With one final hiss, the steam engine came to a stop at the Equestrian station. If it hadn’t been for the fact that Shining Armor never got used to the fact it seemed to pop in out of thin air whenever they rolled through whatever mysterious barrier kept the heart of the country concealed, it would have almost looked like rolling into any other train station at this point. Two of the tracks were fully restored and the platform was full of people either awaiting their arrival or working on loads of cargo from the second train engine he saw across from them. He regarded the latter with a bit of a frown before he began to step out of the engine compartment.

By the time he walked onto the platform, the three side cars were already open, and the “Equestrian Army” was already dismounting. From the nearest car, he espied three of the youngest members of the burgeoning militia. Ocellus was doing her best to huddle under her coat—two sizes too big for her—as she looked out and under the platform shade to check the weather.

“Oh…it’s snowing again,” she muttered through half-chattering teeth.

Smolder, walking alongside her nearby, gave a shrug. “What’d you expect? We’re in the mountains.”

“Ha!” Yona boomed as she walked up behind them, patting them on the backs so hard they both staggered a little. “Yakyakistan winter much colder than this! With two extra feet of snow! This winter nothing but autumn flurry!”

“Eh, it’ll get worse. It’s not even the new year yet.”

The mere thought seemed to make Ocellus shiver harder. “P-P-Please don’t talk like that… We still have to patrol again…”

“Don’t sweat it. Next time we capture some of those Fillydelphian punks, we’ll take some boots off of them for you.” She grinned. “Heh, there’s nothing like giving your enemies a nice dose of frostbite on top of forcing them to walk home. Having their comrades watch as their toes get chopped off really messes ‘em up in a wartime scenario, you know?”

Ocellus now looked both freezing and mortified as Shining Armor walked past them. He sighed a little at the exchange, but they weren’t his focus. It was more on the first person besides him to jump off the train, now monitoring as other members of the militia unloaded their “loot” from their latest operation.

He didn’t even have to reach him for Stygian to turn around and face him. As had been the case over the past two months, his face was emotionless and all business. A change that Shining Armor had noted ever since he insisted on rejoining service. In many ways, it was simply the way he had used to be—dutiful, responsible, and thorough. Nevertheless, Shining Armor couldn’t help but sigh inwardly each time he saw him. Even now, he could tell he had never quite gotten over what happened with his former comrades.

Not to mention every time they went on sorties like this, he had seen the look of helplessness and even anger he had on his expression every time those with an Anima Viri went out—leaving him, one of the “weaker” members, behind.

“I’ve finished the munitions assessment, sir,” he announced, once more anticipating the question he was going to ask well in advance. “Sixteen rifles, ten handguns, eighteen grenades, 235 rifle rounds, and 80 smaller caliber bullets. Added to our current stockpile, it’s not quite enough to allow us to hold another round of target practice, but it gives us a bit more breathing room in the event of a formal engagement.”

He turned and patted two particular weapons being carted off in pieces.

“This 75 mm pieces are the real prize. We didn’t have much in terms of artillery until now and this will bolster our defenses nicely.” He frowned after saying this. “Of course, we both know what this means.”

Shining Armor exhaled. “They’re willing to use artillery against us now. They could be preparing to launch a major operation against us.”

“Precisely.”

“Wonderful… How about the rest?”

“Basic rations, but every little bit helps in our situation. Some winter uniforms and spare boots, and a lot of field-repair kits for the latter we can use on our own. But these are Fillydelphian soldiers. Their winter uniforms were already poorly suited for Equestria as it was.”

“I guess it can’t be helped. Good job. Get the rest of this stashed and try to get everyone some relief and food before we head out again.”

“Yes sir,” he stated before pausing. “Wait…are you going somewhere?”

He half-frowned. “Just paying another visit to our illustrious ‘princess’…”

Turning around, he began to walk down the platform while the rest of the militia went about its business. However, he didn’t go straight for the exit. He made a point of walking past the loads of cargo that were being pulled off the other train. He eyed each sack and crate that was pulled out suspiciously, and tried to look into each load as it was opened and transferred into wagons or wheelbarrows. At first, this latest shipment looked fair enough. Nothing too out of place or questionable.

But the moment he saw Gallus frowning and running up to him, he knew that wasn’t going to be the case yet again. “Mr. Armor! Mr. Armor!”

Already dreading the news, Shining Armor frowned and stopped where he was. Gallus soon stopped and showed him what was in his hands—a plowshare.

“Remember how we told those two that we needed a new shipment of steel plowshares so we could get this little hamlet’s farming up and running again as soon as the spring thaw? Well, here’s what they sent us.”

He held it in front of himself to let Shining Armor briefly get a closer look at it. After that, he released it and let it drop to the ground of the platform. He watched as it made contact with a loud thunk before rolling over. Half of the blade was now dented inward.

“Even if I hadn’t grown up stuck on a plantation I could tell you this is a piece of garbage. I wouldn’t build a grill out of these things.”

Irritation showing, Shining Armor took a deep breath. “Where are they?”

“Where else? Counting the money they took in advance, again…”

Shining Armor only gave Gallus a nod before he snatched up the plowshare and walked right through the midst of the other pieces of cargo and people unloading and went straight for the other train engine. It was far less “austere” than the ones his militia had been using. Definitely painted up more brightly in spite of the time of the year and gilded to look more suited to a circus troupe than genuine cargo delivery.

He walked right up to the combination engine/living quarters, which he noted were, once again, already churning and eager to get out of there. Likely to avoid the sort of conversation that they were about to have. As soon as he reached it, he pounded on the door using the same plowshare—and frowned on seeing it dent inward even further just from that impact.

The door opened a moment later, revealing a pair of well-groomed twins, one with a handlebar mustache, and both wearing pork pie hats. They beamed at him.

“Why, if it isn’t Mr. Shining Armor!”

“Good morning, Mr. Shining Armor! Welcome back! I trust it your latest operation went well?”

He answered by shoving the plowshare in their faces. “What is this supposed to be?”

“Oh dear, sir! That’s one of the brand new, top-of-the-line steel plowshares from your shipment!”

“What in the world did you do to it?”

He frowned as he dropped it on the ground. Not only did it bend more, it snapped partially. “I tried to use it.”

“Oh-ho, sir! Those are only guaranteed for use in actual farming soil, Mr. Shining Armor!”

“You can’t go around just hitting them against concrete and expect satisfactory results!”

“Enough of the garbage. Those plowshares aren’t made of steel any more than I am. I don’t even think they’re made of aluminum. And you two are still behind on the wool we asked for. And the boots. And the livestock.”

“Oh, Mr. Armor, you must understand how tough times are when it comes to cattle. There’s a real food shortage going on in Greater Everfree right now.”

“Not helped at all by that ocean involuntary embargo. Not one bit.”

“But do we ever have a deal ready for you! Flim & Flam are offering you, starting today, a month-long discount on our dairy service! Twenty percent off all the milk, butter, and cream you want without having to trouble yourself with the cows!”

He crossed his arms and frowned. “You do remember the whole reason we requested cattle in the first place was because half the milk canisters you gave us were already curdled?”

“Well, even with modern trains, you can only expect to get things to a place this remote so quickly, sir.”

He practically scowled. “What about the coal? Did you at least get us that?”

“Oh, certainly, my good sir!”

“With winter upon us, we knew full well that was your top priority!”

“And since we knew that your people had the greatest need, we made absolutely sure to go all out in making sure we only had to account for marking up the price 25 percent instead of the usual 40!”

His jaw clenched. “And you got us the residential quality this time…right?”

Flim and Flam looked faux surprised. “Residential quality?”

“Yes, residential quality. We told you explicitly we couldn’t use the last batch to heat homes without risking gassing people to death!”

They turned to one another. “Oh, really?”

“Dear…I had totally forgotten that part, dear brother.”

They turned back to him. “A thousand apologies, Mr. Shining Armor. We will correct this error in our next shipment.”

“Although, be advised, given the time of year, the price increase will need to be 50 percent for the better product.”

“And I’m afraid we’ll still need to charge you for the first batch as it wasn’t exactly cheap to acquire it, although I’m sure you’ll still find a use for it.”

“Look, you two,” he stated more sharply. “I’m not your average fool. I haven’t been marching through war-torn countries over the past four years to not recognize an extortionist and a con man. You may think you have us over a barrel, but that’s only so long as you actually give us what we need. If you’re going to scam us out of whatever precious metals we can scrounge off of the old coinages in this city and give us nothing back for it, we’ve got no use for the two of you and I can get you both banned.”

“Oh…” one of them coolly answered. “I’m so very sorry you feel that way, Mr. Shining Armor. And after we thought our enterprise was so profitable for the both of us.”

“I suppose, if you really feel that way,” the other added with a smirk. “We’ll just have to seek business elsewhere. But we’ll be sure to name drop that you’re in the market for a new merchant.”

Shining Armor gave a small start on hearing that, causing both men to grin.

“Oh yes. There are plenty of alternative providers out there who would love to know about this particular exclusive trade spot. And how to get to it.”

“I dare say that bit of information is almost more profitable than our current venture, wouldn’t you say, Flim?”

“Indeed I would, Flam.”

Shining Armor grit his teeth. His fists tightened, but both men only smiled back at him. In another moment, he might have backed down and told them to forget the whole thing; albeit reluctantly. However, before he could, he heard Gallus snort behind him as he picked up the plowshares to throw in the refuse.

“Oh, I’d keep that a secret if I were you,” he muttered quite audibly. “I don’t think that Manehattan, Fillydelphia, or Trottingham would take too kindly to a couple of black marketeers who knew a secret way into Equestria for months and didn’t think to tell anyone about it.”

On hearing that, Flim and Flam’s faces instantly fell.

“Or that too many people would want to do business with two crooks who have been dealing exclusively with folks with Promethian Sigils. They might think you got contaminated or something. Heck, maybe Trottingham would like to pull you into some of their labs to poke and prod you a little. All it would take is us adding a little footnote to the next letter we leave with the next patrol to be rid of a couple of blackmailing big mouths…”

“Er, a thousand apologies if we gave you the wrong impression, Mr. Shining Armor,” Flim quickly spoke up in a hurried, nervous tone.

“We’ll make sure to get you your desired coal. At a real discount, even!” Flam added. With that, the two quickly retreated back into their train engine and slammed the door shut behind them.

“Get us some decent plowshares while you’re at it,” Gallus tossed out after them.

Shining Armor was a bit surprised, but smiled at the end of it. He turned back to Gallus. “Hey. Thanks a lot.”

“No sweat. It might be cold and wet all around here, but at least I’m a free man. Not too eager to go back to being under lock and key so soon.”

He managed a small smile back, before he looked away from the shipment and toward the stairs leading back to the city proper. A moment later, he took in a deep breath and began to head that way.

The city had recovered considerably by now. With the influx of Anima Viri users, their family members, and refugees from all corners of Greater Everfree, they now had enough of a population to start reviving the abandoned city. By now, about half of the buildings in the city proper were occupied; either to make use of the old facilities that were present or to deal with the overflow of population that had finally become too much for the old dormitories. The sawmill, masonry, tailor, and even the local pub were all now back in operation. Most of the streets had been fully cleaned and repaired prior to the onset of winter, and much of the ten years of overgrowth into paths and shops had been cleaned up as well. There was now sufficient oil and candles to keep the place lit up for the first part of the night too, although reopening the gasworks city-wide remained out of their realm of expertise.

In spite of the amount of work everyone had to put in and the fact that winter was now upon them at a rather northern latitude, Shining Armor noticed that, overall, the general demeanor of the people was positive. Everyone was cooperating and connecting with fellow refugees, and their mutual work was creating a sense of community. As he walked back up to the academy, he received more than a few nods of greeting or waves, with many of the people knowing him by name. There were enough hands at work now that a group or two of children were even able to go run and play, with one group having some fun with their pets and another including toddlers who were getting to see snow for the first time. If it was any other situation, Shining Armor might have actually enjoyed it…

“Hey! Shining Armor!”

He turned and looked on hearing his name called; finding himself looking toward the bakery. Some of the members of the Apple family had taken up residence there, converting it into a new sort of “advanced mess hall”. At the moment, they were setting out what looked like some fresh pies on the sill for cooling.

“Congrats on another scoutin’ mission!”

“Oh…thanks!”

“We’re cookin’ up the last of the tart apples ‘fore they go bad. Two of these are saved for you and your team, ya’ hear? Come get ‘em this evenin’!”

“Oh, wow…thanks a lot! Yeah, I’ll be sure to let them know!” After giving a nod, he turned and continued toward his destination.

The actual academy, which still represented the stronghold or even “keep” of the community, had been fortified as much as possible and now had sufficient numbers, if need be, to actually hold out against an attack. The gates were rebuilt and reinforced. Whatever conventional weapons they had recovered, refurbished, or taken from would-be invaders were stockpiled here with enough to supply their defenders, but the citizens had also gotten clever with old-fashioned bows, hot oil, slings, and even a few homemade trebuchets. It might not have been the best defense in the world, but it would hold up to a minor attack if need be. Especially since they were no longer quite “green” in that regard.

As the guard let him through the gates, he saw many of the citizens going through drills right now. They had sufficient expertise and background so that every last man and woman could do the basics of barracks training, and even let them get in some target practice to mix up with hand-to-hand combat when they could scrounge enough extra bullets. Yet the true firepower was in one of the refurbished schoolhouses. Even walking by it, Shining Armor could hear the sounds of flames and thunder from within, and even a few echoes of blows. Those who had Promethian Sigils or were even lucky enough to have Anima Viris made the true difference between them being a ramshackle militia and a fighting force. With them backing them, the new Equestria wouldn’t be a pushover.

A fact that was not lost on Shining Armor as he neared the Administrative Building.

“Hey! Shining Armor!”

Hearing another voice directed to him, he turned and looked out to one of the open fields within the schoolyard. Celaeno was there along with the rest of her troupe, and they were standing around what looked like a crude yet complete cannon. She stood back and gestured to it.

“Had my doubts more than once, but now that we’ve got a couple of ironworkers and a chemist or two in town, check it out. Look at the new Equestria Model 1. We’re going to move it out and assemble it this evening and put it through the paces tomorrow. If it works, we’ll have ourselves a medium-range cannon. I think we can scrap together another four or five of them too, if need be.”

He nodded back. “Great. If it works out, let’s station it on the southwest.”

“Southwest? The trains approach from the south.”

“Yeah, but between the narrow passes and the switchbacks they’ll never get an armored wagon through there. And if it did we could yank out the rails or collapse the passes. That hillside is the only one gradual enough for them to roll them up.”

Celaeno paused before nodding. “Good thinking. Southwest it is.”

He smiled and nodded back before looking ahead to the administrative building. Almost immediately his look turned into something of a frown when he saw a pair of guards standing out front. They definitely looked serious enough. In spite of the fact they gave him no more than a glance and a nod as he passed by them, Shining Armor still frowned and felt uneasy walking right by them. That feeling only got worse when he stepped inside to see another two flanking the inner doors. And when he finally got all the way to the upper floor outside the Headmistress’ office, he almost scowled to see another two waiting there.

It came to a head when he walked up to the doors and nearly pushed them open.

“Sh…Shining Armor?”

He turned his head to the guard who addressed him.

“I’m sorry. Princess Luna said she was very busy and she wanted us to make sure she wasn’t disturbed.”

He frowned back at her. “So she’s ‘princess’, now?”

“W-Well…uh…she is related to the ruling class of Equestria, so…”

“And you’re her subject now, too?”

She sweat a little. “I mean…well, it’s just…we’ve been living here and all and-”

“I’ll take my chances.”

Ignoring both guards, he simply grasped the door and pushed it open.

Luna was where she usually was—ignoring the large desk entirely and instead looking over books and maps that were in the back in abundance. She did this most days; whether it be morning, noon, or night. Honestly, even if she had been doing nothing but any other mundane task that was going on outside, Shining Armor still would have felt irritated to see her. Yet he pushed that aside as he walked in enough to let the doors shut behind him before making his way up to the desk.

“I see you’re back from your latest patrol,” Luna addressed without looking up from her maps. “And from the looks of what you returned with, it seems it was productive?”

“If you want to put it that way,” he sourly answered. “They’re bringing artillery now.”

“Yes, I noticed. Well…so long as they aren’t bringing armies with it. Until then it’s important that we keep preparing while keeping them at bay. I appreciate all of the work you’ve done. You’re a natural leader. The people fall in quickly underneath you and trust your judgment.”

“It’s no big deal.”

“Don’t be so modest; it doesn’t do anyone any good here. If anyone could just walk up and rally people to them, Greater Everfree wouldn’t be in the situation it’s in right now. This world is full of panic and despair. When someone radiates a light, any light at all, they gravitate to it and look to it for guidance and stability. You’ve done a great job providing that.”

He simply crossed his arms and frowned. “I’d say I’m not the only one, princess.”

Luna’s expression didn’t change as she looked over the maps, although she did pause momentarily. “If they wish to call me that, it’s more than appropriate. I am, after all, the Princess of Equestria now and its ruler. And they are subjects in my domain. Don’t be so silly as to assume this is all a grand farce or pretend play, Shining Armor. I have re-founded the nation of Equestria. And while it may be a small nation, it is a nation and I intend it to be treated as such both from outside and from within.”

“Forgive me,” he sardonically retorted, “but even if I could buy that our group of refugees was even close to resembling a country, I haven’t forgotten that you have us over a barrel here.”

“Is that why you think the populace is getting so much into the spirit of things? Yes, I used a few threats at first to make sure my voice was heard, but I believe you’ll find the people here are fully realizing the truth. The world out there already no longer has a place for them. And I mean it every time I say things are going to get worse before they get better. Right now the important thing is to fortify and prepare as much as possible. Here, they have finally found the stability and community they all seek. There are no oppressive laws here separating Promethian Sigil bearers from non-bearers. There are no governments imposing drafts or hostile nations threatening destruction. And certainly no monsters of any kind. I dare say one of the biggest factors that has gone toward making the people here embrace their new identity as citizens of Equestria is they’re finally feeling a sense of peace and hope they have been sorely lacking for too long.”

Shining Armor kept frowning—not caring for the way this was phrased. “You seem fairly nonchalant about it.”

“It’s simply my nature, Shining Armor. I’m not like my sister, who was very much a woman-of-the-people. I focus more on getting done what needs to be done. And that’s why I greatly admire you being here. You truly are a face and persona that people can rally around, as I knew you’d be when you arrived. Your mere presence and confidence in poor situations is an inspiration.”

“Then I guess you’re going to have a pretty hard time keeping the community together from now on, because I’m leaving.”

At last, Luna stopped and looked up.

“Let’s get something straight, Luna. From the moment I learned you were the one who caused the Lunar Fall, I didn’t trust you. And I still don’t. I only went along with it because Twily asked me to. Now, if she’s really dead like you claim she is, then the only thing that’s been keeping me here is the fact these people needed some help getting on their feet and protecting themselves. Now that they’re getting good at it, I’m ready to get out of here. I don’t care about your ‘community’ and I definitely don’t care about reestablishing Equestria with you ruling it. I gave you the benefit of the doubt for entirely too long as it is, and all you’ve dangled in front of everyone is the promise of threats. I’ve had it.”

Luna’s eyes narrowed. “You are integral to these people and this city, Shining Armor.”

“Why? Because I take some of the work off of your shoulders?”

“Yes, but you’re far more important than that. You’re the key to everything.”

He snorted. “I’m not interested in going along with any more of your plans. I never believed you when you told me Twilight and the others were dead to begin with. I think everyone here is well enough along that I can go and find out for myself.”

He began to turn. Luna’s voice turned sharp. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

“Or what? You can only threaten me with kicking me out…not keeping me in.”

He began to walk back for the door. He got about halfway there before he heard a loud sigh.

“Very well.”

He paused, and looked back. Luna was focused on him still and had put down her maps entirely.

“Very well what?”

“As I said, you are the key to everything. At this point, I no longer have any reason to keep secrets aside from preventing panic on knowing the truth. Yet since you are so important, if anyone should know the truth about the current state of affairs of the world, it should be you. So if it will keep you from leaving Equestria, and you swear to me you will not tell another soul without asking me first, I will show you.”

He turned fully back. “Show me what?”

“The destiny of you, these people, the rest of humanity, and this world if you do not do as I say, Shining Armor.”

Again, the phrasing made him visibly irritated. Yet she was looking at him with plain sincerity now. Finally, he exhaled. “Just to be clear, I won’t promise I won’t leave anyway after you’ve told me everything.”

“Very well.”

“Alright then, what is it?”

“Come to the steeple of the Harmonium Chapel at midnight tonight—sharp.”

He guffawed. “Are you serious right now? You try to bait me with answers, and you expect me to wait around even longer for them?”

“It can’t be helped,” Luna answered as she took up the maps again. Her tone grew grimmer. “Some things are more effective when seen with your own eyes.”

Author's Note

Yeah, this is a short one, but only because blending it with the next chapter would make it too big.