Solar Beginnings

Chapter 18

I made my way to RD's office, knowing exactly what I wanted to request. It'd be hard to get it, but I had to get it, no matter what. When I arrived, I knocked on the door to her quarters, and when I heard the unmissable "Enter!" I opened the door and walked in, saluting her. "What do you need, Summer?" She asked me.

I took a deep breath, let it out slowly, then began. "Ma'am, I need a week's leave. There's something back home I need to sort out, and I can't do it from here." I told her. I watched as her face hardened, and her gaze gained a sort of fire that hadn't been there before.

"Why would I give you that leave? With you gone the changeling's would only advance on us, and we could lose a lot of ground. Do you really think I'd just give you that leave when we desperately need you here?" She asked me. And I knew the answer.

"Yes, I do. As far as I'm aware, I'm pretty valuable here, and if I were to quit because personal matters need my attention, that'd look bad on you that you were the reason I was out of this military." I said with a smirk. I knew that I had a solid argument, but I had to get home. I had to see Blue and Kate. For the past week, my being used as intimidation and a weapon instead of an actual pony was driving me crazy, and I couldn't take being treated differently any longer.

"I see how it's gonna be. In that case, if you want out of here, you've gotta get through me!" She said as she darted in front of the door.

These ponies are way too protective of me. And that's going to cost them! I threw myself forward, and barreled into RD's side, a smile crossing my face when I saw her lose her balance and fall over. I took my opportunity to run outside and fly, but by the time I heard RD's order to get me back, even she had to know I was too far away to catch.

I flew back to Canterlot, and landed outside of the castle with a thud. Of course the guards moved aside for me, both because I was a soldier and because they could see the fury in my eyes. I walked into the throne room, and bowed to Kate and Blue. The confusion they had was obvious.

"Summer, what are you doing here?! You should be on the battlefield!" Kate said.

"That's just the problem! Because of my power I can't be on the battlefield! I'm not treated like a pony, I'm treated like a weapon! I want to be treated and valued the same as every other pony, but RD keeps such a tight grip around me that I ended up having to fight to leave! I WANT IT TO STOP!" I yelled. They knew I meant no disrespect, but the guards outside didn't. They rushed in, and only stopped when Blue raised her hoof to them, signaling them to stop.

"Summer, I understand your frustration. So, with that said, what do you want done about it?" Blue asked me. I knew exactly what I wanted, because I knew there was truly one pony who would treat me as an equal.

"I want to switch companies to Twilight Sparkle's. I'm sure she'll treat me the same as everyone else. And if she doesn't, I don't know what I'll do." I said.

"I'll contact Twilight and ask her if she minds, though I'm sure she won't mind such powerful backup. And I'm sure she'll treat you how you wish to be treated." Blue said.

"Yes. Until then, the guards will show you to your room here in the castle. Rainbow Dash will likely show up soon wanting to know where you are-" Kate was cut off as the door opened, and RD stepped into the room and bowed..

"Princesses, I'm here to bring my soldier back to base. He left without authorization, and should be lucky I don't hold him accountable for his actions too harshly." RD told Kate and Blue.

Blue stood up and spoke. "Actually, RD, Summer Flare is hereby relieved from your company. You have treated him unfairly, and thus he will be swapped from your company to another one as soon as possible." She told RD.

The fire in RD's gaze was unmistakable, but she hid her fury. "Alright, but when we lose the front we're holding, don't blame me. It was YOUR call, and you made the wrong one." She said to the princesses before storming out.

Kate turned back to me. "As I was saying, once Twilight gets back to Bluebell, we'll let you know. Guards, show him to his room." Kate said. Guards came up on both sides of me, and let me take the lead, vocally directing me to where I would stay for the next week and a half.

Finally, everything could go how I need it to in order to be my best self!