Anon in Equestria: Chapter 4: Eris' Apology

In the end you decided to tell her the same thing you told the guard mare. Needless to say Lyra was furious about it. Judging by the way her shackles rattled you could tell she wanted nothing more than to get out of her binds and hunt those ponies down.
But after a bit of coaxing from the guard Lyra decided that acting out and being angry for something out of her control is quite silly. Plus Lyra didn’t want to get shocked again for insubordination. As it turns out the unicorns in the City Guard know a low level spell which acts as a Taser for rowdy ponies.
After she managed to calm down the two of you took this time to catch up on a few things. After all you haven’t spoken to her since Discord left for Earth. As expected she and Bon-Bon continued working in their candy shop while you were busy with Pinkie and Zecora. For her and Bon-Bon things went on as normal, well as normal as things can be.
Time Turner is still with Bon-Bon and the two have gotten quite close over the last few weeks. Lyra attests to this by the grunting and groaning she can hear from Bon-Bon’s room at night when he comes for a visit. Then she mentions how long their session last. You can’t help but laugh, when she asks why you find it funny you tell her about humans and their stamina. You don’t see it but when you finish Lyra’s face has turned a new shade of red. The same could be said for the guards sitting nearby.
 Surprising enough, Lyra was actually on vacation. She’s been in Manehattan for the last two weeks and tonight was supposed to be her last night. She intended on going to one of the many nightclubs that are scattered throughout the city, but Eris saw to her last night of joy. Lyra kind of took out some of her anger on the poor sap that insulted you.
As you tell her about how you’ve been keeping yourself busy over the last month you hear a pony rush into the room. By his rapid breathing it sounds like he either ran a great distance, or something big is happening right at this moment.
“She’s here!” the stallion shouts, you hear the sound of hooves rapidly beating upon the ground as the guard gallops towards the far end of the room. The mare that brought you in is close behind him. An eerie silence falls over the room.
“Lyra what’s going on?” You feel her place a hoof on your lips.
“Shh, hold on a minute.” The wait isn’t long. A loud explosion rings out from the area where the guards ran off to. Wood and stone are torn from their foundation from the shockwave that follows. Without thinking you reach out, grab hold of Lyra, and put yourself in between her and the direction of the noise.
You expect large pieces of debris to hit your back. Instead only a single broken piece of wood lazily slaps against you. The smoke and dust that follows is much worse than that. As you’re hacking away you can’t help but think of how much of a wasted attempt that was.
“You know,” you say in between fits of coughing, “I was expecting more.”
“It’s the thought that counts!” She’s in about the same state as you. At this point if the two of you don’t find a way out you’ll probably suffocate. As you try to get a fresh breath of air screaming ponies can be heard from all around you. Whatever’s happening has caused quite a commotion.
“Lyra, can you see through the smo—“you can’t finish as another round of coughing hits you. It feels as though you’re about to hack up a lung. Thankfully she understood what you were trying to ask her. She nods before you let her out of your grip.
“Yeah let’s go,” she manages to utter before succumbing to a bout of coughing. Once they subside she uses her magic to force your hand to her mane so you won’t get lost. With you in tow she slowly but surely maneuvers around any debris in the floor and towards what you hope to be the exit.
The two of you only manage to make it a few yards before she freezes in place and refuses to go on any further. Even with you being low to the ground you’re not given any relief from the smoke pervades the room. At this point you can’t imagine why Lyra would stop now.
“Lyra what’s wrong?” you wheeze. She doesn’t answer and instead remains silent. You’re about to ask again, but the sound of a single set of hooves as they approach you catches your attention. With your eyes out of commission you have no idea just who could be coming your way. If anything it could possibly be those insect ponies from earlier, or a group of rioting ponies that decided to steal from City Hall.
As your mind frantically paints terrible images for you to see the sound of a very familiar Draconequus clears her throat.
“Ahem, was that a bit much? I feel like I could have toned it down a little— oh who am I kidding that was awesome!” She shouts with glee before running your way.
Admittedly you’re surprised to hear her voice. But knowing that she just caused the explosion, coupled with all of this being her fault, you’re not exactly happy to know she’s around you. In fact, you’re a bit angry at how she managed to ruin something else yet again. You yelp when she pulls you and Lyra under each arm.
“Oh man did you see that, please tell me you saw—” she pauses mid-sentence when she notices the new accessory you’re sporting, “Anon what happened?” You remain stoic and silent. Besides its not as if you could answer her anyway, she should know that you can’t exactly breathe too well right now. You’re wondering why she’s unaffected by it.
“Of course you can’t answer look at all this smoke and dust. Here hold on.” You want to scream as you feel forcibly thrown in a random direction. While you’re unable to see it your body remembers this feeling all too well. Eris has just forced you and Lyra through a portal. Hopefully she’s set the destination for home. If you’re going to yell at her again you might as well do it where you’re most comfortable.

You take a test breath of air in order to find out where you are. Judging by the familiar scent of dirty laundry you can only assume that you’ve been brought to your room. Unless of course Eris decided that she wanted to be funny and bring you to a Laundromat. So you take this time to feel around aimlessly in order to discern where you are.
You hear Eris’ voice from your side, “I brought you home, and your bed is a little to the right.” You nod before bringing your hands out and feeling about. When your hands brush against your sheets you breathe a sigh of relief before taking a seat. You hear Lyra hum in wonderment.
“So, this is where you live huh? Looks pretty nice Anon!” you hear Lyra’s chipper voice call from nearby. Unfortunately you can’t see Eris pointing to your door when she scoffs.
“If you think that’s something, you should take a look out there.” Silence hangs over the room when Lyra makes no motion to move, nor does she acknowledge anything Eris said. “Hey what’s your problem?”
“My problem is that the Draconequus that messed up Manehattan is trying to talk to me like I’m her friend.” You commend Lyra’s bravery. You’re sure that there aren’t many ponies out there that’d talk to Eris like that. “And you blew up Town Hall to get us out!” So Eris was the cause behind the explosion?
“I did what I had to do,” Eris makes her way over to you, and then she drapes an arm around your shoulders. “If I didn’t this poor sap out he would still be in pony custody.” You grit your teeth before pushing Eris away. She lets out a surprised gasp of air before hitting your wall.
“Don’t, touch me.” Your voice drips with malice. You were keeping calm for the most part. Though, you were silently stewing all the while. Your anger was slowly building its way up through your system.
The entire reason why you’re handicapped now is because of her. Had she not of brought you here in the first place then this wouldn’t have happened to you. At first you could sympathize where she was coming from. After all, you guys wouldn’t have been able to do anything other than hang out. But for her to throw you under the bus so to speak without a moment’s hesitation pissed you off to no end.
You’re still willing to recognize the fact that you being attacked was your own fault. You were wandering around a city at night alone. But you should not have been in that city to begin with.
“Hey, what the hell Anon, what was that for?!” She gingerly rubs her now aching back. You turn your head in the general direction of her voice. Then you take the wrapping around your eyes and remove it. As soon as you open your eye lids you can hear Eris voice her disgust. “Ugh, oh man what happened to your eyes?”
“God damn bug ponies that’s what happened.” Thankfully Lyra starts to reapply the wrapping for you via magic. “When I left you I got ambushed a couple of hours later.”
“Then you should have just gone to the movies with me, ya know, like I suggested.” You slam your hands on your bed and growl. Lyra yelps before losing her concentration, causing the wrapping to fall to your shoulders.
“We shouldn’t have been there in the first place!” Eris’ ears flatten against her head and she casts a shameful gaze to your floor. “I was dumb enough to go walking on my own I get it. But because of YOU I’m fucked. Celstia is definitely going to be paying me a visit.”
“B-But I made everything better!” You scoff before shaking your head.
“And how did you do that? How did you make up for ruining me?”
“Before I leaped in after you two I went on clean up duty. When they all wake up tomorrow none of them will remember a thing,” She smiles like she accomplished a great task. While you feel some relief from her words, that does little to stem the tide of questions that come from you.
“Does that involve fixing the property that got destroyed? Or the items that were stolen during the riots? How about the fact that all those ponies are going to wonder how EVERY ONE of them slept an entire day? They’ll also wonder how some of them woke up in the MIDDLE OF THE FUCKING CITY!” You’re breathing heavily at this point.
“I didn’t think about fixing all of that,” Eris giggles nervously while flashing you an apologetic smile. Despite being absolutely livid you manage to keep your voice calm.
“Well, there’ll certainly be an investigation. Something city scale will probably be reported to Celestia anyway.” With your wrapping secured you lie back on your bed before continuing, “That reminds me, since I was unconscious for almost a whole day that means any Town Guard would have been perfectly capable of sending Celestia a letter about us. Did you happen to stop any messengers?” Eris is silent for a few moments.
“Whoops…”

While you scream out your frustrations to the Draconequus, a single Manehattan Guard Pony has made his way into Canterlot Castle’s Interior. He adjusts his chest plate, and then looks over his helmet for any scuff marks or discolorations. If he’s going to personally meet with Princess Celestia he has to look his best.
With a short sigh he uses a wing to grab hold of multiple rolls of parchment from within his brown saddlebag. As soon as everything seems to be in order he makes his way over to the gigantic double doors that lead into the castle’s throne room.
Upon reaching them they open to reveal the lavishness that lied just beyond. Lovely red carpeting that stretched from the entryway to the deity that sits upon her pure white throne. Aside from various stained glass windows that depict events since passed. However, a window that was completely blank caught his attention as he made his way into the room.
“Good Evening,” Celestia’s voice is like honey to his ears. It causes him to bring his full attention to her. Despite the fact that the rather long day is coming to an end, she has lost none of her radiance. To him, it’s as though he’s approaching the sun itself. When he gets within a few feet of her throne he bows. “You may rise, sir guard.”
He does so without missing a beat, “Thank you Princess, I’m afraid I come bearing troubling news.” Celestia’s small smile melts into a neutral expression.
“What news do you bring to me today?” The guard motions to the scrolls he’s carrying. Celestia picks them up in a golden aura and she levitates them over. Upon opening one and reading her eyes slowly but surely widen with shock.
Fires, riots, ponies stealing from others, the guard being stretched thin in order to help contain the chaos that seemed to burn away at multiple sections of the city. It’s a lot of information or her to take in. As she sift through each of the seven scrolls presented she’s greeted with various guard reports, eye witness sightings, damage costs, obituaries, and of course multiple entries specifically stating that you paid the city a visit with a certain creature.
Horror slinks throughout her very being when she finds photographs of you and Eris making an appearance in front of the theater. At least a good portion of her fears can be laid to rest. Were it Discord she would have immediately sent for Twilight and her friends to be brought to Manehattan, but with it being one of his daughters she felt that the situation wasn’t as dire as it could have been.
Still, the state that the city is in is dire. Celestia knows that the guards stationed there will not be enough to take care of what’s needed. She lets out a soft sigh before rolling up the scrolls and giving them back to the guard.
“Princess?” He asks while stuffing them back into his saddlebags. He steps away and to the side when Celestia steps off of her throne. When she turns his way he stands a attention.
“What is your name?” He clears his throat for a moment before answering in an authoritive tone.
“Steel Wing your majesty,” she smiles before nodding.
“Guards Pony Steel Wing, have you ever had the pleasure of ridding in a Royal Carriage?” he shakes his head.
“I can’t say that I have your majesty.”
“Well, that’s about to change,” she promptly walks past him and to the entrance; “If I am to pay a visit to Manehattan I’ll need a guide. I haven’t been there in quite some time, and I believe you would be best suited to fulfill that role. Do you object?” He shakes his head again, “Great, we leave as soon as possible. If you would follow me please?” The guard salutes before promptly following her out of the room.
As they trot along one of the many winding corridors a question seems to worm its way out of Steel Wing. “Your majesty?”
“Yes Steel Wing?” she turns her head to look upon him.
“Are you going to alert the Element Bearers?”
“I would if I felt they were needed. From those reports you presented it is Eris that has returned. While she’s very powerful she cannot hold a candle to her eccentric father. I believe I can handle this matter personally.”
“If you insist your majesty…”

An untold amount of time has passed since Eris left your room to let you cool off. Needless to say if she stayed you would have laid in to her and kept doing so until you said something you’d regret. Besides, you really didn’t want her to be around you right now.
She turned something that could have been fun into a full day of pain and misery for you. The thought of eventually talking to Celestia about this incident digs deep within the recesses of your mind.
When you do speak with her, how would she react? Will she listen to reason and see that it was Eris’ decision to come back, or will she believe you have a sinister plot in mind? You’ve come to care for these ponies deeply, and the last thing you want is for them to believe you have a scheme to hurt them, or worse. Lyra’s voice breaks your train of thought.
“Uh, if it makes you guys feel any better I won’t tell anyone.” Lyra informs while trotting about your room. “Your secret is safe with me.”
“Well, I’d be happy about that, if Eris were thorough enough to take care of loose ends.” Ever since Eris admitted to making such an error she’s left you and Lyra alone. In that time Lyra’s already moved about your apartment. Like you she had the same problems with the décor. Though she thought it was awesome that a single touch was all it’d take to make an entryway to your pool. After getting a feel for the place she came back to your room and dried off. Lyra suddenly stops at the side of your bed. You feel the weight of it displace when she leaps up onto it.
“I know I shouldn’t be saying this, but I think you need to give Eris a break.” You’re surprised to hear something like that coming from a pony’s mouth. Last time you checked Eris played her part in making them suffer just like Discord did.
“W-What?” You ask incredulously, “You can’t be serious Lyra.”
“You weren’t with me when I was trotting around, she’s an absolute wreck. I never thought I’d see a Draconequus cry in my lifetime.” You open your mouth to speak out against her. You wanted to tell her about the potential hell you’re going to be put through, but you stop as she continues.
“She thinks you hate her Anon, all she wants is to do something with you that’d make you both happy. But all she seems to do is make things worse.”
“Wait, did you talk to her or something?” Lyra puts a hoof to her chin in thought.
“Yes I did, and Anon there’s something you need to understand. Eris is going to do daring things like that, it’s in her nature. She can’t change who or what she is.”
“But she can learn to keep that part under control.” You sit up and face where you believe Lyra is sitting on your bed. “I can’t let it go just because she’s a Draconequus.”
“She was able to accept your anger, and she didn’t turn away from you the day you went completely insane. Why can’t you do the same for her and her chaotic tendencies? I’m sure the two of you can find a middle ground, a way that suits both your wants and needs. I’m not saying that you’re wrong for being mad, your reasons are justified. But you’ve got to give her some leeway.”
As reluctant as you are to do so, you recall the day you destroyed a portion of your room. You could still feel bits of that day from within, that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach, the heart ache, and the torrent of emotions that raged within. You could also remember the fear Eris had planted on her face when you came a little too close to her.
Yet, despite that, she didn’t suggest to have you put back on Earth. No, she beat the living hell out of the guy who hurt you. She defended you when you were at your worst, if anything you owe her a lot more than you would care to acknowledge. Though, you could certainly recollect all the bad things she put you through as well. Eris may have held your best interest in a lot of situations, but she didn’t exactly going about making that seem true.
“But that doesn’t change the fact that Celestia is going to be angry with me. Eris went way too damn far. Even if I were to do what you suggest, her actions have ruined that chance. There are some things that she shouldn’t do. She doesn’t realize the repercussions until after she’s cast her spell. If she could learn to think before doing something I wouldn’t be as angry with her as I am now, or at all really.” Lyra shakes her head before sighing.
“Anon, do you even know Celestia?” You shrug your shoulders.
“We haven’t really spoken to one another since she made me a citizen. Twilight told me a few things about her too, but she’s Celestia’s student. Of course Twilight is going to have positive things to say about her.”
“Well, then let me educate you. She is very forgiving, and very benevolent. If you and Eris talk with her in a mature manor, explain the mistake, and offer to make the situation better, then she’s going to side with you. The two of you are going to talk anyway that much is certain. Even if Eris did erase their memories I’m sure Celestia has a way to see what happened regardless. She is the strongest magic user on the planet.”
You can’t help but think that Lyra offers very valid points. Assuming she’s right about Celestia, then you may have a shot after all. And if the ponies see you and Eris striving to make up for what happened, then maybe they won’t be as adamant about hating you or Eris for that matter.
Of course they’ll be suspicious, but the more the two of you put forth an effort to help, the more trusting they’ll become. You could give Eris a chance if she supports this idea, but you and she are going to be laying down a few ground rules. You can’t afford to go around fixing a mess like Ponyville was again. The second time around wouldn’t be as simple to solve.
She’ll have to learn to keep her chaotic magic in check, and she’ll have to be willing to side with ponies instead of messing with them. You doubt she’ll want to do either, but if she doesn’t then there’s no way to keep Celestia on your side. While she may be benevolent you’re sure she’ll do anything in her power to keep her subjects safe…
“If I can get Eris behind the idea, then I don’t see why not. It’s probably the best way to go about this mess. But what if Eris thinks it’s a joke? What if she isn’t willing to put forth the effort to make amends for what she did?” Lyra shrugs in response.
“Then Celestia is going to make her leave. If Eris shows no signs of regret then Celestia will see her as another Discord. That means she’ll do everything in her power to either banish her from Equestria, or imprison her again.” Lyra smirks before shooting you a half lidded gaze you can’t even see. “But you and I both know she likes you, if playing nice means she’ll get to stay with you, then I’m sure she’ll put forth the effort. And if you give her a little “incentive” she’ll be more than willing.” She snickers and you tilt your head in confusion.
“What do you mean by that?” Lyra silences herself immediately.
“Are you bucking kidding me? Anon, I’m talking about pressing her buttons.”
“What?” You’re utterly confused.
“Ugh! Heavy petting?” You shake your head, “Bumping Uglies?” You shake your head again. “Getting down and dirty?” You repeat your previous action. “Rut her brains out?” Your face immediately lights up with blush. You’re embarrassed because you didn’t figure it out sooner.
 “Are you serious?! Why do you even support that? Didn’t you like me too?”
“Yeah I did, but I blew my chance when I threw up all over you like a drunken party mare. Now I’m trying to be your buddy, and I’m telling you that you need to give her the man meat.” You can’t believe Lyra is suggesting that you do such a thing.
“But I can’t just do something like that.”
“Why not?”
“Because I’ve never done anything like that before!” Unfortunately Lyra didn’t understand what you meant. Instead of assuming you’re a virgin she thinks it’s something else entirely.
“I’m not saying you should do anal Anon. That’s something mares save as a trump card when we— Wah!” you reach out blindly and grab hold of her mane. You’ve heard enough out of her. You get up out of bed and drag her behind you. “Anon that hurts!”
“Don’t care, get out.” She doesn’t put forth much of a struggle as you make your way towards your door.
“But Anon I’m only try—“
“Out.”
“I’ve got another sug—“
“Out,” you feel around for the knob. When you find it you open it, and then slide Lyra out into the hall. “Come back when you’re mind isn’t in the gutter.” You promptly slam the door in her face.
As you try to feel your way back to your bed Lyra turns an apologetic gaze over to Eris; who just so happened to be floating her way over to your room.
“So, did it work?” Eris asks; her expression filled to the brim with hope.
“Yes and no. He’s thinking about giving you a chance, but as far as incentive goes he doesn’t seem to like that idea.” Eris hangs her head in defeat.
“Damn it,” she mutters under her breath.
 “Don’t worry I’m sure he’ll come around, eventually.” Lyra lets out a soft grunt before getting on her hind hooves. She places a comforting hoof on Eris’ shoulder. “We’ll get em.” Eris cranes her neck to face Lyra.
“So, do I just go in there or what?” Lyra nods.
“Now’s as good of time as any, might as well let him know you’re serious. I’m still surprised you’re willing to do this.” Eris merely shrugs in response.
“If it’ll get him to stop getting so angry with me I’ll try just about anything. But, one thousand years of no consequences, it’s gonna be kinda hard to think about the repercussions when I haven’t cared in so long.”
“Well, you spent the majority of that time as stone, so I’m sure that consequence will be fresh in your mind.” Eris’ eyes widen and nervous sweat seems to form upon her brow. Anxiety is clear upon her features.
“That’s a very good point. I’m gonna go in there and tell him I’m all for the reforming thing. I do NOT want to end up in a stone prison again.”
“Yeah you do that. Good luck.”
“Thanks I’ll need it,” she places her claws upon the handle of the door and stops. She twists to look back at the little mint colored unicorn. “Wait, why are you being so cool?” Her smile turns sly, and then she snaps her talons. Lyra’s eyes open wide and her body seems to freeze in place. A single, tiny purple flame erupts from the center of her forehead. “Because chaos, how could I forget!” Eris snickers to herself before twisting your door’s knob.
As soon as Eris enters your room and shuts the door Lyra starts moving again. She shakes her head and bats her eyes as though she’s been in a deep slumber.
“Whoa, what happened?” When she feels something burning she turns her attention to her forehead. “And I’m on fire, weird.” She turns her gaze back to your door for a few moments. When it finally registers her eyes shoot open again and she screams. “I’M ON FIRE!” She makes a break for your swimming pool in order to douse the flame…

As your door creaks open you sit up and face the direction the noise came from. She sighs to herself before walking into the room and closing the door behind herself.
“Are you alright now?” You nod.
You’re about to answer, but suddenly Lyra shouts about something in the hall. The sound of her galloping away from your door can be heard echoing throughout the entire apartment. She continues to scream until you believe she reaches the pool area. Then all is silent.
“Is Lyra alright out there?” Eris takes a quick peek outside your door.
“Yeah she’s fine. I can see her from here. She went swimming again.”
“Ah, alright then, now where were we?” You hear Eris shut your door again.
“I was asking you if you were alright.”
“Of course, yes I’m alright. I don’t feel like choking you anymore.” You chuckle and she does in turn.
“That’s good to hear, you were pretty uh red in the face there.”
“Well of course, thankfully I can handle my anger better than I used to.”
“I’m sure the fact that I can heal your eyes helps as well.”
“That it does, but there’s a few things we need to discuss.” You invite her over by patting a spot of your bed. She readily accepts and takes her place next to you.
“If it’s about Celestia, I’m gonna take the blame on that one. I’ll stick around and let her know the details. Besides, she should have realized I’d come back. After all, Discord never said that Screwball and I had to leave, just him.” You chuckle before shaking your head.
“You know she’s gonna be angry about that Eris.”
“Yeah I know, and she’ll have to deal with it.”
“I hope you realize the ramifications that come with that state of mind.” Eris is silent for a few moments, when she takes a deep breath she continues.
“She’ll probably make me leave after I fix your eyes.”
“Indeed she will. Unless of course you make amends for what you’ve done.”
“Listen, I’m sure Lyra already told you this, but I’ve been using my magic as I see fit for as long as I care to remember. I’m not just gonna turn over a new leaf overnight ya know?” You nod, letting her know you understand.
“But if you put forth an effort, and let Celestia know that you won’t impulsively use your magic then I’m sure she’ll be lenient.” Eris chuckles before giving you skeptic glare.
“What happened to all that talk about me ruining everything for you? Or how she’ll think you’re a liar?” You smirk before shrugging your shoulders.
“Lyra instilled a bit of confidence in me. I’m just hoping Celestia stays as nice as she’s been… and maybe I overreacted a little bit. The more I think about it, the more it seems like it’d be silly to think all the ponies would hate me.” You can feel the sheets move about as Eris slithers closer to you.
“Oh really, what makes you say that? After all you’re hanging around me.”
“The ponies in Manehattan blew it out of proportion. They saw how I was acting, but despite that they thought I went to their city to cause trouble with you. I’m still not used to how skittish these ponies can be.”
“Yeah I know what you mean. That’s why messing with them was so fun, I’d do whatever I could to see what’d get a rise out of them.”
“And I’m sure whatever you tried worked, that reminds me. What did you do to Manehattan anyway?”
“Same thing my dad did to Ponyville,” she uses her talons and claws in order to keep count, “Checkered pattern roads and sidewalks, fuzzy dice carriages, cotton candy clouds, ya know, harmless stuff.” She flashes you a toothy grin, forgetting that you can’t even see it. When she does her smile drops from her face immediately. “Still, it sucks about your eyes, if I knew you’d get hurt I wouldn’t have brought us there… I’m sorry.”
You tense up when you feel her place her head upon your thigh, not because it was unwelcome, but because you couldn’t see it. Her eyes are seemingly void of happiness as she casts her gaze up to you. It takes you a few tries, but you manage to find her neck. When you place your hand upon it you trail a thumb along her soft coat and she sighs in contentment.
“I just wish we didn’t have to wait for two more days.” As she mentions the time limit your thoughts seemingly fall upon a certain zebra that lives fairly close to where your new home will be erected. You recall the potion she gave you that helped purify your body of the corruption it was forced to intake.
While it burned something fierce it did its job. It allowed that unicorn to teleport you to Lyra’s that day the Everfree animals attacked the town. If it worked then, it should work now. Upon realization you smile widely before looking down at Eris.
“You know Eris, I don’t think we’ll have to wait that long.” She tilts her head in question.
“We don’t? And why’s that?”
“If Twilight or Fluttershy could take me to Zecora’s then I could flush your magic out of my system. She made a concoction that forced the damage Discord did out of my body. If I drank it again then you could fix me right up. After that I could just take some more.” Your smile widens, “Eris, there’s a loophole with your magic, and I’m about to take advantage of it.”
Eris takes on a bored expression before looking your dresser’s way.
“Ya know there’s another hole you should be taking advantage of.” She mutters under her breath. Your ears happen to catch the last bit of her statement.
“What was that Eris?”
“Nothing Anon, so do you want me to go grab Lyra or something?” You nod; when you do Eris reluctantly leaves her spot on your thigh and makes her way out of the room. “Alright then, get ready or whatever.”
“Thank you,” you call out to her as she leaves.
“Welcome,” while her voice may imitate cheer, her cold, calculating eyes show anything but. The thought of there being a brew out there that could remove her influence doesn’t sit well with her. In fact, as she makes her way to the pool area she starts going over various opportunities that would cause the apothecaries’ potion to fail.
She suddenly stops when she makes it to the living room. This time, another head ache resurfaces. Eris sucks in air through her teeth before her claws take their respect places upon her temples. A low growl is emitted from her maw as she tries to rub away the throbbing torment. The pain is excruciating but it doesn’t last anywhere near as long as the one from yesterday
When it subsides she shakes off the light headedness that comes after. When she feels as though she’s with it she takes a deep breath before heading into the pool area. Upon arrival she finds Lyra floating along on her back. She occasionally pokes the blackened dot on her head. Eris cringes when she realizes she forgot to disperse the flame, but at least Lyra acted quick and doused it. When Lyra glances over the entrance she finds Eris floating there sporting a smug grin.
“Oh, hey Eris, what’s up?” Lyra turns over in the water, then she starts to paddle her way over. When she gets to the side Eris uses a little magic to get her out.
“He’s all for it Lyra. But, he let a little information slip. Something that I intend on ruining after it’s served its purpose.” Eris’ smirk turns sinister yet again. Lyra tilts her head to the side in question.
“And what would that be?”
“A certain potion made by your town’s zebra. After Anon drinks it I would like it to disappear. Then, I want you to tell that zebra that if she even thinks about making more then I’ll go into the Everfree myself and make her “forget” that potion even existed.”
“What is it even used for anyway?”
“It’s used to purge his body of chaos magic.”
“But, if it does that, then doesn’t that mean that you’d be able to heal him anytime if he has enough of it?” Eris nods. “Then why cut him off from it? He ends up in a lot of risky positions Eris. What if he really gets hurt and you can’t help him? What then?”
“I-I’ll figure something out,” Eris seems to be reassuring herself more than Lyra. The mint unicorn shakes her head before giving Eris a defiant glare.
“That’s bullshit and you know it Eris. You can’t put Anon at risk like that, you said you cared about—“Eris didn’t appreciate Lyra’s outburst in the slightest. She bares her fangs like an angry animal before snapping her talons. Purple strands of light spring forth from the center of Lyra’s head and she freezes before she can finish. She visibly shakes and starts to whimper as those ribbons of light culminate to Eris’ open palm.
“I do care and I can handle his injuries myself. I just hate the idea of something being able to stop me. I don’t want some uppity zebra to think she’s better than me.” When Eris tightens her grip upon the threads of light tightens Lyra lets out a high pitched yelp. “And I really don’t like it when a servant talks back to me. Understand?” Lyra nods, hoping it’ll make the pain go away. She breathes a sigh of relief when the light dissipates and the discomfort fades.
“That felt weird Eris,” Lyra rubs her head with a hoof for emphasis, “Like you were holding onto a piece of my brain or something.”
“Did you learn your lesson?”
“Yes.” Eris smiles at her answer.
“That’s good. I shouldn’t have to do that again should I? You keep acting out like that I’m going to take away any ounce of freedom you have.”
“Yeah, yeah I get it. But keep your cool around Celestia. She’s got a six sense when it comes to that kind of stuff.”
“Noted, now, I’m going to leave Anon in your care. You’re going to take him to see that zebra. Or you’re going to hand him off to a pony that can.” Lyra salutes.
“I got it boss, you can count on me!”
“Good, now hurry up and get it done. I’d like to fix his eyes and be on my merry way as soon as possible.” She nods.
“Understood,” and with that a still soaking Lyra tries to scramble out of the room only to be stopped by a force field of chaotic energy.
“Dry yourself off first seriously you’re dripping water everywhere.” She turns back, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
“Of course, how silly of me,” she laughs nervously before casting a spell to dry her drenched body off. With that taken care of she makes her way to your room, intent on getting you to Zecora’s by any means necessary…

As Lyra heads back to your room a certain group of steel grey ponies are making their way through a cavern system that lies far below the surface streets of Manehattan. Though, their size has changed drastically. They were now much taller than the average pony. The only light that illuminates their way through the vast abyss is the sickening green light of their horns as they trek on.
The further they trot on, the more the cavern system begins to change around them. Green threads of hardened slime glow along the sides. They line the walls like an intricate web, bathing the area in a sickly lime glow. The group to take a break from keeping their prolonged spells going.
Their destination is soon revealed as they come across the source from the threads that line the walls. Each strand seems to be using a single sloppy, bubbling pool of glowing green goo that happens to be at the far end of an open chamber.
When they stand naught but a few feet from it they dismiss their pony forms, they get into a straight line, and stand at attention. The leader of the group acknowledges the pool.
“Your majesty, we come with our report,” His voice echoes throughout the area. As he finishes his statement a single, solitary glass orb rises from the pool. When it floats a foot above their heads an image is projected within it. A single, solitary green eye stares back at them. The sound of a grating female voice fills the cavern.
“Well, what are you waiting for? You know I’m busy,” The eye angrily glares upon the group of insect ponies. The leader clears his throat before beginning.
“We were able to get a count on the police force the town has.”
“Good work Commander Masquerade, with that knowledge I’ll be able to send enough drones to take over the city.” The eye looks between the five. “Do you have anything else?”
“Two things my Queen, the first is that Anonymous the Human paid Manehattan a visit. He was accompanied by Eris the Draconequus.” The Queen can be heard grumbling irritably.
“Were you able to capture the human? I assumed Duplicate would have been the one to do that.”  Masquerade shakes his head.
“Unfortunately the guard intervened. We had to retreat before we could. I was able to blind him, but that’s about it. It was a bit of a struggle, he had managed to make a hostage out of Ditto here and I acted accordingly.” The insect in question mutters his displeasure at being captured.
“Then it’s safe to assume, that even in his weakened state, he’ll seek refuge in Ponyville. I’ll leave the capture to Dup then.” He nods in agreement, “Now, what was the third thing you wanted to tell me?”
“Eris cast a spell upon the denizens of Manehattan. They fell into a deep slumber, when they did we were able to collect the love of almost a thousand ponies today. If we had the necessary amount of drones we would have been able to take Manehattan for ourselves.” The Queen cackles as she looks over them.
“I noticed the five of you had a little growth spurt. When the time comes your unit will be joining me in Canterlot. Is there anything else?” Masquerade shakes his head, “Then let me end on this: your mission remains the same, but when my messenger makes her way to the city you are to drop what you’re doing and immediately proceed to Canterlot. Do I make myself clear?” They nod. “Good, you’re dismissed.” As soon as she utters these words the image dissipates and the orb drops back into the pool. Masquerade and the others look over each other for a few moments before going back the way they came…

“Hey Anon!” Lyra comes bursting through your doors. You leap out of your bed, shocked by the sudden intrusion. She watches with a smile as you stumble about in your blind state, ultimately ending up in the floor as you trip over an article of clothing. Her smile drops from her face when you clutch your elbow and curse. “Oh no, Anon I’m so sorry I forgot!”
“Damn it Lyra you need to retain shit like me being blind!” You shout as you roll about on the floor. When the discomfort subsides you rub the affected area before sitting up. “What’d you need anyway, what’s going on?”
“I’m here to bring you to Twilight’s. She’ll take you to Zecora’s. We’re gonna get you all fixed up. The sun should be getting ready to set in Ponyville though. No time for a shower.” You grimace, you’d have liked the chance to wash all the dust and such from your body, but it doesn’t look like that’s a possibility.
But you’re willing to go without so you can get rid of the chaos in your body. At least you’ll have your sight back shortly after. Besides, you haven’t seen Zecora in a while, and admittedly you miss her. To think, she could have done so much in the week you weren’t with her. All of those uncharted areas now known, new plants and animals discovered, ah the possibilities are endless. You just hope you could contain your curiosity long enough for her to do her work.
With a goal in mind you get to your feet. It takes a moment or two but you and Lyra figure out a fairly good way to act as a guide and follower. A quick spell that acts as a sort of leash connects your outstretched hand to her neck. In a way it reminds you of having a dog on a leash; you hope that Lyra doesn’t find this to be demeaning. With her as your guide she’s able to bring you out into the hallway.
As you’re about to turn towards the darkened part of it, you hear Eris make her way over.
“Hey guys, uh, don’t let the ponies know I’m here alright? I’d rather them not know about me until after we get to talk to Celestia. I know I already did something brash and impulsive and I’d really like to think this one out.” You nod and smile her way.
“Good you’re learning,” that earns you a playful punch on the shoulder.
“Yeah, yeah. Now hurry up and get going. The faster you leave, the faster you get back here so I can fix you.” As you turn to face what is hopefully the way to Twilight’s neither you nor Lyra move towards it.
“Is something wrong?” You turn your head down to where Lyra is.
“It’s kinda dark…” she trails off, she doesn’t seem willing to walk through. Eris groans from behind you and you can hear the slap of her palm as it hits her face. With a quick snap of her talons you feel an invisible force shove you from behind. Like a sling shot you’re flung through the abyss and don’t stop until you suddenly hit the headboard.
Lyra’s screaming can be heard from under your blankets as she comes rocketing up to you. She slams back first into your bed’s headboard before landing in a crumpled pile. She’s in a similar state of disorientation to you.
“Buck, my back,” she whines while rubbing the aching area.
“I guess Eris doesn’t have any patience,” you groan before turning her way, “I didn’t know you were scared of the dark.”
“I’M NOT SCARED!” she cries, “I was just nervous, yeah nervous.”
“Uh huh, sure, anyway we should be in Twilght’s basement right now. What do you see?”
“I see a couple of beakers, some open books, a big rectangular table, stairs leading up, and some machine in the corner.” You don’t remember there being any sort of contraption in her basement before.
“What does it look like?”
“Uh, I dunno, but it looks like it has things you put on your head?” She tilts her head in confusion while looking over this strange device. Unfortunately you can’t see it.
“Will it stop us from going up the stairs?”
“Nope, not at all.”
“Alright then, let’s just ignore it. Twilight will probably tell me what it is later. For now let’s get this over with.” With the magical link still intact Lyra helps you get out of your bed and to the stairs. You count each creak as you step your way up and to the door. In the end you lose count and curse internally. You aren’t the best at being blind.
When the door squeaks open you remember to duck on your way out. When Lyra leads you out you stand there for a few moments in silence. You don’t hear the sounds of books being shuffled around, nor do you hear Spike as he munches away on gems. Neither seems to be home, but if what Lyra says is true then Twilight and Spike might be at any moment. You shouldn’t have to wait long.
Suddenly, you hear a door open up nearby. It appears as though you didn’t have to wait very long.
“Spike, we’re here. Could you set them by the shelves please? We’ll sort them out tomorrow.” Judging by the sound of Twilight, she probably got another shipment of books at the post office. Even after a month has passed she’s still doesn’t have all her books back. Those wolves destroyed every tome she owned. Thankfully she didn’t lose it a second time, instead she cried her eyes out until you and the others were able to comfort her. She’s taking it well now, at least you believe so.
The sound of spike grunting can be heard as he shuffles into the library. With a low grunt he sets the package of what you believe to be books down. After a low, resounding thud graces your ears you’re shocked. You didn’t expect her to get so many books at once.
“Hey Twilight, got another shipment of books?”
“Yeah, Derpy couldn’t carry them herself so Spike and I…” she trails off before looking your way, “Anon, what happened and why is Lyra with you? I thought she was on vacation?”
While taking into account what Eris said, you find yourself unable to lie to the first friend you made in when you came to Equestria. You tell her everything, about Eris’ return, going to Manehattan, being attacked by the bug ponies, and of course the spell used to wipe their memories. You leave out no detail; at least you don’t believe you do.
As you expected, Twilight was quite angry when you told her about it. More so at Eris getting you hurt, and causing such a problem in Manehattan. Oddly enough she wasn’t mad that she came back. Just like Eris said she wasn’t a part of the deal Discord made. Celestia never made it clear that none of them were supposed to return. She still considered it a dirty underhanded trick nonetheless.
After she finished her little rant you ask Twilight if she could bring you to Zecora’s. As Lyra already told you, Twilight informs you that Celestia was starting to set the sun. If you wanted to get there, then going now would be the best idea. At least then it’d still be light by the time they got there. Lyra seemed like she wanted to go, but she wanted to let Bon-Bon know she made it back to Ponyville in one piece. You respected her decision, after she released you from the little spell she had on you she too her leave.
You and Twilight followed right behind her. Spike was left in charge of cleaning up the library, after that he’d be free to do as he pleased for the night. After wishing the two of you good luck he shuts the door behind you. With your goal set, Twilight leads you through the surprisingly empty streets and over to Fluttershy’s Cottage.
The walk is anything but silent. As you move you ask her how she and her friends have been doing since you’ve been gone. Pinkie’s been going about her business as normal. As it turns out she’s preparing a party on Friday. It’s to help usher in the first day of spring. Pinkie came by the Treebrary asking for you. She really wanted you to be at the party when she threw it. You honestly can’t figure out why she would, to you, the first day of spring doesn’t hold any meaning other than warmer weather, pollen, and humidity.
You remember Macintosh telling you about it, but all you remember him telling you was that if you were male, you might not want to be around that day. It’s unfortunate that you have no idea what he means by that.
“Hey Twilight?” You two stop and she turns to face you.
“Yes, what is it Anon?”
“What’s the big deal with the first day of spring anyway? Back on Earth the only thing it really meant was that we lose an hour of sleep.” Twilight tilts her head curiously.
“What do you mean by that?”
“Every year around that time we set our clocks ahead an hour; something to do with the Earth shifting its position in space or something I don’t know.” You end with a shrug. Twilight’s frown seems to deepen by your lack of knowledge.
“It sounds very interesting Anon, but that’s not something I can add to the info you’ve helped me collect. I wish you could actually tell me about it.” She does nothing to mask her disappointment.
“What can I say, I wasn’t the smartest human.” She loudly groans before the two of you set off yet again.
The subject then moves on to Applejack. As you expected Twilight wasn’t happy with how you left her yesterday. She, along with the other girls, helped her out by taking care of the remaining apple trees. After that Applejack explained about what happened between you and her. How you were trying to do what the girls did, but unlike them she readily cast you away.
You didn’t find it surprising that she felt guilty for how she acted, and how she wanted to make it up to you. Your response was to scoff and laugh it off, that earned you a very dirty look you couldn’t even see from Twilight.
Though, you could feel her displeasure that much was obvious. You let Twilight know that you had no intention of making amends with Applejack a second time. As far as you were concerned you were sticking by her telling you that you weren’t welcome there anymore. It didn’t matter to you if she was angry and sleep deprived, you had already dealt with that rape incident.
Twilight insists that you give the apple farmer another chance, and you readily refuse. You wanted nothing to do with her and that wasn’t changing any time soon. Every other member of her family was still okay in your book, just not her. Despite Twilight’s constant prodding you don’t budge and inch in your decision. When Fluttershy’s Cottage comes into view she finally gives up on her endeavors.
The sound of various animals moving about, or eating their meals can be heard as Twilight carefully leads you around them. You assume that it must be dinner time for Fluttershy’s animal friends. Your suspicions are proven true when you hear your guide call out to her.
“Good afternoon Fluttershy!” Twilight greets as you and her make your way through.
“Oh, h-hi Twilight, what brings you out here? Is everything alright…” she trails off a she looks over your dusty, blind self. What happens next is quite the surprise. Fluttershy lets out a small squeak of pure shock before zipping over to you. “Oh my goodness Anon, what happened?! How did you get hurt, are you okay, is there anything I can do to help?”
“Fluttershy, there isn’t anyth—“Before you can answer any of her questions she starts to take away the cloth you’ve got around your head. Upon removing it she gasps when you open your eye sockets to reveal the blackened remains.
“Oh no, you’re blind! What are we going to do?!” She turns to Twilight and gets a little too close; to the point that their snouts are touching and scrunching up. “Can you do anything to help him?” Twilight points towards the Everfree path.
“Yes, we were just on our way to Zecora’s. Long story short she can make a potion that’ll help him.” Fluttershy breathes a sigh of relief before wiping the sweat from her brow.
“Oh thank goodness!” You find it relieving that the pony that caused you so much strife during your first week is now acting like you’d hope your mother would have acted. “You poor dear, if there’s anything you need please come see me right away… um, if that’s okay with you?” You swear you can feel the kindness radiating off of her. Your grin hopefully reassures her.
“Thanks Fluttershy, I’ll keep that in mind,” before you and Twilight leave Fluttershy is sure to give you a hug before you go.
“Oh, be careful! Watch out for timber wolves!” She waves goodbye to the two of you as you walk down the solitary dirt path and out of sight.