Ch.21

As an earth pony, Scarletthunder found it hard to become a soldier, much less a guard for the royal army; it wasn't the fact that she was a mare, but rather the fact that she wasn't a unicorn or pegasi. Despite the odds against her, she was given a chance by princess Amethyst, who personally took it upon herself to train the young earth pony. Eventually Scarletthunder became a force to be reckoned with; having won many battles, with the least number of casualties, and decorated several times for her great service, it became no surprise that she was given the title of captain. However, as respected as she was, there was always some cocky pony who felt they could take her; Spade, being one of the many who felt this way, took every opportunity to challenge the earth pony leader.

Echo: "(Groans) My body feels like a ton of bricks. I didn't think she was that strong."

Blizzard: "No pony has ever been able to block your spells before. She must be very skilled in magic to reflect it so easily."

Berry: "The doctor said you should be alright in two days; just don't try to use your magic for awhile."

Echo: "(Sighs) You know, this wouldn't have happened if you hadn't said those awful things Spade!"

Spade: "Oh shit off! The damn bitch was stronger than she looked! Its not my fault you guys decided to jump in!"

Blizzard: "And what did you think we were going to do!? Stand around as some unicorn throws you around like a rag doll!? I mean really now; you had to go and say that the princess was screwing her!? That was going to far, Spade!"

Spade: "You know, and I know, that what I said was true! Even the commoners know, along with all the servants in the kingdom!"

Berry: "You could have gotten all of us killed! Who cares if they're sleeping together, its none of our business!"

Scarletthunder: "I agree."

All four mares turned to see their leader standing in the entrance-way; she had finished talking to Moonscar, and was eager to hurry back to her charges.

Scarletthunder: "How are you two doing?"

Echo: "I'm really sore, but I'll be up in no time captain."

Scarletthunder: "No need to push it; we are going to be here awhile to test the new recruits."

Spade: "So what did you do to that damn unicorn?"

Scarletthunder: "Well Spade, let me answer your question with another. Did I or did I not, instruct you not to start any kind of fights while we are here?"

Spade: "So I guess that means 'No'? Figures you would go easy on your former lovers student."

Scarletthunder: "SPADE! How dare you talk to me in such a manner! I should have you whipped and stripped of your rank for disobeying me! You arrogant whelp! Must I teach you a lesson for you to understand!? "

Spade: "You're so willing to cast punishment on me, but you let that bitch of a mare go!?"

Scarletthunder: "Why would I punish her for what you started!? As far as I see, you have gone way too far in how you accused that mare."

Spade: "I told her the truth! Everypony has been talking about her and the princess. It is no secret as to what those two are doing!"

Scarletthunder: "What on earth are you talking about!? What could they possibly be doing that every pony else knows about!?"

Spade: "From what we were told, while you went to go and talk to the king and queen; those two have been really lovey-dovey around every pony . The ponies outside the castle were talking about how happy the princess is when walking around the market with that unicorn; how she smiles, laughs, and even nuzzles her like a love struck foal. We even heard that somepony, spotted the princess giving her a kiss when no soul was around; the servants even confirmed that they have bathed together in the royal bath. The truth is that she is nothing more than the princess's play thing."

Scarletthunder: "(Sighs) There will always be rumors surrounding whom ever the princess is with. The fact that you acted upon such nonsense, is proof of how young you still are, and how much more training you need. As of right now, you are not to leave your quarters till we depart with the new troops."

Spade: "That isn't fair! Why am I the only one being punished!?"

Scarletthunder: "You put your comrades in danger! They were willing to save you, regardless if you were in the wrong! For this, you are being punished! Anymore slip ups, and I'll make sure you go back to boot camp."

Strict as she was, there was no excuse for Spade acting the way she did; had Moonscar lost any control over herself, the unit would have been annihilated. Scarletthunder may not have believed the rumors that were going around, but it did answer some questions in regards to why Celestia seemed so close to the young unicorn. It might have been common for royalty to have whomever they desired, but King Solaris and Queen Faust, might have had different opinions in regards to their daughter having a liaison with somepony like Moonscar. Whatever the case, it was probably best that the king and queen never found out.

Moonscar had calmed down since her talk with Scarletthunder; the only thing left for her now, was to go and find Celestia. It always relaxed her knowing that Celestia was there to listen and give comfort; in a way, she was starting to depend on the princess. While making her way towards the royal hall, Moonscar heard a very familiar voice heading in her direction; it was Luna, in tears, bolting for her room. The little princess ran blindly down the hall, passing Moonscar, who was in shock to see the always cheerful filly, crying so hard that she didn't even seem to notice her.

Moonscar: "Luna? Luna! Wait! What's wrong!?"

Luna: "Leave me alone!"

The princess of the moon locked herself in her room; she did not want to be disturbed, she did not want to be seen, all she wanted to do was disappear.

Moonscar: "(Knocks on door) Luna? Are you alright? Please answer me."

Luna: "(Sobs) Go away Moon. I don't want to talk about it."

Moonscar: "Did somepony hurt? You can tell me anything. Please?"

Luna: "I don't want to be princess of the night!"

Moonscar: "Why not?"

Luna: "No one likes the night. They say I bring all the bad things out. That's not true, it can't be true."

Moonscar: "Luna, its not true. The night has just as much purpose as the sun; they need each other to keep a balance."

Luna: "Everypony says that I bring nightmares to them, that there are evil creatures who only come out at night. I don't want to be the princess of the night anymore."

Moonscar: "Luna? Can you let me in? I want to explain something to you, but I want to do it face to face. Can you open the door?"

A few moments went by without Luna saying anything; a loud clicking sound echoed through the halls as the young alicorn unlocked her door, greeting Moonscar with watery eyes. Luna instinctively buried her face into the unicorns chest, sniffling, and nuzzling the soft brown coat; Moonscar gently stroked the little filly's back, hoping that she would calm down.