Colonel Skywalker’s POV

“The best way to solve problems and to fight against war is through dialogue.”

Malala Yousafzai.

_ _ _

“Go fish,” I say.

The soldier before me silently groans as she picks another card from the tumult in the middle of the table. Meanwhile, I look outside at the blizzard as this one collides with the building we’re currently in before glancing back at my deck of cards, only for my eye to spot the cup that lies next to me.

I levitate it to my mouth, taking a sip from the delicious, flavorus, and relaxing hot chocolate. I enjoy it with a calm expression as a smile is drawn on my face. I love moments like this, short - yet very peaceful moments that help me collect my thoughts and allow me to ease up, even if it’s for a few seconds.

I lower my cup with my magic as I check on my cards once again, preparing for my move. The winning move.

I smirk to myself. Gotcha.

“Alert! Solar Guards on the horizon!”

As my ears peek at the sudden shout from afar, both me and the troop sitting before we look at each other in confusion, only for suddenly widening my eye as I realise the meaning of such loud words. I instantly rush out of the bunker, barely managing to pick up my crossbow without losing my balance.

As I come into the trench, I notice how several soldiers run to their battlestations in a hurry. With my eye wandering around my surroundings, I can see a pegasus mare flying at a quick pace towards me, landing right in front of me.

She salutes. “Colonel, sir.” I reciprocate the gesture, and she explains, “We’ve just located a few Solar Guards approaching our positions from the South. Orders?”

“Private, warn Hanzal and Swift,” I instruct her. “And please-” I cough, “tell Their Majesties as soon as you get the chance.”

“Of course, Colonel.” She nods and hurries off into the distance and I watch her leave.

A sigh leaves my mouth before taking flight towards the southern section of the trenches. I have no doubt that my fellow comrades will try to stop me from actually stepping out onto the front line, but even if I don’t actually fight I need to be aware of whatever happens there.

Some among the Crystal Army would most likely question why I use the word “fight,” and tell me that we have no idea what will happen until the Solar Guards arrive. They would try to claim that negotiating for peace is an option.

Heh. If only.

“Sky!” an all-too-familiar voice calls my name.

I look this way and that, searching for the green pegasus stallion amongst all of the others charging around the trenches. It takes me a minute to locate him, but I finally manage to and he rushes towards me.

“Hanz, buddy!” I shout as the two of us reach each other. He is carrying with him a small crossbow, one that can be reloaded quickly and easily. “I see you got sweet, little Amber with you, huh?”

He nods. “Got to make her shine at last… Darnit, I wasn’t really ready for this to kick off. I didn’t think they’d sort themselves out for another day or two.”

“Underestimation, the worst of enemies,” I say to no one in particular.

“I would say that insanely powerful angry gods and goddesses are worse,” he smirks, “but I get the idea.”

“Got an idea of how long until they arrive?” I wonder as we keep traveling through the snowy sky. Then, with a glance at my friend, I can see the slight pain on his face from each wingbeat and I grimace; I’ve always felt sorry for him and his wing.

“Dunno, maybe half an hour. Enough time to work out a plan - if you don’t have one already.”

I give him a look. “I’ve spent the last I can’t remember how many days planning for this, and you of all people…” I clear my throat, “you have seen the effort it has taken to make sure we’re successful.”

“And I have full confidence in you.”

I shake my head at him and smile. Now is not the time for laughing and joking around, but I won’t object to having Hanzal brighten the mood a little.

We make our way to a bunker near the front line, and - as we do so - I peek out at the horizon and see the small army marching towards us. Decisions, decisions. To wait a little longer, or to meet them head-on? Each has their own benefits and downfalls. If we wait too long, they could reach the trenches, but I don’t want to send everyone out there too quickly.

“Do you think the old Inner Circle is gonna be here?”

“I doubt it,” I reply. “They would never sacrifice so much for so little.”

“What if they arrive in a few days’ time? Would they do that?”

“Potentially, but again, not many Inner Circle guards are likely to arrive. The darn Sunbutt won’t put all of her eggs in one basket so easily.” I explain as my eyes look at the horizon in search of any Solar Guard that could be approaching us. My hope is that the Sunbutt refuses to send any of them here. If she does, then…

We’ll kill her, easy-peasy.

I push the thought out of my mind. Focus, I scold myself. Astral is the least of your concerns at the moment.

The two of us wait around in a trench by the front for a few minutes. A changeling near us watches the Solar Guards with a pair of binoculars. She bites her lip as she does so.

“Uh, Colonel? You might want to have a look at this.”

She passes me the binoculars and I look through them at the Solar Guards. My eye widens as a figure clad in golden Solar Guard armour passes by the small group of reconnaissance and stands in front of them, holding his head high in the air, blue mane blowing about in the wind…

I lower the binoculars, and find a sarcastic smile creeping onto my lips as I speak the first thoughts that come to mind.

“Oh Shining… you magnificent bastard.”

Moonlight’s POV

“Check!”

I glare down at the wooden chessboard on the coffee table in front of me, searching for a move to slow down my imminent defeat. Alas, I have empty hooves. My king is being chased to the edge of the board by two rooks. Sighing, I ever so gently tap my final chess piece and it falls over.

“I surrender,” I say, looking across the lounge at Cozy. “Princess Cozy Glow, I have no hope of ever beating you in a game of chess.”

“Bow down before the Princess!”

I grin at her. “Cheeky.”

“Eh, I had to try.”

A door opens, and none other than Sombra walks in, holding something with his magic. He cracks a small smile when he spots the chessboard.

“Cozy, you are relentless,” he exclaims.

“I work hard at it,” she answers back.

Sombra takes a seat next to me and passes me a couple of letters along with a slightly out-of-date copy of Harmony Magazine. Another article has taken centre stage, but there is a small box to one side of the main story with its own picture and details.

HARMONY

JOURNALISTS

BEGIN TREK TO

THE CRYSTAL

EMPIRE

Details on Page 8

“Oh?” I wonder.

“They arrived quite a while ago, actually, but only made it to the castle a few minutes ago. Two journalists, and a photographer.”

“Gee, what's going on? Speak to me, ponies! I exist!” Cozy grumbles. She flies across the room and squeezes herself between us on the sofa. I think she does that on purpose to annoy us. She stares at the front page for just a moment as she processes this, then she hugs me and I wrap a wing around her.

“Say goodbye, Sunbutt! Nopony's gonna like you after this!”

“I doubt they will,” Sombra agrees. “However, whilst this may test the loyalty of the vast majority of Equestrians to Celestia, it is inevitable that some will continue to fight on her side regardless. Perhaps monetary incentives will be involved, or promises of power, or just devout belief in her right to rule.”

“If she has a right to rule, then so does Mum,” Cozy protests, “but I guess some ponies in Equestria won't listen.”

“Well, should I go and meet them?” I ask.

“As long as you are prepared for an interview. You cannot expect them to come all of this way to sit around and do nothing. They will want only the best news and,” he sighs, “gossip.”

“What's wrong with gossip?” says Cozy.

“It can work in your favour or against you, depending on the circumstances. Be careful what you say to them, just in case.”

“Rightio!”

“I'll keep that in mind,” I tell him, smirking. “What happens in the castle, stays in the castle.”

“And what would you be referring to?”

“Everything, no matter how innocent - or not.”

He looks at me for a few seconds. “Right, Moony.”

We all stand up and leave the room together. Next stop: the throne room, apparently. As we approach the doors to the grand hall, I hear three unfamiliar voices in deep discussion, although everything they say is muffled and unclear.

“Big smiles, be happy, no mind control,” Cozy instructs, and then the doors open.

Three ponies are there, all wearing winter coats and boots, and with a large amount of equipment with them. One is a chestnut pegasus stallion, the second is an earth pony mare with a grey-white coat and a blue mane, and the last is a grey bat pony stallion. All three of them look at us and their faces light up.

“Your Majesties!” the mare squeals with delight. “How wonderful to meet you all!”

“Welcome to the Crystal Empire,” I smile.

The mare embraces me. “Queen Moonlight, thank you. It's honestly a pleasure to be here at last. My name is Silver Quill, and these ponies with me are Cookie,” she nods at the pegasus first, “and Apollo.” She gestures with a hoof to the bat pony.

She steps back, and I shake hooves with Cookie first. He says, “Thank you for inviting us here.”

“It was the least I could do,” I respond. “After everything you’ve done for me, for us, I had to do something for you.”

The bat pony stallion, Apollo, shakes my hoof, a sincere smile on his face. “We wouldn't have been able to do a thing without you, though. Without you, we wouldn't have been able to give our opinions without being ridiculed. You have helped us convince ponies to take us seriously.”

“I didn’t do it all alone, though.” I nod at Sombra. “Really, Sombra deserves most of the thank-yous.”

“Really?” he says, arching an eyebrow and grinning. “Is that a genuine show of appreciation, or are you just trying to flatter me whilst the press are here?”

We all laugh at that.

“It’s true,” I insist. “I'd still be in the Everfree Village without you.”

“The Everfree Village?” Silver asks. “Apollo said something about the place on our way here.”

“Tough old place - nothing to do with the ponies who live there, of course, but Celestia. You would expect her to do something to improve the place, look after the ponies there, but-”

“Gee, you're kidding, right?” Cozy interrupts. “You think she looked after me?”

“Cozy,” I warn her.

“Just saying, Mum.”

I wrap a wing around her and sigh, “It's ok, Cozy.” She nestles in by my side. The little devil has started treating me a lot nicer than she used to. I'm glad, to be honest. I feel closer to her.

“Tartarus,” Silver whispers. “A thousand years in Tartarus… for a foal.”

“Yuppers. But I’m alive.” She is so calm and casual about it that even I’m surprised.

I notice Sombra smiling at me and Cozy, but decide not to comment. Instead, I decide to move the conversation along a little. Maybe in the direction of something like a nice hot cup of coffee. “Should we go and talk somewhere that you can sit down? You haven’t had the easiest journey.”

“That would be brilliant, Your Majesty,” Apollo says appreciatively, nodding.

I turn to Sombra, who asks us to follow him, and tells them that they don’t have to bring their belongings with them; presumably, the castle staff will put them somewhere safe. We walk back to the lounge, and he quickly clears away the chessboard, something that Cozy clearly doesn’t approve of as a small frown appears on her face for a moment before she sits down again.

The three newcomers sit down and seem to relax instantly. Silver smiles to herself a little as she takes her seat.

“What shall it be first? Journalism, or our new temporary headquarters?”

“I guess we should think about both,” I answer. “There’s a new housing estate in the east of the city, and we made sure there would be some space for any extra guests. And I suppose if you’re looking for any extra material for the newspaper, there’s bound to be a few ponies who won’t mind talking to you.”

“That sounds perfect, thank you.”

“No problem.”

“And then there is the issue of when our Colonel will be able to make his speech to the Crystal Empire,” Sombra adds. “This is one of the main reasons why we decided to invite you - to help his message reach Equestria.”

I raise an eyebrow at Sombra. “Do you have any idea when it will actually go ahead? I’ve not spoken to him in a few days.”

“He mentioned tomorrow night. Provided there aren’t any distractions, I think it would be best to have it sooner rather than later.”

Silver Quill tilts her head to the side slightly. “By ‘distractions’, do you mean-”

“Solar Guards,” I say, only to hear a second, much more panicked voice joining in. I look around, and a Crystal Soldier is standing in front of us, panting and trying to get some air into her lungs.

“Solar Guards to the south,” she explains. “The Colonel told me to warn you.”

“Buck,” Cozy grouses.

“Are we in the way, Your Majesties?” says Apollo.

I shake my head. “No, it’s fine. The Crystal Empire’s in good hooves for now. We’ll be told if either of us are needed there.” I sigh, “I just hope that nothing happens to Sky.”

Colonel Skywalker’s POV

Silence.

Nothing, but the constant sound of the blizzard shouting its presence while the snow swirls around us; however, none blinks our breaths, we just look at each other with serious expressions, silent yet showing some kind of respect by doing it.

And so, here we stand. In the middle of what will be our next battlefield in the long black list of the military life that has defined us both. The white-coated unicorn, the young Captain of the Royal Guard, and current leader of the Solar Guard of Canterlot; then, before him, the orange-paled bat pony, the veteran ex-Colonel of the Royal Guard, previous leader of the Lunar Guard of Canterlot.

Shining Armour and Moonlight Skywalker.

I eye my surroundings, but still keep him in my line of sight. “I appreciate you respect the code, Captain,” I finally greet him.

“I’ve always tried to follow it, Colonel.”

“Glad to know that,” I admit. “I did so too, but I guess it was never meant to be.”

The other stallion tries not to laugh at that comment and keep some of his professionalism about him. “Apparently not.”

A sigh comes from my mouth before eyeing him. “Prepared much?”

“Only when I know how my sister is?” Dammit, he knows how to bargain.

“She’s alive, Shining. Alive and well,” I reply, coughing. “Don’t think I’m gonna transform into a monster just because Sunbutt says I am.”

“And the others?”

“Same with them,” I say. “Now, may I have my chance?”

He raises an eyebrow. “Alright,” the unicorn sighs. “Shoot.”

“Is she alive?” I ask in a serious tone.

“Astral?”

I nod slowly.

“Yes. She’s been looked after well by the Canterlot Hospital and she was accepted back into the Royal Guard, although she isn’t here today.”

Internally, I groan to myself. Typical. Damn our family's luck.

“And yes,” he continues, “we are prepared. I don’t like to give away much, but our forces have spent months preparing for this.”

I look back at him. “Then it is an even fight.”

“Even?”

Internally, a smirk forms. “You know me, I like challenges.”

“Yeah, I noticed,” he smiles, but it quickly fades away. “A lot is resting on my shoulders, and on the Solar Guards, you know.”

“So it does on ours, apprentice.”

“Yes, of course. How could I forget?” All of a sudden his tone is as icy as the roaring blizzard around us. “Success and glory… or mind control.”

“Failure,” I correct him. “I’m not mind controlled, neither is anyone whose lives depend on me.”

“I personally find that hard to believe.”

“Well, if you can make it into the Crystal Empire, maybe your eyes will finally open.”

A quiet nod, “...Maybe.” Then, he looks behind me, towards the trenches. A serious look reflected on his eyes as these examine the defences that stand ready for anything the Captain has to throw at us.

Another silence takes possession of the environment, making it heavy and making us feel uncomfortable with the presence of the other. Our gazes part and immediately intersect, causing a sigh to come out of my mouth.

“Good luck, Shining.”

“Good luck,” he echoes. “And... may the best leader win.”

We nod to each other, then each of us walk back in the direction of our own armies. Once or twice I look back just to check that I’m not being followed by anyone, but thankfully he isn’t using any underhanded tactics to gain an advantage. Mind, my opinion of him hasn’t changed.

However, my focus lies on something more important. Now, there will be no turning back.

Author's Note

“Oh Shining… you magnificent bastard.”

This line was written by Bronie… and is probably one of my favourite lines so far for the Colonel.

Bronie312: Aww… thanks. However, and this might be surprising, Shining's reveal was something we both had in mind without knowing it. Strange, right?

Eeyup, we read each other’s minds. Crazy.

~ Angel and Bronie312