My Little Fire Emblem – Uprising Generation

Princess Luna apologises for being unable to spare soldiers. However, she does provide Twilight with a small but trusted party of vassals. Twilight is grateful for the Princess' aid. Chasing rumors of her brother, she sets out for Crystalis. The group's first stop is the remote village of Idea, which was, until very recently, a part of Solaria. Here Twilight sees the devastation of Solaria with her own eyes.

Chapter 2: The Protected

"Flash has mapped out a route for us." Twilight addressed "We'll travel south of Solaria and pass through Seramany into Crystalis territory. Any objections?"

"Not at all" Bonbon replied "Its seems like a sensible plan. If we don't run into any Crystalis soldiers."

"By the way Bonbon" Twilight asked "You are an Earth Pony. How are you a priestess?"

"Its complicated really. I only use healing magic, I channel magic from my staff to the target via prayer." Bonbon explained

"If I may Princess, would you like me to scout up ahead?" Derpy piped up excitedly "I can spot any nearby enemies from the sky and I would be back here quickly before you know it!"

"Your highness, we are yours to command." Bonbon reminded "Your permission?"

"Yes you may." Twilight nodded "Be careful for enemy bowmares though Derpy."

"I'll be retreating almost immediately when I see one! I will be worthy of your honor of your trust." And flew off to scout the area.

"Wow... Derpy seems really sincere." Twilight said surprised "Maybe Flash was right to bring her along."

"Yes... Very sincere." Bonbon agreed "I've never seen her like this before. Maybe she wants to fight again?"

As Derpy flew to Idea, she spotted a few unknown units heading towards the village. Derpy stayed flying opposite the mountains separating her from the stallions

"Hey boss!" One of the stallions said. "We've found more villages ripe for the picking!"

"One, two, three..." The leader of the group said "Ha ha ha! I love a good war! With all those soldiers preoccupied, we're free to pillage as we please! You're in charge then." The leader told the stallion who informed him and commanded "Grab everything that's not nailed down and bring it to the hideout."

"I'm on it." The stallion obeyed. There was a village nearby the stallion bandits. A young little filly with a red ribbon ran up to an Orange mare with a Stetson Hat.

"Big Sis! Them Varmint Bandits are approaching!" The filly yelled.

"What in tarnation?" The mare replied with this grim news "Stay close to me Applebloom, we're gettin out of here!"

"Let's start with that village there! Go to it boys! It's all yours." The commander brigand ordered. "Cut down anyone fool enough to get in your way. I'm heading west around the mountains to the other villages." The nearby brigand obeyed and approached the village destroying and pillaging it. Meanwhile, the two sisters from the village before managed to escape.

"Aaaahhhh!!!" Applebloom cried

"Applebloom, what d'ya get in now? What's the problem?" The mare asked with concern

"Ain't a problem. Just a scratch! Just like the pain from the farm!" Applebloom replied to prevent worries for her big sister. "Yer a powerful pony big sis and I'm yer younger sister so I won't be droppin dead easily!"

"Ya ain't foolin me Applebloom." The mare was unfazed "That was no average injury back there, ya got hit real bad, and ya need help this instant!" Then the mare yelled out "Anypony! Help! Save mah younger sister! Can any of Y'all kind folk help me? Ah'm begging you!"

"Oh dear! This looks really serious! I certainly know what went wrong here this time!" Derpy alerted while Twilight and her band of fighting friends approached the village. "Better report back to Miss Sparkle at once!" And flew back to Twilight's side

"Bad news Princess." Derpy informed "Bandits are attacking and they just destroyed a village to the east."

"Bandits!?" Twilight was aghast at the news.

"Ah. So now we have reached our first dilemma." Bonbon piped up "We have to move quickly and attract little attention as possible, but..."

"I cannot stand by and watch innocents be harmed." Twilight finished. "How fare the ponyfolk Derpy?"

"I spotted an injured pony hanging out at a fort." Derpy answered "She seems to be just a young filly."

"Bonbon, can your staff help her?" Twilight asked

"Of course!" Bonbon gladly said "I can heal her injuries via prayer and staff, I'm a priestess after all! But... She's too far away, I don't have the staff to deal with far range injuries. I need to be near her." She explained

"Princess" Derpy piped up "You can leave it to me! I'll bring the filly here. I can fly over these mountains easily but I'll sure to keep an eye out for those pesky archers. Flash told me that once an enemy archer sees a flying unit, they'll shoot me then and there."

"All right Derpy!" Bonbon cheered "Do your best!"

"I'll be off and back!" Derpy said and flew to the direction of where the filly Applebloom is and grabbed her.

"Hey!" Applebloom cried surprised that she got grabbed from behind "Get yer hooves off me!" Applebloom struggled trying to get free.

"Whoa! Slow down little filly! I may drop you if you keep squirming like that!" Derpy tried to calm her down. "I'll be bringing you to the other side of those mountains."

"Hold on! Sister!" Applebloom cried

"Don't worry bout me, Just go!" The Southern Mare addressed Derpy. "I'll hold these varmints here! Take care of Applebloom!"

"APPLEJACK!!!!!" Applebloom cried as Derpy flew her away.

"Be safe Applebloom. Don't worry about me. I've got enough sins to atone." Applejack prayed as she pulled out her Iron Axe to attack the enemy.

As Bonbon started to approach Derpy and her passenger, Twilight decided to warn the villages about the bandit threat. As she visited one of the villages, a villager was talking to a unicorn dressed up in a wizard's costume complete with pointy starry hat and starry cape.

"This is terrible... What are we going to do? Those bandits are so close. If we can't find some way to protect the village, we're doomed." The villager worried

"Maybe..." The unicorn suggested before she was interrupted

"People, listen to me! You must close the village gates immediately!" Twilight addressed "Hurry! Before the bandits arrive!"

"Who might you be?" The Unicorn asked "You don't look like that your are from the neighbouring towns, are you? And since you are wielding weapons, you're no peasant."

"My name is Twi..." Until she stopped midway not to give away her true self. "My name is Lovestruck. I'm a mercenary."

"A mercenary named Lovestruck. Is The Great and Powerful Trixie right? The Great and Powerful Trixie feels that there is more to you than that. But it none of Trixie's affairs. By the way, you haven't heard of Trixie have you? I am the Great and Powerful Trixie, a general in Crystalis' army."

"Ah!" Twilight was afraid the Unicorn's identity.

"Is there a problem?" Trixie asked

"No... uh, nothing." Twilight replied nervously

"These villagers have some bandit troubles. The Great and Powerful Trixie would like to help, but Trixie has orders... Trixie needs to leave for the capital immediately, and cannot stay. Since you are armed and claiming to be a mercenary, will you help them?" Trixie asked

"Um..." Twilight was unsure about this Crystalis' general's heart.

"Another problem?" Trixie asked again

"No! Of course I'll help them with my steel!" Twilight accepted "It's just that... You are one of Crystalis' generals... Why would you..."

"These are not soldiers. They are ponies." Trixie answered "Should they suffer just because their leaders fight? The Great and Powerful Trixie has petitioned your aid. Take this as payment." And levitated a red gem into Twilight's hoof and left. Twilight was left there standing still and silent clutching the red gem, Crystalis has ransacked Solaria, and one of their generals wants to help any remaining villagers? Twilight left the village with the gates closing behind her. Pipsqueak, Flash and Big Mac advances while the bandits also start to advance. The brigand that ransacked the village turned his attention to Applejack and went to kill her.

"Bad mistake to destroy my village pardner, as well as harming my sister." She remarked spinning her axe. The brigand charged and landed a blow on Applejack. Applejack shrugged it off, prepared to swing her axe and jumped swinging her Axe down on to the enemy body dealing more damage. "Now its mah turn!" Applejack said retreating to the fort closeby the brigand, pulling out her other weapon, a hand axe that not only fights in close combat, but also doubles as a ranged weapon. She threw the hand axe like a boomerang but the brigand managed to duck in time. "Dagnabit!" Applejack said disappointedly before catching her returning axe.

"Alright Derpy! Drop the filly off!" Bonbon communicated

"Oof!" Applebloom landed

"I've brought the filly here." Derpy said "Can you heal her wounds? I'll go get the other mare."

"All right dear." Bonbon comforted Applebloom "Stay still. I'll work my magic out." Then started praying "Heavens of the Earth. Hear my prayer and help me tend to the young filly's wounds. Heal!" And the staff's gem shone sending out sparks of light which forms a ball of light which engulfs Applebloom, healing her wounds.

"Mah wound... It's gone!" Applebloom exclaimed in surprise

"That's right." Bonbon nodded smiling "Now try and keep yourself out of harm's way." Then Twilight walked up to Applebloom to talk to her.

"Hey, listen!" Applebloom said like a fairy "Mah village is being attacked by bandits. Mah name's Applebloom. Please help me wipe the runts out!"

"All right, just... take a deep breath and calm down, Applebloom. Leave the villages to us, we'll drive off the bandits. Flash, can you take the filly somewhere safe?"

"No! I wanna fight too!" Applebloom objected

"But..." Twilight protested

"Mah older sister is out there all alone, fightin' them bandits. I got to get back to her as quick as possible. Ahm' the sister of the Apple Adjudicator Applejack! As long as ah have mah axe, no bandit can ever defeat me!" Applebloom boasted

"Okay then, I can see you're not going to be swayed... But stay close to us will you?" Twilight remarked. Flash came and assessed Applebloom.

"Hmm... By the looks of you, you're a Journeymare aren't you?" Flash asked

"Bingo!!! That's right sir!" Applebloom nodded

"Hmm... That's a trainee class, so you would be an easy target for the enemy." Flash continued

"Hey!" Applebloom said offended "I can cut them down easily!"

"But with experience and training and killing an enemy can train you up very easily and once you reach a certain point, you can promote into a stronger class. You aiming to achieve that?" Flash asked

"Oh you bet sir!!!" Applebloom exclaimed jumping "Maybe I can find mah cutie mark then!"

"Small damaging attacks can go a long way." Flash taught "Ponies may find their cutie mark when they least expect it so try not to do something and expect to get what you want."

"Flash." Twilight asked "What do you mean by class promotion?"

"When units reach a certain point, they have the choice to change class and learn an advanced style of fighting." Flash taught "Applebloom's fighting style is a Journeymare. That's a trainee style of a sturdy infantrymare. Reaching a certain level in her fights automatically promotes her into a Primary fighting style." Flash paused a second then continued "Of course, Primary Class soldiers can also change class and promote into more advanced fighting styles as well, but an item is needed for the promotion. When I was a Cavalier doing my duty, Captain Armor had summoned me for what happened to be a ceremony."

"A ceremony? For what?" Twilight asked

"To my greatest surprise, for me becoming the Captain's Right-hand stallion!" Flash chuckled going back through his memories.

"Captain!" Flash rushed through the doors leading to Princess Celestia's pitch black hall except for the carpeted area where only Shining and Flash were visible. "What is the problem that you summoned me for?" He questioned with great concern.

"Ah! Flash! You are the most caring and loyal soldier I have ever seen!" Shining complimented.

"I always take my work very seriously sir." Flash replied showing no signs of blushing

"And that's why I summoned you. Guards?" Shining commanded and the torches of the hall were lit up enveloping the room with light. All the soldiers were in formation on the left and right sides of the hall facing each other scaring Flash to the fullest.

"W-What is the meaning of this?" Flash cried "I didn't betray the country! Did I?"

"Approach the stairs Flash." Shining commanded and Flash did what he was told, as he started walking towards his Captain, each guard that he passed stood their lance up straight and saluted him as Flash walked by. As Flash managed reached the stairs where Princess Celestia and Shining Armor stood, Princess Celestia spoke.

"Flash Sentry. Your ongoing duty and outstanding loyalty to your nation as a knight has been assessed and the Captain and I have been never more impressed by your conduct not only to your fellow comrades but to the people of the nation too."

"As a result, reward and a massive gratitude for your actions." Shining continued "The Princess and I hereby promote you to become my Lieutenant and the Second-In-Command of the Solarian Army. From now on, you will lead the forces of Solaria to any situation with me."

"Your Majesty, Captain, but..." Flash protested

"You wouldn't come to the ceremony if I told you that you were being promoted since you are already devoted to your duty. That's why I fibbed to you that I was in trouble so you would rush to my aid. I'm sorry for the inconvenience." Shining chuckled. "Will you accept and take up the sword of Solaria with me?"

"Captain..." Flash decided "I always thought that joining the army would teach me many things about camaraderie and how every soldier is worth."

"Instead" Shining answered "You ended up teaching the entire army including me about camaraderie and the worth of every single soldier, even the most inexperienced like you said. But you have taught us something more precious than that and that is friendship." Shining paused "Working together and knowing one another is what makes this army strong. Like what the Princess said."

"I see... I... I am honored and I will accept the position. For the protection and future of Solaria under your command!" Flash accepted.

"Thank you very much Flash" Shining thanked then proceeded to levitate what seems to be a crest on it to Flash's range. " Take the Knight Crest to show the army that your learning for everyone holds firm within you."

Flash then took the Knight Crest and held it in his front hooves trying to find out what it was, glinting in the light. The Crest began to glow faintly becoming stronger with every glow then shining very brightly, erupted a bright aura of light amazing the view of everyone, the shining crest in the middle of the light turned into a white light of energy which proceeded to engulf Flash's cavalier armor and lifting Flash off the ground and putting him in a trance with his eyes closed. The light engulfed armor started expanding around most of Flash's body and a piece of the light separated from the armor to cover most of Flash's head except the eyes. After the the light has covered most of Flash, in response to the trance, Flash opened his eyes revealing a brilliant white light from his eyes and erupted a radiating white light from his body shining against everyone around him. Once the bright light started fading from his eyes, so did the light engulfing the armor revealing a new golden reinforced armor similar to his fur as well as a new helmet while he touched back down on the ground, ending the promotion transformation.

"So you choose the style of the Paladin." Shining Armor said to the newly promoted Flash.

"I will use my improved movement and speed to protect everyone dear to me!" Flash vowed.

"So that promotion item was a Knight Crest?" Twilight answered after Flash's story of his promotion

"Yes, that's right." Flash nodded even although he just explained an entire story for a simple question, "And I vowed to stand by my the Princess and the Captain along with my fellow soldiers to protect them." He starts to get upset "And now I have failed them. I failed to keep my oath." Flash said.

"No!" Twilight started "It's not your fault. You still followed Princesses Celestia's orders even though she is gone. You're still protecting me. You are still doing your duty." Twilight comforted "Besides, not everyone in Solaria is dead. You still have Shining and Pipsqueak, you even have me and I'm grateful for that. The only thing I would hate to see is one of Solaria's finest soldiers being so negative about himself. You can keep other ponies morale up. Why not yours?"

"Hmm... I guess you're right." Flash said smiling

"Speaking of promotion" Twilight continued "Do you think I have a promotional item?"

"You?" Flash repeated "Well, you and your brother are Lords. I'm not so sure about another advanced fighting style for them, sorry."

"That's ok. Shall we get back in the fight?" Twilight asked and Flash nodded.

Flash went to warn a village about bandits and getting information from a villager that a young foal rescued her, although he looked like a mercenary, there was a childish atmosphere around him and also explained that this child mercenary wears a propeller hat, the villager then gave Flash a gift the mercenary gave her. As Flash left the village with its gates now shut, pocketing a bunch of Elixirs. He went to Twilight with a concern.

"Ah Flash!" Twilight called "Did you warn the village? What did they give you?"

"Some elixirs, these special potions work far better than Vulneraries. They heal the drinker completely. Apparently a Young Mercenary wearing a propeller hat gave one of the villagers these as a gift. I also heard other news." His brows furrowed

"What is it?" Twilight asked desperate to hear

"That the villagers I visited said that from their neighbour village, a mercenary by the name of Lovestruck is paid by a Crystalis general to protect the villages. They said that she was purple in colour and have shades of pink on her mane." Flash explained looking disappointed

"Uh... That neighbouring village was the one I visited right?" Twilight nervously answered, Flash was highly unamused.

"Lovestruck the mercenary!? Are you serious!? And yet you were even paid by a Crystalis General!?" Flash scolded

"B-But, I actually wanted to help the villages in the first place!" Twilight defended "And this Crystalis General seems to have a change of heart! She wanted to protect the Solarian villages as well!"

"Now that is what interests me." Flash replied calmly "Crystalis decides to invade our castle and destroyed our villages and let them be overrun by brigands. Now why would a soldier let alone a General of Crystalis is have the heart to protect any villages that are still standing?"

"I don't think all Crystalis soldiers are bad Flash." Twilight concluded "In fact some may be willing to join us!"

"We will see soon enough. What did the General offer you for your services?" Flash asked

"All she gave me was this red bauble..." Twilight answered showing him the gem

"I see... I guess that would do." Flash concluded after assessing the gem

"Do you know what this is?" Twilight asked

"I'm surprised you didn't know that you are holding a red gem. This item is worthless in battle, but it is very valuable. When one acquires a gem such as this, expect them to run to the nearest armory or shop." Flash answered in a riddle-like statement.

"So you mean that if I sell this, I get bits?" Twilight deciphered in a simple way

"In a nutshell yes. Red Gems sell for a decent amount of bits. 2500 if memory serves me." Flash agreed

"2500!?!?" Twilight jumped on how much this gem is worth. "I wouldn't be calling that a decent amount. That's a lot!"

"Ha ha ha!" Flash laughed "There are different coloured gems that more valuable than the Red ones. Be mindful that some weapons are nearly as expensive as that gem sells. So don't let the greed of bits get to you and spend them wisely. There's an armory right over there." He pointed to a peculiar looking building made of stone. "You can sell that gem there and stock up on weapons."

"Ok. Thanks for the tip!" Twilight answered.

The brigand that attacked Applejack earlier decided to attack Derpy instead since Pegasus Knights are low in health and defense, they are only used for quick attacks. However, Derpy spun her lance in the air and swooped down for a critical attack ending the brigand, flying back to her original position, she still winced from the pain of the Brigand's chop, an enemy archer nearby spotted Derpy and started advancing. Applejack healed most of her wounds from the fort and headed for the archer able to attack twice since the archer can't retaliate up close killing him.

"Remember the objective for this skirmish ponies?" Twilight addressed

"Kill every single bandit varmint here right now!" Applebloom screamed in reply raising her hatchet

"Calm down little one." Big Mac spoke to the little Journeymare only for her to gasp back as a response.

"Big Bro! You're alive!" Applebloom screamed embracing him.

"Eeyup. Good to see you." Big Mac greeted back. The two sides were closing up on each other eager to strike. Twilight went shopping for weapons while Derpy picked up Applejack to take to Applebloom.

"Listen sugarcube. Ya very lucky to land a crit on the Brigand with yer slim lance. Don't rely on it too often. I saw many of mah fellow pardners get cut up instantly on the front lines." Applejack warned

"Wait! You mean you've been in the war before?" Derpy spoke

"Dang! I gotta keep mah big gob shut!" Applejack cursed herself "I ain't speaking anything else, just tell me if dear Applebloom's okay."

"She'll be fine." Derpy guaranteed still wincing from the pain. Twilight exited the store carrying a couple of weapons.

"Flash? You should put your powerful weapons to rest and use the cheap Iron ones instead!" Twilight said passing a lance to Flash "Here's an Iron Lance. The Iron Sword is in the convoy of supplies, store the Elixir and Silver Lance while you're getting it." Twilight ordered

"Yes Princess." Flash and stored the mentioned items in the supplies convoy and taking the lance. "Looks like you're becoming a great commander!" He complimented

"Miss Applebloom?" Twilight catched the Journeymare's attention "Here's an Iron Axe for you! It will be useful for taking out the enemies that are up close so you can leave your hatchet for ranged attacks! Be careful swinging that thing though." Twilight advised

"Don't worry Princess! Ah'm not a baby anymore!" Applebloom thanked and cheered and after accepting the Iron Axe, she threw her Hatchet hitting the Brigand close to Twilight. "Yeah!" Applebloom cheered "Direct hit!"

"Not a bad throw if you ask me young filly." Flash complimented "If you keep this up, you may change class in no time."

"Why thanks mister!" Applebloom thanked

"Be mindful where you are though because all enemies would target you because of your trainee class" Flash warned "However, Princess Twilight and I have formed a defensive wall separating you from the enemy. They'll have to get through us before they can harm you."

"Wow mister!" Applebloom said "You sure talk a lot about safety measures!"

"Well of course." Flash replied smiling "When fighting a war, it is important not to get a lot of casualties, I wouldn't want to see any of my friends dying!" And Pipsqueak blocked the only entry around the wall made by Twilight and Flash.

"Now Applebloom won't be harmed!" Pipsqueak said and Big Mac stepped back to protect his younger sister. With Bonbon waiting in the far back for Derpy, the enemy advances. The brigand attacked by Applebloom scaled the peak and attacked Twilight managing to land a hit. Twilight missed once and hit with her second. It's going to be impossible to hit someone like that hiding in the mountains! Derpy dropped of Applejack near the village and Bonbon went to heal her wounds.

"Let me handle this cutthroat first! Then you have my permission to kill him Applebloom." Twilight ordered then stabbed the brigand twice whom was still alive clutching his wounds.

"Ya'll bandits are gonna die by mah axe!" Applebloom threatened and taunted "Take that foul varmint!" She yelled at the injured brigand that Twilight stabbed and struck him dead in one meek hit.

"First kill eeyup. Well done." Big Mac grunted

"Don't worry about the brigand camping at the peak close to you." Flash comforted pulling out the Iron Sword Twilight bought "I'll deal with him!"  And cut the Peak-hiding brigand into two, dropping a bunch of Vulneraries.

"Flash, where did you get that?" Twilight asked pointing to the vulneraries

"Any loose items an enemy holds will belong to us once the enemy is killed. This bandit doesn't seem to be keeping his vulneraries together. We can put it to better use instead." Flash chuckled. Big Mac bought an Iron Lance for Derpy and an enemy made his attack on Pipsqueak damaging him some and Pipsqueak retaliated back. The commander now started to move towards the group. Applejack continued on fighting and threw the hand axe at the brigand that Pipsqueak retaliated against killing him.

"I think you should go talk to your sister." Twilight advised Applebloom to which she agrees

"Big sis!" Applebloom called

"Applebloom?! What did ah tell you!? What are ya doing here? Get yerself to safety, don't fret about me!" Applejack scolded

"Ya think I could just run away while yer fightin sis?" Applebloom retaliated "Ya taught me that fighters fight for what's important to them!"

"Eeyup" Big Macintosh agreed

"Big Mac? You still alive? Ah don't believe it!" Applejack was surprised that her big brother was still alive.

"That's right big bro! There's no way ah'm leavin! I'm fightin just like you!" Applebloom continued

"Applebloom, Big Mac..." Applejack was silent by her Sister's determination. "All righty then, we'll cut our way outta here together!" With Applejack on the Princess' party, the team was not going to lose since the enemy only has 3 units left. One of the brigands tried to hit Twilight. Which it collided. The commander decided to attack Flash who was aghast at the fact that there are still soldiers here

"Wait a minute! W-who are you?" He fearfully asked

"I am Flash Sentry, the Second-in-Command of the army of Solaria! Prepare yourself foul bandit!" Flash replied pulling his iron sword out. The commander tried to attack but failed and Flash finished him off with two lethal sword slashes.

"Urgh... Blast..." The commander cursed before yielding his life. The cutthroat aimed for Pipsqueak and missed. Flash managed to warn the southern village in time and got some Pure Water. Big Mac ended the brigand that attacked Pipsqueak and Pipsqueak weakened the brigand that attacked Twilight. With a mad quick dash, Derpy flew quickly and dealt the finishing blow to the last brigand, resulting in victory.

"Ya saved mah sister, I owe ya big time." Applejack thanked

"Heh... It's not really that necessary." Twilight blushed

"Wait a minute..." Flash interrupted identifying Applejack. "Aren't you... The Apple Adjudicator? The soldier of Honesty? Applejack was it?"

"Flash, you know this mare?" Twilight asked

"You fought for Solaria if I'm not mistaken." Flash continued while Applejack stayed silent then Flash answered Twilight's question

"She was a troop commander for Solaria until recently. I heard many tales about her when I was just a recruit. She was a daring and fearless fighter for Solaria." He then turned his attention back to Applejack "Miss Applejack, you must have known the peril our homeland faces right now... Can you lend your strength to Solaria once again?"

"Ah'll be honest with ya'll cause that's what I always am. Ah'm retired now, Ah don't wanna fight anymore and ah made that decision long ago, so sorry."

"Miss Applejack..." Flash protested

"When I was still cuttin heads as a soldier, ah lived mah life fightin for mah nation's honor and ah left not a single second for mah family. I have been fightin for faceless, uncaring nobles. Mah parents died long ago so I had mah granny to live with along with mah big brother and young sister, now she too fell ill and died and knowin that mah brother was still servin his duty in Lunata, making the same mistake ah did. This is how I realised the consequences of mah duty." Applejack told her story leaving Twilight as silent as ever feeling empathy for this mare.

"Ah stood at mah granny and parent's grave and promised ah would take care of Applebloom and be a big sister to her. Ah'm done with armies and ah'm done with fightin, except for protecting mah younger sister. Ah've no regrets, I'm the girl's older sister." Applejack continued on about the story of decision. Flash too, silently felt empathy for Applejack, until Applebloom broke the silence.

"You... You blasted fool!" Applebloom scolded "What is this nonsense ah'm hearing big sis? Are you even mah big sis anymore?"

"Applebloom!" Applejack was taken by her younger sister's angry words

"If yer not going, ah will be!" Applebloom vowed "Ah'm a fighter and ah can do this!"

"Applebloom, what are you sayin?" Applejack tried to reason "I..."

"Listen to me big sis!" Applebloom interrupted "Ah respect yah more than anyone else in the world, you and Big Mac! Ya gave up bein a soldier for me and ah know that! But why can you throw away a big part of yer own self? Yer a warrior at heart! You can't give that up and be happy!" Applejack was silent at her younger sister's harsh but true and caring words.

"Look at me sis!" Applebloom continued "Have you seen me fight? Ah ain't a child anymore. Ah'm a warrior like you. Yer free to worry bout me, but ah can survive on mah own!"

"... Applebloom." Applejack spoke

"Ya want to challenge me sis?" Applebloom taunted "Ah'm a fighter, the best in Idea! I ain't gonna lose to you and ah certainly ain't gonna lose to anyone!"

"... You're right." Applejack finally nodded "Ya really have grown Applebloom. Don't you agree big brother?"

"Eeyup." Was the Big Red knight's reply.

"Ah knew any simple word comes from yer gob big brother and that's fine by me! Family's together now, and we'll fight together then!" Applejack noted "Mr Paladin, if mah strength can still serve, Ah'll be mighty honoured to join you."

"Sis..." Applebloom wept happily

"I guess I was blind to mah sister growing up. She's a tough lass now. She won't need mah help. Ah've raised her the best ah could but she's right. Ah've nothin to fear and ah should fight. Ah will fight!"

"Sis!" Applebloom embraced her sister

"You were right. I have to be honest to a big part of mah life. Ah can't throw it away."

One of the villagers came up to Twilight.

"Thank you so much for your help. Please, stay the night and rest." The villager offered

"We would if we could, but there's so much to do and far to travel." Twilight replied "Your safety is good enough for me."

"Ah well... My, that is a splendid crown you are wearing." The villager complimented

"Thank you." Twilight replied "My teacher gave this to me."

"Its a wonderful gift." The villager continued "But be careful with it. Wearing such a valuable item so openly, since Solaria was invaded, things have become so dangerous around here. There are gold-hungry thieves and bandits everywhere." The villager paused "The most wicked of them are known as the dark horseshoe. They are cruel beyond words. If you have something they want, your life is worth less than nothing. They assaulted some travellers the other day, and It was awful!" He timidly spoke

"I... I can't believe such things..." Twilight stammered

"Solaria is finished." The villager concluded "Mark my words. The Crystalis empire has stolen our future. Our only hope against them was that the hero Captain Shining Armor would prevail, but rumor has it that he's on the verge of being crushed by Grado's vast numbers. Very dark days right now so travel with care." And Twilight stayed silent.

At night, Twilight started thinking about her brother three years ago.

"It's time to start. Are you ready Twily?" Shining spoke

"Yes BBBFF, lets begin." Twilight nodded

"A question though" Shining interrupted "Why do you want me to teach you to fight? I thought you didn't like violence."

"I also do not like uncivilised behavior." Twilight added "I do think that one can solve one's problems without the sword and yet..."

"And yet what?" Shining asked waiting to hear an end

"I've always relied on you to protect me brother. I wouldn't want to be a burden to you in the future. So I thought maybe I should protect myself!" Twilight finished

"I am your brother, and brother's are supposed to protect their sisters. It's nothing for you to worry about so there's no cause for concern."

"Yes, but..." Twilight protested and countered "I am also your sister. Sisters are supposed to worry about their brothers. So I would like to learn something of swordplay, if only a little. And maybe I can protect you in your time of need someday. So please, Shining." Twilight begged

"All right, all right. How can I say no to my sister?" Shining relented "Honestly, once you get an idea into your head, that's it. I might as well give in. With that smile while your head is tilted, you even still do it right now!" He chuckled then continued "So It's agreed, I'll teach you, but I won't back because you're my sister. And no complaining once we started Twiliy, understand?"

"Complain? Me?" Twilight pointed to herself rather offended "Never!"

Twilight continued on being silent until a pale persian blue pegasus purposely bumped into her.

"Oops! Beg your pardon!" The pegasus said

"Hey!" Twilight cried before the pegasus zipped away into the woods.

"Princess" Flash approached "Are you all right?"

"Y-yes, someone bumped into me is all, I was jarred." Twilight replied

"Hm?" Flash noticed something was wrong "Your Highness, where is your crown?" He asked

"Oh, my crown?" Twilight asked "Well, its...gone." Twilight went pale after feeling her mane for the crown, but it was just her mane. "Where could it be?" Twilight looked around "Did that mare..."

"I'll find her!" Flash interrupted furiously, he looked like he was ready to kill somepony.

"Don't worry about it Flash. The crown is just a gift from Princess Celestia, but Shining needs our help." Twilight comforted "I can't let sentimentality get in the way of my mission."

"No Princess." Flash strictly spoke "We must retrieve your crown, regardless of cost. You cannot lose it. Let's go, you need to hurry."