//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: Ceremony // Story: Emissary Anon // by Bastinator //------------------------------// Two weeks later… ”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 on the cheek. “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. I’m tired of you all looking down on me and making my life a living hell. I have a new life now, and I’d rather die than see you ruin it.” 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.” Twilight can’t believe it either, “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 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 read 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 there 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.” Three weeks later… 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.”