Rank & Full Name: Private Swift Wildshadow
Letter’s Date: x3/x7/xxx3
Address: South Filly Street, Apt. 056, District 018, Canterlot, Equestria
Contents: Letter & Package

“Dear Mom & Dad,

Hello! Firstly, I know it has been a while since you last heard from me. I understand that you may have been worried sick, me being your only son and all. But rest assured, everything is going well here in Canterlot. I was super ecstatic after that recruitment letter came in; I couldn’t wait to race on over and start my new career!

All bits aside, I have been officially enlisted to become a member of the Canterlot Royal Army, as a Private. Still in training, but a Private nonetheless. It was awkward at first being in the boot camp since I am just an earth pony. Most of the recruits alongside me during ‘Orientation Day’ were unicorns and pegasi. About a couple dozen earth ponies were here too, but most didn’t make it past week two.

It was bizarre, in fact. I mean, showing resilience is a big plus for being a part of the army here, but I guess they weren’t up to snuff. Everywhere I looked, the other ponies showed no emotion, flying through the courses like it was nothing. I admit I struggled a bit, but I did push myself to do my best as you taught me, Father.

I understand that serving your country brings forth a sense of patriotism, fighting to protect the sovereign rulers of the land and its inhabitants. You know a lot about that, Dad. It’s so much different than I thought. Words can’t describe how much I have taken everything you both have given me for granted over the past few years, and I am sorry for things that I may have said that could have hurt you in the process.

Back to the present, the first few weeks were dreadfully slow. The training was getting more and more intense as the days went on. We are constantly told to expect the unexpected. Whether it is a creature of such magnitude that could seriously threaten innocent pony lives or the unknown otherworldly elements, our job is to protect and serve with honor. I’m glad I joined when I was of legal age. It has opened my eyes to how much the guard is underappreciated in this day and age.

Admittedly, the one problem I faced over the last five weeks was going through the emotional tests. I don’t know how or why, but there were times I got called into question why I made the decisions I made. I fear that the ‘High Command,’ as they are referred to, may not value me that much for service in going out into the world for action-combat service because of it. I cannot elaborate on it further. But, if I can’t be sent out for combat, they may not want me as a guard in the castle either.

For now, I am currently in the waiting process. I’m sitting in my makeshift apartment complex in the lower district of Canterlot. There are a lot of districts here in the city alone, about 26 in total. The central districts are closer to the castle, while we are much closer to the capital's outskirts. I share this place with three roommates, and we all have gotten to know each other over the past five weeks. Albeit very slowly.

First, Jake Storm is a pegasus from Cloudsdale. He’s older than me by a few years and has loved flying since he was a young colt. He has black fur, is the average height for a stallion of his caliber, and his cutie mark is a lightning bolt surrounded by dark clouds. Me thinks he would be sent back to Cloudsdale to be in that weather factory or whatever it's called up there. Or possibly join the Wonderbolts. He told me he didn’t like the idea of being a factory worker or whatever they do up there, but he said it would give him a large amount of insight into Cloudsdale’s internal operations. Wonder what will happen to him…

Lyle, on the other hoof, is an odd fellow. He’s three months younger than I, has a badge for a cutie mark, and is a unicorn. He says he gets scared by loud sounds and unexpected occurrences, which is strange considering how far he has made it while not being considered for re-evaluation. I have already gone through it twice, and both times the High Command reinforced the notion that my emotional side needed to be repressed as best as possible. But with Lyle? He has the build of a confident soldier with the mind of a filly that got too clingy with their parents. Sorry. Just my personal opinion on the stallion. He’s very nice, though.

The last one in our group is Pete Dreadson. He’s, how do I put this? Intimidating.

He is also a pegasus, but his cutie mark consists of four red chains and a skull in the middle of them. I think he wasn’t given a choice and that destiny had decided his fate: to serve and become a military operant. He has been at the top of our recruiting class since ‘Day One,’ but he doesn’t talk much. The times I have heard him talk, he speaks in a low, dry, dark tone. It's as if he shows resentment or bitterness toward the creatures around him. I personally don’t like him or his demeanor, but I shouldn’t say more. I get this feeling that he’s always watching our every move. Lyle has been noticeably fearful of him; even Jake admitted how scary it’s been while Pete is rooming with us.

Anyways, I should probably wrap up this letter. It’s getting late here in Canterlot, and there is no point for me to keep rambling for what seems like an eternity.

Oh! Almost forgot! I sent you both a package in the mail. Dad may or may not have forgotten some of his old military clothes when he was last here. Funny enough, they gave me the same locker you had during your orientation. There are a few dents inside, but I suppose they see something in me to provide me with your locker, huh?

In that package, there are also some treats for mom. Ma did love to eat those sugar cookies from SugarCube Corner in Ponyville. I had enough time on one of our two days off to travel down there and fetch a dozen. I will apologize since I ate about half of them. I couldn’t resist, because they’re so good!.

Well, that’s pretty much it. It has been a rocky start, but my progression and rapid rise have helped make me stand out from the other ponies. I have aced all the written tests so far and now have to focus on completing the last few obstacle courses and the final mental test. After that, I should be ready for my first few days of work in the Canterlot Royal Army if all goes well.

I do have to ask, can you send some of that hair dye I used to keep in the bathroom cabinet? They cut most of my mane down and almost wiped the red coloring away. So if you could do that, I would appreciate it. I’ll send you some bits as compensation.

Thank you for being there for me and always believing in me. Write back as soon as you can!

With love,

Private Swift Wildshadow”

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I sat back in the chair for a second. Damn, I thought. That wasn’t so bad. All this pony was doing was describing those first few months in training camp after being recruited. He was about to be enlisted into the army.

The gears in my head churned as an obvious question emerged. How could this go from 0 to 150 real quick?

As I tucked the first letter back into the envelope and pulled out the second one, something caught my eye as I took out the letter. I realized there was a small blurb written inside the interior. It was a bit smudged but faintly visible. I decided to take a gander, so, using my watch and fishing out a magnifying glass, I placed it over the text and read it as best as possible.

Wh-t is se-- thro--h one le-s ma- -ot be se-n as the sa-- thr--gh an---er per-pect---. Be ca--ful who -ou tru--, beca--e it cou-- be -he dif--re--- be--een li-e -r de--h. Sta- stro-g, you-- on-.

“Hmm. Odd way to put it,” I commented out loud. “Some of the words are blurred out. Was he in a rush to write this? I think I get what he is saying, buuut….”

I shook my head and opened up the folded piece of paper.

Okay, letter number two, I thought while taking a deep breath. So what’s this one about?

Author's Note

Hey, thanks for reading this chapter! I hope you enjoyed getting to know our first set of characters. It's going to be so much fun writing for Pete. I have so many good ideas when it comes to his background.

Kind of an unorthodox approach to story-telling, don't you think? But we have a loooooong way to go. So sit tight, and I'll see you all next month!

Edit May 15th, 2023: I am removing the chapter title before the letter credentials because it looks off.