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Home/wrecker 10: Finale (Batpony)

By: Shiggler on Dec 25th, 2013 | syntax: None | size: 24.04 KB | hits: 54 | expires: Never

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Previously
http://pastebin.com/Y3nferTW
>http://youtu.be/goDd02TTxBA
>Who are you kidding?
>You can't sleep.
>Even if you wanted to send yourself off to some far away land, the only thing on your mind has been Anon.
>Well, that's not true.
>Anon, the guards, what happens next.
>Where do you go from here?
>Are you supposed to just forget all about the fact that Anonymous, your one friend, has betrayed you?
>He callously dashed your feelings to the side in search of that condemned book.
>Ignored your thoughts and became a traitor in the worst possible way.
>It's as if your friendship meant nothing.
>You can do nothing.
>Letting out a timid, soft, defeated sigh, you turn in the delicate sheets.
>“You still haven't answered me; where did you both go?!”
>Your daze is interrupted.
>The minty-coloured pony in front of you distresses.
>Something isn't right.
“We... we went somewhere we shouldn't have.”
>“Where?!”
>Your jaw is locking; a nerve shoots pain through it.
>Must be from sleep deprivation.
“Hollow Shades.”
>“I have no idea where that is.”
“I promise you, it's not somewhere /you'd/ want to be.”
>She traces a hoof along her leg.
>“Why?”
>You almost scoff.
“It was the first settlement built by the batponies.”
>Lyra steps back an inch, with a hoof off the ground disgustedly.
>“Do you really think I still feel that way?”
>When you ponder on this, you think maybe it was dumb to scoff.
“...I guess not.”
>She looks to the floor.
>“Celestia, looking back at that day when I first saw Echo...”
>Her face becomes rigid, expression soft.
>She scrapes at the ground.
>“I feel- gross for it. A disgrace. It was an atrocious disgrace!”
>The mare's face gazes upon you.
>Her eyes seem wet.
>“Do you take me to be heartless?”
>Try as you might...
>You can't meet hers.
“No. I don't.”
>“Good.”
>The two of you stand in an uncomfortable silence for a few moments.
>There's still words to say.
“I'm sorry, Lyra.”
>“I know.”
>She looks to the falling moon.
>“I'd best get going. I have things I need to do with Bon Bon.”
>You look to her.
“Alright. See you later.”
>She goes to leave, trots a few steps.
>Before you close the door, she calls back.
>“Hey, Anon?”
“Yeah?”
>She smiles.
>“Tell Echo I said hi.”
>You can't keep a solemn face for long.
>Your lips curl.
“I will.”
>http://youtu.be/0z2L0Mo8C1s
>“Oh! We've been parading around this forest like fools looking for gold for what feels like a millenia!”
>Your only companion in this stupid charade complains once more.
>Why you convinced her to tag along with you in your search for that troublesome pair...
>You don't know.
>You hate Jasmine.
>Jasmine hates you.
>And you're no closer to finding them.
“Can it, mushbrain. They've got to have come this way, it's the only place that old path led to, and you said you saw their footprints.”
>“Well, that's true.”
>Finally, some sense out of her.
>“But still, my hooves are hurting and I want to go home!”
>Prissy.
“If you want to go back through the Everfree on your own... be my guest.”
>She looks at you, as if to say “never”.
“And besides, you know both of us would be in a cell if you went back there. If I'm going, I'm taking all of you down with me.”
>Jasmine looks doubtful.
>“On second thought...”
“That's what I like to hear.”
>There are no clues in this area.
>The only thing that proves some sort of lifeform was here is a snapped twig.
>But that could be any of the foul vermin that stalk these woods.
>You pick up a little stone next to a tree.
>There's an indent in the bark.
>“Quiet, come look!”
>She almost sounds excited!
“Gimme a sec.”
>Stow away the stone.
>As you hop over brush, she points to a sandy crevice.
>An oddity, but nothing out of the ordinary for this place.
>There are hoof and bootprints in the grains.
“So they were here then.”
>“Where do you think they could've gone next?”
>From the dusky shadows, a distinct voice.
>“Who is it that you seek? Speak with me, I can offer you a peek.”
>Jasmine jumps a few feet.
>“Wh-who's there?!”
>“Ah, I am but a friend. Your will, I do not wish to bend.”
>Before Jasmine can screech like a baby, the creature appears from its murky surrounding.
>A zebra.
>“Nocturnals, I can see that. It's been a long time since last I encountered a bat.”
>You scratch at your chin.
>The way she speaks is confusing.
>“You said you can help us find someone?”
>“Few ever pass through the forest. Perhaps it is for the best.”
“Yeah, yeah. Cut to the chase. Have you seen a tall monkey-thing and another batpony?”
>Her patience is unfaltering.
>“These creatures, I have surely seen. Come, I can show you where they have been.”
>Jasmine looks to you, uncertain.
>You shrug at her.
“I don't see why not. Come on, Jasmine.”
>“...Right behind you.”
>http://youtu.be/VoEjsIVCfWk
>“Do you want some breakfast?”
>Calls from the kitchen.
>A wafting smell of cooked pineapples and persimmons greets a friendly “Hello,” to your nose.
>Hell yes, you want breakfast!
“Sounds and smells yum!”
>You stretch out your limbs, hearing some bone somewhere give a satisfying crack.
>Going to the window, you peer outside to the exquisite moonlit dusk.
>It's beautiful.
>Reminds you of those days when you were young.
>You and your dad would play out by the small patch of trees near Hollow Shades, counting stars and looking at the Mare in the Moon.
>Thinking back, you picture your dad telling you all sorts of wacky stories about how Princess Luna banished Celestia to the moon as a punishment for trying to get rid of the night.
>This night is just like that one.
>Your lungs fill with air.
>Scents of wilderness, pure and dangerous in form take your snout.
>“Echo! Breakfast!”
>Exhale.
>It lingers for a moment.
>Trotting downstairs, you see Anon in a silly apron.
>“BUCK THE COOK,” it says.
>You taunt him, snickering.
“Where in Equestria did you get that silly apron?”
>He almost looks insulted.
>“Hey, this thing was a bargain. 4 bits from a store down the road.”
>For some reason, you're sent into throes of laughter.
“Bargain?! Buck the cook?! That doesn't even make sense, Anon!”
>Collapsing to the ground, your stomach tightens with hilarity, your eyes welling up with uncontrollable tears.
>His eyes squint, hands on his hips.
“Oh, Luna! That's hilarious.”
>He huffs.
“Oh, don't be a spoilsport, Anon.”
>“Damn lucky I don't throw her pancakes away...”
>He grumbles to himself.
>You giggle lightly.
>Setting yourself up at the table, you take a look at the plate.
>There's a pancake lathered in syrup and grilled pineapple, with a cooked persimmon to the side.
>He's gone all out today.
>You don't even know where to start.
>“Don't thank me all at once.”
>Your lips curl up.
“Thank you very much.”
>His do the same.
>“After you.”
>He doesn't need to tell you twice.
>In a split-second, you can see nothing.
>Your face has made its grave in this plate of food for gods.
>The only sense you retain right now is taste.
>The thick golden wonder completely pastes the inside of your mouth, while the complimenting sweet-yet-sour pineapple is left to rest upon your tongue.
>You savour the pancake for a few moments, chewing them to a soft pulp.
>Crunching down on the pineapple, juice flows all around.
>It's heaven in your mouth right now.
>Swallowing everything at once, you look up to see Anon...
“What? Is there something on my face?”
>He dejectedly points to you with a crooked elbow, making a circle in the air.
>“Uh... Yes.”
>You look at your snout.
>“Yes there is.”
>Slowly, you feel your cheeks turning red.
“...Oops.”
>Anonymous laughs, handing you a towel.
>“You need this?”
>Turning from him slightly, you nod.
>Chuckles turn to chortles.
>He almost bursts into fits of hilarity himself.
>Well, he won't get away with this.
>Biting into half of that luscious persimmon, you throw the other half at him.
>Milliseconds before it hits his face, the look of surprise...
>It's all too much.
>He gets up, grimacing.
>“I hate you sometimes...”
>You flash him a cheeky grin.
“You do flatter me, Anon.”
>He folds his arms, sitting down again.
>“That I do, Echo. That I-”
>Before he can finish, your attention is drawn to the clattering door in the next room.
>“Anon! Echo!”
>The voice of Lyra.
>“They're looking for you two!”
>And all at once, the road to recovery is ruined.
>To think you almost forgot about what Anon did.
Half an hour earlier.
>http://youtu.be/I9eo5-Fq5cw
>“The names I recognise, I can tell you that. What do you seek them for, bat?”
>The zebra's rhymes ring in your ears.
>Jasmine still looks like she's going to wet herself.
>Luna, what a scaredy-pony.
>The three of you continue your long walk.
“We need to enforce justice upon these two. They have broken the law.”
>She takes a step backward, her ears flattening.
>“Oh my, what have they done? Fighting the law is a battle that cannot be won.”
>Enticed yet wary, she sits, listening to your tale.
>How the Chronicle was very important to the batponies, yet these two tried to steal it.
>It brings a smile to your face, knowing she has no idea.
>Jasmine looks at you at times, as though to say “what are you doing?”, but you stare her down.
>No way is a zebra going to have you sent to prison.
>“That was quite a tale. I hope they don't ask me to pay a bail.”
>If your freedom wasn't on the line, you may have stopped to laugh.
>As such, you remain silent.
>“What's... What's Ponyville like?”
>First words Jasmine's said in about 30 minutes.
>“The citizens are rather amicable. Though they are not reliable.”
>This piques your interest.
“How so?”
>“It's hard to explain. When you get there, knowledge you will gain.”
>Curious.
>Jasmine seems to fleet around every single little crack and crevice, like a superstitious filly.
>You wonder what the hell could have scared her so much.
“What's with you?”
>“Huh?”
“You're so jittery.”
>Jumping, she stares at the floor in fright.
>“I hate bugs!”
>The zebra turns around.
>“Do not fret, timid bat. They are as harmless as a rat.”
>That doesn't help her.
>Only difference is her teeth begin to chatter.
“Ugh...”
>After rolling your eyes in disdain, you face forward once more.
>The view of Ponyville greets your vision.
>What an odd town.
>The buildings barely reach past 2 storeys.
>“I'm afraid this is as far as I will go. Whatever happens, I assure you, I will know.”
>You nod to her; she retreats back into the forest.
“How cryptic.”
>“I'm just glad we're out of that creepy forest.”
>Ignoring her stupid comment, you start off into the settlement.
“Let's get to work.”
>Jasmine trails slightly behind you, fascinated with the odd placement of buildings and the wide streets.
>“It's like anti-Hollow Shades.”
>You acknowledge it, but more important matters are at hand.
>The first house is within hoof's reach.
“We'll start here.”
>The golden button on the door chimes when you press it.
>Waiting a few moments, a turquoise, minty pony answers.
>The moon shines down.
>Her pupils shrink.
>“G-Good evening, officers.”
>Clearly, being visited in the dead of night by armoured guards isn't what she expected.
>“What... What are you here for?”
>Before Jasmine can say some sappy nonsense about how you both appreciate her help, you get straight to the point.
“We are in search of a tall monkey-like creature. And a batpony. Obviously, they're not something you unicorns see much of. Seen them anywhere?”
>She blinks out sleep from her eyes.
>“I-I've never heard of such a thing.”
>The ambivalence in her voice...
>A blatant lie.
>“We appreciate your help, citizen. Sorry for coming so late.”
>Your companion is going to be dead meat by the time this is over.
>“Erm, it's okay.”
>Through your gritted fangs, you spit out a word.
“Goodnight.”
>The door closes silently.
“Why did you do that?”
>Jasmine almost looks shocked.
>“She had no information!”
“Did you not see the look on her face? She was evidently lying!”
>She's still apprehensive.
>“Oh well, we're no closer anyway! Let's just try another house.”
“Fine.”
>A door unlatches, and the clipclop of hooves emanates from a corner into your ear.
>http://youtu.be/Y69nZWqsCy0
>You and Echo face Lyra.
>She shuts the door behind her, holding it there.
“What?!”
>She pants in the doorway, trying to get out some words.
>“Thewere... two guards... my house... it's so late.”
>Echo gets off the chair and walks to her.
>“Lyra, tell us what happened. Quickly.”
>After wolfing down a deep breath, the unicorn explains.
>The guards are in Ponyville.
>You turn to Echo.
“How could they have navigated through the Everfree so quickly?!”
>Echo shrugs.
>“Zecora, maybe?”
>You ponder this.
“Would she help them though?”
>Lyra cuts her off.
>“Whatever the case, you two need to get out of here, and fast!”
“She's right.”
>The closed curtain is brushed aside as your unexpected guest spies through the glass.
>Instantly, her face retracts in terror.
>Echo goes to speak.
>Lyra begs her not to, shaking her head and mouthing “No!”
>Your sitting room lights aren't on, thank Christ.
>The mint mare points towards the kitchen.
>You know exactly what she means.
>Tapping Echo, you motion for her to follow
>As you put a finger to your lips, there's a bash of hoof-on-door.
>Her pupils dilate; she nods.
>No matter how painful it is, you take care to make no sound on your tiptoes.
>The two ponies inside try to do the same, though a tiny squeak of the floorboards emanates.
>You cringe, heart ready to burst from your chest.
>Lyra hinges her eyes shut.
>Another couple of knocks.
>The kitchen door mutely opens by your hand.
>Your heart thumps fiercely in your ears.
>Creeping in a hushed manner through the kitchen, you take great pains not to hit idle cutlery.
>Finally, you all manage to reach the back door.
>Sweat flows down your brow.
>You mouth to your friends.
-This is it-
>Firmly clutching the handle, you pull...
>Not a peep.
>A small sigh can't help itself; it escapes from your lungs.
>The back alley is shrouded in shadow.
>It's impossible for the guards to see you.
>Echo whispers to Lyra.
>“How many guards did you see?”
>“Only one.”
>Oh fuck.
>“Wait a minute... Oh, Celestia.”
>Her mane stands on end.
>“Uh... It's been great, this. Really. But I gotta be off.”
>She starts to gallop away
>Infuriated, you softly call out to her.
“Lyra, you get your turquoise a-”
>“Now, now, Anon.”
>Echo lets out a gasp.
>“Don't swear in front of your lady.”
>Quiet Dawn's light coat is ghost-like in the mist.
“How...”
>Jasmine comes around the corner, flanking you.
>“We're the only law around here. You're coming with us.”
>Echo shakes in fright and confusion.
>“But... You wanted to get Quiet out of the royal guard!”
“Did you not hear her shouting, saying she'd not slander Dawn if she caught us?”
>Echo growls back at you.
>“No. I was too busy running. This is your fault anyway.”
>She brings this up here? Now?
“...Maybe you're right, but you put the whole idea into my head! If you'd only seen it through my eyes, maybe you'd understand!”
>“Lover's quarrel?”
>No use arguing in front of that infernal mare.
>“Gah- No!”
>The azure-maned guard chuckles.
>“Has that remedy taken affect yet, Jasmine?”
>The ironically quieter pony peers around.
>“Yes.”
>“Cuff them.”
>Without warning, Dawn becomes a blur, and your hands are behind your back.
>“A big, strong ape, aren't you?”
>Your face contorts into the shape of pure hatred.
>So it was Zecora, after all.
>You spit towards her.
>It splatters uselessly on the floor.
>Echo's grunts and groans enter your ears.
>“Sorry about this, citizen. But you have committed a crime against Equestrian law-”
>“Cut the crap. We're taking them to Canterlot, to be presented to Luna herself.”
>You turn towards your friend, seeing her chained up.
>Her wings and her hindlegs...
>It's an anguishing sight.
>“Ngh!”
>She can't even move properly.
>“Get up, criminal scum. We're going to the train station.”
A while later...
>http://youtu.be/eliBe-qj5wo
>Inside a temporary holding cell, you witness the accused.
>They are staring at each other.
>You know a vicious battle is being fought in there.
>But this is not a battle fought with weapons.
>This is a battle fought internally.
>You know all too well what it's like to fight in that conflict.
>And even if you win the fight, who's to say you've won the war?
>Thinking of this brings about pity for these two prisoners.
>“Princess Luna, we require you in the court room.”
“As you wish.”
>Horn glowing, the doors part for you.
>Inside, a few ponies sit in the well.
>A turquoise unicorn, a fragile, old batstallion, and numerous other batponies.
>The unicorn looks disdained.
>The stallion is fighting back tears.
>The rest seem angered.
>You pass through the bar, and sit at the bench.
“Bring through the accused, please.”
>One of your guards in Hollow Shades has the two through in moments.
>...She looks uneasy.
>The batpony and the human stand at their shared desk, heads facing to the ground.
“State your names.”
>“Echo.”
>“Anonymous.”
>You clear your throat.
“You have been accused of high treason against batpony kind for the attempted theft of the Chronicle. The punishments for such a crime include: banishment from Equestria, isolated containment, and/or a life-long prison sentence.”
>The pair of them both raise their shamed heads at the same time.
“What say you?”
>Echo looks to Anonymous.
>“We deny these charges.”
>You nod.
“We require a statement.”
>Anonymous looks to Echo.
>He cups his hand around her ear, whispering.
>It takes close listening, but you can make out something along the lines of “...you... batponies... trust.”
>Agitated, Anonymous tries to keep eye contact with you.
>He can't.
>“Echo will give the statement.”
“As you wish. Echo?”
>Her ear twitches.
>“The truth may seem like a wild statement at times.”
>She sighs.
>“But it must come out. Quiet Dawn is the real mastermind here.”
>You can't restrain yourself; your eyebrow raises.
>A critical mistake.
>The short batpony presses on.
>She tells a very long tale of her father, and how she hadn't seen him in very long.
>How Anonymous went to question him on some matters of her past.
>“Personal matters”, she called them.
>But you know better.
>You saw this pony outside the tomb of the Chronicle.
>In her dreams, you saw her.
>Stealing the Chronicle, the exact same way it happened back then.
>The intricacies are astounding.
>She's taunted by her own mind every night about that fateful day.
>Truly sorry for it.
>What else is a good daughter to do?
>However, you know it is still a heinous crime.
>Whether to withhold this information to your advisors, though...
>Echo continues with her testament.
>The misguided guard supposedly had Echo and Anonymous to help her get into the tomb, using Anonymous' relative strength.
>“This is a lie!”
“Quiet Dawn, stand down. Echo, continue.”
>Echo was supposed to be a location device, however she had stolen it from a different resting place.
>When they had reached outside, Quiet Dawn's partner, Jasmine, saw them all.
>This is a weighty statement.
>And the fact that Jasmine has hidden this from you all is contempt of court.
>Some more minor details shared, but nothing significant.
>The pair turn back to the unicorn.
>She seems dejected.
>Perhaps at herself.
>But such assumptions mean nothing in a courtroom.
>The stallion you noticed earlier has his head in his hooves.
>They are soaked with stains of helplessness.
>There are greater matters at hand however.
“Anonymous, do you wholeheartedly agree with everything your companion has said?”
>“I do.”
>Nod.
“Then if there is nothing further to be stated, we shall question the plaintiffs.”
>An audible gulp rings in the air.
>From the easy target.
“Jasmine, you have been accused of contempt of court. What do you say to that?”
>She looks around, waiting for someone to interject.
>Jasmine quakes in her chair.
>Then stands.
>“I-I...”
>The partner stares daggers through her eyes.
>“I plead guilty.”
>Abrupt interruption from the azure-maned pony.
>“You WHAT?!”
>The terrified bat's green eyes scream at Dawn, telling her not to push further.
>“You're an idiot, Jasmine!”
>“I can't keep up this charade any longer! I plead guilty, Princess Luna, I confess!”
>The stance of that incompetent guard looks as if she may just will the roof to collapse on top of Jasmine.
“We will have order.”
>The room quietens down.
“For the crime of contempt of court, we find Jasmine, Patrol Officer for the Royal Guard, guilty. You will be stripped of your rank, demoted and will serve a sentence of 4 months.”
>Water builds up around her eyes; tears are about to flood her face like a tsunami.
“Take her away.”
>Two guards appear from the back, cuffing the burbling pony.
“Quiet Dawn, rise.”
>Jasmine is gone.
>With a firmly bitter “yes, ma'am”, Dawn buys as much time as possible; slowly raises herself.
“Echo and Anonymous accuse you of blackmail, framing, and thievery of the Chron-”
>“I deny the charges.”
>You raise an eyebrow.
“We were not done speaking.”
>“I was done listening.”
>She's testing your patience greatly.
“You shall respect this court, lest you be sent to the jail this instant!”
>She sluggishly lets out a breath.
“Considering that there is no resolution for either side, we shall adjourn court. In 30 minutes, we will have a unanimous decision that decides the fate of both the remaining plaintiff and the defendants.”
>Slamming a hoof on the desk, you utter three words.
“Court is adjourned.”
2 minutes to verdict.
>Shouts of “innocent!” and “guilty!” flare around you.
>Inside the circular room, your best advisors are calling for a decision.
>There's no
>An incredibly serious crime has occured.
>You've reviewed the given evidence hundreds of times but...
>The entire board is tied to an exact 50/50 split.
>Now, the fate of three seemingly small individuals rests entirely betwixt your hands.
>It's uncertain...
>It's unfair to have to decide who goes home free.
>The outsider and the sorrowful one, or the traitor.
>Taking one final look at the scraps of words the scribe wrote down, you garner a real sense of what has happened.
"We have come to a decision."
Months later...
>You lie, solitary.
>Moonlight beams.
>It's a cold, cold room.
>Quiet, too. Without anyone in here.
>There's food somewhere, but you've lost your appetite completely.
>With no-one to confide in, life has become a meagre task.
>Every single effort you have made has been for nothing.
>Why?
>If you could ask a higher being than yourself one question...
>'Why', would be very suitable.
>Why did you even try to do such a criminal act?
>Was it worth being kicked out of Hollow Shades?
>Of course it wasn't!
>Even with the few friends you had there...
>It's not worth it.
>Never know what you have till it's gone, you guess.
>Perhaps you could 'guess' a way out of here.
>It's been so long since you've seen the outside.
>The marks of your stone have almost cut all the way along this rounded room.
>You're waiting, counting.
>But you don't know what for.
>If you get out...
>What remains?
>There's no creature who would take you in; no solace for criminals in Equestria.
>Not even as a house guest...
>Hollow Shades will dash you aside.
>If you stay here...
>Nothing but your thoughts left.
>Being stuck in your brain after this long is simply unhealthy.
>Detriments to the mind have already gripped you.
>It's just a matter of them taking total control now.
>A clock chimes, far away.
>And so, another scratch added to the room.
The End.
Next
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Previously
http://pastebin.com/Y3nferTW

>http://youtu.be/goDd02TTxBA
>Who are you kidding?
>You can't sleep.
>Even if you wanted to send yourself off to some far away land, the only thing on your mind has been Anon.
>Well, that's not true.
>Anon, the guards, what happens next.
>Where do you go from here?
>Are you supposed to just forget all about the fact that Anonymous, your one friend, has betrayed you?
>He callously dashed your feelings to the side in search of that condemned book.
>Ignored your thoughts and became a traitor in the worst possible way.
>It's as if your friendship meant nothing.
>You can do nothing.
>Letting out a timid, soft, defeated sigh, you turn in the delicate sheets.

>“You still haven't answered me; where did you both go?!”
>Your daze is interrupted.
>The minty-coloured pony in front of you distresses.
>Something isn't right.
“We... we went somewhere we shouldn't have.”
>“Where?!”
>Your jaw is locking; a nerve shoots pain through it.
>Must be from sleep deprivation.
“Hollow Shades.”
>“I have no idea where that is.”
“I promise you, it's not somewhere /you'd/ want to be.”
>She traces a hoof along her leg.
>“Why?”
>You almost scoff.
“It was the first settlement built by the batponies.”
>Lyra steps back an inch, with a hoof off the ground disgustedly.
>“Do you really think I still feel that way?”
>When you ponder on this, you think maybe it was dumb to scoff.
“...I guess not.”
>She looks to the floor.
>“Celestia, looking back at that day when I first saw Echo...”
>Her face becomes rigid, expression soft.
>She scrapes at the ground.
>“I feel- gross for it. A disgrace. It was an atrocious disgrace!”
>The mare's face gazes upon you.
>Her eyes seem wet.
>“Do you take me to be heartless?”
>Try as you might...
>You can't meet hers.
“No. I don't.”
>“Good.”
>The two of you stand in an uncomfortable silence for a few moments.
>There's still words to say.
“I'm sorry, Lyra.”
>“I know.”
>She looks to the falling moon.
>“I'd best get going. I have things I need to do with Bon Bon.”
>You look to her.
“Alright. See you later.”
>She goes to leave, trots a few steps.
>Before you close the door, she calls back.
>“Hey, Anon?”
“Yeah?”
>She smiles.
>“Tell Echo I said hi.”
>You can't keep a solemn face for long.
>Your lips curl.
“I will.”

>http://youtu.be/0z2L0Mo8C1s
>“Oh! We've been parading around this forest like fools looking for gold for what feels like a millenia!”
>Your only companion in this stupid charade complains once more.
>Why you convinced her to tag along with you in your search for that troublesome pair...
>You don't know.
>You hate Jasmine.
>Jasmine hates you.
>And you're no closer to finding them.
“Can it, mushbrain. They've got to have come this way, it's the only place that old path led to, and you said you saw their footprints.”
>“Well, that's true.”
>Finally, some sense out of her.
>“But still, my hooves are hurting and I want to go home!”
>Prissy.
“If you want to go back through the Everfree on your own... be my guest.”
>She looks at you, as if to say “never”.
“And besides, you know both of us would be in a cell if you went back there. If I'm going, I'm taking all of you down with me.”
>Jasmine looks doubtful.
>“On second thought...”
“That's what I like to hear.”
>There are no clues in this area.
>The only thing that proves some sort of lifeform was here is a snapped twig.
>But that could be any of the foul vermin that stalk these woods.
>You pick up a little stone next to a tree.
>There's an indent in the bark.
>“Quiet, come look!”
>She almost sounds excited!
“Gimme a sec.”
>Stow away the stone.
>As you hop over brush, she points to a sandy crevice.
>An oddity, but nothing out of the ordinary for this place.
>There are hoof and bootprints in the grains.
“So they were here then.”
>“Where do you think they could've gone next?”
>From the dusky shadows, a distinct voice.
>“Who is it that you seek? Speak with me, I can offer you a peek.”
>Jasmine jumps a few feet.
>“Wh-who's there?!”
 >“Ah, I am but a friend. Your will, I do not wish to bend.”
>Before Jasmine can screech like a baby, the creature appears from its murky surrounding.
>A zebra.
>“Nocturnals, I can see that. It's been a long time since last I encountered a bat.”
>You scratch at your chin.
>The way she speaks is confusing.
>“You said you can help us find someone?”
>“Few ever pass through the forest. Perhaps it is for the best.”
“Yeah, yeah. Cut to the chase. Have you seen a tall monkey-thing and another batpony?”
>Her patience is unfaltering.
>“These creatures, I have surely seen. Come, I can show you where they have been.”
>Jasmine looks to you, uncertain.
>You shrug at her.
“I don't see why not. Come on, Jasmine.”
>“...Right behind you.”

>http://youtu.be/VoEjsIVCfWk
>“Do you want some breakfast?”
>Calls from the kitchen.
>A wafting smell of cooked pineapples and persimmons greets a friendly “Hello,” to your nose.
>Hell yes, you want breakfast!
“Sounds and smells yum!”
>You stretch out your limbs, hearing some bone somewhere give a satisfying crack.
>Going to the window, you peer outside to the exquisite moonlit dusk.
>It's beautiful.
>Reminds you of those days when you were young.
>You and your dad would play out by the small patch of trees near Hollow Shades, counting stars and looking at the Mare in the Moon.
>Thinking back, you picture your dad telling you all sorts of wacky stories about how Princess Luna banished Celestia to the moon as a punishment for trying to get rid of the night.
>This night is just like that one.
>Your lungs fill with air.
>Scents of wilderness, pure and dangerous in form take your snout.
>“Echo! Breakfast!”
>Exhale.
>It lingers for a moment.
>Trotting downstairs, you see Anon in a silly apron.
>“BUCK THE COOK,” it says.
>You taunt him, snickering.
“Where in Equestria did you get that silly apron?”
>He almost looks insulted.
>“Hey, this thing was a bargain. 4 bits from a store down the road.”
>For some reason, you're sent into throes of laughter.
“Bargain?! Buck the cook?! That doesn't even make sense, Anon!”
>Collapsing to the ground, your stomach tightens with hilarity, your eyes welling up with uncontrollable tears.
>His eyes squint, hands on his hips.
“Oh, Luna! That's hilarious.”
>He huffs.
“Oh, don't be a spoilsport, Anon.”
>“Damn lucky I don't throw her pancakes away...”
>He grumbles to himself.
>You giggle lightly.
>Setting yourself up at the table, you take a look at the plate.
>There's a pancake lathered in syrup and grilled pineapple, with a cooked persimmon to the side.
>He's gone all out today.
>You don't even know where to start.
>“Don't thank me all at once.”
>Your lips curl up.
“Thank you very much.”
>His do the same.
>“After you.”
>He doesn't need to tell you twice.
>In a split-second, you can see nothing.
>Your face has made its grave in this plate of food for gods.
>The only sense you retain right now is taste.
>The thick golden wonder completely pastes the inside of your mouth, while the complimenting sweet-yet-sour pineapple is left to rest upon your tongue.
>You savour the pancake for a few moments, chewing them to a soft pulp.
>Crunching down on the pineapple, juice flows all around.
>It's heaven in your mouth right now.
>Swallowing everything at once, you look up to see Anon...
“What? Is there something on my face?”
>He dejectedly points to you with a crooked elbow, making a circle in the air.
>“Uh... Yes.”
>You look at your snout.
>“Yes there is.”
>Slowly, you feel your cheeks turning red.
“...Oops.”
>Anonymous laughs, handing you a towel.
>“You need this?”
>Turning from him slightly, you nod.
>Chuckles turn to chortles.
>He almost bursts into fits of hilarity himself. 
>Well, he won't get away with this.
>Biting into half of that luscious persimmon, you throw the other half at him.
>Milliseconds before it hits his face, the look of surprise...
>It's all too much.
>He gets up, grimacing.
>“I hate you sometimes...”
>You flash him a cheeky grin.
“You do flatter me, Anon.”
>He folds his arms, sitting down again.
>“That I do, Echo. That I-”
>Before he can finish, your attention is drawn to the clattering door in the next room.
>“Anon! Echo!”
>The voice of Lyra.
>“They're looking for you two!”
>And all at once, the road to recovery is ruined.
>To think you almost forgot about what Anon did.

Half an hour earlier.
>http://youtu.be/I9eo5-Fq5cw
>“The names I recognise, I can tell you that. What do you seek them for, bat?”
>The zebra's rhymes ring in your ears.
>Jasmine still looks like she's going to wet herself.
>Luna, what a scaredy-pony.
>The three of you continue your long walk.
“We need to enforce justice upon these two. They have broken the law.”
>She takes a step backward, her ears flattening.
>“Oh my, what have they done? Fighting the law is a battle that cannot be won.”
>Enticed yet wary, she sits, listening to your tale.
>How the Chronicle was very important to the batponies, yet these two tried to steal it.
>It brings a smile to your face, knowing she has no idea.
>Jasmine looks at you at times, as though to say “what are you doing?”, but you stare her down.
>No way is a zebra going to have you sent to prison.
>“That was quite a tale. I hope they don't ask me to pay a bail.”
>If your freedom wasn't on the line, you may have stopped to laugh.
>As such, you remain silent.
>“What's... What's Ponyville like?”
>First words Jasmine's said in about 30 minutes.
>“The citizens are rather amicable. Though they are not reliable.”
>This piques your interest.
“How so?”
>“It's hard to explain. When you get there, knowledge you will gain.”
>Curious.
>Jasmine seems to fleet around every single little crack and crevice, like a superstitious filly.
>You wonder what the hell could have scared her so much.
“What's with you?”
>“Huh?”
“You're so jittery.”
>Jumping, she stares at the floor in fright.
>“I hate bugs!”
>The zebra turns around.
>“Do not fret, timid bat. They are as harmless as a rat.”
>That doesn't help her.
>Only difference is her teeth begin to chatter.
“Ugh...”
>After rolling your eyes in disdain, you face forward once more.
>The view of Ponyville greets your vision.
>What an odd town.
>The buildings barely reach past 2 storeys.
>“I'm afraid this is as far as I will go. Whatever happens, I assure you, I will know.”
>You nod to her; she retreats back into the forest.
“How cryptic.”
>“I'm just glad we're out of that creepy forest.”
>Ignoring her stupid comment, you start off into the settlement.
“Let's get to work.”
>Jasmine trails slightly behind you, fascinated with the odd placement of buildings and the wide streets.
>“It's like anti-Hollow Shades.”
>You acknowledge it, but more important matters are at hand.
>The first house is within hoof's reach.
“We'll start here.”
>The golden button on the door chimes when you press it.
>Waiting a few moments, a turquoise, minty pony answers.
>The moon shines down.
>Her pupils shrink.
>“G-Good evening, officers.”
>Clearly, being visited in the dead of night by armoured guards isn't what she expected.
>“What... What are you here for?”
>Before Jasmine can say some sappy nonsense about how you both appreciate her help, you get straight to the point.
“We are in search of a tall monkey-like creature. And a batpony. Obviously, they're not something you unicorns see much of. Seen them anywhere?”
>She blinks out sleep from her eyes.
>“I-I've never heard of such a thing.”
>The ambivalence in her voice...
>A blatant lie.
>“We appreciate your help, citizen. Sorry for coming so late.”
>Your companion is going to be dead meat by the time this is over.
>“Erm, it's okay.”
>Through your gritted fangs, you spit out a word.
“Goodnight.”
>The door closes silently.
“Why did you do that?”
>Jasmine almost looks shocked.
>“She had no information!”
“Did you not see the look on her face? She was evidently lying!”
>She's still apprehensive.
>“Oh well, we're no closer anyway! Let's just try another house.”
“Fine.”
>A door unlatches, and the clipclop of hooves emanates from a corner into your ear.

>http://youtu.be/Y69nZWqsCy0
>You and Echo face Lyra.
>She shuts the door behind her, holding it there.
“What?!”
>She pants in the doorway, trying to get out some words.
>“Thewere... two guards... my house... it's so late.”
>Echo gets off the chair and walks to her.
>“Lyra, tell us what happened. Quickly.”
>After wolfing down a deep breath, the unicorn explains.
>The guards are in Ponyville.
>You turn to Echo.
“How could they have navigated through the Everfree so quickly?!”
>Echo shrugs.
>“Zecora, maybe?”
>You ponder this.
“Would she help them though?”
>Lyra cuts her off.
>“Whatever the case, you two need to get out of here, and fast!”
“She's right.”
>The closed curtain is brushed aside as your unexpected guest spies through the glass.
>Instantly, her face retracts in terror.
>Echo goes to speak.
>Lyra begs her not to, shaking her head and mouthing “No!”
>Your sitting room lights aren't on, thank Christ.
>The mint mare points towards the kitchen.
>You know exactly what she means.
>Tapping Echo, you motion for her to follow
>As you put a finger to your lips, there's a bash of hoof-on-door.
>Her pupils dilate; she nods.
>No matter how painful it is, you take care to make no sound on your tiptoes.
>The two ponies inside try to do the same, though a tiny squeak of the floorboards emanates.
>You cringe, heart ready to burst from your chest.
>Lyra hinges her eyes shut.
>Another couple of knocks.
>The kitchen door mutely opens by your hand.
>Your heart thumps fiercely in your ears.
>Creeping in a hushed manner through the kitchen, you take great pains not to hit idle cutlery.
>Finally, you all manage to reach the back door.
>Sweat flows down your brow.
>You mouth to your friends.
-This is it-
>Firmly clutching the handle, you pull...
>Not a peep.
>A small sigh can't help itself; it escapes from your lungs.
>The back alley is shrouded in shadow.
>It's impossible for the guards to see you.
>Echo whispers to Lyra.
>“How many guards did you see?”
>“Only one.”
>Oh fuck.
>“Wait a minute... Oh, Celestia.”
>Her mane stands on end.
>“Uh... It's been great, this. Really. But I gotta be off.”
>She starts to gallop away
>Infuriated, you softly call out to her.
“Lyra, you get your turquoise a-”
>“Now, now, Anon.”
>Echo lets out a gasp.
>“Don't swear in front of your lady.”
>Quiet Dawn's light coat is ghost-like in the mist.
“How...”
>Jasmine comes around the corner, flanking you.
>“We're the only law around here. You're coming with us.”
>Echo shakes in fright and confusion.
>“But... You wanted to get Quiet out of the royal guard!”
“Did you not hear her shouting, saying she'd not slander Dawn if she caught us?”
>Echo growls back at you.
>“No. I was too busy running. This is your fault anyway.”
>She brings this up here? Now?
“...Maybe you're right, but you put the whole idea into my head! If you'd only seen it through my eyes, maybe you'd understand!”
>“Lover's quarrel?”
>No use arguing in front of that infernal mare.
>“Gah- No!”
>The azure-maned guard chuckles.
>“Has that remedy taken affect yet, Jasmine?”
>The ironically quieter pony peers around.
>“Yes.”
>“Cuff them.”
>Without warning, Dawn becomes a blur, and your hands are behind your back.
>“A big, strong ape, aren't you?”
>Your face contorts into the shape of pure hatred.
>So it was Zecora, after all.
>You spit towards her.
>It splatters uselessly on the floor.
>Echo's grunts and groans enter your ears.
>“Sorry about this, citizen. But you have committed a crime against Equestrian law-”
>“Cut the crap. We're taking them to Canterlot, to be presented to Luna herself.”
>You turn towards your friend, seeing her chained up.
>Her wings and her hindlegs...
>It's an anguishing sight.
>“Ngh!”
>She can't even move properly.
>“Get up, criminal scum. We're going to the train station.”

A while later...
>http://youtu.be/eliBe-qj5wo
>Inside a temporary holding cell, you witness the accused.
>They are staring at each other.
>You know a vicious battle is being fought in there.
>But this is not a battle fought with weapons.
>This is a battle fought internally.
>You know all too well what it's like to fight in that conflict.
>And even if you win the fight, who's to say you've won the war?
>Thinking of this brings about pity for these two prisoners.
>“Princess Luna, we require you in the court room.”
“As you wish.”
>Horn glowing, the doors part for you.
>Inside, a few ponies sit in the well.
>A turquoise unicorn, a fragile, old batstallion, and numerous other batponies.
>The unicorn looks disdained.
>The stallion is fighting back tears.
>The rest seem angered.
>You pass through the bar, and sit at the bench.
“Bring through the accused, please.”
>One of your guards in Hollow Shades has the two through in moments.
>...She looks uneasy.
>The batpony and the human stand at their shared desk, heads facing to the ground.
“State your names.”
>“Echo.”
>“Anonymous.”
>You clear your throat.
“You have been accused of high treason against batpony kind for the attempted theft of the Chronicle. The punishments for such a crime include: banishment from Equestria, isolated containment, and/or a life-long prison sentence.”
>The pair of them both raise their shamed heads at the same time.
“What say you?”
>Echo looks to Anonymous.
>“We deny these charges.”
>You nod.
“We require a statement.”
>Anonymous looks to Echo.
>He cups his hand around her ear, whispering.
>It takes close listening, but you can make out something along the lines of “...you... batponies... trust.”
>Agitated, Anonymous tries to keep eye contact with you.
>He can't.
>“Echo will give the statement.”
“As you wish. Echo?”
>Her ear twitches.
>“The truth may seem like a wild statement at times.”
>She sighs.
>“But it must come out. Quiet Dawn is the real mastermind here.”
>You can't restrain yourself; your eyebrow raises.
>A critical mistake.
>The short batpony presses on.
>She tells a very long tale of her father, and how she hadn't seen him in very long.
>How Anonymous went to question him on some matters of her past.
>“Personal matters”, she called them.
>But you know better.
>You saw this pony outside the tomb of the Chronicle.
>In her dreams, you saw her.
>Stealing the Chronicle, the exact same way it happened back then.
>The intricacies are astounding.
>She's taunted by her own mind every night about that fateful day.
>Truly sorry for it.
>What else is a good daughter to do?
>However, you know it is still a heinous crime.
>Whether to withhold this information to your advisors, though...
>Echo continues with her testament.
>The misguided guard supposedly had Echo and Anonymous to help her get into the tomb, using Anonymous' relative strength.
>“This is a lie!”
“Quiet Dawn, stand down. Echo, continue.”
>Echo was supposed to be a location device, however she had stolen it from a different resting place.
>When they had reached outside, Quiet Dawn's partner, Jasmine, saw them all.
>This is a weighty statement.
>And the fact that Jasmine has hidden this from you all is contempt of court.
>Some more minor details shared, but nothing significant.
>The pair turn back to the unicorn.
>She seems dejected.
>Perhaps at herself.
>But such assumptions mean nothing in a courtroom.
>The stallion you noticed earlier has his head in his hooves.
>They are soaked with stains of helplessness.
>There are greater matters at hand however.
“Anonymous, do you wholeheartedly agree with everything your companion has said?”
>“I do.”
>Nod.
“Then if there is nothing further to be stated, we shall question the plaintiffs.”
>An audible gulp rings in the air.
>From the easy target.
“Jasmine, you have been accused of contempt of court. What do you say to that?”
>She looks around, waiting for someone to interject.
>Jasmine quakes in her chair.
>Then stands.
>“I-I...”
>The partner stares daggers through her eyes.
>“I plead guilty.”
>Abrupt interruption from the azure-maned pony.
>“You WHAT?!”
>The terrified bat's green eyes scream at Dawn, telling her not to push further.
>“You're an idiot, Jasmine!”
>“I can't keep up this charade any longer! I plead guilty, Princess Luna, I confess!”
>The stance of that incompetent guard looks as if she may just will the roof to collapse on top of Jasmine.
“We will have order.”
>The room quietens down.
“For the crime of contempt of court, we find Jasmine, Patrol Officer for the Royal Guard, guilty. You will be stripped of your rank, demoted and will serve a sentence of 4 months.”
>Water builds up around her eyes; tears are about to flood her face like a tsunami.
“Take her away.”
>Two guards appear from the back, cuffing the burbling pony.
“Quiet Dawn, rise.”
>Jasmine is gone.
>With a firmly bitter “yes, ma'am”, Dawn buys as much time as possible; slowly raises herself.
“Echo and Anonymous accuse you of blackmail, framing, and thievery of the Chron-”
>“I deny the charges.”
>You raise an eyebrow.
“We were not done speaking.”
>“I was done listening.”
>She's testing your patience greatly.
“You shall respect this court, lest you be sent to the jail this instant!”
>She sluggishly lets out a breath.
“Considering that there is no resolution for either side, we shall adjourn court. In 30 minutes, we will have a unanimous decision that decides the fate of both the remaining plaintiff and the defendants.”
>Slamming a hoof on the desk, you utter three words.
“Court is adjourned.”

2 minutes to verdict.
>Shouts of “innocent!” and “guilty!” flare around you.
>Inside the circular room, your best advisors are calling for a decision.
>There's no
>An incredibly serious crime has occured.
>You've reviewed the given evidence hundreds of times but...
>The entire board is tied to an exact 50/50 split.
>Now, the fate of three seemingly small individuals rests entirely betwixt your hands.
>It's uncertain...
>It's unfair to have to decide who goes home free.
>The outsider and the sorrowful one, or the traitor.
>Taking one final look at the scraps of words the scribe wrote down, you garner a real sense of what has happened.
"We have come to a decision."

Months later...
>You lie, solitary.
>Moonlight beams.
>It's a cold, cold room.
>Quiet, too. Without anyone in here.
>There's food somewhere, but you've lost your appetite completely.
>With no-one to confide in, life has become a meagre task.
>Every single effort you have made has been for nothing.
>Why?
>If you could ask a higher being than yourself one question...
>'Why', would be very suitable.
>Why did you even try to do such a criminal act?
>Was it worth being kicked out of Hollow Shades?
>Of course it wasn't!
>Even with the few friends you had there...
>It's not worth it.
>Never know what you have till it's gone, you guess.
>Perhaps you could 'guess' a way out of here.
>It's been so long since you've seen the outside.
>The marks of your stone have almost cut all the way along this rounded room.
>You're waiting, counting.
>But you don't know what for.
>If you get out...
>What remains?
>There's no creature who would take you in; no solace for criminals in Equestria.
>Not even as a house guest...
>Hollow Shades will dash you aside.
>If you stay here...
>Nothing but your thoughts left.
>Being stuck in your brain after this long is simply unhealthy.
>Detriments to the mind have already gripped you.
>It's just a matter of them taking total control now.
>A clock chimes, far away.
>And so, another scratch added to the room.

The End.














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