Shadows in the dark

Chapter 32

At the Crystal Empire...

Cadence felt like she had the world on her shoulders. She's never had this much responsibility since foalsitting Twilight during her foalhood. Going through reports on the reconstruction progress that was being made and the current condition and welfare of the citizens was more of a daily chore than anything else. Discord wasn't much help. But he did help sort out the reports for her. So you can say he's sort of helping out.

The Princess was in the middle of going through a report on the reconstruction of Ponyville when one of the surviving Pegasi warriors suddenly ran in with a scroll in his mouth. He placed the scroll down and made a quick bow before her. "My lady." he panted. "We've received dire news from Rainbow Falls." He gently nudged the scroll forward.

Using her magic, Cadence brought the scroll to her face and opened it. A few seconds hadn't even past when a look of sheer shock and horror was suddenly plastered on her face. She closed the scroll and stood up from the throne. "Send Squads A and B of our Pegasi forces to Rainbow Falls pronto! We cannot let them succeed this time!"

"Yes, my lady!" The stallion bowed and sped out of the throne room. Running past Discord as he walked through the doors.

"Well excuse me." he said before closing the doors behind him. "What's up with that guy?" he asked while gesturing with his thumb. Without saying anything, Cadence simply handed him the scroll through her magic. Discord casually took the scroll and opened it without hesitation. When he finished he gave Cadence a raised brow.

"So it's technically an S.O.S call from your friends in Rainbow Falls." he said after closing the scroll.

Cadence nodded. "What's worse is that Rainbow Falls is home to our finest fliers. Second to Cloudsdale, of course."

"So I guess our little black unicorn friend from the north is at it again." Discord cupped his chin thoughtfully.

"But this time, we're ready. I'm not going to let Sombra take any more innocent ponies and allow him to change them into either soulless soldiers or victims of slavery." Cadence stomped her hoof on the floor in determination. "I swear by soul he won't."

"So what do you think of boot camp right now? Feels like Tartarus, right?" Star Knight finished with a chuckle when he saw the "you don't say?" look Rainbow Dash gave him.

"I'd rather spend time making the weather than this." Rainbow Dash sighed. "But at least it's for a cause."

Star Knight nodded in silent agreement. They stood side-by-side outside of the mess hall. It was during one of their breaks, so they didn't need to worry about getting in trouble. Since he was already a full fledged member of the Guard, Star Knight was wearing their signature armor. Although he took his helmet off to let his mane flow in the cool breeze.

"It's been a while since we last had a chance to talk." Star Knight said as they looked up at the passing clouds. "I've been so busy with the recovery, that I didn't get a chance to even write to you."

"It's alright." Rainbow Dash waved it off. "I've been busy, too."

The blue pegasus suddenly found herself heating up slightly. She looked away from his face and towards the sky in case she was blushing. Okay, Dash. This is your chance to finally stop being a nervous bitch, and admit your feelings to this stallion. You might not get another opportunity like this!

"Are you alright, Dash? Your face is a little red." Star Knight said with a hint of concern.

Rainbow Dash's ears shot up, Crap! She turned her head over to Star Knight and gave him an assuring smile. Although it wasn't enough to hide the faint blush on her cheeks. "I-I'm fine. Really." she said. But Star Knight didn't buy it. Instead he gave the impression like he didn't want to push the subject further. "Alrighty then." he hummed. Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes at him. She opened her mouth to say something, but was suddenly cut off when the intercom suddenly came to life.