One last chance. The only pony she could turn to. Out of respect and memories, Galaxy Guard truly hoped that Commander Tempest Shadow could help.
 
The night was gorgeous. Princess Luna had truly done a wonderous job…the thought of the night princess immediately brought back the harsh truth of her wife.
 
Galaxy so desperately wanted to apologize for everything she put her family through. It was her fault. She couldn’t deny that. She hadn’t accepted her daughter because of that damn Turquoise Edge. As Galaxy approached the training site, she couldn’t help but think of the mare. She had not seen her in quite a while. Any other night she would be pleased to know the one who had killed her father was out of her life. But now she was left wondering. Was life treating her well? Was she still happy with that farm pony, Melody? The universe had already kicked her ass this much, but it’d be ironic to see the famous Turquoise Edge come out unscathed, as usual.
 
She shook her head, hearing the familiar grunts and movements of a particular commander doing her famous night training. It was the most curious thing about Tempest Shadow—but many believed after the event with the Storm King that she probably did not sleep well at night. Galaxy never gathered the courage to question it, but assumed the same as everyone else. However, seeing the mare again for the first time in quite awhile, made the tattered cloak on her back seem more heavy as it weighed her down with fear. She approached slowly and with caution. Many knew not to disturb Tempest Shadow during her nightly training, yet…Galaxy Guard had nowhere else to go. There was no wind, but yet, a slight chill in the air. It did not help Galaxy’s already standing up fur on her pink back.
 
“C-Commander?” She squeaked, her voice raspy from many sleepless nights of sobbing. The orchid-colored unicorn froze in place, not in fear, but as if holding back anger. He body remained still, though Galaxy felt that if she barely poked her it would cause the unicorn to explode. The fear that Tempest Shadow had put in all cadets was something to be admired, as even though Galaxy was, truly in past tense was, a commander herself, she feared Tempest still.
 
“Commander Galaxy Guard…” The unicorn turned slowly, until she was looking at the pegasus directly. But she did not step forward. “It has been quite a long time.”
 
“I-it has. H-how are you, Commander?” Galaxy tried the stand tall to look presentable and respectful for the commander, yet her shaking fear kept her eyes down on the ground. Tempest responded swiftly, no break in her tone.
 
“Skip the small talk, Guard. Why are you here? Your suspension hasn’t ended yet, and you have no reason to be here unless you have come to make amends with Princess Firefly.” Galaxy bowed her head. Her pride was dramatically being hit in the stomach repeatedly over and over again.
 
“I’ve gone to everyone I know, Commander. I know it’s pathetic of me….but I truly have nowhere else to go.”
 
“Stop beating around the bush, Guard. What is your question?”
 
“I…was wondering if you could provide me a place to stay. Not for long….just, just for a bit. I just….have no one else.”
 
“Galaxy Guard. Do you know how inappropriate it is to ask that of your senior officer? Your Commander?”
 
“I…” Galaxy began to sputter excuses and reasons, yet Tempest continued.
 
“Silence! You might’ve been a Commander a few months ago, but in my presence you will always be a cadet! So listen and answer me. Why did everyone you asked turn you away?”
 
“I…I don’t know…”
 
“You know very well, Galaxy Guard. I don’t even know the ponies you went to, but I was there the day your father died. And I can tell you why right now.”
 
“Commander it’s not like that-”
 
“It was because of your pathetic contention with Turquoise Edge! Your pitiful need for revenge and spitefulness against her has ruined you and everyone around you, Galaxy Guard. Your stupid little pity party is over.” Tempest Shadow’s horn sparked with a sudden fury as Galaxy fell to the ground, quivering in between her hooves.
 
“Commander, please-”
 
“Quiet, cadet! If you knew your place you would know well to shut your mouth!”
 
Silence followed them as Tempest cleared her throat with a sigh. “The guard is a place for ponies who wish to protect their families and Equestria. To serve a cause greater than themselves. I will not allow my cadets to be poisoned with your toxicity. I’m relieving you of your badge and command, Galaxy Guard.”
 
The words hung in Galaxy’s head momentarily before she stood up with haste, tears forming in her eyes. The guard had always been a place for her, but also a constant reminder of her father, which filled her with sadness and bitterness everyday. It was who she was. Tempest couldn’t take that away…Galaxy flung herself forward, clutching onto her back leg.
 
“Please, Commander, don’t do this to me, I need my job, it’s the only-”
 
“Are you deaf, Galaxy Guard? I said, you’re fired! Now get out of my site!”
 
Galaxy refused to let go, her entire self taken over by grief, shock and guilt. She barely felt the back hoof collide with her jaw as she pummeled backwards. Her brain felt fuzzy as she looked at the grass, noticing a small shade of….red? She lifted her hoof to her bottom lip, feeling a warm, but cold liquid. Blood. She was bleeding. When….how? She looked upwards to see the unicorn walking away. She barely heard the last words as she slipped into unconsciousness.
 
“It’s time to open up your eyes, Galaxy Guard.”