//------------------------------// // Chapter 7 Reunion // Story: Together Again // by Bronycommander //------------------------------// Chapter 7: Reunion As everyone opened their eyes, they found themselves in what appeared to be Canterlot, being transparent. “Alright, Smarty Pants, let’s do this!” The voice of a young filly tore them out, seeing Twilight in her filly years with her doll in the garden. “Ahh, isn’t she cute?” Fluttershy asked with a smile. “Yep! As cute as a Pie! ” Pinkie Pie agreed. The purple unicorn started to lit up her horn and it glowed a white light, becoming stronger and stronger and her expression from determined to worried. “What? No! It isn’t supposed to do that! Stop!” The filly yelled before the light engulfed her and the doll and they vanished. The scene vanished to the filly lying unconscious in an alley, gasping as she woke up, looking frantically around. “Where am I? Daddy? Mommy? Brother?” Twilight called out before it started to rain. After a few minutes, she started to cry, her eyes slowly becoming red “Mommy…Daddy...” Then suddenly a male voice called out, “Hello, is there someone?” The filly didn’t respond to it, completely lost in her confusion. A man wearing a blue suit and red tie walked into the ally, having a round face, with a slightly muscular build, his hair was blond and his eyes blue. Frank looked at the man in surprise. “I know that man…that’s James! We served together in the Africa Corps!” “The apple does not fall far from the tree,” Jacobs commented. The moment Twilight saw the man, she started to panic, shaking in fear. “ple-ple, please don’t hurt me…” It was understandable, she had never seen a human before. James’ expression changed to sympathy and he kneeled down. “I won’t hurt you, it’s raining and you are freezing, come with me sweetheart, you can sleep at my house.” He spoke with a calming voice. A loud thunder came before Twilight could answer, causing her to startle and cry harder. “Shh, its okay, I’m here for you.” The man spoke in a comforting voice. “But Sir, I don’t want to get your Suit wet.” The filly replied, shivering from the cold. “My Suit? It’s only water it dries anyway. I don’t want that you get a cold, your safety is more important to me than my Suit.” He gave her a comforting smile and gently picked her up. “That is a nice act from him,” Fluttershy said with pride. “Yes, he was known for his caring towards children and I highly respected him for that, feeling honored to know him,” Frank commented as they saw how the German brought the filly to his house, dried her and made her some warm food and drink, which she enjoyed. Then they both introduced each other, with the unicorn telling about Equestria and James about his past. “Yes I’m a veteran, Twilight. I served in two World Wars. The First World War, also known the Great War, started 1914. I was a Medic but was deployed as a sniper later in the war. He pointed to a picture that showed him in an Imperial German Army uniform with his rifle. “I did never leave a comrade behind and for that, I earned great respect and my first award the iron cross. It was given to Soldiers with great braveness. But I lost it when I tried to save a friend”. Then he pointed to a second picture what was a group photo of him and his comrades. “In the War when I was wounded, I met my future wife,” The third picture showed their wedding, “We married after the war was over in 1918. Germany lost the War but is not really true.” Twilight said, “Yes, I read that Germany was forced to sign a contract.” “Yes, that’s right the contract of Versailles. The post-war Years were difficult because of the economic problems in 1923 and 1929 but my wife and me managed to get over it. 1939 the Second World War started. This time, I was a pilot. A Stuka pilot to be exact.” A fourth picture showed him in pilot uniform, “In the Time between 1939 and 1941, I earned the Iron cross again. I was wounded again in 1943 and was sent home. My Wife had wonderful News: She was Pregnant!” Twilight had a big smile on her face when she heard this. “Our Son was born in September 1943.” The fifth Picture showed his wife, their newborn Son in his wife’s arms and him, this time in a Heer Uniform instead of a Luftwaffe uniform. The sixth and last picture was again a group photo. “Jessie, I don’t want to interrupt you but why are you wearing a different uniform on the last two pictures?” Twilight asked confused. “Did nothing stand in your book that the Luftwaffe was defeated?” He asked her. “Oh yes, I totally forget this.” was her answer. “Because of this, I was in the Heer again where I earned the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. Only the best and braves Soldiers could earn this award. It was also one of the highest awards you could get, back in the Third Reich. The last War year, 1945 was the worst year I had ever in my entire Life.” He said with a sad tone. “What happened, Jessie?” asked Twilight with an innocent Voice that only a Child could have and he took a deep breath, trying not to break down. “My family died.” "I’m so sorry Jessie, please, please, don’t hate me," Twilight begged with a guilty tone in her Voice close to crying. With a weak smile he looked at the filly. “Twilight,” He said while petting her Mane, “Why should I hate you, you couldn’t knew that.” The children gasped upon hearing this. “That’s so sad…” Pinch said with a look of sympathy. “Yes. I knew his wife, she was a friendly woman, always wanting to help others in need. And it’s a pity about their son too.” Frank also sounded sad about it. “I heard about Würzburg back then, it was really horrible. We both know his pain, Frank.” Josef reminded him. “Yeah.” They then saw how James explained his name. “And my Name? Well Twilight, I was born in the USA My Mother was German and a Nurse. My Father was a Soldier and American. He named me after the famous Cowboy Jesse James. He was famous for drawing his revolver faster than everybody else. I was also famous for drawing my sidearm very fast when I had to. That’s also how I get my nickname. I had also a little Brother called John but he was reported missing in World War 1. He was never found.” Twilight had a fascinated look on her Face but it changed to a sad expression He mentioned his brother. “Twilight you don’t have to be…” "No it’s not that, I just miss my brother.” She replied sobbing. “Shh, I’m sure your family will find you, Twilight.” He gave her a smile ”Rel- Really?” She asked between sobs. “Of course. And until then, you can stay with me, no matter how long it’s going to take.” “But I do not want to cause you any problems.” She spoke to him with concern. “Twilight, you could not survive on your own. Plus after 15 Years of living alone, I would be glad about having some company.” She hugged him after he said this. “Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, James!” She cried out happily. The three Vietnamese brothers looked at each other as this reminded them when they had been separated. The group watched with smiles as Jessie and Twilight chatted about their cultures before the man brought the filly to bed. “His caring for her honors him.” Sato sounded proud. “Yes, it does.” Shining Armor replied with a smile. The next memory showed how Jessie comforted Twilight after she had a nightmare, followed by showing her the town and enjoying some ice cream after she had slipped and overstretched her knee. Then her caretaker told her why he still looked so long for a man born in 1895. “Well Twilight, it’s difficult to explain but I try my best. I was born in 1895. In 1916 when I was 21, I had an accident with Poison gas. I survived but for some reason, I couldn’t age anymore. I suspected that the Gas had changed my DNA. I was also able to take more punishment than a normal human could ever take. If I’m hurt, the wound heals as fast as it would regenerate. I can’t explain it how it works.” The filly was speechless with her mouth wide open. “That-That is amazing!” “I have seen many things in my medical career but that is new to me.” Helping Heart was fascinated to hear this. “It was even for me when I was told,” Celestia added as the memory continued. The five friends of Twilight watched in confusion as the filly befriend two boys that were the sons of two friends of James. “I thought Twilight never had other friends before than us.” Rarity wondered. “Well, actually, she did, with me, Lemon Hearts, Twinkle Shine, and Moon Dancer.” Colgate pointed out, “Though I suppose she did become friends with them to learn more about humanity and to get over the homesickness.” “Could be.” They gasped in shock to see that the young unicorn got pushed into the mud by a boy with untidy hair, broken glasses and a brow that looked perpetually sweaty. “So the little freak and his useless friends cry for help like the little babies you are,” He said taunting. Twilight couldn’t say anything, because anytime she tried, the Boy pushed her into the mud. “Let me get this jerk!” Rainbow yelled in anger but the orange mare had grabbed her tail. “Calm down, it’s in the past, we can’t do anything.” They all nodded as the man warned the boy to let her go, only for the latter to trying to brawl with him, being fully overconfident, getting quickly defeated by James. “He still got it.” Frank was impressed. “Poor Twilight though.” Fluttershy watched with sadness as the filly cried, her was fur dirty and she had multiple scratches and bruises. Yet, the Pegasus smiled weakly as the humans took care of her. It was surprising for the group that Günther’s friends quickly promised to help Twilight in any way they could after being told of her origin. “They are very loyal friends.” The blue Pegasus was fascinated. “Yes, they are. I could tell back then that Twilight had been safe with them.” Celestia said with a smile of her own. The group smiled as they all saw how Twilight quickly recovered and played with her friends before her family and Celestia arrived. “I wonder, sister, why did you choose to watch his past instead of getting Twilight home right away?” Luba asked confused, tilting her head. “I admit I was curious and it sounded interesting.” The White Alicorn replied. Everyone was amazed as they saw everything, yet the parents covered the eyes of their children as the gas accident happened, with James coughing and vomiting as the gas surrounded him, his eyes watering. “That must have been horrible…”Miro said with pity and shock. “Yeah. Frankly, I wonder that becoming ageless didn’t affect his sanity.” Becker was fascinated. “I guess it was his love to his wife that kept him sane, though I never got to ask him about it,” Lange said, having to smile as he saw how his friend was becoming a father. Then they saw the day before the death of his family. “They need more Personnel in the hospital in Würzburg. I was ordered to help out for a while. Since you are back on the front in a few days, I have no choice but to take John with me. But on the bright Side, I can visit some friends over there.” His wife informed him. “I know Lena. Just be careful, I don’t want to lose you too. Hans is in captivity of the Western forces, Müller is presumed dead and Richthofen was sent to the Eastern front.” He replied with “Don’t worry about me; Würzburg isn’t as important for the industry as Dresden or Augsburg.” She kissed him “Goodbye, my love.” He called out as his wife and son walked away. Then they saw how the town was bombarded the next day, with James watching from a distance, having a worried expression. “There’s nothing we can do. We can only hope and pray that your family will survive this.” An elderly man said to him, being a member of the Volkssturm. In the aftermath, James looked after his family, walking through the debris, a scared expression on his face. Upon reaching the hospital, he stopped and stared. It was completely destroyed. A corpse of a Nurse who was holding a baby in her arms was in the debris. James collapsed on his knees and cried. Dinky sniffed. “Those poor people…” Celestia let an own tear escape as she said, Yes. It broke him. But still, he tried to save the life of others, as like you, Josef, he fought in the battle of Berlin.” “He did?” Becker asked surprised as the memory continued, seeing that Günther had exactly the same conversation as he had with a fellow soldier before finding Diamond Tiara. He then helped a desperate mother to get their babies out of the city. And I thought I’ve been through hell…” Ford commented. “What happened afterward?” Luna asked her sister. Celestia sighed. “The bully of Twilight kidnapped her to sell her to the Soviets but Jessie managed to save her.” She showed how the veteran came to the location Twilight was held and defeated the boy with non-lethal means, and then fought two squads of soviets off that had arrived with his rifle, blood splattered from his chest but due to the adrenaline, he didn’t notice it at all until it was over. Again, Dinky sniffed, followed by the other children as James was collapsing and said to Twily, “I… I wish this had never happened or I saw this coming. I wish I… could spend more time with you. But I will… always…be…in… your heart.” He used his last strength to point with his hand to her heart before he succumbed to his injuries. “At least he died for a good cause,” Frank said with sadness, having his head lowered. “But…didn’t you say he’s still alive?” Luna wondered. “Yes, he is. I took him to Equestria and my best doctors managed to fix him up, as I knew Twily would fall into a deep depression as I did after I had to banish you, Luna.” They then saw how he recovered, celebrating with Celestia and the others before going to bed. In the next morning, a guard entered the room, Scootaloo recognized the stallion. “Daddy, is that you?” “Yes, dear. In fact, I was actually one of the guards that escorted the princess to earth.” “Sir, Breakfast is ready. I am here to escort you to the dining room.” His past self-said to James, who nodded. “Lead the way. What’s your name?” “Private Blizzard Storm. Actually, I am a recruit.” He blushed. “Why did you join?” “Similar to your friend, to impress my marefriend. She has an orange mane and tail and a torquiest coat, light blue eyes and as Cutie Mark a heart with a blue ribbon tied around it. Her name is Misty Breeze. My father was a guard too and he told me that it is a great honor to serve in the royal guard, and that every mare loves a stallion in uniform or golden armor.” “That’s true.” They shared a laugh. “Good luck to you, Storm.” “Thank you.” “So you did join to impress me? Misty asked, causing her husband to lower his head in embarrassment. “Hey, cheer up, it worked back then, something you can be proud of.” She added with a smile, the others chuckled. “What happened afterward?” The doctor asked curiously. “Well, we visited him to Christmas in the same year.” Celestia lit up her horn and showed the wonderful evening she and the Sparkles spent with him. They warmed themselves at the fireplace and gave the humans presents, James got a fancy watch. “That was such a nice idea of you, sister.” Luna praised her. “Thank you. Unfortunately after that, diplomatic and politic times made it impossible for me to visit him again and Twilight had to focus on her studies but never forget him, being distracted by her tasks until the wormhole incident reminded her again of it. But I managed to look regular how his life went.” “What happened? Shining armor asked. Celestia took a deep breath. “See for yourself.” She casted a spell and TV screen appeared in front of them all, showing Günther in a General uniform, notable by the peaked cap, which had gold colored Lugs, drawstring and buttons, his Insignia was bright-red. The Oak leaves wreath and national insignia were also golden, his trousers had Crimson leg strips. “From the very first time I put on a uniform, I knew I had accepted a burden that would last a lifetime. And even when I left our country’s military behind, my obligation for service remained.” He spoke in a neutral voice. “That obligation is one I and all the men and woman of the Harmonious Guard take seriously. We will serve with honor, and dignity.” Several men and woman in silver uniforms stepped up behind him, saluting as a flag with a silver and gold badge with Twilight Sparkle's purple star in the center appeared in front of them. “The Harmonious Guard. Security you can count on.” Another male voice said and it ended. “Harmonious Guard?” Edward asked confused. “Do you know them?” Johann asked. “Yes, kinda. Back in the day when my father was with the Diamond Dogs in the 1980s, he told me that his boss was helping the Guard out on one of their FOBs when it was just created, I think they got inspired by the Diamond Dogs.” The former mercenary explained. “I always thought James had what it takes to be an officer and leader, but that…is quite impressive.” Frank said in fascination. “Yet, I can’t see why he would become a mercenary. It isn’t the same as a soldier, and money was never his interest.” He wondered conflicted. “Yes, an old friend of him thought the same.” The white pony said as the scene changed to an office where James was talking with an elderly man, appearing to be in his late 60s, having grey hair and blue eyes. “Remember when we served together in Africa?” He asked Günther, who smiled and chuckled. “Gosh yes, I can still remember how you earned the Iron Cross back then, Konrad.” “And you had everything figured out. I always thought you could become an officer like me.” Jessie laughed. “Not much has changed there.” “I always wondered that you stayed a private over the war and never got promoted. You were always good at helping others. Inspiring them, they’re always willing to follow.” “I got some good speechwriters.” James grinned. “Knock it off, James. You write it yourselves and you always have. And they’ll always follow you. They’d follow you to the gates of hell if you’re asked. I’m impressed, you’ve done a hell of a job, Jessie.” “Hey, I’m not done yet. As Rommel said once: ‘If I had to take hell, I would use the Australians to take it and the New Zealanders to hold it. Winning the men's confidence requires much of a commander. He must exercise care and caution, look after his men, live under the same hardships, and-above all- apply self-discipline. But once he has their confidence, his men will follow him through hell and high water.’” “Indeed and you took everything by heart.” The elderly man praised him. “Wow…He became a mercenary?” Lange asked, surprised that his friend was able to pull something like this off. “Yes. During the final stages of the Second World War, he heard rumors about an underground warehouse with secret technologies. After Twilight was back home, he decided to check if those rumors were fake or real. And to his surprise, it was real. Those technologies saw little to no action in the war, with the warehouse containing production facilities and ways to keep this all updated and served.” Celestia explained. “Most impressive. But why would he do this?” Ian wondered. Frank put a hand to his chin. “If I remember correctly, he told me once he was always a soldier, not able to think of a different work. And I guess he didn’t want that this all would get into the wrong hands.” The white mare nodded. “You are correct. Apart from performing military tasks in war or crisis areas, they are also providing security of various types and transport of all sorts of items. Even government official hire them for security. Its honest business but…” She paused for a moment. “This all reminds me of the leader of the PMC that provided security before me and my sister came and founded the Royal Guard. He was an honest pony but power slowly corrupted him, thus forcing us to…remove him and end his PMC.” Her voice was slightly shaken. “I’m sorry, your highness that I woke bad memories.” Lange lowered his head. “It’s alright, it’s in the past now. I’m just worried that…” She took a deep breath. “James might be corrupted by power too.” Luna put a wing around her older sister. “Sis, you said 54 years passed on earth since the incident happened, and he founded the PMC in the 1980s. With so much time passed and still being active, I doubt he will if he has keep it under control for so long.” Celestia smiled weakly. “Yes, maybe I worry too much. There is also another thing.” She lit up her horn and the scene showed the veteran watching TV. To be exact, it was a show called “My little Pony: Friendship is Magic”. The first episode was on the schedule, it showed how Twilight got sent to Ponyville by Celestia, met her friend’s and defeated Nightmare Moon. The ponies and humans watched in confusion, their mouths wide open. “Oh...my…” Fluttershy blushed, hiding her face with her wings. “That is…” Pinkie mumbled, “Awesome! We got fans!” She had a wide grin. Celestia chuckled. “Indeed, in fact, you have a lot. The show is intended for girls but it became very popular among boys and adults, called Bronies and Pegasisters. James himself is a fan and so are many of the mercenaries under his command, thus getting the nickname Brony Army.” “The more you know…”Rainbow Dash was fascinated. “I just don’t know how I could him bring to Equestria without raising suspicion among his fellow mercenaries.” The white Alicorn replied with concern. Luna started to smile. “I might have an idea for this.” Celestia smiled. “Thank you, Lulu. I try to visit him, you should prepare for his arrival.” Pinkie saluted. “Will do!” And Luna casted a spell that brought her and the others back to reality, while Celestia casted a spell that brought her to Earth. As she opened her eyes, she found herself in front of an office door, no humans in sight. She took a deep breath and exhaled before knocking on the door. “Come in.” A male voice said from the other side. The mare opened it and walked in, seeing James sitting at a desk, doing paperwork. “Yes?” He asked as he looked up, his expression became surprised upon seeing the princess of the Sun. He slowly smiled. “Princess Celestia, it is nice to see you again after such a long time.” “The pleasure is all mine, James.” She returned the smile. “But I’m afraid my reason to visit you is not a pleasant one.” She then told him about Twilight, his expression became serious. “I suspected she would miss me but I never thought it would become so bad. But if she needs me, so be it.” “But what about your work?” She asked with worry. “This won’t be a problem.” He replied and raised his arm, showing a miniature, portable, Terminal-like device on it. “Linda, I just got called to an urgent, important meeting, I need you to cover my absence.” He spoke into it. “Will do, commander!” A female voice replied. “That is convenient. Now, cover your eyes.” Celestia lit up her horn and a white light surrounded them. As he opened his eyes, he found himself on a big room, which he assumed belonged to Twilight’s castle. “Wait here.” The princess told him and left the room. A few moments later, it opened again and in a flash, a pink Earth pony stormed in, almost eye to eye as she looked at him with a smile. “I am Pinkie Pie and Welcome in Ponyville!” James forced a smile, knowing that she didn’t meant to be rude. “Pleased to meet you too, Pinkie Pie, but could you please step back?” She gave an embarrassed smile. “Of course, sorry, I forget this sometimes.” “It’s nice to see you again, James.” Twilight’s mother smiled as she walked in with the rest of the family. “Likewise.” He replied and bowed as he saw Princess Luna. “Your highness.” “Rise. It’s an honor to meet you, James.” “The honor is all mine.” He then took notice of several other ponies behind her, slowly, the shadows of several humans appeared, much to his surprise. Adults and children of both genders, one man was wearing Stormtrooper armor from Star Wars. They smiled at him. The man instantly recognized one of them, seeing the brown hair and green eyes. “Frank, I thought you were a goner at Stalingrad.” James said with a smile, although he was a bit confused to see him again. “Apparently not. It’s a long story though.” He quickly told his friend how he ended up in Equestria and the others made short introductions. While it was strange, James wasn’t exactly foreign to this, due to the Brony fandom having stories with humans in Equestria. He then made his way to Twilight. The purple unicorn sniffed and sobbed, missing the man who helped her when she was a foal. He had been years but despite her studies, he never forgot him. It knocked on the door. ”Please…leave me alone…” It opened regardless. “That’s not the Twilight I used to know.” Her ears twitched, she knew that voice. Getting up, she saw a man with blue eyes and blond hair, a round face, with a slightly muscular build leaning against the door, smiling at her. She blinked. “J-James? Is that really you?” She asked in disbelief. “In flesh and blood.” He replied. “JAMES!” He rammed into him for a hug, throwing him over. “I missed you so much!” He returned it. “I missed you too, Twily.” “We should celebrate this.” Pinkie suggested with tears of joy, causing both to grin. “Right on!” They all enjoyed the party, eating cake and other sweets, dancing. It made Twilight’s friends smile that she was finally reunited again with the man who helped her. She was fascinated by his story and that he had founded a PMC: Late in the evening, James walked out of the balcony, watching the sunset. “My old friend, can I ask you something?” Lange joined him with Twilight. “Shoot.” “Why did you become a mercenary? You always said you were a soldier. Both things are familiar, yet not the same.” Günther took a deep breath. “When the Bundeswehr was first founded, I served to protect my country from another devastating war, ready to defend it. Ironic was, when the Bundeswehr was founded, its officers and NCOs came almost without exception from the Wehrmacht - partly from the Waffen-SS. The latter the very man the allies tried to punish after the war was over. And that led that many of them could still do as they pleased, being unpunished or being corrupt. Also, the Basic Law stated that the Bundeswehr should under no circumstances operate within the Federal Republic. It was not until 1968 - the possibility of disasters in mind - with the emergency laws created the opportunity to use the Bundeswehr inside. A mistake, as it dangerous disasters, the military is sometimes the only hope. And many criticized the idea of a new military, thus we soldiers rarely saw respect, which hurt me. When I discovered the secret technologies, I knew at once they couldn’t be allowed to fall into the heads of the soviets. So I got the idea of the Harmonious Guard by using those technologies. Originally a militia that operated within the Federal Republic, it became known and respected, changed into the PMC it is today. I only pursue the goal to make the world safer, not for money.” He sighed. “When the regular emergency services are overwhelmed, the military must step in to help. But, after I served in the Bundeswehr, I wanted to leave the military behind, yet failed at weaning myself from the battlefield. Then I realized how I could solve this. An Army without a country. Providing military force for anyone who needs them, regardless of nations or ideologies. I help others to prevent sharing my fate.” Frank thought for a moment. “James, I must say, your idea of this…really suits you.” “Yes it does, you do what you’re best at, being a soldier.” Twilight smiled. In the next morning, Spike walked up to Jessie. “Mr. James, we never met but I want to give you my gratitude for helping Twilight back then.” The dragon said to him with a grateful expression. “I did only what was right, Spike.” As it was time for James to go home, Twilight asked him with worry, “Will I ever see you gain, to due your work?” She knew it was complicated. “Don’t worry, Twilight, I have a solution for this.” Luna said and levitated a small necklace that looked like the Elements of harmony into his hands. “This is a Heximal Pendant, it will allow you to travel to Equestria at any time. I modified it so that only you can use it and come back around the same time you left or with only a few minutes passed on Earth, in case there’s an emergency in your organization.” “Thank you, your highness.” He then gave Twily a goodbye hug. “I’ will visit you regularly, I‘ll promise.” “I will miss you, James! Goodbye.” She returned it before gently letting go and he pressed a button on the necklace, and he vanished in a white light. “I see you later, Daddy.” She spoke to herself, already eager to meet again, her friends smiled, proud that they helped her. This was a new era for all of them. An era they would enjoy, wondering how the future would be.