Anon's Herd

CHAPTER II

A MOST UNWELCOME GUEST

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It’s been a week since arriving in the pony world known as ‘Equestria’. Anon was given a crash course in Equestrian history as well as cultural heritage. While staying at Twilight’s castle the other girls visited him often. They would talk about themselves and their families, their jobs and whatever came up. Twilight kept the conversations simple as to not make Anon feel overwhelmed. One of the things Anon noted is that Twilight REALLY likes to study and learn new things. The questions have come at a quick pace over the past few days, given they had a decent amount of time to talk… or so Anon thought.

“Ok, so we have covered the basics pretty thoroughly. Now I think it’s time we move on to the advanced history of your world!” Twilight used her magic to pick up a quill and parchment.

“Whoa! Twilight, I don’t think we’ve gone over most of the basics. I understand the majority of your world’s most recent events but that isn’t all of it, is it? I know I haven’t told you a lot about my world other than the cliff notes.” Anon stood up and paced in front of the window. The conversations had begun to quicken so much that he lost track of a lot of information. He knew magic existed and that all ponies had it inside them, but knew nothing of how it worked. Especially when it came to ponies that weren’t unicorns, how did an Earth pony use magic? With Pegasi it was the ability to fly but even that didn’t make much sense to him. On top of that, he hadn’t explained much about his world’s technology. The topic devolved into them speaking in hypothetical's and moved on shortly after. His memory was sloppy at best, making his thoughts jumbled and flip flopping around.

“I’m sorry Anon, I am trying to get as much out of you as possible! It’s not often you get to talk to an alien, am I right?” She had placed the quill and parchment aside knowing that this conversation was going to take a while, after all they had it the past two days three different times.

“Why is that Twi? Is something so imperative that I not understand everything? You aren’t getting half of what my world has to offer, I know that you want to know everything about me and my world. It would benefit you to slow down and let me explain! You need to do that as well!” Twilight pulled back from Anon’s harsh tone, he was getting louder by the second.

“I’m sorry Anonymous, like I said, it isn’t often something like this happens in Equestria. I guess I am just so curious that I want the information as quick as possible! Considering the circumstances and all…” Twilight’s eyes did a double take at that last statement and she covered her mouth with a hoof. She didn’t mean to say that…

“Circumstances, what circumstances Twilight?” Shoot! She was caught, what could she do to avoid this now?

“Ok Anon, I will explain.” She sighed through her teeth and did a pose with her arm that Anon thought he had seen before. “I am trying to get as much information as possible because… I contacted Princess Celestia and she wishes to meet you! This is super important as you might guess, and I don’t want to go in there without knowing enough about you to not answer her questions! That would be horrible! I can’t do that to my old teacher, it isn’t good for a princess to go into a situation unprepared!” She was starting to hyperventilate.

“Whoa! Twilight calm down! I understand that this is important, from what you told me, she is the ruler of all of Equestria and the… can’t believe this, the Sun! That’s a big deal, but you can’t expect to learn all about me and my world in just… Wait, when are we going to meet her?” Twilight tapped her hooves together at the tips nervously. “Twilight, how long till we go meet her!?”

“Eep! Tomorrow! We’ll see her tomorrow!” She retreated back to the couch embarrassed at her outburst. “I’m sorry Anon, I thought it would take longer than a few days. Usually the princess is so busy that her meetings, barring anything devastating, don’t happen for a month or so! I guess she really was interested in meeting you!” She sat up looking more her chipper self.

“I see, well why did you freak out about telling me? I don’t mind seeing her so soon, she sounds like a benevolent ruler from what you told me.” Anon sat back down and sipped from his tea Fluttershy had prepared for his and Twilight’s session.

“I just wanted to be prepared Anon. She is a wonderful pony, and a great ruler. I just don’t like disappointing her, it’s a bit of a pet peeve of mine.” Twilight floated her cup over to her mouth as well giggling under her breath.

“That’s okay Twilight, I think we need to just talk about the trip instead of freaking out over all this. I can tell her anything she wishes to know anyways, or is there a rule that would prevent me from doing that?” Anon quirked an eyebrow at her.

“Oh no, she would welcome you with open wings and hooves.” Twilight laid her cup down onto the table.

“This is the stuff we need to be talking about. Is there anything else I need to know before heading in?” Anon placed his empty cup onto the tea set plate and took Twilight's as well heading to the kitchen.

“Well I can explain all that easily, first things first…”

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The ponies hustled and bustled around the train station doing their daily activities. Most were getting ready to board the Friendship Express to Canterlot for various reasons. Vacations, business affairs and such that only the capital of Equestria could handle. Twilight along with Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Applejack all waited at the ticket master box for the train to begin boarding.

“So, I gottah ask Twi’, how in the hay are we gettin’ Anonymous tah Canterlot without ponies freaking out like Opal in a room full of rocking chairs?” Applejack’s euphemism got a shove from Rarity.

“I agree with Applejack darling, it would be in poor taste to parade him through the city.” Twilight nodded before turning towards four of her best friends.

“Don’t worry girls, I used a nice little spell that will conceal him from everypony but us. He and Fluttershy should be here any minute.”

“This is so weird Twilight…” Anon walked up behind the girls with Fluttershy in tow looking around at the ponies as they said hello. “… What do I look like to them?”

“You look like a stallion that I devised from somepony we all know.” She smiled broadly obviously very proud of her spell hoof work. “To us you look like yourself, but everypony else sees a pony that looks like Big Macintosh with a green coat and black mane and tail. If anypony asks, you are a cousin of Applejack's that is visiting Canterlot for the first time to possibly open a shop!” She obviously thought this through.

“Ok, that makes sense to me a little more. You should have told me sooner so I didn’t look like a fool in front of the other ponies though.” Anon huffed and turned his head upwards to the sky.

“Don’t worry Anon, I was able to keep ponies from seeing through your disguise.” Fluttershy patted his leg comfortingly.

“Yeah, I know, thank you Shy.” Anon returned the pat with a smile getting a blush in return from her.

The train whistled for all the ponies to board breaking the conversation. Once on board the group filed into a private car that was reserved for them. When trying to follow them into it, a pony blocked Anonymous’ path.

“That car is for the Princess and the Elements of Harmony sir, nopony else is allowed!” One of the ticket inspectors said.

“No worries sir, he is with us!” Twilight spoke from behind them.

“Oh, my mistake Princess, do forgive me.” With a curt nod the inspector trotted down the aisle taking other ponies tickets. A few glances of jealousy are thrown Anon’s way as he heads into the car.

“This is horrible…” Anon just put his head in his hands sitting next to Fluttershy.

“What’s wrong Anon? Are you still embarrassed about all this?” Shy’s wing drapes around Anon’s back in comfort.

“It’s not just embarrassing, it’s… I don’t like having special privileges, I’ve always tried to stay in the background and not draw attention to myself. I recall that after all this.” Anon sighs as Fluttershy leans into his side.

“Don’t worry Anon, it will be all over soon enough. I’m sure Princess Celestia can work something out for you if she can’t send you home.” Twilight sat down on a seat across from Anon and Fluttershy. “It will be ok, I promise.”

“Yeah, IF she can send me home.” Anon looked out the train window as everypony got settled. Soon the train started up and the group was underway to Canterlot.

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2 Hours pass as the train finally pulls into Canterlot Train Station. As everypony departs and heads off to their new destinations, four guards stand at attention for Princess Twilight and her friend’s arrival. They wear the armor of Princess Celestia, gold with blue star crests upon their chests.

“Welcome back to Canterlot Princess Twilight Sparkle! Also to you Elements of Harmony! We have been sent to escort you to the castle, seeing as you have a… ‘Alien’ with you.” The guard whispered the last part as to not raise alarm. “Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor await your arrival.” With that the guards salute.

“Luna, Cadance and Shining are there!? I was under the impression I was meeting with Celestia alone…” Twilight looked thoughtfully for a moment as the rest of the group got off the train.

“Things just got more interesting!” Rainbow Dash fist pumped at the prospect of all the Princesses being together in one meeting. It was rare and only for emergencies or diplomatic endeavors.

“Twilight, is everything alright darling?” Rarity placed a hoof on Twilight's shoulder to break her from her thoughts.

“Yes, I don’t see why this could be a problem. Princess Celestia probably wanted to make sure all the Princesses were aware of Anon. Though I wish she would have informed me.” Twilight motioned for the guards to move ahead.

“Excuse my brashness Princess…” The Captain spoke up.

“Not at all Captain.” Twilight allowed him to continue.

“I was curious where the… ‘creature’ was?” The Captain looked around for a creature that would be out of the ordinary for Equestrian society.

“He is right here Captain.” Twilight pointed to Anonymous. The Captain looked him up and down and gave a confused look to her.

“All I see is a stallion Ma’am. A big one mind you, but nothing I haven’t seen before.” A few giggles come from the girls.

“Don’t worry Captain, I have disguised him for the trip up to the castle. We wouldn’t want the ponies to go into a panic walking him up there would we?” The Captain looked back to Anon again before nodding.

“That was very clever of you Princess, I’m glad you took the city into account. Shall we be off?” Twilight nods as the group begins its walk towards Canterlot Castle.

Anonymous surveyed the city as they walked, it was a beautiful place. Fountains and gold adorned nearly everything. Not to mention that there were statues of ponies all over as well. As they walked further into the city, more and more posh upper crust types showed themselves. Anon noted that the city was very much like places on Earth, high society seemed to be towards the center of Canterlot as the lower to poor class were on the outskirts. Some of the braver ponies would come over to Twilight and say hello, the guards would show their disdain but not get violent. She was the Princess of Friendship, it was common for ponies of all types to come see her and get a response. It seemed to make a lot of ponies’ day as they walked off with large smiles adorning their faces.

Eventually they made it to the castle entrance where more guards welcomed them. Walking through the halls a few servants and political ponies went by without much acknowledgement. They couldn’t be seen fraternizing with the Princesses during work hours anyways. As they approached the doors to the main hall Twilight stopped in front of them.

“OK here we go. Are you ready Anonymous? We will go in first and then you’ll be brought in after introductions, understand?” Anon simply nodded staring at the large doors in front of him, a sudden feeling of overwhelming power rushed through him. Had he just felt what was on the other side of the door, or was it simply the pressure building? He couldn’t say for sure, but it still felt like he was in for a wild ride.

The doors opened and the guards announced the arrival of Princess Twilight Sparkle and the Elements of Harmony. Princess Celestia sat on her throne in the middle with Luna to her right and Cadance on the left. Down below Cadance was Shining Armor who smiled at Twilight as they met each other’s eyes.

“Hello Twilight and hello to all of you as well my little ponies. Welcome back to Canterlot, I hope your travels went well?” Celestia smiled down at the group as they approached and bowed.

“Yes Princess, the ride was rather uneventful. I don’t mean to sound rude or unwelcomed, but I was wondering why Princess Luna and Cadance were present as well? Your letters gave me the impression that we would be meeting with you only.” Twilight approached the Princesses taking the front for the group.

“It seems that they were interested in this creature you summoned as much as me Twilight. I merely told them of the time and place of our meeting, they came of their own accord.” Celestia trotted down from her throne and hugged the young Alicorn tightly.

“I apologize for the abruptness of our arrival Twilight I was informed just yesterday of this event and wished to meet this ‘alien’ you spoke to Auntie Celestia about. Your brother was also very interested to make sure he wasn’t a threat to you.” Cadance gave a warm smile to her sister in law.

“I was worried about Equestria’s safety as well.” Shining armor spoke up. “Mostly you though.” A light blush ran over his face.

“I was also informed merely a day ago, my sister forgets that we are also involved in the affairs of our kingdom.” Luna gave a frown towards Celestia as she sat back down on her throne.

“I am sorry sister I did not have a moment to speak to you these past few days.” Celestia frowned back to Luna.

“I am merely chiding you sister, I have not had moments peace to one’s self lately either.” Luna smiled at getting under her sisters skin a little.

“Well now, with the frivolities through, shall we begin this meeting?” Celestia looked to all the Princesses present for approval. All of them nodded in affirmation, Celestia held out a hoof for Twilight to begin. “If you would Twilight?”

Twilight cleared her throat and moved forward to speak to all present. “As I am sure Celestia has informed you, I found a tome in the Crystal Castle that seemed to come with it when it arrived. After some time with it, I made the decision to try one of the easier spells that it contained. The description informed that the spell would summon something from another place on Equestria. It would also be something no bigger than an apple or other small fruit. However, upon completion of the spell it seems my calculations were incorrect. Instead of a small object it summoned a creature of substantial size. Also, it was a being from another world entirely!” Twilight paced as she spoke making sure to speak too all present.

“You are sure you made incorrect calculations Twilight? That isn’t like you to do.” Cadance pointed out.

“Yes, I was under the assumption that when charging the spell, I would only need to fill the rune circle with enough power to summon the object. Instead nothing happened, and when I noticed this I made the error of feeding it more magic. When I did, the spell was increased to the point of critical mass. It dispelled and the alien was brought forth.” Twilight looked ashamed as she stared at the floor.

“While it wasn’t a good idea to add more power to the runic circle, I don’t believe you knew it would not react immediately?” Celestia questioned. “The spell had a delayed reaction that was not spoke of in the tome, am I correct in that assumption?”

“Yes, it did not speak of that, rather it was written in a simple manner. I chalk it up to the writer using it for his or her own personal use, or perhaps someone that would understand their method.” Twilight stated.

“Then we cannot in good conscience blame you for the result Twilight. Rather we would hope this would prove to be a learning experience for you. A tender hoof is needed when spell casting, let alone for something that you have no prior knowledge of.” Twilight nodded at Luna’s assessment. She knew she should have taken a more careful approach towards the tome’s spells. The excitement of learning a new spell was overwhelming for her. She would keep this lesson in mind next time she wished to try a new spell.

“Thank you for your understanding Princesses, I will be more careful in my studies next time.” Twilight bowed again at the three older Princesses wisdom.

“We believe you will Twilight, now, I believe we would like to meet our visitor from another world.” Celestia nodded for the guards to bring Anon into the hall. As they opened the doors to fetch him Twilight approached the Princesses again.

“I placed a spell on him to make sure nopony saw what he looked like as we traveled here. I will remove it so you all can see his true form.” Twilight turned to face Anon as he walked into the great hall. “Princesses, I would like you to meet Anonymous of Earth!” Twilight started to remove the spell she had cast on Anonymous as he walked closer.

“Hello Anonymous of Earth, I speak for all the Princesses of Equestria when I welcome you to our Kingdom. I hope your stay over the past week has been pleas---“ The spell finished removing itself to reveal Anon’s true form to the court. Celestia’s speech was cut short and a face of shock replaced her former smile. Luna joined her and had to rub a hoof into her eyes to see if what she saw wasn’t a figment of her imagination. Cadance had remained more neutral though curiosity was definitely there. Shining Armor’s brow furrowed as he looked at the strange being in front of him.

“No…”

A flash of light filled the room exploding brilliantly blinding everypony in the room. A loud crash could be heard by all present but the light had not subsided.

“NO!!!”

The light faded enough for all in the court to see what had happened. Standing over Anonymous with a hoof to his throat was none other than Princess Celestia herself. Her mane which was normally a billowing cavalcade of colors was now blazing furiously like the sun, hot, red and yellow flames licking across her face. Her eyes red as well, showing the fury that has only been seen by a few beings in Equestria.

“Sister stop!” Luna pounced from her throne charging towards Celestia and Anonymous.

“Princess!? What are you doing!?” Twilight couldn’t believe her eyes; her mentor and friend was attacking another creature without provocation. She had never done so, even to her enemies. What had happened to cause such a reaction? All of the others in the room were frozen in their place. Shining Armor held Cadance as she clutched his form, frightened by her Aunt’s power and rage. The girls could do nothing but watch as their princess screamed at Anonymous’ face again.

“I won’t let you harm them, or us again! NEVER AGAIN!!!” Celestia pressed harder into Anon’s throat causing him to let out a gargled noise. Blood began to trickle from the corner of his mouth as her hoof crushed his larynx, he attempted to gain purchase on her hoof to alleviate the pressure. Darkness started to overtake him, his vision blurring ever slowly as his air depleted.

“CELESTIA! STOP THIS AT ONCE!!!” Luna used the Royal Canterlot Voice to get her sister’s attention finally from Anonymous.

“STOP!? STOP!!!??? DO YOU NOT SEE WHAT LIES BENEATH MY HOOF LUNA!” Celestia’s eyes were wild with hate, tears streamed down only to evaporate on her skin that would melt steel. The pain in her voice made Luna pause before looking to the other ponies in the room.

“TIA! Stop and look at our beloved ponies…” Luna spoke only loud enough for Celestia to hear. Celestia looked around at Cadance and Shining Armor frowning slightly. Turning to the other side she saw the elements staring in horror, flinching when her gaze rested on them. Finally, she looked Twilight Sparkle in the eyes and saw the pain and anguish. She was crying profusely and was laying on the marble floor staring up at Celestia. As if she were a monster.

“I… I… I was only trying to--!” Luna placed her hoof over Celestia’s mouth silencing her reasoning before she spoke it. Luna shook her head slightly hoping her sister would understand what was occurring and bring herself out of the madness she was displaying to her subjects. “I see…” Celestia’s rage petered out and her form returned to normal. Looking down at Anonymous she saw the fear in his eyes and lifted her hoof from his neck. Slowly she made her way over to her throne as Luna supported her the whole way. Anon gasped for air that he was so desperate for but it was difficult to say the least. Coughing and sputtering small globs of blood as his vision returned to normal slowly. Twilight and the girls all hurried to him barraging him with questions of his health. He stopped them with a lift of his hand just trying to gain more air. A moment passed as he stared at Princess Celestia as she spoke with Luna to quiet for anyone to hear.

“I… I’ll be alright girls. Give me some room will yah?” Anon stood up wobbling a little without taking his eyes off of her. He hadn’t even see her move towards him, it was like she teleported to him in an instant throwing him to the ground. Twilight had said how she was the most powerful being on their planet, but was she truly that fast and really that strong?

“Pardon my prench, but what the BUCK was that Princess!” Rainbow had flown over and got into Celestia’s face. She was quickly removed with Luna’s magic and placed back with her friends.

“Refrain from exacerbating the problem Loyalty! We shall take our sister outside for a moment to clear the air, we will return shortly!”

“But Luna!” Celestia shrunk back as Luna turned and stared into her eyes. It was all she needed to refrain from speaking or acting out again. Luna walked Celestia whose head was low to the ground out through the back of the main hall. Once the door clicked shut the ponies of the room sighed as if Celestia’s mere presence had pushed them down before leaving.

“Twi’, are you okay?” Applejack placed a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder bringing her out of her thoughts.

“No, no I’m not. What was that reaction? Why did she attack Anonymous even though he just walked into the room!? What did she mean, ‘I won’t let you hurt them, never again’? She was so angry, I’ve never seen her that way!” Another hoof placed itself on her shoulder. Cadance sat down next to her and sighed.

“I’ve only seen Aunt Celestia like that once, and it was after our honeymoon when I returned to speak with her. She was so incensed that she couldn’t defend her ponies from Chrysalis’ attack, she screamed and slammed her hoof so hard it broke the tile in her room. I wasn’t nearly as scared as I was just now though.” She started brushing her hoof through Twilight’s mane soothingly. “I’m sure we will get an explanation, but we might not like what we hear.”

“Excuse us Princesses, but should we take the Alien from the hall and place him in a secure room until this is sorted?” Nopony had noticed the guards that burst into the hall when Celestia started her attack. They had their spears pointed at Anon as if he had been the one to instigate the attack.

“I don’t think that will be necessary gentlemen. Could you not point those at me?” Anon said as he rubbed his throat.

“We call them Gentlecolts Anonymous, and yes, stop pointing your weapons at our guest!” Twilight corrected reverting back to her teaching ways as she processed everything that happened.

“Anon maybe you should get some medical attention?” Fluttershy said as she floated up to him.

“No, I think I will be fine. I know it might not look it but she didn’t press hard enough to hurt me permanently. Just cut off my air for a moment.” Fluttershy lifted a cloth to wipe the blood off his mouth and cheek.

“Are you sure Anon? You’re bleeding.” Anon pushed the cloth away lightly and shook his head.

“Thank you Fluttershy, I’m alright. I think that was more from the coughing than her.” He lied not wanting to make the girls worry more about him and make Celestia look worse than she did right now.

“That was not something I ever want to experience again.” Rarity deadpanned as she comforted Pinkie Pie. “Will you be okay Pinkie?”

“Yeah, it was just scary. Sometimes we forget she is the pony who raises the sun you know?” Everyone nodded except for Anonymous and Shining Armor who were staring at each other. Shining stood up and trotted to face him.

“I don’t know anything about you Anonymous of Earth. However, if Celestia has a problem with you, we may not see eye to eye. I will wait for their judgment before I do anything else. Figured I’d let you know.” The girls all turned and shot Shining Armor a glare of surprise.

“I understand. Regardless, it’s nice to meet Twilight’s brother and sister-in-law. She talks a lot about you two.” Shining snorted and nodded slightly before returning to his place next to Cadance’s throne. The girls all looked at Cadance as she merely shook her head and shrugged.

“Guess old guard habits die hard.” With that she returned to her throne and started chatting with Shining Armor over everything.

The sound of a door opening sent everypony back to their places and Anon locked his eyes on the Princesses as they reentered the main hall. Taking their seats as every eye bored into Celestia she sighed deeply before starting.

“Firstly, I want to apologize to everypony for what I did. There was no call for it, I let my emotions take hold of me and acted without considering the consequences of my actions. Secondly, I… apologize to you Anonymous of Earth. Without provocation, I attacked you as if you were to blame for… well we’ll get to that. I am afraid that a previous situation clouded my judgment when I first saw you.” Celestia bowed her head even lower letting a tear drop from her muzzle. “Lastly, I am sorry for the fear I invoked from all of you present. I should be above such things, and couldn’t control myself appropriately. I will strive to do so from now on and learn from this experience. Again, I am so sorry my little ponies…” Softly she sobbed in front of them, causing them to be taken aback. None of them had seen her at such a low moment, not even after she was defeated by Chrysalis.

“We are afraid that this new turn of events will change this meeting everypony.” Luna spoke above Celestia’s quiet crying. “First, Anonymous of Earth, we would ask your forgiveness for our sister’s poor judgment a moment ago.” She patted her sister’s back as she spoke.

“I suppose I might not have a choice if I am going to stay here. Though she will have to work at gaining my trust and my vision of her back. Agreed?” Luna thought for a moment and nodded. “Then yes, for this situation I forgive her. As long as I get an explanation.”

“That is why I ask your forgiveness. This situation has changed enough, that we must start on even hoofing. Then we can explain the crowns side of it.” Luna sat up showing off her regal features to all the ponies present. Not many of them thought they would see Luna like this, while Celestia seemed the scolded child. “We are asking a big favor, especially after what has transpired. It is necessary however, the crown would ask that Anonymous of Earth would remain in this hall alone with myself and Celestia.”

A multitude of arguments against this request were immediately hurled her way. Shining Armor didn’t feel comfortable leaving Royalty alone with an unknown creature. The girls complaining that after what happened Anon shouldn’t be left with Celestia. Cadance and Twilight arguing that they too were Royalty and should be involved in the discussion that would transpire. A large thunder like clap was heard silencing all of the challenges to Luna’s request. Anon stood with his hands together after he had clapped them together. It wasn’t something that the ponies were used to hearing so it was startling at the very least, and Anon knew it worked on Twilight during their more heated discussions and would bring them at attention.

“I accept this request.” Everypony looked shocked as Anon agreed to stay with Luna and Celestia alone. “If this is how I find out what happened then I will do it. You girls wait outside for me.” Anon pointed to the large entrance to the Grand Main Hall.

“Anonymous, are you sure you want to do this!? Aren’t you afraid of what they might do?” Twilight’s eyes shot back and forth over Anon’s face looking for anything that seemed wrong with him.

“Yes Twilight, don’t worry too much. I’m sure Princess Luna won’t let anything happen.” Anon looked back at Luna for confirmation receiving a nod. “I’ll call for you if something changes.” Anon patted Twilight on the head reassuring her of his decision. Celestia bit her lip as he did this even though nopony saw it.

“Okay, if you’re dead set on doing this then we have little choice, don’t we? I don’t like it, but I accept your judgment. C’mon everypony.” Twilight chauffeured everypony out of the hall, including Cadance and Shining Armor. Anon watched them leave as the doors began to close. Twilight stared back at Anonymous worry plastered on her face as the doors closed completely.

“Okay Princess Luna, where should we start?” Anonymous moved up towards the Eternal Princesses to speak face to face. He noticed that Celestia seemed to shift back into her throne as he moved up to them. Something was definitely wrong with all this. Celestia wasn’t acting anything like she did a few moments ago.

“We believe that it best to start from the beginning. However, I must ask another favor from you I’m afraid.” Anon sighed. “What is going to be said in this hall must NEVER be spoken outside of it. The kingdom of Equestria is not privy to this information and we would have it stay that way. As such, we would ask permission to place a spell on your body. There is no pain and it is merely a precaution for me and my sister.” Luna stepped off her throne and approached Anonymous slowly.

“Is this the only way?” Anonymous asked.

“We are afraid so. Should you choose not to accept this request, we would have to place you into custody and you would be unable to leave the palace until further notice. What will be said here is very personal to me and my sister and VERY private.” Luna waited as Anon contemplated shortly.

“Very well, I guess if I want to leave here it is a necessity.” He sighed again and let his shoulders drop in defeat.

“Again, we are sorry Anonymous. Thank you for understanding our secrecy on this matter.” With that, Luna charged her horn and placed it upon Anonymous’ chest above his heart and then on his forehead. “The heart speaks what it feels, while the mind speaks what it wants. With these words, I place a ‘Geas’ upon you Anonymous of Earth. Do you solemnly agree to not speak of these proceedings to anypony or any creature of Equestria? Lest you be brought before us for a judgment most foul?” She stared at him so seriously that he felt a lump in his throat catch. After a little effort, he gulped it down and sighed again.

“I do.”

“Then I place you under our spell, and your heart and mind will never speak of this again.” A slight tingle goes from her horn on his head down Anonymous’ spine and stops at his heart. Finally, the feeling stops and Luna returns to her throne. “Thank you again Anonymous. Now, we shall tell you the reason my sister reacted to your presence so strongly.” Luna lies down comfortably in her throne joining her sister. A moment of silence passes before she speaks again bringing Anon’s tension up.

“When the world was young, there existed three tribes of ponies. Earth, Pegasus and Unicorn all separate from one another. We are sure Twilight spoke of this to you?” A nod was given for her to continue. “Yes, what most ponies believe is that we came to power to help the tribes coexist with each other. We were asked to raise the Sun and Moon since we were powerful enough to do so on our own. Also as Alicorn’s we represented all three tribes. This history has been passed down for generations to ponies so that they understand that we are all one in the same. However, this is a fallacy concocted by our teacher Starswirl the Bearded to benefit our ponies. Not many of them survived the war before the tribes came together. When it was over, he along with us and a few of the leaders made sure that we would not befall the same mistakes that preceded us. A story was fabricated to give hope to our ponies and make our futures brighter. The history that Twilight Sparkle gave to you is that story.” Luna drank from her cup to quench her thirst.

“You lied to them? For purpose of harmony between tribes?” Anon was a bit flabbergasted. No wonder the Princesses didn’t want him blabbing this to anypony.

“No, in actuality it was to protect them from the truth. That the great war was not started between the three tribes quarreling among themselves over trivial matters.” She looked at her sister for a moment to get approval to continue. Celestia noticed and thought for a moment. This would change everything, even if Anon was the only one to know. She stared at him gauging him as best she could without knowing him. Turning to Luna she nodded slightly for her to reveal the true history of Equestria. “Anonymous, the tribes fighting over land, food and the skies was not the reason for the major migration to Equestria. In truth, the Wendigos are a creation of Starswirl the Bearded and us to keep ponies from finding out the truth.”

“Which is?” Anon saw them avoiding the question and prodded them on.

“The truth is that the war and migration was started by another race.” She looked deeply into his eyes, burrowing into his soul. “The Human Race.”

END CHAPTER II