//------------------------------// // Inner Thoughts // Story: The Daily Life Of Anonymous // by Zarah //------------------------------// Anon sat comfortably on the small wooden bench besides the hospital entrance. While the pain of his now set shoulder was subsiding, it was still rather uncomfortable. The human sat against the backrest, letting his taller frame lean back further, the rest only pressing against his waist. Gazing at the sky, he saw a few ponies moving white fluffy clouds into view. No matter how many times he saw it, the thought of controlled weather was a bizarre concept. every time the hospital doors open, Anon could not help but to give a quick glance. Even after a month, his old habits could not be removed from his body. Every pony that passed through the doors caught his gaze and the looks they gave in return were the usual fear and confusion. Turning his gaze to the streets in front of him, Anon scanned the local population for the orange farmer. After failing to locate Applejack, the human gave up for now and just decided to let his mind wander. The sounds around him begin fading out as he concentrated on his own thoughts. The first thought in his mind was of Applejack and how she was connected to the other elements. She was honesty which made sense. Rainbow was loyalty, which was less obvious in his mind but he had not been around her that much to know. Twilight was magic which inspired the name of 'magic twins' for her and her pupil Starlight. Rarity was generosity, how could he forget when she kept talking about it, although it was probably just pride now that he thought about it. Fluttershy was kindness, although he had only seen her a few times before and both were short. Then lastly was Pinkie Pie, in all honesty he could not remember her element, it was obviously making people happy, but the correct word escaped him. Suddenly, Anon felt something press against his leg and he snapped from his thoughts, his body jumping from the sudden feeling. His eyes darted around for a few seconds before they landed on an orange farm pony in front of him, her forehoof stretched out. As his heart slowed down, he swallowed and blinked a few times. "You alright there sugar cube?" Applejack asked in a calm and concerned tone. "You were spaced out something fierce." She finished with. Anon took in his surroundings, apart from a few ponies looking at them. Nothing seemed different, although there was three fillies with applejack that also had concerned and unsure looks. Swallowing again, Anon replied. "Yeah. Was deep in my own head there for a sec, really only do that when I feel safe. Guess this place is changing me." The human finished with a light scoff. Applejack smiled slightly, seeing the human slowly calm down from the jump. "I brought your pack with me." Applejack said, lightly prodding at the backpack by Anons feet. "I also brought some of the young'uns with me, they wanted to say thanks and to meet ya. Hope that's alright. Anon glanced at the backpack that sat in-between his legs. Then giving each of the young ponies a long glance before returning his eyes to the orange farm pony. "Uh, yeah that's fine." The human replied. Applejack looked down at the fillies with a smile. "Girls." She said softly with expectation. All three fillies took a small breath before saying "Thank you for catching Rainbow Dash." In unison. Those astute would see a slight look of unsureness on the humans face, no doubt at the shared thought process of the three ponies in front of him. "Well. That's no problem. Just glad no further harm was done, I think. Who might you all be then." Anon asks the young ponies before gesturing towards the yellow earth pony. "I can assume you Applejack's sister." Anon commented. "Yes sir." The yellow farm pony replied as she stepped forward. "I'm Apple bloom." She said with pride. "I'm Sweetie Belle. Rarity's Sister." The White unicorn added. Also stepping forward, her two-toned mane bouncing slightly. "I'm Scootaloo. Rainbow Dash's student." The orange pegasus added lastly. Stepping forward as the others did, he small wings seemed to buzz with pride at the mention of dash. Anon was about to reply before he heard them all take in a deep breath. Applejack's smile diminished slightly, as if she knew what was coming. "And we are the CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!" All three young fillies shouted, each one jumping in the air as their forehooves connected in a group high five, or high hoof. It took a second for the human's ears to stop ringing. All the while the fillies smiled brightly with pride. Looking back up at Applejack, she seemed to mouth 'sorry' as he twisted his pinkie in his ear. "I see. I'm glad you’re happy." Anon spoke, scrambling for words other than 'ow' or 'stop shouting'. "I would love to stay and chat." Anon lied. "But I need to go home, have a shower and then let Twilight poke and prod me." As anon stood up and grabbing his bag. Apple Bloom looked up at him, craning her neck to see his face. "Why would she want to do that?" Anon's face seem to fall slightly. "I guess because I am different. And she wants to find out why." He said slightly in monotone. "Thanks for my bag Applejack. I'll return as soon as my arm isn't fu-, not working properly." And with that he began walking away. Anon walked out of view before his mind began wondering again. 'Because I'm different'. That one phrase kept repeating in his head again and again. Not just because he thought it, but because he knew it. Not just to those here but back home as well. His family loved him, his friends respected him, and his colleges tolerated him. When money became scarce, which was rare but paying damages for local bar fights and debts reared their ugly heads more than he would like. He would fight, not in a legal match or for his 'boss' but for money. Unground fighting rings were not too common but they were all ruthless. Locked in a large steel cage, the only rules being no weapons, body only. It only stopped when the other person could not fight, being from surrendering, being knocked unconscious or dying. Anon never drunk, never smoked or did any drugs. His addiction was fighting. The feeling of being trapped and the only way out was the person is front gave him a rush no drugs or alcohol could ever could. His heartbeat would bang in his ears like a war drum, his body would ache, yelling at him to stop but it couldn't, the taste of blood in his mouth proof of his conviction. Now this power he has obtained has taken the one thing he had in every fight. Control.