> You sat across from the Doctor, you tapped your arms lightly as a clock somewhere overhead ticked away softly.
> Deja vu...
> "Okay Anon, as you know my Mother is ill right now."
"Mhm..."
> "And I let Nurse Redheart and the others take a vacation..."
"Yes...."
> "So Between you and Aggro, you are the only ones in the house."
"Yeah, so?"
> "You sure you can handle being alone in here?"
> You could feel one of your veins pop.
"I lived alone and HERE before!"
> "Calm down Anonymous, I was just wondering if you were ready for that kind of-"
> You snatch him and his bags off of the couch.
> Effortlessly you threw him outside and saluted him away.
> The Doctor grimaced and brushed some dirt off of himself.
> "Fine then. But if anything is broken when I get back you're paying for it!"
"I don't have a job!"
> "Exactly!"
> The Doctor trotted down the road and out of your sight.
> Dusting your hands off you walk into the kitchen.
> It was a light brown traditional looking kitchen now.
> In the middle was a large, height adjustable counter for preparing food.
> Three height adjustable stools lined the counter.
> Tracing all around the walls was a polished,wooden counter.
> With a break near the window peaking out into your backyard was the sleek, silver refrigerator.
> You opened it up and peered in at the food inside.
> Deciding on an apple you pulled it out and took a bite.
> Looking out of the window you could see Aggro curled up and currently asleep.
> For the first time in months...
> It was silent in here...
> You close your eyes and revel in it.
> Sweet luxury...
> KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!
> The light seemed so blinding when you opened your eyes.
> With a sigh you head towards the door.
> Maybe if you ignored it, they would leave.
> Months of the madness that your life now was left you craving reprieve of all the chaos.
> KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.
> You would deal with whoever it was and turn them away then...
> Opening the door you put on your best snarl.
> Only to be pleasantly surprised to find Derpy staring up at you.
> She was still in her mailmare outfit.
> Reaching into her satchel she pulled out a couple of letters and nervously handed them to you.
"Thank you Derpy, how have you been?"
> You lean against the doorway, noticing that she had gone rigid.
> "I-Uh..."
> It had been like this for a couple months now.
> She had no trouble passing off the letters if Javel or Balai answered.
> But whenever you answered she always seemed to get nervous and anxious.
> Peering behind her you could see her hind-leg thumping anxiously.
> "Thankyouanonymousbye!"
> Before you could say anything she zipped off.
> Well tried too.
> She crashed into one of the new pillars decorating your house.
> With the resilience of a fly she zipped away before you could ask if she was okay.
> Well then....
> Heading inside you look over the letters.
> Fan mail...
> Fan mail...
> Spam...
> You stopped on one particular letter.
> This was one of Wills.
> He still seemed a little ashamed of how he acted with Tinder.
> But after you explained that you weren't mad things were cool.
> There was a lot of crying that night...
> And hugging, but you two would die before telling anyone that.
> Opening it with your thumb you pull out the note and examine it.
 
Hey Anonymous...
It's me Flabby, I have some time off from Military training so I'll be coming down for a visit tomorrow at twelve pm.
 
> You flipped the note over.
> Nothing.
> That was it.
> No elaboration or anything even close.
> Oh well...
> You fold the note up and put it away.
> You knew Derpy's route by now.
> And what time she got off, you would go clear the dust with her afterwords.
> You headed out to your backyard.
> Moving over to a dusty, old shed you opened the door and pulled out a bag of dog food.
> It was about the size of your torso.
> You opened the bag and dumped all of the contents on the ground before you.
> Aggro sniffed the air for a second before his eyes shot open.
> Glowing with hunger he rushed forward and dug in, consuming the pile within a minute of getting there.
> You were already pulling out another bag.
 
> By the time you had fed Aggro and gotten some other tedious chores done it was almost time for Derpy to get off.
> You threw on a clover green padded jacket.
> The Aviator was destroyed during a recent attack by a pack of Timber Wolves.
> You had tons of more clothes though.
> Your popularity had done nothing but skyrocket since you had saved the day once again.
> You put on a pair of dark blue jeans and slipped into your old pair of boots.
> A white t-shirt with a large A printed of the front peeked from in between the padded jacket.
> On the back was the bold print lable 'A.T.U.K.O'
> Anon the Un-killable Ogre of course.
> How that name caught wind you'll never know...
> You head over to the door and open it.
> Something was wrong...
> Looking down you could see Scootaloo staring up at you...
> Oh... right...
> Ever since you had helped her out in the sister hooves social she had come to you for... well everything.
> Homework, Bullies, even nightmares she was having.
> You were her father figure in a way...
> And ever since she figured out that you and Dash had started working together she couldn't stop gushing about it.
> Which speaking of which, you had also figured out they were spending much more time together.
> Scoots could even fly for a whole five minutes.
> You smile down at her and lock the door.
> Stepping back you turn back to her.
"What's up Scoots?"
> Scootaloo smiled broadly and bounced up and down.
> "Anon! Anon! Guess what!"
> You raise an eyebrow.
"What?"
> Her smile stretched until it seemed like it would split her face in two.
> "Guuuesss!"
"It's your birthday?"
> "No!"
> She hopped up and down excitedly as you scratched your chin.
"You made Diamond Tiara eat dirt?"
> You really wish she would.
> "No, but I wish!"
> Well you were out.
> With a shrug you watch as she packed it in tight.
> Oh good lord no, she was about to explode.
> Launching up a good six feet in the air she came just under your chin.
> "I GOT ACCEPTED INTO THE JUNIOR WONDERBOLTS!"
> IF your eardrums weren't currently trying to repair themselves you would have told her how proud you were.
> If....
> Rubbing the inside of your ears in order to get back the sense of hearing you shot her a thumbs up.
> She just stood in front of you proudly.
> The Junior Wonderbolts was something to be proud of.
> It was basically a kids training class for the actual Wonderbolts.
> In order for her to get in they had either lowered the standard or she made it.
> And you were guessing it wasn't the former.
"Well.. well... well."
> Your ears were slowly coming back into use.
"I guess a treat is in order then."
> Scootaloo's eyes lit up.
> "Can we go to the icecream shop you first took me too!?"
"Hell yeah!"
> "YES!"
> Her wings buzzed excitedly as she jumped in the air.
> You guess Derpy would have to be delayed just a tad bit...
> Scootaloo trailed after you, happily enjoying her triple chocolate triple scoop ice cream cone.
> You walked along the side of the road, admiring the scenery around you.
> Stuffing your hands in your pocket you just strolled right on through the town.
> At some point Pinkie Pie and Rarity galloped past you and scoots, they seemed to be in a hurry.
> They didn't even glance in your direction as they did so.
> Eh... whatever.
> The two of you stopped in front of Derpy's house.
> You turned to Scootaloo.
"Hey Scoots think I could get some alone time?"
> Scootaloo looked sad as you asked for this.
> You had forgotten that saying this was basically sending her back to imagination hell.
> With a sigh you wave off your last comment.
> Besides, Derpy probably had something too keep her preoccupied while the two of you talked.
> You knocked on her door and waited patiently.
> She was off by now, so unless she stopped somewhere she should be home.
> She was actually surprisingly fast for her... shortcomings...
> The door swung open and Derpy smiled.
> Then went rigid when she saw it was you.
> She nearly slammed the door in your face but you stopped it with one hand.
> You looked down upon the wall-eyed mare who began to sweat profusely.
> Not the best approach, but probably the only one that would work...
 
> You sat on the same recliner that you had when the two of you first talked.
> Derpy sat across from you, trying to desperately calm herself with some tea.
> Her wings splayed out like an eagle taking flight.
> Which was really weird because she was just sitting right now.
> Scootaloo was in the other room, playing one of the video games Derpy had for when her little sister came over.
> "Yeah! Eat it Covenant scum!"
> Whatever she was playing sounded more fun than this...
"So..."
> Derpy froze and nearly dropped her tea.
> Something really had her on edge...
> Before the two of you could start though...
"Scootaloo don't spend too long here, you still have to practice later today!"
> You couldn't help but shout it out.
> Derpy muttered something about 'fathering' before taking another sip of her tea.
> She couldn't meet your gaze.
> For...what it was worth.
"Derpy what's up?"
> With a shaky sigh she lowered her tea and placed it on the table between the two of you.
> "Anon, despite my eyes I'm actually a pretty smart mare..."
> You guessed, you never thought her stupid.
> "And well..."
> She tapped her hooves together nervously.
> "Because of my eyes I'm very clumsy... that toppled with the name led to some ridicule from the others..."
> You could see where this was going.
> "Anon, the reason I've been acting weird recently is because you know exactly what i've gone through."
> You wait for her to go on.
> "And then you turned it all around and became... this."
> She gestured to your hulking form.
> "Anon... You did everything I wished I could have done and you're so nice about it too."
> "You never rubbed it in anyponies faces or hurt those who didn't deserve it."
> Your heart began to beat faster, this speech was leading up too something more.
> "Anon I l-"
> KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!
> Oh shit.
> Derpy seemed annoyed be the interruption and hopped off of the couch.
> She trotted over and opened the door.
> At the door stood a pink mare in a dark red hoodie.
> A short wind swept mane graved her head.
> Her cutie mark consisted of a shadow of a pony galloping.
> She smiled at Derpy.
> Derpy didn't smile back.
> "I'm looking for Anonymous."
> Oh, it suddenly dawned on you who it was.
"Hiii Cardio Bunny."
> "Cardio Bunny." Derpy said blankly.
>Surprisingly Derpy let her in.
>Despite the unintentional annoyance she had caused.
>"Would you like some tea?" Derpy asked.
>Cardio Bunny thought for a second before nodding her head.
>"Green please."
>Derpy shot you one last look before she went into the kitchen and began to prepare some tea the two of you looked at each other.
>Your friendship with Cardio Bunny was weird too say the least...
>She had been one of the few ponies that was actually nice to you when you were first dropped off.
>But she was always trying to get you to exercise and get in shape.
>Back then you were no having any of that.
>But now things had gotten even more complicated.
> The two of you had become instant celebrities overnight.
>Fame had swept her out of Ponyville and around Equestria.
>She was running a line of gyms now.
>And fame had kept you here and made you a hero.
> She shot you her 'award winning' smile.
> "Anonymous! Look at you, you finally did it!"
>You chuckle and fold your arms over your chest.
"Yes, yes. I felt like it was time I changed."
>"Well I'm certainly glad you did, I heard about the things you accomplished."
> You cough trying to stay humble.
"Y-yeah, they were nothing..."
>"Nothing!? Anon you slammed a Basilisk! You stopped a god from eating the planet, guess how many races owe you their life?"
>She smiled dreamily.
> "I never thought that you would turn out like this if you had just gotten up... I'm kind of sad we didn't get closer."
>Okay...
>"And I saw you at the Triathlon! So determined!"
> Okay, this was really weirding you out.
> Derpy trotted back in and slammed the mug of green tea back down in front of Bunny, causing her to flinch.
>"Anon seems a little uncomfortable Bunny, why don't you stop."
> This was the first time you've seen both her eyes focus on something.
> "Alright, alright." Bunny threw her hooves up in defeat.
>"I was rambling anyway."
>She glanced in your direction before turning back to Derpy.
>"So how have you been girl?"
> "I've been fine, I just got a secondary route added."
> "Ohhh, Interesting."
> Cardio Bunny took a sip of her tea.
> Closing her eyes slowly she smiled softly.
> "I just had a gym open up in Canterlot."
> Derpy slowly turned and squinted at Bunny.
> The tension in the room could be cut with a knife...
"I think I should go..." You mutter standing up.
> "Sit." Both mares commanded, not even moving from their respective poses.
> You sat back down and watched as Bunny turned to face Derpy.
> "Oh Derpy, what's with the face. We're still friends right?" Bunny cooed.
> "Yes..." Derpy seemed to be gritting her teeth.
> "Friends..."
> You cough and stand up again.
> "Sit." They both said in unison.
> You complied.
"This is awkward..."
> Derpy suddenly broke away with a smile.
> "Oh, it's not at all. It just seems like one mare who's had a LITTLE bit too much to eat is trying to ruin the fun for everypony else."
> Damn, Derpy was feisty.
> Bunny spat out her tea.
> "W-What, I'll have you know my diet consists of the perfect amount of foods a mare my age should have!"
> "Oh..." Derpy tapped her chin in thought.
> "How old are you again? Fourty? I could never tell."
> Damn..
"Scootaloo! We've got to get you to practice!"
> You stood up and folded your arms behind your back.
"Nice too see the two of you again, but I've got too get going!"
> Scootaloo came trotting out of the game room a little disappointed.
> You snatched her up before either mare could speak and bolted out of the house.
> You dropped Scootaloo off in front of the newly established Junior Wonderbolt Academy.
> It was a real pristine building, painted Gold, Blue and White.
> After you gave her a high five you lumbered away.
 
> Now here you where...
> At home enjoying the silence.
> Surprisingly neither Bunny nor Derpy had come knocking at your door.
> And Aggro was fast asleep, that was all he really did nowadays.
> It was kind of boring...
> You just sat around all day and read some books here and there.
> Self-help, fiction-non-fiction you didn't care.
> It was a pretty chill day, save for the argue the mares had earlier.
> You plopped down in your bed, tomorrow morning you would start training again.
> Your morning routine was not cutting it anymore, you were going to have to add blocks to your workouts.
> You close your eyes and let sleep take hold of you...
 
> You stood in front of a large vine infested temple.
> In confusion you looked around, thick vegetation covering every inch of the area around you.
> Suddenly Twilights face appeared at the head of the pyramid.
> It was transparent except it was still there...
> "HELP!"
> What...
> Something tapped your shoulder.
> Turning around the scenery changed, Celestia and Luna both sat on their thrones.
> They seemed depressed...
> A loud bang caught your attention.
> Whirling around you could see the throne room doors surging towards you.
> Celestia wrapped a wing around Luna as the doors burst inward.
> As a cloud of black consumed you, you suddenly found yourself in a junkyard of multiple houses.
> You could recognize a few buildings.
> Sugarcube corner...
> Ponyville Bowling Alley...
> What was going on...
> Something tapped your shoulder again.
> Whirling around you found yourself in a small, enclosed area.
> Nothing but rotting wood filled your vision.
> Suddenly Twilight's face appeared in front of you again.
> "HELP!"
 
> You awoke pretty groggily the next morning.
> Rubbing the sleep out of your eyes you examined the alarm clock on your night stand.
> 12:30PM
> Wait a minute...
> "WAKEY, WAKEY ANONYMOUS IRON WILL IS BACK TO SHOW YOU A NEW TRACK!"
> You nearly jumped out of your skin as Will let out a boisterous laugh.
> Turning around you gave him a tired glare.
"Uhg, Will..."
> He smiled broadly and patter your shoulder.
> "The one and only!"
> Mhm...
> You sat up and threw off your covers.
> You had no idea what that dream was about but you didn't really care.
> Will left your room and headed to your bathroom.
> A couple of minutes later you could hear him admiring himself in the mirror.
> You did the same sometimes.
> Getting out of the bed you stretch and scratch your back.
> "So Anon, how are you liking the cigar recipe?"
"They're a little different... but it's better than the goop in the long run."
> "Exactly..."
> ...
"You've been using me too test them haven't you, you haven't even tried one yet..."
> "Nope."
> "Uh huh, well they work you jackass."
> Will chuckled and shot you a smile.
> "Want to go and get some tasty brunch? I heard from one of the guards that grew up here that there was a Cafe' named the Golden HorseShoe."
"Uh, sure. I've got too feed Aggro first."
> Will followed you down as you headed towards the backyard.
> He told you about his rise in popularity.
> As it turned out, once you got close too Celestia or Luna, the ponies treated you way differently.
> And he knew that it was a cowardly way but he cared not.
> He talked about the money he was raking in as well.
> Then he trailed off.
> Turning back you gave him a quizzical glance.
> "I'm sorry about Tinder Anonymous, I can't even begin to say it enough..."
> His attitude changed real fast.
> You wave a hand in the air.
"Will, I already told you man. You're okay in the end and that's all that I care about."
> Sliding open the door before he could say anything you stepped into the backyard.
> Aggro stared up at something hiding in the backyard Oak tree.
> Which was strange as he could easily knock that thing over and grab whatever was in it.
> Heading over examine it with him.
> A mail pony cowered in the tree, his wings clasped at his side rigidly.
> "A-A-Anonymous?" he stammered.
"Yeah..."
> "Y-y-y-you've got m-m-mail..."
> "Anonymous, feed the giant lizard and let's go!" Will shouted.
> Aggro stared at him and squinted.
> You already got the feeling he didn't like Will.
"Chill Aggro, Will's a good bull..."
> Aggro snorted and sauntered away.
> The mail-pony dropped the note down to you and you simply snatched it out of the air.
> You went to open it but Will let out a exasperated sigh.
> "Anonymous!"
> He was always short on patience...
> With a sigh you pocket the letter and get too feeding Aggro.
 
> After that the two of you headed down to the brunch place.
> You had discussed multiple things that you both were doing in your spare time.
> By the time you were at the Golden Horse Shoe you and Will had exhausted personal lives and moved on too different topics.
> "Well I heard she was caught at a club last night."
"Oh really?"
> "Yeah, who would've thought Fleur De Lis was like that."
> The two of you strolled into the restaurant, its ambiance instantly captivating.
> The tables and booths were made of polished redwood.
> The restaurant had no windows but had dim yellow lights overhead that gave everything the effect of shining gold.
> You and Will took a six person-round table, too big for the booths.
> A mare no older than eighteen trotted up and gushed about how she was a fan of the both of you.
> Apparently Will had been making a name for himself...
> She gave the two of you menus and trotted back off to get your waiter.
> You open the menu and look over what you could have.
> Not much considering you were still broke as a joke.
> But saving the world had benefits.
> You and Will decide to go with two salads and two mushroom soups.
> Not the best brunch but you couldn't exactly eat a hayburger.
> As the two of you joked and laughed somebody trotted up and took a spot next to you.
> Will stopped mid-sentence and stared at the pony with curiosity.
> Turning you were surprised to see Cardio Bunny sitting next to you.
> "How's it going Anon!" she said happily.
> She looked over at Will and smiled at him as well.
> "You must be Iron Will!"
> Will nodded and the mare clapped her hooves together.
> "You are one of thee biggest talks of the sports world right now!"
> "Oh really?"
> Will brushed his knuckle against his chest.
> "I had NO idea."
> Modesty Will...
> Cardio Bunny called over the teenage mare who nearly fainted upon seeing her.
> The mare rushed and got her a menu as well.
> Your waiter seemed surprised at the increase of your table but handled it well nonetheless.
> Cardio Bunny and Will chatted it up for a while.
> You just sat and waited for your food, letting the two of them talk for a bit.
> Reaching into your jacket you felt the smooth paper of the letter.
> Pulling it out you examine it.
> Uh-oh...
> Royal seal, Royal design, Royal crest.
> This was most likely not good news.
> Especially if you were going off of the last time you had gotten a royal letter.
> Pulling it open you went unnoticed by Will and Bunny.
 
Dear Anonymous...
There is a grave problem that needs to be attended too.
Twilight and the Elements were sent on a mission to retrieve a artifact of great power.
They were supposed to be back by midnight last night, but only Spike had come back. He was muttering about ghosts and otherworldly creatures.
I will be sending a train to pick you up at Six o' clock, I need you to investigate for me.
 
> "What's that Anon?" Cardio suddenly asked.
> Before you could react she snatched it out of your hands and read it.
> Her smile dropped as she went on.
> Will, curious as to what was going on grabbed it from her and examined it.
> His face fell as well.
> A silence fell over the table as you shared a look with the two.
"I need too go."
> "But, WE are just now meeting Anon."
> Cardio Bunny placed a hoof on your shoulder.
> "Yes Anon, we don't get many chances like this." Will agreed.
"Well I have to do this, the Elements are the only reason why Equestria is still here."
> Will folded his arms over his chest and shut his eyes, contemplating.
> "I'm going with you then." he simply said.
> What...
> "So am I" Bunny agreed.
"You guys really don't have too-"
> Wills eyes met your own, his were brimming with determination.
> "But we want to."
> Was that a tear?
> Nah, you were fine.
> Paying despite not getting any of the food the three of you left and headed to your house.
> It was two right now so you had four hours before the train would arrive.
> Will and Bunny trailed after you.
"If you have anything you need to get, get it now."
> Will nodded and broke off, heading towards the local store.
> Bunny saluted and galloped off towards her old house.
> Shit.
> You didn't ask for this...
> Stopping at your house you were surprised to see Derpy sitting at your porch.
> When she saw you come up she smiled brightly.
> "Anonymous! I'm so sorry about yesterday!"
> She nudged over a blue and yellow wrapped box about the size of your hand.
"Derpy, now's not the time..."
> "Why?" she asked, seemingly very nervous.
> With a sigh you tell her the story of what had happened this morning.
> The more she listened the more disappointed she became.
>Then you mentioned Cardio Bunny.
>And she perked up instantly, a look of determination plastered on her face.
>Dawww
>"Then I'm going too."
"Derpy, please. I don't want you to get hurt just becaus-"
>"Just because what? Just because I need too prove myself to you? That's not why I'm going Anon."
>You stay silent as she sighed and met your eyes.
>"You're acting just like everypony else, assuming I'm the worst at what I do or the pony always in need of help."
>A frown found its way on your face.
>"If you think I'm just some dumb, little pony just say so."
>You sigh and crouch down, now at face level with her.
"You're going to be one of my most valuable teammates Derpy... Go home and pack whatever you need."
>She gave you a smile that increasingly grew wider and wider.
>Zipping past you she was gone in a second.
>You looked down at the present and grabbed it, stuffing it in your jacket.
>You would check it out later.
 
>By the time everybody had gathered their stuff it was nearly six.
>Hopefully this wouldn't take long, you would need someone too feed Aggro.
>You write a quick note explaining the situation to Scoots and leave it at the door.
>The four of you headed towards the train station, an uneasy silence laid out among you.
>You were guessing this was their actual first time going on an adventure.
>You bump Wills shoulder and shoot him a smile.
"It really isn't that bad guys. Calm down, we're going to go beat the bad guys, come home, and talk about it over some of Derpy's fine tea!"
>You usually weren't that chipper but something about actually having someone support you left you in a good mood.
>When you guys reached the station you stood around patiently.
>And silently.
>Looks like your talk didn't do much for them.
>You studied Bunny who seemed to be the most nervous out of you all.
> Then Will began to tap his hoof impatiently.
>You looked over at Derpy whose hind-leg began to bounce anxiously again.
>With a sigh you began to tell them of your first adventure.
> The one where you had met Will.
> He knew most of the story but not all of it.
> The way you described the drive and determination you held to win drew them in.
> You actually found Derpy leaning forward when you described the Triathlon.
> When you finished telling them all you could the train came barreling down the tracks.
> You let Derpy, Will, and Bunny step in first.
> After you stepped in after them the doors snapped shut and you each took a respective seat.
> You and Will began to continue your conversation from earlier, Derpy and Bunny peeking over the seats.
> The train started and you guys were off for your first adventure.
> Usually when you went on these things, alone or with the Elements you absolutely dreaded them.
> But with your friends surrounding you, you couldn't help but find yourself excited at the idea of it.
 
> You are Scootaloo...
> And well, you're confused.
> You look over Anons note again and frown.
> It wasn't like him to up and leave like that, the last adventures he went on he told you before hoof.
> After-words he told you thoroughly what they were about.
> Except for a recent one, he wouldn't speak about it...
> You always wanted to join Anon on one of his adventures.
> Same with Dash.
> But they always said no, saying you were too young.
> Not too young to feed his pet Basilisk though.
> With an annoyed sigh you trot to his backyard.
> Aggro stood there, blankly staring to his right.
> Okay....
> You trot over and poke him once.
> Aggro's head snapped to you.
> Suddenly he nudged his muzzle under you and tossed you on his back.
> With the speed of a runaway carriage he powered through Anons fence and headed towards the town.
> You would let go but he was moving too fast for you to do anything other than hold on and scream.
 
> You rub the bridge of your nose, sighing as the two mares continued their argument.
> Everybody had loosened up once you were debriefed.
> An eccentric stallion wearing a dirtied hoodie had explained it to you.
> He also had sandals on.
> Didn't even know ponies had sandals.
> Anyway, he had told you that the Elements were sent to retrieve an artifact of power called the 'Orb of Wisdom'.
> It was supposedly a crystal ball that could fill one with infinite wisdom.
> Celestia had apparently had it stolen from right under her nose and they had just recently tracked it.
> The Elements were sent to get it back diplomatically but they never showed up for the rendezvous.
> Only Spike had just managed to barely crawl back on the train sent to pick them up.
> You guys were headed up to some land that met Equestria's borders but were not allied with it.
> So why was sending the Elements a good idea?
> Because Celestia seemed to be getting lazier and lazier.
> So she called you, the back up...
> And luckily your crew...
> Which coming back to reality...
> "And I think Anonymous wouldn't be the hard, jagged kind of father but rather a gentle soul who cares for everypony." Derpy finished.
> "Please, Anonymous would be the kind of father that is hard on their kid but would crush their school bully in an instant."
> You didn't want to be a father anyway.
> After the mood had lightened up everybody in the cart had loosened up.
> Which meant that they were going to start talking again.
> Will watched with morbid curiosity as the two argued.
> "Anon, is everyone you've met been like this?"
> Somewhat yes unfortunately.
"Naahh..."
> Suddenly the train cart lurched and rocked.
> It nearly took you and Will out of your seats.
> Derpy and Bunny stopped arguing and both let out a surprised cry as they stumbled around briefly.
> As if it didn't even happen the train kept on moving, leaving you all curious.
> You needed to check it out, something was not right.
> You get up out of your seat and look behind you.
> The lurch seemingly came from the back of the train but you weren't sure.
"Stay here."
> Before anybody could protest you left the train cart and slipped into another one.
> This one was empty because you were the only ones on the train at the time.
> Well you, the Conducter,and the debrief agent.
> But that was not important.
> You have only rode the friendship express twice but you were sure behind this cart was a storage area.
> Oh dear...
> You reach into your jacket and produce a mini-flashlight.
> After a bout with two scamming agents you always carried a Flashlight, matches, and band-aids on you.
> Clicking it on you move down the cart swiftly.
> Opening the back-door not as gracefully a storage room with no windows stared back at you.
> You shined the light in, seeing multiple forgotten packages, crew luggage, and things being transported across the land.
> Out of the corner of your eye you could see something move past the light.
> Narrowing your eyes you focused your light on the corner.
> You were met with eye-shine.
> A body that belonged to the eyes began to unfurl and move from the storage area.
> A smaller creature zipped forward and tackled you...
> Only to realize it was Scootaloo, who was currently laying on top of your head.
> The creature moved into the light and revealed itself to be Aggro.
> What?
"What th-"
> "Tartarus are we doing here? Aggro bought me here."
"How did-"
> "We get in? Think about what you have for a pet Anon."
> You shoot a glance at Aggro, remembering his raw strength.
> Yeah...you should've thought that through.
> With a sigh you grab Scoots and remove her from your scalp.
"Scootaloo, you shouldn't have come here. It's dangerous."
> "Pfft, You and Rainbow both laugh in the face of danger! If I'm going to be the next hero of ponyville I'm gonna have to laugh in the face of danger as well!"
> Aggro came waddling out of the storage room, taking up the entire cart.
 
> As you and Scoots were squeezed against the carts wall you gave her an incredulous look.
"Hero of Ponyville?"
> "Yeah."
"Laugh in the face of danger?"
> "Mhm."
"Ok Scootaloo."
> Scooping her up and seeing no way to send her back you glare at Aggro.
"Stay. You're in enough trouble already."
> Aggro lowered his head in shame as you left the cart.
> Just as you opened the door you were met with a concerned looking Iron Will.
> Upon seeing Scootaloo his eyes instantly narrowed.
> As did hers.
> "You!" Scoots shouted.
> "The frail one!" Will shouted even louder.
> "We never settled who was right about Anon!"
> Scootaloo squirmed out of your arms, landing in front of Will.
> Staring up at him defiantly she gave him the hardest stare she could muster.
> "Anon is softer than you think sir, He has a friendly side!"
> "Suuuure, I believe the friendly side, But I doubt Anon would ever go as soft as you ponies!"
> "Yuh-huh!"
> "Nuh-uh!"
> You bury your face into your hands, waiting for this train to finally let you off.
> By the time you reached your destination you already found yourself regretting bringing them along.
> Well kind of, sort of.
> The first thing you tried to do was ask the Conductor to take Scoots and Aggro back home but he said no.
> Apparently transportation of chocolate was more important than taking a potentially at risk creature and a child back home.
> You looked over at Aggro, who's mouth was covered in chocolate.
> Heh... they were in for a surprise.
> "Wooow!" Bunny exclaimed.
> "Cool!" Scootaloo said galloping away from you.
> Turning back you could see what they were in awe about.
> The town in front of you was more of a city than anything.
> Multiple trees were hollowed out to make homes and the ground area was cut and carved to form paths and roads.
> You could see a Griffon and two Minotaurs playing ball down the road.
> A zebra and earth pony chatted off to the side.
> Overhead you could see a deer batting a rug with a broom.
> Nobody even batted an eye at your... eccentric crew.
> Whenever you went anywhere else, Equestria seemed less racially diverse.
> Derpy shot you a smile as you glanced at her.
> Welp, time to get started.
> Reaching into you jacket you pull out a map and unfold it.
> Aggro and Scoots followed Derpy as she trotted to explore a bit.
> Bunny got drawn in by a nearby merchant.
> Leaving you and Will alone the two of you peered at the map.
"Okay, we're here..."
> Your finger landed on the town, which was labeled 'The Whittled Woods'.
> "And where were the Elements last seen?" Will asked peeking over your shoulder.
> "Here..."
> You finger tapped against a labeled temple a couple of miles off from the town.
> You briefly thought about your dream.
> You shake away the thought.
> Will nodded and backed off leaving you with the map.
"Now we don't have any rest time."
> "That's fine."
"And it's most likely going to be a life threatening battle Will."
> "Ok."
> You smile at him and bump his shoulder.
"Come, let's ask around first."
> You and Will approached a vendor who was selling souvenirs first.
> He was an old Diamond Dog with a single blind eye and a beard so long it would have equated to a whip.
> He gave you and Will a toothless smile upon spotting you.
> As the two of you approached him, he began to list off the wares he had.
> You weren't even sure many tourists came up here...
> You and Will shared a look before turning back to the vendor who was still gassing on.
> Will cleared his throat loudly stopping the vendor mid-sentence.
> "We're not here to buy anything creepy little kanine."
"Will!"
> Will gave you a confused look, not realizing he was insulting the vendor.
> With a sigh you turn back to him.
"What my friend is trying to say is that we're looking for six mares that came up here recently."
> Pulling out a picture they provided you, you unfold it and show it to the Vendor.
> He looked it over for a bit.
> "Hmmmm, yessss. Megrown has seen these ponies pass by before."
> Megrown...
> Really...
> Will smiled widely.
> "Great, tell us where they are!"
> "Megrown does not give information for free, try again!"
> Wills smile fell as he furrowed a brow.
> Before he could go off you stepped in, handing the vendor ten bits.
> After testing one of the bits for validity he smiled, self-satisfied.
> "Megrown has already spoken to these mares, they were asking about the abandoned temple deeper into the woods."
> The vendor flipped a coin and caught it mid-air.
> "The pink one wanted to buy all of my stuff."
> His smile fell.
> "Her stupid friends wouldn't let her."
> Mhm...
> So they were in the temple or atleast somewhere around there.
> Giving a nod of appreciation you and Will leave the vendor and head back to the drop-off area.
> When you got back Bunny was there with a bottle rocket and some strange, floppy hat.
> Derpy and Scootaloo sat on top of Aggro, Derpy reading a book about the towns history and Scoots eating a bag of chips.
> "Listen up girls!"
> Almost instinctively the girls stood at attention, despite not even knowing Will.
> The only one who didn't do anything was Aggro.
> Will glared at him.
> Aggro straightened out as well, following suite.
> He folded his arms behind his back and began to pace back and forth across them.
> Some of the residents began to stare in curiosity as this went down.
> You just folded your arms and watched, sometimes a pep talk was good from Will.
> "I'ma tell you, we have confirmed where the Elements are and let me tell you it is not nice!"
> "How not nice?" Bunny asked.
> Will was in her face in an instant.
> "NOT NICE AT ALL!" he shouted.
> The force of his shout was enough to completely blow back her face.
> Pulling away he went back to he previous stance.
> "Anon and I are lean, mean, fighting machines. But you are all lacking in certain aspects."
> They seemed to be getting increasingly annoyed as he continued.
> "But worry not, because you have stuck by Anons side this far in and if he has faith in you, I have faith in you!"
> Will suddenly turned and stared down at Derpy.
> Shutting one eye he kept the other focused on her.
> "Anybody who wishes to stay in the town and munch on chips!"
> He turned and snatched Scootaloos chip, eliciting a 'hey' from her.
> "Then feel free to stay, but just remember this. Anon would be willing to risk his sorry butt for any of you all ten times over! If you cannot do the same, none of you are worthy of his friendship."
> Nobody faltered.
> Not even Aggro, you swear he was smarter than he appeared.
> Will leaned back.
> "Alright then... Let's go be the heroes for once."
 
> "Uhhhhg are we there yet?" Scootaloo shouted.
> "No." Bunny responded.
> Scootaloo flopped back on Aggros back with a groan.
> You looked over the map as Derpy trailed behind you.
> Will and Bunny went back to talking, they seemed to be doing that a lot.
> You were just glad he wasn't picking anymore fights with the ponies.
> "Anon, you've done this many times before. Is it okay to be nervous?" Derpy asked.
> You smile softly.
> You never really had to deal with anxiety going in.
> You were always either pissed off or determined to win.
> It just kind of numbed all other feelings in a way.
"Yeah, it is."
> But you could see where she was coming from.
> She and the others were always either being saved or running.
> Not doing the saving.
> In Wills and Aggros case, they were the bad guys at first.
> You turn and give Derpy a smile, folding the map up.
> It was just a straight shoot for another two miles.
"Derpy, you're here now and you had the chance to stay home. If you ask me, you should be far from nervous."
> Derpy looked down at the ground for a second before looking back at you.
> "I wish I had the confidence you had..."
> You were caught off guard by that...
> Derpy clopped her hooves together, now hovering at your eye level.
> "Even Bunny carries herself so highly, how do you two do it?"
> You scratch your head.
"I've... never really thought about it. It just kind of... happened."
> Derpy frowned.
> "But before, when you were... different, you used to be the biggest shut in I knew."
> She looked away from you.
> "Truth be told I meant to get to you a lot sooner, but then they stacked some routes and I was working overtime."
"Wait..."
> She stopped.
"You were going to try and talk to me before I got like this?"
> She nodded, seemingly ashamed that she didn't follow through.
> You smile brightly at her.
"Derpy, that's all I needed to hear from you."
> She seemed confused.
> "Why?"
"You'll see after this."
> The two of you chatted for awhile.
> Derpy was trying to guess what you were getting at back there.
> She would just have to wait.
> Chatting with her seemed to make the time pass faster.
> You all stopped, going dead silent in front of the temple.
> The temple... it looked exactly as it did in your dreams...
> You found yourself feeling... nervous.
> Okay, that was new.
> You were so nervous actually you wanted to turn tail and run home.
> Something about this whole situation made you uneasy.
> You look back at the others.
> No, if you turned back everything you stood for would be rendered moot right there.
> And they were only here because of you...
> Turning back around you push the feeling away and step forward.
> Derpy opened the book of the local history.
> "Oh wow."
> You guys walked up the steps, you in the lead.
> The temple was huge, probably even bigger than an egyptian temple back on earth.
> As you headed up the steps Derpy began to tell you the history of the temple.
> The others listened carefully as she did.
> The temple was an ancient worship area for a pegasus goddess named Zoa.
> She supposedly gave the world wind by flapping her mighty wings.
> She was the goddess of wisdom as well, spreading it to whomever she could.
> "Ah" Bunny stated smiling.
> "A little bit of wisdom never hurt anypony."
> "Yes, but after she gave somepony wisdom she would ask for their child in return." Derpy stated.
> Scootaloo seemed a little bit more scared while Will and Bunny went silent.
"Well then..."
> You made it to an opening in the temple and stepped in first.
> The others followed soon after admiring the sheer size.
> The area was fading and decrypted but was still admirable none the less.
> At the very end of the temple was a throne so large it dwarfed you and Iron Will in size.
> Two large, faded banners depicting a six-winged pegasus rearing back flapped absently in the breeze.
> Vines had started to work their way into the temple, overrunning much of it.
> All around you were bits and pieces of rubble, covered in multiple pictures and markings.
> To your left, right, and straight ahead were multiple leadings into hallways.
> Turning to the others you frown.
> "Anonymous, this may be a bit harder then we thought." Will stated.
> That was very obvious.
> "Where do we even start?" Bunny asked.
> "Oh, Oh!" Scootaloo jumped up and down.
> You opted to ignore, hoping to find a solution.
"Derpy, what's the book say?"
> Derpy looked over the book for a second before her face fell.
> "Uhm, that the temple is a literal maze and only the wisdom of the outside thinker can guide you."
> Okay, so think outside of the box.
> You had done it before.
> And... one other time.
> "Oh, oh,oh,oh!" Scootaloo shouted.
> "Maybe we can split up." Will said taking a spot next to you.
"Bad idea, we might not see each other again."
> "OOOHHHH MEEEEE!"
> "Maybe I could scout the area real quick, I am pretty fast." Bunny chimed.
> "Guuuuys!"
"No deal, what if you get lost."
>"GUYS!"
> You all turned to Scootaloo, as her voice continued to echo around the temple.
> She smiled broadly and patted Aggro.
> "Guys, don't you see!"
> You all shared looks as she smiled brightly.
> "We've got our very own tracker right here!"
> She hopped off of Aggro and trotted over to Derpy.
> She reached into her satchel and pulled out a golden candy bar.
> "Pinkie is always eating these things!"
> She trotted back over and held it to his nose.
> Aggro took a whiff.
> Scootaloo smiled triumphantly as you all shared impressed nods.
> Aggro began to head to the right instantly.
> He didn't move fast, staying just ahead of you guys.
> You all followed after him, watching as he led the way.
> You were wary of possible traps but there seemed to be none.
> The hallways were surprisingly large, giving enough room for all of you to walk side by side, despite your size and the two other massive males.
> Eventually you all came to a opening, coming to a dark cavern.
> You came out onto a hill overlooking the area.
> In the middle of the cavern was a crystal blue pond.
> The others save for Will and Aggro verbally admired the scenery again.
> You folded your arms over your chest and scanned the ground.
> Aside from the pond, there seemed to be nothing else in the cavern.
> Out of the corner of your eye you saw a gold gleam.
> Pointing it out Will and Scoots were the first to notice it.
> Scoots suddenly gasped, buzzing her wings excitedly.
> "That's one of the bars!"
> Scoots rushed down the hill and towards the bar.
> You moved forward to go after them but suddenly a gasp alerted you.
> Turning back you could see Bunny enveloped in a blue pillar of light.
> Her mane began to wisp around as a highlighted star swirled around under her.
> "Bunny..." Will muttered.
> He took a step forward but you stopped him.
> Before anybody could react the pillar suddenly burst.
> With a shriek Bunny was gone, a singe mark in her place.
> Derpy screamed.
> Will shouted something.
> You could feel a familiar feeling creeping up your spine.
> But you couldn't move...
> Suddenly Scootaloo shouted something.
> Craning your head to look at her you saw she was enveloped as well.
> Her eyes welled with tears as she stood absolutely rigid.
> You wanted to move and help her but you couldn't.
> This was the one time you found yourself petrified.
> NO!
> You ran forward, jumping off of the hill.
> As you slid down to save Scoots Will shouted something.
> From up above tons of glowing, red eyes appeared, staring directly at you.
> Suddenly thousands of bats rushed forward.
> A black swarm...
> Just like your dream.
> They encircled you, shrieking constantly.
> You just swatted them away, moving forward to help Scoots.
> Scootaloo began to shout for you but you could hardly hear it over the shrieking of bats.
> Getting exceedingly pissed off you let instinct take over.
"ENOUGH!"
> The bats dispersed and you could hear all of the commotion going on.
> Derpy and Will had already moved, seeing it was not safe to stand still.
> Aggro on the other hand was busy, the bats had starting swarming him.
> He swung his tail around and chomped at them but with no avail.
> Somehow, they lifted him into the air.
> Aggro let out a roar as they carried him off, pulling him up into the darkness of the cavern.
"NO!"
> Turning back just in time you heard Scootaloo crying.
> Putting your hand out you snap your fingers.
"Scootaloo, look at me."
> She was too busy crying.
"Look at me!"
> She complied, sniffling a little.
"I always save you in the end, You're not going to die."
> She looked like she didn't believe one word you were saying.
> You began to slowly move towards the pillar, inching your way over.
"Remember who I am, I overcame my physical limitations to prove a point, I saved the town remember, We will get through this."
> You were so close.
"I'm Anon, and I'll be damned before you go!"
> Reaching through the pillar you wrap your hands around her.
> Suddenly everything felt strange, you could feel a pulling sensation from the pillar.
> Coming from all around...
> Something seemed to hold Scootaloo in place.
> You struggled to free her, looking her in the eyes the entire time.
> Your promise was broken once.
> You're not going to break it again.
> With a roar you pull her out of the pillar, it dispersing immediately.
> The both of you fell back, Scootaloo nearly falling out of your grip.
> The shrieking of bats filled the cave again.
> You shot up and ran towards Derpy and Will.
> Nothing had ever scared you more.
> You could hear the flapping of multiple wings as they gave chase.
> You tucked Scootaloo close to you, keeping her tight like a football.
> Derpy and Will urged you over to another hallway entrance.
> One of the bats nipped at your ear.
> Peeking over just in time you noticed a stalagmite jutting from the ground.
> Bounding over, you pushed off of it with you foot.
> You tucked into a roll, just barely making it over to Will and Derpy.
> The three of you hauled ass into the hallway.
> As you sprinted down the hallway Will and Derpy kept up no problem, Derpy flapping her wings as hard as she could.
> Will just kept up with a sprint.
> You and Derpy got a little ahead of him though.
> Will let out a shout as a wall suddenly shot up from the ground, separating the two of you.
"Will!"
> A blue light came from behind the wall, briefly lighting up the hallway.
> The wall dropped and a singe mark stood in Wills place.
> You found tears running down your face.
> "Anon, we've got to go!"
> Derpy tugged at your shoulder.
> You wiped away the tears and continued, focusing on saving the two of them now.
> You and Derpy moved down the hall as fast as you could.
> Scootaloo hugged tightly on to you, crying as the three of you worked on getting out.
> That wasn't going to last long...
> The hallways began to twist and turn, leading you deeper into the maze.
> It was no wonder the Elements didn't come back.
> You skid to a stop, Derpy flapping to a stop as well.
"Stop."
> She gave you a confused look as you lay Scootaloo down.
> She began to flap her wings anxiously.
> "Why are you giving up!? You never give up!"
"No, I'm not giving up."
> The pillars began to surround Derpy and Scootaloo.
> Derpy looked down at it in shock and back up at you.
> The look of betrayal on her face was evident.
"I'll see you soon."
> The betrayal was replaced by anger.
> "Yes, I bet so..."
> In a flash, they were both gone.
> You fell against the stone wall and fell down, waiting for your turn.
> Five minutes...
> It hadn't come...
> Ten minutes...
> It still hadn't come.
> Just as you were about to give up, the world around you became blue.
> A sound like wind picking up drove around you.
> And in a flash.
> The world was white.
 
> Your eyes snapped open, met by a pleasant pink sky.
> Light blue clouds hung overhead, floating softly.
> You sat up.
> You were on one of the clouds.
> In front of you was a large, golden staircase.
> On the left side of it was the Elements floating peacefully.
> On the other side was your friends, comatose to the world.
> You adjust your jacket as you examine both of them.
> They were still breathing...
> Suddenly in a flash of light an overwhelming presence stood in front of you.
> A mare the size of a semi looked down upon you.
> She had pristine white fur and a etheral sky blue mane.
> Multiple wings unfurled, exposing her grace upon you.
> Her cutie mark consisted of a blue orb with a question mark plastered on it.
> She stared at you apathetically.
> You stared back, confused as to what the hell was going on.
> "Anonymous, I've been waiting to meet you for awhile."
> She didn't even move her lips to speak, her voice just kind of floated around in your head.
> Your jaw opened and closed in awe.
> Zoa...
> It dawned on you that she was something more than a simple Alicorn.
> "You are a creature of great determination Anonymous, your race has always been."
> You watched in awe as she came down to eye level with you.
> "But you do no belong in this world."
> You didn't say anything as she leaned back.
> "So I give you a choice, Save your friends, Save the Elements or... save yourself."
> Save yourself?
"What does that mean?"
> Zoa gestured to your friends.
> "You've nearly destroyed yourself time and time again Anonymous, Celestia, Twilight, Luna, they never found ways to send you back."
> Oh....
> "But I know of a way. So I present you a choice."
> ....
> "You can stay in this realm but you must choose either the Elements or your friends, whoever you choose will be sent back home with no memory of this trip."
> You straighten.
> "Or you can choose to be sent back to your realm, numb to the trip and all memory of your time here erased."
> You could feel her smiling despite not seeing it.
> How could she ask this.
> How could anyone ask this.
> This was harder than any physical confrontation you have ever done.
> You sat there for what seemed like hours, thinking about everything that had happened.
> You wanted desperately to choose your friends, go home, and tell Celestia that the mission was a flop.
> You were hoping that if you did choose your friends all memory of the Elements would be wiped...
> But...
> That was not you.
"I choose to go home."
> Zoa's eyes widened as she looked you over.
> Lowering her wings she looked at both parties.
> "You have three days."
> The world turned white again, and you were back home...