>The EAS Sky Skimmer takes a brief pause in The Wild. Near a large lake to collect water for their Cloud Drive.
>Crazy p0ny magic. Creates clouds around the ship, essentially making it stealth.
>Downside is it needs to refill water to MAKE the clouds.
>You sent Moonroller and his scouts out to make sure you don’t get snuck up on.
>You think you see one of them dart between some clouds over head.
>You set down your shield and take a drink from the lake as Gudrik, your Griffin bodyguard/mercenary lands next to you.
>”I don’t think I mentioned it, but ballsy way to handle that Buffalo problem. My boys were impressed.” He says in his Adam Baldwin manner.
>You nod and thank him. It’ll take Applejack a while to calm down and forgive you, but you know that she knows you did the right thing.
>Twilight on the other hand was happy you were able to make such a difficult choice.
>Your peaceful drink is interrupted by one of Moonrollers Pegasi.
>”Sir!” He calls out to you.
>”What is it scout?” You say as you return his salute.
>”Two loyalist companies approaching from the east led by one of Celestia’s former generals.”
>You pick up your shield and draw your blade. You turn to Gudrik. “Alert the Captain and assemble the troops.”
>He raises an eyebrow, “You plan on fighting them sir?”
>You smirk. “The chance to take out a Loyalist general? too good to pass up.”
 
>You assemble your four Equestrian squads and your Griffin Mercs.
>You march to the east for a few hours, getting steady reports from your scouts.
>AJ still isn’t talking to you much, so you spend your time picking Twilight’s brain.
>She’s been filling you in about Equestrian military tactics and mentions how odd it is that a General is personally leading only a few companies.
>You see them on the plains. Resplendent in their golden armor.
>You stop your group about 100 yards from them.
>From the front walks a all white unicorn. He’s slowly walking your way.
>You take a quick glance at Twilight. She’s just staring, mouth agape. He must be a very important p0ny.
>You make your way to the center as well.
>You stand before each other. You make a little salute of respect which he surprisingly returns.
>He speaks first. “So two knights meet on the field of battle, both backed by their soldier which, I assume in your case as well, they care deeply for.”
>You nod. “Yup... I guess it’s too much to ask that you surrender?”
>He just laughs. “Your guess is correct sir.”
>You give a grunt of disapproval.
>”However,” He interjects. “Two knights facing each other for the sake of their troops? The height of chivalry in my opinion.”
>You can feel your smile and your respect for him grow. “So a duel then?”
>He nods and looks to your blade. “Will you be using your sword?”
>You look at it and nod, “Will you be using your magic?”
>He takes a step back from you and laughs. “Then shall we begin fellow knight?”
>You step back from him and raise your shield, “On you Sir knight.”
 
>You both give your armies the order to hold and get to it.
>You brace for some sort of magical blast. Which means him rearing back and front kicking you knocks you on your ass.
>Your shield did a good job of blocking and you manage to roll back to your feet just in time to avoid a glowing magic whip coming down.
>Back on your feet, you two circle each other. Occasionally throwing up your shield to block that damned light blue glowing whip.
>He’s keeping you at range. You can’t bring your sword into play.
>Each time you rush, he just dodges.
>You’re so damned busy trying to keep your shield up to protect from body shots, you don’t notice the whip going for your legs.
>You hit the ground hard on your side.
>You just barely manage to roll to the side and avoid a stomping.
>And again.
>Is that Twilight you hear screaming? What’s she saying about armor?
>Whatever it is, it’s got your opponent's attention.
>Seizing the situation, you spring to your feet and send him to the ground with a bash from your shield.
>He’s down and you go for a finishing blow.
>You have a moment of confusion as your blade stops in mid air.
>Then it feels like the world explodes.
 
>You manage to get to your feet. Mouth filled with dust.
>You look around and the two armies are a lot closer than they were before, but still not fighting.
>You see Twilight standing between you and your opponent.
>She keeps saying “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.”
>You stumble over to her. “What the hell was that?”
>She looks up to you, the dust caking over her tears. “I... I created a shield.... My magic.... Dark energy just like your blade. I was so stupid.... It’s like two magnets of the same polarity.... they just repelled each oth.... I’m so sorry.”
>You pat her back to comfort her. “It’s fine Twilight, I’m ok, I’m fin.....”
>She screams at you as she loses complete control. “HE’S MY BROTHER!”
>You notice your knight opponent hasn’t moved.
>Though the blast sent you up and away, because he was under you, all the force just pounded him into the ground.
>You throw off your armor and rush over. He’s bleeding in several places, but fortunately, he is breathing.
>”Get a medic,” You say. As you look around, not a p0ny is moving. “I SAID GET A DAMNED MEDIC!”
 
>You do your best with the bleeding until the medics arrive.
>You try consoling Twilight, but she won’t leave her brother's side. You let her go.
>She disappears into the crowd of enemy soldiers, all still standing, honoring their generals orders.
>One that you assume is the second in command steps forward. “We will see to General Armor.... By next morning we will retreat Eastward.”
>You nod. “Then by tomorrow afternoon we’ll continue on our way.”
>Before he and his men leave he thanks you. “You’ve shown more honor than we expected from Celestia’s betrayers.”
>The march back to the ship is a sombre affair.
>AJ finally says something. “I didn’ think this was gonna be such a family affair.”
>You remember Applelossa.
>”I never meant for it to be...”
>”I know Sir. ‘s not yer fault.” She looks up at you. “Fer what it’s worth, you did the right thing.”
>That makes you smile a little, “I wasn’t going to just let him die.”
>”Nah, not that.” She says dropping her voice. “What ya did in Appleloosa... I hate what had to be done, but you did the right thing.”
>Your smile disappears. “Thank you AJ... That actually means a lot to me.”
>She pats your leg. “‘s not gonna be easy, but I know if anyp0ny can do it, it’s you Sir Sugarcube.”
>You’re happy to have Applejack back.
>You hope Twilight and her brother will be alright.
>That’s your thought as under a noonday sun, the EAS Sky Skimmer lifts off and heads to her next battle.