10:00, January 17; Manehattan
“Oh, Princess Celestia,” Twilight sobbed, “thank goodness you’re here.” She collapsed against her teacher’s side. “It’s been so crazy ever since I got off the train.”
Celestia rested her wing over Twilight’s back. “Tell me what happened, Twilight. I’m here for you.” Turning to Shining Armor, she ordered, “You go on ahead, and do whatever needs to be done. We will be fine here.”
As the Guard ran off, Twilight looked at Pinkie, her eyes begging her friend to stay. In response, Pinkie nodded, then hopped back into the battlestation to provide additional protection.
As Twilight filled Celestia in on what had happened ever since the bombing, the princess did nothing but sit and listen quietly. At the end of Twilight’s story, she said, “Twilight, look at me.” Once the unicorn did so, Celestia continued. “I’m proud of what you did today. I’ve lived thousands of years, through many wars, both here in Equestria and elsewhere. I can honestly say that it is very rare that a pony will step up and do what you did today. From what I was told earlier today, the standard practice, even among humans, is to just surrender and sit on one’s rear once one is captured. You escaped, and helped free other ponies. You did what had to be done, and for that, I thank you.”
A duck landed in front of the pair. Celestia was mildly surprised to see that it was completely rubber. It quacked, and the princess laughed. “I see Discord sends his regards as well.”
Twilight wiped her eyes. “But, I hurt all those humans,” she said.
Celestia just smiled. “You had to. In this kind of situation, you absolutely had to. Not just for your sake, but for the fate of all of Equestria, if not the world. What would happen if the Element of Magic fell in battle?”
Twilight frowned. “The Elements of Harmony would be shattered, and chaos would reign. Same as if any of the other Elements died an unnatural death. But Princess, this isn’t just about that. It’s about me throwing all my morals aside and enjoying myself in the heat of battle.”
“Did you really abandon your morals, Twilight? What were you fighting for?”
“My safety, and the safety of those around me.”
“Right,” Celestia said. “As for enjoying yourself in battle, well, that’s in your blood. Your family has always been warriors. Why, your great-great-great grandfather was my most trusted lieutenant in the war against the Iron Legion. He was a great tactician, and a masterful leader too. You truly remind me of him. Above all else, however, he was a great friend, just like you.”
Twilight stared at Princess Celestia in awe as her words sunk in. “You consider me your friend?” Twilight asked.
Celestia nodded. “One of the best I’ve ever had. I’m proud to have taught you, and proud to have watched you grow from a young filly to what you are today.”
“Thank you, Princess,” Twilight said.
“Now, Twilight,” Celestia said, “I want you to pick up those weapons and go join the Royal Guard. Every pony fighting helps. I will join Discord in destroying the Xylvanian fleet, if he isn’t done already.”
“Yes Princess.” Turning to the battlestation, she whistled. “Come on Pinkie, it’s time to go!” Twilight shouted.
10:30; Manehattan
Twilight looked up into the sky. She heard a sound sort of like Pinkie’s gyrocopter, as well as a steady rushing noise akin to the Wonderbolts flying. The two sounds were getting louder, coming from the east. To Twilight’s relief, the aerial transports that soon came into sight were painted the familiar green of the Western Frontier. As they landed, Frontier soldiers jumped out, in addition to a large tank. It wasn’t quite as big as Pinkie’s battlestation, though. One soldier presented Twilight with a radio.
“Come in Equestria,” the radio crackled. “This is Colonel Austin.”
The soldier pressed a button and held the microphone up to Twilight. “Hello, Colonel,” Twilight said. “This is Twilight Sparkle. Thanks for the reinforcements.”
“Good to know we’re not late to the party,” Austin said. “When the radar picked up a large Xylvanian force on the move, we decided to follow.
“Sorry to burst your bubble,” Pinkie began, having hopped out of the battlestation, “but this battle’s been going on for hours. Also, we have two gods fighting for us now. You’re a little late. Besides, most of the invaders have retreated already.” Looking out into the harbor, she laughed, adding, “Discord just turned one of their naval transports into a huge banana. That’s hilarious.”
Twilight winced. “I don’t know why, but Princess Celestia just slapped him. That looks like it’ll hurt for a while.”
“Hmm… that’s disappointing,” Colonel Austin said. “Anyway, there is a large shipment of Frontier weaponry incoming on your position. General Herman is coming along. He intends to train you to use them effectively. I would pay close attention to what he has to say. He may seem eccentric at times, but he is a great military mind.”
“Thank you Colonel, but I don’t see the point of arming ponies with human weapons,” Twilight protested.
Pinkie nudged her friend. “You’ve been using human weapons for a while now. And that battlestation is awesome.”
“You will need human weaponry to combat Xylvania on even terms,” Austin explained. “I assume your leaders are already planning a counter-attack.”
“Actually, no,” Twilight admitted. “Unless Princess Celestia can plan and fight at the same time. She’s currently chasing the last of the Xylvanians out of the harbor. I doubt Discord plans anything, and Princess Luna is probably asleep right now.”
“Very well. In that case, please extend an invitation for Princess Celestia to the Frontier command center on my behalf. In the meantime, these soldiers are under your command, Twilight. I’ve heard good things about you from the Brigadier.”
“Thank you Colonel. However, I’m sure the Princess would prefer the meeting be held in Canterlot.”
“Actually,” Princess Celestia’s voice came from behind, “I would prefer the meeting be held in Ponyville. I shall give General Herman the requisite information when he arrives.”
“Very well,” Austin replied. “Over and out.”