A Feeling of (Full Series)

A Feeling of Loneliness - 1

 

>Night In Equestria Shimmers.

>The sound of owls pierces the serenity of the forest.

>Those nightly hoots echo through the branches of the tree in which you live.

>It's time to get up anyway.

>Your name is Speck.

>You are a bat p0ny.

>And with that, comes the normal bat p0ny fare:

>Nocturnal

>Bat wings

>Slitted eyes

>And a good portion of the local village feeling utmost disdain for your presence.

>You sigh, hind hooves letting loose their firm, albeit unexplainable, grip on the branch from which you hang.

>You can't explain it.

>Maybe it's magic.

>Maybe it's maybelline.

>Instinctively, you spread your wings on your descent, and you soon land on the lush grass that surrounds your tree.

 

>A small package lies by the base of the tree.

>You approach it, already hazarding a guess as to what it may be.

>Sitting in front of the parcel, you hold it in your hooves.

>You give it a small shake to which the package answers with a small thudding.

>The weight might as well give way to your suspicions.

>Rolling your dull orange eyes, you slowly tear into its paper flesh.

>Its contents now revealed, you reach inside to pull out...

>A brick.

>You tip your head back with an exasperated sigh.

>This is the twelfth one this week.

>What are you expected to do with these?

>Build a brick treehouse?

>You toss it into a pile with the other several hundred bricks of which you've accumulated.

>It's only been two years since you moved to this tree,

>And you've already amassed a collection that serves no purpose.

>Your wings spread, and flap several times as you take off towards the village.

>As much as the inhabitants dislike you, you still need groceries.

 

>Although it is late, some of the shopkeepers open their doors for you.

>Not all of the villagers dislike you,

>Only the ones in the day crowd.

>And the children.

>That saddens you the most about the whole ordeal.

>You personally love children.

>You burden yourself with those thoughts as you slink about the village, gathering your groceries.

>Something close to an hour passes and you find yourself standing in front of the village's library.

>It was a large oak tree, very quaint, very similar to yours in stature.

>The difference was, the exterior bore windows and balconies.

>There also used to be a p0ny and a dragon that lived there and tended to it.

>But those were just stories from ages past.

>You put a hoof on the door, pressing lightly to see if it would give.

>Nothing.

>The sign posted out front catches your eye.

>"Elements of Harmony Library."

 

>You shook your head and turned away, getting ready to head back to the forest, and back to your tree.

>The journey through the village was fairly uneventful, seeing as it was night-time.

>No stray ponies out walking around.

>No one to talk to, aside from the lightning bugs, the few clouds littered the sky, the stars, and Princess Luna's Moon.

>Princess Luna.

>The Princess of the Night.

>You felt an undying loyalty to her that you couldn't explain.

>You never tried to join the Night Guard.

>You never tried to serve your Princess.

>And even still, you felt undying loyalty to her.

>Sometimes you think it's because of the beautiful night she gives to Equestria.

>Other times, you think it's because the bat ponies are her ancient children.

>You never did much research into the latter, despite passing the library nearly every night.

>A soft thudding catches your ear as you pass a house on the outskirts of the village.

>The lights were all on, and the thudding was rhythmic.

>Curious, you looked in one of the windows.

>And in there, was something surprising.

 

>A large, bipedal creature.

>It's body hairless except for the top of its head and a piece of cloth around his waist.

>Your eyes grew large and lit up as you watched this creature run through its home.

>Your mouth widened into a smile as you watched it, instantly enamored with its curious appearance and behaviour.

>It was different from the other citizens of this village.

>It made you wonder if it suffered the same disdain from the villagers that you did.

>The presence of this creature made you feel less alone in the world.

>Its eyes caught yours as it looked out the window.

>You duck, screeching inwardly as you hide in the bushes.

>There's an increasingly loud thudding as it runs through its house.

>The front door swings wide open, casting light into the night.

>It yells something, though you're too panicked to hear.

 

>Ten Minutes Earlier

>You are Anonymous.

>You are a human.

>And you currently live in a small house on the outskirts of a town in a land of magical, talking, pastel, candy horses.

>It's actually a really nice place.

>Except for the creatures of the night.

>Specifically bats.

>God, you hate bats.

>Right now, you are running through your house, attempting to catch a bat that has flown into your home.

>It is serving to be quite the opponent.

>It has invaded your kitchen and ate most of your fruit.

>It has knocked down two of your lamps and a book shelf.

>And it has been pissing you off to no end for the past hour.

>Makeshift bug net in hand, you leap onto your couch, across your living room table, and through the door to your kitchen.

>You chase the bat through several rooms, namely the dining room, kitchen, and foyer.

 

>After a lengthy and tiring battle, you finally stop, having caught the bat in the net.

>Turning to the door with your bounty in hand, you think you see a small glint of orange and a blur of gray outside your window.

>You think nothing of it, the children of this village were little pranksters most of the time.

>They harassed you to no end because you were different.

>But, children would be children.

>You open the door and let the bat free, yelling after it to stay the hell out of your house.

>You hear a light rustling of leaves in the bush beneath your window.

>A small whimper accompanies it.

>You furrow your brow and step down the steps of your patio and around to the bush.

>Against better judgment, you get on all fours and slowly reach into the bush, shushing whatever is hiding in there.

"Is there something in there? I'm not going to hurt you."

>You feel your finger tips touch something soft and furry, its form twitches and retracts from you.

>You pull your arm from the bush and try to get a better look.

>It emits another small noise, something that almost sounds like words.

>You couldn't tell.

>You stand and walk back into the house to get an apple or some other food to see if the creature will come out.

 

>You are Speck again.

>And that thing touched you.

>It might be back to hurt you soon.

>You stand and get ready to dart out of the bush.

>Your wings spread and you jump to no avail.

>Your wings catch on the branches and you hit your head on another.

>And now it seems you're stuck.

>You struggle and rustle the bush[spoiler]'s jimmies[/spoiler]

>Leaves fall and branches bend, some breaking, some pushing back against you and holding you further in their embrace.

>After a moment, you stop struggling, sigh, and whimper.

>This is the end, isn't it?

>You will most certainly meet with a terrible fate.

>You close your eyes and wait for the creature to come back out and inevitably eat you alive.

 

>You are Anonymous again.

>Part of you wonders why you've been standing in the kitchen with an apple in hand for the past five minutes.

>Part of you wonders why you've yet to take the apple out to the creature in the bush.

>You shake your head, existentially deep thoughts need not apply to your current situation.

>Stepping out of the kitchen, into the foyer, and finally back outside, you notice there are no more sounds coming from the bush.

>You are a curious man, and curious men tend to go headfirst into the abyss.

>You walk to the bush and kneel back down.

>You slowly reach your hand back in, your fingertips touching the soft creature.

>A sigh of relief slips past your lips as you whisper to it.

"I brought you an apple, will you come out now?"

>Anyone that didn't know you would wonder why you're trying to coax a wild animal out of a bush.

>You've always had a soft heart for animals in distress.

>Except for bats.

>Fuck bats.

>On Earth you worked at an animal shelter, caring for dogs and cats all day.

>You place the apple on the ground in front of the bush and take two steps back.

"There's an apple for you in front of the bush. Are you hungry?"

>The bush rustles and twitches as the creature moves in response, and it stops as suddenly as it starts.

>"I'm stuck." You hear the creature call out.

>So it can talk.

>Maybe it's a curious p0ny, peaking into your home?

>Maybe it's maybelline.

>You feel like you heard that joke tonight, but shake the thought out of your head.

>Kneeling back in front of the bush, you reach inside.

>Gripping the branches, you start to bend them away from the creature.

>After several minutes, it peeks out of the bush.

>The moonlight glints off of its dull orange eyes and off of its nubby white fangs.

>A small smile crosses its face as its hooves reach for the apple.

>It looks like a p0ny, but there's something about those eyes.

"My name is Anon. What's yours? Where are you from?"

>She retreats a short way back into the bush, and you hear a small crunching noise.

 

>"My name is Speck. I live in a tree in the forest."

>A p0ny that lives in a tree.

>Or maybe a not-p0ny.

"What are you?"

>You hear a short burst of snickering.

>"Keekee. I'm a bat-p0ny. What are you?"

>A bat-p0ny.

>You've never even heard of those.

>Oh fuck.

>You hate bats.

>But this bat-p0ny seems alright.

>You elect to not flip your shit yet.

"I'm a human."

>You hear her try to pronounce human.

>"Hooman... hue...mun... humus... I don't get it."

>You stifle a snicker and hold a hand out to the bush.

"It's not important. Would you like to come out of the bush?"

>You feel her place her hoof in your hand, her face poking out of the bush once again.

>"Only if I can have another apple. I forgot to buy some when I was in the shops earlier."

>She flashes you a wide smile.

"I supposed."

>She crawls further out of the bush, now standing in front of it.

>You notice the tufts of fur on the tips of her ears.

>Her dark turquoise colored mane.

>Her charcoal gray coat.

>And those leathery, dark blue-gray wings.

>She's a unique and breathtaking sight, much like the first unicorn and pegasus you saw.

>And as unique as she looks, it doesn't help to suppress a shudder that jolts down your spine.

"Let's go inside and get you that apple."

 

>She follows you as you walk inside, closing the door behind her.

>You lead her to the kitchen and give her another apple, the both of you sitting at your table.

"So you live in a tree? Like in a tree house?"

>"Not... not exactly. I kind of just hang from one of the branches and sleep like that."

>You raise an eyebrow, that earlier concern for the creature rises up in you.

"So you're just out in the open, hanging from a branch?"

>She nods.

"You don't have an actual home, with walls and a roof?"

>She shakes her head, eyes lowering from her apple as she sets it down.

>"It's not so bad, really. I've lived like that for two years."

>Two years.

>You laugh inwardly.

>You've lived in this town for five years, and you're just now seeing this bat-p0ny.

>You suppose that's what you get for being such a massive shut-in.

>And for not asking if there are any new ponies around town when you actually do go out and socialize.

>You blame a lack of anything to do in this town.

>She finishes the apple quickly and taps her hooves on the table.

>"I should probably get going though. I have groceries I need to put away."

>You raise your brow again.

"Groceries. To put away. Where exactly do you put groceries away when you live in a tree?"

>She snickers, that keekeekee sound she makes.

>You find it kind of cute.

>"I put them in a hole in the tree, duh."

>You nod once, slowly.

"Ah. So other animals can get to them and steal your food. Gotcha."

>She puts a hoof to her chin and looks upward in thought.

>"Do you think that's where most of my food's been disappearing to?"

>Well, she is definitely not the brightest.

"If I had to guess."

>"Then would you mind if I just stored my groceries here? I don't think you'd steal them from me."

>She smiles a toothy grin, her wings spread out as she stands in the chair.

>"Pleaaaaase?"

>She adds a head tilt to the please.

>m...muh heart.

"I suppose that wouldn't be too much of a problem."

>She lets out an elated screech.

>You feel like your ears are going to burst.

 

>She unloads her bags on your table.

>Several fruits, vegetables, breads, and sugary treats now lay in disarray on its surface.

>She continues to smile.

>Those fangs would make you nervous if they didn't look so dull.

>You shake your head as she dismounts the chair and begins walking out of the kitchen.

>"Well, thanks. I'm gonna go to my tree and get ready to sleep, since it's almost morning."

>Oh.

>Shit.

>It's almost morning and you have to work.

>You jump up from the table and rush into the living room to check the clock.

>5AM.

>You have to be at Sweet Apple Acres by 6.

>Fucking bats.

>You hate bats.

>The sound of hooves clopping against your foyer's floor alert you to the sound of her leaving.

>And here you go with the feeling that you have to help helpless and distressed animals.

>Rolling your eyes, you run to the door and call out into the night.

"Hey, Speck!"

>No answer.

>She must have already flown off.

>Damn, she's fast.

>You shrug, walk back inside, and throw yourself on the couch.

>You may only get a small amount of sleep, but it's better than nothing.

 

>You are now Speck.

>For the third time.

>You approach your tree and sigh.

>This feeling of loneliness that's hung in your heart since you left Anon's house.

>He seemed welcoming enough.

>And non-threatening.

>He was a curious creature.

>You look down at the base of the tree.

>There's another package.

>Is this village's mailmare really delivering things this late at night?

>You open it.

>Another brick.

>If you rolled your eyes any harder, they would probably eject themselves from your eye sockets.

>You fly up to your branch, hind hooves latching to its bottom.

>You close your eyes as the sun begins to rise over the horizon.

 

A Feeling of Loneliness - 2

 

>You are Anonymous.

>And you are currently working.

>It shouldn't be as exhausting as it is.

>But you decided to take a short nap shortly after Speck left that morning.

>Bad idea, you should have just pushed through it.

>You could feel it taking its toll on you as you mix a bowl of dough.

>You toss a tray of unbaked cupcakes into an oven as one of the two owners attempts to enthrall you with the history of the store.

>"Sugarcube Corner's been in the family for about six generations now."

>You don't disbelieve that.

>Even as anti-social as you are, you've made trips to the library and studied the history of the town.

>There were records and books and documents tucked away in the Magic wing that told of six friends who protected these lands.

>One of them, the supposed librarian, grew up to be a princess.

>You would have thought it was some overly imaginative author's story.

>However, that very same princess had popped into the library for a nostalgic visit one day while you were reading.

>You had already met Princess Celestia and Princess Luna shortly after arriving in Equestria.

>The two of you conversed shortly before one of her guards alerted her that urgent matters had popped up in Canterlot.

>She bid you farewell and said she would come back to visit soon.

>That was four years ago, and you haven't seen her since.

>Then again, soon to the immortal alicorns must be later to the mortal creatures of this world.

 

>"Anonymous? I think those cupcakes are done."

>Your boss's voice snaps you out of your daydream.

>You shake your head lightly as you remove the fresh-baked cupcakes from the oven's maw.

>"Something on your mind?"

>You look out the window, at all of the ponies going about their very merry business.

>Part of you wishes you weren't so resentful of them, despite their scorn towards you.

>Part of you just wants a real friend to hang out with.

"Nothing, just a trip down memory lane."

>Turning from the window, you spread the batter you were mixing into a cakepan.

>"I think, maybe, you should take the rest of the day off. You've done quite a bit today already."

>And here we go.

>She does this every other day.

>You start thinking about your life.

>You get existential.

>She notices you aren't focusing.

>She tells you to take the day off.

>And what's honestly worse is that she pays you for the full day.

>"We already know how this conversation is going to pan out, dearie."

>You turn to her and smirk.

>"You'll say you're fine, I'll insist that you take the day off."

>You're nodding at this point, already wanting the conversation to be over.

>You don't like it when people do that thing where they explain the conversation.

>It's just like actually having the conversation.

>"Then go. Go do whatever it is you do to relax."

 

>You hang your apron on a coathanger by the door as you leave Sugarcube Corner.

>You had only been in there for four hours.

>You decide to head to the library and read up on bat ponies.

>After all, why not?

>Speck could be your first real friend in this colorful world.

>The walk there is pleasant.

>The weather is nice.

>The sun is shining.

>A few ponies stop you on the way there and ask how you're doing.

>You exchange a few pleasantries before excusing yourself.

>Being anti-social doesn't mean you can't be nice sometimes.

>You just have a little trouble staying in conversation and meeting new people.

>Or rather, ponies.

 

>You arrive at the library.

>As you place your hand on the door.

>For a wooden structure, it feels soft.

>Comforting.

>Like it was a gateway to an adventure, or that it hid something pleasant.

>Unlike the doors back on Earth, those that felt hard and uninviting, or hid something dark.

>That could just be all of the thriller novels and horror movies you watched back on earth though.

>Things like that could really get to you.

>A soft groan rises from your throat as you open the door, those thoughts having pushed themselves to the forefront of your mind.

>The inside of the library reveals itself from behind the door.

>You step inside, wishing the librarian a peaceful morning as you head into the Kindness wing.

>This was where every book on any organism was stored.

>So logically, bat ponies would fall into this category.

>You walk over to the section labeled 'b' and begin your search.

>You glance over the spines of several dozen books before finding one titled "Bat Ponies: Everything You Need To Know And More."

>The book looked ancient, at least a few centuries old.

>Hopefully the contents were still relevant to this day and age.

"Let's see here."

>Bat ponies bear many physical similarities to pegasi.

>The main differences are their slitted eyes, small tufts of fur on the tips of their ears, bat wings, and fangs.

>Bat ponies come in two main sub-species: blood-drinkers and fruit-eaters.

>These two sub-species are easily differentiated by their fangs.

>Where blood-drinkers have especially sharp fangs, fruit-eaters have dull, nubby fangs.

"Interesting, alarming, and at the same time... alleviating."

>You skip a few chapters and read on about fruit-eaters.

>While fruit-eaters have a very similar diet to most other ponies, they prefer fruits above all else.

>Fruit-eaters are especially fond of sweeter fruits and treat tropical fruits as a delicacy.

>Many fruit-eaters, just like blood-drinkers, sleep during the day.

>However, fruit-eaters are prone to take on the sleep cycle of anyp0ny they are close to.

"This is fairly straightforward."

>You skip a few more chapters and read about their magic.

>Bat ponies share many abilities with pegasi, such as the ability to move clouds.

>Unlike pegasi, bat ponies cannot control the weather.

>Bat ponies are, however, quicker to detect movements, and typically have more heightened senses than their pegasi counterparts.

>You skip around in the book at this point, reading tidbits of information on echolocation, more on their diets, more on the blood-drinkers, and so on.

 

>Several hours pass, judging by the clock's hands pointing at two o' clock.

>You feel like you've learned everything there is to learn from this book.

>You shelf it and leave the wing.

>Bidding the librarian a good day, you start the journey home.

>As usual, it's uneventful, save for a few ponies accosting you with polite hello's and how are you's.

>As you approach the door to your house, you feel almost as if something is... off.

>The window on the second floor is open.

>You remember leaving it open this morning.

>You shake the feeling off and open the door.

>Absolutely nothing out of the ordinary.

>You enter the kitchen.

>The table is cleaned off and Speck's groceries are put away.

>You must have done that this morning when you were in a hurry to make breakfast.

>You retrieve a glass from the cupboard and full it with water from the sink.

>Idly sipping at it, you re-enter the foyer and climb the stairs to the second floor of your home.

>You feel something off again, but quickly shake the feeling as you enter your bathroom to shower.

 

>One quick shower later, you step out of the bathroom wrapped in nothing but a towel.

>Going to your bedroom to get a change of clothes before the shower, while you live alone?

>Blasphemy.

>You cross the hall to your bedroom and place your hand on the doorknob.

>The feeling returns for a third time.

>It's something about doors that gets you after you spend a day with your thoughts.

>Paranoia seems to fit as a descriptive word.

>You ready yourself as you open the door.

>Nothing seems to be out of the ordinary, but the feeling persists.

>You step inside and look around.

>You check under the bed.

>You check behind the door.

>You look toward the closet.

>If there's something there, you'd rather be dressed before engaging it.

>Stepping over to your dresser, you open its drawers and dress as quickly as you can.

>Here comes the fun part.

>You sneak up to the closet's doors as quietly as you can.

>Your hand wraps around the handle as you take a deep breath.

>As soon as you fling the door open, you feel yourself falling backwards.

>You slam your head on the ground, your vision blurring and twisting.

>Whatever just hit you was startled, knocked you over, and darted to the other side of the room.

>You roll over onto your belly and try to get up.

>You feel too dizzy to stand, so you opt to sit and hold your head in your hands.

>As you rub your temples, you feel something heavy press against your leg.

>This is it.

>This is the end.

>Whatever you just frightened is going to kill you.

>Or, you think.

>Until it whimpers.

 

>You are now Speck.

>And you just floored Anon.

>Sure, you trespassed into his house and went to sleep in his closet.

>But you got hungry earlier in the day.

>So you came here to pick at your groceries.

>You heard him come into his bedroom.

>You heard his light footsteps.

>He woke you up.

>You thought if he stayed away from the closet, you'd be save.

>But you hear him approaching, so you formulated a quick plan to fly past him and out the window.

>Obviously, that didn't work as well as you had hoped.

>You place a hoof on his leg and sit in front of him.

>He looks like he's in pain, and it's worrying you.

>What might have been your first friend, ever, is probably going to hate you.

>You whimper lightly.

"Anon... are you okay? Did I hurt you?"

>You bite your bottom lip, worried he might yell at you.

>Or hit you.

>Or hate you.

>You think you'd rather him hit you, than hate you.

>He shakes his head, placing his hand on your hoof.

>You look down briefly, still worried and anticipating his answer.

>"I think I'll be fine, Speck. What exactly are you doing, hiding in my closet, anyway?"

>You blush and look away, trying to come up with a good excuse.

>You take a deep breath and go for it.

"I was hungry, so I came over, and you weren't here, so I let myself in, and then I started looking around, but I got really tired and didn't think that I could fly back to my tree, so I crawled into your closet and went to sleep."

>As soon as you finish, you bring you hooves up to your face and try to hide.

 

>You are Anonymous again.

>And you are trying really hard not to laugh.

>One, because it might hurt your head.

>Two, because it might hurt Speck's feelings.

>Her long-winded run-on explanation, followed by her poor attempt to hide her face melted your heart.

>You reach down to her and pull her into a short hug.

>It might reassure her that you aren't mad.

>You really aren't mad, just a little surprised.

"It's okay, Speck. Do you want to go back to sleep? I don't mind you hanging around in the closet."

>She gasps.

>You don't think she gasped at your offer.

>"Anon! I didn't know you liked puns, too!"

>You recall reading something about bat-ponies enjoying puns.

>You don't know what you said that was a pun.

"What did I say?"

>She nudges you and winks, smiling widely.

>"Hanging around."

>You sigh, your hands and your face meeting with such force that scientists could conclude the result of an unstoppable force meeting an immovable wall.

>The only thing you hate more than bats, is puns.

>"Anyways, sure. I can hang around for a while. Fair warning though, I might drive you a little batty."

>Her [spoiler]snickering intensifies[/spoiler].

>It's too cute.

>You almost can't handle it.

>You must escape before it's too late.

>You stand up and start toward the door.

>No pleasantries.

>No "see you later."

>You know she'll use another pun.

>And it won't even be the good, subtle kind.

 

>"Oh, Anon. Wait!"

>She trots after you.

>"I made some banana bread muffin batter earlier, using one of your recipe books, but I don't know how to use an oven."

>She's smiling up at you.

>You feel nothing but disgust.

>Muffin batter.

>That was obvious and subtle at the same time.

>You'll dub it, Schroedinger's Pun.

"If you're serious about having made batter, then I'll show you how to use an oven."

>She screeches with joy.

>You hear glass shattering in the distance.

>You lead her downstairs, and step left through the foyer into the kitchen.

>She rushes over to the fridge and pulls out a large bowl of batter.

>She was serious.

>You take the bowl from her and look into it, curious.

"Why banana bread muffins?"

>She smiles.

>You feel the earth start to shake.

>"Because I find bananas to be quite..."

>Oh, please.

>Don't do this.

>Have mercy.

>"Appealing."

 

>You feel your heart and mind shatter.

>Your spirit commits sudoku.

>You fall to your knees and cry.

>Only the dead may know peace from this punmancy.

>All the while, she sits there with a shit-eating grin, her keekeekee's ring in your ears.

"Can we please just bake these muffins so you'll go back to sleep?"

>"But Anon! I'm not even tired anymore!"

>It can't be later than 2PM at this point.

>The sun is still high in the sky.

>She's nocturnal.

>You remember their sleep cycles, and how they'll change with the ponies they're closest to.

>Can they change this fast?

>And you invited her to stay here for a while.

>With her on the same sleep cycle as you.

>And her thinking you love puns.

>Oh, this will be hell.

>"Anon, are you okay?"

>You snap out of your internal doomsaying.

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine. Let's bake these muffins."

>You stand, walk to the oven, and pull a muffin pan out of a cupboard.

>You place it on the counter top and begin pouring the batter in.

>Speck watches you carefully, her brow furrowed as she studies your actions.

>You place the muffins in the oven, set the temperature to "muffins", and contemplate the simplicity of p0ny appliances and how Speck couldn't grasp this.

>She is not a clever p0ny.

>You turn to her after setting an egg timer for thirty minutes.

"It'll be a while. Is there anything you want to do while we wait?"

>She tilts her head up, placing a hoof under her chin in contemplation.

>"Could you take me to meet some of your friends? I don't know anyone in town. Everyp0ny hides from me. I don't think they like me."

>Your friends.

>Ouch.

>You walk across the kitchen and sit down at the table.

>Get melodramatic, son.

"I don't have any friends."

>You can't count the Cakes at Sugarcube Corner.

>They're your bosses.

>You can't count the librarian, even though you see her nearly every day.

>She's more of an acquaintance.

>Speck flies over and sits across from you.

>"That's sad."

>You shrug and lean back in your chair.

>The two of you sit in silence for the next half hour.

>The timer rings, you get up, you take the muffins out of the oven, you place them on a tray.

 

>You are now Speck.

>Anonymous is holding you away from your precious muffins.

"Anon! Come on, let me have one!"

>You push against him as hard as you can.

>"They have to cool down, Speck."

>You struggle as much as you can.

>But, what's to be expected when you're being held down by a tall, bipedal hooman.

>You plead with him

>He gives up and lets you go.

>You pick a muffin up off of the tray.

>You take a huge bite out of it.

>Your eyes light up.

>Your wings flare out.

>Oh, Luna.

>This is the best thing you've ever eaten.

>It's like you died and went to p0ny heaven.

>You elicit a soft moan as you chew the muffin.

>Falling backwards, you writhe in pure ecstasy at how delicious this muffin is.

>Anon seems to have left the room.

>You don't care.

>You have banana bread muffins baked by angels themselves.

>Angels.

>You perk up and remember an old story your mother told you.

>Angels were mysterious beings that would look out for ponies.

>They would protect the ponies from harm.

>They would give them shelter.

>They would help them procure food.

>They would care deeply for the ponies until they could stand up on their own hooves.

>You always thought Angels were another name for parents.

>What if...

>What if Anon is an Angel?

>Your mother never described what an Angel looked like.

>You've never seen any creature like Anon before, anyways.

 

>You gasp and dart into the living room.

>Apparently he hears you enter.

>"Are you done making love to your muffin?"

>He's sitting on the couch reading a book.

>You climb up next to him and look over at the book.

>You can't read it, but that doesn't stop him from slamming it shut up throwing it on the table in front of you.

"What's that book?"

>"It's nothing."

>You reach for it, but he grabs your hoof.

>You look up at him, and he has a pained look on his face.

"I can't even read it. I don't see what the big deal is if I look at it."

>He sighs.

>"I don't care if you can read it or not, Speck. It's personal, and I don't want you looking at it.

>That is some of the stupidest logic you've ever heard.

>He looks up at the clock.

>You look with him.

>It's almost 4PM.

>He looks tired.

>You feel a little tired.

"What's in the book, though?"

>He lets out a very long, drawn out, and agitated groan.

>"It's a book about everything I've been through since I got here. It's a book about a lot of the things that happened to me before I came here. It's just personal, okay?"

>This intrigues you.

>He can tell by the look on your face.

>He adopts a very disgruntled look of his own.

>You lay across his lap and look up at him.

"Will you read it to me?"

>"No."

>You frown.

"Will you read it to me eventually?"

>He takes on a look of contemplation.

>"Maybe."

 

>You are now Anon.

>And you have an adorable little bat p0ny laying across your lap.

>She wants you to read your journal to her.

>That's not something you're ready to talk about to anyone.

>Let alone someone you've only known for a day and a night.

>"Anon?"

>You look down at her.

"Yeah?"

>"Are we friends?"

>You look up from her and think.

>Back on earth, you didn't consider someone to be your friend until you did something together.

>Play a sport, play a video-game, go to a movie, discuss some subject for over an hour.

>That might have been why you didn't have many friends.

>You hardly did stuff.

>Speck, though?

>You baked muffins together.

>You guess you could count that as part of the criteria.

"I suppose we are."

>You ruffle her dark turquoise hair.

>She sits up and hugs you around your chest as tight as she can.

>You hug her back.

>You can't help but feel a little happier now.

 

>You are Speck.

>You just asked Anon if you were friends.

>And he said yes.

>And you can't even contain how happy you are right now.

>The two of you migrated to the kitchen and have been eating those Luna-given muffins.

>Or, well.

>You've been eating the muffins.

>Anon can't have any.

>Because they're yours.

>He doesn't seem to mind.

>He's eating cinnamon raisin bread.

>You wonder if that's any good and reach over to his plate.

>He stops chewing and stares at you.

>"What're you doing?"

>You stop reaching and smile innocently.

"I want to see what it tastes like."

>He furrows his brow at you.

>He looks mad.

>You keep smiling.

>"No."

 

>You drop your jaw slightly in upset.

>Wait.

>Maybe he'll give you a piece if you tell him a good pun!

"Well, if you won't give me a piece of that bread, I'll just have to loaf about and rye until you share."

>You barely get the last word out before he throws a slice of his bread at you.

>It sticks to your face.

>You have achieved victory.

>You pick the piece of bread up in your hooves and take a bite out of it.

>It's bland.

>It's chewy.

>And it has raisins.

>You hate raisins.

>You elect to spit it out onto the table and put the piece of bread on his plate.

>His face is one of pure disgust.

>You can't blame him, maybe he finally realized how nasty that bread is.

>"Speck, that is absolutely disgusting! Pick that up and throw it away or eat it!"

>Oh.

>No, he just sounds mad now.

>You pick the piece of chewed up bread and throw it in the trash.

"How can you eat that?"

>You sit back at the table and take a bite of one of your muffins.

>"Because I like it?"

"But it has raisins. Raisins are gross."

>He rolls his eyes.

>You stick your tongue out at him.

>"I try to ignore the raisins, actually. If you get past that, it's not bad.'

>Now it's your turn to roll your eyes.

"Do hoomans lack taste buds, or do they just not have standards when it comes to their food?"

>"It varies from person to person. Some people like certain fruits, some people hate them."

>You ponder this for a moment.

"So some ponies like raisins? Does that mean there are ponies who hate bananas?"

>He nods.

>You gasp in horror.

"What kind of sick, twisted p0ny would hate bananas!"

>He laughs a bit.

>You frown and get up from the table.

>You turn to him as you leave the room.

"If I ever met anyp0ny that hated bananas, I'd have to make like one and split."

>You see him cringe and put his face in his hands.

>He sobs.

>You smile.

>You head up to his bedroom closet to take a nap.

 

A Feeling of Sadness - 1

 

>Day The Wall Comes Down in Equestria.

>You are Speck.

>It's been about a week since you met Anon.

>You've been living in his house since then.

>Not because you didn't have anywhere to go.

>But because he insisted that you stopped living out in that dark forest.

>It was like he was scared for you.

>You didn't mind it.

>You had someone to call a friend and a warm place to sleep.

>He didn't expect much from you either.

>Just that you don't destroy the house and keep it somewhat clean.

 

>Your days consisted of waking up in the mornings when he opened his closet to retrieve a coat.

>He would make the two of you breakfast.

>You would eat together.

>He would go upstairs and shower, then leave for work.

>You always took this opportunity to try to find his journal, never to any avail.

>After several hours of searching, you always found yourself sprawled out on the living room sofa.

>Moaning and groaning over how bored you were.

>And at this same time, ever day, the mailmare would knock at the door and deliver the mail.

>And another package addressed to you.

 

>There was a knock at the door.

>You roll off of the sofa and trot to the foyer, opening the door.

>And there stood the mailmare.

>Speak of the devil.

>She hands you Anon's mail and a package addressed to you.

>You open it, feeling absolutely nothing as a brick falls to the floor.

"Gee, thanks."

>You don't know the mailmare's name.

>You never asked.

>She was the only p0ny in town that didn't mind you.

>Except maybe the librarian.

>The mailmare leaves, continuing her daily business.

>You close the door and take the brick up to the guest room.

>Anon insisted that you sleep in there, but you always found the closet to be more cozy.

>You step into the room and sigh in disgust.

>Nearly five hundred bricks line the walls of the room, blocking the window and closet.

>You don't know why you moved all of your bricks from your tree to this room.

>They were all you had to call your own.

>You stack the brick up with the others and leave the room, scoffing at your sentimentality.

>Your hooves carry you back downstairs, into the foyer, and out the door.

>No use being stuck inside all day with nothing to do.

>Maybe you could try talking to some of the other ponies?

>Yeah, that doesn't sound like a very good plan.

>You decide to take a trip to the library.

>There might be more to do there than at Anon's house.

 

>Your stomach rumbles on your way there.

>You can probably blame that on the delicious smell wafting from Sugarcube Corner.

>Anon has mentioned that he works there.

>A short visit couldn't hurt, could it?

>After all, you've never been inside since it has always closed before you woke up at night.

>You trot inside with a cheerful hello.

>And you are responded to with a horrified scream.

>This is always the first reaction you get when a p0ny first sees you.

>It's upsetting.

>And you feel like you're about to cry.

 

>You are now Anon.

>And the most startling scream you have ever heard has just caused you to drop a pan of fresh blueberry muffins.

>Great.

>Mrs. Cheese Cake must have seen a rat skitter by or something.

>You pick up the muffins quickly and place them on a tray.

>Five second rule.

>You grab a broom by the door as you walk out into the front-end of the store.

>The first thing you notice, as Mrs. Cake continues her wailing, is Speck huddled in the corner by the entrance.

>She looks like she's crying, but she's turned away from you.

>First things first, you place your hand on Mrs. Cake's shoulder and beckon her back into the kitchen.

"I'll take care of this, Mrs. Cake. Just go in there, stay calm, and leave everything to me."

>She nods, still scared stiff.

>You rush over to Speck and kneel down by her.

>You can feel Mrs. Cake watching you from the kitchen.

>You place a hand on Speck's back and stroke her gently.

>She flinches at your touch before recognizing your presence.

>She turns to face you, her tear-stained cheeks revealing themselves to you.

>"Why does everyp0ny hate me?"

>You can't hold these feels.

>You can't imagine how she's felt all her life.

>Your five years here have been met with p0nies who only showed you kindness, very few actually being terrified of your presence.

>Speck, on the other hand.

>You pick her up and hold her in a tight hug.

>She wraps herself around your torso, her face burying into your chest.

>You can feel your apron begin to soak with her tears.

>You sit against the wall and hold her for what seems like an hour.

>Mrs. Cake had stopped watching you once you'd turned to face the rest of the shop's interior.

>Speck just sobs into you.

>All you can do is stroke her mane and back.

 

>After a while, she quiets down.

>Nothing but steady breathing.

>She might be asleep at this point.

>Only one way to find out.

"You know, Speck. As batty as you may drive me, I'll never leave you hanging when you're feeling upside down."

>You're writing that suicide note tonight.

>You can't believe that just came out of your mouth.

>You hate bats.

>You hate puns.

>You hate bat puns the most.

>There's a small explosion of snot and tears as she begins laughing through her sadness and fears.

>Absolutely disgusting.

>She looks up at you, flashing her fangs with a smile.

>You smile back and scratch behind her ears.

"Feeling batter?"

>You're skipping the suicide note and just jumping off a bridge.

>She nods, trying to suppress another fit of snickering.

>"Yes, I am feeling much batter. Thanks Anon."

>You opened the floodgates.

>The wall has come crashing down.

>The punpocalypse has begun.

>It's happening.

>Her stomach rumbles.

>She perks up, as if she remembered something important.

>"I'm feeling berry hungry, Anon. Are you baking anyfang good?"

>She's stretching it.

>She's really stretching it.

>There are knives in the kitchen.

>You could make it quick.

>She climbs off of you and starts toward the kitchen.

>You jump up and intercept her.

>She tries to move past you.

"Speck, I don't think that's a very good idea. Mrs. Cake seemed really startled."

>Speck frowns and looks away, kicking the floor lightly with a front hoof.

 

>You step into the kitchen to find Mrs. Cake pulling a pineapple upside down cake out of the oven.

>That's puzzling.

>Today was muffin and pie day.

>You start to speak, but she cuts you off as soon as you do.

>"Where's your friend, dearie? I figured while you were consoling her, I'd bake her something special to say I was sorry."

>She clears her throat.

>"I didn't know she was a friend of yours, and I doubt you'd keep bad company."

>That's reassuring.

>If p0nies were quick to judge Speck when she was alone, and react with fear.

>Then maybe they would give her a chance if you were with her.

>After all, despite your lack of social out-going, many of the ponies in town were fond of your presence.

>You hear a clopping noise from behind you.

>Speck enters the room, salivating and licking her muzzle.

>Mrs. Cake smiles to her, but you can see a bit of fear behind it.

>"Hello, dearie."

>Speck snaps out of her little trance and looks towards Mrs. Cake.

>She shies behind you and tries to hide.

>Mrs. Cake looks up at you.

>You kneel down and pull Speck in front of you.

"Mrs. Cake baked you something special to say she was sorry for reacting the way she did."

>Speck lowers her head and kicks at the floor.

>"I'm sorry I scared you, Mrs. Cake."

>"Oh, dearie. It's quite alright."

>Mrs. Cake smiles and beckons Speck to the cake.

>Speck looks back at you.

>You nod her forward.

>She approaches the cake.

>Mrs. Cake is smiling, but there's no more fear behind it.

>It begins.

 

>Speck sniffs at the cake and casts a sideways glance at Mrs. Cake.

>Mrs. Cake nods, giving Speck the okay to take a bite out of it.

>Speck opens her mouth as wide as she can and sinks her fangs into the soft flesh of the cake.

>She sits there for what feels like an eternity, that one piece of cake still in her mouth.

>You don't think she's even chewed it yet.

>She's just sitting there, wide-eyed with her mouth half-way open.

>You look at Mrs. Cake.

>She looks back with a puzzled look on her face.

>You roll your eyes and shrug, signifying that this seems to be fairly normal.

>Mrs. Cake nods in understanding.

>Speck starts sobbing.

>She flattens herself to the ground and covers her face with her hooves.

>You walk over to her and kneel beside her.

>Your hand rests on her shoulder.

>"W-why is... is this th-the best cake... ever."

>She stands up and stares at the cake like it's a long-lost lover.

>Her tears still stream down her cheeks.

>Mrs. Cake is trying so hard not to laugh.

>She takes the cake and puts it in a box for Speck to take home.

>"Thank you Mrs. Cake."

>Speck smiles and turns back to you with the box on her back.

"I still have to finish baking and clean up here. Will you be alright getting back home?"

>She nods and nuzzles your leg as she leaves.

>As soon as Speck is out the door, Mrs. Cake doubles over in laughter.

>"Oh... oh, dearie. Wherever did you find her?"

>You sigh and lean on the counter in the middle of the room as you start to regale Mrs. Cake with your story.

 

>You are now Speck.

>And you got a free pineapple upside down cake.

>You rank it up there with those banana bread muffins Anon helps you make.

>He's going to have to help you make this cake from now on.

>Your journey home is short and uneventful.

>Aside from some of the p0nies hurling insults at you.

>The more they throw, the faster you trot.

>You rush into Anon's house, throw the cake on the kitchen table, and rush upstairs and into his closet.

>You curl yourself up into a ball and cover yourself with his coats and some of his dress-shirts.

>You cry until you fall asleep.

>Sleep has always been a great escape for you.

>Luna's love for her bat-p0nies gives them nothing but peaceful and happy dreams.

>It's almost unheard of for a bat-p0ny to have nightmares.

>You dream of cakes and muffins and fruits.

>You dream of Anon, and how kind he has been to you.

>You dream of you and him moving away from everything to live in a huge treehouse.

 

>You are now Anon.

>It's been a long day at Sugarcube Corner.

>You brought home a banana cream pie for Speck.

>Mrs. Cake has always taken quite a liking to anyp0ny that loves her cooking.

>Speck left her cake out on the table.

>Shaking your head, you put it in the refrigerator with the pie and leave the kitchen.

>You go upstairs to your bedroom.

>The open closet catches your eye almost immediately.

>That's odd.

>Speck always sleeps with the doors closed.

>You look inside and find her curled up in your clothes.

>Her cheekfur is plastered down by tears.

>Something must have happened to her on the way home.

>She shivers.

>You pick her up and wrap her in a blanket from the shelf.

>You pull your journal out from behind the headboard of your bed and take her downstairs.

>She tucks herself tightly between your arm and chest as you lay down on the sofa in the living room.

>You pluck a pen from the table and start writing about the day's events in your journal.

>Everything from the morning, to everything you thought about, to what happened at Sugarcube Corner.

>You finish writing, close the book, and toss it onto the table.

>You twist to lay on your side and hold Speck as close as you can.

>No one should have to go through what she's gone through.

>You close your eyes and hug her tightly so she'll know she's safe.

>Sleep overtakes you, but you have no dreams.

 

A Feeling of Sadness - 2

 

>You are Speck.

>And you have just woken up.

>Anon is curled up beside you.

>He's holding you close to him.

>He feels so warm.

>You both lay on something soft.

>Your eyes adjust to the darkness after a few minutes.

>You're on the sofa.

>That must mean you're in the living room.

>Anon must have found you sleeping on the floor of the closet.

>Your mother's words ring in your ears.

>"Angels take care of p0nies, little one."

>You smile and press yourself closer to him.

 

>Your tummy grumbles at you.

>You whisper to it, telling it to shut up.

>It grumbles again, slightly louder.

>You sigh.

>Conceding to such a worthy opponent is not dishonorable.

>You wiggle out of Anon's embrace and tumble over the arm of the sofa.

>Anon stirs a little as you head left into the foyer, and then into the kitchen.

>You flip the dimmer switch to where you can see, but not to where it's so bright that you go blind.

>You climb up to the kitchen table, ready to partake in some of that delicious pineapple upside down cake.

>Aaaand.

>It's not there.

>You panic.

>Your cake is not where you left it.

>Anon wouldn't hide it from you.

>He isn't mean like that.

>You climb up on the table and look around the kitchen.

>A low whine begins to sound in your throat.

>You leap off the table, across the room, and onto the counter top.

>You throw the cupboards open, one by one.

>You search through them, throwing things all over the room.

>Your whine increases in pitch and volume as you stomp around.

>After a couple minutes of your tantrum you curl up in the middle of the kitchen.

>That delicious cake is gone.

>What cruelty is this, that you have been given such an amazing treat, only for it to be taken away from you.

>You sob into your hooves.

 

>You are now Anon.

>A crashing noise has just woken you up.

>And Speck is no longer in your arms.

>You hope she isn't destroying anything.

>You sit up, rub your eyes, and groan to yourself.

>Your bones crack as you rise from the sofa and head into the foyer.

>The light in the kitchen is on.

>There are plates and cups scattered everywhere.

>You are so glad you exchanged your glassware for plastic-ware when Speck moved in.

>You aren't even surprised to find her in the middle of the kitchen crying.

"What are you doing, Speck?"

>Your voice is flat.

>There is nothing she could say right now that would surprise you.

>She speaks up through her sobs.

>"My cake is gone. I left it on the table and now it isn't there!"

>She looks up at you.

>You squint at her.

>She gets up and gallops at you.

>You continue squinting.

>Don't you fucking dare.

>She tackles you to the ground.

>Her face is less than three inches from yours.

>She screams at you.

>"WHAT DID YOU DO WITH MY CAKE!"

>You close your eyes and sigh.

>God, she's cute.

"I put it in the fridge. Where a cake like that belongs."

>You feel her get off of you.

>She trots into the kitchen.

>You get up and follow her.

>She opens the fridge, pulls the cake-box out, and places it on the table.

>You sit at the table and stare at her.

"Are you going to clean this mess up?"

>She shakes her head, eyes closed.

>She looks pleased with herself.

"And why not?"

>"Because you hid my cake from me, and now I'm upset with you."

>She takes a bite of the cake.

>She tries her best not to open her eyes as she begins to tear up.

>She must really love that cake.

>You notice that she seems to cry a lot.

>Mostly over food.

>Did she never get to eat things like this while she lived in that tree?

 

>You stand up and start to pick her mess up.

>Why bother arguing with her?

>You look up at the clock hanging over the table.

>Speck said it was stupid that you only had two clocks in the entire house.

>She insisted that there be one in every room.

>You guess it saved you the trouble of having to walk around to find the time.

>The clock reads 11PM.

>You were asleep for five hours.

>She left Sugarcube Corner an hour before you did.

>You shake your head.

>You're going to be up all night now.

>Which sucks, because it's night time.

>And it's Friday.

>And there's never anything to do at night.

>Especially since it's Friday and you have no friends.

>Old habits die hard, don't they?

>Your gaze slowly travels to Speck as you raise an eyebrow.

>She stops eating her cake, a small piece in each hoof and her mouth full.

>Her gaze slowly meets yours.

>She swallows the piece of cake she was chewing.

"Hey Speck..."

>"Hey Anon..."

>You smirk.

>She smirks.

"Are you thinkin' what I'm thinkin'?"

>She looks down at her cake and furrows her brow.

>She starts to speak.

>You cut her off real fast.

"No. I am not thinking about your cake."

>She shrugs.

>"Then what are you thinking, Anon?"

"I'm thinking we go out and have some fun."

>She adopts a very grumpy look.

>"I'd rather stay here and eat my cake. I can go another day without scaring the daylights out of anyp0ny."

>You step over to her side.

>She sighs.

>She knows exactly what's about to happen.

 

>You are now Speck.

>Anon has kidnapped you from his house.

>You weren't done with your cake, and he decided to just pick you up and carry you out of the house.

>He is now carrying you off to the other side of town.

>You have no idea where he's taking you.

>You don't care what he wants to do.

>You want your cake.

>You open your mouth to speak.

"No I will not put you down."

>Rude.

>He won't hear you out at all.

>You flail your hooves, but to no avail.

>He holds fast.

>You grumble and give up.

>He stops walking and holds you up in front of him.

>There's a large sign above a set of double wooden doors.

"I'm not going in there.

>"You're going in there."

"No. I'm not."

>"Who's carrying whom?"

>You sigh.

>You bring your front hooves to your face as he carries you inside, to your doom.

>Your doom, of course, being the popular foal's play-place and pizzeria: "Lipizzan."

>It sounds more like a fancy restaurant, in your opinion.

 

>You are now Anon.

>And you are having the time of your life.

>Sure, the games are kiddie and the pizza tastes like cardboard.

>But you're absolutely tearing up the inflatable obstacle courses.

>Speck, on the other hand, has been sitting at your table for the past half hour.

>She's still upset over the cake.

>You already told her it would be there when you got back.

>You finish slaughtering a few foals at the obstacle course.

>You flex on dismount and cheer for yourself.

>The foals' mothers glare at you in disgust.

>Whatever, let them step to you.

>Nothing can break your stride.

>You start walking over to Speck.

>She looks up at you and sighs.

>"Can we go now?"

"No. You haven't even played any games or done anything."

>She beats her hooves on the table.

>"But I want my cake!"

>You shake your head and sit beside her.

"You can have your cake after you start having fun here."

>"Anon, I'm not a filly anymore. I don't find stuff like this fun."

>You sigh and roll your eyes.

>So much for having fun on a Friday night.

>You have the worst friend.

"Why are you being so lame? Get up, go play some games, get into it. You'll start having fun in no time."

>She stares at you, clearly trying to bore into your soul with her eyes.

"Start having fun or I'll eat the rest of the cake without you."

>She darts off and disappears into a ball-pit, not even willing to risk your bluff.

>Sometimes, you just know exactly what to say.

>You leave the table, ready to play some P0ny P0ny Revolution.

 

>You are Speck.

>Anon can be such a jerk sometimes.

>Dragging you to this boring place.

>He knows none of the p0nies in this town like you.

>Except Mrs. Cake.

>But still!

>Does he really expect children to be nice to you?

>You've opted to hide on the top of a slide.

>It's dark up here.

>Nop0ny can see you.

>You look around and see Anon.

>He's flailing around like a dying fish.

>It actually looks like fun.

>You shake your head and furrow your brow.

>You're supposed to be upset right now.

>But he's having fun.

>You slam your hooves down on the slide in front of you.

>He doesn't even care that you're miserable right now.

>You'll show him.

>You'll show him that you don't need him to have fun.

>You can be fun!

 

>You fly down beside him and scoff.

"Having... fun?"

>You roll your eyes, trying as hard as you can to play it cool and act disinterested.

>He stops rolling around on the floor.

>"Yes. Are you?"

>You stand on the panel next to him.

"Oh yes, loads of fun. More fun than I know what to do with."

>You smirk.

>It's time.

"I've never played this game before."

>You look over at him and smile, batting your eyes at him.

>He starts to speak, obviously getting ready to explain it.

>You shush him.

"No, nevermind. I don't need an explanation. I'll just... wing it."

>He cringes.

>He stands up and brushes himself off.

>The look he's giving you right now.

>It could kill lesser p0nies.

>"You know what Speck. Fine. We'll leave."

>You frown and give a long and drawn out "awww."

"But I was just starting to have fun!"

>Puns are fun.

>Especially when they upset Anon so much.

>You learned earlier in the week that he absolutely despises them, so now you use them as a tool to get your way.

>"Then I'll just leave without you. You ruined the mood."

>You shrug and follow him as he starts to leave.

"That's fine by me."

>The two of you leave the building.

>Anon starts walking in the direction of his house.

>You follow him, hovering by his side.

>He looks upset.

>Really upset.

>And it's making you feel a little upset too.

>You reach a hoof to his shoulder.

>He jerks it away and starts sprinting off.

>This catches you by surprise and prevents you from chasing after him as he turns a corner.

 

>You are Anon.

>And you really don't want Speck to see you cry right now.

>That pizza place reminded you so much of when you were a child.

>Your mom would take you to Chuck E. Cheese's or Discovery Zone.

>And you'd be entertained for hours on end.

>You thought Speck might have liked it.

>She didn't.

>And you know she didn't.

>You find yourself approaching the library.

>All of the lights are cut off.

>You sit at its back and place your head in your hands.

>And you cry.

>You cry to yourself because everything's gone.

>Five years here, in this almost-too-perfect land.

>And it finally gets to you that you can't go home.

>You did a really good job of ignoring those feelings.

>Even when you first arrived.

>You thought it was a dream.

>You thought maybe you died.

>You never really transitioned into the grieving stage of it all.

>Life was always very "get up and go" for you.

>Never stop.

>Never look back.

>You had one speed.

>You had one gear.

>Go.

>But everything just crumbled down all at once.

>And it hurts.

 

>You feel two arms wrap around your neck.

>A perfectly soothing voice whispers into your ear.

>"Everything's going to be okay, Anon. I'm sorry."

>You look up, but everything's blurred from your tears.

>All you see is a gray blob with orange in the middle.

>You try to blink it away, but give up.

>You bury your face in Speck's shoulder.

>You wrap your arms around her torso.

>And you cry on her.

>She doesn't seem to mind.

>She just rubs your back and coo's to you.

>She gives you little reassurances that everything will be okay.

>She holds you like you held her that morning.

>You feel her press her nose to into your hair.

>You feel her lips press to your forehead.

>You pull away from her and shake your head.

"Thanks Speck."

>Her embrace tightens around your neck.

>"It's no problem, Anon. You did the same for me."

>You stand up and rub your eyes.

>She hovers beside you.

>She takes your hand up in her hoof and leads you towards your home.

 

A Feeling of Joy - 1

 

>Day Day Before The Longest Day In Equestria in Equestria.

>You are Speck.

>Tomorrow marks the day of the one-thousand-three-hundredth Summer Sun Celebration.

>Everyp0ny has been working as hard as they could.

>Princess Celestia was going to be there, of course.

>But you had also heard that Princess Twilight Sparkle and Princess Luna would also make an appearance.

>Princess Luna.

>Maybe you'd get to talk to her.

>Maybe she'd ask you to serve in her Night Guard!

>You smile as wide as you can, the butterflies in your stomach rampage.

>"Uh... Speck? Are you alright?"

>You look up at him, your hooves covering your mouth.

>You answer him with the faintest whisper.

"Princess Luna is coming to P0nyville."

>You screech and flail your front hooves against his leg.

>Anon begins walking away from you.

>P0nies begin to stare.

>Some even giggle at your display.

>You've been so much happier since you and Anon started appearing in public together.

>Many of the p0nies that liked him stopped acting so apprehensive around you.

>And many of the p0nies were acting friendly toward you.

>It's only been a month since you met Anon, and your life has taken a turn for the better.

>He makes you feel so happy.

 

>You look up at the clock tower in the center of town.

>11AM.

>You wonder when the princesses were supposed to get into town.

>Probably later in the day.

>You shrug and gallop in the direction Anon went.

>Passing Sugarcube Corner, you ask Mr. Eccles Cake which way Anon went.

>He grumbles and points you toward the library.

>Anon told you once that Mr. Cake wasn't fond of many p0nies.

>You never took anything Mr. Cake said or did to heart.

>You start towards the library, wishing several p0nies a good morning as you pass them.

>It's nice, not being hated or feared.

>You push the door to the library open as soon as you arrive.

>The librarian looks at you, clearly startled.

>She rectifies this by smiling warmly at you and pointing towards the Magic wing.

>You don't think she's ever seen you without Anon nearby.

>That was probably how she knew you were looking for him.

>You thank her with a smile and walk into the Magic wing.

>Anon is sitting at a small table near the back corner of the room.

>And he's sitting with Princess Twilight Sparkle.

>You hide behind a bookshelf, watching and listening to them.

>"So, you found her lurking around your house in the middle of the night, and you just took her in?"

>Anon nods.

>Are they talking about you?

>You try to sneak closer, but trip and knock over a small shelf stacked with books.

>Good job Speck.

>You blew your cover.

>Anon groans as Twilight giggles.

>"Speck."

>You approach the two of them and look up at Anon.

>He reaches for you.

>You flinch.

>He places a hand on your head and ruffles your mane.

>"So this is the infamous Speck? It's a pleasure to meet you."

>She extends a hoof.

>You nervously take it.

>One of the princesses is talking to you.

>And now she's shaking your hoof.

>"My name is Princess Twilight Sparkle, but you can call me Twilight."

 

>She's nice.

>Her smile is warm.

>And her voice is as soothing as any mother's could be.

>You guess that goes along with being a princess.

>You look over at Anon.

>He's reading a book about the Summer Sun Celebration.

>Twilight lets go of your hoof and turns back to Anon.

>Anon sets the book down.

>"So you've been a princess for three-hundred years?"

>"Give or take."

>He scratches his head.

>"And this Celebration is to celebrate the sun?"

>She nods.

>"And it started thirteen-hundred years ago to celebrate to fall of Nightmare Moon."

>"Right."

>"And Nightmare Moon was Princess Luna."

>Your ears perk at Princess Luna's name.

>You remember hearing stories of her corruption and her fall as Luna, and her rise and fall as Nightmare Moon.

>You pipe up before Anon can say anything else.

"Is Princess Luna coming to the celebration?"

>Your outburst catches Twilight and Anon off guard.

>Twilight giggles.

>Anon goes back to his book.

>"Why, yes. Yes, she is."

>You feel your heart sink and your stomach flip.

>She's going to be here.

>THE Princess of the Night.

>"If you'd like, I could introduce you to her."

>You have no reaction to this.

>You have no face to express how overjoyed you are.

>You sit there.

>You do nothing.

>Anon puts his head in his hands and whispers.

>"Here we go."

>Twilight looks over at him.

>A low screeching begins to sound throughout the room.

>"What is that?"

>Anon holds a finger up, signalling Twilight to wait.

>Your [spoiler]screeching intensifies[/spoiler]

>Twilight has no time to react to you leaping across the table at her.

>You grab her into the tightest hug you can.

"OhLunaIcan'tbelievethisishappeningyou'rethebestPrincessTwilight."

 

>You are now Anon.

>You might get diabetes if you hang around this little bat p0ny any longer.

>Twilight looks up at you as she lay on the floor.

>Speck binds her in an overzealous hug.

>"Help... me..."

>You look away from Twilight, a smile slowly creeping across your face.

"Speck, get off of her. I don't think that's any way to treat royalty, no matter how casual they're being."

>You can feel the room get hotter from the intensity of Speck's blush.

>"I'msorryI'msorryI'msorry. I'm soooo sorry."

>"It's quite fine, Speck. You remind me of a certain friend of mine from a long time ago."

>Her friends.

>That must have been hard.

>This library was her home once.

>And this town was where she lived, so long ago.

>You've read the stories of how she became an Alicorn.

>You've read all about her coronation and everything she went through.

>But you've never once read anything about how she reacted to her friends' passings.

>You can't even fathom that feeling.

>You living forever, while everyone you know and love passes before your eyes.

>Her friends, her parents, her brother.

>Speck climbs into your lap, waking you from your musings.

>You smile and stroke her mane and give a little scratch behind her ear.

>"You two are lucky to have each other."

>Twilight smiles at you.

 

>Her horn starts to glow.

>A small scroll materializes in front of her.

>She sighs and opens the scroll.

>She reads over it and turns back to you and Speck.

>"Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are about to be at the banquet to celebrate the Apple family."

>Yeah, you remember reading something about the Apples.

>You've never talked to any of them at length.

>They seemed like an alright bunch.

>You read that they were the ones who founded P0nyville about four hundred years ago.

>And that one of Twilight's friends was a part of that family.

>Speck was already out the door of the library.

>Twilight stood at the door that led back into the lobby.

>"Anon, are you coming?"

>You should stop thinking.

>It tends to distract you.

>It warps your sense of time.

>You stand and follow Twilight out.

>Speck is already outside zipping around the sky with excitement.

>She's about to meet two more princesses today.

>One of which is her hero, you guess.

"Hey Twilight."

>She looks up at you, giving a small "hm?" in response.

"Aren't there four princesses in total?"

>She nods.

>"Yes, but Princess Cadance doesn't normally show up to these Celebrations. They coincide with another festival they have in the Crystal Empire."

>You nod your head and continue walking with her.

>Speck flies circles around you.

>Twilight has a very nostalgic look on her face.

>"She's an amazing p0ny, Anon. You must feel absolutely blessed to have her as a friend."

>You catch Speck in mid-air as she tries to pass you.

>You hug her tightly as she screeches from the surprise of being captured.

"I feel more than blessed, Twilight."

>Speck escapes your grasp and flies off.

 

"She makes me feel happy."

>Twilight d'awws.

>"Somep0ny's got a crush."

>You stare at her.

>You stare deep into her immortal soul.

>You stare so deep, that you can see everything she's ever been through.

>You can feel everything she's ever felt.

>And she can feel everything you've ever felt.

>Your stare could erode anything in the world into its final stages of existence.

>You could crumble mountains with this stare.

>Twilight starts giggling.

>"Oh, I'm just teasing you, Anon."

>Small horse, please.

>Your heart is failing you.

>"We should hurry, though. The banquet might start without us."

>You highly doubt that.

>Why would they start a banquet without a princess that pretty much grew up in this town?

>Let alone a princess that was friends with the family that founded it.

>She starts to gallop away.

>You're quick to follow her.

>Your thoughts can be put on the back burner.

>Speck notices you running, catches up to you, and hovers at your side.

>The two of you come to a halt next to Twilight as she sits in front of a very large building.

>It has a carousel theme to it.

"The Carousel Opera House?"

>Twilight nods.

>"Despite everyp0ny's differences. We were all the best of friends."

>She sighs.

>"Rarity was never able to bring herself to leave P0nyville."

>The three of you step inside.

>It's very posh in here.

>It makes you feel under dressed.

>Jeans, t-shirt, over-shirt.

>Nah, you always look good.

>"Rarity's dresses were eventually made popular, and sold by the hundred in Canterlot."

>Twilight leads you and Speck to the dining hall.

>"She made quite the fortune, and together with the efforts of the Applejack and the Apple Family, they expanded P0nyville."

>You stand outside the door, Twilight continues her story.

>"Eventually, Rarity tore down her boutique and erected this Opera hall. I believe her great-great-grand-daughter is in charge of it now."

>Twilight must have kept in touch with all of her friends' descendants.

>It makes you wonder if Twilight ever had any children of her own.

>Or if her brother did.

>Wasn't he married to Princess Cadance?

>You can't recall, but if that was the case, it would make sense that Twilight was the only living member of her close family.

>Twilight enters the dining hall.

>You and Speck follow.

>A large room opens in front of you, two long tables sit side by side.

>Princess Celestia sits at the head of one.

>Princess Luna heads the other.

>There have to be at least fifty ponies here.

>And judging by their cutiemarks, over half are Apples.

>There is no grand announcement of Twilight's arrival.

>Simply a nod from the Princess of the Sun and the Princess of the Night.

>They regard you in the same manner.

>You return the gesture.

 

>You met Celestia and Luna during your first few days of being in Equestria.

>They both insisted that you move to P0nyville and befriend the citizens.

>You did a horrible job of that.

>But they never minded it, as long as you didn't cause trouble.

>And you never did.

>Twilight takes a seat by Celestia.

>You and Speck take a seat by Luna.

>Speck can't contain herself, and she's doing her best not to embarrass herself.

>You won't give that very long to happen.

>"Good afternoon, Anonymous. How are you doing?"

>You shrug, take a sip of water that a waiter had brought you.

"Not bad."

>Luna looks to Speck.

>She smiles.

>Speck awkwardly smiles back.

>You smell spaghetti.

>"So, little bat p0ny. How did you come to meet Anon?"

>Speck taps her hooves together.

>You can see she's sweating.

>"I, uh... He... he found me in his... his bushes."

>Luna laughs heartily and places a hoof on Speck's shoulder.

>One of the waiters places a plate of spaghetti in front of you.

>That would explain the smell.

>Speck tenses up momentarily before relaxing completely.

>Any sign of her being nervous has faded.

>"Please, little p0ny. There is no need to feel so uneasy around me."

>Luna takes her hoof away.

>Speck grins at Luna.

>You lean over and whisper in Luna's ear.

"What was that?"

>"What was what?"

"She was just acting like a scared puppy."

>Luna chuckles.

>"The bat p0nies are my children, in a way. I am the Princess of the Night, and they are the Children of the Night."

>She looks to Speck.

>"And I consider myself to be their guide, and their mother. No matter if they drink blood, or if they eat fruit."

>Speck blushes, and Luna speaks up once again.

>"Wherever they hang, and no matter how batty they are."

>She boops Speck on the nose.

>Your head is already in your hands.

>The floodgates are opening.

>There's nothing you can do to stop it.

>Et tu, Luna?

>Speck's face lights up.

>She grins at you.

>You can't see it, but you can feel it.

>"I didn't know you liked puns, Princess! Anon loves puns!"

>You groan.

>"Hey, Anon, why don't you turn that frown upside down? You can't just hang around at a banquet feeling like a damp cave."

>Luna giggles at this.

>You turn around and tap Twilight on the shoulder.

>Her and Celestia turn to you.

"Do either one of you have a gun? Or a spell to make me deaf? Or better yet, just kill me?"

>They shake their heads and stifle a giggle.

 

>Luna takes a sip of her apple cider.

>"Anon, you haven't touched your spaghetti."

>Yeah you lost your appetite around when that first pun left Luna's mouth.

"Yeah, I guess I just had a big breakfast."

>"He's able to go an entire day with almost no food to go on."

>You stare at Speck, trying to find the pun in her sentence.

>She looks at you and smiles.

>"No?"

"No."

>She snickers.

>Luna also snickers.

>Something just happened and you have no idea what.

>This makes you uncomfortable.

>You pick up your glass of water and your plate of spaghetti and move to the other table.

>You'll sit with Twilight and Celestia.

>At least they don't act crazy.

 

>You are now Speck.

>You and your hero, Princess Luna, are having fun throw puns and jokes at each other.

>She says it's been a long time since she's seen any of her bat p0nies.

>She hasn't even visited Hollow Shades within the past hundred years or so.

>You find that sad.

>You're the first bat p0ny she's seen in so long.

>It's been almost three since you saw one.

>Luna's laughter dies down as she sees you frowning.

>"Does something trouble you, dear Speck?"

>You nod a little bit.

>"Pray, do tell."

>You look across the table, past Twilight, and stare at Anon.

"Are angels real?"

>Luna looks away from you, her mouth slightly open.

>She sighs and shakes her head, offering you a small smile.

>"Some p0nies believe they are. Why do you ask?"

>You rub a hoof along your neck.

"My mom used to tell me stories about them. And I figured, since you've been around so long, maybe you knew?"

>Luna chuckles a little and casts a glance over a Celestia.

>"I'm not completely sure, Speck. I believe they did, at one point. Some p0nies say they still walk among us, though."

>She turns back to face you.

>"Maybe you'll meet one, someday."

>You smile threatens to rip you face in half.

>You can't contain the happiness you feel from Luna's words.

>She giggles lightly before excusing herself.

 

>You are now Anon.

>Luna and Celestia have been discussing the need to prepare for the ceremony for about half an hour now.

>Twilight excused herself from the banquet a short while earlier.

>The two remaining princesses excuse themselves, and the hall dies down.

>The banquet itself wasn't too bad.

>The food was good, the p0nies were nice.

>You met a good portion of the Apple family.

>Good, honest p0nies.

>You'll have to pay them a visit sometime.

>You look across the table.

>Speck is still sitting in the same spot, eating her fruit salad.

>You go and sit beside her.

>She smiles at you.

>It's a very small smile.

>But you can tell there's nothing on her mind.

"We should probably go to the ceremony."

>She nods and finishes up her fruit.

>She leans against you as the two of you head out of the opera house.

>She's acting weird, but you choose to ignore it.

>The rest of the day is going to be fun.

>You look up at the clock tower.

>2PM.

>Plenty of time to partake in festivities.

>Speck leads you off deeper into the town to go play some of the games that were already set up.

 

>Time flies, you and her help set more booths and events up.

>You see neither hide nor tail of the three princesses for the rest of the day.

>Speck starts to get tired around when the clock tower chimes 10PM.

>You figure it would be a good idea to get some rest before the festival really begins.

>You and your bat p0ny head back home to get some rest.

 

A Feeling of Joy - 2

 

>Day Longest Day In Equestria in Equestria.

>It's finally almost time.

>You, Speck, and every p0ny in P0nyville worked hard yesterday to set everything up.

>There is an adorable bat p0ny laying on top of you.

>Sleep did not come to you.

>Speck absorbed any of the sleep that was meant for you and took it all for herself.

>This was a predicament.

>Judging by the clock, Celestia was due to raise the sun in about two hours.

"Speck. It's time to get up."

>She hardly stirs.

>You pick her up off of you and hold her in the air.

"Speck, wake up."

>She starts to snore.

>On the inhale, it sounds like a typical snore.

>On the exhale, though...

>"Keekeekeekeeee."

>You set her back down on your chest and hug her tight.

>Not even the most stone-cold killer could resist that.

>You pray that the day she stops being adorable truly is the day the world ends.

>There will be nothing worth living for after this.

>Not even Mr. and Mrs. Cake's family Marzipan Mascarpone Meringue Madness recipe.

>If Speck were a cake, she would be that one.

>She still needs to wake her little bat p0ny butt up.

>You tap her on the shoulder.

>No reaction.

>You trace a finger lightly over her nose.

>Nothing.

>It looks like you're going to have to resort to extreme measures.

>You stick your finger in your mouth and get it nice and wet.

>She yawns, smacks her lips and snuggles back into you.

>It's now or never.

>You hold the side of her face with one hand and plunge your finger into her ear.

>She wakes up with a start and begins screeching.

>Hold formation, the beast must be slain!

>Her hooves flail and her wings flap as she tries to get away.

>Her efforts bear no fruit.

>"Why Anon! Why do you do this to me!"

>You cackle and remove your finger, pushing her off of your chest.

"Because, it's time to get ready to go see Celestia raise the sun."

>Speck jumps up off the floor with a gasp.

>She must have forgotten all about the festival.

>It was probably the excitement from meeting her favorite princess.

>Sitting at the same banquet as Celestia and getting to meet Twilight probably didn't help.

 

>"Anon? Are we going to go?

>She stares up at you with wide, pouting eyes.

>Focus is definitely something you need to work on.

"Yeah. Yeah, let's go.  I want to get as close to the stage as possible."

>You follow Speck out of the house.

>The two of you start for the town's main plaza, where most of the festivities were set up.

>And more importantly, the center stage of the event.

>It was a fairly simple stage.

>Flat surface.

>Few decorations.

>The only thing that you could say was interesting about it was the pedestal in the middle.

>Celestia would jump up as she raised the sun and align the sun, pedestal, and herself to cast her silhouette over the crowd.

>It was flashy and unnecessary.

>But it was their tradition.

>And, you guess, yours now.

>Speck has climbed onto your back and wrapped her limbs around your torso and neck while you were pondering the stage.

>"This is going to be my first time seeing Princess Celestia raise the sun."

>You reach behind her head to scratch her ears and pet her mane.

>She must have never been active during the day before you came along.

>Today was going to be a good day for her.

>Her first Summer Sun Celebration.

>She might get to hang out with Luna again.

>She'll get to play games and have fun.

 

>Speck nuzzles into your neck.

>You spaced off again.

>You really need to stop doing that.

>It's getting really bad.

>You're just really tired.

>It's been almost 48 hours since you had a full night's sleep.

>"I'm hungry, Anon. Can we go get something to eat?"

>Rumbles sound from your stomach, which causes Speck to giggle.

"Mmm. I guess we can."

>You tone of voice is one of feigned indifference and slight displeasure at her suggestion.

>She ignores it and points you in the direction of an exotic fruit vendor.

>Oh, here we go.

>Speck's about to have another one of her episodes.

>You walk over there with your bat-p0ny backpack.

>The vendor waves at the two of your.

>He must be new to p0nyville.

>You've never seen him before.

>He reacts to Speck in a manner similar to a treasure hunter finding untouched ruins.

>"Ahhh, a bat p0ny. I have many rare and succulent delicacies for sale. Might you be interested?"

>Speck is nodding.

>And drooling on your shirt.

>Why do bad things happen to good people?

>You look over the fruits.

>Bright yellow star shaped fruits, mangoes, durians, coconuts, some weird writhing tentacle fruit.

>Nothing that could be grown in the immediate area, that's for sure.

"See anything you want, Speck?"

>She nods and points at a mango, shying away and hiding her face in the back of your head.

>She still has trouble around new faces.

>But she's getting there.

"How much are the mangoes?"

>The vendor touches a hoof to his chin.

>"Hmm. I suppose I could part with one for free."

>Free is nice.

>But what's the catch.

>You squint your eyes at the vendor.

"What's the catch?"

>He chuckles and picks a particularly ripe mango up.

>"There is no catch."

>He tosses it up at you.

>You go to catch it, but a certain gray blob is much faster than you.

>She now sits on your shoulders, her hind legs wrapped around your neck.

>She's going to take a bite out of that mango.

>Its juices are going to leak down into your hair.

>There is nothing you can do about it.

 

>Her fangs pierce the mango's skin.

>They sink deep into its flesh.

>Her eyes close and she elicits a light moan.

>Mango juice drips down her chin and into your hair.

>It drips down onto your neck too.

>God, you hope that's mango juice on your neck.

>"Everything is worthwhile when your fruits can make a bat p0ny happy."

>If he knew Speck, he wouldn't say that.

>Any kind of food makes her happy.

"How much are the mangoes normally?"

>"Five bits for two."

>That's... not actually that bad.

>And they all look perfect.

"Where do you get these?"

>"Hollow Shades, to the north east. It's the primary home of bat p0nies."

>You shrug.

>You read about it in that bat p0ny compendium.

>It said something about them founding it and living there in hiding after Nightmare Moon was banished.

>It sounded plausible, but you don't really know.

>Luna refused to answer that question, and Celestia would not even allow the name Nightmare Moon to be spoken in her presence.

"I'll buy twenty."

>He looks surprised.

>Speck also looks surprised.

>You hand him fifty bits, and take the bag of mangoes he offers you.

>You and Speck thank him and walk around some more.

 

>You are now Speck.

>That mango was so juicy.

>When you bit into it, the juices leaked into Anon's hair and all over your front.

>You got some on Anon's neck too.

>Your Angel just bought you twenty more mangoes.

>Oh, you were going to feast for days.

>You still preferred bananas over any other fruit, but mangoes were the general favorite of your species.

>They were easily your second favorite fruit.

>Anon is carrying you around the festival areas.

>"Do you see anything you want to play, Speck?"

"Not really. We played almost everything last night."

>He sighs and starts heading towards the town hall.

>"I'm gonna see if I can find the princesses. Maybe we can kill time with them."

>You perk up and start screeching.

>Seeing Luna two days in a row?

>Life is too good to you.

>Speaking of...

"Hey Anon, how exactly do you know the princesses anyway? You seem pretty close with them."

>"I'm not that close to them. Celestia and Luna took me in for a while when I first came to Equestria."

>He scratches his chin.

>"They asked me questions for a few days before telling me to move here."

>You rest your chin on the top of his head as he continues.

>"As for Twilight, I met her in the library in town one day, by random happenstance. I thought I already told you all of this?"

>He did, several times.

>But you like to hear him talk.

>It isn't something he does a whole lot.

>You absolutely love his stories too.

>Especially the ones about before he came to Equestria.

>He still won't let you read his journal though.

>There are probably some amazing stories in there.

>Maybe more about those vidoo games he's told you so much about.

>You wonder if that has any relation to voodoo magic.

>He might curse you if you ask though.

>You dismount him as the two of you arrive at the town hall.

>It's big.

>And old.

 

>You enter after Anon.

>And sure enough, he was right.

>Princess Twilight and Princess Luna are here.

>They regard the two of you with warm smiles.

>You trot up to Luna and bow briefly.

"Good morning, Princess."

>"Good morning, little bat."

>Luna sits beside you.

>You look up at her and smile.

>"And how are you doing this fine morning, little one?"

"I've been alright, Princess. Anon and I have been hanging around all day."

>"I bet you've been driving him absolutely batty."

>The two of you giggle.

"Oh, I have. It's definitely helped to stirrup his emotions."

>"Oooh, you should be careful. He might try to harness his anger and-"

>A hand wrapping around her muzzle cuts you off.

"Hey, Anon what's the matter? Are you saddle so-"

>He binds your muzzle with his free hand.

>Luna giggles and you see her tongue slip between her lips.

>You see what she's doing.

>The two of you quickly lick Anon's hands.

>He retracts his hands and wipes them on his shirt.

>"That's disgusting! I can't get the feeling off!"

>He glares at both of you.

>"Why would you do that?!"

>You and Luna cast a quick glance at each other.

>She smirks at you.

>And the both of you say, in unison:

"Because your smile is turned upside down!"

 

>You are now Anon.

>And you don't ever want to feel the way you've felt today.

>Speck will never take you to a place you love.

>She will never take you all the way.

>So you ran.

>You ran so far away.

>At least you got away.

>Princess Celestia smiles at you as you sit beside her on the bridge leading towards Canterlot.

>"What brings you to this fine bridge, Anonymous?"

>She would never just call you Anon.

>It didn't bother you much.

"Your sister and my bat p0ny decided to start throwing puns around."

>Celestia chuckles.

>"Yes. Luna and her bat p0nies have always been quite fond of puns."

>Celestia knows how you feel then.

"How do you deal with it?"

>She leans into your ear, whispering.

>"If you can't bat them, leaf them behind in a-"

>You grab her muzzle.

>Royalty or not, she was your last safe haven in the small group of p0nies you called friends.

>Twilight couldn't even be trusted.

>There was a look in her eyes as you were leaving the town hall.

>Celestia started to giggle during your inner dialogue.

>You remove your hand from her muzzle before she can even get the idea to lick you.

>That was absolutely disgusting.

>"My apologies, Anonymous. I assumed that since you were so close with a bat p0ny, you appreciate their punmancy."

>Punmancy?

"Punmancy?"

>"Yes. On top of their heightened senses and reactions, they have a knack for puns."

>That is the worst racial bonus you have ever heard of.

>That's just... useless.

>Celestia sighs and starts to walk away.

>You walk beside her.

"Almost time for the big moment, huh?"

>She nods.

>"I have done this one-thousand-three-hundred times since I banished Luna."

"That's a lot."

>She laughs.

>"Oh, dear Anonymous. If only you knew."

 

>You follow the Princess of the Sun back to P0nyville's plaza.

>Twilight and Luna were waiting on the stage.

>Speck sat in front of the stage.

>She grins at you in a very devilish fashion.

>Speck, stop.

>You're going to die of sugar overdose if she keeps this up.

>She climbs in your lap and wraps her front hooves around your chest.

>"I'm sorry I upset you, Anon."

>Bawww.

>You can't handle her.

>You hug her tightly and stroke her mane.

>She moves her left hoof to your right shoulder and twists to get a good view of the Princesses.

>Celestia takes her pose and starts casting her magic.

>She steps forward, raises her head, and leaps into the air.

>The sun aligns perfectly with the pedestal and her body.

>And as the sun rises, you feel two fuzzy lips pressed against your own.

>Your mind speeds up and slows down simultaneously.

>Your bat p0ny was kissing you.

>You don't know how to react.

>You wouldn't know how to react even if you had the time.

>Speck pulls back from the kiss, smiling as wide as she can.

>[spoiler]"I love you, Anon."[/spoiler]

 

A Feeling of Joy - 3

 

>You are Anon.

>Speck kissed you when Celestia raised the sun that morning.

>You panicked and ran home.

>She tried to catch you, but you were somehow able to outrun her.

>The minute you got inside the house, you sprinted upstairs, into the bathroom to wash your hair and neck.

>Speck sat outside the door, waiting to pounce.

>She wasn't going to get that opportunity.

>You open the door.

>She looks up at you.

>You do your best to ignore it.

>You're busy being conflicted over your feelings.

>You don't need that adorable little bat swaying your feelings.

>"Anon? Are you okay?"

>Ignoring her, you walk past her and down the hall, to her room.

>You collected as many bricks as you could and sat down in the corner.

>A small box made of bricks was quickly erected.

>Speck watched you the whole time, and now sat outside of it.

>She wasn't doing anything.

>She knows you'll have to come out eventually.

>And you know the same.

>You were doing good on time so far.

>By your guess it was already noon.

>She taps on the box.

>You remove one of the bricks in the side and peer out.

>Her dull orange eyes peer in at you, a look of sadness glazed over them.

 

>This pulls at your heart, so you look away.

>"Anon?"

"Yeah?"

>She sticks her muzzle in the hole.

>"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that."

>You look at her nose.

>Her fangs poke out from between her lips.

>Why are you just now noticing the small things about her?

"It's alright, Speck. It was just... surprising."

>She smiles softly.

>Oh, come on.

>You push the brick against her muzzle and she backs out.

>You reblock the hole.

>She taps on another brick and it falls to the floor at your side.

>"Can you come out now?"

"No."

>She sighs and starts tapping on another brick.

>You replace the previous one before she knocks the new one out.

>"Please?"

"No."

>She starts stomping around the room.

>"Why not, Anon?!"

>You know why.

>You're scared.

>You're scared that you might actually love this bat p0ny.

>And you're scared that you might screw it up somewhere down the road and lose her as a friend.

>But she hasn't given up yet.

>Do you really think that she could ever hate you for anything you did?

 

>You are now Speck.

>Anon's being a little filly right now.

>He won't come out of his brick box, nor will he let you in.

>It's upsetting you, because you're scared you messed up.

>You thought he liked you like that.

>You thought that was why he put up with you.

>Wasn't that why he let you live with him?

>That was why he let you sleep in his bed, right?

>You're so close to crying, but the tears won't fall.

>You start tapping on more bricks.

>He replaces them as soon as you knock them out.

"Anon, please. I want to come inside."

>"No."

>You stomp your hooves again.

"Anon, if you don't let me in, I'll knock these walls down!"

>He pulls a brick out and looks through the hole.

>You can see tears in his eyes.

>Is he... crying?

"Anon...? I'm sorry, please don't cry! I'll go away, I won't bother you anymore!"

>He shakes his head and puts his hand through the hole.

>He caresses your face and scratches under your chin.

>Your tears finally trail down your cheeks.

>You lean into his touch, but he removes his arm as soon as you do.

>Looking up, you can hardly see anything through your tears.

>But it looks like Anon is removing the bricks from around him.

>He reaches under your front arms and pulls you into the small brick house.

>It's cozy in here.

>You whisper faintly, trying to cover up how shaky and cracky your voice is.

"I'm so sorry."

>He hugs you tightly and buries his face into your mane.

>You hug him back, nuzzling into his chest.

>"I don't want to see you cry, Speck."

>He strokes your mane.

>"I want you to be happy, but I don't think love is something we can really give each other."

>You're starting to feel sick.

>You try not to cry.

>You try as hard as you can to keep it down, but you can't.

>Anon's shirt soaks almost instantaneously as you begin to sob against him.

>He just holds you tighter as he strokes your back and mane.

>You feel him smile into your mane.

 

>"I think it's something we'd be better off sharing."

>You look up at him.

>You have the most angry expression on your face right now.

>He grins and reaches for your face.

>You back off of him and start hitting his chest with your hooves.

>He responds with a few faked 'oof's and 'ouch's.

>Your sobs don't stop as you hit him.

>He reaches for you and pulls you in for a hug as you slow your assault.

>You rest your chin on his chest, hooves wrapping around his chest.

"You're such a jerk, Anon."

>"I know."

>You snicker and press yourself closer to him.

>He hugs you tighter.

"Can we go enjoy the rest of the festival now, you drama queen?"

>"Me? A drama queen? I'm not the one who -"

>You place a hoof on his mouth.

>It's time to stop talking.

>He crawls out of the brick house with you in tow.

>You fly beside him as the two of you head downstairs and out the door.

>The entire town is filled with p0nies.

>So much so that Anon has a hard time moving through the crowds.

"Having trouble, Anon?"

>He grabs you and tucks you under his arm.

>"Yup. But now I'm not alone."

>You wiggle your hooves and try to flap your wings.

>You wish he'd stop holding you like this.

>But at least he's holding you.

>He makes you so happy, and even more-so that he feels the same way about you.

"Anon?"

>"Hm?"

"I want to ride that."

>You point off into the horizon, far to the other side of town.

>A large wheel with small carriages looms in the distance.

>"The Ferris wheel?"

>You nod and smile.

>He shrugs.

>"Sure, why not? We just have to get through this crowd."

>He continues shuffling through the many p0nies gathered around.

>It took a while, getting across town.

>Between you and Anon getting hungry and playing a few games along the way.

>Plus the massive crowd of p0nies all clambering to see the princesses or find food of their own.

>The clocktower says that about four hours have passed since you and Anon left home.

>Six hours until the sun sets and the festival ends.

 

>You are now Anon.

>Speck continues to wriggle under your arm as you carry her through the crowd of p0nies.

>She really is cute.

>And as much as you hate to say it, you do kind of feel the same way about her that she does you.

>You figured, why not?

>You've been in this world for five years and you've been alone the whole time.

>You gave up on any hope of returning to your world a long time ago.

>So again, why not?

>Speck was an absolute joy to be around.

>She was sweet, caring, funny.

>Albeit, a little obnoxious with her puns, but you guess you could get over it.

>"Anon? Why are you being so quiet?"

>You shrug.

"Just thinking about stuff."

>"What kind of stuff?"

>She smiles up at you and you smile back.

"Just stuff."

>She wiggles in your arm.

>"Can I sit on your shoulders?"

>You let go over her as you move into a less crowded space.

>She flies up behind you and wraps her hind legs around your neck, her forehooves holding herself steady as she leans against your head.

>She was still sticky from that mango this morning.

>And you still really hope all of it was just mango juice.

>The clocktower starts to chime.

>5PM.

>Five hours til sunset.

>You want to get to the Ferris wheel by then.

>Time seems to progress so quickly in this world.

>But you know that isn't the case.

>During your first week in Equestria, you sat in front of a clock and counted thousands as it ticked.

>Sixty thousands for a minute.

>Speck taps on your head and points toward a small tent.

>A Fortune Teller.

>That could be interesting.

>"Can we go?"

>She's excited over a carnival style Fortune Teller's tent.

>You are too, but you don't show it.

"Sure, I guess."

>Nonchalant attitude.

>Chicks dig it.

 

>You push through the crowd of ponies and look at a sign by the tent.

>Madame Lulamoon's Fantastical Tent of Fortune Telling.

>Ten bits per reading.

>Eh, why not.

>You had plenty saved up from your job.

>You never bought anything.

>"Ah, welcome, welcome. I have foretold your coming."

>This is so cheesy.

>"Let me guess..."

>The blue mare waves her hooves around a small crystal ball.

>"You are here to have your fortunes told?"

>Speck nods enthusiastically, taking a seat at the table in the middle of the tent.

>You sit next to her and slap ten bits on the table.

>Madame Lulamoon flips her white mane and waves her hooves in front of the crystal.

>She closes her eyes and hums a tune.

>It's calming.

>Speck has also closed her eyes.

>She smiles as she listens to the tune.

>Madame Lulamoon opens her eyes and gazes into the ball.

>She has a look of absolute pain and sadness as she addresses Speck.

>"I see... much pain and loss in your future."

>She smiles warmly.

>"But I see... much happiness and joy and love too. And what you believe the most, may very well be true."

>Speck stares up at you, a look of awe on her face.

>Madame Lulamoon turns to you.

>"And... and you..."

>You raise an eyebrow in anticipation.

>"I see much conflict in your heart. I see a fear in your soul."

>She has a look of absolute amazement now.

>"I see just as much happiness and love in your future as I do hers..."

>You raise an eyebrow.

>"But I see that you are not what you claim to be."

>No.

>This is real.

>This isn't some cheap trick, or flashy magic, or lucky guessing.

>You start to glare at the fortune teller her.

>She takes the hint and backs off, quickly coming up with some fake ending.

>"You are not the amazing baker everyone believes you are..."

>Speck giggles and bounces in her seat.

>"Oh, Anon this is so cool."

 

>Speck walks out of the tent, expecting you to follow her.

>You should make this quick.

"If you tell anyone what you saw, I will not hesitate to find you."

>Madame Lulamoon smiles.

>"I understand completely, Mr. Anonymous. You love that mare, and you would protect her from anything. Even the truth."

>You glare at her and stand, getting ready to leave the tent.

>"You know Princess Sparkle, do you not?"

>You turn and nod.

>"My great-great-grandmother was... a friend of hers. Before she became a princess."

"What does that have to do with me?"

>She smiles at you.

>"I'd like you to give her the Lulamoon family's regards the next time you see her."

>You sigh.

"Yeah. I'll do that, on one condition."

>Speck yells from outside the tent.

>"Anon! Hurry up!"

"Give me a minute, Speck!"

>You look at the fortune teller.

"Tell me what you saw in Speck's future that would cause her pain and loss."

>She sighs and stands from the table.

>She turns from you and shakes her head.

>"I'm not supposed to tell specific details, but for you... I can make an exception."

>She turns to you, tears in her eyes.

>"It is not her who will feel pain and loss. It is you, Anonymous."

"Me? Why?"

>She covers her mouth with a hoof, her voice barely audible.

>You make it out and feel absolutely sick to your stomach.

"Speck will perish in a great battle. You will not be able to stop it. I'm so sorry."

 

>You are now Speck.

>Anon is carrying you on his shoulders again, and you are having the time of your life.

>He's enjoying himself too, as he runs around.

>Everything you've suggested so far, he's gone out of his way to take you to.

>Ring toss.

>Bumper wagons.

>That lame, rigged bottle game.

>He's acting different.

>But not the bad kind of different.

>The good kind where he's more pleasant to hang out with.

>The clocktower chimes nine o'clock.

>Anon scratches your ear and you press yourself against the back of his head.

>"Ready for the Ferris wheel?"

>You nuzzle into his hair and smile.

"Yes."

>He starts walking over to the Ferris wheel.

>You weren't very far from it.

>He sets you down as you get in line.

>You walk forward, ready to take your seat in one of the carriages.

>Anon whispers something to the operator.

>The operator nods and smiles slyly at you.

>Anon steps back to your side and strokes your mane.

>"Ready?"

>You nod and smile at him.

>Your heart flutters when he smiles back.

>He climbs into the carriage and you follow him in, sitting beside him.

>The massive machine begins to whir and glow as it rotates.

>It does this several times as more p0nies board.

>The sun was starting to set as the ride began turning fully.

>Oddly enough, it stops as you and Anon are near the top.

"Did it break down?"

>"Probably. These kinds of things were shoddy back in my world, and I doubt they'd be much better here."

>You snicker and look out on the horizon.

>The sun was absolutely beautiful.

>You turn to Anon.

"So, about this morn-"

>You're interrupted as Anon grabs your face and swiftly pulls you close to his.

>He locks his lips with yours as you gasp from surprise.

>The kiss breaks off and you cover your mouth with a hoof.

>Your face must be more red than the sky right now.

>He chuckles and pulls you close to him, holding you tight.

>He whispers in your ear as you bury your face in his shoulder.

[spoiler]"I love you too, Speck."[/spoiler]

 

A Feeling of Pain - 1

 

>Day Rectifying Upsetting Spoiled Endings in Equestria

>You are Speck.

>Anon keeps telling you to sit down and jumping into other p0nies' way.

>You can't help it.

>You're on a train for the first time in your life.

>And all of the sights that fly by are so beautiful.

>It's like an early afternoon landscape being painted before your very own eyes.

>"I understand that you're excited, Speck. But please, you're upsetting everyone else on the train."

"But Anon! I get to see Hollow Shades after four years!"

>He rolls his eyes and gets up as you dart over in front of a mare and her two foals.

>The stallion sitting across from the mare doesn't take too kindly to your presence.

>You feel Anon slip his hands underneath you and pick you up.

>"I'm sorry, she's really excited to see her home town again."

>The stallion rolls his eyes and gets back to reading his paper.

>The mare just giggles and blushes at Anon as her foals shy away from you.

>That hurt.

>You loved children, so why were they always so scared of you?

>You flail your hooves, flap your wings, and twist in Anon's arms.

"Let me goooo!"

>"No. You're causing trouble and I don't feel like getting kicked off the train today."

>You grumble and curl up by his side.

>You look out the left window, the landscape passing as the train chugs on.

>A long mountain range starts to come into view.

>There is a large  forest surrounding it.

>You admire the beauty of it.

>It isn't as beautiful as the forest that contains your home, though.

 

>Anon looks at his map.

>"Well, it looks like we'll stop in Canterlot Mountain, and then catch another train to Hollow Shades."

>Canterlot Mountain?

>You climb into Anon's lap as quick as you can, slipping around as you excitedly shove your face in his.

"Did you say Canterlot Mountain?!"

>"Yes?"

>You screech happily.

>Canterlot was a beautiful city.

>You've only seen pictures of it, and heard stories.

>But to be that close to it?

>Oh, you can't contain yourself.

>You hug Anon around the neck as tight as you can and kiss his cheek.

>Canterlot Mountain was bound to have a lot of really neat things to see.

>"Why are you getting all excited over that? It's not like we'll even be there for very long."

>You roll your eyes.

>Yeah right you weren't going to be there for very long.

>You'll spend as long as you please there.

"Can't we just stay there over night? Please?"

>He folds his arms across his chest and shakes his head.

>"Absolutely not, Speck."

>You harumph and lay across his lap, pouting.

"Well fine. I guess I just won't [spoiler]kiss[/spoiler] you tonight."

>You roll over on your back and look up at him with a smirk.

>He's blushing.

>Yeah, you've got this in the bag.

>"F-fine. We can stay for the night."

>You jump up and hug him again, pecking him lightly on the lips.

"Thank you so much Anon."

 

>You are now Anon.

>It's been about two weeks since the Summer Sun Celebration.

>You and Speck had made your relationship official as the sun went down.

>Life was pretty much the same since then.

>The only real difference was that the two of you kissed sometimes.

>She had recently been talking about Hollow Shades.

>Specifically, her mother.

>You guessed that she wanted to see her mom again, so you caught a train.

>She was absolutely ecstatic to hear that you were going.

>She talked about her mother a lot.

>Mostly, it was just stories that she was told as a filly.

>Speck sat by the window now, looking out at the landscape.

>She finally calmed down a little.

>"Hey, Anon?"

"Yeah?"

>Her head turns as she looks at you.

>"Do you know what happens when we die?"

>Well that certainly came from nowhere.

"What do you mean?"

>This kind of talk always gets you nervous.

>"Like... where do we go? What happens?"

>Oh come on.

>Do we have to talk about this?

>Ever?

"I really don't know Speck."

>She adopts a look of worry.

>"What do you think happens?"

"I'm... not really sure. I guess we carry on to a new life? Like, we get our own..."

>You groan and lay your head back.

"I don't know, Speck. Why are you asking me?"

>She can tell you're getting uncomfortable.

>She looks away and snickers lightly.

>"No real reason."

 

>You sit in silence for the next hour, until you arrive in Canterlot Mountain.

>Speck runs off somewhere, leaving you alone.

>You shrug and walk off in the opposite direction.

>Maybe you could find some food.

>Or a present for Speck.

>Yeah, that sounds good.

>Food, then shopping.

>You pass by a few restaurants, but nothing sounds good.

>Might be because Speck isn't here.

>It felt kind of weird.

>The two of you had become so close, and you'd only known her for a month and a half.

>You thought it was longer.

>You stop in front of one restaurant.

>The smell of meat wafts through the air.

>"Gryphon Meat Bar."

>Aptly named.

>It had been a while since you last had meat.

>About a year, you think.

>And that was only because Mr. and Mrs. Cake had surprised you on your birthday with a large slab of meat.

>Birthdays...

>You don't know when Speck's is, now that you think about it.

>You'll have to ask.

>But for now, meat.

>You step inside and see nothing but gryphons.

>That's not surprising.

>What is surprising is that they all stop their conversations and stop eating the minute you walk in.

>That's not freaky at all.

>One of the bartenders yells at you.

>"'ey Freak! What's yer bus'ness?"

>Quick, think fast!

"Meat."

>You thought too fast.

>There is a massive uproar of laughter.

>Everyone goes back to their meals and conversations.

>Smooth is your middle name.

>Anonymous Smooth [statement redacted].

>That was your actual last name, too.

>Your parents had a sick sense of humor.

 

>You take a seat at the bar and the bartender hands you a menu.

>You look over it.

>A rare treat like this needs serious deliberation.

"Uhhh. Let me get the Artery Clogger."

>The bartender raises an eyebrow.

>You raise an eyebrow back.

>You aren't going to let some plebeian scum judge your taste in meat.

>Besides, chicken stuffed with cow wrapped in bacon sounds good.

>It came with a side of fried chicken strips, a cheeseburger, sausage links, and a cold glass of milk.

>Gotta stay healthy with that milk and celery.

>"Sure, tha'll be fifty bits."

>Worth it.

>You reach into your bag and pull out fifty bits.

>He takes them with a look of disgust.

>Your stride can't be broken.

>Your name isn't Anonymous Smooth Unbreakable-Stride [statement redacted] for nothing.

>Your food comes out several seconds after you paid.

>Fast service.

>You'll tip well, assuming the food is everything you remember it to be.

>You stare at the plate.

"What is this?"

>The waitress stares at you.

>"Is there something wrong?"

"Yes, there is. What's this green crap?"

>She stares at your plate.

>"That's celery. It's customary with all of our dishes, required by the Canterlot Health Ordinance of A.T. 134.

>You pick the celery up, stare her in the eye, and snap it into little pieces onto the bartop.

>She squints at you.

>You squint back and start flicking the little bits at her.

>"Oh, for Celestia's sake! Don't eat it, for all I care! Stop making a mess, you dweeb!"

>You stop, smirking.

>"I hope you're satisfied. I have to clean this too. Thanks a lot."

>You adopt a look of pure satisfaction.

>She scoffs and walks off.

>You pick the chicken-bacon-beef ball up and take a massive bite out of it.

>Your eyes widen and your jaw drops.

>Never again will you judge how Speck reacts to her food.

>You continue eating, eliciting lewd moans as you shovel the food down your gullet.

>The waitress looks like she's going to vomit as she cleans your mess.

 

>You are now Speck.

>Canterlot Mountain is everything you've heard about and more.

>Shops, food, fruit vendors, toy stores, jewelry stores, antique stores, magic artifact shops, and best of all, clothes stores!

>You never really wore clothes.

>And you don't own anything.

>Anon usually just bundles you up inside his jacket if you get cold.

>You trot inside one of them, smiling.

>The shop owner regards you with a smile.

>These higher populated areas were much more welcoming to bat p0nies.

>But you were never very good at meeting other p0nies.

>Though, that wouldn't be very obvious.

>Outside of bat p0nies, you've spent a secluded life from any other kinds of p0nies.

>"Good afternoon, miss. Is there anything I can help you with?"

>She sounds very posh.

"I don't really know. I kind of just wandered in here. I've never been around here, and I'm just winging my way around."

>You snicker a little.

>She offers you an awkward chuckle.

>"Well then, I don't supposed I could interest you in a coat? It gets chilly inside this mountain."

>You ponder for a minute.

>Anon has a coat with him.

>You can just use that.

"No thank you. Do you have any hats?"

>She shakes her head.

>"No, but there's a shop down the road that does. You can check there."

"Oh, okay. Bye, then."

>You wave as you leave and head down the road.

 

>The hat shop comes into view a short while later and you head inside.

>The owner waves at you and you wave back.

>"What can I do for you?"

"I was wondering if you had a hat that could fit a human's head?"

>He gives you a quizzical look.

>"A... hoo man?"

>You snicker.

"It took me a while to get it too. Umm... How about this?"

>You hold your hooves apart, about the width of Anon's head.

>"Hmmm. I might, let me check."

>You smile and bounce in place.

>The owner trots into the back and comes out a moment later with a strange looking hat.

>"It's something I've been trying to get right, but it doesn't look good on p0nies' heads."

>You stare at it.

>"I call it a fedora."

>You hum softly and put it on your head.

>It falls over your eyes and you gasp in surprise.

>You tip it back so you can see and look in the mirror.

>You turn your head from side to side and tilt it.

"Hmmm..."

>The owner looks at you in anticipation.

>"So?"

"I'll take it!"

>The owner smiles warmly.

>"It's twenty bits."

>That's a steal, for such a neat looking hat!

>It wouldn't look good on Anon, but it looked amazing on you.

>Anon didn't rarely wore short pants or t-shirts.

>He wore long pants, often with dress shirts and wool coats.

>That hat would definitely look bad on him.

>You pay the owner and leave, bouncing off in the direction of the train station.

>You had to show Anon this wonderful hat!

 

>You are Anon again.

>And that was the best meal you've ever had.

>You could feel the inner workings of your body clogging up and shutting down.

>You tipped the waitress and barkeep thirty bits each.

>The Cakes paid you well enough, and you rarely spent your money.

>The job was mostly just to kill time, since the house was paid for by the princesses.

>You wander around the shops in this part of town.

>One particular jewelry shop catches your eye.

>So you head inside.

>After all, you needed to get a present for Speck.

>"Welcome."

>You look over at the shopkeeper.

>He looks at you and raises an eyebrow.

>You wave.

>He closes his eyes, sighs, shakes his head, and walks off.

>You browse his wares.

>Necklaces, horn rings, bracers, bracelets, crowns, tiaras.

>Nothing that would really look good on Speck.

"Do you have anything that would look good on a bat p0ny?"

>The shopkeeper rolls his eyes.

>Jeez, this guy was just a little ball of sunshine.

>"I suppose we might."

>He ducks under the front counter and places a silver necklace on the counter.

>You pick it up and stare at it.

>Real silver, slightly tarnished, beautiful citrine gem embedded in the center of a small silver pendant.

>It was perfect.

"How much?"

>He perks up a little.

>"Five hundred bits."

>Steep, but for Speck you don't care.

>"There's a catch though."

>Well then.

"And that would be?"

>"It's enchanted."

>You raise an eyebrow.

>"Or, well. It's cursed."

>You very slowly put the necklace back down and squint at him.

"What kind of curse?"

>"The bad kind."

>You groan and walk out of the store.

>You don't want to know what the "bad kind" of curse is.

>Curses were typically bad anyway.

>It was probably some kind of weakening curse.

>Or soul drain.

>Did p0nies have that kind of magic?

 

>"Anon!"

>A bat p0ny accosts you.

>You don't recognize it under that hat, but it knows your name.

>"Do you like my hat?"

>You actually don't.

>Something about it infuriates you and reminds you of embarrassing feelings.

"No."

>"The shopkeeper called it a fedora."

>The flashbacks come like a hurricane of spaghetti.

>You remember everything.

>After five years of not being subject to that garbage, you remember.

>And it is a feel you do not want to feel.

>You calmly remove the hat from the p0ny's head, revealing Speck.

>You won't even ask why, nor will you wonder why you didn't expect this.

>"An-"

"No."

>You start to walk towards the train tracks.

>"Anon wa-"

"No!"

>You start to sprint.

>You only have one chance.

>You hear a train coming into station.

>If you can throw the hat, it will be gone from this world.

>And you will carry on with your mission to destroy all of them.

>"Anon, wait! That's the only fedora the shopkeeper had! I like it!"

"NOOOOOO!"

>With a flick of your wrist, you throw the hat under the train as it comes to a stop.

>Mission accomplished.

>Speck sits beside you as you flex in victory.

>"Why would you do that, Anon?"

>You can hear the sadness in her voice.

>But this was for the greater good.

"Personal reasons."

>She sniffs, holding back her tears.

>You look down at her and pat her on the head.

"It was for the best. Now come on, I want ice cream."

>She perks up instantly and flies by your side.

>"Can we get double scoops?!"

"No Speck. You won't eat all of it."

>She whines and smushes her face into yours.

>"Yes I will! I promise!"

"Fine, fine. You can have two scoops."

>She hugs you tight and screeches with joy.

>You hug her back.

>You'll harass her as much as you can, just for small moments like this.

>It makes everything worth it.

 

>You are now Speck.

>Anon threw your hat under a train.

>You liked that hat.

>But he was making it up to you with ice cream.

>And he even let you get two scoops!

>He never does that.

>You stand beside him in the ice cream parlor, deliberating over what flavors you want.

"Anon! I want mango and banana!"

>You bounce up and down like a little filly, giggling with glee.

>"I'll have two scoops of vanilla."

>The mare at the counter nods and smiles as she begins scooping your ice cream up into a cone.

>Anon tosses some bits onto the counter and carries your ice cream over to a booth where the two of you sit down.

>You hold your cone between your hooves and begin to [spoiler]scrape and lick[/spoiler] at it.

>Anon chuckles as he licks his cone.

"What's so funny?"

>He shakes his head and takes another lick of his cone.

>"The way you eat your ice cream."

>You shoot him a dirty look and continue eating your ice cream.

>"So are you going to see your mother when we get to Hollow Shades?"

>You nod and smile.

"Yeah. It's been so long since I've seen her. I want to see how she's doing."

>"I can't wait to meet her."

>You smile even wider as you lower your cone.

"She's going to love you."

 

>You eventually finish your cone after struggling from how full you were from it.

>Anon just glared at you the whole time you were trying to finish it.

>It was getting a little late.

>You wouldn't have been able to tell what time it was unless you had looked at the clocktower.

>9:45PM

>"We should find a place to sleep."

>You nod and lean against him as the two of you walk.

>You soon come across an inn.

>It looks nice, and the price isn't half bad.

>Anon pays for the room and you settle in, dropping your bags on one of the beds.

>You jump up on the second bed and curl up.

>Anon soon joins you.

>He pulls the covers over you and pulls you close to his chest.

>You snuggle deeply into him and smile.

>You cover him with a wing and hug his arm with your forelegs.

"Good night Anon. I love you."

>He presses his nose and lips into your mane, kissing softly.

>You tighten your grip on his arm.

>"Good night Speck. I love you too."

>You tilt your head back and gaze into his eyes.

>He meets your eyes with his own and smiles warmly.

>You close your eyes and press your nose into his neck.

>You soon fall asleep in his arms.

 

A Feeling of Pain - 2

 

>Day When Angels Cry in Equestria.

>The clock hanging on the wall of the inn read 7AM.

>You sit up and shake Speck lightly.

"Hey, wake up."

>She groans and hides her face in her pillow.

"Speck, come on. We're gonna be late."

>You get up and start throwing your clothes on.

>Speck rolls over and throws the covers over her head.

>Her voice is muffled by the pillow as she speaks.

>You can't make it out.

"We need to go, Speck."

>She kicks the covers off of her and throws her pillow at you.

>"But I'm tiiiired."

>She crawls across the bed and looks up at you, smiling.

>Her dull orange eyes glow in the dimly lit room.

>"Carry me."

>What.

"What?"

>"Carry me to the train so I can sleep longer."

>You aren't doing that.

"No."

>She pouts and her eyes start to water.

>You look away before she manages to beat you.

>"Pleaaaase, Anon?"

>You can hear her bat her eyes at you.

"Still no."

>She sniffles softly and starts to cry.

>You still refuse to cave.

>"Anon... I t-thought you loved me..."

>You're not going to cave.

>You walk over to your bags and pick them up, slinging them over your shoulder.

>She will not win this battle.

>You get ready to head out the door, knowing she'll follow as soon as you do.

>You make the mistake of looking back.

>She lays there with her hooves over her eyes, sobbing.

>You're better than this.

>Caving is not an option.

>You walk over to her.

>She sniffles and looks up at you, holding her forelegs out.

>"Please?"

 

>Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

>You caved, and are now walking out of the inn with Speck clung to your chest.

>Hind legs wrapped around your mid-torso, forelegs wrapped around your neck.

>Her head rests on your shoulder and she snores into your neck.

>The innkeeper stifles a giggle, and you wish every other creature you passed was just as courteous.

>But no, that would mean luck was on your side.

>Several gryphons recognize you from the bar last night.

>They yell things at you.

>Things you wish you would never have to hear.

>"Woo! Get some!"

>"Bet you fed her more meat than you ate last night, eh?"

>"You're really cute together! Maybe you should be a couple!"

>You stop and stare at the third gryphon.

>His friends stare at him.

>"W-what? I'm just saying."

>You shake your head and continue on, the first two gryphons dragging their buddy down an alley.

>You feel for them.

>You'd do the same thing if a friend of yours said something like that.

>Speck stirs a little.

>She nuzzles deeper into your neck.

>What are you going to do with this p0ny?

>Oh, right.

>Give her the best time of her life, and take her to see her mother.

>You never got the fortune teller's words out of your mind.

>Something felt wrong.

>A great battle?

>That could be it.

>Equestria has been in an era of peace.

>Not even the diamond dogs or dragons were causing any trouble.

>You doubt that a war would break out.

>But some sort of surprise invasion?

>It wasn't entirely implausible.

>There's no telling what you might do if something like that happens.

>And she... dies.

>You swallow hard and start thinking about something else that was said.

 

>You walk into the train station.

>The fortune teller knew what you were hiding.

>Speck would hate you if she found out, especially since you've been covering it up the whole time you've known her.

>You told her stories from before you came to Equestria.

>You told her all about the amazing things that you did, and all the people you helped.

>She looked up to you.

>And that made you happy.

>Happier than you ever were on Earth.

>You pay for your train tickets and get on board.

>You sit alone with Speck near the back of one of the cars.

>She still slept in your arms, and you weren't going to let her go.

>The train begins to move, your journey to Hollow Shades continuing.

>You turn yourself in your seat to lay your legs across it.

>You propped your bag against the wall of the train and rest your back against it.

>Speck stirs a little, moving her head from your neck to your chest, resting her chin against your sternum.

>She slowly opens her eyes, smiling as she sees you.

>"Hi, Anon."

>You smile and press your nose to hers.

"Hello sleepyhead. Sleep well?"

>She does her best to nod.

>You scratch her back, which causes her to stretch along your body.

>She uses this as an opportunity to hold your head and kiss you.

>Your fingers trail up her back teasingly, finally settling into her mane as you return her kiss.

>The little bat p0ny wriggles against you, covering your body with her wings as best as she can.

>"If you wanna go to sleep, I'll wake you when we get to Hollow Shades."

>You nod and hug her close.

>She hugs you back as you close your eyes.

 

>You are now Speck.

>The train ride was absolutely boring.

>Especially since Anon went to sleep.

>But you felt bad that he didn't get to sleep as long as you did.

>It didn't matter much, you were in Hollow Shades' train station right now.

>Anon followed you as you led him outside.

>"So, what do you want to do first?"

>You think to yourself.

>There was a lot you wanted to do.

>You wanted to take Anon to all of your favorite shops and restaurants.

>You wanted to take him to meet your dad and your mom.

>You wanted him to see the sun set over Neighagra Falls.

>Oh, that was one of the most beautiful things you'd ever seen.

>The sun reflected so beautifully off of the falls, and for a few minutes every night, the entirety of Hollow Shades bathed in its light.

"I want you to meet my dad first, but I want to stop by my old house."

>You look up at him, smiling widely.

>He smirks and ruffles your mane.

>You bat his hand away with a hoof and rolls your eyes.

>You know your dad would be proud that you found someone to call your own.

>He was always very supportive of everything you did.

>You lead Anon into the village, you head towards the east end of town.

>He keeps trying to stop you at various shops and restaurants, but you don't want to wait to see your dad again.

>It's been almost three years since you last saw him.

>You finally stop in front of a small house.

>It was just large enough for a family of three.

>It was a good house.

 

>You push the door open and walk inside.

>Your parents never locked the door.

>They were always very welcoming of any p0ny that would visit.

>You look around and take in an air of nostalgia.

>"It's kind of nice in here."

>He looks at photographs of your family that hang on the walls.

>You head upstairs and bank right with Anon in tow..

>You walk into a very large room.

>Bricks line the walls, a large oven sits in the corner, and a small desk with a hammer and chisel sits in front of a window.

>You smile to yourself, walking over to the desk.

>You place a hoof on the hammer and chisel.

>A small package catches your eye.

>Anon stands beside you and picks the package up.

>"Hey Speck. Isn't this the kind of package you keep getting?"

>You nod and smile widely.

"Daddy's been sending me bricks, ever since I left home."

>"So that's why you have a room full of them?"

>You snicker and nuzzle Anon's side.

"They always reminded me of home."

>He hands you the package and you open it.

>Another perfectly crafted brick.

"Though, I've been meaning to get rid of them."

>"Why?"

>You look up at him as you start to leave the room.

"Because, I have a new home to fill with new memories and experiences."

>He kneels in front of you and hugs you tight around the neck.

>You hug him back and nuzzle his cheek.

"Come on, I want you to meet him."

 

>You are Anonymous.

>Currently, you are in a decently sized clearing with few trees just outside the east end of town.

>And beneath one tree, the both of you sit.

>In front of you rests a small headstone.

>There's a hammer and chisel engraved into it.

>You assumed that was his cutiemark.

>Your hand rests on Speck's shoulder.

>She hasn't said a word since you left the house.

>"Hey, Daddy."

>She smiles softly.

>"I came by to see you. It's only been three years."

>You cover your mouth and look away.

>Your heart can't handle this.

>You saw movies back on Earth with stuff like this and you never cried.

>But being here?

>Being part of that cliche scene?

>It hurt.

>You stroke Speck's mane and give her a light kiss on her temple.

"I'll leave you alone with him."

>She nods as you stand and head back into town.

 

>Your return to town is met the curiosity of several bat p0nies.

>It was starting to get late in the afternoon.

>They must be waking up and coming out to start their nights.

>"What's your name?"

>"What are you?"

>"I've never seen you before, where are you from?"

>You answered their questions as you walked through town.

>They followed you until you reached Speck's home.

>One of the females speaks up before you open the door.

>"Do you have a mate?"

>You pause, completely shocked.

>You turn and stare at her.

>She's blushing vividly.

"Kind of?"

>She tilts her head to the side.

>"Kind of? What is that supposed to mean?"

>You notice her accent.

>It's extremely subtle.

>And sounds like those old Dracula movies from Earth.

>"So?"

>You shrug and back into the door.

"I'm kind of seeing somebody already?"

>"Oh. Well then. I'll see you around then, bye!"

>She flies off.

>Wow, and you thought Speck was crazy.

>That mare was absolutely [spoiler]batty[/spoiler].

"Speck please. Get out of my head."

>You sigh and enter the house.

>You wander into the living room, looking at all of the pictures of Speck and her parents while you wait for her to come back from her dad's grave.

>What was he like?

>Would he have liked you?

"You have an amazing daughter, sir."

>You sit down on the couch and slump down.

>This was actually pretty hard hitting.

>But you can't even fathom what Speck is going through.

 

>You are now Speck.

>You walk through town, heading home.

>When you arrive, you are met with a peculiar sight.

>There is a mare sitting in front of the window.

"Excuse me, can I help you?"

>She perks up and turns to you, smiling.

>Her sharp fangs glint in the light of the late afternoon sun.

>"Yes, do you know who lives here?"

>You furrow your brow and cautiously approach her.

"I do, why?"

>"Oh. No reason, I was just curious."

>She snickers and flies away.

>That was... strange, to say the least.

>You look through the window, into the living room.

>Anon is asleep on the couch.

>Was she watching him?

>You were going to have to be on the look out for that creepy mare.

>You push the front door open and step inside.

>Trotting to the living room, you start to sneak up on Anon.

>You sit in front of him on the floor, aligning your face with his.

"Anon wake up."

>He doesn't stir.

>You lean forward and press your lips to his.

>He shifts a little, cracking his eyes open slightly.

>He smiles against your lips and pulls you up onto the couch.

>You wiggle against him.

"Come on Anon, we have to go see my mom."

>"Oh! Right!"

>You snicker and jump off of him, dashing to the door.

>He runs after you, trying to catch you and pick you up.

>You will not give him that satisfaction.

>You fly up into the air as soon as you step outside.

>He dives at you and narrowly misses your tail.

"You'll have to be faster than that!"

>He chuckles as you start flying toward the west side of town.

>He chases you all the way there.

 

>You are now Anon.

>You sit at the side of a hospital bed.

>The beeping of a life monitor alerts you that the p0ny laying in the bed is still alive.

>It's a slow and weak beeping.

>Speck lays in it.

>Her mother is holding her close, stroking her mane and smiling.

>"I'm glad you came to visit, Speck."

>Her voice is not dissimilar to a choir of angels.

>"I am too, mom. Three years is too long to be away."

>Her mother looks up at you and smiles.

>"And this dashing creature must be Anon."

"Yes, ma'am."

>She hums softly and reaches for your hand.

>"How long have you known my Speck?"

>You hold her hoof and she smiles warmly, humming again.

"A little over a month, ma'am."

>"Please stop calling me ma'am. My name is Angel Tear."

>You apologize, she presses her hoof into your hand.

>She looks down at Speck and smiles.

>"Have you told Anon about the Angels?"

>You speak up before Speck can.

"No, she hasn't."

>Speck looks up at you, curious.

>Angel Tear chuckles weakly.

>"Well. A long, long time ago, when p0nies were still in their infancy. There was a race of beings that held the p0nies' hooves and guided them. The Angels loved the p0nies, and the p0nies loved the Angels. The Angels worked hard to protect this infant race, to guard them, to keep them safe."

>She coughs before continuing.

>"The Angels helped the p0nies cultivate the lands, to settle their villages, and to live in peace and harmony."

>You squeeze her hoof as tears well up in her eyes.

>"I'm sure you've heard the Hearthswarming Eve stories. Of the pegasi, unicorns, and earth p0nies fighting. They say those events occurred not long after the Angels left."

>She smiles warmly at you.

>She has a knowing look on her face.

>"They say that there are still Angels walking our lands."

>Speck had fallen asleep during the story.

>Her mother chuckles and kisses her daughter's forehead.

>"That always was her favorite story as a filly. It always put her right to sleep."

>She looks back up at you.

>"Do you believe in Angels, Anon?"

"Yeah."

>She smiles and moves her hoof up your arm, pulling it close and hugging it.

>"You're doing well to protect my Speck. Please, keep her safe."

"I will."

>She smiles and closes her eyes.

>You hear the faintest whisper escape her lips.

>"I always knew the Angels were real."

>The life monitor lets out a long beep.

>Angel Tear's chest stops rising with her breaths.

>You didn't hear anything.

>Speck woke slowly and snuggled against her mother's body.

>She soaked her fur with tears.

 

>Doctors had rushed into the room shortly after the monitor went off.

>There was nothing they could do, and they knew it.

>You left the room.

>Speck wasn't going to leave her mother's side any time soon, and you didn't want to stand in the doctors' way.

>She was without family now.

>You know that feeling a little too well.

>You considered all of your friends and family to be dead once you arrived in this world.

>The only difference was, you didn't cry.

>You didn't mourn.

>You just carried on.

>Speck walks out of the room, still crying.

>Kneeling down, you pull her into a hug and she sobs into your chest.

>You rub her back and hold her tight.

"I'm sorry Speck."

>To your surprise, she starts to snicker.

>You look down at her, absolutely shocked.

>"D-don't be, Anon... She always said she wouldn't let go until she met an Angel."

>Her face beams through the tears.

>She didn't say anything.

>She didn't have to.

>As much as she talked about those stories and the way she looked at you.

>You pick her up and she hugs you tight around the neck.

"Let's go get something to eat. I don't think she would've wanted you crying for very long."

>Speck nods and wipes her tears on your shirt.

 

>Day Don't Fear (The Reaper) in Hollow Shades.

>Two days had passed since Speck's mom died.

>She took it hard.

>It was hard to get her up in the mornings.

>She would hardly eat.

>She was unfocused on most activities.

>So you took care of her.

>The funeral was yesterday.

>It was your typical fare.

>Lots of crying, p0nies hugging and consoling each other, the burial.

>And then there was Speck.

>She howled and cried through the whole thing.

>You felt your heart shatter every time she sobbed or buried her face in your chest.

>It was painful for you, but it was murder for her.

>Today, you sat under the tree in the clearing where her father was buried.

>And next to it, a fresh grave.

>There was a heart with feathery wings engraved into it.

>Angel Tear's cutiemark.

>It was sunny out.

>The entire clearing was bright and glowing.

>Speck lay in your lap, staring blankly at the graves.

>You stroked her back as the two of you basked in the warm sunlight.

>The fortune teller's words flowed through your mind.

>Speck's happiness, joy, and love?

>So far, check.

>Your happiness, joy, and love?

>Check.

>Your conflict?

>You knew that was how you felt about Speck kissing you.

>Resolved.

>The fear in your soul?

>That Speck would hate you if she found out what you were hiding?

>Your claim to have been a hero before your came to Equestria?

>Unresolved.

>What Speck believes the most being true?

>If it was what you think it was.

>If it was that you were an Angel, a hero.

>Then no, that was wrong.

 

>All that left was your pain and loss.

>But why was that directed at you, and not Speck?

>She just lost her mother.

>What could cause you to feel pain and loss in this world?

>You had few friends, few belongings.

>Nothing tied you here.

>Except...

>You look down at your bat p0ny.

>She smiles up at you, sitting up to give you a quick peck on the lips.

>The fortune teller's words shriek in your mind.

>"Speck will perish in a great battle. You will not be able to stop it."

>You feel your mind, heart, and soul shatter.

>The earth rumbles around you and you sit wide-eyed and unmoving.

>You can't bring yourself to get up.

>You can't bring yourself to pick your p0ny up and hide.

>You just sit and wait.

 

A Feeling of Pain - 3

 

>You are Anon.

>And you are positively petrified.

>The earth is shaking and there is a loud growling accompanying it.

>This is it.

>This is the end.

>The battle for Speck's life begins.

>And you don't know what your opponent is.

>You have no idea what you're up against.

>A hoof comes in contact with your chest and tugs at your shirt.

>You look down, Speck has a look of sheer terror on her face.

>Even she knows what's about to happen.

>Her lips move, but you can't hear what she's saying.

>Your vision starts to blur.

>She tilts her head and pulls at your shirt again.

>"Anon... -ry."

>You could make out your name and the end of her sentence.

>You shake your head and grab her face.

>You try to speak, but nothing comes out.

>She grabs your face in return and speaks again.

>"Anon, I'm hungry."

>How can she be thinking of food at a time like this?!

>War was about to break out all across Equestria.

"Speck, we don't have time for that! Something's coming to kill you!"

>She looks up at you quizzically.

>"What are you talking about?"

"Did you not just feel that rumbling and hear the growling?"

>She smiles and starts giggling.

>For looking into the face of her demise, she's certainly cheerful.

>Especially everything that's happened in the last few days.

>"Anon... Have you gone absolutely batty? That was my stomach."

>You stare down at her, frowning.

"What?"

>"I'm hungry. That rumbling and growling was my stomach."

>Is she implying that you were overreacting?

>You think she was.

>"Can we go? I know a really good place to eat. They have all kinds of fresh fruits."

>She bounces out of your lap and starts trotting back to town.

>You place your hands on both gravestones and whisper.

"I'll keep her safe. I promise."

>You stand and turn.

>Speck stands at the edge of the clearing smiling at you.

>Tears run fresh down her face as you approach her.

>"Come on, Anon."

>She turns and starts walking towards the town.

>You start to follow her, but stop and turn back to look into the clearing.

>Two moths float around the graves, seemingly dancing with one another.

>You smile and follow Speck back into town.

 

>You sit in a very small, very dark bar.

>The entire room could sit maybe ten p0nies.

>Speck said the back wall of the room actually collapses down at night to accommodate the larger night crowd.

>She said most of the shops were only even open during the day because of tourists.

>Bars, restaurants, and food stores put up fake walls to keep all of the tourists contained to smaller areas.

>She also said it was because very few tourists ever came around here.

>You stare at the menu.

>It boiled down to two choices: dead, raw, uncooked animals and fruit.

>Uncooked meat or fruit.

>You assumed the animals were for those p0nies with an appetite for blood.

>Speck sits across from you, looking over her own menu.

>"I think I'm going to have the banana and mango spring rolls with a glass of pineapple juice on the side."

>That sounds... pretty good actually.

"I think I'll get that too. Nothing else seems that appealing."

>Speck grins at you, her eyes glistening.

>What did you say?

>You think about your previous sentence.

>You think about what she said.

>Oh.

>Speck please, it doesn't have to be like this.

>Everything happens in slow motion.

>The waitress approaches you.

>Speck starts to speak.

>"Oh, Anon, does that mean you're winging your food choice?"

>The waitress snickers and joins in.

>"Should I hang around and take your orders or peel out and give you more time to decide?

>The bartender yells across the room.

>"Can I interest you in somefang to drink while you wait for your food?"

>All three of them snicker.

>Little keekeekee's fill the room.

>You can't handle this.

>A single tear rolls down your cheek as you try to think of everything you've ever done wrong.

>Nothing you've done deserves this as punishment.

>Now you're doing it.

>You're thinking in puns.

>"Anon, are these puns flying too fast for you?"

>More snickering.

>"I can slow down if you're having trouble keekeeng up."

>You are absolutely stunned.

>Time starts to speed up until it moves at a normal pace again.

>The room is absolutely silent.

>You look down at the menu and then turn to the waitress.

"Two orders of the banana and mango spring rolls, and each accompanied with a glass of pineapple juice."

 

>You were silent as you waited for your food.

>Speck kept trying to talk to you, but you refused to answer her.

>"Anon are you mad at me?"

>She looks up at you, her bottom lip quivering.

>You sigh.

>Not even Havel could stand up to this opponent.

"No, Speck. I'm not."

>You reach across the table and caress her cheek.

>She leans into it and nuzzles at your palm.

"I could never be mad at you."

>She holds the back of your hand with a hoof and plants a light kiss into your palm.

>Your food arrives.

>The waitress giggles as she places your food on the table and trots off.

>You hear Speck's stomach growl as she licks her lips.

>She places both hooves on the edge of the table and sticks her face in her plate.

>You spread a napkin over your lap and pick one of your rolls up.

>She's already tearing into hers.

>You take a sip of your pineapple juice after taking a bite of your roll.

>Speck looks up at you, one of her rolls hanging from her mouth.

>"Wha're 'oo doin'?"

>You raise an eyebrow.

"I'm eating?"

>She drops her roll and glares at you.

>"But you're drinking."

"Well, yeah? I was thirsty?"

>She stands in her seat and leans over the table.

>"Do you not want your rolls anymore?"

>Oh, you see how it is.

>She only wants you for your food.

>That's how it's going to be, isn't it?

"Yes."

>"Yes you do want them, or yes you don't want them?"

>You shake your head.

>She pouts and sinks back into her seat.

"You still have like four more rolls on your plate."

>"So?! Maybe I'm going to be hungry after I eat them! Ever think of that?"

>You smirk at her.

"How about you finish what you have, and if I have any left over, you can have them."

>And as soon as you finish that statement, she's already back to ravaging her food.

>She's cleaned her plate before you can even put your glass down.

>Her dedication is absolutely admirable.

>"I'm still hungry."

>You groan and lay your head on the table as you slide your plate over to her.

>She screeches with joy and you feel the table shake as she rips the food apart.

>You weren't that hungry, and you didn't much care for spring rolls of any kind.

>You reach for your glass, but find it isn't where you set it down.

>Looking up, you find it really isn't where you left it.

>Speck hiccups and covers her mouth with a hoof.

>She has two cups in front of her, both empty.

 

"Thanks Speck. I really appreciate that."

>She blushes and mutters out a quick "excuse me."

>You roll your eyes.

>You roll them so hard.

>She hops out of her seat and starts for the door.

>"Come on, Anon. It's getting late, and I want to see the screech fights before they start to get good!"

>Screech fights?

>Their mating ritual?

>You read about that, but never thought you'd see it.

>You shrug, throw the appropriate amount of bits on the table and follow her out.

>It might be fun.

>Speck leads you north from the center of town.

>A large coliseum looms at the end of the main road.

>You hear screams, shouts, and screeches coming from its direction.

"Is this like... a really big event?"

>Speck nods and smiles up at you.

>"I should warn you though. You can challenge any p0ny in the arena at any time for their mate, if they have one."

"Hmm. Well, good thing none of them will be interested in me."

>You smirk at her and ruffle her mane.

"And I won't let any of them beat me."

>She flies up and hugs you around the chest.

 

>You are now Speck.

>You and Anon sit on a bench in the middle of an ocean of cheering bat p0nies.

>Anon's really getting into this.

>He keeps yelling at the competitors to stop screwing up.

>It's really cute.

>He throws his hands up as yet another male loses his chances at the female he fought for.

>"This is weak."

>You giggle and lean against him.

>He wraps his arm around your shoulder and rubs your foreleg.

>A mare and stallion approach the two of you smiling.

>You recognize the mare as the one that was sitting outside your house a few days ago.

>She grins slyly at you.

>"Oh hey, it's that weird chick."

>Anon recognizes her too, apparently.

>You lift yourself up to whisper in his ear.

"Where do you know her from?"

>"She was following me back to your parents' house a few days ago. She asked if I had a mate."

>Oh no.

>"So, cutie."

>She stares at Anon, smiling.

>Ugh, you swear you were about to clock her in the face.

>"I'm just gonna go ahead and challenge this mare here for you to be my mate."

>You feel sick.

>The stallion standing by her pipes up.

>"Y-yeah! I'm gonna challenge you for y-your mare!"

>You hide your face in Anon's side, trying your best not to regurgitate your dinner.

>Anon bursts with laughter, pointing and kicking his legs as he falls backwards.

>"Woah. Th-that's some... funny..."

>He goes back to laughing.

>His face is beet red and he's crying tears of laughter.

>"Um, excuse me! This is serious."

>The mare pipes up.

>"Alright, alright. There's no way either one of you are going to win."

"What?! Anon, no! I don't want to do this!"

>You plead with him and he ruffles your mane.

>"Come on, Speck. We can handle them."

>You whimper and look away.

>"I guess."

>Anon picks you up and carries you down to the center of the arena.

>The two newcomers follow him.

>An announcer yells through the cheering coliseum.

>"It seems we have four newcomers fighting over who will be their mate!"

>You look up at the stands, trying to puff yourself up to look tougher.

>But you're honestly terrified.

>You haven't practiced your screeching in a long time.

>"Let's have the males fight over their select female, first. Would the beautiful mare who they both vie for take a seat on the lover's throne?"

>You shudder and take your seat, the other mare sitting by the wall of the arena.

 

>You are Anon again.

>And this pathetic sack of dirt is about to be destroyed.

>"Y-you ready f-for this?!"

>He tries to sound confident.

>"I'm gonna win Speck from you, and -"

>You tune him out completely.

>How does he know her name?

>Neither of you have said it, and you're pretty sure she hasn't seen another bat p0ny in the last three years.

>Or so she said.

>You look back at your opponent.

>His mouth is wide open, but nothing comes out.

>Oh right, still tuning him out.

>You tune him back in and hear a glass-shattering screech.

>Make it stop!

>You can't tune him back out, and this sound is horrifying!

>You fall to your knees and hold your ears.

>It stops a moment later.

>He stands there panting, apparently finished.

>"Your turn."

>His stutter is gone.

"Yeah, but first."

>You look up into the crowds of p0nies and strike a pose.

>You hold your arms out to your sides and walk in a small circle.

"You all came here for the smackdown, didn'tcha?"

>Looking down at your opponent, you continue yelling out to the audience.

"You came to see some winners win their mares and their stallions."

>They cheer wildly at your speech.

"You didn't come to see these weak screeches and wimpy matches! You came to see raw and uncut, soul-crushing destruction!"

>The audience sounds like it's rioting.

"And I'm gonna give it to you!"

>You pick your opponent up and glare at him.

"Do you smell..."

>He has a terrified look on his face.

"What the Rock..."

>He starts to cry.

"Is cookin'!"

>You throw him to the ground and tackle him.

>You cup your hands over his left ear and screech as loud as you can into your hands.

>He starts to scream from the pain of going deaf.

>You don't play around.

>He stops struggling against you and eventually passes out.

>You stand and hold your arms out to the audience.

"YOU CAN'T STOP THE ROCK!"

>They go wild.

>Absolutely batty over your display.

>You wink at Speck as you approach her.

>Something odd catches your eye.

>Was that a hooded p0ny with a blue muzzle and white mane?

>It couldn't be...

>You switch places with Speck and look down at the small stool to the left of the throne.

>A small note in a flourished style reads: "Get ready, Anon. The battle begins."

>That fortune teller was stalking you.

>But, if this was the battle...

>You've been worried for nothing.

>Speck could destroy this mare.

"Come on, Speck! You've got this in the bag!"

 

>You are Speck again.

>You definitely do not have this in the bag.

>You were never a very good screecher.

>The mare that challenged you stands across the arena, smiling smugly.

>This is it.

>Oh, Luna.

>You hope you have it in you.

>Anon can't be lost to some hussy like this.

>Especially not in a screeching match.

>You always hated this custom.

>"Come on, Speck! Destroy her!"

>Anon cheers you on.

>Your opponent makes the first move.

>You cringe hard as your ears are assaulted by her screech.

>She's strong, you'll give her that.

>But she lacks balance.

>You whisper to yourself before you take in a big breath of air.

"Luna, give me strength."

>You screech as loud as you can.

>You balance yourself and raise your tone until you can feel your own ears start to ring.

>Your breath fades shortly after you start.

>The parts of the audience closest to you hold their ears while cheering.

>Did you win?

>Did you do good?

>You look over at Anon, smiling.

>But he doesn't smile back.

>He covers his mouth with his hand and closes his eyes.

>The mare approaches you, smiling that smug smile of hers.

>"Well, it looks like you just lost your precious stallion. I hope it hurts you deep inside to know that your screech absolutely sucks."

>She flashes her sharp fangs at you.

>You squint and ground yourself, waiting for her screech.

>She lines her face up with yours and takes a deep breath.

>Your ears ring as she screeches mere inches from your face.

>But you refused to lose Anon.

>"COME ON SPECK! GET PHYSICAL!"

>You barely heard him over the ringing.

>All that you felt at that moment was your front hoof connecting with the mare's jaw.

>Her screeching abruptly stopped.

>And as her head hit the floor, ear plugs popped out of her ears.

"You cheating scoundrel! How dare you challenge somep0ny and not even give them a fair fight!"

>Mad didn't even describe what you were right now.

>You lost your mother.

>You weren't going to lose your mate in the same week.

>Especially to some conniving, disgusting, hideous harlot like this mare.

>You lean into her ear and whisper something that would make Anon absolutely proud.

"Get wrecked, son."

>You screech with the intensity of a dragon's roar.

>The mare can do naught but lay there and take it in her dazed state.

 

>Again, you are Anon.

>And Speck might have killed somep0ny.

>You look at the note left behind by the fortune teller.

>She said you couldn't do anything to change it.

>But...

>Speck was able to?

>Your head hurt from the screeching.

>It hurt even more from all of this future predicting and planning and...

>You needed to lay down.

>"Well, dear Anon. It seems you had nothing to worry about."

>You jump and turn in your seat, that blue p0ny sitting beside you.

"That was a really crappy fortune you gave us."

>She laughs aloud.

>"Did you think she was going to die or something?"

"Well, yeah. You kinda did say that she was going to perish in a great battle."

>Her laughter roars again.

>"Oh, my. I do apologize, dear Anon. It was not my intent to worry you so. But it all worked out, did it not?"

>You slump in your chair.

"I suppose. But maybe you should work on your wording next time?"

>She smiles at you and nudges your shoulder.

>"That, I shall. Have all of the fortunes come true yet?"

>You shake your head.

"For the most part. The fear in my soul is unresolved, and there's still the matter of our happiness, joy, and love."

>She nods at you.

>"Yes. And I believe that your fear may soon be brought up to be dissipated. As for the rest... No story truly ends, dear Anon."

>You look back at Speck and smile.

"I guess not."

>You turn to look back at Lulamoon, but she's nowhere to be found.

"Stupid magic horses and their pranks and bad fortunes..."

 

>You are Speck, once again.

>You stand over the unmoving body of your opponent.

>Only her chest rises and falls, showing she's still alive.

>The audience is going absolutely ballistic.

>But you are deaf to their screams and cheers.

>You turn towards Anon.

>He starts walking towards you.

>"Speck! Good job, love. But how'd you know she was wearing ear plugs?"

>You look up at him, a stern look upon your face.

"I didn't. I'm not going to lose you, Anon. Not to her, not to anyp0ny."

>He picks you up and buries his face in your neck.

>"Good. I wouldn't have it any other way."

>You were trying to act hard around him.

>But it wasn't working.

>You start snickering as he carries you out of the arena.

>He stops at the entrance and sighs.

>You turn your head to see the male that challenged him.

>"I'm not giving you a rematch, kid."

>"N-no. That's not w-what I'm here for."

"Then what do you want, Mortar?"

>Anon looks at you, raising an eyebrow.

>"You know him?"

"Unfortunately, yes. He's wanted me ever since we were fillies. And even moreso when my dad died."

>You glare at him.

"He only wanted me so he could learn how to make bricks like my father."

>"W-well, yes! But not after he passed! I started to... really l-like you..."

>You scoff and turn away from him.

>Anon begins to walk off, glaring at the stallion.

>"W-wait! I... I have something for you."

>He pulls a brick out of his saddle bag.

>"It's... It's the best b-brick I've ever made... j-just for you, Speck."

>Oh, please.

>"Please accept it? I-I've mailed you all of my finest bricks for the past three years! I thought you'd love me if I could be as good as your father."

>Oh yeah, you were definitely getting rid of those bricks now.

>You thought your mother was sending old bricks that your father had made.

>Or that maybe he had asked that they be mailed to you one by one after his passing.

>He was eccentric like that, and he knew enough p0nies to pull it off.

"No. It looks like garbage, and a thousand just like it would barely be enough to build even a disheveled looking house."

>You can hear his heart shatter.

>Anon laughs and starts walking off with you in his arms.

>"Sick burn, Speck. He's going to need a lot of cold water for that one."

>You snicker and snuggle into his chest.

"I never liked him, Anon."

 

>It felt really good to be back at your parents' old house.

>Your old house.

>Everything was nostalgic, and after such a long and dreary day, it was nice to be home.

>The feeling was made even better by the fact that Anon was there.

>The two of you lay in your old bed, in your old bedroom.

>Your mom had always reminded you that there would always be a place for you here.

>You told her that you would try to visit.

>But you never did.

>You never felt the need to.

>Until you met Anon...

>Once you knew he was an Angel, you knew it was time to come home.

>Your mother had laid in that hospital bed for a little over three years.

>She held on for three long, agonizing years.

>Just to see an Angel.

>Anon shifted against you, his hands brushing over your wings.

>You lay on top of him, your nose pressed to his.

>You lock your lips with his and smile into them.

>He smiles back and scratches gently over your back.

>"So we're officially mates now?"

>You stifle a giggle.

"Anon, we became mates the minute we agreed on it."

>"Yeah, but. You can challenge someone for their mate if you want to?"

>You nod.

"I've always hated those customs, but it's supposed to help the offspring of two parents be as strong as possible."

>You sigh and bury your face in his neck.

"But me? I'm not strong. It took me two days to be able to do anything after mother died. And I almost lost that screeching match earlier."

>He laughs.

>"Speck. You're the second strongest bat p0ny I know."

>You look up at him and tilt your head in question.

"Who's the first?"

>He strokes your cheek with his thumb.

>"Your mom."

>You feel a lump in your throat form as you nod.

"She fought for so long."

>"Just to meet your mate."

>You shake your head and peck him on the lips.

"No, Anon. To meet an Angel."

 

A Feeling of Fear - 1

 

>Day Nobody's Hero in Equestria.

>Speck bounces around you as you step off the train from Hollow Shades.

>She occasionally tugs at your shirt, or taps your hands with her nose.

>"Anon, can we go look around some more? I really want to see if I can find another hat!"

>You grab her nose and shake her head from side to side.

>She sticks her tongue out at you as you let her go.

"I already told you, we're going to Canterlot. I need to pay a quick visit to Twilight."

>She whines and bats at your hand with a hoof.

>"But Anon! Canterlot hat shops might not have fedoras!"

>You shoot her a glare.

>Deep breaths.

>Count to ten.

>You look above you and sigh.

"Speck, that hat looked awful on you. It's a very bad looking hat in general, especially since p0nies don't have the right style of clothing for it."

>That was a lie.

>She looked absolutely precious in it.

>But you hated those hats more than you hated anything else.

>She stomps her hooves and pouts.

>"Fine. But as soon as we get to Canterlot, we're going to every hat shop we pass."

>You chuckle and scratch behind her ears.

"Of course, sweet one."

>She perks back up and launches herself onto your back.

>"Then what're you waiting for?! To Canterlot! Mush!"

>You don't move.

>You just turn your head to try to look at her.

>She nuzzles your cheek gently.

>"Sorry Anon. I meant, mush please."

>You roll your eyes and start walking towards the elevators leading up to the main city of Canterlot.

>Surprisingly, these weren't rickety wooden platforms with a rope and pulley system.

>They were more like floating platforms powered by magic.

>You were never very interested in magic.

>Then again, P0nyville didn't have a large population of unicorns.

 

>You and Speck boarded one of the platforms, along with several other p0nies.

>You didn't look at them or try to spark up a conversation.

>Elevator etiquette.

>You were nothing, if not a man who prides himself on his social mannerisms.

>The elevator rose fairly fast.

>You wonder if there was a safety mechanism on the platform to keep p0nies from falling off.

>You quickly glance around you, at all of the other passengers.

>No pegasi.

>And you can't throw Speck off.

>She'd probably try to push you off next.

>Your curious mind will not be satiated on this day.

>Speck pulls at your shirt as she tries to climb up into your arms.

>She grunts as she struggles, but without your help, she fails.

>You look down at her as she keeps trying.

>Her tongue sticks out of her mouth as she hops up against you, clinging to your clothes before she falls back.

>She gets ready to try again, but looks up and meets your eyes.

>She stands there with her front hooves on your hips.

>Her tongue stills sticks out of her mouth.

"Want some help?"

>You reach for her tongue and try to grab it.

>She notices and slurps her tongue back into her mouth before shaking her head.

>"No, no. I've got it."

>She jumps again, using her wings to lift herself higher up this time.

>She throws her forelegs over your shoulders and wraps her hindlegs around your waist.

>"See? I got it."

>You chuckle and stroke her mane, placing your free hand under her rump to lift her up a little more.

>She blushes brightly and hides her face in your neck.

>You hear her whisper as faint as the wind.

>"Really Anon? In public?"

>You raise an eyebrow and look down at her.

"What?"

>You hear one of the p0nies clear their throats.

>"Move your hand, Anon."

>You furrow your brow and try to comprehend what's going on.

>You had one hand on the nape of her neck to hold her against you and one on her rump to hold her up.

>Oh.

>You were touching her butt.

>You blush and move your hand up to her mid-back.

"S-sorry."

>She snickers and nuzzles your collarbone.

>"It's okay. You'll just have to wait until we get to an inn for more of that business, hun."

 

>You stare at her.

>She lifts her head up to stare back at you.

>You smile awkwardly.

>She lowers her eyelids and gives you a seductive grin.

>Was she serious?

>Wow, you didn't even think p0nies did that kind of thing.

>You thought this world was pure and clean and innocent but...

>Speck was starting to prove that theory wrong.

>You never looked into how p0nies reproduced, so her behaviour would make a little sense.

"W-well... Maybe I c-"

>Her intense, loud laughter cuts you off.

>She buries her face in your chest, trying to muffle herself with your shirt.

>Your shirt absorbs her tears of laughter.

>"Oh, dear Luna, Anon. You didn't think I was serious, did you?"

>You inhale sharply.

"I kind of did?"

>She grabs your cheeks with her hooves and starts laughing again.

>Her laughter dies down after a moment.

>She gasps for air and breathes quickly, trying to stop herself from having another fit.

>This elevator ride was long and painful.

>You wish it was over.

>Her breathing slows to a normal pace and she looks back up at you.

>She leans into your ear and whispers.

>"I was very serious, Anon."

>She kisses your cheek as the elevator finally stops at its destination.

>You shake your head and step off the platform, heading through a short tunnel and into Canterlot itself.

>You'd only been here once.

>Five years ago, when you first appeared in Equestria.

>Several guards had led you here and took you straight to the castle.

>You didn't get to explore for very long, either.

>Speck lets go of you and floats idly in front of you.

>She looks absolutely shocked.

>"Anon... It's beautiful."

 

>You are now Speck.

>And this is the most beautiful city you've ever seen.

>Granted, you'd only ever been to Hollow Shades, P0nyville, and Fillydelphia.

>But Canterlot had beautiful architecture.

>There were so many shops.

>So many p0nies dressed in elegant garments.

>Anon followed you as you floated around.

>You were absolutely awestruck by how gloriously beautiful everything was.

"Anon..."

>"Yes Speck?"

>You turn to him and smile, flashing your nubby little fangs at him.

"I want to dress up."

>He rolls his eyes and takes your hoof in his hand.

>"Lead the way, then."

>And so you do.

>You lead him into a nearby hat shop.

>You giggle as you pick up a whole bunch of hats and start trying them on in front of a mirror.

>Anon stands behind you and comments on each one.

>You put on a bowler hat.

>Anon shakes his head.

>You try on a top hat.

>"No."

>You grumble and put on a gatsby cap.

>"Cute, but no."

>Stomping your hooves, you try on a beret.

>"Kebab will never be removed."

>You turn back at him and give him a questioning look.

>"Don't ask."

>Shrugging, you put on a baseball hat.

>It says Top Bat on it.

>You grin at yourself in the mirror.

>Anon hides his face in his hand.

"I give up! I can't find a hat that you like, and I like all of them!"

>You throw the baseball hat on the floor and stare up at Anon, your mouth halfway opened.

>He shrugs and looks around.

>"I don't know what to tell you, Speck. I don't think you look good in any hats."

>You pout and glare up at him.

"I looked good in that fedora that you threw under the train."

>"Yeah, okay. Believe whatever you want to believe."

>He starts to leave the store.

>You rush after him and hold his hand in your hooves.

>You kiss his fingers and close your eyes.

"I'm sorry I got mad, Anon."

>He scratches your ear.

>"It's alright, sweetheart. Where to next?"

 

>You passed by a dress shop, and Anon insisted that you go in.

>You were never the kind of p0ny to wear dresses, or much of anything really.

>But he insisted.

>And now he had convinced you to try on a few things.

>Several poofy, frilly dresses.

>You hated those.

>A few tighter dresses.

>You hated those too.

>Dress after dress, you rejected them.

>Until finally, Anon handed you one dress that took your breath away.

>It was a faint black color, hemmed and trimmed in turqoise, with small diamonds flecked throughout it.

>It fit your form perfectly, almost no part of it being too tight or too frilly.

>The material felt nice on your fur, and the whole thing felt light as a feather.

>It even had holes for your wings and tail to go through.

>You looked at yourself in the mirror, turning and smiling at yourself.

>Anyp0ny would drop dead from your looks.

>Anon just stood behind you with his hand over his mouth.

>"What do you think, Speck?"

>Overall, the dress was subtle.

>Nothing too elegant, nothing too vibrant, nothing too flashy.

>It brought out your eyes, too.

"I... I love it, Anon..."

>He kneels beside you and strokes your mane.

>Your eyes teared up as you looked at Anon.

>He smiled and hugged you tightly around the neck.

>"You look absolutely beautiful, Speck."

>He breaks the hug and pulls your mane up into a right-side p0nytail.

>You look back into the mirror.

"Can I get it, Anon?"

>He nods and walks you to the front counter.

>You grin and giggle like a little school filly as Anon pays with the appropriate bits.

>He leads you out of the store.

>You bounce with each step as you follow behind him.

 

>"We need to head to the castle now."

>Oh, right!

>Anon had business with Princess Twilight.

>Maybe you'd get to see Princess Luna again.

>That would be positively wonderful.

>You smile and start pushing at Anon's legs with your head.

"Then hurry up! I wanna see Princess Luna!"

>He chuckles and starts running.

>You yell after him and take to the air.

>You didn't want to risk tripping over your dress and ruining it.

 

>The air outside the castle was cool.

>A light wind accompanied it, keeping the noon sun's heat in check.

>The gardens were beautifully groomed.

>Even the birds and butterflies were perfectly placed across the garden,

>You close your eyes and bask in the glory of it all.

>You take a deep breath and look up at Anon.

>He smiles and taps a finger on your nose.

>"Ready to go?"

>You nod and approach the gates of the castle.

>The guards stop you and Anon and glare at you.

>You shy behind Anon.

>"State your business."

>Anon reaches behind him and turns his palm to you.

>You shove your nose into his hand.

>"We're here to see Princess Twilight Sparkle."

>The guards look at each other with curious expressions.

>"And your name?"

>He rolls his eyes.

>"Anonymous."

>They look behind him.

>"And her?"

>"Her name's Speck. She's a bat p0ny. Got a problem with it?"

>He starts to get aggressive.

>You give his hand a quick lick to tell him to calm down.

>The guards back off and stand to the sides.

>"N-not at all, sir."

>The gate opens a moment after they call for it.

>A large entrance hall reveals itself to you.

>Several entrances line each side of the hall, which lead to more rooms and more halls.

>At the end of the main hall, lies a large, ornamented door.

>Anon starts to approach that door, so you follow him.

>The guards there stop you briefly.

>The same exact conversation from before happens, but you don't shy away this time.

>If the guards tried anything, you knew Anon would protect you.

>The doors opened wide, revealing yet another long hallway.

>But at the end of this one, sat a throne.

>And in that throne, sat one pretty p0ny princess.

>Celestia herself.

>You and Anon approach her.

>You bow to her, but Anon does not.

 

>"Ah, dear Anonymous."

>She smiles down at the two of you.

>Anon flicks your ear and tells you to stand up.

>Celestia giggles and leaps off her throne, approaching you and Anon.

>"What can I do for you, Anonymous?"

>He shrugs and looks around.

>"You could give me your kingdom and your crown. Maybe some of the bits from the coffers."

>You look up at Anon and shoot him a questioning look.

>Is he being serious right now?

>Celestia shoves a hoof at Anon's shoulder and smirks.

>"If I could grant that wish, trust me. I would. Although, if you are here, I take it something has happened to the house?"

>She squints at Anon.

>"Do we need to donate another house to you?"

>Anon shakes his head and smirks.

>"No, actually. The house is fine. I just need to deliver a quick message to Twilight."

>Celestia nods.

>"Ah, of course. Twilight is currently in the royal library."

>"Alright, thanks."

>Anon kneels down beside you and scratches your ear.

>"I'll be right back, Speck. Stay here, alright?"

>You nuzzle his wrist and smile.

"Ok Anon."

>He turns and heads out of one of the side doors in the hall.

>Celestia clears her throat.

>You look up at her and smile awkwardly.

>"How are you, child of the night?"

"I'm alright."

>She smiles warmly and walks toward a door to the left of the throne.

>She turns back and signals for you to follow her down the lengthy hallway.

>"You have been awfully quiet since you arrived."

>You blush and turn your head away from her.

>"You were quite talkative with Sister at the Summer Sun Celebration. Why now, do you hide your voice?"

>You don't know why, but the Princess of the Sun made you absolutely nervous.

>"There is no need to fear me, little bat."

>You mutter under your breath.

"I'm not scared of you."

>Celestia chuckles to herself as the two of you step outside of a door at the end of the long hallway.

>What opens up to you is a very large garden with dark colored grass, accented by flowers of all colors of the night and stars.

>A large ivory fountain spits glistening water on the center of it all.

>Brick walkways the colors of an aurora borealis line the earth.

>It takes your breath away.

>"Welcome to the Garden of Space."

>You walk further into it, your mouth hanging open as tears well up in your eyes.

>The diamonds on your dress glisten in the midday sun.

>All around you are the colors of the night.

>Celestia walks past you a ways and sits on a small white bench near the fountain.

>She beckons you over with a smile and wave of her hoof.

 

>You join her and smile to yourself.

>"Luna has told me about you. She was so excited to have met one of her stars at a Summer Sun Celebration."

>You hide your face in your hooves.

>Celestia places a hoof on your shoulder.

>"You intrigue me. A bat p0ny that sleeps during the night and lives with a human."

>You look up at her with a light smile.

"It's all his fault."

>Celestia snickers and looks down at you.

>You sigh and look over at the fountain.

"You've been around for a long time... I have a question."

>"Yes?"

>You tap your front hooves together and bite at your bottom lip.

"Do you know the stories of Angels?"

>The Princess smiles and nods.

>"Yes, I do."

>You feel your face turn red.

"And... do you believe in them?"

>Celestia looks up to the sky and sighs.

>"In all my years of life, I have never seen a single one. But you know what, Speck?"

>You look up at her and she looks back at you, smiling.

>"I've believed in them, ever since I was a little filly."

>You hold your hooves to your chest and smile weakly.

>"Why? Do you think you met one?"

>You nod your head, still smiling as a tear rolls down your cheek.

"Yes. I believe Anon is. He's protected me, and taken care of me, and fed me. Everything an Angel would do."

>Celestia moves from the bench and starts heading back to the castle.

>You follow her.

>"I suppose we should go and ask Anon what he thinks."

>She leads you back into the throne room and through the door that Anon left through.

>You follow her all over the castle until finally arriving at a large building near the back of the castle grounds.

>You were pretty sure the entire castle was enchanted to look much bigger on the inside than on the outside.

>The large building you now stand in front of emits an eerie humming sound.

>"Here we are."

>You open the door and step inside.

>Celestia follows you.

>You start wandering around, trying to find Anon.

>Turning a corner, you walk between some book shelves and find him and Twilight sitting at a small table.

>There is only one book between them.

>You recognize it as Anon's journal.

 

>Thirty Minutes Earlier.

>You are now Anon.

>You found Twilight shortly after entering the library.

>She sat near the back at a small table, a book in her hooves.

>She hid the book in her lap as you approached, blushing brightly.

>You won't ask.

>"Oh, hello Anon. How are you?"

"I'm fine. Lulamoon gives you her regards."

>Twilight raises her brow at you.

>"Lulamoon? Lulamoon... hmm."

>She rubs a hoof on her chin and stares off in the distance.

>"Ah! Lulamoon! Trixie's descendant?"

>You shrug.

"No clue. I just know that her great-great grandmother or something knew you."

>"And how do you know her?"

>You shrug again.

"She was a fortune teller at the Summer Sun Celebration."

>Twilight nods and taps at the table with her hooves.

>"So is that all that brought you here?"

"Actually, it isn't. I need your help."

>You throw your journal onto the table.

"Speck thinks I'm an Angel. I've heard the stories, and it makes sense for her to think that."

>You sigh and put your head in your hands.

"I think it's even further support by what she said about her mom. That she wasn't going to let go until she saw an Angel."

>Twilight giggles, snorting occasionally.

>"Anon, I think you're overthinking things."

"I don't think I am. I've told her all of the stories of what I did before I came here, and I think that's supporting what she thinks."

>Twilight raises an eyebrow.

>"Well, duh. I mean, you kind of were a hero."

>You sigh and shake your head.

"I haven't been telling the whole truth."

>Twilight frowns at you.

>"Well, then. I think it's time you start."

>You sigh and flip through your journal.

"Then I'll just talk..."

>Twilight leans against the table and stares at you as you speak.

"I've told you that I've done amazing things. I've told you that I was a hero, and I saved people. I told you that I was helpful."

>You shake your head and laugh a little.

"That was all a load. In the twenty years I was on Earth, I hardly did anything. Sure I did some charity work, and volunteered a little. But that pales in comparison to the things I've told you."

>Twilight places a hoof on your arm.

>"And you're worried about what? That the Princesses and I will hate you? That Speck will hate you?"

>She scoffs and bats at you.

>"Please. Have you seen the way that little bat looks at you? She thinks you're absolutely perfect."

"Yeah, I get that. But finding out the truth? I think that would break her heart."

>You look up at her and she rolls her eyes.

>"I very highly doubt there is anything you could do to upset her, short of stealing her food."

"I guess. Maybe I am just worried about nothing."

>You close your journal and toss it onto the table.

>Twilight taps your shoulder and points.

>You see Speck standing by a book shelf, smiling at you.

>Did she hear any of that?

 

A Feeling of Fear - 2

 

>You and Anon left the Twilight and Celestia in the library.

>You walked through the castle and out into the Garden of Space.

>Anon was quiet the entire time.

>It worried you.

>You now lay on the ground in the garden.

>Anon laid to your left and took your hoof into both of his hands.

>He held it close to his chest and looked blankly at the sky.

>You turn your head to look at him.

>You scoot closer to him and blow in his ear.

>He doesn't do anything.

"Anon? You're acting weird. Do we need to go home?"

>You pull your hoof away.

>He turns his head to face you.

>His eyes water and turn red as he threatens to cry.

>You sit up and start caressing his face, stroking his cheek.

>He holds your hooves still.

>"I don't want you to leave me."

>You squeeze his cheeks slightly and smile down at him.

"Why would I leave you, dear one?"

>He mutters something, but you don't catch it.

"What was that, love?"

>He mumbles.

>You roll your eyes and lean down to press your ear to his lips.

>He lets go of your hooves and hugs you close to him.

>"I'm so sorry, Speck."

"Sorry? For wha-"

>You start screeching and squealing as he blows into your ear.

>He laughs and lets you go.

>You jump up and start yelling at him.

"Anon! What is wrong with you! You had me all worried!"

>You sniffle and start to cry.

>He moves closer to you and caresses your cheek.

>"Hey, come on. I'm sorry. Please don't cry."

>You lean into his hand.

>He pulls you into his lap and hugs you close.

>He kisses your cheek.

>You look up at him, tears fresh in your eyes.

>"Are you okay?"

>You nod and wrap your forelegs around his neck.

 

>He takes a deep breath and groans.

>"It's either now or never."

>He retrieves his journal from his bag.

>You look at it curiously.

>Was he finally going to let you read it?

>You smile at him and place your hoof on it.

"Can I read it, now?"

>He shakes his head and strokes your mane.

>"No, I think it'd be better if I read it to you."

>Fair enough.

>You always did enjoy his enthralling tales of adventure in his old world.

>He adopts a very stern look and furrows his brow.

>He flips through a few pages and starts to read.

>"February 12, 2011. Started working at the local nursing home. Fed the elderly, made their beds, cleaned their rooms."

>You remember this one.

>Anon was always so kind to the elderly.

>"Hated it more than anything I've ever done."

>You shake your head and stare at him in shock.

"Anon? Are you okay? You always said you loved doing that."

>He ignores you and continues, flipping through a few more pages.

>"March 3rd, 2011. Started donating blood. It wasn't too bad."

>You smile warily at him.

>"April 3rd, 2011. Donated blood again. Almost passed out. Got mad. Never donating again."

>Your jaw drops and you leap out of his lap.

"Anon?! What's wrong with you!"

>Again, he ignores you and continues.

>"April 21st, 2011. Prom night. Long story short, caused -"

>You cut him off as you start screaming at him.

"Anon! What is your problem! Why are you telling me all of this?"

>He looks away from you and swallows hard.

>"Because, Speck. I'm not a great hero. I'm not a good person. I'm not... an Angel."

>You shake your head as your tears well up in your eyes.

"Anon..."

>"Before I came to Equestria... I tried to help people. I really did. But I always got in my own way and gave up."

>You bring a hoof up to your mouth as you start to feel sick.

>"Those stories I told you, about me saving hundreds of people and kingdoms and going on adventures? Those were from those video-games I told you about."

>You turn away from him and start to walk away.

"You know what, Anon? You could have been a thief, or a murderer, or even a genocidal psychopath when you were on Earth."

>You start to walk back to the castle.

"I don't care what you were, Anon. All I care about is that you're here, now, being the hero that you said you were. Being MY hero."

>You don't turn back to look at him.

>All you do is run into the castle and sprint through its halls with no destination in mind.

 

>You are now Anon.

>And that could have gone worse.

>A lot worse.

>She didn't seem too upset.

>It could have gone better though.

>You weren't finished.

>And now you had to go find her.

"And you know what?"

>You start talking to no one in particular.

"She's worth chasing after."

>You get up and head into the castle, running with no direction.

>A few guards jump out of your way as you speed past them.

>You should probably ask them if they saw Speck.

>You skid to a halt in front of the next guard you see.

"Have you seen a bat pony in a black dress with dark turquoise hair run by here?"

>He nods and points at a hallway.

>"She went down there and took a left."

>You take off down the hallway and bank left, sprinting down another large hallway.

>This castle's design sucks.

>"Looking for someone?"

>A white horse with a colorful, ethereal mane trots beside you.

>You roll your eyes.

"Yes, Celestia. I'm looking for Speck."

>She chuckles.

>"Then I take it you told her everything you told Twilight?"

"If it's everything Twilight told you, then yes."

>She hums to herself as the two of you run through the castle.

>"I'm surprised you haven't realized you've been running in circles."

>You try to stop, but you trip and roll down the hallway.

>You don't bother to get up.

"Then, would you kindly take me to where she is?"

>Celestia stands over you and shakes her head.

>"No, but I can tell you that she's in the Garden of Fallen Stars."

>You sigh.

"How many gardens does Luna have?"

>"Quite a few. After returning home from her banishment, she grew fond of gardening."

>You get up and start walking toward the east end of the castle.

>"Wrong way, Anon."

>You move to the west.

>"Are you giving up? I figured you'd try to find Speck before heading back into the city."

>You throw your hands up.

"Just take me there! I don't have time for this!"

>She rolls her eyes and starts heading south.

>"You are absolutely no fun, dear Anonymous."

 

>Celestia leads you throughout the castle.

>"And as I was saying, the chefs are making their special mango banana smoothies."

>You skid to a halt and stare at her.

>"Anon? What are you doing? The garden is just past the door at the end of this hallway."

"Take me to the kitchen."

>She snickers.

>"Why, are you thirsty?"

>It's almost like she doesn't realize what's going on between you and Speck.

>Or rather, that Speck doesn't exist to her.

"Just take me to the kitchen."

>She rolls her eyes and leads you down a side hall.

>You soon arrive in the kitchen, without having to turn down any other hallways.

>You glare at Celestia.

>"The neat thing about this castle, is that when we were initially planning and designing it, we made sure that all hallways connected to the kitchens and dining hall in some way."

"Oh, well that explains a lot."

>She shoves a hoof in your side.

>"Why did you want to come here?"

>You ignore her and start snapping your fingers at one of the chefs.

"Hey, Chef Boyardee, where are the mango banana smoothie things? I need one, now."

>Celestia snickers.

>The chef turns to you, about to say something until he sees the Princess.

>"R-right away, sir."

>He darts through a door and returns seconds later with a smoothie.

"THANK GOODNESS FOR CHEF BOYARDEE, AM I RIGHT?!"

>You're getting impatient with everything now.

>Every minute that Speck is alone, is one more minute that she dwells on her current feelings.

>And that's one more minute that she can use to decide she hates you.

>And you don't want to risk that.

>"Ready to go, Anon?"

>You nod and follow her as she leads you to the garden.

 

>You stand at the door leading out into the garden.

>It looks very similar to the Garden of Space, except the colors of the brick walkways display thousands of different shades of blue.

>There are also many, many more white flowers specked throughout the dark grass and bushes.

>You look around and spot Speck sitting in front of a rather large ivory monument.

>"This is Luna's favorite garden. She plants a new flower every time one of her stars falls."

>You look at Celestia.

>"Her bats are her stars, Anon. Not the literal stars in the sky."

"How does she know when her stars fall?"

>"Not even I know that, Anon. She considers them her children, and they consider her their mother."

>You nod and step outside as Celestia takes her leave.

>This garden definitely felt more serene than the Garden of Space.

>You walk toward Speck.

>She doesn't hear your approach.

>You sit to her right, placing your left hand on her shoulder while your right holds the smoothie.

"Hey there, Speck."

>She doesn't answer you.

>She doesn't even look up at you.

"I know you're upset, Speck. I'm really sorry I've been lying to you."

>She keeps her focus on the ivory monument.

>You look up at it.

>It has a small plaque on it that reads: "In Memory Of My Fallen Stars. The Skies Grow Darker Each Night, But You Are Not Forgotten."

>You smile and pull Speck close to you.

"When I came to Equestria, I made up a past for myself, based on my adventures in those games."

>You kiss her ear and stroke her mane.

"I wanted to be a hero in this world. I wanted to help p0nies, and I wanted to be loved."

>She pulls away from you and looks away.

"But those five long years of being here... Of helping the Cakes and helping P0nyville."

>A tear falls down her cheek.

"When you first came out of those bushes in front of our home..."

>She tries not to sob.

"Speck, that was when I first knew I could be the hero I always wanted to be."

>You reach out and trace your fingers over her right cheek.

"I could be the hero that someone admired and looked up to. I could be someone's reason to try their hardest every day."

>You pull her face to look up at you.

>You hold her chin up and kiss her lips.

>She pulls back, her tears in full force.

>"Anon. You did everything you could for me. You took me in, you fed me, you protected me. You took me to my mom in her final hours."

>You hand her the smoothie.

>She smiles and takes it, looking up at you as she takes a sip.

 

>"I don't care about anything that you've ever done before I met you, Anon. I didn't fall in love with you because of those stories. I admired you for them, sure. But do you know what I really fell in love with you for?"

>You shake your head and place a hand on her cheek.

>"I fell in love with you for those banana bread muffins you made."

>You stare at her blankly.

>She starts snickering.

>You push her over onto her back, she throws the smoothie away from her in surprise.

>You lay beside her on your side and trace your fingers over her ears.

"You can be so cruel sometimes, Speck."

>"Oh, bite me."

>She covers her mouth with her hooves, her eyes widening in fear.

>You start laughing.

>For the first time since you met her, you laugh at her pun.

>She starts laughing too.

>You hold her face and she holds yours.

>Your laughter dies down a little as you kiss.

>You roll onto your back and hold her on top of you.

>She breaks the kiss and nuzzles into your neck.

>"I love you Anon."

"I love you too, Speck."

>"Ahem..."

>You look up from Speck.

>She rolls off of you and squeaks.

>Princess Luna stands over the both of you with a soft smile on her face.

>"Having fun?"

"Yes."

>Speck waves at Luna and smiles.

>"Hi Princess."