- >“Yes, yes I understand Luna; I know this is sudden...”
- >You sat there in the train car twiddling your thumbs.
- >”Yes, I know there is a lot of paper work...
- >She has been at this for 10 minutes already.
- >”The dignitaries have gone home for the winter...”
- >It’s like watching a soap opera.
- >”Philomena will be fine. Yes, we’ve taken care of that.”
- >From what you can tell, it’s an uphill battle.
- >”No I can’t just tell him to come back. And no, I’m not dragging him back.”
- >Oh now this was getting interesting.
- “Celestia” you whisper.
- >She ignores you and continues “I can’t believe you would suggest that!”
- “Celestia. Let me talk to her.”
- >”I do too know what I’m doing.”
- >Ok, enough of this.
- >You get up, and walk over to the swirling portal.
- >You can see Luna on the other side, visibly peeved.
- “Hey, hey! How’s it going Princess Luna!” you say, nudging Celestia out of the way.
- >L:”Anonymous! What have you talked my Sister into!”
- “I did NOTHING! I simply said I was talking a bit of a sabbatical from town life to go on vacation!”
- >”We are so sure you have. Remember what we talked about earlier. My promise still stands.”
- >You audibly sigh.
- “I’ll be back in a minute Celestia.” You say taking a few steps back.
- >You always needed a running start when you did this.
- >The swirling purple portal in front of you showed Princess Luna in the Throne Room.
- >You took a running start down the train car, and disappeared through the viewing portal, appearing beside the Night Princess.
- “Burrrr- I hate doing that. Now, as we were discussing?” you say, walking out of view from the portal.
- >Luna accompanies you out of view, leaving a bewildered Celestia looking onwards, trying to crane her neck to see you two.
- “Right, so, vacation. Is this a problem?” you say, lowering your voice.
- >”Yes it IS very well a problem. You can’t just up and go away with a Princess who you KNOW has feelings for you.”
- “And who is to say that I don’t reciprocate those feelings?”
- >”You did yourself human.”
- >You sigh.
- >She wasn’t just going to let this go was she.
- >You pull your wallet out of your robe pocket.
- >Opening it up, you pull out Mira’s photo.
- “Princess, let me tell you a little story...”
- >A few minutes later...
- “And that’s what led all the way up to this.” You say, gently placing the photo back in its place.
- >”You know you are not the first one to lose a loved one?”
- >Ouch. That was harsh.
- “I am well aware of that Princess, and it’s the main reason for my attempted escape from P0nyville. I didn’t want to be any more trouble on you OR Celestia.”
- “I acted like a fool, for far too many years. Thinking I could simply run away from my problems instead of addressing the issue. I let my mind rot inside itself, but your Sisters tenacity for caring reminded me of Mira so.”
- >Luna stares at you, her steely gaze locked with yours.
- “I would NEVER do anything to harm Celestia. I don’t want to find myself sitting on the surface of the sun now do I?”
- >Luna twitches slightly at that comment.
- >Whoops.
- “Basically, I care for your Sister, and I care for her wellbeing. Any further than that? I don’t know. It’s not exactly the same for me.”
- >”Your intentions are good Anonymous, we can see that in you. But we are simply worried that our Sister may become too enamoured with you, and if the time comes were she may want something more, you will break her heart.”
- “I don’t know what more to say Princess. I wish had an answer for you, I honestly do. But I’m not even too sure of myself anymore, especially with all the stuff going on.”
- >”Very well. We expect you to treat our Sister with the utmost care while you are away. If we so much as hear a PEEP of trouble...”
- “Yes I get it. Spines breaking and what not. “
- >You smile at Luna, and prepare to head back through the portal.
- “Oh, and Luna?”
- >”What now Anonymous?”
- “Love ya babe!” you yell, jumping through the portal closing it behind you.
- >Celestia has sat back down in one of the train car seats, and is sipping on a cup of tea.
- >There is another one opposite her, waiting for you.
- >She turns to acknowledge you.
- “We are clear for vacation. Just had to clear up a few details with your Sister first.”
- >You settle down into the seat across from her, grabbing the cup of tea.
- >Nothing like a nice cuppa first thing in the morning.
- >”She is still worried about us?”
- “Yeah, something about confessing her undying love for me. I wasn’t really listening.”
- >Silence.
- >Both of you break out into laughter at the same time.
- “Oh man, I’m surprised I kept a straight face that long.”
- >You both sit in relative silence for a while just watching the scenery change.
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dbktuIeGEA&feature=relmfu
- >The rocky outcroppings are slowly beginning to fade, and you can see in the distance, a vast body of water.
- >You begin to see palm trees sprouting up along the side of the tracks, and the ground becoming more fertile than that of the harsh desert landscape.
- >Celestia’s golden sun overhead shines down, giving it’s much needed warmth and energy to the earth.
- >You look over your traveling companion, a small smile stretched over her face.
- >It’s nice sometimes just to be able to sit and enjoy the small wonders of the universe.
- >Her silky white coat glistening in the morning sun, the rays of light reflecting off her golden shoes and crown.
- >For a moment, you don’t see her as the immortal Sun Goddess, but merely as Celestia.
- >You wish that feeling would stay more often.
- >Looking back out the window, you can see the beginnings of a small town begin to pop up.
- >Many of the houses are of similar styles to that of Beverly Hills back home.
- >You guess that extravagance and elegance transcend space and time.
- >You gaze out down the long and winding streets.
- >You were finally here.
- >Hollywood.
- >Where the Streets are paved with gold.
- >And no p0ny ever grows old.
- >In Hollywood.
- “Ok, so you’re sure about this right?”
- >”Positive Anon.”
- “Alright, here we go.”
- >The runes around you begin to glow, and the green aura slowly begins to coalesce around Celestia.
- >The mist slowly moves in and out, encasing the princess in a ball of green air.
- “Deep breaths, the spell is almost done.”
- >The mist begins to fade, and a small white unicorn stands where Celestia once was.
- >”So how do I look?”
- >She’s...
- >Much smaller.
- >It’s not like you could go parading around on holiday with Royalty.
- >It might not look good to the media, and you want o avoid as much attention as possible.
- “You look great. This illusion should hold for about a week or so.”
- >You see her hop up on one of the seats, and examine her looks in the window.
- >She still retains that regal look, but other than that, she is just another white unicorn.
- “So, how do you like it?”
- >”It feels so weird,” She says “It will be strange not be instantly recognized for once.”
- “I think I will be garnering most of the attention for once. Now, shall we head out?” you say opening the door into the balmy summer-like weather.
- >You emerge onto the busy platform, holding your suitcase in your hand.
- >You receive a few strange looks already, until a bellhop runs up to you.
- >B:”Are you a mister, Anonymous?”
- “Yes, can I help you?” you say, staring down at the tiny earth p0ny.
- >B:”I was sent her by Princess Luna to escort you and your guest to your hotel room. The carriage is waiting.”
- “I see.”
- “You fine with this dear?”
- >Celestia blushes at the word “Dear”
- >C:”Oh! Yes of course. Please lead the way hun.”
- >Oh now that was cute.
- >The bellhop takes your bag, and leads you off the platform onto the street.
- >There is a large carriage waiting for you, drawn by four other earth p0nies.
- >The street seems to be bustling with p0nies as well as other creatures as well.
- >You can see many gryphons and well as what must be some sort of Dog.
- >This is really the first time you’ve seen such diversity.
- >What a fascinating cultural centre.
- >You can see all the way down the street too.
- >It heads downhill, into the heart of Hollywood, and at the very end, is the ocean.
- >The beach seems to have exactly ONE large hotel on it as well.
- >The bellhop opens the carriage door.
- >You allow Celestia inside first, and hop in next to her.
- >B:”You will be staying at the Marina right down on the beachfront. We have a honeymoon suite reserved for the two of you for one week’s time.”
- “Thank you kindly,” you look for his nametag “Sebastion.”
- >B:”Not a problem sir, have a pleasant vacation.” He says closing the door.
- >You can feel the chariot begin to rock, as you descend the hill.
- >”Dear? You so did that on purpose.” Celestia says.
- “Hun? I guess we both have nicknames for this.”
- >”I guess so snooky bear” she chides.
- “Dont push it. You thirsty?”
- >She nods her head.
- >You check your watch bought from the Doctor.
- >It’s around 10AM.
- >You conjure up some ice tea, and pass her a glass.
- >You takes it from you, gingerly sipping at the contents.
- “Let me guess. Needs more sugar?”
- >”No actually it’s perfect.” She says
- “I guess you’re just naturally sweet then.”
- >She blushes at your comment.
- >Oh you were going to have SO much fun.
- “What a VIEW!” you say staring out the window overlooking the ocean.
- >Apparently Luna had set up reservations for you in the swankiest place in town.
- >But the honeymoon suite?
- >That was just a jab at you.
- >You would think of some way to get her back.
- >Or maybe pay her back?
- >You still weren’t sure how you felt.
- >You ignore the silly question for now, and stare back out the window.
- >The ocean seemed to stretch on forever in many directions.
- >You could see a few boats out on the ocean; maybe you would take a schooner and go fishing.
- >Celestia had gone down to get some ice for the mini fridge, so you were alone to unpack your things for the time being.
- >From the looks of things, you would need a change of clothing into something a little more suited for the hot climate.
- >You unpack your few things, and luckily, you had a pair of shorts left over from your last vacation.
- >You weren’t one to unpack, since you always found yourself on the road.
- >What the hell else did you have in here?
- >You dump the contents of your suitcase unceremoniously on the bed, clothing, and miscellaneous items rolling all over the place.
- >You still had your tiny knife, the first aid kit, clothing, some cigs, the pair of shorts you were looking for.
- >What else?
- >Some more of your chalk.
- >You grab the pair of shorts, and a spare polo shirt you had, and quickly change out of those stuffy robes.
- >But before you could go through the rest of the contents, Celestia comes back into the room.
- “Hey, hey, party pal! Got the ice?”
- >”Party Pal? Anon, I’ve been addressed in some strange manners before, but you are the first to call me that.”
- “Sorry Your Royal Majesty, shall I roll out the Red carpet and have the cherubs play a haunting refrain on their lyres made of solid gold?” you say, going into a deep bow.
- >She smiles, and puts the ice in the fridge.
- “Well. Now that that is taken care of, shall we go gallivant around town?”
- >”I guess so, anywhere you want to go first?”
- >You pull out the brochure.
- >It was definitely going to live up to its name for this trip.
- >It was a Bro for sure.
- “Hmm, wanna check out the beach?” you say opening sliding glass door, and heading out onto the balcony.
- >She trots to your side.
- >”It looks quite nice from up here.”
- “Yeah, but we should get a closer look.”
- >Sudden idea.
- “Say Celestia, did I ever tell you I hate elevators?”
- >”No, do you have a fear of heights?”
- “Kinda, and there is only one way to cure that.”
- >She looks at you curiously.
- >”And how would you do that?”
- >You walk back into the room, grabbing the hotel room key and stuffing it into your pocket.
- “Like this!” you saying, breaking into a sprint.
- >You dash onto the balcony, scooping up the tiny Celestia on your way, and barrel over the side.
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el_r5y_AcrE
- >All you can hear are shrieks of terror coming from your party companion, and your own laughter.
- >The rush of air buffets your ears and clothing.
- >Just as you have about fallen down 5 stories, the slow-fall spell kicks in.
- >Your decent slows to a crawl, and you can take in the majesty of the ocean.
- >You look to the companion in your arms.
- “Gotcha.” You say with an evil grin.
- >”THAT WAS NOT FUNNY!” she says, her mane all frizzled.
- >You only laugh harder as she tries to fix her pink mane.
- >As you slowly float down, you spot some p0nys on a balcony below you.
- >As you gently float down, they look at you in surprise.
- “Good morning folks! Nice day isn’t it? Say hello to the nice p0nies dear!”
- >Celestia sheepishly waves and hides her face from them.
- “She’s a bit shy,” you say as you begin to disappear below their view “Have a good one!”
- “Oh what FUN this vacation will be!” you say, as you approach the sandy beach.
- >”FUN? You nearly gave me a heart attack!” she says evidently upset by your actions.
- “Yes, but didn’t we agree to mess with the locals?”
- >”But I’m not a local here!”
- “But you ARE a local to Equestria!”
- >You finally land on the soft sand, p0nies gathering around at your spectacle of magic.
- >Celestia jabs you in the gut with a hoof.
- >You double over.
- “I... I guess I deserved that.” You wheeze.
- >”It was fun though.” She says sticking her tongue out at you.
- “How very unladylike. I should tell your Sister just how uncouth you’re being.”
- >”Yes, and she would think YOU made me do it.”
- “Point taken,” you notice the crowd around you “Oh hello folks. Nice to meet you.”
- >They eye you suspiciously, and Celestia hops out of your arms.
- “Ladies and Gentlemen, Mares and Stallions, Fillies and Colts, I am the AMAZING MAGE ANON!” you say dramatically.
- >They don’t applaud.
- “And this is my lovely assistant, Celeste!” you say, gesturing to the obviously embarrassed Celestia beside you.
- >One of the Earth p0nies in the crowd speaks up “So, what are you supposed to be? Some kinda magic thing?”
- “One moment of your time please.” You say bending down towards your assistant.
- You whisper in her ear “Please?”
- >”What do you mean please? Are you going to put on some silly show?”
- “If your royal highness will allow me, I’ve always wanted to do this trick.”
- >”Just like your little cleaning stunt back in p0nyville?”
- “That was peanuts compared to this one.”
- >”Something tells me I’m going to regret this.” She says, running a hoof over her face.
- >You put on your best showman’s face and step back into the crowd.
- “Ladies and Gentlemen, I have a wager with my friend here. If you would all kindly follow me.”
- >You begin walking down to the beach, with Celestia and the p0nies in tow.
- “Now, I’m fairly new around here, but I know almost all p0nies are quite athletic.”
- >You gesture at one of the larger stallions in the crowd.
- “Look at this strapping figure of a p0ny. Would you kind sir assist me in this little experiment?”
- >He flexes his muscles and trots over to you.
- “My my, so eager. Now, if you would kindly take this sack of bits.” You say, placing it in his hoof.
- >You turn around, and walk out onto the water.
- >Simple trick really, always made the kids laugh.
- “Now, the bet is, is that I said no p0ny here would be able to retrieve this sack of bits. If anyone can prove me wrong, it is theirs to keep. Now, if you would kindly, chuck that bag as far as you can.”
- >The Stallion spins in place, tossing the bag far over your head.
- >It lands with a resounding splash.
- >You watch as it sinks to the bottom of the sand bar.
- >You doubt you would even be able to dive down that far.
- “Now, whose our first contestant?”
- >Many of the p0nies dive right into the water, as you walk back onto the shore.
- >Celestia stares at you.
- “It’s bound to the floor, they couldn’t get it if they tried.” You whisper to her.
- >”Oh now that’s mean.” She says with a smirk.
- “Isn’t it?” you say smiling watching p0nies diving into the water.
- >You pull up two lounge chairs, one for you, and one for her.
- >You kick back, relax and let the sun back you, as you watch the p0nies desperately try for the bits.
- >A few minutes pass, and no p0ny is able to retrieve the bag.
- >You spot a small green filly watching everyone try for the bag.
- >It looks like she hasn’t gone for it yet.
- >She seems to be lacking her cutie mark, and you didn’t notice her parents anywhere.
- >You wonder what was up with that.
- >”Are you going to let my subjects continue to wear themselves out?” Celestia chides from beside you, a pair of sun glasses covering her eyes.
- “Should retrieve it?”
- >”Do what you want dear, I’m quite comfortable here.”
- “You are enjoying this as much as I am.”
- >”Well, we did have court jesters once upon a time.”
- >You raise an eyebrow at her.
- “Oh? And am I just another Jester to you? Am I a clown? Do I amuse you?”
- >”We DO have movies here. I recognize a GentleColts line when I hear it.”
- >Your jaw drops in shock.
- “I think I love you. Now, to tend to the flock.” You say getting up, stretching your back.
- >”Have fun Hun, don’t cause too much havoc.” She says, turning over on her side.
- >She finally seems relaxed.
- >And in fact, so do you.
- >Now, to put on a show.
- “Alright everyp0ny, I’ve seen some good tries out here, but so far no one has been able to get the bag.”
- >They all gather around you.
- “Has anyone simply tried walking to get it?”
- >They look at each other confused.
- >You walk up to the foamy waters, and sink you feet into the sand.
- “And the seas did part, to let Moses and his Flock through.”
- >This scene immediately begins to play through your head.
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdOrqGSsYok
- >The waters begin to churn and swirl, slowing breaking apart.
- >Music begins to play from nowhere, and the p0nies look on in amaze.
- >Crowds have gathered around as the waters begin to part, revealing the sand bar beneath.
- >Your hair and beard are flowing in the ensuing winds.
- >You lazily walk down, holding your arms apart, to keep the walls of aquatic fury from crashing down.
- >You reach the bag, and bend over picking it up.
- “See? Nothing to i-“
- >The walls of water come crashing down onto your form.
- >The crowd screams.
- >Celestia looks up in shock.
- “Gotcha again” you say, being seated next to her.
- >”Oh, I am SO going to get you for this.”
- “Two to nil, my favour.” You boop her nose with the watery bag.
- >You clear your throat, and the crowd turns around.
- “And that, is how you retrieve a bag.”
- >the crowd cheers and applauds.
- >The rush towards you to shake your hand.
- “Thank you, thank you, I’ll be here all week.”
- >A few minutes of hand shaking later, you are seated back in your comfortable chair, the bag of bits unclaimed.
- >”So did you have fun with your little parlour trick?”
- “You know I did. I saw the look of concern on your face.”
- >”For my subjects. I don’t want them seeing a stupid monkey hurt himself.”
- “Oh shush you.” You say, passing her another ice tea.
- >Chilling out under the sun was quite relaxing, but the reflection keeps getting in your eye.
- “Hey, can you move that HUGE burden of yours to the left a little? It keeps getting in my eyes.”
- >She stares at you.
- >”You want me. To move the sun. For You?”
- “Yeah, it’s in my eyes.”
- >”Are you serious?”
- >You sit up in your chair, and bring your face about an inch away from hers.
- “Nope” you say getting up and diving into the water.
- >You hear her laughing behind you.
- >You haven’t acted this silly in quite some time.
- >The icy water world flows around you.
- >You bring your head above the water, and see Celestia sitting there watching you.
- “Come on in! Water’s great!”
- >She shakes her head no.
- “Oh come on, don’t be a spoil sport!”
- >She shakes her head no again, and turns away.
- >She didn’t just do that.
- “You asked for it!”
- >You focus your magic on her chair.
- >Ever so carefully...
- >It begins to slide on the sand.
- >It gets about half way to the water when she looks up.
- >She looks at you, and takes her glasses off.
- >She gives you the biggest “Bitch if you do this” look.
- >Oh it’s SO ON.
- >You yank the chair as hard as you can, and Celestia goes flying into the water next to you.
- >There is a huge splash, as you both go tumbling under the surface.
- >You emerge above the surface to find the sun goddess glaring at you.
- “Three to nil. Catch me if you can.” You say, swimming away.
- >”YOUR GOING TO THE MOON FOR THIS ANON!” she yells as she starts trying to catch you.
- >You can’t help but laugh as the tiny p0ny behind you can barely keep up.
- “Your swimming-fu is weak young one!” you call out as you hear her splashing behind you.
- >She would never catch you.
- >You take a peak back, to see she has disappeared.
- >Your turn around again and...
- >OH GOD.
- >She’s right in front of you.
- >On the water.
- >”Boo”
- “Nice try, but no dice” you say, grabbing one of her hooves, pulling her into the water.
- >She gasps, as she falls right into your arms.
- >”You’re lucky I am a forgiving monarch Anonymous.” She says looking you straight in the eyes.
- “And you’re lucky I’m a strong swimmer” you say, propping her up on your back, as you swim to shore.
- >She giggles as the water glides past you two, and you make landfall.
- >Heading back to the chairs, you notice something is missing.
- “Umm, did you move the bag of bits?” you ask
- >Celestia cranes her neck around your head, and looks down.
- >”No, I thought you had it?”
- >You look around and spot the little green filly from earlier with the sack of bits in her mouth.
- “YOU!” you yell, and she bolts.
- >”Someone STOLE your bits?”
- “Yes, and I plan to get them back. Wait here love, Anon’s got a score to settle.” You say bolting off after the thief.
- >Hey BRO. Brain here.
- Yeah man, what’s good?
- >Chase music time?
- Oh definitely.
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnHmskwqCCQ
- Ohyou.jpg
- >No more nonsense, time to find this little cretin.
- >You see the filly round a corner.
- >Oh NO YOU DONT.
- >you give chase, swinging off a nearby lamppost
- >Danny would be proud.
- >You see the filly duck through a restaurant, patrons yelling as she goes flying by.
- “HERE COMES THE COLE TRAIN BABY WOO!” you yell as you plow past the patrons and into the restaurant.
- >The staff and patrons look shocked as they see you barrelling through, into the kitchen.
- >you look everywhere trying to spot the little green monster.
- >The p0nes inside are yelling at you to get out of the way.
- >THERE!
- >the tiny pone is hidden behind a head of cabbage.
- “PAY WHAT YOU OWE!” you scream at her, and she bolts through the back door.
- >This kid man.
- >You give chase into the back alley.
- >It stinks of rotten food.
- >You see her bolt around a corner.
- >You keep after the tiny horse thief, and onto the bust street.
- >She’s headed north, towards a park.
- >You’re never going to catch up at this rate.
- >Time for improvisation.
- >You ready your body, and start blinking forward a metre at a time.
- >You were quickly gaining ground now.
- >You see the would be thief head into a large park.
- >You were catching up now, and you could see the fear in her eyes.
- >She heads further into the park, the sack of stolen bits bobbing every which way.
- >You were so close now.
- >She jumps over a tiny hedge and disappears into a large maze in the middle of the park.
- “You’ve got to be kidding me...” you audibly sigh.
- >Alright, no time for fun and games.
- >You see a tiny cloud in the sky above you, just big enough.
- >You grab it with your will and hop on top.
- >A lighter than air spell will work perfect in this situation.
- >You jump up on the fluffy cloud, and soar above the maze.
- >You spot the tiny filly looking all smug in the middle of the maze.
- “Look up in the sky, it’s a bird it’s a plane, I’m AirAnon bitch and I’m bringing the PAIN.”
- >You yell, descending upon the middle of the maze.
- >The little filly sees you, and takes off right through the walls of the maze.
- >ARE YOU SERIOUS?
- >You quickly soar overhead, following her as she heads up a hill.
- >You pursue.
- >Over the hill you spot what looks like a lesser suburb of Hollywood.
- >Almost in a swamp land like territory.
- >Fucking reminds you of New Orleans.
- >You shudder at that memory.
- >It took you WEEKS to get the smell of Zombie out of your nostrils.
- >You see the tiny horse bob and weave through the swamp.
- >You pursue for about another five minutes, having to abandon your cloud due to the forest coverage.
- >You see a small farmhouse in the distance, which looks like its been abandoned for years.
- >You can see movement inside.
- >Creeping up on the tiny house, you open the door.
- >It looks lived in.
- >There’s a tiny bed, a small table with some paper and a quill, and a picture.
- >Other than that, the place looks empty.
- >You walk inside, and head over to the picture.
- >Its of two older p0nies in front of what looks like this farm house.
- >”STAY AWAY FROM THAT!” a tiny voice calls from behind you.
- >The small filly brandishes a frying pan and tries to whack you with it.
- “Hey, hey, hey! Stop that!” you say, picking up the tiny filly with your magic.
- >You grab the pan and toss it to the side.
- >She refuses to look you in the eye.
- >She can’t be more than a few years old.
- “What are you doing all the way out here? It can’t be safe.”
- >She doesn’t answer you.
- “Why did you take those bits?”
- >She looks away from you.
- >You think you know what’s going on here.
- “Are you all alone?”
- >She starts to cry.
- >Oh man, good going Anon.
- >You set her down on the bed, and sit down next to her.
- >You conjure up a handkerchief and hand it to her.
- >She dabs her eyes, and hands it back to you.
- “What’s your name?”
- >It sounded like she said something.
- “I’m sorry, what was that?”
- >”Lilly”
- “That’s a pretty name Lilly. I’m sorry for bursting into your home.”
- >She doesn’t say anything.
- >You let out an audible sigh.
- >How could she be all alone out here?
- >What happened?
- >Back on Earth you saw cases of abandoned or homeless children when you traveled to third world countries, but you didn’t expect to see it here.
- “Well, I’ll be going now.” You say, getting up.
- >You reach for the door handle when you hear a voice behind you.
- >”Aren’t you going to take your money?”
- >You turn around and smile.
- “I don’t need it as much as you do. There’s about 200 bits in there. Make it last ok?”
- >She stares at you in disbelief.
- >And then she starts to cry again.
- >You hear a knock at the door.
- >Opening it up, Celestia is standing there.
- >You quietly sneak out the door.
- >C:”Anonymous, what in Tartarus is going on?”
- “The little filly in there is homeless. It looks like she stole the money for food. I told her to keep the money, and she started crying.”
- >C:”I see,” she says with a forlorn sigh “When Discord came back, many parts of Equestria had drastic changes in weather. Hollywood was flooded, and there were quite a few casualties.”
- >You cringe at casualties.
- “Weren’t the p0nies helped?”
- >C:”Most were, but some in remote areas we could not get to in time.”
- “So her family?”
- >C:”Most likely got washed away in the floods.”
- >You can almost feel your heart breaking.
- “I’m not going to stand for this. Wait here.”
- >You march back inside and sit down next to the little filly, who is drying her eyes again.
- “Hey there, are you ok?”
- >She nods her head.
- “Tell me something, and I want you to answer truthfully ok?”
- >She nods again
- “Are you hungry?”
- >She shakes her head yes.
- >You conjure up a cupcake, and hand it to her.
- >A huge smile spreads across her face.
- >She quickly digs into the sugary confection.
- “I’ll be right back.” You say, getting up and heading outside.
- >Celestia sees you and walks over.
- “I can’t leave her like this.”
- >C:”I figured as much. These cases pop up every once and a while. Cases of abandonment or children without parents have been an issue since the disasters. We can find her a place in an orphanage.”
- “I... I dunno.”
- >C:”Well, what are you thinking then?”
- “I’m not sure, but she reminds me of someone.”
- >C:”She reminds you of your daughter?”
- “They have similar eyes.”
- >Celestia lets out a sigh.
- >C:”Anon, I don’t know what I can do here. The law explicitly states that orphaned children must go to an adoption facility. And I don’t know if you can handle this kind of responsibility just yet.”
- “What’s THAT supposed to mean?”
- >C:”I meant no offense, but just 24 hours ago, you were ready to jump in front of a moving train.”
- >She had a point.
- “Alright, you win. But I want the money you send to me to go to her instead. Set up a fund for her.”
- >You head back inside.
- >Lilly is sitting at the table reading a tiny book.
- “Hey there.”
- >She looks up at you, and waves.
- “Listen. How would you like to go somewhere much warmer and with new friends?”
- >“I don’t want to leave.”
- “Why not?”
- >”Because my mom and dad will be back for me soon.”
- >Oh fuck.
- >You hear the sound of hoofsteps and turn around.
- >Celestia, in her regal form enters the room.
- >She nods at you and you head outside.
- >You can hear her talk to the little one inside in hushed tones.
- >You wander around back of the run-down house.
- >Much of the land is in quite a bad state.
- >Even the magic here feels sad.
- >If that was even a thing.
- >You were gonna need a drink tonight, that’s for sure.
- >the door on the other side opens, and you hear Celestia call your name.
- “Hey.”
- >C:”She agreed to go to an orphanage. There is one here that should accommodate her well enough. I will send a detachment of guards to escort her safely tomorrow.”
- >You can feel a sense of relief wash over you.
- >You embrace Celestia in a hug.
- “Thank you.”
- >”It breaks my heart as well to see these little ones without a home as well Anon, but there are plenty of good hearted p0nies who will take them in. It is only a matter of time.”
- >You spend the next few minutes trying to spruce up the house.
- >Repairing a few leaks, and lighting a fire to keep her warm.
- >It’s not the best, but it certainly was better than it was before.
- >Before you leave, she gives you back the money she stole.
- >She thanks you for everything.
- >You just wish you could have done more.
- >By the time you are back in Hollywood proper, it is around lunch hour.
- “Hungry dear?’ you say to Celestia, who is now back in her concealed form.
- >”Oh please don’t start with the dear stuff again.”
- “I thought you liked it?”
- >”Just like how you like snooky bear?”
- “Ok, ok I get it Sunshine.”
- >She blushes at that one.
- “Ooooo looks like I hit the jackpot.”
- >She jabs you in the side as you walk down the street.
- >Wait a second.
- “Do you smell that?”
- >”Smell what?”
- >That smell.
- >THAT SMELL.
- >It had to be coming from close by.
- >You have not smelled that glorious smell in MONTHS.
- “Come along Pond, there is flavour afoot!”
- >Celestia shakes her head, and walks behind you.
- >You use your nose much like a tracking hound would.
- >It was getting closer.
- >THERE.
- >There was a small restaurant off to the side of the main street.
- >You see a bunch of gryphons sitting down.
- >Eating.
- >MEAT.
- >GLORIOUS MEAT.
- >”You are not serious?”
- >Celestia is standing next to you.
- “Damn right I am” you say walking into the restaurant.
- >You hear her sigh behind you.
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yl1mH0DROQM
- >The restaurant has got a distinct Western style to it.
- >The waitress sits you down in a corner table.
- >She asks if you want something to drink.
- >Celestia orders water.
- “The Biggest thing of beer you have.”
- >The waitress smiles, and heads off towards the kitchen.
- >”I can’t believe you dragged me into here...” she says toying with a menu.
- “HEY. OMNIVORE. I never haven’t had any meat in AGES. It’s a wonder I’m still alive.”
- >You laugh at your own stupid joke.
- >She’s not impressed.
- “Alright Sunshine fine, you can take me wherever you want for the rest of the day. I am your eternal slave sun goddess.”
- >”Be careful what you wish Anon, I may hold you to that” she says with a sultry smile.
- >FUCK.
- >before you can open your big mouth any further, your Waiter comes back with a tiny glass of water, and what looks like a two litre thing of beer.
- “Good lord, that’s huge!”
- >W:”If you think that’s big, you should see the Monster.” The Waiter says
- “Monster?”
- >W:”Yep, we got a 48 ounce steak for the truly brave. If you eat it all in one sitting, you and your table eat free.”
- “Free you say? Challenge accepted!”
- >The Waiter goes over to the wall, a bell dangling from the side.
- >the gryphon rings the bell.
- >W:”We got ourselves a challenger!”
- >The restaurant erupts in applause and cheers.
- >Celestia glares at you.
- >You smile back.
- >A few moments later, and a MONSTROUS slab of meat is brought out in front of you.
- >W:”You know the rules? No getting up, you must finish every last bite, and you have unlimited drink. Are you ready?”
- >You smile and stare down at your foe, the monstrous steak.
- >You utter four words.
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_p73PZIDQuA
- >25 minutes later...
- >You are just about done the steak.
- >Celestia is still gingerly sipping her water, looking like she wants to hurl.
- “So good...” you say, stuffing the 3rd last bite in your mouth.
- >”How... How can you EAT SO MUCH?” she says, obviously disturbed by your show of voracious appetite.
- “Very carefully.” You say in response.
- >You’re on your 2nd glass of beer, but it’s still too weak to really hit you at all.
- >You grab the last two bites and savour the juicy flavour.
- “This steak... So delicious.”
- >The crowd roars as the bell sounds indicating you have finished your meal.
- >The manager comes over and raises your hand in a victory celebration.
- “Not yet dear friends, there is one more thing to finish!”
- >You grab the three quarters full glass of beer.
- “Cheers Mates!” taunt.demoman
- >You chug
- >And chug
- >and chug
- >and chug
- >Breathing through your nose, and letting the frothy beverage flow down your throat.
- >The crowd roars in approval.
- “And that’s how a Brit shows off his drinking.” You say, plopping back down in your chair.
- >Celestia simply shakes her head with a smile.
- “Oh lighten up Sunshine, we have the whole day ahead of us.”
- >She smiles, and sips some more water.
- >You don’t like that look on her face.
- >If there’s one thing you hate.
- >It’s shopping.
- >The only thing worse than shopping?
- >Shopping for clothing.
- >And should your poor soul be put through a worse punishment?
- >Clothes shopping with a female.
- “I’ve fought demigods who scared me less than this...” you say, barely holding on to the boxes of hats in your arms.
- >”Now who regrets lunch?” Celestia says snidely as she tries on another hat.
- “I regret nothing. That steak was fit for royalty.”
- >”Mhmm, what do you think of this one?” she asks, showing off a nice looking sun hat.
- “It’s a hat. What can I say?”
- >”You’re no fun.”
- “Hats are no fun. People become obsessed about hats, they trade and barter hats, and soon enough hats take precedence over FUN! Hats are the scourge of this earth I tell you what!”
- >Celestia laughs at your silly outburst.
- “Quick! One of their fiendish broodmothers has latched onto your head! Fear not princess! I shall save you!” you say, dropping the boxes to the floor, scooping her up and wrestling the hat away.
- >She giggles as you scoop her up and remove the dastardly offensive attire.
- >”You know how I dislike that.” She says with a smile.
- “Then why do you giggle every time I do it?”
- >”Because you are so silly, you deserve a pity laugh.”
- “I think someone secretly enjoys it.”
- >”I do not.”
- “Mhmm, suuuuuuure Sunshine.” You say, lifting the boxes and other hat with your will.
- >You carry her and the hats over to the checkout.
- >the clerk gives you the strangest look.
- “Hey, we do strange things when we’re in love. Just ring us up would you kind sir?”
- >He checks the hat, and you drop the appropriate amount of bits on the table.
- >You open the door of the store, carrying your precious cargo carefully.
- >”You know you can put me down right?”
- “I thought you wanted to be treated like a Princess? We can’t have the royal hooves getting dirty now can we?”
- >”Anon.”
- “We would never want royalty to spend any energy they don’t need to.”
- >”Anon.”
- “Besides, I owe you for earlier.”
- >A pair of lips meet yours quickly.
- >”Shush.”
- “Well now, that was most CERTAINLY not lady like.”
- “Alright, you win.” You say setting her down.
- “What do you want to do for dinner?”
- >”Well, the last time I came here, there was a quaint little place not too far from here.” She says
- “Well then,” you check your watch, “It’s around 5PM. You hungry?”
- >”After watching you eat that, THING, for lunch I’m surprised I am.”
- “Good, cause I am STARVING.”
- >”You can’t be serious.”
- >You smile and wink.
- “Never underestimate the appetite of a growing man.” You say
- >She laughs “Yes, growing around the waistline.”
- “Ow, my heart, you wound me m’lady.” You say, pretending to fall over.
- >The two of you head back to the Suite quickly to drop off the HATS, and for you to change into something a little more appropriate for dinner.
- >You change into your Park Stroller outfit, that comfy sweater and cotton pant combo.
- >”So, why do you wear that thing?” Celestia asks as you walk down the boulevard towards the restaurant.
- “What? This? It’s comfy as hell! Besides, I owned one back when this WAS the style to wear.”
- >”Back in the day hmm? Ok Old man.” She says laughing.
- “Says the pretty pink princess who’s older than time itself.”
- >She bumps into you, and you trip over an errant can.
- >”Gotcha.”
- >The score was now 3-1
- “Uhh, don’t you have to set the sun now?”
- >”Luna’s got it. She can do it for now.”
- >Meanwhile in Canterlot...
- “Why the buck is this thing so HEAVY?” strained the Princess.
- “You OWE ME ONE ANONYMOUS!”
- >Back in Hollywood.
- “Yeah, I don’t think she is going to be too happy about that.”
- >”She’s a big girl, she can handle it.”
- >You both come up to the restaurant, and see the long line-up in front of it.
- >Even this early in the evening.
- >You spot a familiar figure in the bouncer.
- >It’s the Stallion from the beach this morning.
- “Hey buddy, remember me? Got a spare table in there?” you say, gently shaking your coin purse.
- >He smiles, catching your drift.
- >You drop a few bits into his hoof as he lets you inside.
- >You see the head waiter, and he leads you to a back table.
- “This place sure is swanky.”
- >”Isn’t it just? I remember being here years ago, and it still has the same charm.”
- “You sure it isn’t my charm wearing off on the place?”
- >”Oh please, you have the same amount of charm a rock does.”
- “HEY. NO ONE INSULTS TOM.”
- >she laughs.
- >Everyone heard the story about Rarity and the Boulder.
- >It was a secret to no one.
- Two hours later...
- >Dinner was filled with idle chat, and plenty of booze.
- >And when you mean plenty of booze.
- >You mean, both of you were quite lit at desert.
- >For a Princess, she really let herself go tonight.
- “So I says to him, I says, If you don’t give me back my scooter, im gonna take your goat.”
- >”So what did he do?”
- “Well, long story short, I rode a goat back to Calcutta.”
- >The two of you break out into uproarious laughter.
- >The other patrons look at you two.
- “I think, I think we might be getting a bit loud.”
- >”Nonsense, we are quite fine.” Celestia slurs.
- >Ok, immortal sun goddess can’t hold her liquor very well.
- “I think it’s time we headed back to the hotel room.”
- >”No way, this party is just getting started!”
- “Yeah, no. Waiter? Check please?”
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75kJb_aAvKY&feature=relmfu
- >You strolled out onto the moonlit boulevard.
- >You also carried Celestia on your back.
- >”Anoooooon, let’s go back inside. It’s cold out heeeeeeere.”
- >Yep. She’s had WAY too much too quick.
- “We’re almost back to the hotel room. You’ll be nice and warm in there.”
- >She nuzzles into your neck, the soft hair tickling you.
- “Cut it out, I’m trying to walk straight here.”
- >She rests her head on your shoulder.
- >The hotel is coming into view now.
- >”Anooooooon, tell me something.”
- “What is it?”
- >“What you said back in the Hat store, was it true?”
- “That Hats are evil? Of course it’s true.”
- >She laughs.
- >”No silly, I meant you said about being in love.”
- “Oh.”
- >”Well?”
- >How do you feel?
- >You don’t know.
- >On one hand, you have this immortal deity sitting on your back asking if you love her.
- >You feel something that’s for sure.
- >But you are not sure what just yet.
- >Could it be love?
- >Is such a thing even possible?
- “Of course” you say as you open the door to the main lobby.
- >The bellhop sees you, and calls an elevator.
- >You flip him 2 bits.
- “Good man.” You say, your burden starting to feel heavier.
- >You head up to the suite and open the door.
- >Before you even get inside, she’s snoring on your back.
- >Dawww
- >You carefully place her in her bed, luckily there were two.
- >You cover her up, and watch her snuggle into the sheets.
- >This whole night was much like the first time you went out together.
- >It was a good feeling.
- >You step out onto the balcony, and stare at the stars.
- >You did a fine job tonight Luna.
- >”And you did as well Anonymous.”
- >THE FUCK.
- >You turn around to see the Princess of the Night standing there.
- “MY FUCKING HEART” you wheeze out.
- >”You’ve done good by my Sister tonight Anon. I hope you can forgive my tone earlier.”
- >CANT THINK NOW, TRYING TO NOT DIE.
- >”I just want what is best for her, and for all of our subjects. It has been so long since she has been able to relax.”
- “I know the feeling.” You say finally catching your breath.
- >”I hope you will take good care of her while she is here. She can be a bit, silly, when she gets too relaxed.”
- “Yeah, I think we will stay away from the liquor from now on.”
- >Luna laughs quietly.
- >”Very well. Have a nice evening Anon.” She says, taking flight into the night sky.
- >You head back in and close the door.
- >You strip down to your skivvies and climb into bed.
- >The soft sheets comfort your body.
- >Man these beds were soft.
- >Suddenly you hear movement in the room.
- >You feel a weight press down on the bed, and a pair of hooves drape over you.
- >You turn your head to see Celestia smiling at you.
- “Alright, you can share the bed tonight.”
- >She smiles and pulls you close.
- >She must have been lonelier than you thought.
- >Slowly the heat from her body and the blankets lulls you into dream land.
- >Today was a happy day.
- Epilogue
- >Click
- >Clack
- >Click
- >Clack
- >The small device on the ArchMage’s table chattered back and forth.
- >Today, his minions were removing the bones from the crypt, and he had little to do.
- >Most had been planned ahead of time, and he knew today would be slow.
- >He did not know that today would be boring however.
- >He rested his weary bones in a large armchair brought up from a city not too long ago.
- >Being on your hooves all day really did take its toll.
- >Well, it would more if you could feel them.
- >He sighed and headed over to the bookcase in his study.
- >He’d read almost everything here already decades ago, some of them, he even helped write the ideas for.
- >He pulls out an old tome, which was bound in black material.
- >It was a special book he found many, many years ago.
- >Only arcane enchantment kept it from falling to dust.
- >This was his first ever lesson and task by...
- >A knock sounds at his door.
- “Enter”
- >The heavy iron door opens, revealing his freshly resurrected apprentice.
- “Ah, Clover. How goes the excavation?”
- >”It goes well Master, much of the lifting is under way, and we expect to be finished shortly after nightfall.”
- “Good. Good.” He stared out the window in his quarters.
- >The snowy blizzard that had plagued them for days on end had finally broken, revealing a splendid vista.
- >The snow-capped peaks looked freshly polished, and the cool mountain air whistled through his bones.
- >”Did you say something Master?” Clover asked.
- “No my apprentice. Is there something wrong?”
- >The purple mare rubbed a hoof in her ear.
- >”I could have sworn you told me to come.” She said
- “I said no su-“
- COME
- “I hear it too.”
- COME
- >It almost sounded like a whistling in his ears, a faint, but low resounding note.
- >It was barely perceptible over the noise of the working, but it was there.
- >Star Swirl dashed outside, into the freezing air, forgetting his shawl on the way.
- “EVERYONE SILENCE!” he yelled, in a magically enhanced voice.
- >The workers immediately stopped, dropping their tools.
- >Some of them gasped at this skeletal form, his eyes and belly ablaze with blue ethereal flame.
- COME
- >The voice was there again.
- “Did anyone else hear that? Raise a hoof or something.” He yelled again.
- >No one responds.
- >He waits patiently.
- >Clover catches up with him quickly, standing beside her master.
- >”What is it?” she asks
- “I need to be sure...”
- >He turns back to the crowd of workers.
- “Everyone, this may get loud, you may want to cover your ears.”
- >Quickly, the workers duck for cover.
- >If the Mage says do something?
- >You better do it.
- >And fast.
- Star Swirl takes a deep breath, and yells into the abyssal maw below him “AND LO, ON THE DAY THE SKY TURNS RED AND THE RIVERS RUN WITH BLACK ICHOR WILL HE SAY...”
- >The bellowing voice fills the mountain range, the tools the workers were using trembling from the volume of his voice.
- >The snow on a nearby mountain peak, jarred by the volume of his voice, collapses into an avalanche.
- >And as if by some eerie circumstance, it sounds
- COME TO ME
- >The snow continues to fall down the mountain, revealing a small cave near the peak.
- >The workers are clearly frightened beyond all measure.
- >Star Swirl turns to his apprentice.
- “Gather some writing utensils, paper, and charcoal. We are going on an expedition.”
- >”To where my lord?”
- “Home”