//------------------------------//
// Private Shining Armor's Ultimate Challenge. 
// Story: Shining's Ultimate Test. 
// by Night--Mist 
//------------------------------//

Shining armor had just been given orders by the Captain of the Royal Guard to stand post at the foot of the stairs that led to the Princesses bed chambers. Only high ranking officers, the royal family, including Prince Blueblood unfortunately, the right hoof maids and butlers of the royal family memebers, and, as he would have guessed, his little sister, were the only ones allowed past this point.

Had Shining Armor's little sister not been taken as Celestia's personal protege not so long ago, Shining Armor would have had the hardest time turning his LSBFF away. And he couldn't imagine what his mother would do when he was able to head home for a visit had that been the case.

Today though, it was just normal routine, stand guard, turn away anypony who was restricted from the Royal Quarters, and of course bowing in respect and taking what orders were assigned by the royals.

At first, the day was going smoothly. No suspicious activity, Trumpets sounding off in the distance of Princess Celestia's arrival to or departure from the castle grounds, and nobles taking a stride by the royal quarters, but not entering the area. Just as Shining thought that this day was going to remain relatively monotone, just then a familiar face appeared. "Shining Armor! Hi BBBFF," chanted his little sister Twilight.

Twilight came trotting towards him, with saddle bags on each side and of course one of them carrying the new baby dragon Twilight had hatched at her exam, whom she decided to call Spike. "Hello little sister. Is there something I can help you with?" Shining Armor asked.

"Actually, I just got a whole bunch of homework from Princess Celestia. She wants me to do a report on beginners spells as well as calculate how much magical strength is required to move a brick compared to a stone. And then...." Twilight prattled on as Shining Armor smiled, knowing how inquisitive Twilight was to learn, about magic and any other knowledge she could be given.

But Shining Armor worried. His sister did have some friends, but she barely payed them any mind. Not that her friends were complaining. They liked that she would teach them new things that she helped them better understand. But Shining Armor was scared that when Twilight got older, she might get too focused, and not even go to see her friends at all.

Just then his attention shifted, as he heard a tiny 'clank' that sent a small vibration through his armor. He had to stand at a proper stance, but couldn't help but look down. Twilight had just taken the liberty of making her brother's armor a bulletin board, using what appeared to be magnets that he saw on the family's fridge back at the sparkle residence. He found this a tad humorous. He saw Twilight getting comfortable next to him as she had set Spike down near her and pulled out one of her books and began reciting what was on the pages to him.

He would have smiled and listened on, but then two mares came into view. He snapped to attention as he saw Princess Celestia, and Princess Cadence, trotting towards them. It was too late that he realized that Twilight still had her papers magnetized to his armor. With the princesses walking by, he couldn't move. As much as he tried to hide his embarrassment in front of the royal alicorns, Shining Armor's face cheeks turned bright red. How could have gotten himself into this situation. As Cadence trotted past him, she gave a cute giggle. This made Shining Armor start to wear a goofy look.

As Celestia trotted by, she stopped for a moment and said, "Thank you Private Shining Armor, for helping your sister with her studies and protecting our private quarters from uninvited visitors. I'll be sure to send my regards to the Captain of the Royal Guard. Keep up the great work Private Shining."

"W-Without fail your m-m-majesty," Shining stuttered.

Cadence giggled from behind at how the filly she loved to sit for the most brought her big brother's masculinity down a peck with the simple act of making him her personal bulletin board. All Shining Armor could think at this time as his legs began to feel like jelly, was "If the Captain or the other Guards see me like this, how will I ever live this down?"

Sometime later, after Twilight had made her way with her paper work and Spike to Celestia's private teaching quarters, next to the her resting quarters, Shining Armor was relieved of his duties, and was told to report to the Captain of the Royal Guard. When he removed his armor, and  donned his clothed uniform to meet with the Captain, he made for the Captain of the Royal Guards office. Once inside, the Captain motioned him to sit down. Shining Armor did so, and soon the Captain spoke, "Private Shining. Your task today was to stand watch at the stairs that led to the royal chambers only few are allowed to enter. Including your sister I understand."

"Yes sir," Shining Armor replied.

"And as it was observed you never left your post once. But what has caught my attention, is that the Princess's personal protege' took the liberty to study where you were, and not only that. She used your armor as a place to hang some of her work from refrigerator magnets," the Captain continued.

"Y-Yes sir," Shining Armor stuttered.

"And not only that. When the Princess of Day, and her niece, the Princess of Love, trotted by, you were still being used as a magnet bulletin board and stood there at attention," The Captain added.

Shining gulped, "Yes sir."

Shining Armor prepared for the worst that could happen to him, as the Captain finished, "Private Shining. Never in all my years of service, have I seen a member of the Royal Guard, be dedicated to his duty, 'and' his family. That is not a trait that is found often. You went above and beyond the call of duty, and for that, it is only fitting, that I give you, a promotion."

Shining Armor was surprised, "A Promotion? But." 

"No protest please. From this day forth, you shall be known as Staff Sargent Shining Armor. Keep this up young colt, and you'll soon be my second in command," the Captain said.

Shining's mouth went agape as the Captain left to let him process what he just heard. The Captain of the Royal Guard, had just jumped the ranks and made him Staff Sargent, and he'd only just been accepted into the Gaurd after the basic training, and that was a week ago....... Oh, would his Aunt Silver Horn be envious of his achievement when she heard this.