Spoonlicker Anon Pt. 7

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Summary: Anonymous is a child that no one can understand, not even Flutters. A policy of noninterference was suggested by Twilight, and she was put in charge. Her efforts to enforce the policy have been in vain, as Anonymous keeps meeting new ponies. Through her studies of Anonymous she is beginning to question if noninterference was the right call, especially after learning of Anonymous' social behavior.

Last Chapter: Twilight talked with the Cutie Mark Crusaders about their night drawing with Anonymous in the barn. Having learned of Anonymous' ability to draw, and perhaps even write, she is fueled with new ways to try and communicate. Before she can put her plan into action Anonymous leaves the farm, leaving her to catch up.

Posted in Thread 863
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>With your saddle bag packed and strapped on, you jump from the roof into the air.
>For the first time today you get the chance to spread your wings to their fullest.
>The firm yet slow flapping required to keep you airborne eases the stiffness of sleep.
>Low pops and cracks ring out from the base of your wing joints.
>With the morning’s commotion taken care of you could enjoy a proper stretch.

>It still feels kind of funny having to work your wings after waking up; a task that was never previously part of your daily routine.
>But you aren’t complaining. The release felt soooo good.
 >It always causes a shiver of delight.

>The morning sun has finally come out, and rather quickly.
>It was already passed the dawn position, and sprang up to the early morning.
>You weren’t in the barn that long, were you?
>No matter, the important thing is keeping watch over Anonymous.
>There’s no telling what it is up to, this behavior is completely new.
>If you stay out of the way the creature should act naturally.

>You listlessly glide above Anonymous, gingerly sailing through the sky.
>Being able to coast along like this beats walking, hooves down.
>You could practically fall asleep like this, and it left the rest of your body free for other things.
>Like taking notes.
>Although you are trying to enjoy the few calm moments before everything no doubt goes crazy, Anonymous is another matter.
>It is moving swiftly through the fields, with periodical glances to see where you are.


>Still holding onto the picture, Anonymous cups its hands around its mouth and gives an awful shout.
>Without delay it follows up with another. At no time does it stop marching.
>It makes no other noise for a few seconds, and then repeats the process.
>All the way to the hill this happens, and you are actually starting to catch onto the noises.
>This has to be a call; Anonymous is repeatedly giving away its position with those shouts, and seems to be waiting for a response.
>Despite the unpleasantness of the sound, you actually start being able to distinguish the noises.
>The two yells are different from each other and are being repeated.
>Each set starts and ends the same way.

>Once Anonymous is at the top of the hill it comes to a halt and gives another blast.
>Each segment lasts over double the usual length, the end fading only from lack of breath.
 >It places its hand above its eyes and starts turning its head, peering out across the horizon.
>The action reminds you of a prairie dog, just without the tail.
>Your quill keeps a frantic pace as you jot down this behavior. Like most other animals, Anonymous does seem to favor the day.
>If you’re lucky, you will get to see Anonymous search for food or maybe build a shelter.
>If you’re really lucky, you might get to see more Anonymouses show up.
>On second thought, would that be lucky?

>The whole danger aspect remains, and you have very little evidence to even make a guess on its abilities.
>Still your magic did work, so you are certain that it is possible for unicorns to defend themselves.
>Anonymous is also incapable of flight, so pegasi are safe too, and even just a wooden door can stop Anonymous.
>Plus, it has pretty much been nothing but benign the whole time.
>Considering all of that, the town should be safe if multiple Anonymouses show up, and with all of the princesses nearby there is no question.


>Even with all of that, there are two truths fighting in your head.
>On one hoof, Anonymous is a scared animal.
>Fluttershy told you that herself, and you absolutely trust your friend.
>The Everfree ordeal proved this, as well.
>On the other, Anonymous has not displayed that fear towards ponies since the first meeting.
>It was awfully afraid of the Everfree, but it ran directly towards you for safety.
>Maybe Anonymous actually finds the company of ponies comforting?
>But how can that be? No pony has ever seen this creature before, right?
>Is it familiar with donkeys or zebras, and making assumptions about ponies based on that?
>There are just so many outliers.

>Wait, Anonymous is moving, and it looks like it is heading towards town.
>It starts doing those same shouts again; let’s see here.
>Resuming your sky based note taking you start counting the time.
>There are 0.5 seconds between the first shout and the second shout. 2 seconds of silence occur between each set.
>Occasionally Anonymous will cup its hands in front of its mouth. This may serve to aid the distance projection.
>It has been keeping a steady pace pretty much the entire time; besides when on top of the hill.
>You have never seen it move with this much direction.

>Ponyville is slowly creeping into view.
>The whole time, the gap between shouts has been steadily increasing.
>Every once in a while the calls are elongated, lasting over double their length.
>Anonymous has been taking you the long way back, wandering to the left and to the right at seemingly random.
>The destination certainly seems to be the town, though. Best let the princesses know.
>A flare spell should do the trick.


>Drawing on the most basic of spells, a small warmth gathers around your horn.
>An outline of your signature purple softly pulses across the entire length.
>Like slinging a rubber band, you let lose your hold over the captured magic and it fires straight into the air.
>Casting from your position near the clouds Anonymous does not notice the ball of purple light flickering overhead.
>Gradually it dissipates, scattering back into the raw form of natural magic.
>A light pink flare similar to your own comes from the center of Ponyville.
>Cadence saw your signal.
>A small heart puffs out from the middle as the outer rim begins to fade. Then the magic disappears just like yours did.
>Show-off.

>Anonymous’ gaze flings into the sky, chasing the pink orb.
>It saw Cadence’s flare, but that did not seem to change anything.
>It just keeps heading onward at a steady pace; neither rushed or delayed by the sight.
>Eventually, you and Anonymous make it back to the outskirts of town.
>The streets ahead are bare, and the town deathly quiet.
>Nothing, save for the two of you, seems to exist in this world.
>Less than a day ago you and Anonymous found yourself in a very similar spot.

> Anonymous comes to a stop, and it also ceases doing the shouts. It is just glaring into the empty streets.
>Paying the scene no mind, it sucks in a big mouth full of air and lets out the loudest set of calls yet.
>Regardless of your height advantage, the friction of the sound hits you at full force.
>For a second your wings forget to hold you up, and your magic releases the quill and parchment.
>You bob in the air, as if pushed back by the sheer volume, before recollecting yourself.
>Charging up your horn, you quickly catch the quill and papers as another set of shouts rings out just as loud.
>This time you were better prepared, and can maintain yourself.
>The sound slowly fades into nothing, followed by silence.


>Exactly like the first time Anonymous was found, the town feels empty.
>Anonymous does not appear concerned by the fact, but the creepiness of a silent Ponyville gives you a slight chill.
>Anonymous scans left and right, and moves into the town a little bit.
>After a few steps, and some quick glances down the streets, it pauses again.
>You can see Anonymous’ hands curled up into a fist at its side, and notice its breathing is a little shaky.
>You would love to make a guess as to what it means, but the only thing going through your mind is how completely different this behavior is from yesterday.
>Anonymous was originally quite passive/ reactive. You spent a lot of time carrying Anonymous around, and were able to put it where you wanted.
>It was also slow to move, and never went very far. Today has been the exact opposite.
>Ever since this morning it has been the one calling the shots; starting with trying to get you to react with the picture.

 >Anonymous tips its head down slightly, and pushes into the town.
>The paper in its hand flaps about as Anonymous’ arms swing firmly up and down at its side.
>Once inside Ponyville proper, Anonymous raises its head back up, and starts hollering again.
>The intensity of the calls is the weakest yet, but remains well above all of the sounds made yesterday.
>Your left ear flicks after the set of shouts; then again after the next set.
>Instead of the usual quiet, you can actually hear a soft clinking sound.
>Taking your eyes off of Anonymous, your view from the sky reveals the source.
>A block or two up ahead is a large group of ponies in armor in front of the Town Hall.
>They are remaining still, but their bodies recoil each time Anonymous cries out.
>One of them even looks like Shining Armor.
>When did the guards arrive, and what is your brother doing here?
>All three other princesses are with them too.


>Anonymous does not notice the sound, and is heading straight for them.
>It may be a good idea to land.
>Taking a heavy bend in your flight path, you dive in on your side.
>While nimbly descending towards Anonymous you try to pick your landing zone.
>You do not want to disturb Anonymous, but you do want it to know where you move to.
>If you land in front of Anonymous it will no doubt see you, and if you land far enough to the side it should not be too distracted.

>Putting your plan into action, you land between Anonymous and the houses. Sure enough it does see you.
>It hesitates for only a moment before continuing with what it was doing. Your ears press flat against your head, muffling the noises.
>As you both mosey along, you work a diagonal path in order to slide closer to Anonymous.
>Your choice of position left the road open to Anonymous so that it would not feel boxed in against the buildings.
>Keeping your head straight, you nonchalantly get within a short jump of Anonymous.

>As you pass the last building before Town Hall, the platoon of awaiting ponies comes into full view.
>Anonymous comes to a halt and practically freezes on the spot.
>It wearily scans the horde of faces all staring directly at it from the other side of the street.
>Granted Anonymous appears to be a social animal; it looks spooked by the large crowd.
>So it does have some fear of ponies, after-all.
>You continue a few paces; putting yourself between the ponies and Anonymous.
>Don’t worry; you’ll take the lead from here.


>The princesses shortly turn their attention to you, while Shining Armor and the guards fiercely study the creature.
>The former road now a barren divide between you and them, like a veritable wasteland that dares you to cross.
>Celestia steps forward as the representative of her side.
>Given the distance, the both of you will have to practically shout to hear one another.
>”Good morning, Princess Twilight. How are you and Anonymous?”
>Her delicate yet proper introduction clues you in to the required tone of this exchange.

“Good morning Princess Celestia, Luna, Cadence. Good morning to you too, Prince Shining Armor. Anonymous and I are both doing well.”
>You give a nod to each as you state their name, and they return with one of their own.
>Despite the unwelcoming barrier in the middle, your body wants to rush forward to greet them, especially your brother. Your mind also has so much it wants to share, but you grudgingly restrain the pair.
>You do not want to risk panicking Anonymous, and with the guards present you need to remain formal.
>It is proper etiquette, and given the strangeness of the situation everyone needs to be made comfortable.
>And nothing makes the troops comfortable like following protocol.
>A little tip your brother gave you.

“How have you been?”
>”We are all fine. What brings you into town?”
>This political dancing is weird. You know Celestia is actually asking about Anonymous in a roundabout way.
>Without a doubt, everyone else knows as well. Do the soldiers actually prefer you talk this way?
>You don’t really have an indirect way to answer her, so you can end this samba early.
“Anonymous wants to comes this way, but I’m not sure why.”
>The guards’ unrelenting focus hardens into a challenging stare.
>WOAH! You didn’t expect that rigid of a change.
>Even you feel uneasy, and they aren’t looking at you.


> If later asked to draw a picture of the creature you imagine they could do so perfectly from memory alone.
>A quick glance behind you shows Anonymous semi-withdrawn from the glares.
>The once sure posture has drastically shrunk, and eye contact is being avoided.
>This isn’t good. Think, think, think.

“Oh!”
>Feigning surprise your body snaps to attention; throwing your head up and puffing out your wings.
>Your wings block the sight of Anonymous and your outburst grabs the guards’ attention.
“I do have some new stuff to share, but we shouldn’t keep yelling near Anonymous.”
>”Of course; we are here to help. We’ll come to you.”
>Celestia freely strolls across the once imposing center road, effortlessly dispelling the surrounding apprehensiveness.
>Luna and Cadence follow her example, while Shining Armor and the guards remain in formation.
>The soldiers’ features return to the stoic form of duty.
>You’re not sure how she did it, but everything feels safe again. You even feel comfortable enough to drop the act and call out your brother.
“Are you not going to come say hi, BBBFF?”

>Shining Armor gives an embarrassed grin, and his head pops into his shoulders a bit.
>Instantly straightening back out, he also makes his way over.
>Setting your wings back into their natural place, you see Anonymous staring at you curiously.
>It is no longer hiding, and if the mannerisms of the cutie mark crusaders are anything to go by, it is looking towards you for guidance.
>Seems your little wing trick worked on both sides.


>You offer a smile, and turn back to face your new guests.
>Anonymous holds its place behind you, while the royalty in-front make a half circle, blocking the guards from view.
>You immediately wrap your hooves around Shining Armor once he gets in place.
“Big brother, I haven’t seen you in forever!”
>”Hey there Twilley, it’s good to see you too.”
>He returns the hug a little sheepishly at first, but quickly gives it his all.
>After a second you break the hug.
“Are you here because of Anonymous, too?”
>”Yeah, Cadence filled me in when she came home yesterday. My train just got in last night.”
>Shining Armor cranes his neck to the side, looking past you at Anonymous.
>”That thing sure is causing quite the commotion.”
>You would imagine so, which reminds you of the point of them all being here.

>With the princesses so close you get to take a good look at them.
>The manes of Celestia and Luna are both a tiny bit disheveled, and the faintest of rims border the bottom of their eyes.
>Neither of them appears to have slept well, but few could probably tell from the disguise.
>it’s barely noticeable through their noble posture, but all of the years as Celestia’s student allowed you to learn quite a few of her tells.
>The cheery smile Cadence wears suggests she is the only princess to get a good night’s sleep.
>Her face easily has the most energy out of the bunch; you included.
>Or at least it did until the prospect of sharing information entered your thoughts.

>They better be ready, you can’t contain yourself anymore.
>Your brain and lips are ready to unleash the floodgates.
 “Although I don’t know why Anonymous came into town, I have made a lot of important discoveries.  For one, Anonymous is able to use rudimentary tools, and can even draw. It may even have its own language, but the letters are unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. Oh! I can even show you!”


>Without pause you dig through your pack, and dangle the paper in front of them.
>Every one of them is busy studying the paper, but there are no brakes on this train.
“It also appears to be very social. It has been in the company of several ponies since it arrived, and never seemed bothered by them. It also made a few drawings of it in groups. I haven’t looked through most of the pictures yet, but it seems to favor group pictures. The paper in its hand is one such drawing that it has been carrying around all morning.”
>You try to grab the picture in Anonymous’ hand, but it won’t let go.
>A brief tug-of-war starts, but promptly ends with you losing as Luna finally catches up with what you said.

>”It has been in the company of others? Was the plan not to leave it be?”
>Sniffle snaffle!
>You didn’t expect to get called out on that.
>Your train has been derailed, and the once futuristic bullet train is now just an old steam engine.
“Due to…unforeseen circumstances, the noninterference plan has not worked out so well.”
>Don’t worry girl, you can bounce back from this!
>Fire up them coals!
“But, I am beginning to think that it may have been the wrong decision. Anonymous has actually sought out company on more than one occasion. It also knows some social behaviors such as knocking on doors, and designated areas to use the bathroom.”

>That reminds you of a few requests you have for the princesses.
>Choo choo. Chug on brain train.
“It actually finds comfort from ponies, which I believe is due to our similarities to zebras and donkeys. We should ask those two nations if they have creatures like Anonymous. Also, we should check up on some of the more….eccentric ponies. The types that like to collect exotic animals. It is not impossible that Anonymous was owned by a pony who had the ability to keep the fact quiet. The owner would probably need to be rich to pull that off, but I wouldn’t exclude anypony based on that.”


>Your left ear twitches twice, but you are not concerned about that.
>Did you cover everything? That can’t be everything, you’re pretty sure there’s more.
>Hmmmm.
>As soon as your hoof goes up to your chin Cadence puts her hoof up, pleading you to relent.
>Misses Cheery is now Misses Fatigued. She still keeps that smile, though.
>”Please Twilight; that is a lot to take in. What I can say is we have already asked our diplomats to inform all of the other nations. We should be hearing back from them soon.”
>Shining Armor piggy backs off her response in a steely tone.
>“The important thing is, is it dangerous?”
>Oh, that is a big one. How did you miss that?
>Probably because you don’t really know.
“Well, so far Anonymous has been harmless, but I can’t say for sure.”
>Your brother’s eyes turn back to the creature with a heavy scowl.

>Shifting to the side slightly, you block his view.
“Almost everything points to Anonymous being friendly, and it even played nice with several fillies.”
>His icy stare swings to you.
>”You let fillies get near it?”
>Uh-oh, you hit one of big brother’s buttons, and just threw yourself under the wagon.
>You try to retreat from his gaze, but other than looking innocent you have nowhere to go.
>And he knows you too well to let that work.
“Not intentionally.”
>That sounded like a better defense in your head, but his stern face tells you he wasn’t buying it either.
 “It was an accident, and they have helped prove so much. They may have even solved how we can communicate with Anonymous.”

>”You can’t let fillies near that thing, Twilight. We have to be careful; especially you. I worry about you being with it as is.”
>What does he want you to do, put Anonymous into a sealed room? Imprison it just for being unknown?
>Anonymous doesn’t deserve that, it did nothing wrong.
>If only you could confirm your theories.


“Magic works on Anonymous just like everything else. If we have to defend ourselves we can, and Anonymous has shown no hostility.”
>”Can fillies defend themselves? I don’t care how skilled you are; you can’t put others at risk! You should know better!”
>Your heart sinks just imagining what he would say if he found out the crusaders were unsupervised.
>Recalling this morning, Applejack’s worry hits you like a brick wall.
>The thought of being in Applejack’s position churns your stomach. Knowing that would be shared by every family member makes everything exponentially worse.
>Only being part of the cause makes you ill, but being the main one responsible makes it hard to even stand.
>Despite whatever argument you could form the fact remains you were trusted to watch over Anonymous; to keep ponies safe.
>And you had failed.

>The building of tears stings your eyes.
>You can’t help but wither at his words.
“I honestly didn’t mean for it to happen. I’m sorry.”

>This impromptu meeting wasn’t going how you planned.
>Even if you want to play the blame game, you were the one to make the final decision.
>You won’t begrudge Applejack when she was doing her best to help you, or blame the girls for being curious.
>All you can do is accept your mistake and learn from it.
>You’re good at learning; you won’t let it happen again.
>But that doesn’t stop the tears forming.
>You did the best you could. Your plan was supposed to work great.
>You really thought the barn was a good idea.


>Your left ear flicks again as you fight back the heartache.
>The dam is holding, but your sight is already hazy. It won’t hold for long.
>This time you do look for the source, trying to use the distraction to compose yourself.
>The sound of banging hoof on glass leads you to the window of Sugarcube Corner.
>In Pinkie’s room are her and Rainbow Dash waving vigorously at you from inside.
>You can’t help but smile.
>Even from afar, your friends are there to help dry your tears.
>It’s exactly what you need right now.

>”While Shining Armor is right, we had faith in you from the beginning Twilight Sparkle. When you moved to protect Fluttershy without hesitation, we knew you would do your best to keep ponies safe. I’m happy to hear that everyone is okay, and that Anonymous has been friendly so far. You have done an excellent job, and I’m proud of you.”
>Celestia’s words sooth your guilt, and smother the queasiness inside.
>Some of your hope in yourself is restored, and solidifies your resolve to do better.
>Everyone is watching her as she talks, but as you turn to face her you spot something in your peripheral.
>Anonymous is waving back to Pinkie and Rainbow.
>Before you even get a chance to watch further Celestia continues on, drawing your full attention.
>”I’m glad we got to hear from you so soon, and that you have learned so much. Now that the guards know what Anonymous looks like we will ask them to look for anything similar. We will also follow your suggestions.”
>Hearing that she agrees with your suggestion is nice, but it doesn’t feel as important as before.
>You’re more than glad to just try and help.


> With a poke, Celestia awakes your body from its skulking shape.
>You look into her playful eyes, and she points her hoof behind you.
>”You better hurry. Our friend is leaving you behind.”
>Hurriedly turning around you spot Anonymous wandering off towards Sugarcube Corner.
>All negativity jumps out of your body as a jolt of mental signals realign your priorities.
“Hehe, gotta get going.”
>Giving the group a hasty wave, you break towards Anonymous.

>In the middle of the run you take a second to wipe your eyes.
>For only being one day with Anonymous, you learned a lot, and also made a lot of mistakes.
>Ponies were relying on you; not just the princesses but all ponies.
>The reach of the situation isn’t just a select few; the results of your actions are not isolated. They are potentially global.
>You’ll do even better. You HAVE to do better.
>For everypony.