The Sorrow series

CHAPTER 11 the truth

Celestia smiled reassuringly at Anon, her expression calm and serene despite the weight of the situation. "Yes, Anon. I believe in giving everypony, or in this case, every being, a chance for redemption. Reed has served his time, and I have faith that he has learned from his mistakes."

Anon nodded, his nerves gradually easing at Celestia's words. He trusted her judgment, knowing that she had a wisdom that surpassed his own. Still, the thought of facing Reed after everything that had happened filled him with a mix of emotions—hope, apprehension, and a faint glimmer of forgiveness.

"Are you sure Tia?" Anon's voice quivered slightly, betraying his uncertainty. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, his gaze flickering between Celestia and the entrance to the throne room. "I mean... I know you believe in him, but what if he hasn't changed? What if he's still... you know..."

Celestia placed a comforting hoof on Anon's shoulder, offering him a gentle smile. "Anon, I understand your concerns. But sometimes, we must have faith in the possibility of redemption. People can surprise us, even when we least expect it."

Taking a deep breath, Anon nodded, his resolve firming. "You're right, Tia. I'll trust your judgment on this."

As the doors to the throne room opened, revealing Reed's figure stepping inside, Anon took a deep breath, ready to face whatever the encounter may bring. Anon's heart quickened its pace as Reed's gaze met his own, their eyes locking in a moment of silent recognition. Memories, both bitter and sweet, flooded Anon's mind as he watched Reed approach, his expression shifting from surprise to something more guarded.

"Anon," Reed greeted, his voice tinged with a mix of uncertainty and cautious optimism. He glanced at Celestia briefly before returning his attention to the human before him. "It's been... a while."

Anon nodded, his throat feeling tight as he struggled to find the right words. "Yeah, it has," he replied, his voice quieter than he intended. "How... how have you been?"

Reed's smile faltered slightly, a flicker of remorse passing through his eyes. "Better, I suppose," he admitted, his tone tinged with a hint of regret. "Prison has a way of making you reflect on things."

Anon's gaze softened as he took in Reed's words, sensing a sincerity in his voice that hadn't been there before. "I'm glad to hear that," he said quietly, a faint glimmer of hope stirring within him.

Celestia observed the exchange with a gentle smile, her presence serving as a silent reminder of the forgiveness and compassion that Reed now had the chance to earn. "I believe in second chances, Reed," she said, her tone gentle yet firm. "And I trust that you will use this opportunity to make a positive difference."

Reed nodded, a sense of determination settling over him. "I will, Princess Celestia. I promise," he vowed, his gaze steady as he met her eyes.

Anon watched the exchange with a sense of relief and gratitude, feeling a weight lifting from his shoulders as he witnessed Reed's sincerity. For so long, their friendship had been overshadowed by mistakes and regrets, but now, as they stood together in the throne room, he dared to hope for a brighter future.

Celestia then escorted the two to the castle chamber where Anon had been staying since then. He had been more grateful than words could express for what the ruler had done for him and Reed. Once she left the two for a quick meeting, Anon was the first to speak.

"So, how do you feel?" Anon asked, sitting down on his bed. Reed sighed, putting a hand on the bed before laying down on it. "Relieved. Tia has done too much for us… and I wish I could repay her. Plus, I hear she is letting us go to school to learn about this world's history," he said, to which Anon nodded in agreement.

As they settled into the room, Anon couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions swirling within him. Relief that Reed was finally out of jail and seemed to be on a better path, but also a lingering sense of apprehension. They had been through so much together, and while Anon wanted to believe in Reed's change, there was a part of him that feared history might repeat itself.

Anon glanced around the room, taking in the familiar surroundings of the castle chamber. It had become a refuge for him, a place where he could find solace and support amid the chaos of his new life in Equestria. Now, with Reed by his side again, he hoped they could both find a sense of belonging here.

"School sounds like a good opportunity for both of us," Anon replied, breaking the silence that had settled between them. "Maybe we can finally put the past behind us and start anew." Reed nodded, a hint of determination in his eyes. "I'm ready to make things right, Anon. And I won't let you down this time." Anon offered a small smile, grateful for his friend's words. "I believe you, Reed. Let's make the most of this chance we've been given."

“But there is another thing though” Reed said, sitting up to look at Anon, he gets up and looks as Reed was now fidgeting with his fingers.

Anon listened intently, his curiosity piqued by Reed's sudden hesitation. He could sense that there was something important on his friend's mind, something that he was struggling to articulate.

"What is it, Reed?" Anon prompted gently, moving closer to his friend to offer support.

Reed took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to say. "Anon... it's about Tia... I hate to say it, but I... I kinda..." He trailed off, his fingers twisting nervously as he struggled to find the right words.

Anon furrowed his brow, trying to decipher the meaning behind Reed's cryptic statement. "Kinda what?"

Reed hesitated, his gaze flickering away for a moment before he finally met Anon's eyes. "I kinda feel like... I owe her something," he admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "She's done so much for us, and I can't shake the feeling that I need to repay her somehow."

Anon nodded understandingly, his own thoughts drifting to the countless times Celestia had offered them guidance and support. "I feel the same way, Reed," he said softly. "But let's focus on making things right first. Once we've done that, maybe we can find a way to show our gratitude to her."

“So… you wanted to see me?” Anon asks shifting a bit where he stands, Celestia nods her head slowly. Celestia nodded, her expression showing a mix of concern and understanding. "Yes, Anon, I wanted to discuss something with you," she began gently. "I've noticed a change in Reed's behavior lately. Given the upcoming wedding, I expected to hear from him, but there has been no word."

Anon's heart sank at Celestia's words, knowing that he couldn't keep the truth hidden any longer. He shifted uncomfortably under her gaze, feeling the weight of her expectations.

"I've tried to reach out to him, Princess, but... he's been busy with the wedding preparations," Anon explained, his voice tinged with worry. "And Twilight... she's been worried too." Celestia listened attentively, her expression softening with empathy as Anon shared his concerns. She reached out a comforting hoof, placing it gently on his shoulder.

"I understand, Anon," she said reassuringly. "Wedding preparations can be overwhelming, but it's important that we address any concerns that may arise. Whatever challenges you're facing, know that you don't have to face them alone." Anon nodded gratefully, feeling a sense of relief wash over him as he realized he had Celestia's support in navigating the difficulties ahead.

Anon's words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implications. Celestia's heart sank as she processed his meaning, a wave of sadness washing over her at the realization that she had inadvertently caused him pain.

"I don't want you helping me anymore..." Anon took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he knew would be a difficult conversation. Celestia's sadness weighed heavily on him, but he knew that he had to be honest with her.

"It's not that I don't appreciate everything you've done for me, Tia," he began, his voice gentle yet firm. "You've been a guiding light for me in so many ways, and I will always be grateful for your kindness and support."

Celestia nodded, her expression still tinged with sorrow as she listened to Anon's words. Anon took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before he spoke. "Because, I don’t want you to suffer with my problems," he began, his voice steady but tinged with sincerity. "I hate to have others around me sad… it should be only me."

He glanced down, a blush creeping onto his cheeks as he continued. "But that all changed when I fell for Twilight." Anon straightened, his gaze meeting Celestia's with newfound resolve. "She says, 'no pony should never hold it in by themselves, they have to share it or else it’s all just fake emotions.'"

As he finished speaking, Anon felt a weight lift from his shoulders. Celestia regarded him with understanding, her expression softening as she listened to his heartfelt confession.

Anon's admission hung in the air, tinged with regret and vulnerability. Celestia regarded him with a mixture of understanding and concern. "I understand, Anon," she said softly, her gaze meeting his. "It's natural to fear burdening those we care about with our troubles."

She leaned into his touch, appreciating the comforting gesture. "But you mustn't forget, Anon, that I am not just a ruler to you. I consider you a dear friend, and friends share each other's burdens. You needn't bear your troubles alone." Her voice was gentle yet firm, reassuring him of her support.

Anon's posture shifted as he sat down, his expression thoughtful. "I suppose I did," he admitted, his voice quiet. "I've seen enough hurt and pain in this world, Tia. I didn't want to add to it, especially not for someone as caring as you."

Celestia's gaze softened as she watched him, her heart heavy with understanding. She took a seat beside him, a silent gesture of solidarity. "You have a kind heart, Anon," she said gently, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "But remember, shielding me from the truth may protect me momentarily, but it ultimately deprives me of the chance to help and support you."

Anon looked up at the roof, gathering his thoughts before he spoke again. "The other reason is, well... personal," he admitted, his gaze shifting back to Celestia. She regarded him with gentle understanding, her expression soft and attentive. "I see," she murmured, giving him the space to continue.

"It's just..." Anon began, his voice trailing off momentarily as he searched for the right words. "There are things I've been dealing with, struggles I haven't quite figured out how to navigate yet." Celestia nodded, her eyes conveying empathy and patience. "We all have our battles, Anon," she said softly. "It's natural to need time and space to work through them."

Anon nodded in agreement, a sense of relief washing over him as he shared his feelings with Celestia. Despite his initial apprehension, he found solace in her understanding presence.

Anon took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding. "It's about this," he said, pulling up his sleeve to reveal the scar on his arm. Celestia's gaze softened as she observed the mark, waiting for him to continue.

"I question why I gave myself this mark," Anon admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "At first, I wanted to show the Apples that I would accept anything, pain or even death... But when I made that mark, I inadvertently gave them one question..." He paused, his expression turning more serious.

"What would you want to do to me?" he recounted, remembering the incredulous look he had received from Applejack's parents. He traced the scar with his fingertips, a somber atmosphere settling between them as he grappled with the memories associated with it. Celestia listened intently as Anon opened up about his inner turmoil. His words carried a weight that she could sense, and she offered him her full attention as he continued.

"Bright Mac saw me the way I was... begging for death... and they did the unthinkable," he revealed, his gaze lifting to meet hers with a small smile playing on his lips. "They took you in," Celestia finished, acknowledging the profound impact of their decision.

Anon nodded, his smile widening slightly. "Yes. But after their death, I kinda questioned myself. Like, why I wanted to die. Was it my way of getting here? Or their death..." His voice trailed off momentarily as he contemplated his own past. "No... I wanted to die because I was the problem," he admitted, his smile faltering as he confronted the harsh reality of his self-doubt.

Anon's words resonated deeply with Celestia as he spoke of the transformative power of love and self-discovery. She listened with a mixture of surprise and empathy as he recounted his journey, from his arrival in Equestria to his experiences in Ponyville.

As he detailed his time as an Apple and his subsequent move to Ponyville, Celestia's expression shifted with each revelation. She felt a pang of sadness at the hardships he had faced but also a sense of admiration for his resilience and determination to find his place in the world.

When Anon spoke of falling in love with Twilight, there was a warmth in his voice that was unmistakable. Celestia couldn't help but smile as she witnessed the genuine affection he held for the mare who had changed his life.

Anon's voice trembled slightly as he continued, looking directly into Celestia's eyes. "Tia, you've done so much for us... more than we could ever repay. Reed and I, we've thought about it a lot. And I realized... I see you as the mother I wished I had again. You've given us a home, a community, a family... And I didn't want you to worry. You've always been concerned for us, but you have a whole kingdom to look after. I didn't want to add to your burdens. I care about you too, Tia, and I didn't want you to struggle because of me." His voice cracked with emotion as he finished speaking, his eyes reflecting the sincerity of his words.

Tears glistened in Celestia's eyes as she listened to Anon's heartfelt words. She felt a surge of emotion, a mixture of love and pride, as she looked at the two humans before her. They were no longer the lost souls she had found years ago; they had grown, they had found happiness, and they had flourished under her care.

As Anon spoke, Celestia's heart swelled with a sense of fulfillment she hadn't felt in centuries. Despite her immortality, she had never experienced the joy of motherhood. But in caring for Anon and Reed, she had found something akin to that maternal love. They were her children in a way, and seeing them happy and thriving brought her a sense of purpose unlike anything else.

With a gentle smile, Celestia reached out and placed a comforting hand on Anon's shoulder. "You and Reed have brought so much light into my life," she said softly, her voice tinged with emotion. "I may not be a mother in the traditional sense, but I care for you both deeply. You're not just my subjects; you're my family. And I will always be here for you, no matter what." and soon they both sit there letting their emotions out.

As they stood up and wiped their faces, Anon couldn't help but chuckle at the unexpected turn of emotions. "Crying is one thing I have done a lot… but this feels right," he remarked, feeling a sense of relief and catharsis wash over him.

Celestia smiled warmly at his words and nuzzled his arm affectionately. "It's alright to let your emotions show, Anon," she said gently. "It's a sign of strength, not weakness."

With that, Celestia turned towards the door, her regal demeanor returning as she prepared to resume her duties. Anon followed suit, feeling a newfound sense of peace and gratitude for the bond they shared.

Anon walked out the door with a big grin on his face, but it faltered slightly when he noticed the apprehension in Twilight's expression. Sensing her unease, he approached her with a comforting smile.

"Hey, Twilight," he began, his voice gentle as he tried to reassure her. "I was just waiting for—"

His words were interrupted by Celestia's soothing voice, and Anon's eyes widened in surprise as he turned to face her. Twilight flinched at the sight of the princess, but Celestia quickly reassured her. "Have no fear, my student," Celestia said, her smile warm and reassuring. "Anon has told me everything. You have nothing to worry about."

Anon felt a sense of relief wash over him as Celestia's words sank in. He glanced at Twilight, silently conveying his gratitude for her support, before turning back to Celestia with a grateful smile. "Yeah, we've been talking," he admitted, feeling a sense of closeness to Celestia as she referred to him as her son.

“Your…” she looks at Anon and then all over before she gasped “Anon is your son?” She nearly shouts out, The human nods and laughs lightly, Twilight takes a deep breath before she starts blurting out “I'VE BEEN SLEEPING MY TEACHERS SON!?” Before she slams her muzzle shut and blushed deeply.

Anon's laughter faltered as Twilight's outburst filled the room. He blinked in disbelief at her sudden revelation, his cheeks flushing crimson as he processed her words. Celestia raised a delicate brow, her expression shifting to one of mild amusement mixed with a hint of concern.

"Twilight, I assure you, it's not quite as scandalous as you're making it sound," Celestia said with a gentle chuckle, through her eyes held a hint of reproach as she glanced at Anon.

Anon cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure as he exchanged an awkward glance with Twilight. "Yeah, uh... it's not like it changes anything," he said, his voice slightly strained as he attempted to diffuse the tension. "We're still us, right?"

Twilight nodded, her cheeks still flushed with embarrassment. "Right, of course," she said, forcing a sheepish smile. "I'm sorry, it's just... took me by surprise."

Celestia's smile softened, and she stepped forward, placing a reassuring hoof on Twilight's shoulder. "No need to apologize, my dear. It's only natural to be caught off guard by unexpected revelations," she said kindly. "But remember, what matters most is the love and trust you share with each other."

Anon nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of gratitude for Celestia's understanding. With a deep breath, he reached out and took Twilight's hoof in his own, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Yeah, she's right," he said, offering Twilight a reassuring smile. "We're in this together, no matter what." Twilight returned his smile, her embarrassment fading as she squeezed his hoof back. "Yeah, we are," she said, her voice filled with warmth and affection.

Celestia couldn't resist a playful jab, a mischievous glint sparkling in her eyes. "Well, well, well, my little Anon, all grown up and dating my star pupil," she teased, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "I suppose I should start preparing myself for the grandchildren talk, shouldn't I?"

Anon's cheeks flushed deeper at the jest, but before he could respond, Twilight interjected with a firm tone. “Yeah no. You could drop the son act now,” she interrupted before frowning as a wing was wrapped around his body. “Oh, does my little baby need his bedtime?” Celestia cooed, making him blush and frown more. 'Now I regret saying anything,' he thought before giving up and crossed his arms. “No… mother… I just want to hold my girlfriend,” he said with a fake pouting sound.

Celestia couldn't help but flinch slightly at the term "mother," but she quickly recovered, a warm smile gracing her features as she released Anon from her embrace. As he walked over and picked up his mare, hugging her close, Celestia's smile widened, a soft chuckle escaping her.

"Of course, my dear," she said fondly, her gaze lingering on the couple. "Just remember, if you need any advice on parenthood, you know where to find me."

Anon rolled his eyes playfully as he snuggled Twilight closer, feeling a sense of warmth and contentment wash over him. As they stood together, embraced in each other's arms, he knew that they were ready to face whatever challenges life threw their way, with love and laughter guiding their path forward.

"Sparks, I hope you can keep yourself together, the wedding is in two days, and now that Reed and I are officially Tia’s kids… can you keep—"

"REED TOO!!!" Twilight's voice rang out, and with a flash of magic, Reed suddenly appeared, clad only in a white t-shirt and his underwear. He hastily tried to cover himself with his arms, looking bewildered and slightly embarrassed. "OI! What the hell is going on!" Reed shouted, his confusion evident as Celestia laughed and pulled him into a hug.

"Oh, my other boy!" she cooed, causing Reed to furrow his brow in confusion. Then, as he looked at Anon and Twilight, realization dawned on him, and he broke into a bright smile. "So… I can call you mum?" he asked, to which Celestia nodded. However, Reed's smile faltered as he glanced down at himself. "Mum… I need some pants… I was going to take my wife on a date before we're married," he deadpanned.

Celestia blinked, then promptly burst into tears. "My little boy is all grown up!" she wailed, pulling Anon, Twilight, and Reed into a tight hug. Amidst the overwhelming embrace, all three of them groaned, though their hearts were filled with warmth at the love and joy surrounding them.

As Luna appeared and frowned, Anon and Reed exchanged a puzzled glance. "She knows, doesn't she?" Luna asked, to which Anon and Reed nodded in confirmation. "Wait, how did you know?" Anon inquired, curious about Luna's insight.

"I'm the princess of the night, we get to know a thing or two," Luna replied cryptically before using her magic to gently break the hug. Anon turned his attention back to Reed and the trio of ponies, a mix of curiosity and concern evident in his expression. "Well… how do you feel?" Anon asked, wanting to gauge Reed's emotions.

Reed rubbed his chin thoughtfully before flashing a bright smile. "Good thing she knows before the wedding, I guess," he remarked, his tone reflecting his upbeat mood. Then, leaning in closer to Anon, he whispered urgently, "Now I really need some pants." Anon couldn't help but chuckle at Reed's predicament, realizing that they had more pressing matters to attend to than their current state of undress.

As Anon laughed heartily, he clapped Reed on the back and guided him towards his home. "Yeah, it's funny... But uh... wait, I need pants!" Reed exclaimed in a mix of urgency and amusement as they strolled further into town. Watching the two humans depart, Twilight, Celestia, and Luna exchanged satisfied glances, their smiles reflecting contentment. They had indeed accomplished something remarkable—Anon was happy, Reed was happy, and everyone else seemed to be as well. It was a testament to their efforts and the bonds they had forged.

"It's heartening to witness their growth and the positive impact they've had on others," Luna remarked, her expression reflecting a sense of pride. Twilight nodded in agreement. "Yes, it's as if we're witnessing a transformation right before our eyes. Anon has truly come a long way."

Their attention turned to Celestia, who was still overcome with emotion, wiping tears from her muzzle. "My little boys..." she murmured, her voice filled with a mix of fondness and nostalgia as she watched the two humans disappear over the hill. As they faded from view, Celestia took a deep breath, her expression softening. Though they were no longer boys, the bond they shared with her remained unbreakable, a testament to the enduring power of family and love.