//-------------------------------------------------------// Adopted -by Vrede- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// Found //-------------------------------------------------------// Found Blue… the sky was a thick blue like any other day on a sweep. “Snow, do you read me?” A voice spoke into Snowflakes intercom. She immediately answered back, putting a hoof to her ear. “I copy.” “We’ve searched everything we could for the day. The brass has ordered all units to return back to base.” “Copy that. Finishing my last sweep now, out.” Snowflake flew above the ruined city known as New York. She frowned at the sight. It was a grand city once upon a time for human beings. Now it’s nothing but collapsed skyscrapers and empty streets and mysterious machines that look like deformed rectangles. The hoof bombs from the fleet had done its work well. New York was one of the first cities to be destroyed by the Equestrian fleet. Snowflake felt neutral in this, she didn’t love nor hate humans. When she was still a cadet in training she heard about the human race and how it may have been possible for peace. It turned out to be a terrible mistake. Word spread that the ambassador Princesses Luna sent down to the human planet was captured and was being experimented. In just a week Princesses Luna declared unofficial war against the humans. Luna sent the fleet over to greet the enemies of Equestria and in the end, humanity was no match for such firepower. Four months of endless hoof bombs rained throughout the human planet. It was only stopped when Princesses Celestia begged her oldest sister to end the brutality. Snowflake looked down at herself flying over a river bed. She could see her white coat, light blue mane, and silver chest plate reflect off the water. She was no longer the cadet she once knew. After coming to this planet, everything changed for her. She gained speed and lifted herself up higher. Her sweep was done; it was time to head home. Then… something caught her ear. A sound. Snowflake came to a halt for she heard a cry in the distance, a cry that sounded for help. She flew lower into the city streets to get a better angle of where it was coming from. She listened closely and the cry seemed to come from the left. She kept her eyes peeled at the ground not bothering to look up. Humans couldn’t fly she knew that, and she never seen a human walk on clouds. As she flew, the cries were becoming louder. It was coming from a train station, with only half remaining, the rest was rubble. Snowflake slowed her speed, and hovered over the station. The cries were certainly coming from there. She put her hoof to the intercom. “Snowflake here, I’m getting cries from an old train station, permission to investigate, over?” “Torch here, granted. Make it fast the brass wants everyone back by nightfall.” “Copy.” Snowflake said when touching the ground. She took a peek inside. It was dark and debris lay all over the station. Snowflake frowned at the sight. It looked very lonely. She wondered what this station used to be like in its hay day. She could only guess it was grand, considering how big it looks on the inside. The crying continued, Snowflake cautioned herself around the area. She didn’t want to trip and fall; she didn’t know what hid in this station. Anything is possible, it could be a trap. Some humans still resist even if they lost everything. There are even rumors they fight each other. In New York, humans took to these underground stairways. No pony has ever been ordered to enter one of them. The brass has always ordered ponies like her to only call it in so a demo squad can seal it off. Snowflake had always wondered if there was another city like this one, but only underground. She focused back to the task at hoof. In the center was a huge clock tower. The minute hand was on the twelve and the hour hand was on the four. Snowflake guessed that was the day when New York was hit. Hoof bombs are meant to harm the enemy in a cruel way. One of her friends told her it was a kind of flash that stops anyone; another said it’s a kind of gas that makes everyone vanish into thin air. Snowflake never knew what its real purpose was. It’s just only to be feared. Then she saw something. Behind the clock tower she could see it. It lay limp against the main support, motionless, probably dead. Snowflake proceeded with extra caution now checking every corner possible if this was a trap. Humans have ways of using their dead as bait. It’s cruel but is effective. She remembered a time on the intercom that two of her good friends got ambushed because they wanted to check out a body of a dog, it turned out to be rigged with a grenade. They weren’t killed but were badly wounded and had to be sent up to the fleet. As she continued to approach her eyes started to form a body in front of her. It was human looking, to her knowledge. Humans were strange figures, yet they came in all sizes even in width. Some were small, large, tall, short, or sometimes all of the above. Another thing that was strange is they didn’t have hooves. Instead they had these five small appendages on the very end of each leg. Yet they only used two legs to stand with and the other two for... she didn’t know. Snowflake could never understand human behavior. Snowflake was right on top of all the crying. It had to be a human she guessed. No ponies lived on this planet. It had to just be human and nothing else. She looked around the clock tower and in her luck… there it was. A human, small very small around filly size back on her home planet. It was curled up, wrapped in rags. It had to be a toddler just by looking at it, perhaps around the age of two. Snowflake’s eyes widened and she quickly snatched the human child away from something. A rat, black as night was creeping closer to the child. Snowflake was just lucky enough to notice. She held the child firmly in both her forelegs as the rat hissed and scurried off. The child was now crying in her forelegs and she felt cold wet tears running down her shoulder. She was confused on what to do at first. How do you calm a human child? She looked about the dark station and couldn’t see anyone else. Just a body and a little human in her hooves. She thought hard on how to calm the poor child. Then she tried to do what her mother would do for her when she was a young filly. Snowflake hummed softly too the little human, hoping it would calm down. “Snow, come in.” sounded like Torch on her intercom. She held the child in one foreleg and used the other to contact. “Snow here, I got something.” “Report.” “Human, small, a child to my best guess.” “Understood, I suppose that’s the crying I’m here over the com? Bring the child back to base, we’ll see what we can do.” “Copy, coming home.” Snow placed her foreleg back on the child and started to hum softly to him again. She slowly started to sing, an old song that was made centuries ago. Hush now quiet now it now… Time to lay your sleepy head… ummm Hmmmmm it’s time to go to bed… Snowflake forgot the rest but it appeared the child was calming down, and was snuggling up against her shoulder. She smiled and thought for a minute. She uncoiled some of the rags to reveal the child’s face. It was a boy with light brown hair, and pale white skin. The child shivered a little and Snowflake recoiled up the rags. Snowflake felt something special with the boy. She didn’t understand what it was but, she felt happy. Happy to hold him, happy to see his cute face, happy to know that… it reminded her of a little brother back home. “You’re safe now little one, I have you.” She started to flap her wings getting ready to leave the station for good and head back to base. Snowflake wondered what they would do with such a young human. They’ve never had a small child like this before, only some much older and rebellious. Maybe she herself could look after him. As she gained altitude something caught her eye. The sun was setting which was normal on the human planet. Nobody controlled them; they went their own separate ways. Even the seasons themselves cannot be controlled. It was how the sun shined in through the station is what got her attention. What she saw. Her eyes went wide and she gasped. In the background she saw something she wished she didn’t have to see. She now knew why the child was crying and why it was so young and all alone. She flapped as fast as she could to escape the scene she just saw. She held the child tightly in her forelegs keeping him close so she wouldn’t lose her grasp. Snowflake headed back to base swiftly. While she flew she heard something from the child. It was very quiet, it may have been the wind but she could have sworn she just heard the little human say. “Mamma” //-------------------------------------------------------// Kindness has fallen //-------------------------------------------------------// Kindness has fallen This is E.N your Equestrian News. Good Evening Equestria I’m Ease Drop and here with my Co-host Midnight. Our top story this evening is about the ESS Kindness. The Kindness was on a daily patrol around the human planet we all know as Earth. Tragedy happened during this patrol. It is believed the crew had lost all electrical systems to Kindness and had to brace for impact on the planet’s surface. Since the impact, the fleet has been trying to establish radio contact. We tried to get an interview with Admiral Shockwave on the situation. He in turn had nothing to comment. More details on Kindness will sometime be later today Our next biggest story is about the young Princess Celestia. Ever since the destruction of the human planet the young Princess had vowed to help the humans. Princess Celestia is heading out into the stars in exactly four days and soon to arrive at the fleet. If any of you haven’t seen the young Princess, now would be the time at the Canterlot Spaceport. Midnight what do you think about all of this? Well Drop, I think our beloved Princess Luna was right about all the hoof bombs. We should have continued to drop hoof bombs until every human was dust. They didn’t deserve this second chance in my opinion. I have nothing against the young Princess believe me but I think it’s just a lost cause. Our stallions and mares have been there for… almost three years now? Actually it will be three years tomorrow Midnight. Right, so as I was saying we should just end it all. Nothing can be done for these humans as we should already know. They continue to resist help and resist everything our fleet has tried for them. It’s time to go back to the basics. Exterminate what remains of the humans. We’ll be right back after these messages. **** Equestrian Star Ship Kindness. York always loved to play with his Equestrian Star Ship Kindness, it was his most favorite toy. He loved the color yellow and pink stripes that wrapped around the hull. He enjoyed the sound effects that it made such as the engine, missile shots, and phazers going off. The hanger bay could be opened with a single finger. The hanger didn’t hold anything but York tended to hide a cookie or two when his mom wasn’t looking. York was playing in the yard, having his ESS Kindness come in for an aerial assault. He imagined Round flat circle like spaceships closing in on his location. York made a siren noise having the Kindness go to red alert. The Kindness quickly dodged an incoming missile with the help of York’s Left hand. Next the Kindness made a wicked 180 targeting one of the enemy craft. “Fire!” York shouted and then made explosive sounds proving the enemy craft had been hit. At the same time the other enemy craft to his right fired a missile and the Kindness had no time to dodge. The Kindness took a direct hit at deck two. Many crew members lost their lives and York had to think of something fast. He knew it was a risky tactic. He needed to take the enemy head on with everything his little toy ship has got. York could feel it now. Adrenaline flowed through his body as he felt a ping of victory at hand. The Kindness would not be defeated so easily. Now was the time to strike, now was the time to- “York sweetie, it’s time almost time for dinner.” York’s imagination stopped. He was back in a yard and turned to see his mom in the distance. What York loved more than his toy, was his Mom. His Mom was always the kindest pony around the base. York knows his Mom would always be there for him. If York had a bad dream, his Mom would comfort him. If York got into trouble, his mom would stand up for him. If York got caught stealing a cookie… well his mom would take the cookie jar away but would never yell back at him. “Mommy!” York ran up to his mom and gave her a big hug. York snuggled deep in her white furry coat. “How was your day today?” “Fun!” York felt a soft kiss on his forehead. “That’s good to hear sweetie. I’ll give you a lift.” York felt himself being picked up by his mom and placed directly on her back. He always loved this. York loved riding on his mom’s back; it made him feel tall and powerful. He remembered the first time mom took him flying. He loved flying with his mom, but his mom never liked it alot. Says it was dangerous for a child his age. York couldn’t help but ask “Mom can we please fly home today?” “York, our home is right in front of us.” His mom said in reply. York couldn’t help it. He loved to fly even if it was only for a second. “Pretty please?” “…How about tomorrow when I take you back to the yard, how does that sound?” “YAY! Thank you thank you thank you.” York hugged his mom’s neck. Score one for York on getting a small flight back to the yard. Before York’s mom could reach the door to the house it was opened on the opposite end by another. A red stallion with an orange mane and crimson eyes was showing a happy smile. York knew who this was. This was Torch. Mom had him come over every now and again. York didn’t like Torch. Torch was mean to York but not when mom was around. “Snowflake, everything go alright when getting York?” Asked Torch. “Yes everything was fine, and thank you for getting the door.” Said York’s mom when entering. “It was my pleasure. So what will we be having for dinner? The mess hall was giving out daisy sandwiches again.” “York, would you be a dear and put away your toy while Mommy gets dinner ready?” York nodded and slide off his moms back. He ran to his tiny room which contains a bed and a little chest filled with toys he can enjoy. York made a final descent with his toy Kindness. It docked carefully on his bed with blue cloud pictured sheets. York double checked his toy before running out of his room and towards the kitchen. **** After dinner York went back into his room playing around with his Equestrian Star Ship Kindness. He had some pony figurines he took out from his chest pretending they were boarding the ship and preparing for a battle they wouldn’t forget. Mom had to go out and do an errand so Torch was babysitting York. York never liked it when Torch babysat him. Torch would always do something mean to York when Mom wasn’t around. The only place York felt safe was his room, Torch had never bothered York there. York put the figurines away believing they were all in the ship. The Kindness was now taking off. It was finally time for battle. The Kindness upped its speed preparing to go to hyperdrive. It was only a matter of time. The Kindness was faster than anything now. No one could see it in space. No one would be able to detect it. Destination was reached and the hyperdrive disengaged. It was time to have this battle commence. The battle was cut short when the door to York’s room swung open. York expected it was his mom telling him it was time for bed. But it wasn’t. It was Torch!? “So York how’s your little game going?” York noticed a wicked grin on Torch’s face. “…Fun…” York was all confused. Torch has never done this before, come barging into his room. Torch gave a laugh walking further into York’s room. “I’m sure it is for you but… can I see your ship for a minute?” Torch was showing an open hoof. York clenched his toy tightly and shook his head. He didn’t want Torch touching anything of his. He wanted Torch out. “Oh just give me it human!” Torch yelled attempting to yank it out of York’s arms. York felt his favorite toy slipping away from his grasp. He was trying so hard to hang on and to not let go but Torch was too much to handle. York was no match for the adult Pegasus. York went face first into the hard wooden floor. He lost the struggle against Torch his favorite toy was now in the hands (or hooves) of the Pegasus. “I must say, Snowflake did a fine job getting this sent all the way from Equestria to your pathetic planet. It surprised me how it got delivered here, since most ponies are scared of your kind.” Torch said as he admired York’s favorite toy. “GIVE IT BACK!” York was pushing up against Torch reaching out with his arms to try and snatch it back. Torch lifted the toy high up with his right foreleg. Torch was laughing at how ridiculous this was. How York was actually fighting back. “Oh… you want it back, well why didn’t you say so.” Torch said in a very sarcastic way. “But first say you’re stupid.” York was desperate to do anything to get his toy back. So he replied back in a demanding shout “I’M STUPID!!! NOW GIVE IT BACK!!!” “Nope, say you’re worthless” York didn’t understand most of these big words but he replied “I’M WORTHLESS… GIVE IT BACK!” York jumped but was still out of reach, he was starting to get misty eyed. “Sure, catch human!” Torch threw the toy right at the floor. York was unprepared for this and watched as his ship go straight towards the floor. It made an unsettling noise as it smashed head on into the wood. The toy was a plastic material made especially by unicorns. No screws or batteries were required. The bow smashed open and pieces of the plastic scattered about. York was in full shock. He thought this wasn’t happening. This was all a dream he thought. Until he picked it up and tears welled up in his eyes. He just couldn’t believe. It actually happened. “You’re going to cry now? Aww so sad… that’s what happens here human.” Torch made a grin. York didn’t know what to feel. He felt empty for a brief moment just seeing his most treasured toy broken. Then something came up his throat, he didn’t have time to stop. “WAIT TILL MOMMY GETS HOME! YOU’RE IN BIG TROUBLE!!!” York shouted. He never felt so much anger in all his life. Torch grabbed York by the collar of his shirt. York tried to break away but Torch made sure York wasn’t going anywhere. “You listen to me you little brat!” York was forced to stare right back at Torch. York could have sworn he saw flames in Torch’s eyes. “I’m not in trouble and you want to know why? Because I’m older that’s why. It’s your fault! It’s always your fault! Your so called mother would believe me more than you!” “YOU’RE… IN TROUBLE!” Torch shook York around as York was now in full burst of tears. “No, you’re the one in trouble you pile of trash. You got that! Your mother won’t believe you and that’s that!” Torch stopped shaking York around and put York close to his mouth for a whisper. “And if you do tell my Snowflake that I did do this… I’ll kill you.” Torch let go of York and York collapsed on the floor still crying. “Oh and bedtime, stupid!” Torch said before slamming the door shut. York sobbed on the floor curling up in a ball and holding his now broken toy close to his chest. **** Mayday Mayday this is ESS Kindness. We’ve taken heavy damage on all sides of the ship. Fire is about to reach the power source and we have many wounded! Anyone respond! Captain, sir! We’ve lost Section two, three, six, seven. No survivors! How’s Section eight Commander! Section eight cannot hold off much longer sir, we have to abandon ship! Commander round up everyone you can. Find somewhere safe till help arrives. I’ll stay here and try to get comms back online. Sir? That’s an order Commander! It’s been an honor sir… Author's Note Not sure how this will all play out for you. But I hope you've atleast enjoyed some of it. //-------------------------------------------------------// Politics //-------------------------------------------------------// Politics Hello Equestria I’m Midnight and here today at Canterlot’s Royal Castle. As you all know the Grand Galloping Gala will be starting tomorrow night and as of now every staff member of the royal castle has begun to do their part in preparations. Only this time things will be different for this year’s Grand Galloping Gala. A yellow stoned memorial is to be placed at the center of the lobby so that all could remember the crew that lost their lives on the ESS Kindness on that tragic day. One of the Survivors from the ESS Kindness, Commander Bolt will be attending the Gala. We’ll have more info on the way, Drop. Thank you Midnight. Our next story is about the young Princess Celestia and how she is trying to help the humans restore their broken world. One small band of humans has agreed to this and they have so far set up a small community but it appears the leader of this small band is requesting advanced weaponry for defense? We’ll tell you more after the break. **** “Yes I understand but I simply just can’t… yes sir. I cannot leave my son here all alone for that long he’s only six…” York sat at the dinner table listening to his mom argue at someone over her comm. He looked down at his bowl half filled with oatmeal. It was never easy for York to eat when his mom had her tone raised. “… With all due respect he isn’t a threat sir... Sir if you’ll give him a- yes sir… yes sir… yes… sir.” York shoved his spoon into the warm gooey mess of oatmeal and spinned it around. He felt uncomfortable of what just happened. He didn’t understand what was to happen, all he knew in his mind was it can’t be good. It was never good when his mom was on that device. York didn’t want to look up and see his moms face. It would be a sad look most likely he thought. He never liked seeing mom sad for it’d make him feel sad. All York could do was think of what would happen next. York felt a hoof rub his back. “York sweetie, mommy has to go for awhile.” His mom said in a very sweet tone. York knew it was bad news. That device was always bad news and York loathed it, it took his mom away sometimes and York had to be with Torch after that. He hated Torch. Torch had grown even meaner and blamed most of the accidents he made on York. York never said a word to his mom that it was Torch because Torch said things that kept York in the dark. “Can’t I come?” York turned around and gave his mom the most saddest look he could muster. He had to try his very best, he wanted to be with his mom even if it meant it was going to be boring. York’s mom shook her head and gave him a hug “Mommy wishes she could but Captain Sunshine says no.” She sighed “I’ll have to find Torch and hope he’ll be available for three days.” “Three days!?” York gave a shocked looked. His mom never went away for this long. She would usually be gone for only a couple of hours or in rare occasions a day. Yet, three days was a whole new level for York to take in. His mom nodded. “Yes York three days. You’ll behave while Torch is here while mommy goes won’t you?” York pouted and looked back at his oatmeal. He didn’t like where any of this was going. Three days without his mom. **** Day one went by very fast for York, which was good. He wanted his mom back so he didn’t have to take another minute with Torch breathing over his neck. He wished everyday would go as fast as day one did. It didn’t go as planned for York. Instead day two seemed so slow. York would always check the clock constantly to see if bedtime would come faster. The minute hand never seemed to change in York’s mind. He wondered if day two was going to be forever. Then a knock came at the door. “Stay here runt, while I get the door.” Torch said with a grunt as he got up from the couch. York ignored Torch’s words and continued playing on the living room floor with some of his pony figurines, that weren’t at least broken by Torch yet. He was creating a battle scene that showed the figurines were outmatched, yet they had a mission and that mission was to hold the line at all cost. The enemy was coming over the hills now and every figurine held its ground. The Captain gave the word and every figurine charged! The enemy was not surprised and did the same. The clash between the two would be catastrophic for both sides, but the spoils of war was the priority. As they ran they got closer, closer, closer, closer, until!- “York! I said get your butt over here now! I will not repeat myself to you again!” York snapped out of his battle scene and noticed the living room came back around him. Torch was yelling to him. That wasn’t a good sign. If Torch yelled and York didn’t get there fast enough in time, there would be trouble in for York. York hastily made his way to the front door where Torch stood and a strange pegasus with a white coat stood in golden armor. The two were having a discussion until York stopped by them; then they both turned their attention towards him. Torch was the first to speak “York… this is Private Whirlwind, he wishes to speak with you.” Whirlwind cleared his throat. “By order of the Princess you are to accompany me to the human community known as ‘Old Town’. There you shall join her royal highness in the upcoming meeting between human and equine relations.” York looked at Torch and Torch smirked “Don’t look at me runt, I don’t work for the Royal Guard.” York look up at Whirlwind and spoke “Is mommy there?” “I was never informed about your mother. I am only here to retrieve you.” Whirlwind replied. York didn’t understand what was going on but the pony in golden armor known as Whirlwind needed him for a meeting. What was a meeting? York heard of meetings before, his mom always went to them. Yet, York had never been to one. “You have every right to take him. How long will the ru- York be gone?” Torch said in a jolly tone. “The meeting should only be a day’s worth. Are you the father sir?” “What!? No I’m just babysitting this... human till my Snowflake returns. Why would I be a father to a human?” “Just asking sir.” Whirlwind looked down at York. “Pack what you need, it’s going to be quite the travel.” York shook his head but Torch pushed York right up to Whirlwind. “You can have him, he doesn’t have anything to take with him anyways. I’m tired of watching that little troublemaker and besides I need to make up two patrols because of him.” York was still shaking his head but it seemed the two were already making agreements. Now York was being forced to go to some meeting he didn’t want to go to. York just wanted to know if mom was there because if she was he would, if she wasn’t then why go? This wasn’t fair at all but it looks like York had no say in any of this. •••• This was ‘Old Town’ as Whirlwind had talked about along the trip. It was a human community set up just two months ago. He also said that it was the key to finding a relation between both equine and human, whatever that meant. The trip to Old Town was the best part for York. As much as he didn’t want to go York had never been above the clouds in his life. York asked if it was possible for Whirlwind to go higher but Whirlwind said it was the highest point in travel for a passenger carriage. Once nearing the destination of Old Town, Whirlwind slowly descended till York saw the Town below him. Old Town didn’t look like much from above but when touching down it was a different story. The streets were half filled with both pony and humans. “Stay close to me.” Whirlwind said as they walked along the dirt path “Don’t want to get lost now do we after bringing you all the way here.” York liked what he saw around Old Town. He had never seen humans just like him before. He had only seen them in picture books back at home. Mom told York that one day he’ll see humans just like him. Well she was right... just she wasn’t here to see it with him. York still didn’t like the idea coming to Old Town without knowing his mom would be there or not. Then again he didn’t even have a say as he remembered. He just wished his mom was here to see this now. Whirlwind walked up to a small brick building and opened the door “In here please.” As York entered he noticed something right quick. Humans just like his age (or older) were sitting next to a pony? This confused York at first for he didn’t understand. Then he started to figure out that maybe these humans are just like him. They have a mom like York does. York guessed that maybe humans are raised by ponies. Whirlwind walked up to a pony in the same golden armor just like his only this one had a horn sticking out of it’s forehead and was... floating a clipboard in front of it? Whirlwind was the first to speak “Lieutenant Check, this is Corporal Snowflakes son, his name is York. He is from Base Queens with the 5th Pegasus Regiment.” He seemed to know a lot about where York had come from. York stared at the horn that seemed to have a faint white glow as the Lieutenant looked about the clipboard. “He is on the list, where’s the mother?” “Sir, I was to only to retrieve the child. I didn’t get the details but a Pegasus by the name of Sergeant Torch told me he had to babysit him until his mother returned from duty.” Whirlwind replied. “Very well...” Check smirked and moved the floating clipboard to his side. “... well congratulations Private you’re now responsible for Snowflakes son for the rest of the day.” “What!?” York looked up at Whirlwind and noticed the shocked expression on his face. “With all due respect sir, I was order to just retrieve the kid, not take care of him.” “duly noted Private and now your orders are to attend the meeting as a Parental Guardian.” “Sir this isn’t-” “Fair?” Check took the words right out of Whirlwinds mouth and soon spoke again. “Your orders Private. Now find a sit with everyone else. The meeting will begin at 1400 hours.” Whirlwind snapped his hooves together and lifted his right foreleg to his head. “Sir yes sir!” “As you were.” said Check as he walked away from both York and Whirlwind. The first thing York heard come from Whirlwind was grumbling as York followed Whirlwind to a seat. Once Whirlwind took a seat he continued to grumble. Yet York pondered on the a few words he didn’t quite understand. What was a Parental Guardian? York thought for a long moment then poked Whirlwinds side. Whirlwind looked down at York. “What?” he asked. “What’s a Parental Guardian?” York replied. “It means I’m your acting mother... or father.” Whirlwind turned his head and looked at something straight ahead. “He made that clear enough.” York turned his head in the same direction as Whirlwind to see what he was looking at. It turned out to be Lieutenant Check talking to another pony dressed in the same golden armor from a distance. “Him?” “Yes my superior.” “What’s that horn on his head for?” Whirlwind looked back at York and gave him a quizzical look. “You don’t know what a unicorn is?” Then Whirlwind soon figured it out and let a small chuckle slip “Oh I’m sorry, I forgot you’ve only seen Pegasi in your life.” he cleared his throat and resumed his talk “Lieutenant Check is a unicorn, which is a pony who can use magic.” York’s eyes widened. “Magic! Really!” Now York knew how that clipboard was floating. He was using magic. York didn’t know this but he was right up close to Whirlwind’s face from his excitement. “Yeeees...” Whirlwind scooted back in a strange manner “magic. If you look around you’ll see there is more than just one in the room.” He was right. York looked about in every direction and noticed a few unicorns here and there sitting or conversing with others. York was surprised to not notice this before. “They can be quite amazing with how the way they can control their own magic. With proper care of course.” Whirlwind said. “Where do they come from?” York asked. Whirlwind raised his right brow as if confused. “From Equestria... like where your mothers from. Your mother has told you about Equestria right?” York nodded. Of course he knew what Equestria was. Mom always told York stories about family that lives there and that one day York would be able to meet them. Whirlwind sighed in relief. He then looked over at a clock on the wall to check the time and turned his head back to York. “Meeting is in 15 minutes. I can’t believe though I have to do this. I was suppose to be off-duty now but... I’m not in charge of this anyhow.” York and Whirlwind sat together waiting. As they waited for the meeting to begin York felt something bad rising in his gut. He didn’t understand it but he soon felt like this was wrong or bad or... he didn’t know what. All he knew was something didn’t feel right. **** Welcome back Equestria. We had wished to bring you more about this years Grand Galloping Gala but I’m afraid that we’ve been having some technical difficulties with our set in Canterlot. Midnight will not be joining us for a time until we can reconnect with the set. In the meantime we have a special news report to bring on the human planet known as Earth, where our young princess has gone to make peace. The leader of the small band of humans wished for weaponry to defend themselves but instead of talking on such matter our princess had other plans. She had decided to use human children that were once orphans and had been adopted by ponies like ourselves. Our princess believed it would cool the tensions of the leader as a means to say they are safe and protected by our military. However... the the human leader didn’t take too kindly of it and said that those children were being indoctrinated to not be part of human society and instead to serve a different purpose. It is unknown to why he would have such a sudden outburst and not see that these children were saved. In the end the talks turned foul and the human decided to leave without no further discussion. We will have more details and a clip after the break. Author's Note Parts I was happy with others parts not so much. Either way I did enjoy writing it half the time at a Hotel! //-------------------------------------------------------// Broken Heart's //-------------------------------------------------------// Broken Heart's Anaylizing… Corporal Snowflake… confirmed. Computer, I wish to make a video call. Video call confirmed… Please input destination. Equestria, Baltimare, home number 2-670-004-3367. … Please confirm 2-670-004-3367. Confirm. Sending… Please wait one moment. *Ring* *Ring* *Ring* Hello? Oh Honey it’s you! Hi Mom I was just callin- I know I’ve already heard the news from your father. You’ll be finally coming home after almost nine years of tour. Yes I know mother but- I also heard a rumor from your father that you and Torch are engaged, is that true? Kind of… but mo- Oh this is so exciting my little Flake is growing up so fast. Now I know it’s tough at first but trust me I’m sure you two will make the perfect couple. Mom I was trying to ask- Oh I know you probably want to see your little brother. He’s finally getting the hang of school and making plenty of friends. He’s even gotten his first ‘A’ on a Math test can you believe it. I’m afraid he’s not here right now. He’s with your Father learning about weather. Oh that reminds me how is the weather over there. Mom its fine but I need to tell you about Yo- And the- MOM! … Yes Honey? I know your happy and all about me coming home to be with the family but the entire family isn’t coming. What do you mean dearie? Mom, I was trying to get some advice from you. It’s about York. … What about him? I can’t take him with me. I need advice on how to… you know, let him know he won’t be seeing me much longer. Oh-… I see. Flake remember the time you went off to Cadet school… **** All the figurines were in place, thanks to the help of Nightwatch for setting up the battle scene. This was a battle before York’s time as Nightwatch told him. The battles name was Desert Stripes, a long drawn out war that was made of Ponies and Zebra’s. “Now York were going to pretend the earth ponies you have here are Zebra’s and the unicorns and pegasi are our forces.” Nightwatch pointed out. “This is how we were taught during history class, how it all played out. The Zebra’s outmatched us 5 to 1 and this was the line drawn between who could possibly win the war.” Nightwatch stated. York questioned the battle “But you won right?” “Of course we did. I’m just telling you how much of a disadvantaged we were at. You see the Zebra’s were always ones to have many tribes. Yet they always had a head tribe which would decree if all should unite and fight a common foe… which was us in that matter.” “Oh…” York looked back at the battle as Nightwatch continued. “So here is there Commander or Wise One as they say.” Nightwatch pointed the earth figurine in the far back. “He was making a divine speech to his fellow warriors saying they would crush our army and head straight into Dodge Junction.” York slowly played the battle out in his mind through his imagination as he believed the figurine was actually speaking. He was shouting to all his warriors and swinging his hoof wildly as paint marks of battle were drawn across his face. “Our Commander known as Renegade made a tough choice in the battle. He knew he had pegasi and unicorn archers at the ready plus a strong line of shield earth ponies. He came up with a strategy that would make him famous and also a traitor.” York looked at Renegades forces and imagined how terrified they all must have been seeing how large of an army the Zebra’s had. Yet one earth pony in the far back seemed to show no sign of fear. York labeled him as Renegade, the Commander. “The Zebra’s cheered and clashed there shields against one another’s. While our forces remained still and awaited orders that they all believed would lead them to their graves… which many would see. Yet our Commander seeing this as an opportunity he struck first. He ordered all Archers to fire a volley seeing how the Zebra’s were unprepared due to their cheers. When the first arrows flew the chaos would soon commence.” Nightwatch knocked down a few figurines on the Zebra side. Many of the Zebra’s fell in York’s imagination, you could hear the faint screams. The Wise One was yelling back at his men changing every inch of his mind that this was no laughing matter anymore. It was time to just end Renegades forces and push to Junction. “And then-.” “Nightwatch!” Came a loud familiar voice Nightwatch and York stopped what they were doing and turned their head’s to see Torch coming towards them. “Sergeant Torch sir!” Nightwatch saluted. York stood very still and brought down his head. “What is the meaning of this!? Why are you fooling around!?” Torch shouted York could hear a gulp sound coming from Nightwatch. “Today was my day off sir. I thought I could-” “Excuse’s Excuse’s private. Now get back to your post! The night will be upon us soon.” “Yes sir!” Nightwatch swiftly took off leaving York and Torch mainly now alone. York kept his head down though. He didn’t want to look at Torch’s face, not even for a second. “As for you.” Torch pointed his hoof at York “My Snowflake wants to have a word with you. So pick up this shit and get home. Now!” Torch walked away and York just screamed in his mind wanting to just hit Torch and make him cry so badly he would never show his face again. Yet, York knew that would never happen, Torch would never leave like that no matter how hard he could try, he could only imagine. York picked up all his figurines using the bottom of his shirt as a pouch to carry them. He quickly made his way back home where he supposed his mother would be waiting. Unless Torch had lied to him and just wanted York out his sight. It has happened before, couple of times to say the least. **** “Mom?” York said as he looked around the living room. His mother’s voice soon called out from the hallway. “I’m in my room honey; can you give mommy a moment?” York shrugged he wasn’t really allowed in his mother’s room anymore unless told so now. He was a ‘big boy’ as his mother said and big boys need to learn to take care of themselves. That is exactly what York guessed in his mind. He guessed his mother wanted him to learn something so he can use it himself. Hoof steps soon came from the hallway and his mother quickly appeared. She had her head hung low and sacks under her eyes. She seemed to be very tired and that made York question her look. As she raised her head her brow went up. “York, what’s curled up in your shirt?” York looked down and completely forgot about his figurines and smiled “Nightwatch was showing me another historic battle. The one called Desert Stripes which saved Equestria! I’ll put them away.” “Yes and when you’ve finished that please meet me back here. We need to have a serious talk.” York froze as soon as his mother said ‘serious’. Serious is a word his mother would only use if something was going to happen to him or if he got in trouble at the base. Well York just blamed Torch immediately; he must’ve had to do something with this. After York put away his figurines he came back into the living room seeing his mother sitting on the couch looking so melancholy. “Mom?” York tilled his head in confusion. Did he really do something wrong? He had never seen his mother so hurt in all his life. “Have a seat by Mommy.” York did and once seated his mother took her forelegs and wrapped them around him, holding him close to her chest. York felt his shoulder moisten, she was crying. What could have made her so upset like this? York didn’t move a muscle, he just let his mother cry and cry still confused of why she was acting this way. He didn’t know what went wrong. What is making her act this way? York stayed close to his mother’s chest feeling her soft warm fur up against his cheek. Yet York had to pop the question “Mom?” York looked up at her confused. The only response was his mother tightening her grip. York asked again. “Mom?” “Give… Mommy a moment.” She responded through tears. After a few minutes York felt the grip of his mother loosening and she finally let go. York pulled himself away not by much but could see tear stream marks on her cheeks and muzzle. She brought up a hoof wiping some away. “York…” his mother spoke softly “remember how I told you about Equestria, how I’d take you home, so you could be safe and have fun and explore wherever you wanted?” York nodded. “Is?” then York’s mind exploded. “Are we going!? Is it today!? I’m going to Equestria!?!” York jumped off the couch and landed on the floor, he wanted to do a little dance to basically show how excited he was. His mother gulped. “York… it’s going to be… a little different.” Different? York smile soon dropped and he looked directly at his mother. What did she mean by different? She had planned this for both of them when he was just a baby. “You’re… not coming.” York shrugged but felt scared at the same time. “So? Don’t we just stay at Queens like you’ve always said?” She shook her head. “I mean York… you can’t come. There sending me home, without you. I know you can’t really understand right now but, my tour is over and Princess Luna won’t allow human children to come back with their mothers to Equestria. York please tell me… you understand.” Everything in York’s body froze once more. This is what she meant by a serious talk. He wasn’t going to go with his mother back home, back to Equestria. First York felt sad knowing that he couldn’t go… but anger soon took that over. A mix feelings of emotions swarmed York. “You-you promised…” York said softly. “I know I promised York but-” “And you lied!” York felt himself get misty eyes. “York I didn’t lie, it just-” “You made a promise to me and you broke it! You broke it!” York found himself shouting like he never did before. “Calm down” his mother said as she got up to hug him but York quickly pushed her away “York… I promise-” Right then and there when she said ‘promise’ York fled the living room and ran to his own. He didn’t need to here another promise that would be just another lie. He slammed the door shut and fell on his bed sobbing. He didn’t know what to do anymore. The promise was broken and so was everything else he ever planned. He felt a piece of himself slip away inside. A knock came at his door. “York? Sweetie?” “GO AWAY!” York shouted through tears. His mixed emotion got the better of him and he just continued to feel anger and sadness just sweep over his body. He couldn’t handle anything right now besides lay on his bed and watch all his daydreams he ever had from Equestria slip away. **** Anaylizing… Corporal Snowflake… confirmed. Computer… make a call. Call confirmed… Please input destination. Are you alright Love? No… no Torch I’m not, my own son now hates me! HATES ME! Shhhh Shhh, don’t say that. He’ll get over it; all humans do sooner or later. Please input destination… Torch, do you think I did the right thing? Telling him just the truth? I think you did the perfect thing. He’ll be sent to Old Town and I’m sure he’ll be taken well care of by his own kind. Torch, I don’t want that for him. I want him with me… with us. … Snowflake it’s going to take a very long time before humans can ever be forgiven by Princess Luna or any Equine Official in the matter. It may even be after our time. They need to understand that not all of them are cruel. They need to see it for themselves Torch, when will that ever happen. Why can’t they just see it in Celestia’s eyes that they can be forgiven. In all honestly I wouldn’t know Love. Yet look on the bright side, we both get to go home. Think about it for a minute. Please input destination… Am I doing the right thing? … Yes. You’re doing the right thing letting him go like this. He’ll come to understand that you’ve actually helped him. But what can I- *sirens* Attention Attention Unidentified personal have entered Queens Territory all personal are required to report to their posts, repeat all personal to their posts. Is this a drill? Please input destination… Author's Note After a long stressful month I finally get this done. Sorry everyone, I had work and now I just got into College, and I know for a fact I'm not going to be getting any breaks. So don't expect Chapter five for a month or two. Sorry everybody for the long stressful wait. If you find any problems or errors in the chapter. Please leave a comment, I only proof-read it once which is not my normal routine.