//------------------------------// // It Begins // Story: The Princess and the Guard // by Dragonfoxgirl //------------------------------// White Fur checked her telescope one more time to reassure herself that every constellation was properly ordered were they were supposed to be. Everything seemed ok tonight, so she decided to give it a rest. Flipping her mane to the side, she uncovered her face and rubbed her eyes with her hooves and yawned. She had stayed the entire day checking on the constellations and she forgot to sleep. Blue Rose had stayed at a friend’s house as a favor to her; she really needed to get some time to get her work together. Gratefully she hadn’t received any visions from the stars, yet she remained patient. The arrival of a princess to the castle was something that would lead to an answer given by the constellations, but until now, nothing. Maybe she was getting paranoid about the whole situation, but maybe not. Her head was a mess, between the anxiety and the lack of sleep; she came to the realization that her ideas right now could not be rational. Lowering herself with the tiny elevator, she directed herself to the mountain of pillows and sheets. She carefully picked the same pillow Oni had used when he arrived. She laughed at herself for her silly actions but she really missed him. First it had been almost a year without him, guarding the border with the wastelands, only coming for 3 days every 2 months, always tired and with new scars. She didn’t really care for them; she actually thought that no matter how many scars Oni had, he would still look handsome to her. Burying her face in the pillow, she breathed in his scent. He was here, and even now she was not able to see him all she wanted. One of the most difficult things she had to do was to calm Blue Rose every time she woke up during the night, crying, asking for her Papa. For a little filly, she was very comprehensive of her father’s situation, still, that did not mean that she liked it. White Fur wished to imitate her daughter’s maturity. But in her case, Oni was the only thing she had ever had since her father died and she had always been the only one he had. Now that Blue Rose was in their lives, things were more complicated, but they were worth it. She remembered the day she found out she was pregnant, she was so scared and so happy, she remembered waiting for the 3 days and covering her slightly swelled belly to surprise Oni. She remembered the look in his face as she uncovered it, the feel of his matted fur pressed against hers in a tight hug, the tears silently coming down his face. She remembered the first time he held Blue Rose in his hooves, how scared he was of not holding her right or this or that. She smiled. What was he doing right now? She wondered, the most possible answer was that he was once again put to train special units. After all, Oni was a Pony that had the experience of battle and suffering imprinted in his soul, not many ponies had that during these peaceful times, she chuckled. Foolish idea really, the daylife thought of this as an era of peace, but actually it had never been like that. The night herd had never known about peaceful times. When you were bound to the night, you had to take in the fight for survival, the discrimination and the myths and legends that haunted their existence. The Princess of the night had always been underestimated and not considered when it came to rule Equestria, but the fools of daytime did not know that she was the one who kept the night creatures under control. Rolling over facing the uncovered transparent crystal ceiling, she contemplated the stars and she wondered if she would ever fully comprehend them, after all, she was not night born; she was merely adopted by it, taken under the sweet radiating moonlight that would never hurt her eyes. A heavy weight on her belly brought her back to reality, lowering her gaze; she found Oni’s head resting over her stomach. “The special unit has housed a bunch of whiners, again” He said in a tired, frustrated voice. White Fur laughed, enveloping her front legs around his head, she hugged him “Don’t you think that maybe you’re being too harsh on them?” Oni just shook his head. White Fur played with his messy hair, she wondered if Flash and Twilight were ok, she glanced at Oni’s eyes, although they were closed, they bore years of repent. She wondered if this was the right moment to say what she was about to say, but she thought it was something that needed to be discussed, once again. “Have you talked to Flash?” she asked in the most sweet and gentle voice possible. She felt Oni’s body stiffen as soon as she had finished her question, he opened his eyes that were glowing from the moonlights power and just looked at her strait in the eye. She interpreted this as a no. Oni sighed. “We didn’t meet under the most likeable circumstances, we are both angry at each other and I may have acted like an idiot again. I provoked him and now he won’t even look at me in the eye” “You may have forgiven him, Oni, but he has not forgiven you” White Fur said. The night stallion raised his head from its resting place. “How could he, I nearly killed him Fur! I injured him for life and lost all his trust” White Fur rose sat up trying to match his height. “It was something you had to do; you didn’t have a choice love” “Yes I did, I could have told him about my suspicions when we still were safe, but no, I had to shut up my mouth and stand that….that” White Fur cut his words. “She was your friend too and mine… when she changed…I, I really understand why you kept your thoughts to yourself about her, but, we both know that she was very important for him. It was the right thing to do” Oni shook his head. “No, it wasn’t, the right thing was to warn him and get him away from her when there was still time. We let her in to our lives Fur, we gave her our secrets and dreams, and she crushed them like they were nothing. The friendship she had with us was fake since the very first moment she opened one of those damn books. ” White Fur lowered her gaze, He was right. Both of them were deeply hurt by the same pony, but Flash got the worst part of it. She opened her mouth to say something but the noise of the door shutting loudly disturbed them. Oni lowered his ears in annoyance to the sound. When his nose picked up the scent of this new figure inside the room, he growled annoyed. It was Flash, a very, extremely angry Flash and he was not bringing good news. White Fur turned her head to greet him with a smile, but she soon backed away and the sight of a pair of deep blue eyes that bore hatred and wrath. Oni walked to Flash with a very serious look in his face. Those eyes, that look. He knew that look, a few guards knew what those eyes meant, the ones who experienced the pain of battle and war. Standing in front of him, he notices that he was sweating, his breathing was unsteady and his mane a mess, looking down to his hooves, he noticed that they were bruised and had little scraps and cuts; they were dirty of soil and grass. “What in Tartarus happened to you” Oni asked, though, he already had a pretty good idea why he was in that state. Flash just looked at him straight in the eye, Oni felt his gaze upon him like a blade through his heart, but he stood his ground. Flash lowered his head and gritted his teeth, he might as well say it once and for all, there was nothing he could do more than that. “The Order is back” There, he said it. There was nothing more to do than to see Oni’s eyes grow wide open, his pupils slitting until they became fine black lines and his fur rose up in anger. Bearing his fangs to their full length he spoke in a low menacing tone. “Those bastards are dead, stop talking crap” White Fur froze a few feet back from them, she could not breath, and her knees started to fail her. Oni’s sensitive ears picked up her lack of breath and quickly glared at Flash for breaking such news in front of a pony with such delicate health. “That… that can’t be… I watched them being executed, they were killed in mass by night ponies” Oni rushed to her, he lifted his hoof to reach her but she flinched instantly, she was panicking, hyperventilating. She went through her star studies over the past week over and over; there had not been any kind of response. She then recalled over the past month, nothing. Flash watched motionless how she went through a panic attack, Oni trying to calm her down. The sound to his ears started to slowly tune off, his heart beat slowed down, he replayed a memory from 7 years ago. They were all young. They were all…. Foolishly happy. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Flash was a young pony, not quite big, not quite small either, he was going through that stage, were adults can’t actually understand if you’re just a small stallion or if you’re a tall colt. None the less, Flash wore his training armor, technically, he was not old enough to be a guard yet, but he was in training. It was boring sometimes, he had to admit, standing next to doors, looking stoic and cleaning up armors, taking care of the foals that attended the magic school… It was sometimes rather lonely. But one day, while he patrolled the school at night, he noticed a light coming out of the library. He unfolded his wings and slowly glided towards the slightly opened door, inside, surrounded by pillars of thick books, laid an orange sleeping unicorn mare. Under her chin, a giant tome was lighted by candles; he blushed, for she was beautiful. Her red and yellow strands of hair were scattered through the floor in their tangled beauty. The candles adding a glow to the coloration she possessed. He slowly approached her; she had obviously snuck out of her dorm to keep studying. He smiled at her effort, but he had to wake her up and escort her to her dorm. Students were not allowed to roam the school at night. She shivered, probably because of a cool breeze, Flash instinctively covered her form in one of his wings, her body soon relaxed, her face leaning to his feathers with a smile. He blushed heavily, but it was no time to admire pretty sleeping mares. He gently shook her with his wing and whispered softly for her to wake up. The mare soon opened her eyes, and when she realized her current state, she jolted upwards and backed away from Flash. “I’m sorry I startled you miss, but you fell asleep here and students are not-” “I know the rest of it Guard, no need to lecture me. I’ll go to my room” She interrupted him, turning around heading to the door without as much of a glance to him. “I’ll escort you” Flash said getting up and following her. “No need, I can take care for myself” She said in a dry manner, picking some books with her magic. “I’m sorry miss, but I have to follow orders, I have to accompany you to your room so I can check you don’t get out again” The mare snapped. “Who do you think you are to tell me that? I’m not a baby you know?!” She turned to face him and glanced at him from top to bottom. “You’re not even a real guard. Why should I even listen to you?” Flash started to get a little annoyed, yes, beautiful mare indeed, but Faust she had a bad attitude. “Miss, I still have to escort you, regardless of your opinions” Flash said approaching her. The mare started to get more annoyed, he could notice that on her eyes, gorgeous water green eyes filled with hatred. But he also noticed she appeared not to be healthy, she was way to skinny, bags under her eyes and a look of exhaustion filling her orbs. Before she could snap at him again with more insults he spoke: “Are you ok? Miss.” Her eyes widened in surprise, her face switching to confusion, then sadness and then quickly returning to anger. “What do you care? I’m fine, just… leave me alone” Flash ignored her wish and proceeded to ask her more “Do you need help? How many hours have you been studying in here?” He walked towards her, closer and closer. The mare started backing away, desperate to keep her stoic face in anger, not giving away her exhaustion. “Back away from me, I already told you, I’m fine. I was fine after you started pestering me.” Flash ignored her once again. “When was the last time you ate something? You look like a walking corpse” That’s when he felt a book being tossed to his head. “Ouch” he rubbed his temple that was a thick book. “You don’t think I know that!? I know I’m a mess, I know I’m pathetic. But I have to get better, I have to. I am the pupil you know! Great things are expected from me and I will deliver! What the buck do you think you sorry excuse of a guard can do to help me, I’m fine, I already told you. Just LEAVE ME ALONE” The mare’s anger caused the books in her magic grasp to ignite on fire. The candle flames elevated in tremendous height, Still Flash remained unfazed He gave one more step, towering over her, he smiled. “What I think is that you need a hay burger, a root bear soda and a good rest”. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The mare devoured her hamburger still keeping her manners. Flash tried not to give out an amused look. Lying under a tree in the Canterlot gardens, he had finally managed to calm her down and take her outside. She finished her meal giving a happy sigh. “So, guard. What’s your name?” “Flash Sentry” She stood up and faced him. “I thank you for the meal, Flash Sentry” Flash smiled. “No need, miss” “Sunset” “What?” “My name, Sunset Shimmer” “Oh, nice name. It goes with you.” Sunset scowled, but blushed. “Thanks, so what’s your deal?” “My… deal?” “Oh please, don’t play dumb on me. You bought me dinner; you sat with me here making small talk… What do you want?” Flash looked at her confused. “Nothing” he said. Sunset jerked her head to the side, getting more annoyed. “Ugh, please don’t give me that. Ponies do stuff for others expecting something in exchange.” “I don’t expect anything in return. You misunderstood the motives of my actions.” “Really… you’re telling me that you just took all this trouble for me for nothing. Come on Flash, we are not foals here. Do you really expect me to buy that?” “Why do you do that?” “Do what” “One second you are sweet and polite, the other you’re annoyed and defensive” “wha!?- I do NOT!” Flash just stared at her, expectantly. She stared back. Then, she gave in and sighed. “You really want to know why? Because there’s no path for the gentle kind hearted. If you’re soft and nice to everyone they will take advantage of you and use you on their will. You have to always be on guard, always expecting somepony to stab you in the back.” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Flash, Flash!” Oni’s voice returned him to reality. He was carrying White Fur on his back. “I’m going to look for my Daughter. Stay with the Princess. We are going to the Nightlands and hide there. I don’t give shit about orders now. You know what those bastards do to halflings and I’m not taking chances.” Flash just stared at him, he did nor react. He did not move. “Are you listening to me!? This is some serious stuff, If we do not act quickly, they will sneak on us again, just like the last time. Do not leave the Princess from your sight, I have a big hunch that they’re going after her” “And you’re right” Luna’s voice resonated the Star Chamber like a tuned warning. Oni turned his head towards the entrance. There she stood next to the cloaked figure of Thorn. “When you were planning of telling us about this” “I was going to wait until tomorrow to deliver some extra news to you, I asked Flash to tell you the short version, as I supposed you have figured out the rest of my intentions towards this issue. I was going to send you away with your Family to the Nightlands. Not even my sister knows about this secret sanctuary. You will be safe there” Oni frowned to her words, he was no worthy for that land, but he was being made an exception and he was grateful. He lowered his head in respect. “I’m more than grateful towards this kindness my princess, but I will not remain there for long. If the Order is back, you’re going to need my skills not to mention my poison” Luna sighed and nodded, she had forgotten about that. White Fur rose her head weakly. “Princess, the stars… they remained silent, they didn’t warn me” Luna tried to remain stoic, but Furs’ tired weak face was making her wanting to cry. Thorn uncovered his face and spoke: “Those Vermin were masking their moves with Changelings, and since they do not posses a true identity, well, most of them… they can not be tracked by the stars” “That explains a lot” White Fur replied. “Save your energy, we have to get our kid” Oni told her. White Fur just nodded and lowered her head once more and closed her eyes. He turned to Flash once more, looking at him straight in the eye he spoke: “I know we are not in the best terms and that your friendship with me is no more. I get it; I really screwed up back then and ended up causing you great pain. I don’t ask for forgiveness. But” “We are in this together. Regardless of our situation, this concerns both of us. We will solve our issues in another time. Now, I’ll fight by your side again” Flash spoke in a strong voice, leaving Oni surprised, White Fur as well. A little bit far, Luna and Thorn stood silently smiling. Flash half smiled, raising his right front hoof he stared deep in to Oni’s eyes, Oni frowned. This was no time for tears. He raised his left front hoof and locked it with Flashs’ He hid his face behind his bangs; Flash understood his struggle and locked his hoof harder. There was no more time for feeling depressed over the past. They had to get their game on once more. White Fur stumbled of Oni’s back and engulfed both stallions in a tight hug. Flash suppressed his tears and just covered both with his wings. His relationship with Oni was in the verge of extinction, but leaving what has happened 7 years ago, these ponies were part of his life, still they were. They had grown up together, shared the same dreams and they had suffered the same loss. They were linked, bonded. “Thorn will help you retrieve your child; you must go now you two. We don’t know if there are infiltrates in the palace” Oni helped Fur back to his back again, nodding to Flash once more he turned around, motioned Thorn to Follow him and left the room, leaving Luna and Flash alone. Flash sighed heavily, catching Luna’s attention; she smiled at him and approached him. She lighted her horn and lowered her head; Flash felt his legs being cured. Luna lifted her gaze and cleared her throat. “Lieutenant Sentry of Canterlot’s Airforce” As soon as those words left Luna’s mouth, Flash stood straight, wings unfolded to their full glory, chest out. He stomped his right front hoof on the ground. It was an automatic response in his full title being voiced. He actually blushed a little; he was a bit embarrassed for his high rank, for he considered it useless, he just saw himself as a regular guard. Luna Chuckled. “At ease, I was just getting used to this new piece of information. Tell me, Flash Sentry, why did you hide your rank from me? I already supposed you were a higher rank, since you got transferred to the Chrystal Empire and you are not obliged to hide your identity while wearing armor. ” “The truth is Princess, I don’t deserve such title. That title was given to me for my actions in the battle against the Order years ago. I do not want to be labeled something that would make me remember that day. None the less, Now that the Order is back, there is no use in not embracing it either” Luna smiled and nodded. “Thank you for healing me, Princess” Flash bowed his head. Luna shook hers in response, “It’s nothing soldier, I sometimes also take my anger on the rocks. I understand. I was rather impressed when I saw your little… wreckage myself. Those stone pillars are hard. You truly are worthy of your task. I really do think Captain Armor made the right choice sending you to protect his sister.” Flash bowed his head once more. “Remain by her side, Flash Sentry. She is a strong mare and a magnificent Princess, but she’s not indestructible. Her strength relays on her friends and loved ones, and you do love her. I have noticed that” Luna noticed Flash’s body tensing up. “Rest assured, I will not make my realization public” Flash relaxed. “Thank you for understanding Princess” Luna smiled in return. “Go now; I’m sure she’s going to want to see you once she awakens” Flash gave one last bow before opening his wings and dashing through the door. She kept her smile until he completely vanished from his sight. She lifted her head to the ceiling, uncovered crystal glass, showed her beautiful night. She sighed relieved as she saw the familiar figure of Oni passing by. White Fur on his back. He stopped and gave her one last look, clenched in his jaws was Blue Rose, waving goodbye happily, she chuckled and waved back. Oni speeded up and vanished. Flash reached Twilight’s door in and made sure no one was looking when he opened the door. To his surprise, a young night mare wearing a nurse outfit came from the inside. “Oh, so sorry. I was just sent to check on the Princess. Her condition is stabilized and everything seems ok, I gave her some vitamins though. She’s a little bit to thin. Make sure she drinks lots of water” Flash bowed his head. “Thank you” With that the nurse left and Flash was lefts alone with his task. He entered the room carefully; he did not want to wake her up if she was still sleeping. He found her in the same position he had left her. He sighed relieved that she was ok. Pulling a large pillow to the side of her bed were she laid he sat next to her and rested his head next to hers’ He took in her features and noticed one small detail. Small minuscule sparks glowing in her hair and in the corners of her eyes. He really had to focus on them, for they were so, so tiny that if he lost concentration he would have to search for them once more. Did all unicorns glow? No, he was sure. He guessed this was some sort perk alicorns had. To always look majestically ethereal even in their sleep. He saw as her lips parted for air and her eyes slowly opening. Her pupils adjusting to the sight before her, she sighed. Closing the distance between her face and his, she touched foreheads with him. She was so tired, so scared. With her friends not here, all she had was him. To search security and comfort in others was not something foreign to her, but it was also something she still did not intent on making a regular behavior. She preferred in working things alone. She was so used to being the supporter and not the supported that she found her behavior towards him odd and strange, like it was not something she wound usually do. But she welcomed it. After all, she was not made of stone, nor she was invincible. She rested assured that this stallion was going to stay by her side as long as she needed her and that calmed her a bit. “I have to look for books about Changeling behavior and customs” she said trying to get up. Flash quickly reacted and held her down in the gentlest way. “Whoa there, you just fainted from an anxiety attack; you are staying in this bed” “I’m fine” Twilight said trying to rise once more. Flash once again held her down. She tried again just to be taken down again. She repeated this 3 more times, the 3 times failing. In the end Flash just laid his head and upper torso completely dead weight on her, preventing her from moving upwards. “You are heavy, you know that right?” “Yes, that’s why I’m pinning you down like this” “If I had enough energy I would blast your butt off me” “See? You yourself admit that you’re not feeling well” Twilight blushed embarrassed. “Ugh, get off you’re heavy” Flash smiled devilishly and rubbed his face against the covers. “Oh no, this place is comfy, all mushy mushy and warm” “Are you saying that I’m fat?” “What… no” “You did” “I said you were mushy mushy, not fat” “That’s saying that I’m fat” “No it’s not” “Yes” “No” “YES!” “NO!” After this, Twilight just broke in to a giggle fit, followed by Flash. “You just needed a laugh” Twilight wiped a few tears from her eyes while she still giggled. She sure was a feeling a bit better. “You’re a goofball you know that?” “Oh no, a Goofball would do this” Flash proceeded in crossing his eyes in intercalated circles and sticking his tongue out. Twilight could not contain her laughter. Flash smiled, at least putting on an act as if nothing was wrong and acting like an idiot made her laugh, for just a minute it made her laugh and forget. If that was a way of keeping her spirit intact, then he was going to put on an idiot face every time it needed. He felt Twilight’s stomach moving along with her laughs. This made him relax a bit more about all the things going through his head. “Flash, when I get some rest, take me to the Palace Library. I have to find some information about Changelings. Maybe even look for some old reports about the Order” Flash raised his head, looking at Twilight with serious eyes, he nodded. So mush for a light mood. Twilight then noticed Flash’s tired eyes, ruffled mane and messy fur. “You look so tired, we both look tired. This is slowly working up my head and it seems to yours too. How can you handle this so well, I mean you look like you’ve been ran over by a train, but you don’t faint or anything. How can you be so composed?” Flash looked at her eyes, then he half smiled, his cheeks tinting with just a bit of red “I have you” Twilight’s eyes widened in delighted surprise. She rose from the bed and approached Flash she locked his neck in her front hooves and hugged his tight. He returned her embrace, burying his face in her mane. Twilight’s stomach grumbled loudly. They laughed.