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Anon X Fleetfoot (Nothing More Pure) Chapter 2

Aug 16th, 2020
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  1. >You awaken, slowly, to the sound of giggling. The twisting and turning of the locomotive through the mountains must have given you forward momentum at some point.
  2. >Feeling a pressure on your forehead, you realize that you're leaning your head against the back of Scarlet's seat.
  3. >Eyes finally opening and adjusting, you see the two little ones staring up at you from the vacant space they earlier used as an escape.
  4. >"You were drooling." The colt states flatly. "Do all humans drool when they sleep?" His sister punctuates his question with small laughs.
  5. "Only when we're thinking of eating little ponies."
  6. >The two of them rush back toward the front of the car with haste, clearly not willing to call your bluff this time.
  7. >Sitting back in your seat the correct way, you stretch to shoo the grogginess out of your limbs.
  8. >After yawning, you feel satisfied that wakefulness will come to you. The train car's colors took on a transformation while you were sleeping.
  9. >The shadows that fell upon the train and the mountains are now long gone. The car is bright, and warmly lit by a mid-evening sun.
  10. >Light brown accents and pieces of furniture have taken on only slightly more reddish tints, and the cushions are not as blue as before.
  11. >The middle rug has stayed generally unaffected by the change in scenery. The few shadows that are in the car slide in from the right; you're still going north.
  12. >One thing that hasn't changed is the crystal. It still sits stoically in the center of the isle, ever present, ever warm.
  13. >"Anon, look! You can see the Empire from here." Scarlet notices you're awake and wastes no time calling attention to your destination.
  14. >Out there, surrounded by a ring of verdant green mountains, sitting under a clear blue sky, is the Crystal Empire.
  15. "Oh my God."
  16.  
  17.  
  18. >The words are spilled from your mouth involuntarily. The city's streets and walkways pattern themselves into a large six-pointed star.
  19. >Outside the arms of this stone snowflake, in the radial areas of a rural area outside the city, there are small farms whose produce streaks the land a light golden brown.
  20. >In the center of scores of tiny, multicolored crystal buildings, lies a titanic icy-blue structure. It glistens in the sun, almost blinding you.
  21. >It, like the crystal holder in the center of the cabin, is supported by four gigantic, solid, pillar-like legs.
  22. >They curve upward underneath the large structure's bottom, like the Eiffel Tower. It's a little difficult to make out details from this distance, but you see enough.
  23. >The city is as much a sight as Punch hinted it would be. You're giddy about the possibilities of this place, and meeting your match.
  24. >One thing strikes you after all this wonder: What's going on with this weather? It's completely opposite to what you were experiencing before.
  25. "Scarlet, what's up with the weather here? It's still cold, but... The sun? No clouds? What gives?"
  26. >"Well, the story goes that in the center of the Empire is a powerful magical crystal that can do all kinds of things. One of those things includes weather control."
  27. >"It's so fascinating. I've lived nearly all my life in Canterlot, with teams of dedicated ponies controlling the weather. Here, they trust it to a rock!"
  28. "It seems to be working quite nicely, all things considered."
  29. >"Quite. Would you even believe we just spent almost two hours riding through frozen mountains? You can still see them, back the way we came."
  30. >You do take a look as best you can to the south, and see that the green mountains are surrounded from behind by pure grey ones.
  31. >The clouds break far behind, turning the sky grey as well. The gradient is eye-catching, to say the least.
  32.  
  33.  
  34. >"Oh, I can't wait! I'm already becoming inspired by this landscape. To see it in the newspaper is one thing, but this..." Scarlet trails off, swept away by her thoughts.
  35. >Structures get larger and larger as the train pulls further into the center of the inverse snow-globe made by this fabled giant crystal. You make out a giant crystal train station.
  36. >This destination station actually mimics the layout of the one you were in this morning. The only difference here is the multi-faceted nature of its material.
  37. >It, like everything else, is made of some form of crystal. The sunlight flashes at you through the window as the reflection on the surface changes and the train gets closer.
  38. >At this point, there's no use trying to glean more information about the surrounding area. Ponies are small, but they like to build their buildings with generous height.
  39. >Even the ceiling of this train sits high above their heads. For pegasi who like to hover instead of walk, the convenience is worth it, you assume.
  40. >The screech of wheels permeates the air and mixes with the steam whistle of the train, letting every pony in the station know that new passengers are arriving.
  41. >And there are ponies in the station. At least, you're confident enough that they are ponies. Pulling in, you're struck by the differences between them and the ones on the train.
  42. >Those milling about in the station have the same saturated colors as most other ponies around Equestria, but the hues clearly have a theme.
  43. >There are soft cyans, and pastel aquamarines. There are gentle purples and fuschias. Sweet yellows and tans breakup the mix.
  44. >Save for tapered outcasts, the mane styles all converge around a theme of curvature. The bobbing, spherical do's have small adornments and wraps in them, bringing to mind images of ancient Rome.
  45. >Almost all of their tails are tapered at the ends. And in all the hair, no matter the color, be it silver, or ocean blue, or golden brown, are lighter streaks of the base color.
  46.  
  47.  
  48. >The overall image of these ponies is slightly more tame than their counterparts across Equestria, but still manages to be different enough that it hints at the exotic.
  49. "This is absolutely wild. They're so..."
  50. >"Different! And yet, so familiar! Right, folks?" Once again, Punch's voice 'punches' through the cabin as the screeching wheels and whistles finally cease.
  51. >"Welcome to the Crystal Empire! For most of you, this is a first. Let me give you the rundown of nearby hotels and businesses for you to visit during your stay."
  52. >"Let's see." Putting a hoof to his chin while pondering, he continues. "There's the Wheat-Eater, a hotel, just outside the train station and down to the east."
  53. >"Then there's the Wheat Wind-down, a restaurant, right next to that. They're a great little duo for first-timers. They're right in the heart of the business district!"
  54. >Scarlet looks down at her seat, where you assume the foals are sitting, and says "I think we've found our first stops, hmm? Lunch, then networking."
  55. >You can hear both foals perk up, but their "yeah" comments morph into sad sighs as they realize this is only half vacation. It's still a business trip.
  56. >"...Then there's 'Crystals by the River,' which is a cozy inn on dry land with wet bars, and there's..." Punch's voice seems to fade away as you get lost in thought.
  57. >This might be the last time you see Scarlet Shawl and her foals. The connection with her was so strong that even if it can't be romantic, it would still make a good friendship.
  58. >As Punch signals and vocalizes the all clear for the passengers to disembark, you stand to your full height. A small pop is heard in your knees as they adjust to the movement.
  59. >You look down at Scarlet and her two little followers as they stand to leave, same as you. Scarlet levitates her hat back onto her head before going into the isle.
  60. "Hey, Scarlet. I'll be in town for a little bit, but this place is huge. Do you have a card or something? A way to contact you?"
  61.  
  62.  
  63. >"Why, of course I do. But my cards are all in the storage compartment. Do you have to hurry off somewhere in particular? I can get one for you."
  64. >You wonder how much you should divulge to her, considering the secrecy of your 'mission' here. Deciding it can't hurt to be a little vague, you give her something.
  65. "I'm planning to head to the Crystal Castle first. Get to the center of it all, you know? I don't mind waiting while you get your card, though."
  66. >Her face cheers up, and she gives a roused "splendid" as all the passengers, including your troupe, make their way toward the front door of the train.
  67. >"Anon? Can you follow me?" Punch intercepts your route and insists that you follow him off the train, separating you from the others.
  68. "I'll catch up to you, Scarlet. See you outside."
  69. >Scarlet gives you a small nod and continues ahead; You hear her tell her foals not to wander too far from her, and to be careful on the stairs of the train.
  70. >You and Punch get off of the train on the opposite side, to the right of the door. When the station opens up to you, you're immediately the center of attention.
  71. >The crystal ponies take notice of how different you are from the others leaving the train. They step toward you, mumbling the usual phrases of amusement, tilting their heads up.
  72. >They at least keep about 15 feet away. Though from fear or simply common respect, you aren't sure. They're taking less chances than Scarlet's foals, that's certain.
  73. >You now see that they're all earth ponies. There are no wings or horns to be found. But scanning further, you do see one tawny brown horn.
  74. >Its owner is a stallion decked in the same classic royal guard armor as 'Canterlot's Finest.' He approaches you without a hitch in his step, his expression actually bored despite the occasion.
  75. >The sun shines through the awnings of the station just enough to cause the polished golden metal to glow.
  76. >He carries himself casually, and ends his journey a few feet in front of you.
  77.  
  78.  
  79. >Punch taps you on the leg, giving you a quick "sorry, Anon. Hey, try to enjoy your stay here, okay?" He smiles at you, waving as he makes his way to the other side of the train.
  80. >The guard looks up, giving you a casual greeting. "I assume you're Anonymous?" You're suspicious about the presence of a guard, here for you.
  81. >There's no excitement in his voice, but he isn't totally monotone, either. He's just going through the motions, you figure.
  82. >After a second of thinking back to all the guards you dealt with in Canterlot, you relax. Not wanting to keep him waiting too long in case he has a secret temper, you answer.
  83. "Yeah, I'm that guy."
  84. >"What a relief. I thought I'd have to look all over for some weird creature. You're weird, I guess, but I didn't have to look all over."
  85. >"Alright, everypony. Give him some room; Big weird guy coming through!" He turns on his hooves and lights his horn to make a small magical barrier around you both.
  86. >The crystal ponies reluctantly disperse, all getting final glances at you as they go about their business.
  87. >"Follow me, Anonymous." The guard starts to walk immediately, without bothering to explain things at all, or giving you a chance to wait for Scarlet.
  88. "Wait a second, hey-"
  89. >The knee-high circular barrier he made begins to push the backs of your legs, urging you forward. You could step over it, but... It's better to not make him upset. You attempt reason.
  90. "I need to wait here for a bit. Someone needs to give me something important."
  91. >He stops momentarily to look at you, turning his head to the side, but keeping his body faced forward.
  92. >"Do you know how many pushups the Captain will make me do if we're late? Do you know how much I hate pushups?" Reason may not work here.
  93. >"I'm sure it's important, no doubt. What's more important is that we're not late. For both our sakes." He points a hoof between both of you and starts walking again, looking forward.
  94. "I guess I'm not going to be able to convince you?"
  95.  
  96.  
  97. >"Not unless you can do my pushups for me."
  98. "You must have been in the guard a while right? Pushups should be easy for you."
  99. >"Doing the dishes is easy but I don't like doing that either." He turns to you and you see a smile. At least he's having fun, right? You missed out on a friend, but he's happy.
  100. >You puff air from pursed lips as you accept the loss of Scarlet. Maybe, just maybe, you'll find her in the market somehow. The guard leads you out of the station, ponies looking on in awe.
  101. >Your breath becomes misty as you walk the streets. Even though it's sunny, the air is still very chilly. You wonder if you could make money by creating a little warming necklace from crystals.
  102. >Money. Money is bits here, and bits talk. A small bag of bits sits in your jacket, an allowance from Celestia, nights before you left.
  103. >You decide against it bribing him. You have no way to get more bits. You don't have a job, and spent most of your time in Canterlot flitting away in your sketchbook to sate curiosity and pass the time with a hobby.
  104. >Maybe once all this is over, you'll have a chance to make a living somehow. For now, you bring your attention to the streets as you pass through them.
  105. >Crystal ponies slowly walk, trot, and run through the streets as they give you curious glances. The barrier the guard put up remains, stopping any of them from getting too close to you.
  106. >Your goal is clearly in sight. The enormous crystal tower stands proudly above the city and beckons you. You'd probably go there first even without the coercion from the small soldier.
  107. >Finally moving away from the clusters of crystal buildings, you reach the tower. You see now it has a large viewing platform jutting out from the front, with a brass outer surface.
  108. >Under the arches of the tower, you look up and see that you're under a large crystal umbrella. The ceiling is engraved with scrollwork patterns.
  109. >"You should probably keep your mouth closed, you know. You might catch a fly."
  110.  
  111.  
  112. >Breaking from your ogling, you meet his smug gaze with lowered eyebrows. This little pony is too much for his own good, you'd say.
  113. >"Come on, we have to get to the first floor. I hope you're ready to climb some stairs. I know I'm not." He sounds disappointed by the prospect.
  114. >Dropping his barrier, he leads you to a small steel blue door at the base of one of the foundational legs of the palace. The doors are opened by the guard's magic and both of you move through.
  115. >You quickly realize this is going to be easier than the guard let on. You're significantly larger than ponies, so the sky blue steps that greet you behind the door are very small.
  116. >So small, in fact, that you take the opportunity to go three steps at a time while the guard takes a meager one, as a normal pony would.
  117. "Looks like I was ready for those stairs, huh?"
  118. >Quickly pulling away from him, you make it to the second flight before he's a quarter up the first.
  119. >"Come on; don't make me chase you, Anonymous."
  120. "You think you could catch me if you did?"
  121. >The clops of the pony's hooves don't speed up in the least as you ascend the flights of the stairwell.
  122. >A small sense of satisfaction wells up in you. Maybe he knows he can't catch you or maybe he simply doesn't care. Either way, a small inconvenience to him is fine with you.
  123. >It's the the least you can do after he ruined your chance to get Scarlet's card. The bitterness gives way to pangs of regret. Technically, he was just doing his job.
  124. >But you're already committed. You'll reach the top before he does and let him be. You notice you're passing paintings and small busts on the way.
  125. >This is almost a wasted opportunity, really. But only almost. After turning around six or seven times to readjust for the directional changes, you finally reach set of doors at the top.
  126.  
  127.  
  128. >"Anonymous, can you please?" His voice reaches you through the heights of the stairwell, from further near the bottom. He doesn't sound frustrated, but it's the loudest his voice has gotten so far.
  129. "Don't you want to get there on time? For 'both our sakes'?
  130. >You send your jest down the small gap between the stairs. With the volume you used, it's certain that he heard what you said.
  131. >Using his own phrase against him definitely feels good. The 'fly' comment from earlier was funny, but you're more amused by yourself than him, now.
  132. >Grasping both doors' handles, you give them a push and move through, leaving the guard behind. You step through the small portal into a breathtaking foyer.
  133. >The floors shine a brilliant royal blue, and display a reflective polish. Small, embossed ornate spirals run along the surface, from the door towards the center of the room.
  134. >The walls exhibit the same reflectivity and artistic flourishing, but their style of blue is closer to grey, with a delicate saturation.
  135. >Various ponies lounge on two purple couches to the left and right of the doors, and they're startled by your entrance. You notice in their eyes a hexagonal white reflection.
  136. >"Halt! Hold yourself, er-" There's a startled pause in this masculine voice's order. "Anonymous?"
  137. >"Wait, where's Mail?" A female voice joins the other one in addressing you.
  138. >Looking to the left and right, you see two guard ponies, in the same armor as your escort. Both their coats are pure white. They also both have blue hair.
  139. >They look at you with confusion; they were obviously expecting the other guard to be close by you when you arrived. He may be in more trouble than you realized.
  140. >"Guarantee he took his time on the stairs. That pony..." The male guard on the right disappointedly shakes his horned head as he remarks on his comrade.
  141. "He's right behind me, don't worry."
  142.  
  143.  
  144. >"Send for Schedule." He looks at his partner, to your left. She nods once and trots off to find what you assume is another pony.
  145. >"Mail was supposed to stay close to you. You do have some pretty long legs, though." He looks you up and down, raising an eyebrow at your lower limbs.
  146. "I made it a challenge for him."
  147. >"Please don't tell me you're gonna be trouble. You'll only make us more suspicious of you."
  148. "Suspicious? Don't be suspicious."
  149. >You try to assuage his fears rapidly, raising your hands in innocence. The guards in Canterlot were bad enough, hovering over you all the time. It was hard to be alone, besides the visits to Celestia.
  150. >"Consider where you are." The pony takes his forehoof and turns it upward. He mirrors the common gesture from Earth to help his explanation.
  151. >"The Crystal Empire." The dots begin to connect as you remember what Celestia told you about the Canterlot wedding.
  152. >The guards in Canterlot would constantly set their horns aglow as they scanned you in room after room, trying to make sure you weren't a changeling.
  153. "You think I'm a changeling?"
  154. >"You are in the same city as the changelings' public enemy number one, you know. Princess Cadance? Shining Armor? They live here."
  155. "Yeah, but: How would a changeling imitate me if they'd never seen me? I didn't hear about any in Canterlot."
  156. >The dominant feeling that accompanies your quaint little conversational chess move is beat down by the guard swiftly.
  157. >"Do you really think that a creature that can appear as anyone wouldn't have heard about your arrival in Canterlot?"
  158. >"They're possibly the best spies on the planet. They definitely know about, and are probably planning, on capturing you, or becoming you, or something like that."
  159. >"Can't catch them all. We only have so many unicorns, you know?" Finishing his spiel, he points a hoof at his horn to emphasize his point. That's checkmate.
  160.  
  161.  
  162. >He sees concern grow on your face as you begin to think about getting captured or imitated by a changeling. He starts quickly, soothe you a little.
  163. >"You definitely have a lot to learn, but this'll have to wait. We'll take care of you, I promise."
  164. >Even with his confident assertion, you're unnerved by the idea that these bug doppelgangers could be waiting to take you at any moment. It's the most unsettling thing you've considered since coming here.
  165. >It was probably stupid to think that a being that feeds on love wouldn't be involved is probably be the most love-focused experiment in Equestria at the moment.
  166. >"Anonymous! Oh Anonymous!" You look forward to the main section to see the other guard, annoyance plainly visible in her yellow eyes, approaching with a uniformed pony.
  167. >That voice wasn't what you heard leave the unicorn guard's mouth earlier. It must have been the other one. It's an older crystal pony mare, the deeper feminine timbre and smaller stature tipping you off.
  168. >Her pink, double-breasted frock jacket covers her light pastel blue coat. She trots excitedly along her way, a round, golden mane bouncing above her face.
  169. >It has highlights that form a light yellow swirl. The same hexagonal specular reflections that other crystal ponies have sit above her dark purple irises.
  170. >The new pony and the guard stop in front of you. The giddy one clops a timepieced hoof down with force, closing her eyes and lifting her head proudly.
  171. >"I am Tight! Schedule! And that is exactly what we're on. We have to get you introduced to the princess, we have to get you to your room... We have to get you dinner!"
  172. >Her eyes open and she regards you fully, looking you up and down. "Follow me, hurry now." She turns quickly, but stops, looking back at the other two guards.
  173. >"Tell Dusty Mail that he is to meet me in the throne room when he finally arrives. I've made a note of his failure, here."
  174.  
  175.  
  176. >Both the other guards roll their eyes. They seem annoyed at Tight Schedule's uppity attitude and quickness to punish their fellow. She does seem like a no-nonsense mare.
  177. >You and Schedule move further into the foyer, passing crystal ponies of all colors and mane styles along the way. You make note of the fantastic crystal pillar work.
  178. >You feel like all you've done since you got off the train was follow ponies here, follow ponies there. The anxiety of not having the questions sitting in your mind answered is starting to weigh on you.
  179. >Passing under a column of brighter light in the center of the room, you look up to see a large crystal in the ceiling actually producing the light.
  180. >Rather than consider it gaudy, you resign yourself to simply call it consistent with the other elements at play here. Motifs are motifs, you suppose.
  181. >Stepping over an incredibly ornate snowflake pattern in the center, you and the timekeeper pony pass under a triangular arch with staircases on the left and right.
  182. >A large stone door sits within the wall, outlining a diamond shape whose point is hidden at the diamond's halfway mark by the floor.
  183. >Schedule plods a hoof on the door with force, creating a resounding thud that you can almost feel through your shoes. The door opens shortly, sliding upwards into the wall.
  184. >Both of you move into a large throne room, treading on a wide purple carpet that spans from the door to the throne at the back of the room. You stay within the carpet's white trim.
  185. >The floors outside the carpet reflect blurry images of those that stand above. You wonder if they stay that way all the time, or if they're polished regularly.
  186. >Flanked by crystal pillars and tall, skinny, open curtained windows, you're once again met with light pinks and blues on the walls as ponies part to make way.
  187.  
  188.  
  189. >There's a throne on the room's back wall, with a modest blue cushion; its back is surrounded by elongated gems jutting out radially along the wall. On it sits a pink alicorn; the wings and horn are a dead giveaway.
  190. >She stands up quickly, seemingly pleased by the interruption. Giving small parting words with two ponies standing below her throne, she trots further into the center of the room.
  191. >Her mane bobs mildly, separated in three streaks of pale yellow, dark pink, and dark purple. The excited expression on her face almost has you smiling yourself;
  192. >She sports the same regalia as Celestia, but it's a bit more modest. The crown is noticeably less grand.
  193. >"Anonymous, you're finally here! We have so much to talk about. But... I think it would be better to find a private room. We're still 'undercover,' you know?"
  194. >She ends her comment with a wink and a smile, then moves to tell Schedule to remain in the throne room and take notes of the important issues being brought up by visitors.
  195. >"If you'll follow me, Anonymous."
  196. "Anon is fine, really. You'll all get tired of saying my full name."
  197. >"Your dinner will be in your chambers, Anon." Tight Schedule takes full advantage of the efficiency of the shorter moniker. You give her a small wave as you leave, which she returns.
  198. >Exiting the throne room and going back into the foyer, you see a white coated unicorn stallion with a two-tone blue mane and tail lording over the escort guard with a disappointed look.
  199. >The guard, Dusty Mail, as you recall, is doing the pushups he was so scared of. Through the struggle, he notices you and gives you two furrowed brows as he continues to bob up and down.
  200. >You look him straight in the eyes and shrug your shoulders. The corners of your lips curl as you do it.
  201.  
  202.  
  203. >The white stallion sees Cadance and waves enthusiastically, his stern expression breaking momentarily. Cadance returns the gesture as you two continue to walk the corridor.
  204. >You notice that Cadance's cutie mark is a blue heart gem. You don't get much time to look at it as Cadance draws your attention.
  205. >"So, Anon. 'Celestia' is kind of a mouthful. You must have said that a lot in Canterlot."
  206. "I sure did."
  207. >"Are you sure you didn't shorten it, maybe to..." She stops speaking for a second, tilting her head and looking at you knowingly. "Celly?"
  208. >You're taken aback. How could she know about that? You only ever said it with Celestia, with no other ponies around.
  209. >She chuckles at your surprise and doesn't press the issue further. "So how was your trip?" Taking an inquisitive tone, she tears your guard down. You decide to comply, to spare yourself further ribbing.
  210. "It was good, actually. I met some interesting ponies on the train ride. Took a nap. The warming crystals are cool, by the way."
  211. >"Aren't they? Ponies have coats but we can still use a little heat now and then. I'd rather be warm than cold, especially this far north."
  212. "I also managed to pass some time by drawing. I was iffy about the results, because of the bumps on the train, but it turned out fine."
  213. >"That's right, you're artsy." She turns her head up to look at you. "I remember seeing that in the report. Well, the report and the letters from Celestia." That must be how she knows about the nickname.
  214. "She sent you letters?"
  215. >Celestia always was a fan of a little written discourse. You saw scrolls sometimes appear in her room, popping in from nowhere in a flash of green flame.
  216. >"Oh yea. A lot, actually. She was really taken by you and your art, Anon." She seems surprised by that fact. "Did you know she normally doesn't even like art?"
  217. "All those great views and great works in Canterlot, and she got taken by me. I'm not sure whether I should feel flattered by her or sorry for her."
  218.  
  219.  
  220. >"No, she loved your pieces! A thousand years of living, and she gets to experience an entirely new perspective? I kinda get it."
  221. "Eh, my little sketchbook is just full of black and white crap. Just little time wasters, mostly."
  222. >"It's probably better than what I could do. Shining likes to paint, so he's a little more 'accomplished' than I am. But he just paints little figurines..."
  223. >The tone in her last comment is lightly dismissive. It brings to mind thoughts of girls from Earth who tolerated, but didn't hate, their boyfriends' hobbies.
  224. >She mentioned a report a few seconds ago. That has you curious.
  225. "Hey, you mentioned a report just now. What's that about?"
  226. >Both of you reach two black doors flanked by tapestries. She stops, lighting her horn with a baby blue aura and opening the double doors gently.
  227. >"Let's just go into this room here, and..." She shuts the doors as gently as she opened them. "Voi-la! We're all set to talk about whatever you want."
  228. >The thoughts from the entire day come welling up from inside you. Unable to stop yourself, you take the opportunity to throw out a litany of questions.
  229. "Finally. I've been waiting for this all day. What's she like? Is she a unicorn, like all the guards around here? What does she do for work? What are her hobbies?"
  230. >Cadance leads you over to a crystal table in the center of the room. The walls are as ornate as you'd expect given everything else you've seen in this castle.
  231. >"Woah, hang on. I know you can't wait to meet her and get to know her. But don't you think knowing about her before she gets here would ruin the surprise?"
  232. "Surprise? I thought we were a match. I can't know a little about my perfect match before she gets here?"
  233. >Pointing a wing to her side, you see Cadance is beckoning you to sit down next to her. After both of you are settled, she explains herself.
  234.  
  235.  
  236. >"I didn't know anything about Shining Armor before I met him, and now we're married."
  237. "You're saying the spontaneity helped you?"
  238. >"I'm saying it'll be more fun if it's natural." Her voice is sweet. She's taking on the same motherly tone that Celestia handled you with when explaining something.
  239. "What part of this has been natural? Isn't it unnatural to just be told that my soulmate is hanging out in another world and that I have to go to a giant crystal castle to meet her?"
  240. >"Think of how much better it'll be to ask her the questions you just asked me. Imagine how much she'll enjoy asking you those same questions."
  241. >"Doesn't that sound even a tiny bit more fun?" The question is clearly meant to be rhetorical. She's convinced this is the right way to do it.
  242. >"If I told you what I knew, I'd just be reading you a story. You'd have an unfair advantage."
  243. >"We're getting a little off topic. I should probably explain the process to you."
  244. "The process where ponies poof into my room and convince me that they aren't some sort of trip-induced fever dream?"
  245. >"No, the reason for matching. The reasons we chose you and your future partner. Give me a second..."
  246. >Cadance's horn sparks to life as two large scrolls come from under the table, leaving a small drawer. She puts both of them onto the table. They're rolled and tightly sealed with blue ribbons.
  247. >"These scrolls contain everything I know about both of you."
  248. "Were you stalking me on Earth or something? That scroll looks really big."
  249. >You slowly reach your hand toward both scrolls and give her a devious look.
  250. "Mind if I... take a look?"
  251. >You wouldn't be able to read them even if you did. Even after hours of tutoring by Raven, you still don't understand their written dialects.
  252. >"Very funny, but no." You receive an unamused look as Cadance unwraps the ribbon from one of the scrolls and rolls it out on the table. She looks at the scroll pensively and moves on.
  253.  
  254.  
  255. >"All this information was written down by the Crystal Heart. We don't know a lot about why it's able to do this, but... It gave us locations, and descriptions..."
  256. >"We're discovering new facets of its magic all the time. This is just another we found a couple months after we moved here." She looks sadly at the unravelled scroll.
  257. >"This is your scroll, Anon. I know it's an invasion of your privacy, but... I couldn't fight my curiosity once I started. I'm here to help ponies, you know?"
  258. "I can hardly be mad at this point, right? I'm already in Equestria, the Crystal Empire... Let's just continue."
  259. >She begins to read off the words on the scroll to you in a somber tone. As she goes on, your heart drops a bit as you begin to realize this 'Crystal Heart' knows you.
  260. >"Anonymous, a human male. Talented artistically, he lives a semi-comfortable life on Earth traveling from place to place, picking up odd jobs."
  261. >"He hides a deep longing to belong someplace. He wishes for connection, but seems unable to allow himself to change."
  262. >"His days are filled with mostly solemn hours, during which he paints his feelings into the world. Unfortunately, no one ever sees them, and he moves from the town he's in to another."
  263. >Her eyes begin to tremble as she reads on. Tears begin to well up and her voice titters.
  264. >"Forgotten in the former, and wishing to be remembered in the latter." She wipes a few tears from her eyes as she rolls the scroll back up and looks at you.
  265. "Christ... Did the Crystal Heart tell you that she's as messed up as me? Does the Crystal Heart just draw names from a hat filled with all the secret little sad sacks?"
  266. "What kind of baggage is she carrying? I can barely deal with my own problems, much less deal with someone else's."
  267. >"Anon, it's obvious... You need somepony. The Crystal Heart is telling you that she's here. You were so eager when you said yes in your room. Are you telling me you don't want this?"
  268.  
  269.  
  270. "I said yes because I wanted it. I do want it. But if her readout is anything like mine, this... How is this perfect match material?"
  271. >She puts a hoof on your shoulder and seems to reach deep inside herself. She closes her eyes, sighing softly and then opening them. Her purple eyes don't leave yours.
  272. >"Anon, we all have baggage. We all have things we want, and things we don't want. We all have dreams. But when you're with someone, you have a chance to work through problems in a different way."
  273. >"Love is about discovering things and learning together! Learning to change, even. Even the worst villains in Equestria have been changed by friendship and love. If they can do it, why not you?"
  274. "How am I not fine the way I am? Do I have to change?"
  275. >"Anon... I know you really want to know about her. I know that you want to think about who she is, how you'll be together. But fantasizing about what you think a perfect match is won't help."
  276. >"I'm not saying either of you has to change. I'm saying if you welcome it, you might like the results." Cadance, satisfied with her explanation, stands up.
  277. >"She'll be here tomorrow morning. I've arranged for breakfast and a day on the town for both of you. Are you... Okay? After all this, I mean."
  278. >Her question brings you out of your temporary funk. You feel your heartbeat return to normal, noting that you didn't even notice it change.
  279. "Well, you did drudge up some pretty difficult feelings. But some people say great art comes from pain, you know? Celestia trusts you, and I trust her. You trust the Crystal Heart. So... I guess I have to, too."
  280. >You realize that you have always been anxious about the future. Unsure about where you'll be or what you'll be doing. Fine to just enjoy the ride to nowhere, or anywhere, you've just... coasted.
  281.  
  282.  
  283. >Packing that thought away, you get back to the matter at hand. Seeing an opportunity to destress yourself by making a little fun at Cadance's expense, you blurt out a little something extra.
  284. "Besides. If it doesn't work out, I'll be able to paint one hell of a painting."
  285. >She smiles at your attempt to bring levity to the situation. She seems more content now than she was before that you'll be alright with this.
  286. "It'll be all about how disappointing this was. And I'll for sure hang it in this castle."
  287. >She lowers her eyebrows and looks slightly annoyed, but keeps a small smile on her face.
  288. >You and Cadance spend more time together in the room, talking about your time in Canterlot. You made a few friends. Celestia's assistant, a guard or two.
  289. >The towers and high points that you used as your regular hangouts make themselves visible again in your mind's eye. Places for you to just exist for a while.
  290. >Cadance tells you about a couple of places in the city you can use, but just like Celestia she encourages you to explore and try to talk to others.
  291. >Letting her know that your comment about reading the scroll earlier was a bluff, she responds by saying you can talk to Tight Schedule to arrange lessons at any time.
  292. >The princess eventually winds the conversation down, as the sky outside turns dark, taking on black and purple hues. The sun went down a while ago, replaced by the stars.
  293. >"It's getting late. I think it's time to turn in for the night." Both you and Cadance rise from your seats and walk to the doors. The scrolls are returned to the drawer.
  294. "Didn't Schedule say my food would be in my room? I'm starving. I haven't had anything to eat since before I left."
  295. >"I know the feeling. Even with Tight Schedule's help, sometimes I end up sitting on the throne through lunch."
  296. >Leaving the room and entering the long palace hallways, you look around, seeing an absolute lack of activity.
  297.  
  298.  
  299. >Most ponies have probably settled into their beds at this point, besides those on the night shifts and the occasional party ponies out to make their night more interesting.
  300. >"Your room is further down this hallway, down the stairs and into the chamber areas. I'm gonna let you loose now; Promise me you'll behave?"
  301. "I promise Cadance. I won't draw anything in your castle in an unflattering manner."
  302. >"Okay." She gives you a skeptical look, but relents. "I'll see you tomorrow morning bright and early. As soon as the sun rises, alright?"
  303. "When you said breakfast, you really meant breakfast, huh?"
  304. >"Well, I have a lot of things to do tomorrow. I have to get you two going, so I can cover the things I missed while we were talking. A Princess' job never ends."
  305. >You're reminded of the tight squeezes Celestia had to go through to visit with you. Despite how difficult it was, she managed to find time, no matter how busy.
  306. >"And I have to make sure Shining hasn't spent the better part of the evening 'painting.'"
  307. "Don't give him too hard of a time. He's gotta express himself somehow. You said the rooms were this way?"
  308. >You ask her one more time, to ensure you don't get lost in this huge castle. There are only two directions, so your chances on a guess are 50/50; not great odds.
  309. >"Just that way." She points further down to left, toward a small stairwell. Giving you a small hoof wave, she turns and makes her way back toward the main foyer and throne room.
  310. >You follow her directions, walking casually toward the staircase. The walls are lined with busts of various ponies. Of course, you don't recognize them, but the craftsmanship is well-met.
  311. >This once again brings to mind the Roman nature of this place. The similarities to Earth have almost stopped surprising you at this point.
  312. >You descent the stairwell carefully: Falling down pony stairs is likely more painful than simply stumbling forward onto them. Taking two steps at a time, you awkwardly make your way.
  313.  
  314.  
  315. >Reaching a cozy, 10-feet wide hallway with a darker shade of crystal composing its walls, you begin to look at the various black doors that line its length.
  316. >They're shaped almost like onions, but stretched upwards so the vertical length of the door is more pronounced. They're large enough that you wouldn't have to duck your head to make it through them.
  317. >Each door has a name engraved in a small plate sitting near spherical handles. How do ponies open these? Are their hooves actually magnetic somehow?
  318. >Passing multiple intricately woven tapestries split diagonally along the bottom, you reach a door that says simply 'Anonymous.' You open the door and step through.
  319. >You're greeted with the smell of roasted garlic and spices as a crystal pony goes to pass you. You step to the side so she's able to leave peacefully.
  320. >"I just took these dishes from the kitchen. They were freshly prepared just for you! Also... Sorry about the bed. Have a good night!" She gives a curt little bow and hurries on.
  321. >Shutting the door, you see a small crystal cart with a large plate of different vegetables. Carrots, diced potatoes, broccoli. There's also what looks to be steamed rice to one side.
  322. >Even though you're grateful for the meal, you pine for meat. The weeks in Canterlot of having at least different types of fish have spoiled you a bit.
  323. >The room is very simple, but carries the same theme as the rest of the hallway outside. There's no window, unfortunately; all light in the room is soft and comes from crystals in the ceiling corners.
  324. >There's a small, dark crystal desk in one corner of the room. It's pony sized, but it has a large violet cushion next to it that should serve nicely as a chair.
  325. >Sleeping will have to wait. You only take one glance at the bed; standard fare, purple crystal four poster with a dark blue comforter. Your feet will definitely hang from the end.
  326.  
  327.  
  328. >Disappointing, but manageable. Taking the cart of food in one hand, you make way over to the desk and prepare to eat your meal.
  329. >Scooting a small stack of paper and an ink fountain to the side, you take the glimmering plate and put it on the desk.
  330. >Fluffing up the cushion a bit, you sit down on it cross-legged. There are... no utensils on this cart. Beginning to eat the finger foods, you contemplate your conversation with Cadance.
  331. >The Crystal Heart seems to know everything about you. You were prepared to arrive and learn more about your match before you met her.
  332. >But the idea of a surprise doesn't seem so bad, now that you think back to your interactions with Scarlet on the train. You didn't know anything about her, and you actually felt something.
  333. >Cadance is a pony who clearly knows about love. In most subjects, it's advisable to take the word of experts. You're not sure she's an expert, but she knows more than you do at this point.
  334. >Celestia was very coy about what you would find here, too. Her insistence that you not get so 'drawn' into your own thoughts all the time, that you stop trying to find places to be alone...
  335. >Her words echo in your mind, but their impact is hollow. You won't give up your hobby; silence is where great inspiration comes from. You have to have time alone.
  336. >And in this room, you have exactly what you want right now. Time alone. But it, too, somehow feels hollow.
  337. >You finish eating the things you can with your hands, leaving a single carrot intact. Using old fashioned human ingenuity, you use the carrot to shovel the rice in your mouth as you tilt the plate.
  338. >Putting the plate back on the cart and pushing it haphazardly to the door, you don't bother to stop it from hitting the wall.
  339. >You take off your jacket, putting it on a small end table next to the bed. Removing your pants, you grab the comforter and sheets, slowly sliding in and trying to sleep as fast as possible.
  340.  
  341.  
  342. >But the soft light of the room is enough to bother you. Forcing your eyes open, you take another look at the crystals in the corners of the ceiling.
  343. "How do I turn these things off?"
  344. >You say 'off,' 'turn off,' and 'go away, lights.' Nothing seems to work. Snapping your fingers together, you're met with no desirable results. You clap your hands together three times.
  345. >To your surprise, the crystals respond by darkening themselves until the entire room is pitch black. Satisfied, you pull the covers up to your shoulders, and successfully drift away.
  346.  
  347. >Elsewhere...
  348. >You absolutely can't wait to get to the slampiece of your destiny. How great is it that the Crystal Heart swooped in and took you straight to the end of the game?
  349. >Spitfire, Blaze, High Winds... Singles, every one! They're all still lusting after that 'couples trophy.' You're about to bring him, and the trophy, on home to mama.
  350. >The spacious carriage you're riding in, or more accurately, flying in, rattles as you hit turbulence. It's gone as quickly as it came, and you lay back on the comfy cushions near the back.
  351. >The shades over the windows are no longer needed, since the sun is already setting. Pretty soon, Celestia will slap it under the horizon, and it'll be nighty night, Equestria.
  352. >Taking a small match in your wing, you see how fast you can strike it by putting all your effort into it. The wing becomes a blur, and at it's end is a lit match.
  353. "Phew, I am TOO fast."
  354. >You chuckle softly, putting the match up to a candle inside of a jar. Can't have the carriage set on fire while you're sleeping. Laying down slowly, you settle on your side, and close your eyes.
  355. >Thinking back to your comment, you remember your voice, and your lisp... No. You're awesome. Not liking someone based on the sound of their voice would be just silly.
  356.  
  357.  
  358. >The image of Anonymous comes fading in from the void. Tall... Handsome... He looks strong, too. He is at least three ponies tall, after all. Your Wonderbolt connections really come in handy when it comes to getting info.
  359. >That 'Initiative' worker was way too busy fawning over you to stop himself from giving you a little hint at your match's name. After that, finding an old newspaper was filly's play.
  360. >Conjuring the image more strongly, you see him wearing a sporty jacket and pants that remind you of your flightsuit. You lament that he comes from one of those 'clothing' cultures. But with three weeks of leave...
  361. >There's plenty of time to see the rest of him. Feeling drowsy, and leaning your mind into the soft glow of the candle through your eyelids, you drift off to sleep.
  362. >You dream of Anonymous.
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