The Sorrow series

CHAPTER 4 Hello pony I’m a human

The atmosphere in the room grew tense as Celestia's commanding voice filled the air. The grand doors swung open with a resounding creak, revealing two humans in shackles being escorted inside. Gasps of shock and murmurs of disbelief rippled through the room as the sight of the prisoners sent a shiver down everyone's spine. Their bodies bore the marks of violence, cuts and bruises marring their skin, while their clothing hung in tatters.

Forced to their knees before the throne, the two humans grunted with effort, their faces contorted with pain. Despite their battered appearance, a defiant glint shone in their eyes as they gazed up at Celestia, their expressions a mixture of defiance and resignation. The weight of their presence hung heavily in the air, casting a somber pall over the room as all eyes turned to the ruler of Equestria for judgment.

The Sun Princess narrowed her eyes, her gaze piercing as she observed the two humans kneeling before her throne. Something caught her attention—the difference in their expressions. The older one, on the left, bore a fresh cut on his chin, a testament to recent struggles. Celestia turned her attention to her guard, her expression questioning.

"What happened to this one?" she inquired, her tone firm yet composed.

The guard swallowed nervously, a lump forming in his throat as he met Celestia's gaze. "Ma'am, this beast tried to escape during our walk from Ponyville," he explained, his voice wavering slightly under the weight of the Sun Princess's scrutiny. The human in question shot a glare at the guard, defiance burning in his eyes despite his restrained position.

Celestia's expression remained stoic as the human spat his words with venom. She watched with a mixture of disappointment and resolve as the guard stepped forward and struck the prisoner across the face, blood dribbling down his cheek from the force of the blow.

"Enough!" Celestia's voice rang out, commanding attention as she addressed the defiant human before her. She maintained her composure, refusing to be swayed by his insults. "Human, who are you?" she demanded, her tone firm and unwavering.

The human met her gaze with a defiant smirk, his eyes gleaming with defiance. "The monster of the Everfree, you bitch," he sneered, his words dripping with contempt. Despite his shackles and the presence of the guards, he exuded an aura of defiance and danger, challenging the authority of the Sun Princess herself.

"Reed! Stop," the other human interjected, his voice tinged with urgency. The one called Reed turned to look at him, a mixture of defiance and resignation in his eyes. "Anon, we were caught. There's no use. She's going to kill us," Reed stated matter-of-factly, his tone laced with resignation.

Celestia's frown deepened at his words as she approached the two prisoners, her expression a mix of disappointment and concern. "You think so little of us, human?" she questioned, her voice tinged with sadness as she regarded Reed with a mix of curiosity and empathy.

"I think that your ponies are not as nice as what your guards say," Reed asserted, his voice steady and unwavering as he walked up to Celestia. The guard, alarmed by his defiance, attempted to restrain him with the chain, but Reed refused to be deterred. He stood before the princess, his eyes level with hers, a defiant glint shining in his gaze.

"Human, stay where you are!" the guard commanded, tugging on the chain in a futile attempt to restrain Reed. But Reed stood his ground, undeterred by the guard's efforts. His gaze remained locked with Celestia's, a silent challenge to the authority of the guards and the princess herself.

"I've grown tired of you fucking ponies, and all I want is to return home! But you keep chasing us out of the fucking—" Reed's tirade was cut short as the other human swiftly struck him from behind, knocking him unconscious mid-sentence.

"For fuck's sakes, Reed, give them a chance!" the other human exclaimed, frustration evident in his voice as he watched his companion's outburst. The guards wasted no time in seizing the opportunity, tugging both humans away from the throne room before they could cause any further disruption.

"Stop!" Celestia's voice rang out, commanding the guards to halt their advance. She approached the remaining human with a measured pace, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Human?" she addressed him, studying his reaction as he met her gaze. He took a step back, a mixture of apprehension and respect evident in his demeanor. Bowing lightly, he offered a hesitant apology. "I'm sorry, your Highness... I didn't know what to do exactly... he would have made it worse," he explained, his voice tinged with remorse.

Celestia regarded him with a gentle smile, acknowledging his apology with a nod of understanding. Despite the chaos and defiance that had unfolded moments ago, there was a sincerity in his words that resonated with her.

"Thank you for your honesty," she replied graciously, her tone soft yet authoritative. Turning her attention to the unconscious human on the ground, she contemplated her next course of action, pondering the implications of their unexpected encounter. "Human, your name?" Celestia inquired, her gaze fixed on the young man before her.

"Um, Anonymous, your Majesty," the human, Anon, replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty. He attempted to offer his hand in greeting, but the chain restraining him jerked him back. "I'm Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria. Please, tell me. Why have you and your friend caused so much trouble?" Celestia questioned, her tone gentle yet firm.

Anon lowered his gaze in shame, his voice trembling as he explained their actions. "I never wanted to steal... but we were hungry, and we needed food," he confessed, his words stirring murmurs among the assembled ponies. "I tried to convince him to stop, but when we got caught... it was too late... I-I just miss my mom and dad," he admitted, tears streaming down his face.

Celestia's brow furrowed with concern at his words, a pang of empathy tugging at her heart. She could see the pain and desperation in his eyes, the longing for home and family that echoed in his tearful confession.

"How old are you, Anonymous?" Celestia inquired, her voice tinged with concern.

"16, your Highness," Anon replied, his voice barely above a whisper. The revelation sent shockwaves through the room, the assembled ponies gasping in disbelief. Even the guards, who had been tasked with restraining him, nearly dropped the chain in astonishment.

Celestia stepped back in horror, her eyes wide with disbelief. "You... you're 16?" she repeated, her voice barely a whisper as she struggled to comprehend the gravity of the situation. She looked around the room, her gaze searching for answers in the faces of those gathered before her.

"Dear human, I'm sorry that this has happened to you and your friend," Celestia said, her voice filled with genuine empathy and regret. She turned to look at the guards, noting their uneasy shifting and discomfort.

"This is not a monster! This is a child!" she declared, her words echoing with conviction. "A child who was seeking shelter from the ponies, only to be cast out and labeled as a monster." Her words hung heavy in the air, a somber reminder of the consequences of prejudice and fear.

"No... I should have stepped in. I deserve any kind of punishment," Anon said, his voice heavy with self-condemnation as he lowered his head in defeat.

Celestia shook her head, her smile warm and compassionate. "No, human. There has been too much—"

"No," Anon interjected firmly, his gaze meeting hers with a determined look. "Celestia, I've spent a whole year causing problems... I need to set things right," he declared, his voice resolute as he glanced down at Reed, his friend who lay unconscious on the ground.

"What should we do with him?" Celestia inquired, her gaze shifting between Anon and the unconscious Reed.

"He needs to... learn his lesson... do you have a jail for young ones?" Anon asked, his voice tinged with determination. Celestia nodded, her expression filled with concern. "Wait? You seek to put your friend in..."

"Yes. This must help him understand... I need him to be normal again... he changed... he's not Reed... he's the monster of the Everfree," Anon explained, his voice heavy with sorrow and resolve.

With a solemn nod, Celestia acquiesced to Anon's request, her heart heavy with the weight of their shared burden. "Come then, my little human," she said gently, her tone filled with compassion. "We must set plans in motion."

Turning to the guards, she issued a command with authority. "Guards, at Anonymous's request, take the human to a detention cell and await further instructions."

As the guards moved to comply, Anon's shackles were released with a surge of magic, and he stepped forward with determination, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead. With Celestia's guidance and support, he was determined to set things right and bring his friend back from the darkness that had consumed him.

Years later…

"Back so soon?" Celestia's voice echoed gently through the dimly lit cell as she peered through the bars. Anon's tear-stained face came into view, his expression filled with anguish and regret.

Anon remained seated on his bed, his shoulders shaking with silent sobs as he allowed himself to be vulnerable in front of the princess. He looked up at her with tear-filled eyes, his voice choked with emotion as he spoke.

"I... I'm sorry, your Highness," he managed to utter between sobs, his words heavy with remorse. "I messed up."

More tears cascaded down his cheeks, falling onto the cold stone floor below as he knelt before the princess, his heart heavy with the weight of his mistakes. Despite his best intentions, he had faltered once again, and now he faced the consequences of his actions with a heavy heart.

"Anonymous... you didn't do it," Celestia reiterated, her voice gentle yet firm as she met his gaze with compassion.

Anon blinked in surprise, his tears momentarily forgotten as he processed her words. "What... what do you mean?" he stammered, confusion evident in his voice as he struggled to comprehend her statement.

Celestia turned away for a moment, her expression pained as she gathered her thoughts. With a resigned sigh, she motioned for another pony to enter the room. The newcomer, smaller in stature but clad in armor similar to Celestia's albeit with more grey than gold, stepped forward with a sense of purpose.

"I'm Luna, Princess of the Night... and I saw the whole thing, your nightmares... they tell it all," Luna revealed, her voice soft yet resolute as she settled herself down to meet Anon's gaze. Her eyes held a depth of understanding and empathy as she observed the young human before her.

Anon's breath caught in his throat as Luna's words washed over him, a mix of disbelief and relief flooding his senses. He had never imagined that his nightmares would be witnessed by the Princess of the Night herself, let alone serve as evidence in his favor.

Luna sighed wearily, her expression reflecting the weight of the burden she carried. "You're too young to have your life be in prison. You don't deserve this kind of punishment," she declared, her voice tinged with sadness and regret.

As the door opened, Anon's heart pounded with anticipation, unsure of what lay ahead. But for the first time in a long while, a glimmer of hope flickered within him, fueled by Luna's words and the possibility of a brighter future beyond the confines of his cell. "Anonymous, tell me. Did you kill Pear Butter and Bright Mac?" Luna's voice was gentle yet probing as she sought the truth from the young human.

Anon's gaze shifted away, his heart heavy with the weight of the accusation against him. After a moment of contemplation, he met Luna's eyes with determination. "No... no, I did not, your Highness," he asserted, his voice steady despite the turmoil raging within him.

Luna's expression softened into a smile of reassurance as she turned to Celestia, nodding in confirmation. "He is innocent, sister. The ponies are wrong about this human," she affirmed, her confidence unwavering as she placed a comforting hoof on Anon's leg.

"Anonymous, you are free to go," Luna declared, her words ringing with authority as she granted Anon his freedom. Anon's eyes widened in shock at the unexpected turn of events, his heart pounding with disbelief and relief.

Celestia joined them, her expression warm and welcoming as she approached Anon. "Anonymous... how old are you now?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"20, almost 21, ma'am," Anon replied, his voice tinged with a mixture of gratitude and astonishment. The weight of his years in captivity felt momentarily lifted as he stood on the brink of a new chapter in his life, filled with hope and possibility.

Celestia nodded slowly, her gaze thoughtful as she considered Luna's suggestion. Looking down at Luna, who still wore a warm smile as she gazed up at Anon, Celestia's expression brightened with an idea.

"Anon, if you want, would you like to attend classes? I believe you might need some proper education," Celestia proposed, her tone gentle and inviting as she offered him the opportunity for a fresh start.

Anon's initial shock gave way to unexpected laughter, his voice echoing through the halls with unrestrained mirth. Celestia and Luna exchanged amused glances before turning their attention back to him, waiting for his response.

"S-sorry..." Anon managed between fits of laughter, his amusement infectious as Luna giggled beside him. "It's just... heh, it's just... I've been here for so long that I realized... I never graduated middle school!" he exclaimed, his laughter bubbling up once more as he doubled over with mirth.

Celestia and Luna joined in his laughter, their own amusement mingling with his as they shared a moment of lighthearted joy. As the laughter subsided, Celestia couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and hope stirring within her. Perhaps, in granting Anon his freedom and offering him the chance for education, they were not only giving him a second chance but also opening the door to a brighter future filled with endless possibilities.

"Heh, huff! That... felt good..." Anon remarked, his laughter gradually subsiding as he caught his breath. He wiped a lingering tear from his cheek, feeling a sense of release and liberation wash over him.

Standing tall and composed, Anon maintained a small but genuine smile on his lips as he nodded in affirmation. "Yes, your Highness, I'll go to school," he declared, his voice filled with determination and newfound optimism.

Celestia and Luna exchanged a glance, their hearts warmed by Anon's readiness to embrace this new opportunity. With his laughter echoing in their memories, they knew that this resilient and courageous young human had the potential to overcome any obstacle and carve out a bright future for himself in Equestria. And as they watched him walk out of the cell, their hope for his success burned ever brighter, lighting the way forward for them all.

Three years later…

"Okay, Anon, are you sure you'll be alright?" Celestia asked, her gaze soft with concern as she looked down at the young human. Anon, now 23 years old and freshly graduated, stood before her with a mix of anticipation and trepidation.

He nodded slowly, his grip tightening on the case he held close to his chest. "I honestly don't know," he admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "I've been thinking about this for some time now... but I never imagined that the reality of it would feel so..."

His words trailed off, his thoughts swirling with a myriad of emotions. The prospect of embarking on a journey across Equestria was both thrilling and daunting, filled with unknown challenges and possibilities. But deep down, Anon knew that he was ready to embrace whatever lay ahead, armed with the knowledge and experiences he had gained during his time in school.

As he prepared to step out into the world beyond the school gates, Anon couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement mingled with apprehension. Whatever the future held, he was determined to face it head-on, with courage and determination as his guiding lights.

"Scary?" Celestia asked, her voice gentle as she sought to understand Anon's feelings.

Anon gave a small nod in response, acknowledging the truth of the princess's words. He sighed slowly, feeling a mixture of nerves and excitement coursing through him as he watched the train slowly come into view.

Lost in his thoughts, Anon was momentarily startled when his case was bumped, drawing his attention to the source of the disturbance. To his surprise and perhaps even disbelief, he found himself face to face with Reed, his best friend.

"Hey, mate!" Reed's greeting broke the tension as they both stood there, gazing out at the tracks stretching into the distance. Anon couldn't help but feel a surge of mixed emotions at the sight of his best friend. This plan to travel together had been conceived with both their futures in mind, a chance for them to adapt to the world beyond the confines of their past experiences.

Reed had spent some time in jail, a consequence of their earlier missteps, but now he was released early and ready to embark on this new journey alongside Anon. As they stood together, it was clear that they were both different individuals now, shaped by their experiences and the passage of time.

Anon couldn't deny that Reed's presence brought a sense of familiarity and comfort, but he also couldn't shake the feeling that they were both stepping into the unknown once again. With a deep breath, Anon turned to his friend, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips.

"Ready for this, Reed?" he asked, his voice tinged with a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty.

"So, how does Manehattan sound?" Reed asked, breaking the silence with a hint of excitement in his voice.

Anon considered the suggestion for a moment before nodding in agreement. "Sure, why not? We used to live in a city back home... Let's just hope it's not too bad," he remarked, his tone hopeful yet cautious.

Before they could dwell further on their plans, they felt wings wrap around them, drawing their attention to Celestia who stood nearby. Her presence brought a sense of warmth and reassurance, reminding them that they were not alone in their journey.

"It's good to see you two adapting more together!" Celestia exclaimed with a smile, her words filled with pride and encouragement. As they turned to acknowledge her, they were greeted by the sight of Twilight Sparkle, the purple unicorn they had come to know during their time at school.

"Twilight!" Celestia called out, her voice filled with warmth as she greeted her trusted friend and advisor. Twilight approached with a smile, her eyes reflecting genuine happiness at the sight of Anon and Reed.

"Sorry, Princess," Twilight began, her voice tinged with sincerity as she addressed Celestia. "I wanted to meet the humans that you were talking about. Woah!" Her exclamation trailed off as she turned her attention to the side, her eyes widening in surprise at the sight of Anon and Reed standing before her.

Reed remained focused on the approaching train, his demeanor composed as he prepared for their journey. On the other hand, Anon greeted Twilight with a warm smile and a friendly wave, his expression reflecting gratitude for her presence.

As the train finally arrived, Anon nodded in acknowledgment of Celestia, silently conveying his appreciation for her support. With a final glance back at their friends, he and Reed stepped inside, ready to embark on their next adventure and face whatever challenges awaited them in Manehattan.

"Huh? Gotta say, I'm kinda gonna miss Canterlot," Reed remarked, taking a seat and eyeing the cart thoughtfully. "Oi, they made a cart for us! Holy moly, it's human-sized and has space," he exclaimed with surprise, running his hand over the cushions and letting out a laugh. "Oh well, Manehattan here we come!" Anon chimed in, matching his friend's enthusiasm before they shared a fist bump, sealing their excitement for the journey ahead.

Four years later…

"Anon! You gotta help me!" Reed's urgent voice came from behind the window, signaling that their four years of traveling together had led to some serious trouble. Reed stood there in an orange jumpsuit, his desperation evident as he hoped for Anon's assistance.

"Reed, you idiot! Why the heck did you do that?" Anon responded, managing to keep his composure despite the situation. Reed scratched the back of his head, looking sheepish as he sank back into his seat just as the guard trotted in.

"Anon, now is not the time for that! Just listen, man. They said I could go to jail for this! I don’t want to do that again! Anon, please," Reed pleaded, his words carrying a sense of desperation and fear for the consequences of his actions.

"Reed, I don't have the bits! We lost our wagon! And the whole city thinks we're monsters again!" Anon exclaimed, frustration evident in his voice as he lifted three fingers to emphasize the severity of their situation. Reed snorted dismissively at his words, rolling his eyes at what he perceived as Anon's overreaction.

"Oh, monster this, monster that! Anon, stop being a baby and do something for once! I'm freaking tired of dragging your ass these last few years!" Reed lashed out, his frustration boiling over as he uttered words he instantly regretted. Anon stared at him in shock, his expression quickly turning to one of anger as he processed Reed's hurtful words.

"Redacted, I've tried for so long..." Anon's voice quivered with emotion as he clenched his hand into a tight fist, his knuckles turning white from the pressure. "I've been suffering for almost 20 fucking years!" His voice grew louder with each word, filled with pent-up frustration and pain.

"I lost my sister!" Anon's shout echoed through the room, his anguish pouring out as he recalled his past traumas. "I stole from a family, nearly killed a PONY!" His words reverberated with guilt and regret, each syllable heavy with the weight of his past actions.

"And all those humans died because of you!" Anon's accusation hung in the air, cutting through the tension like a knife. With a sudden burst of anger, he slammed his fist down on the desk, causing Reed to instinctively step back. The force of his blow caused the window to crack slightly, a physical manifestation of the turmoil raging within Anon's soul.

Anon's gasps filled the room as tears streamed down his face, his emotions raw and overwhelming. Reed couldn't bear to meet his friend's gaze, consumed by shame and regret for his hurtful words. "Anon, I'm sorry—" he began, but Anon's interruption cut through the air like a knife.

"No," Anon's voice was cold and distant, his glare piercing through Reed with an intensity that sent shivers down his spine. "I don't know what kind of friend would do something like that... but it doesn't matter." His words were laced with bitterness and finality, leaving no room for argument or reconciliation. "I'm done, Reed... you fucking monster," he muttered under his breath before dropping the phone and turning to leave.

Reed's pleas for forgiveness fell on deaf ears as Anon walked out the door, his footsteps echoing in the empty corridor. Never before had Anon abandoned Reed, but in that moment, he made a choice to prioritize his own well-being and walk away from toxicity. No more listening to Reed's manipulations, no more being dragged into trouble—he was done, and nothing would change his mind.

Anon said nothing as he left, his departure shrouded in silence. He walked quietly, the sound of his footsteps muffled by the patter of raindrops around him. Adjusting his hood to shield himself from the downpour, he trudged forward, his thoughts consumed by a tumultuous mix of emotions.

As the rain cascaded down, soaking his clothes and dampening his spirits, Anon couldn't bring himself to care. He tilted his head back, allowing the cold water to wash over his face, a bitter contrast to the tears that had fallen moments before. With a frustrated grunt, he lowered his gaze, his determination unbroken despite the heaviness weighing on his heart.

Turning his steps toward the train station, Anon's mind drifted to Ponyville, a distant beacon of solace in the storm of his emotions. He had heard whispers of a lovely park, a tranquil sanctuary amidst the chaos of his turbulent thoughts. Perhaps there, amidst the beauty of nature, he could find a moment of peace amidst the turmoil of his fractured friendship.

Present…

Twilight's gaze lingered out the window, a heavy weight settling in her chest as she hoped to catch sight of the human she had grown to care for. But ever since his injury, he had retreated into silence, his absence palpable in the once bustling streets of Ponyville. With a sigh, Twilight turned back to her friends, her expression reflecting the guilt and regret that gnawed at her.

"This is my fault, girls," she admitted, her voice laced with sorrow and self-blame. Her friends exchanged uneasy glances, each grappling with their own feelings of responsibility for the human's current state. Applejack, in particular, harbored a sense of anger towards Twilight, feeling that her friend's well-intentioned but misguided efforts had only pushed the human further away.

Twilight's explanation did little to ease Applejack's frustration, leaving her uncertain of how to reconcile her conflicting emotions. The human's refusal to communicate with anyone, even the princesses themselves, only added to the sense of helplessness that pervaded the situation. Despite their best efforts, they were powerless to reach him, leaving Twilight and her friends to grapple with their own sense of failure and uncertainty.

Twilight's heart sank as she listened to her friends' words, each one a testament to the human's withdrawal from the world around him. Rainbow's frustration was palpable, her usual confidence overshadowed by the sting of rejection. Pinkie Pie's cheerful demeanor faltered, her mane drooping as she struggled to comprehend why their friend had shut them out. And Fluttershy's gentle voice trembled with sadness, reflecting the pain of being shut out by someone she had tried to reach out to.

"It's like he's built a wall around himself," Twilight murmured, her voice heavy with concern. "I don't know how to break through to him."

The room fell into a somber silence, the weight of their friend's isolation hanging heavy in the air. They had always relied on each other for support and companionship, but now they were faced with the painful realization that there were some wounds even friendship couldn't heal. As they sat together in the dimly lit room, Twilight couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness wash over her, wondering if they would ever be able to reach their friend again.

A soft knock on the door interrupted the heavy atmosphere in Twilight's library. She glanced up, a spark of hope flickering in her eyes as she called out tentatively, "Anon?"

With cautious steps, Twilight made her way to the door, her heart pounding in her chest with anticipation. As she reached for the handle, she couldn't shake the feeling of apprehension that gripped her. What if it wasn't Anon? What if he continued to shut himself away from them?

With a deep breath, Twilight opened the door slowly, her eyes widening in surprise as she was met not with the familiar figure of Anon, but with Reed, the other human they had encountered before. He stood tall and imposing, his presence commanding attention even in the dim light of the library.

"Oh, hello, Captain!" Rainbow Dash's voice broke through the tension, her cheerful tone cutting through the quiet of the room. Reed nodded in acknowledgment, his gaze shifting from Twilight to the rest of her friends gathered inside.

"Twilight, may I have a word with you?" His voice was calm yet firm, leaving no room for argument. Twilight hesitated for a moment, her mind racing with questions and uncertainties. But ultimately, her curiosity won out, and she stepped aside, gesturing for him to enter.