Part 1:
Horse of Cards

Prologue

Nothing lasts forever. Even the longest, most glittering reigns come to an end someday.

Lieutenant Sunshine Earthheart: 1st Regiment of Royal Unicorn Guards

Princess Celestia looks haggard. Most ponies would say that she looks pretty, that she looks presentable at all times. She does, but behind that facade is a tired old mare who despises every minute she is in court. Of course she keeps up a reasonable appearance, of course she does her job. But she does not care. I have guarded her for long enough to see utter contempt in her eyes for me and for the ponies she has to talk to. She does not see me as her protector, but as her captor. I doubt she even knows my name. When she is finally released, she never looks back.

Luckily for her today she gets to leave early. Tomorrow is the wedding of our beloved, if you can call him that, Captain Shining Armor to Her Royal Highness Mi Amore Cadenza. Therefore Celestia has other duties that far outweigh that of her court.

Now, if you’d forgive me I have my own duties to attend to. After that there is a concert we’re all invited to as part of the celebrations. I’m sure it’ll take me more time than you.

*****

“That’s my Tavi!” cries one of the few civilians in the audience. There was no way that Vinyl Scratch would miss this performance; to see Octavia play with the Royal Canterlot Symphony Orchestra. I’m sure this concert makes her fall in love again. Adorable really, I do confess it actually makes me crack a smile. What they say about love being in the air must be true.

“You must be so proud, Miss Scratch. Your marefriend is a wonderful cellist,” I whisper to her.

“Thank you,” she whispers back.

Seeing these musicians having achieved so much makes me happy. For I too have ambitions for this wedding. When Shining Armor buggers off I’m sure he’ll choose his replacement well. Having many years of experience as an officer, I cannot deny I see myself as future captain.

The next piece is soon to begin, and I am lost in the music. I simply close my eyes and allow it to engulf me until the piece is over. I’m not sure if it’s the music, the prospect of promotion, or simply the lovely atmosphere that we see, but I am in a terribly good mood, and it looks like the mare next to me is too.

Soon the piece is finished, we all applaud, Vinyl Scratch yells an encouraging message. As annoying as that is, I’m in a good mood. The curtains fall, and we are joined by the Captain of the Guard, Shining Armor, on stage. “Woah, I really wanna thank everypony for making such an awesome concert possible. Who said the Guard aren’t classy, huh?” I did, and I don’t withdraw that statement. I must confess my good mood dissipated rather quickly. The Captain really is contemptible.

As Shining Armor continues to spew his nonsense, I clap like a polite pony should. But I am simply reminded of why I despise him. Relatively speaking, he is a new addition to The Guard. He advanced on the merits of his sister, and the love Celestia had for his family. The Royal Guard is full of such nonsense. Even I am not clean from such nonsense. I am only an officer because my father ran the Guard Academy. But what Shining Armor doesn’t understand is that with privilege comes responsibility.

But of course, now is a time of celebration, not of misery. For I should be captain soon, as the old one will be in marital bliss. When I am captain, any and all threats will be dealt with promptly. Now if you excuse me, I am tired. Before I go to bed I may as well wish Shining Armor good luck with his wedding. Shouldn’t take long. We have a skeleton watch for tomorrow on account of the wedding. Therefore I shall be working a good sixteen hour day. Now if you don’t mind, I believe that translates into an early night for me, goodnight.

*****

I am used to waking up horribly early, so I cannot complain there. As an officer I am fortunate enough to have a nice bed, and a room to myself. Within exactly five minutes I am armoured and treated to a lovely breakfast. After that, I take my watch.

Now Canterlot is city protected by strong walls, but unfortunately we don’t live in a world where they alone will protect the city. That is why we currently have the shield to protect the wedding, and of course small watchtowers litter the city, protecting strategically important locations. If we’re attacked by air, or our walls are breached, then these towers will help whittle away the enemy if they attempt an advance on the citadel.

I am stationed atop one of the aforementioned towers to keep a look out over one of the many market squares in Canterlot. Today I am left alone, normally I’d be commanding a detachment of guards, but today they’re all in the main Castle. It’s the same for all of the towers, one stallion each. Peaceful in a way. I have taken this spot many times, normally I watch the city wake up. Normally I watch life pour into the city, before fading away in the evening. But today with everypony going to or already at the wedding, I am the only pony here. Even as the shadows fade and the sun rises, the only thing to stirr are ponies making their way to the castle. A younger pony would call this job dull, but I like it. During a day like this, one can truly appreciate the peace and serenity of the landscape. It is rare that I see Canterlot so quiet.

As the morning progresses, the only ponies I see are in their finest garments all heading towards the castle a Ponies line up in an attempt to glimpse, even for a passing second, the wedding ceremony. The usual traders are all taking a day off to celebrate. Soon the cinema will open to show footage of this great event. A few clever ponies are going there instead of trying to glimpse it first hoof. Very wise. Right now I believe they’re airing clips of various royal nonsense, I do hope the ponies tolerate such a cramped cinema.

By ten the only ponies that seem to be using this day properly emerge. A blue earth pony stallion, and what seems to be his daughter, a small blank flank filly of identical colour. If I am not mistaken the father is the butler of Fancy Pants. I suppose even butlers get very few days off. It’s good that he’s making the most of it.

I occasionally glance at that pony, he chats with his daughter for hours on end. She seems fascinated by the yarn that he is spinning, doubtless far more interesting than the wedding.

At about one the filly begins to scream. I don’t know why, perhaps the father told her something she did not like to hear. Surely he can’t scare her that much, she seems utterly terrified. She is frantically pointing at the sky.

I turn my own head. I wish I hadn’t. Directly above Canterlot is an army of vile, green insectoid creatures relentlessly smashing at the shield. I sound the alarm, but realise that I’m the only one here. Nevermind. I yell down at them “You!” In shock the stallion looks towards me. “Get by the door! I’m coming down!”

If they break through... I am alone. I clutch my spear. I have to save those ponies. I look down to see the winding staircase of the tower. I have to secure it. I don’t want any of those things coming down behind me. I fasten the hatch, and lock it. Normally I’d trust that padlock, but not today.

With the roof sealed, I gallop down the staircase as quickly as I can without slipping. The slick, well worn cobbles of the tower hinder me, losing me valuable time. Only half way down and I hear screaming from below. “Let us in!” I need to go faster. Damn you Earthheart! You won’t be used to anypony dead. Quickly now.

I open the door to see a vision worse than any of my nightmares. This poor stallion, attacked by what must be upwards of five monsters. His daughter attempts to cower under him. He fights valliantly, but stands no chance. “GET IN!” I yell. He looks back only to get hit by one of those things. Two more fly on top of him, pinning him down. The filly narrowly dodges their attacks.

“Go!” He yells to his daughter. The filly bolts, heading inside the tower.

“Upstairs! Go! There’s a door on the left! Get in and close the door until we come back!” I bark. She doesn’t need to be told twice, before I can look back, she’s gone. The stallion does his best to keep on the ground. I can tell that he’s losing his strength. He is covered in blood and bite marks. Savage creatures.

I charge, stabbing one of them with my spear. But now I’m surrounded. More are descending. With sheer willpower I punch through. “DOOR!” I yell. The monsters keep a distance, I occasionally take a stab at them. One tries to attack me, I plunge my spear into its chest, pulling it out instantly. I walk slowly towards the door. If they make a consolidated move, I’m done for. One of them is guarding the door. We’re surrounded. I jump at the monster guarding the door. It dodges hovering above me, this is what we need. “Run!” I shout.

The stallion limps through the door, the monster hisses and runs up the stairs as fast as he can. I duck under the monster, plunging my spear into it from below. I try to retreat, but my hind legs are caught by the other monsters. With all of my strength I kick one leg free. Two more fly at me. I grab my spear, and hit one with the blunt end. I am given enough time to simply punch the one heading for my foreleg. Only one limb left. With all of my magic and all of my strength I kick, I’m free. I slam the door shut. It won’t hold long. I seal it with my spear, and head up the stairs. The door to the armoury is steel. It should hold out for much longer. Just as I am reaching the armoury I can hear the wooden door smash. Now or never. I bang on the steel door. “Let me in!” It opens and I run in. “Close it damn you!” The stallion with all of his strength helps me close the door.

My word is it dark in here. I illuminate everything with my magic. “Light the lantern!” I grab the spears and strengthen the already strong position of the door.

It isn’t long before they start banging on the door. “Alright, are you hurt?” I ask in a calm manner. I am a professional, I must act like one.

He groans, it must be horrible the stallion is covered in small wounds and terrible gashes. If that bleeding isn’t attended to... I don’t have anything, only pieces of armour, and that’s only going to be damaging. I need bandages.

“What’s your name?” I ask.

“Smiling Service.”

“And you?” I ask the filly, who at this point is huddled up in a ball that smells suspiciously of feces. Not that I blame her.

“Her name is Sparkly Soda.” Answers Smiling Service after her apparent fear of speaking.

“Alright. Smiling. Keep pressure on that leg. I won’t lie, it doesn’t look good. If this attack persists then you could very well lose a lot of blood.” I look towards the filly. I take a deep breath and mutter, not wanting to admit the possibility even to myself.. “Or worse.”

Smiling Service looks surprisingly calm. He rests on the floor, lying in the closest thing to a comfortable position he can find. “Thank you Sir.” He groans. “May I also ask your name?”

“My name is Sunshine Earthheart. And please don’t thank me, I haven’t saved you. I’m going to look for some suitable fabric. Keep pressure on that wound.”

“You’ve done everything you can Sir… But tell it to me straight, am I going to live?”

“Daddy!” The child is wailing now.

“Yes, my dear Sparkling.” He tries to sound strong. But he mumbles, he stutters, and does everything he can to hold back his tears. “I am mortal,” He whimpers “you have to understand that. If I am to die,” He does his best to calm himself, he takes in a deep breath. “it won’t be your fault.” He asserts. “Remember that. It won’t be mine, it won’t be Earthheart’s, it will be the fault of those damn things.” Tears now freely roll down his eyes. “I don’t want to die.”

“Whatever the reason, you’re not dead yet. So don’t die. That’s an order!” I desperately shuffle through the crates. Nothing. Just pieces of armour, arrows and other weapons. There aren’t any flags, any clothes. Nothing! Bloody nothing! We need medical supplies!

“Lets face it, those things are going to take Canterlot, even if we defeat them it’ll be too late.”

“Don’t say that!”

He cries, the prospect of death far too much. “Sunshine.” He whimpers, breathing heavily. “May I call you Sunshine?” He inhales “If I don’t make it, and if you do…” He trails off. “Please, bring my daughter to my master. Fancy Pants. He has been a good master, and I’m sure he’ll treat little Sparkling as his own.”

“Daddy!”

“Hush now.” The filly only continues to whimper. “Give your dad a hug now will you?”
The filly obliges and snuggles up to her father.

I turn to the door. The banging persists, but it seems to be getting quieter. They’re probably content with us here… For now.

I wonder how we’re holding up at the wedding. It must be hell over there. I just hope Shining Armor is worth his namesake. I sit down. There’s nothing we can do. The situation is utterly helpless. All I can do is wait until help arrives or those things come to get us.

I don’t know how long it is. But the light begins to dim, the oil in the lamps must be running low. It doesn’t seem as if Smiling Service is coping very well. By this point he is openly shivering. He maintains an attempt at normality, but doubtless he knows what his happening. “Sparkling. I never told you how that story ended did I?”

“N-n-no.”

“I don’t have the book with me. But I have read it before. So what happens is…” With his dying breaths the pony tells his happy children’s tale about bubbling streams, beautiful mountains, sunny days and happy ponies. I am moved to tears as he ends his tale. Each sentence taking longer for him to pronounce and taking more and more of his energy. I don’t know why, but seeing such a perfect pony. Such a perfect father calmly pass away. I don’t think I’ve ever been so emotional. I try to hold in my tears but I fail. I cover my face, but to no avail. Soon her father stops speaking, and the filly becomes deathly silent. No tears or anything. She understands what’s happened. I can only imagine what’s going through her head. But she calmly walks towards me and hugs me.

“Daddy’s dead, isn’t he?”

“Yes.”

“Okay.” Tears start rolling down her face, but she doesn’t make a sound. She’s too shocked to do anything.

“I’m so sorry.”

She grabs me and hugs me tighter. Crying into my fur.“It wasn’t your fault.” She whimpers, clutching onto with all the strength she can muster. I wrap myself around her, small comfort, but she needs it.

This just feels wrong. This just feels positively terrible. Damn you, Earthheart! Pull yourself together! Damn you to Tartarus! You’ve failed at your duty, the single most important thing in your life, and you fail. You disgust me. This stallion didn’t deserve to die, he could have been saved. It’s all my doing. I am a disgrace to the service. I can feel the filly cling to my fur, but all I see is a dimming light and a dead body.

More time passes. The filly is sitting by her father, mortified, but she is calm. No more tears roll down her eyes, she doesn’t whimper. All I see is a deep anger in her eyes. She doesn’t say anything for some time. I simply sit beside her fixated on her calmness. After what could have been anything from ten minutes to ten hours she speaks. “Are we gonna die?” She asks frankly, without fear, almost as she was asking the time. Her eyes don’t move, they are fixated on her father.

“I don’t know.”

“I hope we don’t. Dying looks horrible.” She snuffles slightly.

“As a guard I have long accepted that as a possibility. But I’ve never really thought about it very much.”

“Why?”

“I suppose I’ve always found other things more important. I realise that I am only a pawn in the grand scheme of things. I just hope I can contribute somehow to keep Equestria safe. Today I’ve failed. I understand the thought is irrational. I understand that it is the failure of The Guard, and the success of a surprise attack on Canterlot. If there were more of us defending, maybe we could have defended your father. If I was faster I could have…”

“It’s not your fault. You did what you could.”

“You’re right. But this doesn’t make me feel any better.”

“You’re a hero.” She turns towards me.

“I’m not. I’m only doing my duty and barely that. I have only ever strived in life to be a good guard. To safeguard Equestria. But I can’t!”

“You saved me.”

“But I lost your father.”

“You saved me. Like you said, the fact you couldn’t do more was because you didn’t have enough soldiers.”

This filly, at whatever age she is, is a far better pony than I will ever be. She would make a terrible soldier, but the best of officers. She’s calm over the death of her own father, which is probably her first experience with death. If she can experience that, she can experience anything. This filly could visit Tartarus without so much as a complaint.

“I’m not going to argue with you, but you’re not going to convince me. What I did was an utter failure, no two ways about it.”

“You saved me…”

“I could have saved your father.”

Before long there is a tremendous bang on the door. This is probably it. The city has fallen. It’s only a matter of time now. The filly sighs. “You didn’t save anypony except me.” She stands up. “But you are a hero.”

There’s another bang on the door. But this time it’s accompanied by voices, very distinct pony voices.. I grab a spear and cautiously take away the barricades bit by bit. It feels real, but it could well be a trick. But when I finally open the door, it’s a squad of guards. I sigh, we are saved. The sergeant sees the corpse and looks horrified. “Wh-what happened here? Oh fuck…” He notices the filly. “Wh-at happened here Sir?”

“What happened everywhere else?” I ask, I am an officer I should act like one. I need to be professional.

“Sweet Celestia, is this filly okay?” He embraces his role. “I’m sorry Sir. I’m new. I feel sick.”

“It’s alright Sergeant. We’ve all been through a lot.”

“Thank you Sir.” I can see that he’s beginning to well up. “Just a filly.” He mutters to himself. “Sir, this is fucked up but, Acting Captain Flash Sentry wants all officers debriefed immediately.”

“What?” I ask shocked.

“Debriefed, ASAP.”

“What about Sparkling here?”

“Orders Sir.”

“And Shining Armor?”

“He will continue with his wedding as planned.” The sergeant tearfully admits. “Sir, permission to say something?”

“Granted.”

“Fuck our captain. How can he? Damn it! Fuck!”

“Calm yourself!” I order.

“Sir!”

Damn Celestia! Why did she give Shining Armor that position?! I I can promise, that unless something is done, Equestria will be doomed. You’re thinking that this is tying in with my own ambition aren’t you. What an opportunist you might think. Well I can’t comment.
“Alright.” I say. “I must escort this filly home. Her father has just died, she is to be escorted to the residence of Fancy Pants. Her father was his butler, and wished for Fancy Pants to be her guardian at least for now. I take full responsibility.”

“Understood Sir, and don’t you worry. I aint tellin’.”

“Thank you Sergeant.” I turned around and gestured to the filly who was giving her father a last look, before she walked over to me.

The walk to the home of Fancy Pants is a solemn one. Canterlot is littered with corpses of those monsters. Some doors are barricaded, others hang on one hinge. Ponies are still huddled up under whatever cover they can find. Others silently watch as I walk home escorting the filly.We hardly speak unless to convey directions. There’s no need. Now that we are safe we can truly accept what has just happened. It is only now that we can fully appreciate the damage caused. I feel a failure. But I keep it together. I wonder if she’s feeling the same? Either way she’s not showing it. I’ve never admired someone so young so much. We part ways with a hug on the doorstep of Fancy Pants. “I’m going to have to leave you here now. Run towards the castle if there is any problem.” The filly simply nods, and looks as if she is about to cry. “I’m going to try to find Fancy Pants.”

My actions today disgust me utterly. I have failed, The Guard has failed. We are rotten to the core.

Regardless, what I have done, I have done. I’ve got more pressing things on my mind right now, like Acting Captain Flash Sentry. Despite my feelings I have to keep my composure.

I slowly make my way to the castle, completely and utterly defeated.

By the time I return to the castle the new Captain is ready to give us a speech. “Alright, settle down.” The officers take a seat. “So we like, totally got our asses kicked today. Them changelings-” I fight down a sigh. In my day, we had elocution lessons. A soldier should set an example. “Like their queen pretended to be Princess Cadence, and tricked Shining’s” --Respect his rank, damn you “--shield so we kinda lost bros. Then her changeling army flew in. Cos they could change shape, and it was totally confusing.” Interesting to be sure, a genuinely fascinating fact. I must study these creatures with my spare time.

“So then they got in, and destroyed us. Then Shining, like, joined with the real Cadence who then blasted what was left of them with the power of love.” Really? I find that hard to believe. “So it was all cool in the end. Yea, I think that about sums it up. Also, bros… I’m gonna become the next captain!” My hooves applaud, but my mind is boiling. That stallion scares me more than any changeling ever could. He didn’t even mention the corpses, the casualties, the trauma this must have caused. I doubt he even noticed.

Right now I am utterly terrified. Equestria is surely doomed, no matter what Elements of Harmony are used. No matter what powers of friendship blast enemies away. None of it matters, if there isn’t a solid defense then mark my words, we’re all going to die. “Okay, bros, first thing’s first, we gotta clean the castle, and make sure it’s all fixed. Got it?”

I raise a hoof. “Sir?”

“What is it, Earthheart?” he asks coldly.

“There is a pony I need to meet.”

“NO! Orders are orders, and I got these from Celestia.”

“Then at least, might I relay a message?”

“Like I said, lieutenant, no!”

“It’s urgent.”

“Damn you, Earthheart, any more of this and I’ll fucking court martial your fuckin’ piece of shit ass! Understand me?”

“Sir!” Admittedly, that was impertinent of me. “Sorry, sir.” I have been brought up to do better than to disobey orders. “Orders understood.” They’re not right, but orders are orders.

Sparkling Soda

It is only after I am left out of sight, that I truly begin to understand what has happened. Daddy is dead. Daddy is dead.

I begin to cry, and absorb that information. He’s dead. Nopony seems to care either.

I think of all the times we’ve spent together. He was always a good Dad. He’d always tell me he’d protect me, and he did. He would tell me about how fair and just Equestria is. He lied. It’s not fair! Why does Princess Celestia get to party today!?! Shouldn't she be helping ponies? Am I the only one affected by this?

Maybe I should give her the benefit of the doubt. Maybe The Guard is doing something. Maybe Celestia and Luna are magicing everything back together. Maybe they’re postponing the wedding to help fix everything.

Ponies creep out of buildings, checking if everything is okay. Others sit like me, sobbing on doorsteps. Some of them are calling for their loved ones, some find them, others don’t.I just want to sleep. Nopony is in the house. I’ve got no key. Damn. I suppose it’s true, they’re not doing anything. There are no guards, no princesses. Do they even care at all?

I sit here in a head of tears for hours, the moon begins to rise, and I can soon hear some booming music in the distance. Life really feels futile. Why is everyone happy? Shouldn’t something be done about the damage?

Eventually a passing carriage rides off into the distance. Shining Armor, and Princess Cadenza heading to their honeymoon. How bloody adorable. I’m glad they got their priorities right.

I’ve always had this feeling from the likes of Princess Celestia. From what little I can gather from the papers, she’s always visiting the same things. One can always find a story where she applauds Twilight Sparkle, or some other such nonsense. But one can never find a story where she offers any meaningful help. The only ponies she does help are those who can help themselves.

Damn Princess Celestia! Damn her! Why should she party after her city is ruined? Why does she get to have fun when my father dies? She’s not even doing anything. Why? Why do my goddesses fail to protect me? Why am I afraid? I got lucky this time; one pony saved me. But if Earthheart hadn’t saved me, I’d be dead. Princess Celestia’s not going to do anything, Princess Twilight isn’t going to do anything. I’m sitting on a doorstep, alone, while the whole world parties. How am I supposed to feel safe in this world? Damn you, Celestia! Damn you!

I yawn, by now it’s dark. I’m tired, hungry, and defeated; I’ve been here all day. Before long I lay my head on the doorstep, and fall asleep.

Her Royal Highness Princess Luna Princess of the Night

I awaken to a foul mood. T’would have been fairer had my day been one of festivity, yet Cadenza hath seen no merit in thy reformation. I woke earlier to watch the ordeal from afar, before returning to an angry, shallow sleep. Despite my woe, it is outmatched by others, for I am awoken early by the foul nightmares of frightened foals. Surely my sweet sister will know the reasons of this better than I.

I descend upon a war-torn Canterlot, the damage beholding the city is evident, and it is brutal. Yet, there seems to be nothing else of wrong. Massive celebrations for the Royal Wedding are still being held, so why on such a day of love and joy, do I sense such feelings of hatred and despair? Celestia, her student and their friends stand proudly together, putting me at no ease. I swoop down, and stand by them. “Hello everypony, did I miss anything?” I ask, just as Pinkie Pie bolts, doubtless to enjoy the celebrations. Or to avoid me.

Suddenly some music, I would describe as vile, but suppose tis a thing of this generation is played, and Twilight Sparkle begins to sing. Evidently thine endeavours to discover the truth are pointless here. I dance politely for five minutes, until I am able to leave, and drag my sister with me.

“Tia, what hast thou done?!” I ask not attempting to hide my anger with my sister.

“I haven’t done anything, Luna.”

“Then what of the damage in this city? Why have I awoken to nightmares?”

“Ummmmm...”

“What is it that, thou art keeping from thee?”

“We were attacked by changelings, sister.”

“And I was not awoken?!”

“We resolved it. My guard are currently on rebuilding duty, they aren’t to join the celebrations until the city is rebuilt.”

“And what of thou? What hast thou been doing?”

“I celebrated Princess Cadence and Shining Armor’s wedding. I’m not letting some changelings ruin everything.”

I sigh. Typical behaviour of Celestia to be sure. “Like I said sister, I have seen nightmares. I will address them, but after I see for myself the situation, I must report to whomever is acting captain.”

“Of course dear sister. Now if you don’t mind, I will get to keeping the ponies happy.”

“Could thou at least do us a favour?”

“What?”

“Call my night guard, and put them onto rebuilding duty. I will attend them shortly, but first I need to asses the situation.”

“Okay, Luna.”

I fear that my sister does not care. I do not argue, for arguing with her achieves nothing, it would only waste time better spent on helping ponies. She’d better do as she said she would.

Infuriated, I ascend into the skies, to enter a world of nightmares.

*****

To say thy occupation is unpleasant is an understatement, but this it is one of the worst nights imaginable. What will go down as the “Best Wedding Ever” will be one of the worst days of thy reign. Even thy experience as Nightmare Moon was something worthy of less shame than this day.

Thy dreamsearching began well, for I comforted those ponies whose dreams were plagued with vile nightmares, a day not unlike the ordinary. Twas mostly the colts and fillies of Canterlot that felt thus. However one experience ne’er shall I forget was to meet the only child, of the only pony who died on this day.

Sparkling Soda is not a pony that would strike me as strange looking, a simple blue coloured earth pony filly. Never in all of my centuries would I have guessed that she would be the one haunting my dreams.

The encounter began simply enough, I looked into her dreams to view what she had been through. A dead father, a tragic event, but not one that I’m alien to. She needed comfort, she was to know that somepony cared.

My creation was a beautiful garden, filled with the aroma of bluebells, and in the middle stood a pond that reflected the moonlight wonderfully. Sparkling Soda stood by the pont, dazed, and confused. “Young filly.” I began, to which she responded only by bowing.

“Your Highness?” She seemed angry. “Why are you here?”

“My presence is required, to show that we are sorry for your loss.”

“Your Highness, may I speak honestly?”

“Of course child.”

“I don’t need your comfort. I’m not going to appreciate this. It’s been proven both you and your sister are useless, so saying sorry isn’t going to help. Do something about it!” She was blushing with rage. “One guard tried to help me! ONE GUARD! What was everypony doing?! If anything thank him. Thank Sunshine Earthheart! He did his job. Also, where is Fancy Pants?! Why am I still outside?”

“You are dreaming child. Fancy Pants has since received the news.”

“What took them so long?”

“I don’t know.”

“Why didn’t you lot help?”

“I don’t know.”

“Why don’t you know?”

“I wasn’t there.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know!”

“Damn you Princess, damn you and your sister. Damn the Royal Guard! Why don’t you help?”

“I’m sure my sister tried. She must have!”

“Pfft, Your Highness, I understand why you’d think like that about your sister. But look, she could have stopped this thing from ever happening, she could have made sure that the Royal Guard could have dealt with those monsters. She didn’t though. I consider it a miracle I’m still here.”

I was dumbfounded by these insults, but she had every right to make them. “I’m so sorry child, there is nothing I can do to truly help. But I will thank Sunshine Earthheart, and I will do thy best ne’er to allow events such as this to happen again.”

“How?”

“I will try to knock some sense into these ponies.”

“Go do it then, your sympathy is wasted here.”

Mine amazement at that filly will ne’er be matched. At such a young age, speaking such treasonous truth thou could not compare the valour of Sparkling Soda. I vow to do my duty as Princess of the Night. If Celestia won’t, I will!

Lieutenant Sunshine Earthheart: 1st Regiment of Royal Unicorn Guards

Five whole hours after the attack, the Castle was clean and undamaged. Finally I’m able to inform Fancy Pants about what happened. I will never live down these failings, all my life, I get this one chance to prove my worth, but I fail at my basic duties.

Dejectedly, I make my way through the celebrating crowds to find Fancy Pants. He’s not a difficult pony to spot, of Canterlot Nobility, he is one of the most noble. The pony in question is dancing with a white unicorn, I believe to be Rarity, a fashion designer if memory serves, and the bearer of the element of Generosity. I wait a minute or so for the waltz to finish, before walking over to the couple and addressing them. “Mr. Fancy Pants, and Miss Rarity, a pleasure to meet you.” I give a little bow to Rarity. “Might I say you are looking exceptionally beautiful this evening ma’am, and it would be simply rude of me not to compliment your beautiful dress.”

“Ohhh, thank you Darling.” Rarity blushed slightly.

“But if I may be so rude, ma’am, I have to take this fine gentlestallion away from you. I do apologise awfully, but you understand what I have to say is most urgent.”

“Ohhh, darling, surely it can wait.”

“Miss Rarity, if it could I wouldn’t be interrupting you. If anything, I wish I could have said this earlier, but-” I restrained myself from insulting Her Majesty, or that fool Flash Sentry. “Nevermind, I am horribly sorry that this message took so long, and I consider it a personal failing on my behalf and I’d like to formally apologise on behalf of the Royal Guard. Now Mr. Fancy Pants, if you will excuse me, this information is confidential.”

“Oh, of course, lieutenant.”

I take the stallion to the side, and explain to him the situation. His face slowly warped into an angry grimace. “Why was I not informed earlier?!”

“I tried to get the message out, but the Guard was on lockdown and castle cleaning duty. I wasn’t allowed out. I tried, but I’d have been court martialled if I had.”

Fancy Pants sighed. “I’ll make my way there right away.”

“I do apologise. If you need any help...”

“Damn you, sir! You’ve done enough!

There is nothing I can do but watch him leave.

Dejectedly I walk to my home, a small room in the barracks building. As small as it may be, it’s my room. Unlike many of my contemporaries, my room is not clad with pictures of attractive ponies in promiscuous poses, the only decoration I have is a flagpole in one corner bearing the Equestrian Flag. The furniture of my room is simple, there is a cot, a wardrobe, and a desk. On the desk there is a lamp and a record player; in the desk there is a glass and a bottle of good whiskey, an assortment of maps, stationary, my diary, and an elaborate ornamental knife, from some long forgotten ancestors long forgotten holiday in Elephanta.

Firstly I strip myself of my heavy armour, and put it in my wardrobe. I then take out my diary, and begin to write. As you can probably expect, I complain about the day, and my inability to do my duty. I could elaborate, but I’m sure you’ve seen enough of that already.

After half an hour of writing, I get out my whisky, put on a classical record, and contemplate the day. It’s a rare event that I should actually drink, but today I believe that the alcohol serves a purpose.

Moments before I finish my glass, there is a knock on my door. “Lieutenant Earthheart.” It was an unfamiliar voice.

“Enter.”

What came in surprised me greatly. It was one of Princess Luna’s thestrals. “Her Highness would like to see you.”

“Are you sure? Whatever would she want me for?”

“It’s not my place to question her orders, Sir, only to carry them out.” As annoyed as I am to admit it, those thestrals are a well organised lot.

“Is it urgent? And by that do I have five minutes to make myself look presentable?”

“Very well, Lieutenant.”

“Thank you, Sergeant.”

Five minutes later, I walk out of my quarters sporting my red dress uniform. If I have an audience with a Princess, I must look proper. The Night Guard escorts me to waiting area outside the throne room. “Her Highness will see you momentarily.”

“Mind me asking what’s she’s doing?”

“She is talking to Acting Captain Flash Sentry.”

I nod. “Mind me asking what about?”

“She’ll probably tell you in person, Sir.”

“But of course.”

“THOU DOES NOT CALL THEE ‘DUDE’!! NOW LEAVE MY SIGHT!!”

I took the terrified Flash Sentry running away, and the knowing smile on the Night Guard’s face as my cue to enter. “Good luck, lieutenant.”

I waited several seconds for effect before walking in, and bowing. “Your Highness, I am to see you?”

“Yes Lieutenant Earthheart, there is no need to bow.”

I stand up and walk towards her throne. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“We wanted to thank thee for thy service on this day. We have seen the dreams of Sparkling Soda. You have saved a life today, demonstrating your valour and courage. We offer you our eternal thanks and the Order of The Night. A medal for the Lunar Guard for exceptional service.”

“That I cannot accept, Your Highness. I tried to do my duty, but I failed. I was unable to save Smiling Service, had I not intervened he would probably be alive.”

“You did your best! If thou were not under exceptional circumstances, much worse would have happened. You made the most of the situation.”

“Nevertheless, Your Highness, I was simply doing my job, one way or another, that’s what I’m here for. I should only be rewarded by keeping it.”

“Thy humility is admirable. Very well, Lieutenant, if thou cannot accept thine offer, do not accept it. But give us the dignity of being able to appreciate thy service.”

“Highness, as long as that is not an order I shall not obey. This day only makes me strive to do better. But speaking of, I trust Sparkling Soda is okay?”

“Fancy Pants has since put her to bed, but I can only hope that filly is not too damaged by the events of today.”

“Likewise, Highness. Is that all?”

“Not a thing aside my formal, and personal thanks to yee.”

I turn to leave, but as I do so, I turn back “Oh, and Princess?”

“Yes?”

“What was your meeting with Flash Sentry about?”

“You probably already know, don’t you?”

I smiled a knowing smile. “You might very well think that, Princess. I couldn’t possibly comment.”

Author's Note

I’d like to thank Azure Drache for bringing up a point. As a non native English speaker he had trouble understanding some of Princess Luna’s dialogue. I hope that this doesn’t put anyone off. In light of this, I want to note that I only use such dialect in this chapter, and after this point Luna becomes much easier understand. If you have any issues understanding something I’ve written, or any issues in general please let me know and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Please criticise and help me improve.