Dawn smiled, glad to have met Breezy and Lemon along the way, however unexpected it might have been. She looked between the Twilight, Chrysalis, and Violet, hoping they didn't mind. "Sorry for the interruption, lead on Twilight."

"You seem to have a lot of friends." Twilight commented as they resumed walking.

"Well,” Dawn chuckled, “it seems so. I'm disappointed in myself at times that I take a few of them for granted, but I do what I can."

"Cherish them, all of them, because they are but a little light in your life that make life great. Don't ever forget about them."

"‘Specially with that immortality, the time I get to have compared with theirs... I should spend more time with them.” Dawn said quietly, guilt starting to settle on her at the thought.

"Yes...yes you should."

Dawn seemed lost in thought as she followed Twilight's lead. Various stores were closing, and ponies were walking home, or foals being called from playgrounds to go to bed. They soon arrived outside of Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns.

"That’s weird, I didn't know that was here.” Dawn hummed, “I was sent to the magic kindergarten back to the east of here..."

"Yeah magic kindergarten is a separate schooling from the School."

"True, but if she knew I was learning magic, I don't understand why I never came here once I knew enough basics."

"From what I'm gathering you don't have magic sight here.” Twilight shrugged, “She may not have realized your potential."

"Possibly… are there times where the result of that sight of yours changes? Like, if someone was imposing limits on themselves unintentionally?"

"Yes, it is possible to hide your potential and it's not a guarantee. It's just what could be. Doesn't mean it will be reached or ever come close."

Dawn nodded, once again in thought. With lack of death of age, she could end up with a great deal more knowledge, wisdom, and power... but so could the threats to the kingdom. Svikopi was ageless in that limbo between worlds and seemed to be centuries old, Tirek appeared to be as well, and even nightmare moon from the legends ponies told...

"Dawn, do not worry about threats that might be." Twilight said, reading the mare's face. "Prepare for the possible, but do not worry on it. To do so means you may miss the threat that is right in front of you ‘till it's putting a knife between your ribs. And never, under any circumstances, underestimate the lengths the threat you face will go to achieve its goal and its ability to do evil."

Dawn nodded, taking the response in stride, letting out a sigh and tried to put on a smile

"And enjoy the peace and good company while you can, right?"

"Always.” Twilight replied, “Because you never know when it can all be ripped away… I learned that the hard way."

"Yeah,” Dawn said, nodding yet again before deciding to poke fun at how often she nodded at them. “if I agree too much more, I'll become a bobblehead. What stat do you think I'd improve first?"

"Stat?"

"There’s a game or three I’ve played where bobbleheads improve your abilities, things like crafting or strength or intelligence or luck."

"Oh...um...not sure just,” Twilight replied, confused by what they were saying, “I don't know. What your Celestia said made me think of all that's happened here, from the War with Tirek to the Separatist War and the Day of Lost Innocence."

"Right, sorry,” Dawn shook her head, saddened her hope of lightening the mood just crashed. “I didn't mean to take that away from you, I just... thought maybe a joke was in order."

"No, no, it's fine really, just…" She sighed. "A lot’s on my mind."

"I understand, a little anyway.” Dawn nodded, “I know I keep saying it, but I want to help somehow. It reminds me of the hardships from back home, and so few others in this world would understand. Nightfall would too, but he's secluded himself with the Everfree Patrol and away from everypony else. Only Breezy and Lemon Bloom know where they go."

"I know.” Twilight sighed again, “I don't fault this world for this peace. It's something I strive to achieve… just… for those who know nothing of what it feels like to pass judgment-"

Dawn nodded yet again, reaching over to gently put a hoof on her shoulder as a gesture of solidarity.

“Not all of us are like that Twilight. Hell, you even had Stalwart on your side, and he still has issues with changelings!"

"Yeah,” She smiled and nodded. “I know you aren't all, it’s just… different coming from someone in power."

Dawn kept silent, as she had already repeated her support. She looked back to Chrysalis, debating if she should link with her and consult for any other way to help, but decided against it. She stood there, removing her hoof their side to let them have space.

Twilight stood and began to walk again after a bit.

Dawn followed, looking to Chrysalis again, wondering what more she could do. There had to be something she could do, but Chrysalis looked back at her and gave a subtle shake of the head to tell her Twilight just needed some time is all. Dawn nodded slightly, feeling a bit down but trying to be understanding. Night was in full swing, crickets chirping and fireflies starting their signal-like glowing.

"Ah-hah! It is here!" Twilight said happily as they made their way down an ally. "Though we may need some disguises as two alicorns would cause a stir."

"What's here?" Dawn asked, following but giving a blink of confusion as she did so.

"The Ivory Wheel." Twilight smiled, pointing to a sign hanging over a door on the small street. "One of the best bars ever."

"I'll take your word for it. I can’t hold liquor for anything." Dawn chuckled nervously. “So, I don’t drink.”

"You are pregnant." Twilight looked at her and replied sharply. It was painfully clear Twilight did not like that Dawn even suggested she would drink while pregnant, even if it was only if she felt she could handle the liquor.

"Oh! R-right." Dawn replied, shaken by the sharpness. She never intended for them to think that she wanted to drink in the first place.

"We need disguises" Twilight said, "Do you know how to do an illusion on yourself?"

"My illusion magic is decent, but I can’t hold it more than two hours.” Dawn nodded, “Then again, that was before I became an alicorn on nightmare night."

Twilight paused for a moment before saying, "I'll cast it, what do you want to look like?"

“Well, what if I looked like a darker furred mare, something closer to Starlight Dusk?" Dawn asked, surprised but trying to come up with something.

"Unicorn I'm guessing?"

"Probably for the best. Still gonna take Starlight as my name in that case."

Twilight nodded, and her horn glowed. A moment later Dawn's muzzle was a dark grey color and her mane was blue. She was also staring at a pink unicorn with a green and purple mane and a mark of a small weight.

"Niiiice. What’ll your name be?"

"Call me… Lead Weight."

"Whatever ya say Lead. Let’s go in." She replied, smiling.

Twilight nodded as she walked in with a smile. The place wasn't that busy, just a hoof full of patrons, but the atmosphere was nice and relaxing.

Dawn smiled, nodding her approval as she looked around, trying to be subtle as she wondered what Violet and Chryssy would do for their disguises.

Lead led the way to a small booth, far from the bar itself, and took a seat, Chrysalis sitting beside her and Violet hopped into the other side of the booth where space was for ‘Starlight.’

Dawn smiled, relishing the chance to be by Violet with their adorable innocent antics from earlier. She sat down daintily, getting comfortable as she tried to adopt a separate mannerism for the disguise on the spot. After a moment, a yellow Pegasus with a blue mane wearing an apron came over.

"Friends and family night out?" She asked smiling as she set some menus on the table. "Also, the foal isn't allowed anywhere near the bar, house rules."

The waitress talked in a manner that was friendly, as if she were just reminding them of something they already knew. Dawn couldn’t help but appreciate it, feeling like they were respecting the intelligence of their guests while not ignoring that things still must be said.

"Don't worry, she'll be with me and her little sister" Dawn said, slightly holding her belly to leave the hint.

The mare smiled. "Well then, congratulations! Though no hard cider for you."

"That’s fine, I think we'll live. If you've got any silly straws though, we'll take ‘em."

"For you or the foal?" She asked with a smile.

"Yes." Dawn replied with a mischievous grin.

"Two bendy straws with the drinks." She chuckled, "I'll leave you to look over the menu."

"Hey Sunny! Can I get a refill?" A stallion at the bar called shaking an empty glass.

"Be there in a moment Quickdraw!" She called over her shoulder before she nodded to the four at the table and turned to leave.

Dawn looked over to the stallion, her mind wandering before turning back to the menu. "Let’s see Violet, what drinks seem good to you?"

"Milkshake." She said with deadly seriousness. "Strawberry."

"Very well.” Dawn laughed. “What about you lead?"

"Hard Cider of course." Twilight chuckled.

"I'll be having a martini." Chryssy said

"I'm craving chocolate and caramel,” Dawn hummed, thinking, “I'll go with the shake too then."

"Any food?" Lead asked. "This place has decent food as well as drink."

“Oooooo, well, we just ate, but... cheese is still sounding good."

"Small snacks are never bad." Lead chuckled.

"I know I'm gonna gain weight from pregnancy,” Dawn smiled, “but it’s not like I should lose control. How does pretzel bread and cheese dip sound?"

"That sounds good."

Dawn waved to the server if she left, and let her know what she wanted, ordering for violet. Lead Weight and Chrysalis both put in their orders, watching as Sunny wrote on the order slip.

"Alright, that will be right out in a jiffy." She said going to the kitchen.

"So,” Dawn spoke up after they left, turning to Twilight, “lots of good memories here I hope?"

"More or less. Found this place arresting a group of ponies for assaulting EDF personnel, and sort of recommended it to some troopers as I like the atmosphere. The place quickly became very popular among the troopers when off duty."

“Well, I could definitely see how that would raise morale and bring in business back home." Dawn nodded.

"Yeah I figured it was a decent way to repay for the lads kicking in the front and back doors once we got confirmation it was the group we were looking for."

"I'm sure it was more than just business too.” Dawn replied, shaking with silent laughter, “knowing you had their backs had to be another really good perk too."

"Oh yeah. Anyone causing problems for the owner or staff found themselves facing down so very angry soldiers." Twilight chuckled.

"You know,” Dawn smirked, holding back a wistful sigh, “I'm really glad you landed here. Whether as a visit or a long-term stay, I'm glad for what I’m getting to learn from you and what we can do together in the meantime."

"Oh? What do you mean?" She asked tilting her head.

"You know, training, talking about technology, respect to others... I just have a feeling things are gonna work out well."

"Yeah, happy to help.” Twilight nodded, “I'd imagine it's nice talking to someone who has an idea of the things you know, and as for the training, I'm enjoying it a lot."

"I'm glad... Just a shame we can't make a way to deliberately visit each other without... well, you know. Can't say here."

"Perhaps somehow, maybe." Twilight nodded again in agreement.

"Like we said earlier,” Dawn shrugged with a smile. “Heck, I'd do a toast to the time we have with those we like, but our drinks aren't here yet."

Twilight chuckled and a moment later, the pegasus arrived with the drinks balanced on a tray on an outstretched wing.

"And here's your drinks! Anything else before food?" She asked as she places the drinks before everyone

Dawn smiled more broadly, floating the strawberry milkshake over to violet and taking her own.

"Looks lovely, thank you." Dawn nodded in appreciation as Twilight shook their head to the server.

"Your food will be done shortly." She said before taking her leave.

Dawn eagerly started to sip at her drink, tasting the refreshing flavors and then gasping with a shudder, "Oh wow... I think I'm in love."

Twilight chuckled and smirked. "See why it became so popular?"

"Oh absolutely.” Dawn nodded, trying quite hard not to squirm in her seat, “I feel like I'm a foal or something, I'm that happy with it."

Twilight chuckled as she sipped her drink.

Dawn looked over to Violet, half expecting her snout to be covered in whipped cream or something. Unsurprisingly, it was indeed as she was practically inhaling her shake, then she recoiled drawing in a sharp breath through gritted teeth.

Dawn laughed and pushed a hoof gently to her head, "See violet? That's why you savor the flavor, so you can chill out while not being chilled."

She rubbed the side of her head fiercely as Chrysalis chuckled. Dawn sipped her own drink a little, savoring the taste before helping to rub Violet’s head. After a bit of rubbing, the filly sighed in relief.

"You feeling better hun?"

Violet nodded ears drooped a bit.

"I always tell you not to drink cold things so fast little one." Chrysalis said chuckling

"I can't blame you though.” Dawn whispered down to the foal, “I did that a lot when I was younger too."

Violet slowly nodded before starting to sip the drink.

"There ya go. Enjoy the flavor, make a game of making it last as long as you can before swallowing." Dawn encouraged, taking a sip or three herself before wincing as a small pang of brain freeze hit her too.

"Seems you need to take your own advice." Twilight chuckled.

"I-I just ..." Dawn blushed and looked away, then laughed, feeling embarrassed having been told off so simply like that

Twilight chuckled again and sipped her drink. Dawn shook her head and rubbed her foreleg with a hoof, feeling a little chilled, but glad she was in good company.

"So, are we heading back tomorrow?"

"I planned to purchase our tickets tonight,” Dawn nodded, then paused, “though to think of it, if funds are to be made available to you for your stay, I'll need to ask about that. It’s not like we're stretching the budget covering you, but some spending money is always nice to have.”

"Alright, so I'd imagine at least two days minimum for the bureaucrats to get things set up." She nodded.

"Well, I'll help you out in the interim of course." Dawn said as she sipped her drink more before looking back over to the stallions at the bar.

He was a dark red unicorn with a green mane, his back was to them as he sipped his drink.

"See something you like?" Twilight asked smirking.

"Definitely,” Dawn laughed quietly, “even if he does remind me of my best friend, Cherry Dancer."

"Oh? Mayhaps I should go and see if he is interested in some company of a certain unicorn mare." Twilight smirked.

"Not without Stal's approval. I don’t want him feeling hurt by going without telling fi-" she facehoofed, "of course, the telephone spell."

Twilight blinked for a moment, then opened her mouth remembering it, and her eyes narrowed ever so slightly.

"Actually, he wasn't in the best mood, so probably shouldn’t."

"Probably not... but that doesn’t mean I can't get his number" Dawn winked. "Cherry's been itching to spend time together after all, and I doubt he'd mind having a second mare present"

Twilight blinked at her not understanding. Dawn let out a silent sigh and decided to try again, wondering what was being misunderstood.

"I can still make a friend and if he's interested, my friend, Cherry Dancer could join in on the fun."

Twilight blinked again, and Dawn looked at her completely confused. ‘We were just joking about going to flirt with him, and now she’s acting like that never happened.’

‘Yeah,’ Starlight echoed in Dawn’s thoughts, ‘not sure what’s going on there.

"Why wouldn't your friend be able to join you?" Twilight asked. "It's rude to exclude friends from activities."

"I-” Dawn paused, as if her prior thought was confirmed and only made her even more confused. She decided not to pursue it and sighed inwardly, only feeling her frustration rise, “remind me to talk to you about it later... Not sure if you want me to talk about it in front of your daughter."

Dawn looked over to Chryssy before debating against letting her translate due to the lack of comprehension of her significance of things from last time. Twilight blinked yet again in confusion before giving another reply.

"Ok?"

‘Yeah, what the hell is her problem? Total mood killer.’ Starlight commented to Dawn.

Dawn smirked subtly at the remark, then looked back to the stallion, then back to the group.

"So, got anything of here you particularly plan on enjoying?” Dawn asked.

"At this bar or Canterlot?" Twilight clarified

"Either or." She said, shrugging and wondering where the appetizer was before noticing the waitress hurrying over to their table.

"Sorry." Sunny said as she placed the order down on the table. "First batch didn't cook properly so had to restart."

"It's fine, I was just wondering what happened. Thank you." Dawn shook her head. She gave a smile to the waitress, who returned it and then left.

"Yeah, they make the food fresh here, not premade."

Dawn smiled and took a piece, readily dipping it into the cheese and took a bite before practically purring at the taste, warmth and texture.

"Did someone find a new favorite place?" Twilight smiled.

Dawn laughed and looked back at Twilight, visibly relaxed before replying, "Oh yes..."

She smiled as she took one as well. Dawn took a second piece before turning to Violet.

"How’s your milkshake?" Dawn asked as she looked over to it, half expecting it to have been long since drained due to the filly's love of strawberries. Sure enough, the shake was drained, and a breadstick was being eaten.

Dawn chuckled and patted their head gently before letting her mind wander to all the events, the things she needed to do, or remember to do. Her gaze unfocused, and Twilight watched her as she herself ate a bread stick and got a refill of her drink from Sunny. After a few minutes more, Dawn sighed contentedly from the meal, relaxing and rubbing her belly.

"The foal appreciates this place." Dawn joked.

"Then it has excellent taste." Twilight said nodding.

"Among other things.” Dawn smiled, “Any other surprises you've got up your hoof?"

"Mmm, none I can think of." She said finishing her drink

Dawn let out a quiet sigh of contentment, looking over to her saddlebags, getting her funds ready to pay the bill and leave a tip.

"So then, anywhere you want to see on this night?" Twilight asked as she noticed the mare’s posture shift.

Dawn shook her head and yawned, "I'm good. It's getting to be about my bedtime. You want to accompany me to our rooms or do you want to stay out more?"

"I think it's time we return." Twilight said, noting her foal’s wide, high pitched yawn.

Dawn nodded, leaving the coins on the table, fully satisfied with her meal. She yawned again and stood on the ground, gathering Violet up to put her on her own back. The filly was barely keeping her eyes open and nestled into place with her head resting on Dawn’s mane as Twilight got to her hooves and helped Chrysalis out of the booth.

Dawn smiled gently and walked carefully so as not to wake Violet and left the place, Twilight walking beside her.

"So then, enjoy your evening?"

"Yeah, for the most part.” Dawn nodded, smiling gently, “Thank you for showing me to a wonderful nook I never knew about."

"Glad to have done so. Sorry if things got a little depressing.” Twilight said, watching the mare.

"It's fine.” Dawn said before shaking her head, realizing that probably wasn’t the right thing to say. “After what you've been through, and the hardships you've endured, it'd be heartless of me to not feel something for it all."

"Yeah, I know, but I know it can be depressing hearing about such topics."

"But it's a part of you,” Dawn shook her head more, continuing to protest that it was an inconvenience, “and I'm glad you were willing to share… and I hope it helped in some way."

"It did." She said. "Also, don't worry, I have enough restraint not to punch your Celestia in the face the next time I see her."

"Not quite what I expected, but either way." Dawn chuckled weakly, sincerely surprised that was brought up but trying to hold back. She walked on, leading them to the castle and down the halls toward her room. She stopped outside it and said, "Well, here we are, your room is on the other side. Need-" She paused as another yawn escaped her throat "me to help you tuck her in?"

Twilight chuckled, moving the sleeping Violet onto her back. "I think I can manage. Have a good night Dawn." She said before disappearing into her room.

Dawn nodded, and barely got to her room before falling asleep on the bed, Stalwart joining her soon after.

Stalwart was up bright and early due to him only taking a 'nap' for nighttime with his wife, before going on a regular patrol to occupy his time before returning to the room, fully intent to recreate the first night they saw each other, pushing a tray with warm fresh breakfast on it. Honeyed oatmeal and cream, with some scrambled peppered eggs, and some optional maple syrup, enough for everyone once they woke, but set into two parts, one for him and his wife, the other for their companions.

A light knock came through the door shortly after he had entered the room and set the food for his wife and himself on the table.

"Come in." Stalwart called quietly, trying not to wake her

Twilight entered. "The servers said you got enough food for all of us, so I’m guessing this is a private breakfast?"

"Well,” Stalwart looked over to Twilight intrigued, “I was trying to be discrete, but I suppose so, come on, I got enough for everypony."

Dawn was still lightly sleeping, though stirring and moaning quietly as she smelled the food

"I’m a trained soldier and Chrysalis is a being all about discretion and deception." Twilight chuckled quietly. "Getting things past us ain't easy." She said quietly entering and dropping back to her true form.

Stalwart chuckled and lifted the cover to their bowl of food. He opened his mouth, thinking of saying something, but lightly shook his head as he decided against it. He would continue to do things as he always had, letting his actions speak instead of his words.

Twilight took a seat as did a disguised chrysalis with a half-awake Violet being put on a seat.

"Thank you." Chrysalis said

Dawn yawned, slowly waking from her dream of rearing her foals, only to shake her head slowly and try to get out of bed. She groaned and tried to walk over to the table, unaware her body still thought it was caring for a foal.

"M-mornin..." she grumbled as she tried to get her bearings, scraping a chair across the tile on accident due to pulling it by hoof before sitting on it.

Twilight covered Violets’ eyes as she tried to suppress a laugh with her own hoof.

Dawn looked at the table, oblivious as she wearily went to dip her muzzle to a bowl and started to get a mouthful of food. She didn’t care that she had a sun as part of her mark, she was not a morning pony and never wanted to be.

Twilight struggled not to laugh, while Chrysalis, still as a pony, couldn't help smiling in amusement.

"What's so funny..." Dawn asked in a dead tired voice as she looked up to them, eyes still half closed and showing her confusion.

"Nothing, nothing." Chrysalis said as Twilight focused on her food.

Dawn shrugged, eating her food more before Stalwart gave her a look over and chuckled

"Is our foal hungry maybe?" He asked, trying to clue her in.

"It's why I'm eating isn't it?" Dawn asked, as if that were obvious.

Stalwart shook his head and went over to a drawer, pulling out a towel and wrapping it around her. She looked back to him again, now even more confused as the gears of her mind refused to spin together.

Twilight burst out laughing and Chrysalis chuckled. Dawn sighed, looking to her husband as if to get clarity on what was so funny, feeling like she was left out of the loop.

"Dawn, is that how you greet your husband?" Stalwart smirked.

"No, we have guests present." Dawn smirked back, starting to wake a bit more.

He whispered gently into her ear so only she could hear, filling her in, and instantly her demeanor changed to more a more submissive, embarrassed one. She ate slowly as she used one hoof to hold the towel closer.

Twilight slowly stopped laughing and arched a brow at this change of attitude. Stalwart gave her a wink before going back to his breakfast. Dawn began eating again at a slower pace, having been told now why she was covered. Despite this morning surprise, she had no problem polishing off her meal and sighed contentedly, trying to be subtle about drying herself off.

Twilight chuckled as she ate and soon finished along with a more awake Violet. Dawn smiled at the end of breakfast, having noted Violet’s lack of strawberries in the meal.

"Stalwart, you forgot her favorite fruit."

"They didn't have any left. Something about using it all up in some disappearing desert yesterday." Stalwart said, causing Violet to start giggling, Dawn joining almost immediately after.

"Was it worth it Violet?”

"Always."

Dawn smiled and got down off the chair before getting her brush out, intent on sorting her mane out into something presentable.

"Good, so, are we catching the first train we can out, or are we staying here one more day to get the allowance thing started?”

"While I'd love to put this city behind me, the allowance is a good idea." Twilight said.

"I'll go meet with them on your behalf soon then, make sure you're fairly represented." Dawn replied.

“Thank you, and while you do that, I suppose that means I'll pal around with Stalwart here, if he doesn't have any official business."

"I have nothing here that needs doing.” Stalwart shook his head, “Maybe a visit of some buddies of mine, but that's not ‘till after they're done with their shift."

Twilight nodded at the information before turning to Chrysalis.

"I'll take Violet around the city to give her some practice with her changeling skills."

"And here I was hoping for that.” Dawn quietly pined before giving a small sigh and a nod of acceptance. “Oh well, I'll have plenty of time for that in Van Hoover anyway."

"Perhaps." Chrysalis chuckled.

Dawn stretched again, and walked out toward the hall, leaving stalwart with the rest, and internally hoping she doesn't continue having embarrassments like this morning. She worried, considering it was the first time that had happened, and wondered if she should purchase some clothing meant to help with it.

Shortly after she left, Chrysalis excused herself and left with Violet, leaving Twilight alone with Stalwart.

Stalwart turned to Twilight, giving her his full attention, as if trying to consider what to talk about but trying to seem open in the meantime

"So then,” Twilight spoke up first, “Were you rank and file promotions, or started as an officer?"

"Started out in the royal guard because of my father and his father,” Stalwart nodded in recognition. “Gained a promotion during the changeling invasion to Sergeant of my own squad of patrols, then when I married Dawn and she became a princess, I became her personal ponyguard."

"Good, the best officers come from the rank and file, rather than ones who have never done any grunt work."

"Helps when you know what it's like. That's all." Stalwart chuckled.

"Yeah, I know. But an officer that only goes straight to the academy and never got their hooves dirty isn't going to understand."

"Yeah, that's right.” Stalwart nodded, “I take it you've gone through training yourself then?"

"Of course. Couldn't call myself a soldier if I wasn't properly trained." She chuckled.

Stalwart hummed, looking her over a second time before shrugging, "I suppose so."

"Had some people complain about the fact everyone started out as a private regardless of status in life and only chose officers from among the enlistmen.” She smirked. “So I took a few of those complainers and gave them a little officer test." She said. "Care to hear about it?"

"I'm all ears. What's that like?"

"I gave them a simple test. There were four of them who were the most vocal. All they had to do was set up a 50-foot flag pole and run up the EDF flag. I gave them a Sergeant and two PFCs as well. The four testers spent an hour arguing how the best way to get the flag pole set up and the flag up before I got tired of listening to them bicker and ended the test." She smirked. "I then demonstrated how to do the flag by turning to the Sergeant who had been standing there patiently and ordered him to have the men run up the flag. 6 minutes later the flag was flying high."

Stalwart tried to follow, since there were new terms used, but once she got to the end he simply looked at her and went, "Wait... that simple? Why?"

"Because an officer is in charge of the troopers. They tell them what needs doing and because the troopers are experienced they know how to do it. If I did what those four wanted, imagine how they'd be in a more serious situation? If they can't figure out how to run up a flag when they have three soldiers to do it, how can I trust them to know how to actually lead in a combat situation where there are lives on the line?"

"That... makes a lot of sense. Never thought of it that way before."

"Exactly. It's why all troopers start as privates just like everyone else and have to work their way up through the ranks. It's the only way they will understand how anything is done."

"I suppose so.” Stalwart said as he stretched for a moment before settling back down again, “Here, we trust in each other to know what to do. When one of us act, we all act. At least... that's what I was taught." He hesitated, a memory coming back to him.

"We do too. Every trooper goes through Camp Mendez. Every one of them gets the same training so they know what they need to. Each one comes to rely on the soldier next to them to keep them alive. It's why the EDF was one of the first groups where racism against the changelings died. Those who couldn't get over their prejudices washed out because they couldn’t trust the trooper next to them, regardless of whether they were a pony or a changeling. And when in a life or death situation, the trooper is all you have out there, they are your buddy and they hold your life in their hooves."

Stalwart hummed, thinking as he tried to relate the differences and yet combine them with the similarities between their backgrounds. He seemed calculative for a moment before he nodded his understanding.

"Changelings seem to have a much different role where you're from then." He said quietly.

"Only once the hive was captured." She said. "Before that they were the same here. Enemies of the state. But I had seen their usefulness during the invasion and knew they would be an asset if they could be turned to our side. I have yet to be proven wrong once they were integrated into the army. Not much changed for them. Each of the different drones’ roles were same, just in a differ setting. The soldiers were soldiers. The workers worked, the caretakers took care of the eggs. So on and so forth."

Stalwart looked down, thinking about such things, or trying. He shook his head and then said, "I'm sorry, I don't think I follow..."

"Each drone in the hive is given a role. It's how they serve the hive. Basically, I didn't change that system at all, as it’s a good system. At first, I didn't think much of the invasion except how horrible it was. But later, when I had experience as a soldier, I could see all the moves, every detail of what was going on during the whole thing. Then I realized it was a brilliant strategy that took place, and only lost to some bad luck. Then I knew I had to have them for the army. And so I went about doing just that."

"That's... not what I meant, but I'm glad you can rely on them."

"Oh? Then what did you mean?" She asked, tilting her head.

"Something about eggs, caretakers, workers?" He said, a small hint of red appearing below his white furred muzzle.

"Changelings lay eggs. They have drones whose sole purpose is to care for those eggs and the larva that hatches from them ‘till they mature into full drones." Twilight said. "As for the workers. They are drones who, well, work. Digging tunnels, building things. Tending cocoons, pretty much whatever."

Stalwart narrowed his eyes, as if trying to comprehend how it worked. He was unfamiliar with bugs in general, and couldn't help but speak up.

"Doesn't that get rather boring or monotonous to them? Being assigned a 'class' to work into? Do they get to have fun in their spare time or any downtime at all?"

"Their culture is based around that system and following the Queen. They are basically hardwired to be whatever role assigned them and enjoy it. And yes, they do get down time and have hobbies and such."

Stalwart got up, pacing the room as he digested this information. It was almost disturbing how the similarities ran in that case, and he couldn’t help but ask his follow-up question to confirm it. "So... in a way, they’re not too different from ponies, just a culture difference?"

"Yeah. Pretty much. And the whole shape shifting thing and eating emotions."

Stalwart looked up at her alarmed at first before calming, "I... am not good at understanding this kind of thing, but... isn't them eating emotions draining? Almost fatal?"

"What?” Twilight asked surprised before shaking a hoof dismissively. “No, of course not. Wouldn't be very useful if you killed the food source after all. Other beings, especially ponies, bleed off their emotional energies all the time. It's more muted when we are asleep, but still there, and Changelings eat that energy."

"I think I get it...” Stalwart rubbed his head with a hoof and shook it briefly, “there was a lot of concern after Cadence had been replaced that the effects were possibly permanent or fatal... that’s good to know. I think I need to go on patrol, clear my head. That fine by you?"

"Oh. Yeah, sure." She said, then blinked. "Actually, would it be an issue if I came along? If you want to be alone that's fine. "

"Come along if you want. I won't bite." Stalwart shrugged.

"Oh, I’m not worried about that, I'm used to it." She said getting to her hooves and then putting up the illusion from last night, only with guard armor to take the appearance of a new recruit.

"Gonna make it look like... never mind. Let's go." Stalwart shook his head, chuckling as he donned his own.

"Yes sir." She said, sounding like an eager recruit as she followed him out the door.

Stalwart stopped and shook his head as it hung low, trying not to laugh, "You're going to make Dawn jealous at this rate. Then again, that doesn’t have to be a bad thing." He opened the door and stepped out in the lead, setting a brisk pace through the hall intending to go the outer perimeter, looking out every window along the way

"Been a while since I went on any patrols sir." Twilight said as she followed along matching his pace, her eyes scanning the halls.

Stalwart chuckled, going along with the disguise, "Just keep an eye or two out for anything strange. Ponies acting tense, or carrying things they shouldn't, like they went over in training."

She nodded as she walked slightly behind him, it was clear despite her best efforts to hide it she was used to proper patrolling and wasn't making mistakes in how to do it.

Stalwart took note of this but continued on until the balcony overlooking the gardens appeared. He made a slight change in course to go to the balcony and looked over the garden. The hedges and flowers were all impeccably well maintained, yet there were signs of a line from the central clearing that had been damaged as early as two years ago.

"What is it?" Twilight asked stepping up beside him to look.

Stalwart looked over the gardens and simply smiled, "Well, what do your eyes see?"

"Well maintained garden, well used path on the north side, slight weed infestation in the western flowerbed, a discarded apple core near the hedges, possibly tossed from a window and some slight damage in the venture from a possible battle." She said.

"Good.” Stalwart chuckled, “I remember the groundskeepers were upset for weeks at whoever damaged the yard. Turns out, Nightfall had asked Dawn to do a little practice sparring, and she tells me that between her and Starlight, they tried to push so hard with their practice weapons that they accidentally let out a burst of magic in a beam and nearly knocked herself out cold for three days... after only two to three months of being in Equestria."

"Oh, she had a magic surge. Strange to happen in adults, but then again she doesn't have proper training in control.” She said.

"Dawn tells me at the time Celestia seemed to hint at her potential ability as a unicorn then, by saying it was pulled off identically to some advanced and dangerous magic often used in self-defense. I don't know all the details, but it spurred her on to work on the bracelet that Nightfall used to allow him a bit of horn magic himself as a pegasus."

"Weird.” She blinked with a small frown. “Why would he need that?"

"Because he came from a world similar to Dawn.” Stalwart chuckled, “He was also one of those human things she mentioned. I don't pretend to understand what that is, but he seemed to appreciate it and she's convinced it helped him cope, even though it led to his downfall later."

"I’m not sure how having magic helps a non-magic being cope, but alright. What do you mean about his downfall?"

"I take it you hadn't hear.” He looked over to her intrigued, “What am I saying, of course you hadn't. Nightfall made a pact with an entity called Svikopi. He was so desperate to get home after Dawn failed to fix his mirror home that he stooped to gathering magical artifacts and absorbed their power. Dawn is the one who told me this afterward, but after she fought Svikopi off of trying to possess her body by shattering her horn, he went after Nightfall’s body instead. Svik managed it, and our Twilight and her friends sealed Svik away in Night. He refused to forgive himself for falling, taking on his current name, and is rumored to have gone away to a life and place of his own, away from everyone. Only his mate Fire Storm, and by extension, Breezy and Lemon Bloom seem to know. They deny it, but Dawn's sure because of Breezy's answers...."

"Desperation leads to poor decision making." Twilight replied. "Not sure how I'd have handled it, as I don't have all the details, though I wouldn't mind looking into this Nightfall to assess the threat myself since I'm here with my family."

"I don’t know where he is, but Dawn still has his goodbye letter. Perhaps she'll let you read it."

"I'll ask her about it, but a being that can possess others… Yeah, that is a concern."

Stalwart chuckled and shook his head, "From what I gathered from Dawn, only she and Night could be targeted. She hasn't said more on it, but you've seen how open she is. Just ask when she's free."

"I plan to. I've seen things break what they are supposed to be able to do before."

Stalwart nodded and stepped away from the balcony, heading inward to the castle, and down a flight of stairs with his guard. She followed behind in perfect sync with his as she watched for threats. Stalwart led her along to a large cavernous room deep in the castle, with raised platforms and stadium like seating all around, sand for the interior floor.

"I’m curious what you use this room for." She asked

"This," he chuckled, "is the arena. We can have mock battles in here, tournaments, things like that. For the most part, its use is infrequent at best, as we don't really get spectators. It's also where I fought hoof to hoof against Nightfall. I finally draw’d against him on the third of the two-on-ones."

Twilight blinked and looked around. "The hell is something like this doing in the Castle?"

"I have no idea." Stalwart laughed and shrugged.

"I mean we have a small sparing area in ours, but it's in the training room." She said looking around. "This, this just seems out of place."

"Well, when you put it that way, yeah. I don't understand, but it’s here anyway. After a while, you just accept it, you know?'

"I guess." She said shrugging. "Our castle got a near-complete redesign after it was mostly leveled when the alicorns and Chrysalis fought Tirek.”

"I vaguely remember our Tirek...” Stalwart nodded, “All that I remember of it was being drained by something after being surprised. I could barely stand. No one was able to do anything..."

"You got… you got off lucky." She said. "My troopers here in Canterlot… didn’t make it."

"I understand." Stalwart nodded, turning to go away from the room, wondering where else he should show her.

She followed continuing the patrol. Stalwart took her back around, and then checked in on Dawn's room, where she was seen with her saddlebags off and on the desk, reading.

"Oh, had a good time?" She asked, turning to face the entrants and recognizing them.

"We did ma'am.” Twilight nodded, still disguised as a guard and standing at attention. “Captain Stalwart showed me around and gave me the hang of things."

"Well, if you're done pretending to be a guard with my husband, I have some good news." Dawn chuckled at their response.

"Oh?" Twilight asked, disguise and demeanor dropping instantly.

"First, I’ll start with the not as great news. I had a talk with the princesses, and they wanted me to relay their apologies for still making an assumption,” she paused to mumble, 'or twenty' before continuing, "It's not as good as an in-person apology, but it's a start I guess. The more important part, we got the funds needed for the next three months of your allowance in advance. Should your stay need to be longer, she'll provide more as we go. It was a bit more than I would have thought, enough to cover a place of your own, food, and even could help you save up for getting things you'd need to research a way home." She motioned over to the saddlebag chuckling, "the thing weighs a ton though."

"Great!” Twilight smiled. “I'm sure you'd like us out of your basement and we can get a place nearby but outside of town so as to avoid possible discovery."

"Not really,” Dawn shook her head, “I don't mind having you around so far, and if it's easier for you, we can continue staying together. Besides, it'll make my training a lot easier no?"

"Hmm....true."

"If you don't want to live with me, I will of course respect that, I don't want you feeling pressured into living with me..."

"No, no. It's fine. I don't mind living with you." She chuckled

"Well, I'm glad to have you. We can get a night train, head out, and arrive back home about morning-time if you wanted. Though... I'll almost definitely want more of that cheesy pretzel bread if we do." She chuckled at the end, still savoring that taste

"A morning train won't hurt. We can have dinner at the Ivory Wheel." She chuckled, then smiled, adding. "My treat."

Dawn blushed and shook her head slightly, apparently flustered, "Y-you don't have to Twilight, really."

"Why? I have the funds, and besides, consider it a bit of payback for letting us take over your basement. "

Dawn chuckled and shook her head, giving in. "All right. I've learned not to argue against someone who's insisting on helping me." She eyed the saddlebag and then smirked as an idea came to mind, "Let's get you the lockbox so you can manage it yourself. You got the room to hold it?"

"Yes, I do." Twilight replied, summoning her bags. "Also, I’m sure Stalwart will enjoy the place."

"I hope so. He enjoys his fatty foods." Dawn nodded, “Still doesn’t gain weight though.”

Twilight and Stalwart chuckled while Dawn stretched and pulled out the lockbox with her magic, setting it down and looking a fair bit heavier and slightly larger than the bag itself should be.

Twilight started to walk over, and half way, she gave a slight hop with her front legs pushing herself up and continued to walk on her back legs as small fingers extended from her forehooves. She grabbed the box from Dawn's magic and weighed it.

"Hmm, decent weight, nothing I can't carry." She said giving it an easy toss into the air.

Dawn laughed in disbelief, watching her stand on two legs as well as handling the weight like it was indeed nothing.

"Well geez. Make me feel inferior why don’t you." she joked, "Well, perhaps that's part of my training too I guess. I could barely manage carrying that on my back for about ten minutes, let alone handle it with one finger if I had them."

"Cybernetic augmentation. I have more strength then normal. No amount of training will get you like this" She said as the box vanished after she took out a small bag.

“Well, I guess that makes it ok."

"Yeah, even my Equestria isn't to this level of tech, and yours isn't even in remotely the same hemisphere." Twilight said.

"Yeah, you've got that right." Dawn laughed, then paused, unsure what to say next.

"So then, we have the afternoon free, what shall we all do?"

"Well, if I'm going to get those tickets, that's one thing,” Dawn stretched as she answered, “I'll also probably want to visit Breezy and Lemon Bloom, or some of Stalwart's old squad."

"Actually, already checked on that Dawn.” Stalwart replied, “They've all transferred to other parts of Equestria."

"Oh. Well, that's disappointing, but can't be helped I guess." Dawn said sadly.

"Sounds like you have your day set." Twilight said. "I'll keep Stalwart company then while you visit your friends."

"All right, I'll make sure we get the tickets first before I forget." Dawn chuckled, already plotting getting Violet a bunch of fresh strawberries for the ride home.

"Well, I have nothing specific that needs doing. What were you wanting to do?" Stalwart asked Twilight

"Not sure. May patrol the city." Twilight said

"Ah, so no showing off the favorite haunts of two years ago huh?" Stalwart chuckled.

"I'll leave you two to it then." Dawn said as she headed out the door with her own funds.

"What do you mean?" Twilight asked, looking at Stalwart.

"You think we don't know a place or three to hang out on downtime as soldiers?" Stalwart chuckled, then shook his head, "Well, I think we need to show you a place or two."

"Always happy to find new places. I know a few here in the city, showed Dawn one yesterday." Twilight said with a smirk.

"Oh really?" Stalwart looked back at her intrigued,

"Yeah, we are going there for dinner tonight." Dawn added.

"Is it the Prancing Pony?" Stalwart hummed, trying to guess.

"Ivory Wheel."

"Never heard of it." He said, shaking his head.

"It's because it's an out of the way place."

"And here I thought my stallions and I managed to find it all... Ok, so that's for dinner, but what are you thinking for lunch then?" he asked, seeming to smile and have a place in mind even as Twilight put on her guard disguise again.

"Oh, I figured a smart stallion like you could easily think of a place to take a mare." She smirked.

Stalwart shook his head with a smile, yet trying to act disapproving, "Flattery will get you nowhere recruit. We just ate a couple hours ago, and we still have time till lunch yet. What duties do you have to attend to today still?"

"A patrol around the city." She said.

"Then let's get to it soldier." he said without missing a beat, tipping his head to Chrysalis and Violet, "I hope you two have fun while we're gone."

"Oh don't worry, we will. You two enjoy yourself." Chrysalis said as Violet waved enthusiastically.

Stalwart chuckled and led onward toward the outside of the palace. He had no place in mind, though the forecast was for rain to fall overnight and early the next day. Twilight followed slightly behind him and to one side.

"I hope you don't mind showing a recruit around the city sir." She said.

"Not at all. You'll learn this place like the back of your hoof at some point." Stalwart shook his head.

"I hope so sir. I hope I can be as good as you as a guard."

"That's the wrong goal to have.” Stalwart shook his head, wanting to quash that right away, “Be the best guard you can be. Whether it's better than somepony else you know or not. As long as you give it your all, that will be enough."

"I suppose you're right but still.... you must be a really good guard to marry a princess." Twilight said softly.

"Was just in the right place at the right time.” He chuckled, “She's still a mare, like all the others, and her needs are the same. I don't see that changing just because she's a princess, you know?"

"Suppose not, but still, not everyday someone becomes royalty. And also, I know for a fact you are lying about her being a mare like any other."

"Well yeah, she's special to me, so I guess that was a partial lie,” Stalwart chuckled, “but, with all the things she's been through, she's a lot simpler to please than most. Despite her scars, she bares her heart and soul out for everyone to see, and to hurt if they wished... It's that part that makes her so beautiful to me. She's not fake, doesn't have double standards, and admittedly her looks and how she is with her collar on don't hurt." he said, winking at the end and eliciting a chuckle from Twilight.

"Don't know about that collar bit as I haven’t tried it yet, but it has my curiosity piqued. But yeah, I honestly feel the same about Chryssy." Twilight said. "Though, not exactly a lot of ponies around like her, but she's smart, quick witted, driven, and one of the most caring people I've actually ever met… What she can do in the bedroom definitely doesn't hurt at all."

"I'm glad you found somepony,” Stalwart chuckled, “even if I never would have predicted it was Chrys- I mean Chryssy." He sighed and shook his head, quietly speaking, "It's honestly still a bit hard to picture, but she's so different from what I was lead to believe, I just don't know what to think about it, you know?"

"No, I understand. Honestly, I had the same opinion of her, and fully expected her to betray me at some point. But I slowly got to know her and understand her, and honestly, I can't blame her for what she did."

"Still, who would have thought a mare from another world would drop into my life, and just by being a gentle-stallion, she'd agree to be my mate, and go on to become a princess?" Stalwart laughed, "Especially with how airheaded she is."

"Yeah, know how that feels on both sides.” Twilight chuckled. “I honestly never expected to become a princess, or get involved with Chryssy, or have a kid. Honestly, my life sort of went off the rails I had set up a long time ago."

"Dawn tells me she doesn't bother to keep to plans. She makes them to feel better but realizes that things don't go to plan and she just goes with the flow when it does happen.” Stalwart smiled.

"I learned that one a long time ago, but at first I tried to plan out my entire life. Then I moved to Ponyville, and all those plans went out the window. Still, I tried to plan things in detail, but that part of me left when I became a soldier and I learned no plan survives contact with the enemy."

"Ain't that the truth…" Stalwart said sagely.

"Yeah. I mean if you had told me back when I was 19, I'd move from Canterlot to a small town and become friends with five mares who never cease to drive me up the wall, destroying all my plans, or that I'd become a soldier on an alien world, and then later a princess… I’d have thought you were insane."

"Yeah, it sounds insane. I don't know what Dawn's been through, but I think you two would have a lot of stories to tell."

"Plenty. Not all of them pleasant."

"I don't doubt it, with how different you and our Twilight seem." Stalwart said, shaking his head.

"Yeah. Though I'd imagine you'd understand them better than Dawn. I've avoided a lot of details for her sake."

"Oh? I know she can be sensitive to her feelings, but.... what do you mean?" he asked, slowing his pace down as he paid her more attention than before.

"I told her about how Canterlot fell to Tirek. What I didn't tell her was Tirek punished the princesses and Chryssy for fighting back, as well as the fact the soldiers refused to surrender, by taking his time killing them and making all four of them watch."

Stalwart stopped for a couple seconds before walking solemnly, as if starting to grasp the situation more fully.

She nodded. "It's details like that, as well as the groups of soldiers and civilians trapped in small pockets of air in collapsed buildings months after the war, that I left out. There.... weren’t any survivors from those groups."

"It's...” Stalwart slowed again, took a deep breath, and let it out shakily, “hard for me to imagine. Even in the changeling invasion, we only suffered a couple casualties... We were fortunate."

"And it's that reason I left out those details when talking to Dawn." She nodded grimly

"I... suspect she would shut down for a little, but push on in spite of it... She tries not to dwell on things she can't change, even if she does cry about her past on occasion." Stalwart nodded.

"I'd imagine so, but I'd rather not put her in that position to start with," She said, "if I can help it."

"I won't tell her.” He said, pausing and then struggling to ask his next question, “Do... do ponies often lose their lives in service where you're from?"

"Depends. We haven't had a war since the Separatist War, but every now and then we lose some soldiers to monster attacks or something else."

Stalwart hummed quietly, clearly thinking as they walked.

"I’m not going to lie. The world isn't perfect. You take the good with the bad and do your best. But it is certainly not a wrong world where things have messed up."

"I just have to wonder.” He spoke quietly, “In all my time in the guard, I think we've only lost about 100 or so ponies in that time, even in spite of the major attacks. It's just… uncommon for our stallions or mares in the service to die. Then again, we don't seem to ever get caught in buildings when fights break out, and those that are captured aren't significantly harmed."

"It depends on who is doing what. I mean, we still have crime and such. Though it all depends on what’s happening."

"I suppose.” He took a turn as they reached the city edge and started to make a round around the outskirts.

"Can I ask what you talked about with the Princess?" Twilight asked once they were alone walking through a small park.

He sighed, "I tried to defend my wife from the burden they placed on her all of a sudden. I told them off for saying they wouldn't judge then clearly did... I still don't know what happened back there, they're not like that normally."

"What do you mean not like that normally?" She asked, giving him a critical eye.

He looked over to her before saying, "The advice she would often give her subjects was riddled with patience, kindness, understanding, and a lack of judgement. To say that you did things so 'wrong' when she didn't know about what you had been through, or how things were different.... it's not like them."

Twilight was quiet

"Sorry, didn't mean to bring you down with-" Stalwart said before Twilight cut him off.

"No, it’s not that. Just, that is a drastic shift in behavior."

"Still, I can trust them to still be the same and not changeling replacements.” He nodded, “They did apologize to Dawn and had her relay that after all, even if it would have been better if they did it themselves."

"Hmmm...." She said.

Stalwart let out a deep sigh as they rounded a corner, "Well, no point in worrying about it right? I can't control it at all, and we have bigger things to handle."

"Oh? Like what?"

"Like watching Dawn and getting you back home." He said simply, albeit with a broad smile until Twilight chuckled. His face grew serious, deciding to go back into character, "Did I say something funny cadet?"

"No sir." She said, quickly returning to her own perceived station.

"As you were then." He snorted and looked on. He enjoyed the tease, knowing full well it was the disguise holding her 'rank' down.

She nodded and followed.

Stalwart continued his patrolling around, showing her favorite old haunts, stores, stories about how he and Dawn hung out and she would mention something about hands or say something out of place and he chalked it up to her quirky nature, causing Twilight to chuckle as they continued their patrol.

Author's Notes:

RECRUIT SPARKLE REPORTING FOR DUTY SIR!

I wonder how long the experiances soldier can keep up the guise of a recruit?

I have a PATREON with fair rewards. Every bit is greatly appreciated and helps me out.