>September never stays this cold where you come from.
>At least,
>It would be September back home.
>Ponyville is a frosty semblance of autumn.
>Your shack of a house is lacking in warm comfort.
>The gusts all flow easily through cracks in the walls as you sit on your bed wrapped in a blanket.
>There's no food in your kitchen.
>So you nurse a bottle of Applejack Daniels.
>It's actually just a very potent bottle of cider.
>But you think it's quite humorous to call it that.
>Being well beyond drunk at this point, you laugh at your stupid joke.
>There's a knock on the door.
>Must be Pinkie Pie again.
>Coming to try to get you out of your house.
"Leave me alone! I'm sick!"
>You throw your bottle at the door and it shatters.
>Fucking ponies.
>She opens the door anyway.
>A cold breeze sweeps into the shack.
>Fluttershy steps in bundled in a scarf and fuzzy earmuffs.
>"H-hello Anon..."
>You pull your blanket around you tighter.
"What do you want?"
>She removes her gear.
>Why is she wearing a collar?
 
 
>"I know you're not very s-social and um, don't come out much so-"
"Get out."
>"So... So I thought you m-might be happier if you had a pet."
"Leave me alone."
>"I thought long about what would be the p-perfect pet for you but... I couldn't do it."
"I just want to be left alone."
>"But what if... What if I was your p-pet?"
>You give a sardonic laugh,
"I don't want a fucking pet. Least of all a pet that's you."
>She moves over to one of your sweaters on the floor.
>Like a dog, she pats it out into a bed and curls up.
"What do you think you're doing?"
>She yawns and lays her head on her hooves.
>She's serious.
>You glare at her.
>She smiles.
"Whatever."
>You lay down and go to sleep.
>It's cold.
 
 
>You wake up with a hangover.
"Ugh..."
>The wind has only increased outside.
>Your nose is frozen.
>The wind crashes against your shack.
>But your body is warm.
>You look down to see Fluttershy curled up against you.
>She cracks her eye open and smiles.
>"G-good morning, you were shivering in your sleep so I-"
>You fling her off the bed with an arm.
>She tumbles to the ground with a whimper.
>You actually had something to do today.
>You go to shit, and shower.
>There's no warm water so It's a cold shower.
>There's also no booze left so you guzzle your mouthwash.
"Fucking gross."
>You stopped shaving a few days ago.
>What's the point?
>You scratch at your stubble as you get dressed.
>Newspaper makes excellent insulation.
>You stuff a bunch into your old jacket and leave.
>It's desolate outside.
>The wind doesn't want to let up and leaves fly about everywhere.
>None of the ponies are out.
>"W-wait!"
>You turn to see Fluttershy gallop from your shack.
>She presents you a thermace.
"What is this?"
>She pushes it into your hand, "I went a-and got some cocoa for you w-while you were asleep..."
>You unscrew the cap and watch the steam rise up.
"I don't want your pity."
>You dump it out over a patch of leaves and toss the thermace over your shoulder.
>It bounces off her head.
 
 
>"Oh... Okay um, where are we going?"
"I'M going to Twilight's. I don't know where YOU'RE going."
>Every week
>Every damn week
>You had to go to Twilight's for lunch.
>You know what she was really doing.
>She never said it.
>But she was giving you therapy sessions.
>You arrive at Twilight's
>Enter and slam the door on Fluttershy's face.
>She'll probably wait out in the cold for you.
>"Hello Anon!"
>Twilight sits on a couch.
>She motions for you to have a seat in a recliner.
>There's tea and cookies set out.
>She wears the usual glasses and her mane done up in a bun.
>You sit and grab a handful of cookies.
>"So, how are things?"
>You speak with your mouth full.
"I'm sick."
>She raises an eyebrow and adjusts her glasses, "you don't look sick."
"Well I am."
>"You said you were sick last week, but you don't have a cough or a fever..."
>You grab more cookies.
"My throat hurts."
>She eyes the cookies you're shoving into your mouth.
>"Don't those hurt your throat?"
>You curse under your breath and throw them down.
"I drank some cocoa before I came and... It feels a little better now..."
>She smiles knowingly and pours some tea.
>Bitch.
 
 
>"Well Anon, let's talk-"
"We are."
>"About your drinking-"
"We aren't."
>"I can smell a little alcohol on your breath now-"
"It's mouth wash."
>"How MUCH 'mouthwash'?"
"Are you calling me a liar?"
>"Of course not Anon, I want to help you!"
>You wipe some chocolate from your hand on her recliner,
"I don't want or need help. I haven't drank in days."
>She smiles, "that's great Anon!"
>You try to change the conversation.
"Fluttershy won't leave me alone."
>"Oh? Want to tell me about it?"
"No."
"And she won't stop following me."
>You finish talking and sip some tea.
 
 
>"Your pet huh? How do you feel about this?"
"I want her to leave me alone. She's creepy and I don't want her in my house."
>Twilight removes her glasses.
>"You don't like the power?"
>Huh?
"What? No!"
>She chuckles.
>"So you're telling me that you, a depressed, poor, alcoholic, pathological liar doesn't enjoy having power over something?"
>She stands.
"What are you talking about?!"
>She's never called you any of those things.
>"You should give it a try..."
>She lets her mane fall from it's bun.
>"You might find you enjoy it..."
"Twilight?"
>She crawls into your lap and stradles you.
>Her hoof caresses your face.
>"Complete control..."
>She leans down and whispers into your ear.
>"It would be good for you... Anon~"
>You push her away and stand.
>She smiles at you seductively.
"I-I gotta go..."
>You turn and head for the door.
>"Same time next week. We'll talk about your gambling."
>You leave feeling odd.
 
 
>What was that?
>The wind has slowed down.
>It's still below freezing though.
>Fluttershy sits outside waiting for you.
>She's shivering and looks miserable.
>You chuckle.
"Should have brought something warm to drink."
>You walk past her.
>"Wh-where a-a-are we going n-now?"
"I'm going to the bar."
>She trots up beside you, "do you need some bits?"
>You grumble.
"I have plenty of bits."
>"W-well if you need more j-just... *achoo!* t-tell me."
"Yeah whatever."
>There's a cider bar by the barber shop.
>It's a small quiet place.
>Some even call you a regular.
"Fluttershy wait out here."
>She sits and you enter.
 
 
>Ponies greet you.
>Some glare.
>A stallion you know turns in his stool and grabs onto your jacket.
>"Where's my bits human?"
>You push his hoof away.
"I told you I'd have it this weekend."
>He grabs your collar, "but you have enough bits to come in here, you lousy lush?!"
>His hoof connects with your jaw and you fall to the floor.
>The taste of blood fills your mouth.
>Ponies stare but don't do anything.
>"I BETTER have my bits by Friday!"
>He kicks you in the ribs and leaves.
"Asshole..."
>You cough and crawl up to a seat at the bar.
"Let's have one, Golden Taps."
>The bartender sighs, "you got bits this time Anon?"
>You wipe some blood from your lip.
"Just put it on my tab."
>"Your tab is quite big now-"
"Taps, please."
>She rolls her eyes and pours you a mug.
 
 
>"Cut off."
>You look up with blurry eyes.
"Wha?"
>Golden Taps pulls your empty mug away from you, "you've had enough. I'm cutting you off."
>You almost fall from your stool,
"Yew can't do that! I'm nah... Nut drunk! I need mer ziderr."
>Damn you're smashed.
>You hang onto the counter for dear life as the world spins.
>"Go home Anon."
>You throw up below the bar.
"See! I'm sick! I need more!"
>Shit.
>Now you don't feel as drunk.
>"Your tab is ridiculous now Anon. Please leave before we have to kick you out..."
"Fine!"
>You stumble for the exit.
>As you leave like Jack Sparrow, you snatch up a random cup from some mare's hooves and down it.
"Eugh... That ain't gin..."
>You smash the glass on the floor and leave.
"Happy fucking New Year!"
 
 
>Outside it's dark.
>Wow, you were in there for a while.
>Where's Fluttershy?
>You lean against a tree and unzip your pants.
>As you start to pee, you see Fluttershy.
>She's laying on the ground with a bunch of newspapers over her.
>You zip up and walk over.
"Flutter."
>She doesn't move.
"Hey Flutserzz..."
>You crouch and slap her face.
>It's cold and she doesn't respond.
"Fluttershy?"
>She waited out here the whole time...
>Sobriety slaps you in the face.
>You snatch her up and begin running for Twilight's.
>Panic is taking over.
>Her body is cold and limp in your arms.
"Hold on Fluttershy!"
 
---
 
 
>You run to Twilight's squeezing Fluttershy tight.
>She's so cold.
>And limp.
>It was your fault.
>You made her wait.
>In the cold.
>And now she was-
>You trip.
>Fluttershy's body flies from your arms and skids across the dirt.
>You wince and get up.
"Fluttershy!"
>You wobble over to her.
>Shouldn't have drank so much.
>She has several scrapes on her body now.
"Oh god."
>You gently pick her up and take off again.
>A little slower this time.
>Her mane has a mess of leaves and mud in it now.
>Her face has a large cut on it.
>You cry.
>The first time you've cried in months.
>The emotions you haven't felt in so long spill out.
"Twilight!"
>You burst into the library.
Twilight help!
>She looks up from a book and gawks at Fluttershy's limp body hanging in your arms.
>"What happened?!"
"Sh-she was out in the co-cold and she was *hic* out there for a long time and-"
>"Set her down!"
>You obey and lay Fluttershy on a couch.
>Twilight skitters over and pushes you out of the way.
>"Move! You're drunk!"
>You shrink away from her glare.
>She turns to Fluttershy.
 
 
>"Well, she's going to be fine."
>Twilight's horn stops glowing and she turns to you.
>Glaring.
"So... She's not dead?"
>"No. She IS hypothermic and probably has pneumonia. But she's alive."
>You smile.
>That was close!
>Twilight pokes you in the chest.
>"Let's talk."
"Okay?"
>"Sit."
>Her tone is harsh.
>You sit.
>"Now, what was Fluttershy doing out in the cold for so long and why do you smell like you drank ALL the cider?"
>You chuckle.
"Well not all of it but I-"
>She slams a hoof.
"Ah. Well you see,"
>You tell her the story.
>"Alright, well why is Fluttershy all dirty and scraped up?"
"I tripped and she fell on the way here."
>Twilight groans, "you no good drunk. Can't you do anything right?!"
>You look down.
"Sorry..."
>Twilight takes a deep breath.
>"No. I apologize. I have to be... Patient with you."
>You look over to Fluttershy.
"So what now?"
>Twilight throws another blanket over her, "now, we let her rest and hope that she doesn't want anything more to do with you when she wakes up."
>You feel that at your core.
"I better go..."
>Twilight doesn't look at you, "yeah, that's the best idea you've had in months."
>You slink toward the door.
>"Oh and Anonymous?"
>You stop but don't turn around.
>"I won't tell Celestia about this."
>You nod.
"Thanks."
>"But I've lost all respect and trust in you."
>"Now get out."
 
 
>Sweet sweet nectar of the gods.
>Thank heaven for Berry Punch.
>One of the only ponies you hang out with.
>And the only one that drinks like you.
>She's stopped by your shack.
>With wine.
>The two of you shiver and drink as the wind howls  outside.
>She's sympathetic to your story.
>She always consoles you.
>"It's okay Anon, you can just apologize to Fluttershy. I'm sure she will forgive you."
>You take a long gulp from the bottle.
"Yeah. Maybe. But Twilight hates me now."
>Berry pats your shoulder, "cheer up buckaroo, I hate to see you down. Here,"
>She pushes the bottle back to your lips.
>You chuckle and drink.
>"Atta boy!"
>Berry raises her own bottle and the race is on.
>You lock eyes as you chug.
>She always beats you.
>Not tonight.
>You poke her in the ribs.
>Wine spews from her mouth and she starts coughing.
>You drain your bottle and slam it down.
"I win! I win!"
>She wipes her mouth and throws her legs up, "nu uh! You cheated!"
>To prove your point, you grab her bottle and finish it.
>She looks incredulous.
>"Hey! That was mine!"
>You burp and smile.
"WAS yours, yes."
>"That's it!"
>She tackles you.
>You both fall to the floor and a slap fight breaks out.
>Eventually it devolves into a tickle fight.
>The two of you laugh and shout, comfortably in the arms of inebriation.
>It's all you ever want.
 
 
>That night you have a nightmare.
>You toss and turn as visions of Fluttershy's cold lifeless body fill your mind.
"Fluttershy..."
"Don't..."
>She's sinking away
"Come back!"
>"I'm right here."
>Her voice calls to you in the dark and raging wind.
"Where? I can't- I can't see you!"
>"I'm in your room."
"My room?"
>How do you get to your room?
>All around you is pitch black and wind.
"Where are you?!"
>"I'm at the corner of your bed."
"My bed?"
>There's no bed.
>"Are you... Turned on?"
>What?
"What are you talking about?"
>You feel something slide up your leg.
>Then
>You're awake.
>The wind smashes against the wall, but you're in a cold sweat.
"Fluttershy?"
>You look down to see her laying with her head on your groin.
>"H-hello sleepyhead."
>You sit up and hug her.
>She squees.
"What are you doing here?! I thought you were sick!"
>She tries to lick your face.
>"Twilight did some magic and fixed me! S-so I'm ready to be your pet again!"
"Oh Fluttershy, let's forget about that for now and just-"
>"Cuddle?"
>You smile.
"Actually, yeah. That doesn't sound too bad."
>You lay with her wrapped in your arms.
>Even the wind can't take away your warmth that night.
 
 
>You awake to pounding on the door.
>"ANON WAKE UP! WAKE UP NOW!"
>Oh god it's Twilight...
>Where is Fluttershy?
>She must have gone back to her cottage.
>You groan and get up, wearing only boxer-briefs.
>Good thing wine never gave you a headache the next day.
>But man, your stomach was not happy.
>You scratch your chin stuble and open the door.
>The morning chill smacks you in the face and you feel your jimmies shrivel.
"What do you want? I'm sick."
>Twilight looks panicked.
>"Get on some clothes and come with me!"
"What? Why?"
>"Just do it!"
>You grumble and get dressed.
This better be good.
>She pulls you out of your shack before you can get a hat on.
"Hey! Where we goin'?!"
>"To the hospital!"
>Hospital?
"Why?"
>"Fluttershy slipped into a coma after you left last night! I think it was from hitting her head!"
>Impossible.
"But... Fluttershy was my place last night!"
>Twilight gives you a confused look as she runs.
>"Anon, Fluttershy was taken to the hospital about two hours after you left."
>"She's been in a coma ever since you went home."
 
---
 
 
>You are in the hospital.
>There she is.
>In the flesh.
>Fluttershy lays in a bed.
>In a coma.
>But how?
>She had been in your shack last night?
>You fell asleep with her.
>All of her friends stand around her bed.
>They ignore you.
>Pinkie Pie was probably the only one that would willingly talk to you.
>Rarity collapses dramatically on the bed.
>"Oh if only she hadn't fallen in with the wrong crowd!"
>Rainbow Dash wipes her eyes, "wrong crowd?"
>Twilight brushes Fluttershy's mane from her face, "she's talking about Anon."
>Applejack glares at you, "yeah, the town lush."
>You look away.
>Yes it was your fault but you never wanted this to happen.
>"Aw give him a break," Pinkie interjects,
>At least one pony didn't write you off.
>"It's not his fault he does everything wrong, he's an addict!"
>Well
>There goes that hope.
"I should leave."
>You turn and leave the room.
>Rarity's voice calls out, "yes, do like you do with all your other problems, run you coward!"
 
 
>This called for some booze.
>On a bench in the park
>In the middle of the bone-chilling wind
>On a bench alone in the park
>You sit drinking a bottle of cheap liquor.
>You had to steal it.
>No bits.
>The owner of the shop had seen you slip it into your jacket
>But like always, she didn't say anything.
>She didn't say anything but 'have a great day Anon!' on your way out.
>Fuck her.
>You didn't need her pity.
>You were sick.
"I'm sick..."
>The booze tasted horrible and burned your throat but it did it's job.
>Inebriation was always a good place to hide from your worries.
>Fluttershy reaches for the bottle and you hand it to her.
>She takes a swig on the bench next to you.
>It's a little much for her and she chokes.
>You laugh.
"Stick with bitch beer."
>She wipes her mouth and smiles at you.
>"How are you feeling Anon?"
>You drink
"All your friends hate me."
>She leans against you.
>"Well, I don't hate you..."
>You laugh again.
>A flock of birds take flight into the torrential wind.
"Of course you don't hate me."
>You hold the bottle out to her
"You're a figment of my imagination."
>The bottle falls to the ground.
>The contents slowly leak into the leaves.
>You cover your face with your hands and laugh
>On a bench alone in the park.
 
 
>Twilight finds you.
>She kicks your side.
>"Wake up!"
>You sit up,
"Where am I?"
>"You're in a park on a bench, it's noon and you're already passed out drunk."
"Oh."
>Been asleep for a couple hours.
"How's Fluttershy?"
>You scratch the stubble on your chin.
>Twilight glares at you.
>It made you uncomfortable.
>But you were getting familiar with pony's looks of disappointment.
>"Still in the coma you put her in."
>Maybe you should go see her again.
>"Let's go."
>Twilight begins dragging you with magic.
>You don't resist.
"Where are we going?"
>She teleports both of you.
>Now you stand in what looks like a hospital waiting room.
>But not the hospital Fluttershy was in.
"Where are we?"
>"A facility where they take ponies like you."
"Like me?"
>"Addicts. They will fix you here."
>You stand and walk away.
"Nah, I don't need to be fixed."
>Twilight's magic slams you to the floor.
>You feel her hoof on your back.
>She hisses into your ear.
>"You're going to stay here whether you like it or not. Everyone is sick of the way you act."
Not everyone! Berry likes me! I don't need to be fixed!
>Twilight lifts you and makes your body float to the receptionist.
>"Yes you do."
>"You're sick."
>This place is horrible.
>White rooms and white paper-thin clothes.
>The room they put you in is like a small prison cell.
>It's more like an asylum.
>At night you can hear ponies sobbing and wailing.
>They even make you take pills.
>You're not sure what they do, but they make you feel happy.
>Stupid happy.
>After taking them, it's easy for them to talk to you.
>You tell the shrinks about all your dreams and aspirations.
>Then when the pills wear off and they throw you back into your white cell
>You want to die.
>It's only been two days, but already you want to off yourself.
>Like your neighbor did with a sharpened spoon.
>You lay on your hard bed.
>There was one thing to look forward to.
>Imaginary Fluttershy would talk to you in your room.
>At least she understood you.
>You look over at her.
Do you think I'll be in here forever?
>She shakes her head, "you'll be just fine mister."
>You smile and stare at the ceiling.
Yeah. Just fine.
>The thirst for cider was getting worse.
>You attacked a nurse this morning when she denied you some mouthwash.
I wonder how Fluttershy is doing...
>Fluttershy brushes your hand with a hoof, "I'm sure she'll wake up any day now."
>You nod.
>The door opens.
>"You have a visitor human."
>Visitor?
>Twilight?
>Berry would never set hoof in here.
>Fluttershy steps into the room.
Fluttershy?!
>You look over at imaginary Fluttershy.
>She nods then fades away.
>The real Fluttershy flies over and wraps you in a hug.
>"I'm h-here Anon! I woke up and I'm here to get you out of this place!"
 
---
 
 
>"I'm here to get you out of this place!"
>Fluttershy holds a hoof out to you.
"Why? How are you here?"
>She's wearing that collar again.
>"A pet is always f-faithful to it's master."
>You approach her
"If I try to run, they'll stop me."
>"Only if they catch you mister."
>She grabs your hand and pulls you out of the door.
"No! They'll see-"
>The hall is empty.
>A long silent white path lined with numbered doors.
>Fluttershy flies up, "c-come on!"
>You run after her down the hall.
>These slippers they made you wear were definitely not made for running.
>Youh trip and Fluttershy catches you.
"Thanks!"
>The two of you continue on.
>Down at the end, the door you're running to begins opening.
>You hear pony's voices.
>Fluttershy 'eeps' and opens room twenty-three.
>You both jump inside.
>She pulls one of her feathers out and slides it in between the door and the frame as it closes.
>The door remains open just a crack.
"Wow, good thinking."
>Fluttershy blushes, "th-thank you."
>"Anon? What are you doing here?"
>You turn around.
>There on a bed is Berry Punch.
>She's wearing the same white clothing as you
>There are dark rings around her eyes
>She looks like she's been dragged through hell.
"Berry?!"
 
 
>You run forward and the two of you hug.
>She feels weak.
"Berry I didn't know you were here!"
>You let her go and she looks pathetically into your eyes.
>"Same here. My parents didn't like my drinking, so they put me in here."
>You rub your head
"Ah, I'm sorry bro... Same with me but it was my therapi- Twilight Sparkle."
>She nods.
>"This place is sick man, it's totally an experiment."
"What?"
>Her eyes widen
>She really needed a drink
>"It's all one big experiment! Run by some big wig secret science society in Canterlot! They're using it as a front to test experimental drugs on us!"
>Oh boy she was always funny, even sober.
>You chuckle.
>She continues to stare.
>She's serious.
"Wait, for real?"
>Berry nods, "I was studying this before I came. Never thought I'd end up here..."
>You didn't think it was possible, but this place makes you feel even worse now.
>Berry rubs her eyes
>"I just need a drink..."
>A flask is held up.
>You both look at it, then up at Fluttershy.
>She hides in her mane as she holds it out
>"Um, I thought you w-would want some Anon..."
 
 
>Berry grabs it and holds it up like a baby
>"Sweet nectar! There is hope!" She looks up at you, excitement back in her eyes, "can I?!"
>You smile and nod.
>Berry uncaps it and takes a big swig.
>She pulls it away with and 'ahhh!' and wipes her mouth.
>"Thank you SO much Fluttershy!"
>She holds the alcohol out for you.
>You stare at it.
>Then at Fluttershy.
>She shrugs and smiles.
>Your mouth is watering for it
>Your hand is shaking as you hold out a hand
"I..."
>You drop your arm.
"I'm done drinking."
>The memory of Fluttershy laying in the cold comes back to you.
"I don't want to do this anymore."
>Berry Punch shrugs, "suit yourself," she continues to drain the flask.
>Fluttershy leaps forward and hugs you around the middle
>"Oh I'm so proud of you Anon!"
>You laugh and push her away
"Thanks Fluttershy."
"Now can we get out of here?"
>Outside you appeared calm.
>Inside your brain was telling you that you were an idiot and to drink that rum before it was all gone.
>You don't look at the flask.
>Fluttershy trots over and listens at the door.
>"C-coast is clear."
 
 
>You grab Berry by the shirt and take off.
>The hall is empty once more.
>Berry is trying to get every last drop from the flask.
>You can smell it.
"Looks like we go through that door on the end."
>You lead the way
>Fluttershy lands on your back.
>You can feel that her body is warm but she's not trying to hump you.
"Fluttershy, you remember how you came in right?"
>This place is unnecessarily massive.
>"Um... I w-was too excited to f-find you so I... Don't remember..."
>Figures.
>Berry stumbles against a wall, "let me ouuuuuut! Wooooogrblshp..."
>You straighten her up and lightly slap her face.
>She's drooling and her eyes are rolling.
"Fluttershy what kind of rum was that?!"
>She leans over your shoulder and sniffs at Berry
>"Just n-normal rum..."
>Then this is what happened when you mixed those experimental drugs with hard liquor.
>A door opens beside you and one of the 'nurse' ponies steps out.
>You stare at him
>He stares at Fluttershy
>Fluttershy stares at Berry
>Berry throws up down her shirt
"CHEESE IT!"
 
 
>You take off running down the hall.
>"SECURITY BREECH!"
>You look back and see the stallion grabbing Berry while trying to avoid her vomit.
"We left Berry!"
>Fluttershy pounds on your head, "leave her! Leave her! She's one of them now!"
>You'll be sure to pour one for Berry when you get out.
>You open a door and run through while Fluttershy quivers on your back.
>Well.
>Looks like you found your way into some sort of mechanical room.
>It's about three stories to the room and maybe three-hundred yards long/wide.
>Most of the steaming machines in the room are a mystery of function to you.
>Catwalks line the walls.
>You grab onto Fluttershy's legs and take off into the steamy dim room.
>It's loud.
>And hot.
>Massive machines loom over you as you jog through the maze.
"Fluttershy I'm -huff- getting tired."
>She flies off your back and looks worried at you.
>"Please take a break Anon!"
>You bend over with your hands on your knees breathing heavy.
>Fluttershy sits and stares at you.
>You sit down with your back to a large machine.
"Thanks."
>"You sh-shouldn't push yourself too hard."
"No, I mean thanks for coming back for me."
"I was a real asshole to you."
>She rubs your hand with a hoof.
>"I know you had your reasons Anon. I never thought bad of you."
>Twilight sure did.
>Fluttershy may have been a stalker
>But she was the only girl who wasn't a drunk as well to ever stick around through your bullshit.
>You rub her hoof back.
"When we get out of here, I want to see you take a shot."
 
 
>She blushes, "w-what? I don't um, I don't really do that..."
>You ruffle her mane
"Come on, don't be scared!"
>There's a sound of hoof steps coming closer.
>Fluttershy jumps out in front of you and spreads her wings in protection.
>She whispers over her shoulder, "run Anon! I'll hold them back!"
"No, come on."
>You grab her tail and pull.
>The hoof steps are right around the corner.
>You lift Fluttershy around the middle.
>Berry Punch stumbles around the machine.
"Berry? Berry!"
>You drop Fluttershy and hug your friend.
>She seems a little more sober after throwing up.
"How'd you get away?!"
>She glares at you and wiggles out of your grip, "I ran out of there after you DITCHED me! I had to fight like three ponies!"
>You flush.
"Sorry about that... I got scared."
>"Oh m-me too! I w-wet myself..." Fluttershy smiles proudly.
>So that wet spot on your back isn't sweat.
>"Well we better run, those jerks were right behind me."
>And now she tells you.
>You pick Fluttershy up and take off again.
>This time Berry is right beside you.
>One of your pursuers shouts and you turn to see eight ponies chasing you.
>At least they're all Earth ponies for some reason.
>You run up some stairs to a catwalk.
>Then another level.
>Everyone knows most Earth ponies are scared of heights.
>Berry Punch stops to throw up over the rail and screams when she looks down.
>The puke lands on one of the ponies chasing you below.
>He screams in agony and collapses.
>Thank god Equestrian ponies can puke.
 
 
>"We have you now!"
>Now there's three ponies in front of you.
>You slide to a stop.
"They have a unicorn!"
>Thinking fast, you grab Berry Punch as well and hop over the rail.
>And land on a conveyor belt.
>You set Berry down and look back up at the catwalks
>The ponies glare at you in frustration.
>Fluttershy nuzzles on your head, "good work Anon!"
"It's not over yet..."
>The unicorn teleports down to you.
>You feared she'd be able to do that.
>Where is this conveyor belt going anyway?
>Behind the unicorn up ahead is a large furnace.
>If you can just get that unicorn in there.
>She smiles and steps forward.
>Berry whimpers and hides behind you.
>You push Fluttershy behind your other leg.
"Let's go!"
>The unicorn charges her red horn.
>You feel yourself being lifted.
>"NOOOOOO!" Fluttershy charges from underneath you.
>The unicorn is distracted with her spell and catches a Fluttershy headbutt to the face.
>Fluttershy collapses with a squeal and the unicorn is sent flying.
>You fall to your hands and knees and look up.
>The unicorn is withering in pain
>As she's carried to the furnace.
>Fluttershy stands up and wobbles.
>You laugh and give her a thumbs up.
>The unicorn notices she's about to be burned alive and scrambles.
>Her horn charges
>A red aura surrounds Fluttershy's leg.
"Fluttershy!"
 
 
>She calls for help as the unicorn drags her back to the flames.
>You run for her.
>The magic pulls Fluttershy fast and the unicorn grabs her leg
>"Anon! H-help me!"
>You dive and latch onto Fluttershy's outstretched hoof
"Hang on!"
>You begin to pull.
>The unicorn screams as her backside enters the furnace.
>But she still hangs on.
"Kick Fluttershy!"
>Her hoof is sweaty from the running and the heat.
>Your hand slips.
 
>In slow motion you watch Fluttershy's horrified eyes as she disappears into the flames.
 
 
>"Anon!"
>"Anon we gotta go!"
>You feel Berry Punch dragging you back but you can't take your eyes off the furnace.
"Fluttershy?"
>"ANON!"
>Berry slaps you.
>"We have to get out now! There's more coming!"
>You nod
>This is all a dream right?
>She can't be dead...
>You slide down a pole with Berry and land back on the ground.
>Both of you run until you find an exit sign.
>You burst through the door and find it's night out.
>You're in the forest.
>You turn back around and stare at the door.
>"Anon! This is no time to stop!"
>Berry pushes you and you begrudgingly follow her into the woods.
 
 
>You tell Twilight everything.
>She feels horrible for putting you in that place
>And breaks down with you when you tell her what became of Fluttershy.
>Berry Punch consoles the both of you.
>Twilight decides she will tell everyone the news in the morning.
>After Berry leaves, you ask to stay at Twilight's for the night.
>She wipes some tears from her eyes and smiles weakly at you.
>"I can give you one last therapy session?"
"That would be... Nice."
>"Alright, I'll be in the basement, come down when you're ready."
>You nod.
>After she leaves you sit on the couch.
>Fluttershy passes you a flask.
>You take it without looking at her.
>Raise it to your lips
>No.
>You smile up at the ceiling and chuckle.
>Not anymore.
>You hold the flask out to her
"I think I loved you."
>The flask falls to the ground.
>The contents slowly leak onto the rug.
>You cover your face with your hands and laugh.
 
>On a couch alone in Twilight's living room.
 
>You stand and sigh.
>Slowly you make your way to the basement door.
>You still felt the urge
>But there was also the knowledge that you could beat this addiction.
>It's what Fluttershy would have wanted.
>You look back at the couch.
>Fluttershy smiles at you reassuringly.
 
>"You can do it Anon."
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEuA3jzcY04