[DE - 15] AiE : Volition

[DE - 15] AiE : Volition
Continued from AiE : Redemption
-------------------

>Equestria.
>This world was a fantasy one, the place of dreams.
>Talking pastel colored ponies, pegasi, unicorns...
>Not to mention the dragons, manticores or minotaurs.
>A place ruled by two demigods, Celestia and Luna, who raise and lower the sun and moon respectively.
>And here you are, the only human, in the middle of it all.
>You'd come to make some great friends, and some enemies.
>Right now, you were calming one of said friends down.  A rather close friend, actually.
>The white unicorn was freaking out a little, or so she claimed.
>In reality, she was freaking out a lot.  You'd just received a summons from Princess Celestia, delivered by Princess Luna.  In person.
>You gathered the importance of the summons considering Luna was performing the work of a mail pony, during the day no less.
>While the importance of the summons seemed rather paramount, there was no time constriction to speak of.
>Even Luna had said to let her know once you'd made your decision.
>This was not like your previous summons from Celestia; she was giving you a choice.
>You were sitting on the couch, running your fingers through Vinyl's electric blue mane in an attempt to calm her.
"I don't know why YOU'RE freaking out; I'M the one that the summons is addressed to."
>"But still!  Do you KNOW how many times a princess delivers a summons, personally?  Do you?!"
"Not, exact--"
>"NEVER!  THEY'VE NEVER DONE THAT!"
>You sighed and resumed scratching behind her ears, knowing that there were no words that would calm her right now.

-------------------

>Rainbow had gotten back about the same time you and Vinyl had returned from the spa.
>Returned is the appropriate word, but it didn't seem to fit as you were asked to leave.
>You and Vinyl had a good time though, and that was what mattered.
>Rainbow had an eventful evening herself, as she was curiously quiet.
>Something was bothering Rainbow, but she refused to talk about it, insisting your summons was more important.
>She was more important than some summons from a bitchy princess to you, but you didn't want to argue with her.
>After the two mares convinced you to go tonight, they'd made it abundantly clear that you weren't going alone.
>Then the seriousness of the situation apparently hit Vinyl, which is why she was currently being subdued by a good ear scratching in your lap.
>Rainbow had taken to packing some things for the trip, as you once again didn't know how long you'd be in Canterlot.
>The way Luna had worded the summons made it seem like Celestia was extending some sort of apology or peace offering.
>Something about the timing of it all kept nagging away at your thoughts though; something you couldn't quite put your finger on.
>Vinyl may have been freaking out, but she had a point.  It must be pretty serious.
>On the other hand, Luna seemed much more relaxed about this summons.  The last one led to an argument between her and Celestia that didn't exactly end well.
>All very curious.
>"Hey Anon, you ready to go?"
>You looked over to Rainbow who was half-way down the stairs with some impressively stuffed saddle bags.

-------------------

"I need to pack a few thi--"
>"I got most of your stuff, Anon.  You're all packed, so c'mon, let's go" she said, trotting down the remaining stairs to the first floor.
"What's the hurry?"
>"The hurry?  Anon, it's a summons from Princess Celestia.  It's important!"
"Fine, fine" you said, standing up.
>Consequently, you were removing Vinyl from her somewhat calmed state on your lap.
"Let's go then."
>The two mares led you out of the house, only pausing in their stride to wait on you to finish locking the door.
>Shortly thereafter, the three of you were on your way to the station.
>Vinyl was nervous the entire way, arguing with herself under her breath; while Rainbow kept to that curious silence.
>Whatever it was that she had talked about with her friends must've really hit home or something.
>You only hoped they weren't pinning some sort of decision on her because of you, but you had a nagging feeling about that too...
>Best to save that conversation for the train ride though; that way she'll have to sit down and talk about it.
>Whatever 'it' is.
>As you walked along the road that led to the station, you took note that the Sun had finally shown up.
>It was almost alien to see sunlight, but it had started to poke through the clouds now.
>Maybe the weather team had finally gotten their shit together?
>You liked a good storm and all, but every now and again it was nice to enjoy a dry walk outside.
>On rare occasion, of course, but still.
>Yet another sighting that had become rare due to the weather was ponies out and about walking the streets.
>Some you thought you recognized, others you had no clue.

-------------------

>It struck you just how few ponies you actually know here.
>You'd been on a whirlwind of events since your arrival, never having time to really slow down and take things in.
>The only other pony you really knew other than Rainbow or Vinyl was Twilight, and even then you didn't know her that well.
>Applejack had shunned you since Fluttershy started rumors about you or something; the rest you never really spoke to for an extended amount of time.
>Fluttershy... just thinking about her annoyed you.  She had caused so much trouble for you, and you didn't have an inkling of an idea as to why.
>She was acting like she was angry at you, but you couldn't think of a reason as to why she would be.
>You'd never talked to her, or interacted with her really.  And she claimed to be one of Rainbow's best friends!
>If that were true, surely you would've met her more than you had...
>You really weren't sure if she was avoiding you or if it was all some huge coincidence.
>If one of your friends had gotten a new girlfriend, you would've eventually met them.
>Then again, you weren't Fluttershy.
>When you did try and find out why she was upset with you, you only made things worse.
>Fucked if you try, fucked if you don't, it would seem.
>All of these thoughts plagued your mind as you continued the trek to the station.
>Trek might not be the appropriate word though, as your arrival interrupted said thoughts.
>There, in all of its glory, was Luna's personal train.
>It was a sight to behold, but somehow seemed dulled in the sunlight.

-------------------

>While you may have considered the train to be somewhat dulled in the light; it didn't seem to agree.
>Once you'd been boarded and ushered to a car, the locomotive fired right up and began its journey to Canterlot.
>You hadn't even had a chance to meet with Luna yet, which only served to add to your suspicions that there was some kind of time constraint.
>As if to suggest you were correct, the customary boom of the train signaled what you assumed to be the train hitting top speed.
>Pushing yourself off the counter you'd been using for balance, you examined the rest of the car.
>It was strikingly similar, if not the same car you'd been in previously.
"Jeeze, wonder what the big hurry is..."
>"I told you Anon, you're seeing Princess Celestia!  She doesn't mess around."
"Yeah, but she made sure to say there weren't any time constraints, remember?"
>"But Anon, it's Princess CELESTIA."
"I know, but I don't remember being in this much of a hurry last time she wanted to see me."
>"Man, you're making me nervous!  I'm gonna go lay down..."
>You shook your head as the white unicorn made her way over to the couch and promptly occupied it in its entirety.
>It struck you that Rainbow had been oddly quiet, even after you'd gotten on the train.
>Looking around, you finally found her rummaging through the mini fridge.
"Rainbow?  You okay?"
>"GAH!" she exclaimed, bumping her head in the process.
>"Dammit Nonny!" she said, rubbing the back of her head with her hoof.
"You're acting a bit off, Rainbow.  Something the matter?"

-------------------

>"Nothing..." she mumbled, avoiding your gaze.
"Don't lie Dash.  I know there's something bothering you, now spill."
>She shot you an annoyed glance before taking flight.
>After she'd darted over to the end of the car and landed in front of the door.
>"I don't wanna talk about it," she said flatly as she opened the door and made her way to the next car.
>"Jeeze.  Wonder what crawled up her butt."
"It's not funny Vinyl.  I'm worried about her."
>"Bah, she'll be fine Anon.  Just needs some time is all."
"Time for what though?  Why is she acting like this?  It's not like her."
>"I dunno Anon, probably something her friends said or whatever.  She'll tell you when she feels like it; not like you're going anywhere or anything."
>You scooched Vinyl over and plopped down on the couch next to her.
>After she huffed and regained a normal sitting position as opposed to the headstand you'd put her in, she punched you lightly in the arm.
>"Jerk."
>You sighed and leaned back in an attempt to let your mind go blank.
>Maybe you just needed some time to think too...
>
>You woke from your impromptu nap some time later; Vinyl strewn across your lap snoring lightly.
>As you idly petted her mane, you wondered how long it'd be until she realized she'd forgotten her goggles yet again.
>Hearing one of the car doors open, you immediately looked to the one that was towards Rainbow's car.
>Much to your disappointment, that was not the door that had opened.
>Looking to the other entrance, you found Princess Luna.
>"Excellent, you are awake."
"What time is it?" you asked as you stretched, disturbing Vinyl's comfortable slumber.

-------------------

>"I apologize for the hour, but there are things we must discuss before we arrive in Canterlot."
>You poked at Vinyl in an attempt to further remove her from your lap.
"Hey.  Get up.  Luna's here."
>She mumbled something and turned her head away from you.
>You sighed, shrugging to Luna.
"I 'spose I'm not really going anywhere."
>The Princess of the night, using her magic, pulled over cushion to sit on.
>"I know why my sister has summoned you, but you must understand I cannot tell you."
"What?  Why not?"
>"It is... complicated."
"Alright, whatever.  So, what can you tell me?"
>Luna looked out a window to your left as she began to speak.
>"You have been the topic of many an argument and debate at the castle, Anon."
>"Both myself and my sister have made mistakes in dealing with you; mistakes that, if avoided, could've made all of this mess much easier for all those involved."
"Dealing with me?  I'm sorry if I've caused some ruckus, but I never asked you to watch out for me.  Not to say I don't appreciate it, but-"
>Luna held up a hoof to silence you, though her piercing gaze would've been enough.
>"That is not what I mean, Anon.  Please do not contort my words.  My sister has been a ruler much longer than I, thus she has more experience in affairs such as these."
>"I cannot explain what I mean to that extent, but rest assured all of your questions will be answered once we arrive in Canterlot."
>"For now, know that no harm was ever intended to come your way.  In fact, my sister has been attempting to help you in ways you cannot yet understand."
>"I have been stopping her and slowing her down in my ignorance; not realizing that she might have had wisdom which I have been lacking."

-------------------

>"Again, I apologize that I cannot elaborate further; but I wanted to speak to you before we arrived in Canterlot, as I may not get the chance afterwards."
>Your heart rate increased dramatically at that last bit.
"Now, now hold on a second.  Am I gonna die or something?"
>"What?  No!  No, of course not!  Why in all of Equestria would you think that?!"
"You not getting to see me after we get to Canterlot worries me Luna."
>"I apologize; perhaps I have revealed too much."
"Actually, I'd like to know more."
>"As I said, I apologize for confusing things further.  I will leave you now, and I suggest you get some rest.  You will need it."
>Before you could question her further, she was gone.
>Stupid princesses.
>Stupid magic.
>Stupid teleporting.
>You resigned to try and get some sleep, but only after you'd removed Vinyl from your lap.
>Damn unicorn could sleep through a lot, it would seem.
>Making sure she was comfortable in your bed, you went back to the couch to attempt get some sleep.
>Turns out your attempt was a full on success, as your dreams overtook you once more.
>Dreams of a strange occurrence for you, as these weren't nightmares.
>No, these were pleasant dreams-- no.  Memories.  They were memories.
>Of your time here, in Equestria.
>With Rainbow and Vinyl.
>The auditorium, the hospital, Rainbow's house.
>Holding Rainbow close...
>That night at Vinyl's auditorium...
>
>Your reminiscent dreams were cut short however, as another boom from the locomotive signaled the drop from top speed.

-------------------

>Groaning to a state of semi-awareness, you began the lumbering process of shrugging off sleep.
>In said process, you found your hand resting on something soft.
>Sitting up, you found that Vinyl had deemed it necessary to attach to you while you were sleeping.
>As you rubbed the sleep from your eyes, she stretched and began to wake up.
"Looks like we're almost there." you said, stretching yet again.
>"Mmmm" was all Vinyl responded with as she buried her face into your leg.
>About that time one of the doors opened.
>"Come on guys!  We gotta get ready!"
"Rainbow?"
>The cyan pegasus was already pushing you from the couch.
>"C'mon Anon!  Go get ready; you're going to meet the Princess!"
"Dash," you said, managing to push away from her, “I’ve already met Celestia, remember?"
>"But this is different!"
>You gave her a deadpan look and scratched your side.
>"Anon, come on!  We've got to hurry!"
"Dash, we're not even at the station yet."
>She groaned in annoyance, looking around the room.
>Finally, she settled her sights on Vinyl and scooped her up with her fore hooves.
>As Vinyl's rear legs dragged along the floor of the car, she slowly came to her senses.
>"Hey, what's goin' on?"
>"We're going to see the Princess, and at least SOME of us are going to look nice!"
>Vinyl muttered something under her breath as Rainbow dragged her back to the other car.
>Seeing as you probably did need a shower, you decided you might as well get your morning routine over and done with.
>
>No sooner were you cleaned up and dressed to Rainbow's approval were you being ushered off of the train.

-------------------

"Geeze Rainbow, you weren't in this much of a hurry last time we were going to meet Celestia."
>"Yeah, but maybe now you can make a good impression on her!  C'mon, let’s go already!"
>You and Vinyl groaned mutually as Rainbow began dragging you down the street.
>"Gah, why are you two draggin' your feet?  Come on, this is CELESTIA."
"And?"
>"She NEVER 'summons' someone unless it's friggin important!"
"Fine fine, let's go.  If it'll get you to calm down."
>"Me?  Calm?  Anon, Princess Celestia of Equestria summoned MY special somepony specifically, and you want me to be CALM?"
>Growing tired of her restlessness; you decided to do something about it.
>Grabbing her rear leg, you pulled her back into a tight embrace, pinning her wings to her sides.
>"Hey!  What gives?!"
"Yes, I want you to be calm."
>"Lemme go!"
>She struggled against your hold for a while, but she never managed to squirm free.
>You continued your leisurely pace, much to Rainbow's annoyance, but she finally did start to calm down some.
>It took you a good four blocks or so before you looked over and realized that Vinyl was no longer wearing her dampener.
"Vinyl, when did that happen?" you inquired, pointing to her horn.
>"Hmm?"
>She went cross eyed in an attempt to follow your gaze to her forehead.
>"Oh!  This morning, actually..."
"Wow.  I probably would've noticed sooner if it wasn't for SOMEONE being so pushy."
>Rainbow huffed in your arms, resting her head on your shoulder.
"Speaking of a certain pegasus, what's been with the mood recently?"
>"I don't wanna talk about it."
"Well it's a good thing I wasn't asking you to, isn't it?"
>She let out an annoyed sigh, followed shortly by a minor attempt to break free of your grip, but you held strong.

-------------------

"If you don't tell, then I won't go see Celestia."
>"WHAT?!"
"You heard me.  Now spill."
>She groaned in annoyance and renewed her struggling tenfold.
"Alright, have it your way."
>You did a one-eighty, heading back for the station.
>"Wait, you're serious Anon?"
"Yes Vinyl, I am.  You two mean more to me than some snooty princess demanding to talk with me."
>"Darn it Anon!" Rainbow said, now thrashing in your arms.
"You can end this Rainbow.  You tell me what's been bothering you, and I'll go straight to Celestia."
>She stopped squirming, and you stopped walking towards the station.
>You stood there for a while, holding the cyan pegasus tight in your arms.
>"...Fine."
"Alright.  I'm waiting."
>She sighed and turned her head away from you.
>"Fl.nm..."
"What was that?"
>"Flr..."
"Who?"
>She sighed once more, but finally spoke up.
>"Fluttershy.  She's what's been bothering me."
"Fluttershy?"
>"She was at AJ's barn, along with the rest of my friends..."
"Is that what this is all about?  Dash, you know you can talk to me about anything; why were you so-"
>"It's... It's weird, okay?  Now can we please go and see Celestia?  You promised."
>"Rainbow, that's no explana-"
"No Vinyl, she's right.  I promised."
>You released her from your grip, to which she promptly leapt off of your chest and into the air.
>"Now c'mon."
"Alright, alright.  And don't worry Vinyl, we'll get her to spill her guts soon enough."
>"HA!  Nobody gets the Dash to talk."
"Just like nobody makes her drool, right?"
>She turned bright red at that comment.
>"Darn it Anon."
>Vinyl only giggled.

-------------------

>After you managed to get Rainbow to stop blushing, the three of you continued on towards the castle at a rather expedited pace.
>Sooner than you would've liked, you were walking through the main gates.
>You could feel your heart rate increase.  Rainbow was right, this was different.
>There were no guards escorting you this time.
>It felt similar to being called to the principal's office.
>The blow was somewhat lessened when you realized the principal was a pastel pony.
>Soon you found yourself in the castle courtyard, being led by one of the guard ponies.
>They were expecting you, after all.
>A quick stroll later, and the three of you were alone in what you could only describe as a meeting room.
>The large stained windows told some kind of story you were unfamiliar with; managing only to pick out some kind of dragon chasing away dogs.
>While you and Vinyl were content to look at the grand room in awe, Rainbow was fidgeting in her chair.
>Your collective attention was brought to one point once the doors opened.
>"My apologies, I was held up with some royal duties."
>"Princess!"
>"Princess, is something wrong?  Why did you want to see anon so badly?  What's going on?"
>"Hello Ms. Scratch.  Rainbow Dash, all of your questions will be answered shortly.  That's why I summoned for Anon in the first place."
"Well Princess, it's been a while.  You going to try and lock me up again?"
>"I must apologize for that, Anon.  I have my reasoning, and if you will hear me, I will explain everything."
>You nodded and returned to your seat, Celestia taking one across from the three of you.

-------------------

>"Very well, let me begin.  As with most tales, the beginning is as good a place as any to start."
>"Your arrival was an accident, but it was predicted.  You are not the first human in Equestria, Anon."
"I'm not?"
>"No.  The human that arrived previously arrived nearly one thousand years ago.  She chose to live out her time here as a pony, and lived a somewhat normal life."
>"There was, of course, a period of adjustment, but it was one that I helped her with personally."
>"I wanted to get you alone and do the same; however in doing so I made a few mistakes.  I did not account for my sister."
>"She saw me as a tyrant returning to her old ways; I failed to explain the situation to her before."
>"Luna would counter every effort I made in an attempt to 'protect' you, when she was actually slowing my attempts to aid you."
>"Nor did I account for the elements of harmony becoming so invested in you; especially to the point of infatuation."
>"Hey!  I'm not fat!"
>"Rainbow, that's not what that means."
"Ladies, will you let the princess continue?"
>They both realized they had interrupted the princess at about the same time and shut up.
>Giving a slight smile, Celestia continued.
>"Tell me Anon, how long do you think you've been in Equestria?"
"I'm... not too sure, actually.  Maybe four months or so?"
>"You've been here for nearly six months, Anon.  Do you understand how short a time that is?"
"...Not really.  Seems like I've been here a while, actually."
>"Then perhaps what I'm about to tell you will help put it in perspective."

-------------------

>"As I told you before, your arrival was predicted.  Once every thousand years, the planets align just so that inter-dimensional travel can occur."
>"I do not understand magic on such a level that I can explain that further; had it not been for Starswirl, I would never have known that magic was the cause."
>"That being said, the opening lasts about six months.  Not a very long time, all things considered."
>You sat there, processing what she'd said.
>Six months.  You'd been here six months.
>The portal or whatever that sent you here was open for six months.
>You knew what was coming, but you couldn't make yourself think about it directly.
>"You know what this means, Anon.  I know my actions have been aggressive and unruly, and I apologize for that.  I hope what I am offering now will make up for it."
>"I don't get it."
>"Dummy, she's saying she can send Anon home."
>The four of you sat there in silence, letting what Vinyl had said so bluntly sink in.
>Finally, Celestia spoke up once more.
>"I know I should not ask this of you, but I must.  I can send you back, Anon.  Back to your home.  Your people.  Only one obstacle remains, and that is time itself."
>"The veil of magic that allows for the travel to occur will only remain for three days.  You must make your choice between now, and then."
>You looked down at your hands that were resting on the table.
>"If it makes any difference, I can offer one more thing.  I can wipe the memories you have of this world.  You would awake as though you'd been in a coma; not even a stray thought of this world would remain."
>Home.
>
>
>You could go home.

-------------------

>"I understand this is a lot to take in, Anon.  I will leave you to your thoughts, but know that I must have an answer in three days."
>Without another word the princess quietly made her way out of the room, leaving you with Vinyl and Rainbow.
>Rainbow was the first to break the silence.
>"I don't know WHY she didn't stick around, you already know the answer."
>This got you to finally break your overly-thorough examination of your hands to question her.
"Oh?"
>You could've sworn you saw a streak of annoyance flash across her face.
>"Well yeah.  I mean, it's not like you're gonna leave." she said, chuckling nervously.
>When your response was merely to look down at your hands once more, Rainbow spoke up yet again.
>"C'mon Anon.  Stop kiddin around."
>You chose to meet her with silence.
>When she responded next, her nervousness was mixed with annoyance.
>"Anon, cut it out.  This isn't funny."
"You're right," you said, not looking up from your incredibly interesting hands, "it's not."
"This isn't some game or contest, Rainbow.  I have a chance to do something right by you."
>"Right by me?  What's that supposed to mean?"
"I've put you through enough bullshit; I'm not going to put you through more."
>"Stop talking like that Anon; it's not funny!" she said, her irritation bubbling through.
"No, it's serious.  I can't fix all the garbage I've put you through, but maybe I can make sure you get a better life."
>The next thing you were aware of was that you were on your back and Rainbow as on your chest.
>She was not happy in the slightest.

-------------------

"What the hell was that for?!" you said, catching your breath.
>Upon further inspection, you saw the faintest hint of tears in the cyan pegasus' eyes.
>"For playing some stupid joke!  It's not funny, Anon!"
"Rainbow, for the last time, it's not a joke!"
>She flinched at your statement, eyes tearing up further.
>"Yes it is!  There's no good reason for you to leave!"
>"Rainbow stop it!"
>You and Rainbow both looked over to the white unicorn.
>"It's his choice Rainbow, not yours, or mine, or anyone else's."
>Rainbow returned her frustrated gaze to you, panting heavily.
>"Why?" she asked, her voice cracking slightly.
>"Why would you leave me?"
>You closed your eyes and took a deep breath to calm yourself.
>Rainbow was still perched on your chest, but you didn't care to remove her.
"Because you deserve better.  For fuck's sake Rainbow, I'm an alien to you."
>She had started to say something, but Vinyl cut her off.
>"Rainbow, get off him and let him speak.  I don't want him to go either, but we can't force him to stay."
>The pegasus was fighting a treacherous mix of anger, irritation, and tears; but she did hop off of your chest.
>Rising to a sitting position, you took a moment to get your thoughts together.
"Like I was saying, you deserve better.  Sure, I could stay, but who's to say I won't just cause more needless bullshit for you?"
"I'm an alien, you're both beautiful mares.  I'm sure both of you could find a stallion that would be better for you than me."
"You two could have a happy future with someone of your own species."

-------------------

>Rainbow wouldn't have any of your speculation though.
>"I don't care!  I don't want to be with some stallion, I want to be with you!"
>"I... I do too." Vinyl said.
>The poor unicorn looked like she was going to be sick or something, but she pressed on.
>"You're more than just a special somepony, Anon."
"Oh great, you too?"
>She ignored your comment and continued.
>"I've been all over Equestria.  I've met so many ponies it's not funny.  So many 'friends' who wanted a 'relationship.'"
>"But none of them were you.  None of them cared to get to know me; they were just interested in me because I was doing a show."
>"That's all they ever thought of me.  They never once cared to hang out or chill with me like you and Rainbow did."
>"So, I finally figured out that I'm probably going to be alone for a long time, and I accepted that.  I can have just my music."
>"But then, some crazy alien shows up and turns my world upside down.  Treats me like a mare, not a trophy.  You really think I'd let that slip away without a fight?"
>By the end of her little rant, Vinyl's eyes were clearly watering.
>Rainbow chose then to give you her little talk as well.
>"You IDIOT!" she said, taking a step towards you.
>"If I really didn't want to be with you, or thought I could do better with some other pony, why would I stay with you?"
>"I don't want some stallion, I want you.  I don't know why, and I don't need to know why."
>"You're nice; stupid; you treat me right even if I don't deserve it.  You put up with all my mush and stupid."

-------------------

>She further decreased the distance separating you from her as she continued talking.
>"You helped me get back to flying; you helped me figure out what I want in life."
>"There was something there from the second I caught you for the first time."
"Crashed into me, you mean."
>"I didn't know what it was.  I still don't know, but I don't want it to go away.  Ever."
"That's a pretty stupid reason, Rain-"
>Vinyl's turn to speak up again.
>"Love is stupid, dummy.  Think about what Celestia said though."
>"That portal thingy is only open once every thousand years.  A THOUSAND years, Anon."
>"What are the odds that YOU would wind up in Equestria and meet US?"
"I don't believe in fate."
>"That's fine; but you're still one in however many of you there are back from wherever you're from."
>She was right.  It hadn't been just anyone that got pulled here; it was you.
>Not only that, but you had indeed met both Rainbow and Vinyl.  What are the odds that you would wind up at there, at that moment...?
>Rainbow was once more invading your personal space, but yet again you didn't care to remove her.
>She simply stared at you, her face inches from yours.
>As you looked into her eyes, you realized some things.
>You had no real reason to go, nothing solid.
>It was clear that both Rainbow and Vinyl wanted you to stay.
>Even if you did go back and had your memory wiped, it was likely that anyone that cared about you considered you dead and gone.
>So, you could start fresh home, or continue to trudge along here with Vinyl and Rainbow.

-------------------

>While you were staring into Rainbow's eyes, she moved closer and closer to you.
>Eventually, you bumped noses, bringing you out of your little trance.
>It was then, right then, that you realized something else more paramount than any of your previous revelations.
>You didn't have a reason to stay.
>No.
>
>You had two.
>
>
>A short time later, and your personal space was being violated by both Vinyl and Rainbow.
>Each had you in a hug that could kill a bear, and both of them were nuzzling you.
>Rainbow had you by the chest, her face buried into your shoulder.
>Vinyl had you by the leg, pressing her face as hard as she could against it.
>Sooner or later you'd lose circulation somewhere; of that you were certain.
>You were also certain that you didn't want the embrace to end.
>Celestia had made you an offer to stay, or go home.
>You thought you knew what you considered to be home before, but now you knew for certain.
>Home was right here, with these two mares.  Where ever that decision decided to take you, it would be home.

-------------------

>As you held them close and let out a sigh of relief, the door opened.
>Apparently, it had been some time since Celestia had left you to your thoughts.
>You likely lost track of time when the argument was settled and you just enjoyed the embrace the mares had you in.
>After hurriedly getting to your feet, it was clear the ponies attached to you had no intention of letting go, regardless of who else was in the room.
>Celestia only gave you a knowing look as she began speaking.
>"I take it you've made your decision?"
>You sat down in one of the chairs at the table, making sure to not bump Vinyl, who was still attached to your leg.
"Yes, Princess, I have."
>Rainbow and Vinyl both raised their heads, eager to listen in.
>"I have a feeling I know what your decision was."
"I want to go home, Princess."
>You felt both mares clench you tightly in fear; while Celestia gave you a confused look.
>Eyeing you over, she voiced her concerns.
>"Are you... certain?"
"Yes, I am.  I want to go home, with these two mares."
>Celestia blinked for a moment, processing what you'd said.
>"Anon, I'm afraid you might not understand the full consequences of what you're suggesting.  Rainbow cannot leave, as she is an Element of Harmony.  Vinyl would be the only one of her kind in your-"
"I said I want to go home, Celestia.  It's taken me a while to realize, but home is where you make it, and I want to make it where ever these two girls take me."
>You smiled to yourself, hugging Rainbow to your chest when you heard a faint "idiot" from Rainbow.

-------------------

>As Celestia worked out what you meant, she let a warm smile slip upon her features.
>"I understand.  It must not have been an easy decision to come to."
"Actually, I knew the answer when you asked me; I just needed to be sure."
>"Of course.  I shall have Luna prepare her train for the return to Ponyville at once." she said, turning to leave.
>
>
>
>The following trudge to the station was a long one, considering the attached ponies refused to let go.
>You did manage to pry them off once you'd made it to the car though.
>Sitting back on the couch, you allowed yourself to relax with Vinyl to your right and Rainbow to your left.
>As the train began its journey back to Ponyville, Vinyl struck up some conversation.
>"So Anon, what happens now?"
"Oooh, lots of things.  Life goes on, mostly."
>Rainbow piped in at this.
>"Yeah, and I'm glad you're going to be here with us for it.  I don't want to think about what Scootaloo would do if I came back without you..."
"Scootaloo?  What do you mean?" you asked, turning your gaze to the now-on-the-spot pegasus.
>"Well, she uhhh... kinda sorta figured out that I like you.  A lot."
"Really?  Wonder what gave it away."
>You got a soft punch for that.
>"Anyways, she was saying something about if you ever hurt me, she wouldn't tell anyone about where we hid the body." she said, chuckling nervously at the end.
>"I told her you're not that kind of guy.  If you left, she would probably break one of Twilight's 'laws of physics' or whatever to get you."
"Sounds like a really devoted filly."

-------------------

>"Something like that, yeah," she said, rubbing her head up against your chest.
>"So, Rainbow, what was all that fuss about Fluttershy earlier?"
>Rainbow's eyes snapped open in horror.
>"Awww man, you guys aren't gonna do that again, are you?"
>Before she had a chance to escape, you had her pinned to your side.
"Spill."
>"No!  I don't wanna talk about it!"
"Vinyl?"
>"Yes Nonny?"
"Find a feather."
>You could feel Rainbow's heart stop for a second.
>Vinyl was already bounding about the car, searching for said feather.
>"Anon, just drop it, okay?!"
"No.  You said you would tell me what was bothering you."
>"I did!  I told you, Fluttershy was what was bothering me!"
"Great.  Now spill the rest."
>"I found a feather Anon!" Vinyl said, poking her head out from behind a counter.
>"Alright alright, I'll talk!  Just, put the feather down!" Rainbow pleaded, squirming in your grip.
"Oh no you don't.  You're not sneaking your way out of this one.  We've got the entire ride to Ponyville to get it out of you."
>You flipped her so that she was belly up, still pinned against you so her movement was restricted.
>Vinyl was approaching with a devilish grin, feather in her magical grip.
>Rainbow was panicking and spazing against your grip, but you held her down.
>"SHE LIKES ME, OKAY?!"
>Vinyl dropped the feather, and you released your death grip on Rainbow.
>Even though the state of mild shock lurked in the room, Rainbow made no effort to leave her position.
"What?"
>Just as Rainbow sighed in defeat, the train's signature boom struck and you were plunged into the darkness of a tunnel.

-------------------

>The lights quickly responded though, lighting the car to a suitable and cozy level.
>"She... she likes me," Rainbow said again, looking down at the floor.
"I... I don't..."
>"What in the hay do you mean she likes you?"
>Rainbow snapped an annoyed glare at Vinyl.
>"I mean she likes me, okay?  She never said anything before, because I never had a special somepony before or anything like that."
>Things started to make sense now.
>That would explain why she was so aggressive towards you; why she would make excuses to be angry at her.
>You stole Rainbow's affections from her.
>"I had to turn her down, and she," Rainbow paused to return her gaze to the floor, "she didn't like that..."
>"She was really mad at Anon, and I didn't like THAT.  So, we had a kind of fight.  Good thing the rest of my friends were there though."
"Oh?"
>"Yeah," she said, looking up to you.
>"AJ understands everything.  She's willing to let you come back to the farm and work for her, if you want."
"Wow... I never figured that was Fluttershy's beef with me."
>"Neither did I," Rainbow said, leaning into your chest and gazing out the window to nothing in particular.
>"After a while she said she understood and just wanted me to be happy, but I don't think she meant it..."
"I can't say I blame her Rainbow.  You ARE pretty awesome."
>"Now you're just trying to get into my pants."
"You don't wear pants."
>"I know," she said, flicking her left wing out and snapping it back.
>Dirty mare.
>"Hey now, I missed out last time," Vinyl said with another devilish grin on her face.
>Dirty mares everywhere.

-------------------

>But, you let your mind wander.
>The three of you were in your previous positions, enjoying the feeling of each other's company.
>Life would continue merrily on no matter what you chose; but you're pretty happy you chose to find out how it continues on here.
>Good End.

###Last Edit: 4/12/13 2030