//------------------------------// // Silver Armor And Crystal Hearts — Part I // Story: What Hath Joined Together // by Bad_Seed_72 //------------------------------// Silver Armor And Crystal Hearts — Part I The first week of Princess Twilight Sparkle’s research trip was an unfruitful one. Although she, with the help of Flash Sentry, had managed to get through several of the massive bookshelves in the Empire’s library, none of the books she had read through so far contained the information she needed. Not all of her efforts were in vain. A few of the books seemed to speak of Starswirl the Bearded as if he was still alive at the time of their writing. To Twilight, this indicated that the book she sought might be somewhere in the library. For Flash Sentry, the first week was just as strange as the first day. Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor continued to treat him, a Royal Guard who held no officer rank, like a guest in their home. The Crystal Ponies, both recruits and civilians, were friendly towards him, albeit seemingly intrigued by his appearance. The citizens seemed very happy, even on days when the snow began to pile up to their porches and the wind whistled a mournful, chilly tune. Every morning after breakfast, he assisted Lieutenant Shooting Star in training the recruits. Whether it was flying alongside his superior during runs and drills, leading calisthenics with him, or watching for distracted recruits during lectures on military history and ethics, Flash did all he was ordered to do. Unlike accepting orders from Captain Ironhoof, he did not mind serving under the Lieutenant; on the contrary, he found himself looking forward to it. Although Shining Armor had brought Twilight out to the recruits’ camp a few mornings and introduced her to Shooting Star, she didn’t ask Flash about the training. He found this a bit odd, but perhaps she was too preoccupied with her research to be that interested. Every morning after training, he went with Twilight to the library, where the two would spend the afternoon combing through books in search of the Tree of Harmony’s secrets. Apt Drop and Bishe would visit them with lunch and tea—along with Apt’s mother, Precise Jot, who appeared to have gotten over her illness—for which Flash was thankful. Never before had he seen anypony who could study like Twilight. She curled up in a corner of the library with a mountain of books, not even taking a few minutes’ break for a glass of water or to stretch. Their lunch break was a relief to him, who dared not leave her side, as he was commanded. As the following Friday drew closer and closer, Flash Sentry pondered Shining Armor’s words to him that first day. What was this “meeting” both Shining and Shooting Star were so adamant on him attending, and what did it have to do with the incident? Would anypony else from the Royal Guard attend? Would Ironhoof? And then there was the play. What would it entail? Despite those lingering anticipations, Flash Sentry found himself enjoying that first week as a stranger in a strange land. In the presence of the Princess who made his wings squirm and his words stammer, he found himself almost beginning to relax a little, as if his troubles were buried beneath the all-encompassing blanket of white… ~ Friday morning began as the others before it. Flash awoke from a peaceful sleep and prepared for the dawn of a new day. He knocked on Twilight’s door to find her awake yet again, then escorted her down to the Royal Dining Hall. He said good morning to several of the castle’s servants on the way, whom had now come to know him by name. Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor were at the table when they arrived. Flash took a seat when Shining prompted him to do so, then selected his dishes from a servant’s tray. Light conversation between the Royals filled his ears again, which he respectfully tried to ignore in lieu of his breakfast. There were a few differences this morning that Flash Sentry managed to notice in spite of its opening familiarity. When he looked up from his plate, Flash saw that Shining, who would typically be engaged in chit-chat with his wife and sister, seemed to be keeping his head down. His mane was a bit messy, and his eyes looked a bit tired. Beside him, Cadence was in the same concerning state that he had seen his first day in the Empire—maybe even worse. Though she had appeared to have applied an extra layer of makeup below her eyes and mascara to her eyelashes, her eyes looked bloodshot. Now both of them look under the weather? Is there some kind of illness going around? It almost looks like Princess Cadence has been… crying. Crying, or not slept at all…Maybe both. Beside Cadence, Twilight seemed to be aware of the same thing, her eyes full of worry when she looked down at her plate. Though her full saddlebags occupied the seat beside her, she didn’t seem to be in much of a rush to leave the table. “Flash?” Shining asked abruptly, breaking his silence. “Have you finished eating?” Flash looked down at his half-eaten breakfast, then up at the fatigued Prince. “Yes, Your Highness,” he replied, laying his fork over the plate, “I am, thank you.” “You’re welcome.” While a servant took away Flash’s dishes, Shining Armor looked over to Cadence. “I have to meet our guests at the train station in about an hour. Do you think you and Twily could—” “Guests?” Twilight looked up from her plate. “What guests, Shining?” “Guests for my meeting this afternoon. Royal Guard business,” Shining said with a slight smile. Twilight didn’t return the smile. “‘Royal Guard business’? Does this have something to do with those recruits you’re training?” “It does. Once my guests get off their train, I’ll give them a tour of the castle and show them to their rooms. Then, I’ll show them the recruits’ camp. Once we’re done, it’ll be about an hour before the chefs will have everything ready for the meeting. Flash will be accompanying me through all of this,” Shining said, looking straight at him. I will? “Y-yes, Your Highness,” Flash replied, unfortunately letting a bit of his confusion slip. I don’t remember being told that before, but it’s an order now. But that means— “But that doesn’t leave us any time to go to the library.” Twilight frowned. Flash swore he heard a bit of disappointment in her voice. Before Shining could reply, Cadence suggested, “Twilight, you’re already taking the night off your research to go see the play, so why not just take the whole day off?” “A whole day?” Twilight visibly stiffened, her ears flopping down. “But… But… I thought I would at least have this morning…” Although he knew it was not his doing, Flash winced in guilt. I thought we did too, but— “Aw, it’s not that big of a deal.” Cadence patted Twilight on the shoulder. “Look on the bright side. If you take the day off, we can go for a stroll, I’ll introduce you to some of the citizenry, show you my favorite cafe, catch up some more…” Princess Cadence wore that same grin that she had the night she asked Twilight to go flying with her. Flash knew that, if he were in Twilight’s horseshoes, resistance would be futile. Twilight seemed to be in silent agreement with him. Her frown softened as she sighed, then nodded. “Well… Alright. That would be nice. And it’s only one day. Flash and I can always catch up tomorrow,” she said with a smile towards his direction. Yes, that would be wond— Flash mentally kicked himself to refrain from saying something ridiculous. Shining Armor stood up and levitated his dishes onto a nearby servant’s tray. “That settles it then. Cadence, Twilight, you two have fun out in the city today. Flash and I will greet the guests, show them a few things, then attend the Guard meeting. We’ll all meet back here at 1800 and head to the play. Sound good, everypony?” Cadence and Twilight murmured their agreement. Anxious to see what the day held in store, Flash said, “Yes, sir!” ~ Cadence and Twilight took a separate route out of the castle, meaning that the four’s goodbye was a short and early one. With almost twelve hours remaining before they would leave for the play, it was most definitely going to be a long day. Flash Sentry both loathed and loved long days in the Royal Guard. A long day meant that the time between awakening and sleep passed by quickly, as did the hours between the week and the weekend. Long days on his hooves also equated to eternities spent within his own thoughts, some of which were dangerous. With the snow crunching under his hooves and a light breeze in his mane, Flash Sentry both anxiously anticipated those hours to pass and looked forward to experiencing them. Shining Armor led Flash Sentry to the train station through the streets of the Crystal Empire. Along the way, the two were mostly silent, exchanging only a few words. Shining’s stern expression softened a bit when they reached the station’s platform just in time to see a train pull in, its high-pitched whistle echoing through the morning mist. “This must be them.” Shining sat down to wait as the train’s doors opened and its full load of passengers began to exit. Flash watched as more passengers poured through the doors. Nopony who arrived was familiar to him, and none were definitely a part of the Royal Guard. He began to wonder if the guests had taken a different train. Then, the doors on the last cab of the train opened. Through those doors strode a group of Royal Guards—ten of them, Flash counted, both pegasi and unicorns. The leader of the group was a silver pegasus he recognized as Second Lieutenant Argon, the stallion directly below Lieutenant Shooting Star. No other officers were in attendance. Most of the other Royal Guards wore only the golden armor. Trotting at the head of the pack behind Argon were a few other stallions of Flash Sentry’s rank. These stallions also wore a blue saddle blanket over the backplate of their armor, signifying that the Princesses commended them for five or more years of honorable service, along with demonstration of combat skills. This was the highest rank attainable to a Royal Guard outside of the officers’ station. Once all of the new arrivals met Prince Shining Armor and Flash Sentry at the platform, Second Lieutenant Argon bowed deeply. The others behind him followed suit, as did Flash. “Good to see you, Argon,” Shining said with a smile. “And it is good to see you as well, Your Highness,” Argon replied, his eyes and smile bright. “I am very excited to be here today, my Prince. Thank you again for inviting us, sir.” “You’re welcome, Argon. Please, could you introduce me to everypony?” To Flash’s confusion, Argon began introducing each of the other Royal Guards to Shining Armor. Wait, he didn’t know everypony who was coming? Hmm. Maybe he asked Argon to bring a few extra guests? But why? Once the introductions were over, Argon turned to Flash. “Ah, Sir Flash Sentry. Princess Celestia assigned you to escort Princess Twilight up here, yes?” “Yes, sir,” Flash said with a salute. “Hmm…” Argon narrowed his eyes for a moment, then turned back to Shining. “Well, Your Highness, we are ready to go whenever you are, sir.” “Of course, Argon. Let me give you a tour of the castle, and then I’ll show you what we have done with the recruits.” With a quick pivot of his hooves, Shining Armor led the group of eleven stallions back towards the Crystal Castle in the distance. Keeping pace with his Prince, Flash followed alongside him, Argon and the others close behind. ~ “And here is my favorite bakery,” Cadence said, pointing over at a shop constructed of quartzite. “The owner here makes these absolutely divine cinnamon rolls. I’m sure you would love them, Twilight.” Twilight’s stomach rumbled. “Mm, I bet.” Cadence giggled. “I think Auntie is rubbing off on you when it comes to sweets.” Twilight snorted. “Oh, hush.” While the two shared a laugh, Twilight looked around the Empire’s business district. Shops on this street, which were built with every gemstone imaginable, sold everything from quills, to clothes, to heavenly pastries. And this was just one of many streets. Though she wasn’t one for shopping, Twilight had practically dragged Cadence into a bookstore about an hour earlier, to her sister-in-law’s exaggerated protest. Her saddlebags, which she had emptied before their departure, were full again. Throughout their stroll, Crystal Ponies passed them by, greeting them good morning with bright smiles. Thankfully, nopony hounded them with a camera or request for an autograph. Of course, Cadence said that she and Shining frequently visited the citizenry, so a Royal’s appearance mustn't have been very noteworthy by now. “So, what do you think of the city so far, Twilight?” “It’s beautiful!” Twilight said. “I bet tons of Canterlot nobles would love to live in homes like this, or run stores that looked like that.” “I imagine they would… Ooh!” Cadence grabbed one of Twilight’s forehooves, yanking her towards the side of the street. “Here’s my favorite flower shop! Let’s go inside!” “Flower shop? In winter?” “Yes! C’mon, I’ll show you!” Twilight giggled as Cadence began to pull her towards the multi-colored store. “Geez, somepony’s excited.” Cadence gave a mock scoff. “Well, you should have seen how somepony reacted when she saw Written Script’s Story Emporium!” Flushing, Twilight mumbled, “Fair enough,” and quickened her pace. Once they reached the doors and slipped inside, Twilight was greeted by an interesting sight. In Ponyville (and most of Equestria), florists were closed for the winter. The Crystal Empire, by contrast, appeared to hold no such restriction. Before Twilight’s eyes were rows and rows of potted flowers, some of them crystalline, arranged beneath glowing stalactites hanging from the ceiling. As she approached the plants, she noted an intense heat emanating from the crystals above her—so intense that she would have begun to sweat had the outside temperature been a few degrees warmer. Cadence used a forehoof to caress the leaves of a poinsettia plant. “Isn’t it amazing? They can keep flowers and other plants alive through the winter by using the glowstone crystals.” Using her magic, Twilight examined the petals of a crystalline flower, which looked similar to a lily. “I’ve never seen flowers like this before.” “Now you see why this is my favorite store. Shining got me a bouquet from here for my birthday. The flowers are still in bloom on my nightstand.” Twilight let go of the crystal flower and turned to Cadence, her eyes widening. “Really?” Cadence nodded. “The Crystal Empire is unique in many ways, Twilight. In fact…” She trailed off, her eyes drifting to the front of the store. In the silence, Twilight slowly followed Cadence’s gaze. While the front counter had been unoccupied upon their entry, a mare had emerged from the back room while she examined the crystal plant. The lack of a proper greeting wasn’t what made Twilight freeze when she saw a store employee coming their way at last. Neither was her tardiness what made her flinch. Coming towards them, a sheepish, almost frightened look on her face, was a pale-green Earth pony mare. “Clover?” ~ Once they arrived at the Crystal Castle, Prince Shining Armor conducted a tour for his guests, similar to the one he had given Flash Sentry. The other Royal Guards were especially interested in the “Guard floor,” along with its armory and barracks. Argon commented that the armory was well-stocked, despite its size, which made Shining smile. Throughout the hour-long tour, Flash kept silent and stuck to Shining’s side. Once or twice, Argon gave him the same strange look, along with a few of the other Royal Guards, although nopony said anything when they did so. Though he didn’t know anypony but the Second Lieutenant by name, he knew he had seen them in the castle’s hallways. A few had trained with him. Of course, that had been five years ago, and everything and nothing had transpired since then. After the tour was complete, Shining Armor showed the guests to their rooms. Argon and the others were assigned guest rooms on the same floor as Flash and Twilight, although off the opposite hallway. The ten wasted no time in packing away their saddlebags, then rejoining Shining and Flash in the foyer. Shining asked the group, “Everypony ready to meet the recruits?” “Ready?” Argon laughed. “Your Highness, I’ve been ready since we took the train last night!” Shining laughed with him. “Enthusiastic, are you? That’s what I like to hear!” While Shining led them back down through the castle, Flash Sentry noted that Argon and the Prince continued to chat about the Guard program, laughing as they did so. Other than his strange glances towards Flash, Argon behaved in a very similar manner as Shooting Star… at least here. Considering that both the First and Second Lieutenants were said to be the best of friends back in Canterlot, it shouldn’t have been all that strange, but it still made him wonder. ~ Wide-eyed, Twilight watched as Clover weaved through the rows of flowers to approach herself and Cadence. The mare nearly turned around when she came to a stop, her hooves shuffling on the floor. “Clover?” Twilight blinked in disbelief. “What are you doing here?” “O-oh… I’m… s-sorry, Your Highness…” Clover bowed furtively, averting her eyes. “W-where are my manners? S-sorry… Um… Welcome t-to Empire F-Flowers, how may I h-help you, Y-Your Highness?” As the timid mare rose, Princess Cadence gave her a warm smile. “It’s alright, Clover. We are not in need of any flowers.” Twilight whirled around. “We’re not?” “No,” Cadence said, her tone quiet but firm. “Clover, are you the only one working right now?” “No, Your Highness, Miss Orchid is doing inventory in the b-back,” Clover answered. “Would you like me to fetch her, Princess?” Why does she stutter less when speaking to Cadence? I’m not that scary, am I? Giving herself a once-over, Twilight determined that she could have paid more attention to brushing her coat this morning. Otherwise, she appeared no more terrifying than normal. “Yes, please. If you wouldn’t mind, Clover, I would like to borrow you for a bit.” Confused for a third time, Twilight looked back to Cadence. “Borrow her?” Clover clapped her forehooves together, her darting eyes coming to rest and brightening. “Oh, yes, thank you, Your H-Highness! I’ll be right b-back, please, Princess, thank you!” She scampered away, her dark-green tail swishing behind her. Twilight nudged Cadence with a wing. “Borrow her?” Instead of answering, Cadence asked, “Still hungry, Twilight? There’s a great little diner a few blocks down that has great daffodil and daisy sandwiches. Oh, and all the hayfries you can—” “Cadence!” The feathers on her wings, already in need of a fresh preening, began to ruffle. “What’s going on? Why is Clover here? What are you—” Cadence silenced her with a forehoof over her lips. “Twilight,” she said sternly, taking her foalsitter tone, “I will explain everything when the three of us get some lunch and privacy, alright? For now, can you please calm down?” Twilight shoved Cadence’s forehoof away. “Fine,” she muttered, her brow furrowing. The temptation to groan was becoming nigh-irresistible. Ugh! First, I find out I’ve lost not just an evening, but an entire day of studying because Shining wants to pal around with Flash—which is fine! Not a big deal!—and now Clover’s here, and I know this is going to be a conversation about that stupid stallion! Can this day get any worse?! While Twilight distracted herself by staring at the beautiful flowers, all of which seemed rather plain, Cadence tapped her hooves on the floor. The older alicorn eyed her, but remained silent, for which she was grateful. The glowstone brought the room to a near-boiling temperature. A few minutes later, Clover returned, her hooves sounding merry and light against the crystal tile. Twilight turned around to see an old, squat mare behind the store’s counter, waving and bowing to them. While Cadence greeted her, Twilight mustered a half-hearted acknowledgement, then waited by the shop’s door. “Th-thank you again, Your Highness,” Clover said to Cadence as the two joined Twilight. “Of course! Let’s get something to eat, shall we? And don’t worry, lunch is on me.” Cadence held the door open with her magic. Twilight trailed behind the two, her eyes narrowed. What exactly are you trying to pull here, Cadence? ~ By the time the group made their way towards the recruits’ camp, Argon and Shining were laughing uproariously. Flash looked towards the others, who were struggling not to laugh. Guess they missed the memo on eavesdropping… That, or I was too lost in thought. Argon sure is loud… “... And that’s why I’m never allowed back in Las Pegasus, Your Highness!” “Haha! Oh, Argon, you crack me up.” Shining shook his head. As they rounded the crest of the hill, he gestured down to the recruits. All but he and Flash widened their eyes in awe. Lieutenant Shooting Star marched up and down between the line of stallions, his spear held tightly in his forehoof, his wings flared wide open. He spat at the snow and drew his lips back in a snarl, then barked at his wards, “Stand up straight, you maggots!” The recruits, already standing tall, straightened their posture to the fullest. Flash saw that each of them held a wooden staff in their dominant forehoof. Gripped tightly, the staves dug holes into the snow. “Hey, YOU! Hold your weapon straight! How can you expect to fight if you can’t even hold the damn thing?!” Shooting Star rushed over and knocked a wiggling staff into the ground, then ordered the stallion responsible to give him twenty. Flash recognized him as the same stallion who had dropped his bowl of oats into the snow that second morning. Argon chuckled, shaking his head. “Ol’ Shooting Star already whipping them into shape, Your Highness?” Shining smirked. “Are you impressed, Argon?” Argon gave a low bow. “But of course I’m impressed, sir! Very good progress, if I do say so myself, my Prince.” Flash raised an eyebrow. Progress? Why the rush? “If you think that’s impressive,” Shining said, “just see what he’s going to have them do today. Why don’t we come down for a better look?” A chorus of murmured agreement followed Shining Armor’s statement. The group picked up their hooves again, moving down the hill to meet the First Lieutenant and his wards, who were currently being punished for the clumsy stallion’s transgression. Hooves pumped bodies up and down in synchronization as their ruling Prince and his guests trotted into the camp. With a grin on his muzzle reminiscent of Discord’s, Shooting Star commanded his troops to rise, bringing his right forehoof to his forehead. “Get up, maggots! Your Prince is here! Salute your Prince!” “SIR, YES, SIR!” they declared, saluting. Shining grinned. “Good morning, Lieutenant. How are we progressing?” Shooting Star gestured with a wing. “Well, with the exception of one screw-up, just fine, Your Highness! I was just going to start some sparring drills, sir. In fact…” The Lieutenant’s fiery eyes shifted to Flash Sentry. “If you don’t mind, Your Highness, I would like Sir Flash Sentry to help me demonstrate.” Demonstrate? Oh, this should be interesting… All eyes turned to Flash Sentry, who waited for Shining’s nod. When he received it, he approached Shooting Star, then saluted him. “Sir, yes, sir!” My favorite part of basic training, of any training. And with Shooting Star, one of the best wielders of the sacred spear, of all ponies. Argon, Shining, and the other Canterlot Royal Guards formed a circle around Shooting Star and Flash Sentry, leaving the recruits enough room to see the demonstration to come. Shooting Star grabbed two of the wooden staves from two of the recruits. “Sir Flash Sentry, I trust that you do not need instruction in the rules of the drill.” This will be fun. His confidence rising, Flash said, “Sir, no, sir!” Flash accepted the staff that was offered to him. Unlike his own steel weapon, it was very light, only able to do a minimal amount of damage. Holding the staff in both forehooves, Flash chose to wield his weapon horizontally, rather than vertically. Lacking its sharpened head, the staff would serve him better when he was in full control of it. The Lieutenant took hold of the other staff and backed away from Flash, ten paces exactly. “Why don’t you repeat them for the benefit of our recruits here?” His adrenaline beginning to flow, Flash replied, “Yes, sir! Ten paces between combatants! First one to get a direct hit to the chest wins! No dirty hits or head bashes! No use of hooves, flight, or magic! Just the staff, sir!” “Very good, Sir Flash Sentry.” Shooting Star readied the staff the same way as Flash did. “Show these recruits why you have that saddle blanket on your back.” “Sir, yes, sir!” “On my count of three,” Shooting Star ordered, “we begin. One… “Two…” “Three!” As soon as he said three, Shooting Star propelled himself forward with his wings. He lunged at Flash, raising his staff high. Flash rose his staff in time and parried. The staves clacked against each other as both stallions jumped back down. Flash spun around and swung his staff, aiming for his opponent’s chest. Shooting Star strafed to the right, then returned with another swing. Jumping back just in time, Flash steadied himself, then struck again. Shooting Star strafed to the left, then began to circle him, holding his weapon tightly. “Not bad, not bad,” Shooting Star muttered. “I usually get most on the—first!” Narrowly dodging the strike, Flash seized his opportunity and swung back at him. With another laugh, Shooting Star met him this time. Both stallions clashed staves. Their hooves dug into the snow as each pushed against the other, unwilling to release. The Lieutenant was large for a pegasus stallion and used his size to his full advantage. Pushing hard against Flash’s weapon, he forced him backwards towards the circle of onlookers. Gritting his teeth, Flash grunted and pushed forward, struggling to keep himself upright. Shooting Star took a step back and withdrew his weapon. In the second that the Lieutenant raised his staff high for the “killing” blow, Flash took a bold swing, aiming straight for his chestplate with all his might. Wood crashed against steel, the noise echoing throughout the silent camp. Flash Sentry drew back and gripped the staff with both forehooves, teeth gritted in a toothy, somewhat triumphant, smile. All was silent as he reached up and wiped sweat from his brow, his mane becoming wild beneath his helmet. Lieutenant Shooting Star looked down at his chestplate, a grin spreading across his muzzle. “Looks like you got a lucky swing in, Sir Flash Sentry. Good work.” “Thank you, sir!” With a chuckle, Shooting Star tossed his staff back to one of the empty-hooved stallions, then did the same for Flash’s weapon. Stepping back in front of the line of wide-eyed recruits, he ordered, “Alright, colts! That’s how it’s done! Now, pair up and take ten paces back from your partner! At my signal, give it your all, and if you’re slacking, by Celestia I will make you regret it!” Flash returned to Shining Armor and the others. “Not too shabby, Flash! I remember you shined during the sparring portion of your training,” Shining said with a grin. “Thank you, Your Highness. That was my favorite, sir,” Flash said. Shining replied, quiet and slow, “While you’re here this month, you might want to help Shooting Star with a few more of those drills. It doesn’t hurt to stay in fighting form.” Though the statement was simple, the way Shining Armor said it made it seem anything but. Suppressing his confusion, Flash nodded and stood with the others, watching as Lieutenant Shooting Star led the recruits through the sparring drill. The sun hung at the halfway point in the sky now, almost noon. Soon would come the meeting, and, hopefully, the answers to his questions. ~ The owner of the quaint little diner Cadence adored led the three of them to a private room in the back of the restaurant. Twilight supposed that it was intended for conferences, thusly surmising that her simple, relaxing day off was about to become anything but. The three took a seat at the long dining table and ordered. Clover insisted that she was not hungry, but Cadence insisted more convincingly that she was welcome to eat whatever she wanted. The timid mare eventually caved and ordered the soup of the day. Cadence and Twilight both ordered daffodil and daisy sandwiches, which each came with the regrettable promise of all-you-can-eat hayfries. Once their waitress left, Cadence lit her horn, enveloping the room in her blue aura as she cast a soundproofing spell. “Why do we need that?” Twilight asked, feeling on edge. This just keeps getting better and better! “Twilight,” Cadence said, “please calm down. I just want this conversation to remain private, if that’s alright with you.” Twilight sighed. “Fine. So… You two seem to know what’s going on, so why don’t you explain it to me?” Seated across the table from Twilight and Cadence, Clover shifted in her chair. “Oh, um, w-well… Er, Y-Your Highness, I…” She trailed off, rubbing her forehooves together as she looked away from Twilight. About to chime in with yet another repeated question, Twilight noticed something when Clover glanced away from her. Under a coat-matching makeup, she saw the faint outlines of a greenish-purple mark. “Wait a minute… Is that a bruise on your cheek?” “Er…” Clover turned back around and brought a forehoof to her cheek. “Um…” Falling silent again, she looked over at Cadence. Cadence nodded. “It’s okay. You can tell her.” “Tell me what?” “Are… Are you s-sure, Your Highness? I mean—” “Yes, I’m sure. Please tell her,” Cadence said. “She’s been waiting, Clover.” In spite of the seeming gravity of the situation, Twilight couldn’t help but think, You can say that again… Clover nodded, took a breath, and, finally, looked directly at Twilight. “Your Highness, I… I know you recognize me from what happened with my husband, Orion…” To Twilight’s surprise, Cadence didn’t flinch at the word husband. For some reason, neither did she, though it did not belong. “I’m… I’m very sorry about what he d-did, Your Highness,” Clover continued. “He shouldn’t have d-done that to you, Princess.” As she finished, Twilight saw that Clover was practically clinging to the chair to stop herself from shaking. Realizing that her demeanor was only aggravating Clover’s anxiety, Twilight sighed and tried to relax. “Well, thank you, Clover, though you have nothing to apologize for. It was not your fault. I appreciate your concern, but I am alright. Now, as for you… What happened? Did somepony hit you?” Clover looked over to Cadence again, who nodded once more, as if prompting her. Then, she looked back to Twilight and said, barely above a whisper, “Y-y-yes, Your Highness.” Twilight’s ears flattened. “Who?” “I… I’d r-rather not say, Yo—” “Please, Clover. This is not okay. Tell me who so the ponies responsible will be brought to justice.” Clover shook her head. Twilight held back a groan. She’s worse than Fluttershy. “Please. I… I know you’re scared, and I know this is hard for you, but if you don’t tell me, then—” “If I do tell you, then it’ll just be w-worse. S-sorry for interrupting, Your Highness,” Clover added, avoiding Twilight’s gaze again. Twilight looked over at Cadence, almost in desperation. After a moment, Cadence asked, “Clover, why don’t you tell Twilight why you’re here in the Empire, and why you don’t want to tell her who hurt you?” When Clover hesitated, Cadence reached over and gently lifted her chin with a forehoof. “It’s alright, my dear. Nopony is going to hurt you here.” Why would she think I’m going to hurt her? Did my molars turn into fangs? Am I missing something here? Nodding, Clover smiled back at Cadence, then took a deep breath. Then, she said, as loudly and boldly she had spoken that afternoon, “Y-Your Highness, the reason I can’t tell you who, is because I know them. “After Orion’s hearing… I… I went back home, you see… Orion and I live very close beside each other, as I was his f-family’s gardener for years… Well, anyway… I was heading home after I wasn’t able to s-see him after the hearing, and…” With one more breath, Clover closed her eyes and said, “Some of his f-friends spotted me, and they… Ambushed me, Your Highness, and… T-told me to leave him alone, because I’d already r-ruined his life… And… I… I guess I have...” Any prior frustration or anger she held towards Clover was brushed away by those words. Twilight sat there, speechless and frozen, while the mare paused again, composing herself before finishing. “And I… I decided it would be best if I stayed s-somewhere outside of Canterlot for a while. Miss Orchid is a friend of a f-friend, and she offered to let me stay with her, so… Here I am. Heh.” Clover wiped at her eyes with a fetlock. “I’ll t-try to come see Orion again after his t-trial, but… The guards always lie to me, they never take me down there to see him like they s-say they will, Your Highness.” The silence that followed was sickening, making Twilight’s empty stomach full of outrage. In her shock, she looked to Cadence for support, only to find the other alicorn staring straight ahead, almost painfully stoic. “Cadence…” “Clover, is there anything else you need to tell us?” Cadence asked. Clover shook her head and stared down at her hooves. “Would you like to stay for lunch? If not, you can take your soup home,” Cadence offered. While the makeup could hide her bruise, the glistening tears in Clover’s eyes were unmistakable. “Yes, please, Your H-Highness. I would like to g-go home.” With a nod, Cadence rose from her chair and headed out of the room. “Clover, I’m… I’m really sorry. You don’t deserve that,” Twilight began, feeling foalish. “Really, if you tell me the names of his friends, I can—” “N-n-no, Princess Twilight, it’s okay,” Clover replied, raising a forehoof. “This is for the better, less p-painful, if I just stay quiet and up here… And he s-stays… Down there…” Twilight needed to throw up. Cadence returned, a to-go container of soup held in her aura. She levitated it over to Clover, then trotted over to her, offering an open wing. The mare grabbed the soup and hugged her. “Th-thank you, Your Highness…” “If you ever need anything, Clover, please, let me know. If I’m not available when you stop by the castle, I’ll come and see you at the shop, okay?” Cadence assured, stroking her shoulder with her wing. “Yes, th-thank you so much. H-have a good day, Your Highness.” Clover bowed to her, then trotted out of the room, not even glancing in Twilight’s direction. The door closed, leaving the two Princesses alone. It opened a moment later to reveal their waitress, who placed two sandwiches and two heaping platters of hayfries before them, along with ketchup, tall glasses of water, and well wishes. When the waitress left, it was just Twilight and Cadence again. Lunch was forgotten. “Cadence,” Twilight said after a long, uncomfortable silence, “what is going on here?” Cadence set her glass of water down. “Twilight, before I can answer that, I need to ask you two things. Do you love me, and do you trust me?” Twilight felt herself begin to shake. “Of c-course I do! What does that have to do with anything?” Cadence cast her soundproofing spell again. “It has to do with everything, Twilight.” “... Why?” “Because after I tell you what has been going on—with me, with Shining, with the Crystal Empire, with Equestria itself—there is a good chance that you will hate me.” As Cadence said this, she looked so very tired. So very, very tired. Tired, stressed, and weak. She looked all those things at once, and as Twilight sat across the table from the Princess of Love, she realized why. Twilight not only still needed to throw up, but she could barely breathe. “Are you ready for what I have to say, Twilight?” No. “Yes.” ~ The hours between the sparring drills and Shining Armor’s meeting passed with a furious vengeance, both rushing by and dragging on. Argon, Shooting Star, and the others went into the city for lunch, while the Prince and his servants began preparing for the meeting in the Royal Dining Hall. Flash Sentry chose to use this extra time to prepare himself, mindful of Shining’s insistence that everypony in attendance look their best. Flash Sentry found his nerves lit afire as the minutes ticked past. He shined his armor until his can of polish was nearly half-empty and combed his mane and the bristles of his helmet until both were not a hair out of place. Once he was ready, he let himself pace in his room, burning off that nervous energy. The questions returned to the forefront of his mind, and there was nothing he could do but try and focus on something else. Whenever he looked out his window to see the snowy Empire, he felt a peace he could not explain. Unfortunately, it did little to soothe him now. A knock came at his door. Flash gave himself one last once-over, then opened the door. “Your Highness?” Prince Shining Armor stood in the threshold, dressed in his full, purple Captain’s armor. “Are you ready, Flash?” Swallowing the lump in his throat, Flash nodded. When I called you Captain my first evening here, you said you weren’t Ironhoof…What are you now? Closing the door behind him, Flash saw Shining Armor trot off into the hallway, almost at a canter. He hurried after him, surprised to see that none of the other Guards accompanied them. “Your Highness, I—” “Flash,” Shining said, quiet and stern, staring straight ahead, “do you remember what I told you to think about when you attend this meeting?” “Yes, sir.” Shining met his gaze. “I want you to think about that very carefully, and what it means in relation to everything else. I want you to be quiet and listen when we get there, and I want you to be completely honest when you speak. Do you understand?” Fighting both confusion and dread, Flash said as boldly as he could, “Yes, sir.” Prince Shining Armor said nothing more. The whole way to the Royal Dining Hall, two stories, multiple hallways, hooves clicking against the translucent, crystalline floor, Flash Sentry fought suspicion and assumption, two demons battling within his mind. Everything that had transpired in the past few weeks—no, the past few months, years, his whole lifetime—came to the forefront of his thoughts. When Shining said everything else, all Flash could think was order, and he feared a terrible truth. When they reached the double doors of their destination, Prince Shining Armor came to a halt, then lit his horn. “Remember what I said.” Prince Shining Armor opened the doors. Flash Sentry stepped inside. He heard the door close behind him, along with Shining’s hooves joining his side. There, amidst bottles of wine and platters of fine food, eating, drinking, laughing, and chatting, were the ten stallions who had arrived that morning—Shining’s guests. Except, instead of golden armor, they wore silver. Flash Sentry turned around to see Prince Shining Armor light his horn again. The purple of the Prince’s armor transformed into silver, leaving Flash the odd stallion out. Lieutenant Shooting Star turned around and raised his wineglass to Flash Sentry. “So good of you to join us, Flash. We have much to discuss.”