Standing Tall
Chapter 1: 1. Prologue
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March 22, 2021: Dear Rain,
As much as I hate to admit it, what you did that day by sending me away was the best thing that you could have done for me. Hard work always does the mind or soul a good workout, or so says my drill sergeant. Sgt. Snowflake is an okay Pegasus, I mean he does after all look really ripped. If I were into stallions then I would try being all over him.
I miss you Rain, and I want to come home. Before I can though I must serve my four years of service to the Princess, you did after all sign my life away on that dotted line.
Well, I have actually managed to make a few friends in here. You already knew about Spike Sparkle joining up with me. Two of my squad mates actually are cool gals, one is named Lyra, such a sweet girl with a heart for the harp. The other is another music lover by the name of Vinyl, she too has a heart for her own type of music, mainly the guitar.
When I get back home I was thinking about tending to that old beat down house on the edge of Ponyville, right next to where you and Applejack live now I guess. Speaking of which, if Applejack still has that spot open for working in the field then I am all in when I get back.
We are shipping out in about a week, where we are going I cannot tell you. Orders are orders as I have been told. Anyways, when I ship out then I will not get to write you much. I love you big brother, and I don't want you or anypony else to worry about me. I'll see you when ever I get on leave. Until then, Semper Fly.
Your Adoring Sister,
Cobalt Winter
April 7, 2021: Dear Cobalt,
It was really great to hear from you sis. The mail was a little late, so sorry that I was unable to get your letter sooner than you wished. It's great to hear that you have made some new friends while serving your time. Be a shame to see you come home with empty hands.
Applejack read the letter you sent and said that it would be alright if you wanted to help out around the farm. She needs a few extra hands and has promised you a spot upon your return.
Anyways, Sweetie Belle stopped by the other day to read your letter. She was a little upset that you did not write her, but she understood why you would not. She wants you to know that she holds no ill will against you, she only wishes that you would write to her. In her words, 'I am lost without my best friend around. Who am I going to sing for now?'
Write back when you can sis. Do us all a favor too if you can, stay safe. I know that it must be hard over there, protecting Canterlot and all of Equestria from the changelings, but try to stay alive. In my heart I pray to Celestia for you sis, I pray that you will vanquish all who oppose you. Let your sword always remain sharp, and may your enemies cower at your feet. Sis, make us proud, make us remember why you are there.
Your Loving Brother,
Rain Winter
June 4, 2021: Dear Rain,
Yesterday was a tragedy for us. I can't tell you where our battle was, but I can tell you that our losses were many. One of which was my friend Lyra. None of us shed a tear aside from Vinyl, who was like a sister to the mare. She died gallantly though, protecting us as we all fell back. Today we held a small service in honor or her heroic efforts. Bon Bon was the name of her best friend back home in Ponyville. Please let her read this letter. That is all I can write for now brother, getting ready to move out at dawn. Take care, we might actually win this war.
Your Sister,
Cobalt Winter
June 9, 2021: Dear Sweetie Belle,
I am sorry that it has taken me this long to write you. My best friend should always mean so much to me, and you do. This letter will not be long, but I hope that you get the jist of it.
The other day we were sent back to Canterlot for a short respite. I was unable to get a pass to come and visit you all, but I have been promised that when we next get a short leave, that I can come back to see you all.
Sweetie Belle, I am scared out here. I feel alone, lost, ready for it all to be over. Princess Celestia says that the war efforts are doing well, and that the war is almost over. But I doubt that she had been to the front lines lately. It is a mess here, and none of us can stand it any longer. A friend that I had made by the name of Vinyl Scratch has thought about going AWOL, but I won't let her.
Aside from that I am doing quite fine here. Hopefully my leave will come sooner rather than later. So, I guess that is all for now. Looking forward to seeing you all again.
Your Best Friend,
Cobalt Winter
September 15, 2021: Dear Cobalt
It was great to hear from you Cobalt. Sorry that I never got to write back any sooner, but with your letter getting in late and me off doing my singing for Ponyville, it has become rather difficult to find free time. Just thought that you should know, Pipsqueak asked me out the other day. I turned him down though on account that I am just not ready to date yet.
If I could send you one of my songs then I would. My hot single right now is 'Sword Soldier', in dedication to your service for our nation. I wish that you could hear it, you would love it. Well, I really can't say much more now, other than you need to tell Spike to get home. Rarity keeps playing with that ring on her finger like it is going to vanish.
Cobalt, I am scared for Rarity. I hear her crying at night, wishing that he was back home with her, to hold her, to tell her that it will all be alright. Nopony is Spike, and she refuses to take any comfort, aside from reading his letters over and over. Watch over him please, and make sure that you both come home for us all.
Sincerely,
Sweetie Arton
October 3, 2021: Dear Sweetie Belle and Rain,
I am sorry to inform you that because the fighting has escalated, that I can no longer write letters to you for a while, nor can I receive any. For the time being, until I contact you otherwise, send no more letters, but expect one from me everyday. Leave has been canceled as well, so it will be a long time before I can see any of you again. I know that I have never asked for it before, but pray for us, pray that we will be alright.
Sincerely Yours,
Cobalt Winter
February 17, 2025: To The Family of Cobalt Winter,
I regret to inform you that you that your daughter or sister is KIA. Reports from the front state that your daughter, Cobalt Winter, has fallen on the field of battle. Cobalt fought gallantly on the field of battle, against all odds, she managed to hold her ground until the end. Today we have not only lost a true Equestrian Hero, but a daughter of the royal family. All of us are of the same blood, and all of us feel the pain when our sister has fallen.
Sgt. Snowflake of the Second Royal Guard informs me that when all hope had failed, that your daughter stood her ground. She gave her life so that her squad mates could clear out, dying when it was her time.
I know not the pain of loosing one so close as a daughter or son, but you can rest assured that we will continue the fight to protect Equestria. Prayers go out to wherever Cobalt now is, and hopefully her heart will remain strong as it did that day. I wish that instead of this letter that I could be sending back a fallen hero, but as fate would have it, cruelty it seems wants to attack your family. Remain strong, and all will be alright.
Dearly sincerely,
Lt. Shining Armor
May 23, 2026: Dear Rain,
Although you may not believe this letter to be true in nature, I am still alive. Being a Prisoner of War was harsh on me, and as such have left many scars on my body, but not my heart nor soul. I will be coming back to you all, and when I do, a warm welcome is what I ask of your brother. Please, please know in your heart that it is me, if you still believe this letter to be false then remember this: Code Green, one-one four three eight-two-ten. Look on the back of the letter for the remaining numbers, you will know what they mean. Love you bro, can't wait to come home, for good this time.
Please, don't tell anypony else, I want it to be a surprise. Though, you may be a bit shocked as I expect this letter to arrive shortly before my train does. Well, if it arrives when I think it will, then I will see you in a few hours. See you soon Rain.
Your Returning Sister,
Cobalt Winter