Auruo walked alone down the streets of Karanese. Despite still being in his military attire, no one looked at him with the slightest hint of pride or sheer respect. All Auruo could see on them were expressions of pity and mild hatred. Auruo couldn’t exactly blame him. Not only was the faux mission of travelling to Shiganshina a failure, but so was the real mission of acquiring the Female Titan. What’s more, is that it cost him two of his dearest friends.

The only thing that kept him from breaking down in the middle of the street was the fact that in just a few more blocks, he’d get to see his family again. Even without Rainbow Dash, the sight of his mother, father, and many younger brothers was going to be a treat. Finally turning onto the path that would lead him home, he could already see the door that he was too eager to knock.

As he walked up to it, he straightened out his cravat and prepared his fist for knocking. However, the sound of gently flapping wings came overhead. Auruo looked up and began lightly chuckling, surprised to see Rainbow Dash descending down to join him.

“Well, well, well,” Auruo chided, “you finally came after all. What turned you around?”

“Mikasa and Eren wanted some alone time together, and they excused me to hang with my friends. I talked to Twilight and she allowed me to come to dinner with your family.”

Auruo took a sigh, now feeling even guiltier at Rainbow Dash’s loyalty despite their earlier feelings of hostility for each other.

“I’d still like to thank you for doing this,” Auruo admitted. “This is something that’s really going to do my family some good. God, they’re going to get a kick out of you.”

“I look forward to it!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash. “I mean, a free meal, some quality time with my fans; what’s not to love?”

“Well let’s get moving then.”

Auruo knocked on the door, the sound of loudly murmuring children inside sounding immediately after.

“I think he’s here!” spoke Auruo’s father from the other side.

“Then let him in!” ordered Auruo’s mother excitedly.

The sound of footsteps came closer, and Rainbow Dash looked to Auruo, shocked to see a warm, happy smile on his face, despite all that happened to him today. The door finally opened, and Auruo was greeted to the sight of his father, who was ecstatic to see him.

“Auruo!” his father cheered ruggedly.

Likewise, Auruo was glad to see his old man, giving him a warm hug, which was returned in earnest by his father. Auruo’s mother, who looked over her son and husband, saw Rainbow Dash looking upon the two with intrigue, having never seen this side of Auruo before, causing her to gasp happily. Rainbow Dash could hear the scamper of feet as they clamored into the foyer/kitchen to greet their older brother home. As their eyes looked to Auruo, they couldn’t help but become drawn to the rainbow colored pony in their house.

“Whoa!” shouted each of the boys as they ran to Rainbow Dash, all reaching out to pet her and see her.

Rainbow Dash blushed profusely at this, finally happy to get some love and affection from adoring fans as she did back at home. Even with her back still sore from the Female Titan’s kick, nothing could cease the enjoyment she felt at this moment.

“Hey,” Auruo called to the kids, “what am I, chop liver?”

“Ruo!” the boys squealed happily, not wanting to disappoint their brothers.

Auruo happily held up the two youngest kids in his arms as he made his way to the dining room. Rainbow Dash followed him close behind, leading the other four boys inside to receive their dinner as well. Auruo’s father and mother were now alone as the mother picked up a stack of bowls from the cupboard and began ladling some stew into each one.

“Do you think there will be enough for the pony,” asked the father.

“I always make enough for seconds,” the mother said. “I’m sure the kids won’t mind sharing.”

Auruo’s father gave a content smile, glad to make their impromptu guest as comfortable as possible.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Behind Wall Rose, the soldiers were finally allowed to rest and eat while any wounded soldiers could finally be given proper medical treatment. At the tables inside of a large lodge, Eren sat with Levi, while each of the ponies and Spike sat with their human partners to a single boiled potato and a half loaf of bread. With the somber moods of the day’s defeat, the appetites of the soldiers were as diminished as their spirits. Sasha solemnly nibbled her bread as she took small sips of her mug to wash the small morsels down. Conny and Pinkie Pie merely stared at their food with dead eyes.

Spike sat on one end of the table while Twilight sat with Armin, Applejack, and Mikasa at the other. Neither of them felt comfortable yielding to the other, but they knew it was to come eventually. Both of them had reasons to be upset with the other, and they likewise had truths in their arguments. Spike took a short glance at Twilight, who didn’t seem to notice him at first. Once she turned to look at him, Spike couldn’t find it in himself to turn away. Once Twilight faced Armin again, Spike picked up his potato and took a bite.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Rainbow Dash had her steaming bowl of stew placed in front of her on the table. Cubed potatoes, carrots, mushroom, and chopped onion sat in a thin, light-brown gravy. Rainbow Dash looked at the bowl with eagerness as the other members of Auruo’s family were served. As Auruo’s mother took her bowl and sat at the end of the table opposite her husband, the meal could finally begin.

“Let’s eat,” the mother excitedly proclaimed.

Each of the kids grabbed their spoons and began shoveling large amounts of food into their mouths as if it was their final meal on Earth. Rainbow Dash, wanting not to look like an animal while she ate, slowly lapped up a couple of potatoes and a carrot with some broth in her tongue and rolled it back into her mouth. As she chewed, the mother looked at the cyan mare expectantly.

“Well?” she asked. “How is it?”

“It’s really good,” Rainbow Dash stated, soon looking somber about it.

“Then why are you so glum?” asked the father.

“It’s just… I can only imagine the grub my friends are having right now. It’s probably just a loaf of bread or a bowl of cabbage water.”

“So how do you like it in the Scouting Legion?” asked one of the elder sons. “Is Ruo taking care of you?”

Rainbow Dash was about to say the truth over how Auruo treated her and her friends, but not wanting to sully the hospitality that his family was treating her with, as well as not wanting to embarrass Auruo, she changed her answer.

“Yeah,” she admitted, making Auruo’s eyes widen. “He’s an amazing soldier.”

“That he is,” Auruo’s father proudly vouched. “It’s no wonder that Levi guy let him in his squad. Where are they now?”

“Petra’s spending some time with her father,” Auruo answered with a spoonful of stew in his grasp.

“What about those Erd and Gunther fellows? Are they with their families too?”

Auruo took his bite of stew, wanting to delay the news. Auruo knew that too much silence would reveal too much, so he swallowed his mouthful and spat it out.

“They were killed in action,” he silently said.

While the kids took slow inhales at the news, the mother and father were far more understanding and sympathetic.

“Oh, Auruo,” the mother cooed, “I’m so sorry.”

“Truth be told, I was almost killed as well, but if it weren’t for Rainbow Dash here, I certainly wouldn’t be sitting here with you.”

“Wow,” one of the middle children gasped at Rainbow Dash. “You saved Ruo? How did that happen?”

“There was this…” she answered, “abnormal titan that got the better of us and killed Erd and Gunther. Before it could kill Petra and Auruo, me and my friend Spike jumped in and saved them.”

“Cool. It’s like you’re Ruo’s hero now.”

“Yeah,” Auruo breathed with a slight smile. “I guess you could say that.”

“What about that Eren Jaeger?” asked the father. “I’m sure it must be interesting having him in your circle.”

“His titan powers might be scary,” Rainbow Dash said, “but I promise you that he’s one of the best friends you could ever hope to have.”

“That’s nice.”

“Have you even killed any titan’s yet?” asked the second oldest son. “Are they really that scary in person?”

“Please,” Rainbow Dash guffawed. “I come from a place that’s filled with dragons, manticores, and giant bears made out of stars. I think a big naked guy is about as scary as a ladybug. Oh, and I, uh, killed a titan too.”

“So you’re like an actual soldier now.”

“Not like,” Auruo butted in. “She is an actual soldier now, and possibly one of the best and bravest I’ve known.”

Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but blush and give a cutely small smile at Auruo’s compliment, happy to know that he thought of her so highly.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Spike looked at his now empty plate, seeing that there was nothing left to distract him from facing the inevitable. Spike pushed his chair back and made his way to Twilight, unsure of how she would react given how he treated her and talked to her. As he made his way down, he could finally see Twilight’s head past Applejack’s and Mikasa’s heads.

Spike could see that Twilight was busy discussing something with Armin. He thought of using that as an opportunity to back away, but knew that doing so would only make him feel worse. As Twilight continued talking, Spike tugged at her jacket to bring him to her attention. She turned to see him standing, scared and hesitant.

“Spike,” Twilight spoke, surprised, “what do you want?”

Spike couldn’t take it much longer, with leaking eyes, he hopped up and hugged Twilight, nearly knocking her into Armin.

“I’m so sorry!” Spike wailed. “I shouldn’t have put you through that. I should have been more careful. I’m sorry, Twilight!”

“No,” Twilight said, a couple of tears escaped her own eyes. “I’m the one who should be sorry. Back in Trost, I allowed you to fight for your life in the face of danger, and I was fine with you joining the Scouting Legion and become a soldier. I know you were only trying to help your friends, and I of all ponies should understand that. It’s just… I watched as mother and fathers wept over the loss of their own children when we returned. I couldn’t bear to be in their position.”

“I know,” Spike said, pushing his face into her ribs, “I saw it too. I don’t want to put you through that.”

“Spike.”

“If you want to send that letter, go ahead.”

“Spike!”

Spike silenced himself, ready to hear Twilight out.

“I’m… not going to write that letter. We were here to make a difference in this war, and we’ve both saved lives that would have been otherwise lost. I’m very proud of you, Spike, and nothing would continue making me more proud than knowing you risked your life to save our friends.”

Twilight, giving Spike a tearful smile, wrapped her arm around Spike and held him close. Armin, despite himself, smiled at their reconciliation.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Auruo and Rainbow Dash were standing by the exit to the Bossard household, ready to leave and rejoin their fellow soldiers on their way back to HQ for the next morning. The smaller kids were very reluctant to see the pony go, tugging at her legs and/or wings to beg her to stay longer.

“But you just came here!” cried one of the smaller boys.

“Just a little longer, please!” said another.

“Hey,” chided Auruo, “you let go of her. She’s had a busy day and we need to go back.”

“Aww…” whined the small boys together as they finally relinquished her.

From the drooping of their heads, Rainbow Dash could tell that the boys were still not ready for her to leave.

“Don’t worry guys,” Rainbow Dash assured them, rubbing the top of their heads with her hoof. “We’ll be back. Me and my friends are going to kick all those titan butts and we’re going to save everyone. Okay?”

The boys mustered up a smile and a gracious nod.

“Aw, what the hey, come here!” Rainbow Dash said with her arms out.

The boys four boys eagerly ran to Rainbow Dash to give her one final hug. Rainbow Dash, feeling their happiness in their squeezes, couldn’t help but smile too. Auruo, even though he knew they had to return soon, found the sight of his brothers warming up to her adorable.

“What,” spoke Auruo’s father, “are you too good to give a hug to your old man?”

Auruo didn’t speak, but only stepped forwards to his father and gave him a long, final embrace. As the mother stepped forwards, Auruo came to her and gave her a hug as well. Rainbow Dash bid the children a final farewell and walked back towards Auruo.

“Are you ready?” asked Auruo.

“Yeah,” Rainbow Dash replied. “Let’s get back.”

Auruo faced his family one last time as he gave his father, mother, and six brothers a last wave and exited the building with Rainbow Dash. Auruo and Rainbow Dash walked down the streets together, the latter giving the former a mystified look. As Auruo looked back, he noticed her odd glare.

“Huh?” he loudly exclaimed. “What are you looking at me like that for?”

“It’s just…” Rainbow Dash tried to find the words, “I’ve never seen that side of you before. I’ve never seen you act so lovingly to anyone like that before.”

“Well…” Auruo stammered, feeling trapped, “wouldn’t you act like that to your family?”

“But I still can’t understand why you treat your friends the way you do. I mean you act so brash and rudely to them. Why? You’re nice around your family, so why are you such a jerk to us?”

Auruo stopped in his tracks, Rainbow Dash stopping right behind him.

“You want to know why?” he questioned. “Yeah, I might be an ass to you, Eren, and the others, but I want to become stronger than I am. I see how Levi speaks and acts, and he’s probably one of the best soldiers that’s ever existed. I thought that if I were to adopt his mindset, I might become as good of a soldier as he is.”

“Huh,” huffed Rainbow Dash. “You know, I think that’s your problem.”

“Eh? What’s my problem?”

“You’re too nice to be Levi, and there’s really no need for you to be him. I mean, just look at Mikasa. She’s an awesome soldier, and she’s unbelievably strong, but she’s also a really good friend. The point is, you don’t have to be an ‘ass’ to be a good soldier. Trust me, me and my friends won’t think any less of you.”

Auruo was stunned by her words. Leave it to the blue pegasus with a rainbow-colored mane and tail to instill morality into him. Despite this, he knew she was right. With a kneel downwards, he looked Rainbow Dash in the eyes for a moment, leaving Rainbow Dash unaware of what he was about to do. Leaning back in, he gave Rainbow Dash a hug that genuinely surprised Rainbow Dash.

“Thank you,” Auruo said. “I still can’t understand how things like you even exist, but I’m glad that you do. My family believes that you and your friends can help bring an end to this war. I think so too. I know that you will see us to victory.”

Rainbow Dash could hear the sincerity of Auruo’s words, and they sounded like a symphony in her ears. With her own sympathy and kindness, Rainbow Dash groped Auruo and hugged him tight, happy to have made a true friend in him.
________________________________________________________________________________________

The next night, everyone was returned to the Scouting Legion headquarters. Rainbow Dash looked out of her bedroom window, contemplating the future’s events by only the faint moonlight and the glow of the torches that hung on each wall. In two days, Eren would be summoned to the capital to be handed in to the Military Police. Wanting to save Eren for the benefit of humanity, Rainbow Dash wanted to save Eren as her friend above all else. But with the hours passing and options running low, Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but feel scared as she took a stress-laden sigh.

“Hey,” whispered a voice.

Rainbow Dash turned around to see Twilight standing in the doorway. As Twilight stood still, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Spike, Mikasa, and Armin walked past her.

“What’s going on, Twi?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“Come down,” she quietly beckoned. “Armin just came up with some kind of plan.”

“Plan? What kind of a plan?”