From All Fronts

The sun was once again sharing its warmth with the ponies of Equestria on the bright spring day. The Golden Oaks Library was standing proudly, one of its three occupants currently up and about. At that moment, somepony was slinging on her saddle-bags, quietly opening the front door, and attempting to sneak away from the building.

“You’re leaving already, Twilight?” A voice called out to her before she escaped. Twilight stopped in her tracks, and turned to face her purple assistant.

“Yeah.” She responded sadly. “I can’t wait here forever, Spike.”

Spike sighed, and followed Twilight out the door. “I don’t see why you need to go all alone.” He complained.

Twilight sighed as well, and then walked over to Spike and patted his head. “I don’t mean to sound rude, but I don’t think you would be much help, Spike.” Spike hung his head, but Twilight lifted it back up, and gave him a soft smile. “Stay with Rarity and Fluttershy, all right? They need you more than I do right now.”

Spike looked into her purple eyes for a few seconds, and then brushed her hoof away. “Ok.” He agreed, and then looked to his side nervously. “Just come back soon, all right?” He whispered.

Twilight looked at him endearingly, and then wrapped her forelegs around him. “I’ll be back before you even notice I’m gone.” She assured.

Spike remained in her embrace for a short while, and then shoved her away. He turned away from her, and then walked back into the library. Twilight watched as he disappeared into the library, and then tore her eyes away. She readjusted her saddle-bag, and began her trek through Ponyville.

Ponyville had been repopulated since Twilight had left the castle, and the streets were once again bustling with activity. Foals were once again frolicking with their friends, but now, their parents were keeping a watchful eye on them. The marketplace was filled with the shouts of merchants and their customers, and the streets were littered with colorful ponies getting back into their daily routines. But as normal as the town appeared, a thick air of anxiety hung over the entire town like a sheet. Twilight strutted straight through the anxious streets, and paid little attention to the on-edge townsfolk as she headed straight for her destination.

As she quickened her pace, Twilight’s saddle-bag rammed into her torso, knocking her off-balance. She steadied herself, lit up her purple horn, and opened her left saddle-bag. She lifted a peculiar object out of the bag, a thick pole with an oversized button on its side. Twilight squeezed the button with her magic, and the pole extended to about four times its size. Oh yeah, I forgot I had this with me. Twilight reflected. She pushed it back to its normal size, and put it back into her saddle-bag. With all that’s happened, that’s not surprising. I’ll put it back soon. Once I’m done today…

“Twilight, dear, is that you?” A voice called out to Twilight. She turned to the voice, and mentally slapped herself for not realizing where she was standing, directly in front of Carousel Boutique.

“Yes. It’s me, Rarity.” Twilight answered her friend. Rarity stepped outside of the Boutique, shut its door behind her, and slowly padded over to Twilight.

“Where are you going, dressed like that?” Rarity asked after taking in Twilight’s attire. Twilight refused to acknowledge the question, Rarity, however, appeared to make the connection herself. Her eyes narrowed, and she hung her head sorrowfully. “You’re going to Canterlot, aren’t you?”

Twilight narrowed her own eyes, and nodded. “I’ve already waited long enough.”

Rarity miserably shut her eyes. “That’s where Applejack and the others are, correct?”

Twilight nodded again, and turned away from the white mare. “I need to get going, Rarity.”

“Wait!” Rarity stopped her. Twilight looked back to her, and an overwhelming feeling of pity washed over her. Rarity was looking right into her eyes, her face paler than normal, and her legs beginning to tremble. “Twilight… Fluttershy and I have talked about this…” Rarity dropped her gaze back to the ground. “…Our friends shouldn’t be there. They shouldn’t be fighting. They shouldn’t be going to war…” Tears began to patter against the soil, rolling quietly down Rarity’s cheeks. “Please, just bring them back, Twilight… I don’t want them to… Just please bring them back… Please…” She begged pathetically.

Twilight looked at her crying friend with sympathetic eyes, and then hugged her tightly. “I promise I will. I won’t come home until every last one of them is with me.” She promised wholeheartedly.

Rarity didn’t return the embrace, and continued to stare bitterly at the dirt. She refused to meet Twilight’s eyes, and gently broke her embrace. “Off you go, then.” She somberly dismissed her friend. Rarity then turned away, and returned to her home, slowly shutting the door behind her.

Twilight felt a lump in her throat as her friend walked away from her. Why do I feel like crying? She scolded herself. She’s counting on me. Twilight pried her eyes away from Carousel Boutique, and began trotting towards Canterlot. I’m going to bring them back. She steeled herself. I just hope I’m not already too late. She despaired. After that thought flooded over her, Twilight broke into a run through the streets of Ponyville.

*******

Rainbow Dash awoke to the sound of clanging armor outside of her bedroom door. She immediately shot upright, and threw her blankets off. “Finally!” She shouted. She jumped out of the castle’s purple guest bed, and slipped into her golden greaves at its foot. She had been exhausted the previous night, so she had fallen asleep wearing her armored chest plate. After her greaves were securely in place, she flew to the wall where she had rested her helmet. She slammed it onto her head, grabbed her weapons from beside the door, and strapped them to her torso, slightly under her wings. When she was fully armored, she threw open the bedroom door, and excitedly leapt out of it.

Waiting for her in the hallway were Applejack and Pinkie Pie, both of them wearing matching gold armor, but neither of them wearing helmets like Rainbow Dash. Applejack was wearing her Stetson, pink bow still tightly coiled around it, while Pinkie Pie was wearing nothing at all. “We’re bein’ deployed, Rainbow.” Applejack told her bluntly.

Rainbow Dash smirked at her two friends, and glided over to them. “I know that. If you’re scared, you can always go home, Applejack.” She taunted.

Applejack glared at her humorlessly. “It’s not too late for ya’ll either. You two can still quit.” Applejack reminded them in a cautionary tone.

“Nope!” Pinkie Pie boisterously answered.

Rainbow Dash grinned smugly. “You kiddin’? After I got such awesome weapons?” As if on cue, Rainbow Dash descended to the ground, reached to her side, and drew one of her freshly-crafted swords. She extended the gleaming white blade in front of her, making sure that her friends got a good look at the rainbow lightning insignia on the side of the blade.

“Oooo.” Pinkie Pie gawked at the sword.

“He might not be a good guy, but that blacksmith sure does his job. It feels like I’m holding nothing at all!” Rainbow Dash complimented.

Applejack gazed at the short, lightweight sword in front of her, and its counterpart at Rainbow Dash’s side. She took in the design of the blade, and then smirked at her. “Sleeves, huh? I guess ya can’t hold ‘em very well.” She teased Rainbow Dash.

“Hey shut up!” Rainbow Dash shot back at her, and swung her blade through the air. “I can too hold them! The sleeves are just here so that they don’t fly away when I break the sound barrier with ‘em!”

Applejack raised an eyebrow sarcastically, and then snapped back to reality. “Fer yer sake, I hope yer serious. I already checked the deployment list; me an’ Pinkie are headin’ to Appleloosa, an’ yer headin’ to Cloudsdale.”

A look of fear briefly crossed Rainbow Dash’s face, but she quickly shook it off. “I’m goin’ alone, eh? Well now I don’t hafta look after you two, then.” She stated cockily, and then sheathed her sword.

“See ya in a few hours then, Rainbow Dash!” Pinkie Pie chirped, and then began bouncing down the hallway towards the castle’s ballroom. Rainbow Dash spread her wings to follow her, but Applejack stopped her.

“Rainbow, Pinkie’s in my unit, so I can keep an eye on ‘er…” Applejack whispered, locking eyes with Rainbow Dash. “I don’t know what yer tryin’ to prove here, but I can’t stop ya. Since I can’t watch out for ya, I can only tell ya…”

Fear and anxiety shone in Applejack’s eyes. “Don’t die, Rainbow Dash.”

Uncertainty returned to Rainbow Dash’s face when Applejack spoke those four words. Despite her fear, she forced herself to shake her head, and shot Applejack a look of false confidence. “Do you even know who you’re talkin’ to, AJ? I’m gonna come back without a scratch on me!” She boasted.

Applejack lowered her head, disbelief overcoming her, and she walked past Rainbow Dash. “Come on. They’re all in the ballroom.”

Rainbow Dash nodded, and then began walking beside her friend. The two walked to the ballroom in silence; they had nothing more to say to each other. When they walked down the carpeted stairs into the ballroom, they found multiple divisions of guards, each one being deployed to a different town. The experienced guards held their stone-faced expressions, not allowing their fear to show, but the newer guards were looking around themselves nervously. Pinkie Pie was standing in the division heading to Appleloosa, and unprofessionally waved to Applejack and Rainbow Dash. The two mares joined their respective ranks, and stood quietly as the remaining royal guards streamed into the room.

After patiently waiting for a few minutes, the room went utterly silent. Rainbow Dash peered past the guards in front of her, and saw what had cast a spell of silence over the guards. Standing atop the red stairs at the front of the ballroom was Princess Luna, who was donning pitch black battle armor, which stood out amongst the golden armor of the royal guards. She wore a cold look of confidence, and after scanning the room with her eyes, addressed the crowd of armored ponies.

“ROYAL GUARD!” She began at the very top of her voice, emphasizing every sentence. “TODAY, WE STAND AT THE BRINK OF THE FIRST WAR IN OVER 200 YEARS! MY SISTER AND I HAD HOPED THAT WE WOULD NEVER SEE ANOTHER, BUT OUR ENEMIES HAVE MADE THEIR INTENTIONS VERY CLEAR!”

Luna paused for a brief moment, and took a good look at the battalions in front of her. “I KNOW THAT THIS IS A FRIGHTENING CONCEPT FOR ALL OF YOU, BUT THIS IS WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN TRAINED FOR! YOU ARE THE ONES WHO MUST PROTECT YOUR HOME, YOUR FRIENDS, AND YOUR FAMILIES!” Luna dramatically held her front right hoof in front of her. “THE TIME HAS COME FOR YOU TO FIGHT FOR OUR PEACE! GO! RECLAIM OUR TOWNS, AND END THIS WAR BEFORE IT BEGINS! FIGHT! FIGHT FOR THE PEACE THAT WE KNEW NOT ONE WEEK AGO! OUR FATE LIES WITH YOU, SO GO! SHOW OUR ENEMIES HOW MUCH OF A MISTAKE IT WAS TO ATTACK US!”

As Luna’s rallying call came to a close, the guards erupted into confident cheers. Rainbow Dash’s confidence came back in full force after she heard the Princess speak. She followed the battalion of pegasi assigned to Cloudsdale, who flew out of the ballroom, over the courtyard, and into the clear blue sky. They didn’t fly for very long, as they regrouped on a nearby bed of clouds. The pegasi guards all landed on a large bed of clouds hanging above the regal city of Canterlot. Rainbow Dash looked around herself, and was shocked to see how few guards were around her. There’s only about 100 of them… She thought, her anxiety returning. It looked like there were so much more of them in the ballroom…

“Fellow pegasi.” One guard calmly addressed the others. Rainbow Dash faced him, and assumed that he was a captain based on his purple-and-gold armor. “Cloudsdale was the home of most of us, if not all of us. It’s being held right now by Changelings. It’s time we took it back.” He spoke with little emotion, and then pointed his deep gray hoof towards the group of guards to his left. “I shall lead these troops into the city with me. Wait ten minutes, and then advance yourselves. You should be able to flank our enemies that way. Am I understood?”

“Yessir!” The guards replied as one.

“Um, Captain?” One stallion fearfully asked.

The captain turned his black eyes to the stallion. “Yes?” He asked emotionlessly.

The lone guard swallowed nervously, and then questioned, “The Princesses are just being overdramatic, right? The changelings wouldn’t actually kill us, hahaha… right?”

The captain stared at the stallion, not changing his cold expression. “This is what you signed on for.” He answered. The lone guard’s eyes widened, and the captain turned away from him. “Best of luck to all of you, then.” He finished, and then took off towards Cloudsdale, half of the pegasi guards following close behind him.

The guards who remained behind stood still, just waiting for the eerily long ten minutes to pass. Ugh, I hate waiting. Rainbow Dash complained to herself, as she sat down on the plush cloud underneath her. None of the other guards stopped her, and they all remained rooted in place.

A tense silence clouded the air for the next ten minutes. As Rainbow Dash stared at the fluffy white ground, her mind began wandering, eventually repeating Applejack’s words against her will. ‘Don’t die, Rainbow Dash.’ ‘Don’t die Rainbow Dash.’ Rainbow Dash wrapped her forelegs around herself comfortingly. She seemed so… scared… She thought nervously. Am I… gonna die? She began to feel her body tremble. I can’t die…

After counting out another minute in her head, Rainbow Dash took a look around herself, and noticed a few of the guards were watching her. They were looking at her with pitying eyes, and some of them looked terrified themselves. No… Stop being scared. She yelled at herself, as she returned her hooves to the ground in front of her. You’re Rainbow Dash! Element of Loyalty, top athlete, soon-to-be Wonderbolt! Whoever’s in Cloudsdale should be trembling in fear of you!

Rainbow Dash sprang to her hooves after her inner pep-talk, confidence once again radiating from her. She shot a cocky grin to the guards who were watching her, and they turned away, among them the guard who had questioned the captain earlier. The next few minutes seem to pass by much quicker, and before she knew it, one of the guards announced, “It’s been ten minutes. Let’s move up.”

The guards all spread their wings once more, and took flight off of the cloud bed. They sped towards Cloudsdale, and within minutes, were touching down on the clouds of the airborne city. Look out Cloudsdale, Dash is back! Rainbow Dash thought confidently. As soon as she landed, she began scanning her hometown for signs of the battle. Without warning, a loud, insect-like hiss was heard from a little way’s away. Without giving it a second thought, Rainbow Dash shot towards the source of the sound.

“Wait, Cadet!” A guard called after her, but she was already gone. Rainbow Dash was flying as quickly as she could, and she found the skirmish easily. She charged closer, and closer, and closer, until her eyes suddenly locked onto the ground below her. The sight made her stop dead, and caused her eyes to dilate in horror.

Scattered on the ground below were multiple crumpled, battered, and decimated changeling carcasses. Their green, insect-like blood flowed from their shattered exoskeletons, and some of them were unrecognizable. Even worse, however, were the other corpses. Scattered amongst the carcasses were corpses. Pony corpses. One guard was coated in scratches and bite marks, crimson fluid trickling out of each of them, while another had only one injury on his chest, and blood was pouring out of it onto the formerly white clouds. The most revolting one was a stallion whose neck had been brutally torn open, and now bled out into the clouds.

The sight was too much for Rainbow Dash to take in; she could barely even move. T-t-t-those guards… They’re… They’re… dead… As a form of automatic self-defense, Rainbow Dash’s mind began shutting down, refusing to accept the reality of the scene before her. Thoughts upon thoughts crammed themselves into her mind as she hovered in place in the air. They’re dead…? No… I knew that ponies could die here… Why am I surprised…? Move… What’s going on…? I wasn’t ready for this… I think I’m gonna hurl… Run away…

While Rainbow Dash was frozen in place, a changeling began advancing on her, unnoticed by the sky-blue mare. The changeling leapt at her with its mouth wide open, and its shark-like teeth reaching right for her. Rainbow Dash finally saw it when it was about two wingspans away from her. She didn’t have any time to react, for it was already upon her.

But just as the changeling was about to bite into her, it was smashed to the ground by a royal guard’s mace. Rainbow Dash’s heart started beating again, and her savior gave her a furious glare. “What are you waiting for?” He snarled at her. “Draw your swords! I won’t be here to save you next time!” With that, the guard picked out his next target, and charged at it.

Rainbow Dash hovered in place, her forelegs now trembling in fear. Draw your swords. Her rational mind instructed her nervous self. She drew the blades with shaky hooves, and meticulously strapped them into place. Even after the swords were thoroughly strapped in place, her body continued to shake.

If you don’t fight, you’re going to die. Her inner voice reminded herself. At that moment, a changeling left the main battle, and picked Rainbow Dash as its target. As she watched it approach, her forelegs stopped trembling, and only one thought echoed throughout her mind. If you want to stay alive, kill them. With that one thought in her mind, Rainbow Dash allowed her body to enter auto-pilot. She charged the approaching changeling with her swords extended in front of her, waiting to rip it to shreds.

*******

Twilight arrived at Canterlot castle while the sun was nearing the eastern edge of the sky. She stood on the lush grass of the courtyard, her wings aching from her flight over Canterlot. She had been forced to resort to flight since the trains had been shut down that day. Twilight looked up at the castle towering above her, and realized how much further she’d need to walk in order to reach the throne room. Instead of walking, Twilight inhaled the cool winter air around her, shut her eyes, and lit up her horn. She mentally set her destination as wherever Celestia’s magic was, and vanished.

As the purple light dissipated, Twilight looked around herself, and recognized the throne room. But instead of Celestia, Princess Luna was sitting atop the gilded throne, and Celestia was nowhere in sight. Twilight also noticed that she was standing in front of a large purple door, and she was to the far right of the throne.

“My sister is resting right now, Princess Twilight Sparkle.” Luna spoke formally. Twilight turned to face the dark blue alicorn, and bowed respectfully. “You are a Princess as well, Twilight. Please don’t bow to me.” Twilight rose back to her hooves, and Luna smiled happily at her. “I’m pleased to see you again.”

Twilight returned the expression, and began approaching the throne. “I’m glad to see you, too.”

Luna left her throne, and met Twilight at the foot of it. “What brings you here, Twilight Sparkle? Do you need us for something?” She feigned ignorance.

As Twilight recalled her purpose, her smile morphed into an angry scowl. “I’m here because your sister shoved me away last time.” She growled. Luna’s smile faded as well, and she watched Twilight with an emotionless expression. “So you’re going to tell me everything that I want… no, what I deserve to know.” She demanded. “Tell me: what exactly is happening? Why are so few guards at the castle? Where are Cadence and Shining Armor? …Why is Celestia hiding things from me?”

Luna rested a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder to calm her, and then she began. “If these are your questions, I won’t hesitate to answer them. You deserve an answer.” She took a breath, lowered her hoof, and looked straight into Twilight’s expectant eyes to ensure her sincerity. “In the order you asked, what’s happening is that we are being invaded from three sides by changelings, diamond dogs, and griffons. Those three forces seized every single one of our towns, with the exceptions of Canterlot, Ponyville, and Manehatten. Saddle Arabia wasn’t seized, however.” Luna’s blue eyes narrowed. “It was destroyed. Most of its citizens were killed.”

Twilight cringed at the new of Saddle Arabia’s fate, but continued to take mental notes. Luna, unfazed by her news, carried on. “There are so few guards here because they have been deployed. They were divided into thirteen units, and were sent to each captured town to reclaim it.”

Twilight simply nodded at her words, which, for some reason, greatly surprised Luna. But she continued, “I myself am not completely aware of your brother and step-sister’s location, but I assume that they are in the Crystal Empire, rallying their own forces.” Luna softened her expression. “And my sister has kept this from you because she doesn’t wish for you to concern yourself with this. War is an ugly matter, and she doesn’t wish for you to become involved. It isn’t a matter that can be solved with friendship or harmony.”

Twilight took no comfort in the Night Princess’ words. So she doesn’t want me getting in her way… She thought dejectedly.

“Are you displeased with my answers, Twilight Sparkle?” Luna questioned, taking note of her somber demeanor.

Twilight shook her head. “No, you answered all of my questions. May you please just tell me where my friends are?”

A look of apprehension flashed across Luna’s face. “…I already told you.”

Twilight tilted her head, confused. “What do you mean?” She questioned.

Luna was silent, and turned her head away from Twilight’s curious eyes. “Twilight, all of the guards were deployed today, recruits or otherwise. And unfortunately… that includes your friends.”

The news hit Twilight like a speeding train. Her curiosity and confusion shattered like glass, and misery gripped her like a serpent. Her eyes dropped to the floor, and her legs felt like they were made of jelly. “So I was too late…” She muttered.

Luna turned her head back to Twilight empathetically, but didn’t move from where she stood. “As much as I wish I could, I cannot console you, Twilight Sparkle. All I can do is inform you that one of the units is returning shortly, and one of your friends was in it.”

Twilight didn’t acknowledge the Princess’ words, and began padding beside the golden throne. “Then I’ll sit, and wait for her.” She declared, and sat down. “It’s all I can do right now…”

Luna gave her a sympathetic look, and took a seat back on her throne. “I would send for a chair for you, but we are lacking in guards to relay the message.” She told Twilight, who didn’t acknowledge her. “Would you prefer to sit beside me?” She asked timidly. Twilight once again didn’t speak, but this time, she stood up, and walked around the throne, taking a seat beside the deep blue alicorn. Luna began reaching out to comfort her, but then decided against it, and retracted her foreleg awkwardly. The two Princesses sat staring at the throne room doors, waiting for them to swing open with the news they were dying to hear.

Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie are all fighting right now… Twilight began thinking. Are they capable of it? Her heartbeat began rapidly increasing. Three of my closest friends could be dead right at this very moment, and all I can do is sit here and do nothing until eventually something decides to happen. Twilight shut her eyes bitterly, and her breathing became erratic. I’m sorry, Rarity, I’m sorry, Fluttershy… I might not be able to keep that promise I made…

“Twilight Sparkle.” Luna firmly broke the silence. Twilight turned to face her, her breathing growing heavier. “Calm yourself. I know what troubles you. Your friends shall return. My sister wouldn’t have allowed them to go if she didn’t trust them with all her heart. If my sister trusts in them enough to allow them to fight a war, then you must trust in them as well.”

Twilight gripped the sides of her head, panic surging through her veins. “But what if… Maybe they… They could be…” She stammered.

“She speaks the truth, my faithful student.”

Twilight and Luna turned to their right, and noticed a tall, pearly-white alicorn approaching them, a purple door magically closing behind her. “Sister, you should be resting.” Luna chastised the third Princess.

“I cannot bring myself to sleep at a time like this.” Celestia answered defiantly, and turned her attention to the panicking purple mare beside her sister. “Twilight, do not fear. Every last one of your friends is going to return today.”

Twilight glared fearfully at Celestia. “How can you be so sure of that?! They’re untrained mares! Like me! Like Rarity!” She shouted, terrified.

Celestia walked onto the golden throne, and lowered her head to Twilight’s eye level. “I know that they will return, because I know all of you, Twilight. Your friends are stubborn, I don’t think they could get hurt if they tried.”

“You all have bested opponents that even we could not.” Luna added on.

“But you told me that this was different!” Twilight exclaimed.

“Twilight.” Celestia silenced her. “After all this time, do you still not trust in your friends?”

Twilight was taken aback by the question. “Of course I trust them, but-”

“Then prove that you trust in them. Wait here for them with us.” Celestia finished confidently.

“When they return alive, you may attempt to convince them to return home with you. We shall be more than happy to relieve them of duty.” Luna said with a smile.

After receiving assurance from both sisters, Twilight’s breathing began steadying. What is wrong with me? She berated herself. “Yes… Thank you. I’m sorry that I almost lost my head, Celestia.”

Celestia and Luna wore a look of slight confusion, and then Twilight realized her word choice, and covered her mouth. “I-I mean Princess! I’m sorry Princess Celestia!”

Celestia began chuckling giddily, and Luna rolled her eyes. “You are a Princess as well…” She stated matter-of-factly.

“I-I’m sorry! I meant no disrespect!” Twilight blabbered on.

Luna face-hoofed, and Celestia continued to laugh at her student’s dismay. But, all of a sudden, Celestia’s laughter ceased, and her ears perked up. The sound of hoofsteps and clanging metal were resounding just outside the throne room doors. Celestia silently sat down in her throne, and Luna took a seat beside her. Twilight quickly jumped out of the throne, and sat down beside it as gracefully as possible. After a few moments, the doors creaked open, and three pegasi guards entered the throne room. They bowed to the Princesses, and then one of them stepped forward, his satisfaction showing through his toothy grin.

“Captain Longsword reporting from Cloudsdale, Princesses Celestia, Luna, and Twilight.” The Captain said eagerly.

“How did the operation fare, Captain?” Celestia inquired.

Longsword chuckled quietly. “It was an absolute success, Your Majesties. The changelings have fled from Cloudsdale, every last one of them.”

Twilight’s ears perked up. They… did it?

“Well done.” Luna praised him. “Now, how much damage was caused?”

Longsword chuckled again. “No structures in Cloudsdale were harmed. Thirty-five changelings were killed, and the rest fled. Unfortunately, we have twenty-two with minor injuries, and five casualties.”

Twilight flinched, and covered her mouth with her hooves. Five ponies died? Oh sweet stars… How can he say something like that so happily?

“That’s excellent, Captain.” Celestia congratulated him. Twilight looked at her in shock, but Celestia took no notice. “Thank you for the good news. You are dismissed. Take a rest, Captain.”

“With pleasure, Your Majesties.” The captain bowed once more, and then exited the throne room.

After he left, Twilight glared furiously at Celestia. “‘Excellent?!’ How was that ‘excellent?!’ Five ponies just lost their lives!” She yelled angrily.

Celestia turned to her, clearly surprised. “Yes, only five casualties is a good thing. Considering how many were deployed-”

“But five guards still died!” Twilight shouted in defiance.

Luna slowly walked off of the throne, and approached Twilight. “Twilight, they could have all lost their lives. They could have failed, they could have demolished Cloudsdale.” Luna narrowed her blue eyes. “But they didn’t. Isn’t all that enough of a reason to celebrate?”

Twilight was furious, and stared angrily back at the Night Princess. “But what if one of those five was somepony I knew? Somepony you knew?” She asked bitterly.

“All of the guards who were sent to Cloudsdale should be back in the castle. Why don’t you go check if your friend is back?” Celestia dismissed her in an infuriatingly calm voice.

Twilight didn’t hesitate, and she sprinted out of the throne room. Panic and anger were overwhelming her, and she began desperately searching the castle for any sign of her friends. She passed dozens of guards, constantly accelerating the more she passed by. The guards’ barracks yielded no results, and she was bombarded with questions around every corner. Her search eventually led her to the castle’s guest rooms, which were primarily filled with refugees from Appleloosa and Cloudsdale. Down the hall, one pony was entering an open room, and Twilight only caught a glimpse of the pony before it disappeared from her sight. Was that her? Twilight thought frantically, as she sprinted towards the closing door. She screeched to a halt in front of it, and her breathing began to steady as she looked inside.

“Rainbow Dash…” Twilight weakly addressed her friend.

Rainbow Dash had just removed all of her armor and weapons, and placed it all behind the door. She was holding her right hoof in front of her face, and was absentmindedly staring at it. There were specks of dried, green fluid along her forelegs, and had a bandage around her left hind leg. Upon hearing her name, Rainbow Dash’s eyes flicked to the side, although she didn’t turn her head around. “Twilight…” She murmured. “Could we do this later? I… need a while.”

Twilight wore an emotionless stare, and she walked into the guest room, shutting the door behind her. “Well?” Twilight asked, ignoring Rainbow Dash’s request. Rainbow Dash sighed, and took a seat on the large bed, gazing at her hooves. Twilight noticed that her eyes were sunken in and spacey, but her sympathy was overrun by cold anger. “Do you feel like a hero? Did you prove yourself?” She asked scornfully. Rainbow Dash continued staring at her hooves. “You saw them, didn’t you?” Twilight continued chastising. “Bodies. I can tell you saw them. The lifeless bodies of ponies.” Rainbow Dash clenched her teeth together, and began trembling. “Was it glorious, Rainbow Dash? Was it?”

Twilight stopped talking, waiting for her words to sink in, and Rainbow Dash kept shaking. As Twilight waited for her answer, her anger began to fade away, and she began feeling great pity for the pegasus in front of her. Twilight spoke again, putting on a much kinder tone. “It was awful, wasn’t it? You weren’t ready. As brave as you act around everypony, it horrified you to see actual corpses.”

Rainbow Dash stopped shaking, and lifted her head up slightly. Twilight began to feel guilty for chewing her out, and then crawled onto the bed in front of her. She looked down at Rainbow Dash’s speckled hooves, and then looked into her sunken, emotionless eyes. “…You… you took lives today, didn’t you?” Twilight asked, her voice no higher than a whisper. Rainbow Dash appeared to ignore her question. “You killed someone, didn’t you Rainbow Dash?” She repeated.

Rainbow Dash’s eyes flew wide open, and she held her hooves out in front of them. Her breathing became heavy and erratic as her memories flooded back through her mind. “The… Changelings… Their… Bodies…” She panted, her voice wracked with trauma. “They didn’t have a chance… They just… cracked open…” She buried her eyes in her hooves. “Green blood… everywhere…”

Rainbow Dash started panting erratically, and she looked ready to vomit. Twilight pulled her closer, and hugged her tightly. She stroked her back comfortingly, and whispered, “It’s ok. It’s over, you’re safe.” Rainbow Dash rested her head on Twilight’s shoulder, and closed her eyes, allowing herself to calm down. As her friend gently caressed her, her breathing started to slow down, and she let her fear and trauma flow out of her.

Twilight began to calm down herself as she held Rainbow Dash. Hugging the pony she thought was dead put a small, loving smile on her face. “You’ve already proven that you’re brave, Rainbow Dash.” She whispered into her friend’s ear. “When we get home, you can vent to me all you want, all right?”

Rainbow Dash’s ears perked up, and she removed her head from Twilight’s shoulder. “What did you say?” She breathed absentmindedly.

“I said I’m taking you home, and then we can talk more there.” Twilight replied without hesitation.

“Take me… home?” A fire exploded in Rainbow Dash’s ruby eyes, and she shoved Twilight away. “No.”

Twilight’s happiness vanished without a trace, and she stood up on all fours. “Why not?!” She shouted angrily. “War is horrible, right?! Why would you want to stay here?! You’re not proving anything!”

“Shut up!” Rainbow Dash silenced her, and then jumped to her own hooves. “If that’s why you’re here, you should just head home!”

“WHY?!” Twilight screamed, her eyes starting to water.

Rainbow Dash turned her back on her friend, facing the wall. After a long period of silence, she looked over her shoulder and spoke. “I’m loyal to more than just you, Twilight.” Twilight’s teary eyes widened. “I’m loyal to Equestria, and to the Princesses too. I couldn’t go home knowing that there are ponies risking their lives for us.” She continued, and then looked to the floor. “Especially not after what I saw…”

“So you feel obliged to? That’s ridiculous!” Twilight chided her. “The only reason you’re even a guard is because you begged Celestia to enlist you! Even then, look in the mirror! You can’t stand killing! You’re not suited for this!”

Rainbow Dash gave out a hollow chuckle, and turned away again. “As soon as all our towns are reclaimed, I have to go through guard training. I’ll have plenty of time to cope then. I’ll be ready for next time.”

Twilight slammed her hooves on the white bed, and her eyes began flooding with tears of rage. “YOU’RE. NOT. PROVING. ANYTHING!” She screamed violently. “You’re not invincible! You’re not a warrior! You’re our friend! You’ll die out there!”

Rainbow Dash turned back around, and, much to Twilight’s surprise, she smiled. “Could you tell Fluttershy not to worry about me? Tell her I’ll be gone for a while.”

“Rainbow Dash!”

“Could you get out now? I need to sleep.” Rainbow Dash ignored her.

Twilight gnashed her teeth together, and lowered her head in defeat. “Please… Rainbow Dash…” She begged.

Rainbow Dash turned around, and put a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. Twilight’s teary purple eyes looked back up into Rainbow Dash’s. “Sorry Twilight, but I’m not leaving.”

Completely shot down, Twilight brushed the hoof off of her shoulder. She jumped off of the bed, and stormed out of the guest room without a word. She began to drag herself towards the throne room, for she didn’t know where else to go. Her anger melted into dismay, and bitter tears welled in her eyes as she walked. I couldn’t convince her… She thought bitterly. “AAGH!” Twilight cried out in rage, and she punched the wall nearest to her. “Why is she so duty-bound?! She’s Rainbow Dash! Since when has she cared about…?” Twilight stopped midsentence. “Oh… Loyalty.”

Twilight hung her head. “What am I supposed to do?” She despaired. “She won’t listen to me, and Celestia won’t do anything. And on top of her is Applejack, who I know won’t listen to me…” Twilight snapped her head upright, a sudden thought occurring to her. “Pinkie Pie!” She exclaimed to herself. “She can’t possibly want to stay and fight! She’ll help me drag Rainbow Dash and Applejack back to Ponyville!” Twilight picked up her pace towards the throne room, hope reignited in her. “I have to find out where they were deployed to, and then make sure to find them when they get back.”

If they’re still alive… Twilight’s inner doubt whispered to her. Twilight’s hope dwindled briefly. Why did this have to happen? She forced herself to stop thinking, and continued trotting towards the throne room.

*******

Night had descended upon Ponyville, and the townsponies were locking their homes, worried over the possibility of another invasion. The Golden Oaks Library had been closed all day, and nopony had bothered to see why. Inside the library, Spike was lying on Twilight’s bed, his head resting on his scaly arms. He was too anxious to move, and he was lost in his bitter thoughts.

“Why does she always leave me behind?” Spike grumbled. He opened and closed his claw in front of him, mimicking a pony’s mouth. “‘Stay behind with Rarity and Fluttershy, Spike.’ Hmph. She thinks I’ll get in the way, doesn’t she?” Spike loudly exhaled through his nose, and rolled onto his side. “Why are all of my friends joining the guard…?” He questioned the empty room. “I should’ve said something to Applejack. Things could’ve been different…” He then pulled Twilight’s deep blue blanket over himself. “I can’t believe Applebloom’s gone…” He whispered. “Applejack’s fighting because of her… Is that… really… the right thing to do?” Spike curled into a ball underneath the blanket. “But… what would I do, if somepony precious to me got taken away…?”

“Hoo?” An owl’s voice called out from the windowsill.

Spike groaned, and tucked his head under the blanket. “Not now, Owlicious…” He mumbled, and shut his eyes. I haven’t slept in this bed since I was a baby. He recalled. What would I do if… Twilight had died that day? Spike curled up tighter. She’ll come back. She’ll be back with the others. Soon, everything will be ok. Soon… He assured himself.

As night fell upon the land like a blanket, Spike felt a disturbance in his stomach. He rolled onto his back, and threw off his blanket. He inhaled once, and then belched up a mass of purple-and-green flames. The flames gathered into one spot, and then materialized into a scroll.

“A letter.” Spike declared to himself, and then deftly caught the scroll in his right hand. He unraveled the scroll in front of him, and began to scan through it. Spike stared at the letter for a long period of time, and then gnashed his teeth together. He angrily threw the scroll onto the ground, spread his scaly purple wings, and flew out the window into the night sky.

*******

“The operation was successful, Princesses.”

Dusk had begun descending by the time the soldiers from Appleloosa had returned. Twilight had found out from the Princesses what unit her remaining friends were in, and she sat waiting in the throne room along with Celestia and Luna. “Very good, Lieutenant. How is the damage?” Luna questioned the guard before her.

“We have a reported sixty-five wounded… and zero casualties.” The Lieutenant reported.

Twilight beamed at Celestia, who ignored her, and merely smiled at the guard. “Excellent work. Dismissed.”

The Lieutenant stood, saluted, and quickly exited the throne room. Twilight breathed a huge sigh of relief, and laughed lightheartedly. “They’re alive… All of them…” She told herself elatedly.

Celestia turned her head to her sister. “I suppose those guards were extra cautious.” She joked.

Luna frowned, and sat back in the throne. “Zero casualties… Sister, tell me I’m not the only one who finds that strange?” She queried.

Twilight turned her head to the Night Princess. “Why is that strange?” She asked accusingly. “That’s incredible news! Why aren’t you happy about it?”

Sensing an argument, Celestia silenced Twilight. “My faithful student, aren’t there two mares you wanted to speak to right now?”

Twilight’s eyes shot open, and she leapt to her hooves. She nodded once to the two alicorns, and then started trotting to the doors to go meet her friends. But just then, the heavy doors flung open, and two mares entered the room. Twilight’s heart began beating faster, and she stopped in place. Applejack and Pinkie Pie were standing in the doorway, both donning identical golden armor, and both virtually unscathed.  Applejack’s hat was casting a shadow over her eyes, and she walked straight past Twilight, while Pinkie Pie skipped right over to her.

“Hiya Twilight!” Pinkie Pie sang.

Twilight stared awestruck at her boisterous friend, and then threw her forelegs around her. She squeezed the pink pony in her embrace, growing a relieved smile as she did. Pinkie Pie beamed and returned the embrace, blissfully unaware of what was troubling her friend.

Meanwhile, Applejack walked over to the other Princesses, and quickly bowed. “If I may, Princesses, I’d like to make my own report.” She declared.

Luna narrowed her eyes. “Your unit has already reported, Applejack.”

Applejack stood defiantly. “I’m bettin’ he left out some important info, though.” She pressed.

Twilight released Pinkie Pie, smiled at her, and then turned her head to Applejack. “Carry on.” Celestia permitted.

Applejack tilted her hat back, and Twilight finally caught a glimpse of her eyes. She looks… so… Twilight observed. …Angry.

“Nopony died in Appleloosa. They told ya that, didn’t they?” Celestia nodded, and Applejack narrowed her flaming, emerald eyes. “It wasn’t cuz we were strong, or careful, or anythin’ like that. We didn’t kill a single Diamond Dog. We barely even scratched ‘em.”

Luna and Twilight were stunned, but Celestia calmly demanded, “No casualties on either side… What is your point, Applejack?”

“My point is that they weren’t even tryin’ to kill us.” Applejack spat bitterly. “They had absolutely no drive to, unlike the others we’re fightin’. It was like they were just toyin’ with us, and there was nothin’ we could do ‘bout it. We just beat them back until they decided to quit.” Applejack turned, and began walking away. “Don’t worry, Princess. I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again…”

“No, Applejack. You will not be fighting for some time.” Celestia stopped her. “Your training will begin as soon as possible, so you shall remain in the castle.”

Applejack turned her head, and gave Celestia an icy glare, which she returned in full force. Applejack held her gaze for a little longer, and then turned back around. “Right. I’ll head back to my room, then.”

“Wait, Applejack!” Twilight called out to her friend.

Applejack continued walking, and didn’t so much as look at Twilight. “If ya came to bring me back, Twi, just leave.” Applejack read her mind. “No matter what ya say, my answer’s no.”

Twilight stared forlornly at the orange mare, but made no attempt to argue with her. Instead, she turned to her last resort. “Sorry Twilight, but Applejack’s not leaving! Maybe you can ask Rainbow Dash!” Pinkie Pie remarked.

Twilight put on a caring smile. “Pinkie Pie, surely you will help me convince these bullheaded mares to come home with us?” She pleaded.

Pinkie Pie pulled a clipboard and glasses out of her mane. “Hmm… let me check my schedule.” She scrolled down the clipboard with her eyes. “Nope, sorry Twilight. Between guard training and this whole ‘war’ thing, I don’t have time to help you.”

Twilight’s right eye began twitching. “So then… you’re staying here too?”

“Well, yeah!” Pinkie Pie chirped.

Twilight’s façade shattered, and she grabbed Pinkie Pie by the shoulders. “What is wrong with you ponies?!” She screamed. “What has gotten into your heads?! First Applejack, then Rainbow Dash, now you?!”

Applejack sighed, and shook her head. “This is why I left ya back home…” She muttered.

Twilight looked back and forth between her friends, and the two Princesses, who were watching her idly. She released Pinkie Pie, and defeat sunk in. I can’t even convince one of them… She despaired.

“Um, Twilight, I’m gonna go back to my room now, ok? You could come with me if ya want to.” Pinkie Pie dismissed herself.

Twilight hung her head. I failed… I’m sorry, Rarity. I don’t think I’ll be able to bring anypony home…

“Go home, Twilight.” Applejack ordered. “We’re all right as rain. Don’t get all worked up o’er us.”

I can’t just leave them here… Twilight internally monologued. But if they won’t leave, I have to go to plan B…

“See ya later, ok Twilight?” Pinkie Pie said goodbye.

Suddenly, Twilight raised her head, and turned to Celestia. “Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, allow me to join the ranks of the Royal Guard.” She demanded.

Celestia flinched in shock, as did the other three mares in the room. “W-What?” Celestia gaped.

“Please allow me to go through guard training, and become a soldier.” Twilight repeated.

“Twilight’s gonna join too?!” Pinkie Pie cheered excitedly.

“What’re ya doin’?!” Applejack shouted.

“Twilight Sparkle, I don’t understand!” Luna declared. “You were just attempting to bring your friends home! Why are you attempting to join the guard?!”

Twilight turned her gaze to Applejack. “Because I promised that I would bring them home with me.” She explained. “If they won’t come home with me… Then we’ll all come home together, after we’ve ended this war.”

Celestia was lost in her own thoughts, staring vacantly in front of herself. “Twilight…”

“No.”

The five mares all turned to face the new voice. The doors were being held open by a teal magical aura, and a very anxious Princess Cadence was sauntering through them. The doors slammed behind her, and she marched straight up to her sister-in-law, her lavender eyes burning with a protective fire. “Cadence! When did you get here?” Twilight gaped.

“Twilight, you will not join the guard.” Cadence ordered. “I don’t care what you say, you will not join the guard. Now, or ever.”

“But Cadence!”

“No ‘buts.’” Cadence silenced her. “Celestia, Luna, do not take her request to heart. She was speaking rashly.”

Twilight gritted her teeth, and Pinkie Pie nonchalantly pulled up a chair. “You can’t just order me around like that!” She shouted defiantly.

Cadence raised an eyebrow. “I’m your sister-in-law, I’m older than you, and I’m one of the three ponies that outrank you. I can absolutely order you around.”

“Cadence!” Twilight pleaded, completely crushed.

Cadence leaned in closer to Twilight, and whispered so that only she could hear her. “I refuse to let you get hurt. I don’t know why your friends are endangering themselves, but I will not allow harm to come to you, Twilight.”

Twilight was torn, and she looked away. “Cadence…” She muttered quietly. “I appreciate how much you care about me… but…” She glared at the pink alicorn. “I won’t just go home, and leave them here!”

Cadence stared at her blankly. “So you want to help them? No matter what?” She asked calmly.

“Of course I do!” Twilight shouted at her.

Cadence smiled. “Well there are other ways you can help them besides fighting.” She proposed. Twilight gave her an urging stare, telling her to explain. “Instead of going out onto the battlefield, you can do what me, and the other two Princesses do. Be a leader, Twilight. Be a diplomat, direct the guard, whatever Equestria needs from you.”

Hope rekindled in Twilight’s eye. She turned to the other alicorns, and muttered cautiously, “Princess Celestia?”

Celestia smiled in approval. “You should’ve been a leader from the beginning. I approve wholeheartedly. Please rest here tonight, Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

“Sister…” Luna murmured disapprovingly.

“Hush, Luna.” Celestia replied.

Twilight breathed a sigh of relief, and turned back to her sister-in-law. Cadence was relieved herself, and chimed, “Well, if that’s all settled, I’ll be on my way.” She then spun around, and quickly began walking away.

“Wait Cadence!” Twilight called after her. “Where is Shining Armor?”

Cadence stopped dead in her tracks. “He’s in the Crystal Empire.” She answered, not turning around. “Why?”

“Well, I just want to make sure he’s all right. Could you tell him I want to see him?” Twilight requested.

Cadence didn’t turn around or answer for a few seconds. She stood motionless, and suddenly looked at Twilight, a bubbly grin spread across her face. “I’m heading back to the Empire right now. I’ll send him to you soon, all right?”

Twilight grinned back at her. “Ok. Stay safe, Cadence.”

“I will.” Cadence assured, and then turned and exited the throne room. As she left, Twilight turned back to her friends.

“Just because I’m not fighting by your side doesn’t mean that I won’t-” Twilight stopped herself, as she noticed that somepony was missing. Pinkie Pie was sitting in a foldable chair, but Applejack was nowhere to be seen.

“Applejack left a while ago.” Pinkie Pie clarified. “She seemed pretty upset about something.”

Twilight sighed. “Well anyway, I’m going to be watching over you three. Understand, Pinkie?”

“Got it!” Pinkie Pie cheered.

“Be careful out there.” Twilight ordered her, her voice dripping with concern.

“Okey-dokey-lokey!” Pinkie Pie chanted, folded up her chair, and then bounced out of the throne room.

Twilight turned around, and opened her saddle-bags with her magic. “So, I’ll be staying here for a while… I guess, I am fulfilling my promise…” She monologued sadly. From her bag she produced a quill, and a piece of parchment. She held it in front of her in her magical aura, and proceeded to write a letter addressed to her home.

Dear Spike,

I’m going to be staying in Canterlot to help the others. Please look after everything in Ponyville while I’m away. I’ll be home before you know it.

Thanks a million,

Twilight Sparkle

Twilight rolled up the parchment, and cast a simple spell on it, transporting it to Spike. She then turned and addressed the other two Princesses, who had been oddly silent. “I’m going to go find a bed. Goodnight, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna.”

“Sleep well, Twilight.” Celestia dismissed her.

With her loose ends tied up, Twilight turned around, and began her search for a vacant guest room.

*******

The moon shone in the late night sky, and most ponies were sleeping soundly under its warm light, with the exception of the two alicorn sisters, who were sitting in Celestia’s bedroom. “I’ve received reports from every unit, sister.” Luna began. “They were all successful, with minimal to no casualties.”

Celestia shut her eyes. “All of them were successful…” She thought out loud.

“Also, we had repeats of the battle of Appleloosa.” Luna continued. “Every battle with the Diamond Dogs resulted in zero casualties on either side.”

Celestia rested her head on one of her hooves. “Isn’t it odd, Luna?” She asked rhetorically. “They all retreated so quickly…”

“It seems too easy.” Luna agreed.

Celestia sighed, and looked wearily at her sister. “There’s definitely going to be more, Luna. We both know that.”

Luna’s face showed her somber disposition, and she looked out the room’s window. “I know, sister… But something else troubles me…”

Celestia looked over at her sister. “Is it Twilight?”

“Yes. I would have preferred if we could have talked her down completely… But I suppose Cadence’s solution is acceptable.” Luna spoke her mind.

“I know. I was a little surprised by Cadence’s sudden appearance, but I’m glad that she appeared when she did.” Celestia smiled. “Twilight makes a much better leader than a fighter. She should relieve our burden at least a little bit.”

“Yes…” Luna responded somberly, and turned back to Celestia. “I was just hoping that we wouldn’t need to fight another war, Tia.”

Celestia stood, and nuzzled the Night Princess. “We’ll pull through, my sister. We always do.”

Luna gave her a weak smile, and then sauntered past her. “I know we will. But sister, now that Twilight is with us, you need to rest. Regain your energy.”

Celestia smiled lovingly at her. “I think I shall. Good night, Luna.” She bid farewell.

“Good night, Tia.” Luna responded.

“I love you.” Celestia finished.

Luna smiled. “I love you as well.” She then quietly opened the purple door, and exited Celestia’s bedroom.

After Luna left, Celestia flopped onto her bed, staring at the ceiling. “I must be prepared.” She instructed herself. “I feel this is but the calm before the storm…”