Operation Lovebug (WIP)

>>34915462
>"Hey Anon, you've been living here for a while, but I've never seen you with a marefriend"
>"Do you need help getting one?"
>You are Anon, and, for some reason, Princess Cadence believed it necessary to personally visit you in your quiet little corner of Equestria.
"Couldn't you have asked me that by letter, Princess?"
>"You haven't replied to my last one! I thought you were avoiding me. And, please, just Cadence. I've never liked the stuffy title."
"Sure thing, Cadence. One problem: never got 'em."
>She frowns, "Strange. Royal missives are given the highest priority by the post..."
>You lean against the door, her eyes level with yours. She gives a shake of her head, "A matter to investigate later. Now, are you going to invite me in so we can talk about your love problem?"
"If you *insist,* you can come in, but I don't have a love problem. Tea?"
>"With honey, if you have any to spare. And yes, you do, but let's get comfortable before getting into it, hm?"
>With a roll of your eyes, you leave the doorway and walk over to your wood stove. You built this shack with the help of a few ponies, and to save time, it's mostly open floor. Your kitchen, den, and bedroom fill the main room, while the bathroom is segregated. You take down a tin of tea leaves and put the kettle on.
>Minutes later, you sit on the three-seater couch against the wall, Princess Cadence taking up two for herself. She stirs honey into her tea and sips, "Mmm, quite nice. Is that blueberry I taste?"
"Bonnet makes some bomb-ass honey. This infusion and the red pepper one are my favorites."
>"Well, you're not lacking for taste. That'll be of great help in your quest for love!"
"A quest I'm not embarking on. Why do you even think I need your help?"
>"Everypony should have love, Anonymous. Why, a life without love is a life not lived at all. And, as far as I can see, you are without love."


>She sweeps her gaze around your home, "Not that it isn't cozy here, mind you. I appreciate the rustic charm and simplicity of how you live."
"No offense taken, but spare me the trueisms about life, love, and all that jazz. Princess or not, with or without magic, I'm quite happy with how I'm living right now and find great joy in pursuing a mastery of woodcraft and woodworking. Would you like to see some furniture I've been working on for Canterlot? Délice de Venice put in an order for a custom escritoire and, despite the difficulty, I've been having a lot of fun making it. It's quite the challenge, but it's my first big break."
>"Perhaps afterwards, but officially, I am here on business. And that business is your love life. Anon, Iー"
"Rather rude to make my personal life your royal business, no?"
>Princess Cadence frowns. She mulls her next words over another sip of tea.
>"Anonymous, I understand your irritation at my intrusion into your life, but as a Princess of Love, it is one of my royal duties to intrude. Not everyponyーor everypersonーbelieves that they can have someponyーor somepersonーspecial in their life. And that simply isn't true."
"And if it's not disbelief that I can find love, but a lack of desire?"
>"You've patched over the hole of love in your heart with other pursuits of passionーwhich is good, don't get me wrongーand believe that by covering that hole you've filled it in completely."
"So I'm just lying to myself?"
>"The way you're twisting my words should speak volumes about your true feelings on love and its existence in your life, or lack thereof."
>... Maybe she has a point there.
>But she's also being pretty goddamn nosy. Royal or not, it's unappreciated, especially as surprising her appearance was.
>You fume in silence for a moment, finishing off your mug and pouring more.
>Damn, that's good stuff.
>You make some bomb-ass tea.
>"Do you not want to love?"


>You look at Cadence and she appears utterly serious. Concerned, even. Completely undeservedly, mind you, but you guess you appreciate that she cares so much she's come out to visit you.
"It's not that, but I'm pretty busy right now, andー"
>"Don't use your work as an excuse, Anon. Countless ponies manage both, including highly successful ones in just about every field imaginable. Having someponyーor someperー"
"You can just say 'somepony.' I won't get offended."
>She coughs, "Right, thank you. Having somepony special to support you makes all the difference in the world. To share the good times and the bad times, to know as lovers do!"
>You flatten your gaze, growing unamused.
"And you think there are ponies out there who find an Alicorn-sized bipedal ape attractive?"
>Another cough.
"Cadence?"
>"I have it on good authority that there are several who have had, ah, pleasant thoughts about you during their sleeping moments."
>You're not sure how to take that. You should be flattered, right? But you don't really see ponies that way. They're small and cute. And kind of dopey. Like a race of great danes, but ponies dyed for Easter.
>"And I am sure many more would be willing to give you a chance. I've seen stranger couples. Actually, I've *helped* one much stranger. It was between a dragon andー"
"I'm not interested."
>"Right. Well, base attraction isn't an issue for anypony. Do you not see them the same way?"
>You scratch the back of your neck, shifting in your seat.
"I guess not? They're more like... cute animals to me than someone I'd like to, you know... bed."
>She frowns, "Love can overcome all barriers, Anonymous! I'm sure if you give one a chance, you would be able to make an exception. I can always offer help, as well."
"Excuse me?"
>"Just a subtle spell, to alter your perception. Slightly! Completely consensual, I assure you."
"Right..."


>"So, do you have any mares in mind? I think it's clear to both of us you just haven't given love a chance, not that you want to go without."
"I haven't really thought about it. You know, patching my heart and all that jazz."
>"Be serious, please. You haven't had the thought ever cross your mind?"
"Wouldn't you already know, gossiping with Princess Luna?"
>"She's told me you haven't had any dreams of that sort."
"You actually did ask about me."
>"I have to be thorough! Knowledge is power, and I would be a poor Princess of Love if I didn't bring everything I had to bear every time."
"... I guess."
>"Please, don't rush your decision. This is your love life, and you should be completely confident in who you choose to pursue."
>You give a nod and sip quietly. You run through ponies in your head. None really stick. You've met everypony in Ponyville, but none of them... do anything for you. It's hard to see something eye-level with your stomach as a woman. Mare. Viable? You'll go with viable.
>Maybe somepony who you could actually look in the face without getting a crick in your neck...
>Hhh. Hoo boy.
>Oh, no. That's the feeling, isn't it?
>A sort of tightness?
>Actually, you should just ask Cadence. So you do.
"I'll know by feeling like my heart's been grabbed, right? A tight squeeze?"
>"That's a common feeling during the early stages of attraction. So you /do/ have somepony you fancy! I knew it!"


>She smiles sweetly, clopping her fore-hooves together in horse applause. Her eyes go wide as she stares back at you, "So, who is it? Who's the lucky mare that's captured your heart and soul? Tell me, tell me, tell me!"
>She leans closer to you with every 'tell me,' and she didn't stop at three.
"Ease up. And some personal space, please?"
>She doesn't budge, "Tell me!"
>You lean back.
"I'll tell you if you reel it in, okay? You might not be happy to hear it."
>"Nonsense, Anonymous. I'll be overjoyed to hear it, no matter who they may be!"
>You rub the back of your neck again.
"If you're sure..."
>"Positively, absolutely, completely sure!"
>She's almost bouncing on the couch.
>It'd be cute if she wasn't horse-sized.
"... Don't say I didn't warn you, then. It'sー"

(Dubs or first with two votes decides)
>Princess Celestia
>Princess Luna
>Queen Chrysalis


"ーQueen Chrysalis."
>She stops bouncing.
>Her smile is frozen.
>"Come again?"
"It's Queen Chrysalis."
>"Youーthe mare that you fancy, the one you want to pursue, is... Queen Chrysalis?"
"I told you you weren't going to like it."
>Smile still frozen, you can /hear/ the gears turning in her brain as she processes the information. "HowーHow do you even know her? *Do* you know her?"
>She tilts her head, smile still frozen, and you assume is currently trying not to say something unkind about you and your choice.
>You relieve her of keeping up appearances by leaning into the couch and throwing your head over the back, staring up at the ceiling.
"A bit."
>"You know she's... she's /evil/ right? She tried to take over Canterlot. Imprisoned me beneath the castle, andーandーand, to Shiny, she..."
"I heard about the invasion. I know she's not a good pony. Butー"
>"I can't believe you would say something like that to me!"
>Cadence jumps off the couch, the sound of her hooves stomping into the wood floorboards catching your attention.
>Her wings are ready to snap open in anger. She looks pissed off.
>"I understand that you're upset about how things work around here, but that's no reason to be so... so *vile!*"
"Whoa, waー"
>"You could have said anypony else if you wanted to have a joke at my expense, Anonymous. Auntie, me, heck, I think you'd even have a chance with Luna if you were serious about it. But you go for the one you knew would hurt me the most."
"I told you you weren't going to like it!"
>Her nostrils flare as she snorts. Her wings settle against her sides, and after a few deep breaths, she seems to calm down.
"I would've lied if I knew you wouldー"
>"So you're serious?"
"Iーyes, that she's the only one, but I know about her, and that's why Iー"
>"Truly serious?"
"didn'tーyes, I'm serious. I don't know what it is about her, but she just... you know what they say. Love is, uh, blind?"
>"Anonymous."


>She steps forward, once again invading your personal space. She closes her eyes, breathes deeply, then stares into yours.
>It's very uncomfortable.
>"Are you lying to me?"
"N-No."
>"If you are lying to me, it will be the biggest mistake of your life. And mine."
"What do youー"
>"If you truly do, in your heart of hearts, have a place in your heart that only... /she/ can fill..."
"You're not seriー"
>"Then I will help you."
"You are."
>"I am."
>You stare in mute shock.
>She glares back with an expression torn between pain and pity and not without anger.
>You gulp.
>You search your heart.
>... you know it to be true.
>There's something about the sleekness to her body.
>The ferocity she had in her last moments before becoming stone.
>What you had read about how she grew her hive with ambition and tenacity.
>You look at the Equestrian history book on your shelf. That volume contained as much info as you could find about her in the library.
>At least, without looking... weird.
>Princess Cadence follows your gaze.
>She recognizes the title.
>"... You are serious."
"It was just passing fascination. These feelings are... they're new."
>"You're serious now."
"... Yes. I feel seriously about it."
>At that Princess Cadence backs off. She talks as she heads for the door.
>"Allow me time to process and... plan."
"Princess Celestia would never agree toー"
>"If *you* asked her, no. But I know Auntie." She stands at the open door, looking at the fields beyond your doorstep.
"... I'm sorry."
>"... Don't be. Love is blind, after all."
>She leaves you in silence.
>Silence is good. You have a lot to think about.
>And, most likely, a lot of explaining to do in the near future.
>Hoo boy.
>Anonymous, buddy, what have you gotten yourself into?


>"Absolutely not."
>"Hath thou lost thine *mind!?*"
"Aunties, please. Hear me out."
>You are Cadence, Princess of Love and the Crystal Empire.
>And your aunties are livid. Celestia is keeping her composure, but Luna is fit to leap out of her coat.
>Grit your teeth and bear it, Cadence. It's for love.
"It's for love."
>You stand before your aunts in a private antechamber, catching Celestia as she was preparing for bed and Luna as she was preparing for the Night Court. Staring down the two of them makes you feel very small, but you know you have the royal authority to challenge them on this.
"And, as the Princess of Love, it is my duty toー"
>"Cadence, I understand, but in the interest of the well-being of my subjects, and of Equestria as a whole, I cannot it. She is too dangerous."
>"Doth thou not remember what Chrysalis had /done/ to thee?! And yet you beseech our approval to free her for aーa *joke!?* Is it the First Merriment of May? Hath I slept through that many moons?"
"Love is not a joke!"
>You stamp your hoof, ears flicking back and snorting to make a point. You sigh, and recompose yourself. Don't get angry. No, you are angry. Don't show your anger. Actually...
"I am sure you both understand that I am as angry about this ordeal as anypony could be. But I am certain that Anonymous does hold something in his heart for... /her./ And, as the Princess of Love, it is my duty to see that through to its end. But I came to you first, aunties. This cannot work without all of us cooperating."
>"There shall be NO COOPERATION!"
>Your ears twist around and shelter themselves inside your mane. Auntie Luna is using the royal Canterlot voice.
>"Sister, please, control yourseー"
>"No, we shall *NOT* control ourself! We shall speak plainly and state simply what *ALL* of us know! Queen Chrysalis is evil, and she is not to go free under any circumstances! Anonymous must give up this little game of his and be brought to see reason!"


"It is not a game! There is genuine affection that he holds for her! I do not understand how a man as good as him could everー"
>"***SILENCE!***"
>You bow as if on instinct. Whether it be from fear or royal magic, you're unsure.
>"Sister, wait!"
>Luna storms out of the antechamber, ignoring Celestia's protests. You stay low, cowed.
>Celestia sighs.
>"I do not agree with how my sister said it, but she is correct. Cadence, I cannot allow you to free Queen Chrysalis, not even for love. It's too dangerous. We stoned her for a reason. I trust you remember that reason."
>You slowly ascend, yet your gaze remains at your hooves.
"But if there's a chance Chrysalis couldー"
>"No, Cadence. There isn't."
>Auntie steps to your side, nuzzling the back of your neck, "Changelings only take. They can never give."
"You don't know that."
>"If they can give, they keep it a well-kept secret. I've had to deal with them for longer than anypony in Equestria. Tell Anonymous to search his heart for another. I'm sure his heart is not so fickle that there is no other he can give it to."
"... I tried my best. Haven't I, Auntie?"
>You look into her eyes, your own misty. You hate this.
>"Yes, Cadence. But there are limits to what anypony is able to achieve. Even princesses."
>Your eyes go to the floor again.
"I understand. Thank you, Auntie. I'll talk with Anonymous about it in the morning."
>"Goodnight, my little pony."
"Auntie!"
>Celestia chuckles, "Once my little pony, always my little pony. Sweet dreams, Cadence."
"... Sweet dreams, Auntie."
>You leave Celestia and retire to your (temporary) royal chambers. You'll see if you can't change Anon's mind in the morning.
>Love magic may be required.
>For now, a well-deserved sleep.


>We are Princess Luna, and we are royally pissed off.
>We're beyond pissed. We're seething.
>We storm through the castle, allowing ourself to stomp out some steam. The guards know better than to impose themselves on us during this mood, although we would love nothing more than to continue shouting.
>That insolent greenhorn! To suggest such a thing to ourself!
>As if she was not at the mercy of Queen Chrysalis herself, left to rot in deep caves below the castle!
>As if Chrysalis did not attack and injure our sister!
>As if we did not put her down ourself!
>We tear the flowers down from their hanging planters and magick into them lavender and marjoram, with a delicate infusion of your own aromatic spell to ease the castle and her subjects into gentle slumber.
>The guards shall clean up after us.
>How could Anonymous play such a terrible prank on poor Cadence? Does he not know how dedicated she is?
>To make her come to ourself and our sister, begging to free a pony that had been so... so...!
>We stomp and snort and fume. Our horn sparks with indignation and righteous anger. Out of everypony that man could have chosen...!
"We shall set him upon the straight and narrow ourself. After a proper tongue-lashing, mayhap he shall be repentant for this cruel joke and be honest with others."
>We could share our own ways of opening up to others. He shares more with us than he may think. Perhaps we could even...
>No, Luna, that is a dangerous line of thought.
>We must harden our heart.
>Finish with our first order of business for the Night Court, we march towards our royal balcony and begin our second order of business: with a glow of our horn, we enter the Sphere of Dreaming.
>We find some respite in our domain. But we may tary not. The night is short, and we have much work needing done.


>Thankfully, terrors this night are few and far between. Gliding from dream to dream, we are perhaps curt in our duties, but we pray that our loyal subjects will forgive us this once. It is not an abuse we often commit, so surely it is permissible in an emergency?
>We must not doubt ourself. Exiting from the last terror, in which Rarity broke the last needle in the world and was then given an unbreakable one by none other than ourself, we float through the aether towards the dream of Anonymous.
>Piercing the veil to his dreamscape, we alight upon a quiet, moss-drenched boulder overlooking a sea, a rocky beach buffeting the salty spray of waves from reaching our outlook.
>On this beach sits Anonymous, in his resting hands a gouge and mallet, thoughtfully considering a tall, black, stripped trunk. We jump down from our perch and approach him.
"Anonymous. We have sought thy audience for a purpose you must be well aware of."
>He turns to look at us, "Oh, hey, Princess Luna. I'm dreaming, then?"
>We nod.
"Pardon our intrusion, but this is royal business."
>He sighs, "Guess I was wrong to hope this would fly under the radar."
"Why hath thou played such a terrible joke upon Princess Cadence?"
>"Getting right into it, then?"
"Do not waste our time, Anonymous."
>We finish our approach as he sighs again. He averts his gaze from us, looking at the log.
>"It's not a joke."
"Of course it is a joke! We do not know from where thy sudden gallows humor hath sprung forth, but we shall end it at once!"
>"Luna, it's notー"
"End it at ***ONCE!***"
>He flinches, falling from the squat stool he rocks upon.
>He flips himself over, leveraging his long arms to sit upright, "Jesus Christ, I'm telling you, it's not a joke! I'm not joking! I'm serious!"
"She is evil, Anonymous! There is not a piteous or remorseful bone within her!"


>"Bugs don't haveーthat's not the point. It's a feeling, okay? I've tried to escape it, but I can't. I try to put my mind to anyone else, but ever since Princess Cadence pushed the issue, it's been serious."
"***HOW CAN THOU BE SERIOUS IN PROFESSING LOVE FOR A MONSTER?***"
>His core tightens and knees draw in, freeing his hands to cover his ears.
>"I DON'T KNOW! WHY DON'T YOU GO ASK YOUR SISTER?"
>It's as if we were struck.
>We recoil, fore-hoof raised and ready to return the blow, our countenance contorted in rage and sorrow.
"Thou... thou did not mean it."
>He keeps his hands clamped over his ears, eyes burning as he stares us down.
"We were never like her!"
"We did not... our intentions were..."
>"I've read about Queen Chrysalis. I know what she's done. It's horrible. But you know what? I don't care. Maybe all she needs is a second chance."
>We open our mouth to speak, but he silences us by pressing onward, "But you know who I couldn't read about? Nightmare Moon."
"Do not speak her name!"
>"Isn't it funny how she's been stricken from the books? Even the legends that talk about her mention nothing beyond threatening an 'eternal night.' Tell me, Princess Luna, who /was/ Nightmare Moon?"
"Stopー"
>"Where did she go?"
"STOPー"
>"And where was Princess Luna during those thousand yeaー"
"***WE SAID TO NOT SPEAK OF IT!***"
>Anonymous crumples and the dream dissolves. We are floating in the aether of the Sphere of Dreams, and we feel utterly alone.
"Anonymous..."
>So utterly, totally alone.


>You are Anonymous, and your life has capsized in a matter of sixteen hours.
>Your dreams were intruded upon by Princess Luna, and your sleep has been ruined.
>You wake up in a foul mood after being magically punted from slumber, and you feel like shit.
"Goddamn royalty... goddamn meddling... Jesus."
>You spin yourself and stand up from bed, dragging yourself across the shack to the kitchen. A clock hangs on the wall above the ice box, reading early morning. The sun should be up in a couple hours.
>No sense in trying to go back to sleep, then.
>You groan, stretch, and put the kettle on. Throw a couple sticks in the wood stove. Get the tinder smoking...
>You retrieve a burlap sack of Zebrican coffee beans. Coffee, an expensive import you've had to learn to do without since arriving in Equestria, is going to be necessary to make it through the day.
>Especially if you receive a royal summons.
>You are not in the mood to deal with a royal summons.
>Not that your mood is going to get you out of one.
>The dream is already escaping recollection. Try as you might to grab hold of it, the tails you snag turn to vapors and float away. You're left with a negative impression of Princess Luna, and that's it.
>Well, that's not good. Hopefully she won't bring it up because you are not going to be ready for a pop quiz.
>You grind the beans by hand, a pleasantly mindless process that lets your thoughts wander to Chrysalis.
>You want to know more about her. Frankly, it's annoying.
>You were doing just fine with your light interest in Equestrian history before, and now you feel a longing you hadn't known since...
>Well, shit, since when? High school? Did you ever crush on a girl?
>Don't think so. Your parents pushed you to get into the college-level classes, and lookers were few and far between.
>Even better, you're having completely foreign feelings you never asked for and have no past experiences to guide you.


>Your parents would definitely have ruled Queen Chrysalis out. Even if she wasn't a bug-horse thing, she'd be a bad influence on you.
>Oh, god, your heart. There's that tightness again. That excitement.
>Are these feelings a late-blooming teenage rebellion?
>God, that's pathetic.
>Your reverie is ended by the shrill whistle of the kettle. You dump the fine grounds into a paper filter, the pour-over carafe catching the piping hot dark roast. You toss a log into the stove and get comfortable on the couch, retrieving the library book you loaned from Twilight Sparkle.
>Volume three of seven, huh...
>Well, not like you'll be checking any out today. You sip your coffee and flip the book open to a full-page woodprint of Queen Chrysalis.
>Tall, alluring, and confident. She flies proud out of the commander's post, a legion of elite changelings reverting out of their royal disguises. An invasion of a frontier fortress soon after the Nightmare Moon incident, a decisive victory in her favor. Many ponies were taken that day. Most were saved after Celestia's campaign to Queen Chrysalis' hive. Some... weren't.
>You shudder. Actually, you feel sick.
>What's wrong with you?

>...

>"Anonymous."
"Cadence."
>She's brought a royal carriage right to your doorstep. You give a smile to the pegasi guards, receiving only a stoic nod in return. You invite Cadence inside.
>You spend a moment to admire the wonderful view of the moon's setting and the sun's rising. A warm summer dawn.
>You close the door.
"I take it the carriage is there to take me to Canterlot?"
>She settles in on the couch as you begin preparing tea, "That depends on how this talk goes over. My meeting with my aunties yesterday evening did not go exactly as planned, but it went about as well as I could have hoped. A little worse, actually."
"Princess Luna came to me in my dreams. I don't recall what happened, but I have a very bad feeling about it."


>She offers you a nervous smile, "I believe she was behaving more emotionally than she would have liked. I hope you do not hold it against her."
>You shrug your shoulders.
"Like I said, I just remember it wasn't a nice dream. Won't do me any good to linger on it."
>You lapse into mutual silence. It's not until you're seated with Cadence and sipping your tea that you break the silence.
"When I think about Queen Chrysalis, I lose my breath. There's an alien desire with a stranglehold on my chest. But when I think about who she is, what she's done... my love feels all wrong."
>"Love is never wrong, Anon. But sometimes it can be... misplaced."
"How is that not the same thing?"
>She glares at you, but relaxes and sighs, "I've been thinking about the meeting I had yesterday with my aunties, and... I think they were right to deny my request, Anon. Queen Chrysalis is too dangerous for them to agree to free her."
"So, that's that, then? You're giving up on me?"
>"No! I'm just going to help you find somepony else that you can pursue. I'm sure you can find another that your heart belongs to."
"So there's no such thing as true love here?"
>"That'sー There is, but your case is unique, and I think we both agree it would be irresponsible to let you pursue it, right?"
>The tea turns bitter on your tongue, and your mood follows suit. You put your tea down.
"So she *is* my true love? Queen Chrysalis?"
>"Iー We don't know that for a fact. We would have to consult the Crystal Heart, andー"
"Then let's go consult it."
>Cadence bites her lower lip.
>"Anonymous, sometimes sacrifices for the greater good have toー"
"You want me to half-ass loving somepony else?"
>"I don't want the love of everypony to be in danger because of /you./"
"It wasn't until /you/ had to butt into my life! I was happy before! Now that I know I'm missing something, Iー"


>"I am *sorry,* Anon. Please believe me, I never meant you any harm. But that doesn't mean what I did was a mistake. Do you know how many ponies feel love for Auntie?"
"Iー I don't know, a lot?"
>"And do you think all of them can be with her?"
"Obviously not, butー"
>"And yet, they move on and find wonderful lovers of their own."
"But are those lovers their true lovers?"
>"Love isn't all-or-nothing, Anon. Not everypony is lucky enough to find their true love, but it's my responsibility to, when *conscionable,* bring two true lovers together."
"And it's not conscionable to release a villain on a whim of true love."
>"Precisely. Especially when we do not know what could happen. Pardon me for suggesting this, but it's likely that Queen Chrysalis would corrupt you."
"I know she's evil, but you make her sound like a monー"
>Oh. The dream is coming back to you now.
>"She's a changeling, Anonymous. I wish it weren't so, but changelings can only take. They never give."
>You palm your face as you remember the conversation. It floods back into your mind as if a barrier was broken. Everything is rendered in crisp, clean detail. The argument, Luna shouting you off your stool, and what you retorted with.
>Right or not, that was a low blow.
>"Anon?"
"Sorry, just remembered my dream. I think I owe Princess Luna an apology."
>"She'll have retired for the day by now. I'm sure she would be delighted to speak with you tonight, though."
>Another silence lingers. Your mood darkens as a depression sets in.
"So I'm never going to find true love, then?"
>"... We don't know that it's true love."
"You won't let me go see the Crystal Heart."
>"It's a long trip, andー"
"Don't make up lame excuses. You already have a good one. You know what the Crystal Heart would say if you asked it. You're linked to it, aren't you?"
>"In a manner of speaking. Look, Anon, it's not that bad."


"The Princess of Love is telling someone that it isn't 'that bad' that they will never be with their true love."
>"Don't make this harder on us than it has to be."
"How am I supposed to love another pony now that I know there's someone out there that's truly for me, but I'll never be able to experience that?"
>"I have spells thatー"
"Don't you dare screw with my mind."
>"It's not like that!"
"Then what is it like?"
>"It's just planting the seed."
"So I can slowly feel myself change? Don't you know how messed up that sounds?"
>"And how is a magically planted seed any different from you going out with a pony and them growing on you? Huh?"
"It just is!"
>"Don't be stubborn about this, Anon. It's for your own good."
"This whole charade has been in the name of my own good. I'd rather do something for my own /bad/ if this is what's *good.*"
>"Look, it'll be over before you know it. We can find some ponies you like, andー"
"No!"
>You stand up, slamming your cup on the table during your ascent.
"You're not going to go messing around inside my head! I got enough of that shit last night. Just leave."
>Cadence stands from the couch, pained tenacity painted on her face, "Anon, I'm asking you as a friend. Please, let's just try this out. For me."
"Some friend you've been! You invade my life, give me false hope, then take everything away from me at the last second, wanting me to settle for second-best. I'd rather never love and know that, if I had been able to, it would have been pure, than to give somepony else a second-rate lover. I'll deal with that pain alone. There's no need to bring someone else along for the ride."
>"You won't be second-rate! You'll be first-rate! We can alter your memorー"
>You point to the door.
"OUT!"
>"Anonymous, please."
>You storm towards her, still pointing.
"OUT OF MY FUCKING HOUSE!"
>"Don't force me."
"DON'T /TOY/ WITH ME LIKE THIS!"
>She doesn't retreat. You get right up in her face.


>"Anonymous. For both of our sake's, please. Don't do something that we'll both regret."
>Her guards have already invaded your home, spears at the ready. Far more than you could hope to handle.
"*Out.*"
>Cadence sets her face into a stony expression. "... Under my royal authority as Princess Mi Amore Cadenza of the Crystal Kingdomー"
"You're joking."
>"ーI am placing you under the temporary watch of the Royal Guard of the Crystal Kingdom."
"You're not joking. You're actually arresting me."
>"*House* arrest, Anonymous. And it's for everypony's own good. You're upset. I'm upset. We are not thinking with level heads. This is to make sure neither of us do something we will regret."
"I can't believe it. I cannot fucking believe you."
>"I have to look out for everypony, Anon! I don't get to make easy decisions, or nice decisions! I have to make hard decisions that are in ***EVERYPONY'S*** best interests!"
>The sudden burst of royal Canterlot voice stuns you, and you fall onto your couch. Princess Cadence retreats from your home, and her guards leave it. You think she was crying.
>You sit there, mad. Mad as hell. Mad and alone.
>You feel like doing something stupid.
>Something extremely stupid.
>But you'll have to wait for your house arrest to be over.
>You just fucked up, Princess.
>You fucked up big time.


>Princess Celestia and Luna don't want to free Queen Chrysalis? That's understandable. Commendable, even. They're just doing their job.
>Princess Cadence not sticking to her principles, caving in to her aunts' desires? Less so.
>Why even have the title of princess if you are not their equal?
>Well, you don't need her help. You've already made up your mind.
>You, Anonymous, are going to conspire to free Queen Chrysalis.
>And you don't need to wait until your house arrest is over to start planning.
>However, causing as much trouble for Cadence as you can will make you feel better, so you walk over to your bedroom and sit down at your desk.
>Stationary, ink, and quill. It's time to make an appeal as a citizen of the sovereign kingdom of Equestria being unjustly subject to the rule of a foreign power.
>A grin creeps across your face as you pen the first line with a flourish, 'Dear Princess Celestia...'


"Cadence."
>"A-Auntie...?"
>You are Princess Celestia.
>And you are less than enthused by the trouble your niece has been brewing the past two days.
"I have received a letter from Anonymous by way of one of your royal guards. Would you care to read it?"
>You sit upon your throne, the letter in question floating before Princess Cadence. It was a formality to ask her, but she nods regardless, her eyes flitting across the page. A frown grows, and with that frown panic sets into her eyes.
>"A-Auntie, Anonymous has grossly mischaracterized the situation. I simply did what I thought was best forー"
"Cadence."
>"Eep."
"I understand that you have authority in the realm of love, but perhaps you are overstepping your boundaries by imprisoning one of my subjects within his own home?"
>"It's not like I could take him back to the Crystal Empー"
>You lower your eyelids. She changes course.
>"I-It was a rash decision, but Anonymous was acting irrationally. He wouldn't even hear me out on the subject of love magic!"


>You lower an eyebrow.
"Acting irrationally?"
>"I was not threatening him withーwith mind-control magic! That's not what I do, or who I am! I just wanted to help him move on, maybe to forget just a little bit to make the process smoother, all with his permission. If he would just have heard me out, this never would have happened."
"And you feel that your pressing of the issue of love with him, with your presence no less, did not contribute to his unwillingness to cooperate?"
>"M-Maybe, but I had apologized many times. I want to help him with the baggage he has with love, butーwell, his... his true love didn't make it easy to get that far..."
>You return to neutral, having made up your mind on the matter.
"I am overriding your house arrest of Anonymous. Do you have any objections?"
>"I-I do. I think that Anonymous is in an emotionally turbulent state, and that he needs to be protected from himself, or else he might hurt himself, or somepony else."
"And, as you are ultimately responsible for putting him in this state, having your guards will only prolong his emotional torment. I am sending a letter to your royal guard relieving them of their duty and to immediately return to the Crystal Empire, along with their princess."
>"Auntieー!"
"And,"
>You allow the faintest frown to dirty your face.
"You are going to write a satisfactory and /sincere/ apology to Anonymous. Do not try to spin it to convince him to give your magic a chance, Princess Cadence. I will have one of my advisors act as a proof-reader. Do you have any objections?"
>"... No..."
"I am glad that we've come to an agreement. I have no further business I wish to bring up. If you do not, this meeting is adjourned."
>Your niece looks up at you with hurt eyes. You close yours and sigh.
"I understand that you're trying your best, Cadence. But Anonymous is much more complex than any of our little ponies. Please, treat him with the same respect as you would give my sister or me."


>She nods. You give her a small smile.
"Hopefully, this will soon be water under the bridge. A memory we can look back and laugh at, in time."
>"I-I hope so too, Auntie."
>A pause, "I'll be going now, then. It was nice to see you."
"It was nice to see you, too, Cadence."
>Your niece leaves the throne room and you allow yourself to relax slightly.
>There's a prickle on the back of your neck. A prickle that you've learned well enough by now to trust.
>The trouble is far from over, but you don't see it spiraling out of control just yet.
>You'll ask your sister to visit Anonymous in his dreams to smooth things over on her end.
>For now, though, it's time to call for a recess and have yourself a well-deserved cake.
>Today will be... black forest cake, yes. It is the height of cherry season, after all!
>But first, you must write your letter for Anonymous. Cadence's guard will take it back for you.
>Then cake. Delicious cake.


>You are Anonymous, and your mood has improved significantly since this morning. Princess Celestia herself seems to have given Cadence a proper lashing and you are no longer under house arrest. She did say to expect a visit from Princess Luna tonight, but you assume that's just going to be a check-up to make sure everything's smoothed over.
>And you are going to play it cool as a cucumber. Well, no, not quite that cool. You're upset and are going to let some of that show, but behaving like you're starting to get over it will keep her from being overly suspicious of you.
>You threw yourself into your work to clear your head. You finally finished putting together the escritoire, and next up comes putting all of the finishing touches, like staining and varnish. You don't feel like getting a headache before bed, though, so you'll save it for tomorrow. Throw a coat on, then plan your next steps on freeing Queen Chrysalis.
>But! That can all wait until tomorrow. For now, you need to get into a good headspace for dreaming.


>Ten minutes and one chamomile latte with ample cinnamon and honey to hide that nasty herbal taste later and you're well on your way to sleep.
>"Anonymous."
>Oh, shit, you're dreaming.
>You find yourself hanging wooden frames on the walls of Délice de Venice, your escritoire nowhere in sight. Actually, the fine dining establishment is devoid of anything except empty frames. Curious.
"Princess Luna. I want to apologize for what Iー"
>She holds a hoof up, "No, Anonymous, we art the ones who need to apologize. We had let our emotions get the better of us, and it was unfair to subject thee to them."
"I was way out of line, myself. I said something awful, and I did it just to get a rise out of you. I'm sorry for taking my anger for Cadence out on you."
>Princess Luna is quiet for a spell. You leave the empty frame hanging in mid-air, pulling a chair out from a table for two and gesturing for her to take a seat. She obliges, and you take the one across from her.
"So, what's this visit about? Princess Celestia told me to expect you, but not what it would beー"
>"Thou art right."
"ーaboーhuh? Right about what?"
>"About our... being a monster."
"... I said that out of anger, I didn'tー"
>"In anger or not, thou spoke the truth. Our past was not pristine; far from it."
>Shit, how do you handle this?
>Out of any possible conversation, this wasn't one you expected.
>"Forgive us for not delving further into it, for it is a pain we do not wish to remember, yet must live with every day."
>She locks eyes with you, a steel expression causing you to straighten your posture and press back against the chair back in surprise.
>"But our actions were done in a time of great emotional turmoil. We do not wish to see thee commit the same mistakes as we once had. So we beseech thee, as pony to pony, to move on."
>You purse your lips. There's a trembling to her eyes that worms its way down your throat. You almost want to promise her that you will. Butー
>You avert your gaze.


>In the corner of your eye, you see her look down at the tablecloth, eyebrows hard-set in a stare fit to burn through the cloth and the wood it covers.
>"There is a key difference between Queen Chrysalis and we, as we are sure thou art aware."
"Something like... 'Changelings always take. They never give.'?"
>She nods, "The changeling is simply incompatible with the pony way of life. They are creatures that feed upon the emotions of others. Equestria cannot co-exist with them."
"And there's no way around that? No... magic, or anything?"
>"No."
>A little too curt an answer for your taste, but you sigh and let it go. You're certain there has to be a way. There must be. Something the princesses had overlooked, or a solution that was lost somewhere along the way.
"I guess that's that, then."
>"We art sorry, Anonymous. We know how painful a life without love can be, and what it can do..."
>She pauses. A shorn fetlock, gleaming silver in the mellow ambiance of Délice de Venice, crosses her side of the table and settles on yours.
>"If thou art ever in need of somepony to confide in, we promise that we shall always be there to listen."
>You look down at her hoof, following the silky blue fur back to her face. A slight smile and concerned eyes with light playing across the iris greets you.
>You smile back, but don't take her hoof.
>You don't want to give her any false hopes.
"I appreciate it, Luna. I'll think about it."
>"Of course. Of course..."
>Her hoof withdraws, a mixture of emotions flitting through her face before she settles upon a neutral, royal resolve.
>"That concludes the matters we had to discuss with thee. If thou art satisfied with our meeting, we shall continue our duties as Princess of the Night."
>You nod.
"Thanks for dropping by. I was worried I wouldn't get the chance to apologize for what I had said."
>"Think nothing of it, Anonymous. We would not let petty squabble divide us from our subjects."


>You hear her mutter under her breath, "Not anymore, at least."
>You bid her farewell and, after she leaves, turn back to your dream.
>Well, as long as you're here...
>Where is the best spot for that escritoire?


>Morning arrives just as you find the perfect position.
>You fly to your desk and get the layout to paper before you forget.
>With that secure, you tilt your chair back on two legs and stretch, making all sorts of good-stretch noises.
>You know that today is going to be a good day.
>And why do you know that?
>Because you realized the perfect route forward in your dream last night.
>Princess Cadence is a threat to the integrity of your mind.
>Queen Chrysalis is sealed away in a statue, which you have no hope of breaking her out of alone.
>These two factors mean you need somepony with mighty magic.
>And, it just so happens, you know a unicorn that fits the bill.
>You're pretty sure you even have the perfect pitch to win her over, at least for long enough to get your love free from her prison.
>Yes, Twilight Sparkle should do nicely.
>Now, you need to refine that pitch.
>Work on it over the course of several days.
>Maybe a week.
>The Grand Galloping Gala is at the end of summer, isn't it?
>That seems like the perfect time to strike.
>Until then, you'll just lie in wait.
>Like a snake in the grass, ready to strike.
>You chuckle to yourself, palming your forehead.
>Christ, you need to cool it with the fantasy before you start coming up with a name for this plan.
>... Operation Lovebug?
>You shake your head and move to the kitchen.
>A hot cup of tea should clear your thoughts.

>[one week later...]

>You are Twilight Sparkle, and you have been having a great day!
>You practically leapt out of bed after a good night's sleep, Spike had just finished making delicious haycakes and eggs, and soon after Derpy arrivedーon time, for once!ーwith a package of books on friendship and magic you had requested from the Royal Canterlot Library.
>And after only a few hours' of study, you've already found some missing pieces of the puzzle for your latest spell.
>What spell, you asked?
>You're glad you asked!
>The Grand Galloping Gala is coming soon, and it's the perfect time to present your research results. You're working on a friendship chart!
>It's a novel way to explore relationships between ponies. With only parchment and a pony, you can map out their complete web of friendships!
>You can show the strength of those friendships and use it to help diagnose friendship problems before they even begin!
>You're prancing in place, incredibly pleased with yourself, when you get a visitor to your library.
"Anonymous! Finished with your book already?"
>The tall 'human'ーyou took great care to commit the pronunciation to memoryーsmiles, handing the book in his hands off to Spike to be processed and returned, "Yeah. Equestrian history is fascinating. It's so different from Earth's."
>"Did you want another volume, Anon? May as well grab it while I'm up here!"
>"Oh, sure. I'll take 4 next."
>"Coming right up!"
>"Thanks, Spike. Man, you've grown! Ready for a new bed yet?"
>Spike blushes, "Hehe, you think so? No, my bed's just fine."
>"Someday soon, then!"
>"Shucks. Yeah, soon!"
>Ah, what a nice stallion Anonymous is! You're glad Spike has an older stallion in his life. Anon's a good role model for him.
>You should ask him to stay!
"Do you have time to stick around, Anonymous? I just finished a new spell, and I'd love to get some practice in on casting it."
>Anonymous frowns at you, "It's not gonna do anything weird to me, right?"


>You put on a smile and shake your head. You speak as you walk back to your table where your notes are splayed across it.
"Of course not! I'd never ask somepony to test a spell for me if it was /dangerous./ Here, look."
>You grab the preliminary test parchment mapping your own friendships in your mouth and bring it over to him. He kneels down and takes it from you, looking it over.
>"It's a bunch of cutie marks with lines going everywhere."
"I call it the Friendship Map. It shows all of your friendships you have and how strong they are. Don't you think that's just so cool?"
>The corners of the human's lips turn down, "I'm not sure this is the best idea, Twilight. What if ponies get jealous of another pony's friendship strength with their friend?"
>You snort, rolling your eyes with a wry grin.
"As if /that/ would ever happen, Anonymous."
>"I saw it happen back on Earth, y'know. They called it 'social media,' and people could get really upset over how weak their relationships were with their friends when they thought they were strong."
>Well, that's putting a bit of a damper on your day.
"Ponies and humans share many similarities, but we're not exactly alike. Although... I guess something like that /could/ happen, but it's better that we find out and fix it than let it run its course and ruin a friendship."
>He shrugs his shoulders, standing back up, "You may have a point. I don't see the harm in trying the spell out. Actually, it's going to make what I came here for a lot easier to talk about."
"Are you having friendship troubles with somepony?"
>"Something like that. And, if you don't mind..."
>Anonymous looks down to Spike, who has just plucked and processed Anon's book he wanted to check out, "Here you go, Anon! Due back in one month's time."
>Anonymous kneels down again, taking the book with another smile, "Thanks, Spike. Twilight and I have a private matter to discuss, so I'd like to ask you if we could have some time alone?"


>In his free hand, he pulls out a few bits, "How about you get everypony some ice cream? Treat yourself to extra gems."
>"Oh, golly, really? Twilight, can I?"
>You cover your snout, giggling at the little bit of drool Spike hasn't noticed at the corner of his mouth.
"Go ahead. I want mint pistachio!"
>"Chocolate strawberry swirl for me."
>Spike gives a mock salute and scurries out the door, tail wagging in delight.
>Anonymous sits on the floor beside your notes-strewn table, "So, that spell?"
"Yes, of course. Let me fetch a fresh sheet and I'll begin immediately."
>You bite down on a sheet hanging out of place and pull it from the stack, magically clearing the desk to give Anon's Friendship Map a flat surface. You double-check your notes as you give him instructions.
"Okay, place your hoーhands, place your hands on the parchment and think about all of your friends!"
>You watch Anonymous splay his hands on the bottom of the parchment, close his eyes, and take deep breaths. You don't want to disturb his concentration, so you wait a few moments before casting the spell.
>The violet aura of your magic canvases the page, colors flowing from his fingers as the web of his friends is put to paper.
>You smile as you see your and your friends' cutie marks appear on the map, along with many other ponies' cutie marks. Some lines are strong (like the one to yours!), most are weak (you'll have work with him on that.), and one line is a bold red shooting to the top of the page with...
>Huh.
>You look at the page, then up to Anonymous.
>His eyes are open, looking at the map. He moves his gaze to you.
>You look back at the map.
>He looks back at the map.
"Is that..."
>"That's what I wanted to talk with you about, Twilight."
"Is that Queen Chrysalis' crown?"
>"Yes."
"But the line is red."
>"It is."
"And it's the boldest line on the Friendship Map."
>"I have an idea what that might mean, but it's your spell. Does it mean what I think it means?"


"Do you feel that way about... about *her?*"
>"I do. So it does, then."
"You..."
>"The magic works, right?"
"Yes, butー"
>"So you see the problem?"
"Maybe I made a mistー"
>"Twilight."
>Your mind is slowly accelerating as it takes into consideration the full weight of what this Friendship Map means.
>"I need your help."
"No."
>"Twilight."
"No!"
>You bunch the map up and toss it into the waste bin, going back for another sheet of paper.
>You justーyou just miscast the spell! That's all. Haha, wow, what a silly mistake to make, Twilight! If Princess Celestia knew about this, she wouldー
"If Princess Celestia knew aboutー"
>Anonymous is on you in a split second, picking you up in a tight hug. You squeak and kick your legs. "Twilight, please, listen to me. This is serious. Iー"
>You teleport yourself out from Anon's grasp, appearing on the other side of the room.
"This is beyond serious, Anon! This isーthis is *insane!* How can you love Queen Chryー"
>He starts approaching you. You backpedal. "Twi, please. Just listen to me. Okay? I just want you to listenー"
"No, no, no! I don't want to hear it, Anon! You're crazy! This is crazy!"
>Anon stops. He looks... hurt? He sits down on the floor, sighing, shoulders slumped, "I know it is. That's why I'm here to ask you for help."
>You stop, rump against a bookshelf. You don't want to get any closer, but the way he looks makes you not want to move further away, either.
>"Twi, do you think some ponies can't be changed?"
>Ponies? No. But she's not...
>You walk towards Anonymous, trying your best to hide mounting disgust with a look of sympathy.
"She's not a pony, Anonymous. She's *bad.* She's hurt a lot of ponies. Sheーshe gooed Cadence in those caves and pretended to be her! She tricked everyone! All for her own benefー"
>He raises his head, "It wasn't for her own benefit. It was for her hive. Her /children,/ Twilight."
>You pause, hoof in the air. Even if...


"EーEven if it was for her foals, that didn't give her the *right* toー"
>"Would you let your kids starve?"
"She's *k-killed* ponies, Anon."
>"She's never been given a chance!"
>No, you have to put your hoof down. He doesn't even know what he's talking about.
"She never *wanted* a chance! You've only read one history book! I've read all of them, and she instigated conflict with Equestria. Celestia /tried/ diplomacy, multiple times! Chrysalis has always been in the wrong."
>"Who writes those history books?"
"Anonymous. Please don't make that argument. You're better than that."
>"Well, we've never had a history book written by /her,/ have we?"
"No, but that's not the pointー"
>"And it's not as if Princess Celestia hasn't revised the records before. Does the name 'Nightmare Moon' ring a bell?"
>He stands up. His size is... scary. You backpedal.
>He advances, "Yeah, how about that? Princess Celestia doesn't have a perfect record of historical truth, does she?"
"Don't talk about Princess Celestia like that! She had very good reasons for masking the truth about Nightmare Moon! It's not as if sheーshe went out of her way to publish misinformation. She just redacted it from the record! That's completely different."
>"Nightmare Moon came back. Do you remember that?"
>He stops advancing, laughs. It's insincere. Your ears pin against your skull.
>"Who do you think deserves a second chance more? Nightmare Moon, or Queen Chrysalis?"
"You can't compare them. Nightmare Moon was still a pony! She just... lost her way."
>"Spike isn't a pony. How come you're fine living with him?"
"Stop *doing this,* Anonymous. You know why Queen Chrysalis and changelings can't live with ponies! They EAT emotions! They DRAIN them from ponies! It'sーIt's horrible!"
>"What if they didn't need to?"
"They need to."
>"But what if they didn't."


"They *need* to, Anonymous. Princess Celestia already had /Starswirl the Bearded/ investigate this. Do you think Starswirl could make such a foalish mistake?"
>"Did Starswirl have the cooperation of Queen Chrysalis?"
"... No, Anon."
>"Exactly."
"That's not what I'm saying 'no' to."
>"Twilight, think about the research."
"No."
>"Has anypony done it before?"
"No, butー"
>"So you'd be the first."
"I'm *not* going to be the first. I'm not doing it."
>"Twilight."
"No."
>"We're friends."
"Friendship only goes so far, Anon!"
>"How far will love go?"
"That'sー"
>"I love her, Twilight."
>He closes the distance. He kneels before you. Then he does this... this weird pose, with his forehead on the floor.
>It makes you very uncomfortable.
>Is he crying?
>"Please."
>You're not going to give in to him crying.
>This is ridiculous. Preposterous! Inconceivable!
>ToーTo set free Queen Chrysalis? In the name of love? If he's doing it in the name of love, she should go seeー
"Go talk to Cadence about it! I'm sure she'll vouch for you toー"
>"She gave up on me. On us."
"For good reason! Anonymous, nopony would be safe if Queen Chrysalis was freed!"
>"She gave up on *love,* Twilight. My love. She wants me to settle for somepony else."
"This isn't really something I know a lot aboー"
>"Twilight, please. I've already pleaded with you every way I know how. You saw the map. You know I'm serious about this."
"Even if you are serious, Iー"
>"I won't let anything happen."
"Anonymous, you have no way ofー"
>"I *won't* let *anything* happen."
"You can'tー"
>"I. Won't. Let. Anything. Happen."
"Yー"
>"I. Won't. Letー"
"I heard you the first time!"
>You teleport away again, clear to the other side of the room.
>Anonymous doesn't turn around. He stays there, pressing himself against the floor, silent.
>All you can hear is his and your own breathing. The blood pounding in your ears.
>What if you /did/ get Queen Chrysalis' cooperation?


>Twilight Sparkle. Do not think like that.
>Think about how much research you could do.
>No, don't! Do not!
>And if you managed to find a breakthrough, think about how much safer Equestria would be.
"Stop, stop, STOP!"
>You huff and you puff.
>You just shouted to yourself.
>Anonymous still hasn't moved.
>"Twilight, please. I'm begging you."
>Think about how Princess Celestia would praise you for finally achieving harmony between ponykind and changelings.
"Gah! This is stupid! It's so stupid!"
>"Please."
>You would definitely get awards. Princess Celestia would be amazed.
"IT'S STUPID AND Iー"
>It would be the ultimate friendship lesson.
"I'LL HELP YOU! I'LL HELP! THERE!"
>You swear Anon learned teleportation because in the next second you have a puffy-eyed giant squeezing the life out of you in a blubbering hug.
>"Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you! You're the best, Twilight! The best!"
"Get *off* of me youー"
>"Uh, guys?"
>Spike stands in the open doorway, your hooves smooshing Anon's face as you try to peel him off of you. A drip of mint pistachio ice cream hits the floorboards.
>"Are you two okay?"
>You magically separate yourself from Anonymous and fix your mane and coat. Anonymous is the one who speaks up, "We were having a heart-to-heart. Everything is fine now."
"Everything is *not* fine, but... I'll be doing what I can. That ice cream sounds really good right now."
>"Yeah, yeah it does."
>Spike raises an eyebrow, but shrugs, mumbling to himself, "Grown-ups are weird."
>Oh, Twilight, you silly filly. Your day was going so well before.
>What have you gotten yourself into?


>"Bad idea bad idea bad idea bad ideaー"
"Twilight, *chill.* We've been planning this for /weeks./ Don't blow it by freaking out."
>"This is a terrible idea why did I let you talk me into this Princess Celestia is going to have my horn can you see those stars I can see stars oh my goodness I think I'm having a panic attackー"
"TWI."
>You kneel down and grab your hyperventilating periwinkle unicorn pal by her withers and stare into the pinpricks of her eyes.
"Deep breaths. In, two, three, four..."
>"In... t-two, three, fuh-four..."
"five, six, seven, eight..."
>You were walking up the cobblestone paths of Canterlot to the castle until Twilight Sparkle saw the first guard of the night.
>He wasn't even facing your direction. He was just walking ahead of you towards the castle, guiding some out-of-towners.
>Why anypony needed to be guided to the gleaming castle on the hill was beyond you, but ponies get stressed easily.
>Case in point, your partner in crime, Twilight Sparkle, is manually breathing at your direction.
>If you stop helping her breathe, she might actually suffocate.
"Out, two, three, four. Let's go over the plan one more time. In, two, three, four..."
>Twilight Sparkle nods her head. The two of you are dressed up nicely for the Grand Galloping Gala, you in a brand new suit courtesy of Rarity, and Twilight Sparkle in some frou-frou glittery get-up complete with saddle. You insisted that she didn't have the 'stench of a liar' about her, whatever that meant.
>"Five, six, seven, eight..."
"We go in. Mingle. You follow my lead. You don't have to do anything until the ball at the end. Excuse yourself. I'll meet you in front of Queen Chrysalisー*breathe,* fillyーand we steal her. I have the cart ready at my home. Teleport her there, then me. Tell them I had to leave because I forgot my stove was on or something. I'll take her to those ruins in the Everfree, and we can figure out where to go from there. Got it?"


>She nods, the breathing exercise having calmed her down.
"The plan isn't going to fail. Butー"
>"It's not going to fail. It's not going to fail."
"ー*but,* if anything /does,/ I'm taking full responsibility. If you have to stop me, I won't hold it against you."
>"But it's not going to fail."
"It's not."
>"Okay."
"We good?"
>She shakes her head, "No, but..."
"But it's not going to fail."
>Twilight looks into your eyes, searching for assurance. You give it to her.
"Ready?"
>"... As ready as I'll ever be."
"Then let's go."
>You exchange a nod and resume your walk up the lamp-lit streets of Canterlot towards the castle.
>The two of you give your tickets to the guards and enter the castle proper. It's overflowing with activity. Everywhere you turn, there are ponies from all over Equestria socializing, business deals being made, gossip given and offense taken, and royal guards watching over it all.
>"Anonymous! Twilight Sparkle!"
>Princess Cadence already? She must have been more excited than you had thought. You took advantage of her apology letting to open discourse with her, and have used it to make her think you might have some interest in Twilight Sparkle.
>For whatever reason, she was very encouraging about it.
>She trots up to the pair of you, all smiles, "I'm so glad you made it! And the two of you make quite the pair! Hehehe～"
>"C-Cadence!"
>You pat the blushing Twilight's head, commandeering the conversation by getting your spastic cohort to tie her own tongue before she trips over it.
"Thank you kindly, Cadence. Our outfits are courtesy of Rarity, if you hear anyone ask."
>A wink and a smile causes Cadence to giggle, "Don't make Twilight jealous, now～ It wouldn't do to talk about other mares while on a date with her, would it?"
>"It's not aー"
>Shut up, horse. Skritch skritch.
>"Aha... ah..."
"She's just nervous. This is her first time going out in a /long/ while."


>"Oh, I remember when I first started going out with Shiny! I'll spare you the details, but it felt like the butterflies in my stomach took lessons from the Wonderbolts! Some cider will calm those nerves down. Refreshments are in the main hall. Go and enjoy your evening, you two."
"Sounds like a great idea. C'mon, Twi, let's get you some courage."
>Twilight gulps and nods. The pair of you walk ahead, but a wing from Cadence halts your approach.
>"Go on ahead, Twilight. I'll only be borrowing your stallion for a moment～!"
>"O-Okay..."
>Twilight canters off, far too fast to not be suspicious, but Cadence laughs it off as her being nervous. "I must say, Anonymous, I'm overjoyed that you've found love."
"Slow down there, Cadie. We're just going to see where the night takes us. I don't want to rush things."
>She looks into your eyes, searching your soul... then frowns. "You still haven't given her up."
>You sigh. Okay, Anonymous, you planned for this. Take it slow, concentrate on her nose...
"It's been hard, Cadence. I'll admit I haven't been making it easy on Twilight, either. Every time I meet her in the library, it seems like our conversation just keeps drifting back to..."
>You motion your hand in a circle. Cadence closes her eyes and nods, "I... am truly sorry. I know I've said it many times before, that I'm sorry, but it's still a sore spot on my pride. I wish you would let me make it up to you."
>You give her a smile.
"You have been making it up to me, Cadence. If it wasn't for you, I'd never have even entertained the thought until it was too late. Sure, we went through some hard times together, but I have a feeling those will be over soon."
>"I'll be rooting for you!"
>Excellent.
"And I'll be on my way. It's rude to keep a mare waiting, after all."
>Cadence gives you a wingpat on the ass, "Go get 'er!"
>The first obstacle of the night has been overcome.
>Arguably, the hardest.
>It'll be smooth sailing from here on out.


>You spy Twilight next to two empty glasses of cider. Her face is in the serving bowl.
>Ponies are staring.
>Fuck.
"Twilight! Don't hit the cider too hardー"
>"I ain't! I'm a grown mare and I can drink however much I want!"
>You pull her head out from the bowl and get her steady on all fours. Twilight watches you with a blush on her snout.
>You are pissed.
"I leave you alone for two seconds and you're already tipsy. Did you forget why we're here?"
>"Nonny, please. I'm just getting a little loosey-goosey!"
>You kneel down, pinch Twilight's ear, and cup your other hand around it. She whines.
"You are *not* going to screw this up for me. I just convinced Cadence we're an item. No more drinks for the rest of the night, and for God's sake, do not spill the beans about our plan!"
>You let her go, and she flicks her pinched ear, laughing, "Pffthahaha～ Nonny, I don't got any beans～..."
"Just... God. God dammit. Shit."
>She frowns, ears lowered, "Language..."
>You scan the buffet. There's a loaf of bread and water. Perfect. You snag a loaf, tuck it into your tuxedo's inner pocket, and set the entire bowl of water on the ground, sliding it beneath the table's floor-length curtains.
>You push Twilight's side, ushering her beneath the table.
"I am not letting you fuck this up. Get in."
>"Wah～! What're we gonna do under the table?"
"I can't believe Equestria has hentai."
>"ROOSTERS wear ties, not hens, Nonny. Gosh."
"Shut up and eat this. Don't come out until you're no longer drunk."
>You shove the loaf of bread into her open mouth before she can say some other dumbass shit and leave her there. Okay, slight change of plans. You can still work with this. The dance won't be for another hour or two, so she'll have plenty of time to get it out of her system.
>Just as you are about to walk away, you hear something that sounds distinctly like a purple pony vomiting.


>How is it possible to be such a lightweight?
>You pinch the bridge of your nose.
>Why wasn't there anypony better for this job?
>"Anonymous. Where is Twilight Sparkle? Princess Cadence told me you two were here together."
>"Indeed, where art thy date? Has she gone to 'thresh' herself?"
>"The phrase is 'freshen up,' Sister."
>"That is what we said!"
>And now you have to fend off both diarchs at the same time.
>"*HOOOORK*"
>"What was that sound?"
>Princess Luna scrunches her snout, "And from where that stench?"
>You purse your lips and stare off at the gala-goers. You wish you could be over there.
>Twilight Sparkle emerges from beneath the table, the fur of her snout discolored. She takes the cloth in her hoof to wipe herself, but you put a stop to that immediately.
>Retrieving the monogrammed handkerchief from your tuxedo's front pocket, you wipe off Twilight's shame.
"She was nervous about our *date* and had a little too much to *drink.*"
>You dig in to get Twilight to pay attention.
>"Oh, my. Let me take you to the nurse on staff, Twilight. We must make sure your night goes swimmingly."
>"We shall entertain the groom in the meantime!"
"I'm not her groom."
>"In due time, Anonymous! In due time. Come, let us make merriment with the masses!"
>Princess Luna tugs you along in her magic while Princess Celesta places a green-faced Twilight on her back and trots off to the infirmary.
>This is getting out of hand.
>But the plan can still work. You'll just need to keep extra careful watch of Twilight until it's time.
"You seem unusually chipper tonight, Princess Luna."
>"'Tis no finer time of day than night, and to be at our first Gala in over a thousand years with the only stallion in Equestria that we mayー"
>She pauses, choosing her next words carefully. She looks away as the pause becomes a moment, and before the moment becomes a minute...
"Be natural with?"
>"Precisely! We are rarely afforded good company that treats us as equals."


>Is that a blush?
"Well, Princess Luna, let's not get too crazy tonight. We don't want to make Twilight get the wrong idea."
>"Of course. We are nothing if not marely, Anonymous. Come, let us waltz."
>https://youtu.be/mmCnQDUSO4I Dmitri Shostakovich - Waltz No. 2
"But the dancing isn't for another hoー"
>"It is always time for dancing!"
>You are swept up in Luna's magic as she makes her way to the dance floor. Ponies give you two a wide berth. She hooks one leg over your shoulder and lifts your opposite arm to her withers. Soon, you are waltzing.
>Deep breaths, Anon.
>Just let her have her fun. Twilight will come back and you can get everything back on track.
>Luna carries you at her pace, and after gentle instruction on the proper steps, you actually make a good pair.
>"It has been ages since we have had this pleasure!"
"Can't be too many ponies you can comfortably dance with."
>"Indeed, we had only our sister to entertain us at such events before. We pray that Twilight will not become jealous at having your first dance, but perhaps she will understand the rite of prima nocta?"
>You almost do a spit-take.
"That just means first dance here, right?"
>"What else could it mean?"
>The way she innocently tilts her head in confusion convinces you that Equestria is significantly more wholesome than Earth. Or that Luna is an exceptional liar.
"Nevermind. Actually, on the subject of firsts, you said this was your first Gala in quite some time. Does this mean I'm your first dance?"
>Princess Luna nods, "We are glad to see that we had not forgotten our hooves. Tell us, is this dance enjoyable for thee?"
>No, not really.
"Aside from the suddenness of it, I am glad that you're willing to put up with my two left feet. I need all the practice I can get before dancing with Twi."
>"Then we shall have to teach thee until her time comes!"
"Do you want to wear me out so I can't dance with Twi?"


>"Come now, Anonymous. Surely thou jest? At thine pace, we are surprised thou hath not fallen asleep."
"Now hold on aーOhoho, very clever, Princess. You aren't going to goad me."
>Luna puts on an expression of mock shock, "Far be it from us to do such a thing to a poor left-hoofed stallion such as yourself, Anonymous! We never meant it in such a way."
"You won't injure my pride. I'm bad at dancing and I've accepted that."
>She pouts, "Spoilsport."
>As the waltz comes to an end, you look away from Princess Luna. Many ponies have gathered on the dance floor, waltzing in much the same manner as you two did. Of course, you dominate the center of the floor, and a large crowd has gathered. Far larger than you like.
>Princess Luna brings you back to face her with a nuzzle. She's being... affectionate tonight.
>"Tell us, Anonymous, will thou give us another dance before the Gala has come to an end?"
>You throw her a smile. This is going to be her last good memory of you for a while, so you suppose you should play along.
"I'll have to clear it with the 'bride' first. How does the saying go? Happy wife, happy life?"
>Luna throws her head back and laughs, "We have not heard truer words spoken before! Thou know we were simply making jest when we called thou the 'groom,' yes?"
"If I didn't know better, I'd say you were /hoping/ for me to call it a joke."
>She shakes her head, "Come now, Anonymous. We would never think of stealing Twilight Sparkle's special somepony from her."
"So you're fine with dreaming it?"
>She blushes, "Thou make cruel jests at our expense! Thou knew what we had meant."
>Now it's your turn to laugh.
"Alright, Luna. I'm sure Twi will be fine with it. Actually, how about we have another one? I don't think Twilight's come back from the infirmary yet."
>"It would be our pleasure."
https://youtu.be/gjuel1koqBs Arte Factum - Saltarello
>"Oh, we know this 'number'! We shall show them how royalty 'cuts the rug'! Hold tight, Anonymous!"
"Whoa!"


>You are Twilight Sparkle and you are never touching cider again for as long as you live.
>Nurse Redheart offers you another glass of water. The sobriety medicine was exceptionally bitter. Intentionally so, you feel, to keep ponies from overdoing it.
>But you now have precisely what you wanted to avoid by imbibing such large quantities of cider in the first place: a clear head.
>"My little pony, you should have known better than to do what you did. What is troubling you?"
>With a nod, Nurse Redheart closes the curtains to grant the two of you privacy.
>You hear the groaning of a pony who had eaten too many apple fritters two beds down from you. You know that pain.
"N-Nothing is troubling me, Princess Celestia! Haha, just, super nervous is all! My first d-d-d-d-d-d-dー"
>"Date?"
"That word! That word, with Anonymous! He invited me, and I was surprised. Still am! Haha..."
>Celestia lowered an eyebrow and you knew the jig was up. She had to dead to rights. Caught red-hoofed. This was it. You were going to Tartarus and she was going to throw away the key and you were never going to see any of your friends again andー
>An incredible softness envelops you. Celestia is hugging you underneath her wings. The last emotional dam breaks and you begin blubbering incoherently.
"ANON ANDーAND I, HE, TOGETHER HERE, DANCE, BUT, BUT QUEEN CHRYSALIS, AND ANON, I CAN'T! I CAN'T! I CA-HA-HA-HAAAAAN'T!"
>"Hush, now, Twilight Sparkle. Remember our breathing exercises. In, two, three, four..."
>You choke on air and breathe tears. Princess Celestia is nuzzling you from your ears to your withers and it's a lot of stress to work through everything in your mind. Anon is going to hate that you just spilled the beans, butー
>"You have a place in his heart."
>Huh?
"Huh?"
>A pleasant croon from her neck reverberates in your ear. You cup it against her neck to hear it better. It's so soothing. Princess Celestia is too kind. You're a terrible pony and need to be locked up!


>"It is difficult to forget one's first love, but I am sure Anonymous will open himself up to you in due time. Did he not invite you to the Grand Galloping Gala himself?"
"H-He did."
>By Luna's mane, are you not caught? Is she compleーokay, not completely, but is she misunderstanding the situation in *your* favor?
>Save it. Save it, filly!
>"That is all you need to know to understand that he is making the effort to find a place for you in his life. You don't need to be so anxious."
"Y-You're right. You're always right, Princess Celestia. Thank you. I feel better now."
>She pulls out of the wing hug and you are almost ready to cry again because you are lying directly to her face. You look down at the floor and blink away fresh tears.
>"Take your time, Twilight Sparkle. There is much of it for you to compose yourself before facing him again. And, perhaps, save the cider for later tonight?"
"Later tonight? What do youー"
>Princess Celestia gives you a wink. It takes you a few seconds to realize what she means.
"P-PRINCESS!!"
>She nuzzles you with light laughter, "Do not rush things, Twilight. Just be yourself. Anonymous is a gentlecolt and won't do anything untoward."
>You just gulp and nod. You're still wiping the errant tear from your cheek, and frankly, you don't trust yourself to not start bawling again if you speak another false word to Princess Celestia.
>She leaves you alone with your thoughts, and what terrible thoughts they are.
>Lying on the bed, your mind is flooded with every lie you just spoke to Princess Celestia. You feel sick. You think you need a bucket, but you did a bang-up job earlier and have nothing to give it.
>Once you overcome your bout of dry heaving, you've made up your mind.
>You are going to find Anonymous and tell him you won't help him.
>You're calling it off.

>We are Princess Luna, and we have just finished our second dance with the gentlecolt Anonymous, although perhaps we are generous with the usage of the term 'dance'. He was a quick learner, but it was only towards the end that he became more than a magically assisted accessory to our 'rug-cutting'.
>Although we have barely broken a sweat, Anonymous seems to be worn out by the physical exertion. We accompanied him to the refreshments, our loyal subjects stomping in approval of our show.
>It felt... right, to have him at our side. Our head is held higher. Our subjects look upon us with not envy, but admiration. Perhaps they did not understand that we are more than capable of having a good time?
>Or, perhaps, this is the first time we have felt good since...
"Do try not to spill the punch, Anonymous."
>We daub at his tuxedo with our magic, relieving it of a fruity streak. He wipes the sweat from his brow, only half in jest. We relieve the sleeve of a dark stain, as well.
>"You're a lifesaver, Princess Luna. And many other things, but right now, a lifesaver."
"Other things such as what, Anonymous?"
>Perhaps it is the freedom with our emotions that attracts our subjects so? Our sister is most reserved, but perhaps we could cultivate the image of the 'fun' one?
>We do like to enjoy ourself!
>And so, we look at Anonymous with coy askance, and delight in the nervous motion his 'Adam's Apple' makes.
>"Well, on that dance floor, you were a veritable tour de force. Gone almost mad wiー"
>There is a prickling of needles within our heart as Anonymous' face drops with realization of his words.
>"Not that I mean you'reー"
>It is the concern he feels for the offense that hurts the most. We press our hoof against his mouth and gently smile. His eyes open wide in surprise.
"Anonymous, please do not overly concern yourself with our well-being. We valueーno, treasureーyour honest thoughts and will not have you trip over them to save us injury in casual conversation.
"We are not a foal, and... perhaps could use the practice for a long and prosperous future as a Princess."
>His lips are so soft.
>We remove our hoof with haste and flicking ears, trying to not bring attention to the intimate actions we just undertook, but it is difficult to suppress the feeling of being a filly in the presence of such a kind stallion.
>He laughs it off, "I don't think you want to hear my honest thoughts, Princess Luna. Blunting the edge is for both ours sake."
"Do tell! While it is not becoming of a Princess, we do *love* the company of the irreverent."
>"Well, I'm not sure if you noticed it, but while we were dancing, theー"
>"ANONYMOUS!"
>An enraged Twilight Sparkle pushes our ponies away with her magic as she storms towards Anonymous. Before we may get so much as a "What is the meaning of your outburst?" out, she and Anonymous have disappeared from our sight in a burst of magic.
>... We did not take Twilight Sparkle for a jealous pony, but perhaps we had misjudged her.
>Were Cadence to find out about thisーand how could she not hear about this?ーwe would never hear the end of it.
>And our sister would be most displeased to hear how we drove ourself between Anonymous and Twilight Sparkle.
>We must find them and set the record straight, for the sake of their love!
>... Yes, theirs.
>We set off with haste, ignoring the cries of subjects beyond a royal assertion of the matter being handled.
>They are not in the main room... and neither are our sister or Cadence, a most pleasant occurrence.
>Twilight Sparkle must have sought privacy from the party-goers to host her argument.
>Where would be the most private location within our castle...
>Aha!
>Yes, our sister's room would be ideal.
>The entire wing is closed for the gala!
>We would smile at ourself if we were not within potentially dire circumstance.
>We teleport ourself to outside of our sister's room, quiet as can be, and listen at the door.


>"-uck do you mean you're calling it quits? You can't call it quits! We're so close! She's right outside!"
>Anonymous?
>Is he... talking about us?
>How does he know we are outside of our sister's room?
>"No, Anonymous! I'm not going to lie to Princess Celestia any more."
>"Don't tell her!"
>"And why shouldn't I?!"
>We lean closer, ear pressed against the door. It is unnecessary for one with acute hearing, such as ourself, but the support is not unappreciated. There is a pit forming in our stomach. We believe this conversation is going to go very poorly, very fast.
>"Twilight, you can't sell me out. Please. Please! They're going toーto *do* something to me, I just know it, and I can'tー"
>"Maybe that's what you need, Anonymous! Maybe you /need/ something done to you. I can't believe I let you talk me into this. I can't believe you convinced me to LIE to CELESTIA about you wanting to ever d-date me!"
>... Oh no.
>"And then USE ME toーto set *free* somepony so detestably wicked! USE ME! Like a *tool,* Anonymous. I'm just a means to an end to you!"
>"Please don't tell them. Please, for the love of God, Twi, you can'tー"
>"See! See!? Like right now. You're only concerned about /Anonymous,/ how /Anonymous/ is going to be after tonight's over, you don't even care about me! You never have!"
>"Let me talー"
>"There's nothing to talk about, Anonymous! It's over! We're over! I never want to see yoー"
>"LET ME TALK!"
>You hear a crash. A feminine grunt. It sounded like Anonymous had justー
>"You don't understand, Twi. You can't understand. It's like a hunger, something gnawing at my heart. Every day I wake up in pain when she isn't in my arms, and every night no number of blankets can warm my bed. She's *it.* I don't have other thoughts anymore."
>"L-Let go of me!"
>"NO. Not until I'm finished talking. I don't care. I don't care anymore. If you never want to see me again, fine. I get it. But don't you fucking *dare* rat on me. If you cost me herー"
>"Get off!"


>"IF." *thump* "YOU." *thump* "Cost me Queen Chrysalis' love. There will be /consequences/. I'll make sure of that."
>"Y-You're hurting mー"
>Thought flows seamlessly into action as we throw open the doors to our sister's room. Anonymous is wrenched free from Twilight Sparkle without harm in our magic, and before he is able to utter a surprised grunt, we have pinned him to the wall.
"Twilight Sparkle. How badly has he hurt you?"
>He is shouting. We are not paying attention to his words. We have heard enough.
>We close his mouth. We cannot care whether he is able to breathe or not.
>Our little pony scrambles to her hooves and skitters behind us, choking on her words. We turn our head to look at her and nuzzle her teary face.
"Speech is not necessary. If he has hurt you, nod."
>She does.
>And to think we had feelings for him...!
>But we must keep our anger in check. We must. We must.
>We give Twilight Sparkle a nudge towards the door. She does not need further encouragement.
>We turn back to face Anonymous.
"Anonymous, we will not be giving you a chance to explain yourself. We heard everything, and we do not need to hear you try to justify your unconscionable actions. "
>We approach with care. We must not make any sudden movements. We must control ourself. We must not be within striking distance.
>He is struggling against our magic. He does not seem to be able to breathe. We clear his nose and hear him suck deeply through it.
"By our authority as Princess of Equestria, weー"
>"Will be doing nothing until I hear a complete explanation of what has transpired tonight."


>Our sister stands in the doorway. Peeking out from her shadow is Twilight Sparkle. We dig our hoof into the rug.
"Sister, we heard with our own ears what Anonymous had done toー"
>"Luna."
"..."
>"We shall have Anonymous explain everything, from the beginning, and decide from there the best course of action."
>What we are in the eyes of our subjects is meaningless when we understand what we are not in yours, sister.
"As you wish."
>We release Anonymous from our magic. Our sister takes him in hers and begins to head for chambers more amicable to interrogation.
>"Luna?"
"We will be with you shortly."
>Our sister nods, and soon we are left alone.
>Again.
>We wish to break something.
>But what would the point be in that?
>It would resolve nothing. In fact, it would only further suffering. An action worse than futile.
>But it would be *our* action, at the least.
>We grind our hooves into the rug and marble as we walk out.
>We shall take the scenic route. We must keep our anger in check.
>We must not cry.


>You are Princess Celestia, and you are nonplussed. Anonymous sits, unrestrained, upon a chair in one of the older rooms beneath your castle. He is flanked on each side by six, in total, of your personal guard.
>The rooms have been remodeled, but it seems they cannot escape their morbid purpose of detaining and questioning dangerous individuals. At least there will be no need for instruments.
>In your lap, curled like a cat, rests your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle. She insisted that she be present to make sure Anonymous was being truthful, even though it isn't necessary.
>The room is quiet. You stroke Twilight Sparkle's mane with a hoof, listening to the rapid beating of Anonymous' heart. His hands clasp together, thumbs pressing into his forehead. He is bent over in his chair.
>Your sister should be here soon.
>You close your eyes. Your poor sister.
>You do not want to belittle her, but you also do not want her to act brashly. You will be better able to shrug off any fallout that becomes of this.
>Shrug, yes. It is easy to shrug when one is not in love.
>The stone door drags across the rough-cut floor without a sound. Your sister enters.
>She looks harried. Would it be best to maintain your neutral face? Or would a smile help? What face should you make?
>She seats herself beside you in an adjacent chair. You decide to make a nod of acknowledgement to her instead.
>She returns it, and what you see in her eyes is not receptive to a kind gesture at this time. You'll make amends later.
"Anonymous."
>He seizes. A ragged breath. He raises his head, a red imprint of his knuckles nestled just above the browline. His nostrils flare, sucking air in. He is in a delicate state, and you must press forward with great care.
>Twilight Sparkle shivers. You cup her head with a hoof and turn it towards your barrel. She sinks her snout into it, beneath your wing. Her ears are directed towards Anonymous, though.
"Are you aware of why you are being detained?"


>His response is delayed. Emotions fight hard on his face, despite his wishes. The quiver of his brow. The faintest snarling of a lip. Deciding how civil he will be, perhaps?
>"Yes."
>That is satisfactory, given the circumstances.
"Luna, would you make known what offenses Anonymous has committed?"
>It was your intention to include her in the process from the beginning, but... no, that's the wrong way of thinking about it. Intention to include her still subtly places you above her in status. This will be a difficult habit to break, but it is one you must break if Luna is to come into her own as fellow ruler.
>You will work with her, yes. Luna clears her throat and speaks, "We have heard Anonymous threatening injury upon one of our subjects, Twilight Sparkle, physically assaulting her, and conspiracy to free from imprisonment one of the kingdom's greatest threats, Queen Chrysalis. When we came upon the scene, Anonymous was upon Twilight Sparkle, her horn in his right hand, his left hand upon her shoulder with thumb pressed against the base of her throat, and straddling her to prevent egress. We dealt with the situation as anypony would have."
>An unnecessary inclusion at the end, but we all make mistakes, sister. You nod, looking down to your brightest pupil, speaking to her with a soft presence.
"Do you find Luna's account to be true, Twilight Sparkle?"
>She tickles your side with a muffled reply before pulling her head free from its comfort and nodding, "Y-Yes, Princess Celestia. Princess Luna's... correct."
>You look up to Anonymous. Schemes knit in the light behind his eyes.
"Do you find Luna's account to be true, Anonymous?"
>He remains quiet.


"Anonymous, although you do have rights afforded to you as a subject of Equestria, your silence will not free you from any association with wrongdoing. We have, in recent memory, inciting incidents that lay the groundwork for motivation, providing ample corroboration to the testimony of Luna and Twilight Sparkle, and as we speak, guards have been sent to your home in search of physical evidence that could further strengthen their testimony. It is in your best interests toー"
>"Yes, it's true."
>Your lips purse.
"By your own admission, you plead guilty to one charge of attempted treason, one charge of false imprisonment, one charge of assault and battery, and one charge of intimidation. Is this correct?"
>He presses his head into the white knuckles of his thumbs one more time. More ragged breathing.
>"... What's going to happen to me if I say 'yes'?"
"That depends on what course of action we decide upon is best for everypony, Anonymous."
>Luna casts you a glance, but betrays nothing else about her thoughts. The realization of alienation traps you in that moment, and you are left looking back a hair longer than you would normally find acceptable.
>Thankfully, nopony seems to notice. You hope.
>"H-He should be thrown into Tartarus!"
>Twilight Sparkle quakes, moving from huddling inside you into sitting upright against you. She kneads her forehooves against the cushion, looking down and, in an admission of guilt, "M-Maybe I should be, too..."
"Twilight Sparkle, were you a willing accomplice to Anonymous' conspiracy of treason to free Queen Chrysalis?"
>She lowers herself, kneading slowing, then finally crosses her forelegs over her head, "M-Mhmmm..."
"I understand Anonymous' motivation. Do you, Luna?"
>"We do, sister. His was a crime motivation by passion. We suspect that Twilight Sparkle's motivation was more... academic in nature?"
"Twilight?"
>You rub a hoof down her back. She shivers, then shakes her head.
"It was not motivated by academic interest?"


>Another shake.
"Then tell us, my little pony, what motivated you?"
>"W-Well, I do admit that there was a significant academic interest on my part, that noponyーnot even Starswirl the Bearded!ーhad ever conducted official, consensual studies with a living changeling before, I, uhm, what I wanted most was to... to write a friendship lesson about it."
>You remain neutral on the surface, but beneath it, you are heartbroken. For your faithful student to go to such lengths for your approval...
>"And... if ponies and changelings could get along, we could solve so many problems! Likeー"
>"Those problems have been solved by imprisonment of the immediate changeling threat's leader, and the threat of a similar fate to any other hive that wishes to prey upon our subjects."
"Luna is correct, Twilight. In the few years since Queen Chrysalis' imprisonment, the changeling threat has practically disappeared from our lands. Freeing her would be endangering all of Equestria for no gain."
>"You don't know that!"
>Anonymous' eyes burn as he stares at you.
>"You don't know, but you're not even willing to take a chance and see! Maybe I'm exactly what she needs toーto become an ally with Equestria, instead of its enemy!"
"Anonymousー"
>He stands, and the butts of your guards' spears immediately seat him once more. He presses against the spears holding him back and stabs his finger towards you, "I could change her! I could make her a good person, I'm sure of it! We'dーWe'd work it out, somehow! Give me a chance!"
"Anonymous."
>The room chills from the power projected in your voice. Anonymous stills. Your guards tense. Even Luna, your precious sister, stiffens imperceptibly at your authoritative tone.
"Would a good person do what you have done tonight?"
>Anonymous flinches, "That'sー"
>You wait.
>You can always wait.


>You can see his conscience coming into the forefront, his mouth gasping like a fish on land. The severity of his actions dripping at the corners of his eyes. You smile internally. It is good to see that he has not lost all reason.
>His sputtering folds and he sits in silence for two minutes.
>You resist the urge to speak, to comfort him. This is a realization he has to fully experience on his own. It is, perhaps, the greatest implement of justice you have as a ruler.
>Guiding a pony to see the error of their ways after they have lost sight of the path in pursuit of their dreams.
>"Oh God."
>He chokes, pressing a hand to his face, "I... I didn't... Twilight, I..."
>Wait for it...
>"I'm... I'm sorry."
>You smile now. A glowing, radiant smile.
>Luna does not share it.
>"I never meant toーto hurt you. Anypony. Maybe Cadence, butーugh. I. I just... I just wanted to see her, at least once. Really. Really, I just..."
"We understand, Anonymous. Nopony would wish harm upon their friends. But, in blind pursuits, one cannot see who has been or will be hurt until it is too late."
>You can't help but flick your eyes over onto Luna.
>Oh.
>She noticed.
>She's... she's not happy.
>... Celestia, you just went back to square one with her.
>Excellent work.
"And so, Anonymous, we would like to know what course of action you could take to show us your newfound commitment to leading a good life as a loyal citizen of Equestria."
>There is no reason to not continue speaking as a pair before everypony else, but you wish to end this as soon as possible to begin repairing the damage you have just done to your relationship with your dear sister.
>"I... don't know."
"May we offer some ideas?"
>He nods. You look to Luna.
>She sighs.


>"We believe it would not do to keep Anonymous locked up in Tartarus. Despite his actions, he has proven that he is still capable of compassion for his fellow subjects and a desire to do right by them. We suggest no fewer than one thousand hours of mandatory service to his community and a fine of no less than 15% of his annual income. In addition, mandatory consultation of a mental health professional to overcome his... obsession with Queen Chrysalis."
>You purse your lips in brief consideration.
>You want to reduce the hours, but...
"I find nothing egregious with Luna's recommendation. What do you say, Anonymous?"
>Anonymous retreats deep within himself in thought. While he thinks, Twilight Sparkle speaks up, "W-What about me, Princess Celestia?"
>"I... I don't think Twilight should be punished. I pushed her really hard to help me."
"Still, as she is her own pony, she is responsible for the decisions she makes. Two hundred hours of community service and a lengthy report on lessons learned from this incident will be satisfactory. Luna?"
>You search Luna's face for approval. She yields nothing. "Yes."
"... Then all that is left is your thoughts on the matter, Anonymous."
>"I don't want to see a mental health professional."
"Anonymous, you have unresolved issー"
>He holds up a hand, "Let me finish."
>He puts his hand on his knee, bouncing it in place. He looks down, off to the side, gathering his thoughts, "I'm not sure how to say this but..."
>"I... I don't want to go through the pain of seeing myself losing my love for Queen Chrysalis."
>He stops talking. You wait until he begins again, but he does not. You try prompting him.
"Anonymous, it will be painful, but it is neceー"
>"There's a faster way."
"Ah."
>"Anonymous, thou surely doesn't mean toー"
>"I do, Luna. I know, it doesn't make sense. I've fought so hard against it, but... maybe Cadence really is the best way to solve this problem."


>You pause. Luna looks like she has more to say, but she does not trust herself to say it without expressing undue emotion.
>Anonymous speaks through tears, "I don't trust myself. I love her too much, and it's scary. I... I threw away Twi like she was garbage. I'm scared of myself. I'm a danger. I don't want to be."
>"Anonymous, thou art not a dangeー"
>"I *am*, Luna."
"Anonymous, please think over it tonight. We shall prepare a room to hold you in until you come to a decision in the morning. Do you find that to be acceptable?"
>"I... I guess a little more thought wouldn't hurt. But I don't want to take too long. I want to commit. The longer I wait..."
"That is understandable, and commendable that you wish to act with confidence, but this is not a decision to be taken lightly, despite how Princess Cadence may have acted in the past to have you think otherwise."
>"Okay."
"Then it is settled. Luna?"
>She shakes her head, "We do not wish to voice any objections. We conclude this interrogation and shall begin the duties of the Night Court."
>She teleports from the room. You bite your lip.
>Do you confront her tonight?
>Do you let her think about it tonight?
>Would she be stewing?
>Is she a dangー
>No, Celestia. Don't think like that. Your sister is reforー
>She's GOOD.
>Oh, for...
>When a clear course of action is not present and the matter is not pressing, it is better to do nothing than to act brashly and bring further harm.
>Luna will be able to handle a single night to herself.
>In the morning, you will begin to make it right with her.
>You shall prepare breakfast!
>But she could take that as bribery...
>Twilight Sparkle pats your hindleg, "Uhm, Princess Celestia?"
>You are thankful for the distraction.
"Yes, my little pony?"
>"Everypony's waiting for you to leave..."
"... Yes, I am sorry. Let us be off."
>Luna...

>You are Anonymous, and you can't sleep.
>The room you are being held in is comfortable, regular quarters. The Night Guard stands at your door, and a spell has been placed on the window to prevent you from throwing yourself out of it.
>You don't think you'd survive the drop.
>Maybe that's why it's there.
>You'd be lying if the thought of taking the easy way out didn't sound mighty appealing to you right now.
>You really wish Princess Celestia didn't convince you to sleep on it. Not that you /can/ sleep on it.
>You wanted to act fast in the interest of self-preservation.
>You know that a life without Chryssi (yes, you feel comfortable giving her a pet name at this stage in your relationship) isn't one you want to live, and yet you didn't want to die, either.
>Erasure of her from your heart sounded like a good way to accomplish that.
>Well, *a* way.
>The only way that keeps you alive.
>But is that what you want? Do you want to be alive? To be changed just so you can keep living?
>Would it even be you afterwards?
>Kind of a silly question to ask, really. You've been you for, what, around twenty years before Chryssi showed up in your life?
>Cadence said her magic wasn't any different from going out with someone and developing feelings the old-fashioned way.
>Maybe you could do things the old-fashioned way. Maybe you're just looking for a hot fix for the pain in your chest. But it'd be so slow. And unfair.
>You don't know what to think anymore. You just want the past month to disappear completely. You'd be fine if it had never happened.
>But Chryssi wouldn't be fine. She'd still be imprisoned in stone. Alone. Her true love having abandoned her because he was too weak to commit to his love like a man should.
>You push off from the window and resume pacing. If you stayed near a wall you know you'd try ramming your head through it.


>Celestia was right. You were doing terrible things. Terrible things to ponies you cared about. You got off with a slap on the wrist, practically.
>But Celestia was wrong, too. Okay, you did some bad stuff. She forced you to. It was her fault that she wouldn't even consider giving Chryssi a chance. You're a game changer!
>True love! That has to count for something!
>But no, if it meant her little ponies were safe, she'd let the rest of the world burn.
>You need to go to sleep. You need to calm down. You're working yourself up and it's not doing you any good. It's just going to make going through with the love magic tomorrow even harder.
>This is why you didn't want to wait!
>Gah...
>You're practically running from one side of the room to the other at this point.
>You're a rat trapped in a cage. You have no control over your life, because what you want for your life isn't fucking allowed.
>It's out of your hands! There's nothing you can do about it now, so stop bitching!
>You NEED to SLEEP.
>Maybe if you sprint at the wall, head-first, you can knock yourself out.
>Fuck it.
>You press yourself against the wall facing the longest dimension of the room, eyeing up the marble wall across from you.
>You lower your head.
>Maybe you should kick off from the wall?
>The track club back home had those little foot things they would use to launch themselves off of. Yeah, you're gonna kick off from the wall.
>Full-on dead sprint, head first, into solid fucking marble.
>Anonymous, you are a genius.
>Leg raised, back parallel with the floor and the top of your head prepared to receive a concussion (and hopefully worse), you plant the sole of your foot against the cold wall, and *charge.*
>There is a flash of light, you impact something soft, and you are on the ground.
>"Anonymous! What is the meaning of this?"


>You rub your head. Performing a running headbutt on a horse is not a good idea. Despite the give of her barrel, you're certain she has iron bones or something. You've got a splitting headache.
>You're flat on your back. Princess Luna stands to one side of you, head dipped downward and looking you over. You try squeezing the stars from your vision, but realize that's her mane floating over you.
"Knocking myself out... ouch."
>You prop yourself up on your elbows before sitting upright. Luna is frowning at you. "And why have thee taken such actions against thyself? Is it to remedy your insomnia?"
"Got it in one, Princess. Here on royal business?"
>She pauses. Then shakes her head, "Only insofar as we are responsible for our subjects being well-rested. We noticed thy absence, yet did not wish to intrude upon thee if thou were... grieving."
>She then kneels, sitting on the floor beside you. Her mane drapes across her back and your lap, coating you in a cool velvet ocean of starstuff. It's welcomed on this hot night.
>You're about to contemplate what it means for royalty to sit on the floor with you when she speaks again, "But, we have also come for... self-serving reasons."
"Self-serving? If you consider a wellness check to be self-serving, I'd hate to see what you call selfless."
>"Har har. Thou knows what we mean, Anonymous. We have come with questions that we would like answered."
>This is the absolute last thing you need.
>She watches herself draw a hoof across the rug before speaking, "We must admit, thou have given us much to chew on recently. Enough, perhaps, to have us question our sister's decisions."
>Don't give false hー
>"We do not mean that we would aide thee in freeing Queen Chrysalis from the confines of her imprisonment. Let us make that perfectly clear."
>You close your eyes. The bandage wasn't quite torn fast enough. It's still painful to think that there may have been a chance.


>"What Twilight Sparkle said is true; we have never had a changeling willingly cooperate with us. And what thou have said is equally true; thou could be, perhaps, a 'game-changer,' as thou put it."
>"And... oh, we should not even speaking of this. But we..." Luna turns her head away from you.
>You bring your knees up to your chest and rock yourself back and forth with slight movements.
>You think you get what she means.
"But you don't have anyone else to talk to, do you?"
>"It's been hard, Anonymous. Very hard."
>You hug your knees and nod.
"It's hard to be alone."
>"Since we have returned, we have felt more alone than ever, Anonymous. Our subjects have changed. Equestria has changed. Our sister..."
"You don't even know if your memories are real. Everything's different. It's hard to not believe that's how it's always been, and you're just crazy."
>"Yes." She turns her head to look at you. Her eyes glisten like the stars of her sky.
"Every day you do little things and everybody stares at you because they don't get it, or you joke around and it falls flat. Not because it isn't funny, but because they just don't understand it."
>"Yes. You understand." She sidles closer to you.
>She rests her head on your knees, one cheek pressed against them, her eyes finding something in yours and latching onto it.
>The pain in your heart misses a beat. Then returns with a vengeance.
>If only Chryssi could sit with you like this...
>"To be alone with only thy memories is one thing. To be reminded every second of the day that thee are utterly disconnected from thy subjects and thy sister... is a worse sentence than any length of imprisonment."
>"It is a second sentencing after the first has been fulfilled."
>You remain silent. The warmth her body radiates onto you through your clothes. She closes her eyes and snorts, eyebrows creasing in anger, "Our sister sees herself as our better. She sees us as nothing more than a filly fresh from our 'blind pursuits.'"


>"And when thee apologized for... for being in *love,* we saw her again in that old way."
"I-I wasn't apologizing for that. Luna, I was apologizing because I had hurt Twilー"
>"And to whom should blame befall for that!?"
>She picks her head up, ears flattening in anger.
>The last thing you want is Luna to get upset with Princess Celestia.
>Literally the absolute last fucking thing you want right now.
"Luna, she... she wasn't to blame. Cadence was. If she hadn't..."
>Luna snorts again.
>You sigh.
"Look. Everything is going to... to be fixe..."
>You choke out a sob.
"To..."
>She brings her snout to your cheek. Its soft velvet slides along your jaw, under your ear, and down your neck, hooking around your shoulder and rubbing your back, "We are sorry we did not do better for thee, Anonymous. Truly, truly sorry."
>You cry.
>...
>When the worst of your tears has subsided, you notice the back of your shirt is damp.
>Princess Celestia is gonna kill you for making Luna cry.
>You want to, try to say something, but the words refuse to form.
>You cried so hard you have hiccups.
>Luna breaks the embrace, although seemingly unwillingly, and looks you in the eyes.
>"Anonymous, we do not wish to take advantage of thee in thy time of despair..."
>"... but, if, after what will happen on the morrow comes to pass, then..."
>"... We would be greatly appreciative if... we were given the chance to win your heart."
>... Did she just?
>Is she saying what you think she's saying?
>She's dressed in a full blush from snout to withers.
>She fucking is.
>"We understand how despicable it is of us to ask at this juncture, but we cannot hold these feelings in our heart for thee any longer."
>"AsーAs a proof of our deepest, sincerest apologies for our behavior, we would have thee ask anything of us that we may reasonably do within our power."
>She rubs one hoof over the other, eyes darting to and away from you with every other word.


>How are you supposed to feel about that?
>What are you supposed to say?
>She has the fucking gall to try and be your rebound?
>After sentencing you, herself, and basically forcing you to give up on your TRUE FUCKING LOVE?
>The way she's looking, she can tell she said the wrong thing.
>"W-We retract everything that we have said. We are... we were not trying to take advantage of..."
"Anything?"
>"Thee knows we cannot do /that/."
>Figures.
>Freeing Chryssi would ruin her chances with you, after all.
>Maybe you should just ask her to put you to sleep. She must have a spell for that, right? Bet she could even make you wake up feeling fully refreshed with just an hour-long nap.
>Or maybe you should just ask her for a million bits. Or maybe...
"You wouldn't be able to reduce or pardon me, either, would you?"
>She shakes her head, "Our sister would not allow us such /freedom./" She says it with venom on her tongue.
"Then..."
>You think for a few moments. Sleep would be nice, but maybe having Princess Celestia, and hopefully Cadence, see what they've wrought plain as day on your face will make them think twice about their actions in the future.
>The only thing you want in this moment is
"I want to see her."
>"Thou know that is notー"
"You wouldn't have to free her. Just take me to see her."
>You hang your head, covering it with your knees and your arms.
"I want to see her at least once before I for-forget her."
>She's quiet. Now you feel like shit, too. You need to move away from being soーso fucking *vindictive.* You need to be a better person. For Chryssi. Or... or whoever it is in the future.
>Fuck, you don't know, it might even be Luna herself. She did just throw it out there, right in your face, andー
>But she /knew/ what she was doing andー
>"Okay."
>
>"We shall take thee to see Queen Chrysalis." She rises from her position beside you.
>You look up at her, in mild disbelief.
>"Rise. Shorn thy fetlocks. We shall go see her immediately."


>You've barely gotten your shoes on before she teleports you out of your quarters and into the royal gardens.
>The air is sweet with full blooms, the night sky fantastical with its clarity and depth. In the dead of night, with no pollution of city lights or smog or sirens, you are reminded of this world's beauty.
>Luna walks ahead of you, casting a glance over her shoulder as you stare and marvel at her firmament, "Come, Anonymous. We do not wish to cut short thy visit to Queen Chrysalis, but we have not unlimited time."
>Your feet follow her, tearing you away from the celestial magnificence, your steps become lightweight from elation, your chest fit to burst open with each rib broken by explosive anticipation.
>You're finally going to see her.
>You're going to see Chryssi.
>Queen Chrysalis.
>You're in a hedge maze. A sprawling expanse of thick, dark greenery grown to at least twice your height, ornamented with red roses and white bellflowers. With only the stars and Luna to guide you, you wonder if you and Twi would have ever managed to find Chryssi on your own.
>"This must not be mentioned to anypony, Anonymous. Were our sister to find out..."
"I'll take this to the grave with me."
>"... We appreciate the solemnity of thy oath, but please, do be less morbid in the future."
"Where is she? Are we close?"
>Luna stops at a crossroads in the path. Each of the four directions is hooped by an ornate wooden arch, trellises adorned with riots of pastel flowers, the air thick with their perfume.
>She turns around and walks to you, "We are close, yes. Take our mane in thy hand and walk with us. Those without magic could never hope to trespass upon her prison."
>You move your hand into the ever-flowing galaxy of her mane, a velvet chill grasping your hand. She walks slowly through the northmost arch, the trellis-borne butterfly peas chiming with Luna's steps, her horn aglow with magic.


>The path beyond the arch changes in a blink of your eyes from further maze into a narrow corridor, wide enough for the two of you to walk astride. You begin to think your plan to free her was stillborn from the start.
"Twi and I wouldn't have managed, would we?"
>"... No, it is not likely thee would have even found her. We cannot be certain of what would happen had the two of thee stumbled upon her, but dwelling on such things is fruitless at this point, no?"
"... Guess not."
>The end of the corridor opens up with a curved path going in both directions. Luna chooses one, seemingly at random, and the maze breaks to reveal a large, circular clearing. There, in the center, encased in black marble, upon a series of larger and larger still stone diases, is Queen Chrysalis.
>Chryssi.
>No, Queen Chrysalis.
>She must be respected.
>There.
>Right there.
>She's snarling.
>Fangs bared.
>Livid.
>Pouncing.
>Wings wide.
>Wild, beautiful, apex predation, frozen at its peak.
>She triggers primordial, intoxicating fear in you. You can't move. You can scarcely breathe.
>As if the slightest motion on your part would free her and spell out your end across the granite platform in no uncertain terms.
>Luna speaks, but her voice is distant, across oceans, difficult to hear and impossible to understand.
>She talks at length, her voice the only disturbance in this clearing.
>In your awestruck state, you find yourself approaching. Only in the hubris of your love could you ever foolishly think yourself worthy of even gazing in her direction. Yet, here you are, step after step, drawn towards her by thunderous, animal magnetism.
>Every bit and bone in your body shakes in nausea-inducing, suffocating emotion from being so close to her.
>One step at a time, you ascend the diases until you stand, trembling, before Queen Chrysalis.
>Her horn, sharp and bent, gleams beneath the full moon above. Individual strands of her mane catch and reflect the pale light.


>Your hand enters your field of vision. Your fingers are loose, the index finger extended, and it moves closer, closer, closer to touching her.
>Luna is saying something, but she's worlds away.
>Everything is worlds away. Reality as melted and all that is left is Queen Chrysalis.
>You're not even sure *you* are here. It's so unreal.
>You're going to touch her.
>Actually, physically touch Queen Chrysalis.
>She's going to become real.
>All you have to do is touch her.
>But you're scared.
>You're so scared.
>What if this is it?
>The point of no return?
>If you feel her, even if she's encased in stone, if you feel her...
>If she becomes something you can hold...
>Are you ever going to let go?
>...
>She's cold.
>Frigid.
>Dead.
>Your finger slides down her cheek along her neck to its base, the rest of your fingers joining it. Smooth, Perfect. But... cold.
>You lean in between her outstretched forelegs, bringing your other arm around to hug her neck. It's painful how cold she is. She's so cold it burns.
>Cold against your hands. Cold against your arms. Your chest. Your neck. Your cheeks.
>It's so wrong.
>You want to run your fingers through her mane, but you can't.
>You want to warm her. You want to take her home, cover her under heavy blankets, and sleep with her by your wood stove.
>You don't know if she's aware inside her prison, but you hope against hope that she can feel even a little bit of the warmth you want to give her.
>Should you say something?
>... Say goodbye?
>Say everything you've wanted to say to her since she first came into your life?
>Maybe, maybe if you give her everything you have right now, you can exhaust yourself. Tomorrow will be easier.
>You voice is quiet and broken, whispering into her ear.
"H-Hello, uhm, Q-Queen Chrysalis."
"I'm... my name is Anonymous."
"You don't know me... guess you never will, but..."
"You've become a huge part of my life recently."


"Princess Cadence came to me, there was this big mess about... well, about my love life. My lack of one."
"She wanted to help me find somepony to fall in love with."
"Well, when she asked me who I wanted, I thought about it for a long time, and it was... you."
"Of course, she couldn't allow that. Neither could Princess Celestia or Princess Luna."
"That didn't stop me from trying. I used and hurt ponies in the process, and I regret that."
"But my biggest regret is that I didn't do better for you."
"I know, some how, or some way, I could have convinced them to give you another chance."
"I just know it."
"I don't know what you would have done, or hell, if you'd even care about me, but..."
"There's this voice in my heart that says I could have helped you. I would've been your one and only."
"That there must be some way to fix this fucked-up world so you wouldn't have to feed off of ponies."
"So you, your hive, and I, we could have had a peaceful existence."
"Doesn't that sound nice?"
"No more strife, conflict, or wars. No more invasions by armies from either side."
"Well, I think it sounds nice. I don't know what you think."
"Don't suppose I ever will."
"See, because, I hate what I did tonight, Queen Chrysalis."
"I hurt ponies close to me."
"And I know now, I know for a fact, after having met you, even if you're like this, that I'd never give up on you."
"I'd become something terrible to have you. Hell, I almost did."
"And I know that what I'm doing is giving up. I'm giving up on you."
"I don't know if there will ever be another out there for you. I may be it."
"I may be taking every chance you've had with me to my grave."
"But I'm scared of losing what I already have, Chrysalis."
"Can I call you that?"
"I don't want to die."
"And I know, if I don't do something soon, that's what'll happen to me."
"By my own hand or by Princess Celestia's guards, if I don't give up on you, I'm going to lose my life."


"Maybe they'll be nice and put my statue next to yours."
"Probably not, though."
"We'd be too dangerous to keep together."
"Heh."
"I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry that I can't be stronger for you."
"Tomorrow, it's all gonna end."
"It'll be like this past month never happened."
"Princess Cadence is going to use her magic to make me forget you."
"And that'll be that."
"I'll move on, and you'll be stuck here..."
"... Fuck..."
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
"I don't want to do this."
"I hate it. I'm sorry. I'm so fucking weak."
"I guess that's proof enough that we were never meant to be, huh?"
"In what world could someone so pathetic stand beside you?"
"... Not this one, I guess."
"Oh. You're not as cold anymore."
"That's good."
"I guess that'll be my parting gift to you."
"And I don't deserve to say this, but..."
"I love you, Queen Chrysalis."
"... Goodbye."
>You hold on tight.
>One last, final hug.
>You put everything you have into it.
>You squeeze her tight, tighter than you've ever squeezed before.
>Like you're trying to break her free. Like you want to merge into her.
>You can almost feel the marble giving.
>You can almost *hear* her breathing.
>"Thanks for the meal, lover-grub."
>Wー
>Explosion. Green. Pain.
>Everything inside you, leaking out.
>Can't feel anything.
>Drained. Feel dead.
>"ANONYMOUS!"
>Luna?
>See you soon.
>Darkness.