Previously
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>It's been a couple of days.
>You can talk again.
>The last thing on your mind has been recovery, though.
>It's good, nonetheless.
>Everything is so overwhelming.
>When you stop to think about all that has happened...
>In a matter of less than a month, you've become a lowly farm worker to an escapist to a bed-ridden patient.
>If there were such a thing as brain scans here, you'd love to see how yours differed from the norm.
>Thinking back, you remember reading somewhere that parts of the brain that store memories can get scarred if they suffer trauma.
>You just know that's the case with you.
>Your fucked up little head.
>It's cold in this bed.
>Your skin crawls with the sheets wrapped around you.
>Inside your head, just thoughts of a certain yellow creature plague you.
>Hooves upon your chest, hooves slamming your legs.
>The colour yellow makes you cringe.
>“Mister uh, Anon, is it?”
>Your thoughts are interrupted.
“Yes.”
>“Today is the day.”
>What day?
“Huh?”
>“You're getting discharged.”
>The stallion in front of you etches a face.
>It says “psycho”.
“Oh. Of course.”
>“Your legs aren't fully healed, but we'll provide you with a wheelchair.”
>Scratching your head, you ponder how long it'll be until you can walk.
>He brings in a chair, hidden from view.
>“You'll be able to walk again in maybe... a week or two.”
>It's like he read your mind.
>Pitifully, you sigh.
>Just your lot in life, eh?
>Made to walk this land where you don't belong, and now, you can't even do that.
>What a pitiful situation you're in.
>Odd to think you'll be outside for the first time in what feels like a year.
 
>The door opens, revealing a fresh-scented day.
>A calamity is heard in the distance.
>Oh, of course!
>The Summer Sun Celebration is today.
>Ponies from all around have gathered to the small town.
>This kind of thing's not really your forte.
>Perhaps you'll just...
>Not go.
>It's a nice enough day to go for a walk anyway.
>Well, a wheel.
>You wonder if your friends will be there, having a good time.
>It sucks that none of them have come to see you yet, but you assume that they don't know you're out.
>You understand why anyway, today is a very important day for them.
>The day the elements were found, and the day they all became friends.
>A nice sentiment.
>Outside, you wonder what direction to go.
>To the hills you think, no worries for you.
>Then, it hits.
>You're going to have to push yourself there.
 
>A half hour later, you're not very far out of Ponyville.
>You can still hear faint murmurs of the Summer Sun Celebration crowd.
>The hot sun makes your face begin to drip.
>Another push of the chair is almost enough to make you give up right there and then.
>This is infuriating.
>You wish you'd subtly went there and gotten Rainbow to help you or something.
>She probably would've denied anyways.
>Pony like that has to roll with the crowd, but you can understand why.
>Looking out over the landscape, you can see Canterlot as nothing but a stifled dot in the distance.
>Odd to think such a majestic, regal city can be reduced to a single pixel-sized colour from far away.
>But then, it's all in the mind.
>Ponyville could well be the Apple of a certain Jack's eye, but to an observer from Canterlot, they wouldn't be able to discern it from the trees of the Everfree...
>You've had enough perplexing over these silly things, time to bask in this glorious day.
>The hills can wait.
>A field to your left has enough space for you to sit.
>Oh, of course, you can't.
>You wouldn't be able to get back into the damn chair.
>Well, this trip was useless then.
>Or, was it?
>No soul-searching or any of that, but it was just... nice, to do something normal for a change.
>And be rid of all those blasted ponies.
>You know you shouldn't think like that, some of them have given you happiness that you never thought you could feel.
>But, there are others who have ruined you.
>Either way, a solitary stroll (so to speak) is healthy every so often.
>Back the way you came, you suppose.
 
Meanwhile in Ponyville.
 
////////
“Uh, Twilight?”
>You're standing in the crowd with your friends, in a claustrophobic manner.
>All but one.
>The purple unicorn slowly turns round with a hoof to her mouth.
>Gee, what's her problem?
“Twilight.”
>No hoof this time, just a glare.
“Seriously, Twilight?”
>And now, vehemence in her voice.
>“What, Rainbow Dash? What?!”
>You take a moment, blank faced.
>She seems mad.
“Uh, do you know where Fluttershy went?”
>Twilight's head shifts around the crowd, scanning for the yellow demon.
>There are too much ponies here.
>“I don't see her anywhere. Why?”
>You don't believe that she forgot about what you told her.
“Well... I have a feeling Anon got out today.”
>Twilight shrugs.
>“I wouldn't kn-”
“That's not what I meant.”
>The pony's face drops.
>”Wait. Is this about...”
>With her sullen realisation, you nod.
>Twilight taps Applejack on the shoulder and tells her that you and her are gonna head off.
>She motions for you to follow her.
>You begin to trot alongside her.
“I thought you didn't believe me?”
>Looking at the ground, she sighs.
>“You know me well enough. I did some concentrated thinking on it. None of her excuses added up. I asked Princess Celestia herself during my last meeting out of curiosity, if she had actually asked Fluttershy to ever do anything across the country for her.”
>The pair of you turn around Sugarcube Corner.
“And?”
>“No. Never. There was only one thing Celestia ever asked her to do...”
>Intrigued, you keep eye contact with her.
>“Look after another.”
>You both sidestep a passing cloaked pony.
>He... or she?
>Either way, they looked weird.
>“Another like Anon.”
>Twilight seems to have taken no notice of that pony.
>Your pupils shrink as what she said sinks in.
>This is... insane.
>“Celestia said that Fluttershy told her that the human had run away from her, never to return. No reason why it did so was given.”
>Oh gosh.
“I knew there were others. But I didn't realise that Fluttershy had been sent to take care of one.”
>That must've been where it all started.
>You have to find Anon now.
>Where to start?
>“Do you know where Anon lives?”
////////
 
>You're almost back in Ponyville.
>And a good job you are too, otherwise you would've died out there from exhaustion.
>The sun's really beating down hard now, and you're no tough cookie.
>Pushing yourself in the wheelchair is a struggle.
>Only 6-13 more days to go!
>You can almost hear the sarcasm inside your head.
>As you come upon the granite streets, you notice that there are some ponies crowding the streets now.
>The main event is probably over, but you can still hear bustling crowds further along the town.
>You spot a vendor nearby, although you don't think you've seen it around before.
>They're selling drinks. Perfect.
>Rolling up to the stand, you hope the merchant isn't on a break.
>They pop up from below the stand as you arrive.
>Wait.
>The merchant is wearing a cloak.
“You!”
>It brings a 'hoof' to its face.
>“Sh. We must trade that knowledge over in silence.”
>What knowledge?
“But you-”
>It holds up the same 'hoof' in the air.
>Intimidation grabs your tongue, for now.
>“Now, patron, which of my wares might you require?”
>There is a rather comprehensive stock of drinks in front of you.
>Some of these you have never even heard of before.
>You scrape at your chin with two fingers.
>Spoiled for choice, you cannot decide what to buy.
>“Might I suggest that sir purchases the Griffonberry Slick? It provides a very warm feeling in the stomach when consumed, has an exquisite taste and may also have unintended side effects.”
“What sort of side effects?”
>It chuckles heartily.
>“Nothing of any note. Nothing harmful. I would only advise consumption when alone, however.”
>Any rational person would have moved on from it by now, but you're curious.
“And why is that?”
>“Now, now, sir. You must understand. I have a non-disclosure agreement with my griffon suppliers. They may be upset if they find I have revealed their secret to the Slick.”
>Ugh. No answers are coming from this creature.
>Its ambiguous voice doesn't help you discern anything.
>“But let me assure you, it is a very pleasant drink.”
>It's also the cheapest there.
>Coincidentally, you only have enough for it. And you're parched.
>Looks like you have no choice but to take this strange elixir.
“Fine.”
>You can almost feel it smiling behind its cloak.
>“3 bits, sir. A very wise choice.”
>You hand the money over, and the merchant hands you the product.
>“Good day, sir.”
“And you.”
>Grabbing the wheelchair, you go to spin it in your home's direction.
>Before you have even turned around though something smacks your head with a powerful thud, forcing you and the chair into the stand.
>Surges of pain throb through your skull.
>Shame you didn't pass out when it hit you.
>The last thing you remember seeing is concrete, hooves and a cloak.
 
////////
>“He's not here.”
“What?”
>Twilight appears from behind the kitchen door.
>“I've looked all around the house. I even performed a depth-sense spell to make sure he wasn't hiding in any secret compartments.”
>She's so thorough.
“Trust me Twilight, if I know Anon, he's not gonna have anything like that here.”
>She seems irritated by your comment.
>“Didn't you hear me, Rainbow Deaf? He's not here.”
>Oh.
“Well if he's not here, where could he be?”
>“I have no idea. Maybe we could go to the hospital and ask the doctors if they know where he is.”
>You remember that hospital well. Useless ponies.
“They won't know where he is. Remember when I hurt my wing? They just threw me outta there and didn't seem to care what happened to me after that.”
>She ponders for a second.
>“Well, the last option is we ask around Ponyville. And you could fly around the town looking for him.”
>Why didn't you think of that?
“Well, I guess this is where we split up and search for clues then.”
>She nods.
>“If you find out anything, I'll most likely be near Celestia's podium where she'll be delivering her speech.”
“Alright. If you need me, just look up.”
>She smiles.
>“Good luck.”
>You respond, less hopeful than she seems.
“You too.”
>With that, you zip out of the house to be greeted by clouds in just a couple of seconds.
>You're Rainbow Dash, of course you don't show much.
>But inside, your worry is quickly turning into paranoia.
>Where could he be?
>You really hope Fluttershy hasn't got her filthy hooves on him again.
>But now you've gotten Twilight involved, you're sure that you can bring the scum to justice.
>Looking down upon all of Ponyville, you see almost nothing out of the ordinary.
>Apart from the obvious, of course. Princess Celestia doesn't visit here every day.
>But that almost nothing is still just an almost.
>Not everypony knows, but you always scan the ground. And you can tell something's different about the market street.
>Zooming down in a flash, you almost collide with some pony you don't know.
>“Watch it, kid!”
“Heh, uh, sorry mister.”
>There's usually about 5 stands here... but there's a 6th one beside Sugarcube Corner.
>You trot up to it casually, don't want anypony thinking you're there to cause a fuss.
>There are a lot of odd coloured mixtures on the stand.
>It seems a little scratched too.
>There doesn't seem to be anypony here, though.
>It might just be nothing, but Twilight will probably know more.
>Without flying, you head back to the town centre.
>You pray Twilight has something.
////////
 
>What happened to your bottle of Griffonberry Slick?
>What happened to Ponyville?
>You scan your surroundings
>This isn't Ponyville.
>But the bottle is in front of you.
>Wherever you are, it's dark.
>You can't see if the bottle is empty or what.
>“I told you, you can't escape her.”
>Oh fuck.
>“Just give in. And pray you can be her servant for evermore.”
>This CANNOT be happening.
>“Time ran out for me. And now it has ran out-”
>“For you!”
>Her voice.
>The only other human in Equestria appears from the shade, face showing.
>“I once claimed that a friend would save you. You did have something none of the others did. But it is all for naught.”
>It doesn't show any expression.
>“When you arrive here, it does not matter who you are. You will succumb and obey, or you will become rot.”
>Fluttershy appears from behind the human.
>“What's your choice, Nonny?”
>You don't like the way she said that.
>You don't like the way you're sat in this chair.
>Trying to reach out, you find yourself bound to it.
>You can feel yourself becoming sticky with sweat.
>A bead of it rolls down your nose.
>There's no earthly way of knowing what's coming next.
 
////////
>“They said they did see somepony pushing Anon in a wheelchair, but they couldn't remember what they looked like.”
>A wheelchair?
“Where were they going?”
>The purple unicorn recalls back to what was said.
>Then points over in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres.
“Could it have been Fluttershy?”
>Twilight averts from your gaze.
>“It could have been. We'll just have to follow the trail.”
>She's right.
“Maybe the Apples saw them?”
>Twilight nods.
“Let's hurry, then.”
>Setting off from the town centre, you and Twilight remain almost wordless.
>There's not much to say after all.
“That new stand in the market looked like it had some funny lookin' potions and other stuff. I just hope that stuff doesn't do anything to Anon.”
>Twilight doesn't respond right away, instead seems to ponder over what could be happening to Anon.
>It's something you don't want to think about.
>It could kill you from the inside out.
>“Well, I'm not the one to ask about potions. If Zecora were in town, we could've asked her but... Nopony's seen her in a long time.”
>Her first sentence was rather blunt.
>You're not sure Twilight's truly accepted that a close friend isn't what she seemed to be.
 
>It doesn't take very long to get to Sweet Apple Acres, but there's still a little time to go before Fluttershy's house.
>You can feel your heart pounding.
>The last time you were this nervous was after the barn party.
>Twilight still isn't herself.
>Her canters, which would usually be confident but not abrasive, are now careful and delicate.
>Which is more in line with the Fluttershy everypony thought they knew.
>Twilight must be mortified.
>But so are you. Just as much, if not more.
>For having seen that... heinous act take place.
>While you continue to gallop along the path, you spy Applejack working in the orchard.
>Wait, Applejack?
>She must've left the Celebration, too.
“Twilight, I don't think we should let Applejack see us.”
>She turns from her position in front of you absent-mindedly.
>“Huh, why not?”
“Because. She doesn't know about what Fluttershy's really like. She might want to tag along and... I don't think Anon would want everypony involved.”
>Twilight scrapes at her chin.
>“Suppose you're right.”
>You and your friend keep your heads down, face forward.
>Your hooves still pounding, you-
>“Howdy girls!”
>She's at the fence?
>Already?
>“What are y'all doing out this neck of Ponyville?”
>Twilight's eyes bead around to you while she smiles at Applejack.
“Uh- we were just going to... Just going to visit Fluttershy! Gee, that pony sure seems like a shut-in nowadays!”
>Sheesh, that was the least convincing sentence you've ever said.
>“Yeah, ah know. Ah ain't seen her come outta that little shack a' hers in a while now. What a poor little filly!”
>You and Twilight both look at each other, with large fake grins on your faces.
>This situation is uncomfortable.
>Rearranging your wings, you decide to get outta there.
“Yep! Uh, well, we'd best be going now!”
>Applejack smiles.
>“Say, what if ah came with y'all?”
>Shoot!
>“No!- I mean, no. She only a-asked us to come and, heh, you know how /she/ is with surprises!”
>Damn Twilight, way to add to the lack of sincerity of it all.
>The orange mare taps her jaw.
>“Well, ah suppose you're right. We'll just hafta catch up with each other some other time! See y'all later!”
>Phew!
>Quickly, you scurry away after Twilight.
“I can't believe she bought that.”
>She sighs.
>“Me either. Thought she was smarter than that.”
>And you thought Twilight's element was magic.
“Heh.”
>Up ahead, you can see Fluttershy's cottage.
>Well, it all comes down to this.
>It's only a few more metres away.
“You ready for this?”
>Even though she's overcome a lot of challenges, she still hesitates before talking to you.
>“Ready as I'll ever be.”
“That makes one of us, then.”
>She nervously chuckles.
>You gesture for Twilight to go first.
>A purple haze engulfs the door, swinging it wide open.
>But the yellow abomination is nowhere to be seen.
>Her animals are just scattered around the place, looking for their carer.
>Jeez, it stinks in here.
>Well, only one way to find out if she's here.
>You prepare your lungs.
“FLUTTERSHY!”
////////
 
>“What was that, mistress?”
>It doesn't fucking matter what it was.
>You're just thanking whatever higher power there may or may not be in the universe.
>“I'll go and check. You stay here with this.”
>This?
>That...
>Even coming from her of all ponies, that struck a nerve.
>Perhaps especially from her.
>She's the reason for most of your misery in the past month anyway.
>Putting on a fake act and voice, she sweetly calls upstairs.
>“Coming!”
>Which leaves you with the thing.
>What the hell is it anyway?
“Why do this?”
>It ignores you for a second.
“He- hey!”
>Then turns.
>“What ever do you mean?”
“This. Tell me all that stuff, then just to throw it all out into the dumpster.”
>It smiles.
>“I am a bearer of falsehoods. Even as an entity, I am false. I do not exist, yet I exist.”
>Nothing's ever simple in Equestria.
>“Are you aware that Fluttershy is aware of me? Is anyone besides yourself aware of anything? Is this all a lucid hallucination brought on by copious amounts of trauma? Who are you to say what is true, and what is false?”
>It claps, and another light behind it turns on.
>“That light may be fake, but would you be aware?”
>Of course you fucking would!
“Yes. It wouldn't hurt my eyes if it wasn't real. I wouldn't be able to hear you speak if you weren't real, in some form.”
>The thing turns to its side again, chuckling heartily.
>“Ah yes, now you see the full picture!”
>No, you don't.
“What?”
>“I exist. But in what form, what location? Am I trickery, or are /you/ trickery?”
>You're fed up of this shit.
“It doesn't matter. What matters is that I experienced this. And what a waste of time it was.”
>Abruptly there's an enormous crash from upstairs.
>The human runs upstairs after its master.
 
 
////////
“WHERE IS HE?!”
>“Wh-what? Rainbow Dash, please stop shouting...”
>Stupid witch thinks Twilight still doesn't know about it.
>“Drop the act, you evil, evil thing!”
>Fluttershy still stands, trying to hold up the impression that she's an innocent.
>“I... I don't know what you're talking about Twilight! W-what have I done? I'm sorry!”
>Twilight looks to you.
>You pick up one of her rabbits.
“Fluttershy... you tell us where Anon is.”
>This is the first time you've seen her show genuine compassion since that fateful night.
>“Or something very bad is going to happen.”
>The smirk on Twilight's face right now is priceless.
>The yellow horror is terrified herself.
>“You... put... him... DOWN!”
>In a burst of energy, the colour yellow flashes across the room, grappling onto you by the neck.
>You and Fluttershy tumble out of the door into the bright day.
>A hoof quickly forces its way into your cheek, knocking your head sideways and sending your vision to blur.
>Your hindlegs buck at the pony on top of you, sending her flying back into the house.
>Missing the door frame, you hear a crack of flesh against wall.
>A howl of pain comes from the wounded mare.
>Shaking your head, you regain your composure and vision.
>Twilight quickly wraps her in a pool of magic.
>“I didn't want to have to do this-”
>Which then slams her through a window.
>Glass shatters all around.
>“But you deserve it for all you've done.”
>Without warning, Twilight yelps in pain.
>That cloaked pony from earlier has tackled her into the floor!
>You want to go and help but you know she can handle herself with magic for now.
>You're after Fluttershy.
>The canary coloured mare slowly drags herself back to her cut hooves, breathing heavily.
>Her animals have all but scattered out of the house by now.
>...Except for one.
>A bird of blue lies on the ground, trying to nurse an injured wing.
>Before you know it, you're back on the floor again, being pummelled repeatedly by a bellowing yellow psychopath, keen with your eradication in mind.
>Each smack sends air out of your lungs until you're struggling for a gasp to sup from.
>With all the air you have left, you try to speak, but only puffs and wheezes come.
>In a last ditch effort, you bring a hoof and slam it across her jaw, spittle flying onto the floor.
>As you take in a tremendous gulp of oxygen, you garner the strength to force her from you.
>Twilight yells at her assailant, throwing various items at him with her magic.
>Or whatever it is.
>Your distraction was time enough to be thrown into the kitchen sink, where she then holds your head under a running tap.
>An intrusive hoof blocks your snout.
>“Just take a breath, Rainbow Dash... then all of this will be over.”
>This pony truly is insane.
>And you're no closer to getting Anon out of here.
>Struggling against her, you try to pull yourself from the waters, yet...
>You feel yourself becoming faint from the lack of oxygen now.
////////
 
>A calamity is going on upstairs.
>You swear you heard familiar voices speaking with Fluttershy.
>It's out of mind for now though, you just need to figure a way out of this ghastly place.
>Your hands are bound.
>The light beaming in your face makes it hard to see.
>But you can rock the chair around, and peer around behind you.
>Of course, it would be convenient if there just happened to be a door to the outside.
>But this isn't a fairy tale. No door, and no obvious means of escape.
>You've never had a keen eye for things like this either. Hidden details to aid in some task.
>Just fucking typical of you.
>While rotating around the room, you notice the lightswitches.
>If you turn them all on, maybe you'll find something useful.
>It is a bit dark after all.
>Using nothing but your nose, you flick the switches.
>Finally, you can see.
>You shuffle back around to be met with-
>Piles of clothes.
>/Human/ clothes.
>They're strewn with all sorts of muck.
>Blood, dirt, age-old semen, small bits of rotten flesh, you name it.
>In one corner is a box with a small label on it.
>“Old Friends.”
>The I is dotted with a heart.
>Chills run rampant up your spine, goosebumps lining each inch of your skin.
>Before you baulk away, you notice a window at the top of the room.
>It's not very large, but you're sure it'll get you out of there.
>All you need to do is untie yourself from the chair.
>Witnessing all the mayhem in here made you oblivious to the noise upstairs.
>Coming to your senses again, you begin to hear what's going on again.
>Clattering, thuds and all sorts of shouts and groans and yelps.
>For a split second though, it all stops.
>The next sound is a pained shout of “now, Twilight!”
 
////////
“Now, Twilight!”
>Horn glowing furiously, Twilight groans, aiming it at the cloaked one.
>With an odd noise it zaps him outside the house, giving you enough time to go downstairs to get Anon.
>Twilight can hold back Fluttershy for now.
>Zipping into the basemant as fast as you can, you come upon-
>Nothing?
>Nothing but some rope on the floor and a half-empty bottle of some purple liquid.
>And...
>Piles upon piles of clothes.
>Surrounding a box of...
>You don't even want to know.
>There's nothing in here that is of any use.
>Just...
>Unadulterated terror.
>Flapping your wings still, you come back up, where Twilight has subdued Fluttershy.
>She lies on the ground unconscious.
>Twilight stands, panting and heaving.
>“Where... where is he?”
“He's not.”
>Her head shoots round.
>“What.”
>The room just suddenly got hotter.
>You point a hoof down.
“He's... not down there.”
>Where could he be?
>“Rainbow, get out there and go looking for him!”
>Stunned by her apprehensive outburst, you don't move for a few seconds.
>“Now!”
“Y-yes Twilight!”
////////
 
>Fresh air is a gift, even when you've been deprived of it for only a small time.
>And as you clamber out of there, you take in a long breath of it.
>Getting out of the cottage was easy once you spotted that nail sticking out of the wall.
>Just had to struggle for a bit, then the rope was cut.
>If anyone saw you, they'd have seen a sight for sore eyes, and not in a good way.
>Bouncing up and down in the chair like a damn fool.
>But it worked, so they wouldn't have been able to falter your seemingly silly method.
>Stretching your way through the window, you're finally free from that dreadful homely prison.
>The feeling is liberation – raw and pure.
>And with it, comes a pain; you can't do too much or else you'll be heading to the hospital again.
>Your legs aren't fully healed still.
>Time to get the fuck out-
“Oof!”
>Your cheek scrapes along the hard earth, caking it in a layer of dirt.
>An extremity removes said layer, clawing at it and scratching you deep.
>Caught unawares, you flap your arms around fruitlessly, not hitting any desired target.
>“You were supposed to stay! Down! There!”
>With each new word, another slam into your skull.
>Finally managing to turn around and getting a look at your assailant, you see the hood.
>The human, bellowing and punching you repeatedly.
>Lining yourself up in a split-second, you crack a hit on the bridge of his nose.
>The creature clutches at it, roaring in pain.
>It gives you enough time to throw the unsure body from you.
>Sliding along slightly, its surprise turns to rage again.
>Standing its ground and daring not to move, it appears to bark at you vociferously.
>“Serve our master!”
>The jaw of the beast simply hangs open oddly.
>Our master?
>Not even in hell itself.
>“Salvation from being used like a toy! Safety, and promise of relative freedom!”
>You stare at it with contemptuous countenance.
“You must be unhinged beyond belief.”
>Nothing but illegible, furious growls returns.
>Your foot slides back gently.
>“Special, special, special?! Why did she ever think /you/ were special? We are one in the same, made to obey. Vessels of flesh to please her!”
>If this were some bum on the street back home, you might've taken these words less seriously.
>But this isn't some bum.
>This is a threat.
>And to top it all off, a threat from that plague of a beast.
>“What do you think life will be like if she did not torment you?”
>Much fucking better, obviously.
>“I once asked that question. But it was foolish of me to do so! After all, a life without conflict is one without excitement and vigour!”
>Shoes sliding back still, you finally reply.
“There is no such thing as life with her.”
>Snarls pierce the air.
>“Anon!”
>That's a voice you've never been so happy to hear.
>A flash of blue, red, all colours zip by your head.
>The trail stops at the human, knocking it to the ground.
>Parting from both sides the cloak opens, exposing its body.
>A malformed, malnourished, pitiful excuse of a body.
>As it hits the ground its eyes close, remaining so.
>Out cold.
>Affronted, Rainbow Dash gasps at the mess Fluttershy has made of it.
>You couldn't bare to look for longer than a glance yourself.
>But with your eyes drifting down, there are no genitals to be seen.
>Only a slight bump, with a stitching line.
>A cold air oozes its way down your back at the thought.
>“That's what h-happens when you don't do as I say!”
>Another mare.
>Her mane is charred slightly, split.
>“Fluttershy, where is Twilight?!”
>The giggle that follows is too soft to be safe.
>“T-taken care of.”
>Unknowingly creating a small hurricane behind her, Rainbow passes through the air like a bullet.
>Time appears to slow down just as she collides with the pony.
>Pinned to her back, Rainbow screams at Fluttershy in horrific desperation.
>“Where is she?!”
>A punch into the defending pegasus's cheek makes an audible crunch.
>The effort is slowly draining from Fluttershy.
>“I'm... here.”
>Twilight emerges from behind the cottage, her mane worn and split-ended.
>Bruises line her flanks and there's a small cut on her face.
>She's usually so composed and poised, but now she looks like she's been in the trenches.
>However, she still stands undefeated.
>Fluttershy's struggles finally come to fruit when Rainbow releases her hold for a just moment, stealing a glance at Twilight.
>She pounces onto the purple unicorn for the hundredth time today, flailing her hooves at her relentlessly.
>Twilight yelps in pain over and over, but Rainbow Dash is soon to help.
>She leaps up from the ground and bats her wings, crashing into Fluttershy.
>Rainbow has her trapped against the wall now, pressing her entire weight upon her.
>No fault to find now.
>The now-limping Twilight trots slowly over to the pair.
>“I didn't want to have to do this, Fluttershy...”
>Her purple horn begins to glow and spark.
>Around each of Fluttershy's limbs, the pinkish aurora forms around them.
>She struggles, but there is no give to the magical bonds that hold her in place.
>“No, no!”
>Whimpering, she tries to revert to her 'usual' self.
>Rainbow Dash still pinning her to the wall, she pleads.
>“P-please Rainbow Dash, I don't know what came over me!
 
////////
“Likely story, you witch!”
>You raise a hoof to crack her face again, but a coldness wraps around it.
>“Rainbow, no! We need to take her to Celestia!”
>What?!
>You can't believe this.
“That's her punishment? Take her to the Princess to have a few /stern words/ with her?!”
>Twilight's face warps into horror.
“You know exactly how the Princess is like! If it's someone like us, then all that happens is she'll tell us what we did wrong, pat us on the rump then send us on our merry, flying way!”
>“But-!”
“Don't bother! You know it's true, and you also know Fluttershy deserves so much worse than that!”
>Another voice pipes up.
>“And I know that Twilight's still right.”
>Anon's sticking up for her?!
>For once he doesn't seem so aghast to be around her.
>In the background, Fluttershy still tries to whimper her way out of it.
>Maybe he's finally taking charge?
>“I know you don't have much confidence that Celestia will put her in her rightful place, but I don't think there's much else we can do.”
>Everypony knows how you hate admitting you're wrong, but...
>Anon's right. There's no other option.
>Beneath you, Fluttershy is still squealing to try hide what she's done.
>“We have to do something about the human.”
>Without anypony asking, Twilight binds him too.
>His legs and arms are now useless.
>“Come on. I'll have Spike send a letter and we can have these two sent to the Princess.”
>Anon motions to the human, indicating you to take the unconscious body.
>You very nearly pointed to Fluttershy, telling him she's easier to carry.
>Then you remember, he's in the wheelchair.
>And you doubt that he would ever make physical contact with her again.
>Not after the grief she brought him.
>You fly over to Twilight and whisper in her ear.
“Uh, can you get this one? Anon's-”
>She nods, and smiles at you with a twinge of sadness thrown into it.
>Off on your ways.
////////
 
Back in the treehouse.
 
>“So... you want me to send this letter, which is about as clear as a dirty sewer?”
>“That's the full of it, yes. The Princess will understand.”
>Spike re-reads it, making sure Twilight is serious about it.
>“Dear Princess Celestia, we have matters to discuss concerning Fluttershy immediately. Do not hesitate to arrange transport and/or come to Ponyville as soon as possible. Twilight Sparkle.”
>Not even a “faithful student” in there.
>“Just send it, Spike!”
>He gasps a little.
>“Alright, alright!”
>Green dust sprays from his mouth, parting the scroll.
>Next door, you can hear Fluttershy wailing irritatingly, and her companion screaming in tongues you've never heard before.
>Inside this room though, all is silent, but you have your chair back thankfully.
>And all eyes seem to be focused on you.
>Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, and Spike the Dragon all try and avoid eye contact, yet still get sneaking glances at you occasionally.
>What is there to say to them?
>“How do you feel?”
>Twilight.
“I don't know. I think I need to see them being punished first. Then... we'll see.”
>The corner of her lip lifts a little.
>“I-I'm sure Celestia will see to it that they're banished to the Everfree.”
>Rainbow Dash.
>You shrug at her.
>Spike still doesn't really know what's going on.
>It'd be wrong to tell him the whole truth anyway.
>He's only a baby dragon.
>“Whatever's happening, I'm sure it'll all be okay in the end, Anon.”
>He sticks out his fist for you to bump.
>With a heave of energy, you persevere through and bump it.
>“There ya go.”
>You almost crack a smile.
>All goes silent again.
>For a while, nothing happens.
>Nobody moves, nobody says anything.
>All of you just sit there in wait.
>Patience no longer matters, you don't want to do anything.
>This could be it; it could all be over soon.
>And you have absolutely no clue what to feel.
>Sadness is a horrid thing.
>It stops you from feeling like a real person, like somebody who could change another's life.
>Or your own. Or even just to go out for a fucking walk just to feel the wind against your face.
>Before you can delve any further into your head, you notice another trail of dust materialising in the middle of the room.
>“You okay there, Anon?”
>Rainbow is sitting quite close next to you.
>How long were you daydreaming for?
>Spike promptly picks up the letter and reads aloud.
>“My faithful Twilight, I have sent over a chariot accompanied by four pegasi, two of which shall be handling Fluttershy and her unknown accomplice. You are to inform Rainbow Dash and Anonymous that they will accompany you to my hall and ensure no details are left out of this surely frightening tale. Princess Celestia.”
>A loud thud is heard shortly after Spike is done reading.
>“You stay here, Spike. If anyone asks where we are, then tell them you haven't seen us all day.”
>“But what if Applejack or-”
>“Nopony is to know, okay?”
>Defeated, he sighs and nods.
>“I'll see you later.”
>Twilight helps you up the stairs with her magic, and you embark onto the chariot.
>Briefly afterwards the two officers shove the human and Fluttershy into the back seat, both unconscious.
>“Celestia requests that you do not stop off outside of the Canterlot Gates; we are to take you straight to her.”
>“That's fine, just make it snappy.”
>“As you wish, ma'am.”
>The guards all set off, determined to make it there speedily.
>Even still, it may take some time to reach there.
>There's nothing to do but get whatever sleep you could.
>Your head rocks backwards in the seat, and slowly you drift.
 
Some time later...
 
>“Mr. Anonymous, we have arrived.”
>That was /not/ a good sleep.
>Your neck kills.
>Rainbow Dash nudges you from her shoulder with her a forced giggle.
>She's not convinced anything will come of this.
>You know that for sure.
>Seems like for once you might have to cheer her up.
“You gotta stop saving my ass all the time, Rainbow. I don't want every mare in Ponyville thinking I'm some wimp, yano.”
>And now, a genuine giggle.
>You're in the same boat as her though.
>The uncertainty makes your skin crawl.
>You exit the chariot, immediately standing in front of the great palace Celestia reigns over Equestria from.
>It's quite a sight.
>Canterlot is no speck of dust floating in the eye after all.
>“Come on, don't bother making this difficult for us!”
>The guards drag their two prisoners behind you.
>As you wheel yourself through the enormous doors, Rainbow taps you on the shoulder.
>“You okay?”
>Your shoulders shrug.
“I guess we'll see.”
>She sighs.
>“I just hope that you find some closure after this whole ordeal.”
“Who knows.”
>She breathes out in agreement.
>Twilight is silent until you are all presented in front of Celestia.
>“Your Highness.”
>She curtly bows to her idol.
>“Greetings, everypony. We are here to discuss some matters concerning the Element of Kindness.”
>All heads spin round to Fluttershy.
>Twilight speaks for you.
>“I hate to announce this to you, Princess. But I believe it best that Fluttershy has her title removed.
>Celestia sighs, looking away from her student.
>“Anonymous, do you agree with Twilight?”
>Before you get a chance to speak the human bellows.
>“Our mistress can never have her title torn from her! She is perfection and pu-!”
>A guard promptly shuts him up with a spear, pointed square between his eyes.
>The Princess turns to you again.
“Yes. I do agree.”
>She raises her eyebrow, hinting for you to continue.
“The pain this pony, no, this monster of a beast has brought me cannot be testified with words. There aren't enough. She emasculated me, stole whatever vision I had of a world where the creatures truly could live in harmony. Fluttershy is less deserving of an honourable title like the one she possesses than the prisoners in Tartarus.”
>Twilight and Rainbow exchange glances of resentment towards their former friend.
>You clear your throat again, dreading the words you have to say.
“She broke my bones.”
>You point at your chair for her.
“She tormented me in the hospital bed I lay in to recover. She /molested/ me. If it weren't for Rainbow Dash, I wouldn't have escaped her cottage and I would've become a depraved slave like this wretch of an accomplice you see before you. I cannot look at him without feeling some sort of primal rage and fear towards this supposedly timid mare.”
>Celestia's regal pupils shrink to the size of pennies.
>There's no doubt that this was unexpected, to say the least.
>“W... Well, Rainbow Dash. Does your experience match up to that of Anonymous's?”
>She nods.
>“The things I saw her do to him... I don't wanna repeat it, Princess.”
>Mutters come from behind you.
>It's hard to tell what's being said.
>“Weren't supposed... s-see anyway... your fault.”
>“Fluttershy, you have something to add in your defence?”
>The pony's head strikes up immediately.
>“N-no. Princess.”
>Her head then reluctantly looks over the shawled human.
>“What do you have to say? And furthermore, your name?”
>Finally, he rears his head from the cloak.
>“I have nothing to say to any that oppose my mistress. My name is irrelevant.”
>Fluttershy still doesn't seem to show any remorse.
>Only fear for the Princess.
>“I am stuck with a hard decision. The Element of Kindness clearly cannot be considered that anymore. But I am not sure who would replace her.”
>“P-perhaps-”
>“Silence. You no longer have the right to say anything to me. You will be cast into the Canterlot Dungeon. You shall not be given any luxuries. Water and food will be provided every day of course, but you shall not have any contact with the outside world, much less other non-pony species. Your vile actions have earned you nothing less than the hatred of your friends and abhorrence from me. If you ever wish to amuse yourself, you will do yourself a kindness by avoiding any thoughts of Anonymous and of your old friends, for you will never see them again. Fluttershy, for these crimes you've committed towards this nameless human and to Anonymous, you will disappear from Equestria. Forever.”
>Twilight, struck by her Princess's words, raises one of her hooves slightly.
>“I never knew you could be so... final, Princess.”
>Celestia shoots a sorrowful look at her pupil then turns to you.
>“Anonymous, I cannot speak for your assailant, but I am overcome with sorrow for you. I hope after today you can one day recover from these awful series of events.”
>Biting your lip, you can feel your eyes fill with liquid whilst you nod to her.
>“You and your friends may now return to Ponyville. The same guards shall take you.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you.”
>You lead Rainbow and Twilight out of the palace hall.
>“Guards, take these two and put them in the deepest pit you can find in this city.”
>They bow their heads and do as they're commanded.
>Behind, you hear your friends trying to keep quiet about what to do next.
>They seem to be trying to work out the words to say.
>It doesn't matter.
>They are your friends, and while you're infinitely and eternally thankful for their help, you're not sure whether words, counselling, anything at all could repair all the damage that has been done.
>All that really matters right now is that they did stick by you.
>What are friends for, after all?
>But Jesus Christ, what kind of group of normal friends have to deal with this sort of shit?
>It's almost as though you should be the one apologising to them.
>Finally, one of them peeps up as you get back into the chariot.
>“What are you feeling, Anon?”
>That's one question you're still not sure what the answer is.
>Rainbow Dash deserves one though.
>After all she's put up with, after her confessing herself to you.
>It's damn surprising she's still stuck around.
>Your thoughts are clustering now, and Rainbow is still sitting, expecting an answer.
>The trail of your mind finally comes to a climax, and what just happened in there sinks in.
>Maybe you finally have an answer.
“I... I'm not certain, to be honest. But I do feel... safe.”
>Her eyebrow lifts.
>“What do you mean?”
>There's no point trying to dodge the issue.
“I feel safe with you. I'm surprised you're still here after all of this crap. Nobody else would have stayed after having to endure as much as you.”
>Her eyes start to twinkle a little.
“You stayed with me when I thought there was nothing that could help me. You rescued me from more than just Fluttershy.”
>Her eyes begin turning misty.
“And don't think I've forgotten your role, Twilight. You may not have believed Rainbow to begin with, but if you hadn't gotten involved at the last minute, I dread to think what would have become of me in that cottage. I am forever grateful.”
>She nods at you, at a loss for words.
>Dash is still on the verge of crying.
“I can only say thank you, Rainbow Dash. I hope we can go from that dreadful place in our lives.”
>The rainbow mane flicks and she now faces you.
>She beams at you with tears now flowing, then squeezes you tightly.
>You jump a little at the suddenness of it but slowly and hesitantly, you return it.
>Something inside of you seems to change.
>Your stomach lurches a little, but you know it's not sickness.
>It's something amazing.
>After so long of resenting physical contact, you thought it impossible.
>But now...
>The feeling of another soothes you.