In times of war...
A child's dream shall keep on going. Until the day it comes true.
"I shall have my revenge sooner or later!" Chrysalis said, bleeding as she retreated from the Crystal Empire along with her several wounded changelings.
"You will never take the Crystal Empire and neither of us! If you return here ever again, we will make sure you are dead!" Princess Cadence raged, charging her horn with magic.
"When that time comes, we will be ready," Shining Armor added.
"We shall see about that," Chrysalis said as she glared at them before leaving the vicinity. Princess Cadence and Shining Armor were determined to defeat Chrysalis if she planned to attack the Empire again. They knew that she will not give up easily. Many hours passed, and peace soon returned in the Crystal Empire.
Crystal ponies who were amidst it were greatly stricken with fear. The Empire with thousands of soldiers fought hard against hundreds of changelings. Casualties were very high, including those who were likely killed by friendly fire.
Some of them were mortally wounded. Corpses of the fallen were scattered across the grounds of the Empire.
The rulers soon both realized they were severely weakened by the attack. Seeing the carnage brought by the changelings crushed the two ruler's hearts. Princess Cadence cried as Shining Armor embraced her with sadness.
The remaining eight hundred soldiers who survived the attack were deeply compassionate to them. An aero-colored unicorn with a dark-cerulean mane, a captain named Radiant Light, stepped up and approached the two.
"Your Highness, we cannot lose hope and faith at a time like this. We have fought wars that we once thought to be impossible. Because of our fearless hearts and brilliant strategies, my unit and the rest of us have come this far. Not only have we done so, but we also survived through it. Even so, bloodshed will always be inevitable. We are still grateful we serve such great rulers of the Empire." Radiant Light said wholeheartedly as he and his unit removed their helmets and placed their right hooves to their chests.
Princess Cadence and Shining Armor were moved by the words of their own soldier. Both gave a smile filled with hope. They didn't expect Radiant Light to give such an encouraging speech in a time of war.
"And we are also grateful to have brave and great soldiers who fought by our side," Shining Armor said respectfully.
"As a ruler, we will do our best to protect and ensure the safety of the Empire and its residents. We will never forget your bravery," Princess Cadence said, wiping her tears off.
The royal guards and the crystal ponies assisted in burying the fallen and reconstructing the houses that were razed by the changelings. The Empire was already rising in a matter of seconds. The crystal ponies soon returned to their normal lives as if the battle was already forgotten, but those who died will always be remembered in their hearts.
Four years had passed since the battle. Nothing has happened in the Crystal Empire. The Empire was thriving again in a span of two years.
The crystal ponies were filling the place with enthusiastic activities. Soldiers were given a five month vacation, which they were ecstatic about. Radiant Light planned to return to Canterlot to meet his wife and son.
Along the way to the train station, he was greeted by another captain named Azure Dusk, whom he'd known and fought alongside him for a long time.
He has a dashing flame-colored mane which was slicked back and spikes protruding behind, while his cutie mark consisted of a helmet with two wings on both sides of it. The blueberry colored pegasus stallion greeted Radiant Light with a pat to his back.
"Heya, Captain Ray! You returning home now?" Azure Dusk asked blissfully.
Radiant Light drew a smile. "Yeah, my wife and son are waiting for me. I already sent them a letter, I assume they had already received it," he replied. "How about you, Captain Dusty?"
"Well, I volunteered to stay here for a few days before I depart and head to Manehattan." Azure Dusk explained while scratching his face.
"Why?" Radiant Light asked.
"There will be new recruits this month. Hundreds of them." Azure Dusk clarified. "I volunteered to train the recruits and teach them how a guard fights and acts."
"That's a lot," the aero unicorn replied.
"Yeah, but I know it doesn't surprise you," Azure Dusk said. "You've trained thousands or more and made them elites.”
Radiant Light chortled. "Oh, it's not that big of a deal. I'm just doing what I need to do as a captain," he demurred.
"And that is why you are one the best captains the Royal Army has!" Azure Dusk affirmed.
"Thanks, but you're one of the best too. Being awarded by the Soldier's Valor is one of highest and greatest honor a soldier could ever have. This shows that you're an exemplary captain within our ranks."
"Oh, you old flatterer, you!" Azure Dusk said as he grabbed Radiant Light with his hoof.
"What? I just paid you back. You flattered me too," Radiant Light replied as he chuckled. "Well then, I really need to get going now. Good luck to you, Dusty."
"Okay, then. See you later, Ray." Azure Dusk grinned.
Radiant Light continued on his way. Before taking another step, the blueberry pony called out his name. He turned his head to him.
"Great speech, by the way! You really are the greatest pony I know!" the blueberry pony shouted.
"That was few years ago. You still remembered that?"
"Of course, I remember that! It was a very good speech!" Azure Dusk said.
"Good for you!" teased Radiant Light, giving off a smile. "Same old Dusty."
The two veteran ponies said their goodbyes and parted ways. Radiant Light continued his way to the train station. After few minutes of trotting, he reached the station crowded with ponies who were casually waiting for the train's arrival.
Ponies on the station heard the blow of a whistle in the distance. Smoke coming out from its chimney were seen from the station few miles away. Upon the train's arrival, ponies lined up and the train opened its doors, welcoming the passengers.
After several hours, Radiant Light saw Canterlot in the distance, where he and his family lived. The train arrived in the station of Canterlot.
There, he was greeted by a blank flanked, aquamarine unicorn colt and a bittersweet colored pegasus mare, whose cutie mark consisted of three big sparkles and a small one. The young colt jumped at him with joy.
"Daddy! You're back!" The colt shouted as he embraced his father.
"Lightning Aura, you've grown! Last time I saw you, you were this—"Radiant Light raised his hoof just below his chest"—small. But now, look at you!" he exclaimed.
The bittersweet pegasus approached Radiant Light and spoke with a soft and gentle voice.
"Welcome home, honey. We missed you so much." She smiled.
"I missed both of you too, so much." Radiant Light cheerfully said as he kissed her. "So, how are you doing, my sweet Blink Hope?"
"Well, Lightning Aura and I were fine when you were on duty. Although, he gets a little noisy and always talking about you. Despite all that, he's a disciplined and energetic colt."
"So he's been a good pony when I was gone for a long time?" asked Radiant Light.
"Yes," Blink Hope gently replied.
"Oh, I see. Thank goodness." He sighed with relief.
"Now then, let's have some fun now that I'm here!" Radiant Light chirped, as he held Lightning Aura in the air.
"Yay!" Lightning Aura shouted.
"Oh? You're not going to rest, my dear?" Blink Hope asked.
"Oh, I almost forgot! Sorry, Lightning Aura. I need to rest after a very long duty. I guess we're going to have some fun, next time," he assured.
"Aww..." Lightning Aura drew a sad and disappointed face but he still wore a look of admiration in his father.
The family left the train station and went on to their home. Radiant Light briefly thought to himself.
"Is the war finally over?"
Five days passed. The sun was glaring behind the great castle of Canterlot. The streets of Canterlot were bustling with activity. Radiant Light sauntered outside, stretching his hooves as he picked up a newspaper dropped near his house and sat on a bench.
-----------Ponyville Today: Daily Newspaper----------
Bright and beautiful morning. The skies are clear today, thanks to our weather ponies. No rain or snow are to be expected in the next few months!
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Changeling sightings in the Crystal Empire? Is it true? Is the Empire aware?
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New species of plants have been discovered! Is it harmful or helpful?
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Derpy Hooves won the best mailmare in Equestria! She has a total of 69 votes!
--------------
"Changeling sightings?" Radiant Light murmured. "This must be a joke. I hope this isn't true." He took a sip of coffee and started to ponder on what he read. Lightning Aura walked out of the house and saw his father reading a newspaper. He approached him with uncertainty.
"Is something wrong, daddy?" Lightning Aura asked.
"Oh, nothing, son. Daddy's just reading some newspaper with the craziest news. I've heard that Princess Twilight Sparkle will visit here soon."
"Really?!" Lightning Aura replied as he jumped around with joy
Radiant Light chortled. "Come here, son, and sit with me." Lightning Aura approached his father and sat on his hooves. He embraced him with tenderness.
"Say... what is your dream, son? Who are you when you grow up?" he asked with sincerity.
"I want to become a royal guard like you, daddy! I want to protect Equestria from all the bad guys!" Lightning Aura happily replied.
"Oh, really? You’re gonna smack them with your little hooves?" Radiant Light asked as he giggled.
"Yeah, and I'm going to push and banish them away from Equestria forever!" Lightning Aura said proudly, posing a silly fighting stance.
Radiant Light drew a worried expression. He didn't want his beloved son to be a royal guard, as it puts his life on the line. He knew the risks of being a royal guard. Despite that, he still decided to support his son's decision.
As Radiant Light was about to stand up. A mailmare approached him, giving him a letter with a royal guard stamp before hastily flying away. After receiving the letter he knew, at that point, what he was going to read. He carefully opened the letter and read its contents.
To: Radiant Light
Dear Captain Ray,
The Royal Army requests your presence at the Crystal Empire immediately. All captains are to be stationed in the Empire and to wait until further notice. We are expecting your arrival at the Empire. Best of luck to you.
Best regards,
The Royal Army of the Crystal Empire
Radiant Light was expecting its contents. He felt nervous as he read the letter. Even though he was anxious, he didn't let it get the best of him.
"It's been only five days and now there's an urgent problem that I have to deal with. What a pain..." Radiant Light whispered in a disappointed tone.
"Daddy?" Lightning Aura worriedly asked.
"Oh, Lightning Aura..." Radiant Light replied calmly. "I have a gift for you, son. Come with me."
Radiant Light and Lightning Aura went inside their home. And into his master bedroom.
"Lightning Aura. Wait for me outside, okay?" Radiant Light said.
"Okay, Daddy."
Lightning Aura waited outside Radiant Light's room, patiently. Few minutes had passed, and Radiant Light stepped outside of the room, holding something.
"Huh?" Lightning Aura said as he drew a clueless face.
"I want you to have this," Radiant Light said, as he placed an old helmet in his son's head. "That’s my helmet from when I was only a recruit in the army. It was given to me by my father, who was known for his great service in the military, but he was also known for having a seriously bad reputation for his reckless acts."
"What did he do?" Lightning Aura asked.
"Well... you could say that he did things in his own way."
"Oh..." Lightning Aura acknowledged.
"So, as an honor of your grandfather, I'm giving this to you," he said with a confident tone.
"Really?!"
"Really." Radiant Light smiled.
"Thank you, Daddy!" Lightning Aura happily replied
"Now, then. I have to go somewhere, son," Radiant Light said with a serious tone.
"Why? Where? You only just came home, daddy..." Lightning Aura frowned, "And now you're leaving again..."
"Don't worry, I promise I'll be back soon. Sooner than you think." Radiant Light assured him. "So always be a good colt when I'm gone, okay? Take care of your mother."
"Okay..." said the young colt, still holding a saddened look.
"Come on, cheer up. That's the last thing I want to see when I leave."
"I-I'll try," Lightning Aura said, raising his head and forcing a smile.
"That's it." Radiant Light smiled.
Radiant Light packed his belongings as fast as he could. Lightning Aura's face was stricken with sadness at seeing his father leave again. The aero-colored unicorn began writing a letter.
Dear Blink Hope,
I am leaving for the Crystal Empire, as something urgent has come up. I promised Lightning Aura to return as early as I can. But if I don't return like I promised, please tell him that I love him so much that I didn't want him to become a royal guard, as his life is precious more than me. I still decided to support his ambition. I've killed my comrades due to my recklessness, and realizing that it wasn't an enemy, I felt guilt and shame.
So promise me, Blink Hope. Promise that you'll tell him this.
Radiant Light left the letter in a cabinet, placing a vase on top of it. He said his goodbye one more time to his son.
"Goodbye, son. I promise I will return for you."
After saying his goodbye to his son, Radiant Light left for Canterlot.
Finally reaching the borders of the Crystal Empire. The train stopped to its designated station. As Radiant Light stepped out of the train, he saw thousands of royal guards being dispatched by the Empire.
Clueless as to what was going on, he continued his way to the Empire to find answers. Cantering towards the Crystal Empire, he saw Azure Dusk, who seemed busy and disoriented. Radiant Light approached him.
"Dusty, what's going on around here?" Radiant Light worriedly asked.
"Huh? Oh, Ray! Good thing, you came!" Azure Dusk exclaimed.
"Can you tell me what's going on, first?" Radiant Light asked with a serious face.
"Uh, oh... sorry. The Empire is dispatching units to scout the area around the Empire, inside and out. There have been reports that a changeling is trying to get in the Crystal Empire to cause distraction, or at least that's what I heard," Azure Dusk replied, as he scratched his face.
"How can a changeling get through the barriers created by the Princess Cadence and Commander Shining Armor?"
"Maybe, the changelings managed to find a way to weaken the barrier?" Azure Dusk answered.
"We can't come up with a conclusion if we don't know anything. I'm sure the Empire knows something," Radiant Light assured.
The Royal Army was scattered around the Empire, looking for any intruders and scanning anyone who they deemed suspicious. Azure Dusk and Radiant Light both waited for many hours in the Empire, while maintaining their duties as captains.
As time passed by, Princess Cadence and Shining Armor finally made their appearance in the Empire's balcony, and their expressions were reassuring. The princess gave an impassioned speech for the soldiers who responded to the Army's notice.
"It would seem that the reports were a false alarm. As you can see, the Empire received no threats nor any attacks, but we are grateful for the soldiers and captains who came to our aid when the Empire was threatened. We are really—” Princess Cadence's speech was interrupted when a royal soldier from Canterlot approached the two rulers and whispered something distressing.
"What?! It couldn't be!" Princess Cadence exclaimed.
"This is not happening!" Shining Armor replied in disbelief.
Shining Armor quickly stepped up and gave a speech to the soldiers of the Empire. The soldiers felt an intense weight in Shining Armor's action. Azure Dusk and Radiant Light were completely clueless to what was going on.
"Listen, everyone! Canterlot is being swarmed by thousands of changelings! We need all of the guards to defend the castle immediately!" Shining Armor shouted.
Radiant Light's eyes sharpened, filled with shock. He couldn't believe what he just heard. Without any hesitation, he quickly ran back to Canterlot, disregarding the distance.
"What happened to the princesses in the Canterlot?!" asked a soldier in the crowd.
"Both sisters had gone missing when the attack begun. The soldiers guarding the castle were killed," Shining Armor explained.
Azure Dusk saw Radiant Light running as he was listening to Shining Armor's speech.
"Ray! Where are you going?!" Azure Dusk exclaimed.
Without looking back, Radiant Light continued to run with great fear drawn in his face.
"Please be safe," he thought to himself. As he continued to run from the Empire, he heard a voice from behind, calling his name desperately.
"Captain Ray!" Azure Dusk shouted.
Radiant Light looked back and saw the captain leading his and Radiant Light's unit, hundreds of them riding chariots. Azure Dusk approached him in confusion.
"Why'd you run off so suddenly?" Azure Dusk asked. Radiant Light hopped in Azure Dusk's chariot with fear still engraved in his expression.
"Please, hurry. I need to get there," Radiant Light said desperately.
"Can you tell me what's going on, first?"
"My family's in danger! We need to hurry!" He exclaimed, surprising Azure Dusk.
"You got it, Ray! We'll be there in no time," Azure Dusk assured him. "Alright, soldiers! Make haste!"
Radiant Light and Azure Dusk reached Canterlot with a little time left. The pair couldn't believe their eyes. Canterlot's barrier was completely destroyed, homes were razed, and ponies were lying across the ground, lifeless. Radiant Light quickly stepped down the chariot and ran to his home.
"Just how did the changelings get so powerful?" Azure Dusk thought to himself, surprised. He followed Radiant Light shortly after.
Radiant Light reached his home and forced the door open. As he entered the house, he saw blood on the floor and walls leading into their bedroom. He swiftly ran into the room. Right after opening the door, he couldn't believe what he saw.
On the ground was Blink Hope, mortally wounded, along with a few lifeless changelings that were scattered around the room. A large open wound was visible in the mare's stomach, bleeding profusely. Radiant Light quickly galloped to Blink Hope's aid.
"It's alright, h-honey. Y-you're gonna be fine. You'll be f-fine in no time... P-please, just don't close your eyes." Radiant Light stuttered, desperately trying to treat Blink Hope. He tried to stop the bleeding with his magic, but it had no effect. The blood kept on flowing out of her body, and Blink Hope was struggling to breathe.
"D… don't… worry a-about… me, h-honey." Blink Hope gently smiled, touching her husband's cheeks. "I-I… hid… L-lightning… Aura… in… in t-the attic," she stuttered.
"I love you… P-please… please don't...m-make… a… sad f-face." She struggled to say her last words as her breathing became increasingly more shallow. She stared at Radiant Light one more time before her final breath escaped her, accompanied by a tear. She closed her eyes, as if she were going to sleep.
Radiant Light's eyes were filled with grief and his face was stricken with despair while he stared at his wife's corpse. He cried with all his heart, and his tears dripped on Blink Hope's hooves. Azure Dusk soon entered the room and saw the two. He waited until Radiant Light calmed down before approaching him from behind.
"My heart truly goes out to you and your wife, Captain Ray," Azure Dusk said compassionately. "But we need to go now. The changelings will swarm this area in a matter of time."
"A-alright... wait for me outside. Take Lightning Aura with you. He's in the attic," Radiant Light said, his words heavy with grief. "I'll follow shortly."
"As you wish, Captain Ray."
Azure Dusk and Lightning Aura waited outside for Radiant Light. Azure Dusk saw Lightning Aura’s face was also stricken with grief. After a few minutes passed, they saw Radiant Light stepping outside the house.
"Captain Ray, are you okay?" Azure Dusk asked.
"Yeah... I'm fine. I took care of her."
"Daddy..." Lightning Aura cried.
Before Radiant Light was about to approach the two, a magic beam struck his left hoof. Radiant Light recoiled in pain.
"Captain Ray!" Azure Dusk exclaimed.
"Daddy! No!" Lightning Aura screamed.
"Azure Dusk! Get in the chariot! Take Lightning Aura away from here! Make sure he’s safe!" Radiant Light shouted desperately."Don't worry about me! Just go!"
Thousands of changelings swarmed the area. Radiant Light's unit fought the attacking changelings but they were overwhelmed by the sheer number of enemies. Lightning Aura desperately tried to go to his father but he was firmly being held by Azure Dusk.
"Captain Ray, please don't do this! You can still get out of here!" Azure Dusk shouted.
"I've come this far. I survived many hardships throughout my years of service, but I think my time is up. Please take care of my son, Dusty."
"Ray, no... please..." Azure Dusk pleaded as he stared at him, contemplating.
"Daddy! Don’t leave me!" Lightning Aura cried.
"As I promised, I returned for you, Lightning Aura. A father always fulfills a promise for his family," Radiant Light said. "My last promise is that I will always be there for you, no matter what."
The changelings were now close to their position. Radiant Light's unit was being wiped out, one by one, and it was only a matter of time before Azure Dusk's unit got caught up to by the changelings.
"It's time to go, Dusty," Radiant Light said sadly.
Azure Dusk and his unit flew away. Looking down below, Lightning Aura saw his father staring at him, his eyes filled with tears. His gentle smile felt like his last goodbye before turning to fight against thousands of changelings. Before Lightning Aura saw what was about to happen, Azure Dusk covered Lightning Aura's eyes as he saw Lightning Aura's father get struck in the neck by a magic beam. Azure Dusk clenched his teeth as he looked away.
"Damn it, Ray..." Azure Dusk whispered sorrowfully.
