Laying your head under your pillow, you try your best to forget everything that just happened. Unfortunately, not even your room makes you feel safe. Big Mac is probably searching high and low for you with the urge to wring your neck. How he could possibly grab your neck without hands evades you as visions of curly, menacing fingers sprout from his hooves and grab your throa—

“Nonny?” Flitter stands outside your room, her motherly tone just that of a whisper. “Nonny, is everything okay? It’s time for dinner.”

“I’m not hungry,” you grunt. Your bedroom door creaks open as the mare peeks inside. She takes a seat beside you on the bed and places a hoof on your shoulder.

“Listen, whatever happened, I’m sure it wasn’t all that bad.”

“I got glue all over Apple Bloom’s face and floor. You weren’t there to see the mess. You weren’t there to see how mad Big Mac was.”

“Is that all?” Cloudchaser’s voice enters the room. She almost sounds surprised, like she expected worse. “And here I thought we were going to teach him about the bats and the breezies.”

A sudden thump, accompanied by an, “Ow!” makes it clear that Cloudchaser said something she shouldn’t have. You look up out of curiosity, only to see Cloudchaser rubbing her wither. Flitter adverts your attention to her, trying her best to keep her sister out of the conversation.

“Will it make you feel better if we go talk to Big Mac and explain the situation?”

You nod your head. Anything to keep Big Mac and the curly sprouts on his hooves away would do better than confronting the problem yourself. Flitter throws a glance towards Cloudchaser, accompanied by that giggle they share when they talk about boys. It becomes rather hard to swallow; something in your gut tells you this can only end badly.

“Alright, Nonny. We’ll go talk to Big Mac first thing in the morning. But right now,” says Flitter as she steps down from the bed, “let’s go have dinner. Cloudchaser made your favorite tonight.”

Your stomach lets out a sudden growl. The thought of eating fresh spaghetti with Cloudchaser’s signature sauce and herbs reminds you how hungry you really are. Without hesitation, you run past them to make it to the table first.

After an awkward meal involving a talk about “the bats and the breezies” and a good night’s sleep, you awake to the sounds of the morning birds’ songs. With weary eyes and sluggish joints, you rip the bed sheets off and drag yourself towards the bathroom. Alas, it’s occupied by none other than Flitter. Cloudchaser stands outside the door, banging on it occasionally with her hoof.

“C’mon Flitter! We haven’t got all day! Now you have Nonny waiting out here as well!” Cloudchaser bangs on the door a few more times in hopes of hurrying her sister. “We’re just going there to talk to Big Mac, not court him.”

“Well some of us want to look good when they go out into public!” her sister bellows from the other side of the door. Cloudchaser’s temper quickly rises as she smacks her hoof against the door in rapid succession.

“At least I’m not the one who got caught with toilet paper hanging from her hoof at Nonny’s science fair!”

“Oh! You just have to bring that up, don’t you?”

You sigh in frustration and head back to your room as the two continue to bicker at one another. It was great being in the care of these two mares, but it did have its drawbacks. The bathroom was always being used, there was never anyone to talk about when it came to boy things, and sometimes when they had boys over for coffee, you swore you could hear ghostly howls coming from their room.

If you wanted to catch up with Apple Bloom and the other Cutie Mark Crusaders, you’d have to leave soon. Putting on a fresh t-shirt and pair of overalls, you grab your notebook and begin the search for your bag. The last place you had it was…

Your heart sinks. The bag was still in Apple Bloom’s room. Suddenly, the memories of what had happened the day before start to sink in again, leaving you with a nauseous feeling in your tummy. Hopefully Flitter and Cloudchaser could explain everything and maybe, just maybe, Big Mac would let you back in to grab your stuff.

With no bag to carry, you head out and start your walk to school. The spring sun beams down on you, leaving a nice warm feeling along your skin. Ponies exit their homes and begin their daily routines: watering flowers, greeting their neighbors, and setting stands up for their local businesses. You tend to keep to yourself since it feels strange to walk amongst a whole different species, despite their friendly and inviting nature. It must be some sort of defense mechanism.

“Hey Nonny!” You can’t help but cringe. It was fine when Cloudchaser and Flitter called you that, but when it came from another pony, it just made you feel dirty.

You quickly turn around to see Scootaloo running down the street with Sweetie Belle. “Hey Dodo, hey Sweetie Belle.” Sweetie resists the urge to bust out laughing as Scootaloo stares you down. You look between the two only to realize that somepony is missing.

“Where’s Apple Bloom?” you ask.

Scootaloo and Sweetie exchange a discomforted look as all three of you head towards the school. “Big Mac wouldn’t let her go to school without walking her there,” Sweetie explains. “She refused to leave the house with him, so the last we saw of her was when Applejack was dragging her out of the house. We didn’t stick around to find out what happened, but it wasn’t exactly a peaceful moment.”

Your butthole clenches at the thought of running into Big Mac at the school. Both Scootaloo and Sweetie take notice of your distraught expression, their curiosity quickly escalating.

“Did something happen yesterday at Sweet Apple Acres, Anon?” questions Scootaloo. You can see she’s holding back a smile, but she’s doing a bad job of it.

“Nothing happened. Just a small accident involving some glue.”

Sweetie’s face drops. “It’s not the same glue that Scootaloo—”

“The very same,” you interject. The two fillies exchange looks of horror. You can’t help but ask, “What?”

“That glue bottle is cursed,” says Scootaloo. “We made grilled cheese sandwiches and that’s when the ghost came in and scared us.” Scootaloo looks down at the ground in disappointment. “I ended up getting glue in all the sandwiches. Thirteen ponies had to be rushed to the hospital because they couldn’t open their mouths.”

You ask yourself if it’s really necessary to question the ghost part, but, alas, you’ve already arrived at the school. The shrieks of joy from the colts and fillies almost distract you as a certain filly makes her way towards you.

“Well, well, well! If it isn’t the blank flanks and the hairless monkey!” That voice always sends chills down your spine. Just the tone irks you.

“Good morning to you too, Diamond Tiara,” you mutter. As much as you’d like to start trouble, it’s last thing you need. You’re already on bad terms with Cheerilee and the last thing you need is your guardians coming in because you gave little miss pretty princess a new makeover with your fist. Her little friend, Silver Spoon, is no better. No matter what comes out of Diamond’s mouth, the snob chortles or agrees with her.

“Looks like you’re missing a flank here. Did Apple Bloom finally get her cutie mark and figure you losers are a waste of time?”

“No, she’s with her family that actually cares about her because they plan to bring her to school, unlike your two-bit dad who needs a butler to bring you since his business is more important than his daughter.”

The schoolyard goes quiet. All the fillies and colts drop what they’re doing and stare at the situation in awe. Not many ponies are willing to fight back with Diamond Tiara, but you are no pony. You are the hero that the schoolyard needs, but does not deserve. You are—

“At least I know my parents.”

A collective gasp circulates between the children. Your blood begins to boil as Diamond Tiara’s smug smile returns to her face, accompanied by Silver Spoon’s forced giggles. It’s taking all of your will power to hold back your clenched fist. So badly do you want to just let everything go and wail into this filly.

“Diamond Tiara!” The new voice enters the arena, causing everyone to jump. Miss Cheerilee stands outside the school’s front door, her face burning up in rage. “That was uncalled for! Come inside this instant. I think it’s time for yet another talk about your outbursts.”

“But Miss Cheerilee!”

The teacher stands her ground, throwing the most sinister of glares at the filly. Before Diamond trots off to her punishment, she mutters, “I’ll get you for this.” Silver Spoon follows and stands by the door, waiting like a patient dog for her master.

Scootaloo gives you a celebratory punch in the shoulder with her hoof. “That was awesome, Anon!”

“Yeah! Did you see the look on her face?” squeaks Sweetie Belle. Soon, a few of the other students begin to commemorate on your courageous act before you notice Apple Bloom. She walks up to Scootaloo and Sweetie, a look of disappointment on her face. Breaking away from the other children, you head over to the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

“Hey, Apple Bloom,” you greet with a cheesy smile and wave. The look of disappointment doesn’t leave her face as she drops your backpack down on the ground before you.

“You forgot this yesterday when you ran away.” Sweat begins to bead on your forehead. Scootaloo and Sweetie turn to Apple Bloom in confusion.

“Ran away?” repeats Sweetie.

It suddenly hits you like a brick wall. “Where is Big Mac?” you whisper, fear evident in your voice. Apple Bloom rolls her eyes and lets out an annoyed sigh.

“Your sisters stopped us on the way here to talk to my brother about something. They took him back to your place, so I walked the rest of the way by myself.”

Scootaloo’s eyes widen in excitement. Typical for a girl to get excited about drama.

“What did he do?”

Before Apple Bloom can answer, the school bell rings, signalling the start of class. Head drooped, you sulk into the classroom, taking a look at your notebook. You only hope that this presentation will make things right.

As you take your seat, you can feel a hot glare. Diamond Tiara’s eyes refuse to leave your direct line of sight. Not backing down, you return the stare, upping her in intensity. Cheerilee clears her throat to draw your and her’s attention.

“As I told you all yesterday, your reports are due today.” She throws a quick glance in your direction before continuing. “I’d like to hear what about a time that’s special to you: Something that might have changed your life, or even something that you look back on and get a warm feeling thinking about it.”

Your grip on your notebook tightens. Sure, you did the assignment, but you can’t help but feel butterflies in your stomach. Turning to Apple Bloom, you hope for some kind of look of encouragement, maybe even a smile. Apple Bloom just looks onward at Miss Cheerilee, pretending to be interested in her lecture.

“Would anyone like to go first?” Miss Cheerilee asks, looking around the room. No one raises their hoof, leaving a deafening silence to fill the room. “Nopony?”

“I will.” The class let’s out a deafening silence as you raise your hand. Of all the students, the flunkie wanted to go first. Cheerilee smiles and nods her head.

“Alright, Anonymous. Come to the front of the class and share your experience.”

The grip on your notebook would break anyone’s bones. You’re so nervous, but over what? All you have to do read what’s on paper.

The only problem is, you can’t open the book. It’s glued shut. Panic begins to settle in as the class grows impatient. A hoof lays itself on your shoulder, bringing you to a halt. Cheerilee gives you a warm smile and whispers to you.

“Anon, this assignment is about a time that makes you feel good about something. You don’t need to read it from the paper. Read it from your heart.”

What kind of cheesey line is that? ‘Read it from your heart?’ What is this, a friendship lesson with Twilight?

But it seems to work. All the butterflies in your stomach fly away as you let out a relieved sigh.

“I arrived in Equestria many years ago,” you begin, placing the notebook on the teacher’s desk. “I was only a baby. I didn’t know anything that was going on. But two mares took me in and raised me as their own. Every day, they would take me to the market to get the groceries. Ponies would stare at me, not knowing what I was. Some of them said things. Hurtful things. But Flitter and Cloudchaser never let them get to me. They always told me that I may be different, but I was the same on the inside.”

Truffle’s hoof shoots up. “But Miss Cheerilee, you said that his anatomy was different than ou—”

Cheerilee shoots him a look that shuts him right up.

“I had feelings like the others,” you continue. “I could feel sad, happy, angry; the list goes on. Every day they would remind me of this. Then that fateful day came when I started going to class.” The teacher pony’s eyebrow crooks, wondering whether you’re going to crack a joke or not. “When I came to class, I was back at square one. Everypony thought I was weird. They outcasted me. Except for one.”

You look into the crowd and catch Apple Bloom’s glimpse. Her face is entirely red at this point. Sure enough, she knows where you’re going with this.

“A filly in our class treated me like any other pony. When projects required partners, she was always there with her hoof ready to help me since nopony else would. As time went on, she started introducing me to other fillies and colts. They saw what she saw. I was just another one of them, trying to fit in.”

Tears begin to well in your eyes as you remember the times Apple Bloom stood up for you. Defending you from Diamond Tiara, telling you that you weren’t any different than the other ponies.

“If it weren’t for her, I… I don’t know…” A slow clip-clopping fills the room. Looking up from the floor, you see who it is. Apple Bloom, smile spreading from ear to ear, slowly claps her hooves together. The rest of the class, with the exception of Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, follow in suit as Cheerilee wipes the tears from your face, a caring smile across her face as well.

“Anon, that’s a beautiful story. Well done. You can go back to your seat now.” Her voice drops down to a whisper before you start toward your desk. “I expect this report in by tomorrow morning on paper.”

Dragging your feet, you head back to your desk and sit down.

“That was great, Anon!” somepony blurts out from behind you. The applause grows louder, leaving you with a warm feeling. Looking over to your side, Apple Bloom refuses to make eye contact with you, but the smile on her face says differently. When Cheerilee calls for more volunteer, several ponies raise their hooves, ready to give their stories as well. All it took was one brave soul to lead the rest.

The rest of the stories are pretty tame in comparison. Most are about gifts that ponies have received or seeing a relative that they hadn’t seen in a long time. Before you know it, the bell rings, signalling lunch time. You grab your bag and book it out the door, hoping to grab the usual table. Your heart sinks as your eyes meet with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, comfortably wearing sinister smirks at your seat.

“Looks like you’re too slow, Anon!” Silver Spoon mocks as Diamond Tiara sticks her tongue out at you. They’re definitely out to ruin your day, aren’t they? Before you can even retort, Apple Bloom jumps in front of you.

“That ain’t fair! Y’all know that Anon sits there everyday. Let him have his seat!” You place your hand on Apple Bloom’s wither. She turns to face you, a look of sheer anger on her face. You shake your head.

“Just let it go, Apple Bloom. It’s best not to let them get to us. That’s what they want.”

“Yeah, you should listen to your special somepony!” Diamond Tiara cracks, nudging her tumor of a friend as a signal to laugh. The two cackle up a storm, grabbing the attention of the fillies and colts in the courtyard. All eyes are now on you. Apple Bloom senses this as well and steps back for a moment.

“Aww!”

Flitter and Cloudchaser’s coos fill your ears, making your heart sink.

“What are you guys doing here?” you question as the two wrap their legs around you.

“You forgot to grab your lunch,” Flitter states, dropping a paper bag on the table in front of you.

“Special Somepony, eh?”

The third voice causes your body to lock in fear. There was only one time you heard that voice before and it was not during a good situation. Your eyes slowly turn and meet up with Big Mac’s. A menacing stare looks back at you.

“I-It’s, uh… I’m not… um…”

Sweat pours down your face as he leans in close and brings his voice down to a murmur.

“I’ll be watching you, son.”

Author's Notes:

I love how FiMFic cuts parts out when I import the document.
It's fucking 4:20am. You think I want to reread this shit?

Also, don't get your hopes up. I'm still sorta dead. At least on the inside.