After finally being separated from Rainbow Dash, Bishop was taken into a room for a talk with Twilight Sparkle and The Doctor as they were the only ponies in Equetria who understood what was going on most of the time.
Bishop sat and listened, as Twilight Sparkle and The Doctor both explained what had happened. At first the soldier found it difficult to believe it but there was no other plausible explanation. He was already in another world, what’s not to believe.
“S-so. …. I died?”
“Well, theoretically.” The Doctor replied. “But luckily your brain was still alive as the elements of harmony were used on you. This is fascinating; I’ve never seen a human resurrection before. How do you feel?”
“Like the god of thunder just kicked me in the balls.”
“How. …. Interesting.”
Twilight then stepped forward before sitting next to the obviously overwhelmed soldier.
“I know it must be hard for you. It must come as quite a shock to wake up in a completely different world. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. …. What’s happening back on earth? What about the war?”
The Doctor stepped forward. “We don’t know what happened after you were brought into the hospital. You see, we could only see everything from Rainbow Dash’s perspective.”
“You saw?”
“Yes.”
Bishop leaned forward, putting his head in his hands, before looking back up again.
“*Sigh* …. I hate to ask but. …. How can I go back?”
Twilight looked at The Doctor look at each other, this time with a guilty look on both their faces.
“I’m really sorry Bishop.” Twilight said. “There is no way you can go home.”
“What? …. I thought.”
Bishop looked at The Doctor, he seemed to be the only pony who completely understood what was going on.
“How Rainbow Dash came into your world for the first time, was completely by chance. She was lucky she wasn’t thrown into an empty void in time. It was only one millisecond which saved her life from spending an eternity in darkness. …. The second time was more technical. Because she had your journal I was able to track you through the DNA on your journal.”
“DNA?”
“Yes. Um, anyway. Because you were in the other world, still alive I was able to detect your electronic brain activity to the nearest mile. Your journal was your only link between Equestria and your world. Now, you’re here, there is no way to send you back. I’m sorry.”
“…. So it was you who sent her?”
“Sent her? Oh no. She was insistent.”
“’Insistent’?” Bishop’s voice now slowly started to sound more aggravated. “You could have said no. You could have spared her having to go through all that!”
“It was her choice.” The Doctor argued back. “She clearly wanted nothing but to know if you was still alive. I’m not going to lie, it WAS a stupid decision allowing her to go. I said it to her before she left but she didn’t change her mind, not for a second.”
“She could have died.”
“You almost did. Maybe you should be grateful that she came when she did.”
Bishop stood up, walking around the room, taking a deep breath before he caught a glimpse of himself in a mirror. As he stared at his new form, Twilight walked up behind him, trying to think of what to say.
“I. …. I can you see you’re upset. But it’s not all bad. Princess Celestia is granting you free residence in Equestria as well as a home for you.”
“It’s. …. I’m not ungrateful. If anything, I’m happy. …. I. …. I just need to think. I just want to be on my own for a while.”
“Okay. Take as long as you want. Me and The Doctor will be downstairs.”
“I never said thank you. …. For saving me. I don’t know how to pay you back.”
“You should talk to Rainbow Dash.” Twi said with a smile. “Without her, who knows what would’ve happened. Come on Doctor.”
Both ponies walked out of the room as Bishop was left along to collect his thoughts. He sat in his chair, looking at the floor, his mind still racing with unanswered question, suddenly caught a glimpse of colour from the window. Looking quickly, he caught a glimpse of Rainbow Dash peeking around the corner.
“Hey there.” Bishop chuckled at Dash’s pointless attempt at being discreet.
Rainbow flew in through the window before making her way towards the soldier, sitting by his side as he sat up.
“Are you okay?” Rainbow asked.
“Yeah. …. I’m still a bit confused though.”
“I’m. …. I’m sorry.”
“Sorry. For what?”
“That you can’t go back. For getting you stuck here. I guess I screwed up again.”
Bishop quickly used his hand to turn Dash’s head to look at him in the eyes, he could see that she had not stopped crying they were reunited, her eyes were red, bloodshot, but to Bishop, she still looked adorable.
“You didn’t screw up Rainbow. You saved my life, I’m glad.”
“But I heard you. …. You want to go back don’t you? You’re like me, you’re loyal to your friends and family. Your home.”
Bishop took a pause, but his smile didn’t stop.
“I was loyal to my friends and my family. But they’re gone, I have nothing left in that world, it was all destroyed in that damn war. …. If I’m honest. I’m glad I’m stuck here, because at least I have you. I’m not mad, I’m happy.”
Bishop pulled Rainbow Dash towards him before embracing her, Dash was quick to return the gesture, smiling as she closed her eyes.
“Oh. I almost forgot.” Rainbow Dash said, lifting her wing.
Bishop watched as Rainbow Dash pulled out his journal, placing it on his lap, before Bishop could thank her she also pulled out his badge, holding it in her mouth as she looked at him. Bishop smiled, leaning forward, taking the badge out of her mouth before he held it in his palm.
He looked at all the little dent and scratches it had suffered in the attack but he didn’t care. After taking a quick glance at Rainbow Dash he leaned forward again before loosening the ribbon, Dash saw what Bishop was doing but she stayed still as the medal was put around her neck. She examined it herself, confused, she looked up at the soldier.
“But. …. W-why?”
“I’ve seen many people in this war Rainbow Dash. Some far braver then I’ll ever be. After everything you went through. You deserve this more than any man I’ve served with. And I’m not taking no as an answer.”
“…… T-thank you.” Dash said, completely taken by surprise. “Thank you.”
She embraced Bishop again as the soldier picked up his journal before looking at the cover, taking a moment to let it all sink in as he closed his eyes.
**********
Tuesday 2:00am
Yesterday was probably one of the most traumatic, saddening, painful and amazing days I’ve had in my life. This morning I woke up, went to work, almost spent some quality time with Rainbow Dash, got blasted to kingdom come and got resurrected in a different world looking 20 years younger. Someday, huh?
At first when I woke up in Equestria, I was scared, thinking I was going to wake up, like a man in a wheelchair wakes from a dream where he’s running or flying. I thought it was all too good to be true, but it’s really happening, it can’t be a dream. I’ve never felt so alive.
When they explained what happened, I wasn’t mad, not even a little bit, because I’ve been given a second chance, given to me by my own little guardian angel. From now on, I will live my life, cherishing every second I have. I can now look back at my life as something to be proud of, I fought for my country, technically died and served my duty as a soldier. It’s was fate which brought me here and because of that, I have no urge to go home. …. Even if I could.
This is where my life begins. In Equestria.
Captain, David, Ann, Bishop.