! Looks like we’ve got a few places we can snoop around to see what’s up.”
>Whenever you guys have time to that is
>Maybe after the battle against Flash?
>Twilight smiles broadly as she balls her fists up in excitement
>”Oh, do you think we’ll be able to help people like in Tantei Opera Milky Holmes!?”
>Ok, your power level isn’t nearly high enough to know what show she’s referencing, but from the name you’re going to assume it’s some anime adaptation of Sherlock Holmes
>However, you get a sick feeling that it’s much more moe than it should be
>Ignoring that though you feel like there’s something important that you’re forgetting to ask her that had to do with hel-
>”Twily is that you!?”
>A loud voice cuts through your thoughts like a pair of scissors
>Twilight snaps her head towards the voice as you peer over her shoulder in its direction too
>Standing in the middle of the café with a big goofy grin on his face is some dude
>About your height little less broad shouldered seems pretty lean, but damn the fucking chin on this dude
>Guy looks like he’s got the jaw line of a chiseled rock
>Wait you think you recognize him from somewhere
>”Shiny!”
>The lab coat clad weeb springs into action as the two collide in a hug
>Oh wait, think you saw him in some of those photos at Twilight’s place
>Must be her big brother
>They break their embrace as they pace back towards you
>”What are you doing here Shiny; I thought you were still with mom and Dad in Europe?”
>They stop in front of your table while you sit there watching them like a goober
>”Oh no, I was just there for a business meeting, got back Sunday.”
>She punches his arm with a smile
>”Why didn’t you tell me, I would’ve said hello!”

>Shiny, or whatever his name is shrugs
>”Eh, Cadance and I were busy till today running errands all around town.”
>He slowly shakes his head with a smile
>”You know her, the second one of us had time to she wanted to run down here and grab a cupcake.”
>Twilight chuckles as he shifts towards you with a relaxed pointer finger outstretched
>”But enough about the lean mean pink love machine, who’s your friend here?”
>Oh boy, you have no idea how to play this
>Can’t just be all like, hey just some guy who happens to be helping in defending Canterlot from all sorts of magic monsters and shit
>Pretty sure if your gaurdians weren’t kinda apart of that world you wouldn’t have told them
>You do your best to hide your absolute lack of answers as you glance at your purple haired acquaintance
>She however seems still cheery as she speaks up stepping towards you
>”Shiny this is Anon, Anon, my brother Shining Armor.”
>She gestures to the empty trays on the table with an open palm
>”We were just talking about our social studies project together over lunch.”
>Ok, gonna take that as he doesn’t know about her afterschool adventures of the magical persuasion
>You can play along by just telling the truth!
>Nodding you give him a limp wave
“Hey, nice to meet you.”
>If you say as little as possible you surely can’t fuck this
>The older brother stares into your eyes silently
>Being a bit weirded out you hold eye contact with him unblinking for a few moments before he pats you on the shoulder
>”It’s nice to meet you too, hope you can keep up with my genius little sister.”
>He wraps a brotherly arm around Twilight’s shoulders and gives her a little squeeze

>You can’t help but smile at Shiny’s praise
>He let’s go of you and snaps his fingers as if something just occurred to him
>”Oh hey, forgot that I needed to ask you something Twi, mind coming up to the register with me?”
>Oh, wonder what he needs to ask?
“If you’ll excuse us a moment Anon.”
>You flash him a smile as he leans back into the couch
>He seems to be getting comfortable by himself
>You turn to Shiny as you both walk towards the register
“What is it you wished to ask Shiny?”
>He eyes the assortment of sweets on display with a lick of his lips before blinking and grinning to you
>”Oh uh, well a few things actually.”
>The two of you stop at the register as Mrs. Cake greets your brother
>”Well hey there, if it isn’t little Shining Armor, how are you doing dear?”
>He smiles broadly while reaching for his wallet
>”Fantastic Mrs. Cake, can I get a Candy Special?”
>The gentle pastry dealer grins
>”Trouble with the wife-to-be again?”
>Shiny rapidly shakes his head with an uneasy grin
>”Nonono, this is a happy Candy Special not an apology one!”
>Mrs. Cake simply grins as she gets to work assembling all the things that satisfy the cravings of arguably the second most severe case of sweet tooth in a pink friend you have
>Placing his wallet on the counter with a sigh your brother turns to you with a wistful smirk
>”So for starters, how’s school treating you?”
>You can’t help but roll your eyes at the customary jumping off point for both him and Cadance
>While it’s nice to see some things always stay the same, you can’t help but feel a bit odd about school now
>It wasn’t based on anything, but you thought that any BIG magic incidents were behind you

>At least anything particularly threatening as with the, outburst, at the Friendship Games…
>It’ll more than likely take the co-operation of more than only your friends to deal with the Nihilem, but you’re confident you’ll be able to muster up the ability to stop it
>On the bright side at least everything is helping in your research of magic
>Though while you do always appreciate the opportunity to further your understanding of magic in general, you still feel a little longing for the more carefree days of your first month at CHS
>Still, with the friends you’ve made and are making…
>Stealing a glance at Anon who stares into the ceiling with a lazy grin on his face causes one of your own to appear
>You don’t think you’d trade it for a quiet high school life
“My friends are still the best along with my grades.”
>You’re able to say that with enthusiasm as you turn your attention back to Shiny who dips a hand into his jean pockets
>”Great, I’m really happy to hear that.”
>He goes quiet for a moment his smile fading somewhat as he stares at his wallet
>The interlude in his smile ends almost as soon as it began as he turns his attention back to you
>”Now for the boring big brother questions I have to ask or Cadance will bite me.”
>He establishes eye contact with you
>”You haven’t been going out to any wild parties have you?”
>What?
>That seems like an awfully odd question to ask you
>Though you could see the reasoning behind asking you that now you suppose
>You weren’t exactly the most sociable until recently
>However now you have a bit of a perplexing situation
>Do you tell the truth or lie?
>You don’t really have much experience lying...
>Should practice with little lies first

>Shiny seems to be caught off guard by your silence as he raises both eyebrows in surprise
>”Wait have you?”
>You struggle to keep looking at him as your eyes drift to the floor
>Lying to him doesn’t feel right…
>So you won’t!
>You’ll, omit pieces of the truth, but still tell the important part!
“M-maybe a little… all my friends were going and I thought that maybe I’d indulge them, at least this time...”
>You brace yourself for the impending scolding
>Hopefully since the only other time you’ve really messed up was at the Friendship Games Shiny will go easy on you
>”Well that’s great, I can’t believe my little sister’s finally letting loose a little! It’s not healthy to always be cooped up alone you know!”
>You blink as instead of scolding words you’re met with, praise?
>For doing something against the rules?
>Perhaps in your anxiety you simply misheard him?
>Pushing up your glasses you somehow manage to face Shiny who wears a big toothy grin
>”Man, next you’re gonna find a boy you like and in no time flat I’ll be an uncle reminiscing about when my little sister tried to isolate the cootie germ!”
>NO, not cooties!
>You beat his chest with a loosely balled fist
“You swore to never utter a word about that again!”
>He stares at you with feigned ignorance
>”Speak about what, the great cootie quarantine of 2004?”
>NOOOOOO
>Because of your big stupid brother you unleash the one move in every little sister’s arsenal that fells ni-chans everywhere no matter what!
>You pout
>It works in a record 3.4 seconds!
>Shiny relents his teasing with a softer smile
>”Ok ok, I had my fun, but seriously it’s good to see you getting out there with your friends.”

>Your brother places a gentle hand on your shoulder
>”I’m happy to see how close you’ve become with your friends now! How did that happen?”
>You can’t keep your pout going as he pulls you into a hug
>”As long as you’re safe with your friends, I don’t think there’s anything that mom or dad need to hear about.”
>You enjoy Shiny’s embrace as you ponder his words
>Safe with your friends…
>Kind of funny to think about it like that even though you’re all putting yourselves in harm’s way
>You clutch your brother’s shirt a bit tighter than you had intended as you think over the past week
>Still, even with all that in mind…
“I don’t think I could be any safer if I tried…”
>As Shiny breaks away from the embrace he smirks
>”Well I dunno about that, after all, your big bro could tag along and make sure you’re safe 24-“
>You beam brightly as you interrupt him
“No thank you.”
>He let’s go of you fully and grasps at his heart dramatically while keeling over
>”What’s this, have I been replaced!? My heart, I can’t take it!”
>He coughs as he crumples onto the counter before taking a deep breath
>”HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUHH, tell Cadance that, it was all your fault…”
>Doing your best to stifle a giggle as he lets out a death rattle you pat him on the back
>He quickly fishes his debit card out of his wallet and leaves it beside his squished face
>A paper bag bulging with sweets and two large pink smoothie cups in a cup carrier plop down beside your now deceased brother’s head
>”What did I tell you about dying on my counter young man? Now don’t make me get the broom and dustpan again…”
>Mrs. Cake swipes his card as he miraculously springs back to life

>Patting his chest in several places with a mock smile Shiny glances at you
>”Well would you look at that, the power of Mrs. Cake’s kind words have brought vigor back to my body!”
>What a miracle!
>He accepts his debit card from Mrs. Cake before pocketing it and his wallet
>”Really though, if you get into any trouble remember that your big brother’s got your back no matter what.”
>You know that full well, it’s just that this time you don’t think that telling him about everything is, wise
>He nods, oblivious to your thoughts, flashing a smirk with just a hint of teeth
>”You need help, call me and I’ll come running.”
>Puffing out his chest he crosses his arms
>”Whether it’s for a sober driver or someone to beat back all the boys no doubt trying to get their grubby paws on my wonderful baby si-“
>You let out a cough to stop him from meandering too long
>With a sheepish shrug he glances up at the clock up on the wall
>”You get the point I know, but still, it’s a big brother’s job to annoy little sisters! Now that that’s done though, I gotta go!”
>He snatches up the drinks with one hand and the bag with his mouth before turning to you
>Through clenched teeth he murmurs while giving you an affectionate hair ruffling with his free hand
>”Stay sphafe out zere kiddo.”
>You roll your eyes at Shiny’s trademarked farewell
>A head ruffle before bouncing off
>Gives you quite a jolt of nostalgia
>While watching him depart a thought occurs to you
>As he gets to the doors so you call out to him
“Say hi to Cadance for me!”
>He gives you a big thumbs up without looking back
>With that he shoulders open the doors and goes about his merry way
>Mrs. Cake chuckles from behind the counter
>”Still the same old goofball Shining Armor is.”
>And you wouldn’t have it any other way

>Hm, maybe you CAN check out Bowling Alley tonight?
>Doesn’t look like too rough a place from all the photos you’ve been swiping through
>Looks a bit retro, but hardly a place you’d expect any really unsavory types to be at
>Hell, it’s even got a pretty big arcade
>Not to mention that according to the map on Twilight’s phone it’s not too far away from school
>Well, far being relative in this case you suppose…
>Five miles isn’t that far for a jog, but right after showing Trixie the ropes you’re going to make her walk that far?
>Maybe not, unless she has a car?
>Here’s hoping
>Scrolling through their menu you realize it’s a bit more extensive than you’d of thought for a bowling alley
>Even have some pretty decent looking salad
>Fuck, you’re going to have to get that if you do go aren’t you?
>You find your eyes drawn to the scraps of your sweet plunder left on your plates
>Then the thoughts of your less than stellar cake related snacks and breakfast drift into your mind
>Yea you have been eating pretty heavy for the past few days, even if you’ve been getting a different kind of workout lately
>Ok this seems like a good plan
>Since it’s pretty close it shouldn’t be too hard to get to even if you’re on foot, and with its food options you don’t have to feel bad about eating there!
>Then to put the icing on top you can check out a place with magical influence
>Then maybe even hit that sweet looking arcade a little too, or like bowl you guess…
>It’s perfect!
>Trixie's sure to love it!
>After all, who doesn’t like food, an arcade, or bowling?
>Nobody, that's who!
>You heave a content sigh as you lean back in your seat
>Though maybe just to be sure you should actually take this opprotunity to text her...
>That's an idea

-Somewhere else-
>Mhm!
>Delicious salty flavor fills your mouth as you munch away at another tiny peanut butter-filled cracker sandwich
>Why didn’t you think of this earlier!
>Pulling out another cracker you dip it into your jar of peanut butter
>Then add another crack and wa la!
>Another cracker peanut butter sandwich that’s way better than the ones from the vending machine!
>With a hum of satisfaction you pop the mini sandwich into your mouth
>As you chew you lean back against the tree you’re eating underneath and survey the courtyard
>Not too many people out here, including the one boy you wanted to see
>Anon
>Looks like he’s not even in the cafeteria, again…
>At least he’s not sitting with those girls today either
>It’s a small consolation, but you’ll take it
>As you silently munch away preparing another cracker sandwich worry creeps its way into your mind
>You hope he’s doing ok
>Should you text him?
>He never did tell you what you need for tonight
>He didn’t forget did he?
>No of course not!
>Maybe you should text him just in case though…
>Wait, is that bad if you do?
>You don’t want to seem clingy before he even officially actually asks you out
>That, and you’re pretty sure the boy is supposed to text first?
>That sounds right…
>As you begin to weigh the pros and cons of texting him first a wonderful sound emanates from your book bag
https://youtu.be/eJMsYczSVuI
>A notification, for you?!
>It can only be one person, Anon!
>Unless it’s junk mail or a spam text again…
>No, surely it’s him!
>Unzipping your backpack you root around for your phone
>After touching what you think may be every other item in your backpack besides your phone you feel its familiar shape in the palm of your hand

>Alright, need to compose yourself before the moment of truth
>Who knows, maybe Anon will open with a lovely poem?
>Perhaps he’s been agonizing over telling you how he feels about you in person so he’s written down his confession of his feelings for you!
>He seems like the romantic type if his chivalrous defense of you at Galloping Fillies is any indication
>That’s something you’ll want to commit to memory with a clear head
>After all, it’s not everyday you get to experience love first-hand and not through a screen
>Even if, well that said love will be through a screen…
>It’s different from a movie though!
>With a tense deep breath you ready yourself
>Soaking in the ambeiance of the courtyard you listen to the distant chirping of birds
>Ok
>Slowly you pull your phone out
>Time to swoon for your first love
>It starts here!
>Pressing the lock button you see the romantic text th-wait a moment
>That’s an email, not a romantic text from your pretty-much-boyfriend
>In fact it’s another spam email!
>Dropping the phone on the ground next to you in frustration you shove another peanut butter cracker sandwich into your mouth
>Now you’re just sad that it wasn’t Anon
>Serves you right for getting excited you guess…
https://youtu.be/eJMsYczSVuI
>Oh boy, another notification
>As you chew indignantly you pick your phone up between your thumb and pointer
>Wonder what it’s going to be this time?
>Will it be Myface trying to get you to use the site again so people can laugh at you more?
>Aww, now you’re disappointed and sad…
>Perfect mood to check what’s no doubt spam
>You frown as you press the lock button once more
>Huh?
>You rub your eyes as you must be mistaken
>However it doesn’t appear to be a trick of the eyes!
>It’s Anon!

>You KNEW Anon didn’t blow you off!
>With a furious series of swipes you open up his message
>”Hey Trixie, it’s Anon; figured I should text you to hammer out the details for tonight.”
>You can’t help but smile as you stare up at the swaying tree leaves above your head
>It’s no declaration of love, but you’ll take it
>Your phone vibrates drawing your attention from the golden leaves and patchy blue sky back down to its screen
>”The stuff you’ll need to bring for the workout are…”
>Anon seems to have sent you a list
>A rather simple list at that
>You’re by no means a gym rat, but you always thought people brought a big duffle bag of things for going to the gym
>While this list he’s given you could easily fit in your book bag
>Though you don’t know why he listed “shower supplies” as something you needed
>Another text arrives as you stare at the list
>”After I show you the ropes and we rinse off we can go out on me. I had a place in mind already called Bowling Alley, heard of it?”
>Oh, you’re supposed to shower after the workout
>Kinda forgot about that
>Maybe you should bring a nicer change of clothes for your, date
>Just thinking it makes your heart race
>Even if it’s not official, it’s still just going to be the two of you eating out
>At Bowling Alley no less!
>You haven’t been there in so long, but you remember loving the place!
>It seems perfect for a first date!
>You quickly type a response up and read it out loud
“Trixie loves Bowling Alley, and can’t wait to go!”
>Should you not refer to yourself in the third person over text?
>That is the one thing that everyone universally makes fun of you for…
>What are you saying!?
>He CARES about YOU!
>So you just need to be the BEST you you can and he’s sure to fall even more for you!
>The best you is The Great and Powerful Trixie!
>It’s the only you there is after all

>You press send with pride that you’ll be The Great and Powerful Trixie even over text
>It doesn’t take Anon even a minute to respond
>He must be paying you rapt attention, as if he wouldn’t!
>”Great, hope you don’t mind taking a stroll there then since I don’t have a ride at the moment.”
>Oh that’s right, you forgot how far Bowling Alley is from the school
>You really should’ve gotten your license
>Though you guess having a car in the first place takes prescient over having a license…
>Well, it’s not THAT far!
>It’ll be a nice walk with An-OH!
>You don’t need to walk!
>It seems that even you forget how amazing you are from time to time
>Poofing over there should be a piece of cake!
>You’ll get to astound Anon with you magical prowess before spending a wonderful evening with him!
>It couldn’t be better
>A few swipes later and you have your reply
“Worry not about transportation, The Great and Powerful Trixie has it covered.”
>You send it off to him with an even bigger smile than before
>His reply comes quickly once more
>”Great, can’t wait to see you after school! Remember, the weight room is up the stairs next to the gymnasium, see ya then!”
>Clutching the phone tightly to your chest you almost squeal with joy
>This is better than you ever even dared imagining texting that special someone would be!
>Having someone look forward to seeing you again makes you feel elated
>It’s like electricity is coursing through your body!
>This calls for a celebration!
>Tucking your phone back into your backpack you get to packing up the rest of your lunch
>You think you’ll buy a fresh peanut butter cookie and bottle of milk from the lunchroom!
>You jump up as you sling your backpack over your shoulder

>There, now that’s all sorted out
>You pocket your phone as you chalk up a victory for Anon
>With impeccable timing Twilight takes her seat as you finish
>She wearing a faint smile as she sighs contently
>”Sorry about that, my ni-chan wanted to make sure I was doing well.”
>Ah, so typical big bro stuff?
>You sit up from your relaxed slouch with a nod
“Figured, since I didn’t hear him freaking out I assume you didn’t tell him about the recent going-ons?”
>You know you wouldn’t
>Twilight takes her glasses off and wipes them down with a cloth from her lab coat
>”I may have, omitted most of the past week or so…”
>She sheepishly smiles as she dons her clean glasses before shaking her head
>”But let’s get back to the task on hand, where were we before I left Anon-bo?”
>You slide her phone across the table
“When we should investigate all the magically active sites.”
>She frowns as she brings her clasped together hands to her mouth
>”Ah yes…”
>She seems pretty serious as she stares into the empty trays atop the table
>You lean forward on one elbow while holding up your pointer finger
“I’m thinking we should go there as a single group this time.”
>Her eyes flick up to meet yours as you pause for a moment
“Ya know, strength in numbers in case anything goes wrong? Not to mention that the last time we split up into smaller groups well…”
>Yea, needless to say that didn’t go so well, but staying in a single big group is bound to increase the odds in your favor!
>At least you hope so
>Your lunch mate lays her arms down flat
>”I agree, however the problem of getting in without raising suspicion remains.”
>Raising suspicion?
>Now you’re confused
“How are a group of high schoolers in a high school going to raise any alarms?”

>Twilight furrows her eyebrows as she stares at you only to seemingly realize something a few seconds later
>”That’s right, you haven’t seen Crystal Prep’s uniforms have you?”
>Seriously?
>She grabs her phone and swipes away at it
“What kind of school even has uniforms these days?”
>Flipping her phone over to show you something she answers
>”One of the most prestigious schools in the state.”
>Examining whatever’s on the phone closely it looks to, wait a fucking second
“I recognize that uniform…”
>It’s a little different, but in this picture of Twilight you’re pretty sure the uniform is almost an exact copy of ones you’ve seen a couple times
>Twilight blinks obviously confused
>”How, I don’t recall any instances where you would’ve encountered them.”
>You think you’ve seen em twice before
>Once at the mall after, probably, Chrissy had that drug deal with Sombra, and then the other time was with Flash last Friday
>Twilight stares at you expectedly as you cross your arms
“The first time was a little before I got in a fight with Flash on Friday, they were in the science wing and then they were there after I laid him out.”
>The anime conissuer clutches her phone as she furrows her brow
>”I think I remember seeing them too, but everything was so hectic that I didn’t pay any attention to them, especially after you collapsed…”
>Hm, so she probably doesn’t know where they went afterwards huh?
>Though something about them sticks out in your mind
“I don’t remember exactly, but I’m pretty sure they said I beat a ghost out of Flash.”
>Twilight strokes her chin
>”Interesting, and you said you saw them twice?”
>You nod as you readjust yourself in your seat
“I don’t know if they were the same people, but I saw two girls prowling around the mall after I witnessed the magic dealing in the alleyway; they were searching for something with a weird gadget.”

>Twilight’s fist tightens around her phone as she crosses her arms on the table
>”That’s certainly something new to chew over.”
>Yea that’s for sure
>So those people were from Crystal Prep?
“Now we definitely have to check the place out.”
>The purple haired genius sighs deeply
>”Indeed, I hope everything’s daijobu over there…”
>You’re about to try and comfort the distraught scientist when her phone goes off in her hand taking you both by surprise
https://youtu.be/03x0bU2w9HI?t=15s
>While you freeze up Twilight practically jumps out of her seat barely stopping herself before her glasses takeoff
>With a click of her lock button she readjusts her glasses as she regains her composure
>”I took the liberty of setting an alarm that would give us ample time to return to school.”
>Ah that makes sense
>Seems like a very Twilight thing to do
>Especially the song, fuck you haven't heard that in awhile
>She rises with tray in hand
>”Shall we?”
>Stacking all your plates onto your tray you stand up with a nod
>She leads the way placing her tray atop a garbage right before the doors
>You do the same as you follow her through into the outside world
>The two of you wait at a cross walk for the light to change as she speaks suddenly
>”Anon, would you mind if I ask you some questions?”
>Huh?
>You look down to her only to see that she has her eyes firmly planted on the crosswalk lights
>Wonder what’s on her mind
>Might as well let her ask what she wants, it’s only fair since you got to ask her about Fancy Pants
“Go for it.”
>The light gives the ok and the two of you stroll across the street
>It isn’t till you get to the other side does Twilight ask anything
>”I only ask this since you and I are in the same situation, but what are we going to do about the battle with Flash on Saturday?”

>Oh ok, that kinda came outta nowhere
>What does Tiwlight mean you’re in the same situati-oh
>She must not be able to play any instruments or something too
>You shrug as you step over the cracks in the pavement
“I dunno, I just hope it’s like Sunset said and us being there will help the creative juices flow or something.”
>She frowns as she digs her hands into her lab coat’s pockets
>”I, I don’t feel like that’s enough for me… I want to help my friends out more, even if I don’t know how.”
>Hmm, well ain’t that a predicament?
>Guess even geniuses can’t figure stuff out sometimes?
>Though that should’ve been apparent to you when she did the “cool” thing last week
>You furrow you brow as you focus on trying to help her
>Even though she’s such a weeb that it hurts sometimes, you’d be lying if you said she wasn’t growing on you
>All of them are
>”I don’t know, maybe I’m just not fit to really be their nakama…”
>What?
>You stop walking abruptly at the absurdity of her thought
“That is gotta be the dumbest thing I’ve heard you say.”
>Which is quite an achievement considering the opening line she fed you last Friday
>You place a hand into your hoodie pocket as Twilight turns around
>”I’m, sorry?”
>Jabbing an outstretched pointer finger at her you answer her
“You’re damn right you are! How could you even think that?”
>She shrinks a bit as she twiddles her fingers
>”I, I don’t know; it just seems like everyone else fits together so well and I, don’t…”
>Is this nerd blind?
“You obviously fit in with the others! If you didn’t would Dash DRIVE to your house the second she thought something may have happened to you?”
>You wish you could have a friend half that loyal
>”Well I suppose-“

>You cut off Purple-not-so-smart
“If you didn’t fit would Rarity make you a dress for the dance?”
>You’ve NEVER had a friend who’d go out of their way for you like that!
>Twilight frowns as her eyes shift to the ground
>You take her silence as an opportunity to continue on
“Would Sunset have spent any amount of time with you learning about magic?”
>You never even had a friend who wanted to really work on a school project together; it was always you doing the work!
“Think that Fluttershy would goto someplace she knows dangerous shit is going down if everyone involved weren’t her friends?!”
>God knows that none of your FRIENDS ever stood by you when the going got tough
>With a clenched fist placed beneath her mouth Twilight nods
>”Pinkie wouldn’t throw me another private party after her welcome to CHS one if she didn’t either…”
>Not only organizing a school welcome party but a private one for her?
>You’re old friends couldn’t even be bothered to invite you to ANY party
>”Applejack wouldn’t give me a ride to and from school everyday either!”
>Applejack chauffeur Twilight to and form school?
>Your friends would barely ever give you a lift on the back of their bikes!
“Exactly, all of you, you’re so god damn close that it hurts! If you’re not even fitting in with your friends, then I don’t know who could be.”
>Wow, that came out a bit more impassioned than you intended it to
>Wonder where that came from…
>Or do you already know?
>You blink before shutting the thought out
>There’s silence between the two of you as you resume walking at a leisurely pace
>As you stop at another crosswalk you spy a car with spinners on it
>You stare into the chrome plated rims
>The dual set of spinning rims gives you an idea actually!

>You turn to Twilight who seems to be in deep thought
“Hey, can you listen to music pretty well?”
>Your words jolt her from her concentration as she turns to you with a raised eyebrow
>”I, suppose so.”
>Sweet!
>Not like you expected a different answer, but…
“Then why don’t you ask Vinyl on how to do special effects live or something? That seems like something up your alley.”
>The bespectacled science girl blinks before smiling
>”That may not be that bad an idea, arigato Anon-bo!”
>You wave off the tainted thank you with a limp hand
“Don’t mention it, probably would’ve occurred to you eventually.”
>Though now that leaves you as the odd man out
>Quite literally in this case as you’re the only guy
>Unless you count Spike you guess
>Are you comparing yourself to a dog?
>Another lull in the conversation brings about more silence between the two of you
>The sounds of the neighborhood along with your footsteps are almost tuned out as you continue along the sidewalk
>It’s only as you see CHS a bit further down the sidewalk does Twilight stop in front of you
>”I think you’re right.”
>Huh?
>She turns around once again wearing a smile akin to a teacher excited to teach her lesson
>”I do fit in with everyone, and if I do then you do too!”
>What the hell is she ge-
>Before you can even think full sentences she continues with a worried glance at the floor
>”Or at least, you will; I think you’re doing an excellent job of attempting so.”
>You don’t interrupt her as she wraps a hand around her other
>”You get along with everyone, and even bring out some things in them I don’t see that often. Not only that, but with your suggestion back there being an example, you do try to help us out when you can.”

>Twilight shuffles in place nervously as you patiently wait for her to finish
>”By my observations you’re a good person and while I know it may not seem like you fit in, I believe that if I do then you do too.”
>Certain words echo in your head as your eyes drift downward
>'Do you really think that they’ll accept you?'
>You suddenly become much more acutely aware of your breathing
>With a blink you can see that Twilight has managed to meet your gaze with her own
>Pushing any lingering thoughts and feelings back you listen to her voice
>”When I was first beginning my interpersonal relationship with them I was a bit worried about how much they actually desired to be around me… I didn’t think I had any desirable qualities and that the Friendship Games wasn’t a good enough reason to forge anything long-lasting.”
>Well it’s certainly an interesting start to a friendship
>She glances into the distance over your shoulder her smile faltering for a moment
>”Those two facts have caused the majority of my worry; that perhaps they were pitying me instead of getting to know me , since they all wanted to spend so much time with me, but I think any major doubts were put to rest when Sunset suggested that we befriend you.”
>Why would that ease any doubts Twilight had?
>You raise an eyebrow as she refocuses on you
>”The suggestion came out of nowhere during lunch, we knew next to nothing about you and the spontaneity of it gives me the impression that it was an impulsive suggestion on Sunset’s part. When we asked why she wanted to she gave a rather peculiar answer.”
>That’s not a way you usually label something good
>Twilight pinches one of her side locks of hair between her thumb and forefinger while looking at the ground
>”She had interpreted your self-imposed exile as similar to what happened to her, and decided that she wouldn’t allow anyone else to go through that.”

>The same as what happened to Sunset?
>Oh that’s right, she was kinda shunned after the whole demon thing
>Though honestly, you wish you got her treatment
>Kids here at this school are a breed apart when it comes to being nice, even when they’re trying to be mean
>Twilight smiles once more
>”It was then I realized something, they really did want to be my friends. There wasn’t pity in those words, but empathy… And it was contagious.”
>Your mouth opens without your control
“Sounds like you should get that checked out.”
>Your horribly timed joke doesn’t seem to perturb her though as she laughs
>”Heh, I sometimes wonder if the magic we're exposed to has any other effects on us as everyone seemed to get behind the idea of befriending you like it was their own, myself included. It was like you were a group project that everyone wanted to tackle!”
>How, appropriate a metaphor for her
>Though you don’t know how well you take to being compared to a group project
>Might be a step up from dog though
>Twilight seems to sense your slight apprehension at her comparison as she shakes her head and a hand wildly
>”Not to say you’re some sort of project or anything! I know it may seem disingenuous that we all suddenly want to be friends, but… Well, it seems like that’s how they induct new members into their family so to speak. At least, if I’m taking my induction into account, then it’s almost the same process.”
>Is that so?
“That’s, quite a lot to take in at once.”
>You look down at your hoodie pouch as you think
>”I know I’m sorry, it’s just your words got me to reconsider some variables I thought I properly defined and…”
*brrriiinnnggg*
>The normally loud warning bell sounds off quietly in the distance causing you to look up from your pouch
>Twilight glances towards the school then back to you
>”I, please consider what I said, but for now mata ne!”
>You give her a limp wave as she turns and runs towards the school
“Yea, later…”

>Your eyes linger on Twilight’s back as she closes in on the school
>As her details get harder to make out you find yourself looking into the cloud splotched sky
>Her words bounce throughout your mind like a pinball demanding your attention as you tuck your hand back into your hoodie pouch
>Just how they induct new members into their family huh?
>Family…
>Your fingernails dig into the palms of your hands as your fists tighten into balls
>That’s—
>A stiff breeze picks up around you for a moment making you wince at the sudden chill
>Snorting you give your head a light shake
>That’s something you don’t have time to think about right now
>You’ve got to get to class before you’re late
>Wasting no more time you jump into a jog towards the school
.
.
.
>Placing the mega cookie you made yesterday onto a cake carrier tray beside the bowl of butter you nod while taking in a good old nose-ful of that delicious cookie scent
>Nonomom is sure to enjoy this!
>You don’t know ANYONE who doesn’t like cookie sandwiches, and this is pretty much just a BIG cookie sandwich!
>Though that’s assuming he even shows up today, the silly head!
>Still wonder what he was up to yesterday…
>Hopefully it was something fun, but not too fun since you wouldn’t want to miss that!
>Don’t want to miss anything important again!
>You dust your hands free of cookie crumbs on your apron as you stare at the mock kitchen top
>Wonder if Mrs. Mild would mind if you “accidentally” coated it in flour during the baking today?
>Probably not as long as you don’t get any on the ove-oh!
>Stepping forward you adjust the oven down a notch
>Well maybe more than a notch since it’s supposed to be 350F not 450F

>Old brainpan not firing on all cylinders you guess!
>You plop down onto your seat with a sigh as you take note of all the students walking in
>Hmm, seems like everyone but Ananerman once more!
>That’s no good!
>Maybe you’ll have to track him down like you did with the siren-
>There he is!
>Nonerang walks in by himself as all the other students chatter idly with their cooking partners
>Only a few seconds before the b—
*BRRIIINNNNGGG*
>ell
>Really cutting it close!
>Guess Nons likes to live on the edge!
>You’re already on the edge of your seat as you eagerly await his arrival to your table
>Though as he shuffles forward with a somewhat puffy backpack slung over his shoulder you can’t help feel, something!
>Maybe it’s something about his face, but your Pinkie Sense™ is going off something fierce
>Can’t tell if it’s saying that there’s rain in Spain or if something’s digging at Anon…
>Going to assume the latter since you know it’s supposed to be snowing in Spain right now!
>You squint at him as you adjust your chef’s hat
>Just what could be going on in his head right now?
>Well, besides the ever growing threat to Canterlot and the rest of the world that only you and your friends have any hope of stopping before it’s too late!
>You give him a wave as he makes eye contact with a nod
>Hmm, can’t think of anything else really that’d be eating away at him, but you do know what he will BE eating!
>The sugary sweet taste of a giant cookie cake!
>Maybe, if the two of you are fast enough
>With a *pomf* from his backpack hitting the floor and his tushie in the seat to your right you hum loudly
“HMMM, are you ready A-man!??!”


>Your culinary assistant A-man seems to be intrigued by the mega cookie placed on the counter as he inspects it closely
>”Mhm, I think? We’re not just rubbing those stick of butter on this cookie are we?”
>Ohhoho silly Nons
>You place a comforting hand on his shoulder, which seems to have the opposite effect as he stiffens up, and lean in close
“Butter goes on pancakes not cookie-cakes ya goof! Besides, there’s no thinking in cooking A-man, only feeling it with all your heart!”
>He gives you a very worried glance as you slap the counter
“Come now, it’s time to assemble our tools of culinary justice!”
>He opens a drawer with an eyebrow raised
>”Are we crime-fighters, or bakers now?”
>OH, oh you can do that!
>Shoving a hand into your hair you feel around the forget-to-bring-some-yourself popcorn and past the invitations to last week's slumber party you couldn't convince the da-
>Aha, there it is!
>Clutching your prize you withdraw your hand and quickly slap the plastic eye mask over your face
>With a gravelly voice you clench your fist
“Why not both!?!”
>You point to your young cooking ward you continue heroically
”Today we fight the injustice that is the lack of cookie sandwiches in this world and every other as The Pink Baker and Nonner Cooking boy wonder! Those reading at home may want to take notes as there'll be a test later on.”
>The incredulous stare from Anonboy does not satisfy you
>You need to remedy this IMMEDIATELY!
“For this practice against the cookie-less forces of tyranny we will first need a large and medium bowl, a whisk, a rubber spatula-spoon-erido, along with a few measuring cups! Quickly, I will grab the measurements while you get everything else from the table behind us!”
>As Anon cooking boy wonder gets the bowls you grab a 1/3 cup measure, one 1 cup measure, 1 teaspoon, and one ¼ teaspoon measure

https://imgur.com/xUqObg5
>Slamming the supplies onto the counter in front of you with the force of 20 regular bakers you nod to your green sidekick as he does the same with the bowls, albeit with the force of 1 regular baker
“Good job my young boy-lad, now direct your attention to the assembled ingredients of the wet and dry variety!”
>You wave a hand over all the compiled ingredents
“We have unsalted butter, brown AND white sugar, a single egg along with an extra egg yolk, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt and last but not least…”
>With a snap of your fingers you pinch and tear off the small cloth covering a bowl of ingredients
“The most important ingredients jimmies and tiny semi-sweet nubs!”
>Can’t help think that your green compadre doesn’t see them as amazing as you do
>”Sprinkles and chocolate chips are good I guess.”
>He guesses!?
>You have half a mind to start a lecture on how they are the most esstenial element to plenty of desserts, but you do have to be done before class ends…
>Jabbing a finger into his arm you squint
“You’ll learn, they all do…”
>With that ominous sentence you continue towards cookie!
>Setting the large bowl in front of Bananerman, you slide the brown and white sugar bags next to it
“Firstly, we need 2/3 a cup of brown sugar and 1/3 a cup of the white kind! If you would so kindly…”
>Green Cookie gobbler hums an affirmative as he gets to work measuring the appropriate amounts of sugar
>While he does, you snatch the medium bowl from beside him and place it in front of yourself
“The second half of this dough requires a delicate touch…”
>Nonbon glances over to you as he dumps in the brown sugar
>Yes, only a very VERY disciplined patissier such as yourself could do this
“Watch and be amazed by my years of experience!”

https://imgur.com/Ra5ntGR
>Why is it when Pinkie says something like that she has to be poised as if she’s about the attack that poor bowl with the flour bag, salt, AND baking soda?
>It certainly doesn’t fill you with much confidence that she’s not going to do something really, Pinkie?
>Maybe she’ll surprise you?
>Who are you kidding?
>With reckless abandon the crazed vigilante baker begins dumping the bundle of dry ingredients between her fingers into the bowl
>You’re about to suggest that perhaps there’s a bit too much when it begins to overflow the bowl, but it seems a flour dust cloud has spontaneously appeared robbing you of your will to speak
>Coughing and hacking you await what fresh hell will be revealed when the cloud eventually dissipates
>With a loud *CRREEAK* and a *flick* a mechanical whirl sounds
>The cloud clears up quickly as it’s blown out the window
>Of course, Pinkie is holding an electric fan with a smile
>”Ta-DAAAAA!”
>Is that, the bowl, the counters…
>How?
>You shouldn’t be surprised but, how!!?
>This girl literally just dumped out so much flour that a smokescreen appeared!
>So why does the bowl look like a normal person measured and dumped the dry ingredients into a bowl!?!
>There’s flour caking almost exactly half of the counter!
>Like someone drew a line on your side of the table near the ingredients and the flour dared not cross it
>WHAT IS THIS SORCERY!?!
.
.
.
>Wowie, Nonny looks like he may explode from, something!
>If he stares at the dry ingredients any harder they may spontaneously combust!
>You don’t know if you should do as planned and let him in on your secret or just let this happen
>Eh, it’s up to him!

https://imgur.com/N0Xsn3t
>Tucking the electric fan underneath the table you dust your hands off creating a little cloud
“Well, now that we have approximately 1 and 2/3 a cup of flour, 2/4 a teaspoon of baking soda, and ¾ a teaspoon of salt all sifted together in the medium bowl, we can move on!”
>With a grunt you hear a bit of an agitated voice
>”No I can’t, I can NOT do this!”
>You turn to your disgruntled assist-kick A-on with fluttering eyelashes
“Can’t do what?”
>With a frown he jabs a shaky index finger at your dry ingredients
>”That, you can’t just do THAT and continue on.”
>You blink feigning confusion before having a hearty chuckle
“Well of course I can silly, it’s how I always make gigantonormous cookies!”
>He shakes his head at your completely normal reaction before pointing to the flour on the counter
>”Nono, you can’t, this, THIS doesn’t work, how did you do it?!”
>You tap your chin with a smile
>Hmmm, guess you’ve drawn it out enough
“Like this!”
>With a *CRREEAK* of the counter cabinet below you pull out the overfilled bowl of flour
>You can almost hear Anner’s disbelief deflate like a balloon!
>Or maybe that’s the whoopee cushion you had underneath the flour bowl?
>You toss them both back into the counter cabinet as your amigop shakes his head
>”I don’t know what I expected…”
>With a comforting pat on his shoulder you point to the large bowl of sugar with the wire whisk
“Deliciousness! Just as soon as you cream the 10 tablespoons of softened butter into dat suger.”
>He rolls his eyes before taking the whisk and beating the softened butter in
>Oh, forgot to mention something!
“Protip, if you don’t want to wait for the butter to soften up by leaving it out of the fridge you can always microwave it! Just, make sure not to leave it in longer than 30 seconds at a time or you may burn it. If it’s a puddle, it’s done!”

https://imgur.com/uvZGccB
>With your portip doled out you grab the bowl with the egg extra egg yolk combo and the little bottle of vanilla extract while Non the whisk boy wonder does his thing
>As you pour in the egg he glances at you hesitating for a moment
>With a smile you wave his concern off
“Keep whisking, you just add the egg and extra egg yolk while doing so before adding this bad boy!”
>You shake the little vial of vanilla extract while snatching up the teaspoon
“Now you only need a teaspoon of vanilla extract, but if you’re strapped for cash imitation fine too since the end sweet will be anything but an imitation!”
>After you pour in the teaspoon of vanilla you flick the dirty teaspoon into the sink
“Now onto the sixth most fun part, you’ll need this!”
>You hand Nonbonbon the rubber spatula after checking that everything’s mixed pretty nicely
>He accepts it gladly as you grab the cup of chocolate nubs and the sifted dry ingredients
>You pour a bit of the dry ingredients and chocolate nubs into the mixed wet ingredients while explaining
“You only want to add in a bit of the dry stuff at a time so it all mixes right.”
>With the spoon in hand he folds the wet ingredients over the dry stuff
>Oh, nice technique Anon!
“Yea, make sure to fold over the wet stuff like a blanket to engulf everything! Don’t forget to scrape the sides of the bowl too.”
>You make sure to keep some of the chocolate nubs for a little later, about enough to layer the bottom of the cup measurement
>After emptying the flour bowl you smile at the chocolate chip dough
“Looks like everything’s a go!”
>With a wiggle of your eyebrows you elbow your brother in the kitchen
“Do me a favor and start patting that into a really thick pancake-like shape, enough to fit in this!”

https://imgur.com/bsLU5Uz
>With a flourish of your hand you reveal a 9 inch springform pan to Nannyman
“Springforms are always helpful when baking, but a standard cake pan will do too. However both need a liberal amount of greasing!”
>As the green chef beside you pats the dough into a plate shape you grab a can of cooking spray and hose the pan down like it was assaulting you
>You plop the now greased pan on the non-flour covered part of the counter with gutso
“Hah!”
>Nonnypo gives you a worried glance before setting the cookie dough into the pan
>”So how long we baking this thing?”
>You swiftly hold up a hand
“Ohoho not so fast there, we aren’t QUITE done…”
>In a flash you snatch up the left over chocolate nubs and hold them aloft like the great prize they are
“For now we can add the rest of these choco-bits to the top of this cookie! I personally recommend making a smiley face, what say you?”
>With a shrug being the only answer from your intrepid assistant you do just that!
>After you press the chocolatey morsels into the cookie face you do answer the question he did ask
“To answer your question, we’ll be sliding this big old cooker into the 350 degree Fahrenheit tanning bed for 22-25 minutes give or take.”
>As you open the oven and slide in the cookie laden pan Nonery looks towards the clock
>”Well, it’ll be done before class ends, but I don’t think it’ll cool in time.”
>Slapping the oven closed you twirl in place stopping to face him
“That’s why we got dis!”
>You point to the completed cookie cake from yesterday
>However, your straight man breaks character by letting out a chuckle
>”I don’t know how I didn’t see that coming in both that it was right in front of me and it’s you.”

https://imgur.com/BS88yQD
>With a smile comforting words force themselves out your mouth as you elbow the tall green mook
“That’s ok, you not seeing what’s right in front of you is part of why we all like ya!”
>Nonnykins opens his mouth to respond, but you’ve got no time to waste!
“But never mind that, for it’s time for the crucial part of a cookie sandwich, the frosting!”
>Luckily for you, he appears to let whatever he was about to say go as you slap your hands together
>With enthusiasm unbound you point to the poorly rendered chocolate smiley face on the older cookie cake
“There are many options for frosting a morsel like this including but not limited to; buying premade frosting, making your own frosting, and well, that’s about it actually.”
>Your sidecook plainly states with sarcastism dripping off his words
>”Wow, so many options, I just don’t know what to choose.”
>Oh Noners, such a kidder!
>You didn’t know that he knew your sister Maud!
>You slap his arm playfully
“Oh come on, of course we’re going to make some frosting you big tease!”
>You stare into the void as you know it sits there watching
“I mean, who would go through the trouble of making a cookie cake entirely from scratch and then use store bought frosting? You’d have to be pretty lazy to do that!”
>Non the green cook shrugs
>”Maybe they don’t have one of the ingredients on hand, or they just like the taste of specific br-“
>You place a finger on his lips shushing him before he can spout off such heresy
“That’s right, no one!”
>He scrunches his face up as you remove your finger from his lips and search for the frosting you made yesterday in your hair
“Now the frosting I made is pretty simple since it’s only has one step, which is to mix all its ingredients together!”

https://imgur.com/bOxwnQC
>Oh there it is!
>Right next to the copy of Mrs. White’s diary, still need to finish showing Marble the rest of the movie
>”And those ingredients are?”
>Anan raises an eyebrow while glancing between you and your hair
>You pull out the pastry bag containing the frosting with a *pop* and point to it
“4 tablespoons of butter, 1 and ¼ a cup of powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon of vanilla, and 1-2 tablespoons of milk depending on how liquidy I want it!”
>Oops!
>Forgot something AGAIN!
>Your brain is just really bunting today
>You yoink out another pastry bag with chocolate frosting
“Of course, you could always add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder if you want chocolate frosting instead!”
>You begin squeezing out the chocolate onto one half of the cookie while holding the white frosting out towards Nanners like a trophy, which he accepts graciously
>”So we’re just going half and half?”
>You nod and he begins covering the other half of the cookie
“Something like that, copy what I’m doing though!”
>With a steady hand you layer layers of frosting up like a mountain near the middle
>Your partner does his best to mirror your movements and succeeds for the most part
>”Kinda looks like a frumpy volcano to me.”
>That’s certainly a way to describe it, but not exactly how you would
>You toss the frosting bag away after emptying it as you reach behind you to the counter
“Decorating doesn’t need to be an exact science as long as you put in enough love! Well that and…”
>You reveal the jimmies you grasped to Nans as he places his empty frosting bag on the counter
>”Sprinkles?”
>With a nod you reach for the cap
>He’s gonna love this

https://imgur.com/3oFMj23
>Guess that makes sense
>Thing looks like it could use some pinache or something
>Pinkie’s grin expands as she reaches for the cap of the sprinkles
>Oh boy, she’s probably going to use the oh shit mode on the sprinkle top
>The one that’s just a rectangular hole instead of the multitude of small holes or grouping of large holes
>However instead of that…
“Pinkie, why are you unscrewing the top of the sprinkle container?”
>Her smile continues to expand as you worryingly stare at her fingers daintily dancing around the cap
“You’re not uh, thinking of doing something drastic are you?”
>With manic glee she nods rapidly
>Please no
“You wouldn’t actually do that would you?”
>That’s an almost full thing of sprinkles
>That’s nuts!
>”No, you were right the first time, they’re jimmies.”
>No you were saying tha-WAIT
>Despite your apprehension Pinkie does what you thought improbable
>She practically nukes the fucking cookie by dumping the entirety of the sprinkles payload into the poor frosting volcano
>Rip in piss ya poor bastard
>As you are a powerless witness, a modern travesty unfolds, the crazed pink bomber laughs heartily
>”This is the best part!”
>As the last sprinkle falls you feel a profound sense of despair while staring at the sugary monstrosity before you that you helped create
>Is this how Oppenhiemr felt?
>Shame?
>Pinkie the genocider of all things good tosses the empty sprinkle container over her shoulder
>Disappointment perhaps?
>Reaching into her hair she pulls out a butter knife
>At himself, or at a world that let this abomination come to fruition?
>With smooth movements she covers the mound of sprinkles with frosting
>Guess it’s true that hell is other people
>In a matter of a few strokes they’re covered and the frostings have blended
>In this case, a truly terrible pink baker

https://imgur.com/QwZzdK7
>You mumble to yourself as you shake your head
“Now I have become death, the destroyer of worlds…”
>You feel a hand upon your shoulder as you’re shaken from your quiet mourning
>Glancing towards your partner you see that Pinkie has taken her eyemask off
>”Now all that’s left is to wait for the other cookie to bake and cool!”
>Great, though…
>Looking at the clock reveals you don’t have much time left before class ends
>Like you got 15 minutes or so
>You remember Pinkie saying you wouldn’t have enough time
“So what are we going to do since there isn’t enough time?”
>She blows out a puff of air with a wave of her hand
>”Don’t worry about that, I got study hall next hour! I’ll wait for it to cool and assemble the sandwich.”
>Oh, problem solved you guess
>You scratch you head as you become aware of the fact you’ve got pretty much nothing to do, but wait for class to end now
>Guess you’ll start clean up?
>Gathering up the dirty dishes you begin running the hot tap
>As you plug the drain with a rubber stopper you feel a light jab to your side
>Glancing over your shoulder you see that Pinkie has started cleaning the flour off the counter
>”Say, want me to bring ya a slice next hour?”
>Bring you a slice?
>Of that thing?
>You feel your eyes drawn to the brown and white swirl of frosting atop the sweet structure
>The core of sprinkles lying just beneath like a landmine
>Just how sweet is that thing?
>You know you shouldn’t even touch that toxic mess, but you really want to find out how it tastes despite eating nothing but junk all day
>With steely determination you lock eyes with a similarly stone faced Pinkie
“Hell yea, but maybe like a sliver or so.”
>With a hitchhiker thumbs up she grins
>”You got it boss.”

>With that out of the way Pinkie continues to scoop flour into the trash bin
>You turn off the faucet as the sink seems to be a bit over halfway full
>Lathering up the first bowl you grab you get into a steady rhythm of soaping up dirty dishes before dunking them into the hot water and setting them aside to dry
>It’s a silent process only broken by the occasional splash made by a dunking dish
>By the time you’re almost done with all the dishes you realize you haven’t heard a peep from Pinkie
>A wonder how the excitable pink blob of energy beside you can stay quiet
>Out of the corner of your eye you can tell something must be bouncing around in her head
>She leans against the now clean counter as her eyes focus on some unknown point above her
>You haven’t ever seen her so still
>Maybe you should say som-
>”Hey Anon, what do you do to cheer yourself up when you’re feeling down?”
>And with almost no warning she breaks the gap in conversation
>With an odd question out of nowhere no less
>You lean forward onto the sink with the last dish in hand as you turn to give her your full attention
>Guess you…
“I go do something that eats up my attention.”
>Can’t really be sad if you’re focusing on something
>Pinkie nods with a small hum before turning to you with her index fingers pressing the corners of her lips up
>”I smile.”
>You raise an eyebrow
“But you smile all the time?”
>She lets out a somewhat subdued giggle as she begins smiling without the aid of her fingers
>”I know, isn't it great!? I’ve got so many reasons to, but I need to especially when bad stuff happens!”
>Rubbing the hem of her apron between her fingers she rocks back and forth on the balls of her feet
>”Cause ya know what, I think that sometimes a smile can make it all better.”

>Well, that’s certainly one way of gritting through tough times
>You stare into the suds as you rub the rough blue sponge against the bowl, a picture seemingly forming in the blue tinged bubbles
>A smile tinged with sadness through bubbly tears
>You begin to remember more than just a smile
>The memory bleeds into your thoughts along with the pleading words in your mind
>”Don’t you WANT to smile instead Non-non?”
>With a blink and scrub of the sponge it disappears from your mind
>Inhaling sharply through your nose something occurs to you
>Even though Pinkie and the rest of them forgave you for almost mashing her like a potato, you never did say you were sorry
>Well, it didn’t exactly feel right in the happy mood everyone was in
>That and you haven’t really been alone with Pinkie since then
>You finish washing the bowl out and set it aside with everything else
>Though you are now, and it is just quiet cleaning time
>Couldn’t ask for a more perfect mood to apologize in earnest
>You know, withholding the whole fact that it’s a bit weird to bring it up out of nowhere…
>Unplugging the faucet you sigh as water gulps down the drain
>Now you’re just trying to talk yourself out of doing something you feel you need to
>It’s not like Pinkie didn’t just do that!
>Just, say words!
“Hey Pinkie!”
>Your voice pierces the classroom like an unwanted baby seated right behind you in a restaurant
>Luckily, Pinkie doesn’t seem to get spooked as she casually tilts her head towards you like you didn’t just randomly scream
>”Yea Nan?”
>Ok, don’t think, DO!
“So like uh, I never really got around to ya know, apologizing for, back at my apartment.”
>You do your best to occupy your hands by wiping them dry on your own apron

“And while I know you forgave me already and all…”
>You let the sentence linger for a moment as you try to pry your eyes away from your hands
>While it helps that you don’t have to look at Pinkie, you can’t really call it a proper apology if you can’t even look someone in the eyes
>Also, you may look a bit weird repeatedly wiping your dry hands on your apron
>You clench those bad boys up in an effort to force yourself to stop
>And what do ya know, it works!
>Ok, just look up
>Raise your head
>Tilt in an upward direction
>You may have a problem here
>JUST FUCKING DO IT
>Seriously, you’re apologizing for something that you’re ALREADY forgiven for!
>It can NOT get any more easy mode than this!
>Even if you do think there was a good chance you might’ve actually gone through with, bad stuff, had Platinum Mettle not interfered
>You can see Pinkie’s now turned fully to you and is facing you like a normal human being
>At least if her waist and legs facing you is any indication
>Fuck
>Deep breath!
>In and!
>Like the biggest manly man on the planet you look up halfway through exhaling and talking
“I’m sor—”
>You’re pretty sure you would do a spit take if not for the fact you don’t have anything to spit out
>Pinkie, the mad woman, appears to be balancing two pencils atop another pencil she’s holding up with just her upper lip
>Doing a pretty good job of it too since she’s trying to add another with the squiggle of pink hair
>You’d question that, but you don’t feel like pondering the wonders of the universe
>With a sigh you reprimand yourself as you realize the absurdity of the situation

>Just when you thought you were blowing it super hard, it looks like maybe Pinkie didn’t even actually listen
>”Oh no Nons, I listened!”
>With a quick flick of her head she sends all the pencils toppling to the ground save for the one in her squiggle and atop her lip
>She quickly snatches the one held up by her lip and twirls it through her fingers
>”I just figured that since you were only going to say something that didn’t matter I would do something!” 
>Wow, ouch
>You didn’t think she’d b—
>”Let me finish!”
>She holds up an outstretched hand while pursing her lips
>”I only say that because friends don’t need to say sorry if the friend already knows that the FIRST friend in question is really really superidy-dooper sorry, ya know?!”
>You cross your arms as you do your best not to roll your eyes
>Oh geez, not this again
>What is she, Dash?
>Pinkie furrows her brow as she checks herself out stopping when she pinches her butt
>”Yee-ouch!”
>With a shake of her head she shrugs
>”Nope, I’m still Pinkie Pie last I checked!”
>Really?
>You crack a smile behind your hand as you cup your mouth
>What the hell is wi—
*BRRIIINNNNGGG*
>The bell signals the end of class as it cuts off your thoughts
>Oh wait!
>Pinkie seems to be one step ahead of you as she’s already at the oven pulling it open
>”Not to worry Nannerman, it may be a bit on the crispy side, but I don’t think it’s burned or anything!”
>Sure enough, as she pulls the cookie out of the oven it looks identical to the other one albeit a bit darker
>Good
>You one-hand your backpack onto your shoulder as you nod to Pinkie
“I’m gonna get going then, I have Ms. Sketch next so you can find me in her room!”
>Pinkie waves you off as you head out behind the crowd of leaving students
>”I know, see ya!”
>You’re about to say something in response, but decide against it as you don’t want to be late to class

>You sigh as you stomp out the doorway
>You’re bound to be late to Etchie Sketch’s class again!
>She’s always been such a dear, but a stickler for tardiness
>Well then, you’ll just have to walk a tad faster than usual
>Doing your best to weave through the horde of students without causing any incidents you fume to yourself
>Though you wouldn’t need to hurry if a certain someone was a little more laissez faire with how a student chooses to conduct herself during work time
>Honestly, Ms. Harshwhinny can be positively insufferable at times!
>So what if you happen to chat about the latest in fall attire, you still got two of the pages of the dreadful packet of busy work done!
>Only by virtue of your ladylike grace are you able to skillfully dodge past a congested group of gossiping girls
>That certainly could’ve been disastrous
>Perhaps you shouldn’t get so worked up about a harridan like Ms. Harshwhinny?
>At least, not while attempting to get to your favorite class on time
>You sigh as you notice the congestion of the hallways clearing some
>Just as well, it’s not befitting of a lady to hold a grudge
>Not to mention that art really is a relaxing “me time” for you
>Don’t wish to taint your designs with animosity
>You quickly, but not in a manner that appears like you’re in a rush, head towards your next class
>Just as you pass through the threshold the bell rings as if to signal your entrance
*BRRIIINNNNGGG*
>Like music to your ears
>You give a small nod to a few of the girls seated near the door way that notice you and wave to a smiling Etchie Sketch standing a few feet from the door
>”Fashionably on time today hm?”

>Moving your bangs back from in front of your face you grin sheepishly as Etchie Sketch closes the door behind you
>Making your way to your spot you suddenly remember something wonderful at the sight of a certain someone staring out the window once more
>You had completely forgotten that you share art with Anon!
>He didn’t turn up yesterday until the meeting where you all caught up
>Suppose with all that’s happened it’s not unusual for you to have overlooked something so important, though…
>Coming to a halt over your normal spot you clutch the leather strap of your dull navy messenger bag
>Perhaps now would be an appropriate time to strike?
>He does look rather lonely, and you do have an excuse to help ease your way into the important question
>However, the real question surely isn’t whether you ask him now that you’re alone, but whether you’ll ask him for yourself or everyone else…
>While somewhat uncouth to ask him to accompany you without even first getting a proper date under your belts, so to speak, you do feel a bit of a shiver assault your spine at the thought of snatching him up before anyone else can
>After all it would be one step closer to fulfilling what you imagined at home
>The shiver comes back with a vengeance as you shift your weight with your hip against your usual table
>Taking a deep breath you bring a fist to your chin as you examine Anon
>He lazily sketches something as he gazes out towards the azure and jet colored sky
>However you take particular note of his posture
>Hunched over propping his face up with a fist as his other arm acts as a wall between you and whatever it is he’s sketching

>Your eyes drift up from Anon’s body to the sullen look on his face
>The mixture of dull and bright colors outside the window reflect on his neon and kelly green irises like an oddly colored blanket
>It would be accurate to describe his demeanor as entirely uninviting, perhaps even aggressively so by all appearances
>While you know he’ll no doubt perk up after you take a seat across from him, who wouldn’t after all, you don’t think you’ll be able to shake this image from your mind
>It almost as if he’s an entirely different person from the one you’re so vividly sure of in your head
>It’s enough to make a lady second guess herself, or at least enough to make you second guess yourself
>You avert your eyes from Anon and down to your messenger bag
>If you feel like second guessing yourself, do you really have an adequate picture of him?
>Perhaps he’s having a bad day, or
>Or you may wish to rush things too quickly…
>Oh you don’t need to worry too much about that!
>It’s not as if you’re spiking his drink or anything, you’re simply getting better acquainted with him
>Well, know more about the current him and not what Twilight brought to your attention
>Never mind that!
>A lady of your status knows that with a good character like Anon displays there are sure to be baseless rumors like that thrown around willy nilly!
>You know from first-hand experience after all
>The nerve of some BOYS
>You shake your head as you push the awful memories of some people
>Alright, it looks like taking it slow and steady is the way it’ll be from now on
>You’ll have the perfect opportunity to get properly acquainted with him tomorrow anyhow
>It’s the best situation you could hope for really!

>Anon can learn a few things about your interests and you can find out more about his tastes
>Like what type of clothing he likes, even if he doesn’t really realize what he likes now
>There’s always a style that will cause a man’s jaw to drop and their tails to wag
>Though maybe he’d like to see you wagging your tail?
>Coughing into a hand you expel the thought from your mind
>Slow down, today’s new objective is to somehow get on the topic of the dance at the end of the month and see if he’d like to accompany all of you there
>As a friend…
>With a sigh you make your way towards him
>You can always persuade him to be more a little while before the dance
.
.
.
>Wow, holy shit
>You’d forgotten that you’re kinda trash at art
>You’ve been trying to sketch the landscape for a good ten minutes now and you cannot get something that even vaguely looks like the view outside your window
>Sliding your pencil scribbled paper aside you place your forehead on the table with a gentle *tock* before breathing deeply
>Why did you take this class again?
>The easy credit, or to actually try to cultivate the scrap of talent you have over most people?
>Said talent scrap being that you can kinda do a bit more than a stick figure
>Or maybe it’s a mixture of both?
>Your introspective into the very important reasons you took a class you have no business in is interrupted by the sound of something being placed on the table
>Lifting your head up from your wooden pillow you see that it’s Rarity!
>Forgot she shared this class with you
>Don’t know how though, since you know you share every class with at least one of the group
>Hm, you know people in each of your classes now, imagine that

>Rarity rummages through her purse with a smile
>”Not get enough sleep darling?”
>Sitting back up you stretch a bit as you stifle a yawn
“Nah, just feeling a bit lethargic as I realize my vast lake of artistic talent is actually about as deep as a puddle.”
>Pulling out the same notebook you’ve seen her sketching in more than once she shrugs
>”Well, have you tried fueling your creative effort towards something else? Perhaps drawing…”
>She squints over at your mess of lead scratches on paper before pulling out a somewhat familiar pair of red glasses and looking it over once more
>Only to slowly nod with a straight face
>”Abstractly, isn’t your forte?”
>Abstractly?
>Come on, that’s obviously a…
>Ok, maybe you could confuse that as abstract
>Pulling out an ivory mechanical pencil with a small diamond pretruding from its clip Rarity folds her arms on the table
>”I remember I used to try drawing landscapes before I really got into fashion, and I was the perfect example of dilettante.”
>Dilla-what?
>Rolling her pen between her thumb and forefinger she smirks as she stares off into space
>”I thought I’d be good from the onset, but really I couldn’t draw a blade of grass if my life depended on it!”
>Really, like even you can do that
>It’s especially weird since
“Not to say I don’t believe you, but I have seen your clothing sketches ya know.”
>Her smile goes a bit lopsided as she waves your compliment off
>”Well that’s another matter entirely; I am a seamstress after all.”
>She collects herself for a moment while tapping her notebook with her pencil
>”There’s something about the human figure that just, inspires me like nothing else!”

>Rarity looks down to her sketches with a more subdued smile
>”I don’t know when it happened, but suddenly whenever I spent longer than a moment looking at someone everything for a perfect ensemble would just pop into my head.”
>So instead of undressing someone with her eyes she would dress them up?
>You smirk at the thought as she looks up from her sketchbook, patting the lead heavy pages with a hand
>”Do you have anything like that which could inspire you, something that you can’t stop thinking about?”
>Oh boy, umm
>You stammer out a reply as you realize you don’t really have anything nearly as all-encompassing as her passion for fashion
“I uh, don’t really have anything comparable if I’m being honest.”
>With a furrow of her brow she taps her lips with the end of her mechanical pencil
>”Well, what’s something that when you think about it you could get carried away and lose track of time?”
>Hm
>You blink as you think about that
>Wouldn’t it really be anything that gets you started?
>Ya know, since you’re kinda prone to going on long tangents in your head?
>With a noncommittal shrug you frown
“Pretty much everything?”
>With a wince Rarity gestures for you to keep going with her hands
>”Perhaps you could be a tad more specific darling?”
>Hmmmmmmm
>You look up to the ceiling for answers
>It however refuses to answer your call to arms
>Heh, something stupid occurs to you
>Technically speaking, Rarity’s making you think right now
>Holding your thumb out to count you start your list off strong
“You…”
>Um, guess you could really just lump any of the girls into that too since you’ve been thinking about a lot more stuff because of them
>Once more you remind yourself that days used to be a lot more boring
“The others, uh…” 
>Gee whizz, you’re really struggling with this more than you should be

>”Th-that’s fine!”
>Huh?
>You jerk your head down from the ceiling at Rarity’s sudden interjection
>She coughs into a clenched fist before giving you a small smile
>She gestures in your direction with her pen in hand as her arm rests atop her other one lying flat on the table
>Man her arms really frame her chest we-PAY ATTENTION
>”What I mean is, taking inspiration from the people around you is perfect! In fact…”
>She slides her notebook to the side and other supplies to the side
>Flipping her bangs to the side with a flourish of her snow white fingers
>”Feel free to use me!”
>What?
>Oh fuck
>You vigorously shake your head in an attempt to stop this before it begins
“Nonono, I uh don’t think that’s quit-“
>Rarity grins and interrupts you before you can get most your sentence out
>”Not enough, perhaps I should pose?”
>With the suddenness of an earthquake she turns away from you before whipping her head back
>Is she hugging herself?
>You don’t know exactly what she’s going for as she cradle her face between her palms
>Apparently sensing your lack of proper inspiration she turns away once more
>Before you can cut in however she whips back towards you
>Oh, shit…
>With her glasses resting low on her glasses she stares at you with half-lidded eyes while stroking a thumb beneath her pouty lips
>This is not what you were worried about happening
>Her, well it’s something alright, face breaks as she begins to chuckle in that opulent way of hers
>”Oh I’m only kidding Anon, well half so.”
>She leans forward bringing her hands together in front of her on the table as you sit there stunned like some sort of jobber
>”Feel free to use me as inspiration, but…”
>She pauses for a moment as she furrows her brow

>You’re lucky you’re taller than Rarity because it means you have to look down at her so you can steal glances at her SWEATER SHIRT THING!
>YEP THAT’S IT!
>Just stealing glances at those sweater pu-AHHH!
>Rarity nods with a hum
>”Sometimes instead of seeking inspiration from those around you, you simply have to put pencil to paper with an empty mind.”
>You cock an eyebrow as you feel the need for further elaboration
>She ponders for a moment before snapping her fingers
>”Just let your hand draw the first thing that comes to mind.”
>Alrighty then you guess
>That’s something you haven’t really tried
>Even if it is so, clichéd?
>Not as bad as “just be yourself”, but you feel like it’s up there
>Rarity’s locked eyes with you as she moves your paper back in front of you
>”Why not give it a try?”
>Eh, fuck it
>Might as well try something new while in class
>Not like you were really getting much done before hand
>Picking up your pencil you flip the paper over and place your hand on the clean sheet
>You tap the end of your pencil on the center of the page a few times hoping the sound will help
>Just clear your head
>Ok
>Not thinking
>Your mind is empty, as always
>The blank expanse of paper stares back at you like it too awaits your miraculous epiphany
>You got nothing though
>Ok shit, this is hard
>Especially with Rarity watching you like a hawk
>A really attractive and you’re just going to stop there
>Why are you even doing this impromptu art lesson?
>You’re no artist
>Not even Ms. Sketch really does this
>Which is really telling about the quality of this class
>Maybe you should ask her for help too?
>Or…
>You don’t see anything in the paper, but you do feel something gnawing away at the back of your head
>A need, a need to draw a line!
>Or really anything to fill the whiteness
>A line it is!
>You'll start with a diagonal one

>Well now, Anon seems to have found his inspiration
>You were worried there for a moment, doubting that your words resonated with him, as he stared blankly at his sheet of paper like you do to Sweetie’s “breakfast” before you force down her latest culinary crime against humanity
>However, after making one diagonal line he made another, and another
>He’s showing no signs of stopping as his pencil dances across the paper
>Wonder what it was that finally clicked
>What you wouldn’t give to read minds right about now
>Sitting back up properly you let out a small sigh
>Seeing that Anon seems to be doing well on his own now, you should get to your own work
>Taking your sketchbook in hand you flip it open to your latest project to review what you have so far
>Said project being Anon’s outfit for tomorrow
>Since he didn’t want you to go all out like you normally do, making an entire week’s wardrobe for someone, you simply have to put an entire week’s worth of clothes into one outfit
>So something akin to an iconic outfit like the rest of the school has, but that also keeps with how Anon likes to present himself
>Hopefully he’ll like it enough to want to wear it as unaltered as possible unlike Twilight who insists that she needs a lab coat 24/7
>At least that’s easy enough; while you may not be too sure of who Anon is in THAT way you are sure of his outward demeanor
>Sometimes he may be classy, but in general he’s a casual man
>That was easy enough though considering school is definitely a casual atmosphere
>Luckily, Anon doesn’t seem like a hard man to please as well considering he picked one of, if not the simplest design you had drawn up on Sunday
>So that helped narrow your ideas down to something simple and casual

>Though one thing you were having trouble with was how to fit anything you make for Anon
>He seems to like baggy clothes in general, enough so that you can barely see his impressive physique underneath the crumpled grey sweats he wears constantly
>So while you know he has the goods to show off a bit, you’re not too sure how much he’d actually like doing so
>Perhaps you could compromise via a tight fitting shirt, but with a jacket hoodie combination of some sort as a familiar piece of clothing?
>That doesn’t seem like too bad an idea considering it’s beginning to get chilly outside as well
>You tap your mechanical pencil against your sketch book as you look through your concepts that fit the criteria so far
>There are more than you’d like still, so you may have to narrow it down some
>Perhaps you could gleam some more information by thinking about Anon’s clothes more abstractly?
>You look him over as he shades something in on his paper
>Same hoodie and sweatpants combination…
>Looking down though, your eye catches on his somewhat gauche military backpack at his side
>At least you’re pretty sure it’s some sort of military backpack
>It has enough places to fasten things to it and a copious amount of storage space
>Wait, considering that and his concern of comfort over fashion…
>You don’t think it’d be a stretch to say he seems to have a particular attraction towards practicality
>It’s good that goes hand in hand more or less with the rest of what you’ve gleamed so far
>Checking through the remainder of your concepts you think of one last factor that would really decide one outfit
>That factor being the general tone of the outfit

>Considering Anon’s rather dark shade of forest green skin you’ll do him a favor and stick to more earthy tones to help blend with it
>You want to make it a personal goal to stay away from the color black for his sake though
>While you don’t have anything against black, you doubt you’ll be doing him any favors by pushing him away from his over reliance on the neutral color of grey straight into another neutral color
>At least not an overtly easy one like black
>You may do a mix of brown with some olive though as that would be absolutely perfect for someone with his skin color
>Actually wait…
>Flipping back a page in your sketch book you see it
>A design that has everything you’re looking for
>You frown as you recognize this particular outfit
>It’s something you can already see Anon happily wearing, BUT this one is unfortunately, unfinished
>You adjust your glasses as your brow furrows
>Alright, maybe unfinished is the wrong word, but there’s something missing from this
>A certain je ne se quoi?
>Setting down the sketch book you put your pencil down
>Out of every outfit you’ve imagined for Anon you find this one to be lacking that Rarity panache that shines through your work
>Maybe you should reconsider…
>Your thoughts trail off as you look at Anon’s paper
>Unlike before where he was somewhat covering what he was drawing now you can see it plainly, and what you see, while not anything particularly avant garde, tickles you
>For some reason the scribbles of question marks in various formations speaks to you
>Maybe it’s not them speaking to you, but the way Anon draws them that does?
>He seems, calm
>It’s different from the lazy way he was at the beginning of the hour

>Anon’s eyes are focused on his work instead of relatively glazed over while aimlessly staring
>Though instead of a piercing gaze, it contradictorily seems almost relaxed as it steadily flows from one point to another on his paper
>Instead of looking like he’s trying to physically shield his work from view with his body he’s now leaning back in his slightly
>You don’t know if that’s comfortable or not for him considering you’re both sitting on stools
>The gentle sound of lead working into paper draws your attention to his hands
>One hand lightly sketches while his other adjusts the angle of his paper with smooth movements
>He gives off the aura of someone actively working towards bringing something to life on paper, but with an almost cathartic tinge 
>While that may seem like you’re reading a bit too deep considering he’s really just drawing a bunch of stylized question marks you can’t deny that right now he’s in stark contrast to his earlier demeanor
>You glance down at your incomplete design and back to his work
>Maybe you can convey this feeling he’s radiating, and complete your design somehow?
>Oh!
>Snatching up your mechanical pencil you flip to a fresh page
.
.
.
>You set aside your worn down pencil with a nod of recognition for your work of art
>Now that you feel like you’re done you can take in the entirety of your effort 
>Hm, that’s a lot of question marks
>Considering you just drew the thing you don’t know what you expected
>Maybe that somehow your hands were creating a masterpiece even you weren’t aware of?
>Naw, you just wanted to see how many question marks you made
>Looks like uhh, about enough that you don’t want to take the time to count them all

>You sigh contently as you stretch your arms out towards the ceiling
>Gotta say, losing yourself to drawing, even if it was just a bunch of question marks, felt pretty relaxing
>It’s nice not to worry about a thing and just do
>Though now you are wondering why a question mark in a box of all things was the first thing your hand drew
>Eh whatever
>Glancing down from the spackled tiles above you see that Rarity is happily sketching
>What it is she’s sketching though you can’t really tell
>Her hand is moving around too much and obstructing your view
>You feel a bit hesitant to ask what it is she’s in the middle of, but you’re pretty sure she wouldn’t mind
“Mind if I ask you what it is that’s got you so productive?”
>She stops grabbing her notebook with both hands hugging it to her chest
>"Oh, I just had a breakthrough on the design for your clothes is all darling!"
>Oh, that’s pretty cool
>It’s kinda nice to see her so excited over making you something
>Enough to warm a guy’s heart
>Though that does bring up a question
"I thought the design I picked earlier was going to be what you made? It was pretty much the best thing I could see me wearing."
>She waves her hand back and forth with a grin while squirming around in her chair, all while still holding the notebook tight against her chest
>"Nonono Anon, that was just the general feel I was going for, trust me when I say that what I’ve got now will be so MUCH better!"
>Really now?
>Well if her grinning and hype didn’t instill confidence that your new threads are going to be absolutely amazing you don’t know what would
>however now, you’re even more curious to see what she’s got cooked up
"That’s great, can I see it?"

>Rarity throws her head back and lets loose her, now expected, laugh of opulent splendor that could easily rival Karin
>You’d think you just told Rarity the best joke ever with how much lift her sides must have achieved
>Suddenly though, she cuts her laughing short and locks eyes with you
>"Of course you can't, it wouldn't be a surprise if I showed you now would it?”
>You raise an eyebrow as she wiggles in her seat
>”Just trust me darling when I say you'll fall utterly head over heels in love..."
>It looks like she murmurs something to herself afterwards before laughing once more
>Though this laugh feels a bit more, menacing for some reason
>Not sketch at all…
>You scratch your chin as you do your best not to let that bother you
"So do you do this with all the clothes you make for people?"
>Holding her notebook up she hides her smile behind it letting out a giggle as her eyes wander behind you
>"Maaayyybeeee..."
>You are now having a creeping doubt about this outfit she’s making
>Call it intuition
>She lowers her notebook with a small grin on her face as she leans forward onto the table
>”Though mostly only when I’m making something for someone special.”
>Before you can really process that she claps her notebook shut
>While she sets it aside you can’t help notice her posture propping something up as she points a lazy finger to you
>"On that note however, I must know, do you have any sort of formal wear darling?"
>Formal wear, you?
>She wasn’t there to see your closet you guess
>You do your best not to stare, keeping your eyes at neck level or above, as she leans forward a bit more practically resting her chest on the table
"I, don’t have anything of the sort really."

>Rarity runs a hand through her bangs giving them a little flip
>”Then you’re in luck, because I will be tailoring a tuxedo fitting of a knight as well just for you!”
>A tux!?
>Woah now, that’s where even you put your foot down
>Doing work that could easily be sold for big bucks for free is nice and all, but this is too much!
>You’re willing to let normal clothes be a hand wave since Rarity treats it like one, but you know how expensive tuxes are
>Especially since her work seems pretty high quality in your uniformed opinion
>As if reading your mind she stops your objection before it can come out your mouth
>”And I won’t have any of you trying to change my mind!”
>She crosses her arms accentuating her, assets, while she turns her head away from you with a smirk
>”It’s only fitting of a man like yourself that you don only the finest of social attire, courtesy of moi bien sûr, to one of the biggest soirees of the year!”
>There are so many things wrong with that assertion you feel a bit stupefied
>Firstly, you continue to regret ever speaking a lick of French to anyone as you have no idea what sur means
>Like you’re not one for school events normally, never mind one of the supposedly biggest of the year
>Not to mention that you’re pretty sure you’ve got a whole lot more to worry about than dances 
>Rarity jabs an accusatory index finger your way with a raised eyebrow
>”You ARE going to the Enchantment under the black moon dance right?”
>Well uhh, it’s not like you CAN’T go, probably
>Hell, it won’t be the end of the world if you take one night off or anything

>Though that is discounting the fact that you don’t really see a reason to go or anything
>You haven’t really DONE parties, unless you count your 12th birthday…
>Ok, even you don’t count that
>Still, it’s not like you have a date either…
>Seemingly like really good reasons to avoid it altogether
>Rarity must take your silence as some sort of careful deliberation as she interjects with a hand resting atop her heart
>”Then let me decide for you by telling you that you’ll be going with me, and the other girls of course!”
>You don’t really react save for blinking
>See, one part of you secretly dreads and hopes she means what you know she doesn’t
>Hopes because dating 7 really hot girls at the same time would be figuratively killer
>Dreads because dating 7 really hot girls at the same time would be literally killer as well
>That stupid fantasy aside, you don’t really know about going with them all
>Like, you’re pretty sure you’d just be the 8th(?) wheel since they all have to have other friends besides each other right?
>While you only have potential, chums
>Not to mention…
“Well I, uh, guess if it’s like an official invitation or something…”
>With an excited little clap Rarity smiles
>”Of course it is, I’m sure that everyone will want you to at least hang out with darling-“
>A loud *KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK* at the door pierces through your conversation and everyone else’s
>It seems every head in the room turns to face it as Ms. Sketch walks towards it
>She quickly opens the door to see, no one there
>Uhh
>You and Rarity share an unsure glance before Ms. Sketch closes the door
>”HIYA!”
>PINKIE!!?
>You can’t tell as you jumped, but you’re pretty sure everyone just got spooked by a certain cotton candy girl standing behind where the door just was as several people fall out of their chairs

>Fuck, is Pinkie trying to give someone a heart attack, cause if you weren’t as far away as physically possible from the door she might have succeeded
>The whole room takes a breath as the shock of the sudden pink jump-scare wears off before resuming their art activities
>The bubblegum baker cheerfully says something to Ms. Sketch before skipping your way with a cake carrier in hand
>Your eyes linger on the carrier as she holds it close to her bouncing—
>Wow, you wonder what’s in the carrier
>Oh wait
>Memories of a rain of sprinkles assault your mind as you remember
>Kinda forgot about getting a slice of that abomination…
>Feel like that may have been for the best
>You’re brought back to reality as you hear Rarity begin to chide Pinkie with a frown
>”Pinkie dear, what did we say about randomly bursting into classes like that?”
>Setting the cake carrier onto the table next to your doodle Pinkie rubs her chin
>”Not to do it in Ms. Harshwhinny’s room because she might have that long time coming stress induced aneurism?”
>Can’t say you blame Ms. Harshwhinny
>You might keel over early if you had to teach someone like Pinkie
>Pinkie blows a raspberry at you with a wave of her hand
>”Pffttb, I’ve only had her for 3 out of my 4 years here, so she’ll be fine!”
>Rarity shakes her head as she wags her index finger apparently ignoring that comment
>”No, while on the right track, you know exactly what I mean.”
>Pinkie shrugs off Rarity’s accusatory tone with a smirk
>”Oh don’t be such a fuddey duddy Rares! I don’t burst into classrooms like that for no good reason anymore anyways! I happened to come here for a very specific reason, to give you THIS!”

>Pinkie waves a hand over the cake carrier while resting her other atop the lid
>”I’ve been delivering a piece of this bad boy to everybody this hour, and you two are next up!”
>Before you or the fashionista can get a word in the horrible crime on sweets is revealed
>Only this time it’s more powerful as another cookie tops the frosted half from before, or at least what’s left of before
>Inside the cake carrier are two napkins; one adorned with a tiny square shaped hors d’oeuvre of cookie sandwich, complete with a toothpick skewering the center, alongside a moderate sliver of the whole cookie cake
>The rest of the monstrosity however is nowhere in sight
>”Enjoy!”
>Despite your apprehension to the payload of sprinkles used you have been somewhat interested in getting a bite
>You pick up the sliver of cooker sandwich with napkin in tow
>Rarity does the same daintily plucking her tiny square by the toothpick
>Not wasting any time you bite into the tip
>Hm, don’t know what you expected
>It’s good
>Though you can already feel your teeth shivering from the overwhelming bite of chocolate and vanilla sugary sweetness
>Well that, and the chunk of sprinkles you just bit into
>Probably be better if you could wash it down with some milk
>Speaking off the white stuff, a small carton slides across the table into your view
>Glancing in the direction it slid in from, Pinkie gives you the old double finger guns
>You smile as you crack open the surprisingly cold carton
>As you take a sip Rarity gasps apparently just now taking a bite
>”Oh my, that is sinfully sweet darling!”
>Sinfully sweet?
>You can’t help but chuckle internally as you notice how little of her already miniscule morsel she’s eaten
>If she’s acting like that now, you wonder how she’d react to the almost teeth eating sweetness of biting into a real slice

>You shove the rest of your piece into your mouth doing your best to savor the sugar a moment before downing it all with the carton of milk
>Gulping somewhat louder than you intended you finish the treat with a satisfied sigh
>”Pretty good eh Nonners?”
>Giving Pinkie a thumbs up you grin
“Yea, we’ll have to make it again sometime.”
>Rarity hums while padding the corners of her lips with her napkin
>”You most certainly will! Next time I may indulge with a moyenne portion.”
>Pinkie closes the distance between her and Rarity with a stride before wrapping an arm around her shoulders
>”Well don’t worry Rara, since we got that party for the things coming up soon, I’ll be sure to make another for that!”
>The snow white seamstress blinks and then snaps her fingers with a nod of understanding
>”Oh yes, the party for the um, celebrating taking Flash down a peg!”
>Nodding so much that her hair looks like it may fly off Pinkie leans forward onto the table
>”Yea that’s a fantastic excuse, excuse to throw a party that is!”
>The two exchange looks before they both give you a rather unconvincing grin
>Alright, talk about sketch
>You’re feeling a little suspicion arousing from this conversation here
>Though no one should be that bad at hiding something
>Unhanding her equally sketch friend Pinkie crosses her arms with a forced chuckle
>”Uh, anyways um, oooohhhh what’s this nanban’s?”
>She practically stabs your question mark vista with her finger
>You decide it’s probably best to leave whatever it is they’re up to and go along with her subject change
“Eh, I was just doodling. Had a bit of a creative block that Rarity helped me though.”

>Rarity brings a hand to her cheek cocking her head to the side slightly as she flutters her eyelashes letting lose a small giggle
>”Oh no need to thank me darling, considering you were able to help moi with my own idea drought as well, what’s a bit of artistic quid-pro-quo between friends?”
>When she puts it that way, you kinda feel a bit useful
>Just a bit though
>”Speaking of clearing through my dreadful idea blockage…”
>Rarity claps her hands together gently as she looms over her bubblegum friend’s shoulder
>”Pinkie, I still need your input on the dress design I drew up for you!”
>Pinkie points to herself before letting out another forced chuckle and backing away from the eager designer
>”Oh yea, the thing I haven’t been completely going out of my way to ignore because of all the stuff that’s been happening lately!”
>Letting out a lame laugh she slaps her knee limply
>”I um, I trust that if anyone can make the most fun-diferous party-poppin wear around it’s you Rare!”
>Rarity seems unperturbed by Pinkie’s slow retreat as she continues leaning closer to the retreating cotton candy girl while speaking
>”Oh nono Pinkie darling, that simply won’t do! I NEED your input to create something that absolutely radiates essence de Pinkie!”
>Just as it seems she may send both of them toppling over by how far she’s making pinkie lean back like a bad limbo warm-up she backs off
>”After all, everyone in the school’s going to be in attendance!”
>While part of you remains skeptical of that claim, you wouldn’t really be that surprised if it was true
>Backing her up you take the opportunity to chime in
“Yea, even I’m going now.”
>Springing back into a stand from her neo-esque pose Pinkie blinks while scrunching her face
>”Really, no foolin?”

>Twiddling idly with your hoodie drawstring you elaborate
“No foolin, Rarity just invited me before you came in.”
>Pinkie’s eyes play a game of Ping-Pong darting between you and Rarity
>You begin to wonder if Pinkie’s going to be stuck like this forever as they keep bouncing back and forth, but she finally takes action flicking her forehead
>Somehow that causes her pupils to roll around in a swirl before landing on Rarity once more as she leans towards her conspiratorially
>”You REALLY asked him?”
>You don’t really get why she would be so skeptical
>It’s just a school dance
>Rarity grins as she leans down and joins in Pinkie’s secret huddle
>”Of course I did darling; I need to begin designing his garb for it after all.”
>She throws a glance your way before patting the pink delivery girl on the shoulder
>”Thankfully, it didn’t take much convincing, but Anon will be accompanying all of us there!”
>Can’t help feel like she’s making it a bigger deal than it is…
>Pinkie reels back in place before shaking her head grinning ear to ear
>”OH, that’s super awesome-rific!”
>Pulling out a tiny black notebook from her pink locks she flips it open to a random page before scribbling inside
>”Now that’s one person off the important-but-not-likely-to-show-up list! If only I could find the other six and get them to come…”
>Rarity raises an eyebrow as she brings her thumb and forefinger to rest atop her chin
>”You seem a bit surprised darling.”
>Pinkie stops scribbling and flicks her eyes up from her notebook
>”What? Oh no no, I just thought you ASKED him is all…”
>But Rarity did just that?
>Now you’re lost

>Rarity adjusts her glasses bringing them low enough that she can glance at Pinkie over them
>”Ohhh, you’re not trying to insinuate anything are you?”
>Pinkie claps her notebook shut before shoving it back into her hair
>”Noooo nooo, but if any of us were to rush an invitation like that…”
>Ok, now you sensin something here
>You feel like maybe you should intervene here considering well, it’s just a school dance and all
>Rarity takes off her glasses with a whip of her hand before flipping her bangs
>”I’ll have you know that I have a vested interest in making sure that all my friends be able to appreciate one of, if not the largest and best soiree the school has to offer to the fullest.”
>Pinkie crosses her arms as she leans toward Rarity with a bit of a furrowed brow
>”Oh yea! I heard that they got someone REALLY good organizing everything so he’d definitely want to be there, with ALL of us!”
>Oh man, that’s not the face of a perfectly calm and happy person
>Rarity places her glasses on the table before mimicking Pinkie’s stance crossed arms and all
>”But of course, I wouldn’t want him to miss any of the experience that GOOD company can offer at such a function!”
>Time to open your mouth?
>Time to open mouth
>Though you don’t know what you’d even say…
>Pinkie leans forward even more, now physically touching foreheads with the equally vaguely angry Rarity, going so far as to slightly nudge the fashion vixen back
>”Experience that wouldn’t be possible without a FUN-ction in the first place!”
>Aw people are starting to steal glances this way
>Before you can even open your mouth Rarity is now pushing Pinkie back in the forehead power struggle
>”Sometimes good company creates the best FUN!”
>Deciding not to be a bystander in whatever the hell this is you prepare to just do something really embarrassing to interrupt everything
>However instead…
*BRRIIINNNNGGG*

>Looks like the bell has your back as class conveniently ends before this can escalate any further
>Backing away both the girls shake their head before quickly gathering their things
>You stand from your seat to get your stuff together and leave this, awkward(?), atmosphere behind as Rarity breaks the silence hoisting her purse over her shoulder
>”We will have to discuss this later…”
>Pinkie’s put the cake carrier together while stare at the fashion prone girl
>”Okie dokie loki…”
>The two separate without another word to each other or you
>As you don your backpack and pick up your question mark doodles you can’t help but wonder
>What just happened?
>You ponder it all the way to your next class
.
.
.
>Stepping into Mr. Procrates’ room you’re filled with the overwhelming sensation of absolute ehhhhh
>It’s almost as if over the past few days you had forgotten that math was a thing you did
>At the end of the day no less
>Making your way to the back of the room you can see some assignment pages written on the board
>Oh shit, you missed the lesson day yesterday
>Which means you’re going to need to get notes from someone since Mr. Procrates seems like he’s much more concerned with catching a few z’s before the end of the day
>You could wake him up, but you’d rather not
>Taking your seat you look towards the door expectantly
>Besides, using the notes as an icebreaker may be really useful for talking to…
>Fluttershy steps through the door, much to your relief, looking over her notebook
>She looks up from it and meets your gaze with her own
>Almost reflexively slinking back behind her notebook she stops mid-way giving you a small wave
>You return it and nod to the seat next to you, which gets a smile in return

>You pull out your own notebook and textbook while you wait for Fluttershy
>As you open to the appropriate page another notebook encroaches your desk
>Glancing up it appears Fluttershy is already offering you her math notebook
>"I was reviewing my notes because I remembered that you weren't here yesterday soIwasgoingtooffermineupsoyoucouldcopyitmaybe..."
>Oh, well schwing
“Thanks a lot, nice of you to go out of your way like that.”
>You gladly accept the notebook and rearrange your desk so you can copy the coveted notes
>Fluttershy falls like a leaf into her seat at the desk next to you before giving an unsure shrug
>”Oh it’s no trouble; I just hope you don’t mind how messy they are…”
>Messy?
>At a glance you can already see that the notes are leagues above yours in the neat category
>Sometimes, you wish you could be girl messy…
“They’re way better than mine, don’t worry.”
>In fact giving them a bit more throughout a look they seem to be pretty well organized on top of being generally pleasant to read
>You may need to steal this layout
>”Well, if you need any help understanding it I’ll, try my best to explain it.”
>You give the small animal lover a thumbs up before getting down to business
>As you copy the equations and such down you can’t help but notice Fluttershy peeking over at you while you do so
>It’s not very subtle and she keeps doing it
>It isn’t till you’re halfway through copying do you realize you have her notes while she’s trying to do homework
>Shit
>Deciding that apologizing or really doing anything to bring attention to it would be awkward you do the best thing possible
>Pick up your desk and move it closer to her’s
>As you get settled in once more to copy the rest of her notes she opens her mouth
>However instead of saying anything she smiles and goes back to working
>You might as well too

>You let out a sigh as you finish the last problem
>Man, busy work sucks
>At least it’s easy though
>Glancing at the clock reveals that it may have been too easy however
>Even while having to write the notes down before you still have a good 15 minutes till the end of class
>Guess that’s why everyone around you is chatting away or swiping on their phones
>Even Fluttershy is reading something on a small pad
>Wouldn’t have taken her for an e-book type of girl
>Hmm, now that you’re both done with your work would it be awkward for you to abruptly schooch your desk back?
>Maybe you should just talk to her?
>That’s pretty hard though…
>As you put away your supplies you reflect on why that might be
>Putting aside that talking to girls in itself is inherently hard, you think out of all the somewhat blurry pictures you’ve pieced together for the Sunset squad over the past week or so, Fluttershy’s is by far the blurriest
>Probably because besides the times you’ve helped her look for her rabbit or been in class with her you’ve never really been alone with her
>Not to mention that the quiet between you two doesn’t really feel all that awkward
>Well it didn’t, now it does because you’re thinking about it too much
>Before that though, it felt ok
>Now that you’ve become self-conscious about it you’ll need to fix it
>Perhaps by talking with Fluttershy?
>Good idea!
>So, talk…
>Uhh, dang
>Ok, just take the easy route
>Ask what she’s reading!
>Coughing into your hand you muster up the courage to disrupt the silence
“So what are ya readin?”
>Holy shit, you actually said it in a casual manner without messing up!
>You might be getting good at talking again

>As you smile congratulating yourself, you notice that Fluttershy seems a bit off
>By a bit off you mean that her hands are now shaking
>Not a normal reaction to someone asking something so benign
>Before you can think of anything that might of caused her adverse reaction she places her pad flat against the desk
>With a cough to clear her throat she turns her head away from you
>Don’t know why she did that since it’s making her voice hard to hear
>”It…pane…..tion…”
>You didn’t get a word of that
>Though you’re pretty sure the tion was the end of her sentence
>Which means she may have said something about a type of fiction
>You’re willing to bet on that
>Staring at her you debate whether to tell her to repeat herself or just ask what specific type it is
>Who are you kidding?
>Of course you’re just going to pretend you like whatever she just said
>You’re way too much of a spineless jelly man to ask again
“Ah cool, what kind is it?
>Fluttershy takes a moment to do, really anything
>Her shaking subsides a little as she turns her head vaguely in your direction
>”A light novel…”
>Her words help illuminate the previous that you couldn’t hear
>She probably said Japanese fiction
>Well, that’s a pleasant surprise
>You forgot Dash saying that Fluttershy was into anime
>Didn’t say anything about light novels
>Regardless, you’re no expert on light novels by any means, considering you’ve only read like 3, but you’re actually interested in what she’s reading now
>At least more so than a passing curiosity
>Wonder what she likes to read?
>If it’s anything like her pretty standard taste in anime you’re pretty sure her reading material can’t be too out there
“Really, I’ve read a few of those, what’s it called?”

>You can see an uneasy smile form on Fluttershy’s lips just beneath her pink bangs
>"Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari..."
>Ahh yes, of course she used the proper japenese name
>Luckily you know the exact light novel she’s referring to of course
>That classic story of a young man who, fuck if you know
>You don’t speak THAT much weeb, and that’s not one of the few light novels you’ve read
>If only Twilight were here…
>Pushing your complete lack of title recognition aside for now you decide to pursue this dialogue tree to the fullest
“Not heard of that one, what’s it about?”
>You can actually see Fluttershy’s eyes, though they aren’t exactly maintaining eye contact of any sort, as she tilts her head up a bit more
>”Well, it’s about a college student who wakes up in another world after reading a book…” 
>Isekai then?
>Not exactly what you’d peg her as a fan of, but you didn’t peg her as one for DBZ either
>”He finds out he’s a hero summoned from his world and he has to fight a great evil.”
>Sounding a bit, by the numbers?
>”But he’s the shield hero who can’t actually hurt anything by himself.”
>That’s more interesting
>She looks down to the pad with a frown
>”He’s not very popular, and someone frames him for something he didn’t do making him hated by everyone.”
>Oh, that sucks
>”So he becomes bitter and shuts himself off from the world so much that even food stops being flavorful.”
>Her smile returns as she shifts in her seat
>”It’s then he meets a little slave girl that he takes under his wing.”
>Slaves?
>Well that’s, fitting you guess for a world that has a destined hero nobody likes

>Fluttershy’s voice is at a normal conversation level as she turns to you with stars in her eyes 
>”They go through a lot together and he takes care of her to help her grow strong since he can’t.”
>Shield hero sounds like a smart dude
>Clasping her hands together Fluttershy looks over your shoulder into space
>”It’s like even though the world and everyone in it is mean to him, and even though his mood goes sour he never stops being a good person.”
>That’s, something…
>”The two finally meet with the other heroes after stopping a big attack and shield hero gets challenged to a duel by one of the other heroes because they believe that he did what he was framed of.”
>Bet they didn’t even check to see if Shield even did what he was accused of…
>You hate when people just believe nasty shit they hear
>Fluttershy clutches her face between both her palms in a panic breathing heavily
>”And then…”
>And then?
>AND THEN!!?
>She stops breathing so hard blinking in silence
>”Oh dear, I’m spoiling the story aren’t I?”
>Mother fu-no, she’s right
>It’s not like you don’t want to try reading it yourself now
“Nah nah, it’s fine…”
>You smile wryly as you run a hand through your hair
“Ya got me hooked now.”
>Though now you really need the English name
>Fluttershy looks estatic
>”Great, I’m so happy you are!”
>She brings a hand to her chin before digging through her purse
>She pulls something out halfway from her book bag and hesitates
>Looks like a leafy block?
>She turns back to you before biting her lip and not really looking in your direction
>”W-would you like me to text you the website?”
>You raise an eyebrow
>Wait, she’s not looking at you
”Website?”

>Seemingly even more bashful than before Fluttershy smile wryly as she stares back down at the leafy block protruding from her purse 
>”Of the translation I’m reading.”
>Ohhhh
>Well that’d be downright helpful right about now
“Sure, I’d appreciate it.”
>With a happy hum and a nod she pulls the leaf rectangle from her purse
>You mean the obvious phone that you totally knew was a phone
>Definitely didn’t learn that as she turned it in her hand just then
>No sir
>Fluttershy pecks at her phone with a slightly shaky index finger
>She notices your gaze and gives you a sheepish smile
>”I’m uh, still getting used to a touchscreen since I just made the switch from flip phone to it; a touchscreen that is, sorry…”
>That’s right!
>You saw her old phone yesterday didn’t you
>Right it was a really weird black clam shell if you remember correctly
>New one looks nicer you suppose
“Not a problem. Why’d you make the switch?”
>She doesn’t divert her attention from the phone as she pecks
>”Well, I haven’t had a new phone since middle school and it broke a little during the party so I thought why not…”
>Ah, understandable
>Finally accomplishing whatever it is she was doing she gives a little yay
>Congratz?
>She meets your eyes before averting them and shifting around in her seat
>”So I, I still need your number ifyoudon’tmindthatis…”
>You just gave her it yesterday
>Though literally yesterday coupled with a new phone…
>Yea, it’d be a little weird if she memorized your number in less than a day
>Hell, if she memorized it period
>She’s not Twilight, at least you hope not
>Shaking the horrid thought that perhaps everyone you know may actually be Twilight in disguise from your head because why the hell did that pop up from nowhere you give Fluttershy your number once more

>”Alright, give me just one moment and I’ll send it to you!”
>The yellow shy girl taps away furiously with a single finger, her tongue lolling out her mouth due to intense concentration
>Well, think you can chalk this up as a super successful interaction
>Ok, maybe not super successful, but good enough for you
>You check your phone and see a new message from an unknown number
>”Hello, it’s Fluttershy! I hope you enjoy the story!”
>Followed by the url to Shield Hero’s story
>Fantastic!
>As you’re about to put your phone away you come to a realization
>The conversational road you’ve just traveled with Fluttershy is kinda done, and you’re not exactly brimming with stuff to talk about
>Damn
>Realizing that doesn’t really help your though…
>Putting your phone away you think of something else you’ve been meaning to talk to Fluttershy about
>Anything at all really
>”G-got any juicy gossip d-darling?”
>Wut
>You have to shake your head to draw yourself out of the bad accent stupor that Fluttershy just put you in
>That was blatantly her trying to sound like Rarity, and it’s worse than Dash’s and yours put together
>In other words, pretty bad
>You blankly stare at Fluttershy who shrinks back from your gaze
>”I-I’m not the best at small talk…”
>Her and you both
>”So I thought, what would Rarity say, and the words just sorta came out.”
>Well, that did sound like something she’d like to talk about
>Unfortunately for Fluttershy, you’re not one for gossip
>Usually have to be one for small talk if you do gossip
>Though thinking about Rarity does give you an idea
>How appropriate it is, well…
>You clear your throat with a huff
“Well I do kinda have something…”

>Fluttershy seems to perk up at your hesitant suggestion pleading you to go on with her rapt attention
>Now how to word this…
“Have you ever seen in-fighting between everybody?”
>The yellow teenager furrows her brow in thought
>”Sure I have, we don’t always get along after all.”
>Maybe that was the wrong way to put it?
“Not like a, hey I want pepperoni and you want pineapple kinda disagreement, but a, hey somethings bugging me but instead of talking about it I’m going to push what can be labeled as passive aggressive?”
>Fluttershy takes a moment to consider your words tapping her chin with her index finger
>She seems to find her answer as she nods with a frown
>”I think things like that are only at times like when Sunset first came and pit us all against each other, or at the end of the battle of the bands.”
>She winces
>”I really don’t like remembering how mean we were all getting…”
>Hm, so maybe you DID see something
>Leaning in conspiratorially your desk-mate raises an eyebrow
>”Why do you ask?”
>Ok, you have to put this gently
>Remember Anon, mega kid gloves here
>Consider your next words carefully…
>Taking a moment to collect yourself beforehand you then lean into her huddle
“I think Pinkie and Rarity just had a fight in front of me.”
>JESUS WH-actually that wasn’t really that egregious
>Huh, look at that
>Even the jittery mess of a girl in your huddle seems to be, skeptical?
>”Are you sure? Not that I’m calling you a liar or anything, but…”
>Well you were, but now you’re having second doubts if even she doubts it happened
“Yea, I’m pretty sure.”
>Just tell her what happened and she can tell you what’s up

“So, Pinkie had come in to deliver each of us our cookie cake pieces right? Well, everything seemed fine up until we talked about the dance at the end of the month.”
>Fluttershy’s eyes dart from side to side like she’s looking for any eavesdroppers
>”Why were you talking about the dance?”
>You shrug as that doesn’t really seem to important to you
“It came up somehow and Rarity told me you were all going to be there; she invited me to come along.”
>Your yellow gossip companion furrows her brow as she peers at your from underneath her bangs
>”Did, did you agree to?”
>What, really?
>You can’t really hold back the slight frown you’ve got for going really off topic
“Yea I did, figured it couldn’t hurt or anything, anyway—“
>Fluttershy claps suddenly interrupting you while sprouting a huge grin
>”Oh that’s great, I’m so happy you’re coming with us!”
>Ok what?
“Sure I am too, but I’m trying to get to the bottom of why Rarity and Pinkie started to get heated about good parties versus good company.”
>Fluttershy lets out a satisfied sigh as she backs out of your huddle
>”I think that fight may not have been as bad as it seemed.”
>She elbows you gently
>”Oh sorry, didn’t mean to be so rough, but it’s less uh bad than you think especially since you agreed to come along!”
>She stops before adding
>”You know because uhm, not to offend you but youseemlikeyou'dhatethosesortofthigns...”
>Huh?
>HUH!?
“What’s me coming along to a dance got to do with those two fighting?”
>Fluttershy stays silent as she thinks before patting you daintily and donning her Rarity accent once more
>”Dahling, you simply have to take a woman at her word sometimes, trust me.”
>She gives you a toothy smile as you think you feel an aneurysm coming along

>Taking a deep breath you decide to do what Fluttershy suggested
>While you don’t really want to, you’ll drop this if she thinks you should
>Even if that most certainly looked like something bad to anyone with eyes
>Argh, whatever
>As you lean back in your seat with your arms dangling behind you your yellow math companion speaks up once more
>”Um, do you mind if I ask you a question?”
>You, a question?
>Looking down at the banana colored girl you see she’s actually meeting your eyes for once
>”Well, it’s been a few days so I was wondering, how is Jordan doing?”
>Heh, you too
>You bring your arms forth and lean forward onto your desk
“You and me both… I haven’t really had the time to do, well anything really.”
>You softly tap the desk with your fingertips
“My folks kinda cracked down on me hard after all the stuff that’s been going on, and I didn’t think that bringing a magical buggo home, especially one that looks like Sunset, would’ve been the best idea… So the little guy has just been hanging at Twilight’s since her parents aren’t home.”
>At least till the cuddlebug gets moved to whatever lab Luna has
>Come to think of it, if she already knows about em, why didn’t you just bring it to her apartment?
>As you continue idly drumming on the desk Fluttershy speaks up
>”Is Jordan pretending to be Sunset again?”
>What?
>Shit, guess that means she doesn’t know about THAT either…
>Oh jeez, would Twilight be ok with you blabbing about the stolen suits?
>Probably, but then why hasn’t she told everyone already?
>Maybe she doesn’t want to worry them or something?
>Regardless, you think it’s kinda need to know info to back up you point here
>That and you don’t think Twilight would mind THAT much considering who you’re talking to
>Just, don't throw it all on the table at once

>Fluttershy’s baby blue irises stare into you curiously as she waits for you to finish
>Shifting back in your seat you cross your arms getting ready to feed her the info bit by bit
“I don’t really think so, see something happened that we think might have caused Jordan to change into Sunset again…”
>You purse your lips before sucking in air sharply
“The problem is that it’s not exactly OUR Sunset Jordan’s turned into.”
>The only reaction out of your quiet sister in the math trenches is a few blinks before she stammers out
>”C-could you explain furtherjustalittleplease…”
>You scratch your head as you attempt recalling the differences Twilight pointed out
“Right now Jordan is a carbon copy of Sunset save being a bit taller, packing more in the chest region, and having a sun tattoo on the back left shoulder.”
>Fluttershy looks down to her desk as she nibbles(?) on her thumb
>”Oh my…”
>Furrowing her brow she turns back towards you
>”A-are you sure Jordan didn’t just get it wrong again? Last time it changed into Sunset the eyes were still changeling after all…”
>If only that were the case
>It’s not impossible, but you have your doubts
>Guess it’s time to let the cat out of the bag fully
>Fluttershy flutters her eyelashes in silence still waiting for you to finish
>Man, she’s really good at listening
>You huddle down and whisper
“Well, the thing I didn’t tell you is that two people dressed up like ninjas kinda broke into Twilight’s house the other day and stole all her exo-suit prototypes she kept downstairs.”
>You pantomime a little sphere with your hands
“Before they did that however, one of them cast some sorta magic yellow sphere over Jordan and Spike; Jordan has been stuck as this different Sunset ever since.”

>Fluttershy, huddling down to mimic your secretive posture, nods
>”So, you think they may have caused Jordan’s change?”
>With a curt nod you answer
“That’s the working guess right now.”
>She averts her eyes as she bites her lower lip in worry
>”Oh no, I hope that doesn’t have any long term effects on Jordan’s health…”
>Wish you could reassure her, but you have no clue
>The little guy didn’t seem to be hurting last you saw, but now you’re really wondering if it’s doing fine
>Been awhile since ya saw em
>Still feel a bit bad about it since you did kinda forget about the buggo while sleeping off your wounds
>Though if both you and Fluttershy want to know how it’s holding up…
>Well, you don’t really have to do anything for a few hours, and if you remember correctly Twilight was going to transport Jordan to Luna’s base or whatever
>You kinda want to see a secret base…
>Not as much as making sure the kid you somewhat inadvertently kidnapped is ok, but still two birds
>You break the huddle sitting up with a hum of confidence
“Alright then, looks like there’s only one thing we can do!”
>Fluttershy glances up looking somewhat startled by your sudden exclamation before brushing aside a stray lock of hair
>”And what would that be?”
>One handing your backpack by its strap you swing it up onto your desk
“Well, I heard that Twilight is moving Jordan and some of her things into the secret base lab thing that Luna showed the lot of you a few days ago. So, what do you sa-“
*BRRRIIINNNGGG*
>The bell rudely interrupts you to signal the end of the day
>That won’t stop you from resuming right where you left off though!
“Say we go and lend a hand while checking on the little guy?”

>Fluttershy picks up her own backpack with a smile parting her yellow lips
>”I would say that’s a wonderful idea Anon.”
>Fantastic!
>It would’ve been bad if you had to find Twilight yourself all things considered
>Standing up you swing your backpack onto your shoulder with one arm while quickly pushing the desk back to its proper place with the other
“Cool, can you call Twilight for me, I don’t have her number…”
>Forgot about that until the moment you decided to go find her
>Standing up Fluttershy shimmies her backpack on
>”Oh that won’t be necessary; her locker is down the hall.”
>Well hot damn, things are turning up Anon!
>You slide your chair underneath your desk and nod your head over your shoulder
“Lead on.”
>You follow behind your pink haired classmate with relative ease as it seems everyone’s already left the room save for Mr. Procrates who’s just now stirring from his slumber
>As the two of you enter the hallway the story changes however
>It’s absolutely packed with students!
>More so than during passing time at least
>Though it could be because now you’re actively looking for someone in the sea of faces that it seems like a lot of people
>You stick close to Fluttershy who seems unperturbed
>Must just be you
>As she leads you down the hallway you spot two familiar patches of snow white
>The ever lab-coated Twilight is walking and chatting with the local seamstress Rarity
>They don’t seem to notice you as they stop in front of a locker
>Wonder what they’re talking about?
>With your keen ear you’re able to tune into their conversation amidst the bustling hallway around you
>”Yes well, I wanted to know if you still had that roll of khaki I brought over for that last minute patch-up on your brother’s pants? I'll simply die if I don't get that specific shade of olive.”

>Olive colored khaki?
>Wonder why Rarity needs that particular shade so bad
>Maybe she’s going to use it for you?
>Not to get a big head, but she did seem pretty excited about making your outfit
>You’re getting close enough now that you could probably speak up if you felt like it, but Fluttershy may have a problem
>Twilight nods adjusting her glasses with a single hand while entering a combination on the locker beside her
>”Mhm, it’s still downstairs in the back corner where you left it.”
>Just as both you and Fluttershy come to a stop behind Twilight Rarity claps her hands together excitedly with a little jump
>"Fantastic, with that I’ll have just what I need to really make Anon’s out–HELLO there, Anon, Fluttershy!"
>You hold a hand up in greetings as Twilight turns herself around to see all of you
>”Konichiwa you two, nani o shite imasu?”
>You’re not too sure on what she just asked, but luckily Fluttershy answers for the two of you 
>”We were just talking a few minutes ago before the bell and thought that since it’s been a while since either of us saw Jordan that maybe we could, comeoverandvisit…”
>Well that and…
“And since I figured you would be moving the little guy and whatever you need to Luna’s lab that we could help move.”
>Rarity flashes her pearly whites widely while placing a hand on Twilight’s shoulder
>”Well isn’t that a coincidence? Why I was just offering to drive Twilight home and assist her with moving as well!”
>The science whiz furrows her eyebrows as Rarity pulls her into a side hug
>The snow skinned beauty wiggles her eyebrows with an odd grin 
>”I know that Sunset, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie are all busy today so I thought I’d offer to help Twilight, isn’t that right darling?”

>Wow, you know you thought out of all the girls that Rarity would be the one most able to act
>Looks like you were wrong if this how she is when pretty much caught doing something
>Twilight makes eye contact with the now worryingly smiling Rarity before waving her pointer finger
>”Oh, of course I knew that! Why exactly are we bringing attention to that fact once more?”
>Because Rarity REALLY wants to pretend that’s what’s going on
>Rarity finally lets Twilight out of her side hug as she flips her bangs out of her face
>”Just so we’re all on the same page, don’t want anyone thinking, something else that’s completely not true after all!”
>Yea, that’s a completely normal thing to worry about
>You don’t really see why it’s a big deal if you know about the olive khaki
>Wonder if she thought you overheard something else?
>Doesn't really matter you guess
>If it makes her happy you’re willing to play dumb
>Her eyes keep darting between the three of you nervously
>You’re about to throw her a bone and speak up but you’re interrupted
>”Now that we are we though, we should get going don’t you agree!?”
>Twilight turns towards her locker 
>”But my suppli-“
>Rarity pulls her from the locker before tearing a few books out of it and stuffing them into the confused genius’s arms while slamming the locker shut
>”What, you mean those, oh Twilight such a prankster!”
>You all stand there silently for a moment as what just happened finally registers
>Apparently just now becoming aware of how desperate she looks Rarity coughs into a clenched fist in an obvious attempt to compose herself as Twilight readjusts herself
>”*Ahem* Well, shall we head out to my car now?”
>Not waiting for an answer she quickly turns and begins walking towards the exit

>You, Fluttershy, and Twilight exchange confused glances before lab-coat shrugs with a unconvincing grin
>”Perhaps she’s had a stressful day?”
>Your other flabbergasted companion hums understandingly
>”Seems like it…”
>You opt not to comment and instead start catching up with Rarity
>Which thankfully isn’t too hard as she seems to have realized that you didn’t follow her immediately and has slowed down somewhat
>Walking past the students still milling about in the hallway the three of you catch up with Rarity who seems to at least look normal once more
>She doesn’t have that kinda creepy smile she had on at least
>Slowing your stride down you keep an eye on your three compatriots
>Your eyes linger on Rarity’s purse as you eventually go into autopilot following her towards the back exit
>No one speaks save for the idle chatter you pick up going on around you
>Kinda nice to zone out
>You don’t get to zone out for too long as Rarity suddenly perks up before the exit doors
>”Vice Principal Luna, to what do we owe the pleasure?”
>Luna?
>Expanding your self-induced tunnel vison you spot Luna leaning against the wall to the side of the exit doors
>Oof, you’re not usually one to notice but she looks a bit worse for wear
>Her normally immaculate clothing is a more than a bit wrinkled
>That along with her somewhat messy hair raises alarms in your head
>She kinda reminds you of seeing her after she woke up in the morning
>Though less grouchy looking and no bags under her eyes
>”Nothing too serious I assure you; I need to borrow Anon for a moment is all.”
>Hmm, waiting for you by the exit sure doesn’t seem like nothing too serious
>Here’s hoping you’re wrong

>You step aside and wave towards the exit lazily
“Ok then, I’ll wrap this up as quick as possib-“
>Grabbing you by the shoulders lightly Rarity shakes her head
>”Oh nonono darling, take your time, school is important after all! We’ll just be waiting out front by the time you’re done, à tout à l'heure!”
>With that she practically pushes the other two, who's goodbyes are swept aside, out the door leaving you and Luna alone
>Well, as alone as you two can be with the steady stream of students trickling out the exit
>Luna raises an eyebrow as the two of you peer out the doors
>”Is something the matter with Rarity?”
>That’s a good question
“Think she’s trying to cover up the fact I overheard a material she’s using for her mystery outfit she’s making me.”
>With an understanding nod she cracks a small grin
>”I was wondering how long it would take her to offer and whether you’d accept.”
>Turning to face you she gently places a hand on your shoulder
>”It’s good to see you’ve made a good friend like her.”
>Oh yea, that’s definitely a word for the relationship you have with Rarity!
>Luna sure said it!
>And you wouldn’t disa-AHHHHHH!
>Pushing that thought aside you jab a thumb behind you in the general direction of the front of the school
“Mind if we walk and talk about whatever’s up?”
>Stepping out beside you she straightens her posture
>”Certainly.”
>The two of you walk slowly side by side in silence for a few brief moments as the bustling hallway around dies down the deeper into the school you go
>Luna seems content to let the slience linger between you two
>So much so that she seems like she may get lost in her thoughts
>Deciding to take the initiative you ask
“So, on a scale of 1 to 10 how serious is whatever you wanted to talk about?”