> You stare up at your ceiling silently.
> The sun hung high overhead and you could hear some of the locals milling about down there but in here.
> It was dark and lonely...
> You sat limply in the dark.
> She had transported you on the day of your leaving.
> You had two memories.
> One of hanging out with your friends all day.
> Hell you even remember you and Derpy chatting on her padio by the end of the day while Scoots played with Aggro.
> Then you remembered everything that happened on the 'adventure'.
> If you could even call it that.
> With a sigh you shift in your bed.
> Three days to choose eh?
> Then there was what happened back at the temple.
> You choked up.
> You were scared.
> After months of overcoming the most challenging things you've ever seen.
> You were scared.
> You sit up and move to the end of your bed.
> It was time to do some research.
> You stuff your hands in your pockets as you walk out among ponyville.
> Most of the ponies shot you smiles and waved and you put on a fake smile in return.
> By the time you reached the castle, you were being worn down by all the fake smiling.
> Nodding to the guards you step past them and walk down the hallway.
> The castle was still a library as the last one was blown up.
> You had hidden during the whole thing, opting to read a book about a stallion fighting through tartarus.
> Well, if only they could see you now.
> Turning just outside of the council room you push past a pair of doors and step into a crystal library.
> Some ponies here and there trotted about, studying or just reading for fun.
> Spike sat at a desk in the far off corner, checking out a book for some mare.
> You walk up to him and smile with a wave.
> He waved back.
> "What's up Anon?"
> Back before you became yourself you and Spike had been okay.
> He never tried to bully you but he didn't try and reach out.
> So to you, he was just kind of there.
> From the way he was running things you were guessing that Twilight promoted him to bookkeeper.
> Basically her way of saying 'I'm lazy take over for me.'
> The fact that he was fine now led you to believe that they had never went on the trip in the first place after Zoa talked to you.
> She could control time and space as well.... nice....
"Do you have any books about ancient gods? Preferably anything about a goddess of wisdom?"
> You didn't want to start throwing names out there.
> Spike scratched his head thoughtfully.
> "I'm not sure, but if we have anything it would be a little bit past the princesses section."
> What?
"Princesses section?"
> "Yeah you know, the section dedicated to stories abou-"
"About the princesses okay."
> "They're also making one about you man."
> You froze.
"W-What?"
> "Yeah, they've recently been working on getting your stories down, you're big man."
> You honestly had no idea what to say.
"Uhm, thanks..."
> You snap your mouth shut and give Spike a silent nod.
> He gave you a smile in return, as you turned around to search for the books he pulled out a scroll and blew on it.
> The scroll burned up instantly, a green fire slipping out of the room and into the day sky.
> After searching for awhile you found some books on more ancient things.
> After a little bit of digging you found a chapter dedicated to Zoa.
> She was an ancient pony, said to be around before the creation of the planet.
> She and the others were worshiped until one day they randomly disappeared.
> After a while though some ponies reported seeing Zoa walking among their dreams.
> Some even claimed to see her in real life.
> Apparently she only appeared to those that were either worthy of her presence.
> Or a threat to her...
> So which one were you?
> You would have to go with a threat considering she was doing this to you.
> Or maybe not...
> After a little bit more reading you found out some interesting things.
> The gods were cowards.
> Afraid of anything that could even resemble something close to their power.
> They would either strike before any such creature knew or gang up on it at once.
> Zoa was not an exception.
> In fact the book stated in great detail how she was the most fearful of them all.
> If anything was even slightly wrong she would scramble to try and fix it.
> And despite all of her wisdom she would still try and put everything back into its place, even if it wasn't for the greater good.
> Okay, so you were dealing with an OCD god who could control time and space.
> Neat...
> You close the books and put them back neatly.
> By the time you were done most of the ponies were gone, three local college students still sitting around and studying.
> You remember your college days.
> Nothing but burying your nose in books and being ignored by others.
> You lumber over to Spike who was busy cleaning out the back of the desk.
> He popped up when you approached though.
"Alright Spike I'm heading out."
> You had no idea why you were telling him this but you just where.
> He nodded and waved a spiked claw at you.
> "Later Anon."
> You turned to leave.
> But stopped.
> You turn back to him, quirking an eyebrow.
"Hey Spike."
> He popped back up from underneath the desk.
"What was that thing you did with the scroll earlier?"
> "Oh that, Twilight needed me to send a letter."
> Send a letter?
"To whom I may ask?"
> That sounded really pretentious.
> "Um, Celestia? Come on dude it's simple magic, that's like kinder garden level stuff."
"Well I wasn't exactly here for Kinder garden."
> Spike coughed, trying to save face.
> "I knew that."
"Mhm... do you think you could do me a favor actually? I need to speak to Celestia myself."
> "Oh really? What about?"
"Eh, no need too worry, I just want to see how she's doing."
> "Uh-huh, because you're such a social bee."
> His sarcasm was annoying but refreshing.
"Yup, the socialist of them all."
> Spike chuckled and bought out a fancy looking pen and note.
> "Alright, but hurry up. I ain't got all night ya' know."
> You grab the note and pen and began to scribble on the note.
> It had taken you at least thirty minutes to write the note and word it well but you were done.
> Handing it off to Spike you didn't even bother to stay and watch him send it.
> You needed to rest, despite being a waste of time you were too anxious to stay up.
 
> You are Spike...
> You watched as Anon walked out of the library.
> Well lumbered more like it..
> Wellll, shuffled if anything.
> He was like a zombie today.
> You watched him leave and then look at the rolled up paper in your hand.
> You had to know.
> You could feel that he was hiding something and it all lay in the note.
> Unfurling it you read over.
 
Dear Celestia...
I have a problem... You recently sent me on a mission to rescue the Elements. You had sent them earlier to reattain the Orb of Wisdom but they never made it back to the rendezvous.
 
Aside from that, when my friends and I went there to run your little errand a god beamed them up and told me too choose between me, The Elements, and my friends.
 
I couldn't do it.
 
She altered the timeline somehow, nobody remembers anything revolving around the mission and I have three days to make a choice.
 
Please, You always ask for my help and now I require yours.
 
With regards,
Anonymous.
 
> You lower the note slowly.
> Oh this would get to Celestia.
> Then you were going to tell Twilight and all of her friends.
> This was beyond you.
> In a flash of green fire the note was gone.
> You began to close up early, shooing the college students out of the library.
> You needed to see your friends.
 
> Despite the feeling of dread in the pit of your gut you managed to find some sleep.
> Will had rent out a hotel room, opting to leave you too your peace.
> Aggro was already fed courtesy of Scootaloo.
> She was so adorable trying to lift those bags of dog food.
> And you would have to choose between her and the Elements.
> Granted before this would have been an exceedingly easy choice.
> But ever since you've been you that choice just does not seem liable.
> You shut your eyes, ignoring the lead-like feeling in your stomach.
> And before you knew it, you were fast asleep.
 
> Pink sky...
> Light blue clouds...
> You sneer.
> Turning around you could see the golden steps, still shining with a pristine glow.
> Zoa sat on top of them, staring down at you blankly.
> You met her eyes.
> She seemed rather bored while you were seething.
"What is it this time."
> You didn't want to speak to her.
> "Have you come to a decision yet?"
"No, and I don't think I will actually."
> "Oh?"
> She leaned in, craning her neck to peer down at you.
> "And why is that?"
> You smile broadly.
"Let's see maybe because you're scared of me?"
> "....."
> No?
> Suddenly you felt a weight on your chest.
> You were pushed back, knocked down surprisingly easy.
> You gasped for air on the ground.
> Zoa's horn dispersed a white light.
> "Do not think you're ever equal to me Anonymous."
> You just gasped in response.
> "And don't you ever dare think me scared of a mortal."
> This....
> Bitch...
> You slam your fist down on the ground.
> You pick yourself up and glare at her.
> Another weight and a flash of light and you were down, sliding a good fifteen feet across the ground.
> This time you were done.
> "That is the exact reason you cannot live here human."
> You slowly crane your head to her.
> "You and your kind are always so violent, wars, famine, apathy."
> You grunt and began to pick yourself up.
> "There's a reason you don't belong here...."
> "Two days Anonymous, make your choice carefully."
 
> With a sweep of her wing you were awake again.
> The sun hung high overhead.
> Which meant that it was morning, fuck.
> That was maybe a two-minute conversation you had held with her.
> You could vaguely feel a pain on your chest.
> Gripping at it you pull yourself out of the bed.
> With a grunt you pull yourself up by the post.
> It snapped and gave out from your weight.
> Of course, you weren't exactly the lightest guy around.
> Rubbing the sleep out of your eyes you stand to your full height.
> Today you would visit Spike and see how the whole 'letter to Celestia' thing went.
> Normally you weren't one to go crying for help but this situation was making you desperate.
> You slip into a white shirt with a black rorschach design.
> It was made for some fashion statement or something, Rarity had made it.
> You put your jacket on and slip in three of the cigars and the lighter from Will.
> He was going to go train today, and given any other day you would gladly go with him.
> But not today.
> You headed out into the streets.
> Derpy was on her route and Scootaloo was doing wonderbolt training.
> Bunny was out on a jog, after words she would go and promote her gyms or something.
> When you reached the castle you did the same old same old.
> Nod to the guards, walk in, head towards the library.
> When you entered the library Spike looked at you briefly before going rigid.
> When you walked up he began to busy himself with multiple books.
> "H-hey Anon. Ho-w-w are you t-today?"
> Really?
> He went through your letter.
> You weren't mad, that was partly your fault.
> But he needed to learn how to hide it much better.
> You stared down at him for a couple of minutes.
> Then he dropped with a sigh.
> "Okay, Okay I looked at the letter."
> You frown and pull up a seat.
> Sitting in it caused it to creak under your weight.
> Spike sighed.
> "Anonymous how come you didn't tell anypony?"
"Because I don't want them panicking."
> Spike frowned.
> "I think it's a little deeper than that dude."
> You raise an eyebrow.
> "This has to be everybody's choice, not just yours Anon."
"Why?"
> Spike gave you a shocked stare.
> "T-That's their lives you're playing with!"
"Not just theirs, mine as well. Don't forget that."
> "Yeah well, it's a little too late Anon."
> What?
"What?"
> "I already told the girls."
> Shit.
> As if on qeue the door to the library flung open.
> No-one else was present so this was planned.
> Shit!
> You get out of your chair and whirl to the Elements.
> Oh man...
> They looked pissed.
> All six of them sat there, glaring at you.
> Even Pinkie and Fluttershy.
> "Anonymous!" Twilight shouted.
> "Who in tartarus do you think you are!?"
> You found yourself at a loss for words.
> "God obviously." Applejack stated bluntly.
"No!"
> "Oh! Then we must be the little ones no one cares about!" Rarity added.
"SHUSH!"
> Putting your finger to your mouth the others surprisingly followed, all snapping shut simultaneously.
"Look... let me explain."
> You explained everything since the start of yesterday.
> They had found it hard to believe at first, but they soon began to find it easier to listen.
> With a sigh you slouch in your chair.
"I don't know what to do, she's not budging on anything else."
> The others went silent for a second and huddled together.
> They whispered among themselves and looked back at you every couple of seconds.
> It wasn't long before they broke and turned back to you.
> Rainbow trotted forward.
> "Personally Anon, I think you're an idiot for not telling us all of this."
> She slugged your shoulder.
> "But, we're not going to hold it against you."
> Fluttershy soon joined in.
> "Celestia is actually on her way here now."
> "She really wants to see you, she says she has information on whatever you need." Twilight finished.
> Could this finally be a lead somewhere?
> You stand up, pulling out one of the cigars.
"When is she going to be here?"
> "In an hour, she says to gather your friends as well.
> Of course.
> She must believe that this had to be everybody's choice as well.
> With a nod you go out to gather them up.
> It wasn't hard, all you simply had to do was say that Celestia needed them.
> And you were credible now so they actually believed you.
> You had told them all to meet at the castle.
> Will had been a little bit hard to find, but once you found the trail of splintered oaks and kicked up dirt it was a cinch.
> So that led you to now.
> You stood in front of the castle, steeling yourself.
> Celestia was definitely in there by now.
> and the elements had most likely explained the gist of everything to everyone now.
> You wanted to run away but you fought against the urge.
> Instead you walked through the doors and straight down the hall.
> Pushing open the council room doors you were met with a bunch of angry stares.
> Except for Scootaloo, she just gave you a look of disappointment.
> You stared past them, fighting the urge to run off.
> Sitting down at one of the chairs you turned your attention to Celestia.
> She gave you a nod then turned to the others.
> "Alright everybody. As you know, You're all in danger here."
> She turned to you, causing everybody else to stare at you as well.
> "I told you everything I know, but Anonymous. In order for you to help us and us to help you we NEED you to tell us everything."
> With a sigh you glance at Will.
> He looked away and snorted angrily.
"Yes, I'll begin with the letter you sent at breakfast."
 
> You explained the whole story, covering everything from what you felt to what actually happened.
> Celestia seemed to get fidgety whenever you mentioned Zoa.
> By the end of the story everybody's moods seemed to lighten up.
> Derpy had forgiven you but Will, Bunny, and Scoots were still disappointed that you hadn't told them anything first.
> "Why would you hide something like this in the first place Anon?" Will asked, folding his arms over his chest.
"I didn't think that would be the best for everybody. If I let you guys know how would I know you wouldn't just tell me to choose myself?"
> "Because they are your friends!"
> All the attention turned to Applejack who leaned forward.
> "Ah would have told any of mah friends in a heartbeat!"
> You look away from her.
"I'm not you then."
> "Oh shut it!" Rainbow shouted.
> "I agree." Will snorted.
> "Anonymous you've always been so strong, why are you acting all weak all of a sudden?" Derpy asked.
> You didn't know.
> The fact that Zoa was infinitely stronger than you maybe factored in...
> Suddenly something clicked.
> You just couldn't take it anymore.
> You became filled with rage.
> Slamming your fist on the table you stand up.
> The whole thing nearly flipped, rolling around on the ground.
"Because I am the weak one here don't you see it!?"
> The table was silent as they watched you.
> Everybody else backed away as you slowly sat back down.
> Rubbing the bridge of your nose you look at the ground.
"I'm sorry... just... Celestia. You seem to know a little bit about Zoa, what is her deal?"
> Celestia cleared her throat, trying to obviously forget your outburst.
> "Yes well, Zoa was one of the many gods who used to control our world."
> She tapped her horn on the crystal table.
> What resembled a hologram appeared to float in the air.
> It showed a smaller version of Zoa sitting at her temple.
> "She was the goddess of wisdom and wind. Using her six mighty wings she would bring wind to the world. She was usually in conjunction with the god of rain and the goddess of thunder, Rorak and Siera, together they would make storms should someone anger them."
> The picture showed some ponies running from a large thunder storm overhead, looking back over their withers.
> "One day they started a raging storm and did not stop."
> "Two brave ponies my father and mother made a deal with them. If they could contain three tornados, three lightning strikes, and three storm falls then they would cease with the storms."
> The picture showed the father, a earth pony wrestle a tornado to the ground.
> The picture showed the mom flapping into the sky and catching a bolt of lightning in a jar.
> "Needless to say they had won... but the gods did not like that."
> You all turn to Celestia as she finished.
> "As a result they made their kids immortal."
> "So wait..." Pinkie Pie said.
> "Yes, we are only Alicorns because of a vengeful gods doing."
> "But wouldn't being all powerful and immortal be a gift?" Bunny asked.
> Celestia just gave her a blank stare.
"Yes, ignoring the absolute mood-killer."
> Irony.
"We're all a part of this one way or another, and we need to figure out a way to beat this."
> Celestia turned to you with a coy smile.
> "Anonymous, I just told you."
> You and the others all shared quizzical looks as Celestia waited patiently.
> Judging by her face it just clicked with Twilight.
> "Ooooh!" she started.
> Derpy seemed to catch on as well.
> "Oh!"
> "Oh!" Scoots shouted shooting her hoof up.
> "She meant that you're going to challenge Zoa!"
> Derpy and Twilight nodded accordingly while Celestia eyed Scootaloo.
> Maybe she was secretly smarter than she let on.
> But...
"Me? Why me?"
> "It seems like this 'Zoa' pony is fixated on you only Anon." Will said.
> The others nodded.
> "Whatever her reason for trying to pin this on all of you, it must be big. All of those times Equestria was in peril and she never stepped in."
> That information just made you angrier.
> With a sigh you let the thoughts of shouting go.
> No point in yelling at them, they already knew that you had saved the land multiple times.
> You were losing a grip on yourself, you felt yourself sinking lower and lower with each passing moment.
> Running a hand through your scalp you lean back.
"Soooo I make a challenge and she has to accept it or something?"
> "Oh! Make it another Triathlon!" Pinkie shouted.
> "Ah don't think that's a good idea Pinkie, Ahnon nearly killed himself with the last one."
> "Yeah, but it was neat!"
> Okay...
> "It has to be something you're able to exceed at but not crucially." Celestia added.
> "If she feels like she can lose the bet, she's most likely going to back out."
> Interesting.
> Derpy frowned.
> "Wait, I can't be the only one noticing this."
> The others gave her incredulous looks.
> "Celestia and Luna were cursed when their parents won! What if Zoa does something to Anon if he wins!"
> "Blah!" Rainbow shouted. "Anon can handle whatever she throws at him, Celestia knows he did it the last few months."
> She looked over at Celestia and blushed.
> "Sorry."
> "It's okay."
 
> Right, you were at a loss of something you could challenge her at.
> Maybe a race...
> Nah you would lose that instantly.
> Getting out of your chair you loom over everybody.
"Look... I'm sorry that I didn't tell you guys sooner. It was a terrible move of mine and I shouldn't have tried to handle this the way I have."
> The eyes on you began to slowly soften.
"Will, Bunny, Derpy, Scoots if you even think me worthy of your friendship after this then talk to me, but right now I've got to go to bed."
> Before anybody could stop you, you left the castle.
> Making it home before anybody could chase you was easy, all you had to do was stick to the back ways.
> You were finding it physically impossible to face them anymore.
> Stopping in front of your house felt like walking into a jail house.
> As soon as you went in you would feed Aggro and then go to sleep.
> And deal with this Zoa thing...
> Aggro seemed to know something was up with you.
> He tried to cheer you up but nothing worked.
> Not even when he ripped the tree out of the ground and chomped it in half...
> Normally that made you the happiest man on the planet.
> You shuffled in like a zombie.
> You froze in your tracks though.
> Something was wrong.
> The kitchen and backyard seemed fine...
> Slowly peering around the corner of your kitchen you saw that the front door of your house was creaked open.
> Crap, either another stray got in or someone had decided to check here.
> You just lumber into your living room, daring whatever or whoever it was to try anything.
> Derpy sat on your couch, staring up at you.
> Well... one eye stared at you.
"What are you doing here?"
> Derpys brow furrowed.
> "What was that?"
"What?"
> "What you did back there Anon!"
"Where?"
> Within a second she was in your face.
> "Back in the council room! None of this is you, hiding secrets, ignoring others feelings, running!"
"The last few days have been stressful that's all."
> Derpy seemed to be losing it with your strangely calm demeanor.
> "This is not how you handle stress Anon!"
> You reel back.
> She began to move forward, getting inches away from your face.
> "The Anon I know handled stress with the truth, determination, and hard work. He never hurt those that didn't deserve it and would definitely never lie to his friends."
> Her presence caused you to fall back on one of the nearby couches.
> The whole thing nearly tipped.
> Derpy was practically on top of you now, seething with anger.
> Suddenly she just stopped, falling into your lap.
> With a sigh she met your eyes.
> "The Anonymous I knew would never, ever do any of that to his friends."
> "Did you even know what your little change had done to Will? After you left he began to cry."
> You watched her silently as she flapped her wings, slowly lifting back into the air.
> "And don't even get me started on Scootaloo and Bunny."
> "You're not you right now Anonymous and to be honest, I'm not even sure I want to speak to you after all of this is over."
> You watched her with a rigid stance, not even bothering to move a muscle.
> "Goodbye Anonymous."
> With that Derpy turned and left your house, leaving you alone.
> You couldn't think.
> You needed... rest.
> Yes, that's what you needed.
> Some good old fashioned sleep.
> Numb to the world you head upstairs and push past your door.
> Ignoring the clothes littering your room you fall into your bed.
> Forgetting about Derpy you managed to fall asleep.
 
> You awoke to...
> Pink sky and blue clouds.
> Wonderful.
> You get up and turn around, instantly recognizing the drill.
> Zoa sat on the same spot patiently watching you.
> "Well....?"
> You dust yourself off.
"Nice try."
> Zoa leaned back slowly, raising an eyebrow.
"But I know you're influencing them."
> "Who?"
> You glare at her.
"My friends. You're swaying them, want to know how I know?"
> Zoa shifted in her spot.
"Will would never cry about something like me getting all pissy, he's Iron Will not some shill."
> There goes the rhymes.
> Zoa chuckled.
> "My, my certainly more clever than you look."
> With a sigh she lazily leaned back.
> "I thought for sure that was the deal breaker."
> You fold your arms.
> Should you propose it now?
"But that's not important Anonymous. Have you made your choice yet?"
"No."
> "Then you ha-"
"But let me tell you something. Back on earth we had a story, about a man who's strength and will was unmatched by any other."
> Zoa seemed annoyed that you had interrupted her but let you continue.
"Well in order to prove his strength he had to preform twelve labors. Feats so physically defeating that they seemed impossible."
> "What are you proposing..."
"I heard that you like to strike deals..."
> Despite her face not showing any emotion you could feel a smile tugging at her lips.
"Well I've got a proposal."
> "I'm listening..."
"Instead of three days to make a choice how about this, We play a game of Hercules."
> An echoing laugh filled the recesses of your mind.
> "You amuse me, Okay I'll take your offer but on my own terms."
> You tensed up.
> "My brother Rorak used to always do these silly little courses. If you manage to complete his courses than you do not have to make the choice."
> You let out a sigh of relief.
> "But if you should fail a single one of his courses you will not be sent home but Tartarus instead and your friends will be my trophies for the rest of time."
> Yeesh.
> You nod.
> That Derpy may not really have been 'Derpy' but it was right nonetheless.
> No more cowardice.
> But here you were making a decision without the others again...
> Shaking the morality away you resolve yourself.
> Zoa nodded softly and turned away from you.
> "So be it, I will talk to you tomorrow night and have you get ready for the course."
> You let your shoulders drop.
> "Until then..."
> With a sweep of her wing the Elements and your friends were back to floating in the air.
> A thud landed next to you, causing you to whirl around.
> Celestia and Luna were just picking themselves up, looking around nervously.
> They both seemed to notice Zoa at the same time.
> And at the same time their eyes narrowed.
> "You!" They both spat.
> "Anonymous and I have made a deal."
> After Zoa explained the deal to you, you looked over your shoulder every once in awhile.
> Celestia was in shock and Luna looked pissed.
> "These two lovely mares and a day is all you have to prepare for the deal Anonymous."
> With a chuckle the pink sky faded.
 
> And you were back home...
> With a groan you get out of your bed.
> Getting out of bed you head straight to the window over-looking your backyard.
> Aggro was not there playing around...
> Ah... so you had actually done it.
> Suddenly a heavy knocking resided all through out your house.
> After nearly jumping out of you skin you look back down at the door.
> Having a feeling who it was you move down the stairs as fast as you could.
> Hoping down you head to the front door and fling it open.
> "ANONYMOUS!" Luna shouted.
> The sheer power of her voice sent you flying across the room.
> Celestia stood behind her, watching silently as Luna stormed in.
> You felt the tug of magic pull you to your feet.
> You were face to face with Luna again, who looked beyond pissed.
> "You made a deal with ZOA? Do you have any idea how idiotic that is!?"
> "Sister please, I think you just woke everypony in a ten mile radius."
> "I care not! I thought Zoa was gone finally, I had worked so hard to track down the Cult of Wing members."
> "Sister..." Celestia started.
> "Two hundred members Tia! Two hundred, do you know how much of a pain in the flank it was to find them all!?"
> All the while she yelled her grip on you tightened, squeezing more air out of you.
"Lhunah puhlehas" You gasped.
> She looked back at you apathetically before releasing her grip.
> You fell to your knees gasping for air.
> "You're an impressive creature, but not nearly impressive enough to even stand to the toys the gods had Anonymous."
> You glare at her and turned back to the ground.
> "As much as I hate to say it Anonymous, my sister is right."
> Luna stepped aside as Celestia stepped forward.
> "The gods were known to play with things as powerful as dragons when they were just foals."
> "An obstacle course by them should never be taken lightly." Luna muttered.
> "Yes, if we don't figure out something soon you're doomed to fail Anonymous."
> Celestia sighed as Luna was filled with her burning passionate rage again.
> "And then we lose the Elements, one of the greatest military trainers we've ever had, a celebrity athlete, An endangered creature, a child, and a innocent civilian."
> She glared at you.
> "All because you couldn't handle making a choice."
> "Luna please." Celestia started.
> "In my opinion you should have just chosen yourself and let everypony else be."
> "Luna!"
> Celestia stomped her hoof, startling Luna out of her anger.
> "That is enough!"
> Celestia sighed and turned back to you.
> "While I think your choice is a foolish one Anonymous I can't see any reason as to why we shouldn't help you."
> She reached into a satchel and produced a long folded parliament.
> "This will give you a rundown of what you're most likely going to face on the courses."
> "Another thing you must remember Anonymous is that this isn't like before."
> She leaned in to you.
> The room seemed to get darker.
> "This is raw, unadulterated survival. Everything you've done before is baby stuff compared to what you're about to do now."
> Your heart began to beat faster as she pulled away.
> Turning back to Luna she nodded.
> "I'll go get some tea ready, go over the courses with Anonymous."
> Luna practically dragged you over to your couch.
> With no effort she tossed you onto the couch and took a seat across from you, sitting on your recliner.
> "Unfold the paper." She said coldly.
> You weren't going to argue...
> You pull the blue ribbon holding the paper together.
> And a list the size of your body rolled out, splaying out across the ground.
"Oh..."
> Luna raised an eyebrow.
> You read through the list and you had to say...
> This was definitely way worse than any other physical challenge you've faced.
> There were three main courses.
> Each one based on earth, water, and air.
> Earth was a trial of physical strength.
> Water was endurance.
> And Air was... well you didn't know.
> Air seemed to jump around a lot, but the main thing you noticed were speed tests.
> Each one had four courses.
> Earth was the first.
> First you had to start off by hiking the infinity wall, which was you guessed it... a wall that was infinite.
> No idea how you could even get passed that...
> The second earth test was dragging along four five hundred pound rocks for a mile.
> Greeeat...
> The third was to get the tooth of the most ancient Manticore.
> and the last was moving an immovable object.
 
> Next up was the water course.
> You would have to dive ninety feet and retrieve a weighted item.
> After that you had to bring the item back up and get on a flat board.
> The you would have to paddle your way through ten miles of water.
> The list said you would reach a swamp in which you had to place the weighted object on a pedestal.
> After words you would have to then make your way through multiple rockadiles and swim another thirty feet with something under you.
> Then the air course would be open.
 
> Nothing was listed for the air course, it seemed as if all the information they had gathered was missing for it.
> The rest of the list was tips and reminders on what to do and what to not do.
> But you didn't even bother to read it.
> Luna watched silently as you put the list to the side.
> Getting up with a sigh you shoot her a look.
> "And where are you going?"
> Silently you head over to your door.
"Preparing myself."
> Before she could protest you shut the door.
> Thwack...thwack...thwack.
> You stood in the middle of the everfree, who even knows how long it had been since you had last talked to Celestia and Luna.
> Snuffing the butt of the cigar and flicking it on one of the tree stumps you went back to work.
> After you walked out you had run twelve laps around Ponyville, then you snatched up axe from the old factory you made your training room and headed into the everfree.
> You had found a pretty decent sized area and spent most of the day chopping down trees, doing push-ups, crunches, climbing trees, and ripping up the stumps from the ground.
> Thwack...thwack...thwack...
> All around you lay chopped trees and ripped stumps.
> It was almost time for nigthfall you could feel it.
> When you were making rounds around ponyville some of the ponies asked you where the Elements had went.
> You simply told them not to worry, that it was all going to be fixed soon.
> The tree went down with an echoing crack.
> You didn't even know what the point in training was.
> You were already at your peak, you and Will had figured that out days ago.
> The cigars had stopped helping you build muscle and train conditioning, now only getting rid of any fatigue if it even arose.
> You grabbed the stump and ripped it from the ground with little effort.
> Tossing it behind you, you picked up the axe and targeted another tree.
> Luckily you had found some rather weaker oak trees in the forest.
> You had managed to make a rather large clearing after today.
> Before you could begin chopping you heard two bodies touch down behind you.
> Letting the axe drop you turn to Celestia and Luna with a grunt.
> "Anonymous we let you have your fun now we've got to discuss what you are going to do, it's almost time for the courses."
> Baaah...
> You drop the ax and fall back against the tree.
> Sliding down you watch the two trot up to you.
> "Look at you, already exhausted..." Celestia said.
> You shifted.
> "Let's get to the point sister." Luna said looking down at you.
> "We have an idea but in order to do it we need you to listen."
> You silently waited for her to continue.
> "My sister and I think we have a spell that could help."
> What?
> "Luna and I did some digging and we found a spell that can transport us mentally to another realm. But for you it would be a physical movement, everything there is... different I should say."
> Celestia stopped as Luna stepped forward.
> "This spell does not only let time run slower for you Anonymous but the time spent in that realm will magically affect you as well, you can be stronger, faster, and more durable than you already are."
> "But." Celestia stepped in.
> "We don't know if this will even work, and once you begin Anonymous we must go, we have to leave you with complete control in order for this to work. And not only that but each minute in this world is a year in your realm."
> "We will try to bring you back after four minutes in our realm, but if we fail Anonymous... everybody losses." Luna finished.
> You stared at the two and sighed.
"Hit me with it."
> Luna and Celestia looked at each other and nodded.
> Turning back to you the closed their eyes and began to focus.
> A light began to swirl around the both of them, lifting them slowly into the air.
> You watched curiously as two, thin beams of light shot from their horns and connected with your chest.
> It began to circle around you.
> Suddenly your whole body went rigid, and a blinding light began to fill your vision.
> You felt something flat pressing against your back.
> What was that?
> Oh, a ground.
> The ground wasn't this smooth in the everfree...
> The stark white sky told you that you weren't even in the everfree.
> What the hell was going on?
> Celestia and Luna came into your sight, they were they except not there at the same time.
> You could see them, but you could also see past them.
> "Anonymous get up."
> You complied and instantly found out that you were at least a hundred pounds heavier.
"What...the...hell..."
> "Oh yes, the gravity is heavier here as well."
> Luna smirked.
> "And you know, we can't feel it."
"Fuck you too."
> Luna giggled and nudged her sister.
> Celestia rolled her eyes amused by your struggling and turned back to you.
> "Alright Anonymous, four years of absolute isolation. Do you think you can handle that?"
> For your friends you could handle anything.
> You nod your head, finding it more taxing than before.
> "Alright then Anonymous, we'll see you shortly...."
> Without another word the two disappeared.
> Leaving you alone...
> You looked around the stark white area and then yourself.
> They did say complete control.
> Closing your eyes you focused as hard as you could.
> Home...
> Home...
> All of a sudden you opened your eyes to find yourself at Wills camp.
> Home it is.
> You briefly thought about turning the gravity down, but then you realized that this would help you if anything.
> Focusing Will popped up behind you.
> He didn't say anything, he couldn't for he was not real, he just watched you silently.
> Eyes passing judgement watched you as you dropped down and began your first push-up with considerable effort.
> You are Celestia...
> And you can't believe that the spell actually worked.
> You and your sister both came back to the clearing Anon had made.
> Ignoring the drowsy feeling you nod to your sister.
> Both of your horns lit up in unison, hers taking a light blue glow that contrasted with your bright white glow.
> The sun lowered quickly like countless times before and was replaced by the moon.
> The two of you released your magical grip with a gasp.
> That coupled with the spell to transport Anonymous was mentally taxing on the both of you.
> Luna seemed to get the worst of it, if her heavy breathing was any indication.
> "I can't believe Zoa is back..." she grunted.
> The two of you sat down, trying to get some rest before bringing Anon back.
> It had already been a minute, you wondered how he was doing now...
 
> You slam down into the rocky ground of Wills camp.
> Overhead was two sticks that jutted up for a seemingly endless time.
> You let the bar drop out of your hand, each muscle screaming in agony.
> It had been awhile since you've felt that...
> You were getting soft...
> You didn't need to sleep here...
> And even then food and water would appear whenever you wanted it too.
> You had just figured out how to get the herbs for the cigars, they seemed to be weaker in this realm...
> You pick yourself back up and bring the bar up, hooking it over two smaller limbs jutting from the sticks.
>It had been a year now since you've seen Celestia and Luna.
> Actually it had been a little over a year since you've seen anybody.
> All you've had was this silent Will that quietly judged you.
> And the fact that it wasn't the real Will drove you to work even harder.
> Pulling yourself up as quick as you could you unhooked the bar and shot it over two limbs that hung over the first two.
> Repeating the process, you began to climb the sticks.
> In the back of your mind you could hear Zoa's echoing laughter.
> You bought the bar up again...
> The thoughts of eternal life in tartarus didn't bother you.
> It was Zoa winning that did...
> You repeat the process, starting to pick up speed.
> The Will watched you climb your way up.
> Then...
> You faltered and missed a limb.
> The fall wasn't much, just a good twenty feet.
> All the air felt as if it rushed from your body as you slammed back into the ground.
"I-I can't do it..."
> You let the bar fall out of your hand, rolling from your grip.
> You were too tired to reach for it.
"I can't do it.."
> You close your eyes and revel in the silence.
> Were those tears?
> Yeah they were tears...
> You sobbed to yourself softly.
> "Rock..."
> You stopped all together and sat up quickly.
> You stared at the Will who just sat there blankly.
> Did he just...
> "Show them who rocks."
> You began to pick yourself up despite the flaring pain in your body.
> Laughing softly to yourself you force yourself to stand up right.
"You..."
> It was never meant to talk.
> It wasn't even real.
> You kept it for a reminder.
> "Show them whose boss!"
> Despite the stiff way it stood you could feel the power behind the words.
> Picking the bar back up you look at the sticks.
> "Win for yourself Anonymous..."
> It's eyes flicked up to meet yours.
> You turned back to the sticks and leapt up, hooking it onto the first set of limbs.
"Win for my friends more like it!"
> You're Celestia...
> Three minutes.
> Luna sat on one of the stumps that wasn't uprooted yet and looked lazily at a pocket watch.
> "What do you think he's doing in there to keep any semblance of sanity?"
> You met her curious gaze with a shrug.
"Probably been doing nothing but training..."
> "Well that was the reason we sent him in there..."
"Are you ready to pull him back?"
> "No, we've still got thirty more seconds left..."
> You look back at the night sky.
> You nor Luna had heard any word from Zoa yet, which you had thought she was going to intercept the two of you on your way back from the other realm.
> "Fifteen seconds left, what do you think he's like now?"
"No idea Luna, let's hope he's still sane for our sake."
> Luna stayed silent after that.
> After a couple of seconds she sighed.
> "Alright, let's pull him back."
> You watched patiently as she trotted over to you.
> The two of you nodded silently.
> Closing your eyes you began to focus on Anonymous.
> You envisioned his face, body, clothes...
> Because of the ridiculous amount of magical energy it took for you both to transport there with him.
> The two of you were going to bring him back through a portal.
> It was your job to make it and Luna's job to support it.
> You thought of a rickety gateway, opening up as Anonymous stepped through it.
> A flash of light appeared in front of the two of you.
> You didn't open your eyes, in fear of losing focus.
> "Come on through Anonymo- Oh my lord..."
"What!?"
> Heavy footsteps echoed from all around you as something pushed past your portal.
> Stopping in front of you, you could feel a heavy presence.
> You cracked open an eye.
> Only to be met with a beard so large it made some ponies manes look tame.
> You reel back and look up.
 
> You are Anonymous and well...
> You drop the rock you had been carrying.
> It slammed to the ground with a loud thud, sending dirt gusting around your feet.
> Your footsteps crunched against the ground, making it sound as if you were walking on gravel.
> You headed towards the shabby cabin, ignoring the luxury of the other one.
> Pushing past the doors you head to the bathroom.
> You stopped in front of the bathroom mirror and gave yourself a look over.
> Your padded jacket while it once had hidden your muscle now lay taught and stretched across your body.
> An unkempt beard lay splayed out across your face.
> Looking down at your legs you could feel the floor nearly break just from the simple shift of weight.
> Your pants were torn to make shorts.
> You had become to big for them awhile ago anyway...
> Suddenly to your left a portal of white light appeared.
> Turning to it slowly you realized that it was finally time.
> You had forgotten what day it was...
> Stepping through the portal was no problem.
> You could feel some resistance but nothing close to anything that could halt your movement.
> You could hear Luna's voice at the end of the portal.
> The brightness disappeared replaced by the night sky and the clearing you had made from before.
> You hadn't seen this clearing in four years...
> Celestia got a mouthfull of your beard before scrambling away.
> You had a good two inches on her.
> She craned her neck to look up at you.
> And her face dropped.
> "A-Anonymous!" She shouted.
> "He looks more like a bear than anything." Luna muttered.
> You gave her a friendly smile.
> It was surprisingly nice too see her face after four years.
"Good evening Celestia."
> Turning back to Luna you nod silently in her direction.
> Celestia composed herself.
> "Well, you certainly did better than I expected."
> Her face fell.
> "But I don't know if this is even enough..." she added.
> You frowned as well.
"Well it's got to be, we don't have another four years..."
> "Yes... Yes, we must contact Zoa immediately."
> "Anonymous did your bone structure grow as well?" Luna asked.
> You had no idea.
> You looked more curvier than anything, your shoulders changing the most.
> They were much more broader, giving your body the appearance of being way bigger than before.
> That toppled with the size your arms had grown was helping your case.
"Maybe, A lot of weird things happened in there."
> You suddenly turned on Luna and put her in a bear hug.
> Contact with another being even if it did hate your guts was amazing after four years.
> Luna tried to pry you off of her but found it harder than she thought.
> You let go of her and turned back to Celestia.
"Okay, I'm ready."
> "Are you sure Anonymous? If you fail a sin-"
"Yes."
> You weren't about to let her talk you out of this.
"But I won't fail."
> Celestia and Luna shot eachother worried glances before turning back to you with a nod.
> "Right, we're going to call Zoa now Anonymous, be wary."
"Mhm."
> You didn't really care right now to be honest.
> Celestia and Luna moved past you, stepping into the middle of the clearing.
> You watched with mild curiosity as the two shot each other disgusted looks.
> Suddenly they reared back on their back hooves.
> Spinning around on one hoof they shot their fore-legs to the sky.
> Each one forming a K of their own they pointed away from each other.
> Pointing back they tapped hooves lightly three times than flapped into the air.
> Celestia and Luna flew in a spiral before stopping mid-air.
> They flew up and finished the dance off by sprawling their wings out.
> You sat there silently...
> Than burst out laughing.
> The two blushed as they fluttered back down.
> "Quiet Anonymous, you're still in trouble!" Luna shouted.
> You smacked one hand to your head and pointed at them, adding to the humiliation.
> Suddenly the wind began to pick up.
> As soon as you noticed you stopped laughing, straightening up.
> The wind began to howl all around the three of you.
> All of a sudden a visible tornado formed in the middle of the clearing.
> It touched the ground then dispersed, blowing you all with a powerful gust of wind.
> Zoa stood in the middle of the clearing.