‘Twas a bright and sunny day in the Crystal Empire as the crystal ponies strut about doing their business. It was bit windier than usual but sunny and warm none the less. A loud whistle could be heard as the train pulled into the station right on time.
“Princess!” called a stallion with his highlighted blue mane. He gleefully trotted over to a young purple alicorn mare that had her wings wide open for a wonderful hug.
“Shining Armor, just because I’m a princess now, doesn’t mean you, of all ponies, have to give me special treatment. You’re my big brother, don’t you forget that”, spoke the purple alicorn to Shining Armor, releasing from their warm embrace.
“Hahaha! Yeah, yeah I know. But you’re my little sister and it just makes me so proud to call you that”, he retorted walking with the mare. “pffch-…Princess Twilie!” he snickered at the goofy name as he pat her head. His sister laughed and gave a genuine smile and a quick role of the eyes as they walked down the shining corridors of Crystal Kingdom. “ Haha, very funny. Pff- Prince Shining Armor” said the pony.
“So anyway, what did you need me for?” Twilight asked as they stepped into the throne room where a beautiful pink Alicorn flown down to them. Shining turned to his sister as his wife approached them, “It’s nothing incredibly serious, Cadence wanted to show you something…” said the stallion. He grinned and rolled his eyes as the two began to do their ‘Lady-bugs-Awake!’ cheer. They were cute.
“Alright, I’ll let you girls do what you need to do, I’m going to help with the rest of the preparations for the Equestrian Games. Call me if you need me”, called the stallion to the two Alicorns as he trotted off.
~
Outside by the game fields, Shining Armor and other crystal pony volunteers, along with some guards, were mounting up obstacles and others were tying off different ropes for decorations. The games were going to start within the week, so the Prince had the grand opportunity to foresee the preparations of the Equestrian Games, since his kingdom was hosting them. One of the Pegasus guards came up to the stallion prince and raised his hoof to his golden helmet, a blue star across his breast glittered in the sun.
“Sir, the track preparations are complete! Not a pebble in sight of that track, your majesty!” said the orange Pegasus.
The Prince whinnied in excitement, “Excellent! I’d like to test it out! Care to race me?” he asked the younger stallion. Clearly hesitant, Is that okay? Can I do that? The guard was bit taken back at the sudden request but eventually smiled happily to enjoy a bit of friendly competition with his commanding officer. Both stallions lined up at the starting line. “Flash, you don’t have to race with your helmet on, and don’t hold back!” said the Prince. The orange Pegasus took his helmet off at the suggestion, acting as if it was a command.
A glittering yellow unicorn approached with a checkered flag floating behind her. As both stallions steadied themselves, she raised the flag up and began the starting rant.
“Get Ready. On your marks! Get set…” Both stallions raised their rumps up at the words, the young Pegasus flapped his wings only slightly.
Suddenly the flag waved down and the yellow unicorn yelled. “GO!” And both colts bolted out of the starting line!
The Pegasus, thinking that he had the freedom to let loose, flapped his wings faster and faster as he flew low to the ground. The finish line was surely in his golden covered hooves! …Until he turned to look over his right shoulder. There was Shining Armor, pounding heavy hooves against the warm track ground! At first they were neck and neck, but then the harder Flash Sentry pushed to fly faster, the faster Shining Armor seemed to run! With a last mad dash, Shining Armor galloped across the finish line, leaving Sentry in the dust. Flying over the finish line, he nearly crashed as he tried to slow down. Flash Sentry tiredly flopped on his rump. Both breathed heavily as the Prince chuckled through steady breathing. Flash bowed a little with a smile. “Well…that’s why, you’re the Prince…you’re Highness…” complimented the Pegasus as he panted in between. “Oh, Hah… At Ease soldier, Power and skill aren’t the only things that make me the colt I am today. I’m still a pony, just like everypony here…” Shining Armor approached the tired soldier and raised his head with his hoof. “That was a great race! You actually gave me a run for my money! It was hard keeping up with you”, he said pleasantly. Nodding, the young soldier knew not to take any ill will in losing to the other stallion. Then the Prince turned around to retrieve the stallion’s helmet and place a top of his head. With a grateful ‘thank you’ and ‘keep up the good work’, Shining Armor returned to his duties of overseeing the rest of the preparations, but was stopped by Flash Sentry once again.
“Your Majesty?” he called out. “If this isn’t too informal, I was curious about something?” asked Flash. Shining Armor huffed a bit a tilted his head with an interested grin. “Oh yeah? About what?” he responded. Flash suddenly found himself talking casually in front of the Prince.
“Well. About the Power and Skill thing you mentioned, well I was wondering. I-…Is there some kind of story behind that? And I don’t wish to sound rude, Your Highness, I-I’m just curious..” stuttered Flash Sentry. A few of the other crystal ponies listened in for what Shining would have to say.
Taken back a bit from the question, a small sympathetic smile fell over the young Prince’s muzzle. “Well, my ideals and morals were all inspired by my favorite uncle, which is why I wear his crest. But I have to say that I had a bit of help from my mentor…” Shining Armor started and all the other crystal ponies around the area, gathered behind the Orange soldier, who looked most excited to hear the story of how Shining Armor came to be the captain of the Canterlot Guard.