>Hearth's Warming Eve has come and passed.
>Your mind still boggles at the parallels between Earth and Equestria.
>You exit from your house, thankful for Rarity making you a badass faux fur coat.
>You look like some kind of badass Cossack.
>MOTHERLAND AHHHHHHH!
>Anyway, you're happily crunching through the snow, determined to see Twilight today.
>She promised to do a comparative study of Earth and Equestrian holidays.
>It's going to be relatively fun, you think.
>And the purple bookworm kinda grew on you.
>As a friend!
>You also want to see if she got any more books about humans.
>Not that Daring Do and the Human Hegemony drivel, but actual archeological texts.
>Yeah, you were the Precursors to this world, which makes the ponies treat you with awe and respect.
>And nervousness.
>You'll never forget how Celestia and Luna reacted to you.
>You're almost to the library, when you see the door open, and Twilight trots out.
>Holy shit, her outfit is adorable.
>She's wearing little booties, a scarf, and some kind of fur-trimmed saddle.
>She looks around, says something to Spike, who's standing in the door, waving at her.
>You furrow your brow.
>But, you were supposed to hang out.
>She levitates a pair of over-stuffed saddlebags onto her back, and starts to trot off.
>You rush towards her, wanting to sneak up and surprise her.
>The snow betrays you, by crunching loudly under your feet.
>Her ears flick, as she turns towards you, and her face breaks into an apologetic smile.
>"Oh, hey Anon!"
>You wave at her, and approach her.
>She gives you a friendly hug.
"So, whatcha up to?"
>She tilts her head to the saddlebags.
>"I know I promised we'd hang out today, but I was just thinking about Zecora."
>Your smile.
>The Zebra was awesome!
>"Yeah, so we're technically in winter, and while the Everfree doesn't get too cold... well, I figured I'd drop off some blankets, oil, and other stuff. Like, to keep warm. A couple of good books."
 
>You beam at Twilight.
"Heh. Nothing like reading in front of a fireplace, while it's cold and snowing outside."
>Your eyes glaze over.
>So do hers.
>You shake yourselves out of it.
"Want some company?"
>Twilight shakes her head.
>"No, but thank you! I mean, no offense to you, but you're not as a quick as a pony."
>You shrug, and reach behind Twilight's ear, scratching it.
>She kicks her hoof involuntarily, and gives you a half-serious, half-pleased glare.
>"Stop that! In a bit, though."
>You grin, and keep at it.
>Her eyes roll a little, before she shakes her head again.
"Yeah, well. We can do this."
>She nods, and ducks from your hand.
>"All right, all right. I really gotta get going."
>You nod, and gesture to the library.
"Meet you back here? I'll bring some food and stuff."
>She hold her hoof to her chin, and nods.
>"Yeah, sounds good! You fine with staying over?"
>You nod in affirmation.
>Twilight starts trotting off in the direction of the Everfree, while you figure you might as well get some shopping done.
>Off to the markets you go.
>About two hours later, you come out with your satchel full of goods.
>Trying to get Irish Breakfast tea was a hassle.
>You had to describe an island that was full of old castles, peop- er, ponies that like beer, and hate the monarchs.
>Turns out they did have something like that.
>Kerry Bog Island, where Kerry Bog Ponies originate from.
>They're apparently really good at walking over swamps and bogs and stuff.
>Anyway, you managed to get tea from there. And baked goods. You also figured Twilight could use some new quills and parchment.
>Nothing too good for a friend, right?
>You're walking back to the library, when you see Rainbow Dash in the distance.
>Small leaflets are dropping from her saddlebags, as you pick one up and read it.
 
"Caution citizens of Equestria! A large emergency blizzard has been scheduled for today! Areas affected include Canterlot, Ponyville, and the Everfree Forest! Please remain indoors, as the snow is projected to be removed in 3 days from today! Signed, General Winter."
>You blink, and wave at Rainbow Dash.
>She's far away, so you start running towards her.
"Rainbow! Heeeeeeyyyy! Rainbooooow?!"
>She flies up into the air, and dumps the rest of the leaflets.
>Seeing you wave, she returns it, and zooms down towards you.
>You get into a catcher position, bracing yourself for impact.
>"YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
>The cyan pegasus barrels into you, and knocks you to the ground.
>She grins at you from her vantage point.
>"Better! I think you almost kept your balance."
>You huff, as you had the wind knocked from you.
"Yeah... well. So, what's all this then?"
>She looks at the leaflet in your hands, and her expression grows grim.
>"Yeah. So, basically, we need to schedule a blizzard here. We got a new Weather Director, and he's a bit of a hard flank."
>You push Rainbow off, and she stands next to you.
"Well, we uh. We have a slight problem."
>She looks at you with concern.
>"What's up? Are humans vulnerable to cold or something?"
>You sniff, and grin.
"Heh. Nope. Actually, we're fairly hardy. No, well, it says here that the Everfree is going to be affected? And Twilight went to see Zecora."
>Rainbow facehooves.
>"Oh, BUCK it! Damn. Okay. Okay, here's what we're gonna do! You go find the others. I'm gonna zip over to Cloudsdale, and see if they can alter the storm's course!"
>She prods you in the chest.
>"Find them, and tell them to be ready to organize a rescue party."
>You nod, firmly.
"I'll have somepony watch the library in case she comes back."
>RD nods.
>"Good idea. Okay, I'm off! I'll meet you at Fluttershy's cottage!"
>She zips off, her rainbow mane making a trail.
>You start jogging towards the library.
 
>You figure you're gonna grab Spike, and have him share your workload.
>Interrupting his ice cream binge-
>Seriously, what the hell is wrong with that dragon?!
>It's fricking winter!
> -you grab him, and tell him to grab Rarity and Pinkie Pie.
>You figured he'll enjoy that.
>You're gonna go get AJ and Fluttershy.
>After giving each other a high five, you start running in opposite directions.
>Looking around, you see ponies running about, packing supplies, closing shutters, stacking firewood - that sort of thing.
>You'll stop by Sweet Apple Acres first.
>Running up, you see the entire Apple family pulling barrels of something inside the house.
>Big Mac grunts, as he hefts a barrel onto his back.
>AJ is running around pulling tarps over the trees.
>You give a wave at AJ, who spits out the tarp.
>"What in tarnation? Anon? Don't you know that there's a blizzard coming?"
>You breathe heavily, as you wave towards the direction of the Everfree.
"Twilight is at the Everfree Forest."
>AJ groans, and bucks a tree in frustration.
>"Consarn' it! What in hay was she thinkin'?!"
>You shake her head.
"She left early in the morning. Went to drop some stuff off with Zecora. Rainbow Dash wants a rescue team standing by just in case."
>AJ nods.
>"Ah'm in, but ah gotta make sure mah kin are safe."
"Yeah, we're going to meet up at Fluttershy's cottage."
>She nods again.
>"Be there in an hour or so."
>She gets back to pulling tarps, and you start jogging towards Fluttershy.
>This is going to be weird.
>You mean, okay, yeah - Element of Kindness and all that, but still.
>'Hey Fluttershy! Our friend might get caught in a blizzard, so we're all going to use your house as a staging ground for a rescue!'
>You grimace to yourself as you keep jogging.
>That'll work well, certainly.
>You start mulling some ideas over.
>Eventually, you near the cottage.
>You decide to take a couple of breaths before knocking.
>Filling your lungs with the crisp winter air, you take a look around.
 
>The sun is still shining, but there's a large and ominous cloud bank rolling in.
>The light covering of snow makes everything shine more than usual, and casts Ponyville in a much different light.
>It's still very pretty, but winter has a certain... something to it.
>Everything looks mysterious, and mystical.
>Or maybe it's the effects of the rather cute play the ponies put on recently.
>You knock on the door.
>Fluttershy cracks the door open, and looks at you.
>"Oh, Anon, hello. What brings you here? Don't you know there's a blizzard coming?"
>You nod, and try to recall the speech you were thinking about, as to not spook her.
"Yeah, kinda the reason why we're here. Twilight is in the Everfree-"
>Fluttershy gasps.
"-and we're concerned that she might not make it home before the blizzard hits. So just as a -precaution- would you be okay if we used your house as a staging point, just in case?"
>She opens the door wider.
>"Of course, Anon! You didn't even have to ask! When are the others getting here?"
>You give a shrug.
"AJ said she'd be here in about an hour. Rainbow Dash is going to try to get them to divert the storm. Spike is fetching Pinkie and Rarity."
>Fluttershy nods, and starts clearing space in her cottage.
>You move to help her, and eventually you get a couple of the couches and armchairs close to the fireplace.
>Her animal friends were suprisingly helpful.
>And you couldn't help but grin when Angel "helped" you out by directing you two by holding two carrots.
>Like he's an aircraft controller or something.
>Why would he even know that?!
>You shake your head and ignore it.
>Twilight is in danger, and you're concerned about her.
>Your heart speeds up.
>...the hell?
>You and Fluttershy sit down on the armchair, sweating from the exertion.
>Fluttershy leans against you, and instinctively, you start stroking her mane.
>She sighs in content.
>You sure are glad that nopony has a weird stalker-ish crush on you and is trying to guess your fetish.
>That would be silly and unrealistic.
 
>Somebody knocks on the door, and Fluttershy flies to open it.
>Rarity and Pinkie Pie come in, followed by Spike.
>You exchange pleasantries all around, while you brief the ponies on the situation.
>Singling Pinkie out, you tell her that you want her to watch the library, until the blizzard hits.
>If Twilight doesn't come back, she'll go back here, and then you'll start searching for her.
>Pinkie gives you a crisp salute, and gallops out, promising to bring back plenty of sugary sweets.
>She comes in moments later, walking backwards.
"Applejack is here too!"
>True to her word, AJ gallops in, as Pinkie gives her a hoof bump, before galloping out once more.
>Rarity asks Fluttershy whether it would be hypothetically possible for all of them to sleep over in case this will be an overnight thing.
>"Oh, uh. Of course not. It'll be a little snug, but I'm sure we'll all fit."
>You pull the tea out of your satchel, and ask them if they want some Kerry Island Bog tea.
>After a chorus of affirmation, you ask Fluttershy where her tea kettle is.
>You stoke the fire, and eventually get the hot water ready.
>You don't quite feel comfortable in a large group of ponies.
>You can't help but feel that you... don't belong.
>Even though they've been nothing but nice, kind, and understanding.
>It's just a -thing-.
>You make a mental note to ask Spike about it when the situation arises.
>Looking outside, your face falls.
>It began to snow.
>Hard.
>You hear a knock on the door.
>Shit!
>It's Rainbow Dash and Pinkie.
>You walk into the room, with the tea kettle.
>Pinkie sees you walk in, and shakes her head at you, a frown on her face.
>Meanwhile, RD is bitching about the Weather Control group.
>"-and can you believe it?! They told me that the Element of Magic should've been SMARTER than that?! As though Twilight could BE any more smart!"
 
>AJ rubs her chin with her hoof, while Rarity interjects.
>R:"I love Twilight to pieces - I'm sure we all do - but she does have a slight tendency to..."
>She makes a circling gesture with her hoof, while the rest of the ponies nod.
>AJ:"Do silly things without thinking 'em through?"
>You all glance outside the window.
>The snow is already a foot thick.
>Rainbow starts speaking slowly, in a tired voice:
>"Oh, and gals? The thing is, they said this blizzard is more severe than they originally planned. It'll be too dangerous for anypony to be outside."
>She looks at you, and you nod.
>Anypony.
>And your friend is in trouble.
"Yeah. How will I find her?"
 
>Rainbow Dash looks at you, and Rarity.
>RD: "Okay. Rarity, you remember the emergency flashes?"
>You look between them, confused.
>Rarity nods, scrunches her face, and shoots off red sparks from her horn.
>Rainbow Dash points at the sparks.
>RD:"Rarity here will shoot these up into the air every half hour. Use 'em to orient yourself when you find her - it's dark as hay out there."
>Fluttershy looks at you with concern.
>FS: "Are you sure you're up to walking through the snow?"
>You give a shrug, and spread your arms wide.
"Not like I have much choice. Our friend is in trouble, and you can't slog through it. I've got longer legs."
>The ponies nod at that.
>AJ goes off and pulls a scarf out of Rarity's bags.
>R: "Hey!"
>AJ: "Sorry pardner, he's gonna need it."
>Rarity nods, and then looks around Fluttershy's house.
>R: "Fluttershy, you wouldn't happen to have a compass just lying around here somewhere, would you?"
>Fluttershy's eyes go wide, and she scoots off for a moment, returning with a compass in her mouth, which she places in front of Rarity.
>F: "Um, will this do?"
>Rarity surveys the spinning needle carefully, and then nods brightly.
>R:"Most wonderful!"
>Her horn glows with the power of magic, and the compass is... encompassed by her magic aura.
>You look on with curiosity, though peeking out the window every time the opportunity presents itself.
>Crap.
>Two feet at least.
>Suddenly, you see the compass float before you, as Rarity prods you with her hoof.
>R: "Pay attention, Anon! This will detect minor magic disturbances, such as a unicorn."
>You take the compass, and look at it.
>Pointing straight at Rarity.
>You nod, and look at Fluttershy.
"Would you happen to have a torch, or a lantern or something?"
>She scoots off again, and brings back another one of those firefly lamps that Ponyville seems to favor.
>You take it, and walk towards the door.
 
>All of a sudden, the ponies are all over you.
>Multiple hooves are hugging you, and holding on to you.
>Fluttershy looks on you with misty eyes.
>"Please find our friend."
>AJ moves her hat over her eyes, as she claps you on the shoulder.
>"Ah reckon she's fine but... if she ain't - ah believe in you, Anon."
>Pinkie just straight up hugs you.
>"Nonny is the best. He'll find her quicker than two shakes of a lambs' tail!"
>Rarity hugs you as well.
>"I have the utmost confidence in Anon - he'll surely return triumphant."
>RD grins as she shakes your hand with her hoof.
>You're not quite sure how she did that...
>"You can do it, Anon! Ain't no blizzard that stopped a human before."
>You feel a warm energy suffuse you.
>Maybe friendships is magic?
>You definitely feel like you can take on the world right now.
>You grin, and open the door, stepping out into the biting chill wind.
>You hear the door slam behind you.
>Looking around, you draw a breath of the cold air, and exhale loudly.
>It didn't even have time to come out as vapor - it was blown away by the biting wind.
>Grimacing, you fumble at the compass in the pockets of your coat.
>Stupid gloves.
>It's pointing towards the cottage.
>Rarity must be pinging it.
>You nod, and start moving towards the Everfree Forest with determination in your steps.
>Thankfully, the wind is blowing in your back, making it easier to walk through the snow.
>Slightly though
>*CRUNCH CRUNCH*
>You raise the lantern higher, as you pass underneath the canopy of the huge forest.
>Smiling slightly at the way ponies treat this place.
>You chuckle as you remember Twilight's reaction when you told her ALL the forests on Earth are like the Everfree.
>There's less snow on the ground here, so you pick up the pace slightly.
>Looking around, you give a shout.
"TWIIIIILIIIIIIIGHT!"
>You close your eyes, and listen.
>The wind whistles as it speeds between the trees.
>You don't hear Twilight though.
 
>You set out deeper into the forest, glancing back periodically.
>Suddenly, you see a red flare shoot up into the sky.
>It's been half an hour already?!
>And she's not back...
>FUCK!
>The enormity of the situation suddenly hits you, as you gulp down the cold air.
>She wasn't dressed warmly enough.
>She didn't come home yet.
>And there's a fucking BLIZZARD outside.
>Your eyes go wide.
>You start to hustle through the forest, crashing through the undergrowth, calling her name out periodically.
>Your lantern is raised high, in the hopes that she will either see you, or hear you.
>Still, if she's unconscious....
>Shit shit shit shit.
>You stop for a moment to catch your breath, and fumble for the compass.
>It slips out of your gloved fingers, and falls to the ground.
>You kneel down to look at it, and your heart skips a beat.
>The needle is vibrating ever so slightly between south to Ponyville, and east.
>You grab the compass, and start moving to the right.
>Well, forward and right.
>Magical magnets, how do they work?
>*CRUNCH CRUNCH*
>You pick up the pace, going from a hustle to a straight up jog.
>You're still being cautious though.
>There's dangerous animals, and the terrain is uneven.
>You don't want to break your own leg, or get eaten by a Manticore.
>You glance at the compass again.
>Yeah, it's definitely pointing more east.
>You stop for a moment to check if you can still see Ponyville.
>NOPE
>Damn it all.
>You'll have to hope you can make out Rarity's flares from wherever Twilight is.
>Thumping your head, you keep moving, and try to remember if Zecora's cottage is in this direction or not.
>Can't remember.
>Though you'll be happy as fuck if she's nice and snug with the awesome Zebra.
>*CRUNCH CRUNCH*
>Keep on truckin' Anon.
 
-some time passes-
 
 
>You're breathing heavily, giving off plumes of vapor.
>You kneel down, and pick up some snow to place in your mouth.
>You're not sure whether you're suppoed to do that or not, but you'll be damned if you don't do everything in your power.
>Pulling the compass out of your pockets, you give it a glance.
>It's wobbling like crazy.
>She must be here somewhere.
"TWIIIIIILIIIIIIIGHT!"
>Your heart is beginning to race.
>Come on, where the hell is she!
>You fall down on your knees, and start feeling the snow, or look for hoofsteps.
>Nothing.
>Come on come on come on....
>Where is she!?
>You get back up, and hook the lantern to one of the trees.
>Suddenly, you think you see something purple by the tree next to this one.
>Your heart skips a beat again.
>You-
>Rush doesn't do it justice.
>If somebody was looking at you from the side, it would've looked like you -blurred.-
>And ended up by the tree.
>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4L6f5Dz19Bk
>You start digging at the snow, shoveling huge handfuls of it at a time.
>Oh god!
>She's there, caked in snow and frost.
>You rip your hat off, and press it against her chest.
>She's so cold...
>You close your eyes, and cover the other ear.
>...
>YESSSS! HEARTBEAT!
>You begin to clear off the snow from her.
>She doesn't respond to your actions.
>Fuck fuck fuck
>How long until hypothermia and frostbite set in?
>You think you cleared enough space to pick her up.
>Crouching down, you slip your hands underneath her, and lift.
>Thank the stars she's a unicorn, and not as heavy.
>You hear crackling sounds as some of the ice that cakes her breaks under your fingers.
>Damn.
>You look at her with concern, and worry, biting your lower lip.
>She was conscious, and moving just... hours ago!
>This isn't right!
>You open your coat, and wince as the cold air bites at your chest.
>Freeing one of your arms, you unbutton it further, and place Twilight in the crook of your arm.
>Damn it.
 
>You use your other arm to hold the coat closed, and look around.
>You can't see Ponyville from here.
>And the compass is going to be useless, because of Twilight's proximity.
>You squint your eyes against the wind, trying to make out your footsteps.
>They're gone already.
>You groan, as you start moving in what you think is the right direction.
>One way or another, -you're- still warm.
>You grab the lantern from the tree.
>You'll either see the flare, find Zecora, or find shelter.
>Of course, there's also the possiblity that you'll succumb to the cold, and you'll both die.
>You shake your head.
>*CRUNCH CRUNCH*
>You start walking in what you hope is the proper direction to Ponyville.
>Not gonna happen.
>You're Anonymous, and you have to save her.
>You give a glance to her.
>Some of the ice is melting already, running in reivulets down her coat.
>Good, good.
>She's warming up.
>You keep trduging through the snow.
>Can't really see anything though.
>The wind is pressing against you now, as you hunch yourself over slightly.
>Your fur coat is actually billowing in the wind.
>This isn't good.
>Because it's also open, and chilling her as well.
>You stop for a moment, and try to adjust it so that it covers more of her.
>You delicately pick up her left forehoof, and place it around your neck.
>You hunch over even further, and expose your side, making sure she's covered completely, snug against your chest.
>You leave a small opening so that she doesn't suffocate.
>Setting your jaw, you plunge headfirst into the wind, crouching even further this time.
>At least it's easier to walk now.
>Suddenly, you look straight forward, and straighten up.
>You -think- you saw a flash of red to the southwest.
>Grinning, you decide to keep moving towards it.
>It's your best best, after all.
>Leaning against the wind, you keep walking.
>*CRUNCH CRUNCH CRACK*
>OH SHI-
 
>A searing pain shoots through your thigh, as you fall down.
>You twist yourself so that you don't fall onto Twilight.
>This causes the pain in your thigh to flare.
>FUCKING DAMN IT
>You squeeze Twilight harder as you look at your thigh.
>...shit
>Something sliced through it as you fell.
>You look around, and see what did it.
>A fucking branch sticking out of the ground.
>What the actual fuck?
>You grit your teeth, and try to get up.
>Searing agony shoots through you, as you collapse back to the ground.
>The falling snow begins to dust your coat.
>You sigh in exhaustion, the ache in your leg, and the tiredness of your muscles letting you know that you pushed yourself.
>Hard.
>You attempt to stand up once more.
>This causes another bout of pain, and some more blood to ooze out onto the snow.
>It would be very beautiful as a picture, but right now YOU'RE GOING TO FUCKING DIE!
>You look at the pony in your arms.
>Twilight.
>You friend.
>She was there for you when you landed in Equestria. She quickly befriended you, and taught you how to integrate into pony society.
>She told you about the legends and myths of humans in Equestria.
>She defended you from the ponies who thought you were an ancient monster.
>You two spent so much time together - you were both information sponges.
>And when she discovered that you actually had a knack for magical theory, she was overjoyed.
>You were her sounding board, and she actually listened to many of your ideas.
>Not to mention that actually solving these thaumaturgical equations is hella fun.
>And you failed her.
>You sigh.
"Twilight? I'm sorry. I don't think we're making it out of here."
>You feel her hoof tighten around your neck.
>"fire... hearts... as long as it burns"
>Did she just...
>Suddenly, your mind goes to that pageant that the ponies had.
>But...
>She's more than a friend to you, isn't she, Anon?
>Your mind blanks for a second.
>Where the hell did that come from?
 
>You think about it.
>Well, you do spend more time with her.
>And well...
>She was there for you.
>And you were there for her too.
>Whenever she'd be stressed out, you'd calm her.
>And you looked forward to days when you could stay over, just reading and chatting.
>Just spending time with her.
>...
>Fuck
>You're in... uhhh..
>With a member of a different species.
>Dad would be so proud.
>You close your eyes, as a couple of tears trickle down, burning your chilled skin.
>So you didn't just fail a friend.
>You failed someo-
>Somepony you love.
>Your eyes shoot open, as your heart begins to race.
"NO!"
>You will NOT fail her!
>You are Anonymous, the human!
>And if there's anything humans are known for, it's their perserverance.
>Their song comes unbidden into your mind, as you fold your good leg under you, and begin to push.
>Slowly you start to get up, moving the injured leg, but keeping your weight off of it.
>Pain shoots through you, but you grit your teeth.
>Panting heavly, you stand upright.
>You take a step.
>And another.
>The pain is bad.
>It feels like your leg has giant fucking needles in it.
>You look down at Twilight.
>She fucking NEEDS you to HAUL ASS and get the FUCK OUT OF THIS FOREST!
>You snarl through your teeth, as you take another step.
>Twilight shifts in your arms.
>You hold her tightly, as you keep walking in the direction where you saw the flare.
>COME OOOOON!
>You look back, seeing that you've lost some blood.
>Just one step at a time.
>You can fucking do this.
>*CRUNCH DRAG CRUNCH DRAG*
>Every once in a while you stop, and take a breather.
>You're starting to shiver pretty badly yourself.
>You periodically check on Twilight.
"I'm getting you out of here, Twi. "
>You want to say more.
>She probably can't hear you.
"...iloveyou"
 
>Suddenly, your heart goes into overdrive, beating like a drum against your ribcage.
>It feels as though lightning is running through your veins.
>As though a river of burning ice is in your mind, a torrent of energy flowing through your head.
>You gasp loudly as you feel the pain recede.
>Not so much recede, but like it's happening to somebody else.
>You feel like you can level mountains, and run for days.
>You start walking up a hill.
>Yeah, the pain is there, but the weird energy is letting you ignore it.
>You can't help but think that this is you just blocking it out.
>And it will hurt like FUCK tomorrow.
>Provided there -is- a tomorrow.
>For both of you.
>You look down at your small purple burden.
>WHAT THE?!
>There's a glow coming from your chest.
>Where your heart is.
>Could you be..?
>Magic?
>No fucking way.
>NO FUCKING WAY!
>Twilight's eyes flutter open.
>"A..anon?"
"Shhh. I'll get us out."
>Her eyes close, as she shifts in your arms again, settling closer to your chest.
>Her horn touches the glow.
>Maybe she cast it?
>You shake your head, and crest the hill.
>Suddenly, you see a red flare shoot into the sky, and explode.
>Ponyville!
>You're so close!
>You make your way down the hill.
>You think you see a clearing in the trees.
>You make a beeline for it.
>*CRUNCH DRAG CRUNCH DRAG*
>You blink as you come out from the Everfree.
>You look around.
>Your lantern has gone out, but you can still see...
>The wind also seems louder.
>You don't know how long this will last.
>You keep on walking.
>Seeing lights in the distance... is that...
>YESSS!
>You see lights from Fluttershy's cottage!
>You keep limping towards it.
>The door opens, and you see silhouttes of ponies framed by the light.
>One of them calls out to you, and you give a hoarse yell in response.
>They start waving at you, as two of them trot... over the snow?
>Relief washes through you, and at that exact moment, the torrent of energy coursing through you disappears.
>The clarity of your vision and hearing also fade.
 
>You start to sag to the ground, when two of the ponies prop you up.
>You can't quite make out what they're saying though.
>"Anon... Twilight... leg... hours... worried..."
>You keep walking, as you enter the cottage.
>The ponies lead you to a couch, which you collapse into.
>Somepony tries to take Twilight from you.
>You can't see anything, but you bare your teeth and snarl.
>They back off.
>Somepony starts placing something warm next to the both of you.
>Twilight's hoof tightens around your neck.
>You think Fluttershy drapes a heavy blanket over both of you as somepony else pulls the coat off from you.
>The warmth starts to seep into you.
>You're safe.
>Twilight is safe.
>You're somewhere warm now.
>Your leg throbs.
"Th... tha..."
>You black out.
 
>You slowly emerge from unconsciousness.
>It's dim around you.
>You feel warm - hot, even.
>You look around, and feel under the blanket.
>They placed like a ton of hot water bottles around the two of you.
>You look at Twilight.
>She's breathing deeply, but she seems fine.
>You exhale, and shift on the couch, getting into a more comfortable position.
>Twilight moves slightly, settling on your chest, and turning around so that her muzzle faces you.
>Her eyes open slowly, as she peers into your eyes.
>"Anon?"
>Her voice sounds hoarse and raw.
"Yeah?"
>So does yours.
>"You came for me?"
>You don't say anything, but give a small nod.
>Her hoof tightens around your neck.
>"I thought..."
"Shhh. Go back to sleep. We're safe now."
>She nods as her eyes close.
>"Thank you."
"Don't be silly. How could I not?"
>She snuggles up against you.
>"Did you mean the other thing?"
 
>Your heart lurches.
"Uhhh, what do you mean?"
>"I think I heard you say something else. I couldn't quite make it out..."
>You thank Luna it's dark in here and she can't see you blush.
"Uhm, well..."
>"I also felt a surge of magic come from you right after you said it."
>You gasp quietely.
"That was me?"
>She rests her head on your neck, and you move your hand to start stroking her mane.
>"Yes. Whatever it was, it must've... well. I'm not sure -what- it did, but you and I, we're going to figure it out. When we recover, that is."
>Somehow this isn't that displeasing.
>BESIDES YOU JUST DID FUCKING MAGIC!
>YOU'RE A WIZARD!
>Your heart starts beating faster.
>If you can do that... thing that you did?
>Again?
>You...
>And you didn't even need to be a virgin at 30 to do it.
>/r9k/ eat your heart out
>You smile, and keep stroking her mane.
>She frowns, and looks at you.
>"Are you going to tell me?"
>You wince.
"You'll think I'm weird."
>She snorts softly.
>"Anon, you're talking to a mare who won't leave the house without a checklist, and who thought that books and studying are more important than friends for the majority of her life."
>Her eyes look like they're purple amethysts in the night.
>"-I- of all ponies, wouldn't judge."
>You take a deep breath.
>But what if she's lying?!
>What if she laughs.
>That'd be worse.
>Then again, you can turn it into a joke if things go really bad.
>You stop stroking her mane.
>She looks at you quizzically.
"When I thought we weren't going to make it out alive, first I swore that I would get you out. Then, I said that, well, I love you."
>She blinks and looks at you.
>You close your mouth, and cringe internally.
>GET AWAY FROM ME YOU FREAK
>Twilight blinks a couple more times.
>"...Really?"
>She sounds surprised.
>You nod slowly.
"Yeah. It's uh. Well, yes. I do. Like... a lot."
>BRAVO CICERO!
>Carthage will surely be destroyed due to your masterful oratory.
 
>She laughs slightly nervously.
>"Uhhh... well, I don't quite know... that is, thank you! Uhh..."
>Oh god oh god oh god she's gonna tell you to get the fuck out and it'll be awkward and you won't hang out again
>Your dumb ass had to open your mouth you stupid idiot why can't you
>"I uh. I mean, my friends come first but... I think I would like to spend more time with you."
>Did she... did she say?
>You look at her, one eyebrow raised.
>She gives another nervous laugh.
>Your hand shaking slightly, you stroke her mane again.
>She shivers a bit, and lies back down on you.
>"Mm. If just for that."
>You give a small smile, as you stroke her mane normally.
>She doesn't seem to mind, as she gives a yawn.
>"We'll probably be recovering for a while, and uhm. Well, this is nice, actually. I think we should say something about sharing body heat?"
>Your smile widens, and you nod.
"Yeah, that works. Sounds plausible."
>She jerks her head back up, and looks around.
"Something wrong?"
>She blinks, and smiles, eyes sparkling.
>"Uhhh, well I was just thinking, you saved a maiden from certain doom, right?"
>You blush once again.
"Well, I wouldn't be so dramatic about it..."
>She leans over, and brushes your lips with a kiss, before quickly putting her head on your chest again.
"okaygoodnightAnon!"
>You hear her start breathing deeply, as though she's asleep.
>That just happened.
>She kissed you.
>Huh...
>You feel the room spin slightly.
>Your heart races.
>So...
>She likes you?!
>She LIKES you likes you?!
>You fall asleep with a smile on your lips.
 
-FIN-