Living the Good Life: Chapter 20 (Finale)

>Rarity and Mocha’s fight finally comes to an end after the final house in the area crumbles to the ground in a heap of broken wood and metal.
>When they calmed down, they started blaming each other for the damage that was done. At least they were until both noticed your group surrounding a gray pony.
>That caused them to form a truce of sorts, after all they found who they were looking for; at least they hoped. When they approached and saw that you had managed to find Rainbow Dash they were ecstatic.
>Any hostility in the air seemed to vanish at that very moment. Now the ten of you wait on Rainbow to awaken. While she sleeps you drag her away from the rubble and onto an open patch of grass.
>She stirs after some time has passed… she lets out a low groan before rubbing her head with her hooves. “Wha… what happened… I think I got hit by a… train…” she trails off as she looks up at you.
>Rainbow Dash is on her hooves in an instant, “Whoa what the heck are you?!” Rainbow screeches in surprise. Twilight and the others take this time to keep Rainbow grounded.
>”Not you losers! Lemme go!” she screams while wriggling in hopes of breaking free… her hopes are dashed when Twilight’s magic comes into play.
>Without any way to gain leverage Rainbow is forced on to her back and her wings are stuck to her sides. Rainbow still grunts and groans in hopes of somehow breaking out of Twilight’s hold.
>When you see the unicorn start to sweat you realize that time is not on your side in this venture. You have Macintosh and the others give you some room so you can kneel next to the Pegasus.
>As you take the top off of your flask you try to calm Rainbow down. “Hey Rainbow… my name is Anonymous. Don’t worry I’m here to help you get better.” You say soothingly.
>The fearful gaze Rainbow casts your way tells you that you are doing a poor job of doing that. “Like I’d believe that you freaky buckin monkey! You’re with those lame ponies over there I know you’re bad news!” She shouts as she tries to escape again.
>”Well, looks like we’re going to have to do things the hard way. Probably the worst first impression I’ve made on a pony… since… well… since I got here.” You say more to yourself than to the others.
>”I know this looks bad, but I need you to keep your mouth open,” you say before motioning to your flask. Rainbow instantly shuts her trap and gives you a defiant glare.
>”Twilight…” you say with a sigh. “I got it… just… hurry up.” Twilight says, her voice strained. Slowly but surely Rainbow’s jaw is lowered enough for you to pour Zecora’s concoction down her throat.
>You waste no time in tilting the flask and pouring the contents into Rainbow’s open maw. Rainbow tries to turn her head in order to spit the liquid out but Twilight forces Rainbow’s mouth shut.
>That’s when you come in. You lean in and force Dash’s nose shut. The two of you stare each other down for a few moments.
>”If you don’t swallow what I gave you then you’re going to suffocate.” You say calmly. Rainbow moans out a response but the meaning is lost since she can’t actually speak.
>You assume she told you to kiss her flank and that she can hold her breath for a long time or something. You can play the waiting game with her…
>Within a minute the redness in Rainbow’s eyes becomes more and more apparent. Her gray face turns a darker shade from the lack of air.
>When you hear Rainbow gulp the liquid down you let go of her nostrils. Immediately Twilight loses her grip on Rainbow and the Pegasus tries her best to take off into the sky.
>All the while she’s wheezing up a storm and clutching her throat in agony. Just like you she has to deal with the overwhelming burning that comes with drinking that medicine.
>Rainbow makes it a good twenty feet into the sky before her entire body seems to go slack. She hits the ground back first and makes no motion to stand after that.
>Everyone except you and Zecora rush to Rainbow’s aide. You’re a little shocked by this turn of events. Sure it was easy to get Rainbow to drink… but you weren’t expecting her to take off.
>You hope she didn’t break anything. There is one thing on your mind that calls your attention, “Zecora?” you start. The little zebra turns your way.
 >“How long do you think it’ll take for Rainbow to… uh… get rid of her impurities?” you ask before motioning to the incapacitated Pegasus.
>”The time it will take I cannot tell, it may take longer considering she fell.” Zecora answers before slowly making her way over to the group.
>She has them part for her so she can examine Rainbow. After a few moments of Zecora examining her skull and listening to Rainbow’s heartbeat she nods.
>”Rainbow is fighting inside this much is true…” Zecora turns your way and raises her voice, “Anonymous we may not have to wait for as long as I did for you!”
>You pray that Rainbow will take less than eight hours. You doubt this town will last that long at the rate it’s going. Those animals will only be entertained by the ruins of the outer area for so long.
>”Guys look!” Pinkie exclaims before pointing to Rainbow Dash. Curiosity getting the better of you, you make your way over to the group. What you find shocks you.
>The color has started to work its way down Rainbow. The colors return starts from the tip of her mane…and it works its way down at an agonizingly slow pace.
>Within a minute only a few locks of hair regain their multiple colors. At the rate it’s going Dash here should have fully recovered within a few hours… maybe two or so tops.
>You can see why her friends call her Rainbow Dash… her mane is quite the site and only a few locks have regained their color… though you can’t marvel for long.
>The sound of animals growling around you calls your attention. As you look around the area you find timber wolves, manticores, and many other variations of Everfree creatures.
>Without wasting any more time you pick up Dash and throw her on your shoulder. When she’s set you turn to Twilight and the others.
>”We need to get back to Town Hall now.” You tell them. You do not wait for a response. You break out into a jog and head towards the center of town. The others are hot on your trail.
>While it would have been great if you were able to avoid conflict… your luck wouldn’t allow it. Five minutes into it you have to duck under manticore swipes.
>Timber wolves that run alongside you take turns biting at your legs. As you run you find that more and more creatures have joined in on the chase.
>Desperation sets in as magic and hooves start flying in hopes of knocking away some of the creatures. Applejack’s legs, Twilight’s magic, Big Mac’s strength, they use everything they have at their disposal.
>Finally Town Hall is within sight… your bastion is within reach. You’re the first to run past the guards, followed by Twilight, Big Mac, Zecora, Mocha, and the others.
>The town guards positioned at the front of each bridge retreats to the center of town. When the guards watching over the center of town see the stampede coming for the bridges they spring into action.
>Every available unicorn guard works together to erect a translucent cyan dome that encases Town Hall and the rest of the immediate area. The townsponies within the dome look on in shock.
>All of the Everfree creatures that attacked the town concentrate on doing everything they can to get through the dome. Claws join razor sharp teeth as the animals throw everything they have at it.
>You have no idea how much power six unicorn guards have at their disposal. You can only hope they can keep this barrier erected long enough for Rainbow to recover.
>You and the rest of the mane 6 wade through the crowds and over to Town Hall, where the mayor awaits… she ushers you into the building.
>You don’t bother trying to take in the décor of the interior. You only point of focus is on the solitary brown couch that sits on the right side of the room.
>Once you place Rainbow upon it you find yourself making your way past Twilight and the others and back outside. You stop in the middle of the room and remove your backpack from your shoulders.
>”Here,” you say before casually tossing your backpack to Twilight. You watch as Twilight’s purple aura surrounds the bag. She carefully sets it next to the couch.
>”As soon as Rainbow gets with it you get that element of hers around her neck and get outside,” you instruct. As you turn to head outside you cast one last glance upon Rainbow.
>The entirety of her rainbow colored mane and half of the fur covering her face have regained their rightful colors. You never thought her fur would be cyan in color… it suits her.
>”What are you going to do?” Twilight asks as starts to remove the elements from your bag. Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy take hold of their respective elements.
>”I’m gonna go out there and see if I can find Lyra or Bon-Bon. I didn’t spot either of them in the crowd.” You state before opening the door and stepping out.
>”I hope you find them Anon… and be careful.” Twilight calls out to you. As you shut the door behind you Twilight and the others turn their attention back to Rainbow Dash…
>You take your time, looking over every pony you could within the immediate area. You spend a good half an hour scanning over the droves of pastel colored equines.
>While a few ponies seemed to share a similar color scheme to both Bon-Bon and Lyra, you were disappointed with the fact that you failed to spot either of them…
>”Anon!” you hear a familiar voice call; you turn to the source to find Bon-Bon galloping towards you. She comes skidding to a stop a few feet from your legs.
>”Have you seen Lyra?! Turner and I have been looking everywhere!” Bon-Bon exclaims while looking over the ponies around you.
>”I’ve been looking but I haven’t had any luck…” you trail off. Bon-Bon’s expression turns to a look of pure horror.
>”Oh no what if she’s still out there!” Bon-Bon cries. You nearly jump when she latches on to your leg, “Anon we have to do something!”
>Her eyes start to line with tears as she waits for you to say something, anything that can put her at ease. You sigh to yourself before looking towards the guards.
>”I… I could probably get them to let me out of here. If they do I’ll go out and find her…” You say. Bon-Bon’s hug on your leg gets tighter.
>”Oh thank you thank you thank you!” Bon Bon squeals with joy. Her sudden cheerful demeanor stops as she looks to you questioningly.
>”Wait… you mean WE will go out there and find her,” Bon-Bon tries to correct you. You had it right the first time. You’re not having Bon-Bon go out there.
>Without wings or a horn, you don’t see yourself lasting long against those Everfree animals. You shake your head and Bon-Bon’s expression turns angry before she lets go of your leg.
>“Anon she’s my friend too I’m not going to just sit here on my plot and do nothing while you go out alone!” she shouts.
>”Bon-Bon this isn’t up for discussion.” You say before motioning to her, “You can’t do magic and you can’t fly. I’d say you could just beat em with your hooves but you’re a candy maker Bon-Bon.”
>”Wha… but… but I,” she tries to come up with an explanation but you cut her off, “I don’t want to risk you getting hurt… I know you want to be out there with me…” Bon-Bon gives you a hopeful smile.
>”But you can’t do anything to help me if a manticore or something tries to stop me… what can you do other than make it harder on me?” you ask before kneeling down to Bon-Bon’s level.
>”You…” Bon-Bon sighs, “You’re…” She’s trying to find the right words to say, you place a hand upon her withers.
>”I know I’m being an insensitive prick, but I’m right.” You say sternly before adding, “If I find her I’ll let her know I had to have guards drag you away kicking and screaming cause you wanted to come along.”
>”…Alright fine… just hurry back okay? You don’t have any wings or a horn either dummy.” Bon-Bon says before poking your chest with a hoof.
>”No but I’d have a damn fence post if I was smart enough to keep it with me,” you say under your breath before getting to your feet.
>You find yourself walking over to two of the unicorn guards that were starting to strain under the pressure of the constant assault against their dome.
>The closer you get to them the louder the sounds on the outside become. You can hear the claws as they rake across the barrier, and the gnawing as the creatures try to chew through it.
>As you approach one of the guards that aren’t working to keep the barrier turns to face you. “What is it Anonymous?” asks an armed pegasus.
>You point to the bridge you’ve left your fence post lying against, “I need to get back out there.” You say. The guard gives you a bewildered expression.
>”I’m afraid I can’t allow you out of the barrier. If we open it for you we risk letting those creatures in.” The guard turns back to face the dome.
>”What that’s it?” you ask while crossing your arms. “You know there are townsfolk here who could probably help. You know… volunteers?” you ask before motioning to the pony crowds.
>”Indeed there are and I can see where you’re going with this, but there aren’t that many unicorns in town that use their magic past levitation and short range teleportation.” The guard explains.
>”If we open up a portion for you to go through we’d need to have unicorns that can use offensive spells. Then we would have a way to keep these creatures from getting in.” The guard adds.
>Teleportation or levitation, why didn’t you just think about that in the first place? You don’t have to fight your way out at all.
>”Wait… why not just get a unicorn to teleport me outside the barrier?” you ask. The guard takes your suggestion into consideration.
>”Hmm… we could… but then you’d have no way back in.” the guard says before turning back to you, “If you could find some place to hunker down for a while…” the guard adds.
>”I could find a place… if the parasprites haven’t gotten to it… plus the one I’m going out to rescue unicorn.” You look over the crowds and cup your hands around your mouth.
>”HEY!” a chunk of the ponies silence themselves and turn your way when you yell, “ANYP0NY OUT THERE WILLING TO TELEPORT ME TO LYRA’S?!” you add.
>You put your hands back to your sides and wait… you swear you could hear crickets chirping if it wasn’t being drowned out by the animals outside of the barrier.
>”Anyone at all?” you ask, hoping that at least one unicorn would come your way. You slump in defeat when a few seconds pass.
>You’re about to walk back to Town Hall but the sound of two ponies arguing stops you in your tracks. You watch as… Bon-Bon comes dragging a unicorn over to you.
>The unicorn shouts in protest all the while Bon-Bon pulls harder, “Let me go you crazy mare!” the unicorn cries while struggling.
>”No! You are…helping…” Bon-Bon places the unicorn in front of you, “Him.” Bon-Bon finishes. The unicorn looks you over for a few moments before turning to his captor.
>”He’s too big I can’t cast anything on him!” The unicorn says while motioning to you. Bon-Bon grabs hold of the unicorn by the throat and pulls him uncomfortably close. The two lock eyes.
>”You are going to find a way or so help me I will destroy you!” Bon-Bon screams her threat to the poor pony. The unicorn yelps in fear before looking to you again.
>While shivering he speaks, “O-okay scary… candy… pony…” His horn begins to glow with an orange aura, “H…hold still… L-Lyra’s place right?” he asks you. You nod.
>Bits of orange light spark from the unicorn’s horn as he concentrates. You watch as your body is slowly encased in an orange aura.
>”Thanks Bon-Bon,” you say while you give the beige mare a smile, “I’ll have Lyra back here before you know it!” Before Bon-Bon can say anything you feel yourself lurch in a random direction.
>As you’re pulled towards your destination your vision of the known world blurs. The colors that seem to mix together as you’re teleporting does little for the force being emitted on your stomach.
>You find yourself dry heaving when everything finally comes into focus again. You find that you lack the energy to stand.
>Even though no magic was cast from you the labor your body went through is more than enough to bring you to your hands and knees.
>It takes about a minute for your body to finally stop acting up from the spell… you hope this gamble on location plays out in your favor.
>You know that there’s a high chance Lyra was somewhere else when the Everfree animals went crazy… but you might as well start where she lives first.
>Luckily the unicorn that brought out you here was able to get you relatively close. You can see the rooftop of Lyra’s home from here… or what’s left of it.
>Parasprites have eaten at least half of the thatched roofing of their home… when you’re able to stand you make your way over to the building in question.
>And what you find causes you to freeze in your tracks… you find Lyra alright… but she’s unconscious and bleeding. A timber wolf is slowly dragging her out of the broken doorway and into the street.
>Without putting any thought into it you make your way over to the timber wolf. It doesn’t notice your approach until it’s too late. You punt the timber wolf as hard as you can.
>It lets out a loud yelp from the impact and the beast goes sailing through the air. When it hits the side of a nearby building the creature bursts into a pile of broken sticks.
>With the creature being dead… at least you think it’s dead. You turn your attention to the mint green mare lying on her welcome mat. You kneel down and check for a pulse.
>You breathe a sigh of relief when you feel the familiar pulse of life beat under your fingers. You take this time to check over her wounds…
>While the front hoof the timber wolf was holding shows little damage other than teeth indentions, her hind legs seem to be in bad shape. Walking for Lyra would be difficult and fairly painful.
>Both her right and left hind hooves sport various bite and claw marks. She’ll need stitches or at least something to wrap her wounds up.
>That only makes things harder on you. How are you going to carry this mare all the way back to the dome… would that be the best course of action?
>The pain she may be experiencing would have her unable to focus… and you doubt the animals attacking the dome in question would give her the time to cast a spell.
>As you look her over she lets out a soft groan. You find her eyes starting to flutter open. When she turns her head to look your way her eyes widen.
>”A…Anon?” she asks. She attempts to stand but when she moves her hind legs she lets out a high pitched shriek of pain. She makes no attempt to stand after that.
>”Lyra I need to wrap up your wounds, do you guys have a first aid kit?” you ask. Lyra weakly points her hoof towards her broken doorway.
>”Top floor… Bon-Bon’s mirror…” Lyra says softly. You get to your feet and walk carefully inside. You have no idea just how much damage the parasprites could have done to this house.
>Each step up stairs is taken with caution… the creak that echoes from each step does little to put you at ease. As you near the top part of the stairs, the top few steps collapse forcing you to make take a leap.
>Lucky for you this house isn’t that large, you manage to grab hold of the top of the stairs and pull yourself up the rest of the way.
>With that little surprise out of the way you enter Bon-Bon’s bathroom. Like Lyra tried to tell you, her mirror doubles as a medicine cabinet.
>When you open the cabinet you find a small white box. Opening said box you find items with which to take care of Lyra’s cuts.
>A few gauze pads, some adhesive tape, and the disinfectant bottle are all you find. It should be more than enough for you to take care of Lyra.
>It’s a labor getting back to her due to the stair case’s condition, but you manage… unfortunately as soon as you hit the last step what remains of the stair case collapses separating you from the top floor.
>”God I feel sorry for these ponies. Taxes taken out to fix all this is going to suck.” You say as you look over the damage.
>When you make your way outside you find Lyra glaring at you, “What did you break?” she asks before crawling over to you.
>”Oh… uh… the stairs broke themselves… heheheh…” you say before kneeling down. Lyra shakes her head before you begin your work…
>Ten minutes of applying, reapplying, and squirming later you’ve managed to disinfect and dress Lyra’s cuts and bites.
>”…thanks…” Lyra says before looking away and over the job you’ve done, “I feel… much better.” She adds before giving you smile.
>”So what brings you out this way Anon?”  Lyra asks. “You.” You answer before wrapping your arms around the little unicorn. As you lean in and bring your arms out you notice the red tint in her cheeks.
>She squees when your arms wrap around her mid-section. As you pick her up you continue. “Bon-Bon and I were worried sick about you so I made my way here.”
>”What about Bon-Bon? I don’t see her anywhere.” Lyra says as she looks around, “What did she find Time Turner or something?”
>”Let’s just say the guard at Town Hall drug her back kicking and screaming. She wanted to come by but I told her it’d be better if she stayed. Didn’t want to risk her getting hurt too.” You explain as you bring Lyra inside.
>You make your way into her living room and gently set her upon the couch. As you move the table and other furniture in the room to the doorway Lyra decides.
>”What are we gonna do on the couch Anon?” she asks with a giggle. Choosing to ignore the obvious innuendo you answer.
>”We’re gonna stay here for a while. The guards have a barrier around Town Hall because most of the animals are moving in. We can’t get in until it clears up.” You explain before taking a seat next to Lyra.
>”So we’re be stuck in my house?” she asks, “Yes.” You answer  “Just you and me?” she asks, you nod. Lyra takes this time to smile before setting her head in your lap.
>”That’s fine by me.” She says with a sigh of relief…

>When half an hour passes you realize that setting up the makeshift barricade in front of the living room door way was a bad idea.
>Your stomach growling attests to that. Lyra reluctantly takes her head off of your lap so you can get back to your feet.
>”We’ve got some pepper jack chips in the kitchen cabinet… and some bottled water in the fridge.” Lyra says as she watches you disassemble the barricade.
>”Alright then.” You say in response. Within five minutes both you and Lyra have a large bowl filled with her pepper jack chips, cheddar cheese pieces, pretzels, wheat crackers, and plenty of water.
>Lyra winces from discomfort as you try to sit her up straight so she can eat. “Are you okay?” you ask, you elicit a nod from her before she waves her good hoof dismissively.
>”I’ll be fine I had worse.” She says before using her magic to slide one of the tables over, “So Anon what do you wanna start on first? I’m starving.”
>”You grab what you want I’m gonna put everything I can find at the front door. Might as well have free range to move anywhere in here.” You say before grabbing a few chairs…
>After the final piece of furniture you can use is in its proper place you go back into the living room to find that Lyra has eaten a good half of the snack mix bowl by herself.
>You shake your head in disgust, “What?” she asks; her mouth full of chips, “I was hungry!” she adds while bits of food spills out of her maw. When you take a seat next to her yet again you chuckle.
>”I’m just joking calm down.” You say while trailing your fingers through her mane, “Just save some for me will ya?” You watch as Lyra picks up some of the snack foods in a magical glow.
>She throws the bits she’s picked up in your face. “What was that for?!” you cry before wiping away bits of pretzel, “That’s for implying that I’m a fatty.” She says while sticking her tongue out at you.
>”It was a joke!” you exclaim, “Yeah, a mean one.” Lyra retorts, “And I believe you need to make up for it.” She adds. You watch her roll onto her back and place her head in your lap you can see where this is going.
>”Let me guess you want a tummy rub?” you ask before grabbing a handful of chips and shoving them into your mouth.
>Lyra nods, “Uh huh. If you give me one I just might forgive you,” she says before flashing a smirk your way. You raise a brow while looking down at her. She in turn stares up at you.
>The two of you stay locked like this for about a minute before you concede. You sigh out of defeat. “Fine, I’ll do it.” You say; your voice lacking any sort of enthusiasm.
>Lyra still lets out a squee of victory all the same, as your hand trails through her coat she sighs happily before nuzzling the back of her head into your leg.
>”You were desperate for one of these things weren’t you?” you ask. She nods in response before you add, “Especially if you had to pretend to be mad to get one.”
>”Don’t judge me because I like your hands,” Lyra states. With that she shuts her eyes and relaxes while your hand works its magic.
>It isn’t long before the sensation of your fingers starts to loll her to sleep. It’s a few minutes before her voices breaks the silence, “Hey Anon?” she asks softly before opening an eye.
>”Yeah what’s up?” you ask before turning to look her way, “Thanks for coming back for me… and I’m sorry about what happened the other night…” she says before looking away.
>”Seeing you lying there with a timber wolf gnawing on your hoof… kinda made me forgive you for that.” You say with nervous laughter, “Besides it wasn’t that big of a deal now that I think about it.”
>”That’s good…” she says snuggling into you yet again. With that she’s silent, content with letting you rub her tummy in peace. Soon she’s off to sleep.
>You continue your tummy rubbing for a few minutes longer before Lyra’s soft, steady breathing starts to take a toll on you.
>Running around for the majority of the day, beating Everfree creatures senseless, and helping escort ponies has left you without energy…
>Your eyelids can’t help but get heavy; your petting becomes sluggish and slow. Soon you find yourself leaning your head back and falling right to sleep…
>”GAME OVER!” an otherworldly voice shouts. The echoing of those words startles you from your sleep. It does the same to Lyra. You end up holding her out of fear while she shivers.
>”What was that?!” she yelps before clinging to you, “It was so loud!” When you’re able to find your voice you answer in hopes of calming her.
>”I don’t know… but I think… it may have been Discord?” you say as a question rather than a statement. While the voice was thunderous and carried the tone of a raging storm… it did have familiarity to it.
>You and Lyra find yourselves being yanked from your couch in a forced teleportation. When your vision returns to you, you find that you’re back at Town Hall, standing with Lyra in your arms.
>You scan the crowds and they all stare at you from a good distance away. You look down to find that the earth is scorched from your appearance.
>Looks like those ponies wanted to give you enough room to appear. When you go back to looking around you find Discord floating before Town Hall.
>Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy all stand ready to go. Each carry a look of determination and the group has their respective elements on.
>Though your gaze is torn away from the site when Bon-Bon comes galloping up. “Minty!” she cries before coming to a stop in front of you.
>”Bonnie!” Lyra cries with joy. You kneel and set Lyra down in front of the candy mare. The two share an embrace before Bon-Bon looks her over.
>”Are you okay?! What happened?” Bon-Bon asks as she looks over the adhesive tape and gauze pads. Lyra points to you.
>”Oh I’m fine thanks to awesome guy right here; you know the one with the fingers? Yeah he kicked the Tartarus out of a timber wolf and patched me up. You shoulda seen it; it was sooo cool!” Lyra squeals with a wide grin on her face.
>”He did?” Bon-Bon looks to you in question. When you nod she unleashes a deafening squee before leaping to your chest. You find your feet leaving the ground as you’re forced into a tackle/hug.
>”Thankyouthankyouthankyou!” the candy mare shouts before wrapping her hooves around your neck. You quickly find yourself being unable to breathe.
>As luck would have it, Discord is torn away from his little showdown to see you losing air. He sighs before turning your way.
>”Anonymous you’re ruining the moment,” he says before snapping his griffin talons, “Honestly stop trying to steal the show.”
>You take in a lungful of air when Bon-Bon forcibly separated from you. Then you watch as your body lights up in a purple aura. Discord raises you into the air and brings you over.
>He has you floating helplessly a few feet off the ground, and a few feet from his face. He gives you a cocky smirk before clearing his throat.
>”You’ve done quite a lot of damage haven’t you? You’ve turned those infernal ponies back to normal. But if you think I’m just going to sit here and wait you’re sorely mistaken.” Discord says with a sadistic grin.
>You feel his aura tighten around you, causing you to yelp from the sudden feeling. It’s as if the air itself is trying to constrict you like a snake.
>Relief washes over you as you find yourself encased in a mint and purple bubble of magic. Both Lyra and Twilight synchronized a shield spell to save you from Discord’s wrath.
>They gently bring you away from Discord and over to the rest of the Mane 6. When your feet touch ground and when the shield dissipates you thank them both.
>”We got your back Anon!” Lyra cries from her place in the crowd, “We won’t let Discord mess with you again.” Twilight adds before glaring Discord’s way.
>Discord laughs evilly, “Oh Twilight you’re adorable! You honestly think you can… you can…” he stumbles over his response. He has no idea what to say.
>”Hold on a moment,” he says before snapping his claws. A stack of paper is brought into existence. For about thirty seconds he flips through the pages. He squints when he comes across a certain page.
>”Wait I’m supposed to say that? Well that’s unbecoming of me.” Discord says more to himself than to those around him. He shrugs before setting the paper ablaze.
>”I’ll just wing it. I’m great at doing that.” He says with a smile, “Pre written dialogue is so boring.” He adds before chuckling and tossing the burning paper over his shoulder.
>”What in tarnation was that?” Applejack asks. Discord ignores the apple farmer’s question and goes right back to speaking with Twilight.
>”Take two… Oh Twilight you’re adorable! Do you honestly believe that you alone can stop me?” Discord shakes his head in disappointment, “I thought you smarter than that.”
>”That’s cause she’s not alone!” you hear Rainbow Dash exclaim before trotting over to Twilight, “The six of us are gonna kick your flank as a team right guys?” she turns to ask the rest.
>”Yeah, wouldn’t be right lettin a friend try and stop ya all by their lonesome.” Applejack adds before moving in front of Twilight.
>Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie all take their respective places in front of Twilight, as if to block Discord from her.
>”So that’s it?” he asks, “Is this the part where you use the Elements to encase me in stone yet again?!” Discord adds while his grin widens.
>”That’s the plan.” Twilight states as her eyes begin to glow with a bright white light. As she floats into the air the others around her start to mimic her.
>The gems on their respective elements begin to glow; the immediate area darkens to a near pitch black.
>The air around you begins to heat up as the magic wisps of white light dance around the Mane Six. You find yourself covering your eyes as the light being emitted becomes unbearable to look upon.
>The brilliant display of power has you backing away from the group. You find yourself afraid to be near them, lest you be affected by what’s to come.
>”You’re being too hasty!” Discord shouts, “What about your precious pony princesses!?” he asks. As the question dons on the Mane Six the elements begin to power down.
>When the light fades and when they touch ground again Discord laughs triumphantly. “Oh yes, you know that they will be forever imprisoned if I’m taken out of the picture!” he exclaims.
>”But,” he adds with the snap of his claws. You watch as the moon takes its position in the sky. The sudden loss of light comes as a surprise to you and the denizens of P0nyville.
>It isn’t until now you realize that the Everfree animals and the dome are no longer here… did Discord send the animals away upon his entrance?
>Your thoughts are interrupted as a brilliant column of white light connects with the ground its origin: the Moon. You watch as two silhouettes travel through the column.
>When they stop at the ground the light dissipates… and you’re subjugated to a sight you never thought you’d ever get to see.
>From the descriptions and pictures Twilight showed you back when you first came to Equestria, you know you’re looking upon Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.
>Twilight described the two with magnificent qualities. She told you that Celestia’s coat was of the purest white and her ever flowing mane was a wonder in and of itself.
>The prismatic colors that shown from her mane and tail was said to be a marvel to those who would get to witness its beauty…
>As for Luna she was described to be the embodiment of the night itself. Midnight blue coat, coupled with dark clouds around her cutie mark, were to show both the illustriousness and elusiveness the night brought.
>The thousands of tiny bits of light that made the stars in her forever moving dark blue mane and tail were rumored to be its own splendor. That looking upon it would bring you a sense of peace…
>Twilight also told you that both Celestia and Luna carried themselves highly, yet were humble enough to not think themselves above those they rule over.
>All in all they were the textbook definition of fairytale figures of authority. In reality, from where you’ve grown up, you’ve learned in history classes that most monarchies revolved around propaganda and corruption. These two were supposed to be the exact opposite…
>But looking upon the two now… you can’t say that Twilight’s enthusiastic interpretations of the two are accurate… in fact they looked downright pitiful.
>Their coats are matted with gray spots of dirt from the excessive moon dust they’ve been forced to sleep on.
>The purple shadows under their baggy eyes show that they’ve been subjugated to sleepless nights upon that giant orb.
>Their crowns, necklaces, and shoes are in a state of disrepair. You can see the missing gems and deep scratches that run along their clothing.
>Both seem so disoriented from being brought here neither seem to have the strength to even lift their heads and look upon their subjects.
>In fact Luna seems to be shaking, almost as if she were going to collapse in a heap of exhaustion. You hear Twilight gasp.
>”P-Princess Celestia!” Twilight shouts with worry. She points a single hoof Celestia’s way… you find a single trail of blood running down the side of her head.
>Looks like she conked her head pretty hard on something up there. When devastation seems to consume the Mane Six and the towns ponies Discord finds himself laughing yet again.
>”What’s wrong girls, have you lost the will to fight?” Discord asks in between fits of laughter, “Well that’s just too bad isn’t it?”
>As he finishes you find Eris and Screwball standing upon opposite sides of the Princesses. This is the first time you’ve ever seen the two looking… wicked.
>Eris’ irises seem to be glowing in the night, her disheveled hair seems even more so than usual. The claws she sports seem razor sharp; and that grin… it’s like looking into the maw of a shark.
>Screwball’s once goofy grin seems to be twisted into a psychotic smile that’s too big for her face. Her wild swirling violet eyes glow with an eerie light.
>As you watch this standoff you can’t help but wonder… how could you have been friends with things that seem so… intimidating? They really are monsters born from chaos itself…
>You find the hair on the back of your neck standing on end and chills running throughout your very being as Eris’ eyes lock with yours.
>She winks and in return you find yourself backing away. The wall of Town Hall stops you from moving any further.
>”As you can see I hold all the cards. If you try to imprison me you can kiss your rulers goodbye… but I’m willing to make a small trade.” Discord says calmly before snapping his claws.
>A tear in space forms next to him, looking inside you can see… your city. The one you were staying in before Discord brought you to Equestria.
>Numerous people walk on by as if nothing’s there. How can they not see this? “What are you playing at Discord?” Twilight asks, obviously suspicious.
>”You let me go… I’ve grown tired of this place and I’d love a change in scenery. You may not know it but these humans… I’ve yet to see anything so chaotic…” Discord looks into the rift in fascination.
>”Do you think we’d let you go to Anon’s world and mess with it?!” Twilight exclaims in anger, “We aren’t going to let you destroy where Anon came from!”
>”Brave words coming from a foal… but are you willing to risk your princesses for a human you barely know?” Discord asks with a knowing grin.
>Twilight looks to you, then to the princesses. She hesitates… “I…” Twilight starts, “Choose wisely girls. Let my daughters and I go and your princesses shall be free.”  He motions to Celestia and Luna.
>”Or you can try to imprison us and in turn lose your rulers for good.” His smile widens as she sees the helpless expression on Twilight’s face.
>“Since he’s the reason why we’re to this point, why don’t we let Anonymous make the decision?  Go on Anonymous, choose.” He says before a glowing hand of purple wraps around your shirt. He tugs you so you’re stuck in between him and the Mane Six.
>When he releases you, you stand there mouth agape, as you turn to face your options.  You look from Discord; to his two daughters that were holding the Princesses hostage; and finally to the ponies you’d come to know as your friends and neighbors.
>Your little plan is in shambles. Discord stopped you before you could enact it. You were hoping that you could have both remain…
>You wanted the princesses to be able to get along with Discord. You wanted Eris and Screwball to stay despite how they’re coming off now.
>And you wanted Twilight and the others to remain as they are now… you want so many things you don’t even realize just how childish you really are.
> Life is full of choices, as you’d learned over the years; not all of them are easy; and more often than not you realized you can’t have the benefits from both.
>A sacrifice must be made… that’s a part of becoming an adult… learning how to make necessary sacrifices…
>Admittedly coming to this colorful world, being around all these smiling faces… you feel as though you’ve regressed a bit.
>The childlike wonder you never got to truly experience arose the longer you stayed in this place. You find yourself looking at your shoes.
>Even now you feel as though you can’t make a decision… everyone’s waiting on you Anonymous. It’s time to weigh your options.
>If you let Discord stay then there’s no doubt that things will go back to the way they were when you first arrived.
>You’ll probably get to spend more time with Eris and Screwball since the ponies will consider you a traitor. Your little thing with Eris might turn into something greater.
>Screwball herself, despite her over the top pranks, is an absolute joy to be around. She’s goofy and she knows how to have a good time, as does Eris.
>Discord himself might in turn be your friend… one that doesn’t string you along like some puppet. In a way you’re saving him from his stony fate by doing this, would he be grateful?
>You turn to face Twilight and the others. To see them disappointed… or to see them hate your very existence tears into you.
>If you side with them, you may be given a home along with citizenship status. You’ll get to build a house here; which will in turn allow you to live like one of them.
>With that you’ll be able to strengthen the bonds you’ve made. If what Pinkie asked you back when you danced with her was an honest question… then she might be the one you find yourself spending the most time with.
>These ponies seem to hold you in high regard; you’ve notice that these equines lack the cynicism humans have in abundance. Were they humans… you doubt you would even have friends here.
> They connected your appearance to the world getting better, rather than becoming hostile and suspecting Discord’s trickery
>You’ve proven that you care for them with the various acts you’ve done. You saved Derpy, you helped the Mane Six return to normal, and you rescued ponies for the majority of your day today.
>You could see a bright future in siding with these ponies… you can have fun with Discord and his daughters… you shake your head when you didn’t even bring Earth into the equation.
>If Discord, Eris, and Screwball leave there’s a good chance you’ll never see any of them again. If you don’t choose them they’ll be gone from your life for good.
>”I… I chose…” you start. Everyone around you seems to lean in, hanging on your every word, “The ponies that I’ve come to call my friends…”
>You’ve made your decision… you should be happy… but why do you feel so full of regret? Why does it pain you so to choose Equestria over Discord?
>The crowd is silent as your announcement sinks in; before erupting into a loud chorus of cheers. Eris and Screwball look on sadly while Discord seems happy with your choice.
>You still can’t seem to face any of them. You cringe when you feel Discord wrap an arm around you as he leans in.
>”…I can see you’re hurt by all of this… but I will not apologize for it. I’ve given you the tools to make a better life for yourself… do you feel you have a better life here?” Discord asks with earnest.
>After a few seconds you nod. He gives you a genuine smile, “You’ve made the right choice in siding with Equestria… with me gone everything here should return to normal.” He explains.
>”And I’m glad you’re living a good life here. It’s all I wanted out of you in the end. What I asked… or rather demanded of you has been fulfilled.” With that Discord makes his way past you and over to the rift.
>He turns to you and offers his parting words “Make it last my friend.” He says with a small wave before snaking his way through the rift and out of sight.
>”Bye Anon,” you hear Screwball say sadly before she comes over to you. You kneel down and wrap the little purple pony in a tight hug.
>”I wish you could play with us some more… that stuff in Canterlot was so much fun,” she says as her lower lip quivers. You rustle her mane a bit before getting back to your feet.
>”I know you do, but you’ll have lots of fun on Earth.” You say in hopes of reassuring the little pony. You still don’t see how any of these creatures got so attached after such little time.
>”If you say so… “Screwball says before slinking over to the rift, “Cannonball!” she shouts happily before leaping into the rift curled up in a ball.
>”Heh, she got over it pretty quickly.” You say with a chuckle before turning to find Eris floating at eye level with you. She’s back to her normal form… and like Screwball she doesn’t look happy to leave.
>”Oh come on not you too. I didn’t think you’d get all sappy with me here at the end,” you give her a smile, but your eyes betray how you truly feel.
>If only there was a way to keep her and the others around… “I guess that date was a waste of time?” you ask with a shrug.
>She shakes her head before coming closer, “Nah, I had fun and I know you did too.” She says before leaning in and whispering, “Don’t worry I’ll be paying you a visit from time to time.”
>She gives you a quick peck on the cheek, “I’ll see you around Anon.” With that she joins her father and sister in the rift.
>The ponies in town continue to cheer as the rift begins to close and the remaining purple and black wisps of chaos quietly fade from existence.
>It doesn’t take long for it to dawn on everyone that the god that caused them so many headaches has finally left for good.
>The Mane Six rush to greet you after they deem it safe to approach you. “You did it Anon!” Twilight shouts while jumping for joy.
>“Good show darling!” Rarity chimes in, “Ah knew you’d choose us!” Applejack exclaims. “Oh my gosh Anon we should totally have a party to celebrate!” Pinkie suggests while bouncing around you.
>Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash are the last to approach, “Um… yay?” she says before moving her mane in front of her face to hide. You can’t help but laugh at her shy demeanor.
>When it comes to Rainbow Dash she sits on her flank and stares at you blankly while you in turn stare back. Why does this feel so awkward… oh right first impression.
>”So… you held me down and forced some nasty, burning stuff down my throat.” Dash says, her voice flat. You suck in air through your teeth before sighing.
>”Yeah… I kinda did… sorry about that,” you say with a nervous chuckle, Rainbow smiles and waves her hoof dismissively before saying, “You did kinda save Equestria so I think I can look past it. But you’re totally buying me some cider after all this is over.”
>”I can probably get some more cider from Big Mac,” you suggest before pointing to him. He looks away nervously, “Nooooope. Ah don’t have none o’ that stuff.” He says.
>”Heh, that’d be so awesome!” she says before lifting her hoof to you. Your eyes widen in surprise when you realize she actually knows the gesture.
>Without hesitating you bump your fist with her hoof. For a few moments, all seems right with the world. You may have given up a few friends… but in turn you’ve gained the good graces of a nation…
>Celestia takes this time to make herself known to the masses. She lifts her head up high and slowly she trots over to you and the others. Silence overtakes the crowd yet again as they watch her move.
>When she’s close enough she clears her throat to get yours, and the Mane Six’s attention. They turn and bow to her while you stare on.
>While her weary eyes, ruined attire, and disheveled mane would make her seem unapproachable… her tired smile gives you the relief necessary to put you at ease.
>It’s as if years of stress had started the process of melting away from the Princess of the Sun. As she approached you, you couldn’t help but notice as her once dirty coat begins to brighten bit by bit…
>She rivals you in height which to you is breathtaking… she virtually towers over her subjects. Her muzzle comes to the center of your chest… though her horn makes Celestia a tad larger than you.
>She may be unkempt but she still held an air of superiority, of regality. She stands with a posture that commands authority despite her present condition.
>You find yourself unable to stand straight in her presence. As if your own body was working against you, you find yourself bowing to her.
>When she speaks, her soft harmonious manner in which she speaks plays a beautiful tune to the ears. “You may rise my little ponies. I apologize for interrupting, but Anonymous and I have a few things to discuss.”
>Your eyes widen as you stand straight yet again. She offers you a warm, almost motherly smile, “Anonymous… take a walk with me.”
>She doesn’t order you, she doesn’t demand it… she simply requests it, and you are more than willing to oblige. You turn to your friends and all of them motion for you to go. Your celebration can wait…
>”As you wish… Princess.” You say with a courtesy bow. As you rise she moves to the side so you can join her, which you do.
>As the two of you make your way through the crowds Celestia turns to Luna, “Sister, would you be so kind as to… take care of things here for me?” she asks. Luna nods in response.
>”Thank you sister.” Celestia says before turning to you, “I believe a stroll through the park shall do.” She adds. As you walk with her something dawns on you.
>”P0nyville has a park your highness?” you ask, dumbfounded. Celestia giggles before saying, “Yes it does Anonymous… I see you haven’t taken in all the sites, let us rectify that…”