Chapters You are Twilight, and today in a difficult situation. Applejack has adopted some creature from the Everfree forest. And while it seems harmless enough to AJ and everyone else, even the Princess, you're not so sure. Never before has anybody seen anything like him. It does have some level of intelligence, after all it's wearing clothes for warmth and seems responsive when you talk to it but it doesn't understand anything anyone says. It just wandered in one day from the Everfree into Sweet Apple Acres, got attached and nobody questioned it. So once a few months went by, nobody is wary or sees a reason to be afraid, aside from you.
Right now you're sitting in Sugar Cube Corner, voicing your concerns to Pinkie when in walks Applebloom followed by the lumbering creature.
"Hiya girls," Pinkie chirps, "And Anon."
"Anon?"
"Nopony seems to know who or what he is so we thought it seemed appropriate," Applebloom replies as she gives a smile to 'Anon'.
"He?"
You examine Anon and while you can agree some of his features do seem masculine when compared with similar animals.
"Yup."
You can't help but think there's really only one way for them to be sure of that and you hope poor Applebloom wasn't the one to discover that.
"AJ found out so we'll know what we're in for in case we'd have to deal with estrus cycles or something."
"Applebloom, perhaps it's not such a good idea to get too attached to him."
"Why?"
"Well, he's only been here for a short time, there's no guarantee he'll stick around. After all we're not of his kind."
"There's no reason to think he'll leave."
You're trying not to get frustrated but you do anyway. So far, any and all words of caution to the Apple family have fallen upon deaf ears but you're not giving up on this. They ignore it in favour of keeping their big pet but you're going to remain cautious until proven there isn't a reason to be.
"Applebloom, listen-"
Anon, seemingly to sense your heated attitude, steps in front of the two of you and even tries to carefully push you away. Your own heartbeat can be felt in your throat as he looms over you. Even with his unusual face, you can see the stern glare. He doesn't like you. Once he's pushed you backwards a bit, he takes a deep breath in and holds it to as he straightens his stance up to make himself look more intimidating.
And it kind of works. He's a giant compared to you. With a sharp inhale, you summon your courage and use your magic to push back a little. Nothing quick or threatening, you just want to send a message that you're not intimated. Instead it sends Anon into a spiral of panic and fear. Something about your magic spooks the thing and in a swift decision of flight. He scoops Applebloom into his arms and darts outside. You're left there in a stunned daze. By the time you step outside, Anon is already long gone. His legs are much longer than yours but that's still some impressive speed. There's only one place you can think of that he'd retreat to.
Once you arrive at Sweet Apple Acres, you're greeted by AJ.
"Howdy Sugarcube, it's great that you're here actually."
"It is?"
"Yeah, why were you using magic to spook Anon?"
"To-What? I wasn't trying to--I had no idea he'd react like that," you stammer defensively.
"It's alright Twi'. I know you didn't, and neither did I. I'm just wondering what happened, is all."
"Is Applebloom alright?"
"Of course, why? Did something else happen?"
"Well, no. He just took off so fast with her in his arms, I just wanted to check."
"I do have something you might be interested in though," she says as she leads you inside.
You quickly follow suit. Anon, who was sitting calmly at the table, bolts upright on your entrance.
"It's alright dearie," Granny Smith reassuringly states as she walks over to your side.
She wraps a hoof around your withers and smiles. His eyes never break off from you so it's obvious he's still wary of you but he takes his seat as he slowly sits down.
"Seems you two have something in common," Granny remarks as she takes her seat.
"So what did you want to show me?"
Applejack gestures to Applebloom who excitedly places an apple on the table.
"Apple."
She gestures to Anon and holds there for a moment as Anon's eyes dart off you to her for a brief moment. Then he seems to understand and realise what she's waiting for.
"Apple," he mimics.
He slurs a little but that was definitely 'Apple.'
"I don't mean to be a downer but he's only mimicked one word-"
"There's more," AJ breathlessly blurts.
Her tone is excited as she gestures for you to hush, AJ's eyes never leave Anon.
"Applebloom," the filly states as she points to herself, then points to Anon with a pause.
"Anon," he replies as he points to himself.
"We've taught him a few other words, but we thought you might be a better teacher than a bunch of farmhands. Not to mention it'd give you a chance to study his habits and things so we'll have a better understand like you've been wanting. And then you'll come to see what a harmless little critter he is," AJ explains.
"That is, if you're willing to," Granny adds as she clears her through.
The trio then sit there in silence, all expectantly smiling at you while Anon remains locked on you. There's a fearful cry echoing in you, pleading to not do it. Yet it's not enough and so, with a heavy sigh, you agree. Applejack is right after all, this is a chance to get to know him. Either he'll prove to be truly harmless or you'll find the reason to prove that he shouldn't be kept around like a housepet.
"Great! We'll send him over tomorrow--If that's alright by you."
"Yeah, any time is fine."
With a forced smile, you head home with plans for some kind of syllabus and something you can use to stop Anon if he gets out of control.
As you wander around your room aimlessly, Spike steps in.
"Nervous?" he asks.
"Hm?"
"Just asking if you're nervous. You've been walking in circles for who knows how long now."
"Heh, I guess. I'm just wondering how I can show solid proof that Anon is dangerous to every pony."
"Uh, you know Twilight," Spike nervously speaks up before pausing. He hesitates but when you make eye contact, he continues, "I'm not so sure he's dangerous. Anon has been in town for a while now and hasn't hurt a fly, not to mention that time your magic spooked him, he took Applebloom to safety."
"I'm not so sure either Spike but there's still so much we don't understand about him. So until we do, someone has to be the cautious one."
Spike darts off when there's a knock at the door to greet Fluttershy and Anon.
"Fluttershy? I had no idea you'd be coming."
"Yes, Applejack asked me to escort Anon. Apple cider season is starting soon so she's very busy."
"Hey Fluttershy, Anon."
"Hello Twilight," she replies with a bump to Anon's leg.
He curiously looks at her while she gestures to you. Anon, still confused looks at you to speak.
"Hello," he stammers before looking back to Fluttershy.
"Very good."
She flutters up to him to pat him then smiles at you expectantly.
"Yes, well done."
"I knew you two could get along."
Fluttershy looks very pleased with herself while Anon looks very confused. You can't help but feel a bit of sympathy for him on that. Everyone treats him like some pet but you've always held onto the feeling he's more than that, he seems to aware of things in a way. It's what has made you concerned in the first place and the fact that he can talk, even if it's partly mimicry, means he's smarter than any pet.
"Alright Anon, we'll obviously have to start with the basics. Familiarise you with key words and build from there so I've gone ahead and made some flashcards because who doesn't love flashcards?"
You take a seat at the table while Anon stands there, gawking at you as he tries to comprehend the task in front of him. There's a sigh as you get up.
"He doesn't understand anything you're saying Twilight," you tell yourself from under your breath.
Pointing to Anon then the chair before you tell him, "Sit."
Great, now even you are treating him like an animal.
"Sit," he copies.
"Yes, sit."
"Sit?" he repeats in a clearer manner.
In a groan of frustration, you grip his hand with your magic and try to gently lead him to the chair. It's no surprise that Anon doesn't like this. He tries to pull back against your grip, he's trying to somehow escape your hold. Before he goes into a panic, you release your magic and try to put some distance between you two. It's hard to show you don't mean any harm, and while he's still uneasy he isn't fleeing. His gaze is fixated on you, his breath has quickened and any movement seems to cause him to be startled slightly.
"Okay," Fluttershy softly utters as she moves to Anon's side, "Twilight isn't going to hurt you."
She tries to hush and soothe Anon over and over but he's still on edge and watching you. So slowly you move over to him. Every creature should understands basic body language but what with his body being so different to yours, it's difficult to convey peace. Lowering your head, bowing lightly, you speak in a soft tone.
"Sorry."
His tense stance eases slightly. You do find yourself wondering how much he understands.
"Sit," you repeat as you take your seat.
Now he seems to get it as he nods and takes a seat opposite to you while saying, "sit."
"Yes. Now..."
You try to push your luck once more with your magic. You want Anon to understand it's just a tool, not an instrument of harm he should fear so you careful magic over your pile of flashcards. Anon becomes wide-eyed, one eye seemingly watches the cards as the other stares at you. Then, you clear your throat and begin the lesson.
Fluttershy left a little while ago. She was only really there to make sure Anon got here, and probably also so that you weren't going to spook him again. But things are going well. Anon seems to be a quick learner. He's picking up on pronouncing words quite well after a few tries but until he learns more you can't gauge accurately how well he understands any of this. There was some counting and he understood that perfectly but that's as far as you can tell. It's about mid-afternoon so you decide to call it quits for the lessons, you don't want to overload Anon with information. Then you'd get nowhere, though you think you might have as his eyes have bags under them. His head has nodded a few times in what appears to be a struggle for consciousness.
You step back into the room with something to eat and drink for everyone to find Spike riding atop Anon's shoulders while he chants "Twilight egghead."
Rainbow Dash, who must have invited herself in is on the floor, he sides in orbit. You clear your throat and it grabs the pony and dragon's attention. Anon is still chanting while he bops up and down to amuse spike.
"Uh, hey Twilight," the nervous dragon stammers, "We were just trying to teach Anon some tricks."
"Anon, stop that."
He doesn't stop and now you realise that's a word you should have gone over today.
"Alright big guy, that's enough," Dash says as she flies shoulder height to Anon.
He still doesn't quite get what's being asked of him and it's not until Spike places a claw over Anon's mouth and repeats several times in a pleading fashion, "please stop," that he finally gets it.
"Please stop," he mimics.
"Yes. Stop. Thank you. Now, Dash, what can I do for you," you ask, begrudgingly.
"Just stopped by to say hi. I was also wondering if I could take Anon to check how his physical ability is."
"I've heard AJ has him working on the farm some days. So I'd say that's probably covered."
"Boring. I'm talking about a race," she excitedly flutters higher into the air.
"Well, I've finished with my lessons. If he wants, he can go where he pleases, just make sure he gets back to Sweet Apple Acres."
"Oh, can I go?" Spike chirps.
"Yeah, you should come too Twi. You could probably use some air. Besides, I like when there's a crowd to see when I'm the first pony to beat... whatever this guy is. Did you work that out yet?"
"No, we've only just started taught him some basic words and counting, it'll be a while yet before he can handle a conversation."
"So we'll just have to stick with Anon."
"Pretty much... Come on, let's go see if Anon is up for a race."
The four of you are outside in the park, a few fillies can be heard playing and there are some curious onlookers. For the most part though, the park is quiet and empty. Dash is currently trying to explain a race to Anon. She keeps repeating run and race while jogging on the spot, even doing a quick mock race with Spike. Anon seems to understand by lining beside Dash in what looks like a running pose.
"Okay... One, two three, go" she bellows before darting off as fast as she can go.
Anon however hasn't left the starting line and in the short time it takes Dash to circle around to cross the finich line, Anon just waits.
"Oh, come on," she disappointedly shouts, "Don't tell me he doesn't understand go."
"I'm pretty sure he does. I know I taught him how to count."
"Sit."
Dash curiously does as Anon says. Before she can say anything, Anon notices Applebloom in the distance with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. He speeds off to go meet them while Dash sits there, bored.
"He's hardly fast," Rainbow sulks.
"Well, I think I'm going to head back inside. What are you doing Spike?"
"I'll go with you. Congrats on the race," Spike giggles with a wave goodbye.
The two of you walk side by side as Spike nervously twiddles his claws.
"I like him."
"What?"
"Anon. He's really friendly... And honest. I don't think he's dangerous at all."
"I realise that, but he kind of has to be."
"You really don't trust him, do you?"
"No. It's nothing like that. I'm trying to take a scientific approach to this, Anon is smarter than everyone realises. He thinks, has things to say and ask, only he can't. Especially with everyone treating him like a pet."
"I'm not treating him like a pet."
"Oh, and what tricks were you trying to teach him earlier?"
"To--"
Spike cuts himself off as he understands your point.
"I'm not against you being his friend if that what you want Spike. Just be careful... And stop treating him like some dumb but friendly manticore that stepped out the Everfree."
The sun hangs above Sweet Apple Acres in a warm golden-orange glow that feels as inviting as a loving embrace. Its light cascades down onto the orchard below, reflecting off the ripened apples while your thoughts drift off to having a lazy nap under one of those trees until nightfall. Most of the trees are empty, the fruit has already been picked as apple cider season approaches.
You arrive at the door and knock, the sounds of the Apples telling each other to get the door soon follows. Then Anon opens the door, his head is out of view thanks to his height.
"Thank Twilight, in," he states as he steps aside.
You stifle a giggle at him as you enter. He's trying to learn so it wouldn't be fair. Applebloom then hastily scurries into the room.
"Oh, you got the door already. Did you greet her?"
Anon responds with a nod.
"Properly?"
Again, he nods.
"He was close enough," you whisper to the filly.
"I tried to help Anon today, just a little."
"A little? She's been following him around all day trying to get him to say the same thing. Over and over," Granny Smith calls out from the
"Really? What was it?"
"Just a greeting, it doesn't matter. Applejack said you can borrow her room until dinner is ready."
"Thank you, come on Anon," you reply as you head upstairs with the big alien in tow.
"Thank Applebloom, in," says Anon.
The two of you have been at it for a few short hours, doing more revision than anything else. You're trying to make sure the knowledge he has so far is concreted, you don't want to overload the guy like you did yesterday. The more he speaks, the more comfortable he seems but in truth, he can barely speak at all.
It's only just now that he has finally begun to understand all the words in reference to the self like "I" and "you".
"So what do I say when I give you this," you ask as you hand him a book.
"Thank... Twi--You?"
"Yes! Very good."
Then you reach out for the book but Anon reels back.
"A-Ah... Anon, can I please have my book back?"
"My," he replies
"No, it's mine. That was just an example."
"Example?"
You sigh then gesture for him to give back the book.
"Example," he repeats as he places the book in your hoof.
Then without warning, Applejack barges in with a loud, "Howdy," startling the two of you.
"Hey Applejack."
"Dinner is ready once the two of you are ready to join us."
"Oh, no. I couldn't impose like that."
"Nonsense. Anon is practically a part of the family now and we can't have you helping one of us without some kind of thanks," she says as she starts leading you downstairs.
"Are you sure?"
"Of course, it's only fair. From now on I'd say, Anon works the farm in the day, you teach him in the afternoon then we all enjoy dinner afterwards."
You smile warmly at her kindness, then you feel the urge to drool as the smell of dinner wafts past your nose.
Eagerly you all sit at the table with various foods laid out for everyone to sort out their own helpings. On one side of you is Anon and Applejack is on the other. Everyone takes their seats and digs in. Passing around all the bowls and plates of food as they sort out what they do and don't want. You notice Anon's knees are practically digging into his own gut as he sits on a chair that far too short for him.
"Anon deary, can you pass the crumble?"
"Example," he says as he reaches over with the plate of crumble in hand.
"What?"
"No, Anon, that's not what I meant when I said that, the word is give."
He then tries to hand the crumble to you instead of Granny who grunts as she tries to reach for the bowl.
"No-no, I mean," you cut yourself with a deep sigh along with a giggle.
"Sort it out later, let's just eat," Applejack laughs.
You've finished tea and feeling fuller than those sacks of apples about to be turned into cider. Unfortunately, Spike is waiting at the treebrary so you can't stick around too long after it's over. So with a quick goodbye, you head home with plans to treat Spike to something nice for tea.
Another night, another lesson. You arrive at Sweet Apple Acres, this time with Spike in tow talking about the latest Power Pony issue. It's really nice to see him excited about something, while comics aren't what you usually read it does give the two of you something to relate on.
"Spike, Twilight," Applebloom cheers as the two of you walk up to the steps to the door.
"Howdy Twilight, Spike. Applebloom, why don't you and Spike go find something to do. Dinner will still be a while," AJ says as she heads your way.
"Where's Anon? I've got a lot planned for tonight," you ask as you look around for the lumbering man.
"Some of the cows caused a little bit of a stampede today."
"Oh, is everything alright? What happened?"
"No worries. Just a few fences and things ended up in the way but it took both Big Mac and I to fix all the damage before day's end. We left Anon to deal with the apple bucking and I guess the guy pushed himself to make up for the lack of extra workers."
Applejack leads you outside to the barn where a old water tank has been turned into a make shift bath with a few ice cubes floating around. The upper half of Anon's head surfaces when you walk in.
"AJ, I don't think the ice bath is a good idea."
"Why's that?"
"It does help with muscle inflammation, but it can cause breathing difficulties and prolonged exposure may lead to hypothermia. How long has he been in there?"
"Not long and besides Twi', it's only a few bits of ice. Anon seems to enjoy the relief, maybe he's got a thicker hide than ponies."
"Hm, it is possible but we'd better warm him up soon to make sure."
With a nod Applejack gestures for Anon to get out and throws him a towel.
"Thank Twilight," Anon says as he waves before drying himself off.
"Heh, hello Anon."
"You know, it's a nice night out," AJ states as her gazes flies skyward, "What do you say to an outside dinner beside the fire?"
The cool breeze of the night blows through the barn as she asks. It's a soothing chill that feels inviting, one you wouldn't mind a walk under the stars in.
"Lovely," you reply softly.
Applejack gathers some kindle while Anon gets some larger wood to place in a pit then you and Anon settle for tonight's lesson as the fire starts.
"So you're doing well in recognising letters and phrases so I want to see how well you can read on your own."
You rummage through your saddlebag full of books to find one in particular. Once you've got the little thing, you hand it to Anon and begins to look it over, inspecting the little novel quickly before looking to you on a sign for what to do.
"My example?"
"No, just borrowing."
"Burrow-in."
"Here, open it."
He looks to you again then opens it up once you mime opening a book.
"It's just a little filly's book but it's a good starting point. Give it a go," you encouragingly tell.
"T-heh-roa-j, teh-rogj-heh... T-heh-ro-heh-j?"
Anon's face screws up already and you suddenly recall a few words you never went over for him.
"Through," you apologetically fill in.
"Through," he repeats with a nod, "the..."
He looks to you again for the answer, this time he doesn't even try to sound it out.
"Charred."
"Charred."
"Come on, keep reading, I can't tell you everything."
Anon gives an uneasy nod before continuing.
"Forest of-er hot as-heh runs dog."
He looks at you inquisitively and for approval. You smile warmly. Then nod.
"Very good."
Anon returns the smile although it seems half-lit and doesn't last long before he places his concentration back into the book. As he reads over the book, he keeps rubbing his eyes with exhaustion. It really must have been a long day.
It's maybe half an hour or so before Applebloom comes outside to set the outside table for dinner, then soon after Applejack and Big Mac arrive with food. You all settle down to eat then you and Anon return to the lessons inside the barn. There's no room in the house for Anon, and given his large size the only thing they have for him to sleep on is a makeshift bed made of hay and plenty of blankets.
"Dog doeh--does not answer," Anon repeats.
He's gone over the first few pages again and again. While they're basic to most ponies, to Anon they're not. And while he's probably sick of constantly saying the same things over and over, however it's important he gets pronunciations right and can recognise letters.
That's what the reading is about, if he can recognise how the language is spoken on his own, then teaching him to form actual sentences will be much easier. Right now all Anon does is repeat after everyone and any sentence is a few words short. Just enough to almost get his message across some of the time. He's made leaps and bounds of progress, but there's still even more of a way to go.
Anon gives a loud yawn, who knows how many that makes.
"I should let you get some sleep," you tell him as you rummage through your saddlebag again.
You grab a few books out, all basic stuff like the one he's reading now and set them down on the stand by his bed.
"Speak?" He asks while pointing to the books.
"What?"
He mimes opening a book and repeats himself. You click and mime the same motion.
"Read," you correct.
"Read?"
"Yes but get some sleep first."
He nods as he climbs into his hay bed.
"Goodnight Anon," you say as you head outside.
Before you step into the cold night's embrace, Anon speaks.
"Twilight..."
"Yes Anonymous?"
"Read Anon?"
You're not sure what Anon is asking and based on how well he's been reading in the past few minutes you'd wager he's too tired to decipher his meaning with you so you compliment how he went then leave.
"How'd it go?" Applejack asks.
"He's exhausted so I'm not sure how much all that will sink in but he's getting the hang of things bit by bit."
"Still a long way to go though?"
"Yeah, it's still early days," you reply with a tired huff.
The two of you stand there, side by side under the soft glimmer and glow of the moon and stars. The wind rustles through your coat, it's chill now has a colder bite as you shudder to its touch.
"It is about that time, I best get some sleep," Applejack yawns, "Early start tomorrow and plenty of Applebucking that needs doing."
"AJ, did you want me to get in contact with Princess Celestia?"
"What for?"
"Some furniture for Anon. He can't sleep like that forever."
"I know. I know. I just don't think it's fair bothering the princess for things. You know?"
"Yeah but it's also hardly fair to let Anon stay on a bed of hay."
Applejack pauses, and for a moment you catch a grimace of guilt on her face.
"Alright, could you contact the princess for us?"
"Of course," you tell her.
"Are we going?" calls Spike from the upstairs window of Applebloom's room.
"Yup, let's get going."
Before you go to bed, you write up that letter to the princess and have Spike send it. You tuck Spike in when he lets out a belch for the return letter. Using your magic you float it close by as there's no real light to see.
Dear Twilight,
Of course, you only need ask. I'm more than happy to help my subjects and I appreciate you updating me on Anon's progress. I'll send some funds first thing in the morning, and I'd also like to meet with the curious creature. I know the Apples are busy with the upcoming cider season, which will be the perfect time for me to visit.
I'll see you soon.
Signed,
Princess Celestia.
You received a letter from the princess telling you she would be arriving today now that the rush that always happens during the first few days is over. Today you've decided to just go over a few things, to make sure he understands who Celestia is before they meet. Only thing is, you can't find him.
"Well, I just checked the west field. Nothing," AJ calls out.
"Nothing in the east. I guess he must have stopped into town or something."
"He does this once in a while. Wanders who knows where for a short while but he always comes back."
The two of you are heading down the track when your ears perk up at the sound of a strange sound. It's like singing but in some bizarre language. You're sure that it's Anon because you can recognise him from a few of those words. AJ's off faster than you are but you trail as close behind as fast as you can. The athletic difference is clearly showing, maybe you should jog while you read books or something.
"Anon. Applebloom. Where have you two been?"
"Thank Applejack! And thank Twilight," Anon cheers as he lets Applebloom down from his shoulder's.
"We were just up at Anon's camp for a little while."
"His camp?"
"Yeah, that's where I met Anon a long time ago up... It's up in the Everfree Forest."
"Applebloom, you know it's dangerous to go in there,"
"Anon knows a lot about the Everfree, enough to be safe. He even hunted for his own food."
Then Anon places a flower he got in the Everfree on Applejack's ear before petting her on the head.
"Example," he calmly says with a warm smile.
"Thank Anon," she replies.
Before anyone gets in another word, Anon begins to jog towards town.
"Hang on Anon, wait," you call out as you chase after him.
His long legs give him the advantage at first. You actually have to pick up your own pace to catch him as he gets to the end of the path.
"Twilight?"
"Yeah. I wanted to give you a quick lesson before Celestia gets here."
"Lesson? Anon is sell cider."
"It'll be a real quick one."
"Sell cider and lesson?"
"Do you mean do both? Uh, sure."
You follow Anon over to the stall where he sets up one of the cider kegs. Once the preparations are done so he's ready for when the sales start, you begin the lesson.
"Alright. So Princess Celestia is one of two rulers, the other being Princess Luna and they're also sisters. Understand so far?"
Already Anon is confused and it's as clear as day too. He rubs his chin then looks at you as he still tries to decipher your words.
"Celestia like metres?"
"No-no-no. Not a ruler, sorry. She's a... A princess, our monarch."
You figure it's best to keep each word to one meaning for now. Having to explain the different meanings and how they apply within context would probably take too long.
"Monm-arck?
"Close enough. A monarch can be a princess or prince, king or queen but they are in charge of Equestria. They make the rules and keep everyone in every town friends."
"Mayor Mare monarch?"
You let out a sigh as you're reminded how you're still having trouble explaining that Equestria is the country, not the town. You figured explaining politics to him would be difficult, but he needs to know this stuff but their arrival. However, just as you're about to go into things, the first customer of the day arrives. A large white mare with a flowing mane smiles warmly at you as she holds up a pouch with her magic.
"You must be Anonymous. A pleasure to meet you. How much for one cider?"
Her voice is soft and motherly as you recognise the smile. Anon stands there deadpan but snaps to before immediately bowing as low as he can. You were about to bow to the princess yourself but the sheer speed of Anon dropping to the floor, took you back.
"I think you stressed a little too much on manners when you taught him," the princess says with a soft laugh.
"Actually I didn't have... Haven't had a chance to. He couldn't quite understand what I meant but I guess he recognises your crown or something. He just understood the moment he saw you."
"We should probably explain he can get up now."
"You're right. Anon."
He looks up at you, still with his face in the dirt.
"Stand up. It's okay."
Anon seems a little cautious as he rises to his feet, unsure if he's doing the right thing. It almost seems like he's uneasy about being rude as he tries to watch everything he does right up to how he stands.
"Much better, now how much was it for a cider?"
When she speaks, Anon straightens up and stands as firmly as possible. Then he quickly pours a cup of cider to leave before the princess on the counter.
Celestia starts putting a few bits on the counter when Anon pushes them back. And now this kind of thing has given you a sudden but clear realisation about Anonymous. You were open to the idea that Anon was from something else. He understands enough of his own language to pick up bits of yours, but only now are you realising that Anon has a culture of sorts. He apparently has a camp, he wears specific kinds of clothes, he can recognise the princess as royalty, and even has a language.
"I think he's letting you have this one on the house," you whisper to the princess
"That's sweet but I wouldn't be a good princess if I didn't pay my own way."
"Please accept the offer. I'd like to see how Anon reacts."
"Hm... Very well. For science. Thank you, Anon."
She smiles at him and takes a drink. Which seems to put Anon at ease, though only a little. His stance is still tall and firm.
"Twilight, I was hoping to talk to you about a few things before the day starts if that's okay with you."
"Of course, I'm not really sure we should leave Anon by himself though."
"I can watch him," chirps Pinkie Pie.
"Thank Pinkie," he calmly nods to her.
Pinkie on the other hand squeals and leaps as she replies, "Thank Nonny."
Pinkie leaps over the counter and into Anon's arms, who swings her around as she laughs before placing her on solid ground.
"Woah, dizzy."
The two are immediately wrapped up in each other. And with that, you follow closely beside the princess so you can have a talk.
"How are the lessons going?"
"It's like doing a puzzle without the picture," you reply with an irate chuckle, "It's been slow and he only understands pieces of what I mean, never the full thing. Like he uses thank as a greeting and it's been very difficult to teach him otherwise."
"Well, I'll be honest Twilight, I was thinking it might be best to take him back with me to Canterlot. That way some professionals can work with him."
"That would probably be the quicker and safer option."
"But?"
"Hm?"
"I can tell there's something more you have to say."
You sigh.
"Well... I don't think Anon will respond well to that. He gets along with most ponies and he's very attached to Applebloom, Pinkie too it seems. Not to mention he likes to wander around, even into the Everfree. I'm not sure Canterlot is the right environment."
"Very well. What about safety?"
This time her face becomes straighter and her tone is almost harsher.
"What do you mean?"
"I need to know every pony will be safe... Is he dangerous?"
You ponder that question for a moment. Probably for a little more than you should have too. But you've thrown at everyone else, yet you don't have a proper answer yourself. It's true that you don't trust Anon. There's still too much you don't know about him, yet the Apples welcomed the strange creature into their home. Nopony questioned it but you and so you were a little harsh at first. But the concern is still there. Just because he hasn't hurt anyone yet doesn't mean he's safe. But if you tell the princess that, will she take him away? More than anything, you dread that for the Apples.
"Twilight?"
"Sorry... But I can't say for sure. I do know the Apples trust him though. They've welcome him in without a second thought and treat him like a part of the family."
Celestia weighs your reply carefully, then she sighs as her smile returns.
"Then that'll have to do for now. Come, let's return to Sweet Apple Acres. I'd like another cup of cider."
As always when the princess is here, every pony crowds around her for a chance to speak to her. Then add to the even bigger crowd here for cider. You're not even going to try and stick around. In the corner of your eye you notice Anon is heading towards the Everfree. Curiosity gets the better of you and so you follow him. Quietly. From a distance.
It's only a few minutes of a walk but eventually Anon comes to a clearing where you notice what must be Anon's camp. There's shelter made from wood, vines, and large leaves. Some rope going from tree to tree and a little pit for what you'd assume to be a bonfire. You take a step forward for a closer look when you nearly trip over on some rope. As you take your foot off it, hear a jingle coming from the camp. It must be a trap of some kind to alert Anon of someone nearby which brings a beaming smile to your face. Honestly, you had no idea Anon was smart enough to work something like this and you find yourself getting so lost in the workings of the contraption that you don't notice the beast towering over you.
"Thank Twilight," he says in a chillingly calm voice.
"S-Sorry Anon."
He shakes his head then gestures you to follow. Now you're standing at the centre of his camp. Anon points to a few things then says some words you don't understand. It takes you a moment to realise, but he's actually trying to teach you what they are.
"Wait, I missed those. Repeat them please."
He gives you a confused look, tilting his head slightly.
"Uh, again. Repeat. Didn't understand, like... what is this?" You say as you stand in front of his shelter and point.
Anon tells you the word but again it goes over your head as you notice Anon has a book in here. It stands out too. With it's worn green leather cover and rope stitching, you admire it as you lift it up in your magic to ask Anon what it is. As you go to open it to peek, Anon snatches it like a frog after a fly so he can clutch it closely to him.
"No!"
"I-I didn't mean to... I w-was just curious. Sorry."
"Not example."
You suppress any and all urges to correct that and continue to apologise.
"Right. Right. Won't happen again... You know, if that's important you probably shouldn't leave it out here."
Again he looks at you confused. You gesture all around the camp.
"If it's important then you should keep it at the farm," you say as you then point to the book.
Anon holds for a moment, thinking then starts walking towards Sweet Apple Acres without a word.
The two of you head into the barn and you lead Anon over to the corner where you lift up a few planks of wood. Without missing a beat, you shovel out a bit of dirt to make room for the book. Anon looks at you cautiously before he puts it under the floorboards.
"Relax Anon, I won't tell anyone."
He's still giving you the same look. You find yourself getting irritated now but that fades as you laugh at yourself for that. Not at Anon, just at how difficult it is to communicate.
"Secret," you finally utter as you mime zipping your lips shut.
Anon seems to understand your meaning as he repeats the action and the word himself. Once that's done you head back out to try and find someone to talk too. Anon disappears, likely to find Pinkie or Applebloom to play with. Even as you try to focus elsewhere, your mind keeps drifting to that curious little book.
Author's Note
I'll be honest, I started this story on a whim then gave up due to a lack of interest in it. However it seems many of you are interested in it, so I'll try to see where I can take this and hopefully it'll be an interesting journey for all of us.
Thanks for reading. Let me know what you like or dislike and where you think things are headed. It's always great to know what is knocking around in other people's heads, especially because I have no idea where I was planning to take this.
Chapter 7
For a while it was difficult to put Anonymous' book out of your mind. But you kind of promised. Well, not really, you just feel like this should be treated as if you did promise. And in a weird way, you feel like that's the way Anonymous wants it to be too. Though you'll never be sure of that.
"Twilight," Applejack calls out, breaking your train of thought.
You look down from the balcony and wave.
"I tried bringing Anonymous around but he got dragged into a game of tag."
"It's alright. I have something for you anyway."
You head downstairs as AJ lets herself in. Shuffling through some draws you find the bit sack and pass it to her.
"That's to get Anon a few things."
Applejack shuffles the purse in her hoof for a little weight, feeling the hefty weight of it. You notice she's got a look of discomfort written all over her as she sighs at it.
"Thanks Twi', and do thank the Princess for me. I-I'll pay her back if--"
"AJ, you know you don't need to do that."
"I know, I just feel a little awkward accepting money to help a member of my family is all."
You purse your lips a little.
"Still feeling uptight about that, huh?"
"I don't mean to be."
"Don't you sweat it none. If anything, I should apologise."
"What? Why?!"
"Well, first this strange creature rolls into town and we just scoop it up like a pet without knowing a thing about it. Of course you'd be worried. I didn't mean to give you a hard time about it."
"It's okay, really."
"I mean, he and Applebloom get along like a barn on fire."
"I get it."
"TWILIGHT," a puffed out Pinkie Pie pleads, "You gotta hide me!"
Before another word can be uttered, Anonymous comes barrelling inside and tackles Pinkie to the ground. The two tumble together for a while as Pinkie shrieks in horror before they come to a stop in the middle of the library. Now Pinkie bellows out a cheer.
"You're getting good at this Nonny."
She boops him on the nose then jumps out of his grip. Anon just gets up enough to remain seated as he hunches over, struggling to catch his breath.
"Pinkie, what in the hay were you two up to? I've never seen him so worn out."
"He has been in a full sprint since we started, hopping over ponies and buildings just to get me. He's a climber."
Finally the exhaustion hits Pinkie as she falls onto her back, panting loudly.
"Thank Twilight," Anonymous states with a little wave.
"Thank Anonymous," you reply.
While you shouldn't really encourage mistakes like that, this one has become a habit not just for you but everyone who has spoken to Anonymous at any length. It's really taken off around the town to thank people as a greeting. It's an amusing little thing that also rather sweet of the town as in a way, it shows just about everyone has accepted this strange creature as a member of the town. Even you're coming around. In part.
"Speak," Anonymous mutters.
"Y'know, I think he's going to need a bit before that lesson Twi'," AJ remarks as she rubs the tired creature's shoulder.
"It's a little overdue, but I should probably get Anonymous' measurements again."
"Why?"
"If he's in any kind of early stage in his life, he will likely have growth spurts happening. If we compare variious stages of measurements, we'll have an idea if he's young or elderly. It's not completely reliable but we haven't got a lot to go on until Anonymous is able to inform us himself."
"I'd say he's pretty young."
"What makes you say that," you ask as you magic over a few utensils like paper, quill, and measuring tape.
"He's full of energy and I don't see any wrinkles."
"I guess, but those aren't clear indicators. After all, his skin is rather odd compared to the creatures of Equestria."
You begin taking measurements. It's pretty easy, Anonymous recalls what you were doing last time so when you tap on an arm, he knows to hold it out for you.
"So, what do you think?"
"Hang on," you hush her for a bit as you pull out the last measurements.
"Well?"
"Seems like he is growing. Maybe he still in an early stage, I can't say. It'd take more data before I can reach that conclusion."
"Anon will be able to tell us himself at this rate."
"Heh, I don't know about that," you scoff.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
AJ isn't taken aback by your remark. She knows you meant nothing rude by it, instead she seems rather curious. In fact, she has been very interested in keep updated on all of Anonymous' progress so far.
"Anonymous has made leaps and bounds sure, but he is still barely able to form sentences. Plus, we don't know for sure how limited his intelligence may be. For all we know, he might be only as smart as Winona or Gummy."
"Gummy is the smartest alligator I know."
"Crocodile," you mutter under your breath.
"Do you think he'll speak properly, like us at any point?" AJ asks in a rather sombre tone.
"I think it's likely he will some day," you trail off in thought for a moment, "I've seen multiple examples of Anonymous being very clever. And it is difficult to learn a language without any kind of translation set up. But it's not for sure."
The conversation dies after that. AJ wasn't supposed to stay long anyway and with Anonymous no longer able to play, Pinkie takes her leave too. The lesson goes by easy enough. Kind of the same run as the other lessons recently. Still working on pronunciations, recognising letters, words and their meanings. However as things go by, your mind drifts to that book. It often does when you're with Anonymous. He has his own language, so what kind of things would this big, hulking bipedal creature write about?
"Twilight?"
"Hm? Oh, sorry, what's the matter Anonymous?"
"Anon to Apple Acres."
"Understood. Take care."
"Thank Twilight," Anonymous waves.
"Thank Anon," you wave back.
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Days seem to blur into one another as you find yourself carrying each one out the same as the last. You're unsure why perhaps it's the stress or maybe you're just trying to distract yourself from the burning question you've had ever since you snuck into Anon's camp two weeks ago. The little wooden figure Anon made of what resembles another human reemerges in your mind. At first, you tucked it away in a drawer of your reading desk as curiosity caused you to grab it just as Anon came back to turn his camp inside out to find it. Now you're stuck with this token, unable to work out how to give it back until you decided you'd just... place it somewhere he will find it. So now you've started keeping it on yourself until you can find such a place.
"Oh, hey Twi," Applejack calls as you approach the farmhouse.
"Hey AJ," you aimlessly call back.
You give your head a firm shake, trying to wrest yourself free from distraction and back into reality.
"How--"
"Anon, uh, cut his hair?" Her voice has a strange level of uncertainty to it that cause you concern.
"Is everything okay?"
"Yeah. It gave poor ol' Granny a bit of a fright. He did it with a kitchen knife you see... And well, she thought."
"Ah," you nod with a vigorous understanding to show she doesn't need to go further into detail on that.
"Everything is fine. But well... He looks so different now without all that fuzz. Ya know? Any idea why he'd shave like that?"
"Not really. It's a little hard to understand those intricacies without asking him to just explain. Have you?"
"Yeah," Applejack shrugs, "He just said he didn't like it. I don't really get it if he didn't like it then why not just say so? He's a confusing little critter I tell ya."
"AJ, it seems like something else is bothering you."
You seem to hit the nail on the head as her already stiff composure gets stiffer still. The two of you take a seat on the step overlooking the farm. The sun is setting like it always is when you come for Anonymous' lessons. The warm yellow-orange glow flows over the trees and sky like paint in water. The clouds blur the incandescent glow but do nothing to stop the warmth giving its caressing touch across your face.
"We've had Anon for some time now. And I get he is a little more complex than say, Winona, but I thought I understood what goes on in his head pretty well. Ugh, I dunno. I think I'm just tired and stressed. We're going to have a late harvest this year it seems. Like way too late if we want to have stock set and ready for prepping the next field in time."
"Well, you've got an extra set of hands this year," you reply with a light-hearted laugh and a nudge.
This seems to spur Applejack on a little, her usual beam of a smile returns at the least.
"Yeah, he's been a real help this year."
Suddenly an idea hits you, and you open your mouth to voice it before catching yourself. Applejack is always a little touchy of Anonymous, so you find yourself hesitating for a while until she glances your way to see there's something on your mind.
"I have an idea," you finally state, "And if you don't want me to, I won't. I just want to run it by you first."
"Okay," replies Applejack with a wary smile.
"What if I followed him around a bit? Just for a few days. I'll make notes and see what we can understand by thoroughly observing him."
"I thought you already did that when he first arrived?"
"I did," you reply with a blush for being called out, "But now he is more comfortable in the town. He knows ponies, he can communicate a little now, and he understands us a little more too."
Applejack seems to give it some deep meditative thought for a brief moment before nodding.
"Sure. What's the harm in knowing him a little better? Tomorrow is his day off too so who knows what you'll find out."
The two of you agree and excitedly chatter over a few observations you've made individually before Anonymous appears for his lesson. Today something seems off. He doesn't seem to take to his lessons, words seem harder for him to grasp, and your mind begins abuzz with what could be the matter. But as he is concentrating hard on his lesson, you keep your words to yourself even when it's time to go.
You're up at the crack of dawn and immediately head down to the Apple farm to find Anonymous, leaving Spike at home to do whatever it is he does when you're not around. Once you track down Anon, you follow a fair few metres behind him. Far enough to make sure he won't notice you easily, but close enough where you can get a clear sight of whatever he gets up to.
"For the first part of the day, Anon escorts Applebloom to meet up with her friends in the town square," you jot down in your log book.
The three fillies chatter about, occasionally trying to include Anonymous in the conversation where possible. Usually, he just nods politely and seems content to just be in their company as he sits on the water fountain's edge watching over the town. Every so often, his gaze his flit upwards to survey the town. His eyes seem aimless, not really looking for anything in particular. Just watching. Once the fillies decide what they want to do with their day, they make tracks after bidding Anon goodbye.
"Hmm, he seems to be just sitting there," you mumble aloud as you bite into a bag of trail mix.
It's been some time since the Cutie Mark Crusaders left, but Anon is still in his spot watching over the town. Then he notices a pink party pony pressingly pouncing progressively to Sugar Cube Corner. Anonymous stands up and intently makes his way over to her, who easily notices the tall human heading her way over the busy crowd of ponies.
"Hiya Anon," Pinkie pleasantly pronounces.
He waves back.
"Wanna come in?" Pinkie gestures to the bakery, to which Anonymous nods.
You've always found it curious how the two seem to communicate more through gestures and charades. An old habit they got into before you were giving Anonymous lessons. You've tried using gestures and still do when teaching Anon, and at times he will do the same with you. However, with Pinkie, the interesting thing is how in sync they are with the other's intended meanings.
Hastily, you rush towards the window, taking care to not be spotted. Then once you notice the pair head into the kitchen, you dart around to the back of the bakery to watch through the window there.
"Wanna help me make some triple choc-chip 'n fudge cookies?" She beams, miming to be eating a biscuit made of air.
Anonymous shakes his head.
"Brownies?" Pinkie asks as she draws a little square.
Again he shakes his head, then he draws a circle.
"Cupcakes?"
Anonymous draws a larger circle in the air.
"Oh, a cake?"
He nods.
"Okay, but what flavour." thoughtfully states Pinkie as she points to her tongue.
Anon shrugs.
"I'm thinking we should do something with fruit... Real fruit. Like... Banana?"
Anonymous holds out his hand and teeters it like it's a seesaw.
"You're right. It needs more."
Anon makes a series of dots in the air.
"Blueberry? Oh, we could do banana AND blueberry. Yes. But it needs MORE," she pleads.
Now Anon makes a series of gestures. First, he mimes eating something from a bowl, then pretends to be icing, then sprinkles with his fingers.
"Yes. Yes! YES!" Pinkie gleefully bellows, "Banana and blueberry cake, frosted with cream custard, and sprinkled with coffee flakes. Anon you're a genius."
The two immediately set to work without a word. It seems like Anon understands his role in the kitchen with Pinkie as he gathers all the utensils needed and sets to work prepping some ingredients once Pinkie places them by him. The pair works seamlessly, without a word or hassle, until the cake is in the oven. Then they clean up and prep a few other common treats for the bakery like icing eclairs, making a few cookies, and bite-sized cupcakes.
"Oh, it's done," Pinkie calls just a second before the oven bell rings.
Anon grabs some nearby tea towels for either hand and pulls out the cake where it is left to cool before being frosted and decorated. Your stomach lets out a low garble as you realise you've had nothing to eat but the nice parts of trail mix. Once the cake is finished, Pinkie cuts Anon a slice to box for him. The two wave then Anonymous heads off with the cake slice in hand.
As you follow him down towards the lake, you find yourself in a bit of sparse odds for hiding places. There's only a bit of trees and bushes to hide near the lake, but there is a gap of nothing for a while. Deciding the risk the clearing, you follow silently as best you can behind the lumbering human as he finds a nice bit of shade lake-side.
Dive into a nearby bush as soon as you can allows you a clear view to watch over Anonymous. For a moment he sits in silence, enjoying the serenity of the quiet lake before taking out his cake. Then to your amazement, he takes out a candle to place into the cake and some matches to light it. There is a haze of confusing mist that seems to be clouding something just in front of your face so it isn't until Anon begins to hum a tune before blowing out his candle that it dawns on you.
You hesitate in the bushes, thinking briefly that you should go and say something. But then you realise your position. Pinkie, however, spear tackles Anonymous is a loud chorus of tears and apologies. Nobody likes to miss someone else's birthday, and nopony dislikes that feeling more than Pinkie Pie. Rather than follow suit, you take the distraction as a cue to leave.
Your hastened steps, at times skipping one or two to gain speed, carries you toward the barn of Sweet Apple Acres where Anon resides. Grabbing the little trinket that belongs to Anon, you shove it amongst the hay bale that is his bed.
"I thought you were following Anon around today," comments a voice behind you.
You spin around to see AJ, concern all over her freckled face.
"Saw you running up the field in a mighty rush."
Your words trip as they're about to leave you, making an odd croaking noise.
"I ran into Anon," you stammer.
"Well, obviously. Did you find anything interesting out?"
You nod and it's followed by a silence before Applejack gives a gentle nod in return to urge you to continue.
"He's... lonely."
"I've learned quite a bit about Anon," You remark aloud, your eyesight unfocused yet deliberately avoiding looking toward Applejack.
"In half a day?" She replies with an impressed scoff.
"More than that," you pause though you're unsure why.
AppleJack is one of your most trusted friends. She's the element of honesty and yet you find yourself hesitating to tell her. Maybe you're scared. No, you're definitely scared. But of what? That AJ will be angry at you? That something about Anon still sets you on edge? That she won't believe you? You shake your head as you try to avoid recalling.
"Twi'?"
It was when Anon first arrived and you freaked out. You called him dangerous and all the Apples defended him. And that was okay, you did overreact a bit to seeing something so alien. It was after that. The Apples, and Applejack, ignored your calls for concern and words of caution. That hurt. Though you told yourself you were just being overly-sensitive, that they might have just misunderstood and thought you hadn't calmed down. It still stung. It still stings. But it's more than that.
"Anon has a camp, up in the Everfree."
"I know that. He and Applebloom visit it from time to time, that's where they met after all. Though I don't like her exploring that forest, even if--"
"He's got a tent, traps, tools, and all sorts of things up there. Anonymous is a lot smarter than he's been letting on."
"Really? Wow... I had no idea he could do... Well, that he could do any of that. You know? He just does what we tell him on the farm, we need to show him at first but then he goes all day."
This was it. As soon as the words leave your lips you feel a freefalling sensation. You've finally voiced what has freaked you out since your first encounter. Anonymous isn't just some pet. He is a lot smarter and knows a lot more than he is letting on. Something about him when you first saw him. The way he stood, his ease when fitting in, and his deep eyes that look to be examining every inch of you.
"Really? What about his clothes when he first arrived? If a pony made them for him, we'd know. He can't exactly wander into town and ask for free clothes."
This causes AJ to freeze up, her eyes looking as if they are seeing for the first time.
"I-I... Never thought of that." How did--Applebloom," Applejack suddenly states with a stern and irritated glare off in the distance.
"What about her?"
"She's been up in his camp a bunch of times. She'd have seen his tent and tools yet never said a thing. She's kept that a secret and I'm gonna find out why."
Applejack turns so you quickly call out. While she stops in her tracks, she doesn't turn around.
"Please, listen to me first. I haven't finished."
"Right, sorry," she replies as she guiltily turns back to face you.
"I mean, please listen to everything I have to say. No interrupting at all, even if you don't agree."
She nods.
You take a deep sigh before unloading, "Anon spooks me. You know that. But ever since the start, I have felt that beyond those eyes is a brain thinking far more intently that any pony was giving him credit for. He isn't just some clever pet like Winona, or like the cows who work for you," your chest is pounding and feels like it is rising into your throat. You take a moment to let out a deep breath before continuing as calmly as possible, "Think about it. You were keeping him like a pet, having no idea he could talk until well after you took him in. He could have imitated us at any point to show he can speak, but he kept silent. Why? He could have shown us he is intelligent, built a tool or something. But he didn't. He kept that a secret. Why? There's a lot that we don't know about him, but I seem to be the only pony who is freaked out by this."
AJ continues to be silent and intensely watches you until you've finally said your piece. You worry a little that she might be upset or something as you can't really read what she's thinking. But now that you've started you intend to keep the ball rolling.
"We have no real idea what he is, where he came from, what he wants, is thinking, or even how he got here. What if there are a million just like him that turn up one day, or what if he is completely alone? Each are just as terrifying as the other in their own way. And I'm sure once he learns more, we'll get some answers. Maybe not all, but some. But right now, there is one pressing question that we can answer."
"What?"
"What do you plan to do? Maybe you don't need to do anything right now, but are you going to let him live on the farm forever?"
"Of course," Applejack shakes her head in disbelief, "He'll always be welcome. He is practically family and as long as he does his share, he is welcome. He can keep doing his lessons as long as both of you want to do them. Twi' he is free to do as he pleases... I don't quite understand what you're asking me here."
"Once he learns to speak, completely, he might want to leave. Or who knows, maybe once you get to know the part that has always been blocked off to us, he may not be someone you like. What do you want to do?"
Author's Note
Made you look.
You find yourself pacing a little at home, worrying you said too much to AJ or the wrong thing. That's what it feels like you're always doing now, is worrying. Why did you tell AJ she needed to think about what she wanted to do with Anon? There's hardly any point until he learns to communicate what he wants. Then you vigorously shake that thought out of your head.
"No, it's important," you tell yourself.
"Yeah," Spike nods, clearly not keeping with the conversation.
Lately, the little dragon has become a source of venting concerns and ideas. More than usual. You know he tunes out a lot of it, content to snack away, but you need to hear some thoughts aloud to really help you gain a perspective on them.
"Even if Anon can't tell us, it's important to think about it. Just in case," you rant.
Then you pause mid-step. No, what you're really confused about, is why you told her Anon was lonely. It's obviously true. Of course he is lonely.
"The only one of his kind trapped in a world completely alien to him. So why point it out?"
"Point what out?" Spike asks mid-chew.
"That Anon is lonely."
"Well, I think every pony knows that. That's why everyone tries to help him out, like with the birthday party Pinkie is going to throw for him."
"Yes, I know that. I'm just wondering why I went around stating the obvious."
"Twi', you've been stressing a lot over this. It's not healthy."
His words give you pause and you take a seat. He's right. He's right, and you know it, and yet you still let the paranoia fly off the handle. Here you are, just minutes later, over-analysing every bit of the conversation you just had.
"Besides, how can you really stop him feeling lonely? It's not like we can just get another human, or send him back wherever the other humans are."
"You're right. I know. I just... I don't know."
"You mean you're right."
"What?"
"I just repeated something you were saying earlier."
"Heh, I've been talking in circles haven't I?"
The little dragon stops stuffing his face, wipes his little claws off on his thighs, and gives you a hug.
"I'm worried about you Twilight."
"Thanks, Spike," you half-heartedly reply as you return the hug before sending him to bed.
Part of you wants to admit you're worried about yourself. The other part thinks it's best not to do any more worrying than you have been. Especially after you wander into the bathroom and look at yourself. Your mane has some stray ends poking up here and there, your face appears pale yet flush, and some dark shadows have formed under your eyes from sleep deprivation. While a couple rings of saggy flesh isn't uncommon from staying up late reading a good book, you've never developed dark shadows.
"What is going on with you?" You ask your reflection as if it had an answer.
You splash your face with water before retiring for the night.
You've decided to take a bit of a self-care day. Last night you kind of realised it's well overdue. You sleep in, have a big breakfast, give Spike the day off, and get wrapped up in the latest Daring Do. A content sigh escapes your lips and you roll over on the floor.
"Twilight, darling?" Rarity calls from downstairs.
You hastily descend the stairs, eager to see your friend. While you were planning to spend the day locked indoors alone, after half the day passed, you find yourself more willing to have company.
"Oh dear. You do look absolutely dreadful," she tisks as she looks over your mane.
"I know. I've been a... Little under the weather lately."
"A little is a bit of an understatement don't you think? What you need," Rarity beams in a sing-song tune as you can already guess where she is going, "is a spa day."
"Called it," you think to yourself.
"I won't hear a single word against it. I bet it's all that lesson planning for Anonymous. It's very valiant to try and look out for him so much but you need to do a bit of self-care too."
You suppress the urge to decline or resist this. In a way, it's a bit of punishment for letting the stress pile up like this and in a way, it'll be kind of nice to be pampered.
The spa is relaxing as always. The cucumbers over the eyes, the facials, the mud soaking, and the rest of it. You find yourself so relaxed in the sauna that you nearly nod off for a bit. Once your head drops, you jolt yourself awake.
"Ooo, that's no good. Come on, let's hop out if you're feeling sleepy."
"You sure?"
"Of course. It'd be a real risk to your beauty if you slept in all that steam," Rarity says as she shoves you out without any resistance.
The two of you head over to the massage tables, where you lay down just as the spa ponies zip over.
"How are you feeling?" asks Rarity.
"Much better. Thank you for all this."
"Nonsense, you needed it... But, how are you doing? I mean more than just in the now?"
"I just let the stress pile up on me. You know how I get sometimes," you dismissively try to shrug her off.
But you know Rarity well. Just as well as she knows you. Plus she has always been a pretty good read of a mare.
"What's been going on?"
Her tone is sincere. And that's when you notice it's just the two of you in the room. Rarity must have signalled them away a moment ago. You sit up and look at her in the eyes.
You take a very long, very deep, and very need breath before speaking, "You ever have a day where everything seems to stress you out more than it should, you get paranoid and second guess everything, and you feel isolated because of it?"
"Do I ever? That's every time I get a bulk order, especially around the Grand Galloping Gala."
"That has been my past couple of months," you reply dejectedly.
"But why?"
"It's all this Anon stuff. And I don't mean teaching him. He's a pretty good student most of the time, he really tries no matter what I throw at him."
"Then what about him?"
"Just... I'm the only one who... Seems to worry about him."
Rarity sternly frowns at you.
"You know that's not true. We all do. He needs company, and the Apples have given that in spades."
"I don't mean in that sense. I... Don't you worry what goes on in that head of his? Or what if he's dangerous?"
This time Rarity's frown burrows so much, her eyes almost disappear. But you can still see the anger behind her eyes.
"Of course I do. Aside from the Apples, he spends more time with that little group than anyone else. They are always dragging him along to things, and they follow him into the Everfree sometimes. I've forbidden Sweetiebelle from going but I bet that she still sneaks away, you know how carried away they get."
Hearing Rarity's words do calm you down a bit. It's nice knowing you're not the only one who worries about this sort of thing.
"But we need to trust him, just a little."
"Yeah, I know."
"I know you know, and that's why I'm not going to lecture you Twilight. I'm just going to ask you calm down a little more."
"I'm trying," you shrug, "I just wish I had the answers."
"Well, he is quite the mystery," Rarity cheerily chirps back.
"You know what bothers me most of all about Anonymous," you ask as you recall how often the thing that bothers you most seems to change so often.
"Twi," warns Rarity, "You're here to relax."
"Right."
In a defeated slump, you fall back onto the massage table to stare at the floor.
"Go on, what is it."
"He seems very accepting. Of his place. Don't you think there'd be a bit of culture shock and depression that'd go along with his situation."
"That is odd, I'll admit. But he could be thinking that already and we just don't know it."
"I guess."
"There's a lot of possible explanations, like maybe, he's had time to go through all that and we don't know. We can't be sure until he learns to speak to us."
Then the idea hits you.
"Where did Applebloom say she met him?"
"Where? Well, it was the Everfree, wasn't it?"
"Yeah, but when?"
Rarity ponders your question for a moment but is unable to answer. And neither are you, because as far as you're aware, Applebloom never did give much of an explanation on her and Anon's encounters. Let alone their first. You thank Rarity for the spa day, de-robe, and eagerly head off to find Applebloom.
"I met him once in the Everfree and I guess he just followed me home one day," the words of Applebloom surface in your find from a far off recollection.
Due to the fact there was a strange and unknown intelligent creature with who knows what intentions at the time being, you never gave the story too much thought. Plus, it was the Everfree. Even now no pony has fully explored it or made a complete catalogue of every plant and creature hiding in there. But there's too little information there so now you intend to set that record straight.
As you wander up to the farm you begin searching for Apple looking through the trees and peering around the house for any sign of her. Then, a little out of breath, she whizzes around the corner of the barn and nearly collides with you.
"Twilight?" The surprised farm filly stammers.
"Hi Applebloom, how are you?"
"Good, has Anon got a lesson?" She asks while staring into the sky with the expression of lacking recollection.
"No," you shake your head and smile, "I was hoping talking to you about--"
"IT," shouts Anon as he extends one finger to prod Applebloom's rump.
He stops the game immediately then straightens up at the sight of you.
"Thank Twilight," he grins.
"Hello Anonymous."
"Anon, I gotta talk to Twilight for a bit. Maybe go see if Big Mac or Granny needs anything."
He nods then turns to leave in search for another Apple family member when Applebloom grabs his attention.
"But first," she thrusts a hoof into his shin rather harder but it doesn't seem to bother the creature, "You're It, and now our game is on pause."
He laughs at the cheekiness, even chuckles a little before leaving.
"Now, what did you want to talk about?"
"It's about Anonymous."
"You ain't gettin' paranoia on us again?"
"What?"
"Paranoid?" She corrects herself, a touch embarrassed.
"That's the one but no, it's not that. I swear."
Applebloom gives it some thought, she doesn't particularly examine you but rather seems to be thinking inwardly on something before deciding with a nod. Then she gestures for you to follow her into the barn.
Inside the barn you notice Anon's belongings have been moved to a reinforced upstairs of the barn.
"Applejack thought it'd give him a bit more privacy, upstairs is just for him."
You smile, then notice the proper mattress and blanket up there and smile a little wider. The Apple family really do care for him.
"Sis was saying," Applebloom offhandedly remarks while pushing two bales of hay to sit on, "She was going to ask you to give him some more lessons cause the farm work will be slowing down soon."
"I'd like that. I imagine Anon would too."
"So, what did you want to talk about?"
You clear your throat and adjust uneasily in your seat, "it's about how you two first met."
"Well, everypony knows that already--"
"Somehow, I don't think they do."
Applebloom stops and stares at you, a deadpan expression on her face so as not to betray her thoughts. And then, she smiles.
"How do you know that?"
Inside you breathe a little sigh of relief. You had some suspicions but nothing real. And even if you are right or wrong, most folks would be offended at being called out like that.
"Anon, in his own way, is distant."
"Couldn't that just the language problem?" Applebloom flashes a very knowing grin.
"No, even now with his broken language skills, he isn't the type to just befriend and follow around any pony."
"But how do you know?"
You shrug, "It's a guess. That's all I really can do after all, Anonymous really is a creature of... Anonymity."
"Well, for that pun I'm not sure I should tell you," she laughs but doesn't leave a pause in her sentences, "You're right. I met Anon a long time before he came to Ponyville."
"Why didn't you say anything sooner?"
This time Applebloom shrugs, "It just made it easier. Plus I'd get in a lot of trouble for going into the Everfree as much as I did. Never mind that it's fine now just so long as I take Anon with me."
"So, what was it like? The first time you met, that is."
"About as you might expect. I was walking in the Everfree, exploring and looking for unique plants that we might be able to grow. Then I got near the Princess' old castle and I thought I'd go have a look, no real reason why. Just a whim. And there was Anon, looking at things and making little notes in his book."
"And when he saw you?"
"I scared him something fierce, he musta thought I was a manticore or something. Then he composed himself and I think he thought I was some kind of friendly animal cause he tried to hand feed me some grass. And when I told him I'm not eating out of your dirty paws, he got an even bigger scare."
The image of Anon falling and flailing over little Applebloom gives you a little chuckle and you notice all the reminiscing has brought a smile to Applebloom too.
"He set to work right away trying to talk, sharing a few words by like... Pointing at a tree then he'd say his word for it then I'd say ours. We didn't get far. Just enough to greet each other and point things out when we went exploring. Every time he'd write in his book until..."
Her face stiffens and it's a little hard to discern what exactly is going on in her head. And being the worrywart that you are, your mind spins and whirrs with possibilities. Did something bad happen? Is she just not sure what happened next? Was she about to reveal something she'd rather hide? And then before you can come up with more, Applebloom continues.
"He kind of stopped trying to talk, we'd wander around a bit or just hang out at his camp. I wasn't really sure what was going on in his head obviously so I thought maybe," she shrugs, "He might want some alone time."
"How often were the two of you spending time together?"
"Most days. Sometimes I couldn't make it out there or was only there to see him for a little while."
"And how long did you leave him alone for?"
"Bit more than a week, I think... Applejack wanted some extra help on the farm anyway, so I used that as an excuse really."
"Was that when--"
"He showed up on the farm?" Applebloom nods, "Yeah, Anon came looking for me. I guess it was his turn to give me a fright. Granny saw him first and kicked up a whirlwind. She thought him some kind of beast, nearly attacked him with a jar she was cleaning for the zap apples."
She laughs at the memory while you recall the rest of the story from AJ's perspective. He showed up and was friendly, especially to Applebloom. They let the two eat and hang out in the barn for a while before Applebloom came out and asked for him to be allowed to stay.
"Who brought up the idea of Anon staying?" You ask, eyeing her carefully.
"I did."
"How did you know he'd want to?"
"Well... I didn't really."
"I'm just wondering when HE decided to stay."
"Oh, well, I tried to use his word for home or camp. He seemed to get it."
"Then--"
"You know, Twilight," she interrupts with a sideways glance and grin, "There is someone else you could be asking if you want to understand how Anon thinks."
"Who?" Your face blank as you didn't realise who she would say until just after you asked.
"Anon."
You shake your head and then look away to dismiss the idea entirely.
"How often do you two talk in your lessons?"
"Heaps."
"Really? Cause we've been talking quite well recently, and you know what?"
"What?"
"He knows hello. He knew it since he and I were first trying to communicate."
In a rising swell of anger, your eyes narrow as you examine every detail on her face. Her grin grows wider to the point of creasing her face and she lets out the tiniest, briefest laugh. And as you finish looking over her expression you find nothing to suggest she is lying. Which only makes the anger grow.
"He was messing with me?"
Applebloom, still smiling all the while, simply replies with a nod.
"Where is Anon?" You ask the wildly grinning Applebloom.
"Up in the far west field, where the cows usually graze."
As you get up, Applebloom remains seated. She watches you leave and you wish she would have actually came with you. This way you'd have someone or something to focus on. You could carry on the conversation or even just pay very close attention to the smug grin she had. At least that way your mind would have something to stew on and wouldn't be alone with itself.
"He was mocking me."
"Thank Twilight, yeah, thank thick-headed Twilight. That's what he really meant."
"Anon was just laughing at my expense. Silly, stupid Twilight."
And other similar thoughts echo through your mind over and over. They seem to feed off one another as you get closer to the field so you're practically ready to burst the second you get there.
Once you arrive near the herd, you notice they've all gathered around something. In the centre of it looks to be Applejack, Granny, and Anon. Pushing past, and a little shoving, you get to the commotion where one of the cows in on her side. In labour. Anon looks to be up to his elbows inside guiding the calf in its birth.
"Hey Twilight," says Applejack as she leads you back a bit, "Gertie here was having a bit of trouble, seems her poor little calf was coming out backwards. And a little slowly, which can mean all sorts of trouble. We were about to send for Dr. Fauna or maybe even Fluttershy but Anon here seems to know what he is doing. Those arms come in real handy, look."
You do. And wish you hadn't. The look of all the slime, ooze, and mucus unsettles your stomach and you dry heave. Even looking away doesn't help as you've already burned the image deeply into your mind.
"Oh, don't be like that Twi', birthing is as natural as it gets."
Gertie lets out a groan as she tries to push the calf and curiosity betrays you. You look and it sets off the dry heaving again. AJ rolls her eyes at you. Then the two of you wait patiently in silence. Even the cows wait with bated breath until the final push.
A few of the cows shove through to begin licking the newborn calf. Applejack is quick to grab and lead you out of the enclosing herd where Anon joins you. You're about to fire back up again when you notice all the... stuff is still all over his arms. It's even on his shirt, pants, and shoes. Anon kneels down with an expression of worry, he even puts a gooey hand on your withers. Which deals the final blow to your already unstable gut. As you free yourself of breakfast, Anon cleans himself off with a nearby bucket of water.
"Please don't ever, ever touch me with something like that again," you croak and shudder.
"Could Anon talk to Twilight?"
"Of course," you reply before realising he was actually talking to Applejack.
"Of course," she repeats.
There's a moment of silence as she walks away but once she disappears into the tree line, your eyes meet with Anon's for the first time. Just as you are looking him over, his eyes seem to be doing the same to you.
"What did you want to talk about?" You ask, finally cutting into the silence.
"Applebloom?"
"We talked, about you. But I think you knew that."
Anon just tilts his head with an expression of curiosity. And you remark to yourself how once upon a time his face was so foreign to you that his expressions always seemed a little off. But now that you've seen him every single day, it's as plain as the muzzle on your own face.
"For one thing, 'thank Twilight'."
As if to add insult to the injury, he laughs. Loudly. He throws his head back to send the bellowing chuffs into the sky as his belly shakes with the effort.
"Thank was... not understand."
"A misunderstanding."
He nods, "But was fun."
As takes a seat in front of you he also chuckles a little more. Yet the laughter is nothing more than innocent happiness. You sigh and shake your head at yourself as you think how Anon wasn't the only one misunderstanding.
"Sorry."
"It was just a joke," you immediately reply in order to dismiss the apology, "Nothing wrong with that."
"No. Sorry for no talking. Anon and Twilight."
"I'm sorry too," you answer as you too sit down on the soft grass with Anonymous, "I should have tried pushing conversation over learning in recent days."
You look away slightly, a little embarrassed with yourself.
"But," you add, "Your speech has progressed great. Still broken but you're very easy to understand now."
"Apples helped... Twilight?"
"Yes?"
"Can we talk?"
"Of course, what about?" you ask eagerly.
"Anonymous."
"About you? You want to talk about you?"
"Yes."
"I want nothing more, but... Why now?"
Anon gives your question some thought. His face hardens like stone as he looks for the words then he takes a deep breath and begins.
"Afraid."
The single word is so final and broad of an answer that it takes you a moment to catch on.
"Of what?"
"Of here. I... Did not want it to be home."
"I don't understand."
"Anonymous... I was afraid that... If all knew then this would be home."
"You didn't want to get attached?"
"Yes. But I think... I am ready to be known."
"Then why me?"
"Remember book?"
You nod vigorously as the possibilities of its contents have plagued your mind so often that it's impossible to forget THAT book.
"It is my... book of you."
"Me?"
He nods, "And Apples, and all ponies."
Then it is your turn to throw your head back and laugh into the sky above. Based on what you heard from Applebloom, it seemed the obvious explanation but even then you didn't expect it. Even though he is an alien, you can't help but laugh as the similarities. The both of you were making notes on one another, trying to learn to communicate, and all the while you never got around to having any conversation that would answer any questions.
"I want Twilight to know. Twilight is..."
His face creases as he struggles to find the word. You lean forward in anticipation and try to fight back the urge to give possibilities in fear that would influence his answer.
"Twilight is help... Twilight gave Anonymous words and words make Anonymous able to make here... Home."
He smiles at you warmly which you return in earnest.
"Thank Twilight."
"Hello Anonymous," you reply, somehow unable to resist the urge or even stop yourself before the words escape you. But Anon laughs, and you join in.
The two of you laugh for a little while then let silence fill the space between you for a moment. Only the cows off in the distance mooing softly in celebration of welcoming a new calf into the herd can be heard. Then Anon takes a deep breath and begins to speak with a smile.
"My real name is..."
---END---
Author's Note
So this will be the final chapter however I think this will come across as unsatisfying, especially to those who have waited so long for any kind of update but I'd like to explain a little.
I started this story on a whim, little snippets at a time with no direction or plan. Even the original idea was just "write a language barrier story." Might not sound like an issue but it's not how I write. I think out the big plot points, come up with ideas for little scenes, write jokes, and many more notes. But I always plan the meat of it.
A Word of Caution was written, deliberately, in a way that I don't write to try something new. I wasn't expecting people to enjoy it, or even that it'd be one of my most popular stories. Around Chapter 7 I tried to come up with an actual plan for it but nothing felt right for the story and at the same time I disliked going against the method I started this with.
In the end, giving the story so much freedom in direction left me unsure of where to go so I'd usually leave the story untouched. Which is why I wrote this ending. It's open ended because in part that was the way it always was written and also because I might come back to the idea through a sequel but if I do it will be with a plan and end-goal in mind. Or doing the language barrier idea in a whole new way, cause I like those stories.
Anyway, I'd like to thank those of you who read all of this and especially those who were patient for updates. Though I bet a lot who will see the update will go either "Oh, yeah. That story." or forgot entirely.
Hopefully I can interest you with another one of my stories.
Each day Anon comes to the treebrary and you try to teach him to speak. It's not until roughly a week after the lessons start that Anon finally starts to grasp the concept of forming sentences. His first solo-formed sentence kind of came as a shock.
"Come on Anon, what do you call this?" You ask for the third time while holding up a flashcard with the word 'Equestria' written on it.
"E-que-sri-a"
"Close. Very close, try again."
"E-que-sri," he pauses when he notices you shake your head no, "E-que-stri-a."
"YES!"
He smiles warmly and you let out a sigh of relief. He's gotten the hang of pronunciations for the most part but there are words that stump him from time to time.
"Thank Twilight for teach Anon speak."
You fold up the flash cards and smile warmly to yourself. Then a moment of clarity returns to you as you realise what just nearly passed in one ear and out the other.
"W-What? Say that again."
He looks at you with concern.
"Thank Twilight... For teach... speak?" He repeats slowly, now unsure of his pronounciations.
"Anon! Wow! I mean, there's still some work to be done clearly but that was good."
"Good?"
"Yes, good. And you would use me instead of Anon when you refer to yourself."
"Thank Twilight for teach Twilight speak?"
"Heh, no, not quite."
He looks all fuddled now, like he's trying to work out a puzzle. Which this all very well might be to him. You kind of let out a small laugh but thankfully Anon doesn't notice.
"So, Anon."
He breaks his concentration to focus on you.
"Seeing as you're starting to form sentences we should focus on that. Getting you to understand the basics will help you speak more often."
Anon stares.
"Let's just start."
He nods.
"Alright so, every sentence has a subject and predicate."
"Pre-di..."
"Predicate, it's the part of a sentence where something like a verb sits to further describe the subject."
His eyes goes blank. It's like you broke a light in there. Poor Anon is trying to wrap his head around what you just said and it's not going right.
"You know what, forget what I said," you nervously laugh as you pack up all the study material, "It's only been a week, we shouldn't be too hasty."
Slowly, Anon gives you a nod but his mind is still very much stuck. Thankfully, a knock at the door takes his focus and yours. When you open it, you're greeted by the smile of the orange mare, Applejack.
"Howdy Twilight, how goes the lessons?"
"Pretty well, he's starting to make sentences on his own but--"
"Really? Hah, he'll be speaking perfect in no time then."
"Ah, it's still a while yet."
"Psh, Anon has to be pretty clever to be getting the hang of it this fast. He'll be better at it than me in no time."
"but I still think--"
"Oh, yeah, before I forget. We'll need Anon's help in the day if we want to make it in time for cider season."
"I'm not sure it's a good idea for him to be skipping lessons."
"I realise that, but we need the extra help," AJ replies a little aggressively.
She's likely just tired, hence the mood that she has suddenly brought down. You're not offended but you are taken off guard. Anon however is just looking between the two of you as the conversation carries on. It's likely he's trying to piece together what you're talking about but his face screws up with each baffling word.
"What if I came over after the work is done, in the late afternoon if I have to."
She ponders for a minute before nodding.
"Yeah, that'll work great. He'll probably be tired by then, but he needs those lessons."
And with that, she and Anon take off home.
