>"Illusion, deception, fear..."
>He pauses, before uttering a single, deep laugh.
>"...Death."
>You, Fluttershy, wince a little at the word.
>"These are only a few of the powers you could hold, my little p0ny..."
>You feel a force all around you, beckoning to seep inside you.
>You've felt it since arriving, but only now is it truly settling with you.
>"Simply open your heart to me... just a little more..."
>You keep your spot on the cave floor, sitting.
B-But sir--
>"Ah ah, Fluttershy..."
>You catch your words.
...L-Lord... my Lord... I am opening my heart... really...
>You think you are, anyway...
>Are you hesitating?
>You can feel something with you, that's for sure...
>But... is it really working?
>Your Lord rumbles the cave with a thoughtful growl.
>Jets of thick black nasal smoke shoot out into the twilight air.
>"If I had to make a wager... I'd say your Elemental Status is... slowing down the process... a shield of sorts."
>You look to the ground solemnly.
>Your aura of Kindness is slowly being broken down... eaten away... replaced...
>"No matter... it will take over all in due time... just open yourself to me, dear Fluttershy, and the power can be yours..."
>You stand to your hooves.
>You do want the power...
>You want your Lord's help...
>He could be yours...
Do...
>You begin, worried about upsetting him.
D-Do you think... I could take Anonymous for myself...?
>Your Lord laughs once more.
>The cave softly illuminating green from his breath.
>"So ambitious... looking directly to the final goal..."
>You scrape the cave floor with your hoof.
>"You remind me somewhat of an old... student of mine. A unicorn. My, this must have been over a millennia ago... ambitions to rule a perfect Kingdom with the power of darkness..."
>There is a pause.
>"...I don't believe it worked out completely in his favor. Do you see?"
>You can feel the sting he sent your way.
>"No, Fluttershy. Your power is weak. Your Kindness makes things even more difficult. The boy is strong willed. Even with further strength, taking him on may be hard for yourself."
>...Even longer to take Anonymous...
>You press your hoof into the rock angrily.
>Stupid Kindness... it hasn't gotten you anywhere in life.
>You're still alone, by yourself, living outside the town.
>You can feel a black aura around yourself.
>Your friends all think you're some cowardly pushover...
>And now, this Kindness that you are supposedly so blessed by is blocking you even from getting your Anonymous...
>"Ah..."
>It isn't fair. Why does life have to be this way?
>...No. It doesn't have to.
>With your Lord's help... you'll change.
>You'll prove you're no pushover.
>You'll take things for yourself.
>You'll take Anonymous for yourself.
>He'll be YOURS.
>...
>You lift up your hoof from the rock.
>A small crack sits in its place.
>You take a breath, and place it back down, pretending it didn't happen.
>Your Lord sees otherwise.
>"My dear, my dear..."
>You look slowly up to the black abyss where he rests.
>"...I see great things in your future..."
>...
>"Now, you may not be able to take the human boy now, but why not... refine your newfound self?"
>You stare, unaware completely of what he means.
>"You have a vendetta against a certain unicorn, do you not?"
>...
>Rarity...
>He laughs once more.
>"I can feel your hatred, my dear... it's beautiful."
>You squint your eyes in anger.
>She wants Anonymous all for herself...
>...She can't have him.
>"...My little p0ny... go on. You have my blessing."
 
>One, two, three, four...
>Four skips.
>"Sweet. That's a record for me," Shining Armor says with a smile.
>You laugh, then look over to the grassy patch beside you.
>A stone rests on a few blades.
>You furl your brow, then open your hand toward it, concentrating.
>You mutter under your breath.
>The stone shimmers, then picks itself up a little bit.
>Just ever so little...
>"What are you doing, buddy?"
>It drops.
N-Nothing...
>You say.
>Then, with a smirk, you reach over, gripping the rock, feeling the velvety grass between your fingers.
Just beating your record, Sir.
>You side-arm flick the stone toward the lake.
>One, two, three, four...
>The stone sinks into the water, barely visible from the glare of the setting sun.
>"...Close," Shining Armor taunts with a smile.
>You return his smile, then turn to look at the beautiful setting Equestrian sun.
>The warm summer air wraps and comforts you both as you sit in silence, enjoying the landscape in front of you.
>"...So how are you liking it?" Shining Armor says, finally breaking the soothing quiet.
>You continue to stare off.
It's... different for sure.
>Shining Armor laughs.
>"A change of pace from that old geezer, huh?"
>You smile just a little bit.
Master Spellweave is a teacher. An instructor.
>The glistening lake snags your attention quickly.
Twilight is more like...
>"...A friend?"
>You turn to him.
>He's smiling.
>It's... contagious.
...Exactly, yes. Twilight is a friend. It's an odd experience to learn from a friend. I don't think I've ever experienced it before.
>A hoof connects hard to your shoulder.
Ow! What--
>"Thanks, jackass," Shining Armor says sarcastically.
>You rub your shoulder and laugh.
I mean with magic, Sir.
>"I know what you meant. I just like hittin' ya."
>You both share another laugh.
>Then sigh happily.
>"Don't give her any trouble, alright?"
>You shake your head.
Never.
>He smiles.
>"Good. Now..."
>Shining Armor rises to his hooves.
>"I got evening plans with the Mrs."
>He gives you a quick wink.
>You groan and roll your eyes.
>"Keep up the good work, Anonymous, and don't neglect that sword training."
You know I won't, Sir.
>You say with a smile.
>"Alright, catch you later."
>And with that, Shining Armor teleports off.
>You, however, opt to stay seated on the soft grass for just a moment more, appreciating the beauty this town has to offer.
 
Ventus!
>You yell, pushing your hand toward the incoming tag spell.
>A burst of air juts from your hand, connecting with the projectile and redirecting it away from you.
>It splats against the wall, painting it a random color.
>Twilight fires another one.
Ventus!
>You do it once more, with your other hand, directing it the other side.
Ventus!
Ventus!
>It's hard to keep up, but you continuously counter the spells.
>"Don't just deflect them!" Twilight yells in between shots, "We didn't just study one Class Two! Block them too!"
Ventus!
>You yell once more, deflecting the final one.
>Okay, fine.
>Time to switch it up.
>The next tag spell comes careening at you.
>You wait for it to almost hit, then you swipe your hand across your body.
Contego!
>A light, transparent purple wall quickly forms, taking the force of the tag spell, before it quickly disappears.
>Class Two spells are mostly defensive, as it turns out.
>"Good timing!" She yells. "Keep it up!"
>She fires off a few more.
Ventus!
Contego!
Contego!
Ventus!
Ventego!
>*Splat*
>You pause, then lower your arm.
>You look down to your tunic.
>Splashed with yellow.
>Twilight giggles.
>"This is why you should move past word casts, you won't tie up your tongue!"
>You groan.
Won't happen again, Twilight, I ensure it. Please, continue.
>She giggles again, then nods.
> More tag spells come your way.
>You put up more shield spells, blocking them as they arrive.
>It requires pretty precise timing, as the shield only lasts for about a second.
>Unless you're going to go with--
>"Anon, I want you to hold against this one!"
>You look up surprised.
>Really?
>You just barely got a grasp on the basic Class Twos!
>"I think you can manage! Are you ready?!"
>You hesitate, then nod.
Yes, Twilight!
>"Okay!"
>She charges up quickly, then fires a tag beam.
>You focus, flex your arm, then swipe it across your body.
Contego Maximus!
>The purple wall reappears, a darker color, and holds firm as you focus.
>The beam collides with the wall, applying a vast amount of pressure.
>You flex your arm and hold, channeling your magic through it into the shield in front of you.
>The beam persists.
>You tighten your focus, channel your magic, and try your best.
>...But the spell isn't fully in your grasp yet.
>The magical wall shatters, and the beam pelts your chest, launching you back a few feet and onto the ground.
>Twilight gasps, then runs to your aid.
>You sit up from the ground and rub your head a bit, your chest painted green.
>"Oh, Anon, I'm sorry!" she calls as she approaches your side.
>You laugh as you stand up on your feet.
Don't worry, Twilight, I'm fine.
>She looks with concern, then flashes an awkward smile.
>"You were doing so well, I thought you could handle it..."
>You smile, then pat her head.
Pushing limits is always a good training strategy. I'm glad we tried it.
>She still looks regretful, but seems to be lightening up a little.
>You look down to your tunic.
Perhaps we could... clean my garments a little?
>Twilight looks up with surprise, then laughs a little.
>"Oh, sorry Anon..."
>She charges a spell, lifting the green from your chest.
>Then yellow.
>Then the several other colors staining it from the many failed defensive spell casts.
>Until your armored tunic is as pristine as the day it was made.
>"Perfect."
>You smile.
>"That's enough for today, don't you think?" Twilight asks as she ascends the stairs.
>You follow.
If you insist.
>She laughs. "Be sure to do those meditation exercises when you can to get your magic reserves back up."
Of course, Twilight.
>She smiles at you once more, then climbs the final stair.
>You both ascend to the main area of the library.
>You stretch out your back, basking in the sunlight, as Twilight steps into the kitchen.
>"Oh darn..." she mutters.
>You step to the kitchen and poke your head in.
What is it?
>She closes the cupboard.
>"Oh, nothing important, I need a few things from the market. I'll send Spike when he gets back."
>You laugh.
Nonsense, Twilight. I'd be happy to go out and get them for you.
>She looks at you a bit puzzled.
>"Are you sure? Even after all that training?"
>You nod.
It's not a problem at all. I'd love to stretch my legs and get some sunlight.
>A smile graces her face.
>"Thank you, Anon."
>After getting the list and receiving a small sack of bits, you depart outside into the late morning sun.
>You cross the square and head in the general direction of the market.
>P0nies murmur and wave, as usual.
>The mares admire from a distance.
>You shake your head at the thought and keep walking.
>As you depart past the fountain, you see a purple maned, white unicorn heading in the other direction.
Ah.
>You've been meaning to see how she was doing.
>She was quite intoxicated that night.
>You're also just a tad... curious. If she even remembers.
>You hope not.
>And if she does, perhaps she could clear her conscience...
>...
>Implying she feels guilty.
>...That thought never crossed your mind.
>...Shake it off, Anonymous.
>She's a lady... right?
Miss Rarity!
>You call, waving her down.
>Her head jerks toward you.
>Her pupils shrink.
>She turns away and picks up her pace.
>What...?
Miss Rarity!
>You call again, striding out a long speed walk until you reach her.
Miss Rarity,
>You say for the final time.
>She stops and turns her head toward you.
>She looks... incredibly nervous.
>"Oh, h-hello Anonymous! Funny seeing you here..."
>She forces a smile.
>You raise an eyebrow at her.
Miss Rarity... what's wrong?
>She recoils a bit.
>"N-Nothing's wrong! Just... very busy and all!"
>What is she...?
Well, I just wanted to make sure everything was alright with you after... the other night's events...
>Her pupils shrink.
>"Oh, oh yes! Drank a little too much! It will never happen again! I swear on it, Anonymous!"
>She looks over toward the forest, then back in the direction of her shop.
>"Listen Darling, I really must be getting back to my work. Ta-ta, hopefully see you soon!"
>She turns around and starts galloping off.
Wait, Miss!
>...But she's already gone.
>You stand in the center of the square, baffled.
>...What happened to her...?
>...
****Earlier****
>You are Fluttershy
>And you are on a mission.
>You feel completely revitalized, renewed, reborn.
>It's like when Iron Will gave you assertiveness lessons, only...
>...More tantalizing.
>The sun slowly sets as you finally arrive in P0nyville proper.
>Your hoofsteps clop and echo through the town.
>Most p0nies are inside by now.
>The few that are outside don't take much notice of you.
>You continue walking, until you finally reach Rarity's shop.
>Carousel Boutique
>You bang on the door with your hoof, anxious to have your discussion with her.
>After a moment, the unicorn answers the door.
>She locks eyes with you, then smiles.
>But the smile only lasts for a second.
>It quickly falls from her face, like she knows something is off.
>Like she can... feel it.
>But not pinpoint it.
>...Perfect.
>"Hello, Fluttershy," she greets. "What do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"
I just want to talk.
>You say with a grin.
>A rather... unsettling grin.
>Rarity looks at you for a moment, then glances outside.
>She looks back to you. "A... little late, don't you think, Darling?"
>You shake your head.
No, this can't wait.
>There's a tense pause.
>...Then, Rarity smiles nervously.
>"Okay, dear... come on in."
>You smile and nod, then step your way into the shop.
>The bell jingles as the door closes, and you plant yourself down on a nearby couch.
>Rarity approaches you, preferring to stand.
>"So, um... what's this about, Fluttershy?"
>You don't respond.
>You only stay seated at the couch, smiling eerily at her.
>It is silent once more.
>A bead of sweat falls from Rarity's forehead.
>She can feel it.
>Unsettling, subtle...
Rarity...
>You finally say.
>Your rather abrupt voice causes her to jump a little.
I want to talk about Anonymous.
>Her eyes widen just a bit, and she grins awkwardly.
>"S-Sure dear... what about him?"
>You look at your hoof, examining it casually.
...You've mentioned that any mare would be lucky to have him...
>She nods slowly.
...Do you fancy yourself in the running to win him over?
>She opens her mouth a little bit, as if to speak, then closes it again.
>She thinks.
>"W-Well, I'm not sure... I think he's... a rather dashing gentlecolt, and perhaps... well, if he'd WANT to..."
No.
>You cut her off.
Wrong answer. Your answer is no.
>She looks at you, absolutely perplexed.
>Then grows a stern look on her face.
>"Fluttershy, what is this about? Why are you acting like this?"
>You smile again.
Like what, Rarity?
>"Like... like some mob boss or something! Whomever I choose to pursue should be none of your business! Stop trying to... to intimidate me!"
>With one swift motion, you throw your head back, open your mouth, and laugh heavily.
>It wipes the stern look right from Rarity's face.
>It's enough to make her take a few steps back.
>She now carries a worried look.
>"Why are you doing this...?" she says meekly.
>You stop your laugh, still smiling, and get up off the couch.
>You walk over to Rarity and throw a hoof over her shoulder.
>She recoils just a little bit.
>You look deep into her eyes.
>Your own swimming with hints of eerie, ominous darkness.
>Her lower lip quivers.
>You're really under her skin.
Rarity.
>She nods slowly.
Anonymous is mine. Do you understand that?
>"I... what... why do you--"
Rarity.
>She silences herself.
>You laugh at her obedience.
Listen to me. He's mine.
>She nods slowly, mouth agape, eyes flaring with worry and fear.
I don't want you telling anyp0ny about this. At all. Stay silent, stay away from him, and things will be a-okay between us. Got it?
>She nods slowly.
Good.
>In a flash, you wipe the look from your face.
>Your eyes revert to their normal, shy, teal orbs, and you smile nervously.
O-Okay then... have a good night Rarity...
>You say softly and meekly, walking toward the door.
>Without looking back, you open her door, step on out, and close it.
>You start walking back to your cottage.
>Your smile slowly returns as you do, crawling up from ear to ear.
>Your eyes flare unsettlingly.
>What a feeling...
 
End of Part 4