A loud thunderclap startled Steadfast into consciousness. His eyes flew open and his body tensed up, ready to spring into action. Another thunderclap, much further away answered his bodies question even as his sleep veiled mind struggled to catch up.

Sitting up with a groan, Steadfast drew a hoof across his tired face. Glancing towards the only window in the room he could see the sky was black save for the occasional lightning bolt.

“Wonderful. Rain along with everything else.” He thought wearily as he swung his hooves over the side of the bed. He sat there for some time, attempting to blink away the sleep and jump start his brain.

Not having much success with either, Steadfast lowered himself to the floor and with a slight stagger in his walk, began to gather up and put on his armour. After buckling on his cuirass there were two sharp knocks on the door. Quickly donning his helmet, Steadfast opened the door.

Two lieutenants were there to greet him with a salute each.

“Captain!” they said in unison.

Steadfast gave them a tired look before pushing his way past.

With a look of surprised they ran to catch up. “Si..sir? We were sent by Princess Luna to escort you!”

“Then you best pick up the pace.” Steadfast said without slowing.

Just like the night before… or at least he assumed the night before. The Lunar Court was deserted save for himself and Princess Luna. The only sound as he approached the throne were of his own hoof steps and that of the rain striking the glass panes above.

With a small nod of his head, Steadfast wasted no time. “Your highness, I can assume that by summoning me you have decided on a course of action?”

Princess Luna nodded her head. “We have.” She got to her hooves and slowly approached Steadfast.

“One thousand years ago, when Sombra rose to power and began to lay waste to the world, mine sister and I harnessed the power in The Elements of Harmony to bring an end to his tyranny. Even with such power behind us, Sombra was still a formidable foe. Three days we did battle, on the blood soaked planes to the north until finally the monster fell.”

Princess Luna came to a stop in front of Steadfast and uttered a sad sigh. “That was at the height of our power and it was barely enough. Now with the Elements scattered we must look to other means of protection.”

Princess Luna raised her head and began to speak with greater authority. “Captain Steadfast, you have shown great ability in leading ponies, a unwavering resolve, and have come face to face with unknowable evil and stood strong. Kneel.”

Slightly surprised at the princesses’ words, he quickly complied.

Princess Luna’s horn began to glow with soft blue magic reminisce of the last holds of night. “For the first time, Eqestria will call upon its ponies to stand together in order to protect it.” The magic fell from her horn like a waterfall, enveloping Steadfast in its glow.

As the magic passed over him, he could feel his armor grow cool, almost as if he was submerged in water. The coolness spread throughout his body, driving out the weariness and revitalizing him.

“As Princess of the Night and joint ruler of Eqestria, we name you, Steadfast, Captain General of the Grand Army of Eqestria, now established.”

The magic waterfall ceased as the spell ended. Princess Luna then returned to her throne as Steadfast stood tall.

“You’re…your highness.” Steadfast said with tears forming in his eyes. “I am truly honoured.”

Princess Luna waved a hoof in affirmation. “As Captain General you have full control over Eqestria’s military might, which is very little. As such your first task will be to ready a fighting force for the coming days. How you go about this we leave entirely to your discretion.”

Steadfast lowed his head in a sweeping bow. “At once your highness.” He held the position longer than was acceptable as he noticed something very different about his attire.

“Since you are the first pony in Eqestria’s history to hold such a command, we saw fit to outfit you.”

Steadfast turned his head to look at himself and found that his once simple golden guard armour had been radically altered. The single plate cuirass was now a full suit of interlocking plate mail and covered every inch of his body from his hooves up to the base of his skull where it locked in place with the helm. Even as he twisted and turned to see he discovered that the armour in no way hindered his movements. He became elated when he found a frauld adorning his flank that was etched with his cutie mark, a tattered banner overlooking battered battlements, in gold thread.

“It is magically enchanted to ward against all forms of Dark Magic, while also augmented to enhance your own. May it serve you well.”

Again Steadfast bowed low. “I have no words, your grace.” He said.

Princess Luna nodded her head. “Now we leave you to prepare.”

Steadfast rose and turned to leave but hesitated. “What about the captives in the Crystal Empire? Surely we won’t abandon them.”

Princess Luna waved a hoof dismissingly. “Worry not General, we will see to their safety. Go now.”

Finding some solace in her words, Captain General Steadfast left the Lunar Court to begin preparations.

The room rumbled and shook while its occupants tried to hold their footing. Eventually the tremors passed, returning once more to calm.

“That seems to be happening a lot more.” Rainbow Dash said worriedly.

Twilight cast a worried look towards the ceiling of the throne room while simultaneously nodding her head. “Yeah. I’m afraid the entire structure will collapse before too long.”

A chuckle drifted in from the doorway behind them. “You worry too much, my dear.”

A look of equal parts joy and anger crossed Twilights face as she turned around. “And you don’t worry enou….” Her voice seized up as Sombra stepped into the light of the torches. Atop his head was a spiked iron helm, his flowing mane acting as the tassel. On his legs were fastened spiked greaves that connected with the interlocked iron plates that covered his chest and back from which was fastened a crimson cape, hemmed with white.

Twilight walked towards Sombra, all the while looking over every inch of him. Coming to a stop inches from him, she leaned upwards and placed a passionate kiss on his lips. Several seconds passed before she pulled back with eyes half-lidded.

“You’ve been holding out on me.” She said seductively.

Sombra smiled as he slowly stroked her face with a hoof. “Only slightly.” He said before kissing her deeply.

Rainbow Dash looked on with quiet anger and jealousy as her heart began to beat faster and faster. However they all three were interrupted as another tremor shook the palace.

Twilight stumbled back from Sombra with an exasperated groan, while Rainbow Dash cheered internally. Sombra merely smiled. “It appears that will have to wait for another time.” He turned towards Rainbow Dash.

“Shadowbolt, go and fetch our guests from the dungeon and bring them to the fields outside the city. You will find the cells responsive to your touch.”

Rainbow Dash gave a hesitant salute and a quick glance towards Twilight before setting off in the direction of the dungeon. Twilight watched her leave before addressing Sombra.

“What are you planning?” she asked, her eyes narrowing

He returned her gaze all the while maintaining his smile. “This place is no longer suitable to our needs. It is time we abandon it.”

“You have somewhere else in mind?”

“Yes though I will need your aid with preparations before it is ready.” He pulled her close to him. “Shall we?”

Twilight leaned up gave him a quick kiss. “Lets.”

In a flash of green they were gone leaving the once mighty throne room of the Crystal Palace empty save for the green torches until they too went out,