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- >"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
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