Title: The Song That Never Ends Author: RabbitEatingAnon Pastebin link: http://pastebin.com/XWUk5MiU First Edit: Tuesday 17th of December 2013 09:50:37 AM CDT Last Edit: Tuesday 17th of December 2013 09:50:37 AM CDT >"I'm afraid that, as co-ruler of Equestria, I must ensure that you don't mean any harm to my subjects." >Celestia pauses for a moment, searching for the right words. >"So before I allow you back out into the general populace, I'm going to have to read your mind. I must know for certain that you don't represent a threat." >You frown. "Allow me to make my case as to why you really shouldn't go poking around inside my head. I particularly value my privacy." >Your words echo around the throne room, empty but for Celestia and yourself. >The princess nods. "Alright." "I've only been here a week, but I've already noticed some rather peculiar things about how Equestria works. Three times now a cluster of ponies have burst into song about some inane task, music has materialized out of nothing, and half of Ponyville has joined in a dance number. I'm assuming this is considered normal?"   >"Why, yes." She cocks her head to one side. "Do you not have Spontaneous Musical Numbers where you come from?" >You can hear the Capital Letters in her voice. So that's where Twilight gets it from. "Nothing of the sort. Which is why humans have been a little bit… freer with our songs than ponies must be. Less careful, less constrained. I'd rather some of those songs not get outside my head." >"I'm not sure I understand. Songs are harmless, and serve to help ponies in need of inspiration and support. I sincerely doubt that a strange human song is going to cause problems." >A sigh and a grimace both cross your lips. "Would you like me to demonstrate?" >"Go ahead."   >You straighten up, and close your eyes. The simple melody springs to the front of your mind, and you snap your fingers to the beat. >The notes spring forth from the ether, tinny and small, and you start to sing along. "This is the song that never ends," >Celestia jolts upright. "Yes, it goes on and on my friends," >Her ears perk and her eyes widen. "Some people started singing it not knowing what it was," >Her mouth opens ever so slightly, and she slams it shut with a hoof. "And now they'll keep on singing it forever just because," >Despite obviously not wanting to, she's humming along to the melody. "This is the song that never ends," >Sincere panic spreads across her features. "Yes, it goes on and on my friends," >"STOP!"   >She's panting and scared. You didn't think she could get any whiter, but she has. >You stop singing, and the music halts. "That's a simple chil- foal's song, where I come from. I'm pretty sure you don't want that song in your head." >"Y-you can go. On one condition." Breathing deeply, she slowly pulls herself back together. >"Never sing a human-made song." "Of course."   >You turn to leave, but suddenly a thought strikes you. "Celestia, you have a sister, right?" >"Yes." "About yea high, dark blue, confined to her quarters with a headache or some such thing?" >"She's been hallucinating and delirious for several days. How did you… oh. I'll tell her to stay out of your dreams." "Thank you."