In Search Of...

by rattled404

Rating: teen
Tags: Anon, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Second Person, Princess Cadance, Romance, Shining Armor
Length: 5840

When you were growing up as the only human in the Equestria you knew you were different. With your canine fangs and being an omnivore, you gave up on having friends. Until one alicorn change it all.

When you were growing up as the only human in Equestria you knew you were different. With your canine fangs, these wrigglers you have on your hoof and being an omnivore, you gave up on having friends. Until one alicorn change it all.

I might switch it to third person depending on the story's perspective or you guys' opinion. Cover art is done by me.

5/26/2019 Holy moly I did not expect this story to be featured on the same day, thank you so much!
3/6/2020 Sweet apples it's featured again! Thank you guys so much!

Published 2019-05-26 21:50:01 UTC
Last updated 2020-11-21 17:17:50 UTC

Chapter 1: Upside Down

You don’t remember much about your life as a child. After all, you were only there until you were four years old. Just like everyone else nothing much could be remembered about your childhood, you vaguely remember the world you were born of. That small memories of your “home” was always threatened by the rest of the memories in Equestria. Then again you did live here most of your life.

How mom found you wasn’t all that grand either. Just one day she found you crying alone in the garden during her midnight walk. Not remembering a single thing except your name with a rosary you clutched tightly to. The scholars never found what it represented but you kept it because it was the only thing that connected to the home you were born in.

Growing up in a land of ponies wasn’t great either, you were ostracized because of your appearance by your school mates. Can you blame them? Unlike the rest you got as taller you got older, only your mom could meet your eye level, well not anymore since you got taller.

Not to mention the fangs you have, when you smiled it always scared anypony you met for the first time. The whole “omnivore” thing also freaked other ponies out, you tried eating what others ate to fit in but you needed meat.

Even your personal physician Precise Stitches told your mom so. You only wished he told him without telling her that you fainted because of malnutrition. That was a fun day...

The only part that didn’t bother much was your hoof… you never did find a word for those wriggler thing you have instead of hooves.

You let out another sigh as the specially made backpack leaned on the table. Another year of school would begin. You hated school for these reasons:

The ponies that either feared you or bullied you followed since all children of nobility went to the same school.Because of that you never had a chance to make a friend.

You never had a friend. The fact that you were the royalty didn’t help either.

You can never eat lunch in peace. You always ate inside the toilet since the ponies would be disgusted by your diet.

If someone did try to be friends they only did it because of your status and their parents force them to so they can win favor.

Being alone sucks and you now realized your families didn’t count as friends… or your servants/guards.

You never told your mom since she had more important things to take care of. Something petty as bullies didn't discourage you. Whenever she asks about your school you always say that it’s going well with a smile, maybe fabricate a story here and there. White lies never hurted anypony. Not like she could tell when you were lying, you did this since elementary school.

The bed you lied on was soft, too soft since you wanted to be awake before the dreaded day would come. First kingdom problems, isn’t it?

The next morning the monotonous schedule would be changed. Waking up early in the morning, even before the servants would wake up you dress up and get your backpack. It looks clear, the batpony guards for the nights are just beginning to change shift with the dayguards. You managed to slip by pretending to get some early trotting, in your backpack and school uniform, perfectly normal. That was when you saw your personal night guard, Umbra.

“Where do you think you’re going your highness?” Umbra asked with a flat tone.

You sputter, thinking of some kind of excuse. “I’m going to…”

The silence was painful and Umbra wasn’t the type to be gullible, especially when it came to her job. Batpony in general were more observant and perceptive, which was why they were the night guard, and your personal guard.

“A trott. I’m going trotting.” You say confidently.

“You’re going for a trotting, this early in your school uniform on your first day of school?” Umbra asked incredulously.

“Y-yes.”

Umbra raised her eyebrow in suspicion, then narrowing her eyes to a stern glare. She knew about you more than you do, maybe even more than mom.

“Then I’ll accompany you.” Umbra said.

You stutter for a response. “N-no it’s ok. Besides, your shift is almost ight? Don’t you want to sleep?”

“I got few hours until Spearhead replaces me, that should be enough right your highness?” Umbra asked.

Shit. There was no way out so you decides to your best weapon, the wriggers. Umbra first held her reaction as your wrigglers scratch her chin then to her head, Umbra confidently looks at you, she got better at resisting, it used to work. By your mother’s name was she beautiful, you always wonder why she decided to join the guards when she could’ve been a model. While she enjoyed herself you quickly run past her and to the exit, at least that was your plan until Umbra flew past you to block the exit.

“Nice try your highness.” Shq said smugly.

“Oh come on! Can’t you let me sneak out for once?”

Umbra shook her head. “Then I won’t be doing my job. It’s just one day your highness. I’m sure you can bear with it.”

“A royal procession is a pain in the flank. And I don’t want mom- I mean mother to show herself at my school to say goodbye like I’m some filly. Don’t you know how embarrassing to have everypony's eyes on you?"

Umbra quirked an eyebrow again Of course she knows, and it’s kinda redundant when you look different from the rest of the ponies and basically tall enough to kick them like a hoofball. Still, you never liked the attention.

“I understand but no means no, your highness.” Umbra said sternly.

“I’ll get you a day off.” You offered.

She shook her head. “You know you can’t bribe me, your highness.”

You hang your head in defeat. Umbra pats on your knee, you kneel down to let her pat your head. Her lips curved to a smile.

“Come on your highness, maybe it won’t that bad. How about we get breakfast together? Get your mind off few things.” Umbra suggested.

“Fine.”

Usually the meals were sent to your room or in the royal dining room, the latter being seldom. The usual meal that you enjoyed was replaced with a salad, even if it was an egg some ponies weren’t so keen of your diet, and the only chef that was willing to cook meat was still asleep.

“You should eat Prince Anonymous. You got a big day ahead of you.”

“I’m not hungry, I already got butterflies in my stomach.” You said as you play with your salad.

“I don’t see why you’re worried. How bad could it be?” Umbra asked.

That question. That bucking question. That question you’ve been asking yourself for years. Which it always went wrong, it became like a omen really, whenever someone asked that question something definitely went wrong. You enjoyed your salad but soon interrupted by a rumbling hoofsteps. Ten- no twenty guard recruits walked in a organized, single file of line. Every year you go with your mother to watch their graduation. It was certainly better than Grand Galloping Gala.

“Attention on deck! Prince Anonymous Incognito of Equestria on deck!”

The booming voice made you flinch like a released spring. Your hoof slams on the edge of the bowl. The bowl then spinned in the air then landed on your head along with the content inside the bowl. There was a painful silence, echoinging with the stifle of Umbra’s muffled laughter. The drill instructor galloped over to you then bowed with a concerned look on his face.

“Y-your highness I didn’t mean to.”

“It’s fine Sergeant.” You tiredly say, though it was comforting to know that the worst has already come to pass. “I’m sure you didn’t mean this to happen. Please rise.”

The drill instructor pony rose back up, gave an apology again and was about to left until one chuckle unluckily echoed loudly. You could see the Drill Instructor already catching the poor soul. The painful silence intensified to a lethal one. You don’t know much about military but you knew how scary they can be.

“RECRUIT!” The Drill Instructor stomped over. “YOU JUST SIGNED YOURSELF A YEAR LONG RIDE OF PAIN AND I WILL PUSH MY HOOF DOWN YOUR THROAT THEN-”

The Drill instructor stops, he was in front of you after all. You think it was worse the fact that he couldn’t finish his threat. At least you think so by the look of the white unicorn’s body. The Drill Instructor went close to the unicorn then whispered, and whatever it was, it made the white unicorn paler.

Umbra acted like nothing is going on and continued her meal while you watch in morbid curiosity. Still, you had to do something, or else that stallion would die. You take off the bowl then walk up to the Drill Instructor.

“Your highness, no need, I am going to discipline him so he knows what-”

“Sergeant, may I ask you to forgive the recruit?” You ask politely, in the most regal way possible, your mom did teach one or two things. “I mean I’m ok so there’s no need to right?”

The Drill Instructor looked shocked. But he couldn’t fight royalty, technically he can since your title was hollow, just all flash but no authority. You know you’re way out of line and you’re scared shitless despite knowing nothing will happen to you.

“Of course your highness, as you command.”

You briefly meet eyes with the white unicorn. It was hard to tell what he was thinking of and the awkwardness stifled your breath. This was the first time you ever ordered someone, excluding servants.

“What’s your name?” You ask.

“RIGHT… FACE!” The Drill Instructor commanded.

The formation just turned right.

“SALUTE!”

The ponies all saluted as they were ordered to, this made it more awkward for you but traditions were traditions.

“That is Recruit Armor.”

You remember how your mom inspected the soldiers and you imitate her. You walk over to him then… what was the word again? Appease? At beast? At least? Bat Please?

“At peace guard pony?”

Nailed it. No wait, the recruit isn’t doing anything and looks more perplexed than you did on your first day of Herathwarming’s Eve. Why can’t you remember something that simple when you seen it like thousands of times?

“HE SAID AT EASE ARE YOU DEAF AND BRAINLESS!” The kind Drill Instructor politely corrected.

“NO SIR!”

“THEN GO AT EASE RECRUIT!”

“AYE AYE SIR!”

Wait did he just say “aye aye”? You thought they were in the royal guard, not in the navy. This was more difficult to understand than you thought.

“What’s your name?”

“Sir, this recruit’s name is Shining Armor Sir!”

Did he just spoke in third person? Uh oh, the Drill Instructor doesn’t look happy either.

“Did you just call him Sir? Recruit does he look like an offi-”

You squat down to meet his eye level but not too close and you smile without showing your teeth.

“Nice to meet you Shining Armor, um...” You interrupted but wasn’t sure what to say. “Why did you join?”

“To serve Equestria and the royal family, your highness!”

The Drill Instructor was silent, thankful that the recruit got it right. You inhale silently, preparing your regal voice that you’ve been practicing.

“Shining Armor, I thank you for your dedication and your courage to join. I’ll look forward for your graduation.”

Armor died to a silence, something only your mom could do. The Drill Instructor save you and him by ordering them to head for the line. You gave a royal goodbye then went back to the table. The rest of meal went well and the Umbra got relieved of her post, Spearhead was opposite of Umbra, that is he played along with your mischief time to time, and he was probably your friend.

Inside your room you lie on the bed with your uniform, not paying mind that your uniform might get wrinkled. Spearhead leaned on the wall.

“You gotta be kidding me Anon!” Spearhead said while laughing.

You feel the blush heating your cheeks, Spearhead’s laugh didn’t help either.

“I panicked ok? I didn’t know it was supposed to be ‘at ease’.” You said indignantly.

“You’ve been to countless ceremonies, how can you not forget?”

“Oh kiss my flank.” You say defeatedly, you bury head to the pillow. “I don’t want to go to school.”

“Why go then, you used to do home schooling… I guess in this case it’s palace schooling.”

“Yeah that was until mom thought I should be with other ponies and learn to socialize. If I just suddenly change mom’s gonna worry and she has enough on her plate already.” You say tiredly.

“You mean it’s not filled with cake?”

An ugly chortle of chuckle drags out. You’re not gonna lie, she did like cake to a… unique degree. She was no cook but you’re glad she wasn’t, Equestria forbid if she learns how to cook. A soft knock distracts your attention in the conversation.

“You do realize bullying a royal is a death sentence?”

“It’s not.” You correct.

“Well… it might as well be. Are you sure my boys and I teach his family a lesson? You know my men looks up to you. I don’t know how you made all of your guards keep silent on it.” Spearhead said.

The cool blanket is soft on your skin. You wrap yourself like a rolled up carpet. It’s true you can just tell your mom and get it taken care of but… She’s busy, that being an understatement. The last thing she need is more to worry.

“Look, I’m fine. I can handle it on my own.”

“Your highness, the carriage has arrived.” The servant said.

A long sigh escape from your lips.

“Let’s get this over with.”

For some lucky reason, your mom was too busy in the morning so the royal procession was to be canceled, busy enough that you didn’t see her. You thank luck for making this happen. You look at the academy, not grand and gigantic like home but guaranteed to impress just about any nobles. As expected you walk carefully around the ponies to get to your first class until a ball hits you in the head, followed by a chortles.

“Hey monkey!”

You groan. “Oh… Gold Platinum. Hi.”

Your body automatically move to let that bastard put his hoof around your neck, as if you were friends with him. That dirty looking yellow coat with silver mane looks awful but you can’t say that. He and his lackeys are just as unbearable to look at.

“I guess we’re in the same class again, huh buddy?”

You strain a smile.

“Yup. I guess… we are.”

“You know what to get me for lunch then.”

“Yeah.”

Platinum shoves you off then heads for class. The moment you enter every ponies bows which ends quickly by your gesture. You take a seat then the class began. Thanks to having no friends you poured every ounce of tie into studying, easily putting you in number one in academics. Lunch soon came and you sigh as you get the snacks you always bought for your “friends”.

“You got my lunch?”

You grumble as you hand over the bought snacks. The bastard Platinum swipe the snacks out of your hand then sharing with his goons. Platinum bucks your knee then laughs as he walks away, calling you a monkey and an ape. You sigh then look for a place to eat, unfortunately the restroom was full of students for some reason so your spot was gone.

The most insults are calling you an ape or a monkey. They were kinda right, you’re damn good at climbing trees. You find the thiccest tree then climb up to a sturdy branch. Your legs stretched as you leaned on the tree. You then fasten the belt on your waist in case you fall. The countless concussion and scolding from your mother made you smarter in climbing trees.

With a half eaten sandwich in your habd you hear some giggling of mares. You shrug then bask in the cool shades of the tree. Mares especially were afraid of you. Hiding your fangs, wearing mittens to make it look like proper hooves, it never worked. Romance was an illusion anyways.

You close your eyes and try to take a nap. A sound of wings slightly takes your attention but not enough to open your eyes, not until the sound got louder with a gentle breeze brushing your face.

“Greetings!"

A voice catches you off guard and you jolt awake from your nap. Your body falls off from the branch but the belt holds you in place. Kinda like a batpony when they sleep but held by ropes and belts while looking stupid.

You met this pony once when she became an alicorn but that was it, just a quick greeting. What was her name… Me A More Than Za? You stare at her upside down with a startled stare. That day, your view wasn’t the only thing that was going to be upside down.

Author's Note

This is my first fic, I'd love to hear what you have to say or even corrections. Thank you for reading.

Chapter 2: Differene

Be Cadance

Prince Anonymous Incognito, you never met him personally but met him at your ceremony. Though it was difficult to sift the truth and the rumors about him. His tall stature and fangs were true, so was his tendrils, whatever it was called. You wanted to greet as a fellow royalty but not too snobby, he didn’t look the type to be into the all “Canterlot Elite” vibe. You don’t know much about being a royalty but you do know that nobles don’t simply hang out with the maids and servants.

“Sweet mother!” Prince Anonymous shouted as he flipped upside down.

The group of mares you were friends with chuckled, commenting on the fact that the Prince basically called for his mom like a little colt. Can you blame the Prince? It would be weirder by calling her name like the rest of the ponies do. Then again which would be weirder? At least the Prince is still upside with a big smile… weird why would he be- no wait that’s an upside frown. You quickly undo the belts and clasps then catch him before he falls. That was what you had in mind.

When the belts and clasps release the Prince the weight drags you down with him. Never in your life did you flap your wings as if your life depended on it. The expected pain of the impact didn’t arrive but you definitely heard a thud. You then realized the Prince’s hoofs was wrapped around you.

“Ow…” Prince Anonymous croaked out. “You alright?”

You quickly get off of him then use then pull him back up with magic. There was a sadder frown on the Prince’s face, you follow his gaze to a sandwich with… what is that pink flappy thing between the bread?

“Aw haystacks… there goes my sandwich.”

“Prince Anonymous I am so-”

The group you were with swarms you around, asking if anything was injured, implying that it was because of the Prince. You could barely see the prince leaving the area with a heavier forlorn frown. When you finally got out of the crowd the Prince was gone, for a erm… creature large as him to escape so quickly baffled you. It was best to follow him after class to apologize properly.

This was no spying, not at all. You were… observing so you can find the proper timing to apologize. Still, why was he staying inside the library after classes were over? After a long waiting you prepare to enter the library with a well thought out apology. But a white pegasus with blue mane approached him, wearing the same guard armor as the guards in the castle during the day.

“Hey Spearhead.” Anon said cheerfully.

“The carriage arrived your highness, will you be staying here longer or return home?”

Prince Anonymous carried a large bag of books then followed Spearhead. Oh darn it they’re heading this way! You hide behind a pillar then watch as they go.

“Prince Anonymous, did you hear about Baron Gemhoof getting into a heated argument this morning?” Spearhead suddenly said.

Prince Anonymous chuckled. “I didn’t know you liked to listen to gossip.”

Spearhead nodded. “Well , it's just that I think it would’ve been solved if they just talked it out. They finally did but imagine how much time could be saved if they just sat down and talked.”

“Yeah you got a point there. Communication is important.”

Wait wait wait hold on a moment. Did that pegasus just looked back to you? Oh no, he knows you’ve been following him but you didn’t see him. Now he’s going to think you’re some kind of stalker!

Great job Cadance, not only you injured the only Prince in Equestria but his bodyguard now knows you followed him which totally wasn’t stalking. Sweet Celestia what am I gonna do? How am I supposed to face her if she finds out?

Now that you realized you were surprised how little you see Prince Anonymous in the castle. The castle is gigantic but still. You were kind of similar with Prince Anonymous in terms of origin. You lived in the orphanage few years ago until you became an alicorn then moved in to be Celestia’s pupil, she was the mother you never had. Not that orphanage didn’t take care of you, but ten ponies taking care of fifty and sometimes seventy orphans made it near impossible to get continuous attention. For the prince he was found in the garden, parentless and alone.

“Cadance.”

You flinched at the voice you’ve grown to love. “Princess Celestia!”

Ok a bit too loud.

“You know that you don’t have to refer to me so formally anymore. How was your first day in the academy?” Celestia asked.

“It was good. Really good and I apologize, I haven’t got accustomed to it yet..” You nervously smile with the answer.

Celestia lightly chuckled. “No need to apologize. Have you seen Prince Anonymous?”

“Oh um! I’ve seen Prince Anonymous yes.” You reply nervously. “I saw him inside the library at the end of class.”

Celestia lightly frowns at your answer. You did leave out him falling off the tree but it wasn’t a lie, you did see him at the library. Celestia pauses for a moment then returned to the conversation. You don’t know what she’s thinking but it looked serious enough to worry you.

“Cadance, may I request something of you?”

Be Anon.

There was a tower not too far from the main castle, a quiet place just a bit shorter than the astronomy tower. In the evening you enjoyed watching the sunset and the rising of the moon. You have your snacks, books borrowed from the library and a good view, it couldn’t get anymore relaxing. It was like your private sanctum away from judgmental eyes. Except for Umbra, wherever she hidden herself during her shift, but you learned to ignore that.

An echoing hoofsteps alerts you since there was no servants you called for. You were about to get up to see who it was since no one comes in here frequently but Umbra beat you to the hoof. Seriously where does she hide? You stay where you are and wait.

“Good evening Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, can I help you?”

Your eased posture stiffens up, why on Equestria was she here? It wasn’t like this place was conspicuous. Umbra returns to you to explain the situation, you tell Umbra that she can come up. The nervousness tenses you up more when the hoofsteps got closer. There she was, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, in all glory. You exchange a quick bow with each other.

“Good evening, Prince Anonymous.” Princess Cadenza said.

“Good evening to you as well Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.” You say with matching tone. “May I ask what brings you here?”

“Please, you can just call me Cadance,we’re both royals.” She said gracefully.

“Then please, call me Anon.” You say back.

Usually the servants and the guards refuses to call you that except for Spearhead. It was only allowed to be used by your mother and aunt. It wasn’t like the name was prohibited but you didn't met any pony close enough other than your family. She looks down on the ground then meets your gaze. There was a crease on her muzzle that made a small but noticeable frown.

“I just wanted to apologize at the incident in the academy. I shouldn’t have scared you when you were on the tree, especially because you don’t have any wings.”

You wave your hoof dismissively, you couldn’t believe that this was the reason why she came up to you in the evening thought you wonder how she found you. Your body eases up to your usual stance then kneel to meet her eyes, it was best to have a good eye contact when speaking with ponies. Having naturally large body, you had to make yourself non-threatening.

“Cadance, there is nothing to apologize for. It was an accident.” You say with a casual shrug. “I forgot about it before you mentioned it to me.”

“A-are you sure?”

“I guess you do owe me a sandwich.” You said as a joke.

“How about we get lunch tomorrow at the cafeteria?” Cadance offered.

You stiffen up again, scooting away from her to avoid eye contact as much as possible. The last time you went to the cafeteria was the first day of school, the frightened and stern glare were enough for you to run out. They didn’t have to speak, their body did for them. Since then you realized it was better to eat alone and not be bothered, you did try to return after an encouragement from mom but you ended up having apple sauces flung at you by the colt from a family of knights. To them, that colt was the hero and you the monster. It took hours to convince Spearhead to not report it.

“I’m good.”

“Are you sure? I’m certain that-”

“Really, I’m good. Thank you for asking.”

“It’ll be fun Anon, I can introduce you to my-”

Your hindlegs shot up, immediately towering over Cadance in height. Being almost six and a half hoof tall intimidated any ponies you spoke with. A reason why you did your best to look least threatening as possible. Though the Generals you spoken to wish you were present in negotiations, since the ponies weren’t the tallest creatures to be intimidating. It worked wondrously when you didn’t want to be spoken to, except for Umbra, Spearhead, and mom.

Cadance stepped away, fear present on her face. You ignore her reaction then gather your books and snacks, you make the artificial smile you use when speaking with other nobles or in a party, your voice also changes to accompany the smile.

“It was pleasant to speak with you Princess Cadance, I bid you goodnight.”

Whatever Cadance says is into one ear then to the next. You make a wide stride with your legs to ditch Cadance, then you remember she had wings. Darn it, this only works with earth ponies. Cadance flies ahead then stops in your track.

“Prince Anonymous I apologize if I offended you back there. Will you be willing for tea tomorrow then, with just you and I? I received some lovely jasmine tea.” Cadance says, it seems genuine enough.

“And where exactly?”

“At the gardens after class.”

An internal sigh of annoyance nearly passes through your lips if not for etiquette teaching thoroughly imbedded in your head. Tea, you never liked tea to be honest, it was just hot water with flavors you couldn’t taste. Not to mention the etiquette required to even lift the china! Having tea with any nobles implied a favor or currying in a favor, you hated it but denying the invitation was uncouth of a noble.

“Tea sounds…” bREATHE iN and out. “Lovely.”

There was a beaming smile that could shine the world. “Excellent, then I’ll see you tomorrow Anon.”

“You too.”

The gazebo at the garden was emptier than usual since not many ponies come here, except for a few that comes around to admire the flowers. This time however, there were more ponies than you liked. The ponies watched from afar watching you and Candance drinking tea. You might as well believed that noponies here ever drank tea in their lives.

Sitting across from Cadance you sip on the tea daintedly. You silently enjoy the surrounding nature, there was a difference between awkward silence and quiet serenity. As you speak with her, every sentence remained in you thoughts before spoken. With so many ponies around anything you say had an extension of royal authority, despite not having any. One time as a child you thought

You and Cadance discuss different topics. Politics, history, math, and daily life in the castle. Now that you have realized the question from last night reemerged.

“If you don’t mind me asking Cadance, how did you know where I was?”

“Oh um… one of the servants guided me to where you stay.” Cadance says.

“Is that so? That’s strange because-”

“Your royal highnesses!”

That voice, like a high pitch squeal of a pig mixed with a prolonged scratch of a chalk board the voice grinded against your ears. Seriously, why does he have to sound like that? Nevertheless, you hold your sigh as Gold Platinum stands behind the guards.

“Is that your friend Anon?” Cadance asked.

“You can say that.” You say tiredly.

The guards allowed Gold Platinum to enter the gazebo after a curt nod from Cadance and you. There was no sense of reservation from that pony, gladly taking a seat as he brought a chair himself with his magic. He even went far enough to lift his tea cup for you to pour it.

“Oh your royal highness there’s no need to!”

You’d rather pour the tea than let Cadance do it. The satisfaction of having a royal pour tea was going to be denied since it had a bigger meaning than one pony might think. Unlike you, Cadance was an actual royalty, probably going to rule an empire or a kingdom. Somepony that had a better future than you will. You’ll be damned if you let that prissy jerk have that satisfaction.

“Thank you.” Gold Platinum stated flatly then it returns to a Canterlot snob tone. “So Princss Mi Amore Cadenza, how are you liking Canterlot?”

“It’s a lovely place." Cadance said.

"Yes, I heard you are originally from Manehatten. I heard it’s quite the city. Where did you live? No doubt for a destined to be alicorn pony somewhere decadent.” Gold Platinum asked.

“Nothing of the sort. I was raised in an orpha-”

NOPE. Not only knowing Gold Platinum but the nobles in general saying something like that would make the scrutinization MUCH worse. You make the loudest cough from your lungs. One was enough to have Spearhead rush to you aid. Or not… that lazy jerk, out of all the time you needed him. Cadance went to your side quickly, good, this will be the perfect opportunity to make leave.

“Prince Anon, are you alright?” Cadance asked.

“Just fine, Princess Cadenza.”

On the bright side it seems that the tutor of hers did remind her not to refer each other on a first name basis in the public. You never did like the unspoken rules of the nobility, but just like everyone else you had to play the game, especially you. Before anything else could happen Spearhead flew over.

“Your highness are you alright?”

Spearhead was a great guardspony, somepony that understood you and well… your friend. But if you had to trust his acting skill to save your life you were better off making peace. You gave him an irked glance of “You still suck at this”, in which Spearhead replied with a shrug. You wish your cousin Blueblood is here. Yes he can be super snobby but he knew what to do in situations like these. He could insult a pony in a compliment and they’ll thank him for it. Mother forbids his father comes. Even the generals respected him.

“I am and I wish to leave. Princess Cadenza would you mind accompanying me?” You ask.

“Of course Prince Anon.”

In the carriage ride back home you saw the ire of Gold Platinum. He wasn’t the bully that many think of. He couldn’t beat you, he just loved to torment and humiliate you in the most subtle ways possible. Since most ponies here were your classmates in first grade they knew all the inside jokes. You hate it but you were a royalty, you had to act the part and not let it bother you.

“Cadance, how much did you learn about royal etiquette?” You ask.

“I just started, I’m just getting the basics.” Cadance said.

“Then you know pouring the tea to other than a royal family signifies a deep bond.” You say sternly. “Not to mention, if you mention you’re from an orphanage there might be more scrutiny in the future.”

“I… didn’t know that. Thank you.” Cadance said sincerely. “I thought they knew about my background already.”

“I’m sure they do, but The less you talk about it the better.”

“Why?”

You let out a sigh deeper than you imagined. It’s always been this way and the only time it will change was when your mom would be present. When was the last time you had a meal or even seen her?

“Because if you’re different they will judge you. Always have always will.”

“I won’t.” Cadance said with a heartfelt conviction.

“Thank you.”

She clapped her hooves together. “Anon, how about you and I explore the castle tomorrow? I bet you know all the fun places.”

Well, you knew where to hide from the crowds but you weren’t sure of “fun” places. Now that you think about it you were stuck inside the library most of the time. You were about to say no but… you couldn’t say no to that pleading face.

You weakly smiled. “Alright.”

Author's Note

Another chapter is done. Thank you for reading and commenting.

I never did like others being judge for liking the niche stuff or being different. Being different makes you, you. Don't let others discourage you for liking what others don't like or find it weird. Have a good day everyone.

Chapter 3: Castle Tours

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Chapter 4: Anon and The Dimly Lit Candle

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