A Curious Motive

Celestia set down her cup of tea sensing the change in atmosphere.

“It's a beautiful day out, why don't you all go enjoy it.”

One of the stallions turned to face her. “Your majesty?”

“I would recommend taking the back exit.” Celestia cleared her throat. “Now if you don't mind.”

Hesitant, the guards filed out of the throne room. The moment the last one left she closed the door behind them with her magic. Celestia set aside her tea and sat upright on her throne. She lifted her chin as she did when dealing with unwanted company. A peaceful silence filled the area. Light burst through the murals on the wall painting the ground a mix of vibrant colors.

The main doors to the throne room were launched of their hinges. They clattered half way down the great hall damaging the marble floor.

“Tell me Anon,” Celestia said, “How did you slither your way past Twilight and her friends?”

Anon had a smirk on his face as he began his walk towards the princess. “Celestia you know I wouldn't avoid that challenge.”

Celestia’s eyebrow twitched. “Then how is it you stand before me?”

Anon stopped and turned to face one of the murals. “When I was struck by that rainbow it was indescribable, but I'll try anyways.” His expression lost the smirk taking a more neutral look. “It pierced me down to my soul, ridding it of all possible negativity. Hate, greed, jealousy, all those emotions simply vanished.”

“Then I ask again, how-”

“Because none of those things drive me!” An aura appeared around Anon, colored near black. It faded away as he unclenched his fists. Anon continued his march, a fire in his eyes.

“After all this time, what could drive you to throw it all away, if not something malicious.” Celestia's voice was sincere. Her chin lowered so she could examine Anon carefully. His smirk returned.

“Curiosity.” Anon proclaimed. “The magic awakened in a human versus the magic of a god.”

“Do not call me that!” Celestia stood cracking the ground below her. “I am as vulnerable as any of my little ponies.”

“Except to time… or fire.”

A crack of raw magic sparked near Celestia. She took in a deep breath and started to make her way down the stairs.

“You do not know me Anon. You do not understand the burden such powers come with,”

Anon and Celestia met stopping inches from each other.

“But you're about to.” Celestia wrapped herself and Anon in magic and teleported away, leaving the throne room void of life.

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“What in the hay are you eating?”

Anon jumped at the voice appearing behind him. He managed to catch his plate before it hit the ground. He turned to see the cyan pegasus hovering right outside the castle window.

“It smells awful.” Rainbow Dash said plugging her nose.

“It’s fish.” Anon replied. “That would be why I am eating it next to the window.” He held out the dish for inspection. Dash shied away from the repulsing meal.

“Rainbow,” Twilight whined, “Can’t you just use the door for once.”

“Nope.” Dash flew around to another window and entered the castle. “So, it eats meat?”

“Not it, he.” Twilight walked over examining the notes she had been taking. “We figured that was the case when we saw his cuspids.”

Rainbow Dash tilted her head.

“His canines.” Twilight tried again.

Dash’s head tilted further. “He has dogs?”

Twilight face hoofed. Spike giggled.

“His teeth.” Spike pointed at his fang.

“And it's not meat he needs, it’s protein.” Twilight clarified. “He can that through nuts, heavier greens, and some dairy products.”

Anon shifted on the ledge trying not to pay attention to the ponies talking about him while he finished his meal.

“He has a combination of sharp and dull teeth usually meaning his diet consists of plants and,” Twilight cleared her throat, “Other things.”

“Where did you get the fish?” Dash asked

“Griffons have a diet consisting of fish as well so it wasn't too hard to obtain some, now that we have better relations.”

“Oh yeah, Gilda once brought fish for lunch during juniors flight camp.” Rainbow laughed at the memory. “That didn’t go well. So is he staying here?”

“I don’t see why not? The castle has more space than I will ever know what to do with.”

“Aren't you worried he’ll eat you.” Rainbow said in what she thought was a whisper.

Anon rolled his eyes. A smile peeking out on his expression.

“Um, no.” Twilight pushed Dash away. “The last few days we have focused on his biology. It’s quite fascinating Anon’s body is actually much weaker than any pony.”

Anon felt something scratch inside him. Something that wanted out. He pushed the feeling down.

Twilight levitated multiple sheets of paper to look over. “Since we don't know how long he'll be here I'm trying to gather as much information as possible. You about ready to continue Anon?”

“Yeah,” Anon stared out the window, “be there soon.”

“Well I stopped by because Pinkie is having party.” Dash said. “Thought you should come, maybe you could bring Anon. The rumors have been going wild since he left the hospital.”

“I could use a change of scenery.” Anon said. “Would be nice to learn about you equines versus the interrogation I've been under.”

Twilight brought a hoof through her mane, “I don’t know-”

“C’mon Twilight, I could really use a break from writing.” Spike said rubbing his wrist.

“But-”

Dash and Spike brought their faces together and brought out the puppy dog eyes.

“Fine.” Twilight sighed. “Let me organize these and we can go.” Twilight went into a frenzy, mumbling to herself as she levitated countless papers in multiple piles.

“So what kind of rumors should I be ready to dispel.” Anon asked Rainbow.

“Nothing too major, but if any pony screams and runs away try not to hold it against them.”

Anon laughed. “This should be fun.”

“Ok all set.” Twilight set the last sheet down and the group left, leaving the castle smelling of fresh ink.