A cool breeze blew through the opened window of the quiet and peaceful cottage. The moonlight had shown its brilliant rays as it slightly illuminated the couple’s bedroom.
After several days that contained only a few hours of sleep per night, Fluttershy was able to rest soundly for the sleep she desperately needed.
Thunder lay awake in the bed next to her, hooves behind the back of his head and staring at the ceiling. He only slept a few hours before awakening, deep in thought. Although a massive weight seem to lift of him only a few hours earlier, he still felt like something needed to be done.
It suddenly hit him.
He slowly got out of bed, careful not to waken Fluttershy, and headed down the stairs and into the kitchen. He opened up one of the cupboards containing all their champagne, wine and Applejack’s special cider and grabbed a few of the bottles and set them on the table.
Fluttershy slightly stirred. She rolled onto her back, half asleep, and marginally opened her eyes. She smacked her lips together and yawned.
‘Water.’ She thought.
She lay the blankets aside and walked outside of her room. Before heading downstairs, she headed into Violet’s room. She peered into her daughter’s crib to notice her hooves wrapped around her favorite stuffed teddy bear. Fluttershy smiled. She leaned over, kissed Violet’s forehead, and covered her in a blanket.
As Fluttershy left her daughter’s room and neared the stairs, she heard a slight sound of glass bottles clanking together. Although half asleep, she knew exactly what it was.
‘Oh no.’
More awake now, she slowly flew down the stairs, landed on the bottom step, and walked to the doorway to the kitchen. The faint light above kitchen sink slightly illuminated the room. As she turned the corner, she noticed Thunder at the table. He popped the tops off of two wine bottles. He turned to the sink and began dumping them down the drain.
Fluttershy lightly tapped the wall. As the last few drops fell from the bottles, Thunder turned around.
“Did I wake you?” Thunder asked with sincerity.
Fluttershy shook her head and sat down. She rubbed her eyes.
Thunder set the two now empty bottles down with four others. He walked over to his wife. She laid her head on his shoulder.
Thunder lightly kissed her. “You should be asleep. What are you doing up?”
“I was coming down to get some water after I checked up on Vi and then I heard the bottles clanking. What’s going on?”
Thunder sighed. “Come on over to the table. I’ll get you some water.”
As Fluttershy sat at the table, Thunder set the glass of water in front of her.
“Well I was wide awake just staring at the ceiling and… I don’t know it just felt like there was something that I needed to do. And then it just hit me. So I came down here and began pouring all these wine and champagne bottles down the drain.”
Fluttershy was puzzled. “How come?”
“Because starting today, this is my road to recovering. And to start out, I’m getting rid of any and all alcohol from this cottage because I am done with it. I don’t need any of it to get rid of any pain. I’m going to start this recovery in the right direction.” Thunder explained.
He popped the corks on the last two bottles and poured its contents down the drain. As he laid the last two bottles with the others, Fluttershy sat next to him and wrapped her wing around him.
She kissed his cheek. “I’m so proud of you, sweetie. I know this may have been difficult.”
Thunder shrugged. “Well as I said in my wedding vows, my family will ALWAYS come first and that I will do nothing to hurt them. That is a promise I intend to keep.”
Fluttershy hugged him. She was proud of his positive attitude towards his recovery. He made his goals and promises that she knew he would never break.
“I promise things will get better.” Thunder said.
“I know it will.” Fluttershy whispered.
They sat for a few minutes in the slightly lit kitchen embracing each other.
‘Everything is going to get better. I promise you that, baby.’ Thunder thought.
********
It has been six weeks since Thunder first reencountered his experiences of his deployment to Afghaneighstan. Ever since then, he has planned three visits a week to Twilight to continue on his recovery process.
Over the course of a month and a half, Thunder has begun to show great improvement with his recovery. His anger outbursts at work are nonexistent and he has not drunk a single drop of any alcohol since that day.
After the fifth week, Thunder and Fluttershy agreed on adopting a puppy. After visiting the local animal adoption center, they quickly fell in love with a six week old Germane Shepherd female puppy. As soon as they laid eyes on her, they knew this was the perfect dog for the family. Thunder also knew that this breed of dog is greatly known for being loyal, watchful, and protective.
After a week, the growing puppy has proven to have quite the appetite after eating two bags of puppy chow.
Today is shopping day.
“You ready, Shy?” Thunder asked as he hooked himself into the new carriage they had recently purchased.
“Mhmm. Just a minute, I have to grab Vi’s diaper bag.” Fluttershy answered.
Thunder chuckled.
After several minutes, Fluttershy walked out and hopped in the carriage.
“You said you were only gonna be a minute.” Thunder playfully whined in a foalish manner.
Fluttershy chortled. “Well Violet decided to fill up her diaper last minute.”
Thunder cringed.
“I’m glad I didn’t have to clean it.” Thunder whispered softly to himself.
“I heard that.” Fluttershy teased.
Thunder playfully stuck out his tongue and pulled the carriage down the path towards the market.
Once there, Thunder unhooked himself from the carriage as Fluttershy carried Violet up to the front. Both of them took two separate carts.
As they entered, Fluttershy handed Thunder a list.
“Grab these items and I’ll meet you near the cold food section?” Fluttershy asked.
“You bet.”
Thunder grabbed the list and looked it over:
Broccoli
Carrots
Fruit (any kind)
Puppy Food
Quills
Paper
Ketchup
Eggs
After looking over the items again, Thunder began walking through the store picking up items that were on the list.
Puppy Food.
As he entered the pet aisle, both sides contained many different brands of dog food. Thunder looked at both sides over and over.
“First world problems right here for stallions, too many choices.” Thunder said aloud.
After deliberating on which kind to get, Thunder randomly tossed four bags into the cart.
Once Thunder was on the last item, he headed down to the cold food section. Just as he turned into the aisle, he noticed Flash.
“Hey Flash!”
“Thunder! How’s it going?” He asked.
“Not too bad. Just doing some shopping with the family.” Thunder replied.
“That’s great. As a matter of fact, I think I just saw Fluttershy and Violet a few aisles down. Say, how are the sessions with Twilight going?”
“Pretty good actually. Over the past six weeks I haven’t been having as frequent nightmares as I used to. I gotta say Flash, she’s been helping me out a lot and I wish I can show my gratitude.” Thunder said.
“No you don’t have to do anything. She helps out anypony without expecting anything in return. Twi has a good heart that way.”
“Well I’ll still think of something. I just have to show how thankful I am. I wouldn’t be where I’m at today if it wasn’t for her help.”
Thunder looked at the last item on the list.
“Eggs? Boy, I don’t know. The cottage had to be aired out big time the last time she had eggs.” Thunder thought aloud.
“What?” Flash chuckled.
“A few weeks ago I made eggs for Fluttershy and I and she practically devoured them. The bad thing is, I just found this out, when she eats eggs, she can make a stink.”
“Are you saying that she…?”
“Yes. My wife has terrible smelling farts when she eats eggs.” Thunder replied.
Flash began laughing almost uncontrollably.
“I’m sorry, but I just can’t see Fluttershy doing that.”
“Oh believe me, it’s bad.”
Flash’s laughter slowed as he composed himself.
“Oh boy. Well I better get going. Twilight’s gonna wonder where I’m at. You take care, Thunder.”
“You too Flash. Say hello to Twi for me.”
“Will do!” Flash replied and walked to the front of the store.
Thunder turned and picked up a carton of eggs. He thought for a moment.
“Eh, why the hell not.” He said and set them in the cart.
As he headed down the aisle and turned, Fluttershy appeared and T-boned Thunder’s cart with her own.
“Oh, there you are.” She said with the cutest smile.
Thunder sighed. “Miss, I’m gonna have to see your insurance information. There’s a lot of substantial damage to my cart vehicle here.”
Fluttershy giggled. “Oh stop it. You got everything?”
“Yes Ma’am.”
She kissed him. “Grab a box of cereal and I’ll meet you up front?”
“Sure thing.” He replied and headed down the aisle halfway before turning around, “Hey, where’s the…”
She was gone.
“Dang it.”
Thunder went into the breakfast aisle and picked out a box at random and met Fluttershy near the checkout.
After paying, they headed out and began loading the carriage.
“Four bags of puppy food?” Fluttershy asked surprised.
“What can I say, she eats like a maniac.”
They both laughed as they finished loading the carriage.
Suddenly there was hoofsteps behind them, followed by a familiar voice.
“Sergeant First Class Shy.”
Thunder turned around. It was his Commanding Officer.
“Captain Hawk, sir.” Thunder stated and saluted.
“At ease, son. At ease.”
“Captain this is my wife, Fluttershy and my daughter, Violet.”
“Pleased to meet you Ma’am.”
“Likewise.” She replied in her shy voice when she meets new ponies.
“And nice to meet you too, little one.”
Violet giggled.
“Beautiful family you have, son.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Captain Hawk sighed. “Well I’m just gonna cut to the chase. Two things for you: One, your enlistment is out in a few months. So I was gonna ask if you plan on reenlisting or retire. I’ll give you some time to talk it over with your wife.”
Thunder nodded. “I’m not sure. That’s something we’ll definitely need to talk about.”
“And last thing: I’m here to present this to you on behalf of Princess Celestia herself.” He handed Thunder a scroll. “Congratulations, Sergeant. You’re being awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart.”
Thunder’s jaw dropped. “This is unbelievable.”
“Your orders are to appear at the award ceremony in three days. I know this is short notice but I thought it would give you enough time to get ready.”
“Thank you, Captain.” Thunder said and saluted. Captain Hawk done the same.
“Well I got to catch the train back to Base in Canterlot. See you there in three days.” He turned to face Fluttershy, “It was nice meeting you ladies.”
Fluttershy nodded.
Captain Hawk nodded back, turned and head to the train station.
Fluttershy walked up to Thunder and kissed his cheek.
“Wow, the Silver Star and Purple Heart. Congratulations, honey.”
“Yeah.” Thunder replied as he began hooking up to the carriage.
The way back to the cottage was silent. Fluttershy knew he was deep in thought and knew better than to interrupt his thinking.
As Thunder pulled the carriage in to the back of the cottage, Fluttershy brought Violet inside.
Thunder grabbed two bags of puppy food and head inside.
After all the items were brought in, Thunder had his wife sit in the living room to discuss the recent news.
“What do you think?” Thunder finally said after a few tense moments of silence.
“About what?”
“About what my CO said. My enlistment is running out and whether not I should reenlist.”
Fluttershy sat back in the sofa. As she thought, she watched their daughter play with her toys just a few feet away from them.
“It’s up to you.” She replied.
Thunder shook his head. “No. This is a huge decision, sweetie, I need your opinion on this.”
Fluttershy looked at him directly. “Whatever you choose, it doesn’t matter because either way, I will support you. Ever since I met you, I’ve always supported you. I know this job is very dangerous but that’s what you signed for. You know what you got yourself into and the dangers of that. You and all the others who do this job do a great thing to keep everypony safe.”
Thunder lightly chuckled. “Heh, I remember after we first started dating I told my then CO that I wanted to switch over to Reserves. Active Duty was great and all but, after I met you, I realized I wanted to settle down and have a family.”
“I remember that, too.” Fluttershy smiled.
“Well if I do reenlist, this means another four years of Reserves Duty.” Thunder sighed, “I think I made my choice.
********
Today was the day of the award ceremony. The night before, Thunder cleaned and organized his Formal Uniform for the first time since he came home from deployment.
Now he was waiting on Fluttershy to be ready to make it to the train. As he waited, he watched over Violet who, for the formal occasion, wore a tiny dress that mirrored her coat and eye color, courtesy of Fluttershy’s close friend Rarity.
Thunder checked his hoof watch. 0930.
He called up the stairs, “Fluttershy, we’re gonna be late for the train!”
She giggled, “I’m coming down.”
As she made the last step, it was as if an angel has stepped into the room and illuminated it. Fluttershy’s dress was done the same way. The dress was white with a light green trimming around the edges. Flowers decorated her mane.
“Wow, just as beautiful as ever.”
She blushed.
Thunder picked up Violet. “Well now I know where Violet gets her beauty from.”
“Oh stop it, you’re making me blush.” Fluttershy said.
“Well maybe I like seeing your face turn as red as a rose.”
Fluttershy chuckled lightly. “So, you ready to go?”
“Sure am.”
As they neared the train station, seven familiar ponies were lined up. All of them were also wearing formal attire.
“What are you all doing here?” Fluttershy asked, surprised.
“Well we thought we would join our closest friend’s family for the trip to Canterlot and see her husband’s award ceremony.” Rarity said.
“Yeah,” Applejack said. “We thought we’d show our support. Didn’t we, Big Mac?”
“Eyuup.”
“That’s very kind of you mares and Mac. Thank you.”
They all nodded and smiled.
“All aboard to Canterlot!”
“I guess that’s us.” Twilight said as they boarded the train and took their seats.
********
Thunder sat in silence throughout the ride to Canterlot. His thoughts were racing. He was excited about the recognition that he and his fellow soldiers were receiving, but he didn’t feel like he deserved it. He knew what serving in his nation's military meant. He had done what he was trained to do to the best of his ability and knew that it made a difference, but he didn't believe that his actions during his tour deserve the third highest awarded medals in Equestrian military.
As the train pulled into the Canterlot train station, Thunder noticed Captain Hawk and other officers outside their train car.
Thunder got up, stepped outside and saluted.
“At ease, Sergeant.” Captain Hawk smiled.
They shook hooves. The rest of the group exited the train.
“Afternoon fillies and gentlecolt. If you’ll follow Major Fox, he’ll show you to your seats.”
The group followed as the Major led them away from the station.
Captain Hawk motioned for Thunder to follow.
“You nervous?” He asked.
Thunder shrugged. “A little bit.”
“Be proud. You served well, son. You’re one hell of a soldier.”
“Thank you, sir.”
There was a long pause. Both soldiers walked through the streets of Canterlot in silence before Captain Hawk spoke.
“I know what you mean.”
“What do you mean by what, sir?”
“That you don’t think you deserve the medals. You’re probably thinking that the ones who paid the ultimate sacrifice should be awarded.”
“Yes sir.” Thunder said, barely audible.
Captain Hawk sighed. “It’s not my first time seeing my own fellow soldiers fall and not receive anything but a mere Purple Heart. They surely deserve more. I agree with you. But, I guess we just have to go with the flow.
Thunder nodded.
“C’mon, we have to get to the ceremony.”
“Yes sir.”
********
As Captain Hawk and Thunder entered the castle, they were accompanied by two Royal Guards who escorted them through the corridors to the Ceremony Hall.
“Right this way.” One of the guards said as he opened the Hall doors.
Thunder was surprised to see as many ponies there as he did. Most of them turned around at the sound of the doors opening.
Captain Hawk and Thunder walked down the center lane and took their seats at the front row. Among those in the front was Corporal Pepper. He winked as they sat down. Thunder shook his hoof.
Thunder felt a tap on his shoulder. As he turned around, he noticed it was Fluttershy and Violet in the seat just behind him, along with the rest of the gang. Before he could speak, the sound of hooves echoed the Hall. He turned around just as Princess Celestia began to speak.
“We are gathered here today to celebrate the heroic actions of the soldiers of this great nation, whom, in fierce combat have performed their duty to their greatest ability. Even with the odds against them, their leadership has prevailed. And in this room are those very leaders. Come up here, you know who you are.”
Captain Hawk, Thunder, and Corporal Pepper stand up, walk up on stage, and stand at attention.
“These very soldiers have fought bravely for this nation. Their leadership brought their fellow soldiers together on deployment. Though many have not returned home, they have touched the lives of all of them and will continue to do so as they further serve.” She paused. “May we have the medals, please?”
A Lieutenant General entered the stage with several small cases with the medals inside and gently setting them on a pedestal in front of him.
“Captain Berry Hawk. For your heroic actions in a combat zone, I hereby honor you with the Bronze Star. Congratulations, Captain.”
Captain Hawk saluted. “Thank you, Princess Celestia.”
“Corporal Pepper. For your heroic actions in suppressing the enemy in a combat zone, I hereby honor you with the Bronze Star. Congratulations, Corporal.
Pepper saluted. “Thank you, Princess.”
“And for you, Sergeant First Class Thunder J. Shy, for being wounded in the action against an enemy of Equestria, I hereby honor you the Purple Heart. And, for heroic and meritorious service in a combat zone, you are awarded the Silver Star. Congratulation, Sergeant.”
Thunder saluted as the last medal was pinned to his uniform. “Thank you, Princess.”
He was stunned. He still didn’t believe that he deserved to earn such a medal.
Princess Celestia turned back to face the crowd.
“Now we are not here to just honor those who made it home. Victory does not come without a cost. It is a tragedy that these brave souls are not here with us today. They have sacrificed their lives so that others may live. Many of us do not fully grasp the depths of sacrifice and the profound costs that these fellow ponies in arms have endured. We should remember them for the greatness that these ponies have contributed to society. We shouldn’t be sad about the loss, but be proud that such ponies have lived. We must…”
As Princess Celestia continued her speech, Thunder fell deep in thought and began encountering flashbacks of his deployment. All he could hear were the screams of young ponies wounded and the deafening sound of gunfire.
He was snapped back into reality when the crowd started clapping and cheering. Captain Hawk tapped Thunder’s shoulder and motioned for him to follow.
Princess Celestia announced that there were refreshments and music in the Canterlot Garden as the crowd dispersed outside the Hall.
Fluttershy appeared with Violet and hugged Thunder. She kissed him passionately.
“I’m so proud of you.” She said with excitement.
“Thanks sweetheart.” He cleared his throat. He then turned and pointed to the two ponies behind him. “You’ve met Captain Hawk. And this is Corporal Pepper, one of the machine gunners in my platoon.”
Pepper shook Fluttershy’s hoof.
“So this is famous wife of Sergeant Shy. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ma’am. And hello to you, little one.” He waived at Violet who smiled. Pepper chuckled. “She reminds me of my niece. Always has a smile on her face.”
Captain Hawk cleared his throat. “I don’t mean to interrupt, but uh, can I have a moment to speak with you, Sergeant?”
“Uh yes sir.” He turned to Fluttershy, “I’ll meet you in the Garden, okay?”
Fluttershy nodded and kissed Thunder. He watched as she and the rest of the gang left the Hall and turned to follow Captain Hawk.
The night sky settled in and cooled the atmosphere leaving a gentle chilled breeze to follow. Captain Hawk led Thunder to an isolated area away from the city’s noise.
They kept walking at a decent pace as they made small talk. Captain Hawk talked about his family and what he was up to since they returned home from deployment.
Thunder then spilled his struggle with overcoming the events they endured.
Captain Hawk nodded in agreement.
“It’s tough. Believe me I’m in the same position as you. Nightmares, flashbacks, feeling guilt. It may not seem like it but with me being a Captain and all, I got to stay strong for the rest of the boys.”
“I understand, sir.”
Captain Hawk stopped and faced Thunder eye to eye.
“I’ve had you under my command since I was reassigned to this Company. I’ve watched you evolve through the ranks and become a strong and reliable leader. You’re one hell of a soldier, son… I’ve put you in for a promotion.”
“Sir?”
“You’re being promoted to Second Lieutenant. You’ll be serving as my wingpony from now on. You’ll be getting the notice in a few days. Congratulations Lieutenant.” Hawk said with a smile.
“Thank you sir, but, what about Lieutenant Oakley?”
“He’s being transferred to another battalion. And quite frankly I don’t see anypony else more fit for the job.” He then whispered, “Plus it took a lot of paperwork and convincing the higher ups. But it went through after I informed them of your current status that you want to stay in the reserves.”
“Well I know I can handle them in the field, sir.” He paused and shook Hawk’s hoof, “I’m honored.”
Hawk smiled. “Now that’s what I like to hear.” He dug through his pocket and grabbed a pack of cigarettes. “Smoke?”
“No thank you, sir. I don’t smoke.” Thunder said.
Hawk shrugged and lit the cigarette and took a long puff.
Just then, a loud boom echoed across Canterlot and knocked both Hawk and Thunder on their hindquarters against the base of a large tree. They looked up and saw fireworks exploding across the sky.
Without looking, Thunder reached over, grabbed Hawk’s cigarette and puffed.
“I thought you said you didn’t smoke?”
“I don’t.” Thunder said.
Hawk shrugged as he took out another.
“Don’t tell my wife.”
Hawk laughed out loud as he lit the cigarette.