(About a week or so later, Nova marches into Canterlot Castle with a very frustrated look on her face)
Nova: Tempest! We need to talk!
(The Guards appear but notice its Nova and how angry she seemed and back away. Stygian and Tempest arrive in the throne room)
Stygian: Nova.. what is the matter?
Tempest: *sighs* This is about Acheron, isnt it?
Stygian: Ron? What is wrong with him?
Nova: He's hopeless! I have tried everything! I worked him until he couldnt move and he still started sassing me about it! I- just- UGH, theres NO way he will ever be a good guard, Tempest; I'm sorry but he just refuses to take it seriously..
Tempest: I see.. *looks away*
Stygian: Now, now, lets just calm down for a second. You cant give up on him, Princess; He's just a late bloomer, he'll shape up!
Nova: I really dont think so.. And that is saying alot. I have faith in everypony.. At least, I did. *frowns*
Tempest: Where is he?
Stygian: Tempest, please-
Tempest: I need to have a word with my SON, Stygian. Dont get in my way.
Stygian: *laughs nervously and takes a few steps back* Yes, my love.
(Tempest looks back at Nova)
Nova: He's at the base in Ponyville..
Tempest: *says nothing, but nods and walks past Nova leaving the room*
Nova: *looks at Stygian with worried eyes* Should I.. not have said anything? Was I wrong?
Stygian: *sigh* Maybe, Nova.. Only time will tell now. It's out of our hooves..
Nova: But he's YOUR son too; Isnt there anything you can say to-
Stygian: I'm his father, yes; but he doesnt respect me half as much as her.. This has to be from her. I'm just worried that she might.. break him.
Nova: *frowns and sighs* I really did try so hard to make him see…
Stygian: I know you did, Nova.
——-
(At the Ponyville base, Tempest approaches the entrance and knocks on the door)
Guard-in-training: Who is it? *opens the door and freezes* Ahh! Commander Tempest! What are you doing here?!
Tempest: I need to speak to my son.
(The young guard looks in the back towards Acheron and gulps a bit)
Acheron: *smiles and runs out* Mother! I missed you, ma'am! Are you here to commend me on my efforts? *smiles confidently*
Tempest: No.
Acheron: Oh. Well, ok. Why are you here the-
Tempest: I am disappointed in you.
Acheron: Wait, what? *stares at her with wide eyes*
Tempest: I sent you here to teach you a lesson.. On what it means to be a real Royal Guard. The meaning of hardwork, strength, determination, bravery, honor; All of this you do not possess. You are a lost cause, Acheron.. I had hoped it wouldnt have to come to this… But you are an embarassment to the family name.. I love you, Ron, you are my son; but you have disappointed me and I can no longer stand and let you sully the Guards any longer.
Acheron: *tears start forming slowly and stares at his mother in horror* W-what are you saying?
Tempest: I release you from the Guards. You are not fit to defend your land, and you show no honor for Equestria. You are excused..
Acheron: No, no, mom please; Dont do th-
Tempest: YOU ARE EXCUSED!
Acheron: *feels his heart shattering as his mother turns her back on him. His hooves feel like lead as he turns away to clean out his quarters* Y… yes ma'am. *holding back tears, thinking to himself* "I.. I disappoint her..!? I cant.. I just cant believe…!!"