Author's Note

This chapter turned out longer than I imagined. I wanted to cover certain parts during his training so we could see a little more into his past, hope you guys enjoy it.

Also had to make a correction, in chapter 2 Pin had said they would train in Saddle Arabia, I decided to change it. I have corrected that in the chapter, but it's just so you guys don't get confused. :3

Edited by: Jason Monroe

The speech the sergeant gave is taken from sergeant Alistair Rae, it is the best. XD

Chapter 4: Recruit

Greenfield Army Camp: 30 Months Ago.

Day 1.

"Sharp." A voice called, disturbing the deep slumber Sharp was in. "Sharp come on, we're nearly there." Pin Point shook his friend a little, getting Sharp to groan as he slowly opened his eyes. The sight that greeted him was unfamiliar, unlike normal, he hadn't woken up in his own comfortable bed, no, he was sitting in a passenger car of a train taking him to his new home.

He, along with Pin Point, had boarded the train early in the morning, and after 8 hours they were finally arriving in the town of Greenfield. It was here that they, along with other ponies from all over Equestria, would be trained at the newly constructed army camp.

Some of the ponies traveling with them had come all the way from Canterlot or Manehatten. There were very few pegasi with them, but most of them wanted to serve in the air force where they could do more good.

Groaning, Sharp rubbed his eye and looked out the window. Indeed they were coming to a town, more and more buildings passed them, and he could feel how the train slowed down. The mood was high, everypony, being male or female, all chatted and prepared themselves for what was to come.

Pin smirked. "You nervous?"

"Yeah, who wouldn't be?" Sharp asked, then looked at Pin's smirking face. "Except for you I mean."

Pin chuckled. "We'll be fine, don't worry about it. Some yelling and running might do us good anyway." The platforms of the station came into view, and the first ponies they spotted were some angry looking stallions in uniforms. "Here we go," Pin smirked and nudged Sharp.

The train slowed down even more, but even before it fully stopped, the stallions outside started to yell, trotting up and down the platform, banging their hooves on the side of the cars, yelling at the ponies to hurry up and get out.

"Come on, hurry up!"

"Everypony out!"

"Move it!"

That made everypony inside the train scramble, trying to get their bags, while trying to hurry out. It was total chaos as everypony tried to be fast, but at the same time trying to avoid others who were looking for their luggage. Those who made it out fast were not praised, but instead ordered to stand still, and as more ponies came out they started to form lines.

"Faster!"

One stallion got out, but he tripped along with two other ponies. The corporal was over them instantly. "Come on get up! Get up! Where's your bag?!"

"Uhm, I, uhm, I don't know?"

"What do you mean you don't know?! Come on, find it find it find it!!"

It was total chaos, ponies who had never ever moved so fast in their lives were suddenly being yelled at, ordered around, barked at by these muscle heads with great booming voices. Pin was having fun, while Sharp felt nervous and prayed to Celestia he would not be spotted.

Finally after about 6 minutes of chaos, everypony was finally assembled into four ranks. The corporals had stopped yelling and there was a dead silence across the platform, only the sounds of the train broke that silence. After a while, one of the corporals spoke up.

"Right, we are going to escort you to Greenfield Army Camp. You will keep up, you will not go around town, you will not stop, you are in the army now, you belong to us. If you have not taken a piss before you got off, then too bad, you are not to stop or walk away before we tell you to."

There was a pause, everypony stood still, nopony daring to move an inch. After about 30 seconds, the corporal yelled a command. "Right turn!" Ponies turned right, trying their best to make it look like they were professional soldiers already, but it was all an undisciplined shuffle of hooves with no timing or style, some even turned left.

"Let's move!" The crowd of ponies started to trot, escorted by the corporals. Down the streets they went, passing stores, homes and onlookers alike. Some foals walked with them, but still held a certain distance so the corporals would not chase them away.

They were not even in uniform yet, but as stallions passed mares on the street, they couldn't help themselves but to puff out their chest and stand a bit taller. Sharp simply felt his cheeks burn as they passed a group of mares eyeing them. Pin found it funny and nudged Sharp a little, making them both chuckle.

Finally the base came into view, and they passed the gate, and the gate guard who saluted them all as they passed him. Sharp and the others were not the only ones here, all around the parade square they were other ponies who had either just arrived, or had been here for some time. The whole square was alive with activity, commands being yelled out, marches, beatings. If Sharp had any illusions that this was going to be a walk in the park, then they vanished right at that instance.

They were stopped, and one by one the corporals called their names so they could be divided into their sections, led by a very angry looking sergeant. He trotted back and forth, looking every recruit in the eyes, inspecting them from hoof to ears. No one dared to speak or whisper, the glare from the sergeant made sure of that.

Sharp did his best to stand still, but when he felt an itch he reached up with his hoof to scratch it, instantly the sergeant was over him. "WHY ARE YOU MOVING?!" He yelled. "Don't move!"

Pin smirked and couldn't help but snort in amusement, the sergeant was on him in a blink of an eye. "You, get down! Get down now! Give me 10 you little shit, come on!"

When everypony was finally assembled into a full platoon of 40 ponies, the sergeant stood with his corporal, looking over them all and started to address them. "Now settle down and listen in! Pin your ears back, and engage that gray blob in your skull. You are all now, from this moment forward, members of the Equestrian Peace Corps!" He noticed one of them giggling and he was on him right away.

"You!" No one answered. "YOU! Get out here!" The pony who had giggled looked to the booming sergeant, then pointed to himself as if to ask if he meant him. "Who else do you think I'm bloody talking to? You look like something has been stuffed up your ass and bent in half, now stand over here, and turn to face that way!" The recruit did so, still smiling a little as he stood and faced the platoon. "What's your name lad?"

"Night Haze."

"What?!"

"Night Haze!"

"Night Haze what?!"

"Sarge!"

"Sarge?! How many times do I have to say to new recruits that I am not a sarge?!"

"B-but what ar-"

"Shut up! Shut, up!" He took a deep breath before continuing. "There are sages in this army, surSARGE, maSARGE! And if you ever call me one of those, I'll stick a rifle right up your paSARGE, lad! Do you understand!? That will straighten your spinal cord out, if you bloody well got one! Now get back in there you equine question mark!"

If there was any doubt about who was in charge, they vanished right in that instance. The next thing that happened was the corporals taking them to get their welcome pack, which consisted of a hard foam mattress, course cotton sheets and basic eating utensils.

Other than their own belongings, which were few, they also had to carry the sheets, utensils, and the foam mattress all at once. Their mugs were placed on top of the mattress, which made it easy for them to fall off and land on the floor, which they often did, the corporals were on them straight away.

"Where's your mug?"

"O-on the floor corporal."

"What's it doing on the floor? Where? Where is it? Why can't I see it?"

"I-it landed on the floor and rolled-"

"Where? Where is it?! WHERE IS IT!? GET ON THE FLOOR AND FIND IT!! Get down there and find it!" The stallion put down everything and started to get down to the floor, looking for the mug among the crowd of ponies trying to balance their stuff and get out without dropping anything. When the mug was found the stallion stood up, showing the mug to the corporal, who promptly took it and threw it out of the window. "Don't, drop, your mug!"

"Yes corporal!"

It took time, but soon enough the sections were gathered outside, all carrying more than they could balance, still they tried. "On the word go we want you to run to the barracks and get to your rooms, five ponies per room. If you drop anything it's mine. Do you understand?"

"Yes corporal!"

"Standby!" The two sections of ponies mentally prepared, ready to sprint for their lives while still hoping to get everything they had to the barracks in one piece. "GO!" The chaos began, two sections, 40 ponies all at once started to run, which was near impossible without dropping something.

The two corporals followed them, picking on whoever dropped something or were moving to slow for their liking. "Move! Come on, move your fat flanks!" Whenever ponies dropped something, being a blanket or mug, they would attempt to pick it up, but the corporals simply ordered them to move. "Leave it! Keep moving!"

Sharp did his best, trying to hold everything at once, balancing what he had on his back and still keeping his mug in his mouth. They all ran through the doors, Sharp stood back along with a few others as most tried to squeeze through the door at once, making the scene more chaotic.

The yelling kept going even as they entered. "Stand by the walls!" The corporals yelled out, stopping those ponies who were just about, or had gone into the rooms. When every pony was lined up alongside the wall, the corporals stood at each end of the hallway, only one spoke.

"Those of you who dropped something take one step forward." Those who had, did, which was many. Sharp had been lucky, Pin, not so much. The corporal nodded. "You ungrateful shit heads, those things were gracefully given to you by the crown, and you have the balls to drop them!? Get outside and wait for orders! Move!" The hallway lit up with life again, ponies tried to run out again, some leaving their stuff, others taking it with them. "Leave it!"

The corporal left with those who had exited the building, leaving the remaining ponies with the second corporal. When the hallway was completely silent, the corporal spoke. "Right, get inside, unpack, make your beds. You have about 35 minutes before we come back, so get busy." With that the corporal left the many recruits to themselves, which caused them all to exhale and sigh.

Some started to chuckle and laugh, a few complaining about the treatment, but mostly the mood was good. Sharp let out a relieved sigh, he had survived the first two hours of his stay here, only two years to go.

He stepped through the door, seeing his three new roommates were already readying their beds. Pin was also sleeping in this room, but who knew when he'd be back. The three ponies noticed him enter, but only one kept looking at him with a friendly smile.

There were three of them, a unicorn with a white coat and a silver mane and tail, his cutie mark was a metal grey shield with a silver star on it. He barely looked at Sharp, when he did it was only with a look of disdain.

The second one was an earth pony, he had a green coat and ginger mane and tail. His cutie mark was a four leaf clover floating in a glass that Sharp could only assume was filled with beer. He looked annoyed, grumpy, and he didn't seem to care about Sharp one way or the other.

The last one, the one who was smiling at him, was a massive zebra. He was tall, muscular, looked like he could break down the wall if he wanted. His cutie mark was not something he could decipher, it looked like waves of some kind, maybe a river? In any case, it wasn't something Sharp could tell. The zebra stepped forward, spoke to him in a friendly, but deep voice.

"Hey there, name's Zandre," he said and stuck his hoof out, which, after Sharp put down everything, returned.

"Sharp Shooter." Sharp replied, moving over to the last bunk bed and started to get his bunk ready.

Zandre went back to his own bunk, but he didn't stop his conversation. "So where're you from?"

"Trottingham, you?"

"New Colt City." Zandre said, pulling the linen over the mattress.

Sharp looked at him, surprised. "Manehatten?"

Zandre smirked, looking back at Sharp and winked. "My mama is from Equestria, I've lived here all my life."

"O-oh." Sharp blushed a little, now that he mentioned it, he couldn't detect any accent. "Sorry..."

Zandre simply laughed, trotted over and put his big hoove around Sharp, pulling him into half a hug. "Don't be sorry, it's a common mistake!" He laughed, making Sharp blush more, but still smile as Zandre made no big deal about the mistake and even found it amusing. Zebras were rare in Equestria, not that they weren't welcome, but Zebras preferred their own nation, the large open savannas, and the climate.

The white unicorn cleared his throat, gaining both their attention. "If you two are quite done fooling around, then let me remind you both we only have 35 minutes to get our room in order." His accent was all high and mighty, so it was not hard to figure out where he was from.

"You from Canterlot?" Sharp asked, which simply earned him a snort.

"How very well deduced, I'm shocked you're not already an officer."

Sharp frowned, but before he could reply, the last pony spoke up. Like the unicorn he had a thick accent as well, but it was nowhere near as refined or snobbish. It was clear he came from the Highlands to the far north, they loved potatoes, pints and fighting. Though that was just a stereotype, like most of them were green and had ginger manes, well, if that was a stereotype then this stallion embodied everything about it.

"How’s the weather up there in your ivory tower?" He asked, smirking as he was putting up a small poster inside his locker.

Sharp noticed it, so did Zandre, and they both trotted over to get a better look? “Who is that?" Sharp asked, having to admit the mare unicorn on the poster was beautiful, and alluring the way she was posed.

The pony stood up a bit taller and smirked. "This lads, this is Fleur de Lis~." He said, purring as he spoke her name. "The most beautiful mare in all Equestria."

They all looked at her beautiful.... Eyes... Colts will be colts after all, and the pony seemed the most proud of it, like he had brought a lucky charm. "She will get me through the worst of times." Chuckling he turned to the two of them and stuck out his hoof. "Name's Clover Hoof."

Sharp and Zandre introduced themselves before turning to the unicorn again. "And what about you then?" Zandre asked. "By what name may we address you?"

The unicorn let out a long and annoyed sigh before turning to them. "You may address me as Silver Star." He looked to the poster behind them and scoffed once again. "I have met Fleur, trust me when I say she will have no interest in ruffians like yourself."

Clover glared. "Shut it dickhead, you don't know anything."

The door suddenly opened and an exhausted Pin Point trotted in. "By the sun, he's merciless.."

Sharp hurried over and helped him get his stuff to his bunk without dropping it. "You okay?"

Pin nodded. "Yeah, been better, but I'm okay. Missed anything good?"

"Well, these are our roommates." Sharp said, gesturing towards the three ponies.

Zandre smiled. "Hello, I'm Zandre."

"Clover Hoof, good to see ya laddie."

Silver sighed and returned to his bunk to finish. "Silver Star."

"Pin Point." Pin greeted and sent them all a nod, he then looked back at Sharp and grinned. "So? We're finally here!"

"Yeah, but are you sure this was a good idea?" Sharp asked, looking a bit worried as he returned to getting his bunk ready. "I mean, we haven't even been here for a day and my body is already arching." Sharp was well aware it was his body getting used to all of this, some of his muscles had either almost never been used, or been used in the manner they were being used now.

Pin smirked. "That's the old Sharp talking. Remember, this is an adventure, no one said adventures were supposed to be easy." Pin nudged his friend. "Don't worry, we'll get used to it, and soon enough it will be second nature."

Sighing, Sharp nodded. "You're right, sorry, just.. Never been so far away from home before."

"Wanna go back?"

Sharp didn't need to think about it for very long. "No."

It wasn't like there was anything for him to go back to. If he did, his father would have him work harder than he had ever done before, burn his books, make life a living hell before he was back in his good graces. He was a strict and bitter stallion, and Sharp refused to go back to that sort of life.

Pin smiled, patted his old friend on the shoulder. "Good, I'd hate getting all the glory to myself."

Sharp let out a dry chuckle, getting back to work while he mentally scolded himself. He couldn't keep second guessing his decision. He was here now, he had decided to go, he had signed a contract, there was no way out, and he needed to come to terms with the consequences of his decisions.

He needed to take a page out of Pin's book and simply go with it, he was in the army now, no way around it now.

Day 2.

"Gentlecolts, mares." They all stood on the parade grounds, the whole platoons, 40 ponies, all in their new uniforms. "Now what you are wearing is the best the crown has to offer you. What you are wearing is an honor, an honor I tell you, and you will be grateful, am I right?"

"Yes sergeant!"

"Now, other than your helmet, your boots are your most important part of the uniform." The sergeant gestured to his own. "These here are enchanted with the ability to allow you to walk without any problems on your hind legs and hind legs only. This is important for when you are out on the battlefield or on patrol."

One of the corporals stood up without trouble, walking back and forth on his hind legs to demonstrate. The sergeant continued to explain. "Your boots are meant to giver you greater mobility on the field, and help you handle your rifle better."

The corporal got the rifle, started to walk around, muzzle pointed down. "Kneeling position is important, it gives you a better handle on your weapon when firing." The corporal got down on one knee and took aim at an imaginary enemy. "A kneeling position will also make you a smaller target if you are not on the ground. During patrol you will have to kneel down when you stop in certain areas, this will make you harder to hit, and make you able to use your rifle faster. Thank you corporal."

He got back down on all fours and trotted away. Sharp was not sure how this was all gonna work, but he was not about to question him, he was too young to die after all. The sergeant gave them all a hard glare, then yelled out. "Well?! What are you waiting for, stand up!" There was hesitation, and some started to try, but it didn't go fast enough. "Come on, get a move on before I'll have you all beasted!"

Ponies started to move, trying to stand on two legs, which looked easier than it actually was. Most fell back on the rump, others to the side, very few managed to stand up more than five to ten seconds. Sharp gritted his teeth, it was not as much physical hard as it was difficult to balance, he along with his roommates fell on their asses more than once.

The corporals didn't yell out insults, instead they went around and gave tips on how to stand, how to balance and how to walk. It was a strange experience to say the least. When the entire platoon were finally up on their hind legs, the sergeant smirked. "Well done lads and lasses, but that's only part one. Let's turn up the heat a little, right turn!"

They had minimum drills this morning, but now doing the drills on two legs was something different. Ponies started falling, some turned left, others tried to turn without losing balance, sad to say, the entire platoon looked like a bunch of clowns.

"We'll keep practicing this until you get this, is that understood?!"

"Yes sergeant!"

Day 8.

"Come on, move your flanks!"

It had been over a week, each day felt more painful than the day before. Of course there was a sense of accomplishment at the end, but once again Sharp felt he was behind the entire platoon.

They were all running, this time with their entire kit and even their MP-99 Equestrian Rifle, a weapon they had not tried to fire yet, but had to get used to moving with. Not only were they wearing all their kit, not only were they running at a time where the humidity was awfully high, but they also had to run on their hind legs, something many still had trouble doing.

The heat was unbearable, which made them all pant and sweat like they had never done before. Sharp felt his uniform becoming gross and soaking, his mane was sticky and wet, sticking to his forehead. He was no longer sure if he was running with his platoon, or behind them. The echoes of the shouts from the sergeant seemed to become fainter, the whole world started to spin, and before he knew it, Sharp landed on the ground.

He didn't black out, but it was like the world around him was not as it seemed. His eyes saw it as it was, but it was like his mind could not comprehend it all. He felt like vomiting, if he did so he had no idea. Some pony ran up to him, though who exactly it was Sharp could not tell.

Speaking seemed like a good option at the time, but it came out as nonsensical sounds. The blurry outlines of the pony became multiple shapes, all moving around him. Sharp tried to move, but something held on to him, something heavy that pressed down on him. Sharp didn't like the feeling, he yelled, he moved, but the world around him faded until finally he passed out.

It wasn't clear how long he had been out of it, but when Sharp finally opened his eyes he felt like a broken down wall. His eyes scanned his surroundings, he was inside, infirmary it seemed. He still smelled of sweat, so he had probably not been here for that long.

Before he had a chance to get up, a deep voice spoke. "Welcome back to the world of the living." Sharp knew that voice, and instantly by reflex he tried to sit up and salute, but a strong hoof held him down. "Easy son." It was the sergeant, sitting on the chair next to his bed.

Sharp relaxed, looked around, then back at the sergeant. Much to Sharp embarrassment, he had forgotten the sergeant's name. Ponies in the platoon simply referred to him as the cannibal and had this love hate and respect relationship with him.

"What happened..?" Sharp asked.

"Heatstroke." The sergeant replied. "We got you here as soon as we could."

It wasn't what Sharp wanted to hear, not that any explanation would soften the blow of being embarrassed in front of the entire platoon. As if sensing his frustrations, the sergeant decided to give him some encouragement.

"Sharp, do you know why I'm such a hard ass on you?"

"To make us better?" Sharp said, thinking it was logical.

"Partly, but I have to break you all down so I can build you up again, brick by brick. You don't just put on a uniform, it is not just about being able to give me one hundred push ups if I ordered you to, it's just as much about mental strength." He pointed a hoof to Sharp's head. "Everything you need to be a good soldier is up there, it's all in your head."

"But I'm just, I'm just not a very good recruit. I keep falling behind." Sharp sighed.

"So? The fact is you kept working until you collapsed, which reminds me to tell you to listen to the signals your body is giving you. You have a canteen filled with cool water for a reason." The sergeant chuckled. "You're not the first to try their best and fall down, the trick is simply to get up. All in your head Sharp." Sighing, the sergeant got up and put back on his beret. "You rest up now lad, your mates are here to see you."

Nodding, Sharp felt a bit better after the accident. As soon as the sergeant left, his roommates came in, looking relieved to see Sharp awake. Pin Point, Zandre, Clover Hoof, and even stuck up Silver Star.

"Good to see you awake Sharp," Pin said as a greeting, sitting down on the bed next to Sharp.

"You had us worried," Zandre continued.

Clover smirked. "Silver ass was the first one with you."

Silver Star let out a sigh and shook his head. "I was merely doing my duty, you imbecile." Silver Star replied, looking to Sharp. "How are you feeling?"

"Exhausted, and I'm thirsty." Sharp couldn't help but find the display of his friends amusing. Silver Star still acted like an arrogant prick at times, but he was slowly opening up to them little by little, even if him and Clover couldn't stand one another.

"Well, you and me both." Clover replied and sighed, getting a glass of water, another thing he hated. "Here you are mate."

Sharp gladly accepted the glass with water as it was offered, he downed everything and let out a satisfied sigh. "Thanks."

Clover then turned to Silver. "And I have no idea what imbe-something means, but I'll assume it's a compliment!"

Silver shook his head. "I need a drink.."

"Water?" Zandre offered and held a glass out to him.

There was a moment of silence in the group, then Sharp started to laugh, shortly followed by Pin, and soon enough they all started to laugh, even Silver. Even if Sharp didn't have the confidence he wanted yet, he was still happy that he and his group was getting closer, so far, it made it all worth it.

Day 10.

Shots rang out one by one, there was little to no sounds other than the rifles shooting. The corporals walked up and down the line as the many recruits practiced their shooting for the first time. Sharp was still waiting in line, Pin was right behind him, smirking.

"Come on Sharp, you got this." He whispered.

"I hope so, I've never tried shooting one of these things." Sharp whispered back, which made Pin groan.

"It's in your name, and marked on your ass by the way, I think you got this." Pin chuckled, which made some of the others chuckle as well. "It's your turn to shine."

"No pressure then.." Sharp mumbled just as his name was called.

"Sharp Shooter, you're next."

"Yes corporal!" Sharp hurried over to the position, got down on his stomach and got his rifle.

The corporal leaned down, handing him five rounds. "Okay Sharp, hit the target when I tell you to. I don't expect you to do perfectly the first time, it's just to help you get used to the weapon." Sharp only listened with half an ear, he loaded the rifle, took aim, and waited for the word of command. The corporal put up his binoculars. "Fire."

Sharp took in a deep breath, then slowly let it out as he squeezed the trigger just the right way.

BANG!

Sharp didn't wait for the result, he pulled the bolt up, then back, letting the empty cartridge out before putting the bolt back, letting the new bullet into its place, ready to fire once again. All of that happened in less than a second, when he was ready the corporal looked at Sharp with impressed eyes.

"Dead center, nice shot."

"Thank you corporal." The others around had seen it, some just stood in awe, those who knew Sharp, like his roommates smirked and cheered a bit, well, at least until the sergeant walked over and demanded silence on the firing line.

"Fire."

BANG!

"Hit, dead center. Again, fire."

BANG!

"Shit. Hit, dead center. Again, fire."

BANG!

By now every pony there was watching, not to mention taking bets. Of course, those who took bets against Sharp had no idea about his cutie mark, which meant Pin would make a nice amount of bits by the end of this.

BANG!

There was silence, every pony waited for the result. Sharp already knew it as he pulled back the bolt, letting the empty cartridge out. The corporal slowly lowered his binoculars, looked to Sharp who simply looked ahead.

"Hit.. Dead center.."

Day 14.

It was evening time, Sharp and his roommates all enjoyed some card games and some stories within their room. Despite the rough start, Silver Star was just as much part of the group as Sharp was. Though he and Clover, nicknamed Ginger, were still at odds with one another from time to time, the group's bonds were strong.

Zandre placed his cards, grinning. "Good luck next time kids." They all groaned, tossing the cards at the makeshift table they had made in the middle of the room. Zandre was the oldest of them, maybe also the most mature. He had a wife, even a foal. His reasons for being there were more in line with the newsreels, he wanted to make a difference, fight the good fight and protect the innocent. He was certainly an idealist, something Sharp could relate to in some ways.

Clover had more simple reasons for being there, he did not claim he had any big dreams or ideals he needed to uphold. He was there for the simplest reason of all, money. The Highlands to the north were harsh, good places to grow potatoes, to make good whiskey, but there was much poverty there, and they lived very divided into an old class system. Clover didn't complain though, he looked for a job, and the army just happened to have one, simple as that.

Zandre and Clover worked well together, so well in fact they had been chosen to operate the machine gun. Zandre would be the one carrying the machine gun, while Clover would be the helper, carrying more clips, the tripod, not to mention his own weapon. Both of them were used to hard work, so it didn't bother them. Sharp noted however it would probably be better to have three ponies operate the machine gun, allowing them to move faster and divide the workload more equally. Still, it wasn't up to him.

Silver Star, a unicorn from Canterlot, son of an aristocrat, no surprise there. What was surprising however was his ambition to become a royal guard. He had tried once, but failed, he was then told his only way to get accepted was to join the army, or the peace corps, which was probably going to be the standard army soon enough. Silver acted worse than he was, Sharp thought, sure he could be all high and mighty, but he did give helpful tips, advice and helped where he could. He was far from lazy, something Pin and Clover had expected him to be.

Interestingly enough, Silver Star was to be a medic, which meant if any of them got hurt, he would be the one putting them back together. Sharp and Pin on the other hoof were going to be simple rifle ponies, but they wouldn't be alone, they had their section and their platoon, which meant they all had a part to play, everypony from machine guns, rifles and medics, not to mention radio operators, artillery, supplies, and of course the new and terrifying beasts known as tanks.

It was all very foreign to them all, Sharp was not even sure how to feel, it was like the world was suddenly spinning faster. Everything he knew replaced by something newer, spears replaced by rifles, cannons replaced by artillery and tanks. The world was changing, and Sharp felt like he was right in the middle of it all.

"Sharp." Pin called, earning him his attention. "Ready for another round?"

Sharp nodded. "Sure."

Before they could deal out the cards again, the door went up and in walked a corporal, making all of them stand up at attention. The corporal gave them a nod, making them all relax. "Evening, I have some letters." He reached into a saddle back and got them out. "Zandre, Clover Hoof, Silver Star, Pin Point." As he listed the names he hoofed them the letters, turning and left Sharp as the only one who didn't get a letter.

It was the second time he hadn't got any, and the others knew it. Only Pin knew the intimate details of his father disowning him, but the others knew enough to see it hurt Sharp to not get at least one letter. Even so, he refused to let his situation bring the others down, and so turned to them and smiled.

"So, what did you get?" He asked, taking a deep breath to calm himself down and keep whatever emotions he had hidden. He didn't want his friends to worry, even though it was quite clear they would do so either way.

Zandre sighed and then played along, smiling a bit. "It's from my wife and daughter." He sat down, opened up the letter, so did the others and the room became silent. Sharp didn't want to disturb, so he sat down, shuffling the cards in silence.

Day 25.

"Drink drink drink drink!"

The mood was good, it was that time again when the recruits from Greenfield could go out and blow off some steam. Most chose to go out drinking, they of course still had to be in uniform and behave themselves, but that didn't stop them from going out to party, get drunk, and of course for some, get laid.

Sharp and his friends had gone to the local pub, it was the place they came every time they had time off. Like with so many others, if you wanted a place to feel at home, then this was the place.

Sharp downed the last bit of his beer before he let out a breath. "Ahh, that hit the spot."

Pin laughed and patted him on the shoulder. "Hey, look over there." Sharp turned his head towards the bar, and of course, there sat a group of mares, but not just any mares, pegasi from the air force. Pin had always had a thing for pegasi, not to mention they looked cute in their uniforms, a fact Sharp could not deny. "I think I'm in love."

"Which one?" Sharp asked his friend, smirking a bit as he looked to his empty glass.

"Does it matter?"

Sharp snorted, looking back at him. "Pretty sure it does since you're in love."

"Now they are tasty." Clover cut in, looking at their direction.

Silver rolled her eyes. "Thought you were in love with Fleur?"

"Can it." Clover replied sharply, smirking as he looked over the mares. "They are tasty."

"Well, you guys have fun, I'm off the market, so, I'm going to play some darts." Zandre said before he stood up and left. Silver Star had no interest either, so he stood right up and joined Zandre.

Pin smirked, looked at both Sharp and Clover. "So, you guys in?"

"I'm with you brother." Clover confirmed, but Sharp was a little more apprehensive.

"I'm not really sure, I'm not good with-" before he could even finish Pin pulled him up from his seat and dragged him towards the mares. "G-guys, come on, I'm not good at these kinds of things."

Pin laughed. "Only because you haven't had enough to drink and the right wing pony at your side." They made it up there, Pin was of course closest, Clover right behind him, and behind Clover was Sharp, trying his best not to be the focus of this attempt. "Hey ladies."

The three mares turned, looking at the stallions that had approached them. "Can we help you?" The one closest to Pin asked with a small grin, the other two giggled.

"Well, I don't know if you've heard, but we might be going to war soon." Pin said, making his voice playfully dramatic. "Might be the last chance for us to meet that special somepony."

The Pegasus chuckled. "You might not have noticed." She said, gesturing to their uniforms with her wing. "But we might be going to war too."

"All the more reason for us to use the time we have left." Clover cut in, while Sharp felt like an idiot, at least until the mares started to giggle some more and seemed at least polite enough to give them a shot.

"Well, we just have to see how good company you boys are." The mare smirked and turned towards the bar.

Pin smirked right back and turned as well. "Can we get some drinks over here?"

Sharp was surprised that worked, but he never had the skills Pin had. He was always better with the mares, since there were three of them, then maybe that would mean tonight was the night he could break out of his shell? Well just as they were about to get to drinking and get to know each other better, a group of fine light blue uniformed stallions turned up.

"Why don't you amateurs move over and make way for some real soldiers." They pushed Sharp and his friends to the side, looking at the mares who frankly did not look impressed. "How about some time with some real heroes?"

The style of uniform, the insignia, these were royal guard cadets. "Excuse us, we were having a good time with these gentlecolts, would you mind?" One of the mares said, but the stallions were already half drunk and hardly cared.

"Aww, come on, why not spend some time with us? We are the elite.." The stallion insisted, once again, failing to impress any of the mares.

Pin spoke up. "Hey, why don't you take your spears and show them off elsewhere, this place is for ponies who wanna fight, not just look good in uniform."

The stallions turned to him. "What did you say?"

"He said you look like shiny pricks." Clover put in. "Now fuck off."

The tension rose, but none of them spoke, instead the two groups of stallions just stared at one another. Then, one of the cadets smiled. "Sure, we'll leave you to it then." Sharp and the others relaxed a little, but before he turned away he swung his hoof, punching Pin so he fell to the floor. "But not before we teach you not to lecture your better-ARgh!" Before he could even finish that sentence Clover was tackling him to the floor.

"Clover!" Sharp called, but Pin tapped Sharp, making him look down at him.

"Avenge me.."

Sharp frowned. "What?"

SMACK!

A second cadet launched at Sharp, giving him a slap across his muzzle before they tumbled to the ground. At this point of course they had attracted the attention of every cadet and recruit in the pub, which of course escalated to a full on brawl.

Landing beside Pin, the two friends looked at each other, then back up at the cadets. Without speaking they kicked the legs of the cadets, making them fall down, giving themselves time to get up and tackle them. Sharp had not been in a fight since school, and even then he was losing. Now he had been trained, he was side by side with his friends, but most importantly, he was kicking their royal guard asses!

Day 26.

"So, gentlecolts. I hope you had a good time in town." Sharp, Pin and Clover stood at attention in the most dangerous place in the entire camp, Captain Fairfax's office. He was the highest authority on this camp, and he would decide what consequences their actions would have.

None of them was stupid enough to answer him, all three of them had small injuries from the fight, nothing serious or scarring. The captain looked at the report in front of him, read a few lines, then leaned back in his chair and looked at all three of them.

"You are wearing the uniform of the crown, we have to maintain a good relationship with the locals, and then you go ahead and do this. What in Celestia's name were you thinking?" His voice was calm, but it had an edge to it.

Pin tried to answer. "Sir, those pricks started by punching me after we defen-"

"I don't care." Fairfax replied. "You were involved in a fight with cadets of the royal guards, now I have to send a report to Canterlot, explaining why three of their cadets will return with bruises." Looking to their sergeant he asked. "And what is your opinion sergeant?"

The sergeant thought for a moment, then shrugged. "Well sir, I'm trying to teach my lads how to act like gentlecolts and fight like lions, I'd say they defended the honor of those lasses and kicked some ass. If you ask me sir, I'd say they are starting to look like soldiers."

Sharp and the other two smiled a little. "Stop smiling." Fairfax ordered, but looking at him, Sharp could tell Fairfax was trying hard not to smile himself. "You three will be on kitchen duty for the rest of the week, and I'll deduct two days’ pay." They were disappointed, but knew full well they had gotten off the hook easily. "Hope it was worth it gentlecolts."

Pin was the one to answer, again. "Well I got a mare's number and name after the fight sir, I'd say it made it worth it."

Sharp and Clover had to bite their tongues in order not to laugh, and despite his stoic expression, Captain Fairfax smiled slightly. "Sergeant."

"Sir?"

"Escort these recruits out please."

"Sir!" The sergeant turned to them and yelled out. "Left turn! Quick march! Left, right, left, right!"

Day 42.

The bands had been playing, friends and families had gathered to see them. The speech the captain had delivered was uplifting, it had filled them all with hope, and yet, as Sharp stood there alone, amongst the crowd of uniformed ponies saying farewell, he felt more alone than he ever had before.

Soon he would have to go up the ramp to the massive steel ship that would transport him and his friends to Saddle Arabia, but still, no one had come to see him off. He had sent letters, but never gotten a reply. He had figured his dad would not show, but his mother, his sister, that had been unexpected. His mom had made him promise to write to them, a promise he had kept, but he had never heard back from them.

All of his friends had family come to wish them good luck. Zandre stood with his wife and daughter, Silver Star stood with his parents, even Clover stood and smoked with an elderly stallion that had to be his father. Pin Point also stood with his parents, and although he knew they would wish him good luck, they were here for their son, as it should be.

He mostly had a mind to simply board the ship and just wait for his friends onboard, but before he could make up his mind, Pin trotted over and patted him on shoulder. "Hey, I'm sorry."

Sharp knew what he meant, but there was nothing to do about it. "It's fine, I expected this from my dad, but.." He trailed off. "Never mind, let's just get onboard."

Pin nodded, and just as they were about to trot over to their friends, a voice called out. "SHARP!"

Both of them turned to see a mare run out of the crowd and towards them. It was Sharp's little sister, a sight that made Sharp happier than he had expected. Pin smiled and nudged him. "I'll be with the others."

Sharp simply nodded absently and took a few steps forward. He bare got four steps before the mare embraced him. Sharp hugged her back, smiling. "You came.."

Pulling away she smiled. "Of course I did, I'm sorry.. But, things haven't exactly been easy since you left.."

"What do you mean?" Sharp asked, frowning.

"Well you know dad, grumpy as ever, but.. He is letting his anger out on customers, he isn't really doing well Sharp. If it continues, we may even lose the shop." Sharp could see his sister didn't like this conversation, she even seemed guilty somehow.

His gut was hurting, and he figured it had something to do with his dad. "What's going on?"

Finally, she relented. Taking a deep breath, his little sister gathered courage and spoke the truth. "Dad is sick, and mom can't take care of him and the store at the same time. I had to pitch in, but I still have school, so.. We.."

"You came to ask for money?" Sharp asked flatly, he didn't mean to sound like it, but he had hoped this could just be her saying goodbye, not about their father, again.

"No, I mean yes, but it's not like that Sharp!" She said, her voice trembling.

Sharp shook his head. "Hey, it's fine.. You don't even need to ask."

"So you'll help?"

"Family first, I can't do anything right now, but I will figure something out.." Sharp said, looking at her. As much as he didn't like his father, or hated the store, it was not fair for his family to be punished. He had no idea it was going so badly at home, but he could help just until they got everything back up.

"Sharp! Get a move on!" The sergeant called over as most of the newly trained troops were boarding the ship, waving goodbye to their loved ones.

Sharp's sister wiped away a tear. "I wish you could stay.."

"I'm sorry.." Sharp leaned in and hugged her. "I'll write as soon as I get over there, say hey to mom for me."

"I will.." The two held each other for as long as possible. It was not until the sergeant yelled out one final time that Sharp let go. "Take care of yourself, and come back home!"

Sharp waved as he half ran to the ramp. "I will.. I love you!"

"I love you too!" She called back, crying as she watched her brother vanish into the steel structure.

By the time Sharp got inside he could already feel the vibrations of the engines coming from deep within the ship. He hurried down the halls and up the stairs, his friends trying to keep up. When Sharp came up on deck and ran to the railing, the ship was already moving away from the port.

Quickly he looked around, and either by fate or by luck he spotted his sister, waving at him with a smile. He smiled back and started waving, not sure if she could see him or not.

The ship moved out the seas, and farther the ship sailed, the more ponies left the railing and went back inside. Sharp on the other hoof choose to stay outside. He kept looking at the shores of Equestria, which was getting smaller with every passing minute.

His friends had gone below, leaving him with his thoughts. Despite spending six weeks in basic training, it hadn't really hit him yet. It was only now that he stood here on the deck of the ship it really, truly hit him.

He was going to war...