//------------------------------// // Chapter 12: A Fighting Chance // Story: The Red Knight // by PhantomBulwark //------------------------------// Captain Bulwark did not question his princess, he never had. He was her Captain and her orders were absolute, even Celestia could not force his hand against Luna’s will. And it had been a very long time indeed since he had seen her so fierce. With a clatter of chains, Sunset’s company found themselves freed. Luna stepped down from the raised dais. “By the laws of our land, Sunset Shimmer must be punished for her crimes. Even I in all my power would not dare oppose a law supported by so many nobles openly,” she said regretfully. The company looked away, downcast. “But, I can stay her execution. There is another punishment I may inflict though I fear you may not see it as better.” Applejack’s heart stuttered, “will she live?” “If she has as much steel inside as you seem to believe, she will…” Luna’s expression did not inspire confidence. “We are at war with the Changeling Empire, this you know. What you may not know is that we are losing. My sister’s plans thus far have fallen through and we lose more ground every day. We need more soldiers, soldiers like Sunset preferably. I can frame it as a punishment; she will be sent to the front with a small cadre of prisoners and other such soldiers in her command. If she survives, she will be free.” Rainbow Dash fumed, “that’s hardly a stay of execution! The only difference is she’ll die on the battlefield instead!” Luna sighed, “Not if she is as good as you say. She already commands respect and awe in the city. Perhaps she may do the same on the field. I’m sorry but she has broken the law and I must follow the law. This is the best I can do.” The company all looked as if they had swallowed something sour but Flash quietly asked, “can we go with her?” Luna blinked, “I beg your pardon?” “You said you would send her with a cadre of others, why not make us part of their number?” “You… you wish to follow her to the front?” She stared at their faces, each one resigned but resolute. “You would go to war for Equestria?” Applejack shook her head, “we would go to war for Sunset.” Luna gave a small laugh, “the courage of your company never ceases to amaze me. Very well, Sunset Shimmer and her company are hereby sentenced to serve the Equestrian military in our war against the Changeling Empire until we achieve victory... or until they perish upon the battlefield.” She turned to Captain Bulwark, “send for Sunset Shimmer, and make ready to escort her and her company to the front.” “Yes, High Commander.” Sunset watched as the crowd dwindled and then dispersed. None had the heart to punish her further once her friends had been led away. A few even look on with something akin to pity. And then, as if the heavens themself had an opinion, it began to rain. A massive deluge came down, soaking everything in its path. Her clothes clung to her and the cold crept into her skin, straight down to her bones. She was near freezing when a guard arrived, the same Captain that arrested her. “Hullo,” he greeted, “you look a sight indeed.” He carefully popped open the lock and lifted the top of the stocks off her. “I’m Captain Phantom Bulwark of the Lunar guard. You’ve won many hearts here in Canterlot it seems, Sunset Shimmer.” Teeth chattering to the point of pain she sputtered a bit, “w-w-what?” “High Commander Luna has summoned you to her throne room at once, come along.” And he set off with a smile and a spring to his step. They made haste through streets cleared by the rain and upon approaching the walls of Luna’s abode they were let through without question. Sunset was led into a small room where, to her shock, her belongings were returned to her. Her armor had been repainted to a deep blue, akin to the Captain’s own. Her tunic also was replaced by a lighter one of better quality that shimmered silver in the light. “Forgive me for asking but what is happening?” She blurted when Captain Bulwark handed over her things without a word. “Dress yourself and make ready to meet the High Commander Luna,” he smirked. “She has… revised your sentence. You will restore the Dark Regiment.” Sunset paused, her chest plate half-on. “The Dark Regiment? I’ve never heard of that? What is it? Why has my execution been stayed?” Bulwark snorted, “your people make a compelling case for you. Come, the High Commander is waiting.” Sunset followed, still tightening her armor as she went. “You keep calling her that… the ‘High Commander’ but she hasn’t used that title since my mentor was young.” As they approached the throne room doors the Captain stepped aside and smiled at her again. “I hope you survive Sunset Shimmer. I think you’re a good influence on my mistress. I will see you when you are finished here, there are preparations I must make.” “Preparations for wha-” Sunset cut off as the doors swung open. Gone were the white and gold banners of Celestia that had decorated the hall only hours ago; replaced by curtains and tapestries of blue and black. And upon a throne, not silver like before, but carved of the blackest gem she had ever seen, was Luna. The princess certainly looked the part of a commander, her flowing dress discarded in favor of her armor. She shined with a new light, like a beacon. “Sunset Shimmer,” she boomed, “your sentence has been changed to better suit Equestria’s needs. I have commanded the return of the Dark Regiment. Are you familiar?” Startled and puzzled, Sunset shook her head, “No, your highness.” “Captain Bulwark will give you a full explanation on your journey. A summary now shall suffice; you are being given command of a cadre of other criminals. Under the watchful eye of the Captain you will command these criminals and shape them into soldiers. You will fight for Equestria in our battle against the Changeling’s, your sentence is to last until we achieve victory… or you die.” Sunset’s heart thundered, on the surface it was a punishment but she could see the slightest glimmer of pride in Luna’s eyes. Her friend had given her a fighting chance. “Then I will be proud to serve and to die in my service to you, High Commander Luna.” She bowed low, “Every victory I see will be in your honor and every Changeling who falls to my sword will be another diamond in your crown.” A tiny smile graced Luna’s face, “then go, and leave victory in your wake. I will be glad to greet you as a friend should you return.”