Both ponies looked ready to tear each other apart. As their blades clashed on the first attack, a shockwave was emitted from the impact. Crimson smiled and in a blur, both ponies flew in the air; they moved so quick that the only way anypony could know where they were was by the loud booms created each time they collided.

Seeing as he couldn't get the upper hand, Star Shield decided using his magic to send a flurry of blasts at Crimson. He was surprised when he saw the dark pony standing nearly unharmed and a big grin on his face.

"What's wrong Star? Is that your best shot? If it is then I must say I'm disappointed in you."

'What?! He should be dead or at least barely alive.' Thought Star Shield shocked to see his attack unable to harm the pegasus. The dark pony immediately dashed up and swung his blade rapidly towards Star Shield. The Alicorn could barely dodge and keep up as he was getting repeatedly cut from Crimson's blade.

'Star Shield, you may destroy him with your magic but he's too fast for you to get him. You need to enhance our body so that we will be at par with Crimson or else we're just wasting stamina and energy in which he'll eventually kill us.'

'I'll try Nova but how can I concentrate long enough to do it when I'm too busy trying not to get sliced in two!' Shouted Star Shield in his head as Crimson's blade narrowly missed his throat.

"Come on Star Shield, I expect better from the commander of the royal guard. Give me a little competition or else it won't be any fun killing you."

Star Shield teleported away just as Crimson's blade slashed the air where the Alicorn was. Star reappeared down on the ground panting and trying to focus on a speed enhancement spell he had learned years ago. However, the bright glow of his magical aura made it easy for Crimson Shadow. He grinned and folded his wings as he dove down at high speed towards the alicorn.

'Star Shield you need to move right now or you're going to get killed!'

'I just a couple more seconds Nova!'

'Jump away NOW!'

Star leaped into the air as the tip of Crimson's blade cut across his left eye. However, that wasn't all as the pegasus landed on the ground then used his agility to quickly leap up and over Star Shield. He turned in mid air and Star looked up only to feel the force of Crimson's hind leg hitting right into his chest and send him crashing back to the ground.

Crimson went for the kill, aiming his blade at Star's chest. However before the blade could hit, he was kicked from the side and into a tree across the field. When he managed to recover, he saw Star's brother helping the battered alicorn up.

"You're going to be okay brother, just hold on. We have Twilight back so we're going to go..." Cloud put one of his brother's front hooves around his shoulder and they began to fly slowly away.

"Thank you Cloud, I'm glad to hear that..." Star managed to say weakly before coughing,still feeling the force of the kick.

Crimson shouted in anger and flew after them, "Get back here and die Star Shield!" He swung his blade high and aimed for the gray pegasus but Star Shield using the magic he was going to use for his spell, sent forth a bright ball of light as bright as the sun itself that blinded Crimson Shadow. When he was able to see again, the two brothers were long gone.

"You may have gotten lucky this time Star Shield but next time, I will get rid of you. I swear I'll end you and everypony that you care about." He left to rest and heal himself as well as to see if his own brother was nearby. If he was then he could get his help in taking out Star Shield but if he wasn't then he only hoped he was somewhere else. He's the only family he's got, even if his unicorn brother is a bit of an annoying pest. Either way, just so long as he's alive then that's all that matters.

Meanwhile, on their way back to the Canterlot castle, Swift and Cloud fly as fast as they can. Spike and Twilight, dirty and slightly bruised having been rescued successfully now sat worried beside Star Shield. Shining tried to figure out what was going on as the alicorn was shifting between pony and dragon. At times, he would have different mixes of both but it appeared to cause him pain as the shifts continued. It could also be his injuries but there was no way to be certain yet.

Star's body would back away involuntarily from the others on the as if afraid that he may hurt them as he argued in his head with Nova, 'Nova, what's wrong with me? Why am I feeling so much pain? Why am I not returning to normal?!'

'Because we aren't fully compatible...your body is not accustomed to the sudden power of myself. It could simply be that your injuries may have caused this disruption, your body is fighting back the dragon that's in you because of me, or it could be...'Nova was then interrupted by one who had been quiet since they left for the everfree forest, Night Blade.

'It could be that you just can't handle three different souls with strong power behind each one.'

'Night Blade?! What in equestria do you want now?! You still think you can take over my body?!'

'I do but I didn't come to argue about that all over again even though I could take you over considering how Crimson just kicked your flank.'

'Get to your point Night Blade, this is no time for your antics!' Nova yelled out getting irked by how Night Blade showed up and interrupted him.

'Calm down Nova or you're going to kill everyone in the chariot. Star has been able to contain his power more or less for a millenia but now with you showing up and that killer releasing me to almost my full power...well I'd say his body can't handle so much extra power.'

'As much as I hate to say it, I believe you do have a point. How do we resolve this until we can avoid doing something destructive?'

'Simple...pour our spiritual power somewhere else...like special gems, weapons or even a certain armor we have.'

Star thought about it, he knew that it was possible to place one or both of them inside. The armor would be the most useful as he could call on their power when necessary and he remembered there was a empty slot on the chestplate that'd be perfect for a gem to go in but he wasn't so sure about wearing the armor. It was powerful and covered his body but it was also an armor that brought back glimpses of the past...the flames...the burning...the screaming.

He shook his head free from the thoughts and the two that reside within him. He looked as they approached the castle, how the sun was setting, and that Spike and Twilight had fallen asleep. Spike was sleeping curled up on one side of Star Shield as Twilight cuddled on his other side, using the nearest wing as a blanket.

Shining armor noticed he was up when he groaned lightly. "Not feeling too good there Commander Shield?"

Star smiled lightly and nodded, "Yes but I'll live...how about you? Any pain at all?"

Shining stretched his limbs and shook his head. "I'm fine, thanks to that weird potion thing you gave me though I still need to pay you back for what you did."

"I'll admit I did go a little far but perhaps we can have a fair match. I won't use my wings and I'll keep my magic to a minimum."

"It's alright, I'd go a little crazy if I saw anypony hurting my sister. I apologized to your brother for being so hard on him, I was stressed and annoyed from losing to you so much...now I know why I couldn't get an upper hand."

They landed just in front of the main entrance to the castle in which Swift and Cloud uncoupled from the chariot and listened in on the conversation between the two stallions.

Star chuckled and shrugged, "At least you don't have to be so hard on yourself. For a unicorn, you're quite formidable Shining Armor. If you keep training hard like you do, you might even prove as strong as me and we can spar to see how far you've come along. You have the potential to be a great guard and a strong leader so never give up and work hard. That goes for all of you..."

Shining, Swift, and Cloud nodded in agreement. "We promise we won't sir, we'll train hard and make you and the princesses proud of us." Shining Armor stepped out and stood beside the two pegasi guards as all three saluted to Star Shield. Even the castle guards nearby gave a salute to their commander.

Star levitated Twilight and Spike with his magic then saluted back. "I know I have less than two days left here but I was glad to have you under my command and I can't wait to see you all again." With that, Star flew up to find Cadence and Celestia to tell them the good news.

~Canterlot Castle, The throne room, 6:48pm, Celestia's POV~

It was starting to get late and we haven't seen or heard about the rescue mission. Twilight's parents were here with me. Cadence and I have been trying to get the gala prepared while we've waited but now that we've finished, all four of us chose to wait for the news. With each passing minute, I start to believe something went wrong...that they got lost...they got captured...or worse. My thoughts are interrupted by the opening of the large doors. Cadence and I stood up from our seats wondering the reason for coming in when I had ordered us to be left in peace. I froze in place and I felt a sudden mixture of emotions as I saw Star Shield walking in injured, carrying an awake and happy Twilight and Spike on his back. I wasn't sure whether to cry and hug him or smile and kiss him for coming back alive.

~Star's POV~

I smiled and waved at the four ponies while my young friends got off and ran to Twilight's parents. The four hugged each other and the princesses hugged Twilight and Spike, happy to see them again. Despite the pain I felt from the beating and my body shifting, which thankfully has calmed down for now, I was really happy to have returned those two back safely.

Twilight's family said their farewell to the princesses and came towards me. Her mom smiled brightly with red puffy watering eyes visibly showing signs of her continuing crying and I couldn't blame her considering she just got her daughter back. She hugged me and said to me in a volume not much louder than a whisper, "Thank you Star Shield, you've really shown how much you care for my little girl and Spike."

Her father spoke next as his daughter and the young drake hugged me. It hurt but I didn't want to let them know. "We may know each other all that well but for rescuing my daughter...I can never thank you enough Prince."

I smiled and shook my head as everypony who was hugging me let go but stood around me. "It was nothing really, your daughter and the little dragon have grown on me. I consider them good friends of mine...and I'd do whatever it takes to get them back. Besides, I shouldn't be the only one taking credit. Your son, Shining Armor along with my brother and a fellow friend who's also a royal guard helped to rescue them. The only bad news is that soon enough, I'll be saying goodbye to everypony for a long time." I frowned and looked down, knowing that it was true. I was leaving soon and I had no idea when or even if I was going to return.

I felt a hoof touch my shoulder and saw Twilight Velvet smiling at me. A smile that seemed understanding and gentle like when somepony gives a comforting hug when their friend is going through something bad. "Star Shield, I doubt you would be gone forever. It may seem like you're leaving everypony...but you'll see us again. Just remember that if you ever do return to be sure and visit us."

I nodded and gave them each a quick hug before they left. I knew that tonight was the night of my sleepover with Twilight but right now, I think it'd be better to spend time with her family. With their leave, it was just me and my marefriends...I never would have thought I'd ever date anypony. Sure I knew mares liked me but I didn't feel the same. However, Cadence and Celestia were different. Cadence was playful, kind, and being the youngest of us meant she still acted like a little filly. Celestia was my long time friend though after the banishment of Luna, I wasn't as friendly to her. Even though I didn't talk to her much, I still protected her and stood by her side when I needed.

Celestia looked me over, walking around as if I was some kind of artifact on display. "Celestia, what are you doing? Is there something you're trying to find?"

"I'm trying to check for any serious injuries...internal bleeding, broken bones, and any other wounds."

I rolled my eyes until she pressed her hoof on my chest and sides which caused me to wince and groan in pain. I heard Cadence gasp quietly as Tia looked directly at me. "Do you still want to roll your eyes like it isn't a big deal?"

I sighed reluctantly, "No I don't. I get your point but I didn't want to seem too hurt...it hurts my pride..."

Celestia shook her head, "You really shouldn't care so much about your pride...especially not put it above your health as a higher priority. Come along, Cadence and I will help soothe your muscles."

I merely nodded and went with them up to my bedroom. When we arrived at my door, we stopped, "Uh aren't we going to head inside?" I asked confused.

"We are but first, you need to wait here while we get everything ready." Cadence said happily looking over at Celestia who went along with it and the two mares headed inside, closing and locking the door so I wouldn't peek.

"Get everything ready? Were they waiting for me to come bruised? Did they mess up my room? Hmm I wonder what it is..."

It was no more than two minutes that I heard the lock click and the door open. To my surprise I saw Cadence in a pink see through nightgown and her mane was down. She smiled and stepped aside for me to enter. "Alright Star Shield, you can come in...we're all ready for you."

"Um okay, that's great." I said a little lost and stepped inside my bedroom. The room was dark except for the red candles that burned brightly scattered around my room and the moonlight coming in which I knew Celestia had raised since I didn't do it. There was a certain scent in the air but I wasn't quite sure what it was though it was sweet. Once

Cadence led me onto the bed, Celestia came out of my bathroom without any of her usual golden attire. The only thing she was wearing was a nightgown similar to the one Cadence was wearing only it was a light golden color.

Cadence laid me gently on my back as I was too surprised by their clothing and what they did to my room to resist. Both mares climbed on the bed sitting on either side of my body.

"So uh what's going on? How come you two are dressed like that?" I asked curious but also nervous as neither has done this before.

"Well we talked it out and we decided that since you will be leaving soon and you managed to rescue Twilight and Spike...plus with the gala there's no guarantee we'll have an opportunity like this again so we decided that we'd give you two nice rewards tonight." Said Cadence as innocently as she could while I felt her hooves rub my chest and Celestia's larger hooves rub my hind legs.

I felt my face heat up at those words, "What are the two rewards exactly?"

Cadence leaned down and whispered in my ear, her voice sounding less innocent and more lustful. "Well first we'd give you a nice soothing massage to make your muscles feel good and then..."

As she spoke I knew my face was bright red and my body was responding to her words. When she finished, I looked at their faces, smiling at me and beginning their massage on my body...I knew I was going to be in for a long night and I couldn't wait to get started.

'Awesome! I'm ready to have fun with those sexy mares!'

'Oh for the love of equestria...out of all times...STAY OUT OF THIS NIGHT BLADE!'

'Why? I wanna get a piece of the action too! I should get some fun myself for being so well behaved!'

He sighed in his thoughts, wondering why he couldn't be left to enjoy this. 'Yep...this is going to be a long night...be it good or not'