A Secret in Shining Armour

Shining Armour turned to face the door, tears forming in his eyes. After a few minutes he found himself outside the palace. He had spent hours indoors and the sun was already setting. Shining Armor couldn't help but cry as he stepped into the dark and empty streets of Canterlot, memories of his childhood filling his mind. At this point, Steel Hunk was fully awake but was reluctant to disturb Shining Armour. He wanted to cry too, but all he could do was lie helplessly on his partner's back, not knowing the reason for his tears.

The bright red sun parted the horizon, casting a dull red aura over Equestria. Steel Hunk was awakened by this light shining through his eyelids with its dull glow. He sat up, a sharp pain piercing his spine. He let out a short yell, drawing Shining Armour's attention. Shining Armour started running immediately.

"What happened? Are you hurt?"

Steel Hunk could hardly bear to look into his eyes. Shining Armour had obviously been crying for a long time.
"I'm doing well. But only because of you. You were so brave when you snuck into the palace to save me."

Shining Armour was shocked. The same words he'd heard all his life, those lies. But now they felt different. He could feel it deep down, Steel Hunk was sincere.

He immediately burst into tears. "I'm not!" he screamed and fell to the ground at Steel Hunk's feet. "I'm acting brave and tough, but really, I'm weak. I can't even put my face in front of you."

Steel hunk raised his hooves to pat his back. "But you are brave! Even if it's hard for you sometimes, I will always be there for you. If you don't mind, would you please tell me what's bothering you?"

Shining Armour looked at his partner and wiped the tears from his eyes. "My parents... they don't care. They just want me to fail." He lowered his head, thinking back to his past.

"Don't worry, I won't let them hurt you. I will stand by your side and protect you if they even try'"

Shining Armour smiled, sniffling. Steel Hunk pulled him into a loving embrace, not letting go for several minutes. After they finally released their grasp on one another, Shining Armour spoke.

“We can’t stay here in Equestria. Not with the dragons here. It’s better for us to flee to another nation that’s still independent from the dragons.”

“That doesn’t leave a whole lot of options for us…” replied Steel Hunk, looking unsure of the future.

“I know. We should get going soon, it’s a long way to Griffonstone from here.”

Steel Hunk was flabbergasted, “Griffonstone? Will they take us in?”

“It’s better that we go there and get away from the dragons than somewhere else where we might not be so lucky.”

“Fair enough. Let’s eat first, then get going”

They ate their meal and set out toward Griffonstone, hoof in hoof. The sun shone upon them, forcing its way through the smog to light the way for the two comrades.