Author's Note

Sorry it's been a while. I've been enjoying some time to myself while I can as I've recently been able to spend more time with my fellas playing Valorant and stuff. This chapter isn't terribly great either because it's mostly for world building on what's going to happen and what may happen to Anon in future chapters, but things should start to have more interactions and appeal in the next chapter and so on. I do hope you keep reading more chapters that'll come out soon, some parts in this chapter are just skipped to the next event because it might get a little repetitive and boring if I just input the necessary generic dialogue into it so I just put summaries on what happened. I know some people don't like that, but really it's just part of the "Anon fitting in act" and I personally think it's just better to skip and explain the dialogue in between. I hope you enjoy the chapter anyway, and please await the next chapters because I really have a few entertaining plans in mind. Have a good read now, and have a good day.

Learning the act

You feel a warm and soft object prodding all over your face, assaulting you away from your slumbers before even the sunlight can. A resonating voice does the same as well as the sound becomes more and more coherent.

“...non, wake up.”

You open one eye to see that it’s Trixie. You wonder what’s going on, and what time it is.

Noticing your awakening, Trixie stops poking you before she accidentally hits your eye.

In response, you boop her nose as you get up in a seated position. As you do, you pretend not to see the glare she’s giving you from your shameless act of harassment.

You take a look by the window. It seems the sun has barely risen over the horizon, lighting up the environment but not enough to remove the soft blue scenery.

“Good morning, Trixie. I take it you need me for something?” you yawn and stretch around a bit as you wait for her response.

“Trixie just wanted to make sure you were not dead.”

You give her a blank stare.

She gives you a blank stare.

You both simply stare at each other until you respond, “I’m not.”

Yet.

Not for a second time, at least.

“That was a joke. Trixie expected you to laugh.”

“Oh. Well I did find it funny.”

“Trixie really woke you up because Starlight said she needed to have a word with you.” she reveals just as you stand by your bedside.

Have a word with you?

The only time anyone words it like that is when it’s bad news.

“Do you know anything about it?” you ask.

“Perhaps. Though Trixie thinks it’s better for you to find out for yourself.

Fair enough.

“Come, the holiest meal of the day is ready and awaits shelter in your stomach.”

Breakfast? Beautiful.

You follow Trixie out your room and you soon arrive by the dining room.

“Starlight, Trixie woke the hyoo-man up.” Trixie takes a seat next to the lavender mare.

“Good morning, Starlight.” you greet.”

“Trixie! I told you to just check if he’s awake! By Celestia, you never do what I ask!” Starlight reprimands.

“You love me anyway.” Trixie kisses Starlight on her muzzle.

Starlight quickly loses her steam as she stares at Trixie. Her anger quickly turns into light chuckles as she finds herself smiling, “Well...that I do. I’m sorry I got mad at you. I guess I’ve just been too tense lately.”

“Starlight is forgiven.” Trixie assures her.

Cracking a smile, they both lean in for a hug.

“Should I come back another time?” you interrupt after a moment of silence.

“Oh. Please, come eat with us. You can take what you want from the fridge.” Starlight addresses you after breaking from her embrace.

“Thanks.” you take up her offer.

A conversation ensues as you rummage through the fridge.

“Hey, Anon.” Starlight starts.

“Yeah?”

“We never really got to ask what your usual diet is.” she points out.

“Well, there’s livestock meat, fruits and vegetables. That’s about the basics of it.” you sum up as you find your holy grail, “But this oatmeal should do for now.”

“Meat? We don’t have any here but that can be arranged.” Starlight offers you a seat as her words intrigue you.

“Wait, really? I thought ponies don’t eat meat.” you take a seat.

“Recent social diversities in Equestria has greatly changed our system. With the increase of carnivores to a great degree, some markets selling meat were constructed for them.” Trixie explains for Starlight.

“Oh, right.”

You almost forgot where you were.

You seem almost brood, but you catch yourself before Starlight or Trixie can.

Though you do catch Trixie looking at your oatmeal, and there’s a hint of distaste on her face.

“Something wrong?” you ask politely.

“No no. Trixie does not favor oatmeal for such a holy meal, but your taste are not yours. However, the Generous and Compassionate Trixie is willing to share some of her breakfast with you.” she kindly offers.

Ah, fair enough.

“Thanks for the offer.”

It seems they’re both having strawberry and blueberry pancakes with chocolate chip cookies.

Starlight steals a chomp out of Trixie’s plate of pancakes.

“Hey! That was not offered for-” Trixie starts to protest, until she’s cut off by Starlight shoving a fork of her pancakes in her mouth.

Starlight chuckles as she chews down her pancakes and swallows before planting a kiss on Trixie’s muzzle, winning her a blush from Trixie.

Cute.

You could really use some oatmeal right now though, but you’re down for some cookies and pancakes tomorrow.

“Oh, you wanted to talk about something right, Starlight?”

“Actually, I did. I take it you’ve met our resident party-pony, Pinkie Pie.”

“...”

“...”

“Mind if we take this outside?” you request.

“If that makes you feel better.”

You both leave Trixie at the dining table as you both enter the hallway, though you bring your oatmeal with you.

“So...when Pinkie found out you’d be staying here, she told me about what happened with you.” Starlight starts.

Word sure goes around fast here. Then again, Starlight IS a guidance counselor. It would only make sense for ponies to come talk to her about things.

“Starlight, do you know why I like eating oatmeal so much?”

“No, I don’t know. Mind telling me?”

“Neither do I. I don’t really like it much either, actually. But I guess there’s a part of me that likes it so much because of how bland it tastes to remind me that maybe feeling nothing at all is better than feeling anything else.”

That was a little edgy, but thoughts like that do scatter around in your head from time to time.

“Are you trying to tell me something?” she raises an eyebrow at you.

“If I am then it’s something you can’t find out yet, and I’m not gonna tell you.”

She glares at you with an expression of worry and annoyance.

Good grief.

You groan, “If I promise to patch things up with Pinkie, will you drop it?”

“For now, yes. But when the time comes, I’d appreciate it if you tell me what’s going on.”

What really is going on?

Well, all you know is that you don’t feel great about it.

…

“Hey, it’s okay. I’ll be here if you need me.” she places a hoof on your thigh as she looks deep into your eyes with compassion.

You drop to your knees and put down the bowl I oatmeal on the floor to give Starlight a tight hug.

Just what you need right now.’

“Hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all.”

You bring her closer and closer until you realize you’ve taken a bit too long, so you let her go.

“Thanks. Anyway, you know a place where I can get a job?”

“I have an idea. You wanna go now?”

“Now’s a better time than any.”

“Nice place.”

You soon found yourself roaming around the halls of Twilight’s school. It certainly looks better than in the pictures.

“We maintain the place well.” Starlight explains.

You’re accompanied by Starlight. Trixie had some other business to take care of first.

“So that job, I’m guessing it’s to be a teacher?” you ask.

“Yup. Well, that is, if you think there’s something you can teach.”

“Hmmmm…. I might have something in mind.”

“Great, you can check out the school first then come back to me if you think you might like working here. I’ll go finish up some paperwork in the meantime.”

Starlight trots off into the many hallways of the school, leaving you to your own devices.

The halls seem pretty empty for the most part, but then again, it’s a Saturday.

You roam around for a few hours, just aimlessly remembering, well…everything.

Was everything you lived for all for naught?

…

No.

It’s not the time to think like that, not yet.

In an attempt to feel better, you try to think of the many happy things that you can do now that you’re in the magical land of horse show.

Tea time with Fluttershy.

Scheduled exercise with Rainbow Dash.

Tailoring with Rarity.

Apple farming with Applejack.

Lengthy discussions with Twilight.

And-

Oh...right…

Guess that little motivational attempt didn’t work.

Now that you think about it, you probably can’t do most of that now that things have changed.

…

At least you can still do things with everyone else. Maybe even better things, like flying kites with Starlight. You’ll talk to her about that soon.

Your spirits are slightly lifted, but not enough to fill your empty and hollow expression with life.

An expression so devoid of empathy that a certain blue Pegasus takes notice.’

“Hey champ, you don’t look too hot. You alright?”

In front of you is, as you’d know it, Rainbow Dash. Complete with her Wonderbolts jacket and new hairstyle.

She keeps herself flying steady to stay face-to-face with you as a look of concern is all over her face.

“Oh, hey. Sorry, I’m fine. Just...thinking.”

It seems that the diversity here’s so abundant that you’re not exactly a peculiar anomaly, even if you are one of a kind.

She hovers a little less before landing on the ground to stand properly before you.

“Mind if I ask what you’re thinking about?” she asks.

“Just about getting a job here. But I guess I’m pretty dead set on it already.”

“You’re gonna start working here? Awesome! You don’t have any idea how long it’s been since we got new staff here.” she hops in place, a little to giddy.

Guess new faces are very welcome here.

“So what’ll you be teaching?” she continues, breaking your train of thought.

“Oh, well. That’s...a secret.” you give her a smug grin as she pouts at you.

“Actually, I’m just a little hesitant about it. I’m not entirely sure if it’s a great subject.” you voice out your concern.

“Well, if you ask me, just follow your heart.”

...How fitting.

Your heart yearns to be loved, but why did it end up like this?

No, shake those thoughts off buddy. Now’s not the time.

“Thanks, uhhhh…?” you feign ignorance of her identity.

“Rainbow Dash.”

“Anonymous. Anon, for short.” you extend your hand out as she hoofs it in return.

“Well then, Anon. I’ll see you around. I still got some work to finish but I really hope you get the job.” she stretches her whole body as she says so.

“Thanks. I’ll see you around too.” you manage to reply right before she bursts off with a beat of her wings.

“Oh, hey Anon. Have you decided yet?”

Starlight just rounded the corner of the hallways before noticing you.

“Actually. Yeah, I have. I wanna teach literature.”

Starlight was happy to hear that you wanted to work at the school. Of course, an interview was still due to see if you’re up for the job. Strangely enough, an interview was already set. Today. Then again, the place didn’t seem to be terribly busy on a Saturday.

That’s why you’re here now, at lunch, with Fluttershy. As employee of pretty much every month, she’s designated in hiring new staff to see if they’re up to par. You kinda hope you won’t get the job, but as things are now, this is probably the most ideal job you can have. Nice place, not too far, it’s not that bad.

“What would you like to order?” a blue unicorn waitress approaches your table.

“I’ll have a salad, please.” Fluttershy meekly orders.

“A burger for me.” you order.

With a quick scribble, the waitress smiles at both of you and goes off to get your food ready.

You look around the restaurant as you wait for your meal. It’s really nostalgic being here. It’s a classy and humble little diner. Black and white square tiles, red stools, the scent of fried food, the works. It’s also been opened rather recently according to Starlight. There’s all sorts of different species dining happily in it right now, mainly due to the fact that it’s run by a griffon so the place sells meat meals too.

“How have you been since you got here, Anon?” Fluttershy takes you out of your reminiscing.

“Oh, well. It’s been pretty good I’d say. Everyone’s been so nice since I got here.”

Before she can reply, a small flash of light appears beside her.

“Having lunch without silly ol’ me, hmmmmm?”

“Oh, Discord. I’m just interviewing somecreature for a position to be a teacher at Twilight’s school.”

Fluttershy’s focus returns to you as she implies you don’t know Discord.

“Oh, Anon. This is Discord. He’s my, well…. He’s my, hihihihi.”

Both Discord and Fluttershy starts giggling with each other.

“Anon, eh? Good to see you.” Discord extends his paw for a handshake after both of them settle down.

You give it a grasp in return.

Oh? Well that’s a rather tight grip he’s got there. You also notice a hint of hostility on his eyes.

You’re still on the safe zone considering you don’t see Fluttershy that way.

Perhaps it’s your madness getting to you, but you crack him a smile in return.

“Well then, it’s best I take my leave. Good luck and have fun, dear.” Discord plants a kiss on Fluttershy’s forehead before disappearing.

Fluttershy seems to have a light blush on her cheeks as she stares at where Discord just was.

After a second, she shakes off her thoughts to return to her business, “O-oh my! I’m sorry you had to see that. It’s not rare for Discord to do that, especially when I’m at work.”

“Don’t worry about it. The day’s still lovely.”

“Here’s your orders!” the waitress returns once more, this time with food in tow in her magic.

You and Fluttershy give your thanks to her as she leaves with a smile.

You inspect the burger that’s now in your hands. It looks just like a regular burger you’d find in a regular diner.

“Oh, don’t worry. That burger’s ethically made.” Fluttershy comments.

Well then. That’s certainly not strange of her to say given how much things have changed, but it’s certainly a little different from the Fluttershy you remember.

You look at the burger once more, wondering how ethical is ethical enough for Fluttershy to approve.

As you stare, she says, “I wouldn’t worry about the interview if I were you. This is just supposed to be lax and fun, everything technical will be taken care of by Starlight. I’m just here to see if you’re suitable to be a teacher.”

“Thanks, but I suppose I shouldn’t keep you from your meal.”

“Oh, right. Let’s eat!”

The interview was pretty standard. A couple questions here and there as you both ate your meals in peace. Questions like what you would do in certain situations and things you’ve done.

You insisted on paying for both your meals considering how Twilight gave you a rather generous amount of bits to help you get settled in. Eventually, she let up and you paid for the bill, making sure to leave a nice little tip for the kind mare waitress that served you.

“So why literature?” Fluttershy asks as you’re both nearing the entrance of Twilight’s school.

“I’m not really too sure myself, but I for one think that it’s a branch of philosophy and that’s something really special that a lot of folks could really use.”

“Really?”

“Well, I suppose it’s also to help me find my place in this world. To find out what really is my purpose in life.” you look up to the orange sky as its shining sun will soon set, “I don’t exactly feel like I’m on top of the world every morning I wake up, but whenever I look at Celestia’s bright horizons or Luna’s starry night sky, I feel like there’s more to life than just this. Like it’s all bigger than it really is. Like all of this means something.”

You catch yourself just going off.

“Oh, sorry. Don’t mind me. It’s just thoughts I get on the get go.” you excuse yourself.

“You can speak your mind if you feel like you need to get something out of your system. I don’t mind listening.”

“Perhaps that’s a tale for me to tell another time. Are we done with the interview now?” you ask, seeing as the day is almost over. You both did have lunch a little late.

“Hmmmm...one more thing. Could you tell me something poetic?”

Really? That’s it? Time to spew inspiring nonsense then.

“In the long journey that I’d treaded, perhaps it was I who was the fool all along. A repetitious process of moving forward, blinded by the treasures of the end not realizing that the final steps we take will all be for naught, for the end has no merits. We keep walking, but we don’t know the reason…. No...there’s a glimmer of hope in every step we take, a sign that proves that perhaps not all is lost. We have not much, but we have a little faith, and that...that much is enough. We’re all clowns at the end of the day, so let’s go out with a bang, living merrily in our long path towards the unknown without a care for what lies in the end. Come now, fellow clowns. The circus awaits.”

That was pretty edgy. And a little cringe. But hey, whatever sounds like it comes from an old book about inspirational messages is good enough in your book of bullshit.

“We good?” you ask right after.

“Mhmm. We’ll tell you what’s going to happen after a few deliberations. I should go home now though. Discord’s waiting for me. Have a good day now, Anon.”

“You too.”

A portal opens up as Fluttershy walks through. Seeing what’s inside, it’s definitely the chaos dimension.

Well then, better go back to the castle.

“E-excuse me, mister. Your name is Anon, right?”

…

Well then…

You turn around to answer the pink pony that’s almost a little too worried, “That’s short for Anonymous, yes.”

“I just wanted to apologize for yesterday. I didn’t mean to make you so upset.”

“Again Pinkie, it’s not your fault. I was just...a little out of it, I needed some time alone. I guess I just didn’t feel important enough to be around.” you don’t really feel like lying to her too much when you don’t have to.

Pinkie’s about to burst an inspirational and motivational speech that’ll probably go on for a long while just to try to make you feel better, but you prevent her from doing so with a finger to her muzzle, “But I’m fine now, and I don’t mind having some company around.”

“Well, I was just about to go home and have dinner with my family. You can come with! B-but that’s only if you’d like.”

You’d really rather not, but given the situation, it might be a little rude to decline.

“Sure, I guess. I don’t really have anything planned tonight.” you answer, knowing you’ll regret what’s to come.

“Great!” with a comical off-screen dash, she grabs your hand and you find yourself in front of Sugarcube Corner.

You’re not too surprised that just happened, even if Twilight’s school isn’t too far from here. As a matter of fact, it’s bringing you some nostalgia.

“Here we are!” she leads you inside where your eyes are met by Li’l Cheese playing with plush toys on the floor with Pumpkin Cake. Must be closing time already.

“Hi Pumpkin! Hey there kiddo!” Pinkie reaches in and nuzzles her son, an action that he returns in kind to his mother.

“Hey Pinkie! Who’s your friend? Is that Anon?” Pumpkin addresses with a little excitement.

“Yes indeedly! I invited him over for dinner.”

“Well then, welcome to Ponyville Mr. Anon!” Pumpkin greets.

“Thanks. I’ve been enjoying my stay so far.”

“So where’s Cheese?” Pinkie asks Pumpkin.

“He’s been making dinner. He should be done in a little while.”

“I’ll go help him out then.” Pinkie replies just as she enters the swinging doors to the kitchen, leaving you with Pumpkin and Li’l Cheese.

The mere sight of this place revolts you. You’re not sure how long you can keep a straight face here.

You try to ease your mind by focusing on Pumpkin playing with Li’l Cheese.

Okay, that’s not helping at all. Just pretend he’s not her’s.

“Hey champ, how you doin’?”

“Are you a monkey?” he asks.

“I’m sorry. He’s still at the age where he’s a little blunt about things.” Pumpkin apologizes for Li’l Cheese. You don’t really mind though. It’s cute, if anything.

“That’s quite alright. And no, I’m not a monkey. I’m a human.” you answer his question.

“What’s a human?” he follows up.

“Well, let me tell you.”

You had a nice little talk with Pumpkin and Li’l Cheese. Mostly talking about yourself and answering the questions they’d asked, but it was a nice talk anyway. Li’l Cheese did seem to enjoy your hand ruffling his mane. You could tell by how much he leaned into your ear scratches.Pumpkin seemed to think it was cute too.

A few minutes later after Pinkie shouted that dinner was ready, Pumpkin led you and Li’l Cheese to the dining room.

Once you enter, there he is.

“There’s the stallion of the hour!” Cheese Sandwich trots next to you and wraps his hooves around your shoulder in a friendly manner. Despite his kind demeanor, you feel yourself boiling up inside. You can tolerate Li’l Cheese because he seems like a nice foal, but Cheese...well…

“Nice to meetcha, Anon!” he greets.

“Good to see you too. Full name’s Anonymous.” you force courtesy out of yourself.

“Mine’s Cheese Sandwich, this wonderful mare’s husband.” he points to Pinkie, winning him a blush from her.

“Oh, you must be hungry! Let’s eat!” Cheese says as everyone, including you, takes a seat on the dining table. Pound Cake must be busy working or something then, considering how only his sister is here.

“Pasta!” Li’l Cheese cheers upon seeing the grand dinner that’s prepared. A nice bowl of vegetarian pesto pasta.

“That’s right, buddy! Your favorite. Eat up!”

The bowl is passed and everyone takes a decent amount for their plates.

“So Anon, I heard you were feeling a little lonely.” Cheese breaks the silence.

Those weren’t exactly your words, but you suppose that likely assumption can be derived from what you said.

“Well, you wouldn’t be wrong.” you tell him. Quite truthfully even though you’ve known them all for quite a long time, you don’t actually have much friends here yet. You doubt it’s that difficult to make any in the first place, but still, you really don’t have much friends here yet.

“If you’re interested, I can be your wingpony. You don’t really need to if you don’t want me to though. I’d understand.” he offers.

Well then…

You suppose relationships do solve that problem of loneliness, and you do need some love, but you didn’t except this.

“Ooooh! Anon! Cheese is a really super duper great wingpony! I guarantee it!” Cheese and Pumpkin giggle at Pinkie’s enthusiasm as Li’l Cheese eats away.

“S-sure, I guess.” you answer with a little reluctance.

“Great! Let me tell you Anon, I’m gonna find the perfect lady for you!”

…

You feel your anger subsiding as it converts itself to sorrow.

What the hell are you doing?

Here you are, agreeing to having your dearly beloved’s husband find a lady for you.

You just feel...empty.

Everyone seems to be having a good time while you just put on a facade of joy.

You wonder what’s gonna happen to you from now on.

Can you really be okay like this?