"Come on, you can do better than that. I want to see some real push ups, shit-for-brains." Vinyl scolded as she held her hoof on my back. "Kiss the fucking dirt when you go down." She added.

With a grunt I rolled my eyes as I attempted a few more push ups which were only met with the same disapproval. Vinyl pushed me down further. "Did I stutter? I want your face in that dirt when you go down. I want you to roll with the rest of the shit."

"Ma'am, yes ma'am!" I responded as I tried to adjust to what she was instructing.

"Good, good. When I'm done with you, you'll be a war machine. You'll eat, breathe and sleep murder. You'll be the United Nations of ass whooping, and your number one export will be corpses. How does that sound to you corporal?" She grinned as she brought her face down to my level.

"Ma'am, it sounds wonderful ma'am!" I responded, though a bit strained from the exercise.

Vinyl quickly caught wind of this minor weakness. "Are you getting soft on me, boy? Am I being too tough on you?" She asked, obviously rhetorically.

"Ma'am, no ma'am!" I replied quickly.

I struggled to keep doing the push-ups she wanted, my front legs were starting to feel hot and exhausted. Getting up each time started to become harder and harder.

"Enough, maybe you can do more push ups when your balls drop." Vinyl sighed and gave me the signal to stop.

At her signal, I dropped to the ground and panted.

"You've improved quite a bit... Hell, I might even consider letting you cover me out there sometime." She grinned.

"The pleasure is mine..." I grunted.

Before Vinyl had a chance to say anything else, she was approached by a familiar guard. He was the same from the mission we held a few days ago. He and Vinyl spoke for a few seconds before she nodded and gave him a salute. He did the same and trotted off. Vinyl sighed and turned back to me. "Well, you best get your ass up to the castle, General One-Eye has requested an audience with you. I guess you shouldn't keep the old bird waiting."

"You're sure it's me they are looking for?" I rose my brow in disbelief. Surely General Twilight Sparkle had far more important ponies to meet with than myself.

She nodded. "I'm as surprised as you are, but that is what I was just told. I asked again to confirm, and apparently I am not mistaken. Twilight wants to see you in her office ASAP."

I shrugged, unsure of what else to say and decided it was best to just comply.

The castle was as lively as ever, however there was a certain level of strangeness in the air. I had been listening in on conversations as I made my way up to the higher levels so I could reach Twilight.

Apparently there was word going around that the old general had become far more stern and to the point over the past few days. I hadn't seen her since the incident with Spike a few days ago to confirm. Fluttershy had warned me before I was dumb enough to ask, that I shouldn't ask questions about such a touchy subject. Naturally, I obeyed.

I had overheard two guards rambling about how they didn't like how Twilight was working them harder. I supposed that when Twilight was angry, she made everyone reflect her own mood. That didn't exactly set me in a very "thrilled" mind set going in to speak with her.

Nonetheless I bit the bullet and knocked on her office door, expecting the worst.

"Come in." The general's voice called out.

I almost didn't want to for a second. I hesitated, but ultimately slowly pushed the door open and set a hoof inside while peeking my head. "Ma'am? You wanted to see me?"

Twilight looked up from her paperwork and tilted her glasses to get a better look at me. "Ah, yes. Come in, Corporal, and shut the door behind you."

I didn't like how she wanted the door closed, but complied. I was half expecting her to scream at me the moment it was shut.

"Let's have a chat." She smiled.

Rainbow Dash had spent most of the day at the bar. She recalled that before the war bars didn't even open until later in the afternoon. However with the harsher living conditions, it was clear that alcohol in the morning might be a necessary thing to most in Equestria now.

She had only downed about four or five before calling it quits. Her high tolerance meant she only left feeling slightly buzzed. So far it was a usual day.

Her mind kept falling back onto Twilight's request to rejoin the military. It disgusted her that Twilight could even offer such a thing knowing all that she had endured the last time she was in the service. Twilight knew better than anypony that the military life changed Dash forever, and to think she would even suggest going right back into it just infuriated the prism warrior.

She knew in her heart that she couldn't go back for good. Over and over in her head she repeated herself: get Trixie and get out. She owed that much to Colors.

However her mind swam back to Flare for another instance. What would he think? Then again, why should she care?

No, she couldn't just switch off her feelings, despite how much she wanted to. The fact remains that should would bear the guilt if she let Flare down. He had come from such a faraway place in hopes that he'd see the great Rainbow Dash. However she couldn't just go back on her word either.

Another dilemma, though this one easier to solve than others. Flare may have respected her as a warrior, but she would have to make him respect her as a pony too.

It was settled then, the next chance she got, she would sit down with him and explain that she is not going back to the military no matter what Twilight says or does. Then she'd explain how her time fighting was over. Colors wouldn't wanted to have seen her like this, and the moment Trixie was dead, she would hang up her sword for good. Maybe head back to Ponyville and wait for the world to end for real.

As much as she wanted Colors’ world to be made, she knew that the end of the world was more likely than a place of complete peace. At this point though, she'd welcome either or.

Looking in the mirror behind the drinks in the bar cabinet, she took a good long look at herself. She spoke her thoughts out loud, but quiet enough to where nopony else heard her. Almost as if whispering a secret.

"Look at you... Look what this war has done to you..." She sighed.

Taking another swig of her vile drink, she let out another sigh. "You haven't gotten a good night's sleep in years. You look like you've aged thirty years in less than a decade."

She shook her head and downed her drink. "Time has not been friendly to you, old friend."

Noticing a mare talking to herself, another face in that bar approached and tapped the pegasus' cloaked shoulder.

Rainbow turned her head to see who was trying to acquire her attention.

"Rainbow Dash... I didn't think it was really you. I had heard the stories floating around town, but now seeing you in person... I can't believe you've returned." The silver stallion smiled gleefully.

Rainbow Dash couldn't recall where she knew this stallion from. She tried to remember, however all she could recall is that she was certain she had met him once before. Finally she decided to inquire. "Who the fuck are you?"

The pony blinked, a bit surprised at her reaction, but shrugged off her rudeness, figuring she was under a lot of stress. "It's me, Bass. Remember? Applejack's old fiance?" He hoped that would jog her memory.

His plan worked, but he probably regretted that instantly. Rainbow's eyes narrowed. Her ears drowned out everything but his voice. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. She fell into a trance as she spoke very quietly.

"Y-you lived..." She stuttered.

Bass chuckled. "Yeah, I stayed in Canterlot, so when the cataclysm happened, I was already behind the barrier." He explained.

"You lived... And she..." Rainbow couldn't even finish her sentences as she looked to the floor trying to grasp the cruel irony.

His head lowered a bit. "Ah, yeah... I heard about what happened to AJ... A shame really. I'm sorry that you had to see her like that."

Dash's ears perked up. Her shock quickly turned into pure anger. "Sorry? Sorry!? SORRY!?" She found her volume increasing.

He nodded, a bit confused as to why she was getting so worked up.

Dash finally leapt out of her chair and pinned him to the floor with her blade ready to pierce his neck. Of course her actions caught the attention of the entire bar whom had turned to face her. She didn't care at this exact moment however.

"You're sorry? You don't even know the meaning of sorry. I should kill you right now just for having the audacity to come to me with that horseshit." She hissed in his face.

He trembled a bit under her. "W-wha? Why?"

Dash brought her face closer to his. "I know what you did, Bass. I held my tongue for AJ's sake. I know about how you kept her in line though. In public you would be an angel, but once my back was turned..." She paused and got close to his ear. "Well, let's just say I've seen the bruises."

His breathing grew faster as he was uncertain of what she was going to do. He didn't dare respond to her accusations, clearly knowing that denial would only land him in worse trouble.

"However, AJ didn't want me to hurt you... So its your lucky day." Dash smirked as she lifted her blade and stepped off of him.

"You're insane..." He rubbed his neck as he crawls out from under her.

"Maybe you're right. I should have stepped in years ago and pushed you out of the picture, but I was young and naive then. The last thing I ever said to my dear friend was that she needed to grow up and decide when she was ready to be an adult..." She paused and kept her eyes on him. "I've had to live with that for almost ten years now... Maybe I am a little crazy from that. But one thing I know is one hundred percent true and that is that you never deserved her." She pointed her blade at him.

He said nothing. He had no defense, and no chance of denying it, clearly Dash knew.

"Get out of my sight. I don't ever want to see you again. If you cross me a second time then things won't be so pretty. I won't be as merciful next time, because seeing you disgusts me so much that I can hardly contain my anger. So if you know what's good for you, then you'll avoid me until I leave Canterlot." She instructed.

He nodded and finally picked himself up. "Yeah, sure. I'm going." He begins stepping backwards.

Dash turned her back to him and returned to her drink. She gave a scowl to a group staring at her, which abruptly ended their staring.

"You certainly aren't like how ponies described." The bartender spoke as he handed her another drink.

Gulping down a quarter of it, she wiped her lips. "War changes ponies." She said plainly.

"Corporal, you've been a part of our fine military for almost a month now, correct?" Twilight was scanning over some documents as she spoke to me, not even making eye contact.

I nodded as I stood still, trying to remain respectful. "Ma'am, yes ma'am."

She rolled her eyes. "At ease, soldier. I needn't this meeting be too formal. There is much to discuss, and I'd rather we do so like two regular ponies."

I nodded and relaxes my shoulders a bit. "Alright... So what's up?"

Twilight exhaled and leaned back in her chair. "Rainbow refuses to return to the military indefinitely. I was hoping I could convince her. On top of this, she only wishes to be a mercenary on missions where apprehending Trixie is involved. Effectively she refuses to do anything unless it leads to Trixie."

I could understand her frustration, but I figured there was more to it. "Okay, but surely you expected that...?"

Twilight nodded. "I did, however I was hoping some time in Canterlot would make her see all that Trixie has done. I was hoping that would change her mind, however her will is stronger than I imagined. Her time away from us has hardened her and encased her heart in ice. I can see why though... She's afraid of hurting another pony close to her, but right now I need her here in this military more than anything."

I blinked, a bit surprised to see Twilight so concerned. "She's really that important, huh?"

The unicorn leaned in from her chair. "Without Dash, we may not win. She's our greatest asset, and her blade may be the edge we need. Can you convince her to return to us?"

I shook my head, already knowing that was impossible. I knew Dash well enough to know that she detested war so much that convincing her to walk right back into hell was a wasted effort. "Dash would never listen to me on that. Her mind is made up, and nothing I say will change it. You're better off just giving up on that."

Twilight sighed again. "I was hoping you'd say yes... But given the circumstances, I am promoting you to field commander and head of the Rainbow Raiders."

My ears must not have registered what she said correctly. I had to ask for clarity. "W-what? Me? Field commander?"

"And head of the Rainbow Raiders, I didn't stutter, Corporal." She gave an annoyed expression.

"Ma'am, with all due respect, I am not fit to be a leader. I've had little time on the battlefield, and surely one of the more experienced soldiers deserves this honor before myself." I replied.

"Oh no doubt they do." She returned to filling out paperwork as she conversed with me, only really giving me half of her attention.

"Then why not appoint them?" I questioned.

She didn't even lower her quill as she replied. "Maybe if Dash sees you going in as a commander she'll have a change of heart to prevent you from the guilt of being a poor leader. No doubt you'd have your squad dead in the first battle."

Sadly she was probably right. I knew nothing about being a leader, all my life all I did was follow.

"What if it doesn't work? What if she allows me to actually march to battle?" I was hoping Twilight would see the flaws in her plan.

"If she needs to see a couple dead before she decides to wise up, that's a sacrifice I'm willing to make. I know Dash very well; her emotions won't let her run away from this." Twilight answered.

It was amazing how nonchalantly she could speak of all this. At the same time though, it disgusted me.

"You would use her emotions against her like that?" I gave a stern expression.

Twilight still didn't look up at me. "If it's the only effective strategy, then it shall be the one I utilize."

"And if it requires deaths to get her to see it your way?"

She shrugged. "I won't be risking anything too important. The payoff exceeds the expense."

This was where I couldn't contain myself anymore.

"Expense? They're your friends! How can you just...?" I cut myself off when I realized I was yelling at my superior. I lowered my head in shame.

Twilight banged her hoof on the table and ripped her glasses off of her face. I could actually see legitimate anger in her expression. She glared me down with that yellow eye of hers'. "Don't you dare question me on this. Every one of my soldiers knows that they are expendable if need be. That's what you signed up for, and it's what they did as well."

I shook my head. "That's not how I see it."

Twilight calmed her anger and stood up. Trotting over to the window she turned her back to me and glanced down at Canterlot. "I know what they say about me, Flare." She grew quiet as if not wanting to admit it out loud.

"Ma'am?" I tried to fake confusion out of politeness.

"That I'm a cold hearted mare who only thinks with statistics. I'm certain that Rainbow Dash has mentioned it a time or two..." She responded.

I lowered my head. "She may have said something like that."

Twilight nodded, still with her back to me. "They all think I just sit up here and send ponies’ loved ones to die for me."

I didn't respond to that. The sentence itself was obviously too volatile to try and give a response to. No doubt it could spark her anger again in a split second if the wrong thing was said.

"You all think it's so easy... Just sitting here and barking orders... To be as heartless as me..." She spoke carefully, clearly trying to choose her words correctly.

"Ma'am..." I tried to speak, but she just continued.

"There's something about being a leader you don't understand. The leader is the scapegoat. The leader must bear the blame for both folly and victory. If you think you feel bad watching them die, imagine how I feel sending them to death? Knowing in my heart that if I don't then I will only be ensuring them more death. If we fight we die, if we don't fight we die..." She kept her gaze out the window and placed a hoof on it.

"I guess I never thought of it like that..." I admitted.

She finally turned to me. "Nopony does. I have to live with that guilt every day. If they all hate me for what I do, then so be it. It's the price I pay to keep them alive a little longer. I have emotions too, Flare. However I need to do what is best for Equestria regardless of how I feel. I have the hardest job here... Turning my emotions off. Ignoring how I feel and doing what is right."

I nodded, not much to add.

"And now..." She paused. "Trixie has finally bested me... She put Spike against me..." She approached me as she spoke.

"M-ma'am?" I grew nervous as she got closer.

She fell to her haunches and buried her face into my chest in a light sob. I could feel her tears soaking my coat. "He's my son, Flare... My own son... And Trixie has turned him against me..."

I gave a gentle pat on the back of her neck, unsure of how to comfort her.

"She's turned him into a weapon..." She sniffed. "I raised him from just an egg. I watched him grow up, and I mentored him... Now... Now I must see him like this..." She was trying everything she could to not just break into hysterics.

Finally, I allowed myself to give her a proper embrace, clearly she needed it. Now I understood what was bothering her.

After a minute or two she sniffed again and composed herself. Releasing me, she adjusted her glasses as she wiped her eye. "Trixie has taken everything from me, however I can not simply give into reckless abandon. I still have Equestria to think about."

"And what if Spike really does return?" I asked.

Twilight gave me a solemn look, but returned to the window with her back to me before answering. "If he stands in my way again, then I will kill him."

"Y-you will...?" I was a bit shocked at her stern answer.

She nodded. "If he stands in my way, then I'll have no choice... Equestria comes first, even before my own desires."

"I now understand the burden of the leader..." I admitted with my ears going down.

"Could you do it, Flare? Could you kill your own son... If duty called for it?" She leaned in to hear me better I presumed.

I wanted to say something to make her feel better, but I knew that there was nothing that could be said to make it any easier on her. That and I knew that anything I said to tell her it wasn't that bad was a blatant lie; a lie that I was certain she would see through.

"Well?" She clearly did not like my hesitation.

"I am thankful that I do not have to make such a choice..." I spoke the words with shame. The truth was that if it were me and Torch, I couldn't do it. My selfishness would tell me to save her first. I guess I wasn't as strong as Twilight.

She nodded and leaned back. "Somepony has to make these choices though. One thing is certain though..."

"What's that?"

The one-eyed mare leaned in and placed her hooves across the desk. In a very intimidating tone she grinned. "Trixie will be paying for what she's done. Even with a dragon she stands no chance. She is hoping to win based own emotions alone. It won't work though... I've long since set my emotions aside. I think she'll be surprised if she tries to pull that stunt a second time... Though I pray we will never have to know...'