Many years ago, Equestria was once at peace and harmony. But many disagreed with how harmony ran the land and betrayed that harmony…
Thousands of years ago, Equestria was founded by three dear sisters. These sisters believed in Peace and Harmony for the land. However darkness soon fell upon the land as an Empire formed from those who rejected the ideas of peace and harmony. Now, with the land fallen to a civil war, both sides rely on one young stallion with a special power to choose who to serve…and carry out a predicted war for Equestria…
The land of Equestria, one of peace, one of harmony. A luscious, beautiful land discovered by three loving sisters. The sisters, at this time, were well known for controlling the sun, the moon and in the center of them all. The queen of the land, the balance between light and dark. Equinox. She was known as the youngest queen to ever reign alongside her two sisters, however, as time went on her ideal way to rule was somehow tested. She believed that peace and harmony was the key to resolve certain conflicts.
Although she was correct, most of the subjects, or other kingdoms didn’t believe in her resolve, and as a result the sisters were threatened, nearly killed. Young queen Equinox had enough and formed an army under the regional command of her most trusted warriors, her defenders. Peace was soon returned to the land for only a short time for a prophecy was discovered, one stated to bring death to the entire kingdom. However, the prophecy also states that six warriors, Guardians, weilding six legendary elements of Harmony, elements strong enough to bring an end to the war. Although very few elements have been found, the search moves on.
The sun blazed down on the training arena as the sound of sword blades and scraping metal echoed out. The clashes seemed to have gotten louder as two unicorns were going at it. One in his regular battle armor and another in his silver training armor. After a while, the unicorn in his training armor fell to the ground panting as the other panted heavily, taking a deep breath and shaking his head. “Come on cadet. Get up.”
He looked frozen, sweat rolling down his face, the scorching sun beaming down his armor overheating him. He slowly looked at his training blade, he could see the reflection of his helmet from the blade as well as the sea blue aura shining from his horn. He took deeper breaths hearing the pony he was fighting yell at him.
“Cadet...if you want to make it through. I suggest you get up now!”
He tried his hardest to get up using his blade for support. “Come on Nighthawk...get it together.” He slowly thought to himself.
Suddenly he heard a loud, deep scream coming from above, a unicorn in a dark silver officer’s uniform, observing the fight. “Cadet you ready that blade like you are ready to kill the enemy!”
Nighthawk looked up, barely able to see the unicorn screaming at him. It looked like his orange and red flamed mane, orange skin and even the uniform blended in with the sun. He looked back at his opponent and slowly raised his blade, shaking from how weak he was. The unicorn he was facing readied his blade, his dark red aura shining over his sword handle and set an attack stance. “Come on...Fight!”
Nighthawk screamed, getting his second wind and lunged at the opponent's shoulder. After a deflection they kept at it for a few more swings before he was blasted into a wall by his challenger. The unicorn shook his head, lifting his guard and visor, revealing his silver eyes and dark red skin slowly shaking his head and sheathing his sword. “Nighthawk, get up.”
“Captain! What are you doing?” The unicorn shouted.
“Sir, I'm letting him catch his breath.”
“I did not authorize…”
“I authorized it sir! My training, my rules!” The Captain shouted.
The unicorn tilted his head grinning. “Very well....Will he unleash the flame after catching his breath?”
The Captain looked down at Nighthawk slowly nodding. “I know he will, sir!”
“Then let’s see it!”
The Captain looked at Nighthawk lowering his visor and guard. “Cadet, get up now. Fight the heat. Fight the pain. Unleash the flame. Now!”
Nighthawk slowly tried getting up readying his blade but suddenly dropped it falling over. The Captain sighed ready to whisper something into Nighthawk’s ear before the unicorn screamed. “End it Blaze! He is not worthy!”
The Captain sighed, shaking his head. “You’re right.” He drew his blade raising it up, “He isn’t worthy.” Before he made the strike he was suddenly slammed into a wall by a bright yellow aura of magic holding him down.
The unicorn looked over seeing a beautiful white alicorn, her pink mane flowing as she walked over with a guard at her side. The unicorn bowed as the alicorn looked at Nighthawk and slowly removed his helmet, revealing his weak blue eyes, sweat running down his face as he was panting. She threw the helmet to the ground looking up. “You stand here watching your own soldier get beaten and tortured and you do nothing!?”
She looks up at the Captain, pissed off more with him than the unicorn above. “And you, you continue fighting even though you see that your opponent is weak.”
The Captain shook his head, his visor still on. “My lady I...” before he could finish she lifted him off the wall, her magic constricting through the armor and slammed him back into the wall at full force, “I don’t care about your excuses! What you both did is unacceptable and the queen will not tolerate any of it!” She dropped the Captain, taking a breath before shouting again. “Both of you will report to the queen. Immediately!”
The Captain and the unicorn nodded, disappearing out of sight as the Princess looked at Nighthawk slowly stroking his mane. “Ease yourself dear one. You’ll be okay. I know you will.”
It felt like Nighthawk was fainting barely hearing the alicorn and slowly closed his eyes. He soon woke up in a medbay looking around before looking over and seeing no armor on his body. He heard some sort of writing and looked over seeing a beautiful light blue unicorn in a white nurse uniform writing on a clipboard. He tilted his head seeing the golden yellow aura glow from her horn. The nurse froze slowly turning her head revealing her beautiful diamond blue eyes, her mane, white as snow with a dark blue strip of hair flowing across her eye, she smiled lowering her clipboard. “Well finally. I was starting to think you would be asleep for a week after all that training.”
Nighthawk shook his head coming out of his daze from admiring the nurse’s beauty. “Wh...wait how long was I out?”
She chuckled walking over to the monitor setup for Nighthawk. “Oh, about a day or so.”
He slowly sighed, whispering something quietly to himself, “Oh, not again.”
“Again? This has happened before?”
Nighthawk chuckled. “Oh please, you don’t know me that well.”
He winced a little, faking an injury as the nurse giggled. “Sweetheart, I've had that played on me many times since I started.”
With a smirk Nighthawk replied. “Ah but you were ready to come to my aid. I saw it in your eyes.”
The nurse turned a little red ready to admit that she wanted to aid him before hearing a knock at the door. “Pardon the intrusion…” a familiar voice called out. A dark blue alicorn walked in wearing shining silver armor, her beautiful blue mane matching with her eyes. “I just came back from tossing another guard into a wall.”
The nurse immediately bowed as Nighthawk bowed his head and chuckled. “Another one?”
Luna chuckled bowing to the nurse. “Yes, but enough of that. How are you feeling?”
The nurse grinned feeling stunned hearing the two talk like friends but just ignored it. “Well princess, he only had a few bruises, and is dehydrated but…”
“I’m fine Luna.”
With a smirk the nurse started writing more stuff down on the pad as Luna chuckled. “I see. I'm shocked that my sister did what she did to the others.”
Nighthawk sighed. “Yeah.”
Luna grinned before hearing the comm go off. “Princess Luna you are needed to the Queen’s chambers.”
“Verywell.” Luna said with a sigh, “Nighthawk it’s good to see you well. I can’t wait to see you soon.”
As soon as she left the nurse chuckled seeing the two interact like friends. “I should leave also, I have to bring this back to the doctor.”
“What about me leaving for training?”
The nurse giggled. “Two weeks rest my darling.”
Nighthawk watched her open the door and smiled a little. “Wait, can I get a name?”
She turned over again as her mane swiftly flew over her eye. “Starfrost…” She quickly closed the door as Nighthawk slowly laid his head on the pillow, “Starfrost. Huh...a charming name…” He slowly closed his eyes falling back asleep.
The two weeks felt like two days passed by as Nighthawk was back on his hooves, walking around the cadet grounds and having to deal with gear issues. “No no no no no no NO!” an earth pony screamed, carrying a clipboard. “This was your last set of armor and you cracked it!”
Nighthawk sighed, shaking his head. “Come on Ash you have the best suits of armor outside of Canterlot.”
Ash ducked behind a beam laughing. “Best! B-E-S-T suits of armor that you somehow break.”
“Ash, it was all training accidents. Father promised he would pay.”
“Well guess what, he didn’t pay. And to a cadet who breaks, melts or shatters three suits of my armor, is clearly irresponsible.”
Nighthawk sighed. “Ash please, one more custom suit. I'll take care of the fixes.”
“No means no cadet. Now get out of my shop before I literally kick you out.” Ash demanded taking his pen that he had tucked away behind his ear and started writing something down.
Nighthawk raised an eyebrow. “You’d do it for your son in a heartbeat.” He said with a dead look and tone. Ash looked at Nighthawk, pen hanging out of his mouth, looking like he wasn't in the mood.
After a few seconds Nighthawk walked out, rubbing his head. “Crazy old stallion. Never liked his armor anyway. It felt too tight!” He said to himself, not really paying attention and ran into another pony who dropped her books falling to the ground.
“Hey why don’t you! Oh? Oh dear.” The pony said, feeling shocked. “Are you okay cadet?”
Nighthawk rubbed his head, recognizing the voice and looked up seeing the same diamond blue eyes sedate him and a glance of a light blue hoof reached out to him. He shook his head and grabbed her hoof getting up and saw the pony mouth some words. “Are you okay? Hello?”
He shook his head again chuckling. “M...miss Starfrost. Right. Sorry, I'm okay. Are you okay? I didn’t see you there.”
Starfrost chuckled, still holding Nighthawk’s hoof before pushing her hoof back. “Of course I'm okay. Just dropped some books.”
She slowly started picking a few up with her hoof and magic as Nighthawk shook his head and started helping. “My bad. Just had a fight with a clipboard.”
“Did you win?” Starfrost asked with a grin.
“Eeehhrrr, maybe.” Nighthawk replied with a smile.
The two ponies got to the last book and immediately they felt each other’s hoof touch the center of the book and the two of them turned red, looking away and then Starfrost picked up the book with her magic. “Well I hope you did win. I’d hate to see you in the medbay again.”
Nighthawk smiled before hearing loud comm static over a speaker. “All guard cadets. Report to the battle arena for remedial training!”
Suddenly Nighthawk’s eyes widened and looked at Starfrost as she chuckled. “Better get out there.”
Nighthawk galloped away before sliding to a stop. “Wait, can I!” He looked and saw nothing and sighed. “Right...lost my chance again.”
Whenever training came to be, Nighthawk was always focused. Even to the point where some of the new cadets felt scared, but today felt different, he seemed distracted. The bell rang as Nighthawk and another cadet clashed sword blades, the sound and force vibrated across the room, metal on metal. The cadet took a step and swung the blade that he held with his magic at Nighthawk’s side. He smirked and backed up, spinning the blade and lunged it as a counter before quickly being blocked. The crowd of cadets watched as the two went at it, both gasping as they gave in and fired small shots of magic that would merely stun them. After a good five minutes of fighting the cadet noticed that Nighthawk’s swings were getting weaker and noticed his head turn slightly like he was looking for someone. He found the chance to trip him and immediately stun him, making his give a loud scream.
“ALLEZ!” The instructor shouted as he slowly walked up to passed out cadet. “The hell is wrong with you cadet? Usually you’re the one who takes the wins.”
“Then why don’t you get your head back in the game. Focus on the fight. Not what’s on the right of you.” He replied helping him up.
“Ugh he noticed…” Nighthawk coughed under his breath.
The instructor laughed. “I sure as hell did. Cadets, take this as a learning lesson, your fight, when it comes to clashing swords, your eyes are right in front of you. You are not straying to the left, nor to the right, Nighthawk…” The cadets laughed as another pushed him jokingly, “…You’re focused on the task at hand and rely on your peripheral vision so that way you can still watch your sides, but you can still attack on the front. Do you all understand?”
“YES SIR!” The cadets shouted.
“Good. Give me two more!”
Meanwhile, Firefox and Phoenix Blaze were walking to the council chamber as they passed by the battle arena hearing the fighting. “They’re learning. Good.” Firefox began in conversation.
“I was told a few more months and we’ll have a new battalion.” Phoenix replied with a smile.
“Good, we need those men. How has your son been in his training?”
“He’s improved, but not well enough to unlock the flame.”
“Time is not on our side, Captain.” Firefox said sternly and quietly, “He needs to unlock that flame.”
“Sir, you can't rush a power this tense. For all we know he wouldn’t…”
“For all we know, sir, he’s biding his time and when he does our plans will be in jeopardy.”
Phoenix hesitated and looked around before continuing. “I get that sir, I understand what’s at risk. But we still have time. He’s still young and as such his heart is still on the uard so we can sway him down the right path.”
Firefox shook his head. “You better get to it then Phoenix. Before the council sways him.”
“Trust me. I know what I’m doing. He’s my son after all.”
That evening Nighthawk was sitting outside on his home balcony, reading a book with his pet Phoenix, Penelope. A majestic bird that he has raised since she was an egg. A loyal phoenix whose golden yellow and firery red feathers could not compare to any other. And her beautiful chirping was peaceful, and calming as she nipped at his mane to get his attention, tilting her head.
“What little birdie?”
Penelope bobbed her head and screeched at Nighthawk as he laughed. “Oh come on. Can’t I relax for once? Training was terrible today.”
The phoenix flapped her wings screeching more as Nighthawk raised an eyebrow. “Well its not my fault I can’t do anything right lately.”
“Do you always talk to your bird like that?” A familiar voice called out, spooking the stallion up on the balcony.
He looked down and blinked noticing Starfrost and coughed feeling nervous about what to say. “Umm…erm…I do. Sometimes she answers me too.”
Starfrost giggled and sat down. “So. Training didn’t go well?”
“You heard that huh?”
“Most of it. What was your phoenix saying?”
Nighthawk looked at Penelope and chirped flying around outside. “I think she was asking me why I was sitting around.”
“My…what an interesting question from a bird.” Starfrost replied, watching the phoenix fly.
Nighthawk chuckled. “She acts like my mother at times. Um, do you want to come inside? I have some food out.”
Starfrost shook her head and smiled. “Not tonight, but thank you. I wouldn’t, um…I wouldn’t mind a coffee date though.”
Nighthawk suddenly blushed and coughed. “Umm, w…wow, y-yeah, I would like that. What time?”
“I’ll drop a note my dear little patient.” Starfrost stated as she got up and whistled to Penelope. She screeched and landed on her shoulder. “Until then, cadet.” She whistled to Penelope as the bird chirped and flew up to Nighthawk. Starfrost fixed her hair and waved to Nighthawk, walking back home and leaving the stallion speechless.
“W…wow. She is beautiful, and smart. Mom would have loved her.” Nighthawk thought to himself, giving a sigh. “What do you think girl. Should I give it a shot?”
“Give what a shot?” Phoenix Blaze asked in surprise walking inside.
Nighthawk perked up and smiled as Penelope screeched and went to Phoenix. “A date.”
Phoenix laughed, petting the bird. “Oh I see how it is. No wonder your training has been lacking. Did you finish your studying at least?”
“Yup. Read everything you’ll need to know about rank structure, battle commands and espionage. My only question is why study that in my position?”
“What? You don’t think studying basic battle formations and command is important enough for you?” Phoenix asked jokingly while digging around for some food.
Nighthawk walked up beside his father and smiled. “Not as important as training for the Royal Guard exams.”
Phoenix perked up and sighed, turning around. “Still on that huh?”
“It’s why I’ve been going through all that training right? Trying to unleash the flame, the studying? You gotta admit it is no cakewalk.”
“N…no son its not. But…” Phoenix paused, he knew full well that he was hiding something about the training but shook his head smiling, “It’s nothing to worry about. Just, keep doing what you have been doing.”
Nighthawk smiled and hugged him. “Yes sir.”
“But. If you want me to be picky. I heard you got kicked out of the armor shop.”
Nighthawk blinked and laughed. “That wont be too much of an issue don’t you think?”
Phoenix laughed and grabbed a bread roll and an apple before walking into his office. “I dont know. I’m leaving that debuggle with you. But, I will say the princesses might have something of value.”
Nighthawk smiled as the door closed leaving him alone again. Penelope looked at him and tilted her head as he shrugged and got back to reading. The next day Nighthawk was walking to the battle arena for some personal training before being called by princess Luna. “Princess Luna.” Nighthawk started with a smile, “What are you doing out here?”
“I can ask you the same question. I heard you had some armor issues with Ash.”
Nighthawk rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Does the queen know now?”
“If you wish I can provide you some armor. I keep a couple of small suits around.”
Nighthawk laughed. “Sounds like a disadvantage to the rest of the cadets then.”
“Not if they dont know where it came from.”
“Well now, looks like someone wants to be mischievous today.”
Luna giggled. “It’s my one day I can be alone without Celestia on my back.”
“Oh yeah, what’s she doing?”
“Special weapons training with a friend, it’s solo classes today.”
Nighthawk nodded. “Oh neat.”
Luna nodded back tilting her head. “Now why aren’t you in training yet?”
“Private lessons with the captain were canceled. Seemed pretty busy.”
“He seems to be doing a lot of that lately.” Luna said feeling concerned.
“You’ve noticed too?” Nighthawk asked as the two stopped at a crosswalk, “I feel like he’s just been too busy with his guard training but he hasn’t gotten two sentences with me.”
Luna shrugged. “Well don't let it get you down. You never know, maybe he is tired. The captain does help out with mine and Celestia’s lessons.”
Two blades suddenly clashed and shifted as Celestia was in her battle armor, fighting with another pony in gold battle armor with pink and blue stripes across the face mask. Celestia pushed the stranger as she got a few more hits on her armor and spun her blade hearing clapping from Phoenix. “Very well done Celestia, find your advantage even if its a few small hits.”
Celestia nodded as the two readied their stances and went at another attack, this time taking it slow as Phoenix watched. “Fight with purpose you two. Use your heads!”
A chuckle was heard as the queen walked up. “Shouldn’t one learn to fight with their feelings, captain?”
“Emotion is unbecoming of a warrior my lady.” Phoenix said with a bow.
Equinox giggled and sat down in her throne. “I beg to differ, sir. Emotion can be a powerful weapon. Take the battle of Goulding Gorge for example.”
Phoenix laughed watching the two warriors strike blades and Celestia even had enough and tried using her magic, a volley of concussion bursts to pin down the mysterious warrior. “Hmm…point taken my lady.” He stopped hearing a roar and Celestia was pinned down with the tip of the opponent’s blade by her neck.
Equinox smiled. “Although if you are like my sister then she has to learn how to embrace that emotion.”
The warrior helped Celestia up as Phoenix nodded. “I agree. Very well done you two.”
The two warriors bowed to Phoenix as Equinox motioned them to give her some privacy. “I appreciate the time to train Celestia, captain.”
“Consider it an honor as your captain and as your friend, besides you’ve been a little too busy these days.”
Equinox laughed. “Don't get me started, all this paperwork and rumors of conflict.”
“Conflict my lady?” Phoenix asked in a concerning, but hesitating tone knowing what she was talking about.
“It’s nothing, I think death would have to take me first before any war comes into play. And the council still stands with its warriors.”
“Yes. Your defenders are what keeps things secured.”
Equinox smiled, “Oh don't be so modest Phoenix, unless that is a sign of wanting a possible promotion?”
Phoenix laughed. “No thank you. I am quite fond of being your captain.”
“Very well. But, since we are on the topic, I want to ask about your son.”
Later that night Phoenix was in a dark office looking out the window and heard a deep sigh from Firefox. “She wants to train him?”
“It was her suggestion. Seems she sees potential in him.”
Firefox nodded, reading Nighthawk’s training file and personal record. “So do we, yet if we do not act on it then this will all be for nothing.”
Phoenix sighed. “It will all be for nothing either way. Nighthawk won’t give in to this cause.”
“Were you not the one who said that he can unleash the flame or join our cause?”
With a hesitated sigh, Firefox could see the panic fall on Phoenix and he slammed his hoof on the desk. “Don't play this card on me, Captain! Can you or can you not get him on our side before this starts?”
“How can I when there’s someone of higher power willing to do the work for us?”
“You forget that she is the one we are needing to get rid of. It is a mere waste. Understand?”
Phoenix looked out the window and noticed a shooting star and he closed his eyes. Firefox sighed and sat down. “What are you thinking?”
He opened his eyes, looking at the file a second time. “I have a way to get rid of her, and to get Nighthawk on our side.”
“Then I suggest you get to it son. Time will not be on our side for long.”
The next morning, the academy was active with cadets marching and singing. The loud PA system ringing with announcements and Nighthawk galloping to the Captain’s office. Inside, Phoenix was reading a couple of files as well as a letter from a contact before he heard a couple knocks at his door. “Enter.”
Nighthawk walked in keeping to his facing movements and stopped at attention giving a salute. “Sir, cadet Nighthawk reporting.”
Phoenix saluted and relaxed. “At ease son.”
Nighthawk relaxed himself, flicking his tail. “You wanted to see me? Is everything okay?”
“Yes, everything is fine, son.” Phoenix slipped away the first file and revealed Nighthawk’s file. “I wanted to talk to you about your future here.”
Nighthawk blinked and almost out of instinct he took a breath. “Okay I’ll admit I may have tipped off a couple of guys to get me some new armor.”
“Son you….Wait you paid guys to get you armor?”
The two ponies were frozen as Nighthawk broke the silence and coughed. “I know it sounds bad but…”
“No no, I don't care how you get the armor. This is something completely different.”
“Oh. Okay well I guess I can let that off my…”
“Nighthawk you are being reprimanded.” Phoenix blurted out. Suddenly the young cadet truly froze in shock. Unaware of what to even say. “Wh…what?”
Phoenix sighed. “Nighthawk, you’re brave as you are intelligent. Why would you want to waste that away serving and protecting the royal family?”
“Isn’t that what you do?” Nighthawk asked in a confused tone.
“Of course, but this requires discipline and training…”
Nighthawk backed up and blinked, feeling frustrated. “And you dont think I’m not that trained?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“Oh don't play with me. All that training to help me unleash a special gift that I can’t pull off.”
“Nighthawk.”
“Come on, be honest with me, is that it?”
Phoenix slammed his hooves on the table, losing his patience. “Enough! You are unfit to serve as a royal guard and always have! Your reprimand is solely on the fact that you have been slacking off!” It took him a second to realize what he just told his own son. For years he saw Nighthawk wobble around as a little filly with a wooden sword, protecting his mother as if he was a guard, and all that he wanted was to serve by his side. Phoenix blinked seeing Nighthawk frozen in the look of pain as if he was just stabbed in the back.
“Y…you didn’t…”
Phoenix shook his head. “Nighthawk.”
“You never…” Nighthawk couldn’t find the words as tears began to fall.
“A Cadet doesn’t shed tears!”
The stallion turned around, lowering his head. “Wh…what cadet? What son? No. All you care about is glory and your fucking work!” He walked off and opened the door as Phoenix blinked. “Cadet, fall back in! Nighthawk!” He slammed the door shut and started to panic. He took a breath and ran off in anger.
Mere seconds later Nighthawk stormed into the house spooking Penelope who tilted her head watching her master pace around the room in tears hearing only the screams of his training and hearing what his father said before striking that finishing blow. “You’re right…he is not worthy…” Nighthawk screamed as his horn lit up and began trashing up the home. He began flipping the table in sheer rage as Penelope flapped her wings and screeched.
Suddenly Nighthawk fired a concussion blast into the wall knocking off a portrait of the family. He heard the crack and froze, looking down he slowly picked up the picture and noticed a crack across the picture of his mother. Tears began to form as he sat down and began crying, cradling the picture tight. Penelope chirped, flapping her wings to Nighthawk and slowly cooed to help calm the crying stallion.
That night, Nighthawk was cleaning up some glass from his rage earlier. A knock came from the door and as he answered he could see a concerned Starfrost tilting her head. “N…nighthawk?”
“Starfrost.” Nighthawk said blinking and closing the door on him so she wouldn't see the horrible mess he made. “What brings you here?”
“Your father contacted me. He wanted to know if you were okay?”
“What’s it to him if i'm okay?”
Starfrost sighed and nodded. “That bad huh?”
Nighthawk looked over to the dirty mess and back at Starfrost who walked closer. “Can I come in?”
“As long as you don't mind the mess.” Nighthawk replied backing up. He saw Starfrost smile and walked in looking around and nodded. “Hmm…not too bad. Tell you what, you offered me a dinner date, so let’s have it.” She closed her eyes and her horn began to shine and out of thin air two dinner dishes appeared in front of her and she placed them on the table. Penelope perked up and tilted her head seeing the stunt in her cage.
“Wait you want to have it he…”
“Hush and sit.” Starfrost barked, making him chuckle. “I don't want to see you this sad, so let's start with what happened.”
Nighthawk sat down and gave her the rundown about what happened throughout his training and the meeting he had with Phoenix that made him storm out. “And…well, you should know the rest.”
Starfrost nodded and lowered her fork, finishing her dish, “Hmm…So he’s removing you because of your training or he doesn't think you're ready?”
“Both I suppose. But who am I kidding, he’s right.”
“How?”
“Because I'm not even worthy of…”
“The rumored Phoenix flame?” Starfrost finished shocking Nighthawk and Penelope who screeched from the name.
“How do you know that?”
Starfrost chuckled while playing with her mane. “I…umm…may have requested the training reports for medical checks?”
Nighthawk sighed and nodded. “Well there you go.”
“But that doesn't answer my question dear. How is your father right about your training?”
“What do you think? I'm a worthless unicorn who doesn't have the talent that he has and he’s given up on that idea.”
“Have you given up?”
Nighthawk took a bite of his food, not willing to answer the question and merely lowered his head.
“Nighthawk, as a nurse it's my job to ensure the health and safety of all the trainees and instructors in this academy. Do you think that's an easy task?”
With a chuckle, Nighthawk replied. “Well, I bet you get away with that with how beautiful you look.”
Starfrost blushed and coughed. “My point, smart ass, is that If I were to drop everything and give up over one patient, then I wouldn't be saving lives. Not unless I can prove that they are wrong.”
Nighthawk blinked and tilted his head. “You think I should prove him wrong?”
She nodded and moved her hoof closer to his. “If you truly think that you can become a member of the Royal Guard, and wield this flame. Then you do it. It doesn't matter what your father thinks.”
With a reassuring smile Nighthawk took Starfrost’s hoof and nodded. “Th…thanks Starfrost.”
She smiled and hopped down, giving Nighthawk a hug and nuzzled his nose. “If it makes you feel better I think you will be the best guard out there.”
Nighthawk felt better and nodded before hearing a knock at the door. He walked up and upon opening the door he blinked seeing a pegasus pony in a silver officer's uniform and noticed the three golden stars across his collar. “Cadet Nighthawk?”
Nighthawk blinked and snapped to attention. “S..sir?”
The officer motioned him to relax. “General Firefly, Canterlot Council. I need you to come with me. It’s about your father.”
Nighthawk blinked as Starfrost walked beside him. “Wh…what about him?” He asked with concern.
“He’s missing. The queen would like to speak with you right away.”
The chambers were quiet as Celestia and Luna were reviewing papers and Luna finally had enough, moaning. “Uuuuuugggghhhh why do we have to sort through all these papers?”
Celestia rolled her eyes, smirking. “Oh lighten up sis. It’s not that bad. It’s always good to read about, umm…Griffin law enforcement policies?” She froze, tilting her head. “Equinox, why are we doing this?”
She laughed and walked towards them, signing a scroll. “Because this is today’s lesson. A ruler not only protects their kingdom but also organizes what matters are important to us.”
“What if they are all important?” Celestia asked putting the file off to the side.
“Then if that is what you see as important then you must find a way to organize yourself to make it as such.”
Celestia was confused as Luna laughed. “Oh…organization in meetings.”
“See, Luna got it.” Equinox said with a smile.
Luna had a dead look on her face, picking up a file with her magic. “It sounds so stupid.” She replied, dropping it in a discard pile.
Equinox sighed. “Oh my dear little sisters. I think that if you don't understand it now. Then you will when you are legs high in paperwork and need to teleport to the dining room.”
The three laughed from the joke as Firefly entered with Nighthawk behind them. He approached the queen and smiled. “My lady, Cadet Nighthawk.”
Nighthawk blinked seeing the queen for the first time. He was stunned by her black, star sparkled mane flowing softly. Her smile calmed him as he bowed. “M…my lady. It’s an honor to be in your presence.”
“The pleasure is all mine dear one.” She looked over to Celestia and Luna who were hiding the fact that they were spying on them, making Equinox giggle. “Dear little sisters, you are free from your boredom.”
Celestia and Luna teleported away faster than Nighthawk could see them and only saw a paper fall to the floor.
“Those two.” Equinox said, laughing to herself.
Nighthawk nodded in agreement. “They have that hidden wild side.”
Equinox smiled. “Indeed, but I wish I could talk more about your childhood.”
“I…it’s about my father, isn’t it?”
She nodded and looked at Firefly. “General?”
Firefly nodded and sighed, “Cadet, your father is missing. He didn’t report to a morning meeting and later on we found the General missing too.”
Nighthawk was stunned, unsure of what to say after hearing the thought that his father was missing. “Y…you think I had some involvement?”
Firefly raised an eyebrow. “Smart cadet. But don't feel offended or disturbed about all this. All just proper procedure.”
“We also want to make sure that you aren’t in any danger my child.” Equinox continued with a smile.
“I understand.” Nighthawk stated. He took a deep breath and started to explain to them about his meeting from before. How he was going to be reprimanded and removed from his cadet training and his anger with his failure. All this story telling put him in tears while the queen and the general were in shock. After a while she motioned for Firefly to leave and approached the crying pony and took him to a close hug.
“My dearest child. You have been injured so badly. You have been mistaken for what true honor, and strength is. And over some silly power that not all magical users are meant for. My dearest Nighthawk, I can’t imagine how hurt you feel.”
Nighthawk almost like a child being cradled into his mothers arms as tears rolled down his face. The queen’s soothing hum calmed him as he shook his head. “I…I don't know what to do. I…it’s…”
“This is not your fault. Don’t ever think that.”
Nighthawk looked at her feeling scared. “Wh…what do I do?”
“You leave that to me. From what I can see. You need a break.” Equinox said with a smile, and she waved over a maid and ordered her to care for the hurt unicorn, to help, ‘heal his wounds.’
A few days have passed since the missing reports came and the Equestrian Royal Council was in session on how to move forward. Although even the high-ranking generals and the queen herself were in debate about what to even do.
“The council motions for extra security along the border of Appaloosa.” A unicorn called out. “It’s only right.”
Equinox raised an eyebrow as Princess Celestia chimed in. “How right is it for one town to have heightened security over multiple reports of missing citizens?”
General Firefly smiled. “A good question princess, but remember, Appaloosa is an export of our food and a great line of defense down west.”
Equinox nodded. “She holds a great point though. Ever since my captain and our Equestrian general left, more reports of missing citizens are coming so…why not reinforce our surrounding lands?”
A female pegasus smiled. “It’s not that easy my lady. Some of my missing reports are military bodies. Even my second in command.”
Celestia raised an eyebrow. “Military bodies going missing? That’s proof worthy of spreading our resources.”
“Perhaps the question should follow.” A unicorn called out, “Are we expecting a war?”
“War is out of the question.” Equinox interjected.
Luna raised an eyebrow in confusion. “Well, this can't be a mere coincidence though, can it?”
The council was in silence as Equinox sighed and cleared her throat. “For now, I believe our best course of action is to wait. Continue to report what we can about these missing soldiers. Understood?” The council nodded in agreement as she smiled. “Excellent. Now, on an unrelated note I’m curious about the captain’s son.”
A general raised an eyebrow. “What about him?”
“How would you all feel about pushing his training?”
The council was silent looking at each other before a general coughed. “Under what circumstance?”
Equinox nodded. “I think he can be a possible target for one, but secondly, I think he has a purpose far greater than what we can imagine.”
The pegasus flapped her wings and sighed. “My lady he doesn’t even hold any status to be put through our training.”
“He holds the flame.”
Firefox coughed. “Rumored. To hold the flame.”
“You’re no fun, general.”
“Nighthawk has been training his whole life to pull this off.” Celestia interjected, “He was just pushed in the wrong direction.”
Firefly raised an eyebrow. “You think that one of us can help him?”
The next couple weeks seemed difficult for the young unicorn. Being transferred into new quarters, assigned new armor and just trying to fit in to a new training unit. The cadets, however, mocked him for his father leaving him and others feared him during their training but he kept pushing on enough to impress the generals who instructed the courses. He continued impressing whoever he could with his ability to fire burst of magic from his horn and concentrate them into concussive blasts that tore through armor, or weak enough to stun an opponent. Both Celestia and Luna were amazed with his blade skill specifically with a cavalry saber. The swift momentum and precise strike he made became a challenge to other students and soon got him becoming the talk of the class.
A couple days passed as the cadets kept on their dueling lessons and Nighthawk, again became the victor knocking a pegasus off her hooves and spun his blade aiming it at her neck. “ALLEZ!” The instructor shouted. Nighthawk pulled away and tried to extend a hoof to help her up but she flapped her wings and backed away. “Very well done cadet. You strike with pride, you’re focused as an officer should be. You all can take this as an application. You all are sloppy, uncoordinated and you let your bias get in the way of striking a blow to the enemy. Uncultured!”
Nighthawk raised an eyebrow securing his blade and felt upset over the fact that he’s been down for the count several times after being mocked and grunted in response.
“Not all of us are as uncultured, sir.” A voice echoed out.
Nighthawk tilted his head as the instructor looked around. “Who said that? Who in their gods forsaken mind said that step forward.”
A white unicorn walked out in his silver armor. A blue stripe was seen painted across the chest plate and his blue short cut mane was seen spiked up and across his face similiar to Nighthawk’s. His blue eyes stared daggers at the instructor as he popped to attention. “Sir, cadet Comet Storm reporting as instructed.”
The instructor walked up to the cadet challenging the daggers in his eyes. “Are you telling me that you are one of the fifteen cadets here that isn’t uncultured?”
The unicorn stood still taking a deep breath. “Sir, my words are sacred, respectfully? I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t mean it.”
“Prove it.” The instructor snapped at Comet. “Do you know this cadet?”
Comet glanced at Nighthawk and nodded, “Sir, I know that he is the son of a missing captain.”
“What else? Tell me something we don't know.”
“Sir, I know that this cadet admires his work with a passion. I see him reading in the mess hall and watch his excellence with a blade.”
The instructor paced around Comet getting up to his face a time or to. “SO! You stalk him.”
“Permission to speak freely?”
“DENIED!”
“Sir, hardly call it stalking, more so watching him. And ensures that he doesn’t pick a fight.”
The instructor laughed as Nighthawk’s facial impression changed from a raised eyebrow to a mere scowl. “Being watched over from a distance? Either this guy is a nut or I’ve really been that quiet.” He thought to himself.
“And that doesn’t make you uncultured? Cadet Comet, I’m hearing a future officer with no backbone, NO INTEGRITY TO SUPPORT YOUR CLAIM!” The instructor screamed in his ear. “You think you can back up what you are saying?”
Comet smirked and looked at the instructor breaking his bearing. “My word is my life, sir.”
Nighthawk chuckled as the instructor smiled. “Cadet Nighthawk. EN GUARD!” He drew his blade and spun it around waiting to attack.
“Cadet Comet. EN SUITH!” Comet smirked and slowly drew his blade and lowered it downward and secured his face guard before the instructor. “ALLEZ!”
Nighthawk nodded his head, lowering his face guard and skipped towards Comet raising his blade and tried to strike his shoulder but was quickly blocked and pushed away as the opponent spun his blade striking for the chest. Nighthawk took a step back and teleported and reappeared slamming the blade down making Comet flip back and the two went at it with a volley of thrusts, parries and even clashes.
After a few minutes Comet ducked dodging Nighthawk’s swing and Comet put some magic into his blade and thrusted towards the cadet’s chest. Upon impact, the blade sparked with lightning, shocking Nighthawk as he fell down and the class was shocked as well as the instructor who called the match. “Impressive. You are true to your word.”
Comet bowed his head as the instructor grabbed some water and lifted Nighthawk’s guard, splashing it on his face to wake him up. “You anticipated, cadet. Uncultured. However, you have spirit granted your past victories, maybe these, ‘children’ will learn a thing or two. Now all of you, get out of my sight!”
The class walked off as Nighthawk was still on the ground and he noticed Comet extend a hoof to him. “Want a hoof bud?”
Nighthawk took his helmet off and winced, taking his hoof and stood up. “Damn good attack, cadet.”
“Oh please, just some stuff I learned. Call me Comet.”
“Right. Name’s…”
“Nighthawk. Trust me I know who you are. Seem to be the talk of the class since you joined up.”
Nighthawk chuckled as the two were walking towards the mess hall. “Oh god tell me about it. This is way different than I thought.”
“Well you are training to be an officer. And with these rumors spreading around they want tough troops.”
“Can’t be that tough can it?”
Comet laughed. “Oh trust me, I’ve been pushing for the captain rank for a few years. This is a different conflict. One that’s gonna turn ugly.”
Nighthawk tilted his head hearing Comet’s fear. “Honestly bud. I hope you're wrong.”
Over the past few weeks Nighthawk and Comet stuck together throughout their training and honestly he never felt happier to have a new friend. For years Nighthawk has trained by himself and had no friends to guide him or to talk to him. Even during his training the rumors of his father going missing didn’t help him much. But the ace unicorn from Canterlot took no care into his father’s actions and focused more on training as an officer and serving their kingdom which is something both of them can agree on.
The day finally arrived for Nighthawk to become an officer. After all the work his class put in, he had no regrets, but felt a little concerned that he wasn't able to unleash the flame. He did, however, learn more than enough to aid the needs of the queen and to protect Equestria if need be. Nighthawk attached his blade, stumbling a little as he had a small flashback of his years as a filly trying to crawl to his father, and again as he was swinging his old wooden sword. Suddenly He was shaken out of his daydream by Comet. “You okay brother?”
“Yeah. Yeah i'm fine.” Nighthawk said re-adjusting his blade.
Another officer walked over to him. “Hey, don’t get soft now. This is something that you’ve been wanting to do right?”
“It is.” Nighthawk replied. “But, it just doesn’t feel right.”
Comet smiled. “Hey. I know it can be hard. But you should be proud of what you just accomplished. I know your father would if he were here.”
Nighthawk chuckled. “That’s an understatement.”
A couple more officers walked up. “Huge understatement bud.”
A younger pegasus walked over adjusting his new officer’s blade. “Okay boys, leave the cadet alone. It’s not like you all have crazy family members.”
The few ponies looked at each other sighing. “He does have a point.” One stated.
“That I do. Now let’s get into formation!”
The new officers slowly marched out amongst the crowd of cadets, troops and several friends and family members. Nighthawk scanned around the crowds noticing Equinox and Luna, but for a split second he had a feeling that his father would be standing right beside them. With a sigh he slowly lowered his head as Celestia walked up to him and lifted his chin with her hoof. “Chin up. Your father would be proud, Ensign.” Nighthawk smiled and drew his sword blade on command. “Fillies and gentlecolts! I present to you the first promoting class of Equestria’s Officer Corps!” Equinox began, “Although a select few have been pushed through, they have proven to each of us that they have the experience to protect and defend this peaceful land. Lieutenant Iron Breeze, Ensign Stone, Ensign Nighthawk, Ensign Comet Storm. You all have served your class well. May your service to Equestria flourish! General. Command your unit!”
General Firefly turned around and drew his blade. “Class DISMISSED!”
The new officers secured their weapons and cheered as the crowd ran down to congratulate their children, friends and family members. As for Nighthawk he looked around not seeing a lot of familiar faces. A few just gave him a pat on the back and a well done speech. Others asked about his father, but there was one who Nighthawk spotted right away. The same diamond blue eyes, snow white mane and was in a formal dressed nurses uniform smiling at the new Ensign. The two approached and Nighthawk was the first to fall into tears as Starfrost smiled. “I told you. And I’m so very proud of you.”
Nighthawk was at a loss for words and took her hoof before going in for a tight hug and nodded, having second thoughts that there would be no rumored conflicts.
A couple nights passed by as a cloaked figure was walking outside towards the castle. He slipped in behind a corner and opened up a letter with the message. Long live the Empire. The figure tore the note and looked up at the roof top of the throne room. Inside, Equinox, Luna and Celestia were working on papers as Celestia yawned. “Sister, all of this paperwork isn’t going anywhere. Can I call it a night?”
Luna chuckled. “What? Can’t handle late night paperwork?”
“Girls, girls, easy now. Although those were pretty funny points.” Equinox stated, “Tia you can go rest. We will tackle this in the morning.”
Celestia nodded and walked off as Luna perked up reading one of the scrolls. “Huh. New armor and battle equipment. What are your thoughts?”
“Oh, is it that stuff that can make anyone fly like a pegasus? It seems obscure.”
“It could provide helpful aid though.”
Equinox sighed. “I suppose. Let me see it.” She said and went to pull a quill. But had no ink left and shook her head. “Luna?”
Luna smiled and stretched. “New ink. Got it.” She walked off leaving her all alone and she kept reading the scroll.
Suddenly a crash was heard but before she could even hear it, she screamed in pain. Her eyes widened and looked at her side seeing a massive burn mark. She panted and winced trying to move but blood started pouring out and she fell to the ground. Her panting became slower as a few guards and Luna galloped over. Luna’s eyes widened and she screamed running to her. “EQUINOX! No no no no!” She ran up to her trying to see her face and patted her on the face as her horn lit up and she tried to heal the wound but surprisingly couldn’t. Even as a princess her magic had no effect on the bleeding wound as Equinox was slowly blinking looking at Luna.
“SOMEPONY GET A MEDIC! PLEASE!” Luna screamed as she wrapped her hoof around her sisters and Celestia ran in complete shock. “Sister, stay with me. Please…. please don't go.”
Equinox tried her hardest to stay awake, but in a swift second she gave a final breath and closed her eyes, falling into a forever sleep. Celestia started to scream as Luna placed her head on her deceased sister’s head and broke down into tears. Blood has now been spilled upon the kingdom. But for what reason? Time can merely tell.
Earlier that night, Nighthawk, Penelope and Starfrost were laying down beside one another eating strawberries and looking out to the Canterlot lights.
“Such a pretty night.” Starfrost said, petting Penelope.
Nighthawk smiled, grabbing a strawberry and fed it to Starfrost. “Not as pretty as you. I don't know how many times I can say thank you for helping me.”
“Hun. You did it yourself. I just had to knock some sense into you.”
With a chuckle Nighthawk grabbed her hoof and looked into her eyes. “Sure, b…but I think that sense came into those beautiful eyes of yours.”
Starfrost started to blush, and her heart started to race. “Is this your way of flirting, ensign?”
“If it is, what’s your diagnosis, darling?”
“I’m not a doctor, sir. But I would recommend a night in bed.” Starfrost replied, moving closer until their noses touched.
Nighthawk blushed and nodded. “Can I have a cold frost in bed?” He asked and moved in for a kiss, but the moment broke from Penelope as she screeched and flapped her wings noticing a cadet galloping down the road.
“ENSIGN NIGHTHAWK! ENSIGN NIGHTHAWK!”
The two broke away as Nighthawk stood up. “What is it, cadet?”
The cadet slid to a stop and gave a salute. “Sir, you're needed by the general right away. The queen has been killed.”
Nighthawk froze and blinked as Sapphire looked at him.
“Wh…what?”
“Sir, just come with me. The details will be briefed on later.”
Nighthawk looked at Starfrost as she nodded, and he sighed trying to remain calm. “Stay here with Penelope.” He galloped off grabbing his hat and sword, running out and Penelope chirped looking at Starfrost.
The next day several guards were on every corner of the castle while detectives and members of the Equestrian Council were talking to each other about the incident. General Firefly was out front talking as Nighthawk approached and saluted him “General.”
“Ensign. Sorry for the late call, but you were the closest I can find to help the girls.”
“What happened?”
Firefly signed a form and walked into the crime scene. “Trying to figure that out still, how much were you briefed.”
“Squat.”
“Okay…all we have is from Luna. Three sisters were doing paperwork, Princess Celestia goes to bed, Luna went to get ink and soon enough glass, screaming and Luna ran back to see a bleeding burn wound.”
“What about the guards?”
“Heard the crash and ran in.”
Nighthawk scratched his head seeing the full body bag of the queen and took a breath removing his hat. “C…can I?”
Firefly nodded and he approached the bag, opening it up and seeing Equinox laying in peace. It froze his heart seeing the closest pony he had to a mother resting in a bag. He shed a tear and looked at the burn wound raising an eyebrow and took a deep breath. “How does an alicorn die from a burn wound like this?” Nighthawk asked, closing the bag.
“That is the million bit question.” Firefly said, reviewing some notes. “And I’m hoping those can be answered, soon.”
Nighthawk shook his head and looked up seeing Celestia and Luna talking to a detective. “What’s going to happen with the princesses?”
“Celestia will be next in line for the throne. And Luna will step up the role, but for now we are keeping constant guard over them.” Firefly said looking up, “I want you to comfort them, you're the closest to family and I can tell that you’re broken.”
Nighthawk nodded. “All of Equestria will be broken.” He replied and walked to Celestia.
Just as she finished, she looked at Luna and the two tried to wipe their tears as Nighthawk approached and bowed. “Celestia, Luna.”
Luna broke into tears and ran to hug him as Celestia smiled. “Ensign. My congratulations.”
“I wish that it was under better circumstances. I’m, I’m so sorry.”
“Equinox…will never be gone, Nighthawk.” Celestia said with a smile.
Luna nodded, breaking away from the hug. “Sh…she will live on in us.”
Nighthawk nodded. “I know she will. Listen…erm, I want you to know that you are strong. Don’t let this bring you down, okay. And if you start feeling down i’ll come down and knock some sense into ya.” He took a breath pulling that out of nowhere, but it made the two chuckle as Celestia walked in to hug him.
“Nighthawk. I’m so very grateful to have you as a friend and family member. And don’t worry, enough sense will come to me eventually.”
Nighthawk smiled and bowed his head before hearing a male voice call out to him and he turned around seeing a Pegasus walk towards him. “Ensign Nighthawk?”
Nighthawk nodded and saluted. “General.”
“At ease son. I’m Bulk Meteorite. I worked with your father on some fights and now serve as Air Marshal on the council.”
“It’s an honor sir. What can I do for you?”
Bulk nodded. “Son, I want you to join me in the emergency council meeting. Firefly has been telling me about your journey this far and I want your expertise on the accident here.”
Nighthawk tilted his head. “Well, thank you sir but may I ask why? I’m only an Ensign.”
“True, but you have knowledge in enemy tactics and espionage do you not?”
“Of course. My father wouldn’t teach me anything else until I studied those books, and it was graded in the training corps I went through.”
Bulk smiled. “Excellent. Council chambers in thirty minutes.” He started to walk off before Nighthawk looked back at the crime scene and thought about the burns. “Sir. One question.” Nighthawk called out.
“You wouldn’t think my father is…”
Bulk silenced him. “We shall wait until the meeting. I’m afraid there’s more to this than just him.”
That afternoon the council was seated wearing armor and their uniforms as Celestia walked in and General Firefly took a breath. “My lady.”
Celestia sat down raising her hoof. “As you were. My title isn’t official yet, but I feel it is only right to get some answers myself.”
The council nodded as Bulk spoke up. “So do we, princess.”
A female unicorn nodded. “We already know how she died. We need to know why.”
“Do we really know how she died? She’s an alicorn. The royal family can't die, can they?” Bulk asked and looked at Celestia.
Celestia sighed and shook her head. “We can sustain injuries but usually our magic is strong enough to heal.”
Firefly was thinking as a stallion tilted his head. “What about anything directed with magical amplifiers?”
“Well…I suppose that is possible. But Equinox never authorized those weapons.”
The council froze as Nighthawk raised an eyebrow. “Wait what?”
“There was a personal request made to help amplify some new weaponry for experimental purposes.” Bulk stated as the council looked to Nighthawk.
Celestia coughed. “It was proposed, however, Equinox denied it.”
Firefly shook his head. “This wasn’t seen by certain crowds. The request was approved by General Firefox before he went missing.”
Celestia raised an eyebrow as Nighthawk blinked. “What weaponry?”
“The proposal offered new armor, artillery, and weapons that broke several technological advances.” A female pegasus stated.
“Equinox believed them to be too dangerous and denied the request. Or so we thought.”
Nighthawk grinned. “Doesn’t that seem odd?”
Bulk raised an eyebrow. As a unicorn tilted his head. “What comes to mind ensign?”
“Think about it. Two high ranking officers push a denied request for tech that can beat us out in a war. The queen gets assassinated with that same tech and the evidence we find is just broken glass. Thus, the experience of our assassin.”
Celestia sighed. “That’s basic enough but where should we start hunting the assassin?”
Nighthawk sighed not knowing the answer and drifted off to a flashback on a conversation he had with Phoenix Blaze.
“Come on dad. It’ll be the best place to go to.”
“Ponyville is nice, son, but wouldn’t be a liable place to go to. Too many places to hide in and very off putting. But, maybe we can go soon. I have some work down there.”
Nighthawk blinked and looked up hearing a few conversations going on and shook his head. “Ponyville.”
The council stopped and looked at Nighthawk with a confusing look.
“I’m…willing to bet that our assassin would be in Ponyville.”
Celestia raised an eyebrow. “Do you have an idea who did it?”
Nighthawk nodded but didn’t want to confirm it. Celestia noticed his reaction and shook her head. “I wouldn’t believe it either. But we must confirm this.”
Firefly blinked. “Ensign how sure are you it's him?”
Nighthawk shook his head as Bulk sighed. “Very well. We need a team to push ahead and check.”
Celestia nodded. “My cousin runs an operating base near Ponyville.”
Firefly looked at Nighthawk. “I’m sorry to ask, ensign.”
Nighthawk perked up. “Mission to Ponyville?”
Celestia smiled. “Are you up for this?”
“I can do this. I would like to bring a couple of officers.”
“Whatever you need. It’s your’s.” Bulk stated, looking at a notepad. “Our flight there is first thing in the morning.”
He blinked. “Of course, sir.” Nighthawk bowed his head and felt scared about what he signed up for. Having to leave his love to hunt down who would very well be his own father who he believed killed the queen.
That night, Nighthawk was back on the balcony with Starfrost and Penelope, holding each other close as this would be their last night together.
“Y…you can’t.” Starfrost started with tears in her eyes.
“Starfrost. I have to. You know more than anyone else that my job is to the queen. Or was.”
“How do you know it's him?”
“I don’t, but I just can't let this go away. I’m scared something is going to happen. These missing troops, the general missing, all of it. I just don't know what.”
Starfrost sniffled and nodded. “And that’s why I want you here. I don't want you to go.”
Nighthawk held her hoof tight as Penelope started to chirp and coo to calm her. “And I want you to stay safe. That’s all I ever wanted for you when I first laid eyes on you. If I’m right. Then I’ll do my mission, leave and come back to the bravest, skilled and most beautiful unicorn I’ve ever seen.”
Starfrost blushed and giggled. “Most beautiful huh?”
“What? Do you think I say that to all of the ladies I see?”
Starfrost laughed as Nighthawk wiped a tear from her cheek and placed his forehead on her forehead. He looked deep into her eyes and smiled. “I love you.” He moved in to kiss her and for the first time the two felt connected much deeper than they were before. After the soft, tender kiss Nighthawk smiled. “My dearest Starfrost, I’ll always be with you, near or far and I promise I’ll be home.”
“I know.” Starfrost replied.
Penelope screeched and Nighthawk petted his phoenix. “As for you girl. I want you to protect her. Comfort her in my absence. Can you do that?”
Penelope flapped her wings and screeched as if she was saying yes and moved closer to Starfrost.
“See. With Penelope around, you’ll be in safe wings.” Nighthawk said with a chuckle.
Sapphire laughed and started petting and she nodded. “Get home safe you hear. I don't want to see you in a med bed.”
Nighthawk chuckled. “Are you kidding?” I don't want to let that become an embarrassment a second time. Although I do have a question.”
Sapphire and Penelope tilted their heads. “What are your thoughts on me flying?”
“No! No, absolutely not.”
Nighthawk smirked. “Why not? You don't want to fantasize a strong, strapping alicorn stallion walking through the door?”
Sapphire squeaked hearing his statement and blushed and took his hat off. “YOU SON OF A BITCH NOW I AM! HOW DARE YOU!” She squealed, hitting him with the hat and Nighthawk just laughed playing with her and Penelope flew up and screeched, attacking Nighthawk playfully.
At first light Nighthawk and Comet were riding the train to Ponyville. Enjoying the couple hours of relaxation they had before they got to work with the lead officer.
“Hmm. This looks new.” Comet said, looking at a report from the officer corps. “Looks like Equinox approved mobile flight armor and Celestia second the motion.”
Nighthawk nodded, reading a book. “Yep. She told me about that already.”
Comet raised an eyebrow. “How does she tell you about that cool stuff. Aren’t you an ensign?”
Nighthawk followed, lowering the book from his eyes. “You forget. I’m the captain’s boy. I have known the princesses since I could crawl.”
Comet rolled his eyes and laughed. “I forgot about that.”
“And she asked me to command a new unit of flyers.”
“How does that work? Like you getting asked and the flying thing?”
Nighthawk shrugged reading his book. “I didn’t want that. But I do like the concept. Easier travel and opens up the ranks for ponies who don't want to just fight on land.”
“I can take over for ya.”
“Sure you would.” Nighthawk replied with a chuckle.
As the train arrived the two officers were shocked to see Ponyville. The mountains with snow up top, the river and waterfall in the back and the beautiful trees and flowers all around. Nighthawk was stunned and he smiled “Wow. I thought this was a mere dream. But this is more than what I imagined.”
Comet nodded and noticed an earth pony in a military uniform. “Ensigns. I was sent here to escort you to Ponyville’s top headquarters.”
Nighthawk nodded. “Lead the way.”
The two walked over to the town center and walked into a command center. Inside were several ponies running around with papers and a few others working on new computers and devices and revealed a table map of Equestria. The earth pony smiled. “Welcome to Joint Base Ponyville.”
Nighthawk blinked as Comet chuckled. “Ever seen this hawk?”
“No but I want it.”
The two were in awe before they heard a male voice from up stairs and the two unicorns noticed an alicorn walking and talking to who looks to be his secretary. “No, focus on the group's actions in the Everfree. We need to find them.” He stopped noticing the two officers and Nighthawk tilted his head seeing his yellow coat and cutie mark of a sun and a cloud. “Who is this?”
The secretary whispered as the pony smiled. “Sir. Meet.”
“Shush. Don’t speak. You two, my office.” He stated walking to his office.
The two looked at each other before walking up and stepped into the office getting a closer look at the alicorn prince. Nothing was odd about him with his orange mane and red flames. He was wearing reading glasses glancing at the two officers standing at attention. “Ensign Comet, and ensign Nighthawk. Class officers, experienced swordsmen, magic agility. Anything you can’t do?”
Comet was ready to speak before the alicorn spoke. “That was rhetorical, kid.”
Comet nodded as the prince kept on. “My name’s Sunny Blaze. If you were asking. From here on you belong to me and me alone. The princess has high hopes for you both that you need to prove to me. And unlike my cousin who passed away, I tend to run things differently here. Any questions?”
Nighthawk kept a straight face while Comet asked the first question. “Anything else you want us to know about you?”
“Don't get smart with me boy.”
“What information do you have about the murderer?” Nighthawk asked, raising an eyebrow.
Sunny sighed, getting off his seat, looking out the window seeing the citizens walking by and his reflection. “I read your report and I am impressed by your pony of interest. But it’s not him.” He looked back at Nighthawk who gave a sigh of relief that it wasn’t his father but led to more questions that he had to put aside.
Sunny walked up to his desk, pressing a button and revealed a map and a few pictures of a cloaked unicorn. “We caught wind of the queen's death the morning after and witnesses found a suspicious unicorn walking around. We also found some torn paper that matched up to this.”
Sunny pulled up the picture of the torn note from the night of the killing, making Nighthawk nod. “Yeah that sounds about right.”
“What empire?” Comet asked.
Sunny shrugged. “That’s a meeting for another time.” He pulled up a map of the Everfree forest, “According to our scouts our killer disappeared into the forest. We can’t get any visuals on him because the scouts are either idiots or the vegetation killed them off.”
Comet raised an eyebrow. “Either way?”
“Either way. I need you two to spit off into teams, push in and kill that bastard.”
The two saluted. “Yes sir!”
“Dismissed. Ensign Nighthawk, can you stay?”
Nighthawk nodded and remained still before the door closed. Sunny sat down and nodded. “At ease kid. Celestia relayed to me about your past issues with Captain Blaze.”
Nighthawk nodded and sighed. “Is he here?”
“No. We have been trying to find him but just like every other commanding officer we have been losing troops and somehow citizens. We can’t do anything else.”
Nighthawk felt upset and nodded. “I understand sir.”
“Don’t let this get you down kid. You’ve improved a lot according to Celestia and Equinox.”
“Thank you sir.”
Sunny smiled. “Get moving Ensign.”
Nighthawk walked out as Comet smiled. “You good brother?”
Nighthawk nodded. “How do you want to do this?”
Comet shrugged. “Our little trooper said they have a team assembled.”
“Well we didn’t come here to look pretty.” Nighthawk stated, brushing off his hat. “Let's do what we came here to do.”
Throughout the day, Nighthawk and Comet were gearing up into some new Equestrian grade battle armor. Comet smiled examining the new silver plated armor and was even more impressed that he had a couple of blue and white stripes across the chest plate and a new visor that provided a battle display and scanner. Nighthawk’s armor was similar in design but had red and yellow stripes. He checked the adjustments and smiled opening a case and saw a sharp cavalry rapier and scabbard.
Comet walked up, adjusting his own rapier and smiled. “Nice.”
“My father delivered on a promise several years back. He told me once I graduate, it will all be mine.” Nighthawk stated, grabbing the blade.
The two galloped over to see the squad and slowed down hearing a pony call out. “Eyes forward!”
Nighthawk and Comet walked over and looked at the team they assembled. He raised an eyebrow seeing the squad and noticed two more squads. “Comet, did we ask for a platoon?”
Comet smirked. “Well, it shouldn’t be an issue. Depends on how skilled they are.”
One pony stepped forward. “Sirs, we are the best of Ponyville.”
Nighthawk smiled, approaching the pony. “Really? And who might you be?”
“Sergeant Merryweather. First squad leader.”
Nighthawk looked at the second squad. “Do you agree with your brother, sergeant?”
A female unicorn nodded. “Yes sir!”
Comet raised an eyebrow seeing cadets and privates in the pegasus squad. “Who’s the squad leader here?”
The squad was quiet before hearing a female pegasus fly in and land directly in between the squad and Comet. She snapped to attention and threw a salute. “Ensign Sunshine Breeze at your service sir.”
Nighthawk raised an eyebrow walking towards her, but Comet blinked, feeling time slow to a mere halt as he was mesmerized by Sunshine’s diamond blue eyes, her stunning mane and soft, yellow coat that shimmered with her gold armor. She gave a slow attractive blink before Nighthawk broke Comet out of his phase talking down Sunshine. “So, you wanna act sly and show off, ensign?”
“Of course not sir. Why would I be that way with my troops?”
He raised an eyebrow getting up to her face. “Commissioned?”
“Field commission, sir. Got a problem with that?”
Nighthawk smirked. “Depends on what you do next.” He paced around leaving Comet glancing at Sunshine. “Listen up. I’m not going to sugar coat this. You all know about the queen. And you all are aware of the princess's position. I ask you all to clear your minds and focus on catching the traitor who would kill the queen of an empire who believes in friendship. This is no act of friendship.”
Nighthawk glanced at Comet, letting him provide the orders. “Right. Simple orders. Find him and kill him. Understood!”
The platoon gave a mighty, “YES SIR!”
Nighthawk pulled up a map using his magic. “Last reports show our killer hid away in the forest. Comet and I will lead squad one and two in a ground search while field commissioned ensign, Sunshine, leads the search from the air. Questions?”
Sunshine smirked mentally laughing at the joke and liking Nighthawk’s sly comments hearing the platoon say no.
Nighthawk smiled. “Gear up!”
Inside the command center Sunny Blaze walked down cracking his neck, walking down the stairs while an officer shouted. “OFFICER ON DECK!”
The group of workers popped to attention as Sunny smirked. “At ease. Is our platoon moving?”
“Moving now sir.”
Sunny smiled. “Good, let's hope these officers are the best like my annoying cousin say they are. We’re on the clock kids! Let’s get to work!”
The platoon started their search and was keeping quiet. Nighthawk’s squad was looking through bushes while Comet and his squad kept moving forward and a private spoke up. “Sir…negative scans.”
Comet nodded. “I see that. Brother?”
“Negative.” Nighthawk replied. “Ensign Breeze?”
“Nothing, something seems to be scrambling our sensors.”
Nighthawk raised an eyebrow hearing some bird's chirp. “Strange…”
Sunny was watching the screen noticing the glitches and listening to the transmissions. “Somepony talk to me.”
Nighthawk looked around listening to the critters before he quickly heard and saw a blast of magic fly past him and the squad panicked, raising their weapons. Nighthawk froze and took a breath. As well as the command center who was watching. “Stand by! Anyone hit?” Nighthawk shouted.
Comet called out over comm. “Nighthawk. You okay?”
“Shut up. Aerial squad. Talk to me.”
Sunshine checked her visor. “Scans show one weak life sign.”
Nighthawk stepped closer, raising his visor and approached the area of the blast seeing a young earth pony with a burn wound in her chest, panting heavily. “General, can we get a med-evac?”
Sunny turned around and saw a pony nod. “Stay with her we’ll get a crew.”
“Comet, report.”
“Still here brother. Pushing forward.” As soon as he said that he heard a twig snap and both him and his squad started firing concussive blasts of magic while others were experimenting with some new weapons that followed a rapid fire of magic.
Comet raised a hoof and drew his blade walking closer. “Sunshine…any…”
His sentence was cut short as a blast of magic shot out of the bushes and Comet ducked, and a cadet was knocked back. The squad followed as Comet fired back.
Nighthawk perked up, hearing the fire and looked at a trooper. “You with her. The rest, with me!”
Sunshine turned around trying to look for the attacker and looked at the squad. “Break off switch to thermals.”
Sunny was pacing around. “Give me some eyes, I wanted it up yesterday!”
Comet and the squads were dodging the dark blasts while Sunshine noticed a mass hiding nearing him. “Ensign, dead ahead!”
Comet smirked and powered up his horn firing a blast of magic strong enough to knock the pony back but in a split second a magic burst appeared as if the attacker teleported away before the hit. Sunshine blinked, looking around again and saw nothing. Even Sunny was surprised. “Damnit someone give me something!”
Sunshine looked at her troops. “Anything?”
Suddenly a blast of magic struck one of the troop’s wings and fell below. Catching Nighthawk’s eye he slid to a stop and Comet looked up. “SUNSHINE!”
Sunshine was ready to move but was caught off guard seeing a cloaked unicorn appear right in front of her powering up his horn. Sunshine’s eyes widened, catching the color of its dark red and black aura. Time seemed to have slowed as Sunshine’s wings flapped backwards to get away, but in that split second Nighthawk appeared and screamed powering up his horn and fired a quick shot at the unicorn, hitting it and making it teleport back to the ground.
Nighthawk appeared and drew his sword. In a swift motion he readied an attack stance as the unicorn drew an Equestrian marine’s longsword prepared to fight.
Nighthawk panted in his mask and smirked, raising his blade up in the air while Comet lit up his horn. “TAKE EM!”
The platoon fired their weapons as the unicorn made a shield and ran at the team ready to kill them all, but the lead officer wanted nothing of it and set himself up for a rear kick knocking the pony into the jaw. Upon turning around Comet drew his blade and Nighthawk followed spinning his and the three got into a sword fight.
After a few minutes of dodging, strikes and thrusts. Nighthawk spun his blade kicking the unicorn’s blade up in the air and Comet stabbed the unicorn in the side as Nighthawk finished with a magical blast to its chest knocking it to the ground.
The two unicorns raised their visors and kept their blades out and stepped forward towards the wounded unicorn. He tilted his head seeing the face of the attacker and he just looked like a typical teenager. He was heavily panting as Comet raised his blade. “Did you kill her?”
The unicorn winced and looked at Nighthawk, his eyes portraying a deadly message. “L…long…live…the empire…” He gave his last breath as Nighthawk’s heart rate skipped a beat hearing the message and he blinked, not sure how to react.
Back at the command center, the workers and soldiers were celebrating their victory confirming the unicorn killed the queen. Drinks were raised up into the air as Nighthawk smiled. “A toast to the Ponyville platoon. You all aren’t as bad as I expected.”
Sunny raised an eyebrow. “Not as bad? I’ll add that to my report.”
The group laughed as Sunshine walked over. “Nighthawk. I want to thank you for saving my life.”
“Don’t thank me. Ensign Comet caught my eye with the attack.”
Sunshine turned over and smiled. “Is that so?”
Comet blinked and blushed. “Th..that’s right.”
Her tail flicked and brushed under his chin. “Well then. Thank you, ensign.”
Comet shivered and fell over as Sunny scratched his head. “Something is confusing to me. What did he mean by empire?”
Nighthawk took a sip of his drink and nodded. “It’s a message. What message, I pray to the queen herself doesn’t come to be.”
“But that could explain the missing ponies over the weeks.”
“It could, but regardless. We found our killer.”
Sunny smiled. “Indeed. So. What do you have planned out? I heard Celestia is planning to ride out that flight gear.”
Nighthawk chuckled thinking about Starfrost. “You know. I think I want to take some time off and see my darling mare. Unlike Comet here.”
Comet twitched as Sunshine laughed sitting with him.
“Well you two, i’d be happy to get you onto an airship to Canterlot tonight. It is the least we can do.”
Nighthawk smiled as well as Comet who mumbled. “I wanna go too…erm there.”
The night passed on as Nighthawk and Comet were looking over the railing of the newest Equestrian airship. It looked more like their standard blimps, but had more armor and can be used for supply runs or transport. Nighthawk and Comet were mesmerized feeling that cool night breeze and seeing those beautiful stars.
“My, this is amazing!” Comet said, stepping off the railing.
Nighthawk nodded. “I’m shocked that Equinox approved this and that Ponyville was the first town to get it.”
The captain walked up smiling. “Aye. We were a close first to Canterlot, but either way, this is a fine ship of pride and joy. We will be a few hours so if you wanna go and rest up. Feel free.”
Nighthawk nodded and yawned. “Well Comet, I’m gonna go rest.”
“Works for me.”
The two tired unicorns walked off as Nighthawk went into his sleeping quarters to rest. All of his thoughts were on Starfrost and he began to dream about those beautiful, green fields of Equestria. The waterfall, pouring in the background and two unicorns laying down underneath the sunny sky. The two were nuzzling noses and Nighthawk, slowly caressing Starfrost’s mane seeing sun setting in the horizon. The two gave a kiss before Nighthawk woke up hearing a rumble and he tilted his head.
He recognized he was back in his quarters but noticed a few bright flashes. He walked up to the window and saw a pegasus fly by and was being tailed by an earth pony and unicorn that made him rub his eyes and double check the window again and noticed some sort of rapid firing magic from the side of its mechanical wings. Nighthawk panicked and opened the door walking to the railing and saw several squads of flyers attacking buildings and down below he noticed artillery being fired upon at a fleeing crowd.
His heart was racing hearing more explosions and he shook his head hearing Comet from the floor above him. “Nighthawk! Hey get up here!”
Nighthawk ran up to the captain’s deck and the captain was shouting to his crew! “Polarize the plating! Secure the cargo and ready the forward cannons!”
“What’s going on?” Nighthawk asked.
Comet shook his head as the captain growled. “First there was an explosion than another and then we saw all these flyers and airships at our twelve o’clock. And then all hell breaks loose!”
Nighthawk raised an eyebrow. “Can you get us to the port?”
“Aye! I’ll try but it’s gonna be a fight!”
Comet shook his head. “Dammit all, the castle is in danger! We gotta figure out what we can do to help.”
Nighthawk looked at the screen and blinked. “Teleportation can’t get us down there.”
“Aye boys. But I have one option, I equipped this rig with that new flight gear. Special issue and experimental. Down below.”
Comet blinked. “I don't think we are trained…”
“It’s the best we got.” Nighthawk replied, saluting the captain. “Safe voyage sir.”
Nighthawk and Comet ran down below finding the two suits and the two started to gear up before walking out, looking over the railing.
“What’s the plan Night?”
Nighthawk took a breath. “Try looking for a defense line to the north. I'll make my way to the castle and see what I can find.”
Comet nodded. “Good luck brother!” He jumped over the railing and took off as Nighthawk closed his eyes. “Please, please let me be wrong.” He removed his hat and activated his guard and his visor lowered automatically and a new digital display came on. He nodded and jumped the railing flailing his legs trying not to freak out and gave a couple of breaths before activating the flight mode and two metal wings extended and the engine kicked on letting him glide.
Nighthawk struggled for a little bit and slowed down relaxing. “Okay. Okay…I got this. I got this.” He readied a stance and took of towards the castle in fear of what had come to be.
Throughout his flight Nighthawk saw nothing but burning buildings and several soldiers down below, fighting for their lives. He looked up at the burning castle and tried pushing further before seeing a pegasus and a unicorn fly past him and loop around firing at him. He yelped and dodged below before freaking out and flipped around looking behind him seeing the two flip back towards him. “Come on…let’s um. Try this!”
He went full reverse and jolted backward flying past them and pushed forward firing a blast of magic at the pegasus and teleported forward, reappearing above the unicorn slamming him into the ground. He swung around and landed near the unicorn to examine the armor and shook his head. “I don't get this.” He blinked and noticed the Equestrian royal crest. “What the?”
“Ensign!” General Firefly shouted and landed. A few more soldiers landed including one with a heavy minigun.
“Sir! What’s going on!”
“It happened so fast. It’s utter civil war!”
“You mean?”
Firefly nodded. “Our worst fear has come to be kid. And Equinox called it.”
Nighthawk shook his head. “You can’t be serious! Wh…what are your orders?”
“I’m putting together a unit to help evacuate every pony to the south of here. I could use an extra...”
Nighthawk was ready to ask about the academy and castle before a pony shouted. “Everyone down!” He started firing the minigun up into the air seeing an enemy flier dive towards them firing back. It got close before an explosion came and Sunny Blaze and Sunshine Breeze flew in landing next to them.
Firefly chuckled. “General, surprised to see you!”
“Don’t be too surprised! Ponyville is the next town over and I’m not letting these bastards have the luxury of wrecking it.”
Sunny nodded. “We need to get to Celestia and Luna.”
Firefly raised his hoof. “General Bulk is handling the evac of both the princesses and the academy. But there isn’t much left of the area.”
Nighthawk’s heart dropped and he panicked. “N…no…”
“I’m sorry kid.”
“Th…that means. Starfrost.”
He lowered his visor and guard as Sunny blinked. “Ensign what are you doing!”
Firefly saw Nighthawk fly towards his home and the academy. “ENSIGN!”
Nighthawk put everything he got into his wings and pushed towards his home but froze and heard a familiar screech. He looked over and saw a trail of fire spin in a circle the squad kept getting burned by Penelope and suddenly Nighthawk shot down a Pegasus and appeared above a unicorn with his sword out stabbing him and attacked the rest of the squad. He panted and saw Penelope as she screeched and flew into his hooves and he hugged her tight. “Hey girl. I missed you.”
Penelope cooed and Nighthawk nodded. “Where’s Starfrost?”
She chirped and flapped her wings as Nighthawk smiled. “Get me to her!”
Penelope and Nighthawk flew off towards the house and he panicked more seeing the roof caved in. Upon landing, Nighthawk ran in, throwing his hat on. “Starfrost! Starfrost Freeze!” Nighthawk shouted looking upstairs. “Starfrost!” He heard Penelope screech and rubbed her head on a hoof. Nighthawk froze and ran over to her. “Starfrost!”
He freaked out trying to move the debris and he blinked seeing Starfrost laying on the ground. She had several cuts and scratches as well as a sword wound in her side. Tears began to fall as Nighthawk sat down sliding her over to him and held her hoof. “Starfrost…no…no no no. I’m so sorry. Please wake up…”
Penelope chirped and gave a loud roar in pain leaving the two alone. She tilted her head seeing a familiar pony approach him slowly and saw Nighthawk with his hat off hugging Starfrost. “Son?”
Nighthawk kept crying and opened his eyes. “D…dad?”
He turned over seeing Phoenix Blaze in his armor and wearing his own cowboy hat. “Nighthawk. I…I’m so sorry. I came as soon as I heard, but, it was all too late.”
“I…I broke my promise to her, I...”
“I know. I know. But I hope this will teach you why I made the reprimand. Nighthawk, I love you and she did too even if you were away she will always be by your side. She said that and meant it.”
Nighthawk broke down in tears and looked at Starfrost remembering telling her that statement but froze. “Wh…wait…what did you say?”
Phoenix tilted his head. “She will always be with you, son.”
Nighthawk blinked. “How did you know she said that?”
Phoenix backed up using his magic wrapping it around his handle and Nighthawk’s eyes widened and Penelope chirped, flapping her wings. “Y…you didn’t.”
“Son…”
“All…all this time you abused me…”
“Nighthawk!”
“You betrayed me!”
“Son, I had no choice!”
“No…” Nighthawk’s horn lit up glowing brighter and brighter.
“She attacked me first!”
Nighthawk had enough and fired a blast of magic at him in rage. “NO!”
Phoenix took the bulk of the blast getting launched into a destroyed house and blasted the rubble away. Penelope shot up into the sky screeching as Nighthawk blasted the rest of the house into rubble and lowered his visor drawing his blade.
Phoenix blinked and gave a small laugh. “You dare raise your blade to me?”
Nighthawk shook his head. “Don’t play dull. Don’t do that to me traitor!”
Phoenix froze, hearing his own son call him a traitor. “Nighthawk. You’re saying things you do not understand!”
“I understand enough to know that Equestria is my home. Friendship or not I won’t let my land fall to a new empire!”
Phoenix had enough and lowered his visor. “I never imagined the day I would have to kill my own son.” He drew his cavalry blade readying an attack stance. “Long live the empire!”
Nighthawk spun his blade and teleported above his father's head slamming his blade down but was blocked as the two began to fight to the death.
Inside the castle, the princesses were trapped inside the throne room fighting off a couple of guards and Celestia flipped a guard over stabbing him in the chest. “Blasted guards!”
A royal guard moved back with his shield listening to transmissions. “My lady. They broke through the perimeter.”
Luna fired a concussive blast at a pony hiding in a corner. “Is it appropriate to say, no shit?”
Celestia rolled her eyes hearing a pony scream but was knocked unconscious from the guard’s shield. “If there’s a plan we need one now!”
More gunfire came from the front and side entrances killing the guard while the two sisters raised a barrier to protect themselves and saw a couple of explosions from the front by Bulk and Comet who joined the group. Bulk galloped overloading a shell glowing red. “Princess Celestia! Princess Luna!”
“General Bulk! My, what a surprise this is.” Celestia said giving a smile.
“Princess. The front line can’t hold much longer.”
Luna nodded, giving a sarcastic remark. “And we can’t fly out of here?”
Bulk nodded. “That’s right.”
Luna facepalmed as Comet raised an eyebrow. “Tunnels. My lady, there are tunnels connected to the castle right?”
Celestia nodded. “There are. We can escape there.” A shot flew past her as Comet fired back with his horn and a couple of earth ponies and unicorns started attacking with swords.
Bulk switched to a minigun configuration on his new weapon, flapping his wings and started firing at the enemy troops. “Best get moving. Now!”
The group slipped away through the halls as several royal guardsmen held their ground and protected the princess hearing the screaming and fighting. They got to the tunnel entrance while Bulk covered fire and Celestia used her magic to open the door. “It’s open. Let’s go!” Bulk turned around, but suddenly screamed falling over as Comet and Celestia turned around. “GENERAL!”
Comet stopped forming a shield. “Watch out!” Magic shot at him as a couple of unicorns were behind cover using their magic to shoot at the group. Their time wasn’t long as Bulk shot them and screamed crawling to cover and heard a couple guards scream in the crowd.
“General. We got to go!” Celestia shouted.
“No, no you go. These tunnels can close, right?”
Celestia shook her head. “Not for a few minutes.”
Bulk screamed a curse and saw the guard trying to hold off the enemy troops coming in. “Time that we don’t have. Ensign. Go, that’s an order.” He pulled out the shell-like canister he put in and attached it to the trigger of his gun.
Luna blinked looking back as Celestia shook her head, “General. Don't be a hero.”
“Princess, they will get through your magic. This is a new kind of warfare. Go. Go now!”
Luna shouted. “Sister, we gotta go!”
Celestia was pushed back by Comet as Bulk roared, pressing his hoof on the shell and gun looking at the guard getting stabbed. “You want her! Come get her!” He began firing the gun at the enemy ponies, screaming curses and was jolting back getting shot at. “COME ON. COME GET SOME…FOR EQUESTRIA!”
Comet got the Princesses a quarter of the way through before hearing and feeling an explosion from Bulk. Celestia stopped, panting for breath and was ready to break down in tears as Luna walked over. “Come sister. We need to keep moving.”
Celestia nodded and ran off feeling scared about the timing she became a ruler.
Meanwhile, Nighthawk and Phoenix were clashing blades along with Penelope who was diving in and scratching Phoenix, rolling and dodging his magical blasts. The two unicorns clashed blades and looked into their eyes. Even with the visors on, Nighthawk could see the flames and pure hate in his father’s eyes.
Phoenix growled pulling Nighthawk off balance and shot him in the chest knocking him back and Penelope screeched landing in between the two and raised her wings roaring and turned to flames.
Nighthawk was panting and removed the helmet all together looking up with blood dripping from his mouth. Phoenix panted, spinning his blade and raised it at Nighthawk who wobbled back up on his hooves and gritted his teeth. Time slowed as Nighthawk felt like he was back at the arena as a cadet. The sun beaming down on his armor. Sweat falling and all he could hear was his once loving father. “Son. You hold the key to the Phoenix Flame.”
“Then why can’t I harnessit?”
“You will, Nighthawk. When the time comes, you will harness the flame faster than any pony.”
Nighthawk blinked as a tear fell and a shimmer came to his eyes from Penelope. He looked up, seeing a blade aimed in his direction. “Stay down. Final warning.”
Nighthawk growled and readjusted himself, raising his blade. “I pity the fool who would ever stay the fuck down. Especially to a monster like you!”
“FINE!” Phoenix screamed charging his horn and fired a blast of magic at his own son. Penelope screeched and flew towards Nighthawk, her flames getting brighter as the beam of magic and Penelope clashed into Nighthawk, sending a shockwave throughout the battle ground. Phoenix covered himself with a barrier and raised his visor and guard.
“I’m sorry son…” He turned around and out of the corner of his eyes he saw a glow and he quickly turned around to see. Phoenix’s eyes widened as if he saw a ghost and there stood Nighthawk with only mere scratches and his armor started shining a flaming red and orange.
Nighthawk panted, looking at the glow and noticed a symbol of his phoenix cutie mark on his chest plate. He looked up and Phoenix noticed a red and yellow stripe across his right eye and his eyes were glowing a bright red. Nighthawk growled and raised his blade with a red colored aura appearing from his horn. He gave a loud screech of a phoenix, and his blade caught a flame.
Phoenix shook his head feeling like the Tim inning was horrible for Nighthawk to finally harness the phoenix flame. “No…NOOO!!” He screamed as he caught a flame activating his powers and spun the blade charging at Nighthawk.
He blocked the attack as the two threw stronger parries and thrusts before the two flew up into the air and clashed more. Phoenix had enough and kicked Nighthawk into the ground and landed on all fours as Phoenix landed and charged his horn sending a massive blast of magic at him. Nighthawk charged his horn following suit and the two beams collided forming a heated ball of energy in the center and sent a massive shockwave out.
The two were in a tug of war, no matter what this would kill one of them and Nighthawk knew it as he knelt down. He started feeling weak as the energy inched closer to him. He gritted his teeth while Phoenix kept his form. Nighthawk panicked, closing his eyes feeling the heat of the energy come at him. He could hear the many thoughts of his past come to be feeling more angered and he opened his eyes hearing what his father told him in the arena. “He…is…not…worthy!” Nighthawk had enough charging his horn and returned the energy back with all he got and in a fall of silence the energy blew up on Phoenix with everything fading to white.
As the dust settled, Nighthawk was walking around examining the damage and saw his black hat dangling on a beam. He picked it up brushing the dust off and sighed looking up at the ruins of Canterlot castle. Penelope chirped laying on his back, feeling winded from what they did. The pony shook his head and heard Comet shout to him.
“NIGHTHAWK! Let's go brother! Invasion force is pushing towards Ponyville!” Comet flew by and sped off as Nighthawk turned around and shed a tear.
“From now…until I die. I will be back.” Nighthawk put on his hat and galloped off leaving Phoenix Blaze’s blade rammed into the ground.
One month later… Time passed and Celestia declared war on a new Equestrian Empire. Out of total surprise this empire not only attacked Canterlot, but several key towns and cities throughout all of Equestria. As planned the remaining Canterlot forces regrouped in Ponyville to fend off an invasion but was pushed back further south to an airbase used as a trade route. Now being utilized as a forward operating base.
Nighthawk was with Celestia and Luna as well as the remaining council members looking at a paper map of Equestria. “How could this have happened? All that time and we waited too long.” Celestia said seeing all the red lines on the map, marking the land now controlled by the Empire.”
Firefly shook his head. “The question is, who is leading this empire? Nighthawk eliminated Captain Blaze who must have controlled the Canterlot campaign.”
Nighthawk listened while looking at the map as Celestia nodded. “Who else can?”
Nighthawk shook his head. “Firefox…”
Celestia looked at Nighthawk as Sunny nodded. “It makes sense.”
She sighed, shaking her head. “For as long as I have lived. “I never expected a war of this magnitude to start. And it will not get better any time soon. I…I just…” She took a breath looking at the group. “We are not gonna be in this war alone. Equestria still stands as a kingdom of harmony. Some disagreed with that harmony and have decided to challenge our authority. As princess I will not stand as a queen. I will stand as a ruler. And we will stand for what we believe in. This war is a new kind of warfare, and prophecy has found this to come true. Let us find victory and light in our time of loss and darkness!”
Nighthawk drew his blade, raising it up high. “Long live Equestria!”
The group drew their blades following suit. “Long live Equestria!”
Up in an airship a pony knocked on a door hearing a dark voice. “Enter.”
The pony walked in, bowing its head. “Sir…the enemy is in hiding. It seems they have challenged our nation.”
The stranger turned around revealing his dark orange eyes. “Very well. Let them know the fear of the Equestrian Empire.” He gave off a dark smile as a war for Equestria had merely begun…