Seeking Jubilation (Strange Waifu Story)

>The crimson sun begins to settle over the horizon, in an abandoned parking lot outside your hometown.
>Twilight starts to force its way into the cool fall sky.
>Out here in the surrounding forest the night will come to life.
>It’s nice to see really, since this town always seems to accumulate gloomy weather.
>But now is not the time to appreciate the beautiful setting.
>You’re on a mission.
>A mission to visit what is considered the town’s most haunted place.
>Jubilation Covert
>Seriously, who funds people to name these attractions?

>You’re a young spry Anon and you’re not alone.
>Accompanying you is what you considered your closest middle school friends.
>Well about the only friends you can make.
>Actually it was more like ‘with friends like these’.
>Anywho, the club consisted a total of four participants.
>There was Chase.
>What he wouldn’t do for some spare change and a fudge round.
>The group always considered him the guinea pig of these endeavors.
>Well at least until you came along.
>Then there’s Gerald.
>If there was someone who had to protest about every little trivial thing, it was this guy.
>Luckily he wasn’t hard to persuade and showed no traces of self-esteem.
>Last and certainly least was Ben.
>The so called alpha of the pack, he was always the one to plan these frivolous schemes and if they ever failed, he was never at fault.
>Makes sense
>Plus you never really had a choice in his propositions, and it was never wise to oppose.
>It’s your choice if you want a purple nurple, pink belly, or his infamous indian burn.
>Oh God not the indian burn.
>”Anon, stop scratching your ass and get over here.” Ben commanded.
>Scenic views and introductions can wait.  It was time to focus on the task at hand.
“I’m coming, Ben.” you responded.
>After you previously made the seven mile bike ride in the woods to your destination, your group finally arrives to the front gate of the park.
>Jubilation Covert is what was considered one of the most well established and exciting amusement parks in the state.  Hidden from the world within the forest, this is a place where you can escape and find the joys in games, thrill rides, and entertainment for the whole family can enjoy.  Well, if it was twenty years ago.
>Now it’s just an abandoned multiple acre lot, consisting of old metal and machines of so called fun, located in the middle of a surrounding forest.
>Most importantly, it hosts many eerie stories, which included runaway children wondering to the park unsupervised and never returning, plus other tales of that nature.
>That’s not creepy.
>Taking off your backpack, you shuffle around until you pull out your dad’s bolt cutter.
>Just as expected, the surrounding gate was chained and locked up from unwanted trespassers.
>“Did you bring them?” Ben questioned as he looked around for any unwelcomed members.
“Yah here,” you claimed tossing the tool to Ben. “My dad won’t be too pleased knowing I took these.”
>“Oh and you think coming to an abandoned spookfest of a park is what he prefers?” Gerald acknowledges.
>Good point, this needs to stay under wraps. It’s not like you and him were ever on good terms.
>Especially since mom…
>”Hey will you two shut up,” Ben declared proceeding to line up the cutters with the chain. “I’m trying to concentrate here.”
>”Yah the sooner we’re outta here, the sooner we can eat.” Chase inclines.
>Leave it to Chase to think of something other than food.
>After some considerable force, Ben snaps open the chain.
>”Got it!” Ben states victoriously. “Appreciated the help, clowns.” He adds sharply and tosses the cutters your way without a moment’s notice.
>After fumbling the tool around, you place it back in your backpack and proceed past the ticket booth, into the park.
>The scent of dew and old rust invites its way into your nostrils.
>Wow
>No seriously, just wow
>If you could imagine to collect all the childhood nightmare fuel you can possible conjure up, and put it into a physical form, you were in it.
>Gerald and Chase respectfully agree.
>”H-h-oly shaaa..”
>”..…Damn…..”
>Whose idea was this again?
>“This isn’t haunted,” Ben chuckled. “It’s a dump.”
>Right, tough guy.
>Daylight is now completely gone.  With nothing but stars to light your way, you opened up your backpack and handed everyone a flashlight.
>With some assisted lighting, the party proceeded down a brick path.  Like the veins in a human body, the brick path wired its way throughout the body of this place and would let the precious blood, the tourist, flow their way freely to bring this once proud spectacle of thrills and entertainment to life.
>Strange.
>You would think nature would have had its way with this place, but for the most part, what you have seen has been well maintained.
>That doesn’t help rest the hairs on your neck.
>”Alright let’s find the main power source to the place.  If we light it up quickly, we’ll be able to navigate a lot easier and get what we came here for.” Ben commands as he leads the group down the path.
>”That and it won’t be as freaky.” Chase nervously adds, getting a nodding agreement from you and Gerald.
>“I told you guys this was a terrible idea.” Gerald as always says.
“We should also do this quick,” You share in, keeping along. “We don’t want to run into any security guards or get caught.”
>“Stop being such vaginas guys,” Ben intervenes. “I doubt anyone would care to keep people out of this hell hole.  Worst thing we can run into is the ‘boogie man’.”  He sarcastically declares.
>“Yah or maybe even a spooky skele….” Chase was about to conclude, until he was interrupted by turning his light to the unknown figure next to him.
>And just like that, the highest superhuman pitched scream you could think of was surpassed tenfold.
>You and the others jump and shine to what could have caused Chase’s cardiac arrest.
>Luckily it was just a hard plastic life sized statue of what seems to be the parks mascot.
>From the looks of it, this character was a cartoon horse.
>The more you studied the figure, the more you realized it was a pony, a really little pony, with an abnormality large head and big o’ eyes with lime green irises.
>As you shined your light up and down, you reviled more of its futures.  It looks like a female.
>The color scheme looked simple enough.  The body reviled to be a light shade of grey. However, the top half was covered in clothing.  Looks like a black suit that entertainers or a magician would wear, complete with black bowtie and white undershirt.
>Her hair and mane color matched the black of her suit.  The length and style of her tail looked like any other horse, and the hair style was like any normal girl.  The causal long hairdo but cut about half way short and curled very little towards her head.  On top of her head rested a top hat fit for any eccentric billionaire of the early twentieth century.
>She was posed on a pedestal standing on her hind legs, with one forearm holding a cane close to her body with one of her hand…err hooves, and the other was stretched out pointing towards the park in an inviting manner.
>Complete with a cheerful opened mouth smile, the bottom of the pedestal read….Thrill Seeker.
>…..lame
>Now you understand.  This park was sued and shut down from creating and copy-write infringing an unoriginal and poorly designed character.
>After the group began to settle down and show sighs of relief, they begin to laugh hysterically and make witty comments.
>”Damn Chase, how many pounds did you shed from just shitting yourself?” Gerald teased, trying to catch his breath.
>“No clue, but I could definitely use a triple to gain it back.” Chase says taking the hits with some humility.
>You couldn’t help but smile at their antics as Ben even cracked a grin.
>Gerald begins to approach the statue to top off his amusement.
>“Aaaaand you must be the monopoly mare?” He mocks with his head tilted, arms folded, and hands pressed to his sides. “Hey, thanks for the free…..”
>“Welcome friends and family to park that has it all!” The mascot intrudes.
>Within a flash Gerald retreats towards Chase, both embraced in each other’s arms out of complete terror.
>Make that two triples.
>Damn speaker must have been in its mouth, because even Ben jumped well out of his shoes.
>”To a place of magic and fun, fit for those big and small!” The mascot continues. “For hidden from the worlds of troubles and doubts, is a land filled with thrills to make you shout!”
>…weak.
>”And if rides are not what you seek.” She declares with her affirmative but sweet voice. “Don’t fret we have games and food to eat! For I, Thrill Seeker, have only one goal.  To fill you with joy and happiness in your soul!”
>”Sure you do.” Gerald interjects with a deadpan stare.
>”And if Jubilation Covert can’t do the trick, then I will do what I can because I never quit!”  Seeker counters. “For you see to me there is nothing more worthwhile, then seeing my guest leave with a smile!”
>“This bitch cereal?” Chase interrupts as he raises a brow.
>This guy and food
>“So say bye to your troubles and enjoy your stay, because I will join and help you every step of the way.” She finishes with a determined and friendly tone.
>Again, creepy.
>Looking to your left, you see Ben make his way to the artificial pony.
>”Why thank you for the wonderful introduction.” He smiles as if he were waiting for a response. “We appreciate your offer and will accept it, respectfully.   In fact why don’t you point us to the direction of your lovely home of happiness?  We really would love to take some of these cherished donations for some magnificent profit.”  He propositions, as his head follows the direction of her extended foreleg.
>”Oh my, you really do try your best to please your guest!” He purposely rhymes. “We will indeed be leaving here with a smile.  You really know how to wave my troubles away.”  Ben concludes as he pulls a crowbar from his backpack beginning to wave it like he was giving a gracious farewell.
>And with that he turns and heads towards the park with his greedy intentions.
>Truth be told, you weren’t here just to be special guest on some ghost encounters show.
>You were going to break in with the guys and take whatever could be salvaged, for some extra cash.
>A young group like yourselves have some life priorities that can be quickly solved through some additional green.
>This the only way after all you think to yourself.  There’s nothing wrong with that, right? You’re young and reckless, and it just comes with the territory.
>You begin to clench your fist
>Besides you can care less what others thought of you, especially that jackass of a dad.  He’s no better, after the way he treated you and mom.
>…..mom
>Your head begins to hang.
>”What…..what would mom think of this.” You spoke softly to yourself.
>”Anon, hurry the fuck up!” Gerald announces with haste.
>Shit, time to get a move on.
“See you around, Mrs. Seeker.”  You said and finished with a sarcastic smirk.
>Quickly trying to catch up with the group, you trip over an uneven brick in the path.
>Dammit, the hell?
>The fall made you quickly abandon your flashlight, to try to catch and break your descent.
>Picking yourself up, you wipe your shirt and make your way to the dropped flashlight.
>After retrieving it, you lift it up and shine towards the direction of the statue.
>…………
>D-did its head face this direction the last time you saw it?
>And its wide open mouth smile now just a soft one, carrying an expression of concern?
>Now that you thought about it, there wasn’t any electricity running in this place.
>H-how in the hell?!?!
>Nonononono
>You’re definitely losing your mind
>You being to wipe your eyes and dared to look back at the polyester mare.
>”Anon!” the group yells in unison to get your attention.
>You decide to just do a 180, and catch up to the guys way ahead of you.
>There’s just no way that happened right, you began smiled to yourself.
>Right? Your smile disappeared as quickly as it came.
>As you began to catch up to the group, you just collected your conscious and thought to yourself.
>Fuck Jubilation Covert

>Once you caught up to the posse, you consider letting the others know what you witnessed.
>There’s honestly no point. They’ll only think you’re crazy and you couldn’t blame them.
>Traveling a short distance from the main entrance, the group arrives at a very large open area of the park.
>Observing the surrounding space, vendors consisting of park info, picture pick-ups, and other booths to aid visitors filled around the opening.
>What we need to find is the breaker room and see if we can light up Horrorland.
>Far off to the right side of the area, a large concrete structure stands with a high voltage sign covering the front of the single door.
>Bingo
>Ben makes his way towards the door and fumbles around with the door handle.
>Locked
>The doors too thick to pry open for any tool we brought, so force isn’t an option.
>”Dammit, I doubt the crowbar will get this open.” He spits heading around the building to look for another entrance.
>Following along to the right side, it looks like there’s a small window about ten feet off the ground and it’s open to boot.
>”Well Anon, it looks like you’re up.” Ben declared.
>Look’s like you have no choice, since you have the smallest frame.
>With a foundation consisting of Ben and Chase, you set down your backpack and proceed to climb on the hands of the makeshift ladder.
>After getting your balance and with one quick thrust from your human pyramid, you latch on the window and pull yourself over into the room.
>Landing on your feet inside, you pull the flashlight you stuffed in your pocket and began to light up your directions.
>Holy…
>There were enough switches to make your head spin, and it doesn’t help that you’re no electrical operator.
>Seventh grade math was enough.
>”Yo Anon, you alright?” Gerald yells from the outside.
“Yah, I just don’t know exactly what I’m looking for.” You shout back, turning the light to a large switch on the wall.
>Hmm, well that’s convenient.
>Making your way towards Frankenstein’s control, you try to muster up the strength to flip it. It wouldn’t even budge.
>Damn your frail body.
>Resting your hand on your chin, you contemplate what can be done.
>Maybe it’s pointless.  This is an old amusement park, and you doubt there’s even electricity running into this place.  Even then, the circuits are probably….
>Without warning, the switch flips effortlessly with a large metal slap that makes you jump out of your skin.
>Within seconds, Jubilation Covert was brought to life.
>“Alright, Anon!”  You hear Gerald yell, alongside other congratulations from the group.
>The comments completely fly over your head, as you stare blankly at the apparatus, and giving complete focus to what just happened.
>……….
>Let’s make this quick.

>It’s nice to see the park well lit and running.  Definitely obliterates the creep factor by a large margin.
>After a few friendly fist bumps to your arm and some pats on the back, the party made its way to a large district of the park, consisting of nothing but vending games.
>Prior to coming, the group studied the park map bulletin found in the main square, and decided this is the best place to collect some products.
>Seeker’s Out of This World Game Station was the name of this location and whenever you spotted any art or cutouts of the park mare, she was sporting a generic spacesuit outfit.
>How clever
>”Alright boys, we can only carry so much,” Ben says with excitement. “Think small but valuable.”
>Right, let’s see what we can scrap.
>After some broken locks, cashiers, and storage doors of several vendors, we collected a few items.
>It wasn’t King Midas’ silver, but it was manageable.
>No luck on actual cash, but other various goods were scrounged.
>Prizes won at the booths were gathered, but the storage rooms held the real jackpot.
>Tools, tool bags, spare parts, and other maintenance equipment had at least some value at the pawn shop.
>You filled up your backpack with some final pieces, making sure not to overload yourself.
>The weight was the real problem but seeing there was so much, you don’t doubt that we’ll be back.
>One last crescent wrench outta do it.
>As soon as you began to zip up your bag, your body was unexpectedly impacted and instantaneously covered with frigid water.
“Ahh, what the fuck!” You cursed, looking around for your assailant.
>Sure enough, Chase was on the other side of the vendor causally tossing up and down a water balloon.
>Now you fucked up.
>You quickly leap over the booth counter and give chase to your victim.
>Once on the other side, you see the guys goofing off and harassing each other.  The game booths didn’t look safe from their wrath either.
>You just stood there to watch the boys unwind and enjoy the festivities of being young knuckleheads.
>”Hey,” Ben barks tossing a ball nonchalantly from the stand counter he was sitting on. “Let’s have a little fun while we’re at it.  Wouldn’t want to displease Mrs. Seeker, huh?”
>You look down to the ball you were holding and smile to yourself.
>Hey, you were at an amusement park; what better excuse than to let off some steam and amuse yourselves.

>It’s been awhile since you managed to have this much fun with the group.
>For being a collection of sarcastic jerks, you all still know how to have a good time.
>You decided to make it a competition between each other jumping from game to game, to see who the best at trumping one another.
>Huh, for someone who doesn’t get out much, turns out Gerald was a natural.
>A couple of wins, losses, and the occasional shit talking later, you take the time to sit down and enjoy the night breeze.
>You haven’t felt this zen in ages, and honestly it was a great feeling.
>You could stay like this forev…
>”Yo, Anon.” Chase intervenes your though process tossing a basketball to you. “Little friendly game of hoops?”
>Friendly, huh?
>You turn around and notice the specific game you were leaning on was a free throw contest.
“Sure, why not?” You agreed

>About half way through the game, it wasn’t even close.
>You left Chase in the dust and it was all but over with the final shots going in.
>It was funny to watch Chase get so flustered over something he thought he had in the bag, and Thrill Seeker seemed to agree.
>She would comment every now and then on missed and made baskets from the speaker above the game stand.
>”Great shot player one!” She cheered as your final shot went in.
>You turned to Chase giving him an arrogant smile.
>”Whatever, you got lucky.” Chase spits as he tosses his last shot completely missing the hoop.
>”Oooh, sorry player two. Better luck next time!” Seeker concludes cheerfully.
>You hold your gut from the hysterical laughter leaving your lungs.
>Chase looks to his right, throwing another ball as hard as possible to the cutout of the pony near the booth, knocking the head clear off.
“Damn bro, don’t hate the game.” You chuckle. “Hate yourself!”
>Even with the game over, you still decide just to shoot around and enjoy the time you’re having.
>One after another would swish or bump in, with the occasional miss, and soon the boys surrounded taking notice.
>“Dammit Durant, since when could you shoot?” Ben acknowledges with awe.
>You give yourself a soft smile.
“I’ve had a lot of time on my hands when I was young and even more so recently moving here.” You answered sinking another one. “Never really like to spend time at the house.  Guess that led me to the court to pass the time, you know? Had a knack for shooting I suppose.”
>”Whatever the case man, you should definitely consider joining the school team.” Gerald respectfully says.
>You never thought about it, but he’s right.
>You rarely ever tried to stretch yourself out to others.  You just enjoyed the alone time once you moved to this town seven months ago.  Then again you had your reasons.
“Yah bro, maybe,” You give a response dribbling a ball in place. “But it wouldn’t be nice of me to run circles around….”
>You and the boys were quickly silenced after being interrupted by a distant….buzzing noise?
>No that sounds more like a running engine.
>Catching movement way down the path of the walk way you see an approaching object.
>A security cart!
>”Shit, popo!” Chase blurts out quick to his feet, and heading in the opposite direction.
>Dammit time to get the hell on outta here.
>”Fuck, come on guys grab the stuff and let’s jet.”  Ben asserts taking lead. “I think I know a way out of this place.”

>The group continues down the path following Ben, to parts of the park you’re unaware of.
>”Hurry up you fucks!” Ben breathlessly orders, looking around for a place to evade. “We’re close to a little district alleyway that should lead to the outside fence of the place.”
>You hope he knew what he was talking about, but he did study the map considerably.
>So you hoped.
>You turn around to see the approaching vehicle that can end this evening in a catastrophe.
>Oh damn it’s gaining quickly!
>You turn your head forward, and put nothing but focus towards escape.
>Up ahead you can see what looks like another path heading away from the park.
>Freedom
>”There it is!” Gerald triumphantly howls.
>You give a grin and turn into the dead-end lane with the group, looking for the fence to climb.
>But there’s no fence, only a wooden wall.
>A wooden wall that’s at least 15 feet in height and has nothing to grip whatsoever.
>What do we do now?
>The approaching sound of doom doesn’t help you concentrate.
>Fear and loss washes over you and the faces of the group.
>”Ahh game over man, game over.” Gerald cries in defeat.
>No there has to be a way.
>You look around to find anyway of escape.  There’s nothing here but useless booths for….
>That’s it!
“Guys, right there, right there next to the fence.” You point with determination. “That booth can help us.  If we can quickly pyramid our way like the breaker room, we can get on top, jump to the fence, and then we’re scot-free.”
>They all looked at the stairway to heaven, then looked at each other and nodded in agreement.
>First you got rid of unnecessary weight and the others followed along, the last guy can toss them up to the others.
>You have to get the heaviest out first then continue to the smallest member.
>That’ll unfortunately be you.
>Chase was the first to get up on all of our hands and shoulders, to make his way to the top.
>Christ bro lay of the….
>With the cart arriving any moment, there was no time for droll thoughts or comments.
>Ben made his way up, and stayed on top so he and Chase could help hoist the last two.
>Fuck it’s near the corner!
>With all the strength you have, you raise Gerald up on your shoulders and wait for the others to help him up.
>After they successfully pull him in, it was your turn to jump into their hands, and help pull you up to safety.
>”Wait, Anon,” Ben shouts before you could leap. “Toss us the stuff first.”
>Oh for the love.
>It wasn’t light but you were able to thrust all the bags, but yours, flawlessly for them to catch and set on top.
>The cart just pulled around the corner.
>Ben and Chase looked at the imminent threat and made their selfish choice.
>Up and over the fence they went to leave you and Gerald behind.
>Assholes
>”Come on, Anon.” Gerald pleas lending out his hand.
>With all the energy you could spare you jumped up to grab it.
>Dropped you the first time.
>The second time was a success except for one thing.
>Gerald didn’t have the power to pull you over.
>He tried but to no avail.
>You did your best to pull yourself up but you started to bring him down with you, and that led Gerald to let go completely.
>Gerald looked at you with sadness in his eyes, then back at the cart, and then to you again.
>You could only face him with distress in yours.
>The cart was too close.
>”I-I’m sorry, Anon.” He deflates his apology.
>He leaped to the fence, and took off to the outside haven.
>It was just you.
>After all that you did to help, it was just you to take the fall.
>You slowly walked to the fence facing it with all the anger and sorrow you could display.
>You son of a bitches.
”You son of a bitches!” You cry out, hitting the fence with a clenched fist.
>Nothing
>There’s nothing you can do now but face your punishment.
>You can hear a screech as the cart halts to a stop just behind you.
>Fuck it, you knew the risk and now you’ll take what’s coming.
>You turn around and wait for….
>No one
>What?!?
>There’s no one in the cart, and you didn’t hear anyone step out.
>This….this can’t be happening.
>Enough
“Ok, what in the hell is going on here?” You cussed out your teeth waiting for a response.  “Is this some kind of sick….”
>”Well hello friend there’s no need to be alert. What brings you out this late squirt?” The speakers around this area sing to life.
>Did she just call me….
>Wait that voice.   That sounds like that recording earlier from that horse statue.
>Huh just another voice tape that the park must have had for years.
>Guess you’ll play along.
“Well prerecorded and annoying voice, I was trying to let myself out until Christine here chased me and…..”
>”Oh, I can assure you this is not a recording, if it’s all the same.” She snickers.” Besides the exit is back out the way you came!”
>Your heart comes to a complete stop at the response, and you slowly turn your head to the speaker that begins to giggle.
>At the same time your eyes start to bug out until they fall out of their sockets.
>This….cannot…..be……happening…….

>How is this even possible?
>There’s no way that…
>No, Anon, get a hold of yourself.
>It’s clear that someone’s just trying to prank you.
>….duh
“Ok, ok, guys you got me.” You chuckle in relief. “I don’t know how you all found a control room for the park sound system, but kudos guys, you really got me.  And that vocal performance; if that’s you Gerald you’ve got a future in theater.”
>The loudspeaker replies with a laughter of its own.
>”You still think it’s a trick, but I can understand, some of this will be difficult to comprehend. But once we get to know each other, then the pieces will fit, and only then will things start to get exciting, Anon was it?”
>Trying to milk it you see.
“Alright then, if you’re not my now ex-friends, then pray tell, who’s on the other side of the mic?” You comply, while retrieving your backpack near the supposed escape route.
>”Well, I’m not your friends who upped, left, and ditched.” The joyful voice answered. “Just the one who assisted you, flipping the switch!”
>You revert back to a shocking expression.
>H-how’d it know about….
>This is ridiculous.
“Ok this is getting absurd.  I don’t know who you are but stalking is not chill, and illegal if I may add.”
>”But breaking into a park late, isn’t as bad?”
>Ugh the rhyming is starting to get unbearable.
“W-well, whatever. Look if you’re here to arrest me then get on with it.”
>Hopefully they’ll just quit.
>Ahh fuck
>”Oh Anon, you’re clearly mistaking.  All I really want from you is jubilation!”
>You just stare back at the voice box with an unamused scowl.
“Ok, you need to just stop that.”
>”Stop what?  Not enjoying the chat?”
“No! It’s starting to get annoying.”
>”Awe, Anon, I’m just toying.”
……
>……
…….
>”……..come on kid, give me something to work with.” She bluntly requests.
…………
>”Alright, geeez, that’s fine.  I guess I can’t rhyme all the time.  Oops never mind, guess I….”
 >”Will you just come out!” You blurt out aggressively pulling your hair.
>”Ok, you don’t have to be so hostile.” The voice exaggeratedly gives in, concluding with 'Rude’s' chorus through the system.
>Facepalm
>”Are you sure you wish to see my true form?!?!” The voice decreed in a villainous but playful manner.
“Please, just get on with it.” You moan in defeat.
>”As you please.”
>You looked around to see who was causing this childish game, but no one seems to come out.
>They probably took off, and had enough antics for one…
>Wait, what’s the sound?
>You can hear a slow and steady clop coming from in between one of the booths.
>It’s inevitably approaching your location, and you immediately stance for a fight or flight, depending on the situation.
>You can see the shadow coming.
>Shit this is it. The security guard who had nothing better to do but……..
>........n-no
>………w-w-ay
>Approaching you was something unnatural and helped assured your case of lunacy.
>The plastic statue from the entrance of the park was heading towards you, carrying a soft welcoming smile.
>There it….she was, Thrill Seeker, on all fours supporting her suit, top hat, and cane under her hoof parallel to her body.
>You steadily release your intimidating stance out of pure astonishment of the realization in front of you.
>“Hello, Anon,” She peacefully introduces, letting out half a laugh with a warm smile. “I’m glad to finally meet you.”
>You just continue to stare, with an expression of mixed feelings.
>”Allow me to introduce myself.” She presents, removing her hat and placing it over her heart.  “Thrill Seekers the name, and bringing joy to my guest, is my game.”
>You’re still completely unresponsive.
>”I know kiddo it’s weird, huh?” She returns to a cheerful tone, placing the hat back. “Not every day, you see a walking, talking, synthetic pony.  Well I’m pleased to welcome you to the most joyous and exciting theme park, the world has ever seen, Jubilation Covert……or maybe not.  Don’t know, haven’t got out much.”
>Slowly, a manic grin begins to form on your face.
>Unknowing to your appearance, the polymer constructed mare continues.
>”Regardless, my park will be sure to have something to get those bpm’s thumping!” She explodes in exhilaration, rising on her hind legs and spreading her forelegs wide in the air. “And if that’s not the case, then I will do what I can to make sure my guest leave here with……”
>You spontaneously combust into an uncontrollable laughter before she could even finish.
>She only responds by slightly tilting her confused head, but keeping her smile in check.
“Ok, now I get it! I’m on some show.” You express in a confident fashion. “Yah that’s right, a show that captures kids on camera who make the ‘wrong’ choices, and teaches them the error of their ways, through some elaborate hoax.”
>She happily continues to watch your antics.
>You approached her, and pulled the cane out of her hoof, noticing she holds no resistance when you reached for it.
“Let me guess, there’s a mic in this thing recording the whole confrontation.” You thoroughly observe the piece to confirm your theories.
>Nothing
“Well, I can definitely see the camera eye in the hat.” You counter, giving the cane back and removing the hat from the figures head.
>She keeps her smile, following you with her eyes as you motion to remove it.
>Flipping it over, you search for a camera inside.
“Ah ha! Here it is……”
>Again nothing.
>Your confidence begins to leave you, as you still continue to flip it up and down, hoping a camera would just appear.
>”May I have my hat back?” She cheerily asks.
>You slowly hand it to her.
>”Why thank you!”
>.......this is one good animatronic.
“Damn, this show must have gone through plenty of seasons.  I mean, how could they afford this animatronic, it’s stuff outta Hollywood.” You conclude as you make your way around her. “Just look at the material used on....”
>You notice a small hole on her left side due to erosion of the old horse effigy.
>And you can see straight through it.
>There’s nothing. No mechanical skeleton. No miniature human stuffed in.
>Just a hallow plastic pony, who decides to turn back to face you.
>”Crazy, right?” She giggles. “Some of us can’t afford awesome mechanical characters like Disney, so we just went ahead and used the cheaper route of witchcraft!”
>Your jaw hits the floor all the while your pupils dilate into nonexistence.
>And she notices.
>”Oh don’t worry, dear,” She assures you. “I can tell you there’s no witchery involved.  Actually that’s a lie.  I don’t know how this all happened, really.”
>You begin to shake and hyperventilate.
>”Now that I think about it, there’s a whole mess of theories that resulted in this.” She continues to talk to herself, taking her attention away from you. “Magic, aliens, magical aliens, a lost ark, or maybe there was something enchanting in that old hat after all.  Whatever the case was really about, I’m here to do what I can to help you…….”
>She just notices you’re already halfway down the alley, at full sprint, arms flailing in the air.
>”…….out. Wow he’s fast.”

>It would be nice to know you were beating the human land speed record, if you weren’t busy running for your dear life.
>My God, how can this even be possible?
>Does anyone know about this insane place?
>The army, an exorcist, the goddamn Men in Black, someone needs to purge this place from the Earth.
>Escape, you need to escape.  That should be getting your full attention.
>You turn back to see if Lucifer’s steed is in pursuit.
>Lost her.
>You turn around only to be halted by another cart crossing your path.
>You let out a scream.
>”Please Anon, calm down.” The cart speaker advises. “I don’t want to hurt you, let’s just talk for a minute, and you’ll see….”
>You quickly run around and complete ignore its devious instructions.
>It turns around and begins to follow.
>”No, Anon, hold up!”
>You turn around the corner, quickly approaching the game area.
>You need to hide and fast!
>Jumping over the counter of the nearest vendor, you duck down and put your back against it.
>You stay as quiet as your possible petrified body can get.
>You can hear it approaching.
>Oh God.
>”Anon, I know you’re scared, but I promise this is a misunderstanding.  If you just come out, I’ll tell you everything and you’ll no longer be afraid.” The cart conveys while it passed your hiding spot.
>You can hear ‘Baby Come Back’ blaring on the speakers.
>This thing is sick in the head!
>You wait to make sure the coast is clear.
>Slowly rising from your sanctuary, you look around to see any signs of the end.
>Looks safe.
>You hop back over and think the best way out of this hell.
>You could make a break for the exit or play it safe and sneak your way out or…
>Surprise hug.
>You’re enveloped in the arms of a cutout near the booth, and you begin to panic.
>”See, Anon, it’s not so bad.” She softly reassures you in a protective tone. “I told you I would never hurt you, now let’s go sit down and talk about…..”
>With all the adrenalin flowing through your veins, you shoot out of her arms, completely ripping them off the cutout.
>She looks down, with a cartoonish frown and tiny dilated eyes, at her severed stubs giving them little back and forward movements.
>She then looks back at you and returns to her joyful self.
>”Wow, you’re a lot stronger than you look!”
>You begin to retract your footsteps.
>”Oh it’s ok, Anon. Nothing some quick paper mache can’t fix.”
>With fear in your eyes, you notice another cutout make its way towards this one.
>It’s the one Chase beheaded.
>”Well hello, Thrill Seeker, you mind giving me a 'hand', to guarantee Anon here that we mean no harm?”
>”I would love to, Thrill Seeker, but I wouldn’t want to personally get too far 'ahead' of myself!” The head from a little distance answers, with laughter coming from both.
>Oh no, you’ve gone crossed eyed.
>In an instant, you were back to fleeing from this psychosis.
>”Anon, wait!” She pleas, while another cart comes near her. “Taxi, follow that kid!”

>You’ve finally made it to the main square, but you’re completely out of breath.
>Turning around to make sure you’re alone, you double check to see you’re out of the….hooves of that abomination against nature.
>Slowly backing up until you hit the closest wall behind your back, you sat down beginning to reform your thoughts.
>Heh your crazy, absentminded, thoughts.
>Heh heh
>Yup, this is it.
>Heh heh heh
>You’ve completely spiraled down into a complete abyss of madness, and at such a young age.
>Bravo, Anon.
>Beginning to grin like a loon, you start running your hands wildly through your hair and even start to chuckle.
>That chuckle slowly grows into uncontrollable laughter.
“How about that, Anon,” You cackle manically pushing both index fingers to both respective temples. “You’ll be the first member of your family to become a deranged maniac, what I was always hoping for. That’s the only explanation, yup, yup.  This crazy park is all projections of your deranged mind and…..and….”
>You pause as you hear what sounds like metal deforming and bending.
>Huh, you didn’t even bother to look at what you backed into.
>Never noticing a small crevice you turned into a temporary shelter.
>A crevice surrounding of what appears to be large bronze hind legs in a sitting position.
>You slowly turn around, only to see your reflection off the literal belly of the beast.
>Hearing more metal twist above, you go white.
>”Awe, Anon, you’re not crazy.” The familiar voice calls out twenty feet above, causing you to immediately crane your head up. “A little silly, but just confused and as soon as we talk, I promise you won’t be scared or muddled.”
>Staring up at the massive bronze statue of that horse smiling down at you, it begins to slowly reach one of its hooves to get ahold of you.
>Tex Avery cartoon over the top panic reaction.png
>Narrowly avoiding the colossal hoof, you make a break for the exit that will get you the fuck on outta this nightmare.
>”Gosh, you’re a really sly guy.”

>Don’t stop moving your feet, no matter how much pain you’re in.
>”Anon, please, this isn’t necessary.” Various speakers, art, structures and park monitors of the mare ask simultaneously, with sympathy.
>Faster dammit, faster.
>”You can stop running.”
>There’s the ticket booth.
>”I just want to help you.”
>Forty more yards to your bike.
>”I would never hurt my guest.”
>All
>”Please”
>Most
>”Stop”
>There
>”Runni…..”
>You completely lose your footing, and with all your momentum, you crash onto the brick floor.
>”Oh my gosh, Anon, are you…..”
“Stay back!” You scream, turning around, with a hand in front, to keep yourself as far away as possible from anything in this fucked up place.
>”Anon, I…I’m sorry, I just.” The lone original plastic mare moves in with concern.
“No! Just… just stay the fuck back.” You spit, with tears flowing from your eyes. “I don’t know who or what the fuck you even are but stay the hell away from me.”
>”Anon, all the jokes aside, I just wanted to…”
“Help? By sending me on this wild fucking goose chase, completely filling me with dread of this satanic bullshit, and you wanted to only help?”
>”I…I know you came here for a reason.”
“Oh really, well I can take a hint.” You quickly take off your backpack, and remove the park property throwing it on the ground. “Yah, ok, I took this shit.  If I knew this crazy crap would happen, I wouldn’t even been twenty goddamn miles from this place so….”
>“Anon, please listen. I honestly don’t care about that stuff.”  She begins to show more affection for your wellbeing. “You didn’t come here to just take replaceable things.  You’re trying to get away from something, and I want to help you anyway I can.”
“Oh yah and what’s that?”
>You notice her look down in sorrow.
>“I…..I don’t know.  I can just feel it.” She whispers.
“Oh, you can just feel it all of the sudden?” You press on, wiping tears from your face. “Well news flash, I don’t need you or any fucking person to help me, understand?”
>”I…..yes.” She continues to murmur. “Y-you…you may go.”
“I didn’t ask for your permission.” You got up and marched straight to your bike.
>Beginning to mount it you noticed the air around you falls deathly silent.
>To the point where a pin hitting the ground could be heard for miles.
>You turn around to notice the entire park was shrouded in darkness and completely still.
>All but for one plastic mare who stood under a single lit park light.
>”Anon,” She serenely says still looking down. “I’m….I’m truly sorry this turned out the way it did, but please know this.  If you ever need somewhere to go or ever need someone to talk to, I’ll always be here.”
>She looks up as a beautiful, truthful smile returns to her lips.
>”I will always be here for those who are in deep grief and I will never give up on them.  Even if you do never return, promise yourself….promise yourself that you’ll never give up either.” She joyfully states as the last light flickers into darkness.
>You take a moment to sink in what she says, but quickly hop back to your bike make made a sprint for the woods that was fast enough to qualify you for the Tour De France.
>Who does she think she is?
>She has no idea what you’re going through.
>Besides you’ve been fine on your own, and that’s not going to change.
>As you approached the edge of the woods, you halt yourself and turn around to look back at the massive shadow across the lot.
>A million thoughts run across your head about what happen today.
>You decide to just continue on your path home and decide not to think about it.
>Jubilation Covert.
>It’s anything but.

>The trip back home was physically and mentally exhausting.
>The latter was certainly taking more of the blows.
>You told yourself not to think about it, but thoughts still drill at your brain.
>Emotions would manifest along with each individual question.
>How could this all even happen?
>How could your so called friends just leave you there to face that chaos alone?
>How could nobody know Jubilation Covert was a living entity?
>And if nobody did know, why would it reveal itself to you?
>Ugh, this is going to get you nothing but a severe migraine.
>Arriving to your apartment complex, you carry your bike to the second floor and lock it up on the outside railing the follows the walkway to the room.
>You silently unlock and open up the door, to insure you don’t wake up the owner.
>The atrocious robust smell of tobacco bids its way into your nose.
>Inaudibly, you tiptoe past your father’s room, and sneak towards your own chambers.
>Undressing to more comfortable attire, you check the clock to see how long you were out.
>2:33 A.M.
>You set the alarm and sigh anxiously, knowing schools less than six hours, and as tired as you are, sleep won’t come easily.
>Lying down in your bed and staring up at the ceiling, your mind is still running rampant.
>It’s just causing you to lose rest and split your head in two.
>God, what a shitty day.
>Your eyes begin to get heavy.
>”If you ever need somewhere to go or ever need someone to talk to, I’ll always be here.” Were the last words that played in your head.
>……..
>You shift to your side and let slumber take its course.

>Sunrise and an agitating alarm came as soon as your eyes closed.
>Getting out of bed was challenging as you expected it to be.
>For not waking up once the whole night, it still feels like you got zero shut-eye.
>You approach blinds of your window to see how the weather was.
>Sensing the convection of the cool outside air, you observe that there’s going to be an overcast.
>Shocker
>Slouching towards the closet, you put on the casual pants and fleece jacket you always wear on days like this.
>You really enjoyed that jacket, especially the large question mark design it carried.  You could never explain it, but whatever, it kept you warm.
>You open up your drawer to get some last minute supplies, when you stumbled upon an old photo you’ve kept.
>A photo of the past times and people, you sometimes wish more than anything to get back.
>Lifting it up to get a good look and having some reminisces of former events, you put it back and continued your morning routine.
>Slipping on your shoes, you stroll to the kitchen for a quick breakfast, and prepared to hear a mouth full from dad for being out late or some other crappy excuse.
>Hmmm he’s not there.
>You pass his room that currently has the door open.
>Not there either.
>The oil field must have called him out to work again, and he could be gone for some time.
>Guess not all things are bad to the start of today.
>With school starting in minutes, you inhaled a bowl of cereal with some two day old milk and made haste.

>School was like any other day.
>You rarely paid attention through your first half of classes, but dozing off wasn’t the reason this time around.
>You didn’t have to worry too much about avoiding those jackoffs, since they were a grade above you.
>Lunch was another story.
>Grabbing the day’s special of slop, you walk to find a seat, but happened to pass the cunts of the round table.
>You made sure to keep a face of pure animosity as you moved by them, but fixated your attention to an empty seat at the edge of the cafeteria.
>Catching their expressions in you peripheral’s, you could see that they noticed your attempts to avoid them.
>You even caught wind of their discussion.
>”Damn, someone’s peeved.” Chases implies reaching for a fry on Gerald’s plate. “What do you think happened to him?”
>”I guarantee you nothing; he’s just being a big fucking baby.”  Ben sneers. “He knows he would’ve done the exact same thing in our position.  Besides he’ll get over it and come back to us. I mean, who else does he have to go back to?”
>Gerald contributed nothing to the conversation, but just looked at his plate with a desolate expression.
>You sit down at the empty area, and continued to display resentment.
>Fuck those guys, like you need a pack of distrustful dick-sucking imbeciles to carry out your days in this shithole of a town.
>You grab the fork aggressively, and made efforts to scarf down your food.
>The more you began to engulf, the more your emotions got the better of you.
>Still with fury in your eyes, tears seem to make their unwelcomed occurrence.
>Dammit, you shouldn’t care so much about this.
>…..so why do you?
>The rest of the school day went as it came.
>The final bell makes its obnoxious rings and you rapidly exited to avoid contact with anyone.
>As light rain starts to fall, you hitched up on your bike and rode down the daily path home, and planned continue on with the boring chores of everyday life.
>Coming up to the complex, those thoughts exposed themselves again.
>You swiftly break, turning your view to that park of woes and letting your conscious break free.
>You continue to keep yourself still, letting drizzle and ideas hit your head.
>”I’ll always be here.”
>……was that all real?
>Should you go back and….
>No and no
>You rub your hands on your face violently, to get rid of trifling thoughts.
>To even consider going back there, come on you foolish fool.
>What if was real? Would you want to experience that shit again?
>Fuck that noise.
>Your decision is final.
>You turn back to your apartment, cross your arms, and let out a pout.
“There is no way I’m going anywhere near that park.”

>Arriving to the front of the park entrance, you question your dumb decision.
>There seems to be no point.  You just made the seven mile bike ride back to this place, and you’re not going to just turn around now.
>You heard some metal creak in the distance.
>On second thought…..
>Nope, come on Anon, let’s lay your delusions to rest.
>Walking past the large arch sign that carried the park title, you pressed on and stopped at the main park square.
>Every step there was a cautious and tense one, keeping your senses on high alert.
>Why are you so worried, Anon?  This park isn’t alive.
>You still nervously look around for that infamous mascot to make its unlikely appearance.
>Buuuuut just in case.
>You pull out your phone and made sure it was set to record video.
>If it happens to be an animated park and you expose this to the world, just think of the fame you can get.
>Not to mention the money.
>You begin gleam a rapacious grin.
>It vanished once you made a realization.
>But wait, if she is in fact alive, she was able to possess a lot of the objects in the park.
>That could mean she has ears and eyes all over the place.
>You observe your surroundings with terrified shifty eyes.
>And what if she caught your plan to uncover her?
>Your mind started to play horrific mental images.

>”I sure wish there was a new ride to get on.” A typical innocent little girl mopes.
>Poof
>Out of nowhere, that crazy pony shows up to throw a suggestion to the child.
>There she was, the same grey coated freaky mare.
>Well other than supporting the new black cape, over-sized malevolent moustache, slits in her eyes, and a forked tongue.
>”Did I hear someone was looking for a new ‘’fun” experience?” She grins with her sharp teeth, fully extending her arm to twirl the end of her facial hair.
>”Uh-huh! Me, me, I said it!” The little one shouts with naive delight.
>”Well then do I have the ride for you!” The creature recommends slouching over, rubbing both hooves together. “Follow me my little morsel….ehh I mean frieeeeend.”
>Leading the child to an item covered in a tarp, she proceeds to reveal the deathtrap.
>”Behold my newest attraction, L’dispare De Anonymous.” She quickly flips the cover over.
>The surprise happened to be a coin-operated small ride that featured you as the designated character.
>Posed like a fully roasted pig, minus the apple, there you were for all the little boys and girls to get on and enjoy.
>”Oh my goodness, it looks like so much fun!” The small girl gleefully yells.
>”I’m glad child and for only one quarter, the ride never ends!” She smirks, flicking her tongue.
>The small girl jumps up and down unable to hold her enthusiasm, and makes way to insert a coin into the open mouth of your traumatized appearance.
>”Ah, ah, aaaah, little one.  The coin slot’s on the other side!” Seeker concludes, maniacally laughing with the little girl joining in.

>………
>Turning off your phone, you ensued to walk around and wait for the pseudo horse to appear.
>After thirty seconds, your patience had worn off.
>This is taking freaking forever.
>Without notice, you started to argue with yourself and pace back and forth with each idea.
“Maybe I should just go back home, there’s no way what I saw was real, but dammit, how come it felt like it was right there.” You continue to dispute. “It had to be your mind in the end.  I mean come on, how’s it even possible for a park to even be ali….”
>You were disrupted by a recognizable plastic pony on her hind legs, pacing alongside you deep into thought.
>”I don’t know, but the more I think about it, the more it seems to make absolutely no sense and….oh hey there, Anon, how’s it going?” She beams.
”Holy shit! Please don’t shove quarters in my ass!” You immediately jumped twenty feet away, shielding yourself from her.
>Her ears flopped down, as her face turned into jumbled disgust.
>”I’m…..I’m gonna pretend I didn’t hear you say that.” She ends returning to a smile.
>You’re back where you started; staring at something you refused to believe.
>And you stood there, and just continued to gaze.
>It’s official.
“You’re real, you’re really real.”
>”Yup, right in the flesh, well sort of.” She laughs to herself. “Does this mean you’re going to start running again?”
“Maybe?” You direct in a monotone.
>”Well I won’t stop you friend, but I recommend you don’t.  I would love to get to know you.” She offers, slowly moving towards you.
>You began to step back.
>And she stops.
“Look understand this, lady, if you even want a chance to talk to me, you’re going to keep your distance and I mean far.
>She humbly nods.
>”If that’s what it takes, champ!” She takes four trots back.
“A little further.”
>”You got it, bucko!” She adds another four.
>You motion your hands as a signal for her to move back.
>”Heh-heh, alrighty kiddo.” She starts to lose her enthusiastic voice.
>You move your hands again.
>”……..really?” She deadpans in a monotone voice of her own.
>You nod with utter seriousness in your face.
>She huffs blowing the front of her mane, and proceeded to take a few more trots.
>She moves her right arm in a sarcastic gesture, to ask if this was enough.
“Alright, you’re good.” You yell at her, seventy feet away.
>You notice she rolls her enormous eyes, but somehow still manages to form a small smile.
>”Come on Anon, don’t you think this is a little bit of a stretch to uhhh….get to know one another.” She props herself up on her hind legs, balancing on the cane.
“Not if the other person is something that shouldn’t exist.” You retort, sticking your hands in the front pockets of the jacket.
>”Awe, now why would you judge me just because I’m a living theme park, who just happens to be able to control just about everything here?” She leans in with a grin.
“I think you just answered your own question.” You mockingly smirk. “Name one sane human being that would even consider talking to you as long as I have.”
>Looks like she took offence to that.
>”That’s the thing, sunshine. I have indeed talked, played, and helped others since this park’s been running.” She intervenes with a serious tone, scrunching her snout.
“I call shenanigans.”
>”Why?”
“Why…heh….why?!? Because all the news I ever heard about this place is about children getting abducted and never returning. So what have you done with them? Used their bones to construct your devilish rides?” You insinuate, pointing your finger at her.
>She starts to rub her forehead in frustration.
>”Ugh, not those stories again.” She tells herself. “Anon, let me be as honest as I can here.  I would never and I mean never ever-ever-ever-ever, hurt any guest!”
“It’s going to take more 'evers' if you’re going to convince me.”
>”Anon if I truly wanted to harm you, don’t you think I would have a long time ago?” She suggests with apprehension.
>Before you could respond, you did start to think about it.
>After taking control of the carts, cutouts, and that massive bronze statue, she should’ve been able to easily detain you.
>Maybe she isn’t here to make you into the next main attraction.
>Still
“Ok then answer me this, what are you exactly trying to help me with?” You sincerely ask, crossing your arms.
>”I don’t….I don’t know, Anon.  I just know they’re things that are bothering you, even if you don’t want to admit it.” She truthfully offers. “You don’t even have to tell me what they are, but whatever’s causing distress, I just want to replace them with comfort.”
>Hmmph, as if.
“Ok, even if I am somehow facing difficulties in life right now, which I’m not, do you really think a couple of rides and games can fix that?” You strictly inquire.
>She looks at you with that same beautiful smile from the other night.
>”Maybe?” She shrugs. “So what do you say, Anon, will you give me a shot?”
>Well……will you.
“Look, Seeker, maybe another day.  This is still all confusing and I don’t easily trus….”
>You’re interrupted as the rainfall begins to intensify.
>Typical
>”Well this is unfortunate.  Let me a least offer you some shelter, till this passes by.” She inclines, retuning all four hooves to the floor. “Here, let me just take lead and…..”
“Oh nonono, we had a deal.” You wave a finger. “You keep a distance, and I’ll find somewhere we can stay.”
>”As you wish.” She sighs.
>The rain becomes relentless.
>Damn this fleece for not having a hoodie.
>You quickly jog down a random path to look for somewhere to avoid the downpour.
>Thrill Seekers keeping up at your pace, while staying courteously separated at a distance.
“Fuck, is there anywhere to avoid this?” You curse at yourself.
>”If you go down about another five hundred feet, there will be a little diner to your right you can seek refuge in.” A poster of the mare, next to you, advises.
“Thanks for the tipah-ah-ahhhhh. Will you cut that out!?!” You turn around and bark at the plastic trickster.
>”Sorry, sorry, it’s a common reaction.” She smiles sheepishly.
>You continue down the walkway with more wild thoughts running amok in your head.
>This is going to be long day, isn’t it?

>Cold, damp, and fatigued.
>Your body was wholly abused from the unpredictable and inexorable weather that made itself present not too long ago.
>Luckily, the excruciating jaunt was coming to a close with a park eatery coming into your view.
>Rapidly approaching the glass double doors, physique entirely spent, you release a deep sigh of relief now that you’ve finally reached a shelter to avoid this mess.
>You start to pull on the handle, but the door would only slightly budge.
>Are you serious!?!?
>You turn to the side of your paranormal park guide closing in.
>With displeasure and rasps in your voice, you cry out to her.
“Hey! The doors are fucking….”
>You’re interrupted with a defining click from the deadbolt opening up.
>”Sorry, it should be open now!” She apologies, coming up only a couple of feet away.
>Pulling the doors fiercely, you unzip your drenched fleece, tossed it to the nearest table, and collapsed on the booth of said table.
>Fully lying down on the seat, with half of your calves hanging over the edge, you did what you could to regain energy and a normal body temperature.
>The only things you were able to achieve were intense shaking and chattering of your teeth.
>This damn town and its inconsistent, unforgiving, climate.
>You hear the doors open.
>Lifting your head enough to see over your chest, you can see Seeker enter the diner.
>At the same time, lights and what sounds like a central heating system comes alive.
>She sets down her cane and hat on couple of tables away from you, while proceeding to shake off any water like a wet dog.
>What a weirdo.  Last you checked she doesn’t have fur.
>”Nasty weather, huh?” She smirks, tilting her head both ways and giving it soft pats to force any water out of her ears. “Haven’t seen a downpour like that in quite some time.”
>You just lay your head back down and tried to get stable again.
>”Are you doing ok, honey?” She softly asks, pulling a chair to sit down.
>You throw a thumbs up in the air to give her a fast answer.
>”Just making sure. If you need a blanket or anything, please let me know.  The heaters on, so it won’t be cold for too long.” She assures.
>You reply with the same gesture as before.
>Pulling your phone from your pocket, and over your face, you turn it on and wait for it to load up.
>Once it was ready for use, you navigate to the weather app to see what the radar was showing.
>Looks like it’ll pass within the hour.
>”Wow, is that what they’ve become?”
“Huh?” You pick your head up again.
>”That device in your hand, it’s a phone right?  What happened to those flippy ones?” She curiously asks, while moving her hooves in a motion like she was opening a flip phone.
“Who knows?” You brusquely state, lying back down and starting to blackout.
>”That’s really neat. I always liked to see the people technology change and prosper at such an alarming rate!” She enthusiastically states, shifting in her chair. “Way more advanced and crazy than where I used to be from."
>Your eyes open.
>Where she used to be from?
>It’s still a mystery how this park is even controlled by…..something that had a sentient and sapient mind.
>Your head started to ring again from overthinking and having an improper wellbeing.
>Whatever. You don’t really feel like deciphering this right now or maybe ever.
>Abruptly, your stomach started to roar ferociously.
>Great
>”Hey, are you alright? You sound hungry.” She promptly hops up, heading towards your position.
“No-no I’m fine, you can just…..stay there.” You sharply declare, holding your hand out and sitting upright.
>”Are you sure? That was so loud, it sounded like you’re starving. I have plenty of treats and eats here you could have.”
“Nope, just my belly declaring a civil war with itself after today’s lunch like always.” You hastily lie.
>”Oh my gosh, that’s terrible!  Then are you sick?” She moves closer, worried about your condition. “I have some first aid stuff in the back.  Maybe it can get rid of that horrible indigestion-”
“No!” You firmly shout, but then swiftly revert back to a calmer form. “No…..no, that won’t be necessary.  Just waiting for the rain to stop so I can go back home.”
>She suddenly stops at your remark, and you both hear a flamboyant swishing of liquid.
>You look at the mare, while she looks down at her malleable body.
>Looks like she collected some rainwater from the small hole on her side.
>”Ha, well this is embarrassing.” She rubs the back of head, showing a little blush. “I’m going to head to the back anyways, and see if I can drain this out. You sure you don’t need anything?”
“Positive and you go right ahead and do that.” You insist, with a fake smile.
>”Alright here I go, to do what I said.” She slowly backs to the double doors leading into the kitchen. “Sure you don’t want a bite?”
“Nope, sure don’t.”
>”Ok then,” She replies, halfway through the doors. “And you’re not sick, right?”
“Fit as a violin.”
>”It’s a fiddle, and ok I’ll see yah in a bit.” She slips past the door.
>Finally now you can…
>”And you’re not cold?” She pops back out.
“No, the heaters doing the job. You can go now.” You confirm with some frustration.
>”Just making double sure. Alright be right back.” She heads back again.
>Jesus, this thing is persis….
>”You know I always wondered, what’s the real difference between a fiddle and a violin? I mean, they look exactly the same and-“
“Bye Felicia!!!”
>”Sorry, sorry, just don’t hesitate to ask if you need anything!” She slips to the back.
>You slam your head on the table.
>Good lord, she is so annoying.
>But……
>But she also shows a lot of compassion towards your welfare.
>You don't know how to communicate with this thing anymore.
>Your brain tells you not to trust something that’s so abnormal, but your gut tells you she only wants to help.
>You let out a sigh, with your forehead still on the counter.
>Maybe you shouldn’t be so hard on her.
>Maybe you should at least give her a chance……
>You shake your head.
>Meh, come on Anon, don’t go getting soft.
>As soon as the weather clears up, you’re going to head straight home.
>Your eyes start to get heavy and you let out a yawn.
>You never needed anyone’s input or help.
>Letting out a shiver, you let some final thoughts buzz out.
>You’ve…always…done…fine…by…..yourse-

>Man it sure feels comfy.
>It’s nice to be in your bed and have zero worries about this disquieting day.
>Damn and this blanket is so soft.  Softer than the one you…have…
>Your bloodshot eyes shoot open and you lift your head to rapidly examine your setting.
>Sure enough, only one table away, she was sitting down and watching you wake up with a warm smile.
>”Hey there sleepy head, did you nap alright?”
>Immediately you push yourself back on wall, the booth was attached to.
“What the hell, lady, were you watching me sleep the whole time?” You yelp, pushing the blanket off simultaneously. “Did you cover me with that blanket?”
>”Anon, please forgive me, but you were shaking so much.” She pleas. “I didn’t want you to get sick or…”
“I thought I told you to keep your distance.” You spit. “Fuck, do you have no respect for people’s space?”
>Her ears begin to lower and her expression is full of sorrow.
>”I…I’m sorry, Anon.  I should have……I should’ve valued your wishes.” She starts to sniff. “I only wanted to...”
“I know, I know.  You only wanted to help.” You rub your eyes, switching your tone to a more composed manner. “Just don’t start bawling or anything; your overbearing assistance is enough.”
>She lightly nods.
>”I…..I also dried your jacket.” She mumbles looking down.
>You looked to your right, and noticed your fleece was folded on the table.
“Who said you could touch…”
>You were close to blowing a gasket, until you noticed she started to sink in her chair.
>Goddammit
“Ugh, it’s fine. Th…..thanks, I guess.” You grab it, and slip it back on.
>You noticed a minuscule smile creeps on her face.
>”You’re….you’re very welcome.”  She kindly speaks, still looking down. “The rain has also cleared out for now.”
>Turning towards the window behind you, the rain has come to a complete stop, and the overcast isn’t as dense.
>Guess that’s your cue.
“Alright, well its’ been uh…..pleasure or whatever.” You get up, and head towards the front doors.  “I’ll see you around, maybe, or…”
>”Wait, do you have to go right now!” She petitions, leaping out of her chair. “Maybe we could….”
>Seriously, do we have to do this bullshit now?
“We could what?” You riposte, turning around to face her.
>”Oh um…..I don’t know, maybe….m-maybe hang out?” She quietly stammers. “It’s not too, too, late; it’s like only four o’clock.”
>God, she’s really that desperate.
“Like I said, not today.  All of this is….is overwhelming.  Besides, it might pour again and I like to avoid that.” You respond, turning back to the handle.
>”I checked the weather channel!” She blurts out, then starts to whisper again. “It’s….it’s basically fully depleted with a few scattered light showers.”
>Wait, she has cable?
>Son of a bitch, this mare.
“I’m tired, Thrill Seeker, I would like to go home and lie down.” You assert, opening the door.
>”But you just took a nap! I would think you’d be….”
“Oooh holy shit, do you really want to hang this badly?” You turn around firmly, gritting your teeth.
>She slowly moves away from her chair and takes a deep breath before she gives you a reply.
>”Honestly, Anon,…..I would like you to just have some fun, for once.  Getting to know you would be….nice, but more importantly, I just want to see you not so upset and tense.”  Her attitude was bursting with certainty and empathy. “Ever since I’ve seen you here at the park, you’ve given off this revolting vibe, and I just….just hate to see you carry it.”
>You notice some light water in her eyes.
>”I know deep down, you’re a very nice person, and you don’t deserve a burden like that. Not now or ever.  I could be wrong, but….but I don’t believe so.” She finishes and looks directly at you.
>You stare back, not sure what to think of her speech.
>You’re not really considering staying here for a bit, are you?
>She starts to laugh at herself, looking away momentarily.
>”Look at me, rambling on like I know who you are.  I shouldn’t be saying dumb things I have no idea about.  If you want to go-”
“Ok.”
>”Ok?” She gawks at you disorderly.
>You deeply look into her gigantic eyes, crossing both of your arms.
“You have exactly a few sentences to convince me to stay here for a bit longer.”
>”I don’t…what do you mean?”
“Right now we’re chilling. So what is it going to take to keep my attention long enough not to leave?”
>You notice she looks around, fretfully, trying to collect some ideas to retain you.
>She seems really determined, but hesitant of what to say.
>”Um…um…..so how…how was school?” She smiles, unsure of what she said.
>Wow
“Shitty like always.”
>”Oh well…well….well other than today, the weathers been…. it’s been nice.”
>She’s not very good at this.
“Nope. Same ol’, same ol’ gloomy crap. Are we done here?”
>If she could sweat, she would be suffering a heatstroke by now.
>”Uh…uh……..so how bout them Raiders?”
>Launching out of the doors, you walked back to where your bike was located.
>You can hear a gallop come from behind.
>Turning around, you watch the now fully dressed mascot approach with desperation.
>”Anon wait, we could always…..” She shouted franticly trying to get your devotion.
“Always what? You yelled back. “This is just a waste of time, what could you possibly show me, that’s worth my afternoon?”
>She starts to look around, as if the answer would magically appear.
>”We could, we could….”
>Then she stops when she looks towards the direction of the game area you were at the other evening.
>She stares blankly for a moment, and then in an instant, a reassured smile is back on her face.
>”Say, Anon, I noticed the other night, you and your friends were playing around at the game area of my park.” She introduces, slyly.
>You move your mouth to the side, as you listen to her proposition.
>”And from what I could gather, you like some friendly competition. I mean you look like a competitor.”  She claims with a small grin.
>You start to slowly raise a brow.
>”Then let me make a wager.  I’ll let you pick any game in my park, and we can have a sociable match. If you win, I’ll keep my mouth shut and I’ll even take you to your bike.  I won’t say one word to keep you here.” She offers, as she turns her head a little to the side, and darts her defining lime green eyes at you. “But if I win, you have to stay for at least an hour, and hang out with me properly. No attitudes, no distractions, just willingness to have some quality time with the best pony around.”
>You start to look at the same area, and thoughts raced to find an answer to Seekers little scheme.
>”Well, what do you say?” She leans in with her conventional smile.
>Hmmm….
>Slowly but surely, an overconfident smirk forms on your lips.

“We’ll play this one.” You move your head to the direction of your selected event.
>She looks up with her joyful gesture.
>”Ah yes, Space Jam, a classic.” She moves her elbow to you, attempting to give a little nudge.
>You look up at the sign of the game, then back at her with an unamused frown.
“How were you not sued by Warner Bros. or Jordan, again?”
>She gets up on her hind legs and sets an elbow on the counter.
>”Anon, please.  This was the name of the game long before that movie came out.” She states, trying to be as fly as possible. “Besides, it was also one of Jordan’s favorites.”
>Instantly, your eyes widen with gleam and your blissful jaw slammed on the floor.
“No freaking way!  He’s been here before?!”
>”You better believe it, kiddo.  I wasn’t kidding when I said this is the best place around.” She says smoothly, while staring at her other hoof and giving it a slow flick outwards. “He was a nice kid, and came here at such a young age.  Yes sir, good ol’ Michael Bakari Jordan.” She finishes, with a relaxed grin, looking back at you.
>Annnnd your enthusiasm depended as fast as it came.
>Should you really be surprised?
“Let’s just play the damn game.” You deadpan, turning back to the vendor.
>”Alright! This should be fun.” She shines, shifting to her spot for the game.
>You start to study her horsey anatomy, as she carefully approaches next to you.
>This only causes your pride to inch back into your blood.
>Not only are you going to eradicate this mare, how could she even possibly play a game like this with that body?
>You’ll be home in no time.
“Alright, Seeker, if you really think you have a chance, we can play.” You arrogantly express, spinning a ball on your finger. “But just know that I won’t go easy on..….”
>Swish
“……..yoooo.”
>You notice that she grabs another ball, and effortlessly hits nothing but net.
>”I’m glad, Anon, but I think I can do alright.” She smiles back at you, with a grin large enough to force her eyes closed.
>Whelp…..
>Let’s try to understand what's happening here.
>She’s been a part of this park for who knows how long it’s been running.
>When there’s no one around, she probably gets bored.
>And what will she do to pass the time.
>All that time.
>Here with games.
>She can play.
>And practice.
>All the time.
>………….
>Doh
>You shift back and ready yourself for a bet that may make you eat a fresh serving of crow.
>She turns her head at you and prepares to give some instructions.
>”Ok, Anon, were going to play a different version of the game you tried last night. When you’re able to score a goal, you will be awarded two points.  However, if you hit the rim but the ball doesn’t’ go in, you’ll be deducted a point.  Don’t worry you won’t be penalized for missing entirely. We’ll have exactly one minute to rack up as many points as we can.”
>It’s a little different from yesterday and, with her style of play, she’s punishing players who have great accuracy.
>Crafty motherfucker.
“How do I know you won’t pull some Houdini shit and cheat?”
>There’s that lovely smile again.
>”Anon, you have my word on a fair and square game.” She nods, truthfully.
>You’ll take that with a nanogram of salt.
>”Are you ready?” She offers, but notices you’re completely concentrating on your goal.
>Let’s do this.
>”Ok, listen for the bell, and good luck!”
>Hmph, as if.  It’s all going to come down to talent.
>You’re still tense, regardless, and everything goes silent in your surroundings.
>You’re perspiring profusely, with the ball shaking in hand.
>But you’re determined, and no way will you lose this….
>Ding Ding Ding
>Shit!
>You let he first ball fly, and as expected, it’s an easy make.
>One after another, you see them go in easily.
>You’re on fire baby!
>You glance a little at your competition and noticed the score.
>12-18
>Holy shit, she’s killing it!
>That thought caused you to brick a shot and then another.
>Fuck focus, Anon, focus!
>You make a couple more but couldn’t help to look back again.
>Swish, swish, swish.
>Jesus Christ, does she miss?!
>23-30
>You hear her clunk a shot.
>”Darn, oh well. Isn’t this fun?” She smiles.
>Damn this demented horse; she’s trying to get under your skin!
>You notice another miss.
>Ok so she’s no Stephen Curry, but shit, Anon, you’re going have to pull out all the stops.
>You got this, dammit.
>You will not lose to some mini horse.
>Picking up the pace with attentive urgency, you increase the rate of your baskets.
>37-42 with 10 seconds.
>Come on, you’re closing in.
>Various sounds could be heard from both of the rims.
>Swish, swish, clunk, swish, clunk.
>44-47 with 7 seconds.
>You’re running out of breath, and gritting your teeth hard enough to completely shatter them.
>48-50 with 3 seconds.
>Fuck only one more shot.
>You noticed she missed her last shot, with only a second left.
>Let it fly, fucker!
>You fire your last attempt and watched, painstakingly, for the result.
>It landed on the edge of the rim, but is still remaining balanced.
>Go in, go in, go in!
>Oblivious to you, Thrill Seeker’s watching with a shocked expression of her own.
>It’s tilting.
>You throw your hands on your head, releasing a powerful gasp.
>Nonono, fuck its….its….
>Swish
>You made it?
>50-49
>You fucking made it!!!
“Awwwwww yeah!” You shout, throwing your fist in the air, while dancing in place like a goof.
>That’s right, that’s right, you’re that good!
“Haha, damn get those contracts ready, cause the NBA lottery’s gonna spin its head when they get a load of this guy.” You continued boogying like a dreadful YouTube hit.
>”So did you have fun?”
“Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh…..wah?” You immediately stopped your victory shuffle, looking back at your competitor.
>She giggles.
>”I said, did you enjoy yourself?” She cheerily asks, with a kind smile.
>Heh, enjoy?
>Enjoy that game that made you sweat half of your fluids, and nearly gave you an aneurysm.
>It was…it was….
>Fun
>For the first time, since you could remember, you had a competitive match with someone and it actually was, well gratifying.
>No shit talking, no sore loser pouts.
>Just someone who was willing to do what it takes to have a good time.
>You take a deep breath to regain some composure.
“Actually…..yah…..yah that was pretty fun.” You smirk, rubbing the back of your neck.
>”I’m so happy, Anon, truly.  I’m glad you were able to share a good time with me, albeit an intense one.” She laughs to herself. “I must say you’re a really good shot!”
“Yah well…..you’re not so bad yourself.” You let out a hand, in the spur of the moment.
>Whoa, where’d that come from?
>She modestly accepts, and shakes it.
>”Thank you, Anon, that means a lot.” She serenely shares. “Hmm well, a deal's a deal.” She hops up, and gives her cane two taps on the ground.
>In the distance, you can hear a cart approaching your whereabouts.
>It comes to a slow halt right in front of you.
>”Alright, friend, let’s get you to your bike.” She confirms trotting to the vehicle, looking down to the ground.
>Though she showed humility in the loss, you can’t help but notice she’s a little disappointed.
>And you’re sure it has nothing to do with the scoreboard.
>Approaching the cart, you began to let your mind break free again.
>Grabbing the railing that supports the top, you were thinking more about what just happened.
>This afternoon, as strange and frustrating as it could be, turned out alright.
>And Thrill Seeker…..
>She’s a pretty chill uhh….whatever she is.
>You're going to ask, arn't you?
“Say, I don’t have to go right away, I mean it’s only what?” You pull out your phone. “Huh, it’s only 5:26.”
>Unknowingly, her eyes widen and a grin starts to shoot across her face.
“I mean if it’s cool with you or whatever, but if not then whatever….I don’t care if you……..”
>Surprise Hug 2: Anon gets his snuggle back, again.
>”You’re more than welcomed to stay, Anon, and you never have to ask.” She passionately clarifies, rubbing her head in your chest.
>You keep your arms parallel to your body as she tightly, but prudently, nuzzles the shit out of you.
>And she’s still hugging.
>……ummm
>You clear your throat.
“You can…you can let go now.” You acknowledge with half a chuckle.
>Her cheeks turn completely red and she awkwardly backs up, covering some of her face with her hat.
>”Forgive me, Anon, that was…..unprofessional.” She fires a clumsy grin at you.
>Ok that’s kinda adorable.
>Wait, did you really just think something was cute?
>Huh…….now what?
“Well….I guess….wanna give me a tour of the place or are we going to stand here all afternoon?” You assert to break the ice.
>”You got it, bucko!” She chimes, flipping her hat back on her head. “Hop on the cart, and let’s not hesitate.  I shall show you the rides and thrills that await!” She bows, directing a hoof to the cart.
>You roll your eyes.
>Oh boy here we go with the rhymes again.
>Heh, alright you ludicrous pony, show me whatcha got.

>If there was anything that you could praise about the weather around this county, it was the heavenly breeze that followed any significant shower.
>Around this time of year, it was always the perfect temperature.
>Not too cold or violent, whenever the calm wind would brush on your body, it would ease your mind and muscles no matter what state of emotion you were occupying.
>It was relaxing to say the least.
>And you were getting a full helping, sitting in the passenger seat, alongside your new acquaintance and traveling around Jubilation Covert.
>Well there are no more disagreements when it comes to her proclamations of this place truly being impressive.
>Now that some distortions have settled between you two, observing the park was easier and even perked your interest.
>Not to mention, TS was extremely lively when it came to describing locations and their purpose.
>If you could make a complete summary of the place, the layout was the easiest way to go about it.
>This place is huge, like 280somthin acres huge.
>The best way to define the entire shape of the park, from a sky view, was like looking at a wagon wheel, but missing a fourth of the complete circumference.
>The south part of the ‘semi-wheel’ was the absent piece, and only had a direct path from the ticket booth entrance, to the main square.
>The main square is basically the center of the park, and there are five paths that could be taken to other main areas and attractions.
>The paths always consisted of food stands, arcades, park assistance, and other shops that would inhabit theme parks, but the edge of the massive landscape arch is what contained bread and butter
>If you head to the southwest trail from the square, that’s the area you’ve been accustomed to the most.
>From southwest to a little under the west side, was the massive area of games and other entertaining vendors.
>When traveling from the west and all the way around to the east, almost half of the park was completely filled with rides.
>Depending on the section, rides could be suited for all ages, to the most adrenaline filled thrill enthusiast.
>Shit, some of these rides looked outright terrifying, but if there was any ride that claimed title of biggest eyesore, it was the Ferris wheel at the most northern part of the park.
>It was pretty big.  In fact, Seeker mentioned at one point it was the tallest Ferris wheel in the state, and maybe even the entire west coast.
>She also stated that even though she loved every part of this park equally, since they never failed at bringing joy to her guest, she always visited the Ferris wheel the most.
>”I love everything about this place, Anon, but this Ferris wheel will always hold a special place in my heart.” She shared openly earlier, staring at the colossal structure. “It has such a lovely view of my park, the forest, and the nice towns that surround it, but it’s also a reminder to me.  A reminder that no matter how bad or miserable that some days might seem; I always can come to the top and take a view at the world.  A view that tells me that if something so calm and simple can always contain such beauty, then something as complicated as life can find even the smallest spots for that same magnificence, no matter what is thrown during it.”
>Man was it a sappy speech, but she was justly heartfelt when she said it.
>Even though you couldn’t agree with such a ridiculous ideal, you went ahead and listened without any arguments.
>Arriving to the southeast side of the park, you were closing in to the end of the tour.
>This part of the park contained nothing but water rides and attractions.
>It’s funny really, with the way the climate is normally, a water park would be the last thing you could imagine being a success.
>As the cart slowed to a stop, she continued to give insightful information of the location.
>”And last but not least, welcome to Seeker’s Cove!” She gustoes, holding on to the railing and hanging mostly outside of the vehicle. “When my guests are suffering the barren sun, then some cool water rides should bring back the fun!”
>Ok, you had to break it to her.
“Look this part is nice and all, but be honest this wasn’t a very popular area, was it?” You stare at her with a questionable face.
>”Are you kidding? This place was crawling with visitors…..for two months out of the year.” She shrinks with the last fact. “Hey look I didn’t build the place, I just occupy it thank you very much.” She lets out a little mope.
“Heh, I figured that much.” You smugly cross your arms.
>”Rest assured, they still had a fun and exceptional summer!” She proclaims, jumping back in the vehicle next to you.
>Out of nowhere another Seeker plastic model, decorated like a pirate, pops out behind you to finish her avowal.
>”Arrr, so don’t  ye go makin hunches ,ya landlubber!”
>You instantly jump out of your seat, with an immeasurable amount of force, and smacked your head on the top of the cart.
>”Oops, we’re so sorry, Anon!” They apologize in concord, with the pirate lifting her eyepatch to check if you’re okay.
“No-no you’re fine.  I’m really enjoying getting the ever living shit scared out of me, with whatever chance you can get.  So don’t mind me.” You cynically bark, rubbing your bruised noggin.
>”Heh-heh, I gotta remember to let you get used to….all this.” She beams, ineptly. “It was good to see you again, pirate me!”
>”Ye too, lass, and we be sorry, Anon. For that, we’ll walk tha plank, er lock ourselves in the brig, or something-something. Pirate talk is hard.” Pirate Seeker says her farewells, trotting back for whence she came.
>You just shake your head, from all of this foolishness.
“You’re such a weirdo, aren’t you just talking to yourself?” You confusingly state, continually rubbing your injured and now jumbled dome.
>”Yah, kind of like you were earlier today, when deciding to stay or leave.” She exposes a contempt smirk.
“…….fair enough.” You comply to her point.
>Without warning, your stomach begins to retaliate again.
>Ugh
>”So are you sure you don’t want a bite to eat?  I can whip you up something real quick.” She generously offers.
>Well you’re a little famished.  Fuck it, grab some grub and then call it a day.
“Sure why not.  Besides, if I get food poisoning, maybe I can get the health inspector to tear this place down.” You sneer, putting your hands behind your head and slouching back in the seat.
>”Haha, you’re soooo funny.” She shoots some sarcasm of her own, while the cart starts itself and heads to your new destination.


>Entering the diner you previously visited, you walk to a random table with your party right behind you.
>Pulling a chair, you look back at your supernatural waitress and waited for some menu items.
>”So how will I be serving you today, monsieur?” She playfully asks, imitating a French accent.
“Don’t know, what do you have?” You shrug.
>”Oh you know the usual. I’ve got burgers, fries, pizza, corn dogs, and other entrees of the amusement park nature.”
>So basically everything at the top of the food pyramid, not that you don’t mind.
“A slice of pizza is fine with me and something to drink, preferably bottled water.” You request, looking off to the kitchen area, noticing an appliance that’s recognizable to you. “Holy crap, is that a pretzel machine? I’ll take one of those too.”
>”Pizza, water, and a pretzel for the lovely customer.  I’ll get on it right away!” She takes mental notes of your order, and proceeds to gallop to the kitchen, leaving her cane behind.
>Someone’s a little excited.
>Guess you can’t really blame her.  If what Thrill Seeker says is true, she’s always been the accommodating type for her guest.
>Still you can’t help but wonder why this is the type of personality she has, I mean nobody can be this optimistic all the time, right?
>After a couple of minutes of waiting, and watching your chef prepare your meal in the back, Seeker makes her way to the large counter where visitors would normally order.
>”Well the pizza’s in the oven and shouldn’t be too long.  Wanna take that pretzel now?”  She walks towards the hallowed mechanism.
“Yah, don’t mind if I do.” You nod, noticing that the machine is a little weathered.
>Now that you’ve strictly studied it, some of the metal looked a little rusted, and you can even see some exposed wires protruding from the back of the power source.
>Shit, when’s the last time she used that?
“Aye, Seeker, are you sure that thing is still safe to use?” You quirk a doubtful brow, leaning to the side of your chair to get a better view.
>”Anon, please.” She taps the top of it. “I always make sure all of my attractions and machines are maintained in tip top sh…”
>You’re both interrupted by a gaudy explosion, as the once proud maker of godly treats, was just a smoldering pile of smoke and steel.
>Moving your arms from your shielded face, you look around to find this so called Emeril.
>She was nowhere to be seen, at least for a few seconds.  Soon, you start to see an equine head, with minuscule dilated eyes, gradually rise from behind the counter, and blankly stare at the now dismantled apparatus.
>Her eyes dart back towards you.
>”Ok……so maybe it had a couple of dinks I should’ve checked on.” She dully utters with a frown.
“Y-yah no….no kidding.” You wholly agreed, still a little shaken from the fiery event. “So…..”
>”Pizza?”
“Yah, pizza.”
>After a few minutes of recuperating and removing open flames, Seeker comes from the double doors of the kitchen to bring your meal.
>Laying it out in front of you, your senses begin to assiduously observe your dinner.
>”Is something wrong?” She examines a little concerned with her prepared sustenance.
“Yah, just making sure this thing is disarmed.”  You poke at your pizza and at her question.
>She switches to a scowl and rolls her eyes at your remark.
>After making multiple examinations to make sure your food wasn’t a hazard, you cautiously bite into what could be your last supper.
>A few chews later, your eyes burst open.
>H-h-holy….
>There’s no way your taste buds are telling you this.
>Telling you that this is not only one of the best fucking pieces of pizza you’ve had, maybe even one of the most delicious meals you could remember.
>The doughy pillow soft crust, the sharp robust sauce, the milky melt in your mouth cheese. Everything was perfection.
“Holy geeez, TS, this pizza is delectable.” You praise her, with a mouth full of your blissful delicacy.
>She diffidently smiles, even displaying a little blush.
>”Awwwe, why thank you, Anon.  That truly means a lot. Guess you can say I’ve had plenty years of practice.” She kindly soaks up your admiration, turning to the kitchen and turning off all the appliances, with a mere thought.
>Alright, as cool as that was, your mind couldn’t take it anymore.
>You had to ask what she really was and get to the bottom of this bizarre place.
“Ok I have to know, how do you do it?” You gaze at her, hands wiping your sauce covered face.
>”Make you feel like you do?” She leans in, with a spirited smile.
“Hah very nice, but seriously how do you….you know control this stuff?” You throw a hand out, as to point around the place. “As neat as it is, it’s still a little nerve-racking.”
>She nods, accepting your request.
>”Fair enough, you do deserve some explanations, especially after our first…..unfortunate encounter.” She smirks, guiltily, striding around your table. “The best answer I can give you is I have no idea!”
“Haaah?” You oddly express, opening your water.
>She just snickers at your quizzical response, and continues to pace around, twirling her cane.
>”Telling you what I control is the easy part. The rides, the games, the individual characters, and to even the smallest bolt that holds them all together, everything here, besides the natural things, bend to my every whim.  Now how I do it, well I couldn’t tell you.” She smiles tossing her cane up, and catching it, as well as your shaken appearance. “Please don’t be alarmed, Anon. Since I’ve been here, never has a guest been injured by me.”
“I believe you, still it’s just…..it’s pretty fucking crazy.” You shake your head, staring blankly in no particular direction.
>”No worries, I can see where you’re coming from.” She smiles, pulling up a chair across from you. “So go ahead, Anon, ask away!”
>Alright here it goes.
“So what or who exactly are you?  I mean were you always like this?” You ask, taking a swig.
>”Hmmm, well believe it or not, I’ve actually always been…well a pony, but not the ponies or horses you are accustomed to.” She begins her story, removing her hat in the process. “In fact, I originally wasn’t from this world, or probably even this dimension.”
>You start to tilt your head, and almost lose the grip of your bottle.
>She just smiles back at your countenance and continues.
>”I figured that’s what you’d think.  So anyways, the land I was originally from is called Equestria, and boy are you going to get a kick out of this place.” She laughs to herself, slowly moving in and putting both elbows on the table.

After twenty minutes or so of Thrill Seeker’s explanation of the real La-La Land, you could only still gawk at her, as she continues her little origin tale.
>”And let me tell you, if you thought parasprites ravaging through your town was a bad day, don’t even get me started on….”
“Wait-wait-wait hold up.” You harshly interrupt Seeker’s fantasy, waving your arms back and forth in front of you. “So you’re telling me, you’re a little pony, from magical world that is straight out of the girls toy section at Toys-R-Us?”
>”Pretty much spot on, Anon.”
“And that there’s other ponies that can fly and use magic.  Like you know magic that doesn’t exist.
>Pegasi and unicorns my friend, and magic that’s as real as you and me. I’m sure it could be explained scientifically….or not.
”Right, and your world is ruled by multiple princess, that can move the sun and stuff.”
>”As far as I knew, Celestia and Luna ruled my country, but I’m sure other countries respected them because of their compassion."
“Yah, it wasn’t the fact that she could hurl the fucking sun, if she so pleased.”
>”I’m sure that’s not how it works. Besides she was benevolent and showed us, her loyal subjects, that through kindness, friendship, and love there’s nothing you can’t achieve.”  She grins ear to ear, proclaiming her absurd ideology.
“How sweet, all you’re missing is ponies that can shoot rainbows to defeat their enemies.” You mordantly add.
>”Actually about that……” She awkwardly smiles, rubbing the back of her neck.
“…..if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna go barf now.”
>”Hah, what’d I tell you. Being exposed to your world for all this time has taught me that humans….well would find that stuff outright silly.  At the same time, if I told ponies of your world and its vast size and prowess of technology, they’ll think I was loon.”
“Yah, I guess you’re right.” You look off to the side, still unsure of what you just heard.
>”I take it you don’t believe me.”
“I’m talking to a pony who happens to control an abandoned amusement park.  I think I have no choice.” You shrug, putting your hands back in your front pockets. “Speaking of which, how did you get here?”
>You realize she starts to lose her cheerful expression, and looks down to the table top trying to find the words to say.
>”I…..I don’t know, Anon.  It just happened one day.” She starts the speak quietly and miserably. “The day this park opened up, I was the spirit that inhabited it and I still don’t know how or why.”
>For the first time since you’ve met this unnatural pony, you felt that maybe a little consideration couldn’t hurt.
“That’s lame, TS. I couldn’t imagine leaving your loved ones behind so suddenly.  It must have taken a toll on you.”
>You noticed she was still looking down and depressed.
>Wow, way to go fuckhead.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to add salt to the wound. It’s just that….”
>”Oh don’t worry yourself, Anon.” Her beautiful smile returns. “I know you’re just curious and doing what you can to sooth me.  I didn’t have children or a colt-friend at the time so I didn’t really leave too much behind.  Besides, that was such a long time ago.  Back in Equestria, I did whatever I could to see other ponies enjoy themselves and now I’m just the happy-go-lucky mare who’ll do anything to see a smile on the faces of my guest!” She shoots up on her hind legs, cheerily throwing her forelegs in the air.
“Not even your friends?” You dared to ask.
>And in a quick motion you noted she supports a frown and stares absentmindedly in the distance.
>Fuck, now what did you do?
>She still hasn’t moved.
“Hey, Seeker, are you alright.” You wave a hand in front of her face and snap a finger.
>………
>”My….my…friends.……O-of course I miss them, Anon.  Remember those cutie marks I told you about?” She looks at you with distress. “Mine……mine showed me to help children and others who couldn’t help themselves out of deep depressions. I did that by basically showing them happiness through….well amusement and it wasn’t easy with Pinkie running around as a friendly competition.” She finishes by trying to calm herself with a laugh.
>But again it dissipates.
>”So when I left friends and children, who still needed some…..joyful guidance, I felt like…..like I’ve failed them.” She averts your eyes, gingerly rubbing her hooves together. “So now this park has given me the chance……”
“The chance to make it all up.”  You passionately share but still show an emotionless face.
>She looks up to you and shows a soft smile.
>”That’s…..that’s what I would like to believe.”
“Well if it means all that same, I think you’ve done a pretty good job.” You comfort her, slowly rising from your seat. “You said you’ve been helping children out all this time and for all I know, you’ve done a good enough job for them not to rat you out.”
>She gives a little snort and her smile grows some more.
“Not to mention, you made someone as big as a dickhead like myself stay around and enjoy an afternoon with you. Plus you make an excellent shooting guard and chef, so fuck what else can’t you do?”
>”You really…..you really enjoyed your time here?” Her cheeks go red again.
“Look I’m not gonna play it off like it was a normal day.  TS, you’re a pretty chill….eh pony, and the fact that you’re able to do what you do with the circumstances you were put in.  That’s some ballzy stuff, so you got my respect.”
>”Anything I can do help, so does this mean you’ll come by more often?” She benevolently asks looking your way.
“Ease up on the random characters popping out and fix up the pretzel machine…..sure I guess I can find the time.” You give her a reassured smirk.
>”It’s a deal!” She combusts with enthusiasm, quickly throwing her hat back on. “So enough about me and my sob story, tell me a little about yourself, kiddo.  I’m sure your friends and family are quite the bunch.”
>……….
>You turn towards the outside window to the diner, and begin to hammer your mind with uneasy thoughts.
“Look….maybe…..maybe another time, alright.  Besides it’s getting late I should really go.” You rapidly retort, heading to the doors.
>”Do you need a ride to your bike?”
“Nah I’ll be fine, I’ll see yah around.” You protest, pulling on the handles.
>”Ok, so you’ll come back?”  She throws a hoof out as if she wanted to halt you.
>You stop for a moment, but quickly turn around and threw a pose like the Fonz.
“You can count on it, TS.  Take it easy” You move out the doors and towards the park entrance your bike resided at.
>”Awesome! Have a good night, Anon!” You hear her yell as you jogged to your bike. “Hmmm, he sure seemed in a hurry.  Hope everything’s ok.”
>Once you reached your bike, you hopped on and quickly pedaled towards home.
>Damn, that was a close one.
>As much as you understood her wellbeing towards you, you would prefer to keep your issues to yourself.
>Your own encumbrances will receive your own solutions.
>You still don’t need others support, and besides trust is still something that won’t come so easily to you, even hers.
>Regardless, she’s still a nice person…pony…whatever.
>The point is, maybe hanging out with her and at the park will help ease some of the concerns that have been going on in your life since you’ve been here.
>It’ll be cool to share some time and relaxation with your new compadre.
>Continuing to pedal, you had a thought that surprised you to even cross you mind.
>Who knows, maybe you could share a little more.
>After the long bike ride home, you latch your bike on to the railing you normally brace it on, and move towards the front door.
>Before you can open it, a smile creeps on your lips.
>Heh, after all the bullshit that has happened today, in the end everything concluded….well alright.
>You let out a small chuckle.
“Guess I owe you a ride on the Ferris wheel.” You tell yourself as you unlock the door.
>Turning around to give it a good close, you also shut some the woes behind and maybe for once, tried to look ahead to a more promising future.
>”And where have you been?” A familiar voice calls out.
>…….dammit.

>Alright.  Just take deep breaths, and remember that your mind hasn’t been particularly healthy lately.
>It’s possible that you’re hearing thi….
>”Are you listening to me?” A cold but frustrated tone called out to you from the dining room table.
>Well there goes that notion.
>Letting go of the handle and turning gradually to your interrogator, you let out a long beaten sigh.
>There he was, the man of the hour, your father.
>Your father that you never really bonded or cared to share any relations with, other than having a place to stay.
>Now before you go off mentally swearing everything you think he is, he’s far from some malevolent disfigured creature that warps reality.
>No the man isn’t necessary evil, he’s just a stubborn individual who doesn’t know how to quit.
>Quit certain acts and supplements that affect his already unstable mind, and the others he shares his presence with.
>Even when situations where dire and he would promise to put a stop to the spiteful lifestyle, he would just go back to the same mundane crap.
>It only took one last condition to finally tear apart any connection between you two and, honestly, there was never one to begin with.
>Ever since…….that, you could never forgive or show affection to him.
>And since the day you were born, you recognized his feelings towards you were mutual.
>You’ve could of always told someone else about this situation, someone you’ve cared about, but you would always refuse and just put up with it.
>Fuck it, you can handle it and anything else this shitty existence throws at you.
>Great, it’s good know you share the same persistence and folly he does.
>Guess they’re some things you can’t escape.
>Before you could go on for days cerebrally lashing at him, instead you found an excuse to avoid another tiresome argument.
“Hey, Dad, I was just getting back from Gerald’s.  We went to play some b-ball at the park.”  You swiftly state, heading towards your room.
>He just shakes his head and lets out a long sigh himself.
>”We both know that’s bullshit.” He pronounces with that same tenor.
>You stop and start to get a little flustered yourself.
“Why, what the hell do you think I was…”
>He firmly picks up the bolt cutters you stupidly forgot to put back in his trucks toolbox.
>You close your eyes and let them roll to the back of your head.
>Nice going.
>”Well, why?”
“Why, what?”
>Why the fuck are you doing this, again?!” He slams a hammerfist to the table, finally losing his cool. “Dammit, son, what if you get caught?”
“Oh like you give a shit.”  You yell back, baring your teeth and anger. “You always run off and leave me nothing but some scraps and enough change to get me a questionable meal. Thanks.”
>He bursts from his seat and hovers over the table.
>“You don’t think I care?  I don’t need you running around causing crime and getting thrown in Juvie or worse.  That’s just more bills that’ll have my money come out of my pocket.” He aggressively grips the counter edge.
”So you only give a shit about your wallet, figures.  You fucking never change.” You point a figure at him.
>”Don’t be so irresponsible and inconsiderate, why do you think I’m working hours on end, at the field, because I want to sweat my ass off as leisure?  God fucking dammit, think for one second.”
“I have sat down and thought about you for the longest time, and I have realized there’s no point.  You will always be what you are.”
>”Oh yeah? What’s that, Einstein?”
“You’re just self-centered, greedy, asshole who’ll make as much money as he can, and think that’s it, that’s the solution to all of our problems.”  You throw your arms to your side, sarcastically, as if you had an eureka moment, but then go back to your hostile posture. “Oh but nono, you rather go spend it on booze or gambling or some fucking floozy. You do this no matter the reason, no matter the situation, not when Mom was sick and not even when she-“
>”Don’t….don’t start this shit….again.” He spits with dark intentions in his voice.
“Or you’ll what, prove to me what you really are.” You pass the tears, you could no longer contain.
>The room was silent and distilled, as you both stare at each other with looks that could kill just about anything, paying no mind to the scene you all made for your neighbors to hear.
>It goes on for minutes, until your father releases a sigh and sits back on his chair.
>”Dammit,” He tells himself, rubbing his forehead. “Dammit this has to stop.”
>You’ve heard that broken record one too many times.
>”Look, I got called back to the field and I need to be gone within the hour.  I’m going to leave you some money for the time being.  I have no clue how long I’ll be gone, but it could be a couple of days to weeks.”  He shares in a docile tone. “Just…..just don’t do anything stupid, please.”
>He’s asking you to stay civil?
“That’s….that’s fine, just leave enough so I won’t starve.” You give him a cold shoulder looking towards your room.
>He just shakes his head at your statement but continues.
>”If you need more, you know my number.  Just tell me.”
>Oh so he does care.
“Fine, I’m going to my room now.”  You take your leave wiping any last distress from your eyes.
>”Ok, I’ll…I’ll see you around.” He leaves the table, heading to his quarters to prepare for work.
>Reaching your bed, you slam on top and release any final thoughts you had to after another upsetting conversation.
>After laying it to rest, you start to feel defeated and tired yourself.
>Luckily, it’s the going to be the weekend soon and you won’t have too many stresses on your back.
>You start to fall asleep, letting your mind run miles a minute on what just happened, and came to a conclusion that this is just the life you’re going to live.
>You shut your eyes and let loose one final thought.
>Well maybe a couple of rides and games is what you’ll need.

>Friday rolled around and school was quick and painless.
>Well not for your mind, but you still decided to make a path towards Jubilation Covert.
>The ride this time was long as it was harsh on your physical and mental being.
>Passing the park’s entrance, you decide to continue on your bike towards the main square and leave it around there.
>You’re sure she wouldn’t mind.
>Looking around for Seeker, you got off the seat and start manually rolling your cycle.
“Hey, TS, I’m here.” You shout, looking around and moving your bike somewhere to store it.
>Catching some movement off the corner of your eye, you can see her waving at you, a couple hundred feet away.
>”Hey you’re back, kiddo!”  She happily gleams using a speaker next to you, but at a level of volume that doesn’t make you jump. “If you want, I can go put your bike somewhere safe.”
“Yah, that’s cool.  Just don’t mess it up or anything, she’s a classic.” You joke around, kicking the stand out to balance the bike.
>“Anything to help out.  Also don’t freak but there’s a cutout of me next to you that’s going to take your bike.”  She adds, as you turn to your left and sure enough spot another version of the mare.
>She’s supporting an old school mechanic outfit, with one of her cheeks puffing out as if she were chewing something.
>Just how many different types of her are there?
>”Don’t worriez yourselfz, Anon.” The grease horsey pledges taking a hold of your bike. “I’ll see to et that this herez beauty iz properly patched up.  I’ll get der oil checked up, make sure the enginez tuned up to puurfection, emmm run some diagnostics, and even bump out some of those dinks, free erv cherge.  Yes sir, you’ll barely notice the difference, but she’ll ride like no other when I’m done wit hur.” She spiritedly spits a loogie, and you hear a ding in the distance as she takes it away.
>You couldn’t help but smile and shake your head at her antics.
>Turning your attention back to the original, she’s only now a couple of feet away.
>”I’m glad you came back.” She showed her typical smile but soon erased to a troublesome frown. “You left in such a hurry.  I wasn’t sure what happened, is everything ok?”
>Your face shows a little alarm at her question, and you needed to think of a false answer, stat.
“Nah-nah everything’s alright…it was just….just forgot the-the Warriors game was on!”  You tentatively fib, but switch back to a cool nature. “What kind of fan would I be if I missed it, besides of course I was gonna come back.  I always keep my word, TS, always.
>You give her a smug grin and she returns to her cheerful self.
>”Good, Anon, I’m glad it was nothing more serious, and you can always catch a game or something here. I have cable, but just don’t ask how I’ve got away without paying for so long.”  She gives herself a giggle.
>Well sooner or later you’re going to run out of white lie ammunition.
“I’ll keep that in mind, thanks.” You affirm sticking your hands in your pocket. “Wanna go for a stroll or something?”
>”Em-hm, that’s fine by me.  Let me just call a cab.” She lifts herself up, about to give her cane some taps.
“If it’s alright, you mind if we just walk a bit.” You intrude her fervent motion.
>She steadily shifts back to all fours.
>”Yah, that’s no problem.  Anywhere you like to go to, bucko?” She queries, moving alongside you.
“Meh, let’s just walk around for a little.”  You suggest, starting to move your legs to no precise route.
>Thrill Seeker just nods and follows your lead.
>You continue to walk for a distance, progressively starting to slouch and drag your feet.
>A petite saunter becomes an extensive antagonizing sprint but not to your body.
>Ever since this whole ordeal began your mind has never achieved any kind of a healthy breather.
>The argument last night, the loss of friends you’ve come to understand you never had.
>No matter how much you just want to just walk away from all these agonizing occurrences, they will always come back.
>”Anon.”
>And when you think you can find some kind of peace, some kind of tranquility; it’s smashed instantaneously.
>Distress will always find a way to meddle with your life, rather it be in the past or the inevitable future.
>”Anon.”
>Nothing's….nothing's ever going to get better is it….
>Your process of thought was interrupted with a calm hoof surrounding your hand towards the side of your accomplice.
>Looking at her, you notice two large sympathetic green eyes that do what they can to figure out your source of agony.
>”Anon…..please, what’s wrong?”  Her eyes start to focus on everything you say or do.
>You relieve a profound breath from your nose.
“It’s nothing, Seeker, nothing’s…..”
>She shakes her head leisurely, but resolutely, to get your attention.
>”Anon, we’ve been walking for ten minutes and you haven’t said one word.” She escalates her empathy, gently caressing her hoof in your hand. “You can tell me anything, you have to believe that.”
>You stare back without an ounce of emotion in your body.
“I know, Thrill Seeker, I know.  I’m that easy of book, huh?” You respond, noticing she’s about to say something but you interject before she gets the chance. “If you don’t mind, I just….I just don’t want to talk or think about it…..please.”
>She shows you a light nod.
>”That’s fine, Anon, it really is.” She gingerly releases your hand, but still makes secure eye contact. “Just promise me that if you need to talk to someone, then you do.  Don’t try to keep your emotions bottled up.”
>You bolster her with a soft smile.
“You’ll be the first, I promise.” You hesitantly give her a little scratch behind her ear.
>She cranes her head back a little, rising a wide smile, and accepts your gesticulation.
>Yah…..yah that was cute.
>”And I’ll do what I can to comfort you.” She moves her head a little more into your hand, but pulls herself back to make a helpful suggestion. “Now like you said, let’s get those griefs off your mind.  What do you say?”
“I’m down with that, got any suggestions?” You give a shrug.
>Lifting one of her brows, she shoots a conceited smirk at you.
>”Anon, you’re standing in the most exciting theme park in the world, we’ll think of something.” She chuckles twirling her cane, looking around to recommend something. “Oh, I have an idea!”
>After some time, you both travel to the area of the park that housed the bumper cars.
>This sure looks like fun….if you were five, but it’s better than nothing.
>Buckling yourself into one of the carts, you see the plastic mare do the same.
>Once she’s settled in, she turns towards you and starts to harmlessly jab at you.
>”Alright, Anon, I must warn you, I’m the craziest demolition derby pony you’ll ever cross.”
“Aren’t’ you the only demolition derby pony I'll cross?”
>”…..what’s your point.  Besides, don’t think I forgot about are game of hoops yesterday. I’m going to bump you silly after that loss.” She shifts in her seat, readying herself.
“Hah, that sore still, TS?  Name the place and time and I don’t mind doing it again, plus I will like to see you try and out knock me.” You follow suit, preparing for another showdown with the park pony.
>As soon as the light turned green, you both accelerated at each other, in the most intense game of chicken these unfortunate cars will have to participate in.
>You were gaining velocity as you inched closer and closer to your target.
>TS is doing exactly the same, and a powerful collision is soon going to happen.
>Shit this is intense. With only a couple of feet away, you were prepared for the crash of your life.
>You can see she’s gritting her teeth, anticipating the clatter as well.
>Here it comes, brace for impact!
>Dink
>Both your cars kiss each other, with you barley nudging her car to the side.
>……..that was anticlimactic.
>Thanks to more mass on your body, you were bullying Seeker’s cart over and over again, well if you could really call it mistreatment.
>Boy this is fun….
“What did I say, TS.  You had no shot at this, besides this is kinda getting lame. Think we could do something more exci……” You were interjected as all the cars began to move and surround your current position. “….ting.”
>You provide a deep frown and noticed that smug pony’s leaning her elbow out with her head resting on her hoof.
>”You were saying?”  She gives you the most egotistical shit eating grin you’d never thought she could support.
>How many times are you going to forget she’s practically a god here?
>Doh squared.
>After getting completely manhandled, you exit the car stumbling every so often, with your head spinning as fast as your vehicle was a second ago.
>Still experiencing vertigo and trying to locate a seat throwing your hands around like a blind man, you find a table and eventually heard some clopping skips.
>Sure enough, there she was with a soft smirk doing a little skip trot to the table you were at.
>Pulling a seat across from you, she gives sunnier arrogant smile.
>”Well, Anon, how was that for exiting?” She gives you a lively laugh.
“Ok-ok, that was actually unexpected fun.” You start to rub your head a little.
>Her complacency is quickly replaced with concern.
>”Oh my gosh, Anon, are you ok?  I didn’t mean to get carried away.” She apologies, about to put a hoof on your shoulder, but you pick up your hand to signal her it’s alright.
“Nah it’s cool, TS, that was actually pretty crazy.  I never thought bumper cars could be so life threatening.”  You start to chuckle, and hope she understands it was all in good fun.
>Seems she got the message, with her smile returning to her lips.
>”Heh-heh yah, sorry if I did get too physical, but wanna do something else?”  She rubs the back of her neck, still feeling a little responsible for your dizziness.
“Like I said, as exciting as that was, it’s still bumper cars.  You gotta have something better than that. I’m not a little kid anymore.”
>There she goes again, bolstering a sly smile.
>”Anon, please.  Do you know who you’re talking to? Follow me, kiddo.” She moves her head in a manner to get you to trail her.

>After traveling for some time, you get to the area of the park that’s home to the thrill rides.
>Now when you say thrill rides, you really mean terrifying death traps.
>The closer you get to them, the more they grow in size and intimidation.
>Jesus just look at those things, how can anyone survive something so lethal.
>You start to sweat more and more the closer you reached the area.
>Guess you should’ve chose your words a bit more wisely.
>It’s not like you’re afraid of massive roller coasters or anything, you’re downright petrified of them.
>Even though you’ve been to carnivals before when you were younger, never have you got on anything this insane.
>And you still don’t want to.
>Continuing to shake under your skin, you feel a light poke on your back that causes you to yelp.
>”Sorry, Anon, I didn’t mean to frighten you!  I thought you knew where I was.”  She looks at you with regret.
“I did, I did….it’s just that…..come on y-you call those rides?”  You wave your hands in a response to show you were unimpressed.  “I thought you were g-going to show me something worthwhile.”
>”Oh those things, yah they’re pretty wild, but no those are just appetizers, my dear boy.”  She nudges at you trying to get your attention.  “No, that’s what I was talking about.”
>You turn to where her cane in hoof was pointing at, and your confidence was shattered.
>Now if only your head could transform into a donkey.
>What in the hell is that thing.
>If you could manifest all of the horrors of the world’s most terrifying rides into one singularity, you were staring at it, mouth still hitting the brick path.
>”That my friend is the magnum opus of thrill rides you’ll find here at my park.  May I introduce to you, The Behemoth.”
“Da Behemah”
>”Yup, the most extreme and deathifying mile of track this park has to offer, and the best part is we don’t even have to wait in line!”
“Oh goodie….great…..stupendous.”  You begin to chatter your teeth, but Seeker doesn’t seem to notice.
>”Yes siree, the ride has it all.  Within the 5231 feet of track, my guests are taken up to a peak of 312 feet, but not with some dull chain lift.”  She starts to widen her eyes.  “Nope, they are launched from the get go, and by the time you reach the top, you’ll hit a speed of 0-50 miles per hour in four seconds, but if you think that’s the top speed, you’re mistak’n.”  She starts to lose a little sanity.
>With every little detail, you lose your serenity.
>”Nope, gravity will take its course once you roll down the 85 degree drop and before you know it you’ll reach a top speed of 90 mph.”  She throws her hooves to her head, manically.  “And without a Nano-seconds noticed, my guest will be thrown into the largest duel loops of the entire west coast.”
>You let out a defining gulp and question how this is even feasibly allowed to be a ride.
>”Hehe, oh but it doesn’t end there, my friend.   You’ll still have another six inversions that will toss you around like a child’s plaything.”  She crackles to herself, giving a wicked grin.  “Haha, oh yes you’ll experience G’s, the rush of blood, and horror this monstrosity has to offer, that even I don’t know how they could’ve been passed by the engineers. Hahaha,  and-and…..and!”
>You sink your head as deep as it could possibly go into your chest.
>”You only have to be 48 inches to ride.”  She instantly switches back to a calm demeanor. “So what do you say, Anon, wanna get up to the front?
>…….fuck…….that.
>There’s no possible way that you’ll be getting on that ride.
>No amount of persuasion or torture could ever get you anywhere near that death on wheels.
>Nope absolutely nada can tell you otherwise.
>………you know that’s not how it’s going to end.

>Just look at that thing!
>For the last couple of minutes you’ve been easing down a path to what could possibly be an outing for your last day on this world.
>….Look…at….it.
>Your stride drops to a drag of your feet that screech along the brick trail.
>How is this jubilant again?
>Nothing but exact inches are the steps you take the closer you draw to the railroad to hell.
>This ride is almost a mile of twisted metal suffering, with what did she say like forty loops, and she expects you just to jump on willy-nilly and have a good time?
>Lookatit.
>Ok so you’re being a little embellishing, since it was about thirty, but this is still farcical.
>Hey TS was a sensible pony, right? Maybe we can do this some oth-.
>“Anon, are you coming?”  The park executioner turns to you, shining a mild grin, twenty feet away.
“Wa-what do you mean? I’ve been f-following you the whole time.”  You shake your head to dispose of frightening imaginings, and ogle back with a pinch of poise.
>“Ummm, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but you haven’t moved for about a minute.  Is everything alright, sweetie?”
“Huh?” You look down to your cemented feet and promptly back to the park mare. “Oh really, well it’s cause, you see….ummm….”
>She slants her head at your stalling tomfooleries.
“It’s…just…well you see iiiit’s…it’s been ages since I’ve been on such an awesome ride such as that one.  How about we go on something a little less…violent?  You know gotta get the veins pulsing and adjust myself to all the excitement that’s in store for us, unfortunately.” You let that last word escape through a closed toothed smile at an indistinguishable volume.
>“That sounds like a solid idea, kiddo!  What were you thinking?”
>No shit, what were you thinking?
>Need to find a substitute, now!
>You shift around in hopes of finding an attraction that wasn’t so ludicrous in speed, demented in drops, or anything that falls under the category of fatal.
>It was no use; you’re in an area that was specifically designed for all the daring visitors looking for a preposterous experience, and thus whatever ride you observed was going to be abysmal.
>Too tall, too many loops….is it really necessary for a ride to spin that many times!
>Crap, there has to be something, anyth…
>With a hallowed silver lining shimmering on your mechanical answer and a choir of angels singing of its merited praise, you have found the ride to your escape.
“Ah-hah, there it is!  Now that’s what I call terrifying if I do say so myself.”
>“Sweet deal, bud!” She jerks her eagerness to your superlative suggestion. “Ah yes, that ride.  That one is….is….”
>Her smile and optimism: gone.
“Crazy right?! You weren’t kidding about having an unrivaled collection of thrill rides. Come on I’ll race yah!” You say sprinting to the thirty foot miniature Ferris wheel.
>Falling behind you moderately marches a bewildered resin molded pony, who carries a cartoonish lifted eyebrow and gaped jaw.
>Leaping over the metal zigzagged paling that made up the line, you near the rides enclosed carts that were capable of fitting the average five year old.
>Like that’s going to stop you.
>Pulling as hard as you could on the handle, the door gives no signs of unhinging.
>Well shit, looks you spoke a little too soon; the door to your elected cart is jammed, but it shouldn’t be anything your buddy o’ mare can’t fix.
“It’s a little stuck.  Yo Seeker, you mind giving me a hanerrr…hoof here?”
>“Yeah…no problem.”  She offers in a perplexed attitude opening the small door to the cart without moving an inch. “Hey Anon…if you want to get on this, I completely respect that, butuhh….you know this ride’s for young children, right?”
>You harshly turn and gasp at such an eccentric factoid, while forcefully squeezing half of your body in the cart.
“Wait, you mean to teeeeell me that little kids are brrrrrave enough to get on this?  Man, I don’t keeenow what you put in the water here, but it sure braaaings –shit this is tight- the boldness out of your guest.  Aye, so how do I strap myself down on this?”
>“…..there are no straps.”
“Holy Toledo TS, adding a seeeense of danger, huh?  You sure do know how to push exhilaration to the li-liiiiimit.”
>Giving yourself one final push, you were more or less congested into the ride.
>Actually, it was definitely more since the side of your head is smashed against the roof, one of your legs is bending in  a manner that’s not anatomically correct, and an arm is sticking out of the door.
“……cozy.”
>You can hear the hoofsteps of Seeker coming up, and barely having any space to look at her, you turn to glance at her troubled appearance.
>She lifts a hoof up to make a statement but hesitantly puts it down, not sure on what to say.
>”I’m sorry Anon, but I can’t let you ride that.”  She cautiously explains, but held a hint of a stern tenor.
“What, why? Y-you don’t think I’m man enough?”
>“Nono it’s not that, it’s just…you literally can’t ride that.  You can’t even properly fit inside, and I won’t have you riding this in a manner that’s dangerous.  You know, safety and all that jazz.”
“….oh.”
>“I do apologize Anon, but this ride was put here for any large party who had children too young to ride the big guns, and honestly, for some of the adults to stay and watch their children because they were too afraid themselves.” She lightly chuckles as you wince to her account of people who were also too chicken. “Heh, here let me help you out of that mess.”
“It’s cool….I got it.” You bleakly sigh getting out of the entrapment, with a head hanging below your shoulders.
>Of course the gracious mare, who began lowering her ears and mounting a concerned frown, would notice.
>“Anon please….is everything alright?”
“Yeah everything’s good, Thrill Seeker.  Just a little disappointed I guess.” You push your hands into your fleece’s front pockets and dejectedly walk by her, making zero eye contact.
>“Weeell….well I know what would cheer you up!  Anon and Thrill Seeker banding together to take on the deadliest and scariest beast in theme park history, The Behem…”
“NO!” You bellow turning back around to her, with both arms out defensively, but returned them to your pockets quickly in order to regain some equilibrium. “No that’s alright, let’s just get out of here and do something else.”
>You pressed on the opposite way and quickened your pace to avoid any more questions about this delicate fault.
>Any normal person would just end the conversation then and there, but she’s not ordinary nor human.
>The hooves that hit the park surface behind you rapidly excel in noise and tempo, and sure enough she pulls up right next to you.
>Without crudely crossing your path, the apprehensive park entertainer tries to pull her head around to get your adverting attention.
>“Anon, I know something’s bothering you and it has nothing to do with earlier.  Your body language screams nervousness more than anything.  Was is something I said, did I offend you in any way?”
>Your stride increases along with your frustration.
“Really Thrill Seeker, can we talk about something else?  It’s nothing important.”
>Again she accelerates to catch up, and attempts to pick you apart to find your embarrassing phobia.
>“But Anon it doesn’t make sense.  You were having a good time with the bumper cars, and then I suggested coming to this side of the park because you wanted something worthwhile.  I promise you the other rides are waaaaay more exciting than that little old one.  Disappointment will be the last… ”
“N-n-no j-just forget it, ok?”  You stutter and lose some footing doing all you could to hide your shame.
>“You see! There it is again!  You can tell me what’s wrong Anon.  All I want to do is help you.”
“Drop it.”
>“Anon.”
“Stop.”
>“Please, I can’t see you hurting like-”
“OK!!!” You pugnaciously bark with tensed muscles and a clenched fist aimed to a light grey pony who retracted in shock to your aggressive display.
>After frightening the mare who’s showed you nothing but gratification and benevolence since day one, you take a deep breath and calm yourself to erase the behavior she doesn’t deserve.
“I’m…I shouldn’t of done that.” You apologize and look away to finally spill the truth.  “Ok, do you really want to know? I’m-I’m…ugh.  I’m afraid to get on roller coasters or any big fast ride for that matter.”
>Looking back at Seeker with ignominy in your eyes, she holds an unidentifiable expression.
>At first she didn’t know what to think of your statement, but in no time she was spewing mirth.
>”Hahaha, oh Anon you’re too funny! You afraid of rides? You really got me, for a second there I thought...”
>She stops her outburst once she catches your irritated and ashamed red expression avoiding any eye contact.
>With a quick glance from your peripherals, never have you seen so much regret and melancholy from a premature action by anyone.
>You know this to be true because she has dropped her cane, and removed her hat to place it over her chest in humiliation.
>“Oh my gosh, you’re serious.  I’m so-so sorry, Anon I had no ide-”
“Look, ok so I’m a big wuss!  The guy who acts all tough is just some scared child who can’t even get on a fucking ride.“ You viciously cross your arms, turn away, and are on the brink of releasing stressful tears. “And now you know.  I didn’t want to tell you, and I sure as hell didn’t want to show you how much of a frail puss-“
>Your distressed body is suddenly surrounded by the embrace of a familiar plastic mascot, putting your upset speech to rest.
>As her hat falls off, she nuzzles and rubs her full face into your chest momentarily and then targets her unabridged motivation to you, all while displaying her two enormous eyes that shine like emeralds and a smile that could cure any bitter emotion.
>“Anon…I’m so sorry for pressing on that issue and mistaking it for a joke.  It was absolutely rude of me and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me, but please…please understand this. You have nothing to be ashamed of, absolutely nothing.” She assures you with a voice as gentle and smooth as the towns legendary fall breeze. “I don’t blame you, kiddo.  I mean look at those things, they are pretty intimidating and I can see why some guest would turn away from them, but you already know I only want you to have fun, and would never make you do anything you do not want to do.”
>What could you possible say to this ponies guilt and confession?
>Everything you’ve done since you’ve stepped foot inside this park has been one uncertain choice after another.
>From breaking and entering, trying to escape, meeting her for the first time, trying to escape again, deciding to come back, and giving her a uncertain chance, everything has come down to your instincts for better or for worse.
>But not this time.
>You wrap your arms around the back of her neck to pull her in for a cuddling assault of your own.
>Thrill Seeker’s response is a swift but single hesitant laugh at your approaching compassion.
“I…I don’t even know what to say to you anymore.” You give a little chuckle yourself.
>“What do you mean?” She smiles and returns to burrowing her massive head into you.
“I mean you always find the words to say.” You move to scratching behind her ears.  “It’s fuu..freaking remarkable how time after time again, you do something that makes me feel foolish for never giving you a shot at your charity and friendship.”
>“Uh-oh, Anon’s now getting all sappy on me?  Stop the presses.”
“Shut up you kooky horse.”  You playful push her away but you continue to explain your irrational fear.  “So yeah, I guess now you know.  It’s kinda ridiculous, now that I even think about it, but it’s just…I never got too many chances to get on rides or go to parks at a young age with others, so I never got a chance to tell anyone or to…you know….”
>“Conquer your fears?”  See smiles, reaching for her hat and cane. “Well tell you what Anon, we could mosey on out of here, forget about this whole thing, and do something we both can enjoy. But…but before we do, I would like to make you a promise.” She moves in with that lighthearted, but cunning, proposition pose again. “I promise that if you and me get on that ride, you’re going to have a blast.  I mean for a guy who breaks into freaky parks at night and isn’t afraid of a challenge, believe me this ride will be nothing but another small stepping stone to you if and after you get on. What do you say?”  She beams sticking a hoof out for your trust.
>……

>Whelp, this decision is perhaps one of the stupidest in your life, but at least you’re not alone this time around.
>The walk to the ride remained to be a daunting one, but TS was next to you every step of the way.
>She hasn’t said one word to you, but instead kept a silent tender smile as she followed along.
>The last thing she told you awhile back was that this decision will be entirely up to you, and she wouldn’t persuade you in any way.
>But she wasn’t going to abandon you for whatever you do choose.
>You were well past the entrance of the ride so that’s a start, but every step on was a tentative and rickety one.
>And for every difficult and tiny trend you made, she still stayed by your side easing your tension as much as she possibly could.
>You pulled up to the small enclosure that held all the carts to The Behemuhmuh, and you felt your heart making attempts to burst out of your chest.
>Anytime you felt that this was a bad idea, you would turn and see that pony continuing to shine a smile of immeasurable encouragement.
>Fuck it man; you have got to do this.
>A couple of hundred feet through the line in the ride vicinity, you can already see the long trains that will take you to your impending doom.
>Please don’t be just a lap bar, please don’t be just a lap bar, please don’t be just-
>It’s just a lap bar.
>Annnnnn nope.
>You moonwalk to a 180 out of the coaster infrastructure, and you see Seeker following along, not changing her cheerful appearance whatsoever.
>Son of a….
>Heading back to the coaster cart that’s ready to go, you study which part of the ride would be the least….horrifying.
>The front was a fuckno go, the back’s going to jerk to most, and then there’s-
>Your thought process is interrupted by a piercing hiss that echoes throughout the enclosed area.
“Holyfuckingshit.” You yell out, breaking your previous long jump record.
>“Anon-Anon, it’s ok.  That’s just the pressure releasing from the break and harness system, a darn good one if I say so myself.” She assures you, putting a hoof to your back in order to console you.
“Right…break system…gotcha.”  You huff, noticing that your scare landed you near the middle of the train.  “I this a good spot with you?”
“I think it’s a perfect spot, but remember it’s  wherever you want to sit, ok.”
>You nod and move onward into the coaster cart of your deranged verdict.
>After carefully getting into your seat and releasing a extensive breath, Seeker trots up to you and moves on to the next step.
>“Ok Anon, do you have any loose items?  I wouldn’t want you to lose that nice phone.”  She serenely request putting a hoof out.
“Yeah…items.” You repeat, handing her your phone and wallet.
>“Thank you.”  She confirms taking both and setting them on the side, along with her hat and cane.  “Ok Anon, let’s get you fastened up.  Go ahead and buckle up your seatbelt, and lift up your arms when you’re done, please.”
>You follow her orders to strap yourself in, missing the clip a couple of times, and then sticking your trembling arms up in the air.
>The lap bar begins to move itself down until it locks you in firmly and adequately.
>“How does that feel?” She asks moving the bar up and down to make sure it’s locked into place.
“The t-tighter the better.  I don’t want to f-fly out and land somewhere in H-Hawaii.”  You mutter trying to crack a joke to ease yourself.
 “Anon, I only tugged at the lap bar to show it’s not going to budge an inch.  Remember, this ride is me and as long you’re with me, nothing is ever going to happen.  You have my word.” She confidently professes with that ever present loving and tender charisma.
>You nod again and continue to watch as she coolly makes her way to the seat right by you.
>Her belt comes to life, like a boa trying to constrict its prey, and the bar moves down to secure her in place.
>“So Anon, are sure you’re ready for this?” She delicately asks, equipped with a gorgeous grin, making sure this is what you want.
“Emmmhmmm.” You uneasily hum and turn towards the rails that lead out of this place and into a dark tunnel.
>The rails through and out of a dark tunnel that leads to a three hundred foot drop.
>A three hundred foot drop to leads to-
>Another deafening hiss escapes the coaster system, causing you to tense up  and fire a hand to grasp something, anything.
>Turns out that anything was Seekers hoof, which she modestly accepts your hand and begins the caress it.
>Come on, deep breaths.
>Continuing to gingerly stroke your hand, she gestures her head forward like she was trying to point to something.
>Near the front of the train stands another plastic pony, pacing back and forth on her hind legs.
>Of course.
>It’s another version of TS only this one is decked out like Tom Cruise from that one plane movie, shades and all.
>“Alright my wingman, you’re about to embark on one of the most wicked and engaging flybys the United States Navy has ever witnessed, but I  can assure it’s a safe experience.  I’ll have you know that my guest and my ride come first, so this flyby was designed to bring the upmost joy and thrills from my fellow pilots.  I hope you have a need for speed, Ghost Rider, because this jet’s about to launch!” Top Thrill visually explains using a large amount of loopy animated body gestures.
“Li-listen, can I ask you s-something?” You appeal in short gasps and a drenched jacket.
>“That depends.”
“Do y-you mind ha-having a countdown before it shoots out?”
“I can hold my-I mean, that’s not a problem, Goose.  I’m going to say three…two…one…and you’ll be gone-gone-gone. Sound good?”
>You give a thumbs up that barely leaves your body, and tightly compress yourself waiting for this to be over with.
>“Affirmative.  Keep your head back and your hands up and out of the vehicle at all times. Ready?”
>You nod putting your head against the seat, eyes already shut.
>“Here we go.  Three-“
“SHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.”
>Instantaneously, unimaginable forces shove you to the back of your chair, and the roar of wheels and rail is all that accompanies your ears.
>As the ride continues to accelerate, your body suddenly cranes up and back.
>This is how you die, isn’t it?
>You must be heading up the lift or so you could assume since you were ducking under your cart as far as you could go.
>This killer coaster is launching you, and you still haven’t reached the top!
>Stretching out and furiously wrapping your arms around the lap bar, managing to remain in the same place, you mentally jot down your last thoughts of your vanished future.
>This is it Anon, this is the-
>Up and over the drop you both go, expediting towards the Earth at literal breakneck velocities.
>Fuck it is, it’s over! Your life, your NBA career, the luxury of that income, spending it all irresponsibly, living on the streets a couple of years, and then making a heartbreaking E Hollywood story comeback that gets a couple of books and a movie deal with….
>Is…that laughter?
 >Passing what feels like the first loop, your head is attracted to the sounds of merriment, and this peaceful resonance aspires your body to move steadily upright.
>The amusing laughs grow and transcend over your troubled character, and you pursue to adjust yourself properly in your seat.
>“Open your eyes, Anon!” An angels voice calls out to you, through all the racket and frightful thoughts.
>You let the sunlight carefully creep into your view, and you can see everything zipping around you.
>Though you’re speeding up, down, and all over the place, these energetic chuckles compel your world to fall silent.
>You turn to your left and watch a ecstatic Thrill Seeker staring back.
>Her forelegs are up in the air, her smile’s pressing her cheeks into her temples, and she sustains a cheerful laughter that’s making your doubts and worries fade.
>You turn back to face the ride as it dashes through a corkscrew, and what was a past needless sentiment, has evolved into a carefree elation of passion and freedom.
>You begin mirror TS’s expression, and a smile of your own finds its way to your lips.
>By no means are you dying.
>In fact you’ve never felt more alive.
>Hollering cheers of excitement, you throw your fist wildly into the air with only one thing on your mind.
>This is…fucking awesome!

>As the break system catches the train, The Behemoth moves into its coaster housing and brings the ride to a close.
>The lap bars move up, and your passenger magically unbuckles her seatbelt to leave the cart.
>“And that’s all there was too it, kiddo!”  Seeker pronounces stepping out of the vehicle, and looking back to you with a smidge of guilt.  “Sorry about tricking you with the take off, Anon.  I figured if you waited for an actual launch, your fear would build up more and more anticipating it.  So then I thought, if I could catch you off gau-“
>You remove your belt and sternly rise from your seat, with an expression of pure abhorrence.
“So then you thought it would be a good idea to trick me?” You coldly curse, turning balefully to your trickster.
>“Anon please, I was only trying to…I only wanted…I thought you were enjoying….”  She struggles to apologize, rearing back with dread in every absent bone.
“Yeah, you thought wrong.” You spit jumping over the kart, stomping to mischief pony, and beginning to loom over her, spitefully.
>“Anon please don’t…please forgive me.” She desperate pleas, closing her eyes and twisting away from you.
“Well there’s only one thing I got to say to you…..You are one clever mare.” You admirably acknowledge, bringing her in for a hug. “Thanks.”
>Unnoticeable to you and your dedicated snuggle, she smiles in relief and happily leaps to your grateful embrace.
>“Of course, Anon. I would do anything for you.”  She emphatically shares in a tone close to a whisper.
>After you both hug for a good while, you release the mare so you could straighten out your fleece and immediately switch back to a cocky, but teasing, attitude.
“Well then what are we doing standing around? I thought you had the ‘best rides around’.” You mocked in a deep voice, crossing your arms. “Was that seriously your scariest? Might as well squeeze back into that kiddie ride for something worthwhile.”
>“Oh hoho, is that another challenge?” She smugly lifts a brow, twisting away from you to nab her cane and hat.  “Well we’ll see if you still have that smirk after the other rides spin your head completely off!  What do you have to say to that, kiddo?”
“I say for someone who walks on four legs, you sure are one slow individual.  Hurry up before I outrun you to the next ride, buckaroo!” You keep on teasing, running off in the distance to your next and many thrills.
>“Hah! You are so on, buddy boy!” She yells back, as you continue watch the mare, who you can openly call a true friend,  gallop close behind.

“Holy crap that…was…wickedness!”  You madly gasp and enlighten the last ride experience with the assistance of barbaric arm movements. “At first I was all, huuuuuh, but then in a flash, boom another insane drop.  So then I was like, bwaaah, and then that cobra roll right the hell out of nowhere.  That was just….damn.”
>”Right, bucko? That one never gets old!” The tuxedo appareled pony trotted alongside, giving her take on the last coaster you both rode.  “If my mane could move, I don’t think there’s a hair product on Earth that could fix the mess that The Aftershock has to inflict!”
>You both continue to stroll and converse over the rousing adventures of the afternoon.
>Leading the way, you weren’t particularly going to any direction of the park since your mind was so centralized on having a friendly discussion with TS.
>Not to mention you’re far beyond disorientated after getting on a number of thrill rides in such a short amount of time.
>But no way can you stop here.  This shit has been off the ch…
“Ahh.” You painfully gripe to message your forehead.
>“Hey, kiddo, you doing ok?  You’re looking a little queasy.”
“Ehhh, it’s nothing really.  Just a little headache is all; never rode so many rides at once….or at all.”
>“Hmmm, then how about we take a little break?  No need to get sick over a couple of silly machines.”   She places a forearm around your back and rubs her hoof to help calm your nerves.  “Hey look there’s a little table over by that food stand.  Let’s go relax ourselves, the afternoon breeze is feeling exceptional right now.”
“Nah it’s chill, TS.  Let’s get on the next one! I totally have this under-”
>You’re confronted with the gaze of an irked mascot who narrows her eyes in disapproval.
>“Anon.” She strictly states, in a lowered stern attitude, causing your neck hairs to reach for the sky.
>Oh jeez.
“Alright, alright.  What are you my….yeah that’s fine, let’s go relax a lil.” You agree and pull out your cell phone to research info on soothing your pounding head.
>“Thank you, Anon.  All I wish is to see you safe and healthy….hey what are you doing with your phone?”
“Huh….oh!  Nothing much, just looking up how to nurse a headache.  Guess it’s normal for someone to experience one when you get on too many rides.”
>“If you need me to, I can get you some relieving medicine….wait what?  Your device can do that?”
“What fix my head pain? Nah, I’m using it to get on the Internet and read some info.” You keep your eyes to the monitor but travel on to the picnic table nearby.
>“Eenternet?” She curiously trots close behind.
“Yeah, you know….”
>“I’m afraid not, though that word does sound familiar.”
“Oh, well you see the Internet is…uhh…it’s umm…how do I put it?  It’s like a place where you can find just about anything, things people have made, and other stuff.”  You loosely educate the puzzled mare, taking a seat at your intended area.
>“Really? That’s astounding.  What else can the Internets do?” She copies your actions and moves her ears in your vicinity, fully interested in your technological tale.
>…..
>Your expression of a quiet demeanor steadily switches to a sinful grin that could only be rivaled by the Grinch himself.

>“WHAT ARE THOSE!?!?”  Your smartphone screams through its speakers as the rest of the video finishes.
“Haha, oh man that never gets old.”  You chuckle and give your knee a good slap.
>“I…I don’t get it.”
“Me neither but it’s funny because well….because….just look at the view count and that’s enough to tell you it’s good.” You stated your foolproof fact, while continuing to browse around your tech and teach Seeker the ways of the Web.  “So this here’s a simple video that someone uploaded to Youtube, or wherever site, and presto, now the whole world can watch for their viewing comfort.”
>“Incredible.  Just when I thought it couldn’t get any more astounding, human technology is so….”
“Magical?” You turn to her with a smug wit.
>“Ha, very funny mister.” She rolls her eyes but focused them back towards the screen.  “When the park closed down, the eeenternets was just blooming if I remember correctly, but that’s what I pulled from my guest’s chatter.  I never had the chance to see it first hoo-hand, but if it’s anything like the rest of your gadgets, I’d assume that it has evolved well past the first phases.  Anything else it can do?”
“Oh, well that’s the Internet in a nutshell.  It’s all about information and resources that anyone can put on and get for whatever reason, without ever having to really go out of their way.  Want to know how to make a soufflé? Internet.  Wanna apply for a job? Internet.  Wanna look at a stupid meme, like that video? You get the idea.”
>“Amazing, the Internet sounds like a truly wonderful place.” She blissfully expresses, drifting off to imaginations of your manmade abacus world.
“Yeeeeeah about that….”
>“What do you mean?”
“Well like I said you can find or view anything, so the worst people have to offer is on there as well. Violence, scams, and even when others get together and…well…do the do.”
>“Do the…..oh my.”  She squeaks in awkwardness putting a hoof over her mouth, cheeks flushed.
>How does her plastic body even do that?
“Yeah but there’s always something good to find as well, like memes.”
>“Memes?”
“Stupid online jokes people fall in love with.  Most of them are ridiculously dumb, but I know where to find the good social sites for that stuff.” You puff out your chest and move a prideful thumb to it. “9gag, Reddit, and iFunny is where it’s at.  Trust me, I know where to get my jokes, but whatever you do, stay away from 4chan.  Bunch of freaks in their basements, from parts unknown, gather there.”
>“Awe, don’t be so mean. I’m sure they can be nice, but I’ll keep that in mind when I’m looking for the next big fib.”  She ends her remark with a hint of teasing mockery.
“Allllright, your funeral.” You return some sarcasm of your own, deciding to put your smartphone down and give your temples another little stroke.
>“Can I see it?” She gently asks, looming over your gadget.
“Yeah go for it.  Do you even know how to work it?” You quirk a brow, handing the phone to her.
>“Emmhmm.  You just touch the screen and it responds.  I’m not sure it’s hoof friendly, though.”
>Cautiously, Seeker reaches for the rectangular tool, doing her best to secure it.
>She tries to pry it out by putting a hoof on each side to clamp down on it.
>TS starts to successfully lift it…for a couple of milliseconds.
>In a heartbeat she’s fumbling it, like a fisherman with his first big catch, and prevents your phone’s demise by instinctively pulling it against her chest.
>“Heh…..sorry.” She sheepishly blushes, setting the phone easily back on the table.
“Ha, don’t worry about it.  Take your time.”  You give a slight chuckle, while putting an arm on the table and resting your head on it, so you could continue watching this little pony do her best to use human marvels.
>She shares a soft smile that grows into a wide grin, realizing she has the instrument right in front of her.
>At first she’s hesitant on what to actually do.
>Every time she wanted to make her move, she would shift a steady hoof and then immediately pull it back.
>And approach again….and repeal once more.
>This would become repetitive for a couple of minutes; not that you actually minded.
>You were getting your evening delight from this wacky horse.
“It’s not going to bite, yah loon.  You see that little button on the bottom?  Use the edge of your hoof to press it.”
>She calmly nods, still eyeballing the device, and reproaches gradually.
>Just a little closer and you got this, TS.
>Finally your phone brightens with verve, and no sooner, so does your mare compadre.
>“Oh my gosh, it worked!” She yelled with so much excitement, she released a high pitched squeal.
>This goddamned adorable thing.
>Like a feline with its captured prey, she moves back to assault the screen to get more digital responses.
>And she keeps tapping it until the screen powers off.
>Never have you seen her so defeated.
>“It…it doesn’t work.” She moped resting her chin on the table, ears down, and displaying the Guinness World Record for largest puppy eyes.
>Seeker plz.
“Haha, sorry TS.  Looks like it’s not designed for plastic equines.” You joke and take back the phone to find something you know she could enjoy.  “Give me one sec annnnnd…here, why don’t you try this out?”
>She uses the same approach as her initial attempt, but only lost a grip for a bit.
>Here eyes expand once more at what the screen displayed.
>“Wow…what is it?”
“It’s just a ball and maze game.  All you need to do is tilt the phone wherever you want that little ball to go and the goal is to get in the marked hold, just avoid the hazards.”
>She nods and moves the screen ever so slightly and her cheery nature is restored.
>“It moved, the little ball moved!” Seekers darts to you with the highest form of enthusiasm.  “This is the most wonderful thing I’ve held in a long time.”
“I’m glad you’re so thrilled, heh.  Play as long as you like.” You throw your arms behind your head, and leaned back to watch her get carried away.
>And getting carried away was an understatement.
>She was quickly getting the hang of it, with a couple of botches here and there, and no matter how many times she failed, she would willingly give it another go.
>For all the time you’ve spent with TS, something about this moment felt different but extraordinary.
>Every second you’ve spent in this park, this lovable mare would do all in her power to make you happy and carefree.
>This time around, you returned the favor.
>As the universe moved on and on, a little grey plastic pony on Earth was oblivious to the big picture around her, and for a small instant in life, it should be.
>Right now she didn’t need any of your stresses, your troubles, and the time it took her to repair them.
>Right now only one thing should be on her mind.
>Getting that ball in the hole.
>Great, now you’re a philosophizer.
>An hour or so passes by, along with some “darns”, “drats”, and “oooh so closes”, TS decides to call it a long work day on the maze.
>“Hah, level 14 on my first try!  Not bad if I say so myself.” She congratulates herself and gives you your device back.  “Here you go, Anon.  Thank you so much for letting me play, and by the way how’s your noodle feeling?”
“Much-much better, that break was the ticket.  It’s cool, TS.  If you ever want to play again let me know.  Damn video games can be addicting.” You release half a laugh, while setting your phone into your pocket.
>“I know what you mean, kiddo.  It’s crazy to see how people get so carried away.  One second they’re smashing a few buttons in confusion, the next they haven’t seen sunlight for hours because they mastered a game.  It’s nutty to see but as long as they’re having fun, I say play away!”
“Isn’t that the truth….wait…how do you know so much about video games?”
>If you could remember that grin you had earlier, well Seeker easily trumped it tenfold.

>“Welcome, Anon, to the greatest arcade the world has ever known!” She shouts upright, pointing her cane to the double doors that fly open to the infrastructure that houses a plethora of gaming machinery.
>Armed with a dumbfounded psyche and gaped chops, you drag your feet inside to witness something truly spectacular.
>Not only was this one of the larger buildings in the entire park, but it even had two floors that were flowing with arcades, billiards, and other types of table-top games on every square foot.
>“The 80’s was a pretty wild time for arcade gaming, so the creators of this park thought it would be a ingenious idea to bring a gaming center to the area, and boy let me tell you, they didn’t hold back!” She informs trotting inside, along with your still zombified state. “It started with a few games, you know, like your Pac-Man, Galaga, and Donkey Kong, but it didn’t stop there.  Any chance they got, new games would be added and a monster was soon created.”
“Wooooaaaaa...” You moan, with a dibble of saliva hanging, before Seeker decides to close your mouth with a tender hoof.
>“I know, isn’t it grand? Well Anon, would you like to play something?”
“Are you kidding!!!” You pulled out your wallet, disorderly.  “I don’t even know where to sta-“
>“Anon, please.” She touches her cane on your hand and softly directs the wallet back to your pocket. “Do you know who you’re hanging with?  These games are on me, after all as I tell my guest.  When you want to take a break from the rides, there’re more thrills and excitement to be had inside, at Seeker’s Gaming Den!” She shouts rising back up, with cane and hat in each hoof, and lights up every game in the room without a moment to soon.
“You’re too cool….thanks.  So, you wanna go get schooled at some air hockey?”
>“Oh, Anon, you’re so naïve it’s almost too cute, buuut if you want me to teach you a thing or two about air hockey, so be it.” She takes a turn at some trash talk, as you both race to the table to put on the smack down.
>The rest of your afternoon was filled with pixilated festivities and some “friendly” competition here and there.
>You had to hand it to the mare, she is one damn good gamer….as you soon found out you could only beat her at a handful of games
>…..ok so maybe 3 and it wasn’t a walk in the park.
>As the day was coming to an end, you wanted to get a couple of more games in before…
>Your collective thoughts were halted by the beast that dwells in your abdomen.
“And sooner or later, hunger was going to strike.  Well, TS, looks like I’m going to have to unfortunately call it a day, but I did want to play a few more games.  Oh well.”
>“Well then, why don’t I go whip you something up, Anon. You’re always welcomed to stay as long as you wish.”
“I couldn’t.  You’ve already done so much for me.”
>“And it’s worth every moment of my time.  Please, allow me to serve you tonight, monsieur.”
>Were you really going to say no to her unbelievable cooking?
“Well if you insist.  Any chance you could make some..hmmm..some crispy tacos?” You kindly ask, making your way to the next game.
>“Only enough to sink the Queen Mary! Crispy tacos it is.”  She declares, trailing behind you to the next game that has also caught her awareness.
>Well this looks interesting.
>Zombocalypse 2: Zombiegeddon
>….oh…yeah.
>Moving your finger to the start button, a grey nub blocks your view of the games control board.
>“Hold up Anon, this game’s for mature audiences only, and I know for a fact you’re under seventeen.”
“Awwwe come on, TS, you can’t do this to me.  I’ve played plentiful amounts of M rated games….  Hey you’re an adult, and you’re accompanying me!  That’s gotta count for something.” You lean in with a clever grin.
>“I don’t know, Anon.  This game has a lot of violence, and isn’t for those with an….unstable mind.”
“Oh please.  Are you going to tell me I’m not one of the most stable persons you’ve ever met.”  You say, widening your toothy smile and throwing your arms out to make a point.
>She crosses her hooves, unamused, with her lips puffed out.
“Pweety peweeez.” You put both hands together towards her, with a set of pitiful looking eyes.
>She lifts a brow, while moving her lips side to side, at your pathetic attempt to sway her, but eventually rolls her eyes and slips a sly smile, giving the machine a little tap that starts up the menu screen.
>“Don’t get too attached, supper will be ready soon.”
“You’re the freaking best.” You spurt out for a quick hug, and return back to your monstrous mayhem.
>Ahh shit, this looks fucking balla.
>Tapping the start button a redundant about of times, the screen brightens up and you’re greeted with the main protag.
>With her long black mane blowing in the wind like a badass, half her face bloodily bandaged and beaten, a sawed-off in one hoof, a machete in the other, and decorated with a blue long sleeved…..
>……..
“That’s you in there, isn’t it?”
>“Yuperz, kiddo.  You didn’t think I was going to let you slaughter zombies on your own now, did you?” The speakers of the system say with a pleasant accent.
>The things this pony can do is almost too preposterous.
>“Well, Anon, ready to kick some zombie booty.” She offers, flipping the shotgun up to lock the shells in their place.
“This is going to be good. Let’s do this.”
>“Gnarly.” She exclaims with a deep pitch and gritted teeth as the game begins.
>The screen lights up with the first level, and you ease into the stage one step at a time.
>First couple of rounds were easy enough.
>Racking up kills, saving up ammo; you know the works.
>After awhile, you start to doubt this game has anything challenging to offer.
>An hour later, your eyes bulged out and where about to bust a vessel, while your hand-eye coordination were performing at inhuman levels.
>“Wow, Anon, you’re really good at this.” She ecstatically inclines, slicing a ghoul in half and proceeding to blow another away effortlessly without looking.
“No talk. More kill. Beat level. Wiiiiiiin.” You vaguely speak and act, like the enemies you’re massacring.
>“Glad to see you have this under control.” She expresses in such a ironic tone, that no one would be able to mistake her derision.
“Thanks. Appreciate it. Last level. We got this.”
>“If you say so, bucko.  Ok fair warning, Anon.  Nobody who’s ever stepped foot in this park has beaten this level.  I wish you the best of luck!”
>You nod once and ensued on.
>This level was easily the most intense and difficult thing you’ve ever faced, it even made Dark Souls feel like LeapFrog.
>After the incredible killing spree, you’ve made it to the final boss, but something crossed your mind.
>This whole time you haven’t even gotten mortally wounded or died once.
>Your mind controlled state, reverts back to a normal human boy.
>It….it doesn’t hurt her when she gets attacked…right?
“Say, Seeker…you don’t feel any pain when you die, right?” You say, as the massive dull chainsaw villain approaches behind.
>“Actually Anon, about tha-”
>Her speech is broken up as soon as one of her forelegs hits the ground from the mincing attack.
>“OH SWEET CELESTIA, THE PAIN….THE PURE, RATED FOR ADULTS ONLY, PAAAAAAIIIIN.” She screams as a outlandish amount of blood starts to gush out.
>As the screen start goes black, your eyes are hanging on the edge of your cheeks and you bring up your shaken palms, to your petrified face, at a snails pace.
>In the middle of all the darkness, the pony zombie slayer is on her knees holding on to her mortal wound.
>“Anon….are…you…are you still there?” She gravely whispers.
“Ye….yes.” Your quivered lips whimper, as your body no longer had the will to battle gravity, and you too soon hit your knees to the floor.
>“Heh…I knew-cough-I knew you would never abandon me. Th-thank you.” She lays down and looks towards you with a peaceful smile. “Anon, before I go….I would…I’ve always wanted…to tell you…something.”  She pleads in gasps that were almost muted.
>You sniff and gradually lean to the screen to hear her last breaths.
>“Anon……gotcha!!!” She leaps back up, pointing a hoof that was close to leaving the monitor.
>Your jaw was on the floor.
>“Come on, Anon, how could you even fall for that?  You have like four more lives left, silly.” She bursts into a laughter that forces her to roll all over the place.
>Your shocked expression advances into a grimace of unspeakable measures.
>“Oh boy, you should’ve seen the look on your face when you-say what are doing?” She notes changing her teasing enjoyment to a concerned tenor.
>You firmly smash the start button, and move the mare towards the villain once more at a haunting rate that gets her to panic.
>“Now Anon, let’s talk about this.  It was just a dumb little prank that even you could appreciate, right….kiddo?” She turns to you, spitting sweat out like a sprinkler system.
>You push the joystick forward to accelerate her trot.
>“Heh heh, oh I get it. Now you’re trying to get back at me with a joke of your own.  Hah, well you got me, you c-can stop n-now.” She stutters as the maniacs shadow covers her entire body.
>You let go of the control and made sure she was right under the madman sights.
>“Oh dear, you’re not kidding.” She conveys in a monotone, eyes dilated to the width of a ball point pen.
>Once you completed your final movements, you turn around and walk away from the pixilated mare.
>“Wait you’re not walking away are you….Anon…..Anon! Stop, come back!” She begs, as the saws draw inches away from her body.
>You stick your hands into your fleece, and begin the whistle the game’s theme.
>“Anon, wait I thought this is-oww-how humans joked. You know I would never-nonono not the other eye! Anon you still have three lives- hey quit, that really-owowow. Anon, don’t you want to be the first to beat-would you stop eating my liver!”
>The sounds of a revved chainsaw motor and the cries of a smartass mare, help your lips create an haughty smirk from ear to ear.
“Hmmm, I wonder if those tacos are ready?” You delightfully speak, returning back to your whistling tune and forming a tiny thought.
>Looks like you two are really starting to bond quite well.

>Oh, what a day…what a lovely day!
>You initiate an attack on the platter of greasy goodness that sits in front of you, whilst developing thoughts of the earlier daytime.
>Seriously, you couldn’t remember a recent time where everything went better than expected.
>Jesus Christ, these are impeccable.
>Conquering a childhood fear, relaxing with some virtual activities, and topping it off with a Mexican dish of highest caliber made today one for the ages.
>Engulfing down a sixth, you came to the realization that TS could shut down the competition of any hole-in-wall restaurant with these bad boys.
>You also begin to recognize this day would’ve never been seized without that carnival kook sitting across the table from you in the arcade area.
>She knew the way to your soon to be cardiac arrested heart, and you couldn’t be any happier.
>“You enjoying-ahh-those tacos, kiddo?” She quietly asks holding a bag of ice to her head.
“You know what TS, I’m not so sure. After the first dozen, I haven’t determined if they’re good or not.  Looks like I’ll need another ten or so to have a proper evaluation.” You raise the empty plate with an Oliver Twist impersonation.
>“Ha-ha, very funny Mr. Anonymous, but I’m not going to be responsible for the developing war that’s going to go on in your stomach soo-ahh.”
“Yo, are you alright?  I didn’t think a game would’ve done that to you….though you kinda deserved it.”
>“No-no, you’re right, Anon, it was pretty low of me, but it’s been awhile since I’ve done that. Now I know why they put the flashing light warning on games, heh.” She placidly chuckles, sitting up straight and tossing the ice bag to the side of the table. “But I’m starting to feel a little bit better! So what’s next on the list of-”
“Shit, it’s already eleven!” You yell springing out of your seat, with your phone in hand, continuing to shout out your appalling schedule.  “Damn I had no idea! I still need to make the bike ride home and school’s tomorrow, and-and…”
>“Whoa there, kiddo, everything’s going to be ok.  I can get the cart ready, and I’ll get you to your bike.”
“Yeah, that’s a good idea.  Let’s get goi-doooh.” You put a cease to your agreement and grabbed hold of a distressed stomach. “Well you’re right when you’re right; I think the war’s bound to go nuclear later.  Man, this bike ride’s gonna suck.”
>“Well then don’t make the trip. In fact you-you…yoooooouuu….could always stay here.”  Seeker advocates, with that last remark under a near inaudible breath.
>You could stay here?
>You could stay here!
>…..wait
“Hey that’s real generous of you, TS, but let’s be serious.  Sleeping on the table would be torture on my back, plus you’ve done enough for me today and please don’t start going to your ‘but I’ll do anything for you, bucko’ demeanor; I get it but it’s not necessary, Seeker.”
>“Oook..oook, you’re right, kiddo, it was a silly suggestion.” She approves in a tone that’s not very convincing, proceeding to grab her signature hat and cane, and bouncing off of her chair.  “Well, at least while you let that food settle off a bit, I would like you to please follow me, Anon.  I have something I would like to show you.”  She comfortably smiles trotting to the exit.
>Quirking a confused brow, you tuck your hands in your jacket and trailed behind her lead.
>Walking out the doors of the arcade, a park cart pulls up in front of you both and she hops to the drivers seat.
“Look I’m interested and all, but I have to attend the netherworld tomorrow. Maybe I can see this…whatever another time?”
>“Trust me, Anon, it’ll be quick.”  She coolly assures, patting the seat next to her.
>Giving a small shrug, you take her word for it and pulled yourself in.
>Immediately the cart takes off and not a moment too soon you arrive to your destination.
>A fun house.
>Seeker’s Craze Maze to be exact.
>…..heh.
“So the thing you had to show me so bad is a fun house?” You inquire thoroughly inspecting the old structure that could’ve seen better days.
>“I know it’s not much to look at but it’s what’s on the inside that counts, as they always say.”  She eagerly informs vaulting off and walking towards the old attraction.  “Come on, kiddo.”
>Oooook
>Leaping out the small vehicle, you follow her to the eerie entrance.
>Eerie is right; you haven’t been this crept out since the first night you came to Jubilation Covert.
>The dim lighting of the area didn’t do a good job of soothing the atmosphere either.
>This better not be a-
>“You gonna come in? Don’t worry, bucko, it’s not a prank.” TS lightly chuckles at your slight scare and vigilant approach.
>……
“We’ll see about that.” You quicken your pace to catch up to the little mascot.
>She couldn’t help but let a single laugh escape at your comment as she begins to open the one door that separates the outside world to whatever the hell is in there.
>Thanks to the little radiance, you can easily see that the interior contained Vin Diesel levels of pitch black.
>And with that last intimidating thought, you see your plastic compadre steadily disappear as the darkness inside envelopes around her.
>Fug dis
>Going against common sense, like always, you step in bracing for whatever’s in store.
>You warily tread inside, arms out and nerves petrified within your body.
>Where the heck did she go.
“TS…Seeker…uhhh Thrill-”
>The door slams behind you with a dreadful outburst that echoes inside the hollow structure.
“….Ok, neat. Yeah-yeah, really neat, TS.  Now if you’re d-d-done, I need to get go-”
>Immediately your eyes are blinded with piercing white lights, and your ears are flooded with the rumblings of a generator.
>After you grasped your surroundings and your eyes have fully adjusted, you relive yourself from your mediocre karate pose to get a good look.
>Well…this surely is one strange looking-
>“I must say for being a fun house, it definitely looks a little funny on the inside, right?” The ninja like pony pops out from behind, and aids to make you gasp all the air from your lungs.
“Holy fuck! Can you ever go two seconds without scaring me shitless.”
>“Sorry-sorry, I was trying to make it a surprise!”
“Well mission accomplished, captain. You have definitely….whoa.” You stop your derision to actually get a good second look at the place.
>It looks like you’re in…a lobby area, complete with a table surrounded by chairs and a couple of sofas to boot.
>The area is rather large, but you can also note that there are two symmetrical hallways facing each other on your left and right.
“Wow this is one inventive fun house you got going here, butuh…it looks more like a lounging area than anything.”
>“That’s because it is, Anon.” She states in a matter-of-factly manner.
“…..haah?”
>She just giggles at your dumbfounded posture, but makes her way to the hallway on your right.
>“Hehe, come with me, buddy, and I’ll explain.”
>You did what she requested, while slowly gawking at the impressive interior and architecture.
>Seriously, did you just walk into the HGTV network?
>“So you want to know the story, huh? Well, back when the fun house was still a fully functional attraction, an unfortunate fire broke out and destroyed a majority of the inside.” Seeker informed, moving down the long hallway, where you could see three or so doors on each side. “I was so happy to know nobody was hurt, but I was deeply heartbroken to see this park charm that brought joy to my guest for years, turned to ashes in seconds.  The owners and management decided the best course of action would involve demolishing the structure and making way for something else.  And well….”
“Well?”
>“Hah, and well I decided to turn it into this, a little shelter that anyone could stay in.  With my many characters and freaky powers of controlling objects in this park, I was able to construct this no time at all.  I just had to wait for the night hours and thank the owner’s procrastination on getting the demolition job done.”
“Hold the phone, you mean to tell me that you turned this place into a little motel….without the park management flipping their lids?!”  You inclined, rubbing your hair to the brink of balding.
>“Don’t worry, they had the same reaction you did. After all, where did you think those ghost stories came from?”
>You tap your chin at her explanation, but commenced trailing behind to hear the rest of the tour.
>“Yuperz, the employees were quite shocked and spooked to see what happened once they walked back inside to see not a place swallowed by flames, but one taken over by a ghastly construction crew.  So they had to decide, what to do with the newly refurbished building.   The final decision was to use the place for multiple purposes.”
“Like what?”
>“Many things my good friend!  If a worker wanted to take a little break, then they can go to the relaxing break room.” She used her cane to point to the direction of an opened room you’re currently passing that contained chairs, tables, and other accommodations that helped ease the stressful day. “Heck they even started to take naps!”
“What! You’re serious?” You slip a light laugh, letting your constructive questions evolve into enthusiastic yearns for more information.
>“No joke, buddy! After all they were the ones who added an air conditioning system and beds to sleep in.  So yeah, even guest started to come by and lounge around, but that’s not all!  If kids were lost, staff would bring them here for relief, or at least until their parents reunited with them. If someone was injured, they could come here for some minor patching up!” She cheered with enough glee to bounce off the floor. “But then….”
>Your smile was washed away by a concerned expression.
>“Then the park closed….” She painfully whispered coming to a complete halt, letting her ears and head lower to the carpeting.
>And just like that, this sad pony was dispersing enough negative energy to pierce your heart.
“I’m...I’m sorry that something like that could’ve ever happened to this place.  For only knowing you momentarily, I know this park and the joy you gave meant the world to you.”
>All she could do was gingerly nod and continue to stare ahead, listlessly.
>“It’s one of the saddest days I will never forget but….” She picks up head and quickly reestablishes her typical high spirits. “But at least they now had somewhere cozy to stay!”
“Who?”
>“Why those guest that came to me late at nights; the children and young adults over the many years I’ve been bound to this park.  When I would divulge myself to them, I would always do what I could to assist and cheer them up, but when they needed to stay a night or two, I never had a house for them to stay in.”  She merrily chirped trotting to the last two rooms at the end of the hallway.  “Now with the fun house turned hotel, they didn’t have to warm up in a game stand or janitorial building.  I’ll have you know, Anon, I’m one considerate mare, or so I would like to think. What do you think that makes me?”
“A pedophile.”
>“Yes I agreeeee...NO!!!” She turns to you with an adorable little angered glare and scrunched snout, but quickly turns away, giving her tail a flick. “Hmmph, well then I guess I won’t show you.”
“Alright-alright, I was just joshin…wait show me what?”
>She looks back shining a grin, and moves to the door by her right, turning the knob to the closed room.
>“This my dear friend.”
>As the door flew open, she pointed a welcomed hoof that signaled you to walk in ahead of her.
>The lights flickered on and there stood a very straightforward bedroom.
>Four navy blue walls, two queen sized beds, a nightstand and lamp between them, and a ceiling fan that rose above the area.
>Dang, talk about comfy.
“Hey this is a nice little bedroom you got here.” You pushed on inside, landing your rump to the side of one of the beds. “Damn is this pillow top? How in the world did you even…?”
>“The employees had a taste for great mattresses, plus the other bed is firm if you prefer!  So there you have it, bucko, this here is the Seeker Inn; a place that all the young boys or girls can stay, when they needed to escape the worries of their day….and well….”
>You turned back to face her as she changed her voice to a calm tone.
>“It can be yours too, Anon.” She dubiously smiled, most likely waiting to hear your response.
>….you knew this, you knew this was coming.
>As she started to expose all the areas in this place, you understood she was going to offer you a bed to sleep in for the night.
>You could always just say no and give her your appreciation.
>She would understand right?
>Damn it man, the mare has done way too much for your sorry ass.  Just give her some space and come back another day.
>Well stop staring at her and say something.
>So go ahead and say it. Say no.
“Ok.”
>“Really!!!” She hailed, with pupils that widened and gleamed to unprecedented levels.
“Yes, really.”
>“Awesomeawesomeawsome!!!  I’m sooooo happy that you want to stay! And…..” Seekers unrivaled excitement and hopping in place is put under control after she catches your lifted brow and confused grin.  “Annnnd….um….” She clears her throat. “I’m glad that you won’t be making the trip at these late hours.  It’s not good on a sleep schedule, not to mention the crime rate around this town is increased at night.”
“Uh-huh, crime rate.  Well anyways I figured I could stay since it is almost one, and since my-deeew-my stomach is still collapsing.”
>“Bathrooms right across if you need it and that’s fine, kiddo, whatever you need I’m here for yah!”
“Sweet deal, TS.” You say, as you remove your shoes and pull the covers over yourself to get comfortable. “Thanks again, yah loon.  I guess I’ll go ahead and try to get adjusted for some z’s, but don’t let it get to your big head, it’s only for one night.”
>“Ha, whatever.  But of course, Anon, I know you have a home to get to…wait will your-“
“Yeah, he’s out of town and I’m sure he’d be fine with me staying at a friends.” You comfortably lie.  “Also….you’re not a part of this room or anything, right?  I don’t think I’ll sleep well with a million eyes watching me.”
>“I’ll be honest with you, Anon, I can be….but I can just as easily detach myself from here.  This room, and the bathroom, is yours and yours only for tonight, you have my word.” She firmly pronounces, removing her hat to place over her chest. “But if you ever need anything, just say my name and I’ll be here in a Maneha…errm New York minute.  Is everything to your liking, kiddo?  You need me to wake you up?”
“I’m setting my phone’s alarm, and honestly this is one sweet ass bed.  Way more comfortable than home, but yeah I think I got it from here.”  You insist and turn to your side away from Seeker to get a decent nights rest. Hopefully your belly will compromise.
>Letting the last thoughts of the day fade away, your eyes were already starting to drift as well.
>You didn’t realize how tired you were, but today’s been a long day.
>“Great, well then I’ll leave you to it.  Goodnight, Anon.”
>Your eyes pop open.
“Huh?” You blurt turning back to her, baffled.
>“Hmm, I said good night.” She softly speaks.
>……..
“Yeah….goodnight.” You smile and say those foreign words.
>She gleams a gorgeous smile and leisurely shuts the door behind her.
>Laying back down in the earlier position and shutting off the lamp, you ring out some last mental notes.
>This all too real, it’s too good to be true, but here you are snuggled in the warm embrace of a bed and compassionate mare.
>If only.
>If only you could just stay here forever.
>….hah
“Don’t get too comfortable. It’s only for one night.” You yawn, falling fast asleep.

>“Anon-Anon-come on wake up. It’s already 7:30!” The grey horse firmly, but tentatively, shakes your shoulder.
“Huh….whu….”
>“Kiddo, you overslept again. Come on let’s get you ready quickly.” The blurry pony asks, while helping you out of your bed.
“Yah…five more…minnnnus.”
>“Nuh-uh-uh, come on, bud, let’s get a move on.  No need to rush and hurt yourself on the bike ride there.”  She declares as you feel another force push you from behind.
“Oooo….fine….emmm.” You spoke in tongue, unknowing that two mascots where directing your blind movement.
>Even though your ears have yet to wake along with you, it sounded like a million hoofs were running all over the place.
>That’s because there were.
>“Seeker, would you mind ironing his clothes?”
>“Which ones….doesn’t he just wear the fleece?”
>“Well then iron the fleece!  Come on, bucko, let’s get you showered.”
>You may’ve been moving your legs, but you remained half asleep so you had no ide-
“Daaaaaah!” You screamed jumping the opposite way from the freezing water.
>“Sorry kiddo, the water should have been warm by now.” She apologizes, closing the curtain in front of her. “HEY! I thought mechanic Seeker said the darn heater was working!”
>“Ah werez tryin to tell yah, the dang pilot n’ burner have been malfuction’n foreverz. Unless youse want to blow up the darn place, we’ll needz another.” The other character yells from down the hall.
>“Uuuuugh, that darn mare. Are you done, bud?”
“Emmm, with whaaa” You perplexedly responded, letting water run around you.
>“Ahhh, kiddo, come on!”  She sighs in disbelief yanking you out of the shower.
“Hey….am…I…nake…”
>Your comment was interrupted by three mares swarming around to dress you up from head to toe in 1.43 seconds.
“…..whoa.”  You gasped, becoming a slightly more conscious.
>“No time to dilly dally, let’s get going!”  Seeker pronounces, as another slips on your backpack.
“What, about breakfast?” You question, with one of the Seekers still tugging you down the hallway.
>You’re meet with the affirmative physical answer of another Seeker popping out of the small kitchen, tossing a wrapped soft taco.
>“Bacon and egg breakfast burrito, like you asked yesterday….and your LUNCH!!!”  She deafeningly huffs, liked she’s seen a ghost.
>You wonder if there could ever be a pony ghost?
>…what if she’s….
> “Right here-right here!” Another Seeker pops out with a packaged meal ready to go. “Can’t have him eating whatever that school’s excuse for food is.”
>“I’m with you on that, Seeker.” She agrees and stuffs both items into your backpack, moving you forward to the door.
>You have to hand it to her..them…whatever, that this synchronized morning routine is pretty incredible, if you knew half the time what the heck was going on.
>Drawing closer to the front door, that another polite pony opens up, Seeker hands you off to another Seeker who’s bringing up the cart.
>You steady yourself to hop in, and the cart blasted off into the direction of the park entrance.
>“Starting to finally wake up, kiddo?” The original Seeker, hole on her left flank and all, inquires.
“I’m getting there.” You yawn again, enjoying the morning breeze brush your face. “Sorry for staying up late again.”
>“No-no, I was the one who instigated that a Nerf war at night with the others and using the park as a battle zone would be a good idea.” She chuckles to herself.  “You ready to go, bucko?”
“Not really but school’s been a lot more manageable thanks to you.” You turn to her with half a smile.
>She shimmers a smirk and supple blush towards you, and turns back to face the park walkway.
>These last eight nights have really sealed your bond with Thrill Seeker, and truly you can’t remember a time in your life where you were this unperturbed and happy.
>She’s the best thing you have going for yourself.
>Bringing a sudden stop to your park ride, she leaps off to fetch your bike.
>“Well here you go. You need anything else, Anon.” She asks, hoofing you your bike.
“Everything seems to be in order.  Well I’ll see you this afternoon, TS.  Can’t wait to see what shenanigans we can create this time.”
>“That depends on how much homework you have, mister.” She strictly confirms, but in a flash chuckles at her poor attempt to keep a straight face. “Haha, I’m sure we can make time!”
“That we will!” You laugh alongside her, mounting your bike for the seven and a half mile ride.
>You both continue laughing until you needed a fresh breath of air.
>After a minute, you both smile at one another, and continued to share thoughts and feelings you never believed possible with someone else.
>You move in for a hug that she gladly accepts.
>“You have a wonderful day, Anon.”  She benevolently tells you.
“As do you, TS.” You calmly share the affection.
>Relapsing her from your lukewarm hug, you start pedaling to your board of education.
“I’ll see you when I see you!”
>“Yes sir, you take care!” She yells and waves towards you.  “Oh, and make sure you stop by your place.  Your dad might be back, and I wouldn’t want him to get worried.  I’ll understand if you can’t make it back tonight.”
“Don’t worry, I will.”  You yell back.
>Like that’s going to happen.
>Pedaling out of the parking lot and through a forest trail to school, you have come to a amazing realization.
>Your life was going through some unbelievable changes.
>All those wasted years of depression and having no social contacts can finally be put behind you, along with the dirt road you traveled on.
>Was life ever going to be better?
>You weren’t too sure, but you really liked your chances.
>Was life ever going to be normal?
>…….hmm