Chapter One

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The midday sun beat down relentlessly. The temperature itself wasn’t bad, somewhere in the low eighties, but walking in the direct sunlight made it feel far hotter than it really was. I was currently walking down a well-used dirt road, along with the rest of the thirteen man patrol. Six of us walked on the right side, six on the left, spaced and staggered, with Colonel Nelson walking in the center, occasionally drifting to talk to one of us. Trees bordered the road on either side, preventing any of us from seeing very far in any direction, except forward and back. Aside from their wonderfully inviting shade, there was the chance that the same trees could be hiding our enemies, a thought that had me uneasy since we’d entered this stretch of road.

We’d been out on this patrol for over an hour, but we’d left just before noon, meaning we’d been doing most of the walking with the sun directly overhead. God damn, if I don’t get a break soon, I’m gonna roast! As if he’d read my mind, Colonel Nelson raised his closed fist, signaling a halt. The entire patrol scattered from the road, taking cover in the trees on their respective sides. Taking a knee in the glorious shade, next to a large tree, I immediately began scanning as far into the woods as I could, and took several large swallows from my camelbak. Not about to let myself get taken by surprise.

A couple minutes after the halt had been called, I heard movement behind me, followed by a hand being placed on my shoulder. “Duran, I’ve got a job for you.”

Glancing back, I saw the colonel and Private Tovey. “What do you need, sir?” I asked, looking forward again.

“There’s a good-sized hill a hundred meters back, on this side, you familiar with it?”

I can see where this is going. I nodded. “Yes sir.” I’d seen it on this, and other patrols through this area.

“Good. I want you to take Tovey, and set up an overwatch position while we’re here. You two will rendezvous with the rest of the patrol as we pass on the way back.”

Yep, saw that coming. “Roger.” I stood and turned, looking to Tovey. He stood about three inches taller than me, and was decked out in the same combat gear I was. Rather than a standard rifle, the private was armed with an M249 SAW, which was probably why he’d been picked. “Let’s go, Tovey.”

We started heading in the direction we’d come from, Colonel Nelson falling in step with us. “Private Tovey also has a radio, when you get up there, make sure to get a comms check with me.” He said.

“Will do, sir.”

As we neared the front of the patrol, the colonel stopped. “One more thing, corporal.”

I stopped and turned to face him. “Sir?”

“Be careful. We’ve had reports of enemy activity near this area. While I don’t foresee them coming out this far…”

“We’ll keep our heads on a swivel.”

“Good man, now get up there.”

Without a word, I spun, and resumed my previous course, Tovey falling in beside me. We stayed just inside the treeline, just in case the enemy was watching. It didn’t take us long to reach the base of the target hill, and we began ascending. The trees on this hill in particular started thinning out near the top, leaving only a sparse grouping at the peak, and a collection of undergrowth. Despite not being as heavily covered, a soldier in the prone would be difficult to see from any angle, which is why we were using it.

Reaching the top of the hill took longer than actually getting to the hill, since it was fairly steep, and the peak rose over the treetops. Once we arrived, Tovey immediately lowered his weapons bipod, and went prone, setting up overlooking where our patrol was. I took a knee inside the group of four trees. It left me a little more exposed, but I would be able to see in every direction with minimal movement and effort.

“Get that radio check, Tovey.” I ordered, as I lifted my weapon and peered through the scope.

“Roger.” There was a pause, then, “Eagle Six, this is Overwatch Two. Radio check, over.”

Reaching up, I spun a ring on my scope, increasing the magnification to nine power. At that magnification, and because I knew where to look, it was easy to see our patrol, even in the trees, though I could only see the guys on the opposite side of the road.

As I looked over them, I dimly heard Colonel Nelson over Tovey’s radio. “Overwatch Two, Eagle Six. Read you lima charlie, over.”

“Roger. Overwatch out. … We’re good, corporal.”

“Good. How’re you doing?”

“Feels good to be off my feet.”

I lowered my weapon, and gave a soft laugh. “Amen to that.” I took minute to give my rifle a quick once over. It was a standard M4 carbine. The only notable things about it were the rail-mounted bipod I’d put on, and the scope. The optic was one of my personal belongings, capable of 3-9 power magnification, mounted with one inch risen, quick-release rings, very durable and very accurate. Since it was being used on government property, I’d had to get permission to use it. It was also the most likely the reason the colonel had decided on me for overwatch.

Satisfied the rifle was working order, I looked around over the woods around us. They weren’t very dense, which allowed me to see through portions of the canopy, and allowed the guys back down on the road to see through it a decent distance. That advantage was also a problem, as it allowed the enemy the same thing. Scanning in every direction, and seeing nothing, I was satisfied that we were in the clear for now, but something just didn’t feel right. I kept my guard up.

Several minutes passed in relative silence, before Tovey spoke up. “Corporal.”

“What’s up?” I asked. Using my knee as a pivot, I turned to face the opposite direction, once again raising my rifle to scan through the scope.

As if he could sense my unease, he said, “I can’t place it, but something isn’t right.”

Dialing the magnification down several powers, I searched several openings in the treetops. Nothing. “Yeah… I’m getting that feeling too.” I shifted around as I lowered my M4, swapping the knee I was on for the other. Spinning back to face the direction of the patrol, which was to the east, I noticed Tovey rise to his knees and shift his weapons orientation. He didn’t immediately return prone, and instead did an area scan of his own.

Returning my attention to the east, I scanned the skies. Something caught my eye, and I threw myself to the ground. “Get down!” I hissed at Tovey. The private was prone and behind his SAW in an instant.

“What?”

“Possible contact.” Twisting the magnification power to six, I aimed at the spec I’d seen and looked through the scope. It took a moment to zero in on the object, but as soon as I did, I recognized it instantly. Shit. Flying through the air on a north-south course, was a pegasus. I could just make out its white coat, and the golden armor it wore. Damn it, it’s a Guard. “Contact, pegasus Royal Guard… estimated five hundred meters east. Call it in.”

Tovey didn’t hesitate. “Eagle Six, Overwatch Two.”

There was a pause, then, “Send it.”

“Overwatch has eyes on enemy fliers, five hundred meters east of our location. How copy?”

Another pause. “Good copy, Overwatch. Stand by.”

“Roger, Overwatch standing by.”

I’d kept my scope glued to the target through the chatter, tracking its every move. Fortunately it didn’t alter course.

“Do you see his wingman?” Tovey asked.

The guard banked left, and headed east, toward the distant mountain that held their capital, Canterlot if I remembered correctly. As he did that, I looked over my scope. “Negative I don’t, no wait… Affirmative, there he is.” Squinting, I was able to just make out the faint dot. It was farther east, and probably following the same flight pattern as the other. I almost sighed in relief, but Tovey suddenly swore.

“Shit. Corporal, seven o’clock high.”

Fuck. Turning, I easily spotted another pegasus guard, this one slowly flying west to east. Moving slowly, I crept up on Tovey’s left. He was breathing quick and heavily, probably worried, and I couldn’t blame him. If we got spotted, we’d probably have pegasi all over us before we could make it off the hill. “How the fuck did we not see him till now?”

“I don’t know, Duran… This is bad. If they’re out this far, that means…” He didn’t finish, and didn’t have to.

“I know.” Reaching over, I grabbed the radio mic from its place on his left shoulder. “Eagle Six, Overwatch One.”

As I waited for Nelson to respond, I spotted this guards wingman. The second one was closer to our position than the first of the pair. These two were flying relatively close to each other, about one hundred meters apart. Based on their speed, they were definitely searching for something.

The mic crackled. “Send it, One.”

“Overwatch has eyes on a second patrol, seven o’clock of our position, heading east, over”

“Distance?”

“Wait one.”

Turning, I found them again, now at our eight o’clock. Shit, they’re close! I keyed the mic. “They’ll pass by at about two hundred meters north of us.”

“Roger. Let them pass, then radio us when we’re clear.”

“Roger Six, Overwatch One, out.” I returned the mic to Tovey, then gripped his shoulder. “Relax.” I said, my voice low. “We’ve got good concealment. Just don’t move and they’ll fly right by.” His breathing slowed, but he was still taking deep breaths. “Good, now keep quiet.”

I knew Tovey had only gotten out of basic a year ago, and had never seen combat. I on the other hand had a tour in Afghanistan under my belt, which included several firefights with insurgents. On top of that, I’d been in two engagements here in Equestria.

As Tovey and I lay on the hilltop, I kept my hand on his shoulder, to try and keep him reassured. I don’t know how much time passed, since I didn’t dare move to look at my watch, but it felt like an eternity. Suddenly, I saw one of the flying guards in my peripheral vision. It was still moving slowly, but was now at my eleven o’clock. A minute later, his wingman appeared in my vision, which had me confident enough to turn my head to watch them better. They were both scanning the ground in front of them, what they were looking for, I hadn’t a clue. It very easily could have been our patrol.

Beside me, Tovey let out a deep breath. With those two now in front of us, we’d just dodged a bullet. Just to be sure, I slowly scanned the skies I could see. Aside from the slow flying guards, there was nothing, not even a cloud. How the actual fuck did they get that close without us spotting them sooner? As the pair continued onward, I prayed our guys had taken good cover. By now, some of them down there should be able to see the pegasi overhead.

Once the threat was a good distance away, Tovey whispered, “That was close.”

I just gave a soft grunt in reply. Even though we hadn’t been discovered, something was still felt wrong, and I’d learned to trust that feeling.

The pegasi guards passed over the location where we’d left the patrol, but gave no indication they’d seen anything. Still, that nagging feeling in the back of my mind refused to leave.

I waited a few more minutes just to be safe, then took the mic from Tovey again. “Eagle Six, Overwatch One.”

“Send it.”

“You’re clear to start falling back. Recommend the patrol keeps inside the trees, over.”

“Roger, Overwatch. We’re moving out now. Keep eyes on and alert us if they double back.”

“Roger Six, Overwatch One, out.” Once again returning the mic to Tovey, I brought up my rifle. Through the scope, I could vaguely make out movement well inside the trees where our guys were.

Glancing up, I watched as the two fliers continued on their way, having missed our guys. I was about to relax when Tovey suddenly jerked, and began frantically looking around, his breathing increasing rapidly.

“What’s wrong?” He didn’t answer, and just kept looking around.

“Talk to me, Tovey.” Still nothing.

“Private, what’s wrong wi-“

“We’re being watched!” Tovey interrupted, finally answering me.

That immediately got me looking around as well, my heart-rate jumping up. Even with my scope, I couldn’t see anything, but Tovey's actions now had me on edge. “I don’t see anything.”

“I know they’re watching, I can feel it!”

While I didn’t share that feeling, the unease I felt was stronger than ever, from Tovey’s actions, or something else, I didn’t know. “Calm down, will you? You’re going to hyperventilate.”

He didn’t respond, just kept up his frantic search for whatever he felt was watching. God damn it. Still doing my own search, I was coming up with nothing. “Tovey, there’s nothing out there besides those peg-“ Something glinted through a gap in the treetops near the base of the hill, catching my attention, and stopping me mid-sentence. Reaching up I rotated the magnification to the maximum setting. Focusing in, I strained my eye, looking where I’d seen the glint, then froze. There, just barely discernable in the shadows, was a pony, a Royal Guard.

His fur was gray, but his armor wasn’t the gold we were used to. Instead it was painted in a forest camouflage. The color combinations made him extremely hard to see. The glint I’d seen came off the head of the spear that was encased in a faint blue glow next to him. That could only mean one thing: it was a unicorn. Fuck. Even worse than that, it was highly unlikely that he was alone. Given his current location, and looks, it was obvious what was going on.

Raising my head from behind the scope, I muttered, “It’s an ambush…” I immediately regretted saying it out loud.

Tovey’s head snapped forward, trying to spot the threat, as he whimpered a shaky “What?”

We needed to warn the colonel. “Tovey, get on the radio.” I instructed as I looked to him. “Tell the colonel… Tovey?”

I’d seen guys have breakdowns before, but this was by far the worst. Tovey’s face was completely white. I couldn’t see his eyes, but I didn’t have to. I knew he was terrified.

“Tovey.” Nothing. “Tovey!” Reaching out, I grabbed his shoulder. That turned out to be a mistake. As soon as I touched him, he lost it. With a shriek of terror, he shot to his feet, weapon in hand, and immediately bolted down the hill, heading for the road.

“God fucking damn it!” I jumped to my feet, unsure of what to do. The radio had run off with Tovey. Without that, I couldn’t warn the colonel. What I could do, was stay here, and use the advantage the hill gave to support the others, but I couldn’t just leave Tovey by himself.

Before I made a decision, the forest below erupted with the sounds and lights of a fight, drawing my attention. The crack of gunfire came in varying bursts, the longer bursts clearly from the crew-served machine guns. The lights were from muzzle flashes, magic blasts, and the damned bubble shields from the unicorns. Looking back to where I’d seen Tovey, and seeing nothing but trees, I made my decision.

Turning to the fight, I raised my M4 to my shoulder, flicked the safety, and opened fire. After a half-dozen rounds, all of which had hit one of the bubbles, I was rewarded with a volley of magic bolts being launched in my direction. Fortunately, every shot went high or low. Dodging left anyway, I dropped to a knee, and emptied the rest of the magazine as fast as I could. I dropped the spent magazine, shoving it in the drop-pouch on my left hip, grabbed a new mag, and slapped it into my weapon. More bolts of magic arched up to me, and I dropped into the prone as I hit the bolt-release, the bolts going high, or impacting the ground around me.

From my vantage point, I could see the way the fight was unfolding. There was a ‘U’ shape of bubble shields between me and what would be the location of the patrol, the curve closest to me. As I watched, the open end slowly started to close around into an oblong circle. Shit, they’re surrounded! Moving to a new position several meters to my right, I rose back to my knee, flipped my M4 to ‘burst’, and opened up on the nearest bubble.

From prior engagements, we knew that the shields the unicorns made would stop bullets, but each impact weakened the shield in return. The ponies had learned quickly to counter our wearing down their shields by rotating casters. Even as I emptied my second magazine, the shield, which was some shade of yellow, flickered. I couldn’t have done that with just one magazine, so someone else was shooting that one as well. Before it collapsed, a blue shield appeared in the same area. As soon as it did, the yellow one vanished.

Dropping down to reload again, I heard an explosion. Someone must have thrown a grenade, and the result was immediately obvious. The two bubbles closest to the blast vanished instantly, leaving gap that was no doubt being exploited. Yes! They’ve got an opening! I cheered my comrades accomplishment as I finished reloading. My jubilation was cut short as more colorful magic bolts peppered the ground in front of me. Figuring I was pushing my luck, I fell back, crawling to the cluster of trees before I rising to my feet.

A look showed that the circle of shields was now moving slowly down the road, no doubt pursuing the retreating patrol. That also meant I was about to be cut off from my friends. As I realized this, something told me to look up. When I did, a wave of dread went through me. The skies were no longer clear. They were full of armored pegasi, and two of them were coming right for me.

“Oh, shit…” Lifting my rifle, I tried to sight in on the lead pony, but the scope was still at maximum magnification, and as soon as I moved, the pair banked and turned right, spoiling any shot I might have had. Setting my weapon back to ‘semi’, I fired two rounds anyway, to show them I meant business, before I cranked the scope down to 4x, and started to double-time it off the hill. I only made it four steps, before I had to throw myself to the ground to avoid yet another magic barrage. God damn. I’ve got to be overdrafting at the bank of luck.

Rolling to my feet once again, I made to start back down the hill, when a golden-armored pegasus appeared in front of me, hovering, brandishing a spear, and blocked my path. Instinct took over, and my M4 came up. Just as the barrel aligned in his general area, the pegasus gave a powerful beat of his wings and launched himself to the right. Turning, I tried to track him, but he kept accelerating. I let him go, and instead started firing at the swarm of fliers that were still closing in. Six rounds later, I turned, only to see a wall of bubbles that was slowly starting to wrap around the west side of the hill as well.

I’m so fucked. It felt like a lead weight had settled in my gut. There was no way I could rejoin my group. As bolts of magic began streaking toward me, and no other options, I turned and ran as fast as I could across the top of the hill. Firing upwards, to keep the pegasi at bay, I tore across the top of the hill, determined to make it down the south face before I was completely encircled.

Chapter Two

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Running, running, running, running, crap, oh crap, oh crap, oh crap! The distinctive crackle accompanied the magical bolt as it shot past my right shoulder, and slammed into the tree I was just passing, showering me with an explosion of wooden shrapnel. Shit! I flinched as the splinters peppered the exposed spots on my face. Ignoring the new pain, I forced myself to keep running, weaving my way through the trees as fast as I could. Don’t these clowns know when to quit?! Firing randomly in the general direction of the pegasi that were hounding me, I’d managed to make it off the hill. Once I’d gotten into the trees, the fliers had become less of a problem, but now I had to deal with the unicorns and earth ponies.

The earth ponies were easy enough, just keep out of their reach. Pegasi? Put enough rounds in the air, they’ll either catch one, or decide it’s not worth it. The unicorns, however, were another story entirely. Between their damned magic shields, ability to shoot those bolts, and their magic in general, unicorns were by far the most dangerous opponents we faced here. The sound, and sight, of more bolts streaming past and landing all around me were a testament to that threat.

At least they can’t hit shit while running. Though,I had a bigger problem than their accuracy the longer this went on.. I’d been running for nearly twenty minutes. Normally, that wouldn’t be too much of an issue, but the added weight of my armor, extra ammunition, camelbak, and weapon changed things drastically. I was going mostly on adrenaline at this point, and it felt like I had weights strapped to my boots. I really needed a break to recover, even just a little one.

Stopping suddenly, I spun, raising my M4, and began firing. Before the weapon was even half-way up, bubble shields, predictably, appeared, forming a multicolored line, and stopping every shot. With a quick about-face, I forced my aching legs back into motion. During the course of my continuing evasion, I’d learned that it took the unicorns a handful of seconds to drop the shields and resume their pursuit. I could gain a little headway on them, but they always caught up shortly afterwards. I’d been using that as an advantage, but that advantage was rapidly dwindling as I forced myself to keep going.

Several meters later, I saw something that set ice coursing through my veins. Up ahead, the trees thinned out into a clearing. The last thing I wanted to do was run through any kind of open space. Without the cover the trees provided, it was only a matter of time before one of my pursuers got in a lucky shot. Besides that, the open air meant pegasi. At the edge of the clearing, I turned left, trying to circumvent the hazard, only to have a barrage of magic bolts cut in front of me. Either they had chosen that moment to fire... or I was being herded to the clearing. It’s a trap! As humorous as hearing Admiral Ackbar’s voice in my head, I didn’t have time to laugh. Stopping, I spun again, this time, firing from the hip. As expected,. a wall of shields appeared, again stopping any rounds that may have hit any significant target. A dozen rounds later, I had the familiar feeling of the bolt locking open; the magazine was empty.

“Damn it!” Ducking behind a tree, I hit the magazine release, not even bothering to catch this one. Fishing another mag out of a pouch, I slammed it home, slapped the bolt release, and swung back around the tree, M4 raised, looking through the sight. The shields were still up as I opened back up. I didn’t just spray randomly, this time, I took time to aim each shot, as I started backing away slowly. As I entered the clearing, I fired one last round, hit the safety, turned, and ran for all I was worth.

The first thing I noticed as I ran through the clearing, was that there were no fliers in the sky. Thank god! Two seconds after I had that thought, I saw the first pair of pegasi come over the treetops, followed closely by several more. OH, COME ON! With a wordless scream of rage, I brought my weapon back up, flicked the safety, and opened fire on the run. As the flock scattered, magic bolts began raining down around me. Spinning, and dropping my aim, I fired at the line of unicorns that had entered the clearing behind me. Of course, their shields were already up before I lined up my shots. At this range, I could see the ripples from each rounds impact. All too soon, the bolt locked to the rear, signifying another empty magazine. Automatically, I began my reload. As the mag fell to the ground, I reached for my next one. The first pouch I went for was empty. Immediately, I began patting around the others searching for a mag. Reaching the last pouch, and feeling it smash under my hand, my heart fell into my stomach, and my eyes widened as I came to a horrifying realization: I was black on rifle ammo. Oh fuck… With no more ammo for my rifle, that left me with my M9 sidearm, the two extra magazines for it, and my combat knife. Trying to fight with either of those wasn’t something I was keen on trying.

In the time I spent figuring that out, the unicorns must have sensed, or seen, that something had changed, because they’d dropped their shields, and began sending more bolts in my direction. With no real alternative, I turned my back on the unicorns and resumed my frantic evasion, determined to make it to the end of the clearing. What was left of my luck must have been with me, because none of the unicorns hit their mark. Twenty meters from the relative cover of the trees, my luck ran dry. As the next volley came in, and began landing around me, I heard the unmistakable sound of a bolt, right behind me. A half-second after I heard it, the bolt slammed into my back, exploding my camelbak and spraying water everywhere. My rear SAPI plate took the impact, audibly cracking from the force, and nature, of the bolt. That same force pitched me forward sharply, though I miraculously managed to stay on my feet. Fuck, fuck, fuck! Another crackle filled the air as I straightened, this time the bolt impacted my helmet. The result of this hit somehow blew the ACH right off my head, and sent me sprawling. Fighting the daze I was now experiencing, I rolled back to my feet, desperate to get away. The treeline was so close, about a dozen meters away now, it almost seemed like I could reach out and touch the trunks. Almost there!

Two steps later, my right foot caught something, sending me back to the ground, and caused me to drop my weapon. Come on! It’s right there! RIGHT THERE! Trying to rise again, I felt something pulling on my right leg, leading me to a grim realization. One of those bastard’s grabbed me… I was suddenly wrenched backward, then up into the air by my right foot, confirming my thought. As I was whipped around, my hand found the grip of my M9. Hitting the tab on the quick-release holster, I pulled the sidearm out, flicking the safety, just as I came to a stop before my captor. Swinging my arm up, or down seeing as I was currently hanging by my foot, I stuck the pistol in his face, right between his eyes. I gotta give this unicorn credit, the bastard didn’t even flinch. Either he could read minds, and knew I’d never chambered a round, or he was made of some pretty stern stuff.

The two of us stared at each other. He was holding me in a way that, despite being upside down, our heads were at the same level. The way he was looking at me, gave me the impression I was being analyzed, and there was something else… respect maybe? Hanging there in his magic, panting and gasping heavily, sweat pouring down my face, I took in a few details about the unicorn holding me. His coat was white, with a hint of a gray tone to it. Around his horn was a magenta glow. His eyes were a shade of dark blue, what specifically, I don’t know, but they almost matched the plume on his helmet. The armor he wore was certainly worth noting well. Not the typical gold, or painted in camouflage like the other unicorns that had been chasing me, his armor was purple, with gold accents and trim. Based on that, I guessed he was high up in rank.

As I studied him, his eyes briefly flicked to the pistol, quivering in my grip, then back to me, as if he was suddenly daring me to pull the trigger. Before I could consider doing that, as useless as it would be right now, we were encircled by the rest of the pursuing ponies, the innermost of which leveled spears at me. I spared a few seconds to look at them, before returning my gaze to the one holding me. It was painfully clear I wasn’t going anywhere, and if I tried anything, I’d be soldier shishkebab. At least I made them work for it. Very slowly, and never breaking eye contact, I rotated the pistol, flicking the safety as I did, till the grip was angled toward the ground, and thumbed the magazine release. The mag slid out of the well and hit the ground with a soft thud. As soon as it hit the ground, I dropped the weapon, and let my arm go limp. Waiting a few seconds, in which I took several deep breaths, I closed my eyes and said the two words no soldier ever wants to consider: “I surrender.”

After stripping me of my knife, and remaining M9 magazines, as well as gathering my dropped M4, my hands were shackled, and I was lead out of the clearing, back in the direction I’d come from. They did, however, allow me to keep my boonie hat, which I quickly put on. Although the ponies didn’t like it, I stopped and grabbed my ACH. It was clear why it’d came off, the rear straps had been burned through, and now that my adrenaline was burning out, I could feel the burns on my neck. Additionally, my entire body was trembling, my throat was dry and scratchy, and my legs could barely support my weight.

Staggering along, I looked around. I was surrounded by guards on all sides, with the purple-armored one just ahead and to my left. No way I’m getting out of this right now.

“That was insane, Captain Armor.” One of the guards at my eleven o’clock said suddenly.

“That was a fun chase, wasn’t it?” The purple-armored unicorn replied, a touch of amusement in his voice. I was right, he is an officer.

The initial speaker shook his head, looking back at the captain. “That’s not what I was talking about.” His gaze drifted to me for a moment. “What if he’d shot you? Princess Cadance wouldn’t take that news very well.”

The mirth was gone when Captain Armor replied, “No, she wouldn’t, which is why I took precautions.” He paused. “I had everything well in hoof.”

“All due respect, Sir, it didn’t look that way. What precautions did you take, if I may?”

The captain looked back at me, then to the guard before answering, “I put a shield in the barrel, Lieutenant Steel. He couldn’t have shot me.”

He put a shield inside the barrel? I’ll admit, that’s pretty impressive. Too bad that would have backfired. I thought, with a faint laugh. That caused just about every guard to look at me.

“Find something funny, prisoner?” Lieutenant Steel asked.

“Had I been able to fire, a shield in the barrel would have just caused the weapon to malfunction, catastrophically.”

“Meaning?”

“It would have exploded in my hand, and probably sent shrapnel into your eyes.” I said, motioning to Armor. Don’t they know how our guns work? … I probably shouldn’t have told them that.

The unicorn grimaced then looked forward again. “Lucky me. That would have been unpleasant.”

Nothing else followed that statement, and they all went back to walking in silence. Five minutes of nothing happening passed, when I tripped over an exposed root I hadn’t noticed. I went down to all-fours, with a grunt of pain. When I tried to rise, my legs wouldn’t cooperate, and I went back down. I didn’t immediately retry to stand, and a guard jabbed me in the side with the butt of his spear, though he hit my side SAPI instead of me.

“Get up.”

“Give me a minute.” I said, looking over at the spear-wielding unicorn standing beside me.

“I said, ‘get up’!” He emphasised his order with a much harder jab, nearly knocking me to my side.

“I just got done running the fuck away from you guys, I’m a little worn out. Gimme a fucking minute!”

Glaring at me, the gray unicorn raised his spear. “Why you⎻”

“STAND DOWN!” Captain Armor’s voice cut through whatever the guard had been about to say.

Looking around, I found the captain standing in front of me, staring down his soldier. “We do not treat prisoners that way! We have standards to adhere to, remember that!”

Instead of arguing, or making some excuse, like I expected him to, the guard simply said, “Yes, Sir” and backed off. Huh, didn’t expect that.

Turning his attention to me, Armor said, “As much as I’d like to stop and give us all a quick break, I can’t take the risk that your friends won’t come back in force.” He extended a hoof to me. “We’re not carrying you either, so come on. We don’t have much farther to go, anyway.”

I stared at the offered hoof for a few seconds, then sighed and gasped it. With a pair of grunts, his from the exertion, mine from the ache in my legs, I was pulled to my feet. Staying only long enough to make sure I stayed on my feet, Armor turned and pointed ahead with a hoof. “Move out!”

Bending down, I retrieved my dropped helmet, then shuffled onward.

The rest of the trek was uneventful, and we arrived at another clearing a short time later. Unlike the one I’d been captured in, this clearing wasn’t empty. Over a dozen chariots sat ready to go, pairs of pegasi guards already hitched to the vehicles. My entourage wasted no time in herding me to one of the chariots and getting me aboard with two guards.

Captain Armor watched as everyone mounted up, then climbed into the chariot he was standing beside. “Let’s go!”

My ride lurched forward, and if I hadn’t been resting my back against the front, I’d probably have fallen out. Several meters later, I watched the ground fall away as we took to the air. I probably should have started freaking out, flying in something that wasn’t a legitimate aircraft, but I was too busy being grateful to be off my feet.

Wincing as I shifted around, I pulled myself to my knees using the front railing of the chariot. When my pair of guards didn’t move to stop me, I took a look around. The group was spread out across the sky, with unencumbered fliers scattered throughout. Huh, reminds me of a World War Two bomber formation with a fighter escort. As interesting as I found that, our destination was clear, and more important. We were heading east, toward the mountain. They were taking me to Canterlot. That was when the reality of the situation really sank in: I’d been captured by the enemy. I was a prisoner of war.

Chapter Three

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Now fully realizing the position I was in, I started to panic a bit. Outside of what we’d learned fighting them, we knew almost nothing about these ponies. The things we knew for certain were: Canterlot was their capital, and they had two princesses ruling them. What are they going to do with me? Images of P.O.W. camps from previous wars passed through my head in a flurry, leaving me feeling nauseous. After a few uncomfortable seconds passed, I shook my head, clearing my thoughts. No, calm down. They couldn’t be that bad… could they? Instantly I remembered the walk to the chariots, where Captain Armor had said something about them having standards. That knowledge alone gave me a little reassurance, but I was still worried.

In a brief moment of insanity, I looked back over my shoulder. The end of the chariot was only feet behind me, neither of the guards were paying particularly close attention. Just a couple steps back and I’d be freefalling before they knew it. That idea was dismissed faster than Tovey had disappeared off the hilltop. That couldn’t possibly work. I’d just get caught by a pegasus, or grabbed by a unicorn. They’d have me under constant watch, and even more restraints. Besides, suicide is never the answer. Sighing, and coming up with no viable options for getting out of here, I just sat back down, leaned back against the front of the chariot and tried not to work myself up.

With nothing happening for several minutes, I became more and more aware of just how thirsty I was. Rubbing my throat, I looked up to the guard on my left. “You guys wouldn’t happen to have any water, would you?”

From my right I heard, “We don’t have any to spare, use your own.”

Turning to look at the other guard, an earth pony, I responded, “Mine was blown up.”

“That’s too bad.” Harsh.

“Just give him some water, sergeant.” I recognised Lieutenant Steel’s voice from earlier.

“After all the trouble he caused us, he can go thirsty for all I care.”

Steel exhaled in frustration. “I’m not in the mood for this. Prisoner.”

I looked back to the lieutenant. “Yeah?”

Steel’s horn lit up in a green glow, causing me to flinch. That didn’t stop him from producing a canteen from… somewhere, and floating it to me. “Here.”

Hesitantly, I took the offered canteen. Maybe they’re not all bad. “Thanks.”

“Uh huh.”

My shackles had just enough play to allow me twist off the cap with one hand, while holding the container in the other. Raising it to my lips, I took a small swallow, followed by several larger ones. The liquid was the perfect temperature, and did wonders for my dry throat.

Taking one final swallow, I exhaled happily. “Ahh! Much better!” I offered the canteen back to the lieutenant. “Thanks again.”

Saying nothing, he took the canteen in his magic. It floated away, then stopped and flipped upside down. A couple drops fell from the still open top, caught the wind, and vanished.

The lieutenant quickly looked from the canteen to me, then back again. “Thirsty?”

“What can I say? Outrunning ponies is a bitch.”

Steel’s only reply was to return the canteen from wherever it came from, then say, “Stand up. We’ll be landing soon.”

Groaning, I pushed myself to my feet. As I straightened, a gust of wind rushed by, catching my boonie and pulling it off my head. My eyes immediately locked onto the hat, and my hands instantly shot out to grab it. Missing the initial grab, I lunged after my cover, my current location slipping from my mind in my determination to reclaim the headgear. I heard a pair of shouts behind me as I managed to nab the wayward hat. My triumphant grin only lasted a second, before some very important details came back to me. In order to achieve my successful grab, I’d dove out of the back of the chariot. …shit. Instead of plummeting to the ground, like I was expecting, I found myself launched backwards, surrounded by a green glow. I slammed into the front of the chariot, back first, accompanied by a cracking from my SAPI plate.

“Are you out of your mind?!” Lt. Steel shouted as the glow of his magic faded from around me.

Composing myself, I responded, “It’s my favorite hat.”

“You all but jumped out of an airborne chariot for a bucking hat?!”

Standing, I faced the officer. Looking down and locking eyes, I kept my expression neutral. “Favorite.” I placed the boonie back on my head. “Hat.”

Steel stared in disbelief for several seconds, then snorted and faced forward again, shaking his head. “Great, our prisoner is crazy.”

Turning to face forward as well, I made sure my hat wasn’t going anywhere and said nothing.

The formation landed in a courtyard next to the castle. Despite being the home of my enemies leaders, the place was damn impressive. With the size and detail that had been put into its design, I could only guess at how long it had taken to build the thing. Distracted by the sight of the castle, I didn’t follow Lieutenant Steel out of the chariot.

I was snapped out of my revery by the other guard shoving me from behind. “Get moving.”

“Sergeant! What the buck was that?!”

From where I was lying, I saw Lieutenant Steel glaring at the sergeant, who was out of my view, before I rolled to my back.

“The prisoner wasn’t moving.”

“So you shoved him out of the chariot.” Steel deadpanned.

I heard a snort. “These humans don’t deserve any kindness.” Who peed in his cheerios?

“That’s not for you to decide. Now report to the barracks.” I recognized that tone. You’re in trouble now, prick. “We’ll deal with this later.”

There was a long pause, then. “Yes, sir.”

I heard the pony demount the chariot, and walk away. Trying to ignore the pain, I rolled to my left side, and got to my knees.

“You okay?” The way the question was asked made it clear that Steel was asking as a formality, rather than out of concern.

Standing, I answered, “I’ll live.”

I was surrounded by guards again before I could blink. These guys weren’t going to give me any opportunities to try anything.

“Let’s go.”

Giving my shoulder a few rolls, I turned and followed the officer. I remembered my helmet was still in the chariot, but when I looked, it wasn’t there. One of the ponies must have already grabbed it. Whatever. Not like would do me any good anyway. The group was approaching an entrance to the castle, when a pegasus guard exited, approached and saluted. “Lieutenant.”

Steel returned the salute. “What is it?”

“The princess wishes to see the prisoner. Report to the throne room.” This day just gets better and better.

“Understood.”

The guard left to whatever duties he had, and Steel lead us through the doorway. Out of habit, I removed my boonie as I crossed the threshold. The lieutenant lead the group on a meandering course the the maze of hallways, and I quickly lost track of what turns we’d made. If I ever escape, I’d just end up lost in here. That was assuming, of course, that wherever they were going to keep me was connected to the castle. Five minutes of walking found us outside a large double-door, with a pair of gold armored unicorn guards.

“The princess is expecting you.” The left one began.

“Go right in, Lieutenant.” The other finished.

In perfect unison, their horns lit, and the doors opened. Whoa... Just like the castle exterior, the throne room was no less extravagant, maybe even more so. Detailed stained-glass windows occupied space in both walls. Along the same walls, ornate columns rose to the ceiling. Hanging from the ceiling were fancy banners and tapestries. Starting just inside the doorway, a red carpet ran the length of the room, through the center, all the way to, and up, the tiered platform that the throne rested on. And sitting on that throne, was Princess Celestia. The continuously-flowing, multicolored, mane, and gold regalia made her identity perfectly clear. I only knew who she was and what she looked like from the handful of pictures and couple videos that popped up, before our countries became hostile.

The princess was currently talking with a helmetless Captain Armor. As we started across the room, she looked up, her eyes immediately locking onto me. Even at this distance, her gaze was unnerving, like she could see the contents of my soul. Not wanting to show any weakness, I pushed my uncertainty aside and kept my expression neutral. Crossing the length of the room, we stopped at the base of the platform, where Lieutenant Steel, and the other guards, bowed to the princess. I came to a sudden realization that, I had no idea how to interact with royalty as a soldier. … Ok, what do I do? Do I bow? Salute? Stand here like an idiot? This wasn’t covered in any of my training! Saluting would have been my go-to action, but with my restrains, I couldn’t do that properly. I instead opted for a small bow. Our countries may be hostile right now, but she was still royalty and leader of her country. That, in my mind, entitled her to some respect.

Straightening, I noticed the princess was now giving me a strange look, before Steel said, “The prisoner, as you requested, your Highness.”

Turning her attention to him, Celestia nodded at the lieutenant. “Thank you, Lieutenant. Has he caused you much trouble?”

“Not really, Princess. Since we caught him, he’s been oddly compliant. I expected more resistance from him.” Don’t you worry, I’m just waiting for the right opportunity. “There was one incident, however.”

“What happened?”

“He jumped out of the chariot for a hat.” Steel said, flatly.

“He what?”

“His hat got caught in the wind, and he went after it. Said it’s his favorite hat.”

Celestia looked at me with a raised eyebrow. “I see.”

Standing, the princess strode down the ramp. Once she reached the bottom, I could see the height difference between us. She’s taller than I expected. I’m only five-foot, eight. On average, most of the ponies came up to my chest, but Celestia stood a few inches taller than me, not counting her horn. Giving me careful examination, the alicorn stopped an arms-length away. I briefly considered trying to get my shackled arms over her head, to take her as a hostage, but with all the unicorns, and spears, in my immediate vicinity I decided that action would be detrimental to my health. Well, all that and she was their ruler for a reason.

“Shining Armor tells me he put up quite a fight before you finally subdued him, though I find it hard to believe that he kept you all at bay by himself. He doesn’t seem like much of a threat.” Gimme back my weapons and some ammo, and I’ll show you a threat.

Shining Armor, having followed the princess, spoke up. “He was very stubborn. Made it very clear that he didn’t want to be caught.”

“Indeed.” Slowly, the princess began circling to my right. I watched her till she left my sight, tensing as she did. If half the things I’d heard about her were true, the last place I wanted her was behind me. Thankfully, she reappeared on my left a moment later, and I relaxed, slightly.

Stopping before me again, Celestia gave one more quick examination, then turned to Lieutenant Steel. “Take him to the dungeon, Lieutenant. Relieve him of all his possessions, then place him in a cell. We will begin dealing with him tomorrow.”

Steel snapped a sharp salute. “Yes, Princess!” Turning, he pointed back toward the doors. “Get moving, prisoner.”

Sighing, I turned and mumbled, “I have a name, you know.”

“I don’t care.”

Behind me, I heard Princess Celestia say, “Oh? Do tell.”

Can these ponies not read? It’s on my damned name tape. Pausing, I slowly looked back. She was giving me the same unnerving look from before. “Duran. Corporal Jaden Duran.”

“While I can’t say I’m exactly pleased to meet you, Corporal.” Celestia smiled. “I do look forward to our upcoming conversations.”

I swallowed, and my neutral expression cracked slightly. The princess must have noticed, because I saw her smile grow slightly. Gah! She’s messing with my head!

Looking past me, the princess nodded to Steel. “Carry on, Lieutenant.”

“Yes, Ma’am!”

Feeling a nudge, I slowly tore my gaze away from the Solar Princess and started walking. “Yeah, yeah, I know the drill. ‘Get moving’. No need to get pushy.”

“That attitude won’t do you any favors.”

I didn’t reply. As we left the throne room, I glanced back. Princess Celestia had restarted her conversation with Captain Armor. I was probably going to be seeing a lot more of her, and I really wasn’t looking forward to it.

Chapter Four

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Yet another shove propelled me into the cell the guards had chosen for me. To be fair, I’d earned it this time. Following the princess’ orders, the guards had stripped me of everything I’d been carrying, and they’d completely overdone it. Nothing had been ignored, pens, watch, ID card, pack of gum. Hell, they even took my dog tags. My bitching about how they were overkilling the process didn’t help, or stop them. That wasn’t what had earned me the handling I was receiving. No, that had come when they’d taken my phone.

There wasn’t anything particularly special about the iPhone itself; it couldn’t make calls here, no data, no internet, the games were all boring at this point. The one thing that made the device so important to me, was the music stored on it. That music was the thing that was getting me through the day-to-day, here in Equestria, as well as at home. I found it comforting to get lost in the familiar songs when there wasn’t anything going on, or when the day had been particularly stressful… like today. I probably shouldn’t have given them any clues about how important it was to me, and I probably shouldn’t have lunged after the phone as they took it, and I definitely shouldn’t have smacked the guard who was taking it. The ensuing scuffle didn’t take more than five seconds to be resolved, and ended with me being magically restrained and held against a wall. That might be why the guards went through the extra effort to take everything. At least they hadn’t gone so far as to take my uniform. In the end, for reasons I can’t even guess at, I’d been allowed to keep the watch, dog tags, and my favorite hat.

Stumbling, but managing to stay on my feet, I managed to stop in the middle of the cell. As the door slid shut with a distinctive clang, I spun to face the front of the cell.

“Oh, come on!” I said, raising my still shackled wrists. “You aren’t seriously going to leave these on me, are you?”

Lieutenant Steel, who had been turning to leave, stopped and looked back with a blank expression. Several seconds passed, which had me thinking he was going to just leave me as is.

Surprisingly, his horn lit, making me flinch… again, and the shackles opened. “I was seriously considering it, especially after earlier.” The restraints floated away, and through a gap in the bars on the door. Without another word, Steel turned and left.

That left me alone, unless you counted the pair of guards, one unicorn and one pegasus, assigned to watch me, standing across the hall. I could already tell that we’d be having all sorts of stimulating conversations. It’s always the uptight guards watching prisoners. Is it too much to ask for someone who will talk, even a little? It’s going to get boring here in no time. Of course, even if they would, it was probably a bad idea for me to talk with them anyway. Inhaling deeply, I sighed and turned to examine my new accommodations.

The cell wasn’t that big, eight feet wide, by ten feet deep, but bigger than I was expecting. Along the left wall was a bed, sink with a small mirror over it, and a toilet. The right and back walls were bare. It appeared the whole thing was carved out of stone, rather than built. The front of the cell was something you’d expect to see in an older prison, vertical bars, and a sliding door. There was single light source in the center of the ceiling, as well as a lack of windows. The bed was only a twin size, but after sleeping on the ground for the last month, that bed looked wonderfully inviting. Maybe I’ll get some sleep for the first time in a while… probably not. The whole cell was clearly set up for ponies, since everything was lower than I was used to.

Ignoring the enticement of the bed for now, I walked to the sink, pulling off, then throwing my uniform top onto the bed. Leaning over, I braced both hands on the sink and looked into the mirror. I was the kind of person that could disappear into a crowd, and I kinda liked it that way. Right now though, given how the day had gone, I was a mess. There were clear indentations in my dark hair from my helmet pads. My face was streaked with a mixture of dirt and sweat, and my eyes gave away just how tired I was. I was also developing a decent amount of stubble. They took me in front of their princess looking like this?

Giving the knobs a twist, I got the water flowing. Splashing and scrubbing my head, I cleaned up as best I could. I’d have greatly preferred a shower, but since that wasn’t an option, I had to make due. Taking several swallows from the tap, I shut off the flow and let the excess water drip off my head for a few moments. Lacking a towel, I opted for using my tan undershirt to dry my head. My head mostly dry, I looked back into the mirror as I tucked my shirt back in. My gaze lingered on a scar on my right cheek. It was a memento of one of the worst days of my life. The scar started halfway up my cheek, and ended to the side of my right eye.

The sound of hoofsteps stopping at my cell door broke me out of my reverie. Looking, I saw a unicorn guard standing at the door. He looked just like every other unicorn guard I’d ever seen. Gray coat, typical gold armor, white-ish tail that matched the plumage on their helmet, and brown-ish eyes. Behind him, I could still see the other two guards, so this one was new. It wasn’t till he turned to the other guards that I noticed something different about this one. On the right shoulder of his armor was a small red cross. Unless that means something different here, he’s probably a medic.

“Lieutenant Steel ordered a quick medical examination of the prisoner. I need to get in the cell.”

The other unicorn nodded. Walking to the door, he produced a key. Before he opened the door, he gave me a stern look. “Don’t try anything funny.”

I straightened, popping my back as I did, and turned to face him. “Sure, whatever.” Not like I’d accomplish much anyway.

The guard opened the door and the medic entered slowly. Folding my arms, I watched him as he stopped a couple feet away.

“What do I need an examination for?”

The medic looked up at me. “The lieutenant said you may have been hurt. I’m here to find out.”

“I’d rather you didn’t.”

“And I have orders.” His horn lit, causing me to flinch. I need to get that under control. “This is happening, whether you like it, or not.”

I thought about resisting, but I had no defense against their magic. As punishment, they’d probably put me back into restraints, and I was enjoying what little freedom I had.

“Alright, fine. Do I need to do anything?”

“Just hold still.”

The medic closed his eyes and relit his horn. I managed not to flinch this time as an amber glow surrounded me. It felt weird, like I’d built up a static charge, though my hair wasn’t standing on end. A few moments later, the sensation, and the glow, faded and the unicorn opened his eyes.

“I’m hardly an expert on human anatomy, but nothing’s really jumping out to me. Your shoulder has some slight bruising and you're a little dehydrated, but otherwise fine. Drink some water.”

I groaned and facepalmed. I couldn’t help it. ‘Drink water’? Here too? It’s got to be a military thing.

“What?”

“Inside joke, don’t worry about it.”

Eyeing me for a moment, the medic said, “If you say so.” Turning, he walked out of the cell, which was closed behind him. The other unicorn resumed his position across the hall, once again leaving me alone, relatively. I checked my watch. 19:12. Might was well try and sleep. God knows I need it. Stepping to the bed, I moved my top and flopped down. As soon as I was horizontal, my exhaustion from the day caught up with me. I was suddenly too tired to even take off my boots. Reaching into my right cargo pocket, I pulled out my boonie, and placed it over my face to block the ambient light.

My eyes slowly opened, and I groaned. Of course. My hat was still over my face, which told me I hadn’t really slept. Despite the cover, I could tell the light in the cell had been turned off at some point. I’d somehow managed to fall asleep rather quickly, which was odd. Waking up in the middle of the night, though, was normal. Removing the boonie, I hit the light on my watch and checked the time. 01:33… Fucking insomnia. Sighing, I rolled out of bed and headed to the sink. After downing several swallows of water, I turned, intending on trying to return to sleep. I happened to glance into the hallway before I got back into bed, and what I saw made me pause.

Instead of two guards, there was only one. There was just enough light in the hall for me to see this pony was different from the others. The armor was a dark color instead of gold, the low light made it hard to tell. There was a cats-eye, or something, in the chestpiece, instead of a star, and that piece itself was dark. Again, the lighting made it difficult to tell colors for sure. The plumage was some kind of fin or frill. It reminded me of some depictions I’d seen of dragons. It wasn’t the armor, however, that kept me staring. This guard sported a gray coat, like the unicorns, but he was definitely not, a unicorn. His ears had tufts of fur on the ends of them, and his amber eyes looked like a cats and seemed to glow faintly. I also noticed the light faintly glinting off a fang, further distinguishing this pony from the others I’d seen. That’s different… and kinda cool. I was so busy studying this pony, that I didn’t even realize I’d walked to the front of the cell. My study of the guard must have bothered him, because he fluttered a pair of wings, which immediately drew my attention. What were those? Bat wings or something?

The guard must have had enough of my staring, because he coughed and said, “See something you like?”

“Dude, have you seen yourself?” I know I shouldn’t have said anything, but I couldn’t help it.

My question must have caught him by surprise, since he didn’t give me a real answer. “Uuhhh…”

“You look fucking awesome!”

This was something the guard clearly wasn’t expecting. He just stood there, blinking at me.

When he didn’t respond for nearly a minute, I reached through the bars and snapped my fingers. I think I broke him. That did the trick. The guard shook his head, then eyed me suspiciously.

“What are you up to? Trying to get on my good side or something?”

“What? No. I’m just curious. I haven’t seen any ponies like you since I’ve been here. Plus I’m bored. What kind of pony are you?”

The guard, still watching me suspiciously, hesitated before answering, “I’m a bat pony.”

”Bat pony?” I echoed. “Nifty. Why haven’t we see you guys before?”

“We’re mostly nocturnal.” As soon as he said that, his hoof shot to his mouth.

Oops. I grinned. While I wasn’t sure that was war critical intel, it was still an interesting tidbit that he probably shouldn’t have said.

My smile vanished as a new voice came down the hall.

“Sergeant Clipper! You were told not to talk to the prisoner!”

Sergeant Clipper flinched as his name was said, his ears pinning back to his skull, then turned to look in the direction of the speaker. The sound of hoofsteps preceded the appearance of another bat pony. This one looked just like the sergeant. Surprise, surprise. From the reprimand, this new pony was either his partner, or a superior. I’d bet on the latter. That was confirmed when Clipper saluted.

“My apologies, Sir.”

Turning, the officer looked me up and down. “Did he at least say anything useful?”

“No, Sir.”

“Shame. I’d love to be the one to tell Princess Luna we found out where his friends are hiding…” Too bad you’ll never learn that from me. The officer turned to Clipper. “You said you could handle this post alone, yet when I come to check on you, you’re chatting away with the prisoner. Do I need to assign you a partner, or just reassign you?”

Sergeant Clipper shook his head. “No, Lieutenant. I said I can handle this, and I intend to.”

Eyeing the sergeant for a moment, the lieutenant finally nodded. “Alright, but if I find out you’re talking to the prisoner again, you’re getting replaced, extra duties and losing that promotion you just got.”

“Yes, Sir!”

Turning, the officer gave me one last look, which I returned, then left the way he’d came. When I couldn’t hear his hoofsteps anymore, I huffed.

“Officers...” Looking to Clipper, I found him glaring at me. “What?” The glare intensified.

“Hey, that’s on you. You shouldn’t have responded to me.”

I didn’t think his look could get any harder, but it did.

I held up my hands. “Look, I’m sorry, alright? Guard duty fucking sucks, I’ve been there. Having someone to talk to helps pass the time. Besides, I know I shouldn’t be talking to you either, but it beats lying in bed hoping to fall asleep at some point before sunrise.”

Sergeant Clipper’s glare lessened a bit, but didn’t leave, and he still didn’t respond. “Fine, enjoy your boring-ass shift.” I spun and returned to the bed, doing exactly what I’d wanted to avoid: hoping to fall asleep before sunrise.

Chapter Five

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The sound of something clanging roused me from my sleep. I’m not exactly sure when I managed to fall asleep, but it felt like it had only been five minutes. Not ready to wake up for the day, I rolled over and tried to ignore the noise. My legs ached like hell, and I wanted nothing to do with anything that would make me use them, which included getting out of bed. If anything, my ignoring the noise only caused it to become louder.

“Ugh… The fuck do you want?

“I have your breakfast.” The voice I heard sounded vaguely familiar, but I couldn’t place from where right away.

My stomach chose that moment to inform me on how hungry I was, by growling loudly. Sighing, I rolled back around, and sat up on the end of the bed with an unhappy groan. After I’d rubbed the sleep from my eyes, I checked my watch. What the fuck? Even held prisoner, I’m not allowed to sleep in.

Looking to the door, I glared at the guard standing there. “It’s five after six, in the morning… You couldn’t let me sleep for a few more hours?”

The unicorn ignored my look. “So, you don’t want breakfast?”

My stomach growled again, and I dropped my look. “I didn’t say that.”

The guard opened the door, floated a tray of food to me, then secured the cell. He then turned, and I caught sight of the cross on his right shoulder. That’s why his voice was familiar, he’s the medic from yesterday. I was a little surprised when he moved across the hall and joined the pegasus that was there. I wonder if that’s the same flier from yesterday, or if they’re rotating guards. My stomach reminded me, again, I had more important needs at the moment.

The selection of food I’d been provided wasn’t bad, and that kinda surprised me. A bowl of oatmeal, an apple, two slices of toast, and a glass of orange juice. I wonder how they’d react if I asked for some bacon. I was about to dig in when a thought occurred to me. Frowning, I eyed the food, then the guards suspiciously.

“We didn’t do anything to it.” The unicorn said flatly, when he saw my look.

“You’ll understand if I have trouble believing you, right?”

He sighed. “I swear by the princesses, your food hasn’t been tampered with.”

I blinked. That seemed like a pretty strong promise. I studied him for a few more moments, then returned to my food. It’s eat or starve. Might as well get it over with. Selecting the apple, for no other reason that I liked apples, I took a huge bite. Oh. My. God. This had to be the crispiest, best tasting, most juicy apple I’d ever had… ever. I looked to the guards again as I chewed, staring wide-eyed.

When I’d swallowed, I held up the apple. “What did you do?”

“I already told you, nothing!

“Bullshit. You had to have done something.”

The poor guy looked completely flustered at this point. “We didn’t… I promised that…”

“This tastes absolutely fantastic. How did you do it?”

The medic stared at me, now dumbfounded. “I uh… You... You’d have to ask the ponies at Sweet Apple Acres.”

“I just might have to do that sometime.”

I dove right back into the apple, devouring the savory morsel right down to the core. I have to admit, I was a little depressed when I was done with it. The rest of breakfast was almost a letdown after that, the apple was just that good. Using the napkin they’d also provided, I wiped my mouth clean, then set the tray on the bed beside me.

“You finished?” The unicorn was standing beside the door again.

“Yeah… thanks.”

Opening the door again, the tray floated out into the hall. I was about to lie back down, but the guard stopped me with, “Come on.”

“Huh?” The door was still wide open, and the two ponies were standing on either side. In the opening, there now floated a pair of shackles.

“... Where we going?”

This time, it was the pegasus that spoke. “Showers. You reek.”

Standing, I painfully stretched my legs, and took a few curious sniffs. Damn, he’s not kidding. How’d I miss that till now? “Not my fault I got chased through the woods by a bunch of ponies in the middle of the day.”

“Regardless. You smell awful.” The unicorn said, floating the shackles to me.

Holding my arms out, I allowed myself to be restrained, then led out of the cell.

Holy shit, that shower was great. It’d been too long since I’d had a legitimate hot shower, and it did wonders for my legs as well. Too bad the guards had to ruin it by not letting me stay under the water longer. While I’d been showering, they’d done something to my clothes, because they were clean when I got dressed. I’d even been allowed to shave, under close supervision, though having never used a single blade razor before, I cut myself a few times. The whole thing had me wondering as we walked through the halls; were they trying to butter me up, or was this their normal treatment for prisoners? Of course they’d probably never give me a straight answer if I asked.

The way to the showers from my cell was pretty easy to remember, so when we took a turn in a different direction, I had my guard up in an instant. I could only wonder where I was being taken next, though I did have a guess. A couple more minutes of walking had us standing in front of a plain, sturdy-looking door. It opened to reveal a small, bland room, and the contents of which were a dead giveaway of its purpose. Interrogation room… yay. In the left wall as you entered was a window with one-way glass. A small table sat in the center of the room, pony height of course. In front of the window there was a cushion of some kind, and on the opposite side of the table, facing the window, was a chair. Wonder what the cushion is for.

I was directed to the chair, then left alone in the room. My watch had proclaimed it 0730 when I’d been left. A half-hour later, I was still alone... and extremely bored. It was at that point I’d said ‘fuck it’ and made myself at home on the floor, using the cushion as a pillow. Some time later I heard the door open, the hoofsteps of a pony entering, then the door closing again. The steps stopped next to my head.

“Ahem.”

Opening my eyes, I saw Shining Armor standing over me. He wasn’t wearing his distinctive armor, or any kind of clothing whatsoever. His lack of clothes didn’t surprise me, we knew these ponies didn’t usually feel the need for clothes, and went around naked. Still, being an officer, I kind of expected him to have some kind of day uniform.

I sat up, eyeing him. My boredom shifted to apprehension and a bit of resentment. “What?”

“Why are you on the floor?” The curiosity was clear on his face.

“Because I’m tired and it’s easier to sleep on the floor than in the chair. What’s the cushion for, anyway?”

“It’s my seat.”

Blinking, I mulled that over for a moment, then my eyes widened in realization. “Aw, fuuuuck!” I was on my feet in an instant. “That’s nasty. Don’t you ponies just stand?”

Shining looked slightly amused for a moment. “Sometimes.” His expression then became serious and he pointed to the chair. “Sit down.”

I did as he ordered, and sat in the chair, glaring at him as he sat on the cushion. Neither of us spoke for a minute. We just sat there, me glaring, while he studied me.

Finally, Captain Armor broke the silence. “Tell me where your friends are.”

Straight to the point, I see. I didn’t answer, but I did keep glaring.

The captain’s expression hardened. “Answer me.”

I leaned forward and placed my arms on the table. “Duran, Jaden. Corporal. 523-26-3827.”

“We know that already, we’ve seen your ID.” He lit his horn. I couldn’t stop myself from flinching from the act. “Give me a real answer.” Shining Armor demanded, his voice developing an edge.

“Duran, Jaden. Corporal. 523-26-3827.”

Armor rose and slammed his forehooves on the table, the glow around his horn increasing. “Enough of that, give me a real answer!”

I glared defiantly into his eyes. “Duran, Jaden. Corporal. 523-26-3827.”

In my peripheral vision I saw a magenta glow surround my shackled wrists. I was then yanked from the chair onto the table right in front of the officer. It was enough of a surprise that my defiant look cracked. “Where are your friends? Where is your base of operations?! ANSWER ME!”

The question was far from the perfect setup, but it was close enough. Closing my eyes, I looked away, feigning fear and let sorrow fill my voice. “Dantooine... They’re on Dantooine.” I’m a smart-ass, and I couldn’t resist.

Opening my eyes, I glanced back to the captain. Shining Armor’s magic had faded and he was looking at me in slack-jawed confusion. Oh god. Where’s a camera when you need one?

It was too much. I pointed at him, trying my best to not laugh. “You should see your face right now. Priceless.”

Recovering, the captain stared daggers at me. “I don’t think you appreciate the seriousness of the situation you are in, Corporal.”

I sat back down. “Oh, I understand perfectly.”

Shining Armor hadn’t moved from his place, half-standing on the table. “You’re not acting like you do.”

I just smiled and gave him an amused look… which was apparently the wrong thing to do. Before I could so much as twitch, Captain Armor had grabbed my entire body in his magic and hauled me back out of my chair.

Holding me in front of him, the captain stared me down, his expression furious. “I’m done playing games!”

Once I’d recovered, I gave the unicorn the dirtiest look I had. I did not like being held like this. It made me feel helpless, and I hated that.

The irate captain continued, “You’re going to answer my questions, so that I can end this war, or so help me, I’m going to–” Stopping mid-threat, Shining Armor blinked, his fury vanishing. Looking over his shoulder, he stared into the mirror. What’s going on? I didn’t hear anything.

A few seconds later, I was returned to my seat, as my interrogator left without another word. I frowned. Odd. He didn’t look pissed when he left. To go from livid to calm like that takes some serious control… unless it was just an act. I can’t tell if he’s that upset about the war, or if that was just an interrogation method.

My thoughts were interrupted as the door opened again. I shot to my feet, tipping my chair in the process, as Princess Celestia walked in. Bringing out the big guns already? Interesting. She looked rather cheerful as she walked to the other side of the table. Her demeanor started setting off red flags and put me on my guard. Remaining on her hooves, the princess fixed her magenta eyes on me.

“Hello again, Corporal.”

I didn’t reply. Celestia’s cheerfulness was throwing me off.

Ignoring my lack of a response, the princess continued, “I apologize for Captain Armor’s actions. He got a little carried away. May I ask how breakfast was?” Really? That’s what they’re doing, good cop, bad cop?

If Celestia was acting, she was damn good at it. I decided to humor her. Maybe I’ll learn something useful.

“Breakfast was fine.”

“Splendid. I understand you were quite satisfied with the apple in particular.”

This question was answered with a nod.

“The shower and clean uniform were satisfactory as well, I trust?”

Another nod. I’m a goddamn prisoner, not her personal guest! Why does she care about that?

“It sounds like you are being taken care of, then. Wonderful.”

I know I should have kept my mouth shut, but just couldn’t take it anymore. “I find it hard to believe you care so much, Princess.”

Celestia, some of her cheer fading, sat down. “Despite what you might think, I do care… to a certain extent. While I am not fond of the current situation that has brought you here, Equestria is a civilized country. As such, you will be treated fairly, on the condition that you behave in a civilized manner.”

“That’s… good to know.” The knowledge that I wouldn’t get abused at the hooves of these ponies was a relief. “Though, I don’t think all of your guards got that memo.”

“Yes, I am aware their actions, and they have been reprimanded.”

“Huh… So, may I please go back to my cell then?”

The princess chuckled softly. “Nice try, but you are still a prisoner… A prisoner with information I would like.” Shit. “Now then, down to business.” Celestia’s horn ignited, and once again, I flinched. God damnit! I fucking hate that. Surrounded in her golden aura, my chair was replaced back at the table.

The princess motioned to the seat. “Please, sit.”

As I sat, there was a *pop* and my phone appeared, floating above the table.

“Oh, that’s playin’ dirty.”

“I believe the saying goes: ‘all is fair in love and war’. If I must ‘play dirty’, and use items important to you, then so be it. I will get the information I want from you, eventually.”

“You can try.”

The Equestrian ruler gave me a very unponylike, predatory grin. Me and my big, fucking, mouth. “Oh, I do love a good challenge.”

I gave my most defiant look, and folded my arms as much as my restraints would allow.

“Excellent.” The phone floated up to eye level with the princess, slowly rotating on its vertical axis. “You were quite unhappy to be separated from this device. Tell me, why is that? Does it hold important information?”

Depends on what you define as ‘important’. I didn’t give a reply.

Celestia pressed on. “If you cooperate, I would be willing to return this to you.”

“Duran, Ja‒”

“Is that what you are going to do, go back to reciting information you have already given us?”

My response was a shit-eating grin.

Celestia closed her eyes and sighed. “It is going to be a long day…”

Chapter Six

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That interrogation was the most excruciating four hours I’ve ever experienced… and I’ve had to sit through military powerpoint briefings. I’m not sure, but I think that could have qualified as torture. It had gotten to the point that I’d just stopped responding to the questions and silently wished they would just torture me. The whole ordeal had me wondering where they’d learned interrogation techniques. If that was the best they could do, I had nothing to really worry about. Assuming they weren’t just trying to lull me into complacency, or bore me into submission.

Currently, I was being led back to my cell by my guards. As we came to an intersection in the hall, the pegasus peeled off, turning the opposite way we had. With just myself and the medic, I thought this might be a good chance to attempt an escape, but after considering some options, and remembering the titbit from Princess Celestia about behaving, I decided now was probably not the best time. Plus, it was me, with a handicap, versus a magic-using, armor-wearing pony, and I didn’t like those odds. I went with plan b: attempting conversation.

I looked down at the guard. “Hey.”

Surprisingly, he responded, though he did so without looking at me. “Yeah?”

“Where’d your partner go?”

“To get your lunch.”

“Oh, cool. What’s on the menu?”

The guard looked back. “How should I know? I’m not the one getting your food.”

I raised my arms, placatingly. “Hey, I just thought you would know what’s being served for lunch.”

“Maybe I do, but there’s no guarantee you’ll get what the guards get.” His expression turned thoughtful. “Unless...”

I arched an eyebrow. “Unless, what?”

“You wouldn’t happen to like burgers, would you?”

I gave him an ‘are you fucking serious?’ look. “Uh, yeah.” What kind of American would I be if I didn’t like burgers? It wasn’t too much of a stretch to think that these ponies would know about hamburgers. Our countries had been in contact for a year, before relations had gone to shit. Still, the fact that I was talking to a pony and that they probably didn’t cater to prisoners slipped my mind, as I was already lost thinking about a big, juicy, burger.

“Well then, maybe you’ll get lucky. The cooks here make a pretty tasty burger. Don’t know how they do it, but the hay is always done just right.”

“Mmm, that sounds… Wait... Hay?”

The guard gave me a curious look. “Hayburgers. What did you think I was talking about?”

To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. “A burger. Big, tasty patty…” I trailed off as the guard broke into a grin. Mother fucker.

“You’re a dick.”

His grin just grew. “What goes around, comes around.”

I’ll admit it was nice to see that some of these guys had a sense of humor, but I was less than pleased that I’d just been so easily trolled by a pony. Good thing none of the guys will ever know about this. They’d never let me live it down.

“Why are you even talking to me?”

“Gotta get entertainment somewhere.”

“Eh. Fair enough, but I thought you guys weren’t supposed to talk to me.”

Frowning, the guard raised an eyebrow. “Who told you that?”

I decided to leave Sergeant Clipper’s part in that out, though I don’t know why. I just shrugged. “I have my ways.”

The pony gave me a skeptical look before returning his attention forward. “Uh huh… Well, I wasn’t given any instructions like that.” At least I’ll have someone to talk to during the day, but why are they different?

“Since you’re not giving me the silent treatment, can I ask you something?”

“You can ask, though an answer depends on the question.”

“What happened to the other guard?”

“He’s getting your lunch, I to–”

Pointlessly shaking my head, I interrupted him. “Not him. The unicorn from yesterday.”

Looking back again, the guard eyed me. “What makes you think that wasn’t me?”

“Do I look stupid to you?”

The guard’s mouth opened, but I cut him off before he could speak. “Don’t answer that.”

His mouth closed, there was a pause, then he said, “You didn’t answer my question.”

“Reasons.”

The guard huffed and looked forward. “Sure, whatever.”

“You’re a medic, right?”

He looked back at the cross on his shoulder. “So that’s how you knew. It is pretty obvious.”

“Well, that and I recognized your voice.”

“Hm. Well yes, I am a medic. What about it?”

I shrugged. “Nothing really. You guys have to put up with some of the most mundane shit, as well as the stuff that makes most people queasy. You’ve got my respect for that, at the very least. What’s your name?”

“Heartmender. Sergeant Heartmender. So, you respect medics, huh?"

"Yeah. There's no substitute for a good medic."

Heartmender turned a grin to me. “Does that mean you’re going to show more respect, and not mess with me anymore?"

“Pfft. No... Well, maybe. It's gonna be boring as fuck in that cell, so I gotta get entertainment somewhere.” I answered, using his earlier statement against him, matching his grin with my own.

“Meh. As long as you’re not a completely disrespectful plothole, and you can take what you give, we’ll be fine. At least the shift won’t be dull.”

I nodded my agreement. I like this guy. It’s a damn shame we’re fighting. We arrived at my cell a minute later. After I’d entered, and the cell was secured, Heartmender removed my shackles and I flopped onto the bed to wait for my food.

Lunch was meh. Heartmender took everything back, leaving me with the pegasus. Turns out, this guard was a lot more uptight than his counterpart. Every attempt at conversation was ignored. The pegasus’ name was Stormfront, also a sergeant, and I only learned that because I’d agreed to stop asking, and trying to talk to him in general.

Fortunately, Heartmender came back rather quickly, so I was able to waste time making small talk with him. Both of us made sure to avoid anything that would get us in trouble with our respective nations. Once we’d gotten tired of that, I spend the rest of the day alternating between what PT I could do, daydreaming, and napping.

As usual, I was denied a full nights sleep when I woke up at some point in it. With a sigh, I checked my watch to find it was 2317. If I hadn’t been dealing with this shit for so long already, this might be annoying. I wanted to roll over and go back to sleep, but nature was calling, and it was pretty insistent. After taking care of my business, I saw Sergeant Clipper standing alone in the hallway, at least I thought it was him.

I was thinking of ways to confirm my suspicions, but the sound of voices coming down the hall stopped me. Moments later two guards, one earth pony, one unicorn, walked into view. They were clearly members of the day guard, so it seemed odd that they were here right now. The two of them stopped in front of the bat pony.

“Captain Stardust needs to see you, Sergeant. We’re here to take your place till you get back.”

The sergeant eyed them. “And why were you two sent? The day shift ended hours ago.” That was all I needed to confirm that it was Sergeant Clipper.

The unicorn huffed and mumbled, “Extra duties.”

Clipper paused for a moment, then nodded. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.” As he left, the two new guards took his place. I returned to my bed, having no interest in talking to temporary guards.

Several minutes after Sergeant Clipper had left, I heard hoofsteps, then the cell door opened. What the fuck? Rolling over, I saw the guards standing in the open doorway. Judging by their expressions, they weren’t just letting me out. I’ve got a bad feeling about this… As I moved to stand, the unicorn’s horn lit and I was yanked off the bed onto the floor. Before I could comprehend what had just happened, I was hauled upright and held spread-eagle, unable to move.

“Wha–” The earth pony’s sudden strike to my solar plexus stopped me before I could even finish asking. The unicorn released me, and I crumpled to the floor.

“Look at you. So helpless without your friends or weapons.”

It’s that asshole from the chariot. As much as I wanted to make the bastard eat those words, my current priority was to get air into my lungs. Still gasping, I was, again, magically hoisted back upright by the unicorn. Both of my attackers wore sadistic grins as they watched me struggle.

When I finally managed to get a small breath, I wheezed, “Go… fuck… yourselves.”

The earth pony’s smile vanished and his expression darkened. “What did you say?”

“You... fuckin’ heard me.”

I was slammed against the back wall and held there. Fucking magic! The pressure the unicorn was using to hold me there was uncomfortable, but not so much that it was restricting my breathing too badly.

“I don’t know why the princess hasn’t just ripped the information we want from you. You can’t stop her.”

I coughed. “If you think this will get me to talk you’re a bigger dumbass than you look.”

The two exchanged a look. “You think we’re here to interrogate you?” The unicorn asked. They both burst into laughter. “Who’s the real dumbass here?”

Blinking in confusion, it dawned on me a second later. Oh shit… I found myself desperately wishing Sergeant Clipper would get back.

“Looks like he finally figured it out, Prism.” The earth pony said, still laughing.

“Took him long enough.”

C’mon, think! There has to be something I can do! As the two continued laughing, an idea came to me.

“What’s the matter, cowards? Scared of a single human?”

The laughter died instantly. “What did you call us?”

I sneered. “I called you spineless chicken-shits, who are so afraid of one guy that you not only need two of you to face me, but you need to give me a handicap as well? You’re pathetic.”

“You have the gall to call us cowards? In your position?”

“If the horseshoe fits, wuss.”

I’m not sure what part of that did it, but it really rustled the earth pony’s jimmies. He snorted in anger and glared daggers at me.

“I’m going to show you just how wrong you are!” To Prism, he added, “Let him go.”

“Are you sure, Cobalt?”

“Do it!”

The light green glow faded from Prism’s horn, and I fell the few inches to the floor. Landing on my feet, I straightened took a step forward. Did I really think I could take an earth pony by myself? Probably not, and that wasn’t counting the fact that I was unarmed, and he was wearing armor. There were a few things working to my advantage, though. His armor did leave spots exposed: the large openings for his eyes and face, the neck, and barrel. If I could get some blows in those places, I might be able to incapacitate him. In the confines of the cell, I might have the advantage of mobility, and most importantly: I didn’t necessarily have to beat them. If I could distract the pair long enough, there was the chance that Sergeant Clipper would come back in that time. There were a lot of ‘ifs’ in that plan, and I wasn’t entirely sure I could pull it off, but if I had to go down, I was going down fighting. I wonder if combatives would work on a pony?

Cobalt charged, giving me no time to really prepare myself. Stopping short, he used his momentum to pivot on his right foreleg. His maneuver set him up to unleash a powerful, two-legged buck. The kick hit nothing but air as I threw myself against the bare wall on my left. While Cobalt recovered from his strike, I pushed off the wall and delivered a door-breaching kick to his barrel. The blow didn’t hurt him since I hit his armor, but I did knock him off balance. Thank god I fell asleep with my boots on. I followed up with a right hook, going for his jaw.

Instead of trying to regain his balance, Cobalt just let himself fall to the floor with a clang. That made my punch miss, and had the added effect of leaving me open. The earth pony took advantage of my position and swept my legs out from under me. I hit the floor and immediately received a kick to my ribs from Cobalt. Grunting, I rolled away from him, then rose to my feet, as he did the same. Ignoring the pain in my right side, I got into a ready stance and prepared for his next attack. I didn’t have to wait long.

Cobalt came at me again, leaping this time. When I tried to move out of the way, I heard Prism’s horn ignite, and I suddenly couldn’t move my legs. Cheating bastard! Wrapping his forelegs around me as he collided, Cobalt tackled me. Straddling my body, he rose, then brought a hoof down on my chest, hard. That hurt like hell and I felt lucky that nothing broke. When Cobalt moved to repeat the strike, I brought a knee up into his gut. That resulted in his head dropping as the air whooshed from him. My right fist met Cobalt’s jaw as it came down, which probably wasn’t the best idea, as I probably hurt myself more than him. My punch did have the desired effect of knocking him off to my left. Scrambling away, I slowly pushed myself back to my feet. Pain radiated from my hand, and where Cobalt had hit me, every time I inhaled. Can’t get hit like that again.

As the earth pony staggered to his hooves, I moved to deliver a side kick to his head. Before the hit connected, I was blown into the back wall by Prism. I hit shoulder-first, and something in the joint popped as I hit.

“Fuck!”

This wasn’t working. Cobalt clearly had the advantage, especially with Prism throwing in cheap shots. The longer I tried to delay, the more likely it was that I wouldn’t be in any shape to defend myself. I need a new plan. Having recovered from my knee strike, Cobalt moved back towards the front of the cell with his partner.

“Are you done yet, Cobalt? If it weren’t for me, he’d be making a total foal out of you.”

“I’ll put him in his place right now, then we’ll finish what we came here to do.”

The exchange gave me enough time to recover somewhat before Cobalt came in once again. Just like the last time, he charged and leapt. Unlike last time, Prism didn’t interfere, and I rushed Cobalt in return. As we closed, I sidestepped, grabbed his outstretched foreleg, and used his momentum to spin around, redirecting him straight back at Prism. The unicorn’s eyes widened, and he dove out of the way, rather than catch his airborne partner with his magic. They both hit the ground with a clatter from their armor, and I bolted for the open door.

I’d just made it out, and was turning to take off down the hall, when I was grabbed and hauled back into the cell by Prism.

“No you don’t!”

The unicorn slammed me into the back wall again. This time, there was a crack as my left shoulder blade erupted in searing pain.

“MOTHER FUCKER!”

“Just finish him off, Starburst.”

With my eyes closed, and teeth clenched in pain, I felt myself hoisted into the air by my neck. Seconds later, I felt the pressure increase around my throat, till it stopped me from breathing. My eyes shot open and locked on the two guards. They were wearing their sadistic grins again as they watch me struggle in vain to draw a breath.

“Looks like we’ll need a new prisoner to interrogate.”

I couldn’t decide what was worse: that I was going to die, or that I could no longer do anything about it. My vision began to blur and darken, and for the first time in my military career, I was terrified. Not like this! I was never religious, but I found myself praying for a miracle. Someone… please… help me. As everything was fading out, my prayers were answered.

“WHAT IN THE NAME OF THE MOON AND STARS IS GOING ON HERE?!”

The hold on my neck vanished instantly, and I fell to the ground. The ringing in my ears, and the pain that radiated when I landed didn’t matter, as I gasped and inhaled a lungful of glorious air. As I lay panting and coughing, relieved beyond words, I could see Cobalt and Prism cowering before a pony who could only be Princess Luna. As with Princess Celestia, I only knew who she was because of pictures and descriptions.

The dark blue alicorn stood over the two guards, wings flared and a furious expression on her face. “Well?!”

“T–the prisoner a–attacked us, Your Highness! W–we were d–defending ourselves!” Cobalt stammered.

“And why were you in his cell in the first place?” The princess’s eyes narrowed. “You would be wise to refrain from lying to me.”

Sergeant Clipper and two other night guards came to a skidding halt in front of the cell before the day guards could respond to Luna. The two new guards wore the same armor and looked extremely similar to Clipper, but were different in that one was a unicorn, and they were both female.

“Princess! What happened?” The unicorn asked.

“That is what I would like to know, Captain Stardust. I arrived to find the cell unsecured, and these two,” Princess Luna folded her wings and pointed a hoof at the still cowering guards, “attempting to kill the prisoner.”

Rolling from my right side, to my stomach, I pushed myself to my knees. I watched the scene unfold, trying to move as little as possible once I was upright, and trying to get my shaking under control.

“Are these the ones who told you I wanted to see you, Sergeant?” Stardust asked Clipper.

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“And you believed them?”

“They said they were here because of extra duties, and we were told there would be a couple day guards around tonight, Ma’am.”

Stardust paused. “Oh, they’re those day guards.” Fixing Cobalt and Prism with a hard stare, she addressed them, “You two! On your hooves!”

They scrambled upright and stood at attention.

As Captain Stardust began dressing down the two guards, Princess Luna approached and knelt next to me. “Are you alright?” She sounded genuinely concerned.

I looked to the princess. “Yes and no. I’m not dead, but something in my shoulder is broke and it hurts to breath deeply.” My hand still hurt, but I didn’t think it was important enough to mention.

“Do not worry. We will get a medic for you.”

“Thank you.”

“Even as a prisoner, your well-being is important.”

I shook my head. “Not that.” Luna gave me a confused look. “For saving me.” I took a shaky breath. “I really thought… I was going to die.”

The princess gave me a small smile. “You are welcome.” Looking to the collection of guards, she said, “Captain, send for a medic.”

Stardust stopped berating the day guards. “Yes, Princess. Sergeant Clipper?”

“Yes, Ma’am. I’m on it.” I looked in that direction just as he took off down the hallway, the sound of his hooves fading rapidly.

Princess Luna stood, and addressed the other night guard. “Assist the Corporal, Private Breeze.”

“Yes, Princess.” The bat pony entered the cell, which was getting crowded at this point, and stopped at my side. “Let’s get you on the bed.” She helped me to my feet, and steadied me when I staggered.

I watched as Captain Stardust stepped aside to allow Princess Luna to exit the cell. In the hall, the princess turned to face my would-be killers, a disapproving look on her face. “To assault, and nearly kill, an unarmed prisoner in our custody… No matter the circumstances that brought him here, what you two attempted is appalling. I shall wake Captain Armor and my sister, and you will explain yourselves to them.” To Stardust, she said, “Captain, take them to my sister’s office. We will meet you there.”

Stardust bowed. “Right away, Your Highness.”

Prism must have really wanted me dead, because when Luna turned to leave, he suddenly spun. As he faced Private Breeze and myself, a look of grim determination on his face, his horn lit in his light green glow. I could only guess he figured he had nothing to lose at this point. This pony is fucking crazy!

“Sergeant, stop!”

Breeze’s shout was ignored. Disregarding my injuries, I instinctively tried to throw myself out of harm’s way, even as the private lunged at the unicorn. My attempt at evasion proved to be pointless, as I was grabbed in Prism’s magic and thrown headlong into the side wall. The instant I hit, everything went black.

Chapter Seven

View Online

Something wasn’t right. What, exactly, I didn’t know. When I opened my eyes, my suspicions were confirmed. I was lying under a tree. What kind, I didn’t know, and it didn’t matter. What was I doing, lying under a tree? I didn’t remember everything that had happened, and what I did remember was hazy, but I was certain I shouldn’t be lying under a tree.

Sitting up, I noticed several more things that solidified the fact that something was going on. In every direction, as far as I could see, there was nothing but blue skies, with clouds lazily drifting along, and rolling green hills. As near as I could tell, I was under the only tree, anywhere. On top of all of that, I couldn’t feel any of the pain that I should have felt from my injuries. What the actual fuck? Did that bastard kill me? If he did, then why can I kinda remember what happened? ...Shit, for all I know, this is what death is like.

While I was trying to figure out what the hell was going on, I heard the sound of steps behind and to my left, and turned to look. Standing a short distance away, but still in the shade of the tree, was Princess Luna. I wasn’t expecting to see a princess here, though I didn’t know what I was expecting to see here, and I quickly stood.

She must have seen my confusion, because she raised a forehoof and said, “Relax, Corporal Duran. All is well.”

“So, I’m not dead?”

Luna lowered her hoof and shook her head. “No. You are merely unconscious and currently recovering in the castle infirmary.”

I sighed. “That’s a relief… Wait. If I’m unconscious, where are we?”

The princess smiled and approached. “We are in the realm of dreams, one of my domains as Princess of the Night.”

I mulled that over for a second. “So, I’m just dreaming?”

Luna stopped an arms length from me. “Yes, and no. You are dreaming, however, this is not a simple dream.”

“That means this is one of those… uh…” I twirled my hand around as I trailed off, trying to remember the word, then snapped my fingers as it came to me. “Lucid dreams, right?”

She nodded. “Precisely.”

“Nifty.” Looking to my right, I imagined a pine tree on the top of the next hill over, and was mildly surprised when one appeared. “So this is what it’s like. Every time I realize I’m in a dream, I wake up.”

I looked back to Luna. Her smile had faded. “Unfortunately, you suffered significant head trauma, and are currently unable to wake as a result.”

That information kinda killed the mood. “How bad?”

A look of sorrow came to the princess’ face. “In addition to your other injuries, your skull was fractured, and you have a concussion.” At my grimace, she added, “Do not worry. You have been treated, and appear to be recovering well.”

“Don’t concussions mess up your brain?” I gestured to the sea of hills. “Shouldn’t this be impossible, or, at least, unstable?”

“As I said, you are recovering well, and you have been… for the last four days.”

I stood there, dumbstruck. It’s been four days?!

“Corporal?” The concern in Luna’s voice matched her expression.

Blinking, I slowly turned and sat down, looking out over the hills. “It feels like I was just knocked out. Four days...” I wonder if anything big has happened.

“Sadly, that is the truth. Till now, you have simply been unconscious, lacking even your dreams, and we have been unable to reach you.”

I looked up at the princess. “So what is the purpose of all this? Why are you here, talking to me this way?”

“After what had happened, my sister and I wished to assure you that you are being cared for, and will come to no further harm. This is currently the only way to do so.”

“Oh… Well, that’s good to know, I guess. Thank you.”

Luna smiled again. “You are welcome.”

I returned to staring out across the landscape, and silence reigned for a short time, till something occurred to me. “Princess?”

“Yes?”

“Not to sound ungrateful, or anything, but…” I looked back to her again. “What were you doing at my cell that night?”

“I was wondering if you would ask me that.”

I frowned “It seems highly unlikely, to me, that you just happened to show up right when you did.”

“Ah, yes. I can see how it may appear to you.” Luna surprised me when she moved, and sat down beside me. “In spite of what you may believe, my being where I was, was purely coincidental.”

Even after what she had just said, I still gave her a skeptical look.

“As I said before, dreams are one of my domains. It is my duty to patrol the dreams of my ponies, and ward them of nightmares. While you may not be one of mine, I am able to see your dreams just as easily as those of my subjects.”

I interrupted Luna before she could continue. “You can seriously see my dreams?”

She nodded, looking mildly annoyed. “Indeed. Did I not just say that? Your dreams, as well as all your fellow humans in Equestria. Some memories as well.”

I’m not sure if I understood how all this dream stuff worked, but I’m pretty sure I paled when she said that. “If you can do that, why haven’t you–”

“Discovered where you have been hiding, and removed you from our land?” Luna interrupted.

I nodded

She sighed. “It is… complicated. Simply put, it comes down to our ethics.” I was about to ask for clarification, but Luna stopped me with a raised forehoof. “If you wish to know more of the details, you will have to ask Celestia.”

Frowning, I gave the princess a curious look. “You can’t tell me?”

“Oh, I could. However, my sister will be the one to have that discussion with you.”

“Any particular reason why?”

Luna shrugged. “It is her turn. I explained last time.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Oh-kay…”

“We seem to have gotten off topic. You were curious as to why I was present to save you when I did?”

Blinking, I nodded. “Yes.”

“The answer is simple: dreams.”

“Dreams?” I echoed.

“Yes. Yours were… interesting. You appear harbor guilt over something which you had no control over, unless my interpretation of what I saw was incorrect. Additionally, your dreams seem to stop suddenly and randomly.”

“That would be the insomnia.” I said, ignoring her first statement.

“Ah. You suffer from a sleep ailment. Does it stem from your guilt? Or is there more to it than that?” Luna was giving me a look of intrigue.

I looked away. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“As you wish.” She paused for a moment. “To finally answer your question, I was curious as to why your dreams were so frequently interrupted, and felt I should find out for myself. I arrived at your cell to find those two guards in the midst of their deplorable act. Had I made my decision later, or not at all, you would have certainly died.”

I had looked back while Luna was talking. “So, it was purely coincidental.”

The princess nodded. “As I said it was.”

With a small laugh, I laid back, putting my hands behind my head. “Looks like insomnia was beneficial… for once.”

“I must say, you are a very lucky individual.”

“If that’s the case, I should spend some time in Vegas. I’d rake in the money.” I sighed and closed my eyes. “Still, doesn’t always feel that way.”

“I can understand your feeling that way, if what I have seen is any indication.”

“Not sure I like you being able to see into my mind that way, and I still don’t want to talk about it, Princess.”

I heard her shift next to me. “Very well. I will stop prying.”

Silence once again settled. It drug on to the point of awkwardness, then Luna spoke, “May I ask you something, Corporal?”

“Go ahead.”

“Your demeanor… For being a prisoner, you seem to be very unconcerned about the position you are in. Why is that?”

My eyes opened and I stared at the canopy of leaves. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Luna watching me. “When I was first caught, I was freaking out, even if I didn’t show it. Not knowing what was in store, my mind went pretty wild with possibilities. I guess being unconcerned and not being completely serious is a coping mechanism. Knowing what I do now, however, I don’t see much reason to waste energy worrying about it. You ponies seem to be a pretty decent… uh... people? ...Yeah, we’ll go with that. You guys are better than some from back home.”

The princess looked thoughtful. “Hmm, interesting. Additionally, we are two countries at war, and you are being held against your will, yet you do not seem to harbor much, or any, ill will. Do you not hate us?”

I glanced over to Luna for a moment. “No, I don’t.”

“Even after what happened? You do not hate Prism and Cobalt?”

I sighed. “Oh, I would love to bash their faces in, after what they did, but I don’t hate them, at least not to the point of killing them.”

“Fascinating. My sister and I thought you would have developed a strong dislike of us, based on that experience.”

I shrugged. “We’re at war. Shit happens.” It dawned on me a second later, that I was talking to a princess and that was probably something I should have worded differently. When I looked at Luna, she was giving me a weird smile.

“Well, someone is certainly relaxed. Could it be that you feel you can trust me enough to be so informal?”

I thought about that. Do I? Both she and Celestia have both assured me that I’ll be treated fair while I’m here. Plus, Princess Luna did save me from those two guards. Maybe I do… I really shouldn’t though, she’s a leader of an enemy nation… but they haven’t done anything questionable to me. Those guards had to be acting on their own, so that’s on them, no one else… The Army would probably skin me alive for talking to her like this, if they ever found out… God damn I hate this shit.

“You do not have to answer.” Luna said, cutting into my thoughts. “I would ask that you explain your last statement. ‘Shit happens’ is quite vague.”

She was still wearing the strange smile from earlier. Dream, or no dream, hearing a princess say that was completely unexpected.

“I, uh…” I cleared my throat. Fuck it. “I meant exactly what I said: shit happens. You can’t always control what’s going on, that’s war. Plus, war changes a person, and not always for the better. I’d bet those two have lost friends in the fighting, and they want vengeance or justice for them. I know what it’s like. Can’t really blame them for it.”

Luna nodded. “Sound reasoning. Were you not speaking from experience, I would have to question the legitimacy of what you just said.”

It suddenly occurred to me that Luna’s willingness to sit and talk with me might be from ulterior motives. I’m a fucking idiot.

Pushing myself upright, I eyed the princess. “You did what you said you came here to do, you told me what was happening, so why are you still here?”

“Can a princess not have a simple conversation?”

I gave her a flat stare. “You have the time to chat with a prisoner, with all your duties, and a war going on?”

“It is a slow night.”

This time, I just kept staring.

“Oh, now you become suspicious?” At my continued stare, she rolled her eyes. “Very well. My reasons are personal. I simply wished to talk to one of you, to see what you might be like as an individual. Of course, I could not just do so, for obvious reasons. I was presented with an opportunity when we captured you. Had our conversation not happened this way, I would have spoken with you in person at some point.”

“So, this isn’t some kind of interrogation technique?”

Luna shook her head. “It is not. I am merely satisfying my own curiosity, and it is a slow night.”

“You’re not going to use anything you learned against me?”

“No. Even if that were my intention, I suspect to use what I have learned would be counter-productive.”

I gave a shrug. “Yeah, probably… I have a question for you, princess.”

Luna’s head tilted to the side. “Yes?”

“Why is it that you’re being so nice? Celestia said I’d be treated fairly, but you seem to be going through an awful lot of trouble for me.”

She smiled. “My sister and I both wish for the same thing: to resolve this war, peacefully if possible, and a peaceful coexistence. It is our hope that your treatment reflects this desire. Now having talked to you, a soldier of the nation we fight against, I believe it is possible.”

My eyebrow rose. “Just from talking to me, you think it’s possible? You do realize not everybody shares my views and opinions, right?”

Still smiling, Luna nodded. “I am aware. I am also aware that, while not the same as yours, others may have at least a similar outlook.”

“Well, don’t be too disappointed if it doesn’t work out. We can be completely irrational at times.” When her smile faltered, I gave one of my own. “Still, it’d be great if everything works out the way you’re hoping. It’s always nice to have more friends, there are enough people to fight as it is.”

Luna’s expression fell. “Indeed. From what we learned before the war, conflict seems to make up a large part of your history.”

My expression matched the princess’. “Some say it’s in our nature... and between you and me, I’m getting tired of it. Tired of wondering if today will be my last day, or if I’ll even wake up at all… Even more than that, I’m tired of losing friends. I’ve only been on two deployments, including this one, and I can already count the number of friends I’ve lost on both hands.”

“This does not sound like something you should be telling me. In fact, based on what we’ve seen from you, in the short time you have been held by us, you have been less than forthcoming. It makes me wonder: why are you talking with me?”

I paused. “Honestly, I don’t know. Maybe you’ve used some kind of magic on me. Or maybe you just put off some kind of aura of trust.” Sighing, I laid back down. “Hell, maybe it’s just this.” I gestured at the dreamscape. “This is the calmest I’ve felt in a long time. Most likely, my brain just got rattled too much. Regardless, I just… I just want to go home and for my contract to end, so I can try and get on with my life… what’s left of it.”

“Believe what you will, but I have not done anything you to… other than bringing you into this dream.” Her tone shifted to one of sincerity. “I wish I could help you, but unless you help me, I cannot.”

“And I can’t help you.”

“Not even to help yourself?”

I shook my head. “I’d probably be executed for treason, which definitely doesn’t help me.” I should probably wrap this up, I’ve been stupid for long enough. “I hope you’ve enjoyed this talk, Princess, because after I wake up, there probably won’t be many talks like this one. It’ll be back to business.”

Standing, Luna sighed. “I suspected as much. Thank you for at least speaking with me, it was rather informative.” The princess faced me. “While there are no detrimental effects from a dream such as this, I will leave you be.”

I smiled and nodded appreciatively. “You’re welcome. It was a nice break from the stress of reality... and thanks again for what you did.”

The princess returned my nod. “Till we meet again, in the waking world.” With a flash from her horn, everything faded.

Chapter Eight

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Groaning, I slowly woke, the remnants of my last dream fading away. I must have had several dreams, because I couldn’t remember much about any of them, and what I did remember didn’t seem to mesh together. Something about Princess Luna stood out in particular. The specific details eluded me, but I knew I had questions to ask.

There was a faint throbbing in my head, and my body was stiff from going too long without moving, especially my left shoulder. Attempting to move the joint, I found it was immobilized, but that didn’t stop an ache from developing as I did so. Using my free arm, I reached up and rubbed my eyes.

“I think he’s really awake this time, Sergeant.”

“Looks that way. Stay here, Private, I’ll get the doctor.”

“Yes, Sergeant.”

I heard a door open, and hoofsteps leaving before I opened my eyes. Everything was blurry, and I could only make out shapes. Blinking several times, I rubbed my eyes again. Things were much clearer when I looked around this time, but there was still a faint haze. I was in a hospital room, with the lights dimmed, resting on a bed with my torso inclined. The room’s door was straight ahead of me, and next to the door stood a bat pony. Several blinks later, to clear the last of the haze from my vision, I could tell this bat pony was a mare. I didn’t know if she was the one from that night, since I was assuming she wasn’t the only one they had.

“Hey.” My voice was hoarse, and came out barely above a whisper. It didn’t help that my throat was dry as well. God, I sound as good as I feel.

It didn’t seem to matter, as she heard and responded. “Yes?”

I coughed, and was rewarded with an ache in my chest. “Can I get some water?”

“Of course.”

She left her spot, moving to my right. I watched as she stopped at the sink on the right wall. She picked up the lone glass there, clutching it in her wrist, I guess, since I didn’t know what what part was actually called. After filling the glass, she walked over to the bed, and offered me the drink. Taking the water, I took a slow swallow, letting the cool liquid sooth the dryness of my throat. After my initial drink, I slowly drained the rest of the glass.

“Thanks, Private…”

“Midnight Breeze, and you’re welcome.”

There was a small table next to the bed, and I put the glass on it as Breeze moved back to her place to the right of the door. I pushed the blanket that was over me down far enough to give myself a once-over. Instead of a cast of any kind, my arm was held against my my side with several straps placed down its length, obviously to keep me from moving the shoulder. It was also the arm with all the IVs in it. The only article of clothing I was wearing were my boxers. Guess they don’t have stuff for humans. There was a massive bruise on my chest from Cobalt’s stomp, and another, smaller one visible on my right side. Additionally, my right knuckles were in a similar state from my punching the pony. My head wasn’t wrapped in anything, but since I wasn’t bleeding, that wasn’t surprising to me. After all the time I spent sleeping, I must have been in pretty good shape, despite feeling like shit.

“Um… Can I ask you something, Corporal?”

I looked up to Breeze. She was staring at me, a curious expression on her face.

“Sure.”

Breeze paused for a moment. “I’ve heard you humans are cold-blooded killers, who feel no remorse when you take a life… Is it true?”

Sighing, I considered my answer. “I guess that depends on who you’re talking to. Some guys are like that, some aren’t.”

Private Breeze’s head tilted to the side. “Are you?”

“Do I give you that impression?”

She shook her head.

“Good, because I’m not one of those types. I don’t like killing, but I’ll do it if I have to.”

“Have you killed any of us?”

“Ponies? No.”

“But you would have?”

“If it meant protecting myself, or my friends, yes.” While Breeze was mulling that over, I took the opportunity to ask a question of my own. “I thought you were under orders not to talk to me. Sergeant Clipper was when I first saw him.”

“Those orders were rescinded.” I wonder if that has anything to do with the dream that I can’t really remember.

“Can I ask you another question, Private?”

Breeze simply nodded.

“Do all bat ponies look so awesome, or is it just a guard thing?”

Midnight Breeze reacted about the same way as Sergeant Clipper did the first time I’d talked to him. She stood there, dumbstruck, staring at me. The difference between her reaction and Clipper’s was that she blushed, and I could see it from where I was.

I didn’t get an answer from her, because the door opened a couple seconds later, and Sergeant Clipper—again, I could only assume it was him—walked through, followed by a white-maned, light blue unicorn wearing a stethoscope and lab coat. Clipper took up position opposite Midnight Breeze, turning up the lights as he did, then frowned when he looked at the private.

“Everything okay, Private?”

Breeze coughed and nodded. “Yes, Sergeant.”

I was distracted from any more of their conversation as the unicorn approached my bed. “I’m Doctor Gentle Needles. How are you feeling, Corporal Duran?”

Gentle Needles? Bullshit, there’s no such thing. “Like I got kicked by a horse, twice. Can I go now?”

Doctor Needles gave me a blank look. “No.”

“Damn… Can I at least have my arm back?”

“Perhaps. I’m going to assume you’ve already tried to move your arm. Was there any pain?”

“Little bit, nothing I can’t ignore.”

The doctor nodded. “Your chest? Any pain when you breathe?”

I shook my head. “Only when I coughed.”

“How about your head?”

“No.”

Needles thought for a moment. “Hmm, I suppose we can release your arm. I do need to check it’s movement.”

The instant I heard the doctor light his horn, I freaked the fuck out. With a scream, I immediately started clawing my way out of the bed. The fact that I could only use one arm slowed me down, but my brain was screaming at me to get away, and I was listening. Moments after I started moving, I felt myself being dragged back into place by the doctor’s magic. That only made me fight harder to get away. Not again!

“Let go! LEMME GO, MOTHERFUCKER!”

The pull vanished, and I resumed hauling myself away, only to find myself being physically restrained by Sergeant Clipper and Private Beeze.

“Corporal! Calm down!” Clipper’s voice came from behind me as he tried to pull me back, while Breeze held me from the front.

She must have seen the terror I felt, because she spoke up next. “Nopony’s going to hurt you! You need to calm down!”

Her words didn’t register in my desperation. I had to get away, that was all that mattered. As I continued struggling, I saw two more night guards come into the room. They were both unicorns. As soon as I realized that, I started giving everything I had. No, no, no, no, NO!

As they entered, I heard Clipper yell, “No magic!”

One stopped, the other still moved to assist.

“Grab his legs!”

I was almost out of the bed when I felt him trying to follow that order. After receiving a couple ineffectual kicks for his efforts, the guard managed to get both my legs. Simultaneously, Breeze pinned my free arm beneath her wing, effectively ending my attempts to get away. That didn’t stop me from squirming around as much as I could.

“Corporal! Corporal, look at me!”

My gaze locked with Breeze’s. Despite everything that was going on, she looked remarkably calm. My struggles lessened, but didn’t stop.

“Everything is fine. None of us are going to hurt you. Please calm down.”

There was something in her eyes, and the way she spoke, that told me I could believe her, but I don’t know why. I went limp and lay panting, trying to recover. It was then I noticed my eyes were burning. I never thought I’d be so terrified of something that I’d start crying. I’m beyond fucked up. Private Breeze released my arm, and the guard holding my legs followed suit. Breeze and Clipper eased me back into my previous place on the bed, as the consequences of my actions made themselves known. I closed my eyes as the stiffness from earlier was replaced by an intense ache, and a sharp pain in my left arm.

From the foot of the bed, I heard, “Can you handle him?”

“Yeah, I think we’ve got it from here.” Clipper responded. “Good work, Private Breeze.”

Breeze didn’t give a verbal reply, and I heard the two other guards leave. From my left, I heard Doctor Needles voice. “That was… unexpected.”

“Your magic triggered that. Is he scared of it?”

“Terrified.” Breeze said. “I could see it in his eyes.”

The doctor sighed. “Good thing his arm was still restrained. He almost ripped out the IV as it is. Are you going to be okay, Corporal?”

“I feel like shit.”

“I can use magic and help with that now, or you can wait for a painkiller.”

As soon as I heard ‘magic’, I could practically hear the distinctive sound it made when it was being used. My eyes snapped open, and my heart started pounding harder. Fuck that shit.

“I’ll wait.” I answered quickly.

“Very well.” Doctor Needles addressed the guards. “I’ll need one of you to assist, since I’d like to avoid doing that again and I didn’t bring a nurse. The other can go find a nurse for a painkiller.”

“Stay and help the doc, Breeze. I’ll go find a nurse.”

Clipper turned to leave as Breeze said, “Yes, Sergeant.”

“If you’d sit up, Corporal, we’ll remove these restraints, I’ll fix the IV, and get that shoulder checked.”

So… how’s that Magiophobia treating you today?”

I looked away from Sergeant Heartmender’s gaze. “How do you think?”

“And if I were to use magic right now?”

My eyes flicked back to the unicorn. He was sporting a stupid grin. “That wasn’t funny the first time, it’s not funny now, and I’d kick your fucking ass.”

“Before or after you run away screaming?”

I glared at him. “You must really want to get your ass kicked. Keep it up, and I’ll oblige.”

Heartmender opened his mouth, but was interrupted before he could say anything. “Enough, Sergeant.”

He sighed. “Yes, Sir.” Returning his attention forward, I dimly heard him mumble something about ‘killing his fun’. If Lieutenant Steel heard him, he didn’t acknowledge it.

To be fair, I wouldn’t normally get so wound up by getting a little shit. Every time we had SRP, I received a lot of flak for my aversion to needles, and I could deal with that. Right now though, I’d just been released from the infirmary, having spent a total of eight days there, and this wasn’t the first time Sergeant Heartmender had given me shit about my new phobia.

It wasn’t just Heartmender’s shit either. This fear seemed to come out of fucking nowhere. I’ll admit I’d never been comfortable around the ponies magic, since up to the point of my being captured, it’d been primarily used as the ponies weapon of choice to fight us, but it never actually terrified me. I’ve been shot at more times than I care to remember, but I’m not terrified of guns. Maybe it just took being nearly strangled to death, then smashed against a wall with magic for my brain to realize I should be scared of that shit. I don’t fucking know. A psychiatrist would probably have a field day with me right now.

After the attack in my cell, I’d been assigned four guards. They were ‘for my protection’, meant to prevent any more attempts on my life. Midnight Breeze joined the night group, along with the other two, and Lieutenant Steel and another joined Heartmender and Stormfront during the day. I’d been assured all eight had been hoof-picked by their respective princess, and would neither allow anyone to hurt me, nor do so themselves.

All four of the new guards were unicorns. I thought that was pretty fucking stupid, as their magic scared the shit out of me, but apparently unicorns would be the best at preventing anything from happening. On the bright side, they’d deemed shackles unnecessary, plus it meant there were less ponies going out to search for, and fight, my friends.

We were entering an area I recognized, after several minutes of walking, and I was actually looking forward to my cell, and breakfast. It was fairly late in the morning, and I still hadn’t eaten yet, which definitely wasn’t helping my mood. As we continued down a very familiar looking hallway, the group took a right into another hallway, and my hopes for breakfast fell. Are you fucking kidding me? Another couple minutes had us standing in front of the interrogation room door. Sergeant Stormfront opened the door and I was ushered towards it. Taking a look inside, I stopped. Fuck this.

“Nope.”

I did an about-face and tried to walk away, but was immediately stopped by the guards.

Lieutenant Steel blocked my path. “Corporal, don’t make this difficult.”

“I’m not going in there.” I pointed back to the room. “That’s cruel and unusual. I’d rather go hungry in my cell than be tortured like that.”

The other guards closed in around me. “It’s not what you think, and you don’t have a choice.”

I folded my arms. “Bullshit, and there’s always another option. Just take me back to my cell.”

Steel didn’t budge. “Corporal…”

“If I have to crack some skulls, I will.” The infirmary was kinda nice.

“Is this really necessary, Corporal Duran?”

Celestia’s voice came from right next to my ear, and I jumped to the left, nearly landing on Heartmender. God damn! How’s something her size move so quietly?

When I looked to her, she was wearing her unreadable expression. “I do not see what the problem is.”

I frowned at the princess. “The problem is: I haven’t eaten, and now you’re going to interrogate me, using the food in there” I pointed to the room again, “to encourage me to talk.”

Celestia blinked. “Is that what you think?”

I refolded my arms. “Yep. It’s just another interrogation method.”

She studied me for a moment. “The reason you have not had breakfast yet is because it is in there.” Using a wing, the princess motioned to the room. “Now, would you join me for brunch?”

I looked to the guards around me, then back to the princess. I was going to say no, but my stomach growled. Yeah, that would be uncharacteristically cruel of them to do things that way. Sighing, I walked into the room and sat in the chair. Celestia, entering right behind me, sat on the opposite side of the table. The door closed, leaving the two of us alone.

“What is this, Princess?”

“I... do not know what you mean.”

“This.” I gestured to the small spread of food. Included in the meal was a fairly generous portion of ham. It in particular was the reason I hadn’t wanted to enter the room in the first place. Since ponies don’t eat meat, I’d figured it was just the next thing they were going to try to use against me. I hadn’t had real meat since I’d left on this deployment, and I didn’t really count the stuff in MREs as real meat.

“You ponies don’t eat meat, so...” I didn’t know how to finish, so I just gestured to the food again.

“Do you believe that we would not be prepared to host dignitaries and the like who have a more carnivorous diet?” The princess smiled as I realized just how stupid I had sounded.

“... Touché.”

Celestia’s smile faded and she sighed. “This is my apology to you for what happened.”

“But you didn’t–”

I was cut off by a raised hoof. “I promised you that you would be treated fairly. In taking the oath of a Royal Guard, they too made that promise. Their actions reflect on me, and in breaking their oath, so too, have I.”

Wow… the princess takes her position pretty seriously if she believes that. I didn’t know what to say. I just sat there, thinking about how similar, yet so different, things in Equestria were.

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah… What about those two guards? What happened to them?”

“Prism and Cobalt had been exemplary guardsponies. Their actions, however, were inexcusable. They were both discharged, dishonorably.” I wonder if that has the same stigma here as it would back home… Can’t imagine that helped their disposition towards humans.

Celestia’s expression returned to its unreadable state as she poured herself a cup of tea, using her hooves. “Do not think things have changed. You are still my prisoner, and this is a one-time thing. Eat up, Corporal, we have a busy day ahead of us.”

Chapter Nine

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“I think that will be enough for today.” Celestia said, massaging her temple with her right hoof. “Are all soldiers unhelpfully stubborn, or is this something unique to you?”

I shrugged. “It’s a gift.”

Sighing, Celestia stood and started toward the door. Aside from being short, this session had something else different. The princess seemed… off. While I won’t claim to know the princess well enough to tell if something was wrong, compared to the last time I’d been interrogated by her, there was a noticeable difference. I couldn’t possibly guess at what it was. For all I knew, she’d just had it with me for the day.

Though, since we were done talking, maybe I could get a question answered. “Princess?”

Stopping, she looked back at me. “Yes?”

I shifted in my chair. “Something’s been bugging me.”

The princess gave me a curious look. “And that would be?”

“Your former guards said you could just take the information you want. Is that true, or were they just tormenting me?”

Celestia turned to face me, her expression somber. “Make no mistake, I can simply take what I want from you.”

I did my best to cover my unease, and hoped I hadn’t somehow fucked myself over. “And still you haven’t… why?”

“That is a line I am not yet ready to cross.”

I blinked in confusion. “Uh… I don’t think I understand.”

Celestia returned to the table, but remained standing. “Let me explain. While Equestria does have crime, it usually tends to be petty. Things like murder are unheard of.” I had to resist the urge to say anything. “There is one offense we have a problem with, however: mind-altering magic. These types of spells are not inherently harmful, but when used improperly, the results can be terrible.”

“Reminds me of how guns are back home, but doesn’t quite answer my question.”

The princess nodded. “Indeed, and I am getting to that. Mind-altering spells are powerful. With the right amount of skill, one could enter another’s mind and influence a decision, observe memories, learn their deepest secrets, or, with enough power erase or alter memories, or even... wipe the mind completely.”

The thought of everything that you’d experienced, all your aspirations, everything that made you, you, just… gone. I gave an involuntary shudder. Even if starting over were possible, you’d probably never be the same. I think I’d rather die.

If she noticed my reaction, Celestia gave no indication. “We consider the mind to be a sanctuary, and those who would violate the mind of another, to remove one’s free-will, receive the highest of punishments. Though I am a Princess, I will not resort to such an act… unless it becomes absolutely necessary.” Celestia locked a steely gaze on me. “You had best hope your friends do not force my hoof.”

Good thing most of the guys have a brain in their heads, otherwise I’d be fucked. Still, that doesn’t make any sense. War doesn’t make it necessary? “But, why? You could have ended this war as soon as you saw me, but you insist on this course of action.” It did occur to me that I should probably have shut up, but for some inexplicable reason, I just had to know.

“I will not abandon our morals. They have been in place too long to be simply tossed aside.” The princess’s eyes narrowed. “Tell me, Corporal Duran, if we start making compromises just because things become difficult, what is stopping us from finding other reasons to do the same? Where does it end?”

I shook my head. “I couldn’t tell you, but all your guards are paying the price for your decision.”

Celestia had her forelegs on the table and was leaning toward me in an instant, her eyes flashing. “Do you think I don’t know that?! Are you insinuating that I don’t care?!” The edge in the princess’ voice was more like that of a drill sergeant dressing down a basic training private, and her expression matched, though there was something else there too. “Do you want me to use those spells on you?”

Where the fuck did this come from? Reflexively, I pushed my chair backwards, trying to get some more distance between us. “No! That’s no–”

The princess silenced me with a wave of her hoof. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath, then released it. Regaining her composure, Celestia stepped back off the table. When she opened her eyes, there was still a hint of that something in them. “I take every loss personally, and I will carry that weight for the rest of my life.”

As she said that, I remembered some of the things we'd learned about her, and her sister. If what we had been told was true, then they was immortal, and if they weren’t immortal, then they were very long-lived. Which means, she’ll feel that weight for a very long time. In a little over two hours, I had yet another example of how differently things worked in Equestria, compared to home. It left me dumbstruck.

“We have talked enough today. Your guards will escort you back to your cell.” Celestia’s horn ignited, and I shot from my seat. The chair clattered to the ground as I plastered myself against the wall, trying to get away from the princess. When I looked back a few moments later, her horn was no longer lit, and I noticed the door was now open.

“My apologies. I forgot about your phobia.” The princess was back to her unreadable expression and tone, so I had no idea if she was being sincere, or just saying that.

One of the guards peeked in as I tried to get control of my heart and breathing. “Everything okay in here, Princess?” It was Lieutenant Steel.

“Yes, Lieutenant. Take Corporal Duran back to his cell, we are done for now.”

Steel nodded. “Yes, Ma’am. Let’s go, Corporal.”

Moving to the door, I took one last look at the princess, still trying to make sense of what I’d learned. In the hall, as the guards formed up around me, I saw something out of the corner of my eye. When I looked, I saw Shining Armor standing next to the door that no doubt lead to the observation room. He did not look happy… at all. If looks could kill, I’d probably be a fine pink mist. As I was led back to my cell, I wondered if I should expect some company at some point.

“Will you stop, Corporal?”

I paused for a moment, then returned to what I was doing. “This helps me with stress, and it might help me get back to sleep.”

“I can’t believe I have to stand here and watch you do this.”

“So, look someplace else.”

“I don’t see what your problem is, Sergeant. I don’t have a problem with it.” Private Breeze chimed in.

“Ugh. What about you two? Doesn’t that bother you? ” Clipper asked, addressing the unicorn guards.

“Not watching, and not gonna watch, so not really.”

“Really, Sergeant Clipper. I don’t see why this bothers you so much.”

Sergeant Clipper groaned, and glared at Midnight Breeze, while motioning to me with a hoof. “He’s pacing. I can’t stand watching somepony pace.”

I looked back to the guard. “Good thing I’m not a pony then, isn’t it? Or maybe you need to sit down, seeing as you can’t stand it.”

Clipper’s glare was directed at me as Breeze tried not to laugh, covering her mouth with a hoof.

“You’re not helping, Corporal!”

Spinning, I faced the front of the cell. “Well excuse me for not being able to fall back asleep!”

I had tried going back to sleep, but after tossing and turning for the better part of an hour with no luck, I’d gotten up and started pacing. I’d picked up the habit in Afghanistan, during guard duty. When nothing important was going on, pacing helped pass the time while my mind wandered. It worked really well in this situation, though I didn’t know if it would get me back to sleep or not.

Sergeant Clipper huffed and looked back at me. “Can’t you just do something else?”

“Does it bother you that much?”

“I can tolerate it for a while, but after two hours, yes! It’s annoying!”

“... It’s been that long?” I looked at my watch. “Shit, I guess it has… Fine, I’ll stop.” Moving to the bed, I flopped down. It was a good thing I’d have plenty of time for naps during the day, because this was turning into a pretty bad night.

“Thanks.”

“Sure… Hey, Breeze.”

“What?”

Sitting up, I looked across the hall to her. “You never answered my question.”

She looked confused at that. “What question?”

“The one from the other day, whether all bat ponies looked awesome, or if it’s just because you’re in the guard.”

“Oh, uh that… Um…”

The dim light made it hard to tell, but I guessed she was blushing, like the last time. “What? Never gotten a compliment?” Ok, so it wasn’t a direct compliment to her, but still.

The private looked away, down the hall. “No… not really.”

That was surprising. “Whaaat? With how cool you guys look, I find that hard to believe. What, with the wings, the eyes, and fangs.”

“That’s kinda the problem.” Clipper said, getting my attention. “Some ponies believe we were created by Nightmare Moon as soldiers for her eternal night, due to our nocturnal nature, and resemblance to her. Thankfully, most ponies are aware that isn’t the case. Still, being nocturnal keeps us from largely interacting with most ponies, and we’re not very wide spread either, so other ponies can be nervous around us.”

“Oh... Well, I don’t know who Nightmare Moon is, but for what it’s worth, I stand beside my previous statements.”

“Thanks.” Midnight Breeze had looked back while Clipper was talking, and she was giving me a small smile.

“You’re welcome.” I returned her smile. “Just because I’m held prisoner, doesn’t mean I always have to be a prick.” Since these two were being chatty tonight, I decided to keep going. “So, do all you bat ponies have the same fur color, that you also happen share with these other guards?”

Breeze shook her head. “Of course not.”

“Are you gonna give me anything more than that?”

Midnight Breeze and Clipper exchanged a look, which then spread to the other two guards. A few moments later they gave a collective shrug.

“It’s the armor.” One of the unicorns said. “It’s enchanted to make us look alike. You know, for uniformity.”

“Magic using ponies, so that makes sense. Here I was thinking your princesses went to the Emperor Palpatine School of Building an Army, and were mass-producing clones to fill the ranks.”

All four guards gave me confused looks. The unicorn who’d previously spoken, asked the question all of them were clearly thinking. “What?”

I just facepalmed. Of course they wouldn’t get the reference. “Nevermind, don’t worry about it.” After a pause, I lowered my hand. “If you look the same as the guy standing next to you, how the fuck do you tell each other apart?”

As I asked the question, the four guards straightened to attention. Princess Luna’s appearance at my cell a moment later told me why.

“It is a part of the uniformity enchantment.” The princess explained. “While it changes their appearance to match, it also allows them to see one another as they look normally.” She looked to the guards. “You chose to tell him about that, why?”

Sergeant Clipper took a step forward. “It’s harmless information, Your Highness, common knowledge. Even if he were to escape somehow, knowing that wouldn’t give him any kind of advantage.”

Luna studied the guard, then nodded. “Very well, so long as you are not just mindlessly answering his questions.”

“Of course not, Princess.”

Returning her attention to me, Luna gave me a dirty look. Uh oh… “The four of you, leave us. I wish to speak to Corporal Duran in private.”

The four guards exchanged looks again, then, in perfect unison, bowed and said, “Yes, Princess.” Straightening, they all left.

The princess stood there for a time after the guards left, still giving me that look. It didn’t take long for the silence to become too much.

“Why here, and not an interrogation room?”

“This is not an interrogation.” I’m in trouble.

“So, what brings you here this time, Princess?” I was hoping to get Luna to just be direct. I hate when people dance around issues they have with me.

The princess started pacing in front of my cell. “I suppose congratulations are in order, Corporal. You’ve managed to accomplish something that only a hoofful can claim.”

I frowned and immediately began racking my brain, trying to figure out what she could possibly be referring to. I haven’t done anything worthwhile, other than being the first guy to get caught… which isn’t anything to brag about. Coming up with zilch, I shrugged. “I give. What’s this great accomplishment?”

Luna turned, giving me a look much like Shining Armor had before. “You made my sister cry.”

That was not what I was expecting, or wanting, to hear. “... Oh.”

“Oh? Oh? That is all you have to say?!” Luna’s horn lit, sending me scrambling from the bed. Planting myself on the back wall, I watched as the door slammed open, and the princess stormed in. Fuck me!

“Celestia has spent this evening in my company, sobbing!” Luna began, advancing toward me, wings flared. “She has asked, over and over, whether she made the right decisions, if she could have saved some of our ponies if she had done something differently!”

With nowhere to go, I pressed myself against the wall. My magiophobia had faded, but now I was very afraid of the very pissed off princess closing in. Fuck me!

“Do you have any idea how much stress she is under every day?!” Upon reaching me, Luna reared up. FUCK ME! She slammed both forehooves against the wall on either side of my head, a loud crack punctuating the strike. I didn’t even flinch, but that probably because I was too scared to move. To my credit, I somehow stayed on my feet, and kept control of certain bodily functions.

“Then you come along, and callously imply that she does not care about her guardsponies!” Luna growled as she leaned in, bring her nose inches away from mine. She had violence in her eyes, and I was certain, this was the end.

Slowly looking left, I saw a myriad of cracks radiating out from where the princess’s silver-shod hoof was. I closed my eyes and swallowed. Well, I’ve had a good run. Made some pretty good friends, did something worthwhile with my life. I even managed to cheat death all those times. Yep, good run.

For several seconds, the only sounds were of our breathing, then, “Why? Why would you suggest such a thing?”

Opening an eye, I cautiously looked to Luna. The rage had dwindled, slightly, but she was still pissed.

“You’re not a bad individual, even under these circumstances. A little rough around the edges, a bit of a smart alek, but you have a good heart.” Luna’s gaze bored into me, as if she were trying to fathom how my mind worked. “So how could you say something so heartless?”

I looked away again. “Because I can be an inconsiderate asshole, who speaks bluntly without thinking. I’m sorry.”

“That’s not good enough!” Luna snapped. She pushed off the wall, returning to her hooves. She turned away from me, her wings folding. “It pains me to see my sister that way, and I do not know what to do to make her feel better.” The princess took a few steps forward, and I moved away from the wall. “And here I am, with the one responsible for her pain. Retaliation could be swift and decisive, and nopony could stop me… but by law, I cannot harm a prisoner.” Luna paused, growling. “Damn our rules, and damn this war!” She punctuated each curse by stomping the floor. “It is so frustrating!”

Physical retaliation didn’t seem to fit with these ponies, especially a princess, so I asked, “Would hitting me really make you feel better?”

Looking back, the princess fixed me with a mixed look. “It might.”

“Well, if it would help you not be so mad at m– fuuuck!” The wind rushed from me with the last word, and I hit the ground like a sack of potatoes. I was going to suggest that we find something that would help that didn’t involve me getting hurt, but whatever. Before I could react, Luna’s left rear leg had come up and driven her hoof into my gut. Shit, I deserve that for so many reasons, the least of which was assuming she wouldn’t actually do it. After seeing what she did to the wall, I considered myself lucky that I only got winded. Lying on the ground, wheezing and holding my stomach, I watched the princess turn around. A small smile appeared on her face.

“That was rather satisfying.”

After several seconds, I managed, “Feeling… better?”

“More than I was. Thank you for your permission, Corporal.”

I took a deep breath and coughed a few times. “Happy to help.” Better than having her mad at me, I guess. I can’t even imagine the kind of things she could do to me.

Luna turned and started for the exit. “I do not accept your apology however. You will apologize to Celestia when you next see her. If she forgives you, so too shall I.”

Groaning, I sat up. “Yeah, I can do that.” Shouldn’t be too bad, as long as she doesn’t want to kick me as well.

“Splendid. Now…” She trailed off, tilting her head. “What could this be?”

The sound of hoof steps approached rapidly, then a night guard bat pony skidded to a halt in front of the cell, followed by Breeze and Clipper… I think. I really needed to find a way to tell them apart. They all seemed confused as to why Luna was in the cell, but that ended when the first guard saluted.

“My apologies for interrupting, Princess, but we need the Corporal.”

Luna looked back to me again, bewilderment written all over her face. I gave my head a small shake, my own expression mirrored hers.

Looking past the princess, I asked, “What could you possibly need me for?”

The guard regarded me with a serious expression. “We’ve run into a problem… with a new prisoner.”

Chapter Ten

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“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?

Chapter Eleven

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The time spent outside had been plenty to allow me to think about the new magic I’d been exposed to. I had more questions than answers, and since my guards had refused to answer any questions on the subject, I’d decided that an experiment or two would be in order. As these guards would probably be expecting me to try something, I opted to wait until the night group rotated in.

We’d taken a different route back to the cell block. It seemed less complex than going out, but I wasn’t sure I would remember it perfectly in reverse, should I get the opportunity. Approaching the cells, I saw that Stormfront and the other guard were back, which meant that Tovey would be as well.

“Where have you guys been?” Stormfront asked as we got close.

“Outside,” Steel answered.

“Bet that was fun,” The pegasus deadpanned.

“Loads,” The unicorn replied in the same manner.

Steel and Heartmender stopped at my cell, waiting for me to go in. I chose to ignore the open cell, and moved to walk past.

“And where do you think you’re going, Corporal?” Steel asked, blocking my path.

“Checking on Tovey.” My cell was the first in the group and Tovey had been put in the next one down.

“He’s fine. Get in your cell,” The other unicorn guard said.

“You expect me to believe you, even after he assaulted your captain?”

“Both princesses have said there will be no retaliation for that,” Steel said, not budging.

“I was told, by a princess, that I’d be treated fairly, and look what happened with Cobalt and Prism.”

Steel opened his mouth to respond, but was interrupted.

“Corporal, I’m fine.” The private had come to the front of his cell, and I could just see him from my angle.

Ignoring Steel, I turned my attention to Tovey. “You sure? You looked a little rattled last night.”

He gave a small, humorless laugh. “You’re one to talk. I saw you tear out of that room. What the hell was that all about?”

“It’s not important,” I said, waving a hand dismissively, “so I’ll tell you later… maybe.”

“If you two are just going to talk, you can do it from your cell.” The edge in Steel’s voice made it clear he was about ready to just toss me into my cell.

I sighed in annoyance. “Alright, shit! I’m just trying to do my job.” Despite how I felt about Tovey, since I held the higher rank, I was responsible for him while we were here. Taking a couple steps back, I slid into my cell, and the door slammed closed.

“Corporal.”

I moved to the corner closest to Tovey’s cell as the guards all assumed their positions. “Yeah, Tovey?” I leaned up against the wall and folded my arms.

“Did they threaten you too?”

“Oh yeah.”

“And you’re not worried?”

Yeah, a little, but you don’t need to know that. “Nope.”

I heard him shuffle around. “Why not? How can you be sure they won’t carry out their threats?”

“If these ponies were going to do anything, they’d have done it already. Besides, from what I’ve seen, they don’t seem like the types to resort to that kind of thing.” As long as none of the guys out there give them a reason to. Of course, I had no way of knowing if that were true or not. I was just trying to help Tovey stay positive.

The private sighed. “If you says so, Corporal. You’ve been here longer.”

“We’ll get through this, Tovey. Just don’t let them get to you, and you’ll be fine.“ I pushed off the wall, then thought of something. “Tovey, any good news from outside?”

“No, sorry.”

“Damn.” Guess they still haven’t got the Gate working. And the techs said they knew how it worked. “Well, try to get some sleep. Can’t imagine you got much last night.

“Yeah… I’ll try.”

Unless the Equestrians did something crazy, like abusing my phobia, I was pretty sure I wouldn’t have a problem resisting them, since I’d gone this long. I was more worried about Tovey. Based on what I’d seen of him so far, I had to wonder if he would be able to stand it as well.

Four days went by since Tovey had joined me in captivity, and aside from settling into a daily routine, nothing really happened. One, or both of us, would be taken for interrogation by the Princess. If we both went, one would get a princess at random. It was decided that we’d get to spend time outside after interrogations were over, and the time spent outside varied from day to day.

The music thing was a bust. Turns out that participation in a song was voluntary, and the magic only encouraged one to participate. The guards simply had to ignore me during the couple tests I tried. That meant that the magic wouldn’t benefit me, other than being a nice way to relax.

Something I hadn’t expected was how Tovey handled being in this situation. Surprisingly, he adjusted pretty quickly, getting over his uncertainty in a couple days. I guess I didn’t give him enough credit, because he was resisting all the ponies’ attempts to get information as well as I was. Still, despite our efforts, I knew it was only a matter of time before the Equestrians simply found where we’d been hiding. Till that happened, I took a little comfort knowing that I was being as frustrating as possible.

“God, this is boring. Even going outside has lost it’s appeal.”

“If you’re so tired of this, just tell the Princess what she wants,” Steel suggested.

“Fuck. That. How about you guys give us something more engaging to do instead?”

“Outside isn’t good enough for you anymore?”

“Well, since you bring us to the same place every time, it’s kinda gotten old.”

The unicorn shrugged. “This is what you get, so make the best of it or keep being bored.”

Today’s interrogations were over, and Tovey, myself, and our guards had been outside for the better part of the day. I’d spent the initial time running the obstacle course. It wasn’t hard to figure out. While some parts might have been challenging for ponies, for a human they weren’t a problem.

After wearing myself out, I’d planted myself under the tree to recover. I’d been there for about an hour, and was feeling like a go on the track. With that in mind, I got to my feet and started stretching. As far as exercise went, running was my favorite thing to do.

“You’re going again? Why?” Tovey asked from where he was lying in the shade.

“Running this time, and why not? Got nothing better to do. You gonna join me?”

He huffed. “If I don’t have to, then hell no.”

“Lazy fuck.”

Tovey just ignored me as I finished my stretches and started towards the track, Heartmender and Stormfront following.

I looked over to Heartmender as we walked. “You gonna run?”

“Nah. I get plenty of that before the shift.”

“What about you?” I asked Stormfront.

“No.” Before I could make a comment about laziness, he continued. “I will fly, though.”

That kinda surprised me. This wasn’t the first time I’d asked them, but Stormfront’s response was the closest thing to a “yes” I’d gotten so far.

When I got to the track, I pulled off my uniform top and hat, and tossed them on the ground. Rolling my shoulders, I started off.

The track itself wasn’t very large, about a quarter-mile loop, if I had to guess. Normally, the two guards who kept an eye on me would sit in the middle, probably so they were the same distance from me no matter where I was while I ran. This time, Heartmender sat where I’d tossed my stuff, no doubt because Stormfront was shadowing me. Settling into my groove, I focused on my pace and breathing. I didn’t know how far I’d go today, since running in combat boots sucks ass, but I was determined to go at least two miles.

Not even halfway to my goal, something caught my eye. When I looked over, I saw a group of guards approaching Heartmender. Even from the other side of the track, I could see Heartmender stand and salute, indicating that whoever was in charge of this group was an officer.

“What’s going on?” I asked between breaths, and motioned to the new arrivals.

Stormfront, flying next to me about six feet off the ground, shook his head. “I don’t know.”

The guard Heartmender had saluted, an earth pony, pointed in my direction with a hoof. Great. It always means something shitty is about to happen when someone does that.

As Stormfront and I came back around to where we’d started, the pegasus shot ahead, then stopped and faced me, flying backwards.

“Don’t try anything, Corporal.”

I responded by waving him away. There was no way I was going to be able to outrun him, or any of the other pegasi that had shown up. Plus I wasn’t in the mood to deal with a pissed off flock of guards.

With a powerful flap of his wings, Stormfront shot upwards into a loop, then glided over to Heartmender. I’m not gonna lie, seeing pegasi do things like that always made me a little jealous.

Whatever was going on, I was sure I’d find out whether I wanted to or not, so I refocused back on running. As I closed on the collection of ponies, my two guards walked towards me.

“Time to stop, Corporal,” Heartmender said, raising his voice so I’d hear him.

I didn’t slow, much less stop. Nah, fuck that. I’ve still got a mile to go. As I passed the two, I flipped them the bird.

“Damn it, Corporal!”

Glancing back I saw both of them starting to give chase, Stormfront taking to the air. Smiling, I looked forward again... and ran straight into a glowing green wall. I rebounded of the wall, which definitely hadn’t been there before, and fell onto my back, trying to figure out what the fuck had just happened. As I lay there, I heard a chorus of laughter coming from the direction of the group of guards.

“That’s what you get, Duran. You should’ve just stopped.” Stormfront said, landing next to me.

“Fuck you,” I said, sitting up and trying to catch my breath. The wall had vanished, and as the group of guards, who were still laughing, were most likely responsible, I turned my attention to them. “And fuck you too!”

“You okay, Corporal?” Heartmender asked as he stopped beside Stormfront. His tone indicated obligation, rather than concern.

“Other than having my run so rudely interrupted, I’m fine.”

“Shoulda just stopped,” The unicorn said, echoing Stormfront’s earlier statement.

“Why? The fuck’s going on?”

“What’s going on, human, is that we’re running the obstacle course.” An earth pony, probably the one in charge, had walked over and was standing a few meters away. His amusement slowly faded, replaced with a glare, that he directed at me.

This guy reminds me of Cobalt… great. Taking a deep breath, I pushed myself to my feet. “Okay, so you need the course. What’s that got to do with me?”

“We’re leaving,” Heartmender answered.

I looked down at him. “What? Why?”

“Because,” The earth pony answered, “you’re a distraction, and I’m not going to share the area with the likes of you.”

What an ass. Folding my arms, I smirked. “Some guards you are, distracted by one guy running around. Maybe you should focus more on focus, rather than physical training.”

The guard snorted. “Says the human who ran into a wall.”

My smirk turned to a glare as his group laughed again, throwing out additional jeers as well. “That wasn’t there before, so fuck you and fuck your magic. You guys wouldn’t be so tough without it.”

“Excuses,” The earth pony said, waving a hoof dismissively. “You’re no match for any member of the Guard, even without our magic.”

“Bitch, please. I’ve already kicked one guard’s ass.”

The guard laughed “That’s not how I heard it. You nearly died.”

A muscle in my left shoulder gave an involuntary spasm as memories of that night flashed through my head. “Laugh it up, fuzzball. Cobalt needed Prism’s help to even have a chance.” If he hadn’t had the help, I’m certain the fight would have been a lot different, if it happened at all. “I kicked his ass, and I bet I could kick yours too.” I punctuated the statement by pointing at him.

Stormfront must have had enough of my arguing, because he stepped forward. “Corporal, shut up.” To the other guard he said, “We’ll get out of your mane now, Lieutenant Scythe.”

Exhaling sharply, I did a right-face and went to retrieve my stuff. I really wanted to smash that guy’s face in, just to prove him wrong. Grabbing my top, I put it on, then picked up my hat.

“Let’s go, Corporal.”

Turning, I followed my guards back to where Tovey and the others were.

Behind me, I head Scythe say, “Yeah, go on, you deformed minotaur.”

“Eat a dick, you fucking dirtbag,” I retorted, putting my hat on.

Both Heartmender and Stormfront stopped and looked back at me with wide eyes. Stopping was well, I was about to ask what their problem was, when I heard something behind me. Turning, I saw a furious Scythe charging me. Before I could ready myself for whatever it was he had planned, he leapt at me with a wordless shout. I tried to fall backward, to lessen the force of his impact, or drop beneath him, but I didn’t react in time. Scythe used his momentum and mass to drive both forehooves into my chest as I landed on my back. I felt something pop in my back, and heard several faint cracks in my chest as I hit the ground. FUCK! Pain exploded in my chest, and the air was forced from my lungs. Looking upward, all I could do was watch as Scythe reared up with another shout, his face contorted with rage. Before he could bring his hooves back down, he was encompassed in an amber glow, and yanked over my head. His armor clattered as he hit the ground out of my sight. My left hand shot to my chest, while my right dug into the grass. Every gasp for air only served to increase the pain, causing me to close my eyes and clench my teeth.

I heard the rattling of armor again, accompanied by Heartmender shouting, “Lieutenant, that’s enough!” A moment later, I heard his horn ignite. I was currently in no shape, and too preoccupied, to try and get away, even as my phobia screamed at me to do so.

“Let me go, Sergeant!”

“Can’t do that, Sir. Stormfront, check Duran.”

“Right.” I heard the pegasus move next to me, then felt a hoof on my shoulder. “Corporal, how bad you hurt?”

I was starting to breath normally, but every time I inhaled, the pain I was already feeling spiked. “Ribs,” was all I got out to answer the question.

I heard the guard sigh. “Heart, he’s gonna need you.”

“Little busy.”

“Hey! I need a medic!” Stormfront shouted, likely addressing Scythe’s guards.

“Buck that. You heard what he said to the Lieutenant. Let him suffer,” was the response the sergeant got.

I had no clue what it was about the last thing I’d said that had sparked Scythe’s reaction. Someone was going to have to explain that to me.

“For Celestia’s sake, just do your job!”

“Just let me at the human, and we won’t have to worry about it!” Fuck you, bitch!

“Enough, Scythe!” Lieutenant Steel’s voice came across calm and in control. “Sergeant, see to the Corporal, I’ll handle Scythe.” The sound of another unicorn using magic punctuated the end of the order.

“Yes, Sir.” A moment later, I heard Heartmender next to me. “Try to hold still, Corporal.”

When I heard his horn ignite, I inhaled sharply, then immediately gasped in pain, kicking my heels against the ground. Just like the first time Heartmender had examined me, I felt a weird static-y feeling build. Moments later, it dissipated.

“Buck.” Oh, fuck. Hearing a medic say something like that while examining you was never a good thing. “This is too much for me to handle. We need to get him to the infirmary.”

“Let’s go.”

When Heartmender’s horn ignited this time, I instinctively tried to roll away, which only served to make the pain worse.

“Damnit Corporal, don’t move!”

I’m not doing it intentionally! I felt myself leave the ground, and when I finally opened my eyes and looked around, I saw I was floating over the grass, surrounded by an amber glow. My heart began pounding harder, and I started squirming, despite Heartmender’s previous order not to.

“Hold still!”

“If he can’t hold still, sedate him, Heart.”

I looked over to the unicorn, wide eyed, as I was lowered back to the ground. Heartmender’s face scrunched up as he concentrated, his horn glowing brighter. As I tried to push myself away with my legs, there was a flash, and I was out.

Chapter Twelve

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When I finally began to comprehend anything, I was lying down, staring upwards into the canopy of a tree. After sitting up and taking a look around, I sighed.

“God damn it.”

I was sitting under the only tree in a sea of endless, rolling hills, just like the last time Luna had payed me a visit in my dreams.

“What are we going to do with you, Corporal?”

I didn’t even bother turning to look at the sound of Luna’s voice. “You could always let me go.”

“Were the decision solely up to me, I would actually consider it.” She moved up from behind me and sat down on my left. “You are more trouble than you are worth, do you realize this?”

I gave the princess a sidelong glance before I replied. “Duh. I’m a prisoner, it comes with the territory.”

“Even to the point of picking fights with guards?”

Crossing my legs and leaning forward, I shrugged. “Sure. Not that a fight would have been allowed to go far. I wanted to wipe that smug sense of superiority off his face. I just didn’t think he’d jump me from behind.” I finally gave Luna my attention and looked at her. “What was his problem?”

The princess regarded me with a serious gaze.“You insulted him in one of the worst ways possible.”

I frowned and tilted my head in confusion. “I did?”

Luna nodded. “Indeed, which surprises me, as you have been… somewhat respectful in your time here.”

Shaking my head, I sighed. “What part of what I said was so insulting?” The whole remark was supposed to be insulting, but I didn’t expect a homicidal kind of reaction.

“You called him a… I cannot believe I am actually going to say it— ‘dirtbag’.”

I gave the princess a deadpan stare. “...Really? That’s what upset him?”

Luna frowned and eyed me. “You… you do not have any clue, do you?”

I shook my head.

“Scythe is an earth pony.”

“Okay, so what does dirtbag have to…” I trailed off as it clicked. It’s a cultural thing. “That’s not…” My hand slowly rose to my face as I groaned. “Where I’m from, ‘dirtbag’ is a less flattering way to call someone rude. I didn’t know it could be interpreted as a racial slur. That’s not a line I cross.”

“So it was unintentional?”

Lowering my hand, I nodded. “Yes. Don’t get me wrong, I was trying to be insulting, but not on that kind of level. Still, if that’s all it takes to get your guards to snap and do shit they know they’re not supposed to, they need better training.”

The princess frowned at me. “Our guards have not experienced war. They are struggling to cope with what they are experiencing, and these new feelings, and you,” she pointed accusingly at me with a forehoof, “are not helping, unintentional or not.” She sighed and stared forward, off into the distance. “It also does not help that they see you and are reminded of the friends who have been wounded or lost. It does not matter to them that you were not personally responsible for this. I have spoken with many guards personally, and they have confessed to feeling anger towards you upon seeing you. Cobalt and Prism are an excellent example. They both decided that killing you would help them feel better, and avenge the deaths of their comrades.”

I wonder how the guards assigned to me feel. I started thinking back on my first deployment. That had been years ago and I was still suffering the consequences, and I came from a world where war was commonplace. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like for the citizens of a peaceful place like Equestria, especially those doing the fighting. Having a pretty good idea of what they were going through, I felt kinda bad for them. On the other hand, they were the enemy, so why did I care at all? Maybe it was because they were still soldiers, regardless of who they were fighting for. Being a relatively nice guy sucks sometimes.

After a long silence, I decided to change the subject.

“So how messed up am I this time?”

Luna’s expression became passive. “Four broken ribs, several others damaged, and you nearly had a lung punctured.”

I winced. “Lovely. More things to add to the ‘Shit that’s happened to me’ list.” Sighing, I pushed myself to my feet. “So why are you here this time? Can’t imagine you’re simply here to talk.”

Looking over, I saw Luna shake her head.

“The purpose of this visit was to hear what you had to say about what happened, sooner rather than later.”

“Then I guess there’s nothing more you need from me.” I started down the hill.

“No, nothing in particular.” Luna said. I could hear her following me.

“So what are you still doing here?” As we descended the hill, a road appeared at the bottom. The road snaked its way around, over, and between the hills.

“I am now curious to see what you are doing.”

“Stress relief.” I replied, walking towards the motorcycle that had just appeared on the road. “Since you were nice enough to put me into this lucid state, I’m going to take advantage of it.”

While not perfect, the bike was a pretty decent replica of mine back home, even down to some of the dings and scratches. It handled like a dream, and I would sometimes just go on rides with no real destination in mind, just to get away for a while.

“I remember these types of vehicles from my visits to your world.” Luna said, examining the bike as I hopped on. “I always thought those who rode them had to be somewhat crazy. I see now that I was correct in my theory.”

“In my case, maybe.” I sighed as the princess circled around. “I can’t figure you out. What’s your angle?”

Luna stopped an looked at me. “I beg your pardon?”

“Last time you paid me a visit, you were ready to beat me senseless. This time, you’re acting like you did the first time you were in my head. Are you bipolar or something?”

The princess gave me a dirty look. “I see you are still in your disrespectful state. I will pretend I did not hear that… this time.”

“That’s exactly what I’m talking about.” I said, pointing at her. “You’re just going to let that slide?”

Luna regarded me with a level gaze. “It will take more than some disrespectful comments from a prisoner to get a reaction from me.”

“What about last time? You fuckin’ kicked me.”

The princess closed her eyes, and inclined her head. “The circumstances were different.” Opening her eyes, Luna returned her attention to me. “As for my ‘angle’, that is on a ‘need to know’ basis.”

I rolled my eyes and turned the ignition key. “Uh huh.” Using my right thumb, I pressed the ignition button, and the bike rumbled to life. “Well, I don’t like you being in my head, so would you leave?”

Luna gave me a devious grin. “I believe the phrase is: make me.”

Fucking bitch. I glared at the princess. “Don’t you have laws about being in someone’s dreams without their permission or something?”

“For citizens of Equestria, yes. You do not have that luxury.”

So much for stress relief. The bike and the road vanished. “You know what? Fine.” I sat down and just stared at the princess. “If that’s the way you’re going to be, then I’m not going to do anything.”

Luna shrugged. “Very well. I guess you will not be needing this lucid dream anymore.”

Before I could respond, her horn flashed and everything went black.

Waking up sucks, even more so when you do so in a hospital bed. I knew it was a hospital bed because I remembered what happened, I could hear an EKG, and my chest was uncomfortably sore. Opening my eyes, I gave the room a groggy examination. If I had to guess, I’d say I was in the same room as last time, but for all I knew, all the rooms were the same. Of course, I’m sure none of the other rooms came with guards posted at the door.

“Ah, how convenient. Now I won’t have to come back later.”

Looking from the door to my left, I saw a light blue unicorn in a lab coat studying a clipboard.

“You’re the doc from last time,” I rasped, “the one with the contradictory name.”

The doctor looked up. “Contradictory?” He asked.

“Needles aren’t gentle.”

Needles looked thoughtful. “I’ve never heard my name described in that way. You dislike needles, I take it.”

“Yes.”

The doctor gave me a cheerful smile. “I would suggest you don’t look at your arm then.”

Now that he’d mentioned it, I could feel them stuck in me. Bastard. I decided to follow his advice, and keep my arm out of my sight, and try not to think about it.

“Now then, how are you feeling, Corporal?”

I gave Needles a flat look and deadpanned, “Seriously?”

Needles, still smiling, simply nodded. “You know better than anypony how you are feeling, so rather than guess, I ask.”

I sighed, which caused an unpleasant sensation to go through my chest. “No pain, currently, but extremely unpleasant.”

“Painkillers must be wearing off.” The doctor took a pencil from the top of the clipboard and wrote something down, using his mouth. Replacing the pencil, he said, “I’ll have another dose administered soon. You’ll be happy to know that you are healing well, and should be out of here in a few days.”

“That fast?”

“While it may not be instantaneous, magic does accelerate the healing process.”

“Neat.” I swallowed. “Can I get some water?”

“On your right.”

I hadn’t noticed it earlier, but Private Breeze was definitely one the guards at the door. A quick look showed that she, and the unicorn she was paired with, were wearing neutral expressions. I probably lost any respect they might have had for me, if they had any at all. Looking to my right, I found a glass waiting on the small side table. As I went through the process of satisfying my thirst, the door opened, and Princess Celestia walked in. Since the night guards were on duty, it must have been sometime during the night, and I never would have expected Princess Celestia to make a personal visit at that kind of hour.

“My apologies, Doctor, but I must ask that you leave.”

Needles turned and bowed. “Of course, Princess.”

As he made his way out of the room, the princess addressed the guards.

“Wait outside.”

Both guards saluted. “Yes, Your Highness.”

For a second, I was worried, remembering that pretty much the same thing had happened with Luna, however, unlike that experience, Celestia didn’t appear upset. I would just have to wait and see how things played out, since there wasn’t much else I could do. If I’d pissed them off that much, I’m sure they’d have just let me die. The princess waited till they had all left and closed the door before turning her attention to me.

She regarded me in silence for a moment, before speaking, “If you were a pony, your talent would most certainly be being a nuisance. Scythe was a skilled leader, and now his abilities are being wasted.”

I replaced the glass on the table and shifted around, trying to get more comfortable. As I did, Celestia continued.

“I do not expect you to cooperate with everything we ask, and I expect you to challenge us every step of the way, but to cause this much trouble?” Celestia gave me a long hard stare. “You seem to get along with Sergeant Heartmender and Private Midnight Breeze, so I know you are capable of getting along with us. Why not try to get along with others, or at least keep your mouth shut.”

I returned the princess’s gaze, though having just woken up, and being drugged, I don’t think it had the same effect. “Just because I can be nice to some, doesn’t mean I will be nice to everyone. I can get along with them because they don't treat me like I'm inferior. Besides, if someone is going to talk shit, I’m going to give it right back.”

The princess sighed. “Let me ask you something, Corporal Duran.” I watched as Celestia moved to the side of the bed where Dr. Needles had previously been. “Do you know why you have had it so nice here, even being a prisoner?”

I was going to argue that there was nothing nice about this whole thing, but aside from the two incidents that sent me to the infirmary, nothing else was that bad. I was fed three times a day, had a decent bed to sleep on, someone to talk to, and for a little while, and the chance to waste time outside. Why I’d been treated this way, I didn’t know.

I shook my head and shrugged. “If I had to guess, I’d say it’s because you guys are too damn nice for your own good, or you just don’t know how prisoners should be treated.”

Celestia gave a chuckle. “Yes, I’m sure your way of dealing with prisoners differs greatly from ours.” The mirth left the princess’s face. “I’m going to be honest with you, Corporal. The reason we have been showing you this kindness, in spite of what your comrades have done, is because we do not want to fight you. We wish to be friends.”

“Friends.” I echoed, not fully believing what she’d said. “I don’t think your subjects all feel the same way.”

“Of course it would not happen overnight, but given time, I believe our nations could still have positive relations, even after what has happened.”

All the shit that’s gone down, and she still wants to be friends. It’s not like that hasn’t happened before, but still, why is she so determined?

“All the patrols you sent out make it hard to believe that you didn’t want to fight us.”

Celestia exhaled slowly. “You are still a hostile, intrusive force, and I cannot allow you to run around unchecked inside my borders, even if you were content to stay hidden and not cause trouble.”

I paused to think about what she’d said. It didn’t all add up.

“Using lethal force isn’t the best way to show that you want to be friendly. We’ve lost guys.”

Celestia’s expression didn’t change. “Ultimately, the lives of my ponies are more important to me than yours, and if lethal force is what’s needed for them to return home from a mission, so be it.”

I paused again, running my right hand through my hair, which was probably out of regs by now. I still doubted that I could trust the princess, but she’d piqued my interest.

“What would you do if you knew where we were hiding?”

Celestia perked slightly at my question, like she hadn’t expected the conversation to go in that direction. She probably thinks I’m finally considering telling her.

“I would send an ambassador to negotiate for your surrender.”

“And if that didn’t work?” And it probably wouldn’t.

“I would have you all subdued with as little bloodshed as possible.”

With each answer, the princess seemed to be slightly more cheerful. I could even see the hint of a smile on her lips. She’s got to be telling me this to convince me that everything will be okay if I just give in and talk. I decided to keep going.

“To what end? What’ll you do when you’ve got us?”

Now Celestia was smiling. “I’ll send you home.”

That… wasn’t what I had been expecting. At all.

“Lemme get this straight. You want to find us, convince us to surrender, or capture us, and just... send us home?” At Celestia’s nod, I asked, “Why?”

“As a show of goodwill. With the Gate under our control, and your threat removed, we can then begin our recovery. Then, after sufficient time has passed, I would attempt to begin peace talks with your nation.”

I was staring at the princess, almost in disbelief. Based on what she’d said, if it could be believed, I could have been home already. All I wanted to do was put this all behind me, but the pricetag of betrayal, was too high. Looking down at the foot of the bed, I absently rubbed my chest, which was becoming noticeably more uncomfortable as time passed.

Even knowing the cost, and consequences, I still began to have second thoughts. I could end this whole stupid thing right now, and we could all go home. There’s also the chance that no one would find out if I said anything… but I would know. Would I be able to live with that decision? And since I’ve been a PoW, I’m sure I’ll be thoroughly debriefed. Would I be able to keep my betrayal a secret? I must have spend a decent amount of time in thought, because Celestia cleared her throat. When I looked up, her smile was gone, replaced by her mask of seriousness.

“It is quite clear you have been thinking about what I have said. I imagine it changed a few things for you. Have you, perhaps, decided what you want to do?”

After a moment’s hesitation, I nodded. “I have your word that nobody will be hurt?”

Celestia nodded in return. “As much as I can give. If they insist on being uncooperative, then I cannot promise anything.”

“That’s the best I can hope for, I guess… I’m gonna need a map.”

The princess’ eyes lit up, and her smile came back in force. Wasting no time, she moved moved to the door, opening it when she got there.

Celestia leaned outside, and I heard her say, “Bring me a map, quickly.”

There was an acknowledgement, followed by the sound of hooves rapidly leaving. With nothing to do but wait, the princess turned and addressed me again.

“Had I known simply telling you my intentions would have worked, I would have done so long ago.”

I didn’t respond, too busy thinking about what I was going to do. Celestia must have noticed my melancholy demeanor.

“Do not feel bad, Corporal. It was inevitable that we would find your hiding place. You are simply accelerating the process. Do not worry, this will work out to everyone’s benefit.”

“Uh huh.”

A few minutes later, I noticed Celestia’s ears perk. Moments later, I heard it too, the sound of hoofsteps quickly getting closer. A guard soon appeared, trotting through the doorway, and passed a rolled map to Celestia. The princess passed it to me, and I unrolled it over my lap and began studying it.

After looking for a short time, I glanced up. “Is this map up to date?”

In response, Celestia looked to the guard that had brought it, who was still standing in the room.

“As far as I know, it’s current, Your Highness,” The bat pony replied.

Strange that it wasn’t Clipper, but that wasn’t important right now. “You sure? I can’t find the landmark.”

Celestia leaned in and began scrutinizing the map. “I know my kingdom well, what landmark can’t you find?”

Leaning to the side, I pushed her flowing mane out of the way. The act left a weird sensation on my hand, but I ignored it and put my finger on a random spot on the map. Keeping my voice calm and level, I said, “Camp Gullible was next to Mount Got Ya, which isn’t listed anywhere on this map.”

Celestia’s head slowly rose from the map. As it came up, she turned to look at me, a mixture of emotion on her face, disbelief the most prominent.

“What?” I asked innocently. “Maybe if we tried a different–”

“You had no intention of showing me where your friends are hiding.” Celestia stated, not letting me finish my suggestion.

“Of course not.” I said, dropping the act and rolling the map. “I don’t know if you’re being sincere or just telling me something you think I want to hear. Regardless, treason isn’t something I’m going to commit.”

“Then why go through all this? Why not just say so?”

“Because you must think I’m stupid or something and I don’t appreciate it. Plus the look on your fa–”

Celestia’s horn suddenly lit up, interrupting me. I instinctively tried to move away, but the golden glow surrounding me prevented any movement. The EKG began beeping rapidly, matching my heart, as I slowly began to panic. Celestia had to know about my phobia, and the fact that she was holding me in place, and the slow, deliberate way she magically took the map from me made it pretty clear she was quite upset. A panicked look was all I needed to confirm this. Unlike Heartmender holding me before, I couldn’t even squirm in Celestia’s hold. All I could do was grit my teeth and try to keep my panic under control, as my brain screamed at me to do something I could not.

“I do not know why I thought, even for a moment, that you would cooperate.” The princess turned to leave. The guard, glaring at me, followed suite. “Do not think I have forgotten what brought you to the infirmary this time, Corporal. As you have proven that you cannot behave, once you are released, you are hereby confined to your cell. Furthermore, you are forbidden to interact with any guards, besides those assigned to you. Disobey that, and you will be punished further.”

When she passed through the doorway, Celestia’s magic faded and I immediately began pushing myself as far up the back of the bed as possible till I finally began to calm down. Mental note, don’t troll the princess.

As I collected myself, Breeze and another guard retook their position inside the door, which they closed behind them. Breathing heavily, an ache built in my chest, my reward for my sudden movement. Maybe they should have just let me die. Things would be a whole lot easier. Settling in, I wondered If I would get a even get another dose of painkillers.

Chapter Thirteen

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“God, I’m so sick of this shit.”

Stormfront’s voice came from behind me. “So are we, and we’re sick of hearing about it from you, so shut up.”

Exhaling sharply, I muttered, “Prick,” and left it at that. Ever since I’d been released from the infirmary, I’d been taken for interrogation every day, and occasionally at night as well. Everybody knew nothing would change, I wasn’t about to start talking, so I figured this had to be punishment for the map thing.

“Why don’t we just tell them, Corporal?” Tovey asked from my left.

I gave the private a look of near disbelief. “Are you serious, Tovey? You already know the answer.”

Tovey looked away. “I know! ...But then we could go home. Isn’t that what you want?”

“Of course it is!” I nearly shouted my response. The daily interrogations, and being confined to my cell were leaving me a bit more stressed than usual. I gave myself a few seconds to calm down before I responded, “But if we do it that way, we don’t get to go home. We go to a prison cell for life, or the executioner’s block. Is that what you want, Tovey?”

He inched away from me. “Well, no…” Slowly, he looked at me, a hint of hope in his expression. “What if we didn’t tell anyone, just kept it a secret?”

I gave the private a full disapproving look, the kind of look a drill sergeant gives a basic trainee that just fucked up. “I’m gonna pretend I didn’t hear that, Private.”

The hope quickly vanished from Tovey’s face, and he shrank away. While I’d had the same thought in the infirmary, and I was ashamed that the thought had even crossed my mind, ultimately, I would never follow through.

“Stop thinking that way, Tovey. It only means they’re winning.” I said, motioning to our guards. “Do you want them to win?”

Tovey straightened and shook his head. “No.”

Looking him in the eye, I nodded at his answer. “Then don’t give in. Don’t give them the pleasure. Show them that we’re stronger than they are.” I grabbed his shoulder and gave it a gentle shake. “Hooah?”

The private nodded slowly and smiled. “Hooah. Thanks, Corporal.”

Releasing his shoulder, I smiled as well. “You’re welcome.”

When I looked forward again, I saw Steel looking back at me from his place ahead and right of me.

“What’re you lookin’ at?”

Ever since the whole racist comment incident, the guards had been showing more open dislike of me. Explaining that it had been a cultural misunderstanding had helped, but some of the guards still regarded me with open disdain. Steel seemed to be on the fence in that regard.

“In your position, even after everything that’s happened, you still stay somewhat positive, and you manage to convey that to your comrade. I don’t know how you do it.” The lieutenant replied. After a brief pause, he added, “And while you are a pain in the plot, your determination and loyalty to your country are admirable as well, even if your methods are… unorthodox.”

I never expected to get a compliment from any of these ponies at this point, least of all Steel, especially since he’d all but stopped talking to me since I’d gotten out of the infirmary.

I covered my surprise with a shrug. “I just have to think about what’s waiting for me when this is all over. With that in mind, it’s easy to keep positive, and do what’s expected of me.”

“Hmm… Amazing what the right motivation will to for somepony.”

With that, the lieutenant returned his attention forward, effectively ending any further conversation.

I hadn’t asked them, but it was random things like that that made me want to know what my guards thought of me. I considered asking right then, but decided they probably weren’t in the mood to answer.

When we arrived at the cells, I immediately flopped down on the bed. Another thing adding to my stress was my never-ending battle with insomnia. Over the last few days, it was getting worse. I was spending more time awake, and what little sleep I was getting, didn’t seem to be very restful. I had suspicions that Princess Luna might be behind it, but I had no evidence to prove anything. Maybe all this was finally starting to get to me, I didn’t fucking know. Whatever the reason, it didn’t seem to matter right then, because I drifted off to sleep in just a few minutes.

“Corporal, wake up.”

I groaned and rolled over.

“Keep it down, Tovey. I’m trying to sleep, fuck.”

“C’mon, Duran. You need to get up!”

Tovey apparently needed lessons in courtesy. He was talking so loud that it seemed like he was… right beside me? The fuck? Rolling back over, my eyes opened and I found myself face to face with Tovey.

“...What the fuck are you doing in my cell? More importantly, how the fuck did you get in here?”

The private shook his head. “That’s the thing, they’re gone, and the cells are open.”

Having just woken up, I don’t think I was comprehending everything he was saying correctly.

Sitting up, I frowned at the private. “The fuck do you mean ‘they’re gone’? What are you talking abo–” I stopped when I looked to the hall. It was empty, and the cell door was open, just like Tovey had said.

“What the actual fuck?”

I looked to Tovey. He just shook his head.

“I don’t know. I woke up about two minutes ago.”

Now fully awake, I checked my watch. Holy shit, I was actually asleep that whole time? It was 0531. That meant, in addition to me sleeping for a abnormally long time without my insomnia interrupting, that the guards should have just rotated, but when I listened, I couldn’t hear anything. I should have been able to hear the hoofsteps of the night shift walking off. What the fuck is going on? The lights were still in their nighttime, low-output mode, so it was still fairly dark.

“What do we do, Corporal?”

I looked at Tovey, who’d moved back from the bed, and stood.

“Let’s have a look around.”

Stepping to the open door, I stuck my head out and looked both ways. I knew the cellblock continued down to the left for a hundred meters, before it dead-ended.

Seeing nothing, I gestured down the cellblock. “Go check the cells, make sure no one’s hiding down that way. Keep it quiet.” I ordered softly.

Tovey’s response was to silently execute the order, stalking down the hallway, his footsteps barely audible.

While he did that, I moved off in the other direction, heading for the hallway that lead to the interrogation rooms. As I crept along, my mind raced. There’s no fucking way they would just leave us unguarded, and allow us to roam free. Is this some kind of test? If it is, what kind of test is this and why would these ponies even need to test us? If it’s not a test, what the fuck happened? I was going over possible scenarios, each more unlikely than the last, when I made it to my destination. Clearing my mind, I peeked around the corner. More empty hallways… Jesus, this is creepy as fuck.

I barely heard Tovey as he moved up behind me.

“Nothing. All the cells are empty.” He reported quietly. “This is creepy.”

“I was just thinking the same thing.” I said, keeping my voice low as well.

“What now?”

“We keep looking arou–” A chill suddenly ran down my spine, and I quickly looked around.

“What?” Tovey started looking around as well.

“...I don’t know.” I shook off the sensation. “Let’s keep looking around.This has trap written all over it. Either we get caught and thrown back in our cells, or we get the fuck out of here.”

Tovey nodded. “I like that second option.”

“Me too. Let’s go.”

Since I didn’t know where the interrogation hall went, I lead Tovey straight, down the hall that we took to go everywhere else. I was hoping that, between the two of us, Tovey and I might remember one of the ways that we took to get outside.

We moved along in silence for a couple minutes before we came to the next intersection. A right would take us to the showers, but they were a dead end. Straight or left would lead us to the maze of hallways that would eventually lead us outside. Even here, the lights were all dim.

“You’ve been outside recently, what way?” I asked, looking back to Tovey.

“Uh, the last time they took me we went left.”

“Do you remember the whole route?”

He nodded. “I think so.”

“Good. Let’s get outta here. Take point.”

Together, the two of us made our way into the hall, staying low and close to the wall, but not touching it. I had to resist the urge to open any doors we passed, they weren’t important and would only be a waste of time.

At the next intersection, Tovey paused, then continued straight without a word. Since he seemed fairly confident in his memory, I was more than willing to trust that he would get us where we wanted to go.

As I followed Tovey, my mind drifted back to the distinct lack of ponies we were experiencing. So far, we hadn’t run into anyone. No guards, no servants, no one. The longer we went like that the more confused I got. There was no way all the residents of this massive castle would just up and vanish overnight, without leaving some kind of hint as to what happened. It also occurred to me that this could also be a dream, and Luna was fucking with me. That last theory evaporated when I walked, face-first, into Tovey’s back when he stopped short.

Note to self, watch spacing. Rubbing my nose, I move up next to Tovey.

“God damn, man, why’d you stop?”

He paused before answering, “I think I took a wrong turn, we should have been there by now, plus I don’t remember that.” Tovey pointed down the hallway.

“Shit.”

A short distance ahead, the hallway curved to the left. I thought I could see something flickering on the wall, but I could have just as easily been imagining it.

“We’ve gone this far, might as well keep going.”

Tovey nodded, and fell in behind me when I moved ahead. Hugging the inside wall as we rounded the bend, I stopped as the hallway abruptly ended, dumping us in what appeared to be the main foyer for the castle. There was light filtering in through several windows, reflecting off a chandelier, and covered the walls in countless spots of light. That would kinda explain the flickering I’d seen in the hall.

“...Fuckin’ A. I don’t know how you did it, Tovey, but I think you got us to the front door.”

“Huh, lucky us. Lets get out of here.”

“Lets.”

Together, we moved to what was hopefully the exit door, since It wasn’t marked anywhere. At the door, I grabbed what looked like the a release, and the two of us pushed half of the double-door open. Even though there was light shining into the room, I still had to shield my eyes with my arm when the direct sunlight hit me. When my eyes adjusted, I lowered my arm and looked around. Just like the castle interior, the area was empty, as were the city streets beyond the castle grounds.

After a few moments, I looked to Tovey. “Even the town is empty… something is seriously wrong. Where the fuck are they?”

He shook his head and shrugged. “Don’t have an answer, Corporal. I think we should try to regroup with the others, then maybe worry about the missing ponies.”

As Tovey started towards town, another chill ran down my spine, and I reached out and grabbed his arm.

“Hold up.”

“What?” The confusion in his question matched his expression.

I didn’t answer immediately, instead I began scanning everything I could see. “I’ve been thinking about this, and I don’t think an entire city’s worth of ponies would just vanish. I’ve had the feeling that we’re being watched ever since we left the cells.” I said, after finding nothing in my search. “I’d bet a months pay that this is some kind of ruse set up by the princesses.”

Tovey jerked his arm out of my grip. “You think they’d set up this,” he gestured to the area, “just to get something out of us?”

I nodded. “At this point, yeah.”

The private stared at me like I’d grown another head. “You’re crazy. There is no way they could pull that off.”

“They’re the rulers of the country.” I argued. “All they’d have to do is give some kind of valid sounding reason, and I doubt anyone would give it a second thought.” I started pacing. “Think about it: we are the only thing standing between the princesses and finding the others in a timely manner. Aside from whatever mind-reading magic they have, which they’re reluctant to use for whatever moral reason, thank god, what’s easier than just letting us go, and letting us lead them to what they want?” I stopped pacing and looked to Tovey.

The private was still staring at me like I’d grown a second head. “I think your lack of sleep is getting to you, Corporal.” He shook his head. “Even if they are the rulers, I still don’t think they could pull off something like making all their ponies disappear.”

Frustrated, I ran a hand through my hair. “How else do you explain the distinct lack of ponies, then, Tovey?” I asked loudly, motioning to Canterlot.

“I don’t know! But them letting us go just sounds crazy!” Tovey slowly walked up to me, and put his hands on my shoulders. “You’re acting strange, Duran. Are you okay?”

No, I wasn’t okay. This whole thing was really bugging me. Something was going on, and I wanted to know what it was. While it looked like a ticket to freedom, I couldn’t shake the overwhelming feeling that this was just a trap. The fact that Tovey couldn’t see that was a possibility wasn’t helping.

Shaking his hands of me, I took a step back. “I’m fine, but we can’t leave.”

Disbelief slowly crept into the privates features. “You’ve lost your mind.” He said, slowly. “This is our chance to escape and go home, just like you want, and now you want to stay?”

Why the fuck can’t he see what’s obvious? “If there’s a chance that we’ll be followed back, we can’t take the risk.” I explained. “Even if we tried to lead them on a wild goose chase, they’d figure it out and just recapture us.”

Tovey clearly wasn’t going to be convinced. “Fine, you can stay here then, but I’m leaving.”

As he turned to follow through, I reached out and grabbed his arm again. “No you’re not. You’re staying here.” When he turned to glare at me, I glared back, and added, “That’s an order.”

His eyes narrowing, Tovey said, “Fuck you, Duran. You’ve clearly gone insane, so I’m not going to follow any more orders you give.” He ripped his arm out of my grasp, and took several quick steps away.

“Use your goddam brain, Private!” I yelled, pointing at him. “If you’d stop and think this over, it’d be pretty obvious what’s going on!”

Tovey replied with another, “Fuck you”, then turned and started walking. Fucking privates. I almost went after him, with the intention to force him to stay, but that would just be a waste of time. The little shit would see soon enough that I was right. He would get lost, then recaptured, or just recaptured, then he’d be right back here… but on the extremely slim chance that he did make it…

“I swear to god, if you lead these bastards back to camp, and we take any casualties, I’ll put you in the ground myself!”

Tovey didn’t give any kind of response. He just kept on walking towards Canterlot. I watched him walk off for a few moments, then turned back towards the castle. I wasn’t crazy… was I? Have these ponies finally gotten to me? I mean, I’m about to walk back into their castle and their custody… No. I’m right! This is just a ruse to get what they want.

“Fuck Tovey, that fucking fuck. He’s got me second guessing myself.”

Looking back into the foyer, I deflated. With a sigh, I walked back inside. Finding an empty place on a wall, I put my back against it, then slid to the floor. After a few moments, I glanced at the door. It was only a dozen meters away, I could still very easily change my mind, and bolt, but I couldn’t see that ending favorably. With another dejected sigh, I leaned my head against the cool wall and closed my eyes.

A short time later, I’m not sure how long, I heard the rattle of armor, and hoofsteps approaching. When they stopped right in front of me, I opened my eyes to see my four guards, armed with spears, standing a meter away. I fucking knew it. I don’t know how they did it, but I knew they didn’t just disappear.

“Told you he wouldn’t take the bait.” Heartmender said, then looked to Stormfront. “That’s five bits you owe me.”

The pegasus replied with an unhappy grunt, glaring at me the whole time, but that was nothing new lately.

“Let’s go, Corporal.” Steel ordered, motioning for me to stand with his spear.

“Yeah, yeah…”

Getting to my feet, I let them escort me back to my cell.

I’d only been back in my cell for about an hour, when Princess Celestia paid me a visit. She wore a passive expression and studied me from the door for a moment.

“Princess.” I greeted from my bed.

Since she’d never paid me a visit while I was in my cell, I could only wonder what had brought her here. I doubted it was just to chat.

“Open the cell and restrain the Corporal.” She said, motioning to cell door with a wing.

I frowned as Lieutenant Steel moved forward to comply. I’ve got a bad feeling about this. “What’s going on?”

Celestia stared down at me. “Unfortunately for you, your comrades have forced my hoof.”

My mind recapped the interrogation when I’d asked why she hadn’t just taken the information she wanted from my mind. Oh shit, what the fuck did they do?! It also could have been Tovey… Fucking Tovey. The door slid open, and dread slowly began to build in my gut. My eyes shot to the lieutenant as he approached, shackles floating along in his magic. I unconsciously began inching away from Steel, then forced myself to stay put when I noticed what I was doing. My hands were forced out in front of me, and the shackles closed around my wrists.

My gaze drifted back to Celestia when she spoke again, “No more playing nice. You are going to tell me what I want to know, Corporal Duran, whether you want to or not.”

Chapter Fourteen

View Online

Several minutes after the princess had come to my cell, I’d been taken to an interrogation room, this one was a little larger than the others I’d been in, and empty. All my questions on the way had been ignored, and when I’d sat down in the hallway and refused to cooperate, I’d just been dragged. When we got to the room, I was dumped in the middle on my face.

Standing up, I looked around. The guards had taken up positions around and facing me, but otherwise did nothing else. They were all still armed with their spears, which I found odd. I guess it was just for intimidation. Celestia was currently absent, having left us saying she’d be back soon.

“So when is someone going to tell me what happened?” I asked no one in particular.

“When it becomes pertinent for you to know.” Steel answered.

I sighed and ran a hand through my hair, which had the consequence of dragging the other arm along, thanks to the shackles.

“Why can’t you just tell me?”

“I already answered that.”

Ass. “I bet you just don’t know,” I said, trying to get some kind of response. It didn’t work.

Since I wasn’t going to get anything out of them, I started thinking about what the guys could have possibly done to put me in this position. Almost unconsciously, I started pacing. This got an annoyed huff out of Stormfront, but I ignored him. Given our current orders, I couldn’t imagine anyone doing anything too crazy. Either something’s changed since I got caught, or someone violated those orders and fucked everyone else. I doubt that’s the case, but if it is… what did they do? If someone was willing to disobey those orders, what else would they be willing to do?

I heard the door open behind me and spun to see Princess Celestia walking in. Her expression hadn’t changed, still passive, betraying nothing. She said nothing as she stopped between Heartmender and the other unicorn, Private Plane, and stared at me.

After an uncomfortable amount of time passed, I finally broke the silence. “Are you just going to stare at me, or is there actually a reason behind all this?” I gestured to the room in general as I asked.

A few seconds passed before Celestia answered, “There is, of course, a reason, and you will see it soon enough, but you will have wait till everyone is present first.”

Seriously… “Well, while we’re just standing around, why don’t you tell me what happened?”

I heard one of the guards behind me sigh, but Celestia gave no reaction. I thought she was going to give me a similar answer that I’d gotten from Steel, or just ignore me, but the princess did neither.

“Since you are likely keep asking, as you have been, I will just tell you and save us the ongoing headache.”

I don’t know if it was intentional, but I could hear an edge in Celestia’s voice. Rather than say anything, I just waited for her to continue.

“About an hour ago, I received word that your allies killed five of my ponies… they were civilians.”

I stood there blinking for a moment, processing what I’d just been told. It didn’t take long for me to come to a conclusion.

“You’re lying.”

The princess slowly approached, stopping out of arm's reach and looking down at me. “And what, Corporal, makes you think that?”

I ignored Celestia’s accusatory glare as I answered, “We don’t kill civilians. It’s one of our rules.”

“I have five dead ponies that say one or more of your friends do not follow the rules.”

Frowning, I shook my head. “I still don’t believe you. That’s a one-way ticket to Leavenworth. Nobody would risk that. Besides, for all I know, this is just your latest attempt to get me to talk.”

Her eyes narrowing, Celestia said, “Believe what you want, Corporal, but this has happened, and you are going tell me the location of your camp, so that we might remove the lot of you from Equestria, and punish those responsible.”

Either the princess was doing an excellent job of acting, or someone had actually killed civilians, because I found myself second-guessing my last argument. Before I could come up with another counter-argument, the door opened again. This time, it was Princess Luna who came through. I heard something in the hallway, and Tovey, restrained like me, was magically thrown into the room a few moments later. A lone unicorn guard entered, lifted Tovey once again in his magic, and followed behind Luna.

“This one puts up more of a fight than the Corporal.” Luna said as she joined Celestia. “I wonder why that is,” she mused, directing her attention to me.

“Because I’m lazy and don’t like wasting my energy on something pointless.” I said, waving a hand dismissively and watching Tovey struggle uselessly in the magical grip that held him.

When the guard reached us, he dropped Tovey, bowed to the princesses, then left, closing the door behind him. Tovey got to his feet and made to take a step forward, but was stopped by a spearhead being shoved toward him. Taking a step back, the private looked around angrily.

“Welcome back.”

His gaze locked on me as soon as I spoke. “Fuck you.”

I’ve had enough of that shit. Quickly reaching out, I smacked Tovey upside the head. The action was made clumsy thanks to my shackles forcing me to move both arms. Tovey flinched when I moved, but wasn’t quick enough to stop me, or avoid the blow.

“Wha–

“Shut the fuck up, Private.” I interrupted. “I told you what would happen.”

“Enough.” Celestia said, moving between us, which forced me to take a step back. “You weren’t brought here to bicker, and now that you’re both here, we can begin.”

The feeling of dread from earlier returned, brought on by the uncharacteristically dark tone the princess’s voice had taken. Lieutenant Steel and Sergeant Stormfront moved up from behind, and forced me back a few steps with their spears as Celestia strode a few steps away, then turned back. She was joined by Luna a few moments later. I glanced over at Tovey, and saw him looking back at me, his anger gone, replaced with uncertainty.

“Now,” Celestia began, drawing my attention back to her, “I’ll give you one last chance to simply tell us what we want to know, and avoid this unpleasantness.”

I didn’t even have to think about it.

“I’m gonna go with ‘no’,” I said, giving them a defiant look.

Celestia sighed, and Luna shook her head.

“As expected from you, Corporal.” Celestia said, before addressing Tovey. “And what do you say?”

I looked back to the private. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him break and start talking right then, but it didn’t happen. After a few moments of silence, he responded with a shaky, “I–I won’t tell you.” When he looked to me, I gave him a nod. Regardless of how I felt, he’d made the right choice, and we were in this together.

“Very well. You brought this on yourselves.”

My gaze returning to the sisters, I gave a humorless laugh. “Go ahead, read my mind. You’ll be scarred for life.”

Celestia gave me an emotionless stare, while Luna almost looked like she pitied me.

“That will be saved as a last resort… should you make it that far. We have something else in mind, something you’re more likely to respond to.”

“Whatever it is, it won’t work. Do your worst, I can take it,” I challenged. I may have sounded confident, but that was for Tovey’s benefit. Internally, I was on the verge of panic. I had no clue what they had in mind, and I honestly didn’t know if I could take whatever it was.

“Knowing you, Corporal Duran, you would just resist till you are no longer able to respond,” Celestia said, her gaze hardening, “but I believe I can break you without even touching you.”

What is she planning? I got my answer a second later when Celestia’s horn ignited, and a bolt shot from her horn, filling the room with a crackling sound. The bolt hit Tovey in the chest, sending him to his knees, his face contorting in pain as he screamed.

I flinched away from Tovey and the magic. “Son of a bitch!”

The crackling of electricity faded several seconds after the bolt did. Tovey fell forward to his hands, gasping. When that happened, I tried to go to Tovey, to help him somehow, but was blocked by the spears of Steel of Stormfront.

“Tovey, talk to me!”

I shoved the spears aside, but they stuck them right back into my face. When I continued trying to get past them, Steel just pushed me back with his magic. Because I wasn’t expecting it, and the fact that he was using magic, I stumbled backwards and lost my balance. Landing on my back, I sat up quickly.

“Bastard!”

“You are quite devoted to your country, and your fellow soldiers, Corporal." Celestia commented. "An admirable trait indeed, but it will not help you now.”

“Fuck you!” I yelled, getting to my feet, glaring at the princes.

“That is not what I wanted to hear.”

The crackling returned as the princess fired another bolt at Tovey. The private screamed again, and fell to his side. As he began writhing, I tried again to get to him. Heartmender and Plane had joined the other two now, and as I attempted to go around the lot of them, Steel just picked me up and held me in his magic. Fuck, fuck, fuck, FUCK! With no way to break free, all I could do was try to keep my panic in check, and watch as Tovey was tortured.

“God damn it, leave him alone!”

When she stopped this time, Celestia said, “Let him through.”

I was dropped, and scrambled away from the guards. When I’d collected myself, I moved to Tovey as fast as I could. He wasn’t moving when I knelt next to him. A quick check showed he was still breathing, but his pulse was weak.

I gave him a gentle shake. “Tovey! Tovey, talk to me!”

Tovey coughed, then groaned in response. Without opening his eyes, he weakly said, “D–Duran, I c–can’t take it… please... let’s j–just... just tell…” The private went limp before he finished.

“Tovey? Tovey!”

I tried a couple different ways to get some kind of response from him, but got nothing.

“Fuck!”

Another check told me he wasn’t dead, just unconscious.

“I thought he would last longer than that.” Celestia commented, nonchalantly. “I suppose I will have to deal with you directly after all.”

“BITCH!”

In one motion, I stood and charged the princess. I didn’t know what I would do, I just knew that I wanted to snap her horn off her head. It didn’t matter in the end, since I never got close. I was blown off my feet by a burst of magic from Luna. Landing at the hooves of the guards, I rolled to my stomach and rose to my feet again. As I rose, the four of them surrounded me, each one directing their spears at my upper torso to prevent me from moving. In response to that, I grabbed the spear pointing at my chest and pushed it to the right, then kicked its owner —which happened to be Stormfront— in the barrel, where he had no armor. The pegasus’ wings flared in surprise, and he staggered back, holding a foreleg to the area I’d hit. This allowed me to get control of his spear. As soon as I did, I was encased again in the green glow of Steel’s magic. The spear was ripped from my hands by Plane, and returned to Stormfront once he’d recovered. I knew everything I’d been trying to do was pointless, and contradicted what I’d said earlier, but I was too pissed to care.

“So the Corporal does have fight in him.” Luna commented, speaking up for the first time since she’d entered.

“Come over here and I’ll show you just how much fight I’ve got!” That probably wasn’t very threatening, considering I was currently helpless, and Luna would certainly have no problem dealing with me if she wanted.

“Release him. Tend to the other one, Sergeant. See that he survives.” Celestia ordered, stepping forward. I heard Heartmender move to where Tovey was as I was released. Addressing me, the princess continued, “I would save that energy if I were you. You are going to need it.”

Looking up, I fixed Celestia with a searing glare. “I already told you to do your worst and if you think I’ll tell you anything after what you did to Tovey, you’re out of your fucking mind!”

The princess gave no discernible reaction. “We will see if you still feel that way in a few moments.” As soon as she finished talking, Celestia hit me with the same thing she’d used on Tovey. The instant the bolt hit me, my world exploded with pain. Immediately, my eyes clenched shut, and moments later I faintly registered an impact on my right side as I hit the floor. I don’t know how long the princess hit me with that thing. It couldn’t have been more than six or seven seconds, but it felt like an eternity. Somehow, I managed not to scream, though why is a mystery.

When the pain finally ended, I let out a long, ragged gasp as my whole body throbbed and twitched. As I lay there, I was vaguely aware of the sound of hoofsteps next to me. When I finally opened my eyes, I was looking at Celestia’s gold-clad hooves. Slowly, I turned my head to look up at her. She was once again wearing her neutral mask, hiding any emotion.

“Would you like to reconsider your position, Corporal?” Celestia asked when she saw me looking at her.

Fighting through the ache, I rolled left, and got into a kneeling position. After a break to catch my breath, I shakily got to my feet. I wavered, but stayed upright, and turned to face Celestia.

Looking her in the eye, I finally answered the princess’s question. “No.”

“Consider the consequences of your choice, Corporal,” Luna said, approaching. “Your decision only leads you to more pain and suffering.” She stopped beside her sister. “Tell us where the rest of your forces are, and the pain stops.”

Slowly, I looked to Luna. “I will not betray my friends.” In that moment, I made another decision that I wouldn’t change either. “I would rather die.”

Luna’s look turned to one of pity. “We do not wish for this any more than you do. Please reconsider!”

“No.”

Celestia made a sound of exasperation, then leaned towards me. “What is it that drives you, Jaden Duran, pushes you to endure all that you have?” she asked. “Are you truly this loyal? Perhaps are you simply too stubborn for your own good, or maybe are you just doing this to spite us at this point? I honestly cannot tell.”

All of the above. I didn’t answer the question, and I couldn’t muster the energy to openly act defiant anymore, so I just stared off into the space between the two sisters.

“I’m only going to ask one more time. Where is your camp located?”

“Duran, Jaden. Corporal. 523–”

Celestia zapped me again before I finished. I think I blacked out this time, because the next thing I knew, I was on my side again. Since it hurt too much to do anything now, I just lay there with my eyes closed. I must have screamed that time, because my throat was scratchy and sore. My mind felt sluggish, and at this point, I started to wish the princess would just kill me so I wouldn’t have to worry about anything again. I’d go home a hero, provided the ponies had the decency to return my body after everything was said and done, because really, it was only a matter of time till they found the camp.

“He’s conscious.” It took a second, but I recognized the speaker as Heartmender.

“Good, it is time we ended this.” That was Celestia. It sounded like she was behind me.

Against my better judgement, I cracked open an eye. Initially, I couldn’t figure out what I was looking at, but it became clear that I was looking at the hooves of all my guards. I must have done a lot of flailing around if I was facing them. Closing my eye, I waited for whatever was going to happen to happen.

“Sister, stop! If you try to read the Corporal’s mind in his current condition, he won’t survive!”

“How else do you suggest that we get the information, then, Luna? He’s already proven he won’t tell us!”

“I… I do not know… But we shouldn’t resort to killing him.”

“And what about our ponies? If we’d just read his mind from the beginning, they would still be alive!”

“This is true, but we agreed we would avoid doing that, and the Corporal’s death now will not bring them back. Furthermore, there is no guarantee, in his current state, that he will survive long enough for us to retrieve the information.” I heard hoofsteps followed by more sounds that I couldn’t identify. “I believe our best course of action is to wait till he recovers, then extract what we want, if you still believe we should.”

There was a long pause then I heard Celestia give a long sigh. “You’re right, Luna. I was letting my emotions control my actions.”

It would have been nice if they’d come to that conclusion before they’d tortured us. Groaning, I tried to roll to my back. The pain was incredible, and almost didn’t make it.

“Easy, Corporal. You shouldn’t try to move.”

Heartmender’s voice was accompanied by a hoof being placed on my chest and the sound of a horn igniting. When I tried to squirm away, which only succeeded in bringing me more pain, the pressure from the hoof increased.

“Just relax, Duran, I’m going to help you.”

Despite everything my instincts were telling me, I relaxed, and the pressure from Heartmender’s hoof lessened. An odd sensation washed over me, and after a few moments I began to feel better, but the change was nearly imperceptible.

“How is he?” Celestia asked.

“He’ll need to spend a lot of time horizontal, but he’ll recover, Princess.”

“Why do you care? You’re the one who did this to me.” Talking hurt, but not enough to stop me.

“I took no pleasure from what I did.”

“Whatever. I just wish you ponies would make up your minds. I don’t think I’ll survive the next time.”

“I–”

The door slamming open interrupted Celestia’s response. Someone, a guard most likely, came galloping over.

“Princess! We found them!”

With the exception of the newcomer’s heavy breathing and the sound of Heartmender’s magic, the room fell into a stunned silence for several seconds.

Luna spoke first. “You found the humans? Where?!”

“They were hiding at the base of the Unicorn Mountain Range, using caves to stay out of sight.”

I knew it was inevitable, but that didn’t mean I was ready for it to happen. Sighing in defeat, I muttered a faint, “God damn it.”

“That would explain why we couldn’t find them.” Celestia was saying. “Whenever we found one of their patrols, they were out in the woods, so we thought that was where they were. We were searching in the wrong place… But now the search is over. Lieutenant!”

I heard Steel snap to attention. “Yes, Princess?”

“Go inform Captain Armor. Tell him I want a strike force ready, and in position to attack by tomorrow morning. Also, take Private Plane. I do not think you two will be needed to watch the Corporal any longer, and I want you to take part in the attack.”

“Yes, Princess. Let’s go, Plane… You too, Thunderhead.” Thunderhead must have been the name of the messenger.

“Right behind you, Sir.” The sound of three ponies leaving in a hurry filled the room.

Once they’d left, the room fell mostly silent again. Opening my eyes, I looked up at Heartmender, who was still using whatever spell on me, and still had his hoof on my chest. My instinct was still telling me to run, but I was in no condition to do so. Plus, after what I’d been through, and the recent news, I lacked the motivation to do anything.

When he saw me looking, the unicorn gave me a sad smile. “At least this war is almost over, right?”

I just looked away.

“Take the Corporal to the infirmary when you feel you can do so.” I heard the princesses start towards the door.

“Yes, Princess. Shouldn’t be much longer.”

As the sisters left, I couldn’t help but feel I was forgetting something. After a minute, I realized what it was.

“What about Tovey?”

“He’s stable, but unconscious.” Heartmender answered. “I’m going to get you to a point where you can walk, then I’ll carry him.”

“Will he be okay?”

“In time.”

Closing my eyes, sighed. As much as it sucked to admit, Heartmender was right. This war, regardless of the outcome, was almost over. Soon, I’d be on way home. Acknowledging that didn’t bring me any happiness. The knowledge that our forces were about to be attacked and me being unable to do anything about it killed any enthusiasm before I could muster it. Lying there, waiting for Heartmender to finish what he was doing, I could only wonder how everything was going to turn out.

Chapter Fifteen

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Staring at the ceiling, I briefly contemplated rolling over, but decided it wouldn’t help anyway and remained lying on my back. It was past 2300, and sleep, once again, refused to come, but insomnia wasn’t the sole reason. My mind was so preoccupied with the upcoming attack that trying to sleep was proving futile. Though I’d been released from the infirmary, Tovey had not, and as far as I knew, he was still unconscious.

While I was conscious and mobile, that was about the only advantage I had over Tovey. I had a wonderful new ache throughout my body, though they, Heartmender and Dr. Needles, had said it would eventually fade. The pain wasn’t as bad as it had been when I’d first been taken to the infirmary, but it was still there. The doctor had done everything he could for me, so till the pain was gone, I was just going to have ignore it as best I could.

Unable to tolerate lying down any longer, I stood and stretched. It didn’t feel as good as I’d hoped, but what could I do? When I started pacing a few moments later, Clipper groaned and moved from his place across the hall, to the side of the cell where he wouldn’t have to watch me. He and Private Breeze were now the only guards of the night shift, the other two assigned to something more important, or something. Neither of my two guards were visibly armed, and hadn’t spoken a word since they’d taken their post, which had been fine with me.

While I paced, I tried to think of things to distract myself, but my mind kept returning to the attack, and possible outcomes, usually worst case scenarios. On one of my iterations, as I turned at the front of my cell, my right leg cramped and I lost my balance. Reaching out, I grabbed a bar to steady myself. Damnit. While I stretched the bad leg, I heard hoofsteps and looked over to see Breeze crossing the hall.

“Are you alright?”

“I’m fine.” I answered flatly, looking down at my cramping leg

“Are you sure?”

Giving my leg one last stretch, I straightened and glanced at the bat pony.

“Yeah. Just a cramp.”

“That’s not what I was referring to, and you know it.” Breeze sighed. “But you shouldn’t really be pacing right now. Maybe you should lie back down.”

Now that she mentioned it, I began to notice the soreness in my body had intensified since I'd started moving. Maybe I should… Moving back to the bed, I sat down and began removing my boots, which I’d left on for whatever reason.

“What makes you think there’s something wrong, anyway?”

“Your camp is going to be attacked in a few hours, and based on what we know about you, I’d bet a month’s pay that you’re worried about your friends. In your position, I’d be going through the same thing.”

Pulling of the first boot, I dropped it on the floor, then started on the next.

“Zero points awarded, because that’s obvious.” I said as I pulled off the second boot. Taking a deep breath, I began flexing my toes.

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

Pausing, I looked up at Breeze. Looking her over, I couldn’t find any indication that she wasn’t being sincere. I saw movement out of the corner of my eye, and glanced over to see Clipper eyeing the private.

“No.” I answered, looking back to Breeze.

“Why do you care, Private?” Clipper asked, speaking for the first time. Good question.

Looking to the sergeant, Breeze answered, “Because he’s still our prisoner, and per the regulations, we have to take care of him. Plus there’s nothing wrong with showing compassion.”

Her answer surprised me. I didn’t think any of them would care at all at this point.

“And why should we?” Leaving his place next to the cell, Clipper walked up to Breeze. “After what they did, they don’t deserve anything resembling compassion.”

Breeze stood her ground.

“Oh, so we just condemn them all for the actions of the few?

As interesting as it was to see Breeze arguing in my defense, and humans in general, I was suddenly more interested in something else.

“Wait, are you’re talking about the civilian deaths? That actually happened?” I asked, looking between the two guards.

Their argument stopped instantly, and they stared at me.

“... What?”

“You didn’t think it happened?” Breeze asked.

I shrugged. “I thought the princess made it up, and I was inclined to believe she did… at least I was really hoping she did.”

Both guards raised an eyebrow, looked at each other, then back to me.

Clipper spoke up this time. “Why in Equestria do you think the princess would make up something like that?”

“So she’d seem justified when she tortured me.” I answered slowly, once again looking between the two.

Breeze went from looking baffled, to completely mortified, bringing a forehoof to her mouth, while Clipper’s eyes slowly widened.

“Princess Celestia tortured you?!” Breeze gasped, her hoof still covering her mouth.

“Yeah. I’m honestly a little surprised you’re talking to me. I thought you’d be on orders not to interact with me.”

“I know you were in the infirmary again, but that…” Clipper shook his head, his expression hardening. “No. You’re lying!” He accused, pointing a hoof at me. “The princesses would never do such a thing!”

“The thing about never, is that it tends to happen more often than you think.”

“Enough!” The sergeant stomped his hoof, the sound echoing slightly in the empty cell block. “I will not stand here and listen to this slander! Keep your mouth shut, Corporal, or I will shut it for you!”

“Listen to yourself, Sergeant!” Breeze shouted, getting her partner’s attention. “Are you going to do what Scythe did? Assault the prisoner because he said something you didn’t like?”

Clipper’s anger visibly faded and he stood there looking out-of-sorts. This time, I didn’t interrupt and just observed.

Lowering her voice, Breeze continued, “What if he’s not lying? It’s obvious the conflict is having a negative effect on us the longer it goes on. If it’s happening to us, it could happen to the princesses.”

“... But the princesses are–”

“Perfect?” the private interrupted, “They’re not, and you know it. They’re susceptible to their emotions too. Nightmare Moon is a prime example. Plus, I’ve heard no reports of anything that would have sent both prisoners to the infirmary. Something happened, we just haven’t been told what it was.”

Looking down, Clipper appeared to be considering something he would rather not. After a few moments, he turned and slowly started down the hallway.

“Stay here, Private.”

“Sergeant? Where are you going?”

I heard Clipper stop before responding, “Just down the hallway. I need a little time to myself. Shout if you need me.” His hoofsteps resumed, slowly heading away.

I found myself feeling bad for the guy. I didn’t think my mentioning the torture would have this kind of result, but at the same time, it was still surprising they were allowed to talk to me at all. I would have thought the princesses would have wanted news of their actions kept under wraps.

After a few seconds of silence I cleared my throat. “Should you be letting him go?”

“He just needs a minute.” Breeze answered. She watched him for another moment before turning to give me a dirty look. “He adores the princesses. Did you really have to tell him they did that?”

Raising my arms defensively, I replied, “Hey, I just answered the question. I didn’t know I’d get that reaction. Besides,” I dropped my arms, “you’re the one who used logic on him.”

Sighing, Breeze sat down, looking at the floor glumly. “I know. I didn’t want to, but if the princesses really did resort to torture, that’s something ponies need to know.” Looking at me, she continued, “While I don’t want to believe they did, there are a few things that support and contradict your claim.”

“Like you still being permitted to talk to me.”

“That’s the part that makes me question what you said, but then there’s the lack of reports surrounding your latest infirmary visit.”

“Well, it happened. The princesses retaliated for the deaths of your civilians. Is that such a big deal?”

“Yes!” Breeze exclaimed, jumping to her hooves. “Never in Equestria’s history has anything remotely close to torture been used, ever! How will ponies react when they find out?” She paused, looking at me, her brows furrowing. “And why aren’t you upset about being tortured?”

Closing my eyes, I laid back, clasping my hands behind my head. “I was for a while.” Opening my eyes, I stared at the ceiling. “But in the end, being mad at something beyond my control won’t change what happened, and is just a waste of energy.”

“How do you do that? Everything that’s happened to you here, and you just… let it go?”

I laughed. “What am I going to do? Surprise Celestia with a punch to the face next time she’s in arms reach? Probably wouldn’t leave a mark, and I’d just get skewered on a spear for my trouble. Take out my anger on you guys? That won’t end well either. There’s nothing I can do in this situation, so rather than stew on everything that upsets me, I’ll save myself what little sanity I’ve got and try to forget about it… though it’s easier said than done.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever figure you out. You say you were tortured–”

“By the princess, not you, or any of the other guards… though I’m not thrilled that four of them just stood there and watched.”

“What did you expect them to do? Defy the princesses?”

“Well no, but they could have said something… At least Heartmender apologized for his inaction.”

“That doesn’t surprise me. That’s how he is.”

Wincing as my back popped, I sat up to look at the bat pony.

“You’re a hard one to figure out too.”

Breeze tilted her head to the side. “What do you mean?

“After all the problems I’ve caused, everyone I’ve upset, you still talk to me, and treat me decently.”

Breeze looked down for a moment. “Your surprise to our confirming the civilian deaths speaks volumes, and after all the time I’ve spent guarding you, I can see you’re not really a bad pony, er, person. I want to show that not all ponies are unreasonably upset because of what’s happened and what’s going on.

“You’re doing a good job of that.”

Breeze gave a small smile. “Thanks. I think our countries could have worked things out if they’d have just tried.”

“Yeah, but after the last diplomatic incident, I don’t think anyone was feeling particularly willing to talk things out.”

The guard nodded. “That didn’t really help with the growing tensions, did it?”

“Things could have been handled differently,” I agreed, leaning down to remove my blousers. “But there’s not much that can be done about that now. At this point, I’m just gonna sit back, wait, and hope someone decides to be reasonable.”

“Me too.” Breeze paused. “This might sound kind of odd, but can I ask a favor of you? I’ll understand if you say no.”

Dropping my removed blousers, I sat up, raising an eyebrow at the bat pony. “What kind of favor?”

Breeze hesitated to answer, looking down the hall. A few moments later, she looked back to me.

“Could… could you tell me about your home?” She paused again. “I’ve heard some of the guards that have been there talk about it, and I’d like to know more.”

“Haven’t I told you about it already?”

Breeze shook her head. “Not really. If you weren’t trying to sleep, you were asking myself or Sergeant Clipper about bat ponies, and avoided talking about anything else, really.”

“Right...” Fuck it, why not? This war’s almost over anyway. If there was going to be a chance for peace between Equestria and the US, it needed to be shown that we actually could get along. It had to start somewhere, even if it was just myself and Breeze having a conversation. There would be those that would try to raise all sorts of hell for me over this, but I didn’t care. She just wanted to know things about home, and I didn’t see anything wrong with that. At the same time, I could make comparisons and learn more about Equestria.

“What do you want to know?”

Yawning, I looked blearily ahead and wondered what anyone could possibly need me for that couldn’t wait till later. Neither Heartmender nor Stormfront were forthcoming with answers, so I was once again being left in the dark.

I’d fallen asleep at some point while talking to Breeze, and it felt like it had only been a couple hours since then. After being woken by Heartmender, I’d been fed, taken to the showers, and now it appeared I was just being taken back to my cell. The prospect of lying back down evaporated as we turned up the hall to the interrogation rooms. Groaning in annoyance, my temper flared, but dwindled quickly. I just didn’t have the energy. Our destination also reminded me of something.

“How’s Tovey?”

“He’s doing fine. We’re just waiting for him to wake up.” Heartmender answered. “I checked on him before my shift started.”

“That’s good to hear.”

There wasn’t time for anything else, because we came to the first room, and I was ushered inside. Aside from the usual table and chair, the room was empty. Looks like I’m waiting for someone. Taking a seat, I folded my arms and closed my eyes, letting my head fall forward.

It didn’t take long for me to start nodding off, and sleep was pulling me in when the door opened a bit later. Glancing up sleepily, I saw Celestia and Luna walking to the other side of the table.

Closing my eyes, I waited till they stopped moving before I asked, “What do you want now?”

“To apologize.”

Opening my eyes again, I looked up slowly. “What?” Now that I was really looking at them, I noticed they weren’t wearing their usual neutral expressions. I they looked perturbed, and Celestia looked like she may have lost some sleep.

Celestia spoke first. “It never should have come to torture. When the deaths of the five ponies was confirmed, I allowed my emotions to dictate my actions.” The princess looked away. “Since I could not punish the actual perpetrator, I took my anger out on you, the thorn in my side, believing that it would somehow make things better.” When she looked back, I could see the remorse in her eyes. “I was wrong, and I did not realize this till it was too late.”

“I am also at fault for what occurred yesterday.” Luna began when Celestia finished speaking. “I too was upset with the loss of our ponies, and made no attempts to stop Celestia from torturing you, only intervening after the act was done. We have wronged you, Corporal, and brought shame upon us and Equestria.” Pausing, Luna bowed her head. “Because of this, we offer our sincerest apologies.”

Celestia followed suit. “Can you ever forgive us?”

I sat there staring at the two of them, unsure how to respond. I came to a decision a few seconds later.

“I can.”

The two of them straightened slowly, staring at me with wide eyes

“We had expected you to be more upset about this.” Luna stated, not bothering to hide the shock in her voice. “This is most unexpected.”

Resting my arms on the table, I leaned forward. “I’ll tell you the same thing I told Private Breeze earlier this morning; being upset about something beyond my control won’t change anything, and is a waste of time and energy.”

“But I attacked you, made it personal.” Celestia said, more surprised than her sister. “I’ve seen how capable your kind is of holding grudges, especially over something like this, and yet you just forgive us?”

“Yeah.”

“So easily? Why?”

“Two reasons.” Leaning back, I stretched and yawned before continuing, “I’ve been where you were. While I question that you care about each individual pony in Equestria that much, I know exactly what it’s like to lose someone you care about. I lost my two best friends when our truck was hit by an IED in Afghanistan. I don’t know how, but I survived and was deemed well enough to return to duty a couple weeks later. I got back to my unit and spent the next several weeks unreasonably pissed at the Afghans, even the civilians that were working on the base. Every mission I hoped for an engagement so I could kill as many of them as possible. I got my wish on several occasions. Eventually, I came to the realization that no matter how many of those guys I killed, nothing I did would bring back my friends, and my anger was only making things worse for me.” I looked to Luna. “I survived. That’s where that guilt you saw comes from.”

Luna and Celestia exchanged glances.

“You have never been this forthcoming before.” Celestia commented.

“Yeah well, you never asked for my life story, and things change, which brings me to reason two.” I said, holding up the corresponding number of fingers. “I realized last night, while talking to Breeze, that unless someone starts making an effort to change, our countries are going to continue fighting.”

“We agree, which is why we called off the attack and are instead keeping an eye on your friend’s location.” Celestia informed me.

“Wait… you what?”

“We decided to cancel the attack.” Luna answered. “Once we had the chance to calm down, and realize where that course of action was going to take us, we came to the same conclusion as you. As we were the ones who refused to return to the negotiation table, we feel Equestria should now take the first steps.”

“Will you help us set up peace talks with your commander?” Celestia asked.

Leaning back, I paused to consider for bit. This could turn out well, or get me into all sorts of trouble.

“How do I know you’re being truthful? You haven’t exactly done a lot to inspire trust, lately.” I asked, looking at the two princesses.

“We understand your suspicion, but we have information that we believe will help gain your trust.” Luna said.

While I was still suspicious, they now had me intrigued. What information could they possibly have that could convince me to trust them?

“Go on.”

“Your capture was no random chance.” Celestia explained. “You have a traitor.”

Chapter Sixteen

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“A traitor.” I echoed, staring disbelievingly at Celestia.

“Yes.”

“Bullshit.”

Neither princess reacted to my word choice, either because they were expecting and ignored it, or maybe they just didn’t care at this point.

“Whether you believe it or not, it is the truth.” Luna said.

Yawning, I shook my head. “Still calling bullshit.” Leaning forward, I fixed them with an unwavering gaze. “Do you honestly expect me to believe that one of my guys, one of my brothers, would betra—”

“We have proof.” Celestia interrupted.

I stared at them in silence. Well, that seems convenient. Convenient or not, if they had proof, I wanted to see it.

“Show me.”

I wasn’t sure she was telling the truth, and this might help me figure out if she was being honest, or just trying to manipulate me.

When Celestia’s horn ignited, I reflexively slid my chair backwards. “Gah! How about a warning next time?” There was a flash, accompanied by a faint pop, then the sound of magic faded.

“My apologies.” The princess raised a hoof to point at a wrinkled piece of paper on the table that hadn’t been there a moment ago. “Here is your proof.”

Slowly, I pulled my chair back to the table. Once I was situated again, I reached out and picked up the paper. Dominating the up side on it was a crude-looking map, with an “x” next to the depiction of a large hill. In the bottom left corner was a date. The fact that Equestria's calendar matched up with ours, with the exception of the year, never ceased to amaze, but I didn’t let it distract me.

“So you have a map drawn by a five-year-old and the date you caught me.” As I spoke, I flipped the paper over. “That doesn’t prove anyth—” On the back of the “map” was an unused APFT scoresheet. I stared at the paper, trying to figure out some way that they might have gotten a hold of this. After thinking through several highly unlikely scenarios, I looked up to the princesses. “How did you get this?”

“It was brought to us by one of our ponies.” Luna answered.

“A guard?”

This time Celestia answered, “No, a civilian. While they were traveling through the woods, they were approached by one of your soldiers. That person gave them this, and told them to bring it to us.”

I was already going over how someone could have possibly managed to do this without being noticed. “When?”

“The message reached us two days after it was delivered, and two more days before you were caught.”

“And you believed a piece of paper?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Of course not.” Luna replied, getting my attention. “We also considered that it could have been a trap. However, given that your forces had been trying to avoid instigating confrontations, we came to the conclusion that it was worth the risk. The force we sent was large enough that had it truly been an ambush, they would have been able to hold their own.”

That explains why there were so many there. I thought back to where I had been four days before that patrol. I’d been assigned to guard the Gate that day, if I remembered correctly, so I wouldn’t have noticed anything strange, unless it happened there.

I wonder. “Did this pony, say, get a good look, or see a name tape?”

Celestia shook her head. “No. She was too frightened to notice any details, other than that the human’s face was covered.”

Figures. So I couldn’t narrow down who might have betrayed us, and while the evidence was compelling, something still bothered me.

Yawning again, I leaned forward, placing the paper on the table. “Ok, so maybe there is a traitor, but why do it this way? What’s the point? Why not just tell you where we were?”

The princesses looked at each other, then back to me and shrugged. After which, Luna answered, “We do not know. Our best guess is that whoever did this was hoping you would tell us, to cover their betrayal.”

“But why leave the plan up to so much chance? There’s just so much that could have gone wrong.” I gestured to myself. “Case in point.”

Luna nodded her agreement. “Yes, one would think they would have made a better choice.”

I sighed and reached up to rub my forehead. “That alone makes me doubt your claim, and whether or not I should trust you.”

“I have something that may fix that. Get ready.” Despite the princess’s warning, I still jumped. Fucking magic.

Like the first time, Celestia cast a spell, and there was a flash and a pop. Lying on the table this time was my own phone. It had been several months, but I still recognized it instantly. The princesses didn’t say anything as I gingerly reached out to pick up the device. The thing had to be dead by now, since I hadn’t turned it off before getting captured, so I was very surprised when the screen turned on when I hit the home button. Adding to my surprise was the full battery shown in the corner.

Wide-eyed, I looked up from the screen. “How did you charge this?”

“Magic.” Celestia answered simply.

Looking back to the phone, I frowned and held it out a little further away from me, feeling conflicted. After a few moments, I came to a decision. Resisting the urge to turn on some music, I put the phone in a chest pocket, where it'd be hard for me to loose.

“As much as I already like having this back, how exactly does it help earn my trust?”

“To be honest, that was more of an attempt to get on your good side.” Celestia replied.

“Keep trying.”

Celestia must have been ready for the challenge, because she said, “Very well, brace yourself.”

I managed not to jump this time, but I did flinch from the intensity of light from the spell.

Now sitting on the table after the magic faded was none other than my M9. I stared at it for a moment, then looked to the princesses.

“Go ahead.” Celestia said, answering my unasked question.

Picking up the weapon, I could tell immediately from the weight that it was loaded. Hitting the mag release with my thumb, I caught the magazine with my other hand. Setting that down, I quickly cleared the chamber, then began disassembling the weapon. With as much time as had passed, I was pretty sure the ponies had already figured out how to take the gun apart, and I wanted to be sure everything was still there. I couldn’t see anything out of place, so I reassembled the weapon and did a functions check. When it passed the simple test, I grabbed the magazine and slid it home. As satisfied as I could be, I looked to the princesses.

“I’m guessing a test-fire would be out of the question?”

“Yes,” They answered simultaneously.

I rolled my eyes. “How am I supposed to know it actually works, then?”

“You will just have to trust us.” Luna replied.

“Just as we will have to trust you with a functioning weapon.” Celestia added.

“A weapon you claim is functioning.” I muttered, decocking and safing the weapon.

Celestia sighed. “Perhaps there will be a chance for your test-fire later, but for now, is this sufficient to prove us trustworthy in your eyes?”

I stopped to consider the question, looking at the pistol in my hand. This was technically aiding the enemy, and I shouldn’t have even considered it, but we were definitely going to lose if something wasn’t done. In the interest of avoiding a potentially bloody fight, I decided to go for it. Maybe in the process, I could figure out what was going on with this traitor shit. At the very least, warn the Colonel.

“Alright. If it means we’re going to end this crap, you have my trust.” Both princesses perked up and smiled. “How did you want to go about setting this up?”

“Hey, Corporal?”

“Yeah?”

“You really think you can do this?”

Sighing, I looked over at Heartmender. “Yeah, but they’re not gonna trust me right off, so it’s probably going to take time. Hell, I’ll be surprised if they let me in the caves today.”

Heartmender and I were riding in a chariot, which was being pulled by Stormfront and some other pegasus, whose name I didn’t get. The medic was standing on the left side, and I was sitting on the right. We were all headed to the Unicorn Mountains, specifically the caves where my group had taken up residence.

“What makes you think they won’t shoot you on sight?” Stormfront asked, shouting slightly to be heard over the sound of the wind and his wings.

“Even if they think this is some kind of trick, they’re more likely to take me prisoner to get some intel on what’s going on.” I answered, also shouting so he could hear my answer. Shifting around, I leaned back against the side of the chariot so my right side was facing into the wind, my head poking up just over the side, and reveled in the sensation of the wind in my hair. “Besides, I’m still in uniform. None of them would just up and shoot me without asking some questions first.” At least, I hope that’s still the case.

“You know them best,” Stormfront replied. “But one of them was willing to kill civilians,” —he turned his head back to give me a hard look— “something you didn’t believe they would do.”

“He has a point.” Heartmender added. “You should consider that as a possibility. Plus, they are surrounded by our forces, which I’m certain they’ve noticed, so they’re bound to be on their guard. They could think you’re some kind of trick.”

He’s right. I don’t really know what they’ve had to deal with since I’ve been gone, and Tovey never mentioned anything significant had happened. Absently, my hand went to the M9, holstered on my right hip. It felt good to have it back. Even though it was only a sidearm, I found myself resting my hand on the grip often, finding some comfort in its presence. I never got the chance to test-fire it, but I had been given the holster and an extra magazine. I guess the princesses were really trying to bolster what little trust I had in them. Truth be told, it was kinda working.

After a few moments of silence, I spoke up. “I can’t really argue with either of your points, so I guess I’ll just have to be careful, and whatever happens, happens.”

“I could go with you. Shield you if they get violent,” Heartmender offered.

“Yeah, but then they might think I’ve jumped sides.” I shook my head. “No, I’ll go alone.”

“And if they do shoot you?” Heartmender asked.

I sighed. “In the extreme unlikelihood of that happening, I guess we’ll get to test your skills as a medic, since they probably won’t be helping at that point.”

Heartmender grinned. “You already know you’re in good hooves.” His smile wavered. “Though let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. I don’t know how many more times you can be patched up.” He paused. “I’m honestly impressed you’ve made it this far. Actually, a lot of the guard is. Believe it or not, you’ve managed to earn some respect.”

“My stubbornness earned me respect?”

“No,” Stormfront answered, “it’s your tenacity. Your refusal to give up, and to continue holding to your values, oaths, and whatever. Lot of ponies find that admirable.”

“That’s great, but it doesn’t really help me.”

“Maybe not now, but it could be useful in the future if things work out.”

“Eh, sure, I guess.” I paused, then changed the subject. “Did the princess happen to tell you guys when she was going to show up? All I got was that she had to see to a few things, and would be there when she could.”

“If she said she’ll be there, she will,” Heartmender reassured. “Just do what you’re going to do and everything should work out.”

“Don’t really have a choice, so I’ll just choose to trust her.”

Heartmender nodded as the two pegasi pulled the chariot into a shallow dive. The change caused me to look towards the mountains. Stormfront had set a pretty good pace, and we were nearly there. As we continued moving closer, a feeling of apprehension began growing in my gut. There was a lot riding on this. If things worked out well, the fighting was done and we’d get to go home. If not, then... well, things would probably get messy.

Deciding some music would do me some good, I pulled out my phone. After scrolling for a minute, I found a good option. Opening the file for Two Steps From Hell, I hit shuffle and held the phone to my ear. Seconds later, “For the Win” began playing, which was great, since winning was what I needed to be doing. I tried to focus on the music and relax for the short time till we landed.

Winding our way through the trees, Stormfront, Heartmender, and I, with my hat now in its proper place on my head, slowly made our way towards the base of the mountains. The ponies’ rear staging area was set far enough back that nobody from the caves would be able to determine the exact place the ponies had chosen to land. That also meant it was a bit of a walk to get to the caves, unfortunately. Still, it was better than being stuck in that cell.

The guards we’d come across, whether they were guarding the chariots or walking between the staging area and their front line, either seemed surprised to see me, or acted like I was expected. I guess someone had sent word ahead, but not everyone had gotten it yet.

“You sure you don’t want me to go with you?” Heartmender asked for the umpteenth time.

“My answer hasn’t changed, and it probably won’t.” I answered, looking back at him. “Why do you keep asking?”

He shook his head. “I’m not entirely sure. I just have this bad feeling.”

“Well, I do appreciate your concern, but I’ll be fine.”

“If you say so,” he replied, not looking entirely convinced.

To be honest, his company would be nice, but I was sure it would ultimately ruin any chances I had at making this work, and that wasn’t something I wanted to risk.

Looking ahead, I could just see groups of guards through the trees, thanks to their armor. While there were some guards out here wearing camouflaged armor, like the ones that had hidden in the woods when I’d first been caught, most wore the typical gold which made them easy to spot from a distance. No doubt my guys already knew they were all here, and had hunkered down rather than try to fight against these odds. Seeing these groups of guards also told me that we were nearing the edge of the treeline near the caves. Knowing —and not knowing— what I was about to walk into, my apprehension grew with every step.

As we neared the end of the trees, I stopped. Whatever happened next, I would definitely be tied to it, no matter how it turned out, and I wasn’t sure it would be a good or bad thing for me. Of course, it didn’t have to be me. The princesses had offered to just let one of their guards handle this part and have me come in later, but we ultimately agreed that me making initial contact would probably have the best chance of success. Though I was doing my best to appear confident, I was definitely feeling the pressure.

Heartmender stopped beside me. “You okay?”

“Yeah…”

“Do you need a minute? I imagine this is stressful.”

I shook my head. “It wouldn’t make a difference. Best to just get it over with.”

Before Heartmender could respond, I started walking again. A few steps took me past the treeline and into the clearing surrounding the cave entrance. I approached from the east, moving parallel to the mountains. There were no guards posted outside the entrance, and if they were still following the same standard operating procedure we’d established, there would be at least three guards posted ten meters inside the tunnel, with one crew-served weapon.

Moving as quietly as I could, I crept up beside the opening, pressed my back to the mountainside and listened. I thought I could make out the sound of whispered conversation, but with all the ambient sounds outside, I couldn’t be sure. Crouching, I picked up a rock, tossed it against the other side of the tunnel, and listened. This time I definitely heard something. Guess SoP hasn’t changed much, if at all. Since I didn’t know any of the current passwords, I had to hope they’d still recognize the old one I knew.

Standing, I leaned toward the cave entrance and shouted, “Captain America!”

The criteria for our passwords while we were here was “movies.” One would challenge with the name of the selected movie, and the response would be the sequel, which in this case was The Winter Soldier. We’d chosen this because it was fairly easy to remember.

There was no verbal response to my challenge, which I was expecting, but I thought I heard the sound of movement. Not wanting to accidentally provoke anything, I was content to wait and see what they decided to do. In that time, I moved away from the wall, and took a step back from the cave entrance. About a minute after I’d given the challenge, I definitely heard movement, then someone stepped into view a handful of meters away. They were standing in the center of the tunnel, slightly hunched, rifle shouldered, pieing the corner. My heart skipped a beat when I saw the weapon pointed at me, and I took an instinctive step back, while raising my hands.

Responding instantly, the soldier shouted, “Don’t… move?” but the order slowly trailed off and ended in obvious confusion, which was fair, since I was now just as confused.

After everything I’d been through, I still wasn’t ready for what faced me. Standing in front of me, armed and decked out in combat gear, was the last person I ever expected to run into:

Me.

Another soldier stepped around into view. “Corporal, what’s wro—” He stopped beside the other me, where he looked like his brain had shut down and was now going through a reboot.

The three of us stood there for, not moving, and in my case at least, trying to understand just what I was looking at. After an undetermined amount of time passed, I decided to act first.

Slowly lowering my hands, I pointed at the other me and addressed the other soldier next to him by his rank. “Specialist?” He didn’t reply, but I continued anyway. “What the actual fuck is this?”

Chapter Seventeen

View Online

The three of us stood there, me watching the two of them, the fake-me still aiming his rifle at my head, and the specialist just standing there, trying to comprehend what he was seeing. I wasn’t particularly fond of having a weapon trained on me. The longer it stayed that way, the more uneasy I got, but I made sure not to show it. As the staredown continued, I noticed that the two of them looked really rough. Both of their faces had more than their fair share of scruff, and their uniforms were a mess. It clicked that they’d been stuck in these caves with none of the amenities I’d been given while I’d been a prisoner. Can’t worry about that now.

After about a minute, I addressed the Specialist again. “Specialist Campbell, the fuck is going on?”

He blinked several times, then pointed at me. “Don’t move, uh, whatever. . . . Don’t move!”

“This has to be some kind of trick,” the fake Duran said to him. “I say we should shoot him before he tries anything.”

That sounds like a stupid idea. Well, it was a reasonable suggestion, but getting shot wasn’t fun. Dying even less so, probably.

“Normally I’d agree with you,” Campbell said, “but I think, in this situation, the Colonel will want to interrogate him.” Before the fake could object, Campbell turned and shouted into the tunnel. “Sir? We have a situation here!”

A voice answered him from inside. It sounded like Lieutenant Stevens, my platoon leader, but I wasn’t completely sure. “What kind of situation?”

“The kind that you need to see for yourself, sir,” Campbell shouted before returning his attention to me. He raised his rifle just a bit, then lowered it again. After a couple more indecisive movements, he finally settled on keeping it up. Fuck. Though, given the circumstances, I couldn’t really blame him.

A few moments later, Lieutenant Stevens cautiously emerged from the tunnel, his weapon raised in anticipation of trouble. He paused for a couple seconds when he saw me, then moved over to Campbell and the fake.

“Report.”

“We came out to see who was using that old challenge, and we found him here,” the fake Duran answered, motioning to me with his head. “It has to be some kind of pony trap. I suggest we eliminate him.”

“He might know something useful, Sir.” Campbell chimed in, restating his earlier opinion. “We should take him in.”

“We’ll see what the Colonel says. Till then, let's get out of the open.” Stevens pointed at me with his off hand, though his weapon remained pointing at me. “You, into the cave, and don’t try anything funny. We will shoot you if you do.”

After being taken inside the cave, I was quickly searched. Everything I’d been carrying had been confiscated, and I was now sitting on one end of the first room waiting patiently to prove that I was the real Duran, and the other was a fake. Across from me, about five meters away, Colonel Nelson sat on a camp stool, flanked on either side by an armed soldier. The three of them—and everyone I passed on the way in—were all in similar condition to Specialist Campbell and the fake. I should have been here with them, going through whatever they did, not playing twenty questions with a pony princess. Despite how I felt, there was nothing I could do about the past, and I needed to focus on the present.

On the flight over, I’d figured out a way to prove who I was, but I didn't know if I'd get the chance. I’d opted to keep quiet and see how Colonel Nelson was going to handle this. The Colonel had been staring at me the whole time, and though I’d tried, I couldn’t read him, leaving me with no clues as to what he might have been thinking.

After five minutes of relative silence, the Colonel straightened and spoke, “I’m curious. How are you going to prove that you’re the real Corporal Duran?”

“That’ll be easy, Sir,” I answered, “but I’ll need my phone, Sergeant Lewis, and this,” I motioned to the firing line, “so-called Corporal Duran.”

“This phone?” Nelson asked, pulling the object in question from my belongings they’d left for the Colonel to inspect.

I nodded. “Yes, Sir.”

Turning on the stool, the Colonel looked to the firing line.

“Campbell, go get Sergeant Lewis, Corporal Duran, come here.”

“Yes, Sir” Campbell said, moving to execute his order. As he left, the fake Duran moved from the line to where Nelson was sitting.

“How about a ‘Moving, Sir’?” I said to him as he walked, which earned a glare from him, and a look from Colonel Nelson. “What? If he’s pretending to be me, he can at least pretend to be respectful.”

“What do you need, Sir?” The fake asked when he got close enough, stopping next to Nelson.

At that, the Colonel looked to me. “Well?”

“He,” I started, pointing at the fake, “unlocks that.” I finished, pointing to the phone held by Nelson.

“It won’t work.” The fake Duran said, shaking his head. “The ponies probably changed the code.”

“They’re magic, not master hackers.” I argued.

“Exactly. They used magic.” The fake countered.

“Just do it, Corporal.” Nelson ordered, holding out the phone. “I want to get this sorted out.”

The fake sighed, and took the phone. “Yes, Sir.” He made several attempts at the passcode, then shook his head again. “Nope, nothing Sir.” He looked at me as he returned the phone to the Colonel. “I bet you’re going to tell us the code that unlocks this now, right?”

“Yep,” My feet were going numb, so I shifted where I sat to get the blood flowing before I continued, “but we need Sergeant Lewis first.”

“Why?” Nelson asked, annoyance edging onto his tone.

“Because he knows the code, and can confirm it hasn’t been changed.” I watched the fake as I spoke, hoping for a reaction, but to his credit, his expression didn’t change. Whatever, it doesn’t matter if he shows it. He knows he’s in trouble. Colonel Nelson sighed and rubbed his forehead, but otherwise did nothing, while the other two guys exchanged a look.

Fortunately, we didn’t have to wait long for Sergeant Lewis. He entered from the tunnel that led deeper into the mountain, and strode straight to the Colonel when he saw him. Campbell entered right behind him, but returned to the firing line.

Stopping next to the fake Duran, Sergeant Lewis glanced at me, then immediately did a double-take. “Whoa, another Duran? Is this a pony trick, or something?”

“That’s what we’re trying to figure out, Sergeant.” Colonel Nelson answered, turning to face Lewis. “The one over there says you know the code to this phone.” He held up the device in question.

“Oh, Duran’s phone.” Lewis nodded. “Yeah, I know the code, Sir. Do you need it?”

“Hold that thought, Sergeant.”

Lewis looked confused as the Colonel ignored him and turned back to me. “What’s the code, Duran?”

I cleared my throat. “Seven, six, nine, two.”

Colonel Nelson didn’t enter the code, but instead asked Sergeant Lewis, “Is that the code for this phone?”

Lewis nodded. “That’s it, Sir.”

Nelson entered the code and I faintly heard the unlock sound from the phone. “Thank you, Sergeant. Why do you know the code, anyway?”

“Corporal Duran’s loaned me his phone a few times to listen to music. He told me the code so I wouldn’t have to bother him about it.”

“I see. That will be all, Sergeant.”

“Uh… Yes, Sir.”

Still looking confused, Lewis turned and left. As he did, the eyes of everyone present moved to the fake Duran.

“Well, what’s your excuse, Corporal?” Nelson asked.

The fake Duran paused for a moment. “You’re not going to simply go off that alone, are you?”

“Admit it,” I taunted, before the Colonel could reply, “you’re fucked. I can give more proof that can be confirmed, and you can’t.”

That must have rustled his jimmies, because the fake finally lost his composure. “Bullshit! You’re using some kind of pony magic!” He accused, pointing at me. “You can’t prove shit.”

Challenge accepted. “How many songs by Two Steps From Hell are in the music library?” I asked. It was an easy question, for me, since I had substantially more songs by them than any other artist.

That didn't phase him. “I’m not answering that. It’s obviously a question you know the answer to.”

“And one you would know if you were the real Jaden Duran.” I countered.

Colonel Nelson faced me. “Okay, Mr. Real Jaden Duran. Answer your own question.”

“Ninety-six.”

After a quick check of the phone, Nelson replied, “He is correct.”

The fake Duran, rolled his eyes. “He’s had time to examine the phone and prepare answers, obviously.”

“Which is why we won’t be using any phone-related questions.” Colonel Nelson said, putting the phone away and folding his arms. “From here on out, I’ll ask questions Duran would know. Question one: What’s your state of residence?”

I opened my mouth to answer, but the fake beat me to it. “Utah.”

… How the fu— Right, he’s been here a while. Probably went through my shit and found my driver’s license.

“Correct, but wait for me to assign the question next time.” The Colonel said.

“Yes, Sir.”

“Now, if I recall correctly, you ride a motorcycle. What kind is it?” Nelson pointed at me. “Answer.”

Too easy. “2002 Honda VF750C. More commonly known as the Magna.”

“Magna would have been sufficient.”

I shrugged. “Just being clear.”

Nelson stared at me for a second, then faced the fake. “What’s something Utah is known for?”

I, and anyone watching, could see the fakes eyes darting around as he racked his brain for some kind of answer the Colonel would believe. After a few moments, he responded with, “The... mountains?”

“Is that a statement, or a question? Also, not what I was expecting.” The Colonel looked to me. “You, same question.”

I shrugged again. “Depends on where you are in the state, really.” I held up a hand and began extending fingers with each point I began making. “There’s Moab in the southeast, along with Arches. There’s the Great Salt Lake in the north, and Bonneville Salt Flats out towards Wendover. Also, the Mormon temple in Salt Lake City itself, and–”

“That’s enough.” Nelson said, cutting me off.

I lowered my hand, and gave the fake my best shit-eating grin. As I’d been giving my list, the two guys pulling security had transitioned their weapons from me, to the fake.

“Last question: What’s the RE factor of C4?” Colonel Nelson simply faced the fake, and waited.

After several seconds of the fake not responding, I shook my head and stood. “Are you fucking serious? You did enough research, or spying, or whatever, to pass off as me for this long, but you didn’t bother learning anything about what I do? I mean, for fuck’s sake, you had to know you were impersonating an engineer, and any engineer who isn’t a complete shitbag knows the RE factor of C4.”

“If you’re so damn smart, what is it?” He asked, angrily.

“One point three four, duh. I may not be the best soldier around, but I’m not a complete shitbag.”

“I’ve heard enough.” Colonel Nelson declared, standing. He motioned to the two soldiers beside him. “Strip this imposter of everything, return the gear to the barracks, and secure him in the back.”

The fake responded by attempting to raise his weapon, which was met with a series of safeties clicking off, as well as Colonel Nelson drawing and readying his sidearm. Staring down at least three weapons, the fake froze, his rifle barely half-way up.

“Dead or alive, I don’t really care, but I’d rather not ruin that gear.” Nelson said.

After several moments of the fake looking between all the weapons pointed at him, he lowered his weapon, and one of the soldiers, Staff Sergeant Carter, moved in, took the rifle, then handed it to Private Stevenson beside him.

“If he starts resisting, encourage him to be more cooperative, Sergeant.” Nelson said to Carter as he holstered his weapon, retrieved his stool, and started to leave.

“Be happy to, Sir.”

“Corporal Duran, come with me.” The Colonel ordered.

“Yes, Sir.”

Taking a few longer strides, I caught up with the Colonel. As we left the first cave, I glanced back to see the fake slowly stripping out of his armor. Jackass. Shaking my head, I followed Colonel Nelson as he led me to the cave that’d been designated as the TOC.

The caves got dark quickly once we left the first area. Light was provided by glow sticks, and whatever light source that could be used. It made me wonder how many sticks were left, and how many working flashlights we still had.

There were a total of five large openings in the system we’d set up shop in: the entrance, the TOC, the largest one we’d made the barracks, one with a small spring, and the last, the farthest one in, we made into storage. The Gate was also located in the barracks cavern. The TOC, or tactical operations center, was sparsely furnished with camp stools, which were set next to whatever rock formation was convenient enough to function as a desk.

There were three guys in the TOC, working on whatever, as we entered. While the light wasn’t great, I still noticed two of them looked up as we entered.

“You three armed?” Nelson asked.

Two of them, sitting beside each other, exchanged looks. “Uh, yes Sir.” One answered slowly.

“Good. Whatever you’re doing can wait. You three are pulling security on him.” Nelson said, pointing at me.

“Wait, what? I thought I proved I’m Duran.”

The three stood, as Colonel Nelson turned to address me, while setting his stool down and taking a seat.

“All you’ve proven for sure, is that I’ve had a imposter in my ranks. I’m grateful, and I’ll give you a chance to explain yourself, but I don’t know what those ponies are fully capable of, so I’m not going to blindly trust you.” I guess I should have expected this. “Now, have a seat.”

Sitting down on the closest stool, I watched as the three guys took positions around Colonel Nelson.

“Alright, Duran. If that was a fake, and you truly are the real Duran, where the hell did you come from?”

“Long story short, I’ve been a prisoner of the ponies for almost four months.”

Colonel Nelson straightened at that information. “Four months?” He leaned forward and rubbed his temples. “I’ve had an imposter for four goddamn months?”

“Uh… He’s been here that long? How?”

Nelson looked up at me. “Around the time you say you were captured, we lost contact with you, obviously. We assumed you’d been captured, but about a day later, you came back. This must have been the fake. He claimed he had, indeed, been captured, but managed to get away. He looked a bit rough, and was missing all his gear and other effects, so his story checked out. Medic checked him out, and gave him the OK. At first, he didn’t act quite like you, but we didn’t blame him since he just managed to escape capture, evade recapture, and lost all his shit. As time went on, he started acting more like you, but distant. We attributed that to the increasing stress we were all feeling. That just became the new norm and we never really thought about it.”

That fake must have been real convincing with his explanations, or everyone was just happy to have him back. Or some combination of the two... If there was a fake me... “Is Tovey around, Sir?”

Nelson shook his head. “Tovey is MIA, and has been for a while. Do you have any news about him?”

“Yes, Sir. Ponies have him.”

“Shit. Well, at least we know where he is and that he’s alive.” The Colonel rubbed his face. “I’m going to need you to recount your experience. I know it’ll take a while, but start from when you got captured.”

Probably best not to argue with him right now. I’ll get to why I’m here eventually. “Right. It was the ambush where you’d sent Tovey and I as overwatch on that fucking hill…”

“Which brings us to where we are now.”

“That’s an impressive story.” Colonel Nelson said as he stood and began pacing the TOC. “You want to explain why you agreed to help the ponies, Corporal?”

“I didn’t agree with this to help them.” I said, defending myself. “I did it to help us.”

“How?” Nelson asked, stopping to look at me.

“Because I knew you would be more likely to, at least, listen to me suggest you talk to the ponies, rather than some random schmuck they would have sent otherwise.”

Nelson paused. “True, but do you really think I'm willing to talk with them? Think about what you're suggesting.”

“I have, Sir, and, given the circumstances, do you really have any other options?”

The Colonel didn’t answer, and instead began pacing the TOC again.

“Damn, those ponies really fucked you up.” One of the other guys said stated once it was clear Nelson wasn’t going to respond right away.

“Yeah, they did, but I’d like to see you do better.” I challenged.

“Shouldn’t be too hard.” He shot back.

“Oh yeah? Go ask one of those nice unicorns outside to a one-on-one fight. Tell me how it turns out.”

“Shut it, both of you.” Colonel Nelson interrupted, ending our banter. That didn’t stop the guy I was talking with from snorting and shaking his head. That little exchange felt good, almost like I’d never left. The Colonel didn’t say anything else, but continued pacing.

I remembered something as I waited for the Colonel to finish thinking, or whatever he was doing. “I was told civilians were killed. Was it true?” I asked, looking at the three in front of me, and ignoring the earlier order to “shut it”.

Even in the dim light, I saw two of their expressions sour, and the other one nodded.

“God damn.” I guess the Princess wasn’t acting. “What happened?”

Colonel Nelson stopped walking, and turned to face me with a sigh. “Sergeant Harris had a mental breakdown on patrol. Shot up the civilians before anyone could stop him.”

More details would have been nice, but they weren’t important, and I could get them later, if I remembered. “So what now, Sir?”

Nelson paused, then sighed. “I’m not willing to sacrifice everyone here in some pointless fight, so I guess talking is the only real option I have, though I don’t like the idea of surrender.” He said, muttering the last bit.

“They didn’t say it outright, but I got more of the impression of a truce, than surrender… though I could have read that wrong.” I said.

“Well, that's a bit better than surrender.” The Colonel paused again, then continued. “Since you’ve been around them the longest, do you think they can be trusted?”

“Kinda. Their end game is getting us out of Equestria. I think they’ll do just about anything within reason to see that end. They might also ask for some kind of reparation for the civilians. Beyond that,” I shrugged, “I don’t know.”

“I guess that’s about as much as we can hope for. I’m also guessing you know how to inform them of our decision?”

I nodded, standing. “Yes, Sir. The plan was I walk back out and let them know you’re willing to talk.”

“Get to it, and go ahead and get the rest of your shit on the way out. I’ll let everyone know what’s going on.”

“Yes, Sir.” Turning, I made my way out of the TOC, and headed back to the cave entrance. Well, that could have gone worse. At least the Colonel is willing to talk with them. As I made my way out, I found myself really hoping this would work out. I really just wanted to go home.

Chapter Eighteen

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Once I’d retrieved my confiscated belongings. I made my way back to where I’d parted with the Equestrians. Colonel Nelson had gathered everyone in the barracks to brief them on the current situation. Enough time had passed as I retraced my steps that it was now dark. Between being lost in thought over recent events, and the darkness around me, I didn’t notice the guards slowly surrounding me as I entered the treeline. That was, until I nearly tripped over one of the fuckers and was subsequently grabbed by magic.

“Ah, fuck! Could you not?” I was ignored, and my struggling did nothing... of course.

“Is that the one we’re waiting for?” One of the guards asked.

“I don’t know. They all look the same to me.” Another replied.

You’re one to talk. After taking time to collect myself, I answered the first one’s question with one of my own, “Motherfucker, who else do you think would just come waltzing out of that cave?”

“...Yeah, this is probably him.” I was released from the magical grip, and one of the unicorns lit his horn for light. “Come on. Princess Celestia is waiting for you.”

“Great.” I said, squinting against the light. “Lead the way.”

It didn’t take long to get to where the princess was waiting. She was with Heartmender, Stormfront, Shining Armor, and whatever other guards were loitering in the area.

“They are willing to talk, I take it?” She asked as I approached.

“Probably wouldn’t be here otherwise.” I answered, folding my arms.

“Shall we go then?”

“Hold on.”

Celestia paused mid step, while the surrounding guards gave me suspicious looks.

“What is it?” The princess asked.

“How many of these guys are you planning on bringing?” I asked, motioning to the collection of ponies. Their looks of suspicion intensified.

Celestia looked around, then back to me. “Do you have a suggestion?”

“Uh... Hold that thought.”

I stood there like an idiot for about a minute before I came up with something. Pointing to Heartmender I said, “He’ll do.”

Heartmender looked surprised at the statement and Celestia asked, “Any particular reason why?”

“Heartmender is probably one of the most level-headed ponies out here. Plus, he’s a medic, and he might be allowed to help, if it’s needed.” And I kinda like him for some stupid reason. “But mostly because, this whole thing will probably go more smoothly if it didn’t look like you’re bringing in an army.”

The princess raised an eyebrow. “You realize it sounds as though you are leading me into a trap, yes?”

I pulled off my boonie, and scratched an itch on the top of my head. “Yeah, I do, but if half the things I’ve heard about you are true, it’s going to take more than a few tired, dirty, ill-equipped guys to challenge you. Besides, if anything happens to you, every human in that cave is fucked.” Including me. Replacing the hat, I continued. “You asked for my suggestion, and I gave it. Doesn’t mean you have to listen.”

Celestia considered it for a moment, then nodded. “Very well. If you believe it will make this go more smoothly, I will only bring Sergeant Heartmender.”

Shining Armor immediately faced Celestia. “Are you sure this is wise, Princess?”

“I am certain everything will be fine, Captain. As the Corporal pointed out, it would be extremely foolish to attempt anything rash.”

“But, Princess—”

“Relax, Captain.” I interrupted. “Nothing’s gonna happen.” I hope. “Colonel Nelson already agreed to talk, and has probably explained what’s going on to everyone in there.” I turned and started back to the cave. “Now, let’s go. The sooner this is over with, the sooner everyone can go home.”

“Do not worry, Captain. We will be fine. See to your orders.” I heard Shining Armor acknowledge the Princess as she and Heartmender began following me. Wonder what kind of orders he has.

“I bet you can’t wait to go home.” Heartmender commented, moving up beside me.

“Hell no, I can’t wait.” Oh wait, almost forgot. I stopped, as did Heartmender, and turned to Celestia. “You didn’t have any kind of spies in here, did you?”

The princess stopped, frowning. “No. Why do you ask?”

“When I first made contact, there was someone, or something, posing as me. They must have been watching me closely, because they managed to pass themselves off as me the entire time I was your prisoner. Nobody here even knew I was captured, or they were too busy, tired, whatever, to really question it. Fortunately, I was able to convince them that I was the real Corporal Duran.” Probably

Celestia’s eyes narrowed. “Where is this imposter now?”

I jerked a thumb over my shoulder towards the cave. “Currently under armed guard, and secured in the back. I doubt he’ll be going anywhere anytime soon.”

“A duplicate…” Heartmender looked to Celestia. “Do you think…?”

“It is entirely possible, Sergeant. Though, I can not imagine what they would want with an isolated group of humans.”

“How about you two fill me in?” I asked, quickly becoming annoyed with being left out.

Celestia looked back to me. “There is a good chance it is a changeling.”

“Oh, right. That makes perfect sense... The fuck is a changeling?”

“Shapeshifter.” Heartmender answered.

“A shape… fuck. Because we don’t already have enough problems.”

“Have you noticed anything strange, aside from your doppelganger?” Celestia asked.

“I haven’t been back for even a day, and I didn’t exactly get the chance to socialize, so that’s not something I can really answer. The Colonel, on the other hand, probably can. Do you have a way to identify these... changelings?”

The princess nodded. “We developed a spell that reveals them for what they are.”

“Great, problem probably solved then.” I resumed my walk to the cave. “Let’s get moving, time’s wasting.”

“Corporal,” Celestia started, quickly catching up, “changelings are not something to take lightly.”

“Oh, I believe you, but we’re already compromised and we have no idea how bad it is. It may be in our best interest to let them think we don’t know what they are yet.” I paused to think for a moment. “Pretend I didn’t say anything about the imposter till you meet with the Colonel, and only bring it up if the two of you are alone. The two of you will probably think of a good way to deal with this issue. That goes for you too.” I added, twisting to point at Heartmender. “Don’t bring it up… at all, actually.”

Heartmender just shrugged and nodded, but Celestia responded uncertainly, “Are you sure?”

“Nope, but I think it’d be a worse idea for you to use your ‘I see you’ spell, or whatever, and have someone turn into one of these changelings in front of everyone. That’d be confusing as fuck, and would most likely look bad for you, since it’d look like you just turned one of our guys into whatever a changeling is.”

“That is fair. I will discuss it with your Colonel before any action is taken.”

“Great.” I had better not have just rationalized a bad idea.

One short walk later and we were standing to the right of the cave opening.

“Problem?” Celestia asked when I didn’t just walk in.

I shook my head. “Just a precaution.”

Standing next to the opening, I shouted, “Hey! Three coming in!”

A few moments later, I heard Colonel Nelson’s voice.

“Come on in Corporal!”

Looks like he wants to greet the Princess personally. I turned to the two ponies and motioned to the opening.

“Sounds like the Colonel is waiting for us. Let’s go.”

I started in as Heartmender lit his horn for better light. Instinctively, I took a quick step away from him as we made our way down the tunnel.

“Magic still bother you?” Heartmender asked as he and Celestia followed close behind me.

“I don’t wanna talk about it right now.”

I thought I’d be able to get over my fear by now, and the fact that I hadn’t frustrated me to no end, but this wasn’t the time to worry about it.

The firing line was dimly lit with whatever light source they’d been able to find. Standing in the front of everything was Colonel Nelson, arms folded, waiting for us. I stopped off to the Colonel’s right, out of the way, and waited in case I was needed for something else.

Princess Celestia and Heartmender stopped a respectful distance from the Colonel. Heartmender casually examined the assembled soldiers in front of him, clearly not giving a fuck, while the Princess wore an impassive expression.

“Colonel Nelson, I presume?” Celestia asked, her eyes drifting over the collection of soldiers behind the Colonel.

Responding to her question, Colonel Nelson nodded. “Correct.” For his part, the Colonel appeared just as impassive as the Princess. It looked almost like they were trying to out-impassive each other. It was almost funny, except for how serious the situation was. While Celestia and Nelson were displaying great control over their emotions, the same could not be said about anyone behind the Colonel.

While none of them were being openly hostile, it was clear some of them weren’t happy with the current situation. There were others looking on in interest, and I’m pretty sure I saw a few more staring at the Princess in awe. I made a mental note to ask some of them what they thought about the whole thing, if I got the chance.

“I think we should get started, Princess.” Nelson said, his expression never faltering.

Celestia nodded, also unwavering. “I think that would be for the best.”

“Right this way.” Colonel Nelson said, motioning for Celestia to follow him as he began to leave. “Duran, you’re with me,” He said over his shoulder. Motioning to everyone else, he continued, “The rest of you, as you were.”

Sighing, I followed after the Colonel, bringing up the rear behind Celestia and Heartmender. Figures.

“Do you think they’ll reach an agreement?”

After my question, I looked down at Heartmender, who was standing next to me in the dark. The two of us had been ordered to remain outside the TOC and await further orders, which kind of sucked, since I wanted to go through my stuff, and talk with some of the guys. I wondered for a bit why Colonel Nelson didn’t have me with him, since he already said I was basically the resident “expert” on the princess. Maybe he just wanted to get an idea about her himself, or maybe I didn’t fully convince him I was me, and he didn’t really trust me in the same room as her. I didn’t fucking know, and honestly, didn’t really care that much.

“I’d bet it’s more a matter of when, than if.” He replied.

“I wouldn’t take that bet.”

“Smart.”

I pulled out my phone, the screen dimly illuminating the area, using my thumb to slowly scroll through my music options. Since I didn’t know how long this was going to take, the music would help dull the boredom. I was still undecided on what to play, when I heard Colonel Nelson call my name from inside the TOC.

They can’t be done already, they just started. Returning the phone to my pocket, I stepped to the opening and stuck my head in. “Yes, Sir?”

“The Princess has offered the services of that medic pony. We have a couple casualties in rough shape that our medic has been struggling with. Show him to the barracks, see if he can do anything, and make sure nothing happens.”

“You got it, Sir.” Another question popped into my head and I acted on it without really thinking. “Sir?”

“Yes, Corporal?” Tolerating my delay.

“How many casualties are there?”

The Colonel sighed. “At this point, just about everyone is a casualty. Some are just better off than others.”

“Shit... I’ll go find the Doc now.”

Before I could move, Celestia spoke and I waited to see what she said.

“Sergeant Heartmender.”

Following my lead, Heartmender also poked his head in. “Your Highness?”

“Did you hear what was requested of you?”

“I did, Princess.”

Celestia nodded. “Good. Go do what you do best.”

“Right away, Princess.” Looking to me, Heartmender lit his horn for light. “Lead on.”

I flinched away from the light, and stepped away from the spell. “This way.” I replied, starting toward the barracks. It was a really short walk, and when we got there the first person we ran into was Sergeant Lewis.

“Oh hey, Duran, if you really are Duran…” His eyes narrowed as he slowly looked me over. He stopped as quickly as he’d began, and reached out to slap my shoulder, a little too enthusiastically. “Nah, I’m just messin’ with ya, I’m sure you’re you. Weird day, huh?”

“That’s one way to put it, yeah.” I replied, rubbing my shoulder. “Anyway, Colonel Nelson said we have some guys that are really messed up.” I pointed to Heartmender, beside me. “Sergeant Heartmender is a medic, and the Colonel wants him to see if there’s anything he can do, ya know, since the ponies are trying to be nice and all. You know where these guys are?”

Eyeing the unicorn, Lewis nodded and slowly answered, “Yeah. The two cots closest to the Gate. Doc Blake’s there too.”

Heartmender’s light didn’t illuminate the entire cave, but I could still make out where Lewis had indicated. “Thanks, Sergeant.”

“Hey, real quick.” Lewis said, causing me to stop in my tracks and look at him.

“Yeah?”

“Can I borrow your phone? Everyone else’s is dead.”

Sighing, I quickly pulled out the thing and handed it to him. “You know the deal.”

“Don’t break it, lose it, or loan it to anyone else. No problem. Thanks Duran.”

“Yep.”

Heartmender was already making his way across the cave, completely ignoring all the guys watching him, some of whom stood, weapons in hand. They clearly didn’t like him here, despite the negotiations happening right in the next cavern. As he got close to the collection of three cots, someone, most likely Blake, stood and blocked Heartmender’s path. I waved off who I could, and told off everyone else, earning unhappy looks from them, as I hurried to catch up to the unicorn.

“Let him by, Doc.” I said, catching up. “He’s a medic, and the Colonel wants him to examine them.”

Blake looked between Heartmender and myself for a couple seconds, then exhaled sharply and stepped to the side. “If that’s the Colonel’s orders.”

Without a word, Heartmender stepped up to the first cot, the light from his horn flickering as he changed spells. On the cot was Private Briggs.

Briggs was the biggest guy I’d ever seen. Over six feet tall, and pretty much all muscle. He was a dedicated machine-gunner, carrying our only 240B, and making it look easy. He wasn’t all muscle, no brains, either. Briggs was damned smart, so what he was doing in the Army, I had no idea. He would always deflect when anyone asked.

It was hard to imagine anything putting him down, but clearly something had. Briggs’ head was covered in some unusual looking burns, anything else was covered by a medical blanket. There was an IV going underneath the cover, no doubt going to his arm. Probably wanting to visually inspect Briggs as well, Heartmender slowly removed the blanket. When it was removed, the full extent of Briggs's injuries became apparent. Most of Briggs body was covered in the same burns as his head. It looked like his uniform did little to protect from whatever caused his injuries. From what I could tell, the only places that weren’t burned were in the areas where his armor would have been and his feet. I began feeling a bit nauseous looking at him.

“God damn.” As Briggs was enveloped in the amber glow of Heartmender’s magic, I turned to Blake. “What the hell happened to him, Doc?”

“The day before the ponies discovered us here, we’d sent out another patrol to scout around and maybe find some more food. They ran into a small Guard patrol, which, of course, turned into a fight. They managed to fight them off, and get away, but it wasn’t pretty.” Blake nodded to Briggs's unconscious form. “He laid down most of the covering fire as they fell back, and took the majority of the ponies attacks. Everyone there said he must have taken a dozen of those magic blasts before he stopped getting back up.”

The glow around Briggs faded, there was a flash, then Heartmender looked to Blake, wide-eyed. “It took a dozen stun-bolts to keep him down?”

Blake nodded. “At least.”

Heartmender replaced the blanket over Briggs. “The bolts work by overloading the senses. There’s also a side-effect of heat, though it’s not too much.” Heartmender looked back at Briggs. “To have burns this severe… How many times was he actually hit?”

Blake shook his head. “I honestly dunno. No one’s been able to give me a solid answer. Twelve is the best I’ve gotten.

“These burns indicate he was hit by far more than twelve.” Heartmender paused, then looked back to Blake. “Has he woke yet?”

Blake shook his head. “No. I’ve been doing my best to monitor him, and whatever else I can, but I haven’t been able to get a response from him. I’m worried he’ll develop infections.”

Heartmender nodded. “Unfortunately, my examination shows he’s already developing infections. I’ve used a spell to bolster his immune system, but it won’t last long and I don’t know how well it will work. If he’s going to survive, he needs proper medical treatment, and quickly.”

I shook my head. That’s not good news. “Shit… Hurry and examine the other guy, then we’ll report back to the Colonel.”

Heartmender quickly moved to the other cot, which held Sergeant Hampton. It looked like the Sergeant was simply sleeping, except for the IV and catheter, and his slightly gaunt appearance.

As Heartmender started his examination on Hampton, I asked Blake, “And what’s up with him?”

Blake exhaled in exasperation, shaking his head. “I haven’t got a fucking clue. He’s been like that since he was dragged in almost two weeks ago, and nothing I’ve tried did a goddamn thing.”

“He’s under a spell.” Heartmender said, as his examination spell was replaced by his light spell. “Somepony cast a powerful sleep spell on him.”

“Can you do anything?” I asked.

“No. My magic isn’t strong enough, and it’s not really my area of expertise. I’m sure we have somepony who can dispell it, however.”

“Well, at least that should be an easy fix. Let’s go.” As we started to leave, I looked to Blake. “Hopefully, negotiations go well, and things start looking up.”

Blake nodded grimly. “For their sake, I really hope so. I’ve done everything I can.”

As we left, I considered how to best interrupt the negotiations, but those ideas turned out to be unnecessary. Both Celestia and Colonel Nelson were leaving the TOC as Heartmender and I exited the barracks.

“That didn’t take you long,” The Colonel said when he spotted us. “What did you learn?”

The same could be said for you two, though I can’t say I’m surprised, either. I stopped and folded my arms. “Good news is: Sergeant Hampton is fine, just under a sleep spell.”

“I’m certain there’s a mage outside who can dispel that easily, or you can, Princess.” Heartmender added.

“You cannot?” Celestia asked.

Heartmender shook his head. “No, Princess. A bit too much for me.”

“I see.”

Nelson acknowledged the information with a slow nod. “And Briggs?”

“In need of medical attention Doc Blake can’t give, especially in these circumstances.” I answered grimly.

The Colonel swore under his breath, then turned to the princess. “You said you’d help with whatever we needed as part of our agreement?”

Celestia nodded. “I will see to it that your men are taken care of.”

Nelson nodded then looked back to me with a sigh. “Go grab everyone from the entrance and bring them to the Gate, Corporal. I’ve got some announcements to make.”

“Yes, Sir.” Turning, I moved to carry out the order. Looks like things are starting to work out. About fucking time.

Prisoner of War

by Radiant

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen