Memoirs of A Guard

by TheWingman

Entries 47 - 56

Well, talk about my first, well… weird thing that I had to deal with while on the job. This time, it wasn’t like something I had to get physical for. No, it was more of an investigation of what the hay had happened and why. It wasn’t every day that the RG gets summoned to handle something that would be normally delegated to the investigative constabulary. Nonetheless, it was one skillset to add to my repertoire.

Yesterday, we arrived in Ponyville to find that it had been left somewhat of a mess but nothing major or permanent. We started to question the witnesses, including Twilight Sparkle, and apparently… the two local town clowns, Snips and his friend Snails, lured an Ursa Minor to the town for some street magician to fight it. I believe her name was Trixie Lulamoon, and her parents were show ponies from Las Pegasus.

Now, for starters, and do pardon my language, but that was the stupidest damned thing to do. For my mother’s sake, others could’ve gotten hurt or worse because of this. Since they’re relatively young, perhaps either a day in a cell or a week’s grounding by their parents (longer if they choose) could remedy this. Also, mental note, request to find Trixie and question her to determine if she had a hoof in this, more so than we currently believe.

It was one of those slow days where a whole lotta nothing happened, apart from breaking up a few street scuffles. Shining Armor invited me to The Iron Pot, some eatery down on Rockhoof Lane. It was a small but very atmospheric place where the ponies that run it were very welcoming. Also, let me tell you that the food is to die for. Where has that place been all my life? I would’ve taken Aqua there on his birthday last month.

Well, I was quite surprised to see that his marefriend, my cousin, Cadence, was there with him. Gotta say that her hugs are notoriously snug and she is quite strong. We all ate, shared some stories, and shared quite a few laughs. What did catch me off guard was when Shining, without warning, got on one hoof and proposed to her. My cousin’s reaction was priceless as she said ‘yes’ over and over.

I could understand why they actually brought me there. They wanted a witness and they felt that they trusted me enough. I… am actually quite honored. Sometimes, I wondered what could’ve been if Marigold Radiance hadn’t moved and we were still a thing. Sometimes, I wish that she could’ve convinced her parents to stay. But, I can't change the past, no matter how bad I want it. Gonna have to get used to calling Shining my cousin real quick.

Though I’m not the squad leader, I treat every member as if they were a member of my own family. We care for and watch after our own, no matter what it may be. It doesn’t matter who they are and what walk of life they came from. I’ll be willing to fight for and die for them if it comes down to that. When one of them has a problem, I try my best to be an ear for them to listen if they want it.

Today, during a break in our patrols, I saw Aqua Breeze eating by themself and they looked kinda upset. When I approached them, they sighed before we chatted for a bit. Friday is the anniversary of our first day in boot but they told me that today was sore for them in particular. From what he told me, he enlisted to get away from his abusive father.

Aqua told me stories of how their mother left them for a reason they didn’t say. During their senior year in high school, Aqua came out to their father and the results were less than pleasant. It was already bad before but the reaction he got made Aqua flee for their life and stay with a friend. I guess that their friend’s friend was a guard and hearing his stories had given them the hope to escape from their father’s reach.

I never saw them cry like that, even as he explained that they were also questioning their identity. But, I said in no uncertain terms that they are family among us and no harsh judgments will be rendered. My guess was that why he was afraid to mention it to everypony else was possibly revisiting the backlash their father showed when he kicked them out. If their father shows up, Redwell would have to restrain me.

When our group got back together when our shift started, I guess my chat with Aqua gave them the courage to come out to the rest of our squad. All Aqua got was nothing but support and that must’ve lifted their spirits some. We’re a family and we’ll always care for one another.

So, looks as though some of our other guards have gotten into a little bit of a tussle with a group of civilians. What had started out as a disagreement had soon escalated into shouting before blows were traded. I remember when we rushed to the scene to help diffuse the matter but by the time we got there, whew… it got ugly rather quickly. I swear that I’ve never seen something like that of such a scale.

It was a full-on street brawl of guards against rowdy street goons and thugs. More and more guards had shown up and we were soon pushed into the fray. I swear, there is something quite thrilling and exciting about a bare-hoof brawl but that’s just me not having been in a fight for a while. Yet, I had to keep myself restrained because… I didn’t want to piss off my mom.

We did eventually quell the brawl and those who started it were arrested, even somepony I knew from basic. I knew Parsley Zing had a bit of a temper issue so he would’ve been the one to throw the first punch. Well, we all had our fill of adrenaline and excitement. Holiday was all giddy and Aqua earned a shiner. Yet, they were as ecstatic as the rest of us. In another life, I could’ve been a boxer. Well, we have to bring Parsley in for a court-martial. It was the last straw.

Another year, another Nightmare Night where adults and children go from block to block for sweets. I remember having fun dressing up as the legendary Flash Magnus several years ago. Heck, my friends all dressed as the rest of the Pillars as we went around and later had a small party with my mother’s supervision. I’ll never forget that party and it was when Marigold gave me my first kiss.

Well, me being a full-grown stallion with a new set of friends, things have changed. Since there were enough guards out on patrol tonight, we were given the night off. The whole group and I decided to hit a nearby pub and join the party happening there. Even Holiday brought her wife, Lofty, and Aqua brought their significant other. Booze, party food, and lots of good music, there was literally not a single dull moment.

Also, we were treated to another of Aqua’s displays of their sharpshooter skills. There was a dartboard and they made a bet with some other ponies for the most points possible. Even while drunk, Aqua was able to school them with their skills and I would say that about 80% of the time or even more, they got the bullseye. When we left, Aqua had pocketed a nice sum of bits. They have sharp eyes that could rival even the most seasoned of veterans.

If there is one thing that I’m split on with participating as per my royal duties, it would be the occasional banquets my mom would throw. I’m very much a social pony and would be willing to engage anypony in a conversation so don’t get me wrong on that. There are sometimes where the pony I’m chatting with is such an insufferable jackass that it’s hard for me to resist throwing something at them.

Take for example, the Duke of Trottingham, Keppler, who while I always saw him as an effective leader, is a real piece of work. The same goes for his son, Blueblood. He always seemed to sneer at guards, always thinking of them as sacks of meat and with me, it was even worse. He even made the implication, though subtly worded, that I was undeserving of Celestia being my mother and that I was still a mudblood.

If it wasn’t for the fact that my mother, cousin, and CO were all near me, I would’ve thrown my glass of wine at him. Come to think of it, it would’ve also validated his view of me. So, I roasted him by, in a politely subtle way, calling him a snobbish asshole who thinks so little of those who would protect him. He was speechless and I could tell that my mother was trying not to laugh. When my mother laughs at the roasting of some noble, you know that said noble is not well-liked.

Snow is falling and the weather is starting to remind me of the tales my mother told me about the windigos. Yet, I find that there’s something peaceful with the snowfall. At night, when everything is blanketed in snow, there’s a strangely calming aura that I can’t put words to. Thank goodness for our winter armor keeping us warm because I wouldn’t’ve tolerated it for long. The excitement for Hearth’s Warming is exciting to say the least.

For me, this season is one that’s important to me, considering where I came from. Every year, I put together some of my personal funds to give the foals of the orphanage a good Hearth’s Warming. Food, toys, stuff to keep them warm, I would pay for it but even then, I feel that it wasn’t doing enough. Then, as I was having dinner with my squad, we all came up with an idea for a drive.

Essentially, we spread the word to as many guards as we could to donate as much as they’re able. I would still chip in my usual amount, of course, and organize the whole thing as best as I could. Ponies would think that it’s odd for royalty to request funding for something of this sort but my sole purpose is to help give those without families the best Hearth’s Warming. They deserve something to be happy about.

No pony, I repeat, NO PONY messes with me or my friends, even if they’re family of said friends. We were walking down to celebrate with the rest of the regiment when we heard a stallion screaming at us. He turned out to be Aqua’s father, Gravel and he was as bad as they say. He got right into their face as they met in the middle of the street, screaming all manner of curses and anger.

Aqua addressed their grievances to him but it didn’t budge him an inch. In fact, all it did was made Gravel even angrier and he brought out a belt. The beating he gave Aqua made me angry but they told me to not interfere. I had no way of knowing what was going on through their mind but it was safe to say that Aqua had had enough. All the torment from their father had reached the limit.

In mid swing, Aqua grabbed the belt and ripped it out of their father’s hoof. Pushing him to the ground, what followed was several minutes of Aqua beating the living daylights out of Gravel with said belt. It was like returning all the abuse back at him and it scared his father. But, we had to break it up before they killed him. I never saw all their anger flood forth like that but I can understand where they come from.

After we had a nearby patrol cart Gravel away, we saw Aqua just sitting by themself a sobbing mess. Without even a faint whisper, we gave them a big group hug tand that seemed to lift their spirits. I honestly hope Aqua has a good Hearth’s Warming because they need it. The whole squad has a present that they’ll never forget.

Hearth’s Warming, what more can I say for a day where family takes priority other than it makes me realize how much I cherish those close to me. My mother, friends, and my team, I would do anything for them. Nothing is too big for me to do when it comes to them, even if I break my bones in the process. Today, the squad and I got Aqua a Hearth’s Warming gift that they’ll never forget.

We had a party at Holiday’s residence and she and Lofty sure know how to make an amazing feast. After several hours of partying and sharing stories, the time came to exchange gifts. At first, we had no idea if this would work but when we talked to her, she agreed to it. She eventually arrived and Aqua was face to face with someone they hadn’t seen in years: their mother, Ginger Crisp.

Everypony deserves a good Hearth’s Warming, especially those with nopony else to celebrate it with. The fallout between their mother and father after the latter’s infidelity must’ve been heartbreaking for them. But, it’s a day to mend broken hearts and be ready to start the next year on a fresh slate. Everypony deserves a family and I know that all too well.

As much as I’d want to hang out with my friends, there was another New Year’s banquet to be had with royalty. Yet, it turned out to be okay and I didn’t even need to think about wanting to hit somepony. Cinch was improving since the incident has regained her confident stride and my mother is in her usual cheery tune. The two lovebirds that I’m familiar with were there as well and it was a cute sight.

My aunt brought yet another beautiful starry night and if I wish I could hold one of those stars in my hooves. Soon, they were all eclipsed by the display of fireworks, illuminating the sky with a glow of bright colors. They looked like little stars falling to earth then disappearing into the night. One day, I see us venturing out into the stars, just to see what else is out there and what other worlds there may be.

Even now, as alcohol courses through me, I look to the ball in front of the largest tower. Any moment now, it’ll begin to drop and the next year will begin in earnest. There was much I wanted to do this year but couldn’t. Guess I’ll make up for all that starting tomorrow. Must make an actual note instead of a mental one as I feel that my alcohol-buzzed head will be hard-pressed to remember anything.