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Adventure Anon: Chapter 7 (An Apple A Day)

By: Bastinator on Jul 17th, 2012 | syntax: None | size: 29.73 KB | hits: 319 | expires: Never

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>You thrash about in your… where are you?
>You feel around, finding nothing but wood.
>If there’s one thing you do know it’s that you’re moving.
>You must be on a wagon of some kind.
>Another shake wakes you fully as you try to sit up.
>”Stay down, we ain’t outta the woods yet.”
“Applejack, why-?”
>”Just quiet down and be still.”
>You can’t be still.
“Where’s Rarity? What happened to her? Wh-“
>”She’s fine sugarcube. I’ll explain later.”
>That’s no good. You need to see for yourself.
>Your chest throbs painfully, keeping you on your back.
>You feel yourself slipping back.
“You better…”
>You fall unconscious again, the rocky wagon easing you down.
>She better.
>You open your eyes again to darkness.
>Sitting up awakens the dwelling wounds on you.
>You groan feeling around in the hay.
>A barn. Where the fuck is there a barn in Ponyville?
>You massage your wrist, thankfully unbroken after the encounter.
>Your jaw is sore as all hell, but you’ll be talking just fine.
>Poking yourself in the stomach feels like you’re being stabbed.
>Not a good sign.
>The barn door creaks open, light pouring in from the gap.
>You hold out your hand to block the blinding light.
>”You ‘wake there?”
“As much as I’ll ever be.”
>You recognize the voice as Applejack, the mare coming over to you.
>”How ya feeling?”
“Like a group of thugs beat the shit out of me.”
>”Understandable. Here,” she pulls at your waist, “Put your arm around me.”
“No funny business?”
>”Not today.”
>You comply with her, grasping her side.
>She starts dragging you along, your jeans grinding against the floor.
>She peaks outside the barn before continuing.
>”Have to make sure we’re not being watched. Dangerous times for you.”
“I was built for danger.”
>”You’re still being rebuilt. We need to take some precautions.”
“Where are we going?”
>”The house. Someone wants to talk to you.”
>You enter the house, Applejack settinging you up on a chair.
>”I’ll get her real quick.”
>She moves to the door, a pink blob jetting out from it.
>Oh lordy.
>She wraps her arms around you before you can react.
>You smile, forcing down the pain.
>”I’ll leave you two alone for a minute.”
“Thanks AJ,” you wheeze.
>She shuts the door, leaving the two of you alone.
>Her hair deflates as it clicks closed.
>”Are you alright?”
>You rest your head on her shoulder.
“As good as you can expect.”
>She notices your pain, releasing her grip.
>”I didn’t see-“
“Don’t worry about it. It was worth it.”
>She looks down at the floor.
>”I was so worried about you…”
“It’s fine. I’m safe.”
>No, not the tears.
“Pinkie…”
>”I’m sorry it’s just-“
>You grab her and pin her against you, ignoring the pain.
“Do you feel that beat Pinkie?”
>She nods. You wrap your chin around her neck.
“As long as yours still beats, so will mine.”
>A wet dribble rolls down your neck.
“You have my word on that.”
>She pulls you tighter.
>Damn she smells good.
“Baking recently?”
>”Just the usual stuff. It gets lonely by myself.”
“I’ll make sure to drop by.”
>Something’s off, you can feel it.
“You’re not the only one who came to see me are you?”
>”Yeah, Twilight’s in the other room.”
“Alright,” you pull away from her, “Can you get her for me?”
>She nods, backing out through the door.
>Twilight pokes her head out, “Anon.”
“Come on in, bring the others.”
>The three of them pile into the room, Pinkie returning to her bouncy self.
>She may fool them, but not you.
>They look at you expectantly, waiting for you to start.
“What happened last night?”
>They turn to Applejack.
“You were there?”
>”I was. I stumbled upon that alley you were in on my way out of town.”
“And what did you see?”
>”I saw you lying on the floor, three stallions knocked out around you.”
“And?”
>”The uh- Mysterious Mare Do Well was there too. She told me to get you out of town.”
>Your mind is still a little full of fuck right now.
“The Mysterious who?
>”Mare Do Well,” Twilight explains, “She’s a local hero of sorts.”
>Yeah, the hero who knocked you off a mountain.
“What happened next?”
>”Well I loaded you onto my wagon and pulled you home. The last thing I saw was Rarity and the Mare leaving through the front. That’s all I know.”
>You rub your jaw as Applejack finishes her story.
>Well that answer’s one question, but you still have another.
“Then where am I?”
>”Sweet Apple Acres.”
“Not in Ponyville?”
>”Far from it.”
>That’s no good.
“I’m going back.”
>Pinkie jumps right out of her seat, “No you are not!”
“I won’t run from them. It’s not in my nature.”
>”You were lucky to escape alive once, Filthy Rich won’t slip up again,” Twilight says.
>That name.
“You know he did this?”
>”The whole town does. That’s why you aren’t safe there.”
“They’ll just turn me in?”
>”Filthy Rich has money and power. A dangerous combination.”
“He proved that alright.”
>That bastard can just flaunt himself in public and there isn’t a thing you can do about it.
>Laugh it off. Once you get better, you’ll take him down.
>You always win in the end.
>”It’d be best if you stay here with Applejack. She’s out of the way and it’ll be a while before they find you.”
“Don’t have much of a choice now do I?”
>”Just stay safe. That’s the only thing you need to worry about right now.”
“I promise.”
>”Pinkie promise?”
>You smile, raising your hand.
“Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.”
>”I’ll get your stuff from Rarity’s when I can. They’re watching all of us.”
>All of them?
“Then why am I safe here? You could’ve led them straight to me.”
>”We already thought about that trust me. I teleported my way here, and Pinkie… well she Pinkied her somehow.”
>You get that, there’s no escaping her.
“And what about Applejack? They’ll be nosing around here as well.”
>”Don’t look so concerned sugarcube. I made my feelings about you rather clear, they won’t suspect me for a while.”
>They took every possible precaution to get you here.
>They’re the closest thing you’ve had to friends.
“Thanks girls. You really pulled me out of the fire here.”
>”No problem, but it’d best if we got going.”
“Keeping up appearances and so forth, I get it.”
>Twilight disappears in a flash of light, Applejack stepping outside.
“Pinkie.”
>”I need to go as well, don’t I?”
“Yeah. I wish you could stay.”
>”Just tell me you’ll be safe here.”
“Will that make you feel better?”
>She nods.
“I’ll be safer than Angel is at Fluttershy’s.”
>”Good enough for me.”
>She hugs you again.
>”Until next time.”
>And just like that, she’s gone.
“Until next time.”
>Applejack struts in, dropping a parcel at your feet.
>”Get up and get going. You stay here, you work here.”
“But- I can’t walk.”
>”What do you think those are for?”
>You unwrap the package, pulling out a pair of crutches.
>”Twilight thought you could use ‘em now. Though I don’t know how.”
“I can take a guess.”
>You place the crutches beneath your armpits and hoist yourself up.
>You find a stable position and put more and more weight on your legs.
>Finally, after some scouring you find the correct ratio.
“Where to first?”
>”Try and keep up.”
>You swing yourself after her.
>By now your eyes have finally adjusted to the light allowing you to view your surroundings.
>You’re definitely not in Ponyville anymore.
>The barn and house sit in a vacant lot, surrounded by an orchard that expands for god knows how long.
>You struggle to stay behind her.
>Getting used to using crutches is harder than it sounds.
>You head through the trees, deeper into the orchard.
>You come across a series of buckets, apples packed inside.
>”You ever bucked an apple tree before pretty boy?”
>Poking fun at your bruises, classy.
“Can’t say that I have.”
>”Well there ain’t much to it.”
>She back up to the tree.
>”Put your weight in the hips, get on them forehooves and- WHACK!”
>Apples pour down from the tree tops filling the buckets.
>”That’s all there is to it.”
“Well that’s nice to know.”
>”Try it,” is this mare serious?
“I can’t move my legs.”
>”Afraid you can’t do it?”
“More like worried that I’ll break something.”
>She rolls her eyes and moves onto the next tree.
>”Then you get to carry the buckets.”
>Joy to the world.
>She puts a rope around your waist, tying the other end to the buckets.
>You manage to move them with enough force, following Applejack.
>”Come on, we’re burning daylight.”
>That’s what you were hoping to do.
>The sun sets in Equestria, signaling the end to a hard day’s work.
>You collapse onto your bed, sweat pouring down your face.
>”Dinner’s in five, look presentable.”
>Your chest is on fire, your arms are shaking and you’re fairly certain you’ve contracted malaria.
>Dinner sounds damn tasty at this point.
>You weakly go and shower off, the stench of sweat still strong on you.
>They don’t have any bathing creams or shampoos like the others did.
>But they have to make do with what they have, can’t blame them for living.
>Slipping back into your sweaty clothes leaves you feeling grimy and nasty.
>You find the Apple’s sitting around the table waiting for you.
>”Took your sweet time now didn’t you.”
“Apologies I didn’t mean to keep you waiting.”
>The filly at the end of the table stares at you.
>”What are you?”
“Just a man trying to get better.”
>”Works for me.”
>That was easy enough.
>A familiar stallion walks through the door, bumping a platter on the table.
>”Anon.”
“Big Mac.”
>The elderly lady licks her chops, “Dig in everyp0ny.”
>Roasted greens and apple slices are thrown about the room in a hurry.
>Applejack chews nonchalantly on half a turnip.
>”That there’s Granny Smith and Applebloom. You already met Big Mac.”
“Indeed I have.”
>”You waiting for an engraved invitation?”
“Excuse me.”
>”Dig in for Celestia’s sake.”
“I think I’ll wait until things aren’t quite as… chaotic.”
>She gulps down her bite, going in for another one.
>”Suit yourself, but there may not be any left by then.”
“I’ll take my chances.”
>And boy was that a mistake.
>Not fifteen minutes later and they were licking the scraps off the floorboard.
>Not literally, but damn did they clean off that platter.
>”Told ya to dig in.”
>The old lady chuckles, and you join along with her.
“I’ll take your word from now on.”
>Applejack, Big Mac, and Applebloom begin cleaning up the mess.
>”Come on in the back sonny, there should be some left over.”
>You thank the old mare and follow her into the kitchen.
>She presents a small bowl of greens which you tend to gratefully.
>”You’re not as bad as they say boy.”
“Ma’am?”
>”They said you was some kind of freak. An evil thing from the forest. They was wrong.”
“I’m afraid they weren’t ma’am.”
>”I have a feeling about p0nies, and I get a good feeling about you.”
“Nobody’s perfect.”
>She turns your jaw painfully until you’re looking dead at her.
>”I know what you’ve done. They think me a fool, but I listen real close. You’re Anon, that adventurer.”
>The old girl has a surprisingly strong grip.
>”There’s good in you yet child. Don’t let anyone make you think otherwise.”
>She lets go, “Apple Pie?”
>You smile, shaking your head.
“I think I’ll just head off to bed if you don’t mind.”
>”But of course, don’t let the hay roaches bite.”
>Hay roaches? You don’t want to know.
>You lay down in bed, sleep quickly finding you.
>A day of exhausting work will do that to a guy.
>It doesn’t last very long before you’re awoken again.
>”You smell like Ursa filth.”
“If only it was that good.”
>”I’m glad to see you’re safe here.”
>Safe, that’s one way to put it.
>You sit up, your ribs aching.
“Why do you even care?”
>”Because.”
“That’s an appropriate answer.”
>”Does it really matter why?”
“To me? Yeah it does. You almost get me killed, you read me bed time stories and turn around and save my life? Why?”
>He searches for the answer, only to answer a question with a question.
>”Why did you save Fluttershy?”
“Because.”
>”That’s an appropriate answer.”
>You see what she did there.
“I guess- in some way, I thought I could atone somehow. By doing a good deed I could make up for what I’ve done.”
>”And would you do so again? If you knew what it meant?”
“Break my bones, get poisoned, attacked by a mini dragon, and get beaten by a group of thugs? Yeah I think I would.”
>”Then I guess we’ve got more in common than you thought.”
“I guess so.”
>You reach out your hand towards him.
“Hand it over.”
>He chuckles, taking the Daring Do book from his bag and giving it to you.
“So… Chapter 14 was it?”
>You wake up sore as all hell again.
>It’s been a week since you started staying here and are you paying for it.
>Applejack has you working your ass off.
>When you aren’t working, you sleep, and when you don’t sleep you manage to grab a bite to eat.
>Since all you really do is pull shit you’ve had more time to think about the past.
>Not really something you’ve looked forward to doing.
>With the things you’ve done, a man would’ve blown his brains out in self-hatred.
>Fortunately, you don’t have a gun.
>The familiar whack catches you off-guard as apples rain from the sky.
>You tie the knot around your waist as Applejack moves on.
>She really only cares about the apples, her name is Applejack after all.
>You set the barrels around the tree and take a minute to wipe the sweat off your face.
>”Don’t even think about taking a break. We still got half a field ta go.”
>You sink lower on the ground, giving your legs more of the weight.
>All this movement has caused a little awakening in your lower body, but it’s not as much as you’d like.
>They have been recovering rather quickly you wager.
>Another whack signals you to keep moving.
>You finally get to the house, Applebloom out front.
>”Ya got a package here Anon.”
>A package? Works for you.
>Applejack takes Applebloom inside, do all their names have to do with apples?
>You unwrap the package, a couple sets of clothes packed inside.
>You open the letter.
>”Dear Anon, I’m sorry I couldn’t apologize in person, but I’m ashamed of how things turned out that night. I hope you can forgive me. Everyp0ny deserves a second chance. I made some new clothes for you as well. Applejack likely has you wearing yours out. Stay safe. The best seamstress in Equestria, Rarity.”
>She knew just what you needed, besides a bath.
>You put the clothes in your room and head down to eat.
>You dive right in this time, knowing there wouldn’t be anything left if you waited.
>One must adapt to the circumstances.
>You give a nod to the family after helping clean up and go to bed.
>Sleep is the prime desire in your life right now.
>It’s too bad even that isn’t what it used to be.
>You dream, but what you dream of scares you more than it should.
>You bolt out of bed in a cold sweat, falling flat on your face on the floor.
>Another nightmare. Fucking perfect.
>You don’t remember what it was about, but you don’t need to.
>Some things are best left forgotten.
>You take a quick shower and get ready for work, another long day ahead of you.
>Whack. Whack. Apples. Buckets. Move.
>A simple drawn out routine.
“Applejack, can I ask you a question?”
>”Well ya just- *whack* “did partner.”
“Can I ask you three questions?”
>”Shoot.”
“If I were to… go back to how I was. You’d off me right?”
>”I don’t follow.”
“Y’know, kill me.”
>She shakes her head, “P0nies don’t kill. It’s an unspoken rule.”
“What if you made a promise to, how about then?”
>”I guess I’d have to keep that promise. Why you asking? You ain’t planning on rampaging about again are ya?”
“I certainly hope not.”
>She stops at a clearing, the sun having fallen beneath the mountains.
>”Let’s take a rest here yonder.”
>You plop down to the floor, your legs trembling painfully.
>”Take in the sight pretty boy, it don’t get much better than this.”
>You lie down on your back next to Applejack.
>You admire Luna’s work, the night’s sky was certainly majestic.
>Funny, you never took the time to admire the little things in life.
>And here you are, looking at the stars with a person who hates your guts.
>Well, after all this you can’t really say she does.
>Not really.
“Make me a promise okay AJ?”
>”Don’t spoil the mood.”
“Promise me.”
>”I ain’t gonna do it Anon. No matter how much you ask.”
“Then I’ll have to do it,” you mutter.
>This gets her attention.
>”Don’t you dare. Ya hear me? Don’t you dare.”
“I deserve as much. You know I do.”
>She gets to her hooves.
>”You know what you’re bein right now? Selfish, that’s what. Only thinking about yourself, and for the record I was the one who first said to help you.”
>What? No, she hated you.
>”You may have been a pain in the flank, but there was good in you. We showed you a kindness, and you returned the favor.”
“Bullshit. I’ve been a dick.”
>”You gave Fluttershy company. You became friends with Twilight. Rarity wants to keep you as her personal chef now.”
“Quite the accusation, but none of that really-“
>”Pinkie Pie.”
>Your heart skips a beat when you hear her name.
>”The others may not have noticed, but she’s been perky lately, more than usual. I don’t what it is you did, but you made her happy.”
“I miss her…”
>”Then don’t go having them thoughts like just now. She couldn’t bare it.”
>She plops down again, still slightly flustered.
>”Now shut up and enjoy the stars.”
>You smile, looking back to the sky.
“Yes ma’am.”
>You find yourself back in Ponyville, sword in one hand.
“I know where you’re hiding!”
>Why are you saying that?
>You look around, following your instincts.
>You try to stop yourself. You try to stop it before it begins.
>But it’s useless.
>You round about into an alleyway.
>The tearful cries of your prey only invigorating you.
>You’re a monster.
>You kick over the garbage can, two fillies bumbling out.
>Applebloom and Sweetie Belle. No…
>You sheathe your sword and grab them both by the neck.
“It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Let’s get reacquainted.”
>Drop them you bastard!
>”Why Anon? You were our friend.”
>You boom out a fiendish laugh.
>Were you really like this?”
“Sorry, but Anon doesn’t have any friends.”
>You knee Sweetie Belle in the stomach, knocking her out cold.
“Just my one Big friend, his name’s Johnson.”
>You begin undoing your pants.
>STOP!
“Don’t bother, just enjoy the show.”
>The filly screams in agony as you have your way with her.
>This isn’t real, it can’t be real.
>You lick at her tears, the salty liquid strong on your tongue.
“She sure tastes real.”
>He wipes himself off, moving onto the next filly.
>You can only watch helplessly as this fiend does as he pleases.
>You want to stop him, but you can’t.
>He tightens his pants, grinning at his work, the two fillies unconscious beneath him.
>”Why Anon?”
>You look to the door before you, her voice chilling your heart.
>Don’t go in there. Please don’t.
“I want to see this.”
>He opens the door, Pinkie Pie standing on a chair in front of you.
>”I never wanted this to happen.”
>Her mane is flat, skin turned grey, a rope tight around her neck.
>Please don’t. Anything but that.
>You step in front of her, her eyes red and puffy.
>”I never…”
>You reach out and take a hold of her hoof.
>You just smile.
“I did.”
>You kick the chair, blackness surrounding you.
“Men like us never change.”
“NO!”
>You jump out of bed, even making a few steps before you collapse.
>You grab your chest, your heart feeling like its going to break through your ribs.
>A ruckus comes from the hall, Applejack bursting through.
>”Anon what’s wrong?”
>You can hardly breathe, let alone speak.
>You sob silently in your hands, Applejack comforting you.
>”Take it easy big guy.”
>Were it so easy…
>You step out of the house, breathing the fresh air.
>Applejack gave you the day off. Nice of her to do so.
>You silently crutch your way into the orchard.
>The apples will be fully ripened next week.
>The tantalizing sweetness already soaks the air.
>Giving one last look around you find what you’ve been searching for.
>It’s a beautiful tree, the apples are nice and plump as well.
>It’s perfect.
>You lie down next to the tree, fumbling with your hand.
>Things are so peaceful here.
>You can almost hear your dad and sister calling you.
>You had run away from them, losing them in the trees.
>It was the first time you had the guts to leave.
>They found you weak and alone, crying for forgiveness.
>Your dad carried you home, your sister holding your hand.
>You were just a child, but here you are again, a grown man.
>Still the child…
>”Anon?”
>You look up, Applebloom standing in front of you.
“What are you doing up at this hour?”
>”I could ask you the same thing.”
>She sits beside you, her oversized bow flopping about, making you laugh a little.
>”You got the day off?”
“Yeah, your big sis let me off.”
>”Why?”
“Grown up things.”
>”Is that what that’s for?”
“What?”
>”The thing you’re holding, is that the grown up thing?”
>You look down at your hands, the rope tied in a hangman’s knot.
“You could say that.”
>She shrugs, “So what do you plan on doing today?”
“I’m thinking about leaving.”
>”Leaving? Like on a vacation.”
>You shake your head.
“No, not like a vacation.”
>”Can I come to?”
“NO.”
>She flinches at your tone.
“Sorry, but you can’t go with me.”
>”Then why don’t you stay here? I don’t want you to go.”
>You laugh, patting her head.
“You don’t know what you want.”
>”Do you?”
“Well yea…”
>Really? Is this what you really want?
>”I may be a kid, but I know I don’t want you to go.”
“I may not have a choice.”
>She snuggles into your lap.
>”Everyone has a choice.”
>Men like us never change.
>Everyone has a choice.
>Which one is it?
“I guess I don’t have to go so soon.”
>She perks up, hopping up and down in your lap.
>”I knew you wouldn’t leave.”
>You drop the noose and stand up.
>”Come on, let’s have some fun.”
“I’m up for some of that.”
>She leads you through the orchard, eventually coming to a tree house.
>It’s just like you remember.
>You lift the filly onto your shoulders and climb up.
>She helps you reach the top.
>”Let me be the first to welcome you to our headquarters.”
“Headquarters for what?”
>”The Cutie Mark Crusaders!”
>She pulls you inside, another filly already inside.
>”Anon!”
>The filly hugs onto your leg.
“Nice to see you Sweetie Belle.”
>”I was so worried when you didn’t come home.”
“Don’t be. I’m safe and sound.”
>She’s relieved to hear you say that.
>”I brought you a present!”
“Really? That’s nice of you.”
>She fetches a basket from the corner.
>You pull of the cloth to reveal a stack of pancakes.
>”Just like you made them.”
“You didn’t have to do that.”
>”I wanted to.”
>You give her a brief hug.
>”Go on, try them!”
>You take a chunk and savor the flavor.
>It’s been a while since you had anything that was greens or apples.
>You take another bite, a feeling of dread washing over you,
>Something isn’t sitting right.
>You can feel it in your gut.
>Of all the things you’ve learned in life, doubting your intuition is not one of them.
>You swallow, the fillies picking up on your fear.
“Sweetie Belle, how did you get here?”
>”I just walked here.”
>You can hear Twilight’s voice in your head, ‘They’re watching all of us.’
>A creak turns your attention away.
>Someone, or somep0ny is outside.
>You hush your voice.
“I need you to listen carefully, stay out of sight, and be silent.”
>”Anon what’s-“
“Now.”
>You don’t mean to scare them, but you need them safe.
>You take up position just beside the door, propping yourself against the wall.
>Taking one of your crutches you lift it over your head, trained on the door.
>The handle shakes, sweat forming on your forehead.
>It turns, the door shifting open.
>Your breathing slows.
>The p0ny steps through, unaware of your presence.
>You pound the crutch over his head, the wood snapping in two.
>And he’s out like a light.
>You sigh and lean back against the wall.
>”You okay Doodle Bug?”
>Shit, there’s more than one.
>”Anon, who is that?” they ask, voices shaky with fear.
“A bad p0ny, is there another way out of here?”
>”He’s not moving…”
>Don’t go into shock on me.
>You touch his throat, his pulse steady but weak.
“He’s not gone yet. Again, is there another way out of here?”
>”It’s my fault, I lead him here.”
“No no no, it’s not your fault. You couldn’t have known.”
>Not the tears, anything but the tears.
>”I’m sorry!”
>She breaks into a downpour.
>You hold her head in your shoulder.
>”Doodle Bug?!”
“It’s not your fault. It’s not your fault.”
>You look to Applebloom, frozen in position.
“Is there another way out of this place?”
>”Wha- Well- I mean-“
“Those p0nies want me to leave, not like vacation.”
>She straightens up, pounding into the floorboards.
>Underneath is a tunnel that leads down the trunk of the tree.
>”Cutie Mark Crusader Escape Tunnel!”
“What would a headquarters be without one?”
>”Doodle!”
“Hurry now, down the hatch.”
>You place them into the hole.
>”Let’s go Anon.”
“I can’t follow you.”
>”No, you’re coming to!”
>You reboard the floor, keeping them safe from the others.
>They won’t pay for your crimes.
“You’ll thank me one day.”
>You drag the p0ny to the center of the room, taking up your position.
>”Doodle Bu- What in Celest-“
>You pivot through the door, crashing atop of the second p0ny.
>He hollers as you push the two of you over the edge.
>Going, going, going, stop.
>You roll off of him, the wind knocked out of him by your weight.
>He tries to get up, only to fall on his face.
>Taking your last crutch you pick yourself, limping back over to the barn.
>If there are two, there’s bound to be more.
>You see the house in the distance.
>At least there isn’t a swarm outside.
>You manage to get through the door.
>You’re legs feel like they’re on fire, but you don’t have time to feel.
>”AJ? Big Mac?”
>More noises from upstairs.
>You use the railing to get up, finding your way to the source.
>It’s just inside your room.
>You charge in, brandishing your last crutch.
>”Time’s up partner.”
>Applejack’s packing your shit, and not giving a fuck.
>”They know you’re here.”
“I already ran into two of them up by the tree house.”
>She stops and shoots you a worried look.
“Don’t worry they’re safe.”
>She takes your word on it.
>”Don’t just stand around, help me.”
“Of course.”
>You stow what you have in a duffel bag.
“Where am I going to go now? If they knew about you-“
>”We already have the place set up. We just need to get you there.”
“We?”
>”Us, Anon,” Twilight says from the doorway.
>It’s relieving to know she’s got your back.
“How did you know?”
>”Rarity told me that Sweetie Belle was gone, I made a guess.”
“That’s not very scientific of you.”
>”I was in a rush.”
“Touche, what now?”
>”Now we get you out of here.”
>Twilight leads you downstairs, Applejack helping you make the trip.
>Only having one crutch is a bitch.
>There’s already a chariot waiting for you outside.
“The fuck do I need a chariot for?”
>”Rainbow can’t fly with you on her back, so we have to improvise.”
“F-fly? What’s the big idea?”
>”Look Anon, Rainbow’s house is up there in the sky, it’s nice, isolated, and better yet, safe.”
>Applejack has the plan, but didn’t think it through.
“I think you’re looking over a pretty big flaw with plan. I can’t stand on clouds.”
>”Not yet you can’t,” Twilight boasts.
>Her horn shimmers as she focuses her magical energy.
“Magic doesn’t work on me remember?”
>”I don’t need to enchant you, just what you’re wearing.”
>Your clothing glows the same tone as her horn, the purple hue surrounding you.
>Why the fuck didn’t you ever think of that before?
>”Hey guys, what’d I miss?”
>”Thanks for coming on such short notice.”
>You look back to see a cyan Pegasus standing by the chariot.
>It’s no wonder how she got her name, seeing as how her mane was a mother fucking rainbow.
“So you’re my new guardian?”
>She nods, “Name’s Rainbow Dash, good to meet you.”
“Likewise, you sure this spell will work Twilight?”
>”I don’t… actually know.”
“Well damn there’s only one way to find out.”
>You load into the chariot and point to Applejack.
“Keep ‘em safe you hear?”
>”I’ll do my best.”
>You look down the road, a cloud of dust coming up the path.
>”Remember that promise Anon,” Twilight says.
“Don’t remind me. Stay safe.”
>She nods as Rainbow pulls you into the air.
>”Goodbye.”

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>You thrash about in your… where are you?
>You feel around, finding nothing but wood.
>If there’s one thing you do know it’s that you’re moving.
>You must be on a wagon of some kind.
>Another shake wakes you fully as you try to sit up.
>”Stay down, we ain’t outta the woods yet.”
“Applejack, why-?”
>”Just quiet down and be still.”
>You can’t be still.

“Where’s Rarity? What happened to her? Wh-“
>”She’s fine sugarcube. I’ll explain later.”
>That’s no good. You need to see for yourself.
>Your chest throbs painfully, keeping you on your back.
>You feel yourself slipping back.
“You better…”
>You fall unconscious again, the rocky wagon easing you down.
>She better.

>You open your eyes again to darkness.
>Sitting up awakens the dwelling wounds on you.
>You groan feeling around in the hay.
>A barn. Where the fuck is there a barn in Ponyville?
>You massage your wrist, thankfully unbroken after the encounter.
>Your jaw is sore as all hell, but you’ll be talking just fine.
>Poking yourself in the stomach feels like you’re being stabbed.
>Not a good sign.

>The barn door creaks open, light pouring in from the gap.
>You hold out your hand to block the blinding light.
>”You ‘wake there?”
“As much as I’ll ever be.”
>You recognize the voice as Applejack, the mare coming over to you.
>”How ya feeling?”
“Like a group of thugs beat the shit out of me.”
>”Understandable. Here,” she pulls at your waist, “Put your arm around me.”
“No funny business?”
>”Not today.”

>You comply with her, grasping her side.
>She starts dragging you along, your jeans grinding against the floor.
>She peaks outside the barn before continuing.
>”Have to make sure we’re not being watched. Dangerous times for you.”
“I was built for danger.”
>”You’re still being rebuilt. We need to take some precautions.”
“Where are we going?”
>”The house. Someone wants to talk to you.”
>You enter the house, Applejack settinging you up on a chair.

>”I’ll get her real quick.”
>She moves to the door, a pink blob jetting out from it.
>Oh lordy.
>She wraps her arms around you before you can react.
>You smile, forcing down the pain.
>”I’ll leave you two alone for a minute.”
“Thanks AJ,” you wheeze.
>She shuts the door, leaving the two of you alone.
 
>Her hair deflates as it clicks closed.
>”Are you alright?”
>You rest your head on her shoulder.
“As good as you can expect.”
>She notices your pain, releasing her grip.
>”I didn’t see-“
“Don’t worry about it. It was worth it.”
>She looks down at the floor.
>”I was so worried about you…”
“It’s fine. I’m safe.”

>No, not the tears.
“Pinkie…”
>”I’m sorry it’s just-“
>You grab her and pin her against you, ignoring the pain.
“Do you feel that beat Pinkie?”
>She nods. You wrap your chin around her neck.
“As long as yours still beats, so will mine.”
>A wet dribble rolls down your neck.
“You have my word on that.”
>She pulls you tighter.
>Damn she smells good.

“Baking recently?”
>”Just the usual stuff. It gets lonely by myself.”
“I’ll make sure to drop by.”
>Something’s off, you can feel it.
“You’re not the only one who came to see me are you?”
>”Yeah, Twilight’s in the other room.”
“Alright,” you pull away from her, “Can you get her for me?”
>She nods, backing out through the door.
>Twilight pokes her head out, “Anon.”
“Come on in, bring the others.”

>The three of them pile into the room, Pinkie returning to her bouncy self.
>She may fool them, but not you.
>They look at you expectantly, waiting for you to start.
“What happened last night?”
>They turn to Applejack.
“You were there?”
>”I was. I stumbled upon that alley you were in on my way out of town.”
“And what did you see?”
>”I saw you lying on the floor, three stallions knocked out around you.”
“And?”

>”The uh- Mysterious Mare Do Well was there too. She told me to get you out of town.”
>Your mind is still a little full of fuck right now.
“The Mysterious who?
>”Mare Do Well,” Twilight explains, “She’s a local hero of sorts.”
>Yeah, the hero who knocked you off a mountain.
“What happened next?”
>”Well I loaded you onto my wagon and pulled you home. The last thing I saw was Rarity and the Mare leaving through the front. That’s all I know.”
>You rub your jaw as Applejack finishes her story.
>Well that answer’s one question, but you still have another.

“Then where am I?”
>”Sweet Apple Acres.”
“Not in Ponyville?”
>”Far from it.”
>That’s no good.
“I’m going back.”
>Pinkie jumps right out of her seat, “No you are not!”
“I won’t run from them. It’s not in my nature.”
>”You were lucky to escape alive once, Filthy Rich won’t slip up again,” Twilight says.
>That name.
“You know he did this?”

>”The whole town does. That’s why you aren’t safe there.”
“They’ll just turn me in?”
>”Filthy Rich has money and power. A dangerous combination.”
“He proved that alright.”
>That bastard can just flaunt himself in public and there isn’t a thing you can do about it.
>Laugh it off. Once you get better, you’ll take him down.
>You always win in the end.
>”It’d be best if you stay here with Applejack. She’s out of the way and it’ll be a while before they find you.”
“Don’t have much of a choice now do I?”

>”Just stay safe. That’s the only thing you need to worry about right now.”
“I promise.”
>”Pinkie promise?”
>You smile, raising your hand.
“Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.”
>”I’ll get your stuff from Rarity’s when I can. They’re watching all of us.”
>All of them?
“Then why am I safe here? You could’ve led them straight to me.”
>”We already thought about that trust me. I teleported my way here, and Pinkie… well she Pinkied her somehow.”
>You get that, there’s no escaping her.

“And what about Applejack? They’ll be nosing around here as well.”
>”Don’t look so concerned sugarcube. I made my feelings about you rather clear, they won’t suspect me for a while.”
>They took every possible precaution to get you here.
>They’re the closest thing you’ve had to friends.
“Thanks girls. You really pulled me out of the fire here.”
>”No problem, but it’d best if we got going.”
“Keeping up appearances and so forth, I get it.”
>Twilight disappears in a flash of light, Applejack stepping outside.
“Pinkie.”

>”I need to go as well, don’t I?”
“Yeah. I wish you could stay.”
>”Just tell me you’ll be safe here.”
“Will that make you feel better?”
>She nods.
“I’ll be safer than Angel is at Fluttershy’s.”
>”Good enough for me.”
>She hugs you again.
>”Until next time.”
>And just like that, she’s gone.
“Until next time.”

>Applejack struts in, dropping a parcel at your feet.
>”Get up and get going. You stay here, you work here.”
“But- I can’t walk.”
>”What do you think those are for?”
>You unwrap the package, pulling out a pair of crutches.
>”Twilight thought you could use ‘em now. Though I don’t know how.”
“I can take a guess.”
>You place the crutches beneath your armpits and hoist yourself up.
>You find a stable position and put more and more weight on your legs.
>Finally, after some scouring you find the correct ratio.
“Where to first?”

>”Try and keep up.”
>You swing yourself after her.
>By now your eyes have finally adjusted to the light allowing you to view your surroundings.
>You’re definitely not in Ponyville anymore.
>The barn and house sit in a vacant lot, surrounded by an orchard that expands for god knows how long.
>You struggle to stay behind her.
>Getting used to using crutches is harder than it sounds.
>You head through the trees, deeper into the orchard.

>You come across a series of buckets, apples packed inside.
>”You ever bucked an apple tree before pretty boy?”
>Poking fun at your bruises, classy.
“Can’t say that I have.”
>”Well there ain’t much to it.”
>She back up to the tree.
>”Put your weight in the hips, get on them forehooves and- WHACK!”
>Apples pour down from the tree tops filling the buckets.
>”That’s all there is to it.”
“Well that’s nice to know.”

>”Try it,” is this mare serious?
“I can’t move my legs.”
>”Afraid you can’t do it?”
“More like worried that I’ll break something.”
>She rolls her eyes and moves onto the next tree.
>”Then you get to carry the buckets.”
>Joy to the world.
>She puts a rope around your waist, tying the other end to the buckets.
>You manage to move them with enough force, following Applejack.
>”Come on, we’re burning daylight.”
>That’s what you were hoping to do.

>The sun sets in Equestria, signaling the end to a hard day’s work.
>You collapse onto your bed, sweat pouring down your face.
>”Dinner’s in five, look presentable.”
>Your chest is on fire, your arms are shaking and you’re fairly certain you’ve contracted malaria.
>Dinner sounds damn tasty at this point.
>You weakly go and shower off, the stench of sweat still strong on you.
>They don’t have any bathing creams or shampoos like the others did.
>But they have to make do with what they have, can’t blame them for living.

>Slipping back into your sweaty clothes leaves you feeling grimy and nasty.
>You find the Apple’s sitting around the table waiting for you.
>”Took your sweet time now didn’t you.”
“Apologies I didn’t mean to keep you waiting.”
>The filly at the end of the table stares at you.
>”What are you?”
“Just a man trying to get better.”
>”Works for me.”
>That was easy enough.

>A familiar stallion walks through the door, bumping a platter on the table.
>”Anon.”
“Big Mac.”
>The elderly lady licks her chops, “Dig in everyp0ny.”
>Roasted greens and apple slices are thrown about the room in a hurry.
>Applejack chews nonchalantly on half a turnip.
>”That there’s Granny Smith and Applebloom. You already met Big Mac.”
“Indeed I have.”
>”You waiting for an engraved invitation?”
“Excuse me.”
>”Dig in for Celestia’s sake.”

“I think I’ll wait until things aren’t quite as… chaotic.”
>She gulps down her bite, going in for another one.
>”Suit yourself, but there may not be any left by then.”
“I’ll take my chances.”
>And boy was that a mistake.
>Not fifteen minutes later and they were licking the scraps off the floorboard.
>Not literally, but damn did they clean off that platter.
>”Told ya to dig in.”
>The old lady chuckles, and you join along with her.
“I’ll take your word from now on.”

>Applejack, Big Mac, and Applebloom begin cleaning up the mess.
>”Come on in the back sonny, there should be some left over.”
>You thank the old mare and follow her into the kitchen.
>She presents a small bowl of greens which you tend to gratefully.
>”You’re not as bad as they say boy.”
“Ma’am?”
>”They said you was some kind of freak. An evil thing from the forest. They was wrong.”
“I’m afraid they weren’t ma’am.”
>”I have a feeling about p0nies, and I get a good feeling about you.”
“Nobody’s perfect.”

>She turns your jaw painfully until you’re looking dead at her.
>”I know what you’ve done. They think me a fool, but I listen real close. You’re Anon, that adventurer.”
>The old girl has a surprisingly strong grip.
>”There’s good in you yet child. Don’t let anyone make you think otherwise.”
>She lets go, “Apple Pie?”
>You smile, shaking your head.
“I think I’ll just head off to bed if you don’t mind.”
>”But of course, don’t let the hay roaches bite.”
>Hay roaches? You don’t want to know.

>You lay down in bed, sleep quickly finding you.
>A day of exhausting work will do that to a guy.
>It doesn’t last very long before you’re awoken again.
>”You smell like Ursa filth.”
“If only it was that good.”
>”I’m glad to see you’re safe here.”
>Safe, that’s one way to put it.
>You sit up, your ribs aching.
“Why do you even care?”

>”Because.”
“That’s an appropriate answer.”
>”Does it really matter why?”
“To me? Yeah it does. You almost get me killed, you read me bed time stories and turn around and save my life? Why?”
>He searches for the answer, only to answer a question with a question.
>”Why did you save Fluttershy?”
“Because.”
>”That’s an appropriate answer.”
>You see what she did there.

“I guess- in some way, I thought I could atone somehow. By doing a good deed I could make up for what I’ve done.”
>”And would you do so again? If you knew what it meant?”
“Break my bones, get poisoned, attacked by a mini dragon, and get beaten by a group of thugs? Yeah I think I would.”
>”Then I guess we’ve got more in common than you thought.”
“I guess so.”
>You reach out your hand towards him.
“Hand it over.”
>He chuckles, taking the Daring Do book from his bag and giving it to you.
“So… Chapter 14 was it?”

>You wake up sore as all hell again.
>It’s been a week since you started staying here and are you paying for it.
>Applejack has you working your ass off.
>When you aren’t working, you sleep, and when you don’t sleep you manage to grab a bite to eat.
>Since all you really do is pull shit you’ve had more time to think about the past.
>Not really something you’ve looked forward to doing.
>With the things you’ve done, a man would’ve blown his brains out in self-hatred.
>Fortunately, you don’t have a gun.

>The familiar whack catches you off-guard as apples rain from the sky.
>You tie the knot around your waist as Applejack moves on.
>She really only cares about the apples, her name is Applejack after all.
>You set the barrels around the tree and take a minute to wipe the sweat off your face.
>”Don’t even think about taking a break. We still got half a field ta go.”
>You sink lower on the ground, giving your legs more of the weight.
>All this movement has caused a little awakening in your lower body, but it’s not as much as you’d like.
>They have been recovering rather quickly you wager.
>Another whack signals you to keep moving.

>You finally get to the house, Applebloom out front.
>”Ya got a package here Anon.”
>A package? Works for you.
>Applejack takes Applebloom inside, do all their names have to do with apples?
>You unwrap the package, a couple sets of clothes packed inside.
>You open the letter.
>”Dear Anon, I’m sorry I couldn’t apologize in person, but I’m ashamed of how things turned out that night. I hope you can forgive me. Everyp0ny deserves a second chance. I made some new clothes for you as well. Applejack likely has you wearing yours out. Stay safe. The best seamstress in Equestria, Rarity.”

>She knew just what you needed, besides a bath.
>You put the clothes in your room and head down to eat.
>You dive right in this time, knowing there wouldn’t be anything left if you waited.
>One must adapt to the circumstances.
>You give a nod to the family after helping clean up and go to bed.
>Sleep is the prime desire in your life right now.
>It’s too bad even that isn’t what it used to be.
>You dream, but what you dream of scares you more than it should.

>You bolt out of bed in a cold sweat, falling flat on your face on the floor.
>Another nightmare. Fucking perfect.
>You don’t remember what it was about, but you don’t need to.
>Some things are best left forgotten.
>You take a quick shower and get ready for work, another long day ahead of you.
>Whack. Whack. Apples. Buckets. Move.
>A simple drawn out routine.
“Applejack, can I ask you a question?”
>”Well ya just- *whack* “did partner.”

“Can I ask you three questions?”
>”Shoot.”
“If I were to… go back to how I was. You’d off me right?”
>”I don’t follow.”
“Y’know, kill me.”
>She shakes her head, “P0nies don’t kill. It’s an unspoken rule.”
“What if you made a promise to, how about then?”
>”I guess I’d have to keep that promise. Why you asking? You ain’t planning on rampaging about again are ya?”
“I certainly hope not.”

>She stops at a clearing, the sun having fallen beneath the mountains.
>”Let’s take a rest here yonder.”
>You plop down to the floor, your legs trembling painfully.
>”Take in the sight pretty boy, it don’t get much better than this.”
>You lie down on your back next to Applejack.
>You admire Luna’s work, the night’s sky was certainly majestic.
>Funny, you never took the time to admire the little things in life.
>And here you are, looking at the stars with a person who hates your guts.
>Well, after all this you can’t really say she does.
>Not really.

“Make me a promise okay AJ?”
>”Don’t spoil the mood.”
“Promise me.”
>”I ain’t gonna do it Anon. No matter how much you ask.”
“Then I’ll have to do it,” you mutter.
>This gets her attention.
>”Don’t you dare. Ya hear me? Don’t you dare.”
“I deserve as much. You know I do.”
>She gets to her hooves.

>”You know what you’re bein right now? Selfish, that’s what. Only thinking about yourself, and for the record I was the one who first said to help you.”
>What? No, she hated you.
>”You may have been a pain in the flank, but there was good in you. We showed you a kindness, and you returned the favor.”
“Bullshit. I’ve been a dick.”
>”You gave Fluttershy company. You became friends with Twilight. Rarity wants to keep you as her personal chef now.”
“Quite the accusation, but none of that really-“
>”Pinkie Pie.”

>Your heart skips a beat when you hear her name.
>”The others may not have noticed, but she’s been perky lately, more than usual. I don’t what it is you did, but you made her happy.”
“I miss her…”
>”Then don’t go having them thoughts like just now. She couldn’t bare it.”
>She plops down again, still slightly flustered.
>”Now shut up and enjoy the stars.”
>You smile, looking back to the sky.
“Yes ma’am.”

>You find yourself back in Ponyville, sword in one hand.
“I know where you’re hiding!”
>Why are you saying that?
>You look around, following your instincts.
>You try to stop yourself. You try to stop it before it begins.
>But it’s useless.
>You round about into an alleyway.
>The tearful cries of your prey only invigorating you.
>You’re a monster.

>You kick over the garbage can, two fillies bumbling out.
>Applebloom and Sweetie Belle. No…
>You sheathe your sword and grab them both by the neck.
“It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Let’s get reacquainted.”
>Drop them you bastard!
>”Why Anon? You were our friend.”
>You boom out a fiendish laugh.
>Were you really like this?”
“Sorry, but Anon doesn’t have any friends.”

>You knee Sweetie Belle in the stomach, knocking her out cold.
“Just my one Big friend, his name’s Johnson.”
>You begin undoing your pants.
>STOP!
“Don’t bother, just enjoy the show.”
>The filly screams in agony as you have your way with her.
>This isn’t real, it can’t be real.
>You lick at her tears, the salty liquid strong on your tongue.
“She sure tastes real.”
>He wipes himself off, moving onto the next filly.

>You can only watch helplessly as this fiend does as he pleases.
>You want to stop him, but you can’t.
>He tightens his pants, grinning at his work, the two fillies unconscious beneath him.
>”Why Anon?”
>You look to the door before you, her voice chilling your heart.
>Don’t go in there. Please don’t.
“I want to see this.”
>He opens the door, Pinkie Pie standing on a chair in front of you.
>”I never wanted this to happen.”

>Her mane is flat, skin turned grey, a rope tight around her neck.
>Please don’t. Anything but that.
>You step in front of her, her eyes red and puffy.
>”I never…”
>You reach out and take a hold of her hoof.
>You just smile.
“I did.”
>You kick the chair, blackness surrounding you.
“Men like us never change.”

“NO!”
>You jump out of bed, even making a few steps before you collapse.
>You grab your chest, your heart feeling like its going to break through your ribs.
>A ruckus comes from the hall, Applejack bursting through.
>”Anon what’s wrong?”
>You can hardly breathe, let alone speak.
>You sob silently in your hands, Applejack comforting you.
>”Take it easy big guy.”
>Were it so easy…

>You step out of the house, breathing the fresh air.
>Applejack gave you the day off. Nice of her to do so.
>You silently crutch your way into the orchard.
>The apples will be fully ripened next week.
>The tantalizing sweetness already soaks the air.
>Giving one last look around you find what you’ve been searching for.
>It’s a beautiful tree, the apples are nice and plump as well.
>It’s perfect.

>You lie down next to the tree, fumbling with your hand.
>Things are so peaceful here.
>You can almost hear your dad and sister calling you.
>You had run away from them, losing them in the trees.
>It was the first time you had the guts to leave.
>They found you weak and alone, crying for forgiveness.
>Your dad carried you home, your sister holding your hand.
>You were just a child, but here you are again, a grown man.
>Still the child…

>”Anon?”
>You look up, Applebloom standing in front of you.
“What are you doing up at this hour?”
>”I could ask you the same thing.”
>She sits beside you, her oversized bow flopping about, making you laugh a little.
>”You got the day off?”
“Yeah, your big sis let me off.”
>”Why?”
“Grown up things.”
>”Is that what that’s for?”

“What?”
>”The thing you’re holding, is that the grown up thing?”
>You look down at your hands, the rope tied in a hangman’s knot.
“You could say that.”
>She shrugs, “So what do you plan on doing today?”
“I’m thinking about leaving.”
>”Leaving? Like on a vacation.”
>You shake your head.
“No, not like a vacation.”
>”Can I come to?”
“NO.”

>She flinches at your tone.
“Sorry, but you can’t go with me.”
>”Then why don’t you stay here? I don’t want you to go.”
>You laugh, patting her head.
“You don’t know what you want.”
>”Do you?”
“Well yea…”
>Really? Is this what you really want?
>”I may be a kid, but I know I don’t want you to go.”
“I may not have a choice.”
>She snuggles into your lap.
>”Everyone has a choice.”

>Men like us never change.
>Everyone has a choice.
>Which one is it?
“I guess I don’t have to go so soon.”
>She perks up, hopping up and down in your lap.
>”I knew you wouldn’t leave.”
>You drop the noose and stand up.
>”Come on, let’s have some fun.”
“I’m up for some of that.”

>She leads you through the orchard, eventually coming to a tree house.
>It’s just like you remember.
>You lift the filly onto your shoulders and climb up.
>She helps you reach the top.
>”Let me be the first to welcome you to our headquarters.”
“Headquarters for what?”
>”The Cutie Mark Crusaders!”
>She pulls you inside, another filly already inside.

>”Anon!”
>The filly hugs onto your leg.
“Nice to see you Sweetie Belle.”
>”I was so worried when you didn’t come home.”
“Don’t be. I’m safe and sound.”
>She’s relieved to hear you say that.
>”I brought you a present!”
“Really? That’s nice of you.”
>She fetches a basket from the corner.

>You pull of the cloth to reveal a stack of pancakes.
>”Just like you made them.”
“You didn’t have to do that.”
>”I wanted to.”
>You give her a brief hug.
>”Go on, try them!”
>You take a chunk and savor the flavor.
>It’s been a while since you had anything that was greens or apples.
>You take another bite, a feeling of dread washing over you,

>Something isn’t sitting right.
>You can feel it in your gut.
>Of all the things you’ve learned in life, doubting your intuition is not one of them.
>You swallow, the fillies picking up on your fear.
“Sweetie Belle, how did you get here?”
>”I just walked here.”
>You can hear Twilight’s voice in your head, ‘They’re watching all of us.’
>A creak turns your attention away.
>Someone, or somep0ny is outside.

>You hush your voice.
“I need you to listen carefully, stay out of sight, and be silent.”
>”Anon what’s-“
“Now.”
>You don’t mean to scare them, but you need them safe.
>You take up position just beside the door, propping yourself against the wall.
>Taking one of your crutches you lift it over your head, trained on the door.
>The handle shakes, sweat forming on your forehead.
>It turns, the door shifting open.
>Your breathing slows.

>The p0ny steps through, unaware of your presence.
>You pound the crutch over his head, the wood snapping in two.
>And he’s out like a light.
>You sigh and lean back against the wall.
>”You okay Doodle Bug?”
>Shit, there’s more than one.
>”Anon, who is that?” they ask, voices shaky with fear.
“A bad p0ny, is there another way out of here?”
>”He’s not moving…”

>Don’t go into shock on me.
>You touch his throat, his pulse steady but weak.
“He’s not gone yet. Again, is there another way out of here?”
>”It’s my fault, I lead him here.”
“No no no, it’s not your fault. You couldn’t have known.”
>Not the tears, anything but the tears.
>”I’m sorry!”
>She breaks into a downpour.
>You hold her head in your shoulder.
>”Doodle Bug?!”

“It’s not your fault. It’s not your fault.”
>You look to Applebloom, frozen in position.
“Is there another way out of this place?”
>”Wha- Well- I mean-“
“Those p0nies want me to leave, not like vacation.”
>She straightens up, pounding into the floorboards.
>Underneath is a tunnel that leads down the trunk of the tree.
>”Cutie Mark Crusader Escape Tunnel!”
“What would a headquarters be without one?”
>”Doodle!”

“Hurry now, down the hatch.”
>You place them into the hole.
>”Let’s go Anon.”
“I can’t follow you.”
>”No, you’re coming to!”
>You reboard the floor, keeping them safe from the others.
>They won’t pay for your crimes.
“You’ll thank me one day.”
>You drag the p0ny to the center of the room, taking up your position.
>”Doodle Bu- What in Celest-“

>You pivot through the door, crashing atop of the second p0ny.
>He hollers as you push the two of you over the edge.
>Going, going, going, stop.
>You roll off of him, the wind knocked out of him by your weight.
>He tries to get up, only to fall on his face.
>Taking your last crutch you pick yourself, limping back over to the barn.
>If there are two, there’s bound to be more.
>You see the house in the distance.
>At least there isn’t a swarm outside.

>You manage to get through the door.
>You’re legs feel like they’re on fire, but you don’t have time to feel.
>”AJ? Big Mac?”
>More noises from upstairs.
>You use the railing to get up, finding your way to the source.
>It’s just inside your room.
>You charge in, brandishing your last crutch.
>”Time’s up partner.”
>Applejack’s packing your shit, and not giving a fuck.
>”They know you’re here.”

“I already ran into two of them up by the tree house.”
>She stops and shoots you a worried look.
“Don’t worry they’re safe.”
>She takes your word on it.
>”Don’t just stand around, help me.”
“Of course.”
>You stow what you have in a duffel bag.
“Where am I going to go now? If they knew about you-“
>”We already have the place set up. We just need to get you there.”
“We?”

>”Us, Anon,” Twilight says from the doorway.
>It’s relieving to know she’s got your back.
“How did you know?”
>”Rarity told me that Sweetie Belle was gone, I made a guess.”
“That’s not very scientific of you.”
>”I was in a rush.”
“Touche, what now?”
>”Now we get you out of here.”
>Twilight leads you downstairs, Applejack helping you make the trip.
>Only having one crutch is a bitch.

>There’s already a chariot waiting for you outside.
“The fuck do I need a chariot for?”
>”Rainbow can’t fly with you on her back, so we have to improvise.”
“F-fly? What’s the big idea?”
>”Look Anon, Rainbow’s house is up there in the sky, it’s nice, isolated, and better yet, safe.”
>Applejack has the plan, but didn’t think it through.
“I think you’re looking over a pretty big flaw with plan. I can’t stand on clouds.”
>”Not yet you can’t,” Twilight boasts.
>Her horn shimmers as she focuses her magical energy.

“Magic doesn’t work on me remember?”
>”I don’t need to enchant you, just what you’re wearing.”
>Your clothing glows the same tone as her horn, the purple hue surrounding you.
>Why the fuck didn’t you ever think of that before?
>”Hey guys, what’d I miss?”
>”Thanks for coming on such short notice.”
>You look back to see a cyan Pegasus standing by the chariot.
>It’s no wonder how she got her name, seeing as how her mane was a mother fucking rainbow.
“So you’re my new guardian?”
>She nods, “Name’s Rainbow Dash, good to meet you.”

“Likewise, you sure this spell will work Twilight?”
>”I don’t… actually know.”
“Well damn there’s only one way to find out.”
>You load into the chariot and point to Applejack.
“Keep ‘em safe you hear?”
>”I’ll do my best.”
>You look down the road, a cloud of dust coming up the path.
>”Remember that promise Anon,” Twilight says.
“Don’t remind me. Stay safe.”
>She nods as Rainbow pulls you into the air.
>”Goodbye.”

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