This story is a sequel to How to Propose to a Princess

Flash Sentry's time is almost up, and he knows it. It has been an incredible life, filled with so many wonderful and hilarious memories, and he wouldn't trade it for anything. Now, as his time slowly ticks down to zero, he remembers all the wonderful memories that made his life so magical, preparing himself for the final goodbye.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Written as a tribute to G4 of My Little Pony, and a way of saying that as one journey comes to an end, another one is always just around the corner.

The cover art was a commission from the very talented jucamovi1992 on Deviantart.

Update: Featured on 10/12/2019!!! YAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!

This story is a sequel to How to Climb a Mountain

Twilight has a problem. After a noble by the name of Duke Bull Horn comes to her castle demanding that she take his son to the Gala as a date, Twilight loses her temper and lets it slip that she already has a date. Fearing the criticism she will get it she indeed does show up without a date, Spike suggest that she take the Captain of her recently formed guard, Flash Sentry. While Twilight initially rejects Spike's idea, Flash himself willing volunteers to take her so that she can avoid the criticism that the Duke might pin on her should she show up alone.

Will the Gala be better than the first one Twilight attended, and will this date become something more? Or will the nobles ruin everything and cause the night to go down in flames?

Brief disclamer: this story is meant to be a prequel to my first story "Gone, But Not Forgotten," though I only realized it could be prequel about 4000 words into typing it, so excuse if it somehow has minor inconsistencies.

MAJOR UPDATE: New rewrite version out and ready for reading. Same story, but BETTER! Also, NOW WITH SEQUEL: How to Propose to a Princess

ALSO ALSO: Now with PREQUEL, How to Climb a Mountain. It never ends. Though it should be noted that the prequel is not needed to enjoy this story. (1/14/2020)

Alterative tags to label the story:
Beautiful Twilight, Playful Banter, Rarity Teasing Twilight, Annoying Nobles, Spike's Idea, non-chaotic Discord, Hungry Twilight, Silly Flash, Celestia playfully teasing Twilight, Luna Threatening Flash, Rarity Threatening Flash, Dancing, romantic strolls, interruption of romantic strolls, more chaotic Discord, the plot demands things, questioning all of reality Pinkie and Discord Tag-Team, moonlight dancing, and kissing.

Image belongs to the very talented jucamovi1992 on deviantart.

Now translated into Chinese: https://fimtale.com/t/32563

Leaving Twilight was the hardest thing I had to do but I knew that if I told her about my true self, I would destroy her life. I couldn't do that to her, especially when she's a princess, one that cannot bare what I have. I'm Flash Sentry and I am cursed.

Ever since I was a foal, I have kept the secret of my curse hidden from other ponies until now. My curse has destroyed my life, made me leave the filly I love and sent me to the only place that I could live without hurting others, in the darkness. This is my life and my struggles through it.

Since Flash left me, I felt hollow and empty. Nothing makes me feel better, not even the overly active, laughing maniac, Pinkie Pie. I do not know where he went or why but I have been left in the darkness.

I love him with all my heart and I am going to track him down. He needs me and I need him even if he doesn't love me. I won't let ANYTHING stand in my way to get to Flash Sentry.

When it is discovered that a book containing hidden magic from a young Starswirl the Bearded is located deep within the Griffon Kingdom. Twilight and her #1 assistant team up with The Crystal Kingdom's newest guard for a bradical adventure about teamwork, friendship, and the (awkward but cute) art of waifu stealing.

That's how long it's been since Flash Sentry went MIA during a mission up north. Twilight has been waiting for him to come back, believing he is still alive. However, others are in need of the Princess more than they need a good guard. Twilight is uncertain how she feels around Flash and waits for him to get an answer to her feelings, but when he's been missing for seven months... one might think something has happened.

It's the night of the Grand Galloping Gala and every pony is dressed up and refined for this most enchanting evening. But for Twilight Sparkle, it's more of a bitter sweet evening. She's fallen in love for the first time, but doesn't know how to handle it. The stallion of her dreams is the Royal Guard, Flash Sentry, and she's too shy and insecure to see if he returns her feelings. So Princess Cadance steps in to help her sister-in-law have the most romantic evening of her life.

Pairing: Twilight Sparkle x Flash Sentry
Genre: Romance
Type: One Shot

The yacht's wrecked. Spring Break is ruined. The cruise patrons are stranded on a deserted jungle island. And the crew of the yacht just...left them...somehow.

Sure, there'll probably be a boat, or rescue planes, or something, but why wait for all that when there's a perfectly good portal in the middle of the dark, spooky jungle that leads to a shortcut home?

Well, that and a long hike through another dark spooky forest. And a complete change of species.

The story of how the Canterlot High gang got home after the yacht sank.

Twilight is troubled by her new title and is constantly driving herself to sleep deprivation every night since her coronation. Princess Celestia is worried about her, so she sends a personal guard for her. Flash Sentry.
Cute moments, arguments, funny situations and romance are now in the life of the new princess. Until she is called to Canterlot because of a new threat to Equestria.
Oni Fire, a night pony devoted to his princess of the night. Twilight, Flash and White Fur will discover the key to defeat their enemies.

Before leaving on a two-year tour of duty in Zebrabwe, Flash Sentry pens a letter to Twilight Sparkle, telling her of his failure.

Featured on Equestria Daily!

Hear the dramatic reading by Scribbler.

There are many axioms in Equestria. "Go with the grain." "Count your blessings." "Strive to be happy with what you have."

And, though left unsaid, the most important one of all: "Know your place."

Although Flash Sentry loves Twilight, she can never know of his love. She can never return the feelings. It wouldn't be proper. After all, social order is more important than fulfilling one's own wishes.

Alternate Universe tag is due to the existence of a caste system in this story. Please keep that in mind as you read.

Thanks to Sir Rustbucket, Draconian Soul, Regidar, and Loopy Legend for editing.

Now Featured on Equestria Daily!

Now with a poem by Fiend from the Darkness!

Now with a YouTube reading by BlackIrisBalloon (and multiple voice actors)!

Now with a Korean translation by Kianoke!

Followed by What Hath Joined Together.

Rated Teen for mild violence and thematic elements.