>Day Cheerilee says we gotta do journals now.
>And we're supposed to introduce ourselves in'em.
>That just seems silly.
>But my name's Applebloom, journal!
>How're you?
>Shoot, I'm doin' good.
>For lotsa reasons.
>One, I brought a bagged lunch and it sure smells tasty.
>Two, me and the Cutie Mark Crusaders are going to try our hands at bear wrasslin'.
>And three, there's a new pony in class.
>Cept he's not a pony.
>He's all tall and lanky-like.
>Shoot, he looks like if ya took a big ol monkey and made him tall as a tree.
>He says his name's Anonymous, which is all sortsa hard ta say.
>And he's only a little bit older than me.
>Well, maybe a bit more than a little bit.
>But he's younger than Applejack.
>Which means I'm gonna see if he wants to dance at my Cute-ceañera.
>We all know'll be tomorrow cuz this bear wrasslin' thing sounds easy.
>I wonder if he's got a cutie mark.
"Hey Anonymoos, you gotta cutie mark?"
>How come he's looking at you all weird.
>He must like your bow.
>"Oh, uhm. No, no Human's don't get those."
>Don't get over excited.
>But Applebloom, y'all just find a new Cutie Mark Crusader!
"What'cha doin' after class?"
>He'll look mighty cute in a cape--oh he's gonna need a bigger cape than what y'all have made already.
>He makes a face. Like "byeugh" kinda face.
>Maybe you're being too loud.
>Or you're just too darn excited.
>He's just trying to take notes.
>It's just Equestrian Culture, he ought to know this stuff already.
>He whispers back.
>"Ms. Fluttershy one asked me if I could help her clean her pipes out."
>Miss Cheerilee doesn't seem to notice him gabbing.
>"I told her I'd help her out, and that's what I'm gonna do."
>Aw shoot.
>Sorry journal, we'll talk later.
>I gotta play this right.
 
>You are now Anonymous.
>This world is strange.
>One minute you're in a normal place doing normal things.
>Then something about two princesses saying something about never saying anything about who you were.
>Not that you really recall most of it. Everything blends together.
>Probably for the best.
>And now you're sitting in a class with a bunch of colorful little fillies.
>Maybe it'd be different if you weren't human.
>Equestrian Culture is kind of interesting.
>Always good to know why things are the way they are.
>It'd be different if they gave you a proper desk.
>It's very uncomfortable.
>Eventually the lunch bell rings.
>You didn't bring anything.
>You've sort of been crashing at the library with your...what was that term she used?
>Mentor? Coach? Normalization Arbitrator? It was something like that.
>And she's sort of a workaholic. Who is more interested in what you are, then what you need to know.
>You hang behind as the fillies go out to the playground to eat.
"Uhm...Miss Cheerilee?"
>She gives you a big smile.
>She seems to enjoy her job.
>"Yes, Anonymous?"
"Is there by chance some sort of...lunch room program?"
>She tilts a head.
"I've been living at the library...and well aside from what  the dragon wants to give me, there's not a lot of...stuff."
>She grins.
>"Anonymous, what are you trying to say?"
"Uhm. Actually, just forget it. My problem."
>You scramble out of your desk.
>Which is hard to do.
>And bow your head a little.
"I'm just a little unprepared for my first day."
>She leans on her desk and closes her eyes a little.
>"Anonymous, are you -hungry-?"
"Well, I could eat."
>She nibbles on the edge of her lip.
>And then she snaps to attention as though someone just whipped her with a wet towel.
>"Hey Anonymoos! Ya wanna come eat with me and Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo?"
>You turn and see Applebloom smiling brightly at the door frame.
"Oh, sure. I'd love to."
>You wave towards Miss Cheerilee.
"I'll be fine, but thanks for the concern mam."
 
>You sit out at a picnic table in the yard with the three fillies.
>This is your face day of schooling here, so it's probably good to make friends.
>Though you're not really sure how old they are.
>They keep talking about some "Cute-ceañera", so they're probably like...fifteen?
>If it's anything like a quinceañera anyway.
>Sweetie Belle is a little marshmallow white Unicorn.
>"So I think if we're going to wrestle a bear, we should wear wrestling masks."
>Scootaloo is an orange little Pegasus whose wings buzz when she's excited.
>"I still have our Cutie Mark Crusader Talent Show Costumes! We can wear those!"
>Applebloom keeps stroking her big red bow and smiling at you.
>You look around at all the other kids playing.
>It almost makes you--
>Wait.
"...Did you girls say you're going to go wrestle a bear?"
>All three of them nod excitedly.
"Uhm, isn't that really dangerous? I mean, I'm -really- new here but...bears aren't like you, are they?"
>Scootaloo looks at you weird.
>"What'dyamean like us?"
>She gives you a little needle-eye stare.
"I'm just...Sorry, I don't know how these things work. Bears always struck me as sort of...dangerous."
>Sweetie Belle looks at Scootaloo who looks at Applebloom.
>Who smiles sheepishly.
>"Well who wants a bear-wrasslin' cutie mark anyway! It'd look plain ol'goofy."
>Applebloom winks at you and whispers.
>"It was Sweetie Belle's idea anyway."
>"WAS NOT!"
>She blushes and makes really big sad eyes before pulling a brown bag out of her saddlebags and opening it up.
>Apple fritter. Hay. Thermos. Sliced apples. Some spaghetti in a container.
>The other girls take out their lunches and it's much the same sort of lovingly crafted meals.
>Scootaloo has some very leafy-looking tacos and a grape juice.
>Sweetie Belle has some sort of sandwich and water bottle-one of those classy looking 2.50 dollar bottles.
>You just smile and take in the scenery as they begin devouring the food like rabid weasels.
>Applebloom points at you with part of her fritter.
>"So, y'said you don't got yourself a cutie mark?"
"Oh...uhm, no. If they're anything like what I read about in class. No. I don't think I get those."
 
>You are Applebloom.
>Now you've done heard this talk before.
>Why, shoot!
>You've even said the same thing.
>Sounded a little bit more upset than he does, but still.
>This is your chance.
>Phooey to Fluttershy.
>Cutie Mark Crusader Initiation Rites!
>Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo look at you and they know what you're plottin'.
"Anonymoos, you don't have to be upset. Everypony gets one eventually."
>"Oh yeah. I know that but-"
"But I bet y'all just got called a blank flank and was bullied something fierce.
>"Actually no, I've always been kind of a ni-"
"You just gotta find that special something you're good at! Like us!"
>Give him the big smile.
>The big BIG smile.
>Now the wide puppy dog eyes.
>He'll be like puddin' in your hooves.
>Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle are waiting for it.
>Anonymous is giving you such a polite smile.
>All right girls, just as we practiced.
>Scootaloo makes sure her hair is just right.
>Sweetie Belle clears her throat.
>"Anonymoos, would you--"
>Scootaloo grins.
>"Like to be one of the--"
"CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!"
>Sweetie Belle throws some glitter in the air.
>It's amazing!
>Anonymous just looks around.
"Uhm...sure?"
>Victory!
"Well shucks, that's just great Anonymoos."
>Now to have some delicious pasta.
>"But I still have to help Fluttershy out this afternoon, so I can't--"
>OH NO.
>The top of your spaghetti container is stuck.
>You try and pop it off.
>"--really hang out or anything until I get some better funds. Maybe find someplace else to live."
"Well I reckon y'all could stay with me-"
>OH NO. Wait, he might take that wrong. Y'all being too forward. He probably likes fancy fillies anyway.
Splurt.
>SPAGHETTI EVERYWHERE. Ya done popped the top too much.
>Anonymous takes a noodle off his shirt.
>Play it cool.
>You're cool. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo think so.
>Be cool.
"--I mean, we could always use another hand. Not with me. I mean, the whole--you like spaghetti?"
>He sucks it between his lips.
>OH GOSH.
>"I do, but not usually on me."
>He laughs, but it ain't mean laughter.
>Oh gosh, it makes you all warm inside.
 
>You are Anonymous.
>It is later in the day now.
>Finish off some remaining work.
>Miss Cheerilee asked you to stay after but she didn't get up from her desk.
>She just kept looking at you with a little smile and nice bright eyes.
>It must be hard, you're sort of a completely different animal altogether.
>And not just figuratively.
"Uhm...Teacher?"
>You can hear the skin of her face stretch as her smile grows.
"I have to go help someone out...did you need to talk to me about anything?"
>She shakes her head slowly from side to side.
>It's rather creepy.
>She must not have had her coffee or something.
"...good class today."
>You get up and head towards the door.
>Her eyes follow you like on one of those portraits in the old Scooby Doo show.
>You close the door behind you.
>Slowly.
>She's watching you until the door closes all the way.
>Once it's fully closed you can hear her exhale sharply.
>Huh.
>Maybe she needed to toot or something.
>Go figure.
>You'll consider bringing her an apple tomorrow.
>There's still a noodle in your hair.
>You eat it.
>And hope nobody else noticed it during the remainder of classes.
>Might've looked embarrassing.
 
>You don't really know much about pipes or plumbing.
>But you're pretty sure these pipes at Fluttershy's cottage are clean.
>You're under her sink and the pipes, if anything, look new.
"Miss Fluttershy, are you sure these are dirty?"
>She sticks her head between your legs so she can get a look at you.
>"Oh yes...I mean they're just so d-dirty and in need of a cleaning, Anonymous."
"Well--I mean I appreciate the opportunity, Miss Fluttershy but I literally know nothing about this thing."
>She's blushing and trying to say something but she keeps on mumbling.
"I don't really feel good about taking your bits if I can't help you in someway."
>She's letting out a low-pitched "Ermmm" noise.
>And blushing up a storm.
"Miss, are you sick?"
>Her eyes dart from side to side and then back down at you.
>"Oh no--I mean no, I'm not sick..."
"I thought you were going to sneeze.
>She mumbles.
"Can you scoot back a little so I can get out of here?"
>She nods.
>She bangs her head on the edge of the sink.
>And she falls flat on your crotch.
>Oh wow.
>She sees where she's landed.
>You see that she sees where she landed.
>She sees that you saw that she saw where she landed.
>She blushes and flusters up and scoots back out.
>Only to smack her head on the frame again and land back on your crotch.
>She starts to whimper.
"You okay?"
>She mumbles.
>And sniffles loudly.
>And sighs.
"Let's keep our heads low and just back on out of here?"
>She presses her head into your crotch.
>This isn't what you meant.
>You begin to scoot out.
>She does the same.
>Once you're both out of the sink she lingers for a minute before pulling her head away.
"Fluttershy are you okay?"
>She mumbles something and her wings stiffen up.
"...Miss?"
>She laughs awkwardly and rubs her head.
>And she just stares at your belt-line.
"...Can you move your neck normally?"
>She laughs awkwardly again.
>"...m-my name's F-fluttershy."
>You nod a little.
"Yeah, you introduced yourself to me a few days ago."
>She mumbles.
>"..m-my pipes need t-to be cleaned."
"I wish I could help with that, and really shouldn't have agreed to from the start. I don't really know pipes or...does your head hurt?'
>She nods.
 
>This isn't exactly how your first day of school should've ended.
>You lift Fluttershy up--heavier than she looks--and lay her down on the couch.
"All right, you're being a little out of it."
>She tries to protest but as soon as you're close enough to put a hand on her head she starts to stutter.
"Does that hurt?"
>She mumbles. Her face is quite red in some areas.
"I'll make you some soup and uhm..."
>You look at all the bags of bird seed.
>And all the various animals scattered about the home, doing their own thing.
"Do you have a feeding schedule for your animals? I could take care of that for you."
>"Oh no...you d-don't have to do anything like that just uhm--"
>She mumbles and nuzzles her lips up against your hand.
>She must be delirious.
"Well, I may as well. Let me get some soup on, and then I can give the whole feeding animal things a shot."
>Her lips envelope your point finger and she's making a choking noise.
>You pull your hand away and wipe the drool off on your pant leg.
>She follows your hand.
"Fluttershy, don't fall asleep. You might have a concussion...or something bad like that."
>You get to work.
>Great job, Anonymous. First real outing in this town.
>First real job offer in this town--one you had no business taking.
>And your host's friend may have a concussion.
>Take responsibility for your actions, make sure she's okay.
>Take care of these minor chores.
>Things can't get worse.
 
>Fucking Rabbits.
>Fucking Birds.
>Fucking Squirrels.
"Fluttershy, the rabbit keeps--"
>A white bunny throws a carrot and it pegs you in the forehead.
"Throwing stuff at me. And the birds aren't eating any of the seeds--you said the brown ones right?"
>Fluttershy mumbles and nods from her place on the couch.
"The squirrels are being exceptionally finicky, why do you have so many pets anyway? I mean squirrels seem sort of--"
>There's a knock at the door.
>Take a breath.
>Smile.
"I'll go see who is at the door, uhm... The soup is almost done. Are you feeling any better?"
>She smiles at you weakly from the couch.
>And mumbles something.
"Great."
>You open the door.
>And are tackled by three little fillies.
>"CUTIE MARK CRUSADER PIPE CLEANING ASSISTANTS!"
>You look up towards Fluttershy who is now exceptionally flustered and embarrassed.
>Scootaloo is wearing a backwards hat and spitting after she talks.
>"Yeah lessee about those there pipes that'chawere there needing cleaning. HWACK SPOOT"
>It's about as Italian an accent as the Mario Bros.
>Sweetie Belle is carrying some craft pipecleaners and has a big smile.
>"These are for cleaning pipes! And making necklaces and stuff."
>She skips in and begins making funny faces at some of the animals.
>Applebloom is sitting on your chest and smiling down at you.
>"Hey Anonymoos! We thought since ya said wrasslin' bears might not be smart, we'd help you with this!"
"Oh...well thanks Applebloom."
>She lays down and leans on her hooves, giving you a big grin.
>"So, how do you clean pipes anyway?"
"I don't actually know...Fluttershy bumped her head and I'm making soup for her now."
>Applebloom gets a big grin.
>"So that's what's cookin' good-lookin'."
>You let out a little laugh.
"Fluttershy, is it okay if they help out?"
>From her place on the couch Fluttershy gives you and Applebloom a very disappointed stare.
>But she nods sadly.
"Applebloom, can you get off me?"
>She suddenly realizes where she is and hops off you.
>"Sorry bout that, Anonymoos. We're Crusaders after all, can't have a man down."
"Okay then. Can you check on the soup?"
>She trots off.
"Sorry about this Miss Fluttershy, I really didn't invite them over. Honest."
 
>Fluttershy's soup is too hot.
>Which leads to Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle blowing the hot soup in the spoon.
>Which has it scald her face.
>And that's not good.
>Scootaloo is still doing her worst Italian accent and hiking up invisible pants.
>And spitting everywhere.
>Sweetie Belle has made little neckties out of pipe cleaners for the squirrels.
>That white bunny threw another carrot at you.
>Applebloom produced a chef's hat out of thin air and added some basic "country fixins" as she called them to the pot.
>It doesn't taste bad.
>You take over for Scoots and Sweetie on the "feed the pegasus you may have gotten concussed" job.
"I'm really sorry."
>You blow on the soup.
>She watches your lips.
>You're pretty sure you didn't spit on it.
>"..t-try it first to see if it's too hot."
>You slide the spoon in your mouth and it goes down warm.
>Sort of a hearty vegetable blend with a bit of a kick to it.
>You pull the spoon out.
"I'll go get you another spoon-"
>"Oh no...I only have the one."
"...seriously?"
>She blushes a nods.
"I thought they came in like whole sets."
>You wipe the spoon off with the edge of your shirt.
>She smiles.
>She's pretty friendly.
>You blow on some more soup and feed it to her.
>You do this for about an hour.
>Eventually it starts getting dark out.
>Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle head out.
>Applebloom offers to stay behind and help clean up.
>"It ain't no problem, Anonymoos, we're Crusaders! We gotta stick together."
"Well thanks Madame Knight-"
>"Mahdum what?"
"It's a...don't worry about it. I'll take care of the dishes, you just make sure Fluttershy seems okay."
>You go into the kitchen and begin doing some dishes and scrubbing some pots.
>Applebloom is having some serious conversation apparently.
 
>You are Applebloom.
>Anonymous thinks you're awesome.
>You can tell because he's all happy and such.
>And he liked your soup.
>But you oughtta make sure Fluttershy's brains didn't get bruised to biscuits.
>Or is it...bruised to gravy?
>There's some term for it.
"Hey Fluttershy, you all right?"
>She smiles all nice and nods.
"Your brain didn't get all broke, did it?"
>"Oh no..."
"Your pipes get clean?"
>She blushes up like you just stumbled in on her in the loo.
>"Oh...well no. B-but I'm thinking they will be soon. A-anonymous is just perfect for it."
>You tilt your head.
"What'cha mean? I thought he said he didn't know 'bout cleaning pipes."
>Fluttershy blushes up again and her wings get all stiff-like.
>"It's an...your sister will---Ask Applejack when you're a little older."
"But it's just pipes. Now, maybe I don't know much 'bout pipes, but don'tcha just clean'em with one of those brushy things?"
>Fluttershy bites her lip and looks towards Anonymous back in the kitchen.
>You raise an eyebrow and look back at Anonymous.
>Oh my, he's wearing one of those frilly fru-fru aprons and scrubbing them pots like a pro.
>And he's got a funny lil'flank he shakes about while he hums a little ditty.
>You're gonna stare because he isn't looking and boy he is all tall and strong looking.
>He could probably buck apples real good.
>Move hay bails.
>Paint the barn all nice.
>"...Applebloom, a-are you staring at...uhm...Anonymous's behind?"
>You turn back to Fluttershy.
"NOPE! NOT AT ALL! WHAT'CHU TALKING ABOUT. THAT'S CRAZY. SILLY AND ALL SORTS OF YOU KNOW I MEAN I SAID...uhm... I MEAN--"
>You lower your voice.
>Anonymous turns to see you and Fluttershy.
>He waves a little.
>You feel a big ol'smile creep up on ya.
"Nah, I'm just...why? Wait. Were you?"
>Fluttershy averts her eyes.
"You were, weren'tcha!?"
>"...well yeah."
"But why?"
>Fluttershy gives ya the stare.
>Always makes you feel nasty inside.
>"Because...he's going to be mine."
>"And he's going to love me...and we're going to d-do...things."
"Aww horsefeathers. I wanted to do things with'em."
>Ain't no fun dancing with a man who done danced around with everyone.
>Fluttershy blushes.
"Can't we make a deal?"
>Fluttershy smiles.
>"...maybe."
 
>You are Anonymous.
>You are back at your temporary domicile within a large broom closet in the library.
>Spike says you're lucky, he's a freaking dragon and he has to sleep in a basket next to your host.
>You hear a knock at your door and it opens.
>Twilight grabs a dust pan from over your bed with her magic and smiles sleepily at you.
>"How was your first day of school?"
"Well I kinda knew everything but the culture and history stuff. Long division is kinda easy."
>"Did you make any friends?"
"Yeah. I think so."
>You scratch your chest.
"Hey, did you ever get the feeling everypony in this town was like...flirting with you?"
>She laughs, and it's long and awkward and really really geeky.
>Like, wheezes and a loud snort one time.
>"No! Why would you even think that?"
"I dunno... Everyone keeps looking at me weird-"
>"Well you are weird!"
>She takes a moment and looks down at the ground.
>"I meant...you know what I meant."
"Yeah. And I get that. But it's like...they just stare at me and either mumble or don't say anything."
>"Some mares and stallions are a little shy with newcomers."
"I know that but---it felt weird."
>"Maybe you're just not used to crushing on mares."
>She gives you a thin lipped smirk.
"Nah, that's not it."
>She frowns and steps out of your closet before slamming the door on you.
"Twilight?"
>A moment passes.
"Miss Sparkle?"
>You open the door a little.
>Spike is looking in on you.
"Spike. What're you doing?"
>"Eh...I'm camping out with you tonight, Anon."
"Why?"
>"She says it's something private and she said it angry and I don't wanna deal with it."
"Oh. Is that common?"
>"Since you showed up. Yeah kinda."
>You open the door all the way and he brings in a tub of ice cream.
"Can I have some?"
>"Don't be that guy, Anon."
 
End Part 1.