//------------------------------// // We Always Need a Place to Call Home // Story: Requiem For A Soldier // by Shieldheart204 //------------------------------// We Always Need A Place To Call Home "Look at me! I'm an irresponsible killing machine!" Joked Shining Armor as he danced around, the weapons dangling with him. "Haha, real funny Shine, can I have those back now?" Retorted Shield. With a laugh Shining began undoing the straps. "Of course! I just couldn't resist doing that." He carefully handed over the leather holsters. "Yeah, I'm sure of it." Shield dropped his backpack and began strapping himself. He felt good with Riot, Maggie and all his weapons with him. He put Maria in a new holster opposite of Arby. "So have you seen any houses?" Asked Cadence. "Nope. I spent my time going to school, then debating with the charming woman named Rarity, after that I was almost crushed by a flier with rainbow hair." Shield began walking toward the town center, but Cadence put a hand on his shoulder. "Come with us." She said with a smile. Shield obliged, and after some walking they were on front of what Shield could describe as a dream safe house. It was a Germanic two-story building with a thatched roof, much like the rest of the structures in this town. What made it perfect was that it was at the edge of town, with the dark creepy forest lying in the horizon. This way he could practice shooting or other stuff and not worry about bothering neighbors. "I love it!" He said as he rushed into the house. The sign that mentioned the sale showed only one telephone number. Shield went for his cell but stopped when an elderly man, about seventy years old with white hair and some blisters, stepped out. "Excuse me sir, by any chance are you the owner of this adobe?" He asked. The elder took a couple of seconds to respond. "Yes, this house is mine. What about it?" "I was hoping to buy this house. And I believe that if I wish to acquire it I should be asking you." "Well, yes, but I am afraid you are too late. Filthy Rich offered me twenty thousand bits just now." Said the elder coldly. "And I believe that I cannot make a counteroffer for double, am I right?" "I am truly sorry, but I already made the deal. And I never back down from a deal." "Of course not, it is a matter of honor. Where can I meet the man so that I may discuss the property." "I am here, who is looking for me?" Said a well-dressed man. Shield stepped forward. "I did sir. I wish to buy this house." "Well I am sorry to say that I do not plan on selling this property, you see I had planned to build an apartment tower." "I am willing to give you double of what you paid for." "I am intrigued, but I will have to refuse. I have been waiting for a long time for this property to become available. There is no way I am willing to sell..." Filthy Rich stopped when he was handed a check for fifty thousand bits. "Is this genuine?" "Of course sir, I am willing to offer that much money for this house. And I think it would be the wisest." Claimed Shield with a smug grin. "And why is that?" "It will take you a month at least to tear down this house, four or five to build a four-apartment complex, six to twelve for an eight-apartment building. The total investment will be about a million bits, at least twice if you want anything worthy of rent. Also, the town has too much of a rustic style for anything larger than four stories. Third of all this property is at the edge of the Everfree Forest, which is known to house several monsters. That right there is bad publicity. I am offering you two point five times more than what you paid." Shield finished with a smile. The man tousled through his hair, thinking. After two minutes he nodded. "You have convinced me sir, I shall give you the deed tomorrow. First I have to get it. Are you alright with noon?" "Of course sir. We will meet here at noon. And just to know, does it have a basement?" The old man responded. "It does have a cellar which is about as large as the house, why?" "Just curious. Have a good day." Shield left, reaching for his cellphone. With two presses he began calling. "Hey Gun Nut wazzup? I'm fine how 'bout you? That's awesome, listen I need you to bring me some stuff to Ponyville. Yeah it's the Safe Package, also bring me a Speed Package with Pabu. And one last thing, I need a Knee Care Package. I'll explain later. Think you can that stuff by tomorrow afternoon? Excellent I'll see you later. Bye." And Shield hung up. "What was that about?" Asked a bewildered Cadence. "Nothing, I just need some stuff from the Commission in order to have an official safe house." "Fine, but I hope you don't cause trouble here. It's a peaceful town and the last thing they need is you causing problems." "If I do anything it will be provide safety for this town." "How about we forget about that and go stroll around town. Who likes my idea?" Broke out Shining Armor. Cadence accepted. Shield was reluctant at first, but he gave in. "Good, now let's climb aboard my ATV and let's get going." Shining said as he rushed to his parked vehicle and started its engine. Much to Shield's surprise, it was outfitted with what he called 'the couch'. It was a fabric seat connected to the back of the motorcycle via a steel frame. It was made to be detachable, in favor of versatility. "I'll drive, you two lovebirds climb on back and think of this as a romantic cruise." Said Shield as he shoved Shining back. "So where are we going?" "We're going to Sugarcube Corner. Just keep driving, we'll tell you when to turn." Instructed Cadence as she kissed her knight. Shield revved the engine and took off. It was afternoon when they arrived at their sweet destination, but Shield was acting weird. He got off the motorbike and quickly glued himself below a window. He stood still for a moment and sneaked to the wall. Cadence opened her mouth, but her friend shot his hand upward to silence her. She lost it as soon as he went for his pistol on his right side. She jumped out of the seat and dashed against him. "What is wrong with you?" She asked him quietly. "There are people hiding behind the entrance, and I have been ambushed more than once that way." He responded quietly. He couldn't defend himself from the following blow to his head. "What was that for?" "Stop being so paranoid. There a kids here and the last they need is to see you threaten them with a gun." She responded with anger. "But what if it is an ambush? What if some junkie is trying to kill me?" He whispered. He received another slap on his head. "The only one who wants to kill you is me for acting ridiculous!" Hissed the princess. Shining got down from the love seat and entered the building. Shield followed close behind him, his senses on edge. He had revised several scenarios, from plausible stick-up to the downright ridiculous spawning of enemies from the couch. What he got was the surprise from six women and three girls hidden behind the furniture shouting. "Surprise!" "Oh, he's too stunned to speak!" Said a pink haired girl. Shield was three milliseconds from shooting her with Crimson and Silver. He didn't do this because he managed to recognize Twilight, miss Rarity and Rainbow Dash (or at least that's what he thought her name was) he also saw Sweetie Bell next to two of her friends. The unknown faces were friendly enough. Next to the pink haired girl was a blonde. Shield deduced she was a farmer based on her clothing, a red plaid shirt and jeans, and her brown hat. Next to the cowgirl was a child about as old as Sweetie bell, her red hair flowing down and her yellow dress making her stand out from the woman next to her. Off in the distance, concealed between the wooden pillars was another woman. It was hard to make out her features, Shield only managed to see her pink hair and relatively small frame. She stuck to the shadows, rarely popping her head out. In front of her was the rainbow crash, and another young girl below her arms. Both looked like the perfect tomboys, each wearing sporty clothes and letting their hair roam wildly. Only the girl had purple long hair while the multicolored aviator had, well, lots of colors. He already knew Twilight Sparkle, who was wearing her usual white shirt and checkered violet skirt, it was hard not to. Being the most talked about woman in Canterlot for being the most mysterious, reclusive and rare woman. She was never seen outside the library, and it was rumored that she never slept. At all. And there was also the fact that she was Shining's younger sister. "What is this..." He said confused. "Well duh! It's a surprise welcome party for you stranger!" Said the cheery girl in pink. "A surprise party, huh." huffed Shield. "It's been a long time since anyone threw me one of those, and last party it didn't end well." "Well then get ready to party Ponyville style!" Said the girl as she turned on the stereo. The classic rock the entire room as all women approached him. He backed away, not because he was scared of them but, because looked more like a harem from his perspective. Fortunately they were headed for the dance floor. With a sigh he retreated to the nearest chair. When he looked around he noticed Shining and Cadence had left, probably during the commotion. He noticed a tray of delicious muffins laying next to him. After some minutes of dancing Twilight Sparkle approached him and sat on a chair opposite. "Are you enjoying the party?" "Yeah, but it's a shame about my leg. If I could walk I would be hitting the dance floor, but alas, I cannot move properly until tomorrow." He exclaimed as he ate a muffin. To his surprise it wasn't just vanilla, it also had a delicious hazelnut cream center. "Are you going to the doctor tomorrow?" She asked puzzled. "What? Heck no, I will avoid going to the doctor for as long as possible. I meant that my leg brace will arrive tomorrow. With that I'll be able to walk normally again." "Really? I believed that you would need to adapt to the cane." "If it weren't for my healthcare program I would need to. But because I have so much money I can set up a safe house and also manage to buy the brace." "Did you find any suitable candidate homes?" "As a matter of fact I already bought one. They'll give me the deed tomorrow." "Really? And where is it? If you don't mind my asking." "Not at all, you have every right to know where my safe house will be. It's at the edge of town, near that dark and creepy forest and west of your friend Rarity's dress shop." "Doesn't it bug you that you live next to the Everfree forest?" She asked worried. "That's what it's called? Nah, I was once forced to sleep in the middle of a forest with a pack of hungry, rabid manticores closing in on us. I managed to wake up with enough time to place traps and murder every single one of them before they could touch me." He said with glee, earning him a gasp from the librarian. "Probably shouldn't have said that." He mumbled. "That's horrible! Why would you do that?" She asked. "The pack had gone feral and was threatening Hollow Shades, I really didn't have a choice. They made nice coats though. I even made a profit from them." He justified. "How about we change the subject?" "That is an idea befitting of the princess's student. Ask me anything, I am an open book." "Alright." Said Twilight as she settled on her chair. She signaled her friends and they stopped dancing, gathering around the soldier. The young girls sat in front of him, while the five women grabbed chairs and stared at him. "How about you tell us of your mission in Mount Horseshoe?" Said Twilight Sparkle. "Oh Celestia, you had to ask that? Well, it is obviously the trendy subject. Allow me to begin my tale." He started explaining his mission, how he entered the offices, how he jumped on the mine cart, and how he escaped from the cave-in. He made sure to emphasize the evilness of the goblins and his escape, otherwise he would have to sneak into town in the future. The younger girls asked him if he had a hunter Cutie Mark, but he avoided digressing. When he finished telling about his poisonous trap, but left out the part that it destroyed their lungs with mustard gas, he stopped for a moment. He noticed that the shy woman was terrified of him, but the rest had a slightly stronger stomach. The kids were glued to him, waiting for him to continue as if he were some sort of action film. He started talking about the changelings and that drew even more attention. After he revealed his fight against him he noticed Twilight was distressed. "Is there a problem?" He asked. "I don't get it, we defeated the changelings a month ago. How could they have managed to indoctrinate an entire clan in such a short time?" She responded. "Well, goblins are weak creatures, so it comes to no surprise to hear this. But they must have been planning this for some time. A good general always has a plan B. Where did you fight them anyways?" "Canterlot, the changeling queen replaced Cadence and drained my brother of power. They nearly succeeded if it weren't for Cadence." "So that's what the changeling meant. Wow will you look at the time, I need to write my report!" He said as he grabbed his cane and stood up. It was six o'clock, narrating his tale seemed to have taken some time. Fortunately for him, Shining arrived just as he was about to leave. "Hey man, can I talk to you for a second? In private." Asked the blue-haired knight. Shield was puzzled, but relieved. He had found the perfect alibi. "Yeah sure, lets take another stroll." Shield stretched his hand and used Telekinesis to grab two more of those delicious muffins. He offered one to his friend, but he declined. "Sure man? You won't get this offer again." Shield said. Shining took five seconds to accept the gift. "Thanks, Cadence has gotten paranoid, saying that if I don't keep a diet I'll lose my position." "Ha! Like that'll ever happen. If not even I could best you, who could?" "Hey Shield, I need to talk to you about something delicate. Promise me you won't flip out." Said Shining "I promise, but first tell me when was our last man-talk?" "Seven years ago. Right before you left Equestria." "Oh, right. So what did you want to tell me?" "We lied when we said that there was no letter from commander Iron Hide. He sent one when you didn't arrive on the last train from Ponyville." Shield was shocked, he always trusted the captain but, this was unexpected. "What did you just say?" "Iron Hide sent me a letter the next day we found you. It was for me, so that's why I didn't tell you before. Also he explicitly instructed me not to tell you." "Why?" "Because he change his mind. He also gave me this envelope with new orders for you." Said Shining Armor as he went to one of his inside pockets in his leather jacket. He pulled out a beige envelope sealed with a wax stamp. The symbol was not the swords crossed behind a shield bearing the sisters of day circling each other, the Equestrian Royal Guard symbol, instead it was just a half sun half moon shield. This was the Royal Symbol. This meant that the mission was authorized by both princesses. He tore the envelope without a second thought. The parchment was two pages long. Esteemed Commissioner Shield Heart. Your recent exploits in Mount Horseshoe have left a bitter taste in our mouths. The inspection team was forced to tunnel through several meters of rock, including ten petrified trolls. After that they reported having found a beheaded changeling in golden armor in front of what is believed to be the trolls' lair. Some meters ahead we found forty corpses of similarly dressed and brutalized changelings. This has concerned us and we expect your report detailing of your knowledge of their presence After carving through a wall of rock we nearly lost two commandos when a yellow gas escaped and poisoned them. Further studies found out that it was mustard gas emitted from a smoke canister, which matched the ones you were issued. At the other end we discovered at least fifty corpses. Autopsies revealed their lungs and throats to have been disintegrated, this does not give a good impression. We have a set of rules of engagement which cannot be omitted and you have violated the most important of all: everyone deserves humane deaths. Further exploration revealed the gas to have spread to the entire colony, wiping out most goblins. It has been decided that disciplinary action is required to punish your doings. They do not leave a good view to the press, and it is not the first time you have gone beyond the limits. After consultation with both princesses it has been decided that you will be stationed in Ponyville indefinitely. Please purchase a new house as soon as possible, the funds will be transferred when we receive word. Also, as part of your punishment you are hereby suspended on performing any activity related to the Commission for the next month. During this time we invite you to relax and enjoy the beautiful town of Ponyville. It is considered a prime vacation spot and should help you meditate on what you have done. That was the end of the first page, Shield stood frozen for a minute. His hands almost ripping the paper apart. He calmed down and changed pages Reports on Commissioners throughout Equestria. Tall Tale, Trooper Spear: No unusual activity has been reported. Vanhoover, Enforcer Fire Storm: Replaced previous Commissioner, Shield Heart, no unusual activity. Las Pegasus, Arbitrator Lady Luck: the Godparents Mob has decreased criminal activity following the fall of the Mare of the South Cartel. Cloudsdale, Regulator Whiplash: Disturbances in the Weather Factory. Minor injuries on all departments. Canterlot, Lord Marshall Brave Heart: Unusual activity relating to the Precious Family, small caliber firearms found after a fight against an unknown vigilante. Ponyville, Enforcer Shield Heart: Suspended for four weeks due to violent behavior. Recently stationed in Ponyville. Appleoosa, Regulator Braeburn: No unusual activity. Dodge City, Enforcer Cherry Blossom: No unusual Activity Hollow Shades, Enforcer Moon Dancer: No unusual Activity. Manehattan, Regulator Iron Fist: No available Report. Fillydelphia, Proctor Martial Law: Increased smuggling activity. Baltimare, Investigator Night Wing: There has been an increased criminal activity concerning animal-produced poisons. Auxiliaries: Thunder Storm, Wooden Toaster, Sound Check, Iron Cross and Iron Curtain accounted for and inactive. Shield read through the report one more time. His face was filled with panic, not because everyone knew he had been suspended, but because there was no report on Manehattan. "What's wrong?" Asked his friend. "Sorry, can't talk right now." Said Shield as he went for his phone. He punched a single number and pressed send. "Iron? You there buddy? Iron, IRON! Dammit." He cursed as he punched another number. "Fire? Hey it's me, Shield. Got any idea where the fuck is Iron?" He paused for a few minutes before cursing again. "Blitznak! You know what? Get your butt to Ponyville ASAP, and bring the Iron bros, along with Thunder. I'm not liking this shit. Yeah I'll call Blossom and Moon, don't worry about it." He hung up and changed callers. "Hey Blossy, it's me Shield. Listen, did you already get that report? You did? Awesome. Listen, I need you to hitch the next train to Ponyville, pronto. Why? 'Cause I know Iron Fist, and he never misses a deadline. Something's off. Now listen, I gotta hang up because I need to call Moon. Yeah love you too, bye." He pressed end and was about to call someone else when Shining stepped forward. "What's wrong with you? You were just suspended from duty, you shouldn't be organizing meetings!" "Sorry Shining, but I can't rest knowing that Iron Fist didn't send in a report. That guy is strict when it comes to punctuality. He would never miss THE deadline. Not even drunk. Trust me, I tried that once." "So why are you calling all of your colleagues?" "He's in danger, I just know it. And I need my team if I want to save him..." He recieved a slap on the back of his head. "What the fuck?!" "Come back to the real world, you have just been suspended HERE in Ponyville. You can't do any sort of jobs and I am here to make sure you do your time." Affirmed Shining. Shield shot him a weird look and muttered. "What have you done?" "I did what I had to do to make sure you are still alive by the time my firstborn child comes!" "You just did the opposite! I know that Equestria is in danger, and you just made it worse. By confining me to this boring old town!" He yelled. And because he knew it should happen, Twilight Sparkle was right behind him, receiving the offense. "Sorry you had to hear it, but it's the truth. My truth anyways." Twilight did nothing but frown and turn back to where she was before. A second later Shield received yet another slap to the back of his head. "What was that for?" "That was for acting so mean in front of my sister. She loves this town, and so do I. This town turned my sister into someone happy. She stopped being the anti-social bookworm you used to know. Also Ponyville has everything a person could ask for, peace, quiet, stability and it's far away from all problems of the modern world." Said Shining, his face marked with an angry frown. "Which is exactly why I hate it. I need action, that's why I joined the Commission. Without any activity I'll become weak, frail and lazy just like my dad." "Still, you need to relax a little bit. Have faith in your friends, I'm sure Iron Fist can handle himself..." "No, I'm sure he needs help and no one is going to stop me!" Shield retorted as he went for his phone. Shining lunged at him, but was surprised when his friend jumped out of the way with his phone already dialing. "Hello Moon, how are you? I'm just you know, suffering from suspension in Ponyville, nothing new. Hey have you tried contacting Iron Fist? You can't get in touch?" He began talking. Shining got up from the muddy ground and shook his shirt. His friend was a little too agile for him, even with a broken knee. He charged one more time, but was batted out of the way by the black cane. He looked at his friend, who just shook his head as if saying please don't try that again. "Yeah, I know I fucked up. So anyways, I'm calling a council. Just the usual friends, I'm having a house warming party and I want you guys to be here. Especially you. You'll come? Perfect! I'll see you the day after tomorrow. Love you too, bye." And he hung up. "What in Celestia's name was that?" Asked Shining as he nursed his bruise. "That was a phone call, most people use them to contact other people who are too far away to talk to." Answered his friend with a grin. "I meant you dodging me. I thought you couldn't walk properly." "I can't, but this isn't the first time I've been incapacitated. I decided to use magic in my leg to jump high into the air. Then I swung you out of the way just for the fun of it." "Are you done?" "Yeah, I think I'm done." "Then come with me, we need to discuss where you will sleep today." Shield felt some guilt, his friend really didn't deserve to be attacked. But he couldn't be stopped, Loki had given him warnings and he couldn't slow down one bit. Equestria had to be saved and he was going to do everything necessary. "Sorry about your face, I know it's your main asset and I just ruined it." Shining rolled his eyes and entered Sugarcube Corner. "What happened to you dear?" Asked Rarity as soon as she saws he captain. "I fell down and bumped into a rock, it's nothing serious." He said. "Did you cut yourself? It could be infected. Do you want me to check it?" Said Fluttershy as she approached Shining. "I'm fine, no need to worry about me. But I need to ask a favor of you Fluttershy." "Umm, what do you need from me?" "I need help in the impossible task of housing Shield for just one night. Please." She jumped back at the request. "Why me? Shouldn't someone who's better with people have him?" "Please Fluttershy, he's still weak and I need someone with healing experience to look after him in case he gets sick again." He begged. "Oh, I feel honored. Really but I just don't have the space. He could never fit in my house." Twilight stepped forward. "Shining, maybe I should have him. He's your friend and all, so it would make sense that it would be me. If he gets sick again I can use my magic to stabilize him." "Are you sure about this Twilight?" Asked Shining worried. "I'm sure of it. Anyway I want to meet him, perhaps interview him." "Are you absolutely sure about this? He isn't, how do I say it, normal." Said Shining with worry. "I'm sure. I want to learn what I can from him, he seems to be able to control himself." She said confidently. "Alright, but have your cellphone in hand. There's really no telling what he'll do. If anything happens, call us. It doesn't matter the time." "Why are you so worried?" "Shield isn't your typical guy. He's vicious, sadistic and probably sarcastic. Watch out for whatever he does, he rarely does as expected." "You don't have to worry about me, I can defend myself." Shining was very doubtful. The idea of his sister housing his friend didn't sit well with him. But Fluttershy would never accept, her fear for the commissioner was too great. Shining Armor led his sister outside, still worried of what could happen. "Don't worry, I'm sure he'll calm down once he gets used to Ponyville." "I hope so, he's not doing good in his job. That stunt he pulled nearly got him fired." "You mean the thing with the changelings?" "Yeah, he broke a lot of rules during that mission and his boss isn't happy about it. He got suspended for a month." Twilight stopped at the entrance, she now realized why Shining was reclusive. "You don't have to lodge me in your home if you don't want to." Burst out Shield from her left. "I actually prefer sleeping alone." The Canterlot brothers were taken by surprise. "No it's alright, I'll take you in for the night. I want to interview you for my next thesis." "What's it gonna be about, psychotics? Or will it be about Commissioners? Oh I know! It's going to be about psychotic Commissioners!" He answered with energy. "It was going to be about government branches, but focusing on the Commission isn't a bad idea. I can't say I remember much about them." "That's normal, most people don't seem to care about us. Heck, most police groups hate us!" "Can't imagine why." Said Shining under his breath. Shield paid no attention. "Are you sure about this idea? Sounds like your brother's not really comfortable with the idea." "I'm old enough to make my own decisions!" Twilight quickly shot. "And I'm sure that my brother will respect my decisions, right Shining?" "Of course I trust you! Why would I oppose your horrible idea?" Said the Canterlot Captain with worry. "C'mon Shiny, relax! What's the worst that could happen? Me blowing up her home?" Interrupted the blond man. "You did almost blow up Central Station in Manehattan." "That was an accident!" "Sure it was." "Make ONE small miscalculation and you will never hear the end of it!" "You miscalculated on purpose, I know because you missed the target building by more than a kilometer!" "Details, details! Lets just accept that I'm not the perfect roommate and let's get on with this." Said Shield as he stormed in between the brothers. The azure knight just scolded before looking back at Sugarcube Corner. Everyone was staring at them, probably because they heard the whole argument. "C'mon guys, get to the Bike!" Ordered Shied as he revved the ATV. Shining gave Twilight a sheepish look before moving towards his friend and climbing on the backseat. She followed only after a brief word with her friends. "I'll drive and you tell me where to go." Said Shield but before they could give him directions he sped off, almost knocking Twilight off her seat. "Could you please slow down?" She asked and the enforcer obeyed. "Sorry, it's just that I'm used to the speed." He said. "Turn left right now and follow for three streets, after which turn left. We should arrive at the library in five minutes." Said the librarian before losing her balance again when Shield decided to increase their acceleration. He drove quickly and smoothly, turning savagely at the first bend. He tried to gain his momentum but turned before he could take off. They arrived at their destination, a simple hollow tree, and Shield drifted to the front door. "Here we are!" Said the ice-eyed soldier with a smile.