//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 // Story: The End has Begun // by Bronycommander //------------------------------// Chapter 3 I knew that Canterlot was the capital of Equestria, and that Princess Celestia and Luna were ruling the ponies. I tried to get the images of P.O.W. camps from previous wars out of my head by shaking it. They would never torture me. No. It would be against their nature. They had standards, Scootaloo’s father conformed it to me. Still, I was worried. After several minutes, I got thirsty. “Do you have some water?” I asked the father of the Pegasus filly. “Sure.” Sweetie Belle used her magic to give me a canteen. Fascinating. “Thanks.” I took the canteen. I could see in the eyes of the fillies that they cared for me already. “You’re welcome.” I still had enough strength to get the cap off. Taking a small sip, then a few larger ones, it was very refreshing. “Much better!” happy, my hand gave the canteen back. Sweetie Belle flipped it upside down. A single drop fell out. “You were REALLY thirsty.” “Running with the heavy gear I had to carry is exhausting.” “Touché. What kind of Soldier, are you exactly?” "A Combat Engineer. Engineers are heavy anti-vehicle infantry and tech experts.” “How did you end up in the Forest?” Scootaloo asked. “I was fighting the Forgotten Army with my men, as Artillery hit me and threw me into the Forest.” “What’s the Forgotten Army?” Dinky asked curiously. “Aren’t you a little too young for such information’s?” I asked in return, not wanting to destroy her innocence. Then, I had a flashback before I had to leave. “Please don’t die daddy.” My son hugged me. “I won’t, Otto. We will teach the Americans and Russians not to mess with the European Federation.” “Just be careful, Peter.” I kissed my wife. “Careful is my middle name.” My wife wrote me in letters that she watched the news every day and how much she and Otto missed me. I wrote back that everything was fine and we were winning every battle. I met her first on a mission in 2011 where some terrorists had taken her hostage when I was still in the GSG 9. She was very grateful that I saved her. After this, we dated, married and got our son. He was born 2013. We married 2012. I liked Children. I even thought about finding a job that isn’t so dangerous. But they needed people like me than any other member. I met Tom on a joint operation in Pripyat in 2010 where he was a member of GIGN. We quickly became best friends. Back then, he was a marksman, and I the tech expert just like now. I was even the team medic. Good times, good times. While being an adult, I had a weakness for video games. Mostly first person and third person shooters like Call of Duty and Star Wars Battlefront. I even played video games with my son. He liked every Lego video game. He even asked me, if I think if there would be ever a video game of MLP. I said back then, “I don’t know, but if such a video game will ever be released, I would play it with you nonstop.” I played some times Payday 2 with Tom. We always had to laugh how stupid the SWAT and FBI teams in the game where. But I hated Cloakers. Good thing they don’t exist in real life. I took out a family picture of them out of my pocket. “What’s wrong?” Apple Bloom saw my concerned look. “I got a little boy back home. I hope I get to see him again.” “Oh, Ah understand. Don’t worry; the princess is a nice pony. And we are with you, no matter what.” She gave me a salute which I returned. “We’ll be landing soon.” The filly’s father informed me. The chariot landed in a courtyard next to the castle. In real life, the castle was really impressive. With the size and detail that had been put into its design, I didn’t want to know how long it took to build Canterlot. “Hello? Are you still with us?” Dinky waved a hoof in front of my eyes. “What? Oh sorry, I was distracted.” Inside the castle, I lost track as every corridor looked the same. Man, how don’t they get lost in there? After 10 minutes I believe, we reached a large double-door, with a pair of unicorn guards in gold armor. “Lieutenant Blizzard Storm, the Princess is expecting you.” “The Princess wishes to see the prisoner. Go right in, Lieutenant.” The other guard finished before they both opened the door. The throne room was just like in the show. Fancy banners and tapestries, a red carpet leaded to the throne. Detailed stained-glass windows on both walls. Beautiful. Princess Celestia was talking with Shining Armor who had his helmet removed. Celestia locked her eyes on me. It was a little bit nerve-consuming. Still, I remained calm. The guards bowed. While I was trained to salute, I was never trained how to interact with royalty. But I knew that normally a bow should do it. The Princess was surprised. “The prisoner, as you requested, your Highness.” Blizzard said in a respectful tone. “Thank you, Lieutenant. Did he caused you trouble?” “Not at all, Princess. He was amazingly cooperative.” Celestia walked down the throne. She was as high as in the show. She slowly and carefully examined me. “I will ask you some questions and please answer them.” “Jawohl.” "What's your name, and where are you from?" “Lieutenant Hartmann. Peter Hartmann. European Federation Enforcer Corps, Battlegroup 20.” I replied. Something tells me she knows about the war. The Princess examined me one last time, before turning to Lieutenant Blizzard. “Take him to the dungeon, Lieutenant. Relieve him of his military gear, then place him in a cell. We will begin dealing with him tomorrow.” He gave the princess a salute. “Yes your highness. Let’s go Lieutenant.” I could hear in his voice that he was not pleased about this. “I do look forward to our upcoming conversations, Lieutenant.” Celestia called out as I was leaded out of the door. “Princess, please show mercy! He saved our lives!” The CMC pleaded but I couldn’t hear more as we had left the room.