Guard Tiara: The Grand Guard Games

"Sombra!" Princess Twilight Sparkle cried out as she looked at Diamond Tiara with wide eyes. "Sombra! Sombra's back?!"

"That's what the mare said before passing out," Diamond said, trying not to pull back from Twilight being so close to her.

"Great," Twilight huffed as she stepped back rolling her eyes. "Just great." Her wings flickered at her side as she turned to pace nervously. "Just what I need. First Chrysalis shows up supposedly to surrender, then Discord appears and insists we let his..." she let out a groan "...'guards' compete in the games, and now King Sombra might be back. What's next? Lord Tirek escaping Tartarus again?" She rubbed at her face.

Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath, and slowly let it out. She then did this again, and a third time. With each breath, Twilight relaxed more. Soon, she stopped, opening her eyes and seeming calmer.

"Okay," Princess Twilight Sparkle said. "Come with me. I want to check on the mare. Then we need to discuss our next move with the others."

"Yes ma'am," Diamond Tiara said, moving into step behind the princess. Was she actually going to be involved in this discussion? Maybe she could do something to help. But what? Kingdom level threats were beyond her skill and level training at this point. The only things she knew about King Sombra was what she had been told after The Crystal Empire's return.

The two of them made their way through the castle, reaching the infirmary where the unconscious mare had been brought. Doctors and nurses stood around, checking on her as she laid unconscious. Her breathing seemed to have gotten steadier.

"Move aside, please," Twilight said as she approached. The doctors and nurses did as requested, giving the princess plenty of space. Stepping closer, her horn lit up with magic. The aura of energy engulfed the form of the unconscious mare, pulsing and shifting along her form. Twilight's eyes were closed as she worked, face screwed up in concentration.

Finally, the magic vanished and Twilight opened her eyes.

"That did not help as much as I had hoped," she sighed out before turning to the doctor.

"How is she?"

"Sedated," the doctor answered. "Whatever happened to her out there, it's left her utterly terrified. We're going to let her rest for a while, and hopefully will be calmer once she wakes back up."

A grimace passed over Princess Twilight's face as she looked down at the unconscious pony.

"Alright. Keep me posted of any changes. Also let me know when she is up for a conversation. I would like to talk to her about what happened myself."

"Yes ma'am."

With a nod, Twilight left the doctors and nurses to their work and left the infirmary. In the hall, they turned and headed toward the stairs.

"So, since we have some time while we walked," Twilight said, "how are you doing?"

"Fine," Diamond Tiara replied automatically.

Stopping, Princess Twilight Sparkle turned to face Diamond and raised an eyebrow before asking, "Really?"

Diamond Tiara stopped as she scrutinized by the princess. No. She was not being scrutinized. Princess Twilight Sparkle was just looking at her with concern. She was just trying to be nice and friendly. Sincerely so.

"No," Diamond finally said. "I mean, most of the time, I'm fine, but it's because I don't think about what happened. I can distract myself with town, the games, ponies, whatever. But, when I'm alone... or lying in bed... or sleeping..." She rubbed at one of her legs, feeling a shiver down her spine.

"It's all so vivid: the blood; the wound; the screaming; the...the fear..." She took a step back. "Just trying to talk about it makes my stomach turn..."

She straightened up.

"I have been sleeping, but not well. Although I am doing better, sleeping longer and not waking up as... terrified... guilty... I don't even know what I'm feeling. I mean... I know I didn't want it to happen, and would do... almost anything to keep it from happening. I wouldn't want to die in her place or anything like that. I just... I don't know if I am the right kind of pony for this anymore..."

"I would say you are," Twilight said. Reaching out a wing, she brought it to Diamond's chin so the two were looking each other eye to eye. "The fact that you regret it, that you feel bad about it, shows that you are a good pony. The kind that we need in the guard. Because as much as you regret what happened, in a similar situation you will try to avoid it in the future. You will try to find a better way through."

"So..." Diamond Tiara said slowly, "...you're saying... I would be a good guard... because I feel bad about what happened?"

"In a way, yes," Twilight answered. She turned and started walking again.

Diamond Tiara stood there in confusion a moment before running to catch up with her.

"I doubt that anypony would blame you if you decided to leave the guard," Twilight Sparkle stated, "but I would like you to stay. You have shown compassion and empathy. I don't know what the future holds, but I am certain there will be some more fights and tough times ahead. Having a pony that can make tough decisions like what happened -- and wanting to find a way to avoid unnecessary violence -- is something that I could use in my guards. I'm not forcing you to stay, or asking for a decision now. Just something to think about."

The rest of the walk went in silence as Diamond Tiara considered what Twilight had said. It felt like a lot to take in. Out of context, the fact that she felt bad about what happened being a good thing sounded weird. Actually, in context it still sounded weird. Plus, the image of the guards being compassionate did not really fit her mental image of how they should be. Guards were supposed to be stoic, tough, willing to throw themselves between a civilian and a threat without a second thought. Yes, they could be gentle enough for a foal to approach for help, but they were also an intimidating sight for any would be criminal.

Ugh, she mentally groaned, rolling her eyes. Life was so much easier when I didn't care about others.

Soon they reached a room where Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, and Prince Shining Armor were already waiting.

"What can you tell us, Twilight?" Princess Mi Amore Cadenza asked.

"Unfortunately, nothing," Princess Twilight Sparkle answered. "I did a magical scan of the mare. There was some sort of dark magic used, but I can't quite tell what. It does feel similar to the magic Sombra used on his door, but it's hard to be certain. So, I can neither confirm nor deny that it was him on my end." She turned to Shining. "Did you have better luck?"

"No. The guards are still looking, but there are no other sightings of him. There were also no direct witnesses to the actual attack. The only two ponies that were even close enough to be involved were Diamond Tiara and the stallion that found her."

"How do you wish to proceed?" Princess Celestia asked Shining Armor and Princess Cadance.

"First, a personal matter," Cadance said. "Shining, I think we should send Skyla to stay with your parents for a while. Whatever's happening here, she should be safe in Canterlot."

"Agreed. And you--"

"No," Cadance cut in. "I know what you're going to suggest, and I'm not going with her. I cannot abandon the ponies that rely on me any more than you can."

A small smile spread across Shining Armor's face.

"You still can't blame me for trying," he said before leaning forward to kiss Cadance on the cheek.

"Back to the business at hoof: we should tell the visiting dignitaries and have them at least be on alert. Since we aren't certain that it's Sombra, we don't know what they are going to do. If this is not an attack on the city as a whole, then whoever is behind it may target visitors next. We're also going to have to increase security around the city. It might be a good idea to withdraw the team from the games so they can help as well."

"That may not be necessary," Twilight spoke up. "Keep in mind, I have an extra squadron here in town, meant to observe the games. Admittedly, they are inexperienced, but they are still well trained and disciplined. We could have them assigned to help look out for things while they're out. This would allow you to have more eyes around the city, and minimize any consequences on the games."

"I have a small retinue of guards as well who could assist," Luna offered.

"As do I," Celestia added. "Between the three of us, we can provide extensive support to The Crystal Guards without noticeably affecting regular activities."

"Sounds like we would have more than enough help," Cadance said, "without having to interrupt empire activities. Twilight, do you think that maybe you could send word to your friends to come, just in case we need their help as well?"

"I already have," Twilight assured. "Hopefully, they should be here by this evening, but it might be tomorrow morning. They are on their way though."

"Very good," Celestia said. "I suggest we take a quick break, and inform the officers of their pending duties. The sooner they are aware, the sooner the rest of the guards will be as well. Plus it will allow Shining Armor and Cadance to see to Skyla. We can then resume our meeting during lunch."

"An excellent idea," Cadance said. "We will see you all later. Come on Shining." She then hurried for the door, her husband quickly following her.

"Diamond Tiara," Twilight said, getting Diamond's attention, "you're free to go if you want. I'm going to stay and talk to the other princesses a moment. I will more than likely see you again at the official address to your CO and squadron."

"Yes ma'am," Diamond replied with a salute. She then headed for the door herself, leaving Princess Twilight Sparkle to speak with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. As she made her way back down the halls and toward the exit, Diamond thought about what was going to happen. A part of her was irritated by it. She was not even sure she wanted to stay in the guard, and now she was stuck helping watch over The Crystal Empire.

Once she had actually reached the streets she realized that technically she did not have to. If she chose, she could resign her position now and head back to Ponyville on the next train. Sure, some of the others might be disappointed, but none of them would be too upset and blame her.

Except, she did not think she could. For whatever reason, she did not feel like she could just walk away and leave while The Crystal Empire was in trouble.

Well, it looks like I'll be staying in the guard at least a few more days.