//------------------------------//
// Chapter Three 
// Story: War For Equestria 
// by Nighthawk154780 
//------------------------------//

That evening Nighthawk was sitting outside on his home balcony, reading a book with his pet Phoenix, Penelope. A majestic bird that he has raised since she was an egg. A loyal phoenix whose golden yellow and firery red feathers could not compare to any other. And her beautiful chirping was peaceful, and calming as she nipped at his mane to get his attention, tilting her head.
“What little birdie?”
Penelope bobbed her head and screeched at Nighthawk as he laughed. “Oh come on. Can’t I relax for once? Training was terrible today.”
The phoenix flapped her wings screeching more as Nighthawk raised an eyebrow. “Well its not my fault I can’t do anything right lately.”
“Do you always talk to your bird like that?” A familiar voice called out, spooking the stallion up on the balcony.
He looked down and blinked noticing Starfrost and coughed feeling nervous about what to say. “Umm…erm…I do. Sometimes she answers me too.”
Starfrost giggled and sat down. “So. Training didn’t go well?”
“You heard that huh?”
“Most of it. What was your phoenix saying?”
Nighthawk looked at Penelope and chirped flying around outside. “I think she was asking me why I was sitting around.”
“My…what an interesting question from a bird.” Starfrost replied, watching the phoenix fly.
Nighthawk chuckled. “She acts like my mother at times. Um, do you want to come inside? I have some food out.”
Starfrost shook her head and smiled. “Not tonight, but thank you. I wouldn’t, um…I wouldn’t mind a coffee date though.”
Nighthawk suddenly blushed and coughed. “Umm, w…wow, y-yeah, I would like that. What time?”
“I’ll drop a note my dear little patient.” Starfrost stated as she got up and whistled to Penelope. She screeched and landed on her shoulder. “Until then, cadet.” She whistled to Penelope as the bird chirped and flew up to Nighthawk. Starfrost fixed her hair and waved to Nighthawk, walking back home and leaving the stallion speechless.
“W…wow. She is beautiful, and smart. Mom would have loved her.” Nighthawk thought to himself, giving a sigh. “What do you think girl. Should I give it a shot?”
“Give what a shot?” Phoenix Blaze asked in surprise walking inside.
Nighthawk perked up and smiled as Penelope screeched and went to Phoenix. “A date.”
Phoenix laughed, petting the bird. “Oh I see how it is. No wonder your training has been lacking. Did you finish your studying at least?”
“Yup. Read everything you’ll need to know about rank structure, battle commands and espionage. My only question is why study that in my position?”
“What? You don’t think studying basic battle formations and command is important enough for you?” Phoenix asked jokingly while digging around for some food.
Nighthawk walked up beside his father and smiled. “Not as important as training for the Royal Guard exams.”
Phoenix perked up and sighed, turning around. “Still on that huh?”
“It’s why I’ve been going through all that training right? Trying to unleash the flame, the studying? You gotta admit it is no cakewalk.”
“N…no son its not. But…” Phoenix paused, he knew full well that he was hiding something about the training but shook his head smiling, “It’s nothing to worry about. Just, keep doing what you have been doing.”
Nighthawk smiled and hugged him. “Yes sir.”
“But. If you want me to be picky. I heard you got kicked out of the armor shop.”
Nighthawk blinked and laughed. “That wont be too much of an issue don’t you think?”
Phoenix laughed and grabbed a bread roll and an apple before walking into his office. “I dont know. I’m leaving that debuggle with you. But, I will say the princesses might have something of value.”
Nighthawk smiled as the door closed leaving him alone again. Penelope looked at him and tilted her head as he shrugged and got back to reading. The next day Nighthawk was walking to the battle arena for some personal training before being called by princess Luna. “Princess Luna.” Nighthawk started with a smile, “What are you doing out here?”
“I can ask you the same question. I heard you had some armor issues with Ash.”
Nighthawk rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Does the queen know now?”
“If you wish I can provide you some armor. I keep a couple of small suits around.”
Nighthawk laughed. “Sounds like a disadvantage to the rest of the cadets then.”
“Not if they dont know where it came from.”
“Well now, looks like someone wants to be mischievous today.”
Luna giggled. “It’s my one day I can be alone without Celestia on my back.”
“Oh yeah, what’s she doing?”
“Special weapons training with a friend, it’s solo classes today.”
Nighthawk nodded. “Oh neat.”
Luna nodded back tilting her head. “Now why aren’t you in training yet?”
“Private lessons with the captain were canceled. Seemed pretty busy.”
“He seems to be doing a lot of that lately.” Luna said feeling concerned.
“You’ve noticed too?” Nighthawk asked as the two stopped at a crosswalk, “I feel like he’s just been too busy with his guard training but he hasn’t gotten two sentences with me.”
Luna shrugged. “Well don't let it get you down. You never know, maybe he is tired. The captain does help out with mine and Celestia’s lessons.”
Two blades suddenly clashed and shifted as Celestia was in her battle armor, fighting with another pony in gold battle armor with pink and blue stripes across the face mask. Celestia pushed the stranger as she got a few more hits on her armor and spun her blade hearing clapping from Phoenix. “Very well done Celestia, find your advantage even if its a few small hits.”
Celestia nodded as the two readied their stances and went at another attack, this time taking it slow as Phoenix watched. “Fight with purpose you two. Use your heads!”
A chuckle was heard as the queen walked up. “Shouldn’t one learn to fight with their feelings, captain?”
“Emotion is unbecoming of a warrior my lady.” Phoenix said with a bow.
Equinox giggled and sat down in her throne. “I beg to differ, sir. Emotion can be a powerful weapon. Take the battle of Goulding Gorge for example.”
Phoenix laughed watching the two warriors strike blades and Celestia even had enough and tried using her magic, a volley of concussion bursts to pin down the mysterious warrior. “Hmm…point taken my lady.” He stopped hearing a roar and Celestia was pinned down with the tip of the opponent’s blade by her neck.
Equinox smiled. “Although if you are like my sister then she has to learn how to embrace that emotion.”
The warrior helped Celestia up as Phoenix nodded. “I agree. Very well done you two.”
The two warriors bowed to Phoenix as Equinox motioned them to give her some privacy. “I appreciate the time to train Celestia, captain.”
“Consider it an honor as your captain and as your friend, besides you’ve been a little too busy these days.”
Equinox laughed. “Don't get me started, all this paperwork and rumors of conflict.”
“Conflict my lady?” Phoenix asked in a concerning, but hesitating tone knowing what she was talking about.
“It’s nothing, I think death would have to take me first before any war comes into play. And the council still stands with its warriors.”
“Yes. Your defenders are what keeps things secured.”
Equinox smiled, “Oh don't be so modest Phoenix, unless that is a sign of wanting a possible promotion?”
Phoenix laughed. “No thank you. I am quite fond of being your captain.”
“Very well. But, since we are on the topic, I want to ask about your son.”
“What about him?”