The sun shone brightly in the sky high above, but below in Ponyville nopony could see it. Dark grey clouds blanketed the country side, casting a hazy gloom as rain fell in torrents. No weather Pegasus monitored the storm, Royal decree forbade them but none cared, the storm mirrored their feelings.

The town lay quiet, its residence all gathered at the train station at the edge of town to welcome a friend home, one last time.

The rain drowned out all sound but the clear sound of the train whistle could still be heard. With each passing minute their hearts grew heavier as did the rain until finally the solitary train pulled slowly into the station.

The crowd reverently parted as the center most cars doors opened. Six royal guards, clad in black armour, each bearing a pole stepped off the train. Upon their backs was a wooden coffin with three red apples carved into the lid.

After them came the Apple family, the two grandchildren helping their Grandmother along. The news had struck all of them hard as fresh tears could be seen mixing with rain.

Next to follow were the three remaining Elements of Harmony left in Eqestria. Rarity led the trio, dressed in a simple black gown and veil, flanked on either side by a sullen looking Fluttershy and a straight mane Pinkie Pie.

A hushed murmur passed through the crowd as the final group exited the train. Princess Celestia brought up the rear of the procession followed by Princess Luna and the recently appointed Captain-General Steadfast.

The downpour continued as the procession slowly headed out of town in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres, where everypony would say their final goodbyes to The Element of honesty and truest of friends, Applejack.

Celestia, Luna, and Steadfast sat around a large table on the ground floor of Golden Oaks Library. The three had left the funeral, leaving the family and friends to grieve in piece. The rain outside pounded against the windows but went unnoticed by those inside.

"General, I understand your concern but we cannot risk all-out war with the Crystal Empire." Celestia said.

Sitting directly across from her sat Steadfast, the light from the candles dancing off his golden armour.

"With respect, your highness. Neither we nor Sombra are in a position to attack the other, but if we wait until we have the forces necessary to launch an assault on the Crystal City we still cannot move against Sombra so long as he has captives."

"What do you propose then, General?" Luna asked from the right of Celestia.

"Give into his demands." Steadfast said with no amount of force. "He wants sovereignty over the north, then I say we give it to him. Eqestria will recognize his authority in exchange for the safe return of his prisoners."

"And what General, would you do if he is not willing to negotiate?" Luna responded. "Do you not think we tried negotiating all those centuries before? He is a monster who only seeks dominion over all."

"Luna is right." Celestia said, nodding towards her sister. "Sombra cannot be reasoned with, all we can do now is hope for the safety of the captives and prepare for the coming days."

A burning fire entered Steadfast’s eyes as he brought both forehooves up before slamming them onto the table. "No!" he shouted. "I cannot accept that! How can you so easily dismiss the lives of those you hold closet? Have you forgotten that it is your niece he holds prisoner, along with her husband, as well as two Elements of Harmony who have been there in our time of need." Steadfast began to shake with rage. "You with all your power sit there and effortlessly cast aside lives as if they were game pieces. You’re no better than Sombra!"

"Enough!" Luna shouted, shaking the very foundation of the library with the force of her voice. "How dare you denign to compare mine sister to that monster! Impenitent cur! Thou shalt suffer for this transgression!"

Steadfast broke out into a cold sweat but did not allow his gaze to falter, he accepted the fact that he spoke out of line and was prepared to accept his punishment like a true soldier.

Luna advanced on Steadfast, horn and eyes glowing with power but was stopped short by Celestia. "Calm down, Luna. There’s no need for that."

Luna turned towards her sister. "But sister, he..." She was silenced by a raised hoof from Celestia who with the same hoof motioned for her to sit down. Once Luna had taken her seat, Celestia addressed Steadfast.

"You are right, General. I am no better than Sombra. It is the curse of living for so long. I have seen years come and go, kingdoms rise and fall, and ponies wither and die. Time upon time again I have witnessed this never-ending cycle and it has left me cold inside."

Celestia lowered her head to gaze at the table. "We are alike, Sombra and I" She trailed off into silence. The only sound for several minutes was the pattering of the rain against the windows.

"It’s decided then." Celestia finally said, raising her head to look at Steadfast. "We will not abandon our friends to torment and death." She turned to face her sister. "Luna, I want you to travel to the Crystal Empire and open negotiations with King Sombra. Tell him we will grant him dominion over the north for the safe return all those he holds prisoner."

Luna looked as if she wanted to say something but instead bowed her head. "As you wish, we will leave immediately." Her horn flashed dark blue and she was gone in a flash of azure light, leaving Steadfast alone with Celestia.

Celstia once more turned to Steadfast. "Do you approve of this new course of action?"

Steadfast nodded, to stunned to respond.

"Very well. Now we should return to the capital. Should Luna's efforts prove successful the peace between Eqestria and the Crystal Empire will not last. We will still need an army."

Steadfast stood and saluted. "Of course, your highness. You will have an army truly worthy of Eqestria."

"I will hold you to that General." Celestia said with a small smile, getting to her hooves.

Before either could move a knock sounded at the door. Casting an inquisitive glance at his Princess, Steadfast moved towards the door and with a quick burst of magic swung it open. Standing on the steps, thoroughly soaked and still dressed in her black gown was Rarity.

She said nothing merely staring past Steadfast as if he wasn’t there.

"Rarity? What are you doing here?" Celestia asked, with no small amount of concern.

Rarity turned her gaze on Celestia, as if seeing her for the first time. "The others are at the farm saying farewell."

"Should you not then be with them?"

Rarity shook her head, sending droplets of water flying into the room. "I will say my farewells when the one responsible has answered for his crimes." Her vacant stare turned to one of righteous fury. "I wish to join the Royal Guard."

"Rarity, are you certain of this?" Celestia asked after a moment.

"Yes. I have already failed one of my friends, I will not fail the others."

Celestia said nothing, she simply looked on at the mare in front of her, one who only the day before was broken, now she stood tall with a newfound resolve in her eyes.

"Very well. General?"

"Yes, your highness?"

"You are the military expert, not I. What say you to her request?"

Steadfast looked over Rarity, trying to envision her potential. They locked eyes and Steadfast also saw the fire that burned within her, one he recognized all too well, it was the same fire that burned within him.

“I believe she will prove extremely useful.” Steadfast extended a hoof to Rarity which she grasped readily. “Welcome to the Guard.”