Shining Armor watched Cadence disappear from her window. His heart was aglow. Spreading through his whole body like molten lava under the earth’s crust. He felt nothing but relief. When he wasn’t invited to the party, he was so sure he wouldn’t get to see her tonight and he’d never get to see her. It was only by chance that he’d be at her window while she was there too. I don’t know if it’s fate or pure coincidence, but whatever it was, it was on his side.
“Congratulations, Shining.” Flash Sentry greeted as he came walking up behind him. Rainbow Dash joined him.
“I guess it was too much to ask for privacy?” Shining Armor inquired.
“Yes.” Rainbow Dash answered seriously.
Shaking his head in disbelief, he headed closer to the door to wait for Cadence.
“What are you doing?” Rainbow Dash inquired, gliding closer to Shining.
“Waiting for Cadence.” Shining Armor answered.
“I get that, but why are you waiting for her out here?”
“Because she asked me to wait here.”
“Yeah, but why?”
“…..I don’t see where you’re going with this…”
“You should go and meet her in there! Not wait out here like a wimp.” Rainbow Dash crossed her arms as she floated there glaring at him.
“For once, Rainbow Dash has a point.” Flash Sentry spoke up. “You can’t just expect everything to come to you. You need to get off your rump and go get her.”
“…Guys, she’s coming right down…” Shining Armor responded hesitantly.
“Too slow.” Rainbow Dash countered and if on cue both she and Flash Sentry each grabbed a side of his arms and lifted him up into the air.
“What the-what are you guy’s doing?” Shining Armor yelled as he was being lifted into the air and right to the front door of the house.
“Giving you a little push. Good luck!” Flash answered, and with that they both threw Shining Armor through the front door.
Cadence ran out of her room, hoping she wouldn’t keep Shining Armor waiting. She was excited to be in company of someone so refreshing. She wouldn’t admit it, not even to herself, but she always had a crush on him when they were fillies. And even though they’ve been apart for years, her heart still did a small backflip whenever she thought about him. He was always so honest, and always spoke from his heart.
She knew of the boy’s rivalry. She wasn’t blind. She knew that they’ve always had a crush on her, but she wasn’t focused on things like that when she was a filly. There was no need. But now that they were all older, the crushes never went away. In fact, she’s pretty sure they’ve gotten stronger the longer they were all apart. And now that they were all older, the feelings were more forward. She knew that Blueblood was going to try to do something soon. She could see it in his eyes.
Thinking about Blueblood ignited her earlier fire in her chest, but it was a small fire; a fire that was easily quenched. She knew that the comment he made earlier wasn’t what he meant. I guess she was a little irritated that he would say something like that with so much confidence. She knew he wasn’t like that. Blueblood was cocky and boastful, but he is never sexist nor unfair. He was a hero. And as much as he’s a little bit of an arrogant hero, he’s a good pony at heart.
As she got to the end of the stairs, she ended up bumping into Blueblood. A look of surprised crossed both of their faces before Blueblood’s face turned serious. “I’m sorry.”
Cadence was taken back for a moment, curious about what he was talking about until she realized he was talking about the conversation earlier.
“It’s okay, Blue. It’s me who should be sorry. I know that’s not what you meant when you said it. I overreacted.”
Relieved that he was forgiven, Blueblood gave a small smile and Cadence returned it. Blueblood’s heart beat frantically at the smile that she was giving him. It worried him so much that Cadence might not have forgiven him and would look at him differently. He didn’t want that. He didn’t want that all.
“Cadence, about what I said before, I want you to know what I really meant.” Blueblood started, feeling the need to be clear with her. “When I said that, I didn’t mean it like that. What I meant was…” he hesitated; feeling like the breath was being taken from him, his blood rushing to his face. “I meant that every stallion deserves someone as beautiful, smart, and amazing as you are…and that any stallion you end up with…will be the luckiest stallion in Equestria…”
Cadence could feel her face heating up from Blueblood’s explanation. She could see the way he was looking at her, and she knew that he was hoping that that lucky stallion would be him. Without warning, she could feel her heart thumping faster. Blueblood may be a bit arrogant, but she always knew that he was a kind pony at heart and was a good stallion. She knew that the feelings for her were genuine and that he meant every single word he said. She couldn’t help but get lost in his sky blue eyes as he looked at her that way.
All of sudden, an image of Shining Armor below her window flashed in her mind and as quickly as it came, the connection snapped and she was once again aware of her surroundings. That’s right! Shining Armor was waiting for her! She focused on Blueblood again, confusion wafting through her body. The emotion she felt just moments ago swishing her back and forth. She’s never felt this feeling with Blueblood before, and it confused her.
She was about to turn around and head for the door when a sudden burst sounded throughout the room. The front doors were swung open and floating there was Flash Sentry and Rainbow Dash, looking a little sheepish. But it was what they threw in the door that made everyone stop what they were doing and look at the intruder.
Laying there on the floor was a confused and slightly dizzy Shining Armor. He didn’t get up right away, but when he did, he started uneasily to where Cadence and Prince Blueblood stood. Still feeling a little dizzy from the sudden throw and crash from his friends, he draped his arm around Blueblood and gave a wobbly, “Hey, what’s going on?”
Both Cadence and Blueblood gave each other looks of confusion before they both focused on Shining Armor again.
“Shining, I told you to wait outside.” Cadence scolded, helping Shining Armor stand up straighter.
The dizziness finally wearing off, Shining Armor gives a shake of his head before giving a glare to the two pegasus that were still floating outside.
“Didn’t have much of a choice…”
Prince Blueblood watched the exchange with bewilderment. Then it hit him like a bucket of ice; Shining Armor was waiting for her outside, and Cadence was going to go meet him. They were going to be alone with each other!
A pang of jealousy ran through his blood stream lit up so fast like fire on top of oil. He couldn’t help but roughly pull Shining away from Cadence and pointed a hoof at him.
“Wait, was he asking you out?” Blueblood questioned Cadence.
Startled by his abruptness, Shining Armor duct out from under Blueblood’s arm and could only answer a confused, “What?”
Cadence’s face turned red with the thought that she immediately looked down. “I-I don’t think so…were you going to?” She asked looking up, a little too hopefully for Blueblood’s liking.
Shining Armor couldn’t help but let out an uncertain “Um...” He felt nothing but silly. Here he was, in front of the girl he loves and all he can say is one syllable words.
Before he could say anything else, it was interrupted by Blueblood’s chuckle as he threw his arm around Shining Armor once again.
“You know I love you, buddy, but Cadence and I were in the middle of an intimate moment. And as much as I want to hang out with you, I’m gonna have to ask that you come back a little later.” He persuaded, using a small amount of force to guide Shining Armor away from Cadence. Seeing what he was doing, Shining Armor once again duct out from under Blueblood’s arm.
“I didn’t see Cadence asking me to leave. I think I’ll wait with you, and then Cadence and I can continue our earlier plans…alone.” Shining Armor countered, giving a soft glare to Blueblood.
Blueblood returned the glare. “I honestly don’t think it would be safe for Cadence to go out with just you. Bandits attack without warning around here. If you can’t even finish a manticore, how do you think you could protect her from them?”
Shining Armor felt like he was just punched in the stomach. Blueblood knew of Shining Armor’s dream. To one day stand by his friend as his loyal guard and protect him. He knew exactly what he was saying…and he was hurt. A small flame of anger and irritation ignited in Shining Armor’s breast. If that’s how you want to play…
Blueblood felt immediate panic after that statement left his lips. He didn’t show it, but he knew. He saw Shining Armor’s eye’s betray surprise, then hurt. He knew Shining Armor’s dream, and out of jealousy, he couldn’t stop himself from jabbing him in some way. He didn’t believe in what he said, but it was said. Pride would not let him apologize. Instead he stood his ground and continued to glare at Shining Armor. He wasn’t surprised at all when his eyes went from hurt, to anger.
“Well excuse me. But I would think that someone with my training and reflexes would be better suited in protecting Cadence instead of a stallion that will never live up to his father’s name.” Shining Armor sneered.
Another mental punch was thrown was thrown into the argument, making Blueblood take an involuntary step back. He knew it was coming. He dealt the first blow and was expecting one in return, and yet it still hurt hearing his best friend say it.
Cadence watched her two best friends back and forth. She was horrified by what she was hearing. They’ve been best friends since colthood, and yet they were saying such things to each other; things both of them knew would intentionally hurt them. She could see the anger and hurt they were emanating. She was about to step in when she caught blue and yellow auras on both side and she gasp. Shining Armor and Blueblood were drawing their weapons. She looked at their faces and she knew they were serious. They fully intended on using them.
“Stop it!” Cadence finally shouted. “You both are acting like fools.”
It didn’t seem like either of them were listening. She was ignored as they both got their swords ready. Hooves planted firmly on the ground, Blueblood, barely above a whisper, coaxed Shining Armor. “Come at me…brother.”
Shining Armor grinned at his taunt. He wanted a fight…he was going to get it.
With a soft laugh, Shining Armor started forward. Seeing his cue, Blueblood copied, raising his sword ready to strike. Reacting on instinct, Cadence grabbed a nearby solder’s sword with her hoof and ran to the middle of the fight. Just as Shining Armor’s and Blueblood’s sword were about to meet, Cadence threw her sword in the middle, blocking their attack. Acting swiftly, she struck her sword up, making both of their swords to be released from their magic hold. With a strong gust of wind she created with her wings, she sent the swords out of the friend’s magical reach.
Both Shining Armor and Blueblood was so stunned by what just happened, that they momentarily forgotten their dual and stared at Cadence. Sword still in hoof, Cadence took on their stared. “They taught fencing at the academy.” She stated, answering their unspoken question.
The room grew quiet. Unbeknownst to the small group, they attracted the attention of the whole party. The group held their breath as they waited to see what would happen next.
Shining Armor and Blueblood went back to glaring at each other. Neither backing down, they could only stare at each other in anger fueled by hurt. Finally Blueblood was the first to speak.
“Guess we’ll settle this another time.”
Shining Armor grinned at his challenge. “Anytime, anywhere.”
Cadence couldn’t help but deflate and give a tired, “Really guy’s?”
Saying what needed to be said, Blueblood started heading for the doors. He couldn’t be there any longer. Not while Shining Armor was still there. He was about to step out when the door was slammed opened, causing the whole room to look towards the noise.
In the doorway stood three fillies; an orange pegasus with a purple pixie cut hair, a yellow earth filly with a red mane and a pink bowtie, and the other was a white unicorn with a curly pink and purple mane. They all looked out of breath. After what seemed like hours of them trying to catch their breath, finally, at the top of their lungs all three of them screamed.
“THE BANDITS ARE HERE!”