The Price of Harmony

by Priceless911


Ch12 The Last City of the Alicorn Race

“Many millenniums ago, there was once a lone city that sat in the center of a dead volcano. Protected by the magic of their King and Queen, this city was home to the Alicorn and its rulers who to this day are still believed to be the creators of all. The king was said to have created the heavens and the earth, while the Queen was said to have created life itself. For many centuries, the two ruled together receiving nothing but praise and love from their subjects. However, to keep the world in perfect balance, they sought the help of the other species to keep equality between them. To the Pegasi race, went the responsibility of weather and seasonal control. To the unicorn, went the responsibility to raise and lower the moon and sun so that there was time set for ponies to rest and work. For the earth ponies, they gave the task of keeping plant life flourishing so that all could have both food, and a beautiful land to inspire continued life. Finally to the griffin species, the responsibility for keeping the peace and safety of all other species, so that none could be deprived of justice. Because of this equality and the thriving happiness that the king and queen spread throughout the world, the city of which the two resided in was named, Eden.”

“For many generations, the king and queen did everything within their power, to make certain that the residence of Eden and the species leaders outside Eden’s naturally made walls were happy with their lives. Even the birth of their two daughters didn’t divert the rulers from their eternal goal, of peace and tranquility. However, not long after the birth of the two immortal princesses, The Queen had a vision of a terrible future. She saw, a dark cloud, rise from the earth below and consume the ponies of Eden leaving none it its wake, and she knew that once this vision came to pass, then the rest of the world, would be next. After telling her husband of this great catastrophe that would ensue, the king sought out his strongest soldiers and smartest scientist to find a means to prevent this great disaster that would bring forth extinction of all life on the planet. For many weeks, Eden was in distress, for none knew what this darkness was, or how they would fight it.”

“Finally, one scientist came forth and spoke of a magic far surpassing the king and queen’s own. The scientist was well known for his studies in mysterious phenomenon, so when the king heard that this new magic could be used to save his kingdom, he ordered the scientist to continue with whatever he needed to create this magic. Therefore, naming this new form of magic, The Elements of Harmony, and giving the scientist literally unlimited resources. The scientist went to work on what would have been the last hope for Eden’s future. The scientist gave a specific date at which the elements would be completed, so that the king of Eden called forth the three leaders of the newly founded Equestria, the Griffin King and all of Eden to attend a ceremony to celebrate the completion of what would save Eden from the issuing darkness. With Eden’s subjects, Equestria’s leaders, the Griffin King, and the royal family in the room to include the king, the queen, and the two filly princesses, The Elements of Harmony were revealed for the very first time… and that day, I will never forget. For on that day, in front of his wife and foals, and all the subjects of the kingdom. The darkness revealed itself, as glass spikes, shooting from the ground killing the king before danger was even recognized. The king of Eden… my and Luna’s father… died before us on that very day.”

The room went silent as Princess Celestia looked at the ground in thought about what she had just told the group, so Princess Twilight spoke, “So what happened next? Did you use the elements to vanquish the darkness?”
Princess Celestia spoke in a tone that showed that the scene was very traumatic for her, “N-no… with my father still sitting in his throne dead, the glass shards, dissolved into black sand then reemerged as a black alicorn that still terrifies me to this very day. He looked at my mother who was shielding Luna and I from him, and then he smiled as his body shot out black shards of glass and large clumps of black sand into the subjects who were attending this ceremony. Everypony who came in contact with the sand or glass… died on the spot. To include the Griffin king, and the guards that tried to protect us.”
Applejack spoke up, “how did you manage to get out of there your majesty?”
Princess Celestia placed her hoof on her head and tried to think, “Most of it is a little fuzzy, but I do remember commander hurricane, using the lightning orb to clear a path to the door. Once we were outside, Mother tried to use the elements against The Dark Alicorn… but they had no effect. The Dark Alicorn only smiled as he started sending more of his spikes in our direction.”

Star Bolt started to remember his dream as he asked, “This alicorn… you said his sand would kill other ponies… exactly how?”
Princess Celestia replied, “The ponies killed by his sand were eaten alive by it, as if it were thousands of tiny insects… it was truly a horrifying sight… but nothing was left in its wake. No flesh… no bones… no blood.”
Star Bolt was trapped in thought about her answer as Spitfire asked, “So… what happened next? How did you escape from him?”
Princess Celestia continued, “Well one of the equestrian guards was able to escape and link up with a local army that was on standby with Eden’s royal forces a few miles outside the city. So mother, Commander Hurricane, Princess Platinum, and Chancellor Puttinghead, lead Luna and I to the outskirts of the city where we were able to link with the defending army, however…”
Star Bolt answered for her, “They weren’t enough… were they?”
Princess Celestia nodded her head as she replied, “All of the soldiers, the unicorns, the pegasi, the earth ponies, and the alicorn were destroyed. In a feat of desperation, Mother along with the remaining alicorn soldiers decided to try to sneak back to Eden to find the scientist who created the elements and see if there was any other way we could fight The Dark Alicorn… but to do this, they needed a decoy. Commander Hurricane and a number of his soldiers tried all they could to lead The Dark Alicorn away from the city so he could try to distract or destroy him with the Lighting Orb… but in his attempt ended in failure… as he and his soldiers were destroyed by the very power he tried to use.”

Star Bolt started to remember his first dream as he thought about the crater created by the lighting orb. Then Rarity spoke, “Well… surely your mother succeeded in getting into the city right? So did she find who she was looking for?”
Princess Celestia nodded her head, “I think so… but… well, all I can say for certain is that princess Platinum and Chancellor Puddinghead wanted to take us back to Equestria since mother asked them to look after us, but while traveling, The Dark Alicorn caught up and nearly killed us, if not for Princess Platinum and her protection spell. We were completely surrounded by the wall of sand, but just as her spell was starting to wear off… a bright light shot out of the city of Eden hitting The Dark Alicorn and dragging him back to Eden against his will. I don’t know what exactly happened, but when we returned into the city to investigate, we found a second set of elements that sat in a circle with The Dark Alicorn trapped inside. We don’t know where or how the elements came to be… but we do know that so long as they remain in a circle, The Dark Alicorn can never escape from it. Or… at least his body can’t.”

The room was confused as Rainbow Dash spoke, “Whoa, whoa, whoa… his body? You mean to say that another part of him has escaped?”
Princess Celestia nodded her head as Discord answered for her, “Well of course another part could escape. His body was trapped, but when it came to something, a little more or less… corrupted… then you have me. His… other half.”
Everypony was amazed as Shining Armor spoke, “Other half? What in the world are you talking about?”
Star Bolt sighed, “You mean… his soul… don’t you?”
Discord rang a game show bell as he cheered, “Ding, ding, ding! That’s correct… and you thought he was dumb… Shame on you princey poo, Looks like your rival is stronger and smarter, than you thought.”
Shining Armor gave Discord an angry look while Zecora spoke, “A shadow he is? This seems hard to foresee, but this strange event… how can this be?”
Princess Celestia continued, “We don’t entirely know. All we have been able to discover is that for some reason, The Dark Alicorn’s body seeks extinction while his soul seeks chaos. We think there might be a purpose for Discords separation from him… but after two thousand years… we are still clueless as to what purpose he must serve.”

Star Bolt wanted to understand more, “Ok… so the second set of Elements encased The Dark Alicorn… but not Discord. So what about your mother?”
Princess Celestia sighed, “I wish I knew… Mother, the soldiers she left with, and the remaining alicorns in the kingdom were never recovered. I hate to think of it… but I believe that The Dark Alicorn killed everypony else, just before mother was able to trap him. So with no place to go, Princess Platinum and Chancellor Puddinghead took Luna and I back to Equestria with the original Elements of Harmony. However, by the time we returned, Discord had already arrived here and taken the kingdom for himself. He spun it into a midst of chaos that caused great suffering for all.”
Discord smiled, “Ahh… my glory years… so much fun and yet, it was the worst kind of fun… sometimes I miss it so.”
Princess Celestia gave Discord a serious stare as he changed his tone, “Um… I mean. I can’t believe how bad I was back then… I don’t think I can do anything to redeem myself. I should count my blessings that the great princesses looked into their hearts and sought forgiveness for such a soul.”

Seeing through his sarcasm, Princess Celestia continued, “Well… anyway, with Luna and I too young to wield the power of the elements of harmony, Princess Platinum used an ancient protection spell to keep the elements safe from Discords hands until we could rise and use them to vanquish him. Once that happened, and Equestria was free of his rule, Princess Luna and I took control of Equestria and the rest is history.”
Spike raised his hand and spoke, “Um… ok so, it sounds like you already took care of this problem. So… what do you need all of us for?”
Spitfire stood up and added, “You said yourself that The Dark Alicorn was encased in the second set of the elements right? So where is he right now?”
Star Bolt stood up and gave Princess Celestia a serious look as he answered the question himself, “Eden… You left The Dark Alicorn in the ruins of Eden didn’t you? You forget… I was your soldier a thousand years ago. I remember the rumors of a special force that worked outside of Equestria. In fact, Commander Mist, My mentor was part of that force at one time. He refused to talk about where he went or what he did. But for some reason, he swore that so long as I was under his command, than I would never be part of that group.”

Princess Celestia nodded her head, “Yes… the griffin king and I have a select number of soldiers guarding Eden as we speak. And inside the ruins. The creature stays imprisoned in the second set of elements that keep him in his place. For two thousand years, we have denied the existence of that city in hopes that nopony will ever find, or free the dark beast that killed my parents and destroyed my home.”
Shining Armor spoke up, “So, what are we here to do your majesty?”
Princess Celestia stood straight up and replied, “The magic that binds the second set of The Elements of Harmony is losing its power. And soon it will be weak enough for him to break free.”
Everypony in the room gasped in worry as Pinkie Pie spoke up, “But! If he escapes! The then sand castle pony will come here won’t he?”
Princess Celestia nodded her head, “Yes… that is why I gathered you all here. We know that The Elements of Harmony alone won’t stop him… but we hope that there is a way to weaken him enough to either imprison him a second time or destroy him once and for all.”
Princess Twilight spoke up, “What about making a third set of Elements? Surely the scientist who created them kept a journal or diary that helped him create the first two.”

Princess Celestia nodded her head, “Sadly that was my first thought too. But the journal of the scientist who created the first set was destroyed over a thousand years age. In fact, you knew the pony responsible for its destruction Star.”
Star Bolt replied, “Really?”
Niether nodded his head, “That’s right, it was the mercenary group known as The Cutters who destroyed the book. According to ancient text, they discovered the book while completing a mission to retrieve it. But when they found out the secret it held, they threw it into a river of magma so it could never be used for evil. Very interesting considering that many portrayed them as evil to begin with.”
Star Bolt thought to himself, “Well evil isn’t the word I would use to describe them… but I can see why Traipse would do that. He was never a fan of magic to begin with, so power like that probably terrified him.”
Princess Celestia continued, “Nevertheless, we know that The Elements of Harmony should have some kind of effect on The Dark Alicorn, but we don’t know how… nor do we know what we can do to us it to our advantage. First thing is first. We need to prepare for the day he will arrive. I already increased the guards around Eden… but I fear that won’t be enough.”

Shining Armor stood up, “I gathered the strongest soldiers I had from the Crystal Empire to come and help. Three thousand in all.”
Star Bolt sighed, “Useless…”
Shining Armor looked at Star Bolt and spoke in irritation, “What was that bolt? Do you mind speaking up? I’m afraid I may have heard you wrong!”
Star Bolt stood back up and gave him a serious look, “Then read my lips prince… Use-less… those soldier are of no help and you of all ponies know it.”
“And what makes you say that hmm?… enlighten us commander!”
Star Bolt replied, “Princess Celestia said it herself. This monster destroyed four armies… to include Commander Hurricane. A stallion that even I would be afraid to face in war. Your soldiers will fall. I know because I have seen your best. It’s nothing…”
Princess Celestia spoke up, “Then I would like for you to train them Star Bolt. With your skill I…”
“Hold your horses princess… I didn’t say anything about actually helping you.”
The room was shocked as Roseluck and Twilight spoke at the same time, “What!?!”

Star Bolt nodded his head, “Well I only came to hear you out… nothing more. As far as I’m concerned, this doesn’t change a thing. When the time comes, I will lend a helping hoof… but not as your soldier. Till then… I believe we are done here.”
Star Bolt stood up as the entire room was silent, but before he left the table Princess Celestia spoke with concern, “Do… you really hate me that much?...”
Star Bolt stopped and replied, “I think the bigger question is… Why don’t you hate me? one thousand years ago, I put your sister against you, I lead half of your subjects in a revolt to dethrone you, I encouraged your sister to continue her onslaught towards Canterlot, and was the leading soldier who called that very attack which destroyed more than half of this city. Because of me, countless innocents and soldiers who fought for you died… because of me, you even had to banish your own sister. How can you look at me and not think about all I did to you? How can you even stand in the same room as me without the urge to kill me?”
Princess Celestia smiled, “Because I know that you’re not that kind of pony. You followed your heart and that’s all you did. What kind of princess would I be to see the real you and not give you a second chance?”
Princess Twilight stood up, “Star… we know you, and we know that you want to help. So please, forget about the past and join us. We can all use a pony like you on our side.”

Everypony in the room except for Rainbow Dash and Shining Armor, nodded their heads in agreement to Twilights words as Star Bolt shook his head and smiled, “Know me… sure… you all know me so well, don’t you? Until a few days ago, half of you didn’t know anything about my past, and the rest of you either tried to capture me, or were still hunting me like some kind of monster. You all know me so well… you say you can use a pony like me on your side… but the key word to that is use. I have been used as many things in my life… but I’m done. If you need to use me… then use this.”
Star Bolt drew his sword and stuck it into the table with the flat part of his blade facing Princess Celestia showing the cutiemark on the blade, “Use this… to remind you who I am… and what I despise in this world. Use this as a reminder that so long as I draw breathe… I will never take orders from a princess again. Now, I believe I have over stayed my welcome. Rose? Are you coming?”
Roseluck stood up and replied, “No… I may not be very helpful with something like this… but, I want to stay and help. Equestria needs us Star… I want to do what I can for it. Even if I’m just a flower peddler, I still think it’s the right thing to do.”
Star Bolt nodded his head as he turned to the door, “I won’t stop you and I wish you luck…”

Star Bolt then trotted through the door as Discord followed closly behind. As the two went down the hall, Star Bolt asked, “Why are you following me Discord?”
Discord replied, “Where you go, I'll go too. Besides I can’t fight my other half… most the times I refuse to talk to myself so why would I fight myself?”
Star Bolt was curious, “Speaking of which? If he is part of you, then why can’t you fight him?”
Discord replied, “Well, he still has more power than me so I would lose almost immediately, plus, Celestia is worried about what could happen if I reemerge with him.”
“And what would happen in that case?”
Discord shrugged his shoulder, “Nothing…”
“Nothing?”
Discord nodded his head, “Yep if you take a glass full of juce and drink the juice then the only difference between the two would be that now its empty… but fill the glass back up, and still that’s the only difference. The glass doesn’t change nor does the juice.”
Star Bolt smirked, “So… it’s all a product of Celestia’s worries then… this dark alicorn must be the real deal if even she is overthinking things. To be honest, this is hilarious. I never thought I would see the wise Princess Celestia stuck without a plan.”
Discord smiled as the two exited the castle into the courtyard, “You have no idea… anyway what will we do now commander?”

Star Bolt looked around to find that the carriage he arrived on had already left without him so he just sighed, “Hmm… guess we’re trotting back to Ponyville… kinda awkward without Rose though.”
Discord smiled, “Why… is she your girlfriend or something?...”
Star Bolt gave Discord a dull look as he replied, “I meant it feels strange leaving without her because she came here because of me, but I’m leaving her behind… kinda makes me feel like I’m abandoning a friend.”
Discord smiled as he pointed to a balcony above, “That’s good… because I think somepony else wants that position.”
When Star Bolt looked up at the balcony, he could see Princess Luna looking down on him with a look of concern on her face. Star Bolt could only sigh as he coldly turned away, “She’s probably just disappointed that I refused to help… Let’s go Discord. The sun will be setting soon and there’s one place I would like to visit before I leave Canterlot.”
As Star Bolt continued trotting through the courtyard and towards the castle wall, Discord looked back up at Luna as she lowered her head and went back into the castle. When the princess was out of sight, Discord sighed, “I don’t know what’s worse… their denial or their attempts to avoid one another.”

As Star Bolt continued further and further into Canterlot, Discord noticed that many of the residence were doing what they could to avoid him, “Well what a wonderful greeting from the citizens of Canterlot… now, is it you their trying to avoid? Or is it me?”
Star Bolt replied as he continued on his path, “Does it matter?”
Discord smiled, “Of course it does, if it’s me then I’m flattered. But if they are afraid of you… then I should try harder. It’s not fair that I scared them thousands of years before you, and still I’m upstaged by a younger better spirit of chaos. But then again you are Commander Bolt. You did more damage to this city then I ever did.”
Star Bolt stopped trotting and sighed, “Discord… where I’m going is a little… personal. I would prefer to continue alone if you don’t mind.”

Discord could see a sort of sadness in Star Bolt’s eye so he sympathized with the old soldier, “Well, ok I guess I can wait for you back at the city gate.”
Star Bolt smiled peacefully as he replied, “Thanks… you know what? You’re a good friend. Even if you only like me for my ability.”
Discord looked at Star Bolt with emotion filled eyes as he smiled, “R-Really?... my hero… called me f-friend?...”
Star Bolt gave Discord a dull look, “don’t milk it…”
Discord nodded his head as he turned to fly away, “whatever you say… friend.”
Star Bolt yelled to Discord as he flew away, “THAT’S COMMANDER, OR STAR BOLT!!!”
As Discord vanished from Star Bolt’s sight, Star Bolt continued on his path.

It wasn’t long before Star Bolt arrived at the place he wanted to visit. As he entered the desolate plaza, he looked at the sky as the sun was setting overhead. Star Bolt approached the fountain in the middle of the plaza and looked at the center status as he smiled, “how appropriate… a bow and arrow. I guess this is Celestia’s way of honoring this ground.”
Star Bolt then sat down and started looking at the area around him. Every few seconds he would have flashbacks of that very day. He could see the burning buildings around him, the leaking fountain water, and the dark smoke above with ash and dust falling around him. But what he could see the most, was the blood on the cobblestone ground beneath him. As these visions passed before his eyes, a tear rolled down his face, “One thousand years… it’s really been one thousand years since that day. But… I remember it as if it was yesterday…”

Closing his eyes, Star Bolt could hear voices of that very day, “Gem! Oh no… Please Just hold on a little longer we are almost there, just a little further than we will be in the clear, but please… just hold out a little longer.”
“Star… go. Go and leave me here. I'm only slowing you down.”
“Unless you come with me, I'm staying right here with you.”
“Star… You’re the commander of the Nightmare Legion’s armies; they need you more than I do. They can’t continue without a Commander.”
“You’re my most trustworthy soldier, friend, and more, and a stallion can’t continue without a mare… I… I can’t continue without you… I… I love you Gem. It took me a war to figure it out… but, I love you with all my heart.”
Hearing those voices, made Star Bolt sit down against the edge of the fountain as tears continued rolling down his face, “It’s funny… back then, I would have stabbed myself in the throat to get Luna back… yet, I would have done the same for Gem Stone. And now… after two years of avoiding Canterlot, royal guards and the princesses, I’m finally free to come and go anywhere as I please… but, why… why do I still feel like I’m trapped? Why do I feel like I’m in some kind of prison that I can’t escape from? I wonder whe…”

Before Star Bolt could finish his sentence, he paused when he felt that he wasn’t alone. Siting still and listening carefully to his surrounding, Star Bolt could tell that not only was he being watched… but he was completely surrounded. Trying to act casual, Star Bolt stood up and stared at the statue as his eyes tried to scheme the area around him, but with the darkness of dusk hiding everything around him in the shadow of the horizon. Star Bolt couldn’t tell who was watching him, only that they were flying above him and that they were in great numbers. Still acting casual, Star Bolt continued listening until the faint flapping that was in swarms above him was overshadowed by a loud thump as one of them landed on the peak of a building nearby. Star Bolt immediately looked at the nearby building as he recognized a Lunar Royal Guard standing on the nearby rooftop and giving him a serious look. Then, one by one, the rest of the flying royal guards landed on the rooftops surrounding the plaza and keeping a safe distance from Star Bolt. as the rest of the airborne bat ponies landed, Star Bolt started to mumble to himself, “bat ponies… Luna’s own personal guards… and me without my sword… this may be difficult. I don’t know if I can hit them all with a weak enough Lightning Orb without damaging the fountain.”

As Star Bolt calmly looked at each guard trying to identify the leader, the guard on the rooftop behind him, glided to the ground and landed as he spoke, “Commander!?!”
Star Bolt turned towards the guard but didn’t reply as the guard repeated himself, “Are you Commander Bolt!?!”
Star Bolt nodded his head as he replied, “What of it?...”
The guard looked at the rest of his soldiers as a few of them glided to the ground and landed in the plaza still keeping a safe distance. Then the leading guard looked back at Star Bolt as he continued, “Commander Bolt… of the Nightmare Legion? The same commander who protected Princess Luna over a thousand years ago?”
Star Bolt glared at the speaking guard as he replied, “The one and only! Are you here to arrest me or something?”
The guard’s expression quickly changed from serious to nervous as he removed his helmet and sat it on the ground. After seeing their leader remove his head gear, the surrounding guards both on the buildings and on the ground did the same as the leader stepped forward, “No sir… well… actually, we just wanted the chance to meet you.”

Star Bolt felt completely confused as he replied, “Meet me? What do you mean?”
Another guard spoke up, “We… just wanted to meet the legend himself… you know, in person.”
The leading pony added, “We… All of us are Princess Luna’s personal guards. Night by night, from dusk till dawn, we watch over her and keep her safe from anything that hopes to threaten her… but we aren’t Commander Bolt.”
Star Bolt gave the guard a funny look as another guard stepped forward, “When I was a little filly, my mother told me the stories about the great Commander Bolt. She told me about his many death-defying experiences, and when I found out that Princess Celestia was allowing bat ponies to become guards, I knew that… I wanted to be just like him, only… a mare.”
A third guard stepped forward and added, “it’s been only a few decades since Princess Celestia allowed bat ponies to guard the night. When that happened, there wasn’t a colt I knew who didn’t want to be like the great Commander Bolt. You’re a legend.”
The female guard that spoke a second ago gave that stallion a dirty look as the guard corrected himself, “… sorry colt and filly…”
the leading guard continued from there, “not only are you a legend… but you’re an inspiration. Nopony, not in a thousand years has ever lived like you, they either died trying or realized that you set a bar that nopony could ever hope to reach. Heck, even your officers are legendary to us.”

Star Bolt stood speechless as a broader stallion stepped forth and placed his battle-axe on the ground. I may not have any magic so I know I will never be as strong as Lieutenant Ardent Viscous… but I still wanted to be like her.”
The next to speak was an archer, “I tried for years to learn how to master the bow because I dreamed of being like Captain Gem Stone… but I never could. And that’s why I'll continue to carry this bow, because when I stop breathing, will be the day I stop trying.”
The lead stallion spoke again, “we know that there is something big about to happen… and word through the barracks says that whatever it is, you refuse to be a part of it. But considering your life… we all understand why you said no. However, we were hoping that... You know, before you leave Canterlot. We hoped that you could give us a word of advice. Or… some pointers? You know so we can protect Princess Luna like you did back then.”
Star Bolt couldn’t believe what he was hearing, “Pointers… you, actually want me to give you tips on being a guard?...”
The lead stallion replied, “it would be an honor, nopony could protect the princess like you could, but we would still like to try our best.”
With that said the leader of the surrounding bat ponies bowed to the ancient commander, Then one by one, the surrounding subordinates started bowing in respect as Star Bolt tried convincing himself that this was actually happening.

With everypony in the area bowing to him Star Bolt felt like he had stolen an army from the princesses so he spoke up, “Rise! All of you!...”
With his outburst the surrounding ponies stood back up in worry as he continued, “You shouldn’t bow! Not to me! If anything you should only bow to your princess and nopony else, that’s what being a royal guard signifies! However… and I do intent to offend you… You all don’t have what it takes to defend the princess as I did! But that’s not your fault. If anyponies’, it’s the princesses fault. They don’t train guards like they used to and trust me… I had some of the toughest training that anypony could ever have hoped to survive. But, considering what we’re up against… We don’t have that kind of time. Therefore,… with what time we do have! I intend to make you stronger then you ever hoped could be possible. And maybe… just maybe, you will have a chance to survive this new threat! For now, continue with your usual duties! Because I don’t know when your training will start! But trust me, you will be seeing more my face. And you will grow to both hate, and respect it… NOW HOW CLEAR AM I!”
All the guards first looked at each other with smiling faces then they all stood at perfect attention as their reply echoed throughout the city, “CRYSTAL SIR!!!”

As each and every royal guard put their helmets back on, Star Bolt smiled as he called out, “Now! See to your duties! You all still have a job to do!”
The soldiers stood at attention as they all replied “YES SIR!”
Star Bolt smiled as one by one, each soldier took to the sky with a motivational spring that could easily be seen in each soldier’s actions. As the guards vanished into the night, the area started lighting up as Star Bolt looked at the rising moon and smiled, “You know… maybe this is for the best. Maybe, this will be what I need to feel free. I can’t believe that I actually inspired others… I guess, this makes me think about the soldiers I lead. It make me think about… my family. Well, time to go back and do something I hoped I would never do… I gotta tell Celestia that I'll help.”
With that said, Star Bolt took to the sky and began flying back to the castle. A few minutes later, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were trotting through the castle courtyard as Princess Celestia continued, “Sister… something like this won’t just go away overnight. I know I should have said something as soon as I found out myself… but when I discovered that he was alive, all I heard was rumors of his return, and I didn’t want to get your hopes up.”
Princess Luna sighed, “But… why did he hide for so long? I just want to know if he intended to hurt me like this, if… he wanted to make me feel this pain.”
Princess Celestial shook her head, “Luna, you know that hurting you is something that he never wants to do unless he had good reason.”
“I know… b…”

Before Luna could continue, the two princesses paused as they witnessed Star Bolt landing in the courtyard with a serious look on his face. Princess Celestia asked, “Star Bolt? is something wrong?”
Feeling annoyed with what he was about to say, Star Bolt sighed, “I had a little time to think over your problem, and… I decided to help you, but only under one condition. I am not your soldier… you can give any order you want, but the decision to follow or ignore that said order will be mine and mine alone.”
Princess Luna and Princess Celestia looked at each other in confusion as Princess Celestia replied, “Why the sudden change in heart?”
Star Bolt replied, “That’s my decision and I would like to think it remains mine. But since it’s been a rather long day… I think I would like to discuss this in the morning… that is… if you will let me.”
Knowing that she should be grateful that he said yes, Princess Celestia replied, “Very well… we have a suite available for you to stay in if you like. I’m afraid the rest of our guests have already settled into their rooms for the night.”
Star Bolt nodded his head as he replied, “Then please, lead the way princess.”
As both Star Bolt and Princess Celestia turned to go back inside, Star Bolt stopped for a split second, “Um… Luna?”
Princess Luna didn’t reply but she did look at Star Bolt to show she was waiting for him to reply as he continued, “The full moon… looks beautiful tonight… just saying.”

Princess Luna was speechless as Star Bolt left those words behind to spiral in her head as he continued into the castle with nothing more to say. While traveling through the corridor, Princess Celestia smiled and spoke, “That was smooth Star.”
Star Bolt replied, “I only spoke the truth… nothing more. But I do feel a little strange.”
“Oh?”
Star Bolt continued, “Yea… like I’m forgetting something… hmm.”
Princess Celestia shrugged her shoulders as she replied, “Well maybe you’ll remember in the morning.”
Star Bolt only nodded his head as the two ponies continued up the corridor towards the guest suites. However, at the city gate, Discord sat reading a book as he mumbled to himself, “you know… I think I see why Roseluck likes this book… but I wonder what’s taking the commander so long… hmm maybe he got lost. But if he did he can just fly here so I'll just keep waiting… it’s not like he has anything better to do.”