Cadance anxiously awaited for the arrival of Shining and others. However, the pony who she most looked forward to arrival was Shining. She was so worried. She had a feeling that something bad had happened to her beloved one. She didn't know why, but she had a a heavy heart. Celestia, repairing the nervous state of her niece, said her:
"You are worried about Shining, aren't you?"
"Yeah..." Cadance said, who, realizing what she had said, she corrected herself. "I mean, no. It's just..."
"My dear niece, you don't have to pretend in front of me" Celestia told her. "I know that you and Shining Armor are dating secretly. Did you think I wouldn't notice?"
Cadance sighed. She knew she couldn't keep anything secret from her aunt. She had the gift of knowing everything.
"Apart from that Twilight couldn't endure to keep this secret from me" Celestia said. "She's just a filly and she can't keep a secret like these alone. Besides, I noticed the cold and harsh way is your relationship with Fire Punch is."
"We had to keep our relationship secret, Aunt Celestia" Cadance said. "Fire Punch was the one who made us broke up. If he knows that I and Shining went back for each other, he would continue to try to separate ourselves with increasingly worse methods."
"I understand, my dear, but you must understand that you can't keep this charade much longer."
"We know and Shining says it will not be long until we're done with this, but..."
"You are afraid."
"Yes, I'm afraid for us. Afraid that something bad happens. A feeling... I'm feeling right now. Who knows what it's may be happening there."
Celestia smiled and then said:
"You don't have to worry about that, my dear. Believe in me."
Cadance didn't know why, but there was something in her aunt that gave her security. She then smiled, believing in her words.
Then I heard the ponies loose exclamations. It seemed that somepony was out of the forest. She looked to see who was approaching, hoping it was Shining. But then her smile faded when she saw who was approached wasn't neither Shining or Blue, but Fire Punch. He crossed the finish line, all happy, and then raised his forelegs victorious, while the audience applauded. Shining and Blue's families, were disappointed, but they slightly cheered Fire Punch. But something didn't feel right. As much faster Fire Punch was, Cadance knew Shining and Blue wouldn't delay that much but she wasn't seeing them.
"There is something wrong" she said.
She got up and went to Fire Punch which was being congratulated by his friends. When he saw her approaching, said:
"See, honey, I told you I could do it."
When he tried to kiss her, she just pushed him away, but she was direct and firm, rather than subtle and delicate.
"Where are they?" she asked.
"What do you mean?" Fire Punch asked, playing dumb.
"Fire Punch, don't play dumb with me" she replied. "I know perfectly well that you are not good enough to win with this much of a lead over Shining Armor and Blue Sword."
"That's where you're mistaken, my dear" he said, smiling. "Actually, I'm quite capable of it."
But seeing Cadance looking at him in that harshly way, he said:
"Let's just say anything goes in the race to become captain."
Cadance was about to lose her temper and tell all she thought about Fire Punch, when she heard cries and sighs of ponies. She looked and then saw Blue approaching, supporting Shining who was limping. She was relieved to see that Shining was good and Fire Punch was taken by surprise. Night Light and Velvet, seeing their son hurt, they just down from the stands to go to him, immediately followed by Twilight. Blue landed Shining who soon reached the injured hoof. His parents and sister arrived there and Night Light asked:
"But what happened, Shining?"
"Nothing serious, Dad" he replied. "Believe me."
"Nothing serious?" Velvet asked, completely worried. "You have your hoof completely hurt."
"Mom, I'm fine" Shining reassured. "I just need a little ice and rest, that's all."
"But how did you get hurt?" Twilight asked.
"Shining was a hero" Blue said. "He saved me from an avalanche of rocks that happened when we were going down the mountain. If it was not for him, I would buried by rocks."
"I only did my duty" Shining replied. "I couldn't let my best friend get hurt, if I could do something to prevent it."
"An avalanche?" Twilight asked. "That's weird. I though the whole route had been checked before the start of the race."
"And it must have been" Blue said. "That avalanche shouldn't have happened under normal conditions. Which means it must have been provoked. And it turns out there was a pony in front of us when it happened."
And he turned to Fire Punch, followed by the others.
"Wait, are you accusing me?" he asked to Blue.
"If the shoe fits you" Blue answered. "Besides, who else could it have been?"
"What you're doing, Blue, is called libel" Fire Punch said. "You have no evidence."
"Maybe not" Blue said. "But everypony knows you are a cheater who demonstrate a complete disregard of the Royal Guard code."
Fire Punch would respond when Commander Lightning Bolt appeared and said:
"Okay, enough. Enough with these accusations. It's not up to any of you decide anything."
"Well said, dad" Fire Punch said.
"Shining Armor, you have to go deal with this hoof before the appointment of the new Captain of the Royal Guard" Lightning Bolt said.
"I'll take him to the hospital wing" Night Light said, helping his son to get up.
"Actually, Commander, you can continue without me " Shining said, dispensing to see Fire Punch being nominated captain after all he had done to him. "It doesn't matter."
"Sorry, my boy, but everypony has to be present for when Captain White Light announce his successor" Lightning Bolt said. "Go there treat you so we can proceed."
"Yes, sir" he nodded.
He then looked at Cadance who had a worried look and Shining smiled at her, as if he was telling her to not get worried. She smiled and waved.
Shining, after receiving the first aids in his hoof, he returned to the training camp where he put himself in the line, between Blue and Fire Punch.
"Are you okay?" Blue asked.
"Better" he said.
They looked forward, while White Light appeared with Lightning Bolt.
"I have to congratulate all of you for completing the race" White Light said. "I'm glad all of you were able to made it. And I have to congratulate Fire Punch for winning the race."
Fire Punch made his smirk and his prancing air.
"However, while you, Fire Punch, have came first, I didn't say that the winner of the race would be the Captain."
This took Fire Punch from his jubilant state, made Shining and Blue exchanged a glance and everypony started to whisper.
"But..." Fire Punch began. "But you said that the winner would be the Captain."
"I didn't say that" White Light said. "What I said was this race would not be like the others."
"But..." Fire Punch began.
"I didn't used the race to assess your physical qualities" White Light said. "Why would I do it when you had all been evaluated in this aspect when you were studying in the Academy? No, I rated you on other parameters. You wouldn't have noticed, but your whole race was watched by me, thanks to an observation spell that I put into a crystal ball" White Light said. "I saw each of your steps."
Upon hearing this, Fire Punch was completely nervous and Shining and Blue exchanged smiles with each other. If this was true, then Fire Punch was completely in trouble.
"And I must say I was very displeased with what you showed during the race, Fire Punch" White Light said, approaching the young pegasus. "You haven't shown any qualities of a true captain: chivalry, courage and loyalty. Like the old mare that you ignored completely when she asked you for help, not stopping to help Blue Sword and Shining Armor when they were trying to prevent that pony fall from the cliff, not to mention the despicable way that you caused that avalanche just to make sure you would win the race."
When he said that, the ponies began to whisper among themselves, with some looking in a disapproving way to Fire Punch. Shining, in his turn, realized that what he faced in the race, except perhaps the avalanche, would have been done by Captain White Light.
"You're a good royal guard, Fire Punch, but you have no ability to be captain" White Light added.
Fire Punch turned to his father and asked:
"Father, do something."
"Sorry, son, but Captain is absolutely right. You don't serve to be his successor."
Upon hearing that from his own father, Fire Punch simply turned and growled.
"However, there was one that showed all the qualities of a true captain. He showed complete disregard for the race, preferring to lose in order to help those who needed it, even willing to sacrifice his own life" White Light said.
He then turned to Shining and told him, putting a hoof on his shoulder:
"You, my boy, showed all this. Therefore, you would be a good successor."
"Me?" Shining asked, not wanting to believe. "But... I don't know if I deserve such honor. I mean, I know I have potential, but... I don't know if I have the capacity."
"Shining, of course you have" Blue said. "You don't hesitate when it's to help others and you can lead others with vast naturally."
"Indeed, your friend is absolutely right" White Light said, collecting his hoof from Shining's shoulder. "You are a born leader, just like your grandfather was and you show all the other qualities of a true captain. Course, if you don't accept, I understand."
Shining didn't know what to say. He had before him the possibility of living the greatest dream of his life, but he wasn't sure if he should accept. He didn't know if he would be a good captain, like White Light... or like his grandfather. However, he realized that he would not know if he didn't take a risk, and he knew what his grandfather would do, despite never having met him.
"I accept" he said.
White Light smiled and then lifted Shining's hoof before everypony there. Everypony started clapping enthusiastically. Shining could see his whole family congratulating him from the place where they were, along with Blue's. He could see Cadance also applauding, watching her move her lips to say something Shining know to be "Congratulations, my love". He then smiled at her, bowing his head slightly.
After a while, White Light made a podium appear with his magic where Princess Celestia landed.
"Come closer, Shining Armor" she said.
Shining approached and when he came near her, he gave her a bow and Princess Celestia said:
"Shining Armor, for your courage and bravery, and in my name, so I appoint you as the new Captain of the Canterlot Royal Guard.
And Celestia touched her horn on each Shining's shoulders and then he rose and said:
"Thank you, Princess Celestia."
"It's not me you have to thank" she replied. "It's to yourself. I just hope you continue to be the great soldier you are."
"Don't worry. I will."
When Shining turned, he saw his sister appearing and hugging him.
"Congratulations, B.B.B.F.F." she said.
"Thank you, Twily" he thanked, hugging her.
His parents and his grandmother approached.
"Congratulations, my son" Night Light said hugging Shining.
"Thanks, Dad" Shining said as they stopped the hug.
"We are so proud of you" Velvet said, also embracing her son with more strength than her husband.
"Yes, I know, mom" Shining replied, trying to break free from his mother's tight embrace. "But could you let me go?"
She released him, somewhat embarrassed.
"Sorry, my dear."
Then Starlight came and embraced his grandson and then said to him:
"Your grandfather would be very proud of you."
"I know" Shining said sadly.
"Come on, don't be sad" Starlight said, lifting his grandson's chin. "This is a great day for you. You should smile."
Shining then flashed a smile that made his grandmother smile too.
"I have a present for you" she said.
"Grandma, you don't need to give me anything" Shining said.
"I'm sure that I must give you this" Starlight said, making a box with a blue ribbon appear.
Shining picked up the box with his magic and brought it to him and with his own hooves, opened the box and saw that within it was an armor that he recognized immediately.
"It's grandpa's armor" he said, not wanting to believe.
"I saved it since White Light gave it to me" Starlight said. "Now, it's yours."
"I... I don't know what to say" Shining said, with a tear appearing in the corner of the eye. "Thank you, grandma. I promise that I'll wear it with all my pride."
"I know you will" Starlight said.
They hugged again and then Starlight kissed Shining's forehead. He later turned to Blue who approached and said:
"Congratulations, bro. You deserved."
The two bumped their hooves and Shining said:
"Thank you, Blue. But I know I wouldn't have come here if was not for you."
"Oh, don't exaggerate."
"I'm serious. Your support was instrumental in making this happen. I wouldn't have gotten here without it. For that reason, I want to make you an invitation."
"An invitation?" Blue asked.
"You know, Commander Lightning Bolt will be responsible for teaching me everything I need to know to be a captain, but after that he will retire" Shining exclaimed. "Therefore, I will need a first lieutenant."
"Wait, are you asking me to be your first lieutenant?"
"Who else could I trust to such position? So, do you accept?"
"Man... of course I accept!" Blue exclaimed, hugging his friend. "Thank you, Shining."
"You deserve more than anypony" Shining said at the end of the hug. "And I know you're gonna do well."
He then looked over Blue's shoulder and saw Cadance. The two exchanged glances and intense smiles. Blue turned, seeing Cadance, and realizing everything, said:
"I think I'll... see if it's raining there."
And then he hurried away. After Cadance gestured with his head to Shining which meant for them to go to a quieter place. Shining looked back and saw his parents and his grandmother were seeing, amused, Twilight using Shining's new helmet. He then followed Cadance to the more hidden place and they found one and, when they were sheltered from view, Cadance embarked on a big hug to Shining.
"Congratulations, my dear" she said.
"Thank you" Shining thanked. "And also thank you for giving me support."
"It's my duty" said Cadance. "After all, you are the stallion that I love."
Then they nuzzled each other and then started with kisses. They were both very happy to be there together. It was a perfect moment.
"Well, well, well, but what have we here?" the voice asked.
The two lovers separated themselves soon and turned. They viewed with horror that was Fira Punch that was there, not happy with what he had just seen.
"Fire Punch" Cadance said.
"This idiot has just received the captaincy and you threw yourself to his forelegs?" Fire Punch asked. "But what a traitor you are, Cadance."
"You are wrong" Cadance said. "I always loved the Shining Armor and he always loved me. Our love is eternal and not you and your pathetic attempts to separate will end with it."
"Oh, so you found out, wasn't it?" Fire Punch asked.
"Yes, and you should know that almost all of our relationship was a farce" Cadance said. "One way to protect our love. I never liked you, Fire Punch. How could I like somepony as low as you?"
That angered Fire Punch immensely.
"You're going to pay for that" he said, starting to move towards Cadance.
Shining put himself forward and said:
"You will not touch her. You're going to have to go through me."
"With pleasure" he replied.
When Shining tried to attack him, Fire Punch dealt a heavy blow on his injured hoof which did him drop a groan of pain and then the pegasus dominated the unicorn, throwing him to the ground, where he lay there, clinging to his hurt hoof.
"Shining!" Cadance called.
But Fire Punch reached the edge of her, grabbed her and held her tightly.
"Now, you'll be a good girl and do whatever I want."
"Stop, you're hurting me!" Cadance exclaimed, starting to cry.
"And I'll make sure I hurt more if you keep to behave like a bad filly" Fire Punch said.
Shining, hearing Cadance suffering, gained strength to stand up and then told to Fire Punch:
"Release... my... marefriend."
And having said this, he punched Fire Punch, making him release Cadance and fall to the ground. Shining threw himself to him and started punching him. For every punch Shining gave him, he let himself be overcome by rage and began beating Fire Punch harder. It was then that Shining, when he prepared to give his final punch, remembered everything that had led him to be a royal guard. His duty was to protect, however, at that time, he was letting himself be carried away by anger. Realizing this, he lower the hoof, wanting to stop. However, Fire Punch took this to dominate Shining and then began to punch him without any mercy.
"You're such a weakling, Shining Armor" Fire Punch said, wiping the blood that trickled down from his nose. "It's what happens when you're the goody-four-shoes of the class."
"At least... I have my honor intact" Shining replied, trying not to choke himself with his own blood.
Fire Punch prepared to give the biggest punch he could to Shining when he was stopped by a magical aura and then a voice said:
"What's going on here?"
Fire Punch was lifted off of Shining by magic that was performed by White Light, who was accompanied by Lightning Bolt and Princess Celestia. When she saw his aunt, Cadance was soon to her, hugging her.
"But are you crazy?" White Light asked, while Shining and Fire Punch stood up. "What gave in you to fight?"
"It was Fire Punch who attacked me and Cadance" Shining replied.
"You are the one who was kissing my marefriend and you're pretending yourself a victim?" asked Fire Punch. "What a nice attitude for a captain."
"Me? And what about you? You were the one who grabbed Cadance tightly and told her you were going to hurt her more if she didn't do what you wanted."
"Fire Punch, is this true?" Lighning Bolt asked his son.
"Of course not, dad" Fire Punch lied. "He is feigning everything."
"Shining is not lying" Cadance said, now calmer, stopping hugging his aunt. "Fire Punch assaulted Shining and threatened me."
"You are lying!" Fire Punch exclaimed, turning to his father. "Father, you believe me, don't you?"
Lightning Bolt has only to look at his son, but then approached him and gave him a snap.
"You think I'm an idiot, Fire Punch?" he asked. "I know you well enough. You disappoint me so much. Worse, you dishonored me."
And having said this, he turned back to his son and walked away. Celestia then approached Fire Punch and said:
"Fire Punch, it is with great regret that I inform you that you have been dishonorably discharged from the Royal Guard. I don't want guards who attack those they should protect."
Not wanting to believe what was happening to him, he turned to Shining and said him:
"You are going to pay for this. You can be sure of that."
And having said this, he walked away. White Light then approached Shining who said:
"I'm sorry, Captain White Light. While I was fighting against Fire Punch, I let myself be carried away by anger. And I..."
"You don't have to say anything" White Light said. "You know, Shining, I had already thought of choosing you to be my successor, but I had to see if it was the right choice. And, after seeing everything I saw, I realize I made a perfect choice."
This made Shining look at him, not wanting to believe.
"Keep up the good work... Captain Shining Armor" White Light said, doing a salute to Shining who returned it, and then walked away.
Princess Celestia followed him, but not before bow her head to Shining, smiling, in a gesture of gratitude for saving her niece. Shining and Cadance stayed alone. The two embraced and then Shining said:
"I was so afraid that he would harm you."
"And I was so afraid that he would harm you" Cadance said. "You're really stupid for involving in the fight with Fire Punch."
"For you I do everything. And you know what, now we can live our love to the fullest."
"Yes, you are right. I guess this is the best part of Fire Punch discovering everything."
That made Shining drop a laugh and he started to kiss Cadance, but she stopped him and said:
"But first you go treat these wounds" she said, gesturing to the blows Fire Punch caused to Shining. "I don't want to get myself dirty with your blood."
That made Shining laugh again and he nodded. Now, in that moment, both were certain that nothing would break the strong bond that united them.