Befriending Pinkamena: Part 8

>Running. You were running.
>You’ve ran countless times, ever since you met her.
>And you were doing it again.
>The dark, lush forest floors felt wonderful against your bare feet as you sprint across the terrain.
>You were running out of time.
>There she was, just as she had promised, sitting at the base of the largest tree in the forest.
>You calm your sprint down to a walk, and approach her.
>She smiles upon seeing you, and gets up, running to you.
>You both lock in embrace, and share a kiss.
>She beams at you, and you both hold each other tightly, never wanting to let go.
>Suddenly a spotlight comes on, shining on the both of you.
>A strange force pushes you and her away from each other.
>You are thrown onto your back, hearing her screams getting further and further away.
>You see in the midst of the light, a shadowy figure tower over you.
“Good job Aanon. You are now relieved of your duties.
>You didn’t want to be relieved, you wanted her.
>You can’t get up, an unseen force holding you down.
>The figure pulls out a syringe from inside his coat, and stabs you, injecting the fluid inside you.
“Adiós kid.”
>You feel the icy liquid rapidly envelop your entire body, and you quickly start to lose consciousness.
>You can feel your heart slowing down, your brain being deprived of oxygen.
>The unseen person gives you one last salute, and walks away.
>You will lose consciousness any second.
Pinkie.. I…

>You snap awake. You could feel the sweat on your body being sucked away by the strange clothes you were wearing.
>You were still in the room. You were still alive. Pinkie..
>Pinkie was right on top of you.
>It wasn’t just her upper body anymore, her whole body was pinning you down. Her arms were still wrapped around you.
>You feel her shift in sleep, her entire body rubbing against yours.
>You knew exactly what would happen if this went on for any longer.
>You had your arms around her too though, and your chains were still on. You were trapped.
>You began to think of the nastiest things you could think of, anything but what was happening right now.
>You needed her off NOW.
Pinkie! Pinkie!
Pinkie: mmm.. hhmmmm?
>Ooh, that probably cut your time in half.
>Pinkie opens her eyes,  and stared right into yours, inches apart.
Pinkie: Wh- AAh!
>She rockets out of your arms, and lands on her butt.
>Your problem quickly dissipated, but Pinkie was mad now.
Pinkie: Ugh! Aanon, don’t scare me like that!
>Pinkie gets up, and brushes herself off.
>Seriously, that’s it? No threats? No punching?
>Oh yeah, she was trying to change.
But I just woke up! You were on top of me!
Pinkie: What? Don’t be.. ridic..
>Pinkie blushes. She knew that you were right.
>The tray comes once again, and not at a better time.
>You allow her to go first again, which she gladly accepts.
Pinkie: Would you.. like some Aanon?
>That surprised you. She loved her candy.
>You think it over. You were never really big on sweets, but it was the thought that really counted.
I would love some Pinkie.
>She beams, and you sit next to her.
>You begin to look at the dish closely. There were many to choose from. Peppermints, caramels, chocolates, many things. What interested you most was that in the very center, there was a large pile of sugar.
>You took a pinch, and tasted it. Yep, pure sugar. At least 3 cups of the stuff.
How can you stand so much sugar.
>Pinkie giggles, a first in your book.
Pinkie: I just have a natural tolerance for it. I just love sugar, but I do miss eating other things..
What? You eat other things besides sugar?
Pinkie: Yes, lots of things. I always had apples, hay, oats.
>Ick. But interesting..
But if you eat other things, why do they keep feeding you all of this sugar?
>Pinkie sighs.
Pinkie: Because.. They had found out what happens when I eat large amounts of sugar at once. They’re just waiting for me now..
Waiting for what?
Pinkie: It’s.. something you’re going to have to see Aanon..
>You decide not to push it any further.
Okay, what’s your favorite food then? Besides something sweet?
>Pinkie brightens up.
Pinkie: I loved apples. One of my closest friends used to give me the biggest, juiciest apples I’ve ever tasted!
>Pinkie suddenly grows teary eyed.
Pinkie: I miss them Aanon..
>You pull her closer to you.
Don’t worry. You’ll see them again.
>Pinkie looks into your eyes.
Pinkie: How can you be so sure?
I just know Pinkie. Someday, We’ll both get out of here. You’ll get back to your home Pinkie. Don’t worry.
Pinkie: But.. what about you?
Well, I guess I would go back to my home too.
Pinkie: Oh…
>Pinkie shuffles for a second.
Pinkie:  Aanon?
Yes?
Pinkie: Can you hand me over the keys to your cuffs?
>Without hesitation, you reach in your pocket, and fish them out, handing them over. She takes them, and slides the key into one of the locks on your wrist, turning it. You both hear a click, and the shackle springs open. She does the same for your other hand, and the chains fall to the floor.
>You felt the open air touch where the chains had been. You could finally feel your wrists again, twisting them around, and feeling them.
But, why Pinkie?
>She answers you by guiding your arm around her, resting it on her opposite shoulder.
>You don’t hesitate, and pull her tighter.
>Pinkie closes her eyes, and rests her head on your shoulder.
>You and Pinkie stay that way for at least a couple of hours, but you knew that you needed to do something today.
>You shake her gently, and she looks at you with innocent eyes.
Pinkie, please get up.
>Pinkie groans, but follows you back to her feet.
Okay, I think it’s time for another trust exercise.
>Another groan.
Pinkie: Really?
Really really. We are going to do the same thing as yesterday.
Pinkie: What? You said I wouldn’t have to catch you anymore!
I know, you aren’t going to.
>Pinkie widens her eyes in realization.
Pinkie: Oh, no.
Pinkie, please.
Pinkie: I don’t want to.
>Pinkie crosses her arms.
Pinkie, you and I both know that there is no chance that I’m going to let you fall.
Pinkie: Ok then, why do we need to do this then?
Because it will still build trust. I need to know that you fully trust me. Please Pinkie, just do it. It would mean a lot to me.
>Pinkie sighs, loudly.
Pinkie: Fine, if it will get you to stop whining about it.
>You give her a wide smile.
>Pinkie turns her back on you, and you await, arms wide open.
>Waiting.
>Waiting.
>Still waiting..
Is there something wrong Pinkie?
Pinkie: No! I’m just..
>She was shivering. You can see her tilting back and forth, trying to send herself backwards, but not seeming to be able to.
Pinkie: I can do it! Just give me some time..
>You stay for at least five minutes. Pinkie has still failed to fall backwards.
Pinkie..
Pinkie: I can do it!
Pinkie, I promise..
>You walk up to her, and put your hand on her shoulder.
I promise that I will catch you. No matter what.
>You return back to your stance.
I promise Pinkie.
>Pinkie had stopped shivering.
Pinkie: Ok Aanon.. I trust you.
>Pinkie takes a deep breath, and tilts back, keeping her eyes shut.
>You were ready and waiting.
>However, she did something you didn’t expect.
>It seemed that her body didn’t like the sudden drop, and you see her torso violently twist to try to get back up straight, obviously to no avail.
>She ended up facing you as she fell, but quick to your promise, you reflexively grab underneath her shoulders, stopping her from faceplanting it.
>Her face, buried into your stomach, now looks up to you.
Pinkie: Hehe, sorry about that.
>It had knocked some of your breath out, but you were fine. You pick Pinkie back up.
That was good Pinkie. I knew that you would trust me.
>Pinkie beams, and gets into place again.
Oh, you want to do another?
Pinkie: I can do it this time Aanon.
>Pinkie closes her eyes a second time, and doesn’t even hesitate for you. You catch her with little difficulty this time.
>Pinkie smiles as you drag her back to her feet.
>She turns around, hugging you. You return the embrace.
Good job Pinkie. You’re learning to trust again.
>Pinkie lets go of you.
Pinkie: What’s next?
>You grin.


>You tell Pinkie to lie on the ground, in the middle of the room.
Pinkie: But, why?
Just trust me.
>Pinkie does as you say, and lies down.
Pinkie: now what?
Ok, I think we are good on trust now, don’t you agree?
>Pinkie nods.
So, I think we should work on something else: kindness.
Pinkie: And exactly why am I lying down?
>You join her by lying opposite of her, your heads now inches apart.
No reason. I’m just tired of standing.
>You both stare at the ceiling, around 15 feet away.
Ok, so this one will be easy. We’ll just complement each other, and go from there.
>Pinkie groans.
Pinkie: Oh come on, I’ve already done that.
Yes, but this time, you’ll do it because you want to, not because you lost a game.
Pinkie: Hmph. Fine.
I’ll go first. I like your hair. It’s soft.
Pinkie: You call that a compliment?
What? It is.
Pinkie: Ok then. Umm..
Take your time Pinkie. We’ve got all day.
Pinkie: Shut it. Umm.. I like.. your smile.
What?
>You could feel the heat emanating from her cheeks.
Pinkie: I’ve always liked it when someone smiles. It just makes me feel all warm inside. I haven’t seen a smile in a long time..
>Hearing this makes you grin, which makes Pinkie smile in return. You’re going to smile a lot more often now.
Ok, time to step it up then.. I like how you eat. I think it’s very cute how your eyes brighten up every time you see sugar. You remind me of when I was only a toddler, and I love how you managed to maintain that personality.
>Yet another blush.
Pinkie: I like how you don’t give up Aanon. I like that even though I was cruel, mean, horrible to you, you still wanted to help me. I like how you always see the good in people.
>Pinkie adjusts her head on the floor, flicking her hair at you. It was just as soft as you remember it, Still smelling of cotton candy and sugar. You don’t bother moving it.
Pinkie: Aanon?
Oh, right. I like how you are trying to be kind, honest, and trusting to me. I like knowing that I can count on you telling me the truth.
Pinkie: I like how, even though I didn’t want you to, you still slept next to me when I was scared. You were right Aanon.. I can’t sleep without you next to me.
Why not? Weren’t you ok before you met me?
Pinkie: Yes, but.. I feel connected to you now.. I don’t know how to explain it.
>You knew exactly what she meant. You didn’t want her to leave either..
I like how you hold me at night.
>Pinkie bolts up in the sitting position.
Pinkie: What?
I’m not sure if you notice, but every time you fall asleep, you always turn and wrap your arms around me.
>You sit up too. Pinkie’s whole face was red.
Pinkie: I-I do that?! Oh.. um..
I don’t fight it Pinkie. I actually like falling asleep to it. Your body heat makes me drowsy though.
>Pinkie was flustered.
Pinkie: W-well.. I like that you like that..
>Pinkie turns her back to you. You can see that she is biting her knuckle.
>You scoot up to her, and put your arm around her midsection. You feel her wonderful skin as she rests her head on your shoulder.
I like the fact they paired me up with you. I really like it.
Pinkie: I like.. you.
I like you to Pinkie.
>You pull her as close as you can get her to you, and you both sigh.
>You were for once happy you came here.





?: …
??: This isn’t working.
?: I told you to be patient.
??: Yeah, I’m patient. I’ve been patient. But this kid isn’t solving our little problem we have.
?: He’ll come through. Just give him more time. Have faith in Aanon.
??: I’ve had faith in Aanon!  But you have to face facts! Time isn’t something we have much of, you know.
?: Tell me this. Who is the boss?
??: Um.. You are sir.
?: So, who gets to decide how we go about this?
??: You do..
?: Just give him a little more time.
??: But.. Look at them! They’re as close as friends could possibly be! Why isn’t it working?!
?: She just hasn’t fully accepted him yet, but she is close. Just a little longer, and I know it will work.
??: I hope you’re right sir.
?: I know I’m right.





Ok, I admit it, this was a stupid idea.
Pinkie: Really?! You’re saying that now?
>You had gotten the cuffs out again, and put one on Pinkies wrist, and one on yours.
>The point was to pass some time. It was a game you always played when you were younger with someone else.
>You and pinkie were sitting across each other, planting your feet on each other. The point of the game was to pull the other person out of the sitting position. You usually had a stick to play the game, but you didn’t really have that resource, so you just used the shackles, both of you pulling as hard as you could.
>Since the chain would favor one side, you put one shackle on her left, and one on your left, making a diagonal. You quickly figured out that Pinkie was left-handed.
>You weren’t sure if you were losing because Pinkie had the upper hand, or if it was because she was yanking so hard that you felt your arm was going to come off.
Pink-ie! Th-that’s not h-how you pl-ay!
Pinkie: That wasn’t in the rules!
>She got you there. But because of it, she had beaten you every time.
>You weren’t going to lose again.
Hey Pinkie!
Pinkie: What?
Purple-headed pizza bear.
Pinkie: Huh?
>Just what you needed. Pinkie’s hesitation lessened her strength for a brief moment. In that moment, you yanked on the chain, and hard.
>Pinkie came flying over, making you the winner.
>However, usually you would just fall to the side. Pinkie had too much momentum. That, and with the surprise attack you made, threw her right into you, knocking you on your back.
>Pinkie, now on top of you, glares at you.
Pinkie: That wasn’t fair! You cheater!
Uhh..
>Pinkie realizes the position you’re both in.
>She rolls off you, lying on her back next to you.
Pinkie: Ok, new game.
I’ll play that again..
Pinkie: What?
Nothing. I’m kind of tired though.
Pinkie: Fine, go to sleep.
Okay.
>You put your arms behind your head. The chain forcing Pinkie to raise her hand to.
Pinkie: Hey! I need this chain off.
Ok, where’s the key?
>You both look. It was lying on the other side of the room.
>Way to far from reach.
>Pinkie tries to get up, but you won’t budge.
Pinkie: Aanon! Stop it and get up!
Too tired.
Pinkie: Get up! I can’t drag you!
>Pinkie tries to, but you hold your ground. You pull on the chain, forcing her back down.
Pinkie: This isn’t funny Aanon!
It is a little.
>You put her on your right so the chain was running on top of you, not her. You finish by putting your arm around Pinkie’s head, using it as a pillow.
>Pinkie blushes, but still pulls in closer.
>For the first time, Pinkie wraps her arms around you before she falls asleep.
>She is out like a light in five minutes.
>Once again, her body heat runs directly through you, making your eyes heavy.
>Her head resting on your chest again, her hair was right next to your face.
>Feeling warm, smelling cotton candy, you fall asleep, both smiling.





>You can’t sleep.
>It was much easier when Aanon was sleeping next to you, but you felt uneasy.
>You knew that Aanon wouldn’t wake up if you just kept close to him, so you just laid there, head on his chest, thinking.
>Why am I trying?
>You knew exactly what they wanted. They had performed countless experiments on you, trying to get you to crack on how you achieved the impossible. You had cracked too much though, useless in their eyes. You needed to be rebuilded, to get back what you once had.
>Aanon was helping you, but also hurting you by being so kind.
>You had tried, tried SO hard to resist it, but you couldn’t help it. You needed Aanon. You needed him to help you, even if it was hopeless to escape from this horrible place.
>Aanon fidgeted in his sleep. He looked like a statue when he was sleeping, rarely moving or making any noise.
>You knew exactly what would happen if Aanon were to revert you back. And you knew that you were getting dangerously close.
>So why do you keep pushing it?
>You remember what Aanon said. Everyone deserves kindness, no matter how horrible a person they seem.
>You bury your face in Aanon’s chest.
>You didn’t want to lose him. No, you couldn’t lose him. If you lost him, you might even..
>You were sick of them. They had always toyed with your emotions, ever since they broke you.
>They only cared about how you felt when it had gotten in their way. They didn’t care about you.
>But Aanon did. You knew he did. But the more you cared for him in return, the closer you were getting to losing him. You couldn’t win either way.
>You look at Aanon again. He looked peaceful. Like there wasn’t any place he would rather be.
>You wish you could just..
>You make absolutely sure that Aanon is asleep, and make your move.
>You inch up to his face, and kiss him on the cheek.
>Something that you wanted to do for a long time.
>You would go for more than his cheek, but you are too afraid of what will happen if you do, already close as it is.
>You were stuck. You couldn’t stop caring for Aanon, even if you tried. And you were going to pay dearly for it.
>You sigh. Aanon seemed to register the kiss, but not waking up. His arms did pull you in tighter though.
>One of his arms was around your midsection. His arm was warm, firm, and made you feel more secure than you had been in a while.
>You could sleep, knowing that even though there may not be much time left for you, at least you could hope that after they were done with you, they would let you and him be together.





Uhh…..
>Sleeping on a floor probably wasn’t good for your back. Although you’ve done it for what feels like forever now, you sure wished you had a bed.
>Pinkie was still right next to you.
>Then again, she didn’t really have a choice with the chain in the way.
>You slowly take her arms off from around you, and yours from her. You decide it best not to wake her, but the breakfast was here, and you were hungry.
>You carefully get to a crouching position, and put your arms under Pinkie, picking her up.
>She sure was a heavy sleeper. You had no troubles carrying her straight to the tray.
>You slowly slide it over to the corner where the key was, and gently set Pinkie down as you grab the key.
>Not careful enough however. Pinkie slowly began stirring. You put the key in the shackle, and unlock it getting in a seating position. You gently nudge her.
Pinkie.. Pinkie.. Wake up…
>Pinkie shrugs you off, and turns away from you.
>You knew she didn’t have much of a choice though. Sure enough, within five minutes, she was searching for your body, and shivering.
Pinkie: mmm… geover here..
>She seems to come to her senses, and slowly sits upright.
>Pinkie: Uhh…. You jerk..
>You answer her by opening the tray, and looking inside.
>Neat-o. Looks like they want you to have some variety.
>On the plate was.. half sugar and sweets of course, and.. eggs, bacon, sausage..
>Your mouth was watering uncontrollably. Bacon.
>You slide the tray over to Pinkie, as always letting her go first.
>She tries to, but wrinkles her nose, turning away from the tray.
What’s wrong?
Pinkie: That… Smell. It’s repulsive.
>What smell? All you can smell is the delicious aroma of eggs, bacon-
>Oh, right.
>You take the tray, and put your back to her once again. You grab the utensils, eating quickly, trying to get rid of the “repulsive” food.
>It was good.
>You turn back to her, and give her the tray. She accepts it now, chowing down on her.. breakfast.
Don’t you get a stomach ache after eating so much sugar?
>Pinkie speaks to you between bites.
Pinkie: Well- I usually just- ignore it. I admit- I don’t usually- eat this- much sugar. But it’s all- they give me..
>Pinkie finishes, satisfied.
Pinkie: Also, I don’t really get stomach aches. I think I’ve built up a tolerance to it now.
>Pinkie looks at you, smiling.
Pinkie: Ok Aanon, what’s next to do today?
>You grin at her.
Don’t worry, I always have ideas.


>You explain how the game works to her.
Pinkie: And why are we standing for this one?
Because then we can both move around for this one.
>The game was simple. You and Pinkie were standing up, with both of you locking your hands against each other.
Ok.. go!
>Immediately, you both begin pushing against each other, trying to throw the other off balance.
Pinkie: Exactly what lesson am I learning here?
Reflexes.
>With that being said, you go for a major dive, bending her over, and almost throwing her off balance.
Pinkie: Hey, no fair! I was asking you a question!
The game started, and that isn’t against the rules.
>Pinkie stomps on your foot. In your brief moment of pain, she overpowers you, and you get slammed to the floor.
>Clever girl.
>You get back up, ready for round two.
>Surprisingly enough, she does it yet again. Prepared however, you bear through it and criss-cross your arms, putting a little pressure on her, pretending to crank her arms like a clock.
>She widens her eyes in fear.
Pinkie: Wait Aanon! Don’t!
>You laugh. There was no way you would actually do it, but her look of fear says differently.
>You untwist her arms, and unexpectedly throw her into a spin.
>She had let go of one of your hands, spinning herself out to your side.
>If someone had walked in on you two, it would have looked like you were dancing.
>You spin her back in, and put your arms around her.
Oh come on Pinkie. You know that there was no way I would hurt you.
>Pinkie laughs.
Pinkie: I know.
>Pinkie starts swaying back and forth, causing you to do the same.
Pinkie: Do.. You like me Aanon?
Yes Pinkie, I like you.
Pinkie: I mean.. Do you like me? More than just friends?
Pinkie.
>You spin her around to face you.
I like you more than just friends. A lot more.
>Pinkie blushes, and puts her arms around your shoulders.
>You put your arms around Pinkie’s midsection once again, feeling her wonderful skin.
>You both start swaying around in circles, even though there was no music to guide you two.
>You both didn’t need music. You just needed each other.
>Pinkie’s body matched up perfectly with yours. You truly cared for this girl. It seemed just only 6 days ago that she was thinking about killing you.
>Oh, right. But she had truly changed, showing you that there was a caring person underneath.
>You didn’t want her to ever leave you.
>You needed her, just as she needed you.
>You pull Pinkie’s face up to yours. She had been resting on your shoulder.
Pinkie..
>You close in for a kiss, wanting to close the distance between your face and hers.
>She seems longing to do the same, and you close your eyes.
>You get a mouthful of her hair instead.
>That isn’t right.
>You open your eyes to see Pinkie had turned away. You level your face with hers.
Pinkie: I’m.. I’m sorry.. I just..
>Pinkie grips you tightly, and puts her head in your chest.
Pinkie: I just don’t want to lose you!
>Pinkie started to cry, leaving you with nothing to do but to hold her as she lets it out.
But, I’m not going anywhere!
>Pinkie continued crying in your shirt.
>What was with her? Surely they wouldn’t care if you kissed her. Why would they?
>You try your best to comfort Pinkie, and you both sit down, letting her cry until she couldn’t any more.
>You just sat there, trying to find out what Pinkie’s deal was.
Pinkie, it’s okay..
>You were never much of a comforter.
>Pinkie tried talking between sobs.
Pinkie: I- don’t want you to leave!
Pinkie, what’s wrong? We are both not leaving, and probably for a long time.
Pinkie: N-no, they’re just- waiting!
Waiting, for what?
Pinkie: For me! They’re just waiting for me to change!
What? What are you talking about?
Pinkie: I can’t explain it! But..
Pinkie.
>She looks up to you, tears in her eyes.
I promise, that whatever happens, whatever that may be, I’m not going to leave you. I’ll find a way back to you if they separate us. I promise.
Pinkie: Pinkie Promise?
Yes, I pinky promise.
>Strangely, she doesn’t hold out her pinky, but she brightens up instantly.
Pinkie: Ok Aanon, I trust you.
>You stand her back up, and you try once more.
>You lean in to Pinkie, closing your eyes inches away from her.
>Pinkie beams, and closes her eyes as well.
>You finally, finally, touch your lips to hers, and stay for what feels like hours.
>Her mouth tasted just like you expected it to be. Cotton candy, sweetness, sugar.
>The moment was absoulutely perfect.
>You suddenly feel something strange. Your hand, which was supporting Pinkies upper back, could suddenly feel the hair.. retract.
>You open your eyes. Sure enough, Pinkie’s hair was going from straight, and was curling up rapidly.
>You break the kiss, and look into her eyes.
>Her eyes, at least you think so, had turned a lighter shade of blue.
>In fact, Pinkie herself seemed.. brighter, more lively.
>Pinkie was still in a trance, looking at you with her tender eyes.
>She felt her hair suddenly, and was shocked to say the least.
Pinkie: Aanon, I-
>Almost immediately, the door that had been shut for so long, suddenly flew open.
>Guards in white uniforms started spilling into the room, each laden with white clubs.
>Before you know it, you are torn from Pinkie, and pinned down.
Pinkie: Aanon! Let him go!
>You see another one grab Pinkie. She tries to resist, but a needle is inserted in her arm, and Pinkie goes limp.
Pinkie!
>With your face on the ground, you notice something.
>All of the guards have lined up, except the one holding you, and are snapped to attention.
>One of them started walking down the middle of the rows, hands behind his back.
“Well, well. It looks like our little superstar had managed to do it after all.”
>One of them had dragged Pinkie out of the room.
>You were furious, but powerless to do anything.
What do you want?
“From you? Not really anything anymore.”
You know what I mean.
“Just to tell you something Aanon. Congratulations! You’ve managed to do something that countless people have failed miserably at! And for that, we thank you.
What. Are you going to do. To Pinkie?
“That’s classified Aanon, but I will tell you this. You’re done with us.”
>Another one sticks a needle in your arm.
>Just like in your dream, it was ice-cold, running through your body. You could feel yourself slipping away from consciousness every passing second.
You.. you won’t get away with this..
“Oh, but I already did Aanon.”
>All you could think of, before your last thought was drained, was your promise to Pinkie.
>You could still feel her lips against yours.
>But you knew, no matter what, that you were going to see her again.
>You Pinkie promised.