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Cutie Mark Crusaders, and the search for Anonymous' body CH5

By: An_Irish_Nomad on Feb 9th, 2013 | syntax: None | size: 18.55 KB | hits: 265 | expires: Never

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>You, Rarity and Sweetie Belle hover on the outskirts of Ponyville, eyeing the town anxiously.
“Well, darn… that is a lot of ponies out there…”
>Rarity nods. ”Indeed. While I would normally not avert from being in the spotlight, perhaps this time a sneakier approach would be preferable.”
“I’m inclined to agree. I suppose my presence would start a surprise, riot, or lynching mob… or perhaps all three… anyway, how should we go about getting to the carousel?”
>Rarity pauses.
>”I’m afraid we may have to get our hooves a little dirty, so to say…”
“Hiding in bushes?”
>”Hiding in bushes.”
>You sigh, reluctantly accepting the harder method of entry.
“Very well. You lead the way, and I’ll tail you from cover: these bones can be quieter than you think.”
>”I certainly hope so. Having a blundering skeleton stalk oneself through the entirety of Ponyville would be most suspicious.”
>”Wait, Anon’s staying with us?” Sweetie Belle asks.
>”For now, until we can discern what to do with him for the future.”
>”Oh. That’s cool, I guess.”
“I take it you do not mind my continued presence…?”
>”Nah, you’re pretty great Anonymous” She says, a smile widening on her face.
>If you had a heart, it would have exploded by now… darn these cute ponies.
“Well then, that’s great to hear!”
>Rarity whistles for you, grabbing your attention, before motioning to start walking towards the town.
“Oh, right. Coming now.”
>You skulk along in the shadows, hugging the side of the buildings as you approach the epicenter of the town.
>Avoiding the innocent, unknowing eyes of the townsfolk, you dart from bush to bush.
>Rarity, with an ironclad composure, shoos Sweetie Belle further onto the carousel, to prepare it for your arrival.
“Psst! How’re we doing so far?”
>”Excellent!” she whispers, glancing around nervously. “However, we’re about to reach the hardest leg of this trial…”
“Why? What’s left before the carousel?”
>Rarity gives a stern stare to a mint-green pony who passes deathly close to the bush, before returning her attention to you.
>”We’re about to near Sugarcube Corner. If there’s a single pony in town who could rat you out right now…”
“Who?” You mutter, frowning in concentration.
>”Pinkie Pie…”
>As if by fate, a sudden pink blur streaks past the bush, as you recoil back into its foliage depths.
>”Heya Rarity! Great morning, isn’t it?”
>”Good morning Pinkie Pie, great to see you too-“
>”Oh, I have an absolutely super idea! I’ve made a brand-new pancake recipe, and I’m inviting everyp0ny in town to try it out! You’ve just go to come try it!”
>Rarity gulps, glancing wide-eyed at you.
>”That does sound heavenly…” she begins, her rumbling stomach punctuating her compliment. “But I’ve got an important matter to attend to right now. Yes, very important indeed-“
>”Is it to do with the thingy in the bush?” Pinkie Pie asks, as your stomach drops.
>”I b-beg your pardon?” Rarity stammers, her composure broken.
>”I can tell there’s something hiding in that bush right there! Is it a secret? Is it your special somep0ny? Is it-“
>”Pinkie, I promise that there is nothing in that bush.”
>Even though your view is obscured by the foliage in front of you, you know the aptly named mare is grinning.
>Better take measures to ensure you aren’t caught: you can tell Rarity will lose this verbal face-off.
>”Do you Pinkie Promise, Rarity?”
>”I absolutely promise, Pinkie Pie. Now, I really do have somewhere to be-“
>”You made a pinkie promise? Then I’m sure you won’t mind if I take a sneaky peeky in the bush, wouldya?”
>Time to act, it’s now or never.
>You crawl out of the bush and dive deftly behind a crate, as Pinkie rustles around in the bushes behind you.
>Dear God, don’t let her have spotted you…
>”Guess you were telling the truth!”
>”Of course I was, Pinkie. Do you think I would lie to you?”
>”No, not at all Rarity! My Pinkie sense just said there was something spooky in the bush, so I had to check it out!”
>You let out a sigh of relief as Rarity beleaguers Pinkie Pie.
>”Honestly Pinkie, you and your darned ‘Pinkie Sense’… Can I please get on back to the carousel?”
>”Aw, sure you can. If you feel like changing your mind though, Sugarcube corner is always open!”
>”I appreciate the offer Pinkie… goodbye!”
>You hear Pinkie Pie bounce away, as Rarity gasps.
>”Oh my word, I can’t believe you didn’t get caught there.”
“I can apply finesse when the situation requires it. I’m more dexterous than you’d think.”
>”Finesse? I can appreciate that.”
>You creep out from behind the crate, glancing around to ensure your security, before flashing a grin.
“Still, that went much better than I dared hope… I pray that we’re nearing your abode though.”
>”It’s only another minute away or so. Come on, while no-one’s looking!”
>You hesitantly follow Rarity behind the back of the houses, tension building within your bones.
>”There we are!” she exclaims, pointing to a prominent building lurking on the outskirts of town.
“We have to run through the open? Joy oh joy…”
>Rarity bucks you in the backside and you stifle a yelp.
>”Just make a run for it!”
>You gulp, before breaking out into a frantic sprint, as you make a beeline for the open door.
>You barge in as Rarity slams the door shut behind you, before you lean against the wall.
“Phew! All that nonsense to deal with and we didn’t get caught… Thank you for anticipating my arrival, Sweetie Belle!”
>The filly rewards you with a heart-melting grin.
>”Thanks Anon! Hey Rarity, what’re you going to do now?”
>Rarity shakes her head, before yawning.
>”I said I would have some beauty sleep, and by Celestia I’ve earned it! I shall see the both of you later… And please, Anonymous: don’t do anything uncouth while I’m comatose.”
>You and Sweetie Belle giggle as Rarity heads off into what must be her bedroom, shutting the door behind her.
“Heh. Well then, young Sweetie Belle. What are you going to do now?”
>She appears to ponder your question for a moment.
>”Actually, I’m not too sure what to do. It’s not like we can just visit someone now, is it?”
“I suppose you’re right. I guess we could… talk? Would that be preferable?”
>”Yeah, you must have a lot of questions to ask.”
>You do, but Sweetie Belle isn’t the one to answer them.
“Eh, sure… might as well kill time for now.”
>Sweetie Belle frowns at you.
>”Was that meant to be funny? Because that really wasn’t funny.”
“What? I wasn’t trying to be… actually, now that I think about it...”
>”Let’s just go to the kitchen and grab a seat, yeah?”
“Er, of course.”
>You awkwardly follow the filly into the kitchen, taking a seat at the table.
>”So, what’d you want to know?”
“Well, let’s start with Rarity. What does she do for a living? I’d like to think my assumption was correct, and that she’d be involved with something… classy.”
>”She’s real big into fashion and stuff. Clothes, designing, you name it.”
“Ah, interesting. I take it she does most of her work here then, yes?”
>”Yep, everything gets done from here.”
“Hmm, I see… so, what about your friends? Scootaloo seemed rather curious indeed, although I can’t seem to put my finger on why…”
>Sweetie Belle grimaces. “Uh, yeah… Scootaloo’s got a problem with her wings.”
>Your smile drops.
“Oh, really? That is rather unfortunate… Dear me, that’s heartbreaking.”
>”You don’t even have a heart!”
“No, but it’s the thought that counts.”
>You sigh.
>”At least her sister seemed rather nice. Even if she was a little… er, sick during that escapade.”
>”Sister?” the filly asks, regarding you with confusion. “Scootaloo doesn’t have a sister!”
“She doesn’t? Then who-“
>”Oh! You must be thinking of Rainbow Dash! She’s not Scootaloo’s sister!”
“Really? Well, I would never have assumed that Rainbow Dash was old enough to be the fillies’ mother!”
>”What? No, you’ve got this completely wrong!” Sweetie Belle says with a tone of impatience. “Rainbow Dash isn’t her mother or her sister…”
“They aren’t related at all? Well colour these old bones surprised…”
>”Yeah, I can understand why you’d think that, but they’re not related.”
“Hmmph. What about Applebloom? Next thing you’ll be telling me that she and Applejack aren’t related.”
>You elicit a giggle from Sweetie Belle.
>”Heh, not much chance of that happening. What’d you want to know about her?”
“Just wondering, is all. Anything unusual or important that I should know about the apple family?”
>”Hmm, not really. They’ve been working on Sweet Apple Acres for all their life. Applejack and Applebloom, that is.”
“Your words imply that there are others in the family…”
>”There’s Big Macintosh, and Granny Smith… and a whole bunch of others in Appleloosa…”
“Big Macintosh? Granny Smith? Appleloosa?” you chuckle. “Well, at least they’re consistent…. Say, Sweetie Belle?”
>”Yeah Anonymous?” she replies, eyeing you curiously.
“Have you got any questions for me?”
>Your request appears to dumbfound the filly.
>”Have I got any questions…? Er, well…”
“I’ll answer to the most honest degree I can. Do not hold fear for anything that you wish to know!”
>”Well, alright then…” the filly hesitates. “What’s it like… you know, being a skeleton?”
“I figured you’d want to ask that question… Wait, first things first. Do you have a glass of water?”
>”Uh, sure. Just give me a second.”
>The filly roots around in a cupboard, takes out a tumbler and fills it with tap water.
>”Why’d you ask for a glass of water? Surely you can’t drink it?”
“No, but I can better describe this moment if I put it into practice.”
>Sweetie Belle shrugs as you grasp the glass of water, before you sit over the sink.
“Wouldn’t want to make a mess now, would we? Anyway, please pay your utmost attention…”
>You grimace, before tipping back the glass of water, feeling it splash against your ribs and into the sink… and yet…
“Even when it is long gone, I can still feel the water in my throat…”
>”Huh?” Sweetie Belle interrupts, breaking you out of your trance.
“What? Oh, sorry. My mind must have wandered for a moment… In answer to your question…” you say, setting the glass down. “It’s difficult being a skeleton, that’s for sure. Even something as basic as drinking this glass of water becomes impossible: but there always remains a faint hint, a gentle feeling… it’s like an itch that you can’t scratch, always there…”
>”I don’t quite understand, Anonymous.”
>You sigh.
“Say… poke my chest, Sweetie Belle. In-between the bones…”
>The filly hesitates, before reluctantly waving a hoof in-between your ribs.
“See, I should theoretically be feeling nothing at all, correct?”
>”Uh, sure. There’s like, no skin or muscle or anything.”
“And yet, I can still faintly fell the prodding of your hoof.”
>The filly recoils in horror.
>”Wait, I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
“No, not at all! Calm yourself, Sweetie Belle.”
>Sweetie Belle shakes her head, before regaining her composure.
>”This is too weird…”
“It comes with the territory of being undead… Did you have any other questions?”
>”How did you end up being a skeleton anyway? Was it magic?”
>You begin to formulate a reply, before pausing in hesitation.
>Deep within your conscious, something stirred… a distant echo, remaining just out of your reach or comprehension…
>What was going on? Why the sudden sense of… wrongness?
>You concentrate, blind to the physical world: all focus directed on that elusive, taunting memory…
>”Anon?”
>You roughly return back to the situation as the filly raps on your forehead.
>”Anon? Snap out off it!”
“I’m fine, I’m fine!” you exclaim, evidently scaring the filly.
>”Ah! What in the hay are you doing Anon? You’re going to scare me to death!”
“My sincerest apologies, Sweetie Belle. I… my mind tends to wander sometimes.”
>You pause for a moment, formulating a reply.
“As for your question: I do not know. I have wondered for years as to the cause of my sufferance, but I get no answer… and never shall, in all likelihood.”
>Again, a persisting feeling of remembrance permeates through your conscious. What is going on?
>”Aw, that’s kinda sad.” Sweetie Belle pouts, her eyes wide with pity.
“Don’t fret over it, young filly. I put my grievances behind me long ago…”
>Sweetie Belle continues to tense, and you know that it’d be best to end this chat early.
“That should wrap up any queries you may have, as I don’t suppose you’d wish to inquire about anything else, would you?”
>”Yeah, I know you don’t know much else about your life. Thank you, Anonymous.”
“You are most welcome, Sweetie Belle. Do not hesitate to approach me if you have any future inquiries!”
>”I will. Say, I think I’ll go see how Applebloom is doing on the farm, get some fresh air.”
>You smirk: you had no doubt the filly was still creeped out at your behavior.
“So long then. Take care, or else Rarity’ll have my head… literally!”
>This managed to raise a small giggle out of Sweetie Belle.
>”Heh, I’ll be careful. See you later!”
>Sweetie Belle makes her leave from the carousel, and quietness immediately envelopes you.
>You make your way to the door of Rarity’s room, silently listening.
>Gentle breathing and snores reach your empty ear-holes, and you shrug to yourself.
“Might as well fellow suit…”
>You rest yourself down onto the floor, block out the outside world with your mind, and before you know it, you’re asleep.
>It was not to be a peaceful rest though: you felt the doubt from earlier return, haunting you throughout your slumber.
>Hopefully Twilight would be able to quell your doubts, and shed light on your hesitation.
>You are awoken as the clock strikes 3, as Rarity finally leaves the private seclusion of her bedroom.
“Feeling better?” you ask sleepily.
>”Much better!” she exclaims with enthusiasm, flashing you a smile. “Nothing eases tension like a gentle, relaxing nap.”
“Indeed. I’m afraid we may have yet to deal with some more tension…”
>Rarity eyes you nervously.
>”You are referring to Twilight, yes?”
“Correct.”
>”And you’re sure she’s the best pony to talk to right now?”
“I’m certain of it. After all, once word of me leaks out – which it will, of that I have no doubt – she’ll be anxious to see us, will she not? Regardless, I turned up in her attic and it’s only right that I should share and discern information from her.”
>”I’ll trust your judgement on this one… do you want me to come with you?”
“Your company would be appreciated. At least if Twilight decides to strip me down and grind me into a test-tube, you’ll be there to stop her… right?”
>Rarity flashes you another cheeky smile.
>”I wouldn’t count on it, darling.”
“Well then, this is all buggered.”
>Your posh compatriot giggles, before levitating a scarf over to you.
>”Do be a dear and wrap up warmly, these cold evenings will be the death of you!”
“And with the subtlety of a sledgehammer striking the back of an orphan’s skull, Rarity cracks a joke.” You mutter, hauling yourself off the floor.
>Rarity only smirks, levitating the scarf over to and around your neck.
>”Now then, you look much more prim and dapper!”
“Hmm. Now that you mention it…” you chuckle, admiring yourself in the hallway mirror. “We should still ensure no-one sets eyes upon my ‘prim and dapper’ form though.”
>”Of course, darling. Are you ready?”
“Let’s get this over with…” you mutter, and the two of you abandon the security of the carousel.
>Through sheer luck, fate or some ungodly combination of the two, you found yourself poised in the bushes outside Twilight’s library.
>”Let me handle this, Anon.”
>Rarity raps loudly on the front door, and you cringe at the noise. If one person decided to look outside their window…
>”Who is it?” calls a familiar voice from inside, and your resolve wavers.
>”Twilight? Twilight, it’s Rarity! Could you be a sweetheart and open your door to us… er, me?”
>”Sure, give me a second!” Twilight calls enthusiastically, the sound of hoofsteps approaching the front door. “Ah, hello Rarity! Wait, is there something wrong? You look… unnerved.”
>Rarity laughs nervously. “It’s nothing, really… well, that’s a lie. This is something of critical importance, Twilight…”
>”Huh? What do you mean?”
>”I… look, I need to secure a promise from you. No matter what you see, no matter what happens, I need you to stay calm and remain resolutely quiet.”
>”Rarity, what in the hay is going on?” Twilight says, a mixture of concern and determination in her tone.
>”Just promise me darling, alright?” Rarity says desperately.
>”Fine, fine! I promise not to freak out like a little filly. Now what in the hay is the-“
>Her complaint falters off as you emerge from the bush, hesitantly holding out your hand.
>”Twilight, meet Anonymous. Anonymous, meet Twilight…” Rarity mutters.
“A pleasure, Miss Sparkle…” you say, putting on your best grin.
>Twilight continues to gape, and your heart sinks.
>”Hah, I knew it!” she exclaims suddenly, a triumphant grin emblazoned across her face.
>Her outburst stuns you, and she seizes the moment by peering through your empty ribcage.
>”No respiratory systems, no circulatory systems, no reproductive organs, no skin, no-“
“I do beg your pardon, but what do you mean “I knew it”?”
>She grins.
>”Ever since the Princess entrusted me with that big ol’ skull of yours, I knew there was something fishy about it. Hmm, I’m going to need to perform a full medical examination on-“
>”Twilight dear, I don’t wish to be so brutish but could we please take this conversation inside, away from prying eyes?
>”Of course! Please, Anonymous. Come right in!”
>You lock eyes with Rarity before nodding, as you step across the threshold into the library.
>It’s perhaps fortunate that time had ravaged your being so… if not, Rarity might have been able to see this fear in your eyes as you walked through that door.
>Ever since the Princess entrusted me… that sentence was a bad omen…
>You just hoped your gut feeling would be proved wrong.

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>You, Rarity and Sweetie Belle hover on the outskirts of Ponyville, eyeing the town anxiously.
“Well, darn… that is a lot of ponies out there…”
>Rarity nods. ”Indeed. While I would normally not avert from being in the spotlight, perhaps this time a sneakier approach would be preferable.”
“I’m inclined to agree. I suppose my presence would start a surprise, riot, or lynching mob… or perhaps all three… anyway, how should we go about getting to the carousel?”
>Rarity pauses.
>”I’m afraid we may have to get our hooves a little dirty, so to say…”
“Hiding in bushes?”
>”Hiding in bushes.”
>You sigh, reluctantly accepting the harder method of entry.
“Very well. You lead the way, and I’ll tail you from cover: these bones can be quieter than you think.”
>”I certainly hope so. Having a blundering skeleton stalk oneself through the entirety of Ponyville would be most suspicious.”
>”Wait, Anon’s staying with us?” Sweetie Belle asks.
>”For now, until we can discern what to do with him for the future.”
>”Oh. That’s cool, I guess.”
“I take it you do not mind my continued presence…?”
>”Nah, you’re pretty great Anonymous” She says, a smile widening on her face.
>If you had a heart, it would have exploded by now… darn these cute ponies.
“Well then, that’s great to hear!”
>Rarity whistles for you, grabbing your attention, before motioning to start walking towards the town.
“Oh, right. Coming now.”
>You skulk along in the shadows, hugging the side of the buildings as you approach the epicenter of the town.
>Avoiding the innocent, unknowing eyes of the townsfolk, you dart from bush to bush.
>Rarity, with an ironclad composure, shoos Sweetie Belle further onto the carousel, to prepare it for your arrival.
“Psst! How’re we doing so far?”
>”Excellent!” she whispers, glancing around nervously. “However, we’re about to reach the hardest leg of this trial…”
“Why? What’s left before the carousel?” 
>Rarity gives a stern stare to a mint-green pony who passes deathly close to the bush, before returning her attention to you.
>”We’re about to near Sugarcube Corner. If there’s a single pony in town who could rat you out right now…”
“Who?” You mutter, frowning in concentration.
>”Pinkie Pie…”
>As if by fate, a sudden pink blur streaks past the bush, as you recoil back into its foliage depths. 
>”Heya Rarity! Great morning, isn’t it?”
>”Good morning Pinkie Pie, great to see you too-“
>”Oh, I have an absolutely super idea! I’ve made a brand-new pancake recipe, and I’m inviting everyp0ny in town to try it out! You’ve just go to come try it!”
>Rarity gulps, glancing wide-eyed at you.
>”That does sound heavenly…” she begins, her rumbling stomach punctuating her compliment. “But I’ve got an important matter to attend to right now. Yes, very important indeed-“
>”Is it to do with the thingy in the bush?” Pinkie Pie asks, as your stomach drops.
>”I b-beg your pardon?” Rarity stammers, her composure broken.
>”I can tell there’s something hiding in that bush right there! Is it a secret? Is it your special somep0ny? Is it-“
>”Pinkie, I promise that there is nothing in that bush.”
>Even though your view is obscured by the foliage in front of you, you know the aptly named mare is grinning.
>Better take measures to ensure you aren’t caught: you can tell Rarity will lose this verbal face-off. 
>”Do you Pinkie Promise, Rarity?” 
>”I absolutely promise, Pinkie Pie. Now, I really do have somewhere to be-“
>”You made a pinkie promise? Then I’m sure you won’t mind if I take a sneaky peeky in the bush, wouldya?”
>Time to act, it’s now or never.
>You crawl out of the bush and dive deftly behind a crate, as Pinkie rustles around in the bushes behind you.
>Dear God, don’t let her have spotted you…
>”Guess you were telling the truth!”
>”Of course I was, Pinkie. Do you think I would lie to you?”
>”No, not at all Rarity! My Pinkie sense just said there was something spooky in the bush, so I had to check it out!”
>You let out a sigh of relief as Rarity beleaguers Pinkie Pie.
>”Honestly Pinkie, you and your darned ‘Pinkie Sense’… Can I please get on back to the carousel?” 
>”Aw, sure you can. If you feel like changing your mind though, Sugarcube corner is always open!”
>”I appreciate the offer Pinkie… goodbye!”
>You hear Pinkie Pie bounce away, as Rarity gasps.
>”Oh my word, I can’t believe you didn’t get caught there.”
“I can apply finesse when the situation requires it. I’m more dexterous than you’d think.”
>”Finesse? I can appreciate that.”
>You creep out from behind the crate, glancing around to ensure your security, before flashing a grin.
“Still, that went much better than I dared hope… I pray that we’re nearing your abode though.”
>”It’s only another minute away or so. Come on, while no-one’s looking!”
>You hesitantly follow Rarity behind the back of the houses, tension building within your bones.
>”There we are!” she exclaims, pointing to a prominent building lurking on the outskirts of town.
“We have to run through the open? Joy oh joy…”
>Rarity bucks you in the backside and you stifle a yelp.
>”Just make a run for it!”
>You gulp, before breaking out into a frantic sprint, as you make a beeline for the open door.
>You barge in as Rarity slams the door shut behind you, before you lean against the wall.
“Phew! All that nonsense to deal with and we didn’t get caught… Thank you for anticipating my arrival, Sweetie Belle!”
>The filly rewards you with a heart-melting grin.
>”Thanks Anon! Hey Rarity, what’re you going to do now?”
>Rarity shakes her head, before yawning.
>”I said I would have some beauty sleep, and by Celestia I’ve earned it! I shall see the both of you later… And please, Anonymous: don’t do anything uncouth while I’m comatose.”
>You and Sweetie Belle giggle as Rarity heads off into what must be her bedroom, shutting the door behind her. 
“Heh. Well then, young Sweetie Belle. What are you going to do now?”
>She appears to ponder your question for a moment. 
>”Actually, I’m not too sure what to do. It’s not like we can just visit someone now, is it?”
“I suppose you’re right. I guess we could… talk? Would that be preferable?”
>”Yeah, you must have a lot of questions to ask.”
>You do, but Sweetie Belle isn’t the one to answer them.
“Eh, sure… might as well kill time for now.”
>Sweetie Belle frowns at you.
>”Was that meant to be funny? Because that really wasn’t funny.”
“What? I wasn’t trying to be… actually, now that I think about it...”
>”Let’s just go to the kitchen and grab a seat, yeah?”
“Er, of course.”
>You awkwardly follow the filly into the kitchen, taking a seat at the table.
>”So, what’d you want to know?”
“Well, let’s start with Rarity. What does she do for a living? I’d like to think my assumption was correct, and that she’d be involved with something… classy.”
>”She’s real big into fashion and stuff. Clothes, designing, you name it.”
“Ah, interesting. I take it she does most of her work here then, yes?”
>”Yep, everything gets done from here.” 
“Hmm, I see… so, what about your friends? Scootaloo seemed rather curious indeed, although I can’t seem to put my finger on why…”
>Sweetie Belle grimaces. “Uh, yeah… Scootaloo’s got a problem with her wings.”
>Your smile drops.
“Oh, really? That is rather unfortunate… Dear me, that’s heartbreaking.”
>”You don’t even have a heart!”
“No, but it’s the thought that counts.”
>You sigh.
>”At least her sister seemed rather nice. Even if she was a little… er, sick during that escapade.”
>”Sister?” the filly asks, regarding you with confusion. “Scootaloo doesn’t have a sister!”
“She doesn’t? Then who-“
>”Oh! You must be thinking of Rainbow Dash! She’s not Scootaloo’s sister!”
“Really? Well, I would never have assumed that Rainbow Dash was old enough to be the fillies’ mother!”
>”What? No, you’ve got this completely wrong!” Sweetie Belle says with a tone of  impatience. “Rainbow Dash isn’t her mother or her sister…”
“They aren’t related at all? Well colour these old bones surprised…”
>”Yeah, I can understand why you’d think that, but they’re not related.”
“Hmmph. What about Applebloom? Next thing you’ll be telling me that she and Applejack aren’t related.”
>You elicit a giggle from Sweetie Belle. 
>”Heh, not much chance of that happening. What’d you want to know about her?”
“Just wondering, is all. Anything unusual or important that I should know about the apple family?”
>”Hmm, not really. They’ve been working on Sweet Apple Acres for all their life. Applejack and Applebloom, that is.”
“Your words imply that there are others in the family…”
>”There’s Big Macintosh, and Granny Smith… and a whole bunch of others in Appleloosa…”
“Big Macintosh? Granny Smith? Appleloosa?” you chuckle. “Well, at least they’re consistent…. Say, Sweetie Belle?”
>”Yeah Anonymous?” she replies, eyeing you curiously. 
“Have you got any questions for me?”
>Your request appears to dumbfound the filly. 
>”Have I got any questions…? Er, well…”
“I’ll answer to the most honest degree I can. Do not hold fear for anything that you wish to know!”
>”Well, alright then…” the filly hesitates. “What’s it like… you know, being a skeleton?”
“I figured you’d want to ask that question… Wait, first things first. Do you have a glass of water?”
>”Uh, sure. Just give me a second.”
>The filly roots around in a cupboard, takes out a tumbler and fills it with tap water.
>”Why’d you ask for a glass of water? Surely you can’t drink it?”
“No, but I can better describe this moment if I put it into practice.”
>Sweetie Belle shrugs as you grasp the glass of water, before you sit over the sink.
“Wouldn’t want to make a mess now, would we? Anyway, please pay your utmost attention…”
>You grimace, before tipping back the glass of water, feeling it splash against your ribs and into the sink… and yet…
“Even when it is long gone, I can still feel the water in my throat…”
>”Huh?” Sweetie Belle interrupts, breaking you out of your trance.
“What? Oh, sorry. My mind must have wandered for a moment… In answer to your question…” you say, setting the glass down. “It’s difficult being a skeleton, that’s for sure. Even something as basic as drinking this glass of water becomes impossible: but there always remains a faint hint, a gentle feeling… it’s like an itch that you can’t scratch, always there…”
>”I don’t quite understand, Anonymous.”
>You sigh.
“Say… poke my chest, Sweetie Belle. In-between the bones…”
>The filly hesitates, before reluctantly waving a hoof in-between your ribs.
“See, I should theoretically be feeling nothing at all, correct?”
>”Uh, sure. There’s like, no skin or muscle or anything.”
“And yet, I can still faintly fell the prodding of your hoof.”
>The filly recoils in horror.
>”Wait, I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
“No, not at all! Calm yourself, Sweetie Belle.”
>Sweetie Belle shakes her head, before regaining her composure.
>”This is too weird…”
“It comes with the territory of being undead… Did you have any other questions?”
>”How did you end up being a skeleton anyway? Was it magic?”
>You begin to formulate a reply, before pausing in hesitation.
>Deep within your conscious, something stirred… a distant echo, remaining just out of your reach or comprehension…
>What was going on? Why the sudden sense of… wrongness?
>You concentrate, blind to the physical world: all focus directed on that elusive, taunting memory…
>”Anon?”
>You roughly return back to the situation as the filly raps on your forehead.
>”Anon? Snap out off it!”
“I’m fine, I’m fine!” you exclaim, evidently scaring the filly.
>”Ah! What in the hay are you doing Anon? You’re going to scare me to death!”
“My sincerest apologies, Sweetie Belle. I… my mind tends to wander sometimes.”
>You pause for a moment, formulating a reply.
“As for your question: I do not know. I have wondered for years as to the cause of my sufferance, but I get no answer… and never shall, in all likelihood.”
>Again, a persisting feeling of remembrance permeates through your conscious. What is going on?
>”Aw, that’s kinda sad.” Sweetie Belle pouts, her eyes wide with pity.
“Don’t fret over it, young filly. I put my grievances behind me long ago…”
>Sweetie Belle continues to tense, and you know that it’d be best to end this chat early.
“That should wrap up any queries you may have, as I don’t suppose you’d wish to inquire about anything else, would you?”
>”Yeah, I know you don’t know much else about your life. Thank you, Anonymous.”
“You are most welcome, Sweetie Belle. Do not hesitate to approach me if you have any future inquiries!”
>”I will. Say, I think I’ll go see how Applebloom is doing on the farm, get some fresh air.”
>You smirk: you had no doubt the filly was still creeped out at your behavior.
“So long then. Take care, or else Rarity’ll have my head… literally!”
>This managed to raise a small giggle out of Sweetie Belle.
>”Heh, I’ll be careful. See you later!”
>Sweetie Belle makes her leave from the carousel, and quietness immediately envelopes you. 
>You make your way to the door of Rarity’s room, silently listening.
>Gentle breathing and snores reach your empty ear-holes, and you shrug to yourself.
“Might as well fellow suit…”
>You rest yourself down onto the floor, block out the outside world with your mind, and before you know it, you’re asleep.
>It was not to be a peaceful rest though: you felt the doubt from earlier return, haunting you throughout your slumber.
>Hopefully Twilight would be able to quell your doubts, and shed light on your hesitation.

>You are awoken as the clock strikes 3, as Rarity finally leaves the private seclusion of her bedroom.
“Feeling better?” you ask sleepily.
>”Much better!” she exclaims with enthusiasm, flashing you a smile. “Nothing eases tension like a gentle, relaxing nap.”
“Indeed. I’m afraid we may have yet to deal with some more tension…”
>Rarity eyes you nervously.
>”You are referring to Twilight, yes?”
“Correct.”
>”And you’re sure she’s the best pony to talk to right now?”
“I’m certain of it. After all, once word of me leaks out – which it will, of that I have no doubt – she’ll be anxious to see us, will she not? Regardless, I turned up in her attic and it’s only right that I should share and discern information from her.”
>”I’ll trust your judgement on this one… do you want me to come with you?”
“Your company would be appreciated. At least if Twilight decides to strip me down and grind me into a test-tube, you’ll be there to stop her… right?”
>Rarity flashes you another cheeky smile.
>”I wouldn’t count on it, darling.”
“Well then, this is all buggered.”
>Your posh compatriot giggles, before levitating a scarf over to you.
>”Do be a dear and wrap up warmly, these cold evenings will be the death of you!”
“And with the subtlety of a sledgehammer striking the back of an orphan’s skull, Rarity cracks a joke.” You mutter, hauling yourself off the floor.
>Rarity only smirks, levitating the scarf over to and around your neck.
>”Now then, you look much more prim and dapper!”
“Hmm. Now that you mention it…” you chuckle, admiring yourself in the hallway mirror. “We should still ensure no-one sets eyes upon my ‘prim and dapper’ form though.”
>”Of course, darling. Are you ready?”
“Let’s get this over with…” you mutter, and the two of you abandon the security of the carousel.
>Through sheer luck, fate or some ungodly combination of the two, you found yourself poised in the bushes outside Twilight’s library.
>”Let me handle this, Anon.”
>Rarity raps loudly on the front door, and you cringe at the noise. If one person decided to look outside their window…
>”Who is it?” calls a familiar voice from inside, and your resolve wavers.
>”Twilight? Twilight, it’s Rarity! Could you be a sweetheart and open your door to us… er, me?”
>”Sure, give me a second!” Twilight calls enthusiastically, the sound of hoofsteps approaching the front door. “Ah, hello Rarity! Wait, is there something wrong? You look… unnerved.”
>Rarity laughs nervously. “It’s nothing, really… well, that’s a lie. This is something of critical importance, Twilight…”
>”Huh? What do you mean?”
>”I… look, I need to secure a promise from you. No matter what you see, no matter what happens, I need you to stay calm and remain resolutely quiet.”
>”Rarity, what in the hay is going on?” Twilight says, a mixture of concern and determination in her tone.
>”Just promise me darling, alright?” Rarity says desperately.
>”Fine, fine! I promise not to freak out like a little filly. Now what in the hay is the-“
>Her complaint falters off as you emerge from the bush, hesitantly holding out your hand.
>”Twilight, meet Anonymous. Anonymous, meet Twilight…” Rarity mutters.
“A pleasure, Miss Sparkle…” you say, putting on your best grin.
>Twilight continues to gape, and your heart sinks.
>”Hah, I knew it!” she exclaims suddenly, a triumphant grin emblazoned across her face.
>Her outburst stuns you, and she seizes the moment by peering through your empty ribcage.
>”No respiratory systems, no circulatory systems, no reproductive organs, no skin, no-“
“I do beg your pardon, but what do you mean “I knew it”?”
>She grins.
>”Ever since the Princess entrusted me with that big ol’ skull of yours, I knew there was something fishy about it. Hmm, I’m going to need to perform a full medical examination on-“
>”Twilight dear, I don’t wish to be so brutish but could we please take this conversation inside, away from prying eyes?
>”Of course! Please, Anonymous. Come right in!”
>You lock eyes with Rarity before nodding, as you step across the threshold into the library.
>It’s perhaps fortunate that time had ravaged your being so… if not, Rarity might have been able to see this fear in your eyes as you walked through that door.
>Ever since the Princess entrusted me… that sentence was a bad omen…
>You just hoped your gut feeling would be proved wrong.

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