Shining Armor leaned himself against the railing of the central watchtower. He had been with the reserve corps in the Canterlot forward command post just a few klicks south from the city limits. The guardsmen stood high upon the makeshift bastion that stretched across the camp. Gazing over it, Shining hoped to see any sign of action or anypony wandering across his way. The weeks that he had stayed in the post had been some of the most stressful of his life. Expecting an enemy he knew nothing about, two of the princesses on the front lines, one of which his sister, and a new commander that he had spoken about three words to weighed on his mind daily. Even surrounded by thousands of the elite guard of Equestria, Shining Armor felt vulnerable. And he hated it. Come on Twilie, give us some good news. As though in response to his silent wish, a messenger approached the gate. Shining peered down as the guards interrogated him before opening the gate. The large metal doors swung inward to allow the small pegasi colt inside. He wore the saddlebag of a royal messenger. Whatever he carried was coming straight from the throne. Shining walked back from the railing and began descending the stairs to the bottom of the tower. Soldiers walked past and saluted as he went by. He felt the gold-colored armor he donned weighing more than he remembered as his mouth went dry. He didn’t know why he was nervous, just that he was.

He entered the ground level where the other commanders and officers were gathered around a map table clearly in the middle of planning troop movements as the pieces of garrison reps lay strategically pointed on it. Shining approached the table and removed his helmet. The officers gave him a salute which he returned just as the messenger entered accompanied by two guards. “Sir, letter from the throne.” The young pony spoke with a voice on the verge of cracking. He’s clearly too young for service.

“Thanks son, you may be off.” Shining patted him on his shoulder as he took the letter and turned around. He heard the colt clear his throat as he unfurled the paper.

“Her majesty said to await your response before I leave. She said it was urgent.” He spoke timidly. Shining raised an eyebrow at one of his officers. Desert Storm shrugged beneath his heavy cuirass and spoke in his thick Saddle-Arabian accent.

“Best to open it and read quick then, eh Armor?” He said. The room grew with chuckles from the ponies. Shining waved them off and finished unfurling the parchment. His eyes traced the words carefully.

General Armor,

This letter comes relayed from Princess Twilight Sparkle in accordance with Commander Star Strider. It reads:

Ponyville is lost, Princess Celestia. Many of the troops fled after an attack by Cosmic Sunder. The town is nearly abandoned. We haven’t heard from Luna or General Magnus. I’m with Star Strider and my friends and about thirty or so remaining soldiers. They’re pretty shaken up. I’m pretty shaken up. Cosmic Sunder burnt down most of the southern area of Ponyville and continued his march towards Canterlot. Assuming he keeps the pace reported, he would be at the city by tomorrow morning. I’m sorry we couldn’t give you a better warning. We’ll do what we can. Best of luck,

Your faithful student Twilight.

General, prepare your troops for imminent contact. I will meet you by sundown tonight. So long as the moon rises, hope is not lost. Luna may still be out there. God’s speed. I await your confirmation and plan.

Shining’s eyes were wide and his expression frozen. The officers awkwardly looked to each other as their general stood dumbstruck. Desert finally cleared his throat. “General, perhaps you would share the message so we may also share your expression?” He laughed emptily to try and coax some response from his friend. Shining looked to him and shook his head.

“Right, sorry. Get the men ready. We’re going to have company soon.” He turned back to the courier. “Tell the princess that a magical barrier is getting put up. Nothing in or out without permission. Entry code will be Appleoosan Winters. Go!” He shooed the young colt out of the door. He took off with haste and Shining turned back. “Get the unicorns working immediately. Pegasi teams need to sweep the surrounding countryside about ten clicks out. I want detailed reports on even the smallest blade of grass. Earth pony teams get the artillery installations up. We need to be ready.” The officers saluted Shining Armor and scrambled to get their teams ready. Shining left the table and began climbing the stairs back up to the observation deck. He gazed across the landscape as the sun began sinking. Turning his head, he looked for the moon for a sign of the other princess still alive.

Luna ran across the ground with Streak Lighter and the siblings next to her. They raced away from the embers of the trench line to pursue the horde she assumed was Cosmic Sunder. No matter how fast she thought she ran, it felt like the horde was still growing farther and farther away. It was moments like this she wished her wing was still intact. Ponyville was a sight they left behind almost an hour ago and Luna wondered how anypony could keep such a pace. Especially ones that are possessed. She was panting as her hooves beat the earth, carrying her over a charred landscape. Finally, she decided to slow for a moment. She could tell the other three were grateful for the rest as they let out a sigh of relief and exhaustion. Luna looked to the sky to see the sun setting. Funny how in the middle of a crisis, the world must still go around. She hastily cast her spell to move the moon and sloppily lifted it to its midnight perch far too early. She didn’t care. Taking a swig of water from the canteen Streak had offered her, she wiped her mouth clean and let out a wet breath. “Come on, they’re still moving faster. We need to stop them.” She began a trot before Streak flew in front of her and touched down.

“Princess, while we’re all with you on this, look.” He swept his hoof to the other two. “We’re so tired. Plus, what are four of us going to do against potentially thousands of troops led by Cosmic Sunder and Dusk Bringer? I think it’s better we tail them and figure a strategy to help the troops left in the Canterlot reserves.” He bargained with her in a sympathetic tone. Luna thought for a moment and was moved at his sentiment. It didn’t detract from her frustration.

“You’re probably right.” She huffed. “We can keep a bit of distance. To relay back to Canterlot, someone will have to leave to get the message. Leaving alone is too dangerous and leaving too many makes us vulnerable. So, what do you suggest?” She questioned Streak. He held his hooves up defensively.

“Valid points. But we have four of us. Pairs are just fine. Cerulean and Flare can stay together, and you and I can tail the army. They’re both faster than me.” Luna froze for a second as she processed his proposal. It hadn’t occurred to her until he mentioned them being alone, but she hadn’t been alone with Streak since their first encounter. She gulped and pushed aside the thought as she focused on the problem at hand.

“Fair enough.” She walked ahead of them. I can’t believe I never knew those two’s names until just now. She was baffled at her inattentiveness. “Let’s get going. We need to catch up somewhat if we have anything to report.” She sped up and heard the reluctant sighs of the three of them.

They travelled behind the marching madness for almost three hours and well into darkness before Luna decided they had something to send for. “Tell my sister that the enemy appears almost three-thousand strong. I didn’t catch sight of Cosmic or Dusk, but assume they are there. Fly west for an hour and then bolt for Canterlot so you don’t get caught by the army.” The red ponies saluted and bowed before taking flight away from her. Luna began to start her trot again but tripped over a stone. She collapsed into the dirt with a grunt as Streak rushed over and helped her up.

“Princess, please. We’ve been travelling non-stop for almost a whole day. You need to rest for a little. Even just an hour.” Luna wanted to fight against him, but she could feel the tired journey sink in as her momentum was lost. They hobbled over to a small patch of grass with two trees in the middle. Laying her back on one of the trunks, she sank down and let all the soreness envelop her. She groaned softly as her knees popped and her haunches relaxed, finally able to sit down with some support. She leaned her head back on the tree and closed her eyes. I hope Star Strider is okay. Please let him be free still. Please. She opened her eyes and looked down her snout to see Streak sitting against the other tree to face her. His head was hung as he played with blades of grass between his legs. She lowered her head and felt a sense of discomfort set in. Just speak with him like a normal pony. She breathed in sharply to get his attention and decided to go for it.

“So… how have you been?” She grimaced at the awkward question. He raised his head with a confused look.

“Aside from the world catching fire?” He laughed. “Alright. Just fine I guess.” He lowered his head again. Luna looked to her left and squinted her eyes. Stupid question. Before she could come up with another topic, he interrupted the crickets and night wind with his own voice. “Luna… why didn’t you ever talk to me again?” She turned to look at him again, but his face still stared at the grass.

“Well, I mean Streak, I can’t just—It’s complicated okay?” She rubbed her legs together.

“But it’s not with him?” He glanced up at her and she felt her cheeks flush.

“It’s different. He’s not… he’s not a guard. It’s not that I didn’t want to be that way with you, I just couldn’t.” Streak sat up straight and stared at her.

“I have something I want to say. I need to say. It’s going to be rude especially to my princess, but I need to. May I?” Luna raised an eyebrow and nodded at him. He took in a breath and took off his helmet. He stared into her eyes as said quietly; “Fuck you.” Luna’s eyes went wide, and she stiffened at his comment. She wanted to lash out in retaliation but realized that he was right. I was horrible to him. I didn’t even think about it. She ashamedly cast her eyes down. “I’m sorry. I don’t really mean that. But princess, I was crazy about you. I joined the army for you. When I got assigned your station, I thought my life was finally complete. But my orders came in the next morning, and I didn’t see you again until you had some giant stallion on your arms. Do you see what I mean?” Luna nodded slowly.

“Streak… I was a different pony then. I was only out for myself. I hurt so many ponies. I didn’t mean to.” She looked back at him as he bit his lower lip. “But Star Strider showed me what it really is to be me. I never felt that way before.” Her eyes glistened in the moonlight as she opened up. He sighed and scratched his head.

“I know what you mean.” He exhaled. “It’s not your fault you love someone else.” He grinned back to her. “Maybe don’t have sex with your fans though? Might give them the wrong message.” He laughed a little and Luna gave him a weak smile in response.

“I really am sorry. But what about Dazzled Pearl? Didn’t you fall for her after?” Luna quickly wanted to change the subject in any way possible.

“I met her my third day off your post. At first, she was just a good friend in the shift. But we got close. I was going to ask her to be my special somepony the day before we left for Ponyville. She got sent on the first recon battalion. I didn’t see her until…” He bit his lip again and looked away, clearly trying to hide a tear. Luna felt even worse.

“She’ll be okay.” Luna said as she placed a hoof on his shoulder. “We’ll save her. I promise.” He looked back to her, a hollow look in his eyes.

“I hope so. I hope this is all worth it. She’s not the only one I lost.” He gently brushed her hoof off and stood. “You get some rest princess. I’ll watch for an hour and wake you, see how we’re feeling.” He donned his helmet and marched about twenty paces away from the trees. Luna watched him go and felt herself beating her mind for being so insensitive. Before she could ridicule herself further, she felt her eyes grow heavy as she sank back onto the tree.

Confusion

Star Strider had too many thoughts racing through his mind. The dire situation was setting into his mind. He had left the camp in the forest at the wrong time. Again. For all he knew, general Magnus was corrupted, and Luna was taken by Cosmic. In his haste to right the situation, he had made the very ponies he sought to protect even more vulnerable. And why would the Lichen not choose to reunite with me? He carefully pondered these questions as he sat upon one of the steppingstones in the river by Twilight’s school. The sun was now just past its midday peak meaning the group would wait for only a few more hours for aid before setting out to pursue Cosmic Sunder. Star Strider sat up and looked at some of the soldiers that had come back with him and Twilight. They all looked miserable. Tired faces, dirty armor, heads hung low; bruises, burns, and scrapes covered all of them in what Star Strider only assumed meant they were the lucky ones. Five of them sat on the grass talking quietly and passing little cards to each other. Star Strider thought it best if he try and engage with them so their morale would somewhat improve. He walked up to their small circle and tried to clear his mind for a moment. Nothing to be done until sundown, best make what I can of what I have.

The soldiers all looked up to him, weary eyes resting on his gaze. He saw their expressions soften as their commander sat down with them. They scooted back to make room for the large stallion in their circle. “How are you all holding?” Star Strider asked as he looked into each of their faces. Their helmets all sat next to them to show their greasy manes and ashen-covered faces. One thing everypony in this circle had in common was their now black coats from the ash and fire. One soldier who appeared slightly older spoke up first.

“To be honest, this has got to take at least ten years off my life, and I’m not sure I have that much to give!” He coughed up a laugh as the other soldiers chuckled at his comment. They all let the smile hang on their faces as long as they could. It seemed like they didn’t know when they next would get to. Another soldier spoke a bit softer.

“I didn’t think we’d make it this far honestly. When we were in that clearing with the tree and they attacked, I thought that would be it. One of the scariest parts was I wasn’t afraid to die.” He looked up to Star Strider as the larger pony’s eyes met his. “Do you know how scary that is? To not care if you die?” The other soldiers slowly turned to look at their commander.

“I do. It is a feeling I am quite familiar with. But let me ask you this; why did you turn back and stay to fight? Why are you here now?” The soldiers all looked back to the grass, clearly thinking about what he had asked.

“It’s… our duty. We only scattered when we thought all was lost. Seeing you with the princess that we all thought was gone reignited something. I felt compelled to stay. I don’t know how to describe it. I felt rallied.” The other soldiers all grunted in accordance with quiet ‘yeahs’ and nods of approval.

“Then your lack of fear is not based in selfishness. You fear not death because you think of others.” Star Strider affirmed.

“But who?” A young pony asked. He was clearly just old enough to make the army. “I don’t have a family, my friends are mostly dead, and Princess Luna is missing. Who am I fighting for?” This time, the older soldier spoke before Star Strider could.

“You’re fighting for us. For all of Equestria. For the ponies you’ll probably never meet.” He stood up. “Commander Strider is right, that is one of the most noble acts; fighting to protect the lives we don’t see.” The other soldiers agreed and stood as well; a new hope instilled in their hearts. “I say we fight until our last breath. And when we’re in the ground, let’s kick it again to shake our enemies’ feet!” The other soldiers that had stayed were now gathering around the small group, listening to the rallying cry of one of their own. “Those bastards will never forget the sting of our spears or the fire of our eyes. Who cares how many we are? I look around and I see thirty-two strong soldiers ready to show everyone just how peaceful hell may look!” Cheers went up from the group as Star Strider look around and smiled. A shadow darted across the sun, followed by a few more. And more still. He shaded his eyes to look up and let out a breath of astonishment as the creatures landed next to the soldiers.

“Quite the call! If you all were fighting like that for so long, you should’ve sent for us earlier!” The voice came from a tall standing and colorful pony with wings of a dragonfly. Not a pony Star Strider realized. “The changeling army stands with you ponies. King Thorax says to outshine you guys so that we get dibs on the better food at the feast!” The leader laughed as he clasped the arm of the older pony.

“Exo! You old man, how are you? I didn’t know if you all would show!” They embraced and smiled widely.

“I wouldn’t miss this fight for anything, Boulder. Can’t believe you didn’t call for me earlier.” Star Strider walked up to the changeling and extended a hoof.

“Thank you for coming, general. I am Star Strider, commander of this campaign. I cannot thank you enough for helping.” The changeling blinked its enormous eyes and grinned.

“Sure thing. General Exo. I’ve been in the changeling army for quite some time. Really glad we finally get a real fight again!” Star Strider looked around and saw hundreds of changelings flying in and landing around them. They all wore the black chitin armor of the changeling horde which bore stark contrast to their colorful coats. The ponies all breathed a sigh of relief as the reinforcements brought a peace of mind.

“General, if you do not mind my asking, how many troops were able to be spared?” He led the changeling towards the castle entrance to meet with Twilight.

“Thorax gave us almost a thousand to fly out. I wish it were more, but he was worried that if he diverted too many troops out here, the hive would be open to attack from Chrysalis or other invaders. He did say that if we absolutely need more, he will lead a charge if necessary.”
“We appreciate it. Let us hope this is enough.” Star Strider said as he pushed open the large door. The lobby of the castle was cluttered with scrolls and books laid out. Twilight stood in the middle with her friends as they all appeared to be searching for something. Spike was the first to notice their entrance.

“Hey, the changelings are here!” He shouted out as he dropped a pile of scrolls. Twilight turned to see her new guests and smiled.

“Exo! Thank goodness you’ve come. I was starting to worry that our message didn’t make it.” She walked up and shook his arm.

“Our pleasure princess.” He said as he bowed to her. “We couldn’t leave you guys out to dry after all.”

“Rainbow, will you go with him and explain the plan? I need to keep searching for this spell and wait for the others if they come.” Twilight turned back to her pile of books. Rainbow Dash saluted and sped down to the general.

“C’mon buggy, let’s go get your guys all shined up!”

Star Strider followed Twilight into her pool of paper and shook off a few scrolls as they wrapped around his ankles. “Princess, what exactly are you looking for?” Without turning to look, Twilight answered.

“A spell that not even Cosmic would know. It’s ancient magic and I only found it recently. It isn’t even finished but it’s an advantage. It’s spoken ma—”

“Spoken magic.” Star Strider finished. Now Twilight turned to him, her eyes wide as saucers.

“You know it?” Her voice was full of hope.

“I was the one who began writing it. I never finished because of the Lichen. I meant to teach Luna before everything…” He got lost in his thoughts as he remembered that he abandoned Luna in her time of need.

“Star Strider, if you know that magic, we need to use it. Please teach me. Right now.” She pleaded with him. Star Strider snapped back to the room and thought for a second.

“I will try to teach you as best we can in the next few hours. Come.” He gestured for her to follow as he led her down the halls he was unfamiliar with. He only remembered how to get to his room from his brief stay all those weeks ago.

“Girls, head outside and help Rainbow get our friends ready. I’ll see you when we’re ready to go. Spike? Come with and take notes so we can practice more.” Twilight ordered as she followed him. They scrambled to get to their spots as Star Strider prayed to the heavens that this would work and opened the door to his room.

Author's Note

Finally back! Planning to publish the last few chapters of this story soon, I'm still struggling with how I want the ending to go. But thank you all for your patience!