- >More images swim through your mind.
- >Not even in sleep can you find peace.
- >It pisses you off to no end.
- >All the teasing and pestering.
- >Your own subconscious mind turns against you.
- >”You want to go home don’t you?
- >And with the damn questions.
- >It’s one after another after another.
- >”Your friends aren’t who they seem.”
- >It whispers these fallacies into your ear.
- >All your paranoid thoughts are brought back to the surface.
- >”They want you to accept this place. Don’t.”
- >That- sounds reasonable.
- >”There’s always a way back. Find it Anon.”
- >You sip at your coffee in the kitchen, your new pants a nice fit.
- >She certainly does good work.
- >Mickey comes bounding downstairs with his construction hat and tool belt.
- “Off to work?”
- >”No I just like wearing this stuff,” he jokes.
- “Try not to get crushed under the supports.”
- >”Oh come on that was one time!”
- >More sarcasm, though it does well to cut through his hard exterior.
- >He leaves and once again you’re by yourself.
- >Anonymous already left to run with Dash, you having to attend of course.
- >Mickey couldn’t go all the time so he has you go for him.
- >He thinks it’s because I respect his wishes.
- >The truth? You’re lonely.
- >Mous and the mayor are working hand in hand now so he’s mostly at the town hall.
- >Right now he’s probably going over blueprints for the new section they’re putting up.
- >Everyone else is busy and doing there thing and here you are, chilling.
- >Its feels kinda good actually.
- >Nope, that’s not a good sign. Come on feet we’re talking a walk.
- >You head back into town, taking your allowance with you.
- >You don’t usually accept charity, but the others were insistent.
- >The markets are bustling as they usually are at this time.
- >Everyp0ny- oh damn did you just say that?
- >Note to self, slap face when you get home.
- >Everyone, that’s better, tries to get here early for the best produce and such.
- >Applejack is over there doing what she does best, anything apple related.
- >”Howdy partner, care for some breakfast?”
- “Thanks but no thanks.”
- >”Shucks, your loss,” she makes a transaction with another customer, “What brings you out so early?”
- “I think this trend of laziness is getting to me. I thought it felt good not to do anything today.”
- >”That’s some serious stuff,” she says holding in a laugh.
- “It’s not funny. I have a problem.”
- >Her cheeks expand and she has to hold her mouth shut.
- >You scowl at her as another customer approaches.
- “You got a customer.”
- >He catches her eye and she’s back to professionalism in a glance, “Mornin’ there partner! Ah sell apples and apple accessories, what can I get for ya?”
- >You decide to leave her be as she conducts business.
- >You’ll just get in the way.
- >You bump into a p0ny by accident and their basket spills all over the ground.
- “Oh shoot, I’m sorry. Let me get that for you.”
- >You kneel down to pick it up and finally get a look at her.
- “Fluttershy? I didn’t even see you there.”
- >”I-it’s okay,” she squeaks, “I wasn’t looking.”
- >That’s just nonsense. You ran into her not the other way around.
- “Don’t be like that. I should’ve been paying attention.”
- >You gather the spilled items and place it in the bag.
- “Let me make it up to you and carry your basket. I won’t take no for an answer.”
- >”O-okay…”
- >You stand together motionless for about a minute. Is she stuck?
- “So where we going?”
- >”Oh, I’m sorry. I was waiting for you.”
- >You chuckle as she gets into gear.
- >”Produce Parlor, what can I get for you,” the attendant says in a drab tone.
- >”Umm, two heads of lettuce, I mean, if that’s okay…”
- >He rolls his eye, “Ten bits.”
- >Fluttershy reaches into her bag, but you stop her.
- “I don’t know much about money here, but I do know that that price is outrageous. What was it yesterday?”
- >”Two bits, but it ain’t yesterday it’s today.”
- >”It’s alright Anon, I can pay.”
- >Oh hell no, that’s bullshit. You flag down a customer you just saw leave.
- “Hello sir, how much did you pay for this lettuce.”
- >”A bit a head, per usual.”
- >You glare back at the attendant, “Prices fluctuate all the time.”
- “Save it, you’re taking advantage of this ladies kindness and you know it. Two bits, that’s the deal.”
- >”Ten bits and you walk away before things get ugly.”
- >This guy is fucking toast.
- >”Two bits,” a voice calls behind you, “and maybe I’ll open this can of whoop ass somewhere else.”
- >Mous comes limping over in his cane, a fire in his eye.
- >”Who else happened to take advantage of this mare?”
- >Silence.
- >The stall boy walks out from behind his post, “I don’t know who you think you are, but you can’t just boss me-“
- >He gets in range and Mous thwacks him with his cane.
- >”Oww, what’s wrong with- *thwack* Gah! Fine! Take it for two bits!”
- >He crawls back to his booth clutching to his new bruises.
- >You toss him three bits of your own purse.
- “Keep the change.”
- >You place them in Fluttershy’s basket and she whispers the words ‘Thank you.’
- >”I’ll ask again, anyone else take advantage of this mare?”
- >Half a dozen shop keepers toss a pile of bits on their stands, not wanting to feel of wrath of his mighty walking stick.
- >He collects each pile, making cold frightening eye contact with each of them before placing them back with Fluttershy.
- >”You two finish up and skedaddle, I’ll have to give these colts a stern talking to.”
- >She quickly finishes her shopping trip and you offer to walk her home, to which she accepts.
- >She lives outside of Ponyville by the Everfree Forest where you appeared.
- >Her cottage is filled to the brim with animals by what Mous has told you.
- >’Beware the smell’ he said.
- >The entire way there Fluttershy was filled with energy.
- >She couldn’t stop talking about what just happened.
- >Every scene was reenacted, you standing up for her, the argument, Mous giving it to him.
- >You just smiled and walked along while she tired herself out.
- >It’s only when she finally reaches the crescendo of her story that she realizes just how loud she was.
- >She swiftly apologizes and walks silent the rest of the way home.
- >You couldn’t muster the courage to tell her that her act was rather adorable.
- >When you reach the door she apologizes one more time and thanks you for your help.
- “Don’t mention it, here” you hand her the basket, “You’re going to want this.”
- >”Oh um, thanks.”
- >An awkward silence ensues, Fluttershy fidgeting nervously.
- “I- I guess I should be going. See you around Fluttershy.”
- >She waves shakily at you as you depart.
- >Your time with her cut a small chunk out of your day at least.
- >You really need to pick up a hobby.
- >Been here for a week and a half and all you have to show for it is a house and some friends.
- >Actually, that isn’t that bad in the grand scheme of things.
- >You stop and take a deep breath of that spring scent, the flowers give off the best scent this time of year.
- >You almost don’t notice the bump against your rump, almost.
- >Out of fear you nearly jump out of your skin and look backwards, your offender cowering behind her mane.
- “Fluttershy? Thank god it’s just you. You almost gave me a heart attack.”
- >She calms down with you, but why is she here at all? Why isn’t she back at her cottage?
- “Been following me for long?” you ask sarcastically.
- >”I just- well- I thought-“ she sighs, “Never mind…”
- >She turns and walks away the hint of sadness unmistakable.
- >You’re about to turn when she stops abruptly, “Be assertive Fluttershy…”
- >You didn’t hear her clearly.
- >She rounds about and marches towards you.
- >”Anon, I’d like to invite you over to my cottage.”
- “Okay.”
- >”I won’t take no for an- Wait what?”
- >Her forceful show fades away at your answer and you can’t help but grin.
- “You don’t need to act tough to get me to come over.”
- >”So… you do?”
- >You smile and nod.
- “I’d love to.”
- >You open the door for her and instantly understand what Mous meant by the smell.
- >It’s certainly bad, but you’ve had the unfortunate experience to witness a septic leak.
- >This is nothing in comparison.
- >She cleans up nice with all the animals that roam about, not a single piss-stained plank or dung pile in sight.
- >The smell is the only part that permeates the atmosphere but you can get used to it.
- >”Can I get you something to drink? Tea or something if you want…”
- “Water will be fine thank you.”
- >She flies over to the kitchen and gives you a chance to sit down.
- >A white rabbit hops over by your leg and stares at you. You stare back.
- >His eyes pierce the very essence of your being and wraps around your soul, entwining it with his fuzzy demeanor.
- >The battle of wills engages for an eternity and when the ashes have settled only the two of you will remain.
- >Oh come on, it’s a fucking rabbit.
- >He reaches his tiny paw up towards you and swings it a few times.
- >You meet him with your finger, the rabbit gripping it and giving a hearty shake.
- >He doesn’t have a collar or anything. You wonder what his name is.
- >”I see you met Angel,” she says reading your mind, “He’s a good friend.”
- >The little guy certainly seems nice enough.
- >You talk with her a little bit, mainly about what she does for a living, though you didn’t have to ask.
- >She takes care of animals big and small and she sells anything that they produce that would go to waste otherwise.
- >You’re surprised to find out how wealthy she actually is with all the ingredients and business she gets.
- >She didn’t even brag about it like Rarity did.
- >That doesn’t surprise you coming from her though.
- >That’s when she asked about back home.
- >Now, you’re not sure why, but lying to her just felt… wrong.
- >So you tell her the truth, about earth your family and friends.
- >She takes it well but when she asks how you got here, it gets difficult.
- “I can’t give you an answer there as much as I’d like to know myself. I just kinda popped in here.”
- >”And what about your friends?”
- “Before I say anything else you have to promise me you’ll keep it a secret.”
- >”Alright.”
- “If this gets out… I don’t know how p0nies will react.”
- >”Okay.”
- “Can you promise me that you’ll keep it a secret?”
- >She nods, “Pinkie Promise.”
- >That’s good enough for you. So you tell her.
- >Everything.
- >She takes it all in, all the alternative universe jargon and scientific theory mumbo jumbo Twilight gave you, all of it.
- >This was supposed to be a secret between the Anons and Twilight, but now she knows too.
- >You feel regret for breaking that covenant, but also relief for talking to someone else about it.
- >Someone who might understand how you felt.
- >”I’m sorry.” That’s all she says. And that’s all she needed to say.
- “Thank you for listening, it’s good to get this off my chest.”
- >She does understand. She empathized with you, she could feel how you felt, that longing pain to return home.
- >”Why can’t Twilight send you back? She’s the most powerful unicorn in Ponyville.”
- “Teleportation is a dangerous art she said. Something about how getting sucked into the vacuum of space.”
- >”So there’s no way back?”
- “No. Something brought me here. That thing can take me back.”
- >She grows silent, your negativity killing the mood.
- “I’d have to find the thing first. I don’t even know where to look,” you say with a smile.
- >”I hope you find it Anon,” she replies, “You deserve to be happy.”
- >You thank her and drink the last of your water.
- >The sun begins its descent over the hills and only then do you realize how long you’d been talking.
- >She notices too, “Will you look at the time, we’re late!”
- >You raise an eyebrow questionably.
- “Late for what?”
- >”Didn’t your friends tell you? Pinkie’s hosting a party for you all tonight.”
- “I must’ve missed the memo.”
- >You walk into the kitchen with her and grab the fruit platter for her.
- >”This might not be their first party, but it’s yours.”
- >You open the door for her and the two of you make your way to Sugarcube Corner.
- >You find the oversized pastry of a building soon enough.
- >By the crippling music and silhouettes cast upon the dim street you’d say you missed the intro.
- >The door opens for the two of you, Mous seemingly in a good mood.
- >”Nice of you to drop by Anon. Fluttershy, it’s a pleasure to see you could make it.”
- >She takes the platter off your hands and leaves the two of you alone.
- “Real nice thing they threw for us don’t you think?”
- >”Certainly, I wouldn’t expect anything less from Pinkie Pie,” he says counting down on his fingers.
- “What’s with the hands?”
- >”Oh, just trying to give you fair warning.”
- “Fair warning for what?”
- >”For this,” his last finger closes in.
- >”HIYA ANON!”
- >Mous catches you as you stumble backwards from the startling bundle.
- >”Anon, this is Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie this is Anon.”
- >”I know that silly, you already told me.”
- >He smiles, “That I did, that I did.”
- “So I have you to thank for this wondrous occasion?”
- >”Don’t you love it?! It is simply spectacular! Mous and I went over the plans again and again to get it just right.”
- “Is that so,” you say giving him a knowing look. “And what about work?”
- >”My recreational activities don’t interfere with my work, rest assured.”
- “Ahuh.”
- >”Hey Pinkie, why don’t you show Anon around. I don’t think he’s tried your cupcakes either.”
- >She gasps, taking in more air than a p0ny should be able to.
- >”We have GOT to fix that.”
- >She drags you away from Mous who rests on a stool waving you goodbye.
- >”Here try this one first,” she says shoving it into your mouth before you can protest.
- >Oh. Oh my. Calm down Little Anon it’s only a cupcake.
- >You swallow as much as you can, the strawberry-chocolate filling richer than anything you’ve had before.
- >But holy fuck it’s goooood.
- >”Sooo?” she asks hanging on to your breath.
- “John 9:25. Whereas once I was blind, now I can see.”
- >”So you’re saying…”
- >You grab another one and toss it up in the air a few times before taking a bite.
- “They’re delicious.”
- >”Now to try the rest of them,” you stop her before she can shove something else in your mouth.
- “Good things come to those who wait.”
- “Why don’t you keep Mous company? He’d really appreciate it.”
- >”Okie dokie lokie.”
- >She hops on over and you can see him brighten as she approaches.
- >What is up with these guys and mares?
- >You take a slice of pie and find Anonymous, Mickey and Rainbow Dash in a three-way drinking contest.
- >Fluttershy’s propped up nearby watching from the back and you move to join her.
- “So who’s winning?”
- >”I’m not sure, they all look tired.”
- “Yeah that’s called being hammered.”
- >Rainbow Dash sees you and hollers, “Betcha can’t beat me!”
- “Do you mind?” you ask Fluttershy.
- >”Go ahead, it’s your party.”
- >You pull up a chair, Duff plopping a shot in front of you.
- “Not going to join us?”
- >”As much as I’d like to run you all under the table, I have a shift later tonight.”
- >You down it without a hitch, congratulating his forward thinking.
- >”Someone has to be responsible here. I’m just taking some of that off of good ol’ Mous.”
- >Two more shots down the hatch and Duff says his farewell, hugging Pinkie for the party.
- >”I tol ya he wush a smrt one,” Mickey grumbles trying to pick up his shot glass.
- >Rainbow Dash laughs and pushes him slightly, the drunk bastard falling out of his chair, which in turn makes her laugh harder.
- >”HA! Servisiss ‘im right. Tryin ta beat mi,” Anonymous joins in.
- >You down more and more shots, images starting to blur together.
- “Hey Anonymiss? Hey. Hey. Hey. Aninimous hey.”
- >You pick his head off the table, a line of drool escaping his mouth. Gross.
- >Rainbow Dash isn’t far behind him and excuses herself only to trip on air a step off the chair.
- >She looks to you before she blacks out, “Lucky I wint e z on ya.”
- >The crowd applauds and you take a bow, careful not to tip over accidently.
- >Don’t want to make a fool out of yourself.
- >When you try to find Fluttershy she vanishes into thin air leaving you scratching your head.
- >You ask around, no one having seen her leave.
- >She’s quiet so most people probably overlooked her.
- >You find Twilight, the observant one of her group of friends.
- >She says that Fluttershy went outside to catch some fresh air.
- >You find her outside sitting on a bench. You join her.
- “Beautiful night wouldn’t you say?”
- >”If you think so…”
- “You can never truly appreciate the dark if you’ve never seen the light. Works vice versa too.”
- >You close your eyes and let the nightly sounds conduct their symphony of peace.
- “When I was a boy my mother told me not to look into the sun, so I didn’t, but one day I took a glance, just one little glance.”
- >You sigh and put your arm on the bench.
- “The pain taught me just how cruel and beautiful life can be. I learned just how thin that line was.”
- >You look to the moon and smile.
- “The night dims all around it, but in the end, the sun still shines through. Dang, this is some philosophical stuff right here.”
- >”But you said the night was beautiful, how can it be if it also dims all those around it.”
- “Because it casts aside the material and shows the true beauty of things. The moon is my compass and it directs me to such sights.”
- >She smiles, “That’s nice.”
- “I surprise even myself sometimes,” you chuckle.
- >Your arm finds its way around her and you subconsciously pull her close.
- “It’s nice to share a night like this with a friend.”
- >Her body’s like a miniature heater next to you.
- >She rests her head against you and drifts off.
- >This should be romantic, but… it just won’t work.
- >She’s a mare, you’re a man.
- >Maybe if things were different.
- >Another time in another place.
- “I guess we’d better get going then huh Fluttershy?”
- >She doesn’t respond.
- “Fluttershy?”
- >You look down, her chest rising and falling in slumber.
- >The cuteness has been officially doubled.
- >You lay her down on the bench and quickly run inside, saying your goodbyes and grabbing her empty platter.
- >You ease her into your arms and cradle her like you would a small child.
- >She nuzzles retreats further into your arms as you move off to her cottage.
- >You open the door home, Angel waiting for you.
- >He takes the platter and points you to her room upstairs while he runs off into the kitchen.
- >He sure is a helpful fella, smart too.
- >You push open the door and set her down on the bed, Fluttershy sinking into the soft material.
- >Gently, you pull her sheets over her until she’s nice and comfortable.
- >With the light shining down on her she looks positively serene.
- >With a smile you prepare to walk out and back home.
- >”Anon?”
- “Yeah Fluttershy.”
- >”Do… do you mind staying, just for the night?”
- >This rubs you the wrong kind of way, even with the alcohol in your system.
- >”It’s just- I have trouble falling asleep, and… I feel better if you’re here.”
- >Anon you are such a sucker.
- “Sure,” you say sitting back down.
- >”The whole night?”
- “The whole night.”
- >She takes a deep breath and looks up at you with moonlit eyes, and you’re not sure why, but you decided to do it.
- “Hush little p0ny, don’t say a word. Anon’s gonna buy you a mocking bird.”
- “And if that mockingbird don't sing, Anon's gonna buy you a diamond ring.”
- >She yawns and grins at you.
- “And if that diamond ring turns to brass, Anon’s gonna buy you a looking glass.”
- “And if that looking glass gets broke, Anon's gonna buy you a billy-goat.”
- >She closes her eyes and nuzzles into the pillow, holding it tight.
- “And if that billy-goat won't pull, Anon's gonna buy you a cart and bull.”
- >Her breathing slows as she reaches a peaceful slumber.
- “And if that cart and bull falls down, you’ll be the sweetest little p0ny in town.”
- >You brush the hair over her hair, earning a full view of her adorable face.
- “Goodnight Fluttershy.”
- >Meanwhile at the eastern port…
- >”Sorry Flash, but I’ve never heard of any Erreda. How about you boys?”
- >The tavern erupts with a chorus of ‘nopes.’
- “Well, thanks for your time then.”
- >Six taverns, four ports, no mention of Erreda.
- >They’ve sailed these seas, they know what’s out there.
- >Nothing. Both homes are gone, now all you have left is this one.
- >At least you know Twilight’s safe. She’s in good hands with Duff.
- >But she’ll never be yours again. It just won’t happen.
- >Now that you have nothing left to live for, why do it?
- >”Excuse me sir, but are you Anon?”
- >You look up to the p0ny, hidden beneath his robe.
- “It’s Flash now.”
- >”Ah good,” a green burst of light hits you in the chest knocking you to the floor.
- >His cowl glows as he prepares another blast, “I’d hate to kill the wrong man.”
- >You thought he felt familiar, that aura they give off is distinct.
- >Changelings…
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The Anons of Equestria: Chapter 3 (Party Light)
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