Emissary Anon: Chapter 4 (Ceremony)

>”You’re never going to get it on if you don’t stop fidgeting.”

>Luna smacks your hand away from your tie as she continues to fiddle with it.

“I had it right the first time. You need to calm down.”

>”I am calm. It is you who must behave. This day will not be ruined by little mistakes.”

“It will if you don’t let me fix it myself.”

>You manage to escape her grasp and fix your tie.

“See? Done.”

 

>”If you just let me do it-“

“We’d have been here past the ceremony.”

>”Don’t use that tone with me. You may be a prince, but not of this land.”

“Boo hoo, cry about it later.”

>She scoffs at you and exits as Acus enters.

>”Trouble with the bride?”

“Women… How do they work?”

 

>”So turns out the noble prince really did get himself hitched. What a thing.”

“Thanks for coming back. I know we didn’t leave on the best of terms.”

>He rests his hand on your shoulder.

>”Don’t worry about it. I was out of line.”

“Really? You do? Did you turn over a new leaf when I wasn’t looking?”

>”Something like that. This is your day, take it for what it is.”

“Thanks Acus, truly.”

>”Just don’t be pissed when shit hits the fan.”

 

>You wave off the seemingly drunk bastard.

>He’s like a completely different person now that he’s back.

>Not that you don’t like it, it’s just a bit odd for the great barbarian to show a human side.

>You shrug it off and continue prepping for the wedding.

>”Well look at you all nice and fancy.”

>You turn to meet Twilight who was already in her dress.

>Stunning would be an understatement.

 

>You give her a tender hug, combing your hands through her mane.

“I missed you.”

>”Me too.”

>You reluctantly pull away from the embrace, returning to your own attire.

>”You didn’t come to the library last night.”

“I’m sorry about that. Luna had me in another pinch of hers going over last minute design choices. You understand.”

>”Yeah… I do…”

 

>Not that tone again.

>You take a knee and look right at Twilight.

“There’s nothing to worry about. I’ll be the same man after that I am now. I’ll be here. Trust me.”

>Tears well up in her eyes anyways. She’s not so convinced.

>You lean in and kiss her ever so gently.

“I’ll be here.”

>She sniffs, smiling back at you.

>”Ok.”

 

>You give her one last hug before she leaves.

“Everything’s set right?”

>”Yes, we’re just waiting on you and… the bride.”

>It pains you to hear her speak that way.

>You have no idea what she must be going through.

“I’ll see you there.”

>”Don’t keep me waiting.”

>She exits the room, taking your joy along with her.

 

>You finish dressing yourself, tucking in your pants, and cleaning yourself up.

>The ceremony has a strict no weapons policy, so you make sure to take those out of the equation, but what they don’t know won’t hurt them.

>You sit down, and try to relax.

>You have no problem charging into a battlefield, but here? You’re as timid as Fluttershy.

>This isn’t exactly the type of situation you’re used to.

>The door swings open and Flash steps in.

>”Anon, we’re ready for you.”

 

>You stand up and follow him, leaving everything behind.

>The two of you wade through the wave of ponies in the castle.

>”Congratulations Anon. It’ll be an honor to call you my prince.”

“Thanks Flash. I’m glad you’re here for me.”

>You step into the grand hall where Flash stays behind.

>”To the Future,” he salutes.

>You return it and slowly walk down the aisle.

 

>You spot your men on one side, Acus at the front, being your best man and all.

>At the other side stand the mane 6, except Fluttershy who’s on the balcony with her birds.

>Luna and Celestia haven’t arrived yet. Celestia is to come in last, while Luna is to follow you shortly.

>You reach the end and stand before the altar, Twilight directly across from you.

>Fluttershy’s birds go on cue, signaling Luna’s entrance.

>All eyes turn to the doors as Luna begins her arrival.

 

>Three fillies burst from the entrance sprinkling an assortment of flowers on the ground.

>They hop around playfully, not even fully comprehending the events they’re attending.

>Behind them, Luna walks head held high toward you.

>She too looks remarkable as her dress sways from side to side.

>What her attitude lacks, her sheer elegance makes up for.

>A thousand ponies would kill for the opportunity to wed such a creature, but you’re the one who’s stuck with the task.

 

>All those niggling doubts creep upon you again.

>It’s for the greater good you continue telling yourself.

>You turn to Twilight, who has done the same.

>She’ll stand at your side through thick and thin.

>If she’s willing to see this through, then so are you.

>Both of you smile, Luna cutting the view between you.

>”Quite the mare isn’t she?”

 

>You ignore her and face the altar.

>”Not many have had the will to stick around with her for so long. She must be special.”

>Her voice is hushed to avoid suspicion.

>It’s becoming harder and harder to just ignore her while she calls you on the carpet.

>”You love her don’t you?”

“More than someone like you would know,” you whisper.

>”I’m glad for you,” she says almost expressing sympathy.

>She might actually be able to feel such things after all.

>”I’m glad for both of you.”

“So am I Luna. So am I…”

 

>The music reaches its apex, and the there’s silence as Celestia stand before you both.

>You and Luna nod at Celestia, signaling your full commitment to the ceremony.

>She clears her throat and begins the ceremony.

>”Mares and gentlecolts, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Princess Luna and Prince Anon of Glaemar.”

>This is it. The most important decision of your life and it’s not even of your own accord.

>Just stick it out Anon, it’s just words. It changes nothing.

 

>”For many years we have lived at ease with the land of Erreda, but today will change all of that.”

>”Today we will join hands with those across the great sea, starting with the two before us.”

>”The strength of their commitment is clear. The power of their love, undeniable.”

>You contain your laughter at the irony of those two statements.

>”Princess Luna, do you take Prince Anon to be your husband, to care for and cherish, in sickness and in health?”

>”I do.”

 

>”And do you, Prince Anon, take Princess Luna to be your wedded wife, to care for and cherish in sickness and in health?”

>You look back to Twilight, who nods her head.

“I do.”

>Spike brings up the rings, Celestia hovering them accordingly.

“I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. “

>The two of you kiss, and the crowd goes into an uproar.

>A loud crack tears you two apart, a rainbow scorching across the sky.

>Damn, you just lost ten bits.

 

>Pinkie jumps in the air her voice booming over the others.

>”Let’s get his party STARTED!”

>Suddenly boom boxes. So many boom boxes.

>The place becomes a mess of clattered ponies.

>Luna looks at you and smiles, “Go find your girlfriend.”

>You give her an unexpected hug before you dive into the crowd in search of Twilight.

>The other ponies don’t make things any easier on you.

 

>You sift through the crowd until you stumble upon Rarity and the rest of the mane 6, but no Twilight.

>”Darling, shouldn’t you be with Luna?”

“No. Do you know here Twilight is?”

>”I’m afraid I don’t. Though I don’t blame her for going.”

“Going where?”

>Rarity shuts up, realizing her slip of words.

>What the hell is wrong with her?

 

“Pinkie? Fluttershy? Rainbow Dash?”

>None of them say a word.

“Applejack, please, where’s Twilight?”

>”She wants to be alone right now Anon.”

“I know her. Just tell me please.”

>She looks away from you, avoiding your gaze.

>”She’s outside in the courtyard.”

 

>You thank her and take off down the castle corridors.

>You’ve basically got the castle memorized by now so it doesn’t take long to reach it.

>You step into the courtyard, looking around for the missing Twilight.

>There doesn’t appear to be any sign of her, but Applejack isn’t a liar, so she’ll be here.

>This was too much for her to bear; you knew she shouldn’t have come.

>Especially at the kiss, that’s probably what threw her over the edge.

>You hear a sob coming from the hedges.

>The one thing you can’t stand…

 

“Twilight!” You call out to her.

>The sobs stop, but only for the moment. She can run, but she can’t hide.

>You continue your search which has narrowed down to one section of the yard.

“Twilight!”

>Another sob breaks through and you head for its source.

>You find a medium sized fountain closed off by the grove surrounding it.

>At its side sits Twilight. A few tears dripping into the water’s base.

 

>You don’t say anything as you move up behind her and embrace her.

>She doesn’t struggle, but you unleash the dam that has been building up within her.

>You hold her all the while as she releases her tears on you.

“I’m here Twilight. I’m here.”

>So you sit there with her curled up in your arms.

>The tears start to subside and she seems to be a bit better.

“You alright?”

>”Now I am…”

 

>You nuzzle her neck and scratch behind her ears, Twilight emitting several coos.

>You rest your head against hers, her mane brushing against your skin.

“Let’s skip the party. Just forget all about it.”

>Twilight looks interested at the proposal.

“We can just sit in the library, drinking cocoa, and look at the stars.”

>You look in her beautiful violet eyes.

“Would you like that?”

>She nods and brings her face into your shoulder, rubbing your neck affectionately.

>Everything turned out better than expected…

 

>You help Twilight up and both of you walk to the castle.

>On to warm chocolate delights and other nightly wonders.

>You pause at the entrance as your platoon of soldiers come marching out.

>One of them hands you a slip as you walk inside.

>”New orders sir.”

>You salute him and unravel it while you walk.

>By direct order from the king blahdy blahdy blah…

>The fuck is this?

 

>You stand there staring at the letter dumbstruck.

>”Anon?”

>She nudges you, but you don’t respond. You can’t respond.

>”Anon what’s wrong?”

>The letter falls from your hands, drifting towards the cold floor.

>He wouldn’t… That bastard!

>You run as fast as your feet can carry you, leaving Twilight behind.

>You just hope you’re not too late.

 

>The room where the ceremony took place is mostly empty.

>A few ponies chit chat, but you’re not concerned about that.

>You peer out of one of the windows into the grounds which seems to be where the party has moved to.

>You slip into the crowd who’s too far gone to even register you.

>This is just a prank right? There’s no way he’d do something like that.

>No… This is just something he would do.

 

>You spot Luna conversing with Celestia at the edge of the crowd.

>For once you’re relieved to see her.

>At least you don’t see… Acus…

>He stands a ways away from them, but he’s close enough for you to care.

>He notices you and tips his mug before he downs the entire thing.

>Setting it down, he begins to walk towards the princesses, a shimmer from his coat catching your eye.

>No, not today you mother fucker.

 

>Moving through the crowd you attempt to intercept him.

“Excuse me. Pardon me.”

>The closer he gets, the further you are. Bull shit.

>You ignore subtly and push the ponies out of your way.

>A few yell at you for being rude, but you could care less right now.

>This is bigger than them, and you won’t let him off easy.

>Acus reaches the princesses you hot on his tail.

 

>”King John sends his regards.”

>He reaches into his coat as you collide into him.

“Not on my watch!”

>Both of you are thrown down the hill, still entwined as you fall.

>His punches are erratic but devastating, while yours are precise but weak.

>He rolls on top of you when you reach the bottom of the hill and proceeds to beat you down.

>You cover your face, but that leaves your stomach exposed.

 

>After a minute of beating he slows down still pinning you underneath him.

>”Orders are orders. We have a job to finish.”

>You spit a wad of blood in his face.

“Fuck you Acus.”

>He smiles, “As you wish.”

>You punch him in the balls once more, weakening his position.

>He falls to the side gripping his gonads as you get up.

 

>It doesn’t take long for him to follow, withdrawing a machete from his coat.

>How did he get that thing into the party at all?

>”You’re going to pay for that. You don’t have your father to save you now.”

“Screw him. No one is going to ruin my life anymore.”

>He charges and swings, missing by a mile.

>He’s used to brute strength instead of finesse.

“Come on, just try to get me. I won’t even move this time.”

>He charges again bringing the machete down from above.

 

>You step to the side as his knife imbeds into the ground leaving him open.

>You grip his arm and stab him in the armpit with your blade, twisting it around for good measure.

>”You said… won’t move.”

“I lied,” you whisper to him as he falls backwards.

>You move in for the finishing blow, stabbing him at the back of his neck.

>He tenses up only to fall lifelessly to the side.

“May Tartarus take you swiftly comrade.”

 

>You fish through his clothing taking out a letter of his own.

>It was the same as the other, the king’s seal imprinted on the corner.

>That bastard will pay for this.

>A few guards come by and drag Acus away.

>You thank them for the help to which they don’t respond.

>Were you being too sarcastic?

>You trudge back up the hill battered from your scuffle.

 

>Twilight helps you once you reach the top, allowing you to use her body to balance yourself.

>”Did I read that letter right?”

>You point to yourself and laugh lightly.

“It certainly seems that way.”

>”ANON!” Oh god not that voice. “You have some explaining to do.”

>The party seems to have been dispersed after your little show.

>The mane 6 and the princesses take you back inside in the castle.

 

>You’re taken to the formal chambers where you first met with Celestia.

>You feel like a prisoner inside these walls, you just hope you aren’t treated as one.

>Celestia carries a letter of with her; probably the one Twilight gave her which you dropped.

>”I’m going to have a few words with your King.”

>That doesn’t sound good; things are turning out a lot worse than expected….

>”Explain,” Luna says without her bout of anger.

“I wish I could.”

 

>”Why would he do this? Didn’t he want to see this deal through?”

“Peace isn’t a well known word where I’m from, but too much war leaves a stain on his record.”

>”What’s that supposed to mean sugarcube?”

“It means this isn’t something I’m surprised he’d do. He just needed another way to start a war without causing suspicion.”

>”But why try and make a wedding in the first place?” Pinkie chimes in.

“I don’t know. It probably worked best for him I guess.”

 

“If Acus hadn’t been my best man…”

>”Then he wouldn’t have been able to reach the princess.”

“That old coot’s smarter than I thought.”

>Luna’s still a bit on edge from the ordeal.

>”How can we even trust you now, after this?”

>You give her the ‘really’ look and stare at her.

>”If it wasn’t for him, you probably would have been lying on the bottom of the hill instead of Acus.”

“Thanks Twilight.”

 

>”Perhaps, but this is all a bit too convenient how he shows up at the last minute to rescue me.”

“I only learned about it when my men found me and gave me a letter like this.”

>You toss it to Luna who inspects it herself.

“You can just ready my mind if you want; I had no idea what was going to happen. I’m sorry.”

>”Do not be. I know you speak the truth.”

“Thank you, it means a lot.”

>The door screeches open as Celestia walks through.

 

>”Your king was less than receptive. He claimed to know nothing of the order.”

“Sounds just like him.”

>”He took the accusations as a personal blow to his person. Things didn’t turn out well…”

>He never was a good liar, he tends to cover his tracks with anger.

“Him and his damned ego.”

>Celestia silently agrees with you and nods.

>”I’m afraid we’ll have to cut your honeymoon short. We are now at war with Erreda.”

 

“W-what?”

>”Princess, you can’t be serious?”

>”Isn’t that a bit much sister?”

>”It was not my choice, if we had dropped the charges he would have been sated, but I would not do so.”

“War… with Erreda. Have things gotten so bad?”

>Twilight comforts you, but that’s not what you need right now.

>What you need is justice.

>Rope. Where are you?

 

>”I will arrange for you to be escorted to the docks. A boat has already been chartered to take you back home.”

“No.”

>Celestia looks surprised, as does everyone else.

“I’m not running back home now. My life is here now, not back in that piss pot.”

>Celestia nods, Luna smiles. The others still churning their mental wheels.

>”Do you really wish to stay?” Twilight asks wholeheartedly.

“Yes.”

 

>You finish packing your things and stow them onto your back.

>”Today’s the day huh?”

“I’ll be back before you know it,” you reassure her.

>It’s been a couple months since the failed assassination of Princess Luna and Celestia.

>A couple months spent training for the coming war that rested on the horizon.

>And now, the time is finally upon you to pick up the sword to defend your home.

>Equestria, your new home.

 

>”Why can’t I come with you? I could help; I’ve been practicing my magic everday. I-“

>You silence her with a kiss.

“I could never forgive myself if something happened to you Twilight. I need you here.”

>She bows her head, “Okay,” she says depressingly.

>You lift her chin up and smile.

“Give me something to look forward to alright?”

>She forces a smile of her own, “Okay.”

 

>You walk out of the castle joining your contingent of troops.

>Your personal unit is small, but they get the job done.

>They were hand picked and trained under you, so they’ll do you proud.

>Ponies watch solemnly from the streets as they see your force off.

>Sorrow fills the city’s streets, a few ponies hugging their husbands as they’re ushered off to war.

>This land is a land of peace and harmony, not of war and chaos.

>Your enemies will pay for their transgression.

 

>You pass outside the castle meeting the rest of your force.

>You recognize one of the unicorns as your second-in-command and approach him.

>He salutes you, “Shining Armor reporting for duty sir.”

“At ease, are your men ready?”

>”They are sir. We’ve been training hard everyday. Orders sir?”

“Where have the Erredians disembarked at?”

>He pulls out a map outlining the current fields of war.

 

>”Last I heard King John disembarked at the north east shore. Celestia is moving to meet them in three days time.”

“Where’s the rest of his army?”

>”They’ve taken hold of the shore and another unit has been sent west towards the castle.”

“We will meet them then. Who’s in command?”

>”One Ulsted sir.”

“Ulsted? It’ll be nice to see him again.”

 

>”Sir?”

>You sigh and look towards the open road.

“Move out!”

>You and Shining Armor lead the march to war.

>”Who’s Ulsted sir?”

“He’s a hard-assed son of a bitch. Older brothers tend to be that way.”

>Shining Armor thinks you’re worried, how wrong he is.

“Let’s go say hello.”