> Azure's Last Journey
>  by TheWingman
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Stars above, please… let him live!”

For the past few hours, Princess Celestia, worrying and fearing for her son, Azure Glide. It was only days ago that her son was severely wounded during a changeling blitzkrieg on Canterlot. He stood alone as he took on an onslaught of changelings intent on assassinating her, taking every arrow meant for her while she was unconscious. After seeing her adopted son bloodied and barely clinging to life, she had to act quickly to save his life by using a stasis spell.

After he was put into the castle infirmary, the royal doctors worked tirelessly with Starswirl and Meadowbrook to look for a cure to the venom while his body was left magically locked in the same state he was found. After an entire day of searching, such a cure was found and an antidote was made. Now, Celestia waited for good news… if any. Soon, Celestia’s pacing was interrupted by the approach of Starswirl

“Princess,” Starswirl greeted, “pardon me for my lack of communication over the last few hours.”

“Starswirl,” Celestia said with pleading eyes, “is he okay?”

“Prince Azure is doing fine, Celestia.” Starswirl calmly answered, “We’ve administered the antidote and it has taken effect. As of now, the venom has been completely purged from his body and we were able to mend his wounds as well but there’ll be some permanent scars.”

“Oh, thank harmony.” Celestia sighed with relief, “You’ve done me a great service, Starswirl. Yours and Meadowbrook’s talents are a rarity nowadays.”

“You're quite welcome, your highness. But, There’s something else I need to address.”

“Like what?” Celestia said with confusion. Starswirl nervously twiddled his beard before he spoke up.

“Your highness, though we were able to stabilize the prince, we took a little too much time than we hoped to heal him. As a result, he’s in a comatose state.”

“Oh dear,” Celestia shuddered with worry and sorrow at her son’s condition, “H-How long until he wakes up?”

“Fortunately, we were able to mitigate it down to a minimum. Having the opportunity to examine his mind, he’ll be out for a month. In light of his state, I’ve placed some staves around his bed to keep his body from perishing. It’s about all we can really do. All that can be done right now is to keep him comfortable until he awakens.”

While Celestia was able to breathe a sigh of relief, the fact that Azure was now in a coma did nothing to alleviate her worry. Yet, with all things, there was a silver lining to it. Her son will live and be hailed as a hero. But, the potential mental trauma is what she feared the most when he’ll pull through. He’d been through much over his career as a guard and its captain and his earlier actions saw him giving it his all and then some. Some ponies aren’t meant for that much abuse.

“Very well.” Celestia nodded with a frown, “At least he’ll be well tended to for the time being. I greatly commend you and Meadowbrook for both your efforts. If you wish, you and Meadowbrook may take leave. The royal doctors can handle the rest from here.”

“Are you certain, your highness?” Starswirl answered with an air of concern.

“Yes. If you desire, you may leave instructions for them. I wish not to keep you from your other duties.”

With a bow and nod, Starswirl took his leave followed by Meadowbrook. As they turned toward the courtyard, Celestia took a peek inside Azure’s room. He lay in his bed, motionless but alive nonetheless with his mind mired in a black fog. Though she didn’t see him in his finest hour, she knew what had happened when she saw the dozens of changeling corpses in his wake when she regained consciousness. Even weakened, battered, and bloodied, he stood vigilant, making sure she was alright. For that, she felt partially responsible that she nearly lost him.

“My son,” Celestia sighed internally, “It’s my fault. Because of me… oh, harmony! I’m sorry you nearly got killed. Please, forgive me!” Celestia’s train of thought was interrupted by the arrival of a royal courier. His pacing indicated that what he was carrying was something urgent. “Is there something you need, sir?”

“Your majesty,” The courier breathed with exhaustion, “pardon if I’m intruding on something but I have a scroll that requires your immediate attention.”

“I see. Who sent it?”

“It’s from... Captain Celaeno of the Sky Pirates.”

Celaeno, that was a name and someone the solar princess was familiar with from the incident with The Storm King. Alongside her former student, her friends, and Azure, they were able to liberate Canterlot from his control and that of his army. After all the fighting was over, she saw her with Azure, having a good time with him. She couldn’t help but smile as the romance between them developed. Yet, it wasn’t to be.

Since the last month and a half, due to their conflicting callings, both Azure and Celaeno reluctantly agreed to call off their relationship to spare the heartache of the inevitable. Though they mutually agreed to it, she saw her son taking it the hardest. He loved Celaeno and no other creature like her in the entire world would do. She was his everything and to lose that part of his heart… Celestia and Cadance could do little to ease his sorrow. Nowadays, she spends her time freeing the slaves in the badlands.

“Oh,” Celestia replied, “is there something she needs?”

“Well, it said that she intends to make a visit here but it was left vague as to how long she’ll be staying.” The courier professionally answered, “But, it said to expect her arrival by tomorrow afternoon.” The courier handed the scroll to the princess, “It’s best if you read it yourself.”

Magically taking the scroll, Celestia quickly skimmed through its contents. As she did, her eyes slowly shot open but not really out of surprise. Though a few details were vague at best, she had gotten enough of the gist of her message. Slowly, she rerolled the parchment and poofed it out of existence, without a trace.

“I see.” Celestia murmured as she paced around, “She intends to visit Azure. Oh dear, she doesn’t know what happened to him.”

“Shall I go send a message to her explaining what happened?”

“No. I’ll tell her myself when she arrives. In the meantime, inform the royal servants to prepare a room for her. I want her to have a proper welcoming by the time she arrives.”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

Off the courier went to carry out his charge, leaving Celestia to think much about the implications of Celaeno’s intent. She left out much in her message other than the fact that her visit was very important. As it had to do with Azure, why now after a little over a month since they’ve split?

“Celaeno,” Celestia sighed internally, “if my Azure wakes from his sleep, will he still accept you?” Putting those thoughts aside, for the time being, Celestia walked into the infirmary and gently brushed a wing over his head, seeing not even a flinch. Silently, she accepted what it was. There was nothing else she could do but ensure he’s taken care of. Though she has hope, she wished she could say the same to Celaeno when she sees her.





Eyes hurting and still trying to open them, Azure’s vision was still a big blur of colors and blinding light. His memory was still a haze but one thing remained consistent: a black mass of buzzing wings, fangs, and claws before he blacked out. It sounded like he was still there but reality proved him wrong as his vision regained its clarity.

White, curtains, light, beeping noises, laying down on a comfortable bed, Azure had been in such a setting a few times before. In and out of infirmaries, he vaguely remembered the scars he incurred from his past battles and the trauma that made them. It was a familiar ceiling to him yet one question barked in his mind.

“Am I… dead?”

Before he could ponder his question further and quantify the passage of time, he felt a firm grip on one of his hooves. It looked yellow-orange-ish and had a hard exterior and with four fingers. It looked familiar but whom it belonged to was even more familiar to him, intimately so. Looking further up caused his heart to increase in speed for a few paces as it felt like not too long ago they had last seen one another.

“Celaeno?” He softly groaned as the memories came back to him. Breaking up with her was one of the hardest things he had to do in his life apart from being a guard. Thinking about that moment made his heart feel that familiar ache from that day, down to seeing her airship fly off into the distance, out of sight. Yet, she sits at his bedside gripping his hoof with affection and her smile as warm as he remembered. All of it seemed like a dream to him and he turned away from her with a groan.

“Azure?” Celaeno asked with a tone of concern, aware that he’s awake “What’s wrong?”

“This… This has to be a dream.” Azure said with a slight shudder, “I have to be dead.”

“No, Azure.” Celaeno took his hoof in her talons and gingerly brushed it, “You’re very much alive. You’ve been asleep for a month.”

“A month? Ugh.” Azure’s weakened dismay worried Celaeno but didn’t surprise her. She was warned in advance that he would be despondent yet she anticipated him to be filled with a bit of joy by her presence. “Why?”

“Why what?”

“You know very well.” Azure muttered with sorrow, “It wasn’t that long ago since we both agreed to call it quits. So, now I’ll rephrase it. Why have you come back?”

“Oh dear,” Celaeno thought to herself as Azure started to sniffle from seeing her after so long, “he didn’t take it as well as I hoped.” Since their break up, Celaeno felt a sense of longing. As a sky pirate that travels the world and snuffing out slavery, hardly any room was left for romance as a result. Though she and him had dated for a year, she felt what it was like to feel that brand of love and it made it all the more difficult for her to let go when the time came for it. “Azure, my love, if you let me ex-”

“EXPLAIN WHAT?! HUH?” Azure’s outburst startled her but she remained stoic as she ever was. The only being harmed by the shouting was the pegasus that caused it. His heart quaked with grief from revisiting that memory, “Wasn’t the whole point of us breaking up was so that we would spare ourselves the heartbreak of having to be apart for months at a time?!”

“If you’d let me explain why I’ve come back, you’ll understand!” For a moment, his shuddering had ceased. The air became silent with the exception of the rhythmic beeping from the nearby machine. Though she barely saw it, his nodding granted her his approval.

“Ever since we’ve been apart after that day, I’ve found myself left… wanting. I thought that by burying myself in my job that I might forget about the pain of having to split from you. Day by day, night by night, I always saw you, even as I slept. I kept on dreaming of the good times we’ve had and… I just got tired of the fighting and violence. But most of all, I’ve missed you. That’s why I no longer lead the sky pirates. Boyle, my XO, now leads them.”

“Oh great, you threw away your job, all on the account of me.” A wave of guilt washed over Azure as his heart grew heavy. His former lover abandoned her cause… for him, a cause that was more important than mere emotional attachments. “It would’ve been better if I died.” Celaeno couldn’t believe what she heard him say and gasped in shock. Him wishing his own death wasn’t something he would normally say. She came to see him and his viewpoint filled her with anger and worry. In her heart, she still loved him and knew he felt the same as her.

“Okay, that’s enough!” Celaeno snapped, shedding a few tears and grabbing hold of Azure in frustration, “You think that it was you getting hurt that influenced my decision to leave?! You may have had a hoof in it but it’s what I WANTED! I wanted to be with you because I love you and I cherish all the time we’ve spent together! Now, you’re wanting to die because I abandoned my cause for YOU?! This not you and I want you to snap out of it and snap out of it NOW! I wanted this and I know deep down you wanted this too!”

Still turned away from her, the flow of Azure’s tears increased in volume. Having known her for some time, Celaeno was the most honest creature he knew next to Applejack. He felt guilty that he played a role in her abandoning her crusade to end slavery in the badlands yet her words carried truth and no uncertain terms. Though part of him felt bad for his choice of words, the joy of seeing her again began to overtake his earlier reservations. Soon, it all gave way and his thoughts were clear.

Upon feeling her talons on his shoulder, Azure, in a blink of an eye, turned around and pulled her into a hug, tearfully crying in his lover’s embrace. He rarely cried, only doing so for a fallen comrade and meeting the spirits of those that brought him into the world. Now, it was through the reconciliation of who he loved that made him surrender his sorrow. He was alive in more ways than one.

“Celaeno,” Azure sniffled as a weakened smile slowly crept across his face, “I’m sorry, so so sorry. I just… didn’t know what to do without you. I’m weak.”

“Weak, you’re certainly not.” Celaeno softly spoke, running a claw through her lover’s hair, “Celestia told me what happened. Staring death in the face without fear is admirable. But, do you truly believe that your combat prowess alone was what drew me to you? The more time we spent, I saw you for who you are inside. You cared for me. Even Luna told me that you thought of me as you dreamt.”

“What else did she tell you about my dreams?”

“Among other things, we were happy together, holding each other in a loving embrace. If I may admit, it was a… beautiful dream. In it, you truly cared for me and that…”

“That what?”

“...You never stopped loving me.”

“It was hard for me to let go.” Azure whispered as the embrace continued, “I felt that to forget about you would mean the death of me. I never got rid of that picture because I hoped that one day… circumstances might change. I just couldn’t let go and now I never will. I’m just glad you’re back. Let’s never be far apart again.”

“I’ve missed you so much.” Spirits elevated and relieved that he’s alive, the unease in Azure’s heart melted away as his heart’s desire was realized. It wasn’t a dream and he felt every ounce of warmth in that moment he shared with Celaeno. Yet, there was one thing he wanted to do after their year of dating, he intended to take the next step. After months apart, he now had the chance.

“Celaeno,” Azure sighed as he looked Celaeno in the eyes without a single blink. His tone was focused and serious. “Though we both lead contrasting lives, our friendship transcends that barrier.” Azure took Celaeno’s hand in his hooves, causing her to blush, “Since we first met, you’ve been my greatest friend, honest and loyal. You were always there when I needed someone. With you, I never felt alone. Over time, I truly began to love you as more than just a friend. I knew that one day I would want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

“A-Azure,” Celaeno stuttered, “I’m… touched. Truly, I am. But, what are you getting at?” That was it, Azure’s cue to drive the point home.

“What I’m trying to say is… Celaeno… will you marry me?”

Celaeno, caught off guard, gasped and blushed upon hearing those four words. Even as he was bedridden, he still managed to propose to her with a straight face, one she knew all too well. Though she did get a clue before she left on her crusade last year when he acted all nervous, the result was the same. She was overwhelmed with emotions, some she never even felt before. Tears began welling down her cheeks as she struggled to contain herself. She was at a loss for words.

“A-Azure,” Celaeno gasped, covering her beak, “are you serious?”

“As certain as the sun my mother raises.” Azure replied, “I’ve always wanted to do this but being so far apart, I don’t want that to happen again. I want to make you happy, love you, and cherish you forever.” As she collected herself, Celaeno was able to understand Azure’s intent. She couldn’t be any happier.

“Yes! YES!” Celaeno joyfully cheered, “Of course I’ll marry you!” Holding her now fiancé in a tighter embrace, she carefully placed her beak over his lips. It wasn’t the first time she and Azure had kissed in a similar fashion. From the first time they affirmed their love to the day they went their separate ways, it was a gesture that was almost second nature to them. “I was wondering when you’d get around to that.”

“Lots of reasons delayed that.” Azure blissfully sighed, “Oh crap, the ring’s still in my room. But, none of that matters now.” Slowly reposturing himself, he looked up at Celaeno with loving eyes. “I just can’t wait until we get married. Celaeno… you’ve made me the happiest stallion in Equestria.”

“I know something else that will make you happier.”

“What?” With the warmest of smiles, Celaeno took one of Azure’s hooves and gently held it against her abdomen as his eyes drifted toward it. It felt warm yet he hardly felt anything different about it. “Celaeno, I don’t... understand. What is it?” Giggling softly, she cupped his face in her hands and smiled.

“Azure… I’m pregnant.”

Eyes shot wide open as if he got hit with ice-cold water, Azure never expected to hear those two words come out of her beak. Having had a night of passion before they parted ways the last time, he never thought anything would result from that. Being told by his now fiancé that she was bearing his foal gave him pause but he knew that it was something he also desired. Though earlier than he thought, he nonetheless welcomed it.

“I’m… I’m going to be a father.” Azure muttered with barely containable joy, “Oh my, I… GOODNESS!!!” He pulled Celaeno into his arms with glee, putting a hoof to her tummy, “I can’t believe it! Celaeno, I’m so happy!” A stream of tears began to run down his cheek, “Oh Celaeno, I love you more than anything.”

“As do I, my love.” Celaeno whispered, “I can’t wait to see our little one, dear.”

“Neither can I, honey.” As they indulged in each other’s warmth, they were oblivious to another figure’s entry. It was only seeing the familiar four-colored mane at the corner of his eye that his view was pulled to the sight of his mother, Celestia, smiling, “Mother? Oh, crap. She’s gonna kill me for knocking up Celaeno out of wedlock.”

“You know, my son,” Celestia spoke up, “I can read your thoughts. Do you believe I’m angry over you getting Celaeno pregnant in such a way? On the contrary, I was the first pony Celaeno told that she was expecting. She explained everything while you were asleep. There’s no need to panic.” Hearing those words carry an air of certainty, Azure breathed a sigh of relief as he felt his mother’s wing on his cheek, “It lifts my spirits to see you alive and well.”

“Likewise, mother. I’m glad my efforts weren’t in vain. I didn’t let any of those assassins touch you.”

“And you succeeded, my son.” Celestia trotted closer and wrapped both Azure and Celaeno in her wings, “I’m also proud of you. My dear son is getting married and I’m getting a grandfoal.”

“There you go, mother.” Azure chuckled, “You’ve hounded me about that for years and now you’re getting your wish.” Fidgeting in his bed, Azure stretched his sore back with a big yawn, “So, how much longer will I be stuck here for?”

“The doctors say that in about three days upon waking up, you’ll be free to go. They need to be sure that you’ve fully recovered.”

“Yeah, sounds about right.” Azure groaned, “I still feel a tad sore from all that rest. I suppose I’ll have to put off planning the wedding for a couple of weeks then.”

“We still have plenty of time, love.” Celaeno hummed, “For now, just rest. I’ll be here for you.”

Celestia smiled at the sight of her son hugging his fiancé, a display that would even impress her own niece. As she disengaged the hug, she remembered something during the month of maintaining Azure’s room. It was that one small black box she found on his nightstand, containing a ring with a beautiful jewel adorning it. It was a symbol that she and all the ponies were familiar with.

“Here.” Celestia said, using her magic to materialize the box onto her hoof, “I believe this belongs to you.”

Taking the box, Azure opened it, revealing the ring with the heart-shaped jewel inside. Pulling it out, he slid the ring on one of Celaeno’s claws, causing her to blush immensely. With their impending union now cemented, there was much they looked forward to. Among them was the arrival of their child, the culmination of their love and hope. As Celestia excused herself and left, the couple were left to reflect on their thoughts. But, they had little to reflect upon. Most was already made clear. They just want to hear it all again.

“Celaeno?” Azure whispered.

“Yes?” She replied

“I love you.” He followed up his words with a kiss to her cheek.

“I love you too.”
> Chapter 1: "been too long..."
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------





46 Years Later


-


Saturday, August 23rd, 1071 ESY





“With that, your majesty,” Duke Anvil of Trottingham declared, “the outline of this new trade agreement is to ensure that both our cities will benefit from the changes with as little cutbacks to be taken. Furthermore, it was written so that our citizens will be treated fairly, cutting down on poverty while allowing and encouraging growth.”

“I see.” Princess Twilight Sparkle said in acknowledgment as she finished reading through the scroll, giving an affirmative nod, “Looks like the terms are agreeable. Very well.” Twilight levitates a quill filled with ink and signs the document with her signature, “Consider the agreement ratified. I believe we’ll need approximately four months to make sure everything is set for the changes. Thank you so much, Duke Anvil.”

“You’re quite welcome, your highness.” Anvil bowed with a smile, “If I may say it, my father was quite correct. You do take a lot from your predecessors in more ways than one.”

Twilight silently nodded as memories came crawling back to her, memories of what led to her taking the throne. With the sudden announcement of Celestia and Luna’s retirement, her trials, and subsequent fights against Tirek, Cozy Glow, and Chrysalis, she proved herself as the former princesses equal. Yet, she was sad to see them go off far away but it wasn’t forever as she knew where they are and were watching her with pride.

“That’s an astute observation,” Twilight replied, “Thank you, Sir Anvil. If you wish, you may take your leave. I wish not to keep you from other affairs.”

“It was an honor to be in your presence, your majesty. I hope the agreements will bring much prosperity.” Bowing, Anvil turned around and walked out the giant double doors, out of sight from his ruler. As she waved him goodbye, Twilight felt the presence of her friend and brother, Spike, enter the room. For a good chunk of her life, he was always there for her as a friend, one she could count on the most.

“I assume the talks went well, Twilight.” Spike mused as he sat upon his throne, “Sometimes, politics can be a tiring thing.”

“I know, Spike.” Twilight sighed with exhaustion, “There are times that I wish to go back to when we and our friends traveled across Equestria and helped others. I miss the good old days when I didn’t have the weight of a nation on my shoulders.”

Sensing his sister’s stress, Spike walked over and placed an arm on her shoulders. There were times that Spike had to comfort the one companion he had throughout the years of his long life. Toil, sweat, tears, and struggle, she endured it all with him by her side, a testament to their near sibling-like bond.

“Twilight, if they didn’t see something in you, they wouldn't have given you reign over the kingdom.” Spike said with an honest smile, “For the last forty-five years, Equestria has prospered by leaps and bounds. Everypony and creature owes it all to you for all this. You have every right to be happy, Twilight.”

“I know, Spike.” Twilight sighed, “I know everypony is happy but sometimes… I missed having my friends at my side. All the adventures we’ve had, they were always there when I need them but…”

“I know. But sometimes, part of being a leader is to move on and accept what happened. I miss them just as much as you do, especially Rarity. The best thing to do is to focus on the present and to not let the past and future bother you. Much has been achieved because of your efforts. Be proud of that and let it be your happiness.”

“Spike,” Twilight brought a hoof toward her dragon assistant and pulled him into a hug, “not a day goes by where I don’t miss them. But, you’re right. As painful as it might be, I must move on. At least I have you, the one I see as my little brother. You’ve always been there for me and never once did you abandon me. You truly are my greatest friend.”

“I know, Twilight.” Spike rubbed her back with his talons to calm her down, “I know.” There were many times where Spike had to comfort Twilight, before and after she became ruler of Equestria. The stress of the job and seeing time flow while she retained her youth brought an ache to her heart. Yet, she knew that she had to soldier forth and carry out her charge as her predecessors once did. Soon, their tender moment was disrupted by the approach of a guard.

“Your highness!” The unicorn guard saluted, “Pardon me for the interruption but you have three who request an audience.”

“I see.” Twilight replied, “Who might they be?”

“Ambassador Gale Blitzwing, Minister Iron Wingheart, and an unknown third.”

Twilight remembered those names as she had them in her royal court for years but she had a closer relationship with the two. They were the children of her cousin, Azure Glide and his wife, Celaeno of Ornithia. She knew that their experience with politics was equal to their knowledge with a blade, taking much after their parents. Yet, it had been ten years since she last saw their parents.

“I see. But, what about the third party?”

“We couldn’t get a good look at whomever they are. They’re wearing some kind of cloak that’s obscuring their identity. However, they exhibited no signs of hostility.”

“Very well. Send them in.”

Nodding and saluting, the guard walked back the way he came. Soon after, Gale and her brother, Iron, walked in with a mysterious hooded figure following them at a snail’s pace. Being the offspring of a parrot and a pegasus, they naturally inherited traits from both parents to where they could be mistaken for hippogriffs but are different in many ways. Gale looked the most like her mother with mane style and slightly darker coat than her but has her father’s eyes. Iron had a coat color that was similar to that of his father but subtly darker with a crimson mane that flowed long, making him look similar to a distant relative, possibly a grandparent.

“Cousin. Your highness.” Gale greeted as she and her brother bowed, “Pardon us for our sudden arrival.”

“There’s no need to apologize.” Twilight said as she rose from her throne, “It’s always a pleasure to see any member of my family. There’s no need for you two to bow before me.”

“It’s a sign of our respect, Twilight.” Iron giggled as he and Gale rose, “But, old habits die hard. So, we can skip the formalities here?”

“That we can, baby brother.”

“Gale!” Iron groaned with embarrassment, “I’m not a little colt anymore!”

“I know. It’s just fun to tease you.”

“Sibling rivalry. That’s something I’m familiar with.” Twilight mused, “You both remind me of how Shining Armor and I messed around.”

“We all remember those stories, heard them hundreds of times.” Iron chuckled before his mind snapped back to the topic at hand, “But, I know you’re wondering why we’re here, cousin.”

“Yes, the guard said that you have somepony else with you.” Twilight looked at the hooded figure, “Who might they be?”

“Well, we’ve found them wandering the city and asked us to be brought before you.” Gale answered as the hooded figure limped in front of them, “They claim to know you.” Looking upon the figure, she found nothing that would discern their identity. The only sound the figure made was the occasional raspy cough.

“Who are you?”

The figure didn’t answer, only let out another cough. Then, the figure brought a hoof from under the cloak, revealing a sky-blue coat that’s slightly grayed from age. A crackling ball of bright energy began to develop in front of the hoof. Soon, a bright flash briefly consumed half the room, revealing a weapon of ornate design but one of legends.

It was golden lance that had two blades at the tip with wings underneath and in the middle was a swirling ball of solar energy. Twilight immediately knew it to be the Lance of Solaris, a weapon forged by Celestia herself thousands of years ago, capable of channeling energy from the sun. She knew only one could wield it at any given time and knew who last got to do so.

“The Lance. Could it be?” As the figure stuck the bottom spike into the floor, the sound of stone clashing with metal echoed through the room. The figure then removed the hood, revealing himself as a stallion with a mane and beard as green as spring grass with streaks of gray. His face looked worn with wrinkles and scars throughout and eyes that were bright orange. Twilight had seen him before and was familiar with him throughout most of her life. Though the Lance gave away his identity, there was no mistaking his appearance. “A-Azure Glide?”

“It’s been too long, hasn’t it.” Azure softly spoke with a slight cough, hooves barely keeping him up. It had been ten years since Twilight last saw her cousin, the adopted son of her former teacher. Throughout the years in his service to the throne, he was guard captain, solar champion, and after Twilight ascended the throne, her first Minister of Defense. His abrupt departure from the public ten years ago alarmed her but to see him once more brought her joy.

“Azure!” Twilight rushed over to wrap him in a cocoon of her wings and hooves, joy overtaking her, “Stars above, it’s so great to see you!”

“I missed you too, my dear cousin.” Azure smiled with tears rolling down his cheeks, “You’ve grown to be a fine leader. I remembered when you were just a little filly. Hard to believe so much time has passed.”

“Neither can I, my old friend.” Just as they broke the warm embrace, Azure suffered another coughing fit, one that caused him to wince in pain and collapsed to his knees. His children tended to him as they gently helped him regain his posture. Twilight knew something was wrong and it worried her, “Azure, you’re not well. Are you alright?”

“If I said ‘no’, then I’d be lying.” Azure said, clearing his throat. His body grew weaker by the second. “That’s also one of the reasons why we came here. I want to talk to but let's do it away from prying eyes.”

“Of course.” Twilight replied, still confused, “Spike, if you can, could y-”

“No. He comes with us.” Azure interrupted, “It concerns him as well.”

“Very well.” With a sigh and a flash of her horn, all in the throne room with Twilight were teleported into her private quarters. As azure got his bearings, he slowly wandered over to his cousin’s bed and sat upon it. Another coughing fit plagued him, further worrying his cousin. “Azure, after ten years, why? Why did you come back? Does it have to do with your cough?”

“Twilight, Spike,” Azure sighed, slightly wincing from the pain in his lungs, “I consider the both of you as family. Nothing in the world will change that. What I’m about to tell you two, only Cadance and my children know so far.”

“What is it, Azure?” Hearing the dragon’s words, Azure prepared to disclose what he kept secret from others, except a select few.

“Twilight… Spike… I’m dying.”

All was silent upon his revelation and those concerned were shocked beyond belief. But the coughing, Twilight thought it was but a common illness that would fizzle away with time. To hear one she considered family for years doomed to die made her stall a bit.

“Azure… no~” Twilight shuddered, “What’s happening to you?”

“Apart from me growing weak due to my old age,” Azure sighed, “just shy of hitting the big eighty, I’m sick. I’m… afflicted with an illness that causes my body to not work properly and it spreads throughout my being like a plague. Every day, I feel untold pain and can barely stand up at times.”

“Oh, harmony…” Twilight shuddered as her horn began to glow, “Azure, I can heal you if you want. Just let me cas-”

“Twilight, listen. I know you mean well and I truly appreciate your gesture. But, I’ve made the decision to not prolong my life any further.”

“What?!” Spike gasped, “Azure! Your cousin is wanting to make you feel better! Please, allow he-”

“I’ve already made my decision and that’s final!” Azure shouted with a tone similar to his days as a captain. When that tone is used, it meant that he won’t back down from any decision he made and it’s next to impossible to convince him otherwise, “I’ve lived a good seventy-nine years. I’ve traveled all over, faced countless threats, and lived life to its fullest. Now, I have nothing left to say or do at this point. I’ve already reached the pinnacle of my life and see nothing else beyond. I see no point in stretching things further.”
“My father is right, Spike.” Gale spoke up, “We all knew this day would come and we’re ready to say our goodbyes. It’s his wish and we respect it.”

“As much as I hate it, I agree.” Iron added, “It happens eventually and… I guess I’m ready to see my old stallion off.”

After a few moments of silence, Spike and Twilight relented with much reluctance. Knowing their cousin, his beliefs were unshakable. Twilight breathed a sigh of defeat as her horn’s glow faded away.

“Very well.” Twilight agreed, “If that is your wish, I won’t deny your desire for an end.” Twilight examined Azure’s body language and sensed some other motive for his return, “Azure, I sense your failing health isn’t the only reason for your return. Why did you come back? Did it have something to do with-”

“Ummm, please don’t mention anything about that.” Iron interrupted, “He really doesn’t like to talk about that.”

“It’s okay. All is forgiven... but my son’s right. I don’t want to think about that.” Twilight sensed great distress in her cousin upon hearing the near mention of that day, the reason why he left. It was a tragedy where he felt a part of him fizzle away into nothingness, causing him to walk away. Nightmares about it still plagued him like others before it. “Alright, I’ll tell you why I’ve come back.” With a deep breath, Azure readied himself.

“For the last six months since I found out I was dying, I’ve been thinking about a great many things. But, even though I said I’ve got nothing left to do, I have one last thing I need to accomplish before I die. Before Celestia left after your coronation, she told me where she and Luna would be but as time went on, all that became lost to memory.” Azure shuddered as another jolt of pain shot through him, shifting his head downwards, “Now, in my old age, I have no knowledge of her whereabouts but you might know where she is. I want to see her one last time before I die. Whenever you wanted to repay me, I’ve always declined but this time is different. So Twilight, please… I need your help. I need you.”

If there was one thing that Twilight knew Azure for was that he was always certain of whatever he says and she knew he had a point. She sensed the desperation in his voice as clear as the day she brings. Now, after years of declining her attempts to repay him, Azure comes to her for a favor. Being one of the few remaining familial connections she had left, there was no reason to decline.

“For you, for family…” Twilight gently raised Azure’s chin up with a hoof with a reassuring smile, “...anything.”

“Twilight, why?” Azure shuddered.

“Cousin, I understand your pain. Being an alicorn, I’m immortal. To me, it’s both a blessing and a curse. Because of that, I had to watch my parents, my brother, and those I called the best friends I’ve had, die while I still live. It’s a painful reminder that time is short and we only get one chance at anything. That’s the thing about life but it’s what also gives it meaning. I dearly want them back but I must move on. If this is important to you, I’ll gladly help you then.”

Azure wasted no time in lunging at his cousin for a hug. Though weak, he still mustered enough strength to give it meaning. Apart from his children, Twilight was the only family that he could count on for what he wanted to do. He felt a great weight being lifted from his shoulders.

“Twilight, words cannot properly express my gratitude.” Azure rasped as he broke the hug, dusting himself off, “I knew that I could rely on you. You truly are one of my greatest friends.” With another coughing fit, a thought dawned on the former guard. If he was going on a journey with his family, he wanted to be their sword and shield once more. “Do you still have it?”

“Have what?” Seeing the look in his eyes and reading a bit of his thoughts, Twilight knew what he meant. With a flash of her horn, she materialized a set of armor that Azure wore throughout his career as a guard, all in pristine condition. A crowned helmet and metal boots, armor with a ruby in the middle, and a cape of a bright red color, the sight of them gave Azure a sense of nostalgia of his glory days. “Here.”

"Twilight... my armor. You've kept it in-" Another coughing fit hits Azure, "perfect condition after all this time?"

"Yes. I maintained it as best I could because that armor represents your legacy. I knew that one day you'd come back for it and I guess that day is now." Azure looked upon his heirloom with a look of bewilderment.

"It looks as new as the day I got it after I graduated the academy.” Azure picked up his old crowned helmet, stroking it fondly with a hoof while eyeing his reflection,  “Stars above has that been ages since then."

"Azure, do you intend to..."

"Twilight, cousin, if we're going on this journey, please... allow me to protect you, one more time."

“Father!” Gale gasped at her father’s intent, “Have you gone mad?! In your state and age, you wouldn’t stand a chance in a fight! You’ll be killed!”

“My daughter,” Azure raised his voice, “this is my decision! Though old and weak I might be, I still have one good fight left in me.”

“Be that as it may, though we’re fulfilling your dying wish, I must protest to th-”

“Sis,” Iron spoke up, “you, Twi, and I know better than everyone that once dad’s mind is made up, that’s it. End of story.”

“But…”

“He’s right, Gale.”  Twilight said with a neutral tone, “This is his wish and his last adventure. One way or another, it’s his end and he wants to go out on his own terms.” With a sigh of defeat, Gale acquiesced to her father’s desire.

“Very well, father.”

Azure looks diligently upon the armor he wore in his many years of service to Equestria and its throne. With a deep breath, he put on the crowned helmet and the rest of his armor, unfurling his symbolic red cape. It was like he'd stepped into his past, remembering his time as sword and shield of the kingdom that was his home. 

"When shall we depart, your highness?" Gazing towards him with awe, Princess Twilight silently nodded.

"The airship will be ready soon. We shall depart to the Silver Shoals once." Twilight then turned her gaze to Spike, “Spike, I want you to remain here and keep an eye on things while I’m gone.”

With a nod, Spike walked up to Azure and gazed upon him for what will be the last time. Giving his old friend a brief hug, Spike couldn’t help but shed a tear over the gravity of the situation. For him, it was like seeing his sister’s friends go away… all over again.

“I’ll miss you too, old friend.” Azure said, “Maybe someday, we’ll meet again.”

Bowing, Azure - along with his children and cousin - left the castle and out into the rainy cityscape cloaked by the night. Arriving at the airship docks, the group boarded the vessel and got situated in their bunks but not Azure. All he had were his armor and the Lance of Solaris that was placed in his care and nothing else. For where he was bound to go, he wouldn’t return. As the airship began to take off, he gave the city he called home one last look.

Canterlot, city of life, light of Equestria, my home, I’ve seen you grow and prosper. Long have I seen your streets bustle with life and joy. No longer will I see you again and nevermore will I appreciate your beauty. I bid thee… farewell.
> Chapter 2: "...wasn't strong enough."
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------






Thursday, May 17th, 1028 ESY


-


43 Years Earlier






“You eight, follow me!” Azure shouted, “She’s headed for the keep! We must cut her off!”

It was a day that Twilight had feared would come to pass but one she spent time preparing for. Spending a year petrified along with Tirek and Cozy Glow, Chrysalis was one day found absent from the trio with the remaining statues shattered and the Equestrian Armed Forces were placed on high alert. A wave of panic and paranoia began to sweep through the citizenry of the land but Twilight did her best to ease the growing fear. For Azure Glide, it was a rematch in the making.

Since the fateful day of Cadance’s Wedding and the loss of his friend, Redwell Rhubarb, Azure established The Sentinel Order, an elite branch of the Royal Guard that would answer only to him and the throne. He had a strict criteria and was very selective of who’ll get to join the ranks but those that do receive an honor granted to those few who prove their worth. They trained diligently to handle any threat to Equestria and now comes the day where they’ll shine.

The noon had fallen upon the city of Canterlot when Chrysalis made her move and advanced upon the city with a newly gathered army she spent months assembling. Already on high alert, the Royal Guard, Sentinels, and Azure were ready to defend the city with their lives. Though lacking in numbers, the guard was able to hold their own against the tide, getting any stranded civilians out of the combat zone. Yet, the attack screamed desperation, a sign of Chrysalis’s diminished sanity. It was her all-in, do or die.

As the assault was beginning to show its end, Azure looked to the sky and saw a familiar figure, eyes and regalia that were green with anger. It was Chrysalis herself entering the fray and an aura of pure malice followed her. Judging by her flight path and direction, she was headed to the upper civilian quarters, where his family resided. Feeling his heart sink, sensing his wife, daughter, and unborn son were in danger, he assembled eight of his best to intercept the threat.

Climbing up the stairs as fast as their hooves could carry them, Azure’s heart pounded, not just from such a sprint but the worry for his family’s lives. Long had he waited for the moment to come face to face with the changeling after her causing grief to no end. As they neared their quarters, she heard a shattering of glass, followed by an explosion and a pair of shrieks.

Kicking down the door, time slowed to a crawl and his instincts kicked in as he saw Chrysalis, horn glowing and menacingly glaring at his daughter Gale and his pregnant wife Celaeno, intent on snuffing out their lives. Just before the blast could form, he lept between them and erected a shield with his lance. The green crackling energy pushed against the barrier before being deflected out a broken window. A beast awakened within him, one of wrath and anger.

“You eight,”  Azure calmly said, still seething with rage, “take my wife and daughter down to the west wing infirmary to safety and tend to their wounds.” With a ‘Yes, sire!’, the sentinels carried out their charge and escorted his family to safety. Now, it was just the prince and queen of the changelings and anger sparked everywhere, “You have a lot of nerve coming back.”

“It was a matter of patience, Azure.” Chrysalis replied with venom in her voice, “When that broken sorcerer set me free, it was pure providence. Though, I wish I could say the same for Tirek and that one brat but… they’re all in unmanageable pieces now. It didn’t take me long to manipulate the stallion with promises of bringing his whore of a wife back from the dead. It was a shame I had to kill him in the end. He was quite useful while it lasted.”

“Quit acting like mercy is part of your repertoire… because it ain’t!” Azure raised his lance and aimed it at Chrysalis, “For all the brothers and sisters you’ve killed and citizens terrorized, I’ll end your wretched existence!”

“But you forget, your power is inconsequential to mine.” Chrysalis’s horn began to glow, “All you have is that walking stick of yours.”

“You underestimate it, Chrysalis.” Heart full of rage, Azure got into a battle stance, wings spanned, “But, you made one mistake.”

“What?”

“You shouldn't have terrorized my family, you bitch!” In the blink of an eye, Azure charged at the changeling queen with enough force to knock both of them out of the tower. As they fell to the earth, he delivered a flurry of punches that his anger would allow before kicking her the rest of the way down, using his wings to ease his descent, still in his combat stance. When Chrysalis crashed to the ground, he didn’t bat an eye, even as she rose. “I’ve trained to kill and you should know that!”

“I rule an entire hive of my underlings!” Chrysalis snapped back, “It was only dumb luck you ponies were able to stem the tide! I was going to make you my personal pet but for all the trouble you’ve caused me, I hate you even more!”

“The feeling is mutual!” Azure gripped the lance in his hooves. His fury spiked and his blood boiled as readied himself for what he long waited for, “I’ve had enough of you, demon! This time, there’ll be no retreat, no yielding, and no mercy. Here is where our conflict ends! Here, you will die! Understand? I! WILL! KILL YOU!”

“Hmph, come and try," Chrysalis cackled arrogantly.

Hatred filling the air, Azure and Chrysalis charged at each other with every ounce of their will. Though Chrysalis was masterful with dark magic, Azure was able to match her blow for blow with his long years of training and the Lance of Solaris, allowing him to stand on equal ground with his foe. The adrenaline rush was like a drug to him, every bit as intoxicating. Whenever he had a clear shot, he tried to go for her throat or heart to end the fight quickly. All he wanted was to end the wicked queen’s life, all the while screaming curses at her from the bottom of his heart.

Though the battle was lengthy, Chrysalis’s patience soon wore out and found a chance to bring Azure down. Hitting him with a concussive blast, she was able to knock him back separating him from his weapon. Using her magic, she thrashed him around, hitting every wall she could see. Every time she sent him flying, she laughed with glee at his suffering, right until she sent him through a cracked wall. Though in pain, broken, and bleeding, Azure was able to get up and face the source of his hatred.

"Pathetic! Canterlot will soon be mine and its greatest hero lies weakened at my hooves!" Chrysalis mocking laughed as she approached a beaten Azure. "All of the defenders are scattered and in disarray! You have no hope! Equestria will be mine and you'll be the first to die by my hooves! I’ll enjoy parading yours and your family’s bodies through the countryside! You have lost! My reign is inevitable!"

"W-wrong!" Azure defiantly groaned as he got to his hooves, working through every ounce of pain, "I won't stop fighting until I'm dead!" Chrysalis smirked as her adversary got into his battle stance, his Lance of Solaris radiated with energy and flew into his grip, "You've killed my friend, terrorized my wife and children, and haunted my dreams! Now, I'll make sure you'll never fucking come back!"

"Defiant wretch!" In a fit of rage, Chrysalis let loose a blast of green energy at the wounded prince as he charged at her, exploding in a great cloud of dust. It obscured her vision, never knowing if she killed her hated enemy. Before she could clear the dust, she felt a sharp pain in her back and shortness of breath, collapsing to the floor. Azure had made his move and impaled the changeling queen through the back. Thrashing slightly and coughing a bit of blood, Chrysalis wheezed as Azure firmly gripped his weapon and forced her to the ground. Her end was nigh and she saw it.

“Feel that?” Azure growled, seemingly calm with a tone filled with rage, "That’s from Redwell… and everypony else you killed, you bitch!” Taking a deep breath, Azure channeled the lance’s energy, generating an incredible amount of heat, "Long live the queen."

With a bright flash of light, a stream of solar fire was unleashed, charring the changeling from the inside out. She screamed and thrashed wildly around in pain until she was explosively disintegrated. In the end and after all was quiet, nothing remained of Chrysalis, save for her scorched regalia and a cloud of smoldering ash. Coming down from his rage, Azure sat down in the middle of the battlefield, exhausted and crying as the years of shellshock caught up to him all at once.

Father…  A disembodied voice called out to him.

Father.
Father!
Father!





“Father!” Iron Wingheart said with worry, “Father, are you alright?”

“Y-Yes.” Azure groaned as he reeled from his slumber in his quarters on the ship, “Yes, I’m… alright. Just a bit shaken up, my son.”

“I saw that.” Iron sat next to his father, “You were tossing, turning, and even crying. It was that dream, wasn’t it.”

“Yes, my son. Ever since that day, it’s been haunting my dreams like some sort of ghost. That fight took a lot out of me and… I nearly lost you, your sister… your mother. I nearly lost everything that day.” Tears began to roll down his cheek but were quickly wiped away, “Even then, I remember the investigation into what happened.”

“Wait a second. How come you don’t remember where grandma is but you remember all that from decades ago?” Never expecting it, Iron was surprised when his father drew a somber look on his face. He usually remembered him being happy but he rarely talked about his experiences as a soldier.

“Son,” Azure sighed, putting a hoof on his son’s shoulder, “as a soldier, there are things that just stick with you, no matter how old you’ll get. Just the thought of it haunts me, much like that nightmare I had. It was… just absolutely horrific.”

“What happened that day?”

“When the attack on Canterlot happened, we were still investigating the disappearances that were occuring at the time. I’d say we were halfway finished with that before that assault occurred. After that, we were able to finish it. To say it was disturbing would be putting it lightly.”

“What caused it?”

“There was a sorcerer that hailed from Manehattan named Ikaros. Not much was known about him other than he was a teacher of sorts with a wife and foal on the way. Later on, his wife would die during childbirth and so would his foal. Feeling that the doctors did little to save them, he grew to hate ponykind with a burning passion. Desperate for answers, he found out about the statues of Cozy, Tirek, and Chrysalis. Believing her to have what he was looking for, Ikaros used a spell to set her free but the resulting shockwave shattered the other two statues. From there, she made him a deal: aid in her plans and she would bring his family back from the dead.”

“And that’s when the disappearances started, right?” Iron asked.

“Yes.” Azure shuddered, “Chrysalis feeds on love so she needed ponies to feed on to help propagate a new hive. What Ikaros did was he lured hapless ponies so he could foalnap and bring them down to the hive in the depths of the Great Northern Marsh. They were podded and used as fuel for her drones which grew in number. If his journal was anything to go by, Ikaros knew what he was doing was wrong yet he was desperate to see his family again. It would go on for a few months before the investigation was launched and the whole thing lasted a year.”

“For some, love tends to drive them crazy.” Iron remarked in a neutral tone, “What happened to Ikaros?”

“Oh harmony. That’s the part that disturbs me, my son. After Chrysalis was dead, we continued the investigation and the trail led us to her hive. When we got there, there were hundreds of pods lining the walls. The occupants didn’t make it and the looks on their faces were unsettling. As I looked around, I found Ikaros, disemboweled and it looked like he died in agony, judging from his tears. My guess was that he found out the promise was a lie and tried to take out Chrysalis but she killed him before he could succeed. No one deserved that fate.”

“It sounds like you have sympathy for him, dad.” Iron said with a hint of bewilderment, “But why? Why would you feel pity for one who ensured the deaths of so many ponies? I don’t understand.”

“Make no mistake, I found what he did to be abominable. For Chrysalis, Ikaros was nothing more than just a tool for her own ends and she fed off his desperation to keep him compliant. When she got what she wanted, she cast him aside, seeing no further use of him. The worst of evil would often manipulate one's grief to an end goal. In the end, I pity him but I condemn what he did. That’s what caused me to leave active duty.”

Iron sighed as he processed his father’s recollection of past events. He always saw him as unshakable like a wall in the face of terror. Yet, it reaffirmed what he always knew to be true. Every creature is prone to fear no matter how hard they brace themselves. Some things just aren’t meant for others to experience.

“Dad, do you think at the end of this trip,” Iron sighed heavily, “you’ll find freedom from those... nightmares?”

“Son,” Azure nodded, “at the end of the road I’m on, I see my end as clear as the day. I know that once I pass on to the pastures of Elysium, I’ll find peace. It’s terrifying for sure but it’s a journey we all must be ready to make.”

“True. That’s life.”

“Yeah.” Azure remained silent for a few moments before a thought dawned on him, “Hey, how are things between you and Quasar?” 

“Oh! Uhh, things are going great. We’re going to attend the Honored Veterans Parade with our foals next month. Then again, I have to be there due to being the Minister of Defense.”

“Yeah, I wish I could be there to see it.”

“Well,” Iron chuckled, “I can dedicate the parade to you. We still have a bit of planning to go.”

“Heh,” Azure scoffed, “talk about an extravagant eulogy. But you know, much like your sister, I’m glad you found somepony to spend your life with. You looked nervous when it was your turn at the altar. But, I’m proud of you nonetheless.”

“Thanks, dad. I’m happy I’ve found love. No matter what, through tough times, I can’t say it enough but I love h-” Their conversation was interrupted with the door opening and the entry of Gale Blitzwing, “Sis, what do you need?”

“We’re about to make landfall at the Silver Shoals.” She explained, “Come up to the deck if you want to get a good view.”

Standing up, Azure and Iron joined Gale and Twilight on the ship’s deck as they stare towards the horizon off the starboard. Out there was the wondrous Silver Shoals, a port city where sea and sky faring vessels can dock for any purpose they desire. Aside from all that, it was a popular destination for vacations and tourism. It was a city that never sleeps and is always bustling with life regardless of the time of day.

“Ah, Silver Shoals.” Azure sighed with a smile, “I always remember Celestia bringing me here for holidays.” The airship gets closer and grants Azure a better view, “Wow, it certainly changed since I was last there. I miss those days.”

“It’s just like the stories you’ve told us, father.” Gale said, “Never thought I’d be seeing it.”

“Yeah, I just wish I came earlier.” Azure sighed as the airship began its descent, “You and your brother would’ve enjoyed it.”

“Who knows, dad.” Iron stretched his back, “Now, I have a vacation idea for my family.” Twilight walked over and put a wing over Azure, “Cousin, are you sure our grandmother is near?”

“Positive.” Twilight answered, pointing a wing toward a castle off in the distance, “They’ve built that castle themselves as their own sanctuary. It’s a bit of a distance on hoof but the path is straightforward.” The airship began to land, resting near one of the ports on the waterfront. “Azure, aren’t you worried that other ponies would see you?”

“No, cousin.” Azure said with a coughing fit, “Everypony else will eventually know. So, why bother trying to go incognito? Besides, I want to say my last goodbyes.”

“If that’s what you want, I won’t stop you.”

As soon as the anchor was set, the group was free to disembark and enter the city. Everywhere they went, they were greeted by the sights of ponies and other creatures staring at them with awe and the occasional muted whispers at the sight of royalty. Azure, while elated to see his fellow citizens after a self-imposed exile on a farm he owned, it was a bittersweet moment for him. It was the last time he would be seeing any of it.

As they entered the city square, they were greeted by an earth stallion, an orange mane like the setting sun and a coat of crimson. He wore a typical top hat and a set of bifocals. The air he carried with him was commanding yet welcoming.

“Princess Twilight,” The stallion greeted, shaking her hoof, “I’m quite surprised by your sudden arrival. I’m Mayor Caraway and it’s a pleasure to have you visit us.”

“The pleasure is all mine, Caraway.” Twilight replied, “I’m just passing through here with my family here. I won’t be here for long.”

“Where to, your highness?” Caraway looks at Azure, squinting his eyes before they shot wide open in surprise, “Wait a minute, I think I kno- Lord Azure?!”

“Do I know you?” Azure replied with confusion.

“I don’t believe so, not personally anyway. But, my father Lionheart spoke highly of you.” Azure remembered Lionheart from back in the day when he was one of his fellow recruits during basic training. Though awkward, he was a skilled medic and saved many lives during his tenure as a guard.

“Heh, so Lion decided to settle down after all.” Azure rasped with a slight laugh, “You do take a lot after him.”

“Yeah. Anyways, what brings you to our city?”

“It’s a personal matter.” Azure sighed, “I’m dying and I want to see my mother, Celestia, one more time before the end. Twilight here tells me that she and Luna live in the castle north of here. That’s where I intend to go… and I won’t be coming back.” Caraway’s cheerful tone grew to a more somber one as he sighed, “Was it something I’ve said?”

“N-no, well… yes, it was.” Caraway sighed, “Hearing the mighty Azure glide about to… I’m sorry to hear that, truly am.”

“No worries. I’ve already made my peace with that. I’m more than ready to go. But, I feel as though something else is bothering you.”

“Yes.” Caraway sighed again, “About three weeks ago, we’ve been getting reports of some strange beast in the woods. Reports and testimony from civilians have stated that it’ll attack anyone that enters its territory in the northern woods. I’ve sent out parties to hunt it down but those who survived were too traumatized to say anything or describe it. At this point, the path you wish to take to the castle, I had it closed off until we could find a way to deal with… whatever is out there after yesterday’s patrol returned with only two alive. Though I worry about your condition, I believe you and Twilight could handle it.”

Hearing Caraway’s words, Azure reminisced on all the acts of heroism he pulled. From the Siege of Canterlot to Tirek’s insurrection, he faced it all with a straight face, always laying his life on the line. As he imagined the ponies that came back, scarred and wounded, it set in him a resolve to do one last service for his fellow citizens. He won’t stand to see suffering on his final day.

“Father,” Gale said, recognizing Azure’s determined face, a familiar sight, “are you absolutely sure about this?”  With a deep breath, Azure uttered one word.

“Yes.”

Starting towards the north end of town, Azure wore a serious grin, a trademark of his days as a guard. “Come on, we’re burning daylight! Besides, that beast isn’t going to die waiting! Let’s move!” Before Gale could protest further, she remembered what she always knew about her father. No force can change his mind once it’s been made up.

“Come on then.” Gale groaned, “Let’s at least make sure he doesn’t die… yet.” Before Twilight could follow them, she was stopped by a hoof from Caraway.

“Your majesty, even if we don’t see Lord Azure again, can you at least bring back the head of the beast if you succeed? We’ll need to know for sure if you’ve killed it.”

“We’ll try, my subject.” Twilight warmly replied before she walked away, rejoining Azure and his family. As he saw them walk through the opened gates of the north side, Caraway held a hope that their actions would secure the safety of their city.

“Azure, please, take that beast down.”





Azure and company trekked the northern forest with him leading the way. As Twilight indicated, the path was straightforward with barely a chance for deviation. All throughout their march, Azure felt his lungs beginning to tingle and burn with every cough yet he worked through the pain. For him, it was like an old familiar friend. With every coughing fit, a few bits of blood had followed, further worrying his children.

Yet, for the most part, the weary old warrior marched onward, keeping an ever vigilant eye and his ears as open as they can be. Part of Azure wanted to see this last journey to its end. Yet, there was that one part of him that was carrying it out for a different reason, one that ate away at him for the last ten years. In his mind, it was a wound to his pride and he was going to make up for a failure.

“Iron, brother.” Gale whispered, walking next to her brother.

“Yes?” Iron whispered back, “What’s up?”

“If I may ask you something, does it seem like father is pushing himself too hard?”

Iron sighed. “It does. I know this is it for him but…” A thought dawned on Iron as a memory came back to him, “You don’t think… could it?”

“It’s probable.” Gale nodded, “I guess what happened that day hit him the hardest. I mean… we all got hit by it.”

“Yeah. I mean… we were all there when it happened. I never saw him upset like that before. If I had to guess, this is dad’s way of making up for that broken promise.”

“He always seemed so… reserved. It’s not like him to be this-” Then, Azure stopped and looked up to the trees, eyes darting back and forth, “Father, what’s wrong?” All Gale got was a shushing noise from her father.

“Quiet.” Azure whispered, “Listen.” Twilight’s horn lit up as she got on high alert. Azure materialized the Lance of Solaris into his hooves while his children drew their swords, looking around with the same level of caution. His ears perked up with the sounds of twigs snapping in half, “Something is stalking us.”

The faint sounds of thumping grew ever closer until, at the corner of his right eye, Azure caught the glimpse of teeth and claws leaping out of the trees. Quickly, he unleashed a concussive blast, pushing the creature to the right. When it landed, they got a better view of what it looked like.

Hairy, horns on its head, claws and the height of six fully grown ponies, it’s eyes glowed with fiery anger with a ravenous hunger to match. It’s roar echoed all through the forest, striking terror into all who hears it. It’s tail looked strong enough to knock swaths of trees down. Now, they were face to face with the creature that caused the Silver Shoals an alarm.

“A belphegor!” Twilight gasped as the aforementioned creature let out another roar, “Spawn of Grogar!”

“Here I thought those things to be mere myth.” Azure quipped, “Grogar fielded these as his foot soldiers during his attempt at conquest millennia ago. It’s amazing that one still survived.”

“Nonetheless, they’re dangerous!” Twilight got into a battle stance with her horn glowing ever brighter, “With my full power, I wi-” Before she could take another step forward, she was halted by the Lance of Solaris blocking her path.

“No,” Azure said softly, “I’ll handle this.” His decision shocked everyone with him, especially his daughter, Gale.

“Father, have you lost your mind?!” Gale gasped as she tried to pull her father away, “You won’t stand a chance against that monster!”

“Daughter, I still got one fight left in me!” Azure growled as he looked at the beast with a battle hungry look, “Both of you, get to cover! Don’t intervene!”

“Gale,” Twilight sighed as she pulled her aside, “long before you were born, I was witness to his many acts of valor. He never once backed down from a challenge and always defended those behind him. Now, those stories will have another chapter added.”

“Listen, I know my father’s on his last thread. But, I want him to live to see his journey’s end. Are you sure he can handle himself?”

“Positive.” Azure gets into a battle stance, twirling his lance around in a display of challenge. The belphegor started beating its chest as it let out another thundering roar. Yet, it didn’t phase the old warrior prince one bit. Standing before him was his final challenge and he was eager to face it.

“Okay demon,” Azure snorted, “please make my final fight entertaining.”

The, the beast began a charge, jumping up into the air for a pounce but Azure saw it coming and strafed with help from his wings. Landing, he unleashed a forceful blast from his weapon and knocked the beast down. He then followed it up with a charge of his own, slashing at the beast’s hide with a barrage of kicks. While he was still in pain, the adrenaline rush kept Azure willing and strong. The beast swipes its tail at Azure but he was able to block it, sending him sliding back a distance.

“Come on, you ugly son of a bitch!” Azure taunted as his lance radiated with energy, “I’ve faced mightier than what you can dish out!” Taking a nearby rock in its claws, the belphegor tossed it at its foe, only to be blown asunder with a blast from the Lance of Solaris. “Hey! That was very rude of you! Plus, that was a very cheap move there!”

The battle continued as pony and demonic beast fought each other with all their might. A retired former guard going against a long-forgotten creature from the past with teeth and malice was an awe-inspiring display. Dodging and charging, Azure attacked whenever he got an opportunity, slashing away at the beast with his lance radiating energy. For a time, he was able to hold his own against the monster’s onslaught. However, his own failing health would throw a wrench in those plans.

After dodging a swipe from its claws, another coughing fit struck Azure, causing him to be momentarily disabled. As he stood there, writhing in pain, he was barely able to detect the monster lunging and prepared to jump up. The belphegor was not without a sense of cunning and saw an opening to exploit. Just as Azure was level to its shoulders, the monster used its powerful hands to pin the pony to a nearby rock wall. Azure growled in pain, thrashing about and using the lance’s bottom spike to break himself loose to no avail.

“Go on, do it!” The beast inched its face closer to Azure’s head, intent on having him as its next meal. The old prince gave the creature a defiant glare of anger as his demise seemed imminent. 

Just as the belphegor was about to feast, it felt a sharp pain to its tail, causing it to drop Azure to focus on the disturbance. As Azure struggled to get up, he realized to his horror that it was children, Gale and Iron, joining the fray. He dearly hoped it wouldn’t happen yet they were both facing down the beast with swords drawn, ready to help their father.

“No!” Azure groaned as he reached out, still in pain, “Damn it, run! I got th-” Try as he might, Azure couldn’t work up the strength to crawl forward to intervene. All he could do was watch as his children fight the monster. Though he trained them to fight for self-defense, it wasn’t enough for them as they were soon knocked off balance and against a tree. Azure felt his heart sink as the possibility of losing his children seemed real.

“Harmony… no.” His eyes teared up as he began to surrender to despair. But, in a flash of purple light, his pain fizzled away, his wounds healed, and his stamina was rejuvenated. As he got to his hooves, Azure noticed Twilight standing near him with a serious look on her face.

“Azure,” Twilight said, “you know what to do!” Summoning the lance to his hooves once more, Azure’s blood boiled with an intensity he hadn’t felt in a long time. His anger peaked and all he saw was red, a burning desire to kill those who threaten his family.

With a roar of all his pent-up fury and rage, Azure charged at the beast, leaping up into the air and elbowing it in the jaw. For the moment it was stunned, Azure stabbed his lance into the monster’s neck, giving his children time to flee while holding on with all his strength. It thrashed around as it tried to shake off Azure but he was not going to be dislodged so easily. He was mighty but he knew he needed help to finish the job.

“Twilight! Now!” Upon his command, Twilight Sparkle used her magic to summon spectral tendrils that pulled the belphegor to the ground. They tightened all around its limbs and tail as it struggled to break free. With several deep breaths, Azure gathered enough solar energy for one final attack to finish his last battle. “Time to put you down for a snoozer!”

The Lance of Solaris flashed brightly as it unleashed blast powerful enough to end the creature, separating head from body. The air grew silent and the beast had been felled. Azure was entranced in his battle rage for an extra minute before he came to his senses.

Looking around at the devastation, he saw his children dusting themselves off with only minor injuries. Yet, guilt plagued him for indirectly putting his family in danger. He regretted bringing them along. Turning back towards the path, he began to wander away, intent on finishing his journey alone.

“Father! Wait, stop!” Gale protested blocking her father’s path, “What are you doing?!”

“Going alone.” Azure growled, walking past his daughter, “Move aside.” Gale was shocked by her father’s words. “In fact, go back home. You two shouldn’t have come!” Iron, seeing his father act in such a way, didn’t sit well for him. He looked up to him in his youth as a symbol of strength. He wasn’t having any of it, nor will he stand idly while it happens.

“Okay! Enough of this!” Iron flew in front of his father’s path, “I’ve been cool with you during this journey but this… this goes too far!” Azure grew angry at his son’s protests. “We’re trying to help you!”

“I’ve put you all in enough danger! You and Gale nearly got killed because of me and I don’t want that on my conscience!”

“You don’t understand, Dad! We tagged along prepared for this and you know it! You’re becoming something I don’t like and you need to stop, right now!”

“Step aside, now!” Azure’s command further angered Iron. He was past his breaking point and out of patience.

“Alright, that’s it!” Without warning and to the shock of his sister and cousin, Iron delivered a back claw across his father’s face, stunning him. “Father, this is out of control! So, why don’t you just swallow your fucking pride for once!” While he and Gale argued over his decision, Azure eyes shot open as a rush of memories flashed before his eyes. Among them was one from ten years ago, one he hoped he’d forgotten. As he shuddered with every breath, eyes watering with tears, a great feeling of shame consumed him, “Dad, are you alright?”

“Well, you did hit him, brother.” Gale shot back, “I hope you didn’t do anything permanent.” Stepping closer, she heard her father mutter something under his breath, “Father? Are you okay?”

Twilight used her magic to reach into her cousin’s mind and see what he was thinking about. After a few moments of searching, she gasped as she cast a projection spell to show Iron and Gale the memory he was reexperiencing. It was from ten years ago and one of great sorrow, starting with a heated exchange between him and a doctor.





“Are you absolutely sure there’s nothing more you can do for her?!” Azure shouted.

“Lord Azure,” The doctor pleaded, “I assure you that we’ve done all we could. We tried every conceivable treatment but it’s still not enough.”

“Not enough? Not enough?!” Azure slammed the doctor against the wall in anger, “Bullshit! You’ve not tried hard enough!!!” Tears began to flow down his eyes as slowly began to fall into hopelessness. “Do something! Anything!”

“Sire, I assure you that if there was something more we could do, we would try it without hesitation.” As reality kicked in, Azure accepted the doctor’s words as truth and let him go. He punched a nearby wall in frustration, cursing in his breath, “I’m sorry but there’s nothing more we can do for Lady Celaeno. We did make her comfortable to the best of our abilities but other that that, I’m deeply sorry.”

“Celaeno, no.” The reality broke Azure’s heart to the point of crying. It all began when his wife had a bout of coughing, followed by a fever and fainting. After waking up, the royal physicians diagnosed her with a rare ailment that affects only Ornithians with a ninety percent chance for death to those affected. Such news only made Azure’s heart sink further as the love of his life was doomed. “What did I do wrong?! What sin have I committed to deserve this?!”

“I know you love her very much.” The doctor sighed, “But, you must understand. Lady Celaeno doesn’t have much time left. She’s very much on her last thread. If you want my advice, go see her while there is still time. Make her final moments happy.”

Resigning to the inevitable, Azure reluctantly followed the doctor’s advice and entered his wife’s room. There, Celaeno laid peacefully in her hospital bed and noticed her husband enter. A smile crept across her face as she struggled to sit up but to no avail. “Azure, my love, it’s so good to see you.”

“Celaeno.” Azure knelt beside her bed, taking her talons into his hooves in a comforting gesture. Her body has grown frail from the disease’s progression, “I spoke with the doctors. They said…” Azure shuddered as he began to lie, “They said you’re going to be alright.” His claim elicited a light chuckle from Celaeno.

“Azure, if there’s many things I remember you for, you’re bad at lying.” Celaeno then saw Azure tearing up and crew concerned, “Husband, are you alright?”

“I’m sorry. I guess it was just me lying to myself.” Azure began to cry as he hugged Celaeno, “I just..  can’t believe this is happening. I don’t wanna lose you!”

“I know you love me dearly. But-”

“No, You don’t understand! You are my light, my love! You gave me strength when I had none! Damn it! I love you! Please, please don’t leave me! I don’t know what to do without you!” Seeing her husband despair in her final moments was something Celaeno couldn’t bear. She wanted Azure to be happy and have his last memories of her be one of joy.

“Azure, husband,” Celaeno croaked, “I know sorrow wracks your heart. I’d like our lives to last forever, more than anything. But, that’s not the nature of life. Every creature born in this world will eventually die but that’s what gives life meaning. Life isn’t measured in its length but how it is lived and I was glad to have experienced it with you. Through that, I got to see two of the most precious things I’ve held dear and I couldn’t thank you enough for that. Be not afraid of my end. I promise you we’ll meet again someday.”

“Celaeno, I don’t know what to say.”

“Don’t, I already know what you feel. As I said, be not afraid for death isn’t the end.” Still sensing her husband’s unease, Celaeno weakly places a hand on his cheek, “But, promise me this.”

“What?”

“Be… strong… for me…”

Her arm became limp as the last breath of air left her lungs. Azure watched in horror as the last spark of Celaeno’s life left her body and her soul departed the mortal plane. He did not speak or move for the minutes that followed. Feeling limp, Azure collapsed in Celaeno’s cold limp arms and cried uncontrollably. A piece of his heart, a reminder of his hope and love, was now gone and sadness followed in her wake.





“...wasn’t strong enough.” Azure shuddered between his sobs, “I’ve failed in upholding her promise! I’m nothing more than a coward! I can’t even bear to speak her name!” Gale and Iron got closer to his father as he lay on the ground an emotional mess, “I just thought that I could make up for my own failure. I wasn’t strong enough.”

“Father,” Gale softly spoke, “I missed her too. Not a day goes by where I don’t wish mother back. But, she has a point. You shouldn’t wallow in your despair for long.”

“I agree with her, dad.” Iron sighed, “ I mean, I want to spend whatever time we have left together but not like this. Please dad, don’t be sad anymore. We’ll be with you to the end.”

Still on the ground, Azure’s mind was in flux as he was confronted with the past memories he buried. During the time he lived in a self-imposed exile on a farm, he kept to himself with only the occasional visit from family being his solace. Even then, it wasn’t enough as solitude and the occasional attempted robbery hardened his heart. All of that couldn’t hide away that familiar sense of happiness Azure knew from so long ago, buried away but alive nonetheless. Part of him wanted to see it again.

Without warning, Azure lept up and tearfully embraced his children. “My foals, I’m so sorry!” The siblings returned the hug as Twilight sparkle joined in, “ I just wasn’t myself. I wanted to make up for that mistake.”

“You didn’t fail, Azure.” Twilight cooed, wrapping her wings around all three, “Even now, you’re facing your inner demons and that doesn’t make you a coward in the slightest. You’re still strong as you always were. You didn’t fail as you’ve led yourself to believe. Time to cast aside your doubt and carry on.” Taking his cousin’s words into account, Azure, at long last, had let go of his own self-loathing and fear. In his final moments, he didn’t want to spend them in turmoil.

“Will she… see it that way?” Azure whispered.

“Why don’t you ask her yourself when you see her.” Twilight said as Azure struggled to stand up but failed, “Cousin, you’re much too frail now. Allow me to carry you for the rest of the journey.”

“I’ll look ridiculous if you-” Twilight’s magic wrapped him in an aura of purple, levitated him above the ground and onto Twilight’s back, “Fine.”

Gale, Iron, and Twilight shared a round of giggles as they got back on the path to the castle where Celestia and luna await. Azure’s breathing became labored as his body continued to degrade with time ticking away. For him, he was at peace and no longer feared anything. He conquered both beast and inner demons. Azure had reached the apex of his life and saw nothing else ahead of him. It was the end of a long seventy-nine-year road.

“Twilight?” Azure croaked.

“Yes?” She asked.

“Thank you for everything.”

“...”

“You’re very welcome, my cousin.”
> Chapter 3: "Peaceful..."
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

There it was, the end of their journey, one Azure sought out to finish. Before them was Castle Aurora, a private abode built by the retired princesses, Celestia and Luna. Though nestled in the shade of the nearby mountains, the light it shined was always awe-inspiring. When many think of a castle, thoughts of halls teeming with life come to mind. However, Castle Aurora was mostly devoid of life, save a few groups of magical constructs on standby. It was a quiet place for the former sun and moon goddesses to watch over Equestria from.

“Here it is,” Twilight said as they approached the gate, “Castle Aurora. All of this was built by Celestia and Luna to their designs.” Still, resting on his cousin’s back Azure lifted his head to see the castle up close. His eyes shot open at the beauty of its hallowed halls.

“My mother always loved making grand displays.” Azure chuckled, “She always had a thing for architecture and building things. Are you sure they’re here?”

“Yes, cousin. I can sense their presence. These halls radiate with their magic and it’s strongest in the keep. They must be expecting us.”

“How so?” Gale asked.

“As an alicorn, I maintain a mental link with them.” Twilight answered, “Even a new ruler can ask for guidance from their predecessors.” With a stomp of her hoof, the front gates radiated with magic before opening wide, “We must hurry. Your father doesn’t have much time left.”

Trotting through the empty courtyard and halls of the courtyard and keep, the group were stunned by the silence of the castle, only broken by Azure’s repeated coughing. After three minutes of trekking the pristine halls, they arrived at a large set of doors with depictions of the sun and moon adorning them. It was the entrance to the throne room, where the alicorn sisters await them. A wave of nervousness swept through Azure as his emotions ran high. It was the moment he’d been waiting for.

“T-twilight?” Azure rasped.

“Yes?” Twilight asked, “Is there something you need?”

“As much as I appreciate you carrying me this far, please allow me to stand on my own hooves before I see her.”

Though she had reservations about it and knew he wouldn’t be able to stand, Twilight had the means to help fulfill her cousin’s wish. “As you wish.” Using her magic, she levitated Azure off her back and supported his balance to his grateful nod. Opening the doors, they entered the throne room, empty of life like the halls were. Azure’s eyes darted around as he searched around for signs of his aunt and mother’s presence.

“I thought you said they’d be waiting for us.” Iron quizzingly said, “Where are they?”

“They’re probably preoccupied with something.” Twilight answered, “I can ca-”

“No.” Azure interrupted, gripping the Lance of Solaris in his hands, “I didn’t come all this way to wait!” Weakly trotting forward, Azure took a deep breath before slamming the bottom of the lance on the stone ground. Every sound of the impact echoed heavily throughout the large room, “Mother! Celestia! It’s me, Azure Glide! I’ve come to pay you a visit and exchange a few words!” Even the booming sound of his voice earned no answer, “Mother, where are you?!”

Still, Silence was his answer, further sinking his heart. Despair began to plague him as his mother was nowhere to be seen. He didn’t just endure what he did just for nothing. His eyes watered up as he thought he’d failed “Mother, please… don’t abandon me. I need you. I… Why won’t you answer me?! Damn it!”

“Father, it’s going to be okay.” Gale walked to Azure to comfort, “At least you tried.”

Just as she was about to pull her father into a hug, a bright light enveloped the room, coming from the thrones. It wasn’t long before the light faded and gave way to two figures that made their eyes open with awe and wonder. Two alicorns, one with a coat as white as snow with a mane of rainbows and another whose coat and mane capture the beauty of the night, all stood before the group. Both were too awestruck by their appearance to do anything but bow.

It had been a long time since any of them had seen Princess Celestia and Luna in the flesh. Both were humbled to be in the presence of those who had shaped Equestria into what it is. For Azure, it brought him great joy to see them once more, the mares who were there for most of his life. He smiled as he knelt before them, using the lance as support. All the while, Celestia hummed with joy and amusement at the sight of visitors.

“There’s no need to bow before me.” Celestia spoke up as she and Luna reached the bottom of the stairs, “Especially if it’s from old friends and family, formalities aren’t needed.” The rest rose to their hooves while Azure continued to kneel before his mother. Celestia walked over to her son and placed a hoof under his chin, “Stand up, my son. You are a prince.” The warmth from her hooves and her words got Azure to look up at her, face to face.

“But mother,” Azure whispered, “I’m no longer a prince. I hold no power anymore. Why do you continue to call me as such?”

“You’re my son, that’s why. Just because you no longer hold any authority in the land doesn’t mean you’re no longer a prince. Through my adoption of you, it’s part of your name. But above all else, you’re my son and always will be.” She didn’t have time to blink before Azure wrapped her in a hug that she returned, “It’s good to see you again, too, my son.”

“I’ve missed you so much, mother.” It wasn’t long before the others joined in hugging their beloved matriarchs, all in one feathery cocoon of warmth. Nopony said either a word as the silent display of affection said everything.

“I too am delighted to look upon you once again.” Luna said as the hug broke and they stepped back toward the stairs, “We do apologize for being late. We had other matters to discuss.”

“Yes, and Twilight said you all were coming.” Celestia added, “Excuse our lack of response. Discussing what to put in our garden took longer than we liked.” Celestia took a good look at Iron and Gale and smiles, “My, look at my grandchildren. Look at you all grown up. You look every bit like your parents.”

“Thanks.” The two siblings said.

Azure still held the weapon in his hooves, the same one his mother forged thousands of years ago. As it continued to radiate with power, he saw the sigils on his hooves beginning to fade away. When he got the honor to wield it, Celestia had to do a ritual to bind it to his life force. Thus, the only way for the weapon to be unbound is for whoever was branded through the ritual to die. Forged in the fires of the sun, the Lance of Solaris contained a fraction of Celestia’s power, a power that Azure knew must now be returned.

“Mother,” Azure spoke up, kneeling once more, “d-decades ago, you gave me the power to defend Equestria from harm. Now…” Azure held the lance in his two forehooves, “I’ve come to give that power back.”

“Azure, you know very well that the only to relinquish the weapon is to d-” Celestia stopped for a second as she scanned her son’s vitals. His advanced age and sickness mounting their final assault, she felt his body quake and buckle. Though she was immortal, she was familiar with the concept of mortality. “I understand. That’s why you’ve come; to see me once more. Very well, I accept your forfeiture of the lance.”

Taking the lance with her magic, Celestia felt the warmth of her magic coming from the weapon with her hooves. The feeling brought back memories of ages past from a time when the need for such a weapon existed. Under Twilight’s reign, she saw that the Equestria she created has enjoyed its longest period of peace and there was no longer a need for the ancient relic. With a simple flash of her horn, she teleported the lance to the vault it was once stored in for good.

But, something else stirred inside Azure beyond relinquishing the arm he used to fight with. His armor was a part of him during his career as captain of the guard. With the red on his armor and cape and the battle prowess he displayed, he was nicknamed ‘The Red Prince’. Everytime he heard it, it made him shudder as he saw himself as a guardian, not a bloodthirsty warlord. The night before was when he donned for the last time. Then and there, he decided he had enough.

Starting with his crowned helmet, he removed his armor and regalia, piece by piece. Tossing every bit aside, he shed the metaphorical skin he once wore for decades, the years that defined him. As he took a big breath, feeling the oxygen course through his weary lungs, it was a moment of serenity as he left his past behind for good. For now, he wasn’t a guard nor soldier, but a simple stallion, seeing his mother. All warriors must eventually find their rest.

“At last, I now free myself of these bonds.” Azure rasped as he began to walk over this mother, “In my final hours, I… know… peace.”

Twilight disengaged the magic that supported her cousin’s stance, allowing him to walk freely. His legs trembled with each step as he worried he would fall before he could reach her. Just as his legs gave out, a familiar golden aura of magic pulled him into Celestia’s hooves. The familiar warmth he felt since he was a colt brought him overwhelming joy. As she held her son in her hooves, Celestia sensed a feeling of unease within him.

“My son, what troubles you?” Celestia whispered as the others gathered around.

“Mom, I… feel like I’m a coward. Ten years ago, I lost Celaeno and I just couldn’t face the world after that. I’ve failed her! She told me to stay strong with her dying breath and I just ran away! I don’t know if Celaeno would forgive me for that!”

“Azure, I know woe plagues your heart.” Celestia sighed as Azure hugged her back, “When many think of alicorns, they think us as immortal. While that may be true, we also have mortal hearts. We’ve made a great many friends only to see them go away with time. To think we don’t feel your pain is a misconception.”

“Agreed.” Luna added, “We’ll miss Twilight’s friends as much as she does. All the companions we made are now gone but our memories of them keeps them alive in some way. For Celaeno, what did she say to you when you woke up years ago?” It took a bit for Azure to recall that one day. When he did, he remembered the reason why she loved him, the reason he forgot.

“She loved me for what was in my heart, not how tough I was.”

“There is your answer. Celaeno wouldn’t judge you for any perceived cowardice. Do you want to hold onto that fear?”

Those words his aunt spoke resonated with Azure. He never knew his aunt to lie about anything but a shred of doubt still gripped at him. Though, in his heart of hearts, Azure knew Luna had a point. There was no point in holding onto his fears any longer. The only way he would know what Celaeno thinks of him is when he sees her once more.

"Azure, my son, you don't have to hold on any longer. No longer do you have to suffer hardships and sorrow. No longer do you have to bear the burden of a soldier. You've done well and now... it's time for a hero to rest. You've earned your peace, my dear son. It's time to come home."

Hearing those gentle words from the mare who raised him for most of his life, he took one good look around, laying eyes on his aunt, children, and cousin for one last time. Holding out his trembling hoof, it was gripped by all those in his presence. The grip was comforting, filled with a deep sense of love. Then, a recollection of the most beautiful memory he made came to him, further comforting him.  As his worry gave way to contentment, his conscience was clear. He was ready to go.

"Peaceful... isn't... it~"

With those three words, the last bits of breath left his body as he grew cold and lifeless. Azure Glide, a hero of Equestria, had passed away in the company of his family, content and at peace. No longer would tragedy and heartbreak burden him. As his body went limp, an air of sadness and grief washed over the area.

"Father... no..." Iron tearfully shuddered as Gale walked over to comfort her younger brother, both sharing their grief and woe. Twilight and Luna hardly made a sound, save for Celestia as she held her now deceased elderly son in her hooves. She silently sobbed to herself and shed many tears. Yet, part of her knew that he no longer suffers. Her son was at peace and would soon join his loved ones in the green pastures of the Elysian Fields.

As his spirit departed his mortal form, a great ball of blinding white enveloped Azure until all he could see before him was a misty pure white landscape. Looking around for anything remarkable, his sight was met by two forms emerging from the mist. He remembered them from his dreams and visions.

They were his parents, Vanilla Swirl and Chisel, hooves outstretched and eager to greet their son. With no hesitation, he leaped forward and fell into their embrace, tears of joy riddling both their faces. Neither of them talked. All was silent as raw emotion-filled the ambiance around them. He was happy to be able to hug the ones that brought him into the world once more.

Soon, another figure came out of the mist. It wasn't equine but it was something he was familiar with... intimately. To his heart's joy, Azure was reunited with his late wife Celaeno once more. Upon seeing her, Azure wasted no time in running into her arms and planting a most passionate kiss to her beak. It'd been too long since he last saw her and now... they were reunited in the afterlife, their love eternal.

"Not even death will do us part, Celia." Azure said with a warm smile as his parents gathered near them, "It's time to go." In another blinding flash of light, the four were carried off to the fields of everlasting tranquility, Elysium. Azure was now at peace with those he cherishes now alongside him, happy... forevermore.
> Epilogue 1: Final Letter
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

My friends, family, and everypony I’ve ever held dear to my heart in my life, I can say with the utmost confidence that I’m dead by the time this letter is received. Even as I pour my heart into this and as my form grows weak, I can’t help but shed a tear over this. I know my end is coming and I’m fairly certain most of you do. It is with my hope that you don’t weep for my coming passing. I’m prepared for it as I’ve reached the pinnacle of my life, a journey’s end.

I’ve experienced a great many things, faced many dangers and threats that plagued Equestria, and traveled to many places, all in my lifetime. I dedicated my life as a soldier, being sword and shield to a nation I’ve called ‘home’. Yet, as I aided in defending all of Equestria, each battle exacts a toll on my heart. The violence and fighting… I’ve felt at times that there was no end to it all. As I kept it all bottled up inside over the years, there was one thing that seemed to be a silver lining, a sign of hope for the future I’ve dreamt of.

During the Battle for Canterlot against The Storm King’s forces, that was where I’ve met Celaeno. As we fought together against the odds, I felt something click but to this day I still can’t accurately describe it. The best reason that I can think of was in relation to what my cousin, Cadance, once said to me:

“Sometimes, love is what you need. You won’t know when it’ll come but when it does, it’ll be your light in the darkness.”

I couldn’t agree more with her. After the battle, we became the best of friends and eventually… lovers. Even beneath that guarded exterior, I could see a kind soul in her with a tireless dedication to ending The Badland’s slavery problem. The day I confessed my love for her was when I felt alive. Even though we’ve spent our time apart, I was happy to have made my vow to her at the altar as she carried my first in her womb. It was the moment when my heart warmed and I truly felt complete. Even though she’s gone, I’ll still keep my vows to her.

I’ve been living on this farm for the past ten years after I buried the love of my life. I couldn’t face the world without her and I closed myself off from all love as a result. Even as I lived quietly, tending to my fields, the violence never escaped me. It never did. Every intrusion from bandits reinforced that fact. I was just so sick of it all. I wanted an end to all the fighting. I wanted my salvation through peace.

When Cadance diagnosed me with cancer a year ago, I knew that was it and it was only a matter of time before I joined Celaeno. Humorous that my desire for solace is coming via the cold hand of death itself. Though it’s inevitable, I’m not afraid of the end. Still, I had much that needed to be said to my mother, Celestia. Though we aren’t bound through blood, she treated me as such when my birth parents were gone. Having gifted me a weapon she forged so long ago, I feel that it’s time to give that power back. Tomorrow, I will go see her and give my final goodbyes and my cousin knows where she is.

Since this is the point of no return, I have some things that I want to say:

Twilight, my cousin, I remembered when you were but a little bookish filly, always desiring knowledge and snout in the books. I wondered why my mother chose you as her pupil but as the years went on, but now I finally understand. In you, I see a leader who truly comprehends what friendship is all about. You have the same qualities for leadership as Celestia and Luna did, truly worthy of being their successor. I’ve watched you grow over the years and even had the honor and privilege of being your first Minister of Defense, a title now held by my son. Speaking of which…

Iron Wingheart, my second born, you’ve grown up quite a bit. You even managed to take my place as MoD through hard work. Even though you chose that career path despite my protests, I’m nonetheless proud of the stallion you’ve become. Since that night when you came out to me, I knew your heart was in the right place and never once did I judge you on that. You love who you love and I was proud to see you and Quasar at the altar. I know you love him very much and he’ll miss me when I go. Tell him I said ‘Hi’ and I’ll miss him very much. He’s your husband; treasure him always. You are, and always will be, my son.

Gale Blitzwing, I was elated to find out that your mother was pregnant with you after I asked her to marry me. For me, it was the happiest moment of my life and my joy had no limit when I got to hold you in my hooves for the first time. You grew to be very much the spitting image of your mom, every bit as caring and committed to a just cause. I wished that I could go with you on your many trips to Ornithia and see the beauty of your mother’s homeland. You and your brother will be on your own from now on. Be strong and watch out for him. Family is important as it always is. I’ll miss you very much, my dear daughter.

So closes the book of my life. Never again will I see the beauty of Equestria. Even now, I can hear the spirits of my parents and Celaeno call to me. So must I go there but not before I see Celestia one more time. To all my friends, family, and creatures I had the honor of serving and defending all these years, I bid thee farewell.

May the magic of friendship grow and prosper.

With much love,
Azure Glide
> Epilogue 2: "Peace to the fallen."
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------






Two Months Later


-


Friday, October 24th, 1071 ESY


Canterlot, Equestria






"May the magic of friendship grow and prosper, dad."

Iron Wingheart rerolled the scroll and put it in his pocket. Clad in his uniform, a white EAF officer’s suit with a cap and blue cape but more ornate, he stared down the Wall of Honored Heroes, a monument to heroes of Equestria’s past. Taking off his cap, his claws brushed against the marbled wall holding the names of heroes and legends Equestria had made. Iron was the son of one such legend, one that was now with the souls of legends past. He was another in a long line of such defenders, the Minister of Defense.

It wasn’t long before Iron came to a statue in the middle of the wall, one that depicted his late father, Azure Glide. The marble statue depicted him in his armor and regalia, pointing outward with the Lance of Solaris as if watching over the land with an ever-vigilant eye. Just touching its surface gave him shivers as if he anticipated a feeling of warmth but it felt cold. Yet, in a spiritual sense, the warmth was very much there. As he shared a moment of silent contemplation, Iron wondered if he was truly worthy of carrying on his father’s legacy.

“Father,” Iron thought to himself, “you’re a celebrated hero of Equestria. Even as I dedicate this Honored Heroes Parade in your memory, I still feel a shred of unease.” Emotions ran high as he shuddered between thoughts, “I’m expected to be just as good as you once were but… am I good enough?”

“Iron. My love, I was looking all over for you.” A light magenta unicorn stallion with a fiery orange mane approached Iron, “Your sister and her family have arrived and our kids are sitting in the bleachers. The parade is in an hour and I doubt they’ll want to start without their Minister of Defense.”

“Quasar,” Iron sighed, “I do apologize. I just… needed a moment to think, that’s all.”

“About what?” Sensing his husband’s distress, knowing what was on his mind, Quasar stood next to Iron and wrapped a hoof behind his neck, “Iron, I know how you feel. I feel just as much of the grief you’re feeling. When I was kicked out and had nowhere else to go, your father gave me sanctuary. For that, I’m indebted to him because I got a future with the one I love and to ask for more would be selfish.”

“I know.” Iron sighed and nodded, “It’s just that it had only been months since we’ve buried him and now I’m conducting a heroes parade in his honor. I’ve had his old job for years now and I feel as though I have a lot to live up to.”

“Iron, you got to where you are right now because you worked just as hard as your father did. He taught you a great deal and it certainly rubbed off on you. Are you worried that you’ll never be as great as he was?”

“Yes.” Iron teared up, “I’ve only heard about his bravery through the stories he told me before bed. I knew I wanted to be just like him… as great as him! Now that he’s gone, I honestly don’t know what to think. He accomplished much but will I ever reach his level?”

Quasar wasn’t one who liked to see his loved ones worry, especially Iron Wingheart. He loved Iron dearly with all his heart since school and no other would do for him, a powerful bond. He always looked up to Azure Glide but knew that to be a perfect copy of him is impossible.

“Iron,” Quasar said, walking in front of him, “I know you look up to your father and that causes a great deal of inner conflict for you. But, you must understand that you have to carve out your own path and be your own stallion. Sure, you may follow in his footsteps but you must also achieve that level of greatness on your own terms. You can’t live in your father’s shadow forever.” Quasar places a hoof under Iron’s chin in a tender display, “What did he say about you in that letter?”

“He... was proud of who I became.”

“There’s your answer. Now please, don’t be sad on your big day. This day belongs to you and those that came before. You now carry that torch.”

Hearing those words from his love elevated Iron’s spirits. His husband had a point. It’s one thing to idolize a hero but greater to reach the same heights on one's own merit. Iron accomplished that and wherever his father may be, he watches on with pride. He took his dreams and made them his own.

“You’re right.” Iron smiled as he placed his claws on Quasar’s cheek, “Today is not of mourning what could’ve been but what to look forward to.”

Leaning in, Iron and Quasar shared a quick but loving kiss, a moment of relief from stress. They looked into each other’s eyes lovingly as the tension fizzled away.

“I knew you’d see it that way, love.” Quasar smiled, “If you like, I can give you some extra time here.”

“I’d like that if you wouldn’t mind.” Iron replied.
“Very well. Just be at the parade grounds soon. We’ll be waiting for you there.” Waving Quasar goodbye as he left the area, Iron was left to silently contemplate on his own once more but in a new light. He continued to smile at the statue of his father with a sense of pride. His father made it, his sister made it, and so did he.

“Father, thank you… for everything.”

Putting his cap back on, Iron stood on his two hind legs and saluted with his right arm. “Peace to the fallen.” Going back to his fours, Iron flew off toward the castle with much to look forward to. Remembering the lessons his father taught him, he hoped to continue what he started and leave his mark. He’ll still be ready to act as sword and shield to all creatures of Equestria.