Fleethoof

"You lost sight of what true loyalty meant. Loyalty doesn’t mean breaking down or giving up in the face of adversity. It doesn’t mean putting unwavering trust in somepony who would lead you astray. Loyalty means adhering to your code of ethics, and supporting your friends—your brothers and sisters—no matter what."

- Skyfall Treason, Chapter XIX Fleethoof is the protagonist and a main character of the Soldier's Memoirs saga. He is a male pegasus pony enlisted in the Equestrian Army as a commissioned officer, and is the leader of the enigmatic special operations team Skyfall. He lives in Canterlot Castle and assists Shining Armor in his duties with the rest of the armed forces. He is one of the standing members of Princess Celestia's military cabinet.

Family and early life
Very little is known about Fleethoof's past, as he keeps the stories of his life prior to his enlistment in the Royal Guard close to his chest. He was born and raised in Cloudsdale to Jetstream and Nightingale and lived an ordinary life for most of his youth.

Sometime in his adolescence, Fleethoof's mother, Sergeant Nightingale, was killed in action during the Frozen North Offensive. The causes surrounding her death were never revealed, and she was officially designated missing under unknown circumstances. The disappearance of his mother played a large role in impacting Fleethoof's decision to follow in her footsteps and enlist in the Royal Guard, as she had been in the Royal Air Force.

Fleethoof enlisted in the Royal Guard out of high school. He passed through basic training and was appointed to the 3rd Company of the Royal Guard Reserves stationed outside Baltimare. During his time in 3rd Company, Fleethoof uncovered an illicit griffon plot to attack Equestria. Captain Phalanx, took Fleethoof to Canterlot to verify the validity of the information he had discovered.

The Battle of Skyfall
On their way to the Griffon Kingdom, Fleethoof met Shining Armor. The two would later play a crucial role in the initial invasion of the Griffon Kingdom at the Battle of Skyfall. Fleethoof and Shining Armor led a squad of soldiers through the city, clearing out ambushes for the Equestrian Army to proceed through safely. During the fighting, Fleethoof's left wing was injured by a bullet and again in a subsequent crash. Fleethoof led the squad around through the sewers and flanked the enemy's positions, then used the griffons' own weapon against their remaining forces. According to official reports, Fleethoof was also present when Skyfall City Hall was captured and the griffon commanding officer was killed, resulting in saving the life of Captain Cuirass.

Ambush and the Battle of Midgard
While proceeding through the Griffon Kingdom, Fleethoof's unit once again came under enemy ambush. Phalanx successfully navigated the ponies through the ambush. He later appointed Fleethoof as a sergeant, ranking him the second highest in the unit.

Fleethoof's unit arrived at the griffon city of Midgard a day after the battle had occurred. They swept through the city to search for survivors or griffon reinforcements. Along the way, they encountered a small band of Equestrians under enemy fire and hurried to assist them, only to discover it was an ambush. The unit was split in two and separated, and Captain Phalanx was killed by an enemy sniper, placing Fleethoof in charge of the unit.

Deciding to split up and make their way out of the city to avoid detection, Fleethoof led half of the unit while Shining Armor took the other half. Fleethoof guided his soldiers through the city while another markspony, a sniper named Sharp Shot, eliminated the griffon sharpshooter. While buying his team some time to flee, Fleethoof successfully engaged and killed three griffon elite soldiers in the city and escaped on his own.

The Sabotage of Asgard
Upon arrival at the capital of Asgard, Fleethoof received Captain Phalanx's summons to peace negotiations with the griffon king Alaric Dawnbreaker and Princesses Celestia and Luna. Here, Fleethoof met Captain Stratagem, who would later assist him by educating him in the ways of military tactics and training. During the negotiations, Fleethoof learned of Alaric's deep-seated hatred of Equestrians and his ultimate goal of securing the lands of Equestria under griffon rule once more.

After negotiations had failed, Stratagem revealed to Fleethoof that she had been preparing a sneak attack on the griffons. While the summit had been occurring, her troops had burrowed a tunnel beneath the walls of Asgard. Stratagem tasked Fleethoof's squad with slipping into the city and sabotaging their defenses with explosive charges. Fleethoof accepted the mission, and under cover of darkness, the ponies infiltrated the griffon stronghold. Fleethoof's squad set off the bombs, devastating Asgard and crippling the griffons' defenses.

By the time Fleethoof escaped the city, Stratagem informed him that the griffons had seized the city of Skyfall in their absence, and that their escape route had been cut off. Fleethoof also discovered that the griffons had captured two high value prisoners in Skyfall. With new orders, Fleethoof took his soldiers and returned to Skyfall.

Escaping the Griffon Kingdom
With the defensive garrison in Skyfall all but obliterated, Fleethoof resorted to using stealth to slip through the hostile environment. They quickly discovered that the griffons had brutally murdered every pony left behind, including one of Fleethoof's close friends. Vowing vengeance, Fleethoof killed every griffon between him and the prisoners. They located Princess Cadance, Prince Blueblood, and Cuirass imprisoned in one of the towers, but were unable to escape with them as the griffons had been alerted to their presence.

In a daring gambit, Fleethoof led the pegasi in his squad in a game of cat and mouse with the griffons through the city, hoping to distract them long enough for the others to escape. He was able to hold them off long enough for most to flee to the ships, save for Cuirass and Cadance, who he returned to help. The griffons pursued the ponies down to the shores and attempted to stall them by burning their moored ships. They were able to stop the griffons just in time and escape via the Royal Family yacht, but not without Valiant, one of Fleethoof's soldiers, getting seriously injured. A medic, Blue Shield, was able to stabilize Valiant long enough for the ponies to depart across the sea back to Equestria.

The Second Battle of Skyfall
After he had returned Cadance and Blueblood to Canterlot, Fleethoof returned to the Griffon Kingdom to provide transport to the victorious Equestrian Army. However, when he arrived at Skyfall, the city was in a state of warfare once more. A pegasus scout informed Fleethoof that the griffons were making a last-ditch effort to stop the ponies. Fleethoof ordered a barrage of shells on the city, destroying what little defenses the city had left and leaving it vulnerable to the advancing Equestrians.

Fleethoof took a landing party back to the beaches and pushed into the city, crushing the remaining griffons. Amidst the fighting, Fleethoof tracked down Alaric and pursued him through the city in a dangerous aerial fight. Alaric overwhelmed Fleethoof and gravely injured the pegasus to within an inch of his life, going so far as nearly destroying his wing in the process and leaving him to crash into a building before making his escape.

When Fleethoof came to, the griffons had been exhausted and the Equestrians were leaving for the ships. Before they could leave, Cuirass executed the griffon prisoners, enraging Fleethoof, who confronted him and drew a weapon on him to attempt to force him into custody. After a tense standoff, Fleethoof relented in order to avoid a mutiny amongst the soldiers, but later informed Celestia of Cuirass' crimes.

Aftermath
In the wake of the war, Fleethoof was regaled as a war hero. He was promoted to the rank of captain and offered a position in Celestia's military cabinet. When Fleethoof revealed his intention to resign from active duty, Princess Luna offered him a position in charge of a special operations team she had assembled, named Skyfall after the first battle of the war. Intrigued by the prospect, Fleethoof accepted the offer under the condition that he got to pick certain ponies to be in his team.

Fleethoof and Luna established the team officially shortly later. Consisting of six ponies, the operators went through rigorous training and preparations to ensure they met the strict requirements set forth by Luna and the Department of Defense.

During his training, Fleethoof's wing continued to pain him. After consulting a doctor at Cadance's request, he was told his wing had suffered irreparable nerve damage, and while he could still fly, his wing would trouble him for the rest of his life.

The Double-Edged Sword
Partway through their initial training, the Royal Family received numerous threats of violence and domestic terrorism from a radicalist group identifying itself only as The Double-Edged Sword. The group demanded Princess Celestia make public all knowledge of the covert operation in the Frozen North Offensive and remove herself from her position of power, or else aggression would be used to oust her by force.

Unwilling to give into the demands of terrorists, Princess Celestia ordered Skyfall into action to track down those responsible for the threats. With the aid of Shining Armor and the Royal Guard, Fleethoof and his team were able to track down and capture the leader of the group, a manic unicorn named Night Shade. Fleethoof led the investigation to locate the Sword's hideout and subsequently forced the group into hiding, but not before Night Shade managed to escape and make an attempt to assassinate the princesses. Fleethoof managed to intervene before anyone was harmed, but lost Night Shade in the fight.

Fearing for the safety of the Royal Family, Fleethoof took Skyfall Unit to provide additional security to Princess Cadance, who was in Saddle Arabia on a diplomatic envoy. Posing as her liaison, Fleethoof acted as a bodyguard to the princess during their stay. It was during an evening gala at the Arabian palace that the Sword struck back, making an attempt to murder Cadance this time. With the aid of his team, Fleethoof managed to eliminate all aggressors and protect Cadance from harm. Feeling that their task to draw out the Sword had been successful, Skyfall returned with the princess back to Canterlot.

Showdown with Night Shade and Nightingale's Fate
Upon arrival in Canterlot, Fleethoof discovered Canterlot Station to be in a state of lockdown. Ignoring all safety precautions to remain on their train, Fleethoof led Skyfall into action, where he encountered Night Shade and what remained of the Sword holding the entire station hostage, including the princesses and Shining Armor, and threatening to blow up the station. During the tense standoff, Fleethoof attempted to negotiate with the deranged pony. Night Shade then revealed that he knew Fleethoof's mother through a series of cryptic remarks. Fleethoof's attempts to reason with Night Shade went in vain, and the unicorn proceeded with his plans until Sharp Shot managed to take him down with a shot to the head.

Afterward, Fleethoof discovered that Night Shade had been carrying Nightingale's dog tags with him since he witnessed her death in the Frozen North. Refusing to believe this revelation, Fleethoof searched through the Canterlot Archives until he found the records of the Frozen North Offensive, where he discovered Nightingale had perished on the mission and Night Shade had gone MIA. After finally learning of his mother's fate and of Celestia's coverup, Fleethoof began to harbor a lingering resentment for the princess, but refused to acknowledge it, for fear that "he had seen where that road led."

Reformation of the Guard
At the behest of Shining Armor, Fleethoof became an active participant in Shining's reformation and retraining of the Royal Guard and Equestrian Army. He offered his knowledge of small arms and close-quarters combat techniques to his lessons. Here, he met Midnight Dasher, a Lunar Guard that utilized him as a tool in her own hoof-to-hoof combat lessons to humiliate and demoralize the soldiers for fun.

Fleethoof would later assist Shining Armor and Midnight Dasher in the creation of the first Equestrian Marines. Under his guidance, the Marines went through vigorous training regiments and war games until he was satisfied that they would serve as shock troopers. This was also the first time Fleethoof had commanded a force larger than a squad as an officer.

Assistance with Fireteam Union
At the wish of Princess Luna, Fleethoof and Skyfall Unit were assigned to provide support and aid to a new spec ops unit created by Spitfire, codenamed Union. Though initially reserved about the idea, Fleethoof quickly grew to disapprove of the project, as he deemed the Union operators to be too reckless and inexperienced. Despite his protests, Spitfire continued to train them in a trial-by-fire manner, throwing them into dangerous missions in pursuit of an anonymous weapons dealer. When one of the operators was killed in action, Fleethoof became increasingly vocal for the disbanding of the team.

In an attempt to persuade Fleethoof to give his blessing to the project, Princess Celestia ordered Skyfall to join Union in an operation in Los Pegasus to apprehend one of their target's higher-ups. During the mission, Fleethoof was forced to step in to take control of the situation once things got out of hand and the team was nearly killed in a firefight. They apprehended their target, but were unable to escape, due to a fire starting in the building. Fleethoof managed to hatch an exit plan by blowing open an escape route and narrowly got everyone out alive.

Convinced more than ever that Union was more of a danger to themselves than a help, Fleethoof convinced Celestia and Luna to scrap the project. However, Spitfire later informed Fleethoof that Union had disappeared with their equipment on a quest for redemption. While trying to locate them, Sharp Shot shared with Fleethoof a discovery he had made: a member of Union didn't exist in records and had been planted there by someone. After narrowing down the leads, Fleethoof and his team interrogated the pony that had sabotaged the team, only to reveal the pony was a changeling in disguise, and that their target was also a changeling named Chitin. Without any idea where to begin looking, they hit a dead end.

With no direction, Fleethoof consulted the princesses and Shining Armor for ideas. That was when two Re'emian agents from Mossad arrived and informed him of Union's movements towards the south. The agents, Adira and Chaim, explained that they did not want the renegade team advancing on their lands, and offered a partnership between them and Skyfall to help track down the individual responsible. With no other choice, Fleethoof agreed.

Adira and Chaim led Skyfall Unit down to Oxford, where one of the Union members had last been spotted. After tracking down Nightflash, he explained that Lightning Strike was being manipulated by the mole in Union, Glider. He also told Fleethoof that he had seen Glider take Lightning Strike to a house here in Oxford, but lost them after that.

Following Nightflash's information, Fleethoof led the investigation into the house. They managed to ambush and capture Chitin within the house, but Chitin alerted the rest of his hive that were hiding within the house. A deadly close-quarters fight broke out between the ponies and the changelings, resulting in a unanimous victory for Fleethoof and the others. After interrogating and torturing Chitin, he revealed that Glider was a changeling as well, and was corrupting Lightning Strike to lead a suicide mission on attacking an Equestrian base in Saddle Arabia to spark a war. Chitin also spoke of an unknown entity named Silence that guided him and told him what to do.

Once he was satisfied with the intel he received, Fleethoof murdered Chitin in cold blood while Chaim set fire to the house to dispose of any evidence. Shortly before their departure, Chaim gave Fleethoof an armguard with a hidden switchblade in it, a token for his first "kill" and a gift from Re'em for their cooperation.

Battle of FOB Sierra Alpha
By the time Fleethoof arrived, the Equestrian base was under heavy assault. He led the charge into the base, sweeping up most of the enemy force within the base before confronting Lightning Strike. He attempted to persuade Lightning Strike to see the error of his ways and come back to their side, but to no avail. Lightning Strike continued to attack and nearly killed Fleethoof while demolishing any resistance in his way. During the fight, Lightning Strike's suit of armor was damaged, allowing Fleethoof to pierce his defenses and kill him.

Following the events in Saddle Arabia, Fleethoof commissioned a new headquarters be built for Skyfall Unit to permit it to expand, preferring to have future spec ops soldiers be in his team than on their own, as well as to provide Quarter Master more room for military research and development. While discussing the plans with Luna, Lightning Flash approached Fleethoof and gave his resignation from Skyfall, stating that he couldn't "handle killing fellow soldiers anymore." Fleethoof was reluctant, but accepted. Following Lightning Flash's departure, Fleethoof began to question himself and the ethicality of his actions and morals.

The Everfree Incident
In the spring of the Modern Era Year 2, Fleethoof volunteered to lend his help to the search for the missing foals from Ponyville. He joined the Lunar Guard Ghost Team on the search. Being the only team that could operate throughout the nighttime unhindered, Ghost Team was sent into the Everfree Forest to continue searches once the sun had set. In the darkness, Fleethoof and the others uncovered a rash of murdered Royal Guards, all mutilated and disfigured. They were attacked soon after by a band of rabid undead ponies and forced to flee deeper into the forest. In the chaos, Fleethoof and Midnight Dasher were separated from the rest of the team and ended up in the dilapidated village of Sunny Town, where they sought shelter inside a mansion at the edge of town.

Throughout their investigation of the mansion, Fleethoof and Midnight uncovered a dark history of the town while trying to survive and find a way home. During their struggles, Fleethoof watched Ghost Team fall until only he, Midnight, and Starlight were left alive. Following the clues to an exit at the aether pool beneath the house, they ventured into the caverns underneath the mansion.

In the caverns, they were reunited with the last surviving member of Ghost Team, Echo, when they were again attacked by another mutated pony and the zombified villagers. Fleethoof was killed while protecting Midnight, but was later revived by the same dark magic that had created the monsters. After Midnight broke the spell sealing them in the nightmarish village, the ponies were returned to reality. They discovered the missing foals trapped inside the mansion and confronted the now normal ponies of Sunny Town before escaping with the foals.

After the Everfree Incident, Fleethoof offered Midnight and Echo positions in Skyfall Unit, seeing the potential each brought to the team.

Clydesdale-Sarcidano Syndicate
Approximately a year after the Everfree Incident, Fleethoof was approached by RIS Special Agent Agrostis Bentgrass concerning two agents that had vanished while investigating Dandridge Clydesdale for weapons dealing and involvement with a violent organized crime syndicate. Bentgrass requested Fleethoof accompany him on his investigation for the missing agents, making the argument that Fleethoof's "disregard for conventional methods would open a few doors."

Fleethoof and Bentgrass proceeded to follow up the investigation in Thatchholm, picking up where the agents had left off and putting the puzzle together. When all leads pointed to Dandridge Clydesdale, they questioned the pony. Clydesdale denied any involvement and barred their investigation, leaving Fleethoof and Bentgrass to stew until Bentgrass received a distress signal from an agent coming from within the Clydesdale Manor.

Following Bentgrass' initiative, Fleethoof began to scour Dandridge's office for evidence of any involvement, noticing his photographs with the Sarcidanos, a notorious crime family in Manehattan. Though their search turned up nothing, Fleethoof managed to rile up Dandridge and get him to slip with some circumstantial clues. While Bentgrass followed up the lead in Manehattan, Fleethoof returned to search the manor once more.

During his search, Fleethoof turned up a secret record book of Dandridge's deals with other criminals and witnessed Dandridge murder one of his associates. When he returned to Bentgrass' base of operations in Thatchholm, he was surprised to find Midnight Dasher had followed him to assist him, as it was required for her to complete her Skyfall training. After arguing the matter, Fleethoof reluctantly agreed to let her stay and help.

After Fleethoof told Bentgrass about his findings, Bentgrass decided to use Dandridge's weakness of exotic mares to their advantage and sent Midnight undercover to purchase illegal firearms from him and to gather more evidence. Fleethoof adamantly protested, but was again beaten down when Bentgrass reminded him they had no other way to arrest Dandridge. Once Midnight had secured the deal and earned Dandridge's trust, Fleethoof agreed to let her close the case, provided they didn't make a move on Dandridge until she was safe.

While Midnight made the deal, Fleethoof and Bentgrass listened through a one-way communicator. However, Dandridge made Midnight and took her hostage at gunpoint and attempted to rape her. Fleethoof charged the manor, forcing Bentgrass to tag along while they tore through the house, leaving the other RIS agents to catch up. When they made it to Midnight's location, Dandridge shot Bentgrass and threatened to kill Midnight. Fleethoof attempted to kill Dandridge, but couldn't take the shot for fear of hitting Midnight.

Once Dandridge had been subdued and arrested, Fleethoof followed Midnight back to Canterlot and attempted to comfort her. He saw the signs of PTSD, and having had experience with it himself, was able to calm her down enough to bring her back to life. In the aftermath of the raid, Bentgrass came to Fleethoof with information on one of Dandridge's most notable clients: Alaric Dawnbreaker. Fleethoof went to interrogate Dandridge, but he had commit suicide in his cell the night before.

The Abduction of Cadance
In the wake of the Clydesdale scandal, Fleethoof and Shining Armor ordered an increase of security on the Royal Family. Fleethoof accompanied Cadance on her diplomatic travels throughout the year, uncertain of if or when Alaric would make his move. On Hearth's Warming Eve, while returning from a pageant in Cadance's hometown, the caravan was ambushed. Fleethoof was hurt badly, several soldiers were killed, and Cadance was taken in the initial attack. Fleethoof struggled to fight back, pushing himself through a blizzard with a broken leg to pursue Cadance's abductors into the woods until he lost the trail and collapsed in the snow.

Shortly after, he was recruited by Minister Just Cause to head the Operation Black Wraith program alongside Shining Armor. The program consisted of twelve operators working black ops to help locate and rescue Cadance as well as bringing Alaric to justice. Fleethoof signed up and drafted Skyfall Unit to the team.

Personality
Fleethoof is a cunning pony, prone to inadvertently analyzing everything and everyone he comes into contact with. He is able to formulate plans and often anticipate the thoughts and actions of others ahead of time more frequently than others, as well as executing said plans with efficient precision.

He is very introverted and secretive, especially when it comes to emotional matters of his life. He is, however, good at manipulating others into letting their secrets slip. Fleethoof is relatively collected and level-headed, only ever showing outright rage when someone or something he deeply cares about is threatened. He often gets frustrated when others refuse to do as he asks or when a plan falls apart because of incompetence.

Despite his cool outwardness, Fleethoof has a gentle heart, particularly for Cadance and Midnight. He has a soft spot for his friends and teammates, and would willingly sacrifice himself to make sure they stay out of harm's way. He is incredibly patriotic and loyal to Equestria, sometimes to a fault, leading him to be slightly xenophobic toward other races, particularly griffons.

Skills
As a riflepony, Fleethoof's primary skills are in small arms and hoof-to-hoof combat, including assault rifles, pistols, and knives. He prides himself in situational acuity, able to recognize threats and subtle body language in ponies at a glance. Along with the standard training of all soldiers, Fleethoof has undergone many special operations training courses to hone his sense of stealth. The Re'emians refer to him as a "shadow pony", playing on his ability to blend into a crowd and disappear at will.

As a leader, Fleethoof has a sharp mind for tactics and strategy. He is a chess master on a battlefield. He is a well-versed survivalist, able to forage and preserve himself in hostile environments if need be, and often finds himself more comfortable in the woods than at a dinner party.

Equipment
Fleethoof's equipment consists of the standard Skyfall Unit black plate carrier and tactical vest, along with combat boots and hoof mitts. He has a helmet if required, but often chooses to go without it. He wears sunglasses only in tropical climates, mostly to protect his eyes from debris rather than sunlight. His weapons consist of a modified Equestrian equivalent of an M4A1 and a standard issue nine-millimeter pistol. He carries a personal sidearm at all times in a chest holster or tucked in his belt, called the Nightingale, a pistol that can fire enchanted bullets to harm magical or unearthly enemies, though the ammo is very limited. He also has a knife stowed in a sheath on his vest and a Re'emian switchblade hidden in a leather bracer. He has a distinct dislike of hoof grenades, preferring to take flashbangs instead.

Injuries
Fleethoof's left wing was almost crippled during confrontations in the Second Griffon-Pony War. After suffering two breaks, dislocation, and deep nerve damage, his wing has been weakened, resulting in loss of wing power and flight speed. While not completely grounded yet, doctors have warned Fleethoof that continued trauma to his wing could result in total loss of use and loss of his ability to fly.

Fleethoof bears only one noticeable scar: a long, thin cut across his chest inflicted on him during a knife fight with a griffon during the war.

Military
Fleethoof is a stalwart example of an officer. To his colleagues, he is meticulous, clever, and grounded, whereas other soldiers see him as a powerful tour-de-force with a keen sense of protocol and justice. His unflappable demeanor is seen as a foundation to support his friends and allies. Loyalty and honor are at the core of his values, leaving little room for traitors and cowards.

Skyfall Unit

Amongst his own team, Fleethoof is seen as the father of the group. He knows when to joke, but also puts others in their place when need be. His simple, often sarcastic remarks get his message across as well as any barked command. In a state of conflict, he gives orders only when necessary, as he puts the utmost faith in his compatriots' abilities to conduct themselves.

Cadance
Fleethoof's relationship with Cadance has been a steady growth of trust and reliance. Since their meeting after leaving the Griffon Kingdom, Fleethoof has relied on Cadance with his most personal and deep-seated issues. He confided in her about his PTSD after returning from the war, and again when he discovered the truth about his mother. Cadance is also the only pony he has revealed that he murdered Chitin to, along with allowing her access to his most private memories (Antecedents).

During Hearts and Hooves Day (Mi Amore), Fleethoof snuck into Cadance's bedroom to leave her a love letter and a rose, but was caught in the act. He later confessed his attraction to her, telling her that she was the one who made him feel safe and alive. Cadance later reciprocated the sentiment and bestowed him a necklace with a charm shaped like her cutie mark.

Fleethoof deliberately goes out of his way to put himself in positions with Cadance. When he was posted as her security detail, it was his idea both times. When she invited him to the Grand Galloping Gala, his immediate response is to ask if she has a date yet. He feels that if he can be with her, then he can make sure nothing happens to her.

Midnight Dasher
Since their initial meeting, Fleethoof and Midnight Dasher have had a tempestuous relationship of aggravation and dedication. At first glance, Fleethoof saw Midnight as nothing more than a conniving bat pony trying to get out of doing work by making her students fight for a laugh. After that, Fleethoof spent every waking moment trying to avoid Midnight's often successful attempts to get under his skin. Over time, Fleethoof has become fond her snarky, wily personality, saying that her "little quirks and behavior had become an endearing part of her."

After training the Marines with Midnight, Fleethoof realized the drive Midnight put forward to proving herself. He was surprised by how dedicated she was to the rigorous training, even when she followed him through a pretend spec ops mission in the woods. He admires her passion and loyalty to her friends, a trait he prides in himself.

Midnight's outspoken, affectionate, and teasing personality is a vivid contrast to his reserved nature, though that is usually what pushes them together. He feels wildly protective of Midnight, going to greater lengths to make sure she remains safe than anypony else on his team, and delivers the wrath of god upon anyone who dares harm her.

Shining Armor
As his closest friend, Shining Armor has played a crucial role in defining Fleethoof's character. While they share the same values and patriotism, their differences in morality and ethics acts as a buffer to Fleethoof. Shining helps keep him grounded in reality, especially when it involves the darker areas of gray in Fleethoof's world. In combat, Fleethoof and Shining Armor share a mutual back-and-forth behavior of cooperation. They can accurately predict what the other will do and react in turn, creating a deadly duo of unified soldiers in near-perfect sync.

Often described as the opposite side of the same coin, Shining Armor's gentle, light-hearted nature helps to soften up the hardened Fleethoof, especially when he's angered.

Family
Fleethoof speaks very rarely of his family, and prefers to leave the subject alone at any cost. After the revelation of his mother's death, his reverence of her has only grown. He has said that she was his inspiration to join the Royal Guard, and often speaks of her with great endearment and longing. He seldom talks about his father, and never of his stepmother, a topic even Cadance has to pry out of him.