The Invasion

Twilight immediately went to work. She ordered Rarity and Spike to begin evacuating the town. The fashionista and her dragon friend nodded, and dashed out of the room. But, I noticed that there was something different about Rarity. I couldn’t quite put my hoof on it. She seemed more determined than ever before. It was as if a certain special siren was calling to her and she needed to answer it. If she didn’t, somepony she loved very dearly might be harmed. Suddenly, images of her sister, Sweetie Belle, began flashing through my mind. I thought of the trauma that the filly might be forced to endure were she to remain in town. Rarity’s reaction made total sense in that moment, and I silently wished her good luck in her effort.

Twilight also ordered Squire to help with the evacuation, and she told him to report back only when everyone was out. He shifted his weight a little bit, as he looked upon the princess. It was well known that the older stallion thought of Twilight like a daughter. He’d never been married, nor had foals, so he considered the royal mares his kin. His tenure with the palace had certainly been extensive enough, but he was still considered the bravest pony on the force. He was also considered a kind soul, and he was friends with a lot of the foals in Canterlot. His consideration also extended to them, and they would eagerly sit around his hooves as he told them story after story of his time protecting Celestia and Luna.

“I…cannot bring myself to leave you, my Princess,” he said with his lip quivering, “I just can’t. You mean too much to me.”

“…and the ponies of Equestria don’t?” Twilight asked.

His look was pained as he fought internally. It was written all over his face. He had a choice to make: leave Twilight behind to be potentially harmed by the zebra invaders or stay and protect her while other ponies were captured and murdered. I saw tears well up in his eyes as he made his decision. He wrapped Twilight up in a hug and whispered something unknown to me. But it must have touched her, because I saw her eyes turn moist as she gave him a kiss on the cheek. They pulled apart and, for a moment, I thought I was watching a proud father give his beloved daughter a tender and genuine farewell. The scene certainly played out the same as many of the movies that Applewood produced. He smiled at her, gently letting his feelings play with his eyes as he gazed down upon her beautiful face.

“Oh, Twilight,” he said, “you grew up so fast…”

She smiled. “But, I’ll always be your little Twily, playing at your hooves while Celestia attempts to corral me and teach me something.”

He chuckled at the memory, but then his face turned gravely serious. “You get yourself out, you hear,” he said, “I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if you perished.”

“I’ll be fine,” she responded, “don’t worry. Now, go. You have ponies to save.”

He nodded, hugged her again, and disappeared into the corridor behind them. Then, Twilight turned to me. I had already made up my mind to stay with her until the bitter end. I thought about being the gallant hero fighting to save the beautiful damsel in distress. But, then my knees began shaking and that thought took flight out of the windows of my mind. My decision was firm, however, and I knew I’d stay with her. Something drove me, though I didn’t know what it was. I knew love had something to do with it…crazy, stupid, idiotic, wondrous love. I felt the warm feeling that normally came when I stood next to her. But this time, it was 10,000 times hotter. I was scared, determined, and a stallion deeply in love. My mind split in two as I stood there, indifferent to everything going on outside the castle. Twilight stood in front of me, and part of my mind screamed to remain. The other shrieked for me to run. But the former cortex was victorious, so I stood there as a rock. I wouldn’t leave Twilight…not for all the bits in Canterlot.

“I’m not leaving,” I said.

“Yes, you are,” Twilight said, “Trundle, you’ve gotta go! They’ll kill you if they find you here!”

We heard screaming begin emanating from the streets below, thus signifying the beginning of the onslaught. I silently hoped to Celestia that everypony was alright. I didn’t dare look out the nearby window, for fear of seeing dead stallions and mares being forcibly sexualized. All I did was look at Twilight. She was my source of confidence and strength through this time, though she’d probably never know it. Once again, I felt the warm feeling burn deep in the pit of my chest. It felt like a million fires burned within me, but I didn’t want them to stop. Determination was the oxygen to their blazing, and I was entrenched within my decision. I was not going to move, and she was not going to make me move. I loved her too deeply.

“I don’t care, Twilight!” I said, “I’m staying!”

“You really are the most stubborn stallion Equestria has to offer,” she said with a smile, “but…I’m thankful for you. I do wish you’d leave, though. I’d much rather give myself to save you than for you to go down with me.”

“I’m impressed by your friendship,” I said, “but the answer is still no. I’m staying right here. I will not leave you to be harmed by those evil zebras! Twilight, you’re my best friend, and I just cannot bear to step outside that door while you’re here.”

“…and I can’t leave until you do.” She said quietly.

“What the hell do you mean by that?” I asked.

“My job as princess of Equestria is to protect ponies. I will stay behind until I hear that everypony has been safely evacuated.”

“But, Twilight…they could be in here by that time!”

“I know,” she said, “and I am prepared. Now, go.”

“No!”

“Yes!” She shouted, “either you get your ass down those stairs or I will drag you down them, but you are leaving!”

“Neither one of you are leaving!” A voice growled from behind us.