When Lightning Cracks, Thunder Rumbles

"I'm sorry, who wishes to meet me?"

"Princess Celestia! And by extension, her sister Luna and Princess Cadence."

"So I've caught the eye of royalty, eh?"

"Well, considering that I helped Slipstream teleport a strange machine to Canterlot, word was bound to reach Celestia of a new comer to our land. Wipe that look off your face Phillip, I won't be so bad."

"It wouldn't be so bad, if you had told me sooner!"

"That's the exciting part! You never know when a Princess is going to request an audience? Isn't this such an honor?"

Hutton watches dumbstruck as Twilight waltzed into the gathering beyond the twin doors. Within the hall, Hutton can see many ponies dressed in high class attire. The tone of conversation inside is calm and refined, with the occasional bout of laughter. The ponies sipped from fine crystal glasses, savoring the finer wines and champagnes Canterlot had to offer. Twilight only got a few steps into the crowd before looking back at him. She waved a hoof, her face saying it was safe. Straightening his back, Hutton took a breath before stepping inside as well.

Immediately, all conversation stopped.

All eyes were on him.

Elderly mares whispered behind their gloved hooves to their friends. Gentlemanly stallions examined Hutton at a distance. Few paid any mind to the strange creature that just entered. Hutton watched as she climbed a small staircase, approaching a white, regal looking alicorn. She bows to the regal mare, then turns to look at him, waving a hoof for him to approach. Passing through the muttering crowd, Hutton kept his gaze on the regal mare. Before he knew it, he was mere feet away from Princess Celestia.

"And a good evening to you, Mister Hutton." she says warmly. Hutton's instincts kick in, and he gives a crisp salute.

"Ma'am, I am honored to be here." he says kindly. Celestia plays along and returns the salute with a small chuckle.

"While I am flattered by your professionalism, I can assure you, that it is not required here. At ease, Lieutenant." she says. Hutton drops the salute and smiles sheepishly. He and Celestia turned to look at the silent crowd, their gazes all still on him. "My little ponies, this is Lieutenant Phillip Hutton, a visitor to this world. All that I ask is that you welcome him like any other visitor; With warm smiles and friendly conversation. Please, go about your business." Celestia orders. The crowd give a quick applause before falling back into their conversations. Celestia looks to Hutton again. "Please, enjoy the refreshments." she says, gesturing to the food table. With a bow of his head, Hutton steps down and makes his way to the refreshments.

As he walked away, Celestia looks to Twilight. "Your notes on humanity are certainly on point, my student." she says. smiling still. Twilight gives a quick nod, keeping her eye on Hutton as he perused the food before him.

"Will Luna and Cadence be arriving tonight?" she asks.

"I'm afraid Cadence can't make it, she's attending to some business in the Crystal Empire. Luna might be willing to join us, but she's currently indisposed to the Council." Celestia says. "I am expecting some visitors from the Griffin lands, however." she adds. Twilight nods, bows, and departs Celestia's side to talk to Hutton. The human, to his merit, was trying his hardest to not load his plate with everything from the buffet. His eyes boggled at the bright array of desserts, samplers and hor d'Ourves. As Twilight approached him, Hutton was busy munching on a piece of the shrimp cocktail.

"Enjoying ourselves?" Twilight asks, giggling at his grazing. Hutton nods and swallows the shrimp.

"This stuff looks amazing! Tastes amazing too!" he says, turning to Twilight. Thankfully, his plate wasn't entirely loaded, but it held enough for him to eat.

"I'm glad you can appreciate our finer foods, but I believe others would like a jab at the buffet." she says, nodding her head back to an approaching group of mares and stallions. Stepping aside, Hutton and Twilight begin talking between themselves while he munches on his food. A few minutes later, and an elderly stallion approaches the pair. He wears an old fashioned uniform of his own, one that would be akin to the British Red Coats of the Revolutionary War.

"Princess." starts the stallion as he gives a deep bow to her. Twilight kindly returns the gesture before the stallion stands up. "Lieutenant, is it?" he asks, looking to Hutton now. His tone sounded similar to that of a person of British descent. Hutton nods and finishes his bite before speaking.

"Yes, how may I help you?" he asks simply.

"I am Brigadier General Slipshod, Chief Commander of the Equestrian Militia. I simply wanted to have some words with you." Slipshod says. Once again, Hutton salutes to the higher ranked officer.

"Sir," Hutton starts. "What would you like to discuss?" he asks simply. Slipshod simply grins before speaking.

"Why, the military of course! We're both men of the uniform, so we should have something in common, after all!" he says, giving a hearty laugh. Hutton simply chuckles and nods, setting aside his plate. At that moment, Slipshod calls for a nearby mare to approach him. "Lieutenant, I would like you to meet my wife, Amber Rose." Slipshod says, draping a foreleg around the mares' shoulders.

"A pleasure, ma'am." Hutton says, giving a small bow of the head.

"A pleasure as well Lieutenant." Amber replies, giving a prim smile. Twilight simply smiles and steps away from the trio, leaving themselves to their conversation.

"So! What does a Lieutenant like you do in your military?" asks Slipshod. "Your uniform is not one of regular troops." he adds.

"I commanded a crew of eleven other airmen. Together, we all flew and defended our aircraft during missions." Hutton says simply. Slipshod gives an 'Ah!' and nods.

"Ah, a prop-head! Very good! I'm assuming your job was of the dangerous nature?" he asks. Hutton simply nods.

"There's always a form of danger aimed at a bomber crew. But,we managed to do our job for sixteen missions before, well..." Hutton trailed off, gesturing to his surroundings. "Before I got here." he finished.

"I see," starts Slipshod. "And, if you don't mind me asking, where is the rest of your crew?" he asks, looking around the party to see if he was missing any other humans.

Hutton grimaces a bit, but presses on. "Four are buried in a field somewhere outside Ponyville. The rest were lost before I got here." he replies. Slipshod and Amber Rose hold looks of apology.

"Oh, I do apologize for prying into a sensitive topic. Do forgive me, Lieutenant." Slipshod implored. Hutton raises and hand and waves it slightly.

"No, General, it is alright. I've come to terms with my losses. They will simply be a lesson for the future." he says. Slipshod raises his eyebrows and smiles, giving a small chuckle as he exchanged looks with Amber Rose.

"Now that is the making of a true officer. The ability to move on past the pain, and learn from it, shows that nothing will take you down that easily!" he says triumphantly. Hutton breaks into some laughter as he nods his head.

"So, if I may ask, what is it like being the Brigadier General of a peaceful nation?" Hutton asks. "Where I'm from, the entire world is stuck in a war." he adds. Slipshod looks shocked at the notion Hutton just mentioned.

"Your entire world?" he asks. Hutton simply nods. "My word, that is just dreadful, isn't it?" he adds.

"Oh, you're acting like this is the first time this has happened. No no, this is the second time there's been a world war." Hutton says. "I was a young boy when the first world war happened." he continues.

"An entire world at each other's throat." Slipshod says, shaking his head. "I cannot picture something of that magnitude happening here in Equestria. Sure, many of the nations here have their disagreements, but civil talks and political compromises always work when there's a small butting of heads." he continues. Hutton simply shrugs.

"I don't know what to tell you, General. I guess Humanity is more prone to conflict than you folks here." he says. Slipshod gives a hearty laugh.

"Lieutenant, one does not become a Brigadier General from peace time. Equestria has seen her fair share of smaller conflicts, but barely any blood has been spilled on her lands. Although, I can say that I pray that a global conflict does not take this world. I do hope your home comes out alright." Slipshod says, resting a hoof on Hutton's forearm.

"I appreciate the prayer, sir.' Hutton says simply. For a while Slipshod and Hutton shared their war stories, with Amber Rose asking a few questions of her own. Time seemed to move quickly during their conversation. Soon enough, an entire crowd had formed around the conversing military men, each putting for their own questions to Hutton. The human met a multitude of ponies from the upper echelon. From heads of industry, to the stars of entertainment, they all welcomed him into the fold.

Then, the royal announcer entered the hall, trumpeting a horn. Immediately, Hutton and the crowd of ponies all look to the announcer, waiting on his next words.

"Now presenting, Lord Pontus, Princess Zoey, and their guest, Captain Eugene Zurich!" calls the announcer. Stepping aside, the announcer allowed a pair of Griffins to enter the grand hall. Lord Pontus walked with a stride in his step, a fur cape billowing behind him as he walked. Next to him, Princess Zoey walked primly, her sash glinting in the light as the emeralds embedded within the fabrics caught the light.

And behind them, a sharply dressed human male walked with a sense of confidence.

Hutton could not believe his eyes; It was the pilot of the wrecked 190 he had found on that plateau.

Everyone watched as the trio approach Princess Celestia. The pair of griffins bow to the Princess, then step aside to introduce Eugene. From his point of view, Hutton can see an expression of surprise on the mares' face. She looked to Hutton, shock in her eyes. Without hesitation, Eugene turned to follow her gaze.

Within a second, Hutton and Eugene locked gazes. Surprise came from Eugene, the fact that an American pilot was standing a couple feet away.

Hatred burned from Hutton's gaze. He knew of this man. A sworn enemy of the Allied Air Forces stood feet from him, surprised to see that he was there. A war criminal stood before him, free of his imprisonment and free of the consequences that were to fall upon him.

Before he knew it, Hutton was face to face with Eugene. The German held out a hand, a bemused smile on his lips.

"Lieutenant, is it?" asks Eugene. His accent burned against Hutton's ears. To Hutton, the Germans always sounded like they were talking down with a condescending tone, and it aggravated him beyond belief. "Oberst Eugene Zurich." he continued, keeping his hand outstretched.

Hutton looked down at the offered hand like it was something that was diseased.

Did this bastard honestly think that Hutton was going to shake his hand? It was because of this bastard, that Hutton lost friends and brothers in arms. His sick, demented tactics of blending in with fighter escorts and shooting them in the back was rage inducing.

A fire sparked within Hutton's heart. It quickly grew into a raging inferno.

The enemy was standing before him. A wanted war criminal was tainting the land he walked.

A mad man was walking free.

And before he could stop himself, Hutton saw his fist impact the German square in the face.

"Fuckin' Kraut!" Hutton explodes. Eugene staggers back, blood gushing from his broken nose. The inferno within Hutton's heart became a wildfire. Before he knew it, he was tackling Eugene. The two crashed to the floor, and Hutton gripped Eugene's collar to hold him in place as he continued to slug the German.

"This is for those pilots you killed!" he roars. Another impact of his fist filled the air.

"This is for the friends that you slaughtered!" Another crack fills the air. As Hutton reared back another fist, another crack fills the air. He feels something impact his chest, and before he knew it, darkness envelopes Hutton.

~ooo000ooo~

Hutton jerks awake. Blinking, he finds himself in a bland room, seated at a lone table. Cuffs are chained around his wrist, locked to the table top. The wall before him holds a particular shine, most likely a one-way window. He was no stranger to this type of room, he once found himself in this kind of situation at one point in his early teen years. Looking around, he gives a sigh.

"Alright, when's the good cop-bad cop routine going to begin?" he asks.

At that moment, a door to his right clicks open and swings towards him. From the hallway, Princess Celestia and Twilight both enter the room, both carrying looks of stern disappointment on their faces. Closing the door behind them, the two mares stand and look at Hutton.

"Care to explain what that was out there?" Twilight snaps. Celestia raises a hoof to calm her, and Twilight backs off, but she continues holding a harsh glare.

"Please, Lieutenant, we wish to know what caused you to assault that man." Celestia said, her mannerisms more calm and attentive.

"Where should I begin? The fact that he's part of the enemy, or the fact that he's a war criminal?" Hutton asks. Celestia and Twilight exchange glances before Twilight starts again.

"You mean, he's a part of the war back where you're from?" she asks. Hutton scoffs and rolls his eyes.

"He's just one of millions." he says. Celestia frowns a bit.

"So, you attacked him simply on instinct? Because he's a foe?" she asks. Hutton shakes his head.

"No, I attacked that fucker because he's a God damn war criminal!" he says, looking to Twilight. "You remember how I'm a bomber pilot, yeah? Well, when I get sent out, so does he. It's his job to try and stop me and my friends from doing our mission. In the case of Mister Zurich, he's a sneak and a trickster. He deliberately painted his aircraft to make it look like one of our aircraft. He would sneak into our formations, then start shooting them us in the back. Zurich ran across my formation once, and I barely made it out alive. He's a bastard and needs to be put down like a mutt!" Hutton screams. "He has a kill count higher than the years you've been alive, Princess!" he adds. "He's a simple murderer. An animal!"

Celestia raises her hoof again. She had heard enough.

"Mister Hutton, while we somewhat understand the circumstances surrounding you and Mister Zurich, you two are by all means, in neutral territory. We have no part of your conflict, and all that I ask is that you do not bring it here. Do we have an understanding, Lieutenant?" Celestia asks firmly. Hutton remains quiet for a few minutes, glaring off to the side of the room.

"He's no where around, is he?" Hutton asks. Twilight and Celestia exchange glances again. Looking to the one-way window, Celestia nods her head. A moment later, and Zurich enters the room. His face is bruised, but his nose looks fixed, giving it a distinct skew to it now.

"We request that you two talk things out." Twilight says simply. Hutton stares at the mare in disbelief. As Zurich takes a seat before Hutton, Twilight and Celestia depart without another word. A moment later, and the door closes again, leaving the two men to themselves.

"Lieutenant." Eugene starts.

"Shove it, Kraut. I don't want to hear it." Hutton snaps.

"Nein, this must be said." Eugene counters, his face stern. "For nearly a year, I have lived in this land, thinking I was the only one of my kind. The griffins were kind enough to take me in, heal my wounds, and allow me to live among their kind. They welcomed me, despite our clear differences. And yet here, at this formal gathering, I encounter another human. I was relieved to see you, Lieutenant. Finally, someone I can truly relate to." Eugene says, vaguely gesturing to the bruising on his face. "And yet, you assault me. Not only am I hurt by this, but I am appalled by it. For nearly a year, I had forgotten that I escaped a terrible war. It would seem that you have not, Lieutenant." Eugene finishes.

Hutton simply glares at the German. Eugene sighs.

"Lieutenant, erm, Hutton, is it? Can you please forget the fact that we were once enemies? You and I, we both escaped the bloodshed. We can start a new here." Eugene says, holding a hand forward. Hutton glares at the gesture again. He still held rage for Eugene, but his reasoning was starting to falter.

"We had our orders, Mister Hutton. We've both done things we're not proud of." Eugene adds.

"Why should I believe a lying psychopath like you?" Hutton growls. "Someone who fools the enemy and blends in, only to shoot them in the back is not only crazy, but a coward and a sleaze. You single-handedly ended the lives of nearly three-hundred young boys! You even almost killed me at one point! How can I forgive and forget, when the cause for my hatred is sitting right in front of me?!" Hutton roars. Eugene does not flinch.

"We were at war. Your bomber formations were nigh impenetrable. How else was I to make a dent? I'm simply begging you to forget our bloody past! Why must all you Americans be so bull-headed with reason?" Eugene prods.

"And why must all you Krauts be warmongering madmen who employ crude tactics?" Hutton snaps back. "Your people are responsible for two world wars! TWO OF THEM!! When will you jackasses learn your lessons?!" he hisses. Eugene slams a fist on the table now, making it jump as he leans towards Hutton.

"Do not blame me for the wars. That madman Hitler is dragging us all through the muck he's been creating. I wasn't even alive when the first war happened, so do not put that blame on me and my generation. It was the fools of old who nearly destroyed the world the first time around, not the minds of the youth." Eugene seethes.

The two men simply glare at each other. Eugene rests back in his seat and holds a hand to his face. Hutton simply rages, but opts to keep quiet.

"History is repeated by those who do not learn from it, correct Lieutenant?" Eugene asks. Hutton blinks. Those words ring through his mind, except they are being said by Doctor Scalpel. The memory of the hospital grotto flashes through his mind as the Scalpel's words echo again.

"Those who do not learn from their past, are doomed to repeat it."

"And if we are to become better people, we must forgive the mistakes made in the past..." Hutton mutters. Eugene looks from between his hand towards the bomber pilot. Hutton's shoulders sag as all of his rage and anger suddenly evaporates from his being. Holding out a cuffed hand, he offers Eugene a handshake.

"Lieutenant Phillip Hutton, United States Army Corps." he says. Eugene looks at the offered gesture, then accepts it with a small smile.

"Eugene Zurich, ex-Oberst of the Luftwaffe." he replies. Hutton raises an eyebrow.

"Ex? What happened?" he asks.

"Simply put, I escaped German law. Even killed a couple of soldiers during my escape." he adds, as if that tidbit of knowledge was to convince Hutton that Eugene wasn't who Hutton thought. Hutton raises an impressed eyebrow.

"Gives us less to worry about, then." he says, trying to make a joke. Eugene gives a bemused scoff before looking at the one-way window.

"I believe we've become friends." he says. Hutton gives a bemused chuckle of his own, shaking his head a bit.

"Don't count your chickens, there Eugene. We've only forgiven each other for the war. I still don't quite like your face. I think it needs to go another round." he says, raising his fists slightly. Eugene gives a barking laugh.

"Bah, American humor. Maybe in the ring this time, eh Lieutenant?" Eugene jokes. From behind the window, Celestia and Twilight exchange glances, uncertainty written on their faces.

"Do you truly think they will be able to leave the past behind them?" Twilight asks worriedly. Celestia closes her eyes and gives herself a moment to think.

"I can only hope that they do. I truly do not wish for them to hold anymore conflict between themselves. Our subjects are easy to subjugation, Twilight. If they continue to hold this hatred, then it would only be a matter of time before Equestria is split between their differing ideals. I do wish for you to keep an eye on them, however." Celestia says. Twilight looks slightly confused.

"I'm sorry?" she asks simply.

"I'm going to personally ask Lord Pontus and Princess Zoey if they are willing to help Mister Zurich move to Ponyville. Maybe, just maybe, their closer proximity will help Mister Hutton and Mister Zurich understand each other. Who knows, they might even become friends." Celestia says, putting a hopeful smile on her lips. Twilight continues to hold her uncertain expression, looking back into the room beyond them.

"I can only hope you're right, Princess. I'm still worried, however." she says. Celestia simply nods in understanding.

"I am too, Twilight, I am too." she says. Without another word, Celestia and Twilight leave the confines of the observation room and enter the adjacent room. Releasing Hutton from his cuffs, they escort the two humans out of the dungeon that sits beneath Canterlot Castle. Within minutes, Hutton is stood before the gathering of elitist ponies, apologizing for potentially ruining their evening with his outburst. Few accepted his apology, including Slipshod and his wife, but more ignored his words. Seeing he barely managed to get to the elitists, Hutton walks with Twilight out of the party and into the castle garden.

With a crack of her horn, Twilight and Hutton teleport back to Ponyville.