Our War The Triumph

They were coming, of course they were, there was no way I’d gotten them all. My hooves were still shaking, last time I had a real meal was at the most recent two days ago; rations had run out long before then so I guess I was luck to to make it this far. Seems I’ve got half a mag left, always knew I’d die in some queen forsaken forest in the ass end of the empire, just thought it would be in retirement. That patrol would bring at least a platoon’s worth of ponies down on me, if the team were here maybe… no time to dwell on that now, I need to— My ears flicking at a sudden noise,”Well isn’t this just grand” I mutter to noone in particular. I fumbled with the rifle in my hooves, aiming down the sight, trying to calm my rapid breaths; I’ve already prepared my bayonet, this will be my final stand. Looking down the sights I wait for them to come just a little bit closer and…!”

The crack of the imaginary rifle tore me from my dream; I really need to get ahold of myself; if this becomes a recurring problem I’ll go insane, if only Moxa was here… Nevermind that, have a meeting with that Equestrian reporter today. Sounded like a young colt over the phone, but that may just be me getting old, heh, old, not even out of my twenties. After a long shower I pulled out my old dress uniform from back then...it feels like ages since the war, hard to believe it’s only been a few years. Ignoring the annoying ring of medals that I damn well knew didn’t belong to me I checked my watch and did a quick one over in the mirror; “look like a grub fresh out of boot...” I muttered to myself, of course that was probably Clypeus talking...sarcastic ass always had something to say. The ringing of my doorbell drew me from my thoughts as I took a deep breath to steady my nerves and prepare myself, this was my one chance to make it up to them; I wasn’t going to waste it.

Opening the door I was able to finally meet the stallion so eager to hear my tale, though by my standards he was practically still a colt with that youthful glimmer in his eye. Can’t blame him, probably a big career boost everything considered. I shook his hoof as he decided to introduce himself. “Pleasure to finally meet you sir! I’m Purple Quill Equestria Daily!” The cutie mark on his flank of a quill and paper naturally broadcasted his job; I’ll never understand how ponies do that but it’s gotta be helpful. “Captain Cardac, please just call me Cardac, sir makes me feel old;” I could see the shine in his eyes dimmer just a tiny bit, I’ll never understand why they idolize our breed… all we did was survive. Regardless I sighed in defeat before slightly smiling “If you really want to, just call me Captain” The colt may as well have leaped for joy for how excited he was “Now I’ve made space in the living room if you want to get this started.” His rapid nodding and bright smile gave me all the answers i needed as I lead him inside the house.

Quill took his seat opposite of me in his chair after setting up his equipment, wish he would’ve told me this would be visually recorded instead of just audio and pen and paper. Regardless I mentally prepared myself taking a seat below the shelf I had installed to hold but a single item, to many it was just a rifle, to me it was a reminder.