>”Halt! What is your business?”
“None of yours now get out of my way.”
>The two guards stand fast against you by the door in an attempt to stop you.
>”Anonymous doesn’t like uninvited guests; now scram before you invoke his wrath.”
>You’ve had just about enough of his bullshit. You grab him by the throat and pin him against the door.
>His partner tries to hit you but you force him against the adjacent pillar.
“Be lucky you’re not invoking mine right now. Now unlock it.”
>You throw him to the ground, the stallion shakily unlocking the door.
“I don’t like doing things the hard way, but right now I’m not in the mood for this.”
>”Just go.”
>You let his partner go and head into the castle.
 
>The throne room’s the most likely place he’s at and you hurry your way there.
>He sips his cup and a smile broadens on his face when he sees you.
>”Long time no see chump. How ya been?”
“Where’s Chrysalis?”
>”Chrysalis? I’m not sure who you’re talking about.”
“Don’t play coy with me Anonymous. I know that the only reason your little brother got as far as he did is because you let him. You told him to gather Equestria’s former foes didn’t you?”
>His smile disappears as he sets down his cup, “Yes, you would be right in that regard.”
“Then where is she?”
 
>He walks over to you away from his throne, “Once again, I really don’t know what to tell you. I’ve never met anyp0ny named Chrysalis.”
>You look into his eyes to find his deception, his icy stare holding none.
“You’re telling the truth.”
>”I have no reason to lie to you.”
>You were so certain that he knew about her.
“I- Dammit. Please accept my apology. I’ve been most disrespectful.”
>He waves his hand, “Nonsense, your actions are understandable. I take it this p0ny was special to you.”
>You nod your head. She was more than special; she was on a level all by herself.
>”Do stay for dinner, we’re having a pork roast.”
“Thank you, but I must decline.”
>”There’ll be bacon.”
“When’s dinner?”
 
>”That’s the spirit pal, they’re setting things up in the dining room.”
>You let him lead you around, your mission another failure to add to your books.
>You were so sure…
>The scent of freshly cooked bacon steals your mind away as he guides you in the room.
>”Good evening my friends, your meal is coming as well.”
>His lieutenants are already seated as well as some p0nies you don’t recognize, likely supporters.
>”E-excuse me,” a p0ny says excusing himself from the table.
>He moves to the side exit, freezing in place at your will.
“I thought I told you what would happen if I ever saw you again.”
>Anonymous holds back his laughter as the stallion mumbles and begs for mercy.
“Be lucky that I’m not in a killing mood,” you growl and release him.
>He shuffles away as fast as he can, leaving another pool in his wake.
>”Cleanup on isle four.”
 
>You chuckle at his joke and sit down next to Spitfire, her shivering body much more stable now.
>”I see you decided to join us for dinner.”
“I wasn’t exactly kind to him earlier, so this is my way of repaying him.”
>”Some hero you are,” Nightmare Moon mutters under her breath.
>”Now now Nighty, let’s not get your feathers in a twist,” Anonymous cuts in.
>The table stifles their giggles at her nickname, her eyes flaring a deep blue.
“Be careful, she’s a lively one.”
>”You should see her in the sack.”
>Oh shit she looks like she’s going to kill him.
>”I’m kidding,” he laughs, “Damn women can be so sensitive.”
>The waiters plate the feast, pork roast for you and Anonymous and a garden salad adorned with apples and cranberries.
>”Feast my friends!”
 
>You trickle your elixir atop your food, the richness of the meat managing to overcome its disgust.
>”So Anon, I heard you run that little inn down on Mane street.”
“I wouldn’t say little, but I’ve been keeping it in line,” you reply to Spitfire.
>”Any chance of getting a discount?”
>”I don’t give you good enough quarters?” Anonymous asks.
>”I can’t mooch off of you all the time,” she jokes.
>You chat with them for a spell, getting to know Spitfire a bit more.
>In fact you’ve talked to mostly all of the guests except for the quiet mare in the corner.
>You ask Spitfire about her, her eyes rolling at the question.
>”Have you never heard of the ‘Great and Powerful Trixie’ before?”
“Can’t say that I have.”
 
>”Well that’s her, though after Anonymous’s brother was done with her she barely utters a word.”
“She was a talkity one I assume.”
>”Not only that, but a pretentious one as well. I remember back when she boasted she could take out the rebel army all by herself. Pfft…”
>Trixie’s eyes dart from her plate to the guests, not maintaining eye contact.
>Damn what did he do to her?
>You check your watch, the inn should be closing soon.
“Well the time is late and I must be getting back.”
>”Allow me to walk you back,” Anonymous says getting up.
“You don’t have to.”
>”I want to.”
 
>The guards cast their eyes down as you approach making you smile.
>”I wish to apologize for Chrystal.”
“Chrysalis.”
>”Oh yes, apologies again. I didn’t know that you had someone you cared for with such vigor.”
“I try not to broadcast everything I think.”
>”I understand your pain nonetheless. I too have lost someone.”
>You’d assumed as much. When you pushed him away it was apparent that he was trying to fill in a gap.
>”She really was something else.”
“Rainbow Dash right?”
>He grimaces, “Please I- it’s not good for me to hear her name. I’m prone to fits of rage.”
“Noted.”
 
>”We both have lost someone we care deeply for. My own actions drove her away, though yours were taken out of your hands.”
“How did she… you know…”
>”She joined the resistance, and when I- I trapped them, she too was trapped. I can’t release her as much as I wish. What I wouldn’t give to see her again.”
>You recall your fight in the tower, the Pegasus that charged you.
“That was her in the tower wasn’t it?”
>”Yes,” he says in sorrow.
>You can see the inn up ahead, the drunks stumbling around outside.
>”And I won’t let you fall prey to fate like I did.”
>He turns your body to face him, “I want you to find her, ask my lieutenants, guards prisoners, faculty, anyone. Don’t lose her like I did.”
“Thank you Anonymous. This means a lot.”
>”If there’s anything I can do to help, just ask.”
 
>You shake his hand and walk inside, Mr. Light flagging you down.
“Before you say anything, I’m sorry that I just up and left you here. I wasn’t thinking-“
>”Anon, thank you so much.”
>You’re baffled by his statement.
“For what?”
>”This has been the most exhilarating experience since my days in the academy. The atmosphere!”
>You sniff at him, a certain scent piecing it together.
”How much did Crust give you?”
>“Just a glass or two, but- This has been fun.”
“I think you’re about ready to go to bed, have you been vomiting at all?”
>”Just once or twice, I can keep going.”
“No, I think you’ve had a bit too much.”
 
>You help him upstairs into the vacant room upstairs, tucking him in for the night.
>You place a bucket next to the bed, just in case.
>Claire and the others are already in cleanup mode and you really need to hit the sack.
>You strip off your clothing and slide into bed.
>If he likes working here so much than you might just capitalize on it.
>Tomorrow you’re going to go talk with his lieutenants and learn as much as you can.
>Spitfire is probably your best bet at first. Nightmare Moon needs some time to cool down.
>Maybe you can get that Trixie girl to tell you something too.
>She might take some prying, but you can make her talk.
>You might have to try an approach other than ‘threaten them and their personal parts’ this time.
>Shame, you like that one so well.
 
>You stand up as quick as you can and sprint down the wall. “I waited for you.”
“I know, please- please wait.”
>You fight through the pain, “I helped him for you.”
“I’m trying, just a little longer.”
>”Why didn’t you come when I needed you?”
>You stagger against the walls as the light beams down from above.
>You’ll get to her, no matter the cost.
>She looks to you, “Please find me. Help us.”
>You collapse to one knee, your body losing strength.
“I will. I swear it!”
>She lifts your chin to meet her gaze.
>”I know…”
 
>You open the door to Zecora’s shop, the spiced fragrance of the air missing.
>You place your empty flask on the table as she comes into the room.
“The usual.”
>She takes the flask and puts it back on the shelf.
>”This flask you no longer need, for on your path it does not lead.”
“So that’s how it’s going to be.”
>”Follow your path to its end, this shattered world you will defend.”
“I don’t care about this world anymore. Those times are past, I just want to find her.”
>”This fate of yours you can’t escape, for your actions this land will shape.”
“Fate doesn’t guide my hand. I do.”
>You’ll get no aid from her, only riddles.
>You leave her store, for the last time you’d guess.
>You turn down Snip Street and on towards the stadium.
 
>You stand in line to enter the stadium, p0nies eagerly awaiting to see Spitfire’s team.
>You’re not sure what the commotion’s about. It’s only a practice day.
>They fork over their hard earned bits and eagerly rush into the bleachers.
>”Next!”
>You step forward as the p0ny looks over his clipboard, “Where do ya fancy?”
“I don’t really care. I’m just here to see Spitfire.”
>”Spitfire doesn’t take-“ he looks up to you, “Anon! Well then, you’re a special case aren’t you?”
“I don’t want to cause you any more work.”
>”Nonsense,” he motions you through, “You’re a bucking hero here.”
>You nod to him in thanks and ascend the stairs.
 
>A rush of wind brushes past you as one of the team members rides close to the wall.
>”Watch him go!”
>You look onwards as the pegasi perform nosedives, barrel rolls and aerial gymnastics.
>Part of the act is performance, but they really are trying to get some work done.
>You vault over the barrier and land on the track below.
>The spectators gasp at your display, and the security guards are sure to keep them from reenacting my feat.
>You move over to the sideline where four of them are preparing to race.
>Spitfire holds the stopwatch in her hooves, “On your mark. Get set. GO!”
>The racers take off in a blaze of smoke with the crowd cheering them on, the two of you alone.
“Quite the team you’ve got.”
>”Thanks Anon, nice to see you.”
 
>They finish their first lap and speed onwards, “Watch your pace Prey! Don’t tire yourself out.”
“Busy huh?”
>”As ever, what I can do for you?”
“I just wanted to ask you some questions.”
>”Dang it Prey! What did I tell you!?” she looks back to you, “About?”
“The battle in Canterlot.”
>The pegasi stop after their third lap, Spitfire clamping down on her watch.
>”Prey I’m going to smack you upside the head if you don’t start pacing yourself.”
>”But the crowd-“
“Fuck the crowd, you’re here to practice not show off.”
>”Nice choice of words Anon. Twenty laps for all of you because of Prey’s backtalk.”
>They groan and smack him lightly as they start.
 
“So about my questions.”
>”I can answer what I can, but I’m busy right now so don’t expect much.”
“Thanks, you have no idea how much this means to me.”
>”I can think about on our way, come on.”
>You’re led to another part of the field where they’re tasked to pass through an obstacle course as fast as possible.
“How much do you remember about that day?”
>”Not much I’ll tell you that. My battle got cut short. Kicker don’t make me come over there!”
“And why exactly is that?”
>She kicks a ball at one of her fliers, knocking him upside the head, “You keep going that slow and we’re going to have a problem.”
 
>You jump in for her and pick up a wrench from a nearby toolkit.
“You’re not going to get anywhere by kicking a little ball at them. You need something sturdier.”
>”Oh you’re evil.”
“I’m also efficient. Pick one of them out.”
>She points to a stallion who’s crawling under a wooden beam, “Trust is a lazy one.”
>You flick your wrist and hurl the wrench at him, hitting the poor sod right in the skull.
>”Oh buck! Tartarus take me!
“If you can dodge a wrench you can dodge a ball.”
>Spitfire holds onto your shoulder to stop herself from falling over in laughter.
>”Oh- Oh my that was brilliant. When he rolled on the ground- Priceless!”
“Glad you think it’s funny.” You look to Lucky, “You want another?!”
>He picks up the pace with renewed vigor.
>”What was your question again?”
 
“Why didn’t you fight in the battle?”
>”Oh I did. I led my forces against Anon, the other one, not you. Who would’ve thought that dragons would’ve joined him?”
“Sounds like something he just pulled out of his ass to me.”
>”I know right? Well I chased Anon down, not-“
“Not me, I know.”
>”I chased him down to Canterlot after he hijacked one of my pegasi. I would’ve had him right then, but on of my former teammates crashed into me.”
“I take it you let him go.”
>”Naww, when we reached the ground I had him pinned under me. I just let gravity do the rest.”
“And I’m the evil one.”
>”War’s a cruel time. I didn’t choose it.”
>She leads you over to some weights.
 
>”Soarin was one of the finest fliers I had the good fortune to know. He did love his apple pie.”
>She begins spotting one of the pegasi, “This all you can do? I’ve seen foals with stronger wings.”
>He strains getting the weight up and quickly racks it.
“So what happened next?”
>”A lot of stuff, just- Did I say you could stop?”
>”Sorry but my wings are swollen.”
>”I bet Anon here could swamp your flank with twice the weight.”
>He looks at you, “No offense, but an old man isn’t going to beat me.”
“Old man? Get the fuck off that bench.”
>”This is what I’m talking about,” Spitfire cheers.
>You rest on your back, your fingers wrapping around the steel rod.
 
“Alright let’s get 350 on here just like I said Vic.”
>”Umm Anon?”
“Yeah what is i- Oh…”
>This is awkward.
“Just put on 350.”
>”You want to talk about it?”
“No, I do want to teach Ms. Sore Wings over here a lesson though.”
>They slide on the additional weight, the sound of grinding metal filling your ears.
>”You sure you wanted this much? I can take some off-“
“Please, I can do this in my sleep.”
>”If you say so.”
 
>”36, 37, 38.”
>You rack the weights, “Something wrong?”
“Nope, but I think I proved just how capable this old man really is.”
>”That you did,” she says patting the back of your shirt.
>You stand back up and allow the stallion to get back down there.
“I want complete reps, down to the chin got it?”
>”Down to the chin sir.”
>He puts aside his complaints and goes back at it with your motivation.
>”You ever considered being a coach?”
“I was one a long time ago for one of Canterlot’s local schools. I was a bit nicer to them since they were children.”
>”Only a bit?”
“Fine I was sweet on them. I love kids. They’ve got their whole lives ahead of them. I wanted to help them forge it.”
 
>”Speaking of forging it smells like you’ve been working in one.”
>You sniff your armpit and wrinkle your nose, “I told you.”
“Doesn’t hurt to check… Except for this time. Mind if I use the shower in your locker room?”
>”Not at all just follow me.”
>She takes you off the field and opens the door to the changing room.
>”Not many people get the privilege of coming back here.”
“I am a VIP after all.”
>”Sure, sure keep telling yourself that,” she jokes. “Now what happened after my fight with Soarin, right?”
>You hesitantly nod, reluctant to disrobe in front of her. She sense your nervousness.
“Don’t be so uptight, this isn’t exactly a mare only locker room.”
“That doesn’t exactly help here, but fine just- turn around or something.”
 
>She does as you request with a sly smile, “Well after that I flew on back up after Anon, there was still some time left.”
“Ahuh.”
>”I wounded his flier and sent him on a collision course with the tower wall, but the lucky guy managed to skid across the top.”
>You slip out of your boxers, grab a towel and move into the shower.
>”It was the first time I got a really good look at him too,” she shouts over the noisy torrent of water.
>She throws a bottle of shampoo for you to which you use.
>”He was a lot like Anonymous, he had that aura about him, but it didn’t make you feel weak.”
“Yeah I noticed it too.”
>”After that I remember a chill shoot up my spine and everything got all icy. You remember me shaking like a leaf right?”
“Hard not to.”
 
>You finish up and step out, drying yourself off.
>”I never knew how he recruited such a creature, she was truly spectacular, both in power and majesty.”
>That rings a bell.
“Who? What did she look like?”
>”I don’t know her name, but I remember hearing about them before. I think she was called a Windigo.”
>Damn, you were certain you had it.
>”That took me out of the fight. If Anonymous hadn’t found me and thawed me out I would’ve been a popsicle.”
“That’s quite the story. Thanks for telling me.”
>”No problem, but if you’re looking to pay me back…”
>She saunters towards you, swaying her flank.
“Whoa Nelly.”
 
>”We’ve got this room all to ourselves for at least another hour. Let’s say we use it.”
“Okay Spitfire, let’s just calm down a little and think about this.”
>”Oh but what fun is that. All this talk simply bores me, but when I saw you lifting those weights,” she shivers. “I get goose bumps.”
>She moves in closer and you find yourself cornered.
>”You’ve got an aura too you know. I can just feel all that stress you’ve built up. How many mares have you been with since you’ve been back.”
“Can’t say that I have,” you gulp.
>”We’re gonna have to change that.”
“Look Spitfire, you’re a beautiful, athletic, charming young woman, and I’d be a fool not to- uh- take you up on your offer.”
>She giggles and leans in, lips parsed and eyes closed.
>You meet her with your finger and gently push her away.
“But I wasn’t graced with an overabundance of brains.”
 
>”I’m less concerned on what’s up here and more about what’s down here.”
“I’m sorry,” you say pushing her hoof away, “But I can’t do this.”
>”What is it? Is it me? Am I not good enough or pretty enough? WHAT!?”
>She falls on the bench, her eyes red and damp, “Do you think this is easy for me? I’m not-“
>She cups her head in her hooves unable to look at you.
>Anon why does this always get to you?
>You sit down beside her and wrap your arm around her as she presses her head against your neck.
“This is about Soarin isn’t it? You both were close.”
>She nods, “I didn’t want to; you have to believe me, but… If I didn’t, Anonymous would’ve-“
“Shhh, it’s ok. I understand,” you stroke her back gently to relax her.
>Seems many have lost the ones they love, not just you.
 
“I too lost someone, a special person in my life. She was the world to me and the only thing I could hold on to.”
>She sniffles, “How’d you do it?”
“I didn’t. I bore the pain and accepted its misery, until now that is. I have the chance to find her, and I will stop at nothing to save her.”
>”Save?”
“She took my shattered soul and gave it a new home. I found it barren and empty when I returned. Now it’s my turn to save her soul, I just have to find it first.”
>You stand up and quickly get dressed, Spitfire thinking about what you said.
“P0nies are resilient if anything Spitfire. They’ve taken blows that would’ve killed another and stood strong.”
>You button your shirt and fold her towel.
“Soarin’s alive Spitfire, trapped within Anonymous’s spell. I only pray she’s not with him.”
 
>”How do you know that?”
>You chuckle to mask your doubt.
“I don’t, but it gives me something to hold on to.”
>Now to find the next on the list.
“Before I go, do you have any idea where I can find that Trixie character?”
>She stands up, stronger than you’d seen before, almost with a new level of determination.
>”The castle. She keeps to herself mostly and doesn’t accept visitors.”
“But I’m not a visitor, I’m a VIP.”
>She smiles, “That you are Anon. Now go, I’ve got some people to talk to.”
>You head out of the stadium and towards the castle gate, the guards not moving to intercept you.
>Spitfire gave you a broad location, but you know Anonymous will be able to pinpoint her for you.
>If he wants to help, this is his chance.
 
>You find him in his throne, boredom spread across his face.
>When he spots you his demeanor changes immensely, “ANON! Salutations my friend.”
“Anonymous, pleasure as always.”
>”So how goes the investigation?”
“Nothing yet, but I feel that I’m on the right track.”
>”I’m guessing this visit is one of business instead of pleasure.” You nod in response.
“I’m looking for the mare named ‘Trixie.’ She’s a member of your elite correct?”
>”Barely, I’d heard some stories of her and thought I could mold her into something truly great.”
>He furrows his brow, “Bah! She’d be more useful as a court jester than a magician.”
“So you know where she is?”
>”She’s holed up in Twilight’s old room in the southern tower. You’re wasting your time with her by the way. Nothing but muttering and crying.”
“I’d like to try anyways.”
 
>”Alright, don’t make me say ‘I told you so.’”
“That way?” you say pointing your finger towards the exit.
>”No, you should move through the walls.”
“I find your sarcasm disturbing.”
>He shakes his head in disappointment, ”You didn’t even say it right.”
“Well I’m sorry that I’m six centuries rusty.”
>”Go and find Trixie before I school you in movie knowledge.”
>He puts a grin on your face, you’ll give him that.
>You find the tower he was talking about without a hassle and start up.
>If Spitfire didn’t engage any of the ground forces then maybe she did.
>You’ll just have to find out, on the next episode of Dragonba- No! Bad brain.
>Ok…