"Once we have every civilian out of Canterlot, we will head back to the castle and retake it from Luna," Shining Armor commanded to his small group of guards that had gotten away from the slaughterhouse that was Luna.

A gray stallion with a silver colored mane and two golden colored eyes stood beside him with concern in his face when hearing about going back to the castle. "Sir, with all due respect, we lost too many back there. Were only left with only a handful of soldiers now, we can't go back there. It's suicide," the stallion said quietly, not wanting for the soldiers to hear him.

Shining turned his head to him and looked at him dissaprovingly. "We are Princess Celestia's guards Silver. Our duty is to her and her subjects. We have to take back the castle from Luna or die trying. It's our duty to her majesty." Shining Armor understood Silver's concern, but they had a duty to withold, and he was not one to abandon it. He was loyal to Princess Celestia, not just because he was The Captain of the Royal Guard, but also because of his sister. She was Celestia's prized student, and he didn't want to let his sister down by letting her majesty down.

"Please Shining, you'll be sending these young colts back to their death's. You saw what happened in there. You already got most of them..." Silver was cut off sharply by his superior.

"Liuetenant, I know the consequences of my decision. That is exactly why were going to go back once General Blaze returns and all the civilians are safely evacuated out of Canterlot. They will not have died for nothing. Do you understand Lieutenant Silver?" Shining did not need a reminder of the bloodbath that he had witnessed.

"Understood Sir." Silver replied blandly.

"Good. Now, what about the pegasi patrols? I need a report from them soon and not one team has checked in." Silver went into his saddlebag, and read from a piece of parchment.

"Well, Alpha and Delta team are over the perimeter of Canterlot, and Beta and Charlie teams are scouting over the wastelands to make sure that the changelings have not moved further inland."

Shining Armor thought to himself for a moment. It was bad enough that they were all worried about the changelings, but for one of the regal sister to completely lose it and turn on them was a completely different monster. He knew that a conflict with Luna along with the changelings would only spell disaster for Equestria.

"Shining Armor," a raspy voice said. The white colt turned around quickly, and an orange pegasus with a red mane and tail with a streak of yellow stood before him. He quickly shot his hoof to his head along with Silver and the small group of soldiers, saluting their superior.

"General Blaze." Shining Armor replied.

"You and I need to speak privately Shining." Blaze motioned his hoof over to the soldiers that only stood at attention, waiting for commands. Shining Armor nodded and turned to the small group.

"You are dismissed. You may go."

"Yes sir," they said in unison, falling out and leaving the Captain to whatever business he had with the general. He looked over to Silver, nodding to him, signaling that he could leave them in private. Both Shining and Blaze watched as the lieutenenant left them to be.

"How are you holding up Shining?"

Shining knew exactly what he meant. He wasn't doing fine at at all. The image of Luna ripping out a guards intestine from his mouth and then choking him with it wasn't in his book of being classified as fine in his head.

"I am fine sir."

"Cut the formalities Shining. With all the shit going down here, I think we have more things to worry about than titles." Shining dropped his pose of attention, and relaxed. Blaze was his superior to him, but they were friends when they were outside of duty, and treated each other as if they were brothers.

"Alright. Well Blaze, what is this about?" He knew something was up if Blaze had to talk to him privately, and usually it was something never good. He as also a bit impatient considering everything that has happened. He did just see two-thirds of his guard slaughtered by Luna and all he could was run with the surviving few. The scene of seeing his comrades ripped to pieces and their blood spraying everywhere still played in his head.

"Alright, I'll get to the point. We will not be going back to the castle to retake it. We are leaving Canterlot completly once we get all the civilians on the next train." Shining Armor's ears twitched. Was he hearing correctly? They were simply going to leave Canterlot?

"What?! We can't just leave Princess Celestia by herself to fight Luna! We are part of the Celestia's royal guard damnit! We can't abandon her!" He blurted out. He didn't want to just leave his princess by herself while she dealt with her sister. They were her guard, sworn to protect and serve Celestia. To him, that also meant standing with her against Luna.

Blaze took in his outburst and responded coolly, "I know how you feel, but you saw what she did in there to our fellow colts. If we go back in there, we will all be killed. What would be the point then? Were best off getting every pony out of here, and plan what we are gonna do next. I told you when I first got back here that she was going back to the castle to deal with her."

He still didn't like this answer. They all knew that Celestia was in the castle with Luna, but how was Blaze so sure that she wouldn't need help.

"How do you know she doesn't need help? Did you not hear the windows blow out of there earlier? We need to go in there and at least see what's going on. The princess could be injured or worse.." he trailed, not wanting to think of the result. He felt a hoof set down on his shoulder.

"Now you and I both know what would happen if the Princess had fell." Shining Armor turned his head towards the sun, hoping it would never happen.

"Shining, if she needs help, she will let us know, She always does. But I need you to listen to me. We are not going back in there and I'll be damned if you go back in there and get yourself killed. You need to keep in my mind that you now have Cadence and Daisy. I'm not goingto be the one that has to tell her that she has no husband and that his daughter will be fatherless."

"Okay, okay, I get it." Shining said as he broke away from Blaze's hoof on his shoulder. As much as he didn't want to hear it, he knew the pegasus was right. What would be the point of going back in only to see his guards slaughtered once more and eventually suffering the same.

"I will make sure the last of the civilians get on the last train then," he said as he started to walk away to do the deed.

"You do understand why I am doing this right?" In honesty, he thought Blaze was being a coward, but he wouldn't tell him that. He knew Blaze always had everybody's best interest.

"Yes, I understand. Now, I'm going to check on Cadence real quick before I check the last train." Blaze only nodded at him and spread his wings and flew away. Shining Armor began walking but the gears in his mind were grinding together. He wanted to go back and help. He had watched those poor souls ripped apart and savagely butchered, and though he tried to fight the Princess of the Night himself, it was useless. So, he had to save who he could and leave the castle and ones that were already caught in her grasp. He shook his head, trying to shake the images out of his head. He continued walking until he was at the train platform. Ponies were stacking into the train one by one. They were obviously confused to why they were being evacuated. The only answer they could get from one of the guards was that there was an emergency within Canterlot and it requires all citizens to be evacuated to a safe area. How little they knew.

Shining Armor went over to the tent that was set up for his wife earlier by him so she could take care of Daisy while he attended his duties. He pulled the drape of the tent to reveal Cadence gently rocking the small foal.

"Oh, hello dear, so what has the Captain of the Royal Guard been up to?" she said cheerfully. She knew what had transpired, though she never saw it luckily, but maintained her loving and positive personality.

"Were not taking back the castle. General Blaze said that we are all to leave after the last civilian train heads out." he said bluntly.

"Well, not a bad decision on his part."

Shining Armor was hoping that Cadence wouldn't agree with Blaze's decision. He really didn't want to just leave Canterlot and Princess Celestia alone with Luna after seeing what she could do.

"Do you really think we should just abandon Princess Celestia?"

Cadence eyed him. She knew her husband could be stubborn and hard-headed, but she was his voice of reason. She knew Shining Armor's dream was to become Captain of the Royal Guard, and he took his job to heart.

"Were not abandoning her. She is the princess. She has fought Luna before, I'm sure she could do it again. Besides, I don't think she wants to see any more ponies die. You know Blaze keeps the best interest of his soldiers and Equestria at all times. Please, Shining, I know you want to go back, but you'll only get killed...and I don't know what I would do if I lost you...." she trailed off at the thought of her husband dying.

Shining Armor went to his wife to comfort her, realizing that she was actually more worried that she would lose him. He put his hoofs and embraced her and his small foal. Maybe she was right. Princess Celestia had fought her before and won, and what would be the point to jump in and only end up getting killed? He would leave his family, and he couldn't forget his own sister. He knew she had lost enough and didn't need her brother being added to it. He looked to his foal Daisy Song in his wife's arms. He looked at the sleeping foal, admiring her amber coat and small brown mane. What would she do without her father?

"I'm sorry. I let my duty come first when there are more important things protecting right now. Princess Celestia can handle this herself. She will let us now if she needs help." He had so much to lose now, and he hadn't even considered the ones in his life that cared for him and how broken they would be to learn if he had been killed if he had gone back. They embraced each other for a few moments longer until finally breaking away.

"Well, I better set Daisy down. I can't keep holding her forever," she said laughing softly to herself,"and I think you have some ponies to see off so they can get on that train." He nodded and smiled at her and his foal. He trotted out of the tent to attend to the civilians and get them on that last train.

"Captain!" Shining knew that voice and quickly looked around for him. He saw Silver running towards him in a sweat. Shining felt his heart pump against his chest, seeing the hectic Silver running towards him. He started running to meet him, as if it was instinct. He met him in the middle and looked at the sweat covered lieutenant.

"What is it Silver??" Shining asked hastily.

"A pegasus from Alpha team has come back," Silver said trying to catch his breath.

"What you mean 'a' pegasus? Where is the rest of it's team??" Shining heart pumped even faster. He feared that it was Luna, that she was now out of the castel and she had beaten Celestia. He looked toward the sun as he did earlier that day. If she would have been beaten, it wasn't showing.

Silver looked at him with fear in his eyes. "They are dead. The pegasus had said it was Lunar guards. There are Lunar guards coming Shining. I have informed General Blaze first before I came to you, and he has told me to tell you that you''re w in charge. He is taking a platoon of pegasi with him to intercept them. Our orders are to get the civilians out of here as quick as possible."

Shining looked as if he had been slapped. Why were the Lunar Guard attacking them? He knew they were loyal to Luna but they were only to act on her behalf if her life was threatened and Equestria was in danger, but Luna was the danger to Equestria. They wee to serve for the good of Equestria even if it meant going against their princess. But how would they know if their princess was in trouble? He had stories that when one became part of the Lunar guard, that they are branded with a symbol on their chest, and it would signal them when their princess was in danger. Of course these were just stories he had heard, considering he didn't see many Lunar guards since they take over at night, he hadn't the time to find out, but now hearing this might have proved these stories true. He thought to himself, now coming to a realization that if Luna was in danger, that means Celestia was beating her!

"Okay, I want every pony, unicorn, and pegasus that is not assisting with the evacuation to get into battle ready formation. I want them all forming a perimeter around the station. They have to hold it long enough to get these ponies out of here."

"Yes sir!

Silver ran off, leaving Shining to his now hectic mind. Lunar Guards were coming to Canterlot and there was no doubt that they were coming to fend off anyone that stood against their beloved princess. He thought about his wife and child. He quickly turned and ran back toward the tent that they resided in. Cadence saw her husband run back in with a look of urgency in his eyes.

"Whats wrong? Did something happen?" she asked.

"You and Daisy have to get on the last train. There are Lunar Guards coming to Canterlot and they have killed pegasi that were patrolling outside of Canterlot. They could be here any minute so I need you to take Daisy and get on that train now!" He couldn't help the sense of fear and worry in his voice. He didn't want her to argue with him, just to get out of Canterlot. If they broke through the perimeter that was being set by his fellow guards, innocent ponies would be caught in the crossfire, including Cadence and Daisy.

"Shining,what are you talking about? I thought we agreed that I would go when you go??" Cadence was now worried, but she knew exactly what he meant, but she just couldn't comprehend it.

"Luna's guards are coming to help her, and that means they are going to kill anyone that stands against her. You have to get on that train and leave here." Shining said hastily, now starting to pack stuff for Daisy and Cadence in a saddlebag. "You are going to leave and get somewhere safe." Shining would not negotiate this. There was now an impending threat coming to them and he refused for his wife and child to be caught in it.

"Then what about you?!" He put the saddlebag onto her wife's back, trying to keep up with her questions.

"I am staying here. I have to make sure you all get out safely." He picked up Daisy, who was still wrapped up in her small blanket and sound asleep. "You have to get out of here."

Shining handed Daisy to her. He didn't want to be separated form them, but he didn't want to risk them being here either. He had no idea how many were coming and if they were too much, at least they would be safe.

"But Shining..."

"I don't want to hear it Cadence. You are going and that's that.." He knew that his wife now worried for his safety, but his own was not his concern. He motioned for her to follow him and she obeyed, seeing that he was not going to let up. They both left the tent together, and he brought her to the front of the line of other ponies that were waiting to get on the train that only waited for it's passengers.

"You." he said calling to one of the guards that stood at the side of the door that led inside the train.

"Yes sir."

"Make sure that Princess Cadence and Daisy get on this train without fail. Do you understand?"

"Of course sir." He looked over to Cadence and Daisy. Cadence had sadness in her eyes, she wanted to stay, but he would hear none of it. He needed them to be safe for his sake. She looked at him and tears started to well up in her eyes.

"Princess, I need you to come with me please," the guard said trying to motion Cadence to get inside of the train. She continued looking at him while Daisy only slept.

"You better come back Shining Armor." He went over and hugged her.

"Don't worry. I have dealt with much worse, this will be easy." He was trying to bring some comfort to her with a bit of humor, but it wouldn't help her. They broke their embrace and she entered the car of the train, and Shining only stood there, knowing that this could be the last time he will see her. He watched as she dissapeared into it.

The line of ponies started to go inside the train until there were none left. The train doors closed and let out a loud whistle, signaling of its coming departure. Shining listened as the train started to push itself slowly away from the station. It picked up speed and he watched it dissapear into the horizon, watching his beloved wife and foal leave, not knowing if he would see them again, but he took comfort that at least they would be safe. He turned around and looked to see if there were any civilians left, but all that stood was him and his fellow comrades.

"General Blaze has returned!" a voice cried out. He looked out into the sky to see Blaze and about ten other pegasi descending down towards them. Blaze landed swiftly, not missing a beat and quickly barked orders.

"Soldiers, we are leaving immediately. The Lunar guards are coming in close to Canterlot and they are coming in force. We have to retreat and leave Canterlot." The group only stood silent, understanding their general. "I want all unicorns setting up teleporation spells for everyone. I am putting Protocol 4 in effect." Shining Armor saw this coming. Protocol 4 was put in place by Celestia herself after the banishment of her sister. It was to have all Solar guards to leave Canterlot to the rendezvous point, which in this case would be Manehatten, and await orders from Celestia. They were admitting defeat. without even fighting.

"Well, what are we waiting for?! Let's get going!" The momentarily stunned soldiers quickly snapped out of their shock and begun their task. All unicorns were to set up teleportation spells and every earth pony and pegasus were to be telported to the rendezvous point in Manehatten.

Shining Armor knew his job, and gathered with the other unicorns to begin casting the spell.

Shining Armor!

He jerked at the sound of a voice in his head. What was more for a shock for him though was that it was Celestia's voice.

Princess? Is that you?

Yes, and I need your help.

Was he going completely nuts now? He was hearing Celestia's voice in his head.

How are you talking to me in my head??

I can't explain right now, but I need you to help me. Whether he was going nuts or not, it shook him to his core to hear the fear in Celestia's voice. She had always been a calm, confident, and fearless leader in his eyes.

What do you need me to do?

[i]I need you to come back to the castle and meet some pony there. Shining Armor's mind went blank. Why did she need him to go back to the castle and what pony was he supposed to meet?

Princess, I don't understand. What pony am i supposed to meet? Whats going on in there? How are you talking to me but fighting Luna? Question after question started pouring through his head. He wanted to know if she was okay but didn't understand how she was in his head speaking to him, and what pony did he have to meet and for what reason.

Stop! He jerked once again hearing the force in her voice ring in his head. He had never heard her yell before. Was she really in that much need of help? Enough questions. I don't have much time, but all you need to know is that Twilight and Pinkie Pie are here with me. Twilight has been gravely injured and I am doing everything I can to help her, but she will need to get medical care or she will die. Pinkie Pie is the one keeping Luna busy while I try to save Twilight. I will send Pinkie Pie to the gardens with Twilight when I am finished doing what I can with her, and then you will leave Canterlot and get somewhere safe.

His world came crashing down before him. His sister was with Celestia, and she was hurt, hurt to the point where she could die. It wasn't Celestia that was fighting in there but Pinkie Pie. His mind raced. Why were they there, and why was Pinkie Pie of all ponies, the one that had killed Twilight's friends, there actually fighting Luna?

Twilight is there?? With Pinkie Pie?? What the hell is going on!? He couldn't contain his fear now. He had no idea what was going on in there, but to learn that his sister was there for some reason and was injured plummeted his heart into a black pool of terror. He couldn't lose Twilight.

It was my fault. I brought them with me, but I need you at the gardens when Pinkie arrives with Twilight. She needs you or she won't make it.

I'm coming! Shining Armor put all his power into his legs and ran off. He didn't need to be told again that Twilight needed his help.

"Where are you going!?" one of the unicorns called out to him. He didn't have time to answer back nor tell anyone where he was going. He had to save Twilight and get her out of there. He didn't know what reason or why Celstia brought Twilight and Pinkie with her, but it would have to wait. All that mattered was getting his sister.

"Where are you going!??" a voice above him called out. He looked up quickly seeing Blaze flying over him. He didn't have time trying to explain what was going on. He couldn't waste any second. It was one less second that his sister had before she died, and he would never forgive himself if he was too slow to get her. He kept running, and he was now running in the streets of Canterlot. He ran by the now empty shops and houses that stood within the city. Blaze was still flying above him, and seeing he wasn't going to get an answer, he resorted to a different tactic. Blaze landed right in front of the running colt. Shining Armor didn't have time to slow down and swerve around him and ended up crashing into the pegasus. They rolled around on the ground until Blaze stopped them and was now on top of the desperate captain.

"What the hell are you doing!? We need your help back there!" Shining wiggled around trying to break free from Blaze. He had to get Twilight.

"Get off of me! I have to go!!" he yelled.

"Go where!? To the castle!? I already told you your not going back there to get killed!" Shining Armor's anger rose in him. This had nothing to do with Luna or him wanting to go back and fight.

"I said get off of me! Twilight needs me! I have to get her or she's dead!" Shining broke one of his arms free and landed his hoof right across Blazes' muzzle, sending him toppling over and releasing him. He got back up and began running once more. Blaze got up and watched as the white unicorn made his way towards the castle. He did not pursue him.

Shining Armor's heart raced, he was breathing hard, but he would not relent. He could not afford to be slow. He had to save his sister. His mind screamed at him to go faster and faster. He had see enough ponies die today and he was NOT going to let his sister become one of them.

"I'm coming Twilight. Just hang on.." he said between his breaths, vowing that if he should fail, then he would go down with her, but not before he broke Luna.

His time was ticking. Twilight's life was waning, and Luna's guards were heading to Canterlot. Being Captain of the Royal Guard was his dream, but now, it only seemed like a nightmare...

The world as he knew it was going to hell right before his eyes....