Steve and a couple of guards were the only passengers on the train to Canterlot. It was a pretty long ride, so Steve decided to continue reading the newspaper he had. He decided to read the other aspects of life, like sports.
Chelsea FC Beat Manechester City 1-0 to Take Home the Champions League
In the 42’ a brilliant ball was played through the Mane City defense. Kai Hoofertz rounded the keeper and slid it into the open net.
That was the top headline. He continued reading. The Trail Blazers beat the Nuggets 115-95 in basketball. The Golden Knights beat the Wild 6-2 to win the series and advance in hockey. He enjoyed most ball sports. He was particularly good at baseball, but he, also, enjoyed basketball and soccer. He didn’t really see the point of getting injured while playing football so he didn’t really get into it. He enjoyed sports as they took his mind off most things.
“Maybe someday I’ll get to play again.” He told himself.
“Sir,” one of the guards said, “we’re here.”
“Okay.” Was all Steve said. He put away the newspaper and prepared to get down. The train came to a screeching halt. Steve and the guards all rose from their seats. They walked out of the exit leaving the train behind. That’s when Steve got a good look at what was happening. There were protestors, hundreds of them.
“What’s happening?” Steve asked one of the guards.
“They’re protesting.” He answered.
“What are they protesting?” Steve inquired further.
“You.” The guard simply responded. Steve immediately understood what was happening. He sighed before beginning to walk towards the castle.
“Now I know why Celestia insisted on having this many guards escort me.” He said under his breath.
“What the bucking hell were you thinking?!?!” Stone shouted angrily at Iron Wings.
“I was just saying what I thought of the creature.” She responded in a timid defensive tone. “I didn’t expect for this to happen.”
“That’s why you think ahead!” He yelled once more. “So you don’t cause a catastrophic clusterbuck!” He continued.
“Hey, I had all the right to say that.” She defended. “He literally knocked out Hawk Eye.”
“And he apologized for it already!” Stone continued to shout.
“Stone,” the Corporal said in a calm voice, “I get that you’re mad, but I don’t think-.” She was cut off.
“Corporal,” Stone said, “imagine if you woke up in a new world, and, for the first two months, you have to fight off all intelligent life coming at you, and when you finally make friends with them, when there’s finally peace, when you can finally rest, some idiot,” he said looking at Iron Wings, “decides to come out and try and put you back in the same position you were in when you started. Imagine that. That’s what Steve is going through.” He said. “Why don’t you try and imagine that Iron Wings?”
Iron Wings and the Corporal stared at him for a long second. Stone took a deep breath. “You’re both dismissed. We’ll continue later.”
The two mares nodded and left Stone alone. He looked out the window at the hundreds of ponies outside.
“I’m sorry, Steve.” Was all he said.
Steve walked into Celestia’s quarters. They were pretty big for just one pony. There he could see the captain, Corporal, and lieutenant sitting around a table. He walked over to the chair and took a seat.
“You know when you said a surprising amount of backlash, I didn’t expect that much.” He said as he sat down.
“Yes, we didn’t expect that much either.” Celestia said. “Speaking of which, we have to do something about it.”
“We could hold another press conference.” The Corporal suggested.
“That probably wouldn’t work.” The captain said. “Because the protests started after the first one.”
“I’ve got an idea.” Steve said.
“What is it?” Celestia asked.
“Let me ask you this, how do you kill a snake?” He smirked.
“By cutting off its head.” Stone said in a tone of realization. “I’m going to assume we all know who the had is?” He asked in a questioning tone.
“Who is it?” Celestia asked.
“Iron Wings.” Steve said, tossing a newspaper to her. “Private First Class in the 10th Platoon.”
“I see.” She responded reading the article.
“I already talked to her this morning.” Stone said.
“Well, then let’s talk to her again.” Steve responded.
“Yeah.” The captain agreed.
“Lieutenant, please try and keep calm.” The Corporal said.
“So, this is her room?” Steve said.
“Yep.” Stone answered. “Room 215 on building 2.”
“Hopefully. Otherwise this move would be pretty awkward.” Steve said.
“What mo-?” Celestia tried to ask.
“FBI! Open up!” Steve yelled before kicking the door open.
“Jeez, chill out.” Stone said. “I already had the key.”
“That would have been good to know.” Steve said.
“What the buck is going on?!?!” A male voice shouted.
“Hawk Eye.” Stone started. “Where the buck is your partner?”
“Me?” Someone asked from the top bunk.
“Yes, you, dumbass.” The lieutenant said. “Who else was I talking about? Get down here.”
“Yes, sir.” She tried to quickly climb down the ladder, but tripped on the second step, and fell on the floor. Steve couldn’t help but laugh, and he heard a small chuckle come from behind him.
“Listen Iron Wings,” Stone started, “you’ve tarnished Steve’s image, so we decided it would only seem right for him to talk to you.”
“Wait, what?” She asked.
“Hey, wassup?” He said as he stepped forwards.
“You.” She snarled.
“Lieutenant, captain, Corporal, and Princess. Would you mind giving us some time alone?”
“Not at all.” Celestia said. She signaled for them to exit the room. Steve saw Hawk Eye following them.
“Not you.” He said. Steve needed him to stay. He had a hunch that he needed confirmation of.
“O-okay.” The stallion said.
“Now, Iron Wings, why do you hate me?” Steve started.
“Because of everything you did to me and my fellow guards!” She yelled angrily at him.
“Well, you don’t see anyone else getting mad at me for that. Stone wasn’t ecstatic when we first finally talked, but he had enough of a brain to figure out what happened. The Corporal and captain both hated my guts, but now we’re as close as friends. What’s up with you?” Steve replied. “If I recall, didn’t you have a beef with me day one?”
“Buck yeah.” She said. “You straight up knocked my partner out. Why wouldn’t I?” She said.
“And why were you pissed about me knocking your partner out?” Steve inquired further.
“Because he’s my partner, and I care about him.” She said.
“So? Luna was Celestia’s sister and even though I knocked her the fuck out, Celestia isn’t holding that against me. Why are you? Is it because you’re closer than partners?” Steve questioned. “Maybe even closer than best friends?” Steve asked as he smirked.
Iron Wings looked over at Hawk Eye who wasn’t really paying attention to their conversation.
“Okay, listen.” She whispered. “You got me. I like Hawk Eye. But please don’t tell him.” She looked at him with pleading eyes.
“No I’m gonna tell him.” Steve said.
“Don’t.” She pleaded further.
“Don’t worry. I’ve got this just trust me.” Steve said.
“What do you think is going on in there?” Stone asked.
“Maybe-.” The Corporal tried to say.
“I did it!” Steve yelled out. “I’m a genius!”
“What happened?” Stone asked.
“It’s getting late. I’ll tell you on the way to the train station.” Steve said.
They walked to the train station as Steve told them about what happened. He had learned that not only did Iron Wings like Hawk Eye, but Hawk Eye liked Iron Wings, too, which the surprised the mare.
“But then Hawk Eye fell over and almost crushed her.” Steve laughed. “They didn’t give a shit. They just continued kissing. I took that opportunity to get the fuck out of there.” Steve said. They had arrived at the train station and were just waiting for the train to arrive.
“Well, it’s good to hear you’ve finally deescalated tensions between you two.” Celestia said. The train pulled into the station.
“Well, goodbye guys.” Steve said. “I’ll see you all later.” They all said their goodbyes and watched as Steve got on the train.