Life,Death,and Rebirth

by Shadow-Dancer

Rating: teen
Tags: Original Character, Queen Chrysalis, Princess Celestia, Human, Twilight Sparkle, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Alternate Universe, Sad, Princess Luna
Length: 10915

A mans journey to recovery, self discovery, and of things long hidden

A man who won't die for something is not fit to live.
-Martin Luther King, Jr.

This is a story of a Marine that lost everything he held dear including his own life, all in one night, and blames himself for it. He will discover the impossible and maybe just maybe be able to fight through all the pain grief and loss and forgive himself for something not under his control

Join Marcus on a Journey of self-forgiveness, loss, regret,and companionship as he carves himself out a new life in a new world

(1st person and has changing perspectives) ( relatively light gore) (Light religious elements)(Alt-Universe because like it or not, things do change when new elements are thrown in.)

This is my first story ever so please point out any Gary Sue references that may happen. If you find any typos please tell me as well, thank you.
Also if anyone wants to create some cover art for the story please tell me.

Thank You to any of those that have served or are currently serving in the military to protect us at home
and may, God Bless America

Please note that I am not in the military nor consider myself to be an expert on the military or psychology nor do I own anything in this story affiliated with My Little Pony: FIM or Hasbro
(sad is for the slightly sad theme to the story) (you probably won't cry, i'm not that good)

(With that in mind any help with military references, tactics or anything else is appreciated thank you

Published 2013-01-20 20:20:02 UTC
Last updated 2015-06-19 14:08:13 UTC

Prologue: Robbery, Murder and a Dying Man’s Prayer (Edited)

Prologue: Robbery, Murder and a Dying Man’s Prayer

Prologue: Robbery, Murder and a Dying Man’s Prayer Marcus’s POV

Finally home at last, I thought turning my red firebird onto my street going two hundred feet down before arriving at my house the country air fresh and crisp , I talked to my fellow marines at the airport for three hours prior to now. I hope that everyone is still waiting up for me, I think to myself. I see three cars one my brother’s the other two, one belonging to my friends and the other to my parents. I get out of the firebird walk up to my house open the door preparing to say hi, but when I fully open it I see blood on the floor of the living room with my parents lying dead with several bullet holes in each body.

I look at the blood seeing it’s still fresh. I checked for a pulse on both of them hoping for a different answer than what my head was telling me, sadly my head was correct. I than went looking for my three friends in hope they were alive. I found one of my friends, her name was Jessica, she had one bullet hole in the head, I saw her wallet and it was empty of any credit or debit cards, my heart broke, out of the three she was my best friend, I knew her since high school. Shortly thereafter I found my other two friends near the table in the dining room they too were robbed and shot it seems that the killer emptied the magazine into my two friends Jacob and Josh.

Soon after I heard the click of someone reloading a pistol, I cursed to myself that I did not run back for my gun that was in my glove box. Too late now, I thought to myself. The click sounded like it came from the next room I silently entered as I saw the thief. I sprinted towards the thief and snapped the thief’s neck with little effort, than I picked up the gun and seen the thief was a man. “Damn I hate taking a life even though the guy was a threat.” I whispered to myself. I continued out the back door to see if any more were in the back yard, well one more thief was there dressed in black I raised my gun pulled the trigger *click* *click* *click* The thief turned around and fired eight bullets. Two tore their way through both of my legs another two through my arms. One tore its way through my gut. Blood was everywhere the thief smiled and then ran away.

I knew I was a dead man, I cried, I cried for my family and friends that I could have saved if I had of not spent three hours. I cried because I would never be able to have a casual drink with friends at the local bar five miles away. I cried because I would never be able to talk to mom about my life and its troubles. I cried because I would never be able to fish with my dad. Tears of loss flooded my face stinging the bleeding wounds. I calmed down for a second and prayed, “God please give me another chance to protect those who need protection. God please let me make up for failing to protect those who I care for. Please God give me another chance.” I slumped over and died. Little did I know that God would answer my prayers.

Chapter 1: Were The F**k am i

Chapter 1: Were The F**k am i

Chapter 1: Where the F**k am I Twilight Sparkle’s POV

It was a nice crisp night the moon cast a beautiful glow on equestria it as if a blanket covered equestria and beckoned all the ponies and animals to sleep and rest to prepare for Celestia’s morning sun. I personally liked the night, at night the land was quiet and peaceful, all in a temporary hibernation.

As I was stargazing looking for any new consolations that Luna may have put up tonight, I saw what looked like a comet coming out of the sky. No wait that wasn't a comet it was a meteor, I thought to myself as I watched it fall I noticed it was falling towards the area where we found the elements of harmony about a year back.

It was also shaped like a pony could fit inside it. When it disappeared behind the everfree forest I heard a loud *BOOM* that shook the ground violently, I’ll ask my friends to come and check it out with me tomorrow, I thought to myself.  So I finally decided to sleep.

Marcus’s POV

Around the same time

People say death is the end but sometimes I think it is only the beginning of a new chapter of life, and I swear that God wanted to prove just that. When I opened my eyes (yes somehow I still could feel that I had eyes) I seen myself falling into a area surrounded by a forest and it had what looked like an abandoned castle in the middle of the clearing. I landed a few feet away from the castle and heard a loud *BOOM* after that I was knocked out.

Twilight Sparkle’s POV

About eight hours later I woke up from a dream that there was a bipedal creature in the meteor. The Biped had four long limbs the two connected to either side of what probably was a chest on the two limbs there was something that resembled spikes clawed hands. Unlike the hands that spike had the “claws” on the bipedal were not sharp.

I also noticed the Biped had some oddly colored clothing that covered almost the whole body. It also had what appeared to be two legs, on the bottom of the legs were not hooves like ponies had the again resembled feet like what spike has. I also noticed that on top of the chest of the creature was a relatively short neck and a head shaped like a small oval, its ears were on the side of the head and on the surface was what looked like a mouth, nose, and two eyes that were closed. On the top of his head he had what seemed like a small brown mane? The dream ended when the creature’s eyes opened.

I sat for a few minutes before getting up to ponder what I saw the creature did not seem native to any place on this planet, at least not that I have heard of. I get up to go and get the others. So we can investigate what that meteor is and so I can figure out what the meteorite has to do with my dream.

Spike sees me about to walk out the door and asks, “What are you doing Twilight?”

“I’m going to get the girls and see if they want to investigate that meteor that crashed last night.” I replied.

Spike took a moment to think and said, “You heard that bang as well?”

Twilight walked towards spike and said’ “Yes I was stargazing when I saw a meteorite falling towards the old castle ruins.”

Spikes face reveling his surprise as he responded, “Wow that will be some creepy trip.” I nodded in agreement and said, “The first time was creepy indeed”

“Well spike I better be going so we can leave before dark” I said. I opened the door and walked outside, I went to all my friends and they were too busy to go or did not want to go. So I went back to the library and gathered supplies for the one day journey. By the time I was ready it was dark so I decided to sleep and leave tomorrow morning.

Marcus’s POV

Five hours after landing

I woke up feeling a bit drowsy and my head hurt, ignoring the slight pain I got up and went to explore the castle. When inside I noted how restively good shape the castle was in. Interestingly enough there were 6 pedestals when I went up the stairs to the second floor.

I decided that it would be best to settle here on the second floor of this castle so I can make sure that almost nothing can get to me. I should go hunting after I make a weapon and than if I can make a bed I thought to myself. I went down stairs and outside to the meteor I was in and see a jagged shard of the meteor’s stone Well step one getting a weapon is finished now time to hunt or trap and find some water, I thought.

I start on making traps to catch any animals, during that I also set markers for were the traps are so I don’t trap myself. During my way back to the ruins I find some stream. Nice now I have water, I think to myself. I later kill some water predators that look somewhat like eels.

I still don’t truly know where the fuck I am, all I know is I am near some ruins and that is surrounded by a forest of some crazy nature. To top it all off this place looks like if I take a bad step ill die, I don’t even know what that weird blue flower like plant is best not to touch it any way. The only thing I know is this is not earth. If I find a local i'll have to ask where the hell I am, I thought. I gathered some wood and made my way to the ruins.

Once I was at the ruins I built a fire by using one of the torches on the wall to light the wood. I skinned the eel like creature and put it over the fire. Once that was done I ate my meal it tasted somewhat like some turtle I ate back on earth with my family. The memories that my family was dead pained me the fact that I would never see my family or friends again brought tears to my eyes. It was getting dark so I got on my makeshift cot I made and drifted to sleep

Twilight Sparkle’s POV

As I made my way to the ruins I had to hide from Manticores, Hydra and other animals which slowed me down more than what I would have liked. But I eventually had the ruins in sight and next to the ruins was a big broken hollow rock with a black glint to it. Usually meteors are not hollow, so why would this one be,I thought.

I trotted forward than just before I stepped forward I saw some type of trap. I was lucky that I noticed it poking out of the leaves or I would have got caught by it. Wait a minute since when did the inhabitants of the forest used traps to catch prey, this is weird first the hollow meteorite than somepony or something placing traps!, I thought

I went further towards the ruins dodging the traps when I was in the clearing about a few feet away from the ruins I smelled a weird scent smelled like something was burning. The smell came from the ruins. I went to the source of the smell and there I saw the corpses of sea snakes.

When I looked up I saw the Biped from my dreams. “Well I found out three things one that this bipedal eats meat, two that the said bipedal is intelligent due to it being able to make a trap to catch prey and three that the meteor and my dream was connected,” I whispered to myself.

I also noticed this was the room where the elements once were before the nightmare moon incident. There were six pedestals for some reason even though they were never there before. I will have to ask the princesses about this occurrence. Does it have anything to do with the creature’s sudden appearance here? I continue to ask myself. I was tired so I found a dark corner so I could stay hidden. I laid down and eventually drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 2: First Encounter

Chapter 2: First encounter

Marcus’s POV

I’m back at the house and watching helplessly as my friends and family die again before my very eyes voices whispering “Failure!” “You could have saved us if you came earlier.” Bodies of my family and my three friends flashing before me, I woke with a silent moan of pain. I felt helpless and alone in this new world wondering “what is my purpose here why did I not die like I should have.”  These questions haunt my existence, my being, my very soul.

I finally got up to build a fire, that’s when I noticed an odd creature that resembles a small horse it had a violet coat of fur and its mane and tail was a dark almost black purple with a lighter purple and pink stripe running through it.

I got closer to notice a weird marking on the flank of it that looked like a large pink Star of David surrounded by smaller white stars. I looked at its head again and noticed that the horse or better description pony had a horn. Wow this is a creature of human myth yet I am looking directly at it. A strange world indeed I thought, as I let out a quiet chuckle.

The pony stirred a bit than decided to get up, It looked around and seen me looking at it with a curious eye. “Don’t eat me!” the pony shrieked, I jumped back in surprise.

I said “Wait you can speak English?”

It was equally surprised and said “you speak Equestrian?” It said with a puzzled voice.

I said in a calmer voice “what is your name and don’t worry I won’t eat you”

The voice was defiantly female when she said, “My name is Twilight Sparkle what is your name?”

“Marcus” I replied.

Twilight Sparkle said, it’s nice to meet you Marcus.”

I asked “Can I call you Twilight? Or do you want me to call you Twilight Sparkle when I address you?”

Twilight answered, “Yes you can call me Twilight.”

I walked to the cot made with leaf fibers and wood tied together. She asked, “Are you from here?”

I chuckled and said, “No I’m from a planet called Earth, Where are we anyway?”

She answered, “You are in the country of Equestria, on the planet Terin”

I said, “I never thought after I died on Earth that I would end up on a whole other planet.”

Wait you Died?” Twilight asked puzzled.

I answered, “Yes I died on earth and just before then prayed to be able to get a chance at redeeming myself for failing to protect those close to me.” As I said that a tear came out of my eye.

I don’t know why, but I felt that I could tell this to her and I would not get meaningless pity. Twilight looked truly saddened by the news, but she did not go any further on the subject, for that I was silently grateful.

She broke the silence by saying, “What is Earth like?”

I replied, “Earth is a place of war at times peace at others. I lived on a continent called North America and a country called the United States of America or some call it the U.S and others the U.S.A. I even served in a part of the U.S military named the marines. Oh yes before I forget to tell you beings of my species are called Humans.”

Twilight asked, “Have you killed others in the military?” she looked a mix of frightened by the fact that I may have and a bit curious.

I decided to answer truthfully and said’ “Yes”

She seemed surprised by the answer, Twilight asked, “why do you do it, why kill others of your kind?”

I thought and answered, “Because a few of my kind, those I killed , they would Kill men, women and children with little care.

I don’t kill because I want to, ninety-nine percent of humans would not kill just because they felt like it, I did kill  to protect those that I cared about and people that wanted to live life without peaking over their shoulders. So kids could grow up with their mother and father. So the U.S could stay free.”

She seemed surprised by the selflessness and conviction in my voice

I can tell Twilight is repelled by the act of eating meat, even if she dose try to hide it. She is trying to even keep herself from passing out in front of me. So I asks, “What is it Twilight?”

“Nothing.” she replies

I get up and say, “I know you don’t like the fact I eat meat but I must if I want to survive out here.” Twilight looks at me confused how I know that. “I was trained to be able to read body language for times when I had to interrogate a prisoner.” I say to settle her.

I get done with my meal, just as Twilight gets out a salad I notice the time and tell her when she is tired that she can sleep on the cot and ill sleep on the floor. Twilight breaks the silence by saying, “No I’m fine you can sleep on the cot”

“Are you sure?” I ask

“Yes” she replies and I say back,

“You can share it with me if you want as well.” She blushes. I quickly say, “I don’t mean it that way,” to keep it from getting to awkward.

“Well I’m tired I need to get to sleep, any way Twilight where will you go after tonight? I imagine that you have friends waiting at where ever you are living. Also what is your horn for?”

“To answer your questions my horn lets me use magic, I plan on leaving tomorrow.”

I was shocked, she could use magic?

“Twilight can you demonstrate us humans can’t use any type of magic we use machines, vehicles, and other tools to get things done.” Twilight seems to be surprised that humans had no magic.

“I will demonstrate one thing I can use magic for.” Twilight focuses and a field of energy wraps around a small rock and it is lifted up in the air. “That Marcus is how unicorns use objects without hands.” Twilight says.

“That must make life convenient for you.” I said

“Yes it dose” Twilight responds despite it being an obvious statement

“Can you tell me about your society?” I inquire

“Yes I have listened to you talk about your culture so I can tell you mine.” She replies “there are four types of ponies Unicorns, Pegasus or Pegasi for more than one, Earth ponies, and Alicorns.”

I comments saying, “I know that Unicorns can use magic, and through Greek myths that Pegasi have wings and can fly, but what are the Earth ponies and Alicorn’s abilities?”

Twilight answers, “Earth ponies are stronger than Pegasi and Unicorns and Alicorn’s possess the abilities of Unicorns, Pegasi, and Earth Ponies and are stronger at magic than a regular Unicorn, not to mention they are immortal and only can die through physical means.”

I was pondering the info given to me by Twilight, and asked, “I believe that there are several Unicorns, Pegasi and Earth Ponies. But there must be very few Alicorns due to their power so they won’t misbalance the world. My question is how many Alicorns exist?”

She told me, “There are three alicorns in this world. They are Princess Luna, Princess Celestia and Princess Cadence and they all are female.”

I was surprised about the info and said, “So basically Equestria is a Matriarchy?”

“Yes that it is” Twilight responded

I replied, “Do you know them well? Because if you do please tell them I said hi and I would like to meet them.”

She surprised and replied,” Yes I do know them well, I am Princess Celestia’s student and I’ll try to tell them that when I see them next.”

I was stunned not only did Twilight know them but she was Princess Celestia’s student. Wow he thought “well thanks and we better get to sleep soon so you can see everyone you know tomorrow.” I said as I went to the cot and start to lie down, And I said, “Goodnight Twilight Sparkle.”

“Goodnight Marcus” Twilight replies.

I closed my eyes and after awhile Twilight climbed in the cot with me and it was big enough that she fit perfectly and I smiled. I slept peacefully that night.

Chapter 3: To Talk with a Princess

Chapter 3: To Talk With a Princess

Twilight Sparkle’s POV

I woke up early to get up and ready to leave for Ponyville to tell spike about the human and also see if the princesses would talk to Marcus and maybe they would know why six pedestals just suddenly appeared, I tried to get up slowly as to not disturb him.

The journey to Ponyville was relatively uneventful when I exited the forest Pinkie Pie jumped up and down and a said’ “Whywereyoutheresolongwethoughtyouwerehurt!”

It took me a moment to process what Pinkie had said but then I replied, “A meteor crashed and I whet to the ruins to investigate, what I seen amazed me and I even seen a creature that somehow got transported here. It was a male, and its species was human and his name is Marcus." I replied

Pinkie replied, “MarcusshouldcomeheresometimesoIcanthrowhimawelcomeparty!”

Twilight thought of how sadden Marcus was for awhile when he talked about his death on Earth it was as if he was restraining more emotion than he let on, based on that she said “Yes we should throw Marcus a welcome party sometime that would probably make Marcus feel welcome.” It may help him a bit on coping with his loss Twilight thought.

Pinkie Pie was excited as she said, “Yeathatwouldbefunsotellmewhenwearehavingtheparty!”

Twilight continued to her home, when she reached it spike opened the door and said, “Why did you take so long Twilight, I was getting worried about you.”

“I met a creature called a human, that is apparently a male, and his name is Marcus. The first day I was so tired that I could not do anything so I slept, the next day we talked for hours sharing information. He eventually said I could sleep in the protection of the ruin. (Careful as to not tell Spike I had slept in the same bed as him and prevent things from being awkward). The rest you know.”

Later I wrote a letter to the princess.

Dear Princess celestia,

I found a strange creature and later learned it was a human male named Marcus, he even wanted to say hi to you and Princess Luna. I also found a strange occurrence six pedestals appeared in the room where we freed Princess Luna Please answer when possible. Also I would like to ask why “English” and Equestrian are literally the same if not at least similar languages.

Your faithful student Twilight Sparkle

Marcus’s POV

When I woke up Twilight was not there, she probably went back to her home in a place called ponyville. I thought I went outside and visited all my traps and it seems that I caught a turtle, and two chickens. I killed both than plucked the feathers of the chicken and prepped it for tonight’s meal, than I proceeded to take the shell off the turtle and skin it and prepped it to get it ready to cook. Once it was ready I put the turtle over the fire waiting for it to cook, once that was done I started to eat it. Breakfast/Lunch is severed I thought to myself, and proceeded to eating.

Twilight’s POV

About the same time

Later that day while I was reading up on ancient civilizations seeing if there was any recorded history on a civilization that spoke a language that got renamed Equestrian, so far no luck.

Spike walked up to see what I was doing and suddenly with a loud *BEEERP* a scroll came out. I probably will never know how that works I thought, I opened the scroll and it said,

Dear Twilight Sparkle,

I need you and your friends to pack some stuff and meet me at the Ruins where you found the human I will be there waiting. Also bring the elements of harmony with you

Princess Celestia

I told spike about the letter and we started packing. I then went and told all my friends to meet me at the library with their elements. When everyone was at the library I said, “The princess wants us to go back to the old castle Ruins where she will meet us there.”

“Do we have to go their again?” Fluttershy inquired.

“Yes we have to but the road is not as bad as it was during the Nightmare Moon incident. So you don’t need to be scared Fluttershy.” I assured her An hour later and we were on our way.

Princess Celestia’s POV

As soon as I sent the letter to Twilight I teleported to the castle ruins. These Ruins hold the memories of my conflict with Luna when she became Nightmare Moon. Still today after 1005 years it still bothers me greatly. I understand why Luna refused to come with me I thought. I saw the meteorite that Twilight was talking about it seemed to be cracked in half for the most part with lots of the jagged rock around.

When I entered the castle I seen no sign of anything living there but that was until I went to the second floor where I saw the man cooking what looked like a chicken. I understood that Humans needed protein but I still didn't have to like how they got it.

Not to mention that I haven’t seen a human in 1005 years.

I never let anyone know the full truth of how I banished Nightmare Moon. Yes I did use the elements of harmony but they never would have been much use if the human had not distracted her also the human was the one to find out about my sister’s plot to make eternal night. Even before then humans have helped save equestria from certain destruction no matter how seemingly small part they played. Humans usually appear when there is a threat to equestria.

Marcus’s POV

I heard the steps of who I would have thought was Twilight if Princess Celestia had of not sent me a letter before her arrival. The chicken was almost fully cooked, I would let Celestia think and talk once the chicken was done cooking. I put it on a large makeshift plate and started to cut some meat off the chicken.

But then the princess came from her thoughts and said, hello Marcus how has your day been?”

I chuckled “It has been relatively nice but it could be worse.” I answered

The Sun Princess smiled, “yea you could be a lot worse off than you are.”

I went to my cot and sat down and said, “Is it just me or have you known I was here before today and all Twilight did was confirm it?”

“Not much gets past you dose it Marcus?” said the Princess

“No I suppose not, but you would not be here if you had no reason seeing as you must tend to a whole country. So if we can get to the point of why you’re here it will simplify things.” I suggested

“It would but I need the ponies with the elements of harmony here so I can continue without having to repeat myself.” Princess Celestia said

I let out a quiet growl in annoyance and said, “Okay I understand, I just don’t want to wait here all day.”

When Twilight and her friends finally arrived they were surprised to see who I was. The unicorn with a white coat and purple mane and tail fainted at my sight, and the Pegasus with the yellow coat and pink mane shivered in fear a little bit.

“These are my friends Marcus she pointed to the fainted unicorn and said, “This is Rarity.” Pointed to the shivering Pegasus and said, “Her name is Fluttershy.” Twilight did this with each one of her friends until I was introduced to all of them.

That is when the Princess got up and said, “Well since we all now know everypony let’s get to the matter at hand. As you know Marcus here is not a local. What you don’t know is that the fact he is hear means that trouble is brewing in equestria.” The princess spoke with a confident tone despite a bit worry showing up in her voice.

I was still surprised that I was here to help protect equestria but how, how can my human body help others in a world where the inhabitants could use magic against me. I did not want to fail this like I did last time but, how can one human save an entire country? The voices finally reappeared in my head and the images of my family and friends murdered haunted me.

Twilight asked, “Princess Celestia what about the six pedestals that just appeared around the same time Marcus landed? Why are they there?”

As the Princess pondered the question I decided to go to where the pedestals were so I could possibly figure it out myself I went to the one on the far left and seen a symbol, it was a cloud with a rainbow lightning bolt coming from it, the second symbol was three butterflies, the third was Twilight’s after that I looked at each of twilight’s friends cutie marks and it matched a symbol on the pedestal. Then I looked at a circle in the middle and it had a picture of a solid black Alicorn who’s cutie mark was the saying “Semper Fidelis” In gold letters

I finally decided to call the others here saying, “I think I found something everyone!” They all trotted to me and I shown them the markings on the pedestal and they were shocked when they looked at their own cutie marks than, I shown them the picture of the Alicorn pony on the ground.

When the princess seen the cutie mark of the pony the ground she asked. “what does this mean?” pointing a hoof to the words on the ponies flank

I smiled and answered the question, “The word you are looking at is pronounced “Semper Fidelis” It is a slogan used in the marines. The word its self however is not English/Equestrian. It is an older earth language called Latin. In English/Equestrian “Semper Fidelis” means “Always Faithful.”   “In the Marines we use it to show our loyalty to the U.S and the Marine Corps” I continued. “Celestia if you don’t mind me calling you that. What do you think all this means?”

“What I think it means is that you should stand in the circle and the elements should put their elemental item on the pedestals that match their cutie mark.” Said Celestia

I walked to the middle and Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Apple Jack, and Pinkie Pie put their physical representations of the elements in the spot where their cutie mark resided. There was a sudden flash than it all went black.

There were images of war and death all around me. All my worst memories flashed before me. The dead bodies of my friends and family back on Earth, The faces of the terrorists that I have killed; the times when I watched my fellow Marine die from two fifty cal. bullets going through his armor one in the stomach and another in the right lung. He died a minute later. I knew he was dead as soon as I seen where the bullets went so I tried to make his death less painful by talking to him, I was at the time glad it did not take any more than a minute because I would have never be able to move forward if his death was not quick.

Twilight Sparkle’s POV

When Marcus collapsed once we set the elements on the pedestals I was the first to go to his aid. I truly don’t know why but we became good friends when we first met yesterday, maybe it is because his devotion and passion to protect those he cared about. And to think that it all started by me saying “Don’t eat me.” I think to myself as I smile.

When I look at where Marcus is I don’t see a human I see an Alicorn. The Alicorn was solid black, so dark it made Luna look like a beacon in comparison. The only thing that was not black was the crimson colored words on his flank saying “Semper Fidelis” and his gray eyes, his mane and tail a shimmering black, the shimmer was like how the princesses mane’s and tail’s did the same thing.

Two Days Later

Celestia visited in her free time also amazed of how Marcus now looks. “What do you think Princess?” I ask

She responds by saying, “I didn’t think that he would become an Alicorn, Unicorn perhaps but an Alicorn?” “I really don’t know what will happen or if his body will accept the ability to use magic. Anyway he will have to adopt a new name for his pony form so he can fit in.”

Marcus’s POV

I woke up in a cold sweat, as I noticed that my body felt different. I looked around and seen the princess and Twilight look at me. “What?” I asked confused after a few seconds

Twilight said, Look for yourself.” As she levitated a mirror towards me I looked in to it seeing myself and I was surprised head was like a ponies and so was the rest of my body.

I was solid black with a black shimmering mane and tail I looked at my right hind leg and seen not to my surprise the words “Semper Fidelis” I figured if I was a pony my cutie mark would signify my loyalty towards those I cared for and my new home of equestria in one way or another.

The princess said, “You know you are now considered royalty do to you being an Alicorn.”

I was shocked when Celestia said that because I never intended to become a political figure. “Celestia, I really don’t want to be royalty”

“Why?” Celestia said puzzled

“One, no offence but I hate politics, and two I’m still a soldier and marine at heart.” I replied

“Okay and you know you will have to pick a new name for yourself correct? Also Marcus I take no offence from the statement not everypony wants to be involved in politics, it can be a pain.” Replies Celestia

I get up and try to stand, I wobble a bit than get use to it after a minute or two than I try to walk it again feels weird at first I lose my balance sometimes causing Twilight and Celestia to laugh. I shoot them a slightly annoyed glance then they stopped. After awhile I was walking and running effortlessly.

“Now all you have to do is learn how to use magic fly and how ponies talk.” said Twilight

“Well it’s getting late so I should go back to Canterlot.” Said the Princess

“Bye Celestia” I said Twilight looks at me funny and I get the hint

“Sorry for not using your title Princess.” I apologize

“No need Marcus I consider you a friend, just try to use my title in public please.” The princess replies

“Okay I’ll keep that in mind” I say amazed at what I just heard. If I said that to queen Elisabeth I probably would be in a bad situation right now, I think to myself.

When the princess leaves I say to Twilight, “Where are your other friends?”

“They went home shortly after you got knocked out.” Twilight responds

“Why didn't you go with them?” I asked curious

Twilight replied by saying, “I don’t really know it’s just felt like I should stay so I did. I can’t explain it much beyond that.”

“Twilight do you want to go outside it is pretty nice out.” I ask

“Twilight says in turn, “Sure I’ll go outside with you. It is quite nice out.”

We exit the ruins and go outside. I notice that she seemed more relaxed at night as opposed to the day.

I decided that I would test to see how well I could blend with the shadows so I went to where a shadow was and said, “Twilight do you see me?”

She looked towards where my voice came from almost directly at me and said, “Where are you Marcus?”

I came out of the shadows and Twilight was surprised that she had not seen me about ten feet in front of her

“Wow your black coat, mane and tail makes it hard for anypony to see you from ten feet in complete darkness and probably almost impossible at 25 feet or further.” Twilight said

“That may be useful in certain situations defiantly if I decide to help the princesses gather Information at some point.” I said very pleased. “It is a beautiful night don’t you agree?” I ask

Twilight replies, “yes Princess Luna dose create beautiful nights.

I stand there puzzled than finally gather myself up for this question and say, “Wait you mean to tell me that Princess Luna raises and lowers the moon? Let me guess Celestia Raises and lowers the sun?

Twilight responded by saying, “Yes Luna raises and lowers the Moon, While Celestia raises and lowers the Sun.”

I laugh, “I am learning more every day.” Thanks for this beautiful night Princess Luna.  I say to myself in my head.

I am surprised when I hear a response saying, "your welcome Marcus."

“Twilight did you just hear Princess Luna?” I asked

“No I did not. Why do you ask?” questioned Twilight

“I swear I heard her after I said, thanks for the beautiful night Princess Luna in my head.” I responded

“That explains why, you just accidently used a telepathy spell.” She informed

“You are saying that I just used magic by accident?” I say Confused

“Yea that is what you just did.” Twilight answered

“Well Twilight I did think of a fitting name for myself.” I said

“What is it Marcus?” Twilight Inquires

“My new name shall be Shadow Dancer.” I answer

Twilight thinks about it and says, “Fitting name indeed Shadow.”

(From now on except for few instances Marcus will be called Shadow or Shadow Dancer)

“Well I’m tired we should go in and sleep.” I suggest

“Yes we should so we can leave for Ponyville in the morning.” Twilight agrees

Twilight and I go inside and I get up on the bed and a minute later Twilight climbs on after me, I slept peacefully that night.

Chapter 4: Lessons,Friends, and Dreaming of Luna?

Chapter 4: Lessons, Friends, and Dreaming of Luna?Shadow Dancer’s POV

I woke up rather relaxed my sleep not plagued by nightmares, so I got up carefully lifting Twilight off my chest, she moved slightly but was not disturbed, I got up and stretched hearing a few pops as my spine was realigned.

I then went to the fire pit and attempted to grab the wood nearby, I failed miserably. Damn! I need to remember I don’t have hands anymore. I thought to myself. So I tried what Twilight did to levitate the mirror, so I focused on the wood and willed it to move up and to the fire pit, nothing happened, I was truly puzzled on how this magic thing worked, so I decided that I would ask Twilight to teach me after breakfast. A few minutes later Twilight woke up, “Morning Twilight how was your sleep?” I said in an upbeat tone

“Morning Mar… I mean Shadow.” Twilight responds yawning

I look at her and ask hungrily, “What’s for breakfast?”

She looks at me a bit surprised and replies searching her saddle for food and comes unsuccessful, “I thought you would make something Shadow?”

I look at Twilight for a moment and respond, “I can’t figure out how to make a fire without my hands and not to mention you don’t eat meat, so I did not know what you wanted, and I thought you could come up with a better idea.” I laughed and also added, “My training in the Marines never prepared me for anything like this.”

Twilight walks to the exit and says, “Well thanks for not making assumptions; I’ll go outside to gather some things that we can have so I will be back in a few minutes.”

About five minutes later Twilight came with an assortment of plants that looked like daisies, and an assortment of wild grains. I wondered why this was so appealing to ponies of this world. Well I have eaten meat all my life and the few ponies I know call it a revolting meal and still did not complain about me eating it, so who am I to judge? I think to myself.

“I gathered some food Shadow!” Twilight called out

I watched as she turned the various plants into a salad, I went to the area where I put my makeshift dishes and I grabbed a set of bowls with my mouth and laid them in front of twilight as she put some of the salad in my bowl than the rest in hers. I reached down with my neck to go and eat the salad, when I started eating it felt a bit awkward at first, seeing as I usually ate with silverware, but I eventually got use to it. The salad was surprisingly very good as if I was eating a salad back on earth, the memories pained me for a moment, but than before Twilight could notice the sudden change I shook the memories off.

“This is actually quite good Twilight better than I expected even.” I complemented

Twilight a bit surprised about my comment than replied, “Thanks Shadow.”

We sat there and ate; about a minute later when we both were done with our food Twilight used her levitation spell and put the bowls to the side. I then decided that I should ask her to teach me some spells that I could use to not look odd when I decided to visit the populace that Inhabited Equestria. So I asked, “How do I use magic? I know I used it to talk to Princess Luna but I have no idea how I accomplished it.”

Twilight sat there for a few seconds before answering, “Ok I guess I could try and teach you some spells.” She seemed a bit nervous at the thought.

“Okay where do I begin Twilight?” I asked

“How about you try to lift these two bowls, to do so you have to focus on the object and find in the core of your being where your magic resides and try to feel the power move through you, and into your horn, and then into the bowls.”

I do as she instructed and searched myself for the power and once I located it, focused the power to my horn, than finally in the bowls in front of me, they lifted up, shaking for a minute and finally steadying, I saw that they were encased in a black glow like the color of my fur, Wow that will take some time to fully get use to I thought. I then willed the bowls to my side and to my surprise they moved. I set them down and released the spell feeling slightly more tired than I was a minute ago.

“Good job!” Twilight said smiling and I smiled as well.

“Thanks for the complement Twilight.” I said still with a slight smile

Twilight let out a small laugh and said, “Thank me later, when you can use more spells. Alright now for a two basic things to remember about magic: one, every time you use magic you will get tired, depending on the complexity of the spell so try to know your limits so you aren't so tired that you can’t stand up. Two, your magic is like a muscle the more you use it the stronger it gets, the less it tires you as well, and obviously the more complex spells you can learn and do without completely tiring out.”

For the rest of the day Twilight taught me some spells, some like using telepathy I found easy and barley drained me others like Invisibility I could not hold for more than a minute. Twilight even taught me how to use the Invisibility spell to conceal my horn or wings. Well being able to disguise as a Pegasus or unicorn will be useful so I don’t start a full blown panic when I walk in town. I thought, I quietly laughed at the thought of other ponies running around scared or bowing to me because I am an Alicorn.

“Well good night, Twilight. We better go to sleep; I’m worn-out with that magic training.” I walk towards the bed and climb onto it, lying down and Twilight does the same. If I did this on earth with a random girl that I only knew for six days this would feel a lot more awkward but for some reason when Twilight was nearby I had little to no flashbacks. Maybe that’s why, or could it be because I was beginning to like her? No, I can’t fall in love with a pony I may look like one but in essence I’m still human. And even if I did, she would eventually grow old and die, and I would be left untouched by the claws of time. No, I could not do that to her or myself. I continued to think bitterly. This immortality thing is a blessing and a curse. I don’t know how the princesses could live through this, I should ask one of them how they deal with watching friends age and die while they lived on. I thought not knowing what my future would bring. I started to grow tired, and looked to see Twilight cuddled on my chest as my spectral mane and tail covered her like a dark blanket. “Good night Twilight,” I whispered with a smile.

Twilight sparkle’s POV

I woke up to find Shadow up and making some eggs, which he probably gathered from some nearby chickens. He is an early, riser I wonder how he rises so early without seeming tired. I thought to myself I walked forward and said, “Good morning Shad...”

He then turns around and grabs my throat with magic he realizes it’s me and releases his hold on me. Then he says, “Sorry you just startled me my training took over and I grabbed you with magic since I don’t have hands, it’s just if I did not do that while on the field I would have been dead.”

“It’s okay Shadow you just reacted by instinct and you probably aren’t use to being able to get up without risk of death.” I said thinking back to what he told me about his pat life, I felt a bit sorry for him he lost everything he knew and was transported here, to a strange world he knew nothing about. I looked up and gave a shy smile and he shyly smiled back, I now noticed he still had four canine teeth like he had in his human form, I decided that it would be best to tell him so I said,

“Shadow do you know that even as a pony you retained your four canine teeth?”

“Yes I did, but I did not tell anyon…I mean anypony because I did not want to scare you or the princess.” He replied.

I silently giggled to myself on his mistake, he did not make it often anymore but he still made it, and to be honest it’s kind of cute when he does that, wait am I developing feelings for the human or former human… whatever I can’t get romantically involved with anypony I just met a matter of days ago.

I shook off the thoughts and said, “I understand but if we go to Ponyville you will have to cast a spell to hide them, we will also have to talk to the princesses about the matter as well, and it does not bother me much, it is a bit startling but I’ll get us to it eventually.”

He seemed like he remembered something and said, “Oh ya when will I get to see Ponyville it seems interesting.”

“How about after breakfast, then we can clean up and take off.” I replied

“Sounds like a plan.” He replied with one of his rare smiles.

He grabbed two plates and silverware, if you could call wooden forks that, I thought, laughing to myself. He put the eggs on the plates and put one in front of me, and another in front of himself. When he sat down we immediately began to eat. The eggs were excellent! I broke the silence, “Wow you’re a good cook! How did you learn?”

He thought for a moment and replied, “My mother taught me, I am not as good as she was but I can cook pretty well.”

I felt a bit of pity for him but I was sure that my pity wouldn’t help so I pushed it aside. Shadow finished his egg and put the plate down and got ready for the trip gathering some supplies and putting them in a bag. When all his supplies were packed, he tried to put the bag on but it did not fit.

“Damn,” he exclaimed. “Should have known that a human bag would not fit my pony form.”

I flinched slightly at his cursing surprised that he used it so freely, I figured it was a cultural thing, So I decided to correct his error before it gave away the fact he was not from here, “Shadow, can you refrain from cursing a lot, it will make you stick out due to the fact ponies don’t cuss as much as Humans might, Don’t get me wrong ponies do cuss but not very often.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Shadow replied “By the way do you have a way to make my bag fit me Twilight?”

“Yes I do know a way to modify an objects shape and size; it’s a spell that Rarity taught me.” I responded.

For the next half hour I reshaped the bag until it was big enough for it to fit him and hold his things.

“Thanks Twilight. Now I can continue to use the bag to carry some things that may help us if we get stuck in the woods for more time than we expect.” Shadow said with a smile.

We then put out the fire and began our journey to Ponyville.

Shadow Dancers POV

Twilight helped a lot when she reshaped my bag, without it I would have had to leave a lot of things behind that could be potentially useful. As we ventured through what Twilight told me was the Everfree Forest she told me about the multiple creatures that lurked in it, I did not believe Twilight at first but as we ventured we snuck past some of the creatures. I should not be so surprised, there are Unicorns, Pegasi, and Earth ponies that were very strong, and not to mention that I am an Alicorn for god’s sake that is a combination of the three. I laughed silently to myself.

We eventually made it to Ponyville, it was around 1130 hundred hours, and I then cloaked my horn and cast another spell that hid the spectral effect of my mane, making it a solid black just before we went into town, and finally made my four canine teeth look like normal molars. I personally really wanted to know Twilights friends better. About five minutes from the time we entered I saw the pink pony with a balloon cutie mark and I realized her name was Pinkie Pie

Just then is when the pink mare came with a big grin on her face and said quickly blurring the words, “WhoareyouIknoweveryponyintownbutyouarenewsowhatisyourname?”

The question came so fast that I couldn’t understand her, but Twilight apparently did so she went and translated what Pinkie Pie was saying and said, “Pinkie just said, Who are you I know every pony in town but you are new so what is your name?”

I thanked her and then whispered, “How did you understand that, I only heard bits and pieces.”

Twilight smiled and said, “You will understand what she says eventually, unless she is very, and I mean very excited.”

I turned to Pinkie Pie and said, “My name is Shadow Dancer, and please just call me Shadow.”

“Okay Shadow, I’ll see you around, the cakes want me to get some ingredients.” Pinkie said smiling

“Okay then I’ll see you later as well.” I replied with a smile. Dang it is hard to not smile around that mare. I thought.

Then next we went to Fluttershy’s cottage so Twilight could introduce me to her, when we arrived Twilight knocked on the door “Coming” Fluttershy said when she comes to the door she looks at Twilight and says, “Hello Twilight…” she then saw me and let out a little *eep*

Twilight was quick to react and said, “This is a pony I meet and talked to, his name is Shadow Dancer.”

“Hello Fluttershy, you can call me shadow if you want.” I said.

Fluttershy regained her composter and said, “Hello Shadow.” in a very soft voice. Fluttershy is a bit cute when she is nervous, I thought

I went up to shake her hoof and she accepted, but quickly dropped it. “See you later Fluttershy,” I said in a friendly voice. As we left, I looked at Twilight and I asked, “Is Fluttershy always this way around others.

“Yes” Twilight said, “Wait until she gets to know you better, she will become more accustomed to you.”

With that we decided to make our way to the pony named Applejack at an apple orchard called Sweet Apple Acers. When we arrived I seen miles and miles of apple trees, as I looked around Twilight pointed at a pony with an orange coat and a blond mane and said, “That is Applejack over there." I looked and she was kicking or more appropriately bucking an apple tree and with a basket collecting the apples.

Twilight and I walked over towards Applejack and said, “Applejack I have a new friend of mine that I meet on the road a while back and he was heading towards Ponyville and we bumped in to each other again, his name is Shadow Dancer, he goes by  Shadow.”

Applejack walked turned around and started to trot towards us saying, “Howdy Twilight, I guess this is Shadow.” Applejack said pointing a hoof towards me.

I responded, “Yes I’m Shadow Dancer it’s nice to meet you, Twilight wanted me to meet all her friends and I happily obliged. I now will need to meet a pony named Rainbow dash and another named Rarity. Anyway if you want to ask any thing I’ll be at Twilight’s place later today.” I said noticing it is now 1430 hundred hours.

Twilight and I then made our way towards a place called the Carousel Boutique. Which is as Twilight told me is Rarity’s home and business. As I was walking several ponies took a glance at me and probably were wondering who I was and where I was from. If only they knew I thought laughing to myself.

We then arrived at Carousel Boutique; Twilight knocked on the door and said, “Rarity, it is me Twilight, can I come in?”

“Yes you can come in Twilight” Rarity yelled over her sewing machine.

Twilight opened the door and we walked in as we did I looked around seeing what must have been Rarity sewing what seemed like a white wedding dress with a matching lace train. “Your dresses are very well done” I said completely surprising Rarity with my presence.

“Thank you, I worked hard on all of these. By the way who are you and why are you here?” Rarity said with a bit puzzled and confused at my presence.

“If you want to know my name is Shadow Dancer please call me Shadow, and I am here because I ran into Twilight on the road for the second time in about two weeks the first week I was traveling from Los Pegasus to look at the ruins, the first time now I decided to move into Ponyville because Los Pegasus is way too crowded and because of what Twilight here told me about this place as well as it’s inhabitance and her friends. For now until I can get a job and a home I will be staying at Twilight’s place.”

“Wow that’s a lot more than I expected, but anyway welcome Ponyville.” Rarity said trying to digest the information I gave her.

“Well it is getting late I better go.” I said looking at the sun and seeing it was about 1600 hundred hours.

“Bye Shadow I guess I’ll see you tomorrow” Rarity said waving

“Bye Rarity I’ll try to visit tomorrow” I replied

With that I exited with Twilight saying something to Rarity and closing the door behind her.

“Twilight,” I said.

“What is it Shadow?” Twilight responded

“Where dose Rainbow Dash live?” I asked

“She lives in a cloud house about a quarter of a mile west of Ponyville. The only way to get up there is flying, not to mention I won’t be there because I am not a Pegasus or in your case an Alicorn.” Twilight responded

“Great this will be a long evening.” I said letting out a sigh

Twilight laughed, “A long night indeed.”

“Well what do you know of flight? All I know is it seems similar to when I was skydiving in the military” I said

“What is skydiving?”

“That is a story for another time; now back to my question Twilight.” I said

“Oh ya, sorry but all I know is try to feel for your flight muscles in your back and push them up and down. Other than that I don’t know anything about the subject.” Twilight replied

I then felt for the muscles that were connected to my wings and when I felt them I tried to move them it did not work after the first time but after a few tries I was able to move them. I moved them in a rapid up and down motion than after a while I was in the air hovering about one foot off the ground. I flapped harder letting me gain altitude and I continued to try to manipulate the wing to move me forward, eventually it worked and I was able to move freely in the air, I could not do air acrobatics but  I could fly around. I went to land by making a shallow dive towards Twilight’s Library and corrected myself to make for a smooth landing.

Wow the military skydiving helped but I learned surprisingly quickly.  I thought

Twilight was looking at me with interest before she said with a smile, “Good job for your first time you learned quicker than most.”

“I did do decent but it took a lot out of me so I’m tired. You have a spare bed at your place.” I said breathing a bit heavily

“Yes there is a bed in the basement that you can use.” Twilight replied

“Thanks,” I said with gratitude.

“You’re welcome.”  Twilight said

I entered the library and found stairs to the basement and then went down and almost hoped onto the bed.

I slept having a flashback of a mission me and my squad had about a year back…

I was in a truck with my squad our objective was to eliminate a high profile terrorist named Al-Sal mod.

“Get ready you know the drill, we will be dropped off half a klick from the complex, Intel shows Al- Sal mod Is on the third floor in a office of some sort. We must kill him, and try to gather whatever plans they have. Once we are in there watch out for any explosives I’ll take lead, any questions?” I said raising my voice over the truck’s engine

“What do we know about the inside of the building?” Mark asked

“All we know is Al-Sal mod’s location, besides that not a damn thing.” I replied

“Anymore questions?” I asked, there was a few seconds of silence “Okay then get  your weapons ready, thirty seconds till we get out.”

Mark pulled out his M16A4 and clicked off the safety the others and I did the same with our weapons. The truck came to a stop and I gave the order to dismount. Once we got out I could see the building, it was tan and marked with graffiti nothing special. We got down almost immediately as I ordered Sam to scope the place out with his rifle.

It was a minute till Sam got done with the quick recon and said, “No windows on the building and no I can’t see any patrols.”

“Move up” I said quietly to avoid any unwanted attention

We all advanced quickly and as quietly as we could, we did not alert anyone so we advanced to the door Mark and I took the two sides with Sam and Luke behind us. I gave the order to breach the door with a directional charge. Once the charge blew there were two terrorists  getting up from the blast, they raised there rifles but it was too late Mark put a burst through the one on the left, the bullets hitting his chest creating a hole about a inch in diameter at the same time I shot at the one on the right and the bullets hit his head the only thing that remained was a outline.

“Move up” I said as we went through the rooms finding the stairs eliminating four others. I went up first on the right side Mark on the left. We continued creating a trail of blood in our wake  when we got to the third floor a terrorist got a lucky shot hitting Luke’s side Sam stayed back with Luke to help patch him up. Mark and I  reached the room that had Al-Sal mod, he seen us as we opened fire hot lead filling his body when we emptied our magazines into him we looked at the body if you could say there was one. We turned around and started to head out the door as we heard a faint *beep* *beep*

“Bomb, get to cover!!!” I yelled as I ran and the others followed as it went off with a flash than a deafening *BOOOM* we all were propelled forward chunks of concrete flying in all directions.

I later woke up dazed hearing a helicopter and people yelling orders a man grabbed my arm helping me up I looked around I seen Luke he had only a broken leg…

That’s when the flashback was suddenly interrupted, and I seen another Alicorn with a midnight blue coat and a spectral mane and tail that looked like the night sky.

I asked, “Who are you?”

The Alicorn replied, “I am Princess Luna, and you must be Shadow Dancer the human turned Alicorn.”

As soon as she began to speak I know who she was with the first word, she was Princess Luna the one who responded when I complemented her for last night’s beautiful sky.

“Hello Princess, how are you here in my dreams anyway?” I said confused

She responded, “I have the ability to enter somepony’s dreams or to an extent mind while they are asleep.”

I was astonished, she must have seen my flashback I wonder how that will affect her mind, I don’t know if she has seen any battles like that.

“All you alright after seeing my flashback,” I asked with concern.

“Your flashback will take time for me to get over but I am fine I have seen a few bloody battles when this world was far younger.” Luna said a bit nervously

I responded by saying, “That is good, I really do not wish for anypony to see what I have, the lives I have taken for my country.”

“Thanks for your concern, my reason for invading your flashback was to visit you for myself. My older sister told me about you, but I wanted to see you for myself. Well you should get ready to wake up morning is in two hours.”  She explained

“It was nice seeing you princess. We should visit in person some time.” I said

“You as well,” Luna responded.

I then went to my previous state of sleep after the talk with Luna.

Chapter 5: Meeting Rainbow Dash

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Chapter 6: Royal Invitations, Magic and Dreams

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Chapter 7: Revelations of the family type

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Chapter 8: Encounters and Breakfast Chat

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Chapter 9: Recruitment

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Chapter 10:

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Chapter 11: Enlistment

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Journal Entries: Basic

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Chapter 12: Wedding Day Part 1

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Chapter 13 Wedding day part 2

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Chapter 14: Royal Request

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Chapter 15: Human Again

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Chapter 16: Dinner with the Princesses

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Chapter 17: Back to the Military

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