The Sorrow series

CHAPTER 1 The book return

"Alright, kids, back on the bus!" The teacher's voice rang out as he stepped aside, ushering the children back onto the vehicle. Excited cheers filled the air as the kids waved at the employees, signaling the completion of their trip to the park. Among the last three outside were Anon and Reed, accompanied by the eldest of the group.

Anon and Reed watched attentively as the kids filed inside the bus, their responsibility heightened by the absence of an assistant. The teacher had tasked the two boys with keeping an eye on their peers. Alongside them, serving as the deputy of the trio, was Anon's sister, Ame.

Bringing up the rear, the three finally made their way onto the bus. Anon paused as the teacher stopped him with a smile, looking down at him warmly.

"Thanks, you three did very well," the teacher commended as they settled into their seats, glancing back at the cheering children as they prepared for the journey home. Meanwhile, the driver, tasked with managing a busload of boisterous troublemakers, wore a less-than-enthusiastic expression.

Anon grinned appreciatively at the teacher before taking a seat next to Reed. As the bus began to move, Reed couldn't resist a teasing jab. "Looks like you're getting all the credit this time," he remarked, earning an eye roll from Anon, who promptly pulled out his phone and handed the Nintendo Switch to Ame.

Anon chuckled. "Funny, considering you weren't exactly helping out at the haunted house," he pointed out, referencing Reed's lack of involvement, which caused the 15-year-old to frown and conceal a blush of embarrassment. Muttering something under his breath, Reed averted his gaze, prompting Anon to roll his eyes and plug in his earbuds, tuning out the conversation.

Anon sighed, letting the catching beats of Imagine Dragons wash over him. He mumbled the lyrics under his breath, his eyes growing heavy from hours of watching over the kids. Slowly, he rested his eyes, allowing himself to drift into a drowsy state. The phone returned to his pocket as he fell into a trance-like zone.

In this state, a world formed around him, taking shape in vibrant colors and pulsating with life. Anon moved with the rhythm of the music, feeling the emotions it carried sweep through his body, bringing a sense of relaxation and calmness over him.

As the song came to an end, Anon felt a jolt as Ame bumped into his leg, her expression tinged with anxiety as she glanced up at her brother. "Anon... something's not right," she said, her voice trembling slightly. Anon furrowed his brow, scanning their surroundings. Why were there trees lining the dirt road?

His attention was drawn to the teacher engaged in what appeared to be a quiet argument with the driver. The bus rumbled over some small rocks, prompting Reed to glance over at Anon. "Hey, what the heck is going on?" he asked, confusion evident in his tone.

The teacher then turned to the trio, his expression serious as he approached them. "Anonymous, Redacted," he began in a low voice, "do me a favor and keep the kids calm, alright?" His words sent a chill down their spines as they exchanged uneasy glances, realizing that something was definitely amiss.

"What's happening, sir?" Ame pushed past Anon, attempting to get a better view of the teacher. Anon glanced at the dirt path ahead before crouching down, offering a reassuring smile. "It's alright, Ame, just a wrong turn," he reassured her. Ame's anxiety ebbed slightly at the teacher's words, but it was short-lived.

"Yeah, we're completely lost now!" the driver exclaimed, his frustration evident. Ame's fear returned in full force, and the teacher's frown deepened as he exchanged a look with the driver. The outburst caused a ripple of chatter among the children in the back of the bus, their voices adding to the tension that hung in the air.

"Now, kids, just stay calm and don't..." The teacher's attempt to calm the situation was abruptly cut off as the bus came to a sudden halt just as it entered the forest. The children screamed in fear, clutching onto their seats as the bus stopped abruptly, revealing a cliffside ahead. Panic spread like wildfire among the children, their voices rising in a cacophony of distress.

"I want my mommy!"

"My phone isn't working!"

"I don't wanna-"

"SHUT UP!" Reed's shout cut through the chaos, causing the children to gradually quiet down and turn their attention to him. Anon watched his best friend with a mixture of admiration and concern as Reed worked to keep everyone calm.

Meanwhile, the teacher turned his gaze to the bus driver, who was peering out of the windows with a troubled expression. Suddenly, his eyes widened as he spotted broken glass and wood fragments scattered outside. "What's wrong?" the teacher inquired, his voice tense with apprehension.

The driver hesitated before responding, his voice trembling slightly. "I saw something... It looked like a wolf, but it was made of wood," he explained, his words sending a shiver down everyone's spine.

As the shrill sound of the alarm clock pierced the air, Anon groaned, his consciousness slowly emerging from the depths of sleep. He blinked, his vision adjusting to the gray ceiling above him, finding a strange beauty in its simplicity. Another beep from the alarm urged him to action, prompting him to lift an arm and rub his tired eyes, feeling the grime of sleep clinging to his skin.

With a resigned sigh, Anon knew what awaited him next: a shower. As he murmured to himself, he stretched his back, eliciting a satisfying series of pops that brought a welcome sense of relief. Being one of the last humans left in equestria, Anon considered himself fortunate to have a specially designed human house, courtesy of the town's thoughtful preparations over the past two decades since humans arrived in this world of colorful ponies.

Having lived in Ponyville for a year now, Anon had managed to make some friends around town. However, despite the camaraderie, he still felt a lingering sense of dissatisfaction, a feeling he couldn't quite put into words. Sure, he could engage in small talk and discussions about everyday matters, but there was something deeper, something he had never felt comfortable addressing.

It had been a couple of years since Anon last spoke to Reed, and he had no intention of breaking that silence anytime soon. The wounds from whatever Reed had done ran deep, and forgiveness seemed like a distant possibility. As Anon's frustration simmered, the weather outside seemed to mirror his mood, adding to his irritation.

Seeking solace, Anon stepped into the shower, feeling the warm water cascade over his body, offering a momentary respite. The soothing sensation eased the tension in his shoulders, which had been achy and sore. Gazing down at his feet, he watched as the water swirled and drained away, a silent metaphor for the turmoil swirling within him.

Turning off the tap, Anon emerged from the shower, wrapping a towel around his lower waist. As he left the bathroom, he couldn't help but leave a trail of water in his wake, a physical manifestation of the emotional turmoil he carried with him.

"What's on today's agenda?" Anon mused to himself as he stood before the mirror, running a comb through his hair. Glancing at the calendar stuck to the side, he nodded in realization. "Ah, work at Twilight's today," he said, a hint of satisfaction in his tone as he noted his clear schedule for the upcoming week.

Anon was what some might call a workaholic, dedicated to his duties and responsibilities. However, he had recently been dared to take a two-week vacation from work. The Princess had mandated it, citing the natural talents of humans to adapt to any role. Although he felt inclined to protest, going against the ruling monarch wasn't exactly his style. He had dealt with her for far too long and preferred not to be bothered by her.

"Okay... oh shit, I'm going to be late!" Anon exclaimed as he realized the time crunch, his heart racing with panic. He cursed under his breath, knowing he had no spare moments to retrieve his iPon from Vinyl Scratch either. Hastily grabbing his hoodie and backpack, he dashed out the door, locking it behind him in his haste.

As he rushed down the street, the realization struck him like a thunderbolt: he had left his umbrella inside. "Fuck, fuck, fuck!" he muttered, feeling the rain pelting down on him mercilessly. Anon grimaced, knowing he would arrive at the library drenched, a prospect he dreaded. However, it was too late to turn back now. Twilight's residence wasn't far, and he hoped to avoid any further encounters with magic, wishing for a smooth and uneventful journey despite the rain.

"Hey, Twilight! Sorry I'm late!" Anon exclaimed as he entered the library, shaking the water off his body like a wet dog. He heard the familiar sound of hooves trotting into the main room, and he turned to see the purple unicorn with a bright smile on her face.

"Anon, glad you made it," Twilight said warmly, trotting over to him. Anon returned the smile, feeling a sense of relief at her welcoming demeanor. He shrugged off his backpack and adjusted his hood, trying to shake off the last remnants of rainwater.

His attention was then drawn to a box full of books sitting on the table, piquing his curiosity. "New books, Twi?" he inquired, picking up the box and turning to face the mare, his interest piqued.

"Oh, those?" Twilight replied, her expression turning thoughtful as she rubbed her chin. "Those are the newer sets of the history of Equestria. I believe that you and Reed are mentioned in them, explaining some of the events..."

Before she could finish, Spike walked in holding some books of his own. "Oh hey, Anon, how are you doing?" he greeted, glancing at the books on the table. His brows furrowed in confusion. "Hey, Twilight? I thought you said you wouldn't buy these books," he remarked, a hint of concern in his voice.

Twilight paused, her eyes widening in realization as she hurried over to the table. With a groan, she used her magic to retrieve the offending book from the box and placed it back inside. It was clear that something was amiss, and Twilight's reaction hinted at an oversight or mistake that she was now rectifying.

"I thought I told them not to include these books in my order," Twilight muttered with a hint of frustration evident in her voice as she lifted the box up. She then turned to Anon with a small smile. "Hey, Anon? Mind helping me send these books back to the post office?" she requested, her tone hopeful.

Anon nodded in agreement, adjusting his hood as he grabbed another box and followed Twilight. "Spike will be back soon, keep the store in one piece," Twilight instructed the dragon before searching for an umbrella. Once she found one, she took the lead with Anon close behind.

Waving goodbye to Spike, Anon braced himself for the rain, knowing he was about to get soaked again. As they walked, Twilight moved closer to him, holding the umbrella with her magic while the box rested on her back. Anon appreciated the gesture, feeling grateful for the shelter from the downpour as they made their way to the post office.

"Come on, this way!" Twilight exclaimed, trotting down the path with determination. Anon felt the strain in his arms as he adjusted his grip on the heavy boxes. They weren't light, prompting him to wonder about the contents within. "These books have me in them?" he asked, glancing over at Twilight with curiosity.

The unicorn's expression softened as she frowned at the boxes, slowing her pace slightly as she looked up at Anon. "Yes, they do," she confirmed, her voice tinged with a hint of concern. "But there seems to have been a mix-up with the order. I didn't expect them to include these books, especially without consulting me first." Twilight's brows furrowed as she pondered the situation, clearly troubled by the unexpected turn of events.

“… But the publishers made you sound like a monster “the humans of the dynasty!” Whole thing made you and Reed sound like a…” she stops seeing Anon stop too as he looks at the mare with raised eyes not expecting the title.

"What? Was it something I said or—" Twilight began, her voice tinged with concern as she approached Anon, seeking an explanation for his sudden reaction.

Anon shook his head, trying to dispel the uneasy feeling that had settled in his gut. "No, no... it's just that... name... it's an old one," he replied, forcing a small chuckle despite his lingering discomfort. He frowned at the box in his hands, feeling a weight of responsibility settle over him.

Twilight observed him closely, sensing that there was more to the story than he was letting on. Anon caught her gaze and sighed, readjusting the boxes before speaking again. "Maybe after we bring the box back, I'll... explain some things," he offered, trying to lighten the mood. His words elicited a small giggle from Twilight as they resumed their journey along the path.

After completing their trip to the post office, Anon suggested a leisurely walk in the park, hoping for a quiet moment to share a story with Twilight.

"Okay..." he began, prompting Twilight to look up at him with curiosity as they strolled along. Anon rubbed his arm nervously before pulling up his sleeve to reveal a scar. Twilight gasped, her eyes widening at the sight of the mark, although she quickly noticed that it was long since healed. The scar itself was peculiar—a symbol of a question mark etched onto his arm, clearly visible.

Anon paused, allowing Twilight a moment to take in the unusual mark. Then, with a hint of uncertainty in his voice, he began to explain.

"Now, I never thought much about it at first... but after I got this mark, I knew one thing," he said, pulling up his sleeve to reveal the scar as he looked at Twilight. She gave him a concerned look, prompting him to roll his eyes and playfully boop her nose.

"Listen, book horse, it was years ago... and Reed and I are not friends anymore," he continued, a hint of bitterness creeping into his tone. "He said some really stupid stuff, but... ah, forget it. Anyway, I knew that I could have made better choices, so I gave myself this mark to remind me of one thing: choices," he explained, his voice tinged with introspection.

"So, what did you do?" Twilight inquired, her concern evident as she rubbed her snout, her attention fully focused on Anon as he sighed deeply.

"Remember when Reed and I stole from the apple farm years ago when we were young?" Anon began, his voice tinged with remorse. "Well, I turned myself in by coming clean... Bright Mac wanted to hurt me. I would have nearly died from just a simple buck... so I told him to give me a knife... and the mark says the rest," he explained, his words heavy with the weight of his past actions.

Twilight's jaw dropped in shock at Anon's revelation. Without hesitation, she pulled him into a tight hug, her heart filled with admiration and empathy for the human who had faced such difficult choices in his past.

"You are a good—" Twilight began, but Anon cut her off abruptly, his tone turning cold.

"No," he interjected sharply, causing Twilight to release him from the hug. She looked up at him, taken aback by the sudden change in his demeanor. Anon's frown deepened as he stared at the ground, his expression filled with self-loathing.

"None of that, Twilight," he continued, his voice laced with bitterness. "I deserve every second of it, and they should have done more to me!" His voice rose slightly in anger, but he quickly regained control, taking a deep breath.

Anon shifted uncomfortably, realizing that they had walked back to town without him even noticing. The weight of his past actions hung heavy on his shoulders as they made their way back, the conversation weighing heavily on both their minds.

"Twilight, don’t feel bad for me," Anon pleaded, his voice tinged with sadness. "I hate that I make others around me feel negative and regretful thoughts."

Twilight reached out and placed a comforting hoof on Anon's leg, causing him to look down and meet her gaze. Despite the weight of their conversation, he saw a gentle smile on her face, a glimmer of understanding and compassion in her eyes. It was a small gesture, but it brought him a sense of comfort and reassurance in that moment of vulnerability.

"Anon, don’t worry, I’m here to help... like a friend should always do!" Twilight reassured him with a warm smile, prompting a light smile to grace Anon's lips. The rain began to clear up slightly, but a sudden boom of thunder made Twilight jump, causing her to instinctively grab Anon's hand before quickly letting go, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Anon couldn't help but chuckle at Twilight's reaction, finding her adorable in that moment. He reached out and lightly scratched behind her ear, eliciting a soft coo from the mare. With a smile, he walked ahead, leading the way towards the door.

"Thank you, Twilight," Anon expressed his gratitude, causing another blush to bloom on Twilight's face as he walked ahead of her. Despite the awkward moment, there was a warmth between them, a bond of friendship strengthened by shared experiences and understanding.

Spike greeted both of them as they returned from their trip to the post office, his curiosity evident in his raised brow. "What were you two doing?" he asked, noting the lingering blush on Twilight's face. She quickly hid her embarrassment while Anon smiled and replied, "Just explaining a story."

As they settled back into the library, Twilight cast a heat spell to dry their clothing, relieving them from the discomfort of being wet. Hours passed, and Spike eventually drifted off to sleep while Anon and Twilight found themselves in the kitchen, sipping on coffee and enjoying each other's company.

"So... if I can ask... how come Applejack considered you as a brother? I thought you and Reed stole from them," Twilight inquired, her curiosity getting the better of her as she stopped, waiting for Anon's response.

Anon sighed heavily, feeling the weight of the past settle over him once again. He had grown close to Twilight over the years, and she was the only one he had ever confided in about his side of the story. After a moment of hesitation, he closed his eyes and let out another sigh, realizing that it was time to share a piece of his past that he had kept hidden for so long.

Anon reached into his back pocket and pulled out an old, folded picture with a smile on his face. It was evident that this picture held significant sentimental value to him. As he unfolded it and handed it to Twilight, she couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation and curiosity.

As she looked at the picture, her eyes widened in surprise. It depicted Anon standing next to Applejack and her entire family—the entire Apple family was present, including her parents. Twilight took a moment to absorb the image, realizing the depth of the bond that Anon shared with the Apples.

She glanced up at Anon, seeing him in a new light as she processed the significance of the picture. It was a testament to the connection he had formed with Applejack and her family, despite the mistakes of his past.

Twilight studied the picture closely, taking in every detail. Anon appeared to be much younger, likely around 17 or 19 years old. He wore a simple shirt paired with blue overalls and solid black boots. His brown hair was tousled and dirt-streaked, a testament to a life spent working on the farm.

But what caught Twilight's attention the most was the hat resting comfortably on Anon's head—a hat that belonged to Applejack's father. It was a powerful symbol of trust and acceptance, signifying that Anon was considered part of the family.

In the picture, Applejack and Big Mac stood close to Anon, their smiles radiating warmth and happiness. It was clear that they had embraced him as one of their own, despite any past transgressions. As Twilight looked at the image, she couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for the bond that Anon had forged with the Apple family. It was a bond that transcended mistakes and hardships, rooted in love and acceptance.

"Anon... you are..." Twilight began, her voice trailing off as she struggled to find the right words.

"I was once an Apple, yes..." Anon interrupted, his voice soft with emotion. "But after they died... I kinda lost myself. I was alone for years, and when I met them... I felt... free."

A single tear escaped from Anon's eye as he looked at the image of Pear Butter and Bright Mac, his parents who had passed away. He quickly wiped it away, trying to maintain his composure.

Folding the picture and tucking it away, Anon fidgeted with his thumbs, his emotions still raw from revisiting his past. He took a deep breath and composed himself before looking up at Twilight, noticing her concerned expression.

"Something the matter, Twilight?" he asked, his tone gentle as he reached out to reassure her.

After a moment of thoughtful silence, Twilight adjusted her wings slightly, her mind racing with various questions she could ask Anon. She considered the stories she had heard, the opinions of other ponies, and even the insights shared by the Princess and her brother. Yet, when she thought back to the last three years before Anon's arrival, one question stood out in her mind, demanding to be asked.

Taking a deep breath, Twilight let her instincts guide her as she finally posed the question that had been weighing on her mind.

"Anon... how did you get to Equestria?"

Twilight observed Anon's reaction carefully as she posed the question, noticing the sudden tension in his demeanor. His response was cryptic, leaving her with more questions than answers. As he got up and walked away, she could sense the weight of his pain and reluctance to delve into the topic further.

Nodding to herself, Twilight understood that she wouldn't get any more information from Anon at that moment. She respected his boundaries and decided to focus on her own tasks, hoping that with time and patience, she would eventually learn more about his mysterious past and the source of his pain. As she immersed herself in her work, she made a mental note to approach the subject with care and sensitivity in the future. After all, understanding Anon's journey to Equestria could hold the key to unlocking the secrets of his heart.