>Be Shear >You've been waiting for anon for what feels like forever >But according to the clock it’s only been ten minutes >When you first arrived you and Platinum picked a book each and found a small corner on the first floor in which to read >She took one of the lounge chairs and you'd taken rest upon a couch >Hopefully anon will sit next to you when he comes >There's a secret hope for one of anon's spectacular pats in the back of your mind >Stupid confusing feeling causing anon >You focus back on the book you'd picked out >To befriend a mockingbird >Something about a mare and her father befriending a zebra >Movement to you side distracts you once again >Anonymous? >No it's the Librarian pony again >She was giving you the stink eye before >And now she's doing it again and fidgeting around >What's her problem? >Grr she's so distracting! This /is/ a library >The Library doors open up and Anon strides in >He pretty much sprints up to you >or at least it looks that way >His legs are so long "Hey guys, I didn't take long did I?" >Angry Yes! >"No anon it's fine, come sit down" >You try the same thing he did to you earlier >You pat at the other cushion of the couch to get him to sit there >And it works! >Happy yes! >And he smells, like... >A male, sour, but for some reason intoxicating >nice >You just /know/ Anon's gunna rub your back >Just gotta subtly position yourself to prompt action from him >You bide your time >It's anon a-fucking-gain >Sitting next to small pony >"So girls what are you reading tonight?" >Shear's the first to speak up "I'm reading To Befriend A Mockingbird" >Wonder how different that one is to your worlds version >Platinum doesn't speak up "Platinum?" >Still nothing >She's totally engrossed >You peer closer to make out the title of the book >'50 shades of hay' >You don't want to know >You need to get a book too don't you >"Hey I'm going to go get a book, Shear keep my seat warm" >She moves to your cushion when you get up >They take things fairly literally here don't they >Now lets begin the search >It only takes about a minute before the library conveniently serves up the exact book you needed >'The magical and mythical inhabitants of Equestria' >This is probably going to be helpful >You head back but are surprised along the way by the fact the cafe here is still open >Though it is only 7 if the clock is to be trusted >Although you're not sure what the supposed recommended bed time here is >You return to your group and place your book on the table "Aren't you going to sit down anon?" >"I will Shear, but I was going to get something from that Nut clubs cafe" >"I came back to ask the two of you if you want anything" >Shear rubs her muzzle "It's pretty late so could I just get a hot chocolate?" >"Sure thing" >You come up behind Platinum and shake her back into awareness >Only to get a headbutt to the stomach *oof* "Oh my goodness anon I'm so sorry you startled me! it was an accident! I'm so sorry" >Thank the heavens her horns point forward >Other than a bit of shock at the hit you're feeling fine >"I'm fine Platinum, I just wanted to ask you if you wanted anything from the cafe?" "are you sure you're fine?" >"Yes, Christ stop fussing, I'm a tough nut. So do you want anything?" "Alright then, could I get a Hay Caramel Swirl?" >"Of course, whatever that is" "Thanks anon" >"By the way, what is the recommended bedtime?" "It's 8 o'clock anon, it's recommended Equestria wide" >Oh wow you normally can't sleep until at least 12am >These guys must spend a huge amount of time sleeping >And is it 8 o'clock year round? Do they not have daylight savings or anything? >As you move to the cafe the Librarian notices your presence and damn near has a fit >Let’s just ignore when the strange things do strange things "Hello sir would you like something tonight?" >One of the nut ponies manning the cafe has seen you walking up and has moved to the counter >Fuck, you just realised you don't have money do you >Although on their menu board the price list is just a bunch of happy faces >"Yeah, but what exactly are these prices?" "You have to pay with a smile" >oh wow that's adorable and great news for you >"Amazing" "What is sir" >"This place" >From the bucks happy face I’d say you've just paid for your order in full >You grin back at him "That’s more than satisfactory payment, so what did you want?" >"Can I get a hot chocolate, Hay caramel swirl and a..." >What did you want? >hmm? >May as well go for something beaten to death >"And a black coffee, no sugar" >The pony only looks at you with shock "D-did you say /black/ coffee, no s-sugar!" >"Yeah, why? do you guys not have that? It's like the simplest drink, coffee beans and hot water" "We can serve black coffee sir, it's just that nopony around here but the head of the nut club has drunk anything like that, and even he had to add sugar" >"Yes well, I'm not exactly from around here am I?" "V-very well sir" >Within seconds the three drinks are served up >These guys were fast >Everyone in the cafe looks at you nervously when your drink is served up >let's show these ponies who’s boss >You take a long sip of your coffee and let out a dreamy sigh >Fucking amazing >All the cafe ponies have passed out >Shit they must really hate anything too bitter >You return to your seat placing the drink on the table "Thanks anon" >Platinum grunts in acknowledgement >Good enough thanks for you >She blindly reaches out until she clasps her drink >Shear leans over and sips from her glass >Man it must be hard living without hands, poor pony >Or not, as she somehow picks up the cup with a hoof >never question it "Wow this tastes amazing" >"I know that's what I thought" "Why? What did you get anon?" >"What I use to get back home, black coffee, no sugar" >Just like the nut ponies she pales "You can't be serious. No pony could drink that!" >"I'm not a pony Shear" "I'd call anypony else crazy, but I believe you anon" >You better believe >You open up your book to the index to find what you're looking for >Changelings page 120 >Knowing is half the battle >Before you can begin reading the librarian appears in front of you >You knew she was going to do something from her reaction before "I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you two to leave" >wat >She looks awkwardly at you and Shear >Feel the indignation rising within you >"Why exactly?" "There's been a recent outbreak of black suit supervillians and red suit henchponies coming to the library to research and plan evil pranks" >You're only a henchman >Depressing "As a result Red suits and Black suits are not allowed to remain in the library together" >Shear looks mortified >"That's kind of unfair isn't it, we're not planning any evil plans" "I'm sorry but you have to leave" >You put on your 'but mom' voice, perfected over the 18 years you had lived with her "Please ma'am, we really just want to read" >Little sad face >She backs off a bit >A look of sadness then hard resolve crosses her face "I'm sorry but you must leave" >Well if that's how its going to be >Drastic measures are required for this one >"What if I give you my pudding cup tomorrow at breakfast?" >She doesn't even have to think >Just nods enthusiastically and walks away >Yeah looks like you can pretty much get whatever you want with those things. deus ex pudding cup >Now you can finally start your book >Leafing through the few pages on Changelings isn't very inspiring >You'd hoped it'd give you the edge in dealing with The Wardens whole 'save these lost souls' plan >But according to the introductory paragraph this was all ponykind new of Changelings >The bulk of that is just descriptions of appearance and pictures to go with it >Beyond that the book goes on to describe their social structure >Its more or less a hivequeen and drones situation >But it's also been illegal for changeling queens to start or be part of a hive within equestrian soil for over 500 years now >The Changelings weren't the best at thinking ahead >Forming hives and letting the population explode only to realise they hadn't bothered with a secure or ample food source >Leading to ransacking of nearby towns >The book did contain one piece of information useful to you >The food they'd attack for didn't just include standard produce >They could also, and preferred to, feed on the emotions of others >That would explain why they love attacking ponies so much >These little balls of fluff are 100% emotions all the time >But why did they go bad here? >You can't imagine them being starved of emotions or physical food >Or could they? >What if emotions could only be given directly or taken with force? >If that were true it would make them presently emotionally deprived as nopony associated with them >But it doesn't explain their change from good to bad >According to the book regular food worked just as well on them so they aren't acting out in hanger. (why did you say hanger?) >God damn these ponies don't know enough about this at all >Lift your game science ponies *sigh* >You flip to a random page and begin reading >It's about pegasi >You’d been told they had some abilities in manipulating the weather >And by some abilities they actually meant pegasi literally control everything about the fucking weather >They can also build mega cities out of THE GOD DAMN FUCKING CLOUDS WHAT THE FUCK! >The aptly named Cloudsdale >It had housed over a million pegasi during the writing of the book >That is going to have to be one of the places you visit once you get out of here because god fucking damn >Your thoughts are disturbed by a pressure on your lap >It's Shear >She's stretched herself out and has rolled onto her side, back facing you. >Your leg acts as a pillow while she reads >So adorable >And also depressing >Your dog would do that to you all the time back home whenever you sat on the couch >Doubt you'll ever see him again tho >Or anyone else >man that is a bummer >To make yourself feel better you reach out to pet Shear; same way you would your dog in this situation >It always made you feel better then, why not now? >You place a hand on the side of her chest, just below her foreleg >You gently rub around Shears chest >You can feel the soft pattering of her heart >She releases a contented sigh >Guess she loves it as much as her earth counterpart did, less tail wagging tho >Not that you’re comparing her to a dog in a bad sense >You go back to reading, absent mindedly rubbing away >It would appear pegasi are the lightest of the pony races, weighing about half that of a standard earth pony >At Least that makes sense >They're also the fastest race of pony with the quickest reaction time >Their wings also appear to be only slightly less dexterous than a human hand >The downfall being they're far too sensitive to sustain any long term activity aside from flying >Shear stirs beneath your hand prompting you to change up your routine >Let's go for a longer stroke shall we? >You stop your hands circular motion and slowly drag it down from chest down to belly, stopping once your little finger hits her hind leg >You move the hand back up to her chest and repeat >Probably should not have done that >Shear seems to have gone into shock >You can feel the little pattering of her heart triple in speed >She's closed her eyes and you can see a small amount of sweat building up on her forehead >Her breaths coming is short sharp intakes >It could be shock, or she's about to have painful diarrhoea >But as when you were waiting for Platinum at the waterfall she calms down >Breathing returning to normal, sweating stopped >Her heart was still going a mile a minute but two outta three ain't bad >Though she's no longer reading >She's pretending at least, eyes moving across the books page >She just hadn't turned said page for a few minutes now >You resume reading >Pegasi were also the most aggressive in their mannerisms than other ponies, often making them overly competitive >Perhaps most interesting they were capable of performing aerial stunts which on occasion would cause massive bursts of light, clouds or lighting >Shit like the buck-aneer blaze and sonic rainboom >One of them was just a picture of a rainbow mushroom cloud and a crater >Lets hope they banned that stunt from being performed near public places >A familiar chime tone sounds over the PA system >Looks like it's 8 o'clock >You stop petting Shear, ignoring the soul crushingly sad puppy eyes >Platinum registers the chime and puts her book down >You all clamber up and gather your things >Most of the library has emptied by the time you've stretched out and are ready to go >The librarian has left too >Leaving the doors unlocked >Looks like the library is 24/7 facility too >But if the librarians gone who's going to stop these supposed planning supervillans? >Or does everyone seriously go to bed at 8? >Although the cafe isn't closing shop >Outside you look up to the sky >The rainbows still there, only white >looks like a moon halo >Pretty >You're a pony who got tender and lewd pats from anon, IN PUBLIC >So you must be a very strange feeling Shear >You've followed anon back to your room and have snuggled yourself into your super comfy bed >You're waiting for anon to turn off his bedside lamp >But he's just sitting there on his bed >Why isn't he going to bed? >He suddenly stands up "I'm sorry I can't sleep yet, I have to go for a walk" >What! why can't he sleep? >"Are you alright anon? Why can't you sleep? I knew you shouldn't have had that coffee!" "Don't worry. I'm just not use to going to bed so early" >Early? >Is Anon nocturnal? >Is it rude to ask? >"So when do you normally go to bed anon?" "I'm use to going at 12am" >That is scary late >"How do you stay awake in the day?" "I suppose I need less sleep than you ponies and other creatures" >This guy is crazy >And makes you feel crazy >Especially with those hands >"That's fine anon, but can you please turn off your light" "Sure thing" >You're surrounded by darkness >You can hear anon stumble out of the room >Now that you're on your own and in the dark this massive comfy bed feels a bit more daunting >You are just one little pony by herself in this big scary thing >Now you see the disadvantages of living in a room built for two giants >Your thoughts drift to your strange new friend anon >He could help fill your bed /and/ keep you safe >Your cheeky thoughts have you feeling warm inside >He certainly did have an air of power about him >He made you feel good >His paws made you feel better >And had you feeling hot in places more private >He'd been teasing you all day >Rubbing your back, booping your nose, rustling your hair, scratching your fluff >He even rubbed your belly while reading! >You'd hoped to get a back rub like earlier before but you'd never imagined he'd do something so bold >It'd left you in a mild state of arousal >But you'd managed to rein yourself in and calm down >Naughty anon >He was such a lewd creature >He didn't even blush when he touched you >Arousal re-emerging you awkwardly try rubbing your belly with your hoof *sigh* >It'll have to do for now >You've only known him for a day but you want Anon, you /need/ him >You need his paws back on your belly >You feel so lewd thinking such thoughts >Your mom would be happy though >She'd been trying to get you a coltfriend since you came of age >The closest you'd ever gotten was when you let a stallion rub your belly during the summer sun celebration >Probably shouldn't have let him do it but you were intoxicated with the thrill of the festival >You continue rubbing your belly, >Using your hoof to imitate the circular patterns anon could so easily rub into you with those digits >It just isn't satisfactory enough, not after what you've been through >He makes you need rubbing in other places >Bad lewd pony >You need to go to sleep *Sigh* >... >... *sniff* >It smells like anon >Did he get back without you noticing? >What was the time? >You lean over to switch you light on >Giving yourself a moment for your eyes to adjust you get up to investigate >Anon wasn't back >But you could trace his scent back to his bed >It's mainly coming from his pillow >A sly pony thought passes through your head >You pick up Anon's pillow with your muzzle and dive back into your own bed >Anon wouldn't mind? >Anon wouldn't know actually, you'll be sure to put it back before he finishes his walk >You rearrange yourself and the pillow to have it between your limbs like a big teddy bear >You breath in deeply *mmmmmmmh* >It makes you feel safe >Now just don't fall asleep you silly pony >Anusymous >You sit on your bed looking at the tiny pony bundled up on the massive bed >Ridiculous >It’s only ten past eight >Shear's trying to get to sleep >But you can't >Let's just go on a walk, that's easy enough >After some shocked questions from Shear you are set free >And step into an alien world >again >It would seem the lights get turned off past bedtime >And in their place the floor is used >It glows a bioluminescent blue >Lighting up the dark hexagonal corridors giving the place a whole alien spaceship vibe >You feel crossed between creeped out and in awe at how amazing stupid beautiful it was >There are also no guard ponies about >But what did you expect >You march outside; a goal in mind >You pull out a lighter and one of your cigarettes >Readings fine and all but you need a real way to wind down before bed >Let’s find some place more appropriate first >You slowly pace around the walking track enjoying yourself immensely in the cool night >Full moon >The night was silent apart from the dull roar of the waterfall far away in the background >Everyone must really be in bed >You continue your slow walk along the path to the waterfall >The rainbows still there, glowing white >Looks a bit like a fucked up, stretched out, moon >The hairs on your neck rise >Something’s watching you >Remaining alert you prepare for a possible attack >You keep walking along nonchalantly so as not to tip off your pursuer >Now where are they? >There's a rustling from the tree behind you >Still you walk >You can hear the rustling move from tree to tree as you walk away >God damn this is actually scary now >If it's in the tree’s you've gotta move to open ground >You head towards the hill Platinum took you too before >You can lay on the hill face and look over the grounds for whatever's following you >And you do just that >Surveying the land you can't see anything out of the ordinary >Even with the moon and rainbow out it's still fairly dark >Your fag remains in your hand >No time like the present, especially with an unidentified creature following you >Let's light up >You place the cigarette in your mouth >Holding your lighters flame to the end you slowly inhale >That's the sweet death stick taste *fwoosh* >You swear you hear something swoop above you >It was almost silent so you can’t be sure >Nothing’s around >Wait! The tree at the top of the hill >You climb to the top and cross over the small pond inspecting the tree >You can't make out much with the dark branches criss crossing about the place >Seems clear >You take a seat on one of the cushions >You take a quick drag and exhale >The smoke filters through the glistening beams of moonlight and up into the branches of the tree >You take another hit >A long one this time >Out comes a thick plume of smoke >Up into the tree it goes again >This time veritably blanketing out the moonlight *gurgh* >Did that tree just gag? >A few snorts later and the tree starts to cough >A blurry form falls from the tree >Oh shit *Sploosh* >Into the pond below >The poor fishies >A pony's muzzle breaches the surface of the pond >Followed by an entire pony >Why were you concerned for the fish first? >Well this pony did stalk and terrify you >The pony shakes herself off >It looks like a pegasus >Well it /was/ flying >And now it’s shivering *achoo* >Oh yeah that's right its pretty cold out here isn't it >"Are you alright?" *sniffle* "You ATTACKED me with your smoke dragon!" *achoo* >Aww the poor thing must be freezing >You move to go help her >Let’s put out this cigarette first >She's had a bad reaction to it >You kneel down in front of the shivering and, if you could see in this light more than likely, crying pony >"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you, I didn't even know you were there, I swear" >The little pony is still dripping wet >Mainly cuz she's still got her suit on "Well I don't trust you!" *achoo* >"But you need my help" >She looks down at herself, shivering, and at the far, far away nice and toasty facility "Sadly I may" >Let’s find out if a pony’s blush can work as a light? >"Well you need to strip out of those clothes to begin with" >Yes it can apparently, lol nah you just being hyperbolic "W-why must I do that" >"The clothes retain a lot of water, they keep you wetter and colder for longer" "But what am I supposed to wear?" >hmm >You take off your shirt >"Here you can wrap yourself up in this" >She give a harrumph "Fine, but only because I don't want to get a cold!" >She pulls off her cloths and you offer your shirt >She goes to take it but a sprained ankle has her stumbling to the ground >OH MY GOD POOR PONY NO! >You rush over and help her up >These pegasi really are light >And is something wrong with her wings? >She looks up at you "I may need your help more than I thought" >Her sprained ankle prevented her from walking properly >And an apparently scratched wing obtained from falling had her stop flying >Looks like you're on pony carrying duty for now >You dry the pony off with your shirt and bundle it up >With the now slowly warming pony in your arms you trudge off toward the living area >Don't forget her cloths >By the time you reach the door the pony is a bundle of warmth once again >She's a grey pony, like a storm cloud, with shiny silver hair >"Where to mare'am" >Lol u so phuny "Take your first left, past two corridors go right then it's the third door to the right from there" >Straight to the point then >It's the Guard lounge >That would make the pony you rescued from following you a guard >Lol you made a guard strip down >You toss her wet cloths on the nearby bench "Can you take me over to locker three" >You move over to the correct locker and lower the pony in front of it >A hoof peaks out from the bundle and twists away at the combination >The locker squeaks open and she draws out a fresh guards uniform "Can you please put me on that couch over there" >You comply and put the little mare on the couch >She wriggles out of your now damp shirt >To reveal something odd >Das no pegasus is it? >In place of the usual soft feathered wings of a pegasus are the leathery wings of a bat >You'd thought her wings had felt strange earlier >"You're not a pegasus are you?" >Her head peaks through her guard uniform (little blue shirt with belt for baton) "I guess I'm the first bat pony you've seen, just like your the first scaleless dragon I've seen" >"Sorry to disappoint but I'm not a dragon. I'd be the first human you've ever seen" "You're not a dragon? but I saw you make fire and breath smoke when I was checking on you" >Yeah for sure, checking on you >Some call it stalking but you say walking just extremely close behind >"I was just having a smoke" "See you must be a dragon, they say that all the time!" >She points an accusational hoof at you >You throw your hands up in defeat >"Sure I'm a scaleless dragon whatever" >You look back at her >"You called yourself a bat pony?" *Nod* *nod* "mmhmm, technically I'm a pegasus who's been blessed by Luna to have an affinity for the night" >Luna? >"and who is Luna?" >The mare looks at you in concern "How do you not know who Princess Luna is! What are you an alien?" >Your cover's blown. ABORT! ABORT! >"Absolutly not, I'm a scaleless dragon" >She give an amused smile >Excellent cover has been saved "Well Luna is the Princess of the night, she raises and lowers the moon and watches over all the sleeping ponies" >A princess who raises and lowers the moon? >Sounds more like a smart pony who's good at scamming fools >"And why have you been blessed by Luna?" >You're looked at like a child "Because, you silly dragon, Luna can't watch everypony at once. So she gifts her closest guards the gift of the night" >She shakes out her wings to give you a better view of this 'gift' "We bat ponies can also stay up much later than normal ponies" "Now please have a seat inmate, I'm sorry for yelling at you before I don't think you attacked me on purpose" >You take a seat next to the bat pony "May I have your name inmate?" >"Anonymous, but you can call me anon" "Anon. The name suits you. I'm Silver linings" >Looking down at Silver Linings you can see the small red scratch on her wing and recall her injuries >"Did you want to see the nurse for your wing and hoof?" >The bat pony inspects herself and pokes at her ankle "Ouch" "I think I should but I wouldn't want to wake up Nurse Soft Cotton" >"Don't worry about it, I have a way to make sure she wont be upset >A fluff rubbing way >Still shirtless you roam the eerie blue corridors giving an injured bat pony a piggy back >To your surprise you see a light coming from under Soft Cottons door >You gently knock >A very flustered and notably poofy Soft Cotton emerges dreary eyed "Oh good evening anon" >That sly smile creeps on her face >She stares widely at your exposed man sized chest "I was just thinking of you" >That cheeky pony >She was definately a lot more forthcoming than Shear >Must be that aggressive pegasi personality >"It's good to see you again, I wish under better circumstances tho" >Silver Linings pipes up from your shoulders at that "I've got a couple booboos doc" >Soft Cotton registers Silver lining "Ahhh Silver, you've been flying in the dark again I see" >Silver Lining gives an indignant huff "I'm too good at night flying to crash and you know that!" "Anon here accidentally knocked me out of a tree when I was, uh, making sure he was staying out of trouble" >Soft Cotton just shakes her head "Sure sure, just come in" >You go in and put Silver lining down on the bed for Soft Cotton to examine >She's clearly familiar with such situations >Going to a cabinet next to her bed she withdraws a band-aid and bandage then moves to her fridge to get an ice pack >The band-aid is applied to her scratched wing and the ice pack wrapped to her ankle with the bandage "Now I want you to stay off that hoof until tomorrow Silver Linings" "That means I want you to take the night off" >Silver is quick to argue but Soft Cotton cuts her off with a raised hoof "Now, now Silver you know as much as I that the prison doesn't have any nocturnal prisoners currently, technically you should be on holidays" >Silver quickly points a hoof at you "What about Anon he's not asleep yet!" >Both adorable mares look up at you "She's right anon, what are you still doing up?" >"I could ask you the same question Soft Cotton" >She smiles at you "I already told you what I was doing anon" >Was she actually thinking of you? "Speaking of I expect payment for services this late" >The mares chest fluff explodes out >Much to Silver Linings embarrassment you move your hand in and give Soft Cotton a good firm rub >Who's a good pony? >Soft Cotton is! yes she is! >You end your rubs and Soft Cotton looks back at you "So how about it anon why are you still awake?" >"I just usually go to bed around midnight, does that make me nocturnal here or something?" "Well you stay up late enough to qualify, but you're awake during the day for too long, so no I guess not" >You're just an anomaly then "Good new Silver, Anon here is up long enough for you to have some company tonight" >Silver Linings doesn't seem to mind "I need him to move around anyway" >Soft Cotton shakes her head "You can fly you know, that scrape isn't too bad" >Silver Blanches "No way! I've heard stories of bat ponies who get cuts on their wings that tear right through when they fly!" >That actually sound really painful "Fair enough, now may you both please leave my quarters, I would actually enjoy /some/ sleep" >With that you pick up your new pony friend and head for the door >"Thanks Soft Cotton, see you tomorrow" >Back in the guards lounge >You're sitting next to a bat pony >A cup of coffee in your hand >Not as good as at the cafe but it had a certain kindness to it in that it had been brewed by an adorable tiny horse with bat wings >BatMare danananananaa BATMARE >The shirt you left here had dried enough to be put back on >"So Silver you said you had to be a close personal guard for Luna to become a bat pony earlier" "Yeah" >"So if you're a personal guard for a princess why work here?" "I'm part of the newest group of initiates so I don't /actually/ get to guard the princess" "I work the guards nights shift here instead" >Sounds boring working here by yourself at night >"What do you do while you work here?" >The little mare wriggles around to lay facing toward you "Well I normally practice my night flying, but on warm nights I like to fly in and out of the waterfalls misty clouds" >Sounds Rad "But now I'm off duty and my wings hurt so I can't exactly go flying" >She directs your attention to a cupboard "How about you grab a board game from there anon" >It was less a question more a request >But you need something to occupy your time as much as her >Let's see what to pick, what to pick? >Oh dang son they got settlers of Canterlot >Time to get yo game on "Oh that's one of my favorites! good choice anon, there's no way you'll win" >lol little pony thinks it can take you on and win? >"We'll see about that miss" >Shit >That bat is good >You got thrashed >She got the largest friend group, longest daisy chain and most pie shops >Along with a few free friendship point cards >In your defence some of the rules were different to back home >And trying to decipher what every super friendly thing that replaced the versions words you were familiar with was a pain "Thanks for the game anon, maybe we could play it again someday?" >"Sure thing, I think I need some practice at it anyway" >The small batmare lets out a giggle "You do a bit" >A grumble from Slivers stomach reminds you that bat ponies may not have the same eating schedule as everyone else >"Have you not eaten yet Silver?" >The mare's head moves side to side "Not my lunch no, but I wanted to finish this game first" "It's in the fridge over there can you get it for me please?" >You got to the fridge to retrieve what she'd got for lunch >Apparently it's a half eaten sandwich >From her abject horror that was not the condition she left it in "I can't believe it! Somepony's eaten my lunch AGAIN!" >Here come the waterworks >It starts with just a few drops but before you know it she's curled up sobbing >There's nothing for it then >You swoop in and gather her up in a tight hug >Her sobs quiet down as her hooves tentatively reach their way around your neck completing the hug >"Shh, shh, it'll be alright, here I've got an idea" *Sniffle* "What is it anon" >"You'll just have to wait and see" >Still be anon >You've slinked your way along the eerie lit corridors until you found the big set of doors you were looking for >Pony still in arms you push your way through >To the cafeteria >As you'd thought the doors were unlocked >You grope about at the wall looking for a light switch but before you can find one they come on themselves >Stupid magic >Silver stirs at the change in surrounding "Why are we in the cafeteria Anon? They don't serve food past dinne. We shouldn’t even be here" >They might not but you could >"Don't worry I've got a plan" >You sit Silver on the counter and hop over into the kitchen "ANON what are you DOING!" >You smile back at her shock >"I'm making you an omelette" >They ate egg right? >Judging by all the eggs stored in the fridge marked PONY they do "But anon you can't use the ovens or cooking equipment without training in proper safety and furth- >You put your hand up >"I've been working with fire and knives since I was a kid, I don't need a safety course in their use" "B-but, but, but!" >"But nothin'" "Well I find it hard to believe anypony would let a child near knives or FIRE" >"Don't believe it then" >She grumpily crosses her hooves "You at least need to get permission from somepony!" >"You're a pony, that'll work" >She quits her meager fight with a sigh at your infuriating logic >Its omlette time >Later you both sit on the counter together >You made Silver two omelettes and yourself one >She's still all grumbly but she did show some surprise when you managed the whole thing without hurting yourself >There's a bite then a sigh of deliciousness >"You like it?" "Anon this is amazing! How'd you make it so delicious so quickly?" >The hell is she on about? >"The normal way" >She shovels more omlette into her muzzle and through a mushy mouthful speaks again "But I never saw you stop to put love into it, the most important and un-secret ingredient" >"And this makes it take longer to cook? How does that work exactly?" >You get that look again >The one you've had so often today >The 'am I speaking to a child' look "Because anon, putting loving into your food takes time and effort!" >Does the application of love actually affect the taste of food? >Considering the world you reside in you wouldn’t be surprised if it did >Wonder what dadanon’s cooking would taste like, he always use to joke that hatred was his secret ingredient >"I guess I just put love in while I work, no additional step required" >She stops chewing and goes blank "Thats GENIUS ANON I've never heard of such an idea!" "Ponies could save so much time" "You should tell the warden about it in her cooking club" >Did you just casually revolutionise cooking in this world? >Well you are a pretty smart guy >S-M-R-T >You mean S-M-A-R-T >"I'll be sure to mention it to her" *Burp* >Silver pats her satisfied stomach >Damn you haven't even started >But you've got strategie >Folding the omelette over, and over again, you eventually end up with an omelette cone >It promptly finds itself being slowly stuffed in your mouth >In its now more manageable form you get it all in there >That’s what she said >Lol ur so fucking hilarious >But nah for real this shit is actually delicious >A hoof pokes your knee and Silver Linings looks at you morosely "I'm sorry for breaking down earlier anon, it's just somepony has been eating my lunch for the past week" "I finally got overwhelmed by it, it’s unfortunate that you were here to see. A guard pony should be tougher" >Let’s tussle that hair, it’s puts a smile on all the mares so far, why not her? *tussle* *tussle* >She leans into your palm to more forcefully feel your hand’s movement on her head, extracting as much pleasure as possible >It was adorable how they all leaned in like that >"It wasn’t that unfortunate I was here was it? You did get an omelette out of it and a new friend" >That has her happy again "You consider us friends?” >”You haven’t given me a reason not to” “Thanks Anon" >”You know you don't have to thank people for being friends with you” >She awkwardly plays with her empty plate “ha, I guess not. Sorry if I made you uncomfortable, you’re just awfully kind, especially for a red suit” >”It’s just common decency Silver don’t worry about it. You will make me uncomfortable if you keep apologising to me when you’ve done nothing wrong though” >A guard apologising to a prisoner? Back home you’d expect something more along the lines of a guard smashing a prisoner's skull against the wall >Especially if they’d caught them out of their cell at night in the damned cafeteria “Oh. I’m sorry Anon. whoops, I’m Sorry. No Sorry, I mean Sorry… Sorry I’m just going to stop talking now” >Silver cowers down, hoofs on face to hide her embarrassment >"So why haven't you found the guard responsible for eating your food?" "I'm asleep during their lunch time" >A thought occurs >"By why eat your sandwich? I thought the guards got fed with the inmates" "They do, but I can’t exactly ask why they’re eating my food too, like I said, I’m asleep" >You’re feeling annoyed >"So if the other guards get fed here, why do you have to make and bring your own food?" >Not to even get to eat it either "Well I’m awake for breakfast, er, dinner and I can go to the cafeteria then., but you can’t expect the cook pony to be up all night just for me” “To be fair they actually give me a few bits to buy food up at the Canterlot nightlife cafes, clubs or restaurants" "But most are too fancy for a guard pony to get in or too rowdy for me to go by myself" >"I'd go with you if I weren't in prison" "Thank you Anon" >Cute blushing batmare >You mentally note to yourself your new objective while in prison. To find and punish who ever would be so cruel to such a sweet girl; sandwich thief, watch your back >Silver disturbs your thoughts "You know your bedtime is coming up soon Anon" >She's right, it's hit 11 >"Don't worry you've still got a hour with me" "I know, I was just wondering how I was going to get around once you're in bed" >"Soft Cotton did say you could fly" >She stretches out her wings "But what if it tears?" >There's genuine fear and concern in her voice >"Here let me take a look at it" >When she just gives you a pouty face and doesn’t move you take matters into your own hands (literally) and grab her wing yourself to gently inspect the nurses work >She twitches at your grasp but doesn’t withdraw >These membranous wings feel all kind of smooth, probs to reduce drag >You gently peel back the band-aid. >The inflammatory response has died down, removing the angry red patch, leaving the scratch more or less unnoticeable >You gently rub over the injury with your thumb >Silver stops fussing and her wings slowly extend out and up >Feels almost like they're throbbing >You remove your hands >"Looks like your wings really are fine" >No longer tranced Silver is trying valiantly to push her wings back down "I guess I may have been a bit paranoid" >Wings succesfully back down she looks to you wide eyed "You're still going to carry me right?" >Why would you ever chose to not have that in your arms >"Duh" >She gives a smile to warm your cold and dying heart >Silver hesitantly begins to speak "Y-you know Anon. Seeing how I can fly and all do you want to see a few of my flying tricks?" >"Fuck yeah sounds awesome" >Something about pegasus flight was super cool >She just looks annoyed with you "INMATE! You are not to use such language!" >Shit forgot she was a guard >But from the sly grin on her face you’re not in real trouble "But I can forgive it as enthusiasm to see my skills!" >You were carrying Silver outside when you pass the gardening Club’s room >You've got an idea for tomorrow >A way to help Silver with her sandwich situation >"Hey Silver" >The bat pony stirs in your arms, head emerging from your chest "Yes anon?" >"I'll make you lunch again tomorrow night, but can you make another sandwich as usual?" >Her face lights up at the mention of another one of your delicious meals "Sure thing Anon" >Finger pyramid of evil contemplation >"Excellent" >Once outside she springs from your arms and begins diving through the air "Come on Anon I want to show you something" >You jog along to keep up with the twirling bat >Swirling and diving around in the sky you notice an odd shimmering trail behind her >It looks as if you could see the night's sky inside the trail f >Suddenly she dives straight up about a hundred meters in the air then flips over, rocketing to the earth >The trail behind her doubles in length as she speeds towards the ground >You begin sprinting towards her out of fear something had gone wrong >Out of nowhere she somehow performs a perfect right angle turn and speeds towards the glimmering white rainbow >How did she do that and not have all her bones and organs tear out her arse? >She dives through the rainbow from underneath >To your surprise rather than acting like a rainbow it acts as if it were a liquid >Whiteness splashes up and ripples out through the air like a wave >The trail behind Silver has merged into the the Rainbow and is quickly spreading through it >Before your eyes the rainbow has turned from white to an ethereal shimmer of darkness >Looking into it is like a picture of the universe >Even stranger it's actually darkening the region of space around it >This is so fucked up, you're not on acid are you? >But where had Silver gone? >A pony shoots high above you, covered in glowing white rainbow >Somehow she stops herself mid flight >All the rainbow goop comes flying off her bursting in the sky like watery fireworks >They ripple across the sky in waves of awesome power >Sweet fucking christ that was amazing! >She pulls up beside you "I've never seen anything so fantastic in my whole life! I-I’m fuckng speechless" >Though you have a feeling you'll be thinking that a lot more often while living here >You can't see her face well enough in the dark but you know she's blushing >"But how long does the rainbow stay like that and how did you do that?" "It doesn't last very long, look" >A hoof points you to the far corner of the darkbow >The whiteness has begun to creep back up the rainbow "And I could only do it because the rainbow was bleached" "It's something only night flyers can do" >She proudly pats at her chest >"You certainly are a great pony Silver" >Thats right, switch that pride to embarrassment "T-thank you anon" >You spend the next half hour watching Silver Linings do various spins flips and barrel rolls >Mad trix bruh >You're sure to complement her every time she gives you a glance to confirm the end of her trick >Each time she drastically slows down >Those chest tufts must have massive drag >From what your book said on pegasi that probably isn't good for keeping her ego in check >But it feels good to make these coloured equines happy, and good is what you need right now >Once finished the mare falls from the sky into your waiting arms, looks like that's all she’s got in her for tonight “Can you take me back to the guard room before you leave Anon?” >”Sure thing” >You shouldn’t mention this to anyone but it requires a will stronger than your own to say no to these stupidly adorable things >2min l8r in guard room >"I was wondering Silver do you guards also live in the prison?" "We do have rooms but most ponies just stay at their homes when their shifts over" "I myself have a small apartment up in canterlot" >The corners of her mouth droop down "But the room the gave me here was sadly better" >Man that hits you right in the feels >It is sad when you find out your normal life is worse than living in prison >You can relate to this bat a lot more >"Thanks for the fun night Silver, I'm happy I met you" >Now let's get out of here before /you/ start blushing >Before you leave the batmare has a request "Anon, would you please scratch my chest?" >You'd been giveing a lot of those out today >Man did that make you a whorse here? >But you just couldn't say no to a pony in need >Much to her delight you give some good hard scratchies and rubbies >It looks like she's fallen asleep with her tongue lolling about the place >In the end your rubbing hand is the only thing keeping her up >You take your hand away and she stumbles into awareness >"I'll see you tomorrow Silver" "I can't wait anon" >You leave the mare, chest fluff still ruffled from your hands >Back in your room >There's a vague scent of lavender and strawberries in the air >Smells great >You switch on your bedside lamp >The scene before you is... >Confusing >Your bed has been ransacked >Your magically soft pillow is gone >However, asleep just across the room is Shear >Who has somehow gathered her entire blanket upon herself >She's also got your pillow >And by the look of it she's managed to worm her way into the pillow's case >It's all just so adorable >Yet annoying >No pillow for anon tonight >Don't forget you have to get up early to see Soft Cotton before breakfast >Actually how the fuck were you going to get up early? >No phone as an alarm >Well shit, that's a problem for future anon >Night night anon >Silver Linings >Anon has just left after giving you the best night of your life >At least since you've been working here >You're so glad he's in prison >Not in a mean way, no not at all! >It may have been a rocky start but Anon showed genuine remorse over having attacked you >And after that he'd been nothing but helpful and kind >As a bonus he thinks your flying skills are awesome! >You lightly place your hoof on the ground >Still hurts too much to walk properly >It had been Anon who'd risked the fury of a sleepy pony to get you medical attention >Lucky Soft Cotton had been awake >Even better it was in Soft Cottons room that you learnt anon was... >Well >Liberale, with his scratchies and rubs >You'd already taken advantage of that >But how many other ponies know? You'd hate to share >Although nopony but yourself and anons up this late >It's more the fear of missing out on rub opportunities while /you're/ asleep and he's not >He didn't seem to know much, even for somepony far away >You weren't looking at his smarts tho >He could lift you up like nothing and carry you all night >The room is still a mess from you and anon >Settlers of Canterlot strewn about the place >Half eaten sandwich in the sink >Anons coffee cup >Black, no sugar >You could respect that but ew, so bitter >It's left the whole room smelling of it too >Welp let's get to cleaning up >You'll just have to fly and keep your hoof tucked away >While cleaning your thoughts drift back to anon >His scent is still in your nostrils >Definitely the best part of the evening >Getting carried around, wriggling your way into anons chest >His grasp felt loving >No wonder he could make those omelettes so tasty >Better not forget to make that sandwich >Why would he want you to do that? >He even said he was going to make you lunch again >He was a mystery that one >A mystery that seems to make your heart flutter >Thats no good, you've only known him for an afternoon >What would've mapone or papone thought? >Ack you can't just sit here thinking or you'll die >You've still got a few hours before bedtime >You'll be sure to visit the Nut Cafe later >Sometimes there were even other ponies there who couldn't sleep or had tweaked on too much caffeine >They always had things to talk about >Cleaning away with thoughts of anon on the mind you have an idea >You must speak with Princess Luna, it's about time you asked her for one of these >You continue cleaning away, the rest of your night planned >It's a brand new day! >And you've woken up in comfortable bliss >Mildly horny, comfortable bliss >Completely entangled in anon's pillow >Guess that makes you Krystal Shear >That also means you fell asleep >Having stolen anon's pillow >You don't remember crawling /into/ the pillow case tho >You spy anon still sleeping across the room, pillowless >When did the universe turn to pure embarrassment? >You scramble your way out of bed and grab anons pillow in your muzzle >It's looking worse for wear >And has the slight smell of a very naughty pony >Why did you fall asleep? >Gently you place the pillow over anons face >That'll do right? He'll never know you took it in the first place >Even if he had come back to see it gone >... >You need to pee >And the morning chill wasn't helping >You rush into the bathroom to relieve yourself >Flushing away your morning business you catch yourself in the mirror >Looking good hair, looking good >Is there a brush in here? >There is, one resides upon the shelf near the bath >Sadly it's giant hight >Not little pony size >You have to stand on your hind legs and jump up trying to knock the brush down with a hoof >Why did anon have to be asleep still? He could get this for you >You spy yourself out the corner of your eye standing in the mirror >Your belly exposed for the world to see >Thoughts of anon have brought back your earlier hornyness >Maybe? You did just see anon asleep so you've got privacy >A hoof tentatively lowers itself >Softly you begin to stroke yourself >You close your eyes >mmh yeah, thats right Anon keep going >Your body feels like it’s moving on its own now >You open your eyes and see yourself in the mirror again >Hoof gently rubbing your tummy >You dirty pony, rubbing yourself in the mirror >Dang why has that left you feeling even more horny >A knock at the bathroom door has you reeling "Are you okay in there?" >You need to regain your composure >"I'm fine anon thank you" >You wake up to the smell of lavender and strawberries >And with a pillow on your face >So anon yee be >You remove the pillow >It's the thought that counts right? >Sadly it looks like Shear has left quite the drool stain on it >Going to have to wash this or find out where to get new ones >The clock on the wall puts it at 6am >Looks like you've got some time to get ready to see the Nurse >Shear isn’t in her bed so she must be already up, probably what woke you up in the first place >She should work as an alarm so long as she keeps getting up early *clip* >What was that? *Clop* >Sounds like it's coming from the bathroom *Clop* *Clip* >It very well may be the sounds of a small pony jumping up and down on bathroom tiles >You should check that out *Silence* >Flopping your body out of bed you shuffle to the bathroom door *Continued silence* *Knock* *Knock* >From through the door are the distinct sounds of a horse in distress >That can't be good >"Are you okay in there?" >A ponies breath later you get your reply "I'm fine anon, thank you" >The door bursts open and out strides the little mare >Lol nice hair day >"So how'd you sleep?" >From her face the answer would be embarrassingly "I'm sorry for taking your pillow anon, I-i, I just couldn't sleep. I needed something to hold" >Thats fair, you never use to be able to sleep without your stuffed animals >When you were a kid a that was >"It's fine for now but you know, try not to steal my pillow again" >She gives a pony salute "Yes anon! Thank you anon!" >She scurries off to her bed diving under the covers like a mischievous child >Looks like it's shitin' time >You perform the ritual >You don't need a shave as of yet >It's lucky you've got your razor with you tho >That's right you've got a razor blade in prison >They were very lenient with things here but you doubt they'd tolerate this >As for shower, the bath had one in it >Helpful if you're in a rush >Can't be taking hour long baths when you're needed now can you >You leave the bathroom and dress yourself >Leaving your towel on until you'd pulled up your briefs >Gotta show some decency in front of your friends >"Alright Shear I'm going to see Nurse Soft Cotton now" >Gotta be the thousandth time already and you've only been here a day >"I'll catch you at breakfast" >Shear remains sitting in her bed "Can you get the brush from on top of the shelf in the bathroom before you go?" >You gladly comply before leaving >Really should take everything in high places down >To accommodate the little folk >On your way out you grab your pillow to toss in the wash >Bam you're at the Nurse's office >Hopefully for the only time today >The door opens before you have a chance to knock "Anon I've been waiting for you" >You don't doubt it coming from her >"Good morning Soft Cotton" "It will be" >You go in and wait for the doctors orders >A few medical devices have been laid out on the table >Most you recognise >Stethoscope, thermometer, blood pressure pump >Others you cannot, and assume to be pony specific >Some clasping device and a padded muzzle >You're sure its purpose is benign >It looks like Soft cottons ready as she speaks up "Alright anon, this will just be a basic check up to get a few vitals to help us understand your species and yourself" "Now then" >She licks her lips "I will need you to strip down" >hmm >You have nothing to hide but, >The looks Soft Cotton's giving you are worrying >And uncomfortable >You shouldn't have given out all those pats you hussy >Welp let’s get this over with >You strip down >As you get to your briefs Soft Cotton has become very interested >You begin pulling them down >As you reach the point of no return Soft Cotton speaks up "By the way anon I may have forgotten to mention a stallion doesn't /have/ to remove their undergarments" >Forgotten >Sure she did >Your briefs pulled back up Soft Cotton gets to work having had her fun with you >A few minutes of pokes and prods later you've been given a clean bill of health "Now anon I'm afraid we're at everyponies least favourite part" >Clean bill of health be damned it’s cancer and you know it "I need to take a blood sample to test for disease or malnutrition" >Oh good, not cancer >"Go ahead Doc stab me up, I'm a brave boy" "Well you have to be the bravest creature I've ever met anon, I need to strap most ponies down if I even bring a needle into the room" >For this more delicate task you note she's switched to using her wings >In it goes and away your precious life fluid drains >Soft Cotton gives you an impressed look "You weren't kidding anon, I thought you may have been bluffing but you didn't even make a sound" >Das right you can deal with mad pain "Here" >Soft Cotton is presenting a lolly pop >Hell yeah >"Thanks Soft Cotton" >You start pulling on your cloths only to be interrupted by Soft Cotton >Her chest fluff is back out "B-before you finish up there anon why not pay me first?" >You really shouldn't be giving this one any more scratches >Especially half dressed >And yet you must, those massive pony eyes demand it >Just a quick one >You begin tussling the pegasus' chest hair >It's softer than last night >And it looks like she's brushed it >Alright that;s enough >"Thanks Cotton, you're a great medical pony" >She just keeps her eyes closed and mumbles a thanks >You finish dressing and leave the room >Were you sexually harassed by a pony at the start of all that? >We'll bury that one down deep >Oh well to BREAKFAST! >You push open the door and enter the cafeteria >Shear and Platinum are already at the table >They haven't started eating so they either just sat down or were waiting for you >They take note of your appearance and wave >Let’s get some dank ass food >Looks like they've got pancakes and waffles >It also looks like a herd of bug ponies are getting their food too >You're given a pudding cup and you saunter over to the group >Let’s see if yesterday wasn't just a fluk >And if Honey Cakes’ plan has any clout >Purple one was the leader as you recall >You move up to her, flipping your pudding cup in the air and catching it >"Chytera was it?" >She stares angrily at you >Her sisters all have glares plastered on their faces >Better do this fast before you aggravate them to attack "Yes Anonymous the human, 'tis I" "But why test your luck twice, you should feel HONOURED I let my sisters leave you be yesterday" >"Exactly why I'm here, I wanted to give you this as thanks" >You present the pudding cup along with your compassion and kindness >Her eyes widen and she begins stammering "T-Thank you h-human" >And is it just your eyes or did her stomach swell a little? >Chytera regain her composure and stand up tall >Or tall-ish or whatever, tall for her "I thank you for your gift Anonymous, however I must refuse" >Unexpected "But I do insist you share it with one of my sisters" >Hmm, interesting >If what you read in that book last night was true you have some idea as to what that sneaky Changeling was trying >Lucky it also benefits your goals too >"Alright" >You move to the nearest sister >"I'd like to thank you for leaving me be yesterday, please take this as thanks" >You present the pudding cup again >Same reaction >Wide eyed stammering and staggering >You could swear her stomach expanded too >That more or less confirms what you think is happening, was happening >Like Chytera she refuse and moves you on to the next sister >Before you know it you've gone through all the bug ponies, each looking considerably happier than before you arrived >Chytera awkwardly rubs the back of her head "Thank you again Anonymous" >”Please, call me Anon” “Very well, Anon” >The group lethargically walks away >And straight out the door, didn’t even take their food >Guess they're full >You turn to go to your friends only to realise everyone was looking at you in silence >Must be the first time they'd seen anyone actually /approach/ the group >And subsequently be let go alive >They didn't give a shit last night tho wtf? >Well they did crowd around you last time hiding you from view >Whatever >As you go to sit down a murmur ripples through the crowd >You begin eating smiling to your friends and ignoring everyone else >Eventually the whispers die down and the ruckus of the cafeteria returns >Platinum is the first to say something "So what was that all about Anon?" >"The Warden want's me to befriend those Changelings so they can be reformed" >"I was just testing my luck and some ideas" >Confused looks "By showing them your pudding cup?" >"No, no that would be the opposite of a befriending attempt, showing off something usually only causes jealousy" >"I was /offering/ them my pudding cup as a gesture of kindness, you know show them I care" >Speaking of Shear seems to have forgotten her pudding cup >"Did you not remember your pudding Shear?" >Small shake of a pony's head >"Here" >You toss your cup to Shear >And judging by Platinum's snickers you've been had in someway >The little pony opens up her mouth for the first time since you sat down and spits out a glistening clean pudding cup >That cheeky pony "THANKS ANON" >She stuffs the whole cup in her mouth and spits it out, as clean as the other >"You have a terrifying gift" >That earns you a big chocolatey smile >A noise from behind "Anon" >GAFUCK! >Jesus Christ you've had a heart attack >It was The Warden again >That ghostly silent, could creep up on death itself, pony >"You need a bell around your neck Warden" >From her unamused face she's heard that one all too often "What did you do to the changling sister? They looked almost happy after talking with you" >You give a pouty face and a mock sad voice >"Straight to business Warden? No small talk for Anon?" >Much to Honey Cakes annoyance you manage to garner a few giggle from the girls *Grr* "Can you please just tell me anon? You've made huge progress in mere seconds" >You give a smirk >"Alright Warden" >"It's an ancient piece of knowledge from my land of origin" >"It's origin unknown, power, infinite!" >Honey Cakes leans in entranced by your supposed mystic knowledge >You've got her hook, line and sinker "What is it anon!?" >"If you keep a man full, you keep a man happy" >You said ancient piece of knowledge from unknown origin >But you actually meant a helpful hint into a man’s heart from sisanon's girly magazines >But you know it’s fine if they think you have some mystical ancient knowledges >Honey Cakes has a hoof to her chin, muttering as she thinks "Man happy..hmm, keep a man full?" >She suddenly looks up angrily >Looks like you haven't fooled her "You know anon that sounds an awful lot like something I've read before" "Keep a mare full and you keep a mare happy" >God damn why was that one of the few things in common with your world >Although >"Pray tell Warden where exactly did you read that?" >In coming blushies "N-nowhere. I mean a science book, yeah that" >Yeah a science book >You'd be embarrassed if someone knew you read your sister's entirely unmanly silly frufru magazine >Cuz guys who liked things for girls are /massive faggots/ >Although over here it would seem there's some slight gender reversal occurring >So Honey Cakes must have been reading some bucks magazine on how to pick up mares "No matter where I've read it what you did was nothing special Anon!" >"And yet Honey, it worked" >You give that pony an appreciative pat on the head >Feeling her mane reminds you of something >There's a plate of delicious pancakes and waffles with all the syrups behind you >"Are we done here Warden" >She's still out of it from your pats >You've gotta have magic fingers "I, uh yeah anon, we're done I guess" "Thanks" >Away she goes >And is swiftly replaced by the librarian pony from last night >She doesn't have to say anything, you know what she wants >Reaching into your pocket you take out the Pudding you had saved from yesterday's dinner and toss it to her >Catching it in her telekinesis she happily walks off >And away go your pancakes, next go your waffles >Shear may be a demon at eating pudding but you could match her with your various cake disks eating skills >You could also keep your face clean >Kind of unfair in the fact that you did have hands >You let out a satisfied burp >Followed by Shear, face dripping in syrup >You just want to give those happy cheeks a big ol' smooch and have a taste >Bringing up the rear is Platinum >She has to be eating in a manner too civilised for a typical minotaur >Or you're racist >Or specist >After wiping down her face Shear is ready for action "So Anon you will be joining me in Gardening club this morning?" >Oh indeed you would >How else could you get what you need for Silver >"Of course I'll be be there! wouldn't miss it for the world" >hehe lol u did miss the world >Aw :( sad now >”What about you Platinum?” >She finally finishes eating and replies “Sorry guys but plants aren’t my thing. Besides I’ve got dancing practice! >”Platinum you dance?” “Duh! It keeps me loose and limber! It’s good for practising balance and reaction time too” “Really anon, why wouldn’t I dance?” >”Sorry, you make a good point. I just didn’t peg you as the type. You any good?” >Platinum looks almost offended at that “Any good? Anon I've been doing this almost my entire life. My father made me do it when I told him I wanted to be a guard, so am I any good? I’m the BEST!” >She emphasises her little speech by thumping a fist to her chest >”Well I have no doubt you are. We’d love to see you dancing sometime, right Shear” >Your little ponis friend gives an enthusiastic nod “I’d love to see you in action. So much more peaceful than fighting” >Platinum slowly nods thinking away “Well we have a recital coming up in the theatre room, you can come and watch then” >”Definitely” >As you're all finishing up Soft Cotton enters the room >When she passes your group she begins what you’d call a pony versions of a strut and her tuft puffs up >As does Shear's, if not a little angrily >Silly ponies >You poke Shear back into existence >”Come on guys let’s break camp” >Blank faces >”It means let’s go” >Hoe my goodness now you iz Chytera dah Changeling >You and your sisters have made it back to your cave room >It was quite the wobbly and giddy struggle to get back. One of your sisters even had to be levitated the last stretch >While Anon’s gesture was a small one it had packed a wallop. >Sure, it had been a long time since any of you had gotten any /real/, pure emotion and not just background noise, but still >Whatever was going on in that human’s mind could let loose the most intense and pure emotions you’d ever experienced >Thank the Hive you’d gotten him to offer that cup around the whole group >Your sisters would never doubt your leadership after that “Sister we need to talk about this” >No, no talk only rest “Sister!” >Ech >You look up from your bed >It was Chitosan (dah brown one), your youngest sister, sure it was only about a 10 minute difference but it gave her that youthful energy somehow >Should have figured she wasn't going to be a very patient bug >”Can we not speak of this later Chitosan?” “I don’t think this should wait” >A chorus of groans erupts from you and your other sisters lounging on your beds >This time Odonata (Dah yellow one boiz!) speaks up “Can we not just enjoy the moment Chitasan?” “I AM enjoying the moment thank you very much, but I think it in our best interests to make sure we can continue to have these ‘moments’ as it were” >Chitosan’s face and tone lose their anger as she continues, turning to excitement you couldn't disagree with “I mean did you feel that! I was nearly blasted over when those emotions hit me, no wonder Thoraxie had to be carried here” >Thoraxie (grey), the second eldest of the five of you, definitely the smartest, but not very ambitious >Chitosan had been referring to her heightened ability to sense and feel emotion “WHY are his emotions so GOOD!” >Now that was something you too would love to know “Isn't it obvious” >Thoraxie’s spoken up without even lifting her head “You don’t have to be a master at emotion detection to figure it out” >Thoraxie stops a second for her body to further feed off Anon’s feels >”Please go on” >You can’t just get everyone juiced up like that and then not finish your explanation “uuuugh” >Thoraxie rolls herself onto her stomach lifting her head “By the Hive you girls wouldn't know a thing without me. Allow me to try and teach you” “Surely you've all felt the emotions of a pony” >”We've felt their anger enough to be sure!” “No Chytera, I don’t mean the emotions directed at us, I mean their emotional states in general. Tell me what do they feel like?” >What do pony emotions feel like in general? >It’s not like you weren't bad at emotion detection, in fact you were the second best in your familial group >But pinning down a ponies emotional structure was pretty difficult >Their emotions were too frantic. They barrelled around too much >From sad to happy, shocked to terrified, lust to hate, they had so little control over what they felt “Fuzzy” >Coleoptrix, your green sister, couldn't have put it better “Exactly Trix, there is no better description. Now tell me, in the two times we've met anon what did you feel before we interacted with him” >What was Thoraxie’s getting at now? >You couldn't feel anything coming from anon’s emotional structure when you’d first met him >Even when talking directly to him you couldn’t feel shit >Honestly you weren't sure he was actually living when you met him >Only after he’d directed emotion straight to you could you be sure he wasn't actually dead >Chitosan speaks up once more “I really don’t want to admit this sisters but I couldn't feel a thing from anon. I need to practice my emotion detection” “Hehe, no need Chitosan, I bet Chytera couldn't even feel him” >To all your sisters surprise, except Thoraxie, you give a conformational nod >”It’s true, I thought he was dead. I'm thinking however you could sense something Thoraxie?” >It annoyed you that one of your sisters should so far outclass you in any skill >She gives that smug look of somebug who knows something you don’t “Indeed” >”Would you just tell us what this all means?!” >Thoraxie deadpans at you “I was just getting to that Chytera” >By the Hive she bugs you sometimes “Anon, as you should all now well know does have emotions, they’re just..hmmm, how to put it” >Thoraxie gives her muzzle a thoughtful rub “Hmmm. Stable, yeah that’ll do. His emotional state seems to remain n(e)igh on constant even in stressful situations, such as yesterday when we first met” “Now from our experience with him I’d hypothesis that his feelings are triggered by far more complex stimuli than what a pony requires” “This combined with his strange ability to stabilize or just flat out ignore his feelings in my opinion is what makes it both extremely difficult to sense his feelings and makes said feelings innately powerful and pure” >You hated it when Thoraxie went all smart like >”But how exactly?” “I’m not really sure but it most definitely has to do with how reserved he is with his emotions, it makes them deliberate and powerful, his behavior is influenced not just by his feelings but an apathetic center of logic and reasoning. Whereas ponies just feel and act without thinking things through, it weakens the strength of the emotion” >Odonata speaks up annoyed “Can you just give a simple simile for what’s going on!?” >Thoraxie’s lets out an aggressive snort “If I must to help wrap that arse-gravy you call a brain around what’s going on” “Think of it like this, Anons emotions work as a highly focused beam, like a laser pointer. Very intense and only available when activated. A pony would be more akin to a street lamp, on most of the time and radiating in all directions, reducing its intensity, how’s that for you dumb dumb?” >Odonata looks down ashamed and embarrassed >It seemed cruel but one needed to show some aggression and will to maintain your position within the family rankings “T-thank you Thoraxie, I’ve got it now” >Everybug else nods their head in agreement >Chitosan directs her attention back to you “So what are we to do sister?” >Since Chitosan had brought Anon up earlier you’d been ruminating on just that >”Well if we can’t feel his emotions we shall have to learn of him through visual observation using a bit of subterfuge. I also want somebug watching his friends too, they should reveal useful information to us.” >You levitate out your lockbox, opening it up to reveal an album of pony inmates with their names scrawled underneath >You quickly scan through the pictures until you settle upon the one of your choice >”Chitosan take this” >Your sister eagerly grabs at the picture >”Since you’re so enthusiastic about this you will be beginning our observations. This is your designated transformation, you are to use this pony only when observing” >Chitosan looks at the picture “Sea Swirl? I haven’t heard of her before” >”I’m not surprised, she was released almost a week ago” >There’s a flash of green flames and before you now lays Seas Swirl the pony >Sea Swirl speaks up “So how am I to find Anon if I cannot sense him?” >”Try to find the emotional fingerprint of one of his friends, like that blue pony he’s with all the time, even if he’s not there I’m sure you could garner some useful information from her” >Coleoptrix gives a snort “Or you could stop being so lazy and search the old fashioned way with your damn eyes” >”Whatever method you choose you may begin only after finishing off your meal” >A Changeling feeding off such potent emotions would have a sluggish mind and you’d prefer to minimise the chance of being caught >Especially considering Changeling transformation here comes with a guaranteed 2 hours in time out and an extra 3 days to your sentence “Very well sister” >She settles back down, content for now >Aah finally, no talking. >You're in the Gardening club's headquarters >The room itself looks to be made of still living wood >Leaves and moss and shit all over >You sit at a bench with Shear >There are several other colourful ponies in the room >All of them look to the same pony you are (earth in nature) >Deep green coat with a wild turquoise mane >Her Cutie Mark is a seedling with musical notes coming off it >It was Seed Song, head of the Gardening club >She'd been recapping the gardening projects she wanted ponies to work on >Planting veggie patches, trimming bushes and trees >They were even planning on introducing a new large addition to the prison grounds garden >Rainforest ecosystem! Complete with babbling brook >The plans looked amazing all forestry and shit >Her voice drifts away as you scan the room for what you sought >Over there, jarred and shelved in the corner >Chillies >But how to get them? "And finally give a big hello to our new friends Anonymous and Krystal Shear!" >A uniform drab "Hello" rises from the club members "Very enthusiastic everypony" >The sarcasm is so intense it rips you out of your thoughts >Seed Song has finished her speech and is trotting toward Shear and yourself >Everyone else had stirred into action >Ponies assigned themselves to the various tasks >Some leaving with bags of seed >Others remain to argue over design choices for the new garden >The rest get to tending or planting their own personal plants >Seed Song has arrived "So new friends welcome to the club" >"It's nice to be here Seed Song, so what do you have for us new recruits to do?" "Well anon since you guys are new you can go help plant some veggies, it's an easy enough job" >"That sounds alright" >You'll be sure to get those chillies before the club ends >Seed Song hoofs toward the bench containing the seed bags "We need all those bags of seed to be planted by the end of our club meeting, Flower Blossom and Fern will be assisting you, now go and enjoy the wonders of greenery" >Shear moves over to pick up a bag of seeds >There’s only about a dozen bags but if each pony could only take one bag it was going to take a few trips >Let’s cut down on that >You clasp at each of the bags managing to get six in each hand >"That'll save us some time" "Mmhrmgah" >Shear clearly never learnt not to speak with your mouthful >"I'll take that as a good job" >Now to the veggie patch >Where /was/ the veggie patch >"Seed Song where is the veggie patch exactly?" >The pony turns to you "I can take you both there, I'll be going right past it to get to the CMC building" "I need to file applications for our new garden addition" >"Let's move out then" >Seed Song leads you both along a rough dirt walking path >A short cut across the grounds apparently >Supposedly only Garden Club members knew about it >It was pretty much a back alley behind some of the facilities buildings >Before you know it Seed Song has stopped you in front of a Hedge wall spanning across two buildings "Alright this is your stop you two!" >She trots away >"I can't see any veggie patch Shear, you?” >Small pone looks about "Nope" >Hmm >The hedge bursts open and out emerges a green pony with a light pink and purple mixed mane >She's got some Sugar Blossom flowers as a Cutie Mark >So she must be Flower Blossom >And she looks annoyed at you >Also holy crap that hedge was a secret door "Oh Celestia! I ask Seed Song for help with the veggies and she sends the two newbies" >Nice welcome "The Warden told us it was an easy job but" >Shear was right >Flower Blossom just looks more annoyed "Yeah for her, the master gardener! Not everypony can be an expert at seed planting" >Seed planting is a skill here? How hard could it possibly be? >Very apparently >But only for ponies with no hands >You'd been lead through the Hedge door into the veggie patch >It was large for a hobby veggie patch, almost the size of a basketball court >At one side was Fern, a brown buck with a green mane looking basically like a leafy fern >Cutie Mark is exactly that >Wonder how he got his name? >Flower Blossom had given you a modicum of respect after seeing you'd somehow got all the seed bags in one trip >Once again thank dem hands >From there the four of you had to construct 15 rows, one for each seed bag >Next came the tricky part, planting the seeds >Currently your pony companions were having a might bit of trouble >They had no issue digging small holes to plant seeds in >Nowhere near as fast as you just poking your fingers into the loamy soil and popping a seed in >Their problem came from actually getting a single seed in their lips from the bag >Struggling to pick them out of the many others >Not to mention half the time they actually got one they would eat it straight up and meekly claim it slipped >It was adorable but fucking annoying cuz it was making this shit take much longer than you expected >You poke your finger in again, pick out a seed and put it in, cover your hole up >That finishes your 9th row >The ponies were /almost/ halfway their first row >Je-suz >It's so annoyingly ADORABLE IT MAKES YOU FEEL AGGRESSIVE THAT YOU CAN'T PET THEM >Cute aggression >You keep planting to distract your mind >It's all fun and games until someone spills a seed bag >Flower Blossom has accidentally kicked over her seed bag in frustration >Now she was sitting sadly next to the pile of spilled seeds >Some joke about you spilling your seed in a pony >You go over to help when you see the watery gleam overcoming her eyes >"Don't worry about Flower Blossom. Let me help" >You begin scooping up the seeds and dusting them off, putting them back in the bag >It doesn't take too long but by the time you're finished Shear and Fern are also next to you >Presenting the now full and clean bag of seed to Flower Blossom a cheery smile cracks upon her lips >You've done it again >A happy pony makes a happy anon "Thanks Anonymous, I never would have expected a black suits henchpony to be so kind" >You're only a HENCHMAN! >God damn it Shear was lowering your rep by being too cool "You picked those up with the speed and ability of a unicorn!" >"Thanks Fern, I do have magic fingers" >Shear's blush comes in full force for some reason >Maybe it's just hot >Come on guys we need to get this finished in time >Your get back to it, spirit reinvigorated by tiny heese >In the end each pony manages to finish their rows while you took on the last three >Your impossibly amazing planting skills have Flower Blossom now thanking Seed Song for sending you >You'd managed to finish the planting in record time apparently >But now you were being held up by little ponies trying to clean up their little hoovsies >Once again as a benefit of hands, you were capable of wrangling with an aggressive hose, making your clean up take seconds >Once Shear had managed to twist the hose around to blast her face you decide to step in >Only after laughing your arse off at your adorable friend >"Come on Shear give me the hose" >She looks up at you wet faced and spits out the hose >You kneel down and put out your upturned palm >Shear just looks inquisitively at it and even dares a sniff *Sigh* >Much to her shock you reach down and grab a ponies muddy hooves >She remains silent so you continue >You push down the odd mouth activated hose piece to get the water running >Spraying her hooves you use your hand to gently rub away the dirt >You move your fingers in circles on her soft under hoof *Pony Pleasure whinny* >How can these soft little things cut gems? >Having finished one hoof you move onto the next, and the next and next after that >And then the next pony in line >Jeez it never ends >By the end each pony sits shiny hooved outside the hedge door >Each one looked extremely happy with your cleaning ability >And also awkward and blushy, like they couldn't look each other in the eyes right now >Fern also seemed to be questioning some major parts of his self identity, he looked confused >"So guys should we get back early?" >Your energy brings the group out of their awkward funk >Flower Blossom speaks "Yes Anonymous we should return, I can tell Seed Song all about your help today" >And Awaaaaay we go >Back in the Gardening Club's headquarters >You sit opposite Shear playing footsies like a child >Flower Blossom had indeed told Seed Song about you performance >You were now waiting for Seed Song to return after she left to get you a reward >She returns with two small badges >A bronze flower and a silver flower "Anon since you've shown such amazing potential today I'm giving you a silver Gardening badge. For somepony to earn this their first day is unprecedented" >She spits up the silver badge to your hand >ech it’s wet >Then moves to Shear "As is this" >She places the badge in Shears little beret >Hot damn that was some dexterous tongue movement >Shear looks surprised and honoured "B-but why am I getting a badge?" >Seed Song looks at her proudly "You managed to hold your own against two ponies who already have their bronze badges, I feel you deserve it" >What a happy little qt3.14 >What a great day this has been >Now if you could just get those Chillies >Actually now you had the bosses favour maybe a simple ask could get you what you needed >"Seed Song before you go could I ask a favour of you" "Sure thing anon you've earned it" >Excellent >"Could I have a few of those chillies over there?" >Her green face goes pale "Good heavens anon you can't be serious, for what purpose would you want those, only dragons enjoy chilli and they can drink lava" >"I must be tough as a dragon then because I love chilli" >You actually did love chilli >"In fact can I use some of their seeds to grow my own chilli plant?" >Seed Songs little muzzle widens into a smile "Of course anon, if anything that just makes me happier to give them up, feel free to take as many as you want" >Fuck yes, mission accomplished, diplomat style >Now you won't lose karma for stealing >"Thank you Seed Song, you're very gracious" "haha all you red suits are such flatterers" "You can take one of the seed pots over there to plant your chilli" "And I guess that also draws to a close your first Gardening Club meeting, I look forward to seeing you both again" >You say your goodbyes and depart >Not before taking a huge bite out of one of the chillies >Much to your pleasure the ponies in the room almost die from shock >It’s the only way you can get them back for ruining your heart with their cuteness >You give Shear a quick hug as you part ways >She was going to her running club and you had a plan to go through with >First you put your seed pot back in your room >Time consuming seeing how you're on the fourth floor >Grabbing a single chilli you move to your target >You peer around the corridors corner and spy the room you're looking for >The Guard Room >Creeping up to the door you look about >Nopony around >Looking through the doors window the room is also empty >Lets hope it stays that way for the next few minutes >You enter >Door unlocked as usual >Silently you close it behind you >Now let us hope Silver Linings came through for you >Opening the Guards fridge you quickly find the wrapped up sandwich >You dismantle the sandwich and add your own secret ingredient >You wrap the sandwich back up and put it in the fridge >Quickly you scuttle like a crab out the door >Now you'll find out who's been eating Silver's food and pull off a fully sik bruv prank >Who ever it is should strike before lunch >For now you’ll play the waiting game >Zip bibbity bop you're back to being Shear >You've been steadily trotting for a while now >But what did you expect? It is the running club >Beside you is a new friend of yours >Sea Swirl, a unicorn mare >Her coats a much deeper and vibrant blue than yours >She has to be dying her coat >Her mane is a light blue mixed with white, the curve to her mane gave it the look of a crashing foamy wave >Her Cutie Mark was three interlocking spirals which looked similar to whirlpools >She looks /too/ nice >Better not introduce her to Anon >You also need to keep any eye on that Soft Cotton >She has to have chest extensions or a professional fluff stylist >Either way it was an unfair advantage >How could Anon ever notice you with such a small tuft >Mapone always said yours would grow when you were older, well guess what ma, it didn’t >You must be a freak >No silly pony Anon does like you >But does he like you the same way you like him? >Only time, and maybe a little nudge or two in the right direction, would tell "What are you thinking about Krystal Shear? You're looking a little flustered, even for a running pony" >You wish you had better control over your face >Kinda like Sea Swirl; mare hadn't moved a facial muscle in a long while >"Oh nothing in particular" "Oh I bet it is girl" "I bet it is" >Could this pony could see into your mind >She was a unicorn, to your knowledge of their magic if they practice enough they could basically do anything >So she may well be able to read your mind >Kind of scary "On your left" >A stallion comes galloping past >It was Sprint Key >Head of Running Club >White with a bright blue mane and what looked to be the word "shift" on a button as a Cutie Mark >He'd been galloping the whole time and this was his third lap >That Buck is crazy >But He'd got the other inmares to swoon over his stamina >Even some of the minotaurs looked impressed >You should get Anon out here sometime, see how long he can last >You bet he could last a long time >You bet he could pat your belly a looong time "I knew you had lewd thoughts on the mind" >Sea Swirl nods to your chest >Oh dear >You've got a half puff going >Quickly brushing yourself down with a hoof you continue your trot "On your left" >Stupid buck “So~oo, who were you thinkin’ about?” >”For now that’s none of your business” “ahh, fair enough I suppose. But do they like you back?” >Exactly what you’d just bee thinking >She’s totally a telepath >But the question brings your mind to turmoil again >Did Anon like you? >Of course he does, come on he just out right pats, scratches /and/ rubs you lewdly all over the prison >But what if all that was just physical for him, like the buck at the festival >No, no, he was kind to you and seems to care for you >So yes he does like you! “Well?” >”I-I, I don’t know” >You hang your head sadly, ears downcast >You couldn’t be 100% certain of it unless he confessed his feelings to you >But what buck would do that? So there must be another way to find out? >And you may have just the way, but how to give him something like that? From what he’s told you he knows nothing of magic so maybe it just won’t activate. Now that would be whorse business [in my head this was a polite way to say shit] “That’s a shame girl, but you ain’t lookin’ too beat up about it” >”I think that's because I’ll soon have a way to find out” >Sea Swirl looks incredulous “Really?” >”Yeah, really” “Well all right then” >The sound of trotting builds up to your left "On your left" *GRR* >This Luna damned buck >Please can it be lunch time now? >It’s not quite lunch time according to your imaginary human watch cuz you’re anon >You remain hidden away watching the guard room >It's still a while 'til lunch but a few guard ponies have entered the break room >You wait >A little more >And then it happens >There's a commotion in the guard house >You can hear one mare shouting out in shock at the spicy pain >Looks like the sandwich thief has fallen for the trap >The shouting spreads through the room and before you know it the guards are in an uproar >Some are shouting in fear at the loud noise >You can hear others are laughing at the unfortunate pony >But they're mostly drowned out by the shouts for icecream >The guilty pony bursts out of the door >You'd seen that pony before >She was the tour group 1 guard you and Shear were originally heading to before the Warden had called you away >You'd heard her name somewhere what was is? >Cookies n' Cream! That was it >Platinum had told you about certain guards to be well behaved around >She was one of them, apparently the toughest guard in the prison >The only other living thing in the prison the Changeling sister didn't fuck with *GRRRR* "THAT STUPID BAT IS GUNNA GET IT!" >Oh no >It hadn't occurred to you that Silver would be the obvious suspect for such a prank >The little pony runs down the hallway >Tongue out, panting the cool air over it >Beads of sweat building up on her face >Those chillies really weren't that hot >At least she wasn't crying >She passes you without even noticing your daunting figure "WARDEN! WARDEN!" >Need to do something about that >They'll be sure to get Silver for questioning >You just have to get there before Cookies 'n' Cream or Honey Cakes >You sprint off down the hallways to Silver's room. >As you dive around the corner to face Silver's door there's a blinding flash of light >Suddenly in front of the door stands Honey Cakes and Cookies 'n' Cream >God Damn they can teleport >That's fucking unfair >The Warden goes to knock on the door >You didn't want them to wake her up over this >Adorable mares need their cuteness sleep in your opinion >Just before The Warden's hoof connects with the door you dive in the way >It's very poorly timed >You do manage to stop The Warden hitting the door >Just not with the intended part of your body >You fail to get back up as you clutch at your now very tender balls >Even soft hooves can hurt when moving with force >Through the pain fogging your mind you can hear the Warden shouting "ANON WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" >Much more tenderly she adds "Are you okay?" >"Hrrgneh" >You writhe around >Thankfully the sharp agony is quickly subsiding to a barely tolerable dull ache >"Ugh" >You sit up, Honey Cakes looking very concerned now at having watched you be put down so easily >Cookies 'n' Cream would probably be a bit more concerned looking if she didn't have that ice cube in her mouth >"Ouch. I'll be fine in a second Warden, urg, I think" "O-okay Anon" >She looks relieved that you're alright but now she looks at you with annoyance "Now what were you doing jumping in front of me Anon? I have business with Silver Linings" >"That's exactly it Warden, I know you think Silver was responsible for what happened to Cookies ‘n’ Cream" >You look sadly at The Warden >"But it was actually me" >"I'm sorry" >You try to give your best puppy dog eyes >She just looks at you with mild fear >Note to self, gruff manly Anons can't be cute "I find it hard to believe you'd do such a thing Anon, especially this early in your stay" "Yet what would you gain from telling me this if you were lying?" >She looks angrily at you "We're going to my office right /now/ to talk about this and you better have a good reason for doing this Anon. Come along" >She and Cookies 'n' Cream trot off and you follow >You managed to save your friend the stress this would have caused her so that's left you happy >The two ponies ahead of you disappear in a flash >Being left out of the teleport? >Now that's left you feeling sad >You reach The Warden’s office minutes later >The Warden sits stiffly behind her desk >Cookies 'n' Cream is across from her eating a bowl of ice cream >Next to the guard pony is an empty chair for you >You take it "We've been waiting Anon. Why in Equestria didn't you come with us when we teleported?" >"I guess I was too far away for your spell to work?" >She just looks at you confused "Possibly" >She takes a breath "So tell me why you decided to pull such a cruel prank anon?" >Time to defend yourself >"I had a good reason Warden" >You explain having met your now good friend Silver and the issue of the constantly disappearing sandwich >You go on to explain how your use of the chilli prank would allow you to find out the identity of, and stop, the sandwich thief >Honey Cakes just silently nods along with your explanation >When you've finished she let's out a long sigh "I can understand why you did what you did Anon, it was meant as an honourable action" >"Thank you Warden" "However you have pulled a /very/ naughty prank on one of my guards. You still must be punished" >Damn didn't quite escape justice "You must spend an hour and a half in time out! And you only get to use the box of bad pencils if you want to draw" >Oh snap almost two hours in time out, you ain't been punished that fiercely since childhood >Cookies 'n' Cream speaks up for the first time "Warden please be a little more lenient" >"Don't worry I'm happy with my punishment" >Shocked stares from both ponies "W-what do you mean Anon?" >"Well Warden I was honestly expecting something worse, but an hour and a half in time out sounds peaceful" "Peaceful?" >They go blank >404 ponies not found >A few more seconds pass before Honey Cakes recovers “Act cool all you want now Anon, but we’ll find out what you really think once you’re in there” >She goes to address Cookies "Well Anon has provided an interesting tale, but what I would like to know Cookies 'n' Cream is why you were eating somepony else's sandwiches?! That’s unacceptable behaviour for one of my guards" >Yes let’s see what would drive a pony to such sparta >Cookies wolfs down the last of her ice cream and begins her spiel "It all started a few weeks ago about an hour before lunch” “I’d missed breakfast that day to help detain an aggressive inmate" "I was starving to death, that hungry I was. I just HAD to eat something and lunch was still forever away" "When I saw a fresh sandwich in the guard lounge fridge I just couldn't resist!" "So I took it and ate it" >The little mare has the decency to look ashamed >But then perks back up to her story "Well the very next day it was back, same as the first" “No pony had complained about, nor was there a name on it, and as head guard I make sure everypony shares their complaints with me so I can help foster the atmosphere that makes PRC so great” >Jeeze is she being a kiss ass right now, nor would Silver ever have the chance to complain, she’s asleep most of the day "So I came to the only logical conclusion I could think of" >This should be good, you've had your experiences with the logic of this place "The fridge must have been enchanted to make the same sandwich every day once a day" >What is even what? wat >Is the magic in this place that pointlessly over powered that it's reasonable to just have magic sandwiches turn up in your fridge? >No way that’s a reasonable assumption, she’s just lying through her little pony teeth >However Honey Cakes is nodding "A reasonable excuse Cookies" >Fuck me swinging, it’s not, you must speak your mind >“You can’t actually believe that crap can you warden? It has got to be the biggest spoonful of bullshit anyone has ever tried to feed me” >The two mares look horrified “ANON, you can’t use such disgusting language in my prison! I’m afraid that your pudding cup privileges are removed for tonight!” >”But Warden how can you entertain the notion that Cooki-” “No buts Anon, or do you need some time in the lock box?” >Lock box? >Before you can ask Cookies interjects “Warden no please, don’t send Anon to the lock box, I feel bad enough about eating Silver’s sandwiches, I don’t want to add being responsible for sending new hay [their way of saying new meat] here to that kind of torture” >Honey Cakes sighs "You’re a good cookie, er.. Cookies, I believe what you say, but like Anon you have still broken the rules" >Cookies 'n' Cream's ears droop down, upset "As recompense you shall make Silver her lunchtime sandwich for the next week" >Cookies nods "Yes Honey Cakes" >At least she got punished >You realise something >"If you didn't know whose sandwich it was to begin with why did you burst out of the guard room yelling about Silver?" "Oh that’s because I asked somepony what had happened to the magic fridge and they said Silver had been the one to put the sandwich there” >"And that didn't tip you off to the fact that Silver was the owner of the sandwich and you’d been eating her food?" >Her face scrunches up and her ears twitch in annoyance "Maybe I was too distracted by a foolish inmates joke BURNING my MOUTH!" >Low blow adorable pony, right in the guilt >From her calm yet angry demeanour you can tell why she's seen as the top guard around these parts >"yeeeah, sorry again about that" "Thank you inmate" >Honey Cakes speaks up once more "Thank you for helping untangle this mess, you may go now Cookies 'n' Cream" *nod* >Instinctively you get up to follow the pony out "I said /Cookies 'n' Cream/ Mr Anonymous" >You were halfway out the door before your body freezes in a golden glow >Honey's got you in her telekinetic field "We still need to discuss you going to time out" >You begin drifting back into the room >Things are about to escalate very quickly, you just know it >Being trapped in this force field is becoming unbearable very quickly >It's not painful just the most odd and uncomfortable experience of your life as of yet >Your muscles burn under your skin, bulging, constricting and twitching >Nerve endings send signals through your body like lightning >Your skin tingles with pins and needles >And worst of all you couldn't move >Being bound and restricted has always set you off, especially after that night with uncle incognito >You continue drifting towards your chair "Now I'd have liked you to go now but lunch is just around the corner" >You honestly can't listen to Honey Cakes like this >You need to fight back before your brain explodes >With as much might as you can muster you begin pushing against the forces restricting your movement >Honey Cakes rotates you around to face her "However after lun-" >She stops talking when the glow around her horn flickers "A-anon, why are you making such a silly face?" >You can hear fear in her voice and see it in her eyes but you couldn’t properly make out what she’d said >Something more annoying was afoot >A deafening noise was crashing through your mind >Like a thousand thoughts zipping around your brain all at once, but you keep pushing against the hold *KAZZERP* *POP* >The glow around you has become red >As has the glow around The Wardens horn >And she looks absolutely terrified >Her ears are plastered back and she lets out the occasional, adorable horsey squeal >You can almost see your pained face in those saucers they called eyes "ANON HELP I'VE LOST CONTROL OF MY HORN!" >You push against the force once more energy renewed by the fierce desire to hug the fear straight out of the poor mare *CRACK* >Like the sound of an anvil hitting a pony’s skull >And you're once again free to move >All the noise and sensations vanish >You can focus on the outside world again >Everything is awesome once more >"Warden calm down it's going to be alright!" >The panicking mare calms down at your soothing tone >Her horn still glows a dull red >You still remain floating in a red field >But at least you are your normal self "I'm sorry Anon, I need to calm down, I am the Warden after all" >She takes a few deep breaths "By the look of it something has caused my spell to backfire" >She's still shivering from the adrenalin and fear >"I take it that doesn't happen often" "For a spell like levitation? I've never heard of it happening" "Even worse I've lost control of my horn!" >Now those are very valid reasons to be beyond terrified >"What does that mean exactly?" >Your body slowly starts to roll in the air in front of Honey Cakes "Something along the lines of what's happening now" >Oh joy "When a unicorn loses control of their horn it never does what you tell it, stupid things!" >As if to prove her point the glow around her horn brightens >You suddenly begin to rise and the speed of your rotation increases >"Uh can you please stop before I hit the roof?" >It's hard to make out Honey Cakes as your field of view wizzes between her and the ceiling >But she looks to be slowly moving her head side to side "I'm sorry Anon but the spell's locked, I don't seem to be able to stop or even change it" >Her ears go flat in fright again >Come on Warden don't have a breakdown now, your limbs might get torn off or crushed if this magic pulls you the wrong way >You don't really know what their telekinesis is capable of >"Hey, hey Honey Cakes it's alright. It's just a freak accident, stay calm and you will be fine" >You couldn't speak for yourself though >While initially fun the spinning has increased to a now dangerous speed >Don't be sick anon, don't be sick! >All the worse that ceiling is getting a lot closer >Hitting /that/ spinning /this/ fast would guarantee at least one broken rib or dislocated shoulder >"Uh Warden I might need a little help here" >There's panic in your voice now "Don't worry Anon everything is going to be alright" >Now you're the one getting comforted >For a good bloody reason mind >Dear god here it comes! This is gunna HUUUURT! *Bonk* >You stop spinning >You stop rising >Unfortunately you also stop floating >You crash onto the ground, a pile of thankful limbs >You'd avoided the roof >Barely >Then what was that sound? >Honey Cakes looks dazed and confused like she'd just been hit on the head with a nightstick >Which she had >Well not head but horn >"What happened Warden? are you okay?" >She waves your concerns off with a hoof "I'm fine Anon. I am The Warden after all" >"How'd you stop your magic?" >She holds up the nightstick >Actual nightstick too, none of that inflatable shit "It's the manual, and painful, way of stopping a spell" >She rubs her now sore horn >Managing to get yourself standing you address Honey Cakes once more >”So what was that all about? Why did your spell backfire?” “I'm so sorry Anon, but I haven’t a clue” >Honey Cakes gloomily rocks her head *Musical Bell Chime* "Ah it's lunch time already" >She sighs sadly "I need a break from this madness. Anon I'll tell you when to go to timeout after lunch" >"Thanks Warden, I could use a break myself" >You move out, finally permitted to leave >But first you turn back to The Warden >"Would you like to come to the cafeteria with me Warden?" "No, no I need to deal with some things here first" >"Suit yourself" >She must still be shaken up >You on the other hand were feeling ecstatic at having broken out of that weird pseudo torture >Gotta be sure to lock that memory away in the vault to be actively forgotten. Now then, >To the cafeteria! >Be Warden Honey Cakes, number one Warden in all equestria >And you needed a holiday after that >You remain massaging your poor bonked horn after Anon leaves >Nothing about this can be good >All was going fine until you’d started to drift Anon toward you >Then suddenly you’d lost control of your horn >Anon was almost very seriously hurt by YOU, The Warden, the pony meant to keep everypony safe >Lucky the spell got locked or Anon could have been transformed into a filly for all you know >To be honest if Anon wasn't there to comfort you, you’d have broken down already >You need a scotch >Taking the bottle out of your draw you pour yourself a helping cup >It may be early but you need it >You take the first sip >The sweet liquid runs down your throat and into your belly >You immediately start feeling more stable >You put the bottle away >Thank you Butterscotch and your amazingly sweet drink >Ingredients: 98% sucrose, 1% Magic water (how else could that much sugar be dissolved in so little water) and 1% love >Nothing could beat Butterscotch’s liquid butterscotch >Except maybe Apple family Cider >Delicious and it made you feel like you could do anything after you’d drunk enough of it >Usually after 1 and a half cups >Once you’d gotten to the Apple Family cider season early and downed THREE cups >Can’t quite remember that day past your second though >Now what to do about this magic issue >Of all the spells in your repertoire how could levitation backfire? >If it had been any other spell you would have put it down to your own lack of concentration or skill >As you’d told Anon before you don’t think there’d ever been any recorded uncontrollable levitation spell, it was practically innate in unicorns >But what had happened to cause it? >You ponder a while before coming to the only conclusion you can think of >It had to be Anon >After he’d somehow started to move in your telekinetic field you’d lost control of your powers >From there the rest was scary history >You take out a quill and some parchment >While you had to keep an eye on prisoners for potential dangers they pose to those around them you were also sure to record any odd behaviour or abilities to surface in the inmates >This was the first time you’d had to send a letter like this about somepony other than a unicorn >It’s addressed to the Royal Canterlot Universities Magical Research Laboratories >You quickly detail out the events before imploring them to send over some ponies for on site studies. >More often than not when you sent these letters they only ever replied with a polite ‘no thank you’ >Like the time one of your inmates could seemingly turn anything into cheese >But this time you believe the importance and uniqueness of the situation to be a bit more enticing for those nerdy ponies >Not that the cheese pony wasn't unique or important >She in fact hooked you up with all the cheese you could ever want >The letter folds itself up before disappearing in a flash of light >Now we play the waiting game >Also lunch, but you don’t play with your food, you’re a well mannered Warden *Sigh* >You ALSO have to warn all the unicorn guards to avoid using magic on anon until further notice >By Celestia how had he become such a bother in just two days >It was the main reason you’d given him such a long sentence in the time out room >You wanted to nip that bad behaviour in the bud >Pressing down the button on the PA system you speak into the microphone >”Hi everypony it’s Warden Honey Cakes here. I'm really sorry to interrupt but I need all the unicorn guards to meet in the guard lounge after lunch please!” >You take your hoof off the button >And put it back on after realising something >Unicorn prisoners had magics too >”Sorry to interrupt again everypony but could I actually have ALL the unicorns come to the meeting room after lunch instead. Thank you!” >Good, now with that all sorted you can finally get yourself to lunch *Guurrg* >And none too soon either >Be Anon, heading toward the cafeteria >You’re about to enter when a familiar shouting voice catches your attention >It was Shear and some other blue pony with her “Anon! Wait for meeeee!” >Sure why not >The two ponies come trotting up “Hey I'm Sea Swirl, a new friend of Shears” >Something about that one seemed a little off >When you see her in your peripherals she seems to shimmer, wreathed in brown flame >Probably just latent effects of your growing insanity *Hoof bump* >”I'm Anon. It’s nice to meet you” >Sea Swirl lightly elbows Shear in the side “I think I know who somepony was thinking about toda~ay” >Shear lights up bright red >Sea Swirl just giggles >What is going on there? >At least it’s nice to see someone extending a hoof of friendship to Shear “I’ll catch you later yeah Shear?” >She gives the tiniest of nods, still too embarrassed to function “See you two later!” >The mare goes to enter the cafeteria, but you put your hand on her chest to stop her first >”Hey Sea Swirl, if you’re a new friend of Shear’s why don’t you eat with us, I'm sure you’d be great company” >She stops in her tracks at your touch and almost swoons at your words >And she appears to flicker, but you probably just had a stroke from all the extended adorable exposure “I’d love too Anon” >You look back to Shear and she is looking pissed at you for some reason >Was it because you invited Sea Swirl? >”And what’s wrong with you?” “NOTHING! Can we just get our food please?” >ech touchy topic >Too quiet for you to make out she mutters something else “Never should have introduced you to her. She’d have to starve herself to get that figure” >”What was that?” “I said food” >k >You go to enter the room again >To be interrupted by yet another familiar voice “Anon! Shear! Pony I don’t know! Wait up!” >Platinum bounds towards you >”Hey Platinum, looks like we've timed this one pretty well” “Totally, but I'm crazy hungry from dancing, let's get in there” >”This is Sea Swirl by the way. Sea Swirl, Platinum Strike, Platinum, Sea Swirl” >Jesuz fucking Christ these names are killing you “Nice to meet you Platinum” “You too” >Platinum’s voice picks back up to its usual loudness “So can we go in now Anon?!” >You’d been trying your damnedest to since you left The Warden’s office >”I'm not stopping you” >You all file through the door >Let's get yo grub on >Loading up on tendies, veggies and a piece of fish you move to take your usual table >But first let's try your luck >Turning back you ask for your pudding cup, you did get here before The Warden so no one else should know you've been punished yet >The gruff Cafeteria pony tosses you a cup “Sure thing buddy” >Aw yeah boi! >Pudding cup secured in your pocket you join your friends at the table >Could you bribe one of the guards with this to get out of time out? >Probably, but it’s bad for the karma, you’ll just try to save it, as per usual >Although that hasn't been working out much so far >Platinum is into her food before you've even managed to get your arse comfortable >What happened to her civilized behaviour from before? >Does hunger just remove the inhibitions of the creatures in this world? >”So Shear how was running club?” >She gives a dismissive horse snort >”Come on it had to have been alright if you made a new friend” “No it was fun Anon, just a little something was quite annoying to my left” >Okay whatever that means “Actually Anon I’d like you to join me tomorrow” >Sea Swirl nods vigorously “Yes, that is a good idea Shear” >As far as you knew you didn't have a club at the same time as her running >”Sure. Why?” >She looks away sneakily “I’d just like somepony to see you” >”And I have to go running to meet this pony? You know, rather than just meet them now?” “Most definitely” >She goes back to munching on a spinach leaf >Je-zus these ponies make the least sense of all the shit here >”So Platinum how was your dancing?” “Same as always. I was SPECTACULAR, diving and twirling across the stage. Everyone else was alright I guess” >”Now I'm really looking forward to this dance recital” “Thanks Anon. I know /I/ won’t disappoint” >Even if she was god awful you wouldn't give a shit >It’s a Minotaur dancing around with ponies and dragons, it sounds like the greatest drug trip of your life, what’s not to love? “But more importantly we have FIGHT- I mean GYM CLUB! after lunch. Now I can finally size you up for real” >”It should be good, I'm sure” >Making your rounds through the table you move onto Sea Swirl >Sea Swirl who has no food >It just gets weirder and weirder with these ponies >”And so why don’t you have anything to eat?” “Oh, I, ah... um, hmm?” “OH! I got it! Somepony gave me a really big snack just before, so if I eat anything now I’ll get a tummy ache, yeah that makes sense right?” >Weirder and fucking weirder >”Yeah I guess it does” *egh-erm* >Shear catches your attention >She’s flipping her pudding cup up and down on one of her hooves >All you can hear is the Harlem globetrotters theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuIgor5_PaQ [Embed] for your reference) >She bounces the pudding cup between her hoof and upper foreleg >Next she begins bouncing it between her two upper forelegs before catching it with a hoof again >She begins to patter at it to start it spinning on her hoof >Why isn't this pony in a professional basketball team? >Finally she lifts her foreleg and the spinning cup rolls along it across her shoulder and behind her head >When it comes back into view, rolling down her other foreleg, it’s empty and squeaky clean >DAAAAAYUM >”HOLY FUCK! How did you do that!?” >Shear ignores your language, overcome with your excitement >The guard ponies at the other side of the hall did not however “INMATE ANONYMOUS! Refrain from such language!” >Oh shit >”Sorry guys, something just surprised me” >Plz don’t make you go to The Warden’s office again “Seeing how you apologised I suppose you can be let off with a warning” >Thank you Gandhi >You return your attention to the small witch you’d befriended >Platinum is once again laughing at your dumbfounded arse >Shear is just looking like the smuggest little shit in the whole damn town >She puts down her empty cup with a smile >”You are something else aren't you” >You give her mane a little tussle >She blushes up fiercely as per usual “T-thanks Anon” “So what did you do after Gardening Club?” >eeeeh >”Well I may have been sent to the Warden’s office for a little ‘indiscretion’ in my behaviour” >The whole group is angrily shocked at you “ANON! what did you do?” >Ah jeez she sounds like your mum when you were younger >”I may have put a /little/ bit of chilli into a sandwich and that /may/ have ended up in Cookies ‘n’ Cream’s mouth” >You’re covered in water as Platinum does a spit take on you “YOU PRANKED COOKIES ‘N’ CREAM!” “Anon! You should know she’s the toughest guard in here, why would you do that?!” >You give a shrug >”I was just helping out a friend I swear” “And who is this ‘friend’ Anon?” >”Why tell you when I could show you, she’s awake during dinner I can introduce you all then” >You’re met with confusion “Awake?” >”Yep” >Confusion has been replaced by annoyance “Anything more you want to add to that?” >”Nope” >It’s your turn to be illogically annoying >Platinum gives a chuckle “I bet The Warden wasn't to impressed with that, she must have punished you something fierce” >”No actually she was really lenient and kind, I only got given an hour and a half in time out, oh and I've lost my pudding privileges for the rest of the day” >Though that clearly hasn't come into effect yet >You’re covered in water and orange juice now as both Shear and Platinum spit take on you >Sea Swirl, with nothing to spit on you, just gasps >”Wow, thanks guys” “Anon that is not a lenient punishment! That’s overly aggressive if anything!” >But was it tho? >”Guys it really isn't. I use to get sent to time-out for that long when I was a kid, it’s nothin’” >Looks of horror are all you receive >Platinum just sadly shakes her head muttering “Who hurt you Anon? Who hurt you?” >Shear provides you with a silent hug >”Okay guys can we stop with the theatrics, you should know it makes me uncomfortable when you act like I’m crazy” “We’re sorry Anon, but what do you expect saying things like that?” >You expect a normal reaction of no fucks to give