Azure Dusk and Lightning Aura reached the Crystal Empire along with his unit, unharmed. Several squads managed to escape the horror, but they suffered heavy losses. Skies around the Empire were gloomy. Upon landing, they were greeted by Princess Cadence and Shining Armor.
"Where is the other captain? Radiant Light?" Princess Cadence asked.
"I'm sorry, Your Highness, but he's..." Azure Dusk trailed off, closing his eyes and frowning as he faced the ground.
Princess Cadence's heart felt heavy as she heard the report. The Empire lost another great captain. A captain who faced his battles head-on and led his unit confidently. Shining Armor approached Azure Dusk.
"He may be gone, but his actions and words will forever live on in the Empire. He served the Empire with a great mind fit for a captain. He will always be remembered, and I'm glad that you returned here unharmed. We can't afford to lose another great captain," Shining Armor said passionately.
"Who is that young pony over there? Sitting in the chariot?" Princess Cadence asked.
"He is the son of Radiant Light, Your Highness. His name is Lightning Aura," Azure Dusk replied.
"Oh my... it must've been hard for him," Princess Cadence remarked. She approached the young pony whose spirit was marred and filled with despair. "Poor little one." she gave him a gentle hug.
"I want to become a royal guard... " Lightning Aura mumbled, surprising Princess Cadence.
"Hm? You want to become a guard?"
"Y-Yeah, that is what my father also wanted, for me to follow my dream. I've always wanted to serve the Crystal Empire." Lightning Aura said with increasing confidence.
"Young colt, being a guard is not an easy task. You are still young, and you still have a long way to go. There are other things in life that are worth risking it for, but not this one. This job is far more dangerous than what you think," Shining Armor remarked.
"I want to grow up as a brave and great soldier, like my father was when he was still alive!" Lightning Aura exclaimed, stomping his hoof. "I know he believes in me." he said as he looked down, brooding.
Princess Cadence and Shining Armor were both surprised and sad, as they didn't expect the young pony to be filled with such courage. The two rulers looked at each other, seemingly accepting Lightning Aura's decision.
"If that's what you want, then we won't stop you," Shining Armor declared. "Azure Dusk, here, will be your mentor."
Lightning Aura's sadness turned upside down. He and Azure Dusk were both surprised at the ruler's decision.
"Are you sure about this, Your Highness?" Azure Dusk worriedly asked.
"Yes. It was pretty hard for us to accept his wish, but maybe his father also wanted this," Shining Armor explained, "And inside him, his father's heart and will lives on."
The rulers expected great things from the young colt. Azure Dusk agreed to watch over the courageous colt and take care of him as he grows up.
Days had passed, Canterlot was completely taken over by the changelings. The rulers had already began formulating a plan and had sent a letter to Twilight Sparkle.
An upcoming battle was now inevitable. The Crystal Empire would soon face its biggest challenge of its time.