The Retired Warrior

Chapter 14

Trying to be a Dad

I woke up feeling energized. Yesterday I set up my extra tent and Rainbow Dash "camped" for the first time. When she fell asleep I checked my supplies and realized I have absolutely nothing for Rainbow Dash. I do have military packets of food, but I don't think that would be up to her liking. Now I don't think the food is bad, but others would passionately disagree.

Today I finished my exercises early and traveled into Ponyville. When I was walking around I realized two major flaws in my plan. No pony wakes up at five and I have absolutely no idea what a filly would enjoy. I sigh, "This is going to be harder than I thought."

After thirty minutes of just walking around the town started waking up. Ponies began walking around and stores opened. By this time I had a plan. I'll just but a lot of food. If it is a fruit, a vegetable, grains, or dairy then I'm buying it. Meat will be avoided since most ponies hate it. Personally, food is food, but I can see why they wouldn't want to eat it.

Anyway, it's time to shop. Huh, I just realized problem three. I haven't shopped in years. "Oh Celestia, this is going to be a pain," I spoke softly to myself while walking towards the nearest stall.

In one hour my statement held strong. Sure, I got a plethora of things to eat, but the process of getting that food was in short awkward. The experience was like you got a new job, but you had no idea what to do in the job. It only got worse when I had to hold onto more and more bags. It wasn't heavy, but I forgot my satchel so I had the choice of hanging all the bags over my neck or putting them on my bag. Both equally annoying.

In the end, I become enlightened in the boring process of waiting in line. Seriously, how was it that most of my time was spent waiting in line when the town was barely awake? Either I was unlucky and just happened to go to all of the popular stores or it's always this bad. Well, I have to get used to this, since this won't be the last time I go shopping

When I came back to the tents Rainbow Dash was still asleep. I tapped her lightly with my hoof and said softly, "It's time to wake up Rainbow Dash."

She groaned and replied sleepily, "Go away Dad I'm trying to sleep," before turning over to face away from me.

I rolled my eyes and nudged her less softly this time. No response. I begin to take off her blanket, but she pulls back.

"Ugh, I'm trying to sleep and I'm in such a comfortable position," Rainbow Dash said tugging her hardest to get the blanket back.

"Guess you don't want any food," I say walking back trying to convince her to wake up.

"Mmmmmm, food," Rainbow Dash mumbled.

"Yep, guess I can eat all of your food then," I replied loudly. Then I rummaged through the bags looking for a pan and eggs.

"Fine, I'll wake up! Just don't eat my food," Rainbow Dash shouted before bolting out of her tent.

I chuckled, "Don't worry I wasn't going to eat your food."

"Hey, why did you wake me up if the food isn't cooked?" Rainbow Dash asked a little annoyed.

"I did not know what you would like," I then pointed to the mountain of bags behind me, "so I bought a lot of food. I'm having eggs. If you don't want that then you can look through the bags."

"I will also have eggs so cook some for me," Rainbow Dash said in a quick reply.

"Okay, just is down and wait," I replied and started a fire.

We sat in silence for a few minutes before Rainbow Dash asked, "What do you like?"

I pondered the question before answering, "I like a lot of things, but I like the Hunters of Equestria, fighting, beautiful places, traveling, and sleep the most."

"You enjoy fighting?" Rainbow Dash asked curiously.

I spoke earnestly, "I absolutely adore it. The thrill and enjoyment I get from fighting compares to almost nothing else to me. Though, I may love it so much, because I also enjoy the competition."

"Competition?" Rainbow Dash said confused at what fighting has to do with competition.

"Yes competition," I said, "Two ponies or creatures facing off against each other in a test of skill, strength, intelligence, or even who can tell a better joke. Fighting can be boiled down into a competition between two creatures."

Rainbow Dash spoke honestly, "I sort of get it now. I like competition too. It's awesome to win, but it's also so much fun to compete against others."

I nodded, "That is true. Now that I have told you what I liked I want to hear what you like."

Rainbow Smiled, "I like a lot of stuff. Food, racing, sleeping, flying, the Hunters of Equestria and the wonderbolts are my absolute favorite though."

"Hmm, it's nice to hear you like the Hunters of Equestria," I say happily.

Rainbow began fangirling, "They are awesome just like the wonderbolts. At flight school one of the subjects is history and they teach all about various things, but the best is when they teach about the wonderbolts and Hunters of Equestria. You guys have done so many cool things and have saved Equestria at least twice! Best of all they teach about some of the greatest fliers!"

"Who are these greatest fliers?" I ask curiously.

Rainbow Dash was bursting with excitement, "Only the legendary fliers like commander Hurricane, Quick Fether, Flash Magnus, and you! There is an entire chapter just about the many things you've done!"

"Wait, they have history lessons about me?" I asked shocked.

"Why wouldn't they teach about you?" Rainbow Dash spoke with great zeal, "You have done so much good in the world and have saved so many lives! It would be disrespectful to not teach about you!"

"Well I'd think they would do it after I died," I mumbled before placing the cooked eggs onto a plate, "how many do you want?"

"All of them," Rainbow Dash respondents before she practically ripped the plate the eggs out of my hoofs.

I chuckle, "Hey, I need to eat too."

"Just cook more eggs," Rainbow Dash said with her mouth full of food.

"Alright, but afterward we are going to find you things to buy," I say cracking a few more eggs over the pan.