//------------------------------//
// Before 
// Story: Autophobia 
// by Ice Star 
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before She left this valley
everything was laid out
where to go
what to do
who to talk to

row by row She dictated Her life as well as another's
each choice was the link in a chain
She embraced them
Her sister struggled with each and every link
until she snapped 
like the very metal
that held them both
dragging them further down

She wanted a crown resting upon each of their heads
metal as shiny and regal as Her heart
lusted after by those who would 
stare
speak of every appearance She made
praise
gossip
make idle chat

She was surrounded by mindless humming
the metal jewelry She wore from there and after
as still as the fickle heart within Her breast

long before a crown rested on Her head
She was as cold as only a newcomer could be
Her and Her sister
earth
pegasus
unicorn
they were neither

these ponies called them monsters
so She selected the one that She knew
had some kind of knowledge
was away from it all
living in a thin tower
that tried to seek the clouds in vain

from there She did everything
tried to master magic's form
understand these ponies
Her deeds nearing the cost of Herself

Her vanity dictated Her looks
surrounding Her like the dresses She wore
Her tongue adopted all their words without a second thought
Her smile never faltered
Her eyes left Her sister
to focus on the crown She would claw away
bright shining false power
She might have again one day
to guide the mortals from the realm
that starved them
that emptied their minds
and their hearts
where the snow blinded their eyes
and even She was not spared

She lost Her little shadow in the storm
She told her
stop being so selfish
grow up
and everything else
every bit of venom
they're not coming back
everything She thought to be true
or at least as true as it needed to be
and after it all
Her smile never faltered