May 16, 2 a.m.
“Get off the carriage right now! Go, move move move!” yelled the Drill Instructor. As he ordered us, we all exited off the carriage and stood on the yellow hoofprints outside. I was in the middle of the first row on the left side and just as the last pony made it to their print, four more DI’s surrounded us. None of us could hear what was being said as they were yelling and screaming into other ponies’ faces. After a few minutes the yelling subsided as the one in the front spoke in a stern yet quieter voice.
“Here’s what we’re gonna do, you’re gonna walk through those doors and you’re gonna stand in your own little cubicle. Everypony’s crap is gonna be laid out and inspected. Un-needed items are to be thrown out, do you understand?” He spoke loudly and fast.
“Y-yes sir!” Everypony answered nervously.
“Let’s go! Through the doors!” The DI’s yelled as they walked as quickly as we could through the doors and into a room with another pair of doors. Waiting in front was another drill instructor in full uniform. He spoke in a strict and stern tone.
“Welcome everypony to Mareis Island. Behind these doors you will go through 13 and half weeks of living hell. You will be exhausted, hungry, and homesick. We promise sleep deprivation, we promise your very bones will be screaming for you to stop. But we will not promise you a cake walk, do I make myself clear?”
“Yes Sir!”
“When you go through these doors, you will be addressed as ‘this recruit’ and you will answer your respected drill instructors as ‘aye aye sir’ or ‘aye aye ma’am’ is that understood?”
“Aye aye Sir!”
“If nopony doesn’t want to proceed, now is your time to speak up.” As expected, nopony said a thing. After a few seconds, he turned around and opened the red doors.
All of us trotted into the next room as all of us went to our respective cubicles. Here we are to sort all of our identification and other needed items. Other items were thrown away. As we sorted through, the drill instructors yelled and screamed in each recruits faces.
I turned to look at the pony next to me. He looked at me with worried and nervous eyes. It was I who spoke, “What the buck did we get ourselves into?”
***************************************************************
May 7
It was a warm and beautiful day in Ponyville and today was the last day of school. It was good for the senior class at Ponyville High School as they went through a long life of schooling and were excited to fulfill their dreams. I couldn’t think of a better life. Graduation day was tomorrow, a whole summer of hanging out with friends, and searching for colleges with my marefriend, Summer. We should have started on it a long while ago but, heh, we are quite the procrastinators. Yep, life just couldn’t get any better than this.
I flew from my ground home down to the high school about a mile and half away. Being a pegasus meant no riding in school carriages. Lucky for me. As I landed in front of the school, a familiar sweet voice caught my attention.
“Hey Lightning!” It was Summer. She always dazzled me with her crème colored coat and blonde mane. What struck me the most was her light blue eyes.
“Hey there’s my sunshine!” I replied to her as I wrapped my hooves around her. We exchanged a brief kiss as we did every morning.
“How’s my Lightning this morning?” Summer asked.
“A lot better now that you’re here.” I told her. She giggled and started to blush.
“Egghhhh gag!” A voice said in front of us. It was Steel who I grew up with since junior flight school.
“Aww you jealous Steel? Would you like to join us? There’s enough room for one more.” I said jokingly, holding my hooves out motioning for him to be included.
“Ha ha don’t mind I do!” He replied and we all laughed.
“Dude can you believe it? Our last day of school as seniors.” I asked Steel.
“I know! These years just seemed to just zip by like nothing.” He replied.
We exchanged our usual hoofpump as the bell rang.
“Aww, I gotta go to class.” Summer said to me with a pouty face.
“Don’t worry we’ll see each other fourth period.”
This seemed to make her happy as she perked up and smiled. “Okay!” She kissed my cheek and galloped off. “I’ll see you later Lightning! Love you! Bye Steel.”
“Bye Summer.” Steel replied.
“Love you too Sunshine!” She always made my heart melt with her sweet voice as she spoke.
“You know you’re one lucky stallion Lightning to have someone like her.”
“I know.” I replied to him not taking my eyes off of her. “Steel, I think I’m in love.”
“Okay Casanova, we gotta get to class before Miss Baker chews us out for being late again.”
“Yeah you’re right.” I replied to him as we dashed off to Miss Baker’s class.
The bell rang before we made it to class. As we entered the classroom, Miss Baker sighed, “Even on the last day of school you two colts are still late?”
“We’re not late, we’re fashionably early.” Steel said as we both posed in a ridiculous fashion. Miss Baker smirked as a few classmates laughed. Steel and I were always the class clowns and made even the strictest of teachers laugh at our rather awkward antics every now and then.
“You smiled we’re off the hook!” I said as we quickly took our seats. She smiled and sighed again.
“May we proceed on with class you two?”
“Sure thing Miss Baker” Steel said.
“Okay, as I was saying before we were interrupted by our famous class clowns, today is the last day so you’ll be turning in your textbooks. And after that, I don’t care what you do. Just don’t kill each other. I don’t like blood on my floor.” Everypony cheered as we got up to turn in our textbooks.
We sat in our desks talking amongst one another as Steel found the perfect time to spark up a conversation. “So Lightning, how’s Summer?
I turned and looked at him and answered dumbly, “Oh we’re doing great! We’re getting married after we graduate and start a family. It’s gonna be so awesome!”
He gave me a weird look, “Okay now I’m not sure if you’re being serious or not. Kinda creeping me out a little bit”.
“No, of course I’m joking!” I said as I punched his arm jokingly.
“So..” he began, “Did you…you know… do it yet?” He asked, slightly raising his eyebrows up and down.
“Did I do what?” I replied
“You know…put your wood in the hole? The peanut butter to jelly? When heels to Celestia?”
I gave him a confused look as my brain struggled to process his sarcasm.
He sighed and rolled his eyes. “You’re killing me man! What I’m trying to say is did you do it or not? Basically that ‘it’ is sex.”
“No! No no no no why would I do it that early?” I answered.
He shrugged and let out a long laughed. Before he could say anything else, our principal Mr. Woodfield flew through the door to the classroom. He was trying to catch his breath as he looked around at us. He was sweating profusely and a look of pure terror was in his eyes.
“Mr. Woodfield are you okay?” Some classmates asked.
“Mr. Woodfield what’s going on?” Miss Baker asked.
He took a deep breath before he began. “Equestria… has been attacked by an unknown enemy.”
Everypony in the room gasped as he said it. A few mares started to cry.
I turned and looked at Steel. His eyes were wide and his mouth agape. He looked at me in disbelief.
“Oh shit.” Was all I could say.
Why We Fight
Chapter 2- Decisions With A Consequence
Edited by: LuMe
We never thought it would ever happen again but it did. Equestria, for over a thousand years, lived in peace and harmony since its last invasion. Now that peace has been broken.
We left our classroom and walked into the cafeteria where a large screen dominated a portion of the wall on the right. On it they were playing the news from Canterlot News Station. The faces of the news anchorcolts and mares wore expressions of fear and worry.
“We uh… we interrupt this broadcast to uh, inform the ponies of Equestria that we are no longer in a state of peace. Thirty minutes ago, an unknown enemy invaded the very soils of Manehattan. We…” He reached up to his ear piece, most likely someone updating him on news. His face looked completely white. “Are… are you sure?... Y-yes sir. This uh, just in, the enemy has breached past Checkpoint Alpha, Manehattan’s strongest military base. Air raids have already taken out most of our Navy’s ships docked in the harbor. I’m receiving reports right now that… civilian casualties are now in the thousands. Emergency Evacuations are being held to escort civilians out of Manehattan. Oh my advisor just handed me a slip here…. Reports are said that the enemy is comparable to an ape-like creature. They seem to speak the same language, and bear similar weapons to ours but theirs are made to accommodate their stature. No other reports at this time. Celestia help us all.”
That was all I had to hear. I raced out of the cafeteria and made my way down the main hallway. Before I could turn to unlock my locker, I heard a voice calling behind me.
“Lightning! Lightning wait up!” Without looking, I could tell it was Steel.
“What is it Steel?” I asked as I gathered my saddlebags.
“What’re... you doing?” He asked trying to regain his breath.
“What does it look like I’m doing? I’m going to…” I was cut off by the loudspeaker.
“Attention seniors, please report to the auditorium immediately. No exceptions! All further information will be provided once there. You have five minutes!”
“That’s Mr. Woodfield.” I turned to Steel. “We better get going.” He nodded his head in agreement as we quickly headed to the auditorium as instructed.
Once we walked inside, we noticed almost all of our senior class was there with three minutes to spare. Steel and I took our seats in the last row as Summer entered and took her spot next to me. I wrap my arms around her and hug her tight.
“Uhm I missed you too baby?” She giggles.
“Sorry.” I replied.
She must’ve noticed my mood as she asks, “You okay Lightning? What’s the matter?”
I sigh, “Nothing. I’ll tell you later.”
“Oh. Well okay. Do you guys know what’s going on?” She asks
Just then, Mr. Woodfield walks quickly on the stage to address us.
“I think you’re about to find out.” I whisper and kiss her cheek as she wraps her hoof around mine.
Mr. Woodfield began by clearing his throat. “Good morning seniors. Now I bet you’re all wondering why you’re all here. Well here’s what it is: Today was supposed to be the last day of school and tomorrow is graduation. Both of those are canceled.” Everyone then turned around and began asking questions to each other. A few ‘boos’ were heard throughout the auditorium. “Quiet! Now if you were to let me finish, I was going to say that this last day of school has been canceled and tomorrow’s graduation has been moved to today at 3pm. Does anypony have a problem with that?” Nopony said anything. “Good. You’re now dismissed. Be back here for graduation at three.”
We made our way out of the auditorium and waited outside the main door for Steel to join us.
“Aren’t you going to get your stuff from your locker?” I asked Summer.
“What? Oh no I cleaned it out yesterday. I didn’t bring anything today either.”
“Oh okay.” I replied and looked down at my hooves.
“Lightning you’re starting to worry me now, what’s the matter?” I leaned up and looked into her eyes. They were full of concern.
“It’s nothing. I’m okay, really.” I assured her with a light kiss.
“As much as my conscious is saying otherwise, I believe you.” She smiled.
“Well I wouldn’t wanna worry you.” I said as I took another step closer and brought my lips to hers. A few seconds later we heard the front school door close.
“Oh yeah now I know what I forgot! A garbage pail so I can throw up in.” It was obviously Steel.
Summer began to laugh in mid kiss.
I turned to him, “Steel I told you this morning that there’s always room for one more and that spot is calling your name.”
He gave a devilish grin. “Do I get to wear a pretty tiara like Diamond’s?”
My smile instantly faded. “Never mention that bitch’s name ever again or I’ll hang you in that tree over there with your own tail around your neck.”
“Whoa buddy! Just a joke.” He replied.
“Not a joke for me. When I dated her in middle school, she practically owned me. Now I’m free and have someone I love more than anything and I know she loves me too.” I say as I wrap a wing around Summer and kiss her cheek.
“Well if you’re gonna be all sappy like that, I’ll bring Scootaloo over here so we can throw up together.” He said.
“I thought you gave up on her?” I asked.
“Well I may have asked her out today… twice… by note.” He replied.
“Any word from her?”
“Not yet. But I hope.” He said as he looked up at the sky above the school and saw his crush flying away with Rainbow Dash, the famed Best Flyer in all of Equestria.
“Well if you too are done talking, I gotta get home and get ready for later.” Summer said.
“I’ll go with you.” I add and turn to Steel, “Gottta get going buddy.” He still hasn’t taken his eyes off her. “Just go talk to her man. Anyways, I’m taking Summer home so I’ll see you at graduation.” He simply nodded his head as I walked back to Summer.
We took to the air and flew in silence. All these thoughts began to race through my mind: What will happen now? Is Ponyville going to be soon part of the warzone? What will happen to Summer and her family? What will happen to mine? I turned my head and watched as her mane blew in the breeze as we flew. For the first time, I began to really realize what I have here. I have a mare I plan to marry but how will I do it after I make this decision? She turned her head and smiled at me. ‘She’s so beautiful’ I thought, ‘I just hope everything turns out the way I plan for it to go’. With my mind in full gear, the time it took to get to her home felt too short as we arrived and landed on the cloud porch. We walked in and both of her parents were in the living room.
“Hey Summer, hey Lightning.” Her dad said, “What’re you too doing here so early?”
“Oh they cancelled school today. Also, graduation too has been moved to 3pm today.” Summer replied.
“Really?” He asked. “I wonder why they did that.”
‘Maybe it’s best that they don’t know yet.’ I thought to myself.
“Well in that case, we should definitely get ready shall we? You probably should too Lightning. That way we can get pictures of you two.” He said with a smile.
“You got it, sir. I’ll stop by again later about an hour before the ceremony starts.”
“Okay!” Summer replied with a smile. I kissed her briefly and began to walk to the door. “Bye lightning, I love you!”
“I love you too Summer.” I replied.
I closed the door and leaped off the cloud home and made my way to my ground home. By the look of the sun, it appeared to be about nine o’clock. Summer’s house was less than a mile away from mine so it took no more than five minutes to land on the front porch. I open the door and step inside. I heard noises in the kitchen and an aroma of breakfast filled the house. My nose led me to the kitchen and there I saw my father sitting at the table reading the morning newspaper and my mom at the stove. I lightly knocked on the wall to let them know I was there. My father lowered his paper and his eyes met mine.
“Oh good morning son. Aren’t you supposed to be at school?”
“Yeah but they cancelled it. They moved tomorrow’s graduation to today at 3pm.” I replied.
My mother looked over her shoulder. “Well that’s odd.”
“No it’s not odd.” My father said. “I know why they did.”
“You do?” I asked.
He nodded. “Son, come with me.”
As instructed, I followed him up the stairs and into his and mom’s bedroom. He walked over to his office door. “Come inside.” It was quite odd for him to tell me to come into his office because I was never allowed to go inside. Nevertheless, I walked in as he closed the door behind.
“Now son listen to me. I don’t know if you’ve heard, but Equestria has been invaded.”
“Yes dad I know. We saw it on the news at the school. That’s why they moved the graduation to today.” I said.
“Precisely. Now I didn’t want to tell your mother until later. But after your graduation I’ll have to. We don’t know how long this will go on for but right now, it looks like it could be an all out war. If they get farther than Foalsyvannia, we’ll have to leave Ponyville for somewhere safe.”
“I understand.”
“Good.” He smiles, “But enough about that. You have a big day in front of you. You should probably get ready. Besides, Summer’s parents might want some pictures of you two in your graduation gowns.”
I laugh, “They sure do. I flew her home and Mr. Wind told me he’d like to have pictures of us too.”
He chuckles. “Yeah that sounds like Mr. Wind. Well I’ll let you get ready. Carry on son.”
“Yes sir.” I reply and walk outside his office. I make my way across the wall and enter my room. I open my closet to search for the suit I picked out a few months prior for today. When I find it, I grasp the hanger with my teeth and close the door. I turn around and set it on my bed. I look on my dresser next to my bed and examined the pictures that reside there. One of them was from when I was younger.
The one next to it was when I first met Summer. ‘Wow we were so young.’ I thought as a smiled came over me. The one to the left in front of it was the picture of mine and Summer’s family. Ever since Summer introduced me to her family, they always treated me as if I was their son-in-law. They probably figured it was only a matter of time until I became that title. And the one directly in front of all the others, the one she gave to me as a birthday present, was of us kissing. It seems like a foalish things but I don’t care. Summer means so much to me that I’d do anything for her.
I set the picture down and made my way to the bathroom. I closed the door and turned on the shower. While I waited for the water to warm up, I turned to the shelves and grabbed a towel. I set it down and went to look in the mirror. My mind began to drift from one thought and scenario to the other as the heat from the shower began to fog up the mirror. I snapped back to reality and walked into the shower.
The sudden sensation of the hot water at first made me shiver but stopped a few seconds later. I unfurled my wings and let the water drench them. The water felt good over on my wings and helped soothe them. With my mind racing, the one thing that kept coming back over and over was ‘am I going to make the right choice?’
I finished my shower and dried off. I stepped out and shook off any excess water and opened the door. Walking back to my room, I noticed a note left on my bed. It read:
Lightning,
Your mother and I headed over to Summer’s place so we could spend the day with them before your graduation. When you’re ready, head over there with your suit on.
Love,
Dad
I shrugged. “Sounds like a plan to me.”
**********************************
The time read 1:30 when I left my house to head over to Summer’s. Once there, I knocked on the door and walked in to see my parents conversing with Summer’s. Summer’s little brother, Littlehoof, eyes grew wide at my appearance.
“Wow!” He exclaimed, “You look so fancy!”
I chuckled. “Well thanks kiddo” I rubbed the top of his head.
“Not bad son.” My father said. “You look like a proper gentlecolt.”
“Well I do try to look my best.” I tried gloating.
“You sure do.” A voice said at the top of the stairs. I looked over and there was Summer, all dressed up. She slowly walked down the stairs.
“You look… beautiful.” I said.
She stopped in front of me and blushed. “Well thank you Lightning.”
For a moment, we both forgot that everypony was around us as we kissed. We were brought back to reality when we heard a fake gagging sound. I broke the kiss and turned around to discover my father was the culprit. Once he saw me glaring, he stopped immediately and erected his back.
He cleared his throat. “I am so sorry son.” He said unconvincingly, trying to hold back laughter.
Summer giggled. “Your dad’s so funny.”
“He can be.” I chuckled.
“But in all seriousness here, let’s get some pictures of you two!” Mr. Wind exclaimed.
We spent the next hour and fifteen minutes taking photos and sharing stories. The time came for us to soon head over to the high school for the graduation ceremony. As we flew our way over there, I asked my father:
“So why is it that Brianna couldn’t make it?”
“She said that she’s stuck with finals at college. She wanted to be here but if she didn’t do her finals, she’d fail her classes.” He replied.
“Oh well that’s understandable.”
After a few minutes we landed in front of the school. “Okay here are the tickets to get in. We have to go in and get ready. We’ll see you soon.” I told them.
Summer and I quickly made it inside and got in line outside the gymnasium. I looked at the clock, time was now 3pm. The music began playing in the gym as the line began to move inside. Once in, I looked around and noticed the bleachers were packed with stallions, mares and foals alike. Once seated, our principle began his speech.
“Good afternoon Fillies and Gentlecolts. First off, I want to apologize for the sudden change of plans but we’re happy to see that you’re all here. Now, I would like to present to you, Ponyville High School’s Senior graduating class!”
Cheers from all around filled the gymnasium. Once it ceased, Mr. Woodfield continued.
“Diplomas will now be handed out to the students. Able Barkly.” As he continued to name off the students, my mind, yet again, began to drift. Ever since I saw that news cast, I couldn’t stop thinking about what I should do. And Summer was constantly on my mind too. I wanted her to be safe.
“Lightning B. Jackson.” Mr. Woodfield called. I stood up and walked to the podium as many cheers from my classmates and the audience rounded about. I walked up the steps and stopped in front of the principle. He handed me my diploma and I grabbed it with my left wing as I shook his hoof.
“Congratulations son. You made us proud.” He said with a smile.
“Thank you sir.” I replied and stepped off the stage. I walked back to my seat and waited for Summer’s name to be called.
“Summer Wind.”
I clapped my hooves as she walked up to the stage to receive her diploma. I stood up, “Yeah that’s my girl! I love you Summer!”
She blushed and turned to blow a kiss. I reached my hoof out as to think as if something was actually there.
As the last name was called, the principle began again:
“Congratulations, newest graduates of Ponyville High School!”
We all cheered and threw our hats in the air. As I picked my hat up, Steel was next to me patting my shoulder.
“We did it brother.” He said smiling.
“We sure did.” I replied and we hugged each other. “Oh I have to talk to you about something later. Meet me behind the school.”
“Uh sure I’ll be there.” He replied
I turned to around to see Summer with a big smile on her face. “Congratulations baby!” She squealed as she wrapped her hooves around me.
I laughed, “You too Sunshine! Oh can you do me a favor?”
“Sure thing.”
“Can you tell my parents and yours to meet me at my house? I’ll be there very soon.”
She had a questioning look on her face. “Um sure okay.”
“Okay remember, I’ll be there soon. Love you.”
“Love you too.” She replied.
I kissed her goodbye for now and slipped through the doors of the gymnasium. I made my way through the halls that led to the back of the school. I opened and walked through the double doors and as expected, I saw Steel waiting for me. My heart began to pound inside my chest. He turned and noticed me coming and held his hooves up.
“This better be damn good Lightning.” He said.
“Steel… man I don’t know what to do.” I said as I began pacing.
“What are you talking about?” He asked.
“This morning, the newscast. I can’t get it out of my head! I think…” I took a deep breath. “I think I’m gonna do it.”
“Do what?” He questioned.
“Enlist in the Equestrian Mareines.” I replied.
“What?!” He shouted. “Are you bucking crazy! If you do, you know where you’re going? You’re gonna go straight to the fighting.
“I don’t care. I have to do this. I thought I should just let you know.” I turned around and began flapping my wings.
“Where are you going?” He asked.
“To the recruiter’s station downtown.” I again turned and began to hover.
“Wait!” I turned around and saw Steel look at me straight in the eyes. “I’m coming with you.”
“What?”
“I said I’m coming with you. I’m going to volunteer too. Remember our pact we made when were just tiny foals? We promised that we’d be there for each other and have each other’s backs. I’m staying true to my promise and I’m not gonna let you go off alone. We are brothers. Brothers ‘till the end.”
I didn’t know what to say. All I could think of to do was to hug him. That was the most meaningful thing Steel has ever said.
“You’re my best friend Steel. You know that right?”
“I know. Now let’s go to that recruit station.” He replied
“Right.”
We took to the air and made our way to recruit station in the middle of downtown Ponyville. Once there, we opened the door and walked down the hall to the sign that said ‘Mareine recruiter’. We looked inside and saw an Earth pony with a shaved mane who was sitting at a desk. We knocked on the opened door and he looked up.
“Afternoon fellas.” He said and looked back down at his paperwork.
“Good afternoon sir.” I said as Steel and I slowly made our way into the room.
“What can I help you two young stallions out with today?” He said without looking at us. I tried to speak but no words came out. He stopped what he was doing and looked straight up at us.
“Well? Spit it out.”
“We… were looking to enlist sir.” I finally said.
He began looking us over.
“You’re kidding me right?” He asked
“No sir.” Steel replied.
He began to look at us over again. It was about a minute before he spoke again, “Well let me explain this to you so you can understand because you two look like you’re about 12. The Equestrian Mareines is a brutal special force branch in our military. We don’t take things likely. Everything will be the hardest things you’ve ever done. Besides, we don’t take just anybody. This ain’t no Celestia-damn playground.”
“We are fully capable sir.” I said
“I doubt that. Besides, we don’t have any openings” He replied.
I turned to Steel, “Well I guess we tried. We apologize for interrupting you sir.” As we turned, his telephone rang.
“Wait!” He demanded and answered his telephone. “Sergeant Hoofsley. Yes. Are you sure?” There was a long pause. “Okay sir. Well I have two in my office right now… Yes sir. Bye. Gentlecolts, how would you like to be the first volunteers for the Mareines opening recruitment?
“It would be an honor sir.” I replied.
“Come in. Sit down.” He said as he reached into a file cabinet and pulled out two small stacks of papers and put them in front of us. “These are security background checks. Basically this is just a check we are required to do to make sure we don’t have criminally insane ponies joining our branch. None of you are criminally insane are you?”
“No sir.” Both of us replied.
“Good, that makes our job easier. Now just fill those out and I can get them to my superiors and have you sent up to get your physical and to make sure you’re physically fit.”
It was about a half an hour before Steel and I finished the security paperwork.
“Good deal.” Sergeant Hoofsley said. “I’ll have this up to my superiors when I leave here and I’ll notify you two to come back here and sign additional paperwork before I send you up for medical. Understood?”
“Yes sir.” Steel and I replied.
“Alright. Nice to meet you two and we’ll see you back here in a few days.” We shook his hoof.
“Thank you sir.” I said.
Steel and I walked out of the recruiting station excited. “Can you believe we’re about to do this crazy shit?” He asked
“Oh I believe it. But I think I need to get back home and notify my parents and Summer.” I replied.
“Ohh.” Steel scratched the back of his head. “Good luck with that man.”
“And before I go, did you get an answer from Scootaloo?”
“Yes I did.”
“Well?” I asked.
“She said yes. Turns out she’s liked me for a long time now.”
“Congratulations Steel.” I patted him on the shoulder. “Spend as much time as you can with her you got that?”
“I sure do.”
“Alright. Take it easy buddy.” I said as I began to fly home.
The sun was starting to set by the time I reached home. I opened the door to find my parents sitting in the living room. “Where’s Summer?” I asked my father.
“Oh her and her parents went home. They got tired of waiting on you.” He replied.
“Heh, yeah about that. Mom? Dad?”
“Yes?” They replied.
I swallowed. “Steel and I enlisted in the Equestrian Mareines.”
I watched as my mother’s jaw dropped to the floor. My father just sat there as if he wasn’t surprised. Then he grinned. “I kinda saw this coming. You’re just like me son. Always wanting to serve for his country.”
My dad being so casual caught me off guard. “You’re not surprised?
“Nah. Well I knew you would enlist but I didn’t think it would be this early. Especially with what’s going on in Manehattan right now. But whatever the matter, your mother and I support you one hundred percent.”
“Thanks mom, thanks dad.” I walked to them and wrapped my hooves around them. “I love you guys.”
“We love you too son. We just need you to be careful out there.” My mother replied. “Of and you should probably go and let Summer know about this.
“Yeah that’s a good idea.” I replied. “I’ll see you too later.
I closed the front door and started to fly to Summer’s house. My mind began to race with ways of how I was going to break it to her about my enlistment. I landed on the soft cloud porch of her home and knocked on the door. Summer’s parents answered.
“Well look who it is! We’ve waited forever for you.” Mrs. Wind said.
“I’m terribly sorry to keep you guys waiting. Is Summer here?” I asked.
“Why yes. She’s upstairs showering. Do you need her for something?” She asked.
“Well I was gonna tell her that I…” I swallowed, “I enlisted in the Mareines.”
Both of her parents gasped. “You did what?” Mr. Wind asked.
“I enlisted in the Equestrian Mareines. That’s why it took me so long.”
Mrs. Wind looked over at her husband. “She’s going to be so devastated.”
“Mom, Dad? Who’s down there with you?” Summer called from upstairs.
“Hang on dear!” Mrs. Wind replied. She turned to me. “We’ll tell her for you.”
“Thank you.” I replied as both of them made their way up the stairs to tell their daughter the news.
I stood in the entry way as I heard quiet muffled voices from upstairs as a loud gasp emanated all the way down here.
“Oh no” I whispered out loud. I then heard hoofsteps quickly making their way down the stairs.
As Summer reached the bottom, I noticed her eyes were already watering.
“No, no. Please tell me you didn’t. Why did you do it?” She asked in between sobs.
“Summer please let me expl… ah!” She cut me off as she slapped me across the cheek.
“I love you so much! Why did you do it?! Why did you have to do this.” She cried.
“I love you too Summer. I did this be…” I tried to hug and comfort her but was cut off as her
sobs continued. Her face wore fear along with the tears streaming down her face was too much for me.
“Why don’t you understand? I don’t know what I could say to make you understand I DID THIS FOR US! I DID THIS FOR US! I DID THIS BECAUSE I LOVE YOU SO BUCKING MUCH I WANNA PROTECT YOU! I WANTED TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY AND MINE! OF ALL THE PONIES IN THE WORLD I THOUGHT YOU’D BE PROUD OF ME AND UNDERSTAND WHY I DID THIS!” At that moment, I lost it.
Anger filled my heart as it took over my mind. This was the first time, ever, that I had raised my voice at Summer. But I lost all sense of control. Anger took over as I stormed out the front door and flew home.
Once I was home, I opened the front door and slammed it. I darted past my parents and up the stairs towards my room. Once inside, I slammed the door and spotted my beating bag that was chained to the ceiling. I quickly made my way to it and laid my first blow. Over and over I hit the beating back harder and harder until it broke off the chain and fell flat to the floor. I began landing blows with it on the ground. My hits began to slow and become lighter as tears began to fill my eyes. I kept going until I couldn’t hit it anymore and the tears flowed through uncontrollably.
“Oh Celestia what have I done!” I shouted.
I lay in that spot for what felt like forever until exhaustion took over and sleep fell over me.
Why We Fight
Chapter 2- Decisions With A Consequence
Edited by: LuMe
May 8
The sun began to shine through the curtains illuminating the room. I slowly opened my eyes and lifted my head when I noticed that I was on the floor of my bedroom. I slowly rose to my hooves and examined the mess on the floor. My beating bag was on its side a few hooves away along with the chain from when I lost control last night.
I took a few steps and a slight sting emanated from my front hooves. Taking a quick look at them I realized that they were scuffed rather badly and noticed a few blood patches.
I sat on my haunches and rubbed my eyes. A slight pain began to arouse from my neck.
“I did this for us!..... why don’t you understand?..... of all the ponies in the world I thought you’d be proud of me and understand why I did this!...”
Those words…those damned words that flown through my mouth at such high volume towards Summer began replaying in my head like an old record player.
I attempted to shake off the thoughts and rose to my hooves. I started to head towards my door slowly as the muscles in my legs and neck began to ache.
I stepped into the bathroom and turned on the shower. Once the water turned warm, I stepped in. Immediately I bent my head under the stream of warm water and allowed it to run down through my mane and down my back. Sitting on my haunches I adjusted my position to let the water flow over the rest of my body. I unfurled my wings and soon began to feel my muscles relax.
After what seemed like an eternity, I turned off the shower head and began to dry off. I soon began to notice a scent of what seemed like pancakes emanating throughout the bathroom. It traveled around the room with such radiance that it made my stomach began to sound like the growl of a Manticore.
I exited the bathroom and headed down the stairs and into the kitchen. I noticed my dad in his usual spot on the end of the table reading his newspaper with a plate of pancakes in front of him.
He lowered it and met my gaze. “Mornin’ son.” He said
I didn’t say anything but just lightly waved my hoof and sat down on in a chair next to him and lowered my head onto the table.
“Rough night, huh?” He said.
I nodded.
He sighed. “We got a call from Summer’s parents. They said they heard you yelling really loudly and when they went downstairs, you were gone and Summer was crying her eyes out.”
I raised my head slightly; my mane hiding my vision.
He folded his newspaper and set it onto the table. “We could also tell by the way you came home last night that something was wrong. We also heard you pounding really hard on your beating bag. Tell me what happened, son.”
I sighed deeply. “I went over to Summer’s house and told her that I enlisted in the Mareines like I said I was gonna do. And well I told her parents first and they went up to her room to tell her for me and she came downstairs and slapped me. I tried to tell her that I did this to protect her family and mine but she kept asking why did I do it and I just… lost it.” I lowered my head in shame and pressed my forehooves to my face.
I felt my father put his hoof on my shoulder. “Look son, I understand why you lost control but what you did wasn't the way to go. Believe me.”
I nodded. Even last night I realized that what I have done may have jeopardized what Summer and I had.
“Summer’s parents aren’t angry at you if that’s what you’re thinking but they do suggest that you go to her and talk to her.” He added.
I looked up and met his gaze. I felt a sudden reassurance from his eyes. I rose to my hooves.
“I’m gonna go talk to her.” I said. He nodded as I began walking towards the front door. “Oh and dad?” I said before I
continued any further.
“Yes?”
“Thanks for this; for giving me reassurance.” I said.
“That’s what I’m here for son. Now get on outta here, you have a young mare waiting to surprise.”
I smiled and headed for the door. I leaped off my cloud home and headed for Summer’s.
I landed softly on Summer’s cloud front porch and tapped the doorbell. A few moments later Mr. and Mrs. Wind answered the door.
“Oh, morning Lightning.” Mr. Wing said as he and Mrs. Wing stepped outside and closed the door.
“Mr. and Mrs. Wing, I don’t know how I could say how deeply sorry for the way I acted towards your daughter last night. I was under a lot of stress and I hoped that she would've understood why I did this and I just lost control..” I said and lowered my head.
“We understand, Lightning. We understand why you did what you did. It may have not been the good thing to do but we understand.” Mrs. Lightning explained.
“And you don’t have to apologize. But the only person you should apologize to is Summer. Ever since you left, she has cried nonstop. She has just stayed in her room and held onto the photo of you two.” Mr. Wing added.
I sighed. “Permission to go speak with your daughter?”
“Yes, go on ahead she’s in her room.” Mrs. Wind said as she motioned for me to go inside. “We’ll be heading to town to give you two some privacy.”
“Thank you..” I whispered. I turned to the door and opened it. When I turned around to close it, I saw Mr. and Mrs. Wind take flight down towards Ponyville Market Square.
I closed the door and stared at the top of the stairs to my left. I took a deep breath and slowly made my way up the narrow case as my heart began to pound faster and harder as each step I took.
Once at the top, I turned to the right toward her bedroom door. Before I could knock, I began hearing muffled sobs inside. It’s what I couldn’t stand hearing was my fillyfriend crying.
I gathered up any courage I had left and lightly knocked on the door.
“Go away..” I heard her say softly.
“Summer it’s….Summer it’s me. Can I come in?” I asked almost in a whisper.
Silence. After about thirty seconds I lightly opened the door and peered inside. I caught sight of Summer sitting beside her bed holding a picture frame.
I walked inside and closed the door behind me and began walking slowly towards her.
“Summer please, I just wanna…” I began but stopped when she moved slightly to avoid eye contact.
I sat on my haunches just a few hooves away from her.
“Summer I’m sorry. What I did… I never should have done it. The stress of all of it just got too much for me and I just lost control. I’d understand if you didn’t want to talk to me ever again..” I said. She continued to remain silent.
I gently lay my hoof on her shoulder. I was expecting her to attempt to shoo it off but she allowed me. I felt a tear in my eye as it fell down my cheek. I rose to my hooves and began walking back to the door.
“I’m sorry too.” I heard her whisper. I turned around and noticed that she still remained in the same spot. “I shouldn’t have hit you.. I just couldn’t believe that you would want to do such a dangerous job like that. Especially with what’s going on right now in Manehattan. I was afraid that if you are sent off to fight… you might never come back..” She said as she began sobbing.
I quickly sat down by her side and wrapped my hooves around her shoulders. “No no no, you know I wouldn’t let that happen to me. I will return back and we’ll be together like we’ve planned.”
She sniffed. “I’m just afraid I’ll lose you.”
She lay her head on my shoulders. “You won’t lose me, Summer….. you won’t lose me.”
I let her cry into my shoulders to relieve the pain she was endearing. I couldn’t blame her. With what’s going on in Manehattan, and depending on how bad it is, I’d never know if I’d even come back home. But I decided not to say anything more on the subject.
I sat with her in silence while she cried. It was about ten minutes before her sobs subsided. She slowly leaned up and hugged onto the picture frame she had been holding.
“What’s that?” I asked.
She sniffed. “It’s that picture we took last year at the Summer Sun Celebration.” She lightly chuckled as glanced back at it. “We are so adorable in this picture…”
I glanced at the picture. It was indeed Summer and I at the Sun Celebration. It was the photo of when I snuck a kiss on her cheek before she took the picture. She had the most adorable smile.
Summer turned and looked at me for the first time since last night. Her eyes were red and puffy from a long time of grief. Although we had forgiven each other, I still felt terrible for what I did.
“So… when do you have to leave?” She asked.
“In a few weeks. Steel and I have to leave June 15 and we stay at a hotel for a night and then we go on a train to boot camp and arrive at 2 a.m. in the morning on June 17.” I replied.
“Oh.” She replied.
“Don’t worry. Steel and I will watch over each other. We’ve decided to do this together because we made a vow.”
She kissed my cheek. “I believe you. I’ll miss you while you’re gone.”
“I won’t be far away. I may not be with you physically, but I’ll be here in your heart. Always.” I replied.
We gazed into each other’s eyes and I noticed her eyes tearing up.
“I love you, Lightning.” She said.
“I love you too, Summer.” I replied and gave her a reassuring kiss that showed her that everything will be alright.
It will be only a few weeks before Steel and I will be going through hell in boot camp.
