Chapter 21: Scars Unseen
Twilight still had about an hour and a half until breakfast, so she decided to go for a little run. She use to take a run through Whitetail woods every morning back in Ponyville, a habit she got into about six years ago. Of course, Whitetail woods was too far to travel just for a run, so instead She decided to go for a run through the park. It was early so the park was deserted. About two minutes into her run she started humming a song she heard a bunch of the soldiers singing before. After another minute she started singing.
“Wow,” said a voice from behind.
Twilight quickly spun around, drawing her ever present pistol and aiming it right in the face of Rainbow Dash.
“Woah,” The pegasus quickly ducked behind a nearby rock, “What the hay, Twilight!”
“Oh, shit. I'm sorry Rainbow, you startled me.” Twilight apologized.
“I'm glad I didn't try the guess who game like I planned,” RD laughed nervously as she came back from around the rock.
“Yeah, that wouldn't be a good idea,” Twilight returned the weapon to its holster on her metal foreleg, “So what's up?”
“I was just wondering if you wanted some company, but then you started singing that... song,” Dash's face contorted into a grimace.
“Oh, that,” Twilight rubbed the back of her head with a hoof, “It's a military song.”
“I thought you hated all the... ya know, killing,” the rainbow pony said.
“I do. Most soldiers do,” Twilight assured her friend, “We love being soldiers, what we stand for.”
“So you don't like killing, but you like being someone that kills?” Rainbow scratched her head in confusion.
Twilight sighed, “We don't fight so we can kill. We fight so others don't have to. We suffer, we hurt, and we die, so the evils we fight are kept from innocent people.”
Rainbow Dash trotted alongside her purple pal, thinking for a bit before continuing, “Twilight. Why did you say “we”? Every time you talk about those guys you say “we”. I mean, you're back now so shouldn't you say “they”?”
“Doesn't matter. I'll be a marine until the day I die,” she replied, “Come on, I need some chow before I meet my shrink.”
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Twilight made her way to the royal gardens, but not to continue her story. Celestia had closed off the area to everypony but two. The first was the lavender unicorn herself, and the second was Doctor Clear Mind. Twilight walked leisurely through the garden, not really taking in the scenery like she normally would. Instead, her thoughts were racing with questions. How much should she tell the doctor? Will the doctor even be able to help? What was that pastry with the sweet red filling at breakfast? Could her enemies possibly find a way to follow her?
After about ten minutes of this, she heard whistling. She gave a little chuckle. The doctor was purposely making noise. He/she knew that Twilight might respond badly if startled and made him/herself known. Soon, an unexpected sight graced the lavender soldier's sight. The doctor was a changeling. It made sense, with their ability to sense emotion.
“Ah, Good morning, Lady Sparkle,” the changeling said, his masculine voice telling his gender, “How are we this morning? I sensed some turmoil a little ago.”
“I'm actually quite good, thank you Doctor,” Twilight responded, “I was just thinking to myself. And please, call me Twilight.”
“Very well, Twilight,” The changeling doctor replied, “I'm Doctor Clear Mind, you can call me Clear if you'd like.” The doctor started walking alongside Twilight as she lapped the garden again, “So, where would you like to begin?”
“Well, I can tell you what my own diagnosis is,” Twilight sighed, “It's called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. It happens to a lot of soldiers that go through something like I did.”
“And what did you go through?” the doctor asked.
“I... I'd rather not talk about it, not yet anyway,” the unicorn sat beneath a willow and stared at the ground, “The reason I'm telling the princesses and my friends everything as a story instead of just telling them the important stuff is because it's too hard to. Talking about it like this gives me time to prepare myself for the worst of it.”
Clear took a seat beside the troubled mare, “That makes sense. Was that your idea?”
“Not exactly,” Twilight looked over at the changeling therapist with an unsure look, “Just to make sure, everything we speak about is completely confidential, right? You can't even tell the princesses?”
“That's correct,” Clear confirmed, “Unless it's a threat to others, nothing you tell me will ever be repeated without your express permission.”
Twilight nodded her head, “Truth is, I didn't come home for no reason.” Twilight took a deep breath and pulled out another cigarette and lit it...
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Princess Celestia looked out over the landscape. The lands she had ruled over for well over a thousand years stretched out towards the horizon. It was the most beautiful sight on Avol to her. She pictured all her little ponies working and playing, making friends... sometimes more. The thought brought a smile to her face. She was brought out of her reverie by a knock at her door.
“Enter,” she called.
The door opened and her favorite nephew-in-law stepped in.
“Princess, can I talk to you for a moment?” Shining sounded troubled.
“Of course,” The alabaster alicorn made her way to her favorite chair, conjuring another for her guest, “What can I do for you, Shining?”
“It's about Twilight,” he said, “I'm worried about her. What they did to her... She says they're her friends, but what kind of friends would do that. My sweet, innocent sister being trained to hurt others? I'll be honest, I'm having trouble seeing her as my little sister, as if somepony is just impersonating her. I mean, my Twilie would never kill someone.”
Celestia gave him a warm smile, “May I ask you a question? If some horrible pony had Cadence and was going to take her life, and you had one of those weapons Twilight has, what would you do?”
The question hit the blue maned unicorn like a physical blow to the gut. The thought of some pony trying to hurt his beloved Caddie was just...there was no word for it. Just the thought made him angry, and easily imagined himself taking that weapon and... He shook his head, feeling disgusted with himself. Killing was always wrong...wasn't it? Doubt started to creep into his mind.
“You know, Equestria hasn't always been as peaceful as it is.” The solar ruler's expression darkened ever so slightly, something Shining Armor had never seen happen, “When Luna and I took power after mother and father passed, Griffiny decided to capitalize on the instability and invaded. They meant to take Equestria for their own. For five long years, pony and griffin alike lost their lives. Luna and I hadn't seen any conflict, but we heard plenty of reports. One day though, a dozen assassins broke into the palace and came after Luna. I heard her scream and went running. When I found her, she had two arrows in her, one in her right wing, the other in her right foreleg. For just a moment I tried to think of a way to stop them without hurting them...until I saw the spear. There was no time for thought, so I just killed them.”
Shining stared in shock. All the years he's known her, he's never heard this story. He knew Equestria had seen war, but he never knew Celestia, bringer of the sun, paragon of perfection, had ever killed. He had never known anypony that had ever killed. The unicorn that Twilight caught was the first murderer Equestria had known for nearly 400 years.
“I can tell you're conflicted by that, but let me ask you something.” Celestia continued, “Would it have been better if I let them kill Luna? Should I have let them kill me, too? Come here.” She lead Shining onto the balcony, “What would have happened to all of this,” She motioned to the land before them with a hoof, “If Luna and I died that day? Would ponies still be living the lives of carefree bliss they do? What would happen if Twilight's new friends don't fight back? These beings have made it their purpose to end all life. Surely they have ways of locating said life. How long do you think before they find us? Luna and I are powerful, but against a force like that even we would be overwhelmed.”
The two went back inside, Shining heading toward the door.
“It's true that killing is a terrible thing,” Celestia said, “But it is a worse thing to stand by and let others die when you have the power to stop it.”
Shining stayed quiet for a moment before finally speaking, “Thank you, Aunt Tia. You've given me a lot to think about. I'll see you at lunch.”
“Take care,” Celestia bid him farewell and returned to the balcony, I have a feeling you may need to follow in your sister's hoofsteps before too long.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
All things considered, Twilight felt better. Doctor Clear Mind was very good. He listened and spoke when he needed to, and comforted her when she needed. She found it easier to tell him things she couldn't tell her friends, brother, or mentor. He even said that telling her story to everypony was probably the best thing at the moment and agreed to keep the sessions to once a week.
Twilight was also happy that he prescribed some medication to keep her nightmares at bay. She was looking forward to a good night sleep, but at the moment she was finally going to do something she's wanted to do since she got back. She nodded to the guard that opened the door.
“Good to see you back, Twilight,” the stallion said with a warm smile.
“It's good to be back, Vigil,” Twilight replied, “Could you have lunch sent to me in a couple hours?”
“Of course.”
She made her way up the spiral stairs, the smell of paper and ink welcoming her. A tear formed as she made her way through the archives, taking tomes and scrolls at random as she passed. She loved the wealth of knowledge the Alliance Archives held, but nothing beat a good, old fashioned book.
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Can you add a link to the song in author's notes or in the comments?
1997253 Sorry about that. I meant to.
Bravo, as usual
[youtube=Sam4lq2WHos]
Better song for Twi to be singing. That version is the Army one, this is the Marine one.
1997303 The one she's singing is for all armed forces. There's also a Navy one (which I like for obvious reasons)
Guessing the marines sent her back to try to start up integration of Avol? Makes sense, get as many 'adepts' as possible...
Nice Music. But personally I always preffered the ballad of the green berets.
Interestingly enough Freddy Quinn, an austrian Singer made a german Anti War song of this.
Called 100 mann und ein Befehl (English: 100 men and an order)
So completely and totally knew the song, that was bad ass. And then I lost it when Rainbow showed up.
Yeah Dash, you don't wanna play the guess who game haha
dam... just ... bravo I am left speechless.
1997315
The Warrior Song group actually stated that this version was specifically for the Army. They are going to make one for each branch (including Coast Guard). Army was the original one, Marine is "Hard Corp", Navy is "Leviathan", and the last two haven't been made yet. Since Twi called herself a Marine, I'd think the Hard Corp version would fit best.
so much foresadowing.
1997364
Silly music guys, Coast Guard isn't military.
Oh Shining things are going to land on you like a ton of bricks once the fighting starts...
1997388 Maybe not, but I've known a few who've taken on some serious shit, like dealing with pirates during bad weather. That takes some balls man.
1997400 I know, but I'm ex-Navy and, thus, required by law to tease them, and Air Force.
The Librarian's name is Virgil?
I see what you did there.
Excellent job, sir - have a mustache!
Fantastic chapter as always.
1997412 No,
the guard's name is Vigil
1997405 Oh, well yeah, that's a given then....squid fucker. Hahaha, spent my time with the Marines for a bit so I'm required by law to give you shit as well haha.
I'm liking this story though, and I like how you've showed that nothing is a seamless transition too. To many stories think that the fighting and killing is a simple on/off switch when its not.
1997422
Oh, I'm sorry to hear that
1997435 Hahaha nice. Least the marines never get sloppy seconds we they get sent out though, eh? Haha.
I'll admit, I made some damn good friends in there and I honestly wouldn't trade it for much.
1997422 1997435
And as former Army, I'm also required to give you both crap as well
Something I forgot to mention, and kept forgetting to mention until now
: I feel that this song kind of sums up the situation between Twi and her friends (told from Twi's perspective)
[youtube=gd__Mqa-v18]
1997453
Kinda hard to get sloppy seconds from your own hand
.
Yeah, I made quite a few friends, even a couple Marines I would go paint balling with.
I have a feeling I know at least 2 of the possibilities for her return. I won't say what they are but from what has happened so far and how Twilight has reacted upon being back I am almost sure it being one of my predictions.
1997388
Well, since Twilight is part of an Air Division, I think this song would fit her quite well. Yes I know, it is from a video game, but it is very rare that a story was so beautifuly told.
The unsung war.
Here the translation of the latin parts. The poem of Razgriz
Amidst the eternal waves of time
From a ripple of change shall the storm rise
Out of the Abyss peer the eyes of a demon
Behold the Razgriz, it's wings a black sheath
The demon soars through dark skies
Fear and death trail it's shadow
Until men united wield a hallowed sabre
In the final reckoning the beast is slain
As the Demon sleeps man turns on man
His own blood and madness spread throughout the earth
From the depths of despair awaken the Razgriz
It's raven wings ablaze with majestic light
And in honor of Captain Alvin H. Davenport I really cried as he died. I miss you chopper.
1997476 Haha, and that is why military friends can be the funnest friends. Hell, we don't even know each other and I'm getting a good laugh.
1997474 Next time I meet an extra nice D.I. I'll be sure to remember the army
1997495
Ha, should have seen some of the training my and my ROTC battalion had to go through. Had a Marine DI training with us at one time, and we had to call it quits cause he couldn't keep up
1997523 Honestly it all comes down to the individual, regardless of us being one unit. Some can hack it some can't. I used to, but I've got a bum leg now so whatever.
Anyway we're all soldiers in the end, regardless of title.
1997473 There are no prequels, and if you read the whole prelude you would have known that Xander get's his head removed by the wormhole. Did you even read it or are you just trolling?
1997537
Mission accomplished
*claps* you are a man going for my heart, the warriors song was just so... well placed. It makes me cry when music is properly placed at the right time.
Another awesome chapter . And to be honest I would join the National Guard if it wasn't for my ADHD and apparent family history of schizophrenia. Along with chronic sinus problems.
Main reason being the financial help to my family, since medicaid and other medical programs barely give us anything, at least in my region that is.
Anywho, neat chapter and I shall patiently wait for the next one my friend!
1997544
I'll be sure to let the Gunnery Sergeant know that
I got a bad back, which is why I'm not still in. Was talking to a USMC recruiter (looking at possibly getting back in once my back gets fully healed) though and he was shocked that the Army let me go for my injury. He has all but begged me to get back in and go through OCS.
I'm a soldier, you're a Marine, Shirotora here's a sailor, but we're all warriors and brothers-in-arms.
1997574 Ohh-fucking-rah mate.
As for my leg? fractured the right ankle, two fractures right shin, on that spanned halfway across my right knee cap, cartilage and muscle damage to said leg. Doesn't like to bear weight over ten pounds more than I weigh. Now life is college and writing.
Nt complaining though, I love writing, and not being able to go out running helps me with sitting on my ass and focusing on stories.
1997574
Damn right! And like brothers, we bicker and pick on eachother, but if you come and fuck with one of us, you will receive a combined shit kicking from each and every one of us, Army Navy, and Marines. Air Force is too busy teeing off
To quote a former Air Force Guy I know, who now lives here in Germany...
Infantry? Tanks? From where I sit, they 're nothing but targets.
Personally I never really understood this "friendly rivalry" ( if I may call it so) you US Military divisions have on each other. That is a thing which simply doesn't exist in our own army. Yes we do have our jokes and nicknames for each weapon type, but this rivalry thing is not there.
1997603
but now what is he going to do when he retires? 
I've got an uncle in the USAF, and he can beat Tiger Woods' record on the course near his base. I guess getting to practice everyday for the past eighteen years really helped
1997601
I guess I just lost the drive 
Oh well, at least I now have the second best job in the world (behind the military). I get to own a business that designs new video games!
My bad back hasn't done crap for my ability to write
BTW a webcomic that should be required reading for all in the military.
1997666 Welp I just died laughing at that webcomic
That song. Damn.
I wish I could have joined the Army but after getting hit by a car that became impossible.
1997656 It's fun to rag on each other. It builds stronger bonds believe it or not.
1997666 announce for the PGA
I'm just a little confused. Twilight refers to herself as both a marine and a solider. I thought it was either-or. Granted, this is the future, and you, who has been in the military, is the one who would know, but it runs contrary to what I've heard.
1997793 Marines are soldiers, ALL military personnel are soldiers, I was a soldier too in the Navy.
1997666 It's so majestic
So Twilight came back for a reason, and Shining might follow in her hoofsteps soon?
Alliance Pony Recruitment Mission is go!
This was a good chapter, but I had more fun reading the comments. The friendly rivalry here is comedy gold. You guys are awesome. Thanks for the laughs.
I would love to read more about Celestia and Luna's encounter during the war.
Great chapter as always.
Hm, it seems Celestia understands that the war will come to them eventually.
I don't like Celestia's and Shining's dialogue very much.
It seems so different from what I'd imagine they'd actually say.
But yeah, cool chapter!
You're taking my words out of context. This is not just about Twilight and those around her, it's about the story and the reader. You're trying to obfuscate locations and events, but the narrative you're using doesn't allow it in the manner in which you are using it. Yes, this is third-person-limited, not third-person omniscient, but it is still third person.
You're trying to blend both narratives, and it's not working. The narrative is becoming faulty as a result. Twilight is our conduit into the story, and we see things through her. There are somethings she doesn't understand, but as the readers, we can work some of it out. Third-person is designed for story and world building, but you're trying to cheat a little.
Twilight rolled high on her perception check, but you're not telling her what she saw - thus we don't know what she saw. There's a difference in reactions here. The careful player knows he didn't see anything, but understands the possibility that there could be a phantasm or an Endermen lurking in there somewhere. The carefree player will go right in. He rolled high, after all. Why should he care if he didn't see anything?
Twilight may not be able to physically see, but her sense still work. If her senses don't work, stop using absolutes. "The doctor walked through the door." Okay, how does Twilight know that?
Put it this way. Suppose Twilight's wound renders her completely blind. Seth calls for the doctor, and Twilight hears running footsteps. Now those steps can be anyone, but Seth yelling and someone running conjures the image that the doctor ran after hearing Seth. Where the doctor was and what he was doing no longer matters. He could be in another room, in the same room, or right behind them. It doesn't matter where he was, only that he wasn't where he was needed most and is rushing to Twilight's aid now.
Saying he just walks in provides a finite scene that cannot be taken back, despite Twilight being disorientated and panicking with her wound. Pick a narrative and stick to it.
It's the difference between a blurry picture, and a picture with pieces missing. If it's blurry, the audience can fill in the gaps on their own; whether they are correct or not is irrelevant. If pieces are missing, however, nopony can figure it out.