[ CW ] Start writing a story with these words : `` At first it was shocking , but then it became normal . ''

`` At first it was shocking, but then it became normal.'' 
 
 The investigator, Ivan, looked at me with not a small bit of curiosity. `` I'm sorry,'' he said, ``...'normal?''' 
 
 `` Yeah.'' 
 
 I was being interviewed following my release from captivity. They wanted to know all the details I could provide, as my captor was suspected of doing this several times before. 
 
 `` So... what do you mean by that, Geoff?'' 
 
 `` I mean... I came to expect it, I suppose. Almost... wanting it, maybe.'' I took a deep breath, then continued, `` It became not only ritual... every day, like clockwork, he'd start on me... and after a while, after the initial shock, then the dread of the humliation and discomfort... I accepted what was and, voila,'normal'.'' 
 
 I took a drag from my cigarette, savoring the flavor, the heat from the smoke as it coursed into my lungs... and I exhaled, upwards, of course. Would n't do to offend the investigator, now, would it? It'd been so very long since I'd had one, as my captor was n't keen on them, apparently. 
 
 Ivan somewhat gently, said, `` You know it's not'normal', right? What he did to you?'' 
 
 `` Of course I know that!'' I spat back. I could hear the pity in his questions, and it offended me to the extreme. `` I know that! But when it's all that you get, when it's all that you're allowed... it becomes natural after a while! What did you expect me to do, anyway?!'' I huffed indignantly. 
 
 The investigator leaned back, arms and hands up in a placating manner. `` Geoff, seriously, it's ok. I just wanted to be sure you knew your situation is all.'' 
 
 `` What'situation'? I mean, seriously.'' 
 
 `` Your being held hostage like that... abused like that.'' 
 
 `` Oh, yes. I know. I was *there*, after all.'' 
 
 I looked away, ashamed. I know I should n't be. I know that it's normal for people who have been captured, held, and even tortured to start to believe it's their fault, that they need to accept their captor's ways, to even... dare I say it to myself?... *love* their captor and what they want you to accept... 
 
... and I had. Utterly. For I Saw the Way of Things, what my Captor had intended for me... for the entire world. 
 
 It was terrifying to consider, true. But it must be done. I See that now. The interview with Ivan was the catalyst to finally Open my Eyes. 
 
 And as such... 
 
 `` I'm done. The interview's over.'' 
 
 The investigator blinked. `` What? I just got here, Geoff...'' 
 
 `` Ivan,'' I pleaded. `` Please just... go. You know the way out.'' 
 
 I sat there, staring at my ever burning cigarette. Ivan looked at me. He got up, and left, the heavy door clunking shut as he exited my home. 
 
 It was Time. Time to spread the Gospel my Captor intended. May he rest in peace, knowing His ministrations worked upon me. And will work upon the lot of the rest of the people of Earth. 
 
 For while it was, indeed, shocking to be subjected to the torture he put upon me... I see the Truth of Things. And the Way.... and I am the Guide to the Path of his Gospel, the unnamed Man that Set Me Free. 
 
 And what was n't known, what somehow escaped their searches, is not that my Captor had physically done things to me. That part was n't the important part. Not at all. 
 
 No, what had n't been found was the less important bit of the television in the room. They did n't know what I was *really*'tortured' with. Every day at 3pm. The only'outside world' I was allowed. 
 
 Which in retrospect was n't torture at all. It was Love, unbridled, pure. In episodic form. 
 
 I must spread the Word of the My Little Ponies to the entire world. 
 
 For it is this, my People: 
 
 Friendship.... *IS* Magic.
