Year 2532, 35th of Chillwind, Hour 7 – Canterlot Castle, Solaria’s Quarters - Solaria’s POV

I awake with a jolt. Sitting up, I feel the sweat soaking my fur and under-armor. Sighing, I brush my mane over to the left.

Relax, no one knows. At least no one important…

I glance over to my bedside clock, the time reading 7:29.

Great, five hours of sleep. Might as well get up. There’s no point in trying to sleep again.

I slide off my bed, flicking on the lights with Telekinesis and walk into the bathroom. After applying cold water to my face, I go through the motions of my morning routine, ending it all with a hot shower. I climb in, not caring to remove my under-armor at first. I do strip it off after a few minutes, cleaning both my fur and the Veralax Mesh.

Ten minutes pass before I step out. Igniting and activating Fire Cloak, I watch the orange flames circle my body, lasting a few seconds before dying out. Completely dry, I cast the same spell to the under-armor before slipping back into it.

Not feeling hungry, and with nothing better to do, I go about reassigning the soldiers that had traveled with me last night. The task doesn’t take long. After it’s done, I brush my mane and set it back into its bun, moving to my armor closet and donning the set.

With everything I would need for now, I leave my quarters and take the path leading to the castle, ready to start an early day.

35th of Chillwind, Hour 11 – Canterlot Castle, Barracks Mess Hall – General POV

“Morning, Lace.”

War Coach greets the half-dead Pegasus, her ears folded back against her head. He stood beside her as she prepares herself a mug of coffee.

She mutters a half-baked greeting in return, watching the liquid dribble down into the cup. When the machine finally finishes loading up the mug, Sky Lace tenderly grabs it and turns around to face the packed mess hall.

Off to their right, War Coach notices Captain Solaria enter into the hall.

“How do you think the Captain’s feeling?” War Coach nudged Sky Lace, gesturing in Solaria’s direction.

Sky Lace takes a long drink and groggily responds.

“Probably feeling the same as me: mad, tired, and disappointed at the outcome of our little ‘mission.’”

They both watch as the Captain approaches another Guard and begins to speak with him.

“Well, she shouldn’t beat herself up over it,” War Coach says. “I was surprised she even managed to find them.”

“Heh, I’d personally be more concerned with our trip being busted.”

“Oh please, which of us would be foolish enough to rat out our escapade, especially since the Captain was leading it?”

The two watch as Solaria leaves the mess hall. They both notice Lieutenant Hanger suddenly walks in through another entry. He saunters his way to Sky Lace and War Coach. The smirk on Hanger’s face gave both soldiers an unsettling feeling.

“Have either of you seen Captain Grayblade? I have, ah— urgent news, to tell her.”

“She went that way,” War Coach hesitantly says, pointing in the direction the Captain had taken.

“Thank you, Sergeant.” Hanger’s smug tone grows worse.

He makes his way through the crowd, following after the Captain. Sky Lace and War Coach share a look.

“I have a bad feeling—”

“—Have either of you seen Captain Grayblade?!”

Sky Lace’s sentence is interrupted by Major Glaze, her face flustered. Sky Lace holds her tongue, giving Glaze the same answer War Coach had given Hanger.

“Yeah, she went that way—" a point to the door. “—Hanger just left looking for her as well.”

“Oh no…”

Both Sky Lace’s and War Coach’s faces change to worried expressions.

“Why? What did he do?” Sky Lace’s posture tenses.

“All I can say is,” Glaze murmurs, her ears pressing against her helmet. “May the Creator have mercy on the Captain’s soul, because Queen Celestia sure won’t.”

Canterlot Castle, Halls - Solaria’s POV

“Captain, may I have a word?”

I hear Hanger’s voice behind me. I roll my eyes and slow my pace to a halt, waiting for him to catch up.

“What is it, Hanger?”

His smile instantly gave me an unnerved feeling.

“Her Majesty, Queen Celestia wishes to see you. Right now.”

…

“As she requests.”

I brush past Hanger and begin to walk towards Celestia’s office.

“She wants to see you in the courtroom.”

I freeze.

“Why would she want to see me in the courtroom,” I ask, turning to face Hanger. Half of my mind is convinced he had committed a foolish act.

He’s nowhere near me, already gone. That’s not at all concerning, or suspicious.

I make my way to towards the courtroom, taking my sweet time. My stomach churns over the implications of a meeting in such a place.

What reason would Queen Celestia want to ‘meet’ me in the courtroom. I swear, if Hanger opened his muzzle to her… I’ll kill him. He’s been a thorn in my side ever since I chose Armor as my Lieutenant Captain over him… In fact, I’ll bet that’s what this whole mess is about… That faraking scumbag…

For the first time since I nearly succumbed to that Nightmare weapon protecting the Queen, I felt scared. Unscheduled meetings with the Queen was never a good sign, especially with her recent outbursts. A voice in the back of my head tells me nothing good will come from this.

I turn a corner, finding the courtroom doors at the end of a long hall. I take a few deep breaths, preparing to shove open the wood double doors.

Maybe I’m overreacting and this whole ordeal will be fine…

35th of Chillwind, Hour 12 – Canterlot Castle, Courtroom - Solaria’s POV

‘Henceforth from this moment on, Solaria Grayblade, on accounts of insubordination, and charges of Necromantic activity, you are hereby discharged from your position as Captain of the Guard.”

The crack of the gavel echoes throughout the courtroom.

What in the name of the Creator is happening…

“If the defendant would like to make a declaration before the court, please do so at this time.”

My shock keeps my voice at bay for a moment, before I shout an angry response.

“Those charges are false! Who would dare make such claims?!”

“The accuser asked to remain anonymous, so I cannot answer that question,” Celestia replies, before turning to the other occupants of the room. “The court is now adjourned. You all may--”

The rest of her words are lost to my ears as my mouth hangs open, silently gaping at the progression of events.

It was Hanger, I swear on my life! What’s even worse is that I’m discharged?! Without so much as a verdict, witnesses, or even evidence?!! What is Celestia thinking?!

I hear the courtroom doors close. At the sound, I look around the room. Only the Queen and I remain.

My shocked and relatively calm demeanor breaks. I walk up the Queen’s desk and slam my hands onto it.

“Discharged?! You discharged me on a single claim?!”

I catch her Celestial Guards move closer to me, their hands tightening around their golden halberds.

Celestia looks at me, keeping her expression neutral. However, her folded ears and searing fire in her eyes told me that my actions were making her angry.

“I think it’s quite clear—"

“—I did nothing wrong!” I interrupt her. “You listen to one voice and ignore everything else! What kind of judgement is that?!”

Celestia jolts up from her seat, flaring out her wings to cast a shadow. She learns her taller form to me, snarling out her words into my face.

“You should know better than anyone the consequences of disobeying my command. And on top of doing that, you made military decisions without consulting me!”

“I didn’t consult you because you would do nothing! Like the last time Minotaurs invaded out lands, I did all the work while you and Vaelum sat in this wretched castle!”

Celestia’s eyes narrow.

“So you were the one that cleared out the Minotaurs. Vaelum told me so, but I had faith that you were better than that…”

“That’s what you pull from this??! Not the fact that you let your country suffer while I listened to its cries?!”

“How dare you question my ruling! You have no idea what it takes to lead a nation and the sacrifices one must make!”

“I know a leader doesn’t idly sit as two whole towns are ransacked and burned to the ground! You know what I believe? I believe that sitting these past centuries has given you power for too long! I think Equestria is due for new leadership!”

The air around Celestia ignites with an invisible blaze. The heatwave forces me to step back and face away.

“You better shut your muzzle right now,” Celestia’s voice is scorching like the air around her. “Else I’ll make you regret your next words…”

“Very well…” I respond.

In my opinion, actions speak louder than words anyways…

As quickly as I can muster, I ignite Strategic Strike, facing the Queen and casting the spell. Both Celestia and her two guards are caught in the red bubble, freezing in place. With the brief window of opportunity, I ignite Gust and add as much force into it as I possibly can before casting it at the guards. With Strategic Strike, the effects of Gust are stacked on top of each other, building the spell into a single, powerful blast.

When Strategic Strike’s duration ends, I switch to Electrical Lock and cast the spell at Celestia. While her guards are thrown against the wall, Celestia is struck by the volts. Her muscles seize up and she drops to the ground, suffering from temporary paralysis.

She cries out in surprise as her legs give out.

I sprint over to her and begin to repeatedly strike her face with my gauntleted fist. I can feel her skin split, the blood covering my glove.

The crack of bones breaking reaches my ears as I continue to hammer on the helpless Queen.

I switch my strikes to aim for her horn, but my arm is caught before I can land the shot. Something blunt strikes my blind side, forcing me off of Celestia.

I can do nothing as I see stars swirl above me.

A hand roughly presses down on my breastplate, before thousands of electrical volts course throughout my body. I’m unconscious in seconds.

Day and Location Unknown – Solaria’s POV

I awake with a start, my eyes fluttering open. As I look around, I see I’m lying on a suspended cot withing the cell walls of the castle dungeon. The feeling of cuffs sits on my wrists, and the cold metal of an Inhibitor Ring clings to my horn. My armor is also gone, only the under-armor and boots remain.

I rotate my lower body off the suspended bed. With a quick glance to the cell door, I can see the three Riot Guards positioned outside.

No sense in trying to escape…

As I lean back against the wall, one of the Riot Guards uses a holo-device to call another unit.

In five minutes, a door down the hallway outside my cell opens. Metal footsteps echo off the cement floor.

They stop at my door. I look up, feeling the sense of instant betrayal. My eyes narrow as I find the figure of Lieutenant Hanger standing outside my cell.

I knew it…

“Good, you’re awake. Her majesty Queen Celestia wants to speak with you.”

I only stare, feeling the complete rage course through my body.

I want nothing more than to strangle that pile of svist to death, but the presence of the Riot Guards is enough to prevent me from doing so.

Hanger gestures to a Riot Guard to unlock the cell. When the guard does, I am guided out into the hall, Hanger is walking in front of me.

We exit the dungeon and leave the danker prison area. Hanger takes the silence as an opportunity to start running his mouth.

“Just so you understand, Solaria, what I did was nothing personal.”

“Don’t try and lie to me,” I venomously hiss. “Everything you did was personal.”

He stays silent for a minute.

“Fine, I’ll admit it, it was personal. But what did you expect when you chose that inexperienced Lieutenant Shining Armor over me?”

“He had more potential than you ever did…”

“Like how Stronghold had more potential over you?”

My eyes go wide before narrowing into a seething stare.

“It seems as if you’re making excuses, just like your mother did when she was forced to make—”

His words become a choking gargle as I throw my shackled arms over his head and tighten my grasp. He fights to free himself, but I’ve caught him off-guard. His clumsy attempts do nothing against my stronger grip. As he struggles, I kick his legs out from underneath him, causing both of us to fall against the ground.

A sharp prod from an electric baton jabs my shoulder. In my bout of rage, I had forgotten that Hanger isn’t the only member of my escort.

Regardless, I refuse to let go, instead tightening my grasp. The guard prods me again, but I again refuse to release Hanger.

The Riot Guard cranks up the power on his baton, causing the electricity to arc along the metal shaft.

This time, the pain forces me to relax my grip. The Guards roughly separate us.

As I’m pulled to my feet, Hanger stands a good distance away, coughing and gasping for air.

Eventually, he composes himself, but the cocky and arrogant attitude is gone, replaced by fear.

“Get her to the throne room immediately!” he stutters out.

“I promise you, Hanger!” I struggle against the Riot Guards. “I’ll make you die a slow and agonizing DEATH! You’ll regret your actions!!”

The beautiful look of terror on his face is the only response I need.

==|000|==

Ultimately, Hanger decided to remain behind. Leaving only the Riot Guards and myself to continue onward. As the group approaches the throne room, my nerves begin to get the better of me.

I feel as though my assault on Celestia might’ve been a bit too much… There’s no way I come out of this alive… Might as well go out with a bang…

Two Royal Guards standing at the heavy golden doors push them apart, allowing passage for us.

I take a look down the long room.

Standing at the foot of her throne, with her wings fully extended, stands the Queen. The scorching glare in her eyes and the steady increase of temperature tell me exactly what she has in store for me.

I glance at my escort. The two Riot Guards flanking me are sweating bullets, their eyes showing the pure fear they hold behind their stoic faces.

I share their emotion.

The Riot Guards escort me up to her, halting at the beginning of the steps that lead to her throne.

For a minute, as we stare at each other, I do my best to hold a neutral, rebellious glare.

Celestia breaks the silence, slowly stepping her way down from her throne.

“Back when you were rising through the ranks, I followed your progress intently. I saw that you had the potential to lead my Royal Guard with an iron fist, willing to shape my battalion into the greatest fighting force Alheere has ever seen. And I won’t lie, you did just that.”

Her praising flips in a heartbeat.

“I’ve always wondered, however, what drove you to do such a thing. You’ve spent your entire life in my military up to this point. Now, I understand why…”

“You know nothing!” I snap.

“You had an ulterior motive,” Celestia ignores my comment. “You were playing the long game, working to get close to me.”

“You’re delusional!” I retort. “Has your addled brain forgotten all my sacrifices?! I toppled the Griffonian Empire in your name! I saved your miserable life from that lunatic Dusk Light! I’ve sacrificed more for you than you’ve sacrificed for you own country!”

Celestia’s expression becomes furious. She closes the remaining gap, striking my body with the intense temperature.

“I’ve done things you couldn’t even imagine,” she hisses into my face. “My service as Queen already beats any ‘sacrifices’ you might have made.”

She turns away from me, climbing her way back to her throne.

“You mean your service of sucking off all those politicians and dignitaries? Hah! I’ll bet those moments were more honorable than my own actions!”

Celestia stops, her body becoming tense.

“If you think vulgar insults are going to bring me down to your level, then you’re mistaken…”

“You were below my level before I was even born, when you cared more about ruling a nation than your own sister!”

Oh svist...

In an instant, before I can even comprehend her movement, Celestia gives a bloody-curling scream and appears in front of me. The sheer heat of her anger causes me to squeeze my eyes shut, yet the sudden and absolute fear I feel keeps me frozen in place.

After several seconds of dealing with the blistering heat, I open my eyes a crack. Celestia is standing inches from me. I can hear the crackling of raw magic from her palms. Something much more alarming appears to be affecting the Queen however.

She trembles in place, her eyes locked shut and her teeth gritting. I refuse to move, even with the extreme temperatures boiling my skin.

I catch movement from behind Celestia. Both her Celestial Guards have left their posts, quietly approaching us. They both hold their halberds forward in a striking position, the weapons aiming not for me, but the Queen.

Celestia opens her eyes. Her original magenta irises are gone, replaced with a sickly shade of yellow. Maroon strands bleed out from the yellow, threatening to infect the whites of her eyes. The Queen’s breathing is erratic and her eyes twitch, like she’s fighting against something trying to take over her mind.

She blinks again. The sinister colors are no longer there. Celestia backs away from me, the heat dropping away; her Celestial Guards instantly jumping back to their original posts, although I can tell they’re watching her movements.

“Get her out of here,” Celestia’s quivering words are barely audible. “Not just from my throne room, but from my country. If I see her face again within Equestria’s borders…”

One of the Celestial Guards nods behind me. I hear armor plates shifting as a pair of hands grabs onto my arms, frantically pulling me away. Even through the armor, I can feel the trembling from the Riot Guard. Suffice to say, everyone in that room feared for their existence moments ago.

36th of Chillwind, Hour 19 – Canterlot Castle, Captain of the Guard’s Quarters – Solaria’s POV

“You have 30 minutes to gather what you need.”

The shaken tone from the Riot Guard is obvious, but I couldn’t fault him for it. I felt the same.

A horrible pain is emanating from my wrists. I look at them, seeing two rectangular sear marks where the shackles had been. Celestia’s rage must have caused them to burn my wrists.

With the Inhibitor Ring still attached to my horn, I’m unable to magically heal the burns. I rush into my bathroom, finding a green plant with tentacle-like tendrils upon the windowsill. I grab one of the Chamatriloe tendrils, breaking off the rock-hard limb. When I do so, the plant’s juices flood from the break. I hold my wrists under the liquid, almost feeling instant relief from the pain.

I dry off my wrists, returning to my primary living area.

That, by far, was the second-most terrifying experience of my life. What’s more concerning was that mental struggle Celestia had going on. It must’ve been something major, considering her blood-oathed Celestial Guards were ready to impale her…

Without any further knowledge, my curiosity slowly fades, being replaced with outrage and betrayal.

She’s deporting me! That sniveling shakira! If I ever get the chance, I’ll destroy her...

I walk to my armor closet, flinging open the doors.

Sitting right where it belongs is my Captain of the Guard armor. The purple and gold plates, ornate with spiraling silver patterns, is in pristine condition, even more so than when I had worn it yesterday.

“At least one thing’s looking up,” I mutter.

I pull the armor’s pauldrons from the rack, throwing them onto my bed. The Equestrian flag, a sun and moon surrounded by the Royal Sisters, was attached to the pauldrons.

If Celestia no longer wants me as a member of her country, than I no longer wish to carry its flag…

I tear at the patches with my fingers, the action proving to be ineffective.

Reaching under my bed, I draw a military-sanctioned combat knife. I unsheathe the blade, using it instead to remove the patches. This method is much more effective.

After both are destroyed, I drop the knife and retrieve a glass-plated plaque from above my bed. Sitting within are the medals I had earned throughout my extensive service. I rip the plaque from the wall and throw it against the wall across from me with a vengeful scream. The glass shatters on impact, scattering the medals.

The door opens. To my surprise, in walks Lieutenant Captain Armor.

I become defensive.

“Here to throw your share of the verbal assaults?”

He gives me a hurt look.

“Do you think so low of me? You know I would never do that.”

“Yeah? So did everyone else when I became Captain.”

I turn back to my armor closet, removing the full chest-plate.

“Why are you here,” I ask as I start to attach the armor piece.

“I want to know what really happened,” Armor says. “I don’t believe you deserve such a punishment.”

“Do you honestly mean that, or are you saying what I want to hear?”

“I don’t know!” Armor say, frustratedly. He begins to pace around.

“Half of the Guard is saying you deserved it, the other half is saying you didn’t! I don’t know what to believe!”

“Hmph, believe what you want, Armor, but listen to me when I say this: have faith in your fellow soldiers, but do not trust any of them. That right there is what I failed to do when I was Captain. Look at where it got me.”

“That seems like a lonely way of living,” Armor says.

“Would you rather have temporary friends, or be betrayed in the end?”

After the last armor piece is attached to my body, I slip on the helmet. From my closet, I pull out a large survival pack, filled with enough gear to last me a few days in the wilds. My knife is slipped into the bag.

I make my way to the door with Armor following. I stop, turning to face him.

“You’re too kind, Armor. It’s your one major flaw. Just, take my advice, will you? Don’t trust anyone, especially alicorns.”

I salute him. He returns the gesture. I knock on the door. After a few seconds, one of the three Riot Guards open it.

“Alright, let’s go,” he says.

I don’t respond. He places new cuffs around my wrists and begins to guide me away.

“Don’t screw up my army, Armor!” I shout back to the Lieutenant Captain. My party of four slowly makes out way away from the castle, out into Canterlot itself.

35th of Chillwind, Hour 19, Canterlot, MagLev Station – Solaria’s POV

Fortunately, the Riot Guards escorting me didn’t care where I was dropped, just as long as it was away from Canterlot. I chose Vanyda, the closest city in the northwest to the Minotaur Lands.

The walk itself is boring. Not a single Canterlot resident is bothered or even intrigued by the sight of a soldier in cuffs being led to the MagLev station. Although, what did I expect from such a self-righteous city.

The party enters into the station, catching the MagLev as it pulls up to the station. We receive our tickets, free of charge, and waste no time boarding the back-end car of the transport.

Upon entry, I notice the car is devoid of any other passengers.

Huh, that’s a welcome addition…

I sit down a few seats back from the entrance, placing my pack underneath the seat and falling onto the silver-cushioned chair.

The conductor calling for final boarding echoes through the communication speakers.

The outer doors begin to close. At that moment, I see the familiar colors of gold and bronze Royal Guard armor leap through the doors at the last second.

The owner of said armor is none other than Major Glaze, instantly recognizing her blue-toned mane.

The Riot Guards on board are as confused as I am.

“What are you doing here,” One of the three stands up to confront Glaze’s sudden appearance. “We requested that no one rides with us.”

“There’s been a change of plans,” Glazes says. “Lieutenant Captain Shining Armor gave the order for me to join you.”

What are you up to, Armor…

“And what makes him think he has any say in this?”

“He wanted the presence of a Royal Guard, considering she—” Glaze gestures to me. “—was our Captain. And there’s fact that I’m the one who has access to her Inhibitor Ring. But if you want to take it up with him and Celestia…”

At the mention of Celestia’s name, the Riot Guard shrinks back.

“Fine,” he grumbles. “But if anything goes wrong, it’s your head.”

He sighs, sitting back down. Glaze sits as well, taking a seat in the row ahead of me.

A conductor begins the MagLev safety speech over the intercom, asking passengers to attach the harnesses across their chests.

After several minutes, the MagLev passes beyond Canterlot’s outer walls. The boosters on the transport engage, increasing the speed of the vehicle from 60 kilometers per hour to around 500 in half a minute. Almost immediately, the MagLev passes through stabilization rings, removing the intense effect of the g-force.

I unbuckle the belt harness, staring at the mountainside flashing by.

Okay, Canterlot’s behind me. All I need to do is make it to Vanyda, then I’ll be free of these nuisance Riot Guards. I have to wonder though, why would Armor ask Glaze to join us, if he even did at all? Hmm…

With nothing better to do, I attempt to gain some additional sleep in preparation for the journey I had ahead of me.

35th of Chillwind, Hour 25 – MagLev – Solaria’s POV

I’m awakened from my restless napping by a hand shaking my shoulder. Blinking, I lift my head to see Glaze peering at me from over her seat. I open my mouth to speak, but Glaze puts a finger to her mouth. She glances at the Riot Guards, two of which are asleep and the third not present. I ignore her warning and whisper to her.

“What are you doing here?”

“We couldn’t let it happen to you,” she whispers back after another look at the Riot Guards.

“We? What’s—”

“I can’t explain now,” Glaze interrupts. “But be prepared to get yourself out of here before we reach Vanyda.”

Glaze stands up from her seat, causing one of the Riot Guards to awake. He watches her as she exits through a door connecting the cars before returning to his slumber.

The door opens again seconds later. The absent Riot Guard walks in, carrying two trays of various food.

“How far are we from Vanyda,” I ask him.

“Like I know,” he snorts, opening a package from the tray. “We passed Shalecoast about five minutes ago.”

“Okay, and do you plan on sharing any of that?”

He rolls his eyes, tossing me a small pack of complementary crackers and a bottle of water.

Oh well, better than nothing.

I stare out the window, watching the snow-covered fields of northwestern Equestria blur by as I devour the little amount of food provided to me.

==|000|==

Nearly a half hour had passed since Glaze spoke with me. Since that time, she’d re-entered the car, sitting a row behind me.

The MagLev’s speed had decreased, a sign that we would be reaching Vanyda soon. The Riot Guards were gathering their gear as both Glaze and I remain in our seats. For the past ten minutes, I was tensely waiting for Glaze’s next move as I watched the fields and plains change to thick spruce trees.

An array of bright colors flashes by as the MagLev cuts through the rainbow arch of Hope Hollow.

My ears catch the sound as Glaze shifting, followed by the ethereal hum of magic.

“For my brother…” I hear Glaze whisper as the Inhibitor Ring around my horn falls away.

I catch the eyes of the Riot Guards. All four of us remain frozen.

In an instant, complete chaos erupts in the car.

With my ability to access magic again, I ignite Thundercrack and cast it, focusing the effects onto the Guards. As all three reach for their weapons, a deafening, thunderous crack explodes from my palm. Only the Riot Guards hear it however, as all three shriek and collapse to their knees. I use this period of distraction to break off the shackles and draw out the knife I had hidden in my pack.

By this point, one of the Guards has slightly recovered from the spell. He’s too late to react, as I lunge forward and drive my knife into an exposed portion of his neck. He gives a dazed cry before collapsing. I pull out the knife as he falls with a wet squelch.

A second Riot Guard recovers, drawing a sidearm from his belt. He activates in and aims for me, but I cast Telekinesis and use it to throw off his shot. The MCB round strikes against the glass of a window, causing a small crack to appear.

I close the distance between us before he can fire again, swinging at his chest with my knife. He steps back and tries to pistol-whip me. I catch his hand and with a quick jab, pierce his arm with the knife.

As he gasps in pain, I slip the pistol from his hand, flip it around, and fire three rounds into his chest. The first round deflects off his armor, but the other two find their way to exposed flesh, searing through it. The Guard silently gasps, grasping the new holes, before falling like the first.

I hear the whir of another sidearm charging. I spin around and cast a shield spell the width of the walkway between chairs, dropping my weapon in the process. A shot fires as my shield is cast.

The third Riot Guard has his firearm pointing at me, but I notice from the smoking hole in his unprotected head that the shot didn’t come from him.

Crouching in the space in front of her seat is Glaze, her own sidearm’s barrel giving off a faint wisp of smoke. I disable the shield spell and walk over to her.

I place a hand on her arm, carefully trying to grab her attention. She jumps at my touch, flailing the weapon around with a wild glean in her eyes.

“Hey, calm down Glaze! It’s over!”

Glaze looks around, quickly spotting the dead Riot Guards. She drops her weapon.

“Oh sweet Celestia, what have I done?!” she moans. Her hands press against her head.

“You did what you had to do,” I reply. “Now, tell me what caused this.”

“Celestia— Celestia wasn’t going to let you go. She ordered you to be executed at Vanyda. You were to be taken from the Riot Guards under classified orders, then killed by… a firing squad. The LC found out. He— he didn’t want this to happen, so he told me to go with you… Ohh, this whole plan is falling to svist…”

“Hey, you did good. I’m still alive.”

We both stand.

I grab a baton from one of the Riot Guards. Using it like a pike, I strike the nearest window several times. After a few strikes, a small hole starts to appear. I drop the baton and ignite Telekinesis, using the spell to rip the remaining glass away from the window.

I walk to where my pack is, grabbing and slipping it onto myself. Returning to the broken window, Glaze stops me.

“Good luck, Captain,” Glaze says, casually saluting me.

“Thank you, Glaze. I won’t forget this.”

She draws and offers me her sidearm, a determined look appearing on her face.

“Avenge my brother.”

I grab the sidearm and secure it in my pack.

“I doubt we’ll see each other again after this,” I say.

“Just do what you need to do.”

“Also, forgive me for this.”

Before Glaze can respond, I throw a punch, striking her on the jaw. She drops to the floor, unconscious.

Facing the window, I poke my head through, instantly being whipped by the freezing wind. Using my arm to block it, I see I have a 20-meter drop awaiting me. Up ahead, a small clearing comes into view. I pull myself back into the car and watch for the clearing to line itself up with me while igniting Teleportation.

When I’m aligned with the clearing, I cast the spell.

A white flash fills my vision for a split second. Almost instantly, the whiteness fades as I feel myself fall for a half-meter before my feet strike the snow-covered ground.

I turn around, watching the MagLev continue on its path towards Vanyda.

May the creator be with you, Frosty Glaze.

Now officially alone, and without adrenaline rushing through my body, the colder air sends faint chills along my back.

I didn’t think this through fully…

I clear the snow from a spot on the ground and sit. A map is taken from my pack. I unfold it and find my approximate location.

Okay, about 60 kilometers northwest is the closest settlement besides Vanyda. I think it’s that hamlet I was at before. That’s a good enough spot for me to find more supplies and shelter.

After plotting my course with help from a compass, I re-fold the map and place it back in the pocket. I take a deep breath and start my journey northwest.

Author's Note

Chapter 3 is coming soon.

Here's a better explanation of the spells used if you're interested, written in this Google Doc.

--Thanks to HoneyBacho for assisting with editing and world continuity