MLP: Harmony Fallen

Twilight sits at her mother’s makeup table, humming a tune as she brushes her mane. Her element glowing to the beat of her melody.

Twilight Velvet watches her from her bedroom’s doorway. She smiles at her daughter’s antics. Old memories surface causing warm feelings to wash over her. She closes her eyes, picturing her baby filly back at home, five years old, with no element, getting into her makeup table, her face covered in lipstick. ‘She was such a mess…’ She opens her eyes and stares at Twilight’s element, eyeing its ten-pointed-star shape.

Her pleasant mood fades as she keeps staring at the crystal. She had gotten a good look at it the other night when they sat around the dining table. Twilight even showed her the magic the element possessed. Seeing the element flicker, her thoughts fade with a sigh. ‘Why did you choose her?’ It blinks. ‘Of course, it can’t speak to me…’

“How do I look?” Twilight asks, playing with her mane.

Twilight Velvet turns her attention to her daughter. “You look beautiful sweetie.” She hums. “Excited to see your brother and friends today?”

“Very!” Twilight giggles. “I’m glad you didn’t tell him last night when he called.”

Her mother giggles. “Your father wanted to tell him so badly.” She sighs and looks at her element. “I know he’s seen your, um, element before, when he would sneak in to see you when he was still stationed in Canterlot.” She smirks at her daughter. Twilight blushes. “He said it was unique for sure…” Her expression goes flat again. “It’s just looks a little odd... In person you know. I’ve seen the statues and pictures, but…”

“Mother?”

“Yes?”

Twilight places a hoof on her element. “I know you’re not comfortable that I’m an element bearer...”

“No!” Twilight Velvet shakes her head. “I’m very proud that you’re an element bearer. It’s the highest honor a pony can hold in Equestria! And, I… Uh…” Her mouth hangs agape.

“And?” Twilight tilts her head.

“And… Oh…” Twilight Velvet hangs her head. “I wish you could live at home while you become Equestria’s mightiest warrior…” Tears well up, clouding her vision. “I still can’t picture my baby as a soldier!” She holds a hoof to her mouth. “Both my children are soldiers…”

Twilight’s ears fold back. “Mom…” She walks up to her mother and gives her a hug. “I will always be your little filly.” She hums, rubbing her cheeks against her mother chest.

Twilight Velvet returns the hug. “I know…” Twilight groans out an annoyed sigh. “What’s wrong?” Her mother asks, worry coating her voice.

“Oh… nothing, it’s just my element said something snarky!” Twilight frowns at her element.

“Really?” Her mother tilts her head. “What did it say?”

“It said, ‘now I know where you get your worrying from.’.” Her mother giggles. “Hey! You’re suppose to be on my side!” Twilight points a hoof at her mother.

“Its not wrong.” Her mother teases. “I remember when you participated in your school's science fair back in second grade…” Twilight blushes and rolls her eyes as she quickly heads for her room. “You stayed up all night working on… What was it…”

“Magnets! MOM!” Twilight groans as she walks up to her bed and picks up her saddle bag.

“Oh yes, you thought that they would fly away if you didn’t keep an eye on them.” Twilight Velvet laughs. “You were so tired…”

Twilight blushes even more as she hears her element laughing in her head. Eyeing the clock on the wall, she sees its 10:03 a.m. “Oh I need to go!” She rushes for the door. Hearing her mother cough however, forces her to stop and look back at her with a sheepish grin. “Oh yeah, I forgot…” She gives her mother a hug. “Bye mom!”

“Enjoy yourself, but don’t be to late.” Her mother gives her a smirk. “You’re still a young mare so I’m still giving you a curfew.”

“I’m fifteen, mom!” Twilight groans.

“Doesn’t matter.” Her mother laughs. “Now go before you burn daylight.”

“Fine…” Twilight moans as she opens the door. “?!” Before her stand two elite royal guards, wearing their formal uniform, consisting of a red beret, white dress shirt and black dress coat. An emblem of a pony’s skull holding a dagger in its jaws, wearing a dark-red beret on top of its head is embroidered on the right-side chest of their black dress coats. “Um… Hello elites…” She studies their stone-cold appearance. “What are you doing here?” Her ears lay flat against her head. It meant business when elites are called in. “What’s wrong?”

“By order of Prince Terren, we are to accompany you at all times while you are away from your place of residence!” The guard to her right speaks.

“Accompany me?” Twilight ponders.

“Twilight, who’s at the door? Oh!” Twilight Velvets eyes the guards. “Why are they here?”

“Prince Terren ordered them to accompany me…” She frowns. “What for?”

“If you think Terren is doing this to baby you element bearer, you’re mistaken!” The guard to her left huffs.

Twilight drops her scowl, just a little. “What’s the reason then?”

“There was an incident at the castle involving Celestia.” The guard on her right states.

Twilight goes pale at the mention of the Princess. “What happened?” Her mother places a hoof on her shoulder.

“None of your concern.” The guard on her right huffs.

“None my concern? I’m the bearer of the element of Magic, it is my concern!” Twilight shouts. Her element glows bright as a reaction to her tone.

“By order of Celestia herself, it is none of your concern!” The guard holds out a hoof to silence Twilight. “She wishes not to tell you the details of her indecent. She doesn’t want to cut your trip short.” The guard gives a sigh. “Even though I disagree with her decision, orders are orders, bearer.” The guard raise his brow. “You should know that by now.”

Twilight looks down at her hooves. “If she was hoping I or the others would just forget about this news, she’s mistaken.” She looks at the guards once more, her expression showing a hint of frustration.

“I understand bearer, but do it for her sake.” The guard on her left sighs. “She was very adamant that she will be able to take care of this matter herself.” The guard smirks. “They’ll be plenty of times for you to be a heroine.” The guard laughs.

Twilight huffs at the guard’s statements. “Fine… But I will write a letter to her about this.” She picks up her saddlebag. “Love you mom… I’ll be back by…”

“Ten. I know sweetie.” Her mother hums. “You just enjoy your time with your friends and brother. It seems like what ever happened to our princess, its nothing her and her siblings can’t handle.”

Feeling her element warm her chest, Twilight smiles and nods before heading down the hall. The guards bow for her mother before following after her. Her mother watches them head down the stairs to the lobby. With her daughter gone, she sighs and closes the door.

Heading down the steps of her apartment, Twilight breaths in the crisp morning air. Letting out a sigh she, secures her saddle bag as she watches ponies walking the street.

“Where to element bearer?”

Twilight groans. “If you two are going to be guarding me, I have to set some ground rules.” She stands in front of them giving them an annoyed frown. “Frist, you will call me by Twilight. Second you will give me your names, I don’t want to keep calling you elites, it’s to formal…”

“Woah… I need to stop you right there.” The guard on her right, holds up a hoof. “We can’t do that!”

“Why not?” Twilight huffs. Her element blinks in response to her mood.

The guard stares at her element for a second before answering. “Because that’s against protocol and tradition!” Twilight raises her brow. “Fine, just protocol.”

“Well,” Twilight gives a sly smirk, “If you’ve forgotten. I out rank you.”

The guard’s eyes go wide. His comrade nods his head as he pushes his lips to the side, giving her a pleased smile. “She’s right you know.”

The master sergeant frowns. “Fine…” He messes with his hat. “You can call me Zulu, and his name is Foxtrot.”

Twilight chews her cheek as she mulls over his words. She knows the names he gave her are not their real names, but it will do. “Thank you, Zulu.” She giggles. “As of to where we are going. We are heading to my friend, Minuette’s house.” Her element buzzes as she heads down the street towards her destination.

Zulu let’s out a drawn-out huff as he follows after her. Foxtrot finds it hard not laugh at his comrade. “Shut it, Foxtrot!” Zulu growls. Foxtrot zips his lip as he walks alongside Zulu both keeping pace with Twilight.

The walk to Minuette’s house was somewhat uneventful for Twilight. The first few minutes of the trek was peaceful for her and her guards as most ponies kept their distance. But as they got closer to the main street of her district, ponies mulling about on that street begin to gawk at her, some even followed her. Then the press came.

Even though she was mad that Terren wanted guards to watch over her, she was glad that they were with her at this moment to ward off the press. She never liked being the center attention. Even though she’s glad that the citizens of Equestria and its ten territories admired her and her fellow element bearers, she just wished they would treat her like a normal pony.

Finally getting to the steps of her friend’s apartment building, Twilight smiles as she eyes the black painted door. Walking up the steps, she looks at the call-box and reads the names on the list above the speaker. Seeing her friend’s last name next to the fifth button, she giggles and presses it. “Hello, this is Minuette, if you’re looking for my parents, they are at work and will not be home until five.”

“Hello Minuette. Its Twilight!” Static fills the air. A hint of dread fills Twilight’s heart. “Minuette?...!”

The door to the apartment complex swings open violently. Minuette stands before her. Her sapphire blue eyes stare wide, their pupils small like pin-needles. “T-Twilight?!” Her moderate-blue and light-light-Persian-grey mane waves in the breeze that blows down the street.

“Hey Minuette, I’m back…! AHH!” Twilight screams as Minuette pulls her into a bear hug. “Minuette! Can’t breathe!”

“Oh, I missed you so much!” Minuette giggles. Opening her eyes, she sees Twilight personal guards standing at the base of the steps. Their faces stout and stern. “Oh? Who are you’re friends?”

Twilight gasps for air as she looks at her guards. “They’re my personal body guards.” She gives them a smirk, “Meet Zulu and Foxtrot.” She snickers. Zulu frowns at her. Foxtrot bows for Minuette.

“That’s their names?” Minuette looks at her friend for confirmation. Twilight nods. “Weird names…” She smirks. “Well look at you rolling with security.”

“I didn’t want to…” Twilight huffs.

“Well you are a very important pony…” Catching a glare in the corner of her eye, Minute looks at the source and sees Twilight’s element softly glowing. “Is… That?”

Twilight smiles. “Yes, say hello to the element of Magic.”

“It knows how to communicate?”

“Yes. How would I be able to control its magic?” Twilight laughs.

“Well then… Hello!” Minuette waves. “Can I um, touch it?” She gives a sheepish smirk. Twilight nods. She places her hoof on the element. A strong overwhelming sense of calm stimulates her senses. “Woah!” She pulls away. “That’s so… strange. Do you feel that too?”

“Yes.” Twilight laughs.

“Oh… Duh… Of course.” Minuette laughs as well. “How’ve you been?” She looks at the element again. “You know, besides being a bearer of the elements.”

Twilight hums a giggle. “I’ve been fine. Life’s been mostly, studying, training, court duties, and entertaining political figures.”

“Sounds kind of tedious?” Minuette tilts her head. “Do you do anything fun to pass the time?”

“Of course, we’re allowed to have some personal time. My fellow element bearers and I play games, watch moves, and read books.” Twilight nods her head. “I read a lot of books.” Her cheeks blush.

Minuette rolls her eyes. “Typical you.” Twilight moans, covering her eyes with her long bangs. Minuette giggles. “How are the other element bearers?” She sits at the top of the steps. “I’ve only seen them in newspaper clippings and news reals.” She smiles. “They seem like nice ponies?”

“They been good. Though the first couple of years were awkward for us. Fillies from different backgrounds and all. But we got use to each other. The royals have been impressed with how fast we’ve taken to our lessons.” Twilight gives a prideful smirk. “I think we’re on track to being the best element bearers Equestria has ever seen!” Her smile fades however. “But I have to say, we’ve been missing our families and friends back home.” She gives her friend a smile.

Minuette gives her a comforting smile. “Is that why you’re here?”

“Yes…” Twilight sighs, running a hoof through her mane. “The royals gave us two weeks to be with our family and friends.”

“Only two weeks?” Minuette frowns. “We’re going to have to make the best of it.” Twilight nods. “Well,” Minuette smiles, standing up and stretching out her back. “Let’s go meet our friends. I’m sure they’ll be thrilled to see you!” She walks down the steps. Passing the guards, she gives them a playful smirk. The guards ignore her teasing. With a huff she looks at Twilight. “They’re bland.”

Twilight giggles. “There just doing their job.” She walks up to her friend. “So, who are we meeting first?”

“All of them.” Minuette smiles.

“What?” Twilight raises her brow.

“Well, call it a coincidence or luck, but we were heading to the market today!” Minuette laughs. “You arrived just in time. I was just about to head out when I heard your voice over the intercom.” She skips as she walks alongside her friend. “Oh! I can’t wait to see the looks on their faces!”

Twilight smirks. “Same!”

“Where is Minuette?” Limon Drops whines as she lays her head on the table.

“She should be here soon.” Moon Dancer takes a sip of her espresso. “You know she takes forever to get ready.”

Lyra sitting in between them, plays with her Frappuccino. “I wish Twilight was here…” She sips her drink.

“Every time we come here you say that.” Moon Dancer huffs as she lays her head in her hoof.

“Because I miss her!” Lyra huffs. “Don’t you?”

Moon Dancer groans. “I do Lyra, but we can’t dwell on it. She’s an element bearer now, she has a new life.”

“I’m sure she’ll come visit us when she’s done with her training.” Limon Drops adds, patting Lyra on the shoulder.

“I hope so…” Lyra pouts. She lays her head on the table and watches the busy market with dull eyes. She sees several ponies standing by a candy-corn stall. Smells of salty caramel drifts over to her. She licks her lips as cravings for the treats begin to fill her thoughts.

Limon Drops sighs at her friend’s sour mood. She looks at the start of the market, searching for Minuette. She stares at the entrance for several minutes with no sign of her. She’s about to give up when she sees her. “Hey she’s here…” Her eyes go wide.

Moon Dancer looks at her friend. “Earth to Limon?! Are you alright?...!”

“TWILIGHT!” Limon Drops yells as she takes off running. Lyra and Moon Dancer look at each other. Their eyes wide in shock n’ awe. In a flash they give chase.

Seeing three ponies running frantically towards them Minuette giggles. “I think they spotted us.” She steps to the side. Even the guards behind them put some distance between themselves and Twilight.

Twilight laughs. “I think so… Hey? Why did you…!” She’s tackled hard to the ground from three overhyped unicorn teen fillies. Three pairs of arms wrap around her, squeezing her life essence form her body. “Fillies! I’ve… Missed… You… Too…!” She chokes.

Minuette giggles. Even the guards finally drop their act and chuckle at the display of affection.

“Twilight’s back! YAY!” Limon Drop cheers.

“You’re back! Are you finally done with your training?” Moon Dancer asks as she ends the hug. Lyra and Limon Drops nod their head vigorously, asking the same thing.

Twilight shakes her head. “No, I’m not. The royals gave us element bearers, two weeks to see our family and friends.” She smiles. “So, I’m going enjoy my time while I’m here!”

Her friends hang their heads. “Oh…” Lemon Drops whines.

“Hey, fillies, cheer up. Like Twilight said, let’s make the most of it!” Minuette states, with a smirk.

Moon Dancer nods as she mulls over some ideas floating in her head. “What did you fillies have planned for today?” Twilight asks, seeing her friend deep in thought.

“Nothing much.” Lyra shrugs her shoulders.

“You fillies want to see a movie?” Moon Dancer asks.

“Yeah!” Twilight replies. “What movies are playing?”

“Well, I’m not sure, let’s go see.” Moon Dancer heads towards the theater, motioning for her friends to follow. They oblige and following after her.

Zulu and Foxtrot look at each other as Twilight and her friends enter the theater. “Well looks like this assignment going to be easy.” Foxtrot states with a smirk.

“I guess it is.” Zulu hums as he follows after them.

“I just hope they pick a good movie.”

“So, what did you think of the movie?” Moon Dancer asks as they leave the theater.

“It was good.” Twilight hums as she chews on several pieces of popcorn.

“I enjoyed it as well…” Lyra looks over her shoulders. “But… I think your guards didn’t care much for it.” She nods at the stallions dragging their hooves across the cobblestone street.

Twilight looks back at Zulu and Foxtrot, seeing their annoyed expression. “We warned them. They could’ve seen another movie.” She giggles.

“Nah!” Moon Dancer laughs. “I think they enjoyed the filly-flick.” The rest of her friends join her, their laughs echoing across the four-way intersection. Zulu and Foxtrot roll their eyes at the fillies, trying their best to hide their blushing cheeks.

“So, what’s next.” Minuette cheers as she skips around her friends. “You want to go for a scooter ride? Maybe a hike through the Willow Mountain Park?”

Twilight thinks for a second as they stop in front of a milkshake shack. “Well… I did plan on going to see my brother later today.” She looks at her friends, “Maybe I can do one more thing before it gets too late.”

Minuette blushes a bit. “Well, we can think of something…”

“Why not go with you?” Limon Drops hops up n’ down.

“Well its an hour train ride to the base he’s at, and I don’t know what there is to do once we get there…” Twilight scratches the back of her ear. “I don’t want you fillies to get bored…”

“Bored? Really Twilight?! We want to be with our friend that’s been gone for over six years!” Limon Drops gets in her friend’s face. “We are going!”

Twilight looks wide eyed at her friends. “I wouldn’t argue with her.” Moon Dancer shrugs her shoulder.

“I guess you can come along…”

“Awesome!” Limon Drops sees Minuette’s blushing cheeks. “And besides it will give us an excuse to look at some cute military colts!” She gives her a sly smirk.

Minuette’s face burns bright red. “I…” She nervously chuckles, “Maybe we should give Twilight some ‘brother, sister’ time… We can meet up tomorrow…”

Twilight’s eyes go even wider as they bounce from Limon Drops to Minuette. “You still like my brother?” Her lips turn into a smirk. “Don’t you?”

Sweat rolls down her brow. “No… Naw, not at all…” She giggles nervously. “Hey let’s get a shake!” Minuette runs over to the counter of the milkshake shack. “Hey miss, I would like to order some shakes!”

The owner looks at her with a raised brow, hearing giggles she looks at her friends and rolls her eyes. “What flavors would you like?”

Twilight, Moon Dancer, Lyra and Limon Drops give each other knowing smirks. “Let’s get those shakes to go!” Twilight shouts through her laughter. Minuette looks back at her friends, her face as red as a lobster.

Zulu and Foxtrot roll their eyes at the fillies. Noticing a growing crowd, Zulu sighs as he steps up closer to Twilight. “I would suggest we get a move on bearer.”

Twilight and her friends look back at the elite guards. Noticing the crowds as well, they blush. “We will…” Seeing Minuette finishing up her order, she gives her guards a smile. “You want a shake?”

“No thank you…”

“I would.” Foxtrot nods. “What?” He sees Zulu’s stern glare. “I’m craving a mint-chocolate-chip shake.” He pulls out his wallet from his saddle bag. Zulu groans. Looking at Twilight he gives a sigh and nods his head.

Twilight smiles. “Hey Minuette. Zulu and Foxtrot would like a shake as well.” Minuette looks over her shoulder and blushes even more for no particular reason. “Well are you fillies ready for a train ride?”

“Yeah!” Lyra shouts. “Uh… Where is your brother stationed, by the way?”

“His living at Army Base Bravo in the lower valley near Fletcher Gorge.”

“Well we better get going?” Moon Dancer states as she helps Minuette hand out the shakes.

Minuette blushes as she holds her shake close to her lips. “Do we… I mean I’m not saying I don’t want to go…” Moon Dancer uses her magic to shove Minuette’s shake’s straw into her mouth silencing her.

“Yes, we are going!” Moon Dancer smirks at her friend. “Calm your butterflies.” She laughs. Twilight, Limon Drops and Lyra join her as they make there way to the train station. Minuette sulks, trying to hide her embarrassment.

Zulu and Foxtrot follow, but Zulu stops when he sees Minuette sitting in place, her eyes staring off into space. “Come filly, let’s get going!” Minuette breaks from her trance and blushes at the elite royal guard. Giving the stallion a small bow, she chases after her friends. Zulu watches her join up with her group.

“Should we alert the base that we will be arriving?” Foxtrot asks.

Zulu stares at Twilight. “No,”

“Why not?”

Zulu looks at his comrade. “No need, lets make it a surprise.”

Commander Dreadstep sits at his desk mulling over several stacks of folders. One of these folders holds his attention however. It’s red in color not your typical bland vanilla folder. It had been sealed shut with a wax seal, pressed over the folder's flap by a stamp of Prince Terren’s royal symbol. It’s now broken, bits of crimson wax on his table as he holds the folder’s content in his hooves, his eyes glaring at the words on parchment.

Letting a long sigh slip pass his lips. He sets down the letter and rubs his brow. “Oh colt…” The news of Celestia’s incident had made its rounds throughout the military. New details were slowly being sent every hour to the bases all across the empire. “I hope my stallions are ready?”. Hearing the sounds camp activity echoing into his office, he rubs his eyes and places the paper back into its folder.

“Commander!”

Dreadstep looks at the entrance to his office and sees a seventeen-year-old colt standing at attention. “What is it private?”

The solider drops his salute. “Sir…” He messes with the collar of his grey uniform. “We’re going to have a special guest.”

Dreadstep’s ears stand erect. “What do you mean by ‘special’?

The private swallows a lump in his throat. “We received a message from one of our offices at the Canterlot Royal Train Station, stating that the bearer of the Element of Magic is coming within the hour!”

Dreadstep goes pale. The bearer of Magic is coming today! He figured she would show up, but this soon. The military had been told that the bearers were going to see their families for two weeks. A mini vacation from their training. Terren even gave out the order to be on high alert during these two weeks, in case Equestria’s enemies decided to invade while the bearers were away from the capital. And now with Celestia's incident…

He shakes his head.

Why didn’t Twilight not give his base a heads up… oh… Her brother. Dreadstep looks out the window as sees a group of his stallions doing their afternoon drills by the western barracks. “Looks like the bearer of Magic wanted to make it a surprise.” He smirks

“What do we do… uh Sir?” The private asks.

“Business as usual… She coming to visit her brother, Private Shining Armor.”

“How do you know that! What if it’s a secret test…” The private shuts his mouth when he sees his commander’s annoyed glare. “Sorry Sir!”

He huffs as he walks out of his office. “Make sure Private Shining doesn’t find out about her arrival.” He shutters. “I don’t want to be on the receiving end of an angry filly who so happens to wield the most powerful weapon in all of Equestria!” He glares at the private.

“YES SIR!” The private runs out of his office and back to his post.

Dreadstep drops his act and lets out a long sigh. He’s torn, a part of him is excited to get a visit from an element bearer. But on the other hoof, the bearer is a teenager. A teenager who out ranks him. He smirks, “I’m fifty-three years old…” He laughs. “And I’ll be saluting and taking orders from a fifteen-year-old.” He looks at his wrist watch, “And I will be doing so, any minute now...”

Twilight watches the train pull into army base Bravo’s station. The steam from the engine pours over the wooden platform, engulfing passengers who stand nearby, waiting for their ride.

“Well looks like we’re here.” Zulu looks at his watch. “And several minutes ahead of schedule.” He peers at the military’s symbol above the door of their car. “Prime example of military efficiency!”

Twilight rolls her eyes as she giggles with her friends.

Zulu frowns at the bearer and her friends. “What’s so funny young bearer?”

Twilight groans. “You’re a party pooper!” Her element blinks in agreement. “And what did I tell you, call me Twilight.”

“And I said that would be a negative…”

“Hey, we are here, let’s go surprise Shining shall we!” Moon Dancer gets in between the two.

Twilight takes a deep breath. “Yes, that sounds good.” She stands up and leaves the car.

Zulu stares at Twilight and gives a long sigh. “Its going to be a long two weeks…”

“It shouldn’t be that bad.” Foxtrot encourages his comrade.

“I would rather be fighting northern rebels.” Zulu follows Twilight and her friends. Foxtrot huffs at his superior and follows after him.

Exiting the train car, Twilight and her group make their way to the station’s exit. To their surprise a high-ranking officer is waiting by the exit. Seeing them, the officer salutes with a smile. “I think they were expecting us?”

Twilight looks at Lyra. “I think someone on the train alerted the base…” Her expression dulls. ‘I hope Shining didn’t find out?’ Her element hums, warming her body to ease her tension.

“Welcome bearer to Camp Bravo.” He eyes her element and its ten-pointed star shape. ‘Seeing it in newspaper articles is nothing compared to seeing it in person.’

Seeing him still saluting, Twilight blushes and quickly gives him a salute. “So sorry…”

“No worries.” Dreadstep messes with his medals on his grey uniform. “I hope the trip was a pleasant one?”

“Yes, it was.” She smiles. “For future reference, you can call me Twilight.”

Dreadstep nods. “Understood.” He smiles. “You can call me Dreadstep.”

Twilight returns the gesture. “Dreadstrep, I was wondering, does the whole base know of my arrival?”

Dreapstep shakes his head. “No, only ponies who are on a need to know basis.” Twilight breaths a sigh of relief. “I figured you wanted to surprise your brother.”

Twilight ears stand erect. “How did you?...”

“Just a feeling.”

Zulu and Foxtrot look at each other with wide eyes. Looking back at Dreadstep, they take a mental note, never mess with Commander Dreadstep… He knows all…

“I see you have elites guarding you.” Dreadstep takes notice of the bewildered soldiers with a hint of amusement. “I would ask their names, but my guess is they gave you code names?”

“Yes, they did.” Twilight nods, looking back at her guards.

“And I see you brought a posse with you.” He looks at her friends. “And who would you all be?”

“They are my childhood friends. Moon Dancer, Lyra, Limon Drops, and Minuette.” Twilight points at each filly in question.

Dreapstep notices Minuette jittery demeanor. “Is she alright?”

Twilight looks at her and gives her a playful smirk. “Yes, she’s fine.”

“Well then, nice to meet you all.” He nods his head, commanding them to follow. “I will send you to my office. It has a great view of the base and I figured it will be a decent place to wait until I return with your brother.”

“Where will my friends go?”

“I’ll have one of my Staff Sergeants give them a tour of the base.”

“Why thank you.” Moon Dancer giggles.

Deadstep rolls his eyes at her tone of voice. “And you’ll keep your hooves off my soldiers.”

“Yes Sir…” Lyra giggles.

“They’ll behave.” Twilight reassures the commander. “What are you going to tell him?”

Dreadstep ponders for a moment. “I’ll think of something.”

“RUN YOU FAT LARDS!” A Staff Sergeant yells as he trots alongside a group of twenty stallions ranging from seventeen to twenty-tree years old. “A weekend to yourself and you’re already showing signs of becoming lazy colts!” He shouts in the face of an earth pony. “Did you raid the cafeteria of all its food? Because if so, I hope you show that same tenacity when doing the obstacle course!”

Shining Armor ignores his sergeant. He heard this sepal before. He was a particularly mouthy stallion who had a big ego and the camp knew it. But today out of all days, someone in his division had to say something that would hurt his ego. And for that pushups was on todays lunch menu… ‘They were serving pizza today…’ Shining groans through his teeth.

“Shining!” The staff sergeant yells. “Day dreaming?” Shining stays silent as he keeps doing his pushups. “Ah, you actually learned something from bootcamp!” Their staff sergeant huffs. Seeing something in his peripheral vision, he looks up and sees Commander Dreadstep walking up to him and his men. “At attention!”

Shining Armor and his fellow soldiers stand up so quickly on all fours, that they feel like they’re about to faint. “Crap!” On of his friends groans as he tries not to puke up his breakfast.

“Staff Sergeant Steel Bit!” Dreadstep calls out. “Why are they doing pushups? Its lunch!”

Steel Bit smiles. “They're getting a little fat, sir!” He flaps his wings.

Dreadstep nods. “Well I need to borrow Private Shining Armor.” Shining raises his brow.

Steel Bit looks over at said private. “What for?”

“Will tell you in a sec.” Dreadstep looks at Shining. “Shining Armor, pack your things, I have an assignment for you!”

“Yes Sir!” Confusion racks his mind as he salutes the commander before heading off for his barracks.

Steel Bit walks up to Dreadstep. “Assignment? What kind of assignment?

“His sister came down to visit.”

“Sister, what so special… Oh… The element bearer?” Steel Bit looks towards the barracks. “This is unexpected, why didn’t she warn the base?”

“She wanted to surprise her brother.” Dreadstep sees Shining walking out of the barracks with his navy-blue duffle bag. “You ready Private?”

“Yes Sir!” Shining Armor salutes.

“At ease. Steel Bit, you may return to your previous task.” He nods at the pegasus.

“Understood sir.” He looks at Shining. “Good luck with your assignment.”

“Thank you, sir!” Shining salutes.

“At ease… As for the rest of you, lets go for a run!” Steel Bit shouts as he starts the pace. The stallions groan as they give chase.

Watching his friends take off towards the tracks. He messes with his duffle bag. “Sir, what’s my assignment?”

“You’ll see when we get there.” Dreadstep replies as he heads for his office.

Shining tilts his head, his mind still trying to figure out what’s instore for him. With building excitement, he follows the Commander.

The walk is peaceful and uneventful. Though it was getting quite annoying to hear lower ranking soldiers constantly saluting the commander every time they passed. “Good afternoon, Sir!” Shining rolls his eyes as he rubs his brow. Please not another one… Seeing the Commander’s office coming into view, he breathes a sigh of relief.

Dreadstep opens the door. “After you?”

Shining gives his commander a strange look. Usually he would hold the door open for a high rank officer. Not wanting to question his actions he steps into his office. But he doesn’t get far when his drops his duffle bag in udder shock. “Twilight?!”

Twilight runs up to her brother and throws her arms around his neck. “Shining!”

Shining returns the hug. “What are you doing here?” He tightens his hug. “Is this a part of your training?”

“No!” Twilight giggles. “The Royals gave us two weeks to be with our families.”

Shining pulls away “No way!” His smile fades. “Sorry I’m stationed so far from home.”

Twilight waves a hoof. “Its only an hour away.”

“Yeah but still.” Shining messes with her mane. “I thought you’d be all crazy over maximizing your time?”

“Ha, very funny!” Twilight blushes.

Dreadstep shakes his head at their amusing banter. “Miss. Twilight, since this is a unique scenario, I believe I can allow Shining to go on leave for two weeks.”

Shining and Twilight stare at the commander with wide eyes. “Really?” Twilight smiles.

“Yes... But to be frank if you ordered me to do so, I would have too anyways.” Dreadstep smirks.

Twilight blushes. “Oh, I never thought of doing that.” Dreadstep shakes his head. Shining face palms. “Thank you.” She hugs the commander. Dreadstep, goes stiff, but quickly relaxes and wraps one of his arms over her shoulder, giving her a pat on the back. Pulling away from the embrace Twilight looks back at her brother and gives him a smirk. “Let’s go get my friends.”

Shining nods and opens the door. “Sounds like a plan.” As she leaves, he looks back at his commander. “Thank you, Sir.”

“No problem private, now go enjoy your time with your family.” Dreadstep takes the door. Shining quickly salutes and follows his sister to the visitor center. Dreadstep smiles as he watches them head to their destination. With a sigh he closes his door.