"So, what are these humans made of that would require the use of such force?" Luna asked.
"Grenades are used to take out clusters of enemies, or flush them out from behind cover," Twilight said.
"I imagine five seconds isn't enough to get away from such a thing," Luna said.
"You'd be surprised how fast you can run when you know death is heading your way," Twilight said.
"Why were they fighting each other, anyway?" Fluttershy asked, "If you, um, don't mind telling us that is".
"The whole war, from what I've been told, has been fought with Germany as the main enemy for their inhumane acts against innocents. They started up these places called concentration camps, horrible camps filled with slaves who weren't seen as part of the perfect race. If they did anything wrong, they were beat. If their mistake was bad enough, they were sent to these rooms where they were gassed and killed. Not pretty to hear about, even less pretty to witness it firsthoof," Twilight said.
"That has got to be the most horrible thing ah have ever heard," Applejack said, "How can ya be so selfish as to think ya'll are part of a perfect race? Even the unicorns of old weren't that bad... were they?".
"I don't believe so," Twilight said, "But the United States, whom I fought for, didn't enter the war until December 7, 1941. On that day, one of our naval bases was attacked by the Japanese empire. I still don't know why they attacked us first, was never told, but they then became our enemy. I don't remember how many died, but I know that it was the biggest mistake the Japs could've ever made. In fact, it was their homeland that I was dropping into when I somehow got back last night," Twilight said.
"Sounds like you've been busy, what with fighting on two fronts," Luna said.
"And I hope none of you ever have to witness anything like it," Twilight said, "Anyway, shall I continue?".
"Alright, men, listen up! Today, we've gained a new friend," Dreadson said before stepping aside and letting Twilight walk forward, "Her name is Twilight Sparkle, and she's now one of us. I know it'll take some time for you all to trust her one hundred percent, and I do not hold that against you. I do, however, ask that you treat her with respect. She is one of us, now, and she should be treated as such".
"But, sir, she's a horse," One of the many humans said.
"Would you like to explain?" Dreadson asked Twilight.
"Of course," Twilight said, "As the captain has already told you, my name is Twilight Sparkle. I am no horse, but an alicorn pony".
"Holy shit! It can talk!" Called out many of the humans in the crowd.
"How is she supposed to be one of us, sir?" One of the humans asked, "Her hooves might help in close quarters combat, but we don't really get into many of those".
"Show them," Dreadson said as he held out a 1911.
Twilight wrapped the pistol in her magic and aimed it to the side so she wouldn't hit anyone. She took aim and pulled the trigger. As before, the recoil didn't affect her at all as she fired all seven shots in the clip. After she finished, she gave the pistol back to Dreadson.
"She appears to have great control over this magic of hers. She also helped us during that counter attack we just fought off, and she's still very much alive. I'd say she can handle herself quite well in a firefight," Dreadson said.
"And seeing as how I have never seen heard of a gun before I arrived, nor have I ever been in a battle of such magnitude, I'd say the captain's statement holds a little more ground," Twilight said proudly.
"I don't mean any disrespect, but she should go through boot camp before she fights with us, sir," Another human said.
"You honestly think for a second that they'd allow an animal to go through boot camp?" Dreadson asked, "It doesn't matter if she's sentient or not, they'd just laugh and send her away".
"With all due respect, I'm not an animal. I'd prefer to not be called one, it's quite degrading," Twilight said.
"Any more questions!?" Dreadson called out.
When no more questions were asked, Dreadson dismissed the crowd. Twilight took it as her cue to take on a sense of calm again. As she left Dreadson, Corporal approached.
"Are you hungry, by any chance?" Corporal asked.
Twilight's growling belly answered for her. Corporal then motioned for Twilight to follow him, which she did eagerly. The trek was silent, the duo having food on their minds, and nothing else at the time. As they got closer to the crowd, Twilight took notice of a scent she'd not smelled in some time. She froze as she remembered what the smell was, fear rising up in her yet again. Corporal took notice right away and asked what was wrong.
"You... you eat meat?" Twilight asked.
"You're safe, don't worry," Corporal said.
"How can I be sure of that?" Twilight asked.
"You've gotten on the captain's good side. None of us would dare lay a finger on you," Corporal said.
"And if that wasn't the case?" Twilight nervously asked.
"It's nothing to worry about, I promise. Plus, we aren't strict carnivores, we also eat fruit and veggies as well," Corporal said.
"So... you're omnivores?" Twilight asked, "Well, that's a little more comforting".
"Well come on, let's go get you something green to eat," Corporal said.
Twilight was quite disappointed when the chef said they had nothing left but meat rations. She began to look around for anything to eat, but only found dirt, sand, and rocks. She didn't like having an empty stomach, but she was willing to deal with it till they found some grass at the very least. After Corporal got his ration, Twilight followed him to an empty spot on the ground. The lack of anything edible made Twilight's stomach continue to get more and more angry with her. Corporal couldn't help but take notice, and, against his better judgment, cut a small piece of his food and held it out for Twilight to take.
"No thanks," Twilight said.
"I know it might be a little hard to swallow at first, but you need something to eat. You're no good as a Marine if your stomach is empty during a firefight," Corporal said.
"It's not that I wouldn't be able to swallow it, but that my body wouldn't be able to digest it," Twilight said.
"Well, if you can digest dirt and rocks, then there's plenty to go around. Otherwise, this is all you've got to eat," Corporal said.
Twilight just stared at the meat for a brief moment before succumbing.
"My stomach is going to hate me," Twilight said as she took the meat into her mouth and started to chew.
The new taste suddenly filled Twilight's mouth. It was nothing she had ever known, and she wanted to just spit it out at first. The meat was quite hard to swallow, but Twilight still did her best. It didn't seem to have any adverse effects on her yet, but she figured it could only really be just a matter of time. When Corporal offered her another piece, she just waved it away. She didn't really like the taste, and she wasn't too keen on putting another piece of meat in her mouth.
"So, just like that?' Applejack asked.
"Huh?" Twilight asked.
"Were ya really that hungry?" Applejack asked.
"Well, kind of. Not only that, but I didn't know how long it would be before I saw a patch of grass again," Twilight said, "And Corporal was right when he said I'd useless in a firefight with an empty stomach".
"I'd rather starve," Rainbow Dash said.
"I have to agree. I'd rather go with some dignity at least," Rarity said.
"I didn't enjoy it for a good little while, but at least it got my stomach to shut up for a little bit," Twilight said.
"Ah'd like to think ya wouldn't enjoy eating meat for the first time," Applejack said, "Then again, I'd like to think you'd never enjoy it".
"I didn't want to eat it any more than I had to, believe me," Twilight said.
"And yet, here you are, still eating it. Oh, and you seem to enjoy it as well," Shining Armor said.
"You try going almost every single day for a year eating meat and tell me you don't enjoy it," Twilight said.
"Like I said, I'd rather starve," Rainbow Dash said, "I mean, it doesn't even smell good".
"You'd be surprised what your stomach will make you do when it's empty," Twilight said.
"So, is this going to become a common meal for you now that you're home?" Luna asked.
"Well I don't really need meat to survive, I am only able to digest it. However, I would like to have it on the side from time to time," Twilight said.
"And where do ya plan on getting meat in Ponyville?" Applejack asked.
"I won't be a hunter, if that's what you're asking," Twilight said, "I was never shown how to properly prepare the meat for a meal. Instead, I'll just special order some from up here in Canterlot".
"I suppose we could handle that," Celestia said.
"Would it be too much to ask that this be the only time we have to witness this act?" Rarity asked.
"I guess I can't deny you that," Twilight said.
"Good. I mean no offence, but it is rather revolting to witness," Rarity said.
"Would it be alright if we just changed the subject?" Fluttershy asked, "If that's, um, alright with you girls".
"I have to agree. All of this talk about Twilight and her new diet is getting rather old rather fast," Luna said.
"Why don't we take a break from these stories for now, anyway?" Shining Armor asked.
"What did you have in mind?" Celestia asked.
"I actually want to see how well my sister holds up in a fight," Shining Armor said.
"You're on, brother. Though, no magic will be allowed," Twilight said.
"That's fine with me. That will only make it more interesting," Shining Armor said.