Shining Armor yawned as he stood in the main hall waiting for Cadence. He looked at Spitfire and Soarin to find them yawning as well. The sun would be up soon and they would be heading out. Hoofsteps announced Cadence's arrival. Shining looked up the staircase to see the princess standing at the top. She spread her wings and glided down to her escort.

As she landed, Cadence looked at each pony. "You're all tired."

Shining shook his head. "No, we all went to bed after meeting with you. I guess none of us are morning ponies, that's all."

Cadence smiled and walked towards the entrance. "Shall we then?"

The escort put on their saddlebags and followed after the princess. They stepped outside as the sun begn to peak over the mountains. Spitfire and Soarin bean talking to each other about aerial stunts . Shining had no interest in the subject and sped up his pace to match Cadence.

Cadence looked at him from the corner of her eye and smiled. "You've really changed since joining the guard."

Shining shrugged. "I don't think I've changed that much. I'm still the same stallion."

Cadence giggled. "If you were the same stallion, you'd be making fun of me for no reason."

Shining smiled. "Okay, so I've changed a little. And for the record, I only made fun of you for Twilight."

Cadence laughed. "Twilight?"

Shining nodded with a grin. "Don't tell me you've forgotten how happy she looked when she thought we liked each other?"

Cadence shook her head. "I remember. That filly was always trying to set us up."

They shared a laugh as the group walked down the main road.

Shining looked over his shoulder as he heard Spitfire begin to argue with Soarin. "Are you two going to be like this the whole trip?"

Soarin rolled his eyes. "I was just pointing out a flaw in her barrel roll technique."

Spitfire glared at the stallion. "And I was pointing out hat you're flat out wrong!"

Shining cleared his throat and the two pegasi froze, turning to him. Shining sighed. "From now on you can talk about anything except flying. It's obviously not common ground. Agreed?"

Spitfire nodded reluctantly and Soarin followed after. Shining smiled and returned to Cadence.

Cadence smiled as she looked at the stallion next to her. "You really have changed."

It had been decided that they would take the train to Galloping Gorge. Cadence preferred having some secrecy around the journey. Galloping Gorge had one of the only northern settlements and would look like more of a normal destination. From there they would go on hoof toward the Crystal Mountains.

The group arrived at the train station and sat down to wait. Cadence pulled out a cloak and threw it over her back, drawing the hood over her head.

Shining glanced at the princess. "Yeah. That doesn't draw attention."

Cadence winked at him. "You'd be surprised." Shining smiled and shook his head.

Spitfire leaned in towards Shining. "You two sure are friendly."

Shining rolled his eyes. He could guess what Spitfire wanted to know. "Yes. Because we're friends. Nothing more."

Spitfire looked unconvinced. "Keep telling yourself that. I'll just go back to my flying stallion over here." She turned back to Soarin and they began to talk again, both of them laughing every few seconds.

Shining wanted to give his retort, but he was stopped by a distant whistle. The train came into view, chugging towards the station. He stood up and walked towards the edge of the platform.

Cadence joined him and sighed. "It's time." Shining nodded. After last night he could easily understand her reluctance. He just hoped they would be successful and find the Empire.

The train came to a stop and ponies began to exit the cars. Cadence stepped on board with Shining right behind her. The group retired to a private car and settled in their seats. The train's whistle sounded a few minutes later and a sudden jerk announced the departure. Shining looked at Cadence and gave her a reassuring smile. She returned the smile and leaned back in her seat, shutting her eyes.

Shining looked out the window as Canterlot began to fall behind the train. He sighed. They had to find the Empire.

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