God Save The Princess

"Serve?"

The word was a word that felt weird within my mind. It had many different meanings, and Ill admit it, my mind isn't completely clean. I knew what she meant but my brain told me otherwise. But I pushed these thoughts away. Into the darkest reaches of my mind. A problem like this could be solved with thought, but neither option sounded good at the core no matter how much thought was put into it.

"Yes... Pledge your service." She said, smiling. "The populace wants you gone, and a... well.. a now resigned captain wants your head. Serve me, and you'll have my protection. From both my ponies, and the ex-captains wrath." She added. The guards in the room shuffled as I stood up and the princess backed away. Either as a reflex, or something else. I looked out the window and noticed clouds rolling in, but pegasi were still going to and fro in the sky. I also noticed a balloon in the distance.

So these ponies had hot air balloons? How advanced are they, I wonder?

"He wants my head? I thought this was a peaceful nation?" I asked.

"Just because we love our peace doesn't mean we don't have our own internal conflicts." One Solar elite responded. But then the Lunar elite opened her mouth.

"Yeah, fights happen often in the slums of Canterlot and other poor regions of Equestria. There are bar fights, heh, i've been in one myself." She chuckled, sheepishly looking to her princess. Whom looked disapproving. "And, uh, border conflicts do occur.. But we have successfully maintained our peace, as does the other grand nations of this world." She finished. The Lunar princess still had a disapproving look at her mention of being in a bar fight. I would understand, the D.I.s didn't like it when any of our Marines got into any type of fight while on liberty.

I approached the Solar princess, and the guards once more shuffled defensively. I backed away, not wanting to garner their ire.

"So... what makes either decision a good one, princess? I mean, I understand that with choice B I get your protection and what not. No explanation or... anything required. But, as you just stated, the peop-sorry-ponies want me gone. Not to mention the rumblings I could be causing in your own guard. What makes you think anyone would support your decision to keep me around? And I fear I don't need to say anything about choice A..." I said. I was right too. They knew it. The guards knew it. We all knew it. While they would, according to her, go with whatever she decides... would they support it? I, if she kept me around, would unintentionally cause unrest. Within both the guard and the population. And, while I have no clue why she actually wants me around, I can safely say that she would be rid of me regardless of either choice. The unrest my presence would cause would eventually....

Well. Point being I'd be better off choosing A. It doesn't take a genius to figure it out.

"I see the look in your eyes, Sergeant. You have reservations. I understand. Its... well actually its a fairly easy decision. I know what I would choose. But please, does exile really sound pleasant? I advise you to consider the alternative."

She did have a point, however. Exile didn't sound like a time in a unisex spa room. I mean, I have as much wilderness survival training as the next Marine (seriously, we're all trained the same). But it wont be like that Gomer Pyle episode where Pyle and Carter were doing wilderness training or whatever. I would be alone, unfamiliar territory, unequipped and no food. The locals would be more likely to kill me than the animals...

The hunter would become the hunted....

"Time to choose..." The princess said. Two of her guards lifted their weapons and flanked me, both sides. She was right. I couldn't sit here all day, pondering lifes greatest mysteries. Whatever I choose, I have to choose now. Whatever I choose will determine what the guards do to me. Whatever I choose, i'm fucked...

One way, or the other.

<><><>

The room was pleasant and I really enjoyed the bed. It was so comfortable that I could snooze on it. Which I planned on. But, the guards are constantly checking on me and I would rather not be caught off guard. I found out the room had its own balcony, but its locked. Can't get to it, nor find the key. Probably to ensure I wont attempt an escape. The Major came by, Sprinkled Summer. And we talked for a bit. She knew of my decision and was glad to know what I had chosen. She told me that my decision ensured that when she had touched me earlier it wasn't in vain. We shared a laugh over it.

In case it isn't clear, I had pledged allegiance to the Princesses. Although it was with heavy reservation and chagrin.

My reasoning are my own, but I had thought about it. The pros outweighed the cons, and while I didn't exactly want to serve two monarchs who are horses and who have tattoos on their asses, I also didn't want to be dropped alone in the wilderness. To be hunted and killed by Timber Wolves.

God forbid it be the one I blinded.

But, choosing to serve had a whole lot of pros. I get to eat. Sleep. Shower. All in the relative safety of the walls of this... Canterlot, they called it. The cold weather was gradually get colder, and the blankets began to look very welcoming. My uniform wasn't thick enough to protect against heavy winter elements. I don't understand why these ponies don't have the need to wear something warm, I could see my fucking breath.

I also didn't want to abandon my friendship with the Major or Minuette. Speaking of which, where the hell is she?

In my time here I have not once thought about her, nor seen hide or tail of her. Had she forgotten about me? Or does she not have time deal with me now?

Meh...

She probably just doesn't have clout to come in here. Or the authority.. or whatever. Ill be fine. Once i'm cleared to go outside Ill look for her. Let her know my situation and thank her for getting me here. It was the least I could do.

I had been pacing around my room for a while now. Just trying to keep myself busy. Physically and mentally. There was nothing to do in here. There was a TV, but the Major told me that it stopped working weeks ago and that they haven't gotten around to fixing it. I'm no mechanic. I might be able to fix your car, definitely your gun, maybe your pool filter. But not a TV.

There is a bookshelf. I've already looked over it though. Nothing I am interested in. No Saxon Tales, no war books, no nothing. Just things like "A Griffons Story" or "The Lost Empire". Granted the latter did sound interesting but one flip through it and I lost it all. It was some boring documentary. Not a story. But there was one that does garner interest. A book called "The Trouble in The North". I didn't flip through but I read the back. Some story about a tyrant taking control of a country to the north and a rebellion attempts to take it bacl. A book I might have to come read. It seems like an actual story.

As I paced, another guard came in. It was the Major. As she stepped in, the door remained open. She was smiling, as if proud. Though she noticed I had some shivers and her smile grew. She wasn't wearing her helmet, and I could see her mane once more. Ginger, to be specific. These ponies manes never ceased to surprise me. The different types, colors, styles... Some look eighties, some look modern. Its crazy. They looked pretty damn beautiful, too. I've seen some hairstyles back home, but the ponies beat them.

She looked to me and watched for a few seconds as I paced. But finally spoke up.

"Keh, something wrong?" She exhaled. I paused and looked at her, but continued soon after. Did she really ask me this? She trotted over to the bed and took a seat, watching me. It interested her, I guess. But I wouldn't understand it. Or maybe it was sorta funny to her.

"Wheres your helmet?" I asked.

"Where's your uniform?" She retorted. I looked down, I was wearing my uniform. A bit torn, dirty, and foul. But nonetheless I was wearing it. I stopped again and looked to her. Perhaps she meant a uniform provided for my new role? I guess that would make sense, considering she took my measurements earlier today. But they have not provided me one yet.

"Exactly." She smiled. Reading my look. "But, if you must know. I found a big dent in my helmet from when you.. uh.. hit me. I'm getting it replaced."

A pang of guilt hit me.

"Oh, i'm...i'm sorry." I said.

"Ah don't worry about it." She asked, brushing it off. She seemed OK with it, but if it was me I wouldn't be over it as easily. She is right, but I should've just surrendered in the beginning. Perhaps then I wouldn't have had to renounced my allegiance. But at the time, they seemed as if they would gut me if I did, so.. maybe I wouldn't be alive right now if that is the case.

"So, you're getting it replaced? How hard is it to knock out a dent?" I asked, crossing my arms and narrowing my brow. I was genuinely curious. I know I hit hard, but any dent can be knocked out. "I mean, it is gold after all. Pretty malleable." She scoffed.

"Gold? You-you think this is gold? Ha!" She chuckled. "You ever try to knock a dent out of solarite? Trust me when I say that its much easier and cheaper to get a replacement." She tapped her barding.

Solarite?

"Oh... uh... right. Right. Of course." I said, pretending as if I knew what I was talking about. But I never heard of solarite. And if it was so tough how did I knock a dent into it so easily?

Maybe i'm just stronger than I think...

"So... are you sure you're alright? You still seem a bit flustered." She asked, frowning. It really did piss me off when she asked this, but I hid it.

"Yes.... yes i'm alright. Its been a trying few weeks." I said, looking down. It really has been, but in reality I was far from alright. I had just renounced allegiance to my country and gave it to a new one. A new country led by a duo of goddamn horses! And for what? Self-preservation? Friendship? Was I even clear headed when I made the damn choice? I looked to the bed, velvet. It looked mighty comfy and inviting. "I-maybe I just need to close my eyes for a bit."

"Ah, well. I came to see if you want a tour of the castle but if you need rest don't mind me. Ill be going then." She said, jumping off the bed. "Have a good night." She said, leaving the room with door shutting behind her. She was a friendly mare and God knows I welcomed it. Everyone else around here wasn't as warm towards me, and with how cold it was it felt terrible it greatly unwelcome.

I looked out the window. Still daylight. Probably not even noon yet. But my eyelids were indeed heavy. Sleeping on a slab of wood for a few days and eating little can do that to you.

Stripping down, I approached the bed and sat. It was soft, comfy, warm. Big pillows. Large blankets. A bed for a king... But no kings ruled here, only princesses. I'm sure they don't even understand what that word means, but whatever. If you ask me, I think queen or duchess would work better. Or baroness. That would work too. But princess? Well, I guess its not my place anyways. This world is fucking weird.

Folding the trousers out of force of habit, I then grabbed the shirt. Folding it as well. It felt raggedy. And as close I was to it, I caught a full whiff of its stink. Grabbing what was left, I reached under the bed to hide them from any would be snoops. My arm grazed something. This was my room, and curiosity was achieved. I grabbed it and dragged it forward. It was heavy, but I heard it jingle. There were things inside. Money? New clothes? Or just cosmetics?

Dragging it into full view, I gasped. It was a cooler! I quickly opened it, wondering what was inside. Thinking it to be just some water. But what I saw was close enough. A mini-bar! Bottles that looked like alcohol. Snacks, such as chips an.... well... other things I did not recognize. Pony things, probably. There was a lack of frozen shrimp and jerky. But there was a box of chocolates as well. And while that looked yummy, I wanted meat.

Meat.

Regardless, I looked over the cooler and grabbed the first bottle I saw. It was unlabeled, but from what I saw, it looked to be whiskey. Whether it was fancy (if there ever was such a thing) or bootleg was to be seen. Licking my lips, I unscrewed the top with a convenient bottle-opener that was in the fridge. Cold though the air was, the cold whiskey would warm me right up. Maybe even take some of the load off of what i'm going through.

"This is gonna suck tomorrow." I murmured.

And how right I was.

Author's Note

2000 words, huh? Well. Not really my goal for this chapter but if it works, then it works.