Anon in Canterlot 1: The Beginnening

>Day 277 in Canterlot
>The sun illuminates a large circle  in your quarters, slowly creeping down the wall until it hits your face, waking you up
>You lie in your bed, thinking about your life since arriving here
>Everything's gone better than expected
>Finally drag yourself out of bed, get dressed
>Look at yourself in mirror; your thoughts go back to how much your life has improved compared to when you first arrived
>Celestia saw your potential when she first got a look at you. She sees the potential in everyone.
>Gave you a position assisting one of her many advisers. Outsider's insight, and all that
>Your talent for observation and action made an impression. One of your ideas made it all the way to the Princess herself
>Feeling like a boss
>Set out from your house to get breakfast, then to the castle
>Arrive at the cafe, order your food, open a paper
>Tomorrow is the Summer Sun Celebration; your first real assignment was to help decide where it would be held
>You remember researching the festival for weeks, stressed about making a mistake on such an important task
>You remember pitching your idea to Celestia's adviser, whom you work under
>You remember getting the news from him that Celestia had liked your idea so much that she had used it and decided to hold the festival in a small town you'd seen on the map
>Ponyville
>It seemed like a good choice for the normally extravagant festival to take a more grassroots tone this 1000th anniversary
>You eat your breakfast, happy in the knowledge that you've finally made it;
>Paying your bill, you head to the castle to meet with your boss and celebrate a job well-done
1/x

>Walking down the street
>You see a chariot fly overhead towards Ponyville. Must be the pony Celestia put in charge of final preparations
>Hopefully Celestia chose somep0ny who can handle the job
>What are you saying, of course she did
>Get to the castle and head to the conference rooms
>The architecture of the advisers' offices is imposing but warm
>The white marble floors contrast the dark wood panels that make up the walls
>Unicorns criss-cross the hallways carrying stacks of papers, folders, and clipboards
>Some stop momentarily to greet you and direct you to your conference room
>Enter the conference room
>”Ah, you're here, Anon, we were just about to start. Take a seat.” Your boss is an amiable male unicorn.
>He motions to an empty seat at the table around which are seated the other 9 members of your team
>You go over the last-minute issues with the Summer Sun Celebration as well as proposals from various organizers of other events
>You admit it's not the most glamorous job at first glance, but it needs doing and your colleagues tell you you're damn good at it
>The meeting adjourns and you head to your office to look over the proposals assigned to you for the day
>Your teammates let you know that they're getting together at one of the dinner theaters to celebrate the planning of another Summer Sun Celebration
>5 o'clock, you bring the proposals to your boss and leave work for the day
>As you exit the building you see Celestia herself approaching with her Royal Guard
2/x

>You bow before she addresses you in that kind voice that first welcomed you to her Court
>”Good afternoon, Anon. How are you?”
>You look up at The Princess
I'm well, Your Highness, we've just finished the final preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration on our end.
>”That's wonderful news. I'm sure my student is wrapping things up in Ponyville as well. I'll be heading there after I meet with my advisers.”
>She smiles warmly
>”Have a good evening, Anon, I'm sure this Summer Sun Celebration will be the greatest yet. We couldn't have done it without you.”
>You nearly fall over yourself receiving recognition from the Princess Herself.
T-thank you, Your Highness, uh...safe travels.
>You quickly bow again before taking your leave
>You head home to get ready for the party. Your colleagues- no, your friends, invited you up to the Major Scale
>The best musicians in Equestria play there, and tonight is the night before the Summer Sun Celebration. It's not something one passes up
>You get home and decide to relax for a few hours before going up to the Major Scale
>After all, you've been working for at least a week non-stop with all the planning and running around working on the festival
>You sit back in your living room and turn on the stereo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faJE92phKzI&feature=related
>Pony-jazz filters through the speakers and fills the room with a classy ambiance
>Catch up on some reading. The archivist at the library recommended you read up on unicorn magic. You agreed because hey, why not?
>Sit back and enjoy some alone time like a sir
3/x

>You look over at the clock after a while. It reads half-past 8
>Guess you should head over the the Major Scale
>Get cleaned up; you're going to a classy joint, you know
>You take a look at the night sky through your skylight
>The Mare in the Moon shines brilliantly amidst the stars. You see a few stars that seem to be moving, but you chalk it up to your imagination
>Head out the door and walk to the Major Scale.
>The streets are full of ponies milling about, going in and out of the different establishments
>Canterlot comes alive at night
>You walk for about ten minutes before arriving at your destination
>Open the doors and you see your friends sitting around a large round table
>They call you over to join them as you walk into the dining room
>A jazz quartet takes the stage
>These Canterlot ponies love their jazz
>The quartet starts their set
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_VRsGo-FAA&feature=endscreen&NR=1
>One of the unicorns at your table, Garnet Locket, points a hoof at the pony playing the upright bass
>”Anon, look, it's Octavia! She's one of the best in Canterlot! I heard she's already booked to play the Grand Galloping Gala!”
>You look to the stage and see the grey earth pony plucking at the strings of her instrument.
>She looks up and makes eye contact with you for a second, smiles, and continues playing
>Order your food and drinks with the rest of your group
>You're surprised by a waiter bringing you a drink without you ordering it
>You give it a sniff; is that vanilla?
>Look around and see Octavia on stage. She looks at you and nods once before turning her attention back to playing
>thisisgoingwell.html
>Glance up at the skylight; wonder why so many buildings here have skylights
>Those stars seem closer to the moon than they were earlier...
4/x

>It's probably your imagination again, but you could swear the Mare in the Moon looks darker too...
>”Anon?” A voice chimes in from the table. Crystalbright is waving her hoof in in front of your face
>”Hey, Equestria to Anon, anyp0ny home?”
Yeah, sorry Crystalbright, I got kind of distracted
>”Well the drinks are here, Anon. We've got to toast!”
What should we toast to?
>Garnet Locket pipes up “Duh! The Princess used YOUR suggestion to have the Summer Sun Celebration in Ponyville!”
>The third unicorn, Sapphire Star adds “If that's not worth a toast, I don't think anything is.”
>You all raise your glasses and start the night strong
>Cut to 11 o'clock
>Having finished your food, you and your group sit drinking, telling stories, and listening to the music
>You're in the middle of laughing at one of Aquamarine's stories when an usher taps you on the shoulder
>”Sir, your party has been invited to the back lounge.”
>The lounge is large and a little brighter than the dimly lit dining room
>You look to see Octavia and the rest of the Quartet sitting on the chairs chatting
>They notice you and stop their conversation immediately
>awkwardsilence.mp3
5/x

>“Anon, I presume?” Octavia's voice has an almost musical quality to it
That's right. You must be the pony who sent me that drink
>”Yes, it's a recipe a fan created for me. Please, sit down, everyp0ny.”
>This celebration night out is turning out great
>You get to talking with Octavia and the quartet with your friends
>Garnet Locket is nearly shaking with excitement being so close to Octavia
>Octavia mentions the Gala and Garnet loses it
>”Ohmigoshyou'replayingathegalaI'vegottogetaticketnowI'myourbiggestfa-”
>Crystalbright clomps her on the head “Slow down, Garnet, you'll freak her out.”
>Garnet takes a deep breath to calm herself down while Octavia and everyone else laughs
>You all talk and drink for another couple of hours before the establishment closes up
>The quartet bids you and your friends a good night
>Octavia comes up to you “And if you ever need some new music, or somep0ny to get lunch with...”
>She puts a card in your hand. “You'll know where to find me.”
>She walks away with the band. Your friends look at you, drunk and awestruck.
>Garnet looks like the jealousy is about to explode out of her yellow head
>You all make your way down to the Public Garden where the official Summer Sun Celebration all-night party is being held
>A few more hours of drunken partying and dancing later and the ponies finally settle down to watch the sunrise
>6 o'clock, you all stand facing east and wait
>...and wait...
>...and wait...
>...wait... you look around, then up at the sky
>...
>The Mare in the Moon is gone...
6/x

>This can't be good
>The ponies are getting worried
>It's been a half-hour since Celestia was supposed to raise the sun.
>A member of the Royal Guard steps in front of the crowd
>”Citizens of Canterlot: It is my duty to inform you that a crisis has emerged in Ponyville, affecting all of Equestria”
>The ponies begin to chatter amongst themselves, agitated. The guard continues
>”We've just received word from Princess Celestia's entourage that it appears as though Nightmare Moon has returned to Equestria...”
>Nightmare Moon? This must be linked to the Mare in the Moon's disappearance. Mention of the name silences the ponies, who stare at rapt attention
>”...In addition, guards have been unable to locate Her Highness, Princess Celestia...”
>This sends the ponies into a near panic. In the confusion, several guards come through the crowd towards your group.
>”Anon, Garnet Locket, Crystalbright, Aquamarine, Adviser Emerald Crescent requests your immediate presence.”
>You look at each other nervously. It's got to be serious if your boss is calling for assistance
What in Celestia's name is going on? Who is Nightmare Moon?
>The guard ignores your questions. ”You're needed at the High Council immediately. Follow me.”
>You go with the guard to Celestia's castle.
>He leads you through the complex series of corridors until your group arrives at a large set of doors
>You walk into the Council chamber and take your seats next to Emerald Crescent
>”Morning, Anon; Garnet, Crystal, Aquamarine. Sorry to call you in here like this, but until we get in touch with the Princess we need all the help we can get on this.”
>The advisers make sure everyp0ny is up to speed on the situation before opening the floor to discussion
7/x

>”As you are no doubt all aware, we have received reports from Ponyville that Nightmare Moon has returned to Equestria”
>The advisers and their assistants shift in their seats at the name. They're clearly having trouble keeping their cool
>”The Princess, despite what you may have heard, is secure, but is unable to combat Nightmare Moon directly”
>A hushed murmur fills the hall as the ponies consult their aides. Emerald Crescent turns to you and Aquamarine
>”We haven't heard from Celestia since she left Canterlot 5 hours ago.”
>Aquamarine looks shocked. You don't blame her, Celestia's absence is almost palpable. The night feels empty
>”Normally we'd leave this kind of  situation in the hands of the Royal Guard and some of the security and magic advisers, but this is a special case.”
Special enough to call the whole council AND their assistants? With respect, we don't have experience with anything like this, sir.
>”I know, Anon, but we need all the input and ideas we can get.”
We have a panic situation out there, sir, and from the looks of things, I'd say it's not much better in here
>You gesture to the table, around which sit upwards of 30 ponies, most of whom look agitated and confused
>Emerald Crescent sighs in agreement. He admits that even he is unsure of what to do.
>A senior-looking unicorn gets up after a couple of minutes
>”If we're finished babbling to our aides,” he says in a condescending tone
>”I should like to inform the council that The Princess indeed has a plan in place to deal with this crisis”
>The ponies around the table fall silent as he continues
>”Her Highness has sent her top student, one Twilight Sparkle, to deal with the return of Nightmare Moon using the Elements of Harmony.”
8/x

>You see he captain of the guard's face fall from one of hopeful  anticipation to one of scorn and disbelief
>”That's her plan? She's sent a FILLY down to Ponyville in order to use artifacts that have been lost for a thousand years to fight Nightmare Moon, whose power rivals Celestia herself?”
>His indignation grows with each word and by the end he's pounding the table with his hoof
>”It's ridiculous! We need to fight this threat head-on, throw everything we've got at it!”
>He's addressing the room now, ponies are hurriedly nodding in agreement.
>”We can't wait around for some apprentice, no matter how highly regarded by Her Highness, to get the job done!”
>You look around the hall. This is a dangerous situation. You think about the effect a unicorn strike on Nightmare Moon would have.
>Judging from how powerful she seems to be, any magic employed by the Guard would be useless, you speculate
>She might even be able to turn an attempted attack back on the Guard or worse, onto Ponyville
>Not only that, such a display would surely weaken Celestia's position and give Nightmare Moon an opening
>You've got to object. If you don't, the Council's actions could jeopardize the stability of the entire kingdom
>Celestia has a plan. The Council's judgement is being clouded by fear of Nightmare Moon.
>This is why Celestia put you here, Anon. You've got the outside perspective. You stand
If I may, sir?
>Now's the time, Anon, everyp0ny in the room is looking at you
>The captain of the Guard is staring directly at you. He does not look pleased
9/x

>You glance at Garnet Locket and the rest of your team. They look back at you, confused
>Great, no support there...
>You get your nerves back and start with as much authority as you can muster
Members of the Council, Captain, if this really is the return of such a powerful threat as you say, then I think you know that anything you throw at it is going to be useless
>The captain grits his teeth, more at the fact that you're challenging him than the fact that he knows you're right
We can't just face this head on; not with the resources we have. We have to take into account the consequences of going over Celestia's head
>Advisers around the table look at each other
>You're a little disappointed that ponies meant to run the kingdom and advise the Princess gave in to panic so easily
We know Celestia has a plan here. What we need to do is let Twilight Sparkle work on finding the Elements of Harmony. Any action like what the Captain is suggesting risks unnecessary collateral damage
>The council nods in agreement. Holy shit, you didn't think that would actually work
>The captain of the guard steps up to speak again
>”I can't believe you ponies are considering listening to this- this human”
>His voice stings. You don't like being reminded that you're an oddity here
>”The future of Equestria is at stake here, and he would have us do NOTHING?”
With respect, sir, I'd have you exercise some faith in your Princess.
>Now you've done it. Everyp0ny is staring at you like the day you showed up...
10/x

>Check your pockets. Nope, no spaghetti, no fucks. You go on
If the Elements of Harmony are so important that Celestia would send somep0ny to find them to combat Nightmare Moon, then I'm willing to bet that there's nothing else in Equestria that can stop her
>Another unicorn stands.
>”So then what do we do? Just sit here and WAIT for this Twilight Sparkle to stumble upon the Elements and then stop Nightmare Moon?”
No, of course not. We've got a panic outside these walls. It's the dead of night at 8 in the morning and the Princess hasn't been heard from since last night.
>You look to Emerald Crescent. He's looking around the room and back at you, alternatively
We have to do everything in our power to calm the situation in Canterlot and in the rest of Equestria. That's our job right now.
>Sit back down
>Did you just win?
>Silence falls for a good minute
>The Captain speaks up finally
>”Assistant Adviser Anon is right. Whatever plan Celestia has in store, we have to do our utmost to preserve order until it's done.”
>The other advisers nod in agreement
>”Send messages to the cities. I want everyp0ny in Equestria to know that we've got everything under control”
>”Anon, since this is YOUR idea, I'm putting your team in charge of keeping Canterlot from mass-panic. Meeting is ajourned.”
>You exit the hall, hoping to Celestia you did the right thing
11/x

>A group of Royal Guards approaches you.
>”Sir, what are your orders?”
>You look back at Emerald Crescent. He looks at you, smiling slightly
>”Don't look at me, this is all you, Anon.”
>Jimmies are at 15% rustling capacity. Alpha mode engage
Alright, Guardp0nies, what's the situation? I need details five minutes ago
>Wonder how long you can keep this up? You've never been in charge of anything before
>Check your pockets again. Nope, still no fucks to be found
>”We've got mobs trying to get to the residential districts and general panic in the public squares”
>The Guardp0nies look at each other as you think
Ok, set up checkpoints along the main streets to the residential areas; we can't have a mob scene there. Get it so you have steady foot traffic
>A group leaves to relay your orders to the rest of the Guards
As for the public squares, send a company out to calm the crowds. We can't afford to let this get out of hand
>”Yes, sir. What will you be doing?”
I'll be setting up a staging area here. Set up a table and a layout of the city ASAP. I want regular communications from all checkpoints
>”Of course, sir.” The Guards gallop off to relay your orders
>Look out over the plains to Ponyville.
Celestia, your student had better know what she's doing...
>Crystalbright puts a hoof on your shoulder as you lean over the railing, looking where the sun should be.
12/x

>You look over your shoulder at your friend.
Did I do the right thing convincing everyp0ny to let Celestia's plan run its course?
>She looks at you  with conviction in her eyes
>”Anon, you stood up to the entire council of Advisers and came out on top. Once Twilight finds the Elements, everyp0ny will have you to thank for keeping everything under control.”
Thanks, Crystal. I just hope to Celestia this doesn't all go to shit
>You can hear the yelling from the city growing a little quieter
>”See, Anon? You're better at this than you give yourself credit for.” Garnet Locket's voice pipes up from behind you
>You hear heavy footsteps and turn to see a Guard trotting over to you
>”Sir, we've set up the staging area. If you'd come with me, we've got first reports coming in.”
>Time to get to work
>The first hours of the crisis pass relatively smoothly.
>Reports come in and you adjust your orders as best you can
>Things seem to calm down around 11 o'clock
>Look out over the plains again
>Still no sun on the horizon
>The city is quiet again; you breathe a sign of relief that your course of action went without incident
>Silence comes crashing down as a deafening crack of thunder echoes from the Everfree Forest
13/x

>Your gaze snaps to the source of the sound
>A shimmering plume of what looks like smoke pours up from the Forest
>After a delay, the chaos you'd worked to quell in the city erupts again
>Shit, you were doing so well
>Guards bearing reports start flooding the staging area
>Pande-fucking-moneum.
>There are Guards yelling from every direction and the city is screaming
>Fuck, this is not good. You've got to think of something fast to calm the crowds or they're going to start rioting
Garnet, Aquamarine, I need you down at the two main squares. Maybe the crowds will listen better to you than a Guard
>”Alright, Anon, we're on it.” They're clearly shaken from that explosion
>”What about me?” Crystalbright looks as worried as them.
I need you here. You're my second as of now
>”A-alright, if you say so, Anon.”
Ok, assuming Garnet and Aquamarine can calm the crowds in the squares, that just leaves the potential problem we've got with the ponies in the stre-
>”Sir, we've got a large crowd heading this way! It's a panic!” The Guard looks as shaken as he sounds
Send all available Guardp0nies a quarter mile up the street and set up a roadblock.
>Celestia, you'd better have this locked down...
14/x

>A Guard returns from the roadblock
>”Sir, we've secured the street but the crowd is still panicked. We're not sure how long we can hold it.”
Understood. Crystal, looks like you're up. I need you to go with the Guards to the roadblock and calm these ponies down
>Reports come back from Garnet and Aquamarine's squares
>The crowds have calmed down enough that riots aren't a problem there. Only problem now is the street mob
>Minutes later you get the word that Crystalbright has successfully stopped the mob from breaking through the barrier
>Thank Celestia those three mares have your back
>Look out at the Everfree Forest in time to see a brilliant flash of light
What in Equestria...?
>As you speak, you see the horizon start to glow
>nofuckingway.avi
>The sun flies up over the trees, bathing you and the whole of Canterlot in its glow
>Dead silence
>Then it starts. Quietly at first, then louder and louder.
>The sound of thousands of hooves beating the ground fills the city as cheers rise up from the streets
>You call over the Guards in the staging area
>Damage reports start rolling in
>Thanks to the crowd-control, there was minimal property damage and no reported injuries
>Taking a look at the clock tower, the whole crisis lasted 6 hours
>Send out Guard teams to clear the roadblocks and call work crews to fix up any damage
>disasteraverted.png
15/x

>After two hours of cleanup the city of Canterlot looks back to normal
>Good, you want the place to be as cleared as possible for when Celestia comes back
>6 o'clock
>With the crisis over, you take a much needed break on the lawn of the Gardens with your friends
>A Guard approaches
>”Anon, sir? The Royal Caravan arrived at the castle thirty minutes ago. The Princess has requested your presence.”
>You get up and walk with the Guard to the castle, your compatriots in tow
>Pass through the streets to raucous hoof-stompery
>Arrive at the castle amidst the clamor and chatter of the Court and the ponies who have gathered there
>You enter the building and walk through the Great Hall
>Reaching the Throne Room, you see, sitting next to Celestia, a small, midnight-blue alicorn, looking at the Princess with damp eyes
>You reach the throne of Celestia and take a knee.
>”Rise, Anon. I've been hearing news since I returned of your response in the face of Nightmare Moon's return.”
>You see the blue alicorn's face flash sadness, regret, for a split second at the mention of the name.
>Could it be- no, no. It's impossible.
>”Because of your outstanding performance in the face of crisis and your determination to stand by what you believe, I am promoting you to the position of Adviser.”
>Wait, wha-
>”You will have a place on the Council for all matters of the Court and a team of your own to assist in your duties. Congratulations”
>Your friends crowd around you as you exit the building some time later
>The small alicorn, it seems, was Princess Luna. You find it hard to believe she was ever Nightmare Moon
>There is too much kindness in her eyes for that to be true
>You walk home to celebrate a job very, very well done with your friends
End