The Path We Walk
Chapter 3:
With Celestia committed to a full day of royal duty, she turned Argent and Aegis loose to enjoy the day as they wished. Aegis flew off with no clear destination in mind while Argent opted to travel to Ponyville to visit Twilight and Starlight. He walked the roads to the castle and rapped on the massive door. As the door opened he panned back and forth but saw nopony.
“Down here.” Spike waved.
“Oh… hi there.” Argent eyed the dragon curiously. “I’m Argent, I met Princess Twilight and her student Starlight the other night.”
“Oh right.” Spike nodded. “You’re Princess Celestia’s friend, come on in.”
“Appreciated.” Argent followed him inside.
“They’re upstairs, I’ll let them know you’re here. Make yourself at home.” Spike flew up to the second level and disappeared.
Argent looked about the beautiful foyer. He discovered a small pile of books sitting on a nearby end table and used his magic to flip through the pages of the top text. “Not exactly your garden variety selection.” He lifted the books and scanned their titles.
“Argent.” Twilight’s voice hailed from the top of the stairs.
“Princess Twilight, Starlight.” He bowed as she and Starlight reached the main floor. “Good to see you again.”
“What brings you by?” Twilight asked.
“Well, I heard that this was to place to be to talk magic.” He batted his eyes and smiled brightly.
“Uh, definitely!” Starlight said excitedly.
“I’m sure there’s a lot we could learn from you Argent.” Twilight eagerly headed for the stairs. “Let’s go the study.”
As she and Starlight ascended the stairs Argent chuckled to himself. ‘You know, those stairs are nice.” His horn lit up and he stepped into the air onto an emerald colored cube. “But I brought my own.” As he walked up he formed more steps for himself leading to the next level.
“Solid magical constructs.” Starlight practically squealed. “Cool!”
Argent met them on the second floor and followed the pair to the study. As they entered he was amazed at the amount of books that lined the walls. “Impressive Princess.”
“Thank you.” Twilight said proudly. “My full collection of books is second only to the royal library itself.”
“Well I’m jealous.” he laughed.
“Twilight said you developed skills in several magical fields.” Starlight used her magic to pull three chairs over so they could sit.
“Yes, I did learn a deal of magic from different masters in different schools.” He tapped his hoof on the arm of the chair. “Still, since I was working to join the Princess’ elite guard, I needed stronger magic so I also sought out some secluded masters to learn powerful offensive arts. It’s strong magic, yes, but it serves mostly to destroy. Not exactly the kind of thing that could be taught easily… or should be taught at all if I’m being honest. I know a lot of things that I don’t plan on passing on. We’re working for a peaceful world and my goal is to help secure an Equestria that doesn’t need any more unicorns like me in it.”
“That’s a great sentiment, but I don’t know if I wholly agree.” Starlight began. “Equestria will always have need of strong unicorns like you. A peaceful world is great in theory, but there will always be threats no matter how hard we try to stamp them out.” she sighed. “I should know, I used to be a threat… but fortunately there was somepony around to stop me.” She smiled over at Twilight.
“You were?” Argent asked as he looked to Twilight.
Twilight let out a nervous laugh. “Well, Starlight… kind of traveled back in time to change history… and almost destroyed the world.”
Argent looked back to Starlight who smiled sheepishly. “It’s always the pretty ones.” He laughed as Starlight’s cheeks turned bright red.
“Lunch is ready!” Spike’s voice called from the doorway as he entered with a rolling tray.
“Thank you Spike.” Twilight rose to help him serve. “Ooh, baked vegetable rolls.”
“You cook too?” Argent asked as he took a roll with his magic. “The only thing the last dragon I met tried to cook was me.”
“Spike is my number one assistant.” Twilight patted his head with her hoof. “I’d be lost without him.”
Spike slapped his chest proudly. “With Twilight and Starlight working at the school now, I pretty much have to keep the whole castle in good shape.” He pulled up a chair of his own to join them.
Argent was more than happy to answer Twilight and Starlight’s barrage of questions. They spoke about the schools he attended and who his teachers were. They traded stories about their magical training and Twilight detailed the events that led to her ascension to Princess. Starlight told him all about Sunburst and her checkered history with Twilight and her friends. Twilight also managed to pry a few Celestia stories out of him as she always relished the chance to learn more about her mentor.
Meanwhile, Rarity and Pinkie Pie were visiting Applejack at Sweet Apple Acres. Pinkie had come to stock up on apples and Rarity was detailing the schedule of their next spa day together.
“Anyway darling.” Rarity unfolded a brochure. “The spa just debuted and new treatment that we simply must try. Apparently they heat smooth stones and lay them out over your body while you rest in a shallow pool of cool water. They say the difference in temperatures is divinely relaxing.”
“Sounds like a hoot Rarity.” Applejack grunted as she hefted a barrel of apples onto Pinkie’s wagon.
“Rocks huh, I should totally tell Maud.” Pinkie noted as she waddled by with another barrel.
Rarity hummed in thought. “I don’t know dear, she might see it as some form of rock abuse.”
“Applejack! Big Mac!” Apple Bloom’s voice carried in through the window. She burst into the kitchen, panting frantically. Big Mac hurried in from the living room at the sound of his sister’s panicked call.
“What’s wrong Apple Bloom?” Applejack asked.
“Th…there’s some kind of big monster in the northern orchard.”
“Monster?” Applejack repeated with a suspicious look. “What they hay are you talking about?”
Pinkie popped up over Applejack’s shoulder. “Fluttershy didn’t go all fruit bat again did she?”
“No, just come see fer yourself.” Apple Bloom got behind her sister and started pushing.
“Okay okay, let’s go everypony.” Applejack ordered as she grabbed her lasso from the table.
The four of them ran after Apple Bloom as she led them back to the orchard. She crouched down as they approached the spot where she was working and pointed out to the field. “See, right out there.”
They looked out and saw a large form laying in the field. Rarity moved to the front and eyed the figure carefully. “Ah, Aegis.” She sighed in relief.
“Who now?” Applejack asked.
“He’s a part of the elite guard.” she glanced down at Apple Bloom. “And he certainly isn’t a monster.” she started out into the open field.
“You sure about that?” Apple Bloom muttered as she and the others followed.
“Aegis dear!” Rarity called out.
Aegis rose and turned to them. “Lady Rarity.” He observed the others behind her, taking note of their cutie marks. “Forgive me, I did not know this land was owned.”
“Not at all darling.” She waved off his concern. “You’re in Sweet Apple Acres and this is Applejack, Big Mac and Apple Bloom, their family owns this farm.”
Aegis stepped towards them and tipped his head. “I apologize for trespassing.”
“Shucks, ain’t nothing to worry about.” Applejack assured.
“Eeyup.” Big Mac nodded soundly.
“Geez!” Pinkie Pie appeared on his back and straddled the base of his neck, her hooves barely reaching his shoulder blades. “You’re even bigger than Prince Rutherford.”
“Pinkie!” Applejack scolded.
“Ah, this is Pinkie Pie.” Rarity introduced. “You’ll have to forgive her enthusiasm.” she glared at Pinkie. “Pinkie, he’s with the elite royal guard, get off of him.”
“Fine.” Pinkie pouted as she leapt from his back and tumbled to the ground. “Sorry.”
Aegis laughed lightly. “Are you all friends of Princess Twilight as well?”
“Sure are.” Applejack nodded.
“It is good to meet you. I…” Aegis stopped as he felt tugging on his wing, he looked over to see his wing fully extended with Pinkie Pie holding the end and Apple Bloom holding her hooves out trying to measure.
“Whoa!” Apple Bloom exclaimed.
“Pinkie Pie!” Rarity stamped her hoof. Pinkie quickly let go and she and Apple Bloom smiled innocently. Big Mac slapped his hoof to his forehead and sighed. To their surprise Aegis simply smiled and scooped his wing under Apple Bloom, he lifted her up to his back and she sat atop him.
“Wow, I can almost see the barn from up here.” she grinned.
‘”See, he’s super nice.” Pinkie defended their curiosity.
“Lucky for you he’s also super patient.” Rarity added.
“It is quite alright Lady Rarity.” Aegis assured. “I’ve grown so used to others fearing me, it is a comfort to meet those who do not.”
“So what were you doing all the way out here?” Rarity asked.
“Princess Celestia had a deal of work to attend to, so Argent and I set out on our own. I believe he went to see Princess Twilight and Lady Starlight.” He looked out over the field. “I was merely flying over the area and found this to be a quiet spot to spend my time.”
“Why don’t you come back to the house with us?” Applejack suggested. “It’s about lunchtime anyway, you’re more than welcome to join us.”
“Yeah, I can show you around the farm.” Apple Bloom hugged his neck. “And you can meet Granny Smith.”
“That… would be nice Lady Applejack. Thank you.” He lowered his head to her.
Aegis followed them home with Apple Bloom gleefully riding on his back. As they walked, Applejack detailed the history of the farm and how far they had come over the years. When they reached the house Apple Bloom leapt from his back and led him inside to meet a very surprised Granny Smith.
“Sweet cider.” Granny focused her eyes on Aegis. “For a second there I thought y’all had dragged another tree in the house.”
“This is Aegis, Granny.” Applejack informed. “He’s going to be joining us for lunch.”
Aegis stepped forward and crossed his wing in front of his chest, lowering his head respectfully to her. “Lady Smith, thank you for welcoming me into your home.”
Granny smiled at his old fashioned manners. “Well ain’t you as sweet as a caramel apple.” She curtseyed in return. “They sure don’t make ‘em like you anymore.” She headed back towards the kitchen. “Good thing I always make extra, give me a hoof Applejack.”
“Sure thing.” Applejack followed. “Y’all make yourselves at home.”
As they waited, Aegis was peppered with questions from Pinkie and Apple Bloom. Rarity watched the scene with a quiet smile as she was endeared by how kind the powerful pegasus truly was. When Granny called for lunch they moved into the kitchen and shared in some hearty Apple family cooking. Once finished, Aegis offered to pull Pinkie’s wagon of apple barrels back to Ponyville and see her and Rarity home. Bidding farewell to the Apple family for the day, they started the walk back to town.
“Thanks so much for helping out Aegis.” Pinkie bounced at his side.
“Of course Lady Pinkie.” he nodded.
“Well we’re certainly sorry to put you to work on your day off.” Rarity came up along his other side.
“Spending a day like this is a welcome change to facing beasts, enemy soldiers and would be conquerors, milady.”
“You guys must see a lot of fighting huh?” Pinkie slowed to a walk and looked up at him with concerned eyes.
“Indeed. But we face it so that others need not.” He said proudly.
“We’ve definitely faced our fair share of danger.” Rarity began as she thought back to all the evils that she and her friends had faced. “Even so, I can’t really imagine going through that every day for years on end.”
“As long as I and the elite guard exist, you shall never have to Lady Rarity.” Aegis said with great conviction.
Rarity found herself taken at his chivalry. “My, Granny was right, they certainly don’t make them like you anymore.” As they entered Ponyville and headed for Sugar Cube Corner, they came upon Argent, Twilight and Starlight at the café.
“Well well, fancy meeting you here.” Argent rose as Aegis lowered the wagon.
“Unlikely yes.” Aegis admitted. “I inadvertently came upon more of the Princess’ friends.”
“Hey girls.” Twilight hailed and she and Starlight joined them.
“Hey Twi.” Pinkie hugged her. “And you must be Argent.” She sprung to the unicorn’s side. “Aegis told us all about you.”
“He did huh?” Argent smiled. “I deny everything.”
The girls laughed as they returned to the table and pulled up more chairs. Twilight noticed that Aegis was too large for the small area and began looking about for a solution. Aegis saw her rapid glances and stood at the table’s side.
“Do not worry Princess, I am fine.” he assured.
“Oh.” Twilight smiled but felt a twinge of sadness at the idea of how common this must be for him.
“You must have been at Sweet Apple Acres.” Starlight noted as she noticed the wagon. “That means you met Applejack right.”
“Yes.” Aegis nodded. “She and her family and are good ponies.” He eyed Argent. “I take it Argent regaled you with his stories and tricks.”
“He did.” Twilight beamed with excitement. “We learned a lot just from talking to him.”
“That is good to hear.” Aegis smiled. “He is often desperate for a willing ear, the rest of the guard have heard his tales ten times over.”
Argent looked over the group and nodded silently as they laughed. “Okay, you know what?” he pointed his hoof at Aegis. “You… are just lucky you’re like four times bigger than me, otherwise I would show you what’s what.”
“I’m certain.” Aegis laughed.
Argent got up and went to Aegis’ side, slapping his shoulder with his hoof. “We should be probably start heading back to the castle. We promised Celestia we’d be back at sundown, don’t want to end up grounded or anything.”
“I should finish helping Lady Pinkie first.” Aegis started back for the wagon but Pinkie jumped in front of him.
“Don’t worry, it’s just around the corner. I can take it from here.” She hugged his foreleg. “Thank you though.”
“You’re quite welcome. I wish you all a good evening then.” he turned to Twilight and bowed. “Princess.”
“I hope you both will come back soon.” Twilight used her magic to push in all the chairs and everyone made their way to the road.
“Yeah, there’s still lots to see in Ponyville.” Pinkie noted as she readied her wagon.
“We most certainly will.” Argent promised with an exaggerated bow. “You aren’t getting rid of us that easily.” As the duo started down the road Aegis spread his wings and took flight. Argent leapt into the air and formed consecutive constructs under his hooves and he began galloping through the air at his side.
Over the next week and a half, Argent and Aegis found a sense of normalcy as they grew accustomed to life back in Canterlot. They spent more time in Ponyville and grew more familiar with their new Princess and her friends. They also surprised Luna by deciding to stay awake one night and spending the wee hours with her. On the twelfth night, Celestia and Aegis returned to the castle after spending time at a street bazaar. Aegis carried her things as they headed for her chamber.
“My, I didn’t intend to buy quite so many things.” Celestia laughed as she looked over the near dozen bags of purchases that Aegis bore. “Thank you for carrying those Aegis.”
“Of course, my Princess” Aegis nodded humbly. “A small price to pay for such an evening.” As they reached her chambers Celestia used her magic to lift her bags from his shoulder. “I’ll return my own things to my room.”
“Alright, I think I’ll grab a light snack from the kitchen.” Celestia decided as she felt a light growl in her stomach.
“Princess.” He bowed and started back down the hall.
Celestia entered her room and set the bags on the floor beside her end table; letting out a sigh as heavy thought washed over her. She hurried down towards the kitchen in order to shake the fog of her thought. As she passed the door to the adjacent dining hall she heard Argent call to her.
“Celestia.” he waved from his seat at the table.
“Argent, what are you doing in here?” She entered, noticing that he was the only one in the room.
“Nothing special, I just came from back from visiting the others in the barracks.” he stood. “How was the bazar?”
“It was nice, we’re seeing so many more vendors coming in from other lands.”
“Got carried away again huh?” He laughed as he saw her bashful look. “It’s okay, a Princess is allowed to splurge. So, where are you headed now?”
“Actually I was just going to grab a bite to eat.”
“Ah, well say no more. Allow this humble servant to prepare a meal for you.” He bowed gracefully.
Celestia giggled and shook her head. “You don’t have to do that Argent.”
“I know.” He said simply as he headed for the kitchen. “So, what would the lady care for this evening?” He asked as they passed into the castle’s massive kitchen. “Years in the field have honed my cooking skills to include such delicacies as canned beans, sandwiches and soldier’s stew.”
“Soldier’s stew?” Celestia repeated with a laugh.
“Yeah, it’s just a pot filled with whatever we have sitting around but the name makes it sound more appealing.” Argent admitted wryly.
“Let’s go with the sandwich then.” Celestia sat by the prep table as Argent went to work. Within a few minutes she was proudly presented her plate. “Thank you Argent.”
Argent sat across from her and they bantered while she ate. When she finished, Argent took her plate to the sink and washed it. She watched him with a warm smile but soon the same hesitant thought came over her again. She rose and stepped back into the dining hall and Argent soon followed. He immediately noticed the unsettled look in her eye.
“You okay?” he asked.
“Oh, yes… I am.” She turned her head away from him in an attempt to escape his scrutiny.
“Come on now, I know you better than that.” He stepped up behind her. “What’s wrong?”
An unsettled breath escaped her and she panicked a bit. She slowly turned back and faced with his shining eyes and bright smile, she couldn’t help but smile back. “It isn’t about what’s wrong, it’s about what’s right.” She stepped past him.
“Now you lost me.” He admitted with laugh.
Celestia giggled to herself and nodded slowly. “I know that doesn’t make any sense… it’s just that I’ve been doing a lot of thinking over the past few days. Thinking about something that has been in the back of my mind for many years now." She turned back to him. “I have to admit, I’m a different mare now than I was when the two of you were last here. I’m… truly in a better place now both mentally and emotionally. My sister has returned, former enemies are now welcome allies, my most prized student has not only become an equal but also a dear friend and we have seen Equestria more peaceful than it has been in a long time.” She held her wing to her chest. “When last you and Aegis were here, you were both rocks of stability that helped me through so much… and having the two of you back now has been wonderful. Still, given that I am in such a different place now, I’ve been paying much more attention to finer details.” She approached him. “It’s embarrassing to admit but, when I’m around you I feel… a welcome uncertainty. I’m never quite sure of what to say or how to say it and sometimes I cannot find words at all.”
“Celestia.” He felt his heart start to race at her words.
“Its little things like that which I see now, little things that make me realize just what I feel.” She stepped up to him and rested her nose against his. “Argent, I would like for us be more… than what we are.”
“Truly?” Argent asked breathlessly.
“Yes.” She pressed her lips to his and laid her hoof to his chest. He set his hoof to her cheek and lost himself completely. When she finally parted with him, she stepped back and allowed him a second to compose himself.
“Wow… I can’t tell you how many times I’ve envisioned this moment.”
“Did it live up to expectations?” She asked with shy smile.
“It put it to shame.” He grinned from ear to ear.
“Before this goes a step farther I… I need to talk to Aegis first.”
“Yeah…” In spite of the euphoria of the moment an unsettling thought crossed his mind.
“That won’t be necessary Princess.” Aegis’ voice came from doorway.
Celestia and Argent whipped around to see him standing there. “Aegis.” Celestia tried desperately to find words but none came out.
Aegis opened his wing and placed a bag on the floor. “You overlooked one.” He slowly turned and began to leave.
“Aegis I…” Argent stammered. “She just told me...”
“Stop.” Aegis put his hoof down hard and halted him. “There is nothing to be explained. The choice was, and has always been, hers to make.” He looked back to Celestia, she could see how hard he was trying to hold his pain back. “As the choice has been made, the matter is settled.” He continued out into the hall.
“Aegis, please wait!” Celestia called out as she started after him.
“Hold on.” Argent held her back. “I’ll go.” He turned and hurried out after him.
Celestia stood there in the silent room, her greatest wish and worst fear having come true at the same time. She went to the doorway and stumbled as she passed the spot where Aegis was standing, she looked down and saw that his hoof had cracked the thick marble floor. The sight brought tears to her eyes as she ran her hoof over the crack. “Oh Aegis… I’m so sorry.”
Argent hurried down the hall and exited into the rear courtyard. “Aegis!” he called out. “Aegis!” He looked about but saw no trace of him. With a heavy sigh he lowered his head, a part of him knew there was a chance he could find him but he realized that he had nothing to say if he did. He turned back and returned to the dining hall and a distraught Celestia. He went to her and without word she threw herself into his hooves and he hugged her tightly.
“He’s gone, isn’t he?” She asked weakly.
Argent nuzzled the top of her head. “Just give him time.”
He held her close until she was finally able to hold her tears. She sat back and wiped her eyes with a sniffle. “I’m sorry Argent, I had wanted this to be a happy moment.”
“I am happy Celestia.” He held her cheek and smiled and best he could. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too Argent.”
“I know this isn’t… ideal, but I promise I’ll find Aegis and we can work this out.” He lowered his head down and looked into her eyes. “Come on, let me see that perfect smile.” He saw her slowly smile and he set his forehead to hers. “There we go.”
“Please, do what you can to find him.”
“I will.” He nodded and hurried out of the room again.
Celestia took a composing breath and went to find Luna. She traveled the castle halls until she came across her coming in from the front garden. Luna saw her and could see the dampness under her eyes.
“Sister!” She rushed over. “What is the matter?”
“I was finally able to tell Argent how I feel but… Aegis…” She struggled to not start crying again. “He’s gone.”
“Oh sister.” Luna pulled Celestia’s head down and set her cheek to hers. “I am sorry but… this was far from unexpected.”
“I know.” Celestia sighed. “What if he never returns?”
“Don’t be silly.” Luna did her best to reassure her sister. “Remember what Cadence said, true bonds will always see themselves through the pain.” She pulled back and smiled. “And the three of you have one of the strongest bonds I’ve ever seen.”
“Thank you Luna.” Celestia hugged her.