Two Sides of a Coin (Chapter 4)

“The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dreams shall never die.”
-Edward Kennedy

>Canterlot was now but a faint image in the horizon behind as you approached Ponyville.
>Hope’s face was bright in the rays of the afternoon sun, but a trace of longing had come onto her expression.
“You’ve been pretty quiet since we left. What’s up?”
>”It’s nothing.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t show up last night. Did you do anything fun at least?”
>”We went to this thing called the ‘movies’. You sit in this large dark room and this wall comes to life with images!” She exclaims. “I nearly jumped out of my seat when it happened.”
>Hope has lived most of her life in another world void of almost everything but the bare necessities and her mother.
>You were surprised to see she hasn’t gone through a huge culture shock yet. But that may change soon.
>As Ponyville came into view, you saw Rainbow Dash make a B-line for a large clearing close by Twilight’s house.
>The chariot hits the ground like a feather. You couldn’t be happier to be on solid ground.
>Fluttershy stood by her lonesome self as Twilight convenes with you and the others on what to do.
>”Alright Anon, what’s the plan?” Twilight inquires. You cup your hand in your chin for a moment.
“Why don’t you watch Hope for a bit? Maybe show her around town. I’ll take Fluttershy back to her place, see if we can’t straighten a few things out.”
>”Anon, I have better things to be doing than babysitting.”
>Hope agrees, “I can take care of myself, Anon.”
“Don’t get me wrong, but most folks here have never seen anything like you before. I think it’d be best if Twilight, and maybe the others, show you around.”
>After a brief discussion, Twilight agrees to take on Hope for a while. But she was cautious as always. “Just be careful around Fluttershy. We don’t know what she might try if you let your guard down.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve had my fair share of scuffles. I’ll meet you by the end of the day to let you know what’s up.”
>Twilight and Hope take off to her place while AppleJack, Rainbow Dash and Rarity go on about their daily business.
>Although they all said goodbye to you, none of them even glanced at Fluttershy as they took their leave.
>You approach the small yellow pony, her head still looking at the ground.
“Alright, let’s go.”
>She gulps. “W-Where to?”
“Back to your house. Now get a move on.”
>With a low hanging head, she sulks her way down a path. Other ponies in the town look onward in curiosity at the sight of a human accompanying a murderer.
>”What are you going to do to me?” She meekly asks.
“You’ll find out soon enough.”
>Your head was still achy after last night’s escapade, so you weren’t in the mood for an extended conversation after your little group huddle with Twilight and the others.
>Eventually you come up to a small dank cottage.
>Opening the door, you enter the threshold with Fluttershy in tow. Slamming the door shut, you eye the small timid pony as she mopes her way into the middle of the room.
>Fluttershy turns and gazes at you with her large blue eyes.
“Wait here.”
>You walk past her into the next room. This place was a mess, no wonder she looks like hell. The musty smell from the lack of cleanliness was overwhelming at first but you adapt to it quickly.
>In the corner of the room you find a broom. Perfect.
>Meeting back up with Fluttershy, you hold the broom in one hand. She immediately begins to cower and hides her face behind her arms. “W-what are you going to do?” She whimpers like the pathetic pony she is.
>You drop the broom in front of her.
>The wooden handle clacks loudly on the floor. Fluttershy instinctively jumps, but she peeks out from behind her arms and looks at it in confusion.
>Pointing at her, you give her a stern look.
“Get cleaning. You’ve got work to do.”
>Without saying another word, you hop onto a nearby couch, pick up the closest reading material and got comfy.
>Fluttershy exchanges looks between you and the broom, as if she was expecting to get beaten up for her punishment. Reluctantly, she picks up the broom, hovers over the floor and begins to sweep.
>She occasionally glances over to you to see if you were going to say or do anything about her. You just keep on reading.
>According to this newspaper, Mayor Mare is purposely keeping her hair grey for aesthetic reasons.
>A small cloud of dust and dirt build up as Fluttershy continues to sweep the floors.
“And open up some windows for Christ’s sake, it smells awful in here.”
>She immediately flies over to one of the windows and opens it. A fresh breeze blows through.
>Fluttershy toils away at dusting while you continue to lay back and relax.
>In the middle of your careless daydream, you see her approach out of the corner of your eye. You lower the newspaper and glance to her.
“What?”
>”I finished sweeping, Anon... uh Sir! I mean...” She stutters.
>Upon viewing the room, the shelves look as though they haven’t been touched.
“Did you do the shelves? What about upstairs?”
>”Oh... well I didn’t think that...”
“Get that yellow ass of yours in gear and get cleaning. Otherwise, you’re just wasting my time.”
>Like an obedient dog, she trots off and grabs more cleaning supplies.
>She begins to dust everywhere and the place starts taking a turn for the better. However, you were running out of reading material.
>Sitting upright, you hoist yourself off the couch and head to the door.
“I’ll be outside when you’re ready to start cleaning around your house.”
>What did cleaning have to do with rehabilitating Fluttershy?
>Probably nothing, but it was a start.
>You remember this place not being so drab, but everything felt as though the cheer factor in Ponyville has been turned down.
>Was Pinkie really the glue that held everyone together?
>These next two weeks are going to be aggravating. It made you sick to your stomach thinking about it.
>You had to take your mind off this.
>As if driven by instinct, you made your way towards Ponyville.

>You are now Hope.
>As you sat on the couch in Twilight’s house, you swung your legs back and forth to the tick tock of the clock.
>Twilight sat across from you, her horn aglow and a writing tool scratching feverishly on a piece of parchment in front of her.
>She said she would take notes, but you weren’t really sure what else she had in store for you.
>The ticking grew louder in the silence.
>You clear your throat. Twilight was still busy with her writing.
>Licking your parched lips, you finally spoke up.
“Did you know my mom?”
>Twilights lifts her head up slightly, her eyes still looking down at the paper. Finally she breaks contact and look at you. “Pardon me?”
“My mom, did you know her?”
>”Oh, well I knew she lived here in Ponyville a while ago. But I never really knew her all that well. She was just like any other pony.”
>It takes a moment for her words to sink in. Twilight goes back to writing her notes.
“What about my dad? What was he like?”
>Twilight stops.
>A grim look takes over her expression, but a small smile quickly changes all that. “Anon was... a good person. At first we offered him to say, but he wanted to go home where he belonged. When we found him, he was scared but soon he adapted to our ways and made friends. That’s what I believe makes humans so special. They can adapt and have the fortitude to persevere.”
“What else do you know about him?”
>Twilight gets up from her seat and walks over to a shelf filled with books. Her horn glows and a tome gently floats down from the highest shelf.
>The book opens and pages begin to turn. “When he first came here, Celestia looked into his mind to see where he came from. It was also to see if he was a scout for an invasion.”
>You’re sitting at the edge of your seat.
“Was he?”
>”No, and that was a huge relief for us. Celestia saw that the world he came from is one of beauty and of violence. It scared her, but she could see that Anon was good in spirit and heart. Humans have the greatest capacity for good and unspeakable evils. Their technology is great but has also turned some of them into corrupt beings.”
>Such a terrible sounding world, why would your father ever want to go back there?
>”I’m afraid I didn’t get to learn too much else about him or human culture. From what Celestia could gather from his recollection of thoughts, humans are incredibly diverse and widespread, their kind being the dominant species.”
>Twilight re-shelves the book and takes her seat again in front of you. You nervously fidget with your fingers.
>One thought has been crossing your mind ever since you came here to Ponyville.
“Twilight, would my dad have loved me?”
>The purple mare’s eyes widen in surprise. “Why do you sound unsure? There’s no doubt in my mind he would.”
“How do you know? All I heard you say was that my mother forced him to do so. He never knew I existed!”
>Twilight was taken back by your sudden outburst, but how could you really be sure?
>Your thoughts go back to how your dad might still be alive if it wasn’t for that yellow pegasus.
>Your eyes well up with tears, but you fight to hold them back.
“All I can think about is Fluttershy. It’s her fault... I hate her.”
>”Hope, Anon is doing his best to make Fluttershy see the error of her ways. This is the best chance we have to make sure that everyone is safe when Anon tries to take back the orb.”
“She can die for all I care! It was her that caused my father to run away in the first place.”
>”That may be so, but your father died for all of us. Fluttershy had nothing to do with that.”
“But he didn’t have to...”
>You could feel yourself slipping again. Squeezing your eyes shut, you clench your fists and choke on your own resentment and tears.
>”You have to trust Anon on this. If you trust him, then you have to believe that he can help Fluttershy. Let me get you a glass of water, I’ll be right back.” Twilight hops off her chair and heads towards the kitchen.
>You sat around long enough.
>Getting up from your spot on the couch, you hurry over to the front door and make your way towards Fluttershy’s cottage.

>You are now Fluttershy
>Your nose twitches as the dust in the air causes you to sneeze quietly.
>As you continue to dust off the shelf, you reminisce about the things that have led to this point.
>From the time you first saw Anon in Ponyville to when he came back, it was hard to believe it’s been more than 3 years.
>You still miss him.
>But this new human. He was different.
>Although he did bear some resemblance to the old Anon, this one made you feel different.
>If you had to be honest with yourself, you were terrified of him.
>But he is kind of cute.
>A small part of you believes that he may not be all that bad, but when you had a certain feeling about somepony, you were usually right.
>For the first time, your house was beginning to look decent again.
>Although it didn’t really make sense why cleaning a house would help you.
>That was another troubling thought.
>It wasn’t that you didn’t want Anon’s help, but even you weren’t sure if you could be helped at all.
>You felt as if Anon would hurt you in some way if you were to try anything. Not that you would, but what he if he misunderstood you?
>And the others...
>You could still see it in their eyes. Ever since that day three years ago.
>Something inside you just.... snapped.
>And when you thought Anon died in the burning wreckage of his house, you were devastated. Twilight and the others demanded to know what happened.
>You lied at first. It wasn’t your fault, Anon was the one who made you feel that way.
>At least that’s how you felt about it.
>Then a month ago, you hear about a human that died out in the middle of nowhere. It was Anon.
>All this time, he was alive. Living out his life in memory of Pinkie.
>Pinkie Pie.
>Even the memory of what happened that day felt like a blur, yet crystal clear at the same time.
>You didn’t even realize that you had stopped what you were working on. You continue to stare at the floor, alone in your house.
>Better keep cleaning up before Anon comes back angry at you.
>As you set about the stairs, you hear the front door creak. You turn but see no one there.
>The door was wide open, just a breeze or something.
>You close the door. Standing right behind it is that human pony creature, the same one that tried to kill you yesterday.
>Every strand of hair on your body straightens out and you yelp. Your legs scramble to carry you away but you only manage to stumble and fall flat on your back.
>Just like before, the animal is already on top of you. She places a hoof on your chest again. You struggle to get up but you feel weak and helpless.
>Hope stares down at you with a disdain most unpleasant.
“I’m sorry... p-please don’t...”
>You cover your face with your hooves, expecting the worse to happen. Tears begin to form and you start to sniffle uncontrollably.
>”Shut up and stop your crying.” She commands. “Now you look at me...”
>You continue to hold still, paralyzed by the fear that she was about to finish you off.
>”Look at me!” She yells, forcibly pinning your forehooves to the ground with her hands. She was right on top of you, her eyes glaring back.
>”Now you listen and you listen good. The only thing stopping me from killing you is Anon, and I better not see you try anything on him.”
>Her grip on you was unbearable. She wasn’t much bigger than you, yet she was incredibly strong.
>”I saw the way you reacted back in Canterlot when Twilight asked Anon what happened last night. I bet that drove you up the wall. Anon was sleeping with a pony that wasn’t you.” Her voice was almost taunting.
>”I’m responsible for Anon regardless of the situation. I have to see that he makes it through this in one piece. And if you so much as touch a hair on his head, you’re going to join Pinkie Pie really soon. Do I make myself clear?”
>You nod frantically.
>”Good. Now where is he?”
“I-I don’t know...”
>”WHERE IS HE?” She slams you into the floor hard. You burst out crying.
“I don’t know! He just left!”
>She immediately gets off you. Your limbs free at last, you turn around cowering.
>Why was she treating you like this?
>Hope makes her way to the door; she turns around one last time. “Remember, I’ll be watching you.”
>Slamming the door behind her, you were once again left alone to stew in your own misery.

>You are now Hope. And you’re fuming.
>Fluttershy might have Anon fooled, but you felt it in your very soul that she was up to no good.
>She deserves to be punished.
>Why was Anon so concerned for her? He should’ve just let them lock up Fluttershy for the rest of her days.
>You and Anon don’t need any stinking magical elements. You could easily come up with a plan.
>But nothing comes to mind.
>One thought does.
>Anon gave you a chance. He could’ve left you to die or kill you himself.
>Instead, he saw something in you worth saving.
>Does he feel the same way about Fluttershy?
>Your angry march has now turned into a slow walk as you continue down towards Ponyville.
>And there was still the worrisome thought about confronting your mother Lyra.
>This human was nothing like she described.
>He was suppose to be ruthless if not sneaky. And for him to say this much and have it backed up by these other ponies only made you feel more sick in your stomach.
>If Anon has shown you this much compassion so far, the least you could do is show the same.
>Your mother may have trained you in ways of hunting and tracking, but she also taught you how to behave.
>She has always said that you were a shining example of what everyone will achieve one day.
>A paragon of perfection.
>Ever since she told you to hunt down this human, you felt... free. You had almost forgotten some of the most important lessons she had ever taught you.
>She warned you to not let your hatred get in the way of your task, but to do whatever it takes to bring back the human.
>But when confronted by the one who was responsible for the death of someone you love, emotions tend to flare. But you just had to make your point clear to Fluttershy.
>You didn’t want to see Anon hurt or betrayed. His work cannot be in vain.
>If this was going to work, he’ll need your help as well.
>You sigh in contempt.
>Anon is probably seeking help elsewhere. Best to leave him be for now.
>He surely understands how much more important this is that you could ever imagine.

>You are now Anon.
>Or at least you think you are.
“And dis song goes out... to muh old drinkin’ buddy...”
>Your words slur heavily under the influence of alcohol. While some of the bar patrons look on in annoyance, others laugh and cheer alongside you.
>Haphazardly, you spew the words out into a mumbling type song, it was also Irish so you couldn’t even understand half of what the lyrics were.
>Hoisting your pitcher into the air, you belt out the words that you remember clearly.
“...O'Mally schinging Danny Boy filled muh eyes with tears. Sho I kicked his nutsh right into his gutsh and had another beer!”
>A mix of amusement and hilarity break out as you down your drink.
>And you haven’t even started getting into the good stuff.
“Another round on me! Compliments to good ol’ Sun Butt herself!”
>Sitting yourself back at the bar, you slam your hand on the counter to get the bartender’s attention.
>”Alright, gimme the good stuff and keep em coming.”
>The barkeep rolls his eyes and passes you off a large bottle. The dark brown liquids slosh about within as you greedily uncork it and begin to take mouthfuls.
>You had completely forgotten about Fluttershy and everything else.
>Even the thought of your sister slowly went away.
>The evening was young, and you were only getting older.

>You are now Fluttershy.
>It’s getting late.
>As the cool night air begins to settle in, you couldn’t help but think about Anon and where he left to.
>Last thing he said was that he was going to be outside, but Anon was gone when you checked.
>At least the house was all clean.
>Although you still weren’t sure why he made you do it, a small part of you felt relief and less stress now that your home was neat and tidy like it use to be.
>You were still somewhat shook up by the fact that Hope snuck into your house again, albeit this time not to kill you.
>She made it clear that Anon was off limits, but the thought never crossed your mind.
>But Anon reminds you so much of the last one.
>You quickly remember what happened to the last one.
>How you felt, what you did and what happened.
>Your little heart begins to thump quicker in your chest.
>No.
>You can’t make the same mistake again.
>Anon was here to help you and you’ll see it through.
>The pain you have endured for the last three years was terrible, but nothing compared to what the others may have felt.
>It was a painful reminder of how you felt when you thought Anon perished in the fires that took his home.
>It was time to show them what you could do.
>First things first, it would help to find Anon.
>If Anon went missing, you could only imagine what Twilight and the others might do.
>”What did you do to Anon!?” Twilight would demand. The others would agree with her, and you would sit there taking the blame.
>It would start all over again.
>You won’t go down that road again. You just can’t.
>Just find Anon and do what he tells you to do.
>Closing the door, you make your way down to Ponyville.
>It was going to be the first time in almost three years. You couldn’t show your face to anypony, not after what happened.
>Even now you felt your stomach twist and turn with anxiety. You could already imagine them staring at you with such hatred and disgust.
>But if Anon was anywhere, it would be somewhere in Ponyville.
>You enter the streets with a low-hanging head. Although you avert your gaze, you could tell they were staring at you, whispering amongst themselves.
>Two ponies were sitting down at a table by a cafe.
“Um... excuse me. Have you seen a human walking around here?”
>They glare angrily at you, but not before getting up and taking their leave.
>Your ears flatten against your head, somehow your head sunk even lower to the ground.
>For a while you were wandering the streets aimlessly.
>You didn’t dare visit Twilight or the others to tell them. They’ll somehow turn it around and blame you for his disappearance.
>Anon was your responsibility as much as you were his.
>Walking past shops and other public places, you would glance in through the windows. But there was no sign of him.
>After exhausting almost every place, there was one last place on the outskirts of Ponyville you hadn’t tried.
>It was the local drinking hole, a place you were not too fond of.
>Approaching the establishment, the front door swings open and a familiar bipedal creature is literally thrown out into the streets before your feet.
>Two overly muscular stallions stand in the doorway and snort. “Come back when you learn some manners!” They slam the door.
>Anon squirms about, face down in the dirt with a bottle still clutched in his hand.
>You quickly rush to his side.
“Anon! Are you okay?”
>He mumbles something incoherent. Poor thing must be really out of it. Who knows how much he drank.
>You nuzzle under his body to try and get him on top of you, he swats half heartedly at you. “Thisch is not... I don’t even...”
>He didn’t resist you either.
“Come on... we got to get you home... so you can rest...”
>You strain under his weight, but it’s nothing compared to what Twilight might do if anything were to happen to Anon.
>With wobbly legs, you slowly carry Anon, who was partially hanging off your back, towards your little cottage.
>It was late and the streets were empty.
>Anon was still mumbling to himself. “Where are ya... fuckin’ cuntrag...”
>Although the weight felt unbearable, you keep telling yourself it wasn’t that much further to go.
>Slowly and surely you make your way home. It took a bit of time but you manage to get back to your little cottage on the outskirts of town..
>By now Anon has gone quiet.
>You gently ease him off your back so you can open the front door. Grabbing the collar of his shirt with your teeth, you drag Anon into the house.
“So glad you’re alright.”
>You sigh with relief, nudging him gently but he doesn’t respond.
>His eyes are closed and he is silent.
>Oh no...
>You hold your ear to his mouth but not a single breath could be felt escaping his lips.
“Anon!”
>You begin to panic. Pacing back and forth nervously, you feet a hard lump in your throat.
>The urge to break down and cry was great, but you realize you couldn’t let Anon die.
>Not this time.
“Come on, breathe!”
>You leap on top of his chest and begin to press hard with your hooves.
>He needs to start breathing again.
>Taking in a deep breath, you press your muzzle against his mouth to inject air into his lungs.
>Being smaller than him, you had to push more air for a longer period.
>”Anon!” You hear a familiar voice behind you.
>There stood Hope in the doorway looking in horror and anger at the scene of you sitting atop an unconscious human.
>Before you could even respond, she had already shoved you off Anon. Tears begin to flow down your cheeks.
>This was all a misunderstanding. Anon continues to lay there unresponsive.
>Hope looks as though she is ready to tear you limb from limb. “What did you do to him? Drug him so you could take advantage?”
“I... I didn’t... he...”
>You trip over your own words. A floodgate of despair and sadness fills your entire being.
>You scramble to get away from Hope, but fear keeps you from getting up on all fours and running.
>A sound finally cuts through the moment.
>Coughing.
>Hope stops in her tracks and you stare back at Anon.
>He was lying on his back coughing loudly. Hope rushes to his side to examine him. “Anon, what happened? Are you okay?”
>You get up and come in closer to make sure he was alright, but Hope, much like a dog protecting its precious bone, turns on you again. “Stay away from him!”
>Instantly, you back off at her harsh words.
>Not breaking eye contact from you for a second, she carefully drags Anon onto your couch and makes sure he is on his side.
>Anon shakes and twitches before a vile liquid spews from his mouth. At least he was breathing again as he continues to mumble.
>Hope kneels next to Anon and keeps her sights trained on you. “You better wish that the dungeons are comfy, because that’s where you’re heading. I should have known it was foolish to leave Anon alone with you.”
“B-but you don’t understand!”
>”Explain it to Twilight, I know what I saw. I’m going to stay with Anon, and if you try anything I swear you will wish you hadn’t.”
“But... I...”
>It was no use.
>With a heavy heart, you head upstairs, tears rolling down your face once more.

>You are now Anon.
>And you have never felt so shitty in your entire life.
>With your head still spinning, you wake up to see that you are back at Fluttershy’s house.
>You are laying down on a couch, and there, kneeling next to you with her head resting on the cushion, was Hope.
>With a groggy groan, you clear your throat.
“Hope...”
>Her minty coloured hair splays over her face as she looks up at you with sleepy eyes. “Are you feeling alright?” She groans.
>On the edge of the couch and down on the floor was a pile of vomit. The smell sends you over the edge.
>You nudge Hope over, lean your head over and felt your stomach empty out its contents all over the floor.
>Didn’t think you drank that much last night.
>”You’ve did that a few times last night. I think you’ve been poisoned.”
>Nowhere in your recollection of thoughts do you remember throwing up last night. You spit onto the floor to rid your mouth of the noxious taste.
“Can you get me some water please?”
>Hope walks off to the kitchen and comes back with a glass of water. With hands shaking, you grab the cup and bring it to your lips.
>The refreshing liquid was a welcoming sensation.
>Even if it was hard to stomach much right now, you put the glass down on the floor. You groan to yourself as you turn on the couch to make yourself more comfortable.
“Where’s Fluttershy?”
>”I saw Fluttershy on top of you last night, Anon. She was jumping up and down on your chest and was kissing you while you were unconscious. I was a fool to believe she changed.”
“What? No... I...”
>You remember what happened last night. There was a bar and singing. Then at one point, two stallions escorted you off the premises.
>After that, things get blurry.
>Somehow you were moving down the street.
>A faint image of Fluttershy flashes in your mind.
>”I think she drugged you in order to subdue you. I caught her in the act so I think it’s best if we go tell Twilight.”
“Hold on, let me hear what Fluttershy has to say. Go get her.”
>”But...” Hope begins to protest. Your tone becomes harsh instantly.
“I said go get her!”
>You flop back onto the couch and rub your forehead. You didn’t think a hangover could get this bad.
>Without another word, Hope gets up and heads towards the stairs.
>Moments later Hope is walking back down the stairs with Fluttershy in tow. Her head hung low, she looks as though she is ashamed to look at anyone.
>Hope stands close as Fluttershy sits on the floor by the couch, her eyes still looking down.
“What happened last night?”
>Fluttershy sniffles, and as she speaks her voice cracks and squeaks like a hinge needing oil. “It doesn’t matter. No one will believe me. I’m sorry Anon.”
“What are you talking about?”
>”I don’t want to talk about it...”
>OhForTheLoveOf...
“Fluttershy, stop your crying and tell me what happened last night!”
>Holy hell, everyone is getting so high strung these days. Like a fucking episode of Days of our Lives in here.
>Fluttershy cringes at your outburst, but at least it brings her out of her mopey state. “It’s just that...” She glances back at Hope, probably out of fear that she will be interrupted. “I found you lying in the streets outside of this bar, and I decided to take you home.”
>”But when I got you home, you stopped breathing.”
>You honestly didn’t believe her, but perhaps you overdid it last night.
>Tears begin to build up in her eyes. “I was so scared, Anon. I panicked, but then I got on top of you and began to push on your chest. Then I had to put air inside your lungs to help you breathe.”
>Hope looks at her with bewilderment. “You can’t tell me she expects you to buy this?”
>This was something you didn’t want Hope to know about you.
>There’s a knock at the door. “Anon? Fluttershy? Open up!”
>It was Twilight.
>Fluttershy opens the door and it swings open wildly as Twilight shoves her way in. She seems out of breath and in a panicked state. “Anon, I lost track of Hope, I can’t-“ She stops and clearly sees that the satyr was with you.
>Her cheeks glow pink momentarily. ”Oh, well I’m glad that’s settled, but what’s going on here?”
>Before you could speak, Hope blurts out. “I caught Fluttershy on top of Anon last night kissing him and making these weird movements while he was unconscious.”
“Hope!”
>Twilight glares angrily at Fluttershy. “She did what?”
>The room erupts into a frenzy of arguments and crying.
>That’s it.
“Shut the fuck up!”
>Everyone in the room freezes and stops talking. None of them have seen you this angry, even Hope cringes at the volume of your voice.
>You regain your composure, and rub your temples. Yelling didn’t do your head any favours at this time.
“Hope, will you please wait outside? I’d like to talk to Twilight and Fluttershy.”
>”But-“ She begins to protest. But you regain your cool, and you ask more firmly.
“Outside. Now. I’ll talk to you in a minute.”
>With a sigh, she storms out of the house and slams the door behind her.
>Twilight and Fluttershy stand by your side. The lavender mare examines you closely. “What happened?”
“I probably drank too much last night. But what Hope said, she doesn’t know that I like to drink now and then, so if we can... keep that a secret for now. That’d be appreciated.”
>They both nod compliantly.
“Fluttershy took me home. She said I stopped breathing.”
>”What?!” Twilight yells out.
“She saved me, Twilight. I would’ve probably choked on my vomit if it wasn’t for her.”
>”Anon, what were you doing out drinking last night? Why are you this close to killing yourself?”
“I got a little carried away. I just-“
>You could see Twilight’s face turning a slight shade of red. “You call killing yourself getting carried away?! What were you thinking?”
>With an exasperated sigh, you simply nod.
“I’m sorry. I had too much, but I think this was the wakeup call I needed. I just need some water and I’ll be fine. Thank you for showing that you care, Twilight. It means a lot.”
>Twilight was taken aback by your words, but at least it satisfied her. “I... I just can’t handle the thought of....” She turns away from you and Fluttershy.
>”But you trust Fluttershy?”
“Of course. She did a real kindness for me there. But you should explain it to Hope as well. Bring her back in.”
>Hope was led inside where Twilight helped to delicately tell her that you weren’t drugged by Fluttershy.
>Thankfully she left out the part about your heavy drinking.
>As soon as that affair was settled, Hope took off with Twilight.
>You still had to help Fluttershy.
“I’ll have some toast, and a cup of coffee too.”
>Fluttershy looks as though she was caught off guard by your request, but she makes her way into the kitchen. “Oh, of course.”
>Sipping on your water, you could feel your headache slowly go away.
>The throbbing of this magnitude has never been felt before in your brain.
>You yell out to Fluttershy who was finishing your breakfast request.
“Thanks again, Fluttershy. I’m sorry if Hope did anything.”
>She meekly replies. “I wouldn’t blame her....” She walks out with a tray in her mouth.
“What do you mean?”
>Two golden brown pieces of toast with jam and a cup of black coffee is put at your side. “It doesn’t matter what I do. She didn’t believe that I was trying to help.”
“Don’t worry about her. Hope is a little protective, but we straightened it out.”
>Grabbing the toast, you nibble on the corner and take a sip of coffee.
>Fluttershy obediently sat by your side to make sure you were comfortable. In your mind it’s hard to believe she was capable of killing Pinkie.
>Then again, you did suggest it was a heat of a moment type of situation. You stare up at the ceiling and take in a deep breath.
“Fluttershy, why did you do it?”
>”Do what?”
“What you did to Pinkie.”
>The expression ‘being able to hear a pin drop through the silence’ could not do justice.
>Just a long, awkward silent pause.
>Your eyes fall onto Fluttershy who was struck with terror in her face.
>”I...” Her gentle voice begins to crack.
>You take another bite of your toast, expecting her to pour her heart out, but she doesn’t.
>Almost like stifling a sneeze, she holds it in. Through her clenched teeth and closed eyes, little bursts of sadness can be heard.
>You just groan to yourself.
“Forget it...”
>Leaning up on the couch, you felt a bit dizzy, but it’ll soon wear off.
“Hey, I got an idea. Let’s go get you some animal friends.”
>Fluttershy looks up to you in confusion, but you pick her up and hold her under your arm like a small pet.
“I’m sure that’s what you need right now.”
>It did occur to you that her house was lacking animals. Normally her house would be overrun with mice, ducks, monkeys and all other kinds of crazy shit.
>In your mind, Fluttershy was kind to all sorts of critters. Make her friends with them, and the problem will solve itself.
>Your walk turns into a jog as you travel down the dirt path through a grove. You hear chirping coming from the trees around you.
“There, go make some friends.”
>Hoisting Fluttershy up, you toss her like a football into the green canopy of the tree. She disappears into the foliage with a quiet yelp.
>All the birds in the tree scatter and fly away.
>Fluttershy sticks her head out of the tree and spits out several leaves. She looks as though she was about to cry.
“Birds are skittish anyways, let’s try something else.”
>Same as before, you hold Fluttershy under your arms and come across a field.
“Look, there are some rabbits. Go get em.”
>Whipping her through the air, she sails like a missile. Her wings pop open and slows herself down, but the rabbits turn tail and run away.
>Fluttershy looks even more downtrodden.
“Come on, are you even trying?”
>She gently hovers back towards you, her eyes looking down to the ground. “I’m sorry, I’m just not feeling it...”
“Well you better wipe that long look off your face and start feeling it.”
>The rest of the day proceeded without much difference.
>Fluttershy was having troubles communicating with the animals. At first you suspect it was because you kept throwing her at them, but even after you stopped they would still keep running.
>Exhausted, you tell Fluttershy that you’ll pick it up tomorrow.
>Knocking on the front door, Hope is there to greet you with a hug.
“Hey Hope. Ready for some shut eye?”
>Twilight was standing close behind her. “Did you make any progress on her ‘redemption’?”
>You could easily detect her cynicism, but Twilight wasn’t making any attempts to hide them.
“It’s a work in progress. So I take it we can crash here tonight?”
>”Well, you could. But if you want your own place, there is one you can use for now.”
>Taking you to the edge of town, not too far away from Fluttershy, you see a small cottage.
>”This place use to be Anon’s house. After it burned to the ground, we rebuilt it. Nopony has lived in it since then, but you’re free to use it.”
>The windows are dark, but it looked cozy enough. Hope stares on in awe, a relic from the past that her father used to dwell in.
“It’s more than enough. Thanks Twilight.”
>Giving you the cottage key, you all enter into the small cottage. A slight musty smell hits your nostrils and the air is slightly chilly.
>Twilight uses her magic to light several candles in the room. “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to come get me.”
>Giving her your thanks, she takes her leave for the night. You and Hope set about setting up in your new temporary living arrangements.
>Linens and cookware sat in the shelves still waiting to be used.
>Hope was already staking out her own room and chose what you assumed to be the master bedroom.
“Hey squirt, that bed is for me.”
>”But why?” She begins to pout.
“Because I’m bigger than you and I need the space. There’s a spare bedroom down the hall.”
>Setting up the beds with some sheets, you manage to get over the musty smell. Hope’s sensitive nose still sniffs at the air from time to time, as if to pick up another scent.
>You finally tuck Hope into bed as you sit at her side. “Are you sure this is worth it, Anon?”
“Well, I trust Twilight knows what we’re up against. If Lyra uses this orb against us, it’ll be a good thing to have the Elements of Harmony ready.”
>”Even if you help Fluttershy, they don’t have anyone for the last Element.”
“That’s up to Celestia and Luna to work out.”
>There was a brief pause. But Hope looks as though she had something on her mind. Finally she speaks up.
>”I wouldn’t have done it.”
“Done what?”
>”Remember when we first came here and you asked me what would I have done to you if it didn’t matter what happened?”
>You vaguely recall that moment, a time when you were still upset and spoke out of anger.
>Although you were about to speak up to tell her, she continues. “I wouldn’t, especially after what’s happened. I don’t know why, but I feel...” She hangs up on those words.
“You feel...?”
>Her eyes begin to shimmer. “I can’t explain it. But I feel as though this was meant to be, like we’re here for each other. But I must temper myself for what is ahead. I will see if my mother is truly who she says she is.”
“Don’t worry about it now. Just get some rest.”
>Patting her on the head, you turn out the light and head to your own bed.
>The wooden frame creaks under your weight, but it feels good to be sleeping on something comfortable ever since you got here.
>While you drifted off into sleep, your mind still lingers on thoughts of how to help Fluttershy.
>But most importantly, what to do about Twilight and the others.

>You are now Hope.
>It was well past midnight, but you couldn’t get to sleep.
>Tossing and turning, your legs felt irritated. And your mind was buzzing with thoughts.
>Mostly anger.
>It made you resentful that Anon would side with Fluttershy, especially after what you saw her do to him.
>Twilight did explain the situation, but why was Anon in that state?
>You growl to yourself.
>You had to get these thoughts out of your head. There’s no point in being angry now, Anon is alright and that is what’s important.
>Deep breaths...
>Just relax.
>Being up all night watching over Anon made you feel irritated, but you had to get some sleep.
>Just clear your mind and relax.
>As you stare up at the ceiling and your mind begins to wander off aimlessly and into nothing, you didn’t notice that you fell asleep.
>...
>You could feel a warm breeze wash over.
>A soft light fills your mind.
>Opening your eyes, you look around to see yourself lying down in a field of grass and white flowers.
>The evergreen blades tickle your skin, the sweet scent of nectar fills your nose and almost makes your brain tingle.
>The sky above was a soft yellow white glow. No blue sky or clouds.
>Getting up, you look around the everlasting field of flowers.
>No one was here.
>But as you look around again you catch a glimpse of someone standing not too far away.
>Squinting your eyes, you see that it looks like Anon.
>As you approach him, you begin to recognize that it wasn’t Anon, the one you’ve been travelling with.
>He turns around, and you instantly recognize him from the photo.
>It was your father.
>He stands there with a warm smile. Your mind and heart felt as though they could burst at any second.
>With tears on your cheeks, you begin to run towards him and cry out.
“Dad!”
>He opens his arms to welcome you.
>You literally leap into his arms and embrace him with a hug. He swings you around as you hold onto him even harder.
“Is it really you?”
>You bury your face into his chest and continue to weep. Anon rubs your head gently. “Why are you crying, Hope?”
“I miss you, Dad. I just want you to be with me.”
>He kneels down to be at eye level with you. “I’ve been with you since the day you were born. And I’m so happy to see my little girl growing up.” He wipes the tears from your eyes.
>”What’s troubling you?”
>Everything felt surreal, but you could hear and feel your father there in front of you.
“Why did you have to die? If it wasn’t for Fluttershy you-“
>He puts a finger to your lips. “Hope, I think your friend Anon explained it to you. Don’t worry about her now; I know Anon will see this through. But you can help him.”
“How?”
>”By carrying out what I did in memory of Pinkie.”
>You recall back to what Twilight said about your father and how he travelled out into the wilderness.
>Doubt begins to fill your mind.
“I-I don’t understand. How is that going to help him?”
>”You’ll find out in good time.” He holds your head up to look into his eyes. “Just remember, before I left this world I had to forgive myself and Fluttershy for what she did. I could not be in peace if I didn’t.”
>The world around you begins to feel cold.
>The sky crumbles away into darkness as the field of flowers slowly dies off. “If there is no forgiveness, then the world you know will suffer for it.” He begins to fade away from your sight.
>You were scared at what was going on around you. Although you try to cry out for him, your voice is only a harsh whisper.
>”Don’t be afraid. Anon is there for you, and I know you will not let anyone down.”
>Your father disappears before your very eyes as everything else does. You finally manage to yell out.
“Dad!”
>You begin to fall and, with a sudden jerk, you wake up to see yourself in bed. Your breathing was quick and short. Adrenaline was pumping through your body.
>Your brow was damp with sweat as strands of your minty hair were stuck to your face.
>A soft cool breeze blows through an open window. Looking outside, you could see the skyline was a feverish scarlet red with blood orange in contrast to the blackened tree line in the horizon.
>Your legs shook slightly as you got up to close the window.
>That dream was still vivid in your memory. Yet it felt so real.
>Was it a sign?
>Your mind was racing; there was no way you could go back to sleep now.
>Maybe Twilight could shed some light on this.
>Putting on your clothes, you leave a note on your bed for Anon.
>Taking care to not make any noises, you quietly leave the house and head towards Ponyville.

>You are now Anon.
>It was great that you were able to sleep somewhat decently last night, but it was hardly what anyone else would call a good night’s rest.
>Probably because your mind was preoccupied with ‘what if’ and other doubts.
>Part of you wants to get out of bed, take Hope and find Lyra.
>You had to know what happened to your sister.
>In your heart you knew that she was most likely dead, but you need closure.
>Would it make you feel better? Only time will tell when you get the answer you seek.
>It was early morning as the sun began to peek over the horizon.
>Now was as good as any time to get out of bed and help Fluttershy.
>You throw on your clothes and head to Hope’s room to see if she was still asleep.
>You open the door to find that she isn’t there, but find a small piece of paper on the covers instead.
>It says she’s going to Twilight’s for a bit and she might drop by later to check up on you.
>Without another thought, you head out to Fluttershy’s cottage. There you can grab something to eat.
>The dawn was brisk, but the air was rejuvenating in your lungs.
>As you approach door to her house, you could hear talking inside.
>You knock on the door and there answers Fluttershy. Her eyes light up as if she was seeing her best friend for the first time in years.
>”Good morning Anon.” She chirps cheerfully.
“Did I hear you talking to someone?”
>Flapping her wings, she hovers in front of you while pulling your hand to come inside.
>”I found this poor little guy limping around the kitchen last night.” She stops you short in front of a rat that was sitting in a miniature wheelchair contraption.
>”The poor thing was in pain, so I took care of him.” The little mouse squeaks in approval and carts himself around in circles.
“I’m glad to see you’re making progress finally. Now that we got that out of the way, let’s try out your Element of Harmony.”
>Fluttershy didn’t look so motivated at the notion. “I don’t know if I’m ready...”
“All I see is that you’re kind to the animals, and that’s good enough for me. Stop doubting yourself and give it a try. Now where did you hide that necklace thingy?”
>You begin to shuffle through her shelves, she hovers over to a cabinet and pulls out a small box.
>Inside was a gold necklace bearing the same symbol as her cutie mark, yet the precious gems were dull and without colour.
“Put it on a give it a whirl.”
>You help to latch it around her neck but she still looks unsure. “Alright, if you think I can....”
>Fluttershy squeezes her eyes shut and clenches her teeth.
“Think kind thoughts.”
>She continues to strain, but after a few moments nothing seems to happen.
>Stopping to catch her breath, she quickly goes back to straining, focusing all her thought into the task at hand.
>Finally you see a spark.
>Blue bolts of static crackle around the jewels on the necklace and the colour within the gems is slowly restored.
>But like a failing engine, it stops.
>Fluttershy flops to the floor, her head hanging low. “I’m sorry. But I don’t think it’s quite working.”
>You hold her necklace in your hand. The colour was back to normal, but it didn’t seem to have that ‘spark’ it needs to be at full power.
“Go make more animal friends. What about that one bunny you owned?”
>”You mean Angel? I haven’t seen him for years. I don’t think he wants to be my friend anymore.”
“Well go and make up with him. I’m sure he’s had plenty of time to think.”
>Heading for the door, Fluttershy stops you short. “W-where are you going?”
“To clear my head, I’ll come back later.”
>Without another word of protest from her, you head out and make your way to Ponyville. You’ll stop off at Twilight’s to say hi to her and Hope.
>Then maybe make a quick pit stop before heading back to Fluttershy.
>It wasn’t long before you made it to Twilight’s house.
>This time Spike answers the door, wearing his apron and holding a tray with a glass of orange juice and some toast. “Oh, good morning. You here to see Twilight and Hope?”
“Yeah, I’ll just find them.”
>As you step past him you snatch both the glass and a piece of toast. “Hey!” He cries out.
>You cram the toast into your mouth and guzzle down half the juice before setting it down on the tray.
“Thanks bud.”
>You hear talking from the next room. Sure enough it was Twilight and Hope.
“Ladies.”
>Twilight looks up. “Oh, good morning Anon. How are you feeling today?”
“Pretty good, I think Fluttershy is making great progress.”
>She simply rolls her eyes at the notion.
“And just a quick question, don’t look into it, but how can I tell if Fluttershy has regained her Element? Would her fancy necklace be an indication?”
>Placing a hoof under her chin, she ponders the thought. “Well, if that were to happen, I suppose you might notice a ‘sparkle’ within it. Did something like that occur?”
“No, just curious. But I think we’re on the right track.”
>You turn around and say your goodbyes with the full intention to leave, but Twilight stops you. “Anon, I just discovered something interesting about Hope.”
“What’s that?”
>”I managed to do some snooping around and I obtained a piece of Lyra’s hair. I kept Anon’s DNA profile when he first came here and I ran one on Hope as well.”
“All that to confirm she’s the outcome of a pony and a human?”
>Twilight’s face lights up. “Well yes, but more importantly, there’s something odd about it.”
“What do you mean?”
>”I don’t know yet, but I hope to find out soon. Once I have a better understanding, I’ll let you both know.”
>With a quick goodbye, you go to vacate the premises. But not before grabbing the last piece of toast and finishing off the rest of orange juice that was left on the tray. “Hey!” Spike cries out, but you were already out the door.
>Time for that pit stop.
>That’s right.
>As you always said, it’s five o’clock somewhere. Thankfully you had enough recollection to know that you pissed off the last place, so you find yourself a new watering hole.
>But this time you tried to be mindful about how much you drank.
>Well... at least you try.
>Time begins to lose all meaning, but by the time you felt bored of drinking, it was already late noon.
>You moan and groan that you had to go attend Fluttershy now.
“Time ta go and... see Shutterby...”
>Stumbling in a tipsy manner, you make your way best you could through the streets of Ponyville.
>”Mommy, what’s wrong with him?” A young filly asks her mother.
>”Never mind, just keep walking.” The mare pulls her young one closer as they go on their way.
>You would’ve said something, but it wasn’t worth your time.
>While you were drinking and thinking a thought came across your mind.
>Fluttershy was hesitant to speak up about what happened when she killed Pinkie.
>Yes, memories can be painful. But in your mind, she was resisting it.
>Has she come to terms or is she hoping it will blow over?
>The more you let the thought stir and brew in your conscious, the more agitated you felt.
>What happened in the past can’t be changed, Fluttershy needs to know this.
>Having to stop occasionally to catch your breath and bearings, you eventually make it back to her house.
>You could hear chattering coming from within the small cottage.
>Sure enough, after you knock on the door, Fluttershy opens to reveal more critters within her house.
>Even Angel was there sitting on the couch, but he still didn’t look too happy.
>Your words slur as you ask her a question.
“How’d ya do it?”
>”It took some convincing to get him here, but I’m not sure if Angel is ready to come back into my life.” She glances back to the little rabbit, her face filled with concern and doubt.
“I think I know a way to help... Both of you, come with me...”
>”Anon, are you okay? You don’t look well.”
“Just come with me...”
>Lurching down the front steps, Fluttershy and Angel follow closely behind.
“Where’s da lake?”
>”Lake?” She asks inquisitively.
“The place where it happened... the...”
>You snap your fingers quickly to catch your train of thought.
“... killing...”
>Fluttershy looks as though she was struck in the heart by your words. “T-the lake is over there, but why do you need to know?” She lifts a single hoof and points towards a grove.
“You’ll see, now come on.”
>Anon, please. I can’t do this...” Her eyes begin to flood with tears.
>In a flash of rage, you lunge at Fluttershy and grapple her. She yelps and struggles, but she was as weak as you knew she would be.
>”Stop! You’re hurting me!” She manages to cry out loud.
“Shut the fuck up and stop crying.”
>You hold her tight in your grasp. You manage to get up to your feet without stumbling over.
>Angel was hopping close behind; a smug grin can be seen on his face.
>She begins to sob uncontrollably as you carry her through the grove.
“Three years.... three years ago you killed your best friend, and for what?”
>Fluttershy squeezes her eyes shut in a vain attempt to block you out.
”FOR WHAT?!”
>You shout at her and she winces at your bellowing voice.
“Just to fuck a human who never loved you? I hope the sex was worth it, because Pinkie is dead now. Your anger and jealousy ruined the Elements and your friendship.”
>You walk out of the grove and could see the lake in sight.
“And it’s ruined my chance to leave that much sooner.”
>”Anon, please let me go.” She begs.
“I imagine that’s what Pinkie said as you held that knife to her throat and Anon watched helplessly...”
>Your feelings begin to stir.
>That same feeling of helplessness when you heard that your little sister was gone; taken from you.
>An innocent girl that needed a better life.
>Beneath the calm lapping water of the small lake, you knew there was a dark past hidden here.
>Without recalcitrance you stepped into the cool water until you got up to your knees. Angel stands at the edge of the lake watching and waiting in anticipation.
“I don’t believe for one second you’re sorry. Not the way you’re acting...”
>Grabbing a hold of her pink mane in your hand, you thrust her head first into the water and held her there for a few seconds.
>The water erupts with kicks and bubbles as her wings flap furiously.
>Some may think this is an attempt at murder, but it couldn’t be farther from the truth.
>You pull her out of the water, she coughs and spits violently. “P-please, Anon... I’m sorry...”
“Are you?!”
>Again you hold her under the surface for a few seconds longer, she continues to thrash violently.
>Pulling her out, you look into her eyes. She was probably still crying, but it was hard to tell given that she was soaking wet.
“You spilled her blood in these very waters, Fluttershy.”
>”I didn’t mean to...” She whispers harshly.
“Bullshit.”
>Down into the water again, this time for a bit longer. Her flails only intensify.
>You hold her up again, the whole body was convulsing in a fit.
“You had many chances to set things right, but instead you sat in your house and allowed this to sour until now. Do you think you’re worth the Element of Kindness?”
>Fluttershy continues to cough, but manages to speak. “I’m sorry...”
“That word has lost meaning to me.”
>Once more into the lake.
“I want to hear you say it! Feel the fear she felt, Fluttershy! Let it all out!”
>With a strong heave, you throw her back to the edge of the lake. Fluttershy slowly gets up as she coughs up more water.
>Even Angel looks on in terror that you almost drowned her.
>Before she could even recover, you knock her over with your foot and step on her ribcage.
“Are you the Element of Kindness?”
>She breathes in quick short bursts; her eyes dilate to their full capacity.
>Now she was beginning to feel fear.
“Answer me.”
>You apply pressure onto her chest, she yelps in pain. “I... want to...”
“This is how Pinkie felt, her life in your hands. That sense of helplessness, that’s how Anon felt. Do you think you understand now?”
>She nods her head. Fresh tears begin to seep from her eyes. “If I could take it all back, I would.”
“But can you?”
>She seemed confused at your question. “I... I don’t know.”
“Wrong. You can’t.”
>You finally step off her and knock her off to the side with your foot. She’s so worn from the scuffle she can’t even bring herself to stand. Instead she just lies there in the grass crying to herself.
“But...”
>Fluttershy almost stops crying immediately and listens to your words, as if you’re about to offer her salvation.
“You need to take responsibility and fix what you started. That’s what you need to do to make things right. ”
>She looks up to you, her spirit once more shattered. As if the last three years weren’t soul breaking enough for her.
>You approach her. She flinches, expecting the worst. Instead, you pull a 180 on her.
“I’m sorry. You can hate me for the rest of your life, but this was for your own good.”
>Gently, you pick her up and hold her close to your chest.
>Inside you felt horrible, but you could’ve done much worse to her. You wish it didn’t have to come down to this.
>Confused at first, Fluttershy buries her face against your chest. “I didn’t mean to... I’m so sorry...”
>She kept crying about her regret and how much she misses Pinkie.
>You carried her all the way home, Angel keeping close by. He did not carry that smirk on his face, not after what he saw Fluttershy go through.
>As the sun was beginning to set that day, you realize you had less than a week left.
>Not for Fluttershy to befriend more animals, but to mend the broken friendships with the others.
>It will be especially hard to do with Twilight.
>That’s where your real challenge begins.