This story is a sequel to Dying Flame

A year has passed since Spike's furnace went out, and Twilight was forced to leave her adoptive brother in the care of Al'Mal'Gorath. The complete and utter silence regarding the fate of Spike has all but driven the alicorn into the depths of despair, only her friends support allowing her sanity to remain steady.

Deep down, Twilight fears what may be waiting for her - she fears that her brother, Spike, died a year ago and nothing but a corpse remains. But most of all, she fears the kind of monster Mal'Gorath could have shaped him into.

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Many thanks to ward282, MagicKnight55 and metallusionsismagic for proof-reading and editing the story.

On the one thousandth anniversary of her greatest failure, Empress Luna reflects on the empire she has built. Never has the world been more unified or at peace and it owes it to her Immortal Highness, Empress Luna. The Equus Empire is a testament to the love and adoration her subjects give her.

Yet, in her heart she holds a deep pain and feels that she truly doesn't deserve any of it.

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Many thanks to Rated Ponystar for the actual story idea, and many thanks to ward282, MagicKnight55 and metallusionsismagic for proof-reading and editing the story.

Now has a sequel, One Year Later

After a vigorous day of organising and sending reports to Celestia, Twilight notices Spike is feeling a little ill. He slowly grows more and more cold, before finally falling into a coma that Twilight fears is her own fault.

Going to the Princesses for help, Twilight eventually is brought before an Elder Dragon and comes to the realisation that she may have failed as a caretaker, a friend and as an older sister.

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*EDIT* Okay, okay. You guys win - I'll write an additional chapter or two. I've marked this story 'Incomplete' for now. Follow up chapter has been done. If you want more, let me know. I'm sure there are a few other characters I could write a chapter on (Except for the dragons, of course)

*DOUBLE EDIT* Okay, wow. I seriously didn't expect this to take off as well as it has. This is honestly probably one of the best days of my life. I'm so glad and happy that you've all enjoyed the story.

There are twelve of us, four from each tribe. Twelve of the most elite and powerful guards in all of Equestrian history with one goal in mind: to protect Princess Celestia’s life no matter the cost. Error is not a word in our dictionary. We don’t comprehend the definition of failure.

Honestly, it’s not all that bad. Sure it’s tight out there - but we’re family. A close, knuckleheaded family of brothers and sisters bonded through putting up with Celestia’s nonsense. There’s not a thing we wouldn’t do for each other. The Princess knows it - it’s why she trusts us as much as she does. And why we trust the Princess as much as we do.
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Please note, the format, perspective and even tense will change from chapter to chapter depending on which character's perspective its being written from. Some will be first-person, others third. Just a heads-up.

Remember: If you fave or comment, please leave a 'like' as well! (Or a dislike, and let me know why you didn't like it)

*EDIT* Holy smokes. Featured? This is probably the best day of my life since ever. Wow.

Many thanks to ward282, MagicKnight55 and metallusionsismagic for proof-reading and editing. I wouldn't have made it this far without them.

And also, many thanks to Cormac McCloppy for help with the earlier chapters. I wouldn't be here without him

In a newly industrialized country, the Equestrian government decides that its time for a radical change in its military. Created by Princess Twilight Sparkle to be a secret special operations' branch of the Royal Guard. The Strategic Centre for Aid and Law Enforcements' members are determined to protect Equestria from new and unforeseen threats. Its newest recruit; Cirrus Stormcloud, works his way to the top as he discovers things about his home he never knew or even wanted to. Working alongside new friends, Stormcloud must overcome his past to protect this brave new world while discovering its darkest secrets.

Written By InsaneCrusader