The Brothers Don't

"I've decided to train some new recruits," Shining said.

Spitfire swallowed her drink and laughed. "You can't be serious. Why would you do that?"

"It's the only thing that makes sense to me right now," he said. "I've appointed generals I trust to lead the war. I've sent thirty elite teams up north, and one of them's bound to find Twily." He stirred his bowl of stew and poked at the potatoes. "All we can do at this point is wait, and the best thing I can do is support the newbies. We're drafting every last able body in Equestria now, Spitfire. They're going to need all the help they can get."

She raised her eyebrows. "Well, at least you've thought it through, even if I think you're nuts. But you have passion, Shining, and you're an outstanding soldier. If anypony can get the newbies ready for battle, it's you."

"That's what I'm hoping," he said, clinking cups with Spitfire.

The newest recruits to the effort were trained in Canterlot. Shining took a train that evening. He hugged Cadance on the platform. "At least we can write to each other while I'm down there," he said. "And I'll come back to visit as often as I can. Keep me updated on everything Flurry does."

"That would take a book a week," Cadance teased with a smile. "Help those young ponies prepare for what's out there."

Shining Armor nodded. "I will," he said, and kissed her on the cheek.

The entire train ride, Shining thought about the icy heart at the bottom of the crater's lake. Where had it come from? Why had it sent them back to the Crystal Heart? How many others like it were there?

He arrived at the Canterlot Academy early the next morning and refused to sleep before meeting the recruits. "I want the newest batch you've got," he told Sergeant Fancypants.

"Are you absolutely certain of that, Captain?" the Sergeant asked. "There are some... interesting characters in that group."

"Fine by me," Shining said. "I need something as different from the tundra as possible. Training a bunch of nitwits might be just the thing."

Fancypants led him to an open court and raised his eyebrows. "Very well, Captain. Your new recruits await." He opened a short gate and allowed Shining Armor to pass through.

There were nine ponies in the court. Most of them were very young, with the exception of an older mare and...

"Shining Armor!" cried a scratchy voice. "Well, if it isn't my favorite brother from another mother! What's goin' on, Shiny? Haven't seen you since the big wedding here in C-Town! How's the missus, hmm?"

Jaw hanging open, Shining Armor stared at the lanky aquamarine stallion with twitching eyes.

"You've got to be kidding me..."