//------------------------------// // Chapter Ten // Story: Prisoner of War // by Radiant //------------------------------//         “Can’t you run any faster?”         “Get bent... I’m built for distance, not speed.”         The sound of six ponies running through the halls filled the air, their armor–covered hooves drowning out most other sounds. We were already moving through the hallways at a good clip. Any faster and we wouldn’t make some of the corners, which was probably why this new guy wasn’t just flying. I’d barely gotten my boots on when I was practically hauled out of the cell. I was missing my uniform top, my pant legs weren’t even bloused, and I still hadn’t been told exactly what was going on. All I knew was that there was a new prisoner, something had happened, the needed me for some reason, and fast. I wasn’t given much of a choice in the matter, either.         I was following the guard, my four guards were behind me, and Princess Luna was behind them. With as fast as we were going, it was making it difficult to memorize all the turns we’d taken, so even if I could somehow manage to get away from all of them, I’d just end up lost in their castle.         “You gonna tell me... what’s going on yet?” I asked between breaths.         “Just wait, we’re almost there.”         God damnit. A little time to prepare for whatever’s going on would be nice. We made a right, went down a long hallway, then a left at the end of that, before the guard started to slow down. Down this hallway, I could see a small cluster of guards. My group slowed to a brisk walk.         “The prisoner is holding Captain Stardust hostage.” The guard said, getting straight to the point. “Because he hadn’t been hostile or shown resistance since we caught him, the captain was overseeing and assisting while we searched and removed his effects. We must have missed a knife, or not gotten to it yet, because he grabbed Captain Stardust and put the blade to her neck.”         I listened while I caught my breath. When he finished, I asked, “Can’t you just magic her away?”         He shook his head. “We already tried. As soon as we tried to cast a spell, he started cutting into her throat.”         “Lemme guess, you want me to talk him down.”         A nod. “He’s not listening to us, but he might listen to you.”         “And I should help why? This is your problem.”         Princess Luna chimed in. “We would be most appreciative of your help.”         I looked back to her as we walked. “Which means what, exactly? You’re not doing a good job of convincing me.”         “If you do not help, we may be forced to kill your friend in order to protect the captain.”         I can’t just stand by and let that happen, even out of defiance. God damnit. “Fine, but I’m not doing this for you.”         We were a few meters away from the group now, and several of them turned from the door they were looking through to look at me. Most of the looks were neutral, some were glares, which I returned. All of the guards looking snapped to attention as Luna got close.         “How is the captain?” When Luna spoke, the rest of the group turned and joined the others at attention. A unicorn in the group answered, “She’s okay for now, but she’ll need medical attention. If this goes on for much longer, though, things could get bad. She’s been bleeding for a while.” I’d pulled the elastic blousers from my pocket, and was fixing my trousers while they spoke. Finishing that, I rose and moved toward the door. The group of guards didn’t look like they were going to move, but did when I was an arms length away. Peeking through the door, I said, “Alright, so who’s giving you so much trou– … Tovey?” Tovey’s head jerked to look at me when I said his name, his eyes wide. I can honestly say I wasn’t expecting to see him again so soon, nor was I thrilled to see him. As far as I was concerned, it was Tovey’s fault I was a prisoner in the first place. If he hadn’t abandoned me on the hill, the two of us could have fought our way back to the patrol. I’ll admit that combat can be nerve-racking, but when you’re given a job to do, you do it. Especially if people are counting on you. “C–Corporal?” The private was sitting, his back tucked into a corner, Captain Stardust  held to his chest, fully armored Tovey’s right arm was holding the unicorn down, and his left hand held the knife around the edge of her armor, against her throat. The blade was visibly biting into the unicorn’s neck, and Stardust had a fair amount of blood running from her neck and down her body. Tovey looked a lot like he did on the hill, scared as hell, while the captain looked more upset than anything. To be honest, I was a little impressed he’d managed this. “What are you doing here? You’re not helping them, are you?” “No, I’m not. They caught me after you left me on that God damn hill.” I said, my voice taking an icy tone. Tovey swallowed, then looked away. “I’m sorry! I wasn’t ready for this kind of thing!” Good thing you didn’t get sent to Afghanistan, then. That place was much worse than this. Folding my arms, I shifted my weight to my left leg. “Whatever. What are you hoping to accomplish here?” The private looked at the ponies surrounding him, defiantly, though he was still clearly scared. “I have one of their officers. They’re going to let me go, or I’ll kill her.” He pressed the blade a little harder against Stardust’s neck, making her wince, and causing more blood to roll out of the wound. I sighed. “Did you think this through at all? Your plan won’t work. They’re not gonna let you go, and they definitely won’t be happy if you kill their captain, but whatever, do what you want.” Unfolding my arms, I spun and started to walk out of the room. “Y–you’re not going to help me?” Tovey sounded like he was about to break down. I spun back around, spreading my arms. “Look around you, Tovey! What do you want me to fuckin’ do? What can I do? I’m a prisoner, just like you!” Slumping where he sat, I think he finally realized that his plan wasn’t going to work, but he didn’t release Stardust, or move the knife. “What happens when I let her go? They’re not just going to ignore this. They’ll get some kind of payback.” “I assure you, no such thing will happen.” Princess Luna had walked in while I’d been yelling at Tovey, apparently. She stood off to my left, eyes on the private. Tovey eyed the princess suspiciously. “I don’t believe you.” “Believe what you wish, but that is the truth. Now, release Captain Stardust, or I will make you.” For whatever reason, Tovey looked at me. “Just do it, Private.” After a moment's pause,  he slowly removed the knife from the captain’s neck, then dropped it and released her. As soon as the weapon hit the ground, Stardust and Tovey were both enveloped in different magic auras, and I didn’t stick around to see what happened next. As soon as the spells were cast, I panicked and bolted for the door. I expected someone to at least try and stop me, but none of them did. There was no escaping. They knew it, I knew it, so I guess that’s why they left me be. Plowing through several guards, I made it into the hall, and leaned against the far wall, breathing heavily. Recovering, I slammed a fist against the smooth surface. “Fuck!” Some fucking soldier I am, running scared every time I hear that sound. God damn it! “Are you alright?” It was Breeze. She was standing off to my right. “Yeah, sure. I’m just fine.” “Sarcasm aside, you don’t sound fine.”  I looked at her. “Well, on top of all my other problems, I’m being held prisoner, I was almost killed while being held, and I’ve developed a debilitating fear of magic. So no, I’m not fine, but there’s not much that can be done about that, is there?” The sound of hoofsteps prevented an immediate answer. Looking back, I watched as Captain Stardust left the room, escorted by several other guards, including at least one medic. The medic’s horn was lit, and I unconsciously pressed myself against the wall. When I realized what I was doing, I hit the wall again. “You’re going to hurt yourself if you keep doing that.” “If a little pain would get me over this phobia, I’d be all for it.” Sighing, I slumped. “How’s Tovey? They’re not punishing him or something, are they?” “No. As the princess said, there will be no retaliation.” The group of ponies around the door began to disperse, the guards going back to wherever they had been, with the exception of the ones assigned to me. Exiting the room, Princess Luna addressed Sergeant Clipper. “Return the corporal to his cell.” Clipper saluted. “Yes, Princess.” Pushing off the wall, I started down the hallway with my guards. At least this time, I might be able to learn the route. Instead of being taken for more interrogation after breakfast, like I was expecting, they only took Tovey. I was left with Heartmender and Steel, while Stormfront and the other guard left. I thought it was weird that they didn’t assign more guards, since there were now two prisoners, but we were kept in neighboring cells, so that might have something to do with it. I did spend some time thinking about my last visit with Celestia. She had the ultimate trump card, but refused to use it. These ponies were good-natured, but to the extent of not pressing such an advantage? Of course, they were also doing quite well for themselves in this war. We had no way to really confirm it, but it just didn’t seem like we were inflicting many casualties, though not for lack of trying. Maybe they weren’t taking losses, and the princess didn’t feel the need for her extreme measures. Maybe she was bluffing. I had no idea. If you didn’t count her emotional outburst, Celestia had a ridiculously good poker face. I couldn’t figure it out and trying to do so made my head hurt, so I stopped. With nothing to do I tried going to sleep, but it just wasn’t happening. Before too long I found myself pacing, completely bored. Stopping at the cell door, I grabbed the bars. “This is cruel and unusual. I’m going stir-crazy in here!” “And just what do you expect us to do about it?” Lieutenant Steel asked. “I don’t fucking know! I hate being cooped up, and there is absolutely nothing to do in this cell. Couldn’t you take me outside, or something? Get some exercise?” The two guards exchanged a look. “The Princess did say we could do that.” Heartmender said. “If we wanted to.” “So you want to stand here all day, Lieutenant? In the stuffy, boring, cell block?” The officer eyed his subordinate, then exhaled sharply. “No.” Turning, he pulled a key out of his armor. “No funny business from you, Corporal, or I’ll drag you right back here, and I’ll make sure it’s extra traumatizing.” I nodded. Steel opened the door, and motioned me out. Since I’d been anticipating another interrogation today, I was already dressed, so I just grabbed my hat off the bed and walked out. Heartmender was all grins. “Thank Celestia. Let’s go!” I had to agree with his enthusiasm. It was going to be nice to just get out, even if they were only pandering to me to get what they wanted.         It had taken nearly ten minutes to get outside, and I suspected it was because Steel took the long route. It made sense. It was hard to remember all the turns we’d taken in that time, so I was hoping we’d take the same route again, but I wasn’t going to hold my breath. Once outside, we passed what must have been the motor pool, or chariot pool, as that was all there was. A large group of guards was scattered among the vehicles, apparently doing inspections and maintenance. Some of them took notice of us, but went back to their tasks after a few moments of watching.         Leaving all that behind, we stopped at an open field that contained a track, and what looked like an obstacle course. The thing was currently empty, and I spied a nice inviting tree off to one side. Making a beeline for it, I made myself comfortable in the shade beneath the branches. “Really? The first thing you do out here: is sit under a tree? I thought you said something about exercise.”         “That’ll come later. Right now I’m going to relax under this tree, and enjoy the good weather for a bit.” Lieutenant Steel shook his head. “You could have sat around in your cell.”         “I could have, but it’s not the same.”         “... I’ll never understand you. I mean, you jumped out of a chariot, in flight, for a hat.”         I smiled and gave a small tug on the aforementioned hat, which was resting on my head. “Good times.”         “You just need to relax, Lieutenant.” Heartmender chimed in. He moved beneath the tree and sat a reasonable distance to my right. “Our job is to watch the prisoner, and if he wants to sit under a tree, I’m not going to complain.”         “You should thank me. It’s not every day you get paid to enjoy a nice day, so quit yer bitchin’.”         The lieutenant looked like he was going to say something, but instead just joined Heartmender. Closing my eyes, I repositioned my boonie so it covered my eyes. Maybe I can catch a quick nap. As I was settling in for that, I heard someone start humming. Lifting my hat slightly, I looked over. It was Heartmender. The unicorn had his eyes closed and was slowly rocking side-to-side, a big smile plastered on his face. I didn’t recognize the tune, so it had to be Equestrian, but it sounded upbeat and catchy. I let my hat fall, and closed my eyes again. This was probably something he did to stay happy, and since music had the tendency to make me happy, I didn’t try stopping him. A little bit into the song, I heard a deeper hum join in, complimenting Heartmender’s. Curiosity got the best of me, and I moved my hat again and took another look. Lieutenant Steel also had his eyes closed, and was mimicking his fellow’s rocking, though he had a neutral look rather than a smile. I had no idea what was going on, maybe it was one of those songs intended to be uplifting and build camaraderie. There was something else too. The atmosphere seemed to change. Before it had just felt like a normal, sunny day. Now, there was some kind of calming effect in the air.         I couldn’t help it, and a smile tugged at the corners of my mouth. Closing my eyes once again, I felt my cares slowly fade away. Suddenly, without any input from my brain, I found myself snapping my fingers to the beat of the song. Again, I had no clue what happening, and for some reason, I just couldn’t muster the urge to care. The song continued for several minutes, which was fine, since it was a good-sounding tune.         As the song came to an end, so did the effect that accompanied it. Being able to think rationally again, it wasn’t hard to conclude that what just happened wasn’t normal, even if it was kinda interesting. Both Heartmender and Steel were looking at me with curious expressions.         My own expression mirrored theirs. “So… what just happened?”         The two guards exchanged looks. “I didn’t know that would affect humans. Did you?” The sergeant asked.         “Nope.” Steel replied, shaking his head.         They both returned their attention to me, and Heartmender explained, “You got caught up in the magic.”         I frowned. “What magic?”         “I… I don’t know how much we can tell you. Lieutenant?”         Steel thought for a bit, then shrugged. “I’ll ask the Princess what she thinks on the matter, just to be sure. Till then, you know all you need to know, Corporal.”         Great… That didn’t leave me with a good feeling. For all I knew, these ponies had just discovered something new they could use against me. Standing, I started for the track. Maybe a walk would help give me some kind of insight to what just happened. There was a lot we clearly hadn’t learned about Equestria, and this was just the latest example. It made me wonder: what else didn’t we know?