Lightning Spark looked out the window of his train car at the barren desert. I can't believe its been three years since I was last here, he thought, I wonder what's changed since then. Over in Saddle Arabia where he had been serving as a soldier for the army, he was only able to learn about little things during the last three years. From what he understood, the monster Discord had been awakened only to be turned into stone again by a group of ponies who wore the Elements of Harmony, and that a pony named Twilight Sparkle was made a princess by Princess Celestia.
After three years of serving in the army, Lightning Spark was tired, weary, and beat. But most importantly, he was desperate to see his daughter again. As Lightning Spark drifted off to sleep, he began to recount the events that took place when he left for service.
Three years ago...
"Daddy, please!" his daughter cried out as he started to walk toward the door of their house. It was the morning that Lighting Spark had to report to the military airspace to go to Saddle Arabia and his daughter was in a fit. "You can't just leave; I'll miss you!" she exclaimed.
Lightning Spark looked down at his daughter and wrapped his hooves around her in a gentle embrace. "I know," he said softly, "I'm going to miss you too, sweetheart, but I have to go serve the princesses. If I don't, I'll get in trouble; you wouldn't want me to get in trouble, would you?"
"No," his daughter said with a sniffle.
"And besides," Lightning continued, "You won't be alone; Rainbow Dash has offered to look after you while I'm gone. But you have to do something for me while I'm gone." When she nodded, Lightning resumed, "While I'm gone, I want you to be strong, always respect those around you and have faith. You do that and it wouldn't be long until I return, okay?"
"Okay *sniff*" his daughter replied.
"I have to go now. I'll talk to you as soon as I can." Lightning called out as he ran toward the cab that was waiting for him. As he jumped in and the cab sped off, he looked back and saw that his daughter was waving at him. He waved back, hoping that she saw him. He then put on his helmet and kept it on for the remainder of the ride. It was the only way he could cry without being seen.
Present day...
"Applepalooza, folks!" The conductor called out, "Next stop, Ponyville."
Lightning Spark was jolted awake from the conductor's announcement. As he looked out the window, he noticed a small Western town with ponies selling various apple products. His mouth watered at the thought of eating real food that wasn't blended, placed in a package, and came out like paste when squeezed. Oh Celestia, he thought. what I wouldn't give to enjoy a pie right now.
As the train pulled away from the station, Lightning Spark decided to catch a few more z's before he arrived at Ponyville. As he drifted off to sleep again, another memory played in his head the moment he closed his eyes.
Two years ago ....
"How is she doing?" Lightening Spark asked Rainbow Dash. He was in a communication tent in the middle of the An Nayfud desert. It had been about a year since he left Ponyville and he was desperate to know all the things his daughter was up to.
"She's doing fine," Rainbow Dash said, "although she really misses you. She wonders why you rarely talk to her."
"Did you explain to her that since I'm fighting for our nation and sometimes I'm somewhere else which prevents me from talking to her on a daily basis?" Lightning asked.
"Yeah," Rainbow Dash replied, "but she still seems a bit upset over the whole thing."
Lightning Spark sighed; it was hard to explain to a little filly that what he was doing was important. "Well," he said, "Tell her that the next time she and I talk, I'll..." KABOOM!!He didn't get a chance to finish his sentence for just then, a huge explosion rocked the the tent. "I have to go," Lightning yelled at the computer screen, "Tell her that I love her!" Lightning then shut off the webcam and raced outside to see what the commotion was.
Present day...
"Ponyville, folks!" The conductor called out, "Everypony out for Ponyville."
Just like back at Applepalooza, the conductor's announcement woke Lightning Spark from his nap. Gathering up all his things, Lightning trotted off the train and onto the familiar soil of Ponyville. As he looked at his surroundings, he noticed a few changes that weren't there when he left. But what really stuck out was a vast castle made up of crystals and gems. "That must be where Princess Twilight lives." Lightning thought.
Lightning Spark was just about to head home and see his daughter again when somepony accidentally collided into him from out of nowhere. Lightning looked to see who had collided with him and saw a pony with rainbow mane and tail standing over him. "Hey, Lightning!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, "Good to have you back!"
"It's good to be back, Rainbow." Lightning said, ignoring the pain he felt from getting blindsided by one of Cloudale's fastest flyers. "By the way, do you know where she is?"
"Yep," Rainbow Dash said, "She's at school. You plan on surprising her there?"
"Sure am," Lightning replied, "I'd better get going then." Lightning raced off to the schoolhouse, smiling at the anticipation of seeing his daughter again after three, long years. After running for what seemed like hours, he saw the schoolhouse straight ahead. He halted right in front of the door and composed himself before knocking. After a few seconds, a beautiful purple mare opened the door and was shocked to see Lightning. Lightning knew the mare to be Ms. Cheerilee; they were once a couple in high school.
"Lightning Spark!" Cheerilee exclaimed, "What are you doing here?"
"Hello, Cheerilee." said Lightning Spark, "Is Scootaloo here?"
"Of course," Cheerilee said, "Please come in." As Lightning Spark walked into the one-room classroom, he noticed that there were many colts and fillies were staring at him, confused as to why a member of the Equestrian Army was at their school. Lightning watched Ms. Cheerilee walk over to a small filly who was napping on her desk, and Lightning knew immediately that the little filly was Scootaloo. "Scootaloo, wake up." Cheerilee exclaimed, "There's somepony here to see you." Scootaloo opened her eyes groggily and turned her head to look at Lightning Spark. Lightning smiled at the look of shock and wonder that came across Scootaloo's face when she saw him.
"D-D-Dad?" Scootaloo asked in a shaky voice with tears in her eyes.
Smiling, Lightning took off his helmet, revealing his maroon hair, and said, "Yes, Sweetie, it's me."
Suddenly, Scootaloo jumped from her desk and ran towards Lightning. "DAD!!" she cried. Scootaloo then jumped into Lightning's hooves and cried tears of joy. "I'VE MISSED YOU SO MUCH!!" she exclaimed. As he held her in his hooves, Lightning couldn't help but shed a tear of happiness.
"I've missed you too, kiddo." Lightning said as he hugged his daughter tightly. Man, he thought, It's good to be home.
Author's Note
I made this story to honor our veterans who are currently serving overseas and those who are coming home to their loved ones. These two videos (the first is fan-made and the other is a compilation) and the fact that I wanted to say thanks to those who have fought and died to protect this great country of ours inspired me to write this story. For all of our veterans, I would like to say: "Thank you for your service and I hope you make it home safe and sound."
Hope you guys enjoy this story as much as I did writing it!
