The Time of Sorrows

by 6string

Rating: teen
Tags: Tragedy, Dark, Romance, Adventure
Length: 11824

This is the story of Shatter star or is it Flash point? I forget. Where was I ....... oh ya and his new compatriot Solar Hearts. As they traverse the war riddled land that they both once called home.

This story takes place during the height of the Lunar Rebellion when the war seems to have no end. A war hardened stallion and his newly acquired assistant/side kick venture to escape the war that surrounds them. Many obstacles will stand in their way, and many trails will strain their friendship. Can they stick together through the think and thin or will Flash point break his promise?

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-02-19 00:48:45 UTC

the odd beginning

The sun set on the dusty remains of a city. The wind swirled around the broken buildings the sound of firefights in the far distance. The dead, limp bodies of soldiers who gave their lives for an empty cause. It has a name, this dead city,  given by the ones who have walked through it. The skeleton city, the place ponies go when it is their time to die.

The moon that so many had fought over, now began to ascend into the sky.  A small dot appeared on the horizon walking slowly into the city of the dead. The figure slowly looking around at the soldiers he once called his friends, had once called brother. The figure looked at the carnage this rebellion had brought into this world

“over what? “  He thought silently. ‘over her? over the idea that SHE would return from imprisonment and take the throne?’

He laughed at the idea as he walked, he felt his life start to fade but he couldn’t stop yet he wasn’t safe. The uniform he wore dragged across the ground as the useless foreleg dragged slightly behind. A mostly intact building caught his eye, slowly he limped toward the door. With a deep sigh he sat on his haunches the burning pain in his chest grabbed his attention. Laying back against a small pile of rocks and lifted his jacket above his now completely numb leg. The whole in his chest right above his leg was big enough to fit a softball and have room left over. That mental image ran through his head, and made him laugh through the pain.

“Damn, how do I keep finding myself in these situations?!” His laughter turned to a pained cough as a sharp pain shot through his heart. Blood seeped from his nose and mouth. He sat staring at the ceiling “maybe I will survive this”*cough cough* blood splattered across the floor “or maybe not...... well this sucks. Ha well Shatter Star way to go!” he sat staring into nothingness only the sound of a slight breeze coming from the broken door next to him accompanied the silence, then a sound snagged in his ear like the sounds of gravel shifting under a hoof.

Star quickly threw his limp dead leg up,  intercepting a knife that sliced from the darkness of that broken doorway.  The blade stabbing straight through his leg nearly hitting him in the face “your too slow you bucking asshole!”  he said dragged his faceless attacker foreword and kicked them across the room.  Star threw his half dead body toward his assailant, rage fueling his weakened body.   Luck was with him, and he was able to  pin the faceless foe to the ground.  Jerking the knife free of his injured leg, ready to lodge It deep inside his attacker’s heart, but the sound of a sob caught him off guard, he noticed for the first time the size of his attacker.

The frightened mare stared up at the stallion waiting for him to end it like she had seen so many times in the ruins of her city. She closed her eyes and prayed to Celestia that he would just end it quick when something wet  hit her  face. Slowly she opened her eyes to look up at the stallion who’s blood and tears were falling onto her upturned face. Before she had a chance to move the stallion lunged the knife and wedged it into the ground inches from her head.

Star rose from the ground and slowly limped himself to the rubble he had been resting on before he had been so violently interrupted. “Look at what this war has come to!” He Yelled with a taint of humor.  “Me nearly killing a young mare scared out of her mind!” His mouth twisted into a smile lost somewhere between humor and pain.

       The mare still hesitating rose to her hooves and grabbed the knife holding it close to her chest “ar..... are you going to hurt me?” she asked with a quiver in her voice.

        Star noticed the she was shaking “of course I’m not going to hurt you! Its kind of what I’m trying to run away from.” a familiar feeling shot through his body stopping him mid-sentence he winced at the pain. Star let out a deep sigh and weakly between gasps for air asked “so....... what’s your ….... name beau......tiful?”

          She  stood in disbelief for a few seconds not sure what was happening right in front of her. Not moving from her spot she stared at the stallion, studying him. He was dark blue in spots fading to pale blue from the blood loss.  His hair was green mixed with red streaks. Her gaze drifted to his face, he looked broken and bruised, but that’s not what struck her the most. What she noticed as the most striking thing was the bag under his eyes and how pointy his teeth were. 'His eyes look so sad, sunken, and dead' she thought to herself.

“so are going to just gawk at me or you going to say something I don’t have all day you know!” His tone was brash as it echoed through her mind.

           “Um my name is Solar …... Solar Heart” she said very sheepishly as she came toward the critically injured stallion “and may I ask who you might be? I think I heard you saying something earlier of shatter star?” Solar said taking one step closer towards him.

             “Eeyep, the one and only” he said trying to look nonchalant, but just ended up look like he was in even more pain.

               “Is it that bad?” Solar asked softly as she  looked directly into the hole in his chest.

                 “well, I can say this is only the second biggest hole I've ever had in my chest.” a grim smile again twisted across his face.  Solar on the other hoof was less the amused at his attempt to lighten his dire situation.

               “How can you be making jokes!?!” She was surprised by her sudden explosion of anger and confusion that boiled up in her chest. Quickly, she moved to Stars side and looked deeply into the hole in the stallions chest “this looks like one of those magic blasts wounds?” she wasn’t sure if it was a question or a statement.  Her head tilted slightly as she looked at the wound.

                 “Oh really! I could of told you thaaaaaaat!”  His words were cut off as Solar shoved a hoof into the freshly bleeding hole. “WHAT THE BUCK ARE YOU DOING!!!” Star screamed spitting blood all over the Mare’s face.

                With a very distasteful look on her face Solar wiped the blood off and continued prodding the wound, star couldn’t do anything but yell profanity’s “just calm yourself down my mom was a nurse and she taught me a few things. I'll be right back!”  Solar turned and darted into the room she had attack Star from. The sounds of ripping cloth echoed through remnants of the broken room where Star remained, his breath coming in ragged pain filled gasps.

           To this point Star was in no way new to pain but his thoughts have started to fade only leaving the pain of his failure. The world around him started to darkening the only sound was starting to move farther and farther until it was miles away 'finally the sweet relief of death, maybe finally I can escape all the blood shed that follows in my wake. Maybe just maybe.' Stars eyes started to feel heavy.

          Sleep sounded good to Star, he closed he's eyes and he began too drift away.  All the pain started slowly to numb. The world started to gently slow and calm…but a small voice drifted in the growing darkness, then a sharp pain intruded on his growing peace, bringing everything back to him all at once. Star shuddered awake to find  Solar standing in front of him.  She seemed to be scolding him, this confused him. “Don’t you die yet stupid.  I can get you out of here.” she laughed as she started to peel Star off of the rocks he had been resting upon. “Where’s all your jokes now smart ass?”

          Star choked back blood.  “I was just taking a …... breather.”

           Solar shot Star a very gentle smile “now this is going to hurt a little …well maybe....  a lot” she said as she starting to wrap Stars shoulder and chest. The stallion could do little more than  stare into the distance.  He was almost aware of what Solar was attempting to do, but even her voice  had begun to fade. The sound of the wind filled his ears but there was something mixed in, a far too familiar sound.

         “Solar..... stop.  I need you to stop  what your doing and listen to me!” Solar jump, startled by his sudden change of demeanor.

           “now I know it hurts but you’re a big stallion I will get you out of here, I know that  Celestia's army has a real swanky med tent.  I think you can make it.” she looked at Star with another smile of concern and continued bandaging.

          Stars ears perked as the sounds grew ever nearer “NO!”  The word was meant to be a shout but it came out a violent whisper instead.  “NO, First; we can’t go there, and second;  I need you to go hide somewhere.  Hide where no pony would ever look!” His whispered tone was so intense it sent a shiver of fear through her.

            Solar look Star straight in his dimming dark blue eyes, her own voice drifted to a whisper as well.  “why?”

          Laughter bubbled barely audible as Solar turned her head to face the new voices coming from the street  “just please Solar ….. hide don’t make a sound or move just hide!”

          “I can’t leave you here!” she looked deep into the stallions eerie dim blue eyes.

           “Who said anything about leaving me? Please,  just hide.” Star reached up and dragged his hoof across Solars’ face.  “you can’t help me if you’re dead ….. or worse.” his hoof dropped to the knife she still kept close to herself “now whatever you hear or see, DO NOT come out until you are sure that no pony is here.” the voices grew ever closer. Star took the knife from Solar and set it next to himself as he turned to stare out past the door to the street waiting for the inevitable.

               “But I can move you,” She plead.  “ I can drag you to safety.  You just have to try for me. Please!” Star turned to see the eyes of a young mare who was so totally terrified.  Those eyes were a mellowed yellow with red mix in spot they seemed to swirl with the fear in her heart. Tears start to well in Solars eyes “please if you die I will be all alone again ….” the words welled in Solars throat her words got jumbled and mixed with sobs “you’re the first Celestia damned pony who hasn’t tried to kill me or worse so I’m not going to let you die.”

              Star was so shocked by her words.  He just met this mare and now she’s crying about not wanting him to die 'what’s wrong with her’,  he thought to himself.  ‘There is no reason for her to die today’. Star reached out and grabbed her head and put his forehead on hers “I promise I will never leave you alone if you just go HIDE.”

                “Hey I think I heard some voices from over in that building!” a voice rang out from the silent rubble outside.

                  Solar looked at star and nodded her head “you better survive this.” she hissed as she dried her tears before ducking into the other room.

                  Silence once more took over the building, nothing but the wind dared to make a sound.   Only the wind had the audacity to move about with it’s effortless dance.  It seemed defy all the blood  that had been shed around it, as if the wind was blissfully unaware of the world. This thought humored Star, why was he thinking such profound things, “ha I guess I’m getting soft.”

                  Three figures emerged in the dusty door way. They all smiled with sadistic glee “looky what we've got here the bird that we cut the wings off of I didn’t think you'd get this far,” the three unicorns walked farther into the room “you’re a tough bastard, I'll give you that much.  I've never seen anypony get this far after their wings were cut off. Not to mention the hole blown in their chest.” A sadistic smile twisted the unicorn’s mouth as he kicked a rock at Stars face. The rock connected smashing into pieces, blood ran done his face,  Never once did he look up as the unicorn continued he tirade. “Oh captain look how far you have fallen, the head of  Celestia’s northern army,   and now you are nothing but deserter.” the unicorn lifted Stars head and stared into his dim eyes “and how does it feel to see the stallion that ripped your wings off is now going to kill you”

                A smile slid across Stars face “if you were good at you job you would have killed me when you had the chance.” Star said calmly as his tongue slid out of his mouth licking the tip of the unicorn’s nose.

                The unicorn recoiled at the sensation of a blood covered tongue scrapped across his nose. The smell of copper and bile filled his nose.  Anger flushed the unicorn’s features as his hof came up menacingly,  “OH YOUR DEAD NOW!  YOU HEAR ME?  MY NAME IS HAMMER SWORD AND NOW YO....... die!?” a sudden pain shot through the right side of his chest. The pain was quickly followed by another twisting pain in his side just before it all went dark.

                   Star pulls the knife out of Hammer before he fell “ha... if you were good at your job you wouldn’t had left yourself open like that.” the other two unicorns looked on in horror. “so you two want some?  I have plenty of knife to go around?” An evil smile spread across Stars bloody face.

Solar hid under a pile of rubble that she had called shelter for the many nights since the war had begun. She had curled herself down, laying as silent and motionless as the rock that surrounded her.  'I pray to you Celestia don’t let him die.  I just don’t know why… but just…Please, let him live' The prayer was sent silently into the night. A sudden loud sound, a voice cut through the silence,  It was impossible for her to hear  what was being said, but the tone of the muffled voice made her blood run cold. The unfamiliar voice spoke first even though she couldn’t hear what they were saying his tone was very smug and he sounded happy with himself, a short pause the other Stallion spoke again but he sounded like he was belittling a child. Her teeth ground together as she tried to stay still.  All she wanted to do was go kick some pony flank.  She calmed down after she heard the now familiar sound of Star’s voice, with a sigh of relief she couldn’t help but smile.  She didn’t question herself why that scratchy voice gave her so much solace.  A sudden yelp startled  her out of her thoughts, the unknown stallion was screaming all she could hear was mmmmfffff mmf fmmfm HAMMER mmfmfmf then everything went so quiet, as the stallions voice trailed off followed by a hard thud.

                       Again Stars voice picked up, this time there was some humor in it. Solar strained to hear as silence fell for a heart beat before the other two  voices rang out in anger. The sound of  many thuds, bangs, and scrapings came from the other room. A sound like the breaking of celery stalks followed making her cringe.  She knew that sound all too well. Tears streaked down her face as she covered her ears to try and shield herself from the horrific sounds, but to no avail. The sounds of breaking bones continued to endlessly flood her mind. Complete silence finally settled over the room, and she tentatively lifted her hoofs 'is it over?' she thought silently, still afraid to make a sound.  The only sound was her own ragged breathe.  Thirty minutes seemed like thirty years as it scraped past until she gained the courage to leave her safe haven.  Carefully creeping out, she grabbed a piece of rebar, and went to the door into the other room. There was Nopony to be seen only a blood stain that dragged across the ground and out the shell of the front door.

Her mind went blank, as she stood in utter shock. Suddenly something wet hit her mane, she quickly wiped it off and looked at her hoof,  “what the hey …...!!!!!” Shock and fear over took her.  “blood!”   Her scream seemed to drown in terror.  Without thinking, she jumped into the room to search for Star.  He needed her! To her horror all she found was a scorch mark and a pile of dust. The room reeked of copper and burned dirt.  Solar felt nauseous as she looked at the scorch marks where the stallion she had trusted her life too had been. Now he was just… gone. Solar stood in that one spot for what seemed like hours.  There was a pain in her chest,  her heart simply felt so terribly empty “you bastard you lied to me…why did I even think I could save you I’m such an idiot.” tears  flowed from her eyes. “What am I going to do now?” Slowly she lay down on that scorched spot, and closed her teary eyes, falling into exsausted sleep. Hopelessly, no longer caring what happens to her now.

Solar slept deeply that night even though she wished she hadn’t.  The nightmares came to her, creeping into her sleep trapping her there. she dreamt that she was at the park with her whole family. A day of fun playing games with her two sisters.  The laughter and warmth of the sun were slowly stilled by a cold breeze that seemed to wash over the park. A dark shadow slowly flowed over everything covering the happiness until only Solars family remained visible in the darkness. Dread washed over her as she watched her younger sisters fade into the darkness. Solar tried to scream, but the darkness swallowed her words.  She turned toward her mother, wanting to get her out.  It is too late, her family has been taken by the darkness…Solar is all alone now, in that darkness.

Solar sat in the pitch black silence, it was cold all around her, but she just didn’t care. Everypony she had ever cared about was gone now. Her family, her friends, everypony she had ever met, and it was all her fault. Maybe if she had tried a little harder back then, maybe they would be here right now. Maybe if she had died in their place. Maybe. Maybe. Maybe.  These word circled her mind in the dark landscape all of her faults, all of her failures. She couldn’t save anypony not even the stallion who had given his life to save hers. That thought made her stop, she thought about Star for a moment and as she did the coldness seemed to ease. She could see his dark blue coat, his weird green and red hair, and those eyes that until now she hadn’t noticed, he had no pupils just dark empty pits surrounded by a brilliant gold ring that just rests on the brink of nothingness.

The image of Star seemed to warm her, but she had no idea why.  She had only just met this stallion, and he really had done nothing to stand out, not really. She pondered why star made her feel this way. Perhaps it wasn’t what he had done, but more how he was. His voice reminded her of her father, but the more she thought about it Solar kept coming to the odd conclusion, he made her smile for the first time in a long time.

                          Solar no longer felt scared. The darkness retreated from her eyes, leaving only a blank white endless void all around her. She laid there basking in the warmth. For that moment she was warm, and safe.  It didn’t matter she was alone…but the feeling was short lived, images of the scorch marks on the wall made her remember Star was gone. The darkness slowly crept back in on Solar, a chill rose from her right side. The darkness started to consume her as again she started to blame herself for what has happened. The darkness crept up her flank covering her back as it slowly stared swallowing her up.  Solar did nothing to stop it 'there’s nothing out there for me anymore' She whispered to herself as she lay her head down, allowing the darkness to take her… but a small light had begun to shine in the distance. Her ears pricked slightly as a familiar sound drifted in the darkness. She listened for a second “hurry up and get up we need to leave damn it” Solars eyes shot open as a hoof hit her in the back of the head.  She flipped on her back to see a dark blue colt looking back at her “I said we need to go, those bucking idiots from last night will be here soon we really need to go!”

The small colt stared at the dumfounded mare “did I stutter?  Let’s move!”  He said as he picked up a small nap sack made of a ripped cloth, and turned towards the door to the street.

Solar sat there very confused about what she just heard “what?”

The colt turned back glaring at her “I am leaving. If you would like to come with me,  you can.  But if you don’t, I’m not going to make you.”

He turned his back to her, and slowly walked to the door.  Solar blinked in confusion, her brow creasing.  Was she going to do follow this kid from out of nowhere or is she just going to sit here and let death take her...... “wait …. wait for me” She shouted as she jumped to her hooves stumbling a little as she rushed forward. It wasn’t hard to catch up with the young colt, “um can I ask where we’re going?”

The strange golden eyes that looked up at her were devoid of emotion,  “I have no clue, we’re just going to keep going this way I guess.” he shrugged and looked forward once more.

“ok, well at least that’s a plan …. I think, so umm what’s your name?” Solar asked, almost afraid to ask it. She was afraid of the answer as she looked down at the mystery colts messy green and red main.

“Hmmmmmmmm.” he put his small hoof to his mouth and pondered for a second as if he hadn’t thought of it before “hmmmmmmm I can’t really think of one....... you got any ideas?”

Solar stops in her tracks “are you for real?” the small colt turned his head and nodded before he  kept on walking. “so your telling me you don’t know your own name?” she said catching back up with the small oddity.

“Now I didn’t say that I just think it’s time for a new one that’s all.” he looked up at her with a goofy smile.

Still utterly dumbfounded by this whole thing “ok, ok forget the name how old are you?” she said taking a deep breath.

“hmmmmm” this time he stopped completely as he took time to think about his age, like no one has ever asked before.  “you know I don’t really know, give me a sec.” he reached out his right fore leg and looked at the shoulder scanning its length then looking at his right hind leg and flank then finished by looking between his forelegs and seeming to look very disappointed by what he saw. He flipped up his head “I would say four at this moment in time I think give or take a few years but around there.” shrugging once again before he simply continued on into the street.

“And you didn’t know that before?” she looked down at him.

“Well not really but I can tell by the size of the bones in my legs and shoulders plus sum other (cough cough) less fortunate places are also smaller and correspond to this age soooo it’s a crack shot at most but it won’t last that long anyway.” he stretched out his little back letting a small crack from it and fluttering his tiny wings trying to lift himself but to no avail, with a huff of displeasure he folded his wings and pouted.

“you know, you don’t sound like a four year old colt.” she said trying to look him in the eyes as they walked through the rubble strewn street. “and what do you mean it won’t last that long?”

With a loud sigh, the colt stopped and turned to face Solar.  Who did  not see the sudden stop coming, she nearly runs him over.  Scrambling to stop, she nearly stumbles and falls face first onto him.  Catching herself with a disgruntled huff, but the  humorless look in the colt’s eyes stilled her angry words.  “ok I know you have questions, and I will answer them.  I just need you to wait.  We don’t have time for explanations right now.   If we don’t move now you won’t last to hear any of it.” His golden eyes turned to look forward into the very light Grey almost white coat  of Solars chest. “I told you once I’m never going to leave you alone, and I’m no liar so let’s get moving.”  The colt turns and slowly walked away from Solar once more.

“Wait how did you!?” the colt turned his head and winked.

“I was thinking shining star or, or maybe flash point oooooooooooo I like that one!  flash point it will be.”  He seemed quite pleased with himself.

Solar stood with her mouth wide open as she watched the small colt quietly mumbling to himself “could it be him? No, it isn’t possible! No way, but I didn’t see the body…. but then how is he so young?” she said talking into her hoof. She looks up to the colt who had created some distance between the two of them. “hey... hey wait for me!” Solar got up and started to race toward the small colt that was walking into the sun rise.

the different sides

A small hoof came down on the cold cobble stone road leading out of the city, the small blue colt lead the way as Solar trailed behind, lost in her own thoughts. Flash walked stoically through the empty city, silently scanning the area.  The morning air was cold and still, the sounds of war were still far out in the distance echoing through the broken city like a lost memory. Winds danced through the shattered buildings as if it were a young foal searching for shiny toy frolicking in blissful ignorance of the carnage that surrounded it. The sun slowly peeked over the hill lighting the faces of the dead that lay motionless, standing guard over the city of damned.  Flash studied their surroundings trying to spot every potential hiding place and ambush area. He gritted his teeth growling, 'GRRRR I wish I could fly!  This would be so much faster' he thought as he looked back at the slowly lumbering Solar who was still staring into the empty void of space. “OI you think you can pick up the pace,” He demanded with an irritated snort, “I would like to get out of this hell hole before it gets dark! I’d rather be sent to the moon then stay here another night.”

The Mare’s face was still heavy with sleep as she slowly caught up to where he stood waiting impatiently.  She looked down at the young Stallion, sluggishly blinking at him as he glared up at her, “what? I wasn’t really paying too much attention.”  Flash sighed at the statement and how obvious it was. “So where are we going again?” Solar asked uselessly wiping at the sleep  in her eyes.

“For the second time I don’t know, probably the next village over from here ….. I guess.” Flash shrugged trying to hold back his frustration. His irritation barely held in check as he turned with a sudden shift and trotted away.

“Hey! Hey, wait isn’t that lunar Territory? They’re going to kill us the moment we step hoof in the town.” The fear in her voice was almost palpable.

“Tisk tisk my young companion, unlike their opposition the  Lunar rebellion do not lay claim to all in its path,” Flash said shaking his head, “all they leave is empty lands, scarred and half dead but still empty mind you.” once again shrugging this time fluttering his small wings knocking the dust of them.

“re..... really? How do you know that?” There was a tremble to her voice.

“Well, after you've been around as long as I have, you learn a few things.” Flash said looking back at the frightened mare.

The comment caught her off guard, “you do know I’m older then you?” Solar stopped and looked at Flash a bit annoyed, Flash burst into a fit of laughter shaking his head continuing down the path. Solar's face turned a dark red, his laughter made her blood boil. She felt her anger rise in her chest filling her throat with heated words but they got caught there choking in her own rage. There she stood chewing on obscenities left unsaid, staring at the little stallion. She felt like she was unable to move, as she watched the small blue colt walk farther and farther away for her as doubts filled her head. 'Why in Equestria am I following this toddler he has told me nothing, and he's just ….. just such an ass!' Solar's eyes started to well as feelings of fear and confusion took hold of her, memories of last night still fresh in her mind …... 'that scorch mark' Solar's mind went blank with anger but once again she found herself speechless. Tears streamed down her face “what am I going to do ….. keep following whatever he is or be … be … be alone again.” Solar said to herself with a weak sob, she just gave up and flomped onto her bottom and sat wallowing in her frustration and confusion.

Solar looked up from where she sat so miserably in the road, to see Flash walking back to her. He walked up to her and stared deeply into her big watery eyes “why the hell are you crying?” Flash asked with a quizzical look on his face “did you hurt yourself or something?” Solar was unable to speak her sobs blocked her words from escaping her mouth, all she could do was stare back at Flash's uncaring gold eyes. Flash let out a deep sigh then he walked away from Solar and turned to face her “you know I made it all the way to the end of town before I noticed you were gone,” Solar didn’t move from her spot or make a sound, “and there’s just a little patch of woods then a huge field.” Flash said with great enthusiasm shooting his tiny wings out, Solar looked back down at the ground. Flash saw that his attitude wasn’t going to get her moving again “HEY IDIOT!” Flash shouted with authority.

Solar's head shot up with a tearful glare and gritted her teeth “WHAT DID YOU SAY?!”  She screamed back at him. Shooting up from the ground, her rage filled glare never leaving his emotionless eyes. The stare off lasted only a split second but time seemed to stand still, the wind picking up some dust that lay between them.

Flash smiled with a condescending grin “you heard me,” Flash straightened up and stood tall “I called you an idiot..... What are you going to do about it?” he said mockingly.

Solar's eyes blazed with rage “STOP ASS LITTLE YOU!” Her anger was so vivid that it clouded her brain causing her to mix her words.  It only made her more angry at the cocky blue maned child!

“Pffffft what was that couldn’t quite understand that?” Flash said rolling onto his back in a fit of laughter. Solar's mind went blank she shoot toward Flash grabbing him and pinning him to the ground. The small colt was caught off guard by the attack, he looked up to see a face he had seen way too often. One of pure anger “so you got me what are you going to do now hmmm? are just going to stare at me like an idiot.” Flash smiled widely at his attacker but it was quickly taken away as a hoof came and smashed into the tip of his nose.

Solar throw a furry of heavy blows down on the small body one after another she threw increasingly powerful punches. Soon, Solar's assault lessened and she regained her mind from the blinding anger, her breath was ragged as she fought to catch her breath. Solar stumbled backwards falling to her haunches 'why am I out of breath did we run or something?' she thought to herself wiping the sweat from her brow only to find her hoof was stained with blood. Solar shot back in horror at the sight of blood but who's? She quickly noticed the small motionless body in front of her, his dark blue coat was stained with blood, Solar's memory suddenly rushed back into her mind. Guilt flooded her body “what did I do?!” she said holding her blood covered hooves over her mouth, she scrambled over to Flash's bloody body “no no no no no, please Celestia no” Solar  pulled herself up to Flash's seemingly lifeless body. Tears once again flowed down her face as she reached out her hoof to the base of his neck like her mother taught her. Solar slowly retract her leg from his neck..... nothing.

Solar's heart dropped to her stomach, the wind blew her back as she stared down at Flash's lifeless broken face “I’m so sorry, I’m so so sorry,” Solar bent down and kissed Flash's nose “I didn’t mean to do that, you have to believe me.”

Solar bent down and laid her head down on Flash's small silent chest, her mind was drowning in guilt “I killed ….. I killed a foal,” Solar closed her eyes to stop the tears “im sorry if I could take his spot I would.”

Solar laid no longer feeling anything but a sound caught her off guard it almost sounded like a..... a heartbeat?!  “Well if you want to I guess you could, it would save me a lot of time.” Solar's head shot up like a rocket at the voice. She looked down at the smiling bloody colt “you can’t kill me that easily,” Flash said while he stood from the bloody spot on the ground and dusting himself off  “HA HA you should of seen your face.” Flash shook his head back and forth knocking the dirt and rocks from his mane.

Dumbfounded by what she saw Solar sat with her mouth open trying to find the words to even describe what she just witnessed “bu- but you were dead,” Solar erupted from her spot on the ground and pointed a hoof at Flash “you had no heartbeat, you can’t be alive I....” Solar’s head fell as she looked away from Flash.

Flash turned to Solar “you what ... killed me? No no no my dear you just temporally incapacitated me.” Flash shot Solar a reassuring smile minus a few teeth.

“How?” she said choking back tears “how could you get back up?”.

Flash's expression changed to one without emotion “that’s not the question right know but the question for right now would be your doubt in me,” Solar's eyes became wide at the statement “now I don’t care what you do from this point on you can ether come with me and we will find a way out of all this craziness that plagues this land,” Flash's empty golden ringed eyes never left Solar's worried eyes “or you can go east and in about a week if your smart and stay out of sight you will end up in Canterlot but don’t think you'll get a warm welcome there are a lot of refugees that go there for safe haven, but you would be safe at least that's if you make it.” Flash shrugged with his sarcastic tone hanging in the air. Flash walked ahead and turned to face solar “So what it’s going to be?”

Solar was bombarded by many things that made her brain hurt and she had no idea how to even start to understand it, she scrambled for words but she only found the same words that bounced around in her scattered brain “how? How are you alive again?” Solar's said with confused filled tears streaming down her face.

Flash saw this and let out a deep sigh “I swear you’re crying ever five seconds,” he let out yet another sigh and continued “I see this isn’t going to go away anytime soon so let’s just say I can’t die... actually it’s more like you can’t keep me dead, I die and I just come back sometimes I come back as a foal but most of the time I’m my normal age and size.” Flash stood staring at Solar who was trying to say something but was promptly cut off “if your still wondering how let me stop you there, its magic and something I would like to forget, “Flash pointed his hoof at Solar “my question still stands, so what’s your answer?”

“bu- but..... I dont know what to do,” silence fell over Solar as she bowed her head “I just don’t want to be alone anymore.” memories of the darkness started to seep into her mind.

The darkness nipped at Solar's heels but it was quickly halted but Flash's hoove caressing Solar's cheek “you won’t ever be alone because I promised and not even death can stop me from keeping it.” Flash ended with a wide caring smile, Solar felt her worry's fade as he smiled at her.

Solar felt her heart skip a beat as she stared into the golden rimed dark voids that not even the rays from the sun that raised behind them couldnt even hope to escape from. “Yes …. yes I will go with you.” Solar said almost hypnotized by the emotionless pit of his empty black eyes.

“Alrighty then let’s get moving then we've already wasted a good hour,” flash stopped mid step as his tone turned to one of panic “and im about to go through on of the most painful growth spurts you probably will ever see so just wait a second and will get going.” Flash barely finished his statement as he gritted his teeth and started to breath heavy. A loud crack rang out from Flash's back as he arched up; his back stared to grow in length as Flash grunted in pain. Solar watch in horror as Flash's entire body started to grow and let out the most disgusting sounds, she couldn't even imagine anything that could even come close to the sounds coming from the now growing body. After a short, agonizing time Flash stood silent no longer growing, he let out a very deep sigh that shook his new larger frame, he stood on the tips of his hooves and arched his back sending his wings upwards stretching every new muscle. Flash drew a long breath in “jeez that hurts like a bitch but let me tell you afterword’s it’s the best!” Flash said flapping his new larger wings sending him into the air and preceded to fly in a small circle gaining more and more speed until he stopped landing next to Solar. “Shall we?” Flash said pointing a hoof out pointing towards the tree line in the distance.

“Yes but only on one condition.” Solar said giving Flash a smile no longer questioning what she just saw.

“Oh?” Flash said tilting his head with a cocked eyebrow.

“Did you mean what you said about never leaving me?”

“Not even death will stop me from breaking another promise.” Flash shot her a small smile “but first I wonder if they left me what I asked for” Solar watched as Flash jumped into the air and rocket around a building, his speed left only a dust cloud in his wake. Solar sat for only a second keeping her ears open the sound of far off wing beats soon grew silent, for several moments nothing seemed to move. Solar strained to hear her far off chauffeur but a weird buzzing sound caught her attention an odd buzzing sound rang out in the distance then a hushed laugh. Solar reached the corner that Flash had disappeared down, she reached her head around just to be met by Flash's once again stoic face. He came around sporting a black duster jacket and an old beat up tan straw cow stallion hat “like it?”

“im not even going to ask where you got that.” Solar said letting out a small giggle and shaking her head.

“good now we finally can go.” Flash nodded his toward the tree line and waved his hoof

“After you madam.” Solar bowed her head and continued toward the trees. Flash watched Solar walk past him and he let his eyes wonder to her back side 'man she's got a nice flank' her cutie mark was bright in the sun light of the morning. Flash felt his blood start to pool in a certain older extremity but a sharp pain rendered him motionless it was short lived. “hmmm,” Flash closed his eyes “I didn't think you could project that much, oh well damn your Morals.” he laughed dryly.

“Did you say something?”

“oh no just saying my goodbyes.” Flash said turning to face the broken dead city and saluting the fallen brethren who had given their lives for their cause before walking away into the trees.

THE HAPPY NEWS AND NEW WORRIES

The sun rose over the mountain casting its glorious light over the field of cascading trees an almost sea of green and brown that flowed effortlessly through space and time. The large trees stood as the sentry’s of the forest only swaying ever so softly as the wind weakly moved through its giant branches. Celestia sat and silently watched out the window of her castle admiring the serenity of the forest that surrounded her cliff side kingdom. The cool morning breeze drifted through the large throne room and swirled around the large armchair Celestia laid basking in the sun light. A calmness filled the atmosphere of her chambers it almost made the war seem like a distant memory but this calmness was broken by a golden armored earth pony holding a large amount of papers in his saddle bags.

“princess I have the figures you ordered for,” the guard said handing a large stack of papers that the now slightly annoyed ruler took from him with her magic, “It’s as we feared the amount of mutinies have sky rocketed sense the war started!”

Celestia held her hoof up to silence the guard, he promptly silenced himself and stood at attention waiting for an order. Celestia rose from the throne and walked elegantly toward the stationary guard. She stopped next to him and smiled softly like a mother to her new foal who had broken their favorite toy “come walk with me.” the guard nodded his head and the two proceeded out of the throne room. The two walked silently to another room just across the hall from there where they departed from, Celestia entered the room first with the guard following in toe. The room was dark too dark for the guard to see anything but only a few sparkles of light 'they almost seem like stars' a door opened at the distant part of the room flooding it with light blinding the poor guardsmen “this way child.” the princess proclaimed through the blinding light.

“Yes your Majesty.” the guard didn’t attempt to open his eyes he only walked blindly towards his leader.

The guard quickly made it to his princess’s side before he opened his eyes to see a large balcony that over looked the majority of the city state that he pledged to protect. He stood in awe at the immense beauty of his home, the way the sun broke across the roof tops casting not a single shadow on the street as he walked to the railing “do you know what we fight for?” Celestia finally spoke softly.

“we- we fight for you milady?”  The guard stumbled with his words as he tried to break away from the view.

“You don’t seem so sure about your answer my fair guardsmen.” the princesses words were calm and caring but the guard still felt them cut deep.

The guard stiffened up and raised his head high in the air, and barked; “WE FIGHT FOR YOU MILADY !  NOTHING WILL STOP US FROM FOLLOWING THROUGH!”  He saluted his princess sharply, “THIS IS THE CODE THAT ALL OF YOUR GUARDS LIVE BY.” he finished his salute filled with pride.  'I’ve all ways wanted to say that'

Celestia smiled softly at her guard before she turned to face the slowly awakening city below.   “Do you see what I see down there?” Celestia said nodding her head.

“Um ponies going to work ma’am?” he said staring down at the now very busy street.

“You are right, to a point. Do you know what I see down there?” she turned back to her confused guardspony.   “I see more than just ponies.  I see family’s waking, and getting their children ready for school.  I see ponies come together, and helping one another.  I see ponies that are working together to make a better tomorrow, but many do not know what’s happening in the world around them.” she turned her whole body to face her guard, “This war has made many ponies lose sight of what is really important.”  She paused watching the guard for a long silent moment.  “Equality!  It’s not about who should rule.  It’s about each of us living together in harmony, that’s what we fight for.  We aren’t fighting for me as the ruler, but for them,” Celestia never lost eye contact with the guard as she waved her long leg out gesturing to the entirety of the castle they both call home. “But, my fair captain, I do have my doubts about the war,” The captain was caught off guard by her sudden use of his rank he stared intently at his Princess who up until now had never shown any reservations in her judgment was now lowering her head and letting a shadow covered her eyes “was I wrong to have done what I did? Was I just in sending my sister to her prison on the moon?”

The captain watched as the princess, and his commander now started to open up and show fear.  He had no idea what to say. Silence fell between them as the captain stared at Celestia not sure what to do “princess?” he said gently.

Celestia looked up as if she had forgotten he was there.  “Yes?” she was thrown off by his soft tone.

“Permission to speak freely ma'am?”  The captain stood, unwaivering as he waited for his answer

“um…Of course, I’m sorry if I made you believe otherwise my fair captain.”

With a sigh of relief the captain took  his helmet off, causing his coat and mane to start fading from the guards white and gold to a dark brown and black mane. Now he look like a completely different pony,  Celestia knew about the magic in the armor be she was taken aback by the drastic change in his appearance. “your majesty to speak frankly I don’t have a response to that, I mean, I have always looked to you for answers when I’m in doubt and to hear that you are having doubts in the darkest time in our history worries me greatly.”  The captain turned putting a hoof on the rail and stared down at the street while Celestia waited patiently for him to finish. She stared at him as he thought hard about his next few words.  She took this silent moment to scan his hardened face, so full of experience and pride, but she also saw sadness in his eyes.  He had a look she knew all too well. The captain raised his head and looked straight foreword “but there’s something that my grandfather told me that helps me though my tough times.  He said, when your down and you just want to run away stand up tall, hold your ground, and never ever let them get to you …... but if all else fails run like hell.” a smile slid across the captains face as he turned to face Celestia once again.

Celestia let out a few giggles through her hoof that covered her mouth “your grandfather sounds like a very wise pony.”

“yes …. yes he was.” his eyes clouded for but a moment before  his smile warmed the old pain away.

“Oh my I didn't know, I’m sorry.” Celestia's smiling face was quickly switched with one full of concern.

“It’s all right your majesty,” the captain took a slow breath in and out a slight shiver could be heard “it’s the same way for my parents too ….. but that’s why I  was named Brave I can get through anything and it’s not all bad I still have my three sisters, well I mean two sisters.” he paused then lowered his head.

“I’m sorry but you must excuse my rudeness why do you say that? Has something happened to one of your sisters?”

a small tear slid down from the corner of his eyes that he quickly wiped before he puffed out his chest  “she ran away.   It was my fault, but I swear on your name I will find her!” his anger quickly boiled over and nothing he could do would quell his rising rage. Celestia stared deep into his burning red eyes a sense of deja vu floated through her mind with the memory of the anger that she felt after what she had done to her sister.  Captain Brave stared at Celestia unaware of his anger until a small smile appeared on her face. Braves face turned a very bright red his ears folded down as he bowed his head “I’m sorry princess I lost myself there, it won’t happen again.”

Brave stood mentally kicking himself for ever raising his voice when a long white hoof landed gently on his right shoulder.  He looked up to see the most beautiful violet eyes he had ever had the honor to be gazed upon. “My dear captain I understand your feelings I have lost my sister and my guilt nearly brought about my end, but I was able to pull myself out of the despair and become the leader my home needed.   I am the one that should be apologizing.  I have brought this to a place you’re not comfortable with and I’m sorry for that, so let us talk about why you came here today.”

Celestia nodded her head softly at the captain, hoping to reassure him that there would be nothing more spoken of on this topic.  Brave nodded his head and placed his helmet back atop his head.  Instantly his coat  turned back to the brilliant white and gold of his rank in the Princesses army. Brave took a deep breath before he spoke.  “thank you for listening princess my sisters are all I have left in this crazy world and I will do anything to keep them safe.” Celestia smiled proudly at his statement, but said nothing “I’m here to talk about the mutinies ….. let me see here,” Brave said with half of his muzzle buried in his saddle bag which made the princess giggle slightly. His head emerged from the bag holding a paper “HERE IT IS!” he said with a triumphant tone “ok so let’s see we have had a total of fourteen cases of mutiny and only one confirmed death out of all of them.....” Brave's eyes widened with horror.

“What is wrong?” Celestia raised an eyebrow

Brave tried to fight through the horror for words but the only thing he could muster was a very hushed tone “Draftsdale …... that’s my old home town and where my sister was heading!” a look of panic covered his face. He started to pace, mumbling to himself. Finally he stopped, and looked up at his princess with a look of utter determination.  “I’m sorry Princess, but my sister means more to me then the world.  There is nothing you can say will stop me.” he nodded his head and started to walk towards the door to the hallway.

Celestia blinked slowly and rose to stand tall as she sucked in a large breaht of air “CAPTAIN!” She fairly bellowed at the retreating guard.  Brave nearly jumped out of his skin at the deafening sound. Celestia stood waiting for the captain to turn as sounds of breaking carts and screams filled the background as very startled ponies try to figure out what just assaulted their ears. Brave stayed silent and unmoving, fearing what was unfolding behind him “I understand that you love your sister but that does not mean you can simply just walk away from this briefing.  Your men can wait to move out to Draftsdale, but first I must know what you’re walking into.”

Brave quickly turned around with a puzzled look plastered on his face “but I don’t have men? I've never left the castle.”

“I know that, and I can’t let you go alone.  So I will be sending my retrieval team to help you find your sister.   I will give you one week when you reach the area.  So let us continue, let me see the report please.” Celestia said with a soothing tone.

Brave could barely contain his excitement a very large smile crept along his face as he handed Celestia the paper he had been holding. She retrieved the document from Brave with her magic. Floating it in front of her as she scanned its content.  Brave couldn’t believe what was happening.  He was going to get to go outside of the castle in a real unit.  He was going to find his sister.  This was one of the best days of his life, he might even get to see real combat. He couldn’t hold his excitement any longer “thank you princess you have no idea how long I have been trying to find any lead on my sister and now you’re sending me out to find her, this is like a dream …...” Celestia continued to read the report, even as the captains words were becoming nearly incoherent.

The Princess quickly read through the report, happy that it was only one confirmed kill on her side but something about it didn’t add up “there isn’t a name?”  Her tone was softly confused.

Brave was lost in thought but her voice brought him back “pardon?”

“There is no name listed for the soldier that died. There is no name or even a description. Why is that?” she asked, a twinge of annoyance in her voice at how they could have ignored standard procedure.

“Um well hmmm,” captain Brave scrambled for what they had told him when he was given the document “….... oh yeah!  I remember now.  They didn't write down his name or his description because he wasn’t really easy to get along with and pardon my language but apparently he was a huge asshole,” Celestia hated those words but it spoke volumes to her about this stallions attitude “but I did take the initiative, and did some digging.  He was a Pegasus, about 4'5, dark blue coat with green and red main, a larger than normal wingspan capable of very fast flight.  There was one thing that I found off about him, after some digging I found nearly a hundred reports of his behavior.”  The Princess and general, of an entire army felt both of her eyebrows slowly raise at what the captain was describing about one of her own commanders.  Why was this never brought to her attention before now.  Celestia stood pondering why there were so many complaints about him.  Then it hit her like a ton of giant flaming bricks, as Brave started to speak again.  Something stirred inside her, almost like she knew what he was going to say next and she hoped with all her might that she was going to be wrong. “Every single report was almost exactly the same, they all were along the lines of that he was like two different ponies at times he would be perfectly calm then he would do a complete three sixty and start a huge fight with whoever was to be unlucky enough to be talking to him at the time but it seems he picked the wrong fight this time seeing …. how …. he didn’t … come back ha ha.”  Brave felt Celestia's glare start to drill through his helmet straight into his skull.

“My dear captain we do not make fun of those has lost their lives.  There is one thing I must know about this soldier.  What was his name, please it’s very important!” her slightly annoyed calm tone cut deeper than a dagger.

Brave struggled to remember the stallions name 'why does it even matter there are ponies dying every day why is he any more important than them?' Brave thought while trying to remember his past conversations. “Um …..... It was something Shatter...... Shatter something.” Brave tapped his forehead with the tip of his hoof as he focused on the rest of the name. Celestia felt her heart start to drop at the mention of the name but she held strong hope with all of her might that it wasn’t him.  That it was not the colt she knew from such a long time ago. “Shatter Star”,  Brave finally came up with the name.  “That was his name, and he was a high ranking captain.  I’m surprised you didn’t know this whole thing before...... if you don’t mind me saying.”

The Captain couldn’t help but cringe at his own words. As much as he wanted to take back what he had said it just lingered in the air like a cloud. Brave tried to say something else to fix the situation, but something came over him rendering him totally speachless.  He knew the feeling that suddenly seemed to fill the room.  It was the feel of great sadness, it was close to when he had come home to find his sister had ran away and there was nothing he could do.  This was different though,  it was soul crushing sadness on a level that no living being should go through. It took only a moment before it became painfully obvious where this coming from. Celestia felt tears fall down as the past started to flood her mind.  Though her tears didn't last long.  She needed to be sure, she had to make certain it was him. Celestia slowly lifted her head and looked at her captain who was trying his hardest to hold back tears himself.   “My dear captain we have grown closer with this conversation, but now I must ask a favor of you.  I am very sorry for needing to ask, but with what’s at stake,” Brave wiped the tears from his eyes still fighting the urge to cry like a little foal after a nightmare. “Captain you have a new objective you must retrieve the body of Shatter Star and bring it back to the castle I trust that you can do this?”

Brave's face morphed into one of a frown as her words assaulted his ears “but what about my sister?!” once again his voice became to rise “you said I could go look for her and you-”

“I know what I said but this takes precedence over that and I’m greatly sorry, but this must be done at once!” Celestia said firmly as she interrupted the captain.

Brave's face turned blazing red “I refuse I’m looking for my sister, not some dead asshole in some ditch somewhere!”

“You will do this for me, that is an order!” she felt her blood start to race as her anger started to show its self.

“give me one good reason I should give up looking for my sister for a dead stallion that I don’t even know or even care to know. All of his reports say that he was an unstable nut case, who nearly killed thirty of our own men. Why would that hold any kind of precedence over my sister?”

Brave took a defensive stance as Celestia stiffened up and towered over him “I can see why you are angry having something meaning so much to you dangled in front of you then suddenly taken away.” the captain didn't see any reliance in her words so he didn't let up his stance.  “and I can see why you would see my order as unfair.  I wasn't thinking about your feelings, but that dead asshole in a ditch means as much to me as your sister does to you.  It means a great deal that his body is brought back to me.  So in short your main objective is to locate his body and bring it back in one week, but a week is a long time and I’m sure that my team can cover a large area in a short time it would be inconceivable for you not to find your sister in that time.”

Brave's stance eased slightly with her words “why does this matter so much to you?  He's dead.” without thinking he blurted out what was in his mind.

“Yes he might be dead but he was a very dear friend to me a long time ago, and I believe that he should be brought home so he can finally rest in peace,” Celestia knew the captains displeasure by the look on his face but she continued “your team will be departing in an hour.  Please do not worry about your two sisters I shall watch over them personally.”

Brave took this as his cue to leave.  Bowing his head respectfully to thank her for all the things she had done for him, and politely headed through the extremely dark room once again. Brave's mind was full of what he was going to do when he finally found his sister, but first all he cared about was packing and telling his younger sisters the news.

            BACK IN THE WOODS

The sun started to lower in the sky, Flash huffed at how little distance they had made that day 'but what is a pony going to do with all this dead weight slowing him down' he thought silently as he looked back at the young mare following slightly behind him.

Solar smiled as her eyes met his.

Flash grunted, rolling his eyes before turning back to the path they were forging. The silence between the two ponies dogged at Flash “So why so quiet now?  You were so talkative before?” his annoyance was evident in his words.

Solar huffed at his attitude “well you told me to shut up the last time I talked, so I thought you wanted me to stay that way.” her sarcastic tone also carried through her words causing Flash to flinch slightly.

“Well I only told you be quiet to keep you safe.”

Solar raised an eyebrow “to keep me safe huh?” her smile grew wider as an idea came into her head. Solar ran in front of Flash and stopped him in his tracks “why do you want me to talk now hmm? You seemed less then interested before.”

For a second Flash was at a loss for words but he noticed Solar's devilish grin “well we are farther out in the woods where if there was anypony following us I would have noticed them by  now.  I have had my share of silence in my life, so tell you what.  Since you have a lot of questions, what do you say, we will set up camp here at you can ask me five questions. Sound good to you?”

Solar was taken back, as once again Flash seemed uncaring. She pondered the deal trying to think of some question that would be worth her time. “...... ok you have a deal but why set up camp now the sun is still up?”

“There’s your first question.”

“Wait!  No, that’s not fair.  You didn’t say that would count!” Solar yelled at this ovbous trick.

“You never asked the guild line ....  which would have also counted.” Solar watched as Flash started to pull things out of his saddle bags, and place them on the ground. She watched for a bit while he placed two large blankets flat on the ground.  She walked over to the closest tree and started to think of what she would ask.  Should I ask how old he is, or how he gained the power to not die?' Solar started to drift into her thoughts but a loud cough brought her back.

“So you have my attention ask away.”

Solar gave Flash a blank stare while her mind gathered its self. Flash looked on in annoyance but didn’t say anything.  He waited for her to collect herself.  Solar's mind was ablaze with questions “how old are you?”  she finally asked.

“hmmmm how old huh?” Flash put a hoof to his chin.

“You don’t know how old you are?” Solar asked out of surprise at the amount of time it took to answer such a simple question.

It was a while ago mind you, and there is a lot I don’t really remember,” Flash said trying to hold his temper from flaring seeing how it’s such an innocent question. “Well if I had to take a stab in the dark I would have to say somewhere in the thousands but I’m not really sure.  A  large chunk of my memory is gone, so I don’t really know how old I am.  I just know I am rather old.” Flash nodded his head.

“So your about as old as Celestia herself?”

Flash's ears straightened out then fell straight back behind his head “Ya I .... I guess so.” his words were soft and timid, but he quickly shook his head “ok next question.”

“Oh ok hmmmmm ...” Solar lowered her head to her hoof.  “OH, I know!  How did you get your power to come back to life?” Solar's eyes grew wide at the anticipation of the most obvious question was about to be answered.  Flash was frozen in place. Solar stared as Flash sat in silence “umm? Flash you ... you all right?”

His mind was in a far away place, but like lightning he came back too “NOOOO!” Solar jumped back at his sudden outburst and smashed the back of her head on the tree behind her.

Solar held the back of her throbbing head in an attempt to sooth the ache “The hell was with that man!”  She said through the pain.

“What... did you hurt yourself?” Flash cocked an eyebrow.

“Yes!  I did you scared me!” she said a bit grumpy at the pain that was slowly subsiding.

“I did?”

“Yes you just out of the blue started screaming after I asked you about your power.”

Flash's eyes grow narrow and he bared his teeth in anger “I THOUGHT I TOLD YOU NOT TO ASK ME ABOUT THAT!” Flash jumped to his feet and glared down on the young mare.

Solar found her back up against the tree she had just hit her head against.  She was scrambling trying to back away from the raging Pegasus “I’m sorry ok ... I forgot.” she could feel his anger but she could feel something else there it almost felt like ...... fear.

Flash's snapped back to reality and saw what he was doing and took a deep breath “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to snap at you that’s just something I will never talk about again,” he sat back down but Solar still eyed him cautiously.   “Alright, you still have three more question or would you just call it a night and sleep?”

Solar stared for a second, then went to the blanket that Flash had laid out for her “I only have one more question,” Flash lifted his eye brows and beckoned her to continue “you promised that you would stay with me, and then you said that you would never break another promise what did you mean by that?”

Flash looked down at the ground and for the first time Solar saw his face soften “I lost someone before.” Flash's words were full of regret.

“Oh my Celestia!  I’m sorry.” Solar said with a gasp.

“It’s not your fault its mine,” Flash paused and looked towards the moon “I promised to protect her and her sister and I failed.”

“Did she mean a lot to you?”

“Ya..... Ya she did,” Flash looked back down at Solar and stared into her eyes “and I will never let that happen to you.  This war has taken too much away from this world and I'll be damned if I will let you be denied a future that’s better than this.”

Solar smiled at such a sweet sentiment.  “Thank you Flash I know you don’t have to do this but you are so I’m truly grateful.”  For the first time since meeting this odd stallion she could finally see that he had a heart under all that pain and strife.

“Yeah, you don’t have to say that I have nothing better to do ..... you should get some rest we're leaving early in the morning.”

Solar nodded and lay down for the night “thank you Flash, good night.”

“good night.” Flash watched Solar as she drifted to sleep. He scanned her body watching her dream of a much better place than the one they were in now.  Letting her dream of a place where this war hasn't devastated half of her world, and where she wasn’t so alone in the world. A small voice started to rise in Flash's head but he quickly silenced it 'damn I’m getting to soft I almost let you slip a bit,' he once again looked at Solar and then down at his own hoof 'only a little longer and we'll be safe just like I promised.' Flash's ears twitched as he raised his head and stared into the darkness.

“Should we intercept now sir?” a dark shadow of a pony spoke quietly in the darkness.

Three figures stepped closer to the pony shrouded in darkness “no, not yet he’s on to us,” he shifted his head to one of the other ponies “I want you to run ahead and tell the pastor of what we found I think he will find this Pegasus power most interesting indeed.” a wide evil grin spread across the mystery pony's face. A chill ran up Flash's spin as he sat clueless to his future.