//------------------------------// // Chapter 12 The war is over // Story: For Honor, Glory and The Empire // by Bronycommander //------------------------------// Chapter 12: The war is over The three got on a ship en route to the USA. The young unicorn was in a hospital bed, next to her was Sato. Elliot came in with two Sandwiches for them. “For you.” “Thanks, daddy.” Tootsie smiled as she took one with her magic and took a bite. “For keeping my daughter safe, I’m eternally grateful. Without you, she had never survived.” James smiled at Sato. “I only did what I believed was honorable. I never wanted to be a soldier, never believed in the propaganda. And now, I have lost my family and home.” He sounded sad, lowering his head. James had an idea. “May I make you an offer? You can live with us. I’m sure my wife and daughter will like your company.” “An honorable offer. But after all we did, I don’t think that your people will accept me.” Sato had doubts. “Please, Sato?” The foal asked him with the most adorable smile in the world. The Japanese’s heart surrendered at the heart melting sight, despite it was dishonorable. “Alright.” Flute’s smile stayed as her father said, “Let that be my problem with the people.” To the Japanese’s surprise, every crewmember treated him with respect, telling their condolences for his loss and that he should be proud of himself for keeping the young child safe. He and the young pony recovered pretty well, Flute told him about her time with her father in the USA. “Sounds like you had a very good time.” The former soldier commented happy as he ate his sandwich. While traveling across the sea, Sato switched from his uniform to a blue trench coat with matching hat. Finally seeing the US coast, The Corpsman welcomed the Japanese. “Welcome to the United States of America.” “I always wanted to visit it. It’s beautiful.” Sato was impressed, leaning on the railing of the ship. He enjoyed the view of the countryside during the train ride. Once arrived at James’s home, Harper hugged her husband, smiling, tears of joy. “You’re back!” she was overjoyed. “Daddy!” Victoria joined. “Tootsie! We were so worried about you!” The young girl hugged the filly who returned it. Sato smiled weakly, it reminded him of his family. His wife and daughter reacted the same way whenever he was on leave. “May I introduce Sato Haruto to you? He’s the one who took care of Tootsie.” the young man smiled at the young Japanese. “Hello, Mrs. Elliot. I’m Sato Haruto but Sato is just fine.” He took his hat off, giving a friendly smile. “Please, Harper is just fine.” The woman replied. “Welcome, Sato!” Victoria exclaimed happy. Inside, Sato, James and Tootsie told Harper and Victoria what happened on Okinawa. Oh my goodness…My condolences for what happened to your friends. After everything you did for her, you deserve a second chance. I would like it to have you as part of our family.” “Me too!” Victoria was happy. Sato stroked her hair. “A great honor, I accept. Your parents raised you well.” As it was evening, they had dinner and went to bed. Sato had enjoyed the American food. The next day, the young man woke up in the guest bed as the two children had made him breakfast. “Good morning Sato, we made you breakfast.” The young unicorn smiled warmly. “Thank you.” The enjoyed the toast and orange juice clearly. “That was delicious.” “Glad to hear it.” Victoria replied smiling. Joining their mother in the kitchen, he said, “Good morning. Where’s James?” The young doctor was not in the house. “He’s visiting a friend. Can you take care of Flute and Victoria, I have to go shopping.” “Sure thing.” “Bye, mommy!” The young child called out. “So, what do you want to play?” Sato asked both, happy. He enjoyed their company. “What about-“ Flute tried to say but was interrupted by the sound of a car crash. Looking out of the window, the young man saw that the young woman had accidently crashed into another car, the driver was very angry. “If you can’t drive, you should stay at home!” he shouted. “But I…” Harper tried to explain but was scared by the man’s outburst. “Stay inside kids, I take care of this.” “Yes, Sato.” Both replied. Getting dressed in his trench coat and hat, he got outside. Flute and her half-sister watched everything from the window. “Hey, pal. Knock it off.” Sato tried to calm the angry man down. “And who are you?” The driver was not calming down. “Somebody who doesn’t like hearing you talking to a lady like that. So why don’t you calm down and leave while I am still in a good mood, huh?” The Japanese asked in return, lightly threatening. “What is she, your girlfriend or something, Tojo? Well, if she’s not gonna pay for it, you will!” Sato grabbed the driver by the throat. “One more word, and you’re gonna need a new set of teeth! Now get out of here!” he yelled. “I…” The man tried to say, Sato shoved him against his car. “That was the word.” He taught the idiot a lesson by punching him, dodging every blow, responding with a counterstrike. After a few hits, the man gave up. “Okay, okay! Fine!” He got into his car and drove away. “Thank you, Sato.” Harper was grateful. “Don’t be, it’s a matter of honor for me.” After that was done, he played with the children, having a good time. In the noon, James returned, introducing Joe to Sato. “So you’re the Japanese who found and saved Tootsie. Heard you took a big risk on Okinawa to save her life. You got my respect. Sorry about your friends, though. May they rest in peace.” The former allied soldier smiled proudly at the former imperial soldier. “In my heart, they’re still alive.” “Indeed. Well James, the Nambu has a unique style, so watch out you won’t lose it.” Time passed. Sato enjoyed every minute, helping out on the ranch, playing with the two children and playing music together with James. They all saw him as family member and him too. They heard that Roebuck was fallen while taking Shuri Castle. It pained James deeply as some officers never earn your respect. Sergeant Roebuck and Tom Sullivan, who died on September 15, 1944, Peleliu Island, Palau, had both his from day one in Boot Camp. He had never survived without their leadership skills. But at least, Polonsky and Miller had survived. Polonsky returned to his mother, Miller returned home too after their success on Okinawa. They stayed in contact with the Elliots. Three months passed. It was now August. The Children danced to Antoine Domino - The fat man. The radio had news that Imperial Japan had surrendered. Just like back when the war in Europa was over, the family celebrated with the crowds on the streets. While celebrating, James grabbed his wife and kissed her tightly on the lips, unaware that the moment was captured by a photographer and that the photo would become famous. Tootsie danced with her sister, both noticed that Sato had a joyful expression and dance. He was also unaware that he got photographed and that it would become famous too. Even if Japan had lost, it didn’t bother Sato at all. He was actually overjoyed that the killing was finally over. Peace was restored, it was the beginning of a new era for the world.