Night Blade looked at Star seriously as he put his fore hooves together, "You are here because we need to discuss an issue."
"What issue is that?"
"The issue is...about getting rid of a certain pegasus."
"Well I'm sure once I capture him, he'll rot in the dungeon or..."
Night raised his hoof to signal Star to stop. "No...I don't mean it in that way Star."
"Then what way could you...no, you can't be serious."
Night nodded and pointed to each one of them, "We're going to kill Crimson Shadow and get rid of him once and for all."
"You can't be serious about this...I'm supposed to capture him and let him get his punishment by trial. That's my job as a royal guard!"
"That WAS your job as royal guard! You're retired and no longer are obligated to catch him!" Night shouted.
"It's still wrong, he is only to be captured not killed."
"He killed hundreds..no thousands...of ponies across equestria and who knows how many beyond our land!"
"You're one to talk Night Blade! You're the reason I have no family and our kingdom was gone!"
Night slammed his hooves on the table angrily, "You had just as much to do with it as I did! I just did what you wanted but never had the guts to do! I took out that bastard of a father, the kingdom was merely collateral damage!"
"Collateral damage?! What about my sister, Night Blade?Our sister? Was she collateral damage too?!"
"ENOUGH!" Roared Nova and the two Alicorns fell silent, glaring at one another.
"We are all to blame for all our mistakes because we're all part of each other. Now stop bickering and focus on the task at hand!"
The stallions huffed but nodded in agreement as he continued.
"Listen Star Shield, I know you don't like to kill anypony but if he isn't dead then he may be more trouble in the future."
"But to kill another pony...I've killed for survival and for protection yet Crimson..." Star started before being cut off by Night.
"...has killed thousands without hesitation and is one of the most wanted ponies in equestria."
"Shut up Night Blade, I know what he's done...I want to make him pay but to kill him would make us no better than him." Said Star, struggling to keep from having to kill him and ending this or just capture him and possibly risk him escaping to harm more innocent lives.
"For the moment, just think about the decision on what to do regarding Crimson Shadow. After all,this isn't a decision to be quick on." Nova said as he saw the look on Star's face showing how he struggled.
Star heard and simply nodded to what Nova said. Night Blade was about to protest but figured it wouldn't do any good. Star stood up and bid them farewell before waking up at 3am in the morning with Celestia holding him like a stuffed animal.
Star didn't want to wake her up so he stared at the ceiling, the thought on how to deal with Crimson remained in his head. This would definitely make this week that much harder.
~Twelve hours later, 3:00pm, four days to departure ~
Star was sitting on his bed still trying to solve the issues he was currently dealing with. He had yet to see Twilight or Cadence since they chased after Twilight. He had to prepare for his introduction as Prince of Equestria as he knew Celestia would probably still make him reveal himself. And now,he had to think about the best way to deal with Crimson Shadow.
For now, he figured he had to check up on Twilight and Cadence. He got off his bed and walked to the door then opened it to find the two ponies he was just about to look for as Cadence tapped his snout,thinking the door was still closed until she gasped and set her hoof down.
"I'm so sorry Star, I didn't realize you opened the door already." Cadence said as she kissed his snout.
He smiled, "It's alright Cady, I was actually about to go looking for the two of you."
"Why? Did something happen Star?"
Star stepped aside and allowed them to enter as he replied, "Nothing happened Cadence, I was just going to look for you two because I was worried about you and Twilight."
"We're fine Star..." Cadence began as Twilight walked past the two and climbed onto Star's bed. She frowned and sighed sadly, "...but Twilight still feels sad about you leaving. She's taking it very hard and she even blames herself for it because she thinks she did something wrong to push you away."
"I'll talk to her Cadence, you can go to the balcony. I think she and I need to have this talk in private."
"I understand, I hope you're able to get through to her." She kissed his cheek and walked out to the balcony. Star closed the door and walked towards his bed where Twilight laid on her belly with the pillow over her head to hide her muffled cries. He hated to see the unicorn so sad and even worse that he caused her this sadness. He climbed up and sat beside her.
"Twilight...?", he asked while gently touching her back. "Can we please talk?"
Twilight remained silent but removed the pillow off her head then sat up. Her eyes red and already beginning to swell.
He frowned and draped one of his wings around her to bring her close to him. Feeling his wings was starting to make her feel better until it reminded her that he'd be gone soon.
"Twilight, I know you don't want me to go but I'm not leaving you forever. You'll see me again someday and we can catch up..."
Twilight hugged him around his waist tightly, holding back from crying again. "But why do you have to go? Why can't you stay here with me and Cadence? Why can't we stay together?"
"As much as I would want that, I can't stay here. It'd be dangerous for you and everypony here if I were to stay here."
"...but you can save us from the danger,can't you? Then you don't have to leave and we can all be together..." Said Twilight, clinging to any hopes of Star Shield being able to stay.
Sadly, Star shook his head and held her close. "I'm sorry Twilight...but I won't be able to...trust me, it is a better solution for me to be away from everypony during this time than to remain here and pose as a danger to their lives."
As much as Twilight didn't want it to happen, she knew he was only doing this for her and everypony else. The sad expression and the pain in his eyes when she looked into them said it all.
"Okay...if it really is the only option then I understand. But Star...?"
"Yeah? What is it?"
"Can I write you...while you're away?"
He smiled and nodded, "Sure, as long as it doesn't get in the way of your studies."
"It won't, thank you Star." Twilight hugged him and he returned the affection.
"You're welcome Twi...so are we going to have a sleepover in two nights like we promised?"
"Of course Star, I want to spend as much time with you as possible."
"Alright, now why don't you go keep Cadence company? I have to check on something quickly."
"Okay, hurry back Star!" She gave him a quick hug then rushed out to the balcony to be with Cadence. They smiled and looked back at Star, waving.
He waved back then dressed up in a black suit and tie as he walked out of his room. With all the thoughts and decisions he felt he had to make, he thought maybe a quick training session would relax him. It was a short three minute walk down to the training arena.
As he walked through the double door entrance of the arena, he saw ponies practicing different moves on the mats, lifting weights, doing chin ups on bars, push ups,sit ups, and more. His eyes focused near the back of the arena where there was a large crowd gathered around the square ring usually used for wrestling and sparring meaning there was something going on. He made his way over,pushing through the crowd until he got to the front and saw what was happening.
He saw the gray coat of his brother,Cloud Zapper, stained with blood as he dove down for an aerial kick then stopped as his opponent grabbed his extended hind leg and used the momentum to throw him to the ground hard. The opponent was a white unicorn with a cutie mark of a shield with a six pointed star on it. Star knew who it was easily by the cutie mark, it was Shining Armor.
Shining seemed slightly out of breath but other than a few bruises and minor injuries, he was fine. However, as Cloud got back up for another fight, Star noticed that Cloud was battered,bruised, and looked like he was reaching his limit. Cloud didn't seem willing to give up however as he charged towards Shining with all the speed he could muster.
The injuries he sustained were clearly having an affect on him as Shining easily dodged him by leaping above Cloud then struck the back of his hand with a powerful magic blast. Cloud was sent skidding across the ring, unconscious and barely breathing. Star watched as his brother's body laid so still which brought forth memories of his past...memories he had tried forgetting about so long.
Along with those memories came something else, an unbridled anger for which Night Blade was first formed of. Star could barely contain it as he climbed onto the ring. Those who were just recruits may not have noticed but those who have worked with Star knew just by the serious look on his face,the slow steps he took, and the heavy air pressure around Star that those who end up against him will have to be lucky to live.
Star walked over to Cloud and levitated him with his magic, making sure his brother still had life in him. Shining seeing Star Shield was focused on Cloud decided it was time to for some payback and sent multiple magic attacks directed at him,causing dust and debris to fly as it hit the ground. However, as the dust cleared, what was left was a small crater but no Star. Everypony looked around and saw Cloud being being carried off by two fellow guards the castle doctor then spotted Star near the ceiling,floating with his magic, with a red tint in his eyes that nopony seemed to notice. Then in an instant, he was gone.
He quickly reappeared beside Shining in which he only had enough time to glance at Star before being sent flying to the other side by a powerful uppercut to his jaw and a small magic blast. Shining smashed into the wall, instantly unconscious with a broken jaw and broken ribs. There was a dead silence as the rest of the guards were unsure on what to do or even what to think of their former commander. The way Star moved and took out Shining was so unreal, it was downright terrifying to think somepony would be able to do that so easily.
Star looked around and walked towards the exit as he spoke calmly, "I suggest you stop staring and help your fellow guard before his health worsens...Now." All the new recruits and some veterans went running to help Shining to avoid ending up like him. One who didn't was one of the few female guards named Swift was a pegasus with a light gray coat, a sliver and blue flame like mane and tail, and a cutie mark of a white feather in the center of a tornado. She currently wore the royal guard's gold armor and gold shoes but no helmet. She followed Star out the door to talk to him.
Swift had admired Star since she was a recruit because he treated her just like any guard. He gave no special treatment nor did he judge by her gender. He would always make it clear that if anypony needed help that they could write to him or visit him if he isn't too busy in which she did at times. She wrote him every week and they had even started trained together every month. It was a year and a half since she first met him and in that time, he seemed like a very peaceful,calm, and good pony. It was very surprising to her to see what he did though she did understand why he did it. She just didn't think he'd be so...quick and brutal. It was like seeing another side of him. Meanwhile, Star Shield was lost in his thoughts.
'What did you do Star Shield? Why did you do that?' , Spoke Nova sternly.
'So he would know that you do not mess with my family.'
'But was doing it with such force really that necessary to get your message across?'
'Oh come on, He should be grateful he's only unconscious.I would have ended him in one blow.' Replied Night Blade.
'Yes and that's why I don't want you in control. Even if my anger causes you to control me slightly, I'm not going to kill Shining Armor. He's still a guard and Twilight's brother thus I will not end his life. Especially not when she'll need all the ponies she can get to help her with my leaving her...'
Star broke from his thoughts as he heard hoofsteps approaching him. Swift Wind walked beside him and touched his shoulder, "Commander..I mean..Star, what happened to you?"
"What do you mean Swift? I merely helped my brother get some medical attention."
"Star, you know what I mean...you may have helped your brother but you also almost killed Shining," Swift said with concern and worry.
Star sighed and stopped to look at Swift directly, "I simply lost my temper Swift. Trust me, I wasn't going to kill him...I was merely showing everypony not to hurt my family. Now can we please forget it?"
"Of course not! The way you were with him wasn't like you Star Shield and you seem to be hiding something from me and I want to know what it is!"
"What happens in my life is my business Swift now back off and leave me alone."
"No."
"No? Are you seriously questioning your superior?"
"You are no longer my superior...I'm just worried about what is going on with you...we all have been worried since you've reawakened from your coma."
Star turned and began walking, "Fine come with me...I'll be going to check on my brother at the Canterlot hospital. I'll tell you both what's happened and what's going to happen, understood?"
"Yes, understood sir." Swift smiled slightly and followed him to the hospital. Though, she couldn't shake the feeling something wasn't right about the stallion...that perhaps Star Shield is evil, a monster, or even...the Crimson Shadow everypony has been trying to find.
Later, from a cloud floating near the castle library, Crimson watched with binoculars as Star Shield and Swift Wind made flew off to the hospital then and grinned as he looked down at Twilight reading another book as Spike was organizing.
"Hmm such a perfect opportunity to take somepony he holds precious...perhaps it'll help him realize to see things my way." He waited as the guards patrolling passed by then dropped down swiftly.
He easily made his way inside through the open door. Spike only had enough time to turn and see a dark silhouette before being knocked out.
"Spike! Can you get me the history of Equestria again?! I think I may have missed something!", said Twilight nonchalantly as she finished her last page of the current book. When she got no response, she was going to turn until she felt something cold and sharp touch her throat.
"Make a sound or use your magic and I'll end yours and the dragon's life, understand?" Spoke Crimson in a whisper.
Twilight nodded and felt a metal bracket get put on her neck then felt the sharp object moved away from her throat. She got up and saw a hooded pony with red eyes and an unconscious Spike on his back. The pony pulled a small pouch filled with pink dust. He took some of it and blew it on her face. Twilight sneezed and felt her vision get blurry before she closed her eyes and fell asleep.
Crimson picked her up and placed her on his back, "Let's see Star Shield try to come after me now." He chuckled darkly then left a note on the floor and used a special purple potion to become invisible for a minute then flew off as fast as he could.
~Canterlot hospital, 7:00pm, 4 days till departure~
Hours later, as Star Shield finished telling his brother and Swift about his situation before a tired brown pegasus guard came running at the entrance.
"Star Shield! You have to come quick!" Said the exhausted guard.
"I'm trying to be here for my brother. Any royal duties can wait a while." Said Star sternly as he stood by his brother's side.
"No! It's about Twilight Sparkle and Spike! They've been taken!"
"What?! Who took them?!"
"We don't know, there was only a note saying 'Come and get me Commander Star' found on the floor in the library."
Star stomped his hooves on the floor, "That cursed pony! Send out every available unit to scour the northern and western parts of equestria!"
"Yes sir!" Shouted the guard as he saluted and went back to the castle. Swift and Cloud looked up at Star Shield concerned.
"I suppose you're coming out of retirement now," Said Swift.
"Yes I am, he's not getting away with this. Will you be alright, Cloud?" Star asked as he looked over his brother by heart.
"I'll be fine Star Shield, you just go and find them. They need you right now." Replied Cloud with a smile and raised his hoof out to the Alicorn.
Star smiled and hoof bumped his brother, "Thank you brother, I promised I'll find them and be here as soon as I can. Come on Swift!"
Star and Swift left the hospital in a rush leaving the pegasus alone in the room. Cloud smiled and closed his eyes, "Good luck bro...I know you can do it...", and with that he fell asleep.