//------------------------------// // Chapter 31 // Story: The Inheritors of Friendship // by NgKQ //------------------------------// When I opened Honey’s ward room door, I was surprised. Inside was Honey’s family, with the Princesses, Meadow Charm and the female guards accompanying. “There you are, Orion,” Princess Celestia greeted. “I was expecting you to come here.” “Are you feeling better, Orion?” Fluttershy asked. “Yeah. Just that I got weak feet…” “How amazing that you’ve recovered, Orion Galaxy,” Discord said to me. “Well, I couldn’t expect the same to my big daughter…” “It’s okay, Discord. We’re fine now. Can I have a look at her?” “If you insist, Orion,” Beryl told me. I slowly went up to her. She was awake, smiling weakly. I held her hooves. “Honey Drops,” I began. “Are you feeling… better?” “I’m fine,” she replied softly. “The moment I got shot, everything was spinning around me. Then everything went black…” “Thank goodness…” “It was hard work trying to remove the poison and detoxify her,” explained Meadow. “But the good thing now is that she’s at a stable condition.” “What about you?” “Nah, I’m alright. Captain Apollo recovered from his coma yesterday evening, so he should be coming here anytime now.” I nodded, acknowledging the message. As I turned back to Honey, I remembered my conversation with my father. Should I confess now? “Honey Drops…” “Yes, Orion?” “Th-the night after our talk, I got a strange feeling… I don’t know how to describe that…” Then there was a minute’s silence. “Orion,” Honey finally asked. “Do you mean that you love me?” I blushed. “W-well…” “You don’t have to hide that,” she smiled at me. “I was feeling the same, too…” Before I knew it, she held my face and kissed my lips. At first, I was stunned, but then, I closed my eyes and I forgot everything. It feels as if I’ve travelled to a fanciful world, free of worries. My flower had blossomed. She’s officially my lover now. As we finished kissing, I could see everypony cheering. Even Discord forgot to be worried! “Orion Galaxy,” Princess Celestia called me. “Princess Luna has told me about the situation you’ve been in. Therefore I would like to give you some advice.” “What is it?” “If you’re really in a situation like this, you should come and find me. I can arrange for you. You don’t have to keep it as a secret for me. It will burden you some more.” “You can try to find me, too if your sister isn’t available,” advised Princess Luna. “I can forward that to her.” Mom patted me. “See that? You don’t always have to be buried in your job. We’re welcome to you. Find us whenever you’re stressful.” “I see…” “Since you have been dedicated to your job, and you’ve also shown true courage, I will give you more freedom in your life.” “Really?” “You may visit Ponyville anytime you want, but make sure that you don’t neglect your job.” She winked at me. “That means we can get to see Orion more often?” Greenie Hats blurted. She said “Omigosh” several times. “Now we’re talkin, Greenie,” I chuckled. “By the way, where’s Sir Gabron?” “He’ll be leaving this afternoon. Before this he wants to check out your condition.” Just then, the door opened, and those coming in were Sir Gabron and Captain Apollo. Captain was bound to a wheelchair. “There you are, Prince,” Sir Gabron greeted. “I must say, I have never seen a brave guard like you.” “Thanks, sir.” “I see that you’re totally fine, Prince Orion,” Captain Apollo spoke. He was sincere. “From that battle a few days ago, I came upon a realization.” He went up to me. “I guess that just my attitude wasn’t enough to keep everypony in order, and that added up the stress upon you. Besides, I see true determination and teamwork in the way you battled the enemy. That’s something I have to learn from a prince like you, leadership qualities. So, in order to express my apologies, Princess Celestia and I have come up with a decision.” “What is it?” “To sum up, I have changed my own way of dealing with you guards. Apart from dealing with female guards better, I have given special privilege to you. Perhaps Princess Celestia must have told you already.” “Yeah, she told me.” “Remember what I said,” Princess Celestia reminded. “You have higher recognition as a prince.” “Okay then.” Then my stomach started rumbling. “Uh… Is there anything I can eat?” Everypony laughed. Then the door opened and the assistant entered. “There’s porridge for you all. Enjoy your meal.” Uncle Shining Armor and his family came to visit me later that afternoon, bringing me a lot of presents. Paladin Knight still played some nonsense jokes with me, but still, he gave me a get-well-soon card made by him and Mistral Violet. A week after I fully recovered, I was back to my duties. Just a few days ago Cheese Sandwich and his family did arrange a party for me and Honey Drops. Man, how memorable it is! I was patrolling right towards the throne room when I saw Princess Celestia. “Hey, Princess,” I greeted her. “Orion, good timing,” Celestia replied. “I was about to show you something. Come with me to my room.” I followed her into the room. Upon entering, she gestured at me to a box. “Open it. It’s a present from your uncle and your aunt.” “Really?” As I opened the box, I was astonished. Inside was a complete, preserved suit of armor. Attached with it was a letter. I took out the letter with my magic and began to read it. Dear Orion Galaxy, We were truly shocked and saddened to hear about what happened in your battle. Fortunately, Princess Celestia was able to report us that you were in a fine and stable condition. As we knew that you loved your father dearly, we’re sending you the suit of armor your late father used to wear. Your father was really a dedicated and nice guard back during his days at the Crystal Empire. We have modified the helmet by drilling a hole in it so that your horn can fit in. Even Paladin Knight played a nonsense joke upon this, but we lectured him as it’s not right to disrespect an old property. But still, we know that he loves you. So does Mistral Violet. Perhaps someday, you might as well try it on and feel the pride of your father. In the meantime, we knew that you’ve overworked. Don’t stress too much. If you’ve got a problem, just tell the princess. She’ll help you. You can also talk to us or your friends. They’re the ones who can help you. Right now, we hope that you will cherish your father’s heritage. We will come and visit you again if we have time. In the meantime, enjoy your life. Don’t stress too much. Best regards, Uncle Shining Armor and Aunt Cadance As I read the letter, tears shed from my eyes as I recalled my nice father. Princess Celestia patted me. “I showed this to you after your recovery because I don’t want to traumatize your condition further,” she explained. “If you notice carefully, everypony does care for you. Talk to them. Don’t keep the troubles within you.” “Princess,” I turned to her when I finished reading. “If you’re in big trouble again, will you still need me?” “Of course I will! After all, as the son of the Princess of Friendship, you’re always my favorite royal guard.” She nuzzled me. Sensing her tenderness, I hugged her, with my wings embracing. “Let’s go down now, shall we?” “Okay.” “But first, keep that in your room.” After keeping my dad’s suit of armor in my room, I followed Princess Celestia downstairs. There, from the distance, Honey Drops was waving at me. “Hey Orion!” she called. “Do you want to accompany me patrolling over Canterlot?” “Uh, well…” I looked at Princess Celestia. She winked at me. “What are you waiting for? She’s calling you. Don’t let her down.” “Uh, alright then.” I gave her a kiss in the cheek. She giggled. I galloped excitedly to Honey Drops. “So, what should we do?” “Just patrol! We can stop by at Joe’s to have some donuts or something.” The moment she mentioned Joe, I remembered his sweet, tasty donuts. In fact I was one of his favorite guests because of my mom. “You surely don’t take this as a date?” “Why not?” “Alright then. Let’s go!” As we walked out of the castle, Princess Luna approached her sister. “All’s well that ends well, huh?” “You’re right. But with Queen Myra and her cronies on the loose, there is still time for us to save everything. I believe the magic of friendship learned by Princess Twilight will help to save everything…”