Part 25 Homebound
 
>Finding yourself in a large, black-
>Here we go again...
What is it this time?
>"Is this how you talk to an old friend, Airman Anon?"
>You're not even mad, just quiet
>"What's this? Going to ignore me?"
>Yeah, that's the idea
>"You know, I could fuck your shit up right now if I wanted to."
>Just a dream man. What the fuck could happen...
>Wait, your nightmares were always pretty bad, and you had only just started to tolerate it. Still, not something you'd like
>Regardless, to make a point, you remain silent
>"Alright, CAPTAIN Anon. Though you have no right to call yourself a captain after you failed to protect your queen..."
Fuck you
>"Ahahaha! There we go! So, what's up?"
You should know. Apparently you know everything about me. And why wouldn't you? You're just a part of me
>"Or are you merely a part of me?"
>Briefly, you consider his statement, before calling bullshit on it
No. I am me. And you're here because you're part of my subconscious. We've been through this before
>"Either way, do you know why I'm here?"
No, but I'd imagine you're going to tell me to spread some chaos or something. I know I'm pretty fucked up, and I am pretty much a war machine, but I'm not going to do that shit anymore if I can help it.
>"That's funny. For you see, I was just going to congratulate you on your new-found relationship with Twilight Sparkle. I wonder what kind of drama will come up?"
She's a great girl. I don't think we'll run into anything that we can't solve.
>"So then, have fun trying to have kids."
>Whatever response you had just died
>Your mind felt a ball-shattering kick to it's metaphorical groin
>Kids had been far from your mind...
>...or maybe that's what had stopped you from making love to her...
>Focus brain
We'll cross that bridge when it comes.
>"Oh I'm sure you will, if it gets that far...Meanwhile, why couldn't you defeat Queen Chrysalis? You had to have the Power of LOOOVE to save you. No wonder Celestia doesn't trust you!"
>That voice says the last sentence in a clear mocking tone
Show yourself, now!
>"Not now, I'm afraid, but soon enough. You're doing pretty well right now. In fact, you're doing better than I expected you to..."
Yes, I'm doing quite well. I've finally got a life, found love, and have a job I'm great at.
>"HAHAHAHAHAHA, this WILL be SOOO much fun! You are in for a surprise! I can't even tell you how wrong you are! HAHAHAHA!"
I'll cross that bridge when it comes then.
>"You'll have NO CHOICE ANON! HAHAHAHAHA"
There's always a choice
>You turn your back, and walk away
>Or, try to. It's a fucking voice, not a person
>"Good luck Anon! You're more than a few steps behind me!"
>You get that familiar falling feeling, and terror engulfs you
>That damn laughing fills the space
>You try to scream, but nothing comes out...
 
>You wake up in a cold sweat
>The sun is up, evident as it shines light into the room
>"Anon, are you ok?"
>Twilight is standing next to you, her hooves gently shaking you
Yeah, why?
>"You were thrashing around in your sleep, and started to scream."
>Huh... since coming here, had you always flailed and scream right before waking up?
>You really wouldn't know. You had always slept alone
>Except for in the beginning...
>Oh yeah, you had briefly lived with Fluttershy
>Although you were in different rooms, if you had been loud, she'd probably know
>Note to self: ask Fluttershy about any ruckus you caused at night/morning
>"Anon?"
Oh, right. Sorry. I'm fine now. Thanks
>"Are you sure? You sounded like you were...dying."
It was just a nightmare. I'm ok, Twilight.
>"Alright..."
>You pat her on the head, reassuring her
>Getting up, you look out the window
>What a beautiful sight, seeing Canterlot in the morning
>Maybe it was because less than 24 hours ago, the city was under attack and seeing it survive was a wonderful sight
>Maybe it was because you're in love with Twilight Sparkle, and she's in love with you
>Things are looking up
>At least, for now...
>Something troubles you, something about all the fighting...
>"Anon, what are we doing today?"
>Twilight nearly startles you. You were in a pretty deep train of thought
I think we should go back home.
>Her eyes widen when you say the last word
>The meaning isn't lost on you. You've finally accepted this land as your home. ponyville in particular, but all of Equestria held nearly the same sentiment, even if you don't know the entirety of the country
>"Ok. I'll get ready and tell the girls."
Sounds good. When you're done, meet me at the hangar. My F-22 got damaged pretty bad.
>An inquisitive look appears on her face. "But I didn't hear it take off."
It never did. The changlings got to it before I could...
>Thinking about your jet hurt you. It reminded you that you were useless without it
>Well, maybe not strictly useless, but against an army, there's not much you can do without it
>"Ok, I'll be sure to fix it up!"
Thanks.
>She goes to the bathroom, presumably to do her morning routine
>You hear the shower turn on...
>And you return to your thoughts
>What did you know?
>Before you had arrived in Equestria through unknown means, there was a few hundred years of peace
>within a few weeks of your mysterious arrival, there have been no less than three attacks against Equestria
>Each one had been done by a different race: the diamond dogs, the griffons, and the changlings...
>You don't know what else might be out there, but the way things are going, what are the odds that something else will attack?
>You had four guards under your command during the last invasion, but they were mostly of no help. They need to be trained
>And with that, you thought of just how to train them...
>Still, it's troubling that these attacks happened after your arrival
>Are you somehow involved with it? Or did the universe summon you here to defend the pure and innocence that Equestria represented?
>or... are your nightmares also involved, especially that damn voice that seems to show up every now and then?
>You check your watch: It's 0734
>Way too early to be dealing with this shit
>But you have to. It may be a coincidence, but you'd never assume that. Assuming makes as ass out of you. Just you. And you hated being an ass
>One more thing bothered you. Your father killed mom, but not Caroline...
>Keep the tears down, let's be logical
>He's still a bastard, but not the one who killed Caroline, so who did?
>"I'll see you at the hangar, Anon."
>Shit! Don't sneak up on me!
Alright. Later, Twilight.
>She had finished her morning routine while you were lost in thought. You start yours, giving up on trying to answer the big questions on your mind for now.
>Shower, shave, dressed...
>Wait, the tigerstripe was in your room.
>Well, guess you're going in the nude
>Without shame, you walk to your room carrying your service blues
>You want to avoid wearing the blues as much as possible. Too formal for your taste
>As you dress, there's a knock on your door
Come in
>The door opens, and you see Star Shine, Lucky, Blazin' Blue, and Lightning Strike all come in
>"Hey Captain! We heard the good news! We're all fortunate to serve under you in ponyville!"
>Nonchalantly, you finish putting on your tigerstripe blouse
What did you hear about the changling invasion, specifically regarding me?
>Lucky speaks up. "Sir, it was reported that you charged into the chapel and the changling queen attempted to seduce you. You resisted her magic and provided enough of a distraction to allow Shining Armor and Princess Cadance to drive out the changlings. As reported, you were a vital asset in the retaking of Canterlot."
Interesting... what do you know about my resistance against Chrysalis?
>Star Shine speaks this time. "That's all we know. She turned into some people, trying to get you like Captain Shining Armor, but you resisted her enough that she focused solely on you until The Captain cast his shield spell."
And afterwards?
>"You went to the wedding and had a fun time at the reception. We all saw it."
>Smiles grew on their faces
>"Looks like you took my advice, sir. Glad to know my input matters."
>Ignoring that last comment, you feel something's off about what they know
Who wrote the report?
>"Princess Celestia of course."
>They only know half-truths, and that's how Celestia wants it. They don't know that she had you disabled, and that afterwards, you were incapacitated by Cadance's love spell
>Not that you cared one way or another what they knew, although it would probably be good for them to know you're not perfect.
>No, it's the fact that Celestia isn't reporting the whole truth causes you concern
Alright men, thank you for the information. Head to ponyville now, and report to Mayor Mare's office. I'll be there later and inform you of what's going to happen during the next twelve weeks.
>"Sir?"
DISMISSED!
>They all go to attention and march out the door.
>One more stop to go to before the hangar
>Waiting a minute so you don't run into your troops, you head to the throne room
>Politely, you enter and render a salute to Celestia. She returns a nod. You're not even mad about that
>Apparently, she picked up on your uneasy attitude
>"Anon, please relax. What is it?"
Princess, I request that the guards in here be dismissed for about ten minutes.
>She raises a brow
>It appears that she has an idea of what you're here for
>"Very well. Guards, please take a break."
>"Yes Ma'am!"
>They leave you
>"Now Anon, please tell me what's on your mind."
>She's just as pleasant as ever, which disarms you a little.
Princess, I received word that the report regarding the changlings has my part... a bit embellished. Why is that?
>She gives a small laugh. Apparently, she thought you were going to say something completely different
>"Is that what bothers you?"
Yes, it is. I know you saw me fall to Chrysalis as she changed to Twilight Sparkle. And you know I was in terrible condition after Cadance did her...magic thing on me.There was nothing on that in the report.
>She smiles. "Anon, I don't believe you realize just how much you mean to my faithful subjects. Since your arrival, you've become a hero, a defender. With you and Shining Armor, Equestria is safe, and my ponies feel safe. I want the best for them, and because of you two, we can all rest knowing that we have you and Shining Armor protecting us."
Why does that necessitate removing some details?
>"It's an accurate report. There's no need to report on details that don't contribute to the effect of your actions. You did provide enough time to allow Shining Armor and Cadance to cast their magic, am I correct?"
Yes...but it still seems a bit underhanded.
>"I admit, I prefer to tell the whole truth, but there is no need to report exactly what happened. That goes for your illness as well."
>Typical political bullshit...but as far as BS goes, this is actually pretty logical.
>"May I ask why you are so concerned with this?"
Well, I guess you could say that I find it dishonorable to be given credit for something I didn't do. It was mostly Shining Armor that got rid of the changlings, but it seems your report gives us each half credit. I just don't feel that I contributed nearly as much.
>"You're very humble, Anon. I admire that in you. But can you make an exception in this case?"
>She is your princess now... and it's not really hurting anyone...
Yes, Celestia.
>Her radiating smile returns. "Thank you. Now, can you answer me one question?"
>Yes. And here I go.
>Or you would have been a smart-ass, if it weren't a princess
Yes ma'am.
>"Do you have the ability to use magic?"
>What?
No, why?
>"No need for concern. I'm sure it was Chrysalis's magic, but I saw a black aura surround you when you entered the chapel."
No disrespect ma'am, but I'm pretty sure Chrysalis's magic aura is green.
>She pauses, tensing a little. "Yes, you're right. I'm sure it must have been some changling magic being worked against you."
>Something doesn't sit right with you about that. She's uncomfortable...but why?
>...Is she lying?
>No, she probably doesn't know. Celestia wouldn't lie to you, but she wouldn't admit she doesn't know.
>She's probably just researching it...
>Or...
>Never mind, you'll think about it later
Yes ma'am. I hope we figure this thing out. In the mean time, I have to return to ponyville. My men are waiting for me.
>She relaxes again. "Please have a safe journey."
>You give an about-face, and march out of the room
>As you open the doors, you find that the guards had their ears on the door, curious as to what you could be talking to Celestia that required them to leave
>You couldn't really blame them, as they could have also been listening for any indication of an attack
>Glaring at them, you sternly speak
You will not speak of whatever you heard to anyone. Got it?
>They both nod, clearly intimidated
>Good. They should know better than to question their superiors.
>+5 renegade points
>What?
>Nothing...nothing.
>You hurry on to the hangar, skipping breakfast
>It never was your favorite meal of the day
>A wave of emotion hits you as you approach the hangar
>By some miracle, it's still standing, but it's not at all useful as a storage unit
>The roof is gone, the walls broken. Rubble is scattered everywhere. As far as you can tell, it's the only structure that the changlings attacked, as everything else in the castle looks almost completely normal
>But no, they HAD to go after your jet. It's like they knew...
>Oh. Shit.
>They must have known about your jet
>And the only ones that knew about your jet, besides your Equestrian Guard...the griffons...
>Wait, you're getting ahead of yourself
>That doesn't mean anything. The griffons may have told the changlings, or a simple stray changling may have witnessed the destruction you caused...
>Either way, it seems that the ace up your sleeve is out in the open
>You can't be sure that there's a conspiracy against Equestria, but you'd be damned if you let your adopted homeland fall without a good fight
>The time for preparation is now, while things are quiet.
>But you have no idea how long things will remain peaceful
>Focus
>Right, first thing's first, the F-22
>Aw fuck
>It's in several pieces
>That just breaks your heart
>You fall to your knees
Damn you! Damn you all to hell!
>"Anon?"
>You turn, already knowing who it is
They... destroyed my jet
>There's tears in your eyes
>You feel similar to how a kid must feel when his dog has to be put down
>"It's alright Anon. With my magic, she'll be flying like new in no time!"
>Although you already knew that, it doesn't console you. Such an atrocity against one of the very few things you cared about from Earth...
>Twilight Sparkle works her magic as you take a seat and attempt to meditate
>It's gone. You find yourself unable to analyze the situation any further
>For what it is though, you think you have a good understanding of the situation
>BUT YOUR F-22!!!
>You watch as a little girl would watch her mom sew her favorite doll back together
>Jeez, this is intense
>Without fail, she has your F-22 all in one piece in a little less than an hour
>You look in awe, ecstatic to have your baby back
>If Twilight's going to refer to your jet as a girl, you might as well.
Twilight...thanks... Thanks a lot..
>"I know how much she means to you, so I was extra careful."
You're not going to get jealous, right?
>"Of course not! She may be able to fly, but I'm sure there's plenty of things I can do that she can't..."
>Dem eyes...
>Focus. That's the word of the day.
>You inspect the paint job. Shit man, nothing happened to the paint itself. You're damn lucky those changlings didn't fuck with your paint job
Is there anything I can do to repay you?
>She smiles excitedly at you
>"Well, my friends all left on the train already...so if you could give me a lift in your jet..."
>Well, clearly she likes your baby too
I wish I could, but there's barely enough room for me alone.
>She gives you an Orly look
>"What a conundrum we have...it's not like I can use magic to make the space inside the... what's the word?"
I think you're thinking of the cockpit
>She winks. "An appropriate name."
>Her horn glows, and you see the outside of the jet unchanged
>Climbing up, the cockpit... yeah, it's definitely big enough to seat two people...or a person and a pony, as it were
Yeah, I think I can fly you back
>As you look back, she's jumping around like a filly
>Damn, she really wants to fly
Before we go, can you load up all the ammunition we have?
>"Sure. What if there's more than will fit?"
Get rid of it. And I mean, really make sure no one can even find it. Destroy it if you have to, but keep it away from anything else.
>"I'll erase the extra then."
>wat
>Ok, that works.
>In no time, the jet was loaded, full on fuel, and ready to go
>As you settled in the cockpit, Twilight jumped in your lap
>"Ready!"
>She leans back, making herself comfortable
>You'd be lying to yourself if you said you had no idea what she might be thinking, but those thoughts are far from your mind
>You have a huggable mass of cuteness in your lap, and you're going to attempt to fly a delicate piece of machinery, hoping that everything was put back together correctly
>Here goes nothing
>Starting up the jet... and we're good
>You taxi towards your makeshift runway...so far, so good
>Now or never
>You gun the engines...and pull up
>Twilight's not screaming, but she's tensed the fuck up and closed her eyes
>Rightfully so, as you're about to find out if your baby can handle flight...
>The altimeter on the HUD spins quickly...
>And you're quickly a mile above ground
>You're gold
Relax, Twilight. We're doing fine
>Her eyes open, and she turns her head towards you
>"This rush...you must feel it every time you fly. How can you handle it so well?"
Practice. Tons of practice
>And like that, the two of you cruise to ponyville
 
>Less than an hour later, you both arrive home
>Finding a nice flat area, you gracefully land and are greeted by the town
>SO MANY ponies
>Out of the crowd, you can distinguish the other Five, and you beckon them
>"Howdy Anon."
>"Welcome back, darling."
>"Welcome home ANON! You're in time for a par-"
>"Hey Anon! Nice flying there!"
>"Hello, Anon."
Thanks everyone. I know this is going to be abrupt, but I need you all to help me train the four guards that I have.
>Looks of varying confusion
>"Depends on what you mean, sugar cube."
Alright, let me explain how I see this happening.
>You give a brief, but detailed explanation of your plan
>They all seem to understand, and all are more than willing, except Fluttershy
>She's just shy, but she'll help anyways
Great. Now, I'll go unpack, and then get everything ready. Everybody understand their part, right?
>All nod
Cool. Applejack, I'll come around the barn at around 1700. See you all later
>They wave at you, as you carry your packs
>through the CROWD OF ponies
>Damn, you'd think you were a saint or something
>Making your way to your house was difficult
>Damn these ponies...
>Finally, you make it, and immediately you unpack
>It doesn't take too long.
>Just in time to write a letter to Celestia
>Dear Princess Celestia, I am very concerned about the security of Equestria, for you see...
 
 
>Hours had gone by as you scribbled your letter across multiple scrolls
>Celestia is going to have one HELL of a time reading your letter
>You check your watch
>1620
>Almost time
>You walk to the library, and knock on the door
>"Coming!"
>It's a voice you haven't heard in a while... and if you're right...
>Spike answers the door
Hey Spike, it's been some time. How are you?
>"I'm fine, I guess. What's up?"
Not too much right now, but I gotta send this letter to the Princess.
>You hand him 14 scrolls
>"This is all ONE letter?"
Yeah, it's a report.
>He eyes you suspiciously.
>"Eh, whatever."
>As he breathes fire upon your letter, your instincts pop up, wanting to punch him for destroying your hard work...but your logical brain manages to keep cool
>He's just sending it... Magic, remember?
>Fucking magic
>"Anything else?"
Nothing else. Wait, just one more thing. Can you tell Twilight I'll swing by at around 2100 tonight?
>"Sure. Anything ELSE?"
>Impatience bothers you...or it would, if you didn't understand that he was still a kid.
Nothing else. Thanks Spike
>"Not a problem, Anon"
>He closes the door, and you're off to the mayor's office
>Still being followed by SO MANY ponies
>Before long, you find yourself outside the building
>Deep breath in
>Deep breath out
>You straighten your beret, and start to visualize what you're about to do
>These ponies are in for one HELL of a performance
>One more deep breath in...
>And out.
>You forcefully open the door, making a point to be as loud as possible.