Star Grazer was panting heavily as the fatigue of battle caught up to him. His legs quivered from exhaustion. His head felt like it was swimming. The world around him became foggy. He blinked his eyes and he was a lot closer to the ground. Blinking again Light Dasher helped him up. The world started becoming clearer. He saw a plethora of ponies from the Equestrian Army at the town square. Shining Armor as well! It was then that Star Grazer remembered something.

“Cheery Grove!”

Star Grazer bolted straight into the town hall. Nurses were taking care of the injured while others talked about the battle. Star Grazer glanced around desperately. A particularly large group of ponies surrounded one corner of the room. Star Grazer immediately pushed his way through the crowd heralding complaints.

Nurses were trying to get near a dirty rose coated mare. Her mane was bloody and the pink was recolored to a more sinister blood red. Her face was one of utter shock and fear. Her eyes darted between the surrounding ponies. She swung a spear she picked up faster and faster as nurses tried getting closer and closer. Her eyes fell on Star Grazer and locked onto him.

“Stop! Get away from her!” The nurses obliged as he came to her side. She looked up to him and raised a hoof toward him. He went to grab it but she pulled away. She suddenly got up and used the shaft of the spear to push him back.

She fell on the floor and looked up in confusion her eyes showed the same helpless fear that he saw all those years ago but her face was different. She was scowling at him, a look of pure hatred that burned his very soul. Star Grazer started to get up only to be pushed back into the surrounding ponies. Some colts came to subdue her.

“No stop!” The colts stepped back and watched carefully.

The angry mare walked up to him and threw the spear down onto the ground. She knelt down and put her face next to his ear. She spoke in a hushed tone that resonated of her old happy self.

“Let’s chat in private.” Star Grazer simply nodded and they walked out the back of the Town Hall. Star Grazer looked behind him seeing Light Dasher talking to Jason as the mare closed the door.

The two stared at each other for what seemed an eternity. Star grazer opened his mouth but was cut off by the mare.

“So, joined the military have we?”

“Well yes. I’m an officer and a proud member of Team Green Bean.” Cheery Grove wiped blood and dirt from her face and mane.

“How is everyone?” Cheery Grove’s smile was simply a mask on top of her emptiness.

“My family is fine. Your little sister is fine as well. Last I saw her she was styling ponies’ hair at a salon. Are you all right?” Star Grazer tried to smile and managed a slight grin. Cheery Grove did not seem amused.

“Oh me? I’ve been great! After the attack of Canterlot I was dragged away with this group of griffons. They seemed nice enough. They would feed us; did I mention they captured more than one? They would feed us literally crumbs from their rations and throw us in rivers or streams when we were thirsty. The trick is to put your hooves to your mouth and open it before you hit the water. It seems griffons are really into ponies. I was a particular favorite for them. You know there was one griffon who I actually took a liking to…” Star Graze’s face was solemn but stoic.

“Yeah that griffon was named Orgfird. He was really nice. He told me he didn’t want to hurt me. He told me all about his home. He had a very troubled childhood under that dictator like king. His mom died giving birth. He asked me about my life and I told him everything. He promised that he would take me away from here or die trying. The griffons talked about a changeling a lot. Named him Jason? Yeah, well Orgfird was stabbed by that changeling. His blood is what is all over my mane. I guess he died trying.” Star Grazer’s eye was beginning to tear up but never wiped a single tear.

“Want to know something interesting? Throughout the whole ordeal, I thought that you would’ve come. I guess you did technically but the horror is still there. Do you want to know what hurt the worst though? It was when I was first taken. I yelled for you to come help me. You never showed up. When that one colt pinned me against the wall and did what he did… I knew you were never going to come. I gave up. I didn’t care about what happened or anything. You were never there before and you were never here for me now. Just go away. You always used to ‘checkup’ on me before the attack. Don’t. I don’t want to see you ever again. I hope you never think of me again. I hate you. Ok? Just go away. When it comes to evils you are dirtier than I am.”

“NOW JUST HOLD UP!” Cheery Grove turned around to see Light Dasher standing at the backdoor. Star Grazer wiped his eyes and looked up.

“Light Dasher! Were you eavesdropping? Go please!” Star Grazer looked at her through watery eyes.

“I’m sorry Star but I have some words to tell this little cum dump.” Cheery Grove looked at Light Dasher like she was her mortal enemy.

“Excuse me? What did you just call me?” Cheery Grove walked up into Light Dasher’s face.

“I called you a cum dump. That’s how you treat yourself! You blame Star Grazer for not being able to save you in time? He tried all he could and you aren’t even grateful for what he did! The whole reason he joined the army was to find you! He has been obsessing over you this whole time! Possible even before we met! Star Grazer is the nicest, kindest, selfless pony I know! If you can’t see that, then you are no better than the griffons and ponies that did what they did to you.”

Cheery Grove, astonished by Light Dasher’s words, took a few steps back from Light Dasher. She looked to Star Grazer then to Light Dasher. She looked between the two then completely crumpled. She fell down to the ground and bawled on the ground. Star Grazer picked her up and held her. Light Dasher soon joined the embrace. She cried for an hour in their embrace. Her wailing lowered to a quite sob and she began to stand up. She wiped fresh tears from her eyes and walked to the door. She looked back at Star Grazer and Light Dasher. Star Grazer didn’t know that would be the last time he would see her.

Star Grazer was quiet and sullen on the trip back to camp. Light Dasher was caught off guard when Blueblood came up to Star Grazer and kissed him on his left cheek. Light Dasher went wide eyed and stared at Blueblood as he walked away and Star Grazer had a slight smile.

“What was that?! Are you two? You know…”

“No… It is a way of Elites conveying their sympathy. A kiss on the left cheek is something that is done during funerals or sad occasions of the like. It's a sign meaning a turning point. A hope of change for the reciever.” Light Dasher seemed to understand and extended a wing onto Star Grazers back. He startled by the sudden touch but accepted its warmth and comfort. He leaned into Light Dasher as they walked into camp. It was his turn to cry.