A Thousand Years Ago.

~Illusion Flight POV~

The next morning I woke up weakly. Tears were stained on my cheeks. Nightmares drained all the happiness of the day. The days always started that way, I still couldn't believe the one stallion I loved would kill my village. And his own sister. I can't help but feel sadness. I get up from my cot, this is all the soldiers can get. I go to my drawer, in it, there was a knife and a comb. I got my armor from home on, looking at how the purple hue goes well against my teal coat. I force a smile on my face and leave, I trot down the long stone path. I try to make my way to the Dining Hall.

Since there was silence, I couldn't help but start to think about my problems. I start to think about Cosmic Shadow, my family, Luna, and everything. I feel warm liquid starting to built up in my eyes. I growl at my own tears, I look up and see a dark patch of space. I swore I heard a mare's voice coming from it.

'You'll get nowhere with you feeling oh-so-sorry for yourself.' It snapped at me, it voice resonating from my head.

'Shut it.' I say in my head.

I jerk around the corner. My muzzle felt a sharp pain and I jump back in shock. I open my eyes to see Lighting Dagger. His eyes were bloodshot and his sword was drawn out. His breaths were quick and quiet. I stare at him in shock, the stallion didn't have his normal armor on and his mane was a mess.

'I thought he was a clean freak!' I think.

"O-Oh. It's just you, Illusion Flight. Why were you up by to yourself?" The greyish-blue stallion asked me.

"I could ask you the same thing." I say worried. "Nightmare?"

"N-no, I don't have time for things like that." He responded, his gaze darted away. I think I even saw a small patch of pink on his cheeks.

" You baka. I can tell your lying, you're eyes are blood shot." I counter.

"Shut up and tell me what your nightmare was like." He said, lifting his hoof.

"It was nothing, anyways. We have more important things to do sir." I say, wanting to change the subject.

"Don't lie to me Cadet. That was an order. If you are to be in my squad, I need you to be honest with me." His look softens. "I want you to tell me anything that bothering you."

"Ugh. You starting to sound like somepony I'm not so fond of right now." I hiss.

"Don't compare me to that Cosmic Shadow of yours." He calmly replied.

I stiffened at his comment. I turn around and start walking away.

'He's right though........ Cosmic Shadow's a traitor. Lighting Dagger on the other hoof... ' That silence spoke to me again, trailing off at the end. My ears folded down in anger, one reason is for knowing she's right. The other, well, I don't really know.

"Don't bring that up." I snap. "You don't know him."

'Why do I defend him?' I ask myself.

"What don't I know? I know he betrayed us! I know he attacked you! I also know he burned down your village with no trace of your family!" Lighting Dagger called out.

I freeze. 'Why? How could he do that?'

My eyes felt a sting. Tears.

I turn around, bent down into a pounce stance. My fangs were bared, I felt my eyes slit. My started seething. I glared at the small stallion. He just looked amused.

"Are you really that love-sick?" He taunted.

I dash towards him, directing my fangs towards him. I threw a kick at his hind legs. He lost his balance, much to his surprise. A loud thump was heard as he hit the floor. He looked at me in confusion. My anger slowly subsided. I looked down at my superior in disgust. I turned around and walked away. I heard him call out a question.

"Why are you standing up for a stallion who attacked his very special somepony? And betrayed the kingdom?"

I turn around once more and looked him straight in his purple eyes.

"You don't know him. He regretted his decision, but his mother went nuts and is forcing him into this. Unfortunately, the fool's loyal to his family. It doesn't even matter, I cut off his horn. He's basically a normal Earth pony now. As for why I'm standing up for the enemy?" I take a step forwards. " It's because I know he felt regret, he's feeling pain. So, I at least know he kept his compassion for others. It also makes me believe he can change. For better or for worse."

I turn around and rush out of the room. 'Of all things, this is how I start my day?'