A soldier's Rod with a heart of Gold

Two months had passed since you had arrived in Caribouria, and already things are going well. You and your newly appointed Task Force were doing an amazing job trying to keep the peace by hunting down many of Dainn’s forces. You would sometimes find their smuggling routes, you would find their buried weapons and supplies in case of an emergency, even found the food and medicine that they stole from supply lines that were meant for the people. You can also be thankful for the Task Force Members you have.

The Pegasus, Griffon, Dragon, Harpy and Hippogriff would scout out the skies, trying to look for suspicious activity.

The Caribou, Yak, Earth Pony, Wolf, Deer, Diamond Dog and Abyssinian would track for any bad guys on the ground.

The Unicorn and Kirin were excellent for helping others out with their injuries.

The Changeling was the perfect candidate for a master of disguise to track down enemy smugglers, with the Ahuizotl searching for clues that might lead them to their next target.

The Minotaur is perfect for clearing heavyweight problems, whilst the Siren uses her song to put their forces in a trance to get them to reveal their location.

But what really surprised you, was the fact that you had rather grown fond of Goldenrod. Sure she may sometimes have a temper, and she may sometimes be strict, but she knows how to get the job done and knows when to keep the insubordinates in line. Plus she’s the most levelheaded Pony you’ve ever worked with. She knows how to be reasonable, she knows how to lead, and you’ve had the privilege of getting to know her a bit more.

You were honored that she became your second in command.

During that time, you and your team decided to take a break for a bit. You decided to go to the sea and do some spear fishing.

One thing that you and your hero Steve McGarrett have in common, you both were born in Hawaii, so you developed a love for spear fishing. Cause one, swimming is good exercise, two, you love to fish the hard way and three, you like a challenge. After your swimming lesson, you decided to go out of the water for a break. You sat down near the rocky shore.

You failed to notice footsteps coming from behind you.

“Mind if I join you?”

You turned around and from what you had seen, you were stunned into silence. For she was wearing, to your surprise, a bikini. Something that fitted her body extremely well. You couldn’t help but blush madly and stammer a bit whilst trying to avoid looking at her, ahem, assets, whilst you were standing up.

“Something wrong?” asked Goldenrod with confusion.

“Uh, no it’s just I’ve uh…” you replied nervously, “Never seen you in that before.”

However, Goldenrod noticed the blush on his face, causing her to blush too whilst muttering, “Will you stop that?”

“Uh, sorry.” You replied.

Wanting to change the subject, she looked at the few fish in what appeared to be a basket and that he was holding a spear.

“What are you doing?” said Goldenrod as she was confused by what he was doing.

“Oh, just doing some spear fishing.” You replied.

“Spear fishing?” said Goldenrod whilst a little surprised, “But shouldn’t that involve standing next to the ocean and throw your spear.”

“This is a little different,” you replied, “Back at my world, I was born at the Island of Hawaii. For many it’s a vacation spot, but to me, It’s home. I grew up there learning all the customs, I even took a fancy in spear fishing, where you have to swim underwater and you use your spear to try and swim alongside them, whilst at the same time, try to spear them, to give you that underwater experience.”

“I see.” Said Goldenrod, “Mind if I give it a try.”

“Well, I just so happen to have a pair of these.” You replied as you held up what appeared to be diving goggles. “These will help protect your eyes whilst you’re under water. It will even help you see better.”

“I see.” Said Goldenrod as she accepted one.

“But I have another question for you.”

“What’s that?” asked Goldenrod.

You picked up a spear and presented it to her whilst giving a challenging smirk, “You’re skilled with a bow and also skilled with the weapons and sword. But are you skilled with a spear?”

You thought deep in your mind you might’ve been out of your mind doing that, for it almost felt like you were flirting with her. She had a light blush, but she ended up smirking back, accepting the challenge whilst grabbing a spear.

“First one to catch all ten wins?” she asked.

“You’re on.” You replied.

The both of you dived into the water, both of you began to spear every fish you could find, you felt a sense of rush in you that you’ve never felt before, and whilst you were trying to fish, you see Goldenrod was having just as much fun. However, to your shock, you saw a big looking beast coming right for her. You swam as quick as you could to her. She looked at you and thought you were going to kill her, but when you struck, she saw you struck the monster from behind, making it roar in the process. You pulled out your spear and attempted to flee, but instead she jabbed the spear into the beast. She looked at you, and it was a sign that she needed your help. Not wanting to turn down someone asking for help, you decided to comply and helped her fight the monster.

After much struggling., you both killed the beast. But at the same time, you both quickly swam to the surface. Once you got there, you both panted and crawled onto the shore, whilst you quickly picked her up and held her close. Surprisingly, she did the same. Both of you panted for a bit, trying to compose yourself.

“That. Was a close one.” You said.

“Agreed.” She replied.

However, when the two of you stood up, you still held onto one another, and you both looked right into one another’s eyes. You couldn’t turn your eyes away from her, and she couldn’t turn away from yours. You both blushed when you kept staring and began to slowly move to one another. But before you could…you saw a couple of flashes that showed your family’s death. You suddenly turned away and let go, leaving her surprised, but noticed that you had a look of hurt in your eyes.

“I…I’m sorry.” You said whilst moving away.

She looked at you with concern. But then she thought of an idea…she would ask a few friends of hers for help. But…there was only one place.

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“I’m going to Equestria?” you replied.

A day after the incident with the fishing, Thorin had summoned you to the throne, and he had a request for you.

“That’s right.” Said Thorin, “I need an ambassador I can trust on this, and considering that Goldenrod is also a skilled one, she will need some company. That, and I want the two of you to go to Ponyville. My wife’s been asking if she could go too to visit her brother. And seeing that she has some free time, I couldn’t deny her request.”

“Are you sure?” you asked, “Who will help lead the Task Force?”

“My friends, Balin and the others will oversee that.” Said Thorin, “They were curious to see how well they would operate, so I’m granting them that request. So…would you go with them?”

You thought about it for a bit, for it would be interesting to meet the heroes of Caribouria, as well as see what Equestria looked like.

“Alright then, I’m sold.” You replied.

“Excellent,” said Thorin, “You leave first thing in the morning. And whilst you’re here, you’re more than welcome to spend the night here so that you won’t be late.”

“I understand, your highness.”

“Good man.” Said Thorin, “I let me know how things turn out.

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The next day, both you and Goldenrod were fully packed and were preparing to board your Zeppelin.

“I see you’re traveling small.” You said.

“Just a precaution.” Said Goldenrod, “Thorin was worried that if we were to travel using the royal barge, it would make Queen Lizzie an instant target. That’s why we’re traveling incognito and also in disguise, so that no one would be suspicious or anything.”

“Although,” you said as you looked at your packed clothes, “Sometimes I wish I had more clothes. Don’t get me wrong, the clothes in this kingdom are amazing. They just look so…basic.”

“Well, the king had been wondering if any civilian could wear different clothing,” said Goldstar, “Given what Beau and the others wear in Equestria, I’m sure that they could come up with something soon.”

“Alright, you two.” Said Lizzie, gaining both your attentions. “Our Zeppelin is here, so let’s get going from there.”

Both of you took your things and boarded the Zeppelin. And seeing that you were well taught in driving, you volunteered to drive it. Thankfully it wasn’t that hard, considering you’ve read the manual more times than anyone else in the room.

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Soon the three of them arrived at Canterlot, allowing them to depart from their Zeppelin and headed towards the Castle. They were soon met by Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, along with their husbands. You were surprised to see them, and they were wearing something around their waists.

“Greetings Queen Lizzie, it’s been far too long.” Said Princess Luna.

“Luna, there’s no need for formalities, you know that.” Said Lizzie.

“Exactly what I said.” said Nebula before Luna playfully jabbed her elbow against his side.

“Anyway,” said Lizzie, “I hope the courts agree with Caribouria’s trade. Ever since the world committee opened up after the Storm King’s defeat…”

“They are more than willing to listen,” said Princess Celestia, “Although there were some who didn’t agree, considering that they’re stuck in their old ways.”

“Or just obsessed with power.” You blankly stated.

This caught their attention as they looked at you.

“Oh?” said Platinum, “I didn’t know there was another human.”

“He arrived in Canterlot,” said Goldenrod, “I sheltered him until he woke up. He works for the King as a member of his special Task Force.”

“A Task Force?” asked Princess Celestia.

You introduced yourself and what you used to be.

“No way, a Navy SEAL?!” said Nebula in excitement.

“A what?” asked a confused Princess Celestia.

“I know it,” said Platinum, “Basically they’re sort of like the elite division of our country’s military. They’re the best at what they do, and the toughest. You’ll never meet a better group of soldiers who serve in that unit.”

“Ah, a former military soldier.” Said Princess Luna. “If that’s the case, we hereby welcome you to Equestria, and thank you for your services from the other side.”

“Uh, thanks.” You replied, not expecting this from two former earthlings and from the two royals.

“Anyway,” said Princess Celestia, “There were those who felt that way, but we in time reassured them to no longer have those fears.”

“Though we worry that someday there will be those who will stop at nothing to get what they wanted.” Said Princess Luna, “That is why we need to stay vigilant.”

“That business with Sombra after he destroyed the Tree of Harmony brought some fears, huh?” asked Lizzie.

“You have no idea.” Said Platinum.

“If that’s the case,” said Lizzie, “Caribouria is willing to help.”

“We appreciate it.” Said Princess Celestia. “Now then, shall we go inside?”

Everyone agreed and moved. However, when you moved, you noticed something off with the ponies. When you looked at their feet, you saw that they had actual hooves for feet, but not like Goldenrod.

“Quick question, and I don’t want to sound offensive,” you whispered to Goldenrod, “Why does every pony here have hooves whilst you still have…?”

“Normal feet?” asked Goldenrod, to which you nod. “Well, the ponies do have their features, except there are two kinds of ponies. One that still have hooves, and ones that still have feet.”

“So if you were born here, how did…?”

“I don’t know actually,” said Goldenrod as she looked down for a bit, “My mother told me that she met her husband who came from some place far away. I guess he came from Caribouria, now that I think about it. He and my mother shared a special night. She gave birth to me after many months carrying me. But by the time Fleur was born, my father passed away. She said that he carried a book that told much of where he came from. I was so fascinated about the stories, I wanted to know where he came from, so I tried to find a way to travel.”

“So that’s why you became an agent, to find out more about your father’s country.” You replied.

“That’s right.” Said Goldenrod. She had a saddened look and said “Though…I really wish I had the chance to know him. My mother told me he was a good pony. But I didn’t have the heart to go back home and told her that the country where our father came from was the exact same one our ancestors came from. And when I saw my father’s home being tarnished, I had to find a way to help them. When Beau and the others came along, it was a miracle. But…I still couldn’t go home.”

You looked at her and you felt bad for her, especially the fact that she didn’t know how to face her sister after all these years. Out of instinct, you slowly held onto her and pulled her close. Though surprisingly, she didn’t resist, she just rested her head on your shoulder. You wanted to push her away, but you had to help her.

Don’t give in. Don’t give in.

You couldn’t shake that thought out of your head. It still haunted you.

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Once the negotiations were done, Queen Lizzie decided to visit Ponyville, considering that she still had about three days left before you had to go back, which is a perfect opportunity for her to go visit. You weren’t sure about a small town, but when you got there, you immediately began to change your mind. For the town around you was very peaceful, the kind of peace that you really liked, and that you wish to never depart from a place like this. You couldn’t explain it, but the very vibes of this place really shows it.

“Wow, this town is amazing.” You said whilst looking around.

“Indeed it does,” said Goldenrod, “Queen Lizzie wouldn’t stop talking about this place since she last visited to see her brother, especially to meet her niece.”

“Did she have a chance to visit them before?” you asked.

“Shortly after Dainn was defeated,” said Goldenrod as she began to recall the event, “When they went back to Equestria, Lizzie was happy to meet her niece for the first time, same goes for Daisy. You wouldn’t believe how happy she was that she get to spend it with her family.”

“And what about Daisy?” you asked, “Did she go back to Caribouria?”

“Not really.” Said Goldenrod, “When she got here, she asked Thorin if she could stay. He allowed it, and said that Caribouria will always be her home. She moved next to the Apple Farm.”

Goldenrod ended up chuckling, which you found very adorable, “And believe it or not, a colt named Pipsqueak fell head over heels for her.”

“Pipsqueak?”

“Yes, he was very small, but he developed quite the growth spurt when he got older. The two of them got married in a few years.”

Just before you could answer, you soon arrived in front of Rarity’s house. But before Lizzie could knock, a Yak soon left her abode, which surprised the latter.

“Be safe Yona!!” said the human that you saw, which you could guess was Silver. He then noticed his sister and said “Liz!!”

The two of them embraced and hugged one another. “Great to see you.”

“Good to see you too.” Said Lizzie before they broke the hug. “Was that Yak you mentioned named Yona?”

“That’s right.” Said Silver, “She wanted to ask my wife for advice for the Fetlock Fet, or the amity ball.”

“The what?” said Lizzie.

“It’s sort of like a dance that the School of Friendship is having.” Said Silver, “They also have the lucky pot dinners, as well as the pony pal contest, to see who are the best dancers in the group, as well as working together.”

“Oooh, sounds interesting.” Said Lizzie. “I’d be more than happy to join in.”

“And I’m sure your guests could join too?” asked Silverstream when he pointed at the two behind her. He recognized one of them and said “And Goldenrod, great to see you. I haven’t seen you since you were there when my sister went to labor.”

“Good to see you too.” Said Goldenrod with a smile, “I hope you’re keeping up with your training?”

“We all are.” Said Silver, “Ever since that whole debacle with Sombra, we’re now training even further to prepare ourselves for a battle in the future.”

“That’s good to hear.” Said Goldenrod.

“And who’s this?” said Silver. When you introduced yourself, Silver replied “Well nice to meet you. Never thought I’d meet a Navy SEAL at my doorstep. And from what I’ve seen from both of you. You’re in need of a new wardrobe.”

“What, uh, no thanks.” Said Goldenrod nervously.

“Oh, Rarity!!” said Silver, causing Rarity to arrive and immediately grabbed Goldenrod and pulled her in. Both you and Lizzie gave Silver a strange look, with him saying “She tends to go stir crazy when she sees someone who doesn’t like to change their wardrobe.”

Within a few hours, you were dressed in normal civilian clothing, which you have to admit, you looked really good in it. However, when Goldenrod came out, you couldn’t help but feel surprised. She wore green high heels, blue jeans and a red shirt, both that hugged her body very well, along with a green jacket, whilst her hair was now more beautifully styled. You couldn’t help but blush when you saw her outfit.

“What?” asked Goldenrod when she noticed that you were looking at her.

“Nothing, it’s just uh…” you said as you struggled to find the words, but your managed to gather your courage and said “You look really good in that outfit, it fits you well.”

“Oh…uh…thanks.” Said Goldenrod whilst she felt a little embarrassed about it.

“I uh, also have the outfits that Rarity and Silver gave us.” You replied. “Should we get ready for when the dance comes?”

“Of course.” Said Goldenrod as she accepted her outfit.

*********************************************************************************************

Later that night, both of you were getting ready for the night. You wore a fancy black tuxedo, that almost reminded you of your uniform that you wore in the Navy whenever you went to certain events. As you wait, you tried to make sure that your tie was ready. However, the moment she got out, you were surprised what she was wearing. She was wearing a glistening black dress that had a one-strap and that reached to her knees.

“Whoa.” You muttered.

She noticed the look you were giving her, which she ended up feeling flustered.

“Will you stop staring.” Said Goldenrod, “It’s making me feel uncomfortable.”

“What, I can’t admire your body when you pull of the look from your dress very well?” you blurted out, which caused you to quickly shut your mouth with your hands.

Goldenrod on the other hand, stared at you surprised as her blush deepened, and also looked away. “Uh, we should get going.”

“Uh, yeah…sure.” You responded, whilst also blushed.

The two of you walked towards the School to join the party. However, during the walk, Goldenrod walked next to you and ended up holding your left arm close. You were surprised at first and also blushed again, but you chose to let it slide and focused on taking her to the place.

And one thing you failed to notice about Goldenrod…she was looking down and smiling, whilst keeping her blush at the same time.

*********************************************************************************************

The two of you arrived at the dance, and during that time, when the Mane 6, Spike and a few others, along with their husbands and wife, you decided to trade stories with the husbands about your time in the Navy SEALs, and when you told them of how many of Dainn’s forces were still in Caribouria, they regretted for leaving and didn’t make sure to finish the job, you assured them that you and your Task Force have everything under control.

You felt your shoulder being poked, and you saw Goldenrod looking at you sheepish, as if she wanted to ask you something.

“Would you…like to dance?” asked Goldenrod.

You nodded and accepted her hand, allowing the two of you to dance on the dance floor. The two of you slowly waltz and made sure that both of you were following the right steps. You were somehow amazed to see how well she danced. But then you suddenly felt some regret. You may have told them of how you died during the line of duty, but you didn’t tell them what events it led them. This however, didn’t go unnoticed.

“Is something wrong?” asked Goldenrod when she looked at you with concern.

You were about to say something, until the disaster happened. You saw that a Yak student was blinded by her wig and she went all stir crazy and began to smash everything around you. She was about to crash into the both of you, but you quickly pushed Goldenrod out of the way, making the yak crash into you. After the crash, even though the Yak may be glad to see again, but she was shocked to see that not only did she wreck the place, she also saw that you got hurt in the process whilst he winced in pain and held his ribcage. Yona got upset and ran away, with Sandbar going after her.

Goldenrod ran over to you and tried to help you up, with Beau joining in. She looked at you with great concern when you winced in pain. She then said “Thank you.”, before she kissed you by the cheek, making you slightly blush, but still felt she needed to know the truth.

*********************************************************************************************

After the mess was cleaned up, and the Yak, known as Yona, and Sandbar, came back where both sides apologized after Sandbar helped make Yona feel better. The two of them won the ball, and they danced a bit. However, you weren’t in the mood to dance, for you felt like you needed to tell the truth.

After the dance was over, Goldenrod sat on her knees near you where you were sitting and asked “Now then, mind telling me what’s wrong?”

“Who’s wrong now?”

You and Goldenrod looked and saw the Mane 6 and their husbands, along with Starlight and her husband, Spike and Emily, along with Sunset, Ignis and the Young Six. They overheard her talking and also instantly saw the look on your face.

“What’s wrong?” asked Pinkie, “Didn’t you like the party?”

“I did. It’s just…” you replied. But then you looked down and sighed, before standing up and took at least four steps.

You barely could face them to tell them the truth. But during your conversations with them, they explained of how they died during certain events and of what they went through. And seeing that they were honest with you. You needed to be honest with them in return.

You turned around and faced away from them, but then you said “All of you know bits and pieces of me, but…not the tragedy that came after.”

The Mane 6, their husbands, Spike and Emily, the Young Six, even Goldenrod looked at him whilst his back was turned.

“As some of you have guessed, yes, I was a Navy SEAL, one of the best.” You said, “But one day, during my service, my team and I were recruited by the CIA.”

“The what now?” said Rainbow Dash.

“Central Intelligence Agency.” Beau replied, with the others looking at him, “I know it well. Basically it’s a spy agency, that helps deal with threats in secret and sending undercover operatives to sabotage other organizations to make sure that they don’t reach their home state. And when they find something of interest, they send it to the army so that they can deal with it. And sometimes when they needed a covert strike team, they sometimes recruit certain squad members from certain army divisions to help deal with it.”

“That’s right.” You replied. “I was the Commander of my team, but I didn’t trust the CIA one bit. Because from what the other divisions have said, they kept a lot of secrets from neighboring nations, even from their own people, because if it leaked, our country would’ve lost all of its authority, and the political order would have collapsed. They didn’t care about the civilian casualties that came along with it.”

They were surprised to hear what they were capable of, with him continuing “I wanted to decline, but I couldn’t disobey my orders from my superiors, my generals. That when things went bad.”

“Oh my, what happened?” asked Ocellus.

“We were assigned to a small town near the border, where the CIA caught wind that a terrorist organization, somehow found their way to our country and were planning to strike. The CIA told us that they number by the thousand. So we sent a missile, like a flying bomb if you will, to wipe out the town. But then…”

They saw you grip your fists, as if the pain was still fresh in his mind. “We realized too late that we were lied to. There was never a terror cell to begin with.”

They were dreading the answer, with you saying “For in that town, were innocent people, citizens of our country that also had tourists, not knowing that my entire team’s wives and kids, including my own, were there until their blood stained our hands.”

Everyone was horrified to hear this, even Goldenrod as she didn’t have the words.

“When our backs were turned,” you continued, “Shadow Company, another hired military group, who were hired by the CIA agent that hired us, tried to kill us. We interrogated their leader, and it turned out that the CIA group that recruited us were a rogue faction, who wanted our country to be at war against other cells and devote what resources they could for the kill. We swore revenge.”

You looked ahead as your brows furrowed. “We gathered together, along with other SEAL team members came along and wanted to help. We launched a full scale attack on the compound that they and the rest of their Operatives, along with the entire Shadow Company, were using as a base of operations.”

You wanted to continue, but you froze, you didn’t know how to react to this. Beau recognized this, and he whispered to Princess Twilight, to which she agreed.

“If you don’t mind…” said Princess Twilight, “I might have a way to help.”

You looked at her with curiosity. But when you looked at Beau, he signaled that everything is okay. You agreed, allowing Twilight to cast a spell.

The entire room was filled with an illusion, causing everyone to see what you had seen. Even you were surprised to see this. They saw you launching an attack on the village, and to their shock, they saw you holding your dead family in your arms, which implied that you were telling the truth.

Then they saw how you led an attack at the compound, attacking from all fronts. As you were halfway there, half of your team were killed off, trying to get to their objective. Afterwards, you and your team continued from within the compound. You killed many of Shadow, but you lost more and more troops. They were shocked to see how the SEAL teams were fighting, with Beau remembering what the documentaries were like.

They saw how you and your partner were the last ones left, but you made your way to the roof, where the rogue CIA agent was attempting to flee. But just before their helicopter took off, they saw how you sabotaged the controls and crashed. You were wounded and saw the agent was barely standing. Just before you could grab your pistol, he beat you to it. And he said that it was a pleasure doing business with you. But then your partner came along and took some shots, only for the agent to kill him, much to their shock.

They saw how you were filled with rage, for losing your partner and friend, was the last straw. You charged towards him and tackled him onto the ground, where you ended up beating him mercilessly over and over again, you even took what appeared to be a cable that the chopper was using and wrapped it around the CIA agent’s neck, and strangled him with it. But when you tied him around it, you grabbed him and both of you jumped off of the side of the building.

They saw you crash onto the ground and were shocked to see the CIA agent, hanging from the side of the building. But then they saw how you died, they saw that you had a piece of pipe had pierced through your stomach. But then that’s when more vehicles and choppers arrived, who were many others who caught wind what the rogue faction had done. Many came in to sweep for survivors, then they cut you free and attempted to revive you, but it was too late.

The spell ended, and everyone were horrified to see what you have been through. You then concluded, “We avenged our fallen loved ones. And yet…the guilt remained. We made sure that our loved ones would finally rest. But it didn’t grant us peace. It didn’t… grant me, any peace. And that’s why I have trust issues when it comes to secrets.”

Everyone was taken aback by what he had went through, none of them knew how to respond to that. That was, until Silverstream came along and held his shoulder, gaining his attention.

“My aunt Novo also got married to a human.” She said, “He was in the Navy, like you. He lost a lot of friends in the battles, even his wife and daughter. He felt so lost and didn’t have any hope to live on. He was even traumatized by the whole ordeal too. Although…my aunt didn’t understand that. My new Uncle, Bellator, also went through the same pain and ordeal. But when he and my aunt argued, only then did he understand that she also knows what it was like to lose everything. And from what my mom told me, she saw two different people, with two broken hearts.”

She held his hand whilst she said “The point is, love can help save you. Sometimes it’s not just about helping others, it’s also about helping those with love, no matter how bad the situation.”

It was from that moment on that you clicked and widened your eyes. You wanted to serve your country, but the other reason was because you wanted to be like your hero, Steve McGarret, who became a hero and helped those in need because of his kind heart. But he also had to make so many sacrifices for the people he loved.

You slowly turned your head to Goldenrod, and she looked at you. In a way…you admired her, your heart had beaten for her, and the way she was close to you…you’d like nothing more than to let it happen again. It was clear that she liked you, but you kept closing your heart, because you were afraid to lose the people you cared about…again. So maybe…just maybe…He’d give it a try.

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After your conversations, you chose to stand outside of Princess Twilight’s castle. They were thankful enough that she and Beau would offer you a spare room before your departure to Canterlot, and Queen Lizzie decided to stay for the night over at her brother’s, for she felt like she needed to catch up from where she left off.

As you looked at the sky, you didn’t notice that someone was approaching you from behind. She placed her hand on your shoulder, gaining your attention and saw Goldenrod standing next to you. The two of you continued to look out at the stars, with you feeling guilty over what happened.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you of what happened in the past.” You said.

“It’s alright,” said Goldenrod as she stood next to him and looked at him, “I can understand what it was like, closing your heart so that you didn’t have to feel that pain again. I was in the same situation as you were, wanting to close my heart to you. But ever since we were partnered up, you stood by me and helped me and the others in so many ways.”

“Still,” you replied as you looked ahead, “I’m really sorry I didn’t tell you this. I just couldn’t lose anyone else like I did before. But when you came along, and you were my partner, we worked well together in two months. I think…during that time…I think that’s when I fell for you.”

Goldenrod couldn’t help but blink in surprise to that. “Not only were you smart and beautiful, you’re also a very strong and independent mare, who don’t let others talk her down like she was a nobody. You’re also the bravest I’ve ever seen. I…couldn’t be happier for a mare…who could get through my hard shell like the rockhead I was.”

You kept looking ahead, whilst at the same time, Goldenrod stood right next to you.

“Truth be told…I felt the same way about you.”

You partially looked at her, but you were also surprised to hear that.

“When I first met you, I thought you were very strange,” said Goldenrod, “But ever since you began to lead the Task Force, I was amazed by your skills and leadership. I was even more surprised that you asked me of all creatures to help you run it. And during the time we worked together, I’ve seen how brave you were, and how you were able to be kind to those who had nothing. And that day…when you saved me from the creature…I think that’s what sealed the deal.”

You couldn’t bear to look at her, for even though what she said was the truth, you felt like you couldn’t face her.

“Are you sure…” you said in concern, “What if…?”

You felt a hand on your face, gently turning it to the other direction. And you were met with a face who looked at you with sympathy and worry.

“You don’t have to do this alone.” Said Goldenrod. “You will never be alone. Everyone has grown fond of you, and they wish to stand by your side. Your friends and family from your world had helped you open your heart. So please…don’t close it. Let yourself be free.”

You couldn’t help but smile and said “Since when were you so poetic?”

“I learned a lot from my teachers.” Said Goldenrod. “Everyone can be a teacher, even with those close to you.”

“No argument.” You replied. He then said “Are you going to do the same? To speak with a certain pony you hadn’t seen?”

You noticed that she hesitated for a bit. She said “I don’t know…it’s been a long time. And…I don’t think she’d want to see me.”

“I know you didn’t want to be near her in order to protect her,” you said, trying to be her voice of reason, “But would it be so bad to let her know that her sister still loves her?”

Goldenrod looked down and thought about it, feeling conflicted, but gave in and said “I suppose not.”

You thought that you didn’t like to see her that way, so you ended up doing something crazy. You gently held onto her face, making her look at you, whilst you looked at her whilst smiling. You ended up gently placing your lips onto hers, which greatly surprised her with widened eyes. Yet, she didn’t push you away, she didn’t break the kiss. Instead, she closed her eyes and embraced you, as the two of you continued to hold onto one another. Your heart was no longer hurting. Instead…your heart found someone new.

*************************************************************************************************

The next day, the two of you were in front of a large mansion, you knocked on the door, hoping someone was at home. And the first to answer, was another human answering the door.

“Oh, hello there.” Said the human, “My name is Fortis, what can I do for you?”

“Yes, you can.” You replied. “Is Fleur De Lis home?”

“She is, I’ll call her down.” Said Fortis, then he looked back and said “Fleur?! Someone is at the door for you!!”

“Coming!!”

Fortis lead you in, with you and Goldenrod following. When you were inside, you saw Fleur, walking down the stairs and said “So who is here to…”

The moment she looked, she stopped dead in her tracks, and dropped what appeared to be a magazine on the floor. She was shocked to see who was standing next to you, someone she hadn’t seen in a long time.

“G-Goldy?” replied Fleur as the tears began to build up.

Goldenrod took a few steps forward and rubbed her arm, saying “Listen, Fleur. I’m so sorry I didn’t come back to see you. Or mom. I should’ve stayed in contact with you. And for that…I’m…”

And within a split second, Goldenrod was taken aback by a pair of arms being thrown around her, and crying. Fleur began to sob over Goldenrod’s shoulder, with tears of joy falling down her cheeks. Goldenrod ended up hugging her sister back, and couldn’t help but shed tears too. Two sisters finally reunited after so long. You couldn’t help but smile for her. Fortis looked a little confused, but you whispered to him why she’s crying, to which he widened his eyes in shock. Now he understood.

A few hours later, the four of you began to talk, and Fleur’s daughter, Graceful Charity, is smiling and happy that she got to meet her aunt for the first time in many years.

This was what you both needed. For Goldenrod, to see her sister. And you, to love again. This was truly a great feeling.