>You pick up your cane and put on your fake smile.
“It was a pleasure being here.”
>”Aww please stay. Just for a little longer.”
>Your smile turns a little more real.
“If it’s alright with Ms. Case.”
>”The children want you stay after all.”
>You were hoping to get an early start at the tavern.
>But it seems fate had another thing planned.
“Alright, one more story.”
 
>The children screechy happily as you sit back down.
>You’d been working the local orphanage for the past year or two.
>Has it really been so long since you left?
>Anyways, they mainly just need someone to help repair this and that.
>On occasion though, you actually get to see the children.
>Since you’re the only human in the known world, they were bound to have questions.
>Their caretaker was a kind mare, and she took good care of the kids.
>She could only entertain them for so long however.
>And that’s where you came in.
 
>You sit down on the couch next to Ms. Cane, the children sprawled out on the floor.
“Which story do you want to hear today?”
>As an adventurer, you had a novel’s worth of stories at your disposal.
>The kids were in awe at your gusto.
>They even made their own stories with you, which they’d tell as if it were true.
>Those were some good times, but that stuff’s long behind you now.
>”How about the one with the dragon!”
“Which one?”
>”There were more than one!?”
>Oh lord these kids are easy to entertain.
 
>A filly pulls at your pant sleeve.
>”Umm, excuse me.”
>”HEY! We want him to tell us a story.”
>You hush her fellows, recognizing the little girl.
>She was always the shy one of the bunch, and never talked to you.
>Until now that is.
“Yes dear?”
>”Could you tell us about your latest adventure?” she asks in the sweetest little voice.
>Your last adventure…
>Why not?
 
>You pull the little filly onto your lap and stroke her mane.
“My last adventure. That certainly is a story.”
>”Yeah! Tell us that one!”
>Ms. Cane looks at you worriedly.
>”You don’t have to if you don’t want to.”
“I know,” you nod, “but they asked.”
>Where to begin?
>The start is always a good place.
“My journey began here, in this very city. I just came from over the Torgal Sea, determind to find my next adventure…”
 
>You make sure to avoid the R-Rated content, as not to corrupt these poor souls.
>They cheered for you at the start, and then you spoke of the avalanche.
>Their faces turned pale when you spoke of how you were broken and betrayed.
>You didn’t use real names, as not to tarnish your enemies’ reputations.
>They needed something after all.
>And then you spoke of the mane 6.
>The mood turned up indeed at that point.
>Fluttershy showed you kindness, Twilight empathy, Rarity understanding, Applejack trust, and Pinkie Pie…
>Your face turns red, eyes heavy with moisture.
 
>The little filly turns her head to you.
>”Is something wrong?”
>You put on a fake smile again and choke down the tears.
“I think I should stop there for today.”
>”But whyyyy?” the children whine.
>”Now children, Anon’s had a long day. He’ll be back tomorrow right?”
“Yeah…”
>You hoist yourself up on your cane, Ms. Cane escorting you to the door.
>She shuts the door behind her, helping you down the steps.
>Los Pegasus sure is busy at this time of day.
 
>”Are you sure you’re alright? You looked like you were about to break down in there.”
“It was a personal story, but one that shouldn’t be hidden.”
>”I understand.”
>No she doesn’t, but you don’t that against her.
>”Let me make it up to you. I know this nice restaurant that just opened up…”
>A date? She played it cool, but you could see what it was.
“I’d love to, but I can’t, sorry.”
>”Oh… That’s alright. Did you have plans?”
“Yeah. You could say that. Same time tomorrow ma’am.”
>”Same time…”
 
>You escape into the crowd, though it’s hard to blend in when you tower over the inhabitants.
>You pull the cloak over your head and head through the back-alleys.
>Nop0ny traverses these sections in fear of being mugged.
>It’s part of the reason you feel so safe in them.
>You find the backdoor to the tavern ajar, the owner loading in a cart of ale.
>”Just in time Anon, you mind giving me a hand?”
>He always puts emphasis on the word ‘hand,’ his idea of a joke maybe.
“No problem sir.”
 
>You hoist a barrel over your shoulder, carrying it inside.
>It’s not easy to hold onto with one hand, but you manage.
>You load four more barrels into the storage room.
>”You sure are *handy* to have around.”
“Yeah yeah, laugh it up.”
>”Don’t get all sensitive. I’m only joking.”
“I know… it just gets hard to laugh at sometimes.”
>”Trouble at work?”
“It’s all in the past.”
>Truer words have never been said.
>”Thanks for the help anyways. Drinks are on the house tonight.”
“I’ll make you regret that.”
 
>You find your usual seat in the back corner of the main room.
>The waitress brings over a fresh mug and biscuit tray.
>Weird custom, but you don’t complain.
>You rest you head on the table after a gulp of ale.
>This isn’t what you had in mind by settling down.
>But it’ll have to do.
>Tonight you shall live like a king.
>With free booze and bread.
>What’s not to like?
 
>At least the alcohol numbs most of your body.
>It makes those painkillers last a bit longer when you’re not popping them like vitamins.
>”Another mug sweetheart?”
“I think I’m- Wait…”
>You recognize that voice.
>”Or do you want something a little special?”
>The mare sits next to you, you’d recognize that pearly skin and pink hair anywhere.
>”What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue?”
“What are you doing here?”
>”Just here for the yearly convention.”
“Well, this has been quite the surprise Ms. Redheart.”
 
>”Care to buy a lady a drink?”
“It depends, are you going to poison mine?”
>She reaches into her bag, “Sorry, it seems I left it at home. Rats.”
“In that case, I might as well.”
>You flag down the waitress who brings a cup for your old friend.
>”Thanks for that.”
“Your welcome.”
>You drink your ale happily, the little slice of your past invigorating you.
“So what’s new back at Ponyville?”
>”Not much really. Things have been really quiet since you left.”
 
>That takes a load off your mind.
>You were worried something had happened in your absence.
“Well, that’s good to hear.”
>”Not everyone would agree.”
“And what exactly do you mean by that?”
>”It’s not important.”
>Not important?
>You slam your fist on the table.
“It’s important to me!”
 
>”Alright alright, just calm down.”
>She’s right, deep breathes, in and out.
>Once you think you’ve calmed down enough you ask again.
>”The town has been kinda dead lately, and before you ask, it’s not literally dead. Just quiet.”
“That doesn’t sound like the Ponyville I remember.”
>”Because it isn’t. Things have changed Anon, and not for the better.”
“How’re my friends? Are they alright?”
“Yeah they’re fine, except for Pinkie anyhow.”
>Shit… shit shit shit.
 
“What happened?”
>”She’s really the reason things have gotten so bad. All she wanted to do was make people smile…”
>You left her there…
>”Now all she wants to is stay in her house. She hasn’t left for almost a year now.”
>You did this to her.
>You have to go back there.
>You made a promise to leave…
>But that doesn’t mean you wouldn’t go back.
>”Anon?”
“I’m going back to Ponyville.”
 
>She laughs openly, “That’s a good one. You almost sounded serious.”
>You get up from your chair, leaving your mug on the table.
“Because I am.”
>She follows you as you head up the stairs.
>”You can’t be serious. You know what’ll happen if you go back.”
“And what makes you think I care?”
>You find your room and start to pack.
“I spent the last two years hiding in this hole trying to forget about her. I won’t let her suffer that fate as well.”
>She didn’t let go. You fled from her.
>And it’s time to go back.
 
>”I can’t let you get yourself killed Anon.”
“Since when did you care? If I recall you wanted me dead.”
>”I cared since I heard more about you. I know what you’ve been doing here.”
>She’s talking about the orphanage isn’t she?
“It’s just a job, nothing more.”
>She blocks you as you try to move.
>”I think you wanted to make up for what you did. There’s plenty of better paying work in this city.”
“Maybe this was the only job I could get, but it doesn’t matter I’ll be gone by morning.”
>You manage your way past her, pushing downstairs.
 
>”You know what this is? It’s expensive as hay I’ll tell you that.”
>Ughh… Adventure ponies. Blind from what’s really important.
>”I could buy up every inn in Los Pegasus with this vile, and I got two more like it.”
>You recognize that band…
>”Want to take another guess old man?”
>You take the last step to the ground floor, your cane echoing through the room.
“I reckon that’s called Dragon’s Breath, and there’s only one way to get that.”
>”And that’s to kill a- a… Anon?”
“Did you miss me?”
 
>”You… You died! We…”
“Assumption is the mother of all fuck-ups.”
>You step towards them, the ponies backing away in fear.
“I’m not going to hurt you.”
>”And how do I know that?”
“Because you’re not use to me dead.”
>It was a stroke of luck finding these guys.
>You turn to the owner behind the bar.
“This should cover my room. It was nice staying here.”
>”Sad to see you go. You’re quite handy.”
“Indeed I am,” you chuckle.”
 
>You look back to the frozen band of p0nies.
“You took what’s mine and claimed it as your own. You owe me a favor I reckon.”
>”If you want it back-“
“Keep it. I don’t need it anymore, but what I do need is a ride.”
>”Anon please listen to me,” Nurse Redheart whispers in your ear.
“I appreciate the thought, but it’s time for me to go.”
>”Think of the children, you can’t just leave them.”
>You can’t leave them on their own, but you can keep them in good hands.
>”Give me one of those vials.”
>The squire doesn’t hesitate and tosses it to you.
 
>You reach into your pack and pull out your journal.
>You give both to Nurse Redheart.
“Give these to Ms. Case, it’ll do her good.”
>”There’s no convincing you is there?”
“I’m afraid not. See you back home.”
>You walk out the door, the streets blackened and desolate.
>”So where do you want us to take you?”
>You walk towards the wagon, your old entourage in tow.
“Back to Ponyville.”
 
>You step out of the carriage, a puff of dust lifting into the air.
>This place really is depressing.
>”Are we free to go?”
>You turn back and smile.
“Give me your word, all of you.”
>”Anything sir.”
“I want you to pick up my quest. Go from town to town doing what needs to be done, not for glory, but for what’s right.”
>The squire salutes, turning the wagon around.
>Ponyville… how quaint.
 
>You walk slowly down the road and into the town.
>There’s no rush to greet you, no screams of terror. Only silence.
>You pass through the market, stopping to buy an apple on the way.
>Big Mac’s at the stall.
>He looks at you with his unchanging expression.
>”Two bits.”
>You pay your dues, savoring the rich flavor.
>No one made apple like the Apple family.
>”Good to have you back.”
“Good to be back.”
 
>You keep on down the road, recalling the scenery.
>Twilight’s tree house still stands, though the fall leaves have turned a vibrant orange.
>You see the boutique, paying it a ceremonial nod.
>But you’re looking for a more specific piece of architecture.
>Where the walls themselves are sugar and sweet.
>Sugarcube Corner.
>It’s just like you remembered.
>The ponies stop and stare, a small entourage of ponies closing in on you.
>And smack dab in the front is your old friend.
“Always a pleasure Filthy Rich.”
 
>”How nice of you to join us again. It saves me the trouble of hunting you down.”
“I’m not here to cause any trouble.”
>”Then you’re more foolish then I thought.”
>You stroke your cane, showing it off.
“I may not have a sword or bow to intimidate you with, but this comes off as a close second.”
>You hold it out, twirling it in your hand.
“Verawood, top-of-the-line material right here. I had a guy who owed me a favor. Polished prim and proper. Great handiwork really.”
>You step towards the older stallion.
 
“I could knock a human out in a single blow, and you’re not as tough as I ever was.”
>You withdraw your cane, planting it back down on the ground.
“But that would be a waste of such workmanship.”
>You stand inches away from the stallion, whispering in his ear.
“You won’t forgive me for what I did, but do yourself a favor and forget.”
>”We both know that as long as you’re here, I will never stop.”
>True words.
“Then I won’t waste anymore of your time.”
 
>You walk past him, leaving him behind you.
>”You were hurt before, you can be hurt again.
“And my friends were there for me before.”
>He doesn’t attempt to follow you.
>He knows better.
>His mind game failed, and he’s out of moves.
>For now…
>But now, you need to find your special somep0ny.
 
>You walk into Sugarcube Corner, the smell of frosting and cinnamon butter absent.
>The Cakes see you walk in, unflinching.
“Upstairs?”
>They nod, “She doesn’t take visitors.”
“You going to stop me?”
>”We’re just letting you know she may not be what you expected.”
>You thank them and head for the stairs.
“Pinkie is always full of surprises.”
 
>You place your foot atop the stairs and climb.
“Pinkie Pie?”
>You heave upwards, advancing.
>”Yes?”
>You reach the top of the stairs.
“How do you do it? Stay happy all the time that is.”
>You find her room and open the door, the hinges creaking.
>”I think of something I like and don’t let go.”
>She’s pale, paler than you’ve ever seen her, sitting on the edge of the bed.
>How could you do this to her?
 
>You step inside, closing the door behind you.
“And if you do?”
>The floor creaks as you walk to her.
>”Then you let it go and hope it comes back.”
>You sit next to her, wrapping your arm around her.
“Just like that?”
>She presses into you, her tears trailing down your arm.
>”Just like that.”
>It’s good to be home.
 
---------------------------------- Leads to Anons in Equestria -------------------------------------
 
>You manage to grab the sugar from the top shelf.
>Not an easy feat with the cane.
>It sure would be nice to start over.
>”You gonna pour it in silly?”
>You smile and deposit a scoop into the mixing bowl, Pinkie covered in cookie dough and frosting.
>But why would you ever want when you already have Pinkie?
>You open the oven and slide the fresh rack of dough inside.
>Ah, you press a finger to your temple and lean against the counter.
>Damn this is one hell of a migraine.
“Hey Pinkie can you hand me my pills?”
>”Okie dokie lo-“
>She freezes as she holds out the bottle.
“Pinkie you okay?”
 
>”Anon,” her tail twitches, then her eye, leg…
>Her Pinkie Senses have been going haywire lately, but nothing like this.
>You hold onto Pinkie as her body begins to spasm.
“It’s alright Pinkie I’m here. I’m-
>Another spike of pain pierces your mind.
>You fall to the floor holding onto your cane.
>You grab hold of your bottle, Pinkie settling down.
>She looks to you, and you to her.
>A searing white light surrounds you, the world as you know it fading away.
>Your senses dim to the point of nonexistence.
>A feeling of weightlessness takes you, ended by a thud as you hit the cold ground.
 
>Your eyes open to the treetops.
>Where- How’d you get here? Where’s Sugarcube Corner?
>You work your way to your feet, your pills at your feet.
>A shot fire from deeper within this forest.
>You’d experimented with guns in the past but they always blew up in your face, this one… it works.
>Nop0ny has mastered such creation yet.
>There’s only one other species you know of that has such technology.
>You know how people can be, how you used to be.
>If they’re here, then Equestria’s in danger.
>You pick up your pills and head towards the sound.
>You can kick ass one last time.