Part 11 The Calm Before the Storm
 
>A black surrounding is all around you
>At least you're not falling, and right now, you don't hurt at all
>Actually, looking over your body, you don't see a scratch
>But at least things are... ok for now.
>Where are you?
Am I dead?
>Laughing fills the space
>Oh god, not this laughter again. You recognize it from...
>Where again?
>Ah, yeah, that's right. You were falling... and then woke up in Equestria.
>You had almost forgotten. Weird how you were there for maybe a couple weeks at most, and you were already forgetting how you got there in the first place
>Not to mention your previous life was a puzzle with plenty of pieces missing. The ones you found so far were unpleasant
>But so far as life in Equestria went, you had a normal recollection of events
>"Still thinking too much, I see."
>That voice rocks you from your thoughts
What do you want?
>"A very good question, Airman Anonymous. Or is it Captain Anonymous?"
Captain Anonymous. But Anon will suffice, for I am no longer in my own world. My rank means nothing here
>"How right you are!"
>You can't see anything around. Fucking A man, where is this guy?
You still didn't answer my question
>"So I haven't. Would you care for a chocolate milk of glass?"
>...Wait, what?
No, thank you. Who are you and what do you want?
>"Persistant. But that's why I like you Anon. I loved your work with the diamond dogs! That was just too damn funny!"
>Great... one of those....
>"But a few things should be pointed out. First, you were too soft on them. Second, it wasn't nearly chaotic enough."
>What's this guy's game?
>"And lastly... don't ever let that unicorn save you again."
>That last sentence, he spat out in disgust
>And he...or it...whatever...went back to his (IT OR WHATEVER GOD DAMN IT'S A FUCKING VOICE) cheerful demeanor. "That's just some pointers for you to work on."
>And then the voice said in a serious tone "If you don't fix yourself, I'll do it myself. And trust me, I don't think you want that...."
>You cringe. That sounded too much like your TI at Lackland AFB...
>"But anyways, I look forward to your progess!"
Wait a damn second. I want answers!
>"You want answers."
I want the truth!
>"You are incapable of perceiving the truth!"
IT's YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH FUCKWAD!
>... did you just let your jimmies get rustled?
>You did.
>More laughter erupts from the space
>"Thanks for the entertainment Anon! Now get out of here before the guests arrive. And remember what I said..."
>What the fuck? Guests? For?
>Before you can do anything, you feel yourself being thrown.
>What. The. Fuck.
>Physics what? There's nothing around...
>Brain, help me out here
>You're being thrown
>WELL GEE EINSTEIN! WHAT A TERRIFIC THEORY RIGHT THERE!
>Listen, all I know is you're being thrown
>FUUUUUCKKKKK YOOOUUUUUUUU
 
>You wake up in an unfamiliar bed
>White sheets, big room, a couple other beds and-
>Damnit. It's a hospital
>You're not fond of hospitals
>Try to move
>Arms: NOPE
>Legs: Not happenin' captain
>Core: You lay your happy ass back down, fucktard
>Well, you're not going anywhere
>Looking at the other beds, you find only one other being occupied
>Who is-
>You're displeased
>Twilight Sparkle is in the bed next to the empty one
>She has her leg wrapped up
>An immense feeling of guilt fills you, and she turns over, briefly looking into your eyes before you turn your head
>"Good morning Anon."
>You feel shame building up. Not only that, but tears are also threatening to spill from your eyes
>She gets up, apparently able to walk, albeit at a slower than normal pace.
>Duh.
>She's limping. She does have three other legs
>"Come on Anon, talk to me."
>Soon, she's by your bedside
>Still avoid looking at her
>She puts her head on your chest, looking at you with those big eyes of hers
>Damnit she reminds you of a puppy
...I'm sorry. I didn't mean to....shoot you...
>She speaks softly
>"I'm fine. I was scared when the dogs took Applebloom and I...I couldn't do anything against them, or they would've..."
I know. It's not easy dealing with a hostage situation.
>"And when you burst throught that door, I felt hopeful. I felt certain that you'd save us. But when that scary music started playing...You stopped being the Anon I-"
>She stops, and blushes
Yes?
>"-the Anon I know. You became...a monster." She looks like she's about to cry. "Just what in Equestria was that?"
That was a sample of thrash metal
>As best as you can, you explain metal and Megadeth in particular
>"I guess I can see why it would appeal to some ponies, but I still don't like it."
>You're not going to give up
>Quick, think of something!
I remember hearing something about music theory on my homeworld
>Twilight looks up, clearly interested. Ha, that was easy
I also remember a little about human psychology. We are a stubborn species. A typical human will not let something affect him if he really doesn't want it to. He can ignore almost anything if he REALLY wants to. Music... is one of those things that affects us whether we want it to or not.
>Quill and paper out of nowhere
>...damnit, can she stop writing notes for once? You continue
Depending on the kind of music, how fast the beat is, the type of instruments, etc. it can help you relax or get ready for a workout. It can help you concentrate better or settle nervousness. I guessed that the song would affect the dogs in a different way. It did seem to cause some fear in them, seeing that I was willing to face all of them by myself...I briefly told Spike the concept, but I think it went over his head.
>SCRIBBLE SCRIBBLE
Anyways, I chose that song because I knew I was going to be facing impossible odds. I was certain I was going to end up dying.
>"But, what about the crate of dynamite?"
>You give a small laugh
You're right. That doesn't make much sense. I guess, subconsciously, I hoped I wouldn't die...
>"Anon..."
>She's looking at you
>You're getting uncomfortable
>She's moving closer to you...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STbwtzb09ZI&feature=related
>Her horn begins to glow
>Oh... That.. Ok...Wait..What is she doing?
>nonoNoNONONONONOOOO!
>Her horn touches your forehead
>You feel... a bit better. Not too much, but the pain you're in is noticeably lessened.
Thanks, Twi.
>She's downtrodden. "It was supposed to heal you completely..."
It's alright. We know that almost all magic has a limited effect on me.
>"But taking those weapons from your mind..."
Yeah, and how hard is it for you to do that?
>Looking down, she admits "It's very difficult, more difficult than any other spell I know."
Right. Which reminds me... I've been meaning to ask you something...
>She looks surprised, and is waiting for something
Can you give me your thoughts on my memory problems?
>For a second, she's...
>But then she answers you. "I think your amnesia will wear off eventually. You seem to have regained some memories of life on your world."
>You know, she's right. You didn't remember music, psychology, or any of that
>Yawn
>Suddenly, eyelids aresoveryheavy
>You pass out
 
>A couple weeks go by
>YOu've been healing rather quickly
>Twilight Sparkle recovered fully a couple days after you woke up, but she visited every day
>The other 5 visited individually once every couple of days, but they all showed up on Fridays and Saturdays
>You still don't know what caused you to pass out
>When you had woken up, you were drenched in sweat and were breathing hard
>You had the feeling you were going to puke
>Another nightmare...except it was the most intense one you'd had since coming here
>And you still had no recollection of it
>Well, just one or two glimpses
 
>Today's the day
>As per your request, Rarity had added another set of clothing, on the house of course
>Besides your tigerstripe uniform and beret, you got a near-perfect replication of your dress blues with even all the decorations you had back in the Air Force
>You don't even know how she even did that
>Must be magic
>You had to fight tooth and claw to make sure she didn't put any gems on either. She REALLY was insistant that at least the blues be studded with diamonds and rubies
>You get out of your bed, get dressed in your new tigerstripe, pack up, and bid the hospital personnel farewell
>They had gone out of their way to make sure you were as comfortable as possible
>You go to your little shack and pack up your gear
>Better to be prepared, especially now
>You meet the 6 at the train station
>Rainbow Dash is the first to say anything. "You look totally awesome Anon!"
I suppose I do. Thanks to Rarity, I've got a bit of my home here in Equestria.
>Rarity blushes. "It really was my finest work"
>"I have cupcakes everypony!"
>You take a cupcake from Pinkie Pie. You had learned to accept her for who she was, though her disregard for physics still creeped the fuck out of you. She kinda reminded you of your little sister. All over the place, loved to cook, and was just in general a happy-go-lucky girl
>...Holy shit.
>"Something wrong Anon?"
>You snap back to Equestria
No, nothing wrong. Just remembered something...
>Twilight comes in, concerned. "What is it?"
Something... nice. I just remembered I have a little sister.
>"Tell us all about her!"
>Woah. Calm down Twilight
Well, she's kinda like Pinkie Pie, in that she always had a lot of energy. And was always bouncing around. In my hometown, she didn't get along with many kids her age. Her name was...
>What was it?
Oh yeah, it was Carolyn. She loved to play with me, and she always looked up to me. She was so proud when I enlisted in the Air Force. When I joined at 18, she was only 10.
>That feel when your closest relative is probably missing you
>Tears were shed
>Board the train
>Get your own cart on the train
>Go there, and ask to be alone
>Couple hours go by, and you reminisce as best as you can about the times with your little sister.
>You don't remember a lot, but you had some of the best times with her. She was just always so lively and fun...and innocent. Things had been tough for the two of you, but she always had a sincere smile on her face.
>*Knock knock*
Come in
>Twilight Sparkle comes in
>"Are you ok?"
Yeah, I'll be fine. Just realizing how much I miss her
>"She sounds like she meant a lot to you."
Of course she did. She meant the world to me
>"You must have been a great brother..."
I wasn't always a good brother. Sometimes I had school or other stuff that I would blow her off for, stuff I thought was more important, but she never looked disappointed. I do wish that I had spent more time with her.
>She smiles. "You know, you kinda remind me of my older brother."
>Wut
You have an older brother?
>"Yeah. He is my BBFF."
>WUT
WUT
>Sigh. "Big Brother Best Friend Forever."
You know, for someone who means so much to you, I've never heard you talk about him.
>Sad look
>You just had to say that
But you've been busy trying to study me. In fact, I notice I don't know too much about you. Whenever we talk, it's usually about me. Tell me about your brother.
>There's that smile again
>"When I was a filly, I much prefered reading than anything else. He was one of the few ponies I could play with. We did a lot together, and he always had time for me. Until he joined the royal guard. But that's what happens when you become a guard, right?
I imagine so. When I enlisted, I left home. We have bases all over the world, and I first went to Basic, then to tech school, then I got stationed from base to base. I almost never saw my family after that, because I lived everywhere but home. I never got stationed at the base back home, so the few times I took leave were mainly just to visit.
>"That must have been tough."
When was the last time you talked to him?
>"The day I moved to Ponyville..."
>Silence...
Hey, what's his name?
>She laughs. "Shining Armor, gosh, I can't believe I forgot to tell you that!"
>These damn ponies and their names...
>You get up and pat her on the head
>"Thanks Twilight. I'm feeling better."
>You rejoin the others and enjoy light conversation
>Things seem to be going good for you, better than anything you can recall
>Arrive in Canterlot
>Greeted by the guards
>They lead you and the 6 through the castle, which you're still in awe how beautiful the architecture is. Nothing like this ever existed on Earth, or at least not that you knew of.
>The 7 of you break off, being lead to different rooms. Thanking the guard, you walk in and change into your blues. The ceremony starts in about an hour anyways
 
>be 40 minutes later
>You're within AFI 36-2903 standards
>Fucking shaving with a knife
>Whatever, somehow you look good
>Handsome even
>Hey there stud, new in town?
>Na, just been laying low. You know, with all that not a part of this world shit
>Done ogling yourself?
>Yeah, this is boring.
>Knock on the door
>You open it and find a sharply dressed white stallion
>"Greetings Captain Anonymous!"
>....
>Oh yeah, you were a captain
>But an airman before that
>When did you commission?
>Wait, how old are you?
>Fuck not this again
Hello...?
>"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm Shining Armor, the Captain of the Guards. It's an honor to meet a such a distinguished commander as yourself."
>Commander?
>Oh, right. Captain of the Guard=commander
>....Let's roll with it and see how far it gets you
> +3 renegade points
>What?
>Oh nothing...nothing.
No, the honor is mine, meeting Twilight Sparkle's brother.
>A shocked, but happy expression flashed on his face. "You know Twiley?"
Yes, she's actually been quite helpful to me. She's help me adjust to life in Equestria. So, how have things been?
>"Not too well, I'm afraid."
Why's that?
>"Well, I can't tell you here. Meet me at the top of the tallest tower an hour after the ceremony. Princess Celestia will be waiting there too."
So we can't meet up all at the same time?
>"That is correct."
>You sense a disturbance in your jimmies
Roger
>He starts to leave
You're not coming to the ceremony?
>"I'd love to, but I have to finish some work."
Hey.
>He stops
You should talk to Twilight before she leaves here.
>He shrugs. "I'll try, but I'll be busier than I ever have been for the next couple months."
>You raise a brow, but decide to drop the subject.
So where's the ceremony?
>"Down the hall and to the left. Giant doors, you can't miss them. Go in at precisely 1500."
Thanks. Now get back to work soldier.
>"Will do"
>With nothing more to do, you head on over...
>And over...
>Shit, this was a bigger hallway
>You get there, and check your watch
>1459
>Just in time
>As your watch turns to 1500, you open the door, and see plenty of ponies
>SOMANYPONY!
>Captain, Tench-HUT!
>ForWARD, HARCH!
>You march down the red carpet precisely, seeing in the corner of your eyes the cheers from the crowd
>You're too much of a badass to break your bearing
>That, and you secretly believe your TI's ghost will appear from the grave and tell you to start pushing Texas
>Approaching the princess, you also see the 6 standing to her side
>You stop and salute
Ma'am, Captain Anon reports as ordered.
>she gives a slight giggle, and returns your salute with a nod. You drop your salute, and take a stand to her left.
>It's all about the position of honor
>Higher rank always goes on the right
>About-FACE!
>Still at attention
>Music starts playing
>"Welcome fillies and gentlecolts! Today we are here to recognize the heroic deeds of Captain Anonymous. One month ago, he selflessly defended Ponyville against an invasion by an army of diamond dogs. At great risk to himself, he drove off the invasion and single-handedly pursued the dogs back to their home. Without a second thought, he jumped into the unknown and rescued all the captured ponies, and ended the dog army's conquest before it could reach Canterlot. For this, we award Captain Anonymous with the Silver Moon Medal, for extraordinary heroism and bravery beyond the call of duty.
>Hmmm... that's not quite the reason I did that
>Not at all. I just felt like kicking some wholesale ass
>Not to mention, you were half just trying to kill yourself
>Probably best not to mention that to the princess
>She levitates a very detailed medal to her hoof, and pins it on you.
>On top of your ribbons... That slightly irks you, but you maintain your poker face. That, and who the hell is going to correct a princess? Not you. You're too smart for that.
>The crowd erupts in cheering. Feeling proud, you imagine that if Carolyn were here, she'd have run up and jumped onto you by now. The only person who could make you break your bearing, and your TI's ghost couldn't say anything about it.
>One more salute, and you're done.
>"This concludes the formal portion of ceremony. Now-"
>"LETS GET THIS PARTY STARTED!"
>OH god WHO WAS THAT?
>Pinkie Pie of course
>But Princess Celestia seems amused by that sudden outburst, and before you know what's going on, music starts blasting throughout the room.
>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pUA2JXdh2E&t=0m18s
>Sweet rave parties aren't your thing
>Still, every pony is dancing, so you start just kinda bob your head in beat with...er...the beat.
>Twilight comes over to you. "Loosen up Anon! It's your party!"
>You nod, allowing yourself to get a bit more into the dancing
>Once Twilight sees you enjoying yourself, she starts dancing
>Or what could be loosely defined as dancing
>As she breaks down, you see everyone except the other 5 watching in fear
>http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=iv&v=wMeb0cCYMRk&src_vid=f-XFwbTQoiQ&t=0m4s
>Apparently, her bad dancing is legendary
TWILIGHT!
>She stops, and looks at the minor damage she caused in seconds
>With a "I just don't know what went wrong" look on her face, she meekly says "Sorry."
No, that was awesome Twilight
>Smile...smile..OHGODTHESMILING
Anyways, can you show me where the tallest tower is?
>She nods and points to the window.
Thanks. I'll see you girls later
>Smile deflates. "What? Why?"
>You almost consider telling her you met her brother, but you stop yourself realizing that would be a bad idea.
A guard told me that Princess Celestia wanted a word with me after the ceremony. I need to see what she wants
>Before she can say something else, you head back to your room and change out of your blues and into your tigerstripe
>Might as well be comfortable
>You walk back to the party, and stealthily cross the room into the garden. From there, you walk to the tower
>Sure is a lot of stairs
>Let's do this!
 
>58 minutes later...
>Oh god what have I done?
>You HATE stairs now
>At least you're at the top now
>Open the door
>Princess Celestia and Shining Armor are both there
>You're out of breath and your throat is dry
>Fortunately, they either notice your extreme fatigue or don't care for formalities
>"Welcome Anon. I'm sure you're wondering why I asked for your presence here."
>You nod
>"I'm certain you noticed how the details of your rescue mission were changed, correct?"
>Another nod
>"This was done intentionally. I know that you were aware of how dangerous it was, and that you did it not because of heroism, but for other...unsavory reason. Twilight wrote to me that your motivation was more suicidal in nature than anything else. Am I wrong?"
Only partially. What got me started was that they had kidnapped Twilight and Applebloom. That angered me to the point where I just had to go. After that though, once I was in the tunnels, that's where you're correct.
>No use lying
>"I would ask you to refrain from such dangerous stunts as-" she reads from a paper "-'lighting a stick of dynamite with the intention of dying with the surrounding dogs.' Honestly Anon, I expect more from you than that. You don't know what that did to Twilight, do you?"
I imagine she didn't much appreciate seeing that.
>She sighs. "Just as I thought... Getting to the point, can I trust you to not pull another stunt like that?
>Where is this going? Let's find out
Yes, yes you can.
>"Good, because we are seeing some disturbing signs in a neighboring nation. Please explain, Shining Armor."
>"Yes Ma'am! Anon, we've been getting reports from our ambassador to the Griffon Kingdom of unsettling developments. It almost appears that the griffon king has been preparing for war. Against whom, and why are unknown. Your mission, if you choose to accept, is that of recon either confirming or denying our reports. This is a vital operation essential to the security of Equestria, and as such, the information you have been briefed is classified Cosmic Top Secret. Only the three of us will know anything of this mission. Will you help us?
>You start thinking
Before I say anything, I have one question
>Yes?
Isn't there anyone else who could do this?
>They look at each other, and Celestia nodded to him
>"Well, yes there is. Me. But I think we both know who's more experienced in this sort of thing.
I see, but the only way to get experience is to do it yourself.
>"There is another reason as well...I'm getting married in less than two months. If I get captured..."
>You can sympathize with him. You had similar feelings whenever the thought of deploying crossed your mind.
Say no more. I will aid you with this undertaking. What's this operation's name?
>They look confused
>Sigh
In my world, operations always had a name. At the risk of overstepping my military limits, I suggest we call it by the name of a similar operation. It will be called Virtuous Mission. Anyone disagree?
>Nope
Good. Virtuous Mission is a go
 
End