"Still haven't heard anything about Rain," the old grey griffon asked.
"I never knew that you'd look like a proper gent in your dress blues sarge," Canasta replied, avoiding eye contact with a subtle smile on her face.
"Quit dodging the question, where is she?"
BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM
Another volley of fireworks lit up the sky, dashing it with shades of gold and crimson.
"How's your wife," Canasta asking, eyes wide with wonder as she gazed up at the sky.
The crowds roared, cheered and stomped in approval, almost drowning out her question.
"She's fine, but I don't know for how long," the sergeant replied, deciding to indulge the small mare
"Look, I don't know what you-"
"Has she ever made a promise to you," Canasta asked, bulldozing the sergeant's attempt to speak.
"Yes," he replied.
"She's always honored her promises, hasn't she?"
"Yes, but I-"
"Then I know that Rain will be back. It's like you said, she's a strong, reliable mare. Like your wife," Canasta replied, taking on a clearly forced smile.
"Canasta, I-"
Before he could talk a familiar goul appeared.
"I got a letter for Canasta Cardshuffel," Ditzy Doo said, proudly presenting the letter to Canasta.
Canasta grabbed it in her telekinesis, reading the envelope.
"It's from Rain," she said softly.
"Look. I got that letter from a PCPD officer leaving a riot. Something bad happened, so be careful about reading that letter, or you could crack," Derpy said with genuine concern.
Canasta didn't miss a beat. She took the letter and ran, through the celebrating ponies, griffons, and demon dogs until she got home, slamming and locking the door.
"What was that about," Roseluck asked from the living room.
"I finally got a letter from Rain!"
Roseluck stood up, walking into the dining room.
"C'mon, let's see what it has to say," she said, grabbing a seat at the kitchen table.
Canasta sat beside her and Roseluck took a closer look at the envelope.
"This is from two weeks ago," Roseluck said.
"I don't care, let's see what it says!"
*
Three Weeks Earlier
I found myself back on the battlefield once more. The spray from the heavy rain made me shiver and as my overcoat grew heavy with the weight of water, I looked down the range as my squad crept through the streets in a wedge formation.
"Keep your eyes open, there's still plenty of Steel Rangers looking to wipe us out," the team leader said.
Something didn't feel right. It was quiet and we were in a fairly confined area.
"Ma'am, I got a bad feeling about this area," I said to the lieutenant.
"Shut up and keep moving," she said.
"She's not wrong," the SAW gunner said.
"Not you too Muzzle Break," she said, annoyance plaguing her tone.
"This is an alleyway with no cover ma'am, there's gotta be a better-"
WRRRR RATATATATATATATAT
A minigun erupted from the front, connected to an armor clad pony, intent on shredding us. He killed the grenadier in the first volley, nearly taking the SAW gunner as well. We dove into a stairwell to a mostly collapsed appartment complex. My leg hurt a lot.
"What was that! I thought you were the hero of Horsigan, but you ran like a coward," the lieutenant screamed, grabbing the collar of my coat.
"Are you fucking kidding me! That's a 5mm minigun!"
"I don't give a shit, you get the fuck out there and charge the enemy!"
"Ma'am, she's injured, we should just radio Bravo team to flank instead of-"
"Shut the fuck up Muzzle!"
I was suddenly thrown into the open just before another volley ended.
RATATATATAT
"AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!"
I barely managed to make it back into cover, my armor plate shattered, a couple broken ribs, and a gsw to my chest. I was bleeding quite a bit and it became harder to focus.
"ARE YOU INSANE, YOU ALMOST GOT HER KILLED!!! I LITERALLY JUST RADIOED BRAVO TEAM," the SAW gunner screamed.
"YOU BETTER NOT BE TRYING TO MUTINY AS WELL SERGEANT OR I'LL HAVE YOUR ASS THROWN IN JAIL ALONGSIDE THIS CUNT!"
Shooting started again and the lieutenant grabbed me, attempting to throw me into the fray, but I resisted. I pushed back. She drew her pistol, shoving it in my face. I wrestled with her and it, barely managing to push it away from my face when she punched me, knocking me prone.
I felt the muzzle pressed into my skull.
"Die traitor."
With no choice, I raised my rifle and shot her before she could shoot me.
I stood over her dead body, my eyes wide, my hooves shaking.
"You were in the right," Muzzle said.
I was about to speak when suddenly the captain appeared behind me.
"What the fuck did you do?"
"It's not what it looks like," I said, my voice shaky and my body trembling.
*
One Week Later
Guilty...they said I was guilty of murdering a CO. I sat in a dingy cell, awaiting my execution. My mane was down and my fur was messy. I never truly felt naked until now. No armor. No means of defense. I wrote a letter to Canasta, but I knew I'd never see her again.
Then suddenly the guards appeared at my cell door.
"Scribe Rain, we're sorry to do this, but it's time."
I found myself walking down the hall with my head low.
My dearest Canasta
The hall seemed to stretch into eternity until suddenly it was gone, leaving me exposed, the pathway lined with formations. Friends. Comrades. All lined up to watch my fate. I watched when suddenly a staff sergeant saluted me. Then, one by one, so did everyone.
I broke my promise. I will not be coming home.
"Let her go," a corporal shouted.
I've been convicted of murdering a comissioned officer. I didn't want to, but I had no choice.
Many others said the same. "This is bullshit" "This isn't right" "She's innocent" "What the fuck"
She was a good person and I'm sure that she just wasn't thinking clearly. War makes folks mad. Sometimes you just can't think, can't cool down until it's too late.
The soldiers began to chant, stomp and a few broke formation as I was led along towards the firing line.
"LET HER GO! LET HER GO!"
Our existence is short, but it is valuable. I want you to move on from my failure and live your best life.
Now the riot police were holding crowds back, deflecting projectiles and arresting ponies as I was tied to the totem pole, a blindfold covering my eyes.
Our time was priceless and the best of my life. I will see you in heaven my love.
"Ready."
CLICK CLICK CLICK
Yours, forever and always, Rainy Days.
BANG BANG BANG
Author's Note
I got bored.
