The Path We Walk
Chapter 4:
Aegis ultimately found himself on the cliffs below Griffonstone. It was the early hours of the morning but he wasn’t exactly sure how long he had been sitting there. He felt so much at once that it actually left him numb; heartache over Celestia, shame over leaving Canterlot like a hurt colt, jealousy at his closest friend and a blanketing anger with no clear target. Deep down, he knew he should return but he couldn’t bring himself to do so. On the horizon, the sun began to crest over the mountains. Seeing that made it all the more clear to Aegis that no matter how paralyzed he felt, all else moved on.
With the dawn, Argent set about trying to locate Aegis. He left the city and searched the quiet, pastoral areas outside of Canterlot but found no trace of his friend. Back at the castle, Celestia did her best to carry out her duties but her mind was consumed by worried thoughts and the lack of sleep the prior night left her listless. Argent finally returned by the late afternoon with nothing to show for his efforts. He searched for Celestia, finding her in the empty meeting hall drinking some strong tea to keep herself awake. She perked up at the sight of him though and welcomed him with a long embrace.
“Did you find Aegis?” She asked hopefully.
“No, not yet.” Argent shook his head. “Being a flyer, it’s going to be tricky to track him down. He may be big, but he’s good at not being found when it suits him.” He let out a hard sigh. “He’ll likely head somewhere isolated, maybe towards the mountains. I’ll head that way tomorrow.” He saw the disheartened look in her eyes. “Hey, don’t lose hope just yet.”
“Even if we find him… what am I to say to him?” She stared down into her cold tea. “He must hate me.”
“I don’t believe that.” Argent laid his foreleg over her shoulder. “He’s probably not too happy with me, but you… you’re special to us both.”
“Thank you.” She laid her head to his chest and closed her eyes.
“Please get some sleep tonight Celestia.” He kissed her head. “Leave to worrying to me, okay?”
“I shall try Argent.” She smiled at his loving concern for her.
“I’m going to tell the rest of our guard mates that Aegis is gone, having them help to search will improve the odds.” Reluctantly leaving Celestia to her troubled thought, Argent sought a messenger and instructed word be sent to the barracks that the remainder of the traveling elite guard head to the main hall to meet with him. Within a quarter hour, the twelve members of the elite were assembled and awaiting instruction from their captain.
“Sir, your message said this was urgent.” Burnside, a youth in the elite guard, noted as he stepped forward. “What’s the matter?”
Argent calculated his words as he spoke. “Aegis… has gone missing.” He raised his hoof to calm their confused murmur. “I don’t know the full scope of the situation yet, all I can say is that this morning he was missing from his room with no trace of where he had gone. Aegis never just leaves without reason or notice so I am having you all aid me in searching for him.”
“Of course sir.” Burnside nodded. “What do you need us to do?”
“I searched myself and I know he is not in Canterlot nor the immediate surrounding area. At dawn, we will head out again and I will detail your routes to you before you depart. For now, rest up, tomorrow is going to be a long day.”
“Sir!” The dozen stallions hailed in unison. As they left he could overhear their deep amazement at the situation and he sighed as they exited the hall.
“You did not tell them the truth?” Luna’s voice came from behind him.
Argent turned back to see her at the bottom of the stairwell. “Well, technically I didn’t lie.” He let out a disingenuous laugh. “I’m worried Luna.” He admitted in a hollow tone. “I’ve known Aegis so long now but when I looked into his eyes that night… I saw something I’ve never seen before.”
“And what is that?” she asked.
“He looked… vulnerable… fragile, two words I’d never associate with him.” He lowered his head.
Luna approached him with understanding in her eyes. “Even a mountain can crumble if struck hard enough.” She set her wing to his back. “Without doubt this has struck him with such a blow.”
“You know.” Argent raised his head and look into her calm eyes. “My second year in the training academy I had already made a name for myself. I was young and cocky and not exactly in everypony’s good graces. One day I was demonstrating a new spell I had designed… well… showing off is more like it. I was able to create timed explosions using concentrated magic and I had placed five of them on the training yards surrounding columns. As they went off in sequence and the pillars came down I used my constructs to gallop in the air between them, I almost pulled it off but the fifth charge went off earlier than I expected and the pillar came down on me.”
“My word.” Luna raised her brow in surprise.
“Yeah, hurt like nothing else… broke a few ribs to boot. Anyway, I was trapped and finally called out for help. Five of the other cadets ran over and tried to move the pillar but they couldn’t budge it.” A smile crossed Argent’s face. “All of the sudden I hear a big voice say, ‘move!’. The cadets scattered and this… massive shadow came over me.”
“Aegis.” Luna said.
“Yeah.” he laughed. “First time I had ever seen him. Aegis braced his hooves under the pillar and… just lifted it, like it was paper; tossing it aside and holding his hoof out to me. He pulled me up and instead of mocking me or calling me out, he just looked at me and said, “Your spell detonates at the same interval but you didn’t account for the actual time it takes to cast it, you lost nearly two seconds by the time you cast the fifth one”. Argent shook his head and laughed. “He was right, and I knew at that moment that this guy… he’s was the one I was going to spend my career fighting alongside.”
“That is quite the story.” Luna said with a smile.
Argent let out a heavy breath, his eyes damp. “He’s closer to me than my own family. I told Celestia to stay positive but it’s all I can do to manage that much.”
“As I told my sister, the bond you all share is strong and you must have faith in it. All you can do now is find him, the rest will unfold as it will.”
Argent nodded and wiped his eyes. “Thanks Luna.”
“You should rest too, you have done all you can today.”
“Right.” Argent agreed meekly and started back for his room.
The following morning, Argent met with the remainder of the elite guard and showed them their intended search areas on a detailed map of the area. Without hesitation they set out and Argent prepared to do the same.
“Argent.” Celestia called his attention as she approached.
Argent immediately went to her and hugged her. “Did you sleep alright, my love?”
“Better.” she smiled.
“Will you be okay today?” he asked.
“Yes, I will. I wrote to Twilight last night and she responded that she and her friends will be here tomorrow.”
“She’s a real sweetheart. Learned from the best though.” Argent said with a wink.
Celestia blushed. “Good luck Argent.” She kissed him.
Argent gave her a confidant smile and headed out to join the search. Celestia sighed as he left, she was doing her best to maintain a strong front but her heart was heavy with guilt and worry. She moved forward with her day as always, her duties occupying her enough to stave off the nagging thoughts in the back of her mind. The day went by normally enough but without any success of locating Aegis. Morning again saw Argent and his team heading out with similar hopes and similar words of encouragement. For Celestia, having Twilight and her friends visit was a great comfort and while they understood the situation, that isn’t what they spoke of. Instead they kept her spirits up with stories of goings on in Ponyville and the School of Friendship. Argent returned about two hours earlier than intended to check in on Celestia and spend some time with her, feeling more confident with so many others aiding in the search. He stayed with her while Twilight and the others headed out into Canterlot to have dinner. With evening approaching, Celestia was wrapping up the last of her meetings for the day. In the throne room, with Argent at her side, she discussed plans for the upcoming air games with event coordinators from Cloudsdale. They were startled by the sound of the doors busting open and two of the castle guard hurrying in with a member of Argent’s search team on their shoulders.
“Burnside!” Argent galloped over as they set him down.
“Argent… a detachment from Dreadhoof’s army followed us back from the East.” He said through pained breath.
“What?” Celestia asked as she joined them.
“I stumbled upon them while looking for Aegis and they captured me. I was able to free myself and escape but in doing so… they are now headed this way.”
“Oh no.” Celestia gasped. “Canterlot is in grave danger then. How many are in their force?”
“At least two hundred standing soldiers, three ballista and a siege tower.” He answered with fading energy.
Argent quickly assessed the information. “Alright, we need to evacuate Canterlot and form a defensive line. Get Burnside some medical attention and then assemble the castle guard.” he instructed.
“Sir.” The two guards hefted Burnside and began moving him to the infirmary.
“Princess Celestia!” Twilight’s voice cried out and she and Rainbow Dash hurried in. “We saw the injured guard, is everything okay?”
“No Twilight, we are facing an attack.” Celestia went to the girls. “I need your help.”
“Just say the word.” Rainbow Dash flexed her foreleg. “We can take ‘em.”
“Firstly, I need you to aid in evacuating the citizens of Canterlot into the castle. I will make sure a reception is ready to move everypony to safety. Gather your friends, pair up with members of the castle guard and head out into the city to begin the move.”
“Okay, you can count on us.” Twilight assured.
“Thank you.” Celestia nodded as they hurried off.
Argent ran over and laid his hoof to her shoulder. “I’m going to gather what forces I can and set up a defense. They outnumber us, so unfortunately the best place to combat them is within the city limits. The narrow streets and alleys will make their numbers meaningless and we can force them to fight how we want them to.”
“Alright, I will get Luna and have her aid me in readying the castle. When we’re set, I will meet up with you.”
“Okay.” He quickly kissed her. “For luck.”
Celestia smiled and kissed him in return. “I’ll take some too. Be careful my love.”
“Always.” Argent promised as he galloped away to gather the guard. Outside of the twelve members of the elite guard, Argent was able to round up a standing force of a hundred to defend Canterlot. He gathered them in the front garden and quickly relayed his orders. “Listen up, we only have time to go over this once.” He began as he looked over them. “We are going to let them breach the gates and begin funneling into the commercial square of the city. Once they’re in position we are going to move in on them in groups of twenty five from different streets. We are outnumbered at least two to one so the only way to win is to separate their main force and fight in smaller skirmishes.” He laid his hoof to his chest. “They followed us all the way here… which means they are taking this personally and are likely here to enact vengeance for Dreadhoof. That being the case, they are letting their emotions dictate their strategy. We hit them hard and immediately back off, in their fervor they will allow themselves to separate in order to pursue our groups. Once they are fully divided, we give them all we have and finish this battle once and for all.”
“Sir!” The stallions responded.
“Alright, let’s go then. For Canterlot and for the Royal Sisters!” Argent turned and began leading them into the city. On their way they began passing groups of civilians being rushed to the castle by Twilight, her friends and a squad of the castle guard. Starlight approached them with her group and halted Argent.
“Argent, Fluttershy and Applejack will be bringing the last groups by any minute now. You’re all clear.” Starlight said as she pointed back down the main road.
“Great, thank you.”
“We’re heading back to help you when everypony is safe.” she promised.
“Normally I’d say no way, but if you’re willing to fight, I won’t stop you.” He nodded as he hurried onward.
In the distance they could hear the sound of projectiles pounding the walls of the city as well as the low roar of the clamoring soldiers. As they passed through the streets Argent began sending teams off in various directions, leaving himself and his group to face the attackers head on in the open promenade outside the theatre. Argent could see the top of the siege tower and used that to judge their position, as expected they began proceeding down Main Street which was the widest road available for them. Argent stood his ground as the soldiers came into view and halted about a fifty yards in front of them. A large stallion came forth and stamped his hoof into the cobblestone street.
“There you are!” he growled. ‘I am Red Mane, the last commander of the great army of Dreadhoof!”
“There is no point to this!” Argent called back. “Dreadhoof is no more and your great army is beaten. Leave now, you have no chance of winning this.”
“Winning does not matter!” Red Mane shook his head. “This city will burn in the name of Dreadhoof, what happens to us is of little consequence.”
Hearing that made Argent reevaluate their situation. He realized that this wasn’t a battle, it was a one way charge by an enemy with nothing left to lose. “Stallions! Protect your home!” Argent fired a beam of magic straight into the sky to signal the surrounding teams to move in. As Red Mane’s force charged their front line unicorns united their magic to form a massive barrier to cover their approach. To their surprise, they began taking magical blasts on their flanks. Their formation disrupted and Red Mane immediately called half the unicorns back to defend their rear. As predicted, their ranks began to break into smaller groups to face the new fronts. Argent pulled his team back and Red Mane gave chase with the center of his force as well as the siege tower. Three groups of roughly forty to fifty spread out to chase the flanking teams, each with one of the ballista at their rear. The battle was fast and fierce as the splintered forces engaged in the streets of Canterlot. Magic and muscle connected hard and the beautiful roads and buildings suffered the aftermath of each blow. One group found themselves on restaurant row, in the heat of their exchanges three of the enemy soldiers readied the ballista to fire.
“On my mark!” The stallion at the front readied as he timed their shot.
“Excuse me!” Pinkie Pie said as she suddenly popped up beside him.
“W… what!” The dumbfounded soldiers looked to each in confusion.
“Hey, are these important?” Pinkie asked as she dropped a bevy of screws and nuts into his hooves. As the soldier looked at them a loud crash followed as several parts of the ballista came undone, rendering it useless.
“Why you…” The solder raised his hoof but was quickly bound by a large swatch of cloth. “What is this?”
“Now now.” Rarity said as she appeared from the adjacent alleyway. “We simply can’t have you doing any more damage to Canterlot’s finest dining establishments.”
“That’s right.” Pinkie nodded but quickly got up in the soldier’s ear. “Although to be honest, most of the food here isn’t that good.” she whispered.
“Blast it, help me you fools!” The soldier called out as he struggled. As the other two moved in they found themselves lifted into the air, in a flash they were within a wooden cage made from pieces of the ballista.
“That’s enough from you two.” Starlight stepped up to the makeshift jail, rapping her hoof on it proudly. “This will keep you out of trouble.” She opened the door and Rarity threw the third in, as the door shut a lock appeared to keep it closed.
Rarity looked out over the battle before them and adjusted her mane. “Shall we ladies?”
“Let’s.” Starlight smiled as her horn lit up in preparation as Pinkie whipped out a pair of merengue pies.
Across the city, near the train station, a similar battle was taking place. Twilight, Spike and Applejack entered the fray to reinforce the guards. The unicorns in their ranks proved little match against Twilight’s superior magical ability and even the toughest among them were taken aback by Applejack’s sheer strength. As they slowly gained the upper hoof Spike noticed the ballista taking aim at them. He called out a warning and Twilight raised a powerful barrier to protect everypony from the massive projectile.
“We need to do something about that confounded thing.” Applejack said sharply as she went back to back with Twilight.
“I can teleport close but I’d be wide open.” Twilight said, as her mind raced to formulate a plan. As the ballista prepared to fire again she saw a heavy, dark shadow fall from the sky and land on the weapon. It shattered like glass and the operating soldiers were thrown back several yards. The sound all but halted the battle as the attacking forces turned back, only to see a pair of furious white eyes burning into them.
“Is that...” Applejack began.
“Aegis.” Twilight finished her thought. Seeing that the enemy was paralyzed with fear at the sight before them, the Canterlot guard rallied and pushed forward, overtaking their rattled opponents. Twilight turned away for but a moment, but when she looked back the shadow was gone.
Several blocks away the third group, with Rainbow Dash and an extremely hesitant Fluttershy at their side, did what they could to hold the enemy at bay. Rainbow Dash bolted between the soldiers striking blows, their eyes unable to fully follow her movements. Wild birds and city rodents pestered the enemy under Fluttershy’s direction but they were not faring as well without any strong magic on their side.
“Ugh, this isn’t getting us anywhere.” Rainbow Dash grunted as she landed next to Fluttershy.
“I’m sorry, I’m not very good at war.” Fluttershy apologized. She let out a shrill cry as one of the soldiers rushed at them, in little more than a second Rainbow Dash flew in and landed her hoof in his gut, sending him to the ground.
“Stay down you big lug.” she growled. The pair were startled by a loud scream, not from their side but from the enemy ranks. With speed rivaling her own, a shadow was diving from the sky and snatching up soldiers one by one. “What the hay is that?” she asked. “Is that one of your animals Shy?”
“If it’s an animal, it isn’t one I know.” Fluttershy shook her head. As the confusion grew the enemy started to back off but they were divided as their remaining ballista was flipped over with disturbing ease and crashed in the middle of their formation. As they scattered, the Canterlot guard were able to move in and begin to take control of the situation.
In the middle of the city, Argent stood his ground against Red Mane. As the heavily armored stallion bucked and swung at him, he countered each strike with a well-placed construct to fend the blow. As Red Mane grew frustrated, he called for nearby soldiers to attack Argent in tandem. One of unicorns fired his magic at him, with a nimble flip he dodged the shot and fired back, sending him to the ground. Two earth ponies ran at him from behind, he formed two constructs at his back and blocked their hooves. Red Mane rushed in and swung his foreleg wide at his head. Argent quickly ducked, allowing him to strike his own soldier. He slid under Red Mane’s hind legs and jumped back to his hooves, using another blast to take out the second one.
“Curse you!” Red Mane roared. A pair of yellow and blue blasts struck at his hooves causing him to further retreat. Argent looked up to see Celestia and Luna swooping down from above. They landed on either side of him and held their ground.
“Are you alright my love?” Celestia asked.
“Never better.” he smiled.
“Your soldiers are falling as we speak!” Celestia proclaimed. “This is over, stand down!”
“Never!” Red Mane challenged. “If you think I fear you Princess, you are sorely mistaken.” He raised his hoof to the sky and his soldiers began to pull back. A deep rumble followed as the siege tower began to move forward, dozens of panels along its front face opened to reveal readied cross bows with flaming arrows.
“Everypony, to us!” Luna commanded. The guards ran to the back of the sisters and they raised a barrier as the countless arrows fired onto them and the surrounding buildings. While the barrier protected them, the flames quickly began to spread as the local shops caught fire.
“Oh no.” Celestia looked about at the rapidly growing flames.
Red Mane laughed at the look on her face. “I vowed this city would burn and it shall!” He called his soldiers into formation at his back. As Argent and the sisters readied their magic, an unconscious enemy soldier flew from the darkness of an alleyway and slammed into Red Mane, knocking him to the ground.
“What the…?” Argent quickly looked to his right. Heavy hoof steps echoed from the alley and Aegis slowly emerged from the shadows. “Aegis.” Argent whispered. Without word he calmly stood before them and faced the enemy.
Red Mane got to his feet and saw what now stood before him. “You must be the other one… the Iron Wing I’ve heard so many stories of.”
Aegis ignored him, he merely looked back and lowered his head to Celestia. “I am sorry you were forced to be in harm’s way. Argent and I are enough to end this.”
Argent nodded and went to his side. “Sounds like a plan.”
“Is that so?” Red Mane scoffed. “Attack!” He waved his soldiers forward while the unicorns fired on them from the rear. Argent placed a barrier in front of Aegis who braced his hooves and launched himself forward with all the force of a cannon. The barrier blocked the oncoming magic and Argent dropped it as Aegis was on top of them. He barreled through the front line, knocking them away as if they were nothing and slammed his shoulder into Red Mane who promptly left the ground and spiraled back into the rear line of unicorns. Argent dashed in and galloped into the air on his constructs, firing down on the scattered troops from above. Meanwhile, Aegis spread his great wings and threw them forward, sending a dozen of them off their feet and into the walls of the nearby buildings. He then turned and reared up onto his hind legs, he brought his foreleg down onto the street and cracked the ground itself, toppling several more. Argent leapt and freefell from the sky, Aegis reached his right hoof up and Argent landed perfectly on it. Aegis threw Argent forward and he constructed a barricade around himself, crashing into the right flank like a wrecking ball.
Red Mane collected himself, dazed from the impact. “Fire the second volley!” he commanded. The siege tower’s panels opened once more and readied to fire. Now much closer to the weapon, Argent was able to construct magic panels over the open ports and the arrows rebounded back into the tower. Smoke began to billow from inside as the soldiers within promptly evacuated. Aegis flew behind the tower and landed at its base. He reached beneath and hooked his hooves under the rear axle. With a heavy yell he started to lift, his muscles bulging as the tower slowly began to rise. “That… that’s not possible.” Red Mane scooted back as he saw the tower begin leaning towards him. Argent galloped into the air again and up towards the top of the tower. He fired a blast into the upper half which fully knocked it over. Red Mane covered himself as the wooden structure crashed down onto him. The battlefield fell silent and the remaining soldiers lowered themselves in surrender.
“Incredible.” Luna muttered, in awe of the pair’s ability.
“Indeed, there is no better word for when the two of them fight as one.” Celestia concurred. “Ponies! The battle is won!” She turned to her loyal guards who cheered in unison. “Round up the enemy force and reconvene with the other teams.”
“Yes Princess!” A general roar came as they went to work.
“Luna, take care of these fires.”
“At once sister.” Luna took to the sky and began using her magic to quell the flames.
“Celestia.” Argent called as he ran over. “Are you okay?”
“Yes Argent.” she nodded. As they idled, Aegis flew over the fallen tower and landed several yards away from them. “Aegis.” Celestia felt a wave of mixed emotions as he stood before them.
“Princess.” He tipped his head, his voice hollow and distant.
“Aegis we…” Argent began.
“I am going to see to the other groups.” Aegis cut him off. “Until all the enemy forces are in custody, this is not over.” He spread his wings and lifted off.
“Aegis!” Celestia stepped forward but he quickly left view. She bit her lip and lowered her head in pained frustration.
“Celestia.” Argent slowly went to her and saw tears squeezing from her tightly shut eyes.
“He… isn’t wrong.” She finally said after a controlling breath. “Let us make sure everypony is okay and reconvene at the castle.”
“Right.” Argent nodded. “I’ll head towards the station.”
“I’ll help Luna and meet with you later.” Celestia hurried into the air to help her sister while Argent galloped down the empty streets of Canterlot.
Within an hour, Red Mane and his troops had been bound and escorted towards the castle to be held for the time being. The castle itself was chaotic with concerned citizens and guards who struggled to keep them calm. Argent was the last to return to the castle after making sure the city was fully secure. As he finally made his way into the courtyard Aegis descended from the sky and landed behind him. Argent turned and faced his friend, he had spent days in search of him and now that he was here he didn’t know what to do. They stared at each other for a long minute before Aegis finally spoke.
“Is the situation under control?” he asked.
“Yeah, we’ve got serious injuries but no casualties… kind of a miracle actually.”
“That… is good.” Aegis nodded.
“Aegis….” Argent tried to say something about all that had happened but struggled. “Thank you, for showing up when you did. I don’t know where you went but I’m glad it wasn’t too far.” He did his best to smile and pointed towards the castle. “Coming with?”
Aegis knew he should but hesitated, ultimately though he silently nodded and began following Argent. They entered the main hall and Argent immediately ran to Celestia. Aegis watched him go to her and in an instant the pain of the situation returned to him.
“Is everypony in one piece?” Argent asked as he reached her side.
“Yes, safe and accounted for.” She looked over the crowd and called their attention. “Ponies, the guard has seen to the enemy’s defeat. Canterlot is cleared of all threats and you are safe now.” The room clamored in relief.
“Princess.” Twilight rushed over.
“Twilight, there you are.” Celestia put her hoof to Twilight’s shoulder. “Are the others okay?”
“Yes.” Twilight nodded and smiled up at Argent. “Luna told me that Aegis returned to help, where is he?”
At the mention of Aegis, Argent quickly turned back and saw him leaving once again. “Aegis!” He galloped back across the hall as Aegis halted. “Aegis… we... we’ve been trying to find you this whole time. Celestia and I…”
“I only returned to see the city safe.” Aegis interrupted as he picked up pace again.
“Aegis stop!” Celestia’s voice rang out as she began crossing the room. The celebrating ceased as the room fell quiet at the unfolding scene. Celestia stepped past Argent and stood firmly. “Aegis… I know you’re hurt and angry and I don’t blame you but… please talk to me. I want to hear you, whatever you have to say.” She felt herself tear up. “Yell at me… tell me you hate me, just… please say something.”
Aegis slowly turned to face her and for the first time in her life, Celestia saw tears in his eyes.
“Celestia.” He stepped closer to her. “You know that there is no force in this world that could bring me to hate you.” He raised his head high and sighed heavily. “I… have loved you for so long now… so long in fact I cannot truly remember a time when I did not. From my first day in the academy, every step I made, every breath I took, every enemy I faced and every trial I endured was for you.” He looked down into her eyes, his tears finally breaking free. “All I wanted in this world was to be at your side. Now, that door is closed to me and I feel… lost.” His eyes saddened further. “And my pain and anger are my own fault.” He shook his head longingly. “Do you remember when Argent and I took you to the Elder Falls? You’re wing was injured and we asked you not to go but you all but ordered us to take you.”
“Yes, I do.” Celestia nodded.
“You were near the edge of the falls and you lost your footing, you caught the ledge but the rocks were slippery and the heavy spray prevented you from concentrating on your magic.” He let out a quiet laugh. “I don’t think either of us have moved faster in our lives. We ran to the edge and reached out for you and without thinking, out of pure instinct, you leapt to Argent.” He slowly nodded. “I knew then… that you had made your choice, even if you did not.” He unfolded his wing and held it against his chest. “I couldn’t bear to face that reality, I lied to myself and convinced myself that there was still something I could do to win your heart. As time went on though, the disparity between Argent and I became more and more apparent. He was always the more vibrant one, always the one that could bring a smile to your face, always the one who could best console you when you were troubled. You shared magic, interests and passions… his ability to be there for you extended well beyond his service in the elite guard. The only thing I could every truly offer you was seeing those that would threaten your home and throne defeated.” He turned his gaze to Argent. “Argent is a warrior, a true friend and a proper suitor. I… I am merely a weapon.” A pained look washed over him.
“You’re wrong.” Celestia said through her tears. “Aegis, for all your unparalleled strength, there is not a creature in Equestria with a soul as gentle as yours.” She gestured towards some of the many stained glass windows that detailed Equestria’s history. “I have seen many enemies set their sights on Equestria and do you know what they all had in common?” She pointed to him. “They all shared a past similar to your own. They were victims of cruelty, ridicule, denouncement and disparagement… and in turn they sought out power to make themselves strong. But as they used that power to bring pain to others, you rose above your past and used your strength to be there for a world that did not fully understand or accept you.” She looked to him with sorrowful eyes. “Do you think I never understood why you always preferred your quiet spots so far away from anypony else? Do you think I never noticed the stares, whispers and fear that came from those around you when you did find yourself out in the open?” Her face grew angry at the thought. “I wanted nothing more than to tell them they were wrong, to tell them how wonderful and kind you were… but I never did because I saw that you never let any of that ever reach your heart.” She smiled at him. “You are so much more than you give yourself credit for and you are such an important part of my life.” She opened her wing towards Argent. “Yes, I am in love with Argent… but please don’t think for a second that means that I don’t love you, because I do. I love you so much Aegis and I can’t bear the thought of losing you this way.”
Aegis saw the pain in her eyes and felt a deep sense of regret. “I thank you for telling me that Celestia.”
Celestia sniffled and nodded. “They are things I should have said long ago, perhaps if I did things would not have been as complicated as they are now.”
“Perhaps.” he sighed. “But that does not excuse my actions.”
Celestia shook her head. “Aegis, I understand why…”
“No.” he interrupted. “It was my duty to prepare myself for the day I knew full well would come and face it as a proud stallion, and in that duty I failed. At a time when I should have been there for you, to celebrate your happiness... I turned my back on you… on everything. I have abandoned my station and duties, meaning I am no longer fit to be a part of your guard.”
“That isn’t true.” Argent protested.
“It is.” Aegis insisted. “I am not special, I adhere to the same rules as all the guard.” He looked back to Celestia. “I am sorry Celestia, for everything I have put you through these last days. What I did was selfish and you deserved better from me. Which is why I ask but one thing of you now, please cease your concern for me.”
“What?” Celestia asked.
“I cannot remain here.” Aegis said with a heavy sigh. “I would be of no use to you or anypony else walking these halls steeped in broken dreams and lost feelings. I simply don’t know what else to do at this point but that is not your problem, it is mine.” He opened his wings and laid their tips to her shoulders. “Could I be with you, all I would want is your happiness. So please, be happy… don’t spend your newfound life with Argent worrying about me.”
“Aegis.” She looked up at him pleadingly. “I can’t just forget you, I don’t want to. Where would you even go?”
“I... do not know.” He admitted.
“Would you come with me?” Twilight asked.
Aegis turned his attention to her. “Princess Twilight?”
Twilight approached them, wiping her own tears away as she and so many others in the room had been moved by Aegis and Celestia’s heartfelt words. “Come to Ponyville with me. There’s more than enough room in the castle, I have like a dozen rooms that I don’t even see half the time anyway. You can have all the time and privacy you need to work things out and you can still remain close to everything you know.”
Aegis considered her words, he honestly had few other favorable options. He nodded and knelt before her. “Very well, I will accept your offer Princess Twilight.” he rose. “I shall head there now.” He looked back to Celestia once more before exiting the castle.
Celestia watched him off with hollow eyes, she wanted to go after him but knew that now was not the time. She turned to Twilight and smiled as much as she could. “Thank you Twilight.”
Twilight nodded. “I don’t know how much I can help but… I’ll do what I can.”
“We all will Princess.” Rarity said as she and the girls joined them.
Luna stepped into their midst and went to Celestia’s side. “Sister, I will see to the resolution of this incident. You rest, you have endured enough this day.”
Celestia nodded meekly. “Thank you.”
“Argent.” Luna turned to him. “Please stay with my sister.”
“Of course, there is nowhere else I would think of being.” He took Celestia’s hoof and led her to the recesses of the castle.
“I’m going back to Ponyville to find Aegis.” Twilight informed her friends as she started after him. “Stay safe.”
“Will do, sugar cube.” Applejack assured.
“We should help Luna as much as we can.” Starlight suggested as she looked over the still fairly chaotic scene.
“Well, let’s get to it then.” Rainbow Dash flew up and over the crowd. “It’s going to be a long night.”