>Another bright and sunny day in the town of Ponyville.
>A perfect day for a walk in the town.
>Your name is Anonymous, or Anon for short.
>And you hold the unique title of being the only human in this world.
>Technically you haven’t checked, but even the immortal celestial princesses didn’t know what you were.
>And they have been around for a millennium, so if they didn’t know something existed, chances are it didn’t until recently.
>As you stroll through the town, your mind wanders and thoughts emerge.
>In particular regarding the abilities of the ponies in this land, specifically their magic.
>Back home, magic was seen in the same realm as unicorns and dragons.
>That is to say, mere myth.
>Here magic is still seen the same way, except unicorns and dragons actually exist here.
>In the case of the former, they are so common it’s difficult to go outside without seeing one.
>Magic is even more common, to the point of being omnipresent.
>Everything here has magic; the trees, the ponies, the grass, the food, even the air.
>Everything native, that is.
>Yep, in addition to resident extradimensional alien, you also hold the title of “that thing with no magic.”
>”Auntie, what’s that?”
>”Hush, sweetie, it’s that thing with no magic.”
>Kind of like that.
>It’s not that bad; only a few ponies ever call you that now a days.
>Incidentally, it’s the less polite ones who do so.
>Enough about them, back to walking.
>Right now, you’re in front of a giant castle made of crystals, belonging to the resident princess and bookworm, Twilight Sparkle.
>The only thing weirder than the construction material is that it was grown rather than made.
>That’s magic for you!
 
>You decide to give Twily a visit; maybe she has a book you could borrow.
>Would be nice to have something to do this weekend.
>You knock on the door.
>Soon after, it’s opened by the short purple creature that lives here.
>”Hey, Anon.”
“Hey, Spike. Is Twilight home?”
>”Yeah, she’s in the library. Need a book?”
“Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. We’ll see.”
>The tiny lizard looks at you with mild confusion, before shrugging his shoulders and  letting you in.
>”Well, alright. I’m gonna head back upstairs.”
>Probably going to resume reading comics.
>Time to talk to Twilight.
>Thankfully, the library is but a short stroll away from the entrance, so within moments you find yourself in the same room as the other purple resident.
>With her muzzle deep in some kind of book, you don’t think she noticed you just yet.
>A perfect time to play a game of “how close can I get to her without her looking up.”
>Your record so far is roughly two and a half feet.
>Silently and slowly, you begin your advance.
>Slowly, meticulously, you creep up to her.
>She doesn’t even flinch.
>Your advance continues at a snail’s pace, as you near ever closer.
>Within roughly three feet right now.
>Just a few more steps.
>Suddenly, she looks up and turns her head towards you.
>You both flinch; her out of fear of the town bald ape, and you because you didn’t expect her to turn her head.
>A shame, you were so close to beating your record.
 
>”Anon! What are you doing here?”
“Just stopping by. Spike let me in.”
>At the mention of you not trespassing on her property, she visibly relaxes.
>”Oh. Well I wasn’t expecting you. Anything specific you needed.”
“Not really. Do you mind if I check out a book? Need something to do over the weekend.”
>”Of course, Anon? Anything in particular?”
>You were about to say no, since this was a sort of spur of the moment decision.
>But then you saw Twilight close the book.
>With magic.
>Welp, that settles it.
“Any books on magic?”
>A quizzical look adorns her face.
>“Really? I honestly didn’t think you were interested in the topic.”
“Why, because I can’t do it?”
>”No! It’s not that, it’s just.. it’s … uhh…”
“Because that makes sense and I wouldn’t blame you for thinking so.”
>If she wasn’t flustered before, she was now.
>“I..ah...What type of book on magic? Are you interested in it’s history or how it works?”
>You think about it for a second.
“Why not both? Any recommendations?”
>Wait, no. Crap.
>As her face lights up with a smile to rival Pinkie Pie, you realize you have just opened Pandora’s Box.
>At least proverbially.
>Was there one here?
>You wouldn’t be surprised.
>“Oh my gosh, where do I start! There’s of course the writings of Starswirl, which covers most of the basics. Then there’s Arcane Scribbler’s “History of Magic and it’s advances, which goes into the development of several spells, and then there’s…”
>When did Pinkie Pie get here?
>Oh, wait; Twilight’s still on her tirade on magic books
>”...Then there’s “Magic: Energy, Matter, or What”, which combines an analysis on the composition of magic with a dash of humor, or how about….”
>Okay, this has gone on long enough.
“TWILIGHT!”
>”Oh, sorry Anon. It’s just magic is one of my favorite subjects and hearing you’re interested in it just makes me happy. After all, sharing a common interest strengthens friendships!”
“Apology Accepted.”
>”So, have you decided on what books you wish to take home?”
“Not yet. Mind if you lay them out on the table so I can get a better look at them? I’ll help you put them back if you want.”
>”Thanks Anon, but there’s no need. I was going to reorganize the library tomorrow.”
>Well, that’s good to know.
>Twilight’s horn is soon covered in an aura of purple, and soon several books are as well.
>Soon said books were on the table, laid out perfectly aligned.
>Had you tried doing that with the tools God gave you, it’d take several hours.
“Impressive”
>Purple horse beams with pride.
>”Why, thank you Anon!”
>Time to take a look at the books.
>And so you do, for fifteen minutes at least.
>In the end, you settled on a book about famous wizards throughout the ages, a brief primer on the properties of magic, and a book called “Magical Myths and Legends”.
>Because you have a hard time thinking of something outlandish enough to be called a myth here of all places.
>After checking out your books and saying goodbye to Ms. Sparkle, you head on home.
>In hindsight, you should have brought a bag with you.
>Ah well, live and learn.
>Thankfully your house isn’t too far away from the castle.
>Nice place, even if it started out looking more ruined than the castle in the Everfree.
>But hey, whatever you could afford.
>Entering your house and putting the books down, you take a moment to stretch your arms.
>Feels good.
>With that out of the way, you look at the clock.
>About 12 pm.
>Lunch sounds good right about now.
>Without further adieu, you head to your kitchen area to prepare something to eat.
>Probably a sandwich.
 
>A rather nice evening, roughly 6 p.m.
>You are still Anonymous, and you’ve just finished dinner.
>As you’re sitting in your chair, you go over your mental checklist of stuff you needed to do today.
>Clean the floor? Done.
>Help Carrot Top with a pest problem? The bits in your pocket say Yes.
>Fix Lyra’s door? Her staring at your hands make you wish it was No.
>Read a book you got from Twi.
>Aha! You knew you forgot to do something.
>Getting up, you grab one of the books, still set down where you left them.
>”Famous Sorcerers Throughout the Ages”
>Sounds like it doesn’t require much brainpower to enjoy.
>A perfectly relaxing read!
>Alright, now time to get comfy.
>With water on one side and a lit candle to the other, you’re all set for the night.
>The book itself acts as a bit of a summary guide to the wizards.
>2-3 pages per mage, with a total of around 165 mentioned.
>Unsurprisingly most were unicorns, but there were races in this.
>Deer, centaurs, zebra alchemists, and even a couple of dragons.
>Basically, any race that can cast spells found at least one entry here.
>And of course, one didn’t get into this book without being notable.
>Starswirl was here, but there were still others whose contributions earned them a spot.
>For instance, Quill Weight famously created the lighten or feather spell, leading the way to the improvement of telekinesis.
>Several Zebras have been cited for creating potions that, while not used much today, were indispensable in the creation and testing of several spells.
>And then there was Orange Mana, who after his death was found out to be an Earth Pony.
>Wait, what?
>You read the passage again.
>Yep, Orange Mana was an Earth Pony who could cast spells.
>The book claims how he obtained his magics was a mystery, though it does mention several theories.
>Some were rational, some less so, and some were outright inane.
>But they all came to the same conclusion; this pony’s magic did not come from it’s heritage, but rather from some outside source.
>Now this sounds like something interesting.
>You look at your clock.
>10 pm. Time for bed.
>Looks like the mystery of the magic horse will have to wait until tomorrow.
>Not like you could do anything with that knowledge anyways.
>Sure you could use it to give yourself magic and impress ponies with your own theory on the matter.
>And sure, you don’t have anything to do tomorrow, so you can just stay up late right now.
>But no, you are a responsible human and will get to sleep at a regular hour, damn the knowledge you could get.
>Yep, it’s off to bed with you.
>Hence why you’re walking right towards the book pile and putting down the book.
>It’s also why you’re grabbing another one.
>And why you're sitting back into your chair.
>...
>Well alright, you suppose you could do a bit of research.
>With that settled, you decide to open up “Magical Properties for Dummies”.
>Who knows, maybe it could show you how this guy got his magic.
 
>Ow, back hurts.
>You are Anonymous, and you are an idiot for sleeping in the chair last night.
>These cramps and pains are going to be with you all day.
>And all because you wanted to figure out how Orange Mana got his magic.
>You don’t even remember much of what you read from the second book.
>There was something about heat waste, the differences between magic and mana, and how the mystical arcane storms were formed, but that’s all you could remember.
>Well, better stretch and see if the pain will at least subside.
>After loosening up your muscles a bit, you pick up “Magical Myths and Legends”.
>Maybe a night’s rest is what you needed.
>Opening the book up to a random page, you start reading a section about…
“The Mare in the Moon?”
>As in, Princess Luna?
>She was once a myth.
>Wait; if Luna turned out to be real, then that means…
>It is possible.
>Going back to “Famous Sorcerers Throughout the Ages”, you quickly find Orange Mana’s section.
>This time, you look at the more absurd theories.
>The ones the book claims rely on myth or legend.
>If your theory is right, these theories have more truth behind them than they appear.
>From there, you look through “Magical Myths and Legends” to learn more about the myths.
>Perhaps from there, you could find the answer everyone’s been looking for.
>On second thought, maybe not.
>These were scholars and researchers who were researching this for the longest time.
>And you were just a human who, until fairly recently, had less experience with magic than a newborn foal.
>What made you think you could figure out the answer.
>Ah, who cares? It’s still something to do!
 
>Well that was a lot shorter than you thought.
>Literally only five minutes and you’ve learned everything you needed, culminating in a grand total of two theories.
>The First was the absorption of an Arcane storm, which was the least likely of the theories.
>On the one hand, It turns out Arcane storms actually did exist, but were rare enough to be put into the book anyways.
>This means it’s at least possible for it to happen.
>On the other hand, there hasn’t been one seen in Equestria since 100 years before the supposed birth of Orange Mana.
>If a storm were to form without anyone noticing, it would’ve had to have been absorbed within moments of being created.
>While possible, it’s very unlikely simply on account of the many coincidences needed for it to happen.
>This is also assuming storms could be absorbed, and considering the magical power of them is what makes them so dangerous, it only compounds to the unlikeliness of the theory.
>That leaves door number two.
>A Well of Magic.
>While relegated only to stories and myth, if they existed they could in theory provide any creature with far greater magical potential.
>The keywords being “if” and “could”.
>Should it have existed, it would have likely been near a place Orange Mana had spent a good chunk of his early life.
>Alternatively, some have speculated they are close to areas of high magic and magical energies.
>Well that was an interesting read, but now it’s time to do something else.
>You’ve already spent most of the morning indoors, so getting out is a good idea.
>Perhaps Rarity needs a hand?
>Ha; you’re hilarious.
 
>Walking over to Carousel Boutique, you run into quite the surprise.
>Rarity herself was out on the town, and boy does she look annoyed.
>Looks like she’s looking for something important.
>Since you were going towards her place anyways, might as well see what’s bothering her.
“Hey, Rarity.”
>Looking at you, her annoyed face softens a little.
>“Hello, Anon. Have you seen Sweetie Belle? She was supposed to be back at the Boutique for lunch.”
>Ah, that explains it.
“No, I just left the house. Where have you checked?”
>”Practically everywhere. I have checked Sugarcube Corner, Twilight’s palace, and even the Schoolhouse.”
“What about the Everfree Forest?”
>A look resembling that of a deer in headlights adorns her face for a brief moment before being replaced with one of rage.
>“Oh, that no good little… I don’t know how many times I told her not to go there and yet she keeps doing it. Oh I swear, when I find her she’s in a heap of trouble!”
“If you want, I can get her for you.”
>”Thank you, darling. But there’s no need for that. I can find her on my own.”
“Can I at least help? The Everfree is a dangerous place, especially for a lady like yourself.”
>She smirks a little, knowing you’re playing coy.
>”Now Anon, I’m perfectly capable of defending myself.”
“Nevertheless, I still want to help; two heads are better than one.”
>”Oh, alright. Now let’s go. There’s no time to waste.”
>Well, you wanted to do something this weekend, and something to do you got.
>You just hope Sweetie isn’t in too much danger.
 
>”Now where the hay is the little Rascal?”
>Only a handful of ponies around here would speak in that accent, and only one had that voice.
“Applejack! How’s it going?”
>Turning to you, you see a worried look on her face.
>“Howdy, Anon. Rarity. Just lookin’ for Applebloom.”
>Well that explains it.
>”You can’t find her either, darling?”
>”Nah, and ah look everywh… What do yah mean either?”
“Rarity lost Sweetie Belle.”
>Quickly turning your head at you, she makes what is probably the pony equivalent of a death glare.
>To you, it’s just cute.
>”I didn’t lose her! She just went off somewhere without my permission.”
>Yeah, sure. Whatever you say.
>”Now hold on. If both of them are gone, then they and Scootaloo are likely together.”
>Makes sense to you.
>”So ah say we look together for them.”
>Also makes sense to you.
“Great idea. We were actually just about to check the Everfree Forest. You want to…”
>”THE EVERFREE!”
>Let you finish your sentences.
>”What in tarnation are they doing their? That little rascal never listens!”
>Sounds like someone’s getting an impromptu tan when they get back.
>While listening to the inevitable fate of the youngest Apple is good and all, the Everfree isn’t exactly a bright and sunny park.
>The sooner they are found, the better.
>Clapping your hands together, you get the attention of the two worried mares.
“Alright then, let’s get going!”
 
>It has been almost an hour since you, Rarity, and Applejack have started the search through the local forest of doom.
>It’s pretty cozy, monster’s notwithstanding.
>You can see why little kids would get lost in it.
>”Sweetie Belle! Come here, darling!”
>”Applebloom! Get your flank out here ya rascal!”
“Scootaloo! If you’re here as well, come out!”
>The three do get into trouble together quite a bit, now don’t they?
>Might as well shout all possible options to get their attention.
>The others are visibly worried, and you probably look the same way.
>”Sweetie Belle!”
>”Applebloom!”
“Sweetie!”
>Alright, you know you’re worried now.
>As you keep walking, you find something on the ground.
>Tracks that look like tiny hooves.
“Guys, I think I found something.”
>”What is it Anon?”
“Call me crazy, but I think these tracks belong to our little explorers.”
>The good news, you know where they are.
>The bad news, you know they are here.
>”Well then, let’s get a move on. The sooner the better.”
 
>Following the trail, you find yourself deeper and deeper in the Everfree.
>The trees have been getting more densely packed, to the point where it’s difficult to progress further at some points.
>Applejack had to help you move a tree out of the way so you could continue.
>Not helping matters the lower light levels caused by the branches above obstructing the Sun.
>Was the Sun even out anymore?
>You’ve been at this for so long.
>Suddenly, Rarity’s body stiffens in surprise.
>”Did you hear that?”
>Hear what? The sound of absolutely nothing?
>”Yeah, Ah heard it too. Seems to be comin’ from further down the path.”
>Do ponies have magic hearing on top of everything else?
>Wouldn’t surprise you.
“I don’t hear anything, but let’s keep going further.”
>After advancing a few feet, you finally hear something.
>You can’t completely make it out, but the voice does sound young and feminine.
>And with one look at the horses beside you, you’re suspicions on who the voice belonged to was confirmed.
>”Sweetie Belle!”
>With only that yell as your warning, Rarity ran off further onto the path, with Applejack soon in tow.
>Ah well, the sooner you get this done the more time you’ll have to finish your books.
>That and this forest is creepy as Hell.
 
>Within moments the path opens up, revealing to you…
>Even more trees.
>Granted, these were curved in such a way as to actually open up the area, but they were still so thick that you wondered how you could even see.
>How could you see, anyways?
>There’s a faint glow around this area, but you can’t seem to pinpoint one specific spot as the source.
>Looking around it seems the entire area is giving off a faint light, with the only place brighter is a pool of liquid in the center.
>And guess who’s close to that liquid.
>Three little ponies; an orange one on a branch above the pool and a yellow and white one in front of it.
>“Applebloom!”
>The CMC soon turned their attention towards the angry farmer pony.
>Judging by the look on their face, they knew they were boned.
>”Ah’ve been lookin’ all over for you. You’re in a heap of trouble Missy!”
>”Sweetie, how many times have we told you not to go into the Everfree?”
>With their eyes averted from their parents, they just stand there in guilt.
>”Ah..Ah’m sorry, Applejack.”
>”Sorry, Rarity.”
>”Sorry ain’t cuttin’ it, sugarcube.”
>”What were you even doing here in the first place?”
 
>Now it was Scootaloo’s turn to speak up.
>”It was my idea. I found something a while ago and wanted to show the other Crusaders.”
>Figuring it’s time to chip in, you point to the obvious crater of glowing fluid.
“I’m guessing that’s it.”
>”Yeah, Anon. Looks cool, doesn’t it?”
>No, it looks warm.
>Cool things don’t glow, after all.
”Well yes, but that’s no reason to come out to the Everfree. At least not without an adult by your side.”
>The adults you traveled with look at you with mild confusion, but otherwise seem to agree with you.
>At least, that’s how you're interpreting their silence.
“Anyways, let’s head home. I have a book to read and you have punishments to endure.”
>With their heads pointed down, Applebloom and Sweetie follow their sisters.
>You were about to go yourself, when you hear the sound of wood creaking.
>Wait, wasn’t one of the crusader’s on a branch?
>And wasn’t that branch over a pool of possibly dangerous liquid?
>CRACK!
>...Crap.
>Without thinking, you reach over to catch the orange filly.
>Unfortunately for you, you trip just before getting to grab her.
>The good news, you managed to push her away from the glowing puddle of doom.
>The bad news, you couldn’t save yourself.
>As you’re about to hit it, one thought went through you mind and pulsed throughout your body.
>A thought that you had just enough time to speak to the world right before you fell in.
“Damn it!”
 
>You are Anonym OH GOD THE PAIN!!
>IT FEELS LIKE YOU’RE BURNING FROM THE INSIDE OUT!!!
>Obviously you regret getting up today.
>Ah well, at least you’re consciousness can fade with the lone thought of how you saved Scootaloo from this fate.
>Yep, any minute now.
>.....
>Why isn’t your conscious fading?
>Your vision should be getting darke OH SWEET LORD, THE PAIN IS GROWING!
>Is this what Hell feels like?
>Oh god, are you actually dead and this is the afterlife?
>Pretty quick response time, considering you fell into the pool mere…
>How long has it been again?
>You can’t remember through the pain which HOLY CRAP IT’S STILL GETTING WORSE!
>When will this end?
>Suddenly, you’re foot goes numb.
>This numbness is gradually affecting your whole body.
>Oh thank God, sweet merciful relief at last.
>That’s what you think, until it passes your chest.
>For but the briefest of moments before you pass out, you feel a strange warmth within your chest.
>With that thought, your vision quickly darkens and your mind sleeps.
 
>Ohh,  your head hurts.
>You feel as if a truck of salt ran over your brain and dumped its load right on it.
>What did you do before going to bed last night?
>Last you remember, you were helping Applejack and Rarity find their sisters.
>After finding them, as well as Scootaloo, you were about to head back home.
>But then..Then…
>Oh, now you remember.
>The pool of whatever it was.
>You must’ve been fished out somehow.
>You sure hope you’ll get a chance to thank them; spending the rest of your life in constant pain would have really put a damper on your mood.
>Opening your eyes, you find yourself in a Hospital room.
>You seem to be the only one in it.
>Good, you need the calm to calm your headache.
>Okay, breathe in- breathe out.
>Repeat until pain head has subsided.
>When the pain has subsided a decent amount, you look around the room and realize something.
>There was a lot more stuff here than usual.
>You should know; this wasn’t your first time here.
>Papers fill a nearby desk, some filled with strange runes while others look like simple notes.
>Even stranger, a machine stands beside you.
>Strange because machines were almost as rare here as magic was back on Earth.
>Only ever used by the rich or various institutes of knowledge, it’s presence here means only one thing.
>Whatever happened to you in the Everfree required advance study.
>What the Hell happened to you?
 
>As if on cue, the door opens and in enters a familiar purple book horse.
>”Anon! You’re awake!”
>Aaannnnd, you’re headache’s back.
>Just what you needed.
“Twilight, please keep it down.”
>”Sorry anon. I forgot you’re still recovering.”
“From what, if I may ask?”
>Her face shifts to one of confusion and worry.
>”From falling into that pool in the Everfree? Don’t you remember?”
“I do, but what about it put me here? I’m guessing it wasn’t water.”
>Her face reverts back to normal.
>Did she think you lost your memory for a moment?”
>”No, it wasn’t. Quite honestly, I’m not 100% certain what it is, but given your current state it was probably magic.”
>Wait, what?
“Wait, what? How do you know that?”
>”You see, after you were recovered and brought here, thanks to Applejack, you were glowing. After the doctors here found out it was magic in you, they needed an expert in the field to study what happened. While I’m no expert, I was what was available at the time. From my research, I’ve concluded the thing you fell into was a Well of Magic.”
“Well of Magic?”
>”I know! For the longest time they were thought to be a myth, so finding one is an important moment for the study of magic!”
>Those things you read about not...how long were you knocked out?
>”Think of it; a natural occurring pool of liquid magic! Not only will this rewrite several thoughts on magic, but also lead to advances of magical application!”
>Wasn’t it theorized that Orange Mana got his magic from one?
>”If how the magic gathered in a liquid form is ever figured out, it could lead to more mana intensive spells becoming more viable. Not to mention how it may affect earth ponies and pegasi!”
 
“That’s good, but how did it affect me?”
>”Sorry Anon, I got carried away. By using an Arcane Analyzer, the machine right next to you, I was able to analyze how the magic has affected you and figure out how you would be able to use it. To put it simply, your time in the well has infused you with large amounts of magic.”
>So you’re magic now?
>No longer getting called that thing with no magic by random asshat ponies?
>That’s great, now you get to be called other things, such as ‘damned dirty ape’.
“So I can cast spells now? If so, are you open to teach?”
>Why does she suddenly look so apprehensive?
>”Not entirely. Since you have never encountered magic until you got here, your species had evolved without it, as such you lack the brain functions to cast spells. It’s just a theory, it still needs to be tested, but it’s a very likely one.”
>Well, that’s a bummer.
>Still, you need to know one thing.
“What am I capable of, anyways?”
>”We, the doctors and I, learned from a minor accident. One of them fiddled with your arm to much, resulting in a release of large sums of arcane energy. Just a pure blast of it.”
>A look of sorrow crosses her face.
>”He’s in a different room right now. Managed to get burned pretty badly.”
>Okay, now you just feel bad.
>Might as well make sure his sacrifice was not in vain.
 
“So, I’m better now and my headache has gone down; can I leave now.”
>”You’ll have to speak with the nurse, but I don’t see why not.”
“Great, we’ll figure out what I can do as soon as I’m out of here. Then we can both get on with our lives; the School has a new swing set to add, and I promised to help.”
>There’s that look of apprehension on her face again.
>What’s horrible news is she going to tell you now?
>”About that, you’ve been out for about five days. The Schoolhouse had to get someone else to do it.”
>Five days!
>But that means….
“Crap! I’ll have to throw out all of my food! And to think I was looking forward to salmon night!”
>Figures this would happen.
 
>Sometime in the morning, the next day.
>You are Anonymous, and you have just finished cleaning out your refrigerator.
>RIP, Salmon; such a tragedy will hopefully never happen again.
“What a waste.”
>Not like you could have done anything about it, but you still paid good money for that fish.
>At the very least, you now have magic powers to compensate for your time
>As soon as you got out of the Hospital yesterday, you and Twilight went right to her castle to figure out the specifics of what you could do.
>Not much, as predicted.
>For the most part, all you can do is release the energy in various ways.
>Of course there’s the laser blast that turned that one pony’s face into a melted face, but there were other things you could do.
>Less impressive things than raw blasts of “energy”, but still other things.
>For instance, you found out your entire body is like a horn; you can emit energy from any part of it, causing you to glow.
>It’s far weaker than when it comes out of your hands, but at least you don’t have to worry about candles any more.
>Also, with just a bit of effort you can transfer your magical energy into another object, thus charging it.
>Twilight was quite surprised at this revelation; apparently this is not something every unicorn could do with ease.
>In fact it’s quite an exhausting effort to do so, yet you did it without breaking a sweat.
>Meaning either your magic is specialized for the task or you just have that much raw power.
>Unfortunately both of you had things to do that day, so you couldn’t do everything yesterday, including testing your strength.
>Today, you hopefully finish the tests.
>With that thought, you head out the door to get this over with.
>You’re a busy man, and you need bits to fill your now barren fridge.
>Can’t run on magic alone, can you?
>....Can you?
 
>”Anon! Glad you came. I have everything ready.”
>Doesn’t look like it; all there is is a single crystal.
>Then again, maybe this is the only test left to do, so not much is needed.
“Alright, so what do you need me to do?”
>Levitating the crystal over to you, she explains what you need to do.
>”This crystal has been specially designed and crafted to measure one’s sheer magical might. By focusing your magic into the crystal we can figure out exactly how powerful this magic of yours is.”
“How?”
>”Based on the illumination it radiates. Don’t worry too much about it, just leave it to me.”
>Good, one less thing to worry about.
>”Are you ready, Anon?”
“Yeah. So I just grab it and focus?”
>”That’s basically it!”
>You heard the mare.
>So you do as was told of you.
>With the crystal now in your hand, you focus your magic into it as hard as you can.
>HOLY MOLLY THAT IS ONE BRIGHT GEM!
>You sure hope this doesn’t cause vision problems as you get older.
“So Twilight, you getting this?”
>No response, and you can’t see what’s going on without risking becoming the first blind human in Equestria.
“Twilight?”
>”Ah! Yes, Anon; that’s good. Put it down.”
>You comply, setting the still glowing stone down on the table.
 
“So, did I do good.”
>No response again, she’s still staring at the rock.
>You can only tell since the light isn’t directly blocking your vision.
>Okay, something is definitely up.
“Twilight? Is there something wrong.”
>”How?”
“I figured you staring at this rock means something your big brain didn’t expect just happened. Why else would you risk blindness?
>That seems to snap her out of it.
>”Ah, thanks Anon. And to answer your question, yes. Something did happen, or rather something didn’t happen that was supposed to.”
>Well this is an interesting development.
“Alright, but I have another question; when is the crystal supposed to stop glowing? It’s starting to hurt my eyes.”
>”About 30 seconds ago when you let go of it.”
>Okay, you weren’t expecting that answer, but before you can ask further she continues.
>”This is no ordinary crystal, but rather a highly magically conductive crystal. Most crystals store magic, but this one has mana pass through it like water in a river. It still glowing isn’t just an anomaly, it’s an affront to the laws of magic!”
>Come to think of it, it was getting harder to channel the magic the longer you focused.
“You think this might be what my magic does, forcing itself into practically anything?”
>”It could just well be, and it probably is. No amount of magical power could do something like that. And the crystal can’t be defective because I purchased it only a month ago.”
“I’m guessing this means we can’t judge the strength so easily, can we?”
>”No, we cannot. Though I do have one other test; try and put more magic into it.”
>Weird, but it’s best not to argue with her over the merits of testing pond magic.
 
>She is the expert after all.
>With the STILL GLOWING crystal in your hand, you try and force more magic into it, when something happens which you didn’t expect.
>A force was pushing back.
“What the…?”
>”What’s happening?”
>The gemstone is trying to blow up your hand, that’s what.
>Why is everything with your magic trying to kill/cripple you?
>Well you won’t let it.
>Without thinking on it too much, you toss the crystal before your hand became like a hoof, then duck for cover behind the table.
>*Boom*
>Peering up from your cover, you and Twilight look towards where the explosion occurred.
>Apparently it was fairly high on the wall, given the crack in it that wasn’t there before.
“So… sorry about that, Twi.”
>You know she’s not listening to you right now, right?
>You just did some sudden magical foolery right in front of her face for the third time in an hour.
>Her mind is probably trying to comprehend how her precious crystal became a magical nuke.
>You sure hope she didn’t spend too much on it.
>”Twilight! What happened?!”
>Looking at the doorway you see Spike standing there, looking worried and a little scared.
“Hey, Spike! We were just running some experiments on magic. There was some unexpected volatility, but we’re fine. Right Twilight.”
>Thankfully, she replies.
>”Yes, we’re alright. A little surprised, but unharmed. Thanks for checking up on us, Spike.”
>”No problem. I’m just going to leave you two alone.”
>As he leaves, you turn to Twilight to finally talk to her.
>Before you could even say a word, she begins talking to you.
>”What happened when you were trying to focus your magic, Anon? What did you feel?”
“I felt a force I could barely contain coming from the rock. Do you know why it happened?”
 
>Her faces scrunches up in annoyance.
>”It’s not just a ‘rock’. But to answer your question I have seen this happen before. As you have probably gathered sometimes magic can be rather….volatile. As such interaction between it and another source might set it off. Of course a skilled mage can keep this under control, and with relative ease too.”
>First you were called magicless, now unskilled.
>Probably better than ‘damn dirty ape’, so you shouldn’t be complaining.
>”I’m assuming you were attempting to keep the force stable while you added more in, meaning you do have the capacity to keep it under control. With enough practice you could keep an explosion like that from happening with ease.”
>So now you’re a living bomb factory as well?
>Not bad, especially considering no one got hurt during this experiment.
>Hey, wait a minute.
“Sounds great. One problem though.”
>”What is it? If it’s about the crack don’t worry, I can get it fixed.”
>That’s a relief, but it’s not what you wanted to ask.
“Not that. It’s the crystal; how much did it cost?”
>”Around a hundred bits, not a small price but I can still get a new one.”
>That’s good to hear, but you still feel bad about the whole thing.
“How about I chip in a little, since I did break it after all.
>”Thanks for the offer, but there is no need to…”
“No I insist.”
>”Alright, but don’t end up hurting yourself trying to get the bits.”
>Given the type of work you usually do, hurting yourself is inevitable, but that’s not important.
 
“Well thanks for doing this for me Twilight, but I have to go now. I need to find more jobs around town and I can’t do that by standing in one place.”
>”It’s been nice having you over Anon. Take care.”
>Just as you are about to leave, a single thought came into your mind.
“You know, since my magic is mostly about releasing and storing its energies, there might be more I can do with it. I’ll let you know if I figure anything else out.”
>”I’ll be looking forward to it.”
>And with that, you close the door and exit the palace, thinking about how today went.
>Despite the difficulties, you’d say it was a blast overall.
>Still hilarious.
 
>Early morning at your house.
>You are Anonymous, and boy do you have a busy day today.
>Right after leaving Twilight’s Castle, you bumped into Cheerilee getting groceries.
>You explained to her why you couldn’t help her out, making sure to emphasize how you were unconscious for about a week.
>Thankfully she was understanding and forgiving, even going so far as to offer you another job.
>Apparently somepony managed to completely wreck the schoolhouse swingset.
>Since buying a new one would cost too much money, Cheerilee figured hiring someone to fix it for far less.
>Well you’re someone who needs bits and can do it for cheap, so you accepted.
>Shortly after that, you ran into none other than the pony who saved you from the Hell pool.
>After thanking her with every fiber of your soul, she asks you for a favor.
>Apparently one of their trees had fallen and they need someone to help them get rid of it.
>Technically they don’t NEED someone, but they would appreciate the help.
>And help you decided to be.
>After all, what better way to pay back the mare who saved you from a lifetime of ever increasing pain and agony than to help her be rid of a tree slightly faster.
>Unfortunately both events were scheduled for the same day, so that meant a large amount of work for you.
>Ah well, so long as nothing too terrible happens to halt your progress you should be just fine.
>Heck you might have some time to read after all of this is done.
>Maybe even test out your magic a little more.
>With your motivation for efficiency settled, you find yourself finishing your orange juice and heading out the door.
>Time to get stuff done.
 
>”Hello Anon. Here about the swingset?”
“Why else would I be at a school house during the weekend?”
>Cheerilee’s face scrunches up in annoyance.
>”You don’t have to get sarcastic with me. You know where it is and what to do.”
>Seems not all ponies appreciate your wit and sense of humor.
>Her loss, you suppose.
>Heading out back you see just how bad the damage is.
>The swings have been torn down and one of the poles holding the thing up is broken.
>Shouldn’t be too bad, all you need is a blowtorch and a couple of hours.
>Hang on, do you even have a blowtorch?
>...
>This might be harder than you thought.
>The first time you couldn’t do your job was alright, but a second time for the same customer will hurt your reputation..
>Lead to less ponies to help, which will lead to you having to get a job working with….her.
>No, don’t think like that Anon; you can improvise.
>Let’s see, you have some tape and some glue, that could hold things together.
>No, would look far to unprofessional.
>Nails would look even less so.
>And buying the new part would take too much time; you’d be late for Applejack’s task.
>It’ll take a damn near miracle to help you now, and after the pond incident you're probably all out of luck.
>Wait, pond incident.
>Maybe you can do this after all.
 
>Pointing your hand at the ground, you will the magic to come from your hand.
>Gently at first; you don’t want to cause more damage.
>Eventually raw ether begins to pour from your palm as a small beam.
>After repeating the warm up a couple of times you approach the swing set to do it again.
>You remember reading about how magic can produce heat energy, so if you put out enough you could just fuse the two pieces back together.
>After about a minute of being bathed in magical energies, you stop expelling it and quickly put your finger on it.
“OW!”
>Yep, as you predicted some of the mana gets converted to heat energy.
>With your theory proven correct, you then proceed with fixing the broken beam.
>It took several minutes and a lot of focus to prevent you from blasting everywhere, but you eventually managed to fuse the two pieces together.
>After letting it cool and hitting it, you find it is good as new.
>No wonder Twilight likes magic so much, this stuff is quite useful!
>With the most difficult part out of the way, fixing the rest of the swingset takes no time at all.
>It is just rope connecting a plank connected to a bar.
>Satisfied in a job well done, you turn to enter the schoolhouse.
>Only to find Cheerilee at the doorway staring at you.
>Shocked.
>And you have a pretty good idea why.
 
>Well, might as well get explanations out of the way.
“I’m guessing you saw the lasers.”
>She nods, so it shows she’s more receptive than a shocked Twilight.
“In case you’re wondering the thing that put me in the hospital did this to me.”
>She still doesn’t reply.
>You decide to walk towards her so you don’t have to yell.
>Thankfully, she seems to snap out of it.
>”I...congratulations, Anon! You have magic where there was none before, not many can claim that.”
>Wasn’t there a pony who had that exact thing happen to him?
>You can’t remember, and looking at the clock to see if you could only gave you a surprise.
“Wait, that didn’t even take an hour?”
>”No. I’m surprised too. I thought it would have taken longer.”
“YES!”
>If you’re going to shout, you probably should have stayed away from her.
“That means I might get everything done faster than I thought!”
>Cheerilee smiles at your optimism.
>”Wonderful. I’ll get the bits.
>As she heads inside, you look back at your handiwork.
>Yep. Not too shabby.
>While admiring your repair skills, you begin to wonder if anyone else in town has pieces of metal you can fuse together.
>Maybe Applejack has something.
>“Alright, here’s the bits. 40 bits as agreed upon.”
“Thanks Cheerilee, have a good day.”
>Alright, next stop. Sweet Apple Orchards.
 
>Ahh, the orchard.
>What a nice, relaxing place to be.
>Surrounded by fruits of red and green, be they in baskets or on the trees.
>Indeed, the atmosphere, the aesthetics, the overall vibe here is why you enjoy visiting from time to time.
>Sadly today’s visit is not for pleasure, but for business.
>With that sad thought, you turn towards the door and
>*knock*knock*knock*
>Within moments, the mare who you promised to help today emerges.
>Well, the other one.
>”Howdy, sugarcube! Yer here early.”
“I finished the other job I had early. Figured I’d use my spare time to get a head start on that tree.”
>”Sounds like a plan. Ah just finished lunch, so we can head on over there right now. Big Mac is already over there. C’mon, let’s get er done.”
>Did she ever say that before?
>Whether or not she did, now’s not the time to wonder.
>Following her, you soon find yourselves at the majestic fallen apple tree.
>Not as nice sounding as a ‘majestic fallen oak’.
>”Big Mac! We’re here. You got the rope?”
>”Eeyup.”
>Turning to you, she tells you just what she wants you to do.
>”Alright, sugarcube, here’s what yer gonna do. Jus grab onto the rope and help us pull.”
“Wait, wouldn’t it be easier to chop the tree into… at least three different pieces?”
>Surprisingly, Applejack looks towards the ground before replying.
>”We would, but the darn axe broke yesterday. We’d wait for a new one, but there’s a big harvest comin’ soon so we figured this’d be the last chance to move it.”
>So that’s it?
>Perhaps the issue could be solved easier than you thought.
 
“Stand clear, I have an idea.”
>It took a moment, but they did so.
>Bunch of slowpokes.
>Pointing at the log, you do what you did before at the schoolhouse, except with more force behind it.
>Much more force.
>When the beam exited your hand, you could feel the farm ponies almost jump back in surprise.
>”Jumpin’ June bugs, Anon. Ah didn’t know you could do magic.”
“I couldn’t at first. That little dive a week ago gave me this. Again, thanks for saving me.”
>”Aw shucks, Anon. Ah was jus doin what anypony would have done.”
>You don’t doubt that for a second.
>What you do doubt is the safety of talking while operating a dangerous tool.
>After all, if something bad happens, you want to be able to notice it.
>*Fwoosh*
>Speak of the Devil and he shall appear.
>Appropriate thought, given how the tree is now sporting a flame.
>With that little nugget of insight out of the way, you quickly go up to the flame and began stamping it out.
>From what you’re feeling from within your shoe, it’s a hot one.
>”Ah’ll go get some water Anon, you jus stay put.”
>And with that she’s off.
>Now you feel kind of bad, but at least you were trying to help.
>At least you now know for certain that shooting lasers without looking is dangerous.
>As dangerous as the fire on that tree, which seems to be growing.
>You sure hope Applejack gets back before the fire spreads.
>Can’t show your gratitude to her by burning her property, now can you?
 
>Thankfully, Applejack returns before Sweet Apple Acres had red on the trees for a different reason.
>After the fire had been properly put out, you continue with your slicing of the log.
>”Now what the hay do you think you're doing?”
“I’m making overall less work for us by using my newly acquired magic too…..
>”Ah know that! Didn’ you see what happened last time?”
“I did, and I know what I did wrong. I just need to focus. If you wish, you can get another bucket of water.”
>She doesn’t say anything else, but the look of anger on her face told you everything you needed to know.
>As she walks away, grumbling something you cannot hear, you get back to work.
>Unfortunately, this is taking to long..
>This should have been done by now.
>Perhaps you’re doing something wrong.
>Perhaps you’re magic isn’t focused enough yet.
>Perhaps this is a good time and place to practice.
>Let’s see, you know you need to put some effort into your magic for it to work, but are you really giving it your all?
>Alright, let’s see what straining yourself is like.
>Just gotta push it a little further and… huh, that actually isn’t that bad.
>How long will that last, you wonder.
>As you put in more force and as more time passes, the pain gradually grows.
>Eventually it starts being that bad, so soon it’ll be more so.
>Good thing the overgrown log is finally about to be split in two.
>Just a little more, and…
>”You okay, sugarcube?”
“AAIIEEEE!”
 
>Well shucks, you were so focused in slicing the tree that you didn’t notice Applejack returning.
>Sadly the start you got ended your focus.
>Not the force, though.
>So when you're beam of ether became a cone, you had a small hunch on how much you’ve screwed up just now.
>The scorched leaves and tree bark only further solidifies it.
>Looking back, you see an angry Big Mac and an even angrier Applejack.
>Quick retard, think of something to say.
“A...At least the tree’s been taken care off.”
>For the most part, at least; most of the middle section was blasted into oblivion.
>”Confound it Anon. If we’d’ve done it the ol’ fashion way, we’d be done by now. And we wouldn’ have more dead trees.”
>”Eeyup.”
“Oh, come on. The trees aren’t in that bad of shape. They’ll be back to normal in no time. Besides aren’t they part magic already?”
>Her face finally softens.
>”Ah suppose it’s too early to tell. They might survive just yet.”
>And the stern face is back.
>”But if they don’t, yah better hope yah can move these trees without magic, sugarcube.”
>Hopefully by then she’d have the axe to make it easier.
“Okay then. We still got most of the work out of the way, let’s hurry up and finish this job. What do you say?”
>Eventually, her annoyance fades from her face and she returns to her previous expression.
>”Alright. Yah and Ah’ll deal with the larger piece, while Big Mac deals with the other. Yah okay with that, Mac?”
>”Eeyup.”
>Well, this went better than expected, though you are really hoping you don’t have to head back here in a couple of weeks.
>After tying the rope and pulling along with Applejack, you are both off towards wherever the tree is going.
>You never did ask her.
 
“So Applejack, what are you going to do with this tree? At least, what’s left of it.”
>”Probably gonna chop it up for firewood. Gotta get ready for when winter rears it’s ugly head.”
>She then mutters something that she thinks you cannot hear.
>”Would’ve had more if it weren’t for yer magic.”
“You do realize this is also partially your fault, right?”
>That got a reaction out of her, and a defensive one at that.
>”Mah fault? You were the one who blasted the tree into Ah don’ know where! And don’ you remember the fire yah started?”
“Oh, I remember. I also remember it started because I let my focus slip. I also remember specifically saying how I needed to focus to prevent something like that from happening again. And guess who broke that focus?”
>”You were lookin’ pretty worn, Ah thought somethin’ was wrong, or yer magic was acting up. Besides, not my fault you’re easily scared.”
“I am not easily scared, I was just…”
>”Really? Cause you were screamin’ like Applebloom after a bad dream. Tone and all.”
>It’s not your fault you screamed like a girl.
>You just...It was…
>GAH!
 
“Look, I don’t care how my tone was. My point still stands, you shouldn’t have interrupted me. Especially when the tree was almost in two pieces.”
>A look of contemplation crosses her face.
>“Fair enough. Sorry for doin’ what Ah did.”
>She seems sincere enough, and there is no need for further hostilities.
“Apology Accepted. Sorry for getting the way I was just now.”
>”It’s alright, sugarcube. Now let’s drag this log just a little further.
>Glad to finally have that resolved, and with minimal damage.
>Upon further reflection of your powers, you realize how little training you actually have with them.
>Sure, you did fuse one item and incinerate the other, but you lack control.
>Applejack was right on one thing; forcing your magic like that was very straining.
>You definitely need to practice with it and deal with the strain.
>After all, it has proven to be useful without proper training.
>Just imagine what you could do with about a month of practice.
 
>”So, you’re saying this “Well of Magic” gave magic to you, of all things?”
“Yes, Rainbow, I did say that. I think that’s all I said.”
>You are Anonymous and the mare you are speaking with right now is Rainbow Dash.
>Apparently Twilight told her about your new found magic, and she wanted to see it in action.
>After much pestering from the rainbow mare, you agreed to, though after a day dedicated to training your magic.
>And boy, are you glad you did train.
>”So when are we gonna get there?”
“That depends on how fast we both move.”
>Given the recent incidents your magic caused, showing it off next to other ponies is a worse idea than the last ‘stunt’ Rainbow Dash did.
>There’s still a hole in your lawn from that day.
>Instead, you decided a place the town actively avoided was the best place to show off to the show off.
>And if it had a lot of rocks to show off what you’ve discovered to Rainbow, all the better.
>Thus, the mare by your side agreed to wait until you’ve reached the Everfree.
>”C’mon, can’t you show me something real small?”
>That doesn’t mean she’s being patient about it.
“No Rainbow. Look, we’re almost there, so just hold on for about a minute.”
>”But the anticipation is killing me. I mean, you can shoot lasers! Do you know how awesome that is.”
“Did Twilight tell you about that?”
>”No. It was that one doctor who got a face full of it. I was in for a minor injury, and met him in the waiting room.”
>Oh, him.
“Did you get his name by chance? I forgot to apologize to him.”
>”Nah, but he doesn’t seem too mad about it. At least not as mad as you’d expect.”
>Pretty sure that’s still pretty freaking mad.
>Not like you blame him, of course.
 
>”Hey Anon! We’re here; the edge of the Everfree Forest.”
>The sheer number of nearby trees and the darkness of the forest within shows just how honest she’s being.
>Well, time to give her a show she won’t soon forget.
“Alright, just watch closely and keep your distance. I don’t want fried pegasus for dinner.”
>”Wait Anon, what are you do...in…”
>She doesn’t get to finish as you fire a medium sized beam straight into the air, slightly larger in diameter than your fist.
>Of course, no flying things were harmed in the process, or at least not ones large enough to matter.
>After roughly six seconds of firing, you stop to gauge Rainbow’s reaction.
>Wide eyed, open mouthed, and overall completely stunned.
>Not like you expected anything less.
>Fortunately, she seems to snap out of it pretty quickly.
>”That.Was.AWESOME!”
>The praises of the town’s resident weather pony is not something you’re used to.
>You could get used to it.
>Yet as she makes bold exclamations about how ‘epic’ or ‘sweet’ it was, you can’t help but wonder why she’s so excited about this.
>Mostly because you’re pretty sure Twilight can do the same thing.
“Hey, Rainbow….”
>”Yeah, Anon?”
>You were about to ask her, but you started thinking about how good her adoration was.
>Maybe it’s because you screwed up several times with your magic, but being told how great you were really made you feel good.
>And it made her happy as well, so why not continue.
“I actually have another...use for my magic I’ve been working on. Do you want to see it or have you had enough?”
>Her face lights up for just a moment, before becoming composed once more.
>Well, as composed as she could be.
 
>”Yeah, sure. Bet you can’t impress me twice.”
“We’ll see, Missy.”
>Grabbing a rock nearby, you hold it in your hand and begin charging it.
>Should take naught but a quarter minute, but you feel that’s too long for your audience.
>And just as you’re done with the preparations, she proves you right.
>”What’s taking so long?!?”
“Just getting prepared Rainbow, but if you’re so impatient I might as well stop right now?”
>”You wouldn’t dare.”
>Of course you wouldn’t, but she doesn’t know that.
“Wanna bet on that? Or do you want to be a little more patient and see the magic?”
>Thankfully your bluff worked; the mare finally sat down with what resembles a pout.
>Alright you think you’ve charged the rock up enough, so you throw it as hard as you can into the air.
>After reaching a certain distance you shoot at it a single, tiny bolt of mana.
>The second after you shot it, yet before it made contact with the rock, you asked yourself one question.
>Did you stop charging it when talking to Rainbow?
*BOOM!*
>Guess not.
 
>For the briefest of moments, a torrent of raw mana burst from the rock.
>Instinctively, you shielded your eyes from the blinding flash of light, and you suspect Dash did the same thing.
>When the light finally dimmed, you saw what damage you had wrought.
>Not much, it seems.
>Sure, some of the leaves had been blown off and you’re smelling the distinct aroma of roasted insect, but otherwise everything is fine with the Everfree.
>”AWESOME!”
>You didn’t even have time to think about looking at Dash, but thankfully she seems alright all things considered.
>”I mean, it’s no Sonic Rainboom, but still.”
>Now you’re glad she distracted you for as long as she did, else she might not be nearly as impressed.
>Best not to tell her that, you’re really liking the praises.
>”...And it looks like it could knock out a manticore! I can’t wait to see what else you have!”
>Looks like they’re coming to an end anyways.
“Sorry, that’s all I have right now.”
>”Wait, that’s it?”
“Technically no, but the rest is either important to how I did the other two or a basic application of them. In short, boring.”
>Aw, now she looks disappointed.
>Quick, you can fix this.
“But when I come up with anything else I’ll let you know, alright?”
>”You should probably tell me first.”
>That wasn’t Rainbow, not at all.
>Looking behind you, you soon see a familiar winged unicorn.
“Hey, Twi. Why are you here?”
 
>”Why am I here? There was a giant explosion of magical energy right above the Everfree forest, right above you. I should be the one asking that question!”
>Did it really draw that much attention.
>Well of course, dummy; it was a big explosion, people tend to notice those.
“Oh that. I found a new application for my magic and wanted to show Rainbow. I was going to show you later, but if you want I can explain it now.”
>Why isn’t she calming down?
>”And just why didn’t you consult me first? You know I could have run a few more tests to make sure something like this wouldn’t happen. Or to prevent something worse.”
“Mostly so Dash would stop bugging me about it first. You know how she can be impatient.”
>”Hey! I’m right here you know!”
“We know, Rainbow.”
>Finally, the rage of the princess is subsiding.
>”Alright. So what did you do and how?”
“Glad you asked.”
>You reach to grab another rock and hold it near Twilight’s face.
“As you can see, this is a plain, ordinary rock. Nothing special about it. However, by forcing my magic into it, I can make it a magic rock.”
>You then charge the stone in your hand, though far less than the previous one.
“Now, here’s the fun part. From several tests I’ve done, I figured out how to ‘charge’ an object from a distance.”
>Much to your surprise, her face isn’t showing much if any… well, surprise.
“Of course, I can only shove a tiny amount of my magic from such a great distance. And given what happened at your castle....”
>There’s that look of realization.
 
>”Wait, what happened at Twi’s Castle.
>You turn to Dash to answer her question.
>You’d leave this to Twilight, but she wouldn’t answer in an easy to digest manner at first.
“Smaller explosion from testing my magic the first time. Nothing too important.”
>Hopefully that’s enough for her, as you turn around to Twilight to finish your lecture.
“So tell me, what happens to the rock?”
>”The magical energy within becomes volatile. Without any outside force to keep the magic contained, the vessel erupts in an explosion.”
“Just.”
>You toss the stone far into the air again.
“Like.”
>You shoot it with your magic when it nears its apex.
“THIS!”
>The rock explodes into an infinite number of pieces in a brilliant display of blue light.
“And that concludes today’s lesson. Any questions?”
>No responses.
>Good.
“Now I hope you don’t mind, but I need to get home and finish those books you gave me Twilight. Who knew the origin of the repair spell could be so exciting?”
>”Alright Anon. Just remember your promise next time.”
“To tell you about new developments with my powers first, right?”
>”Exactly.”
“Don’t worry, I will. See ya both later!”
>”Goodbye, Anon.”
>”See ya, Anon.”
>And with that, you're off onto the next task you’ve planned for today.
>And with that, more practice and experimentation.
>Who knows what else you might discover about your magic; what new applications, what new abilities you will unlock.
>Only time will tell.
 
“Gah! Crap!”
>You are Anonymous, and right now you’re experimenting with magic and heat.
“Son of a bitch!”
>Specifically, you wanted to see if you could use your magic for more mundane uses outside of repair.
>For instance, right now you’re seeing how quickly your eggs will be cooked with magic compared to the normal time.
“Damn it!”
>Suffice to say, things haven’t gone particularly well.
>Mostly because of the burned hand; the eggs were actually cooking rather quick.
“Alright. Be careful where you grab on the pan next time. Use a glove, maybe.”
>Hopefully the final test has far less burning of flesh.
>With that thought, you put your breakfast on a plate, which you then put on your table.
>Grabbing a fork, you tentatively sit down in front of your experimental meal.
>As far as eggs go, not bad.
>Could use some salt though.
>As you reach out for the salt, you hear a strange knocking on the door.
>Strange because almost no one knocks on your door; like, at all.
>You can count the number of instances on one hand, and one of them was your welcome to Ponyville so that shouldn’t count.
 
>Well, might as well see who’s knocking on your door at this hour.
>After some pain at grasping the doorknob with your burnt hands, you find none other than Fluttershy at your doorstep.
>And she doesn’t look happy.
>A sinking feeling fills your bowels.
>This can’t be good.
>”Anon.” She says in a stern but calm voice.
“What did I do this time?”
>”Well, I heard a few explosions yesterday, and it frightened all the animals. When I asked Twilight about it, she told me it was...um...your fault.”
>That confidence was waning rather quickly.
>Though she was improving, you have to give her that.
“Yeah, I just wanted to show Dash something I just came up with.”
>To show your point, you flare up a bit of magic into your hands.
>Given your egg accident, this was probably not your wisest decision.
“Gahhh...:”
>At the sight of your horrendously scalded hand, her mood changes in an instant.
>”Oh, you poor thing! What happened?”
“I made eggs.”
 
>”You...you made eggs?”
“With magic, yes.”
>Fortunately the utter confusion doesn’t inhibit Fluttershy from tending to your cooking wounds.
>”Oh, you must let me help you! Wait here, I get some bandages.”
>Soon she is off on her quest to heal your scalded hand.
>Well, maybe now you can finish your eggs in peace.
>Heading back into the house, you finish your breakfast and clean your dishes.
>Not much too clean, perhaps about four items to wash and dry.
>Shouldn’t take more than 7 minutes, even with your hands as they are.
>*Knock*Knock*Knock*
>Apparently you can’t even get that.
>Opening the door, you see the familiar yellow mare with a first aid kit in her mouth.
>Without having to say anything, you let her in and take your seat next to her.
>As she applies the bandages, she remains eerily quiet.
>Though considering the mare in question, this really shouldn’t be a surprise.
>What is a surprise is her decision to break the silence.
>”So, eggs...and magic…”
“Yep. I was trying to cook them with magic by heating up the frying pan.”
>”Pardon me, but I thought  you didn’t...um...have magic.”
“Recent events rectified my condition of being without magic. You see,’ it all started when Applebloom and Sweetie…”
 
>”Um, thanks Anon. But I have to get carrots for Angel. You know how he can be.”
>Looking at your hands, you realize they have been properly bandaged.
“Yeah, sure. Thanks for the bandages.”
>”You’re welcome, Anon. Now, your burns were minor so they should heal by the time you need to change the gauze.”
>Opening the door for her, you continue the conversation.
“Thanks. If you’re curious about my magic, ask Twi. Goodbye.”
>”Alright, I will. Just don’t go scaring the animals again. Bye, Anon.”
>And thus she is off to buy food for her Hell rabbit.
>Meanwhile, you still have your dishes to clean.
>After that, you need to....
>Shoot.
>You don’t think you have anything else you have to do today.
>For some, this would be a marvelous boon; a day free of work to be spent however one pleases.
>To you, it just means you need to find something to do.
>You’re just that type of guy.
 
>As you clean the dishes, you start thinking of how to spend the day.
>Applejack is probably busy at the farm, so if all else fails you could at least resort to helping her.
>You could go out into the Everfree and practice some more.
>...Nah, that’ll only piss of Fluttershy even more.
>You do NOT want that to happen.
>She may be quiet most of the time, but when she’s get’s loud even Luna would have difficulty matching that volume.
>...Wait, do the princesses know what happened?
>Sure there’s Twilight, but she was there from day one.
>But if she knew, then the two celestial princesses should have learned from a letter, right?
>...Probably best to make sure with Twilight.
>Sure, it may be humorous to surprise them with such marvelous power if they are ignorant of what had transpired.
>On the other hand, finding you kept this from them for so long may bring forth their ire.
>And that’s not even getting into what would happen to Twi.
>So then it’s settled; you’ll go to Twi’s place and ask her if she told them.
>As you get ready to leave, you decide to head up to your room to grab a notebook.
>On it, in slightly terrible handwriting, are three words.
>”Anon’s Magic Notes”
>You might as well share them while you’re there.
 
*Knock*knock*knock*
“Twilight? I need to ask you something!”
>No response.
>Considering you are right outside of her castle, this isn’t a good sign.
>Give her some time, Anon; the place is huge.
>She’s probably heading towards the door right now.
>.....
>On the other hand, the place is huge.
>Maybe she didn’t hear anything.
*knock*knock*knock*
>”Anon? What are you doing?”
>You turn at the distinctly male voice.
“Spike! I was just trying to get a hold of Twilight. It’s just taking a while for her to answer the… wait.”
“Aren’t you supposed to be inside with her?”
>He just shrugs his shoulders.
>”Nah, Twi’s out in the Everfree researching something. I think it was that pool you fell in.”
“She’s just getting to it now? I thought she would have done that awhile ago, what with it being a massive discovery for the scholarly community and all that.”
>”She’s been pretty busy the past few days, even more than normal.”
>Busier than usual is actually her default status, but that’s beside the point.
 
>”So, why did you want to see Twilight? And what happened to your hand?”
“My hand was the result of...magical experimentations this morning. There were some complications.”
>You really didn’t want to go into the details of your breakfast right now.
“As for why I’m here, I wanted to make sure the princesses were notified of the pool incident.”
>Spike looked at you with what could be described as relative confusion.
>”Was it the one during the trip to the Crystal Empire? I don’t think the princesses need to know about THAT.”
>He’s taken quite a bit of joy in reminding you of THAT, and frankly it’s really pissing you off.
“You know what I’m talking about; you just mentioned Twi studying it not a minute ago.
>Yeah, yeah, chuckle a little Spike, just move along.
>“Oh, of course she did, Anon. This is Twilight Sparkle we’re talking about; the day she forgets something important like that is the day I give up gemstones.”
“Are you sure?”
>”Anon. Have you forgotten who you’re talking to? I’m the one who sent it.”
“I just don’t want the princesses to be surprised, is all.”
>”Don’t worry about it; even if they weren’t told, there not the types of ponies who would hunt you over something so minor.”
>You’d hardly call what happened minor.
>Even so, you decide to take him at his word.
 
“Alright, but I still have to show Twi my notes. Can I at least leave them here?”
>”I don’t see why not.”
>Thus you give him your notebook, filled with all you have learned about your magic, how it can be applied, and other such information.
“Thanks man. Please be sure to return it when you’re done; I like to keep all my notes in one place.”
>”Don’t worry, Twi should be done with this in an hour.”
“Well then, I’ll take my leave.”
>Just as you were about to go, you hear one other thing from Spike.
>”Almost forgot; Twi wanted to see you this weekend; something about an experiment.”
>Dear god, not another one.
>You still needed bits to help pay for the results of the last one.
>Reminder; search around town for some extra gigs.
“Alright. I’ll be there.”
>Okay, now you part ways.
 
>For the rest of your day, you walk through Ponyville to see if anypony needs any help.
>So far, the search had proven to be fruitless.
>You had checked by Sweet Apple Acres, but found they didn’t need your help right now.
>Probably didn’t help that you tried to sell your newfound cooking methods with the injuries still visible.
>Especially considering what happened there the last time you used your magic.
>You tried checking with those flower sisters, but they were trying to save their bits.
>The food business back home was one of the more stable businesses, so they must be saving up for something.
>You tried asking Rainbow Dash if you could bust some clouds.
>Apparently you need proper training and a permit to do that.
>Because breaking a few clouds requires utmost skill and years of training.
>Hence why a lazy pony such as Rainbow could get one.
>You would have offered to do it anyways and take the bits ‘under the counter’, but you’d attract to much attention doing that.
>Lasers do tend to do that.
>Well, there’s still...her.
>NO! Not yet!
>There’s still some ponies you hadn’t asked yet.
>Surely at least one of them is in need of something.
 
>2 hours later.
>You are anonymous, and you are all out of options.
>For perhaps the first time in a while, no pony needs your help.
>No roofs need to be fixed, no gutters cleaned, not even a couple in need of a babysiter.
>No new source of bits, and there likely won’t be for about a week.
>You’re really regretting not putting aside more for savings.
>That leaves only one choice, going to Sugarcube Corner and working with her.
>Pinkie P…
>>Absolutely not! You’re sanity is not worth a few bits.
>Look, everyone else tolerates her, so you should too.
>>You know how she gets; hyper, easily excited. She means no ill will, that is more than obvious, but she can be a little exhausting.
>Bull. You’re still mad from her welcome wagon.
>>Who thinks cake batter cannons are a good welcome? Who thinks those same cannons aimed at one’s face is a good idea?
>She didn’t mean it. Besides, this world isn’t home, and ponies are more outgoing than you were used to. There was some miscommunication. Happens to the best of us.
>>Well you’re still not going in.
 
>You need the food.
>>You could just hunt for it.
>You can’t aim a bow to save your life.
>>Don’t need to. Magic.
>What would you even hunt?
>>Whatever is available.
>And for other bit related needs? Ponies aren’t partial to meat, so you can’t sell it.
>>Just chop trees for the wood. You could do a lot with that.
>Without proper carving or cutting tools?
>>Again, magic.
>Oh, yeah. After what happened last time, that’s definitely a good idea.
>>She startled you!
>And even now you don’t have enough control.
>>You’ve been practicing.
>It hasn’t been enough; besides, you know Fluttershy doesn’t want any more disturbance of the everfree.
>>Pretty sure that was because of the explosions, not lasers.
>And killing is supposed to be better.
>>She feeds her animals all the time.
>Lasers would create far more of a mess than she would be used to.
>>Implying she’d see that.
 
>Look, you’ll have to face her eventually…
>>You know, you know. No need to rush in head first, though. Besides; does it look like the Cakes need help?
>You think back on the business and how busy it has been.
>You find nothing indicative of needing an extra hand.
>You still think it’ll be polite to ask.
>With that mental issue finally settled, you head over to Sugarcube corner.
>Upon entering, you notice the Pink menace is nowhere to be seen, yet Carrot Cake is right by the counter.
>Looks like your inevitable torment has been delayed, if at least for a moment.
>”Well hello, Anon! Fancy seeing you here. What’ll it be?”
“I’m not buying, sir; I’m selling. My services, to be exact.”
>”Need some bits, I’m guessing?”
“In a market economy, does the average citizen ever not need some bits?”
>The glance back he gave you shows just how confused he was at your statement.
>Screw it, it was funny.
>”Huh… anyways, we do need something; something I know only you can provide.”
“I’m listening.”
>Mr. Cake walks up towards you, getting closer before speaking.
 
>”Word around town is you had recently gained some magic of your own.
>Well that’s a bit of a disappointment.
>If all of Ponyville knows about your magic, you can’t surprise them with it anymore.
>Sure it was going to happen eventually, but you kind of liked their cute faces filled with shock.
“That I have. What do you need it for?”
>”You see, our ovens had recently broken. One was broken yesterday, the other stopped working roughly an hour ago. Couldn’t get any heat. We were going to have a repair pony look at them after closing tomorrow.”
“And you need me to act as a temporary oven for you?”
>We heard how your magic fused the broken swingset together; anything that can produce that amount of heat could certainly act as an oven.”
>You burned yourself making eggs this morning acting as a stove, and now they wanted you to become an oven?
>Best not to tell them that, lest he chooses not to hire you.
>”Well, it’s not the nicest way to put it, but…”
“Relax. I’m okay with being whatever appliance you need, so long as pay is involved. Speaking of which, how much are you paying for this?”
>He ponders for a moment, as if unsure of the answer.
 
>”How about 4 bits an hour? I’d say that’s a fair rate.”
>It is a fair rate.
>Doesn’t mean you can’t convince him to pay more.
“Only 4 bits an hour? For a service only I can provide you? With all due respect, that’s not enough.”
>”This place still needs to turn a profit, Anon.”
“It won’t be able to turn anything when it’s closed tomorrow. 7 bits an hour.”
>....
>”6 bits is as high as I’ll go.”
>You get a feeling he’s bluffing, but you think that’s a good offer.
“6 bits an hour it is than.”
>The two of you shake on it, having finally come to a conclusion.
>”Great, you’ll start tomorrow.
“Hold on, why not today?”
>”The missus wanted to take Pound and Pumpkin for a walk today. Said we’d been cooped up in here for far too long.”
“Family is important, I suppose. Well, if our business is concluded here, I think I’ll go on my way.”
>”Take care Anon, see you tomorrow.”
 
>Exiting Sugarcube Corner, you head on down to the Everfree forest.
>You have nothing better to do, might as well get some fresh meat for tonight.
>Quietly; you don’t want Fluttershy to get even angrier at you.
>As you walk, you start your new favorite hobby; thinking of ways to use your magic.
>You already know your magic has heat and can apply force, can be applied as a beam and as a single projectile, and could fill other items with magic.
>Don’t forget it’s not only limited to your hands, it’s just easier that way.
>So, in theory, you could surround yourself in a corona of pure mana, keeping you warm when winter comes.
*buzzz*.
>Or perhaps to kill pesky bugs in the summer?
>Might as well try now.
>With a brief flare of will and magic, you surround yourself in magic, frightening the fly away.
>Eh, it got the job done.
>Looking at yourself, you wish it didn’t singe your clothes.
>You’ll have to work on that.
>Eventually, you find yourself in the Everfree.
>A forest filled with wild beasts and creatures, with strength beyond anything you saw at home.
>A terror filled realm for the ponies.
>An all you can eat buffet to you.
 
>It’s late at night, and you’re really wishing you thought this through.
“C’mon!”
>Sure, you could have cut the manticore into pieces and carry them back, but that would attract other predators.
>You’d be damned if you wasted such good meat.
“Gah!”
>You could have also asked for some help with dragging the slain beast, but it was late at night and you didn’t want to wake anypony up.
“Why is this so difficult?”
>And of course you could use your magic to solve this, and indeed did at first.
>However, the collateral damage that would cause to Ponyville would cost you more bits than you think are in this town.
“Alright. About halfway there.”
>You know for a fact you’re going to be sore and tired tomorrow.
>Ah well, how hard is it to be an oven?
>...how are you even going to be an oven?
 
>The next morning, almost 5 a.m.
>You are Anonymous, tired, and really not looking forward for today.
>For today is the day you most likely have to work with that hyperactive pink pony.
>Combined with your lack of sleep from last night’s hunt, and you have a recipie for disaster
>When you got back from the Everfree with your kill, most of it couldn't even fit in your fridge.
>You swear your fingers still have salt under them.
>At least you got to eat some for a nice, hearty dinner before heading to bed.
>And you learned how to turn your body and magic into an oven in the process.
>Wasn’t really that hard, just enclose an item in your body and radiate magic from all of your pores.
>The temperature was difficult to control, and you did have to vent the heat a little every now and then.
>The small blisters on your chest are a reminder of that.
>Another wound for the collection, you suppose.
>Nevertheless, you hoped the cakes had something to help determine and better control the temperature.
>What good restaurant doesn’t have a thermometer in its kitchen?
 
“Anon!”
>Damn it.
>Your thoughts are interrupted by, well, guess.
>”What are you doing here? I thought you never go to Sugarcube corner, something about watching your sugar? How can you watch it when you're away from it?”
“Pinkie, you know that phrase isn’t literal.”
>”Of course, but it still doesn’t make sense to say it that way. If you can’t see the sugar, you…
>As she rambles on, a thought sparks within your exhaustion addled mind.
“Hold on, what are you doing out here? Don’t you live here?”
>”I came out to ask you the same thing!”
>Fair enough.
“To answer your first question, I’m here because the Cakes need an oven.”
>You let her mull over that for a moment.
>”Oh, does this have to do with your weird magic lasers Twilight told me about? And that magic explosion that caused Pound and Pumpkin to cry?”
>Damn, did they here that all the way over here?
“It’s not weird, and there’s more to it than lasers and explosions. I’ll show you when I get started.”
>As you turn to enter the bakery, you hear Pinkie laugh.
>”Oh, I get it; the Cakes need an oven! Good one, Anon.”
>You turn to her, and for the briefest of moments you smiled.
>Damn right, it was good.
 
>After showing the Cakes how you would use your magic to bake whatever they need and getting all the supplies ready, you decide to try it out on some muffins.
>At the behest of both Mr. Cake and yourself, of course.
>It worked as well as one could expect.
>Pinkie did enjoy the muffin, so that’s something.
>For the rest of the day, nothing too exciting happens.
>Ponies come in, buy something, the Cakes or Pinkie make it, you bake it, they customer buys it.
>Again and again for most of the day.
>Occasionally, you get up to prevent the heat from becoming overbearing.
>One time, after a rather busy series of baking, Pinkie stood a bit to close to you when you opened up.
>”Wow, Anon! That’s hot!”
>You look at her questioningly.
>”I..ah, I didn’t mean it like that!”
>Just making sure, Pinkie.
>As you take a quick swig of water, she notices your reddened chest and arms.
>”Anon, are you alright?
“I’m fine, Pinkie.”
>”You sure, your chest is looking a little pink.”
“So’s yours.”
>”That’s because my fur is pink, silly! And it’s supposed to be pink. I don’t think that’s the way humans work.”
“Well, you’ve only seen one human so far, so…”
>She seems to back away at this, but still looks at you with mild concern.
>”Well, alright. Just don’t overdo it. One time, I ended up burning my tongue on a fresh from the oven cupcake; burned me so bad I couldn’t eat anything for a day.”
>You feel she’s exaggerating.
>Still, there is some truth to her words.
>Best not to overuse your magic  that way.
>You’ve received enough injuries for one month, thank you.
 
>The rest of the day goes by without too many problems.
>As the store is closed and you help with cleaning, you and Pinkie talk a little.
>”...It was a rather weird face she made when she first saw you. It’s like she knew what you were, yet still couldn’t believe you were here.”
“Yeah, I suppose Twilight did have quite the reaction to that. Do you know why she made that face.”
>”Oh, I knew that the moment she made that face! Pretty simple, to be honest.”
“Well then Pinkie, do tell me what troubled our dear Twilight.”
>”Well, a long time ago a meanie pants named Sunset Shimmer went into the Crystal Palace, which Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow….”
>She goes on and on about this for about five minutes.
>Something about another world with humans in it.
>Technicolor humans, so you didn’t get your hopes up.
>”...And then the seven of them blasted the Sirens with the Rainbow alicorn rainbow laser! Hey, maybe you could make one with you’re magic!”
“Huh? Oh, probably not. My magic is too simple and, dare I say, primal for such an undertaking.”
>”Oh, don’t say that Anon! I’m sure you’ll find a way!”
>You appreciate the optimism.
>Maybe you were a bit too harsh judging her at first.
>”Oh, I almost forgot! Anon, would you pretty please follow me after work. There’s something there that I just have to show you!”
 
“I don’t know, Pinkie; It’s been a long day and I have manticore in the fridge.”
>Surprisingly, she seems to recoil a bit at that statement.
>”That’s an... odd choice of meat.”
“It’s what I could hunt. Magic sure made it easier, I’ll tell you that.”
>Had you tried to hunt one before the accident, you know what would happen.
>You’d get scratched up real bad, have antivenom administered to you, and Fluttershy would ask why you would hurt the poor thing.
>You know this because that is exactly what happened a couple of weeks after your arrival.
>To be fair, it was a dare on Dash’s part.
>”C’mon Anon, it’ll be fun.”
“You know what Pinkie, I’ll do it. After I collect my pay and eat my dinner.”
>God above, Satan below, that smile was both cute and a little creepy.
>”Hooray! I’ll meet you by your place in about an hour! Don’t be late, Mr.”
>After her little declaration, you decided to collect your pay.
>Walking over to Mr. Cake, you see him just finishing talking to the repair pony.
>Mr. Cake has a bit of a downer look on his face.
>So naturally, being the good employee you are, you decide to see what’s wrong.”
 
“Something bothering you, Carrot?”
>”Oh nothing much. It’s just the new oven would cost more than I anticipated. I might not actually have enough to pay you right now.”
“It’s alright. You can Just pay me what you can now and we’ll work out the rest later.”
>On a normal day, you would been a little more miffed.
>Today was not one of those days.
>You were curious and hungry enough from the day’s work that you didn’t really care about such a small thing.
>”Well Anon, I have to say that’s mighty nice of you.”
>He pulls out a small amount of change from the register.
>”Here’s 12 bits. It’s all I can spare right now, but I’ll get you the remaining amount, I promise.”
“Thank you, sir. Have a nice night.”
>And with that, you leave the Bakery and head on home.
>Next on the list, dinner!
 
>Some call it barbaric, an act so vile to their tongues that they recoil in shock.
>Others call it dangerous, since acquiring it takes a certain level of skill and even luck.
>If you ever met them, then you would have to have a nice long discussion about it.
>After all, even you couldn’t have guessed how delicious manticore meat is.
>It’s like mixing pork with the juiciness of a nice chicken leg.
>And since all the poison is located in a single sack, you don’t have to worry about spoiled meat.
>Right as you finish it, you hear a knocking on the door.
>Looking at the clock, you see it’s been an hour since Pinkie said she’d be here in an hour.
>Must be her, then.
>You don’t even get a chance to open the door before she barges in.
>“HIYA, ANON!”
>At least you were right.
>But still…
“Pinkie. That door better be attached to its hinges.”
>After taking a quick look back, she nods her head up and down.
>Thank goodness you don’t have yet another expense to add to the pile.
 
>”So, ya ready to go?”
“I said I would be.”
>She beams with excitement.
>”Great! Follow me, ‘nonny! Don’t be a slowpoke.”
>She could have at least given you the courtesy to start at a slower pace.
>After all, you had little sleep last night and a long day of work today; that would exhaust nearly anyone.
>So then why are you not as tired?
>Sure, you feel a bit fatigued, but not enough to ignore going on a spur of the moment quest with Pinkie Pie?
>Focus Anon; you’re losing her.
>Run first, think about inconsistencies later.
>The two of you travel for a good couple of minutes, until she abruptly stops.
>”Alright; here it is!”
>It was getting a little dark, so you light up your fist with magic to use as a torch.
>It is then that you see the most marvelous sight, one that is truly divine.
“Really Pinkie, a wooden box?”
>Sure, it did look more detailed and intricate than most you see, but it’s still a box.
>Hell, it’s so small Pinkie could have carried it over.
>”Hey, that box holds something suspicious, something truly exciting and curious.”
“And what, Pinkie, would that be?”
>”A mystery!”
 
>A mystery?
>Now what could she mean by that?
>Wait.
“Have you even opened it yet?”
>”Of course not, Anon. The latch on it is too tiny for my hooves. For anypony’s hooves for that matter.”
“Meaning you needed me to open it, or at least some unicorn or other hand bearing race.”
>”Well, that’s not the only reason I brought you along. You see, my Pinkie Sense…”
>Aaannd that’s all you needed to hear.
>Pinkie has some prediction about the future, and it involves you and this box.
>This can only end well.
“Say no more, Pinkie. I shall open the tiny box, and together we shall gaze at it’s numerous contents.”
>”And share them with our friends! Don’t forget that!”
“Heh. Of course not, Pinkie.
>Unlocking the latch and looking inside, you soon pull out the mysterious treasure.
 
>....
>Wait, is that…
>”Huh. Those are some weird portraits, huh Anon!”
>Not now Pinkie; you need all the mental processing power you can muster.
>You’ll need it to fully understand just what the hell you are holding.
>”Anon?”
>They’re not portraits, they’re photos, meaning they were taken using advanced technology.
>You couldn’t blame her for thinking that; they picture ponies, but not from Equestria.
>To beady eyed and dull coated.
>And you know for certain you didn’t take them.
>Meaning…
“We need to bring this to Twilight.”
>”Why? Are they important? An ancient relic?”
“They are definitely not ancient, and I hope to whatever’s listening that they aren’t important.”
>”And if they are?”
>You don’t answer for a moment.
“No idea. Let’s find out.”
 
>At Twilight’s Castle on the weekend.
>”Alright, Anon. Just try to release the energy.”
>And you do, right into a device Twilight recently made.
>One that supposedly measured magical output better and with less destructive risk than the crystal.
>Meaning it was more expensive.
>You couldn’t not pay her back after thinking that.
>As you unload your power into the machine, a strip of paper prints from it’s side.
>A strip which Twilight reads.
>And the emotion on display for today’s great revelation is…
>...Puzzlement?
“Is something wrong with the results, Twilight?”
>”No, no. Not yet anyways.”
>She then murmurs under her breath “That can’t be right.”
>As if you couldn’t hear.
>No need to give her a hard time about it, though.
>Probably lost in thought or being paranoid as usual.
>Wait, hang on.
 
“What do you mean by ‘not yet’?”
>”I just need more data before coming to a conclusion. Speaking of which…”
“I’m on it. What else do you need of me?”
>Twilight might not be saying anything about it, but those results have her a little worried.
>So whatever was needed to put those worries at ease, you were prepared to do.
>”Well, Rarity’s not here yet, but I do have a few questions to ask you.”
“I have a question to ask as well; Rarity’s part of the experiment?”
>”To properly perform it, I needed a unicorn with average magical power. Rarity was available today, so she decided to help.”
>Now what kind of experiment is she planning?
>You’ll find out soon enough.
>”Now, onto the questions. Have you experienced any sort of increased physical power since the Everfree incident?”
>You think of the previous few days, and mull over the question for a while.
“Well, I did drag a manticore from the edge of the Everfree back home.”
>She starts scribbling down the data on her notepad.
>”How long did it take?”
“No idea, it was late and I was tired. If I had to guess, though, I would say about one and a half hours.”
>”Didn’t you help out at Sugarcube Corner early that morning?”
“Yes.”
>Then shouldn’t the heat alone made you exhausted? That’s not even getting into the length of time you worked. And yet you had enough energy to run here at 7:34 p.m.”
“I was to tired to notice.”
>Not buying it for a second, you see.
“Alright. I just chalked it up to being around Pinkie. Why are you concerned?”
 
>”In certain species, such as Earth Ponies and Minotaurs, their magic manifests as an increase to physical prowess. I wanted to see if it was the same for you.”
“Trying to see if there’s more to this magic than initially thought?”
>”This pool is an unstudied magical phenomenon. Just a month ago it was considered meer myth. As you are the only one directly affected by it, we have a responsibility to catalogue any information about it. Even if you are the only of your species here, the knowledge gained here will help estimate the effects on others.”
>Typical Twilight, always worried about the possible ramifications.
>She does have a point, though; this is something the ponies have no experience with; they can’t just take a dip like you did and expect the exact same results.
>They could, but they would likely be wrong.
“So, any more questions?”
>”Have you been noticing any sudden and unwanted expulsions of mana, particularly ones appearing as fire.”
“No.”
>”Alright, so you aren’t suffering from mana burn yet”.
>You can’t help but shudder a bit at the mention of that condition.
>Apparently it was the sign of out of control magic consuming and reforming itself or something.
>All you knew was its effect on a pony’s body.
>It isn’t pretty.
 
>”Any pain from using your magic? Any at all?”
“Some, but only when I use it a lot.”
>And so it goes on; she asks questions, sometimes pedantic ones, and you answer as best you can.
>Eventually, her stream of questions are interrupted by…
>”Twilight? Darling?”
>”Rarity! In here.”
>Thank goodness; you don’t think you could stand another question.
>”Anon, would you please stand over there?”
>Apparently you can.
>Well, it’s more of a request, but it’s still phrased like one.
>Either way, you comply.
>Within moments, Rarity is also directed and led beside you.
>As both of you are standing there, facing the new magic measuring machine, Twilight gives her orders.
>”Alright, this shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes. Rarity, I need you apply as much telekinetic pressure as you can on that part of the machine.”
>”As you wish.”
>And so she does, with Twilight right by it, looking at it’s numerous meters and analyzers.
>There’s probably a more technical term for that, but you can’t remember it.
>As soon as she has what she wants, Twilight turns to you.
>”Anon, I need you to channel some of your magic directly into Rarity.”
 
“What?”
>”What!”
>So odd was that request, so unusual and unexpected, that it took both you and Rarity by surprise.
>”Twilight, darling, I trust you know what you are doing. But isn’t that a little dangerous?”
>”If everything goes well, it shouldn’t be. Though just to be safe, I only want Anon to use a little bit.”
“I think I know what you’re trying to do.”
>As you suspected, she doesn’t hide her curiosity well.
“You’re trying to see if I can boost the magic of another, right?”
>”Correct, Anon! You may not be able to shape spells like a unicorn, but if your magic is able to strengthen another’s… Ah, but you don’t want to hear about that. Neither of you.”
>”Well, if you insist it isn’t dangerous, I shall allow it. Anon?”
“I’m good with it.”
>With just a glance of approval, Rarity turns towards the machine once more.
>Once more, she channels her power into it.
>Although this time, with your hand on her back, it isn’t just her’s.
“Feeling anything?”
>”A little warm, darling. Why do you ask?”
“Just making sure I don’t hurt a beautiful mare like yourself.”
>In reality, you didn’t want a repeat of what happened on Sweet Apple Acres.
>But if there is one thing you learned since getting here, it’s that Rarity was often placated with compliments on her beauty.
>That, and ponies don’t like hearing about the possibility of becoming a stain on the ground.
>A blush forms on her face, but before she can even mutter a reply…
 
>”Okay, that’s good enough. Please stop.”
>And so both of you comply.
>Several moments of tense silence pass as Twilight looks over the results.
>Her eyes overflowing with intent and focus.
>And after a minute, perhaps two, she breaks the silence with a smile adorning her face.
>”Good news; my theory was correct; the raw magic Anon possesses can be used to empower the spells of others.”
“Sounds good, but I can’t share it with everyone.”
>”But if another is bathed in the pool’s magic…”
>Alright, fair enough.
>”This all sounds well and good, but I do need to head home and finish my current project. Do you need anything else, Twilight?”
>”No thanks, Rarity. Have a nice day!”
>And with that, the white mare leaves.
 
>”Anon, you can go too if you wish.”
>As tempting as more manticore was, you had some business here yourself.
“Actually Twilight, I want to ask about those photos.”
>You could practically feel the joviality drain from the room, so quickly did her face become more serious.
>”I haven’t had much time to look at them, but if they are what you say they are…”
“Hey, no need to worry about it just yet, Twi.”
>You’ve heard of her previous ‘episodes’ and how they formed.
>You did not want to be the cause of another one.
>”It’s just...what if they’re evil? You told the other princesses and I quite a bit about human weaponry and ruthlessness when you came here, and...and…”
>Oh. That.
“I’ll be honest with you. I had embellished and exaggerated a bit back then.”
>”You… you did?”
“Was worried you guys would fry me if I appeared too weak.”
>”So your species doesn’t  have weapons that could level a city?”
“Oh no, that part was true. But the average person doesn’t have access to them.”
>”And you didn’t have wars so great they lead to casualties measured in millions?”
“Again, that part was true.”
>This isn’t going as you would hope.
“But I didn’t have the capacity to devour Celestia in a single bite.”
>”We figured that was a lie the moment you said it.”
>Damn it.
>Is there anything you could tell her to stop worrying?
“Well, most humans aren’t actually ruthless backstabbing individuals; many are actually perfectly fine with helping others.”
>She sits there in contemplative thought.
>If this doesn’t work, then you don’t know what will.
>Probably lying.
 
>Eventually, she speaks again.
>”You know Anon, you have been here for quite some time now, and have learned a lot about our culture. Yet I know nothing about yours.”
>Oh, you know where this is going.
>”Could you share what you know with me? Not only would it help me get a better grasp on where your from, but it could help in my study of these photographs.”
>Called it.
“I’d love to, but I’m getting kind of hungry right now.”
>”That’s okay, how about tomorrow?”
“I have to fix Derpy’s gutters. Again. Even after that, I have something I wanted to try with my magic and it requires the utmost concentration.”
>It doesn’t take a genius to see Twilight is a little sad after hearing that.
“So it’ll have to be after dinner. That okay with you?”
>There it is.
>There’s the enthusiasm.
>”Of course! What time should I arrive?”
“7:00 pm. Be sure to be there.”
>You get up and proceed to walk towards the door.
>”I will, have a nice day Anon.”
“You too.”
>And thus you head home to prepare tonight’s dinner.
>Time to see what slow cooked manticore tastes like.