Torn Apart

“Battalion, shoulder arms! Right shoulder shift, march! Forward march!” We began our march around Canterlot’s parade ground. There were ponies of all ages on both sides waving Solar banners and cheering. I thought to myself, I wondered what I would do now. Would I go back to the factory? After a moment of pondering, I decided I would cross that bridge when I came to it.

After the parade, we were marched down to Fort Trottsdale. A few days later, I got notice that my service in Celestia’s army was up. The 1st Canterlot was disbanded. I turned in my uniform, rifle, and other accoutrements and put on a pair of civilian clothes that now seemed foreign to me. As I was leaving, I wanted to see Toothpick one last time. I eventually spotted him. “Sir” I said as I approached him with a salute “At ease, what is it boy?” he replied. “I just wanted to say sir, it’s been an honor serving with your sir.” “Aye, you too boy, you too.” With a quick salute, I walked off.

I spent the next few days getting readjusted back to civilian life. A week later I heard news of Luna’s punishment. It was a big relief to me that she as not going to be executed. But she would have to serve years in the dungeon for high treason. There was nothing Celestia could do about it. I got my job back at the factory. I was planning to move out of my small little town. Just wasn’t the same it used to be. The only town I actually wanted to move to was Ponyville. The town had grown on me whilst serving there.

A couple of years after the war’s end I moved to Ponyville. I had a very peculiar greeting upon my move to the town. As I was pulling my cart, a pink pony with poufy hair came hopping up to me. “Oooh! Are you new here!?” she asked eagerly. “Aye I am” I replied. “Oh that’s great! I love to meet new ponies! I’m Pinkie Pie, what’s your name? “’Name’s Paradox” I answered. “Paradox” she replied, “Are you some sort of time traveler? Oh a time traveler, I’ve always wanted to have a time traveling friend! We’re going to have so much fun just wait and see!” “Heh, I’m not a time traveler ma’am.” I said. “Oh, well we’ll still have LOTS of fun!”

Now I’d like you to keep in mind that will we were conversing, she was bouncing around my cart, in a sort of revolving pattern. This pony was crazy! She bounced around my cart carrying on our conversation until I reached my new home. “Ooh is this your new home?” she asked “It appears to be.” I said. “Can I help you move in?” “Uh thanks but I can handle it myself.” I told her. “Oh..well come down to Sugarcube Corner later! We can throw a party!” “Sure thing Pinkie”

With a smile she turned around and hopped back in the opposite direction. In an hour or so, I unloaded and arranged most of my things. It already started to look like home. I retired at early that night. I thought about Pinkie. I couldn’t believe that pony from way back when was still here. She was a bit older, but her personality hadn’t changed a bit. I felt as though things were going to be wonderful here.

Chapter XV

That morning, I set down to a bowl of hay and oats. The best breakfast I’ve had in a long time. I knew I needed to get a job somewhere. Since factory work was the only thing I knew, it would have to be something under unskilled labor. Eventually, I got my job at another factory outside of Ponyville. The factory specialized in making items for the military. I was getting back into old routine.

That night, I was invited to attend party, hosted by no other than Pinkie Pie. Upon arriving, I was greeting with six different faces, two of which were familiar faces. One being, Pinkie Pie, and another one was a yellow pony with a long pink mane of who I believed I had seen during the war.

Pinkie began to address the the other five “Everypony, meet..uh..hmm now what was that name again? Paraflocks? Pairofsocks? No, that’s not it-“ “It’s Paradox ma’am.” I said. “Oh right, Paradox!” she corrected. A purple unicorn approached me. “Hello, my name is Twilight Sparkle, I’m a student of Princess Celestia and I’m currently researching the magic of friendship in Ponyville.” I assumed she was some sort of an intellectual judging by her greeting. “Hello ma’am pleased to meet you.” I said. The next one was an orange pony with a blonde pony-tail. “Howdy Mr. Paradox, ‘names Applejack, I’m a farmer on Sweet Apple Acres and I’m might obliged to meet ya!” she said with a firm hoof shake.

The next one was a blue Pegasus with a rainbow colored mane. “Hey Paradox, the name’s Rainbow Dash, the fastest flyer in Ponyville and soon to be Equestria!” “Dash huh? Say, did you serve in the war?” I asked. “ I sure did!” she said confidently. “1st Ponyville Dragoons?” I persisted. “You bet!” “Captain?” “Yep”. “Well Captain Dash, it’s nice to see you again.” “You know me?” “Well yes, our regiments fought beside each other during the defense of Ponyville.”Ah right, boy we really gave ‘em hell didn’t we?” Dash replied. “Heh, yeah”.

The next pony to greet me was a white one with a rather stylish purple mane. “Hello sir, my name’s Rairty and I’m very pleased to meet you. I run a fashion boutique not too far from here. And don’t hesitate to stop by in you need anything.” “Thank you ma’am, will do.”

The last one to greet me, well not so much as greet, I actually had to do the greeting. I walked up to the yellow Pegasus. Hi Ma’am, my names Paradox, what’s yours?” I asked calmly. “F..flutter..” she began to trail off. “I’m sorry, I didn’t quite hear you.” “Flut..Fluttershy.” she spoke softly. “Hello Fluttershy, do you remember me?” I asked. She shook her head. “Remember that battle here a few years ago?” I persisted. “Y..yes, it was a very frightening experience for me.” She spoke. “Well, I came to you and asked for your help, and you helped care for my wounded.” It was upon this sentence that she recognized me. “Oh, your that pony, oh it’s so great to see you again!” I couldn’t help but grin.

And this pretty much sums up my experiences in the war, my movement to Ponyville, and my introduction to my new friends. About ten years later, I asked Twilight to help me right a book about my experiences. She agreed, and with her help, I published this book that you are reading now.

There is only one way I can think to end this book. We must remember all the blood and toil that was shed during this horrific conflict. We must always remember, and make sure that it never happens again. For those who do not know history, are condemned to repeat it.