Sunrise

King Cosmos departed at dawn, as Queen Galaxia's horn glowed, and the sun rose slowly above the horizon line in a stunning sunrise.

"For you," Queen Galaxia smiled, the dancing pink and gold lights reflected in her eyes.

"I assure you the stars will be more stunning tonight," King Cosmos challenged, and Galaxia laughed.

"Stay safe," Celestia whispered. "I don't care how beautiful the stars are… just come home, okay?"

"Of course, my little princess," King Cosmos promised, hugging her close.

"Don't forget our deal!" Luna warned, fluttering over and giving her father a nuzzle.

"I wouldn't dream of," King Cosmos smiled. "But remember your side of the deal."

"I will!" Luna bounced up and down. "I'll keep them both safe!"

"I don't need you to keep me safe!" Celestia cried, leaping at Luna.

In a flash of light, Luna disappeared and reappeared behind Cosmos' wing. "Save me father!" she laughed as Celestia charged at her again, her horn glowing with golden light.

"Now, now," Queen Galaxia scolded gently. "This isn't the way to say farewell to your father, is it?"

King Cosmos chuckled. "No, let them play," he patted Celestia's mane. "I prefer to remember them this way… carefree and playful, not—" the king hesitated, and Queen Galaxia's composure shattered as she choked out a sob.

"Come home to us," she whispered hoarsely.

"Of course, I will!" King Cosmos put on a brave, but unconvincing smile. The alicorn king spread his majestic dark wings, and he gave each alicorn on last kiss. "I must leave now… the troops can wait no longer… and I am sure Ares will be there to cause more havoc."

"Then go…" Queen Galaxia breathed. "Fast as the wind."

"Galaxia, never forget everything we've done together, Celestia, always remember to stay kind and fair, and Luna… always stay playful and free but know when to become serious." King Cosmos bowed his head to his family one last time, then the dark alicorn spread his wings and soared away.


"Your Majesty!" Commander Comet, a speckled blue and black alicorn bowed low at his hooves. "A wonder it is to see you! It really is!"

"It is an honor to see you here," Commander Triopas added respectfully.

"It is a pleasure to see you fine commanders today," King Cosmos smiled slightly. "Now, what are our current standings in the war?"

The two commanders exchanged glances. "We've had little success against the draconequuses past the Springbrook Meadow, but we have had major success against the draconequuses east of the Oconee Stream. Most of the draconequuses there have been destroyed or have fled," Commander Comet said.

"Good," King Cosmos nodded, pleased. "How exactly did you win these battles with the draconequuses of the Oconee?"

"Perhaps we were lucky, Your Majesty," Commander Triopas admitted. "When we attacked in the thick of night, we found little to no resistance... and many of the draconequuses were sleeping and disoriented."

King Cosmos frowned thoughtfully. "The draconequuses are usually very aware... as they can sense your magical approach... but if my information is correct... I am sure that draconequuses sleep very little... so perhaps you were very lucky."

"So what do you propose, Your Majesty?" Commander Triopas asked hesitantly.

King Cosmos thought for a moment. "I suggest you send two spies to look over the draconequuses' camp. They must determine the exact hour the draconequuses sleep, and that is the moment to attack."

"But the draconequuses can sense their magic," Commander Comet protested. "How will they go unnoticed?"

"Ah, now here is the risky bit," King Cosmos sighed. "They must give their magic to another alicorn to keep safe for them while they are away."

Commander Triopas gasped. "But... but... how will they be able to defend themselves?"

"If they are successful," King Cosmos said, "they won't need to."

"That's far too dangerous!" Commander Comet protested. "No offense, of course, Your Majesty."

"Then what else can we do?" King Cosmos seemed undeterred by the commander's lack of support. "Your only successful attack has been when the draconequuses are asleep, but we don't know exactly when the draconequuses sleep."

Commander Triopas frowned. "I suppose I see your point..."

"War cannot go without casualties," King Cosmos reminded the two commanders. "The reason I have come... is to fight alongside you and your soldiers."

"But what of your court?" Commander Comet gaped.

King Cosmos unfurled his wings. "I am afraid all of them have gone with Ares and formed a new colony... along with the remaining reinforcements I had planned to deploy."

"H-how could he do such a foolish thing?" Triopas seemed at a loss for words. "Private Ares is not a foolish alicorn... I can't believe he would... not at this time..."

King Cosmos sighed. "What's done is done... we can not remained consumed in the past, we most look ahead to the future."

"Then I will send my fastest and smartest soldiers to fulfill this duty," Commander Comet said. "At once."

"Good," King Cosmos nodded in satisfaction. "I suggest one of them to be Hermes of the First Army... I have heard many rumors of his daring and swift spirit."

"Of course," Commander Triopas nodded. "And perhaps Ajax."

"Yes," Comet agreed. "Ajax is one of the fastest messengers we have."

"Then we must issue this new strategy immediately, the camp must lie low until the two spies return, and I suggest moving it for good measure," King Cosmos ordered. "I want to two alicorns to leave at noon."