Best Kind of Mix : Correspondence [Robi and Bann]

[Bannhammer]

Ace had settled into his cot, taking a few precious hours to grab some sleep in between shifts. Being back on base was hectic enough, but the batch of fresh recruits only gave him more work to do and more ponies to look after. Of course, the aviator had been waiting for some true downtime so that he could finally write a letter to the mare that had been on his mind ever since he got to base, even before that.

He pulled out a small piece of paper and put it on top of the book he kept under his bunk. He was laying on his cot, pencil in mouth, as he tried to figure out what to write. There was so much he wanted to say, but writing never really was one of Ace's strong suits. Well, the best way to do.it was to be honest, and that was only by simply writing down what he was thinking. The blue pegasus took a short moment to think before putting the pencil to paper, writing slowly and deliberately, making sure that his words were crisp and clear. When he was finally done, Ace read over the whole thing multiple times, double checking it.

Dear Vinyl Scratch,

It took a while, but I finally got some down time. The first thing I'm doing is writing this, mainly because I can't stop thinking about you. When I'm on patrol, when I'm at the mess hall, you're always on my mind. My CO saw me daydreaming a bit, and he asked me if I had a mare on my mind, I don't know how he read my mind, but we all just laughed and shrugged it off. I don't care what everypony else thinks, if I have to have you on my mind all the time, then I'm fine with that.

We got some new recruits in today, they're so green I think I saw some leaves pop out of them during training. I don't know how I'm expected to keep them alive more than a week when they don't even know how to march yet. I'll do my best though, part of me wonders if they too have somepony back home they're fighting for, if so, I want to make sure they can get back to them.

How are things on your end? I know something big is happening around here, considering that ███████ said that we saw some movement out by ████████████ before I arrived. Hopefully this tiny little outpost can hold if anything happens.

Well, that's about all I can really write about right now. How are things on your end, played any gigs yet?

Sincerely,

Ace High

P.S The ponies around me are wide eyed, I've never written a letter before, even to my family, they think I've gone a bit crazy...

Ace looked over the parchment over a few times and then got up from his cot. He trotted over to the communications tent, where the mail pegasus had just arrived, dumping out the small pile of letters onto a table for distribution. Ace managed to stop him for a moment and pass him the freshly written letter. Of course, Ace was told to put it in a darn envelope, write an adress, and THEN give it to him.

The aviator did what he was told, remembering these steps for future reference. Finally, the mail pony grabbed his freshly filled satchel and darted out of the tent, moving quickly to avoid interception. He would take the letter to a larger base, and after passing 'Sensitive Materials Censorship', it would be sent to it's final location. The military was efficient, and Vinyl would recieve the letter the very next morning.

[SunsetSombra]

It had been a day since she had received her letter, and finally Vinyl had time at home to send a reply...

The unicorn licked the tip of the floating quill before her before dipping it back into the inkwell, her trademark glasses neatly folded on the table beside her as she unwound on a couch in her roomy apartment living room...the parchment in front of her clearly marked with the address already, and an opening salutation to her intended addressee.

" Dear Ace... "

She paused and rolled on the bed in thought, trying to verbalise her thoughts and feelings about what she wanted to express on the paper - the DJ wasn't exactly the most magnificent wordsmith when it came to her letters and correspondence, but she knew enough about what she wanted to say normally. This wasn't a casual reply to an party invitation or a tour, however, and she needed to take time to truly transcribe her train of thought at this moment in time.

She pokes out her tongue in concentration, tweaking her magic and commanding the quill to begin it's slow and carefully planned scrawling again.

" It's been a good couple of days - canterlot show went well, the crowds ate up everything - I mean literally, we had a food fight and pretty much wound up swamped in cake, cream, and all manner of sticky foods. I'll tell you right now, trying to get a congealed mix of Jam, Marzipan and Spongecake outta your mane can be pretty tricky...but hay, after about 45 minutes of shower an' soap, it finally shifted! "

Vinyl paused briefly, giving a small devilish grin - she'd left that last part in deliberately, deciding to give the pegasus a little something to ponder quietly.

" Anyhow - probably gonna be heading to the manehatten shows soon...big group of us musical types havin' a get together for kicks and giggles, not really anything other than a big ol' jamming session for all of everypony involved. Should be fun, but keepin' my eyes open for the inevitable pickup lines - some of these ponies really are pretty predictable, an' I'd just bet one of 'em would at least try somethin' stupid. "

The white mare unicorn paused again, taking a small sip of the apple juice next to her and rolls on her back once again...closing her ice blue eyes and racking her brains for something, anything worth writing to the pegasus at all - after all, if they were to be doing this regularly then she needed to attain an articulation for the wording, and a mind for the details.

" Hey - why don't you find out if you're allowed to accept records as a gift in the mail... " She writes, giving a small smile. " I might be able to get a few out to you if you need anything new. I know you might be tired of listening to that one Trots Domino, so if I can get you ponies another, I just might try to! "

Vinyl stopped and tapped the quill against her horn in thought...perhaps it was about time to wrap things up, it was only the first of many after all.

" well, I suppose that'll have to do for now, Ace - take care of yourself...I look forward to hearing from you! "

The unicorn then Signs the parchment with a Neatly written signature {and a heart for good measure}, double checks the address, magically rolls up the document and then floats it into to her saddlebag - she would post it tonight, and perhaps pick herself up a muffin or two for a small personal treat. The letter would arrive at it's destination a day or so later, and Ace would no doubt send his reply shortly after that...and Vinyl couldn't help but find herself giggling at the prospect of Aces day being made just a little brighter when he received her first letter reply. She then stretches, and floats a record over to the small player that was next to where she was resting, letting the music play as she laid back a little and settled into a quiet moment of thought...eyes closing and a small smile forming over her features as she allowed the soft jazz, something that no pony would ever believe she listened to, lull her to a gently relaxed state, humming along softly with the tune.

All things considered...things really were looking up, it seemed.

Edited April 19, 2012 by Robikku Pegasus

[Bannhammer]

"MAIL CALL!"

"Coming through, fellas"

The bi-weekly call went out, and all the ponies on base scampered to the small tent, cramming into the comm center for a tiny glimpse of home. Ace led the pack, being one of the 'old swaybacks', he could easily take anypony's spot in line. The ponies he passed were slack jawed when they saw the Blue pony passing by, not because he was cutting in line, that was expected. Their total shock and awe came from the face that Ace High actually seemed to be expecting mail. In his 7 years of service, Ace had never recieved a single letter, heck, he'd never even sent anything!

A few of his friends whispered among themselves, thinking up outlandish ways to explain why he was getting a letter.

"Maybe somepony died?"

"Nah, it's junk mail."

"Maybe... he got a marefriend?"

The two didn't even need to say anything, they just chuckled loudly and shook their heads. Some ideas were just too outrageous.

Ace adjusted his vest, waiting anxiously as the Comms officer rifled through the recent deliveries.

"Ace... Ace... here you are. Hope it ain't a wrong address, son.

The aviator really didn't have anything to say, so he politely grabbed the letter in his mouth (gently, so as not to damage the precious cargo), and set off to read it in private. A few errant glances were shot his way as he trotted, somepony's were genuinely skeptical, whispering to eachother, passing bits back and forth and trying to guess what this was all about.

One stallion, a new recruit that had yet to even see combat, called out after Ace. "Coltfriend finally found your adress, Sir?"

Normally Ace would smack somepony around for saying something like that, but he was far too happy to react, much less care about what was being said. Not only did she get his letter, Vinyl read it, and then she replied. Even if he didn't have wings, Ace would still feel like he could walk on air. She was on his mind constantly, and he could barely wait to read what she had written.

He finally entered the barracks, far ahead of the other ponies in line, and carefully broke the letter's seal. Ace placed the envelope in his hooflocker underneath his cot, before carefully unfolding the paper inside. His eyes hungrily lapped up each individual mark from her pen, absolutely gorging himself on every solitary scratch and line given.

After reading her thoughtful letter (multiple times, of course), Ace set about crafting a proper response. He felt a bit bad that he couldn't write anything as well as Vinyl could, but he would do his best. He pulled out some standard issue paper, his standard issue pen, and worked on an anything-but-standard-issue letter.

" Dear Vinyl "

Ok, that's a good start. Just call her 'Vinyl', keep it casual, and then move on to the body of the letter. Ace could feel a few drops of sweat on his brow as he wrote, more out of nervousness and elation than from anything else.

" It's great to hear that you're doing well. I'm sure those shows were big sucesses successes because you were there. "

Ok, one mistake isn't too bad. Besides, he didn't really have enough paper to start over every time he made a mistake.

" I've been trying to listen to more of your stuff, and luckily the new recruits love you! They think you're the best DJ ever, and they got chewed out by the CO when they tried to put up a poster of you in the mess hall. It was a nice one, and pretty big too. Captain said that he'd let me do something like that, but not any greenhorns. All I'd need is a poster and i'd be ready to go! If you want to send some records, I would really like that. Especially since the trots domino one is too scratched to be played anymore. Now we don't have any music at all.

Nopony here knows who I'm sending letters to, or getting them from. If they found out that I was talking to their favourite DJ, they'd probably flip out of their horse shoes! I mean, it's strange hearing ponies talk about you while I walk by. You won't believe the looks I get when I interject and correct them about your discocgraph albums.

Part of me wants to tell them, but while that would totally impress the crud out of them, I think it would be the wrong thing to do. I don't like love enjoy being with you because you're famous (but it isn't a bad coincidence), i like love respect and enjoy your company because you're nice, and smart, and funny, and nice. You're not some conquest to brag about, you're a special somepony. They can keep thinking I'm getting junk mail, or letters from my family, this isn't about them.

It's about us.

I'll try to take care of myself, but I'm a bit anxious about our operation ███████ at ███████. It's strange, I've never really been afraid before, but now, knowing that somepony back home is worried about me, I don't know. It's just strange.

I'll do what I can over here, keep rocking out back home, ok?

Sincerely

If anypony were to ask Ace why he crossed that out and replaced it, he might be able to muster up an answer. Part of it was just that 'Sincerely' sounded too formal. He didn't really know what to call it, so he just put what he felt was right.

Love,

Ace high.

With that, the pegasus gave the error ridden letter a long read through. By the time he was ready to send it, a few hours had passed, and there was even a small crowd of ponies watching from a distance. He shot them a look, and the younger soldiers quickly dispersed and went back to their DJ PON-3 v.s DEAD3QUINE debate. He wanted to weigh in, but maybe he could catch the mail pony before he left!

Ace dashed out of the barracks and nearly tackled the poor pony, shoving his addressed envelope into his face before quickly taking off again to attend to his duties. He wanted to live long enough to get another letter, and he had to prepare himself for anything. He couldn't help but hum a tune as he flew, still feeling as elated as ever. Knowing that somepony cared about him was stronger than any armor, and things were really looking up, it seemed.

[SunsetSombra]

The last few days in the life of Vinyl Scratch had been, to say the least, the most eventful and intense the young Unicorn mare had ever experienced...

Not only had she been hired to play for the royal wedding, having received a letter from the princesses formally requesting her presence - which, on arrival, had led her to just about fainting in absolute delight at the chance of being able to hold a huge show of this kind for the Alicorn sisters and their niece, Cadance. However, things hadn't really gone according to perfect plans and for the most part of the wedding day, it seemed that chaos had broken out. Luckily, Vinyl had managed take advantage of a hiding spot under her decks in order to avoid being seen...along with some others who had been there arranging the party at the time.

Now, she was back in the luxury of her own home...after having been assisted by a few royal guards who had helped escort her gear with her - she'd always remained something of a canterlot pony, and wasn't ashamed that her roots were here regardless of what she did. Where she came from had not affected how she approached her music, and she gave it the same ferocity and attention that any other pony who claimed to have 'kept it real' would have done.

After a small snack and a l'il relaxation, the unicorn mare quickly pulled out a small manuscript of paper, floated over her best writing quill as she rested by her warm roaring fireplace and paused before starting to write something on the unrolled blank sheet before her.

Dear Ace.

Well, seems like there was a change of plans about the manehatten gig halfway through...I got the biggest shock of my life when I received a surprise invite to play for Celestia and Luna shortly after I sent my last letter...I was requested to play at the afterparty for the wedding of Princess Cadance and Sparkling Armor - at least that's what I think his name was but not really sure, I didn't totally catch it!

Anyway, you may or may not have heard about the events that went on in canterlot that day - how some weird events went down and canterlot was almost taken by a weird species of something somepony called 'changelings' - I saw some of them flying in the sky, some kinda strange pony insectoid beings who could copy and mimic anypony they saw...there was chaos, and ponies running all over the place.

I heard there was even som kind of pretty epic battle with some brave mares going up against them, but I was too busy hiding in the canterlot castle gardens under the decks to see what happened.

I'll say this much...it was probably the most insane time I've ever had anywhere - I think pretty much everyone was scared at the time.

I'll also say that I saw the Changeling Queen HERSELF live...I was at the main ceremony, and watched with the other ponies as she changed from looking like the real princess cadance into looking like...well, think of a black insect pony with wings and a sorta weirdly skinny body, and you'll have an idea of what she looked like. It was weird, and something from a crazy fairytale.

{ When she took down Celestia, and the shield protecting canterlot fell...well, things really didn't look good for anypony at all. }

The white mare took a moment to take a small breath - even thinking about the events of that evening still left a palpable chill down her spine...she'd come across real danger on that day - everypony had been at risk and she considered herself to have been lucky not to have been caught by those weird changeling things. She clears her throat softly, shakes off her small moment of contemplative hesitation, and resumes writing her letter.

" Anyhow - those things disappeared just as soon as they had came...I don't know the details, but all I do know is I saw the queen blasted back to wherever as the shield was restored, and all of the creatures just got flung along with her - didn't really feel like questioning it too much, so I got back on with practicing and planning my evening party set. ( I was a little shaken up, sure, but it wasn't anything I couldn't get over. )

However, I pretty much found myself gettin' over it when the ceremony got underway - I'll admit it, I cried a l'il too, the bride and groom looked so very much like they deserved one another. Celestia looked like she was almost about to burst into tears too...and she was leading the event!

No lie, it was probably one of the most touching and momentous occasions I've EVER been a part of! I haven't been to a wedding in a long time.

Heck, it kinda reminds me of bein' a young filly back with her folks, dreaming of her own big day sometime in the future!"

Vinyl chuckles a little, reading back over it - her writing neat and presentable so far...her unicorn magic training was relatively impeccable, and although shenever qualified to get into the Celestia school of magic, she still had some formidable skills that any unicorn of a regular level was capable of!

After the wedding...well, the afterparty was taken care of by myself and a cheerful pink pony who called herself pinky - I THINK I saw her with the other mares from that fashion show some time back, but I never really talked to her there. Turns out...she REALLY loves a good party - we rocked, and I think the princesses were both pretty much doing all they could to relax...I can now officially state I saw Celestia and Luna HEADBOBBING to my music

{ I think My life is now officially complete! }

The DJ sighed softly - she was more or less done, and whilst she probably could have said more...it just sorta felt like there wasn't that much she could put down without causing it to be either far too long, or too concerning for the pegasus to read. Deciding to simply wrap it up, she resumes the telekinetic quill.

anyhow, I figure I've dragged this on long enough...if I recounted everything about the party, you'd be here all day...

{ whilst that might be cool, I don't think it'd be the most productive thing for either of us! }

So here I am, going to sign off for now so we can both try an' do something constructive with the rest of our day!

Take it easy, Ace - looking forward to gettin' something to you in a future post too { just didn't get the chance this time, sorry about that! }

Lots of love, hugs and mane rufflings...

'Your' Vinyl Scratch!

XxX "

she rolls up the scroll and placed it on the table beside her with a small content smile, making sure to make a note about delivering it to the mail tomorrow. Having been through such an emotional event might have taken a little bit of a toll on the mare, but the good part reminded her exactly of all the good feelings she'd had talking with Ace...and right now, she wouldn't trade any bit of it for the world!

Edited April 26, 2012 by Robikku Pegasus

[Bannhammer]

It had been a hectic last few days, and Ace on many occasions was just about to open his new letter when he'd suddenly be called away to do something else. Fortunately, Ace served enough to avoid the menial tasks, the other officers granted those to the greenwings. So while he wasn't cleaning latrines or doing articles for the REA newspaper, Ace still had plenty of work on his hooves. The tired and ultimately exhausted aviator shambles towards his cot, the training of the new recruits fresh on his mind, but sore on his body. 

Slumping on the hard bed, Ace groaned and stretched  his back and wings as he reached for the envelope he kept stored in his pillow, away from prying eyes.

The sun had not yet passed the highest point, so Ace knew he finally had a bit of time to himself. He carefully tore open the envelop and withdrew the prized message within.  Ace's eyes hungrily devoured each and every word, treating each letter as a welcomed comfort from home.

Initially, he smiled, both proud of and happy for Vinyl, she landed one of the most prestigious gigs ever! Ace continued reading, an unknown smile gracing his face all the while. 

His eyes only widened more and more as he read. The base and everypony on it had been debriefed about what happened, but nopony told him that things had been quite that serious! Celestia herself, taken down? The royal guard overpowered? Ok, so maybe ace knew that if the REA had been in charge of security, things would have gone a bit better, but still, that was amazing, and scary too! His thoughts shifted, and he felt a powerful feeling come over him. Vinyl was ok! Despite everything that had happened, she was fine, and that tugged at Ace's gut so hard he needed a moment to compose himself.

Never before did the well being of one pony affect him so much. He loved his comrades, and he felt anger and rage when something happened to one of them, but now? Hearing that Vinyl was in trouble made him physically sick, and even though he knew she was fine, that feeling wouldn't leave.

The aviator decided that the best way to overcome this new feeling was simply to write her, so he grabbed a piece of paper, a quill, and a small box. Ace bit the tip of the feather, creating the sharpest and most fine point that he could, hopefully his writing wouldn't be affected by his fatigue.

Dear Vinyl,

I'm just glad to hear you're ok. We were told what happened, but I think they left out some details. Just to know that you were in danger and there was nothing I could do, it hurts. I want you to know that if anything happens, anything at all, and you need me, I'll take leave and be there immediately, you can count on it.

I'm really happy for you, it sounds like you had a great time and were part of something special! I've never been to a wedding before, much less a royal one, but it sounds fun! I've never heard of the princesses dancing before, but who can resist when you're the one on the decks?

I'm a little upset that you didn't send anything while hiding from the Changelings. I kid! Don't worry about not sending anything, I think you had a good enough excuse! That doesn't mean I can't send you things instead! 

Ace rolled over on the bed and opened his footlocker, searching for a few specific items and dropping them into a smaller box. The first things he dropped in were  some cylindrical objects, 11 of them, to be exact.

Here are some military grade glowsticks, 5 white and 5 blue with one green. They're extremely bright, and intended for lighting up tents or caves, but I feel you can make better use of them! Each stick can last 4-5 days, and be recharged with magic, so use them all the time if you like! They're way cooler that dumb old candles if you ask me.

Ace went back to his locker and rummaged around a bit, looking for anything else he could send to Vinyl before he shipped out. Really he should send her all the important things he had... Just in case. That line of thinking was a bit morbid, but logical.

He grabbed a few more miscellaneous items and dropped them into the box.

Here's some more stuff, just because I don't know when i'll be able to send my next package. There's a picture of me with my squad when I first showed up seven years ago. I'm the rookie on the far right, now I'm the only pony left, everypony else retired or got knocked out of service. I look pretty different in this picture (less bruises!), and I thought maybe you'd like it, mainly since I don't have any other pictures of myself! ( a crime, I know)

Also, here's the 'wonderbolt recruit' pin I've been holding into since I met them. It's not worth much, but I think it would look nice on you. 

The pin in question was a small pair of silver wings, with the wonderbolts logo emblazoned in the middle and the word 'recruit' on both wings. 

Ace really hoped that she wouldn't question exactly why he was sending all of these things at once. Hopefully he'd be able to explain it in person when he came back... If he came back.

The rest of the stuff is just some nice trinkets i found in my footlocker. Oh, and my Bronze Medal too, you can do what you like with it.

I'll try to take care of myself when I'm on duty. Scuttlebutt says we've got a mission tomorrow, and I don't know how it'll go, but I know it's going to be huge. You WILL get another letter from me, so don't worry. I'll be fine.

With Love,

 Ace

Ace read it over a few times and analyzed the contents of the box before wrapping it all up and tossing it at the mail pony. Now, some sleep was in order.

He was going to have a heck of a day tomorrow.

[SunsetSombra]

Tonight, Vinyl Scratch was about an hour or two from a small gig in Fillydelphia - However, she was feeling a little antsy and restless - which was somewhat uncommon for the unicorn mare...this perhaps could be attributed to a few remaining fears from the wedding fiasco, and weren't really anything more than nerves. It had taken a while, but She'd sort of come to accept the fact that she'd been closer to any real danger than she was prepared to admit to anypony else at this point in time...and that had left an odd residual emotion.

It wasn't anything more than one of her regular club appearances, sure, but something within her had just started to think on things a little deeper about life and stuff - she had never been a shallow pony, of course, but even such momentary ponderings of bigger pictures of life and stuff had startled her more than perhaps she had thought. It was no good - She needed to distract herself somehow, and thus she dragged her thoughts towards something more pleasant that would help put her more at ease...

It had been a couple of days after receiving Ace's last reply - having received a big bundle of items and personal affects from the pegasus, Vinyl had found herself unable to really put into words just how adorable she found it..especially when coupled with what had been said in the letter itself. Ace was an endearing kinda pegasus, and Vinyl couldn't help but admire how open he had let himself be - considering he had been initially more conservative than her with showing his emotions in the time they had spent together briefly. she attributed that more to his training than him as a pony...once he had gotten onto the dance floor and had a chance to relax properly, she'd had a glimpse of the handsome, fun loving stallion that she knew lurked within.

Perhaps the best thing she could do in a situation like this was to write a small letter - she'd picked up a Trots Domino record a couple of days ago that she felt he'd like, but had left it back at the apartment. she'd enclose and send the whole shebang when she got back, but right now she just needed something to settle her nerves and to perhaps get a little of how she felt out on paper.

Rifling through the saddlebag resting beside her, the DJ mare pulls out the manuscript, inkpot and quill that she kept spare for such an occasion - unfurling the paper scroll and floating the quill...making sure that the inkpot was open and the quill was freshly dipped and ready before starting her small message.

" Dear Ace... " She jots down, scrunching her muzzle up to think about a good opening for the pegasus.

" I've found myself thinking about you lately - that care package of yours, I have to thank you so much for that...I mean, I know you don't really have a lot to yourself where you are right now, so the fact that you took the time to send off such an amount of items like that to me was both pretty unexpected and gave a very welcome feeling for me upon receiving your letter.

Currently just kinda relaxing in a small cheap hotel in Fillydelphia, about 20 minutes away from Club Hoof...a small brand of clubs all over equestria who seem to like what I do enough to ask me back each time they have a good opening. It's nice to be able to be one of the ponies in the world who can bring so many smiles to so many faces, but I started to wonder about my own smiles lately...

Which I guess is sorta weird, because I've always been a getalongy happy go-with-the-flow kinda gal. "

Vinyl pauses, taking another small moment to ponder on her point more clearly - exhaling softly before continuing.

" Suppose it's to be expected though - after all, whilst I'm not one of those old and grey mares yet, I suppose I can't help pondering just what life has in store ahead of me. It's no secret that not all of us can do what we do now forever, and I suppose I can't help thinking of just what I should be looking at for the future...I mean, maybe I'll settle down and teach music or something when things get too much. I've even thought about getting my own club eventually, but it's a pretty big ambition for a gal like myself on my own to do...but it's something many ponies have asked me now and again, and something I guess I could look into thinking about a little more when the time comes.

As to what else there is to think about in the future...well, I suppose there's always that little thing the pair of us are taking care of and nurturing now - I don't really know where this is all heading, nor do I pretend to think that it's always going to remain simple, but what I can say is that I look forward to seeing just what the future brings for us both, Ace, and to embrace whatever happens knowing that it's a path that we both chose. "

She re-reads through the letter, a small smile forming on her muzzle - for now, this seemed to be quite the adequate manifestation of her thoughts and feelings, and she found herself feeling just a little bit better for having expressed something a little clearly.

" I look forward to getting to spend some time with you soon - I believe the Gala may be coming up in a couple of months, so perhaps I should see if there's any need for a DJ this year. I had to miss the last Gala owing to being overbooked and whatever, so this year I just wanna clear up some time on my books and spend time having fun there - with you too, if that's even possible at all!

Anyhow, I think I've rambled on a little too long...but at least I think I've gotten a few things said and I hope that this little message of affection brings a little music to your day, since enclosed is a nice record I picked up a few days ago. { I think you'll like it...It'll even be signed, too! }

Take care of yourself, Ace - Fly High and do your best...for yourself, as well as for me.

I want you to know that somepony out there is thinking of you, and wishes nothing more than to give you the biggest darn hug ever!

Lots of Love and all that good mushy stuff...Your Vinyl Scratch! xXx "

She smiles slightly, wiping a small single tear from an eye as she rolls the scroll back up and places it back in her saddlebag - resolving to herself that she would package it with the promised disc when she got home, and then send it accordingly after doing so. Softly giving a sigh of contentment, she stands up on all four hooves again and proceeds to head to the door.

After all that quiet emoting, she was in the mood for some good hay fries right about now!

Edited May 10, 2012 by Robikku Pegasus

[Bannhammer]

Ace shook his head, flicking the water off of his face so that he could read the letter one more time. Of course, of all the places they had to set up camp, it was in some blasted cave, a wet one at that. Fortunately, he kept the letter in the most safe place on his body, right in front of his heart under his jacket. It was about the fifth time he'd read through it, and each time made him only want to do it again. Part of Ace wished that he was a better writer, like Vinyl, so that he could properly express how he felt, but the knowledge that she had an inkling of what he meant was good enough for now.

His thoughts continued to whirl around in his mind, and although it may not be the best place or time for it, Ace knew that he had to write something. His only emotional outlet was paper, and it felt a heck of a lot better than keeping everything to himself. The stallion weakly called out to some of the other ponies in the cave. "Hey, anypony got a quill? I gotta... write something down."

Ace's writing habits were already well known, and a quill was quickly given to him. They all knew that Ace had somepony to write home to, and the present situation was a good a time as any. His squadmates went back to their own parts of the cave, shivering in the damp cold of a quickly approaching night.

The aviator scooted close to the cave's opening, trying to get any light that he could to aid in his writing. Ace took a deep breath and pulled out the sole piece of parchment in his possession. Tentatively, the stallion began to write.

Dear Vinyl,

My letter might be short this time, seeing as how I'm in a cave somewhere near █████ but I still had to write something after reading what you had written.

I'm really glad that you enjoyed the package I sent you. Those items did a lot for me, and I hope they do the same for you. I don't really have a lot where I am, but the memory of being with you and the knowledge that you care is more than enough.

I know you worry about yourself, and what you're doing, but don't. You're an amazing mare that makes everypony around her happy merely by doing what she loves. No matter what you do later in life, you can count on me being there every step of the way. This might not always be simple, and it may not always be the same, but it will always be right.

I don't know if it's because I'm here, in a cave, the light of the day fading and my own fate unsure, but I can't help but think about exactly what it is. Last time we met, I asked if we could be friends, but now, I think we've gone farther than that without caring about permission or procedure.

Celestia willing, we'll see eachother again. Give me a few more years and I can retire, maybe go back to stunt flying in my free time. My full time occupation would be simply spending time with the pony I love, you. Maybe it all changed one night in my dreams, or maybe your letter opened my eyes, but I just have to write this down, make it official, and then shout it for everypony to know. I love you. Everything about you.

I'm just some lunkhead soldier, not worth a second glance from a mare like you, yet you gave me a chance. Maybe it was chance that I stumbled into that club on that particular night, maybe it was fate. Whatever it was, It changed my life. If we never see each other again, I just want you to know that I love you with everything that I have. I signed up with the REA to fight for my country, but now, I fight for you. I protect Equestria because I know that at the end of the day, I'll be laying my life down for you.

It will be harder to keep coming back, knowing that you'll be left behind while I go on more tours, but I'll leave with every memory of you hanging on my shoulders and protecting me better than any armor known to pony kind. I'm almost out of space on the parchment, and I have so much to say. We'll meet again and talk about this over some coffee, my treat.

With love and so much more,

Ace High.

The stallion looked over his work, squinting in the evening light. The whole letter had just flowed out of him, with no editing or anything done to it. Part of him wanted to scale back his confession, but what if he didn't come back? She had to know how he felt, no matter what happened.

Ace sighed and went back into the cave, gently slipping the letter into an envelope and addressing it before placing it in the saddle bags of the pony that would be going back to camp in the morning. If everything went smoothly, Vinyl would have the crudely written letter in a matter of days. Although getting her response while out in the field may be a bit more difficult.

Content, the aviator rested his head on his folded up tunic, allowing himself to drift off with a certain pony dancing through his head.

[SunsetSombra]

Vinyl finally had A rare chance to relax in canterlot, as she lounged at her favourite bar with a warm mug of coffee floating next to her and a fresh parchment sheet on the couch beside where she was resting...her show last night had gone moderately well, and now she was unwinding mentally and physically after having had just a few hours of sleep at home, a rare occurance for her in recent years - having found herself shacking up in various hotels across Equestria.

Still, this was as good an opportunity for the DJ to settle down and ponder on a reply to Ace...the pegasi's letter having been received a few days prior and had given her no end of warm emotional thoughts since reading it - she'd even brought it with her to a few gigs just to glance it over for a small internal smile.

A quill stirs, magically bathed in the glow of her unicorn magic as she sets about scrawling a reply together...a small grin on her features as she started to jot down what she wanted to get across for her message for the pegasus.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Dear Ace

Oh you're certainly a bigger romantic than you think you are...I read your reply and found myself half giggling and half blurry eyed from the mixed emotions that swept over me as I absorbed every word of that adorably romantic letter you must have had a hard time trying to write - I remember how awkward you were on those couple of nights together, and could see how anxiously unsure you were of yourself. It's all so very appreciated, and if I can give you just even half of the joy in a reply that you did for me, then I can safely say mission sucessful!

In response to your kind words, I must thank you for being able to instill a little more certainty in my own choices...I really should trust myself more as far as the future goes, and shouldn't second guess or overthink things - it's really not my forte, and doesn't seem to work for me as a whole. If there's such a time that I need to change things up, then that will be the time for me to worry - right now, I have my health and, I imagine now, I have you.

Words can't express how awesome it is to at least have things out between us in a way that isn't quietly hidden behind a faint veil...I'm usually a pretty direct pony, but for whatever reason it was just difficult to think about anything that had formed between us at times. For a while, I suppose I was just worried that things wouldn't have worked out between us, but it seems as though I'm past that and looking forward to the future!

Sorry that this letter isn't quite my normal tone, but I suppose when I feel like something needs saying, It's better I say it rather than say nothing at all.

Just to get you through the times ahead, I've enclosed a signed poster I managed to keep back from one of my last shows...it ain't much, but you can say that you won it through a contest or something...the guys there won't be any the wiser that you 'won' something more valuable - my heart!

Anyhow, feels like this letter seems to have dragged on too long now - so I'm going to wrap it up and continue the day knowing that somewhere out there, there's a cute romantic REA soldier doing his part to keep the future of Equestria trouble free...and that I shall hopefully see him soon and give the biggest hugs!

You just take it easy for now, Ace - we'll have our dance at the Gala yet!

Lots of love and snugs - Your Vinyl Scratch!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

After rolling the scroll back up and putting everything back in her side saddle, the white unicorn mare relaxed once more...taking a sip from her warm coffee as a lazy smile crept over her features. She honestly felt so much more at ease after writing one of their now regular letters to one another.

It was just comforting to know that she at least had one pony in all of Equestria to confide in and talk about her innermost feelings with.

Edited May 27, 2012 by Robikku Pegasus

[Bannhammer]

Finally, the fastest pegasus in the squad burst into the cave, panting for air and soaked with water. It had been about two weeks since he'd left in the first place. The ponies inside were doing ok, suffering from nothing more than boredom and a persistent case of the chills. Ace looked to the side, previously laying on his back and staring at the ceiling as he willed time to pass faster. He'd already re-read Vinyl's letters multiple times, and now the sight of his comrade put new hope into his heart. The pony in question fell over, gasping for air, having just completed a massive journey from the observation post all the way to the small cave where his squad was stationed. Concerned, the other members of the squad came to his aid, propping him up and providing him with what fresh water they had left. His saddlebags were taken from him and set aside, not of much concern at the moment to anypony but Ace.

Tentatively reaching out with a hoof, Ace High waited until his fellow soldier was taken care of before opening the saddlebags and checking for anything inside. His heart caught in his throat when he noticed the extensive rain damage, any letter Vinyl had sent might have been ruined! It was when he noticed a long, metallic parcel that he could breath again. Fortunately, his comrade had placed something in a water resistant tube, he knew it was for him when he small the small label that read 'Ace'.

The former stunt flyer grabbed the object in question and took it, before gently setting the bag itself next to its resting owner. Once all was well, Ace took some time for himself as he sat alone deep into the cave, shrugging off the frigid temperatures as he prepared to read something he'd waited two weeks for. Some familiar tears started to well in his eyes as the pony he loved danced in his mind once more. It seemed to be so fast, this rapid growth of the feelings between them, but he didn't care. All that mattered was that she cared about him. Without another moment's hesitation, he grabbed the tube and ripped it open, extracting the precious cargo within.

To his surprise, a poster was inside! Well, within this cave, he didn't have anyplace to put it, so he just placed the gift back in the tube to keep it safe. The more important item was the small piece of paper, written upon with beautiful script by an even more beautiful pony. His eyes hungrily devoured each words, pausing only to wipe the few, erratic tears that would occasionally spring forth as he read her message. Once Ace had finished the fifth read through, he reached into his jacket for one of the last piece of parchment he owned, intent on getting a reply in as soon as possible.

Dear Vinyl,

I Your letter arrived safe and sound, I have Rain Cloud to thank for that. Since I'm still here in the cave, he was the one who got your letter to me from the base where you sent it. I just want you to know that I hate the delay as much as you do, every day I wait to talk to you hurts more than the last. The mission is going well, and we hope to only spend one to two more weeks out here before I'll be getting back to base, I might even get some time off to see you again!

I'm a little worried, being stuck out here, no contact from anypony other than the one pony we send back to base. I know that if something happened, it would take weeks to find out, on both ends. I can only hope that all goes well, both for you and for me. But don't worry, I can handle myself, and I have ponies by my side I trust just as much as I trust you.

We haven't seen eachother in a while, but I feel like you're always with me. Just as I am with you. Don't ever doubt yourself, if things seem to be bad, just know that I'd fly around Equestria to be there if you need me. You have a bright future, I know it, and just knowing that I could be a part of it means the world to me. Our future together is going to be great, and we both know that. All we need is to be patient, I'll be with you again soon enough. And in a few years I might even be able to retire!

I can't imagine what my life will be like without the military, but when I know that you'll be there, I can only wait. Maybe we'll settle down in Hoofington, or Canterlot, or wherever we want! Maybe this it's pointless trying to guess what's going to happen, but I can't help it.

Also, thank you for the poster, any gift I get from you is far more than I deserve. Simply knowing that you care about me and think about me is enough! Even here, in the deepest, darkest cave, I know that I'm on your mind. I don't know if you understand how much it means.

I love you, and I trust you, but there is one thing I need to know. I feel like it wouldn't be fair to you if I went on like this without asking. I'm a military pony, my whole job is to protect, but in order to do that I have to be violent, willing to beat up anypony or anything that gets in my way or threatens the safety of Equestria. I've never killed anypony or anything, but I might have to. I knew that when I signed up, but I don't know if you've considered that. I don't want to lead you on, only for you to realize that you're with some thug. I would never forgive myself if I drove you away because of that. So Vinyl, I just want to know how you feel about that, I know you'll be honest.

I hate to end my letter on that note, and I'm sorry that such a lovely thing has to ruined by such a question, but I hope you understand where I'm coming from.

Keep on rocking, Vinyl, and I'll dress my best for when we get to the gala.

Love,

Ace High

Ace sighed in relief, placing a small amount of herbs in his mouth as he wrapped the letter up neatly in an envelope. Another pony was being selected to go back to base, and Ace simply sat there, ready to give them one more thing to carry along. It was strange, he'd never been one to talk about his feelings. He silently worried about how she would respond to his question. To have a pony out there that would listen to what he had to say and be there for him when it all went wrong, it was something he'd never known before. Maybe he was just a thug in uniform, but at least there was one pony out there who decided he was worth something more.

[SunsetSombra]

Some nights when she was backstage after a long nights show as she reclined in a private lounge, Vinyl wondered just how some of the ponies ever made it out of kindergarten - there were just some times she was confronted by some of the most intolerable ponies who were just determined to ruin things for the rest of everypony else...and by Celestia, Vinyl Scratch didn't tolerate that!

Some jerk had started trying to assert some kind of attitude all over the club tonight, and it had taken nearly all of Vinyls reserves of personal tolerance to just keep her concentration on the task at hand and not let the pain in the flank patrons get on her nerves too much. Still, she couldn't help sometimes about grumbling quietly to herself during the events, resisting the urge to show those who dared interfere with her sets...nothing more ticked her off than an impudent pony ruining things for everypony else. She had finished up her part of the show, and gone right to the back to blow off some steam privately...she wasn't often one to shut herself off from others, but it was things like this that really made her mad.

Exhaling softly, and rubbing her muzzle with a hoof in thought after having slumped into a chair in her dressing room for the night, Vinyl floats over her letter writing equipment and starts jotting down her thoughts in letter form, for one Ace High to read.

Dear Ace

I hope you'll forgive this opening frustration, but I'm taking a moment to vent a little just to get it out of the way - just had some Unicorn jerk trying to disrupt things rampantly...switching peoples drinks around, badmouthing staff,and presenting himself as the kinda pony that nopony needs to know...

I think he even tried shooting me the eye a couple of times - if he had, I woulda bucked him out myself!

Needless to say, this really soured my mood by the end of the evening, not going to lie about that

Vinyl paused and shuddered a little at the thought - good thing she'd been able to keep things together during the show or she woulda honestly kicked that one unicorns flank out the door herself...luckily, she had left that to the security colts - a couple of buff, surly Earth ponies who seemed to look like they knew exactly how to handle themselves - AND annoying ponies too.

Still, now that the shows over and the party is over for the night, I'm just sorta taking 5 and relaxin' to something or other on the player - heck, I THINK it's trots, can't really be sure though...I'll have to ask the tender later. Although it's probably gonna bug me a little bit - song is pretty, however, and I probably should pick up that greatest hits album I saw the other day.

I honestly do love to sometimes just mellow out in the evenings to something a little slower paced.

Fancy that, Equestrias world famous DJ and master of ceremonies listens to Trots Domino...if the presses found that out, it'd be sorta hilarious...although I figure it'd also be pretty annoying and humiliating too - Ah well, I suppose that's the trappings of what I do, I s'pose - I'd probably just deal with it the way I always do: Shrug, move on, and smile!

She paused and ran a hoof through her mane as she looks out the window at the night sky, giving a small wistful sigh before she resumes - there was the matter of a rather important question she knew that he wanted the answer to - it seemed to be better to address this now rather than another time.

I know what you do involves risks...to yourself, along with other ponies - but I have to have faith in your efforts, in your inner self, that you know what you are doing is the right course of action. I won't judge or question what you do too much, but if you need my ear to confide in about something, and you are free to talk about it, then I can offer that as much as possible. This isn't easy - for either of us - but if we continue to believe in the need for actions and that this is the price ponies pay sometimes for the peace of mind that we so often take for granted, then we can face this together, in harmony.

To round this post off on a much lighter note, I plan on asking the princesses via letter for tickets to the gala this year...I hear they want to keep to a traditional theme on this occasion, so this time I shall jus' be attending as a guest. Maybe you should write them a letter too, and see if there's anything that a pony such as yourself wishes to get off your chest...I know our benevelant rulers have a inkling of time to address citizens, so it should be perfectly fine for you to do so too, don't you think?

Anyway, I feel this letter may have dragged on longer and far more rambling than intended...just know that I'll be thinking of you, and awaiting our next dance together...but I have the feeling that the wait will be utterly worth it, don't you?

In closing, finally...Please do take care of yourself out there, hun - I know you can handle yourself fine, but...just don't overdo it okay?

Lots of love and affection from your very own 'Number one fan'!

V.S

xXx

The scroll would wind itself up and float back towards her saddle bag - Vinyl smiles softly to herself as she stood up again on all fours and stretched...walking slowly towards the bartender to make good on her curiosity - it was a smooth jazzy number that had really perked her up, and she figured that it would be a good song to have playing when she met Ace again...a reunion that she ultimately knew would be sorely needed for them both.

[Bannhammer]

The last few days had been mostly uneventful for the Aviator. Ace spent the majority of his time simply resting up, as much as one could when your only available bedding was the inside of a rocky cave. Fortunately, he had all of Vinyl's letters to kill the time, and he'd often be found lost in thought, reading over words from the pony he loved. Her parchments really did more for him than she might ever know, just having them there did wonders for the soldier. Her last letter weighed most heavily on his mind. She had answered her question, just as he had hoped. He'd often felt like maybe he wasn't doing the right thing, that what he had to do somehow made him a bad pony, but now, with her words, he'd never feel like that again.

After another quick read through, Ace decided the time had come to draft a reply. There was a little bit of scavenging, but eventually the aviator found some paper and a quill. The ink was harder to come by, but with enough determination (and begging) he was able to get some. Finally, he was ready to write.

Dearest Vinyl,

Your letter, as always, brought new sunshine to my life. I used to wonder if I'd made the right choice, joining the REA. Maybe I should have stuck with the Wonderbolts and all they had to offer. But now, after what you wrote, I have no more doubts. With you at my back, I'll continue on. No matter what lay before me, rocky land or calm seas, I'll face them all with all of my being, because there is a beautiful mare who believes in me.

We're so far apart, with me stuck in this cave and you miles and miles away. Your letters bridge us, make me feel like you're right beside me. When I close my eyes, I see you, I can still taste you on my lips, Vinyl Scratch.

We'll see each other soon, I know it. Not only because Celestia herself couldn't keep me from you, but because I'll be home in two weeks.

By the time you receive this letter and send a reply, I'll be mere DAYS away from seeing you. I know it's not fair, tempting you with this news in advance, but remember that it hurts me too. I'll fight harder than ever before, struggle like nopony has ever struggled, because I know that my reward is YOU.

Never forget how much I love you, Vinyl.

Sincerely,

Ace signed his letter, hopeful that Vinyl would appreciate the news. He took a deep breath, the next few weeks would be difficult, to be sure, but he could handle it. He had to, if he ever wanted to get back home.

[SunsetSombra]

Rainy days in canterlot tended to sap Vinyls inclination to do anything - and as she looked outside to the grey clouds above, Vinyl found herself quite content to be wrapped up all in her covers and not wanting to do anything else but stay where she was in her front room, just listening to music and unwinding...a hot mug of coacoa resting on the side neaby for her consumption. The faint sound of thunder outside having an altogether surprising soothing effect...

She'd just read the most recent letter received from ace for about the 3rd time, eyes closed as she pondered what she should say in reply - there was probably a lot she could say in a letter to the pegasus, but in all honesty she felt that she mostly needed to say them face to face, and not just through a letter - but still, seeing as this was the best she had right now...there wasn't any point arguing with herself on the matter!

Almost as a matter of reflex, she summons the quill, inkpot and scroll-bundle from the desk in her room...and started to gingerly conduct a letter.

[colour=#800080]Dear Ace[/colour]

[colour=#800080]I'm glad that my words had some kind of boost on your confidence - I know that you're a good pony underneath, and that whilst you might regard yourself a thug, a blunt instrument of the REA, you should never forget you are more than that...you're a pony doing a job to protect and to serve Equestria - a vessel through which to deliver the wrath of those whom our enemies would strike against. I'm a peaceful mare at heart, but I can see and understand that what you do is essential in keeping the peace our founding ponies had established so very long ago -[/colour][colour=#800080]we don't want to let those who oppose ponykind take advantage of us and to trample us into nothing...[/colour]

[colour=#800080]Had it been a different time and we were at a state of war...I know I would have offered myself into the service to help protect those whom I hold dear, and thus I suppose this is why I don't see what you do as wrong - perhaps I myself would even say the same things of myself that you do now to you, since something like this runs counter to everything that ponies know and love. [/colour][colour=#800080]Peace is so very easy to obtain, but so much harder to keep going...[/colour][colour=#800080]I [/colour][colour=#800080]suppose the princesses know this far better than we ever will, seeing as how long they both have lived - [/colour][colour=#800080]Makes ya wonder what they've both seen over the years.[/colour]

[colour=#800080]Ace, I suppose I can't help but be attracted to the colt you hide deep inside - the brave, caring individual who only wants to do the best thing he can for the country he holds dearest...and, I suppose, for me. You may not feel yourself to be the bravest or the best there ever will be, but you don't need to be that...all you ever need to be is yourself - and anypony who ever tells you anything else is just plain wrong, and has no business telling you anything at all. [/colour][colour=#800080]Knowing that we'll be talking together and sharing some time in the same place makes me feel so much better - it feels like we've not talked properly in months, which is pretty much the truth, now that I think about it. [/colour]

[colour=#800080]Nothing could ever beat the feeling of having you close and telling you everything that I want to say, to let you know how I feel through spoken words and not by a letter...[/colour]

[colour=#800080]for the longest time I've simply wanted to hold you close and whisper these 3 small words ![/colour]

[colour=#800080]I love you.[/colour]

[colour=#800080]And now I shall close this letter off so that I don't leave myself nothing to talk about when we meet up in a few days...I'm honestly looking forward to it, and know that when we do, it shall be some of the best times I've had in recent memory that didn't involve leading crowds into a crazed dance under Luna's glorious night sky.[/colour]

[colour=#800080]I know you also once said you wanted to introduce me to some of your family soon, and I look forward to doing that...[/colour]

[colour=#800080]perhaps some day I can repay the favour, but my folks tend to be a little difficult to track down, given they travel on their retirement from music.[/colour]

[colour=#800080]Admittedly i[/colour][colour=#800080]t's probably been a good year or two since I last spoke to them, so I have absolutely no idea when you'll get your chance![/colour]

[colour=#800080]Anyhow - take care of yourself, and I'll give you the biggest, most intense hug you've probably ever been given in a few days from now.[/colour]

[colour=#800080]just don't get yourself into any trouble now, 'cause that'd be a very silly thing to do at this point, don'tya think?[/colour]

[colour=#800080]catch you soon, my adorable pegasus - Fly High, and I'll be soaring right behind you...you'll see![/colour]

[colour=#800080]Lots of love and hugs from your Vinyl Scratch![/colour]

With the letter now composed, she exhaled softly and rolled the scroll up with a deft telekinetic command, setting the newly-written letter near her saddlebag so she could take it down to the post office in the morning to have it delivered. She didn't really know what to expect of Ace's visitation in a few days, but she did know she was looking forward to it a great deal. For now, she rests her head down against the covers, closed her eyes and let the soft sound of trots domino carry her to sleep...

Everything else could wait for the time being until the morning - right now, she simply wanted to let her thoughts drift to much happier things.