Line 5 for Good Ending.
Line 44 for Bad Ending.
Line 122 for Canon Ending.
 
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“When I finally made my way back down I breathed anew. Life’s problems, however numerous, were inconsequential when you saw them from that view. I had forged a new path for my life, and in this path, I was rich.”
>The audience laughs at your joke and roars into applause as you bow.
“Thank you all so much for coming to my book signing this evening. I know that some of you have could’ve gone to a theatre and had a nice show, but hey, this one’s free right?”
>Ever since you got back from the mountains you made up with Gilda and Iron Will.
>They welcomed you back with open arms and when you announced your plans to write a book they were behind you 100%.
>You drank on occasion sure, but for the most part you saved it until you went out with them two.
>’In Retrospect’ turned out better than expected, what’re you saying, it turned out to be a hit.
>There was a week of silence before the murmurs started coming around about this new book that dove into the underbelly of political life.
>You put ‘true story’ and ‘the history behind’ anywhere, and it’s guaranteed to sell a bundle or two.
>You never expected it to get this big, but you certainly aren’t complaining.
“I’ll be taking questions now.”
>A dozen hooves come shooting up and you honestly don’t know which one to pick first.
“You, there in the back left.”
>”Hi my name’s Heart Bloom. I just wanted to ask what got you through this? There were plenty of times in there where I would’ve just given up. How didn’t you?”
“A good question. I’d say it was something you just have to experience firsthand. When you’re put in this type of position you just have to roll with the punches and dodge them on occasion,” you grin, “Next question.”
 
>”Glue Cotton from the Canterlot News. Since the book’s release have you dipped back into old habits at all?”
“Well I do get blasted drunk with my friends on occasion, but when it comes to drugs no, never again. A quick thrill or boost is not worth the turmoil it made in my life. Next question.”
>This back and forth goes on for about half an hour, each question easier than the last.
>The hands start gradually staying down until only one is left in the air.
“Yes, you there in the very far back.”
>The mare stands up, “Yes Princess Celestia…”
>The entire crowd hushes down and kneels before her, only the two of you left standing.
>She wasn’t one of the ones you were expecting to show up.
“How can I help you princess?”
>Her grin is as bright as ever and even from her you feel her warmth, “You keep yourself informed in the news correct?”
“I like to keep tabs, yes.”
>”What are your thoughts on Rinn’s oust from power in the Gryphon Kingdoms?”
“Deserving, his tyranny couldn’t last forever Celestia, next question.”
>”One more if I may.”
>You nod and allow her to proceed, “Do you ever think you’ll go back into politics?”
>Hmm… The hardest question you’ve had since you got here.
>So many variables…
>You smile at the princess as you form the words in your mind.
“Some doors are meant to be closed, but who knows, maybe I’ll take a peak again someday. Now, next question…”
>Today was a good day.
 
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>The guards heft you by the arm through the courtyard and inside the keep.
>This isn’t exactly what you had in mind when you walked into Aviaris, but the guards were certainly anxious to give you the grand tour.
“I think we got off on the wrong foot here. You see I’m a tourist and-“
>”Shut up before we find a use for that mouth that isn’t talking.”
“You have a way with words my friend.”
>The city looked about as shit as you remember if not worse, though Rinn was true to his word to a degree.
>The banners of war hang from the city walls like he promised.
>The war horns sound off in rhythm while the troops march in morning formation, this is true.
>Gryphonnia is on the verge of war and Rinn is all too happy to give it that last little push.
“So who’re your love lives going?”
>”I haven’t seen a female in months. Shut up before I make due.”
>Point taken.
>You reach a familiar wing of the keep, the guards pushing you into Rinn’s old office.
>Rinn looms over some documents without raising his head, “What did I say about being interrupted?”
>”Sorry sire, but we-“
>”Cut half his rations for the next month,” he orders to his partner, “A gryphon should know better than to be disrespectful to his superiors.”
“Pretty sure that’s a universal lesson.”
>The guard rails you in the stomach, “I said shut up!”
>Rinn raises his head up to you reeling over in pain, “Anon. What a pleasant surprise.”
“The feeling’s mutual,” you wheeze out, your stomach going to have a permanent talon imprint now.
 
>Rinn grins at your obvious predicament with the guards, “I think we can be alone. Dismissed guards.”
>”Sire…” the guards hesitate lingering behind you.
>Rinn is without remorse and glares at the two of them, “If you are not out of my sight in the next ten seconds you’re spending the next two months satisfying the carnal pleasures of your kin. Five, four…”
>That does the trick and sends them nearly running into the wall in fear.
“A little harsh but it does the trick.”
>”They know I’m good on my threats after the last incident. These low lives have to learn who’s wields the whip and who is to yield to it.”
>Nothing’s changed with him, only his openness to his true self.
>”So… What brought you here? Skulking about looking to get a little revenge? Choose carefully where to place your dagger, because I’ve already chosen mine.”
>Ah Rinn always the kidder. You make yourself comfortable and sit yourself in front of his desk, resting your feet up on his desk.
>”By all means, make yourself at home.”
“Appreciated sir. Do you mind?” you ask reaching for his decanter.
>”Not at all, if you don’t mind the taste of poison.”
“Don’t mind it? Rinn my dear friend, it adds half the flavor.”
>He chuckles and sits back down, allowing you to give a quick glance over his documents.
>”So what do I have the pleasure-“
“Your siege is going to fail that way, just saying…”
>”Excuse me?”
 
>Does he not know what you’re talking about?
“The siege. You know, that thing you do to at fortified settlements and-“
>”I know what a siege is. What is your interest in it?”
“Oh it’s no concern of mine. I’m just saying that you’re wasting a good deal of resources on a plan that isn’t going to work.”
>You take a sip from your glass and sigh happily. This really is the stuff of kings.
>”Explain.”
“Explain what?” you ask about to take another sip.
>”Explain why the siege will fail.”
“Forget about it, I’m sure you have your ways.”
>Rinn looks at you much the same way he did the guards, “It wasn’t a request.”
>No need to get antsy mister.
“Well first of all the western wall isn’t a good point geographically since it rests well above ground level. Your weapons would have the low ground reducing their range and effectiveness while they have the opposite.”
>”Our fliers will have neutralized their own weapons by the time we start the bombardment.”
“I know you pride yourself on being good fliers, but the Equestrian Royal Guard is the one of the highly renowned in the world. Plus, have you fought a foe that can use magic. You probably don’t get out much…”
>”We already have agents ready to raise the main gate if our plan goes south.”
“Ah your changeling agents. Shining Armor’s been doing his fair bit of research into spells to detect their kind. I wouldn’t think your agent’s in a good spot right now.”
>Rinn grows irritable as you pick apart his battle plan which only brings a smile to your face.
“Didn’t your Vice General go over these plans? Oh wait, you got rid of the most experienced war veteran in existence and replaced him with his blue balls son. Not a good move if you plan on waging war.”
 
>Rinn finally breaks into laughter, a sarcastic laughter used to mask his insecurity maybe, but laughter nonetheless.
>”Why are you here Anon?”
“I was just in the neighborhood and was wondering if you had that slot still open.”
>His anger is replaced with curiosity, “You- You want to join me?”
“Why not? Even if this fails you’re going to win the long term campaign. I might as well side myself with the victor, am I right?”
>”I honestly had lose hope you’d see the light,” he extends his talon, “Welcome to the winning team.”
>You stand and shake his talon, accidently stumbling and swiping the letter opener from his desk, “Easy there, we don’t want my new Senate Overseer breaking his leg.”
“Thanks. Now, let’s get down to business. How’re the reserves doing? Before you hit Canterlot we need to have a good grain reserve, otherwise we’ll be caught with our dicks in our hands.”
>Rinn works his way around, “I might need to make you Vice General instead.”
“Wherever I can help,” you smile, your hand clutching the letter opener in anticipation.
>”Come on, I’ve been having some problems with the local…” his voice fades off as he walks away from you, back turned, your heart pounding in your head.
>You walk silently behind him and cup his beak, using your superior height and position to your advantage.
>He struggles but a politician doesn’t have the same strength as a soldier, and you learned a few things thanks to your time in prison.
>You push the letter opener against the flesh of his neck, his skin giving way as you slit his throat.
>His gargles catch the attention of the guards outside, but it’s too late as his body already lies twitching on the floor.
>You stand there in blissful peace even as the guards draw their weapons.
>All for your friends…
 
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>The wet slop of the mop hits the floor soaking the bottom of your shoes.
>”That’s right boy, nice and deep like,” the guard chortles at you.
>Ah just like old times…
“Yeah your wife tells me how you like it,” you don’t even think about shooting back.
>He chuckles and returns to guard duty letting you mop in peace.
>Maybe not exactly like old times. You’ve got a tongue of your own to put them back in place.
>Of course you do have to put up with a little shit so you could get your old job back.
>It’s good honest work after all, nothing to be ashamed of.
>Thankfully Mr. Mosely recognized your skill set and put you on as the senior member.
>It didn’t much in terms of pay or vacation time, but it was a sign of respect and you’ll take that.
“Hey Sun Tapper, you think you can get that little smudge right there?”
>”S-sure Anon,” he stutters back cleaning up one of your stray errors.
>Together you and him clean the south wing of the castle until you could eat right off the floor.
>You wrap your arm around the stallion and give him a bro hug.
“Damn good job we did huh?”
>”Sure…”
>He reminds you of someone you knew once. Oh wait…
>He’s a timid one, about as much as you were, but you know that sooner or later you’ll ease him out of his shell.
“How many hours you go this week kid?”
>”Umm, fifty three…”
>Shit this kid works hard. He deserves a break.
“Go ahead and take the rest of the day off kid. I can finish these last few solo.”
>Tapper looks a bit confused and you give him a reassuring tustle of his mane.
“You’re too young to spend all your time working, now get going before I give you sewer detail.”
>Aha that got him going.
 
>You set your equipment up in the closet and lock up for the day, this being one of the few times you’ve managed to get off early.
>Back in the day you’d give anything to get some free time, but now it seems all you like doing is work.
>Maybe it’s because you had a goal in mind and once you reached it you found your pockets a bit light so to speak.
>Last you checked Petal was drinking martinis at Horseshoe Bay and soaking up the sun.
>Of course she never knew who had set her up with that last delightful vacation, but you did.
>A smile creeps on your face as you imagine her galloping along the shoreline and burying some grumpy noble to the neck in sand.
>You almost don’t notice the looming odor of fresh brewed coffee and cheap cologne as your boss comes your way.
“Hey Mosely, getting your daily fill?” you motion to his cup.
>”Always. So how did it look out there?”
“Spick and span sir, just like you requested.”
>”Yeah… How’s the new one doing? He uh, doesn’t seem to be around right now.”
“Oh, I sent him home early. He’s working too much as it is, the kid needs some free time.”
>Your boss smacks his lips, “You do know that isn’t your call to make.”
“Mr. Mosely,” you use your old civil tone, “Surely you’ve read up on the latest news regarding employment among the youth and how the manager is responsible should they experience-“
>”Alright alright,” he interrupts to keep you from tearing him a new asshole, “Just talk to me about this kind of thing before.”
>Of course you will, you aren’t an asshole after all.
>Taking a quick shower you head off to the library.
 
>Sitting down with the newest copy of Thump West’s ‘Caught in Time’ you delve right into it.
>You’ve had a lot of catching up to do in regards to his stuff and you’re more than happy to soak yourself in that spongy ink once more.
>”Excuse me, you’re Anon aren’t you?”
>You look up to the new librarian who’s taken Petal Peach’s place.
“Yes ma’am, that’s me,” you smile back, small drops of sweat building up on her forehead.
>”Oh I can’t believe you’re actually him. It’s an honor to meet you sir.”
>You can’t help but laugh at the formality and tell her just to call you Anon.
>”Oh I’m sorry sir- I mean Anon.”
>She sits across from you as you try to enjoy your book, though your focus is slowly torn away by the thought of Peach.
>When you finally got back and was allowed to return to the castle the one thing you really wanted to do was catch up with Petal Peach.
>But when you walked in another mare had taken her spot behind that desk.
>Chain Mail had gotten a private security job out in the Seaddle and when he went, so did she.
>You’re still sad you never got to say goodbye…
>”Umm, I don’t mean to bother you, but I found this in my desk after I moved in. It was addressed to you, but I never had the courage to approach a celebrity like you before.”
>Celebrity huh? You’ve certainly had your highs and lows, that much is true.
>She slides the letter across to you the desk and you rip open the paper envelope, reading it in earnest.
>”What does it say?”
“It says not to make too much of when she’s gone… and goodbye. Thank you for this. I really appreciate it.”
>”Oh, anything at all that I can do-“
>You nod and sink back into your seat, a piece of your mind finding peace.
 
>Night soon falls upon Equestria, and when the moon rises so do some of the bustling nightclubs that are scattered throughout the city.
>You tap your foot and bob your head with the beat of the music as you watch Iron Will make a fool of himself on the dance floor.
>Gilda’s ducking her head in embarrassment and trying to unsee the travesty that is his dance skills.
“It’s okay Gilda, it’s almost over.”
>”It hurts to watch,” she groans and slams back another shot. If you can’t unsee it, you might as well unremember bit.
>You take a shot as well, though water is not the most potent beverage this place has to offer.
>Iron Will starts ‘making the pizza’ and you’re tempted to steal one of Gilda’s glasses.
>”What’s he doing now?”
“You don’t want to know.”
>You console the poor gryphon as Iron Will comes over and tries to pull her onto the dance floor.
>”Big Iron, don’t make me hit your nuts again. You know I hate dancing.”
>”Tough luck girl. When Iron Will wants to party…”
“You best not be tardy?”
>He points to you with a proud smile, “That’s the spirit kid. Come on Gil, we’ve got a party to crash.”
>”I hate you Anon,” she remarks as she’s dragged out on the dance floor but not before latching onto your wrist, “and if I’m going down you are too.”
>You manage to get one last sip of water before disappearing amongst the crowd with your friends.
 
>Dip, press, plop, stroke, dip, press, plop, stroke…
>With that sort of flawless execution you’ll be number one for the Equestria Games, at least if they had a mopping division.
>Still, a man can dream…
>You hear Mr. Mosely come up behind you as you work and inspect your handiwork, “Color me impressed. What’s the secret?”
“I’ll never tell,” you continue on your way while he follows you.
>”Look, we’ve got a spill in one of the conference rooms up in the North Wing. You think you can clean it up for me?”
“Did you just ask?”
>”Yeah, now double time it, and please don’t make a scene this time.”
>You head back and gather your things before heading up there to take a look.
>You’re about knock on the door when it’s swung open, a gryphon all but storming out.
>The ambassador must really be- Wait a minute?
“Rinn?”
>The gryphon turns around red in the face, “Anon…”
>That’s all he says before he stomps away, his two guards quick on his heels.
>In three, two, one…
“I’d watch out if I-“ you’re right on time as he ignores the wet floor sign and gets to taste some of your handiwork, “were you…”
>You try your best not to crack up as Rinn swats away the help from his guards but a small giggle makes its way out your throat.
>Justice has been served.
 
>By the time you get in there you find Celestia tidying up her scrolls, a large stain running across the wall where someone had thrown a glass.
“I take it Rinn wasn’t happy.”
>She’s only momentarily surprised at your presence before she nods, “Not at all I am afraid. I would not be surprised if this becomes a habit of his.”
>You don’t take up anymore of her time and whip out your Cleaning Sponge of Stain Slaying.
>It has a +9 against stains.
>”It is nice to see you well. The last time we talked-“
“It’s okay Celestia. It’s in the past now,” you silence her and sponge up the wall.
>There’s nothing for her to apologize for. Your actions were your own and she-
>Celestia’s hoof graces your back and she lays her head against yours, “I had hoped things would turn out differently.”
>You sort of sit there for a minute before you turn around and hug her by surprise, Celestia thrown back by your forwardness.
“So did I…”
>She clears her throat and pats herself off allowing you to get back to work, “Well then. We should return to our duties should we not?”
“Indeed Princess. Good day to you.”
>She stops at the door before turning back, “Twilight’s done well in your stead. In fact you’ve been quite the influence on her.  Have you spoken to her yet?”
>Your pause is answer enough for her, “The garden certainly blossoms this time of year. Food for thought.”
>The door closes and you connect the pieces quick enough and hurry to finish your task.
>Maybe you should bring roses?
 
>After work you set down to the Canterlot gardens and sit down at the fountain, dipping a finger into the cool pool that shines against the sun’s rays.
>Too late it would seem. Oh well… It was worth a shot.
>”Eep! Anon, you scared me half to death.”
>You smile as Twilight comes walking over, “What’re you doing here?”
“A little birdie told me you were out here.”
>”Really?” she asks sitting beside you, “This birdie doesn’t have wings a horn does she?”
“And a very very colorful mane,” you joke and look over her, “You look good.”
>”Thank you Anon. You’re not so bad yourself.”
>The two of you turn a bright red and look away from the other, Twilight twiddling around with her hooves, “So…”
“Beautiful day right?”
>”Absolutely.”
>You can do better than that Anon. That was just pathetic.
>”Anon I was thinking-“
“Do you want to grab something to eat?”
>Oh god dammit Anon. Why did you say that? There wasn’t any suave or- “I’d love to.”
>She- she said yes? You have to pinch yourself to make sure you aren’t dreaming.
>You hesitantly put your hand over her hoof and she meets you half way.
>”No games?”
“No games,” you smile back, Twilight moving a bit closer.
>”Good.”
 
>From a distance a certain draconequus sits trying not to gag at the start of this new relationship he’s forced to watch.
>”That boy better know what he’s getting himself into…”
>Discord snaps a cup of tea and lounges back in his chair, adjusting his monocle for a better look.
>From his side a trembling stallion approaches nervously, “M-m-m-Mr. Discord?”
>”Gah, why must you insist on troubling me when I’m in the middle of my spying on Anon?”
>”I just- Letter sir…” he drops it and runs for the hills.
>”Useless messenger p0nies. Surely they could use pigeons or something. A messenger turtle, genius!”
>He tosses the letter and spits it out fully open, because he’s Discord.
>”Let’s see here…”
‘Discord, ever since we met I was convinced you were the stereotypical basket case that many of my acquaintances had marked you to be. I want to say that I’m sorry for judging you. You’ve given me more than anyone else and asked for nothing in return. What would you give chaos itself? Well, the exact thing chaos wouldn’t want, a friend. Go easy on the chocolate milk okay? Your partner in chaos, Anon.’
‘P.S. you can stop spying on me.’
>”What in the…”
>He zooms in on his spy monocle, to see you grinning right back at him.
>Discord leans back and snickers one last time, “Well played Anon. Well played.”
*snap*