「 /mlp/ 」 #1: Anon's Bizarre Adventure - ACT IN PROGRESS

> “You have a visitor, Princess.”
> At the mention, Princess Celestia turns her head to look at the guard, who motions towards you.
> The solar diarch favors you with a smile. You reach up and remove your wide-brimmed hat, resting it under your arm.
> “Good morning, Anonymous. It’s good to see you again.”
> You bow your head in turn.
“It’s always nice to be in good company, Princess Celestia.”
> Her smile turns to a soft grin before she nods. “I’m afraid we can’t pass about compliments all day.”
> The softer conversation makes way for an air of silence as the room begins to feel tense whilst Celestia descends from her throne.
> “You said that you were an archaeologist and explorer of sorts before you arrived in Equestria, correct?” The princess looks at you with a flicker of curiosity in her eyes.
“That’s correct, Princess Celestia. I worked for a renowned foundation before I arrived here. Do you… have need of my capabilities?”
> With a momentary frown, Celestia nods her head as she reaches the bottom of her throne. “That’s right, Anonymous…” She starts, before looking off to her sides. You do as well.
> The six guards present have all shifted to face inwards – following decades of practice drill and formation.
> “Praetorians, please – leave us. I’d like to speak to Anonymous in private.” Celestia bows her head.
> It looks to catch the six off guard – but they all nod, render a salute, and leave the throne room. Celestia’s horn glows, and she shuts the throne room’s great doors behind them – leaving just you and herself.
> “Anonymous, how much do you know of Equestria’s history?”
> You peer at her questioningly before composing your answer.
“I’d say that I know what everyone knows, Princess.”
> The princess frowns at this, pondering for a moment or two before regarding you again.
> “Have any of your studies of Equestrian history said anything about… odd meteors?”

> Odd meteors?
“I can’t say they have.”
> Celestia nods, moving to step around you as she finds her words.
> “Over a thousand years ago in a time where Discord’s chaos reigned, a meteor fell to Equestria, which carried with it a strange unrecognizable aura.”
> “This meteor came down in the Everfree Forest, not far from the seat of power that my dear sister and I formerly shared. It carried an immense energy even after impact,” Celestia explained. “The meteor’s insides were jagged, so I suppose that my dear sister and I weren’t careful with our inspection – and cut ourselves upon it.”
> “Something manifested from this interaction, and – cutting things short – lead to our chance to free Equestria from Discord.”
> “A second meteor exuding similar energies fell three hundred years later, though Luna and I were unable to recover it.”
> Celestia pauses, looking back at you. “I’m unaware as to where that second meteor has ended up – but recently a third has fell to Equestria within the Everfree Forest.”
> You get the gist.
“Since a third has fallen, you’ve called me here to ask me to…”
> Celestia nods her head.
> “I’ve called you here to ask you to investigate.”

> “You’ll be seeking out the meteor in the Everfree Forest, Anonymous – and both of us know how dangerous that is as a region.”
> Celestia’s words briefly make your blood chill – you yourself live in the Everfree Forest, after all, but this forces you to collect yourself.
> “Don’t worry, Anonymous.” Celestia smiles reassuringly at you.
> “I’ll be sending six special ponies in order to help your investigation.”
> This catches you with intrigue – sending six special ponies?
> You’ve heard of a group of six that fit a similar description – the Elements of Harmony.
> That realization is enough to make you nod your head.
“Understood, Princess. Thank you. When shall I be leaving?”
> “You may take your leave now. One of my Praetorians will guide you to Canterlot’s train station, and you may go from there as you see fit.” Celestia waves you off with a hoof, to which you nod and turn to leave.
> Her golden aura overtakes the great doors, pushing them open as you clutch your hat in your hands – resting it upon your head once more.
> “Stay safe, Anonymous.”
“I have no reason to believe there’s danger yet, Princess.”
> You wave over your shoulder to Celestia, before adjusting your tie and shirt collar – then fixing the sleeves of the single-breasted jacket that lays over that.
> One of the Praetorians, true to Celestia’s word, shifts where they stand to pivot and face you. When you pass them, they fall into step with you as if practiced a dozen times.

> These… Praetorians – they look more ornately armoured than the standard guards in brass armour. A ceremonial force?
> You catch yourself looking at them studiously as they trot ahead of you.
> “Come along, sir. The train is waiting.”
> Resigning yourself to following the Praetorian, the two of you hustle through Canterlot’s streets in order to lead you to the train station.
> They know you’re thankful for the guide, and the fact that they know their way through backstreets that went unseen by you.
> Settling in on the train, you’ve bought yourself time to relax and read through your notes.
> You weren’t lying to Celestia when you claimed that you were from a renowned foundation, nor when you claimed you were an archaeologist.
> Cupping a small journal in your hands, you sifted through the pages packed full of jotted notes organized by year and subject.
> 1938…
> That was the year that you were sent to Tibet for research and investigation.
> The subject, as your boss – the founder of the organization – indicated was known as Hamon, or better known in English as the Ripple.
> Your notes were minuscule, as that was the year your disappearance to Equestria occurred.
> Momentarily sullen, you read through the pages in a low mumble.
“Sendo – the way of the Hermit: an ancient form of martial arts requiring the utmost care.”
> You pause so as to flip the page.
“Self-controlled respiration allows energy build-up in the bloodstream…”
> Without anyone to bother you, you’re free to read from the next few pages. Your research wasn't too in depth, but you find yourself consistently pondering your notes all the same.

> It’s early morning when the train comes to a stop. You’ve since put your jacket back on, pondering the terms that lead to your disappearance.
> To this day, nothing about it added up.
> Shaking your head, you tuck your journal into one of your jacket pockets and secure the twin buttons.
> With everything gathered, you move to leave the train – ducking your head as you step out and onto the wooden platform of the train-station in Ponyville.
> You raise your hat to your head and set it upon your head, looking around the platform as you straighten your back.
> Among the crowd of ponies gathering tickets and boarding the train is a duo that stands out – a lavender unicorn mare and a bubbly-looking pink pony.
> The pink one is holding a sign down with her front left hoof, whilst her right is pointed at you – and you catch a look at the sign.
ANON…
> There’s not going to be anyone else with that name, you’re sure.
> You move over to them with your usual stride…

> When you stop in front of them, the lavender mare traces from your looming shadow all the way up to your face.
> She looks like she’s sweating at the sight of you, and it isn’t hard to identify just why: you tower over a normal pony.
> “U—uh…” the unicorn squeaks.
> You take a step back and kneel down as you do so.
> “Hiya!” the pink mare grins.
“Hi there. I take it that you two are a part of my escort?”
> The lavender mare stands proper and nods twice. “Y … You’re Anon, right?”
“That I am. May I know who I’m making the acquaintance of?”
> The pink mare’s grin extends, before she reaches out her pointing hoof towards you.
> “I’m Pinkie Pie! And …”
> Not long after she introduces herself by name, Pinkie descends into a ramble. The unicorn makes an effort to quiet her by pushing her hoof into Pinkie’s muzzle, to which she gives a stifled giggle.
> “My name is Twilight Sparkle,” the unicorn introduces herself. “Welcome t—”
> Pinkie has managed to free her muzzle from beneath Twilight’s hoof, beaming all the while. “Welcome to Ponyville! You’re gonna have such a super-duper great time here!”
> You move to stand, looking down at Pinkie before giving her a neutral look. You’re more focused on pondering the name Twilight Sparkle and where you’ve heard it before.
> “She’s a little… eccentric, mister Anon. Do you have any luggage?” Twilight looks back up at you, to which you shake your head.
“Just the clothes on my back. I’ll be fine, however I suspect that we may want to get a move on.”
> Twilight nods twice yet again. Pinkie one-ups her by nodding three times.
> Her eccentric nature concerns you, but before you can really say anything Twilight has already made her way off of the platform.
> Cutting your thoughts short, you move after her – stopping just at the steps down from the platform to look back towards Pinkie Pie, who is now in hot pursuit.

> The first stop is a farmstead named Sweet Apple Acres, according to the sign upon the fence.
> Twilight and Pinkie walk along the fenced path into the farmstead as you behold it -  acres upon acres of orchards containing nothing more than apples.
> It explains the name, you suppose – and you break into a light jog to catch up to the two mares.
> “Have you been to Ponyville before, Anonymous?” Twilight cocks her head upwards to look you in the eyes. Her horn is aglow, carrying with it unrolled parchment that has the remains of a wax seal.
“I’m afraid that I haven’t. I’ve passed through on my way to parts unknown, but I’ve never remained around long enough to meet with locals or see the local businesses.”
> You hope that explanation suits Twilight’s interest.
> “I see – can I go over the task at hoof with you?” Twilight continues her meager list of questions, which you answer with a nod.
“You may.”
> “So – Princess Celestia’s message says that you’re… not of this world?”
> That catches you off guard just a little, causing you to fall out of step with the two mares.
“That’s correct.”
> “You … live in the Everfree Forest?”
“Again, correct.”
> “That’s weird!” Pinkie chimes in with a hum in her tone.
> “How do you know the Princess?” Twilight asks, and you tip your head up towards the skies, pondering away.
“Friendly terms, I’d wager.”
> “And… how did you meet?”
“My initial appearance in Equestria landed me in the Everfree Forest, with a splitting headache and a lack of situational awareness,” you admit. “I’d landed in some form of ruins at the time, and both diarchs were present at the time. It was very… tense, to say the least.”
> The two stop at the end of the fenced path before a gate, and Pinkie starts waving her hoof and hopping in place simultaneously.
> You trail her gaze, catching a look at the target of the gesture: an orange mare, regular like herself – wearing a worn-looking stetson atop her head.

> “Applejack! Hey! Hey! Applejack!”
> You trail her gaze, catching a look at the target of the gesture: an orange mare, regular like herself – wearing a worn-looking stetson atop her head.
> The mare treads over to the fenceline to greet the three of you. Pinkie, however, keeps going.
> “Calm down, Pinkie. Ain’t no reason fer’ that…”
> Applejack uses a hoof to tip her stetson up, gazing at you searchingly.
> “Who’s tha’ fancy-lookin’ feller?” She asks, to which Twilight opens her mouth to speak.
> She doesn’t get the chance.
“My name is Anonymous. Call me Anon, if you should like to.” You wave under-handedly to Applejack.
> “… that’s right.” Twilight nods. “We have a mission from Princess Celestia, Applejack. Are you free?”
> The orange mare tips her head back towards the farmstead, before looking back to the three of you.
> “Ah’m free.” Applejack nods, opening up the gate so that she can tread through and shut it behind herself.
> Who’s next on the list?
> “We should get Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, now! They should be out at the lake!” Pinkie chirps, almost as if to answer your question.
> Twilight just nods her head – and the two of you set out for Ponyville’s nearest lake.
> “So, Anon, what’re ya’? Errr… what’re ya’ doin’ here?” Applejack breaks the silence once you’re only half-way to the lake, following Ponyville’s outskirts.
“According to the Princess, you and your friends will be serving as my … escorts for an investigation. I feel that’s all I’m at liberty to say, unless the letter you received indicates anything more.”
> Applejack doesn’t take too kindly to the secrecy, you suppose, but she tips her stetson down with a nod of her head.
> “Riiight.”
> The rest of your trip to the lake is spent in peace and quiet, despite the sound of shoes and hooves alike on rocks or the ground.

> “No, Fluttershy, I’m saying this is BORING,” you hear a tomboyish tone just within earshot. They sound exasperated.
> You can’t hear their conversational partner, you find – but you look off towards the lake, catching a glimpse of a cerulean pegasus and a cream-coloured pegasus all the same.
> It’s when you’re within a few feet of them that it changes.
> For better or for worse, you’re unaware. The tomboyish pegasus mare catches just a slight glimpse of you and she looks ready for a fight.
> “Twilight, don’t look behind you, there’s a monster from the Everfr—”
> “Rainbow Dash, that’s a friend. Ain’t no monster.” Applejack speaks up in your defense.
> You stare at the mare as she settles back. Her company seems threatened by you, if her shying away is anything to indicate that.
> You glance down towards Twilight, whom looks too tired just at the sight of Rainbow Dash in this sort of a mood to respond.
“If you feel that spending time with a friend at the lake is too boring…”
> You motion underhandedly to the cream-coloured pegasus, who is obviously attempting to ignore the assembly by offering a bit of bread to coax a nearby duck.
“… then what Princess Celestia is calling upon you for may be more your speed.”
> “Princess has a job for us?” Rainbow perks up at that, before nodding her head vigorously. “Alright! Sweet!” She whoops, moving around to fall into step.
> “Fluttershy, c’mon! We got a job to do.” Rainbow beckons the cream-coloured pegasus, to which Fluttershy only regards her with a frown and a murmur.
> “Speak up, sugarcube. Ain’t no one gonna hear you from over there, now.”
> “… need to tend to the animals…”
> A kindly sort, then? You’re about to speak before Twilight does.
> “Fluttershy, I’m sorry. I know that you haven’t had a lot of free time lately, but… Princess Celestia says that we’ll need the Elements of Harmony for this.”
> The pegasus still looks sullen as she draws back, depositing the last bit of bread into the water for the ducks. “… okay…”

> A kindly sort, then? You’re about to speak before Twilight does.
> “Fluttershy, I’m sorry. I know that you haven’t had a lot of free time lately, but… Princess Celestia says that we’ll need the Elements of Harmony for this.”
> The pegasus still looks sullen as she draws back, depositing the last bit of bread into the water for the ducks. “… okay…”
> That’s another one.
“Who else do you need to gather?”
> Your question is directed at Twilight, who looks up towards you with a smile.
> “One more pony – our friend Rarity,” she answers.
> You nod at that, before scratching your jaw, momentarily lost to thought.
“I see…”
> You can’t hide your curiosity, you’d assume.
“What are the Elements of Harmony?”
> Rainbow is first to speak in response.
> “… dude. Have you been livin’ under a rock or somethin’?”
> Twilight turns her head to peer at Rainbow Dash. That peer soon shifts to a glare that leaves the pegasus looking uncomfortable.
> “The Elements of Harmony are… artifacts, so to say. They harness the strongest known magic to Equestria – and the Elements are one of the first lines of defense.”
> You stare at Twilight, refraining from gawking too long as you look forwards – she’s leading the party into Ponyville.
> Instead of speaking again, you remain silent.
> The next hour passes smoothly – Twilight manages to convince Rarity to come along, and she starts a small conversation with you about your choice in fashion whilst Twilight Sparkle returned to the ‘library’ to get something. She seems approving of the single-breasted suit look, though Rainbow Dash gives an off-handed comment.
> “Fashion-smashion…” She mumbled – and that lead to an argument that lasted the last ten minutes of the trip.

> As soon as Twilight arrived, you lead the Elements of Harmony into the Everfree Forest, where a thick layer of fog dwells in front of you.
> No matter, it wasn’t going to impede you at all. Why? Well…
> You feel at home here, after all the time you’ve spent living within the depths of the forest – but another reason comes to mind, of course.
> Within the Everfree Forest, nature follows precisely that: a natural ebb and flow. The clouds drift on their own, and the plants grow like they would back home.
> Of course, another reason is that it isn’t like Ponyville or Canterlot. You always had a hard time traversing rural and urban areas, and felt just at home…
> But the Everfree Forest was different. It wasn’t quite unlike the sprawling jungles.
> “… Sugarcube, ya’ sure you know where yer’ goin’?”
“Yes.”
> You’re drawn out of your thoughts and the comfort of your mind, the autopilot feeling of walking sinking away as you stop in your tracks before the hanging bridge of planks…
> … or at least where the bridge would be.
> Something has since cut the ropes on both sides, leaving no bridge for passage…
> You step over, resting your hand on the left-most post to look down into the gorge.
> Against your own control, you feel something slam into your back – and you hear the collective screams that follow.

> You’re able to hold on for a narrow second until the decaying wood post gives way underneath your weight.
> Your hat loosens from your head, and you slam chest first into a hanging branch.
> Something inside of you cracks and feels broken.
> The ensuing panic above breaks into silence.
> You look up, grasping your hat as it falls and setting it back atop your head, scrambling to keep a grasp on the branch…
> Then you hear Rainbow Dash’s voice, panicked as if she doesn’t even know what she’s saying.
> “「 LOYALTY 」!”
> The only foothold you have gives underneath your weight, cracking out of the rock-wall.
> Something catches you just before you can start falling any farther. Your breathing is ragged.
> Your eyes are shut for just a moment, but by the time they’re open, you find yourself with your back on the ground.
> Solid ground…
> You manage to catch your breath, lurching to your feet to get a grip.
> You shake and nearly cave in, falling to a knee. Your chest and heart are pounding – and you look off to your left.
> There’s the castle. It’s familiar.
> Home.
> To your right…
> Across the gorge stands another biped. He looks awfully similar to you – but he’s much more casually dressed. He’s searching for something… or someone.
> The six mares have all been knocked around, and they’re all struggling to get up. Some form of jewels adorn them.
> He looks back with a smirk.
> “Well, wasn’t that sneaky… ? 「 ANGEL IN DISGRACE 」!”
> He swings his hand outwards towards you.

> The impact is instantaneous, and it hits you like a Mack truck, sending you sprawling out into the air.
> That feeling of impact upon your chest remains for just a few as you slam into something. You’ve altered your trajectory just enough to collide with it on your side.
> It’s coarse and rough, not like the smooth stone of the unadorned shrine, you note – slamming down onto your stomach.
> You can taste rusted metal in your mouth.
> Everything inside of your body hurts.
> More of your ribs feel broken. You push your palms down and attempt to push yourself up to your knees.
> The taste of metal builds up and intermingles with bile as you vomit blood, your senses leaving you for just a second…
> You look off to your right, sighting the girls all standing.
> Your assailant’s focus is now on all of them, and he’s busied himself with dodging… something.
> Something that you can’t see.
> Your body shakes and your arms and legs threaten to give in.
> In an attempt to crawl slightly to your right, you sprawl out on your side – coming face to face with a…
> A giant rock.
> … A meteorite.
> It’s cracked down the center from the point of impact, and you catch a look at where you impacted it.
> A large chunk, jagged like glass, has broken off from it.
> Your body still shaking like mad, you reach out towards it, coughing blood as you do so – and suddenly your arm drops.
> The effect you were vying for in your panic, however, is put into play:
> You cut yourself on the chunk of meteorite, and your senses all give away for pain to make way for unconsciousness.

> Your name is Rainbow Dash – the coolest, most fastest pony in all of Equestria.
> Right now, you – and all of your friends – are beyond Defcon 1.
> Some big dude just swooped in and kicked that Anon guy off of the ledge and into the gorge…
> Twilight’s magic flickers and wavers around your Element of Harmony, resting the Element of Loyalty around your neck.
> You think to scream, but when you open your mouth, baser instincts kick in…
“「 LOYALTY 」!”
> By untrained reflex, you cry out the name of your element – and the gem upon your chest shines bright before expunging… a large wolf.
> A transparent wolf just a bit taller than you stands with legs at the ready and a growl building up in its throat.
> You think to go after Anon, but the canine lurches forwards and swings off of its feet – wings unfurling from its sides as it launches off.
> The next order of business is the big guy – he’s almost as big as Anonymous!
> Looks a lot like him, too, even if Anonymous is better dressed…
> You launch forwards into the air, building up a massive amount of initial momentum as you launch at his chest – and then he swings his hand outwards towards you.

> Now you’re Twilight Sparkle, and you are freaking out.
> No sooner than Anon looked over the edge, someone appeared and kicked him right off!
> In a panic, you tried to get everyone ready with the Elements of Harmony – you were hoping this was why they were needed, after all –
> Not even a moment after Rainbow had her element around her neck, she suddenly screamed its name – and out of it spewed an ethereal wolf.
> It suddenly slung outwards to go down into the gorge – and Rainbow launched herself at this… doppelganger that attacked Anon.
> He swung his hand out at Rainbow, and then yelled…
> “「 ANGEL IN DISGRACE 」!”
> Then a white – like white white – human no taller than he was appeared, looking wispy and lacking legs from the hips up – a white cloth draped over their chest haphazardly… and it lacked a face.
> It swung an arm up at breakneck speeds, slamming Rainbow Dash aside and into a tree whilst the wolf landed on the other side of the gorge with Anonymous in tow.
> He looks really beaten up –
> Suddenly, the attacker swings his hand out towards you, and in a panic you try to scream.
“「 MAGIC 」!”
> The Element of Magic – the tiara on your head – shines bright for a moment before out erupts a wyrm of similar properties to your magic aura. The empty spaces in the lavender aura are dotted with stars and sparkles akin to your cutie mark.
> It hisses, lunging long fangs out at the hand, throwing itself forwards and out of the gem atop the element to bite the figure’s arm.
> You, on the other hand, are trying to gain distance and think up a plan.

> “This meteor will be your undoing, you fools – what are you doing?”
> You're Rainbow Dash again.
> Enough with this. You shakily stand – you think you have a fair enough grip on this thing, right?
> With a thought, you will the wolf to return to your side. It launches across the gorge, spreading footing as it stops in front of you – skidding to a halt with a growl…

> You’re… you. You don’t have a name.
> You have a Stand and a mission, however – one that you’ve imposed upon yourself.
> There’s a twin pair of holes in your left arm that’ve sunk all the way through, and blood dots the sand beneath you.
> To make things worse, the orange one has long since cracked your ribs with her hind hooves.
> The cream-coloured one hasn’t done anything – and the white one is still recovering from that last blow.
> Recovering this meteor was your top priority – and 「 ANGEL IN DISGRACE 」 is still in fighting form despite its damages.
> It’s not long before they’ve all gathered themselves, and 「 ANGEL IN DISGRACE 」 swings an arm outwards as that blue one’s Stand launches out and at you. It clutches it by the tail as it soars through the air – killing off its momentum, spinning and throwing the offensive Stand over your shoulder.
> 「 ANGEL IN DISGRACE 」 remains at the ready, form wavering ever so slightly as the faceless angel peers at your opponents.
> The lavender one starts to speak, and you tense the muscles in your legs.
> “「 HAR… 」”
> You look back towards Anonymous, seeing him unable to stand – and you return your gaze to the front.
> You nod your head, flicking your hand inwards at the wrist – and the angel lunges back towards you before you cut your losses and jump backwards into the gorge.
> 「 ANGEL IN DISGRACE 」 tails right after you, even picking up speed in a downwards drop to catch you before you hit the bottom.
> They can have this victory.

> You’re Twilight again.
> That plan didn’t work. It wouldn’t have – he just jumped off of the ledge!
> You, and the five of your friends immediately moved and stopped at the edge to look down.
> No sight of him whatsoever…
> That cuts the problem down. You think for a moment about returning the wyrm to your element – and you’re surprised when it does so.
> You go through the motions of preparing a basic levitation spell – controlling your thoughts, focus, and breathing – and slowly bring the damaged bridge back up.
> The ropes that would hold it to the post are destroyed, and one of the posts is completely missing – and so hesistantly, you test your weight upon the bridge’s planks.
> It remains still, wrapped in your magical aura and held firm.
> You work your way across, followed by the others. Rarity and Fluttershy move to inspect Anonymous and help Applejack lift him, whilst Pinkie Pie visibly inspects the meteorite.
> You, however, are still holding the bridge aloft so that they can get back across.
> “… Heeeyyyy…”
> Pinkie starts, and your grasp on the bridge wavers just as Rarity sets a hoof upon it.
> “This rock looks really familiar!”
> Pinkie takes a few steps back, looking over the meteorite intently.
“No time, Pinkie – we need to –”
> “… we have one just like it at the farm!”

> You're Anonymous again.
> It’s been some time since you’ve opened your eyes.
> Even the dimmest of lights is blinding, judging from the thrumming ache in your head as you regard the crackling candle atop the nightstand to your right.
> Moonlight washes in through the window, revealing the time to you as you sit up and jerk uncomfortably.
> Your right arm is bound to your chest by coarse bandages, which circle all along your nude torso.
> The feeling of linen brushing on your skin makes your bruises throb and ache, doubly so with the pain from your cracked and bruised ribs.
> The pain parts to an uncomfortable hollow feeling whilst you observe your surroundings.
> The room you’re in is cramped – hardly longer than the cot you’re sitting on. Some liberties are obviously taken to facilitate a pony’s freedom in the room… a clinic?
> Your belongings are atop a rack at the end of the bed – your shirt, tie; and jacket hang there, obviously recently cleaned and repaired with patches of other clothes. Your hat is among your belongings.
> A walking stick has been rested against the nightstand beside you.
> You take that as a sign of liberty to try to stand freely, grasping the head of the walking stick as you sit up, finding that your shoes are settled upon the cot.
> You’re thankfully not out of your pants or socks – but you do learn that your left hand is wrapped in linen. You did cut the palm after all.
> It takes some effort but you manage to get to your feet and inhibit your wobbling as you move to the door, shrugging your jacket on over your wounded torso.
> You don’t want to be restrained to a hospital bed any more than you have to.
> Your breathing remains a bit ragged, perhaps orchestrated by the damage your ribs have taken. You struggle to open the door and liberate yourself from the cramped space.

> With a “ker-chunk” of the door’s mechanisms, it opens inwards, obscuring the rack as you take a gander outside – recognizing the marble walls.
> Your eyes wink shut for a moment as you hobble forwards and into the hall of Canterlot Castle, the seat of power of Equestria’s leadership.
> You’re in a familiar place, you find – shutting the door behind you to the best of your ability.
> The door is marked with a plaque - “EMERGENCY STAY”, and beneath that a written card - “ANONYMOUS”.
> It should be easy for you to find later on, you decide – but your thoughts are torn away as a feminine tone breaks the silence of your discovery.
> “Sir?
> You plant the walking stick down to keep yourself up.
> “… Sir, are you okay? There’s a curfew out toni…”
“… where…”
> Your voice croaks, and you cough for a few moments before wheezing. Aside from the physical damages, are you ill, too?
> You swallow your saliva.
“Where is… where’s Princess Celestia?”
> The guardsmare tries to answer, but they instead resolve to unclip their canteen from their belt and fumble it forwards towards you with a wing.
> You turn enough to eye the canteen and then stare at them.
> Their armour, too, is unusually ornate – but the mare’s coat is gray, and their eyes are irregular.
> This must be one of Princess Luna’s guards – let alone a version of her sister’s Praetorian guard.
> You shift to try to accept the canteen, but with your head swimming as it is, you lose your balance not long after you release the walking stick – stumbling backwards.
> “No, don’—”
> She cuts herself off before speaking in a low tone. Your hearing isn’t any worse than it was – so you hear her just fine.
> “「 NIGHTWISH 」.”

> From the puddle of moonlight seeping into the hall from the window behind the guardsmare, you see – for just a moment as you fall – multiple patches turning to vapor as it suddenly collects into a larger mass and lunges forwards.
> Towards you.
> You shut your eyes in preparation for the inevitable, practically flailing on the way down – after all, the proceedings are all too similar to your encounter that left you in hospice…
> But the end doesn’t come. You open your eyes to look around yourself, discovering the vapor is holding you up.
> A wispy tentacle forms from the main mass of the mist, pulling some of the mist’s mass into itself to reach out and grasp the canteen from the guard’s wing.
“What the f…”
> “Easy, now. There’s no reason to be afraid, okay? You need something to drink.”
> The tentacle of vapor pops the cap from the canteen, lifting it to your lips.
> Hesitant, you accept the helping swig of cool water. It does wonders for your dehydrated state.
> After you release the canteen, the tentacle clasps it shut and sets it back on the guardsmare’s belt, to which she leans over and bites down on the midsection of your walking stick and offers it back to you.
> You grasp it, and the mist moves you back to your feet.
> The end of the walking stick now firmly pressed down on the ground, you stare at the mare searchingly – vying for answers as the mist seeps back along the ground, disappearing into the puddle of moonlight from whence it came.
“… Wh…”
> “Uh… the… uh…”
> “… the Princesses should be able to tell you more than I, sir. I’ll guide you to them.”

> The guardsmare steps past you, extending a leathery wing to press it against your significantly-less-wounded left leg as you turn, as if the cloth pressed firmly against your leg would reassure you of her presence.
> The two of you step in unison, though she seems to be speeding up in order to keep up with her four shorter legs.
> The two of you are left in silence, aside from the clinking of armour; clopping of hooves; and the sound of your shoes…
> While you might be outwardly focused on keeping your poker face up, you feel like you’re falling apart – physically and mentally.
> Bruises throb in pain with each movement, each nuzzle of linen on your skin…
> It aches quite a bit – and despite this, you still somehow feel… hollow, deep down.
> Spiritually?
> You’re not sure.
> The floor before you dips into stairs, a solid flight of ten or twenty steps with moonlight patches riding down from the windows.
> You feel tense just knowing what’s going to happen – she’s far too small to successfully lift you into the air, after all.
> With another utterance of “「 NIGHTWISH 」”, each individual patch turns a fine blue.
> You think better than to announce your disdain as the blue suddenly garners a wispy shade.
> The guardsmare moves around your right, biting down on the midsection of your walking stick.
“Shtyy colmmm.”
> She tugs it away from you as the moonlight tentacles lurch forwards, wrapping around your parts that aren’t significantly fucked.
> From even the barest look, you’re writhing in momentary panic from the contact – before they lift you.
> When the guardsmare starts to trot down the stairs, the tentacles raise you and carry you at her side.

> It isn’t long, thankfully, until you’re back on your two feet – and she relinquishes the walking stick and helps you steady out before the vapor sifts back into the moonlight.
> Your grasp tenses on the knobbed head of the walking stick as you settle into an unhealthy pace.
> Every last ounce of you throbs and aches, leaving the memories of that – last? – night on your mind…
> Your contemplation habitually settles into a low tone.
“… did Celestia know…?
> Could she have?
> You swallow your thoughts and your pride alike as the guardsmare steps away from you at the sight of another guard – in similar armour.
> They’ve got to be running the infirmary wing and areas around it, then…
> “… hey! Silvermoon –”
> “Ardent?”
> The guard twists and turns to face your escort – before catching a look at you in the process. You get a good enough look at them to dictate that they, too, are female.
> “… Ardent, why is there a…”
> Ardent raises a hoof as if to prepare to shove it into Silvermoon’s mouth.
> They take it as a good sign to stop talking.
> “He needs to find the Princesses. D’you know where they are?”
> Silvermoon bows her head. “They should still be in the courtyard – the private one for the barracks, not the public one used for the gala.”
> “Thanks, Silver. It’s important.” Ardent waves with a wing, before beckoning you along.
> That entire encounter was peculiar enough as it is, you decide – tailing along after your escort.
> When the two of you fall into step with one another again, you decide to wean some sort of information out of them – about themselves, at least.
“So… Ardent? An interesting name.”
> “Ardent Requiem,” the mare appends. Your mind’s already at work to keep itself off of the events of that night.
“That’s … a peculiar name.”
> Ardent usually means enthusiastic or passionate…
> “And Anonymous isn’t?”

> … and Requiem is an act or token of remembrance – or religiously, a Mass for the repose of the souls of the dead.
“… no, no – see, Ardent specifically means “enthusiastic or passionate” in the dictionary, whereas Requiem refers to an act or token of remembrance and has religious connotations.”
> You would normally roll your wrist for effect, but you’re focused on keeping yourself upright by holding onto the walking stick.
> “… That explains it.”
> You tilt your head down at the mare curiously.
> “So, I think this’ll explain well enough – look at it… this way – the Princesses have their own specialized guards, right? The elite ones in ceremonial-looking armour.”
“Yes?”
> Ardent takes a few heftier trots ahead to stop and look up at you. Reflexively, you stop just before you can trip over the bat-winged pony.
> She looks to get awfully excited, but she manages to get a grip and moves away to lead you onward.
“…”
> “Okay, so – the Princesses have their own ceremonial force separate from the guards’ chain of command – Princess Luna’s was founded long ago after her …”
> Your escort’s tone slows, and becomes bitter: “… banishment.”
> “Princess Celestia’s was around far longer than that, though I’m not really historically oriented after all and stuff –”
> The mare dips to the side to avoid a patrolling stallion in undecorated armour, and he dips to the side to avoid you… thankfully.
> “— but due to the means of foundation of these orders, Princess Luna’s took on a more… religious connotation, as you put it – like a knighthood with holy themes.”
> Your mind starts rolling and you manage to put two and two together.
“So, you’re a part of the ‘holier’ side?”
> Ardent nods her head, looking forwards. She seems to slow down a bit, as if you’re getting closer to your destination. She passes the corner first.

> “Adherent,” you hear a male’s voice boom. “Why have you abandoned your post?”
> You turn the corner not long after he speaks, eyeing Ardent Requiem standing at attention as your walking stick taps upon the floor.
> The way the castle’s built is that there’s a larger courtyard within the depths of it, it seems – close to the barracks, too. A training field, perhaps.
> You deign to look past the two guards as they settle for speaking to one another, looking out over the courtyard – it dips inwards a tad, maybe a foot or two before evening out as it should.
> There’s countless guards present – all of them belonging to one of the two knighthoods serving the Princesses. Most are on patrol, but a handful are around the Princesses as they investigate the meteor dead-center in the middle of the courtyard.
> Ardent’s conversation looks to cease, as the older looking male guard dismisses her from your company. You almost swear that a pony outright emerges from her shadow, tailing you in – if you could see them after that.
> “You’re the human, then? Figured you’d look a lot better.”
> He gives a gruff, knowing chuckle.
> “Enter the courtyard, sir.”
> He steps aside, letting you pass.
> The grass of the courtyard crunches beneath your feet, and you get a bit firmer on the walking stick as you enter.
> Celestia catches wind of your appearance rather quickly, offering a smile as you draw near.
> “You look worse for wear…”
> You shrug your jacket up a tad to keep it over yourself, looking Celestia in the eyes.
> Just looking at her makes you feel that same hollow feeling again. Did she know what was going to happen?
> “Is… everything alright, Anonymous?”
> You tap the walking stick against the ground, listening to the sound of it as if it could clear your mind of the… intrusive thoughts that resonate within.
> “… Anonymous?”

“I’m … fine.”
> You sound so unsure of yourself. Luna takes the chance to comment on that.
> “Art thee sure that thou art alright?”
> It sounds like older, Shakespearean English – something you’ve found peculiar. English may very well be a universal language, by any means.
“… Worse for wear, Princess.”
> You haven’t truthfully spoken with Luna frequently – any of your dealings have been with Princess Celestia, something you’ve recognized even prior to Luna’s return to Equestria.
> It’s for that reason that you used the honorific – but she doesn’t seem to take offense to it.
> Instead, she bows her head. “Very well, then.”
> To business, you suppose.
“You’ve been… researching the meteor, in my absence?”
> “That… is true, yes. We’ve had something of a struggle to understand it…” Celestia answers.
> “… beyond what we learn’d long ago, sister.” Luna chimes in.
> You quirk a brow at that.
> Celestia lets out a disturbed sigh.
> One of her large wings flexes outwards, as if to point – and you notice it’s directed towards a bloodied, jagged chunk of meteorite.
> Everything feels tense – the mood, your body, the air around you.
> “My student explained the circumstances that lead to the recovery of the meteor, Anonymous – at least, what they saw.” Celestia’s tone sheds its maternal peace, taking on a scolding bite.
> “What did you intend?”
> Her wing ruffles and folds at her side. You repeat it in your mind, mulling it over.
“Something tells me that you’re getting hostile, Celestia.”
> Luna takes a few steps away in order to remain quiet as you solidify your position by pressing the walking stick harder.
> “Anonymous.” Celestia’s once-calm gaze has shed its allure – and you set right back into your analytical state.
“I was unconscious and barely able to breathe, *Princess*.”

> “Your research has helped us come to a proper conclusion regarding the meteor and its effects.”
> You tilt your head at this. That sounds like a good thing.
“Is that so?”
> “The properties of “Hamon”, as you put it are similar to the phenomena invoked by contact with the meteor.”
> “My dear sister and I encountered similar phenomena with the first meteor – though I’m sure you’ve drawn your conclusion about this already – which rendered the creation of the Elements of Harmony possible.”
> “Contact with the meteor in some cases leads to a very painful death – but it otherwise allows the invocation of a supernatural measure that – based on your research – produces a spiritual “Hamon”, Anonymous.”
> Celestia turns away to regard the meteor again. “They have immense supernatural capabilities, such as only being able to be seen by those whom have manifested their own…”
> Luna cuts her sister off.
> “… Spiritual hamon is a bit of a bother to sayeth, dear sister.”
> The solar princess nods her head, “… then ‘Stand’ may be more appropriate? They do often manifest beside the user…”
> The two speak to one another for more than a few seconds.
> “… right, right.” Celestia regards you momentarily. “… you’ve woken, Anonymous. How do you feel?”
> That’s definitely a change of topic if you’ve ever heard one.
> How /do/ you feel?
> Hollow?
> That’s the only thing aside from pain, isn’t it?
“… I feel… hollow.”
> “Does any title, name or phrase come to mind?”
> Title, name, or phrase?
> It’s almost like you don’t even need to think of it.
“「 TIED BY DESTINY 」.”
> The words dance off of your tongue as if it’s perfectly natural as you flex your right arm subconsciously.

> A ghostly silver crackle, akin to what you’ve seen of Hamon, overtakes your arm from the bicep down – and dissipates when you flinch, slamming the walking stick down to steady yourself in a panic before you can fall.
> That’s…
> “… that’s interesting.”
> Celestia takes a few steps forward with her horn aglow, before resting it against your forehead whilst you’re distracted.
> Her aura washes over you momentarily, as if searching inside of you for something – until she dips back with an apologetic smile.
> “I didn’t mean to get too close to you, Anonymous, but… hm.”
> “It’s almost as if your spirit has dispersed itself to follow your bloodstream.”
> “… Anon… y… mous?”
> Celestia’s tone shifts and fades in your ears as you quite simply fall backwards – but you hear Luna shout before you hit the ground.
“「 MIDNIGHT CREW 」!”
> Something or someone catches you before you fall. That happens a lot.