Captain's CYOA: Fair Winds and Following Seas Thread 4.5

>>29807184
You stoically ignore the tears, closing your eyes for a moment as memories as fresh as the day it happened flashes by.

Fire.

Screams.

Agony.

Blond. Blue. Purple.

When you open your eyes, they're as hard as steel and unwavering in purpose.

"I trust you, Your Highness- but in the end, after all you've been through... sometimes somepony needs to push so that you can see what needs to be done." You say quietly, stepping past the Princess.

"Because at the end of the day, I'm not losing one more because some blue-blood bastard decided to get uppity."

The Princess continues to cry softly behind you as you continue to make your way down the ladderwell.

No more.

Not another pony.

Not while you're still breathing.

The bastards in front of you first. The bastards that killed your little sister, your mother, your father... they're next.

Innocents will not bleed, but you will, and will so again and again. Tarturus take you.

You stand in front of the hatch to the Brig. You should probably wait for Celestia.

>>29810046
Yes we should wait.

>>29810046
Wait for Celestia definitely. Hopefully she gathers herself up and project coolness during this interview. I'm sure she can, she's tough.

>>29810062
You cool your hooves, standing at attention as you wait for Celestia to come, gazing a thousand-yard stare at the wall, not looking at anything but looking past all things, quiet, thoughtless.

Patient.

Celestia joins you a few moments later, and opens the hatch without another word. A little redness around her eyes is the only sign you see that she was crying, and frankly, nopony but you would know to look for it or be able to tell.

You follow her through the hatch as you hear MA1 call for attention on deck, all the ponies in the room saluting the Princess and you.

"At ease, my little ponies... please, take me to D-" She stops, pauses, and then continues, in a slightly softer tone of voice. "To Prisoner 17."

"Right away Your Hightness. This way." MA1 says, motion for one of his fellow MA's to escort Celestia back to see Prisoner 17.

As she moves to 17's cell, MA1 steps up to you, looking at you with soft eyes. "... Are you alright, Skipper?"

>>29810097
"Nothing I can't handle. Thankyou though."

>>29810106
This works.

>>29810106
"Nothing I can't handle, MA1. Thank you, though, for asking." You say with a nod as you follow after Celestia, who is already talking to the Prisoner.

Celestia and Prisoner 17 spend quite some time talking, Celestia pumping him for all the information she can get from him, which is sadly not much more then what you got from him already.

Finally, Celestia sighs, and looks at him. "Dawning Light... why? Why did you do this?" She pleads, looking at the Prisoner, who can't even look at Celestia, his head turned away as he cries.

"Because I wanted more." He whispers. "Because I wanted power. Just like anypony does."

You feel the urge to step in and say something, but you're not really sure if you should.

>>29810120
Power. Gah. I don't think we should step in, hell, I'd lose it myself faced with someone like this- Captain here would probably murder him at close range like that. I say we keep our distance.

>>29810120
Lets leave this to Celestia.

>>29810126
>>29810134
You forcefully wrench yourself away from the tempting idea of drawing your saber and ramming it through this fuckwits skull so that you can try to discover where his brain is, because it's obviously not in his bucking skull where it belongs, but you refrain, with great effort, and instead turn to watch Celestia, to see her reaction.

Her face is flat, the perfect poker face of a millennia-old and practiced ruler, and she shakes her head.

"... I'm sorry, Prisoner 17. You brought this on yourselves. Captain, I request that you transfer Prisoner 17 into the care of my Escort to be taken Ashore and held for processing. He will be returning to me to Canterlot for his Court Marshal."

"Of course, Your Highness." You say, saluting before turning on your heels and looking to MA1. "Start the paperwork MA1, I'll send Major Spitfire down to take custody."

"Aye, Skipper."

You look at Prisoner 17 one last time, and sigh. "Goodbye, Prisoner 17. Tarturus take you, Faust knows nowhere else will."

With that, you leave the Brig, and inform Spitfire of Celestia's order, and standby on the other side of the P-Way from the hatch, taking a slow, deep breath before letting it out in a hiss.

That's the hard part of the day over. Now for the next one. You ponder over the things that need to be accomplished, and wonder which you should direct your efforts and ask Celestia to assist you with next.

>>29810147
The gun first.

>>29810147
Agreed. Show her the gun sabotage.

>>29810151
>>29810154
Several minutes later Princess Celestia finally comes up, her face neutral but her eyes filled with sadness. You let out a light sigh before smartening up, and stepping forwards.

"If you'll follow me, your Highness, the Pieces of the Gun should be back on deck, and there are some things I need to show you. The Guns were deliberately sabotaged."

The Princess looks at you, her mane flowing in the atheral wind, before nodding slowly, and motioning for you to lead on.

[Actual scene descriptions of Fair showing Celestia the damage, what somepony did, and then setting the gun up, or a summary for the first two parts because we've discussed that already, and then a scene of putting the gun back together?]

>>29812318
Lets go with the summary.

>>29812318
>or a summary for the first two parts because we've discussed that already, and then a scene of putting the gun back together?]
This.

File: gimmithe.gif (854KB, 380x380px) Image search: [Google]

854KB, 380x380px

>>29812357
>>29812493
You take a deep breath as you lead Celestia to the Gun Batteries, showing here the damage you can see from the inside, and giving her the Quick Rundown.

You feel an urge to rant about Filthy Rich and Nobles for a moment but you ignore it.

After that, you lead Celestia up on deck and show her the shattered gun barrel, and explain what Wilko told you and pointing out the missing lining on the barrel. Celestia concurs that it's sabotage.

"I can hold everything together if you can supply the power to refit it, Your Highness." You say, gesturing to the gun.

Celestia gives you a little smile, looking much more like her normal self then the mare you dressed-down at the Brig. "I would love to do so, Captain, but I believe you're going to have somepony who's much better then I with important detail work like this shortly."

You blink, confused. "But wait, then who's coming?"

Celestia smiles matronly, and leans down, giving you a little wink. "Why don't you go to the Quarterdeck and find out?"

>>29812598
Oh boy is it princess luna. Or maybe twilight. (Don't say this of course)
Head to the quarterdeck.

Bemp.

>>29812637
You raise an eyebrow at the Princess and let out a little chuckle, shaking your head. "Ever the expectant matron, your Highness." You say at her teasing, getting a knowing smile in return before you turn and make your way to the Quarterdeck.

You arrive swiftly, and frown as you wonder what Celestia is up to, not really paying attention till Wilko taps on your shoulder. "S-sir?"

You turn to him. "Yes Wilko?" You ask, wondering what's got him stuttering again when he points to the gangplank and you feel the urge to rub your eyes and look again.

Princess Twilight Sparkle and the Elements of Harmony, and a lot of gear of equipment held in Princess Twilight's aura, is coming up your Gangplank.

Oh.

Oh my.

You feel yourself blush a bit. She's just as beautiful as you remember from the flyby from on the day of her coronation...

>>29815298
Could I get some clarification do you mean the gems themselves or the ponies who bear the elements.

>>29815298
Greet her, following royal protocol. Then proceed to lead her to the gun.

>>29815341
[Clarification- The Ponies, not the gems. The Gems are, at this point in time, in the Tree of Harmony.]

>>29815350
This but also ask her what the other elements are doing here.

>>29815350
>>29815371
You proceed to pick your jaw off the floor, and shuffle your hooves for a moment, and quickly make sure your uniform is pristine, which earns an approving nod from Rarity, the Element of Generosity as she approaches, just to the left of the Princess.

You snap to a sharp salute, and note that you were technically saluted first by 1st Lt. Rainbow Dash, the Element of Loyalty.

Twilight blushes a bit, obviously embarrassed by the attention as you attempt to greet her with royal protocol before you're immediately stopped. "Please, Captain, there's no need for that. Permission to come aboard?"

Her voice is smooth and melodic and is just... beautiful. You smile politely, dropping your salute. "Of course, your Highness, you and your Escort are welcome aboard The Risen Glory. I'm Acting Captain, Warrent Officer Fair Winds. I wasn't aware that Princess Celestia would be bring the Elements of Harmony and yourself here to assist with the repairs, Your Highness."

Twilight flushes a bit, while you're getting a head tilt of confusion from Pinkie Pie, who whispers quasi-loudly to Rarity, "Why does she got such a stallion-y-voice?"

>>29815789
Kinda wanna say nothing and watch the confusion.
Should we give them a rundown on what has happened to the various sabotaged equipment as we move to the gun?

>>29815802
[I feel ya, but I would like some more input before I do anything at this point...]

>>29815789
I just look like a mare [whatever pinkie should be adressed as] I can assure you I am a stallion.

Celestia told me you could help fix our gun princess.

>>29815789
Because I was born with it? You can't choose your voice, can you?

>>29815802
>>29815890
>>29815873
[I'm gonna take that as two for messing with the Mane 6, and one for being blunt about Fair's Gender. CONFUSION AND BUCKERY IT IS!]

You raise an eyebrow at Pinkie Pie, flicking your tail a bit. "Excuse me, Ma'am, what's wrong with my voice? I find it's rather fitting." You say, making the pink mare blush in embarrassment at being called out before you return your attention to Twilight.

"If you'll follow me Your Highness, I'll show you to where you and your friends can set up. I'm going to need to go below deck and change uniforms... as good as my Dress Blues look, they aren't exactly what you should be wearing when doing maintenance."

Twilight smiles. "Of course Captain Winds, thank you, please lead the way."

Twilight's obviously having a hard time not calling you Fair and is not enjoying having you call her 'Your Highness' or 'Princess', but you mentally chock that up to just inexperience of dealing with Royal Protocol on Naval vessels.

You lead the way to the bow of the ship, and direct Twilight where to set the gear down, and she relaxes with a light sigh as the magical load is lifted from her Aura.

"Much better. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, would you be so kind as to go with Captain Winds while she changes uniform? I'm going to go over some of these parts with Pinkie Pie, maybe we'll be able to pick up more then what Captain Winds had found."

"You got it Twi!" "Sure Thang."

>>29815924
Get changed. Muss aloud why pinkie would be the one looking over the parts with the princess.

>>29815924
What are Rarity and Fluttershy doing?

>>29815941
>>29816059
You shrug lightly, and start making your way to the cabin, musing to yourself about Pinkie Pie inspecting the canon.

"Pardon me Miss Captain ma'am, but Pinkie Pie is the best Cannoner 'ahve ever known." Applejack says with a nod. "If she can decorate a room with one, I'm sure she can figure out what happened to ye'r guns, Captain."

You shrug at that, and then frown a bit. "What about Miss Rarity and Miss Fluttershy then?"

"Eh, probably just keeping Twilight company. Besides, they aren't good at-WHOF." Rainbow Dash starts boasting before she's cut off by a hoof.

You ignore that and carry on, leading the mares to your cabin before you step inside and take your cover off, setting it aside and opening your locker.

"Ahhhh, so much better." You let out a pleased huff as you put the silver horseshoes back in the locker. No more of those.

Applejack looks into your locker and hums a bit, before blinking in surprise. "... Ye ain't a mare, are ya?"

>>29816242
Nope I'm not. Doesn't help that everyone I meet thinks I'm one.
Before you say anything, it's 100 percent natural fur.

>>29816242
Just a simple nope.

>>29816242
[Marking this post for archiving because I can't remember to put on my own damn name.]

>>29816269
>>29816281
You raise an eyebrow. "Nope." You say flatly as you pull your uniform out, only to find yourself with a fateful of Pegasus.

"AJ, what the buck are you talkin' about? Look at her eyes! She's got that whole Rarity-eyeliner thing going on that she tried to teach us how to do."

You roll your eyes, and gently place a hoof on Rainbow Dash's chest and push her out of your personal space before nabbing a towel with your magic and rubbing it over your face and taking it away, and then show it to Rainbow Dash, who recoils in shock.

"It's natural." You say flatly, shaking your head as you take off your jacket and pants and send them back to the locker, folding them as you do so, before pulling on your armor/maintenance gear, and undoing the bun and 'pony'tail and letting your mane and tail hang free.

"B-but then why the hay is your mane and tail so long?!"

>>29816310
Because I like it that way.

>>29816310
Seconding >>29816319

>>29816319
>>29816331
"Because I like my mane and tail long. It looks sophisticated and my sister liked..." There's a very, very short pause that you're pretty sure Rainbow Dash missed but a glance at Applejack show that the Element of Honesty picked up the pause, "... to play with my mane and tail. It was something we could do together even though I was so much older then she was."

Rainbow Dash frowns before letting out a huff, her tail lashing a bit as you snap your armor into place. "Damn it AJ, you sure this guy would be anything that Egghead would be interested in?" She complains to Applejack, who just chuckles.

"Now Dash, Cap'n Winds has been a right gentlecolt this whole time. Ease up a bit. But ah' will admit, Twilight seemed right worried when she got the letter from th' Princess."

You blink. Twilight got a letter as well, huh? When? Should you even ask her friends, or just ask the Princess herself after you collect your sword/wrench set?

>>29816353
Just ask the princess herself.

>>29816356
You sigh, noting down the question to yourself for asking Princess Twilight directly in a bit as you start braiding your mane and tail.

"Seriously. Least Stallion-y Stallion I've met." Rainbow Dash says blandly, earning a glare from you and from Applejack.

Rainbow Dash might not be in uniform and is technically in the Reserves, but she really should know better then to talk to a superior like that. She does, technically, out rank you, as a straight Officer always outranks a Warrent Officer, but you're also Acting Captain, which means you have the full authority and responsibilities of an O6...

You huff at the rainbow-colored mare. "1st Lt, I'll save you the flank-chewing that would normally go along with such blatant disrespect, but remind you that this isn't the Wonderbolts or your Airforce. The Navy has strict regulations for how manes and tails may be worn onboard our ships, in order to prevent injury by having manes and tails getting caught in gears and pulling ponies in."

You glare at her. "Unless you're saying you'd like to see one of your fellow ponies get ground up between the gears of the engines."

Rainbow's wings flare and she steps back, looking at you in shock as you stare her down impassively before continuing to braid your mane and tail.

Applejacks staring at you, not angry or shocked, just seemingly trying to figure yourself out. Maybe you should start prodding them to figure out why Twilight sent them with you. It's not like you need a nanny to help you get dressed.

>>29816429
Might as well be blunt with them.
We're just getting dressed, why did you two follow us here?

>>29816429
Just ask them.

>>29816445
>>29816448
You make sure the leather thong that holds your mane's braid in place is nice and tight before gently flicking your braid back behind you and start braiding your tail. "Now then, not that I don't enjoy the company, why did you two follow me in here?"

The two mares glance at each other before looking back at you. "Twilight wanted to know more about you." Applejack says with a shrug. "Seein' as we're gonna be working with you for a while."

You blink. "A while?" You ask.

"Yeah! The Risen Glory is gonna be the escort ship for Twilight and us for when we go to Griffonia to meet with the Archduke and figure out where your AWOL officers went, sir." Rainbow Dash says, making you blink.

And blink again.

Before sighing and hanging your head for a second as you finish braiding your tail and wrapping it in it's leather thong, before grabbing you saber in your aura and returning it to the sheath on your uniform.

"I get a feeling I'm going to have to have a very in-depth conversation with the Princess." You say flatly, obviously not amused.

You notice that Applejack appears to be a bit uncomfortable, like she didn't say everything, but you ignore it for now in favor of double-checking your appearance in the mirror. Crisp and professional.

You move to leave the cabin before AJ asks suddenly, "What do you think about that, Cap'n? Didn' Princess Celestia inform you of that?"

>>29816497
Nope, didn't even drop a hint.

>>29816497
All I was told was I would help fix things on this ship. A few days ago I would have told you I would be begging the princess to let me leave once the repairs are done, now that I know what is at stake though I will glady keep the princess safe.

>>29816509
>>29816511
You let out a weary sigh and look at AJ. "Miss Applejack, all I was told is that I would be fixing this ship. A few days ago I would have been telling you that I was arguing with the Princess to let me leave once the repairs are done."

You stand a bit straighter, and a bit of that fire returns to you, letting the drive of Duty and the reminder fill you.

No more. Not another Pony killed because of a blue-blood fuck-fuck game. Never again.

"If Princess Celestia is sending Princess Twilight and the Elements of Harmony upon my Ship, then so be it. No harm will come to you all while I still draw breath."

With that, your turn and make your way back to the deck, unaware of the two mares looking at one another behind you, having a silent conversation with their eyes.

Back on Deck, you find Twilight scratching out a runic circle with the help of Pinkie Pie as Rarity explains what she understands of it to Fluttershy, who looks a little nervous, and you move to Twilight's side, glancing over the runes.

A few moments pass as you study the runes before you frown. The layout is correct, but there's a few calculation errors that wouldn't make the barrel meld together properly. How should you handle this?

>>29816536
Ask her to double check the calculations?

>>29816536
Don't say they are wrong just point them out and ask her why she is using those numbers. Either she will explain there is a reason or she will notice the error.

If she does not see the problem explain exactly where she went wrong.

>>29816545
>>29816560
You lean forwards a bit, causing Princess Twilight to take notice of your presence as you inspect the runes a bit closer.

Yep. She dropped the Thuam rune in favor a secondary Ley Line, but that won't provide enough power to get the rifling to reform properly. On top of that, it messes up the command chain.

You gesture to the layout, the spot where the error begins. "Your Highness, why are you using a secondary Ley Line on the first level?"

Twilight's eyes light up a bit, the mare smiling in excitement. "Oh! Well, the secondary Ley Line will allow for more control over the whole process, preventing any possible backwash should the repair grid be under-powered and cause a magical snapback."

You nod your head. A perfectly acceptable reason to use a second Ley Line, but... "But what about the materials we're working, Your Highness?"

"Please, call me Twilight, Captain." Twilight says with a little huff. "We are working together after all."

You blink. That wasn't a response you were expecting. You still need to correct the error, but how do you go about this now?

>>29816595
She wants to work on equal footing, lets do so.
Tell her we think she is making a mistake. Call her Twilight while we do it. She will likely be more willing to listen to us if we do.

>>29816595
Do remind her that we can't exactly be all buddy buddy with her. We kinda have to set an example for the crew.

Bemp.

>>29816610
>>29816625
Somehow, you're able to complete the herculean task of not smirking at her huff, but you shake your head a bit before you point at the error. "Alright then Twilight. Calculations on the third, fifth, and seventh strings are incorrect because of the secondary Ley Line on the first level. The second Ley Line would figure into the second line but only if it's connected to a Mana Sink. You should have a Thuam rune to ensure the whole grid gets enough power."

Four out of six mares on deck are now looking at you in shock and confusion, most likely wondering what the buck you're talking about, while Twilight blinks in surprise and then leans over her layout, humming as Pinkie Pie joins her in doing so before nodding seriously, turning and carefully positioning her bushy tail to act as an eraser.

"You're quite right! Thank you Fair." Twilight says happily, giving you a warm smile.

You smile back for a few moments before you realize what you're doing and reel it in. "Forgive me Twilight, but we can't really be quite as relaxed as you're hoping for me to be right now. I do need to set and example for the crew."

And now five out of six ponies are facehoofing. What? What did you say?

Twilight looks a little disappointing but it's quickly replaced with a soft smile. "It's fine, we'll just have to talk more later. Maybe we can discuss some of the various magical repair spells you're versed in?"

>>29818747
I would be happy to princess.

>>29818785
She did tell us to call her Twilight.

>>29818806
Yes hence I said
>>29816610
However we also just told her we can't.

>>29818785 >>29818806 >>29818821

You give her a smile. "Of course. I'd be more then happy to, Tw... Princess." You mentally berate yourself for the almost-slip, but for some reason it seems to make Twilight perk up and smile a little bit more sincerely.

Soon, you, the Princess, and the pink earth pony are working side by side, unaware of the rest of the Mane 6 as you assist with the calculations and making sure that the runic circle is set.

You let out a pleased sigh, glad that you've got magic to fix the gun with.

The working party to put the gun back in place is forming up as you and Twilight finish the final touches, and you nod firmly before moving over to the 'control' part of the rune layout, with Twilight standing on the 'power' part.

"Are you ready, Princess?" You ask, letting your aura start to charge.

"Of course, Captain. Whenever you're ready!" Twilight says, her wings spread as she charges her own aura.

>>29818884
>Of course. I'd be more then happy to, Tw... Princess
A good comprimise.

>>29818884
Wait make sure they are using the crane first. I don't care how much magic we have here we have it for a reason. If the crane is ready then fix that gun.

>>29818924
You glance over and see that CMC Bellows is standing by with the working party, and the crane is set up and ready to go.

"Lets begin." You say, letting your aura flare and suffuse the Rune array, closing your eyes as you let your talent take over.

You feel the array pulling at your mana pool before Twilight's own aura fills the runes, and the two of you start the intricate task of putting the gun back together.

Metal melds together, reforming and relining itself, the barrel fitting back together, rifling reforming and before you know it, you're able to open your eyes.

The array is gone, applied to the gun itself now, glowing softly as you and the Princess hold it aloft. "Crane Crew!" You bark out, and the working party quickly rushes in to take the Gun out of Princess Twilight and your aura.

The gun is quickly strapped with ropes and the gun is taken under strain with the crane as pegasi help to hold it aloft and in proper alignment, as unicorns and earth ponies use might and aura to keep it steady and walk it into place, before settling it into the breach and locking it into place.

A cheer rises up among the crew and you let out a pleased huff, standing tall and proud and doing everything in your power not to show how -tired- you are.

You turn to the Princess to thank her for her assistance, only to find her literally at your side, smiling brightly.

"That was amazing! Thank you very much for your help Captain. Will you be assisting me and the girls for the rest of the barrels to ensure the lining is properly reinstalled?" Twilight asks, gazing at you with something you're not quite sure how to quantify, but she does seem to want you to stick around.

>>29819070
Of course princess. It has been a pleasure working with you so far.

>>29819085
You smile back at her, nodding. "Of course, Princess. It's been a pleasure working with you so far, and I have no doubt that we'll be able to get the Guns done before we'll need to take a rest."

Twilight smiles back at you, and gestures for you to lead on, and you do so, Twilight walking right next to you, and you hear some giggling behind you from the rest of the Mane 6.

You lead Twilight and her friends into the ship, and you turn your head, noticing that Twilight, for excited as she is, and as powerful as she is, does seem a little worn. It takes a lot of power to put a gun back together, and being able to do it with a single array instead of six with twelve unicorns working together is a pretty big deal. You know you feel pretty tried, but you're not really sure if you should recommend a break or not.

>>29819255
Better safe then sorry. Take the break. Once we are somewhere away from the crew say "So twilight why is it so important to you I call you that"

>>29819291
"Your Highness, I'm going to recommend that we take a break." You say, stopping the progress towards the gun batteries.

"Captain?" Twilight asks, turning to look at you.

You gaze back at her, and resist the urge to just keep gazing at her eyes. "We just used a lot of magical force to repair that gun. Taking some time to rest and have something to eat would most likely give us some time to recover before we return to work."

Twilight blinks, and then smiles, nodding. "Sure, a break sounds nice, Captain."

You smile, and change directions, leading Twilight and the Mane 6 to the Officer's Wardroom. There's always various snacks available there for Officers to eat, as well as coffee and other such things.

As the door to the Wardroom closes, you decide to voice the question that's been sitting at the back of your mind. "Princess... Twilight. Why is it so important to you that I use your name?" You ask, looking at her. "I don't mind doing so, but I will admit it's a bit of task for me, my training being what it is."

Twilight blushes a bit, rubbing the back of her head in embarrassment as the rest of the Mane 6 go about making and collecting snacks while hovering close enough to listen into the conversation between you and the Princess.

"Well, we're going to be working together quite a bit, and I'm not huge on formalities... I mean, I don't really run any part of the Government, Princess is more of a honorary title, really." Twilight murmurs, obviously a little embarrassed.

>>29819387
Well I will try and remember to call you by your name in private pri-twilight.

>>29819407
You sigh and give the Princess a slightly lopsided grin. "I'll do my best to remember that, Pri-Twilight." You say slightly teasingly.

She gives you an exasperated look that you respond to with a wink and a playful razzberry, making her giggle.

"Captain! Such actions in front of your Princess!" She says in a faux-high canterlot accent, making you laugh a bit.

"Only the best serve, Your Highness." You say back, continuing the playful teasing.

The two of you break down into laughter, and you feel a bit better. You sit back a bit. "If you're going to insist I call you Twilight, then you'll have to call me Fair, or Winds, whichever you prefer, at least while we're in private. Out among the crew I will have to be polite as always, Twilight."

Twilight smiles warmly at you, leaning back a bit, and you and see the faintest of blushes across her muzzle. "I'll remember that, Fair."

>>29819750
Eat and discuss the spells you will be using.

>>29819764
Twilight's friends quickly join her and you at the table and you and Twilight fall upon the snacks with a vengeance, trying to get as many calories as possible regain as much energy and to make it through the day without getting too tired.

During the conversation, Pinkie Pie gets up in your face, again, tilting her head left and right and frowning.

"... Yes Miss Pie, how can I help you?"

She frowns before turning to Applejack. "Are you sure he's a stallion? He's almost as pretty as Rarity!"

>>29820344
Oh you flatterer you.
I can assure you there is a pair of hefty testicles under this uniform. Almost as huge as the balls it must have taken you to face down Chrysalis.

>>29820459
You feel the urge to bash your head against the table as you snark out, "I assure you Miss Pie, I'm very much a stallion, as they're quite hefty and make walking a chore at time. I'm sure you've felt the same when you and your friends fought Chrysalis during the Changling invasion."

You glance around the table. Rainbow Dash laughing, along with AJ, Rarity looks shocked at the crude humor, Twilight is blushing, Fluttershy looks... completely nonchalant. Interesting.

Pinkie Pie is just confused.

"But if you're a stallion, why do you wear make up?"

>>29820852
Your a party pony aren't you pinkie surely you have been to a drag club before. I am not a drag queen but it is not completly dissimilar. I simply like looking this way.

>>29820852
Please, this is natural. No make up was required.

>>29821461
If we aren't wearing makeup change that to.
I don't know why you have such a hard time understanding this pinkie you're a party pony aren't you? Surely you have been to a drag club before.

>>29820852
"Pinkie, my hair just grows in like this, with this shading. Go ahead and feel my face if you must, there is no makeup or dye involved. I was just made this way."

>>29821611
>>29822440
>>29821688
You roll your eyes and snark, "You're a party pony aren't you? You tell me why a stallion would be wearing make up." You give her a little smirk, making the whole table facehoof when she continues to look at you in confusion.

For a party pony, she doesn't know adult parties very well does she...

You huff. "Pinkie, my hair just grows in like this, with this shading. Go ahead and feel my face if you must, there is no makeup or dye involved. It's just how I look."

"Marvelous Genetics." Rarity chimes in, gazing at you. "Wasted on a Stallion. A very very pretty stallion to be sure, and quite the gentlecolt, but I know so many of my models would kill to have natural highlights like that, Fair."

You give the fashionista a shrug before you've got Pinkie's hooves all over your face as she tires to rub the 'make up' off. "Wowie Zowie, it doesn't come off at all!"

How long should you tolerate her poking and prodding your face?

>>29822629
15 seconds before we stop her, are her hooves even clean?

>>29822629
Give her 3 minutes.
After that ask her to stop.

>>29822664
>>29822666
[Pick one please players.]

Nope. Her hooves are most definitely not clean. They not covered in anything, but she's been walking... jumping... pronking? Pronking on them all day, so you can tell that the hooves are, indeed, dirty.

>>29822697
How about 1 minuite a decent comprimise and in the intrest of goodwill closer to what the other anon suggested then what I suggested.

>>29822697
Eh, why not get her the wash those hooves first?
Then she can take as long as she wants.

>>29822717
Not to long though we need to fix the ship.

>>29822707
>>29822717
>>29822727
You sigh and give Pinkie Pie a flat glare. "Miss Pie, if you're going to run your hooves all over my face and body... at least wash them first, please? Then you can do so as much as you want, but not too long, there's still a lot of work that we have to get done today."

Pinkie Pie giggles and rushes off to wash her hooves to the laughter of the the other girls. Twilight turns and gives you a interesting look. "... How long are you actually gonna let her do that?"

"A minute. Maybe." You say, shaking your head. "However, Twilight, the offer is always open for you... just... you know, wash your hooves first."

Twilight blushes brightly at that, and you mentally add another ticmark to your tally.

You finish up your meal/snack with a pleased huff. "Alright, now, is there anything else to handle?"

The mares minus Pinkie Pie shake their heads. "Of course. Where should we start, Captain? The girls can work on different things then us, if you need something else handled." Twilight asks.

>>29822751
There is still a risk of sudden attack at any moment, especially with the princess here. Lieutenant I hear you are fast I need you to scout around a bit for any approaching threats.

>>29822793
You frown, looking down for a moment in thought before looking to Rainbow Dash. "Lieutenant."

"Sir!" Rainbow Dash says, snapping to attention.

"I hear you're fast. The fastest, if the talk is to be believed."

Rainbow Dash smirks. "Nopony faster!"

"Good. I need you to scout around. Keep to the clouds, and scout for anything that might be coming towards the boat. I don't think there's any maintenance you can assist with, so that might be best for you."

"You got it Captain!" Rainbow says. "I'll get in uniform and get out there."

"Excellent. Dismissed."

A Rainbow blur is all you see as the mare is suddenly gone from the room, and your turn to face the rest of the ponies, plus Pinkie Pie who finally returned. What else?

>>29822816
I cannot think of anything but in case something has slipped my mind go check with lieutenant Wilko.

>>29822827
Also remark that she really is very fast.

>>29822827
>>29822839
You blink, shaking your head a bit.

"Wow. She really is that fast." You mutter to yourself before you refocus on the rest of the Mares. "Twilight, are you ready to continue?"

"Of course Fair, what's next?" Twilight asks, grinning brightly at you as the rest of the group nods.

You tap your chin before you motion for the mares to follow you and you quickly move out to the Quarterdeck.

"Lt. Wilko, I need you for a moment." You call out, and you quickly have the Earth Pony front and center.

"Aye Skipper, how can I help you?" He queries, tilting his head as you gesture to the four mares you need suggestions for.

"Can you think of things that Miss Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack and Pinkie Pie could help with? Princess Twilight is going to be assisting me with the sabotaged gear." You ask, making the pony frown and rub his chin in thought.

"I'm not sure about Miss Fluttershy or Rarity, but Miss Applejack and Miss Pie would be very helpful if they went down to the Galley. I'm sure the CS's would appreciate their help."

The two mares smile and nod before trotting off, leaving you with Twilight, Rarity and Fluttershy.

Great, you honestly can't think of anything for Rarity or Fluttershy to help with, more Fluttershy then Rarity, as Rarity does have an eye for detail, if you remember your briefing on the Elements of Harmony correctly.

Briefings on the Elements, their Users, and what their Users are good at are standard now across the EUP, to ensure if serviceponies need to work with the Elements they can do so without getting in the way of the Elements.

>>29822888
Maybe Rarity could inspect the ship for possible issues we missed.

File: DubsTrips.jpg (16KB, 200x200px) Image search: [Google]

16KB, 200x200px

>>29822888
Agreed, Rarity is a good one to check for things overlooked, and her talent is finding things of value- Perhaps she's versatile enough to find high-value overlooked sabotage? It can't hurt to ask. Otherwise, she could check the condition of any fabric, cabling or stitching used in the gas lift system for damages etc.

>>29822888
Might fluttershy have any use in the infirmary.

>>29823008
>>29823488
After a moment, you perk up. Now you've got ideas. "Miss Rarity, if you'd be so kind, I'd like to send you around the boat with Seaman Shanty." You say, gesturing to the Seaman Apprentice who trots over to you. "You've got an eye for detail- I'd like you to inspect the ship for anything we've might had missed, but more importantly, if you'd inspect the ships fabrics and cabling, and the stitching of the envelopes, that would be fantastic."

Shanty and Rarity trot off, already gossiping with one another, and you feel a cold shiver run down your spine.

"Miss Fluttershy, if you'd like you're welcome to stay with us, but I'm sure that Doctor Time would be more then happy to have your assistance down in the medical bay."

The Pegasus gives you a squeak in response, and you nod to Twilight and Pinkie Pie.

It's time to get to work.

[Montage or full scenes of things getting repaired?]

>>29826022
Full scenes.
For the multiple guns just describe one and skip over the rest. Unless there are guns of different types.

Bump for seducing pinkie pie.

>>29826284
You quickly lead Twilight and Pinkie Pie through the the repair of the first gun battery. Replacing the liner is thankfully much easier the putting the barrel together, but soon the guns are properly lined and reinforced- the recoil isn't going to kill any unsuspecting ponies now.

[Honestly, I'm not really sure what else I can do for full scene repairs. This part is pretty boring.]

>>29828070
Yeah probably not much to say about it.
Go inform Princess Celestia that the repairs are complete.

10

>>29828167
~1800~
After a break for lunch and a break for dinner and many hours of hard work, you, the mane 6, the Wonderbolts and Princess Celestia are all occupying the Wardroom, along with CMC Bellows and Lt. Wilko.

"Princess, I'm happy to report that, minus buffing her to a shine and getting the outside paint redone, the Risen Glory is 100% Ready and Capable of Wartime activities. Give the word and she'll be ready to get underway, once we get a new crew compliment and a proper Captain, of course." You say, standing at attention, well aware of all the eyes on you right now.

"You've done an excellent job maintaining and running the ship so far, Captain, thank you for your time, trouble, and practical knowledge. Princess Twilight filled me in on your prowess, she was very impressed." Celestia says with a soft smile.

"YEAH! I was too, because you were all grumpy-grumps serious pants but you were all like 'hmmm' and 'this calculation needs to be modified like this' and 'the steel core needs to behrmufmfurmmfmer," Pinkie Pie's rant is cut off, graciously, by Applejack, who has set plates of hot apple fritters down for everypony.

"We get it Sugarcube."

You roll your eyes at the antics, before you notice that Celestia is still looking at you contemplatively.

"... Fair Winds, what is your plan, once I've gotten a new command in place for the boat and re-fitted the combat and maintenance crews?" Celestia asks, tilting her head a bit.

So that's where Twilight gets it...

>>29829522
If we end up going to war I will glady fight. Otherwise my plans remain unchanged.

>>29829559
On second thought change fight to keep the fleet.

>>29829522
Hm. I'd always assumed we'd hold onto our command here on the Risen Glory, I hadn't considered anything else? Not sure what to suggest.

>>29829559
>>29829623
"Your Highness, there's one task that is -my- task, and will continue to be my task, should we go to war." You say, nodding firmly.

"We Keep The Fleet. That's what Engineers do. I will Keep The Fleet. My mission and plan remains unchanged."

Celestia is well aware of the second meaning in your words- you will find those three flank holes and get your revenge.

Celestia shakes her head a bit. "It's a good plan, Captain Winds... but I'm afraid that I'll need to adjust your plan a bit."

Celestia frowns softly. "Unfortunately, I have no Officers that are currently available for captaining a ship, either due to age or deployment rotations. If a war is going to spring up soon, I need a Captain for the Risen Glory soon, if now now." She fixes you with her gaze, making you gaze right back.

"I want you to be that pony... Captain."

>>29829648
Then I will command this ship until a replacement is made available.

>>29829645
The orders were until the investigation was finished.

>>29829648
Agreed, take the command. We know the crew and ship inside and out, now, and we have a glorious mission to run beside.

>>29829685
I was speaking as me the player, not as the captain. I had/have no good plans for Fair other than what he's doing right now, so I don't mind this turn of events at all.

>>29832747

>>29829667
>>29829713
You start, your chair pushing back a bit in your surprise as you continue to stare at Celestia, considering what she just implied, before frowning.

Captain? Sure, you've done fine these last few days, and the mission to hunt down these traitor is a good one, but what about home? What about -THEM-?

Blond. Blue. Purple.

You shake your head softly, refocusing. "... You have that Pony, your highness... until a replacement is made available, of course." You say.

Celestia smiles a bit, her eyes twinkling. "I think you misunderstood me, Fair. Congratulations on your Advancement."

Celestia summons a blue folder and settles it in front of you, and opens it.

Inside, it reads about how you've been Field Promoted to O6 for wartime duties, and assigned to the Risen Glory.

Oh.

Oh dear.

She meant you're -actually- a Captain now.

>>29833509
Buh buh muh revenge.

>>29833567
You surge to your hooves in shock, glaring at Celestia. "Your Highness-!"

"Fair Winds. Sit."

The protest you were about to make dies on your lips as you sullenly put your chair back to rights and sit on it, your eyes locked with Celestia, well aware that the rest of the ponies in the room are looking at you in shock.

"Fair Winds, we are -aware- of your plight, of your mission and cause, and I though we already discussed this." She says, her voice sharp but tone soft and caring, a mother disciplining her child. "Let the Canterlot Guard handle it. Revenge isn't going to help you."

"Nor is the Guard. Your Highness." You say flatly. "Those Blueblooded arsonists and- and-" You can't bring yourself to say the other word but your temper's flared enough to push past it, "THEY killed. My. Family. The guard would let them get away because they're -NOBLES-."

Celestia sighs softly. "Fair... please, let it go. At least for now. You were speaking of duty before... your duty has changed, Captain."

She gestures to the folder containing your promotion and commission paperwork and your orders. "Your duty is -here- and -now-. The Risen Glory will rise again; but she will only rise under your command... Captain."

>>29834535
Please princess. Promise me you won't let them get away with it.

>>29834535
I think we have a job to do here, we can't let our grief and desire for revenge scuttle this ship and possibly the entire nation. Not merely that, we have the ear of the princesses, who we can be sure will hear our case if and when the bastards are caught. We can't throw away this opportunity in the name of revenge.

>>29834573
>>29835665
You feel the urge to gash your teeth and howl, to scream in rage and turn and leave.

But you can't.

Your heart screams at you to do so, but part of that heart, and all of your mind, is filled with the knowledge of DUTY.

This is where you belong, now. This is your ship, she holds your crew.

You're an Engineer.

You Keep The Fleet.

"... Promise me." You whisper, your voice cold as you look at the floor.

No one responds as you bring your head back up, your ears perked as you force the words out. "Promise me when they're caught... when those bastards that killed my family are caught... When you find them, I get to see them first."

Celestia bows her head to you. "I Promise."

You take a shaky breath, and glance around the room. All eyes are on you and you feel a little out of it. What now?

>>29836664
Guess there's nothing else for everyone to do, they may do whatever for the rest of the day?
Clearly, we need to calm down, preferably alone, hugging and screaming into a pillow.

>>29836664
I'd formally accept and try to face up to what's ahead.

>>29836722
>>29836901
[These are both good, anyone have a preference?]

>>29836901
This.

>>29836901
>>29836917
You take a breath and let it out softly before standing straight, at attention. "I, Fair Storm Winds, Accept the Duties and Responsibilities as Captain of the Risen Glory." You say formally.

"Very well. Your uniforms will be updated accordingly, Captain, and as of this point in time you are of your rank, as required by Equestria and the Crown." Celestia returns formally, before you salute her.

She bows her head softly to you and you retake your seat, and take a deep breath.

It all circles back to Duty and Responsibility in the end. You look at Celestia. "My Orders, Your Highness?"

Celestia nods. "Rest, Captain. I need you ready to face the day and the challenges that it shall bring. The new crew members will be arriving over the next week, and once the Risen Glory's compliment is completed, I want my Flagship war ready."

"Aye Ma'am. It will be done." You respond with a firm nod.

That done, and you know you're going to have some serious pondering to do later. For now... calming down, alone, hugging and screaming into a pillow sounds really nice.

What would be the best way to retreat from the room for now?

>>29836959
Tell the princess you shall take the rest she suggested.

>>29836959
Agreed with the last anon, but I'm betting the princess knows that we're under a great deal of emotional stress right now and will call the meeting short very soon anyhow. Then we can march solemnly to our cabin, calmly enter, close the door, then have our emotional crisis safely out of sight.

>>29836975
>>29837124
Sure enough, the meeting is actually called to a close. "Excellent work today, My Little Ponies. Major Spitfire, you and your Squad, including Lt. Rainbow Dash, will be included in the crew compliment. I'm assigning you as direct guard to Princess Twilight and Captain Winds."

Spitfire salutes the Princess. "Yes Ma'am!"

"Divvy your forces as you see fit, Major. I will be taking my rest in the Captain's cabin, seeing as he is still using his Warrent room, if that's agreeable, Captain?"

She looks to you and you nod firmly. "Of course, your Highness."

"Very well. Good Night, my little ponies."

You're the last pony to leave the room, and you're able to dodge any more conversations as you march, solemnly, with a stiff upper lip and a stoic demeanor to your cabin, open the door, close the door, and lock it, and after a few moments of thought, cast a sound-proofing spell so no sound will escape the room.

>>29837276
Commence intense stress relieving activities in the form of screaming, pillow punching/hugging etc etc.
A shower might help too

>>29837276
Don't quite scream at the top of our lungs but close to it.

>>29837312
>>29837331
After a few calm, peaceful moments, slowly removing your uniform and undoing the braid for your mane... you let yourself flip out.

You scream in rage and fury, and sob in immeasurable sadness, laugh at how stupid it all is before beating on your pillow and hugging it tightly.

But not a single hair of your mane falls out of place nor does your bed become undone. No, you've got more discipline then that.

Your emotions are going to be your undoing, you can only think to yourself as you hug your pillow, sitting in the corner of the room with your head down when you hear a knocking at the cabin door.

"Fair?" A voice calls. You frown, with the soundproofing spell you can't tell who it is.

>>29839204
They called us by our name so I doubt it is a crewmember. Open the door.

>>29839344
get on the floor, everybody walk the dinosaur.

>>29839204
Take a moment to compose ourself, then see who 'tis.

>>29840410
I love that song.
https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=%23&ved=0ahUKEwjBwIXy5JvTAhUDnZQKHSZwAtsQ8TUIKTAB&usg=AFQjCNF1sHlk2z9QIx28jtvfnGP_UlkifA&sig2=xk3el5DAme9Em-WJ9rWZnA

>>29839344
>>29841642
You take a deep breath, carefully composing yourself and pulling your mane back into place instead of being a wild mess, and after making sure that you're looking presentable, even if your braids are out, you step up to the door and open it.

"How can I hel-" You feel yourself pause for just a moment, for on the other side of the door is Twilight Sparkle, but you push on non the less "-p you Princess?"

"May I come in, Captain?" Twilight asks, her pretty eyes looking... worried? Pensive? Something of the like, but she's gazing directly into your eyes.

>>29842875
Why? What do you need?

>>29842921
You feel the urge to frown but keep your face straight, doing your best to not glare at her. "What can I assist you with, your Highness?" You say, mentally thinking 'Why, What do you need?'

"I'd like to get to talk with you for a bit... as friends, as ponies. Not Captain Fair Winds and Princess Twilight Sparkle. Just us. Fair and Twilight."

>>29842965
"I might be a little distracted because I'm making a big adjustment right now, but sure, Twilight. Come on in."

>>29842965
Guess there's no avoiding this, might as well get it over with.
Wonder if she's here for her own reasons or because Celestia put her up to it.

>>29842965
I would like that as well althlugh I am not sure if now is a good time. I am dealing with some personal stuff right now.

>>29843009
>>29843017
"... Please, come in, your Highness." You say softly, stepping aside so that Twilight can come in. "I might be a little distracted because I'm dealing with this... big adjustment, right now, but still. Anything for a Friend."

You make sure to emphasis the word, even as she steps through the threshold of the room and quietly closes the door behind her before putting up her own Soundproofing spell.

"You forgot to put it over the whole door... I could heard you a bit while you were screaming." Twilight admits almost immediately, her eyes gazing soulfully into yours as she steps a bit closer.

Upon second glance, you realize she's not wearing her regalia. No shoes, no torque, no crown. Her mane is down and brushed aside, her wings neatly folded.

You're not standing before a princess. You're standing in front of a mare a little taller then you are who's worried about you.

You sigh softly and close your eyes, bowing your head a bit and letting yourself slip to your haunches. "... I'd rather not talk about it, Twilight." You mutter.

Twilight shakes her head softly. "If it would help you, I'd like you to, but if it won't, then it won't... but either way, I want to be here for you. Somethings wrong, and I can help. Even if it means you need 'The Princess' to come back for a bit, I can help you... Please Fair. I like the pony I got to know today behind the mask of 'Warrent Officer Fair Winds', the engineer and intelligent mage, I'd like to get to know him better and help him, because he's hurting and I don't like it when my friends hurt."

>>29843042
She's right, there's no sense keeping this away from her. Obviously Celestia knows every detail, why not involve Twilight also? Of the two, Twilight is much more likely during her escapades to encounter and bring to justice those who've wronged us- And she's got no strong ties to nobility other than Celestia herself and thus, no fear of disturbing the upper echelon status quo. Let's tell her everything.

>>29843042
I am scared Twilight, scared that the men who killed my family will get away with it just because they are noble.

Why do the nobility even exist, they are the ones trying to start the war too. Absolutely no sense of loyalty.

>>29843061
>>29843058
Twilight softly paces a bit closer to you before sitting down next to you delicately, her shoulder softly brushing against yours before she settles, opening a wing and gently hugging your back. Maybe that's what prompted you to talk. Maybe it was the long day. Maybe it was because this mare, with a brilliant mind and an affinity for hard work has been by your side all day, trading thoughts and comments, questioning spells and equations and you're just so tired of trying to hold it in.

"... I'm scared." You whisper, and she leans closer, listening and not judging or questioning, just listening. "I'm scared that the stallions that killed my family will get away with it just because they are Nobles." You spit the last word, venom dripping from your voice.

"... What happened?" She asks softly, her wing hugging you a bit more, her feathers soft on your back and side, soothing and warm as she gets a bit closer and you feel yourself lean into her a bit.

>>29843082
Tell her everything.

>>29843082
Yup let's spin the whole yarn, it'll help the situation working with her if she understands what makes us tick, and maybe she can do something about it too.

>>29843094
>>29843113
You close your eyes and let out a soft sigh, before you begin your story.

"It was about six months ago, now, when my family... my family was killed. My Mother. My Father. And my darling Little Sister." Your voice is soft, and slightly shaky, and you know it, but you can't find it in yourself to stop as you explain to her how you had just finished a year-long deployment and had finally gotten some leave, and had gone home. Or rather, to your family's new home.

"They had just moved to Upper Canterlot. I've always stayed on the boat, never owned a place of my own... never stayed anywhere long enough to do so."

You explain how you were nervous for your family when you heard, for it was nothing like your hometown, the village you grew up in away from the cities, and that you had cautioned them to protect themselves.

"They were so convinced, my Mum and Da... 'Canterlot won't scoff at us, they won't get us down'. A Unicorn and Pegasus in love, a spellbound firefly."

You let out a sad laugh, shaking his head. "Mum used to call Da that all the time. It was a derogatory turn and they made their own, something poetic, something that was love. It was the words I saw dug into the lawn of their house when I watched the world burn down around my ears."

Your crying now, and you know you are, but Twilight, ever there, just holds you with her wing, gently wiping away tears and listening, not saying a word, just letting you speak.

A few moments pass before you get up, out of her embrace, and walk over to your alarm clock. The one you made for your Father. The one that got you your cutie mark.

You hold it gently in your hoof and slowly move back to Twilight, setting it down. "... I made this. The first thing I ever built. I designed it, I formed the metal, welded it together, made the gears... many intricate parts, working together. My Dad called it Engineering, and Life, I gave it to him as a father's day gift... it's what gave me my cutie mark."
[c]

>>29843249
You carefully unwind the clock, using only your hooves, never magic, and pull the key from it's back, the back plate coming off with it.

Inside the clock is a cut and burnt picture. It's been very, very carefully taped back together, and you gesture for Twilight to take it.

She lifts it up, and you can't bare to look at it yourself. You've memorized it already anyway.

Your little sister, rambunctious pegasus filly, hanging off the side of your head and chattering away after you graduated boot camp all those years ago. Your Mother nuzzling the other side and gently adjusting your dixie-cup with her aura. Your Dad puffed up like a bird showing off for it's mate, his wings fluffed out in his excitement, of how proud he is of his son. And you, standing in the middle of the love and affection of your family, a innocent, happy smile on your face as you mug for the camera, looking quite dapper in your old Enlisted Dress Blues... Cracker Jacks, as they were called.

She looks at the picture for the longest time before she puts it back in the clock, and gently takes the key and back plate away from you, putting the clock together again... all with her hooves.

She sets the clock aside before pulling you into another hug, and you're aware that she's ignoring your tears as much as you're ignoring hers.

"Fair... what happened that night." She asks, her voice as shaky as yours when you started.

>>29843263
You bite your lower lip for a moment before you start talking, not trusting yourself to stop. "I got into Canterlot around eighteen-hundred. The sun was starting to lower, and the whole city glittered in the setting sun. So did the fire in Upper Canterlot. I was never particularly one to panic, and I had never been to my family's new home yet, so I was taking my time, to make sure I got where I needed to go. After all, my Mother was probably worried she hadn't seen me yet and was wondering if I would make it for dinner."

You let out a mirthless chuckle, bowing your head. "When I noticed that the fire was getting closer the closer I got to the new address, I started to move faster, and faster, till I was cantering, then galloping, full tilt through the streets, my saber clear and unlocked from it's sheath, and my seabag bouncing on my back."

"When I skid to a halt, I knew." You whisper, closing your eyes as it flashes before you.

Fire.

Screams.

Pain.

Laughter.

Laughter.

LAUGHTER.

"They were standing right there." You hiss, gritting your teeth.

"Mud on their hooves. Smelled of Gasoline and pitch. Smiling at the screams, laughing at my little sister trying to break her window." You growl, the anger boiling up again.

Twilight's looking at you in shock. Your rage, your anger, is trying to take over... [f]

>>29843297
Carefully place the clock on the floor and then smash the table.

>>29843297
Before we do >>29843343
Twilight, do you know a spell that repairs objects?

Not right now but later we will have to thank Twilight for treating the clock with the same respect we do.

>>29843351
This but even if she does not smash it anyway.

>>29843343
>>29843351
>>29843361
>>29843359
Mentally, you add a note to thank Twilight later, but first, through gritted teeth, you as, "Twilight, do you know a repair spell?"

"Starswirls Quick Reparo, of course, why?" Twilight asks quietly.

At her confirmation, you gently, carefully take your clock and set it aside, well out of the blast radius, and after a moment, move Twilight as well before you whirl and slam the table with both hooves, roaring in rage and agony as your rage-fueled swings reduce the table into so much splinters and twisted metal, your cries of outrage turning to sobs as you keep slamming away at it.

"I HAD THEM! I was going to turn those bastards heads inside out, grind them against the cobblestones into nothing because THEY KILLED MY FAMILY! Bastards had cold-cocked my Dad, knocked him out and trussed him up and used him to start the fire! Broke my mother's horn and locked my sister in her room and spelled her window! I WILL KILL THEM ALL!" You rage, roaring in agony and hate, sobbing as you do so.

Suddenly, the rage is abated. Stopped.

Hooves are gently wrapped around your barrel. A muzzle is nuzzled into your back. Tears are staining your shoulder and somepony else is crying.

You feel yourself give in, slowly collapsing to the floor. Spent. Twilight joins you, carefully holding you like one would... well, your clock, or a glass sculpture.

"... I was going to go in myself, to at least save my sister, when the Fire Brigade and the guard arrived. I was tackled to the ground as I tried to run in. The ceiling to her room caved in about thirty seconds later. I could have made it. I would have made it." You whisper, your voice hoarse from your agony and screaming.

Twilight simply hugs you a bit harder. She doesn't say anything, but she doesn't have to. The hug is making you feel that much better, even if you don't know what to do now, now that it's all out there, and you've told somepony that wasn't 'Princess whoever' the whole thing.

>>29843383
Ok now is the time to thank twilight for not using magic on our clock.

>>29843394
You shiver softly and whisper quietly to her, "Thank you."

"... For what?" She asks, sounding a little confused.

"For not using magic on the clock." You say, bowing your head a bit. "Ever since the fire... it doesn't work quite right. It breaks when magic is used on it. I had to put it back together by hoof."

Twilight simply hugs you a little tighter. You sort of want to go to bed, but being held so close and actually being -held- at all... it's nice. It makes you feel wanted, like you actually belong in the world for something beyond fixing somepony else's problem.

Twilight does, sadly, let go, after a little bit, and comes to her hooves, looking at the bits of table and quickly mending it back to almost-as-good-as-new, which is Navy Equipment standard.

"What do you need?" She asks, looking right in your eyes, so close to you, the two of you standing almost muzzle to muzzle. "You ask, you got it. I won't have my friends getting beat around, especially not just because of who they are or where they came from."

>>29843412
I need them to not get away with it due to nobility. I need them either dead or rotting in a prison cell for the rest of their lives.

10

>>29843422
You let out a little sigh. "I need them to not get away with murdering my family just because they're Nobles. I need them either banished, and locked in a dungeon in the place they were banished to, or dead under my hooves." You say flatly.

Twilight lets out a little sigh and hugs you again, fron the front this time, gently nuzzling you. "I don't know about killing them... but if you do, I'll help with the bodies."

You slump into the alicorn mare, bone tired. All the emotions have tired you out, and you sigh as you nuzzle back for a moment. "... Ugh, I'm disgusting."

Twilight giggles and leans back. "It's been a long day. Shower and bed would be good, huh?"

>>29845275
Nod yes. "Equestria needs me more here than on a revenge crusade, but the ponies behind it, once I find them- Thank you for understanding. Your help just might become necessary when that happens."

>>29845275
That sounds good.

>>29845497
>>29845568
You sigh and nod softly. "Yes... it would be."

Twilight gently props you up and starts guiding you to your shower, and you feel the desire to keep speaking.

"Equestria... needs me here. Right now, it needs me here more than out on my revenge crusade... but the ponies behind it. Once I find them..."

You fall silent again as she gently guides you into the head.

"... Thank you." You whisper, making her look at you again. "For understanding. Your help is might just be necessary when that happens."

Twilight gives you a warm smile, and a little nuzzle. "A true true friend helps a friend indeed." She hums, giving you a little playful smirk like she knows something you don't before she turns on the water, and it comes quickly, piping hot as it runs over you and her.

The hot water feels lovely and purifying, and you feel so much better after simply letting the water hit your coat, making you stretch out a bit.

>>29845593
Give twilight a final hug and go to bed.

>>29845275
>but if you do, I'll help with the bodies.
Twilight truly is best princess.

>>29845593
So, we're showering with Twilight. We might be an emotional wreck but are we too out of it to shampoo her up and, well, shower together? 'Cuz we probably should, just out of appreciation.

>>29847763
Why mr anon if I did not know better I would say you are trying to seduce her.

>>29845807
>>29847763
[Well, we have options now players-
Should we shower with Twilight and soap her back? Or should we give her a final hug and leave it for now? We are, after all, still quite dirty after a long days work and need to get clean before we rack out for the night.]

>>29848300
When is she going to remember that she's all alone in a shower with a hot androgynous stallion?

>>29848300
I think we should just go to bed for now with a final hug.

>>29847763 >>29848281 >>29848307 >>29848368

You let out a deep breath, enjoying the heat for a moment before you turn to Twilight and notice she's staring at you.

And then you think about it for a moment and realize that you're currently showering with the Princess.

Oh.

OH.

You blush hotly, gently rubbing your right foreleg with your left, ducking your head a bit, feeling the water gently pull your mane across your body and back, soaking it to you.

"Thank you again." You stammer, doing your best to diffuse the suddenly very, very awkward situation when you notice the blush on her face, and after a moment, you take a step forwards and hug her again.

She almost immediately hugs back, and you notice the blush on her muzzle. You slowly try to back out of the hug, let go so she can finish her shower. You're clean enough.

But she doesn't let go.

"Twi-"

"Stay. I... could use some help. Washing my back and wings."

Oh dear.

>>29848487
Suds her up and then wash her down, there's no other way. Anything else will be taken as rejection and we want this princess to like us! Faggotry may have it's place, but that place is not in a shower with a sudsy Twilight!

>>29848487
O-oh... can't your magic work?
Help her regardless of what she says,
how often can someone say they washed a princess?

>>29848497
>>29848498
"... As you wish. A bit sore from all the casting today?" You ask softly.

She gives a light nod and gently turns so that you have easy access to her back and slowly spreads her wings. You take a deep breath and use your own aura to nab the shampoo bottle, well aware that her excuse is complete horseapples, but not really finding it in yourself to care.

After all, your own aura is a bit weak after today's turmoil. You gently lay a line of shampoo across her back and start gently rubbing it in and lathering it with your own hooves.

The view of her mane plastered down around her neck and gently curled makes you swallow and blush.

Guess that particular crush never went way.

You suds and lathered Twilight's back and even gently went through her wings, watching her shiver a bit with each feather you worked on, and you notice that she's taking slow breaths as you finish, letting the extra shampoo wash off your hooves before she gently turns. "Turn around... I'll wash yours." She says, softly pressing her hoof against your chest.

>>29848487
Help her out. Just don't make it weird, this is totaly platonic. Just a friend helping a friend.

>>29848524
Oops to slow.

>>29848523
Turn around.

>>29848533
You take a deep breath and let yourself turn around as she moves under the water spray, letting out a pleased coo as the soap is washed away.

A few moments later, you feel a gentle application of shampoo to your back and her hooves meet your body and she starts gently massaging the soap into your fur.

"... Fair? What happens when..."

She stops, and falls quiet, continuing to lather the soap on your back. And quite noticeably now, your flank.

You blush a bit. Her hooves are rubbing just above your cutie mark, and it feels quite good.

>>29848576
It would be wrong to get sexual with her right now. We are both to emotional right now and cannot trust our judgment.

Allow her to continue but if she tries anything tell her as such and that we can reevaluate things in the morning.

If she does not try anything and we misread the situation just go to bed once she is done and thank her for her help.

>>29848576
When what?

>>29848593
I don't think it's sexual from a third pov, it's probably just Fair's mind in turmoil. After all, why would the Princess of Friendship/Magic get so close to us after literally just knowing us for a single day?

>>29848607
>it's probably just Fair's mind in turmoil
Agreed. Still I suggested it just in case. Like I said if she does not do anything neither should we.

>>29848593
>>29848607
"... When?" You prompt, trying to regain some of your composure as she finishes washing your back and moves her hooves away, letting your frayed emotional state take a deep sigh of relief.

"... What happens when you've caught them?" She asks quietly. "When it's done, when they're caught and... whatever follows, be it by your hoof or simply..."

You turn and she gently waves a hoof in a grandiose gesture, making you sigh a bit. 'Or whatever Celestia comes up with' comes to mind from the gesture.

"... Then I go back to the boat, and continue doing what I do." You say softly, hanging your head a bit.

She frowns a bit at that and then pulls you into another soft hug. "... Can I come back?"

You blink and look at her and find her gazing into your eyes. "Tomorrow. To keep talking."

"... Of course." You say with a nod.

The shower is finished in silence, and once you're both dried with a quick burst of aura, you lead her to the door of your room.

You and her stand apart, eyes locked before she takes a deep breath. "Promise me something, Fair."

>>29848630
What?

>>29848643
"... Yes? What do you need?" You ask, tilting your head a bit.

She shuffles her hooves a bit before she gently nuzzles you. "Think about it. Don't lose yourself. I meant what I said earlier... I want to know the stallion I worked with today, and I can see him there, but you keep putting the mask on."

She gazes at you, and after a moment of shuffling hooves, gently kisses your cheek, before curtsying to you. "Thank you for helping me... sleep well, Fair."

You blink, a hoof on your face, covering the kiss as she opens the door and steps out, the soundproofing spells dropping as she goes.

"... Goodnight... Twilight."

>>29848713
[Damn it. At some point I'm just going to result to full on namefaggotry just so I stop doing this...]

>>29848713
>>29848718
Well, I guess now that we're clean, dry and somewhat emotionally stable again, we should hit the sack and get some sleep for tomorrow.

File: maxresdefault (4).jpg (106KB, 1280x720px) Image search: [Google]

106KB, 1280x720px

>>29848713
Did we put our clock away. If not do tbat and then pic related.

>>29848732
>>29848733
You let out a quite, annoyed groan to yourself, shaking yourself out of inaction, and carefully pick up your clock from the floor, rewinding it and setting it back where it belongs.

You sigh softly and whisper a goodnight to your sister, mother and father, and climb into bed.

You're done with this day. It's time to rest.

Goodnight.

Of course, your dreams never give you any solace from the world...

[What fucked up dreams are we having tonight, players?]

>>29848809
>fucked up dreams
I guess the ship crashing due to something we missed fixing, resulting in everyone dying? The impending war? Classic spooky dreams of being alone on the ship? Our sis screaming as she is burned and buried alive...?

>>29848809
Lewd dreams about Pinkie Pie

>>29848840
Wait I change my vote
>>29848839
the ship crashing due to something we missed fixing
But instead of everybody dieing only shanty dies.

>>29848845
Ah fuck. Pretend I used an implication arrow there.