Time's Cruelty

by Sapphire Rose 12

Rating: teen
Tags: Tragedy, Dark, Sad, Romance, Adventure
Length: 15105

Twilight would only consider one thing cruller than all the villains she has battled with her friends. Since time has elapsed so much since her arrival to Ponyville, the war against Sombra is beating everyone in Equestria past their limits.

Twilight claims one villain out of every one she faced to be the most cruel: time. It is now seventeen years past the time Twilight Sparkle arrived in Ponyville and life in Equestria has changed since her arrival.

Sombra has reassembled himself and began a Crystal War by enslaving all of the Crystal Ponies.

As familiar (and brand new) ponies face the new obstacles in their lives, they will have to suffer emotions and loss they had never imagined. How will time decide to treat everyone in the end?

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2017-03-23 15:20:00 UTC

Chapter 1: The War Begins

  Twilight lightly dipped her quill in the ink and stared at the blank page before her. It's time to get these feelings out, she thought. She looked at the page one more time before giving a deep sigh and beginning to jot down her thoughts on the page:

If there’s one villain I would consider cruller than Nightmare Moon, Discord, Sombra, Tirek, or Chrysalis, I would say it’s time. Time has beaten and bashed on me and my friends more than any villain ever has. Time has crushed our spirits and brought us lower more than any villain ever has. And my friends aren’t the only ones time affected. All of Equestria has fallen under the cruelty of time. As time elapsed, in its wake, it brought Sombra back from the dead. Celestia thinks he just found a way to reassemble himself.

Since he returned, we tried to get to the Tree of Harmony to stop him, but we were too late. When me and my friends reached the tree, we found Sombra had destroyed everything to do with it. The tree was gone, the rainbow chest destroyed, and the Elements of Harmony smashed to bits. The only thing that remained was my castle. We don’t know how my castle stood without the rainbow chest powering it, but it did. I guess it was just too strong for Sombra to get to.

After that, Sombra proceeded to do even worse things to Equestria. He had managed to wipe out the changeling race including Thorax. Spike was very angry about that, but eventually he moved on from his grief. But grief leaves a wound we learn to build ourselves around. It never disappears. Death is not like divorce. Getting over death doesn’t happen. We only make ourselves a new kind of normal. Spike has learned that. Starlight Glimmer decided to move to the Crystal Empire to help Sunburst. However, after Sombra enslaved the crystal ponies, Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst went on the run. Starlight Glimmer has never replied to any of my letters. I don’t know if they’re safe anymore.

After Sombra enslaved the crystal ponies, we decided that it had gone too far. Equestria mourned for the loss of the changelings now that they discovered their true nature, but Equestria wanted something more than they ever have before. They wanted revenge.

Celestia declared war on Sombra and his slaves. She claimed we had no other choice.

I know I can’t stop it this time. This isn’t a result of a time travel spell or a nightmare. This is what life has become for me now. I will have to fight this war.

Since Equestria relies on my friends and I a lot, we were drafted into war by Celestia and Luna. We knew we had no other choice and we moved to the base down in Vanhoover along with many other ponies in Equestria. I thought that my friends and I wouldn’t have to experience grief so soon. Unfortunately, I was wrong. The Cutie Mark Crusaders, now full grown mares, were drafted not long after us. Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash had strong feelings of protest against it, but there was no choice. Soon, we would have to lose so much.

No one can escape time’s cruelty. Not me. Not my friends. Not anypony. This is what life has become now. I’ve accepted it at last. There’s no escape.

  Twilight closed the journal in front of her with yet another sigh. When she heard the declare of war that Celestia had called on Sombra and the Crystal Slaves, she had almost cried out in protest. Although, she had restrained herself. Twilight felt that arguing against the pony that had been her mentor and teacher wouldn't be right. Her friends were terrified when they heard the news. Some of them tried to hide it, but Twilight knew her friends well and could see the fear that was in their eyes.

   After being drafted out to war, the fear inside of them only grew immensely. However, they were given no choice. They packed their most valuable possessions (Twilight had to convince Rarity to leave many behind) and set off to Vanhoover. Once they reached the base, they had met the two generals: General Whirlpool and Colonel Whirlwind. General Whirlpool and Colonel Whirlwind were demanding and came as off as ominous, but they meant well. It was clear that the generals only commanded harshly because they cared.

  After two months of fighting and scars, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were brought in to fight. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity had tried to argue, but their sisters insisted they could handle themselves. They believed now that they were mares they could handle much more than they could as fillies. After a few hours of arguing, the Cutie Mark Crusader's older sisters had given in. The Cutie Mark Crusaders proved themselves to be surprisingly skillful. However, that didn't stop their older sisters from teaching them new techniques. The Cutie Mark Crusaders enjoyed learning with them.

  "Attention!" echoed the loud voice of General Whirlpool. "All ponies, meet on the battlefield! Let's go! Let's go!"

   Twilight's heart froze for a moment. She knew exactly what that meant. It was time for battle to begin. She grabbed her spear and raced to meet the other fighters on the field.

  Almost immediately, she felt a chill hit her body when she stepped outside. It had not been snowing, but ever since Sombra started the war, Equestria had started getting frequent cold drafts. Almost as if something about his presence made the weather go awry.

  Twilight shivered. Ignoring the fierce cold working its way onto her skin, she pressed forward and stood on the battlefield next to many other ponies on the field. She recognized many of them. She had seen ponies from Canterlot, Manehattan, and even Ponyville standing next to her every battle. However, their faces no longer had the upbeat, cheery smiles or the content, high-status gloat to them. The only expression Twilight could see on their faces now was contained fear. She knew it was there, even though most restrained it desperately.

   "The next battle in this war is coming now!" General Whirlpool announced. "We must move out!"

   "Yes, sir, General Whirlpool, sir!" the ponies exclaimed.

   "And try to remain stealthy!" Colonel Whirlwind reminded them. "We cannot reveal our position to Sombra or his slaves!"

   The ponies repeated their understanding and stood awaiting their command to march forward.

   Twilight turned and a grin crept its way across her face as she saw five familiar ponies surrounding her. They were none other than her best friends, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity. Even amidst the war, when she looked at her friends, she could not help but smile. They were a part of her. Twilight's friends made her feel like she was invincible. Like she could do anything.

   Twilight turned to Rainbow Dash, "You know, I like General Whirlpool and Colonel Whirlwind. Even though they're pretty angry, what general isn't?"

   "I know," Rainbow Dash replied. "They're cool! Especially since they take down so many slaves at once!"

   "Move out!" General Whirlpool's command to move out to battle had come.

   Almost in unison, the ponies began to march to battle.

   The Crystal Ponies had been the unluckiest out of all of the ponies in the war. Sombra had seized them immediately and forced them into slavery with dark magic. The helmets he gave them had a soft, eerie glow that transmitted dark magic into the soul of the pony who wore it. The helmet corrupted the pony's soul to the point where they would give their life to aid him in his attempts to take over Equestria. It wasn't just the Crystal Empire he wanted anymore, but the entire country.

   Sombra turned to his slaves and began to speak, "Now, my slaves, there is no room for mistakes. We must bring down as many ponies as we can."

   "Yes, King Sombra," was the mechanical reply.

   "Are you ready to fight?" Sombra asked them.

   "Yes, King Sombra," the slaves repeated.

   Sombra gave them a dark smile of satisfaction. "Then, let's waste no time. Follow me."

   Sombra began to walk towards the battle and his slaves followed without hesitation. Two slaves, in particular, looked eager (as they could under the influence of dark magic) to please Sombra.

   The two slaves accidentally slammed into each other. They gave each other a glare through their helmets. Their tired eyes could barely be seen through the armor.

   "Ow! Hey! Watch where you're going!" exclaimed one. He was a light blue stallion with a mustard colored mane.

   "You watch where you're going!" snapped the other. She was a mare with a medium blue coat and a grayish-purplish mane.

   "You bumped into me!" the stallion claimed. With a roll of his eyes, he continued. "Ugh, forget it. We don't have time for this anyway."

   The mare gave what looked like a smirk. "You're only saying that because you don't have any good comebacks."

   "That is not true!" the stallion shot back.

   "Bright Smile, Arctic Lily," Sombra said. "There is no time to fight with each other. We must focus our fighting energy on the ponies loyal to Celestia."

   "Yes, King Sombra," the two chorused.

   After a beat, the stallion turned to the mare with a strange curiousity. "So, Arctic Lily, huh?"

   "Yes," Arctic Lily confirmed. "And you're Bright Smile?"

   Bright Smile nodded. "Yup."

   "You know, taking these ponies down would be easier if we worked... together," Arctic Lily said.

   Bright Smile looked at her as if she had just said the weirdest thing imaginable. "Uh... together? No thanks!"

   "We want to get the king what he wants, right?" Arctic Lily asked.

   "Of course we do!" Bright Smile exclaimed.

   "And what better way to do that than team up on ponies?" Arctic Lily said simply. "It's effective. I promise."

   "Fine," Bright Smile agreed reluctantly. "Just don't make me regret working with somepony. I prefer to please His Majesty on my own."

   "Trust me," Arctic Lily said with a smirk. "You won't regret a thing."

   The walk to the battle was long and tiring. Many ponies complained of aches and cramps. General Whirlpool had silenced them with a single glare. He had a way with that.

   Over the walk, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were discussing what to do in battle with their older sisters. Even though they proved to be skillful in their fighting practices, it was their first real battle with Twilight and her friends.

  "Now, you be safe, you hear me?" Applejack said firmly.

  "I'll try my best, Applejack," Apple Bloom assured her.

  "Remember every technique that we went over last night," Applejack told her. "You can use them to your defense."

  "Don't worry," Apple Bloom said. "I'll do the best I can!"

  "Don't get hurt out there, Scoots," Rainbow Dash said. "Alright? I don't want anything happening to you out there."

  "I wouldn't like it if something happened to you either, Rainbow Dash," Scootaloo replied. "I'll make sure to be safe!"

  "Are you sure you're making a promise you can keep?" Rainbow Dash inquired.

  "When have the Cutie Mark Crusaders failed to make it out of a situation no matter how crazy it got?" Scootaloo asked with a chuckle.

   Rainbow Dash giggled assured by Scootaloo's confidence in herself. "Touche."

  "Alright, Sweetie Belle, dear," Rarity said. "Be safe, alright? You know what to do?"

  Sweetie Belle nodded. "You don't have to worry about me, Rarity," she assured.

  "I hope not, darling," Rarity said. "Good luck."

  "And remember, if you ever need any help or get into danger..." Applejack began.

   "Just call my name..." Rainbow Dash continued.

  "And I'll come racing there as fast as I can," Rarity finished.

  "Got it!" the three replied.

  Sombra and General Whirlpool's sides had finally reached each other after what seemed like hours. The two looked at each other with a deep hatred. There was a moment of silence as the two war leaders just stared at each other with dark glares.

  "Charge!" Sombra and General Whirlpool yelled.

  The war began to rage.

  The war was terrifying and immensely violent. Ponies on both sides were killed in great number. Many cried out in pain from battle wounds or screamed from being stabbed to their deaths.

   "Alright, let's go, Arctic Lily!" Bright Smile called out. "Those few over there!"

  Bright Smile and Arctic Lily cornered two ponies and hit them both down. The two ponies were added to the number of deaths on that side.

  Bright Smile and Arctic Lily laughed malignly. They knew that their plan was working and they had brought down many ponies with success.

  "That was far too easy!" Bright Smile gloated.

  "See how everything works out when we team up?" Arctic Lily bragged.

  "Yes, yes," Bright Smile groaned with a roll of his eyes. "But we're still not friends."

  Arctic Lily's brow furrowed. "When did I ever say we were? You know, I still don't like you. I just said it would be easier if we teamed up."

  "It was easier," Bright Smile admitted.

  "Exactly!" Arctic Lily said. "Come on, we can't stand here! We've got a war to fight!"

  As great as Bright Smile and Arctic Lily were doing, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were doing an amazing job as well. They were hitting down Sombra's slaves left and right with amazing accuracy.

  "Ha! Take that! And that!" Scootaloo exclaimed, hitting two Crystal Slaves down.

  "Well, what do you know?" Apple Bloom said. "The techniques I went over with Applejack are very useful!"

  "And the techniques Rarity helped me with!" Sweetie Belle added. "She must've learned so much from fighting here!"

   "We might win this battle today!" Scootaloo said with a rush of pride flowing through her. "Things are looking up!"

  "I can't wait to tell Rarity how well I did!" Sweetie Belle squealed. "She'll be so proud of me!"

  "Sombra!" one of the Crystal Slaves exclaimed. He was immensely hurt and a trickle of blood ran down his face from one of his eyes. "We can't take anymore battle wounds! We should retreat!"

  "Not yet," Sombra told him. "I think we can rid ourselves of this problem if I just... put an end to the little warriors, don't you think?"

  "Sir... what are you saying?" the Crystal Slave asked.

  "Just follow me," Sombra said grinning darkly.

  Sombra arrived to the spot the Cutie Mark Crusaders were doing most of their fighting in. When they saw Sombra, they shrieked at his presence.

  "AHHH!!" Sweetie Belle yelped. "It's King Sombra!"

   "What do you want, Sombra?" Scootaloo asked, mustering her courage.

  "Leave!" Apple Bloom exclaimed. "Equestria will not surrender to you!"

  Apple Bloom attempted to hit her spear against King Sombra, but the dark king made his own with dark magic and blocked it without even blinking. Sombra constructed a cage with that magic and tossed the Cutie Mark Crusaders into it. The three of them screamed.

  "Let us go!" Apple Bloom begged.

  "Oh no!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed.

  "We'll make it out! We always do!" Scootaloo said with confidence.

  "But what if we don't this time?" Sweetie Belle asked her nervously.

  "We will," Scootaloo assured. "Trust me."

  "Well, well, well," Sombra said. "I never thought the day would come where I got to meet the little sisters of the so called heroes themselves."

   From the way he had sneered "heroes", it didn't take a detective to know who Sombra was referring to.

  "I wish I was Rainbow Dash's sister, but I am just the pony she took under her wing!" Scootaloo exclaimed.

  "That's practically the same thing," Sombra muttered with an eye roll.

  "You're right!" Scootaloo said with excitement.

  Scootaloo's positive attitude only angered him more. She was supposed to be terrified! She was supposed to be cowering in fear!

  "You're trapped here now," Sombra told them. "Those heroes who attempted to destroy me in the past will now know what it feels like to suffer without their little sisters!"

  Apple Bloom's heart pounded in alarm and her ears rang in terror. "If you don't let us go, I'll call Applejack!"

  "And when we call our sisters, your flank will be kicked!" Scootaloo added.

  "Not a sound out of you!" Sombra commanded. "Do you want to die even faster?"

  "APPLEJACK!"

  "RAINBOW DASH!"

  "RARITY!"

  Sombra growled with rage and turned to face the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

  Apple Bloom shrugged and replied almost nonchalantly, "Well, we told you we'd do it."

  Without a doubt, their older sisters had heard their cries for help and were there in no time flat. When they saw Sombra holding them prisoner, their faces were shrouded with alarm.

   "Sombra, you let our sisters go!" Applejack shouted.

  "Or you will not like the results of this little scheme you're pulling!" Rarity added.

   "I won't like the results of the scheme I'm pulling?" Sombra said. "More like you won't like the results of the scheme you're pulling. Slaves!"

  Many of the Crystal Slaves rushed to Sombra's side to aid him. They were outnumbered by hundreds of slaves with ominous glares.

  "Looks like you're a bit outnumbered," Sombra said.

  "No!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "We'll take them! Right, girls?"

  "Wait a darn minute, Rainbow!" Applejack said. "It would be downright silly to go up against that many when it's just the three of us."

  "Indeed," Sombra replied.

  The Cutie Mark Crusaders looked at each other terrified, but their expressions faded into sadness.

   Apple Bloom hung her head. "This is the end of the line for us then."

  "No, it's not!" Rainbow Dash yelled.

   "We'll find a way to get you out!" Applejack claimed with determination.

  "Of course we will!" Rarity agreed. "We will not let this tyrant take our sisters!"

  "Careful, Rarity," Sombra warned her. "You don't want to make me lose my temper."

  The Cutie Mark Crusaders exchanged another sad glance.

  "Are we... are we...?" Scootaloo stuttered.

  Apple Bloom nodded. "We're gonna be dead."

  "Apple Bloom!" Applejack exclaimed. Her voice no longer had any confidence to it. It was now only pure anxiety. "Now, don't you talk that way!"

  "Crystal Slaves, prepare!" Sombra commanded. "I hereby sentence these three ponies to..." He smiled maliciously. "Execution."

  "WHAT?!" their older sisters exclaimed.

  "Hey, at least I'm not all heartless," Sombra said. "Come here. Say goodbye."

  Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity were suspicious at first. Applejack arched an eyebrow wondering if Sombra was trying to trick them to their own fate.

  "Don't worry," Sombra beckoned without any comfort. "Come and say goodbye to your sisters before you'll never see them again. You're going to want to."

  After a moment more of hesitation, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity raced over to the cage.

   Applejack's eyes welled up with heartbroken tears. "Apple Bloom..."

  Applejack put her hoof against the cage to touch Apple Bloom's. Apple Bloom matched her hoof with Applejack's. "I'm sorry, Applejack," Apple Bloom said sadly. "But the Cutie Mark Crusaders ain't making it out of this one."

  From Applejack's side, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle could see Rainbow Dash restraining tears and tears running down Rarity's face.

  "Don't worry," Scootaloo assured them. "We'll be okay."

  Sweetie Belle nodded to show her agreement. "Just stay strong for Equestria. You're the best big sister ever and I know how strong you are."

  "Rainbow Dash, I really did think of you as a sister! Never forget that!" Scootaloo reminded her.

   "I love you, big sis," Apple Bloom said. "I was so lucky to have you. Thank you for always being there."

  "We've got hearts as strong as horses," Sweetie Belle reminded them.

  That familiar phrase almost made the tears spill from Rainbow Dash's eyes, but she managed to hold them back once more.

  "And we're not afraid," Scootaloo told them.

  "I'm not afraid," Sweetie Belle added.

  "We're all not afraid," Apple Bloom said.

  Sombra took the cage with impatience. "Now that those sappy goodbyes are finished, we can move onto the fun part."

  Applejack was in hysterical tears, but she managed to shout threateningly. "Sombra! You bring that cage back here!"

  Sombra only gave them one last smirk before walking away with their sisters, never to be seen again. Applejack attempted to race after them.

   "Applejack, darling!" Rarity cried holding her back. Tears still spilled down her cheeks. "They're gone. I'm sorry."

   "No, no, no, no, no..." Applejack pleaded. This was all a nightmare. It was a terrible dream that was she was trapped in and she wanted to wake up. She'd wake up and find Apple Bloom next to her telling her that it would be alright. That none of it had happened. But it was all too real. She'd never see her little sister again.

  Applejack snapped and fell to the ground in relentless tears. Rarity and Rainbow Dash comforted her with tears running down their face. By this time, Rainbow Dash couldn't hold it back anymore. The tears were now flowing down her cheeks and the emotional pain she felt was worse than Tank's hibernation each winter.

  "This battle is finally over!" General Whirlpool shouted. "Let's rest for the next one!"

  Applejack wiped away her tears and sniffed. Rarity and Rainbow Dash helped her up and together, they slowly and sadly walked back to meet General Whirlpool.

  "Colonel Whirlwind, how many casualties?" General Whirpool asked.

  "182, sir," Colonel Whirlwind replied.

  Twilight, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie looked at each other. That was ten higher than the last battle they had suffered. Things were getting even worse than ever.

   "No, sir," came the voice of Applejack.

   Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity arrived to the two leading officers numbly. All the emotions they had let out had turned into a hollow black hole that now swirled in their hearts.

  "185," Applejack said.

  Panic filled Twilight's eyes. "Where are the Cutie Mark Crusaders?!" she exclaimed.

  "Oh, goodness!" Fluttershy squeaked. "Are they okay?!"

  Applejack shook her head. "They're gone."

  Twilight, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie gasped. They felt disbelief at what had happened. They had known the Cutie Mark Crusaders for years now and had connections and adventures with them. Now, they were dead.

  Twilight couldn't find the words as her heart pounded in fear. "Oh, girls... we're so---"

  "We're fine, Twilight," Rainbow Dash shot back harshly. "No worries."

  Twilight sighed sadly. "I can't believe we lost them."

  "Oh no..." Fluttershy said.

  "Oh, we sure hope you'll be alright," Pinkie Pie cried.

  "Like I said, Pinkie, we're fine," Rainbow Dash snapped.

  Pinkie Pie was unconvinced by Rainbow Dash's tone. "That's what you say."

  "We're... we're terribly sorry," General Whirlpool said. His attempts to comfort them were out of place considering he didn't know what to say to them. He had never had a deeply personal loss yet. Even though several of his troops had fallen, his family and friends dying was beyond his imagination.

  "Thank you, sir," Applejack said. "That means a lot."

  Rarity nodded. "We appreciate your concern."

  "Of course," General Whirlpool assured. "Now, let's get back to base."

   Everyone began the trek back to the base, except for a few particular ponies who were staying to chat. Those few were Twilight, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie.

  "We're already beginning to lose ponies we know so well," Twilight began.

  "I feel terrible for Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity," Fluttershy cried.

  "I wish there was someway I could cheer them up," Pinkie Pie said longingly. It had been months since she had the chance to throw a party or even blast her party cannon and all the drain on the fun was stressing her out.

  "I do, too," Twilight comforted. "But there's very little ways to cheer someone up in these harsh times. We'll just have to let them grieve."

  "But Twilight, when I see our friends sad, I have to do something," Pinkie Pie pleaded.

  "I know," Twilight said. "I wish there was something you could do. I would join you. But there's not. We'll let them grieve for now. It's the best thing to do."

  "You really think so?" Pinkie Pie wondered.

  "Yes," Twilight replied.

  "Alright," Fluttershy said. "Let's go catch up."

  "Agreed," said Twilight.

  It was now a month later. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity were still sinking in their grief. Applejack was distant and every time she talked, she didn't seem all there. Rainbow Dash was always angry. Every time Twilight came to greet her, her greetings always got returned with yelling and harsh words. Rarity was only saddened by this loss. She preferred not to grieve with anger, but the sadness she felt was always overwhelming. Rarity constantly forgot the schedules and missed out on many things. By the time she remembered, it was already nearly over.

  Not many ponies were surprised when Rainbow Dash had grieved as well, but they didn't expect it too affect her this much. Rainbow Dash treated this loss not like the loss of a friend, but the loss of a family member. Even Rainbow Dash didn't think about the way losing Scootaloo would affect her life.

  Every morning, Twilight came to greet all three of them to see if they had gotten any better. Although, they only seemed to get worse every morning.

  "Good morning, Applejack!" Twilight sang cheerfully.

  "Could you leave me alone, please?" Applejack asked her.

  "Applejack, I know this is hard, but it's going to get better. Trust me," Twilight comforted.

  "I wouldn't make a promise I couldn't keep, Twilight," Applejack said emptily. "I suggest you do the same."

  Twilight sighed. "Alright."

  Twilight tried Rainbow Dash next to see if she was doing better than yesterday.

  "Good morning, Rainbow Dash!" Twilight exclaimed.

  Rainbow Dash only sighed and rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Is it time for battle?"

   Twilight was saddened. Ever since Scootaloo had died, that was the question Rainbow Dash had greeted her with every morning. Twilight had always replied "no". It either led to yelling or numb replies. Rainbow Dash only wanted to avenge Scootaloo on the battlefield and vent her feelings there.

  "No," Twilight said. "Just breakfast."

  "Alright," Rainbow Dash said. "I guess I'm ready then."

  Twilight's hopes flickered. Even though the numbness in her voice remained, she had at least said she was ready for breakfast unlike many other mornings.

  Twilight wondered if Rainbow Dash was ready to accept at last. She tried it out. "Rainbow Dash... do you want to... talk about what happened?"

  Rainbow Dash turned to Twilight with the familiar fury in her eyes and Twilight's hopes died. "No. I don't want to talk. I never want to talk about this. Ever."

  Twilight nodded sadly. "I understand."

  Rainbow Dash sighed and watched as Twilight walked away. Twilight arrived to see if Rarity was ready to accept her feelings.

  "Good morning, Rarity," Twilight said much less cheerily.

   "Good morning, darling," Rarity replied with a sorrowful sigh.

  "Are you ready for today?" Twilight asked.

  "I believe so," Rarity said.

   "Great!" Twilight said. "Let's go."

   "I'll be ready in a minute," Rarity told her.

   "Alright," Twilight replied. "Meet us in the dining hall when you're ready."

   Twilight left her room. As she slowly closed the door, she met Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie outside of it.

   "Was today any better than yesterday?" Fluttershy asked.

   Twilight sighed. The question Fluttershy had begun asking since day two of the loss.

   Twilight shook her head. "Not really."

   "Oh, I hope they feel better soon," Fluttershy cried.

   "Me too, Fluttershy," Twilight comforted. "Me too."

  Applejack sat in her dorm. She stared at a picture frame that she had brought to war with her. It was a picture of she and her sister's very first Sisterhooves Social. Apple Bloom was so young and Applejack even had a youth in her eyes. The picture used to make Applejack grin as warm and happy memories encircled her mind. Now, the picture tugged tears from her eyes like a pony yanking a rope in a tug-of-war. Applejack sighed as she picked the picture up for the first time in days. The ribbons that the two were wearing. The smile that was on Apple Bloom's face. The joy that they had both felt when they had won first prize that day. But as she remembered those times, she felt something else amidst her sadness. Something that she hadn't felt for weeks. A comforting happiness. Applejack giggled at the picture. She had accepted it at last.

Rarity was reminded of Sweetie Belle every time her eyes fell upon a ribbon that she had given her or a dress she had made with her help. Ever since the incident at the Sisterhooves Social all those years, Rarity had begun to let Sweetie Belle help. Regret swallowed her like an ocean wave crashing on the shore and pulling back into sea. Rarity had bottled up so many feelings inside that she felt like she were fragile. She was a bomb waiting to explode at any moment. Warm tears streamed down her face letting those bottled up feelings be purged. After she had wiped the last of her tears away and scrubbed away the ruined mascara on her cheeks, she felt relief. A relief that told her she was ready to accept what had happened.

  It was unimaginable for her. Rainbow Dash had never thought that she would outlive Scootaloo before. It was something that had never come to mind because it was such a devastating thought. Scootaloo couldn't fly, but Rainbow Dash loved to lift her up into the sky with her. The flights they shared together made them both happy. The excitement they both felt was a feeling they could always share. Now, those little flights would never happen again. Scootaloo was no longer there to whoop in excitement, smile at Rainbow Dash, and tell her 'This is so awesome!'. Rainbow Dash's anger had left and it was replaced by overwhelming sadness. Rainbow Dash tried her best not to cry, but she snapped and burst into tears. Rainbow Dash no longer cared who heard her sobs. She just wanted it to end. She wanted to feel like a part of the world again and not like she was slipping away from it. After she finished crying, she looked up to find the world looked brighter again. "I think I accepted this at last."

  The Crystal Empire was desolate and lonely. Only Shining Armor, Cadance, and their daughter remained. The Crystals had turned an eerie black color and the Crystal Castle had switched to a faded brown. The Crystal Ponies were slaves. Sombra had not left a single one of them behind. Cadance was angered at Sombra for taking her subjects, but she contained it well.

  Shining Armor lit his horn and shrouded the Crystal Empire in a force field. The force field glowed dimly, a soft red-pink color. Each new day, he would redo the spell on the force field to protect he and his family from outside forces.

  "Is this good?" Shining Armor asked Cadance with a weary smile.

  "Yes," Cadance assured with a nod. "I think it should protect our castle for a few more weeks before we have to move to Canterlot."

  Shining Armor's expression grew concerned. "Should we tell Flurry Heart the news now as well?"

"You're right," Cadance agreed reluctantly. "It's time she knew. I'll call her." She sighed. "Flurry Heart!"

  "Coming, mom!" the reply rang from the other room.

  Flurry Heart rushed into the room with a graceful swoop of her wings. She landed in front of her mother and father with a satisfied smile. "Hi, Mom! Hi, Dad! What did you call me out for?"

  Flurry Heart was now a young mare of fifteen years. She was a graceful flyer, but her magic was a bit out of control. Flurry Heart had used to take lessons with Sunburst and Starlight Glimmer, but ever since they went on the run, her magic had continued to fall in skill. Flurry Heart concealed her magic in fear of hurting someone she loved. Her coat was a beautiful light pink and her mane was a beautiful array of light blue and purple. Even a few pink tints showed faintly in her mane. Her cutie mark was a snowflake covering a picture of the Crystal Heart. It represented her talent for controlling snow and ice, but also knowing quite a few things about the magic of love.

  Shining Armor and Cadance exchanged a worried glance and Shining Armor sucked in a breath. He was the first to speak.

  "Flurry... you've been drafted out to war," Shining Armor told her.

  Flurry Heart's eyes widened in shock. "What?! Mom... I can't fight in the war."

  "At first, we were against it too," Cadance admitted. "But..."

  "We know our daughter," Shining Armor finished.

   "Your smarts with strategy has always protected you in the past," Cadance complimented.

  "And we still trust your abilities now," Shining Armor added.

  "But I've never been in a war before!" Flurry Heart protested.

  "Do you think you'd feel safer with your friends?" Cadance asked.

   Flurry Heart thought for a moment, but nodded.

   "You should ask them to join you," Cadance suggested. "I bet they'd join to help protect you."

  "And with their parents on the Baltimare base, I think they'd feel better if they were in a base of their own," Shining Armor explained.

  "Alright, Dad," Flurry Heart said. "I'll accept my calling to war. I'll go down to get my friends in Ponyville now."

  Flurry Heart turned to leave.

  "Flurry, wait!" Cadance exclaimed.

   Flurry Heart turned back concern growing on her face. Was something wrong?

   "Don't go without a hug!" Cadance pleaded.

   Flurry Heart sighed in relief and grinned. She ran over to her parents and the family had a tender group hug.

   Flurry Heart sighed. "I'm really going to miss you."

  "We'll be waiting for you," Shining Armor promised.

  Flurry Heart smiled and stood. After the group hug broke, she took a deep breath. She opened the door and set off restraining her want to turn back.

  Flurry Heart knocked on the door of Sugarcube Corner. When she had visited Ponyville as a filly, she had eaten at Sugarcube Corner for the first time. While she was there, she met the Cake Twins. They had clicked extremely well and the three had been the best of friends ever since. Flurry Heart's trust in her friends was endless and she hoped that they would accept her request now.

  The door creaked open and a unicorn with a bright yellow coat and a carrot orange mane stood at the door. Her blue eyes lit up with excitement to see her standing there. "Flurry Heart! I didn't think I'd see you here with this war going on!"

   "Hey, Pumpkin Cake?" Flurry Heart said. "Can I talk with you and Pound Cake?"

   "Of course!" Pumpkin Cake exclaimed. "Come on in!"

   Flurry Heart entered the door and the familiar smell of cake filled her nose. The smell enticed her and she wished that she could ask for some of it. However, she knew she couldn't waste much time here. She had to reach the Vanhoover base quickly.

   Flurry Heart heard pounding on the stairs. A pegasus stallion with a brown mane, brown eyes, and a off-white coat was bounding downstairs with excitement. A smile crept across Flurry Heart's face. Pound Cake.

  "Do we finally have customers?!" exclaimed Pound Cake hopefully. His hopes died. "Oh." Although, his spirits picked up quickly. "At least you're here, Flurry Heart."

  Pound Cake joined them at the table.

   Flurry Heart wanted to get the news out quickly, so she began speaking before any other topics could interrupt. "I've been drafted to war."

  "What?!" the Cake Twins exclaimed with alarm.

   "Flurry---" Pumpkin Cake began.

   "I came to ask you to join me," Flurry Heart quickly cut in.

  Pound Cake didn't hesitate. His answer was full of determination. "Whatever it takes to protect my best friend!"

  "Slow down, Pound Cake," Pumpkin Cake said. "Let's think about this."

   "I want to stay by my friend's side!" Pound Cake argued. "Isn't that what friends do? Stay together?"

   "They do, but this could cost us our lives," Pumpkin Cake countered. "If Mom and Dad come back from Baltimare to find out we died, they'll be so devastated."

  "I'll be devastated if we lose Flurry Heart!" Pound Cake spoke up. "You can't possibly be against this!"

  "I will completely understand whatever answer you give me," Flurry Heart told them. "My aunt Twilight is there anyway."

  "I don't know," Pumpkin Cake replied. "I want to fight, but I also have the common sense to think about what might happen in a situation like this."

  "Friends should stick together through every jam," Pound Cake claimed. "I'm going. You can stay, Pumpkin Cake. But nothing you say can change my mind."

  "No," Pumpkin Cake gave in. "I'll come too."

   "Thank you!" Flurry Heart exclaimed. "I'm so lucky to have friends like you!"

   "You're welcome," Pumpkin Cake replied with a nervous smile. "I just hope I don't regret this."

   "It'll all be worth it in the end, Pumpkin Cake," Pound Cake said. "Pinkie Promise."

   "And we can see Pinkie Pie if we go," Pumpkin Cake remembered.

   "Aww, I've missed Pinkie Pie forever!" exclaimed Pound Cake.

    "Me too," Flurry Heart agreed. "She's lots of fun."

   "What are we waiting for?!" Pound Cake asked. "Off to Vanhoover!"

   Flurry Heart smiled and they set off for the Vanhoover base side by side.

   Fluttershy practiced her moves, but she knew she wasn't making much progress. She couldn't even so much as accomplish a thrust attack, although she tried her best. At least, General Whirlpool appreciated her for that.

   Twilight met Fluttershy while she was practicing. "Fluttershy! Guess who Celestia thought could help us in war?"

   "Who?" Fluttershy inquired.

  "Discord!" Twilight announced.

   Fluttershy was delighted by this news. "Oh, really? That's wonderful! I'm sure he'll help us a lot!"

   "I'm still thinking about the situation," Twilight admitted. "We don't even know what to expect. But mostly, I'm excited for him to help too!"

   "I'm so glad you trust him!" Fluttershy said.

   "What can I say?" Twilight replied with a giggle. "He's done so much to prove himself over these years."

   "What do the others think?" Fluttershy asked.

   "They're fine with it," Twilight answered. "Pinkie Pie is actually excited."

   "I am too!" Fluttershy said.

   "Glad to hear that, Fluttershy!" Twilight exclaimed. "Now, we've got to get to dinner. Discord said he would meet us there."

   "Coming!" Fluttershy said eagerly.

   Twilight and Fluttershy entered the dining hall. After piling food onto their trays, they began to look for their friends in the crowd. The chatter was overpowering. It was all they could hear until they heard a familiar voice over the rest.

   "Girls!" Pinkie Pie stood up and waved to them as if she were on the top of a mountain peak. "Over here!"

   Twilight and Fluttershy grinned and joined the rest of their friends at the table.

   "So, any signs of Discord yet?" Rainbow Dash asked.

   "Not yet, but I'm sure he'll be here soon," Twilight answered.

   "I sure hope so!" Pinkie Pie said. "Maybe, Discord can spice up the fun!"

   "Twilight, how has the war been going for you?" Rarity asked.

   "Fighting wise? Mainly good. I've gotten minor wounds, but they healed quickly. What about you? Any news you want to share?"

  Rainbow Dash grinned. It warmed Twilight's heart to see that her old friends were back. "Well, my Wonderbolts team volunteered to come and fight in the war. Spitfire said she'd be coaching the Wonderbolts in fighting and giving them tips. I'm going to join them!"

  "That's wonderful, Rainbow Dash!" Fluttershy told her. "I think being with your team will help you to fight!"

  "So do I," Rainbow Dash said. "I mean, I'm already pretty awesome at fighting, but getting even better is always possible!"

  "Definitely!" Twilight exclaimed stifling her fit of giggles. "That's great, Rainbow Dash! Thank you! Anypony else?"

  "I don't think there's much to share, Twilight," Rarity admitted.

  "Besides telling you how beat up we got recently," Applejack said with a hint of sadness. She frowned. "I think I have a battle scar now."

  Twilight sighed deeply. "We've all gotten hurt from this war. We can only hope that we don't lose each other."

   "I don't want to lose you girls either," Applejack said.

   "Oh gosh," Fluttershy squeaked. "I couldn't bear losing any of you."

   Rainbow Dash groaned miserably. "Did you really have to put that thought in my mind?"

   "As long as we believe we can do this, we won't lose each other," Twilight encouraged them.

   She and her friends shared a group hug which was nice. They hadn't had one for a long time and to feel the comfort of their friendship again was refreshing.

   "Well, isn't this a sweet little friendship fest?"

   "Discord!" Fluttershy exclaimed. "You're here! It's really you!"

   Fluttershy flew over to him and embraced him. Discord was taken aback by the sudden affection, but soon grinned at Fluttershy's hug.

   Fluttershy teared up slightly. "I haven't seen you for two years!"

  "I missed you a lot myself, my dear Fluttershy," Discord admitted. He turned to the others. "Why, hello Twilight! Nice to see you and the others as well."

  Twilight smiled. "Hi, Discord."

  "So, how are you feeling about being away from home for so long?" Applejack inquired.

  "Oh, I don't know," Discord replied. "How do you feel about being away from home, Applejack?"

  "Well..." Applejack began sadly. "There's only one Sweet Apple Acres. I miss it there more than I had ever missed anything."

  "Are you sure about that?" Twilight asked.

  Applejack sighed sorrowfully. "Well, I miss my sister more than Sweet Apple Acres, but---"

  Discord cut in more than a little rudely. "Apple Bloom? What do you mean? Where is she?"

   "Discord, that's enough..." Twilight reprimanded. She was afraid that Discord would make Applejack burst into tears like she did the first day of grieving.

  "It's fine, Discord," Applejack said immediately. "I've accepted what happened. I'm not afraid to talk about it. She was taken away by Sombra along with her friends and... executed."

  Discord's eyes widened with shock. Even though he used to be a former villain himself, he never imagined doing something as cruel as execution. He preferred to spread his evil through chaos and disharmony. Although, Twilight and her friends had managed to convince him to use his chaos for good and not for evil. "Executed?! Why, that's a bit too dark if you ask me! Even for a villain!" Discord exclaimed.

  "That just proves how heartless he is," Twilight said. "He wouldn't spare a foal's life if their mother begged."

  "Don't worry!" Rainbow Dash interjected. "We'll all take Sombra down and justice will be served! Right, girls?"

   Everyone made sounds of agreement, excluding Twilight and Fluttershy.

   "I agree justice should be served, but I believe Equestria's going about it in the wrong way," Twilight spoke.

  "Me too," Fluttershy agreed.

  "Maybe, it would've been easier if we had got to the Crystal Heart to imprison him again instead of start a war," Twilight surmised.

  "That's not enough," Rainbow Dash objected. "He'd just come back again and cause even more destruction."

  "Rainbow's right, Twilight," Applejack claimed. "We need to rid of Sombra once and for all."

  Twilight sighed. "Maybe, you're right."

  "Of course I'm right," Rainbow Dash said with impatience. "Sombra needs to pay for the loss he caused to happen to Equestria! And I'm saying that for all of us."

  "You have a point," Twilight sighed. "I guess we're really out of options, aren't we?"

  "For Equestria?" Rainbow Dash said.

   Mostly everyone agreed, "For Equestria."

   Twilight and Fluttershy reluctantly said it as well. "For Equestria."

  Discord agreed with a grin. "For Equestria."

   "Time's up!" General Whirlpool ordered. "Come back to the practice grounds! Move, move, move!"

   Everyone looked at each other and exchanged a saddened glance.

   "We've got to go," Twilight uttered.

   Everyone stood and followed Twilight to the battlefield.

Chapter 2: Reminiscence

  Altogether, everyone stood on the battlefield. It was two days later and General Whirlpool stood in front of everyone with a stiff expression. His emotions usually showed anger or disappointment, although everyone knew that wasn't the case.

  "Alright, everypony! Attention!" General Whirlpool demanded.

  "Yes, sir!" came the reply.

  "We are going to go over some war techniques!" General Whirlpool explained. "Follow my lead as best as you can!"

  "Are you ready?" Colonel Whirlwind asked.

  "Twilight?" Fluttershy asked. "Where's Rainbow Dash?"

  "Oh! Remember? She's training with the other Wonderbolts now!" Twilight reminded her.

  "Oh yeah!" Pinkie Pie smiled. "I hope she's having better luck than we are learning these moves!"

  "Definitely," Rarity chortled.

  "Show me a thrust attack!" General Whirlpool hollered.

   "Hah!" Everypony thrusted their spears forward in obedience.

   Fluttershy squeaked and fell forwards onto the ground. Her spear fell onto the ground in front of her and was muddied by the damp soil on the field. Her coat and mane were also splashed with a few specks of dirt.

  "Fluttershy, up!" General Whirlpool commanded.

  "Yes, sir!" Fluttershy sputtered with an awkward salute. She stood and attempted to brush herself off, although the dirt in her coat and mane remained.

  "Sir, she isn't going to make it," Colonel Whirlwind said with a shake of his head. "Should we just send her home?"

   Twilight immediately jumped in. "No, no, no, no! My friends aren't going home on my watch! I need them to stay where I know they're safe."

   "Of course, your majesty," General Whirlpool replied with a stammer. "But---"

   "Fluttershy will stay here, alright?" Twilight said firmly.

   "Yes, your highness," General Whirlpool and Colonel Whirlwind said in unison.

   As the two commanding officers continued to train the ponies, Fluttershy cast an uncertain glance at Twilight.

   "Twilight, you didn't have to do that," Fluttershy told her. "I could've gone home."

   "I know, but I want you where I know you're safe," Twilight explained. "I'd rather know you're safe than put you where I don't know if you're protected or not."

   "Like Starlight Glimmer?" Fluttershy asked.

   Twilight sighed and nodded. "Yes. Exactly. Ever since she went on the run with Sunburst, she never replied to a single letter I sent her. I don’t even know if they’re alive."

   Pinkie Pie cut her way into the conversation, even though she didn't mean to. "What if they aren't?!"

   "Then... I don't want to think about that," Twilight fretted.

   "Alright, let's move onto the next technique!" General Whirlpool bellowed. "Everypony, show me a lunge!"

   Flurry Heart, Pumpkin Cake, and Pound Cake watched curiously from behind a wall of bricks. It was likely that the wall was used as a fort during battle.

   Flurry Heart turned to her friends. "So, should we let them know we're here now?"

   "Oh, can we?" Pound Cake begged. "I'm so tired of just watching. Let's get in on the action!"

   Pound Cake began to fly over to get in on the action, but Pumpkin Cake held him back with her magic.

   "Hold on now, Pound Cake!" Pumpkin Cake warned. "We can't just interrupt their practice!"

   "Then, when do we go?" Pound Cake asked impatiently.

   "When it's time for bed, we can meet Twilight and her friends and show them we're here," Pumpkin Cake said.

   "I'm nervous," Flurry Heart sighed. "I’ve never been so far away from my parents before. The farthest I’ve ever been from them is a town away. I mean, when we visited, you always came to the Crystal Empire. When I came to visit you, my parents joined me. I miss home already."

  "Don't be so nervous, Flurry Heart," Pumpkin Cake comforted. "I know it's pretty nerve wracking to be so far from home."

   "Are you kidding? This is awesome!" Pound Cake exclaimed.

   Pumpkin Cake shot Pound Cake a glare. She gritted her teeth. "Not. Helping."

   Pound Cake rolled his caramel brown eyes. Flurry Heart stifled a giggle.

   "Just take a few deep breaths," Pumpkin Cake advised. "It always helps me when I'm nervous to help costumers or bake a new recipe."

   "And you failed miserably at making the new rainbow layered cake for Rainbow Dash's birthday last year," Pound Cake reminded her with a snicker. "Remember that?"

   "Ugh, don't remind me," Pumpkin Cake muttered.

   "Alright, I'm ready," Flurry Heart told them, taking a deep breath.

   "Great work today, soldiers!" rang the voice of General Whirlpool. "Head off to bed! Move out!"

   "Yes, sir!" the ponies said.

   The ponies murmured to each other as they shuffled to their dorms. Their aching bodies were overpowering all the other thoughts in their brain and they knew they wouldn't get another break tomorrow.

   "Whew, I think that's our cue," Pound Cake said with a sigh of relief.

   "Alright, everypony. After me," Pumpkin Cake told them.

   Together, the three friends walked nervously to Twilight and her friend's dorm.

   Flurry Heart drew in a breath and mustered up her courage. She knocked on the door.

   "Come in!" invited the cheerful voice of Twilight.

   Flurry Heart opened the door and the three ponies stepped inside cautiously.

   Twilight gasped in shock. "Flurry Heart?! Pumpkin Cake?! Pound Cake?!" She paused while she looked around frantically. "What are you doing here?"

   "I was drafted, Aunt Twilight!" Flurry Heart admitted.

   "Drafted?" Twilight sputtered. "General Whirlpool and Colonel Whirlwind really should be more mindful of who they choose!"

   "What do you mean?" Flurry Heart questioned.

   "Flurry Heart..." Twilight said. "We can't lose you."

   "But I have no choice," Flurry Heart claimed. "I can't go home now. I came all the way here from the Crystal Empire. My dad is still protecting our castle with a force field. If I tried to go home now, I wouldn't be able to go inside."

   "Well, the Crystal Empire is very desolate and dangerous by now," Twilight replied. "You and your family are the only ones who remain now, right?"

   Flurry Heart nodded. "Just me and my parents."

   "Well, going home doesn't same like an option now," Twilight gave in. "Stay safe here, Flurry Heart. Promise me?"

   "I promise, Aunt Twilight," Flurry Heart assured.

   Flurry Heart and Twilight embraced. Flurry Heart enjoyed it. It had been a long time since she had seen her aunt and felt her warm embrace. It comforted her and made her feel safe and secure.

   "Now, onto the Cake Twins," Twilight said as the hug gradually broke. "Aren't your parents on the Baltimare base?"

   Pumpkin Cake's heart pounded as a million excuses ran through her mind. She struggled to come up with an answer. "Um..."

  "Oh, we weren't drafted, Princess Twilight," Pound Cake told her bluntly. "Pumpkin Cake and I came her by choice to stay by Flurry Heart's side." He puffed up his chest and swelled with pride.

   "Pound Cake!" Pumpkin Cake chided. "What's wrong with you?"

   "What?!" Twilight exclaimed. "If you weren't drafted into this base, I'd say the best option is to go home. Trust me. Your life will be much easier there."

   "But Princess Twilight!" Pound Cake cried. "Flurry Heart is our friend! Friends always stick together!"

   "Of course!" Flurry Heart agreed. "That's what you always taught me, right?"

   Twilight sighed and let a groan escape her mouth. "I guess you’ve got a point. Alright. You’re free to stay. But don’t get hurt. I really don’t want to explain to the Cakes that you died by running off to war without permission."

  "Relax!" Pound Cake exclaimed with confidence. "We got this! It's in the bag! Right, Pumpkin Cake?"

  "I don't know," Pumpkin Cake said. "I sure hope so."

  "Stop!" Pound Cake complained. "You're making us look uncertain in front of Princess Twilight!"

   "Just don't get hurt, okay?" Twilight warned.

   "We won't," Flurry Heart assured. "No worries."

   "Goodnight," Twilight said. "Get some rest for tomorrow. It'll be a busy day."

   "Agreed," Pumpkin Cake replied. "Goodnight, Twilight."

   Flurry Heart, Pumpkin Cake, and Pound Cake left. Twilight gave them a smile as she saw the door shut behind them.

   In the Wonderbolts arena, Spitfire was leading the Wonderbolts team in fighting. Spitfire still came off as bossy and intimidating, but she was nothing compared to General Whirlpool.

   "Attention, Wonderbolts!" Spitfire hollered. "It's time to train for the battle we will be fighting soon! As a Wonderbolt, you must have the strength, speed, agility, precision, and courage to fight!"

   "Yes, ma'am!" the Wonderbolts exclaimed.

   "Alright, here's the drill," Spitfire said. "You will choose a partner who will be your partner in training for the rest of the war. You and your partner will help each other with the techniques and support and protect each other! Understood?

   "Yes, ma'am!" the Wonderbolts repeated.

   "Find your partner! Go!" Spitfire exclaimed. Spitfire blew her whistle and the sound echoed around the walls of the arena.

   The Wonderbolts easily teamed up with each other, except for Rainbow Dash who looked around at her teammates uncertainly. Sure, she knew her team well, but she hadn't grown as close to them as she wanted to. Rainbow Dash looked around a bit more and finally caught sight of Soarin Skies who found this awkward as well. They knew they only had each other. Soarin gathered his courage and trotted over to her.

   "Hey, Rainbow Dash," Soarin greeted.

    Rainbow Dash sighed and slightly turned away. "Hey, Soarin."

   "Hey, I'm sorry for our incidents in the past," Soarin told her sincerely. "I blamed you for tricking Spitfire when it was really Wind Rider and I didn't realize how upset you were during your first week here. Please, can we move past it? You’re the only one left I have for a partner."

   Rainbow Dash saw the sincerity in his eyes and gave in with a small smile. "Well... alright. We can move past it."

   "Great!" Spitfire said. "Wonderbolts, get with your partner! We're going to be doing some fighting with the staffs."

   Spitfire passed out the staffs to each member of the team. Rainbow Dash picked hers up and studied it curiously. Soarin held his readily.

   "Now, staffs are great practice for the war," Spitfire explained. "Once you become experienced with a staff, you’ll be more prepared to fight with a spear. Your partner is now your opponent. Whoever is the standing pony at the end of the fight wins. Ready? Go!" Spitfire blew her whistle.

   Rainbow Dash grinned. "You're going down!" Her competitive spirit would never leave her.

   "In your dreams!" Soarin teased.

   Rainbow Dash and Soarin begun to fight, their staffs clashing against each other like swords. Rainbow Dash's moves were amazingly speedy and agile. Soarin had a hard time keeping up with her. Soarin managed to knock Rainbow Dash back a bit to her surprise.

   "Ha! I'm winning!" Soarin bragged.

   "What do you mean you're winning?!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

   They continued to duel. Right as Soarin made an attack, Rainbow Dash thrust her staff in front of her and Soarin's move was blocked.

   "Nice block!" Soarin complimented with a laugh.

   "Try topping that, Clipper!" Rainbow Dash teased.

   Soarin cringed when he heard his embarrassing nickname, but shrugged it off. Rainbow Dash had an embarrassing reputation as well and he could use it against her. When they had first joined the Wonderbolts team, they had made small mistakes that followed them for the rest of their time. Soarin had clipped his wing on a flagpole and earned himself the nickname "Clipper". Rainbow Dash had accidentally crashed into a trash can and they called her "Rainbow Crash". However, Rainbow Dash had that nickname given to her since fillyhood.

   Soarin decided to tease her with her own nickname. "Just you see what I can do, Crash!"

  While he was distracted by those thoughts, Rainbow Dash had grabbed his staff and hurled him to the ground.

  "Ha! I win!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

   Soarin gave a playful laugh. "Aw, man."

   Spitfire blew her whistle. "Great job today, Wonderbolts! You are dismissed!"

   Rainbow Dash walked down the halls of the Wonderbolts lockers. Soarin caught up to her.

   "Wait! Wait!" Soarin called.

   "Soarin? What are you doing?" Rainbow Dash inquired.

   "That was fun!" Soarin said. "Want to hang out sometime?"

   Rainbow Dash shrugged, nonchalantly. "Sure, I'd love to."

  "Okay, meet me on the practice field tonight," Soarin told her. "I want to show you something!"

   "Okay, see ya there!" Rainbow Dash said.

   Soarin waved and flew away.

   Rainbow Dash turned away and thoughts swirled around in her mind. "Hmm... what could he possibly want to show me?"

   Two of her teammates, Fleetfoot and Misty Fly, strolled by. Spitfire had joined them.

   "Hey, Dash!" Fleetfoot greeted. "You ready to grab some lunch in the dining hall?"

   "All the Wonderbolts are sitting next to each other!" Misty Fly said cheerily.

   "Yeah, I'll definitely sit with you!" Rainbow Dash agreed. "Can my friends join us?"

   "Well... I don't see why not," Spitfire decided.

   "Thank you so much, Captain Spitfire," Rainbow Dash replied.

   Rainbow Dash turned and went to get her friends for lunch.

   Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity sat together in their dorm. They sat in a circle on Twilight's bed.

   "Does anypony want to remember the good old days and play I Spy?" Pinkie Pie asked hopefully.

   "I think we're all better off forgetting them," Applejack sighed.

   Rainbow Dash opened the door and flew into the room. "Hey, it's almost dinnertime... are you girls okay?"

   "Of course we are, Rainbow," Twilight replied. "We just... miss the times we didn't have to worry about this war."

   "Yeah," Rainbow Dash agreed, letting sadness appear in her eyes. "Do you remember the song Twilight used to sing to us?"

   Every one of Twilight's friends nodded. "Yeah!"

   "Oh, I loved when Twilight sang that song," Fluttershy reminisced.

   "I almost forgot about that," Twilight admitted. "We can just take a moment to remember..."

   Twilight and her friends thought back to the times in the throne room where Twilight had sung them a song she had made for them. It told them exactly what she thought. Twilight loved each of her friends for who they were and every time she saw them accomplish something, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of pride. Because of that, Twilight knew they truly felt like family.

   "Don't worry," Twilight assured them, snapping them out of the flashback. "Even now, I don't think anything different. You'll always be shooting stars."

   "Aww..." her friends said.

   Everyone giggled and they gave each other a group hug.

   "Come on, we have to get to dinner now. Don’t want to miss out on the thing Soarin wants to show me later," Rainbow Dash said.

   "Ooh, what does Soarin want to meet you for?" Rarity asked with a hint of excitement. She thought it could be something romantic.

  Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "It's not anything like that. He just wants to show me something."

   "Have fun later, Rainbow Dash!" Pinkie Pie said.

   "I will!" Rainbow Dash assured her.

   After dinner, Rainbow Dash was flying down to the Wonderbolts arena to meet Soarin. Excitement flowed through her as she wondered what might be in store. She hoped Soarin had something fun planned. Rainbow Dash saw the arena and landed. Soarin was already waiting for her.

   "Oh, hi, Rainbow Dash!" Soarin exclaimed. "Just who I wanted to see! Come, follow me!"

   Soarin eagerly took off into the air. Rainbow Dash followed him without hesitation. The sun disappeared behind the horizon and the moon took its place. The stars began to show themselves. The night had begun.

   "What did you want to show me?" Rainbow Dash questioned.

   Soarin panned his hoof across the sky as the wind whipped their manes back. "This is it."

   "The sky?" Rainbow Dash said with confusion. She arched an eyebrow.

   Soarin nodded and began to slow down letting Rainbow Dash soar yards ahead of him. "Slow down a bit, Rainbow Dash."

   "Slow down?" Rainbow Dash said. "Have you even met me?" She came back reluctantly.

  Soarin nodded and chuckled. "Trust me, I know your need for speed, Rainbow Dash. But just slow down for a second. I want to show you this."

   Rainbow Dash sighed and decided to take it slow for once.

   "When you really take your time to see the scenery as you fly, you can really appreciate the night sky’s beauty," Soarin explained. "Luna really needs more ponies who appreciate the night’s beauty."

   Rainbow Dash let the scenery fill her eyes and her eyes widened in awe. The moon gave the sky a beautiful purple glow and the stars twinkled softly. The stars felt comforting and the chirps of crickets filled the air.

   "I never imagined the night could be so... awesome," Rainbow Dash admitted.

   "Beautiful, isn't it?" Soarin said.

   Rainbow Dash nodded eagerly. "Soarin?"

   "Yeah?"

   "Thank you so much, Soarin. You know, it was kinda fun being here tonight. Flying fast and then slowing down to appreciate the sky."

   "Of course," Soarin said. "I hope this makes it up to you."

   Rainbow Dash giggled. "No worries, Soarin. It's all behind us now." A smug smile spread across her face. "Wanna race?"

  Soarin laughed. "You're on!"

   "On your mark, get set, go!" Rainbow Dash said quickly.

   As the two flew as fast as they could once more, Rainbow Dash soared ahead of Soarin with ease.

   "No fair!" Soarin exclaimed, huffing and puffing. "You got a head start!"

   Rainbow Dash laughed triumphantly as she saw Soarin quickly falling behind. Rainbow Dash won the race by almost a mile.

   "I won!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

   Soarin rolled his eyes with a teasing smile. "Yeah, yeah. You win. Great job."

   "Aw, don't be so upset," Rainbow Dash laughed with pride. "Wanna know something?"

   Soarin nodded. "Yeah."

  Rainbow Dash's expression grew solemn. "The only reason I achieved being a Wonderbolt and caught my dreams and won this race with you is..." There was a long dramatic pause. "I'm awesome!" she finished with a teasing smile.

   "Oh, wow!" Soarin exclaimed. "That was melodramatic, don't you think?"

   "Me? Dramatic?" Rainbow Dash asked. "You should hang out with Rarity sometime!"

   Soarin and Rainbow Dash laughed.

   "Well... we should get some rest," Rainbow Dash suggested. "Even though there's no battle tomorrow, I think Spitfire will work us at practice."

   "See ya later, Crash," Soarin said teasingly. "Goodnight."

   "Goodnight, Clipper," Rainbow Dash smirked.

   Soarin and Rainbow Dash waved to each other and went to their dorms.

   Discord lightly knocked on the door. "Fluttershy? Can I come in?"

   "Of course, Discord!" Fluttershy answered.

   Discord opened the door. "Hello, Fluttershy. I need to ask something very important of you."

   "What is it, Discord?" Fluttershy asked.

   "Twilight said we have to plan strategies to win this war," Discord told her with a roll of his eyes. "I think we're doing fine, don't you?"

   "Well... yes," Fluttershy admitted. "But what does Twilight mean by that?"

   "She means we're going to plan strategies," Discord repeated. He groaned. "She's so boring."

   "So, what was the question you needed to ask?" Fluttershy asked.

   "Oh, yes!" Discord remembered. "Fluttershy, I was wondering if you could help me out in planning the strategy."

   "Of course!" Fluttershy exclaimed with delight. "When do you want to meet?"

   "Let's meet tomorrow!" Discord said. "Meet me out on the practice field, alright?"

   Fluttershy nodded. "Alright, see you there, Discord!"

   Discord snapped his fingers and in a flash of light, he vanished. Fluttershy smiled as Rarity entered the room. A blush began to creep up Fluttershy's cheeks and warm her muzzle.

   "Fluttershy, dear?" Rarity said. "You look red, darling. Is it hot in here for you? I can ask General Whirlpool to turn the heat down."

   "Oh, I'm fine, Rarity!" Fluttershy claimed with embarrassment.

   "Are you alright?" Rarity questioned with a raised eyebrow.

   "Um... why wouldn't I be?" Fluttershy replied. "I'm fine."

   Rarity got what was bothering her and then smirked. "Oh, I see. You have a crush on somepony, don't you? You must---"

  "What?!" Fluttershy exclaimed. "No! No, I don't!"

  Rarity felt excitement bubble up inside of her. "Oh, this is so---!"

   Fluttershy immediately cut her off. "End of discussion!"

  Rarity pouted. "Fine." She smiled once more. "Later then."

  Rarity sat down on the bed. "Did you hear what Twilight said about coming up with strategies?"

  "Discord just told me about it," Fluttershy replied. "He said he wanted to meet me on the battlefield to come up with a strategy together."

  Rarity tried to get an answer from Fluttershy once again. "For any particular reason?"

  Fluttershy felt herself blush once more and shook her head. "N-no."

  "Alright," Rarity said giving in. "Well, good luck coming up on a strategy. Twilight asked us all to help her, so anything you and Discord come up with, make sure to tell Twilight! Alright?"

  "Got it!" Fluttershy said.

  "We must be ready for the next battle!" Rarity told her. "We just can't lose each other, Fluttershy."

   "Oh, goodness," Fluttershy worried. "I hope I'll be ready."

  "Don't worry," Rarity reassured her. "I'm sure we'll all be ready."

   "I'll try my best!" Fluttershy said with determination.

  Fluttershy drew in a breath and released it. She knew she had to come up with a strategy... before it was too late.

Chapter 3: Chaos In Romance

   Twilight and her friends were discussing the strategies they had planned for the war. Discord was among them and he was helping to add his own crazy ideas into the mix.

   "Alright, what plans do we have so far?" Twilight inquired.

   "Fluttershy and I have a few ideas," Discord claimed.

   "Thank you!" Twilight breathed. "Can you share them with us?"

   "Fluttershy?" Discord said turning to her with a grin.

   Fluttershy cleared her throat and pushed her nervousness to the back of her mind. "Well, Discord and I are thinking that we can surprise Sombra by three of us distracting him over here and the others hiding behind the fort wall over there. At the right moment, the others can spring up and surprise him."

   Twilight nodded. "Nice and simple, but I don't think it's enough..."

   Discord was agitated. "How can it not be enough? I think that's all we need. This strategy plan was..." He looked for the right word. "Silly, anyway!"

   Twilight's gaze bore into him. "Coming up with strategies to win a war is more important than you think."

   "Tch, since when?" Discord scoffed.

   "Since a long time, Discord!" Twilight exploded. "Now, stop being difficult for once and listen!"

   Discord gawked in surprise, but closed his mouth and scowled. "Oh, fine."

   "Um, Twilight?" Fluttershy asked. "What do you think we need to add?"

   "I'm sure we can come up with something!" Twilight said, sounding more hopeful than confident. "It just feels... incomplete somehow."

   "I completely get that feeling," Fluttershy assured.

   "Let's meet again another time," Twilight finished. "For now, I think we need to get to practice."

   Most agreed with her and left at once. However, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Discord stuck around for awhile.

   Fluttershy began to blush furiously as she looked up at Discord. "D-D-Discord?"

   "Fluttershy?" Discord worried. "You look like you're burning up! Are you feeling alright?"

   Pinkie Pie giggled to herself. She always knew that Discord had showed the most concern for Fluttershy. He tried to show concern to the others and she knew he cared... in his own way, but it was blatantly obvious he showed it most to Fluttershy.

   "Oh, I'm alright," Fluttershy claimed. "I just tend to get that way when something in the room is... hot, you know?"

   At once, Fluttershy regretted her words and slapped her own hoof over her mouth. Pinkie Pie burst into hysterical laughter.

   If it was possible for Fluttershy to blush even more, she was doing it. "What?! What's so funny?!"

   "That was a good one, Fluttershy!" Pinkie Pie giggled. "Because you think Discord is---"

   "Pinkie! Shush!" Fluttershy cried.

   Pinkie Pie sighed. "Alright. Fine." A smile spread across her lips. "For now."

   Pinkie Pie wasn't sure, but she could've sworn she saw Discord return a blush for only a moment.

   "Alright," Discord said. "Well, I've got to ask Twilight something. Catch you later, Fluttershy."

   Discord snapped his claw and teleported away.

   "Hmm... I wonder..." Pinkie Pie said suspiciously.

   "What? What do you wonder?" Fluttershy questioned.

  In a flash of light, Discord appeared in the dorm where Twilight and her friends were. Twilight was the only one there and she jumped startled.

   "Eek!" Twilight yelped. She sighed. "Discord, warn me if you're going to teleport into my room."

   Discord scoffed which he seemed to be doing a lot lately. "With what? A note that says, 'Hey I'm gonna teleport now. Just letting ya know'? Well, I think that's a waste of my precious time."

   "What do you need, Discord?" Twilight inquired.

   "I just wanted to ask you when we have to meet for more strategy planning," Discord replied. "I'm getting pretty bored of it."

   "Tomorrow, Discord," Twilight answered. "Better get to practicing."

   "Agh!!" Discord yelled. "Fine!!"

   Discord snapped his claw and teleported into his own room. He was alone since no other stallions bothered to share a room with him.

   "Hmm... I've never had any side effects from teleporting before," Discord said with confusion. "Wonder what that fluttery feeling in my stomach is."

   "Fluttershy, how are you feeling around Discord lately?" Pinkie Pie wondered.

   "I don't know," Fluttershy answered. "Very... excited, maybe? That would explain the fluttery feelings I get around him." She paused. "One question, though."

  "What question?"

   "Well... more than one question."

  "Well, I can try to answer them," Pinkie Pie offered. "Shouldn't you be going to Twilight for this?"

   "She seems busy," Fluttershy replied.

   "Well, I can listen to your concerns," Pinkie Pie assured. "I'm here for you, Fluttershy! What are the questions?"

   Fluttershy's head brimmed with questions and they spilled out of her like a breaking dam. She wondered why she felt shier than she normally did, why her heart pounded when she didn't practice on the field, why she lied awake at night and couldn't fall asleep, and why she felt strange to her stomach. She wondered what the feelings she felt when Discord was around were.

   Pinkie Pie grinned all the while Fluttershy asked these questions. "Someone has a crush!" Pinkie Pie sang.

   Fluttershy felt the blush on her face intensify. "What?"

   "Please, Fluttershy!" Pinkie Pie said. "With all those questions, it's so obvious!"

   "Fine," Fluttershy admitted. "I have a crush on him."

   "Aww, on Discord?!" Pinkie Pie cooed. "That's so cute!"

   "But don't tell anypony!" Fluttershy begged desperately. "Please!"

  "Why not?" Pinkie Pie asked, thrusting her lips forward in a pout.

  "If you tell our friends, they might tell Discord!" Fluttershy worried. "Wh-what... what if he doesn't love me back?"

  "With the looks he gives you?" Pinkie Pie said. "Fluttershy, don't worry! There's no way he doesn't love you back!"

   Fluttershy smiled. "Maybe you're right, Pinkie."

  "Of course I am!" Pinkie Pie chortled. "Come on, let's go!"

   "Are you going to help me get Discord?" Fluttershy asked.

   Pinkie Pie thought back to the past of their friendship. Fluttershy hadn't exactly been the daring type. She backed out of many simple things that were a lot smaller than confessing to someone you love them. If Fluttershy couldn't do those things, then Pinkie Pie knew there was no way she would step up to this. But she had another idea in mind.

   "I'm gonna help Discord get you!" Pinkie Pie replied.

   Pinkie Pie grinned to herself. There was no way this could go wrong now.

   Discord was in his room. He was adding checkerboard floor tiles and making things float around the room. It looked much better in his opinion.

   Amidst the chaos, Discord heard a knock on his door. He sighed and snapped his fingers teleporting the knocker into the room.

   Pinkie Pie stood in front of him dizzily. "Okay, I was not expecting that." She shook her head. "But that was fun! Thanks for the ride, Discord!"

   "Of course," Discord said. "What brings you here?"

   "You like Fluttershy, right?" Pinkie Pie asked, playfully raising an eyebrow.

   Discord tried to hide a blush as his eyes widened with shock. "Wh-what?"

   "Please, Discord," Pinkie Pie said. "It's so obvious."

   "Pinkie Pie!" Discord cried. "How did you know?!"

   Pinkie Pie grinned and knew that she had tricked him. "Bingo."

   Discord scowled. "Why, you---!"

  "Well, that is what I came here for!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "I'm going to help you win Fluttershy's love! By the end of this week, you'll be a happy couple!"

  "Really? You'll make us a couple?" Discord asked giddily. He immediately forced himself to stop with a clear of his throat.

  "Duh!" Pinkie Pie piped. "With Pinkie Pie the matchmaker, what can go wrong?"

   "Want me to make you a list?" Discord asked with a smirk.

  "Oh, don't be so nervous!" Pinkie Pie encouraged him. "Let's get started!"

  Discord teleported himself and Pinkie Pie out on to the practice field. He then looked around unsure. "Er... what do I do?"

  "Discord, if you really like Fluttershy, give her a compliment!" Pinkie Pie told him. "Say she looks great today or something!"

  Discord still didn't budge, so Pinkie Pie shoved him out onto the field. Discord found Fluttershy immediately. Fluttershy waved at him and nervously played with her carnation pink mane. Discord laughed and rubbed the area behind his head nervously.

   "Hi, Discord," Fluttershy greeted. "How are you?"

  "Uh... you look... yellow," Discord attempted.

  Fluttershy was confused. "Um... thank you. And you look... brown?"

  Pinkie Pie slapped her forehead and shook her head with a groan.

   "What?!" Discord asked. He genuinely didn't know what he did wrong.

   "That's not what I meant!" Pinkie Pie mumbled to him softly.

   "Well, what did you mean then?" Discord inquired.

  "What's going on?" Fluttershy questioned. She was still confused by all of this.

   "Uh... nothing," Discord claimed. "Pinkie Pie and I were just... talking about... compliments."

   "Why?" Fluttershy wondered.

   Pinkie Pie played along. "Well... uh... Discord and I need practice giving compliments to each other because we never do, so I figured we need to do it more often!"

  Hearing that made Fluttershy disheartened. "So, I was just practice?" she choked.

  "No! No!" Discord exclaimed. "I meant what I said!"

  "Yeah," Fluttershy said, only half-relieved. "It's... um... really flattering to be called yellow."

  "Exactly!" Discord exclaimed.

   "Well... I've got to go," Fluttershy said.

   "Wait, don't go!" Discord begged.

   Fluttershy's spirits rose immensely. She turned around hopefully. "Yes?"

   Discord tried again, but failed miserably. "Uh... I think you look like... a pegasus?"

   Fluttershy's spirits plummeted once more. "Thanks," she said dryly.

   "Yup!" Discord said.

   Fluttershy left in a hurry as if looking for a place to clear her mind through what just happened.

  Pinkie Pie shot Discord a glare. "Discord, you've got to be kidding me."

  "As much as I like to be kidding, I'm afraid not," Discord replied with a smug smile.

  "Discord!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "She didn't understand a thing you said to her!"

   "Well, it's kind of hard to understand when a draconequus tries to compliment you," Discord admitted.

   "Yeah, no kidding," Pinkie Pie said launching into a brainstorm. "Hmm..." Idea danced in her eyes. "Discord, meet me tomorrow! You'll practice complimenting me, so you're ready for Fluttershy!"

   Discord smiled genuinely. "Thank you, Pinkie Pie. You truly are a great friend."

   "Always here to help!" Pinkie Pie assured. "We better get back to practice!"

  Twilight was once more writing in her journal, her quill scrawling words across the page. The words flowed out of Twilight as easily as a river. She wrote:

It’s going pretty good right now. We’re not losing as much ponies as we were at the start. However, now that my niece and her two friends are fighting in the war, I’ve been getting nervous for them. I haven’t been able to sleep well lately and things have been slipping my mind.

Since they came into the war, I’ve been thinking a lot about my friends lately. I’m afraid to lose them. We’ve made so many memories together and helped each other through hardships. We’ve learned so much over the years. I promise as long as this war goes, as long as Sombra still lives, I will never stop fighting for you, my friends.

   Twilight slowly closed her journal with a relieved sigh. It really helped her to release her thoughts.

   She was once more startled by a flash of light and Discord standing in its place. "Next time, I'd appreciate it if you knocked."

   "Sorry, but knocking isn't in my nature," Discord replied with a nonchalant shrug.

   "What is it, Discord?" asked Twilight with annoyance.

  "We're making war strategies tomorrow, correct?" Discord inquired dully.

   "Yes."

  "I was wondering how much more of these... strategies we need."

   Twilight sighed. "Discord, I get you get bored of planning, but they're useful for staying alive. We don't know how much time we have."

  "We'll be fine, Twilight!" Discord was confident. "With my chaos magic, I'll be unstoppable out there!"

   "Chaos isn't the remedy for darkness, Discord," Twilight chided. "You have to understand that chaos does not solve this problem."

   Discord frowned. "Chaos can be a solution," he muttered.

  Twilight sighed. "Goodnight, Discord."

   Discord returned the sigh and teleported out of Twilight's room. Twilight pulled out her strategy to work on the plan. Her quill quietly tapped against the paper as she wrote.

   Discord knew Fluttershy should be on the practice field any moment. It was time for them to discuss their strategy. He was lying on a cotton candy cloud and knitting a scarf while he waited. However, his definition of knitting a scarf was undoing the fabric until that was all that remained. A grin crept across his face as he spotted a certain yellow pegasus rushing awkwardly towards him.

   "Sorry I'm late!" Fluttershy exclaimed. "I tried to come when you called me, but it was a bit complicated!"

   Discord chortled lightly. "No worries, Fluttershy. Even I have those days."

  "Okay, thanks for understanding, Discord," Fluttershy breathed with relief. "What did you need me for?"

  Discord rolled his eyes. "Twilight insisted that we discuss methods for fighting in the war. I think we have enough plans already, don't you think?"

   Fluttershy giggled with agreement. "Most likely."

  Discord cleared his throat, nodded, and fell silent. He lightly blushed. He no longer knew what to say to her. Her beauty captivated him and he felt like speaking was the hardest thing in the world.

   Fluttershy returned the blush with a smile. "So... uh... what do you think we should do?"

   "I don't know," Discord replied hesitantly. "Honestly, I never started any wars when I was evil. I just..." He sounded full of painful, agonizing regret. "Took over for a very long time."

   "Are you okay?" Fluttershy asked.

   Discord came out with a truth he'd never thought about telling anyone. "Sometimes... I still think Twilight and the others don't... completely trust me. I'll never be fully forgiven for my wrongs. What do I have to do to earn it?"

   "Do you really think I've changed?" Discord wondered hopefully.

   "I think you've changed, Discord," Fluttershy reassured him. "In fact, I know you've changed. Ever since proving your loyalty after the Tirek incident, I’ve had full trust in you. I still do. If you ever feel like you need somepony to talk to, I’m right here."

   "Thank you, Fluttershy," Discord said softly. "That means a lot."

   "Now, let's discuss those war plans," Fluttershy finished with a smile. "Maybe, we should fight next to each other."

   "I think I'd like that," Discord told her.

   After discussing their plans, Fluttershy had left Discord alone on the practice field. Discord stayed on the field. He was waiting for someone else to join him on the field. He saw her bouncing eagerly towards him.

   "Are you and Fluttershy done discussing your plans?" Pinkie Pie inquired.

   "Yes," Discord replied. "Now, you're here to help me practice complimenting?"

   Pinkie Pie nodded eagerly. "I even put on some blush for the blushing effect. You'll be even more ready for Fluttershy after we're done!"

   Discord took a deep breath. He had to think of a compliment for Pinkie Pie. He stared Pinkie Pie up and down from her outrageously curly mane to her cotton candy blue eyes.

   "Pinkie Pie, I love your eyes!" Discord complimented. "They remind me of shining sapphires in the Crystal Caves!"

   "Aww, Discord. You're too kind!" Pinkie Pie squealed.

   Pinkie Pie's remark had made Discord feel more confident. He decided to take it up a notch.

   "Speaking of kind, did I mention you're one of a kind?" Discord asked. "There's no one as fun and sweet as you are!"

   "Discord, you're really good!" Pinkie commented. "Just do it around Fluttershy and you'll be set!"

   Fluttershy took a stroll through the practice field. It comforted her and took her mind off of what was happening. When she looked over to her side, she saw an alarming sight. Discord appeared to be flirting with Pinkie Pie.

    "The party only really starts when you come!" Discord continued.

   Pinkie Pie stifled a fit of giggles. "Discord, you're actually really sweet! I can't believe I didn't see this side of you!"

   Discord frowned a bit. "Do you think I'm ready, Pinkie Pie?

   "When you get that date, I'll be so excited!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

   "Me too!" Discord claimed.

   "Woohoo! Let's go!"

   Discord and Pinkie Pie turned to see a saddened Fluttershy standing in front of them.

   "Oh," Discord whispered nervously. "Hi, Fluttershy."

   Fluttershy let out a squeak and rushed away. Discord and Pinkie Pie were alarmed.

   "Should we go after her?" Discord wondered.

   Pinkie Pie nodded. Discord held out his arms and invited Pinkie Pie into them.

   "Just climb in my arms," Discord explained. "It'll be faster that way."

   Pinkie Pie, after a moment of hesitation, climbed into the arms of the draconequus. Discord snapped his fingers and teleported.

   Appearing in front of Fluttershy, Discord jumped at his chance to apologize. However, he realized how awkward it looked with Pinkie Pie cradled in his arms. Pinkie Pie and Discord looked at each other with an awkward stare. Pinkie Pie quickly scrambled to get out of Discord's hold. Fluttershy looked terribly dismayed.

   "It's not what you think!" Pinkie Pie tried to assure.

   "Fluttershy!" Discord cried.

   Fluttershy glared and tears blurred her vision. "Go hold her in your arms and sweet talk to her somewhere else."

   "Fluttershy!" Discord pleaded. "You're just misunderstanding! I don't like her!"

   "Hey!" Pinkie Pie whimpered.

   Discord realized how that sounded. "Well, I do like her, but as a friend. Oh, you know what I mean! Fluttershy---"

   "It definitely looked like you liked her as a friend," Fluttershy said, her voice coated with hurt sarcasm. "Sweet talking to her, asking her on a date..."

   Discord was genuinely confused. "Asking Pinkie on a date? Who put that idea in your head?"

   "Forget it, Discord!" Fluttershy wailed. "Just leave me alone!"

   Discord was filled with shock as Fluttershy sprinted away. The way Fluttershy had spoken to him was unlike her. Fluttershy would never raise her voice to that point, much less say those words to him. Pinkie Pie knew what Fluttershy had seen must've really crushed her.

   Discord sighed and rubbed his head in despair. Pinkie Pie jumped to comfort him at once.

   "Oh, Discord," Pinkie Pie said. "I'm sure it'll be cleared up soon."

   Discord knew a painful truth. "Forget it, Pinkie Pie. I don't deserve her."

   "Don't talk like that!" Pinkie Pie told him. "Of course you do!"

   "But Fluttershy is beautiful, sweet, kind, she's everything I want," Discord replied. "But me? I'm just the draconequus who tried to conquer Equestria. How could she ever want..." He looked at himself and his spirits dropped lower. "This?"

   "Discord, she loves you!" Pinkie Pie told him. "Why would she run off crying if she didn't?"

   "You're right, Pinkie," Discord realized. "Maybe I can win Fluttershy's heart if I just try again."

   Pinkie Pie gave him a playful nudge. "I like your confidence, Discord! Come on!"

   Twilight and her friends all sat together in their dorm. It was nice when they could find the time before bed to have little chats. Conversing as friends was a chance they rarely got anymore, so they made the most of every chat they got together. However, Fluttershy didn't seem quite like herself.

   "I'm glad it was such a success for all of you today!" Twilight congratulated. "It's going great with the Wonderbolts, right Dash?"

   "Yeah!" Rainbow Dash piped. "I love fighting with my team!"

   "Fluttershy. Forgive me, darling. It's just that... you haven't spoken a world all evening," Rarity observed. "Is something on your mind?"

   "I'm fine," Fluttershy replied sadly. "I'd just prefer to be left alone right now."

   The rejection Fluttershy felt was painful. Pinkie Pie knew the feeling of rejection Fluttershy had shouldn't even be there, but she couldn't bring herself to say anything. The feeling dragged Fluttershy down a pit of despair. She felt like she was drowning, but it would take days to finally drag her to the bottom of the pond. Fluttershy didn't feel like she could say anything that reflected her true self.

   "Hey, you okay, Fluttershy?" Rainbow Dash asked. "You sound really upset."

   "Can't you girls see all I want right now is to be left alone?" Fluttershy shot back with a firm voice.

   "Fluttershy. You'd never use a tone like that," Twilight stated. "Tell us what's wrong. Please."

   Fluttershy's heart pounded. Right now, it hurt more than anything. Out of all the bad emotions she had felt before, rejection was definitely the worst. "The only thing that's wrong is that you're not leaving me... alone!"

   Fluttershy looked across the array of her friends. Their faces displayed shock. Fluttershy immediately regretted her actions, but she felt too choked up to say anything in apology.

   "Fine," Twilight said. "We'll leave you alone." Twilight sighed sadly and used the most assuring tone she could find. "Come talk to us when you've sorted it out."

   Fluttershy immediately left the dorm feeling even worse now. She couldn't bring herself to face anyone. Discord had hurt her and she believed that she had hurt her friends too. Twilight came out to chase after her. The two friends stared at each other for a long moment. The silence between them wasn't painful, but it didn't feel the same. Twilight sighed and gave in. She looked at Fluttershy one last time before closing the door with sadness in her eyes.

   Fluttershy tread across the empty base. The stars shined from above and the moon gave a soft, dim glow as if to sympathize with her feelings. She had never felt so alone before. She looked up as she heard a gentle roll of thunder. Clouds crowded together and a drizzle of rain began to fall from the sky. Fluttershy didn't feel scared. Instead, she embraced the rain and thanked it for numbing the pain a little.

   Rain seeped into her coat and mane as she looked across the lonely base. Everyone was sleeping now, except for her. Fluttershy knew she was the only one awake now. All she had for comfort was the moon and stars.

   Fluttershy thought of Discord. What would it be like if they were together at last? She imagined that Discord would be holding her in his arms and comforting her. Discord's exterior turned many ponies away, but Fluttershy was drawn to him. She wasn't attracted to Discord for his looks, but for the way he acted towards her. He made her laugh when she was feeling down and complimented her when she didn't feel good about herself. But she knew it would never come to be now. She learned quickly that her romanticizing was pretend and that it was all a distant dream now. She loved him... but only on her own.