The Changeling Wars

Chapter 4: Recruitment

I was walking around the edge of town, looking for something to do, when I saw a recruiting poster for the United Equestrian Armed Forces. It had a pegasus with a military vest on, on top of what looked like a mortar shell. It said, "Make me proud, join the UEAF now!" "I wonder..." After a few hours of thinking, I decided to do it. I headed back to Twi's place.

*knock* *knock* "Twilight! You in here?" "Yeah! It's open!" I entered. "Hey, Twilight. I decided to join the military." Her expressions immediately disappeared. She looked right at me. Her eyes were getting watery. I think she was about to cry. What an awkward moment that was. Suddenly, she burst into tears and dove right onto me. "No! Please don't go!" "Why? What's wrong?" "M-my brother... Shining Armor... Died in the battle that you came from..." "Oh my god, I'm so sorry..." "I just don't want to lose you..." She hugged me so tight, I couldn't breathe. I hugged her too. "Don't worry, Twi. I won't die. You'll see." "Please..." "Twilight, look at me." She looked up at me. "I survived one war. I can survive another. You have my word."

The next morning...

I woke up the next morning feeling tired and sad. I walked downstairs, where Twilight was making breakfast. I better enjoy this while I can. This is going to be my last real breakfast for a long time. "Hey..." "Good morning." "Listen, Strong. I know I won't be able to talk you out of this, but at least do me a favor." "Of course. What is it?" "You better send me a letter everyday." *hahaha!* "Don't worry! I'll be able to send you letters." "Thanks." The rest of breakfast wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. After breakfast, I helped her clean up the dishes and got my saddlebag. It had a picture of Twilight, fake paperwork of my military record (that Twilight made.), the dog tags that I found on me the first time I got here, and some food and bits for the trip. I opened the door and gave one last hug to Twilight, as well as all her friends who came to see me off. Applejack, a farmer at Sweet Apple Acres, Fluttershy, a kind pegasus who healed my wounds, Rarity, a dress designer, Pinkie Pie, who helped organized my welcome back party, and Rainbow Dash, my best friend next to Twi. Twilight began to cry, as well as Pinkie. "Goodbye, everyone." And then I headed off.

Twilight gave me a map of where I needed to go to get to the UEAF Pheonix Base, the largest in the military. It was located in a city called Canterlot. Twi said it was the capital. But as I got within view of the city gates. A green ball of fire sped right towards me. I put my hooves in front of my hands, ready to get hit, but instead, it stopped in front of me and turned into a rolled up letter. It had a "C" on it. I opened it and read it to myself. "Dear Brave Hoof, I have heard that you are willing to risk you life once again and join the UEAF. This is great news. Please visit me at the castle before you get to Pheonix base. I would like to give you something for your commitment. Best regards, Princess Celestia" who's Princess Celestia? I never heard of her before. But if royalty wants to see me, who am I to turn down the offer?

Canterlot...

I entered the castle. A guard led me to the throne room, where a white alicorn was sitting there. Was she the alicorn who greeted me when I first got here? I think it was! "Greetings, Brave Hoof. I suppose you are wondering what your gift is. Please come with me." We walked down a really, really long hallway. Was this a labyrinth? Jesus! We entered a room that had cushions all over the floor and a fireplace. The room was decorated with images of the Sun and Moon. It was very soothing in here. The princess disappeared and returned a few minutes later, her horn holding a case of ribbons. They were very detailed. Some had dragons on it, others had gryphons or some sort of creature that had four heads. Some had symbols such as a cross, crosshairs, and flags. All the ribbons went in a circle around and extremelty huge medallion that had a symbol of the Sun, with a alicorn flying in front of it. "I would like you to have these. These were medals and ribbons I earned when I was in the military." "Really? Are you sure, princess?" "Yes. You deserve these. You already served in one war. And now your are going to serve in two. You deserve these, Brave Hoof." "Thank you. Princess Celestia."

UEAF Pheonix Base...

        The princess walked with me to the base. The two guards in front of the gate stood to the side and let us in. All around the base were unicorns, pegasai, and earth ponies alike were playing basketball, fixing their vehicles, testing guns, doing push-ups and PT. We kept walking until we saw a sign on top of a tent that said, "Recruiting tent". We walked into the tent. There were a few soldiers leaning on chairs. WHen they saw the princess, they instantly stood up. The recruiter stood as well. "Princess Celestia! What are you doing here?" "I have a new recruit for you, sergeant." "Hello, sir." "I have heard about you. Are you the only survivor from the battle?" "Affirmative, sir." "Heh, I like you. Are you willing to risk your life again?" "Always will be." "Ok. I will need your military record, then, I will call you if you are accepted into boot camp." "Thank you, sir."

Canterlot castle...

As we headed back, we walked by the castle, then Celestia asked me, "Would you like to stay at the castle while we wait for your acceptance?" "Really, princess? I don't wish to bother you." "It will be no trouble at all." "I really appreciate what you are doing for me, princess." Her smile was brighter then the Sun itself. She walked with me to the guest room, which was at the very top. It was a tall tower. The room was not bad looking at all. There was medium sized bed, a bathroom, a few windows, and a desk. I have to tell Twilight about this.