“No.”

“What? You would give up everything you ever wanted? Acceptance, ponies that would think of you as family?”

“Regardless of what you’re offering me Queeny, regardless of whether this world accepts me for what I am, I won’t turn my back on it. I may not have many, but I have friends, and they have my back no matter what happens. There’s always going to be a tomorrow and I can only hope it’s a bright one.”

“How dare you defy me you little foul!” a green fire enveloped the Queen and her form changed. She was pitch black, her mane and tail now resembling oily fish fins and her legs and horn looked like rotted black Swiss cheese.
Hestaria didn’t have time to escape; Chrysalis’ magic enveloped her and held her in place.

“Like it or not you will join us. And you will-” She was suddenly cut off by a bright flash and a loud explosion, almost like a thunder storm. Chrysalis backed away and Hestaria felt the magical field around her drop.

“And you will buzz of you little insect.” A familiar, commanding voice bellowed from behind Hestaria.

“This is not over young one; I will have my vengeance on you both!” Chrysalis shouted as she disappeared in a mighty flash of light.

Hestaria wheeled around to see The Captain flying just beyond the window she was in.

“Hestaria, would you meet me in the court yard bellow you?”

“O-Okay.” Hestaria said a bit shaken by what just happened.

The Captain slowly lowered himself down and waited for Hestaria to follow. She waited a moment before making her way to the bottom of the tower she was in. When she landed, The Captain was standing loosely looking up at the night sky.

“Are you okay Hestaria?” The Captain asked.

“You followed me again… Why did you follow me?” Hestaria said hoping to keep him from shouting at her for being so stupid.

“Because you didn’t let me finish my statement.” The Captain turned and looked her in the yellow eyes. “I said you weren’t right for Celestia’s guard, but you’re exactly what I’m looking for.”

“I’m sorry?”

“I am Commander Lunar Nexus of the Evening Guard, Head of Luna’s Evening Guard.”

“You think I have what it takes for Luna’s army? Why?”

“Well you have the mark of the Luna’s First Pegasus Platoon.” Nexus said pointing to her flank.

“Platoon?”

“Luna had hundreds of platoons of Pegasus soldiers. Her General knew that they were versatile in battle and more than bomb droppers. And from the looks of things around here, you’re the last one in existence.”

“What does this have to do with what you want me for?”

“I want you to join the Evening Guard. Unlike Firebrand, I’m not looking for ponies to mindlessly follow orders. I want soldiers that can act individually and still follow orders to the letter when the situation calls for it. I want somepony like you Hestaria.”

“And if I refuse?”

“I’m not telling you. I’m asking you. But-”

“There’s always a catch.”

“I want to make a proposition. Behind you are two lances; I want you to fight me.”

“You want me to fight you?”

“Yes, sounds like you’re more of a parrot pony. If I win, you consider joining up.”

“And if I win?”

“Then you can do whatever you want. All I ask is you at least consider this proposition.”

“And you need to fight me in order for you to get me to consider this?” ‘What’s the writer thinking here? Does he just want another fight scene?’ she thought to herself.

“I want to see your fighting abilities first hand. What do you say?” Nexus said levitating a lance into his own hoofs and one in front of Hestaria.

“Deal.” Hestaria said taking a firm hold of the killing tool.