Morbid Curiosity part 3

>Another oaken leaf gets stuck in your mane as you fly to the next branch up.
>Your ascent was painfully slow, but it was not your fault.
>Well, not directly anyway.
>I mean, in the greater scope it probably was your fault.
>Since you wouldn't have to carry Anon's body up this forsaken tree if you didn't kill him.
>But the speed itself was the result of his weight slowing you down.
>So not your fault.
>Shouldn't be eating all those gross things.
>Like cheese, meat and eggs.
>You shudder involountarily at the last one.
>You him always considered Anon weird.
>With being alien and whatnot.
>But the eggs thing was just pushing it too far.
>He was eating all of them, and even tried to make you try some too.
>Well.
>He won't be doing that anymore, or anything else really.
>You sigh.
>You really fucked up today.
>First you killed the only human in Equestria.
>Who at very least was your friend's friend, even if you two never got along too well.
>Then you almost went crazy.
>And the seemingly genius plan of hiding his body in the oak you saw earlier turned up to be a bit flawed.
>Not only was he heavy as a boulder, but also extremly inflexible.
>He got stuck on a thick branch earlier, and you decided to just keep pulling him up.
>A normal pony would either let go, and just stretch his limb to accomodate.
>But not Anon.
>When you heard a snap you thought that the damn branch gave up, but in the end it was a human leg that was weaker.
>And now it was stuck at a very odd angle.
>You never saw him put it that way, so it was a safe bet that you broke it.
>Normally you'd see that as a big issue.
>But honestly, wherever he was by now he couldn't really care about it.
>You never really thought much about afterlife before.
>But today was unlike any other day before, so that has changed too.

>Where do ponies go after death?
>Would Anon go there to?
>He died in the land of ponies, so probably.
>But then what?
>Would they let him in?
>And who are "they" anyway?
>You REALLY didn't want to think about that thing in particular.
>Whatever creature would be there to welcome you would have to be scary as hell.
>Well, maybe not as hell.
>Since he would probably stand on the doors to it.
>...
>Would you go there?
>You killed a... more or less innocent creature.
>Is that worth being condemned for eternity?
>And you will not hide what you did from "them" either.
>Celestia would be hard enough to trick.
>Twilight will be manageable.
>But Death?
>How could you lie to her if she, or he, or whatever no doubt talked to Anon when he died.
>And you doubt he would be covering your rump in that scenario.
>Whatever.
>That comes later.
>And when it does, you will have to face "her."
>The empty eyes.
>The cold gaze.
>The lifeless voice.
>No, no, no.
>You stupid filly, focus.
>Anon. Tree. Up. Now.
>You grab his shoulders and flutter your wings.
>Each time he was somehow getting heavier.
>Or you were getting weaker.
>But there's not much left to go.
>A few more branches and the canopy will be so thick there's no way anypony will spot him.
>Plus the height alone should discourage any potential snoopers.
>You settle Anon with a thud and wipe the sweat of your eyes.
>This was a workout.
>But there's a perfect branch right above you.
>Nice and wide, it will nest him for now, until you come up with a permanent solution.
>Come on, last effort.
>You focus hard on ignoring the aching muscles and shorter breath.
>So hard in fact, that you didn't hear the beehive you were now floating towards.
>Not until it was too late anyway.

>You managed to settle Anon on the branch of your choice.
>You even made sure that he is safe from falling and can be left alone for a bit.
>But that was the last thing you did, because you finally realised the neighborhood you just gave him.
>And his new neighbors came to say hi.
>To your flank.
>With their stingers.
>You honestly couldn't care less as to why, but when you were too preoccupied with safely nestling Anon, you upset a nearby branch with the hive on it.
>Not the smartest thing to do, to be honest.
>But this isn't the time for self reflection.
>This is the time for panic.
>Again.
>A running theme today.
>You spring up into the air the instance you realise your situation.
>Unfortunately you were still in the thick oaken canopy, and above you was another branch, now probably wearing an imprint of a pony head.
>The concussion you got from this is rather short-lived though, as a sting to your rear area brings you back to reality.
>Oh, there goes gravity, as you take into the air once more, this time aware of the branch above you.
>You make your way towards the edge of this green-brown maze as soon as you can.
>Which is not soon enough as far as your rump is concerned.
>But hey, it is really difficult to navigate this particular airspace.
>So you won't feel to bad about yourself.
>When you get to think about it anyway.
>Finally you break free into the open air, and relief fills your heart.
>Until you notice that the bees have followed you.
>No getting away this easily it seems.
>You make a dash towards the stream you know not far from your house.
>Even if you were faster than the angry swarm, it stayed relentless in it's pursuit.
>But the water should bring you safety.

>You can now see the azure ribbon that will soon prove to be your sanctuary.
>Hopefully.
>Normally outrunning something as clumsy as a swarm of bees wouldn't be a problem for you, but all the heavy lifting left you rather exhausted.
>You could feel the bases of your wings beginning to burn with the pain you normally didn't feel until much, much later into a flight routine.
>But then again, you were made for speed, not heavy lifting and Anon was quite a heavy person to carry around.
>Was.
>Now his dead body inherited that property.
>A sharp sting in your withers brings you back from the moment of reflection.
>For a second there you're scared that the Celestia damn swarm has caught up with you, but it was not the case.
>It was just a protest of your tired body, that added on to the list of things that hurt you now.
>Wings, forelegs, wither, flanks, rump, and muzzle.
>Be it from fatigue or bees, almost entire body of yours felt like it was on fire.
>Makes the water this much more promising goal.
>The last meters feel like flying through a mud, but you finally make it.
>You dive under the surface of the cold stream and feel the clashing sensations on your skin.
>The little insects' venom trying to overflow you with the burn, while the welcoming embrace of water attempts to override it with welcoming chill.
>It partially succeeds in doing so, and you're eager to feel any relief at this point.
>You will need to take care of the stings properly soon, but for now you should be alright.
>The mad dive from the tree left your breath rather short though, and you are forced to surface yourself now.
>You let your head raise into the air, and after taking a deep breath you look around.
>You do not see any bees chasing you now.
>But you're not exactly happy with what you did see.
>"O-oh my goodness Dashie, are you o-okay?"
>Asked Fluttershy with real concern in her voice.

>Crap.
>Why did she have to be here?
>You're really not in the state of mind to talk with anypony.
>Even if it was just Fluttershy, with whom you normally don't mind conversing at all.
>Somehow lying to her was always a bit more painful than it usually is.
>"U-uhm, Rainbow Dash?"
>Shit.
>She wants you to respond.
>You could just submerge again.
>But the butterpone won't go away, you know her too well.
>So just try to say "yes".
>Don't do anything stupid.
>Nothing. Stupid.
"NO I DID NOT SEE ANON TODAY AND I'M SURE HE IS OKAY."
>You hear a soft yelp.
>...
>One. Job.
>Fluttershy is visibly scared by your outburst, but manages to not run for cover. Somehow.
>"O-oh. That's okay, I didn't need to see him right now. And why wouldn't he be okay?"
"I HAVE NO IDEA, BUT HE MUST BE TOTALLY NOT-DEAD RIGHT NOW."
>Okay.
>What the hell is wrong with you?
>Stop screaming, or at least stop screaming things that you shouldn't be.
>Flutters' hind legs seem to be ready for the escape, so you better not scare the host now.
>"I, uh... Of course he is. Don't even say such things Dashie."
>Focus.
"I'm..."
>Don't fuck this up.
"I'm sorry Fluttershy, those bees really scared me out of my mind."
>She should buy it.
>Wait, why is she giggling now?
>"It's okay, I know you don't have the same courage for animals I do. Even if they are harmless."
>Did she just?
"Harmless? Harmless? How is that for harmless?"
>You ask with irritation in your voice, and point your wet, traumatized rump at Fluttershy.
>"Oh, um, wow. Oh my."
>What?
>You turn your head around and look at your pegasus friend.
>Only to see her visibly sweating and staring at grass beneath her hooves, with furious shade of pink occupying her muzzle.

>Oh yeah, you forgot about that.
>For some reason she reacted like that to you sometimes.
>Like when you asked her to help you remove the branches stuck in your tail after a particularly strong crash landing.
>Or when you agreed to go to the spa with her once, since Rarity was out of town and she wouldn't go alone.
>Gosh, that sauna was way too hot, you were all sweaty and red-faced in no time.
>Although you don't see what those situations had in common.
>Either way, Fluttershy seems to be regaining her speech now.
>"I-uhm, see. W-well, you d-do seem to b-be rather hurt b-by them."
>You turn your body around and walk on the shore leaving a wet trail behind you.
>As you approach within a hoofreach of the yellow pony she musters courage to look you in the eyes.
>"I-I should h-have a lotion t-to help you with t-those stings."
>Of course, Fluttershy should be able to help you here.
>Why didn't you think about this before?
>Well, you weren't really clear minded right now.
>Because of some reasons you'd rather not bring up.
>"If y-you wanted to I c-could give it to you."
>Her slowly fading blush reignites suddenly with a new found power, and her gaze escapes to the side once more.
>"Or, um, h-help you w-with ap-plying it-t, since, you know, it's in uh, a h-hard to reach area."
>That would actually be helpful.
>Fluttershy voice quietens even further than usual when she says
>"But if you d-don't want to then that's also ok, you d-don't have to."
>You reach your sore and soaken hoof to hers, and manage to produce a surprised "Eep" upon contact.
"It's okay Flutters, it would be great if you could help me."
>"O-oh. You want me to?"
>The butter pony perks up instantly.
"Sure. After all those bees are a pain in my rump."
>You both share a nervous laugh before heading towards her cottage.

>A hasty trotting carries you two alongside the stream.
>You've traveled here many times before.
>And yet it seemed so surreal to you.
>Like it was some kind of ridiculous dream.
>Fluttershy asking you to pick up the pace didn't help either.
>How often does it happen? Fluttershy of all ponies having to ask you to go faster.
>And yet it happened.
>Everything today happened.
>You couldn't even pretend like it was a nightmare.
>The bees made sure of it.
>Unwillingly, you make your hooves move at an increased pace.
>You felt so tired.
>And at the same time you're not sure if you'll be able to sleep again.
>Honestly you could just walk down the stream forever.
>If it wasn't for the firey stings.
>And the weird clutch you felt slowly tightening somewhere in your chest.
>It added to the feeling of being out of place.
>Why would you feel so stressed just walking with your friend?
>But you knew why.
>Even if you have acknowledged your actions before, you somehow managed to keep some of the emotions at bay.
>Not silence them down, just inhibit them somewhat.
>You didn't know why, but the appearance of Fluttershy made it worse.
>Actually, scratch that.
>You know why.
>It was the concern she has shown.
>She wanted to help you, like she always would.
>But you almost refused that.
>Because it felt wrong.
>Like you didn't want to be looked after now.
>Not only because you wanted to be alone.
>But because you simply didn't deserve it.
>Not after the events of this day.
>Events your friend didn't know about.
>Would she still offer her help if she knew? Would she still be willing to take care of you, and ease your pain?
>...
>Or would she plant her hoof on your flank to make your pain worse?
>Now that was something you deserved.
>But the mental image of Fluttershy doing that, it sends you shivering.
>Which doesn't go unnoticed.
>"Uhm, Rainbow Dash?"

>You wanted to avoid questions.
>It would help you not think, and you needed that right now.
>Really bad.
>"Are you allright?"
>No.
>You were far from being allright.
>In many ways, too many for you to count.
>"I-I mean, I know about the bees, but you seem so... quiet."
>As if to underline her point, the last word is barely audible.
>And she did have a point, you knew it very well.
>It's just that you didn't want to talk.
>Or rather didn't know what to say.
>Hey Fluttershy, I killed Anon!
>Yep. Lovely way to keep the conversation going.
>And yet you almost wanted to say that.
>Hell, you did want to say that.
>But you were afraid.
>Afraid of the consequences, afraid of the truth.
>Afraid of your friend condemning you.
>Even if deep inside you felt that you deserved it.
>"Did something happen?"
>A stronger clamp inside your chest.
>This question feels like it pierces you through like a spear.
>Or lightning.
>You turn your head towards the yellow pegasus.
>You fully expected to see a judging expression in her eyes.
>But there was just concern.
>A genuine concern of a pony who sees her friend suffer and doesn't know why.
>Your pain now was radiating into her pain.
>Which made you feel even worse about yourself.
>You could just lie to her.
>You fucking hid a body of a man you murdered, doesn't get much worse than that either way.
>Just say you're fine.
>Just say that's nothing wrong, and you will be fine.
>It's not her problem.
>Don't drag her into it.
"Yes Fluttershy. Something bad happened."
>Idiot.

>The butterpone gasps before barraging you with a flurry of questions.
>"A-are you hurt? Um, other than the stings I mean. Did you break something? Are your wings hurt? Is that why you're not flying?"
>Oh.
>Oh damn. It didn't even occur to you how suspicious that must've made her.
>You were walking down the stream, literally.
>Not your usual way of doing things, not by a long shot.
>Were you really that obvious the whole time?
>You flap your wings twice before saying
"No, my wings are fine. And I'm not hurt."
>"I disagree. You look very hurt right now."
>You scoff and wave your hoof dismissively, which causes you to miss the rhythm of your jog for a second.
"Trust me Fluttershy, I'm not the one who got the short end of this stick."
>It felt so good to say, like you were slightly loosening the vise that was clutching your chest.
>Or at least stopped its tightening.
>Even if you didn't say anything yet.
>"I... don't understand."
>The pegasus is looking at you with confusion sculpted in her face.
>You sigh.
"I..."
>It's hard.
>Very hard.
"I did something... terrible."
>You watch as confusion shifts into fear.
>It hurts. It hurts really bad.
>But at least it wasn't disgust.
>Yet.
>The yellow mare slows down, still looking your way, and you match her tempo.
>"Wha... what happened Rainbow Dash?"
>Shit.
>Here you go.
>Just say it.
"I..."
>It's too difficult.
>Like the words have frozen over and stuck in your throat.
>"Y-yes?"
>That voice doesn't help.
>She is scared. Of you probably.
>It doesn't occur to you at this time that she might be scared for you.
>And if it's like that now, what will it be like when you finally say it?
>But you have to.
>...
>But you cannot.
"I can't Fluttershy. I'm sorry."
>You begin to notice your vision getting blurry again.

>You quickly turn around and face the stream to your left.
>Your trot slows down to a complete halt.
>You didn't want your friend seeing you cry.
>Even though it was probably too late for that already, as you feel a single tear drop from your snout.
>And then you feel something else.
>A warm fuzziness warping around your neck, followed by an even warmer sensation on your withers.
>It was Fluttershy hugging you.
>"It's okay, you don't need to tell me if you don't want to."
>You did want to.
>But you were too afraid to do so.
>"And I'm still your friend Rainbow Dash. No matter what you did, I'm here for you."
>Heh.
>She would not be saying that if she knew.
>She would not be hugging you and resting her muzzle on your back.
>Once again you feel like you don't deserve this attention, this care.
>This friendship.
>But at the same time it feel so comforting and nice, you just cannot break it right now.
>Because the consequences are...
>An image of Fluttershy scrunched up with borderline hatred turning around and leaving you in the dust pops up in your head.
>When did you see her hate somepony last time?
>You decided that you don't care, as you look back at the butterpone and return her hug.
>It feels so nice.
>Her hoof gently stroking your mane, her snout delicately moving up and down your withers and the back of your neck.
>You can almost forget what happened today and just feel happy for the moment.
>Almost.
"Thank you Fluttershy."
>You say in weak voice.
>"It's okay. When you're ready we can go to my cottage, I got an idea of what to do to make you feel better."
>She sounds so comforting it makes the drizzle of your tears falling down her mane slow down.
"I'm not sure I can feel better today."
>She giggles softly.
>"Well you won't know if you don't try."
>Hm. She has a point.
>But you would need to break the hug, and it feels so nice.
"Just... Give me a minute."

>"Daawww... They look so cute."
>You turn away from Rainbow Butcher and look at the mare standing next to you.
"Cute?"
>Ivory meets your gaze with her "I just ate an alpenmilch chocolate while watching cat cubs in pink" expression.
>"Are they not? I dare you to say that they are not."
>You snort and wave your hand at the bundled ponies.
"Sure, for a murderer with her oblivious friend they are."
>"Now now, she is not a murderer. She did not kill you on purpose."
>You open your mouth to object, but realise that she is right.
"Okay, so she is a manslaughter... er? She committed manslaughter. I'm still dead though, so it's a rather technical difference."
>The alicorn clicks her tongue in disappointed way.
>"But Anonymous, you are wrong. First of, you are not dead."
>You sigh.
"Yes, I have died, but I am not dead. Sorry, I'm still new to this."
>"And yet you still can see how this another "technical difference". Scoff at it all you want, but this difference is the reason why we're talking right now."
>Once again you're left without answer, which rewards you with a warm horse smile.
>"When talking about matters as important as one's life, every difference matters little one. Trust me."
>You raise your hands in the air in the universal surrender gesture, that probably is not so universal in Equestria.
"Okay, checkmate. Well done."
>Ivory raises her Schrödringer-like eyebrow.
>"Check-what?"
>No way.
>Does she really not know what chess is?
>Come to think of it, it's not that unlikely, since the game originated from Persia or India for all you know.
"Do you not know what chess is?"
>"I'm afraid so. I suppose it's something from your world?"
>Oh boy.

>You realise your tone was a bit condescending with that last question.
>But dammit, she never heard of chess.
"Yes, pretty much every human knows about it even if they don't play it. That's why I was so..."
>"Outraged at my ignorance?"
>The mare says with a cheeky smile.
"Whoa, I wouldn't put it that far. 'Surprised' fits better, sorry if I sounded rude there."
>"It's okay little one, no harm no foul. But, you said about playing it?"
>You nod vigorously and start drawing in the air with you hands.
"Yes, because it's a board game. Meant for 2 players, each takes his turn moving a single piece out of..."
>You pause and do the advanced arithmetic of adding 8 to 8 in head.
>Success!
"Out of 16 that he owns. Each has a specific way it can travel on the board, which is split into squares in an 8 by 8 grid."
>You look at her to see if she is interested, and find her head cocked slightly with a genuine curiosity in her eyes.
"So for instance a pawn, the smallest piece, can only move by 1 square forward, but the tower can move any amount of squares both forward and sideways, as long as nothing is blocking it."
>"Peculiar. Are all 16 pieces different?"
"No, in fact 8 of them are all pawns, placed in the front line at the start."
>She nods with a thoughtful expression.
>"Explains the name. Guess they are not very long lived?"
>You pause for a second.
>She was reading deeper into this than you expected.
>You feel like you were being judged by a single game from your world, like she drew an image of humanity as a whole from your description.
>Well, it was a game about war.
>And it was nothing weird or special for humans, just a run of the mill explanation.
>Come to think of it, that *was* rather telling of your species.

>You cough in a weak attempt to hide your consternation.
"Well, uh, kind of. They are the least powerful pieces, yes, but if one reaches the enemy side of the board, it can become any of the more powerful figures."
>"That's interesting. But rather situational I guess. Is this what you do with them? Try to get to the other side?"
"Not really. That is a rare occurrence in a normal game. But they still have the power to..."
>You almost said kill.
"Take down any other piece. That's a general rule - if a one figure moves on top of the enemy one, the latter is off the board no matter what."
>Ivory narrows her eyes in surprise.
>"Then what makes one more or less powerful? Their speed?"
"Exactly. As I said before, a tower can threaten you from across the board, but pawn needs to be next to the enemy in order to become relevant. Kind of."
>"Kind of? I have a feeling it is a lot more complicated, isn't it?"
>Shit.
>You're not explaining it really well probably.
"It is an ancient game, and it didn't evolve that much over time. So there is a ton of nuance to this. A rook might be at its most valuable when sitting far back but denying a devastating move for the enemy."
>She gently rubs her chin with a hoof and thinks for a moment.
>"This bears striking resemblance to some of the military conflicts I've seen in my time. This is a game about war, no?"
>Well.
>The milk has been spilled.
>Damage control time.

>You always felt somewhat bad about the legacy of your world, ever since you've arrived in Equestria.
>You were never saw war with your own eyes, being lucky enough to live in one of the first world countries.
>But ever since you remember there was some conflict going on.
>Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Chechnya, Korea, Tibet, Afghanistan, Syria, Egypt, Libya, just name it.
>All the time there was some party that decided to go a step further from just politics.
>Revolutions to overthrow tyrants that only resulted in new tyrants.
>Foreign powers invading as a "peacekeeping" mission.
>And this supposedly is the civilized era of humanity.
>Without 2 neighboring empires arguing which ruler is more divine and just straight up declaring war for land.
>All that has changed were the excuses.
>The core idea remains.
>Equestria was so different though.
>You never heard of anything close to a war here.
>Whatever dangers were happening, Twilight and her party just dissolved it before anyone got hurt.
>The closest thing to a military were Celestia's royal guardsponies, who wore ceremonial armor and held spears with their hooves.
>It made you feel out of place even more than you already were, not being a pastel magic horse and all.
>And now you just openly stated that one of the most well known games from Earth is basically a miniature wargame.
>To a pony who has seen enough death to be probably bored by it.
>Just peachy.
"I suppose that it was the origin, but it's hard to see now. Today's conflicts are much different from it."
>Internal faceplant.
>"So you're saying that humanity is still waging wars? I was under impression that you are rather advanced species."
>Now you're creating an image of a bloodthirsty, carnivorous barbarian, that pillages, kills and rapes, probably in that order.
"We are, technologically. The culture did much to sidetrack from the more brutal eras too I guess."
>Did it though?
>Did it really?

>Your hesitation did not go unnoticed it seems.
>"I don't think you truly believe what you just said, little one."
>You're not sure if it's possible to be audibly sweating, but damn if you're not trying your best right now.
"Well, now that I think of it, there are a lot of violent elements in our culture. But it's not like we train little children to become soldiers."
>Anymore.
>At least not in your country.
>Fucking hell humanity, why did you make it so hard to explain?
>"That would be rather extreme measure, I have to admit. But it does sound like your species is rather... warmongering. At least compared to ponies."
>You sigh and let your head hang down in defeat.
"That is true. Entire history of mankind is built upon war and violence I'm afraid."
>You look up to the onyx eyes of your companion.
>They are open in surprise.
>Did you really scare her that much?
"Look Ivory I... am sorry."
>The surprised expression only deepens at that.
>"Sorry? For what exactly?"
>Okay, now you're both surprised.
>That's a lot of surprises.
>Surprisingly.
"Uhh, well. For coming from such a violent background."
>She now seems... amused?
>"And how is that anything worth apologizing for? You did not chose your background, there is no reincarnation in this universe. Trust me."
>Her wink makes you even more confused.
"But how can you...? Nevermind. But I still feel guilty for that. Like I don't belong here, like I don't deserve living in Equestria."
>"Oh, that is your concern? Have you ever noticed perhaps that there are some more glaring differences between you and the ponyfolk? For instance lack of hooves?"
>You automatically raise your hand and look at your fingers.
"I did, but it doesn't make me feel bad about it. I just feel like I'm a dirty stain on the clean history of Equestria."
>And at that, the alicorn bursts into a hearty laugh.

>You quickly glance over towards the stream.
>To your relief, the yellow-blue cuddle puddle did not react and stayed mostly motionless.
>They were going at it for a while now.
>"Oh don't worry, I could not alert them even if I wanted to."
>Ivory says sounding somewhat out of breath.
>"It's just that you seem to believe that history of this world is, how did you put it?"
"Clean?"
>You say with uncertainty.
>"Yes, clean."
>She manages to calm down, but still has a, for a lack of better term, shit eating grin.
>"Let's just say that's not exactly a word I would use to describe the topic at hoof."
>You raise your eyebrow as she decided to not elaborate further, and just wipe a tear from the corner of her eye.
"How so? From what I read, the past was pretty quiet and peaceful in Eqestria, at least ever since the Discord thing."
>"And you would believe everything you read in a book to a word?"
>Whoa.
>Good thing Twilight doesn't hear this, she would not take it kindly.
"How else am I supposed to learn about history? We have no all-wise immortal rulers to tell what happened back on Earth, so I got used to trusting written history."
>The white mare shakes her hoof dismissively into the direction of the Canterlot.
>"Understandable, but a record of events written 350 years after they have happened is hardly to be trusted fully."
>Her smile wanes significantly before she continues her explanation.
>"And the "all-wise" monarch you speak of are not much better I'm afraid."
>You frown having heard that.
>You trusted Celestia when she was briefing you in the basics of Equestria, and then in the books she recommended you.
"How could she have forgotten something she has seen on her own?"
>Uh oh, there goes that mischievous smile again.
>"And who says anything about forgetting the past? She remembers it clearer than anypony."
"Then why does she..."
>"She lies."

"Excuse me?"
>That was rather blunt.
>Especially for a statement that the immaculate ruler of Equestria who moves sun with her magic is lying to her subjects.
>"She hides the truth. Over the millennium she successfully forged her own image of history, and convinced all her ponies that there is nothing else."
>You find it a rather abstract concept, illuminati-tier almost.
"But why would she do that? And why just last millennium, isn't she older than that?"
>"The answer to both of your questions is the same. Luna."
>Oh, so probably the Nightmare Moon incident.
>"Equestria has seen many wars in the past. The three tribes of ponies fought each other for very long, before finally setting an uneasy consensus."
>She sits down and looks to the sky, her expression now completely serious, with a hint of sadness.
>"After they were united it was no different. Even not including the outside threats, which were mostly weaker than the new diarchy, there was constant in-fighting."
>That was nothing like the ponyfolk you got to know in your time here.
>Civil wars?
>There is no way this is true.
>Looking down at you Ivory notices your confusion.
>"I know it sounds very hard to believe little one, but you must understand the time scope of this."
>She moves her forehoof in an arc over her head.
>"All those events happened over a thousand years ago. Celestia ascended to rule a conflicted nation, and she did not like it."
>You think you begin to understand it.
"So she decided to change it."
>"Exactly."
"But what does it have to do with Luna? Was she opposing those changes?"
>"Oh, far from it. She followed her sister's plan and helped her where she could."
>And you're back to square one.
"Then why did you say that Celestia is lying because of Luna?"
>The alicorn sighs before closing her eyes.
>"Do you know what happened a thousand years ago?"
"Nightmare Moon?"
>She nods.

>"Or as it was called at the time, The Eclipse War."
>That sounds a bit more serious.
>"While the intentions of the Night Princess were mostly the ones you know today, her revolt was much different."
>She doesn't continue for so long that you got a bit worried, but before you got to ask anything she goes on.
>"It was a military conflict at first. She had much less followers than the Day Princess, but they were a devoted bunch no doubt. Through raiding parties and skirmishes they managed to project a threat for a good while."
>You have a feeling where this is going.
"But they were overpowered?"
>Another nod.
>"Sheer numbers did the trick better than any strategist could. In one battle the Night was caught by the Day and took tremendous loses."
>You suddenly realise that Ivory must know those events better than anyone else.
>She had to see the battle from countless eyes, and bear the thoughts of all those who have fallen that day. The images of their homes and families they would never get to see again.
>You feel overwhelming sadness looming over you.
>"After the Battle under Long Dawn any military conflict was pointless. Celestia has won, and she insisted on Luna's surrender."
"But she refused."
>"But she refused. Her big sister was acting threateningly after diplomacy has failed, and she feared her fate should she give in."
>You notice a small ruffle of white wings.
>"That's when, in an act of desperation, she sought out a spell to tip the balance in her favor. A transformation so horrid that it partially consumed her very essence."
"So she wasn't Nightmare Moon from the very beginning?"
>"No. She only took this form when she decided there is nothing to lose."
>The alicorn lets out a deep sigh.
>"If only she knew how horribly wrong she was in that assumption."

"In what manner?"
>"In all manners. Celestia was not going to punish her, and her followers were still loyal to her as ever, even if she never acknowledged that."
>You think you know the end of that story.
"So then Celestia used the Elements?"
>"Yes. Seeing how she could not overpower this new form, she resorted to a risky solution of distorted Elements. And it backfired."
"Sending Luna to the moon."
>"Exactly. Celestia was heartbroken. She acted all tough and angry outside, but it was just that - an act. The war really made her realise how many mistakes she made when taking care of her sister."
"But how does it tie in with rewriting history?"
>"She blamed herself for what has occurred. Even if the fault was somewhere in the middle, she fired the final shot and exiled Luna for what seemed like eternity. She could not live with it. How could she be a ruler of all ponies, if she has failed her own sister?"
>You notice a new tone in Ivory's voice.
>She seems to be almost reliving the feelings she is describing, the powerless anger and sadness.
>You decided to walk up to her as quietly as possible, while she still had her eyelids closed.
>"That's when she decided to make amends. She would burn down the errors of the past and forge a new future from the ashes."
>You reach the alicorn and sit directly in front of her.
>"She poured all her emotions into that task, and swore to make Equestria a nation that does not know what war is, so that The Eclipse would not happen ever again."
>You reach out to her neck and gently brush against her mane.
>She opens her eyes and looks rather surprised to see you so close.
>But quickly her expression shifts to a content one, and she lowers her head unto your knee.
>"That is why you know so little about true Equestrian history. So that Celestia's new world order might work."
>And at that she closes her eyes once more, and gives in to the scratches under her black hair.

>You think for a bit while continuing your "massage".
>When you first heard about hiding history you immediately assumed that it was in a mischievous way.
>But the goal Celestia had, creating a peaceful land for her subjects, that was something else.
>It made the whole process seemingly worth it, even if you were deeply opposed to forging history.
>A soft murmur breaks your concentration.
>You look down at the mare and notice a dreamy smile.
>"Are you sure your world does not have magic in it Anonymous? Those fingers of yours certainly feel like a product of it."
>You giggle quietly.
"What was that about sticking out with no hooves?"
>The only response you get is her head making itself more comfortable on your leg.
>You count that as a victory, and look to the side to check on Rainbow.
>Uh-oh.
>They have finally moved, and you can see them slowly get further away as they walk towards Fluttershy's cottage.
"Um, Ivory?"
>"Mmm?"
"Dash and Fluttershy are moving again."
>"Mmm..."
>Well now.
"Which probably means we should go follow them."
>"Mmm."
>Not quite the usual level of eloquence you expect from her by now.
"So..."
>"I can just teleport us there. In a minute."
>You snort and start using your other hand in your "magic" trick, causing a certain alicorn to produce a quiet cooing sound.