Twilight could not help but squirm in her seat, she tried to not look to antsy - even if she was failing miserably.
When she was half dragged here by Rarity she quickly rushed out saying something about her boutique, leaving Twilight and Lee Roy with the spa sisters.
She would say Lee Roy looked a little overwhelmed if he didn’t look so stoic all the time. He peers around listening closely as the spa sisters give him a small tour around the spa.
It’s just, it is urgent that we get Lee Roy to Celestia right away. Honestly, she still does not know what is really going on. It’s unbelievable really - a stallion from another time, one so strong he could buck away a hydra.
Apparently, he knows Celestia and Luna to a degree. But then why was he never mentioned, She liked to think Celestia and her are friends and would tell her anything and furthermore if he was this great pony why was their noth-
The Book! The one that Spike found, now she just had to get back to read it, take notes - organize these notes into spreadsheets. She could just squeal, she just can’t wait!
Suddenly a thought crossed her mind, If the book was given to her by Celestia then Celestia had to have known about Lee Roy and...and.
Twilight couldn’t think of this anymore or she is going to explode! She took a deep, calm breath -
Just focus on the task at hoof, getting out of here and reaching Celestia as soon as possible.
Twilight got up and strolled over to Lee Roy and the spa sisters.
“This place, looks nice,” Lee Roy says looking down at both of them, his stony expression suddenly fades noticeably. “A few cracks in the walls, though.” He points out.
“Yes, but no worry. We were lucky to be largely untouched by the quakes.” Lotus announces
“We are just glad the spa has such old, well-made walls” Aloe adds.
Lee Roy notices her presence right away turning towards her allowing her to get a good look at him - his face was rugged, his mane was far too long, and it always seems to fall in his eyes. He did smell a little - if not for the sharp smell of the mint, it may have been stronger. His coat did desperately need a brushing, seeing him like this - maybe it was good they were here.
Besides, Celestia wouldn’t mind him looking more - touched up.
“Uh, Princess Twilight?” Lee Roy utters looking at her with a cocked expression.
She immediately straightened in the realization she was lost in thought and was just standing there.
“I, Uh - was just wondering what you’re going to try first?” She stammered trying to salvage whatever dignity she has left, slapping on a wide smile for good measure.
“Me? Thought Miss Rarity or you could instead -” Lee Roy pauses - standing straighter surprisingly looking tenser, behavior not yet seen by him.
This was new - actual emotion breaking through the stoic, stony expression he normally wears.
“We will do whatever you want. Should we start with a bath?” Aloe suggests, tugging the cape playfully draped on his back.
“NO!” Lee Roy shouts in sudden surprise, grabbing his cape - moving away leaving them shocked by what has transpired.
“No, thank you,” He says much calmer, he continues to stand straight as his eyes stray to the public tubs.
Before she could intervene, Lotus without skipping a beat - caught his tense expression bravely steps forward. “We have private tubs too, darling.” She responds calmly gently patting him on the shoulder.
Aloe steps forward a little more abrasive than her sister. “We won’t disturb you.” She adds.
“We promise,” Lotus adds for effect.
Lee Roy takes a deep breath. “Maybe that would be best.” He says regaining a bit of his normal composure.
Lotus bows. “As you wish. How about you, Princess?” She asks, as her expression changes as if she was seeing something for the first time. “Twilight, what a beautiful bow, where did you get it?” She gushes looking at it up and down.
Twilight’s hoof instantly went to her horn. Lee Roy and Twilight share looks. “It’s a long story,” Twilight says. “And don’t worry about me, you both focus on Lee Roy.” She adds.
“I’m sure I will need it.” Lee Roy says with a laugh. Aloe and Lotus chuckle, leading them both down a hallway toward the private baths
Lee Roy’s bath was short but he came back fresh as a daisy, but the entire time Lee Roy was very adamant about taking off his cape, even for the spa sisters famous massages. Twilight patiently waited as Lotus and Aloe went to work with the rest of him, including his hooves.
Finally doing something with his rugged face, they were about to do something with his mane when Rarity finally squandered through the door.
She stumbled through the door with a large forearm full of fabric of every color that she could think of obscuring her face - fabric falling down from the pile here and there, she continued her course a few feeble steps before Twilight leaped into action.
“Rarity, What are you doing?” She asked picking up some lost fabric from the floor and taking some from the pile, suddenly noticing the large sewing machine lazily floating behind Rarity.
“Thank you, Twilight” Rarity breaths already donning her red glasses.”I was just thinking we would fix two things at one time,” Rarity states setting the large sewing machine down. “That cape of Lee Roys is falling apart and could be much more stylish. She stated confidently, “But I do think I’ve gotten a little carried away,” She added with a smile.
“I’m not sure about that, Rarity.” Twilight whispers “Lee Roy has shown thus far that he was very attached to his cape.”
“Maybe it had sentimental value?” Rarity asks in a hushed tone
“Don’t know,” Twilight whispers
Twilight suddenly remembered that bright glow during that fight from the hydra.
Or perhaps it was what was under the cape what he was hiding. Twilight chased that thought away. Lee Roy’s business was his own, but she couldn’t help but wonder.
Rarity went to work setting up the sewing machine and organizing the pile of fabrics to her liking, Twilight tore herself from the need to organize and went to listen in on what Lotus and Aloe were doing to Lee Roy.
Lee Roy was sitting in a large reclining chair facing a large mirror, Aloe either much too short or better yet the latter being Lee Roy being far too tall needed to find a stool to stand to steadily balance on to even reach the towering stallion.
Twilight and Lotus could not help but stifle a giggle, as Lotus looked quite silly.
“What would you like to do with this?” Aloe said grabbing a few strands of Lee Roy’s mane. “Any style you would like?” She asks politely. “Maybe, long and flowy,” She teases.
“Military.” Lee Roy says without a pause as Aloe chuckles. “I thought you might say that.” She says and goes straight to work sheering away his long mane.
It doesn’t take Aloe very long to finish - it was a simple haircut after all - she looked Lee Roy up and down. “Perfect, and quite handsome,” Aloe states smiling at her work.
Lee Roy looks at himself in the mirror and runs a hoof down his mane. “Yes, perfect.” He says smiling up at Aloe. Lee Roy stands and turns to Twilight allowing her to finally get a full view of him. It was as if he was an entirely different pony. His face was cleanly trimmed, his coat evenly brushed, his mane now a militaristic mohawk, his hooves shined and his tail cropped short - he cleaned up rather nicely.
“You look absolutely ravishing.” Rarity states, standing from her seat and looking him over.
“You look amazing, Lee Roy,” Twilight says, also standing and walking over to him.
“Thank you, both of you.” Lee Roy replied, Then something caught his eye. “What are these?” He asks, motioning to Rarity’s pile of colorful fabrics.
“Oh, I saw that your cape was in such disrepair, I thought I could give you a new one.” Rarity says with a gleam in her eye.
“Oh, Rarity you don’t ha-.” Lee Roy starts.
“Ah Ah! No way mister, I have already made up my mind.” Rarity interrupts.
Lee Roy suddenly looks like a child in a candy store, picking up the colored fabrics one by one and admiring them closely. “What wonderful colors! Is this all for me?” He asks.
“Yes, darling, yes.” Rarity assures, smiling at him.
Lee Roy continues to look over and admire the fabrics, keeping that child-like look in his eye. Twilight has never seen anyone get so excited about colored fabric before - well other than Rarity. It was odd - well, everything about Lee Roy is odd, but at least he wasn’t ‘Pinkie Pie’ odd.
“What kind of cape would you like? I brought all the colors I have.” Rarity questions.
Lee Roy looks at every color and looks defeated. “I can’t choose, I like all of them.” He says with a sigh.
“All of them?” Twilight asks. She couldn’t stop herself in time and she suddenly felt a slight warm blush from the embarrassment.
“Oh, I ah.” Lee Roy mutters, sounding flustered and shifting on his hooves.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean … ” Twilight starts, cursing herself for thinking out loud.
“Oh no, it’s fine. I know it’s strange for a stallion like me, but some of my fondest memories have such beautiful colors.” Lee Roy explains, turning to face her
He turns to the pile, picking up a piece of red fabric. “This shade is called ‘flame’ It reminds me of the time when I was just a colt, watching Celestia lower the sun for the first time.” Lee Roy says, staring deeply into the fabric. Then he looks around and picks up another color - a light blue fabric, “This is my favorite color, but not this particular shade. This is ‘steel blue’. The one I like is a deeper blue, like the ocean after a heavy storm.” Lee Roy explains as he looks up at Twilight.
Twilight was flabbergasted - not in confusion or disbelief, but at her own “awe” she guessed. She never - in a million years - would have thought that Lee Roy would like colors. Well, just a few moments ago he was an unstoppable armored warrior, ready to take on the world. This just gave Twilight a realization that maybe there was more to Lee Roy then just being a big, strong stallion. Twilight felt like she judged him, and that was not fair to Lee Roy. It looks like she may still have more to learn.
“That’s amazing, Lee Roy! I’ve never met another pony that knows shades as well as I do.” Rarity says excitedly. “Is there a color that catches your eye? Maybe we should find a color that complements your own.” Rarity adds, peering at the fabrics.
Lee Roy’s face scrunches. “Ugh, brown is such a boring color.,” He says. “Do you have ‘spartan crimson’? That’s the color I am wearing now.” He questions, turning to Rarity.
Rarity shakes her head. “No, I do not. Hmm, how about- .“ She says pausing suddenly, freezing her action. “No.” She responds, putting a hoof to her chin and contemplating.
Twilight does the same. Looking at all the colors sprawled out, she may not have the knowledge of the shades but she picked out a color that jumped at her. “Hey, how about his color? It kind of looks like what you have on.” Twilight says, holding out the fabric for them to see.
“Scarlet.” Lee Roy states, taking the fabric from Twilight, suddenly his stony expression vanished replaced by deep sadness his shoulders shrinking his ears folding behind his head as he stared longingly.
Twilight thought for a second that she may have done something wrong. She looked to Rarity, she only returned the look clearly thinking the same thing, But as soon as it appeared Lee Roy shook his head and the expression disappeared.
“I like it! What do you think, Ms. Rarity?” He asks.
“I love it - I’ll make it right away.” She declares, taking the fabric from him.
Lee Roy turns back to Twilight. “Thank you, Twilight.” He says with a slight bow.
“No problem, Lee Roy,” Twilight says, smiling up at him.
“All I need to do now is to take a few measurements. We could use that same collar too.” Rarity says, taking out a measuring tape. “Could you take that off?” She asks.
Lee Roy suddenly looks uncomfortable, holding the cape. “Ugh, I... Ugh.” Lee Roy utters as his eyes dart around.
Rarity looks at him questioningly, as she did not know this was his usual behavior. But her expression softens in sudden realization - as she has dealt with just customers like Lee Roy at her boutique. She peers around until she finds something that would fix this situation.
“Lee Roy, darling.” Rarity says. “Over there.” She states, pointing to a changing divider that Lotus and Aloe use for privacy. “You can stand behind that. We won’t peek - we promise, alright?” Rarity announces loudly to Lotus and Aloe. They smile and nod as they continue to sweep up the rest of Lee Roy’s mane.
Lee Roy lets out a shaky breath. “Okay, I’ll do it.” He says with that stony expression once again.
Rarity ushers Lee Roy behind the changing divider, moving it so that no one can see him. It took him a moment but the red cape did appear over the divider. Rarity - without pause - takes the cape away and finally gets to work.
Several minutes go by as Rarity works on the unsewing of the collar of the original and doing the line work for the other. In Meanwhile Twilight watched Rarity work - she had nothing else to do - now with the cape in full view, Twilight was surprised that Lee Roy would wear such thing.
The cape was a slightly sun bleached, tattered, semi-ripped monstrosity - no wonder Rarity was so eager to fix him up a new one. Even with all of these flaws, the cape was well taken care of being only tattered at one end and keeping the whole integrity in one piece.
Rarity continued to work carefully unsewing the collar - getting all those tiny, tiny strings made her envy Rarity that would have driven her crazy for sure. Rarity then carefully flips the cape over and she instantly saw where Lee Roy ripped a strip for her bow.
In fact, she does not feel much pain at all. Twilight put a hoof to her horn feeling the bow that has dried significantly since she received it this morning. Twilight looked around a little shifting in her seat before a mirror caught her eye.
She had a sudden urge to find out what she looked like. Twilight shifted herself in her seat as her reflection came into view. Rarity was right, I look adorable, she couldn’t help but smile she looked like a little school girl.
In her reflection, she caught something out of the corner of her eye. Put it simply it was Aloe, craning her neck her eyes squinting. Aloe must have been just as curious because she’s trying to crane her neck around to desperately try to see Lee Roy. Twilight was about to do the same until the sound of someone clearing her throat made them all jump. They turn to see Rarity, shooting them daggers. Twilight and Aloe try to look casual as if nothing was happening.
It was not until soon afterward that Rarity finally finishes her work, lifting the large cape above her and folding it on her arm. “Lee Roy, I’m finally done.” She says walking over to the divider.
“Ah, good pass it over would you?” Lee Roy asks. Rarity does so, taking small steps, trying to preserve Lee Roy’s privacy.
Her hoof disappears behind the divider, but suddenly her expression changes and her eyes become big. She stampers back her hoof shooting straight to her mouth, her eyes screaming from what she just saw.
She saw - she saw whatever it was that Lee Roy is hiding.
Twilight couldn’t help but be jealous and her expression didn’t help her curiosity. Rarity wipes the look off of her face, shaking her head. “H-how does it feel?” She utters in an odd way.
“Perfect.” Lee Roy states as he steps out of the divider, completely covered with the brand new cape - Clearly not knowing the event that transpired. “Thank you, Rarity.” He says, closing in with a big hug.
Rarity is slightly surprised - maybe still recovering from what she had just seen. She hugs Lee Roy back with a big smile. “You’re welcome, Lee Roy.” Rarity replies.
Ee Roy releases Rarity from his embrace and he finally trots over to Twilight giving her a bow. “Princess, I have taken enough of your time. We will leave for Celestia this instant.” He says. “But, before we go.” He says as he trots past Twilight and faces Lotus and Aloe, who are waiting patiently. “I must pay you for your kindness.” He says with yet another bow.
Lotus and Aloe look at each other quickly. “But Lee Roy, our services were a gift to you there is no need to pay us the bits,” Lotus says reassuringly.
“I did not say you had much of a choice.”Then Lee Roy’s face twists in confusion uh, what are bits?” He asks, looking to Twilight for help.
“You don’t know what bits are?” Twilight questions.
Lee Roy shakes his head.
Twilight is again reminded that Lee Roy is not of her time. Twilight stalls a little whilst looking for an example, but she, unfortunately, doesn’t have a single bit on her. She turns to Rarity for help and Rarity - catching her helpless expression - quickly searches and finds exactly what she was looking for.
She holds a single bit out with her magic. “Lee Roy, this is a bit. This is what we pay with now, I pay with gems sometimes.” Rarity explains showing him the currency.
Lee Roy eyes the currency curiously. “Well, I don’t have any gems, but I do have something to trade.” He says. Reaching back and digging into his satchel, he pulls out a small round stone like object - about the size of a golf ball. the object was rough and coarse but it gleamed and shined slightly.
Twilight and the spa sisters stared in awe, “What is it?” Twilight questions Rarity was two steps ahead grabbing the object and looking at it with a microscope - created using her magic.
“Oh my, Lee Roy!’ Rarity gushes. “This is gold! This is what bits are made of. It’s very pure, this could buy several of my spa treatments.” Rarity revealed eyeing the gold sphere intently.
Lee Roy takes the gold from Rarity - to her dismay, “Please take this a token of my generosity, between friends.” He says, giving Lotus the gold sphere.
“Thank you, Lee Roy you, are very kind.” She announces holding the gold close.
“Please come back anytime,” Aloe says, giving Lee Roy a smile.
Lee Roy simply nods and gives them a final bow before turning sharply toward Rarity.
Lee Roy looked down at her - clearly with the intent with helping her with her things, but before he could even ask Rarity speaks up.
“Oh no, you two don’t have any time to help me now, leave it to me,” Rarity states with conviction.
Lee Roy cracks a smile through his stony features - knowing he was beaten he turns to her.
“Canterlot, here we come,” Twilight announces.
They all begin to take their leave, finally heading to their original destination of Canterlot.
She was ready she couldn’t wait for Celestia’s face and the answers she would hopefully get.
She stormed forward with excitement with an idea to help them save some time.
A sudden crash took the wind out of her sails, she quickly turns back to see Lee Roy frantically picking up bottles from a large pile scattered upon the floor. He already had a good amount in his forelegs already as Lee Roy must have already caught some from there decent.
“I - ‘m sorry.” Lee Roy stampers. “I got too excited it seems,” He breathes.
“It’s okay Lee Roy, nothing broken,” Twilight reinsures.
Lotus frantically trots over - probably hearing the crash. She glances at the mess and helps Lee Roy with his armful of bottles.
“Are you all alright?” Lotus says, her face full of worry.
“I’m sorry I bumped into the shelf, what is this stuff?” Lee Roy asks, looking at one of the bottles closely.
“It’s hair dye, Lee Roy,” Twilight states putting the fallen bottles back on the shelf - reorganizing and alphabetizing as she goes, Lotus puts the last of the fallen bottles on the shelf
“You know, they add a little color to your hair,” Lotus says, not knowing the consequences of what she just announced.
“Color, you say.” Lee Roy smiles wide and Twilight sighs, already knowing what he is thinking.
Thankfully, Twilight talked him down to only one color, thank Celestia.
Lee Roy and I sat in the balloon carelessly drifting to their destination and Lee Roy was enjoying every moment.
Lee Roy peered over the edge of the carriage with that child-like grin plastered on his face.
Twilight on the other hoof was a little bummed as most of her friends had to watch the party back in Ponyville - Spike hilariously being asleep at the buffet, probably eating too much again.
They floated there way down to land after a short journey, as they landed Lee Roy’s child-like grin dissipates as they take in Canterlot after the quakes.
Canterlot looked far better than Ponyville, there was very little debris and no fallen homes to be seen - but roof shingles, broken glass littered some of the ground but most disheartening of all was the sunken in roofs of the homes that dot the area.
Fortunately, the guard where everywhere - many stood at attention or made constant patrols. They seem to be helping everypony and anypony.
When they finally land Lee Roy suddenly wordlessly hopped out of the carriage walking in large strides away from where they landed, leaving her to call out to him and hastily tie the balloon down. She followed his tail a short distance down turning a corner about to ask him what he was doing - until she saw her first ruined home in Canterlot.
The home was a two-story building, but the second story was severely caved in leaving only the first story. The first story wasn’t entirely intact as the inside was completely destroyed by fallen debris. Broken glass and shards of wood were scattered everywhere, bits of splintered board sticking out every witch way.
She hoped that whoever was in there, is okay.
She looked up at Lee Roy to see not his normal stoic look he normally wears. But a sullen and sunken expression as he gazes at the structure wordlessly.
“Lee Roy?” She calls out softly trying to get his attention, but he still looked onward holding the sullen expression as his hoof suddenly reaches to tug on the tuft of fur on his chest.
Twilight springs into action without thinking calling out to him once more than carefully reaching out to his shoulder, as she made the slightest contact with Lee Roy it was like she shocked him he jumped slightly turning in attention his expression changing back to normal stoic Twilight expects from him.
She didn’t quite think this far ahead so she quickly racks her mind “A - are you okay?” She asks “You zoned out there for a second.” Twilight adds softly.
“I’m fine.” Lee Roy states finally gently stepping back from her touch. He takes a deep breath and walks around her “shall we go?” He questions awaiting her company.
“Okay…” She states joining him finally, she takes the lead heading to Canterlot castle. They kind of walked in silence for a bit as they strolled down the normally more lively streets of canterlot but Twilight could not get that moment out of her mind, something was clearly wrong.
“Lee Roy, are you sure nothing’s wrong?” Twilight urges looking back at him.
“I’m fine.” Lee Roy states again keeping his stoic expression.
“No, nopony looks like that and is just fine.” Twilight states “You can tell me,” Twilight adds walking in pace with him.
Lee Roy looked like as if to quietly cursed under his breath “You weren’t supposed to see that.” Lee Roy admits.
“Ah ha! So there was a problem, you don’t have to keep it to yourself.” Twilight says “I’m worried about them too.” Twilight adds.
“Lee Roy will deal with Lee Roy problem.” He states.
“What does that supposed to mean!?” Twilight announces.
“It means exactly what it means.” Lee Roy announces.
“That’s just stubbo-” Twilight called out just before she bumped into somepony and before she knew it she was on the ground as the sharp sound metal and the flurry of debris great her ears.
Almost instantly Lee Roy was by her side lifting her to her hooves.
“Hey watch where you’re going!” Somepony announces in front of her snapping her to the figure in front of her.
The figure in front of her was an armored stallion in full uniform, this stallion was clearly part of the Canterlot guard the recognizable golden armor shined and glistened brightly. The stallion already stood straightening he helm that seemed to be too big for this stallion.
Until Twilight suddenly caught the face of the pony to realize that she was not a stallion at all.
“I - ‘m sorry.” Twilight stampers.
A sudden stomp suddenly booms turning their attention to Lee Roy. He stood straight looking down at the armored mare. He was a towering vigil paired with a scowl and the soul-piercing gaze she knows all too well from before, no need to say he was furious.
“How DARE you talk you the Princess this way!” Lee Roy barks
The armored mare stood her ground and put on a brave face, but she could not help a gulp as her hind legs visually shake slightly. She does not blame her, she felt Lee Roy’s soul-piercing gaze first hoof.
“I - I -” The armored mare stuttered before Lee Roy’s hoof instantly rises making her pause.
“Sit.”Lee Roy scowled at her, the armored mare instantly sits. “Are you okay, Princess?” Lee Roy turning “That was quite the fall.” He adds his expression completely changing as his scowl melts away and his eyes become softer, kinder looking her over carefully.
This sudden change in Lee Roy’s behavior was surprising to her and she did not like it one bit.
“Lee Roy I am fine.” Twilight insured “Are you okay.” She asks walking over to the armored mare looking her over much like Lee Roy did.
“I-I am fine, Princess.” The armored mare states somehow regaining that brave expression from before and standing, she lifts off her helmet placing it next to her.
She was a Unicorn, and she was taller than Twilight. But she was remarkably thin. She was a beautiful pale silver color, her mane was a kind of blue-violet, a shade Twilight would bet Lee Roy could place.
Oh, Celestia, Lee Roy must be rubbing off on her. Her eyes were probably what Twilight liked most, a striking light blue. Her tail was, of course, cropped short in militaristic style as she managed to look strong and beautiful at the same time.
“What is your name?” Twilight asked with a bright smile.
“My name is Morning Glory.” She stated.
“Can I call you Glory?” Twilight questioned.
“Yes, you may,” Glory announces she shifts on her hooves and eyes Lee Roy “Who is he?” She adds nonchalantly scowling in his direction.
“Do not speak to the Princess in this matter, remember your place initiate!” Lee Roy barks stepping closer.
“Who are you calling initiate, civilian!” The Glory responded, through clenched teeth.
“Civilian!? I am High Royal Protector, you will spea-.” Lee Roy started charging forward to the young guard.
“Enough!” Twilight yells - almost too loudly, the two look at her instantly and stop their argument. Twilight sighs and continues. “This is all a huge misunderstanding. Lee Roy, many ponies here know me. They speak to me less formally, because it always was that way.” Twilight explains before turning to the guard. “Lee Roy is very... Old fashioned, he just wants others to give me the respect he thinks I deserve.” She explains.
Glory’s anger melts away from her face “I’m at fault too I shouldn’t have snapped at you.” She said looking a little embarrassed as her hoof travels back to rub the back of her head. “I was angry already, did you say you are a High Royal Protector, Mr?” She asked somewhat sheepishly.
“Le Roi Arion the twenty-fourth, but please call me Lee Roy.” He states putting out his hoof to shake.
Glory takes the hoof in her own and they shake hardily.
“Oh, that reminds me.” Lee Roy continues, dropping the shake and searching his bags and quickly finding a brooch and fastens it to the front of his collar.
The brooch was ornate but made of nothing special. It was made from some non-reflective metal material that she didn’t recognize, but it had the royal equestrian seal. She had seen this mark often when she was still under Celestia’s tutelage, but only on certain guards.
Glory’s jaw drops. “Y-you have a royal seal? Only the most important guard ponies get these, does that mean … ?” Glory stammers. She looks at Lee Roy as though she has seen him for the first time and hastily grabs her helmet placing it on her head.
“Vita, fide, et honorem.” Lee Roy states, standing at attention and slamming a hoof to his heart.
She stands dumbstruck for a second before standing to attention. “Vita, fide, et honorem.”Glory proudly states, giving Lee Roy a solute.
Twilight vaguely remembers this phrase from the time she was a filly - Shining Armor would say this all the time. It was the guard mantra - life, faith, and honor. It was traditionally spoken in Latin. It symbolized the life you give to the Princess, the faith you have in yourself and others and the honor you must carry.
“I-I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”Glory utters while keeping a rigid formation.
“At ease, initiate, it’s my fault for forgetting to put the thing on Lee Roy says, rubbing his neck in embarrassment.
“And mine for bumping into you in the first place,” Twilight adds with a sheepish smile.
“How do you know she is an initiate?” Twilight Questions turning to Lee Roy with a raised eyebrow.
“The armor, Twilight, is very shiny. Like it’s brand new.” Lee Roy points out.
Lee Roy was right the armor Glory was wearing. It looked pretty much brand new, everything seemed to glisten and shine in the sun.
Glory looks down and her expression tells Twilight that bringing that up angered her, something was chewing at her.
Lee Roy puts a mighty hoof on her shoulder, making her go lopsided from the weight. “What is the matter.” Lee Roy questions. “Your still not mad at me are you?” Lee Roy asks.
“I- um.” Glory starts as she peers at Twilight and her face steels. She looks up at Lee Roy straightening her helmet. “I was given the worst job possible. Stand here and do nothing but look out for everypony. I can help out! I am fully capable!” She says with fire in her eyes.
“Just look,” She points to a sarge pile of debris off to her right “I have been carrying and clearing just like everybody else.” She scoffs and looks down “I just want something to make my filly proud, but they don’t let me do anything like that.” She adds.
Lee Roy raises an eyebrow “So you prove them wrong by, not doing your duty and putting yourself in potential danger?” Lee Roy states.
“But-” Glory starts to reject.
“What if somepony needs your help or if you’re needed?” Lee Roy states “you would be off doing, this,” Lee Roy motions to the scattered pile that Twilight quickly puts together that Glory was carrying.
These bits and pieces of debris looked like it came from the building nearby with a poor sunken roof, they were large splintery, misshapen and looked quite heavy.
“But-” Glory states looking down.
Lee Roy reaches down picking up a piece of debris with ease “Here.” Lee Roy warns before gently tossing the debris to Glory. She caught it with a grunt having to hold the debris with both forehooves to carry it.
“You carried a lot more than you could, to prove yourself,” Lee Roy states “But it backfired,”Lee Roy adds.
Glory puts down the debris “Then, how can I -” She pauses finally sitting defeated.
“One hundred and ten percent.” Lee Roy stated making Glory lift her head. “I haven’t met many guards that were mares, but if you want to prove yourself, you must complete the tasks you are given.” Lee Roy chuckled “When I was an initiate they had me shining armor all day, so I made the armor shine so bright the the very sun was jealous. ”
“But.” Glory starts looking down again. She looks up at Lee Roy and then to Twilight.
“I think what Lee Roy is trying to say, is that you should prove that you can do this job to the best of your ability and give it as much attention as you would any other. If you want to prove yourself, the best way is to give it your all.” Twilight states confidently.
“You’re right, then. I’ll do this better than anyone else.” Glory declares with new fire in her eyes.
“That’s what I’m talking about!” Lee Roy says with a laugh, giving her a mighty pat on the shoulder and making her helmet go crooked again.
“If you would excuse me, Twilight, I’ll need to get back to what I was doing.” Glory insists, giving a confident nod while straightening her helmet a final time. “And thank you for your words of encouragement, sir.” Glory says giving him another salute.
“You’re welcome.” Lee Roy says, giving her a nod, returning the salute by slamming his hoof to his heart once again.
Glory laughs, “Twilight was right. You are old-fashioned. The guard stopped using that salute a long time ago.” She states.
Lee Roy only nods, keeping quiet with his normal stony expression.
“Thank you, Glory, but before we go did you happen to see the Princesses?” Twilight asks.
“No, I haven’t, but I’ve heard that Luna was helping with the repairs they must be at the castle.” Glory replies.
Twilight had thought as much. “Thank you anyway. Goodbye, Glory.” She replies.
Twilight and Lee Roy left without another word, leaving Glory to watch diligently. They were wasting no more time heading straight for the castle.
They finally arrive to her relief, the castle was in full alert guards peppering everywhere outside the castle gates. The guard took one look at Twilight and they let her and her company pass a guard mentioning that Celestia was waiting for her arrival.
Lee Roy kept that ever-present that ever predictable stoic, stony expression so it was hard to see what he was thinking.
Twilight could only hope Celestia could shed some light on this mysterious stallion.
They walked straight toward the throne room, their hooves echoing throughout the marble halls until finally, they reach their destination with surprising ease.
Celestia sat on her throne doing what had to be a large amount of paperwork. Her quill danced quickly aglow with her magic as it also held multiple sheets that could be nothing but reports skimming them with urgency. She sighed sounding a little stressed. Twilight can understand why, with the recent events.
Twilight trots towards Celestia. “Princess Celestia!” She calls out cheerfully.
Celestia instantly looks up from her work and beams. “Twilight Sparkle!” She exclaims, matching the cheerfulness. She stands and gracefully trots over to nuzzle Twilight - keeping some paperwork aloft with her magic.
Celestia suddenly gasps “What a wonderful bow, wherever did you get that.” Celestia says, looking Twilight up and down.
“Well-” Twilight tries to answer.
“Hey, Sunbutt!” Lee Roy calls nonchalantly.
Celestia suddenly drops the papers she was keeping aloft with her magic. Celestia turns to the source just staring her face in complete shock.
She was floored. Why would Lee Roy say such a thing - especially just after telling Glory she should talk to her better.
What was he thinking!? She could not help a sudden twinge of anger she was ready to give him a scalding of a lifetime.
Until Celestia suddenly cautiously steps towards him, as if he could disappear at any moment. The look of disbelief stuck on her face.
“Lee Roy?” Celestia mutters, just audible enough for them to hear.
“No, it’s Santa Hooves.” Lee Roy replies with a wide smile.
Celestia suddenly breaks into a gallop and half tackles, half hugs Lee Roy - flooring Lee Roy in his surprise. Tears stream down Celestia’s face but she smiles brightly.
Twilight, in all her years of being her student, had never once seen her like this. What is going on?
“Oh, Lee Roy it’s You, I-.” Celestia chokes up and continues to hug Lee Roy. “We thought we had lost you for good,” Celestia says through tears.
Lee Roy suddenly stands pulling Celestia with him holding her, a large wide smile on his face.
“Celestia, you did it! You united the tribes, they speak to each other now, true peace.” Lee Roy says, nuzzling Celestia.
“I’ve seen them, I’m so proud of you!” Lee Roy continues picking her up and giving her a quick spin laughing merrily then holding her in a close embrace.
Celestia only hugs him tightly, clearly overtaken with emotion, tears continuing to stream down her face.
What’s going on, Twilight repeats to herself.
Celestia suddenly stops, breaking away from Lee Roy. “Luna! We have to get Luna!” Celestia says excitedly, wiping her tears and galloping towards a nearby window.
“Luna! Luna! Come quick!” Celestia yells out the window. She then shifts on her hooves, looking to Twilight like an excited school pony, as she waits. Twilight could only repeat her last thought - what is going on.
Not long after Luna, her eyes sagging hair a slight mess as if she just put her head on a pillow floats in - curiously wearing possum slippers she has never seen. Her face filled with worry. “What is it, sister, what is wrong? You look like you have been crying.” Luna utters upon seeing Celestia.
Celestia stays quiet, looking on the verge of tears once again. “Hey, nice slippers, Mooner.” Lee Roy states, grabbing Luna’s attention.
Luna develops the same look of shock that Celestia was wearing. She turns to the stallion and she steps forwards a little. “L-lee Roy?” Luna says, her voice meek.
“Why do you guys keep asking me that? It’s like you’ve forgotten me.” Lee Roy says with that wide smile of his.
Luna breaks into a gallop as well, diving and giving Lee Roy a hug. She then suddenly breaks away, with Twilight expecting to see the tears that Celestia had. They are replaced by Luna’s look of anger. Luna takes a hoof and gives Lee Roy a mighty slap on the face that echoed throughout the throne room.
“Ow! Hey!” Lee Roy says, holding his cheek and giving a sigh. “Okay, maybe I deserved that after what I did.” He says, rubbing his cheek with care.
Luna’s expression of anger melts almost instantly and tears begin to stream down her face. She gives Lee Roy another hug, in which is shortly joined by Celestia. They stay like that for a while - the two Princesses crying and hugging Lee Roy, the three of them nuzzling each other. Twilight can’t hold it in any longer.
“Could somepony please tell me what is going on!” Twilight yells.
The two look up at her like they just remembered her, wiping their tears from their faces once again.
“I’m sorry, Twilight, you must have so many questions,” Celestia states as she takes a deep breath, calming herself. “Let’s all go sit down.” She says, magically picking up all the papers from the ground with one swift motion of her horn and motioning for the group to follow her.
Celestia leads the group to a small room - a sitting room. The room is small, cozy, warm and inviting. Bookshelves line the walls and a small table is stuck right in the middle of the room, surrounded by comfy looking chairs.
They all take their seats and get comfortable. Celestia takes a breath. “Okay, Twilight, what do you want to know?” Celestia asks.
“Well, everything really,” Twilight says sheepishly.
Celestia looks at Lee Roy then back at Twilight. “Lee Roy was a colt with a fantastic power that Starswirl had found. He had the dream of becoming captain of the royal guard. Lee Roy came to be the youngest ever Royal Protector in Equestrian history.” Celestia explains.
“This was all the way back when we were still foals,” Luna adds.
“Right. Lee Roy not only became our Royal Protector but our first real friend outside the castle of the two sisters.” Celestia explains.
Twilight’s mind is reeling. She never thought Lee Roy would be that important, Well until she met Glory, but she had something else on her mind.
“Celestia, how long do you think Lee Roy had been in that statute?” Twilight asks, Lee Roy listening in closely.
Celestia pauses and she trades a sad expression with Luna and then to Lee Roy. “He has been in that state for one thousand years,” Celestia confirms, her expression dark.
Lee Roy looks a little floored - almost like he did when he was in the castle of the two sisters. It is hard to determine the extent of his feelings, as his ever-present stony expression made it hard to tell anything, really.
“Are you sure?” Lee Roy mutters, his expression stoic as he stares intently at Celestia.
Celestia only nods, confirming that what she said was indeed the truth.
Twilight quickly racks her mind for another question. Anything to get them off this topic.
“Uh, Lee Roy was saying something about uniting the tribes. Didn’t you do that a long time ago?” Twilight asks abruptly.
“Yes, when we were put on the throne to rule Equestria, we did unite the tribes into one nation, but-.” Celestia trails off, looking at Lee Roy.
“But, that didn’t mean they mingled or got along all the time. Pegasi would only live with pegasi, unicorns would only live with unicorns, heck they didn’t speak the same language half the time.” Lee Roy reports, sitting back and lets out a loud sigh.
“The only time they would see the other if they were visiting the other’s capital or buying food from the earth ponies. That’s not to say there weren’t exceptions, as with my parents. The pony folk just wanted to be with their own kind and ignore the others. ” Lee Roy shrugged.
“It was quite the problem back then.” Luna adds, “but that was almost one thousand-ish years ago.” She nods.
Twilight racks her mind once more. “Didn’t you say that Lee Roy had a ‘Power’? He said he has a curse.” She asks, holding back her curiosity.
Luna turns to Twilight. “Lee Roy has the power to be immune to all magic. It saved him and us many times.” Luna explains.
What? That’s just insane, immunity to all forms of magic, that can’t possibly be true. But Twilight had seen it with her own eyes. She had seen her magic have no effect, watched her barrier warp around him. This completely contradicts everything she has learned about magic and friendship to an extent. Twilight’s mind is officially blown, everything that she had learned told her that this was impossible.
She wanted nothing more than to study Lee Roy and ask a billion questions, but she desperately holds it in but could not help squirming in her seat.
Lee Roy scoffs, pulling Twilight out of her thought process. “I wouldn’t call a ‘power’ something that can’t allow you to be held by your mother’s magic.” Lee Roy remarks shaking his head.
Luna sighs. “It is clear what Lee Roy thinks of his abilities, but my sister and I think otherwise,” Luna says, turning to Twilight.
“What about his other abilities?” Twilight questions.
“What other abilities?” Celestia says with an eyebrow raised.
Twilight gives Celestia the ‘are you kidding me’ look. “How about Lee Roy’s massive strength?” Twilight says with an eyebrow raised.
Lee Roy chuckles. “If you think I could move mountains, you are mistaken. The ponies of Equestria have always been over ...” he begins, pausing to think of the right word. “... Zealous, with what I could actually do. Not to say I’m not strong because I am. Just not as much as ponies think.” Lee Roy states, stretching.
“Says the guy that punched a hydra away.” Twilight remarks with a raised eyebrow.
“You punched a hydra!?” Luna gasps.
“What happened on your little adventure? Celestia says placing a hof upon her chest. “Is it why you have the bow on your horn?” Celestia expertly deduces.
“Oh no, Lee Roy gave it to me after are misunderstanding” Twilight states.
“Lee Roy!” The princesses shout shooting him piercing glares.
“What! I thought they were changelings or an evil spell!” Lee Roy announces “In what time or place, other than the heavenly skies would you be greeted by not one, not two, but six young mares!” Lee Roy stated, “It was very suspicious.” Lee Roy adds crossing his forearms.
Twilight shifted her gaze to the princesses, each of them had the same expression - they were not buying it.
“Did you even talk to them?” Celestia says raising an eyebrow.
“Yes.” Lee Roy confirms.
“Not in pony latin?” Luna states.
Lee Roy stayed silent for bit until he suddenly let out a big sigh “No.” He states sounding defeated.
“I said I was sorry, a lot and I will talk about this to you two later Princess Twilight still has questions.” Lee Roy states.
She only nods her head still reeling from the exchange but she already had her next question ready. “How did Lee Roy end up a statue?” She announces, and suddenly the air between everypony becomes odd. Everypony seemed to get instantly uncomfortable. Lee Roy and Luna share a stare - although about what Twilight could only speculate.
Did I say something wrong? She thought, as the air suddenly grew very tense, so much so that Twilight could swear you could cut the tension with a knife.
“Medusa,” Celestia says in a serious tone. “She came from the south. She started to turn everything to stone. The ground, the trees... Ponies.” She trails off.
Something about Medusa is nagging at her, she clearly remembers this part of equestrian history but, something. She made a mental note to check her history books later.
Luna suddenly jumps into the conversation. “My sister saw in her visions that Lee Roy would fight Medusa but be turned to stone. My sister’s visions are absolute and she tried to warn him, but Lee Roy was-.” Luna was trying to say until interrupted.
“A big stupid knucklehead, and went to fight anyway.” Lee Roy finishes, making them all smile. “That reminds me, why was I in the castle?” Lee Roy questions.
Celestia and Luna look at each other.
“We brought you to the castle to find a cure of course, but with your… gift, we lost hope.” Celestia says looking down at the floor. “We eventually put you into the gardens, so we could always visit you.” She adds.
“You used me as a garden ornament!? For pigeons to poop on for the next one thousand years!?” Lee Roy says with an eyebrow raised, but by his expression, he is clearly joking.
“Lee Roy! This is no time to be joking.” Celestia snaps, her expression betraying her words as she smiles a little.
“I’m sorry, Cele, I should have listened.” Lee Roy mutters, worry suddenly in his eyes.
Celestia looks to be on the verge of tears again. “Lee Roy, I’m just glad that I was wrong and you weren’t gone for good.” Getting up to hug the big stallion again.
Luna joins in the hug, Lee Roy holding them close. They took a quick moment before they freed themselves from their embrace.
Celestia turns to her and gives her a big hug, “Twilight, thank you for finding Lee Roy. This is such a good gift for our day of celebration.” She beams.
“Yes, thank you,” Luna says, sounding a little choked up.
“You’re welcome.” She breaths, a wonderful feeling washing over her.
“What are you going to do now?” Twilight says, getting up and turning to Lee Roy.
“I don’t know about you, but there is a party I want to get back to.” Lee Roy pauses looking at Celestia, then back to Twilight. “You go on without me, I would like to stay here for a while longer.” Lee Roy breaths with a small smile.
Lee Roy watches as Princess Twilight left for home, Celestia by his side once again.
“And that was what happened.” Lee Roy reports. “Yeah, it was stupid of me, huh,” he adds rubbing his neck.
“Yeah, pretty stupid,” Celestia confirms.
“Oh, thanks.” He says both sharing a smile.
They sit near a window, viewing the sun as it slowly began to set, Celestia’s horn aglow just like old times.
“Lee Roy...” Celestia murmurs, quickly trailing off looking to the floor.
Lee Roy turns to her. “What, you’re not going to cry again are you?” He teases, trying hard to hide his emotions.
H-he doesn’t want to believe it. They’re gone... Everypony, even.
Her.
His heart ached, he couldn’t help but clutch the tuft of fur on his chest.
One thousand years.
“Lee Roy I’m-” Celestia starts.
“No!’ He shouts. “Don’t” He states.
Celestia swallows hard, closing the distance in where they sat for a gentle embrace.
Lee Roy remembers these famous embraces well they always made him feel better when they were just foals.
This time was different.
“Cele what should I do now?” He asks not looking at her.
“You... You could try to make some friends?” Celestia answers.
Yup, this is still Celestia, she is still going on with her friendship stuff.
Well, he is glad that some things never change.
“You two are the only friends I need.” Putting a hoof on her shoulder.
“I’m just glad I got to see you two again.” Lee Roy states.
Lee Roy stands “I don’t mean to leave so soon, but I have a promise to keep.” He states walking away before stopping short a few paces.
But, before I go.” Lee Roy states.
“Yes, Lee Roy?” Celestia answers.
“Where in Tartarus is that disgusting worm Discord?’ Lee Roy asks coldly.