A/N: I know this chapter seems to a bit shorter compared to the others but at least this keeps the story going and give it more direction as i write/type the next chapter.
Shining Armor hummed an uplifting tone preparing himself for his big night. Grooming gels and waxes were all around the washroom sink. The whole washroom in the barracks smelled like a manly scented perfume with some of its scent leaking away throughout the vicinity. His mane was shinier and slicker than the usual. His coat was neatly primed and groomed. It seemed like newly washed sheet free from ruffles and smudges of dirt and mud. He opened his mouth and focused his sights on the mirror checking for any bits and pieces left from lunch.
Unaware of his surroundings, his yellow pegasus friend approached him from behind with a concerned look his face. “Are you sure you’re going to do this?” Sharpeye suddenly approached the busy stallion. “I mean seriously do you really plan on doing this?” he repeated his question emphasizing his point.
“Of course I am,” Shining Armor replied combing his mane with the comb’s enveloped within a purple glow.
“I mean seriously she’s a changeling. And they are not famous for being honest and truthful.” He tried to persuade his friend.
“She’s different.” Shining Armor argued back while trying various mane styles by controlling the comb’s movements with his magic.
“How different exactly?” Sharpeye asked.
“I can see it in her eyes,” Shining Armor tried to form his mane into a spiked-styled and reverting it back to normal after a few seconds. “This won’t do…” He told himself after feeling unsure of that mane style.
“And that alone proves it?” Sharpeye seemed puzzled with his friend’s reply. “I know I was the one who told you to go for it,” Sharpeye looked down and started walking around behind Shining Armor. He stopped and raised his head back up “But I never expected you to really go it.”
“What can I say?” Shining Armor smiled “Love is blind”
“Okay! I get it,” Sharpeye raised his hoof directed towards Shining Armor. he closed his eyes and hoped that he doesn’t hear anymore cheesy lines from his friend. “I guess there’s no stopping you.” he resumed back a standing position. “If you need me I’ll be with some mares dancing in the moonlight along with the anticipated meteor shower,” he went back to his usual cheerful tone.
“That won’t be necessary.” Shining Armor replied feeling sure of himself not to be bested tonight by his friend when it comes to the ladies. “I guess this will do,” he finally decided to go for his natural look as he looks at himself in the mirror.
“I was wondering,” Sharpeye placed a hoof under his chin “what are your plans, IF you two are going to be together?” Sharpeye asked.
“It’s a given that I can’t continue being a Royal Guard” Shining Armor replied while fitting a silver plated shield ornament on his chest. The crest on the center of the shield bears a resemblance on the star on his cutie mark, a purple six-pointed star. “Should I go with this?” he asked himself.
“Dude! Relax, it’s just a date night.” Sharpeye answered. “No need to go all out like that. Just be clean, neat and presentable.”
“You’re right.. ” Shining Armor nodded in agreement as he placed away his shield-like accessory. “But still it’s important,” His head jolted up “Is it really ok to go out like this?” he pointed at himself showing that he looks plain and simple no special accessories, hats, suits nor garments just plain vanilla.
Sharpeye gave a quick smile “What’s important is how you feel,” He pressed his hoof against his friend’s chest. “That’s more important especially in a night like this.”
“You’re the expert.” Shining Armor chuckled.
“That, you are right.” Sharpeye boasted as he laughed afterwards.
“Although, I’m quite nervous on how my parents will react and especially Twily.“ Shining Armor suddenly spoke but with a more concerned look on his face. “She was so proud of me when I was admitted into the Royal Guards.”
“I’m sure they’ll understand.” The yellow pegasus replied. “As long as they see that you’re happy and didn’t regret that decision, they’ll sooner or later accept it.”
“But still I never imagined that it will turn out like this.” Shining Armor sighed.
“I’m more surprised that Lieutenant Flash gave us the night off despite this being our last day.” Sharpeye said.”Isn’t that suspicious?” he added goading his friend to be like his usual investigative self.
“Haha! Nice try…” Shining Armor scoffed at his goading. “Before I would do that, but it’s just that tonight is a special night,”
“It was worth a shot.” Sharpeye snickered “But you still should be careful.” He said reminding his friend of what kind of creature his date will be.
“I know, besides I trust her.” Shining Armor replied confident in his trust in the changeling princess.
The night has finally arrived. Bustling crowds, eager and excited, were all waiting for the anticipated meteor shower. The stars sparkled, twinkled and shined all over the black night sky like glitters sprayed all over a black paper. Ponies all over the town were doing there own preparations to ensure a great view over the spectacle. Some were already going to hilltops with a clear view of the sky. Some were already sitting comfortably with their loved ones in establishments that offers a view in the night sky. Some preferred to be alone with their vast telescopes and books, while some were with their friends and with packed sandwiches on a nighttime picnic. Despite the festive-like atmosphere, there were guards stationed around the town to ensure the safety and security and to be there when trouble arises.
In the midst of the crowd stood Shining Armor, looking like his normal self but his mane, coat, hooves even his face were clean neat and well-groomed as his friend advised him and without his regular suit of armor. Feeling a bit heart-pounding nervousness beating inside his chest, he slowly approaches the inn where Chrysalis was staying for the meantime. Passing through the rough crowd also busy with their own agenda, he was soon blocked by a brown coated earth pony with a spiked-darker shade of brown mane.
“Is there a problem?” Shining Armor felt taken aback by the stare of his blue eyes.
“You’re Shining Armor right?” he asked in a gruff and impatient tone.
“Yes?” He replied using his military instincts, he cautioned himself around the stallion. “Is there anything I could do for you?” he asked.
“Here!” He pushed a parchment paper he took out from his saddle strapped on his back on the unicorn’s chest.
Knowing what the brown stallion was implying, Shining Armor levitated the note to his eye level and began reading its contents.
I don’t know who you are as much as I care about it but one thing is for certain, STAY AWAY FROM MY DAUGHTER! You have no right to meddle in with the affairs of us Changelings so I suggest you do so and STAY AWAY or there will be dire consequences. But I’m not that heartless, I’m giving you this one and only night as your chance to say your farewells to my daughter as I will take her back home this very night. She is already waiting for you in the cliff side of the nearby forest of this town which I am sure is pretty significant to the both of you. I know you are a smart pony and will do the RIGHT Thing if you know what’s good for you and you’re loved ones.
Consider this a Warning.
Shining Armor slowly crumpled the parchment with his magic as his mood turned grim and dark. The messenger was already gone the moment he finished reading the letter. He felt a sharp knife stabbed him after reading the message especially the sharp words STAY AWAY FROM MY DAUGHTER which was written in a deep red color emphasizing the point of the message. Without considering or giving a second thought, Shining Armor rushed towards the cliff where Chrysalis lifted him with the little magic left in her to escape from the timberwolves.