Spoonlicker Anon Pt. 14

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Summary: Anonymous is a child that no one can understand, not even Flutters. Twilight has learned 3 pseudo-words, and possibly 2 signs/ gestures. As more and more becomes known about Anonymous, the more caution turns to sympathy. With her friends now all on board, the next big question is less about figuring out Anon, but how to help.

 

Last Chapter:  Twilight returns to a sleeping Anonymous, and discovers Anon’s clothes in a pile near the bed. Taking the opportunity to do a little reading, her curiosity peaks while reading about primates. Daring to take a look she observes Anon’s feet, and plays with its shoes. After marveling at the objects, Anon wakes up. Seeking to reintroduce Anonymous’ natural behavior based on what she read, she encourages it to pet her.

 

While resting alongside Anonymous after the petting test, Twilight lugs the research book over and tries to tie Anonymous to a known species. After zero success, she asks Anon about specific body parts and makes some headway. After being caught trying to sneak a peek for a tail by luring Anon with an illusionary mink, Anon bundles the up in the blankets. In an effort to make amends she creates a second mink and puts on a little show for Anon.

 

Posted in Thread 914

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>Anonymous creeps towards the tome after the duo disappear and begins flipping through the pages. One hand acts as a bookmark, saving the page the minks were on, while the other pursues the missing pair.

>After passing a few chapters with no results Anon uses its nimble fingers to rapidly shuffle through the book; a quick, but inaccurate, technique. You find those fingers in many ways similar to Spike’s own claws, yet uniquely different.

>Those soft, delicate, digits do not match up to the sharp points of Spike’s hands. When Spike grows up, his claws will be powerful enough to dig through the toughest stone walls. They will be one of the many defenses your little dragon will develop.

>If you were to compare Spike and Anonymous right now, you would say Anon has the stronger grip, but how will that change? Will Anon grow up to be muscle bound like its minotaur counterpart? Will it remain lean yet dense like its primate associate?

>Or perhaps it will be something different entirely?

>From what you have read so far you would put your bits on the last one. All these wagers you keep making; maybe you actually are a betting mare?

 

>Going back to watching the search; Anonymous is currently sitting on the D section.

>The chase for the minks seems to have come to a close with the pictures on the pages catching its attention instead; particularly the made up sketches of dinosaurs.

>Why Dinosaurs are even in the book you’re not quite sure. They were more theory and imagination than reality; the suggested ancestors to dragons. Some say creatures like the hydra are the missing link between the two, but the only ‘evidence’ of dinosaurs even existing is the musings of an ancient dragon who supposedly told a scribe in early recorded history.

>Yet Anonymous’ interest in the pictures, dare you say familiarity, has you at a loss.

>Are dinosaurs truly real? Do they live where Anon is from? Maybe there is an old legend about Anonymous after all!

 

 

>Again you are caught between giddiness and frustration. A potential lead has shown itself, but no matter the outcome the possibilities only bring more questions.

>Jotting down a quick mental note to yourself, you push the thoughts aside. You’ll follow the hunch later.

 

>After skimming a few more pages, Anonymous’ gaze falls on to another apparently familiar species.

>Dragons.

>Is Anon purposefully messing with you?! It didn’t bother noticing Spike in the bakery, and if it legitimately knows about dragons then someone should have discovered Anon’s kind by now!

>Of all the things, it just had to be dragons. The secretive, powerful and arrogant dragons. Getting anything out of them is like pulling teeth. Even Celestia has trouble bartering for the, supposedly dormant, eggs she uses in her tests.

>While Anon studies the picture, you read a bit of the text describing the various types. A single word leaps at you; a rumored ability for some dragons. Shapechanger.

 

>You never even considered Anon might be able to shapeshift. It hasn’t switched form yet, but you can’t rule out the possibility. Although you had cast dispel on it earlier, the point where shapeshifting falls between magic and physical trait is a topic of fierce debate.

>This could be the explanation you were looking for, and there’s only a few shapechangers known to exist.

>Time to put your theory to the test. Let’s start with dragons.

>Placing your hoof on the picture, you grab Anon’s attention and ask if it is related to them. Before you can even remove your hoof from the picture a flat clang comes from your partner.

>No/ Different.

 

>Taking over control of the book, you hunt through the pages.

>Okay, moving along, L…L…Le...Les. Here we are. Leshy.

>Another shapechanger and an inhabited species in the forest near the deer states of Elkton and Sambar-an. Leshies hate leaving the woods, and the description says they are plant like in appearance.

 

 

>Not exactly how Anon looks, but the close vicinity of the deer nation gives you a good feeling about this one.

>Looking to Anonymous, you await the ending verdict.

>No/ Different.

 

>Don’t worry girl, it was a good guess. What’s left? P…P….Pu. Ah, Púca.

>Unlike the changelings, púca were not restricted to their horse form but were always distinguishable from their glowing eyes. That little trait made you pretty certain of the outcome, and confirmation didn’t take long.

>No/ Different.

>Honestly, that is kind of a relief. One can never really tell if those tricksters were being friendly or not.

 

>There goes that idea. Despite your inability to unquestionably confirm Anon’s truthfulness, you’re going to assume it is being sincere with you. There is an easy argument to make about a shapeshifter lying to protect its disguise. A tiny portion of your memory will hold onto that thought, but you’ll ‘watch the yard for foxes’ or however Applejack put it.

>The important thing is finding how to help Anonymous until the guardians are found. Your hope was to find a similar species in the book so you could compare the habits and needs. Even supposing the primate section provided some advice; you are still mostly left relying on your own collected data.

 

>Sugar loving, company seeking, flat footed terrestrial being that prefers the day and relies on touch. Has well refined motor control, uses its voice and body to communicate, experiences emotions as strongly as ponies and openly displays them. Is cautious yet does not feel threatened until in direct danger, and relies on partnerships; giving itself over to others for care.

>And your first thought was ‘wild animal’.

>An old adage reminds you of a previously learned lesson. Don’t judge a book by its cover, Twilight.

 

 

>Speaking of books, Anonymous has turned the science journal to the front and is going through the pictures in order. Moving quickly from image to image, it seems to have a clear goal in mind. You’ll sit back and watch; letting Anon take over. Maybe it will find something to help?

>Having listed the major attributes, the playful nodes of your brain signal comparisons beyond that of primates and minotaurs. There are pieces of your friends dwelling in that foreign body; a strong mix of each combination. Applejack and Rarity’s careful yet open demeanor; Pinkie’s sweet tooth and touchy feely nature; Rainbow Dash’s disregard for trouble; and Fluttershy’s timidness mixed with empathy.

>You’d like to claim part of yourself in there, too. Particularly the way it studies ponies and can make astute observations such as the relationship between the crusaders and their idols/ ‘sisters’.

>Granted Anonymous and primates have the more physical aspects in common; you are growing less inclined to correlate the two. In face of the rocky start, the two of you were developing a whole new language. It was teaching you as much as you were teaching it, and if it is part of a lost civilization then the comparison is even weaker.

 

>As Anon thumbs through the Hominidae section, the great ape family before the split between: orangutans, gorillas, and chimpanzees; a trigger of brilliance snaps in your head.

>Anon is more ponylike than those other species, and you have found a way to distinguish that through name. Your theories will support a new branch, a subfamily that is like primates though remains uniquely different. You will call the species Hominem.

>The name may not contain parts of either Twilight or Sparkle, but there is still a sense of ownership. In spite of trying to place Anonymous in a pre-defined species you have made part of it your own. A brand new definition awaits you; one that can explain to the world what you feel to be right.

 

 

>There’s still much left to do, but your resolution left a happy sense of accomplishment. The burning thoughts in your head wane and you enjoy a long drawn out huff. You deserve a little down time.

>Giving in to relaxation, you rest your head on top of Anonymous’ and the muscles in your body slacken. Anon slinks out from under you, causing your head to drape over its back instead. Paying no further notice to the added weight it continues to inspect picture after picture.

 

>The sound of turning pages always calmed your nerves. Whenever you got lost in a book, the rest of the world seemed to stop save for that comforting noise. Closing your eyes, you unwind and only bother listening to your favorite song; that of reading.

>Although you remain conscious, daydreams start to play out in your imagination. Maybe someday you’ll write your own book, and a filly or colt will lie in bed while mesmerized by your words. Eagerly, yet patiently taking in every tiny detail like you used to.

>Wouldn’t that be something?

 

>Even if it seems silly, you can’t help but smile at the notion. You could be known for something other than being a princess and an element of harmony. Perhaps you should adopt a pen name?

>Frolicking in the land of make believe you lose track of time. It isn’t until your mock pillow pulses in annoyance that you sit back up. Lazily opening your eyes you see the back cover has been reached.

>With such a response you would guess your companion didn’t like the results either.

 

>Slowly flopping your head side to side you work out the kinks with a few pops and cracks. Anonymous flips to the previous chapters, stopping at one of the monkey pictures.

>One hand rests flat against the face of the page while the other pinches the outer edge. What kind of hold is that?

RRRRRRIP

>That’s not a soothing sound; that’s not a soothing sound at all.

 

 

>Your ears register the intent faster than your own eyes; a realization of your greatest fear coming to life. Instinctively your hoof skates over the book and brushes Anonymous’ hands away. Torn paper meets your vision, exactly as you expected.

“No, don’t do that.”

>Your voice couldn’t reach more than a squeak, but there was no time to bother. Ignoring both the small burn in your throat and in your horn, you jerk your bag over from the front door with your magic.

>Immediately you give Anon a loose sheet of paper and a quill.

“Use this.”

 

>It takes each item in one of its hands and sets down to work. Meanwhile, you inspect the damage.

>The tear is minor, your well trained reflexes saving most of the page. How you hated the sight and sound of a defaced book; too often encountered living in a library. Worst of all this wasn’t yours, this was Fluttershy’s. You’ll have to repay her to make up for the casualty.

>Examining where the crease was formed, it appears that Anon was trying to separate the photo of a monkey.

>What was it trying to—

 

>The door to the barn suddenly shoots open and the bright rays shine directly into your eyes.

>It’s like someone casted solar flare!

>You quickly raise your hoof up and shield your eyes. The disturbance under your wing marks Anonymous doing the same.

>Daring a peek, you can only make out a pair of silhouettes.

>”Rise and shiiiiiiiine~!”

>”Shhh. Oh, you’re awake.”

>That explains it.

 

>With your free limb, you wave for them to close the door while keeping up your guard. Fluttershy picks up the hint and the bright outside light soon dissolves. After a few rapid blinks to reset your eyesight, you look over the approaching team.

>Pinkie is carrying a cardboard box on her head and happily trotting along with her usual springiness. Fluttershy is wearing a saddlebag today with a large red cross on both sides. Her steps are rather confident, for Fluttershy anyway.

 

 

>Anonymous recovers from the attack as well, and wraps the blanket around itself again. This time it is in the more neutral manner like before with its arms and top of its chest still visible.

>”We brought breakfast! Well I guess it’s more like brunch now. We brought brunch!”

>Oh, right. She said she was going to bring some food today. You kind of already ate though.

>You dismissively wave a hoof in front of your face in an effort to convey your lack of appetite.

>”You don’t want any? Why not?”

>Hmmm. How to explain?

 

>Taking a bite of an invisible sandwich, you then point to yourself and Anon followed by patting your belly.

>”You ate already? Awww. Why’d the morning rush have to be so big today? You’d think everypony forgot breakfast yesterday with how they were lined up.”

>Her whimsical reflection comes to an abrupt end as she curiously tilts her head at you.

>”Say, Twilight, how come you’re not talking? Are we playing charades?”

>You shake your head no. A drop of worry falls into her expression

>”Are you mad at me or something?”

No.

> Any sign of doubt is quickly abandoned, and she continues on just like everything was normal.

>”Oh, okay.”

>…

>Is she really just going to drop it there? Thanks, Pinkie. Love you too.

 

>Fluttershy moves to your side and digs through her kit; pulling out a fresh roll of gauze.

>”Good morning, Twilight. How are you feeling?”

>You give a positive hum and a nod.

>Seemingly bored with you, Pinkie hops over towards Anonymous. Before the treat carrying mare can offer the food you cut her off with a weak shout.

“Peenkey!”

>Yowch that smarts.

 

>Fluttershy goes as stiff as a board with the white roll held in her mouth. Her compatriot is also frozen in place. Even Anonymous is quietly observing you; however it is freely playing with the quill.

>You can’t be bothered to try and mime something this specific. You’ll just have to say it.

 

 

“If yu want tu see Anun yew haf ta intraduce yerself prruperly first.”

>Pinkie and Fluttershy each pause to piece together what you said. Pinkie’s everyday energy is restrained by her sincere interest.

>”How do I do that?”

 “Brush ahgainst its hand and Anunamuss shuld do the rest.”

>Fluttershy regains herself shortly after, and is just as intensely watching Pinkie’s advance as you.

>With agile expertise, the small cardboard box is flung off the poofy pink mane and down the resident’s back. Sliding along to the bushy tail, Pinkie kicks one of her rear legs up, causing her tail to curve towards the ground. Ending in a small upwards arc, the goods bounce gently into the air before harmlessly landing on the floor.

>She marches up to Anonymous with zero reluctance, and you remove your wing from its back. Strangely enough, Anon is less wary than you expected. It is not tightening the blanket or raising the covers higher, but it is alert and studying her motions.

 

>Taking your advice in her own way, Pinkie brushes her entire length against Anon like a cat. After making her pass and curling her tail she sits at Anon’s side like you.

>She’s not doing it right, she’s supposed to guide the hand. You frantically try to sign for her to get lower.

>Although Pinkie remains oblivious you thankfully have Fluttershy around.

>”Pinkie, I think Twilight wants you to do something.”

>”Hmmm?”

>”She—EP!”

>Sorry Fluttershy, but this is urgent!

>You force Fluttershy to bow her head and start mock petting her; all the while urging Pinkie with your wide eyed glare.

>”Ohhhhhhhh.”

>As Pinkie goes to lay down, Anon’s hand meets her halfway. Instead of brushing straight through like it did with your flat mane, it tangles itself in the pink bundle and begins making small circles. Pinkie’s head rotates in tandem with a surprised smile on her face.

 

 

>This is different, but good. With the crises averted you come off your panic, and surprisingly find yourself still holding down a certain yellow pegasus. Oops.

 “Surry Flutturshy.”

>”P-please don’t do that again.”

 

>In your mind you draw up a little scoreboard. Your experiment is two for two. Following another test or two you can hopefully restore the hominem’s native greeting without accidentally conditioning it. You should be safe from that slippery slope since you are not directly rewarding the behavior, but you don’t want to risk it. Reciprocation is dicey enough.

>Pinkie appears to be enjoying herself, and Anon is equally serene. Fluttershy takes her own initiative and starts replacing your bandages.

>Really, they don’t need to be changed. It’s barely been a day, but if it makes her feel better you won’t complain; especially not after you accidentally lost yourself in the moment again.

>You slither away from the other occupied couple in-between wrappings to give them more space. You also force yourself to stand, a procedure you were happy to have forgotten, to make Fluttershy’s task easier. In a rare display, she’s the one to start up a conversation while working.

>”How did you find out Anon’s greeting?”

 

>Allowing your wings to stretch, you try to ignore the burn and appreciate the release. Afterwards, you point a hoof directly at her with a warm knowing smirk.

>”M-me?”

>You nod once.

>Yes.

>She’s visibly flummoxed by the discovery; obviously unsure how she was of help.

>’Oh, Fluttershy, you really need to acknowledge your own worth.’

>Holding onto that same smirk, a teasing thought emerges. Guess you’ll be playing charades after all.

>Carrying on, you swing your hoof from her to Anonymous and then back to her. Mimicking a stroking gesture you await her answer.

>”Uh…I…I don’t get it.”

>Hmph.

 

 

>You hold up your hoof.

>”Hoof?”

>You shake your head no. This was supposed to be easy.

>”Leg?”

>No.

>”Roof?”

>What? No.

>”Sky?”

Urgh.

>”I-I’ll take that as a no then. One?”

>Now we’re getting somewhere! You roll your hoof, trying to prompt her to continue along the path.

>”Ummm, sole? Single? Lonely?”

>You are fiercely imagining yourself banging your head against a wall in frustration. You hope that’s coming through.

>”F-f-first?”

>YES!

 

>The aches of your body remind you not to have so much spunk in your responses. Nevertheless we got momentum here.

>You point to Anonymous, display the first sign, point to your eye, and then point to Fluttershy.

>”When Anonymous first saw me?”

>Uh-huh, uh-huh.

>You point to Anon again followed by the petting motion. Shortly after you point back to her.

>”When it first saw me it stroked my mane.”

>You bop your nose.

>”Nose.”

>It means bingo!

 

>Oh how you cannot wait to talk again without strain. Things will be so much simpler, but she received your message loud and clear.

>”So that was Anon’s way of saying hello?”

>Easing the intensity out of your body, you settle yourself and offer a solitary nod.

>A lively and merry voice chimes in from the far side, satisfaction painted all over its owners face.

>”Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie. We’re going to be best friends.”