Prologue: Twenty-One Gun Salute
-August 30th
-9:30 AM
-Arlington National Cemetery, Washington D.C.
-The Equestrian War Section
A heavy rain cascaded down upon a small stream of black umbrellas. Beneath this stream of umbrellas, a gathering of both Humans and Equestrians walked side-by-side. Their faces were cast downwards with sorrow, tears rolling down some of their cheeks. In the rear of this procession, an oak casket was being carried by six Marines, dressed in their Blues. Behind the casket, a Captain with three other Marines walked, rifles clutched in their grasp.
Silently, the grim parade approached a pre-dug spot. As they gathered around, some looked into the dug out section of earth, taking in the meaning of what was about to occur. Following the crowd, the Marines carrying the casket lowered it onto the lowering mechanism. Turning as one, the Marines departed the scene. From within the crowd, an aged priest emerged, the Bible clasped in his hand. With a calmness that matched a peaceful ocean, the priest opened the Good Book and began to speak.
"We are gathered here on this solemn day, to lay a great warrior to rest. God above, take this war-torn soul into your ever-loving embrace, and allow him rest from his time in this world. Allow him to rest his weary bones, battered from the miles he walked and ran in his time here. Allow him to rejoin those he loved, and those who await him in your Paradise above. Take his soul, and fill new life into it, as he becomes one of your many angels, watching over the ones who remain here. In our Lords' name, Jesus Christ, amen."
On que, the Captain stepped forward, his Marines readying their rifles.
"Present, arms!"
The Marines turned as one, and aimed to the raining skies above.
"Ready."
The Marines slid the bolts of their rifles back, then to the resting position.
"Aim."
The rifles tensed up.
"Fire."
Three shots rang out.
"Fire."
Three more rang out.
"Fire."
The last three rang out into the air, sounding like thunder.
In the silence that followed, a lone trumpeter began to play Taps. The melody carried through the atmosphere, bringing many to chocking sobs. One of the mares from the Equestrians, a lavender unicorn, fell to her haunches and began wailing, all previous attempts at holding her tears back having failed. As the trumpet fell silent, the Rifle Squad departed in silence.
The priest moved his hand in the motion of the Holy Cross, and signaled for the casket to be lowered. Small whirring motors began the process of lowering the deceased soldier. After about three minutes, the casket was six feet under, and the crowd slowly began to depart.
All save for one mare.
Sitting there, eyes glazed over and staring at the marble tombstone, Twilight placed a single hoof on the stone before her and wept once more.
"T-Thank you...for ev-everything..."
And with that, she left right as the gravediggers came up to the sight to begin putting back the earth that had been dug up earlier.
And that's how my funeral went. On a nearby hill, I stood watching the entire event take place. With a sigh, I turned by back and looked at the one who brought me here.
"I'm...I'm ready to go now..." I say, tears in my eyes. A feminine hand lowered and took me by the chin, gently making me look up at its' owner.
"Do not cry. You have done your country a tremendous favor, and you shan't be forgotten by those you have impacted." said the hands' owner.
"I know. It still sucks, being dead." I reply, walking beside the figure. She simply chuckled and shook her head, a cascade of multiple colors flowing through an unseen breeze.
"But there is a benefit, you're practically immortal now. No pain, no exhaustion, no worries." she replied.
"That is true...so, when do we return to Heaven?" I ask, looking up at her. With a warm smile and a kind gaze, Celestia took me by the hand, and extended her majestic wings.
"We return now, as a matter of fact. Hold on." she said, looking to the skies. Above us, a single hole opened up in the gloomy coverage, light of the purest white shining brightly. As we ascended, I took one final look at the Earth, and spotted Twilight. She too had stopped and looked at the opening.
I gave a small nod and a wave goodbye.
The last I saw of her was a tearful smile as the clouds closed behind us, and we traveled to the Golden Gates.