*Do Da* >Suddenly a voice blares over the PA system “”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 can easily hear the whinnies and groans from the unicorn guards >Platinum speaks first “What do you think that’s about?” >”I'm not sure…” >But you could hazard a guess >The Warden had been really scared before about that whole magic shit >Maybe she was hoping one of the guards could help her stop it happening again? *Do Da* ”Sorry to interrupt again everypony but could I actually have ALL the unicorns come to the meeting room after lunch instead. Thank you!” >Now almost a quarter of the hall is filled with sighs and groans “Wow it must be serious business if she wants all the unicorns” >There could be more going on here than you thought >”Yeah…” >Shear’s picked up on your concern “You know something about this don’t you?” >”I might. We’ll probably find out later. Best not to dwell on what may trouble us, am I right?” >They’re satisfied with your response >As you all finish up eating The Warden enters and comes over with a slip of paper >”Here to condemn me Warden?” “Among other things Anon, I just wanted to tell you time out is full until just before the first club change over, so I’d like to see you there a little before the end of your Gym Club” >”Alright, and that?” >You point to the paper slip “Well Anon, after due consideration of our earlier, err, problem, I've officially decided the situation warrants closer inspection” >”And what will you be inspecting?” “You Anon. I've just written a letter to one of my colleagues up at Canterlot university. I believe you possibly have an affinity with magic as of yet unknown to pony kind” >Your eyes widen a bit with that one >She thinks you have sweet magics. Yeah you wish “They too have understandably come to the same conclusion and have already expressed a desire to meet and study you” >”That’s kind of cool. So I guess that’s some kind of permission form I need to sign then” “Correct Anon, it’s an informed consent form for an anomalous magic study, they sent it back with their reply. You have to sign it and send it back before they can do anything” >”A'ight hand it over” >You grab the floating piece of paper, noticing Honey’s flinch as your hand enters her magical field >Nothing happens >You have a look at the document >It’s fairly basic, like the ones you signed back home when you entered yourself in research trials for that sweet cash money >Just splice in some words about magic here and there >All in all it looks like you’ll be fine >”Sure I’ll sign, but I doubt anything will come of it, humans aren't exactly known for their magical abilities” “Thank you Anon, you’re doing a good thing” >”Yep, I am a good guy after all. You have a pen?” “Pen?” >For fucks sake again with this shit >”You know, it’s like a plastic stick you can draw with” “Oh you mean quill and ink, here, I brought some with me” >She magics them onto the table >Quill and fucking ink, they have magic and crazy advanced looking buildings here, but no pens >You scrawl your name on the dotted line and everything *poofs* away “Thank you Anon, now stay out of trouble” >You turn back to your group, all looking incredulously at you >Platinum's first “You didn't tell us you were magic Anon!” >You raise your hands defensibly >”I'm not I swear, The Warden’s probably reading into things too much” >Shear’s next “And what is she reading into Anon?” >”There was just a little magical accident, nothing to worry about” >Finally comes Sea Swirl >Actually no she doesn't. She’s not even here any more. She must be quieter than The Warden to sneak away like that >Didn't even say goodbye “Well so long as you’re alright Anon” >”I’m peachy” “Then I'm heading off to Gem Club. I’ll see you at dinner” >”Sure thing Shear. Platinum we should probably get going to the gym” “Let’s be off then” >Now be Platinum for the first time >You’d arrived at the gym with Anon a few minutes ago but thus far had been unable to set about organising the Fight Club, you still had to run the Gym first >Dealing with the nuances of club paper work was so tedious, especially for someone more physically orientated like yourself, not that you were dull witted >Anon had excused himself to join Blaze’s yoga group rather than hit the weights as you’d expected >He’d showed an odd interest in getting to know him better >Fair enough, maybe he just wanted to make more friends, he was good at that, better than you >But you do know he can’t be a better fighter than you >After all you hadn't trained to be, and worked as, the guard for just any Minotaur noble >You had the glory of personally protecting the Minotaur King >That marked you as one of the best warrior's your species had to offer, indomitable and unstoppable >Still you know Anon and he does act unreasonably tough >It may all just be a façade; today’s fight will unveil that truth >And give you a gauge on what he’s capable of >You already have Anon’s first match lined up >He was a relatively skilled Minotaur, Rock Fall was his name but he went by Mickey The Fist, or just The Fist, an arrogant title considering his ability >Placing the last stomp of approval on your paper you look up at Anon and the fellow yoga goers >His body form most represents that of a dragon (it’s gotta be those long limbs which does it). Hence, unlike some of the gryphons and ponies, he’s easily able to follow Blaze’s movements >Currently the two are balancing on their forearms, with legs curved around and dangling in the air above their heads >They seem to be competing over who can hold it the longest >The way knee joints like theirs work always creeps you out >Blaze puts an end to their little game by going limp and rolling to the floor >Anon looks relieved and languidly rolls himself over and stands back up >Without a typical layer of fur over his body it’s much easier to see the sinewy layers of muscle shifting and contracting just under his skin >At the sight before you it’s no wonder Shear’s been acting like a love struck filly around him >He seemed almost ignorant of it but there was no way /that/ wasn't an act >As engrossed in your book as you were last night you still saw him rubbing Shear’s belly >If not for your precious book as a distraction you might have died from embarrassment being there for that >And Anon hadn't even batted an eyelid... So then maybe he was that oblivious >Whatever. As appealing as Anon was to the ponies here he didn't appeal to you >Maybe because he looked too much like a minotauress, Although thus far no male had caught your eye >Really you didn't care for such things, always focusing on improving yourself, for yourself >He goes over to speak with Blaze >After a brief conversation Anon’s head is obscured by Blaze’s exhaled smoke >Doesn't look like Anon managed to make friends with him, smoke in the face was a typical ‘leave me alone sign amongst dragons’ >Or maybe you didn't know as much about dragons as you thought >Anon has his arm around Blaze’s shoulders and they’re both shoving each other all buddy buddy like >Well those two were a little weird, maybe weirdos just attract each other >Now then, with Anon finished and your work out of the way it was time to get him to his first fight >You’d been watching The Fist too and he’d been eyeing Anon since you told him he was his opponent >Always too eager a fighter that one >And at the sight of your stirring he knows he’s about to get his wish >”Hey Anon are you ready for your first fight, er, I mean sparring session expressly for exercise purposes” >He lets go of Blaze who moves off to help the fellow gym patrons “Sure thing Platinum. Who am I up against? is it you?” >”HA, don’t make me laugh. You’re facing off with The Fist over there” >You point to his over eager opponent “Je-zus, talk about a threatening figure, and what’s with the ominous name?” >”I wouldn't worry too much Anon it’s mostly bluster on his part” “Easy enough to say, but they guy looks like he’s been pumping 'riods” >”What was that Anon?” *Sigh* “Nothing” >”In that case let’s get into it” >Platinum moves off the the sparring ring, many of the other gym patrons move to follow her, gathering around to view >They’re your fellow fight club members >The overwhelming majority is split between minotaurs and gryphons >There’s one dragon, a green one, and a few ponies scattered about, mostly pegasi but some earth and even a unicorn >A unicorn who’d been eyeing you peculiarly ever since she’d returned from that meeting The Warden called them too >They can’t use magic in fighting right? That's cheating >Stop it Anon you gotta focus >Your opponent stands to one side of the ring so you move to the other >Platinum begins the introductions “Alright everyone today’s first round goes to our new comer, Anon!” >She gestures to you and the small crowd gives a little cheer “Joining Anon for his inaugural fight will be frequent combatant, The Fist!” >The crowd already seems to have picked The Fist as the winner from the cheers they give “Alright combatants enter the ring, you may begin at the sound of the bell” “And good luck” >The group cheers as The Fist easily jumps over the rings boundaries >Not so much for you as you struggle your way through the ropes >You stand and move to face The Fist who’s waiting for you >He’s more threatening up close, especially with those horns and the huge nose ring >Before the bell goes you give a quick bow >He just seems perplexed by your action >Ain’t no respect in fighting no more *Ding* >The Fist dives at you with a frightening speed for someone of his size >You’re slow to react and take a glancing blow to the shoulder as you spin away on the balls of your feet >Did not expect that much aggression off the bat but your shoulder isn’t phased >If he’d got you square with that you mighta had a problem >The Fist stumbles forward with his momentum, guard let down. Rather than attack you step away >He straightens back up, balance regained, and approaches you much more reserved >One hoof slowly moving past the other >He looks shocked that you aren't on the ground in agony after his little love tap >This guy mustn't have faced anyone other than ponies if he was expecting you to go down so easily >A few of the observers are looking impressed, mainly the ponies, but one black suited gold/bronze gryphon is eyeing you angrily >The Fist stalks closer >You raise your arms in preparation as he telegraphs his next attack >With his right arm pulled all the way back he launches it out at you in an aggressive arch >Rather than move back you step into the punch to push his arm out and away, leaving the big guy reeling violently >Arms out wide and surprised from your unexpected action The Fist’s defences are gone once again >You move in and open up the menu to see the fatality combinations >Let's try down, up, X >One of your fists comes out in a small series of jabs, approximately centred around where you think his kidney would be “Oof” >You jump back, expecting a swift counter attack >But you only see a thoroughly defeated Fist fall groaning to the ground >That was… way easier than you thought it would be >The crowd goes silent >Then erupts into cheers “ANON IS THE WINNER! What a takedown!” “I CAN’T BELIEVE IT!” >The Fist gets taken out of the ring and lain down with some water >Platinum enters the ring to raise your arm triumphantly >The crowd roars in response “Heh, I just knew you’d win Anon, and so quickly! You’re better than I expected” >“Thanks Platinum, but is The Fist going to be alright?” >He was looking a little worse for wear >You didn't hit him that hard did you? “He’s seen worse, give him a moment and he’ll be fine” >The rowdy groups cheers and cavorts are cut short by a scream >Well less a scream and more an eagle’s shriek “ALRIGHT, that’s ENOUGH! ANON, you, me right now!’ >It was that copper gold gryphon >Why is he so mad? You didn't do anything >Platinum looks annoyed with the gryphon at first, but then gives a smug smile “Looks like you've got him angry Anon, do you want to fight Gold Feather?” >”Sure whatever” >If only to see why this guy’s so butthurt >That and it is a fight club, to not fight would be bitching it >Platinum leans in to whisper something “I wouldn't worry too much about this one Anon, from what I just saw before you could take half these guys already” >Platinum jumps out of the ring >Gold Feather flaps over and stands upon his hind paws before you >His talons are bunched up in fists and his stance imitates yours >Is he disadvantaged standing like that? >He stares at you angrily “You just cost me a lot of pudding cups Anon” >Gold Feather sneers as he says your name. Kind of hard to do with a beak >The amount these guys love their pudding you’re not surprised he’s pissed at you >But hot damn that must mean they have gambling in this world too, gotta get in on that shit *Ding* >The bell goes off and Gold Feather flaps up to head height >He starts circling you with frightening speed >You did not expect the flying aspect, but after your previous fight and Platinum’s encouragement you knew you’d be fine, or hoped >The crowd begins to whoop as Gold Feather lets loose a volley of savage jabs and punches targeted around your chest and back, all while still circling you >You stumble about as the assault comes from all directions >Suddenly, as quickly as it begun, it ends >Gold Feather lands to the other side of the ring, panting heavily >With the barrage over you regain your balance and stand up straight >Astonishingly the only injury you’ve received has been a slight ruffling >Small bird like limbs don’t really provide a lot of force behind their punches, do they? >The group still cheers for Gold Feather but Platinum’s giving you a gruff smile >Gold Feather dives forward, soaring through the air, fist pulled back in a finishing blow >You only have time to raise your arms in defence against the oncoming attack >As Gold Feathers fist descends Platinum’s face becomes plastered with fear and anger >Once Gold’s fist comes into focus you can tell why >It’s not a fist at all, he’s left his claw open, talons out wide making clear paths for your soft flesh >Krystal Shear must really be the exception because these black suits may actually be crazy >You move back as fast as you can but there’s not enough time to get away >Two of his talons manage to strike your left forearm, cutting through your flesh >You stumble back in shock at the hit >Gold Feather lets out a shriek of victory, feathers puffed up doubling his size >The room goes silent >All the ponies have fainted except one, the unicorn from before >Her legs buckle and she appears to be briefly covered in grey fire, but she’s still conscious >Wait covered in fire? Are you going into shock from that hit? >Everyone else looks on with abject horror >You raise your arm to inspect the damage >Oh fuck no you gunna need surgery to fix that wreck of an arm >Two jagged cuts of bloody viscera have opened up upon your arms >The exposed pale raw flesh begins to ooze blood >Pain flashes in your mind as your vision darkens >It’s all over, you gunna die >Or, probably not >The cuts aren't so bad >More like two very thin scratches you might get if you’d accidentally brushed your arm against a rose bush >Doesn't even hurt, just a little sting >Gold Feather puffs back down, shock now setting in at what he’d done in his anger >Twin streaks of blood well up on your skin, not much, but just enough to be visible to your fellow patrons >Gold Feather, along with the rest of the crowd, watches you with fear in their eyes as you raise your arm >You lick the two streaks of blood away >Ech, dat metallic taste >The remains of the crowd faint, except Platinum who has dived toward Gold Feather >Gold Feather himself was cringing back from you, terror in his eyes >This all seems like a bit of an overreaction for just licking a wound >Gold Feather is now a jumbled ball of fluff and feathers underneath Platinum “Guards! Get in here” >The ponies Platinum was calling to weren't actual guard ponies, they were just some club members who volunteered to watch out for any easily offended staff who may walk by while the fights were on >Platinum picks Gold up by the scruff of his neck and simply tosses him to the three ponies who've come galloping into the room >She may have a lithe form for a minotaur but she’s crazy strong with dat lean muscle “He just assaulted another prisoner, I want him in the Lock Box for half an hour! Right /now/. It’ll have to be off the books too” >The guards look at her in surprise “B-but that’s far too long Platinum” >Platinum ain’t having none of that shit though “I said RIGHT NOW!” >The guards cower down in fear at the anger in her voice “Y-yes, right away Platinum!” >The little pony guards go running out carting away Gold’s prone form >Platinum comes up to tend to you “Are you alright Anon? How bad is it?” >”I’m alright, I could use a few band-aids though” “I’ll go get some from the first aid box” >She bounds off and scurries through a first aid box >Finally she withdraws a bandage “Here Anon, this will be better” >She tightly wraps the bandage around your forearm “There we go. Now you wont bleed out” >”Ha, I doubt I was going to bleed out Platinum” >She just shakes her head “Whatever you say tough guy” *Sigh* >The only thing betraying her emotion is a sad quiver of the lip “You know you’ll have to go to the nurse to get that magically healed Anon” “Which means she’ll find out how you got hurt, then The Warden will find out, and once that happens our club will be done for” >You put a comforting hand on her shoulder >You had a simple solution in mind >Lying >”Or… I could just not go to the nurse, and if anyone asks how I got hurt I’ll make something up” >The natives of this world (Dimension?) appeared to be quite gullible so making up something they’d believe shouldn't be too hard >”Besides this really doesn’t need any magical healing, give it three days and they’ll barely be noticeable, it’s just a scratch after all” >She looks blank “Just a scratch? Ha, Ahhaha hahaha sweet Celestia that’s rich!” >”What’s so funny about that?” “Because if this had happened to anypony else it would be a medical catastrophe, and yet here you stand, not a tear in your eyes, saying it’s just a scratch, do you know how absurd that is?!” >She quites down >Maybe that’s why everyone fainted when you licked your arm, simply because you were still standing to do it “And yet, frighteningly, I believe that’s what /you/ believe. Very well Anon, I won’t make you see Soft Cotton” >Cool you’ve saved exposing the fight club and avoided Soft Cotton’s curiously adorable, aggressive, form of care >”Oh shit, won’t Gold Feather tell the /actual/ guards about what actually happened?” >Platinum stands tall and looks at you, wtf etched over her face “Why would he do that Anon? So he can get himself into even more trouble?” >Surprising that you didn’t realise that >”Well what about the other club members? Surely they’ll talk about this and if The Warden’s been looking to out this club then rumours of what happened won’t help” “They won’t go squawking about what happened. After all, they’re here for a reason and they wouldn’t want it taken away” >Ah yeah. You should think before speaking *Do Da* >The Warden’s voice blasts over the PA “Sorry to interrupt again everypony but a certain inmate needs to report to timeout 5 minutes ago! Thank yo~ou” >Shieeet >You gotta go >”This has been fun Platinum, but I’ve got to get my arse into gear and get out of here” >You leave as she just shakes her head “Fun?...” >Be Platinum >Anon exited in a hurry and his final statement left you feeling unsettled >Perhaps more shocking was the way Anon brushed off that wound >The club today had started out great >Anon had trounced The Fist faster than you’d seen anyone else >His method was so effective and reserved, just a few quick jabs was all it took >But then it went south when Gold Feather stepped in >You should have seen he was blinded by his anger >Of course he’d do something stupid >But an actual attack? He’d posed a real threat! You should be more selective with the creatures you give membership to, particularly when it comes to black suits >Yet even after that Anon had the gall to say it was ‘fun’ >FUN! Even after being hurt! >It may have been what you were aiming for but, in your opinion, if fun was the target then you just shot your arrow backwards >With Anon and the “guard” ponies gone the gym was empty, aside from the numerous unconscious bodies scattered about >This situation may not go unnoticed >How could they not talk about what happened >Especially if any of them see Anon walking around later happy as a bean. It’d blow their minds, more so than yours already had been >You don’t know where humans come from (far, far away if Anon is to be believed) but it must be one dangerous place if he could get so injured, then just happily saunter away >And he actually ENJOYED himself >Maybe he comes from the changeling badlands. It would explain why those sisters are so kind to him >Or what if he was from the distant lands Tirek came from, he was tough, kind of, well not really. He did get beaten in just one afternoon with a fancy light show >The unconscious around you begin to stir as their minds reawaken >Once everyone is back up and about they express their concern over Anon’s well being >You calmly assure the worryful and, in some ponies cases. tearful patrons of Anon’s well being >”Don’t worry everyone, Anon is completely fine, or at least he believes he is…” >The group gasps and gawks “B-but I saw BLOOD!” >All the ponies nod fervently, the minotaurs and gryphons look on concerned >”I understand, but Anon said he was fine and I believe him, heck he wasn't even crying” >”You can all check in on him if you feel the need, just to make sure for yourselves” >Hope Anon doesn't mind >The group remains concerned but accepts what you say >”Now get your butts out of here; club ended five minutes ago and I’ve been waiting for you sorry lot of supposed “tough guys” to wake up. If you want to get better at self defence try to be as unyielding as Anon” >Or possibly as insane as Anon >The group gives a little cheer from your rallying as they walk away >Now you’re a pony >The walls surrounding you are made of rock, lined with gems growing from the surface >It’s one of PRC’s cave rooms, and it’s the Gem Clubs home room, appropriately themed >Therefore you could be (and are) Krystal Shear >You were amazed to see the head of the club was somepony you had once trained under during your travels, she was the greatest pony you’d ever met >Great Grandma Pie, the old matriarch of the Pie families extensive gem fields. Before of course she left to go adventuring like you, inspired by your tales while you were working a stint for the Pie family >And now she’s in jail and a black suit, just like you >And surprisingly still alive >She must be like 1000 by now, it had to be that rock hard will keeping her from ascending to Luna’s final night >Her mane was still a vibrant opal, but her coat had dulled to a pale cream pink, her Cutie Mark was just a rock >But from that little rock on her flank sprang forth all of Pie industries >Pie industries, contrary to the name, did not sell or make pies >It was a massive earth pony industry in the business of producing gemstones for the tech, fashion and magic industries >This made it an enormously lucrative earth pony company, rivalled only by the Apple and extended Apple family orchards >Honestly Great Grandma Pie could just buy her way out of prison. She probably sees it as part of her adventure though >The tiny and shrivelled mare begins speaking “Our new member, and an old friend of mine, has joined us at the best possible time, do any of you know why?” >You raise your hoof when nopony else does “Yes Krystal?” >”It’s the beginning of the new rock cycle today, mare’am” >Great Grandma Pie nods “Correct Shear, I taught you well didn't I, and I thought I said to call me Gran” >”Sorry Gran” “Better” >The absolutely diminutive mare readdresses the entire room “And so if it’s the new rock cycle what does that mean everypony?” >A light brown Diamond Dog raises a paw “We can grow new gems yes?” >You knew that but didn't want to show off (you nerd) “Yes, we can” >The rooms filled with the cheers of ponies and diamonds dogs, supplemented by the happy rumblings from the Club’s two dragons “Alright that’s enough settle down everypony!” “So then, does anypony know the best conditions in which to grow the optimal gem?” >Your hoof shoots up “Yes dear” >”No one gem type grows optimally in the same conditions, they each have their own unique and preferred conditions for growth” “Excellent, excellent, you continue to impress Krystal” “Now then everypony I expect you all to choose the kind of gem you want to grow in the next couple of minutes. If you need help open your gem guide. You can look up the properties of most known gem types and the best conditions to help develop these traits, there’s even a section on taste for you dragons” >The group hastily gets to looking through their books to choose their desired gemstones >Gran slowly shuffles her way to you “And why are you the only one not scouring your book Krystal?” >”I suppose that’s because I've already decide what I'm growing” >A wrinkled eyebrow very slowly raises “Care to divulge?” >Not really but she’d find out eventually >”I'm going for a Purple Shimmer Diamond” >Her other wrinkled eyebrow raises to join the first in shock “That’s no easy feat Krystal, you’ll be hard pressed just to find a worthy seedling” >”I know, bu- wait did you say find?” >”Oh my goodness does that mean they have their own private rock farm here?” >A place as loaded as this could afford premium rock farming equipment, which would include imported seedlings! “Something even better dear. I found it my first day here, sent my rock sense over the edge it did, I'm taking you all there once the groups decided on their gems” >Now the old mare looks slyly at you “Speaking of, what was it the Purple Shimmer Diamond excelled at again?” >A hoof to her muzzle “Hmm, oh that’s right. Don’t those gems have an affinity for love based enchantments?” >Aw horseapples she’s got you already >Gran’s look becomes more serious as she leans in toward you “I don’t know what you’re up to Krystal but if some buck starts hootin’ and hollerin’ over you once you've got that gem you will be getting a /very/ stern talking to from Grandma. Love isn't something you should meddle with” >You quickly back up defensively >”It’s not like that Gran, I just wanted it for a love /test/ spell, not to control somepony” >Gran’s wrinkled features soften “Well alright then, but I’d like to be there when you enchant it, it’s not like I don’t trust you deary. Just, a mare who’s infatuated can do some crazy things” >”I know Gran, thanks for your concern” >She closes her eyes and nods before shooting them back open and shouting to the group “ALRIGHT! That is by far enough time for you lazy whelps to have pick a gem, now form rank behind me and move out!” >Everyone in the room gets up to follow the dangerously slow shuffling mare >Be a few minutes later and Great Grandma Pie has lead you all deeper into the cliff based, dug out, facility >You've all stopped at a dead end in one of the hallways >Gran begins poking a hoof at the wall, occasionally sliding it along the smooth rock surface >”Uh, Gran are you alright? Do we have to keep moving, or is the wall your secret place?” “Hush now youngling I just gotta-eh- there we are” >This time as she runs her hoof across the surface it gets hooked on something >The ancient mare slowly removes her hoof from the point and draws it back >”Gran you better not be doing what I think you are, we’ll get in trouble for something like that!” “Quit your worrying girl, no one will be any the wiser” >Her thin foreleg shoots out at a frightening speed for a mare so old, wrinkled hoof striking at the spot she’d stopped at *CRADOOSH* >The small section of wall shatters apart at the hit and you’re blasted by a wave of mildewy, earthy air which rolls over the group >Oh no, oh no she actually did it. By Luna’s grace the old mare must be losing her mind >How much trouble would you get in over this, half the wall section is missing! And somepony would have heard >As Anon would put it you are well fucked (maybe he’s not the best influence on your language) >The rest of your group only stare dumbfounded at Great Grandma Pie >Clearly none of them had seen a member of the Pie family dealing with rocks, or maybe it was just her age which surprised them the most >Gran steps back and moves her hoof in a furious ‘get in there right now before somepony turns up’ action >Her mouth opens right on cue “Get in there now you lot, before somepony turns up to see what we’ve done, don’t want to get in trouble now do we? >The group rushes into the small hollow opened up by Gran >Before entering you quickly move to Gran >”So how exactly are we going to hid this!?” >You move your hoof wildly about the gaping hole in the wall “Don’t worry dear, I’ve picked up a few tricks or two in my old age, now get that rump through before I have to drag you” >That is a threat you know from experience she would keep >You step through the opening *Gasp* >Your eyes are treated to a beautiful scene >The hole opens up into a vast natural cavern >Great green and blue crystalline structures erupt from the floor and ceiling, both emitting their own colour effervescently, providing a clean aquamarine glow to the cavern and adequate light to see by >Colonies of silkworm inhabit patches of the roof, their bio-luminescence providing additional beauty to the cavern >But perhaps most beautiful to you and your group are the rows upon rows of small, perfectly clear, glinting gems emerging from nearly every unoccupied surface. >Seedlings >Special gems naturally produced by the pooling of unseen magic through the earth, which when placed under correct conditions could grow into whatever gem you desire >With a dragon’s horde of Seedlings you could buy yourself a small kingdom >And if this room was any indication of the rest of the cave system there were a lot of them >You can also make out two distinct natural arches where the cavern splits off deeper into the cliff >Your group has quickly dispersed to all corners of the cave to inspect the seedlings closer >You just look back to Gran who is slowly picking up all the piece of broken wall and placing them back together >With each new piece she adds fusing into the previous >Before you know it the mare has rebuilt the entire wall, not a scratch to be seen >You pick up your jaw from the floor to speak to Gran >”I think new trick is an understatement Gran. I've only ever seen unicorns repair things so seamlessly” “Bah! Unicorns and their fancy ‘magics’, wild and frivolous it is. No unicorn knows what real work is. I’d roll over in my future grave before I let a unicorn work the stone better than I!” >You forgot Gran was a little prejudice to unicorns >”You know this room alone has enough Seedlings to buy out the whole of Perpetual Rainbows Correctional Facility” “Ha, I thought so too, near had a heart attack when I saw ‘em, but once you get a good look at them they’re a lot lower quality than you’d expect. That’s why I said you’d be hard pressed to find an adequate Seedling for your desired jewel” “Purple Shimmer Diamonds need flawless seedlings after all, and a lot of these have micro-fractures along their outer edges” >That’s disappointing, but Gran has your jaw on the floor again >”Are you saying you can see micro-fractures without specialist equipment!?!” >Gran puts a hoof around your neck and slowly leads you away from the repaired wall “Like a said youngling, I've picked up a /few/ tricks, heh heh heh” >Be almost half an hour of searching later >Just about everypony but you has found a suitable Seedling for themselves >It would seem Gran was correct, most of these were too low quality to make what you needed >You’d searched high and low to no avail >Great. Now what are you going to do? >You turn back to join the gathering group, defeated when you spy something glinting out the corner of your eye >It’s coming from one of the natural archways leading out of the cavern >But Gran had said nopony was allowed to go down either of the caverns pathways >She hadn’t explored them yet and they could pose a danger to unwitting ponies >But still, you have to check it out. You just know it’s the seedling you’re looking for >Making sure to stay out of Gran’s line of sight you slink your way to the archway >Embedded in the wall, just a few meters down the rocky hallway, sits what looks to be the most perfect seedling you had ever seen >You gallop up to get a closer look >Please, please be what you need *Gasp* >Your eyes go wide >I-it, it’s amazing, it’s perfect, exactly what you need >Praise Celestia’s light >It’s about the size of a Bit and has formed naturally into a square shape >It looks like it’s been professionally cut already >You grasp it between your teeth and gently tug “Krystal! Where did you go girl!? You better quit playing around or I’ll leave you in here!” >You tug more insistently when Gran’s call echoes down the hall, but the Seedling barely budges >This damn thing is not coming out >You bite down harder, readying yourself for one last massive pull >You yank back with as much force as you can muster *Crunch* >OH NO >Oh no, oh no, no, no, no, NO. Nooooooo! >The Seedling has come out alright, just in two halves >One half remains in the wall, the other sits in your mouth “GET YOUR RUMP BACK HERE NOW GIRL!” >Gran’s shout sounds only a whisper as you morosely spit out the now perfectly ruined Seedling >It plops to the ground without a bounce, nothing more than a depressing shard >You can feel the heat rush to your face as your eyes begin to water >Hot tears begin to roll down your cheeks and a few quiet sobs escape your muzzle >You were so close, you literally had it in your grasp >This has got to be the worst moment of your life “KRYSTAL!” >You wipe your face with a hoof and meekly call out in response >”I’m coming Gran” >You slowly walk away from the discarded Seedling, waves of sadness and anguish washing over you >How could you have been so stupid! You knew Seedlings were weaker than fully formed gemstones. You shouldn't have been so rough with it. Dumb rock “Are you alright girl? You sound a bit shaken up” >You can hear Gran’s concern but you still can’t see her through the shadows of the hallway >Putting on your best normal voice you respond >”Don’t worry about me Gran, I’m fi-” *Crack* *Rumble* *CRASH* >The floor beneath you gives out and collapses >Down you go with it >”-AHHHH” *Oof* >You land at the bottom of new small pit, covered in a light coating of dust “KRYSTAL! KRYSTAL! ARE YOU ALRIGHT?” >You quickly get up to stretch and twist all your joints to test for damage >Unbelievably you’re fine, just a little roughed up around the edges, nothing a shower and band-aid won't fix >Wow, when did you start thinking like that? Anon’s tough guy act may be rubbing off on you >”There’s been a little cave in but I'm alright Gran. I’ll need some help to get out of here though” >Your voice has returned to normal, earlier depression forgotten in the wake of the adrenalin rush received from your tumble “Where are you girl?” >”Down the hallway exiting the cavern. The one closest to the wall you knocked down” >The noise from the group is dampened down in this hole, but you can still hear the many colourful and choice words Gran has to say about you going off alone >Alone in an areas she had explicitly told nopony to go >It's more than a little shaming “Alright I’m coming to get you. Everypony stay here, except you lurch, you’re comin’ with granny” >You wait patiently in your hole as the sound of hooves clop along the stone >As they get closer the ground beneath your feet begins to rumble “Hold it right there” “What? Why?” >You have no idea who Gran is talking to but you’re more preoccupied by the fact the ground is slowly sinking further down >”Gran I could use your help as soon as possible. The ground is sinking!” “I know deary, you’ve found yourself a fault and it’s still in the process of falling through. Don’t make any sudden movements or it’ll give way and you’ll go with it” >Aw whorse business >”What am I supposed to do?” *Crack* >This time an entire section of your small floor falls through and reveals the gaping blackness below you >It’s a massive trench leading to the abyss >If you fall down there it’s lights out, no question >”Please hurry Gran, I don’t think I’ve got a lot of time and it’s a very long fall!” “I’m thinking, I’m thinking! If we move any closer we could make the whole thing collapse” >The voice you don’t recognise speaks up “I could just fly over and grab her, you know, wings and all” >The raspy voice accents his claim with the rustling of leathery wings “That’s perfect! Sorry if my old mind overlooks these things Scales. Now what are you waiting for, SAVE HER!” >The beating of wings fills the air as the voice lifts off the ground *GUuuurrrR* >More of your already diminished floor slips away >There’s barely enough room to stand >Air beats down upon you as your soon to be rescuer hovers above you >You’d look up but something more important has caught your eye >Where the last part of the floor had fallen away has revealed yet another Seedling >Just as perfect as the last, but more of a rectangle >You must get it >Your rescuer reprimands you has he descends into the pit “Hey what are you doing? Great Grandma Pie said not to move” >You ignore him craning your neck down to clasp at the precursor gemstone >With the lightest tug it pops right out >Haha! Excellent! >Or not >Weightlessness overcomes you >You’re falling, the floor beneath you gone, the awaiting darkness rushes up to greet you >Hello darkness my old friend >Why didn’t you try harder to get a flying Cutie Mark as a filly >You clutch tightly to the stone you’d given your life for >Maybe in a 100 years some spelunkers will discover your body and your mighty find >While accepting your fate a red and yellow blur shoots past you into the darkness >And suddenly you’re no longer falling but are being gingerly lifted back up to safety in the deadly, or in this case not so deadly, claws of a dragon >You should have been tipped off to the fact he was a dragon by the name >”Oh thank you Scales. Thank you, thank you, thank you. How can I ever repay you?” >He grins at you, toothy maw revealed >You cringe back in response, you’re going to be a pony sized snack, aren't you? >Looks like death isn't as easily avoided as Gran makes it out to be “I overheard you claiming that you could make a Purple Shimmer Diamond. Well if you are that good I want you to grow me a Fire Ruby. They’re common back in the dragon territories because of how delicious they are, but I’ve only ever seen them in museums here in Equestria” >Oh good he doesn’t want to eat you and you can make those pretty easily “Honestly you’d only ever depart with one of those if you’re thinking with your second brain” >”Second brain?” “It’s a guy thing, for now just be glad you’re alive” >And glad you certainly were >You rise out of the hole and are ungracefully dumped at the hooves of Gran >Without looking up you meekly apologies >”Sorry Gran” >You’re rewarded with an ancient hoof smack to the back of the head >Yeah you deserved that one >Gran loses her steely composure as you stand up, leaning in for an old lady hug with the strength of a bear “Don’t you ever do something like that again Krystal! What drove you to such madness” >You present your prize “A rock isn't worth a life girl, you should know that” >”Sorry Gran, I just don’t know what I was thinking. I-” >She interrupts “Exactly you didn't think. Please just don’t be so reckless in a place you don’t know. You really had me worried there” >”I'm sorry again Gran” >You really were, with hindsight what you did was unbelievably stupid >But you still got your prize, your precious >Gran breaks the hug and moves back, smile on her wrinkled muzzle “Well then, we should get back. Need to start setting up these Seedlings!” >Yes, yes you did >Nothing like a near death experience to get your motivation going >Or mentally traumatise you >You need a hug from Anon >Still be Shear, just be back in the Gem Club home room, still covered in a fine layer of dust >Gran’s method of exiting the cavern had been the same way in, smash the wall then rebuild it >Such tedious work >Gran wanted you to see the nurse right away but you wanted to finish what you came here for >Growing your gosh darned magic rock >Everypony was in the midst of setting up their Seedling growth spheres >The spheres were as solid and smooth as a well polished stone. >Its outside looked to have ethereal patterns swirling through it (Pic related) >Inside was just a simple grey metal coat with a small fixture to hold your Seedling during growth >The spheres were hermetically sealed with a twist apart face at the top >You certainly were right when you said a place like this could afford the best >You’d spent a long time wishing you had the bits to afford one of these, but who would have guessed you’d just be given one in prison >Maybe Anon was right when he said this place wasn't too bad >Your Seedling is currently lodged in the fixture >After the excitement had passed, and your adrenaline rush had died down, you’d had a moment to think about what happened to you >You didn't really think or feel anything about it >Actually you were feeling rather hollow inside >Before you’d managed to stop Gran doting over you she had said something about you looking quite gaunt >Nah you were fine, right? >On a worse note once you’d gotten your precious baby gem into the light and given it a closer inspection you could find one flaw with it >It was bigger than you had initially thought, and once fully grown (assuming you’re successful) there would be no way to unobtrusively get Anon to activate your love test enchantment >Now you’ll have to find a way to get a big old rock onto Anon without piquing his suspicion >You’re currently preparing a very specific mixture of ingredients to promote the best conditions for stable growth >Around you everypony is doing the same, except Scales who is patiently waiting for you to set up his own sphere once you’re finished >Some group members are tossing leaves and flowers into their mix, others have mixes of charcoal and various gravels, but all include the base ingredient of fine and loamy soil >You’re crushing up a measured amount of amethyst to combine with your powdered Vanadium salts >To the resulting mixture you pour a solution of Sodium nitrate >Finally you add all your carbon enriched soil and stir until you’re left with a soft mud >It calms your mind to get involved with the busy work of gem crafting >You’re suddenly feeling a lot happier about setting up Scales’ sphere >You pack the mud into your sphere then twist the pieces together; it flashes blue as the lid seals >Next you place it on the activation stand >Using the small device it now sits upon you can magically set both the temperature and pressure >But before you can manage to start up the instrument Gran interrupts you “Are you sure you’re fine deary?” >Again with this? >”Yes I’m fine Gran, trust me” “Okay, is just, you’re shaking a bit there” >Shaking? You weren't Sha- >Oh wait yep. Yes you were >Your limbs had a slight shake to them. Was that always like that? >”I’m just cold Gran… thats all” “Fine” >You look back to the activation stand and use it to set your sphere at a chilly 273K (32F), and keep a stable one atmosphere >As you lift the sphere back out Gran speaks up once more “Bah, I don’t understand all this newfangled technology, I could make any gem I needed with some dirt and a rock, never needed no magic bauble” >”You have to admit it does make it a lot easier to grow speciality gemstones, Gran” “Sure, sure, but it takes away the soul of the action, it’s just not the same gratification as gettin’ one to grow all by your lonesome” >”I suppose I’ll have to concede to that point Gran” “Darn well better, it’s what I taught you” >”....” >”Hey Gran. I just wanted to thank you for helping me earlier” “Think nothin’ of it child, you were just doing what all youths do; go around thinking they’re invincible” >Scales tuts impatiently behind you >”Sorry Gran I gotta go help my rescue dragon” “It’s nice of you to help deary” >Gran walks away as you trot back to Scales’ apparatus >Nearly everypony has finished with their spheres and are slowly filing out of the room, each saying goodbye to Gran >Lucky for both Scales and yourself Fire rubies were fairly simple to grow if you know what they liked >And in their case you had to look no further than the environment fostered in the dragon territories >Hot, smoky, and rocky >You quickly crush up some basalt and mix it with the soil, tossing it all in the sphere >”Can you please blow a puff of smoke over this Scales” “Sure” >The dragon let's loose a great plume of smoke >You manage to close and seal the sphere just before the excessive amount of smoke activates the fire sprinkler system >Looks like you’re going to get that shower you wanted after all *Bweep* *Bweep* *Bweep* >A spray of mist blasts from the ceiling to put out the non existent fire >AH! That’s cold! >The spray stops once the smoke dissipates from the air and the water drains into the earthen floor >You and Scales are drenched, Gran made it to cover under a table and everypony else had left already “Heh, sorry about that” >Grrr, but also shiver, but still grr >You need Anon, a good snuggle with him would warm you up, calm you down and hopefully help you sort out what’s happening in your head >Gran has gotten back up and is shaking her head side to side “...idiots” >Wordlessly she leaves the room, clearly done with you for the day >You roll Scales’ sphere to him >”Set that to 473K (392F) and don’t change the pressure and you’ll be done” >Now it’s your turn to silently leave >But not before you pick up your Growth sphere and put it in your saddle bag >Surveying the room before leaving you are certainly not envious of the cleaning staff >That spray really made a wet mess of things >Be minutes later and you’re almost to the nurse's office >Nurse Soft Cotton... hmm >As far as you’re concerned, until Anon was yours, Nurse Soft Cotton was the enemy >Flouncing that fluff all over the place >It was so obvious what she was doing, going about like that >Not like you, you were being subtle with your affection >Right? >Whatever, you didn’t want her to see you so shaken up like this >But you did need to get your leg checked out >It had a little graze on it that was just dying to be infected >As you round the corner you find yourself falling to the ground after walking into somepony coming the other direction “AH, Shear I am so sorry” >You open your eyes as you feel those familiar rough paws wrap around you and lift you back to your hooves >It’s your favourite human >A smile widens on your muzzle >Celestia /has/ to be listening, because he was exactly what you wanted right now >He kneels down beside you >Then puts both paws behind your ears and rubs up and down along the back of your head down to your neck “Aaaaw, you are such a cute widdle thing when you smile like that” >You don’t know why Anon was talking in that stupid voice or why he’s saying those things but you are loving it >His paws leave a warmth growing in your face >You’re quickly losing yourself in the pleasure of Anon’s gentle strokes >”mMmmM” >Oh gosh Anon don’t stop now >He ends his affectionate rubbing by pushing your cheeks together and mewling about in that same stupid voice >Why? why’d you have to stop Anon? >Standing back up his regular voice returns to him “Woah. Just realised you are /really/ wet…(thought I smelt wet dog)” >What! How did he know that?! >Oh wait he means you’re literally wet >Insert wiping of forehead sweat with hoof *Phew* >With his forearms back in view you can now that see Anon has a bandage wrapped around it >Concern rushes over you, or you think its concern, still hard to tell what you feel >”What’s that Anon? Did you hurt yourself? How did it happen?” >He puts his paws up defensively “Woah, woah. Just slow down there a minute. I’m fine don’t worry, I just, ahhh, fell over is all. Nurse Soft Cotton’s already given me a clean bill of health” >”Oh. Good to hear Anon” >This guy is really prone to injuries, but they don’t seem to slow him down in the slightest >Those bandages wrapped about his forearm give you an idea >A way to use his damage heavy lifestyle to get your gem onto Anon without raising his suspicions >And he’s in some sneaky fight club, it’ll just make it all the better “Yeah, by the way, why are you so damp?” >Darn dragon >”Dragons are stupid Anon” “Ha, alright then you silly filly” >... >... >Anon’s lost the happy glow about him and is looking at you concerned >... “So you’re not going to tell me?” >”Wh- Tell you what?” “What’s wrong. You’ve been shaking since we bumped into each other and you’re looking pretty distant” >”No, no, I’m fine just cold is all” >Now that Anon was here, in front of you, it was a lot harder to tell him what happened for some reason >Maybe because you just didn't find yourself caring that much any more “Well. If you don't want to tell me that's fine, just know that I’m here for you if you need anything” >”Thanks Anon” >He begins to move away >Anon was such a nice guy, he.. he, he was leaving… >Why did that suddenly make you so sad? >Your shaking spreads through your body as you’re overcome with sobs >Great watery tears drop from your eyes, giving off small *plops* as they strike the floor >Why are you breaking down like this! >With your emotions coming back they hit you with a force >Anon’s turned back around and is rushing to you >He scoops you up in his arms and effortlessly lifts you up to his chest >Supporting you with an arm under your flank he gently strokes your back with his free paw >You’d call him a lewd pon- Human, if it weren't so comforting >He softly coo’s to you as you sob into his shirt “There, there Shear, it’ll be alright, just let it all out” >He cradles you for several minutes in his arms, swaying side to side, while you drench the front of his shirt in tears >Through sobs you manage to explain your terrifying near death experience >Silently he absorbs what you tell him, holding you close “Don’t worry Shear, it’s over. You are a strong pony, you’ll be fine. I’m here for you” >Because he said that you knew you would be >Your shaking stops and your sobbing quiets down *hic* >aw poop *hic* >You pull your face out of Anon’s chest to view the carnage left behind >Half his front was wet and there were two rather distinct snotty patches where your muzzle had been *hic* >Anon looks down at your bleary eyed, wet cheeked and snotty muzzled face and smiles *hic* >Absolutely exhausted, emotionally drained, yet feeling strangely much better, and with Anon holding you so caringly you simply couldn't resist *hic* >Lost in the moment you reach up and give Anon a wet, snotty kiss on the cheek >Oh my gosh! >You retract yourself from Anon’s face, yelp of shock dying to a gurgle in your throat >AH! what did you do!? How could you do that!? >”I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” >You blink the remaining tears from your eyes to focus properly on Anon >He’s silent >Astoundingly you think you see the hints of a soft pink coming to his cheeks >But your eye’s may just be tricking you >Your hiccups have gone after your self caused shock >Still silent Anon pulls you into another hug >You’ll take that as a good sign >He prepares to say something but is cut off by the screech of the PA system coming on “This will be the last warning for a certain inmate Anonymous to report to timeout immediately! Thank you~” >He looks around awkwardly “Sorry, but I gotta leave. The Warden’s dangerous when she’s mad, or when she thinks at me with her mind, or magic, whatever. We can talk later if you want” >No, not what you want! You want to shout out your love for Anon right now, and you certainly never want him to put you back down >You do only live once after all >Bad sadly it’s probably for the best, you need to calm down before trying to talk to Anon about anything >“...alright then Anon. Sorry about your shirt. So I’ll see you later?” >With a pat to the head he’s puts you down >He’s already back to his normal cheerful self “Of course, and don’t worry about the shirt. Now I really gotta go, sorry” >He sprints off, eager to get to timeout before Honey Cakes gets real mad >You too must go, to continue your journey to Nurse Soft Cotton, probably where Anon was just coming from >Well he did say she gave him a bill of clean health >The way she acts around Anon and how Anon usually responds she would have gotten mad rubs off of him >Not that you were missing out >But she was your main competition as far as you could tell, not that she’d be able to put up much of a challenge against you now! haha! >With renewed cheer in your hoof step you set off to the nurse’s office >A short while later you come out of your thoughts at Soft Cottons Clinic >The little lights on the door say she’s free >Wait a second? >You've come to a depressing realisation >In kissing Anon you’d just inadvertently revealed your feelings to him >Something you were only planning to do after using your enchantment to see if he /like/, liked you >Which means…. >Which means the Seedling you just risked your life for was pointless >....idiot >You thud the door with your head several times >Then start to laugh > It was funny wasn't it? >You’d risked your life trying to get something to help you tell Anon how you felt about him, only for the near death experience brought about by it to push you into doing so before you could even use the stupid thing! >What a waste >Technically not, the gem did kind of get you to tell, or show, Anon how you felt >Just now you don’t have the advantage of knowing how Anon feels >When you kissed him his reaction was… modest? But what else would you expect from him >You’d put yourself at cautiously optimistic, play your cards right and you could have Anon all to yourself a lot earlier than expected >Finally contented you enter the clinic, but not before doing a quick once over smoothing down fur and wiping down your face >You were looking reasonably clean if your reflection in the window was anything to go by >Most of your snot and gunk had been left on Anon >Soft Cotton flaps into the room from a doorway on the ceiling >Stupid, but life saving, wings “Ah, Krystal Shear, you’re looking a bit rough around the edges this afternoon... and wet. What can I do for you” >She hoofs towards her operating chair >You have a seat >”I fell down a hole and now I have a graze on my left hoof. I’ll just take a band-aid and be on my way” >A raised eyebrow “You must hang out with Anon a lot to be acting tough like that” >”I was thinking just the same thing earlier. Tell me how bad was his injured arm? I know he plays down how badly things hurt him” >Soft Cotton’s just confused “hmm? Injured arm? What do you mean?” >”Didn’t he just come from here after falling down and hurting his arm?” >Soft Cotton shakes her head “As far as I know Anon should be on his way to time-out, at least according to The Wardens announcement he’d want to be” >”Oh…” >What have you been doing Anon? “So you’re saying you saw him just before, injured?” >”Well yeah, he told me he’d been to see you about it” >Soft Cotton strokes away at her muzzle in thought, as a wave of annoyance passes over her face “Say what club did Anon just have?” >”He should have been at the gym with Platinum Strike, why?” “Simple curiosity, but for now let's get you fixed up” >Soft Cotton produces a band-aid and applies it to your hoof “There all better” >It did feel better somehow >Healing magic infused band-aids maybe? >With Soft Cotton right here you may as well try some espionage >”Sooo, speaking of Anon what do you think about him?” >Cotton looks up with a smirk on her face “Oh, come now Shear. So timidly dancing about the topic. I’ll be blunt with you. I like Anon and I know you like him too” “I’d love to share him with you, there’s plenty of him to go around between two mares. Believe me, I did his physical. But, I can tell you’re a pony who wants him all to yourself” >She wasn’t wrong there “Well I implore you put away those desires and join up with me. If we work together we could both have Anon, there would be no risk of missing out should he pick somepony over the other, after all you can’t control how Anon feels” >Damn she was right >For a moment you could feel yourself agreeing >Wait what? No Anon /will/ be yours >”I’m sorry Soft Cotton, but I have to turn down your offer” >Soft Cotton’s eyes briefly stare daggers at you “Very well Shear, but I have no doubt Anon’s attracted the eye of more than just you and I. So if you ever want to rethink your decision I’ll always be here, waiting. Now please, I have business to attend to” >You leave in turmoil, slowly putting one hoof in front of the others >Soft Cotton might be right about Anon catching the eye of other mares. Sea Swirl was flirtatious enough to worry you >If you've got competition you’ll just have to try extra hard to win Anon’s affections >But you’ll need a plan >The gears in your head begin to turn as you make your way to your bedroom >You need to wash up and change your clothes before heading to your last club for the day >A nice, simple and calming Arts and Craft session >Be Anon >You’d wrestled briefly about telling Shear the truth about your arm, but decided you should ask Platinum first out of respect >When she beamed that happy smile up at you there was no resisting the urge to pet the sweet little thing >Besides, things that adorable cannot go un-petted >Yet she looked distant, troubled by something, and she was shaking, never a good sign >You’d just started moving off when you heard her sobbing >You knew there was something wrong >Turning back around you spy the smol horse on the floor bawling her eyes out >Your heart absolutely ached for the poor thing so you immediately rush over to pick her up in a comforting embrace >Softly you sway about, cooing to the poor thing and gently rubbing her back >“There, there Shear, it’ll be alright, just let it all out” >She continues crying on you for several minutes while attempting to explain what had happened to her >From the coherent parts you gather she almost fell to her demise while at Gem Club >By the time she’s finished the tale a large portion of your shirt has soaked through with pony tears >You don’t mind though >She’s obviously been suffering from shock for awhile now >Something must have pushed her over the edge and she broke down >Wonder how long the tough little bugger had been holding out >Lucky someone was here for her >“Don’t worry Shear, it’s over. You are a strong pony, it’ll all be fine” >Simple words but they get the point across >Shear’s shivers and shakes pretty much stop and her sobs grew quieter until ceasing entirely >Everything is silent for a moment while she keeps her face hidden in your chest >... *hic* >Awe that’s so cute! She gave herself the hiccups *hic* >Shear pulls her face back from your chest and inspects your now quite dirty shirt >Her eye’s were red and puffy from all the crying >Cheeks still glistening from wetness >Hair a mess and nose a running tap, all in all she wasn't looking too flash >To you, she was as adorable as ever, sad eyes rocketing your paternal nurturing instincts into overdrive *hic* >You give her your best heart-warming smile >She seems to notice as her head slowly looks up at you, eyes blinking away the tears *hic* >... >She’s just looking at you >Her dead eyed, barely conscious look is kinda uncomfortable *hic* >Before you can react she cranes her head up and leaves a /very/ messy kiss on your cheek >eek! >Now that surprised you >Her warm breath passes over your face before she snaps back away from you like a snake >She seems more surprised than you do, offering up a gurgle of shock before producing anything articulate ”I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” >Unable to stop yourself a small pink discolouration finds itself forming on your cheeks >Jeez you where the one who normally made the ponies blush not vice versa >Not sure of what to say you pull her back into a tight hug >You could start by saying something to reassure her >Like ‘I’m not angry’ or ‘it’s alright’, (or ‘u wan sum fuk?’) >You go to speak but are cut off by the blaring intercom “This will be the last warning for a certain inmate Anonymous to report to timeout immediately! Thank you~” >Shoot. Completely forgot >Way to ruin the moment warden >“Sorry, but I gotta leave. The Warden’s dangerous when she’s mad, or when she thinks at me with her mind, or magic whatever. We can talk later if you want” >It would give you with some time to deal with your thoughts “...alright then Anon. Sorry about your shirt. So I’ll see you later?” >With a pat to the head you put her down >You pop your cheery smile back on for her benefit >“Of course, and don’t worry about the shirt. Now I really gotta go, sorry” >You sprint off determined to get to timeout before Honey Cakes kills you >But not before turning back to watch that small blue pony almost cheerfully, but still very wearily, walk away >What were you going to do with that one? >You jog down the last corridor to the timeout room >There are two earth ponies guarding outside the door >No Warden >Once you arrive the small stallion to the left pulls out his inflatable fluffy guard baton “Pwishener! gert infoo ta rwoom!” >”I-I can’t understand you with that thing in your mouth, can you take it out?” >He furiously shakes his head “No fway!” >You look to the mare on the right >”And what’s his problem?” “He heard about what you did to Sergeant Heavy Hoofed when they were bringing you in, what you did to earn your red suit. Also he apparently thinks you did something to an inmate called Fern, made him go all weird” “Anyway now he’s terrified the big bad hue-man is going to whack his flanks too” >You quickly jerk toward the stallion and he flinches away >Ha, nice >”And what about you then? You don’t look scared at all” >The guard blushes but keeps solid eye contact with you “Some naughty mares quite enjoy a soft smack on the flank” >The guards tone becomes sultry and she leans in toward you “Maybe you could help me with a demonstration? Mr Big Bad Hue-man” >You were really diggin’ the big bad human talk, but to you there’s a distinct line between giving a pony a scratch for doing something nice (or just for being too adorable) and spanking soft pony ass >Not that it doesn't tempt the proto-human aspect of your brain that gains strength the longer you go without getting any action... or having a wank >Maybe it’s time to teach mini Anon who daddy is? >Wait! What are you thinking!? You have other things on your mind right now, like your small friend >While Shear came away from that encounter for the better the memory of such an adorable creature crying so pitifully haunts you, filing your heart with sorrow >And keeping your erection shrivelled and weak >That kiss only complicates your thoughts >Speaking of, what's with this guard >”Some other time perhaps” >The mare’s eyes widen with excitement “I’m free all tomorrow, you should come by, but, er could you wear a new shirt” >Je-zus, this pony >”Eh, heh.. yeah... So do I really need two guards here to watch me?” “mwes yhow dwo” >”I'm not talking to you guy, unless you spit out the damn bat” >More furious head shaking “You don’t. My shift here ends once you go through that door, then it’s just scaredy cat here” >”Cool, anything I need to know before going in?” “Yes actually. Because you are late The Warden said your visitor rights for this time have been removed, and as you know you are also only allowed to use the bad box of pencils” “She would have told you herself but you took so long getting here she had to leave or be late for a meeting with some science nerd ponies. She looked real sad she couldn't stick around to yell at you” >That’s fine by you >”Koolio, Seal me up guys” >You step through the doorway, the mare closes it as you pass by >You turn around and through the small window watch the odd pony walk away, leaving her terrified friend behind >You bash on the wall behind him and he goes flying into the air, diving away in fear >Too easy little pony >You turn back around and survey the surroundings >The timeout room keeps with the honeycomb aesthetics of the place with the vague hexagonal shape of the room >This was quite a large room with a small circular pit in the centre, lined with soft cushions making the perfect nest like space for some reading ponies, or one full sized Anon >The room comes with its own small bookshelf containing short stories, comics, and drawing and colouring books >There’s a circular table with many chairs and a few bean bags scattered about the place, along with a drinking fountain, near the back >You can also spot a some crates full of toys and craft supplies >Remarkably there’s also a ball pit in here >Timeout must have group events or something >Whelp straight to the ball pit >Gotta take yo’ shoes off first >And while you’re at it you pop your shirt off too >The wet patch had kind of dried, but those snotty areas were still fairly obvious >How could such a small pony cause such a large mess >All using only her face >Point was the shirt was gross and needed a wash >Which reminds you there’s a pillow case waiting for you back in your floors laundry after having suffered a similar fate involving Shear’s face >You fall into the small pit and writhe about >A few moments later you sit up, thoroughly underwhelmed by the thing >It is just a ball pit after all >What to do? What to do? >The Warden did suggest a lot of ponies spend their time drawing >May as well give that a shot >You rummage through the crates until discovering the elusive box of ‘bad’ pencils >You open up the box to check them out >The tops of every pencil had been slightly gnawed upon >It's more than likely that 'bad pencils' is a euphemism for 'earth pony pencils' >You set yourself up and get to it >A few minutes later let's see what Anon has made (pic related-not pastebin available boiz) >You put the picture to the side, desire to draw anything more dwindling >God you still have forever left! >Maybe timeout is an effective punishment >If only because it bores you into sedation >You dawdle your way back to the door to check on your guard >He was still dutifully standing away, bat in mouth >Maybe you can get some entertainment out of this guy >Hmm. You've got an idea >There are plenty of crafting supplies available and after some hasty construction work you can go ahead with your plan >You set up your creation, rearrange the room to hide some things and you’re ready to go >Moving into the ball pit you sink down and hide yourself, like a crocodile just beneath the surface of a murky pond >”GUARD HELP! HELP! I NEED HELP! I'M IN TROUBLE!” >As expected you hear the door burst open and the guard run inside “Pwishoner whaf have wou done!?” >You lay silently under your balls (lol balls) “Pwishiner?” >You hear the guard sheathing his bat “Where did you go prisoner? This isn't funny” >You stay quiet “Prisoner come out at once!” >... >The guard begins moving further into the room “You better not have escaped prisoner or the Warden’s gunna be real mad...” “...Probably at me” >You can hear him moving closer and closer “Argh, prisoner I swear if yo- *Twang* >He’s stepped on the cotton tripwire you’d set up >If everything works you should soon- *Splash* “AH! PRISONER!!” >Yep >You should soon hear a bucket full of water hitting your guard >Just as planned >Before he has a chance to recuperate you burst up from the ball pit screaming your loudest war cry >You briefly see absolute terror in your guards eyes, before tearing the massive bag of glitter you’d found in the craft supplies right over him >You’re surprised by the lack of noise, screams or any attempt to run >Until the cloud of glitter fades away, revealing an unconscious, wet and completely covered head to hoof in glitter, guard >What was this guy, half fainting goat? >Maybe you should have removed the ‘scare the bejesus out of him’ part of your plan >Well what do you do now? >You look down at your glittery guard >Hmm? >... >A short while later you dump your guard back outside the door, equipped with new fully sik Anon approved accessories >You’d be surprised what you can make out of paper, cloth and tape >Being a kind fellow you also provide him a pillow to rest on >Maybe he’ll thank you when he wakes up? >Probably not >Be Anon’s guard (Star Badge) >You are unconscious outside Anons holding room and are looking amazing in your new digs >Aside from the radical glitter bling bringing a sparkle to your normally drab brown coat you now have: >One crudely made green paper face mask, one red poorly designed tie and one guards uniform covered in black cloth and tape >Your Cutie Mark also has a piece of paper with a question mark taped over the top of it >All in all, suit, mask and cutie mark, you look like a pretty anonymous pony >A picture of beauty in Anon’s eyes >But you wouldn’t know it, you’re unconscious >Back to Anon >... >Now what? >They may have something cool to read in that bookshelf >The small bookshelf contains a number of painfully happy and dreary sounding short stories >Various comic books about a mare who uses her massive fortune and a futuristic black armoured suit to dole out vigilante kindness on the cold streets of manehattan >There’s also a small locked glass section of the shelf that has a warning label *Danger: enchanted comics, use only with professional guidance* >Must. read. dangerous. book >You fiddle with the lock and pull at the little glass door >It’s not going to happen >Fine let's read one of their story books >You pull a book out at random and *pomf* into the cushioned pit >What did you pick out >Harry… Trotter? >What’s the blurb say? *The tale of a unicorn forced to live with earth ponies before escaping their backward ways to join up with an elite college to pursue the intellectual and magical arts* >What’s with the earth pony racism? Damn elitist unicorns >Fuck it let's just read >Writhing about to get yourself comfortable you overhear someone outside arguing with your guard >Good to see the guy’s woken back up >The voices are a little dampened but you can still make them out, kinda “I have to see the prisoner...” “No way not gunna happen, prisoners agitated right now, could act out, besides he’s not allowed visitors” “Agitated? yeah I can see that… But if the Warden hears about you not letting me in to tend to one of her inmates you’ll be in a world of trouble mister, and trust me, she’ll find out” “Hrrr” >Your guard sounds less than thrilled at having to go back into your room >Things outside quiet down for a while before you hear the unlocking of your door >Wow, it was actually locked >Wait did that pony outside say tend? >This can't be good >Wow, it was actually locked >Your guard enters first to herald your visitor, but he’s pulled out his baton out once again >He was still rather glittery and had chosen to forgo the clothes you’d made for him “Wou hab a vishiter” >”And here I thought I wasn’t supposed to get any visitors” “Shpecial conshiderwasion” >“Fair enough, but can I just say I love what you’ve done with your coat, quite nice” >You chuckle to yourself before being interrupted by your guard, who’s put his bat away, apparently deciding so long as he stood at the door he’d be fine “Laugh now prisoner, but just you wait until I tell The Warden what you did!” >Aw man! >Dat painful and sudden realisation you’d just pranked another guard >So timeout isn't an effective form of punishment then >And you’re likely to be in here tomorrow because of that >It’s a flawed system >Your visitor enters the room >Nurse Soft Cotton >You go blank faced and feel the cold chill of fear tingling down your spine >Shit, you knew this couldn't be good >How could she have found out about you being hurt already! >Damn these dull witted genius ponies “Thank you Star Badge, you may leave now” “But what if he attacks you? This one is dangerous mare’am” >Soft Cotton bats him on the back of the head sending a sprinkling of glitter into the air “I said you may leave” >Your fearful guard backs out of the room, eyes always on you >The door closes and Soft Cotton stalks toward you >Aw jee wizz you dun goofed “You are in trouble Mister Anonymous” >She stops her walk at the rim of your cushion pit, looking down at your sprawled, shirtless body before subtly biting her lip *Unf* >”I swear Soft Cotton, I didn't do anything!” >You put your hands up as an innocent man >Her hoof directs itself to your bandaged forearm “Then that is? Not to mention I'm sure Honey Cakes will not be impressed with what you did to her guard” >Shit >You don’t really have anything to say “Look Anon the halls are already filled with rumours of what happened to you at the gym, how could you possibly believe nopony would find out?” >”Shoot. Platinum said no one would spill the beans!” >That pisses you off, mostly because someone would betray Platinum's trust >That’s totally against the bro code >And also al-fucking-ready!? There are rumours going around already? >What is this shit? *Grr* “Can you at least tell me who told? Please?” >Snitches needed to be dealt with, severely >Soft Cotton flashes a wicked grin at you “Why you did of course, just then” >... >You fucked up >How did you just lose a mind game with a tiny talking pegasus >You didn't know they could use deception, they were too adorable for that! >What is this madness! >Your anger drains away in a sepulchral groan >You don’t want to deal with this right now but you have to anyway >”Well you didn't bring The Warden with you so I’ll assume you’re here for something aside from destroying the fight club” “I couldn't care less for the so called “secret” fight club” “Honestly they’re one of the only sources of work for me. That and the ponies the Changeling sisters leave behind...” >She flutters down to stand next to your bandaged arm “...And of course you Anon” >Her wings gently wrap around your arm to unravel the bandage >With your scratches exposed a brief look of concern, fear, and horror passes over Soft Cotton “Tut, tut Anon this is no good” >Your two small cuts have formed little dot like scabs along where your blood had been welling up >All in all it looks fine to you “Lucky I brought something for this” >Cotton pulls a jar of salve from her saddlebag and applies the glowing blue contents to your arm >It feels cool to the touch >She then wraps you back up in a fresh bandage >Looks good, more professional than Platinum's attempt >You give her a thumbs up, but realise that probably doesn't translate very well, so you also smile to show your appreciation >”So what did you want Cotton?” >She lays down beside you, putting her forelegs on your bare chest “In exchange for my silence I want something from you, but you've already figured that out” >”And that is?” “I want in” >In? >”In what?” “I want you to let me into your friend group, and, I want to be allowed to sit next to you at dinner tonight” >Seriously that’s all? >”Uh, yeah I’m fine with that, I already thought of you as a friend so no biggy” “W-wait that easy? hehe. In that case you also need to give me a cuddle then. A good one, right now, lights on…. above the covers” >Have all the ponies here gone crazy? >Their adorable affection has escalated to something more >And of course she’d have to make it weird by adding in those last things >Damn ponies had you feeling weird again, forcing you to think about shit and stuff >Would you a pony? Yeah you probably would a pony >Even if you’d only been on their world for a week and learnt of their existence just two days prior >But as your hero captain kirk always said “The power of boners beats all” >So you would a pony, but could you a pony and stick around for the whole relationship thing >Well your chances of managing something like that with a human are currently, what you’d call, ‘slim’ >You suppose when it really comes down to it, all you care about is the mind >And these ponies have human-like psyches, albeit a little more immature >So yeah you could have romantic feelings towards some ponies >You bet Shear would be happy to hear that >But then what about Nurse Soft Cotton? It has become alarmingly apparent that she too likes you, judging from current and past behaviour >At least you think so, it’s kind of hard to know what’s affection and what’s just pure insanity with these little dudes >So then what to do? >She’ll tell Warden Honey Cakes about the fight club if you don’t >Besides hugging such a soft creature would do some good in easing your burdened thoughts >She looks at you with great big begging puppy dog eyes >Oh god it hurts! Too god damned adorable to resist >You’ll just have to grit your teeth and take one for the team. (It’s not like you want to or anything... b-baka) >For the fight club! >”Okay Soft Cotton, I’ll do it” >She tries to speak but nothing comes out, instead her cheeks gain a hint of red “Oh my… Sorry I didn't expect you to say yes.. Well then I guess I’ll just, um I’ll- >Too long >You grasp at the pink pegasus and pull her towards you >She ends up nestled along your side, gently cradled by your arm, head resting on your pec >Good God is this pony soft! >With your shirt off you can really get a feel of her coat pushed against your body >And that feel is… pretty much nothing, her fur is that damn soft >And as a pegasus she basically weighs nothing >”How’s this? Comfortable enough?” “...I-uh, yes this is fine Anon…” >”Alright then” “C-could you.. um can... can you rub my back?” >... >“...okay” >Praise the sun >Anon’s paw starts to stroke you from your wings, down your spine all the way to a tantalisingly close end near your rump >You breath deeply of Anon’s chest, eagerly taking in his scent >Shangri-la reached >Much to your chagrin, and very much against your will, your immaculately styled chest fluff slowly rises to brush against Anon’s side >Hey! Stop that tuft, who said you could come up? >You weren't trying to impress anypony, out compete somepony or even get a chest rub >Yet it came up all by itself >Gosh darn Anon and the lewdness of his pats >You need to get it together >Anon’s rubbed your chest fluff before so you should be fine with it but for some reason it’s so... embarrassing! >You were all by yourself, in a dangerously romantic position with Anon the big strong human, even if it may have been one you asked for, but that’s not the point >The point was you weren't the one to put your fluff up, it did it itself; stupid fluff >Normally you have perfect control of your body. You did study medicine so you know a trick or two about the pony body >Yet the mere touch of Anon’s rough but oddly smooth paws had you reacting on instinct >You need a distraction “hehe, haha HAHAHAH ha, ahhh je-zus!” >Anon’s burst of laughter has you raising our head in worry >”Are you alright Anon?” “Yeah it’s just-hehe hahah >He breaks off into snorts and giggles before lifting you up and repositioning you onto your belly rather than your side “Ha, sorry. That tuft of fur on your chest was ticking me super bad, I couldn't hold it in any more” >”Oh, that’s fine Anon” >He resumes his gentle stroking >You on the other hoof have entered a realm called the N’th dimension of embarrassment >Tickling him with you fluff!? What’s the matter with you? >Suddenly Anon’s paw stops and rests on the small of your back between your wings >Oh, Anon don’t do it >His digits extend out and he rubs back and forth, fingers stroking along your back, and just under where your wings join to your body >This was occasionally interspersed with the squeezing of his fingers together around the base of your wings >Each squeeze sending ripples of pleasure through your wings and to your brain >You really need a distraction now “Are all pegasi wings this soft?” >”mmm” >Or maybe not, you did go to the spa a lot >Anon’s other arm descends to reveal a book in his paw >Harry Trotter, you’d loved that one as a filly >Wait a second! Anon was happy as ever reading away while you were here, veritably dying because of him! >It’s just plain rude! >And to be doing something so informal, while in such a compromising situation >Or maybe you were just jealous of how well Anon could handle himself >Oh but that book would make a fantastic distraction >That would have to be why Anon’s reading it >”Hey Anon can I have a read of that book. It’s one of my favourites” “Uh, yeah sure, just read it aloud for me” >You could manage that >”Can do” >He puts the book down on his chest for you to grab with your hooves >You would use your wings but they're a bit preoccupied >And a little too stiff to work articulately >Yes. To your shame Anon’s wandering paws had fully aroused your wings >Why was Anon being so... lewd with you? All you wanted was a long hug and a few pats >You begin the book from the page Anon had ended on >“One can never have enough socks, said Dumblepone.” >This book was a lot more racy than you remember >”Another Hearth's warming has come and gone and I didn't get a single pair. Ponies will insist on giving me books” >You forgot Dumblepone was a comical perv pony >You feel Anon’s body relax beside you as you continue reading >You look up at him to see he’s closed his eyes and is attempting to doze off while you read to him >What a cute Anon >As you read Anon the short story you slowly scoot yourself up a little higher and roll onto your back, covering your wings as a respite from Anon’s paws merciless teasing, but exposing your fully erect chest fluff >Not that you weren't loving it but you did have to leave this place soon and you absolutely could not be seen with your wings out like that. You’re a professional >In this new position your head rests on Anon’s shoulder, and with his long arms he can still embrace you from ear to hoof >You’re gently pushed back and forth as Anon’s chest expands and shrinks >It astounds you how just by breathing Anon was effortlessly able to move your body >You continue reading >”Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus said- >Your voice briefly turns shrill before cracking and cutting out as Anon’s relentless attack continued >His paw had found itself on your soft belly, small amounts of pony chub pushing between Anon’s fingers >You find yourself wishing you’d spent more time working out >But that hasn't dulled Anon’s enthusiasm >He was a beast >You were down for some lewd fun more than most ponies, but this cuddle had escalated into a full blown snuggle! >His fingers dance along your underside, running through your tuft and across your belly >It’s getting harder and harder to concentrate on your book >Eventually you just put it up and close your eyes >Vision deprived you could now experience Anon’s rubbing in full >You've gotta admit if he’d already done this with Shear it was no longer a mystery as to why she wouldn't share Anon with you >A quiet moan escapes your lips >Anon stops “Hmm?” >AH! He heard! >”Oh, just a tickle in my throat Anon’” “That’s what I thought” >He begins again >For what feels like an eternity Anon plays with your underside, until you are overcome by massive disorientation >Anon has stood up with you in his grasp >He holds you at his side like you’re some accessory and carts you over to the door >”W-what are you doing Anon!” “I figured you’d had enough, plus you were getting a little sweaty” >The embarrassment just doesn't stop today >”If it must end, but I will be seeing you at dinner” >It wasn't a question “duh, I keep my promises” >Anon drops you at the door >You take a second to smooth yourself down and fold your wings back up >You knock on the door to alert the guard >”Open up Star Badge, I’m ready to leave now” >You’re surprised when a female unicorn guard opens the door rather than Star Badge >”Uh, hello. Who are you? And where is Star Badge?” >You’d never seen this guard mare in your life “Star Badge had to make an urgent call, I’m just here to replace him” >”But why have I never seen you before?” “I’m a new recruit, you wouldn't have seen me around” >Suspicious >”But all the new recruits have to go through a physical with me…” >The mare stammers and looks about awkwardly “Ah! Did I say new recruit, oh boy I am an airhead today! I meant to say I’m a new transfer from Luna penitentiary” >Less suspicious “Well alright then” >You didn't want to have to deal with this right now anyway >Flapping away you already plan to have yourself a much needed cold shower >Be Star Badge the Guard pony >That insane red suit monkey-dragon thing, human whatever, had just been ushered into the timeout room >You didn't trust it >Too unpredictable >That’s why you needed your baton at all times >He’d already come at you earlier making you flinch away >That had apparently been enough to sate his blood lust so maybe he wasn't so tough after all >Although once he was inside the room he did hit the wall behind you with a strong enough force to send it shaking >Gave you a right fright >Since that nothing much else interesting had happened >That was until you’d gone in to check on the prisoner's frantic yells for help >Of course it had to have been a trap >The last thing you remember before being woken up by the Nurse was the prisoner appearing from the ball pit, bag of glitter in his paws, roaring like a wild thing >In your sleep the inmate had dressed you up to imitate himself, the narcissism of that one! >Nurse Soft Cotton had then convinced you to let her inside and it had been a long time since you’d left her in there >Oh no! What if he attacked her? What if he /ate/ her!? You've seen him devouring meat everyday so far, and you already knew he was dangerous >What have you done! You sent poor Nurse Soft Cotton to her doom >No, it’s time to be brave, you can beat that monster, save the mare and the day! >You haven’t heard any noise though, let’s just check through the doors little window firs- >...Huh? That looks a bit like...Oh! >Your head ducks down faster than you thought possible and you shuffle back to your post, whistling away like nothing happened >Despite no one being around, your little cheeks flare up in embarrassed >You’re such an idiot! How could you have looked? >You only peeked for a second, but that was too much >The things he was doing to her… >Oh my! >Bad human those aren't things you should do to a mare in such an open place >Those are things you’d only do with your wife in the privacy of your own room >Whatever they've done and are currently doing you know that because of it, you won’t be able to look either of them in the eyes any time soon >You really, really don’t want to be guarding this place right now >Just as you’re settling back down you swear you could see a flash of yellow flame from down one of the corridors >No. It must have just been your mind playing tricks on you after seeing something so traumatic, because where you thought you saw fire is now a unicorn guard trotting toward you “Hey there Star Badge, the glitter’s a nice touch” >You’d never seen this guard before but she had the right uniform so you could trust her >”Yes mare’am?” “So look, I haven’t had much in the way of guard duty lately and I need to get my hours up, do you think I could take the rest of your shift?” >It’s as if Celestia herself personally answered your prayers. A way out from this place >”Oh yes! Thank you Mare’am” “Excellent, is there anything you can tell me about the prisoner b- >You can’t hear the rest, having already bolted away. You just had to get out of there >But as you trot along that naughty part of your little mind knew the wife was going to be impressed tonight, that monkey had some moves >Moves you decide you subconsciously learnt because what you saw didn't happen >And giving such an evil prisoner any kind of admiration was unacceptable after what he did to you >Be Odonata the yellow changeling sister >You’d turned into some random pony you’d met years ago and added a guard uniform to her look >After that you easily persuaded the guard to leave, but not before trying to pry information about Anon out of him >Sadly he ran off before you could finish your questioning >If you didn't have to act like a pony you’d be beating him for his insolence, even if he was a guard >They couldn't intimidate you. Except Cookies ‘n’ Cream >She was scary stuff >With Star Badge gone you close your eyes and open up your mind >Casting forth your psycho-kinetic powers as a net for emotions you quickly pick up on the presence of a pony in the timeout room. You can’t feel Anon, but you know he’s in there >Especially considering the feelings that pony was giving off >You weren't actively trying to take in her emotions but you were being left hot and heavy down under from her feelings >Amazingly it doesn't feel like Shear in there >Hmm? Was that Soft Cotton’s emotional imprint? >You’re not surprised, she had been giving off a few lustful emotions towards Anon recently >There’s also a few spikes of embarrassment coming from the room >Her feelings are a lot more potent than you remember. Anon’s doing? Thoraxie would probably say so >In that case let’s try something >You extend your mental net out as far as you can, just before the breaking point of the innate magic >You filter out the beings around you by emotion, looking only for ponies whose emotional imprints had abnormally high residual lust levels or a greater level of potency in their emotions >It’s quite difficult and a job that would have been made a lot easier if you were your sister Thoraxie >The over talented bitch >Even with your weaker skill level you still find it easy to lock onto an immediate target >You can tell this one is Krystal Shear, she’s somewhere in the arts and craft room >It had been Chitosan who had learnt of that ponies affection towards Anon, shortly after lunch she had reported her findings to the group >Shear did have increased lust and love, everything else was normal, normal for a pony at least >Were her emotions stronger? You couldn't tell from this range >But another newly awakened emotional source arises in your mind >After a moment to focus on the being you can definitely tell it's a pony, one you've never met before >But if it was a pony that would probably be for the best >All you’d get from them would be fear and hatred if you ever meet >Your concentration slips when you overhear a yelp from the room >You’re mind races back to your body and your eyes shoot open >There’s a damp layer of sweat on your forehead from the strain of over extending yourself >The door handle moves as you wipe away the sweat with a sleeved foreleg >Out comes the Nurse, just as you thought >It pains you to admit it but she was proof not all ponies were bad >Of the ponies here she was one of the few who didn't actively give off spiteful emotions when you and your sisters were around >After a horribly sus conversation she leaves you be >But it’s no wonder she was so eager to get away from you and everybug else >There was visible strain on her face from struggling to keep her wings down >Damn, if you could get even a little of what Anon was giving her, well… >Well you’d be a very happy, full, Changeling >A short while later yet another visitor comes for Anon >A copper gold Gryphon, what was his name? >Gold Feather maybe >You didn't pay much attention to gryphons, their emotions were so bitter tasting, very unappealing >Currently he was giving off a great deal of respect to Anon, and a lot of guilt “I need to speak with inmate Anonymous thank you” >”Um, okay then” >You open the door and enter with the gryphon following your hooves >”Anonymous the human you have a visitor” “What happened to no visitors?, And where did scaredy cat go? More importantly, what is he doing here?” >Anon points to the gryphon >Your thoughts are suddenly overcome by an intense flare of anger coming from Anon, which just as quickly fades away as he calms down >He still feels mad, but it’s much harder to sense >You stumble a bit at the suddenness and swiftness of the anger >Needless to say it was a bit of a shock, but also impressive >The strength behind it was amazing >But anger is something you should avoid eating >Guess you've also learnt a valuable lesson for your sisters >Don’t make Anon angry >”I'm not sure about the visitor thing, but Star Badge had to leave because of sudden sickness. I've replaced him” >”As for what the gryphon is doing here I believe he is visiting you. Now be on with it” >You move back into a corner as Gold Feather moves toward Anon >You’re content to watch this interaction, it may provide insightful >... >Be Anon >Gold Feather has just shown up >Probably trying to settle the score between you >Well if he want’s to enter a world where knowledge is pain and your fists are the teachers then so be it >So long as he comes within your arm’s reach, because you’d finally found that perfect position of comfort in the cushion (cuddle) pit, and moving is difficult >”What do you want Gold feather!?” >He raises his talons defensively at your angry tone “Calm down Anon, I'm just here to say I'm sorry. I lost control and it should have never happened” >... >You’re still mad at him “And I have to say, you’re very strong” >Slightly less mad >The gryphon awkwardly rubs the back of his head “And I heard through the grapevine you lost your pudding privilege, so I got you this as an apology” >The gryphon hands you a pudding cup >Not even mad bro, that was actually really cool of the guy. Why such a change of heart? >Shame? Could be >The new guard at the back has gasped and is twitching about slightly “Before I go Anon, I also want to give you this” >Gold Feather pulls off a gold ring from one of his claws “Here, take it. This is for your strength” >He drops the ring in your open palm >”uuuh, thanks?” >Why is he doing all this? “The merchant I bought that from said it could make you move swift as the wind when you’re in peril. I wouldn't be able to tell you if it works though” >This whole situation begins to come clear once you recall something you’d read yesterday >Gryphon culture was power based, be it from your riches or raw physical prowess >By surviving one of Gold’s apparently life threatening attacks you’d gained his respect >Seeing what you’d learnt occurring in real life was pretty cool >”Ha, alright dude, that’s awesome, and I’ll forgive you” “Thank you Anon. Hope I see you in the “gym” club some time soon” >Maybe the guy wasn't that bad after all >You know you’d done some stupid shit when mad as fuck >And him giving up a pudding cup after that being why he attacked you really shows he’s truly remorseful >Also the ring he gave you is rad, even if it isn't enchanted, and even if it was you doubt it would ever activate, peril is rarer here than humans are >It’s gold with swirling spirals stylising it to look like a gust of wind >There’s 3 tiny sapphires embedded in it >It fits nicely on your left pinkie >Now you a real pimp >You just need a real hat, not one of the berets everyone wears >Actually no, what are you thinking, you don’t do hats, ever >”You’re a nice guy Gold Feather, just gotta keep that anger in check” “I’ll try” >Gold Feather walks out of the room, your new guard just remains in the corner, looking slightly dazed >”You know you can go now, err, Guard” “wha-, oh yes, goodbye inmate” >She attempts to casually stroll out of the room >Something about her seemed off >Like it was hard for her to concentrate >She stops just before the door >She looks to be mentally wrestling with something >”You alright there?” >By her face you’d say she’s made her decision “I just wanted to tell you that…That...” *sigh* “You’re a really nice guy Anonymous” “You’re so kind, accepting and forgiving, you’re willing to give everypony a second chance” “I’ve even seen how you treat those Changelings. PRC is a lucky place to have you, even if you’re an inmate” >You’re unsure as to why a random guard you’d never met had such things to say about you, but it was one of the more comforting things you’d heard since arriving in Equestria >But on that note your mind drifts to sadder thoughts >Since you had arrived here things were fine and all, but you still hadn’t fully accepted what happened to you >Either by complete chance or some other worldly power you’d been rocketed away from your life into fuck knows where >Being forcefully torn from your old world, family, friends, even your god damned dog >It was all quite traumatic and you find yourself often coming back to thoughts of home >Maybe you should ask Soft Cotton if she could get you a psych appointment or something >You can’t be hugging away all your feelings into these little ponies the rest of your life, you’ll go crazy >With that in mind you look back to the guard, she’s looking pretty sad herself, dejectedly staring at the floor >”Hey, uh, guard, or… what’s your name?” “Oh… it was, um… what was her name again?” >wat “Lemon Hearts! I’m Lemon Hearts” >”Well then Lemon Hearts, come here, I’ve got something for you for being so nice to me” >Lemon Hearts eyes light up, as if she knew what was about to happen >It leaves you feeling like you’ve been played by this random guard, but you’ll give her the benefit of the doubt >She tentatively moves forward until just beside your pit >You sit up and wrap your arms around the pony before laying back down drawing her with you onto your chest >You really shouldn't but she deserved it, plus the dark thoughts of your mind quickly dissipate with the small pony squirming in your arms >She definitely felt harder than most ponies, but it just meant greater tactile feedback for your hug >Her squirming quickly stops as she attempts to get her hooves around your chest to reciprocate the hug >She fails miserably with her little legs >It’s all too adorable, and with earlier sadness hugged away you’re overcome with joy from this silly little thing >Suddenly she goes pale (How that all works with fur makes no sense to you) and stops moving >And you’re unsure why but since the hug began you swear this pony has somehow gained weight >”Are you alright Lemon Hearts? I didn’t hurt you did I?” >She slowly looks up to you, some colour returning to her face “I’m fine, I just haven’t eaten for a while, a little light headed is all” >You’ve no doubt >Your experience with these guys and food boils down to them thinking you were sick for not wanting to eat pure sugar in a cup and a guard stealing someone else's lunch because they missed one meal “Look I need to go, gotta get a snack or... something” >She attempts to get up but first you produce the pudding cup given to you by Gold Feather >She see’s the pudding cup coming and her eyes almost scream at you not to >”Don’t worry, I got you covered” >She looks pained and sweat has broken out on her forehead “Anonymous w-why di- >Before finishing her eyes roll to the back of her head and she collapses back down upon you, unconscious >...Another one bites the dust >Well that’s your second guard to both faint and have a mysterious illness take them over >*sigh* >Great, just great >You pry the unconscious guard off your chest. As you lift her there is a definite sticky yellow slime that has somehow built up along your stomach >What the fuck? >You lay Lemon Hearts down beside you >She looks clean >Next you proceed to pinch the goop and pull up >It all peels off in one go. It’s of the same consistency and style of those little joke tubs of fake snot >It smells amazing though, like mango body butter >And just like your fateful encounter with that body butter you had to taste it >Although with your understanding of how tasting that went down then this is a really stupid idea >Why would you make something so bad smell so good! >You roll it up into a ball in your hands and give it a tiny lick >You’re pleasantly surprised. It doesn't really have much of a taste, maybe mild apple juice flavour? >But for whatever reason it had left you feeling very happy >You made the right choice in licking the random ball of slime, good job Anon! >A grin breaks across your face as you get out of the pit for the first time in a while to toss the goop into the bin >It may smell great, taste fine and leave you wanting more but your not so stupid as to actually eat random goo >You brush your stomach down to check if anything remains >Nothing, however it had left your skin oddly smooth whatever it was >You look back to Lemon Hearts >Did it come from her? >No. No, the ponies here may be strange, but you doubt they excrete magic slime >Then what the hell? What’s with the slime >Lemon Hearts begins to stir and looks up at you dopily before realising where she was “Ah! I’m sorry Anonymous the human, I really, /really/ need to leave now” >”You’re kidding right? You could be sick, you need to see Nurse Soft Cotton” “I’ll go there right now, I swear, I promise, but you’re not allowed out of timeout” >”I doubt The Warden would mind, this seems important enough- “NO!, I mean, no it’s fine Anonymous, it really is, I just didn’t get a lot of sleep and I’m hungry and all… It will be fine” >You don’t like it, but this pony is clearly determined to keep you in this room >Damn the guards here are dedicated >”At least eat that pudding before you leave” >Looking pained she mutters something under her breathe you can’t make out >She nods and dutifully, yet slowly, eats away at the pudding >For someone who’s supposedly starving she sure does eat slowly >Once finished she struggles herself up and totters to the door >”Are you sure you’re going to be alright Lemon Hearts?” >She doesn't say anything, just giving a nod before leaving >”Well okay then” >The door closes behind the new guard >You immediately regret letting her go >If something were to happen to her it would weigh heavily on your conscience >That’s it, you’re not letting her leave without you there >You hear the sound of the door locking >OH NO YOU DID NOT JUST DO THAT! >You struggle at the door to no avail >Looking through the window you can only make out the corner of the pillow you’d left outside for Star Badge >God damn guards putting their work ahead of their health, they’re like a business's dream worker >You struggle at the door once more >Nothing >Unable to do anything you go back to your pit >By your estimate you shouldn't have long left in timeout >Although you couldn't make out lemon Hearts through the window, so she was either just out of view on the pillow, or she’d gone to see Soft Cotton as you’d told her >If that was so she better remember to come back and unlock your door, you have no idea when the next guard shift would be and you’ve no desire to find out >In the pit you’re once again faced with the same question as before >The same question which, in a way, which got humanity to where it was today >What now? >Be Odonata the dragonfly... eh? /Changeling/ >Watching Anon and Gold Feather had been a struggle, one you had inevitably lost to >There had been such strong emotions being thrown all over, you had resisted devouring them to keep you in a more lucid state >But once Anon received Gold Feather’s gifts the appreciation coming from him was to sweet to pass up >You always did have a sweet tooth, and Anon’s feelings had the sweetest taste of all >You quickly eat away at a little of Anon’s excess appreciation >Oh it's SO GOOD! >Anon could power an entire hive all by himself >And his encounter with this gryphon has also given you a great idea to provide your sisters with a meal at dinner >When he broke you out of your stupor you managed to mumble something about going, but doing was harder than saying >You want to stay to try and gather any more stray emotions from Anon >Well maybe you could >He was overly emotional as of late, so it should be easier for you to induce some feelings from Anon >But it’s a risk, what if something goes wrong? What if you lose your disguise?! >You’re only meant to be observing Anon not interfering with him >Although Chitosan did forgo her lunch today for some mysterious reason >She insisted it was a coincidence that her lack of hunger just so happened to coincide with her finding Anon after following Krystal Shear >Fine then you’ll give it a try >But what to say, you can’t read Anon any more so you’re not sure what would give the best reaction ”You alright there?” >Yes, yes you were Anonymous the human >You know what to say >The truth >You steel your face and look back to him, saying things like these would not be easy for somebug as proud as you, but it would be worth it, besides nobug else is here to see >“I just wanted to tell you that…That...” >*sigh* >Come on you can say it! It’ll be worth it >“You’re a really nice guy Anonymous” >“You’re so kind, accepting and forgiving, you’re willing to give everypony a second chance” >“I’ve even seen how you treat those Changelings. PRC is a lucky place to have you, even if you’re an inmate” >Oh yeah, you did it! >You absolutely know you’re gunna get something good from that >You feel a brief spike of happiness and begin to take it in >Much to your concern the happiness very quickly turns dark before transforming into outright sadness >You break contact with the feeling and stop eating, but it’s already left you feeling a lot sadder than before >What the heck Anonymous! What’s happening in his head to make him so upset after you’d been so nice >What did you do? >You look sadly to the floor. You’ve failed /and/ left yourself feeling blue >Real smart ”Hey, uh, guard, or… what’s your name?” >You look up, shocked Anon was speaking after you’d made him so depressed >But more importantly dear Mother what was this damned ponies name! >Name, name, name, name! what was it! >“Oh… it was, um… what was her name again?” >Something at the back of your mind registers your desperate pleas for a name >LEMON HEARTS! >“Lemon Hearts! I’m Lemon Hearts” >”Well then Lemon Hearts, come here, I’ve got something for you for being so nice to me” >Your eyes light up >By the Hive you’d somehow done it, what a fluke! >You almost cautiously move up to Anon, unsure as to what he would give you >Before you have time to properly register what was happening Anonymous has you in his arm and pulls you down with him back to the pit >The fucking BASTARD! It was a trap, he’s trying to kill you! >You struggle about trying to escape >Anon’s arms are tightly wrapped around you impeding your escape attempts >Before long you give up, accepting having been bested by a superior opponent >Now all you can do is wait for the inevitability of Anon crushing you into bug soup >But nothing happens >In fact the sadness emanating from Anon has turned to happiness again, if not outright joy! >What is happening? WHAT IS HAPPENING!? >W-wait? I-it’s a…. hug? >Anonymous is hugging you? >It’s amazing! You tap into Anon’s flowing emotions and eat away >It was divine! Anon’s emotions left you feeling so warm and bubbly inside >You have literally never experienced anything like this in your life >Driven by Anon’s feelings you try to reciprocate Anon's hug by getting your hooves around his chest >You put up a valiant effort but there’s no way you could reach around him, not unless you lost the pony disguise >Attempting that hug was a huge mistake >For whatever reason it prompted Anon’s mysterious and possibly psychotic mind to just let loose what you could only describe as a tidal wave of positive emotions, directly at you! >Even if you had your mind trying to block out his emotions they still would have passed through your defences like tissue paper >The blood drains from your face as your mind is drowned out by raw emotion >You have to leave NOW! lest you do anything embarrassing >You attempt to break contact with Anon’s emotional structure to stop feeding but you can barely focus enough speak, let alone work any magic ”Are you alright Lemon Hearts? I didn’t hurt you did I?” >Anon’s voice give you a point of reference to focus on in your storming mind and you draw yourself back into reality >“I’m fine, I just haven’t eaten for a while, a little light headed is all” >Nice excuse! Now you’ve just got to get out of here before anything else happens to you >“Look I need to go, gotta get a snack or... something” >You attempt to get up but it’s harder than anticipated >This is going to take a whole lot of effort >To your absolute horror you see Anon’s hand coming down with the pudding cup he was given >No, nononononono! By the Hive Anonymous what are you doing! ”Don’t worry, I got you covered” >The kindness and sincerity in his gift are simple too much, you were fit to bursting just a few moments ago, now you were going to burst! >Sweat breaks out on your forehead as the final wave of emotion hits >With your mind overcome by bliss you can’t hold it in any more >A slight spasm overtakes your body as you completely lose control >Your underside begins to perspire the excess emotion from your body into a natural jelly for later consumption >It was an innate reflex of your body as a last ditch attempt to wrestle control back to your conscious mind >But with the emotional banquette too much for you to handle and dying from your own embarrassment at having leaked your jelly onto Anon everything finally starts to fade to black >Why anon? why? “Anonymous w-why di- >... >... >... >Your eye’s shoot open >Immediately you check to ensure your disguise is still up >The presence of fluffy pony legs confirms your still undercover >You’re unsure as to how long you've been out but it seems your body’s managed to balance out the raging emotions within you >Once again your mind feels its own >There’s still a strong presence of happiness drifting through your brain >You’re also more than a little full, you need to make some storage jelly, or have a nap >With that in mind the memory of leaking jelly onto Anon comes rushing back >Oh shit what have you done! >You yourself are clean, which means… >You see Anon standing across the room but he’s clean too >D-did that actually happen then? or maybe you just imagined it >Anonymous hasn't freaked out or anything so if something did happen he clearly doesn't mind >Or you just can’t sense the simmering fury beneath him >No you can’t sense that but you can feel a trickle of concern >Good that means you’re in the clear >Now you have to get the fuck outta dodge before Anon’s crazy mind floods yours with some other random emotion >“Ah! I’m sorry Anonymous the human, I really, /really/ need to leave now” ”You’re kidding right? You could be sick, you need to see Nurse Soft Cotton” >You stupid caring Human! >“I’ll go there right now, I swear, I promise, but you’re not allowed out of timeout” ”I doubt The Warden would mind, this seems important enough- >“NO!, I mean, no it’s fine Anonymous, it really is, I just didn't get a lot of sleep and I'm hungry and all… It will be fine” >You just have to leave this room, without that persistent guy, or you’d never make it back to your sisters >Anon seems to begrudgingly accept ”At least eat that pudding before you leave” >You've never hated Anon more than in that moment. He’s way more trouble than he’s worth >As if you weren't full enough now you had to add damned real food to all that >You mutter angrily to yourself >”For fuck sake Anon” >You nod and begin to slowly, eat away at the pudding >You absolutely regret trying to get some emotions out of Anon, but if you could do it again you would >Once finished you struggle yourself up and wobble to the door ”Are you sure you’re going to be alright Lemon Hearts?” >If you could leave! >You nod instead of voicing your thoughts and with effort get yourself through the door ”Well okay then” >The door closes behind you >You feel the regret coming from Anon >You quickly lock the door knowing he’d try to come out and follow you >Well then with Anon now definitely taken care of you could make your way back at your own leisure >And you could use a little time to work off Anon’s emotions >Good thing there was a pillow left outside the room >You drag it away from the door and flop down, immediately slipping into a food coma >In the back of your mind you can hear Anon bashing at the door, but he wasn't getting out >... >You wake up, you think, a few minutes later >You remain lying down, working up the effort to get back to your sisters in your room >Aside from the sweet hugging you’d also gathered very important intel that you had to share with your sisters before dinner >You won't be telling them about the hugging part though >Having eventually built up the willpower to move you trot away from Anon’s holding room, dropping your pony guise >Anon had provided you with two fantastic meals in one great day >Although the second one was a lot more frightening, but no doubt it did have a certain exhilarating thrill to it >You had spirits higher than ever since coming to Equestria >And for once YOU had a plan in mind >As you stalk the halls your good mood slowly fades >You’re unsure as to why until you exit the building >Outside is a small group of black suit ponies and their red suit hench ponies >They’re blocking your way forward >Surrounding them is a fog thick of negative emotion directed towards you and your sisters >Hatred, prejudice, anger >Their emotions had been leaking into your mind, darkening your mood >You don’t want to hurt them, less you gain The Warden’s attention, but you can never trust these stupid ponies >You pridefully stride through grizzly mob *Cough* “Freak” *Cough* “Monster” >One of the larger hench ponies bumps against you and veritably hisses in your face “/Invader/!” >Your mind explodes with anger at the insolence of the beast “We don’t like insects in our place” >The mob surrounds you and begins to close in >This you cannot allow >”Stand back PEASANTS!” >You rear up on your hind hooves, a fair effort considering you still had difficulty walking >At the height of your rear, rather than eat, you begin harnessing the emotions present around you >With your horn you convert them into your own dark power >You stomp down on the ground beneath you and release the stored up energy >A rippling wispy cloud of ethereal force and darkness radiates from your impact point >The ponies around you go flying, knocked back by the blast of power >They lay scattered on the ground writhing about >You continue your stride towards the cave rooms, revelling in the fresh fear around you >You really shouldn't but you have a quick taste >Delicious >But your glory would be short lived >They would attempt something again, as they always had >Or maybe not, for they always hadn't hated you so >Your sisters couldn't quite put a date to it, but where uncaring or benign thoughts once stirred anger and hatred now leaked to the surface >Something had changed >It had made your time here, unappealing >You finally arrive at your room >Looks like everybug else is here already >Chytera greets you with a nod “Anything to report Odonata?” >”The black suits attempted another attack but that’s nothing new, the fools once again let their own anger fuel their demise” >”I do have some things to report of Anon though” >“Firstly he had some sort of falling out with the black suit gryphon Gold Feather” >“From his encounter with the gryphon I've also learnt that Anon can experience anger, a lot of it, but just as ever he was quick to regain composure, within seconds I could no longer sense the emotion” >Chytera and Thoraxie look very disturbed by the news >You've no idea why >It was more or less a titbit of info “Secondly Odonata?” >”Yes, sorry. Secondly I have a plan for us to get our next meal” >At that everybug’s ears perk up “Do tell” >”It’s very simple. It appears that Anon has had his pudding cup privileges removed for the day. If we five were to give him our pudding at dinner he will shower us with enough appreciation to last days!” >Chytera shakes her head “You forget that Anon doesn't like pudding cups remember, he always gives them away” >”That’s what I thought, but the gryphon gave him one in their interaction. Anonymous it seems finds the act “considerate”, and so gives off copious amounts of appreciation” >”Which I can confirm is his sweetest emotion” >Or one of them >Oh gosh, what would /love/ from Anon be like!? >Chytera looks to Thoraxie who speaks up under her gaze “I-it could work sister” >Chytera nods “Very well, sister’s tonight we give our pudding cups to Anon and await our just desserts, as it were” >Chytera looks back to you, concern on her face >That cannot be a good sign “Now tell me dear sister, you said Anon was angry at some point?” >”Yes, when he was first introduced to the gryphon” “Hmm. Do you believe you could have collected his emotions to empower yourself before he calmed down?” >What kind of a question? >Could you have done it though? Collecting emotions to power your spells, as you’d done earlier with the black suit ponies, was not as easy as absorbing it for nutrition, which could be done relatively instantly >”Uh, no I suppose not, even if I tried it would probably be too distracting having those feelings crashing through my mind” >Chytera and Thoraxie pass a look between each other, mutual worry on their face >What’s happening? >They know something you don’t and it pisses you off, a lot more than it should >”HEY, TELL ME WHAT'S HAPPENING!” >Thoraxie looks shocked by your outburst and Chytera responds by angrily levitating a book into your head >Fucking ouch! Bitch! “Chytera dear, don’t be so angry at her, she’s still just feeling the effects of the black suit’s negative emotions” >Being defended by Thoraxie, that’s low “You’re right, but she should have been able to control herself” >She looks back to you and sighs “As for what’s happening Odonata, Thoraxie reported it earlier, it was about Anon’s actions in the gym” >Chytera briefly pauses “He seems to have a fighting capacity like no other” “He would also appear to be able to take a tremendous amount of damage and simply walk it off, coupled with the fact you believe us unable to harness his emotions quickly enough to draw power from them, what do you think that makes him?” >Hmm? super strong, can’t gain power from his own anger and knows how to fight >”...A threat?” “Yes, a very big threat, and you said he felt anger, that means he could be violent or attack, if the situation demands it” “If he were to oppose any of our plans… well, we’re not sure we could beat him should he choose to intervene” “He could even be a threat to our master plan should he learn of it” >”HA, as if. We don’t need his emotions to fight against him, we could always just use some of our own energy for magic” >Yet Chytera still looks perturbed “Thoraxie also chose to investigate whatever it was The Warden wanted the unicorns for earlier today” “The Warden was unable to provide many details as to what was happening, but it would seem nobug in the prison is allowed to use magic on Anonymous, lest they be prepared to face unexpected consequences” >That can’t be good “With everything we know about Anonymous his unknown effects on magic are no doubt to our detriment, so until we learn otherwise Anon is currently our greatest asset and our biggest threat” >Well ain't that just a pickled peach >”So.. what do we do?” “Nothing” >”Nothing?” “Nothing” >”Nothing because…?” “Because it’s all we can do, until we find out more that is, which should be soon we hope” “Word around the facility is that some hotshot unicorns from Canterlot Royal’s magical research division have come down here, with The Warden’s warning about Anon in mind their reasons for coming are apparent” “As such our original plan of watching Anon has not changed, so we do nothing” >”Very well” >Chytera smiles at you “You've done good Odonata” >Whoa, you didn't expect that >It feels… nice? >Thoraxie has gotten up and is gesturing for you to come with her as she walks deeper into the cave >This can’t be good, that smart-flank is always up to something >Maybe it’s just a smart thing, being oddly evil and perceptive >You follow her to the darkest corner of the cave away from your sisters “I know what you've done with Anon dear sister and I applaud you” >What you've done? >She’s figured you out ALREADY! >And you’d thought you were holding up well >Fucking... how was she so good at reading you!? “I’m willing to bet Chytera wouldn't be to happy to find out one of our sister had put her own wants above the greater good of the family” “What if you’d lost your disguise while with him! You could have exposed our whole operation you idiot!” >You hiss at her >”You’d have done the same bitch, now what do you want!” >She smiles “Half, I want half of what Anon gave you” >Fucking BITCH! but what could you do? Chytera would break your wings if Thoraxie put her usual creative spin on things when telling her what you’d done >There was nothing you could do >”Bitch” >You begrudgingly lean forward “Not as dumb as you look” >You open up your muzzle and press it against Thoraxie’s awaiting lips >Your snake like tongue enters your sister maw and begins to work itself around the inside of her cheeks and along the roof of her mouth >Soon you begin expelling a thick slime, coating the entire inside of your sister's mouth who begins greedily taking up the edible feelings >To a pony acts such as this would be considered extremely vulgar, and had infact put some changelings in prison before due to its strong similarities with what ponies called “Making-out” >But in changeling society it was a completely natural, and simple, way to transfer food between one another >It doesn’t take long before you’re done and by the end you feel considerably less full, but in no way was that a bad thing, you could barely move earlier >You pull back from your sister, a string of slime running between the two of you >”Happy?” “Very” >You leave the shadowy corner and lay on your bed >It would seem your sisters are none the wiser >Thoraxie probably put some sort of stealth spell in the corner >But you hadn’t seen her do it, meaning she knew what you’d done before she’d even seen you >Did that mean she could feel other changeling’s emotions? >As far as you knew only hive queens could do that, and there was no way Thoraxie could have started a hive without somebug noticing >Still feeling the latent effects of the Black suit’s feelings you lay simmering angrily at Thoraxie >To help calm down you bring out your prized possession from back home >A small wooden music box, one given to you by your mother before the five of you had set out on your own >It use to have a mirror on the inside but it was so old and the Badlands so harsh the reflective surface had simply worn away >Apparently it had been a gift to your great, grandmother from Celestia herself after the Equine-Changeling peace negotiations >You open it up and and small white glowing sphere rises out from the box >The Sphere starts to warp and bounce in tune with the soothing tones it had started to emit (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkZxju01Qyc) [Embed] >You drift away, lost in the familiar notes >Your sisters would bring you back when it was time for dinner >Although you can’t help but feel like you've forgotten something... >Be Anon >Lemon Hearts never came back >So the door’s still locked >And you're sure timeout ended like 20 minutes ago >And dinner starts in like ten minutes >/And/ you’d promised to sit with Soft Cotton >/AND/ you need to talk to Shear >... >... >God this is fucking boring >If you’re not let out soon you’re breaking the door down >But what to do? what to do? >They do have a lot of pillows and blankets around >You could try to build something, get some of your restless energy out >Be a later >You’ve just placed the last bean bag on your fortress of solitude, sealing yourself from the world in your fort >No way in or out >*Sniff* >Now what? >You hear the door suddenly open up >Praise jebus “Anon?” >That’s not Lemon Hearts is it? >But you do recognise that voice >... >Be Krystal Shear >You've recovered from your earlier... incident, with Anon, and are feeling quite relaxed >Or that’s what you keep telling yourself >Since arriving at Arts and Crafts you’d been unable to stop thinking about what Nurse Soft Cotton had said, or about your kiss with Anon >You definitely hadn't been able to get over that >What would he say? What would he do? Had you blown it already!? >It was quite nerve-racking >More importantly how can you make him your own and put Soft Cotton in her place? >You’re going to have to put your earth pony hardiness against her pegasus aggression >She tries something with Anon you deal with it and double your efforts >Well what better place to make schemes than the birthplace of evil; Arts and Crafts >What you assume to be an evil plan comes to mind >The exact plan you had before >Make Anon a gift out of the gem you’re growing >You’ll just put a different enchantment on it >Bam! Perfect gift, equals all of Anon's love >And all his snuggles >So what’s a good gift? >Probably the exact thing you thought of before for his injured limb >A forearm guard >But that would require metals to forge it out of >And measurements of Anon’s forearm, or actually you’d probably need a model of Anon’s arm >And some fairly expensive carbon polymer straps >There ain't no way you gunna find all that in arts and crafts, or prison in general >Maybe you should have joined the adventurers club with Anon, they might have stuff like that >Except the model arm, how would you get that? >The small table you’re at jumps about and knocks you back to reality “HEY SHEAR!” >Platinum Strike has just sat opposite you >She did Arts and Crafts? >Suddenly a gold dragon slides up from under the table to the chair adjacent you >Blaze you believe his name was >Yeah, you would kind of expect him to be here >”What are you doing here Platinum?” “Same thing you are, making things, keeping my hands busy and it gives me an outlet for my energy” >Her fighting and dancing you can see as an energy release, but Arts and Crafts? >”Uh, alright” >Blaze’s dragon tongue whips out of his mouth and wipes across one of his eyes >Creepy “Little dude, you’re looking totally... “ >He stops and goes blank >”Totally?” >Blazes tongue runs over his other eye >Platinum pokes him in the gut “Finish what you were saying” >... “...Contemplative. Whatcha thinkin about?” >Platinum grins “HA, I was thinking the same thing” >No way you were that easy to read, they’re just psychic >Change the topic >”Why was Anon saying he went to Nurse Soft Cotton when he didn't?” >”He was hurt and had just come from the Gym, I’m not some silly pony Platinum, something happened” >Platinum looks startled “How did you even find out he didn't go to the Nurse?” >”I had to see her. I got into an accident earlier, but thanks to Anon I’m fine” >Platinum seems to have noticed the light blush forming on your cheeks at your recollection of what you’d done “Thanks to Anon eh? What he do, kiss your boo boos away?” >Not quite but she’s close enough to have your cheeks bright red “OH MY GOSH, I was just messing with you! What happened, tell me everything!” >You fiercely shake your head >”uh-ah, no way” “Aw, c'mon, please? I wanna help, you’d be cute with Anonymous” >What? >Well she is your mare friend, aren't you meant to gossip about stallions and things with them? >”I’ll tell you if you super-duper promise not to tell anypony else” “Can do, but what about Blaze?” >He appears to be staring into infinity >”He’ll be fine” “I super-duper promise not to tell” >”Fine... Anon didn't kiss me, I kissed him” >You feel like such a lewd pony saying that out loud >Platinum doesn't looked shocked at all “Well it’s about time” >What? ABOUT TIME! is she crazy >”What do you mean /it’s about time/!” >Platinum waves dismissively at you “Pony please, it was so obvious you liked him” “The only reason he didn't pick up on it would be because he isn't from around here” “After all, when you and Soft Cotton strut about with your hair all fluffed up he’s not exactly staring at your chest” >”The what is he staring at?!” >Platinum smiles cheekily “To me it looks like his eye’s are following your derrière” >Your fading blush returns >Anon was looking at your rump? >He was such a lewd human! >But then what Platinum had said was right >Anon wasn't from around here, maybe normal methods of showing affection, and even standards of beauty, were different for Anon? >So all your worry about your chest fluff could be for nothing >For some reason the thought of Anon looking at your flank had you feeling rather good about yourself >Maybe you could get him to touch it? >Just one little squeeze? “Hey! Come back to us Shear” >”Ahehe, sorry” ”So why’d you finally do it?” >”Oh, I was really stressed and Anon was just so kind, I couldn't help myself” “Nice. So how’d he react?” >”Not badly? He didn’t have a lot of time to react before The Warden called him away” “Yeah I wondered why Honey Cakes was on the PA system again, she would have been mad” >”I hope not, or then Anon would be mad at me” “Don’t stress it, you know Anon's not like that” >Yeah, she’s right, it’s fine >"Hey wait a sec!" >”You changed the topic on me! Why was Anon hurt?!” >Platinum's face turns glum *Sigh* “Well I suppose I could tell you of all ponies. Besides if you’d met Anon, then Soft Cotton, I’m guessing she now knows Anon’s hurt” >She shakes her head “The one pony we had to keep it hidden from” >She sighs again, a long one too “Great, there goes the fight club” >”What do you mean?” “Anon did get hurt in the Gym, really hurt, well, not according to him” >”Yeah he did say he was fine” “Well if the staff found out how he got hurt they’d close down the Gym, so Anon chose not to go to the Nurse and keep his injury a secret to save the Gym and Fight Club” “But now Soft Cotton will figure out what happened, so goodbye gym” >Platinum looks miserable “At least Anon will get medical attention, that puts my mind to rest” >”How badly was Anon hurt that they’d shut down such a popular “club”?” >Platinum pales at the thought “There was blood” >Oh… >”How could you let that happen to Anon!” “I know, I know, I’m sorry. I’ll be getting karmatic justice soon anyway” >Well to you Anon’s injury wasn't all bad >”There is a silver lining to all this Platinum. It’s given me the perfect idea for a gift for Anon, it’s what I was thinking about before you came in” >She smiles “How nice of you, or are you just trying to buy Anon’s affection?” >”Whaaat, no way!” “Hehe, only teasing” “So what’s your plan” >”I was going to make Anon a forearm guard with a gem enchantment” >Platinum looks approving “That’s a super awesome idea! Anon would love it, what enchantment were you thinking?” >”Well I was thinking of something before, but in light of recent events it wouldn't have much point, so now I’m not sure, do you have any ideas?” >Platinum places a hand on her chest “Me? Goodness no, I don’t know the slightest about your pony magic, but Anon seems a sentimental guy, so are there any enchantments you know that are particularly important to you?” >Hmm? >”Oh!” >It was so obvious >”I can put a shield enchantment on it, that’s kinda how I got my Cutie Mark, and it’s in theme with the gift” >Platinum flashes you a grin “You Black suits are all diabolical geniuses when it comes to getting what you want. I couldn’t think of anything more perfect” >With Platinum backing your idea you have to go for it >”There’s just one problem, I need some pretty hard to find materials to make it, I already have a really good gemstone, but I also need some metal ingots for the base plate, any type should be fine, and some carbon polymer material to make straps, and I won’t find those in Arts and Crafts” >Platinum begins to unwrap the cloth she has around her paws “Maybe you can find at least one of them” >Once her paws are completely unwrapped they reveal two sheets of carbon polymer fabric pressed onto the outer side of her paws for additional protection, or damage “Would this be enough?” >You’re feeling overwhelmed by Platinums kindness >”Absolutely, but why give up something so valuable?” “I feel bad for what happened to Anon. I’m happy to contribute to his gift” >”Thank you, thank you, thank you, and here I thought Anon was the generous one” “Don’t sweat it, so now you just need some meta- *Clunk* *Clunk* >Blaze has returned to the world and has placed two small ingots on the table >One Gold, the other Platinum “Here, I’m a sucker for love little dude” >Why did he have those? “And don’t worry about it, I got plenty more. Dragon afterall” >Oh yeah >Tears begins welling in your eyes and you open up your hooves for a hug >*sniffle* >”You guys are so nice! Group hug!” >They both lean in to your tiny pony hug >”Thanks guys!” “So now you have everything required to win Anon’s heart yeah?” >”Not quite Platinum, I still have to wait for the gem to grow and that could take a while” >”Also I need a model of Anon’s forearm, or else the guard won’t fit” >Platinum shrugs “No way to help you there, nor do I have any advice eith- “I can help!” >”WAAH!” >To your side, in the final free seat, or you’d thought it was free, was Pin Cushion, the head of Arts and Crafts >A white unicorn mare with ruby hair and a pin cushion cutie mark >”Have you been there the whole time?” “Yeah” >”So you heard everything I said?” “Of course darling” >She was so nonchalant about it >”I hate you” “I can get you a model of Anon’s arm” >”I love you! How is that possible?!” >Pin Cushion smiles “I make all the new inmates clothes, when prisoners are first apprehended they’re magically scanned and their measurements are sent here, they give them to me and I get to work” “That's why you had a fresh set of new clothes in your room when you arrived” >”But how can you make a model out of just length measurements?” “The measurements are actually stored in a spell matrix, any unicorn with access to the spell can repeat it to produce a three dimensional model of the new inmate on which to design their outfit, all quite simple” >Wow, did you ever love magic right now >Pin Cushion hasn’t finished however “But, I’m no sucker for love, this isn’t free. I want something” >”And that is?” “One of Anon’s shirts” >That doesn't sound right >”Can’t you just make one?” “No. Just because the shirt mimics the design doesn't make it his shirt, he needs to have worn it” >Pin Cushion better not be creepily stalking Anon >”So you like Anon too?” “I wouldn’t say like, he’s just so... /exotic/, think of it as a temporary crush, I just need something of his to sate my appetite as it were” “After all, if I were truly after Anonymous I wouldn’t help you now would I?” >”Fine” >Platinum speaks up again “You ponies are weird, you know that right?” >”Shut it” >”Alright Pin Cushion, we've got a deal” >You bump hooves “Oh by the way I forgot to mention” “I don’t have the spell matrix anymore and they’re all kept in the warden’s office, which, and you didn’t hear this from me, is currently empty due to the presence of some quite dashing and regal unicorns from Canterlot Royal” >Canterlot Royal? The university? Oh they must be the ponies who wanted to test on Anon “So if I were you I’d get there now before your window of opportunity closes” >”Wait so you’re not coming with me?” “Heavens no, I’m not the desperate one here” >Damn her >”Platinum?” “I’ll go with you” >”Blaze?” “Sure thing little dude” >”Then let's move out!” >You jump up and lead your small troop through the halls >You weren't one for breaking the rules, but by being a staff member Soft Cotton had advantages over you already, so you need to get extreme >After a brisk trot you reach The Warden’s office >Alright, it’s go time *Bonk* >As you try to enter the room you sadly, through a face to the door, discover its locked >”Guys it’s locked! What do we do?” >But Blaze has already hurtled into action >His slithers along the ground then up the wall to a nearby vent >With razor sharp claws he removes the cover >He slides into the vent system as his reptilian body compresses into the tight space >Within seconds he appears in The Warden’s room and unlocks the door >He grins one of those terrifying toothy mawed dragon smiles >”Thanks Blaze, you dragons always seem to be saving my hide” “Happy to help” >You rush into the room as Platinum and Blaze take up watch positions >There’s a door to a walk-in cupboard at the back >You open it up and enter >It’s full of filing cabinets, each one intricately labelled and sorted >That would make it easier to find what you needed >One of the cabinets has been labelled “Prisoner Measurements” >You find the “A” section and retrieve the file with “Anonymous” upon it >Cool, that was easy >You go to open the file but are interrupted by Blaze skittering into the room “We need to go now little dude, Warden’s on her way back!” >”Let’s go then, I got what I need” >You both rush out of the cupboard in time to see Platinum slamming the door closed just as you hear Honey Cakes arriving “Platinum Strike! What are you doing!?” >You can hear Platinum stammering away trying to find an excuse “I came here to apologize for what happened to Anonymous!” >The Warden sounds confused “Anonymous? What? Why? What happened to Anonymous?” “..You don’t know?” >You lose track of the conversation outside as Blaze scurries on his belly along the floor toward you “We have to take another way out, just stay limp!” >He darts across the floor, snake like in his movement, however as his tail passes you it wraps around your waist >Before you know it you're being pulled along the floor, faster than you would have expected, up the wall and dragged into the vent >Good thing you stayed limp >The last thing you see before disappearing is the door opening with a confused looking Warden entering >You pop out the first vent Blaze had entered earlier a short, and uncomfortable, trek later >You did hit! >“Oh my Celestia we did it guys!” >Hoof bumps all round! >Platinum looks especially happy “I’ve got some good news too!” “The Warden doesn't know about what happened to Anon! He must have convinced Soft Cotton not to tell some how!” >”That’s great Platinum” >You still didn't care much for the whole fighting thing, but having one of your friends happy was nice >”Now let’s get back to Pin Cushion” >Be later back at the Arts and Crafts Club >You’d handed the file over to Pin Cushion who’d opened it up to reveal some sort of nonsensical pattern of lines and squiggles >Her horn briefly glows and a small section of the page along with it >Suddenly a perfect replica of Anon’s forearm appears, it feels like it’s made of ceramic >But as it enters your hooves it’s taken away “Now, now Shear, you can have it after I get what I want” >The model poofs away in magic “Now take me to your room” >If you had to... creepy pony >”Fine, come with me” >You address Platinum and Blaze >“You guys can stay here and work on your own stuff now, and thank you both so much” >Blaze and Platinum mumble goodbyes as you trot away with Pin Cushion >Be later still >You’d made it back to your and Anon’s room >You still couldn't get over how big it was! >Neither could Pin Cushion apparently “It’s so big! How do you reach anything darling!?” >”I have had some problems with that, but this place was built for giants after all” “So it was, and now such a /unique/ giant lives among us” >You don’t like how she talks about Anon >Pin Cushion moves over to Anon's bed >Clearly she sees something she wants as she leaps up onto his bed and rummages about under the covers >She comes out dressed in Anon’s shirt from yesterday >Along with all of Anon’s other shirts >They are very oversized >She takes a deep inhale of the dirty shirts “Oh it smells divine darling!” >Her horn flashes and she hopes down from the bed “I thank you, your model will be on the table back in the club room” >”Wait a sec I said you could have /one/ shirt!” >She starts a trot to the door “I’m sorry darling are you saying something? you’ll have to speak up” >”Uh-ah, you’re not getting away!” >You dive at Pin Cushion but connect with nothing but a flash of red light >She’s teleported away, with most of Anon’s old stinky clothes >Stupid magic >What a weirdo pony, she must be a real creep >She just stole all Anon's shirts >Now you’re alone in the room >Nopony would know what you did in here now >And there was the definite alluring odor of Anon coming from his bed >You decide it’s in your best interests to frolic about on Anon’s bed, while you still have the room to yourself >You roll about and wrap yourself up in Anon blanket >At the foot of Anon’s bed you find a pile of his clothes he’d brought with him to the prison >Absent are his shirts >You give the pile a quick inhale before diving in >They smelt real nice >Definitely the smell of Anon >You already knew Anon’s scent was intoxicating, but this was way better than his pillow >Maybe Pin Cushion wasn't such a weird pony after all >After writhing about you emerged dressed in a massive and soft hoodie >It was so musky >He must have used this as a workout jumper or something >You also seem to have picked up another article of clothing >Anon’s boxers >They felt strangely nice on your flanks >You check out your rear >Hmm, do these boxers make your butt look big? >Is that a good thing? >Anon was looking at it already so does he like it how it is? >What does Anon like? >Anon liked it when you were being cute you guess >But who the heck knew when that was? >Did you have a read on your own cuteness? No! >As far as you know you’d been acting and looking completely normal as of late >Now then >You strip the boxers off but keep the hoodie as you dive into your own bed >While in there you wiggle your way out of the neck hole and exit the bed, leaving your prize well hidden beside your Gem Grower, which similarly sat hidden under your covers >Back to Arts and Crafts >True to her word Pin Cushion had made the arm reappear on the table >You’d thank her but she clearly had not come back to the club >Let's hope she was not busy doing something you don’t want to think about >When you’d arrived back you’d found Platinum stabbing furiously at a painting with a paint brush >Now you can see how it’s an energy release >Blaze was much more sedately making some sort of dream catcher >It looked delicate >One slip of those claws and the whole thing would be cut to ribbons >Platinum registers your presence “Oh hey that arm thing came back, so you know, do what you gotta” >”I will” >If you work up until dinner, and then skip Running Club tomorrow morning you could have Anon’s present ready before tomorrow’s lunch >It would just mean you’d have to find a different time to rub Shift Keys muzzle in Anon’s awesomeness >You gather up some sketching paper and begin drawing up blueprints for your design >What shape should it have? Should it be scaled? Plate? Ringmail? >Let's go with a form fitting platemail style >That way it keeps in line with Anon’s sleek body >Where will you put the gem? >Meh, let’s just put it in the centre >You have two different metals too >Should you try to make an alloy or use one as a base and the other for trim and pattern? >And while gold is soft enough to work with by hoof you’re not sure if you can forge with Platinum without specialist equipment >Actually you could just get Blaze to help you >It would mean you’d have to get the base done by tonight though >You didn't want to bother Blaze by asking him to work on it so early tomorrow with you >So then you’ll work the metal now using a Platinum base, and tomorrow you can make the straps and etch a pattern then go over it with the gold >You finish up your designs and get Blazes attention >Pic related for easy reference (Not pastebin available faggot) >”I’m sorry Blaze but I need some help working with the metal you gave me” >He lightly bundles up his dream catcher and puts it to the side “What ya need?” >”I can’t work with the Platinum you gave me using just my hooves and earth pony magic” >Platinum Strike looks up from her painting “You say something?” >She notices the ingot in your hoof “Oh” >Back to her painting >”...well then. In the absence of specialist equipment, and barring a massive breakout, and subsequent heist up at Canterlot, I doubt I can get any” >”But with a little dragon fire I can use some of my own tools they let me take to prison” “No scales off my back, sure I can do that, just tell me what to do” >Yes, yes yes! >Were dragons always so awesome!? >”You’ve been a world of help Blaze, I’ll be right back!” >With that you gallop back to your room >Fireproof booties, protective goggles, work mat and various other items now in your saddlebags you head back to fetch Blaze >It’s time to get busy >Be Silver Linings the bat pone >You decided to sleep at your prison accommodation rather than up at Canterlot last night >While your room may be better down here your choice may or may not have also been heavily influenced by the presence of a new inmate >An inmate who you’d found annoyingly irresistible >Well not at first >At first you kinda hated him for attacking you >But then he was... was so kind, and warm and cuddly >You weren’t sure about your feelings for him until he’d left you last night >It had you feeling morose without him around >But tonight, once everypony was in bed, you’d have Anon all to yourself again >He did promise you’d hang out again >Maybe tonight you could get a little something more than just a chest rub >”Hahah!” >The thought has you laughing out loud >/Just/ a chest rub >By Luna’s grace Anonymous had you thinking like one dirty pony >You finish buttoning up your uniform and make your way to the Guard lounge to gather some things before your shift starts >From your locker you withdraw your baton and walkie talkie >Although once it got darker nopony would awake to reply to anything you had to say >You also pick up a small sac containing two black onyx spheres >Better known as Seer Stones >Or a class of Seer stone >They were special stones which enable non unicorns to enter the dreams of others >They were given to all of Luna’s royal guards to help her watch over the dreams of all equestrians >But you weren’t yet an official royal guard, so you didn’t have any >As such it’s what you’d asked luna for last night >And was it ever a nerve racking experience >You were only an initiate royal guard so she was still incredibly intimidating to you >But by using all your charismatic powers and a lot of bowing and grovelling you’d convinced her to provide you with a pair >She initially had one condition to the deal and that was to know why you’d wanted them early >When you told her of Equestria’s newest resident, and your plan to join his dreams, for… “Research” she had then only relinquished them on the new condition that she be allowed to join you in the dream >Not exactly what you had wanted, but what was one shared dream with Luna compared to a possible lifetime of dreams with just Anon >Although you have to tell Anon about it and give him the other stone >If he keeps the stone while sleeping it should act as a beacon for you to find his dreamscape >It was going to be a fun night tonight >You turn and go to open up the lounge fridge >Anon had told you to make your lunch again last night, but never explained his reasoning >The sandwich you’d made is gone >You don’t know what you were expecting “Missing sandwich?” >”EEEK!” >You jump around , startled >It was Cookies ‘n’ Cream, looking pretty awkward >You didn’t even know there were any other guards in the room >You need to be more attentive >”Yeah, but that’s nothing new” >”It’s just one of the inmates last night had a peculiar interest in it and I was just wondering if he’d done anything” >Cookies ‘n’ Cream looks angry “Yeah he did something alright! But that’s over now” >Oh Anon what did you do!? >”You don’t look too happy Cookies, what happened?” *Sigh* “Have a seat, I’ll tell you, but first I wanted to apologies” >”Apologies? For what?” >Cookies takes a seat on one of the couches >You sit on the chair opposite “For eating your lunch” >”oh?” >Cookies ‘n’ Cream launches into a tale of chiles and naught inmates who were currently in time out >It’s hard to believe Anon would do such a thing >Wait, actually no it isn’t >He did break into the kitchen last night and proceeded to work with fire and knives without following proper safety procedures >Maybe you were just hoping pranking was beneath him >But at least he found out who’s been eating your food >Still, he should have more respect for the guards >Cookies ‘n’ Cream finishes up her explanation “... So are we cool?” >”Yes, of course I forgive you, in fact I think you’ve suffered more than me” >”I’m sorry for what Anon did to you” >Cookies looks shocked “You don’t have to be sorry for what somepony else has done” >You’re still a little upset about it >Cookies nudges you with a hoof “Why do you look so glum Silver? I thought you’d be happier” >She looks cheekily at you “After all, not a lot of inmates would risk pranking a guard, especially me, unless it was for somepony they really care about” “I think you’ve got an admirer” >Your face blushes up >What? She thinks Anon likes you? >Well she was right, he did risk himself for you, and from Cookies story he kept you from being disturbed at every opportunity >How considerate “Oh hoh hoh, or maybe it’s the other way around?” >”eeek!” “Don’t worry I won’t tell anypony” >She gets up and heads to the door “Have fun on your shift tonight” >You certainly will try >”Thanks” >She exits, leaving you alone >Or you think you’re alone, there could be another sneaky hidden guard about >With nothing better to do you move out and head towards the cafeteria >Your shift doesn't officially start until after breakfast [dinner] , which would be soon >Plus if you got to the cafeteria first you could see when Anon comes in to join him >When you open the lounge door to leave your path is blocked by a stallion attempting to get in >He looks pretty uncomfortable >”Are you alright Star Badge? And that glitter looks great on you, a bit much though” >Maybe you should add a little glitter to your ensemble? “OH! Silver Linings, I’m fine, I just… had a bit of a run in with that new inmate, the human or whatever he is” >”Scaleless dragon, he can breath smoke” “Whatever he is I don’t want to think about him right now” >What have you done now Anonymous? >”Really? You’re looking pretty out of it Star Badge, you can tell me what’s wrong” >He ums and ahs indecisively “I really shouldn't... but maybe… well, I just saw the new inmate with Nurse Soft Cotton” “And they were… they were, CUDDLING! If not snuggling!” >WHAT! >That sneaky little nurse! >You should have known something like this would happen, especially after how she was acting around Anon last night >Grr! It’s unfair! She had the whole day to use her feminine charms to seduce Anon >It had to be that damn chest tuft, always so big and poofy “I know I shouldn’t gossip about these things but it was so lewd” “You know what, pretend I didn’t say anything. I-I need to go” >He goes to scarper off >”Thank you Star Badge” >He turns back “What for?” >”Nothing, don’t worry” >Thanks to Star Badge you now knew you’d really have to step up your game, to the extreme >And you knew just what to do >Soft Cotton may have won the battle, but tonight at dinner, you’ll win the war >Now that you’re riled up you choose to skip waiting at the cafeteria for Anon and head straight to the source >Timeout >On the way over you spy a troop of medic ponies cleaning up after what looked like a pretty major incident >That can’t be good >Thank Luna you’re not on duty yet >Outside Anon’s door you find a glitter covered pillow and, strangely, a costume of... Anon? >Star Badge must have had quite the time looking after this one >And spying on him too >Your eyes narrow >Grr, that Nurse Soft Cotton >There isn't even a guard outside the door >Wait a sec >You check the nearest clock >It’s no wonder, lunch started five minutes ago >It took you waaaay too long to get here! Anon must be at dinner by now, with Soft Cotton you bet! >But the door is still locked >”Haha” >Wouldn’t it be funny if Anon had been left locked inside >Left locked inside way after he was meant to be let out >... >He’s locked in there isn’t he >You unlock the door and head inside >All the couches, chairs, cushions and blankets have been turned into a mighty pillow/blanket fort >The entire room has been covered and at the very centre lies all the bean bags in a massive piled dome >Anon is definitely in here ...somewhere >The poor little, very big, guy >He must be dying being locked in here >Cookies told you how long Anon had been sent to timeout for; too long >And now he’d been locked in even longer! Long enough to build an entire fort it would seem >He must really need a hug >”Anon?” >... >A voice emanates from the fort “Is that you Silver? It’s been so long… I’ve forgotten the sound of a friendly voice” >Oh Anon, you’re here now to make it all better >”Where are you? I can let you out” “I’m too weak to move, you’ll have to find me” >There’s nothing for it then >”I’m coming inside Anon” “That’s what he said” >”What?” “Nothing, just come find me” >You crawl through the nearest entrance to the fort >It reveals a blanket tunnel with several branching pathways >How did he make all this? >”Can you give me a little help here Anon?” “I may and or may not be under the pile of bean bags” >”Thanks” >You poke your head through the blanket roof to re-orientate yourself >If he’s in that pile you need to take a right down the end of this first tunnel >You pitch a right and follow the next tunnel >There’s no entrance down here >Now where? >You poke your head up again >You’re not sure how but you’ve gotten no closer to that pile >Let’s go left then >Nothing >And that pile still wasn’t any closer >You continue scurrying around searching for the right way into Anon’s dome of seclusion >Eventually you find the entrance >Walking through you emerge to see… >Not Anon. You actually see the door you’d just opened to get in >You’ve somehow gotten yourself back to where you started >”Anon, I can’t find the way in” “...oh?” “Oh that’s right! I didn’t build an entrance to my Fortress of Solitude” >”I swear Anon, you are going to get it!” “Orly? And what can a little bat do to a big ol’ dragon?” >He may have messed around with some of PRC’s other guard’s but you weren’t going to let him get you >”Fine then, if that’s how it is Anon” >You unfurl your leathery wings and take to the air >You silently flap to the dome and remove the top bag >Dropping down into Anon’s “Fortress” you find him laying in the centre of a cushioned pit >And he’s shirtless, posed like one of those french mares >Mmm, that’s some sweet sugar “See something you like?” >”Eeek!” >”N-no! Prisoners are just meant to wear their /entire/ uniforms is all” >But maybe you should make it a rule he’s not aloud to wear his clothes >He looks down at himself before speaking up “Yeah, sorry, I had an accident earlier, shirt got a little dirty” >”I guess that’s alright, but are you feeling okay Anon? You got left in here for a long time” “I’ll be fine, pretty hungry though, you wanna join me for dinner? I’d like to introduce you to some of my friends” >Anon invited you to dinner! Yes! >“Well, I suppose I could” “Cool, but I should get another shirt first, there’s a less dirty one in my room” >It’ll be nice to see Anon’s room >”We should get going then, dinner started a few minutes ago and- >You stop when you notice the bandage on Anon’s arm >”Oh my gosh, Anon what is that? are you okay?” >He lifts up his arm and twists it about to show you “/For the love of god/, I’m fine alright, you’ve gotta be the millionth pony to ask that” >There were a million ponies in prison? That’s no good >You look about Anon’s fortress >”Soooo... how do we get out?” “Pretty easily” >Anon crawls over to you and picks you up >What’s he doing? >He stands up and you take the opportunity to bury your face in his chest >He smells so nice >You quickly pull back once he’s standing and no longer distracted >”So how is this getting out?” “It’s not I was just standing up” “/This/, is getting out” >Anon simply walks forward and through the wall of bean bags >You cower down in Anon’s grasp as the fort collapses around you >Anon remains un-phased by the dangerous falling projectiles and strides through the surrounding blanket fort towards the door >A sea of absolute destruction and horror follows in Anon’s wake as he walks along >How could somepony destroy something they’d made with such apathy? >Anon wouldn’t be welcomed in Arts and Crafts >Once at the door, and safely away from the collapsing ruin, you pull your head from Anon’s armpit and un-cower yourself >You smack his chest with a hoof >”Why would you do that INMATE?! How could you destroy something you spent so long making? Not to mention your method of escaping leaves a lot to be desired” >”You could have been hurt among all that chaos!” >He gently prys you off himself and places you on the floor “They were blankets and pillows Silver, besides, destroying what you make it the best part of making something, like sandcastles” >”Destruction is... fun?” “Yeah pretty much, now come on, we gotta get to my room before we go to dinner” >Anon goes to open the door >Wait didn’t you leave that open? >The door doesn’t open “Hey Silver I hope you brought a key because this is locked…” >WHAT! >”N-no I didn’t, I unlocked it from the outside, you don’t need a key from there” >Anon’s soft and gentle features immediately harden giving him a very serious look >As a guard you hate to admit it but it’s pretty frightening “Why the HELL is the bloody door locked!?” >Is he feeling alright? >”Silly Anon the door’s not bleeding” >Anon stares daggers at you as he very slowly exhales “Yeah, I know, but just, why is it locked!?” >”I guess somepony must have closed the door while I was searching for you” >”They mustn't have known anypony was in here” >There’s a definite bright side to all this >Now you and Anon would have to spend the night together in here >Not so bad, you could ask him to snuggle with you, you know, purely as a method to stay warm during the cold nights >His warm body certainly saved you from the cold last night >Anon relaxes and returns to his handsome, less frightening, self “Silver can you please get out of the way” >You’re not sure what he’s going to do but you move to the side as Anon walks past you toward his destroyed castle “When The Warden finds out about this can you put in a good word for me” >”About what Anon?” >He turns back around and sprints at the door >As he nears he dives, driving his shoulder and side smack bang in the centre of the door >He strikes with such force that the door is blown from it’s hinges >It flies out into the corridor, skittering down the hallway before coming to a clattering stop >The sound of the hit still reverberates in the air >Anon shakes himself off and gives you a fool’s grin “Why couldn’t I do this in skyrim?” >You’re too shocked by what just happened to question whatever Anon was rambling about >You may have been trapped, but Anon’s escape method was a little over the top >Astonishingly he appears completely unharmed >Now you know why he wants you to put a good word in for him, because The Warden was going to flip >”Thank you for getting us out Anon, but I’m afraid I have to tell The Warden, you’re my friend, but I’m still a guard” “Yeah, I know, but like I said, good word yeah” >”Uh, I’ll try my best, heck, I won’t even tell her until tomorrow” >You didn’t want any sort of after hours based punishment for Anon, taking away the precious time you have with him >Unless it was just after hours time with you >Anon has walked over to the door and picked it up >Coming back he then pushes it into the doorframe >It doesn’t quite stay upright, slipping down revealing large gaps along the entrance >The fact it was ruined beyond repair was evident “Pretty as a picture, no one can tell the difference” >”yep, absolutely” >Anon snickers at you comment “Come on you, let’s go” >Anon had sprinted to his room, almost literally flying up the stairs to the fourth floor >If you couldn't actually fly it would have been a tough gallop the keep up with him >Anon walks into the room and you follow closely >...wow >You’d never been in the minotour sized rooms before, and they were big >It would also seem Anon has a roomfriend, probably some minotaur >Anon has started to rummage around in a pile of clothes beside his bed >He’s slow search becomes more frantic as he tosses clothes left and right “I’m sure I left yesterday's shirt here. Hell my jumper isn’t even here, none of my shirts are! I think I’ve been robbed!” >ROBBED! WHAT! in the prison! >”I’ll be sure to submit a report and have an investigation launched Anon, such things will never be tolerated in PRC!” >Theft was a serious felony, in fact it’s why Anon was in prison >Hehe, in the meantime though >“I’m afraid you’ll just have to go shirtless to dinner Anon” “Yeah it looks that way” >Yes! You’ve got yourself a shirtless Anon for the night “We should really get to dinner then, we’re well late already” >He’s right >You both speed to the cafeteria >You reach the cafeteria >Anon pushes through the door, however you hesitate a moment >In there you would enact the best possible plan to get Anon for yourself >And it was nothing more than a question >Let’s see Soft Cotton beat this >You steel your will and move through the doorway >You quickly pile up food on your tray >Anon’s already finished gathering his dinner >ew, he eats meat >”So where are your friends Anon” >He points over to a table with a Minotaur, dragon, blue pony and /Soft Cotton/ >The latter two stare at Anon angrily, more than likely due to the lateness “Those smiling faces over there” >Definitely not smiles >As you both near, Anon gives a bashful grin “Sorry guy’s timeout got extend, but I brought that friend I was talking about” >He gestures to you “Guy’s this is Silver Linings, Silver Linings these are my mates, Soft Cotton, Krystal Shear, Platinum Strike and Blaze” >Soft Cotton’s and Shear’s faces of anger turn to shock and embarrassment >Platinum Strike’s however takes up their dropped anger >Blaze seems not to notice >Your heart drops and you feel sick >He said /mates/, weren't they just supposed to be his friends! >So it was always too late to earn Anon’s love >Platinum flings a spoonful of mashed potatoes at Anon's face >He catches it with a paw, well, it splats on his upraised hand “Hey, what’d I do?!” “I am NOT your /mate/ Anonymous! I thought we were friends!" >Anon’s stunned for a moment, no where near as badly as Soft Cotton or Shear, who remain in a state of shock >He returns to the world “Wait a sec, I think I know what’s happened, please don’t be mad, this is just a big misunderstanding” “I’m getting sick and tired of these miscommunications. Guy’s where I come from mate just mean’s friend” >Platinum looks considerably less mad >And you’re a lot less soul crushed >Thank Luna Anon’s old society is just crazy with its language “We need to get you a pony dictionary Anon” >He chuckles “It would help a little” >Anon takes a seat between Shear and Soft Cotton who finally has something to say “Nice to see you can keep a promise Anon” >She leans close towards Anon, letting her side brush against his >How can you sit with Anon if he’s surrounded on all sides by mares! >And this Shear character raises some concerns, how many other mares would you have to compete against? >Not that it would matter, after this you’ll either be in or out >Anon turns back to you “Are you not having a seat Silver?” >”I guess, I just… it would have been nice to sit next to you is all” >Shear and Soft Cotton look annoyed “Yeah... How about this?” >He looks to Shear “How would you like to sit on my lap to let Silver have a seat?” >You’ll take a lap seat! >Soft Cotton voices your thought “I’ll take a seat on your lap Anon” >However it’s too late for either of you >Shear basically teleported herself onto Anon she moved that fast >*Sigh* >Well you’ve got a seat next to him at least >For now you’ll eat your breakfast/dinner and bide your time, but soon you would strike >Soon… >Be Anonymous >You’re on a seat with a little blue pony happily eating away on your lap >Mmmh, dat ass >You don’t have your shirt on and shear takes full advantage of that >She wiggles her butt backwards and pressed as much of her back into your stomach and chest as she possibly could while still remaining comfortable >Beside you are two additional adorable mares, your pink pegasus nurse and your shiny grey batpone >Silver’s looking smugly at her food >That one’s got something planned hasn’t she >It’s clear she’s working herself up to it >She was a little cutie in that guard uniform with all those bat like features >Soft Cotton remains looking very disappointed that she was not the pony sitting on you >And you’re not surprised >Soft Cotton and Shear were competing over your affection >Cotton is also pressing as much of herself onto your side as she possibly could >It’s kinda hot >In the literal sense that two fluffy animals are heating you up >Speaking of the less literal version, you do like both these ponies, but how could you pick just one? >They were too adorable you want them all >But back home stringing along multiple women is frowned upon >You have a tough decision to make some time >Soft Cotton is looking very annoyed with you now >You realise why when you notice that you’d been absent mindedly stroking Shear’s head >Whoopsie! >”So Soft Cotton, whatcha do after treating me?” >Suddenly you recall Platinum sitting opposite you >”Fuck, did I say you treated me? I meant I haven’t seen you since this morning how was your day?” >Platinum smirks at your poor acting “Don’t worry Anon, we’d been sitting here with Soft Cotton for over 20 minutes, she told us about how in exchange for your pudding cup she wouldn’t tell The Warden. Thank you so much by the way” >Nice excuse Cotton >”Oh yeah, that's right, here you go” >You pass the sly pony your pudding cup >”In that case, Soft Cotton, previous statement” >She smiles, happy to have your attention and pudding, but she soon shifts to a face of concern “The medical staff had a pretty tough time actually” >You’re not sure what a tough time counts as here >”How so?” “Our ER was slammed! 15 bucks treated for scrapes and bruises, all at once! We’re not sure why they were all together but we are sure it was one of the Changeling sisters which did it” “It’s just that none of the bucks will admit they got beaten up by a bug” >One of the sisters? Nah, they were just all show, well you think they were >”I’m sure there’s a good explanation for it” “There better, that was a stressful evening” >She somehow leans further into your side and looks at you with half closed lids >These two ponies are like cats, trying to get their sent on everything “Maybe you could rub out my stress Anon” *ACK* *Cough* *cough* >Shear coughs up a piece of inhaled food >”Are you alright” >She nods as she sips some juice >”Alright Cotton, I’ll do it, I know how much stress can tense up your muscles” >You rub the mare along her shoulders and parts of her back >It must have been stressful by the number of knots you find “That feels amazing Anon, you should really get a job as a masseuse” >Masseuse eh? rubbing ponies all day long? No that’d be bad for your diabetes >”I think I’ll just stick to being a prisoner for now” “You’re a genius at wasting talents Anon” >You hear a commotion behind you and feel a tap on your back >You turn around awkwardly with the pony in your lap to see all the fight club members brandishing ‘get well soon’ cards and balloons >An brown earth pony takes the position of lead speaker “Platinum said we could check up on you after what happened, we just wanted to give you these” >The Fist speaks up from the back of the group “I just wanted to see whether or not you still had your arm” >A few murmurs of agreement move through the group >The earth pony takes the lead again “Yes, and that, but it would appear you’re kind of busy at the moment” “Honestly Anon, do you really think the cafeteria is the most appropriate place for that kind of behaviour” >Shear cowers down slightly in embarrassment >”Don’t worry, now’s fine, and yes every one amazingly I still do have my arm, you can thank Nurse Soft Cotton for that, and don’t worry I got her on our side” >”She isn’t telling anypony what happened” >The group gives a cheer >Once the bustle ends there’s a moment of silence before someone from the crowd shouts out “So can we see the cut?” >”Soft Cotton?” >She shrugs “I guess it’ll give me a chance to see how effective my salve is” >She unravels your bandage with her wings >Everyone has gone dead silent, all fuelled by morbid curiosity to see your battle wound >The last segment of your bandage falls away to reveal the damage >Wait, no, there’s no damage, there’s nothing at all >You run your finger along where the cuts once were >Smooth as glass baby >Damn Soft Cotton gave you some top of the shelf magic juice >Everyone let's out a collectively held breath >Soft Cotton traces along your arm with her wing >Her jaw remains thoroughly on the floor from the lack of festering injury “Remarkable, truly remarkable” >”Haha, sorry guys, looks like I’ve been repaired already” >”Anyway, thank you all for the cards and balloons” >The group dumps their stuff on the end of the table and says their goodbyes >However you’re not finished with visitors just yet, as Warden Honey Cakes has emerged from the dissipating crowd “Good evening everypony, Anon” “I figured now would be the best time to talk, you’ve just had visitors so what’s one more to that” >”Go ahead Warden” >You’re not sure if this is about the research thing, being late to timeout or smashing in its door “I came over to say I’ve just finished meeting with the ponies from Canterlot Royal. They’re setting up their research equipment now in an allotted space on the prison grounds” “They want you to be there a few hours before lunch time, I’ll send a guard to fetch you when you’re needed” >Yes it’s the research thing! You’re not in trouble yet >”Sure thing Honey Cakes, this’ll be fun I just know it” “Glad to see you’re enthusiastic Anon” >There’s a loud zap and a flash of light as five changeling sisters teleport next to your table >Chytera moves over to you “Anonymous the human, we have heard of your pudding deficiencies, we would like to provide our own as recompense for your earlier kindness” >All the sisters smile at you as they produce pudding cups >They’re all levitated onto your tray >Aww, that’s so adorable of them >These guys really know how to manipulate your feelings >You lift Shear from your lap and place her on the table >As you do so she wriggles furiously in protest, but you have to get up >Free of the small pony and now standing facing the sisters you open up your arms >”That’s so nice of you all, come here, group hug!” >You just manage to get your arms around all five of the sisters and tightly squeeze them in a friendly hug >When you pull back the grey changeling has fallen to the ground >The rest just look very satisfied >Oh shit that’s right, they eat your feelings don’t they >That’s kinda fucked up >They’re clearly warming up to you, sometime soon you should ask them why they became such bitches to all the ponies >Chytera looks at you through eyes held open with great effort “Think nothing of it Anonymous the human, I’m afraid we must leave” >Grey bug has wobbled her way back onto her hooves >Each of their horns lights up as they prepare to teleport out >But the Warden yells out before they leave “Stop right there inmates, we know one of you were responsible for what happened to those bucks earlier, you need to tell me now and make things easier on yourself” >Their horns dim down >Chytera stalks up to Honey Cakes and leans over her intimidatingly “You dare accuse one of us, with no evidence! You will- >”Woah, woah woah, calm down” >You move between Honey Cakes and the sneering Changeling >”There’s no need to get violent Chytera, Honey Cakes is just doing her job” >”And listen, if any of you guys did do it, don't worry about it, there must be a reasonable explanation as to why and if you admit to doing it, I can promise you won’t get punished by The Warden” >Chytera pushes you back with a hoof “Even if one of my sister had done what you accuse we’d never tell any- “I did it” >The yellow sister steps forward >Chytera looks mad “Odonata! Why would you admit such a thing!” “I believe what Anon said” >Honey Cakes shakes her head “It’s not up to Anon as to whether you get punished or not, it’s up to me!” “Now tell me exactly why you had to injure these bucks so” >The Changeling looks hurt >”Don’t worry Odonata, just tell her what happened, it’ll be fine >She shuffles further forward “I was on my way back to my quarters when the bucks that you mentioned attempted to attack and insult me, if I had not acted I may have been hurt” >Damn that’s one fine reason, heck you could kill someone back home if they assaulted you and you believe your life to be in danger >Honey Cakes remains shaking her head “I’m afraid you must still be punished, you will remain in Perpetual Rainbows Correctional facility for an additional week” >It’s time to step in >”Nice try Honey Cakes, but I keep my promises, I’m using that favour you own me” >”You’re not allowed to punish Odonata for what happened” >Honey Cakes glares at you “Do you really want her to go unpunished for what she’s done!? 15 stallions Anon!” >”Warden, where I’m from She could have done a lot worse to those bucks and been called a hero for it, to me she’s done nothing wrong” >Honey Cakes is in a state of disbelief “You must have lived a terrifying existence where you come from Anonymous. Fine, Odonata you may go” >None of the Chageling’s move for a long while until Odonata gives a tiny bow to you “Thank you Anonymous” >The, you assume, thoroughly satisfied bug ponies wobble their way from the cafeteria >Maybe they just forgot teleportation was a thing? >”Never a normal day… So Warden I’ll see you tomorrow with the research ponies yes?” “Yes of course Anon, I’ll see you there” >You go back to your seat and pick up Shear, who has not yet gotten down from the table, and put her back into your lap >There’s a small mound on pudding on the table >”Pudding cups for all I guess” >You distribute the five new cups among your friends >Everyone gives you a cheery thanks and a smile >Except for Soft Cotton “Anon I thought I told you yesterday that you had to eat these things, you have barely enough sugar in your diet as is, we don’t want you getting sick now” >”Soft Cotton, I think we are at the stage where when I tell you something you find strange, you can believe what I say” >She give a non-committal yes/no grumble >”Fine whatever, but trust me on this, I, nor any other human, could possible eat those things without dying >Everyone is in stunned silence >”Don’t over react, it was hyperbole, we’d just be really sick... probably” >Soft Cotton groans “Fine then, but I’m the medical professional here!” >Platinum’s looking at you oddly “Anon? If your pudding cup privilege got taken away where did you get the cup to give to Soft Cotton for her silence?” >”Oh, that, I probably forgot to mention I’m magic and can summon things from thin air” >Actually you’d found it in your pocket >It was the pudding you’d managed to get at lunch >You’d never put it away >Thank Christ you had it or Soft Cotton would have given away her shady dealings >Platinum doesn't look amused >”Just kidding, I’ve had it since lunch” *Sigh* >The pony on your lap elbows you in the gut for your attention “Hey Anon?” >”Yeah Shear” “I can’t make it to my running club in the morning so you don’t have to go with me any more” >”k, I guess that gives me some free time. Why can’t you get to your club?” >Shear looks at her food “I’m just working on something for a friend, right Platinum” >Platinum looks up and smiles “She certainly is Anon, and she’s doing a good job of it” >”That’s nice of you, who’s the friend?” “Oh!, uh, it’s, um Sea Swirl?” >It sounded more like a question than an answer >”A'ight” >You return to eating >Everyone is nearly finished, including yourself >”So am I still seeing you later Blaze?” >This has piqued Silver’s interest “What do you mean? What are you doing with Blaze? I thought you were spending the night with me?” >You tussle the little bat’s mane >”Oh sorry, Blaze and I are going out after dinner to do some... dragon things” >Blaze snorts with laughter >”I thought you’d be fine with it because, you know, until everyone is in bed you’re still on guard duty and all” >She giggles >Or it’s a kind of giggle >There’s a few high pitched bat squeaks >So are batpones, like, actually part bat or something? >Does she just squeak like that for appearances or is she being serious? >Whatever it was it made her super cute >And as with many of the ponies around here that cuteness also comes with a side order of dat ass >Soft and squishy >You know strangely you’re yet to see a single ponevagoo despite the lack of pants >These guys must be masters at using their tails for cover “Alright Anon, but you better come get me right away” >”Sure, sure. So Blaze you still in?” >Blaze crunches down a rock “For sure man, if I’m not at the waterfall you can find me at the library” >Wait a sec, Blaze is eating rocks... >How high is this guy right now? >”Hey Blaze you know you’re eating rocks and stuff yeah?” “Yeah man, it’s good for yah” >Mind. cannot. deal >”Platinum please explain” >She sighs at you “Dragon’s eat gems and rare rocks, stuff like that, or at least they prefer to” “Don’t you know anything about dragons?” >”Well not really, I might have read something about it last night, but I mean, where I come from we don’t have dragons, so excuse me if i’m not a scholar on the topic” >Platinum look’s shocked “That can’t be true Anon, dragons travel all around the world during their migration” >”I can honestly say I’ve never seen a dragon before coming to this prison, they probably just forgot to visit my town is all” “You have a bad habit of lying Anon” >”Sure, sure” >Back to food >As you take the last bite of your dinner you feel a slight nudging on your side >Silver Linings appears to have finally worked herself up enough to do whatever she was planning >You look down, staring her dead in the eyes >They widen to extremely adorably levels >She opens her muzzle but just kinda mouths words >She’s started to blush too >”Are you alright Silver?” >Her eyes squeeze shut tightly and she moves her head up closer before shouting in your face “PLEASE BE MY VERY SPECIAL SOMEPONY ANON!” >She retracts herself, face already a deep tinge of red >Silence permeates all around your table >You wipe away the small amount of spittle now on your face >Silver watches you with horror >Honestly you can say you’re feeling happy and annoyed at the same time >A bit surprised too, or very, you weren’t sure if this one liked you or not >You now had your very obvious answer >You like Silver as much as you do the other girls that’s true >But then that just means you need to pick from a line up of three rather than just two! >Why’d the little rat have to sneak it up on you like that, putting you on the spot >If Shear and Soft Cotton had been competing over you there’s no reason this one couldn't be part of their little power struggle >In that case she was probably trying to stop the fight by just skipping to the end before anyone has the chance to influence you >Clever pony >It was kind of fun having them fight over you though >It was also very demeaning, especially how they try to hide it from you, like your opinion holds no sway, it’s their fight and one of them gets to keep you, doesn’t matter what you want >The pony on your lap has gone deadly still >You look down and see Shear’s face has blanched and she’s holding a hoof to her mouth >”Shear are you alright?” “I’m gunna be sick” >oh no >The little mare dives off you and hoofs it to the door >The poor thing! >”Soft Cotton can you make sure she’s okay?” “I’m already on it Anon, but you haven’t answered Silver yet” >”Please just go Cotton!” “You better not make any rash decisions while I’m away!” >She follows Shear through the door >Rash decisions, here we come >Only Blaze and Platinum remain >Platinum is staring at you with severe intensity >Blaze also seems to have an unusually high interest in your choice >Silver leans closer to you “Well Anon?” >”I-I.. I don’t know Silver” >Platinum and Blaze groan >Silver looks away in defeat “Come on Anon what kind of answer is that!” >”What! Don’t judge me Platinum, this is way harder than I thought it was going to be” >She looks at you inquisitively “How so? It’s not like you have feelings for somepony else is it? One of the ponies who ran off maybe?” >”Shut up Platinum…" >You let out a defeated sigh >"... And also yes, /two/ of those ponies that ran off actually” “Nurse Soft Cotton too Anon, you diamond dog!” >”Shut it!” >She pipes down >You put an arm around the miserable looking Silver and scoop her into your lap to replace the previous pone >You give her snoot a quick boop and she scrunches up her muzzle up >Now that is a weirdly adorable pony >”Look Silver, I like you, I really do, but I just don’t know how to pick any one of you three girls over the others” >Platinum laughs at you >”And what exactly is so funny about that, I’ve got a genuine problem here” “Hahah, No you don’t you dummy, choose all of them, form a herd!” >A what? >”What’s a herd exactly? What does it entail?” “It’s pretty simple, a herd is formed when ponies join with a desirable male, there’s no limit the the number of mares one male can have, so long as everyone is happy, but I haven’t heard of a stallion to ever go over six” >”Wait so polygamy is cool here?” “Well… yeah, is that a surprise? Have you seen things around here, there’s like one guy to every five mares” >Praise the sun >And that does make an astounding amount of sense >But what makes sense to you is there’s a now socially acceptable and viable way for you to make the booty trio yours without hurting any feelings “Honestly Anon you are so clueless. This is what you’ve been worrying about? And don’t try to tell me you weren’t worrying, I can read your face like a book” “You should read up on pony society. I recommend the author Mythd, he’s a favourite of mine and he covers stuff like this” >”I’ll be sure to check him out. So if I start one of these herds do I have an kind of responsibilities?” >The batpone in your lap speaks “The stallion is charged with keeping his mares protected, well looked after and satisfied” >”Alright, and how do I start this?” “It’s nothing more than a verbal contract, you just have to ask and so long as everypony else is happy the mare can join the herd” >Her voice increases volume “But I don’t want to share you with anypony else though Anon!” >You pat her head >You’re not sure what to say, but Platinum’s got your back “The way I see it Silver you can either join Anon’s herd with two other mares, or you can not get Anon at all” >Silver stammers “W-what, no! That’s unfair” >”Sorry Silver it’s true” >You pull her to you in a hug >”So how about it, join my ‘herd’ and I’ll be you’re, errr, very special somepony” >God that sounds fucking stupid >Silver locks up “Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee” >You shake your head >Batpones >Platinum starts to laugh >”Snap out of it, what are you going to say?” “....” “Yes Anon, a thousand times yes” >Overjoyed you hug the bat close and lightly kiss her cheek >That’s one adorable pony down, two to go >Speaking of >Soft Cotton has returned to the seat next to you “Krystal Shear is going to be alright, I sent her to bed, she asked me to go get you to come visit her” >"I will" >She looks at you with Silver smiling in your lap “And what did I say about making rash decisions Anonymous!?” >You run your hand through Soft Cottons mane and pull her closer >”Apparently I’ve just started some sort of herd thing” >“I /heard/ all the cool ponies were doing it and I was wondering if you’d like to join” >This feels more like a gang right now >Soft Cotton snorts and pulls back “You’re kidding right?” >”Nope, already got one member” >Silver waves a hoof >Cotton smiles and poofs up “I need to let you make rash decisions more often. Of course I’ll join you Anon!” >You give your Nurse a kiss on the forehead >Bam >That’s two down, only one booty left >”Alright guy’s I’m going to see Shear. Blaze I think I might be a little late, anything I can do to make up for it?” >He pulls up some books from under the table “Can you take these back to my room man? It’s number 420” “And dude, excuse the mess, I’ve been up to a bit of light reading” >”Can do” >It seems he lives on the same floor as you, just slightly further down the hall >You stand up, holding onto Silver in a hug >”I’ll be seeing you once everypony else is in bed and you’re free to goof off with your favorite inmate” >She nods vigorously >You put the bat down and pick up Soft Cotton for a goodnight hug “Maybe I should sleep in your bed tonight?” >”Hmmm? I wouldn't mind, but I think a hug will do for now. Good night Soft Cotton” >”And good night Platinum, I’ll see you both tomorrow” >”Blaze, see ya in a bit” >You plop Soft Cotton back down and head out to your room after picking up Blazes books (and your copious get well cards) >Good job Anon, you've been here a week and you've started a polygamous relationship with three of the small and colourful natives (Or you plan for it to be three) >Well, you know what they say, when in Rome... >Fuck small horses >You soon find yourself nearing your room, but first you go to Blazes door >Room 420 >You’re still not even gunna touch that one >You enter the room but there are no lights on and the window is blocked by something >As it had last night in the cafeteria the light magically turns on >You’re surprised by what it reveals >Blazes “Light” reading is a literal hoard of books >They damn near reached the ceiling >This guy must really love his reading >The books range from STEM subjects to arts and literature, novels, sci-fi, history, conspiracy theories, fucking everything was here! >This guy some sort of savant or some shit? Whatever >Much more alluring to you is what the rest of the space in this room was filled with >Gold, gold and gold >Silver, platinum, rare gemstones, jewellery >Now that’s a real dragons hoard >You restrain yourself from pocketing as much of the shiny metal as you can and simply place the two books on the small section of bed left clean >Likely where he sleeps among his books and gold >The room smells hella like weed too >Delicious >Let’s hope you’re not too high to function later tonight when you’re with Silver >You exit and close the door behind you, sealing off the room of two very contrasting dragon hoards >You reach your room and take a breath >Inside your lights are also off, aside for Shear’s bedside lamp >It’s there you find the smol horse curled up on the bed >She’ not looking too flash, she may have actually been sick >You sit next to her >”How are you feeling Shear?” >She looks at you with those huge blue eyes “It feels like my belly's got cramps, I think I ate too much food” “W-would you mind rubbing my belly, it would make me feel better” >She doesn’t have to ask you twice >You reach out and put a hand on the exposed side of the laying pony >You gently stroke at the pone >She let's out a relaxed horse sigh >”You’re sickness didn't have anything to do with what Silver said did it?” >Shear’s body stiffens “N-no” >”You sure?” “Yes!” >”alright” >Your arm starts to hurt due to the weird angle at which it must be held to stroke the ill pony >To make things easier on yourself you lay down with her >It’s kind of like spooning, except you’d be a wooden spoon with a tea spoon >You pull the pony in toward your stomach and drape your belly rubbing arm over her and get to work >She slowly uncurls herself and stretches out along your body, exposing as much of her belly as possible >Her little heart pounds away furiously under her chest >Your room once again has that wonderful smell of lavender and strawberries >”Something smells nice in here” >Feeble small talk but you’re just waiting to see if Shear’s going to ask you what happened with Silver >You get no response aside from a muffled meep >”Honestly it smells good enough to eat” >You did love strawberries >She still doesn't say a word >So you just continue holding the pony close while rubbing away >You can feel something hard against your back that isn't the wall >”Hold on a sec Shear” >You flop around and get one of your arms under the covers to retrieve whatever it was >What you pull out amazes you >It looks like some sort of gypsy magic crystal ball >Except more stone like >It’s about the size of one and a half baseballs >You return to the pony and drop the sphere next to her face >You put your arm back where it belongs, pone belly >”So what’s that thing, it looks really cool” “It’s just something I got from Gem Club, it’s nothing important” >For nothing important she certainly did clutch it tightly to her chest >It goes back to silence as you continue rubbing sweet soft belly >Every so often you can feel Shear awkwardly wiggling her rump >It was dangerously close to lil’ Anon >“Do you want to know what happened wi- “Shhhhh, don’t say anything Anonymous” >She thinks you've decide to go with Silver Linings doesn't she >”Look Shea- “Shhhh, just keep rubbing” >She scoots down a little more >What does this pony think she’s doing? >Be Krystal Shear >Silver’s action had shocked you so much it’d made you physically ill >Well kind of, you dry retched and spat a little >You were feeling better after a moment but Soft Cotton had sent you to bed anyway >You requested Anon be brought to you and currently you awaited him >At some point you have to ask him what choice he’d made >You lay upon your bed, near the gem grower and Anon’s hoodie >You chose not to hide Anon’s arm guard in your bed because it was pretty full of secrets already >Quicker than you thought he’d be, Anon enters the room >He sits next to you “How are you feeling Shear?” >You felt alright, you probably looked a mess though >But what if Anon did choose another mare? >He was supposed to be yours! >But if he didn’t choose you this may now be your last chance to get any action from Anon >You could get yourself a good hard belly rub if you think quick >”It feels like my belly's got cramps, I think I ate too much food” >“W-would you mind rubbing my belly, it would make me feel better” >Without question his paws get to work >Gosh that felt nice ”You’re sickness didn’t have anything to do with what Silver said did it?” >You stiffen up >It may have had some effect >“N-no” ”You sure?” >“Yes!” ”alright” >Anon let’s out a quite pained grunt as he pulls his paw back and shakes his arm about >The position must have been hurting his arm >Oh well, it was fun while it lasted >Suddenly you find yourself being pulled against the stomach and chest of Anon, who has just lain down and begun spooning with you >That came out of absolutely nowhere! >Things really can’t get much better right now can they? >Him being so close reinvigorates your spirit >You must find a way to claim him! Something to nullify any previous agreement >Anon’s paw comes back to your tummy and begins massaging >Sweet Celestia this just escalated from belly rubs into risqué snuggles didn’t it? >Anon’s paw feels so nice running along your coat that you stretch yourself out along his body, maximising the area for his snuggles to occur >Letting Anon work your body like this leaves you feeling naughty, like a school filly >And coupled with his own shirtless body pressing against your soft coat it has you feeling tingly down below >Having Anon this close, letting him touch you like this, having his scent in your nostrils >It was working you up into a storm of arousal >You sniff deeply, eager for Anon’s aroma >To your extreme embarrassment you also pick up on your own musky scent >Stupid sexy Anon making you horny, it turns you into such a lewd pony >You can only hope Anon can’t smell your nethers ”Something smells nice in here” >Your hooves rush to cover the shout of surprise trying to escape your muzzle letting only a quite ‘meep’ out >Oh no, he can smell it! >You were such a bad, naughty, lewd pony! >But he said it smelt nice… You smell nice down there? >Anon must be the real lewd pony ”Honestly it smells good enough to eat” >...What did he just…? >aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah >Can. Not. Deal! >Was he being serious? Was he smelling what you thought he was? Did he even know what he was smelling? >He says nothing else so you’ll have to assume so >That only leave you to your incredible embarrassment >His paw dances along your chest and down your belly >A quiet moan escapes your lip >If only he let his paw drift a little lower >You want him, /need/ him >Anon continues his pats and before you know it every so often your hips gyrate along with his stroke >But it wasn't your fault! Anon just had you all stirred up, you couldn’t control yourself right? >Hmm, that gives you an idea for your plan, a way to make Anon yours and no pony else's, a last ditch attempt! >You’d ended up asking Blaze what thinking with your ‘second brain’ was while you were working together >Stallions were so perverted >Not like you >So your plan is simple >Abuse Anon’s baser instincts to use his body against him >Gotta get him thinking with that second brain >Then he wouldn’t be able to control himself, he’d need you right then as much as you need him >The thought has you excited and terrified >Were you ready for /that/ >What would it be like? Would Anon be gentle? Would it hurt? >Everypony always said the first time hurt >You fiercely blush up >It was absolutely too lewd! >B-but once you’ve had your fun then any choice he’d made earlier would be moot and Anon would be yours forever! “Hold on a sec” >Anon rolls away from you >Your fantasy comes crashing down at the prospect of Anon leaving >However it’s swiftly rebuilt once your Gem Grower is placed near your head and Anons body returns against yours >His paw gets back to such satisfying lewdness ”So what’s that thing, it looks really cool” >“It’s just something I got from Gem Club, it’s nothing important” >You pull it in towards your chest and clutch it tightly >Precious, precious gem >Thank Celestia he didn’t find the hoodie right next to this >It returns to silence, the only sounds audible are your quick and heavy breathing, mixed with the quiet ruffling of Anon’s fingers massaging away at your sensitive belly >It’s sooo good >You’re rump starts up it’s instinctual wiggles >Anon had taken notice of it this time >In that case it’s time to start this scheme of yours “Do you want to know what happened wi- >No, to you what happened in the cafeteria doesn’t matter any more >“Shhhhh, don’t say anything Anonymous” ”Look Shea- >Bad Anon >“Shhhh, just keep rubbing” >You scoot down a little more, lining up your butt with Anon’s crotch >You’re doing this? Are you actually doing to do this? >You want to but you’re scared >Anon has yet to stop rubbing your lewd little body so you draw confidence from it >Drunk on love, or more likely just horny out of your mind you push your rump into Anon’s crotch >You start a slow back and forth motion with your flanks along Anon >He’s stopped patting you but his paw is still on your belly >You push further into him and start up a faster tempo with a circular movement >Rubbing your flank on Anon’s crotch was embarrassing beyond belief, yet that feeling was overcome by the far greater sensation of pleasure that you derived from it >Against your better judgement it has you pushing harder into Anon’s crotch, rubbing more aggressively with your rear >You let out some silent moans >It doesn’t take long for you to start feeling something hard poking into your flank but by that time your privates feel on fire >At least now that you’ve masterfully turned Anons own body against himself you can take care of that sensation >Anon’s paw leaves your stomach and drifts towards your flanks >This it it! You can do it! >You whip your tail away so as to not interfere with Anon’s path >His paw slips down and find purchase on your flanks >Now that it was there the reality of your situation sets in >This was going to happen, and you weren't sure if you could do it! >While Anon’s paw wasn’t touching anything private you know he can feel the heat from your mareparts >Whether or not you were ready it was about to happen >You feel a pressure on your rump as Anon’s hand begins it job >Be Anonymous that one dude who’s pretty chill >This pony knows exactly what she’s doing >She was trying to trick you with your own penis! >How could she do something like this? >Well to bad for her, your dick and you got along pretty well >Despite that the combination of firm but soft pony arse and a lack of ‘stimulation’ for the past week had lil’ Anon betraying you >Before you know it the skilful mare has him standing at attention >She starts to quietly moan and pushes herself forcefully into your crotch >Things are getting out of hand, it’s time to end this >Your penis rebels at the thought but he’s not the boss of you! >You take your hand from her stomach and move it to her wiggling plot >The cheeky mare moves her tail away at the last moment leaving your hand in a dangerously warm position >God damn you could roast a marshmallow with the heat coming from that >With your hand firmly placed she once again stiffens up >Sorry little pony >You push upwards and lift the mare from your crotch all the way up to just under your chin >You can feel the pained scream coming from lil’ Anon >Some other time dude >:’( >You lean down and whisper into Shear’s ear >”Naughty pony” >You move your hand back to her side and her tail quickly flicks back over >The look on her face is one of complete horror >Horror and embarrassment “I-I I’m sorry Anon, please forgive me, oh my gosh what have I done… I just wanted you to my self so much, I lost control” “Please, just go to Silver, I’m a bad pony, I don’t deserve you” >You flip the pony around so she facing you, then raise her to eye level >”You…” >Pause for effect >”Are a perfect pony” >To accentuate your point you plant your lips upon hers >She has your eyes widening when her little raspy tongue enters your mouth >She really was a naughty pony! >After a moment you pull back to take a breath >”Well, if you’d let me finish what I was saying earlier you’d know I didn’t accept Silvers’ request” >Her face brightens with a smile >”But I did do something else” >She looks more apprehensive “What is it Anon?” >”I started a herd, and it would mean everything to me if you would join me” >She’s shocked to silence >Her face pouts “B-but, I want you all to myself, I don’t want to share you Anon! I don’t know if I can!” >You can see her lip quivering and her eyes moisten >”No, no, no don’t cry” >You pull her into a hug >”Please Shear” >She looks up at you, unsure >It’s clear this one had her heart set on it just being you and her >She looks down as huge tear drops roll down her face >No, just no, you just can’t have that >It’s time to for something drastic >”Shear, look… You’re the first friend I’ve made, you’re the sweetest little thing I know, and when you’re around I just feel happier!” >“To me those things make you special” >The pony has stopped crying and is looking at your with curiosity >*Sigh* >”Look I’m telling you all this because I’ve got something to admit…” >”Krystal Shear, I… I think... I’m in love with you” >Shear’s eyes slowly begin widening and she pulls her head back >She’s literally reeling from the shock >And her eye’s are somehow still getting bigger >Oh god can their eyes get so big they actually pop?! >Wait maybe her pupils are just shrinking… And her irises with them >That’s not right is it? Wait no they’re aliens, for all you know it’s all good >She leans back in, fully recovered >With tears she wraps her hooves around your neck and pulls herself to your face >Once there she gives you a long and sloppy pony kissu~ >No where near as bad as the one before dinner, but still, teary ponu makes for sloppy kisses “Thank you Anon…. Alright, I’ll join your herd. just make sure you don’t forget me!” >”Never!” >She nuzzles into your chest before popping her head back up to rub her muzzle against your nose “Thank you Anon, I’m sorry for what I’ve done, you can go play with your dragon friend now, he deserves a break for all his work” >”You don’t have to be sorry, I’m sorry for being so stupid. I’ll see you in the morning” >She nods as you crawl off the bed >But on your way over her something catches your eye >Shear’s special rock was glowing a soft purple hue >”Hey is that meant to be doing that?” >Shear rolls around to see what you were pointing at “AH!” “It’s done!, it’s done, it's done, it's done!, and so quickly!” >You chuckle as the pony bounces around on the bed >She stops and looks at you “I’ll tell you tomorrow, Anon, you can go now” >”Goodnight” >You quickly scrounge up your cigarette pack and lighter >You leave the room with a sad penis but a third and final mare in your herd >In the end you decided not to ask about the hoodie you felt under the covers reaching for that stone sphere >Welp, let's go find Blaze and get really high to celebrate your literal alien relationship >Be Shear >You've joined Anon’s herd >It’s not what you’d wanted but knowing that Anon /loved/ you meant it didn't matter >He loves you! Loves, loves loves loves you~! >And as an odd perk your gem had, out of bucking nowhere, developed into a complete purple shimmer diamond >Was it because of Anon? Well you don’t really care because it’s done! >But you’ll deal with the gem later >Right now you still had a much more private matter to attend to >You’d survived the embarrassment of your attempt at Anon but so had your extreme arousal >And you wouldn't be able to sleep any time soon if you don’t take care of it >Even with Anon gone you had everything you needed >You pull Anon’s hoodie out from your bed and put it on >You then grab the gem grower >Smooth, warm, and solid >You position yourself over the sphere and awkwardly sit down >Quickly you get to work >As you’re breathing turns to short sharp intakes you take small inhales of Anon’s musk from the hoodie >You’re not a lewd pony you just need to be able to sleep tonight is all! >It would be easier if you could have a pillow with a picture of a shirtless Anon on it >After a brief night of frantic activity, and a bit of clean-up, you flop onto your belly and fall into the sweet embrace of sleep to be entertained by sweet dreams of Anon’s kisses