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Great Romances of the 20th Century

By: Slasher_Science on Nov 19th, 2013  |  syntax: None  |  size: 30.60 KB  |  hits: 176  |  expires: Never
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  1. >September never stays this cold where you come from.
  2. >At least,
  3. >It would be September back home.
  4. >Ponyville is a frosty semblance of autumn.
  5. >Your shack of a house is lacking in warm comfort.
  6. >The gusts all flow easily through cracks in the walls as you sit on your bed wrapped in a blanket.
  7. >There's no food in your kitchen.
  8. >So you nurse a bottle of Applejack Daniels.
  9. >It's actually just a very potent bottle of cider.
  10. >But you think it's quite humorous to call it that.
  11. >Being well beyond drunk at this point, you laugh at your stupid joke.
  12. >There's a knock on the door.
  13. >Must be Pinkie Pie again.
  14. >Coming to try to get you out of your house.
  15. "Leave me alone! I'm sick!"
  16. >You throw your bottle at the door and it shatters.
  17. >Fucking ponies.
  18. >She opens the door anyway.
  19. >A cold breeze sweeps into the shack.
  20. >Fluttershy steps in bundled in a scarf and fuzzy earmuffs.
  21. >"H-hello Anon..."
  22. >You pull your blanket around you tighter.
  23. "What do you want?"
  24. >She removes her gear.
  25. >Why is she wearing a collar?
  26.  
  27.  
  28. >"I know you're not very s-social and um, don't come out much so-"
  29. "Get out."
  30. >"So... So I thought you m-might be happier if you had a pet."
  31. "Leave me alone."
  32. >"I thought long about what would be the p-perfect pet for you but... I couldn't do it."
  33. "I just want to be left alone."
  34. >"But what if... What if I was your p-pet?"
  35. >You give a sardonic laugh,
  36. "I don't want a fucking pet. Least of all a pet that's you."
  37. >She moves over to one of your sweaters on the floor.
  38. >Like a dog, she pats it out into a bed and curls up.
  39. "What do you think you're doing?"
  40. >She yawns and lays her head on her hooves.
  41. >She's serious.
  42. >You glare at her.
  43. >She smiles.
  44. "Whatever."
  45. >You lay down and go to sleep.
  46. >It's cold.
  47.  
  48.  
  49. >You wake up with a hangover.
  50. "Ugh..."
  51. >The wind has only increased outside.
  52. >Your nose is frozen.
  53. >The wind crashes against your shack.
  54. >But your body is warm.
  55. >You look down to see Fluttershy curled up against you.
  56. >She cracks her eye open and smiles.
  57. >"G-good morning, you were shivering in your sleep so I-"
  58. >You fling her off the bed with an arm.
  59. >She tumbles to the ground with a whimper.
  60. >You actually had something to do today.
  61. >You go to shit, and shower.
  62. >There's no warm water so It's a cold shower.
  63. >There's also no booze left so you guzzle your mouthwash.
  64. "Fucking gross."
  65. >You stopped shaving a few days ago.
  66. >What's the point?
  67. >You scratch at your stubble as you get dressed.
  68. >Newspaper makes excellent insulation.
  69. >You stuff a bunch into your old jacket and leave.
  70. >It's desolate outside.
  71. >The wind doesn't want to let up and leaves fly about everywhere.
  72. >None of the ponies are out.
  73. >"W-wait!"
  74. >You turn to see Fluttershy gallop from your shack.
  75. >She presents you a thermace.
  76. "What is this?"
  77. >She pushes it into your hand, "I went a-and got some cocoa for you w-while you were asleep..."
  78. >You unscrew the cap and watch the steam rise up.
  79. "I don't want your pity."
  80. >You dump it out over a patch of leaves and toss the thermace over your shoulder.
  81. >It bounces off her head.
  82.  
  83.  
  84. >"Oh... Okay um, where are we going?"
  85. "I'M going to Twilight's. I don't know where YOU'RE going."
  86. >Every week
  87. >Every damn week
  88. >You had to go to Twilight's for lunch.
  89. >You know what she was really doing.
  90. >She never said it.
  91. >But she was giving you therapy sessions.
  92. >You arrive at Twilight's
  93. >Enter and slam the door on Fluttershy's face.
  94. >She'll probably wait out in the cold for you.
  95. >"Hello Anon!"
  96. >Twilight sits on a couch.
  97. >She motions for you to have a seat in a recliner.
  98. >There's tea and cookies set out.
  99. >She wears the usual glasses and her mane done up in a bun.
  100. >You sit and grab a handful of cookies.
  101. >"So, how are things?"
  102. >You speak with your mouth full.
  103. "I'm sick."
  104. >She raises an eyebrow and adjusts her glasses, "you don't look sick."
  105. "Well I am."
  106. >"You said you were sick last week, but you don't have a cough or a fever..."
  107. >You grab more cookies.
  108. "My throat hurts."
  109. >She eyes the cookies you're shoving into your mouth.
  110. >"Don't those hurt your throat?"
  111. >You curse under your breath and throw them down.
  112. "I drank some cocoa before I came and... It feels a little better now..."
  113. >She smiles knowingly and pours some tea.
  114. >Bitch.
  115.  
  116.  
  117. >"Well Anon, let's talk-"
  118. "We are."
  119. >"About your drinking-"
  120. "We aren't."
  121. >"I can smell a little alcohol on your breath now-"
  122. "It's mouth wash."
  123. >"How MUCH 'mouthwash'?"
  124. "Are you calling me a liar?"
  125. >"Of course not Anon, I want to help you!"
  126. >You wipe some chocolate from your hand on her recliner,
  127. "I don't want or need help. I haven't drank in days."
  128. >She smiles, "that's great Anon!"
  129. >You try to change the conversation.
  130. "Fluttershy won't leave me alone."
  131. >"Oh? Want to tell me about it?"
  132. "No."
  133. "And she won't stop following me."
  134. >You finish talking and sip some tea.
  135.  
  136.  
  137. >"Your pet huh? How do you feel about this?"
  138. "I want her to leave me alone. She's creepy and I don't want her in my house."
  139. >Twilight removes her glasses.
  140. >"You don't like the power?"
  141. >Huh?
  142. "What? No!"
  143. >She chuckles.
  144. >"So you're telling me that you, a depressed, poor, alcoholic, pathological liar doesn't enjoy having power over something?"
  145. >She stands.
  146. "What are you talking about?!"
  147. >She's never called you any of those things.
  148. >"You should give it a try..."
  149. >She lets her mane fall from it's bun.
  150. >"You might find you enjoy it..."
  151. "Twilight?"
  152. >She crawls into your lap and stradles you.
  153. >Her hoof caresses your face.
  154. >"Complete control..."
  155. >She leans down and whispers into your ear.
  156. >"It would be good for you... Anon~"
  157. >You push her away and stand.
  158. >She smiles at you seductively.
  159. "I-I gotta go..."
  160. >You turn and head for the door.
  161. >"Same time next week. We'll talk about your gambling."
  162. >You leave feeling odd.
  163.  
  164.  
  165. >What was that?
  166. >The wind has slowed down.
  167. >It's still below freezing though.
  168. >Fluttershy sits outside waiting for you.
  169. >She's shivering and looks miserable.
  170. >You chuckle.
  171. "Should have brought something warm to drink."
  172. >You walk past her.
  173. >"Wh-where a-a-are we going n-now?"
  174. "I'm going to the bar."
  175. >She trots up beside you, "do you need some bits?"
  176. >You grumble.
  177. "I have plenty of bits."
  178. >"W-well if you need more j-just... *achoo!* t-tell me."
  179. "Yeah whatever."
  180. >There's a cider bar by the barber shop.
  181. >It's a small quiet place.
  182. >Some even call you a regular.
  183. "Fluttershy wait out here."
  184. >She sits and you enter.
  185.  
  186.  
  187. >Ponies greet you.
  188. >Some glare.
  189. >A stallion you know turns in his stool and grabs onto your jacket.
  190. >"Where's my bits human?"
  191. >You push his hoof away.
  192. "I told you I'd have it this weekend."
  193. >He grabs your collar, "but you have enough bits to come in here, you lousy lush?!"
  194. >His hoof connects with your jaw and you fall to the floor.
  195. >The taste of blood fills your mouth.
  196. >Ponies stare but don't do anything.
  197. >"I BETTER have my bits by Friday!"
  198. >He kicks you in the ribs and leaves.
  199. "Asshole..."
  200. >You cough and crawl up to a seat at the bar.
  201. "Let's have one, Golden Taps."
  202. >The bartender sighs, "you got bits this time Anon?"
  203. >You wipe some blood from your lip.
  204. "Just put it on my tab."
  205. >"Your tab is quite big now-"
  206. "Taps, please."
  207. >She rolls her eyes and pours you a mug.
  208.  
  209.  
  210. >"Cut off."
  211. >You look up with blurry eyes.
  212. "Wha?"
  213. >Golden Taps pulls your empty mug away from you, "you've had enough. I'm cutting you off."
  214. >You almost fall from your stool,
  215. "Yew can't do that! I'm nah... Nut drunk! I need mer ziderr."
  216. >Damn you're smashed.
  217. >You hang onto the counter for dear life as the world spins.
  218. >"Go home Anon."
  219. >You throw up below the bar.
  220. "See! I'm sick! I need more!"
  221. >Shit.
  222. >Now you don't feel as drunk.
  223. >"Your tab is ridiculous now Anon. Please leave before we have to kick you out..."
  224. "Fine!"
  225. >You stumble for the exit.
  226. >As you leave like Jack Sparrow, you snatch up a random cup from some mare's hooves and down it.
  227. "Eugh... That ain't gin..."
  228. >You smash the glass on the floor and leave.
  229. "Happy fucking New Year!"
  230.  
  231.  
  232. >Outside it's dark.
  233. >Wow, you were in there for a while.
  234. >Where's Fluttershy?
  235. >You lean against a tree and unzip your pants.
  236. >As you start to pee, you see Fluttershy.
  237. >She's laying on the ground with a bunch of newspapers over her.
  238. >You zip up and walk over.
  239. "Flutter."
  240. >She doesn't move.
  241. "Hey Flutserzz..."
  242. >You crouch and slap her face.
  243. >It's cold and she doesn't respond.
  244. "Fluttershy?"
  245. >She waited out here the whole time...
  246. >Sobriety slaps you in the face.
  247. >You snatch her up and begin running for Twilight's.
  248. >Panic is taking over.
  249. >Her body is cold and limp in your arms.
  250. "Hold on Fluttershy!"
  251.  
  252. ---
  253.  
  254.  
  255. >You run to Twilight's squeezing Fluttershy tight.
  256. >She's so cold.
  257. >And limp.
  258. >It was your fault.
  259. >You made her wait.
  260. >In the cold.
  261. >And now she was-
  262. >You trip.
  263. >Fluttershy's body flies from your arms and skids across the dirt.
  264. >You wince and get up.
  265. "Fluttershy!"
  266. >You wobble over to her.
  267. >Shouldn't have drank so much.
  268. >She has several scrapes on her body now.
  269. "Oh god."
  270. >You gently pick her up and take off again.
  271. >A little slower this time.
  272. >Her mane has a mess of leaves and mud in it now.
  273. >Her face has a large cut on it.
  274. >You cry.
  275. >The first time you've cried in months.
  276. >The emotions you haven't felt in so long spill out.
  277. "Twilight!"
  278. >You burst into the library.
  279. Twilight help!
  280. >She looks up from a book and gawks at Fluttershy's limp body hanging in your arms.
  281. >"What happened?!"
  282. "Sh-she was out in the co-cold and she was *hic* out there for a long time and-"
  283. >"Set her down!"
  284. >You obey and lay Fluttershy on a couch.
  285. >Twilight skitters over and pushes you out of the way.
  286. >"Move! You're drunk!"
  287. >You shrink away from her glare.
  288. >She turns to Fluttershy.
  289.  
  290.  
  291. >"Well, she's going to be fine."
  292. >Twilight's horn stops glowing and she turns to you.
  293. >Glaring.
  294. "So... She's not dead?"
  295. >"No. She IS hypothermic and probably has pneumonia. But she's alive."
  296. >You smile.
  297. >That was close!
  298. >Twilight pokes you in the chest.
  299. >"Let's talk."
  300. "Okay?"
  301. >"Sit."
  302. >Her tone is harsh.
  303. >You sit.
  304. >"Now, what was Fluttershy doing out in the cold for so long and why do you smell like you drank ALL the cider?"
  305. >You chuckle.
  306. "Well not all of it but I-"
  307. >She slams a hoof.
  308. "Ah. Well you see,"
  309. >You tell her the story.
  310. >"Alright, well why is Fluttershy all dirty and scraped up?"
  311. "I tripped and she fell on the way here."
  312. >Twilight groans, "you no good drunk. Can't you do anything right?!"
  313. >You look down.
  314. "Sorry..."
  315. >Twilight takes a deep breath.
  316. >"No. I apologize. I have to be... Patient with you."
  317. >You look over to Fluttershy.
  318. "So what now?"
  319. >Twilight throws another blanket over her, "now, we let her rest and hope that she doesn't want anything more to do with you when she wakes up."
  320. >You feel that at your core.
  321. "I better go..."
  322. >Twilight doesn't look at you, "yeah, that's the best idea you've had in months."
  323. >You slink toward the door.
  324. >"Oh and Anonymous?"
  325. >You stop but don't turn around.
  326. >"I won't tell Celestia about this."
  327. >You nod.
  328. "Thanks."
  329. >"But I've lost all respect and trust in you."
  330. >"Now get out."
  331.  
  332.  
  333. >Sweet sweet nectar of the gods.
  334. >Thank heaven for Berry Punch.
  335. >One of the only ponies you hang out with.
  336. >And the only one that drinks like you.
  337. >She's stopped by your shack.
  338. >With wine.
  339. >The two of you shiver and drink as the wind howls  outside.
  340. >She's sympathetic to your story.
  341. >She always consoles you.
  342. >"It's okay Anon, you can just apologize to Fluttershy. I'm sure she will forgive you."
  343. >You take a long gulp from the bottle.
  344. "Yeah. Maybe. But Twilight hates me now."
  345. >Berry pats your shoulder, "cheer up buckaroo, I hate to see you down. Here,"
  346. >She pushes the bottle back to your lips.
  347. >You chuckle and drink.
  348. >"Atta boy!"
  349. >Berry raises her own bottle and the race is on.
  350. >You lock eyes as you chug.
  351. >She always beats you.
  352. >Not tonight.
  353. >You poke her in the ribs.
  354. >Wine spews from her mouth and she starts coughing.
  355. >You drain your bottle and slam it down.
  356. "I win! I win!"
  357. >She wipes her mouth and throws her legs up, "nu uh! You cheated!"
  358. >To prove your point, you grab her bottle and finish it.
  359. >She looks incredulous.
  360. >"Hey! That was mine!"
  361. >You burp and smile.
  362. "WAS yours, yes."
  363. >"That's it!"
  364. >She tackles you.
  365. >You both fall to the floor and a slap fight breaks out.
  366. >Eventually it devolves into a tickle fight.
  367. >The two of you laugh and shout, comfortably in the arms of inebriation.
  368. >It's all you ever want.
  369.  
  370.  
  371. >That night you have a nightmare.
  372. >You toss and turn as visions of Fluttershy's cold lifeless body fill your mind.
  373. "Fluttershy..."
  374. "Don't..."
  375. >She's sinking away
  376. "Come back!"
  377. >"I'm right here."
  378. >Her voice calls to you in the dark and raging wind.
  379. "Where? I can't- I can't see you!"
  380. >"I'm in your room."
  381. "My room?"
  382. >How do you get to your room?
  383. >All around you is pitch black and wind.
  384. "Where are you?!"
  385. >"I'm at the corner of your bed."
  386. "My bed?"
  387. >There's no bed.
  388. >"Are you... Turned on?"
  389. >What?
  390. "What are you talking about?"
  391. >You feel something slide up your leg.
  392. >Then
  393. >You're awake.
  394. >The wind smashes against the wall, but you're in a cold sweat.
  395. "Fluttershy?"
  396. >You look down to see her laying with her head on your groin.
  397. >"H-hello sleepyhead."
  398. >You sit up and hug her.
  399. >She squees.
  400. "What are you doing here?! I thought you were sick!"
  401. >She tries to lick your face.
  402. >"Twilight did some magic and fixed me! S-so I'm ready to be your pet again!"
  403. "Oh Fluttershy, let's forget about that for now and just-"
  404. >"Cuddle?"
  405. >You smile.
  406. "Actually, yeah. That doesn't sound too bad."
  407. >You lay with her wrapped in your arms.
  408. >Even the wind can't take away your warmth that night.
  409.  
  410.  
  411. >You awake to pounding on the door.
  412. >"ANON WAKE UP! WAKE UP NOW!"
  413. >Oh god it's Twilight...
  414. >Where is Fluttershy?
  415. >She must have gone back to her cottage.
  416. >You groan and get up, wearing only boxer-briefs.
  417. >Good thing wine never gave you a headache the next day.
  418. >But man, your stomach was not happy.
  419. >You scratch your chin stuble and open the door.
  420. >The morning chill smacks you in the face and you feel your jimmies shrivel.
  421. "What do you want? I'm sick."
  422. >Twilight looks panicked.
  423. >"Get on some clothes and come with me!"
  424. "What? Why?"
  425. >"Just do it!"
  426. >You grumble and get dressed.
  427. This better be good.
  428. >She pulls you out of your shack before you can get a hat on.
  429. "Hey! Where we goin'?!"
  430. >"To the hospital!"
  431. >Hospital?
  432. "Why?"
  433. >"Fluttershy slipped into a coma after you left last night! I think it was from hitting her head!"
  434. >Impossible.
  435. "But... Fluttershy was my place last night!"
  436. >Twilight gives you a confused look as she runs.
  437. >"Anon, Fluttershy was taken to the hospital about two hours after you left."
  438. >"She's been in a coma ever since you went home."
  439.  
  440. ---
  441.  
  442.  
  443. >You are in the hospital.
  444. >There she is.
  445. >In the flesh.
  446. >Fluttershy lays in a bed.
  447. >In a coma.
  448. >But how?
  449. >She had been in your shack last night?
  450. >You fell asleep with her.
  451. >All of her friends stand around her bed.
  452. >They ignore you.
  453. >Pinkie Pie was probably the only one that would willingly talk to you.
  454. >Rarity collapses dramatically on the bed.
  455. >"Oh if only she hadn't fallen in with the wrong crowd!"
  456. >Rainbow Dash wipes her eyes, "wrong crowd?"
  457. >Twilight brushes Fluttershy's mane from her face, "she's talking about Anon."
  458. >Applejack glares at you, "yeah, the town lush."
  459. >You look away.
  460. >Yes it was your fault but you never wanted this to happen.
  461. >"Aw give him a break," Pinkie interjects,
  462. >At least one pony didn't write you off.
  463. >"It's not his fault he does everything wrong, he's an addict!"
  464. >Well
  465. >There goes that hope.
  466. "I should leave."
  467. >You turn and leave the room.
  468. >Rarity's voice calls out, "yes, do like you do with all your other problems, run you coward!"
  469.  
  470.  
  471. >This called for some booze.
  472. >On a bench in the park
  473. >In the middle of the bone-chilling wind
  474. >On a bench alone in the park
  475. >You sit drinking a bottle of cheap liquor.
  476. >You had to steal it.
  477. >No bits.
  478. >The owner of the shop had seen you slip it into your jacket
  479. >But like always, she didn't say anything.
  480. >She didn't say anything but 'have a great day Anon!' on your way out.
  481. >Fuck her.
  482. >You didn't need her pity.
  483. >You were sick.
  484. "I'm sick..."
  485. >The booze tasted horrible and burned your throat but it did it's job.
  486. >Inebriation was always a good place to hide from your worries.
  487. >Fluttershy reaches for the bottle and you hand it to her.
  488. >She takes a swig on the bench next to you.
  489. >It's a little much for her and she chokes.
  490. >You laugh.
  491. "Stick with bitch beer."
  492. >She wipes her mouth and smiles at you.
  493. >"How are you feeling Anon?"
  494. >You drink
  495. "All your friends hate me."
  496. >She leans against you.
  497. >"Well, I don't hate you..."
  498. >You laugh again.
  499. >A flock of birds take flight into the torrential wind.
  500. "Of course you don't hate me."
  501. >You hold the bottle out to her
  502. "You're a figment of my imagination."
  503. >The bottle falls to the ground.
  504. >The contents slowly leak into the leaves.
  505. >You cover your face with your hands and laugh
  506. >On a bench alone in the park.
  507.  
  508.  
  509. >Twilight finds you.
  510. >She kicks your side.
  511. >"Wake up!"
  512. >You sit up,
  513. "Where am I?"
  514. >"You're in a park on a bench, it's noon and you're already passed out drunk."
  515. "Oh."
  516. >Been asleep for a couple hours.
  517. "How's Fluttershy?"
  518. >You scratch the stubble on your chin.
  519. >Twilight glares at you.
  520. >It made you uncomfortable.
  521. >But you were getting familiar with pony's looks of disappointment.
  522. >"Still in the coma you put her in."
  523. >Maybe you should go see her again.
  524. >"Let's go."
  525. >Twilight begins dragging you with magic.
  526. >You don't resist.
  527. "Where are we going?"
  528. >She teleports both of you.
  529. >Now you stand in what looks like a hospital waiting room.
  530. >But not the hospital Fluttershy was in.
  531. "Where are we?"
  532. >"A facility where they take ponies like you."
  533. "Like me?"
  534. >"Addicts. They will fix you here."
  535. >You stand and walk away.
  536. "Nah, I don't need to be fixed."
  537. >Twilight's magic slams you to the floor.
  538. >You feel her hoof on your back.
  539. >She hisses into your ear.
  540. >"You're going to stay here whether you like it or not. Everyone is sick of the way you act."
  541. Not everyone! Berry likes me! I don't need to be fixed!
  542. >Twilight lifts you and makes your body float to the receptionist.
  543. >"Yes you do."
  544. >"You're sick."
  545. >This place is horrible.
  546. >White rooms and white paper-thin clothes.
  547. >The room they put you in is like a small prison cell.
  548. >It's more like an asylum.
  549. >At night you can hear ponies sobbing and wailing.
  550. >They even make you take pills.
  551. >You're not sure what they do, but they make you feel happy.
  552. >Stupid happy.
  553. >After taking them, it's easy for them to talk to you.
  554. >You tell the shrinks about all your dreams and aspirations.
  555. >Then when the pills wear off and they throw you back into your white cell
  556. >You want to die.
  557. >It's only been two days, but already you want to off yourself.
  558. >Like your neighbor did with a sharpened spoon.
  559. >You lay on your hard bed.
  560. >There was one thing to look forward to.
  561. >Imaginary Fluttershy would talk to you in your room.
  562. >At least she understood you.
  563. >You look over at her.
  564. Do you think I'll be in here forever?
  565. >She shakes her head, "you'll be just fine mister."
  566. >You smile and stare at the ceiling.
  567. Yeah. Just fine.
  568. >The thirst for cider was getting worse.
  569. >You attacked a nurse this morning when she denied you some mouthwash.
  570. I wonder how Fluttershy is doing...
  571. >Fluttershy brushes your hand with a hoof, "I'm sure she'll wake up any day now."
  572. >You nod.
  573. >The door opens.
  574. >"You have a visitor human."
  575. >Visitor?
  576. >Twilight?
  577. >Berry would never set hoof in here.
  578. >Fluttershy steps into the room.
  579. Fluttershy?!
  580. >You look over at imaginary Fluttershy.
  581. >She nods then fades away.
  582. >The real Fluttershy flies over and wraps you in a hug.
  583. >"I'm h-here Anon! I woke up and I'm here to get you out of this place!"
  584.  
  585. ---
  586.  
  587.  
  588. >"I'm here to get you out of this place!"
  589. >Fluttershy holds a hoof out to you.
  590. "Why? How are you here?"
  591. >She's wearing that collar again.
  592. >"A pet is always f-faithful to it's master."
  593. >You approach her
  594. "If I try to run, they'll stop me."
  595. >"Only if they catch you mister."
  596. >She grabs your hand and pulls you out of the door.
  597. "No! They'll see-"
  598. >The hall is empty.
  599. >A long silent white path lined with numbered doors.
  600. >Fluttershy flies up, "c-come on!"
  601. >You run after her down the hall.
  602. >These slippers they made you wear were definitely not made for running.
  603. >Youh trip and Fluttershy catches you.
  604. "Thanks!"
  605. >The two of you continue on.
  606. >Down at the end, the door you're running to begins opening.
  607. >You hear pony's voices.
  608. >Fluttershy 'eeps' and opens room twenty-three.
  609. >You both jump inside.
  610. >She pulls one of her feathers out and slides it in between the door and the frame as it closes.
  611. >The door remains open just a crack.
  612. "Wow, good thinking."
  613. >Fluttershy blushes, "th-thank you."
  614. >"Anon? What are you doing here?"
  615. >You turn around.
  616. >There on a bed is Berry Punch.
  617. >She's wearing the same white clothing as you
  618. >There are dark rings around her eyes
  619. >She looks like she's been dragged through hell.
  620. "Berry?!"
  621.  
  622.  
  623. >You run forward and the two of you hug.
  624. >She feels weak.
  625. "Berry I didn't know you were here!"
  626. >You let her go and she looks pathetically into your eyes.
  627. >"Same here. My parents didn't like my drinking, so they put me in here."
  628. >You rub your head
  629. "Ah, I'm sorry bro... Same with me but it was my therapi- Twilight Sparkle."
  630. >She nods.
  631. >"This place is sick man, it's totally an experiment."
  632. "What?"
  633. >Her eyes widen
  634. >She really needed a drink
  635. >"It's all one big experiment! Run by some big wig secret science society in Canterlot! They're using it as a front to test experimental drugs on us!"
  636. >Oh boy she was always funny, even sober.
  637. >You chuckle.
  638. >She continues to stare.
  639. >She's serious.
  640. "Wait, for real?"
  641. >Berry nods, "I was studying this before I came. Never thought I'd end up here..."
  642. >You didn't think it was possible, but this place makes you feel even worse now.
  643. >Berry rubs her eyes
  644. >"I just need a drink..."
  645. >A flask is held up.
  646. >You both look at it, then up at Fluttershy.
  647. >She hides in her mane as she holds it out
  648. >"Um, I thought you w-would want some Anon..."
  649.  
  650.  
  651. >Berry grabs it and holds it up like a baby
  652. >"Sweet nectar! There is hope!" She looks up at you, excitement back in her eyes, "can I?!"
  653. >You smile and nod.
  654. >Berry uncaps it and takes a big swig.
  655. >She pulls it away with and 'ahhh!' and wipes her mouth.
  656. >"Thank you SO much Fluttershy!"
  657. >She holds the alcohol out for you.
  658. >You stare at it.
  659. >Then at Fluttershy.
  660. >She shrugs and smiles.
  661. >Your mouth is watering for it
  662. >Your hand is shaking as you hold out a hand
  663. "I..."
  664. >You drop your arm.
  665. "I'm done drinking."
  666. >The memory of Fluttershy laying in the cold comes back to you.
  667. "I don't want to do this anymore."
  668. >Berry Punch shrugs, "suit yourself," she continues to drain the flask.
  669. >Fluttershy leaps forward and hugs you around the middle
  670. >"Oh I'm so proud of you Anon!"
  671. >You laugh and push her away
  672. "Thanks Fluttershy."
  673. "Now can we get out of here?"
  674. >Outside you appeared calm.
  675. >Inside your brain was telling you that you were an idiot and to drink that rum before it was all gone.
  676. >You don't look at the flask.
  677. >Fluttershy trots over and listens at the door.
  678. >"C-coast is clear."
  679.  
  680.  
  681. >You grab Berry by the shirt and take off.
  682. >The hall is empty once more.
  683. >Berry is trying to get every last drop from the flask.
  684. >You can smell it.
  685. "Looks like we go through that door on the end."
  686. >You lead the way
  687. >Fluttershy lands on your back.
  688. >You can feel that her body is warm but she's not trying to hump you.
  689. "Fluttershy, you remember how you came in right?"
  690. >This place is unnecessarily massive.
  691. >"Um... I w-was too excited to f-find you so I... Don't remember..."
  692. >Figures.
  693. >Berry stumbles against a wall, "let me ouuuuuut! Wooooogrblshp..."
  694. >You straighten her up and lightly slap her face.
  695. >She's drooling and her eyes are rolling.
  696. "Fluttershy what kind of rum was that?!"
  697. >She leans over your shoulder and sniffs at Berry
  698. >"Just n-normal rum..."
  699. >Then this is what happened when you mixed those experimental drugs with hard liquor.
  700. >A door opens beside you and one of the 'nurse' ponies steps out.
  701. >You stare at him
  702. >He stares at Fluttershy
  703. >Fluttershy stares at Berry
  704. >Berry throws up down her shirt
  705. "CHEESE IT!"
  706.  
  707.  
  708. >You take off running down the hall.
  709. >"SECURITY BREECH!"
  710. >You look back and see the stallion grabbing Berry while trying to avoid her vomit.
  711. "We left Berry!"
  712. >Fluttershy pounds on your head, "leave her! Leave her! She's one of them now!"
  713. >You'll be sure to pour one for Berry when you get out.
  714. >You open a door and run through while Fluttershy quivers on your back.
  715. >Well.
  716. >Looks like you found your way into some sort of mechanical room.
  717. >It's about three stories to the room and maybe three-hundred yards long/wide.
  718. >Most of the steaming machines in the room are a mystery of function to you.
  719. >Catwalks line the walls.
  720. >You grab onto Fluttershy's legs and take off into the steamy dim room.
  721. >It's loud.
  722. >And hot.
  723. >Massive machines loom over you as you jog through the maze.
  724. "Fluttershy I'm -huff- getting tired."
  725. >She flies off your back and looks worried at you.
  726. >"Please take a break Anon!"
  727. >You bend over with your hands on your knees breathing heavy.
  728. >Fluttershy sits and stares at you.
  729. >You sit down with your back to a large machine.
  730. "Thanks."
  731. >"You sh-shouldn't push yourself too hard."
  732. "No, I mean thanks for coming back for me."
  733. "I was a real asshole to you."
  734. >She rubs your hand with a hoof.
  735. >"I know you had your reasons Anon. I never thought bad of you."
  736. >Twilight sure did.
  737. >Fluttershy may have been a stalker
  738. >But she was the only girl who wasn't a drunk as well to ever stick around through your bullshit.
  739. >You rub her hoof back.
  740. "When we get out of here, I want to see you take a shot."
  741.  
  742.  
  743. >She blushes, "w-what? I don't um, I don't really do that..."
  744. >You ruffle her mane
  745. "Come on, don't be scared!"
  746. >There's a sound of hoof steps coming closer.
  747. >Fluttershy jumps out in front of you and spreads her wings in protection.
  748. >She whispers over her shoulder, "run Anon! I'll hold them back!"
  749. "No, come on."
  750. >You grab her tail and pull.
  751. >The hoof steps are right around the corner.
  752. >You lift Fluttershy around the middle.
  753. >Berry Punch stumbles around the machine.
  754. "Berry? Berry!"
  755. >You drop Fluttershy and hug your friend.
  756. >She seems a little more sober after throwing up.
  757. "How'd you get away?!"
  758. >She glares at you and wiggles out of your grip, "I ran out of there after you DITCHED me! I had to fight like three ponies!"
  759. >You flush.
  760. "Sorry about that... I got scared."
  761. >"Oh m-me too! I w-wet myself..." Fluttershy smiles proudly.
  762. >So that wet spot on your back isn't sweat.
  763. >"Well we better run, those jerks were right behind me."
  764. >And now she tells you.
  765. >You pick Fluttershy up and take off again.
  766. >This time Berry is right beside you.
  767. >One of your pursuers shouts and you turn to see eight ponies chasing you.
  768. >At least they're all Earth ponies for some reason.
  769. >You run up some stairs to a catwalk.
  770. >Then another level.
  771. >Everyone knows most Earth ponies are scared of heights.
  772. >Berry Punch stops to throw up over the rail and screams when she looks down.
  773. >The puke lands on one of the ponies chasing you below.
  774. >He screams in agony and collapses.
  775. >Thank god Equestrian ponies can puke.
  776.  
  777.  
  778. >"We have you now!"
  779. >Now there's three ponies in front of you.
  780. >You slide to a stop.
  781. "They have a unicorn!"
  782. >Thinking fast, you grab Berry Punch as well and hop over the rail.
  783. >And land on a conveyor belt.
  784. >You set Berry down and look back up at the catwalks
  785. >The ponies glare at you in frustration.
  786. >Fluttershy nuzzles on your head, "good work Anon!"
  787. "It's not over yet..."
  788. >The unicorn teleports down to you.
  789. >You feared she'd be able to do that.
  790. >Where is this conveyor belt going anyway?
  791. >Behind the unicorn up ahead is a large furnace.
  792. >If you can just get that unicorn in there.
  793. >She smiles and steps forward.
  794. >Berry whimpers and hides behind you.
  795. >You push Fluttershy behind your other leg.
  796. "Let's go!"
  797. >The unicorn charges her red horn.
  798. >You feel yourself being lifted.
  799. >"NOOOOOO!" Fluttershy charges from underneath you.
  800. >The unicorn is distracted with her spell and catches a Fluttershy headbutt to the face.
  801. >Fluttershy collapses with a squeal and the unicorn is sent flying.
  802. >You fall to your hands and knees and look up.
  803. >The unicorn is withering in pain
  804. >As she's carried to the furnace.
  805. >Fluttershy stands up and wobbles.
  806. >You laugh and give her a thumbs up.
  807. >The unicorn notices she's about to be burned alive and scrambles.
  808. >Her horn charges
  809. >A red aura surrounds Fluttershy's leg.
  810. "Fluttershy!"
  811.  
  812.  
  813. >She calls for help as the unicorn drags her back to the flames.
  814. >You run for her.
  815. >The magic pulls Fluttershy fast and the unicorn grabs her leg
  816. >"Anon! H-help me!"
  817. >You dive and latch onto Fluttershy's outstretched hoof
  818. "Hang on!"
  819. >You begin to pull.
  820. >The unicorn screams as her backside enters the furnace.
  821. >But she still hangs on.
  822. "Kick Fluttershy!"
  823. >Her hoof is sweaty from the running and the heat.
  824. >Your hand slips.
  825.  
  826. >In slow motion you watch Fluttershy's horrified eyes as she disappears into the flames.
  827.  
  828.  
  829. >"Anon!"
  830. >"Anon we gotta go!"
  831. >You feel Berry Punch dragging you back but you can't take your eyes off the furnace.
  832. "Fluttershy?"
  833. >"ANON!"
  834. >Berry slaps you.
  835. >"We have to get out now! There's more coming!"
  836. >You nod
  837. >This is all a dream right?
  838. >She can't be dead...
  839. >You slide down a pole with Berry and land back on the ground.
  840. >Both of you run until you find an exit sign.
  841. >You burst through the door and find it's night out.
  842. >You're in the forest.
  843. >You turn back around and stare at the door.
  844. >"Anon! This is no time to stop!"
  845. >Berry pushes you and you begrudgingly follow her into the woods.
  846.  
  847.  
  848. >You tell Twilight everything.
  849. >She feels horrible for putting you in that place
  850. >And breaks down with you when you tell her what became of Fluttershy.
  851. >Berry Punch consoles the both of you.
  852. >Twilight decides she will tell everyone the news in the morning.
  853. >After Berry leaves, you ask to stay at Twilight's for the night.
  854. >She wipes some tears from her eyes and smiles weakly at you.
  855. >"I can give you one last therapy session?"
  856. "That would be... Nice."
  857. >"Alright, I'll be in the basement, come down when you're ready."
  858. >You nod.
  859. >After she leaves you sit on the couch.
  860. >Fluttershy passes you a flask.
  861. >You take it without looking at her.
  862. >Raise it to your lips
  863. >No.
  864. >You smile up at the ceiling and chuckle.
  865. >Not anymore.
  866. >You hold the flask out to her
  867. "I think I loved you."
  868. >The flask falls to the ground.
  869. >The contents slowly leak onto the rug.
  870. >You cover your face with your hands and laugh.
  871.  
  872. >On a couch alone in Twilight's living room.
  873.  
  874. >You stand and sigh.
  875. >Slowly you make your way to the basement door.
  876. >You still felt the urge
  877. >But there was also the knowledge that you could beat this addiction.
  878. >It's what Fluttershy would have wanted.
  879. >You look back at the couch.
  880. >Fluttershy smiles at you reassuringly.
  881.  
  882. >"You can do it Anon."
  883.  
  884. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEuA3jzcY04