Crystal nuzzled my cheek on her way past me from the bathroom. She was still getting dressed, while I was almost done. There was only one thing missing.
“Ready for today, sweetie?” she asked.
“Yes, ready for it to be over,” I quipped with a wink. Preparing for today had been exhausting and I was tense about the whole thing.
The mare stopped and came over to stroke my mane. “It isn’t like you to say something like that. Even jokingly. Is everything alright?”
In general, yes. Everything was. I had no idea whether or not anything was going to happen. I’d also been emotional since Ironhoof had come back. Even more so today, given what I had to do. “Mostly. This is just something I need to finish. Once this is over, the war is over. My career from before is over. I won’t have a command or role.”
“Because you haven’t picked one,” my wife so skillfully pointed out.
She was right about that. In truth, that wasn’t the main reason for my trepidation. I was wearing my dragoon armor on Equestrian soil. That just felt wrong. It was a reminder I did not want to have. Especially after I’d spoken to Ironhoof. He was looking forwards. I was looking back.
“Yes, I know.” My thoughts jumped back to the picture Ironhoof had shown me and I blurted out, “Do you ever think about having foals?”
Crystal blinked and set her hoof on my forehead. “Okay, now I know you’re off.”
I pushed the hoof away and slipped one carefully around her. This armor was not conducive to hugging. It was conducive to cutting anyone that got too close. “Be serious. Do you?”
“Well… yes. I mean Velvet has Velour, Horsey has a brood, and my aunt who is basically my age has her own foals. You could say it crosses my mind often enough.”
I nosed her cheek. “Why not say anything?”
Crystal shivered and set her forehooves on my cheeks. “Because we’re young, Silent. We have years left to have foals. Years! A decade? More? You never said anything and I didn’t think you were ready… and I don’t mean that negatively. You haven’t even been out of the war for a year. Let’s just focus on us.”
“I told Minister Sombra that no matter what position I choose, I’m taking a vacation after today. You and me, alone. Glimmer World, Colton Head Island, and the back of that Hay Burger.”
My wife gasped and shoved both hooves over my mouth. “You swore you’d never speak of that!”
I laughed and gently pulled away from her. “I’m going to be late. I love you.”
Crystal idly swatted the side of my face with a hoof and replied, “You make it hard, but I love you, too.”
“Love is hard,” I teased before heading for the door. “See you at the banquet!”
“Yup!”
I trotted out of our condo and down to the street. I’d have rather flown, but I was in heavy armor and it was going to be a long day. My busted wing just wasn’t up for that challenge. I had enough challenges in front of me already. One very immediately.
Okay, Silent, it is time. It’s going to be fine. I pulled my dragoon helmet on, shielding my face from the light of the sun.
Hello, Silent.
It was just my imagination. That’s all. A helmet is just a helmet. That didn’t stop my heart from racing, though.
The best thing to do would be to get to Captain Brynja and the others. It took all of my effort not to gallop as fast as possible through the streets of Canterlot. That would be unsightly and unnerve the civilian ponies.
I marched at a quick pace, making my way to where the parade would begin and I’d find my dragoons. Ponies in the street stopped when they saw me coming. They stepped aside and stomped their hooves, cheered, or both. What Dread Knight had done was not worthy of such praise.
Of course it was; we destroyed our enemy so that others may live. Us or them, Silent Knight. We chose us. Do not despair in that. We will always do what is necessary to come home.
“That’s enough out of you,” I muttered. We… I was almost to the parade ground outside of the processing facility. That was where everypony was meeting. We’d march our way through the city and up to the castle where a few speeches would be given.
There would also be the show that Soarin had promised me. Once that was done, there would be a brief break for crews to set up and then a banquet would start. It would be hosted in the castle, the yard, and the streets immediately surrounding.
When I was close to our mustering point, another dragoon hurried over to be at my side. I’d have recognized her anywhere, armor or not. “Captain Brynja!”
“Well, hello, Major Knight.” She was speaking slow and deliberately.
“Well?” That was a distinct ’w’ sound.
“Yes. I, am, working, on my, pony accent,” she replied.
I extended a wing and set it on her back. “Is that something you really need to do? Has somepony made fun of your accent?”
Brynja shook her helmet-covered head. “No. I, just, want, to be, more, pony.”
“Alright, and how has living like a pony been working out for you?” It was nice to shift the focus off of myself. I hadn’t seen Brynja much. Crystal, Velvet, and I had attended one of her shows. It was amazing. After that things, went back to normal.
“It iz… is very nice. Poniez are nice,” she replied cheerfully.
“Good. If they weren’t, I’d be upset. How is your job with Dolly?”
Brynja gasped. “I love it, zir! All of ze mare ponies come to zee me dance. Then I zee the stallionz after.”
My ears twitched under my helmet. “And where do you find stallions?”
The gryphoness turned her head, bumping her visor into mine by accident. She muttered a gryphon curse and then whispered, “Oh, zir, they find me now.”
For that moment and only in that moment, I was glad to be under the helmet. There was little doubt my entire face had turned pink. “Okay… and we’ll leave it at that. Are you ready for today?”
“Yes, we, will, be free, of war,” she replied, going back to the slow, careful speech.
After that, we fell silent. It seemed like Brynja needed this as much as I did. We just walked together to the designated spot for our dragoons. There were a lot of them there already.
When they all stiffened to attention, Brynja gasped and pounced onto one of them. Everyone started chuckling and I hurried over to grab her shoulder. Had she lost it?
“It iz zee cute one!” Brynja squealed from her position on top of the dragoon. Sure enough, when I looked, it was Thunder Tumble.
“Ma’am,” he gasped, all four legs wiggling up at the sky.
I grabbed a forehoof and squeezed it. “Tumble!”
“Silent!” he replied, squeezing back.
Brynja and I helped him up after she had sufficiently mauled him and I said, “You came. I wasn’t sure you’d leave Ponyville.”
Tumble shook his head. “I can’t miss today. This is the finale. It all ends here. I also couldn’t imagine being anywhere else when the dragoons marched one final time.” He looked around at the company. “This is going to be good for us.”
“It is,” I replied before standing up straight. “Alright, everyone. We’re to follow along behind the brigade headquarters. I realize most of us haven’t marched in a while, so let’s fall in and get ready… I…”
So business-like, Silent. Lighten up. This isn’t a mission to just get through. You need to set an example. I took a deep breath and started again, “I’m really glad to see you all. Truly. It has been tough for me since we arrived home, but I managed to get myself together. I hope you’ve done the same.
“Today is going to be our last time in this armor. Our last time as dragoons and, to be honest, I’m glad for that. We had to take on some awful things, but we did it together. No one else will understand better than the pony or gryphon beside you.
“Now I want to put this all behind me, but not you. I would always be glad to call you friends and stand by your side. Fall in, please… and leave spots open for those who can’t be here today.”
Solemnly, my dragoons nodded their heads, expressionless visors looking back at me. They found their positions and left gaps for those that had been lost. The one I felt the most was Clement Knight. My company NCO, grandfather, and friend. I missed him.
“That was a beautiful speech, Major,” came a familiar voice from behind me. I turned to find Brigadier Hammer approaching in his immaculately polished armor.
He looked well… very well, actually. Even with the eye patch and scar. He wasn’t limping, either! The old prosthetic leg had been replaced with a far more advanced one.
“Attention!” I ordered sharply. An order my dragoons immediately obeyed.
Hammer waved a hoof. “None of that, now. Almost all of us are retired. I wanted to come see the Black Dragoons before we started. After all, you did the impossible for me repeatedly at great personal cost.”
“We did our part, sir,” I replied firmly.
The stallion shook his head. “No, you did more than your part. I relied on you too much and for that, I’m sorry. Many of you were wounded and killed because I started to believe you were invincible. Just like I thought Silent Knight was invincible.”
He sat a hoof on my shoulder. “I’m sorry, Silent. I hope you can forgive me.”
I pushed my visor up so we could look eye to eye. “Lightning, there is nothing to forgive. We did what we had to do. You suffered, I suffered, we all did. It’s over now.”
Lightning Hammer took a deep breath and nodded. “Yes, yes it is. We’ve put this horrible business in the past. There is only one thing left to do.”
“Welcome everypony home?” Tumble asked.
“Indeed. I’m going to take my place with the brigade headquarters, but I just wanted to see you all like this one more time. Thank you all for coming.”
Hammer and I bumped hooves and my dragoons returned his sentiment. As he walked away, the drums and horns began to play in the distance. That was the signal.
“Alright, dragoons! We have one more job to do. Let’s do it right and enjoy our retirement.”
The Black Dragoons and I marched out of our mustering spot in good order and made our way to the main avenue. Each unit was forming up there in the predefined order that we’d been given.
Civilian ponies lined the sidewalks, cheering, stomping, and waving Equestrian flags. It was somewhat unnerving to be cheered in such a way. They weren’t afraid of us or our armor. Why would they be? They didn’t understand the reality of the armor.
We took our positions and waited for the parade to begin. The unit was silent, as was the headquarters in front and infantry company behind us. It seemed like the quiet before the storm. Other than the crowd. They weren’t quiet in the least.
In the distance, a whistle blew. Then another followed. One by one they blew, growing closer and closer. The color sergeant in the brigade headquarters blew the whistle for us and the drums and horns swelled.
We all marched in place, stepping perfectly in time despite being rusty. Brigadier Hammer and his headquarters started moving forwards. Once there was enough space between us and them, I ordered, “Dragoons, march!”
For the first time in months, the Black Dragoons moved as one. We marched our way from the processing center down Mane Street and towards the palace complex. I was shocked at how many ponies had come out to see us. The city was packed full of ponies, far more than the local population. I had no doubt about that.
Mothers, wives, sisters, fathers, husbands, brothers, and more were there to cheer us on. Foals sat on backs, eying us with wonder. Young ponies bounced up and down the way I had when I first saw royal guards on parade. The whole thing just felt off. Honoring those that kill as a trade.
Everypony deals with things differently.
Now you give positive advice? Where was that before? What, no response? Then we’ll march in silence.
☾
The parade took roughly two hours from start to finish. The palace complex was now completely packed full of soldiers waiting for the Princesses and other dignitaries. The civilian populace was further away, packing every side road imaginable as they crowded in to hear.
Far above us, the balcony doors opened and Princess Celestia and Princess Luna walked out. General Ironhoof, Minister Sombra, and several other officials were with them.
Sunny Day, Midnight Snow, Gloam, and several hoof-picked guards were close by as well. It made me nervous not to be there myself but it would have never made sense. I just had to rely on other ponies to do the job.
“Soldiers of Equestria, I want to thank you all for being here today. This is the first time in recent memory that I have the honor of seeing you all together at home,” Princess Celestia started, her voice booming across the city.
We cheered and stomped, sharing our approval of the sentiment. The Army of Equestria was home.
“Before today, I have stood before the citizens of this kingdom and repeatedly reminded them of remembrance and of loss. Today will be different. Today is a day of celebration, hope, and focus on the future. My little ponies, allow us to welcome you home! Allow us to restore you to the lives you were meant to lead!”
The cheers surged once more through the city, the energy of it growing even within me. This time I felt different. Almost as if things finally were getting back to normal. Pride and warmth swelled in my chest. Everypony was home; we could put the dark days behind us.
Princess Luna stepped to her sister’s side and lifted her head. “Soldiers of Equestria, one and all, today you are invited to sit with your sisters and brothers and share a meal together. A simple gesture, but one that is so important. It is a reminder that we all have somepony in our corner. A reminder that somepony will always look out for us.”
The princess looked to the sky and said, “Now, in honor of your return, I am thrilled to announce a very special performance from the Wonderbolts. They wish to honor their peers with a show the likes of which we’ve never seen. Ladies and gentleponies, I present to you, all four Wonderbolt teams!”
On perfect cue, four flights of Wonderbolts came screaming across the sky from each cardinal direction. They were set for a four-way head-on collision, but at the last second they all pulled up, forming a perfect box.
There were gasps and cheers from the soldiers around me. I did not expect them to keep their composure as the greatest flyers in Equestria performed. I remained at attention. Examples had to be set.
In the distance, the teams reached a height far above the city before looping over and starting a dive. Each pony reached out their forehooves to link with the pony next to them. Four teams linked together in a perfect circle while they dove. The skill it took to do that with such precision blew my mind.
As they drew closer and closer to the castle, one pony came out of nowhere, shooting through the clouds and dead center of the circle. She blew past the rest of the formation, a rainbow building behind her. Right when she was about to collide into the roof, she pulled up and the sky crackled with a thunderous boom. A beautiful rainbow circle spread out across the sky, encircling the whole kingdom.
The other Wonderbolts flew right through it before separating out into their individual flights and starting routines of their own. The sky was full of acrobatics and color. It was truly the most amazing thing I’d ever seen them do.
We all stared in wonder, our eyes glued to the heavens as Navy flyers put together an uplifting demonstration of what could be achieved by working in harmony. As the show wound to an end, every member of the team landed on the castle roof in perfect formation before snapping to attention. The crowd roared its approval. Even I lost my composure to stomp.
Princess Luna happily stomped her hooves before waving them at us. “Now, go and remove your vestments of war and return here within the hour so that you may dine with those you have served. I welcome you to your home and mine. Please enjoy our hospitality.”
General Ironhoof cleared his throat and smiled. “Friends, you’ve heard the will of our princesses. It is my honor to dismiss you one last time. Return here as ponies, not soldiers, and break bread with us. Dismissed!”
We all stood to attention and saluted. The general did the same. Officers began to repeat the order to their units.
“Dragoons, you are dismissed. Fall out and be sure to come back for the banquet. You’ve earned it,” I ordered.
Today was a day of celebration. There were some memorials and remembrances scheduled for the following weeks but today was meant to be a joyous occasion and I was starting to feel it.
I trotted the opposite way of most of the others. I was due in the castle before the festivities started. My first stop was Princess Luna’s chambers, where Miley Hooves and two other house guards helped me out of my dragoon armor and into my dress uniform.
Miley was peering at my helmet. “This looks really scary.”
“That was the idea. Make the gryphons dread seeing it. To be honest, it scares me, too.”
“Well… what are you going to do with it now?”
I shrugged. “Lock it in a chest and hope that I never need it again.”
Miley nodded and hugged me. She pressed close and whispered in my ear, “We’re all ready. I’ve disguised most everypony as a house guard. Gloam is leading a group of nox ponies as well.”
“Thank you,” I whispered in reply, patting Miley on the back.
I left her there and went on to my second stop: Sunny Day’s office.
Our plan seemed to have hit a slight hiccup, because she wasn’t alone like she was meant to be. Azurite and Soarin were sitting on her couch, although he jumped up when I came in.
“Silent Knight! What did you think of the show?” Soarin asked before offering a hoof. It was covered in sweat. I didn’t care.
I bumped it fiercely in return. “I’ve never seen anything like it! Soarin, I can’t thank you enough. You promised the most amazing show and you did not disappoint.”
Sunny leaned across her desk. “He never does,” she said huskily.
Soarin turned bright red. “Sunny!”
“Come on, stud, I had to. Besides, you and little-bit there are keeping me from my duty. I have to scare you off somehow. Head down to the banquet, we’ll all go out for drinks afterwards, okay?”
Azurite hopped up off the couch, came over, and poked me with a hoof. “We had a deal. I kept up my end of the bargain, so I expect that shopping spree soon.”
Soarin’s head tilted. “What now?”
“Azurite demanded that I compensate her over and beyond the usual for doing her job,” I replied. “She wants to take me on an underwear shopping spree. I thought it was inappropriate but she bullied me into agreeing.”
Azurite sputtered, “What! Nuh-uh! That isn’t what we agreed to. We agreed to sweet pants! Sunridge socks! No!”
Soarin looped a foreleg around the mare and shook his head. “We’re going to have a serious talk about boundaries.”
“Nooo!” Azurite howled as Soarin drug her from the office.
I looked at Sunny. She was just grinning.
“It doesn’t bother you she’s kind of like your child?” I asked.
“Nah, I think it’s cute. She doesn’t act that way in the bedroom.”
My nose wrinkled and my tail stiffened. “I regret asking. Anything to report?”
“Nothing at all. Everypony on the list checked out in advance. So far, things are proceeding normally. We might get to enjoy a relatively quiet dinner… well… not me and you. Since we’ll be on duty and all. How did you swing that, by the way? You’re not on a security detail.”
“True, but I am still Minister Sombra’s aide. I’ll be at his side all night, which just happens to be right next to the princesses. Simple enough.”
Sunny nodded and smiled. “Good, try to have some fun, though. It can’t all be work. Just because you’d plan an assassination on a night like tonight doesn’t mean everypony would.”
“Fair enough. I’m going to go check on Snow and Gloam. You should get to your position.”
The mare grumbled, “Yes, yes. Will do, Major. Major pain in my flank. Major downer. Major…”
“Is bigger than you and would totally take you in a wrestling match?”
Sunny snorted and came out from behind her desk. She stomped right up and grabbed me by the neck so she could pull my head down. That way we were eye to eye. “I’d beat you in a wrestling match in two seconds.”
I snorted. “How do you figure that?”
“Easy.” Sunny leaned in close and whispered, “The moment you set your hooves on me, I’d moan so hard and loud you’d freeze up. Even if you knew I was going to do it, you’d freeze right up. Then I’d take you down. So you remember that, Major. All of that brawn is useless against the powers of a clever mare like me.”
Shocked. I was shocked, impressed, and exceedingly uncomfortable. She was right. I stood there blinking as Sunny let me go and walked by. On her way out, she slapped me on the flank. “That’s what I thought. See you down there!”
“She’s an evil genius. I’m glad she’s on my side,” I muttered before turning around. I’d better check on the others. They were easier to control. Ponies that followed orders. That was who I needed now. That would be a better thing to think about than how incredibly awkward it would be to grab Sunny and have her moan.
Forget freezing up. It would probably kill me.
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you: Scumbag Dragoon Helmet
Someone draw it. Please.
Oh Sunny... you make chapters so bright and colorful.
I waited all day for yesterday. Still, this was a good chapter.
Sunny used moan. it's super effective
hahaha he imagined it! I love it!
This chapter was strange for me because it made me very emotional even thought I've never been in the military. You did a great job on this chapter and Rainbow Dash is my favorite so that little bit made me happy.
Now I'm just waiting for everything to go to hell...
Sunny is truly a me genius
Between the back of the Hay Burger, Azu being the kid except for inside of the bedroom, and Sunny moaning in a wrestling match, the M stuff off paper is real. The sex tag is back in full force, folks!
Brynja there is no need for you to talk more pony. I like her accent.
Great chapter! Good to see all of those who made it back to Equestria home safe and sound.
Hope that the ceremony goes without a hitch.
Sunny doing mind tricks to Silent. He got it bad.
so the armror draws out the Dread knight. Bet he will be where it again.
Whether we wants to or not.
Dread, my boy, you are still around!
Well, time for the feast! Not the usual one for you, mate, but the wine makes do.
Yay! Horse words best words!
Forgive me if I'm incorrect, but would the proper terminology for Silent to move his unit be:
"Dragoons! Forward, march!" Since they were marching in place (assuming sub unit commanders echoing is left out because that would be Hella awkward to describe)?
Ooh-er, I don't recall any mention of fast food outlet.
media2.giphy.com/media/H7iEm8CKI9ZAs/200_s.gif
So the end to the dragoons has come, though I have a feeling some still have fights to do. and yay Thunder Tumble! I missed the bromance between him and Silent. As for Sunny, she is an evil mastermind. lets hope she never turns against the princesses o.o. A great chapter!
Oh man, Sunny is in full form today
Teasing Sunny is teasing.
7912894
I'm starting to like that possesed helmet
And when the war is said and done
May heaven spare our lives
For its only then we can return,
To our loved ones and our wives
We'll take them in our arms, me boys,
For a long night and a day
And we'll hope that war will come no more,
To sweet Americae
Oh my!
The speaking armor is highly concerning. It's supposed to be an internal monologue, not an internal dialogue.
Oh my x2!
It's good to see Thunder Tumble again.
Oh hey, Dash gets to do a Rainboom.
Hah!
Mares, they cheat.
Fascinating! We finally get some insight on the psyche of Dread Knight. I think I'm getting a better idea as to what he is.
Well that was one heck of a throwback. You managed to make me feel a little nostalgic. :)
These chapters have me on the edge of my seat! Can't wait for the next one.
3 days from retirement intensifies
Their tempting fate so hard right now
Anyone else hoping that something causes PTSD in Silent and he loses it? In the middle of the banquet.
3 weeks and I finally read part 1,2 and caught up with 3 so all that is left is.... waiting for updates....
people who have never attended a full march just do not understand the power that is the air.
a super good chapter I love it.
Tumble shook his head. “I can’t miss today. This is the finale. It all ends here. I also couldn’t imagine being anywhere else when the dragoons marched one final time.” He looked around at the company. “This is going to be good for us.”
Can't believe it took me so long to read this. But, I am excited.
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I'm still waiting for some kind of new disaster, like the banquet hall exploding or something.
Dread Knight is never very far away from Silent Knight...
It wouldn't surprise me if Silent Knight ends up battling himself in the banquet hall and some pony gets hurt
7926137 Silent Knight vs Dread Knight. As long as it goes better than the Super Bowl =\
7923937 Evidently he is not!
7922440 What could go wrong... http://giphy.com/gifs/iphone-cRBRQf8syLUyY
7921366 It sounds that way doesn't it... although it might not be mwahaha.
7919541 Excited is good! I'm glad you're enjoying it.
7917511 It does have a certain feel to it. I've always enjoyed the ones I've attended.
7917472 Welcome to the horror of waiting!
7916318 It seems like others are thinking about something similar.
7916181 I'm 3.5 seconds from retirement... BOOOM.
7915191 I'm so glad you caught that :D I was feeling all clever when I wrote that in there. Thank you for appreciating it!
7914463
Ah that is a good catch =D
I was happy to see Tumbler too. Always glad to bring him back. He is a character I enjoy so much.
7914365
7914065 Mares!
7913954 She's the absolute best at it... if she is teasing.
7913953 That is what Sunny does best! Being in full form!
7913851 Sunny is, indeed, and evil genius. She's good at what she does.
7913738 Hahaha, it is one of those side things we come up with that don't necessarily make the story.
7913650 It could be! :D
7913489 Perhaps he is, perhaps he is!
7913328 That is a very good point.
7913278 She is some kind of jedi! Probably not the traditional kind.
7913268 Thank you! Very much appreciate it.
7913181 I'm one to agree there!
7913145 It was a VERY saucy chapter. That is for sure.
7913131 Evil genius!
7913042 I'm glad it hit you in the feels. It did me as I was writing it. I was trying to get that across.
7912970 Suuuuuper!
7912957 Delivery times may vary!
7912936 Would you say she... makes them sunny?
7912894 Hahaha!
Tick
i will say it in advance... F me... F me hard... Anzel, you dirty magnificent bastard, playing with your readers emotions...
Tock
7926826 the Super Bowl looked fine to me
7926826 It was clever. :) I'm actually surprised I caught it. I think it's been nearly a year since I read that particular chapter.
The back of a burger joint? What unspeakable depravities did they get up to there?
7912970
So long as it's not super okay.
Yes, it'll totally reassure everyone when you suddenly go all Dread Knight on the crowd because one of them said 'winter' with too much emphasis.
This is right up there with saying, "I'm two weeks away from retirement!" or "What could go wrong?" on the scale of taunting Fate and Destiny.
My those all sound positively ... romantic.
I suppose it's a better name than Mr. Happy. Good thing all that armor is there.
Uh ... well, I sure hope it's just your imagination. But I'm not super confident about that.
I don't know how I feel about Shatner being a pony.
He's the Dread Knight, not the Black Knight. Flesh wounds do slow him down.
It's kind of sad, yes. But at the same time, how worse would it be if the Southies had won and then declared war on Equestria?
SK, occasionally I do want to slap you upside the head.
I ... ok, well played. Though I think this sounds like far more fun than simply getting some cake or candy.
This sounds even better!
Oh, wow! It’s hard to believe that a high-class mare like Crystal Wishes would sneak behind a fast food joint for a quick rutting from her stallion!
8003981
Yes