//------------------------------// // Chapter 13 // Story: The End has Begun // by Bronycommander //------------------------------// Chapter 13 Yawning, my heart melted. The fillies were cuddling in their sleep before they woke up with cute yawns. “Morning kids.” "Morning Peter!” They exclaimed happy. It was Saturday, so the kids had no school. I helped on the farm. I couldn’t buck apples; instead, I picked them up and placed them into the bucket. I helped my grandfather on his farm when I was little. That was fun. “Well, thank you for your help. We want to bake an apple pie.” “Can I help, Applejack?” “Please, you helped enough. Rest for a while, you deserved it.” I sat down under a tree. The kids joined me. I loved their company. Closing my eyes, I tried to take a nap. Dinky started to hum something. She had also her eyes closed, rocking from left to right, a big smile on her face. I didn’t recognize it but it was upbeat and catchy. The other fillies also started to hum. It sounded so happy that a smile formed on my face and my finger snapped to it. It reminded me of Happy by Pharrell Williams. After some minutes, Applejack called out, “Cake is ready!” “That is a very nice song, Dinky.” “Thanks. My mother taught it to me.” The pie was delicious. The Apple family makes its name all honor. “You do like it here?” “I like it here a lot Applejack. I just wonder if the war is over.” “Why don’t you use your phone to check the news?” “Good idea, Apple Bloom.” The news had nothing to offer. Arrests in America and Russia, heavily casualty’s for them, navel strikes against them, Protests in Moskau and Washington, assassins attempts on their leaders, uprisings against our enemy’s, Riot suppressions and…”Oh my god…” “What’s wrong?” Big Mac asked. “The news reports about nuclear detonations in Los Angeles and St. Petersburg.” “Oh my… I hope it was an accident.” “I hope so too, Sweetie Belle.” “I know you don’t enjoy killing, but how are your people seeing you?” “To be honest Granny Smith, I have seen so much conflict and war that being called inhuman no longer bothers me.” I rested my head in my hands. “But you aren’t. You the nicest, politest human we have ever met.” Scootaloo smiled at me to make me feel better. “That’s right.” I gave them a light smile. “I think I catch some fresh air and take a walk. See you later!” “Later!” they all called out. The town was peaceful. All ponies knew each other, smiled and greet each other. Even me. I swear if the war ever reaches Equestria… No don’t even think about it. Even if we don’t use Atomic weapons anymore, the WMDs would only left ruins. “Daddy over here!” Turning around, Tiara, her father and Silver Spoon trotted to me. “Hello. You are the human everypony has talking about.” “Yes. Why?” “Allow to introduce myself: Mr. Rich, business pony. I wanted to thank you for saving my daughter and her friend.” “It’s my job. Nothing special.” “Still I wanted to talk with you.” “And about what? Business?” If he thinks I become his daughter’s bodyguard, he can forget it. “We just wanted to know how you are and such. Come, I invite you to a coffee.” They took me to his house. It was a villa. Beautiful. Rich opened the black gate. “Now, tell us about yourself.” Inside in the living room, he turned on a gramophone. I told them, how I joined GSG-9, met my wife, got married, how the European Federation was founded, what I was in the military, how the war begun and such. “An elite soldier, eh? Impressive. And the hostage takers were members of the Forgotten Army?” “Yes. But they’re idiots. Rushing at us in the open. Amateurs.” I taunted. “ Fighting to 'end the suppression and poverty of the downtrodden people of the world' certainly loses something when they're hiding behind children.” “Still, you saved our lives and we are very grateful for that.” Silver Spoon corrected her glasses. “If know excuse me, I need to go.” Bye, have a great time!” Tiara called out as I leaved. As I walked through Ponyville, Derpy landed next to me. “I brought you a letter!” “Thanks Derpy.” I read the letter. Dear Lieutenant, Tomorrow is the Grand Galloping Gala and you are invited. The ticket is in the envelope. Go to Rarity for your suit. She makes the best clothes in Ponyville but you know that already. Princess Celestia. The Grand Galloping Gala? Let’s pray it doesn’t end in a disaster. At Rarity’s home I greeted her, “Milady?” “Please you don’t have to be so formal Lieutenant. Why are you here?” I showed her the ticket. “Does that say something for you?” “Oh no, I forgot to make the dresses!” “Settle down, what about the dresses from last time?” “That works too. But you need something for the Gala, right?” “That’s why I am here.” She made me a black suit just like at my weeding. “I feel like back at my weeding.” “Always a nice memory.” “Yes. And if Blueblood should bother you, I will give him a lesson he will never forget.” “I don’t think we will encounter him.” I helped her for the rest of the day. Sunday I helped Mrs. Breeze cleaning the house, and Storm told me about how he fought in the war and Scootaloo showed me the photo album of them. In the evening, we were all ready. “You look like a gentleman.” “Thanks, Derpy. You look beautiful yourself.” She was wearing a pearl necklace, her daughter a purple dress. Time Turner was wearing a brown suit as it was the only thing he could find in his closet. Misty was wearing a normal necklace, while Storm was on duty. Sweetie Belle's parents couldn’t come. The train to Canterlot was quiet. A lot of ponies were in the ball room wearing fancy clothing. Inside were four golden Statues, one of Celestia, Luna, Twilight and Cadence. It was one of the most beautiful party’s I had ever seen. “Good evening Peter. You look very gorgeous tonight.” “Thank you, your highness.” Together we eat some cake, talked and laughed. I had never such a good time after the war started. Storm walked to me. “Sorry to interrupt the party, but Spitfire wants to talk with you.” The Wonderbolts were at the VIP area. Everypony leaved, special order from Spitfire as I was told. Spitfire came over with Soarin. “Good evening, Lieutenant.” “Hello, captain.” Spitfire introduced the entire team to me. Soarin had to sneeze, causing his googles to come down. “Gesundheit.” “Thanks. Hey Rainbow, how’s going?” He putted his googles back up. She blushed. “Good.” Something’s going on between those two. “Well, we would like to stay for a chat, but we have a show tomorrow. It was nice to see you again.” The Wonderbolts leaved in formation. I also saw how Applejack talked with Caramel. They blushed while they chatted. Interesting. Then we danced. It was good to have fun and getting a nice break from the sounds of battle. At 10PM, the kids were tired, so Celestia offered a guest room. I putted them in. “Sweet dreams.” I said before I fell asleep in the same bed too, unware that tomorrow, everything would change.