Slowly Jack made his way deeper into the castle, towards the wing that held the military commanders offices, and ultimately Night Blade's. His gaze was absent and not really fixed on anything in front of him as he walked forward. Lost in thought: he worried over what Celestia had told him; thinking about some of the things Shining had said to him; and reminiscing over times with Twilight.

No matter what Jack may have wanted for himself, the biggest thing to him was not to hurt Luna. Once not that long ago, Jack thought that maybe they had shared a connection. That connection a major reason he felt attracted towards her. But maybe it was time to let that go? It wasn't like they ever dated, and the feelings could easily have just been one sided.

'What did Luna talk to her sister about? And why?' He pondered to himself.

Soon, all the castle windows disappeared and Jack took a right at a large crossways. The long corridor was empty, and no one was in sight, it made the hallway feel eerie somehow. This area of the castle was buried into the mountain side was less ornate then the rest. Since it was litterally in the mountain it had no windows and was some what cold. The hallway itself was quite clean, and well maintained, but also very spartan, with no wall hangings or ornamentation, other than some large support pillars and the natural stone work. About every 20 feet or so there would be a closed and often times locked door. These were offices for high ranking Guard officers.

Jack stopped in front of one such door. On it were three lines of text:

“Night Blade”

“Captain”

“Night Guard - Royal branch”

With a nervous pep in his step, Jack quickly walked up to the door and took a few deep breaths. Trying to calm himself down. He had never talked to Night Blade outside of normal duties. The guard captain always seemed more than a little intimidating. Part of Jack hoped the captain was actual in, another part hoped he wasn't. It was still early for the Night Guard so either was possible.

Jack brought his hand up to the door.

*Knock, Knock, Knock*

A moment of silence passed before the sound of shuffling could be heard behind the door, then the sound of clopping hooves.

*Click*

The door opened and standing there was a slightly irritated Night Blade. The bat pony was quite a bit shorter than Jack, but his stance and stature made it feel like he towered over the Human. Even in his relaxed stance he stood as if he was at attention.

Once he saw the look of disdain in the captain's eyes he realized that forgot about his own posture. Quickly he straitened up and saluted the Captain.

“What is it rookie?” Night Blade's voice was simple and direct, but held a slight air of annoyance to it. There was a stack of paper work on his desk that needed to be taken care of by the end of the day and he didn't want to waste time on hopeless cases like the rookie in front of him. Not to mention a few other things he rather be dealing with.

“Well sir I wanted to ask you about promotions, and what I can do to be...” Jack paused he had asked this question to himself several times already but still found himself hesitating. “...to be a better soldier. Sir.” Night Blade snorted at the human, and turned around apparently ignoring the rookie. He walked back to his desk and sat down. Jack didn't know whether he should follow him in or not.

Blade started to go back to his paper work, stamping a few documents and trying to read another. “I don't have time for your games rookie.” His voice barked with annoyance.

Jack was flustered. He had expected Night Blade to give him a hard time but not to ignore him like this. He took a breath and walked into his office, and stood at the front of Blade's desk.

“Captain, sir. I mean no disrespect. I'm not playing any games here, and I'm serious about wanting to do better.” Night Blade put down a paper he was reading and looked at the human. Blade's eyes were tired and Jack could tell he was on the edge of disciplining him for interrupting the paper work he so desperately had to finish.

Blade looked up with red in his tired eyes, “What's your angle rookie?”

“Sir? I don't have an angle. I just want to be a better soldier.” His voice was coated with sincerity. Unfortunately, Blade didn't believe him.

“Ha!” Night Blade's laugh carried with it a large amount of Venom. “You want to be a better soldier?”

Jack nodded his head “Yes sir.”

“Ok rookie. Let's start with you actually trying to be a soldier first.” Night Blade eyed the rookie in front of him, waiting for the human to do something or make some kind of response.

The first response Blade received was a cocked head from the human. His mind turned as he was not quite sure if he heard or understood Night Blade correctly, “I don't understand sir I-”

Night Blade turned his back on Jack and went fishing through one of his cabinets behind his desk. After a moment, he pulled out a single scroll with a broken red seal.

Quickly he handed it to Jack, the sound of the parchment crackling like some demonic laugh in his hand. “Read it Jack.” Blade barked again.

The scroll opened as Blade went back to his paper work. The first thing of note was just how short it was, barely a paragraph and a few sentences:

“By order of Princess Twilight Sparkle,

It has come to our attention that the human Jack was rejected from the Guards after failing basic training. It is our belief that Jack has much to contribute to the Guards in spite of his performance in basic and should be given an opportunity to prove himself.

We would like Jack to be placed into the Guards as soon as possible in a suitable position, with suitable title.

Please reconsider your position.”

At the bottoms was a series of scratches that Jack recognized as Twilight's name in her own horn witting. The rest of the letter was clearly written with Spike's clawed hand.

As he held the scroll for a few minutes, a numb sensation washed over him. Slowly and quietly the scroll rolled up. Seemingly by magic, the scroll grew in weight. It felt like he was holding the anvil that just struck his chest and head. “I don't understand?”

“What's to understand rookie? You failed basic. You can't perform your normal duties. The only reason you're even here is because one of the princess took pity on you.”

“But I...” Jack stammered trying to process what he just read.

Night Blade hit his desk with his hoof causing some of the papers to go sliding. “Jack you're a disgrace. You were supposed to go into the General Guard, but General Maximus threatened to resign if they let you in. They threw you into the Night Guard, specifically this branch because it was the least difficult. They though you could at least handle this much work. It's clear they were wrong.”

Jack wasn't sure what to say or do. He felt so many emotions, anger, fear, sadness and confusion just the top of a long list. He focused on the kernel of Blade's statement and retorted, “What haven't I handled sir?”

“Ha!” He went back to signing and stamping paper work.

No, Jack thought, he was not going to be ignored. “Sir I'd appreciate an answer, what haven't I handled?”

“Ok, fine.” He slammed his quill on the desk. “Let's start with your normal duties. On no less than five counts you've been late to your post, and numerous times you've been seen running down the halls trying to make it on time.” Jack felt what could only be described as a weight on his shoulders.

Blade continued, “You've fallen out of attention on more than a few occasions when the princess are around.” The weight grew heaver.

“My second has reported back to me that you have been negligent in many of your duties and failed to complete them in a satisfactory manner.” Still heavier, the mental sound of bones cracking could almost be heard.

“Then there's also the fact that you're sleeping with one of your fellow soldiers.”

'No,' Jack thought, as Blade tried to levy this one last weight on top of him. This was something he wasn't going to let Blade put on him.

“There's no regulation against it sir. I was even told it's acceptable by more than one other Guard.” Jack picked himself up, shrugging some of the weight off as he did.

Blade rolled his eyes, “Sure the occasional roll in the hay might be over looked, but so far you've been at it with the same guard twice in the past two days. Once while on duty. You're fraternizing with her. If you were anypony else I'd have you thrown out of the guards just for that.” He slammed his hoof down on his desk, “You're a lousy soldier Jack, and a disgrace to this branch.”

The truth was what Night Blade said to Jack stung more than a bit, but he did his best to suck up his emotions. “With all due respect sir. I am a good soldier or at least I have the potential to be.”

“Oh? And what makes you say that? Do you think you can fuck your way out of battle?” Jack winced slightly from the sharpness in Blade's voice.

He tried to shrug it off, “There's more to being a soldier then just shining your shoes. Give me a real challenge. I can prove to you I'm capable.”

Blade scowled, “Ha, a real challenge? You can barely be trusted to clean the floors.”

Blade's demeanor soften just slightly, he owed it to all his guard to at least try and help them. “Look rookie. If you are truly serious about this, then get your act together. The princess forced us to let you in. So far you haven't proved yourself even once.”

Night Blade looked at the paper work in front of him, he still had a lot of work to do. He paused for a moment to consider what more to say to Jack. The thought about just sending him to talk to Fire Wall appealed to him. An idea which grew even more appealing as he thought about it. “You want to know what it takes to be a solider?”

Jack just nodded his response.

“Fine. Then go talk to Fire Wall. He's the general of the Night Guard. He's a real soldier, a true fighter who's actually seen combat. I'm sure he would love to talk to you about this.” Night Blade's response was sarcastic and he rolled his eyes one final time before going back to his paper work.

“You're dismissed rookie.” He spoke without ever looking up.

As Jack walked out of Night Blades office he couldn't help but feel a bit despondent. He knew Night Blade was right about much of what he had said. Yet still, Jack knew he could do it. He would prove it, he was going to talk to Fire Wall and he was going to get that chance. Even as he told himself all this one single thought kept creeping in his mind 'Blade is right, I'm no soldier'

Walking further down the hallway, he considered the irony of it. Back home, on earth the ROTC never really appealed to him much. Enrolling in it was done at his parents behest when they refused to pay for his college, he had to do it for the scholarships. Yet here in Equstria, he actually wanted this. Over the past year Jack had come to call this place his home. Perhaps even more than any place on earth, he finally began to felt happy here. He wanted to protect this kingdom, this world. This was his special talent, all that was left was proving it to everyone else, and to himself.

The more and more he thought about it, the more certain he became. He had been fucking up sure, but he didn't need to continue. There was hope, he just needed... Jack paused in mid thought, what exactly did he need? He asked himself that question before, and he never really had an answer.

The hallway was very long, perhaps the longest in the castle and each step brought Jack deeper into the mountain that Canterlot Castle had embedded itself in. The further you walked down this hallway, the colder it got.

Eventually Jack found the door near the end of the hall. A single sign hung by it:

“Fire Wall”

“General”

“Night Guard”

The first thing noticable about the door was its size. It was about twice as big as Night Blade's. Where Jack had to duck slightly to enter Blade's office, he could easily walk in here. 'Probably to allow the princess easier access' Jack thought to himself.

*Knock, Knock, Knock*

The large door amplified the knocking so that it rang throughout the entire hallway. It was intimidating, and meant to be so.

“Come in.” A loud voice, gruff and harsh from age called from inside.

The double doors crept opened, its old hinges whined and cried as it was forced to move.

Inside the room was poorly lit by a single large fire pit at the center of the room. Along the walls were shelves of books. In between the shelves was the occasional weapon or shield hung on the walls as well as a few paintings of what Jack surmised must have been historical battles.

A single old bat pony sat in appertain meditation on the opposite side of the room, not too far from the fire. Jack stood at the entryway considering the room and its occupant, unsure if he should proceed.

“I told you to come in didn't I?” The old pony spoke at Jack.

“Yes sir.” Jack entered the room, closing the massive doors behind him.

The bat pony had a long gray beard, which mirrored his gray mane. His dark brown coat was covered in small and large pink scars. He opened one eye and stared at Jack. Jack wondered for a second why he didn't open his other eye, before realizing the a large scar over it.

The old Pony got up and walked slowly towards Jack. His walk was slow and deliberate, he could see the slight pain the bat pony's joints from age, and what appeared to be a lot of fighting. Yet still he shrugged it off, his face showed none of the discomforts his body clearly did. Fire Wall had an air about, something almost dark, powerful, and dangerous. In truth, it set Jack on edge.

The one old and glazed eye looked Jack over, recognizing him immediately, “Why are you here Jack?” His voice, full of force and certainty. Even though Jack was physically taller than him, Fire Wall towered over Jack, far more then Night Blade ever did or could. He dare say he was more imposing then even Celestia in all her power and glory.

“Sir, sorry sir. Night Blade told me I should talk to you. Sir” Jack's body felt ridged as he tried to stand as straight and tall as he could.

Fire Wall gave a half smirk, “Ah, good old Night Blade, always pushing his problems off to other ponies.” His one eye pierce through into Jack's, “You would do well, not to emulate him Jack.”

The old pony turned around and walked back to where he was sitting earlier. “Jack, relax a little. You're bound to pull something being as tightly wound as you are.” He looked at Jack and pointed to a spot in front of him.

A sigh escaped from Jack and loosened up just a bit. Then nodded as he got the idea, and walked over to sit with the old pony.

He sat on a large pillow, and crossed his legs. Between the two was an old wooden board with squares and circles painted on it. Two sets of color pieces lay on the left and right side, they were black and white stones respectively. The game looked strangely familiar to Jack, but he couldn't place why.

Fire Wall tapped at a piece on the edge of the board, “Tell me Jack, do you play games?” He asked.

The question caught him a little off guard. “I'm sorry sir, Games?”

“Yes, games. You do know what games are don't you rookie?” The general's words were short and slightly hostile. He didn't like having what little his time remaining wasted.

“Of course sir. I enjoy games, but...” He looked down at the board, “I'm not sure I know how to play this game?”

The general picked up one black piece from his side and placed it in the center of the board. “Oh, the rules for this game are simple. We each take turns placing pieces on the board. Trying to surround and conquer your opponent's pieces. At the end of the game we count how much territory each player had. The one with the most, wins.” The general rubbed his old beard. “It's been ages since I've had anypony to play this old game with.” The general picked up a white piece and gave it to Jack. “White traditionally goes first.”

As the stone played between his fingers, Jack considered the bead. It was a smooth rounded stone, possibly marble. His eyes drifted to the board and it's many squares and spots. All of them were open and he could place the stone practically anywhere. The game seemed so familiar to Jack, but he couldn't place why. 'Somewhere near the center.' The thought echoed through his head. It made sense, control the center of the field to limit the enemy's movements.

Jack reached down to place the stone at the very center of the board but hesitated for a moment.

“What are you thinking, Jack?” Fire Wall spoke with a flat tone. Neither chastising nor lauding, merely probing.

“Well, I was thinking about placing a stone near the center. To control the center of the board.” He was slightly uncertain of his own idea, and his voice rang more like a question than a statement.

Fire Wall nodded his head, taking the center was an aggressive move, not easily supported. The human's logic was sound, but his lack of experience and wisdom made him consider a poor opening move.

“In order to be at the center of a battle, you need a good supply line. Starting in the center, would force you into an immediate defensive posture as I surround your pieces and cut off your routes to attack, and escape.” Fire Wall pointed to the corners of the board. “I would recommend starting at the edges and working inwards.”

Jack nodded his head. Fire Wall's argument made sense. Jack chose a spot a few squares off one of the corners. “Like I said general, I've never played before. You'll have to excuse me for not knowing.”

The general considered the rookie's first move 'He takes advice well, without being too literal.' He thought to himself. The general picked up his own black stone and placed it a few squares away from his own corner. “I don't want your excuses Jack. Not knowing is an excuse. If you're in the middle of a battle your opponent isn't going to stop just because you made a mistake.”

One of the general's wings twitched and tingled slightly as he remembered one such mistake.

For a few moments the two placed stones back and forth on the board, creating simple patterns and formations. Eventually the silence got to Jack and he spoke, “I'm sorry general, I enjoy games, but I came here for advice on advancement.”

The general seemingly ignored the rookie and placed a black stone on the board. One of his black lines was surrounding a smaller formation of Jack's. It appeared to Fire wall that he was about to complete the first capture of the game. Jack sat for a moment trying to make sense of the game he was playing, and the reason behind it. He wondered if there was a deeper point to this than he could see.

“I know you play games, but do your people?”

The question knock Jack off guard again. “What? Yes, my people play games. A lot actually, but what does that...”

The general interrupted him “Games are important Jack. Let me guess, some of your games mimic war? Also, it's your turn.”

Jack stammered about, trying to find a piece to place on the board. There were several spots that seemed like good choices. “Yes, we have games about war. A lot in fact.”

The piece fell down next to a large white formation, completing a circle around a few black pieces. Fire Wall was not expecting the human to be so aggressive with his moves, normally a pony would have chosen to shore up his own position rather than attack. “Hmmm... Looks like you have the first capture Jack.” Jack started to pick up the black stones and return them to their respective container by Fire Wall.

Fire Wall placed a single black stone by a large white formation. The position on the board prevented Jack from placing any white pieces near it. “But capturing isn't the only important thing. Controlling the board can be done without the direct use of force. Sometimes the mere presence of a unit can decimate another general's plans.”

Jack tried to understand what the general was saying. Much of it seemed like basic knowledge he had learned in ROTC the rest seemed cryptic. The general interrupted Jack's train of thought, “It's your turn again Jack.”

He reached for a piece and tried to find a good point for it, but noticed that a large part of his recently acquired force was blocked by small clusters of black stones.

“To answer your question Jack, games are an example of strategy. Playing games can sharpen a pony's skill, and provide a simple and elegant method to test somepony else's skills.”

Jack finally found a spot to place his piece. It wasn't ideal, but given the current board no place was. Fire Wall was very good at this game.

“Interesting move Jack...” The bat pony considered his own move. It would seem that Jack's placement had altered the general's plans, though Jack couldn't really see how. “You have potential Jack, of this I'm sure.” The general spoke with a nod as he placed his piece near one of his smaller formations.

The words echoed through Jack's mind. Did he really have potential? 'How could I' He thought.

“I couldn't even pass basic, general. If it wasn't for Twilight I wouldn't even be here.” Jack placed his piece in the only spot he could see. He really didn't like the way the board looked.

“Your right about one thing Jack, you didn't pass basic.” Fire Wall put one black stone down completing a line that captured one of Jack's smaller formations. The general picked up Jack's pieces and returned them to their container.

A long sigh escaped Jack's mouth and darted his eyes around the board nervously. He didn't understand the point of this. Was the General just trying to point out that Jack should quit? That he should leave?

“But Twilight wasn't the one who brought you into the Night Guard.” The old pony opened his eye wide and starred into one of Jack's own. It felt like his gaze was reaching into his very soul.

“I did.”

Jack wasn't sure he understood the general, or if he heard him right. “But I saw the letter from Twilight-”

Again Fire Wall interrupted Jack, “Twilight sent that letter after I approved your application personally. I doubt she was aware of it at the time.”

This sudden revelation left Jack in awe and he didn't know what to say. The only think he could think of was, “but why?”

Once more the general looked down at the board with mild annoyance at the pause in game play. Jack took the hint and picked up another smooth white stone. He took his time considering where to place it. “I've heard of your people Jack. From the stories you tell of them to what the princesses have said about them, let me ask you, have you ever heard of the ape and baboon tribes of the south?”

There was an incomplete white formation on Jack's side of the board that was being threatened by the now massive black stone army. “Not much. A few of the ponies I've meet seem to think I come from there. I didn't of course. I didn't come from the mirror portal either.” He placed his piece between the formations, protecting both for the next move.

The general surveyed the board, he held far more territory then Jack. He knew he was going to win this game, but still wanted to continue with the discussion. “I know you didn't come from there. The ape and baboons war with each other constantly. They are quite violent and aggressive.”

The general took his black stone and considered his next move. “We have a treaty with them, but that mostly comes from their limited industrial capabilities. They are little more than in the stone age. If they had technology, weapons or worse yet, magic. Things would be very different for us, I'm sure.” The general paused remembering the battles that made up most of his life.

“But you Jack...” He looked over the human, so similar to the apes in appearance, yet far more controlled and pony like in his attitude.

“You and your people are advanced. You know of war, as do your people.” The general finally settled on a board spot, and placed his stone.

“You your self even said you were training to be a warrior before you came here.” A hoof pointed at Jack, as if emphasizing something. Jack couldn't help but notice the many scars and old wounds along its length. It was slightly crooked like it had once been broken, and not properly set.

“I fought the apes many times long time ago. Despite their lack of civilization and technology I would never want to face them again.” He reached his right hoof up to his lost eye.

“If you have even half their combat skills, then I want you on my team. I want you in the Guards.” The General placed another stone on the board.

There was another lapse in game play as Jack lost attention to the board again. “But I've never been in combat. I don't know real war.” He protested.

A hoof slammed on the table, shaking some of the board pieces. “Neither do we! We've been at peace for most of the past four hundred years. If someone was to attack we would not be able to defend our self.” Another memory came to the general's mind, this time of something much more recent.

“You weren't here for the changeling invasion or for the Crystal Empire or Terik or anything else.” The general remembered how all the guards were useless in every instance, how only the princesses stood in the way of annihilation.

“We have lost our ability to defend ourselves. I think you can help us with that, Jack.”

“I...” Jack was lost. “I'm not sure what to say? I was never a real solider, I was in the ROTC. It may have led to a military career, but-”

Fire Wall interrupted him again, “Look at this board Jack, what do you see?”

Jack considered the board, Fire Wall held a clear advantage. Most of the board was his, and Jack's main formation was threatened on all sides. Agitation began to over come him and he started twiddling his piece between his fingers. “I'm losing” With that he put one last piece in his formation. Closing a ring around some of Fire Wall's units. Jack began the process of removing the few pieces, realizing that it was a losing battle.

The general nodded his head in agreement, “Yes you are, but you've played with me longer than most have. Your placements and tactics have been chaotic without being truly random and they're different from what I'm used to.” The general held one last piece in his hoof. “Most of our tactics are traditional. They are taught, but not understood. Our Captains and even Generals don't know how to adapt and change. Alter one thing in the middle of battle and many will falter.”

“You shape yourself up in the next few months and I'll put you in the spring war games we have. Maybe there you can show us all your real skills.”

“War Games, sir?” The general placed one last pieces completing a circle around one of Jack's clusters, including the large formation Jack just took.

“Games are important Jack. They are more than entertainment.” He proceeded to pick up the pieces from around the circle and change them out with his own.

“They can teach us, and lead us to understand our weaknesses. Weaknesses that nopony here is aware of.” He finished and looked over the board. “And hone our strengths. I think I've won this game Jack.”

The old pony got up from his spot to walk to his equally old desk. “I enjoyed this game, perhaps you'll come back to play it again. You know the way out.”

It took a second before Jack stood up. He was a slight bit confused as he walked out of the room. The massive doors creaked as he closed them behind him. He stood outside of the general's office for a few moments, considering everything that Fire Wall had talked about. 'Layers.' He thought to himself. 'The General, didn't want to be clear, because he wanted me to think.' Jack started to walk down the hallway.

He was going to be a guard. Not just to win Luna's heart, but to prove to himself that he was finally good for something.

Luna walked down the hallway in the direction he was walking. Neither were expecting to see the other. Jack Noticed her approaching and he stiffened up and saluted. A bead of sweat formed at the crown of this head as she stared at him as she passed by.

She stopped in front of the human, “Jack...” The Princess spoke to him.

Jack released the breath he didn't even know he was holding. “Um, yes your highness?”

There was a slight look of pain in her eyes at those words. As if she didn't want to hear her own title.

“Would you have a moment to discuss some things with us?” There was an air of sadness in the princess's voice.

“O-of course Princess wh-” Jack stammered before she interrupted him.

“Please, Jack, just call me Luna. When in private.” Her voice reeked of agitation.

I know we are friends Prin, err Luna. But is it appropriate for me to be so informal around you?”

She paused her sad look descending further towards darkness. “All day and night long, all anypony seems to talk to us about is royal matters. All I really want is a friend to talk to. Not about the kingdom necessarily, but just about... informal things. Do you not wish to be informal with us, Jack?”

“I... Of course I do Luna. It's just I remember when we first met you told me that you stand on formality.” He looked at the floor a slight smile coming over him. “I actually miss our little talks.”

“So do I.” Luna's frown quickly turned into a smile and eyes lit up. “Then it is settled! We shall be friends once more!” Luna half yelled as she gripped Jack in a hug.

The hug released all the tension out of Jack's body and the two began to talk like old friends. Luna bring Jack up to speed on all the new things happening in the castle and her life. She had a particularly humorous story about how Tibbles managed to get out and gorged himself on a visiting Saddle Arabian diplomat's date horde. The poor opossum was indisposed for a week while his tiny body tried to process all the fruit.

Jack told Luna of his time in basic, how he took twice as long as all the others in his platoon to run the race track, and how by the time they hit the mess hall all the food had to be recooked just for him. He was a failure, but his basic mates loved him for getting them the first truly hot meal they had in weeks.

Then there was his time as a recruit in the Night Guards and his difficulty in actually getting up at nights. The regular verbal beating Moon Shadow gave him, and the scorn from Night Blade.

But once Jack turned the conversation towards one of his squad mates Luna's bright smile dimmed slightly.

“Jack, I'm aware you've...” She stammered and blushed slightly before calming her composure. “This guard pony you've been... with. Star Screech I believe her name is?”

Jack could only nod his response.

“Do you love her?” The blunt response seemed flat, like Luna was hiding a wave of emotions by forcing them all down.

The question took Jack by surprise. “I... No. I mean I like her sure, she's kind of cute I suppose, and a bit of a pain in my ass. But I don't think I actually love her.” Jack wasn't quite sure he believed those words. A few nights ago, he just thought of Star as an annoying friend, but after the past few nights, he was no longer sure.

“Jack, I know it's not really appropriate, but we... I would like to spend more time with you. Outside of our normal duties.” The smile on Luna's face was happy but uncertain. She hoped for a positive response.

To which Jack gladly gave her such a response. “I'd like to spend more time with you Luna.”

Jack gave his princess one last hug, that lasted longer than it probably should have before letting her go.

The two parted ways as the sun began to set. They each had responsibility to attend to this night.

Some time passes when suddenly, there is a loud clanging noise through out the Castle.

*Bong*

*Bong*

*Bong*

*Bong*

*Bong*

*Bong*

*Bong*

*Bong*

Jack stood with his squad in the throne room. He as vaguely aware of Night Blade's eyes staring at him all the while. He couldn't tell if Blade was just watching him or scowling.

“Attn-hut!” Blade called out as his squad quickly stood in formation.

Princess Luna made her slow graceful entrance, giving the slightest hint of a smile towards Jack as she walked by.

Jack did his best to respond in kind without falling too much out of formation.

Not wasting any time on the balcony, Luna preformed her normal moon rising ceremony before walking back out of the throne room, smiling one last time at Jack.

Night Blade turned to follow her but made it a point to stop in front of Jack before he ran off. “Remember what I said Jack.”

Jack huffed slightly as Night Blade ran the corner. Giving his head a slight shake he drop the frown. Night Blade had a point or two. Jack needed to improve. He needed to start being an actual soldier.

Star Screech made her usual crass remarks as Moon Shadow came up to the two and levied some night assignments for them. He seemed oddly distant compared to most nights. Usually he would scowl at the two, but instead he just seemed to not care. He also placed them in the same area, which was very odd to say the least.

“Come on Jack. We need to go guard the walls tonight. You might need to climb on top of me too... look over some of the higher points.” Star Screech tried her best to give Jack a not so subtle hint in her voice of what she really wanted to do with him.

As the small gray pony rump shook in front of him, Jack was forced to considered Star Screech, and how he felt for her. To say he was conflicted would have been an understatement, but in his heart Jack believed he knew what had to be done. “Star, I think we need to talk...”

Author's Note

For those who don't know, the game Jack and Fire Wall were playing was based on a real world game called Go. That's not actually the name of the game in this world, and some of the rules are a bit different (hence the reason for white having the first move).

Reedited Dec. 31, 2015