//------------------------------// // The First Wave // Story: Requiem For A Soldier // by Shieldheart204 //------------------------------// Chapter 9: The First Wave "So let me get this straight, you think Equestria is in danger, and the best hope of saving it lies in that awkward dude? Am I the only one that feels insulted by this?" Asked Rainbow Dash as she slumped on one of the beanbag cushions in the Library. All five friends had come, And they had been told of the plan. Naturally, they all had mixed feelings. "Why would you be insulted? The princess is tasking you with a very crucial assignment!" Spat Dawn Heart. "Because we have saved Equestria before, twice! And you seriously can't think of us first!" "I am grateful for everything you have done in the past, but I am afraid that there are worse dangers than what you have encountered." Said Princess Celestia. "Worse than Discord?" "Discord's just a mad dog, there are people out there who are waiting for an opportunity to do us harm. And Shield Heart is one of the few people in Equestria with the skills required to fight." Intervened the archer. "We can fight too you know? We took down a whole platoon of changelings!" "Can you bullfight five chimeras at once? Can you wage war against a cartel? Can you fight a hydra after it has bitten you? Can you condemn a goblin clan to extinction by using poisonous gas? Can you hold your ground whilst bullets bury themselves deep into your body?" Retorted Dawn. Needless to say, everyone fell silent. "I know you can fight Rainbow Dash, that is not put into doubt, but there is no way you could survive through the dangers that haunt our shadows." "But why can't we the Elements of Harmony?" Asked Applejack. "Because the Elements only work on supernatural problems. These have nothing to do with godlike entities. These problems come from greedy men and women who believe the world to be theirs just because of their existence." "Ah meant on him." "I would rather not try that, the elements do what they think is correct. So there is no telling whether they would turn him to stone, cure his illnesses or supercharge him. It's too risky." "I know this sounds like an unnecessary task, but I wouldn't dare leave it to anyone else. I know you are very able and loyal, and would defend Equestria with all your heart if need be." Said the Princess. "But we want to help him. His family has been under my service for a long time, so I feel inclined to help him." There was a long, awkward pause. "Ah'm in." Said Applejack as she raised her hand. "Just for you princess." Said Rainbow Dash. Pinkie Pie raised her hand and said. "Of course we'll do it! I bet it'll be fun!" He only ones to not speak were Rarity and Fluttershy. The veterinarian was scared stiff, and the seamstress just stood there. "Is there anything you two want to say? You don't have to agree." Added the Princess. "I am willing to do it, but under one simple condition." Said Rarity. "And what condition might that be?" "I want you to order him to teach us defense techniques and basic usage in firearms." The room fell silent once mored. "Done, I'll send a letter right now." Said the Princess. "What, have you both gone mad?" Intervened Cadence. "Rarity, why would you want to learn about self defense? And why would you." She diverted her attention to the tall woman. "Even allow something like this! Shield Heart was supposed to be here so that he may be able to relax!" "But it's the best way to befriend him. How can we interact with someone if we can't show interest in his job? Also, after the incident with those changelings it would be smart to stop relying on the Elements. You can never be sure that they will be available whenever we need them." "She does have a point." Stated Dawn. "The Elements have to stay in Canterlot, but anyone could attack this town. "Very well Rarity, I will send the letter now. But I want to know if Fluttershy is in with the plan." Fluttershy was just frozen, blinking and wishing she hasn't gotten out of bed. "Oh, I'm sure she's just dying to get started!" Exclaimed Pinkie. Her friend didn't show the same amount of enthusiasm. "I am not forcing you to agree, if you want you can refuse." Said Celestia Fluttershy finally responded with reluctance. "I'll help in any way I can." "Very well, now that that is settled I believe that we are done here." Said Celestia. "It is now time to return to Canterlot." "By the way, where's Spike? He should have been back by now." Interrupted Twilight. "I'm sorry Twilight, but I had to send him on a special mission. He should be back next week. "I wished you could have told me before, but it's all right." "Sorry ta interrupt, bu' I thought now would be a good time ta tell y'all that Ah met him a while ago, an' he had what he called an anxiety attack." Cadence met her Gaze. "He said that?" "Yup, din't understand him. But Ah heard him yell a name, Lily. Mean anythin' to any of you?" "Thank you for this information Applejack, I can't thank you enough. Now Twilight, I need a quill and a roll of parchment." .oOo. Shield was sitting in a table outside the local ice cream parlor. In front of him, a large sundae. And next to the sundae, another one. And next to it? A ten year old girl with pink and purple hair and a spoon on her right hand. "You sure you want to challenge me to a sundae eating contest? I've never lost a challenge, and today will not be the day my record is broken!" He said as he grabbed his spoon. Sweetie Bell dismissed his rant. "Ready? Three. Two. One. Begin!" She shouted as she started sticking her spoon with s much ice cream as possible. Shield was off to a bad start, delaying himself a second before grabbing the plate and imitating a dog. He ravaged the treat, spilling drops in every direction. He was three-quarters through his bowl when he suddenly froze. His face stopped consuming and he snapped his head back. "Brain Freeze!" He held his head as if he feared it would snap off. Sweetie Bell saw her chance to recover her lost ground. Preparing her hand she accelerated her pace. She finished a couple of minutes later, and her opponent was still frozen. "I win!" She exclaimed gloriously. Ashamed, Shield used a spoon to finish. "How do you do it to avoid brain freezes?" "No idea, probably it's because my dad takes me out for ice cream at least once a week." She said with a smug grin. Shied began suspecting something, but was mesmerized by her green eyes. That, with her laughter blurred his vision, until he recovered. But he didn't see Sweetie Bell. Instead she saw a cute girl, about twelve years old and dressed in green. Her grey eyes and white hair made her look rather innocent. "Minnie." He whispered as he began losing his breath. His dizziness returned for a moment before fully recovering. "Are you all right?" Asked a bewildered Sweetie Bell. "Yeah, I'm just a little dazed. Probably just the medicine acting." "Where's your cane? I though you had a broken knee." "I left it at home, I just got my brace and now I'm as good as new." He said as he stretched his leg to reveal his brace and a bruised leg. "You sure?" "Yeah, the bruise is necessary. You see, my leg is numb so that it can start healing. And this brace uses tiny spikes so I can control it with my nervous system. It's like having a metal leg." She just exclaimed in amazement. Shield set his foot down and got up. "C'mon, let's take you home before your sister gets worried." "You don't need to worry about that, I'm sure my sister hasn't even finished her meeting." She said as she refused to move. "Why so grumpy? All brothers care for each other. Your sister has problems, but I'm sure she's like my older brothers. They may have difficulty from time to time, but we are always together when we need it. Or when I'm off to another mission and I have to leave my younger sister behind. So no matter what happens, you always have to have your sister's back." "But what about her? Ever since the wedding she's been busy. Either there's a meeting with her friends, some fashion designer or some celebrity. Sometimes she has to stay all day working on some stupid project. It's really been ruining our Sister Time and its not fair!" Shield could only feel bad for her. He knew what it felt like. Being left behind was something he had suffered and done several times. "I'm sure she's just trying to continue her career. She'll be with you at some point." "I doubt it." Shield stooped down to see her face to face. "Anything I can do to add some cheer up for your paincakes?" She just shook her head. "C'mon, I think I might sneak you in some basic training." He whispered. Her eyes became filled with excitement. "Really?" "Yeah, it isn't the first time I've done it."