//------------------------------// // Breaking Barriers // Story: Breaking Barriers // by TheGamerBrony //------------------------------// One month later, the final day of training has arrived. This day was a special day, because today is when that month’s trainees gradate from the program. Unlike the graduation at the School of Friendship, this is the gradation ceremony that Gallus is looking forward to, because he is now one step closer to becoming a royal guard. He and the other trainees are at the big field for the graduation ceremony, surrounded by their families, trainers, and of course, Tempest Shadow. “Families, trainers, and of course, trainees, it is my honor to recognize this month’s graduates of the Royal Guard Academy. These young mares and stallions have worked tirelessly this past month to train and learn how to become an effective royal guard, and I couldn’t be prouder of them. However, I would like to take this time to recognize a special trainee. This trainee has broken barriers and has taken the initiative to make history. During this past month, he has gone out of his way to impress his trainer and me. He has taken academy expectations and exceed them to a level that I have never seen. And today, I am honored to recognize this month’s valedictorian, the first non-pony graduate of our academy, Gallus Griffon-Sparkle” Tempest announced as Gallus walked up to the stage, being met with cheers and applause from the crowd. “Thank you, Tempest. Boy, am I glad I overcame my stage fright for this historic moment. Most of you are surprised to see that I’m a griffon graduating from the Royal Guard Academy. Hey, y’know what, I know I’m a griffon and I’m proud to be a griffon! I came here to break barriers, to make history, to become the first griffon to join the royal guard! I came here to show that yes, there are griffons out there that do believe in friendship! Yes, there are creatures that aren’t alicorns or unicorns but still have magical abilities! Yes, there are non-pegasi trying out for the Wonderbolts. Don’t believe me? Go to Wonderbolt Academy and count all the non-pegasi that are trying out. Heck, I know one of those non-pegasi! She’s a good friend of mine and she’ll be the best Wonderbolt to have ever flown the big, blue sky! What I’m trying to say is that, it doesn’t matter what creature or race you are, if you have a goal in mind, go out of your way to complete that goal and don’t let who you are stop you! Thank you!” Gallus said before being met with cheers and applause. Coach Clydesdale walked up to the griffon to give him a hoof-talonshake and a hug. “Thank you for that wonderful speech! Good luck!” Then, Galls walked up to Tempest to receive his diploma. “Don’t rip this one up” Gallus gives a playful eyeroll to Tempest as he walks off the stage. After the ceremony, Gallus went outside the academy to meet Twilight, who showered him with affection. “Gallus, I am so proud of you! I really love that speech you gave!” Twilight cheered. “Thank you, mommy. I really missed you, but I’m so happy to see you now!” Gallus replied. “Now, let’s take you home. Your friends planned a big party for you” Twilight said as the two made their way home. When they got home, they were met by two royal guards who were to escort them to where the party was happening. They walked through the hallway to a big ballroom inside the castle. The guards held the door for Twilight and Gallus. As they walked in, they were met with cheers from Gallus’s friends and teachers. Even Tempest and Clydesdale were there. “Today’s your big day, Gallus!” Silverstream chirped. “Today, you begin your job as a royal guard” Twilight added. “Today? I start today?” Gallus asked. “Of course! And your friends are here to cheer you on during your initiation! Let’s go up to the stage!” Twilight said as she led Gallus to the initiation. “Ok, Gallus, repeat after me. I, Gallus Griffon-Sparkle” Twilight started. “I, Gallus Griffon-Sparkle” Gallus repeated. “Will uphold the six Elements of Harmony” Twilight continued. “Will uphold the six Elements of Harmony” “Honesty, loyalty, kindness, generosity, laughter, and magic” “Honesty, loyalty, kindness, generosity, laughter, and magic” “I will also uphold the six virtues connected to them” “I will also uphold the six virtues connected to them” “Strength, bravery, healing, beauty, hope, and sorcery” “Strength, bravery, healing, beauty, hope, and sorcery” “I will always spread the magic of friendship wherever I go and to all creatures” “I will always spread the magic of friendship wherever I go and to all creatures” “From the lands I call home” “From the lands I call home” “To the ends of the world” “To the ends of the world” Twilight and Gallus then faced the crowd. “Fillies and gentlecolts, Royal Guard Gallus” Twilight said as they were met with cheers and applause. “Now, on that table is your armor. Once you put it on, your life-changing career begins” Twilight said, pointing at a table. Gallus walked up to the table and began to put on his armor. Once his uniform was on, the crowd cheered again. He then went up to Twilight to give her a hug. “Thank you, mommy. Thank you for everything” Gallus said, his voice now getting choked up as he was crying tears of happiness. And this concludes the story of how Gallus Griffon-Sparkle broke barriers and made history as the first griffon to join the royal guard.