- >"Private Anonymous! You're slowing the group down! Catch up!"
- >You try to run faster, panting and gasping for breath as you slowly close the distance between you and the rest of the platoon.
- >Spitfire is running (galloping?) near the rear of the group, looking back at you with an angry expression.
- >You angrily flip her the bird, smiling at her confusion and muttering under your breath.
- "I'd probably be able to keep up if you all weren't fucking horses..."
- >"What was that private?"
- "Nothing ma'am."
- >You grunt in exertion as you speed up, determined to not give the captain any more ammunition to use against you.
- >A short time later the instructor at the front calls for an end to the run, and you collapse on your hands and knees.
- >Thunderlane walks up to you and pats you on the back.
- >"You okay dude?"
- >You open your mouth to answer, but instead, you end up puking your breakfast on the ground.
- "That answer your question?"
- >He nods and takes a step back as Spitfire approaches, a sadistic smile on her face.
- >"What's wrong private? Can't even keep your breakfast down?"
- >A surge of anger rushes through you and before you can think better of it, you snap at the captain.
- "No ma'am, I just couldn't keep it down after seeing your face this morning."
- >The slap to your face was both expected and painful, and you think she may have split your lip.
- >You wipe your mouth before turning your gaze back up to Spitfire, who is glaring at you with fire in her eyes.
- >"Don't push me private. I have been very tolerant of your backtalk so far, but I do have a limit."
- >Nodding silently, you push yourself back up to your feet, trying your best to look suitably chastised.
- >The captain stares at you for a few moments longer, before nodding in satisfaction.
- >Of course, as soon as your back is turned, you grin hugely and wink at Thunderlane, who simply shakes his head at you.
- >Your eyes don't miss the amused smile on his face as the group is dismissed and you all head towards the shower.
- >You walk slowly, your sore muscles protesting their continued abuse.
- >You've been here for almost three weeks now, but it feels like it's been much longer.
- >You chalk it up to all the punitive training heaped upon you by Captain Spitfire.
- >That mare really doesn't know how to take a joke, and you have the bruises to prove it.
- >You are Spitfire, and you are furious with Anonymous.
- >Every day for the past week now you've tried to break him, pushing him to his limit, and leaving him no opportunity to recover.
- >Somehow, he not only manages to get through the days, he also keeps up his backtalk and his smug attitude.
- >With a frustrated sigh, you enter your office, slamming the door shut with your back hoof.
- >This afternoon will be your best chance at wiping that smug grin off his face, because today, weapons training starts.
- >You were curious at first about what kind of weapons to arm Anon with, but, as it turns out, he already had some sort of an idea of what he wanted to use.
- >The base blacksmith has been working tirelessly these past few days, trying to craft a 'sword' and a 'shield' for Anonymous.
- >Shaking your head in frustration, you head into the small shower/bathroom adjoining your office, and turn on the hot water.
- >The worst part out of this whole situation is that, while Anon is a smart-ass, he doesn't really disobey orders, or do anything 'wrong', so you have no grounds on which to REALLY punish him.
- >You try to clear your mind of all thought as you step under the hot stream of water, letting it wash the sweat from your run off your body.
- >You manage to get through the shower blissfully thought free, and get out feeling refreshed and ready for the rest of the day.
- >After towelling off, you head over to your closet and take out your armour.
- >It's been a while since you've worn it, since before the you joined the Wonderbolts in fact.
- >Nonetheless, you don it with a smile.
- >You're going to show these recruits exactly why you're considered one of the best, and not just some aerial show pony.
- >You are Anon, fresh out of the shower.
- >After getting cleaned up, you walked back to your bed to find your five squad mates, and several others besides, gathered around it and staring at the objects laid there.
- >A grin splits your face as you see that your sword and shield have been delivered, and you push your way through the growing crowd to pick them up.
- >"Are you really going to use those?"
- >Examining the hilt of your sword, you answer Cloudchaser without looking at her.
- "Yeah, This is what I'm going to be using. Since I can't use most pony weapons, much less pegasus ones, I had these custom made for me so that I could spar on even footing with you all."
- >Satisfied with the sword, you then strap the shield to your arm, testing the mobility it affords.
- >It's made of a solid wood, though it isn't too heavy, though depending on how it holds up, you might have to ask for a steel binding around the contour.
- >Unstrapping the shield, you place it back on the bed and set about putting on your armour, and the crowd of ponies around you disperses.
- >Thunderlane remains, however, and eyes the sword uneasily.
- >"That's like a big knife, right? Which means you're gonna use that to cut and slice?"
- >You look up from putting on your greaves to meet his eyes.
- "Yeah, that's pretty much what it's for. Don't worry though, the edge is blunted, and I'll hold back on my swings so I don't hurt anyone."
- >He nods and puts on his own armour, though you still notice him glancing at the sword occasionally.
- >Once everyone is ready, the platoon is escorted to the mess hall for lunch, and afterwards you are directed to the sparring area, which turns out to be nothing more than a big square of dirt.
- >The next half hour consists of the ponies being fitted for weapons, while you simply watch and wait.
- The earth ponies are equipped with heavy plates over their armour, acting as shields, as well as lances.
- >They are also equipped with some sort of horseshoe, which you assume is designed to let them use hooves as weapons.
- >The unicorns remain as they are, and are taken aside to be taught offensive and defensive spells.
- >The pegasi, however, are given what looks to you like wing braces.
- >Attached to the braces are feather shaped pieces of metal that essentially crate a shield over both wings.
- >Those same feather like slivers, from what you can see, are extremely sharp edged, which answers your unasked question about offensive weapons.
- >Once everyone is ready, you are all separated by squad and pairs.
- >You're with Thunderlane, next to Rainbow Dash and Flitter who are with Lightning Dust and Cloudchaser respectively.
- >The six of you just kind of stand around, unsure of what to do, until a short whistle attracts you attention on you all turn your heads.
- >You are taken aback at the sight of captain Spitfire as she approaches.
- >Instead of her usual officer's shirt, she is decked in gleaming golden armour, her fiery mane fanning out the too of her helmet in a crest.
- >Her image is so striking that for a moment you forget that she is a pony, and you simply stare, in awe of her beauty.
- >The other five have seemingly similar reactions, but the captain is looking right at you, and the smile that plays across her face tells you that she knows what you're thinking.
- >"Alright recruits, today you all start learning how to attack and defend yourselves. Private Flitter, would you please join me for instructional purposes?"
- >Flitter nods and slowly approaches, her usual nonchalant expression replaced with one of uncertainty.
- >"Now, as pegasi, you all know we can use our wings for many different things. In the Equestrian military, we've long since adapted this ability to suit our combat needs."
- >Spitfire extends her wings, and shows off the wing braces attached to them.
- >The metallic feathers interlock so closely over her real feathers that it appears she has a pair of shields attached to her, and the bottom row extends past her wings to curve into vicious looking scythe blades.
- >The captain continues as she folds her wings back against her sides.
- >"Fighting using your wings is difficult to learn at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature. Now watch closely, and I will demonstrate the proper techniques to use."
- >Taking Spitfire's advice, you pay attention to every move she makes, and you are gifted with the realisation that ponies can be much more violent than their docile appearance suggests.
- >Throughout her instruction, the captain explains ways to maim, wound, kill, and incapacitate enemies, while Flutter acts as the recipient of the simulated attacks.
- >She is shaking in her armour, probably scared that she's going to be dismembered in some way.
- >You tear your gaze from the demonstration, glancing over at your squad mates reactions.
- >Thunderlane is stoic, and seems to be oblivious to everything but learning.
- >Cloudchaser is similarly enthralled, although you see a flicker of worry in her eyes, most likely for her sister.
- >Rainbow Dash and Lightning Dust both look like they are about to cream themselves as they gawk at Spitfire.
- >You have a mental image of them dressed as Wayne and Garth bowing before the captain saying 'we're not worthy, we're not worthy.'
- >Of course, this makes you chuckle, and of course, Spitfire, who seems to have finished, hears you.
- >"Something funny, Anonymous?"
- >You quickly stop laughing and lock eyes with her.
- "No ma'am... But now that you mention it, that helmet looks kind of-"
- >You stop talking when you notice the dangerous gleam in the captain's eye.
- >"Private, you just volunteered to demonstrate how a pegasus fights against something other than a pony."
- >You groan internally as you step up to take Flitter's place in front of the captain.
- >Suddenly the fact that you have never actually fought someone with a sword and shield features very prominently in your thoughts.
- >Oh well, this is just a demonstration, you'll have plenty of time to practice before actually fighting something, right?
- >As soon as you see Spitfire lunge toward you, that hope is shattered, and you raise your shield to deflect her attack.
- >Luckily, you get it up in time to bat her wing away, only to immediately have to parry her other with your sword.
- >You step back as she continues her assault, focusing solely on preventing her from hitting you.
- >It isn't enough, however, and you are slowly driven back.
- >During a lull in her attacks, Spitfire looks at you with a fierce grin.
- >"What's wrong private? Can't fight back? Should I slow down for you?"
- >You grin back at her, taking her goading as a challenge.
- "I was raised never to hit a lady ma'am, but if you insist.."
- >Her eyes widen in surprise as you quickly strike out with your sword, and sparks fly as it meets the metal on her wings.
- >The world seems to fade around you and the fight becomes your sole focus of attention.
- >After your initial attack, Spitfire quickly recovers and strikes back, beginning a deadly dance.
- >Your lack of technique is made up for by brute strength, and the captain's lack of experience fighting humans further evens the odds.
- >Her inexperience does nothing to diminish the speed of her attacks, however, and you once again find yourself hard pressed to block as she rains another flurry of blows against you.
- >You catch most of her attacks with your shield, but a few manage to get through and rake across your breastplate.
- >You counter by pushing her back with your shield and bringing your sword down in a vicious two handed blow, which she blocks with both wings.
- >You don't relent, however, and continue pressing down with all your weight.
- >Spitfire grunts in effort, her face inches from yours.
- >"Is that all you've got private? Because you'll have to do better if you want to come out on top."
- >You smile at her, and your voice strains with effort as you respond.
- "I'm always on top ma'am, you'll just have to deal with it."
- >As soon as you finish, you lift your sword clear, causing Spitfire to rear up on her hind legs as your weight is lifted off her.
- >Before she can recover, you quickly plant your boot against her chest, overbalancing er and knocking her flat on her back.
- >As she struggles under the weight on her armour, you kneel down on top of her and set your sword against her throat.
- "I believe you've lost, Captain."
- >You stand up, planting your weapon in the ground and leaning on it as you catch your breath.
- >Spitfire rights herself and rises to her hooves, an odd look on her face.
- >"Not.. Not bad private.. I think that's enough for now..."
- >You lift your head, looking over at Spitfire with a grin.
- "You sure ma'am? I would have thought you were tougher than that."
- >Fully expecting your words to incense her back into fighting, you brace yourself.
- >However, Spitfire simply acquiesces with a nod of her head.
- >"It seems I may have misjudged your strength, private, that won't happen next time."
- >Deciding not to gloat, you are nevertheless ecstatic at your victory over the captain.
- >As you turn your attention away from your adversary, you realize that everyone present is focused on you both.
- >"It seems we put on an unexpected show, private. Do you think they enjoyed it as much as we did?"
- >You turn back to Spitfire, only to be greeted with the biggest surprise of the day.
- >The captain is smiling at you, not one of her sadistic 'you're going to run until you die' smiles.
- >A genuine smile.
- >You grin in response as you pull your sword out of the ground and place it in it's sheath.
- "Well then, maybe next time we should find somewhere a little more... Intimate."
- >Spitfire's smile fades and her expression becomes unreadable at your words, though she doesn't reply to your joke.
- >"I think you've earned yourself a small break today private, so you are hereby dismissed from the remainder of sparring practice today."
- >Thanking whatever luck deity has smiled upon you today, you quickly salute the captain and head off for the barracks before she can change her mind.
- >Once there, you unstrap you sword belt and shield, as well as the rest of your armour.
- >Once you've removed it, you inspect each individual piece for any damage worse than simple scratches.
- >Not very surprisingly, your shield has been torn up, meaning you'll have to request that a new one be made, perhaps with metal bindings this time to help lessen the damage it will take.
- >Satisfied that your equipment is undamaged other than your shield, you strip naked and grab your towel before heading to the shower, humming a victory tune.
- >You are now Spitfire.
- >After your fight with Anonymous, you stayed behind just long enough to make sure another instructor could take charge of your squad.
- >You then left the sparring ground, intending to go back to your office.
- >But somehow, you find yourself walking towards the recruit barracks, with a desire to talk to Anon.
- >You can't even come up with a reason why, you just do.
- >And so you walk into the building housing your platoon, only to find that Anon isn't there.
- >You see his equipment on his bed, though, so he can't have gone far.
- >You decide to use your time alone to come up with a reason for being here, and you tale off your helmet, letting your mane fall loose.
- >You're still thinking when a noise to your left attracts your attention.
- >You turn to look, and sure enough, there is Anonymous, naked an drying his head off.
- >He hasn't seen you yet, and it's a good thing, because you probably couldn't manage to form words right now.
- >Your eyes roam over him, admiring the well defined muscle of his exotic body.
- >Your breath catches in your throat when your gaze reaches his crotch, and a strange thrill courses through your body.
- >It's at this point that Anon finishes drying his hair and removes the towel, only to lock eyes with you.
- >"Oh... Uh.. Captain Spitfire, did you uh, need anything?"
- >You shake your head to clear it of your... Less than pure thoughts, before answering.
- >"Yes, actually, there was something I could use your help with..."
- >Your eyes keep flickering down to his crotch as you speak, and you mentally berate yourself for acting like such a filly.
- >For his part, Anon seems just as uncomfortable as you with the situation, and quickly wraps his towel arount his waist, hiding the object of your interest.
- >He quickly hides his discomfort with a bow and a mocking smile.
- >"Whatever you desire, I shall endeavour to please, ma'am."
- >His words conjure up several images of what he could do to please you, but you force yourself to focus and stay on topic.
- "Well, as you found out today, we try to instruct recruits on how to fight many different creatures aside from ponies. Unfortunately, due to recent budget cuts by Celestia, we can't afford to hire non-ponies to practice with, so I was wondering if-"
- >"If I could be the practice dummy for the entire platoon."
- >You scowl as he cuts you off, and nod.
- "Exactly, and in return, you would be excused from morning PT on sparring days."
- >The human looks thoughtful for a moment, seeming to weigh his options.
- >"Alright, I'll do it, but you have to cut me some slack."
- >Cut him some slack?
- >All other thoughts are replaced with anger and a desire to hit Anon.
- >Realising his mistake, Anon slowly starts to back away from you, and you follow.
- "Private, ever since you've arrived here, you've made a mockery of military protocol, you've ridiculed every single instructor, and you've personally insulted ME."
- >As he continues backing up, Anon's foot slips on a wet spot, causing him to fall on his back.
- >You step over him, legs on either side of his body, and lower your face to his.
- "Your attitude borders on insubordination, you all but disobey direct orders, and you undermine any effort made at instilling discipline. So no. I will not CUT YOU SOME SLACK!"
- >As you tale a deep breath to calm yourself down, you realise how close you are to the all but naked human.
- >With that realisation, your earlier thoughts come screaming back to the forefront of your mind, frustrating you even further.
- >You step off from over Anon and turn to leave.
- "That will be all private."
- >Grabbing your discarded helmet, you storm angrily to the door, consciously holding your tail down.
- >You really need a cold shower right now.
- >You are once again Anon, and you are feeling very confused right now.
- >Your after shower run in with Spitfire left you on the ground, naked, with a semi hard boner.
- >That in itself wouldn't be a problem, however, the captain's odd behaviour during your short encounter was puzzling.
- >You get up, grabbing your towel and dusting yourself off, and hurry to your bed.
- >Once dressed, you lie down on your mattress and close your eyes, thinking about the new duty you volunteered for.
- >Having to spar with every pony in the platoon isn't all that bad, since you enjoy fighting.
- >Your mother always did say you were confrontational, and since meeting the captain, you think you finally understand what she meant.
- >With your eyes closed, it doesn't take too long for your mind to wander, followed by you falling asleep.
- >You are very rudely woken up sometime later by being shoved off the bed, and you get up to find the culprit is none other than Lightning Dust.
- "What the fuck Lightning?"
- >The amber maned mare glares at you.
- >"What? It's bad enough that you show us up with your fancy fighting, but to actually have the gall to SLEEP while we're out there exhausting ourselves?!"
- >You try to reply, but fail to come up with anything, so you simply shrug, which only seems to infuriate her more.
- >"It's not fair that you get special attention from the captain, just because you're an overgrown monkey, and you know what else?-"
- >You tune her out and look around.
- >Many of the others in the platoon are looking at the two of you, and most of them seem to be nodding their heads in agreement with what Lightning Dust is saying.
- >Even Thunderlane, when you catch his eye, looks at you with a slightly disappointed expression.
- >Only Flitter and Cloudchaser seem unconcerned, the former polishing her armour while the latter is adjusting her wing braces.
- >Lightning Dust's rant is suddenly cut off by Rainbow Dash's hoof in her mouth, and the chromatic pegasus speak up.
- >"Look Anon, we all know you never wanted to be here in the first place, but your antics have been drawing attention away from the people who DO want to be here. So maybe you could give us a chance?"
- >You nod slowly, thinking it over.
- "Well alright, I guess I can try to toe the line a little more. But I'm not making any promises."
- >Dash smiles a little at your reluctant acceptance, and removes her hoof from Lightning's mouth, allowing her to speak.
- >"Finally. Maybe now your betters can get some notice without your show boating."
- >Your jaw drops at her words, and anger flares in you.
- "What do you mean 'my betters'?"
- >"I meant exactly what I said. You can't fly, you can't run as fast as us, and you aren't even a pony. There's no way you can even compete with us."
- >It takes every ounce of self control for you not to leap over your bed and throttle the arrogant mare.
- "I guess we'll just have to see then, won't we Lightning?"
- >Not two days later you find yourself sitting in Spitfire's office, as the captain yells at you for stringing Lightning Dust up the flagpole.
- "But ma'am, she said she wanted more attention, I simply provided her with what she wanted."
- >"That's no excuse private! What you did is completely inexcusable, and if it wasn't for Celestia sending you here personally, I'd have you thrown out!"
- "I didn't know being thrown out was an option, where do I sign up?"
- >You can hear Spitfire's teeth grinding together, and she gets up from her chair to walk around her desk.
- >"You are walking a very, very fine line private, and I've run out of patience with you. Next time you so much as breathe wrong, I'll make sure to send you back to the princess with a very strong recommendation that you be locked up for a nice, long while. Do I make myself clear private?"
- >Throughout her entire speech, the captain has gotten closer and closer, rising on her hind hooves and placing the front ones on the arms of the chair to place her face nose to nose with yours.
- >She's so close you could probably kiss her.
- >So you do.
- >Spitfire makes a muffled sound of surprise as your lips press against hers, but she doesn't stop you.
- >After a moment, however, she breaks the kiss, and the look in her eyes makes you fear for your life.
- >"Get out private."
- >She moves away from your chair, and you scramble for the door.
- "Is it too late to say I'm sor-"
- >"GET OUT!"
- "Yes ma'am!"
- >You run out of the office, and you don't stop until you reach the barracks.
- >When you finally slow down, you think about what just happened.
- >You don't really regret the kiss, it was... Nice.
- >And you're sure Spitfire liked it too, because you felt her hesitation before breaking it.
- >Her anger at you, however, seemed real, and you've no doubt that in the coming days, you will come to regret your impulsive action.
- >It doesn't really matter though, because you're pretty sure Lightning Dust won't be forgetting the lesson you taught her:
- >Hands can tie really good knots.
- >Taking a look at the schedule to see where the rest of the platoon is, you quickly set off to join them, a victorious smile on your face.