Doctors and nurses moved to and fro up and down the hallway of the ICU of Ponyville General Hospital. Their hoofsteps and the buzz of voices were lost on Cold Case, who seemed to blend into the hospital’s pristine white walls.

She’d made the rounds over the past few days, checking in on her officers, Daring, and Phillip. It was a miracle they had all made it out of the ordeal with their lives – a fact that Cold kept playing over and over again in her mind.

Now there was only one pony left in the hospital, and Cold was leaning against the wall outside her room.

She held a bouquet of flowers in a simple vase in her hooves. Her eyes were distant, staring into the fiery orange petals of the pansies she had picked out as she tried to work out the words in her head.

“Chief Case?”

Cold’s name snapped her from her trance. The hallway traffic had subsided, leaving Captain Lamp Iron standing next to her. He looked between her and the flowers with a curious gaze.

“Captain Iron,” Cold addressed with a nod. “Thank you again, for picking us up out there.”

Lamp Iron gave a sheepish, almost sad smile as he scuffed the tile floor and looked away. “Ah, well… least I could do. I’d already let two ponies down already, wasn’t about to let down two more.”

Cold simply nodded. “How are Smoky Jones and Coal Dust?” she asked.

Lamp Iron sighed. “Thank the Mother, they’re alright. They’re awake and alive – and they’ll be discharged soon.” His shoulders seemed to sag with a confirmation of relief.

Cold’s eyes—and mind—slipped back to the flower petals, until the captain cleared his throat.

“So… how’s the Lieutenant General?” His eyes held cautious hope when Cold’s met them.

“She’s awake, nothing that can’t be healed,” Cold said. “Her discharge is still pending.”

“I see… and the flowers?” Lamp Iron nodded to them.

“I’m just… getting my thoughts in order, that’s all.” She flashed half a smile at him before sinking back to the flowers.

Lamp Iron nodded. He opened his mouth to say something, but all that came out was a gasp of air.

Cold snapped to look at him, scowling in confusion. Lamp Iron’s gaze was fixated down the hall, mouth agape. It was then that she noticed the conversations in the hall had gone completely silent.

She turned, following Lamp Iron’s gaze, and her eyebrows shot up.

Down the hallway walked a tall, broad-shouldered white unicorn with an unkempt mane and tail that were streaked in different shades of blue. His left hind leg was a crystalline prosthetic from the mid-thigh down. He wore a white button-up long-sleeved shirt with shoulder-sleeve insignias of four silver stars, indicating the rank of general. His cutie mark was of an indigo shield, with three blue stars at each point and a pink six-pointed sparkle emblazoning it.

The hospital staff he passed knelt down before him, many of them gasping and whispering excitedly to each other in his wake.

Cold quickly bowed as he approached, and Lamp Iron gave a sharp salute beside her.

“General Shining Armor, sir,” he proclaimed.

Shining returned his salute with a casual smile. “At ease, Captain.” He said, his voice relaxed. He turned his attention to Cold. “Chief Cold Case.”

Cold got to her hooves, nodding. “Yes, sir.”

“If you’ll both excuse me, I have some railroad blokes to see about replacing a caboose,” Lamp Iron said quickly, giving another salute and hurrying down the hall.

“Is this Lieutenant General Beacon Fire’s room?” Shining asked, glancing at the door.

“Yes, sir.” Cold took a step back, gesturing to the door.

Shining raised an eyebrow, his blue eyes falling upon the fiery assortment of flowers. A smirk crossed his muzzle and he nodded in thanks before stepping inside.

Beacon Fire’s armor and shield had taken a lot of the explosion, but her body was still worse for wear. A golden ring was slipped around the base of her horn to prevent her from using her magic – the final shield had taken all of her energy. Her leg was bandaged up from where Iron Claw had sliced it, and her chest was wrapped in enchanted bandages to help heal her cracked ribs. Her legs were strung up in slings to help the bones heal, and a brace kept her neck in place. A final bandage was draped over her snout from Iron Claw’s punch.

“Lieutenant General,” Shining addressed.

Beacon squinted open her eyes and gave a small smile. “General,” she replied hoarsely. “I’d salute, but I’m a little wrapped up at the moment. I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Well, it’s not every day one of my friends gets themselves blown up outside of wartime,” he replied with a chuckle. “How are you feeling, Bea?”

“I’ve been worse,” Beacon said, her smile turning to a smirk. “With all due respect though, Shining: ‘proper shield,’ my ass.”

They both shared a chuckle, Beacon’s quieter than Shining’s. When it died down, Shining sighed.

“Well, you’re still here at least,” he said. “I’m guessing this mission didn’t go exactly as you hoped?”

“Not a fun time, no,” Beacon remarked. “Between a bloodbath, ponies getting shot at, me getting shot at, fighting a griffon on a moving train, and getting blown up, it’s been pretty rotten.” She sighed, a soft smile forming. “Not all bad though – I met the most beautiful mare in Equestria.”

She blinked and looked to Shining. “Second to Cadance, I mean,” she quickly added.

Shining gave a laugh. “I won’t tell her you said that if you won’t.” His eyes drifted back to the door. “…She wouldn’t happen to be a white unicorn with a blue mane and tail, would she?” Beacon raised an eyebrow. “She’s waiting outside the door.”

“Huh.” Beacon stared forward as she sunk into her pillow. “I wasn’t sure she would be. She’s… well, she’s a little cold, to be honest.”

“Well, I’m sure I can count on you to warm her up.” He winked, and at Beacon’s blush he laughed.

“I’d shake my head if it weren’t for this brace,” Beacon said with a playfully exasperated tone and a tired smile. “You and Cadance are made for one another, you cheeseballs.”

Shining walked forward and set a hoof on the railing of the bed. “You did good out there, Beacon. Rest easy, soldier.” He nodded to her.

“Don’t have to tell me twice,” Beacon sighed.

Shining walked out of the room, shutting the door behind him and turning to Cold, who snapped to attention when he appeared.

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” Shining said. “Do you know where I could find my little sister? I figured I’d visit her while I’m here.”

“She should be at the Ponyville Police Department’s crime lab, sir,” Cold said with a brief bow.

“Good. I heard she has a coltfriend that I’ve been wanting to meet,” he remarked with a smirk. “Take care, Chief Case. And don’t let those flowers wilt on you.”

Shining winked to her and walked down the hall, receiving the same royal treatment from the hospital staff as he had upon his arrival.

Cold blinked in surprise, quickly aware of her burning cheeks. She quickly scooped up the flowers and turned to the door. With a huff, she let the icy mask settle into place and she stepped inside.

“Cold?” Beacon asked, looking at her from the corner of her eye from where she lay.

Cold walked over. “I… brought flowers,” she said, suddenly finding her voice quiet. She cleared her throat and set them on a bedside table.

“Pansies?” Beacon asked with a raised eyebrow.

“They reminded me of your mane,” Cold admitted, her eyes averted to the distant corner of the room. With a deep breath, she forced them towards Beacon and tried not to wince at her current state. “I wanted to say… thank you. For saving me, and keeping the others safe.”

Her eyes ventured to Beacon’s, and she found the lieutenant general was smiling.

“You’re welcome,” she replied. “It’s part of the job. Are… are all of your officers safe?”

Cold nodded. “And Phillip and Daring.”

Beacon sighed with relief. “Well, thank goodness for that,” she replied, eyes slipping to the ceiling.

“Beacon…” Cold bit her lower lip. “About what you said…”

Beacon’s eyes shot open and her blush burned anew. “W-Well… I was pretty concussed. P-Probably speaking gibberish,” she spluttered.

“It was nice gibberish, then,” Cold replied with a soft smile. “I can’t say I’m used to… well, this.”

Silence hung in the air. Cold’s eyes slipped downward, unable to grasp at any further words. Beacon studied her out of the corner of her eye, before smiling.

“Hey,” she said softly. “Maybe, if you’re still up for it, we can talk about this after I get out of here?”

Cold looked at her and finally decided on a nod. “Yeah. I think I would.” She turned to the door. “Well, I’ll be going, I just wanted to say thank you and get well soon.” She looked back over her shoulder. “They’re going to be throwing a victory party of sorts at the Apple Pie in Your Eye in a few days, if you’re well enough.”

“The Apple Pie in Your Eye?” Beacon repeated with a snort.

“It’s a bar that a good friend of Phillip’s owns and runs,” Cold explained.

“Quite a name,” Beacon chuckled. “But yeah, hopefully I’ll be there.”

Cold nodded. “I hope so too.”

Beacon watched her leave, a warm smile on her face as her eyes drifted to the pansies. Slowly shutting her eyes, she fell into a peaceful sleep.

Cold stood outside of The Apple Pie in Your Eye, looking up at the paper lanterns swinging in the early spring breeze – pink and speckled with red hearts, glowing from within. The hanging sign of three gathered ponies squeaked along with them.

She took a deep breath and stepped inside.

The aroma of chocolate hung in the air. Red and pink streamers, heart-shaped balloons, and more paper lanterns like those outside decorated the bar, even though Hearts and Hooves Day was still a few days away.

Up on the stage, Rara and Steamed Carrot were dueting a love song to the audience. Cold’s eyes scanned the crowd and came up with some familiar faces.

Daring and Prowl, Prowl’s husband Maple Leaf and their foal were seated at a table with Frost Glide who, judging by her hoof gestures, was regaling them with war stories or the like. Pineapple and Matchstick had a booth to themselves, discussing their work over a pair of chocolate malts. Captain Lamp Iron was seated and chatting with Coal Dust at a table shared by Smoky Jones and Braeburn, who were holding hooves, as the latter chatted amicably with Wheellock.

As Cold’s gaze swung towards the bar, she froze.

Beacon Fire occupied one of the barstools, raising a shot glass of cider to Applejack in cheers before knocking it back. The lieutenant general was still bandaged around her chest, but otherwise seemed normal.

“Good stuff,” Beacon remarked. “I’ll have to get a few bottles for the road.”

“The business would be much obliged,” Applejack said, tipping her hat. She bit her lip. “Lieutenant General… if’n ya don’t mind me askin’… I was wonderin’ if you might’ve known my pa.”

Beacon raised her eyebrows. “Name and rank?”

“Bright Macintosh, corporal,” Applejack said.

Beacon scowled into the bar’s wooden surface before shaking her head. “I don’t believe we met,” she said. “Army was pretty big during the war.” A worrying frown fell over Beacon’s muzzle. "...Did he make it?”

Applejack hung her head and shook it. “Vanhoover,” she mumbled.

Beacon inhaled slowly, letting it out with a sigh. “We lost a lot of good soldiers there. But, if your father was fighting for Equestria, I know he did us proud.” She raised her empty shot glass. “May his soul rest in peace.”

Applejack smiled softly, tears in the corners of her eyes as she returned the gesture.

Phillip, who had been by the stage tuning his saxophone, noticed Cold standing there and walked over. He set a hoof on her shoulder, causing her to jump at the touch. As she glanced at him, he glanced towards Beacon and smiled.

“You remember that wanker back at the academy, when we met?” he asked. “That instructor?”

“That insufferable prick?” Cold snorted. “Hard to forget.”

Phillip chuckled. “I remember saying you weren’t his type.” He nodded towards Beacon. “Think she’s yours?”

Cold’s cheeks flushed a little and she shifted. “I’m not… sure.” She looked to the floor, scuffing at it with one hoof, her voice lowering so only he could hear. “I’ve... she knows about the poppydust, and about Gjord.”

“And she’s still here, isn’t she?” Phillip sighed. “Cold, I think Daring and I can speak from experience in saying someone willing to stick with you, in spite of what you’ve done in the past, is someone you can at least trust.”

Cold let a half-smile tug at the corner of her mouth and nodded to him. He patted her on the shoulder and walked back to his instrument while she took a steadying breath. She walked over to the bar and slipped onto a seat next to Beacon.

Beacon eyebrows raised as she glanced at her. “Oh… hey.”

“Hey.” Cold levelly replied, taking another breath to steady her nerves.

“I was hoping you’d make it.” Beacon flashing her a warm smile, raising her empty shot glass. “Here’s to another successful ‘case’ solved, I suppose.”

Cold smiled slightly and nodded. “To another case solved.” She glanced down at the bar top, running a hoof over the smooth surface. “I was hoping we could talk about… us.”

Beacon’s ears drooped at the tone. “Well, I am out of that hospital bed now,” she said with a hopefully confident smile.

“Are you sure… what you said about me by the tracks, I… I’ve never done this sort of thing before,” Cold began, composing herself before continuing, eyes focusing on Beacon. “A good friend told me that someone willing to stick by me, with my kind of past, was someone I could trust… so I guess this means I trust you.”

They both flushed slightly, with Cold averting her gaze and Beacon clearing her throat.

“Well, there’s a first time for everything, right?” Beacon asked with a chuckle. “I can’t… really say I’ve gone on many dates myself, but… I want to at least try. With you.”

Cold smiled and opened her mouth to say something, but was cut off by a plate slamming onto the counter, making both of them jump. A few of the other ponies glanced their way.

“Aaand here’s some early Hearts and Hooves Day heartcakes for the happy couple!” Pinkie Pie declared aloud, gesturing to the plate.

Upon the plate was a stack of heart-shaped pancakes, each nearly as big as the plate itself. They were speckled with chocolate chips and drowned in maple syrup. A pair of knives and fork flanked the plate on either side.

Both Beacon and Cold, however, were less than appreciative of the gesture, with blushes burning clear up to their ears.

“Miss Pie,” Cold snapped. “We aren’t a… we aren’t even dating!”

“Not yeeet,” Pinkie said in a singsong voice. Before they could protest further, she slipped back into the kitchen with a wink.

Beacon cleared her throat, trying to fight back the blush in her face. “Well,” she said with a nervous grin, picking up her fork. “Care to help me eat these?”

Cold huffed, her own fight with her blush less than successful. Still, she gave a small smile and held up her fork. “It’s a good thing for that mare that I like maple syrup.”

Beacon offered her fork to Cold. “Here’s to what’s next, wherever it may take us.”

Cold’s blush redoubled at the offer, but she nodded and clinked her fork with Beacon’s. “To what’s next.”

And together they dug into their pancakes, just in time for Phillip’s smooth saxophone tones to replace the love song.

Author's Note

And another case successfully solved - and another victory party at the Apple Pie!

Technically, in terms of the timeline, here's your first look at General Shining Armor. I didn't actually know about his prosthetic leg when I originally wrote this because I hadn't read that far into Book 3 yet.

And perhaps we'll be seeing more of Beacon Fire in the future.

Stay tuned next week for the next chapter of Frost and Fire!