Title: Captain Anonymous - Chapter 22 - Giddyup Author: somewritefag Pastebin link: http://pastebin.com/5LqGEgLb First Edit: Sunday 9th of August 2015 11:10:56 AM CDT Last Edit: Last edit on: Sunday 9th of August 2015 12:20:43 PM CDT                                         Captain Anonymous - Chapter 22 - Giddyup -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   >It’s really dark out, but thankfully Canterlot’s streets are well-lit at night, making it easy to find your way. Before long you’ve reached Firebrand’s shop, following Shining Armor inside. The old stallion coughs a bit and emerges from the back room covered in some kind of dust, which he wipes off using his magic.   >”Shining Armor, it’s about dang time you got back, son, I was starting to think you forgot about me.”   >”Well, our friend here had some trouble at the hospital, so we were delayed for a little while, we couldn’t leave him there alone.”   >”Sorry to hear about your friend’s medical woes, but I’m glad you’re both here. Give me one second, don’t go anywhere!”   >Firebrand stumbles back into the back room, you hear a great deal of metal clanging together, some muttering and cursing. Finally he emerges, levitating Shining’s completed set of armor and placing it all on the bench in front of him. You and Shining Armor both stare with your jaws slightly agape, there are so many intricate details in the shiny, golden-tinted armor that you can’t believe one pony could do all that in such a short amount of time. It’s stunning and absolutely beautiful. You understand now why Shining Armor had such high praise for Firebrand.   >”Well go on,” the old stallion says, jabbing Shining Armor in the side, “try it on.”   >Shining Armor’s horn glows, his magical aura surrounding the armor one piece at a time as he puts it on. He slips the leather bridle over his face and throws the reins over his neck before putting on the helmet. When the entire set is fully assembled, you and Twilight stare in awe at him. He looks like a king in that armor, and you can’t stop admiring Firebrand’s handiwork, circling Shining all around as you check out every little detail.   >You push on the saddle, and it feels luxurious.   “Hey shining, how’s that saddle on your back?”   >”Feels like a pillow, Anon, kinda comfy actually.”   “Everything fits the way it should?”   >”Definitely, I feel right at home in this getup.”   >”Firebrand… I really appreciate this… I’ll have princess Celestia compensate you for the work,” Shining says. “You did an amazing job, my old friend. I wish we could stay longer, but it’s late, and my wife should be here by now. We really do need to go.”   >The two stallions share another quick hug before the three of you leave the shop, making their goodbyes short and sweet. You walk for a little while toward the castle, but at one point Shining stops. You look back and see him standing still under a street lamp.   “Is something wrong, Shining?”   >He looks to be distracted, thinking about something. You approach him and snap your fingers in front of him.   “Shining, you there buddy?”   >He shakes his head, a grin slowly spreading across his muzzle.   >”You know, the armor fits nicely, but there’s one part we haven’t tried out yet,” he says, turning his side to you. “Mount up, soldier.”   “You sure? There’s no need right now. I’m fine walking.”   >”Pfft, hey, I happen to know for a fact that you like riding me,” he teases, “besides, imagine the look on Cadance, Celestia, and Luna’s faces when they see us bursting through the main doors of the castle together like this. They’ll flip out, it’ll be awesome, now come on, get up here!”   “What makes you think I ‘like’ riding you, this is all just part of the-“   >”Oh please, Anon, it was obvious how much you were enjoying yourself this morning, even though you tried not to let it show.”   >You look away from him and hesitate.   “Alright fine, so maybe I DO enjoy it just a little bit… that doesn’t make this weird or anything does it?”   >”Not unless you make it weird, Anon. Now are you gonna get on or what?”   >You hesitantly put one foot in the stirrup and swing your leg over his back, settling into the saddle quickly. Whatever this thing is lined with or made of, it’s incredibly comfortable and feels amazing, beyond luxurious, you don’t feel a single pressure point. Shining looks back at you.   “How’s it feel?” you ask him.   >”Pretty darn good, actually. Every time you shift your weight it feels like I’m getting a massage. Firebrand really outdid himself with this one. So, you gonna take my reins and ride to the castle, bursting through the doors and making your grand entrance as your noble steed rears up and lets out a fierce whinny or not?”   >Twilight can’t stop staring at you.   >”I wish I could describe what I’m feeling right now as I look at the two of you,” she says, sitting on her haunches. “I can’t look away... you’re just… wow…”   >You take the reins in your hands and feel Shining start to tense up, knowing he wants to take off at full speed. He paws at the ground and snorts, strangely seeming to enjoy his role as ‘the hero’s noble steed,’ which puts a huge smile on your face. You look over at Twilight.   “Better take wing if you wanna keep up, Twily, cause we’re about to leave you in our dust.”   >You brace yourself in the saddle, making sure your seat is secure, before leaning forward and whispering “Let’s go Shiny!”   >He takes off with an incredible burst of speed, sending a surge of adrenaline through your veins as he gallops through the streets of Canterlot, leaving the few ponies that are still out this late wondering what the hell they just saw as you fly by them. You’re invigorated by his energy and enthusiasm, and can’t help but to let out a delighted yell as you sail through town faster than you ever thought Shining could move. The next time you let out a yell, Shining whinnies as loud as he can along with you, making it clear he’s loving this as much as you are. He freely allows you to control his direction, moving left or right as he feels the reins touch either side of his neck. Twilight struggles to keep up as she flies overhead.   >When you reach the castle, Shining doesn’t slow down even slightly, blowing past the guards like they weren’t even there. You just so happen to see Cadance walking further down one of the corridors. You direct Shining in her direction, and he takes off again at a full gallop. Cadance freezes in place as you rapidly approach, stopping inches short of her, Shining rearing up and kicking his front legs, whinnying loudly before setting back down.   “Whoa boy, good boy,” you say, patting Shining’s neck, and further confusing Cadance, who can’t bring herself to say anything as she stares wide-eyed at the two of you. Shining decides to really get into the role, pawing at the ground, acting like an impatient, unruly stallion, with a series of snorts and grunts. You pull him around with the reins so you’re facing Cadance again, quickly catching on to what he’s doing. “Whoa now, easy boy, easy. Settle down now,” you say as you pat his neck again, eliciting a nicker from him. You continue scratching his neck and praising him, causing him to drop his head in “submission” to you. “That’s my good boy, that’s my good Shiny.” Cadance seems catatonic at this point.   “Your highness, Princess Cadance, my loyal, noble steed and I greet you warmly.” You proclaim in a firm, authoritative tone.   >In an instant Cadance flies into a rage, backing away from your, her horn glowing brightly as she paws at the ground.   >”What have you done to my husband!? Shining, snap out of it, come on. You’re a servant to nopony. You’re ROYALTY Shining, ROYALTY! It’s beneath your dignity to allow yourself to be… used like this.”   >You scratch his neck again, this time he leans into it and smiles, still not saying a word. This sets Cadance off even more   >”For Celestia’s Sake, Shining, you’re not a pet! I don’t know what Anon has done to you but… I know you’re still in there, somewhere.   >Finally Twilight come running down the corridor, after you, gasping for air as she yells out to Cadance   >”Don’t…. *gasp* hurt… *gasp* him…” Twilight nearly collapses when she finally reaches you.   >You take a good look around you and decide it’s time to drop the charade.   “Alright Shining, I think we’ve scared her enough, let your wife know you’re okay,” you say as you start laughing. Shining picks his head up and looks at Cadance with a mile-wide grin.   >”Hi honey, I’m home. Did you miss me?”   >Cadance still looks bewildered as you both fall into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. Twilight struggles to explain, still completely out of breath.   >”I don’t know what came over them, Cadance, I’ve never seen them behave that way, but they’re not hurting each other, don’t be angry, we’ll explain everything.”   >You quickly turn and see Luna and Celestia at the other end of the corridor, both of their mouths agape as they stare at you. It takes a while for your laughter to die down, you continue to scratch and pat Shining’s neck affectionately. You’re amazed that he’s not out of breath or sweating profusely after that run through town. He stands firmly beneath you, no hint of pain or exhaustion whatsoever.   “Shining, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you just enjoyed yourself.”   >Shining snorts and rolls his eyes   >”Oh please, like I’d ever enjoy being ridden, it’s all just for the plan,” he says, echoing your previous excuse, teasing you.   “Oh I think it was pretty obvious you were having fun, that excited whinny that woke up half of Canterlot gave it away, my noble steed,” you tease.   >You both laugh with each other briefly. Whatever this strange bond you two have developed is, you both seem to really like it a lot. Eventually you dismount and give Shining a quick hug.   “Thanks for the ride, pal, it was a blast.”   >Shining hugs you back and nickers   >As the two of you look around the room and see one bewildered princess ready to kill you, two shocked princesses that still haven’t moved, and one princess on the verge of fainting from exhaustion, you both begin to wonder if you might have taken things just a tad too far.   “We… We can explain,” you stammer.   >It takes several minutes for the four princesses to regain their composure, though their confusion still remains. Luna and Celestia begin to approach you, Twilight already sitting on her haunches next to you and Cadance still only a few feet away.   >”Well… then…” Luna hesitates, “shall we gather in the meeting hall?”   >You all just nod, following each other one by one down a long corridor, you walk side by side with Shining Armor and Twilight.   >Cadance looks at you like you’re insane as she speaks to you.   >”So let me get this all straight. You want to pretend to be “king,” and have us all fall in line and look like we’re submissive to you? Not only that, you want to humiliate my husband by debasing him and making him your slave in public? I’m not seeing the part of this that benefits us, Anon. It sounds more to me like you’re trying to act out some sick fetish or power trip.”   >You simply sigh and rest your head on the table, having gone over this countless times now.   “Cadance, I have nothing but respect and admiration for your husband. I doubt he’ll be humiliated, have you seen how amazing he looks in that armor? Ponies will be jealous of how gallant he looks as he proudly strides amongst them. Did you not hear him laugh along with me at the end of our ride? This will be a piece of cake for him. He won’t be treated like a ‘slave,’ as you say, he’ll just be acting, like all the rest of you. He can carry me just fine, it doesn’t hurt him or make him uncomfortable, I think you’ve seen that clearly first hand. What I’m proposing is a show, theatrics, deception, what part of all of this have I not made clear? If I can get their CO off their ship by himself willingly, it’s going to make EVERYTHING go a lot smoother in the long run. I don’t expect any pony to grovel at my feet or anything like that. I’m just asking that you pretend that I have your support, and act like you’re deferring to me whenever you do something. That support legitimizes and solidifies my seat of power, if it’s not convincing they WON’T buy it. I’m not after some sick thrill here or to demoralize any pony.”   >Twilight has been on your side from the beginning, but she’s exhausted herself trying to convince the others. Celestia and Luna have been on the fence the whole time, and Cadance is still convinced this is some kind of huge act of perversion and cruelty solely for your sadistic pleasure.   “Ugh… Shining, please, will you talk to your wife, I don’t know what else I can say at this point,” you grumble in frustration, closing your eyes in defeat.   >Shining smiles sheepishly at Cadance, who is still having none of this.   >”Honey… Cadance… my love…” he begins, his ears flat against his head, “I’m really, really sorry we freaked you out so bad back there… we were just having fun, that’s all… both of us. It was my idea to act like a mindless beast just to prank you a little more. Don’t be mad at Anon, and don’t reject his plan just because you’re upset… please? If you knew just how much Anon truly loves the ponies of Equestria, you’d understand that he’s doing this for them, and he’s trying to do it in the safest way he can think of – even if that makes some ponies uncomfortable. I trusted him from the very beginning, even though I was skeptical. I thought it was very strange when he asked to ride me this morning, but when he explained himself afterwards I understood what he was trying to do, and it made sense to me.”   >Cadance doesn’t so much as flinch   >”I didn’t like seeing you like that,” she says with an angry snort.   >”Well what if I told you I liked it?”   >Cadance looks at him in disgust, you lift your head off the table and listen intently, that got your attention.   >”I wouldn’t believe you,” she says, still not buying it, “and even if I did… how could you not be ashamed of yourself for enjoying something like that?”   >”Cadance, it was harmless fun. I enjoyed myself. I didn’t get hurt, I wasn’t humiliated or abused, none of that. I was the one that asked Anon to get on my back so I could carry him to the castle. I can’t explain it, but when he climbed into that saddle and took the reins, it stirred something primal in me. All I wanted to do was go, and when Anon gave the word, that’s what I did. I galloped as hard as I could because I wanted to. When Anon yelled out and I knew he was having fun, I whinnied with him as loud as I could the next time he did it, so he could see I was having fun too. Anon didn’t use me, Cadance, I willingly participated and we both enjoyed ourselves. Maybe it’s beneath my dignity. Maybe I should be humiliated, maybe I should be ashamed, but I’m not.”   >Cadance looks down the table in desperation   >”Celestia? Luna? You can’t seriously be considering taking part in this, can you?”   >Celestia responds after a brief silence.   >”Cadance, I was just as shocked as you were when I saw Anon astride your husband. I had absolutely no idea what was going on, just like you. Now that I can look back on it objectively, I can tell you what I saw, though. I saw a handsome prince adorned in some of the most stunning armor I’ve ever seen on a pony. I saw a friend to all ponies, Captain Anonymous, looking absolutely remarkable in what I later found out was his dress uniform. I saw two noble males of two different species laughing and enjoying one another’s company, even going so far as to embrace one another. I saw companionship, Cadance, not once did I see slavery, abuse, cruelty, or any other foul intent that you seem to fear. I find it odd, as well, that a pony could enjoy such an activity, but I see no harm being done, and I have yet to see the potential harm in Anon’s new plan.”   >You sigh in relief loudly   “Thank you, your highness. After that speech, I’m assuming I finally have your support now?”   >Celestia hesitates for several moments, but eventually nods.   >”Yes, Anon, you have my full support. I have yet to be given any reason to mistrust you, so I shall continue to follow your lead in this matter.”   >She looks over at Luna   >”I believe my sister concurs with my assessment.”   >Luna hesitates as well, but also eventually nods.   >”The potential minor, partial, and temporary loss of dignity is a very small price to pay in exchange for helping to further secure the safety of our citizens.”   >All eyes rest on Cadance, the last holdout. She remains silent, stewing in her anger, feeling cornered. She stares at Shining Armor for a long time, perhaps trying to make him feel guilty and reverse his position, but she’s unsuccessful.   >Eventually Shining stands up and approaches his wife, nickering softly as he nuzzles her. She tries to pull away, but he stays with her and continues his affectionate gestures, trying to ease her tension.   >”Cadance, my love, I have one question for you,” he says to her softly as he continues nuzzling her, giving her little kisses here and there.   >She sighs, on the verge of defeat. “What is it, my love?”   >”Do you trust me?”   >Her eyes begin to water, her lips quivering as she hesitates to answer, she looks around the room at everyone else, but Shining gently guides her back to making eye contact with him.   >”My sweet princess Cadance, the love of my life, the mare I adore more than anything, the mare that I have always been loyal and faithful to, that I have never intentionally hurt, that has been the center of my universe for many years… Do you trust me?”   >She gradually rests her head on Shining’s chest and lets go, tears running down her face as she finally replies, “Yes, my husband, my loving stallion, I do trust you, I always trust you.”   >She hesitates, wiping tears from her eyes as she tries to regain her composure.   >”And if this is what you want, if this is what you think is best, if you think this will work, then I trust you.”   >Shining kisses her on the cheek and nuzzles her again, nodding in your direction as he says “say it to him, my love. Just say yes. Look Anon, our friend, in the eye, and say yes, that you will support him. That’s all your loving husband needs you to do.”   >She very slowly turns to look at you, eventually making eye contact, her voice trembling ever so slightly.   >”Anon… all the other ponies in this room trust you… my husband trusts you, and I trust him above all else. So Anon… yes, you have my support for your plan.”   >You’re relieved that she finally yields   “Thank you, princess Cadance,” you say to her with a slight bow of your head.   >”Were not done here yet, Anon,” she says. You look up at her questioningly.   >”I want you and Shining to explain this whole riding thing to me, that’s what I just don’t understand. Asking a pony to carry weight on his back is physical labor. It’s not pleasurable activity, it’s hard work that can exhaust a pony.”   “Cadance, I enjoy it for a lot of different reasons, none of which are sinister or perverse. As for Shining, I’m not sure why he enjoyed himself as much as he did. I never expected to hear him say he enjoys me riding him, so it was a surprise to me as well. I think I know part of the reason at least, though. Part of that reason, is that we’re bonding through it somehow. I felt that bond growing stronger when our short ride came to an end tonight. Beyond that, he’ll have to explain it himself.”   >”It just feels good, that’s all. I don’t know how else to put it. Everything about it felt good. It felt natural. It never felt like servitude, it felt like a true partnership. I wasn’t forced to do anything, I *wanted* to listen to Anon, to give up control to him and trust his guidance. It just felt right. Not only that, the saddle that’s built into that armor is super comfy for both of us. The slightest movement or shift in his weight on my back felt good, and as I galloped with him, it felt like I was getting a luxurious massage. No part of it was unpleasant or painful. I wish I had a reasonable explanation for you but I don’t, I’m sorry.”   “Isn’t it enough that we both like it and it’s bringing us closer together? Can’t you just leave it at that?”   >Cadance sighs in defeat.   >”I suppose I have no choice, do I?”   >You approach Cadance, kneeling down next to her and offering her your hand. She briefly hesitates before placing a hoof on your palm. You give it a quick kiss before covering it with your other hand as you bow your head to her. You make eye contact with her before speaking to her sincerely.   “You sensed my love for Twilight a long time ago, I already know that much. I would imagine you can sense all types of love, not just romantic. Tell me what you sense from me now. As I think about each of you, as I think about the citizens of Equestria and the Crystal Empire, of all ponykind, tell me what you sense from me.”   >Cadance’s horn glows as you close your eyes and you let your mind wander, focusing on each of the ponies in the room one by one. Her eyes close too as she concentrates on the love that she senses from you. When your thoughts shift to Shining Armor she finally cracks a smile. When you think back to the little filly on the train, Cadance whispers an “aww” before covering her muzzle with a hoof. You think back to Rarity and how thankful you were to her and the great affection you felt for her. You think of all of Twilight’s friends and how you’ve never given up on trying to earn their friendship. You think of all the ponies across the whole world, and your overwhelming desire to protect them and keep them safe.   >You slowly open your eyes, gently releasing Cadance’s hoof as you smile at her. Her horn stops glowing and she looks at you affectionately, jumping from her seat and pulling you into a tight hug, wrapping her wings around you. Both Shining Armor and Twilight shoot the two of you jealous glances when the hug lasts a little bit too long for their comfort. Shining Armor clears his throat loudly. Cadance nuzzles your cheek quickly before releasing you.   >”I’m sorry, Anon…” she says remorsefully, avoiding eye contact   “It’s okay. I understand why you were upset,” you reply as you return to your seat.   >”All I sensed from you was overwhelming love. I’m still not comfortable with certain aspects of this, but it eases my mind a little knowing that you really do love us – all of us.”   >Her tone quickly changes to that of a mother scolding her foals as she continues.   >“However I’m still upset with you and Shining for that little stunt you pulled earlier. I know you two were just playing around but that wasn’t funny to me,” she says, looking between the two of you angrily.   >You can already tell you’ll both be receiving some kind of punishment before the night is through. Celestia breaks the awkward silence as you and Shining Armor offer Cadance apologetic glances, which seem to have no effect on her.   >”It appears we’ve at last reached a consensus,” she says with a relieved sigh and a yawn. “I don’t believe there’s anything left to discuss tonight. It’s quite late, and we should rest. Cadance, Shining Armor, you’re welcome to share my guest room.”   >Celestia stands up and nods at each of you before departing, stretching her wings and letting out a much longer yawn.   >”Good night everypony, sleep well.”   >Luna looks at you and Twilight as Celestia leaves the room.   >”Given that I shall not be sleeping tonight, the two of you are welcome to share my bedchamber. I believe you know the way,” Luna stands up and walks toward the door, “I am off to tend to my duties for now. Sleep well, friends.”   >Cadance looks down the table at Twilight, ignoring you and Shining altogether.   >”Twilight, would you care to share a bed with me tonight? Give my dear husband and your lover a chance to bond some more since they seem to love it so much.”   >Not this shit again…   >Twilight looks back and forth between you, Shining Armor, and Cadance. She senses there’s more to Cadance’s request than punishing her brother, so she eventually agrees. They leave the room side by side. Twilight hugs and kisses you passionately before she goes. Poor Shining doesn’t get the same treatment. Cadance looks over her shoulder at the two of you as they exit.   >”Sleep tight, boys.”   >You and Shining Armor are alone together again.   “Shining?”   >”Yeah Anon?”         “We really gotta stop pissing off our mares.”   >”Yeah. It was worth it though to see the look on her face, hah!”   “I half expected to be murdered, I don’t think I’ve ever seen your wife that outraged before,” you say with a slightly amused grin.   >”She’s already over it Anon, she just wants to ‘teach me a lesson’ like Twily did to you.”   “Yeah, well thankfully Luna’s bed is a lot bigger than mine.”   >Shining tilts his head at you with a brief confused expression   >”You’ve slept with Luna before?”   “In a way, yes. It’s a long story.”   >”You two didn’t…”   “Oh no no no, it wasn’t like that. We were trying to reach one of my people in the dream world to try to communicate with them. It didn’t go so well. Twilight wasn’t pleased with me, I kinda got hurt in the process.”   >”Oh,” Shining hesitates for a few moments, “well, is her bed comfortable?”   “Very comfortable.”   >”Guess we should go get some rest then.”   “Yeah.”