Cadence continued to look out from the window of the Crystal Castle, looking down to all the ponies walking along and socializing as Celestia's sun continued to set. The throne room was quiet, absent of delegates, guards, and other employees of the Empire. She had requested it after receiving another of Celestia's letters. This time with information of the raiders sailing north, a possible threat of invasion on their end. There was also more information about the E.U.P. newly forming another legion to match against the growing threat, and another being formed and would be ready within two to three months. She needed to be alone after reading the letter. Her mind needed clearness from other voices.

It had been more than two months since the invasion of Equestria started, and at the moment the invaders were winning major battles which put Equestria at risk of further invasion. Cadence did not think of it being large-scale at the time, but after the fall of Las Pegasus which resulted in the decimation of the western E.U.P. cohort, it had changed her view. It wasn't just small skirmishes against rowdy pirates, it was total war against an army from an unknown nation. From that point on, she pondered to herself everyday whether or not the Crystal Army should be sent to assist. There was already a general consensus about the war, and it was to stay out of the conflict which did not involve the Empire.

The idea of isolationism ran through everypony within the Empire. The past history, both edited and unedited, had many parts of the Empire being in war for almost any reasons, the last full-scale war being when Sombra was in power. After the Empire's return and the history of Sombra's actions being taught, everypony desired to make a future where the Empire was at peace with everycreature. And with the recent and almost successful takeover attempt by Sombra once more, it drove the pacifist mind even more. Of course in the minority, there are those who wish for the Empire to return to their once full military might. However it all falls on deaf ears, and it is one of the topics that is brought up to Cadence about the army.

At most, she had six thousand ready to be deployed, and another twelve who were reservists that could be called upon. Five cohorts, or three thousand guards, were far east still making their way here to the capital after completing their routine training. Their arrival wouldn't be for another two days, and after a day of rest, another week for them to join their other five cohorts who were already on their way. Her decision of movement of forces was unpopular, most criticizing that it would look as if they were to join the war and make the Empire the next target. She would ignore the criticism, knowing it was better to be protected than steamrolled if invasion did occur.

A knock on the doors took her from her thoughts as she turned to the direction. "Enter," she called out. One of her scouts entered the room, she gasped and quickly walked over to the mare. "What did you find out? Where is your partner?"

The mare took off her helmet. "We were discovered only moments after we made our departure from the outskirts of San Pranciscolt. He had stayed behind in order for me to escape. I am unsure if he was captured or..."

"I see…" Cadence said. "I will put out a notice in case he returns or we find him."

The mare nodded, clearing her throat before continuing. "The raiders are from a nation called the Tripartite Alliance. And from the looks of it, their numbers continue to grow every other day. They're sending ships back and forth bringing more raiders and supplies through Las Pegasus. The army buildup there is twice as large than what they have currently at the front. Further back to Los Ungulas, it looks as if they are repairing the city with few of their ambassadors overlooking it."

"They're planning to annex the city?"

"From the looks of it, yes, your highness."

Cadence pondered for a moment about what she had listened to. "Do you know of any ships sailing north?"

"No, your highness. Should I have known?"

"No, no, you did as instructed."

"There is one thing I noticed when flying by Seaddle upon my return. There was a creature standing by Princess Celestia, the two speaking as if they knew each other well."

"Creature?" Cadence questioned. Immediately, an idea popped up in her mind. "Was it standing on two legs and stood taller than Princess Celestia? Or if anything, could be taller than a minotaur?"

The mare remained silent, thinking of what she saw. "Yes, I believe so. It was nothing like I've seen before."

"No horns, tail, or anything you would expect? Bare skin?"

"Nothing of the sort other than being able to see the skin where the armor doesn't cover, your highness."

Auntie, who do you have with you? "Thank you for your report. You may rest now."

"May you have a good evening, your highness," the mare said, bowing before leaving the room.

Cadence turned around walking back to the window, not noticing somepony else entering the room. She stared out, debating if another human could have been reborn like many years ago when Celestia's swordsman entered their world. If it is true, she needs to see the human for she has many questions. She was pulled out from her thoughts as she felt somepony fall onto her. Hearing his laughter, she calmed down and groaned in annoyance. "Shining! What the hay!?"

"Did somepony get scared?" He laughed, moving off her.

She turned to face him. "Not funny."

"I missed you at dinner. What are you looking at?" He asked, walking up to the window.

"Nothing, I was just thinking." Cadence let out a sigh, joining him. "So much is happening with Auntie. She sent another letter wondering if we're going to help."

"And your response?"

"I haven't sent one."

Shining hummed to himself. "It is difficult to decide knowing the majority of the population doesn't want conflict. Even the support of the army is low which is, well, it sucks. Morale is low because of it."

"Is it right? To leave Auntie to deal with the problem on their own. I know we were granted total independence two years ago but still."

"Of course not. If we were the ones being invaded, they'd come to our aid in a heartbeat."

"About that…"

Shining looked at her with concern. "Don't tell me."

"It's not confirmed, but in the latest letter sent by Auntie she wrote that there are ships sailing north." She brought up the letter with her magic and gave it to him, letting him read.

"This is serious. I-"

"I've already sent orders for our active legion to head west."

"Oh." Shining scratched his head. "You're one hoof ahead of me."

"As always. But I do know you do your best when it comes to our military." She started to walk towards the doors to exit the throne room, Shining following by her side. "Have you seen Flurry today?"

"Flurry? I thought that you had seen her," said Shining.

The two stopped. "Wait. What do you mean by that?"

"She told me that she had asked you permission to go travel to Manehatten with her friends. She even said two guards would be following her and they agreed to what she had said."

"What!? I never gave her such permission!"

Shining groaned, facehoofing. "Oh Tartarus, not again. She can't be running off like this. Especially now!"

"I'll send a few guards to Manehatten to locate and bring her back home."

"I'll join those guards. She's going to get a serious talk when I find her."

However, far west within one of the cohorts through the calm frost, Flurry's carriage followed in the rear of the cohorts. Inside was warm and comfortable for a princess, but was empty of passengers. Instead, Flurry was in the front marching as the main lead, and she had also brought along two of her personal guards. Or in their case, had to go to protect her from any harm.

Instead of wearing her personal armor that was made for her to signify her status, she wore the armor which would have been issued to a regular guard in the army. The only exception she had was that of her rapier, which she brought with her. She took a deep breath, removing her helmet and hooking it onto the side of her armor. "Isn't it nice to have some fresh air and space from the castle."

"Princess, I insist we return back to the Crystal Castle. It is not safe for you to be out here at a time like this," said the lavender earth stallion.

"I agree with Charming Bling, princess. With our neighbor in conflict there is a possible chance that their invaders may come north here," said the turquoise pegasus mare.

"Charming Bling, Starred Eclipse, there is a reason why I had brought you two along. Do you know what that reason is?"

"To serve and protect the daughter of the Princess of Love, which is you Princess Flurry Heart," they both said in unison.

Flurry started to giggle. "You hear what you two said? 'To serve'. Meaning you both will be along side me, which also means I'll be safe. But of course if we do happen to get attacked, you will join me to fight alongside all the soldiers here."

"Fight? Forgive me, princess, but this isn't like the many competitions you've participated in," said Charming.

"I know. You forgot to mention me winning them all," said Flurry. "Think about it this way: A princess accompanying the army is much a morale booster in a nation that doesn't really support it. The ponies there don't know what they want. Some go as far as wanting the dissolution of the Crystal Army. Bunch of idiots they are."

"Controversial to say princess, but true," agreed Eclipse.

"Still, you must be careful, princess," Charming warned.

"Relax," Flurry said, swaying her hoof. "If anything, it's those invaders that need to be careful if they dare to challenge us. And if that day comes, we sure as Tartarus are going to invade them back!" She hopped and flew up in the center of cohorts. "All of you, what is your duty!"

"To protect the Empire!" Many yelled out, not expecting to have to respond at this time.

"And if we are attacked, what will we do?"

"Push them back!"

Flurry started laughing. "We will drive them back all the way to where they came!"

Both Charming and Eclipse looked on seeing their princess continue to rile up the army with motivation. "She has more determination and fire than her parents," said Eclipse.

"Yeah. But what is concerning is her ambitions are like Sombra's," said Charming, watching her laugh loudly as the army cheered on.