Chapters How many friends have you made today?!
“Anon, please.” Celestia whines in a very unprincessy like manner.
Anon is currently holding tightly to the door handle on his house. Celestia is quite literally trying to pull him away with her magic but his grip is surprisingly strong, and Celestia does not wish to hurt him. Still doesn't stop her from trying to pry him off though.
“I said no!” He shouts loud enough for all of Ponyville to hear him.
You’re probably a little confused as to what is happening right now. It’s easy to explain actually. A few weeks ago Anon finally accepted the fact that he has Celestia as a friend. Once that little revelation happened Celestia decided to spend more time with Anon in more friend like activities. Such as going to the park, bowling and even having lunch.
Anon was skeptical at the time, but would be lying if he didn't admit that he enjoyed his time with her. They’ve grown close, and Anon does like how lively Celestia can be. One moment she has all the wisdom in the world, then she is stuffing her face with a cake that is almost half her body size. Anon also gets a kick out of how the other ponies react when they see them together. Anon, the antisocial human, and their lovely matriarch.
So little by little Celestia showed Anon around Ponyville, and even took him through the Everfree to see the royal sisters castle. What Celestia found the most interesting is that Anon never shown much concern when they walked through the forest that day. Telling Celestia that the Everfree reminded him of home. She knew that deep inside Anon bottled his emotions, and that isn't healthy for anypony. So she dedicated herself to being the bestest friend a pony could be.
So how has Celestia been faring with this friendship you say? To be honest, she’s loving every moment of it. She is so use to having to act like a princess around all her little ponies. She has longed for a day just like this, to have a friend that looks at her and does not bow. One that greets her with a hug, albeit a little hesitant but still far better than she ever got from other ponies. With the exception of her sister. Yes, she felt a great sense of ease knowing that Anon was her friend.
Though back in the present, she is silently resenting him. They’ve been talking about this trip for the past few days. She told him that it was going to happen, and now he is trying to claw his way back into his home.
“Anon, stop it!” Celestia says with irritation.
“No!” Anon squirms around in Celestias magic.
“Anon, please do this for me. We’ve been all over Ponyville and I want you to see the castle.”
Again that whining voice. You thought Rarity had a whining voice? Yeah, you haven't heard nothin till you hear Celestia do it. Thousand years practice. Anon could handle it though, he had to put up with Luna during the day time. Now that could’ve been considered hell on earth.
“Why can't we just stay here?!” He screams out.
“I want you to see the Castle, to see my room, maybe Luna’s.”
His grip falls at that as he slams face first into the dirt. Celestia lets go of his lower half that was wrapped in her magic. He quickly turns around to face her.
“Oh hell no! I’m not going to see Luna’s room until it’s at least midnight.”
Celestia smiles in triumph.
“So good to hear that you agree, Anon.”
Anon’s eyes widen as he replays the exact words he said.
“No, wai-”
“I can't believe you hit me in the head with a rock.” Anon says as he rubs the back of his head.
“I told you, I didn't do that.” Celestia says with a sigh. “Pinkie came out of nowhere and hit you with it. Said something about moving the story forward.”
Anon was feeling a little groggy from the bolder to the back of the head. Which is kinda funny because the rock actually was Bolder. Pinkie put the rock in a box and sent it to her sister Maud. But that isn't what this story is about. Currently, Anon and Celestia are sitting on a train waiting for it to arrive at Canterlot.
“Why did we take the train?” Anon asks.
Celestia is sitting next to Anon, she has the window seat and he took the isle. She looks over to Anon with a smile and uses a wing to pull him to her side.
“I enjoy the time we share, Anon. Whether it be having lunch or taking a train. I must admit its been a long time since I took the train.”
Anon looks up and watches Celestia as she looks out the window. He finds it rather odd how his friend can take joy in such simple activities. He knows that her life as a princess is hard and so much is expected of her. But does she really not get out that much?
“How long ago was that?” He asks to break the silence.
Her smile slips some. An action that does not go unnoticed by Anon.
“Many, many years.” Her smile returns as she pulls him closer to her barrel, never turning from the view that pass her by. “It’s good to have a friend enjoy it with me.”
Anon could say many things about the situation right now. Though nothing came to mind other than the word comfortable. Right now Anon was pressed firmly to Celestia’s chest as she held him with her wing. His want to protest were slowly drained out with the soft rocking of the train, the steady and powerful breaths Celestia took, and the silkyness of her fur and wings.
Celestia could feel her smile grow a little more as she hears the soft snoring of Anon. She pulls him closer as she leans her head against the window. She has never felt so comfortable around any other creature in her life. She allows her eyes to fall closed as she rests alongside her friend.
“Next stop, Canterlot!”
Both Anon and Celestia jump from their positions in shock. They both look around bleary eyed until they face each other. Celestia removes her wing that was still wrapped around Anon. They both face away from each other for a bit but soon regain their composure. So they took a nap together, no biggy.
“We should prepare to depart.” Celestia speaks.
Anon nods. “Makes sense.” He gets up from his seat and points to a few bags he brought. “So sho-”
In a flash they're gone. Anon looks to Celestia as she gives him her usual smile.
“They will be waiting for your arrival.” She quickly trots past him as he shakes his head some in bemusement.
Anon and Celestia walk out of the train and look around a bit. Anon must admit that seeing these ponies gawk at their princess using a train is rather enjoyable for him. Celestia on the other hand never shows a change in her demeanor, making it seem she had done this a thousand times. Anon takes his place by her side as she walks towards the streets of Canterlot.
“This place is rather fancy.” Anon says as they walk the streets, a small regiment of guards surrounding them. “Could lose the guards though.”
“They’re here for our protection.” Celestia answers in her princess voice.
Anon knew what she was doing. She was wearing her ‘princess mask’. It’s something he rarely sees in private and only a little while in Ponyville. Even with her mask on he could see how she wanted to dismiss her guards or to walk into the cake shop they just passed.
“Do you mind if we stop for a moment?” Anon asks.
Celestia looks to him with a raised brow. “Very well. What is it that you require?”
He shrugs. “Not much, just wait here.”
Celestia gives him a nod and watches as he walk off towards the cake shop she has been dying to visit. Anon walk into the shop and quickly finds a young looking mare behind the counter. The mare sees him and can't help but feel a bit flustered, she seen him walking along side the princess. So he must be someone very important.
“H-How may I he-elp you?” She stutters in fright.
Anon looks around a little until he spots what he was looking for. He points to the chocolate cake.
“Two of those.” He says naturally.
“Two slices?” She asks nervously.
“No, the entire cake.”
In all of her time working at this shop, Frosty has never seen a pony order that much cake before.
“Are you sure, sir? That is a lot of sugar.” She warns.
“I won't be eating it alone.” He answers.
She gives him a nod and goes to get his order ready. Anon was happy to know that they had more than a few of them already made in the back. He quickly gets his bag of cakes, pays the mare and is out the door in less than ten minutes. Celestia couldn't help but look at the rather large bag Anon was carrying.
“What have you bought?” She asks.
He shrugs again. “Just a small snack to share over our tea.”
Celestia wanted to take Anon into a hug at this very moment. If you want to make Celestia a friend for life, remember one simple thing.. She loves cake. She could feel her usual motherly smile starting to crack at the seams. She needs to get to the castle quickly.
“Very well, I will inform the staff to ready my sitting room.”
With that said, the two of them continued on.
“That will be all, thank you.”
Celestia gives thanks to the maid that brought them their tea. Celestia quickly closes the door to her private sitting room, though it mostly functioned as a place where she could eat all the sweets she wants in peace. A pony almost got a picture of her stuffing her face in a cake. Thanks to this room though, she would never need to worry.
Anon was done setting down the boxes on the table. He poured the both of them a cup of tea and waited patiently for Celestia to send the staff away. Once the door was closed Celestia practically giggles like a schoolgirl as she flies over to her seat and pulls one of the boxes close to her.
“Oh, Anon.. I’ve been waiting for this all day.” Her mouth is watering by a good amount as she looks upon the beautifully crafted cake.
“Well, don't just look at it.” Anon chuckles a bit.
While the situation at hand may seem normal to the two of them. It wasn't really the same thing outside. The two guards that stood outside the door couldn't help but eavesdrop a little, and from their perspectives, things were getting rather raunchy.
“Come here my little sweetie.”
The two guards shift uncomfortably as they hear their leader speak.
“Will you stop that?! You’re dripping everywhere!” They hear the human scream.
“I can't help it! I’ve been dreaming about this for a long time.”
The two guards look at each other.
“Should we really be here for this?” One asks the other.
“I don't know!? I don't remember training for a situation like this!” The other yells in a whisper.
The other stomps a single hoof, which is kinda like a finger snap to a human. “I got it!” He turns to his partner. “We guard each end of the hall. We can't have ponies come walking by and hearing this. Yet we’ll also be too far to hear it ourselves.”
The other ponies looks to his partner with a sneer, that turns to a wide grin suddenly. “Genius!”
The two ponies quickly leave in opposite directions as they guard the hallway.
Back inside of the room. Anon just shook his head in amusement as he looks to Celestia. She was now stretched out on her seat, chocolate covering her entire muzzle while she gently rubs the sizable bulge of her tummy. Giving small groans every so often. At least she was smiling now.
“I-I think I ate too much.” She speaks in a labored breath.
Anon looks down to see two empty boxes.
“I can agree to that.” He takes a sip of tea.
She looks down to what shes done. “I-I’m sorry, Anon. You didn't get any.”
She looks like she is about to cry. Celestia tends to get really emotional after eating too many sweets.
Anon waves it off. “I bought them for you.”
“Really?” She asks.
He nods. “Really. When I saw your eye flicker over to the store, I instantly knew why.”
She lets out a sigh of content as she continues to rub her belly.
“You know me well, Anon.”
He nods some. “That I do.”
“This one is when Luna and I defeated Discord.” Celestia says with pride.
It took a few hours, but eventually Celestia was back to her perfect figure. It always amazed Anon how she could eat her own weight in cake, but never gain a single pound. Something about an ‘alicorn metabolism’. At a certain age, an odd thing called a ‘Alicorn blueprint’ is saved in their biology. That is why they stop aging and that is how they always keep their looks. It also explains how Luna was a filly before and then slowly grew to her current form. That’s my excuse, and I’m sticking with it.
“So you two defeated the ugly lawn ornament that brought me here?” She nods. “Then you decided to gloat by placing him in the gardens?” She nods again with a smirk. “I think I might love you.”
They both suddenly start laughing aloud. They continue on as Celestia gives Anon a basic breakdown of what each window signifies. Soon they both end with her throne. Which Anon instantly takes a seat in. Celestia looks to him with a raised brow. Anon points to a guard that is seated next to the throne.
“You!” The guard looks over. “You’re fired!”
“Bu-”
Anon points to another guard. “And you! I bet you didn't think I saw you steal from those orphan foals!”
“I would ne-”
Anon was going to point at another guard but feels himself lift out of the throne by Celestias magic. She brings him over to face her.
He shrugs again. “I got a little power hungry.”
She gives him a bemused look as she takes her seat.
“So you say.” Though she held that bemused look, Anon could see the ends of her lips turning up into a smile.
She sets him down next to her on a pillow she had brought in.
“So what are we going to do today?” He asks.
“I need to talk to a few nobles. If you wish you may explore the castle a bit.”
Though her voice was even and calm, Anon could hear the slight pleading undertone behind each word.
“Can I be present during these meetings?”
Celestia lets out a sigh of relief. She hates having to meet the nobles on her own. Not that she couldn't handle herself, it’s just really boring.
“Of course.” She then turns to one of her guards. “Who is the first noble?”
The guard pulls out a list with his magic.
“Blueblood.”
Celestia smiles at that. “My nephew, wonderful. Please show him in.”
The guard gives a nod to another over at the doors and he returns the gesture. The door slowly opens as a single stallion comes bolting threw.
“Au-”
The stallion stops in place as he spots Anon. He looks to him then back to Celestia, showing a good level of uncertainty. Celestia gives him a gentle smile and a shallow nod. Blueblood regains his composure and lifts his head high as he approaches the throne.
“Hello Aunty.” He says in his Canterlot voice.
Celestia rolls her eyes. “Come here and give your aunty a hug, Blue.”
Blueblood looks over to Anon uncertain again but quickly runs up to Celestia as she wraps him in her wings. Anon wasn't really surprised by these actions. Celestia told him about Blueblood before. He actually felt kinda sad for him. It seems that Blueblood has a mental disability. Usually causing him to act out at times and be very antisocial to other ponies. Though he does like to spend most of his time with the animals in the garden. It’s one of the main reasons Celestia even has so many.
Also, Blueblood is not actually related to Celestia. He was just found wandering the streets of Canterlot one day, and because of his special needs most ponies wouldn't adopt him. So Celestia took him in as her own. While magic was a very powerful thing, there are just some things that cannot be helped. He tries to be a really good boy for his aunty, but sometimes he can't control himself.
They both break their embrace as Celestia nudges her head towards me.
“Want to meet my friend?” She asks Blueblood.
His face contorts to disgust. “W-Why would I w-want t-to meet a filt-thy..” He bites his tongue. He didn't want to say those things.
“Remember what we talked about. Take your time, and breath.”
Blueblood closes his eyes and takes a few breaths. He then gives a few nods as he mumbles to himself.
“I would like to.”
Celestia smiles at him as she directs him to face Anon.
“This is Anon. He is one of my bestest friends.” She speaks in a calm motherly tone. As if she were showing a foal his new room..
Blueblood looks to the odd creature that sat beside his aunt. He has never seen any creature like him in the picture books aunty shows him. He has also never seen one of him in the gardens before. Though he did kinda look like one of the monkeys that he likes to play with.
“H-Hi..” Blueblood says nervously.
Anon gives him a gentle smile and slowly reaches for him. Blueblood freezes up some but watches as the creature places his claw onto his head and pets him gently. Slowly his nerves start to calm, the creature wasn't so bad if he was petting him. Blueblood loves to pet the animals in the garden after all, and being pet felt rather pleasant.
“Hello, Blueblood.” Anon speaks calmly.
Blueblood couldn't believe it. He was making a friend right now. Maybe this one won't avoid him like other ponies do. Blueblood then slaps Anon’s hand off his head.
“Don't touch me you mons-” He bites his tongue again as he moves away from Anon. “I‘m sorry, I-I didn't mean, I didn't mean...”
Celestia wraps Blueblood in her wings as she gently coos to him.
“It’s alright, remember the exercise. Breath in and out.”
Blueblood was in tears. He couldn't believe that had happened, right as he was about to make a new friend. The creature would hate him now and never speak to him. Though it was rather muffled, Anon could hear Blueblood sobbing some.
“Hey.” He calls out gently as Celestia flexes her wing some to show Bluebloods face buried into her chest. “I’m not mad, honest.”
Blueblood looks over to see the creature doesn't look mad. He doesn't look happy, but he doesn't look sad either. He kinda looks like one of the guards. Blueblood likes the guards, he always wanted to be one.
“R-Really?” He asks.
Anon nods. “Really really.”
“Are we friends?” He asks next.
Another nod from Anon. “Of course.”
Soon Bluebloods crying comes to a stop as he regains his composure. He looks up to Celestia.
“C-Can I go in the gardens?” He asks.
She nods. “Sure, take a guard with you.”
He nods and shows himself out. Celestia lets out a tired sigh.
“If only I had the power to help him.” She says with a hint of sadness.
She feels something settle onto her withers. She looks over to see Anon giving her a gentle smile.
“You’re helping him. The fact he lives in an awesome castle is proof enough.”
She chuckles some at that. “I guess so. Did he hurt you?”
Anon looks to his hand. It was a little red but no worse for wear.
“I’m cool. So am I going to get a first hand experience on a princess’ life, or should I head to the infirmary while you deal with the nobles?” Anon asks with a grin.
Celestia looks to Anon, then immediately turns to her guard.
“Next subject!”
Anon collapsed onto Celestia’s bed. He didn't even care that she was lying next to him. He couldn't believe how mentally exhausting those nobles can be.
“You deal with that everyday?!” He yells tired.
“Wanna know the sad part?” Celestia asks as Anon faces her and gives a small nod, “That was a good day.”
Anon shakes his head some at that.
“You’re really something if you can deal with that.”
Anon feels some shuffling coming from next to him. He opens his eyes and sees Celestia out of bed and walking towards the door.
“Come, it’s time for dinner.”
“Wait, dinner?” Anon looks over to a clock and sees what time it is. “We spent seven hours listening to those stuck ups complain?!”
Celestia chuckles. “That we did. Thank you for enduring with me.”
Anon lets out a grunt as he gets out of the bed and follows after Celestia, mumbling harsh words under his breath.
“Will you stop sulking!” Celestia scolds Anon.
Anon sat in his chair and continues to grumble. The meeting with the nobles really was that bad.
“I can sulk!” He counters.
They both stop when the doors to the dining hall come flying open. One rather disheveled looking Luna comes stumbling in, looking like she just woke up.
“Hello, Tia.” She replies automatically. “Human friend.”
She walks by them both and takes her seat. She then perks up and quickly faces Anon.
“Human!”
Anon’s eyes go wide as she flies out of her seat towards him. They both go tumbling on the ground and land in a heap of legs and forelegs. Anon and Luna had a pretty close friendship. Maybe not as close as Celestia’s but pretty close. They usually talk in Anon’s dreams and Anon just listens to her talk. She needed someone to practice modern Equestrian on and Anon was perfect for the job. Seeing as he never ran from her in fear.
“Luna, get off me!” Anon yells as he tries to untangle her from himself.
A soft glow of yellow surrounds them both as Celestia helps pry her sister off Anon.
“Luna, what have we talked about?” Celestia scolds some.
“Do not attack guests.” She says with a sigh.
“You remember what happened last time, don't you?”
Luna looks to her sister agast. “You know as well as I that we were at war with the minotaur before my banishment!”
Celestia rubs her face some. “That still did not give you the right to attack the ambassador they sent!”
“Can you put me down?” Anon asks.
Celestia sits him beside her as he continues to grumble to himself. Luna does the same as Celestia lets a tired sigh out. Soon the servants comes and place their dishes in front of everyone. Anon wasn't too sure but his nose was picking up something he hasn't smelt in a long time.
“Perhaps this will lighten your mood.” Celestia says just before she pulls the covering away from Anon’s plate.
Anon looks to his plate with wide eyes. Could it be?
“This isn't what I think it is, right?” He asks.
Celestia giggles some. “Sent fresh from Griffus.”
What was set before Anon was one of the biggest hams he has ever seen. If it was anymore ham then it would've been a pig on a spit roast! He looks to Celestia in shock.
“Marry me.” He says with stars in his eyes.
She scoffs at him. “Do enjoy it, Anon.”
He didn't need to be told twice as he takes a long blade in one hand and a fork in the other. As Anon chows down Celestia looks over to Luna.
“How has the night been?”
Luna doesn't show any interest in Anon eating meat. In fact, before her banishment, It was common place for ponies to eat fish. One of her best friends was a griffin as well, so she never felt wrong by seeing another creature eat meat. Though she will admit that is still is odd to see Anon eat both meat and vegetables. Usually creatures eat one of the other.
“Fine, the court is starting to pick up.” Luna says with excitement.
“Good for you. Anything noteworthy?”
Luna chuckles a bit. “Most of them are noise complaints. I guess a local DJ forgot the soundproofing spell on her club. Kept most of Canterlot up.”
“I heard of her. Isn't her name, Vinyl?” Celestia asks.
Luna nods. “Correct, sister. I was able to settle the complaints though.”
“Good work, Luna.” Celestia reaches over and nuzzles her gently.
She pulls back and looks over to Anon. She can't help but feel her eye twitch as she spots an empty plate and Anon on the floor holding his stomach.
“Oh god, the pain! The delicious, salty pain!” He cries out.
Celestia gets up and goes to Anon.
“Why did you eat it all!?”
He groans again. “I-I see a white light.” He reaches his hand up and touches Celestia’s chest. “Oh, that’s you.”
“Come, we need to get you to bed.” She says quickly.
“Sleep sounds good.” He says in a drunken voice.
He waves at Luna as Celestia picks him up with her magic and walks out of the dining hall.
“Humans are very strange.” Luna says to herself as she returns to her meal.
Celestia quickly sets Anon in bed and wraps him up. He lets out a long yawn and settles in nicely.
“You should really learn to take it easy.” Celestia warns.
“Says the mare who ate two boxes of cake.” He jokes.
Celestia shakes her head. “I knew I could metabolize it all in a few hours. I’m not so sure how humans work on that level.”
He waves it off. “A little rest will help me feel better.” He yawns again.
Celestia can't help but chuckle. “I've really had fun today, Anon.”
He chuckles too. “I will admit, it wasn't so bad.”
“How would you feel about visiting here more often?” Celestia asks.
“This might be the ham coma speaking, but I think I’m ok with that.”
Celestia’s smile grew larger as she nuzzles Anons cheek. Anon pats her head some just before she pulls away.
“Good night, Anon.”
“Good night, Tia.”
How many friends have you made today?!
*Insert chapter here*
“So you use to be a monkey?” Blue Bloods asks Anon with a large grin.
Anon gives a nod. “In a way, yes.”
“I find that very interesting.” Celestia says as the three of them have a small picnic in the garden.
Let me guess, you want to know how Anon ended up having a picnic in the gardens with Blue Blood and Celestia? I guess I have enough time to indulge you. I am rather tired though, so how about we go back a few hours and watch the events happen? Really? You would prefer that? Alright. The past will become present in 3, 2, 1.
“Luna, what are you doing?!” Celestia screams at Luna as she tries to pry her off the Minotaur ambassador.
“WE WILL REND THY HEAD FROM THINE SHOULDERS YOU COW!” Luna yells as she tries to slash the ambassador with her horn.
Hmm.. Seems we went a little too far. Give me a second to calibrate this thing.
“Someone get this mare off me!” The ambassador screams in terror.
To think, the ambassador thought it was going to be the same old yearly meeting that he has with the princess. Meet her sister she said, It’ll be alright she said. What he did not expect was for Celestia’s younger sister to gore him with her horn. Luckily he was fast enough to grab her horn before it could plunge into his chest, but that didn't stop Luna from pulling away from his grasp and trying again.
Luckily for the ambassador, Celestia managed to pry Luna off of the him and teleport her from the throne room. To make sure she would not return, Celestia made sure to place a large CnD spell around the room. That should be enough to stop Luna. After a few moments, she could sense that her sister was no longer attempting to break in. Celestia couldn't believe she forgot about the war. She scolds herself silently for not remembering the large crusade that was lead by none other than her own sister. She quickly sets her attention to the ambassador.
“I’m so sorry for that.” She comes in and tries to defuse the situation.
Ah ha! I think I got this thing working again. Past, here we come!
Celestia has a worrying look on her face as she stands in front of Anon’s door. He went to sleep last night after eating all that meat and hasn't woken up yet. It’s around five in the morning now. Shes never known anypony to sleep past six. To be fair, Celestia doesn't know much about human sleeping habits. She also assumes that everypony rises at the same time as her, so she doesn't really know much about sleeping patterns in general. She has a very sheltered life to be honest.
A familiar smile return to her as she thinks about Anon. He’s a great friend to have come to see her home. Despite his reserved nature, he always goes out of his way to make sure she is comfortable when she comes to spend time with him. Always making her smile, and just allowing her to be a normal pony again. She felt obligated to return the favor. That’s why she ordered so much meat for his arrival. She knew that since his stay in Ponyville that he hasn't been getting much nutrition to balance himself out.
Celestias been around for a long time and met with many ambassadors in her time. Meateaters aren't a big concern to her. As long as it’s not one of her subjects being consumed, she couldn’t care less where the meat came from. Some ponies find it wrong to eat other creatures, but Celestia knows it is a necessary action for their survival.
Before Luna was banished, it was common to see a pony eat a piece of fish from time to time. Some ponies even took it further by eating small pieces of meat as well. It never harmed them and many seemed to enjoy it. She’s not sure on the date of when it happened, but after she had a piece of bad fish at a restaurant, everypony seemed to think that all fish were poisonous. After spending a day or so in her room to recover, Celestia received a petition signed by the entire city of Canterlot to ban the consumption of animals in Equestria.
This is one reason why she no longer goes out to restaurants. Ponies hang on every word she says and every actions she brings. She can say that she enjoyed a slice of cake from the most run down building ever seen, and ponies would flock to have a slice. In smaller towns she feels a bit of freedom, yet, there are always dangers. Such as reporters. While she dislikes them, she never says anything about it. Seeing as if she said she would rather have them beaten to death, chances are they would be.
That is another reason why she likes being around Anon so much. She can speak like a normal pony, have opinions, likes and dislikes. Anon never took her word for law, in fact, he would disagree with many of the things she likes. Though he mostly did it to make her angry. Like the one time he actually said that he didn't like cake. Everypony likes cake, even aliens from different worlds like cake.
Celestia stops in thought as she thinks that over. Now that she thinks about it, Anon never did eat cake. He would just give it to her. Perhaps he was telling the truth when he told her that he dislikes cake? Celestia is so lost in thought she doesn’t even see the door to Anons room open. Anon just stands there with surprise, he wasn't expecting to see Celestia here.
He looks over to a clock that is in his room and finds that it’s around six in the morning. How long has she been standing here? What he finds disturbing is the thousand yard stare Celestia is giving. Anon waves his hand infront of her a few times to see if she would react. She just sits there looking him in the eyes, though he could tell that no one of home at the moment.
He walks over to her side and brings his hand up to her ear, snapping his fingers a few times. She still doesn't break from that look. Anon is starting to get a little worried now. He’s never seen her so lost in thought before. Lost in the beauty of a hoof made cake, sure. But this was something else entirely.
“Celestia?” He calls to her. She doesn't acknowledge his presence. “Cel?” Still nothing. “Celly?”
Currently, Celestia is in her mind looking over memories of Anon. Every time she ordered him a piece of cake, he would turn it down or just give it to her. She’s pretty sure she has never seen him eat a single slice of cake since they’ve become friends.
“Tia!”
Celestia jumps in shock as something slaps her flank. On reflex she throws her hind hoof back and smashes into something solid. She turns around and feels herself freeze up. Anon is lying there on his back.
“Anon!” She instantly runs to his side and brings him to her chest. “Are you alight?! What happened?”
He coughs a bit as he tries to push away the pain.
“I-I think I got kicked by a horse.” He lifts his shirt up a bit. A perfect hoof print was left as a bruise on his stomach. “Yeah, definitely kicked by a horse.”
Celestia looks in shock as she pulls him tighter.
“I’m so sorry! I didn't know you were behind me.”
“OW! Easy.”
Celestia winces and eases up a little. Anon rubs his stomach some as he looks up to Tia. She has tears in her eyes and is only moments from crying.
“Don't look at me like that. It’s my fault this happened.” Anon speaks in an even voice. “You were zoned out and I tried to get your attention.” He chuckled dryly some. “Smacking your flank while standing behind you, yeah, that wasn't one of my brightest ideas.”
Celestia looks over to her flank and does find a red looking handmark there. She couldn't feel the sting at the moment, she’s far more concerned over Anon to care.
“Maybe we should take you to the infirmary?” Celestia offers.
Anon shakes his head. “Nah, I just need to walk it off.” He says as he slowly gets up.
Celestia is by his side as she helps him up. He kept a single hand on the small of her back to balance himself out better. Getting kicked by a horse hurts. Celestia finds her mind coming back to why she came here in the first place.
“That reminds me. I came by to check and see if you were alright. You did seem rather ill last night.”
Anon shifts some on his feet to gain better footing.. “I’m good. That rest really did do wonders.”
Celestia looks back to Anon and finds him rubbing his stomach some, the small winces are as clear as day to her eyes. She feels one of her wings embrace him as she pulls him to her neck. Anon could do no more then rest his head on the back of Celestias neck. He knew she was trying to comfort him, yet he could tell that it was more for her than him. Even if he told her it wasn't her fault, she is going to blame herself. She’s too caring for her own good.
Celestia could feel Anons heart beat slow as she holds him closer. She doesn't quite know why, but she likes to have him this close. She rarely gets to hold another like this. She use to hold Twilight like this when she was a filly, but those days are gone. She just assumes it’s in her nature to take care of others.
“Do you want to join Blue and I on a picnic?” Celestia asks.
He smiles at her. “Sure.”
So that’s pretty much how we got to where we are now. As for how it got to monkey talk? Well, Blueblood was telling Anon how much he likes monkeys and how Anon kinda reminded him of one. Well, wouldn't you know it, Anon admitted that his people use to be monkeys. Celestia never knew such a thing was possible, until Anon explained how it all happened.
“How is it that your people, what was the word, evolved?” Celestia asks.
Anon scratched the stubble that is growing in. Celestia found it odd that Anon was largely hairless, and yet, he grew patches of hair in random places.
“Hard to explain.” He admits. “Change happens over time. After a few million years, well, many things are unrecognizable.”
Celestia gave a nod. She understood the point he was trying to make. Having only been around for a few thousands years. Celestia knows from experiences that time does have a large influence on the world. Celestia giggles some as a small monkey starts to climb on Anon.
“I’m still unsure how your little friend there can one day be you.” She admits.
Anon shrugs. “I’m no scientist, so I can't really explain it in total detail.”
Everything is peaceful right now, just another day of relaxing for them. Blueblood is walking around the garden petting some of the animals, while Anon and Celestia just relax under a local tree. It’s one of those moments you seldom see in a life of royalty. Anon couldn't help but look over to Celestia as she looks out towards the garden. That look of tranquility.
“It’s a good day, isn't it?” Celestia speak randomly.
Anon hadn't even noticed when Celestia turned to face him.
He looks out to the garden and nods. “Definitely.”
Celestia was going to reply but notices a guard approaching them.
“Princess, we have a visitor.” He speaks in a firm tone.
“Whom might that be?” She asks.
“One of the elements.”
Celestia feels her brow raise. It couldn't have been Twilight, she usually sends a weeks notice before arriving.
“Ever think about telling her which element?” Anon speaks in a sarcastic tone. “Because, you know, she isn't psychic.” He then looks to her. “You aren't, right?” Celestia shakes her head. “Thought so.”
The guard seems to realise his mistake as he gives a bow. “Terribly sorry. It’s the element of generosity.”
Celestia thought of why she would be here. Perhaps she is visiting Fancy Pants and wishes for a place to stay? Celestia hears Anon let out a long groan.
“I can't stand that woman.”
“Mare.” Celestia corrects.
“Potato. Doesn't matter, the fact is that she is on my list.”
“List?”
He looks to her with a raised brow. “You don't have a list?”
Celestia thinks it over. “There are some cakes that I would like to eat.” She admits to him.
He shakes his head. “Not like that. Like, an enemies list.”
“Enemy?” He nods. “I don't think I do have such a list. I will admit that Luna and I dislike Discord. Does that count?”
Anon lets out a sigh. “Not really. An enemy list is basically a list of people that have wronged you. You then get revenge, by any means necessary.”
Anon reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a small black book.
“Who’s on the list?” Celestia asks curious.
“Lets see.” Anon flips open his book. “Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash..” He pulls out a small pencil and starts to write. “Pinkie Pie.” He then sets the pencil down. “There’s also Fluttershy, Cheerilee, Mr. Cake, The Cake twins.”
“Foals, really?” Celestia giggles at such a ridiculous thing..
He nods. “They gave me a look. I didn't much care for it.” He then flips a page. “Derpy as well, most of the fillies and colts.”
“Can you tell me why they deserved to get on this list of yours?” Celestia asks with a grin. She couldn't believe Anon had something like this on his person.
Anon flips back to the first page. “Twilight, for trying to experiment on me.”
“That doesn-” Celestia tries to defend her student but is cut off by Anon.
“Against my will.”
Yeah, talk about awkward.
“Oh..” Celestia has a feelings that she might need to talk to Twilight about boundaries.
Anon looks back to his list.
“Applejack, for bucking me when I told her that peaches are better than apples.”
Celestia will admit that is not really a good reason to harm another creature.
“Rarity, for being herself.”
That one seems a little unfair.
“Rainbow Dash, for her annoying pranks.”
Celestia can understand that one. Luna likes to prank her a lot and she doesn't take any joy in such an activity.
“Pinkie Pie, for that rock she hit me with.”
Understandable.
“Fluttershy, for not giving me a chicken when I was hungry.”
She could understand why Fluttershy wouldn't do such a thing. Celestia knows that ponies care for animals, but shes always been a bit creeped out by Fluttershys dedication to them.
“Cheerilee, for thinking I was a foalnapper.”
Celestia was going to ask about that one, but found it leaving her mind as she hears the last pony on the list.
“Mr. Cake, for thinking I was hitting on his wife.”
“How did that come to pass?” Celestia asks.
Anon looks to her. “How was I suppose to know that complimenting a ponies smile was considered flirting?”
“Well, it starts with our teeth. Our teeth change as we age. If you say a pony has a nice smile, then that is telling her that she is young looking and takes care of herself.” Celestia informs him.
“Really?” She nods. “Huh..” He shakes his head. “Anyways. I told you about the twins already. Derpy got on the list when she tackled me to the ground for a muffin. As for the fillies and colts. When I went to see Cheerilee for the first time, they all thought it would be fun to dogpile on me. Which lead to why Cheerilee thought I was a foalnapper. I was trying to stuff them in that sack to get them off me!”
Celestia looks to Anon with a blank look.
“A sack?”
Anon waves it off. “Doesn't matter. The fact is, they are my enemies now.”
“And what will you do to them?” She asks while rolling her eyes.
He shrugs. “Not sure, thinking about poisoning them.”
Her playful attitude drops instantly. “You aren't serious, right?”
He looks to her with no emotion. “Of course not.. Why would I ever do anything like that?” He then grins at her and pats her on the shoulders some. “Just joking. I’m probably just going to ruin their careers. Not so sure about the young ones yet.”
Celestia wasn't really too sure on how to respond to that. Thankfully the guard thought that standing in place waiting for the conversation to return to his predicament wasn't very likely, so he decided to speak up.
“About Rarity, Princess?” The guard asks.
Celestia snaps to the task at hoof.
“My apologies.” She gets up and looks over to Anon. “I’m going to greet her. Do you mind watching over Blueblood till I return?”
Anon leans back against the tree.
“Sure, I can watch him. You going to be back soon?”
She gives a nod. “I shouldn't be long.”
Anon scoffs. “You haven't met Rarity then.”
Celestia ignores his comment and motions for the guard to lead. Anon watches her leave and notices Blueblood walking over to him.
“Where’s aunty going?”
“She needs to greet someone.”
Blueblood gets excited at the idea of meeting someone he knew.
“Do I know them?” He asks.
Anon shrugs. “Not too sure. You know Rarity by any chance?”
Bluebloods face skews in confusion as he tries to recall a pony by that name. He looks to Anon and shakes his head.
“Nothing? She’s like, a white mare with purple curls. One of the elements of harmony?”
That sounds a little familiar to Blueblood. He remembers his aunty showing him those pretty glass windows in her throne room. If he remembers correctly, a few of them were about the elements. He still wasn't too sure what they were, but aunty seems to think they are very important. His mind flashes to a year ago, a white mare with curls and a pretty dress.
“Does she wear pretty things?” He asks.
Anon nods. “Yeah, she does.”
The memory is slowly coming back to him. She’s the mare at the Gala!
“I don't like her.” He says, taking a seat next to Anon. He could trust him, seeing as his aunty likes him so much. “She kept following me around.”
Anon rolls his eyes at that. He knew that Rarity was probably trying to get Blueblood to woo her.
“She is rather annoying.” Anon admits.
“She even went so far as to get cake into my coat!” Blueblood says aghast. “It took aunty all morning to get me ready for that party and I didn't want to get dirty. Not to mention, I practiced how to be fancy, as well as my Canterlot voice all year!”
Anon shakes his head some. He’s definitely on the money with his original thought. Rarity probably tried to catch his interest, being as shallow as she is, probably heard he was a prince. Though Bluebloods status is considered more as an honorary title than anything else. Rarity must’ve not known about that.
“Don't mind her, she can be very difficult to deal with.” He sympathises with Blueblood.
Blueblood just looks to the sky, unsure what to say.
“What if aunty wants me to meet her again?” He asks. “I don't think I could stand being around that s-stupid.” Blueblood grunts in frustration. Taking a few deep breaths.
Anon pats him on the shoulder gently.
“Just ignore her.”
“Ignore who?”
Anon looks over and sees that Celestia has returned.
“No one you know.” Anon answers. “So what’s Rarity doing here anyways?”
“Some kind of fashion show. She was interested to know that you are here.”
“Oh I bet she is.” Anon says with irritation. “That woman really grinds my gears.”
Celestia looks to Anon confused. “I am unaware what that saying means.”
“She’s annoying.” He simplifies.
Celestia frowns at that. “While she can be a bit much at times, I guarantee that she doesn't have the element of generosity for nothing.”
Anon waves that off. “Yeah, yeah. Magic of friendship, rainbow death beam. I heard it all before.”
Celestia can't help but scoff at his description of the most powerful form of protection known to pony kind. Then again, he wasn't really off with his thoughts.
“Worry not, she made reservations at a hotel. She just wanted to come by and say hi.”
Anon leans back against the tree. “Cool, so I don't need to worry?”
“She did want to say hello to you.” Celestia admits as she looks over to Blueblood. “I told her that you were busy at the moment.”
Anon nods. “Good call, Bluey here can't stand her.”
Blueblood freezes up some at being put on the spot. Celestia looks over to him as he looks away.
“I understand why.” Celestia says. “I heard about what happened at the gala.”
Anon snorts. “Yeah, Blue gave me the rundown. That mare should be considered the element of shallowness.”
Celestia wants to defend one of the elements, but she couldn't. As much as she hates to admit it. Anon is one hundred percent right on that. Celestias been around for a long time, seen many things, including naive mares. Rarity seems to have never grown out of that ‘prince charming’ idealism. Anon can see the internal struggle Celestia is going through.
“Hey.” Celestia looks back to him. “Think we can get an early lunch?”
Celestia looks up to the sun, then back to Anon. “Very well.”
The three of them set off towards the dining hall for a nice lunch. The day is only starting and maybe more will come. That’s a tale for another chapter though.
How many friends have you made today?!
Anon is currently resting his back against the throne while tossing a small rubber ball at a wall and catching it. At first he was well behaved while Celestia went about her court. That didn't last long as he somehow managed to get his hands on that ball. The thing seems to catch the attention of everypony as they walk in to talk to their princess. The echo of it bouncing off the ground, then off the wall and back to Anon.
By the sun it is starting to get on Celestia’s nerves. She has no idea where he even got the ball to begin with. One minute she is talking to a couple as they request her to be at their wedding, then she looks over to see Anon bouncing that thing away in boredom. She knows that it can get rather stale listening to other ponies talk, but she was hoping Anon would’ve held out a little longer.
Every time that ball bounces off the wall she can't help but feel her ear flick over to the sound. Celestia finds a break in the ponies coming to court. Perhaps this is the time to catch Anons attention.
“Are you hungry?” She asks him.
“Nah.” He mutters out as he continues to toss the ball.
“Are you sure?” She asks again. “It’s almost time to end the court for the day. Dinner is only a few moments away.”
“Nah.”
Celestia catches the ball in air before it could return to Anon.
“Are you even listening?” Celestia scolds him.
He turns around to face her. The look he is giving her is one of confusion.
“Element business?” He asks unsure.
“No.”
“Something about ponies?”
Celestia lets a tired sigh out. “No.. I asked if you were hungry.”
“Yes!” Anon says as he springs up to his feet. “If we have to stay here any longer I might slit my wrists!”
Celestia feels a brow raise at that. Anon always has this tendency to say things she doesn't understand. Even make references shes never heard of.
“What does that mean?” She asks.
Anon looks away. “Human thing. So where we heading?”
Celestia feels herself smile a bit. “I was hoping we could enjoy a meal in my room?”
Anon feels his enthusiasm slip some. What is with ponies always taking him to their rooms? Ever since the Lyra fiasco, hes tries his hardest to avoid going into a ponies home, let alone their rooms. Then again this is Celestia. Anon can say that he does trust her on some level. She’s just being friendly and trying to kill two birds with one stone. Note to self, make sure to say that phrase to Fluttershy at some point.
“Um, sure.” Anon relents.
Celestia feels herself beam at that. “Excellent!” She turns to one of her guards. “Let the ponies know that day court is closed for this evening.”
He gives her a nod. “Very well, princess.”
Celestia trots happily towards the main door. “Come along, Anon.” She says with joy.
Anon lets out a sigh as he walks after her. “Maybe this wasn't a good idea.”
It actually wasn't that bad of an idea. Anon and Celestia were sitting on her balcony and looking over Equestria as the sun slowly makes its descent. They finished their meals awhile ago and are enjoying the moment.
“Did I ever tell you that the sun moves on its own where I come from?” Anon asks.
Celestia chuckles. “There was a time you told me every moment we met.”
Anon chuckles at that as well. “Well, it’s a tough pill to swallow. You know, magical horse moving giant celestial bodies at her command.”
“That’s how we do it in Equestria, Anon.” Her horn slowly glows as she gets ready to set the sun. “There are times that I do wish for the skies you speak of. Ones that manage themselves.” She says with a tone that spoke volumes about her age.
It’s really easy for Anon to forget that Celestia is more than two thousand years old. She acts so different when she is away from the public that he honestly still finds himself surprised when he sees this side of her.
“Have you ever thought about taking a break?” He asks her.
“Many days I do. Other I don't.” She admits.
“You ever try?”
She shakes her head. “No, my ponies need me.”
“What about Luna?”
Celestia looks over to him with a questioning look.
“What of her?”
“Well, can't she take the reins for awhile?”
Another says that left Celestia unsure of what Anon meant. The only reins she knows of are the ones attached to some rather questionable clothing. Celestia couldn't help but find her mind flashing to what she would look like if she wore a saddle and reins. It’s very hard to get the princess to blush, but her thoughts were lighting a fire on her face.
“I-I think you may need to elaborate.” She says with embarrassment.
Anon scratches his head some. Perhaps that saying means something here that he is not aware of. This pony land is crazy.
“Um, well. We have horses and we ride them sometimes. The saying of ‘taking the reins’ means to let someone else lead.”
That seems to make more sense to Celestia. It then falls into place what Anon is asking of her.
“Let Luna? No, no, no! She’s still getting settled! I can't just have her take over everything. There needs to be a transition period, informing the ponies, letting th-”
Anon just shakes his head some as Celestia continues to name off reasons why she can't take a break. So much so that Anon decides it’s just best to end it. He gently rests his hand over her mouth.
“It sounds like you’re trying to convince yourself, not me.” He says as he removes his hand.
Celestia feels her head fall at that. A long tired sigh escaping her. Anon is right, she is trying to convince herself why she shouldn't take a break. Celestia knows that there is no transition period for the ponies. If she ever took a break then they would panic. She trusts her sister and knows she would lead well. She just fears what ponies may whisper behind her back. Luna was not one to adhere to a more forgiving policy.
Back in the day Luna was well known for many beheadings. A practice that has long since been abandoned. Though she wasn't too sure if Luna may reinstate it, if the right noble tried to talk down to her. Its crossed Celestias mind more than once.
“I-I don't know.” She relents. “I fear what may come from such a decision.”
Anon shrugs. “Maybe widespread chaos.” Celestia looks at him with slight panic. He rolls his eyes. “Or maybe nothing will happen. Maybe you will have a nice day relaxing. If there’s any trouble, then Luna or one of the many guards would come calling.”
Celestia hates to admit it, but Anon is starting to make more sense by the second. What he says is true. If Discord himself were to return she would be informed immediately. It could also put Luna in a more positive light. She is always alone, locked away in her room. Perhaps this could benefit them both?
“I’ll think about it.”
“Whatever.” Anon says passively.
Why is he even trying to convince the princess to take a break anyways? Sure he cares about her. She is after all one of his very few friends here. He just doesn't feel right though. Usually Anon likes to keep his distance, even with friends. He was never one to get involved with their personal lives. This though, this isn't like him. He blames Celestia and how close she is. Maybe he should break it off? She’s making him too soft.
Before he knows it, he might be calling the mane six his friends! Oh, that will be a cold day in hell.
“Are you alright?” Celestia can see that Anon is struggling with something.
“Nothing.” He looks back to the horizon.
Celestia moves closer to him. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah.” He says with an emotionless tone.
Celestia knew this side of Anon. It was the same side she saw when he first arrived. Bottling up his emotions. She will admit that since they’ve become friends. Anon has came out of his shell rather quickly. Being more animated and caring. Then there are times like this. Times that he just pulls everything back into himself. She wishes she could help him.
She uses her wing to pull him to her side.
“You have no reason to keep everything inside. Anon.”
Anon quickly stands and breaks from her hold.
“I'm going to take a walk.” He says. “See ya.”
Before Celestia could say anything Anon was already out the door. She lets out a sad sigh.
“I’ll be here if you need me.” She whispers to no one.
If Anon needed anything right now, it would be a drink. He hasn't had one in forever. The moon is now high in the sky and marking that the night has officially began. Anon has been trying to find someone around this place to give him directions. Not a single guard was around though, so he just went to wander the streets of Canterlot some. After that talk with Celestia and some brief reflection of the time they spent. Anon has come to the conclusion that she is bad for his health.
He likes who he is and her niceness is literally bleeding into him. If he stays near her for too long then she might change him more. He hates the thought of it, but he might need to cut ties with her. Which is odd because he usually doesn't care when he cuts people off. Just thinking how sad it would make her makes him feel bad. Is this how normal people feel about things? He doesn't like it.
He is very confused right now. Before coming to this place, it was easy for Anon to let someone go. He would simply part ways with little to no cares given. So why does he fear losing Celestia’s friendship? Is it because she is the closest of all the creatures he met? Is it because she accepts him and all his faults? He doesn't know, and that is what worries him. He always took pride in the thought that his mind was always constant. Yet, he finds himself questioning everything when she is around. He does things he normally wouldn't do just to make her happy.
He finds himself leaning against a nearby wall as his thoughts take over. He just wishes he could drown all these voices away. They aren't doing him any favors.
“Is that you, Anonymous?” A british like tone calls out.
Anon groans on the inside. He knew this voice all too well. He looks over to his left and finds Rarity standing right there. He doesn't even answer her as he turns away from her and walks in the opposite direction she was coming from. He hopes she will get the gesture, but that doesn't seem likely as he hears the sound of her hooves trotting up to him.
“Anon, please let me talk to you.” Rarity pleads.
“Nothing to talk about.” He says emotionlessly. “What happened happened.”
Rarity feels her heart burn a little inside at his dismissive attitude. She just wants to apologise to him for what happened, yet he never hears her plea. She quickly trots ahead of him to block his way.
“Anon, I just wanted to say how sorry I am for what happened between us. If you would please just give me a second chance, I swear we can be friends!”
Anon looks down to Rarity with cold eyes. Not a single emotion showing through. While ponies eyes show a great deal of emotion, humans tend to have a more deeper look when you look into their eyes. Anon always held a calculating look when he talked to ponies. This though, his eyes were blank. Not a single thing was being shown, and thats what makes Rarity nervous.
“I don't want to be your friend, I don't want your friends as my friends. I don't care if you’re sorry and this conversation is over.” Anon says with a steady tone.
He brushes past Rarity as she just stands there. She wasn't sure what to say about that. She can't fault Anon either. She feels horrible about what she did to him. What they all did to him.
Celestia is really worried about Anon. So much so that she went to her sisters room to talk to her. She knew her sister is already awake and waiting for her. Luna has always been good at knowing when she needed her company most. Celestia doesn't pause as the doors to Luna’s room open for her. They gently close behind her as she spots her sister laying on a large pillow in the center of the room. Another pillow waiting for her as well.
“Good night, sister.” Celestia says with a quick nuzzle to Luna as she takes her seat.
“Good night to you as well, sister.” Luna says with a small smile.
Luna knew that her sister had something on her mind. This is the reason why she decided to wait in her room till she showed.
“What troubles your mind, Tia.” Luna asks.
Celestia lets out a small sigh. “Anon.”
Luna gives a nod. “We understand. His reservations are holding him from truly connecting with another pony.”
Celestia shakes her head some. “It’s not just that. Anon seems to have a genuine hate for ponies.” She looks up to her. “What happened to him? It was only a day ago that Anon told me that Twilight actually experimented on him against his will.” She looks away in shame. “Why has he kept such a thing from me? What else has gone on from beyond my sight?”
Luna feels uncomfortable with the questions her sister is asking. Being a princess of the night, she could enter into any creatures dream world. Anon, his dreams are always nightmares. When she came to save him from these dreams, he got angry, telling her that it is his problems to handle. She would try to get him to talk about what happened to bring about these terrors, yet he would always hold his tongue.
“He doesn't sleep much.” Luna admits. “He is plagued with nightmares. They vary in context, but most of them have a main theme.” She looks up and locks eyes with her sister. “They center around our subjects. The elements being the largest influence. Anon has told us his enemies list, yet he never goes into great detail about what happened.”
“Do you think the others hurt him?” Celestia asks concerned.
“That I cannot answer. Anon has always kept his secrets close. We may never know, lest he reveals them himself.”
Celestia can't help but worry over Anon. She just wants him to be happy and healthy. The fact he holds these strong emotions inside isn't good for him.
“Tell me about his dreams.” Celestia looks to her sister. “I wish to hear them myself.”
Luna looks out her balcony door towards the moon.
“Very well.” She lets out a long sigh as she looks over to her sister. “The first time I met Anon in his dreams was only a week or so after his arrival.”
How many friends have you made today?!
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When life gives you lemons
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Two to tango, three to get married.
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Fool me once, fool me twice
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In the eye of the beholder
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Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. How many friends have you made today?!
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. How many friends have you made today?!
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. How many friends have you made today?!
How many friends have you made today?
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You're gonna carry that friendship
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Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. How many friends have you made today?!
Anon sits comfortably on his couch with a book that he borrowed from the local library. The sound of glass breaking could be heard deep within his house. With a long tired sigh, Anon puts his book down and gets ready for the inevitable. You see, when Anon first arrived in Equestria, everything was rather hectic. The ponies were in an epic battle with a god of chaos at the time, and they thought he was one of his friends. Anon didn't care when they shot him with a rainbow, he didn't care when they apologised afterwards when it didn't disintegrate him. No, Anon just didn't really seems to care about anything that was happening.
After some time for integration. Anon found a job working with a local candy maker by the name of Bonbon. It’s said that the reason her business grew as large as it did was because of Anon working there. Ponies were cautious of him at first, but there was just something special about the candy he made. Perhaps it was the way his hands worked the ingredients, maybe it was his calm attitude towards everything?
No pony is really sure about what goes on in Anon’s mind. For the past year he has stuck to a schedule. He wakes up early, heads to work. Afterwards he sometimes checks a book out at the library and then he just reads alone in his home. Many ponies never seen Anon out with a friend since his arrival. He just likes to keep to himself, and most just think it's a human thing.
Why has Anon kept his distance from these ponies you ask? To be honest, he was interested in making friends for the first month of his arrival. That was until he noticed something strange. He found that every so often, these ponies would somehow get themselves into trouble. Whether it was some wayward colt or filly galavanting into the Everfree. Or even one of the adults getting into some kind of epic battle.
Anon just wants his peace and quiet. He found that being friends with these creatures would make his life more than a bit complicated. So Anon just sits alone in his house most of the time with a good book in hand. Some ponies would say that his life was unfulfilled, but Anon was content. That brings us back to the present though. Somepony is breaking into his house and he knows all too well who is responsible.
You see, even Anon couldn't have a normal life in Equestria. There was one pony that always wanted him to get out and make some friends. He put up with her, but he would be lying if he didn't admit that it annoyed him at times. With a long sigh, Anon gets up to make some tea for his guest and himself. Anon can hear the sounds of a pony rolling around upstairs. She must have had a bad landing this time.
Anon sets a pot onto the stove to boil and brings out his good tea set. While he avoids ponies for the most part, if they choose to come and visit then he would be a good host. Again, Anon just didn't want friends, but he wasn't mean to the ponies because of that. The sound of hooves could be heard coming down the stairs as Anon puts the finishing touches on the two cups of tea.
He takes his seat and waits for her arrival. The door opens widely as the princess of Equestria herself strolls right in and takes her usual seat. She smiles upon Anon with her usual motherly look.
“Hello Anon.” She says with that smooth angelic voice of hers.
“Celestia.” He answers back.
She looks down to her cup of tea and pick it up with her magic. With a single sip she gives it a nod and sets it back onto its saucer.
“You know me too well, Anon.” She compliments.
He did know her too well. Within the first few months of his arrival, Celestia showed up to meet with him. After that day she kept coming around for some reason. Always asking him the same question, over and over again. It annoyed him to no end, but it was something he accepted as part of his routine. Celestia comes crashing through one of his windows and then they talk over some tea. She likes a little drizzle of honey over adding sugar. Something about not mixing well with the taste.
“I’ve gotten more practice recently.” Anon answers in a neutral tone.
That was true. Celestia’s visits have become more frequent over the past few weeks. It feels as if she is here almost everyday.
“Well it definitely shows.” She takes another sip of her tea just before getting to the next part of the routine. “So, Anon.” She pauses so she could set her cup down. “How many friends have you made today?” She asks innocently.
Anon let out a long and tired sigh. There was the question. She asks it every time she comes here. She knows as well as him that he has not made any friends since his arrival. This has been his routine. Celestia come crashing through a window and always asks that question.
“None.” He answers with his usual tone.
Her face never falls at his answer. She just gives a curt nod and takes another sip of her tea.
“Very well. May I ask how your day has been?” She asks.
Also another thing Celestia liked to do as well. Always asking him about how his day was or even about his past. He usually kept to himself but sometimes he would share stuff just to shut her up.
“It was good. I helped Bonbon make another candy from my world.”
“Really?” She asks interested.
He nods while rising from his seat, walking over to a cupboard and pulls out a bowl. He takes his seat once again while setting the bowl onto the counter for her. Celestia looks into the bowl with a raised brow. What she saw in the bowl she couldn't really explain. They looked like little colorful worms of some kind. She has never seen a creature such as these before. Anon picks one out, and without hesitation, pops it into his mouth.
The princess' will is strong, never being swayed by many things in this world. Great evils that whisper sweet nothings fall on deaf ears to her. Threatening royals that try to push her around get a taste of why she is the princess of this nation. But there was always one thing Celestia couldn't handle very well, that was icky things. It was one of her well guarded secrets. She couldn't help her face as she turned a bit green at the idea of eating a worm, a colorful one no less.
“Try one.” Anon offers her one.
Anon never really showed much emotion, but he had to admit that he knew Celestia’s secret of avoiding gross stuff. So he tries to exploit it as much as he can. He would never admit it, but it makes Celestia seem more human in many ways. She is usually viewed as a goddess of this land, so to see a side of her that nopony else knows about kinda makes him feel happy. The small grin on his face making that apparent.
“I’m not eating that creature!” She says appalled.
Anon chuckles a bit as he eats another, savoring the cringe Celestia gives him.
“This isn't a creature, Celestia. It’s candy.” He pops another one into his mouth.
Celestia felt her brow raise as she looks into the bowl again. Now that he mentioned it, they didn't move as if alive. She picks one up with her magic and brings it close to her muzzle. Taking in its scent, she could smell the various flavors at each color. Red seemed to be strawberry, while the blue smelled like blueberry. It definitely did smell delicious. Hesitantly she pops one into her mouth and chews it a bit. She was pleasantly surprised. It was so odd that the texture had give and yet still held its form, unless you really gnawed on it.
It was sweet and the different flavors mixing together really threw her for a loop. After savoring it for a bit she swallows it. She knew Anon had talent, and ever since his arrival he has been recreating treats from his world quite often. But this was different. His usual work was just variations of former candies. This though, this was new, this was something she had never experienced in her long life. This was going to become the next big thing.
“Anon, this is amazing.” She praises him, breaking from her stoic attitude.
Anon shrugs. “They aren't that hard to make, but thanks for the compliment.”
That was always something odd about Anon. Usually ponies would take joy in basking in another ponies praise. Anon was different though. He always seemed to demean himself, just before he accepts the praise. Almost like he is trying to lessen the value of it. It is something that Celestia knows well, she does it quite often as well. She looks down to the bowl again and takes another out, popping it into her mouth.
“What do you call them?” She asks between chews.
“Gummy worms.” He answers.
“Why worms?” She asks.
He shrugs again. “Human kids are kinda weird. Usually the coolest kids are the ones that do the grossest stuff. The grossest thing you can do is eat a live worm.” He can see Celestia turn green again as he chuckles to himself. “It’s actually more common than you think. Anyways, I guess someone just took that idea and made it into candy. The foals seem to get a kick out of the idea of eating a worm, even if it is candy.”
Celestia couldn't deny that fact. The younger generation did seem to do some rather rambunctious things. To simply play off that idea and to even detour them with a more practical means is genius. Foals all around would come to candy stores to eat a candy worm.
“That is rather ingenious, Anon.” Celestia admits. “How much have you made?”
“A few pounds today. I had to teach Bonbon how they are made, minus the secret ingredient.” He grins at the end.
Celestia rolls her eyes. She knew that her little ponies would never stab Anon in the back and deny him his pay for something he created, but he always kept a single thing secret from all his ingredients. Something that makes them come together. She couldn't blame him though. She still remembers the stories he had told her about his world. A place where more times than not, someones kindness was taken and used up. She shakes those thoughts away. Anon is here now and that’s alright by her.
“You never did tell me the secret ingredient.” Celestia asks with grin, popping another worm into her mouth.
“Do you really want to know, Celestia?” Anon asks.
She nods some and leans forwards a bit and offers him an ear. He gets the gesture and leans in as well, placing his mouth next to her ear. Whispering just enough for only her to hear.
“Nothing.”
Celestia feels her ear flick a bit as they retake their positions. Her face shows confusion as she looks at his ever present grin but soon turns to a knowing smile.
“I see.” She gives a nod. “You never held back the ingredients, did you?”
Anon laughs at that. “Yup, I just told Bonbon that it was missing one thing that was my secret ingredient. I never did add anything, she had everything all along.”
Celestia shakes her head some in amusement.
“Very clever.” She admits.
He shrugs. “Not really, but I do have my moments.”
Celestia finds her gaze wandering over to the clock on the wall. They have been talking for a few hours now. She lets out a little disappointed sigh as she look back to Anon.
“I need to head back to Canterlot.”
Anon looks over to the clock and gives a nod. “Looks about that time.”
Anon and Celestia both rise from their seats and make their way to the front room. Anon opening the front door for Celestia as she steps out into the yard. Anon closes the door behind himself as she looks towards Canterlot. She comes trotting up to him and gives a bow.
“As always, thank you for allowing me into your home.” She says with grace.
“Well, unless I invest in the giant net for my house. I don't think I could stop you from coming by.” He says jokingly.
Celestia can't help the giggle she gives him. “Remember what I said Anon. Try to make some friends. I’ll be back tomorrow to check on your progress.”
He rolls his eyes. “Yeah, yeah. Get going before Luna freaks out.”
With one last smile, Celestia spreads her wings and flies off towards Canterlot. Anon has been here for over a year now and never made a single friend. Celestia has been the only pony that comes around almost daily. They talk for hours and they shares memories with each other. They never need to worry about the other judging them. Ideas are exchanged, jokes are made and they have fun with each other.
Anon feels his smile fade some as he thinks things over a bit. A knowing smile slowly returns as a small chuckle builds inside of him. He just shakes his head as he looks into the sky and watches Celestia fly.
“Today, I didn't make a friend.” He says. “Then again, I had one all along.”
While he couldn't see it himself. Celestia’s smile grew a little more as she kept her gaze on Canterlot castle.
“See you tomorrow, Anonymous.”
How many friends have you made today?!
Do you even care what I title this?
“I’m so tired.” Luna says as she sways in her seat some.
Both Anon and Celestia didn't show up for breakfast this morning. Luna was looking forward to seeing her human friend just before she slept. That’s why she is currently sitting in the dining hall right now. If he didn't eat breakfast, he would definitely be here by lunch. Luna will admit that Anon is a great friend to her. Though he can over exaggerate a great many things.
Luna giggles some to herself. She remembers when Anon showed her his list of enemies once in a dream. Luna knew deep down that Anon would do nothing of it. If anything, that list was more of a reminder as to why he doesn't talk to most ponies. A way of justifying his want of being alone. She cannot blame him either. Anon seems to always end up on the wrong side of things.
He tries to be nice and compliment a mare, and it turns out that he did something he never intended. He tries to meet a local teacher, and things get out of hoof. When Luna thinks of Anon she sees herself. Someone who is very awkward around ponies, never knowing how to react to a situation. Anon even more so, seeing as he is not from this world and his attitude is one not seen by many ponies these days. Griffins, sure, but rarely ponies.
This is why Luna desperately wants to see Anon face to face. To let him know that she is real and also his friend. She can understand why her sister cares for Anon so much. To have a subject like him is a once in a lifetime experience. He is so jaded to others, always trying to push them away. Yet, if they survive the storm, Anon becomes far more open and loyal. She dares to say that his loyalty far exceeds the element itself. Anon’s unfiltered attitude is something she is familiar with. It reminds her of the time before her banishment.
“Luna?”
Luna breaks from her thoughts and looks over to see Anon looking to her with a raised brow. She lets out a silent thanks to the stars. She wasn't sure how long she would’ve been able to keep herself awake.
“Anon, It’s good to see you.”
“Sister, what are you doing up?” Celestia asks with concern.
Luna looks over to her sister with a tired smile.
“I wished to see Anon face to face.”
Anon rolls his eyes. “You didn't need to stay up on my account, Luna. You know I don't sleep well at night anyways. I could’ve seen you later tonight.”
She shakes her head. “I felt it only right to make an effort.” Luna shakily gets up from her seat. “I think I-”
Luna stumbles a bit but Anon comes to her side and gets a steady grip on her. She looks up and sees he is frowning at her. Not because he needs to help her, but because she put herself in this situation on his account.
“Come on you big baby.” Anon grunts a bit, surprising both Celestia and Luna as he lifts Luna up and cradles her to his chest. “Lets get you to bed. I don't need you falling asleep halfway there.”
Luna couldn't help the redness growing on her muzzle. This was the side she was thinking of earlier. Under all that negativity and pushing away, there’s a person that does truly care for his friends. Not to mention that Luna has not been carried in such a way since she was a filly. She feels a little giddy at the thought of being taken care of like this.
“Perhaps I should call you Sir Anonymous from now on. The act of carrying a princess to her chambers is rather chivalrous.” Luna giggles a bit at that thought.
Anon rolls his eyes again. “Don't expect me to do this every night.” He looks over to Celestia and Blueblood. “I won't take long..”
Celestia gives him a slow nod as he walks out of the dining hall. Was Anon always that strong or is this a new development? Luna is by no means a light pony. Yet Anon didn't even look strained as he held her. Celestia shakes that thought away.
“Waiter!” To her call, a single waiter pony comes to greet her.
“What do you order, princess?” He asks.
“Salad for myself, waffles for Blueblood and bacon with eggs for Anon.” She says without a stutter.
The waiter gives a hesitant nod. Hes had to serve carnivores before. Didn't mean he liked it much.
“Very well.”
With that he takes his leave. Celestia takes her seat at the table as well and waits for Anons return.
“Will you stop that?!” Anon shouts in irritation.
Luna’s currently giggling like a little girl as she wiggles her hooves around.
“But this is so much fun!” She says with another titter.
“If you keep moving then I’m going to drop you!” He warns.
Luna lets out a huff of annoyance. “Very well.” She then snuggles her head into Anons chest. “This spot will do till we are returned to our bed.”
“Language, Luna, language.” Anon points out.
“Forgive me. I sometimes slip into the old ways.”
He lets out a sigh. “Don't worry. I personally think it’s kinda..” He cringes some. “Cute.”
Luna's eyes light up at that.
“You think that?” She asks him.
Anon groans a bit inside. He knew he shouldn't have said anything. Now she’s going to say something and then he’s putting her on the list.
“That is very kind of you, Anon.” Luna says with a sigh as she snuggles into his chest more. “Many ponies have told me that my way of talking is weird.”
Hmm.. Wasn't what Anon was expecting to hear, but the princesses have been the normalest seeming ponies to him.
“Don't worry about others, Luna.” His face shifts to his normal mask of jadedness. “People seem to just be problems in the long run anyways.”
Luna looks up to him. “Will we become a problem to you one day?”
Anon looks down and can see the small glimmer of tears building at the edges of Lunas eyes. He will admit that he really likes Luna, almost as much as he likes Celestia. They both seem to be calm individuals. Though they can get easily emotional at times, but he mostly thinks thats because they are female. Can he say that she won't be a problem later? He cannot see into the future, and he hasn't been here long enough to find a pattern. Luna remind him a lot of himself. The insecure side that he buries.
“I hope not.” He answers.
Anon looks up and finds that he is at Luna's room. Two weird looking ponies are standing guard. He doesn't need to say anything as they open the doors for him. He walks through and towards Lunas bed. He sets her down on top of the blankets, seeing as it’s a rather warm day today, and gets ready to leave.
“May we ask one favor of you?” Luna asks.
“Sure.” Anon answers.
“Would you join us in bed till we fall asleep?”
Anon cringed inside at that. He’s not really one to be touched. The fact Celestia does it so much is just proof of how much he thinks of her as a friend. But, to cuddle with her? Now that seems like a line too far. As he looks down to Luna, she’s looking up to him with such want that he could almost feel the pain she's in. With a short sigh he accepts his fate.
“Alright.”
Luna brightens up at that as she scoots away some to give Anon a bit of room. He lays down on his back next to her as she snuggles up to him. Resting her head onto his chest. She could hear how fast his heart is pounding.
“Do you wish to be the big spoon?” Luna asks.
Anon groans. “Please try to sleep, Luna.”
“Very well.” She smiles as she snuggles a bit closer to him.
Anon reluctantly wraps his left arm around Luna and helps pull her closer. That seems to satisfy her as she tries to sleep. As he looks to the ceiling of Lunas room, he can't help but try to figure out how he got into this situation. Perhaps he is getting too soft? As he looks down and sees the peaceful look Luna is giving he can't help but feel that thought die out. This is his friend and making them happy feels rather natural.
Celestia is wondering what is taking Anon so long to return. She knows that Lunas room isn't that far from the dining hall. Her questioning doesn't continue as Anon walks through the door and over to the only seat left that has a plate in front of it. That seat being at Celestias right hoof.
“What kept you?” Celestia asks.
Anon takes his seat and slouches some.
“Luna.” He rubs his face some. “She wanted to cuddle a little.”
Now that is a surprise for Celestia. She wasn't aware that those two were so close.
“I-uh.. I see.” She looks back down to her meal.
Anon feels his eyebrow raise some at Celestias mood shift. It then slowly dawns on him what she might be thinking.
“No! No way! Luna and I aren't, you know.. together.” He says. “Just a friends thing.”
For some reason or another. Celestia feels a large weight lift off her. Why would she instantly think Anon was dating Luna? That’s just silly. Ponies commonly have snuggling partners. She knows that, yet she forgot too. Anon looks to his covered plate and takes off the lid. If he wasn't positive that a big white horse was sitting next to him, he would've assumed he was back on earth.
“Did you buy this meat for my visit?” He asks, feeling uncomfortable at the thought of someone going out of their way for him.
“No.” That was a lie. “We have some ambassadors that eat meat.” True, but still not the entire truth. She made sure to stock up specifically for Anon. “I just thought you would like something you seldom get.”
Anon looks to his plate, then back to Celestia. He can feel a small battle going on inside of him. He doesn't want her to do things for him, yet, this was for an ambassador.
“Uhmm.. Thanks?” He says hesitantly before he eats his breakfast.
He will admit that last night he didn't care about whom the meat was bought for. Seeing as that was the first peice of meat he’s seen in a year. Though now that his mind is far more level. He felt that urge to turn it down. Not because he didn't want it, but because someone else gave it to him. Even if it is a close friend, it always felt wrong to have others do something for him. Like he would owe them, then they would take advantage of him one day.
He didn't need to worry about this with Celestia though. He knows she is very kind and wouldn't take advantage of him. At least, he hopes she wouldn't. Celestia on the other hand was happy to see Anon happy. She’s unaware of his current thoughts, but if she knew about them then she would try to prove to him that she would never do such a thing. She just wants to make his life easier. As she knows that he does have it a bit rough in some places.
That is why she lets him get away with so many things. She knows that he would never harm her ponies and just likes to talk about doing something. She knows it’s just his way of letting off some steam. While she does feel like she should defend the elements when he talks down about them. Celestia can't say for certain if what Anon says about them is wrong.
Celestia does not know everything that happens in this world. If she did then she wouldn't need guards to protect the citizens. She is a normal pony and many forget that about her. She can tell that when Anon thinks about the elements, something has happened that he isn't telling her. He just brushes over them. Never giving a full explanation. She hopes that he will tell her in time.
Anon is currently enjoying his brunch. He can't help but feel Celestia thinking about him. It’s almost like a superpower he has. She’s eating her meal, but he knew that her mind is wandering to him. Perhaps he shouldn't have shown her that list today. Maybe she is thinking that hes a threat and send him to the dungeon.
“Celestia.” Anon catches her attention. “You don't have a dungeon, do you?”
Celestia nods. “One was built many centuries ago. Though its never been used.”
So there is a possibility he could be locked away.
“Why do you ask?” She looks to him curiously.
He shrugs. “Just making conversation.”
Celestia could see that he is lying as clear as her day. Something is happening inside of him right now. That question wasn't out of the blue, it was made for a reason.
“You know I wouldn't put you there, right?” Celestia tries to comfort Anon.
He nods his head slowly. “Yeah, of course.”
Those words from Celestia didn't help calm him. If anything it confirms his suspicion. He was just asking about dungeons. She’s the one saying she wouldn't put him there. Which means the thought of putting him there crossed her mind. Theses ponies thought they were smart, but Anon is onto their games.
“Stop that.” Celestia says.
Anon looks to her confused. “Stop what?”
She reaches her wing over and lays it onto his shoulders.
“You don't have to worry yourself, Anon. I’ll always be here for you.”
While on the outside Anon looks blank. On the inside was total turmoil. He wasn't really sure how to take a statement like that. His time on earth conditioned him to pick out lies and avoid people. Even when he showed up here in Equestria, he still didn't have any luck on a new start. While the ponies look friendly on the outside, as soon as you tried to make friends something bad would happen.
So why is it that he has Celestia as a friend? Why is Luna his friend? What does he consider Bonbon? It’s all so hard for him to understand something he is not familiar with. Celestia has never asked him for anything. Never showing any signs of ill content to him. The same can be said for Luna and Bonbon. They seem genuine and that is why Anon finds this confusing.
“I-um..” He doesn't know what to say.
“Come.” Celestia stands from her seat and beckons Anon to follow her.
He gets up and stands by her as she wraps a wing around him. Anon hates to admit that he does feel really safe with Celestia. A feeling he hasn't felt in many years. Celestia could feel Anons body loosen up some as she held him.
“I’m about to go to day court. Do you wish to join me?” She asks.
Anon nods hesitantly. “Sure, Tia.”
