Amil's origin

19 years later

In the dim lit training grounds of the royal guard, the moonlight showed fierce battling going on. Bat ponies filled the ground, sparring with their counterparts. Many even matches, while fierce, none were too serious, except for one. A dark gray bat pony with a purple mane ferociously attacked a younger bat pony mare, who was countering most of his blows. She kept blocking, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Then she found the opening. The male swung his hoof right over her head, leaving his torso wide open for a great blow. She angled her body to deliver a hard punch to his side. Smelling victory, she cracked a smirk. Though it was short lived.

Before she could land the hit, she felt something swing her pivot hoof from the ground, causing her to fall to the ground hard. She let out a gasp as her body hit the cold, hard ground. She looked up to see a hoof and a head above her, the moon shining on the back of his head. She let out a little growl as he spoke.

“You should stop falling for that, Amil.” He explained as he helped her from the ground.

“One of these times I'll get you, Fengari.” Amil responded with confidence. This sparked a small chuckle from the slightly larger bat pony.

“Heh, one day.” He looked up to the moon and sighed, “I'd say we call it a night. The moon is set to lower any minute now.”

“Of course.. it seems like the night gets shorter everyday now..” Amil complained.

“That's what happens when we approach the summer solstice. That tyrannical Celestia..” Fengari shook his head and started toward the stage at the front of the training grounds. “Amil?”

“Yes sir?”

“Meet me at the north edge of the forest, ok?” Amil was a bit taken back by his request. Usually captains don't ask their squad mates to meet with them outside of training and missions. However, she did feel a bit of a closer connection to her new captain than her previous captains.

“Yes sir.” She replied, receiving a smile from the captain. Fengari then flew to the stage and faced the crowd of sparring lunar guards.

“Squadron ten hut!” He yelled, echoing across the field. As soon as he did, all of the sparring stopped and every lunar guard stood at attention facing him. He looked over the guards with a sense of power and control. Standing tall, he continued, “the moon sets soon. Squad leaders take control of your squadrons and carry out the orders of the night! Control hut!”

Twenty minutes later, Amil set her helmet in her locker and sighed. She shut the door of the locker then heard a familiar voice come from the end of the hall.

“You looked good out there today, Amil.” She turned to see her mother in full armor, looking at the young pony.

“Oh, t-thank you, mother.” She replied, walking over to the general.

“You and Captain Fengari seem to be forming a tight bond. You two work well together.” Moon Glider said, approaching the young bat pony guard. “I want you to be careful, Amil.”

Amil looked up at her mother, “what do you mean?”

“Amil, you are 19 years old, you're an up and coming soldier of the Lunar army. Do not let something like a personal engagement get in the way.” The mother stated.

Was she talking about the meeting she was going to have with Fengari? How did she know about it? Why was she so concerned?

“Mom, he's just my captain, nothing more. I merely look up to him and want to learn everything I can from him.” She defended herself.

“Dear, I've seen the way you look at him. I've been around the military long enough to know what a pony seeing their captain they look up to looks like, and that is not what I see when you look at Fengari. Honey, I just want you to be successful and not make any mistakes that-”

“I can take care of myself, mother.” Amil spat, getting a look of shock from her mother. She realized what she did and softened her tone. “I'm sorry, it's just.. I'm an adult now and I can take care of myself.”

Moon Glider stood firm, but looked at her only child with care, “I know, dear. It's just a mother's instinct to want to make sure her daughter loves the way she deserves to.” She turned to the exit and walked away. “Get some rest soon, dear. The big training exercise is tomorrow night.”

“I will mother.” Amil replied.

“Good day, love.” The general said as she departed from the locker room.

“Good day, mother.”