Macintosh looked out of the window of the train as it chugged along the track. He saw the familiar country look of his home. If he had looked ahead, he would have seen Ponyville filled with the smiling and waiting townsponies who had come out to see his return. Normally, Macintosh would have felt warm in what he was wearing, but he was a little more used to the Zebra Republican climate. Even though he had only been there a little over a week, it had left an impression on him, in more ways than one. He wore his dress uniform, which consisted of a green tunic, any medals he had received, and his red beret.

Just the day before, Macintosh had been at a medal parade in Canterlot. Everyone in 761 Airborne Company had been awarded the general service medals, as well as the campaign medal for storming the Zebra Republic. The general service medal was a golden medallion with the face of Princess Celestia on one side, with a rainbow coloured ribbon. The campaign medal was a silver medallion with the crest of the Zebra Republic and a black, white and red ribbon. Macintosh was astonished to hear his name called up a third time to receive the medal for gallantry. As he marched up to accept the prestigious award, he wondered what it could be for. As far as he could tell, he had done nothing really deserving of it. He accepted the award with as much pride as he had received his wings with. The gallantry medal was a gold star shape, with a red, green and blue ribbon.

Macintosh had fallen back in with the Company, and then they were dismissed. As they turned and marched off, the Company shouted “7-6-1” in step for their first three paces. They were proud of what they had achieved, and were happy to be home.

A jolt as the train pulled into the Ponyville station pulled Macintosh back into the present. He looked out the window to see the station packed with ponies who were anticipating his return. He had been the only one in town to join up in the Airborne unit. Others had joined up with the army, and had come home a few days earlier. It had taken longer to get the Airborne back from the Zebra Republic than the Army.

Macintosh threw his duffel bag over his shoulders and stepped out onto the platform. Cheers erupted around him, with some ponies throwing confetti, some holding welcome home signs, and others still politely clapping. Macintosh looked around to try an find Applejack or Granny, but could see neither of them. His heart sank when he could not see them. But suddenly, Mac felt a large something jump onto his back and squeal with delight. He turned his head to see what it was and found the overjoyed face of Applejack as she clung to his back.

Macintosh felt like he could explode with joy. Never in his life had been so happy to see his friends and family before. He saw Granny approaching out of the crowd of ponies and drew her into a hug. He could have let that moment go on forever, but he had something he needed to do later on. The embrace broke as Mac went around to the rest of the townsponies and offered them hoof shakes and hoof bumps, his sister still clinging to his back.

The reception eventually died out as Macintosh and his family returned to the farm. Granny and Applejack went off to prepare dinner, but Macintosh had somewhere he needed to be. Granny allowed Mac to go off for a while, provided he was back before the dinner bell rang. Before another second passed, Macintosh was running into the Everfree forest. Most ponies were scared to venture into the dark wooded area, but Macintosh knew where he was going.

He came to a clearing, where the foundation for a small hut had been built. In the rocky area stood a cloaked Zebra he had come to know very well. Macintosh stepped into the foundation and enveloped her in an embrace. Zecora had arrived on the train the day before, and had set out to make her new home in the forest. As they moved apart, Macintosh removed his gallantry medal. He looked Zecora in the eyes and pinned it onto her cloak.

“You deserve this more than I do.” Macintosh grinned. “You saved my life.”

“The exact same could be said about you.” Zecora said, removing the medal and pinning it back on Macintosh's tunic. “For you saved my life, and my country too.”

Macintosh promised that he would come out every chance he got and help Zecora finish her house. In light of the war, Zecora wanted to remain outside of Ponyville until things calmed down a bit. For now, the two of them sat side by side, looking up to the sky. The stars started to peek out from behind the bright blue veil of the sky as the sun slowly descended into the horizon. Macintosh remembered the night when he dropped into the Republic, how long ago it seemed now. Now there was no hostility, no looming threat overhead. The two of them sat with not a care in the world, simply enjoying each others company until Macintosh had to bid her good night, leaving his sleeping bag with her and returning home.

Granny handed the plates to Macintosh as she dried them. Dinner was over, and Applejack was in bed. The room was lit by a small light over the kitchen sink. Macintosh slid the plates up into the cupboard and closed them in. His mind was lost in a feeling of remembrance of the war, and of what the future held for him and Zecora.

“You haven't said much since you got home.” Granny noted as she drained the sink. “What happened over there?”

“War.” Macintosh stared off into the distance, still in thought and remembrance. “War happened.”

“Do you need to talk about it?” Granny asked, looking over to Big Mac.

“Nope.” Mac shook his head. “I'll be fine. I just need time.”

“Talking might make you feel better.” Granny explained, turning to him.

“A wise Zebra told me that it's important to think about what you say before you say it.” Macintosh's eyes were still locked onto the distance. “If you have something to say, say it in the best way, or not at all.” Mac shook his head and looked up to Granny. “There is no 'best way' to say what happened over there.”

Granny gave Mac a weak smile and turned out the light. “Well, you can't go through life not saying anything. You'll need to open up someday.”

“Yup.” Macintosh nodded. “Someday.”

Granny started off to her bedroom, as it had been an eventful day and she needed her rest. “Good night, Big Macintosh.”

“Good night, Granny.” Macintosh looked up to her and smiled in the dim light of the rising moon.

He remained entranced at the kitchen table for nearly an hour, just thinking. He replayed his last week over and over as he sat in the kitchen. He looked for a silver lining to the death that the war had brought to the two countries, and the changes it had made to those involves. He found only black and white, yet no shades of grey. Macintosh realized how long he had been sitting there. In the dark he looked to the stairs where he had seen Granny what seemed like only a moment ago.

He peered into the darkness and whispered, "I love you."

Author's Note

And there we have it. My first fiction has drawn to a close. Thank you so much for your support along the way, as well as suggestions and criticisms. I hope that you'll be keeping an eye on me and my future fics.
-Cog out.