Royal Romp: Part Two

        >You lied to them, all of them. A lie of omission. Seleucia was not dying because of its own stupidity, far from it in fact. Your empire struggled to live because of invaders that took advantage of your only weakness, of the Vice. You still remembered the last talk you had with that succubus they called a queen.

 

        >”Welcome back my emperor, come to brutalize little old me again?” You snarled at the parasite queen, how nonchalant she was, even in chains.

        “I come seeking information, parasite.”

        >She yawned tiredly, “You know I have a name, you've used it before, Chrysalis.”

        “I care not who you are! All I care about is why you are here! Why Seleucia?!”

        >Chrysalis chuckled, “We hardly came of our own accord, we were sent to Seleucia,” She licked her lips, “A blessing I assure you,” You promptly smacked her, but all you earned was a satisfied croon, “Mmmm, punish me more master.”

        “Shame bears no meaning in your eyes, does it?”

        >”Hatred is its own passion my emperor,” Chrysalis answered sweetly, “While not as potent as love, it is still quite the little treat,” You sighed tiredly.

        “Then answer me this parasite, who sent you?”

        >The changeling queen hummed for a moment, “I don't think I want to tell you.”

        “Do not play games with me, there-”

        >”There are still so many horrors left to show me, right?” Chrysalis asked drolly, “I've heard that one before,” She gave you a very lustful look, “Maybe you can convince me to talk.”

        “Succubus.”

        >”Oh, how you wound me,” The changeling teased, “Such an archaic term emperor, surely you can do better,” You snorted rudely.

        “Archaic but accurate.”

        >Chrysalis hummed, “I'll admit as much.”

        “I grow weary of this song and dance parasite, Seleucia is dying because of your kind, so many dead because of you!”

        >Chrysalis' face took on a red tinge, “Tell me more, your hatred is so pure, untainted. Just like your love was,” You smacked her again.

        “ENOUGH! Tell me what you know parasite and I may just be grateful enough to send your broken carcass back to your children!”

        >The parasite queen took a moment to consider your proposition, “I'd rather stay here, with my emperor,” You stared, utterly flabbergasted, “My children have taken enough of your people to last well over a millennium, and thanks to you I stay well-fed,” She leans forward just enough to kiss your muzzle, an act that sent you reeling,  “I'd say this is a great day for my kind.”

        “I will make you suffer changeling, this I swear.”

        >Chrysalis croons in encouragement, “I'm getting wet just thinking about it,” This creature was impossible.

        “When I return from my business in Equestria, I'll make sure to devote as much of my time as possible to you.”

        >The parasite queen's ears perked at that, “Equestria?” She asked.

        “Yes.”

        >”And what do you plan on doing to those who sent us here?” You growled as you recalled your plan.

“I will make them suffer until they are too old to take it, then I will find a spell of immortality, then I will torture them for eternity.”

        >Chrysalis smiled, ”You're going to love Equestria,” To this day you weren't sure what she meant by that.

 

        >You left the castle several hours before dawn. You were not eager to see the princesses again, and you were relieved providence rewarded you through miss Sparkle's proposal. Drawing upon some of your earliest memories you manage to track down Ponyville with little hassle, although it was far more to the left than you remembered. The sun still had yet to rise, and to be honest, you were glad such was the case. You land in the heart of the town, unsure of where to go next. Twilight neglected to tell you any directions or landmarks, all she told you was, “Ask around, you'll get pointed in the right direction,” You cursed your past self's eager acceptance of her advice. It was too damn early to ask around, everyone was asleep.

        >You expected hell to break loose when the sun rose, but for some reason nothing came from the familiar silhouette of Canterlot.

        “Perhaps I should count my blessings. I doubt she'd be eager to speak to me after last night.”

        >”Hello!”

        >You slowly craned your head around to be greeted by a pair of... spirits those eyes horrified you. So off-center, it didn't even look like they were looking at you, they seemed far more interested in the space around you.

        “H-hello miss.”

        >You tried your best to stay calm, however those eyes continued to disturb you on every level. The ash-colored mare stared at you, her loose blond mane gently swaying in the morning breeze, “What's your name?” You clear your throat nervously.

        “Seleucus, Emperor Seleucus.”

        >The mare you noticed was a pegasus furrowed her brow at your answer, “I know that name from somewhere,” She said, “Didn't I make a delivery for you?” You stare blankly as you let her connect the cars to her train of thought, “Oh I remember now! This scary pegasus stopped by and gave me this letter from some emperor addressed to the princess, you must be him!”

        “The emperor or the pegasus?”

        >A long pause as the mare scrutinizes your wings before moving on to your horn, “Probably the first one,” She answered, “The scary pegasus didn't have a horn.”

        “I hope not.”

        >”I'll bet! Alicorns lose their uniqueness when there's a bunch of them everywhere!” Second note of the messenger your captain left your letter to, incredibly cheery, bubbly you'd say.

        “Well since I have your attention, may you direct me to the home of miss Twilight Sparkle?”

        >The mare furrowed her brow again, “I don't know. What's the occasion?” A simple question, one that you readily answered.

        “She invited me to Ponyville, and I was told to meet up with her when I arrived.”

        >”Well if that's the case I don't see why not!” Spirits she said everything so cheerily, such a whiplash from the ponies of Seleucia, “I was just about to make get my bag and make my rounds, would you like to come?” You nod.

        “I fail to see why I shouldn't.”

        >That was a blatant lie. There were millions of reasons you shouldn't, but it's not like there were griffin assassins in Ponyville... right? You stuffed those thoughts, and decided to take the mare up on her offer.

        “May I know your name?”

        >Her smile, if possible, somehow brightened, “I'm Ditzy Doo, or Derpy, whichever you prefer,” You nod.

        “Very well miss Doo, shall we?”

        >Ditzy giggled before trotting off in some nondescript direction, “Let's shall!” You were about to start following when she made a u-turn, “Sorry, wrong way,” Okay then. You paused before following, just in case she changed her mind again.

        >And so it was that you got a quick tour of Ponyville. You didn't meet anyone new, but to be honest you weren't really interested in that, you wanted to keep quiet about your being here, and at least miss Doo was capable of keeping quiet.

        >”One more stop and we'll head to Twilight's okay?” You nodded silently. The two of you stopped by this really fancy looking place, so outlandish you thought. You liked the circular design, however it wasn't  as heavily reinforced as-

        “Stop doing that, this isn't Seleucia, this is Equestria. Jackass.”

        >Ditzy merrily trotted to the door and gave it a curt knock, funny, she didn't do that with the others. The door opened, revealing a unicorn mare, her coat was white as snow and complimented with a frazzled purple mane that had been done into a messy bun, “Oh, hello Ditzy,” She said, probably still waking up given the fact she hadn't noticed you were an alicorn.

        >”Hi Rarity! I got your magazines here,” Ditzy reached into her handbag and produced a pair of small book-things that Rarity eagerly took. You- wait a minute.

        “Rarity?”

        >The two mares turn to you, “Do you know her?” Ditzy asked.

        “I know of her.”

        >”I'll admit I was getting curious about your friend here Ditzy,” Rarity said. Spirits that Spike fellow had quite the taste in mares, her face, her voice, her body, it was all put into a lethal triple-combination that resulted in endless wet-dreams.

        >”Oh!” Ditzy began, “This is emperor Seleucus, he's a friend of Twilight's!” Rarity stared at you with a shocked expression before slamming the door in your faces. You were used to worse reactions, but the ensuing scream from behind the door was the icing on the cake. You put on your best poker-face, turned tail, and trotted to a safer distance. Ditzy quickly joins you, looking horribly confused, “I think we should just go to the next house.”

        “If you feel it prudent, you will get little argument from me.'

        >You never ran away from someone's house before, but you had a feeling that it wouldn't be the last time during your visit. Ditzy leads you to a over-sized tree, a tree that you noticed had been hollowed out and transformed into a home. Not bad ponyville, not bad at all, “Here we are!” Ditzy exclaims before rummaging through her bag again. She produces a mouthful of letters and motions for you to take them. Although confused at her lack of door-knocking, you comply.

        “I imagine I will be the one to deliver these?”

        >Ditzy nods, “I hope you don't mind, but it would shave a few minutes off my schedule,” You bow in acquiesce.

        “Your will be done, miss Doo.”

        >”Thanks mister! I gotta go home now, muffin is probably already tearing apart the house looking for something to eat,” With that said Ditzy took off and beelined to some nondescript part of Ponyville. With a sigh you plopped over by the front door to the library. It would probably be more polite to wait, unless everyone was like miss Rarity, which you doubted, they'd be sleeping for another hour or two.

        >You sat for several minutes, mind wandering to various subjects. It wasn't long before you started contemplating what could have possibly terrified Rarity so. Was it the armor? It wasn't that nasty looking the last time you checked, just a bit bloody. Was she squeamish? You lift an armored hoof in front of your face, inspecting the bracer that coiled around your leg. There was just dried out blood on it like you remembered, but not much. Then you inspect your robe, it looked quite dirty but that would hardly be cause for alarm.

        “It's possible it had something to do with her lacking her face.”

        >You conjure a memory of  one time you tried to make mom take you out for breakfast, but you had to wait an hour for her to get ready. She told you that a mare cannot be seen in public until she had her “face.” Apparently this had to do with makeup and hair brushing and all the feminine shit you pretended to listen to when mom started talking about it.

        “Mayhap I should apologize for-”

        >You hear the library door open, and you immediately teleport into a more upstanding position. You didn't want it to look like you'd been waiting there for who knows how long, you wanted to look presentable and on-time.

        >Twilight stares at you with both surprise and a bit of exasperation, “Anon? I knew you said you'd be punctual, but six hours early?” You shuffle a hoof somberly.

        “Forgive me miss Sparkle, but I was eager to leave Canterlot.”

        >Twilight's face falls, “Yeah I know, I... I heard you yelling,” The statement makes you regret last night even more. This strife you were causing was becoming too much, the sooner you left the better.

        “I didn't mean for you to hear that Twilight, and I-”

        >”I guess you're pretty eager to leave huh?” Twilight cuts you off, “I would be too,” Your mood falls even further.

        “May I come in Twilight? There's some things I'd like to discuss with you.”

        >Twilight nods as she opens the door wider to accommodate you, “Yeah, come on in,” You dip your head in thanks before making your way into the library. If you had to put a word to it you'd say something like peaceful, or quaint. It reminded you of ser Starswirl's home, but Twilight was far tidier than he could ever hope to be. You find a table to set Twilight's letters and other important documents on before turning to her.

        “I lied.”

        >Twilight tenses out of surprise at your sudden statement, “A-about what?”

        “The reason I opened my borders, the reason I'm in Equestria. I've been lying to everyone's faces the second I came here.”

        >While you tried to avoid them, you find your eyes locking with Twilight's. They say the eyes are windows into the soul, and right now your soul was in pain, she didn't need to see that, “What happened?” Twilight asked, fully aware of the painfulness of the subject.

        “To answer I must ask you a question. How do you value your friends, family, lover, partner?”

        >”They're the most important thing in the world,” Twilight answered immediately, “Even if I don't have the last two,” You raise a brow.

        “You would fight for them, die for them?”

        >Twilight's face does not falter, “If it came down to it, without question,” You nod before returning to her question.

        “In Seleucia, the monsters we shared the desert with taught us to value every second we had with a loved one. You never knew what day will be your last, so you were to treat every day as such. We were loyal, unconditional, and ultimately devoted to those who we loved... that is the way of the Vice.”

        >Twilight raises a brow, “The Vice? You make it sound like a bad thing,” A simple assessment, but accurate.

        “The parasites made it a bad thing.”

        >The confused silence from the unicorn spurs you on.

        “We were used to fighting enemies that made their presence known, not cowardly bugs that took on the appearances of a loved one.”

        >You failed to notice Twilight tense.

        “They called themselves changelings, creatures that feed on strong emotions like love.”

        >Or pale.

        “My empire was invaded and sabotaged so easily it was like child's-play to them. We were so used to fighting every enemy we encountered head-on that we could never imagine the enemy employing such... underhanded methods. By the time I realized that the enemy was right under my nose it was too late.”

        >Twilight gulps audibly before speaking up, “H-how did you learn?” You hung your head.

        “I was due to be married. There was a pegasus I fought alongside more than once, stood at her back more times than anyone else. We just... gravitated to one-another, fate always pushing us together no matter the situation.”

        >You let out a sorrowful sigh.

        “I was so blinded by my love, my loyalty, that I failed to realize she had been replaced by the parasite queen months before I proposed.”

        >You feel Twilight place a hoof on your shoulder, “I'm sorry,” She says, “Truly,” You were unaware of the fact she wasn't being just being sympathetic with you.

        “When I drove them out, I kept their queen as a trophy, a testament to their failure to destroy my empire. But when I asked her why she went to Seleucia, she told me they hardly came of their own volition.”

        >You looked to Twilight darkly, who shrunk under your gaze.

        “They were sent there, banished. While a secondary goal, if I find out who did this I will rip the planet apart until I find them.”

        >”What if they were sent there by mistake? Or if the ones who sent the changelings didn't know anyone would be hurt?” The unicorn asked, trying to not sound incriminating.

        “Then they are as ignorant as they are stupid, regardless of their reasoning they sent the parasites to me. I will make the one responsible immortal just so they can have the honor of being tortured by me for all eternity.”

        >Twilight gulps audibly, for a reason that still escapes you.

        >You dumbass.

        >”So,” Twilight began, eager to change the subject, “What happened with you and the princesses?” You pause, not necessarily willing to tell her about how your own mother gladly fostered some rather unbecoming thoughts that night.

        “I... am uncertain. I tried to get an answer from them, however they were uncooperative.”

        >”I'm sorry to hear that,” You sighed in response, this was a great start to your visit in ponyville. The subject quickly changed gears again, “I can't thank you enough for the books. I'm the only pony in Equestria who knows about the world you come from, it's a euphoric feeling really. The expert on the Seleucid Empire, ponies from all-over will be coming to me!”

        “I'm glad I could add to your already world-renown status.”

        >Twilight pauses, “Really?” You allow yourself a small smile, slowly forgetting about the rather grim talk you just had.

        “We all know about the Elements of Harmony, about how they've stopped Nightmare Moon, Discord, and even the return of Sombra. You don't think the rest of the world has had their heads in the ground this whole time do you?”

        >Twilight grows rather flustered at that, “W-well we never-”

        “I may have been fighting griffins and changelings at the time, but news like that travels fast. The griffin king and I were discussing an armistice when we learned of Sombra's return, then you stopped him and we started fighting each-other again. So thanks for saving time.”

        >”Um... you're welcome?” She didn't look that proud with that particular statement.

        “If it's any consolation-”

        >A yawn cuts you off, “Hey Twi, you think you could tell princess Celestia to wait until I'm awake before she-” The new party spots you, “Oh hey Anon, you're like six hours early,” You look to the nearby staircase to see Spike.

        “Greetings Spike, I see you don't have any armor yet.”

        >”Don't worry, Twilight said when I get older she'll get me some!” You glance to Twilight, who gives you a sarcastic look.

        “I'll have to take your word for it.”

        >”Spike what's that in your claw?” Twilight asks.

        >Spike tosses the scroll to her, “I thought I was getting food poisoning again.”

        >”Um, Anon?” The unicorn began as she skimmed the letter, “She's asking where you are,” You shrug.

        “I have no issues with you telling mother what's going on, however I don't want to talk to her until she deals with her little spat with auntie.”

        >You failed to notice that Twilight took a dictation of everything you had just said, “Anything else?” You pause.

        “No... nothing else.”

        >Suddenly there's a knock on the door, “Twilight? We need to talk, I spotted that Emperor you were talking about with Ditzy and I fear he's in danger!” You recognized that posh voice.

        “Is that miss Rarity?”

        >”You've already met?” Twilight asked as she gave Spike your response.

        “W-well yes, she slammed the door in my face and screamed.”

        >Spike sighed as he made his way over to the door, “Let's just hear what she has to-” The door swung open and bat Spike aside as Rarity -now wearing her “face” judging from her well-groomed mane and mascara- trots in rather hurriedly.

        >”Twilight! We-” She freezes when she spots you, “Oh!” She starts laughing nervously, “Emperor Seleucus! S-sorry about the whole slamming the door in your... oh who am I kidding you must think I'm insane.”

        “Um... I remember this one time I tried to make mother take me to breakfast, and was forced to wait an hour as she got out of bed and ready for the day. She called it her “face.” I guess mares in Equestria cannot be seen without them, although I'm still not sure if it's a concept or a physical thing.”

        >Silence from Rarity.

        “Point being I don't think any less of you.”

        >Rarity's face contorts into a more stern and businesslike visage, “Be that as it may, this is a black mark on my reputation and it must be remedied. I was thinking about something you may enjoy, and when I noticed you looked like you recently crawled out of a mudpit I decided a trip to the spa would be perfect!” You stare blankly as Rarity presents to you a slip of paper, upon it was a time, presumably when you were supposed to go to this “Spa.”

        “I... thank you Rarity. I am truly speechless.”

        >The marshmallow unicorn beams, “I'm glad you like it,” You look at her helplessly.

        “What's a spa?”

 

        >”Princess is something on your mind?” You sigh forlornly as you eye the guard standing by your side. Yes something was indeed on your mind, in fact you'd been thinking about it since you learned Anon left hours ago.

        “Negotiations with the emperor have been rather trying.”

        >The pegasus raises a brow, “Has he been unreasonable?” You find your mind lingering on the question. If anything your loins have been unreasonable with you, seeking the emperor himself of all ponies, your own flesh and blood.

        “No, but he has not been very forthcoming concerning the state of his empire.”

        >There was truth in that, Anon was very tight-lipped when it came to those he ruled. Sure he talked about slaughtering griffins so often it was probably a fetish, but he never talked about those he fought for.

        “Is there anything of importance for today?”

        >The guard eyes you concernedly, “Princess, you set aside the next three weeks for negotiating with the emperor, is everything okay?”

        “I... yes. I think I need to retire for the day.”

        >”But it's not even noon yet,” You pay him no mind as you teleport into your quarters without a second thought, where you find a sealed scroll waiting for you. You summon the scroll over and peel off the seal, revealing its contents.

        >”Dear Princess Celestia,

        >”We have a problem.”

        >You couldn't find your quill any faster. Twilight wasn't one to tell you something was going wrong, you hastily scribble down a response, fearing the worst.

        “What's happening Twilight?”

        >You don't need to wait long for a response.

        >”Anon has been rather forthcoming about the reason he's here. He's been lying to you about the drought.”

        >You furrow you brow as you reread the second sentence again and again. Why would he lie? You ask yourself, what would he have to hide? You read on.

        >”The emperor is clearly a proud stallion, and hearing it from his own mouth was a bit of a shock. But the bigger shock is that his desperation to save his people is our fault.”

        >You linger on that before continuing, not liking where this was going.

        >”From what he's told me, Seleucia was invaded by the changelings, the several-thousand changelings we banished from Equestria. They were so caught up in fighting the griffins they didn't stand a chance.”

        >You felt your heart sink lower than it ever had before. So low that the pressure threatened to crush it right there.

        >”The worst part is that Chrysalis pretended to be his bride, just like Shining Armor. But this time we weren't around to see through her ruse, this time she got everything she wanted and more. I can only assume the worst for the mare he fell in love with.”

        >By that point you had to throw away the letter, throw it into the fire and take great joy in watching it burn to a crisp, but in doing that you could never learn of Twilight's concern regarding the desert emperor's very real hunger for retribution.

        “I'm sorry, I'm so, so sorry.”

        >You knew how Anon worked. He wasn't one to look weak in front of anyone, the fact he told Twilight of all ponies was a miracle in and of itself. However he also had a habit of never letting his emotions out. Whenever he was upset, whenever he was sad, he would stuff it. He would stuff it so deep into his heart it would weigh him down forever if he never let all that negative emotion out.

        “I should talk to him.”

        >No, you NEED to talk to him, you need to make him let it out. You always had to push him, and this would be no exception. With your mind made up you make your way to Anon's quarters, prepared for furniture to be thrown in your general direction.

 

        >It took 'till well-past nightfall, but eventually the emperor did come, although caught in a cultural argument with one of the guards.

        >”I don't care what you ponies call it! That place is a brothel without the sex! A cocktease of unparalleled proportions!”

        >”Emperor please be reasonable!” You hear an indignant stomp of an armored hoof.

        >”You don't lock me in a room with beautiful twins who proceed to massage me quite deeply, constantly complement my body, and have the most adorable accents to boot, and not expect me to feel just the tiniest bit aroused! That's like asking a dragon to give up his hoard, it can't be done!”

        >”Emperor, there are brothels in-”

        >”And NONE of them have mares that looked like those two! I need to go to sleep and recover from that, the ensuing “imperial party” with that pink asylum escapee, and the commission for a new outfit I didn't even ask for! Hell, my castle is now expecting routine shipments of apple-cider!” You can't help but laugh a little at the mental and cultural overload the girls gave him.

        >”V-very well emperor, have a pleasant night,” You hear the guard trot away.

        >Anon scoffs as he opens his door, “Oh you can-” He freezes when he spots you laying on his bed, “Princess,” He says curtly, but with a hint of venom, “To what do I owe the unwarranted visit?”

        “I need to talk to you Anon.”

        >Your son takes time with his response, “If this is not about last night then I don't want to hear it, and if that's the case get out before I remove you myself.”

        “Anon-”

        >His horn flares to life, a sharp emerald color, “Get. Out,” You hop off of his bed and start walking, but when you are next to him you stop, “I said-”

        “I know what happened, the changelings, your bride, all of it.”

        >You see Anon's face break into a shocked expression as he stares past you, “H-how-” His shock settles into anger, “Twilight.”

        “Is it wrong for her to be concerned for you? You clearly cannot do it yourself.”

        >”About what?” Anon nearly spits back.

        “Although you're keen to pretend otherwise I'm still your mother, and I know you. You don't like to feel strong emotions, you like to stuff it until it encumbers your body and soul, you like to make it hurt in any other way possible.”

        >”Are you trying to imply I would rather hide my emotions than face them?” The emperor starts, strafing circles around you. You keep your eyes locked with his.

        “You've been doing it since you were a colt, and we've had this same conversation ever since your first crush. You don't like to feel.”

        >The desert emperor stops in front of you, growling maliciously, “Are you calling me a coward?” You don't falter, standing tall under his enraged gaze.

        “I'm calling you a child.”

        >You feel his magical grip coil around your body and tighten to the point of discomfort, but you pay it little mind, “I have grieved, princess. I have had to live with my own stupidity every day since I drove those accursed bugs out of my empire.”

        “Stupidity? Is that what you call letting someone in? Is that what you call wanting someone to call your own?”

        >Anon leans in, his hot breath blowing in your face like an enraged Ursa, “Such desires blinded me to what was happening right in front of me. Such desires nearly sucked out my very soul! SUCH DESIRES-” He cuts himself off, trying to keep himself from hyperventilating.

        “And there it is.”

        >He glares daggers at you, horn still glowing menacingly, threatening to toss you about like a ragdoll. It's your turn to start strafing circles.

        “Just like your grief, you stuff your anger until some poor pony makes an unfortunate comment that sets you off. You're lucky it's me, anyone else would get hurt.”

        >The emperor huffs, “Do not try to psychoanalyze me-”

        “Do you save it for the griffins, emperor? Is that why you've sustained this centuries-old conflict?”

        >Anon says nothing, imploring you to continue.

        “Have you ever found yourself shedding tears on the battlefield, and unable to discern why? Have you ever found yourself beating a corpse, feeling every ounce of your rage directed at the poor mound of flesh?”

        >A loud snarl fills the room again.

        “Just let it out. It's just you and me, nobody else.”

        >”What is there to let out?” The emperor retorts, “I've had plenty of time to deal with the residual effects of the invasion.”

        “Tell me about her, your bride-to-be.”

        >His face falls as he recalls the memory, “She was my right hoof, my sky-commander,” He began, “Our backs had been pressed together so many times in combat my soldiers would sometimes bet on time it took in an engagement for us to be fighting side-by-side once again,” His face subtly begins to lift as he continues, “Even with the scar that left one eye bad, she was still the image of beauty. Her mane softer than the finest silk, flowers would wilt in shame in the presence of her radiant smile, and had a personality that could curdle milk,” He laughs fondly, “I-I was happier than I had ever been. I spent months preparing, planning a conquest unlike any other, making ready to take her hoof in marriage.”

        “She must have been wonderful.”

        >Anon's lip trembles, if only for a moment. You feel his magical grip on you fade away and his horn dim, “She was. I had found solace in the storm of war and repetition that threatened to drive me mad, someone I was determined to be with forever...” He falls silent as he spots a single tear slap against the ground. You hear his armor rattle madly as his body trembles, his face contort into pure rage, and his feral eyes give you a look of death, “You wanted me to let it out?” He asks, voice trembling, “WELL HERE!” His horn explodes with magical energy once more, yanking you over to almost proudly present his free-flowing tears, “HERE IS YOUR GRIEF! HERE IS YOUR SORROW! HERE IS ALL OF MY ANGUISH AT THE LOSS OF THE ONE WHO STOLE MY HEART!”

        >You're totally caught off guard by the sheer intensity of his emotions. Jade lightning arcs from his horn and across his body, his armor continues to rattle like mad, and his eyes grow bloodshot. You had no idea it would be this bad, you had no idea he'd try to hold every ounce of it in and carry it like an anchor strapped to his body.

        >”A year of lies!” He exclaims in barely a whisper, “A year of suffering at the hands of a succubus that took the shape of my beloved! That toyed with me like I was a doll to be tossed aside the moment she grew tired of me!” His magic releases you once more, drifting to his body. Suddenly Anon laughs a somber laugh, “And when I learned the truth?” He asks, a betrayingly amused expression on his face, tears still flowing, “I killed every. Single. Bastard. Changeling that I found, purged their hive by crushing it beneath a mountain of rubble, and kept the queen who raped and tore apart my heart as a toy of my own, to abuse to my leisure like she did me.”

        “Anon-”

        >But he cuts you off once more, a sorrowful smile still on his face, “And there you have it. There's the grieving emperor's little lie, there's his selfish reason for crawling back to mommy, there's his... his...” He collapses to his knees, his magic fades away, and the sounds coming from him are some eldritch fusion of mirth and sorrow. You kneel down next to his trembling form.

        “Anon, honey.”

        >The look he gives you is one of rage, in spite of all the tears and bloodshot eyes he still looks totally pissed at you, “WHAT?!”

        >You don't know why you did it, you'll never know why you did it, but all you can say for certain is that it was the most insane -as well as the best- thing you'd done since taking Twilight as your protege.

        >You tackled him with a kiss.

        >The emperor is not too happy mind you, already trying to push you off of him. He manages to pull away, “G-get the hell off of-” You press your lips against his again, trying to silence him. He manages to pull away yet again, “Damn y-” Another passionate kiss cuts him off. His struggling becomes weaker, and he manages to pull away one last time, “Mom-” You silence him for good with one last kiss. Anon's struggling ceases altogether.

        >After what seems like forever you finally pull away, your son stares at you with lidded eyes. No confusion, only a desire to continue. You smile softly.

        “Come on.”

        >You climb off of him and stand up. Your son manages to lift himself off of the ground, still in some rather complacent mindset. You lead him over to his bed, gently pushing him onto his back and laying on top of him, eager to get back to the kissing.

        >It was chaste for the most part. Your tongues never met, but the fact he was returning them was enough for you. He wasn't taking any risks with his hooves either, content with resting them on your hips. However you were still feeling quite daring, drunk on the euphoria of the risk you just took actually paying off. You lick his lips in silent request, and hesitantly the desert emperor parts them. His tongue was rather complacent as well, Anon simply bathing in the love and affection you were giving him. You pull away to catch a quick breath.

        >”M-mom-” You silence him with a hoof.

        “Shhh.”

        >You kiss him again and again, never once growing tired of it. Reveling in the pleasure that accompanied the fruition of a secret and shameful fantasy, the adrenaline of partaking in a taboo, the sweet knowledge that you were giving him the affection he desperately wanted from his lost bride.

 

        >You couldn't contain your voice anymore, the way he continued to kiss and nip at your body, constantly making you shiver, you just couldn't hold it back.

        “Emperor~”

        >You feel around for him, and instead his hoof finds yours, “Princess,” He growls, low and guttural, “Are you enjoying yourself?” He punctuates the question by kissing your inner thigh. You buck your hips involuntarily at the contact, face red with shame.

        “Y-yes.”

        >You hear him hum in amusement at your shaky response, “I'm happy to please my favorite mare,” You gasp loudly when you feel him blow cold air against your sex, “Oh my, you're soaked and I haven't even touched you yet. You should feel ashamed,” His reprimand causes your blush to deepen. You feel him tenderly kiss his way toward your loins, and your legs are trembling in anticipation.

        “Please... ah~ h-hurry...”

        >Much to your chagrin he pulls away, “I don't know. I think I want to tease you a little more,” You're about to protest but he doesn't give you the chance, kissing your lower lips lovingly. You wrap your hind-legs around him, already trying to make him deepen the kiss. Another amused sound emerges from the emperor as he pulls away, “Somebody's eager,” His horn flares to life and levitates a small mirror over to you, “Just look at that face.”

        >There you see it, your face flushed with both arousal and humiliation, saliva dribbling out of the corner of your mouth from it constantly hanging open. You try to hide your face, unwilling to see your own arousal.

        “Get rid of it.”

        >In spite of the fact you were trying your hardest to conceal it, the rather foalish delivery of your command only accentuates your embarrassment. Thankfully your partner complies, “If you insist, your highness,” You croon when you feel him start eagerly lapping at your sex, as good as it was you were feeling impatient.

        “Inside... want it... i-inside!”

        >An annoyed huff, “Oh fine. If you want to skip some of the foreplay I'll indulge,” He grabs your haunches and sits up, giving you a good view of his face buried between your legs, “But I want you to watch,” You turn away in defiance.

        “N-no.”

        >”If I see you look away I'll stop,” You strike the side of his head.

        “Wretched beast!”

        >He lets out a cruel laugh, “Only for best princess,” You immediately find yourself squealing as his tongue slithers inside of you without warning. Your eyes instinctively snap shut, and you're already regretting it, as you feel him pull back out. You glare at the clearly amused emperor, “What did I tell you?” With a humiliated huff your eyes return to your eager sex, begging for anything to fill it. Slowly and teasingly his tongue starts moving back in, he's clearly testing you, and already you feel your resolve crumbling.

        >As his tongue starts exploring your body, you start shivering terribly again. You once again try to contain whatever pleased noises he tries to force out of you, and fail. All the while he deliberately avoids the one thing that'll send you to heaven.

        “A-Anon?”

        >He hums in acknowledgment, but thankfully does not stop.

        “Can you...”

        >You feel your blush deepening immensely as you feel your request leave your mouth.

        “O-our- AH!”

        >Catching the hint the emperor finally gives your clit some well-deserved attention. Flicking it, rubbing it, anything he can do with that wonderfully flexible tongue of his. Your thoughts start to get cloudy, and you can feel the heat in your belly intensify, but the emperor pulls away yet again, letting your rump rest against the satin sheets of your bed, “I think now is as good a time as any to stick it in, don't you agree?” You let out a hot sigh as you feel his length grind against your flank.

        “Do whatever you wish you... j-just put it in.”

        >He pulls you into a loving kiss, “You're so easy to please,” You feel your shame join your arousal as he pulls you into position, his tip pressing against your entrance, ready to pierce you at a moment's notice. You knew he was waiting for you to complain again, so for both of your sakes you decide to indulge him.

        “Get on with-”

        >Your words transform into sharp moans as he does indeed “get on with it.” He breaks through what little resistance your body puts up easily enough, and within seconds he starts bucking you before you even get used to him.

        “A-ah! Anon!”

        >You feel his grip tighten, “Luna~”

        >With a loud gasp you snap into a sitting position. Panting madly your gaze roams around your room, trying to spot the young emperor that was just ravaging you, but he is nowhere to be found. You were alone... you were dreaming.

        >That dream, your dream, such disgusting and impure thoughts toward your increasingly estranged nephew. You stare at your sheets, easily spotting the well-developed stain from your own arousal. You immediately kick them away in disgust.

        “We should not be thinking such things.”

        >You feel your stomach churn as you process every second of your sinful dream.

        “We thought we were better than that, better than her.”

        >Your thoughts turn to Celestia, who seemed to be embracing her newfound attraction to the young emperor, to her own child.

        “So disgusting.”

        >That was more directed at yourself than anyone else.

 

        >In spite of the rather passionate saliva-swapping, it never went beyond that. You may have removed each-other's armor, but the closest you got to rutting was a quick -albeit very hard and very intense- grinding session. Not that you were very keen on sexing him up given that the last bout of incest left you pregnant, with the stallion you were now sharing a bed with no less, and he was still being quite conservative about all of it. He still wasn't entirely on-board with an intimate relationship with his own mother.

        >Then there was the elephant in the room, Anon's “other mom” Luna. If she caught you with him as you were, she would either force herself to accept it, or kill you before Anon woke up. Neither sounded particularly good at the moment.

        >You're torn from your paranoid musings when you feel Anon shift beneath you with an audible groan.

        “Good morning sunshine.”

        >Another groan, this time of annoyance, “I can barely tolerate my birth-name, my childhood nickname is out of the question,” You nuzzle him sweetly.

        “But that's what you are, the sunshine that-”

        >”-brightens a little more every day,” He finishes drolly, “I remember,” You sigh and start playing with a lock of his flaming mane.

        “You're no fun.”

        >The emerald flames eventually slither away and rejoin the rest, so you are left with only his bare-chest to keep yourself amused, “Why did you do that?” The desert emperor asks all of a sudden, “Why did you-”

        “Why did I kiss you? Or why did I grind you?”

        >You look up and see a rather thoughtful expression on Anon's face, “Yes,” He said simply.

        “Because I have a perfect ass and I don't get to put it to good use very often.”

        >You see his face redden in embarrassment and hear him produce out a low growl in annoyance, something that you can't help but giggle foalishly at.

        “When a mare gets a chance to show off her best assets to her stallion, you can always bet she'll want to show off.”

        >The statement returns Anon's face to the thoughtful expression of before, “Your stallion,” He mumbles, “Why?” Your feel your forelimbs snake around him tightly, pulling him into a possessive hug.

        “W-when I saw you take that mare, in this very bed... I felt jealous.”

        >Anon's calm breaths hitch when he hears that, “I thought I closed the door,” You sigh at the memory, of the sick feeling in your stomach as you got off to the sight of him rutting one of your own guard.

        “You did.”

        >”What possessed you to to peek on me while I was... indulging myself?” He asks, his voiced laced with an undertone of anger.

        “I... I did more than that.”

        >A sigh emerges from your son as he processes all of this, “How long? How long have you been fostering these... desires?” He began, “Have you always felt this way, even in my youth? When you'd bathe me did you linger on certain parts of me? When we shared a bed did you hold me so tightly so I wouldn't accidentally find a wet-spot in the sheets?”

        “No!”

        >The way you say it makes you sound so neutered.

        “It was that night that I started feeling this way. I didn't want you like this before that night. As I watched you take her, fill her up with all of your pent-up aggression, hear her squeal and moan at everything you did to her, I couldn't help but want to do such things with you; the son I hadn't spent time with in over five-hundred years.”

        >The emperor is still not satisfied, “Why me?” He asked, trying to hit the nail on the head, “Why your own kin?” You couldn't even answer that for yourself, much less him. Every thought, every moral told you this was wrong, that you shouldn't be trying to indulge your desires with him. To at least have the decency to keep it a secret.

        “I don't know, and I never want to know. I... I just want to be there for you now. I want to fill the hole in your heart, so that you never feel alone again, so you can be happy.”

        >”That's not your concern,” You glare at him.

        “I'm your mother, your happiness is always my concern.”

        >Anon lets out a tired sigh and there is a long silence that follows. The emperor plays with your perpetually flowing mane, and you are content to draw circles on his chest. After what you were certain was an hour, your son breaks the silence yet again, “I am not certain I want this,” You crawl up his body just enough to pull him into a soft kiss.

        “Take all the time you need honey, I'll always be waiting for you.”

        >Another kiss.

        “And if you don't want this, things can go back to how they were before. I won't make you do this because I want you to.”

        >Anon's face returns to a thoughtful look. “I would like some time alone, to collect my thoughts,” You slowly roll off of him.

        “My door will be open every night if you want to play with me.”

        >Your son's cheeks flush, “I-I will consider it,” He warily climbs off of the bed, dons the bronze bands that coil around his legs, and leaves you alone to collect yourself. You sigh dreamily once you hear the door click shut. He'd come back, you were certain of that.

        “I wonder how Luna's doing.”

 

        >You went to the gardens for some alone-time, to process how everything was pretty much going to hell. Your nephew comes to visit, quick tiff between him and Celly, then you introduced him to that guard, then Celly starts getting a little too friendly with him, you two fight, Anon is not pleased, and now you're succumbing to whatever vice was clinging to your sister.

        “Why is this happening to us?”

        >”A bit for your thoughts?”

        >Your head snaps around to see the young emperor standing behind you, bereft of his trademark armor and robes, displaying his worn body to you. You sigh at the providence, a wet dream about your nephew and suddenly he comes to you with the perfect chance for you to commit his body to memory for future dreams.

        “We did not have the most pleasant of nights.”

        >The emperor hums as he is prone to do, strolling over to stand by your side, “Nor did I,” He began, “Things in general have not been pleasant, have they? You shake your head somberly.

        “No... no they have not.”

        >A long pause from your nephew, “But, have things been pleasant between us?” You can't help but conjure your dream in the back of your mind. He was comfortable with you, he liked spending time with you, don't ruin it with your twisted fantasies. You force a gentle smile.

        “They have.”

        >Suddenly he embraces you, craning his neck around yours, “I am glad that our relationship has not been strained with nonsense,” Another indirect kick in the gut, especially since the contact made you shudder. Your cheeks heat up out of sheer embarrassment. But in time you can't help but return the gesture in spite of yourself.

        “Have things with your mother been stressing you?”

        >Anon sighs tiredly, “Y-yes... yes they have. I lost myself to my emotions last night,” Your heart sinks, and you fear the worst.

        “What happened?”

        >”I have been harboring some... baggage since my arrival. I did not have the heart to tell anyone my real reason for being here,” You pull away from him, dread gone and your curiosity piqued.

        “If you do not want to tell us, we understand.”

        >Thankfully he's of another disposition, “No, I must. My empire... we have been struggling to survive for entirely different reasons than I have led on,” And so he told you everything, the changelings, his bride that never was, his custody of Chrysalis, and like Celestia you found yourself filling with sorrow, “While I have little time for it, if I find out who is responsible for sending the changelings to me, I will waste no time tearing the planet apart until I have them in my grip,” The determination in his voice made you fear for Cadence and Shining Armor. If he was an advocate of the classic “Eye for an Eye” sense of justice, he would take from her everything he feels she took from him.

        >The crystal ponies, Shining Armor, he would kill all of them, leave the Crystal Empire in ruins. What a comforting thought.

        “We are sorry you have been through so much in such a short amount of time.”

        >The emperor stiffens and you see his eyes well up, but with a blink he easily dismisses them, “It will be a long time before I can find another... but for now I am glad to know that you've accepted me as family, in spite of the fact that we only met a few days ago,” You weren't sure if that was another thing you could scold yourself with.

        “In spite of everything, family is family. We may not be getting along with our sister, however we still love her as we love you.”

        >Jury was out on that. So you return to the whole issue of Anon's problems.

        “If you need to talk, we will always be here to listen.”

        >Already he is keen to take you up on that, “I grew up only hearing stories about you. Good things from mother, less than honorable things from everyone else,” Your face falls as you recall those few memories.

        “We were not ourselves then.”

        >”That's what mother told me,” The emperor responds, “You know I wasn't sure I'd ever get to meet you,” You can't help but smile in retort.

        “We only learned of your existence a week ago.”

        >His face falls, “So... you do not know who my father might be?” You pause, trying to sift through the blur that was your time as Nightmare Moon. The only pony who remotely came to mind was Starswirl, and his age was catching up to him last time you remembered seeing him.

        “No... we do not. We take it Celestia has not been very forthcoming?”

        >Anon sighs sadly, “I gave up trying to ask her a long time ago,” You pause as you consider your options.

        “Do you think she would tell us?”

        >A helpless shrug from your nephew, “I'm not capable of saying. However I do not want to drive you two apart further than I already have,” Once again another indirect punch in the gut. You were indeed fighting because of him, although for nothing he could control himself. You should make up, at least for him.

        “We must take our leave, nephew. Please do not dwell on the past.”

        >Anon remains, staring at some roses, “If what I've been told is true, then you know better than I that moving on is the most difficult thing one can accomplish,” You can't help but wholeheartedly agree.

 

        >You decided to wander the castle halls in search of your sister. Celestia was not in her room, and thankfully she was not in Anon's, and so far nothing reeked of sex. It was... disturbingly reassuring. Not in the “she hasn't predated his lonliness” reassuring, more like the, “he's still up for grabs” reassuring.

        >This whole wet dream thing was getting out of hoof.

        >You eventually find your quarry merrily trotting down a nondescript corridor and humming a jaunty tune. She doesn't seem to notice your presence, so you clear your throat as she passes you, “O-oh, hello Luna!” She says with an eerie level of cheer, “How are you?”

        “Fine... how are you?”

        >Her smile only brightens, “Oh just reveling in a victory,” She responds, “Twilight got Anon to go to Ponyville and judging from all the whining he was doing last night he had quite the time!” You stare blankly.

        “And his changeling issue?”

        >Appropriately Celestia's face immediately falls, “Yes... we did talk about that. Did you know he told Twilight of all ponies? I wouldn't have been the wiser if she hadn't told me,” You raise a brow quizzically.

        “So you are aware of the threat he poses to Cadence?”

        >Your sister's eyes pop open, “What?” You sigh in annoyance.

        “Anon, or rather Emperor Seleucus, has a very real hunger to track down the one who banished the changelings in the first place. Something about tearing the world apart until he finds the one responsible?”

        >”He said that?” You gape worriedly.

        “He did not say that to you?”

        >”N-no! He was crying about... what Chrysalis did to him,” You can't help but feel shocked.

        “He was crying?”

        >Celestia sighs sadly, “What she was going to do to Shining Armor, she got to do to him. I think I'd be in pain too given the circumstances.”

        “W-well yes, but he was such-”

        >”A strong pony, no?” You see Celestia's smile return. You nod slowly, prompting her to continue, “Anon does not like feeling strong emotions, it always made him feel vulnerable. He was obsessed with being a proper stallion, strong and dependable, intangible idealization and all,” You see a hint of sorrow behind her smile, “As you can see he still clings to that fantasy. He's an emperor, he needs to be strong.”

        “To break in front of anyone, he would feel weak.”

        >A sad nod from your sister, “He has beaten it into his head more than once, Lulu. It's all he feels he has in that regard, his ability to lock it all up,” You were going to ask about Anon's parentage, but for now it would be better to hold your tongue. Both of them had enough on their plate without you adding even more to it.

        “Should we talk to him?”

        >You see Celly hold back a laugh, “Lulu, he really likes you,” You find your cheeks heating at the statement, in spite of how chaste it was in context, “He enjoys spending time with you, he talks to you whenever he can, I think just being there is enough for him,” You stare at the floor bashfully.

        “I-if you think that alone is sufficient.”

        >She nods, “I think so. Is he in the gardens?”

        “Yes, he looked like he had a lot on his mind.”

        >You don't notice a very faint tint of pink appear on your sister's face, “He's been through a lot,” She stated simply, “Could you check on him? He's always been prone to beating himself up over things, and all this stuff with the changelings I have forced out of him is likely still weighing heavily on his mind.”

        “We can do this.”

        >Celestia dips her head in thanks before starting her merry trot again, “I'm hungry, I wonder if there's any cake left?” You wait for her to round a corner before you let out a heavy sigh.

        “Perhaps there is a very good reason you do not know your father, emperor.”

        >With that you start making your way back to the gardens, for some reason a bit too eager to see your nephew again.

 

        >You happen upon the young emperor's form resting in a flower-bed. You'll admit the thought crossed your mind more than once to take a nap amongst the flowers, but your fear of bees and paranoia of punishment at the hooves of the gardeners made you steer clear.

        >You eye Anon's sleeping form carefully, making sure nothing is out of the ordinary. He seems fine, just quite tired. You glance around the immediate area before returning to the sleeping stallion. You really shouldn't, but you were curious, and it may grant both you and your sister some insight into Anon's current state of mind.

        >You tap his head with your horn, and are thrust into your nephew's dreams.

 

        >”What do you want to name her?” Anon's voice fills the empty hallways. You start to wander around the stone halls, the only source of light being one of the sparsely places torches that lined the halls.

        “What is this place?”

        >A feminine laugh echoes throughout the halls, “Somebody's eager! Any preferences, my emperor?” You try to follow the voices, but the sounds are coming from everywhere.

        >”You know I'm terrible with names, you pick,” You hear the young emperor respond.

        >The female hums, “Oh I don't know,” She starts playfully, “I want to hear what you think.”

        >Anon groans, “You just like to hear my stupid ideas don't you?” His partner laughs again in response, “I suppose I could indulge. Hmm, let me see,” A long silence, “Airi. If it came down to it I would name her Airi,” Was his lost love pregnant when he lost her?

        >”That's not too bad,” Was her answer, “It's cute,” It wasn't your place to say, but you had to agree with who you assumed was the bride that never was.

        >”You're just saying that because you have a better one,” Anon retorts.

        >Then you hear their voices transform into laughter before fading away entirely. The halls start to echo with the sound of galloping, the torches go out and the sun rises. The laughter sounded as if it came from foals.

        >”Daddy!”

        >You hear Anon yelp in surprise and the sound of metal smashing against stone fills the stone halls, “What sorcery is this?” He asks in jolly amusement, “Assassins in my own fortress?” He laughs, “You will not best me foul vermin!” You hear the foalish laughter join in with his.

        >”Get 'im Airi!” You feel a lump form in your throat. He was dreaming of the foals he would never have, of the family he had worked so hard to try and win. His dedication and effort however, was only rewarded with treachery and loss.

        >Eventually the laughter fades away too, and you are left with only darkened halls and silence.

        >”That which I love, is what I have been denied.”

        >You whip around to see the fully-armored form of the emperor standing not a foot away from you. He's staring right at you, very aware you are invading the sanctity his dreams. You find yourself petrified under his empty gaze.

        “A-anon-”

        >”However curious you may be, Auntie,” Anon begins, “Know that you will find no sweet dreams here,” You manage to muster a response, albeit a rather pathetic one.

        “W-we're sorry.”

        >The young emperor sighs, “I... I care little, auntie,” His mute countenance was beginning to break your heart. You have been guilty of doing the same, hiding the pain in front of everyone, breaking down when finally forced to confront those negative emotions. You try to find a gem amongst the sea of coal.

        “'Tis a good name.”

        >His brow furrows, “Beg your pardon?” You shuffle a hoof nervously.

        “Airi... it is a good name.”

        >You watch him dismiss his tears just as they begin to form, “I like to think so,” He says, voice devoid of life, “I could never ask her, never got that far,” You find yourself embracing him tightly.

        “Please stop talking about it...”

        >He tenses when he feels your body press against his, “It does not hurt me,” He responds mutely, “I have long accepted-”

        “It hurts us!”

        >You can very much feel Anon flinch at your sudden outburst.

        “We cannot bear to hear it anymore. We do not want to talk about your hurt anymore.”

        >”Auntie-” You immediately shush him.

        “Please, shut up.”

        >With a defeated sigh the young emperor does just that. The stone halls fade away until a black purgatory is all that is left. Just you and him, alone.

        >A thought crosses your mind, a naughty thought. You feel your stomach twist at the idea. Keep these thoughts at bay Luna, you must control yourself. These thoughts are impure, disgusting. Your nephew trusted you, loved you even. Your thoughts drift when you tell yourself that...

        >Don't you dare think of him like that! Don't you dare threaten the relationship you have built with him!

        >You hold him tightly as you debate with yourself. It doesn't feel that way to you, but you had been hugging him for several minutes, although Anon does nothing to pull away, somewhat content with the prolonged contact. Finally you pull away, looking him dead in the eye when you offer him something that you find somewhat reasonable given the other possibilities your subconscious offered.

        “If you wish, we could make it so she's always here.”

        >You see billions of conflicting thoughts run through his mind, “Who, exactly?” You take a step back from him.

        “Our dominion over the dreamscape stretches far, emperor. If it pleases you, we could ensure that your bride, and your family if you so desire, will always be waiting for you here.”

        >He mulls it over for quite some time, his face scrunched in deep concentration. He does eventually respond, and it is about what you expect, “No... it would please me greatly, more than you can imagine... however-”

        “It would make the wounds all-the-more deeper.”

        >A shallow nod, “Yes,” He says weakly.

        “Is there anything we can do? Or shall we rejoin the waking world?”

        >”I would like to wake up now,” Anon says immediately, “I have much on my mind, and I need to address it. Also, I think it would be best if I do not remember this exchange, my waking self may see your invasions of my dreams as a transgression,” You think carefully about your last response before granting his wish.

        “Are you certain you wish to know about your father? There may be a very good reason as to why you do not know him.”

        >Anon sighs, “I have weighed the risks auntie, I am not prepared, but I feel I must learn of my heritage.”

        “Very well. But you may not appreciate what we find.”

        >A sigh as darkness takes both of you, “I fear I won't.”

 

        >You wake up in the same position, as if no time had passed at all. You withdraw from your nephew, giving him a wide berth as he starts to stir again, “Auntie?” He groans out as he groggily starts to look for you.

        “We're over here Anon.”

        >Lazily he cranes his neck around to you, “What are you doing over there?” He asks, still recovering from his nap.

        “Waiting for you to wake up.”

        >”Oh,” He says lowly as he lifts himself off the ground, “I had the strangest dream... we were talking about stuff, but it was so muffled that I couldn't make it out... how long have you been here?”

        “Not very long.”