"Damn it!" I said out loud.
Just as the train left I saw the magical barrier around the city flicker. Just outside the barrier was an almost completely formed Sombra pounding on it. I checked my phone, there was a message from one of my scouts. I hadn't even seen it because of the message Pinkie sent. I flew back to the castle and sent a mass text as I did. I burst into the throne room to find everyone already there. They were muttering about Pinkie's absence.
"Ladies, we have a problem." I said breathlessly.
"What is it, Jet?" Cadence asked as I leaned on the table to catch my breath.
"Firstly, Sombra is literally right outside the barrier. Secondly, Pinkie Pie just left for Ponyville." I said.
"What? Why?" Everyone asked.
I looked over to Dash, who was standing in the corner leaning against the wall. She just gave me a depressed look. I thought for a minute. Would I rather have everybody pissed off at Dash, their long time friend and the girl I had come to love. Or did I want them to hate me, the new guy who had come here to help out, only to drive two of the girls apart more than any amount of Discord's magic could ever do.
"It was..." I began.
Dash ducked her head down and tears welled in her eyes. I sighed and kept looking at Dash as I continued.
"My fault." I said.
Dash looked up at me with surprise on her face.
"What?" Rarity asked.
"It was my fault. I overreacted to her sending that picture and I yelled at her." I said.
"But why?" Twilight asked.
"I was afraid that if word got out that I fell for Dash, my superiors would find out. Then, they would move me to a different jurisdiction and I'd never get to see her again." I said.
"How could you?" Rarity asked.
"That's just cruel." Fluttershy said quietly.
"We thought you were our friend." Twilight said.
"I agree. Not very friend-like behavior." Cadence said.
"Well, that was mighty selfish of ya." AJ said.
"I know. That's why I'm going to be leaving the Crystal Empire and Ponyville. I suggest you so the same." I said as I headed out the door.
I walked down the hall and left the castle.
"Jet, wait!" I heard Dash behind me.
I turned and she stopped in front of me.
"Why did you lie to them?" She asked.
"Because, without Pinkie, we don't stand a chance against Sombra. I didn't want you to spend the rest of your life with your best friends hating and blaming you." I said as pulled her into a hug.
"Just go and escape with the others. Soon, there will be no Crystal Empire." I said.
"But, why are you leaving? Stay and escape with us." She said.
"I can't. The others don't want me in there. Not after what happened to Pinkie." I replied.
Dash started to cry.
"Ssh. It's okay. Just remember, we'll always have the memories we shared today." I said as I wiped her tears away and kissed her.