//------------------------------// // Waking Up Hurts // Story: Requiem For A Soldier // by Shieldheart204 //------------------------------// Waking Up Hurts. It was a day later that there was any sign of life from Shield Heart in Ponyville General. He groaned for a minute before fading back to limbo. His action had lifted the spirits of Shining Armor, Cadence and Twilight Sparkle, the only ones in his room awaiting his revival. The doctors had expected him to sleep for the rest of the week. An at nine o'clock, he finally came back to the real world. He sat upright in a violent fashion, thrashing about as if he had been injected with adrenaline. He got out of bed and headed for the door before anyone could stop him. But he didn't anticipate his left knee failing the second he put weight over it. Screaming, he fell down on the tile floor gripping his knee. He then took a moment to observe his surroundings. He never registered he was amongst humans, he had envisioned that he was either in the hands of changelings or in the wilderness. Shining rushed to pin him down, but the struggle was difficult, Shield was only slightly weaker. And his weak strength was complimented with agility. "Shield! It's me, Cadence! Don't you remember me?" Said the princess as she held his head toward hers. "Don't worry, you are fine and more importantly you are safe." Shield's face was similar to a lost child, innocent and trying to understand the world around him. He knew that his plan must have worked, committing suicide was the best option of getting back to life. "Am I in heaven?" He asked. "You're in Ponyville General, we had to rush you into ER when we found you outside Mount Horseshoe." Said Shining as he released his friend. "Oh good, I fainted after seeing that rainbow Valkyrie and thought that was the end of me. So she brought me here?" Shield got up after he had controlled his pain. He sat on the bed, knowing it was the most sensible thing to do. "What? No, Shining brought you here on his ATV. Rainbow just found you." Intervened Twilight. "So there was no Valkyrie nursing me back to health? Shame about that. I've always wanted that to happen. Thanks by the way, not that I don't appreciate the sentiment, I find it better to wake up in a hospital rather than in the woods. I just think it would have been cooler of a Valkyrie had done it, like in the legends of Antguard." Said the enforcer with a cheery tone, completely disregarding that he had just suffered an adrenaline jolt. Cadence giggled. "How typical of you! After being in a coma the first thing you decide to do is some lame joke!" "I know, but I needed your smile! It's been far too long. How are you Shining? When's your big wedding?" Said the patient. All three gave him a wired look. "Shield, the wedding was about a month ago. Didn't you get the invitation?" Broke out Shining. "You are one lucky bastard that I am crippled, otherwise I would have gone ninja on your ass! Of course I didn't get one! I would have confirmed it! Good Celestia!" He started saying gibberish, most of which struck Twilight as offensive. A nurse burst in, but was too stunned to speak. "Shy, relax! I'm sure the letter got lost or something! And don't worry about it, we still have the video. We'll watch it with Twilight." Said Cadence quickly. The nurse bolted out of the door, shouting for a doctor. Shield calmed down and smiled. "No problem. Sorry, it's just that I wanted to be there. I like the offer but I can't stay, I'll just grab my things and take the next train to Canterlot. I need to deliver something I got from the mines." He got up from bed and began limping. He took a moment to see that he was wearing underwear, a white shirt and boxers. "Oh, Luna!" Said Twilight while pointing to his arms. Cadence and Shining knew about it, but since Shield revealed his head while in bed everyone could see his true form. His wrists sported a black never ending knot tattoo. His right forearm was marked with a long, thin scar coated in dried blood. His shoulder was tattooed with a red howling wolf. The left forearm had several burn marks and a small scratch joined by stitching. "Oh you mean this?" Said Shield casually while pointing to his arms. "Yeah, being a Commissioner has its downsides. The scars I got them while on the job. Usually I heal them, but the ones in my body are souvenirs of missions past." He swallowed. "Anyway, I need my clothes, I really have to get going. How long was I out anyways? And where is the nearest pizza place, I'm starving!" "Three days. It's the twenty third of May." Said Shining. "And there have been no letters from the Equestrian Guard? I was supposed to finish two days ago! I usually take only one day to do a job, why aren't they worried?" "Because you are you! No one has had the need to worry about you for months! Your jobs are always done, no matter the time." Shining was calm, despite his friend having anger issues. "Oh, really? Well then, guess I should just send the medallion via mail and ask for vacations. I think I could use some time exploring Ponyville. Where are my glasses? And where the hell are my clothes? I can't go out like this!" He protested. "I'm sorry Shield, but your clothes were a mess. I sent your duster and pants to be fixed, but your shirt was a lost cause, put these on and we'll go get you some new ones." Answered Cadence as she showed him a pair of tan trousers, a black t-shirt, and grey shoes. "Also, we couldn't find your glasses, sorry about that." He looked somewhat unconvinced, but said. "Thanks, I never expected you would have anticipated this. Hell, I never expected this to happen." He grabbed the clothes and headed for the bathroom. Some minutes later he was dressed and ready to go. "Where's my stuff?" He asked. "Your backpack is right here but your harnesses, guns, and swords are in our room." Said Shining. "Okay, so long as they aren't damaged all should be fine. " Said Shield as he went for his backpack and took out a small case, which had a pair of thin-framed silver glasses. He also removed his wallet, black cellphone and a stocky, fifty seven pistol. He removed the clip "Hello Maria." He said and checked it back in. He cocked the weapon and put it in his back, he later untucked his shirt to hide it. "What's that for?" Asked Twilight. "You don't need weapons in Ponyville. It's a rather peaceful town." "Sorry, but when you've had a life like mine, it never hurts to be armed." He said. He started limping out the door but was stopped by the doctor. "I'm sorry sir, but you can't leave. We want to keep you in check for another day." "Sorry Doctor Feel Good, but I have to skip check-up. I really got to get going. I've never been to Ponyville before and I want to spend some time relaxing. Don't worry about the paperwork, I'll pay my bills." "But..." Continued the doctor but was silenced by Shield. "Don't worry doc, if you want I can later submit myself to tests concerning my healing coma." He said. The doctor seemed to like it, since he stepped aside with a smile. Once Shield had made a check to the hospital for ten thousand bits, he proceeded outside using Shining as his crutch. "How did you know the doctor wanted to study you?" Asked Twilight. "He's not the first one to be impressed by my regeneration." "You know what?" Asked Shield as they passed through City Hall. "I really should get me a walking stick. This is getting embarrassing." "How come your coma didn't heal your knee?" Asked Twilight as they passed Sugarcube Corner. "I cant really control what my healing coma fixes first. Usually it goes for top priorities, like organs, arms and brain. After forty-eight hours my coma ends and any non-essential parts, like my knees, don't regenerate." "How does your mind prioritize body parts?" "Usually it depends on what I know. I know that there is a brace that will allow me to walk like regular people, so with that in my memories my legs are left at the bottom." Inside the Waltz Walker shop, home to all sorts of walking sticks. Shield browsed through several canes, occasionally swinging them like swords. He finally settled for an oak cane with a silver pommel. He also purchased a black cane trimmed with gold for formal occasions and a plastic one as a spare. He also purchased a yew walking staff, indicating that he liked hiking and he needed one. Their next stop was Casual Corner, their shop for everyday clothes. Twilight left saying she had to continue studying the history of the Commissioners. Cadence bought her friend a pair of jeans, a black long-sleeved shirt and two t-shirts. He decided to wear the shirt that covered his arms, no need to attract unnecessary attention. For a traveller he was well off, carrying large amounts of cash with him. Afterwards they went to the Pizza Parlor, after Shield's constant begging. He ordered a large Pepperoni pizza for himself, and a vegetarian for his friends. "You can put me to sleep for as long as you like, but you can never separate me from my pepperoni." He said childishly. Shining began eating the vegetable-infested dish, but stole a slice the second his wife looked away to see the kids playing in the arcade. "So where is the nearest hotel?" He asked as he grabbed another slice of pepperoni. "I'll need somewhere to sleep while I buy a house here." "Sadly, there's only one inn. And it's at full capacity right now. I was thinking of leaving you with one of Twilight's friends." Answered Cadence, which earned her a weird look from her spouse. "That won't be necessary. I could camp out in the edge of the forest. Last thing I want is to bother some poor stranger." "Oh, I'm sure they wouldn't mind having you. Anyway, I want you with someone who can watch over you in case you get sick again." Said Cadence. "Also, why do you want to buy a house? You usually travel around the world." Said Shining. "That's cuz I like having safe houses all over Equestria. I am only missing Hollow Shades, Tall Tale and here. And this place looks peaceful enough, I might even turn it into a vacation home." Said the soldier with glee. "So you're just looking for a small home so you can occasionally come here?" Asked the Captain. "Yeah, pretty much. I always like having a home everywhere I go. What about you two lovebirds? Will you move to raise a family?" "We were debating just that the moment we saw your tower of smoke." Said Shining. Shield looked embarrassed. "Really? Sorry about that." "No! That was actually a good thing! If not for you, we would probably have had our first fight. Thanks to you we have been so busy that we had forgotten about it!" Intervened Cadence. "So what is your opinion?" "I can't have an opinion yet, I've been conscious for five hours. And most of that time was spent shopping." "So what would you say if we strolled around town?" Suggested Cadence. "That's not a bad idea, I could go real estate hunting while I'm at it." "Perfect! Then come along! There is much to show you and not enough time." After paying for the pizza they began touring the market. Shield was charmed by the rustic and peaceful ambient that Ponyville gave, although walking with a cane was difficult on this rocky road. Everyone was kind, offering samples of their goods and offering bargains. Most struck Shield as cheap, the usual buy one get one off, the two-for-one special, buy this get that free, the usual discounts. One offer that made Shield's heart melt was a combo consisting of a dozen maple donuts and a liter of vanilla milkshake. Before he could take out his wallet his sister stopped him. "No Shield, if you eat all of that you'll get fat!" She explained. "So what? This is a large beauty we're talking about! You never see this type of offer anywhere and my exercise regime does allow it." He protested as he paid for his dessert. "Fine, but when you roll on the ground because of the excess fat don't come crying to me." He ignored her and offered one to Shining who refused politely until his wife went on ahead. Afterwards the captain accepted the offer and ate it before anyone could notice. Shield put the donut box in his backpack, hoping they wouldn't be mashed. He kept his large milkshake on his special beverage holster. Shield's attention was caught by a beautiful woman clad in a white blouse and a black miniskirt. Her deep blue shiny hair was carefully groomed to look wavy. She turned around and noticed the princess first. "Why hello princess how is your day going?" She said in a melodious voice. "Very good actually, might I present you my friend..." Started Cadence. "Enforcer Shield Heart at your service milady." Quickly followed the officer as he grabbed her hand and kissed it. "It is a pleasure to meet you, I'm Rarity. So you are the friend that caused such a disaster two days ago?" Shield felt terrible, but regained himself. "As unfortunate as it is, yes. The life of a commissioner is a harsh one and I cannot control every situation. My mission went on as planned but created... Difficulties afterwards." "Well, I think no one blames you for what happened." "I know, but it still feels embarrassing that I need help." "We all need help in this life." "I must concede with that." "But enough about problems, would you like to accompany me to my shop? There are certain things I would like to discus about your attire." Shield looked at himself, and looked back at her with bewilderment. "What's wrong with these?" The woman giggled. "No silly, I meant your previous clothes. Your crimson jacket and your black pants, your friend asked me to repair them for you." Shield sighed. "Oh thank heavens, for a second I thought you were going to fight me about being unfashionable." Rarity snickered. "Why do people assume I will critique their dress code?" Shield quickly retracted. "Wait, no sorry I said that. It's just that I am used to people bothering me about not using their dress code and..." "You do not have to worry, I think I understand. Now if you will follow me?" She extended her hand. And Shield grabbed it. "You two doves coming?" He asked. "No, we have to go back to our room and pick up something." Said Shining. "Very well, we go!" He said in a staccato voice. He and his new friend began walking away. "So what can you tell me about yourself?" Asked Rarity. "Really not much to tell, was born and raised in Canterlot. Grew up to be a Guard but quit when I lost the duel against Shining Armor. I still had good fighting abilities, so I joined the Equestrian Commissioners. I travelled abroad for four years, through Great Bridle, Prance, Germaneigh, Gallopfrey, the Hooviet Union, Boardor..." He said. "I can imagine more than one topic coming from those places." "They aren't exactly happy trails. Most involve me doing suicidal stuff that endangers everyone." "So you are more of an active person?" "You could say that." "I'm sure you have plenty of exciting adventures to talk about." They passed in front of the schoolhouse as the bell rang. The grounds we flooded with kids of all ages. "I hope you don't mind of we pick my sister up from school." said Rarity. "Of course not! It would be my pleasure to escort both you and your sister." A girl with a white shirt and denim overalls skipped toward them. Her purple and pink hair bounced like cotton candy as she skipped toward them. Her skips were full of happiness, and her school bag was bursting with books. "Hi Rarity!" She said. She stared at Shield for a while. "Who's he?" She asked her sister. "He's a friend of Shining''s." "The name's Shield Heart." He bowed. "Is he your date? I thought you were after Fancy Pants." Asked the youth to Rarity, who giggled nervously. Shield entered the argument. "I'm not your sister's date, I am merely a friend." "Why do you have a cane?" "Sweetie Bell! Stop pestering the man!" Scolded Rarity. "Oh she's not pestering! It's okay for people to ask me about my handicap." He interrupted. "You see Sweetie, I need this cane because my left knee is damaged." "How did that happen?" "I fell from a tree three meters high and made a bad landing after I escaped some trolls inside Mount Horseshoe. Now I suggest you come with us if you want to hear the full story." Responded Shield. Sweetie Bell dropped her jaw for a minute, then urged them to move. "So..." Said Shield as he broke the silence. "You know Fancy Pants." "Well of course! A woman in my sort of career must be aquatinted with all sorts of people." "But you spent all your time talking to him during the wedding party." Said Sweetie Bell. "I was discussing several business propositions with him, I wanted him to sponsor my new fashion line." Retorted Rarity. "I suppose you are referring to Shining Armor and Cadence's wedding." Said Shield. "Why yes, that wedding was just marvelous. I had a splendid time, how about you?" "I wasn't invited, not that I would have gone if I was. I hate weddings. I may have gone just because it's them, but I don't usually go to weddings." "Why not?" "Because I loathe being around nobles. Those stuck-up narcissistic, hedonistic devils. I despise having to be near them, they only talk about superficial stuff. The latest fashion, the newest partnership, the divorce, who looks good, who looks bad, the list goes on. They never bother in finding out about their world." He complained. "Oh pish posh! I know a lot of nobles that are concerned about the well being of this nation!" "I wish they would express their concerns when I'm around, because that would make for interesting topics in the Grand Galloping Gala." "Maybe they feel uncomfortable talking about serious subjects when in a happy environment." "That didn't stop Fancy Pants from being a worthy opponent. That guy is one of the few nobles that have earned my respect." "I know, he is one of the few gentlemen left." "Yeah, that's why there's a fan club just for him." "Really? I never would have guessed." "That's because he has asked them to keep it secret, and curiously enough they respect his petition." "It does make sense, no one wants to be surrounded by noisy teenagers every time you arrive to a new city." "Yes, but he does spend a day with them. That is rare for a celebrity, most just simply take a photo with one or two and moves on. Is this your store?" Rarity noticed that during their discussion they had arrived to Carousel Boutique. The blue and white store was looking a little dirty, not good for her image, she was going to need help cleaning it. "Of course it is! This is the bestest store in all of Ponyville!" Burst out Sweetie Bell. Shield quickened his pace and went for the door, he tried opening it but noticed it was locked. "Hold on just one minute." Said Rarity as she went for her black leather purse. A second later she managed to find the brass key. Fitting it through the slot, she twisted the lock and Shield opened the door. "Would you be so kind as to give me a minute to tidy up the place?" "I cannot argue against a lady, but I really don't mind the mess." "You are so kind, I promise I won't take long." "No need to worry, it's better to take an hour to create a masterpiece that a second for a decent job." "Believe me, I never take long." Rarity said as she quickly closed the door. Shield turned his attention to the girl next to him. Her smile was getting contagious, and for once he was happy about it. It had been weeks since he last had any sort of fun, and children had always brought joy. "So..." He began. "How was your day at school?" "It was fine, we started learning basic multiplications but then continued with history." "You don't like math?" "Well, no. It's really hard to understand the use of numbers in my life when I want to become a dressmaker like my sister." "Maybe you're having trouble understanding it. I never thought I would need math as a Commissioner, but truth is numbers are everywhere. So I could help you if you want." "What's a commissioner?" Asked Sweetie Bell. "They haven't taught you about Equestrian Security Organizations? How old are you anyways?" "Ten years old." "Na, you're too young to..." Shield couldn't finish his sentence because someone landed right in front of him. She was wearing a cyan tank top, black hot pants and white sneakers, her wings were the same color as her shirt. Shield immediately went for his pistol and pointed it at her head. More than one person had tried this tactic and he wasn't about to low his guard. When the rainbow-haired woman saw the trouble she was in she jumped back. "What the heck!" She exclaimed. Shield withdrew his gun when his brain recognized her as he Valkyrie that spotted him. She looked very tomboyish, so he knew that enraging her wouldn't be a good idea. "Sorry about that, my instincts kicked in when you landed near me. Lots of Seraphs have tried sneaking up on me just like you did." He said. "I wasn't trying to sneak up on you! I was just coming to visit my friend Rarity." She protested. "I know, and it was not correct of me to assume it. If you did want to harm me you would have left me to die." He replied as he tucked his weapon behind his back. "Oh right, you're that guy I found bleeding out in front of the cave. What were you doing there anyways?" "I was tasked with retrieving the Lunar Medallion, an ancient artifact of great power. At least that's what they said. But I ended up fighting goblins, changelings and ten trolls." He said casually. "Why?" "Because it was Monday and I was bored. Commissioners can accept or deny missions outside their city." Rainbow Dash scoffed. "Really? That casual? You go on adventures out of boredom?" Sweetie Bell raised her hand. "What is it?" Asked Shield. "Where are you from?" "I was born and raised in Canterlot, but I'm stationed at Vanhoover." "Vanhoover? Really? What do you guys do for fun?" Asked Rainbow. "Just the usual, chess, reading, snow angels..." Rainbow puffed in disagreement. "That's egghead fun, I meant real fun, sports and stuff." Shield looked upset. "I was getting to that. We have snow boarding, hockey, Yetiback riding..." "You have what?" Rainbow said in amazement. "Yeah, it's quite poplar. And it is also ridiculously dangerous. One wrong move and you are either stuck on a tree or the yeti has launched you off a cliff. We also have snow horseback riding for regular people." Rarity opened the door and said in her musical voice: "Come In!" The three people standing outside obeyed first entered Sweetie Bell, then after a brief debate, Rainbow Dash. Like all Gentlemen, Shield entered last. The Commissioner was surprised about the sheer beauty of the shop, actually he wasn't sure he was in a commercial building. Every single piece of clothing was ordered in such a fashion that it looked like the racks to the left were spewing every single color in the light spectrum and the right was similar, but in a greyscale rather than the polychromatic spectrum. I welcome you to Carrousel Boutique, where everything is Chick Fit and Magnifique! Thee shop had several purple pedestals with white walls and gold-framed mirrors. "Wow, I've been to many stores, but never have I laid eyes upon such a work of art!" He exclaimed. Rarity blushed. "Oh, I'm sure you say that at every store. I only keep the place looking tidy, but I cannot consider it art." "I have seen museums that are ugly compared to this." Rainbow Dash signaled her boredom by groaning loudly as she sat on a scarlet couch, her muddy shoes staining the golden legs. "What can I help you with Rainbow?" Grunted Rarity with displeasure. "I need to give you a message." The tomboy turned her head and glared at the cripple. "So what is it?" He responded. "Not you, it's for her." Rarity quickly dragged Rainbow to the back of the store, muttering something Shield decided not to comprehend. "Do not worry, I'll be back shortly with your coat." She said. Shield went for his donut box and placed it in one of the pedestals. "Want one?" He asked the girl. With a smile she accepted. A couple of second later Rarity exited the back room, but Rainbow Dash was nowhere to be seen. On the seamstress's hands was a folded crimson coat. "Here is your coat, I just fixed it with magic, but I can fully repair it if you want." She said. Shield grabbed it and put it on. He noticed that it was clean, but a sprinkled with green changeling blood. The hole on his side was united with magic, no stitching was present. He had to admit it was fine work. "You did an excellent job, shame about the changeling blood." He said. His hand glowed with crimson as he passed his hand over the green freckles. Instantly they evaporated. "How did you do that?" Asked the seamstress with surprise. "It's an old trick a friend showed me, by using a special spell you can grab all the chemicals from blood and burn them. He taught it to me because he liked my coat." "Very interesting, maybe you could teach me that spell later." "Of course! I need to repay you somehow for this marvelous job." "Oh, it was nothing. Really." Responded Rarity. Shield began searching through his inside pockets. From his right side he pulled put a damaged silver medallion. "I went to a coma for this baby." Said Shield as he stretched the leather necklace. "It looks ugly." Answered Sweetie Bell. "Sweetie! Be polite! This object means a lot to the man." Scolded Rarity. "Nah, it's alright, it does look bad. You didn't touch it did you?" He said worried. "Of course not, that is your property. Why would I ever touch it?" Shield sighed. "Good, because this thing was hidden inside the largest double chin I have ever seen and sweat is not good for silver." Both women showed how grossed out they were by simultaneously saying "Ewww." "Yeah, ew." He replied as he put it back in his pocket. "I thank you for your hospitality, but I need to be off." "You're going away so soon? I thought you said you were going to help me with my math homework?" That hit home. Shield couldn't resist those eyes, those gigantic, watery green eyes. Every fiber of his mind was punishing him for wanting to refuse, but time was wasting. He needed to find a house before sundown so he could call in the furniture as soon as possible. "Of course I'll help you! Where can we start?" He exclaimed with enthusiasm. "Really? Thanks, thanks , thanks!" Cheered on Sweetie. "But first you must eat. If you would please excuse us sir, we need to speak in private." Intervened Rarity. "There is no problem, I will show myself out." Shield said as he walked out the door. He was relieved to be free of tutoring, not that he didn't like it but he needed to find a safe-house as soon as possible. Outside the shop Cadence and Shining were waiting for him, and Shining was wearing his harnesses and weapons.