A flip of a coin. A twist of fate.

Twilight Sparkle, younger sister of Princess Celestia's personal student, Shining Armor, grew up listening to her brother's bygone dreams of joining the elite of the elite: The Royal Guard.

Now, fresh out of the Academy, this young mare is ready to prove herself equal to the deeds of the great soldiers she read about as a filly. Too bad the princess she ends up protecting isn't Celestia.

Every rising star must eventually fall. Rainbow Dash is locked in a struggle against her own past, and with the help of Twilight is about to make a discovery that will change the way she flies forever. But what will she lose in the process?

Massive thanks to Furor1 and Nyuuchandiannepie for the ridiculously awesome artwork, you should really check them out on DeviantArt if you've not already.

Dedicated to Donald Campbell and his Bluebird, for chasing his horizons for no other reason than the fact that they were there. Also to Steve Hogarth and Marillion for writing Out Of This World, the song that inspired this story.

Princess Rarity had everything planned for her beloved bodyguard's birthday. It would start with a lovely trip to Trottingham, continue into an entire day in Equestria's oldest library, and culminate into a wonderfully romantic moment in the Ethereal Gardens. It would be Twilight's best birthday yet!

...If only things actually went according to plan.

Part of the Bodyguard!AU Series, based on Earthsong9405's AU where Twilight is the bodyguard to a "Princess/Queen Rarity". Prior knowledge of the AU is not necessary to read the story.

This story is a sequel to The Art of the Blade

Official visits to Trottingham tended to be anything but exciting for Princess Rarity. She'd spend the entire week stuck in her room, trying to somehow keep herself entertained while running away from the unwanted advances of the local nobles.

Then again, what better way to add excitement to the trip than convincing her bodyguard to join her on an illicit exploration of the city?

Part of the Bodyguard!AU Series, based on Earthsong9405's AU where Twilight is the bodyguard to a "Princess/Queen Rarity". Prior knowledge of the AU is not necessary to read the story. // Cover art by Togekissjpg!

This story is a sequel to Our Illusion

Princess Rarity thought her life to be perfect. Leisurely days in the castle, friends all around, and the most lovingly lovely bodyguard she could ever ask for.

However, when tragedy strikes, she and her beloved must face the fact that sooner or later, whether they want to or not, all little princesses must one day become queens.

Part of the Bodyguard!AU Series, based on Earthsong9405's AU where Twilight is the bodyguard to a "Princess/Queen Rarity". Prior knowledge of the AU is HIGHLY recommended. // Cover art byidrawraritwi/lilfunkman.

This story is a sequel to The Masquerade

After a long day, Twilight is ready for a quiet night keeping watch over the Princess. Or, it would have been a quiet night had the Princess not decided her bodyguard's sleeping arrangements were 'simply unacceptable'.

Part of the Bodyguard!AU Series, based on Earthsong9405's AU where Twilight is the bodyguard to a "Princess/Queen Rarity". Prior knowledge of the AU is not necessary to read the story.

This story is a sequel to The Princess's Gift

Twilight takes her duties as Princess Rarity's bodyguard seriously. She will follow her into battle, into long and tiresome meetings, and into the occasional ball.

Unfortunately for her, it's difficult to protect a princess in a sea of costumed ponies when you have no idea which one of them is the princess.

Part of the Bodyguard!AU Series, based on Earthsong9405's AU where Twilight is the bodyguard to a "Princess/Queen Rarity". Prior knowledge of the AU is not necessary to read the story.

This story is a sequel to Sleeping Arrangements

It's one thing to have a bodyguard as beautiful as she is deadly. It's another thing entirely to be hopelessly in love with her.

Part of the Bodyguard!AU Series, based on Earthsong9405's AU where Twilight is the bodyguard to a "Princess/Queen Rarity". Prior knowledge of the AU is not necessary to read the story, but some knowledge helps.

After Queen Rarity once more rejects the advances of one of the many noble ponies who seek her affection, Princess Sweetie Belle finds out that her sister is secretly in-love with somepony else, thus her heart-breaking streak. Alone in the throne room with her sister and the royal body guard, Twilight Sparkle, the young princess decides that she's going to find out the identity of Rarity's secret crush, no matter what.

Part of the Bodyguard!AU Series, based on Earthsong9405's AU where Twilight is the bodyguard to a "Princess/Queen Rarity". Prior knowledge of the AU is not necessary to read the story.

This story is a sequel to The Trials and Tribulations of Trying to Date Twilight Sparkle

One hand, things seemed to be going perfect for Princess Celestia.

After realizing she had fallen in love with Twilight Sparkle, she was at first hesitant to reveal her love out of fear of rejection and damaging their relationship. However, thanks to the support of her friends, she was convinced to pursue her love. And, as a bonus, she made a new friend. After coming up with the perfect gift to give Twilight to prove her love, Celestia journeyed to Ponyville, ready to declare her feelings to Twilight.

On the other hand...

The new 'friend' she made was Queen Chrysalis.

Chrysalis is only friendly now because she's fallen in love with and is marrying Princess Luna.

The perfect gift was owned by a mob boss and Celestia was only able to obtain it by organizing a heist with the assistance of Princess Cadance and the changelings (who proceeded to empty the vault without telling anyone).

And due to a lack of communication, Twilight was not expecting Queen Chrysalis to show up out of nowhere, attacked her with the Rainbow Power, and as a result was turned to stone herself, along with Chrysalis, Luna, and Cadance.

Oh, and now Nightmare Moon has been freed from Luna's head and has her own body.

…

This is not what Celestia thought her love life would be like.

Proofing thank to ShutterflyYay, as always.