Time is a Precious Thing

“WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME ABOUT THAT?” I screamed at Spitfire.

I had just been told that I would be going to war with Spitfire and the rest of the Wonderbolts against the Gryphon Empire. We would have to leave our 5 year-old filly, Phoenix Heart, behind. She had never been without her mom or me for more than a week. The thought of us not being there for her for years possibly brought newfound rage into my heart.

“Dave. I’m sorry. I didn’t know...” Spitfire said, her eyes welling up with tears.

“THINK OF OUR CHILD! WHY DID THAT NOT CROSS YOUR MIND?!” I yelled.

“LIKE I HAD A FUCKING CHOICE! IT WAS EITHER THAT OR ARREST FOR TREASON!” She screamed, tears now forming a river down her cheeks, her own anger and frustration now smashing and bleeding through her usually happy demeanor.

I stopped myself.

We’re stuck in this together, as husband and wife. We made it through pregnancy, birth, and foal hood. But war? Could we handle this? I’m not so sure...

“Spitfire,” I spoke as my own tears made their way up to my eyes, “I love you with all my heart and soul, but what are we going to do?” I took her soft yellow hooves in my hands and looked into her bright orange orbs, still pouring down their salty raindrops down her cheeks.

She held me tight as she sobbed into my shoulder.

“Why does this have to happen to us? Everything was perfect until now! Why? Why...” Spitfire’s tears were making large stains in my shirt as she confessed her hatred of the situation.

“Daddy? Why are you and Mommy crying?”

God, why did her voice want to make me curl up into a ball and cry my eyes out?

“Phoenix, my beautiful Phoenix Heart...” I said as yet more tears made their way up to my eyes.

“Daddy?  What’s wrong? Please be honest.” She said, her head tilting sideways.

“Well darling, Mommy and I have to go away for a long time in two weeks. We’ll be gone for many months or possibly years.” I told her, though every fiber in my being tried to hold me back from doing so.

Tears now formed in her own eyes.

“But Daddy! I don’t want you and Mommy to leave! I love you and I can’t be without you for that long! You know that!” Phoenix wailed as she too now came into the hug.

“Shhhh. It’s ok baby girl. We’re still here for now and we’re going to make the most of these two weeks.” Spitfire said, wiping away the filly’s tears as she looked up at her mother.

“You’ll be a good girl for whoever takes care of you right?” I asked Phoenix, petting her mane gently.

“Y-yes d-daddy.” She wept quietly.

“That’s a good filly. Now come here into Mommy and Daddy’s room, where we can be comfortable and share the moment with each other.” I said, making my way into the master bedroom as Spitfire and Phoenix followed close behind.

The three of us hopped up on the plush mattress and cuddled together like a poster family with Phoenix sandwiched between me and Spitfire.

“D-daddy?” Phoenix whispered from her place between our warm bodies.

“Yes honey?”

“Do you and Mommy promise to come home as soon as you can?” She asked me.

“I promise” I looked at Spitfire.

“Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” Spitfire said, making the sign of a Pinkie Promise.

Both Spitfire and Phoenix nuzzled their heads into my warm body as the sun set through the window, creating the most wonderful bundle of joy I could ever imagine as I dozed off, giving Phoenix a kiss on her head and looking Spitfire in the eyes and sharing a long, deep kiss with her. We couldn’t help but chuckle when Phoenix spoke up from below us.

“That’s gross.”

“One day you’ll get it honey. With every fiber of my being, I hope you can share what your mom and I do with another pony.” I told her, ruffling her hair as Spitfire smiled and one final tear trailed down her cheek.

My own grumbling stomach woke me up. It was dark, the moon shone through the window, illuminating the two sleeping mares pressed up against me. Their breathing was deep and peaceful. I looked at the clock, 8:30pm.

I slipped out of bed and tip-toed down the stairs to the kitchen to fix myself something to eat. I entered the kitchen and nearly cried out in surprise at the sight that greeted me.

“Princess Luna?” I asked.

“Hello David. It’s been a while.” The dark alicorn said, also in a soft voice.

I gave her a low bow.

“None of that now. Please, walk with me.” She said as she turned to the door, her ethereal mane and tail sparkling and waving in an invisible breeze.

“Is this a dream your majesty?” I asked her as we began walking towards the hill that Spitfire shared our most tender moments at.

“No, this is the real me, and please, call me Luna. You’re an officer and I have great respect for you and your family. You do seem to enjoy my night like nopony else does. “ Luna said, her eyes locking with mine for a brief moment in the moonlight.

“It does bring me a lot of peace Luna. That’s what nights are for, relaxing and relishing the dim light, looking up at the moon and sparkling stars, closing your eyes and dreaming about the day to come or even the night to come.” I told her, rambling off without noticing.

“Wow, I have never really thought about it that way. Is what you say true about ponies too?” Luna asked me, her voice eager.

“It is as far as Spitfire and Phoenix are concerned.” I said to her.

“Oh how I love your daughter. Such a bright and bubbly little filly. Her dreams make it clear that she would be devastated without you or Spitfire. On that matter, I’d like to turn the topic to what I originally came to speak with you about.” Luna said, as we neared the top of the hillock, sitting down when she reached the summit.

I sat down beside her and waited, gazing at the stars and moon in the breathtaking night sky.

“David, did humans have guns, bombs, and weapons of the type?” She asked.

I was stunned by her question.

“Uh-yes we did your highness, but how in Equestria did you know that?” I asked Luna, my eyebrows cocked.

“So do we. Though we may look old-fashioned, that is for a reason. We have a very modern arsenal at our hooves at the ready. You are a Wonderbolt flyer like your wife correct?” She asked.

“Yes,” I said, trying to hide my shock.

“You will be a member of our elite forces. The forward strikers, the unit that gets the job done. My question to you is, can you handle it?” Luna asked, holding her breath it seemed.

“Is Spitfire a member of the elite as well?” I asked.

“Of course.” Luna replied.

“Then I’m ready. She’s all I need to motivate me. I want to end this damn war and go home to my little Phoenix Heart as soon as I can.” I told the princess, my mind not giving off the slightest shred of doubt.

“I wish there was a stallion like you David. Spitfire is one lucky mare to have gotten you.” Luna said, a single tear sparkling down her cheek.

“Thank you Luna. I want to go back to my family now.” I told her.

“Fare thee well David Schneider. May you relish your remaining weeks with you family before your departure.” Luna said, spreading her wings and taking off into the night sky, a rush of cool night air greeting my skin as I stared at the lunar goddess.

I shook myself free of wonder and walked back to the house, once again making myself comfortable with Spitfire and Phoenix.

“What did Princess Luna want?” Spitfire asked.

I knew she’d hear us.

“She was talking to me about the war and that she wants us to enjoy our two weeks while we can.” I told her with all honesty.

“Good, because that’s what she just told me in my dream.” Spitfire smiled and kissed me, savoring my company before we would be inevitably separated.