“Platoon! Atten-tion!”
In unison, the formation of guards, twenty strong, took the stance of attention. Eyes forward, glued to one side of the courtyard, they didn’t move a single muscle. Never once did any of them blink. Even with the cool breeze of spring brushing against their faces, they stood still like mountains. Their training had become world-renowned and their discipline, unshakable.
“Still a wee-bit shabby,” muttered the captain, Ironwall, “Know this! Though you’ve since become sword and shield to the kingdom, there’s no substitute for constant training! In my time, we trained until our sweat flowed like rivers, our hearts raced like thunder, and our hooves were worn to the bone! Through all that, we became the warriors that would make Celestia smile with pride! Through that dedication, you can reach the same heights! You are the Equestrian Royal Guard! Never forget that honor!”
“Sir! Yes Sir!” The formation roared.
“Pathetic!” shouted Ironwall, “Sound off like you’ve got a purpose!”
“SIR! YES SIR!”
“Better!” Ironwall paced back and forth in front of the formation, never once turning his sight, “Now, the most important part of your training is remembering the basics. Along with remembering which end of your weapon goes where, knowledge of the basic combat stances and techniques could mean the difference between surviving a battle and a grisly end! We’ll practice those today to etch it all into memory!” He grabbed his spear, tapping it twice on the ground, “Let us begin.”
With a grunt and a shout, the captain took a basic combat stance. Soon, as if their minds were one, the rest followed suit. Stance by stance, maneuver by maneuver, all the guards present followed the captain’s demonstrations. They made sure to commit every demonstration to muscle memory.
Though he didn’t show it, Ironwall mentally smiled with pride, not much different from a father. Being in service to the crown for more than three decades caused him to view all the guards like another family; a sentiment shared by many in the guard. A father to his guards, he worked hard to make sure they became the warriors he knew they could become.
Yet, another fixture of their training sessions was enough to make him smile.
From the balcony, a teenaged pegasus watched. Sky blue fur, grass-green mane, he followed along with the group doing the very stances they did. Fueled by excitement and admiration, he smiled and cheered to himself. It got loud to the point Ironwall took notice, diverting his sight for a mere second, followed by a smirk.
“Platoon! Atten-tion!” Ironwall shouted as the guards did as he command, “At ease.” He turned his attention fully to the pegasus watching from the balcony, “Platoon, it appears that our very own mascot has arrived; the crown prince, Azure Glide. It’s a pleasure for you to join us! How was your day, lad?”
“Been good, Captain!” Azure replied to the other guards’ amusement, “Today was about learning the history of Commander Hurricane.”
“Ah, a fine warrior and excellent tactician he was!” The platoon nodded in agreement with amused muttering, “A guard-in-the-making like you would do well to read up as much as you can about him! He laid the foundations for who we are! Many loved to follow in his hoofsteps!”
“It’s always interesting to read up on history!”
“That it is, lad.” Ironwall nodded, “The mind is also a powerful weapon. Keep it nourished, your highness.” He then turned his attention back to the other guards, “Now watch, lad! You’ll learn something!”
With a nod, Azure grinned as he took a few steps back, only to bump into a soft yet imposing figure. Turning around, he found a figure he came to call his mother for the past four years. Celestia towered over him with a smile that radiated the warm personality her subjects came to love. Startled at first, Azure smiled back and gave his mother a short hug.
“Azure dear,” Celestia spoke up, “I thought I’d find you here. You were supposed to be doing your studies today. That stuff is very important to your future.”
“I already got them done, mom.” Azure replied, “Ms. Raven let me go see the guards early as a reward.”
“Ah, I see.” Celestia smiled, gingerly brushing Azure with a wing, “You have been hitting the books hard this week. I suppose some leisure wouldn’t hurt.” With glee, Azure gave Celestia another hug that she returned, “Come, let’s go down to see them.”
Walking down a flight of stairs, Celestia’s presence was made known to Ironwill. Though a normally stoic warrior, even his aging heart skips a few beats at the sight of the monarch. Blinking repeatedly, he regained his composure and averted his sight from the princess. Tapping his spear, he got the attention of the other guards.
“Platoon! Attention!” He shouted. Though the action was slightly delayed, the command was obeyed nonetheless, “Her Royal Highness, Princess Celestia, has graced us with her presence! It is an honor for you and your son to pay us a visit.”
“The pleasure is all mine, Captain Ironwall,” Celestia smiled, “You’ve been training the guard well. I must say that you’ve done an admirable job keeping the guard in shape. I knew I made the right choice to promote you to captain.”
“Ah, it was nothing, really,” chuckled Ironwall “All it took was hard work. Nothing more. It was an honor nonetheless that you picked me.”
“You always were a humble guard, Iron.”
“Yeah,” Looking around, between his troops and Celestia, there was much that Iron wished to say to the princess. Clearing his throat, he gathered his thoughts and turned back to his troops. “Platoon, that will be all for today! Dis-missed!”
With the eruption of casual chat, the group began to disperse. One by one and even in a few groups, they all filed out of the courtyard. Looking around, he noticed a smiling Azure standing next to his mother. He held a high opinion of the colt, oft times remarking on his spirit making him seem like a promising recruit. But still, he wanted to speak with Celestia alone.
“Azure, lad,” Ironwall spoke up, “I would like to speak with your mother alone if that’s alright.”
“Do I have to?” Azure frowned.
“I’m afraid you’ll have to, my son.” Celestia nodded, “Don’t worry. You’ll get to see them during the parade next week.” Celestia noticed her son was still frowning, “Hey, I heard Marigold Radiance is home. You can visit with her until supper time if you’ll allow me and Ironwall a moment alone.”
Eyes shot wide open, cheeks blushed a deep shade of red, the utterance of his marefriend’s name got his attention. They’ve been close since the sixth grade and rarely spent much time apart except she traveled with her parents. His birthday a month prior was when they shared their first kiss. He loved her more than anypony.
“Okay, mom,” Azure agreed with a nod, “you got a deal.” With a gesture, Celestia motioned for a guard to escort him to Marigold’s house. Turning his head, he faced his mom, “Next time, can you not mention my marefriend? It’s embarrassing.”
“Love isn’t a thing to be ashamed of, lad,” chuckled Ironwall, “I was like you once. Now, go along. You don’t want to keep your special somepony waiting.”
As Azure walked off with a guard, he briefly nodded at his mother with a look of embarrassment on his face. Celestia and Ironwall both giggled at his reaction before he was out of sight. Ironwall sighed, keeping his amused smile intact.
“It’s true, your highness.” said Ironwall, “He reminded me of how I first dated Poinsettia Grace. I always blushed whenever my ma and da mentioned her and I. But looking back on it now, the teasing didn’t matter.”
“I’m sure Azure will grow out of that phase,” mused Celestia, “He only turned thirteen last month and no doubt he’s going through, ermm… changes. Not to mention, he’s yet to get his cutie mark. It’s going to be both physically and mentally trying for him to adjust.” She started for a nearby hall, “Come. Let’s walk.”
“Aye, your highness.” Nodding, Ironwall followed his princess out of the courtyard, passing by one of the castle’s many gardens before taking a seat on a nearby bench, “Ma’am, I’m sure you know what’s on my mind.”
“I do believe so.” Celestia smiled, “But, if it’s just the two of us, formalities aren’t needed.”
“Sorry, your hi-err, I mean… Celestia.” Ironwall stammered. His eyes drifted side to side as he sighed. “I know what I said last week shocked you and some of the other lieutenants. If I may be honest with you, I didn’t come to that decision lightly.”
I know, my friend.” Celestia replied with a nod, “You had a valid reason for choosing to step down.”
“Aye. With me getting older and older, I found myself being less capable to do my job at all.”
“I see. You have served me well for more than thirty years and that’s an incredible accomplishment. Even so, ponies do deserve a rest.”
“Maybe so, but I didn’t want to completely retire,” Ironwall nodded with a smirk, “I felt that there was still more I could accomplish. I’ve already talked with the North Canterlot Guard Academy and they said I would be perfect as the Headmaster there.”
“And I thought stepping down meant taking a well deserved break,” Celestia let out an amused chuckle, “Then again, I always knew you as a stallion who likes to be kept busy.”
“Well, I want to help train a new generation or two before my old heart calls it quits. I just don’t feel fit for active duty anymore. I still want to serve you for as long as I can. As such, I’ve already chosen my successor.”
“Who would that be?”
“Lieutenant Shining Armor.” Ironwall nodded, “He’s quite the rising star but then again, his father taught him well. I’ve watched him closely and I know he’ll make a great captain.”
“I see.” Celestia agreed, “He does have the dedication and strength. Perhaps the position will be a test of his abilities.”
“Aye.” Another thought dawned on the captain. Though hesitant, he had a feeling Celestia would understand, “Also, there’s something I wish to discuss with you. It’s about your wee colt.”
“What about him?” Celestia’s interest was piqued with crooked eyebrows, “Has he been bothering you?”
“Oh harmony, no!” Ironwall replied, “In fact, he’s become something of a mascot for our training sessions.”
“Well, what is it?”
“Celestia, it is no secret to me that your son has dreams of being one of us.” Ironwall answered in a serious tone, “I can see it in his eyes that a fire burns within his heart. It’s something I’ve seen many times before. That alone is admirable. Still, law prohibits him from enlisting until he’s seventeen or older. However, I have an idea but I want to know if you’re okay with it.”
“What are you proposing, Ironwall?” With a blink, Ironwall sighed. He mentally prepared himself for a potential argument, one he hoped to avoid.
“This may be considered... radical to you but the idea is a test for the young master to see if he has the strength, spirit, and constitution to make his dream a reality. To that end, I propose a simple sparring match between him and one of my best.”
Celestia was surprised to say the least. She had trusted Ironwall‘s judgment for the years he was in service to her. What he proposed to her gave her a feeling of unease, worrying about the potential harm her son would incur.
“Ironwall, I’ve always trusted your judgment for years,” said Celestia with an air of unease, “However, what you propose is… I don’t know. I’m not so sure about this. I’m not sure if it’s feasible.”
“I assure you that it is,” Ironwall reassured, “I’ve thought of the idea for weeks to make sure that every safety precaution is considered. Only training equipment will be used.”
“I know you mean well but I fear the thought of my colt being hurt. Is there someway else to go about this?”
Ironwall sighed as he gathered his thoughts. He understood the princess would worry. Despite it all, he knew what he planned would result in injury regardless. It was only when he wagered the risk that it would be outweighed by the potential reward. With a nod, he placed a hoof on Celestia.
“Celestia, my friend,” sighed Ironwall, “I understand your fears. It’s normal for a mother to be protective of their children. But sometimes, a parent must push them to succeed, even though it may hurt. It’s something I had to do with my children and they succeeded beyond my expectations. This is what’ll allow him to grow and prepare for life ahead.”
“What about Azure?” asked Celestia “What’ll he gain out of this?”
“To put it this way, it’ll be something more than a simple sport.” Ironwall explained “I also want to test him, to see if I can bring out the potential I suspect he has. If he’s victorious, I believe he’ll be a fine addition to our ranks.”
Celestia mentally paced around, weighing her and Ironwall’s thoughts. The more she considered it, her gut kept telling her ‘He’s right’. It was her charge as Azure’s adoptive mother to prepare him for the future and knew that she may have to accelerate it one day. Though it pained her to a degree, she eventually decided it would be for the best in the end.
“Before I agree to this, I want your promise that nothing permanent will happen to him.” said Celestia with a cautious tone.
“Rest assured, no permanent injuries will occur,” Ironwall answered, “Medics will be on standby and all safety measures will be in place. The victory conditions is if either fighter yields or is incapacitated.”
“Very well,” Celestia nervously agreed, “Tomorrow, we’ll carry out the sparring session. But, if I may ask, who will my son be fighting?”
“That will be Lieutenant Shining Armor. I figured this will be the last task before his promotion. He’s already been made aware and he’s on board with it.”
“I see,” hummed Celestia, “Alright, I’ll go tell Azure about it before his bedtime. Hopefully, that’ll blunt some of the possible stress.”
“Probably for the best,” Ironwall agreed as they got up and began walking again, “I hope to see him do well tomorrow. Also, I have a question.”
“Oh. What would that be?”
“I’ve heard rumors that your niece and Shining Armor are, umm… together. Is that true?”
Later that night, Azure was escorted to bed by his mother. After a day's worth of moving around and education, exhaustion had gripped him. Climbing onto the mattress, comfortable like a cloud, he let out a big yawn and stretched. Celestia smiled in return.
“Can’t wait for the parade, mother,” yawned Azure, “Though, crowds do make me a bit nervous.”
“I know you can’t. You love seeing the guards march around,” Celestia smiled as she brushed Azure’s mane with her wing, “You have big dreams, little one.”
“I know,” Azure smiled, “Maybe someday, I’ll be like Ironwall. I want to be a hero like him.”
“Maybe someday, you will. But no matter, you’ll play your part in the road ahead. I feel it.”
“Really, mother?”
“Yes. I’m sure of it.” As she saw her son’s smile, Celestia was reminded of Ironwall’s advice. She knew her son would feel a mix of emotions but knew a straightforward approach would be for the best, “My son, there’s something I must tell you.”
“What is it, mom?” asked Azure.
“Tomorrow, Ironwall wishes to test your strength,” Celestia sighed, “You’re going to fight one of the guards in a duel so he can see if you’re strong enough.”
He was at a loss for words. Along with his tongue, Azure’s heart and mind were tied in knots trying to comprehend what his mother told him. Before he knew it, cautious excitement filled the young colt’s being.
“Mom, I… oh wow!” Azure chuckled, “Are you serious?”
“My words are sincere, Azure,” Celestia nodded.
“OHMYGOSH!” Azure blurted out, “I can’t believe this is happening! So cool!”
“Indeed. But, this is a serious matter, not to be taken lightly,” Azure saw her mother frown, something he rarely saw. He usually took it as a sign of her being worried about something, “It’s a real training fight the guards do. It’ll hurt and there’s no holding back.”
Processing his mother’s caution, it was as if his excitement ground to a near instant halt. Briefly, he envisioned thoughts of a guard rushing and pummeling him to the ground. Every blow caused him to wince in pain. It felt real but it was all a figment of his fear-addled mind. As he felt another imaginary blow, he shook his head and recentered his mind.
“Mom, are you sure it’s safe?” asked Azure.
“Ironwall said you won’t get hurt bad. But, if you do well, I’m certain you won’t,” Still seeing him worry, Celestia brushed a wing across his head, “Dear, I know you feel afraid. Sometimes, to reach great heights, pain is a possibility. If you power through it, I know you’ll succeed. Remember these words: You’re stronger than you think. Pain is fear leaving you. Don’t give up. Keep fighting no matter what.”
“I-I am?” Azure worridley asked.
“Yes,” Celestia nodded, “Remember those words, my son, and you may succeed. But worrying about it will now do you no good,” She got up and made her way to the door, “Get some sleep. Tomorrow, with a well-rested mind, you’ll be ready. Good night, Azure.”
As the door closed, Azure’s mind hardly felt at ease. So many thoughts and worries, he had a hard time closing his eyes. The anxiety made him toss and turn. Eventually, he had to close his eyes and focus on getting sleep. There was much he had to do tomorrow and it’ll test his body, mind, and spirit. What if he won? What if he didn’t? For now, Azure didn’t want to dwell on those questions.
“Will I… be good enough?”