Chapters 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.
That morning, I told Phoenix of my encounter with the lovely Princess Luna over breakfast.
“But Daddy, won’t that make Mommy mad?” She giggled.
“Oh, Princess Luna doesn’t have a thing compared to your mother. Ain’t that right honey?” I ask her, whilst scooping up the sleepy pegasus as she walked down the stairs.
“Woah!” She yelped and then began to giggle and snort like Phoenix was.
“I was just saying how your beauty far surpasses that of the Princess of the Night!” I moved my hand in an arc above her head whilst holding her middle under my arm.
I cradled her again and kissed her.
“Ewwww!” Phoenix’s giggles faded quickly as our lips locked.
“How about those pancakes?” I said, breaking the kiss, leaving Spitfire’s chest heaving for breath.
“That sounds amazing Daddy!” Phoenix cheered, glad to focus on something else than her parents kissing.
“I forgot how well you can cook.” Spitfire grinned with a mouthful of pancakes.
“It is my pleasure ladies.” I gave a satirical bow.
“Phoenix Heart, go get ready for school while I get my uniform on. Mom and I will take you to school today.” I told the little orange filly.
“Oh wow! Really! Well Daddy, I was wondering if you could stay for a little while longer at school.” Phoenix shifted in her seat.
“Why’s that kiddo?” I asked her, cocking an eyebrow.
“It’s my turn to have a family member present their job to the class. I kinda forgot about it last night.” She trailed off.
“Well, I’m sure mom and I could stay for a little while. I’ll have Soarin take charge for a little bit.” I said, moving over to the little panel with 4 names on it, each name with a button over it. This neat little magical device allowed us to send a signal to each of the Wonderbolts via a pin on their uniforms. It would summon them to our house to report for emergency orders like now.
I pushed Soarin’s button and a bell rang, letting us know our signal had been received.
I put on my Wonderbolts dress uniform and hat, which Spitfire told me I looked quite dashing in.
There was a heavy knock at the door.
“I’ll get it!” Phoenix chirped as she galloped to the door.
“Well hello there Burnout!” I heard Soarin chuckle as he was let in. I heard Phoenix groan at the nickname.
“Hey bucko! You know she doesn’t like that!” I yell while walking down the stairs.
“Sir” Soarin gave a salute which I quickly returned.
“Lieutenant,” I said.
“Captain,” he responded, still not quite used to my promotion as Spitfire’s wingman.
“Where’s Spits?” he asked,
“She’ll be down in a minute. In the meantime, we need you to cover the morning business for us today. We’re presenting to Phoenix’s class today!” I beamed at my daughter, who was practically jumping for joy.
“Will do sir? That all?” He asked, giving me another quick salute.
“There is one more question I have for you,” I told him
“Yes?” He cocked his head.
“How’s Applejack?” I asked, a smug grin upon my face.
“Fine, just fine. We’re thinking about tying the knot soon.” Soarin smiled sheepishly.
“Better do it sooner than later. I did and look at me now! Happy father and husband!” I chortled, motioning towards the stairs where I had heard Spits start her way down.
“Ready kiddo?” Spitfire asked Phoenix.
“Absolutely!” She cheered.
“Well Soarin, you best be off now.” I told the blue pegasus as he exited the home.
“Thank you sir!” He replied as he took off.
“Ready baby girl?” I asked Phoenix.
“Yeah, can we just go already?!” She said, now becoming restless.
“Alright, alright, we’re going.” Spitfire said as the orange and yellow filly hopped up on her back as we took off for the school house.
The room was quiet as Phoenix went in and confirmed with Ms. Cheerilee that we were indeed presenting. She gave a quick nod and let her run back to us. While Cherrilee was calming the class down, I looked around and saw a few familiar faces. In the back were the older kids: Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Rumble, Apple Bloom, Pipsqueak, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon.
“KIDS!” Cheerilee yelled, instantly silencing the class.
“We have 2 very special guests here today. Today, Phoenix Heart will show what her parents do for a living!” She said in a very instructing tone.
I straightened my hat and smoothed out my uniform as Phoenix went into the schoolhouse to introduce Spitfire and I.
“Fillies and Gentlecolts! May I present my Mom, Captain Spitfire, and my Dad, Captain Dave!” She said waving us in.
The look of shock on the class’ face was priceless. They had obviously not had any clue that Phoenix’s parents were the captains of the Wonderbolts.
Spitfire and I walked in and were bombarded by questions. It was half past ten by the time we waved goodbye to Phoenix and the rest of the class.
“Ready to do some paperwork?” Spitfire joked with me as we both flew towards the base.
“Implying anyone is ready for boring shit like that.” I said.
We arrived and began our work of organizing several military units into carefully calculated forces. By the time we finished, it was half-past five.
“Shit,” I said aloud, glancing at the clock.
“What babe?” Spitfire looked up from her paperwork in the desk across from mine. That was another perk of being married, we shared an office together. It was nicely furnished with a couch and oak wood floors.
“Who picked up Phoenix?” I asked her.
“Fleetfoot and her son took her home. She’s with them.” I let out a sigh of relief.
“Hey honey, I think I’m getting a bit of a pain in my shoulders. Do you mind giving me a bit of a massage?” She grinned.
“I suppose so.” I say, stroking my chin.
“Come over here to the couch.” I motioned over to the plush sofa, patting the cushion next to me.
She fluttered over and I began working at her neck and back muscles, easing away the tension from her tense body. I knew I was doing well because Spitfire was letting out little content sighs. I then moved to her wings, running my fingers through her feathers. She moaned loudly as the setting sun illuminated her sparkling eyes and lolling tongue through the window.
I finished up, leaving her hanging. She jumped up and looked at me.
“You are going to finish what you started. Tonight, when Phoenix is asleep, I want you to rut me until I can’t walk straight.” She purred with eagerness.
“Gladly.” I whispered to her, nibbling her ear as I did so, sending another jolt of arousal down her spine.
I flew home to make dinner while Spitfire went to pick up Phoenix.
I’ve got a long night ahead of me...
“Daddy!” Phoenix squealed as she ran in the front door.
“Hey sweetie! Dinner is ready so have a seat at the table!” I told the eager filly.
Spitfire followed close behind her as they both hopped into their seats to enjoy the meal I had prepared. Halfway through the meal, a series of low booms gently shook the table. I continued to eat, not paying the slightest attention to it.
As I was cleaning up dinner and Spitfire was tucking Phoenix into bed, a knock was heard at the door.
I dried the water off of my hands and opened the door. Soarin and Fleetfoot stood there, the look on their faces did not bode well.
“Soarin, Fleetfoot? What are you two doing here?” I asked the pair.
They glanced at one another.
“We need to talk to both of you.” Fleetfoot said grimly.
“Very well,” I invited them in and ushered to the sofa.
Spitfire came down the stairs and saw the two senior Wonderbolts on the couch with me.
“Ah, good. Now we can start.” Soarin said gruffly.
“What is the issue?” I asked them
“Canterlot was just attacked. The Gryphons just bombed the hell out of the castle and the surrounding suburbs.” Soarin said.
Jesus Christ almighty...
I looked at Spitfire as she stared up at me, a look of fear and sadness in her eyes.
War had finally come to Equestria’s door.
“So we leave, tonight?” Spitfire asked.
“That’s what the military council has ordered. We’re off to a base near Las Pegasus, the closest base we have in range.” Soarin briefed us.
“I thought we had two weeks!” I exclaimed.
“So did we. But the recent attack has made it evident that we need to strike back immediately. Each of us has command of a squadron at the base. We leave tomorrow at 0700 hours.” Soarin said, handing me a sealed envelope.
“Those are your orders. Good luck sir, see you on the other side.” Fleetfoot said as her and Soarin gave a salute and left.
Spitfire held it in until the door shut. As soon as the latch clicked into place, Spitfire buried her head in my side and started to bawl. I lifted her up and carried her up the stairs. As I set her down, she yanked me down with her, continuing to sob loudly into my chest.
“Shh.” I tried to sooth the distressed mare in his grasp.
“What if I never get to see my daughter again? What is she going to do without us? I don’t want to leave her without us!” She wailed, her emotion spilling out.
“We have to leave her somewhere safe. Somewhere far away from any potential targets.” I thought out loud.
“Sweet Apple Acres! It’s far enough away from any town or city to not make it a target!” Spitfire exclaimed.
“Very well then, why don’t we take her there now. Soarin is probably there anyway.” I said, getting up and entering Phoenix’s room. I wrapped her in a blanket and floated down the stairs. I exited the door and flew over to Sweet Apple Acres, careful not to wake Phoenix. I knocked on the door of the farmhouse and had it answered by Applejack. She saw the little filly in my arms and looked at me with a sympathetic gaze.
“Applejack, do you think you and your family could look after Phoenix until we get back?” I pleaded to the mare.
“Of course. Soarin would want me to do that and Ah might as well get a taste of motherhood before Ah follow through with Soarin. Fleetfoot’s son is already here anyway. ” Applejack whispered as she took the still sleeping filly.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart Applejack. I owe you my life,” I said, kissing her cheek and embracing her.
“Go, before she has to see you leave.” Applejack said.
I flew off into the night, though I felt I had left a piece of my own soul back at Sweet Apple Acres, knowing that there my child would be safe but away from my side. Tears were carried across the side of my face by the whipping wind as I flew away.
Spitfire and I silently wept on our way to Las Pegasus, our daughter now safe in the hands of the Apple family.
“I don’t want to leave David, I want to be able to live a peaceful life and see my daughter grow up into a woman!” Spitfire wailed, overcome with emotion mid-flight.
“We WILL get home. We WILL see our daughter again. We WILL not die in this wretched war.” I said to her without any doubt in my heart.
Little did I know how that would change.
The base was a buzz with life as the Wonderbolt Squadrons moved about, anxiously waiting for their names to be called for the next raid. They wore odd bodysuits. Looking over them closely, I realized that they were combat suits. They had machine guns attached to their bodies, the triggers were attached to their hooves so I assumed I would get a similar apparatus.
The mechanics fitted me and Spitfire out with one within an hour and I was assigned to my squadron with Spitfire as my co-commander.
Parasprite Squadron.
They were all recruits, fresh out of training. We were 17th in line for deployment so I figured I would get to know them.
Before long we were next in line, waiting on the runway, bombs strapped to our combat vests, ready to be dropped on our target, the capital city of the empire, Clawton.
The signal came and we took off into the night sky, our wings and guns prepped for a hard battle ahead of us. Spitfire looked at me, worry written all over her beautiful face.
The 3 hour flight was agony for most of the boys, when the city finally came into sight, searchlights and gryphons darted across the sky. The gryphons, it appeared had very similar devices to our own vests due to the flashes coming from their chests.
I gave the signal and we dropped altitude and our bombs, setting fire to a good portion of the city. That got the enemy’s attention, an entire squadron of gryphons raced towards our unit.
“Scramble!” I yelled.
But it was too late, the bastards were on top of us and I saw two of the boys drop out of the sky, a neat hole drilled through their skulls.
“Fuck!” I yelled, dodging a salvo of machine gun fire from a grunt. I dumped speed and pulled the trigger, filling the gryphon’s body with lead. He dropped out of the sky like a sack of meat. I then turned my head to see an ace on Spitfire's tail. I tried to help but I was half a second too late. I saw the ace’s gun discharge as the bullet sailed towards my beautiful wife, striking her in the side. She fell from the sky, her mouth open in a silent scream.
“NO!” I screamed.
I fired of a volley of rounds at the enemy ace but he was too far away. One of my remaining squadron members flew up to me and told me the worst possible thing.
“Sir, command wants us to pull out immediately.”
I could only comply as tears fell from my eyes as the Wonderbolts retreated and left Clawton and my wife’s body behind in the waning moonlight.