//------------------------------// // Chapter 13 // Story: Alex's Care Taker // by SparkStone //------------------------------// Pressing Celestia’s eyes slowly open to see Alex still in bed with her. She smiles warmly, delighted to know this is no dream. Regretfully, she carefully moves away from her lover’s arms and begins the day by having the sun rise. When the glow reaches her bedroom, Alex’s eyes slowly begin to open. “Good morning,” he greets. Celestia leans to him with a kiss on his forehead. “Good morning to you as well!” Alex leans up and stretches from his bed. “You seem awfully happy.” “With yesterday having my return seeing my precious sister, my faithful student, and a surprise visit from you? How could I not be happy about a new day, nay, a new chapter of life from here on?” “You sound like a theatre actress,” Alex joked. “Do you think if I wasn’t a princess, I could be an actress?” “That depends if you can act.” “Well, I don’t mean to open closed wounds, but I did manage to keep my origins a secret when we first met.” “True, true,” Alex admitted. “Do you wish you could pretend to be someone else right now?” “I want to pretend I wasn’t a Princess so I could get away from the royal duties and just spend my time with you,” she said so forwardly as she nuzzled Alex by the tip of his nose. Alex blushed and could barely maintain his relaxed facade. “You’re almost convincing me to help you ditch your work.” “Oh? Should I try and be more… persuasive?” Celestia’s eyes meet Alex’s as she leans closer to him. Just before she could sneak in a kiss, Pinkie Pie suddenly appeared between them and said, “GOOD MORNING!!” Alex yelped and fell back onto the bed while Celestia stepped back, hitting her bum to the wall. Pinkie looked at the two and said, “Oops! Sorry! Were things getting hot in here? Get it? Like the sun?” “Ah, yes… Very funny,” Celestia smiled at her joke. “What brings you here so early, Pinkie Pie?” “We were just about to have breakfast!” she explained. “I was also kind of hoping if Alex wants to cook with me in the kitchen?” “That sounds entertaining,” Alex told her. “Is there anything you want, Celestia?” “Hmmm… I’m in the mood for pancakes,” Celestia hummed. “And some muffins, cakes, and...” “Oh! And cookies, cupcakes, pies-” Pinkie began to list more and more as her mouth drooled at the long list she had provided from her sugar craving mind. “PINKIE PIE!” Twilight scolded, entering the room and tugging her tail to have her escape her dessert filled fantasies. “What are you doing!? You should know better than to go into some pony’s private room!” “We don’t mind, Twilight,” Celestia assured her. “Right Alex?” “I don’t mind. She only came here to invite us to make breakfast.” “No need to worry!” Twilight declared. “I have everything prepared for your morning!” “... Huh?” Alex, Celestia, Luna, Spike, and the rest of the girls were presented with a plate of what looked like disfigured waffles, a ballooned omelette that deflates when poked, and an orange-colored quiche. Twilight’s friends weren’t sure of what was going on as the quality of the food, some that seemed to have moved for a moment, weren’t necessarily up to castle standards. “Uh… who made this?” Rainbow questioned. “I did!” Twilight told her. “She uh… woke up early to cook for everyone,” Spike informed everyone. “Don’t worry, the kitchen is fine. I mean, it’s going to need a cleaning team, but it’s fine.” “Well, we should dig in,” Alex told everyone as he picked up his fork and plunged it into the omelette which then began to leak something dark blue. “Uh… those are blueberries,” Spike guessed, trying to remember what Twilight was attempting to conjure that early morning. “WAIT,” Luna said, alarming everyone at the table. “Let… me try it first...” Alex remained still as Luna inspected her food at all angles. She then scooped some of the omelette with her fork and ate it. Nodding, she moved to the quiche and tested it as well. It too was safe and also tasted quite good. Lastly, she attempted the waffles. She attempted, as the waffles refused to be punctured by her fork. She had to chip away at the surface until it finally went through. Biting into the surface was slightly easier, though the texture ruined what would have been a pretty decent taste. “I would… refrain from the waffles...” she coughed. “But you displayed your culinary skills quite well, Twilight Sparkle.” Alex tasted the quiche and was satisfied from what he ate. “Yeah, it’s good! Thank you for your hard work, Twilight.” Twilight’s eyes sparkled at their praise while Spike wiped away the beads of sweat that trickled from the possibility of the violet unicorn having a panic attack. “I’m glad you enjoy it!” She said as she tried to poke her fork through the waffles, but failed due to the hard surface. Everyone had breakfast together, now confident that the food wouldn’t do any harm. They began to discuss the upcoming plans after traveling this far. “Well, I was thinking that it may be time to head back to Ponyville,” Rarity stated. Twilight looked at her friend with a shocked look. “I hate to be a party pooper, but Mr. and Mr. Cake might want me back soon,” Pinkie added. “Oh, I see,” Alex nodded. “It’s a bit sad, but I have enjoyed traveling with all of you.” “Wait, shouldn’t we stick around to help Alex get adjusted here?” Twilight wondered. “What’s there to get used to?” Rainbow questioned. “I mean, before it made sense. He was meeting his friends from across Equestria. But now that he’s here in Canterlot, Alex has the Princesses to back him up in case anything happens.” “But… But what about the temple that has something to do with Alex’s world and ours?!” Twilight recalled. “I already have plans to send an expedition team to investigate it further,” Celestia assured her student. “When they find something, they will inform us about it.” “Twilight, are you okay?” Fluttershy asked, concerned. “You look very worried.” “Eh… I’m just thinking about Alex!” she stated. “Alex is… well, very important! I mean, he’s always been important, but now that he’s here in Canterlot, he might want some extra help! To… get used to Canterlot!” Twilight was on the verge of rambling on excuses for her decisions and behaviors. “You know, to be honest, I think I wanna stay and check on Alex too.” Applejack looked at Alex and said, “I’m real happy that you and Celestia found each other. But Canterlot isn’t the safest place in Equestria either. No offense or anything, but even if there’s a lot of guards here, this place is the big target from a lot of bad folk we had to fight off.” Luna’s expression grimaced, recalling the past assaults on the castle from those villains, especially the changeling army. Alex looked to Celestia who took on what Applejack said into consideration. “Well, we have been improving our security the best we could. But I think I would also like to give Alex a personal bodyguard in addition to him staying here.” “But it can’t just be anypony!” Twilight declared. “They have to be some pony we can trust! And some pony who’s capable!” “I do know a few ponies among your guards,” Alex mentions. “They can’t just be friends, they also must be able to protect you!” “Whoa, okay Twi, calm down,” Spike warns her. “I do agree with Twilight,” Luna stated. “I recommend we try some pony among the elites.” “And we’ll select who can take on the task!” “Okay, time to cool down, Twi.” Rainbow told her. “But you know, I guess I wouldn’t mind sticking around a bit longer for that at least.” “Yeah! This sounds fun!” Pinkie stated. “Well, with that being said, let’s spend today to select some pony,” Luna said, changing the royal court plans. After Celestia and Luna rounded up their candidates from the elite amongst their army as potential bodyguards, Twilight and her friends reviewed them each. They had a room or space to themselves to go through the interview properly. Fluttershy was out in the garden where the animals frolicked where she talked with one of the elite guards. “Thank you for taking the time to interview me,” He saluted to the nervous pegasus. “Oh! It’s no problem!” she assured him. “My friend Twilight just wanted to make sure that Alex can be properly protected.” “I have a record of my work I’ve dedicated to the princess so far here on this,” he said as he passed the sheet to Fluttershy. The shy pegasus read through the paper and understood his feats were consistent and commendable for his unending discipline. “Oh! This is very well put together!” she said to him. “You’ve been working at the castle for a long time too...” “My family have served the princesses as knights as far back as a century. Or so I’m told. I too have decided to dedicate my life to that honor.” “I’m sure your family must be proud! And you definitely look like a good match for watching over Alex. I’ll just-” Fluttershy was interrupted when a few bunnies came from the garden to get a closer look at Fluttershy. They looked up to the pegasus who was already loving their presence. “Oh! The bunnies must be looking for food! I suppose ponies usually come around to feed them especially now. Aren’t they just the cutest?” “I’m not particularly fond of animals...” the elite guard told her. Fluttershy paused and looked back at the elite guard with a blank stare. The pegasus candidates were flying as fast as they could muster, doing their best to show their abilities to Rainbow and Applejack. While the country mare was at first unsure of the idea, she was glad once they were put into action. Rainbow clicked her tongue, giving a negative vibe to the candidates. “Like, you guys were great! Real great and all, but I’m gonna need you guys to be five percent faster than that.” “May we take a break?” one of the tired pegasus asked. “Sorry, but the reason you need to be able to pull it off is so you can be there in time in case Alex gets into trouble.” Applejack reminded them. “If you’re tired from that, then it’s not gonna work out.” The stallions, while frustrated at the results, nodded in understanding and went back to the barracks to recuperate and go on standby. As they left, they bowed to Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Alex who were approaching the two elements. Alex bowed gratefully to the ponies who participated in the exercise, appreciating their service. By the time the ponies left, the three reviewed the results. “I see that most of the candidates weren’t able to meet your preferences?” Princess Luna inquired seeing how no pony was on the field. “Yeah, none of them were cool enough to keep up,” Rainbow shrugged. “They weren’t quite up to it,” Applejack said clearly, not wanting Rainbow’s comment to make them seem unprofessional. “You aren’t pushing them too hard, are you?” Alex asked, concerned about their methods. “They looked quite capable.” “I understand where you’re coming from Alex, but this is some serious stuff here,” Applejack told him. “Equestria’s not all sunshine, and when bad things happen, they can be real bad.” “I admit, I wouldn’t usually push my little ponies too far,” Celestia says to Alex. “But what Applejack says is true, and the only thing we can do to make sure it doesn’t become dire is to have the right guard to do it.” Her reasoning and concerns were valid, that much Alex could tell. His conscience was nagging at him when he placed himself in the hooves of the candidates. He wonders what they were told to do and what it was for. Knowing that the three mares were still inquiring over the other candidates, he decided to investigate. “Celestia, if you don’t mind, I want to check on the others.” “Alright,  shall we go then?” Celestia responded with a motherly tone. Alex shook his head. “I think you and Luna should check on Pinkie and Rarity. I want to check on Twilight on my own.” “Is something worrying you?” Luna wondered. “Perhaps I’m a bit worried that the candidates are being pushed too hard,” Alex explained. “But I also want to make sure that they aren’t tasked to do anything unreasonable.” “I see,” Celestia nodded. The princess turned to Applejack and Rainbow and said, “If you’re finished inquiring with the guards, can you go with Alex to see Twilight?” “Of course!” Applejack assured her. The country mare walked by Alex and tapped his arm. “Come on then, partner. Twilight ain’t too far a walk away.” As Alex, Applejack, and Rainbow went to the violet alicorn, Celestia and Luna left to check on Pinkie and Rarity. “Do you think the elements are being too harsh?” Luna wondered. “I want to trust in Twilight and her friends,” Celestia stated. “By checking on them, we can affirm that trust knowing they’re taking all of this seriously.” When they arrived at the room where Rarity was, they saw all of the guards dressed in various clothing. Despite their eccentric style, none of them seemed happy as they left the room with a glum expression. Rarity was looking at another guard wearing a vest and fedora, analyzing his pose, his expression, and his stillness. “Mmm...” Rarity hummed as she eyed closely at the shaking stallion. She reels herself back and sighed. “I’m sorry, but you simply don’t have the… confidence you need. When you’re standing by his side, you must look as presentable as he does! He will constantly be wearing clothes after all. Clothes made by moi, so you must be as confident in your attire when standing beside him!” “Perhaps Alex had a point...” Celestia sighed as Luna nodded in agreement. The three arrive where Twilight was checking on the candidates. Rainbow reaches to push them open, but Alex stops her. He instead pushes the door open quietly and peeked his head out to see Twilight standing in front of the several rows of guards sitting in their own desks. The scene was like a teacher watching over students taking a test. When Twilight checked her pocket watch, she announced to the guards, “Time’s up!” The candidates flinched and quickly lined up to present their test results. Twilight carefully looked through the test results. When she finished, Twilight’s frown was shown and she apologized to the candidate of that test before sending them back. Copper Shield, a friend of Alex, was up next and was told this in response after Twilight reviewed his answers. “I’m sorry sir, but this isn’t enough to meet the requirements,” Twilight told him. “I-I see...” He said, sweating at her words. “P-Perhaps I can try again next time?” “Well, if the position is still open, you’re more than welcome too!” Twilight told him. Copper sighed when he thought that he missed this opportunity. As he wallows towards the exit, he sees Alex before him. “A-Alex!” He said aloud, alerting Twilight of his presence. “I-I tried my best so I could maybe protect you this time, but I… I guess I wasn’t cut out for it...” Copper stammers nervously, drowning in embarrassment of not only failing a test but having Alex find out about it like it was revealing a bad report card to their parents. But Copper’s mane was gently brushed by Alex’s hand, the human smiling and assuring him that he did well. “It’s okay Copper. I’m proud of how far you made it. This test doesn’t mean anything.” Copper Shield looked to Alex and wiped his eyes before his friend could see any tears. Alex looked to Rainbow and requested her to have the guards leave the room so he can talk to Twilight. After the room was emptied, only Alex, Applejack, and Twilight remained. “Ummm… I didn’t know you were here,” Twilight commented. Applejack picked up one of the tests and read the contents. “Whoa nelly, I don’t even know how to say some of these words.” Alex gave a weary sigh and asked, “Twilight, why would you give them such a difficult challenge?” “Alex, you never know if this kind of knowledge will get you out of trouble!” Twilight explains. “You never know if Starswirl’s magic theory can have your bodyguard construct a clever spell to save you when you need it!” “But most of the candidates here were pegasus and Earth ponies!” “Ah, but they can counter a villain using Starswirl’s magic theory!” Twilight rebuttals, making Alex slap his face. The human lowers himself to meet the eye level of the violet alicorn. “Twilight, I really appreciate what you want for me. But I don’t want you all to overwhelm everyone with these challenges. I don’t want them to believe that I’m some sort of important entity that needs to be provided for at all times.” “But you are important, Alex!” Twilight reminds him. “You’re Princess Celestia’s special… human! You’re practically the prince!” Applejack rolls her eyes and says to Alex, “Look, I don’t know about prince, but you do need some pony to watch over you.” “But you don’t think you’re taking things too far?” Alex questions. “I really do appreciate everything you’ve done for me, but I don’t want you to be careless of how you treat others.” Twilight was about to respond, but thought about what she was doing some more. Fighting with the person she wants to protect isn’t going to help either of them. She wants to assure Alex and decides to at least comfort him in her decisions. “You have a point, Alex,” Twilight admitted. “I’ll hold off a bit more, but we only need to find at least one pony whose skills we can rely on.” Alex was somewhat satisfied, and agreed with her. “Alright. Maybe I’m overreacting since I don’t know much about the dangers here in Equestria. I just don’t want either of us to overstep our boundaries.” “Trust me Alex, once we find some pony who is strong, fast, and quite knowledgeable, we’ll all be set!” “I still don’t see why we would need to have someone like that,” Alex stated. Somewhere far away, heavily armored guards were running around searching for someone. The looming stone walls surrounding the internment facility were using the search lights stretching across the area. Panicked voices demanding to know the location of their prisoner as the occasional information floats over, usually falling under the lines of “She’s not here”. It wasn't long until they finally found something in the wall. The wall was twisted and unnatural like a mirage. When unicorns used their magic to dispel it, they found it to cover a rather large hole reaching outside of the prison. The pony in charge was shocked as he realized that they had failed to contain her. “Oh Celestia… The Crimson Rebel escaped...” He muttered in his shaky voice.