CMC, and the search for Anonymous' body CH7 (Finale)

>The three of you stood outside the train station, cloaked by darkness as the sun began to dip in the sky.

“Are you quite sure this is going to work?” you inquire, peeking at the train station. From where you stood, there was not a soul in sight.

>You’d be a fool to drop your guard though, and Twilight evidently thought the same, judging by the continued application of the invisibility spell.

>”I’m sure, Anon. We’ll act like everything is normal, buy two tickets to Canterlot, make our way to an empty carriage, and we’ll be fine.”

“I’ll take your word for it…” you grumble, still cautious about being detected.

>”You’ll have to, because our options are rather limited at this particular moment.” Rarity interjects, and you nod in agreement.

“Very well then, I suppose we’d be best making haste now.”

>You stalk Twilight and Rarity as the unicorn duo approach the entrance to the station.

>As the door swings open, you tip toe through the closing gape, sighing in relief as it quietly closes behind you.

>”Awful late to be going places, eh ladies?” comments a voice from behind a counter, as Twilight smiles politely.

>”We’ve got official business in Canterlot, and it requires our immediate presence.”

>A boyish chuckle reaches your ears. “Heh, sucks to be you. Anyway, that’ll be the usual fare: 20 bits for both of ya.”

>”Of course, just let me get my purse!” Twilight replies, digging in her side-bag. “Quills, parchment, extra quills, backup parchment, reminder to self to bring more quills and parchment… oh no!” she exclaims, her eyes widening in horror.

>”What’s wrong darling? Please don’t tell me…”

>Twilight nods solemnly. “I forgot my bits…”

>”I don’t have my purse with me!”

>Rarity gasps in horror. “Nor do I? Whatever shall we do?”

>”I don’t care what you ladies think of.” The male behind the counter replies. “Y’aint getting on the train if y’aint got the cash.”

>Rarity looks gravely at Twilight, and involuntary glances to where you stood for help, before her smile grows wider.

>”Say darling, don’t you know who I am?” she asks sultrily, leaning onto the counter.

>”Uh, I d-don’t!” the stallion replies, his resolve evidently shaking.

>”Well…” Rarity exclaims, fluttering her eyelashes seductively. “My name is Rarity, the most famous fashion voyeur in all of Equestria. I also happen to be the bearer of the Element of Generosity, but I’m very good at… taking.”

>The stallion leans in close enough so that you can see him from your precarious position: his volcanic blush and beads of sweat betray his true reaction.

>”And as a fashion aficionado, I’m very good with my hooves… if you know what I mean.” She punctuates her seduction with a wink, and the stallion gulps.

>”M-ma’am, I-“

>”Shhh, no-one needs to know about this…” Rarity whispers, her feminine appeal being laid on with unmatched finesse . “Just… let us get to Canterlot, and the two of us will become very… familiar.”

>She leans in to whisper her final sentence, and the stallion begins to shake, sweat pouring freely down his face.

>”Fine, fine!” he splutters, cracking under the pressure. “Y-ya can go to Canterlot, free of charge!”

>”Oh, how wonderfully generous of you!” she coos. “I’ll be sure to return this generosity, oh yes…”

>The stallion wordlessly points to the platform, shifting uncomfortably.

>Twilight struggles to maintain a straight face as Rarity struts off, before following her out to the platform.

>You go to follow the two unicorns, before a devilishly cruel thought passes through your cognitive.

>As the stallion giddily chuckles between whispers of unbridled glee, you silently lean on the counter, your mouth approaching his ear.

“I’m going to kill you while you sleep.”

>The stallion screams, launching himself backwards, exposing his elongated… er, manhood.

>”W-what the buck! Who’s there! Show yourself!”

>You silently back away from the counter, making your way to the platform, before laughter overcomes you.

“Pfffhahahaha!” you splutter, grabbing your friends’ attention.

>”What is it?” Rarity asks, her seductive tone reverted back to her prim, normal voice.

“I…. it’s nothing.” You giggle, knowing that stallion’s night was ruined. “Say, Rarity. I didn’t know you were so frivolous with your wily charms. I dare not hope that is what you’re usually like around men…”

>She flashes you a genuine grin, not the sensual one she enticed the ticket-seller with.

>”There’s nothing to be ashamed about. I secured us a trip to Canterlot and besides, what use is beauty if you don’t show it off?”

“Just remember to keep to keep your promiscuity in check. I much prefer you when you’re a lady, not a hor-“

>”If you continue that joke, I’m going to slap you right in your bony cheek. I don’t even care if you’re invisible!”

>You chuckle, before turning to the unusually quiet Twilight.

“So, this is it?”

>”Yes, this will take us to Canterlot within a few hours. I just… I just can’t help but wonder what role the Princess played in all this. It’s very…”

“Unusual?”

>”Yes, exactly.” She mutters, frowning with a thousand yard stare.

“Well, we’re going to find out the answers soon enough. I’d put it out of my mind, if I were you.”

>”You’re probably right.”

>”So, shall we all hurry up and board?” Rarity asks impatiently.

“Yes, let’s get moving. If you would lead the way, Twilight…”

>Twilight leads you onto the thankfully empty train, seating you down in a carriage.

>”We look to be alone in here. I’m going to remove the invisibility spell, it’s really quite taxing on me.”

“Alright then, if you think that’s a good idea…”

>You feel the magical aura dissipate around you, and you involuntarily relax.

>”Now, I’ve just got to go to the restroom for a few minutes. Don’t get into any trouble while I’m away!”

“I’ll do my darndest, Twilight. Be back quickly.”

>She briskly walks off in the opposite direction, and you settle down into one of the carriage seats, Rarity herself sitting opposite.

“And now for a nice, relaxing, peaceful, uneventful train journey, yes?”

>”I’d hope so, but you’ve most certainly jinxed it for us now…”

“What? Don’t be silly, Rarity. Jinxing is a nothing more than a silly myth for little fillies! I bet nothing bad is going to happen on this train journey!”

>”You’re just making it worse! Anon, what are you doing? Stop!” Rarity pleads.

>A sudden voice from outside the carriage grabs both of your attentions, and you peek cautiously out the window.

>Approaching steadily, garbed in the armour of the Canterlot Guard, was a determined looking unicorn.

“Oh dear, he looks rather steadfast…”

>”I told you Anon!” Rarity hisses, looking frantically around the carriage. “I can guarantee he’s going to come onto the train because of you!”

“I did nothing to deserve this!”

>Rarity grits her teeth in frustration, as the guard passes the window, apparently oblivious to your hidden presence.

>Suddenly, her eyes widen.

>”Over there!” she yells, motioning towards an abandoned suitcase that lay undisturbed beneath a seat.

>She hauls the case over to you with magic, springing open the locks on it as it reaches your feet.

“What? Surely you don’t expect me to-“

>”We have no time to argue, if I get caught with an animated skeleton word will surely leak out. Do you know how bad that would be for my social standing?”

“I’ll take my chances with the guard pony, because I’m not getting in that suitcase!”

>”Why not?” she inquires with a desperate tone, her eyes flickering between the train door and yourself.

“I’m claustrophobic!”

>”What? That didn’t stop you in the cave!”

“I’m afraid of the dark!”

>”Then why’d you spend two years in a box in Twilight’s attic?”

“Because I… I don’t… fine, you’ve got me. I’ll get in the suitcase.”

>You clamber inside the suitcase, tucking your skeletal structure in, before the lid slams down shut on top of you.

>You feel yourself being shoved across the floor, before a gruff voice addresses Rarity.

>”Ma’am, I’m performing a routine sweep of the carriage. There’s no need to be alarmed.”

>”Forgive me, darling…” Rarity starts, her nervousness shining through in her voice. “But why would a big, strong soldier like you need to waste his precious time sweeping the carriage?”

>”I was informed by the ticket master that an ethereal voice threatened to kill him in his sleep.”

>”Er, I don’t think a ghost is in this carriage… darling.”

>”I’m not referring to ghosts. Ever since the Changeling Assault on Canterlot, all trains into the city must be checked for changelings, their victims and… changeling hiders.”

>”Well, I’m certainly not hiding a changeling in here!”

>”Then you have no reason to worry, ma’am.”

>Oh dear, looks like the game is up for you.

>”B-but changelings can’t go invisible! There’s surely no connection between that voice and a changeling threat!”

>”Changelings are masters of disguise, deceit and deception. Invisibility would not be out of the question for them. Now, unless there’s anything you’d like to tell me before I perform my search…”

>You hear Rarity sigh. “No darling, there’s nothing at all. Unless…” her tone takes on its seductive side once more “Maybe there’s something you’d want to show me, maybe? Perhaps in a more… discreet carriage…”

>”Ma’am, intercourse bribery is exactly what a changeling would do in this situation.” The guard replies roughly.

>”Oh, I uh… well.”

>”Besides, I’m not inclined to enjoy the female body. Your feminine trickery shan’t work on me.”

>Of course, the one guard who had to search the train was a homosexual…

>”In that case… you can search the carriage.”

>”I thank you for your co-operation, ma’am. I insist, as long as you are a law abiding citizen then you have no reason to fear.”

>Your stomach sinks as the guard’s hooves begin to march once more, his hoof-steps drawing closer and closer to your hiding spot.

>”Ma’am, is this your luggage?”

>”It, er… why yes darling, it is.”

>”My duties include a rudimentary luggage check. I apologise for the invasion of privacy.” the guard replies, moving ever closer.

>”What do you mean?” Rarity gasps, stamping her hooves in indignation. “You can’t just search through a ladies’ luggage like that!”

>”I can and I must. It shall only take a brief moment.”

>”B-but…” Rarity stammers, stumped for a rebuttal.

>You feel the suitcase being dragged out once more, the guard presence looming over it.

>”Now, I’m just going to-“

>”Ah, hello there!” A familiar voice calls out.

>”Who might you be?” the guard asks, his attention diverted from your precarious position.

>”I’m Twilight. Twilight Sparkle, student of the Princess.”

>”It’s a pleasure to meet you Miss Sparkle. Wait! You wouldn’t happen to be related to the Captain would you?”

>”Why yes, I am! He’s my big brother.”

>The guard chuckles. “Aw, that’s lovely. Shining’s always going on how much he loves his little sister, and he must have mentioned your name once or twice. Wouldn’t have asked about your family otherwise.”

>”Good to hear Shining Armour hasn’t forgotten about me. Was worried that Cadence would have made him forget about me!”

>Twilight and the guard share a chuckle, and even Rarity utters a giggle.

>”Well,” the guard mutters. “I’ve explained to your friend here that I’m required to do a search of the carriage. Nothing personal, just doing my job.”

>”Oh that’s fine!” Twilight giggles. “Here, I better show this to you before you freak out.”

>Before you can react to the situation around you, the lid on the suitcase opens upwards, exposing you to the guard.

>”What the… why might you be carting around some sort of… I can’t even tell what type of skeleton this is meant to be…”

>”This unidentified skeleton was discovered in the Everfree Forest a couple of weeks ago!” Twilight exclaims enthusiastically, as you remain stock still. “It’s being transported to Canterlot hospital so that we can study it further: its joints are being held together through an unknown magical force, which could prove incredibly useful to advancing the area of bone and joint replacement!”

>Fair play to Twilight, she’s playing this off as smooth as silk.

>”Well, I’ve always had a bit of a sore hip, so I can see where they’re coming from…” the guard mutters, peering down at you. “But why cart this thing around in a suitcase?”

>”It’s mostly to prevent a ruckus” Rarity interjects. “Imagine the town’s reaction if we just carted around a skeleton in broad daylight!”

>”Hmm… well, fair enough then. I believe you.” The guard says flatly, before backing off from the suitcase. “Since I already checked the other compartments, and you two seem to be the only two civilians, I guess my job here is done. Be careful, and goodnight.”

>Twilight and Rarity politely wave the guard off, and you remain quiet and unmoving until the train begins to move.

>The train’s departure is punctuated by a shared sigh of relief amongst your merry little group.

>”My word, that was too close for comfort.” Rarity gasps, easing herself into a chair.

>Twilight shakily leans against the side of the carriage, breathing slowly. “Why didn’t you stop him, Rarity? Surely you could have just charmed him out of it?”

>”I tried, darling. He wasn’t into mares though, just my luck… he was rather handsome too…” She sniffles. “And knowing my horrid luck, this whole ‘Rarity style seduction’ will become tiring, running joke won’t it?”

“I’ll only tease you about it occasionally.”

>She frowns, before rolling her eyes.

>”I told you that you jinxed us…”

 

>The train journey that followed was surprisingly uneventful. The three of you sat in silence for most of the time, wordlessly contemplating the reckoning before you.

>Personally, this matter didn’t worry you. You felt more curiosity and anticipation than dread: Celestia had the answers to the questions that irked you and so going to her was a logical decision.

>Eventually, the great city of Canterlot comes into view, perched upon the precipice of the mountain.

“There she is… magnificent sight, isn’t it?”

>Rarity smiles. ”It is, darling… shame the euphoria wears off after so many trips to and from.”

“Indeed. It is possible to have too much of a good thing… which is why I’m avoiding you once this royalty business is over.”

>”I’ll take that remark as a compliment, thank you very much. In all seriousness though, I do hope this isn’t our last interlude of… would you call this friendship?”

“I wouldn’t say friends, exactly. But the foundation’s there, alright.”

>Rarity’s smile widens into a heart-warming grin, and you chuckle.

“I wish I had a heart so I could enjoy this more…”

>”I beg your pardon?”

“What? Oh, forgive me. Mind tends to wander when there’s nothing keeping it in…”

>Rarity snickers, before sighing.

>”I suppose I’d like to be your friend, Anonymous. Even though you did almost lead my sister and her best friends into an arachnid related death… but you’re a gentleman at heart.”

“That means a lot to me. I plan on taking up that offer, if you were wondering…”

>”Of course, we can’t have you wandering around in your bare… bones. No, grey is not a colour that suits you.”

“Now that you’ve mentioned my nakedness, I suddenly feel much more exposed…”

>”Maybe a tuxedo would work on you! I’d make to make a few minor adjustments, get a few measurements, but I’m sure it would work.”

>You briefly contemplate yourself strutting around Equestria, clad in a tuxedo, visiting casinos, meeting gorgeous ponies, saving the world…

>Rarity suddenly raps you on the skull, and you wince.

“Hey! What was that for?”

>”It’s rather rude to daze off when somep0ny is trying to talk you, you know. What unfathomable nightmare did that mind of yours conjure up anyway?”

“A wonderful thing… want to hear it?”

>”I’ll pass.” She replies bluntly, before giggling.

“What’s so funny?”

>”I just realised… we’re going to have to cart you around in that suitcase, once more.”

“I knew that bloody thing hadn’t seen the last of me… so, any rhyme or reason as to why I have to remain in that infernal thing?”

>”Well,” Twilight interrupts. “It’s a fair distance to the castle from this next stop, and I already told you that invisibility spells are draining. Besides, it’s rather funny to put you in that thing.”

“Laugh all you want, I’ll be the one giggling when I’m in a casino surrounded by blackjack and prostitutes… you know what, just give me the casino, forget the blackjack and prostitutes!”

>Grumbling to yourself, you curl up back in the suitcase, pulling the lid down on top of you.

>A few minutes later, and the train slowly grinds to a halt, marking the end of the journey.

“I’d be quick in getting to the castle!” you call out, the suitcase muffling your voice. “It’s rather stuffy in here!”

>”We’ll try to make it there in a briskly manner. Just remember to be quiet: Canterlot is always busy, even in the evenings.”

>And with that, the suitcase is levitated upwards, bringing you with it.

>Time slows to a crawl as you rattle about in the pitch-dark luggage bag, your sense of time and direction utterly skewed.

>You hear mutters and chatter from your unicorn companions, but the luggage makes it far too difficult to hear them.

>As you gently slide inside the suitcase, you realise that you must be going uphill now, towards the palace. Your suspicion is confirmed as a guard calls out to Twilight, with their discussion faintly reaching you.

>It sounds like Twilight was smooth talking, as within moments you’re being levitated again, the buzz and chatter of guards and ponies growing stronger.

>You continue to be dragged along down corridors and up stairs, winding deeper into what you presumed to be the palace at this stage.

>Eventually you wind to a stop, the clasps mercifully unlocking.

“Damn, it’s good to be out of that case!” you exclaim, stretching your arms upwards.

>”I do hope your journey here was comfortable. The last thing I’d want you to be is aggravated…”

>That voice strikes you like a punch to the gut, silencing your train of thought.

>So familiar… you knew only one pony would have that momentous effect on you…

>Taking in your surrounding, you notice that you’re in a long, corridor like room.

>Rarity and Twilight are by your side, facing the pony behind you, looks of hesitation in their eyes.

>With a deep breath, you turn around.

>There, with her mane flowing in an ethereal wind and a strange smile on her face stood Princess Celestia, descending from her raised throne.

>Instinctively, you kneel down on one knee, lowering your head in respect.

>”There’s no need for that…” Celestia giggles, her voice carrying unmatched weight even when lowered.

>Silently obeying, you bring yourself back up, your height matching hers.

“It’s a pleasure to meet your acquaintance, Celestia. I hope you’ll pardon me for this, but I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from you.”

>“Then I don’t need to worry about failing to meet your expectations!” she laughs, her joviality spreading like wildfire.

“No, you don’t…” you smile, taking a step towards her.

>Celestia simply watches you for a few moments, her gaze soft and comforting.

>”You always were a curious one...”

“I was? Good to know things haven’t changed. Shame I can’t reminiscence alongside you…”

>”There’s a reason, and a story for that… Since you came here, I’d like to think you wished to find out those reasons, yes?”

“I do.”

>”Then come stand before me.” She nods towards the floor in front of her, and you obediently comply.

>”Do you trust me, Anonymous?”

“I shouldn’t have a reason to, but I can’t help it…”

>”Good. I’d like to think I made a lasting impression on you. Now, if you would just relax…”

>You offer no resistance as Celestia touches your skull with her horn.

>A flash of light blinds you, your hands covering your eye sockets in instinctual panic.

>”Calm yourself, Anonymous. I bid you no harm…”

>Celestia’s voice soothes you, and with a monumental effort you lower your arms.

>You recoil in shock as you take in the scene around you: vast expanses of colourless void stretch around you, encompassing your entire view.

“What in the god damn…”

>”I hope this wasn’t a shock to you. In hindsight, asking your permission first would have been much more polite…”

>Seemingly appearing from midair, Celestia joins your side, her charming smile ever-present.

“Where are we?”

>”I decided to take the inevitable revelations to a more… private place.”

“Ah, so we’re in my conscious?”

>”Yes, that’s exactly right.” Celestia giggles. “Your intuitiveness hasn’t gone anywhere these last two years…”

“Two years? Feels like only yesterday…”

>Silence descends upon the two of you, amplified by the vastness of the void that encapsulated the two of you.

>”So, if I may ask: how much do you actually remember?”

“Not much, if I’m going to be honest. I’ve got some connection to you through the letter you left with Twilight, and something pricks the bottom of my conscious… but nothing tangible, unfortunately.”

>”I see” Celestia says, her voice as soft as sunshine. “Well then, that is why we are here, are we not? To elucidate you on the events you chose to forget…”

“I chose to forget…?”

>Celestia sighs. “Here, let us go through that moment two years ago… do I have your permission?”

“Permission for what?”

>Celestia lays a hoof on your forehead.

>”Inside that skull of yours, beneath twisting locks and ironclad chains, lies the truth of what happened. I can unlock it for you: but will you allow me access into your uttermost private sanctum?”

“My gut instinct is telling me… yes. I trust you enough to not poke around in there.”

>”I’d never condone a breach of privacy like that. My intrusion is purely to assist you…”

>Around you, floating images come into view, dancing tantalisingly out of reach.

“What are these? My memories, I’d assume?”

>”Indeed… are you ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.”

>”Then let us start from the beginning…”

>One of the floating panels approaches the two of you, its image proclaiming you hugging Celestia tightly.

“I didn’t know I used to have such a fine head of hair.”

>”I offer you the key to your repressed past and you comment on your appearance…” Celestia chuckles.

“My apologies, but when you’ve lacked a body for most of your recent memory, the novelty of having hair comes back in spades.” You mutter, eyeing the image… no, memory closely. “When is this from?”

>”This was not long after you entered this world. It was a rather confusing, saddening time for you…”

“And I took comfort in you?”

>”Indeed, we quickly became close friends during your… integration, so to speak.”

“I suppose that’s why I still feel such an attachment to you… Did any other ponies know about me?”

>”Aside from my sister Luna, not a soul knew of you. You lived, ate, slept, and spent the entirety of your time within these castle walls.”

“I guess I’ve come home then… so, that covers how the two of us met and bonded. I’d like to know about the more grisly details, now.”

>Celestia nods, as the still image of your past floats towards you.

>As it makes contact with your hands, images flash through your conscious, like a supersonic slideshow in your mind.

>All these memories, all that time… you felt a surge of happiness, as if a weight was being lifted off your chest.

>”It was upon this day that I decided to try and perform a particularly rigorous spell, one I wasn’t quite familiar with. Against both of our better interests…”

>A new memory slides closer to you, depicting an unsettling scene: you lying writhing on the floor, a panicked looking Celestia kneeling beside you.

>”Against both of our better interests, you offered to be the test subject… and I agreed.”

“What happened then…?”

>Celestia sighs, her voice laden with guilt.

>”A nightmare happened. A simple spell that was meant to send you home… I couldn’t have possibly foreseen that effects it would have.”

“That was the spell that turned me into… this?”

>Celestia’s grave nod confirms it.

“Damn Celestia, you must have had a really bad day or something…”

>A small smile twitches at the corner of her mouth.

>”Obliterating the flesh of a good friend is slightly more than a ‘bad day...”

“So, how’d I survive then, so to speak? I’m not a doctor, but total body annihilation seems like a fairly fatal thing.”

>”I’m not sure, but it seems like your soul was permanently bound to this place, animating your then exposed skeleton…”

“I see… wait, something doesn’t add up here.”

>”And what would that be?” Celestia questions, her gentle eyes imploring you to continue.

“How did my torso and legs end up half a mile underground in the Everfree Forest, while my skull stayed here?”

>”I… well, that was a rather interesting side effect.” Celestia giggles. “Your skull was detached from your body, which then disappeared in a flash of light. I tried searching for it with magic, but the roughest guess always ended up being in the Everfree somewhere.”

“And how did I know where to look for it? I’m not accusing you, by the way. I’m simply curious to know.”

>”Luck, perhaps? Or was it fate that reunited you into one piece… or perhaps some buried intuition guided you into the forest?”

“I guess we’ll never know… and I suppose it doesn’t matter.”

>The still image brushes against you like the previous one had, and as if gears in your long-gone brain were beginning to turn, your memories returned wholly.

“Ah! That feels… odd. And my memories… that was a lot of pain.”

>”Unfortunately…. Yes. It was a tremendous burden on you, and it’s something I dearly regret.”

>Her smiles drops and you quickly ruffle her mane, eliciting a small blush.

“Don’t regret it, Celestia. Regret isn’t going to turn back the tide of time and reverse the change, so don’t fret over it. Honestly.”

>”Hmm… If I must be honest, I hadn’t expected such a pleasantly tame reaction from you. You truly don’t harbour any grudge against me?”

“Not one iota. Forgiving a friend is much easier than to harbour hatred…”

>Celestia’s smile widens. “I’m glad you still see me as a friend.”

“The feeling’s mutual… look, there’s another question I need to ask, but it’d be best if you finish this tale.”

>”Very well…”

>A final image materialises in front of you, depicting Celestia setting your skull into that oh-so familiar box...

>”After the spell went wrong, you were beyond traumatised. In the brief moments of lucidity you possessed, in-between bouts of pain and confusion-fuelled horror, we devised an emergency solution. I would put you into a magical sleep and entrust you to my most faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.”

“Why was I sent to her? Why not just keep me in Canterlot here, locked up safe and sound?”

>”I was partly trying to distance the two of us, lest it serve as a reminder… The fact that Twilight’s abode was near the Everfree was another motivating factor.”

>Celestia coughs, before continuing the tale.

>”I sent her your skull, knowing that you would wake up when you were ready to handle… well, to call it ‘life’ would perhaps be misleading… That is why I put you to sleep, after all.”

“So I slept in Twilight’s attic for a couple of years, and that would have been it…”

>”Indeed, but something I didn’t account for happened. May I know what it was?”

“Would you believe me if I said three fillies broke me out of there?”

>Celestia silently gapes at you, before bursting into adorable laughter.

>”Of course…” she splutters in-between fits of laughter. “Why wouldn’t it be a trio of fillies that set these events in action?”

“Looking back on it, it does seem ridiculous… but it’s what happened. They had apparently been looking for treasure maps, but discovered a lot more than they had bargained for…”

>”And so I assume they took you into the forest? Reuniting you with your lost body?”

“Aye, but there was an eight legged obstacle I had to vault over first.”

>”Spiders, you say? Don’t tell me the brave man I once knew was intimidated by a tiny little spider.”

“I hope to god I never have to use your scale of ‘tiny’, that arachnid could look me in the eye and insult my mother. He probably did, now that I think about it: I wish I could understand spider swears…”

>”I must say, I missed your incomprehensibly random outbursts…”

>An uncomfortable silence descends upon the two of you.

“Well, after I retrieved my body and then valiantly rescued the fillies from a webby death, I decided to return with Rarity, who then bought me to Twilight… and then this story comes full circle.”

>”Indeed it does. It’s good to see you’re still lucid, and… well, functioning.”

“I’ll assume you’re using the term loosely…” you chuckle. “Say, one more thing that’s bugging me. Why did you block my memories again?”

>”We agreed that waking up and remembering such a traumatic event would be nothing short of cruelty. With the letter I ensured with Twilight Sparkle, I knew you would eventually find your way back to me. And then I could ease you back into your memories…”

“Ah, so it was a matter of gentleness.”

>Another uncomfortable silence descends on the two of you.

“So… what happens now?”

>”What do mean, Anonymous?”

“What happens with me? Where do I go from here?”

>”I am your friend Anonymous, not your mother!” Celestia giggles. “I can’t direct you to follow a certain path in your life. This is a road you’ll pick for yourself…”

“Hmm. I never really contemplated life outside the palace walls… I suppose that’s ironic in itself.”

>”And how might that be ironic?” Celestia inquires.

“Well, as you said, I never really had any friends or even acquaintances… That’s all changed now. Ever since those three fillies woke me up, I’ve felt something… different. Hopeful, I might describe it. I finally feel the spark, that might develop into a magnificent bonfire of… friendship… or something, I really must think my analogies through properly.”

>”I understand what you mean, and it pleases me greatly!” Celestia says excitedly. “Knowing you have laid the foundations for friendship is truly wonderful, Anon… I think I understand the irony now. Now in death… you can finally start living your life.”

“That’s a rather romantic way to think it through, but it’s entirely appropriate…”

>With a sense of finality you reach out to the last image, the final gears in your conscious clicking into place.

“I must say, it feels good to be in complete control of my faculties again.”

>”Perhaps then, a welcome back is in order?”

“Welcome…? It’s been more than welcome, Celestia.”

>You motion for a hug and Celestia accepts it, shivering slightly as your bony arms envelope her.

“Why do ponies always shiver when I touch them? I exude charisma by the buckets!”

>”That part is up for debate, and my apologies for not finding solid bone very comforting.”

>The hug persists for a second later, before you reluctantly break it off.

“I dare suppose we should wrap this business up now. I’d rather put this behind me, and get on with things.”

>”I’d like to hope that you’d return to Ponyville, yes?”

“That’s what I plan on doing. Rarity is rather charming, and doesn’t object to me lodging with her. Not sure how I plan on revealing myself to the Ponyville population though: I’m allergic to riots, lynching and holy objects.”

>”I’m certain the township will accept you for who you are. With Twilight Sparkle and her friends by your side, I’m sure they’ll remain calm…”

“Let’s certainly hope…”

>You nod in finality, and with another flash of light, you’re back in the throne room.

“Did you miss me?”

>”Miss you? You never left?” Rarity replies hesitantly, and you chuckle.

“Of course…”

>”So, has your memory returned?”

“As my body was made whole, so was my mind… thank you, Celestia. Thank you dearly.”

>”It was the least I could for you, Anonymous.”

>Another brief hug ensues, and surprisingly, Celestia does not shiver this time.

“Hey, you didn’t shudder! We’re making progress!”

>Celestia puts on a mock pout, before smiling.

>”Indeed. Now, it’s rather late, and I must retire to my bed. The last time I failed to rise in the morning, ponies ran amok in the streets proclaiming the end of times was upon us.”

“In that case, I’ll leave just one riot on your hooves and return to Ponyville. You’ll be seeing me again soon, Celestia. That I promise.”

>”I’ll hold you to it, don’t doubt me! Goodbye for now, then. Stay safe.”

“Don’t worry, if I can engage in fisticuffs with an oversized arachnid then a small town of candy coloured equines will be a cakewalk!”

>”Anon! What did I tell you about jinxing yourself?” Rarity hisses, and you laugh.

“C’mon Rarity, I can worry for myself. Besides, I’m sure the ponies will be ok with me. After all, it’s not about what’s on the outside, it’s what insides that matters!”

>Rarity gapes at you. “You haven’t got anything inside you!”

“Then I don’t have t worry about anything, do I?”

>Rarity covers her eye with a hoof, sighing in frustration.

>”You’re going to be a right hoof full, aren’t you…”

“I’m high maintenance, baby… no, literally. I’m going to need sandpaper, bone polish, a personal servant, skull bulbs, a scythe and cloak, a rollercoaster park…”

>”You’ll get the first two, and in return I won’t make you stay in the suitcase on the way back.”

“You drive a hard bargain… sure, deal.”

>”You’re paying for your own accommodation though, I may be the element of generosity but I won’t tolerate slacking!”

“You sly bitch…”

>”Are you too going to bicker or can we go already?” Twilight impatiently implores.

“Fine, I’ll see you soon Celestia. Take care.”

>”I wish good luck upon you as well, Anonymous. Twilight, as my student I expect you to be there if and when he needs help.”

>”You can count on me Princess!”

>You pause for a moment, before nodding.

“Very well then, let us return to Ponyville…”

>The two unicorns who you could now call friends accompany you, as you make your way out through the doors of the throne room.

>Complete in body, complete in mind… you had a good feeling for what lay ahead of you in un-life.

>Friends, a place where you might truly belong, happiness… it was more than you could ever ask for.

>And you had those three little fillies to thank for it. Who would have thought…?

>”Anon?”

>Rarity’s voice snaps you out of the daze, and you turn to her.

>”Are you coming or not?”

“Right behind you, Ra-ra.”

>She blushes at her improvised nickname, before trotting off after Twilight.

>”For that, you’re going back in the suitcase!”

>You smirk, before setting off after her, your movement punctuated with a happy sigh.

>Who knows what would lie ahead of you in life, so to speak?

>Happiness?

>Sadness?

>Overwhelming joy, or bittersweet symphonies?

>Would you outlive your new-found friends, or would Celestia’s spell have yet more unintended consequences?

>You ponder these questions for a moment, before smiling.

>The answers to them will come in time: why worry about them now?

>Sweeping away your insecurities like flies in the wind, you march after Rarity, whistling a faintly-remembered tune as your exaltation swells.

>Even if yet more unanswered questions bugged you, there was one thing you’d definitely be able to count on…

>It’s going to be one hell of a ride, and it isn’t ending soon!