The war hero's shadow

Cecil and Spike walked out of the throne room while Twilight and Flurry went to the royal chambers. The second they were away from the mares and the huge oak doors to the throne room shut, Spike pulled Cecil into a headlock giving him a nuggie.

“It's been forever you walking calamity!”

Spike said in a joking manner as Cecil laughed and rolled out of the headlock readjusting his hat once he was free.

“Hell Spike I've been busy with life. I spent a year with my nose in books studying for that scholarship and then once I moved it was like one big race. Had a full time job, was broke for a while, meet Baron, meet Flurry, had some run ins with the law, almost got expelled.”

Cecil laughed loudly as he hit the high notes. He wasn't complaining but telling the big adventure he had so far “Shit Spike it's been a rollercoaster and I love it.”

Spike shook his head as he laughed with Cecil. “You are the luckiest person alive, Your bad luck only seems to be counteracted by good luck. It's like rolling a one and falling into a hen house as a monster appears and then for the attack you roll a nat 20 and defeat the monster with a chicken egg.”

Cecil couldn't help but laugh at the reference. He had played Spike's game with Discord and Big Mac one time and what a time it was. Being brought in the game Cecil was a walking disaster with such bad luck Spike and Big Mac accused Discord of tampering with his dice. Turned out Discord felt so bad for him that he had actually put a small luck spell on the dice.

“Hey never doubt the power of dumbass luck and a chicken egg.”

Spike was practically tearing up with laughter as he remembered the moment like it happened yesterday “Never again.”

The two stood in the hallway sharing laughs and talking about the same old stories they always brought up whenever they talked. Today was a rare one because Cecil actually had new stories from Collage to tell Spike about and he soaked them up like a sponge. Cecil finally managed to explain the whole adventure just as they reached the blueblood wing. The wing was bathed in white walls trimmed with gold. Busts of their fellow ancestors lined the left side of the wall where huge windows overlooked the east side. Miles and miles of open rolling hills covered in a tall sea of grass. That's what it normally would have looked like but in the deepest part of winter, everything was white. The two walked until they came to a dark oak door with a bust of Baron outside it.

“I have to say Cecil that's a roller coaster of a tale. We can talk more once you're done. I still have duties to perform.”

Cecil smirked as he held his hand out to shake. Spike smirked back giving him a firm handshake. “On your duties, you might want to swing by the barracks and make sure dad isn't trying to be drill instructor again.”

Spike sighed as he pulled his hand away “Every single time, can that old man not just be normal.”

“This is my father we are talking about.”

Again Spike sighed pinching his nose as he tried to mentally prepare himself “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thanks Spike.” Cecil said as he turned to the door to knock. Spike just gave him a thumbs up as he walked away.

The dragon as always had the responsibility but at least it was what he wanted. Spike lived to serve Twilight while Cecil was taught to make his own decisions and be tied down by no one. Two different views on life but still managed to be great friends. With his warm thoughts of Spike out of the way Cecil knocked on the door and a depressed reply came almost immeditly.

“Go away, I do not wish to be disturbed.”

Cecil knocked again getting a grin on his face.

“Are you daft? I said, nay I ordered the butlers and maids to explicitly not disturb me.”

The growing frustration in Baron's voice was making Cecil fight to keep the chuckles down. He wanted to see how far he could rile the right Stallion up. So he knocked again he heard shuffling and a loud dramatic groan from inside.

Please! I insisted that..” Baron started off strong but when he opened the door whatever he had to say trailed off as his mind tried to comprehend how in the world Cecil was standing in front of him.

“Surprise you pompous ass.” Cecil said with his signature big smile and laugh.

Baron had to blink a few times before his own mirroring smile formed. He used his magic to pull Cecil close into a bro hug

“You cheeky devil how in Celetias name did they let a fiend like you in?”

Cecil pulled away lightly slapping Baron on his shoulder “Well dating the Princess and having your father as Equestrias war hero does have its perks. How the hell have you been Baron!”

Baron stepped aside to Let Cecil enter his room. The room for the royal elite pony wasnt any bigger then the dorm rooms. He had a large lavished bed with a massive desk parallel to the bed. The back opened up to a full size kitchen, and Cecil had to assume it had a full bath tucked away around a corner.

“Well old chap its been shabby, frankly atrocious. Father has his ninnies in a bunch and mother oh sweet Luna mother. She's sectoniable again, throwing divorce papers at my father like a filly throwing a fit.”

“Damn, that's…hey look if you want to bail out and crash at dads im sure after some explanation…”

Baron sat at his desk pouring himself a drink of whiskey. Cecil just stopped talking to watch his friend down a triple shot of whiskey without flinching. It was more for concern then Cecil thought.

“Okay tell me what's going on and why is she acting, well no offense but like a bitch?”

Baron sighed as he poured another drink and pushed it to Cecil. He smiled weary at the human giving a bitter chuckle.

“You’ll need that old friend. Mother and father every few years get into a massive argument over money of course, it's always about the stockmarket when it goes down. Mother wants to leave because she gets it in her mind that she will be married to a poor stallion and kicked out of the wing with him. Father tries to tell her that they will be fine and that he's already taken precautions. Mother doesn't believe him even when he shows her proof and thus a huge back and forth happens except this year is different. Im a adult this year. The last time this happened I was still a minor and they used me as a bargaining chip. Who would take the young prince away in the divorce? So I've been the reason they stayed together this long but now they want me to take sides.”

Baron was right and Cecil downed the whole thing pouring himself another glass while Baron tipped the bottle back.

“And I thought my family was fucked up being full of war veterans and criminals. Goddamn.”

Baron took a deep inhale as he nodded his head. “It gets more swimmingly to. Depending on who I pick I might be transferred out of the crystal empire.”

Cecil slammed his hand on Baron's desk narrowing his eyes “That's not happening. I don't want to get involved but damn it I will if it concerns you and your well being.”

Baron looked at Cecil skeptically with narrowed eyes and pursed lips. “What are you planning?”

Cecil grinned as he downed his drink setting the glass upside down.

“Your salvation. I have a connection to Princess Twilight and Flurry Heart. What would your parents think if two Princesses showed up to set the record straight? Twilight has a soft spot for learning and more then likely she would see sympathy on you plus with Flurry as your friend she would ask Twilight to help you as well. Two heavy hitters in the political world protecting you sounds nice and it would give your parents a chance to solve things out for themselves if Twilight doesn't council them with lechures.”

“I wish I would have thought about this but ever since I showed up it's been miserable. I haven't had a moment to myself except for today when I forcibly removed myself from the hostile environment.”

“Come on let's go to the gym and work some of this frustration out?”

Baron shook his head “Id rather not.”

“Baron.”

“I said no Cecil.”

“......Lazy fatass.”

“That's rich coming from you chap, the notorious bottomless pit.”

Cecil and Baron shared a laugh at that. No matter how much he tried Baron was always wittier but Cecil had a new motivation “Have you ever slept with a nightguard?”

“No, They are usually asleep when I'm awake and when their shifts end I'm already piss drunk or with a new mare.”

Cecil grinned mischievously as Baron narrowed his eyes. “What are you thinking Cecil?” Baron's voice was practically dripping with skeptical doubt.

“Dads down in the barrack right now. Solar and lunar guard practically worship him. I think lunar guards would wake up to catch him in action.”

Baron sighed as he leaned his head in the palm of his hoof “You're going to persist until I finally leave this room aren't you?”

“Yes.”

Barron sighed as he got out of the chair and onto the floor. He was a little wobbly but he managed to get his balance.

“Okay then old chap tally ho.”

As Cecil and Baron left to try and distract him from his family troubles Flurry Heart was sitting in Twilight's personal room taking in all the purple and books. She had her own miniature library for a closet packed with scrolls and books while her bed fluffed with pillows in the middle rested her toy doll Mr. Smartypants. The two princesses had been talking about Flurry's time in Ponyville enjoying more of the company then the actual conversation but suddenly Flurry set her tea cup and saucer down with her magic. Her face twisted into concern and angst as she tried to formulate a way to explain what was on her mind. Twilight sat calmly again reading Flurry's face like she would a open book. Finally, Flurry looked at Twilight with determined eyes.

“I want to know the transformation Spell Celestia used to turn Cecil's mother into a human.”

Twilight spit her tea to the side nearly dropping her cup as the magic broke concentration “WHAT!?”

Flurry held her head high “I want to know it so when the time comes for Cecil and I to have children.”

Twilight for all her wisdom she had learned over the years was not prepared in the slightest for this question. “I-I think your mother would be the one to discuss this with.”

Flurry closed her eyes shaking her head “I love my momma to death but we both know her magical knowledge is meager when compared to what you know. I doubt she even knows how to cast the spell.”

Twilight sighed as she set her tea down thinking about this. “I can't morally teach you this spell. Not without at least talking with your parents about this.”

Flurry figured this would be her answer and opened her eyes. “Twilight I know you have unsurpassable respect for my parents, but I am not a filly. I am a grown adult with countless spells in my mental index, powerful spells not many my age know about let alone have the magical reservoir to use.”

“It is not that I doubt your ability to use this spell it is about what is right and wrong. You may be of age and certainly have show restraint and responsibility with your magic, but…oh Celestia help me, Flurry you are young and in love and I….you and Cecil……” Her face started heating up the more she thought about this conversation until she finally spat it out. “I will not tell you the spell so you and Cecil can have sex before you are married!”

Flurry could feel her cheeks heating up but thanks to her fur the blush stayed hidden. “Aunt Twilight you're more flustered about this topic then I am. Are we both not adults, besides my father has told Cecil on multiple occasions that he would give his blessing and I would rather know the spell now so I may perfect it.”

Twilight narrowed her eyes causing the hair on Flurry's neck to stand on edge “Do not be so casual. I have spoken my answer yet you persist. As your ruler do you not have any respect for my word?”

“Do not bring your ruler persona to me. I am Princess Flurry Heart and my words carry as much weight as my parents. You rule Equestria but the crystal empire is its own entity and I will not simply roll over. I love you Princess Twilight and you hold all the respect in my heart as a mentor and teacher but you also taught me to follow my heart. You think this is about sex but it is not!” She stomped her hoof down as her own eyes narrowed showing no fear and no chance of backing down.

“Cecil is my love and i can feel it, as corny as this statement is I know in my heart that he will stay at my side forever, and in a world full of ponies I want him to hold one human. I want him to hold me.”

Flurry sat down in her chair breathing out a sigh as she tried to calm down before things got heated. “My initial statement was true but that was only a part of it. Alex had to be with a pony and she willingly changed into a human so he might have a human boy. My plan is not to get pregnant yet. Cecil deserves to be held by his own species to know the touch of a woman without hooves but fingers through his hair or soft lips against his own.”

She looked at Twilight with a stern look “It may be heard as ridiculous blunder considering Cecil has only known ponies. I should be happy that he finds our species attractive physically but that's only because he has never seen a female from his species.”

Flurry put a hoof to her chest leaning on the table “Do you know how its going to feel for me when I eventually change to give him a human baby and he looks at me with uninterested enthusiasm or disgust? I would know he loves me but knowing that our special moment will be more like a chore... it breaks my heart.”

Twilight was beginning to understand her reasons better but all her points had a flaw in them. “This is all speculation. Did you ever consider if Cecil wants to have a human child or would he end the lineage with him? Consider what he has been through thus far, the bullying and his father's reputation. You dont see any of that because you were to young and ignorant to understand the evil his father brought into this world when you had your meeting as a filly. Cecil undoubtedly wants to continue the steel family but I dare say he would want a pony and nothing else.” Twilight arched an eyebrow “Unless you want a human child?”

Flurry squirmed a little in her chair as she locked eyes with Twilight. “I want both, preferably both male if I had a say in the matter.” Flurry admitted without hesitation.

Flurry wasnt blind anymore she knew the risks of having a human child. It would be different, They would have the entire Crystal empire with two alicorns backing them. While Alex would no doubt want to see them he would be entering his golden years and not be seen as a threat. And if Cecil could work on his botany and complete what he aimed to do then a lot of the speculation surrounding her love would vanish. Cecil has already made a lasting good impression at the school full of ponies that are going to be future holders of power. If he keeps that up until he graduates then when the new figures of power replace the old they will have the image of the fun loving laid back human in their mind instead of their predecessors who are filled with Alex and his warring nature.

“Please just trust me. I want to do this for Cecil. I want to hold his hand with my own fingers, I want to dance on two legs without balancing for my life, please I'm begging you.”

Twilight studied Flurry Heart judging her with her reasons she has given. In her honest hearts Twilights niece seemed to be earnest and adamant about what she wanted but Twilight also had to consider what her brother and sister-in-law would think about this. Flurry’s skill or magical reservoir was no issue. At her skill she could flick the spell on and off with a blink of her eye it was the temptations Twilight was worried about. Another issue is just because she said no didn't mean Flurry wouldn't seek the information out on her own. She was smart enough to stitch together texts and magic circles to get the desired effect and if done improperly she could make the transformation permanent.

“When do you plan to reveal this new spell to Cecil?”

“At the winter ball.”

“Panic at the disco, but I can't say much when I look back at my grand galloping galas.” She chuckled nervously before sighing and standing. “I will teach you the spell BUT you are pinkie promising that you will withhold and type of intercourse.”

“No, I want to do stuff that's not intercourse.”

Twilight felt her eye twitch but Flurry corrected her “I would like to be able to kiss him, hug him or slap his butt.”

Twilight blinked a few times realizing she was the one with her mind in the gutter. “O-oh right.”

Flurry looked at Twilight with deadpan eyes and a slightly tilted head “Aunt Twilight have you ever actually had a coltfriend?”

Twilight reered her head back as she started to nervously laugh and look everywhere except Flurry's eyes “Of course! W-why would you think I havnt?”

“Because you are obviously nervous and seem to think Relationships are about innocent gestures or straight to the sexy time.”

“B-but thats how it happens r-right its what I read about.”

Flurry rolled her eyes with a smile as she shook her head “ I love you Twilight but lets not make the pinkie promise since your idea of intercourse and mine are completly different….if you want to I could probably help you find somepony to um well….date.”

Twilight sighed as she thought about all the romance novels shes ever read. She read some that were a little to saucy for her taste. Twilight thought about telling Flurry Heart some of the books but that would reveal some of the books Twilight had read and she would rather not let Flurry know about those books just yet. Twilight instead agreed to the terms trusting that Flurry was responsible enough to handle this new spell. The blackboard rolled out and Twilight started writing on the board with the chalk in her magic moving a million miles a minute. Flurry watched with all her intensity as Twilight spoke and drew diagrams like a professor at the college. If Flurry wasn't so focused she would have reminisced a little thinking back to all the visits Twilight made to the crystal empire to teach Flurry. When the lesson was over in a few attempts and minor corrections from Twilight, Flurry was able to transform into a true human like Cecil and Alex instead of a humanoid version of a pony.

After the transformation spell was complete Flurry Heart stood in front of a full body mirror with her eyes closed and finally opened her eyes. Viewing her new change her eyes widened in amazement. Her puffy cotton candy hair flowed down to the middle of her back in between two large light pink wings that sparkled in the light. The wings folded up were level with the top of her head and traveled almost to the floor like a drag along dress. Her skin was a copper almost golden tan. She touched the top of her head and felt two small horns under her hair. Sighing happily that she still had a way to cast magic she examined her new body and just stared confused. She didn't know if she looked good or bad. She used her best judgment to gauge it using Cecil’s body as a comparison. She had a flat stomach and when poked was hard so good muscle there. She turned around and her mouth dropped.

“Sweet Celestia my butt is huge! How am i supposed to fit through a door with that?”

Twilight giggled as she nodded to Flurry's chest “That's not the only thing that's small.”

Flurry turned to face the mirror squishing her breasts together with more questions then answers “I thought breasts were only supposed to enlarge when a mare is nursing? Why are they so big?”

Twilight shrugged “Humans have the strangest anatomy, Maybe Sunset Shimmer can help us.”

Princess Twilight pulled out the special notebook that allowed the two to write back and forth. She wrote down a brief description of Flurry's new form and then asked Flurry to draw her body. Being an expect craft and art pony Flurry had no trouble drawing a camera quality picture of her body in the book. The image and writing faded away. It took a few minutes but a reply came back and it wasn't what Twilight or Flurry expected.

‘Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle and Princess Flurry Heart

In the human world your breasts are enlarged naturally because of genetics. If your mother transformed she would have something similar. If you become pregnant they will fill with milk. They are mainly used as a way to attract a partner, Human males are especially attracted to them as well as your flank. If the drawing is accurate then Princess by my worlds standards you have the body of a super model.’

Flurry giggled as she jumped in excitement, unfortunately, her balance was off and she landed on her butt. “Oow.” Carefully she stood back up using Twilight to help her stabilize. “So I suppose I was worried over nothing.”

Twilight smiled watching carefully to make sure Flurry didn't fall again “In your defence you had no idea what would appeal to a human. Its good to know that your wish came true.”

Flurry giggled a little more as she slowly started to walk without the aid of Twilight. It was a little awkward but with some simple instruction, she quickly got the hang of it or at least to the point where she could stay upright. The fluid smoothness Cecil and Alex had with their steps was going to take a lot of practice. Flurry leaned over hugging Twilight around her neck thanking her over and over for this opportunity.

“You are welcome but I mean it Flurry no funny business between you and Cecil.”

Flurry leaned away changing back into her alicorn form “I promise you have nothing to worry about.”

About that time there was a knock on the door interrupting the two. Twilight opened the door with her magic letting Cecil and Barron come in. “We have a situation.”

Cecil Explained what was going on while Barron explained in a more in depth detail. Just before plans could be made Spike came in holding a hand over his eye “Twi it's Alex, he's in the barracks in full dress.”

Twilight was nearly ready to turn into flames when she saw Spike holding a hand over his eye but he removed it and it was just slightly red. “Spike what happened to your eye?”

“That was all my fault. I forgot about that one step again.”

Twilight sighed making another mental note for the masons to fix the one step that's shorter then the rest. She still couldn't believe that after 1000 years Celestia couldnt move past the old ways of castle building.

“Baron i am sorry but I need to handle Alex first and foremost.”

He bowed letting her walk out of the room. Once she was gone Cecil grinned slapping him on the back “Come on lets go watch dad at work. It's actually amusing.”

“Cecil, I would like to have a conversation privately with you before you left.”

Flurry’s request was a bit strange but he shrugged as Baron left to go see the Barracks. Inside the room Flurry smiled as she took a seat “Cecil, have you ever….wanted me to be a human girl?”

“Where the hell did a question like that come to mind?” He asked almost appalled she would think like that. Flurry sat quietly in a chair waiting for him to finish and get over his shock. He calmed down almost as quickly as the shock factor from the question hit him.

“Well no truthfully, but I ain't never seen a woman other then a picture when my mom was carrying me in her belly but….thats a bit gross thinking about my mom like that.”

Flurry nodded slowly as she leaned forward letting her head rest in her hooves “I just wanted to know because if we are to be wed then I want a human baby and a foal.”

Cecil chuckled as he walked over to her kissing her head. “I don't know whats got you so worried but I promise I find Mares attractive, after all they are the only Females around. I grew up with 'em so even if I saw another human female or you as a human I don't think id know what to do but hey if you can turn into a human I ’ll try anything once.”

Those weren't the words she wanted to hear but they would have to do since she couldn't go into any more detail without him catching on to her plans. Smiling she looked up at him and pulled him in close to kiss his lips. Charrishing the moment she pulled away smiling

“It was more of a thought then a worry. I was just lost in the imagination, to much time off and all that.”

Cecil laughed as he lead her to the door “I understand that. Feels like we have been off for a year without school and other things going on.”

“Absolutely, I'm glad you understand now come on let's go see what your father was like when he was training the REM.”

Cecil gladly followed her out of the door running to the Barracks to hopefully beat Twilight before she can break up the fun. Flurry found a open window and had a new idea for travel in her head. She jumped out using her magic to lift Cecil and carry him through the air. They made short work of the distance even seeing Barron and Twilight just exiting the castle. At their pace it would give Flurry and Cecil a whole five minutes to watch this.

Flurry wasn't to excited to see the cruelty but she had seen her Father drill new recruits as a hobby and wanted to see what it was like to see his rival in action. Landing just outside the doors Flurry and Cecil carefully snuck in trying to not be seen but still getting a good front row seat to the show. When they finally saw Alex it was amazing. He was dressed in a brown dress shirt, I thick black belt held his navy blue with a red strip going down either side up. His shoes were like polished mirrors but the finishing touches had to be the smokey bear hat the other instructors wore. He walked along the lines of fresh recruits scowling at each one until one blinked and he was all over them.

“The fuck did you blink for dick shit. You think I'm scary?”

“S-s-s”

Sa sa sa Sir goddamn it, do you suck dicks? You look like a peter puffer!”

“Sir yes Sir!”

“You piece of shit!” Alex yelled as he kicked the recruit's legs out. Alex glared down at the young Stallion “I think ive seen shit that looks better then you, your momma must have squeezed you out trying to miscarriage. Fucking ugly whore.”

The Stallion had tears forming in his eyes but that only earned him more pain as Alex stepped on his throat “You want to cry on me pussy?”

The stallion tried to shake his head but Alex pressed down harder “Use your mouth! Are you so stupid you can't formulate words private!? How do you plan on becoming a killing machine if you can't relay orders?!”

Alex looked around and noticed the other privates getting nervous and slowly he stepped off the stallion who gasped for air. “What did you join this beloved corpse for!?” He yelled while he calmly eyed everypony in the room including the instructors.

“S-sir!”

Alex turned to the one who answered “Speak freely.”

“I joined to be part of the greatest fighting force sir!”

Alex pointed at that stallion “That! That is what you should all be yelling but I can see your balls all shrank and fell off this winter! I am sorry for the failure of your instructors and your leadership for having their heads so far up their ass they forgot what real war is like.”

The instructors glared at Alex who marched right up to one bumping noses with him “You want to hit me? Call me an asshole or tell me times have changed and you can't do what we used to. Go head I fucking dare you Gunny. I goddamn dare you to tell me the rules and how that purple bitch ripped your balls off and put them in her pretty pink saddle bags.”

The anger that Marine was holding back was about to blow over but Alex kept pushing “You want me to stop?” He shoved the gunny again and this time the Gunnery Sargeant gritted his teeth face red with anger as Alex looked to the privates then to him “You have pussies to whip into hard tough Marines. Make them earn that globe and anchor.”

The gunnery sergeant stormed forward as his master sergeants followed and the beatings started. Privates were shoved against walls, bunks were flipped over, and privates ears were filled with the yells of pissed off Marines. Alex walked through the chaos taking his own pound of flesh it was a terrifying sight to see and one that left Flurry shaking. This wasn't basic training this was ripping ponies down and breaking their spirits through violent acts and worse of all the instructors were smiling, they were enjoying this treatment of privates. It nearly made her sick when Twilight burst in the room furious.

“ALEX!” She yelled in the royal Canterlot voice. The man turned lowering his head slightly as his jaw set in place. His shoulders squared up as Twilight marched to him but just as she got close Alex snapped his hand out like a cat striking a snake. no one saw the hand move until it was firmly attached to Twilight's ear pulling her down to his level as he glared down at her. She tried to use her horn but Alex twisted harder causing her to scream in pain

“You listen to me and you listen good you fucking piece of shit. I don't know what compelled you to change the rules on the ground work that I laid but I want to remind you what having a weak military gets you.” He pulled her along to a crying private lying on the ground “That useless trash will die if we ever have another war. Look at him! He will run when it's time to fight! He will get his brothers killed!”

Twilight looked at the private curled in a ball rocking back and forth in sheer fear. In a fit of anger seeing one of her subjects hurting this bad she broke free of his hold and shot a blast of magic at him only for him to catch the full blast with is hand and for a split second his eyes flashed a demonic red causing her to step back.

Alex turned to the ponies in the room “You are future Marines, you will be expected to die but not before you send a hundred more enemies to hell before you! Your princess like the rulers before her were weak minded and weak willed when it came time to do what needed to be done!”

“Celestia was not weak!” Twilight shouted snorting air out of her nostrils.

“Are you sure? How many Twilight?” He asked slowly “How many died that day and then the weeks following.”

Twilight was shaking with anger “That's…not fair.”

“Seven hundred and twenty one dead with 1,438 in casualties. The day the changelings attacked Canterlot. Your Precious white princess was wrapped in a cocoon, Sleeping beauty of the night was under heavy drugs to keep her asleep the pink pretty princess was in the mines and the old captain was brainwashed by some whore pretending to be his bride to be. Three fucking alicorns! Three of the most powerful ponies in the world and not a damn one could fight back but I was there in the streets fighting an army with the toughest sons of bitches you have ever met. Three hundred and seventy eight Changlings killed because of us while the rest of the guard hid with the civilians or pissed themselves where they stood.”

Alex turned looking at Twilight who had lowered her head “She is your commander in chief, she is the one who has to make the decisions but she is not the one who will be out in the field knee deep in the mud and blood wondering if she will be able to come home. Your princess has done amazing things but she has never taken a life and that's what separates us from her but do not let her power scare you! When she is stupid tell her! When she is weak do not be afraid to tell her! You are Marines! You fight for the ponies not for the princess! The little colt holding onto his mother looks to you hoping that you will avenge his father when he took his last breath to defend his family that is what you are! You are killing machines, harbingers of death, you are vengeance!”

The instructors stood at attention giving a salute and shouting “OORAH!”

Twilight stomped her hoof down “NO!” She helped the one private that was crying curled in a ball back to his feet. “You all have meaning in my heart. You all are equally important in my eyes and I will never abandon you. Alex has his valid points but Equestria is at peace and we have no need for such barbaric means of training. Helping each other on these hallowed proving grounds is a future we should all be aiming for. Just because one looks weak and fragile does not mean they don't have strengths that can benefit you. Think about your future, if a war does break out your friendship and comradery will be the only thing you can depend on. If we kick the ones we see as weak down now then they will have no room to grow and show us and the rest of the world how strong they are.”

Everypony in the room was silent as twilights great speech fell on deaf ears. While Alex stepped in front of her.

“The Marines were created for one reason. To create hardened soldiers that are willing to kill and die with honor. This program was designed to weed out the weak, break down the strong, and build them back up into obedient, loyal, brainwashed soldiers that think dying for this nation is the greatest honor.”

Twilight felt a tear run down her cheek as she calmly looked to Alex “As your commander in chief I command that this man be escorted off the premises for trespassing.”

She didnt want to say that but Alex had to be removed or else the barracks would be a chaotic mess of pure evil for the privates. Alex didn't let the guards take him as he walked back into the changing room. In seconds he walked out in his original clothes. Twilight gazed at the coat looking over all the burns and scars on it. The patch work when his battles got to rough even by his standards. She wanted so desperately to travel back in time and be at his side to comfort him and try to guide the man away from war. It was hard knowing that if they had just listened instead of trying to stay set in their peaceful ways Alex would probably been a general pushing paperwork in an environment they could control him in or in Twilight's mind a place she could work with him trying to open his heart. She put a hoof to a mended tear in his coat where his heart would be if it was buttoned. The hellfire burn marks still there. She did that when she found out Alex had recruited her brother to the front lines and as a result, she stooped to his level. He kept it a secret for what reason she didn't know.

Alex gently grabbed her hoof and pushed it away “That's enough damage for one day.”

Those words rang in her head like a loud echo. They were the same words he said to her when she attacked him. The waterworks were starting to turn on and fill up her eyes. Slowly she turned after nodding to him and made her way out. Alex followed behind the kids were about to go out but Twilight shut the doors with her magic and quickly talked to Alex in private. He nodded and left walking with purpose again. Twilight dispelled her magic and the youth came rushing to her aid.

“My word….Are you alright Princess?” Barron asked as he watched the strong and regal Princess whip tears away.

“I will endure Barron, but thank you for your concern.”

Cecil stepped forward and Twilight almost couldn't look at him. “Princess…I want to apologize for my father…I know you an him well….your like fire and water. Yall don't match at all but we, everyone, still needs ya to keep warm and to stay hydrated.”

She couldn't help the smile that overtook her sad expression. Cecil wasn't the best at explaining things especially when it came to his father but he tried and even now he was trying to cheer her up. She took his hat off ruffling his hair a little

“Thank you Cecil, you are such a kind gentle soul. I sometimes forget you are your father's son.”

Flurry nuzzled his cheek giving him a light kiss on the cheek. “It may not make sense but you do always seem to know what to say or how to handle a situation.”

Baron slapped him on the back “That you do old chap. Now if only we can fix your pig headedness.”

“Right after we fix that pompous attitude of yours.”

“Move out of the sticks and live with higher society and you will see it's not so wrong to have a slightly superior complex.”

“Boys enough.” Flurry said getting in between the two of them as they shared a laugh.

Twilight smiled brightly seeing how their odd friendship was strong. By all means, these three should be polar opposites of each other yet here they were defeating the social norm just because they found each other's company fun. It was a hope Twilight needed to see.

“Come let us go eat lunch.” Twilight said as Cecil smacked his stomach.

“Don't have to tell me twice.”

“Behave yourself Cecil.” Flurry said with a eye roll.

“I am behaved.”

Baron walked next to Cecil with a cheeky grin “She means to use your manners.”

“Im hungry and if she offering im not gonna say no.”

“Yes, yes we are all well informed of your eating habits. Especially when you suck food down like a vaccum.”

Cecil shrugged “Enjoying your food..”

“Is for ponies who want to taste their food, Im hungry.” Baron and Flurry said in unison.