Author's Note

Never doing another timeskip chapter after this.

Hi, I know im really late to upload this but real life got in the way and my inspiration was greatly diminished after a few recent events. In the future, Ill try to keep newer chapters in the 5k word range

Like I mentioned to a commentor from one of the previous chapters, I will be working on a side story that will be more slice-of-life in nature and will go into more detail this chapters timeskip.

Happy new years to everyone! I hope everyone was able to achieve their goals on time and if you couldn't then dont worry theres always next year!

Chapter 5: Timeskip

"You're not?" asked Celestia.

"But you look just like him?" Luna said in disbelief.

Celestia and Luna were having a hard time accepting Anon was not their father despite his efforts to convince them. Luna showed a pendant which held a drawing of their father. The resemblance was uncanny. Whoever it was in the image, could easily pass off as an identical twin.

The equestrian princesses began to interview the human so they could determine if Anon posed a threat to their ponies. After Exchanging some basic information, they explained where he was and this world's inhabitants. Both Celestia and Luna were partially convinced Anon posed no threat.

With a regal composure Luna spoke "Where is thou from?" Luna asked.

Anon gave a brief explanation as to where he was from and about humanity. When Anon talked about humanity reaching the moon Luna was shocked to hear about it but was completely baffled when Anon told them about colonizing the moon and the recent efforts to terraform it. The mood darkened when Anon began retelling about the last three world wars and other proxy wars he participated in as a result of the state of the world. What really horrified both Celestia and Luna the most was the death toll.

"Surely that must not be true...right?" Celestia asked from behind her ethereal mane.

Anon grabs both of his hands and rubs them; a grim expression in his face as he looks downward. "It's all true. Greed, pride and anger were the culprits of my world’s most terrifying wars. Soldiers were sent to die in the millions and in the end the only thing that ended the conflict was not a peace treaty, but a stalemate." Anon looked up towards the princesses "My sister and I went through so much during the conflict, losing everyone we knew and loved."

"Then why become a soldier?" Celestia looked into his eyes with a deep questioning gaze.

Anon felt as if she was analyzing his soul. Steeling himself he answers with conviction "Aside from having no choice it was also because I wanted to stop anybody else from going through the same ever again and I will do so even if it has to be through force. I know it may seem paradoxical but it's the only way I know how."

For a moment silence befell the austere hospital room. Celestia was the first to break the silence "Anon" Celestia sighed "I believe I know a place in which you can stay for the time being while we look into how to send you back home." Celestia hoped that by changing subjects she could maybe divert the conversation.

"Really? That's great! I appreciate the help your highness's." Anon did a small bow from his seated position in the bed despite the uncomfortable sensation from his chest.

Celestia shook her head "Please, Celestia is fine, no need for titles." she continues "You will be staying with my student, Twilight Sparkle."

1 Month later After Anon’s Arrival

Griffonian Military Parade Mystery!

Two days ago the Griffonian Army celebrated the anniversary of the unification of the griffonian tribes creating the now known Griffonian Empire. In this parade however, instead of seeing lines of Griffonian soldiers parading and waving their swords up high into the air we witnessed the reveal of a peculiar new weapon.

The Griffonian army calls it a "rifle" and refused to release any more information regarding this new weapon. The weapon did not seem to have any sort of sharp edge and seemed to be more of a highly decorated long stick. Here at the Equestrian Daily have chosen to remain skeptical of this new "weapon" so we decided to ask the captain of the Royal Guard, Shining Armor, for his opinion he had this to say: "The department of Research and Development is looking into what this rifle could be but for now we have other pressing issues to tend to."

Although the prince would not answer more questions the griffonian diplomat, Gunther was happy to state the following: "It is the product of our efforts to industrialize our nation. I have witnessed the power of the rifle for myself, rest assured it will change the way wars will be fought in the future."

Celestia laid the morning newspaper beside her desk. Standing up she walked toward the Prench doors which lead to the balcony that oversaw the city of Canterlot. She stopped in front of the doors simply admiring the view of the city through the clear glass. Her thoughts were on this new weapon the griffonians had recently deployed for their men. She could feel something was wrong, VERY wrong. The amount given to their soldiers was no joke they were essentially substituting swords and crossbows with this new weapon, worst of all, the griffonian soldiers were tight lipped as to what it could do. The situation only got worse when she heard rumors that the Minotarian Republic was preparing to announce a military alliance with the Griffonian Empire by next month.

Sunset Shimmer had reported to Celestia her findings in the murder case of Solar Flare. She was on Black Cloaks tail following him from the shadows. She had the suspicion he was somehow involved in the murder. The evidence gathered in the meeting hall was slowly stacking against him. All she had to do now was wait until he slipped. What really perplexed Sunset Shimmer however was the possibility of a third party somehow involved in the murder. This also worried Celestia. Considering where the murder took place, the time in which the diplomats left the building, the bloody fountain pen and the fact that nearby locals saw a griffonian carriage leave the town a bit late were bad omens when taking in consideration the current geopolitical situation. Luna was having difficulty trying to enter the dreams of the diplomats, especially a certain Griffon diplomat.

Her thoughts drifted from the griffonian situation to Anon. For the past month Twilight would send everyday a separate report to her in regards of what she learned about him. So far, everything seemed to be going well for Anon, he met with the bearers of harmony and was quick to make friends with them. From what she had read, Twilight found that Spike had taken a liking to Anon. Anon treated Spike like a little brother and if the reports were anything to go by it seemed a bond was beginning to take root ever since Anon had started teaching self-defense to the young dragon.

The world from which Anon came from seemed to be highly advanced. Celestia hoped to maybe receive help from Anon to further advance Equestria, maybe an outsider's perspective could help her ponies progress.

Celestia was disheartened when she heard about the information gathered by Luna from Anon’s dreams during his first few days in Equestria. Although she couldn't see much due to what she could only describe as some sort of interference by his subconscious she was able to recover some information. He was indeed not their father. Luna was unable to find any memories of them in his mind. Luna could not hold back her tears in front of Celestia, out of the two Luna was the most hopeful but she was struck down with grief when she learned the truth from Anon's memories.

When both their mother and father disappeared, Luna was the most affected, crying and refusing to believe they were simply gone. Soon after life became very difficult for the two. It's the reason why Celestia became a bit of a prankster in the first place. It was to bring a bit of happiness to Luna so she could overcome her grief. Even after many centuries they hoped they were out there somewhere.

Celestia remembers: The stars didn't shine the night they disappeared and a bone chilling darkness engulfed Equus.

2 Months AAA

Cerberus Pact Proclaimed!

This morning our correspondence in Minotauria confirmed that during the early hours of the morning the Cerberus Pact -a military alliance- was ratified between the Griffonian Empire, Minotaurian Republic and the Zebrican Kingdom. Diplomats from the three countries clarified that the alliance purpose is to maintain peace in the region amidst the recent threats from the Yakistan Confederacy towards the three other nations.

Celestia was first to respond, warning them this alliance is detrimental to the stability of the continent. Our reporters tried to interview prince Shining Armor but received no response from him, instead, we received an official letter from Equestrias Department of War stating: "We have no reason at the moment to intervene in the matter. Our priority is the safety of Equestria as well as its citizens and at the moment the Cerberus Pact poses no immediate threat to Equestria."

The members of the Cerberus pact have made it clear in an official statement they would not attack Equestria, however they made it clear if they were provoked it would result in "swift destruction".

Twilight had just finished writing her friendship report and was now starting to write down her report in regards to what she had learned from Anon. Twilight paused taking a second to look at the couch in the middle of the library. There, lying on the couch, was Spike sleeping after a tiring day of training with Anon. His purple and green scales covered by a blue blanket sleeping peacefully, it was a shame she would have to wake him up later. 'If only I had a camera' she thought.

She focused her attention to the report she was going to write down trying to think back of all she had learned about Anon, she thinks back to all the good he had done for her friends, Spike and her; the more she thought about him the more she smiled. Shortly after arriving at the castle he would be insistent in helping in her research, Twilight was little apprehensive at first but after proving his worth with an extensive exam she accepted his help. Twilight's once lonesome experiments were now even more exciting with Anon around. She was fascinated with every piece of information he had to give; he was like an open book and she loved that.

She also enjoyed teaching Anon about magic. It was like teaching unicorn foals for the first time. At the time she couldn't help but smile thinking 'Is this what Cheerilee feels when teaching the foals at her school?'. Every question Anon had about magic she would try to answer to the best of her ability. She had to admit, Anon made some very interesting questions in regards to the functionality of magic that would lead her to think magic in a different way.

Anon was a mystery to Twilight, he mostly avoided talking about his past and would only give little bits of information when it was necessary. It hurt her a little to know that Anon still couldn't confide in her or her friends, but deep within her she knew that in time he would come around.

A few days later

Anon was sleeping on a chair in Ponyville's hospital when a hand tapped him on the shoulder.

A voice softly spoke to him "Anon?"

Anon opened his eyes seeing Redheart with clipboard in hand. Anon groggily speaks "How is Scootaloo doing?"

"Thanks to the pill you gave her she is stable at the moment, thank Celestia." Redheart assures him.

Anon's face smiles smugly "See? Told you it would work."

Redheart smiles and playfully punches Anon on the shoulder "You did an amazing deed you know that? What you did was heroic."

Anon scratches the back of his head embarrassed a bit by the comment "It was nothing really."

Redheart bends a bit and hugs Anon surprising him. She whispered in his ear "Don't underestimate what you did; you could have run away when that manticore attacked her but instead you risked your life to save her." Redheart looked Anon in the eye and continued "It was kind of you to do that ...and sorry for slapping you when you gave her the pill."

Anon chuckles a bit and sighs. Standing up Anon breaks the hug and speaks "Is Scootaloo awake?"

"No, she's still asleep. We will be monitoring her for the time being just to be sure"

Anon nods "Is it ok if I stay?" Anon asks

"Of course. Family members are the only ones allowed in a patient's room, but you know more about the pill you gave her so I believe it would be wise for you to observe her for the time being in case anything happens."

"Thanks. Hey, how come you never told me you were studying to be a doctor?"

"You didn’t ask. Besides I wanted to keep that a secret from Pinkie you know how she is."

Oh yeah Anon could imagine Pinkie would be throwing a massive 'congratulations on being a doctor party'.

"That’s good news! Don’t worry my lips are sealed." Anon makes a gesture to indicate he zipped his mouth.

Redheart chuckles "What I would like to know is who told you I was going to be a Doctor?"

"Um if I don’t tell you what would happen?"

"I would find out by myself and punish you with extra work next time you come and volunteer."

"It was Spike."

"Why that little- Oh how could I get mad at him. Those cute little ears are naturally more sensitive to sound than a ponies ears."

"Don’t worry ill chat with Spike over his slip-up later"

"Please do"

4 months AAA

Yakistan Confederacy declares war on the Griffonian Empire!

This morning the Yakistan Confederacy has announced a state of war now exists towards the Griffonian Empire and her allies the reason being due to a recent border skirmish in which many Yakistan warriors lost their lives.

The nation of Yakistan claims that griffonian soldiers were crossing into Yakistan territory and when asked by the Yakistan army to turn around they refused and kept marching forward. The Yakistan soldiers regarded this action as a provocation and attacked the battalion of three hundred soldiers but the Yakistan regiment of one thousand men was completely wiped out from the rifles the griffonian army had unveiled just a few months back.

It is clear now that the destructive power of these weapons is beyond what was expected, it far surpasses the sword, shield and bow. It is even more alarming when the EDW (Equestrian Department of War) admits that they have no strategy as of yet to counter such weapons. The only assurance the EDW has given to the ponies of our nation is a guarantee that their battlemages are ready to face any new adversities.

As of the moment not only are the Yakistan going to fight griffonians, but also minotaurs and zebricans as both have already responded to the declaration with their own. This means that the Yakistan Confederacy will have to fight Cerberus Pact member nations putting them at a huge disadvantage.

The situation seems to be dire at the moment for the Yakistan Confederacy. We at the Equestrian Daily would like to express our solidarity to our Yakistan neighbors. May Faust and the Father guide them.

What Anon wanted more than anything was to take this chance to live a peaceful life, away from the hell earth had become. He was just coming to terms that he probably wouldn't be able to go back after being told by Luna it would be long process to create a working portal to his world, centuries to be exact. That didn’t mean Anon would give up, instead, it gave him a new purpose: to somehow find a way home. When Anon questioned about the portal that connected Equestria to Canterlot high he was told by Luna the portal had already existed long before both Celestia and Luna were born.

On a happier note, Anon found himself adapting to his new environment quite easily. Getting used to the terminology used by the locals took a bit of time but eventually he got the hang of it. With time, he quickly made friends throughout the small town of Ponyville especially with Twilight and Redheart.

He held Redheart as a friend, she was kind and stern when needed, a great listener and her patience towards everypony made her a great role model for the young ones; she was also very optimistic. He loved helping her with her thesis on preventable diseases, she would pay close attention and try her best to understand him. Anon, however, noticed how close she was slowly becoming for him; feeling as if they could be more than just friends.

Twilight, however, was somepony he held close to his heart; she was endearing, "adorkable" and he liked how she would pay him close attention whenever he spoke of the history of mankind, he liked the clumsiness she would display by accident when she was behind schedule, her humbleness towards everypony was a quality he loved and her smile when she saw Anon create something new was simply priceless. Anon found himself falling for the mare.

Anon had been living in one of the castles rooms. The floors and walls were entirely made out of a purple crystal, his bed was beside a window with a view of Ponyville and his desk was in the opposite end of the window. Anon was just about to head to bed for the night when a few frantic knocks were heard from his door.

"You can come in." Anon said from his desk.

Twilight bursts in the room dressed in her yellow pajamas with letter in hand. She was obviously nervous and seemed looked to be in a hurry.

Handing him the scroll she says "It's for you. It seems to be urgent"

Grabbing the scroll, he asks before opening it "How do you know its urgent?"

With a huff she says "Celestia never sends letters this late to anypony unless it’s an emergency."

Anon looks at her a bit confused. He opens the scroll reading what was written. All of a sudden, immediately after reading, a white flash engulfs the room and Celestia appears before Twilight and Anon.

Without bothering to say hello she goes up to Anon and speaks steadfast "We require your help Anon."

To Anon she looked worried "How can I serve you?" Anon asked.

Celestia explains to Anon briefly what her military observers witnessed in the one-sided carnage. The observers were convinced they were going to be outmatched by this simple griffonian invention. New strategy would have to be planned and drawn out; it completely flipped the tables and they were witnessing it before their eyes. Equestria was ill-prepared to face this new way of warfare thus why Celestia seeks the help of Anon. Anons world was no stranger to conflict so Celestia thought it would make sense to recruit Anon into the army as a military officer.

"Please Anon, help us... guide us, Equestria needs your help." Celestia says those words with a tone that reminded Anon of a worried mother’s tone. "I fear the worst is upon us."

Anon, glancing over to Twilight sitting cross-legged on his bed with her hands covering her mouth in shock over the information made Anon think carefully before giving his answer to Celestia "I'm at your service" Celestia smiled and was about to speak but Anon continues "On one condition"

Celestia didn't care. She needed his help "As long as its within reason I'll accept."

"I want a certain degree of autonomy, other terms we can discuss later. I promise my terms won’t include anything too crazy." Anon states matter-of-factly.

Celestia nods "I promise it will be done. Thank you Anon." she turns to leave a shocked Twilight and determined Anon behind but before leaving she turns back looking at Anon "The train leaving towards training will be here early next Monday morning."

Anon simply nods "Yes, Celestia."

Celestia leaves after saying her farewells as an uneasy silence engulfs the room. Anon seated in his desk chair looks over to Twilight sitting cross legged on top of his bed with a tearful expression looking like she was on the verge of tears.

"Don't go... please." It was a soft muttering almost inaudible. Tears started to trickle from her cheeks to the bed bellow.

"I have to g-"

"NO, YOU DON'T" Twilight was now truly starting to cry, sobbing on her hands and trying to wipe away tears using her arms to no avail.

It hurt Anon to see her crying. He tried to comfort her but she swats his hand away.

After a few moments of nothing but the sound of Twilight sobbing he questions softly "Why not? Give me a good reason as to why I should stay." Her behavior reminded him of that time he saved Scootaloo from the manticore.

Twilight was trying hard to let her words out "I-I need y-you here...I want you here." She knew that wasn't the only reason but she didn't want to tell him like this, not yet. But if she didn't tell him she would never forgive herself.

Anon was quick to counter "This is bigger than you or I. The country needs me, Celestia said so herself. I could help training them for the challenges ahead, you know I can!"

Twilight knew he was right but she didn't want to lose him. The information given by Celestia worried her deeply "What about Spike? huh!? What about the girls?" Twilight clutches her hands "What about me? Did you even consider how I felt? You simply said yes like it’s nothing!" Twilight shouted, she rarely raised her voice and that surprised Anon.

"I'm doing this for you, the girls, ponyville, Spike; Everyone! Its so I can keep you guys safe!" Anon's hand was pulled by Twilight closing some distance between him and the mare.

Silence reigned over the room; tension still palpable. Twilight tried hard to wipe her tears and force out the words she's been trying to say for the last month, to convey her feelings, the thoughts she had for him but when she opens her mouth nothing comes out.

"Do you even know what your job will consist of?" She sniffles "Being an adviser means that not only will you have to give advice to the military but it also means you will have to prove your tactics are effective in the battlefield." Anon looks confused but Twilight continues "It’s called Trial by fire for a reason."

Anon connects two and two together "Wait, I thought I would only be giving them some advice maybe a few training lessons not actively participating in battle." Anon sounded genuinely nervous.

Twilight start beating him in the chest "You dummy, y-you idiot, y-you dimwit!" her sobs started up again.

Anon grabs her hands while Twilight keeps trying to hit him. Letting go of her he embraces Twilight in a hug carefully trying to avoid her horn. Twilight's bout slowly lost force and she returns his hug while crying in Anon's embrace. The sound of her crying was heartbreaking, it tore away Anon's heart bit by bit. The urge to comfort her only magnified by every hitch in her breathing and the tightness of her embrace. Anon raises a hand and pets her mane for a while which made her crying to slowly grind to a halt leaving only sniffles and a damp spot on his shirt.

During the few seconds of silence Anon thinks about what he was told by Twilight. If what he was told was true, he would have to have a long talk with Celestia about being told partial truths.

Anon speaks softly to the mare "Twilight"

Twilight stirs in his embrace and finally lifts her face upwards revealing her puffy red eyes. Anon flashes a reassuring smile at her, lifting her head with one hand. Twilight's cheeks turn a rosy red.

Anon looks into her purple eyes "Now you listen to me good Twilight. I am no stranger to the dangers of warfare; you can rest assured I am not scared." Twilight eyes well up and tries to protest but is stopped by Anon' words "Now I want you to promise me something mi amiga querida," Twilight understanding him a bit and slowly nods “No more tears. Stay strong. The only tears I want to see from you are of happiness when I come back ¿entendido?"

Twilight nods and in a quiet voice speaks to him "Can I stay with you tonight?"

Anon thinks about it for a moment and gives his answer "Um, sure. You can stay" He breaks the hug.

Twilight gets under the covers and shifts to her side facing away from Anon. Afterwards, Anon turns off the lights and also got under the covers and shifts to his side facing away from Twilight. An awkward silence permeates in the room, no words are spoken for a few minutes which in turn felt like hours. Finally, Twilight speaks up softly "C-could you hold onto me? P-please?"

Anon's thoughts raced for a few seconds before calmly responding "Sure."

Anon shifts his body again to face twilight who was still in her original position and slowly -a bit awkwardly- drapes an arm over her abdomen trying to avoid touching her breasts. Twilight responds curling up and pressing against his body. She takes a hold of his hand and closes her eyes, his body heat keeping her warm and his rough hands intertwined with hers which to her felt strangely pleasant and reassuring.

Anon was so far enjoying the moment. At first, he was surprised, a bit nervous, but he decided to give her this moment and simply try to sleep. The feeling of her warmth and the smell of lavender emanating from her mane had a calming effect on him eventually causing him to drift into slumber. Only a week is left until Anon leaves and he intends to enjoy it as much as he can.

1 Week later
5 a.m.

The sun wasn’t even out yet and the train platform was full of young colts and mares who were saying goodbye to their families. Fathers tried giving advice to their sons and daughters while mothers tried to convince them to stay. The guards located there were keeping an eye on everyone as the fresh recruits boarded the train.

Twilight, the rest of the girls, Spike and Redheart were there to say farewell to him and wish him good luck. Rarity had made two special uniforms for Anon following Anon's design. The one he was currently wearing was based off a ceremonial uniform from back on earth. It was completely black with red fabric covering his chest and neck area in a v shape, gold buttons and gold stripes embroidered onto his raincoat, pants were completely black accompanied by shining black jackboots; His ceremonial hat was completely black with a red stripe running horizontally and located on the center it carried his countries emblem in a gold color embroidery. Finally, his white gloves, Anon loved the gloves, unlike the synthetic white ones he used to have back on earth these were made with natural silk. Although not standard in the military he was grateful to Rarity over the small detail. Rarity made sure to make the uniform with the best material she could get her hands on and it was noticeable. The fabric was soft and the colors were vibrant; the shoes were made with sturdy material yet it was relatively comfortable to walk around with.

The train's horn signals the last call before departure and Twilight is visibly fidgeting in place while the others are exchanging their final farewells. As Anon picks up Spike and hugs him Twilight's mind begins tormenting her. This could be the very last time she talks to him. As she watches him put Spike down her mind began racing: What could she say? Will she see him again?

Before Anon could step foot on the train she shouts "Stop!"

Anon looks back and sees Twilight run up to him. Standing in front of him she stands on the tip of her hooves, grabs him by the collar of his uniform and pulls him down to her giving him a kiss on the lips.

For a moment gasps could be heard from not only Twilight's friends and Spike but also from Redheart and some of the ponies who witnessed their princess kiss that stranger from another world.

Separating herself from him she speaks "You come back safe or I’ll never forgive you! understand?" As she realizes what she just did her face turns beet red. She didn’t think she had it in her to confess much less in this brazen manner. She cant even face away as she was petrified by her embarrassment.

Anon looks into her purple eyes for a moment still stunned at what happened. Twilight is about to turn around and walk away from the embarrassment but Anon grabs a hold of her hand and pulls her in for a kiss. She stiffens up for a second but slowly lets herself be taken by bliss as Anon takes her into his arms.

Separating himself from Twilight, Anon looks into her half-lidded eyes, cupping her face with a hand and speaks softly with a smile "I'll be back, safe and sound mi amor. I promise."

The girls and the rest watch surprised at what had just occurred.

Applejack is grinning and was the first to speak up "Well I’ll be"

Pinkie speaks up while moving in place "I didn’t expect that! Did you expect that!? Oooo I’m so jealous!"

Rarity wasn’t surprised but she was very happy for the two as evident by her smile "Please darling, it was too obvious! He’s such a gentlecolt after all; it was only natural this would happen."

Fluttershy simply hid behind her mane in embarrassment at what she had just seen. "O-oh."

Redheart looked a bit saddened while she abstained from saying anything and opted to give a small, bittersweet clap.

When Anon finally boards the train, he leaves his luggage in his designated seat and quickly heads to the final cart to wave goodbye along with the other soldiers as the train pulls away from the station.

6 months later AAA

Victory for the Cerberus Pact!

After 2 months of gruesome, bloody fighting a swift victory finally graces the continent! although at what cost? The usage of the Peck Mk 1 (griffonian rifle used by all member nations of the Cerberus pact) proved to be the key tool to this relatively quick victory but it left a young generation of yak youth to their early deaths leaving many female yaks widowed and mothers without sons or daughters.

Before the griffon army laid siege to the Yakistan capital they were met with one of the bloodiest battles of the war: the battle for Hoof Plains. The young Yakistan general, Hamel, developed a new doctrine of warfare called "trench warfare" in an effort to curb the deaths caused by the usage of rifles. Aided by a few unicorn ponies and half pony/half yak volunteers originating from Equestria which provided magical offense. They managed to push back the griffons from advancing into the city, buying time for the residents of the capital to flee the city. However, after hours of fighting, the yaks were eventually driven back. Defeated they marched towards the city and shortly after communicated their surrender to the Cerberus Pact.

The terms of the treaty of the Crystal palace established the partitioning of the Yakistan lands between the Griffonian empire and Minotauria. Observers of the treaty called it completely outrageous due to one of the clauses including the indiscriminate drafting of yak citizens into forced labor by the Zebrican Kingdom.

It is no secret that in the homelands of the Griffonian Empire and the Zebrican Kingdom, slavery is still legal and widely used for construction and other manual labor. The Zebrican Kingdom, however, is notorious for their savage treatment of slaves.

Celestia and Luna made a public announcement within Equestrias Parliament their plan to cease paying reparations to the Griffonian Empire effective immediately and economic sanctions were to be imposed onto the member nations of the Cerberus pact. Their announcement was met with applause by most members for the exception of a coalition of the dove faction led by Black Cloak.

Upon arrival Anon notices two ponies beside Celestia, one unicorn pony had a gray coat with black mane accompanied by a no-nonsense stoic expression and the other had a dual tone blue mane and white coat.

The pony with the white coat walks up to Anon "Ah! You must be Anon Reyes!" Shining extends his hand out to greet Anon as he gets off the platform "The names Shining Armor, Twilight told me all about you and Celestia-"

"ahem!" The gray unicorn coughs into her hand "Captain please, time is of the essence"

The gray unicorn salutes Anon to which Anon responds with his own "I am General Wisp; I will be accompanying the princess today."

Wisp was small in comparison to the other mares Anon had met so far, heck, for a second he thought he was talking to a teenager. She looked like she wanted to be anywhere else but here a sentiment Anon sympathized with.

Shining sheepishly smiles "Welcome to Star Swirl training grounds! From what I understand you will be staying with us for the next 2 months?"

"You would be correct Shining. Now we shouldn’t wait any longer, I want to observe the training process firsthand. Could you please take me to watch the new recruits?"

"Right this way please." Before leaving Wisp calls over a few guards to take Anon’s luggage to the officers’ quarters.

The group makes their way together towards the entrance of the fort. The design of the interior was inferior to what Anon had been accustomed to back on earth; it reminded him of those wooden forts he would see in old western movies.

The fort was filled with soldiers some were training with swords, spears, practicing archery, practicing hand-to-hand combat and others were practicing magic. Around the fort there were tents, weapon racks and even various blacksmiths pummeling a hammer against hot iron. Shouts of commands could be heard: 'parry, slash, stab and pull!' Anon attracted the attention of various soldiers who were previously occupied. Some looked at him with curiosity, others with suspicion.

Celestia snuck a few looks towards Anon to see what his reaction was but all she saw was an unimpressed expression. It started to worry her that he was disappointed in what he was seeing but on the other hand that is why he is here, to help them improve.

Eventually they walk towards another set of gates, these ones took them outside the fort and into a large field where there were siege weapons such as catapults and trebuchets. Anon could see out in the field there was a large group of ponies some of which he recognized coming from Ponyville. What really caught his attention however was the presence of what looked like griffons among the recruits.

Anon decides to ask Shining Armor about them "Um, Shining are those griffons over there?" he asks pointing at the small group of griffon-looking ponies talking amongst themselves.

Shining looks over to where Anon is pointing "Ah! Those are actually Hippogriffs. They are half pony half griffon. We do receive griffons from around Equestria from time to time" Shining glances over to Anon for a second a bit worried "Is there a problem with that?"

Anon lowers his hand and shakes his head "None at all. It’s my first time seeing one is all." Anon was having trouble trying to understand how inter-species breeding could even be possible but if there was something, he learned during his first few weeks in Equestria it was that everything here defied logic and science.

Shining relaxes a bit and lets out a breath of relief "That’s good. It’s a relief to know that even in other worlds there are ponies as open minded as you."

Anon looked confused. He didn’t encounter much prejudice while living in Ponyville so hearing those words was a surprise to him.

"There is discrimination in Equestria?" Anon asks.

Celestia answers for Shining "Unfortunately, yes. Although it is more noticeable among the nobles and politicians than within the general populace."

Time went by until finally an instructor appeared before the recruits. The instructor introduced himself to the recruits and started laying out the laws of the land and every time he asked for confirmation from the recruits, he would receive a resounding 'yes sir!'

The day went on and as he observed the recruits, he began to see the faults in the way they were training. 'They’re training for close quarters combat,' Anon thought 'Is this the only training they’re taking?.

Anon turns to face his companions "Celestia, Shining, why are they still training for hand to hand combat?"

Shining and Celestia turn to him. Shining speaks first "They are training for when they fight up close to the enemy, others train to operate the siege equipment and the unicorns train in offensive and defensive magic."

Anon simply shakes his head before responding "Although it’s not bad to train in hand to hand combat, the war of the future will no longer depend on strength alone, no, it will be a war of industry. It’ll be a war of distance." The other three looked at Anon with confusion.

Anon sighs "Is there a place we could go to speak in privately? Preferably dark, I think it would be better to show you what I mean."

Shining thought for a second where they could go until he remembered a relatively quiet room inside the fort.

Shining finally speaks "Well there is the logistics office, its where we handle everything in regards to the daily necessities of the fort. It should be quiet in there, the only ponies in there are other officers and a few guards"

Anon nods "is the room large?"

"Yes"

"Please take us Shining" says Anon.

Upon arriving to the office Anon attracted the attention of a few guards who with one look at his uniform pointed spears at his chest.

"Halt! State your name and pu-" The guards stopped what they were going to say when they saw Celestia, Wisp and Shining behind Anon.

Shining spoke to the guards "Back to your post guards, he's with us." Wisp simply nodded to the guards who looked at his direction.

The guards complied and went back to their original positions beside the doors.

As they enter the room Anon notices personnel writing and passing papers around unaware of their surroundings. The room was silent with only the sound of quills scratching the surface of the paper. There were at least six ponies working on a huge pile of papers on each wooden desk and at the end of the room was a stone chimney with the portraits of the Alicorn sisters and in one of the walls was a map of all Equus with a few pins stuck to a few locations.

"Is it possible for them to leave the room?" asks Anon to Shining in a low voice.

When one of the officers noticed their presence he frantically stands up from his seat to salute. His other companions look towards his direction and reacted in a similar manner when they saw who was in the room.

"I’m afraid it won’t be possible. The ponies working here have all been working since yesterday to make a financial report for the upcoming parliament hearing." Wisp says while cleaning her monocle. "They haven’t slept or ate anything in all that time."

After hearing this Anon notices the bags that were forming from under their eyes and the strain it was causing to their alertness.

Anon turns to look at Shining "Fine, but I have another question."

"What would that be?"

"Can they keep a secret?"

Shining nods and turns his attention towards the ponies hard at work. "Stop what you are doing for the moment. Anything you see or hear from this moment onward is to be kept confidential until told otherwise by officials understood?"

"Yes Captain!" All of the officers confirm in unison.

Anon looks around "Tell them to clear out a table and move it to the center of the room."

"You heard him. Look alive on the double!"

The ponies did what they were told and cleared a table of its pile of papers, ink bottle and quill. Once the table was at the center Anon walked towards it and pulled out a small disk like device and cable from his pocket. Everyone in the room stared at the device and cable with curiosity. Anon looks at both Celestia and Shining and motions them to come closer.

Anon points at the device in the table "See this device here? Made it myself a few months ago with the help of the girls. I was planning on showing Twilight some entertainment from Earth but I guess that will have to wait for a bit."

"Entertainment?" Celestia asks.

"I won’t get into that right now."

Anon connects the cable from the device to a small socket concealed on the back of his ear. The ponies in the room gasp and murmur from one to another. Celestia looked genuinely surprised, Shining's eyes went wide and Wisp’s face contorted to one of disgust.

"That doesn’t hurt does it?" Celestia asks.

"No, not at all." Anon sits on a chair, closing his eyes as he tries to concentrate "What you are about to see are historic events from earth, nothing comes from my imagination or has been altered in any way, shape or form." Having established a connection to the device he speaks before starting "Please do not move from your places, keep in mind nothing you see will hurt you in any way." Before anyone could say anything Anon slumps into the chair.

The small device whirrs to life and opens from the top half. The top half of the device starts to ascend and once reaching the ceiling it starts to project a hologram of Anon. Celestia looks to the Anon slouching on the chair then looks to the hologram and then back.

"Wh- I- What is this?!"

The hologram of Anon answers her "Please stay calm, I’m just projecting myself so I can interact easier with you guys." Anon's hologram turns around and opens his arms. Once opening his arms the room is plunged into darkens and a blue sphere comes into view. The sphere was located in the center of the room, in front of Wisp, Shining and Celestia. The room around them looked as if it had disappeared leaving only the officers who were looking around in awe and talking among themselves. There was no sign of a single corner of the room or desks which could be seen, it was just a dark void and in front of them the only source of light was the blue hue emanating from a blue sphere.

Laying down his arms Anon speaks "This is earth. Its where I originate from. What I want to show you now is what you will probably be facing in the near future."

The sphere fades and an open field of grass takes its place. They were somewhere in the middle of a green field dotted with trees when shouts and the sound of drums and flutes could be heard in the distance.

Anon speaks "Belgium, June 18,1815."

Lines upon Lines of British and Prussian soldiers made their way on one side of the field and on the other side French Soldiers marched to meet up. Once at a certain distance A heavy barrage of artillery rained around Anon and the rest leaving small craters behind. The area around them was quickly covered in smoke as the two armies fired upon each other and the roar of the canons could be heard from afar. The officer ponies got up from their seats, some tripping over the invisible tables and chairs trying to frantically find the exit as they panicked over the barrage of artillery that was falling around them.

Anon turned his attention towards the ponies that were frantically trying to find the exit "It’s not real! Stay where you are!"

A cannonball hits dead center where the group of ponies were and explodes. Many of the ponies froze up in expectancy of the aftermath but slowly, cautiously, calmed down when they saw they were still intact.

Anon smirks "If that had been real, you would all be dead." He looks towards Shining who was slowly emerging out from under an invisible table and composing himself. Wisp was frozen in her original spot and was noticeably shaken breathing in and out at a fast pace. Anon feels something grabbing tightly his legs and looks down toward the Anon on the chair. Celestia was holding on to his legs frightened.

"Could you let go please?"

Celestia looks up. Embarrassed she quickly gets up and brushes off the dust from her dress, Anon continues.

All around them the sound of marching gets louder as more lines of soldiers on both sides get in range. The leaders of the formations order to fire and both sides fire upon one another leaving only the dead on the grass besides their fellow soldier. Every volley of gunfire whizzed by them leaving everyone in the room ducking down and a few others awestruck.

As the battle waged on around them Anon starts to speak "This battle is known as the battle of Waterloo. This battle alone caused in total around sixty-five thousand dead."

The room begins to darken again and the sounds of shouts, gunfire, the beating of drums and the galloping of horses faded along with it. The Earth then came into view, this time the nightlights from major cities could be seen dotting the various landmasses.

"We human beings have been at war for most of our existence. We fought for resources, land, money, women and we’ve also fought for even the most mundane of reasons. Our history is bloody and cruel a crucial difference I have found when reading the history of Equestria which seems to be quite tame."

The room darkens once more as the earth disappears and another field takes its place but this one was muddy with a dark landscape. It was filled with large craters, burnt trees and dead bodies littered the wasteland. Marching could be heard as well as voices. Shining looks down behind him and sees a trench filled with soldiers of a nation he couldn’t recognize and all of them had a similar form as Anon. They’re faces had a macabre expression on them the light of their eyes snuffed out as they await orders. Some of them were on their knees, shaking and praying to a god Shining had never heard of while others with the same macabre expression were standing in place smoking a cigarette and staring downwards into nothingness. Shining could only identify one thing and it was the weapon they were carrying around.

Shining turns around looking towards Anon to ask a question but Anon beats him to it "Battle of Verdun, 1916."

"When weapons began to be even more dangerous nations began adapting the tactic of digging out trenches and manning them with soldiers to fight wave after wave of enemy soldiers as their main tactic."

A soldier who was dressed in a different manner marched up to the trench and began giving orders to his men. The soldiers who were lost in thought were now starting to affix bayonets to their rifles and lining up on the side of the trenches. The soldier who Shining now deduced to being some sort of officer, blew on a whistle, some soldiers were hesitant but the majority of other soldiers climbed the ladders set in front of them. Shining unconsciously moved out of the way but when a soldier had just gotten out of the trench the sound of machine gun fire could be heard in the distance and the soldier who had just gotten out dropped lifeless. Shining was shocked in place as soldier after soldier poured out from the trench and began running into the wasteland some not even making five steps until they dropped dead slamming their faces into the mud lifeless.

Wisp looked horrified to what she was witnessing but was even more horrified when she saw a soldier explode and disappear into nothing but a red mist and a bits of flesh. The whizzing of artillery falling around them rendering any unfortunate soul brave enough to keep running into a quivering mess as they dropped towards the craters left behind by the artillery in a fruitless effort to seek refuge.

Anon speaks up from the sound of the battlefield "37 million, that is including both civilian and military deaths as well as soldiers who were never found and deaths caused by sickness."

Gasps and murmurs could be heard among the small audience.

Shining looks at Anon "That can’t be right! That’s too many casualties! Where in the world do you get that many ponies?"

"Industrialization. When uncommon products become cheaply available there's bound to be surplus and with more products becoming even more readily available, that in turn allows the populace to have even more children." silence filled the room "Of course, there are other factors but industrialization would be the main reason."

"This war was called the great war for a reason," Anon pauses before continuing "This conflict involved over more than one hundred countries." Nobody spoke, not a single sound came from their mouths. "But later on, it would be called the first world war or world war 1."

The room stays in silence and the landscape around them darkens once more and again the earth comes into view once more this time with a bit more nightlights than last time.

"After the conclusion of the Great War there would be yet another conflict on a global scale World War 2. I won’t bore you with the details but let’s just say it was even deadlier than the first one."

"Were there any more wars like these two?" Shining speaks with uncertainty if he wanted the answer

Anon gives his answer "Yes. It would be known as the Third World War, nicknamed the 'Dreaded war'." Anon averts his gaze to the side "I refuse to unveil the details now but I will send a more detailed report on it at a later date."

Wisp finally speaks up from the silence with a scowl "Is there anything that would make your kind redeemable? All I’ve seen is nothing but destruction and death." She looked truly saddened "Please tell me this is not the norm; please tell me this is not what our future holds."

Anon doesn’t speak. Instead, his hologram disappears and the room goes back to normal. Anon wakes up disconnecting the wire and standing up he closes his eyes and takes a deep breath before giving his answer.

"Yes, it is true, we have been at war against each other for centuries." Anon turns to the audience "But, we also have families, friends, lovers and a sense of brotherhood rivaled only by the inhabitants of this world. Nobody on earth or in its off-planet colonies want war, on the contrary, we strive for peace even in times of war." Anon looks towards Wisp "I have lost my family because of war; I would give anything I had to get them back." Anon tries to hold back his tears and continues "It is not in our nature to hurt others, rather, it is to help others. We can’t stand to see others suffer that is why I became a soldier in the first place."

"Then why not become a doctor or anything else?" asks Wisp now with a calmer expression.

"During the Dreaded war my sister and I became orphans. After the war we didn’t have anywhere to go and no other family member was alive so we had to provide for ourselves. I was the oldest so I had to help my sister move on in life at whatever the cost and that cost was my education."

Wisp cringed a bit knowing where this was going "You joined your countries army to provide for your sister?"

"Yes. As soon as I turned 18, I volunteered for the army and simply followed wherever the pay was higher so that led me to the orbital soldiers, a relatively new branch which operated anywhere in the solar system."

The day continued with Anon, Wisp, Shining and Celestia talking a bit more in detail in a private barrack reserved for nobility. They discussed the terms for Anons help which involved the creation of a company under Anons name to kick-start Equestrias industrialization which will become key towards the countries protection and prosperity, bits in exchange for Anon's guidance in training the army and the rights to any research done within the aforementioned company would belong to Anon exclusively.

Anon was especially stubborn on keeping whatever technology he created a secret from the country. He knew that the level of technology he was going to try to create was something their society was simply unprepared for.

"What will it be called?" Wisp asks.

Anon looks at the faces present and thinks what to name the company. Anon remembered the name of a fierce beast described in mythology which he thought would be adequate.

"Leviathan."

The room stays in silence for a few seconds with the confused faces of everyone present.

Shining speaks "What’s a Leviathan?"

one month of training later

"Attention!"

Out in an open field lines of soldiers who were just a moment ago chatting among themselves were now standing up at attention when they heard Anon. It was strange at first when they were told they would be receiving special training from a military observer but after some time they accepted it anyway.

The training was Tartarus on Equus, it was the toughest implemented yet or so they were told by their small audience of observers consisting of other soldiers and a few officers. Anon was to most pony’s opinion a hard-ass, the unending running and ever heavier weight lifting caused some to simply quit and go home. Anon inspired fear among the recruits but there were those who took it more as a challenge and continued to prevail despite the proverbial verbal abuse and relentless physical tasks given as punishment.

The trainees notice Anon carrying a large wooden crate with the word "Leviathan Industries" across it and the face of a serpent like creature behind the text.

A trainee from the front steps up and after giving a stiff salute speaks "Sir, may I ask a question?"

After putting the crate down Anon turns to the recruit "Yes you may recruit"

Pointing at the box he asks "What is that?"

Anon simply opens the crate "Your new weapons recruit. Fresh from the factory."

The recruit looks inside the crate and sees what looked like a club made almost entirely of metal. He also notices a small rectangular metal box with the words "Ammo box" on the top.

Anon takes one of the rifles and gives it to him. The pony, confused grabs the rifle from the barrel like a baseball bat as if he was about to hit the ball but Anon stops him by pulling the rifle away from him.

"On second thought I think it would be better if I show you how it works." Anon says.

Anon takes the rifle and holds it out with his two hands "This, mares and gentlecolts, is the future of warfare. Watch and observe, keep all of your questions until after the demonstration."

Anon takes the ammo box out and pulls out a few bullets and places one of them into the rifle’s intake located on the top, afterwards he pulls back on the lever letting out a somewhat familiar mechanical clanking sound.

They were located in an open field with nothing but trees surrounding them so he commands a recruit to take a rolled-up target practice decal used for archery and set it up on a tree. The recruit does so and returns back to his place.

"This weapon is a rifle, maybe you heard of it maybe you haven't. Its Equestrias response to the new armament the griffons have been rolling out as of recently. It’s called Leviathan 1 and from now on this weapon will be your primary weapon of choice. It will be your wife, husband, marefriend, coltfriend, sister, brother and family. Do you understand?"

"Yes sir!"

"I'm sorry, you ponies don't sound so convinced! should I PT all of you from here till kingdom come?!

"NO SIR!"

"Good. You see that target over there?"

"YES SIR!"

"Keep your eyes on it."

Anon takes position and sets the butt plate against his shoulder. Looking down the iron sights he takes a deep breath and speeds up his brain functions causing the world around him to seem to go slower bit by bit and as his sights settled on the center of the target he slowly squeezes the trigger.

"KA-BLAM!"

All of the recruits jumped in place and covered their ears from the noise. The recruits could feel the vibration caused by the rifle shuffle softly through them. To some it seemed exciting, others saw their future manifested in that single shot.

Two months later

The day for the trial by fire was closing. Anon had gone through hell during the parliaments hearing with the politicians in Canterlot. He was questioned about his loyalty, species, technology and relationship with the princesses. The politicians were a pain in the ass, they heckled him on almost every turn and was passively insulted by almost everyone in the building. The politicians were more in favor of Hamel's trench warfare doctrine than with Anon's mobile warfare proposal stating "The best offense is the best defense."

A certain pony by the name of Black Cloak, from the Dove Faction, spearheaded the efforts to shutdown Leviathan Industries ever since Anon received the finance from Celestia and Luna's personal treasury. Anon HATED this guy, to him Black Cloak was nothing more than an idiot hiding behind the facade of trying to preserve the peace while behind closed doors he was promoting segregation of anypony who wasn't of either of the three races of ponies or ponies who's cutie mark was -according to him and his cronies- of no use.

Anon was able to meet with the young Yakistan general, Hamel, during the chastising the politicians were giving him. Hamel was to Anons surprise really humble, trying to calm down the politicians and give some time for Anon to explain himself. During a lunch break Hamel showed interest in meeting with Anon since he was really curious of his species and the military tactic he was proposing. Anon and Hamel were joined later by Shining Armor and among the three they shared stories and generally had a pleasant conversation.

With the tension lifted they headed back into the dreaded battlefield of words that was the parliament . With a new wind Anon pushed back against Black Cloak's words choosing to instead show them with actions what he was proposing would work. After observing what he had showed Celestia, Shining and Wisp Parliament agreed and set a date for the trial by fire all was left to choose was the location. Anon was given three options: the blistering cold of the tundra landscape of the Crystal Empire, the dense jungles of Equestrias tropical southern jungles or the dry wastelands of the badlands.

All of them were shitty locations.

The cold of the Crystal Empire could kill his men through hypothermia and even if they could solve this by simply using appropriate clothing and magic they still had to deal with the remnants of Sombra's followers who were accustomed to the cold and have domesticated beasts infamous for their brutality.

The jungles to the south is just as bad, large swabs of the jungle were not controlled by the weather team, swamps were abundant and the existence of deadly pathogens combined by the dangerous wildlife within the dense jungle made it a suicide mission. Their objective would be to hunt down wild hydras who had the jungle under lock-down.

Finally there was the Badlands. The Badlands seemed the simpler alternative since the objective itself was simple: Destroy a diamond dog slaver base. The catch however was the lack of communications and the closed space of the diamond dogs tunnels. Many others had already gone in but none had come out.

The only silver lining to all this was that all other attempts to solve these problems was done using primitive tech. Anons section consisting of 7 soldiers were going in with new weaponry and if he has enough time, new equipment as well.

In the end Anon accepts the third option. His reasoning being that his section would be properly equipped and had already gone trough close quarters training using the new rifles his company provided so this meant they probably had a better chance. Having made the decision, he was told to report to the selected battlefield in three days.

After the summoning, Anon was able to finally able to get some quiet time in one of the castles rooms, away from the politicians and from anypony else.

He walks over to a guitar he had purchased that morning during his jog around Canterlot. Picking it up he opens the door to the balcony overlooking the city. Taking a chair he sits down and starts tuning the instrument.

*Knock Knock*

Without looking up from his guitar he speaks to whoever was bothering him at the moment.

"You may come in."

It was Shining Armor.

"Hello, Anon. Can we talk?"

"Sure! Whats up?"

"Well, I just recieved a letter from Twilight telling me about, well, your new relationship with her."

Anon puts down his guitar "Oh. Listen, I have no bad intentions if thats what you were gonna ask."

"No Anon, I didnt come here to ask what your intentions are with her although I have to admit I'm still worried." Shining sighs "Twilight is old enough to decide who to love. Shes a grown mare and I guess im scared my little sister is growing"

"If its of any consolation, I know how you feel. I was suspicous of my brother-in-law, paranoid even." Anon chuckles from the memory "Could you blame me? She was my only family. Its not wrong for you to be worried in fact I would say youre doing a good job. Just keep in mind: she will always be your sister coltfriend or not."

"Anon what worries me is the mission your heading into. If something happens to you my sister would be devastated and I hate seeing my family saddened."

Smiling, Anon puts a hand to his shoulder and pats him "Were not that different. Were fools with good intentions."

"In a way I guess you’re right."