The Interviews

>"Oh you'll be fine Twilight, he will be chained to the table. And if somehow something goes wrong, these trusty stallions will be outside to handle it," you teacher smiles at you, then nods toward the two guards waiting patiently outside the "Interview" room

>She seems so confident in you, you couldn't let her down by chickening out now

"Okay, I'm ready, unlock the door."

>Celestia stops the guard with the key

>She breathes deeply, "Remember, be gentle."

>You place your notepad on the shiny metal table, taking a seat.

>With your favorite purple quill you carefully fill in the "Interview" form, the time, date, names all exactly right.

>Except for the subject's name.

>You've been refusing to look at it this long, but you have to stallion up and get on with it.

>You eyes flick from the one-way mirror to the human being across from you.

>It's a male, he looks, well, he doesn't look like anything.

>He has the blankest expression possible on, his eyes are looking in your direction, but not at you.

>Clearing your throat you begin to speak.

"Hello, I am Twilight Sparkle, student of Princess Celestia and the one who will be interviewing you from now on. What is your name?"

>He laughs and looks down at the cuffs and chains keeping his hands folded in his lap.

>"They've yet to ask me that one."

"W-well I'm asking it now."

>"I don't know. It doesn't really matter either, my name would hold no meaning here. If you need it for that file just write Anonymous. If you really must call me something."

>With hesitation you write that down on the form, looking at the one-way mirror for guidance, but none comes.

"Do you know why you are here?"

>"Where? Here in this room? Or here as in Equestria?"

"Equestria."

>His face becomes dead serious, "I've been sent from the future to eradicate all the ponies."

>You gulp hard and slide back in your chair

>His hard face cracks into a smile, and in a flash he is doubled over laughing, "I'm just joking."

>You can't shake your shocked expression

 

>You take a deep breath and shake yourself.

>This human is insane.

"Do you know why you're in this room with me?"

>He shrugs, looks at the mirror and then back at you, "Cuz ya got to talk to the monster for some school project?"

>He smiles, pleased with himself.

"Well-" you avert your eyes.

>"I knew it!" he tries to jump up in triumph, only to bang his leg against the table, "Ow, fuck."

>You allow him a minute or two to collect.

>While waiting you read though the other files, seems the former interrogator quit a few moments after speaking with the human.

>What could he have done that was so bad?

>Looking further you see his reason for imprisonment isn't listed...

"Can you tell me a little bit about your past?"

>"Yes. I am a cyborg crafted by Skynet."

"Skynet? C-cyborg?"

>"Alright, we'll try a new joke, this one is getting old."

"Excuse me?"

>"I'm sorry, I wasn't talking to you little one. You have a question for me?"

>You pause.

>"Go on..."

"Can you tell me about your past?"

>Your determination is wearing down.

>"I could. But would you really understand any of it? No, you would be dumbfounded if I told you about my car, job, house, all my other human buddies. You'd be starring at me with a stupid expression. Just like that other drooling fool they had in here. But hey, I'll tell you something else," he leans in, motioning for you get closer.

>You gulp and do so, suddenly aware of those behind the one-way glass.

>"Want to know where they keep me?" he says solemnly.

>A harsh, angry rapping comes at the door.

>You jump up and squeal.

>"Time's up, Twilight," Celestia says.

 

-End Day One's Interview-

 

>"Twilight, I just want to remind you the subject might say or do things that make you uncomfortable. You can leave at anytime, we won't hold it against you. He is know to lie frequently, so keep that in mind as well," Celestia smiles and urges you into the room once again.

 

-Begin Day Two's Interview-

"Hello again, Mister Anonymous," you say happily, hoping your attitude will make him feel more at home.

>As you lay out your files, papers and notebook you see the human doesn't look like he did yesterday.

>His eyes are bloodshot, bags under them.

>He looks tired, half asleep, head lolling to the side every now and again.

"Are you alright?"

>He reaches up, as if he's trying to rub his face, only to rattle his chains.

>"Yeah. Just didn't have the most pleasant night," he growls, looking at the mirror.

"Is it okay if I ask a few more questions, sir?"

>"Sir," he says, tasting the word, looking up at the ceiling and sighing, "I ain't got much of a choice do I?"

>You don't reply.

"How about we talk about something less serious. Let's discuss your likes and dislikes!" you say cheerily, your facade beginning to crumble already.

>"SDM, that's all I live for."

"What is that?"

>"Sex, drugs and money," his head drops back down and hangs limply, like he doesn't have control of.

>He looks at you with his usual grin.

>His eyes, they know something.

>And they are trying to tell you something, something important.

"Another joke?"

>"You catch on quick."

"And your dislikes?"

>"I dislike..." he whispers, leaning in.

>This time you stay back.

>"BEING WATCHED. I DISLIKE BEING WATCHED," you can see the bubbling primal rage in his features, "I DISLIKE BEING KEPT UP ALL NIGHT BY A BRIGHT FUCKING LIGHT. I DISLIKE BEING FO-"

>The door bursts open and swiftly he is silenced.

>He doesn't fight back, instead going limp.

>The guards escort you out, apologizing for the humans behavior.

>You'd react but you just can't make sense of the situation, how did it turn bad so fast?

>Celestia shakes her head and frowns, "Sorry Twilight, I should have warned you."

"W-what happened?"

>"Occasionally he has an outburst, it's nothing we can prevent. Why don't you go back to your room, get some rest or something to eat. You've done enough for today."

 

-End Day Two's interview-

 

>You are nestled in bed, curled around your diary.

>You huff, blowing until the pages shuffle back to last week.

>It's late, moonlight streaming in from your bedroom window, a low candle offering some dying light.

>Despite perfect conditions for good rest you just can't sleep.

>This human business is strange, you know something is afoot.

>Somep0ny is lying, someone is hiding.

>But what is it?

>What's wrong?

>You flip to today's date, ink your quill and put it to paper.

"Today I spoke with the human again. He is odd, unlike anyone I've ever met. This otherworldly beast seems dangerous, but at the same time extremely weak. He is vile, rude and brute. But I know that is no reason to be imprisoned, there has to be some other reason. A something somep0ny just isn't telling me. What? What is it? What don't I know? It's driving me mad.

 

>"Here, take this," Celestia hands you a unusual form.

>On one side there are a series of words, on the other blank spaces.

"What's this?"

>"The instructions are at the top, now hurry along. He is in a good mood today."

>She pushes you into the room gently.

>The human is smiling at the mirror, wiggling his head a little.

>The door shuts loudly, and he turns to you.

 

-Begin Day Three's Interview-

>His grin disappears and he nods curtly, as if offering you the seat across from him.

"Hello. How are we today?"

>"We? Why do they say 'we', you are asking me. I have no companion, and you know full well how you are doing today so why ask 'we'? Do you want me to feel more comfortable? Hmm? You should rephrase your question Miss Twilight Sparkle."

>You shiver at the use of your name, sliding back in your seat.

>Your eyes explore the room quickly, trying to make sense of all the information you just had thrown at you.

"How are you doing today?"

>"I finally got some rest."

"That's good. I'm glad," you put on your best forced smile.

>He is unimpressed, looking away from you with a sigh, "Get on with it."

>You place the sheet Celestia gave you on the table.

>It's a simple game of word association.

>Except all of the words have already been selected, you review them with some concern.

"Let's play a game. I'll say a word and you respond with the first thing that comes to your mind, okay?"

>He looks at you, not amused, tired with the situation.

"Okay, Here we go, the first word: Earth."

>"Home."

"Human."

>"Liar."

>You flinch at the harshness with which he replies, you pray he doesn't have another episode.

"Equestria."

>"Hell."

"Pony."

>"Warden."

"Stallion."

>"Mustang," he chuckles, obviously feeling some sort of nostalgia.

"Mare."

>"Toy."

>You shallow roughly.

"Walls."

>"Prison."

"Sky."

>"Freedom."

"Freedom?"

>"Are you questioning my response or are you asking for me to respond to that word with another word in order for you and your friends to better understand what's going on up in my brain?"

"Uhm."

>He eyes you once more what that piercing look.

>A thought pops into your head.

"May I ask you a different sort of question?"

>"Only if you stop pretending like I have a choice."

"O-okay. How did you get here to Equestria?"

>"Magic!" he says with a maniacal laugh.

"Humans know of magic?"

>"Oh of course. Here, let me out of these chains I'll show ya. Earth is a land of kindness and fairy dust and smiles."

"Are you being sarcastic?"

>He tries to put his hands up, failing, "There is no getting it past you!"

>"I think we're done here. Just but me back in the cell."

"T-the cell? You don't have a room?"

>"Room, cell, cage, prison. Is there any difference?"

"O-of course! A room is a safe -"

>"A safe cozy little corner of the world where you can curl up with your books and a nice cup of co-co and relax?" he finishes in a mock female voice.

>A sharp knocking comes at the door.

>Sighing with relief you stand, collecting your papers.

>You exit without saying another word.

-End Day Three's Interview-

 

>You trudge back to your room after dinner, just wanting to get some sleep.

>But there, half slid under your door is a letter.

>With new vigor you pick it up, quickly locking the door behind you.

>Just as expected, a letter from your friends!

>You jump for joy, landing on the bed, quickly opening the soft white letter.

>Pinkie hadn't lied.

>Each of your friends had written a little something, telling you how they missed you.

>How the library is holding up, and how Spike was having so much trouble cleaning the whole thing by himself.

>You miss them so much, and you'd be home soon.

>You're time here is almost over.

>But before it's done, you vow to figure out what's going on with this human.

 

"Princess, I have a question."

>Celestia looks at the guards and shoos them away, ducking in close and whispering, "What is it Twilight?"

"Why do you keep sending me in there? What information do you want him to give, wh-what do you want me to ask?" the uneasy confusion flows forth in your words like a river.

>She pats your head, "We just want to know more about this human. And I needed to test you."

>You rack your brain for any clues she may have dropped earlier.

"What are you testing?"

>She stifles a regal bout of laughter.

>"Just do what you feels right, Twilight, and you will do fine."

>A stallion grunts behind you, you whirl around just as he gestures toward the door.

>Celestia urges you on with a nod and a wink.

 

-Begin Day Four's interview-

>"This again. Really, really?" he smiles, biting his lower lip, face contorted in a frozen laugh.

"Hello to you too," you take your seat.

>It's almost natural now to lay out your papers and files, and the cold metal seat has become familiar in a way.

"We haven't been making much progress. I have an idea to change that. Care to hear?"

>"I'll bite," he slouches in his chair, leaning toward the left, his chains rattling a little.

"Let's pretend we are somewhere else, anywhere else, besides this room. Just you and me, where ever you want. And we'll go from there," you put on a comforting smile, hoping he'll play along.

>"A bedroom. Just you, me, and a bed," he grunts some laughter.

>You sigh, looking down and shaking your head, why did you think that would work?

>His laughing stops.

>"A park bench. One of those old ones. Not a beat up one though. Just worn a little," his voice is far off, like this human is recalling so past event.

>You pick your head up, he isn't look at you, but the table, he seems lost in his own world.

>"Of course now I would greet you and offer a seat. This is where you accept and gingerly sit beside me. I'd make a comment about the weather. It would be discussed for some time, then a length of silence. You'd ask about how long I've lived in the area. I'd just moved in. For no reason you laugh, and I join in. It starts to rain. We rush to a nearby cluster of trees. There is plenty of room for both of us to take cover from the sky's tears, but we make the choice to stay close. Holding each other, feeling each other's warmth, trying to forget the cold air and rain all around us."

"Uhm," you keep looking at him, expecting some explanation.

>"I had a life you know? I'm a living, breathing, thinking person. I feel stuff you know," his eyes meet yours, they're watery, "Then all of a sudden. Here! Here I fucking am. In chains, t-talking horses all around me. Do you even grasp the mind bending stupidity of that statement? You know what I did for a living, everyday? Nah, you wouldn't even understand."

>He sniffles.

>"Oh god," he sniffs again, trying to keep the tears in, looking up at the ceiling, "Can't I just go home? Why do you have to keep me here? What have I done? What did I do to deserve this-"

>The door opens, you spin around in your chair, shock apparent in your face.

"-Is it because I never went to church? This some punishment for all the times I've damned you-"

>Guards silence him just as they force you out of the room with some roughness.

-End Day Four's Interview-

 

>You sat on the padded floor of your cell, legs crossed, hands propping up your head.

>With determination you stared at the white wall.

>White wall.

>White wall.

>White wall.

>It's better than being in that damn room with the horse, you reason.

>Then again, she doesn't seem so bad.

>At least she doesn't rough you up.

>But she's still the enemy.

>The enemy?

>Look at yourself.

"The enemy," you repeat softly, laughing.

 

>There is absolutely nothing to do.

>You fall back onto the floor, it's soft and a little squishy.

>Good thing your stunt earlier worked, but there was some genuine emotion mixed in there.

>Bah, it makes for a better performance.

>Soon, you think, nodding.

"The web is being spun."

 

>Oh what you'd give to go home.

 

>Through the shoot on the door a tray of food slides in

>More of those damn greens, and a cup of water.

>Swiftly you move for it, downing the water put tossing the rest of the tray back at the door.

>"Yeah, that'll show them!" a little voice mocks you, "Throw away your only source of nourishment."

 

>Time crawls by, torturing you.

>Suddenly the light ahead shuts off.

>Bed time once again.

 

>You roll over in your bed, stretching out and shaking your mane a little.

>Once again your mind flicks to that human.

>In a way, you feel bad for him.

>So far away from home, so helpless.

>Tomorrow you'd figure out what is behind this.

>What excuse did Celestia have for keeping an innocent, harmless being in chains.

>He needs to be welcomed warmly, maybe Pinkie can throw him a big party and he'll understand that we ponies made a mistake!

>It won't be home for him, but at least he'll feel a bit safer.

>Your drift to sleep, mind thinking up ridiculous fairy tales of the human's assimilation in Equestria.

 

>It's that time again.

>You prep yourself, dead set on confronting Celestia on the mistreatment of this poor human.

>There she is, speaking with a guard.

"Princess Celestia, may I have a word with you," you shoot a sideways glance at the stallion, "In private."

>"Of course," she waves away the guard, who snorts at you.

>Celestia takes you to the side.

>"Feeling nervous?"

"No. Not at all. But I demand to know why you're keeping that, that man, locked up!"

>She sighs and looks away.

>"It was only a matter of time," she says to herself, "Look Twilight. This human is a natural liar. An actor, a fake. He is too dangerous to release, I can't imagine the physical and emotional havoc of releasing an unpredictable alien out into Equestria."

"Everyp0ny will understand in time! They just need to get to know him. He's just like us, really!" you plea.

>"That is exactly what he wants you to believe," she notices the unbelieving, hopeless look you're trying to convey.

>She places a hoof on your shoulder.

>"Twilight Sparkle, you have to trust me. I would never do this unless I was absolutely sure of myself. I have no doubt that he is a snake."

"Can't you send him back to his world? At least he won't be harming anyone here then."

>"No, I don't even know how he got here, we just found him."

>You shake free, unsure of what to think, turning for the door.

 

-Begin Day Five's Interview-

>"Hi," he says with a smile as you enter.

>You return with a polite grin, happy to see he is in a good mood.

"Hello," you pause, sliding into your seat, "Anonymous."

>"Oh? We're using names now?"

"I suppose. There is no reason we have to be hostile to each other."

>He nods thoughtfully.

>"How are you doing?"

"Very well," you smile, pushing aside the papers and books you'd lined up.

>There is an awkward silence.

"Would you like it if I told you a little bit about myself? I think it'll make us both feel more comfortable."

>"Makes sense I suppose."

"Okay. Well I'm a unicorn as you know," you tap your horn to confirm, "And I love reading and amassing as much knowledge as possible. Back home I have my own library chocked full with all the history and magic books I could ever want," you say with some pride.

>"That's all? Someone asks "What do you enjoy in life?" and your only answer is books."

"W-well," you avert your eyes and blush.

>"I don't believe it."

"I like spending time with my friends! I like organizing lists, and doing big projects. And, uhm, and studying. I like those things," you didn't expect to feel so on the spot.

>"Tell me more about your friends," he says slyly, leaning back in his odd way.

>He rubs his wrists, clearly annoyed at the chains.

>You thoroughly explain what Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Applejack look like, their mannerisms and finally a few of your many adventures with them.

>The entire time Anonymous just stares at you, soaking in every word, not interrupting at all.

>His expression changes occasionally, ranging from depressed to confused.

>At one point, he even cracks a smile and stifles a laugh when you tell him about Pinkie's mysterious sixth sense.

"I don't think there is anything left to say."

>He nods, smiling and laughing again, "No matter how much you or I try to ignore it this is no normal social meeting. Whatever results you're expecting you won't get when I'm in these cuffs."

"I could ask to have you unchained for our meetings if you'd like."

>"Yes, of course I'd like you to ask. If it didn't bother me I wouldn't have opened my mouth. Sometimes you can be a bit stupid Miss Sparkle," he snarls.

>Once again you're in the room with the bestial human in chains, and not your fairy tale interpretation of him.  

>Sighing and shaking your head you collect your papers.

>"Was it something I said?" he chuckles riotously.

>You learned you lesson, this human can't stay civilized and reasonable for more than a few minutes.

>You leave the room, not looking at the guards.

>When out of earshot you hang your head, whispering harshly to yourself.

"You're naive, Miss Sparkle."

 

 

"Princess. I think I would be making better progress if you weren't monitoring us from behind the mirror," you say, trying to keep your confidence up.

>"But what if he does something dangerous?" she looks genuinely frightened at the prospect.

"I can handle myself. I trusted you, now you should trust me," you try to conceal your nervousness.

>Celestia thinks for a moment, "Fine. But if anything happens to you-" she doesn't finish, her face showing genuine concern.

>She orders the guards from the room and she herself leaves.

>Perfect.

 

-Begin Day Six's Interview-

 

"Guess what," you say cheerily.

>"You have the key to these cuffs and I'm going to be released right this second?" he asks in a mock excited tone.

"N-no. Not quite."

>"Well then I don't care."

"I think you will."

>He shakes his head and rolls his eyes.

"As you probably knew these meetings have been overseen by other ponies. But not today. Today it really is just me and you. No one listening in."

>He perks up again.

"Everything is off the record."

>"Spectacular. Why should I care?"

"I want you to tell me everything that happened to you from the moment you got here, to right now."

>"Well I was dropped in by helicopter with all my combat gear-"

"What's a helicopter?"

>"Forget it. The joke just isn't worth it."

"Please, be honest with me. No more 'jokes'. Maybe I can help you out if you just explain to me what's going on."

>He gently lays his head on the table.

>"The talking horse wants to know what's going on."

>You grunt in frustration.

"I'm trying to help, but I can't if I don't even know why you're here."

>"Fine. Here's all that I can remember: I was back on Earth and literally in the blink of an eye I'm in the garden of this castle. The there is a black space, but I think I may have injured one of those guards. I was scared, and getting violent. I tried to talk my way out of it, at the same time trying to make sense of why horses were putting me in chains."

"T-that's all?"

>"I don't know. I can't remember anything properly."

>You don't respond, mulling over what you now know.

>You were right, he's just scared and in need of help!

>As soon as you're out of this room Celestia would get her report, and you'll convince her to release him.

>"Do you know why they are still holding me here?"

"Of course. They think you're dangerous. And there is no hope of you getting out of here if you keep acting up."

>He snorts.

>You flinch in response, believing he would start yelling.

>"I'll cooperate with you, and you alone," he sounded sincere, he looked sincere.

>He is telling the truth!

>You look up, surprise evident in your smile.

"Really?"

>"If you can get me out of here."

>You can't shake the smile on your face.

-End Day Six's Interview-

 

>Out of the room and into the halls of Canterlot Castle you rush, notifying a guard that the interview was done.

>With a smile on your face and hope in your heart you burst into Celestia's private quarters.

"Princess," you call.

>She turns from her book, seeing your grinning face.

>"What's happened?"

"The hu- Erm, Anonymous has agreed to cooperate with me. He wants to fit in here, he really does!"

>Celestia shakes her head, "He is too dangerous Twilight. This is exactly what I warned you of. He already has a grip on you."

"But he wasn't lying, I swear, I saw it in his eyes."

>"Twilight, maybe you should take a break from these interviews. You're clearly not ready to handle them. And you clearly don't trust me as much as I thought you did."

"Wait, wait," you duck your head down, feeling defeated, "Just give me another chance. More time. I can work this out."

>"Of course dear. Just be careful. Don't let him influence you. Deep down inside you'll know who's right," she smiles warmly and blinks.

>You slink out of the room.

>What is going on?

>What are you in the middle of?

 

>You didn't sleep well that night, your mind torn between what seems right, and what Celestia is telling you is right.

>Who is lying?

 

>Celestia had once again allow you to speak with Anonymous without being watched.

>A young pegasus has just turned the doorknob to the interview room when you round the corner.

>You bump into him.

"Oh, sorry there stallion," you whisper with your best seductive smile.

>"U-u-uh, y-eah it's fine."

>You lean in toward him.

"What's your name big guy?"

>"Ffff-flash Sentry?"

"Well, see ya around Flash," you slip into the interview room and close the door.

 

-Begin Day Seven's Interview-

>Mission accomplished you think, whirling around a key ring on your hoof.

>You slam them down on the table proudly.

>Anonymous looks at the keys blankly.

>"Those what I think they are?"

>You nod, trotting over to the cuffed human.

>He holds up his hands, "You're mighty trusting."

"Don't make me regret this," you say, placing a key into the lock, and turning it.

>As unnoticeable as possible you back off, just in case.

>His legs are still chained to the floor, but at least he could move his hands.

>The cuffs and chains slip off his hands.

>He rubs his wrists slowly, looking down at the red, sore flesh.

>With a lightening quick motion he jumps forward, hitting the table and knocking over his chair.

>You shriek, tumbling back.

>The human pulls back, giggling madly.

>"I gotcha good, didn't I?"

>You take a few shuddering breathes, hoof to your chest, eyes wide.

>"You should see your face."

"This is why no one trusts you," you snarl like he does, plopping down in your chair.

>"Take it or leave it," he shrugs.

>You shake your head, using a spot of magic to collect the papers that fell.

"Feel comfortable?" you ask, some anger still in your tone.

>"Yes, very. And you?"

>You snort.

"I need a way to show Celestia you aren't the lying, violent thing you appear to be. And that means you're going to have to play nice. Understand?"

>"You can guarantee my release?" he cracks his knuckles absentmindedly.

>You swallow harshly, looking down at the shiny, semi-reflective table.

>"Dammnit. Come on."

"I'm sorry. But it's your best shot. I'll tell her to bring back the ponies behind the mirror, and we'll just show them how nice you can be. It may take awhile. But with some patience and determination..." you let yourself trail off, trying to make the plan sound enticing.

>He shoots you down.

>You spend about twenty minutes explain how good of a plan you had, how foolproof it was.

>He doesn't interrupt you, or say anything.

>When you finish he simply shakes his head picks up his cuffs, placing them back on.

>There is some silence before you decide it's time to pack up.

"I'll see you tomorrow, I promise, okay? We'll work this out," you say before slipping out.

-End Day Seven's Interview-

 

>For once you're excited to speak with Anonymous again.

>Perhaps today you could work in cracking his outer shell.

>Maybe you could have a real conversation with him, instead of the normal nonsense.

>But on your way to the interview room you run into Celestia.

"Oh no? I'm not late am I?"

>She chuckles softly, "No, not at all. Something else all together."

"What's the matter? Has something happened?"

>Did she find out what you did to him yesterday?

>"Nothing bad. But I've arranged for a carriage to take you back to Ponyville for a week or two, I think it's best if you took a break from all this business to collect yourself."

"But-"

>"No buts, it's already been arranged. Don't worry, you haven't failed, you're doing quite well. I just believe you need some rest and relaxation, some time away from the situation. It will offer a new perspective."

>All of a sudden you're whisked out of the castle, down to the gates, where a carriage is waiting.

>Inside is all of your luggage, you didn't even notice them collect it.

>As it pulls away down the road you place a hoof on the window, wanting to stay in Canterlot.

>But a tug in your chest screams for home, and you push the human out of your mind.

>You can't wait to see all your friends again.

 

>You wake up to pitch black darkness.

>Something is awry.

>Maybe you just woke up earlier than normal?

>You sit up in your cot, head propped up by your hands, elbows digging into your knees.

>Your stomach grumbled.

>It had been several days since you'd eaten.

>Maybe being a rebel isn't the smartest option.

>The slot on the door opens once more, letting in light from outside.

>Yet another food tray slides in.

>They are providing food, that means it's around breakfast, lunch or dinner.

>But the light is off?

>You shudder, recalling the three nights the light was left on.

>Perhaps they've made a mistake.

>Surely.

>They are cruel sonsofbitches, but not this bad.

>You scamper silently to the tray.

>As always, it's just some odd looking greens and a cup of water.

>You sigh, sitting down beside it.

>Good thing the floor is padded.

>Maybe just this once.

>You flinch, grabbing a hand full of the leafy greens and shoving them in your mouth.

>So much for your vow of not eating.

 

>Where are you?

>Probably the ground floor.

>Dungeons are always on the ground floor.

>But why does it feel like you're above ground, in a tower.

>It must be these squishy padded floors!

>At least they feel nice.

>You splay out on the ground, staring at the blackness above.

>Guards will come in around lunch, take you to the interrogation room and maybe even notice the faulty light.

>You smile at your success.

>Twilight was eating out of your hand.

>Soon enough you'd escape this nightmare.

"Hmm, nightmare."

>Could this be just a wacky nightmare?

>If it is, it's vivid as hell, and so brutally long.

>But you'll never know for sure will you?

>If it is just the machinations of your sleeping brain you will have to see it through until dawn.

>What sort of twisted pink matter is rattling up there?

>And why is it so cruel?

"Oh woe is me," you say, rolling on the floor.

>But with no audience the joke falls flat.

 

>After an immeasurable amount of time another tray of food is slid in, a hoof pulling out the old one.

>You scuttle toward it like a crab, for your own amusement.

>How long had it been since the last meal?

>You couldn't tell if it had been a few hours, or a few minutes.

>It even could have been a few days.

>It certainly felt like days.

>You shake the idea and begin to eat.

 

>As expected a third meal comes.

>This should be dinner, but how could you tell?

>All three meals are exactly the same.

>You sigh, this darkness is disorienting.

>Whether it is morning or night didn't matter, you fall asleep in your cot quick enough, glad to pass a few hours in purgatory.

 

>More time passes.

>More meals come.

>More darkness.

>And no Miss Sparkle.

 

>She promised!

>She promised should would visit again the next day.

>Where is that godforsaken unicorn!

>Sudden realization hits your addled mind.

>What if it hasn't been a whole day yet?

>That means it's only been a few hours, a few minutes, since you last saw her.

>Aha!

>They've been feeding to make it seem like days have past, when in reality it's hardly been one.

>Those damn ponies and their mind games.

>But you have them now, oh yes you do.

>They're right in your grip.

>You cackle uncontrollably, you can't resist expressing your joy at triumphing over your captors.

>This revelation has you in high spirits.

>With new vigor and a smile on your sunken face you feel about the room for your bed.

>With shaky, sweaty hands you wait, staring at the top of the ceiling.

>Thinking and not thinking.

>Ding!

>Another tray pops into your room.

 

>When the carriage pulled up to your library you figured it would be dark, a sleeping Spike curled up on your bed.

>Oh boy were you wrong.

>Pinkie had thrown together a surprise welcome back party.

>You couldn't have asked for a better way to come home.

>It's great to be back in your own bed again too.

>Your room in Canterlot Castle is nice, but it's nothing like home.

>While spending your days relaxing and reconnecting with your friends you completely forget about Anonymous, too focused on having fun.

>For a week it's back to the normal routine, as if that strange human in Canterlot didn't even exist.