Evolved Anon: Chapter 2 (Right to Bear Arms)

>”And this is Twilight,” Rarity introduces to the last p0ny in the library tree thing.

>It’s like everyone took a seminar on strange ass names and you weren’t invited.

>Actually…

>The purple unicorn and her four peers stand slack-jawed, that is until the pink one begins to bounce.

>”We’re going to be just the best of friends,” the ball of energy speaks.

“I’m sure of that.”

>The Pegasus, her nature only weirder by the fact that her mane is a rainbow, looks to Rarity, “Where did you say you found this guy?”

>”Off by the forest.”

>Twilight seems to be the leader of this group of friends, the air around her is one of superiority.

>Intriguingly, you don’t feel as though she uses this to her advantage.

>”And why were you out by the forest?” Twilight asks her.

>She adjusts her mane and raises her head, “I was out for a stroll. Is that a crime?”

>”I suppose not. It’s a good thing you found him when you did, who knows what could’ve happened to him.”

 

>The library is soundly uptight, not much to be criticized about it.

>One thing you could pick out was the smell.

>In contrast to Rarity’s home which smelled like a perfume shop, Twilight’s library reminded you more of a lab.

>You detected hints of cleaning agents along with a subtle almost sulfury quality.

>The rustic appearance of the wood and a homey atmosphere do well to dispel any negative memories that might arise.

>Only now do you notice the closeness of Twilight who’s been steadily inching closer to you.

“See something you like?”

>Twilight backs off when you find her out, the p0ny trying to apologize and breathe at the same time.

>She wasn’t very good at it.

“Take a picture, it’ll last longer,” you joke. Twilight eagerly accepting.

>Hold on you didn’t- *click*

 

>She grins and lowers her camera, shaking the Polaroid.

>The muscles in your arm begin to twitch as a foreign rage sweeps over you.

>You grab hold of your wrist and twist the skin, temporarily subduing yourself.

>”Hold still so I can get another.”

>Another shot of light hits your eyes and you feel it taking over.

>Your pupils shrink to pinpoints as she fumbles with the film.

>When she looks at you she’s able to tell right off the bat something’s wrong.

>That fucking bitch is going to get what’s coming to her.

>You take a step forwards wholly intent on shoving that camera where the sun don’t shine, a hoof landing on your arm.

>”I must say that this fabric is simply awful, how can you stand it?”

>Rarity’s interruption sends you back into control.

“Blame Kohl’s.”

>”This ‘Kohl’s’ has a terrible sense of fashion I must say.”

>That’s… actually kind of funny.

 

>”So what’s your plan Anon?” Rainbow Dash asks you, “Plan to stick around?”

>”Of course,” Rarity responds, “You do plan to stay right?”

>Before you can speak Pinkie interrupts you as well, “Why wouldn’t he? I mean, who wouldn’t want to stay?”

>They play the ploy completely straight as each look onwards for an answer.

“I have to get back home. I can’t waste time before-“

>You shut up before you can reveal too much.

>”Before what?” Twilight asks.

>The grumble in your stomach answers softly.

“Nothing, just a slipup on my part.”

>She seems to buy it, though you note the increase in heart rate she’s exhibiting along with a steady buildup of sweat.

>She’s the only one who can tell that there’s something off about you, but is unsure of what.

>”In any case, I need to know where you’re from before I can help you find your way back.”

 

>”The rest of you can go if you want, but if you want to help me find this book-“

>The others are gone in a flash, leaving behind a comical trail of dust.

>Twilight wipes her head, “I thought that’d work, it always does.”

>She trots over to her bookshelf and begins going through it one by one.

“So where should we start? I’m not sure that there’s any book you have than can-“

>”Just who are you?” she asks never looking back to you.

“Excuse me?”

>She flicks another book over her shoulder, “I didn’t want to bring it up in front of the others because I feared your reaction, but now that we’re alone I want answers.”

>Hook, line and sinker.

>This only proves your suspicion.

>”Whenever you’re ready.”

“I’d rather not.”

>”Not what?”

>You twirl your hand in the air and smirk.

“I’m not doing this.”

 

>Twilight does not appear amused to say the least, “Anon, I don’t know if that’s your real name-“

“It is.”

>”-but, what I do know is that you’re holding something back.”

>She stands and meets your gaze issuing a silent challenge.

“And what proof do you have to back that up Ms. Scientist.”

>”Wonder how you knew that? Mind explaining?”

“Clean your equipment better, I picked it up the second I walked in.”

>”I haven’t performed an experiment in weeks, must be nice having a nose like that.”

“It’s really not.”

>”And just why is that?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know.”

>By this time she’s standing inches away trying her best to look intimidating.

>That’s fairly difficult when you know the worst she’d do is hit you with a book.

>”How did you get here?”

“I told you I don’t know.”

 

>”You were just sitting around and wound up here? I’m not buying it.”

“I’m not selling you shit alright. I just want to get home so you can either help me or you can get out of my face.”

>She backs off and lifts another book to her level, “Have it your way, but if you want my help you have to play ball.”

>That… *growl* Bitch!

“Listen here you big headed floozy,” you roar at her, “I don’t have time for your petty fucking games. I need to get home. NOW!”

>Another growl sends you to a knee as you struggle to retain control, every second harder than the last.

>Twilight grows concerned at this developed and tries to get closer.

“Stay back!” you grunt shooing her away as you feel the skin of your back split and begin to amass into hunger-filled tendrils.

>You back away from her and stumble to the door, forcing your way out clumsily.

>The p0nies stare at your seemingly drunken display and turn away trying not to give you much attention.

>Better for you.

 

>You hit the ground running and get the fuck out of sight the second you can.

>So hungry…

>You unknowingly speed past Rarity and the others in your rush to the edge of town, Rarity calling after you.

>A part of you says to stop, but you know you can’t do that.

>Just have to get as far away from them as possible.

>Too many people…

>When you hit the forest’s edge you drag yourself along the edge in a near primal state like an animal in search of its next meal.

>Most of the critters you detect are too small to be of consequence, a snack if anything.

>How can you think like this? But the hunger- *growl* it’s too strong.

>You gaze upon a cottage near the forest and turn your back to it.

>But you hear a strong steady thump from the nearby grounds and peer back.

>The meal breathes in the cool Equestrian air, you matching its breath as you follow it.

>Past the picket fence and around the cottage you find the prey scrounging about near a tree.

>Its fur’s a deep brown, darkened from a quick swim, its snout sniffing at a bushel of berries.

>Never had bear before…

 

>The beast sees your approach and stands to full height above you.

>Your flesh twitches in anticipation of your upcoming feast.

>It senses your intent to harm it and draws upon its primal strength to bear into you.

>The blow cuts deep into your chest, but as it comes in for another strike you grab hold of its clawed hand.

>Another voice inside your head beckons you on as the gashes close up on your chest.

>You squeeze the creature’s paw in a sadistic manner, a foreign smile forming as you hear its bones snap beneath your pressure.

>The bear roars softly as you slam its body into the ground before throwing him to his back and grip him by the neck.

>”Feed,” the voice commands, “Feed.”

>The tendrils tear themselves from your back and impale the weakened creature’s belly.

>It manages one last pathetic whimper and begs at you with its pleading eyes.

>An eerie red luminescence is reflecting off its glassy bulbs.

>You lift the creature towards you, your heart pounding in anticipation.

>”Feed.”

 

>You curl up into yourself on the cold dirt floor, the sun occasionally penetrating the dense treetops.

>The warmth of your body calms your mind as you flip to the other side for a more comfortable position.

>An itch sprouts at the top of your forehead, your hand scratching it causing a sharp prick.

>Your eyes shoot open at the sudden twinge of pain and you back yourself into a tree stump.

>”Anooon!” a voice calls from the further down the forest.

>You hold out your hands, if you can even call them that anymore.

>Fear takes hold as you gaze at the four digits sprouting from your corrupted arm.

>Each finger, or claw, sprouts from the base of your hand, the monstrous abominations extending a good foot in length each.

>This isn’t you. The infection’s getting worse.

>”Where are you?” Rarity calls, her voice closer than before.

 

>You look down at your body, your clothes stain free and clothing seemingly back to normal.

>But you’re newest additions still stand out.

>A stick cracks under a hoof. You don’t have much time.

>Go away! Presto digitos. Reverto ploxo?

>You grab your head, almost cutting yourself a second time while you try and revert back to normal.

>She’s closer now, you could run, but that’d make things worse.

>But what could be worse than her seeing you like this?

>Shit shit shi-

>”Anon?” she asks gazing down at you.

>You’re done.

>”It’s quite unkind not to reply when I call your name wouldn’t you say?”

>She’s not-

 

>You look back to your hands, your skin returning to normal along with your fingers.

>Why did they change? How?

>She giggles as you continue to observe your hand, “You might need a hooficure but they’re soundly clean.

>Rarity lets out a gasp when you look to her, “What did you do to your head? You’re bleeding.”

“Oh that, uh I…”

>She whips out a hankerchief from bag and levitates it over to your head, wiping off the blood.

>”You should be more careful when you’re running like that. Where- I don’t see a cut.”

“Must be some animal. Maybe a bird or a squirrel.”

>”Well then we have to get you in the hospital right away.”

“I’m fine,” you try and assure her.

>”We have no idea what type of diseases that vile creature could be carrying.”

>That’s the least of your worries right now.

>”Come on. Hop to it, we should get you there as quickly as possible.”

 

>You lie down on the hospital bed and look to the ceiling.

>”Doctor Stable with be with you shortly,” the nurse explains.

>”Thank you most Nurse Redheart,” Rarity says as the nurse leaves.

>You take a deep breathe when the door clicks shut.

“I hate hospitals.”

>”Don’t be such a filly Anon. If you wanted to understand hate you’d see this season’s Canterlot trends. Truly atrocious.”

>You chuckle much to Rarity’s annoyance.

>”It is no laughing matter.”

“Of course not I’m sorry.”

>Even with your sarcasm she manages a smile and shakes her head.

>”How am I going to put up with you?”

“I am ruggedly handsome after all.”

>”Hmm, could use some work. And a bath.”

“Rarity, you slay me.”

 

>The door opens and a professional looking stallion trots in clutching a clipboard.

>”Mr. Anonymous?”

“The one and only.” Literally.

>“Good afternoon. My name is Doctor Stable, what seems to be the problem?”

“There isn’t one sir. I’m fine and dandy.”

>Rarity steps in at your reluctance, “He was running through the forest and some fiend bled on him.”

>”Some fiend?” the doctor repeats, “Did you get a look at the creature?”

>Rarity turns, “Did you?”

“No.”

>”That makes it hard to pin down what creature it was, but at least you’re safe. The creature’s out in the Everfree are some of the most dangerous in Equestria. Be glad.”

>Oh yeah, they’re such a threat.

>”Well first things first we need a blood sample to run some tests.”

>Welp, that’s not going to fucking happen.

“I’m going to have to respectfully decline, I have a condition.”

 

>”A fear of needles is no condition.”

“It’s not good for my health.”

>He nods, “If you insist…”

>He flips through the pages of the clipboard.

>”My notes say that you managed to gather some of the blood.”

>”Yes!” Rarity accidently shouts fishing out her handkerchief.

>”Very good. If you mind…”

>She hands it over hesitantly, “This is Saddle Arabian silk, be very careful.”

>And yet she wiped your blood with it?

>He takes it off her hooves and moves it under a microscope.

>”If there’s any disease I can identify- By Celestia!”

>”What is it?” Rarity asks in concern.

>Hope he enjoys the view.

 

>”This is- I’ve never like this before.”

>”Is Anon going to be alright?”

>You try your best to look worried.

>”This is out of my level of expertise. You’d need a microbiologist for this type-“

>”Is he going to be alright?” she says again, firmer than the last.

>A bead of sweat escapes his brow, “Did you get any in your eyes or mouth?”

“No, just my forehead.”

>”Most infections are transferred via open cuts, sores or through various openings in the body. You should be fine.”

“Thank god,” you act wiping your head.

>”Just to be safe I think it’d be best if you both took a decontamination shower, just in case.”

“I understand sir. Where would that be exactly?”

>He leads you downstairs to the shower, the one shower.

“Ladies first.”

>”I am not letting you stand around any longer when it could damage your health. Now get in.”

 

>She pushes you inside and closes the curtain behind her.

“Shouldn’t you-“

>”Don’t think that I’m willing to stand out their either. I have a figure to maintain.”

>Can’t let any infection ruin that.

>”Now, bend over.”

“I never a girl would say that to me in the shower.”

>She gives you a knowing glance, “We need to get rid of those clothes first.”

“Says who?”

>She points to the sign. Get rid of clothes.

“Dammit.”

>”Chop chop.”

>You strip, albeit timidly with her ever-present gaze.

>It feels like you’re tearing off a layer of your own skin, but you suffer through it.

>She pulls the lever and the water steadily arches over the two of you.

 

>You’re pleasantly surprised by the tepid nature of the stream.

>In your mind you always thought of it as blisteringly hot or freezing cold.

>But it’s actually rather soothing. Of course you could do without the shrieking.

>Apparently the ‘shower’ part didn’t exactly hit Rarity until the water did.

>She tried desperately to protect her well-kept mane, but you both knew it was a fruitless gesture.

“What did you say before? Don’t be a filly?”

>”It’s different for a lady,” she says over her tears.

“Here lies Rarity’s mane, it died valiantly in the great decon showers of the hospital as it fought for-“

>”Please stop. You’re only making yourself look foolish.”

“Says the p0ny with the saggy hair.”

>She flips her soaked mane to her other side and gives you the cold shoulder, her peeking eye proving it to be a façade.

“How long are we supposed to stay in here?”

>”Hmm, fifteen minutes it says.”

>You sigh and let the shower run its course.

 

>Stepping out you dry yourself off with a towel left out by the good doctor.

>Rarity does so after much debate, the course fabric not good for her coat apparently.

>It is a lovely coat you’ll admit.

>She smacks your hand as you reach for your old clothes, “Don’t think about it mister.”

“But they’re fine. All that got touched was my forehead.”

>”And what if it got on your clothes?”

“Would I be so repulsive as some ferocious creature from the woods?”

>”Yes,” she says without a second’s hesitation.

>Nothing after that, just yes.

“I didn’t expect that answer to be honest.”

>”A lady has her standards Anon,” she says as you slip back into your clothes, the fabric molding back to your skin.

>Figured her to be a little less shallow is all.

>You can’t blame her, not when you can hardly stand the very flesh of your being.

 

>When you’re finished getting back into sorts you find your way back to the room you’d previously left.

>To your surprised Doctor Stable isn’t alone, instead Twilight’s with him.

>And she’s looking through the microscope.

“Quite the creature huh? Wonder what it is.”

>”Indeed,” Twilight says not taking her eyes off the sample, “I might be able to get a better understanding of this material, but not here.”

>”Anything you need to take you’re welcome to.”

>”I appreciate that doctor,” Twilight says swiping the handkerchief and sealing it in a plastic bag.

>She gives you one last look and heads to the door, “If you want to talk I’ll be at the library Anon. Don’t wait up.”

>Rarity tries to grasp her meaning, “What was that about?”

“Beats the hell out of me,” you lie.

>You stop Doctor Stable before he leaves as well and asks him why he let Twilight take the blood sample.

 

>”I had a messenger sent to Twilight’s shortly after I sent you two downstairs. I don’t know a p0ny more qualified to take hold of this case?”

“This isn’t a case. Some creature got hurt and a drop of blood fell on my head. It’s that simple.”

>He whispers into your ear, “I’ve seen all sorts of blood in my day, even got a look at some Manticore one time, but whatever that was-“ he shudders, “It’s a monster.”

>You clench your fist but Rarity places a hoof on your shoulder, “I think it would be best if you went to see her.”

>You’re sure Twilight was more than happy to help when she found out you were involved.

“Are you sure? I don’t know her all that well-“

>’Anon please, I’ve known Twilight for a long time and if there’s anyone who can help it’s her. Trust me.”

>Trust, now ain’t that some shit? Especially seeing how trust got you here.

>But… if she really thinks you should…

“Alright. I’ll see her.”

>Let’s hope you don’t go crazy this time.

>”And when you get back I think you need some new clothes.”

>You’ll go crazy when you get back for sure.

 

>You shut the door behind you, Twilight already hard at work if the smell is any consolation.

>She’s got papers splayed out over the floor and counter while she stands off in the back in her lab coat, eyes fixed on the microscope.

>”Haven’t you heard of knocking?”

“I thought this place was a library.”

>”It’s also my home.”

“Should’ve picked a better place to stay, preferably one with a view.”

>”I get plenty a view right here thank you.”

>Oh you already missed this back and forth, it’s like she’s your annoying sister and you want to split her-

>Nope. You stop the negative images before they can fully mature.

>This is exactly why you left before.

>”This blood sure is strange,” she emphasizes, “I wonder who’s it is.”

“Isn’t that just the question of the century?”

 

>She looks away from her microscope and walks over to you, checking off her clipboard.

>”Last time we talked you seemed adamant enough to run away. I don’t fool myself to say I know why, but you came back. I wonder if it’s because you changed your mind.”

>The two of you stare each other down.

>She wasn’t wrong but she wasn’t right either.

“I came back at the request of a friend.”

>”A friend?” she asks, “I didn’t know Rarity had made such an impact on you.”

>That she hit right on the head.

“I- I’m not from here as you know, but what you don’t know is that I’m not sure where my home is anymore.”

>You explain that you took part in an experiment and that somehow it took you here.

>You also made sure to keep everything else apart from the machine secret.

>She takes in this information as you dish it out and remains surprisingly quiet.

>Hopefully this’ll appease her for now.

 

>She jots down the last of your story onto a notepad and sets it down.

>”Anon, when you first arrived I thought there was something different about you.”

“Pretty sure my story shows that.”

>She shakes her head and searches for words, “IF you had told me this before, I would’ve left it at that.”

>But she’s not going to.

>”Come over here, I want to show you something.”

>She leads you to the microscope, Rarity’s bloodied handkerchief lying beneath, “Take a look.”

>You look into the lens- Holy shit so that’s what your blood looks like.

>The normal red blood cells are- well- fucked up. The infection seems to have burrowed itself into the normal cells and shifted their make up.

>Small spikes protrude from the fleshy pods, the insides mottled with a black and red hue.

>”It turns out you were hiding something a bit more important that where you came from.”

>You step away from the microscope and think of an exit plan.

 

>There isn’t one. You can try to deny it, but when you refuse for her to take a blood sample it’ll be all the proof she needs.

>You could… no you can’t. Once you start there’ll be no stopping it.

>Maybe…

“I didn’t want to frighten any of you.”

>She steps closer as the truth comes through in your tone.

“I’m- I told Rarity I’m human and that would’ve been true, but to be honest I don’t know anymore.”

>”So that blood is yours.”

>You nod to her and she voices her triumph, “I knew it.”

“It’s difficult to explain.”

>”I don’t know what I am...”

“I figured you for a visual learner,” your arms shake and tear as you focus all your energy.

>”By Celestia-“

>You stretch your claws, the change only lasting a few moments before they revert back to normal.

“Maybe you can tell me?”