My Little Pony Friendship is Magic What If?: Volume 15

by SuperPinkBrony12


S8 E22: Love is Neigh (What Lies Beneath) (What If?)

Shining Armor and Princess Cadence always looked forward to the increasingly rare opportunities when they could come to Ponyville, both to visit Twilight (who was on track to become Equestria's new ruler, though an exact date for the inevitable coronation hadn't been announced yet) and to get away from the stresses of ruling an entire empire.

Of course, being royalty meant that they couldn't exactly travel unannounced. It was required that they come to Ponyville in their own train with their own royal guard unit for protection. And on this occassion, the crystal couple were also traveling with their daughter: Flurry Heart. It was amazing to think how much time had passed. It seemed like only yesterday she'd been born, but now she had already spoken her first word and was slowly but surely getting the hang of trotting on her own four hooves.

Flurry, however, seemed more intent on using her wings and her horn. And was flying out of the embrace of her mother, excited about being on a train.

Cadence simply smiled, drapping a wing over her daughter and pulling her close. "Now Flurry, you promised to behave yourself. That means no flying off on your own."

Flurry Heart babbled, but appeared to understand what her mom was saying as she slowly settled into the elder alicorn's lap.

"You sure it was a good idea to bring her with us this time?" Shining Armor asked his wife as he looked up from the newspaper he'd been reading. "We have Sunburst for a reason, you know."

The princess of love just replied. "Sunburst deserves a break. Flurry Heart is our responsibility first and foremost, especially now that she's getting so big," She fondly sighed. "Pretty soon, she'll be old enough to leave her diapers."

Shining giggled. "Something tells me Flurry Heart won't make it easy for us. Celestia knows, Twily's potty training years were an experience I'll never forget. I just hope Flurry doesn't take after her favorite auntie too much in that regard," And that got him to thinking. "Speaking of Twilight, what do you think's going to happen to that school of friendship she built? I don't see how she's supposed to run it and rule Equestria at the same time."

Cadence smiled back. "Knowing Twilight, I'm sure she's already thought of a solution. And knowing how gifted and talented the students at that school are, I'm sure they'll adapt to whatever changes come their way."

Shining Armor nodded. "Hard to believe they saved Equestria once already. And to think, when I was but a school colt, all my friends and I worried about was making the grade. That and playing Ogres & Oubliettes of course."

Princess Cadence nuzzled close to her husband while commenting. "That is, until you joined the royal guard and met me. I can still remember our first encounter like it was yesterday. But if you had told me then that we'd not only get married, but go on to have our own empire to rule over together, I'd have thought you were crazy."

The prince couldn't help but laugh. "Well, we've had our fair share of crazy adventures together. Not everypony can say their wedding was crashed by none other than an evil queen, or that the birth of their first child almost caused their empire to become a frozen wasteland," He fondly sighed. "Really, though, I'm hoping for a nice, relaxing visit with Twily. No big disasters, no last minute surprises, just peace and quiet."

As Shining spoke those words, he had no reason to suspect that he and his wife would be called upon to recount the story of their love before an audience. Or that for the crystal couple, this would be their first big exposure to all the ins and outs of Twilight's School of Friendship.

Ponyville soon came into view, and the train carrying the royal crystal family slowly came to a halt as it pulled into the station. After the royal guards departed first and conducted a quick but thorough inspection of the platform, Shining, Cadence and Flurry were all given permission to leave.

Waiting on the platform for the family was a very familiar looking alicorn mare with a light purple coat. There was no mistaking her, especially not with that pink skunk stripe in her mane and tail. It was Twilight Sparkle!

Twilight immediately threw open her wings and ran to give all three ponies a big hug! "Oh, I'm so glad you guys could make it!" She happily exclaimed!

Princess Cadence smiled and nodded. "We always have time for you, Twilight. That's never going to change no matter where life takes us," Then she and Twilight repeated the chant and dance they always did whenever they met each other. "Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!" And when it was done, the two alicorns giggled in delight (even though Flurry Heart had been watching the whole thing, and was embarrassed by it).

"So, what did you have in mind for us to do, Twily?" Shining Armor asked his sister. "Or would you rather let Cadence and I pick? Because I was thinking we could head over to that castle of yours and just relax. It's been a while since we had the ability to just stop and chat."

The princess of friendship adopted a sheepish blush upon her face as she tried hard not to look guilty. "Actually, I was kind of hoping you two could come to my school and, you know, give a lecture or something. It can be about anything you'd like, as long as it relates to the magic of friendship and the bond all creatures share with one another."

Shining looked across to his wife, and then to his daughter. "I don't know, Twily. Cadence and I don't really have anypony who could foalsit Flurry Heart on such short notice. I understand that Starlight is busy as your school's guidance counselor, and all of your friends are serving as teachers. Plus, I hear Flurry Heart didn't exactly play nice the last time she had other foals to play with."

But the princess of love protested. "We can certainly keep an eye on Flurry while we're helping Twilight at her school, Shining. We made sure to pack all of her supplies, just in case," She winked as she floated over an overstuffed saddlebag that was filled to the brim with foal supplies. "We'd be honored to come to your school as guest lectures, Twilight. I've already got the perfect story in mind to share with the young ones."

Twilight eagerly exclaimed! "Splendid!" Then she coughed into a hoof as she tried to play down her enthusiasm. "Er, I mean, that's great. Come along, then. My school isn't too far from here. You can't miss it." And she led the crystal couple and their charge away, with the royal guard following close behind for the sake of security.


After a short trot across town, Twilight led her brother and her sister-in-law (as well as her favorite and currently only niece) across a stone pathway that led to the front doors of her school. Once inside, she quickly led them through the school's many hallways, until at last she stopped outside one of the classrooms. "I'll just be a minute. You'll know when to come in." She told them, and trotted inside.

Shining Armor and Cadence waited patiently outside, Cadence taking the opportunity to pull out the foal pouch from the overstuffed saddlebag and strap it around her chest. Then she gently floated Flurry Heart into the pouch, making sure her daughter was secure and snug. "There we go, safe and sound," She cooed. "Now be a good little pony for Mommy and Daddy, Flurry. Or no dessert after dinner tonight."

Flurry babbled and winked in reply, appearing quite content.

Just then, the crystal couple overheard Twilight's voice calling out. "I now invite those guest lecturers to come and introduce themselves. Everycreature be on their best behavior."

The prince and princess held hooves as they trotted into Twilight's classroom together, soon taking notice of how big and spansive it was. All the students were seated on asiles in a roughly circular layout, and ponies of all different species and from all trots of life filled seats as far as the eye could see. Yet what truly commanded attention was an earth pony colt with a sandy yellow coat sitting in the front row, because he was surrounded by five other creatures: A blue feathered griffon, an orange scaled dragon, a grayish-green coated changeling, a pink coated hippogriff, and a brown furred yak.

It took a moment for Shining and Cadence to recall that these six students were the ones who had saved the school and all of Equestria. The ones Twilight specifically mentioned had been chosen by the Tree of Harmony to be the next generation to wield the Elements of Harmony. They even remembered the students' names, as Twilight had gone to great lengths to talk them up whenever she could.

"Everycreature," Twilight Sparkle cleared her throat as all eyes fell upon her. She gestured a hoof. "I'd like to introduce my big brother, best friend forever: Shining Armor, his wife: Princess Cadence, and their daughter: Flurry Heart. Please give them a warm welcome."

The entire classroom clapped. It kind of reminded the prince and princess of the crowds they had seen when their empire had been chosen to host the Equestria Games. Oh how long ago that seemed.

"So, what are they supposed to be lecturing us on?" Gallus bluntly questioned when the applause died down.

"Are we going to have to do an assignment or a report on their lecture?" Silverstream questioned with what sounded like equal parts excitement and concern.

"Is this all we're gonna do for class today?" Smolder inquired while briefly yawning.

Twilight grinned and giggled as she answered the questions one by one. "I'm leaving the lecture topic up to them. All my students are welcome to write a report on what they learned from it, and I'll count it as extra credit. And yes, I decided to do something different today. After all, I won't be your teacher or your headmare for much longer. So I want to make every class I get to spend with you all as memorable as possible," Then she turned to her brother and her sister-in-law, and told them in no uncertain terms. "Well, they're all yours."


Just like that, all eyes were on the crystal couple and on their daughter. Flurry, for her part, loved the attention she was getting. She bounced, wiggled and clapped her hooves while babbling and cooing happily. She hadn't seen this many creatures all together in one place since last Hearth's Warming, which she'd spent right here in Ponyville with her favorite aunt.

Princess Cadence was the first of the couple to speak up. "Greetings to you all, everycreature. Shining Armor, Flurry Heart and I are all very pleased to be here. And I hope you'll appreciate what we have to say today."

Yona stomped a hoof down. "Yona want to hear story! Lectures here to tell story, so tell story!"

"Yona," Sandbar shushed the yak as he not so subtly scooted next to her. "You gotta give them a moment. Remember how Headmare Twilight told us somecreatures fear public speaking?"

Ocellus spoke up. "I remember: She specifically mentioned how Professor Fluttershy used to have crippling stage fright, before she worked her way up to singing with the Ponytones," But then she nervously added. "I just hope this lecture isn't about the time they got attacked at their own wedding by Queen Chrysalis. It was because of that that we changelings were so feared for so long."

"Ooh, I hope it's the story about the time their empire almost got taken over by the Frozen North!" Silverstream excitedly chirped! "Because that's when they had their baby, and who doesn't love a baby?!"

Smolder rolled her eyes. "I do. They're way too noisy and way too smelly."

Gallus shrugged his claws. "Whatever, they say everycreature was a baby at some point. As long as I don't have to take notes or anything, I couldn't care less what these two wanna talk about," He leaned back and stretched. "Don't mind me if I happen to doze off. My grades are fine as they are, good enough to pass. I don't need extra credit."

Sandbar just replied. "Come on, everycreature! Just be quiet and let them speak! We promised Headmare Twilight we'd all be good, and we don't want to disappoint her," Then he told the crystal couple. "We're ready whenever you are."

Shining Armor looked across to his wife in uncertainty. But when his gaze met hers, he felt all his worries melt away like they always did whenever he looked at her the way he was looking at her now. And he summoned up the courage to clear his throat, attracting everyone's attention in the otherwise silent classroom. "Well, everycreature, have Cadence and I got a story for you. It's the story of how we met, and how we fell in love."

"Oh great, another one of those cheesy, mushy love stories!" Smolder gagged as she stuck out her tongue. "If you start singing a song, I am so out of here! If I wanted more of that, I'd... attend one of Ocellus' tea parties." A faint blush formed on her cheeks as she hoped no one noticed how softly she had deliver that last line.

"Aw, come on, Smolder!" Silverstream excitedly chirped! "These two fought off an evil queen at their own wedding! I'll bet the story of how they met and fell love is gonna be totally awesome!"

Shining smiled. "Well, it's certainly not as exciting as some of the other things that have happened to Cadence and I. But if it wasn't for what I'm about to tell you, we'd probably never have met in the first place. And I can't imagine where I'd be or who I'd be if I hadn't met Cadence."

Cadence teased and playfully ribbed. "Oh come on, you were already a big deal when you were in the royal guard. Not just anypony could get into them when he was still a colt. Me, on the other hoof, I barely even knew my way around Canterlot. Heck, I was still getting used to having a horn."

"Wait, pony princess not always have horn?" Yona questioned. "But wasn't pony princess born with wings and horn?"

The princess of love shook her head from side to side, and then explained. "No, Yona. Unlike my daughter, I wasn't born an alicorn. Flurry is the first alicorn to have ever been born naturally. Prior to her, alicorns could only come about if one accomplished a great, magical feat. I was born a pegasus, and it was only after I reversed a powerful love spell that I gained a horn and became an alicorn. After that, I met Princess Celestia, who took me in as her adopted niece."

"And then she brought you to Canterlot," Shining chimed in. "I still remember the day I met you. It's not every day that your life is completely changed in an instance." And he started flashing back to that particular day, the day when he had (unknowningly at the time, of course) met his future wife.


Shining Armor had indeed been just a colt when he'd been accepted into the royal guard. But his cutie mark depicting a shield pretty much signified that it was his calling in life to protect others no matter what. And he'd been all too eager to prove himself.

So it was the royal guard's youngest (and newest) recruit found himself standing at attention, clad in the bright yellow armor that all members of the royal guard were to wear at all times while on duty. He wasn't really guarding much of anything, he was just standing outside the barracks where the royal guards often hung out or where they would report to their captain.

In fact, there was word going around that the current captain of the guard was planning on retiring in the near future. Secretly, Shining found himself wishing. "I'd sure give my left hind hoof to be the next captain of the royal guard. My grandfather and my favorite uncle were both captain in their day. And they both said that mares love a stallion in armor."

"Hey, Cadet Shining Armor!" A familiar voice spoke up, snapping the colt out of his mental ponderings. It was a sturdy pegasus stallion with a coat a moderate tangelo in color and eyes the most brilliant shade of cyan. He had a light and moderate blue mane and tail styled almost like a mohawk, and his cutie mark depicted three spearheads. In fact, Spearhead was the pony's name.

"What is it, Spearhead, sir?" Shining asked as the sturdy stallion approached him.

Spearhead sharply rapped. "I know you were daydreaming just now! I saw it with my own eyes!"

The colt pouted. "It's not my fault there's nothing to do except stand around and keep a straight face," He complained. "That's all I've been doing since I was assigned guard duty. It's all the captain lets me do."

Spearhead replied. "Well sorry, rookie. But we all have to start somewhere," In a more sympathetic tone of voice he added. "It could be worse, you know. You could be stuck with mess hall duty, or latrine duty. Be thankful you actually get to guard something. You're young, you've got plenty of time to move up the ranks. But only if you attend to your job. Now stand up straight and keep your eyes focused straight ahead!"

So Shining Armor reluctantly obeyed, staring straight ahead even though there was nothing to see as far as the eye could see. Canterlot was always a peaceful city, he couldn't remember the last time anything had happened that had even come close to putting the princess' life in danger. It was times like this that made him envy the Wonderbolts, they had split off from the EUP and the protective pony platoons long ago to be performers first and foremost. At least they got to do fun things to pass the time.

Suddenly, the colt's moderate cerulean eyes spotted a sight he had never seen before! Princess Celestia was trotting past with a small, separate unit of the royal guard for company. But it was the pony trotting alongside the sun princess that caught Shining's attention.

It was an alicorn, no mistake about it: The wings and horn were a dead giveaway. But this alicorn was a candy pink in color, with eyes a beautiful and dazzling shade of light purple. Her mane and tail consisted of moderate violet and rose locks with light yellow streaks in the back of her head and tail. The locks were styled into adorable little buns, held up by beautiful blue bows. And her cutie mark commanded attention unto itself: It was a heart made of pure crystal, surrounded by golden yellow swirls.

Shining felt himself growing warm as his whole face turned red. That smaller alicorn beside Princess Celestia was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen! She was drop dead gorgeous! He had to know who she was, so he turned to Spearhead and asked him. "Hey, Spearhead, who's that pony beside Princess Celestia? Is she new here?"

Spearhead firmly nodded. "You bet she is. She's Princess Cadence. Apparently, Princess Celestia officially adopted her as her niece: Something about Cadence not having a family of her own anymore."

"What is she the princess of, exactly?" Shining Armor questioned as his blush grew brighter.

Spearhead shrugged his hooves. "Hay if I know. All I know is, Princess Celestia brought her here to Canterlot. And since then, Cadence has never left her majesty's side."

Shining fondly sighed. "Ah, Cadence. That's such a lovely name," He quickly turned towards Spearhead as he asked the stallion. "Uh, how do I look? Do I have something stuck in my teeth? You think there's enough time for me to run into the barracks for a quick shower and be back out before she passes by here?"

The sturdy pegasus stallion ribbed the colt in the side with a hoof. "Get a hold of yourself, Romeo! If you even think you have a chance with the new princess, think again! I'm sure she's already got dozens upon dozens of possible suitors all chasing after her, all of them far more important than you. What makes you think that you, the newest member of the royal guard, could possibly win her heart the way more important ponies couldn't?" He then rapped again. "Now come on, focus! She's coming right this way, and so is Princess Celestia! I'll not have you making us look bad in front of her majesty!"

But it was Princess Cadence who attracted Shining Armor's attention. Princess Cadence was all he could think about as the sun princess and her niece trotted by. "And this is the barracks, where my royal guards can usually be found when they're not on duty," Princess Celestia explained to the candy colored alicorn. "Oh! And what luck, it seems their newest recruit is here. I think you'll very much like him, he's not much older than you are now. And he has a little sister too."

"You want me to be a foalsitter, Auntie Celestia?" Princess Cadence asked as she looked up at the taller and older alicorn. "I... I don't know. This is all so much to take in."

Princess Celestia nodded, drapping a wing over her adopted niece. "I know it is, Cadence. But that's why you have me. You are a princess now. And a princess must get to know her subjects, and make a good impression on the public. You project love and warmth, which makes you ideal for foalsitting duty."

Just then, Shining Armor plucked up courage and broke from protocol to wave a hoof at the candy colored alicorn as she passed by. Imagine his surprise when Princess Cadence not only noticed the wave, but actually waved back to him for all of a second or two.

Celestia seemed to grin ever so faintly at the display, before lightly poking at her niece and telling her. "Come on, Cadence. If there's time after the tour, you can come back here and chat with the royal guards as much as you like. After all, you'll have to get used to them accompanying you on occasion. Royalty cannot always trot about unprotected." And she led her fellow alicorn away ever so slowly. Her tone of voice the whole time sounded more like a teasing parent than the ruler of the land.

Even so, Shining was surprised when Cadence briefly looked to him and said. "It was nice to meet you, whoever you are. I hope we'll see each other more often." Then she trotted along to join her adopted aunt, and the two alicorns soon disappeared from sight.


Shining Armor could hardly believe what had just happened! He had actually been greeted by the newest alicorn, by the adopted niece of Princess Celestia no less! And to think, he was just a lowly recruit within the royal guard, currently wasting his time standing around outside the barracks.

"Did you see that, Spearhead?!" Shining exclaimed as he had to struggle to keep standing still! "She actually talked to me! She acknowledged me, me!" And he boasted! "And you thought I didn't have a chance with her! Shows what you know!"

Spearhead could only groan in annoyance. "Geez, kid, calm down! It's not like she kissed you or anything. She talks to lots of ponies. I'm sure she'll be talking to all of us royal guards eventually. I wouldn't be surprised if she's already spoken to our captain."

It was then that Shining got an idea in his head! An idea about how he might be able to see that beautiful alicorn more often! "Princess Celestia said she'll need royal guards to go with her to places, didn't she?"

"Not all the time, but yes," Spearhead admitted, before realizing what the colt in front of him was proposing. "Oh no, don't you get any ideas, mister! Princess Celestia will never go for some newbie like you. She's bound to want only the best the royal guard has to offer to protect her newly adopted niece. Besides, it's up to the captain and her majesty herself to decide who should have the honor. I wouldn't get my hopes up if I were you. Your chances are pretty slim of ever getting picked."

The unicorn colt just grinned. "You're forgetting that I'm the older brother of the princess' student. Heck, I owe my cutie mark to my little sister, to protecting her from some bullies. So I know a thing or two about keeping important ponies safe. I'll get an audience with Princess Celestia herself. I'll make my case. Then she'll have to pick me."

The sturdy pegasus stallion groaned anew. "Kid, you're seriously going to go through with that crazy plan of yours?" He wasn't surprised to receive a confirming nod in reply. He put a hoof to his face. "You're just going to embarass yourself, you know that? You just met the princess' niece not even ten minutes ago, and already you're trying to become her personal royal guard escort. But I suppose if you're determined to go through with it, there's nothing I or any of the other guards can do to stop you."

"Exactly!" Shining Armor proudly declared, then firmly vowed as his eyes twinkled like stars! "I felt something with Princess Cadence I've never felt before! It was like a spark, like something was telling me we're meant to be! And I have to follow that spark wherever it leads me. I don't care if I make a fool of myself in the process!"

Spearhead could only bring himself to say in reply. "Well, best of luck to you, then. You're certainly gonna need it, kid," Then he turned, sighed and shook his head as he quietly lamented. "Kids these days."


Shining Armor wasted no time in following that "spark" he had felt! As soon as his shift was over and he was dismissed for the day, he ran through the streets of Canterlot! He was a stallion on a mission! Nothing and nopony was going to keep him from it!

The more he thought about her, the more Shining found himself being drawn to Princess Cadence. The way she carried herself in uncertainty, those beautiful buns she'd styled her mane and tail into, the colors of her mane and tail, even the way she spoke in such a shy but sweet sounding tone. So who cared if she was royalty and he was not? Why should that get between them?

Upon reaching the castle, the colt's resolved was hardened and his mission clear in his mind. Still, he took a moment to compose himself. He wanted to look his best for Princess Celestia. After all, his family owed a lot to her when the sun princess had agreed to make Twilight her personal student. Shining only briefly recalled the one before, and had heard that that student had run away to another world, or so they said.

The colt with a snow white coat reached up a hoof to adjust his shaggy, three toned blue mane of his. He couldn't be one hundred percent sure of how he looked, but the unicorn hoped he was at least presentable to the princess. It'd hard for her to take him seriously if he looked like he'd been to Tartarus and back since she'd seen him last. To say nothing of what Cadence might think of him if she saw him like that.

Steadying himself and mustering up what courage he could on short notice, Shining trotted into the throne room. Sure enough, he found Princess Celestia sitting upon her throne and waiting for him.

The alicorn rose at once, setting aside the scrolls she had apparently been reading over. Shining hoped he hadn't interrupted her in the middle of something important.

Clearing his throat, Shining Armor bowed his head and introduced himself. "Um, hello, your majesty. It's me, Shining Armor. The newest member of your royal guard."

The sun princess flashed a warm smile. "Yes, of course, I've heard all about you from your sister. She tells me that being in the royal guard is a dream come true for you."

"Oh it is, it is!" Shining willingly confessed. "I'm honored to protect and serve you, princess." And he gave a salute to demonstrate his commitment.

Princess Celestia seemed to be struggling not to chuckle. It was almost like she was a mom, finding the display from the colt adorable and amusing. "What... business brings you here, young Shining Armor?" She questioned him in a gentle tone.

The unicorn colt swallowed hard. This was it, all or nothing! He immediately blurted out! "I want to be part of the royal guards protecting Princess Cadence!" Upon seeing that his words sounded more forceful than he intended, he recovered and said with a blush. "Uh, if that's okay with you, your majesty?"

Celestia paused and placed a hoof to her chin, appearing to be deep in thought. "Well, I'm not sure. You haven't been serving with my guards for very long. If my memory serves me correctly, today was the first time I saw you actually guarding something. You've never even had a chance to serve in the unit that accompanies and protects me."

"Please, princess?!" Shining Armor pleaded as he got down on his back hooves, raising his front hooves up as he shot the best pair of pleading puppy dog eyes he could muster up. "I promise I'll be extra careful with your niece. I'll make sure she's as safe as a baby. And wouldn't it be nice if Cadence had somepony around her age to talk to? Somepony to keep her company on long walks and make sure she knows how to find her way around Canterlot?"

Celestia seemed to be able to resist the puppy dog eyes look pretty well, probably due to having been exposed to it more times than she could remember. "Well, that would be up to Cadence's discretion and not mine. But all the same, you do make a good point. Cadence really does need to be around more ponies her own age, she's never really had anypony aside from her parents and aside from me. And I won't always be around, I'm very busy."

"Can you at least promise you'll put in a good word for me with her?" Shining insisted. "I promise, I won't ask you for any other favors as long as I'm in your royal guard. I'll do everything a good royal guard should do."

The sun princess just replied. "I'll think about it, Shining Armor. And you'll know if I decide to trust you."

The colt stood up and all but kissed the princess' hoof in delight! "Oh thank you, Princess Celestia! You really are the best! I see why Twily looks up to you. You're so much more amazing in pony!" And after kicking his back legs in delight, he ran off while happily giggling to himself. He didn't even care that he hadn't actually been given the assignment yet, that it wasn't a guarantee. He was just that delighted at the mere prospect of having a chance!

Princess Celestia smiled as she watched the colt depart from her presence. "Guess it runs in the family." She chuckled to herself as she observed the display of enthusiasm from Shining Armor, and how it reminded her of the enthusiasm Twilight had shown upon getting her cutie mark.


"Oh come now, dear," Princess Cadence spoke up, interrupting the flashback. "You know that's not exactly how it happened. I spoke to you a lot more than that."

Shining Armor playfully grinned. "Okay, so maybe I exaggerated a little bit. I was just trying to protect your reputation. After all, you talking to me got you in trouble with your aunt. You were a bit of a rebellious princess when I met you," He pointed a hoof to the foal pouch. "I see where Flurry Heart gets her mischevious streak from."

Princess Cadence playfully ribbed back. "Oh, you. We both know you're not so innocent. You got into your fair share of mischief as a colt. Sometimes, even though I was supposed to be foalsitting Twilight, it felt more like I was foalsitting you with how much of a kid you acted."

"But look how it brought us together," Shining declared with a dreamy smile. "Now here we are, sharing our love story with the next generation."

"Gross!" Smolder gagged anew. "Are you two ever gonna stop with the mushy lovetalk? It's so cliche!"

Ocellus just smiled. "I think it's nice. Even though I'm not feeding on love anymore, I can still appreciate how healthy the love shared between two creatures is. Heck, Flurry Heart's giving off a lot of love herself. Seems like a happy family all around."

Sandbar, meanwhile, was blushing. "So I'm not the only one who acted silly and tongue tied over a crush."

Yona playfully smiled back at Sandbar. "Sandbar big and goofy, but Yona love Sandbar in that way. Yona not care if Sandbar only pony in the world who act like that."

"Yona, come on! Not front in of the whole classroom!" Sandbar insisted even though his tone of voice made it clear he actually didn't mind the attention all that much.

Silverstream just chirped. "When are you gonna kiss me, Gallus, you big, silly goose? You know you love me!"

Gallus feigned ignorance as he puts his claws together. "I have no clue what you're talking about, Silverstream," And he quickly saw fit to change the subject as he asked the couple. "So, I'm guessing Shining Armor eventually got his wish and got to escort the princess around. But what happened next? That can't be all, can it?"

Princess Cadence was about to reply, when suddenly an all too familiar scent reached her nostrils. She didn't even need to look down at her daughter to know what the smell was and what it meant. "Oh, there's definitely more to it. But that'll have to wait until I get done changing Flurry Heart," And she sincerely apologized as she lit up her horn. "Terribly sorry, everycreature. I'll make it quick!" She then disappeared along with her daugther in a flash of light blue magic.

A short time later, the princess of love returned with her mane and tail looking slightly frazzled. She breathed a much needed sigh of relief. "Okay, now that I've taken care of that," She remarked, taking a moment to fix her mane and tail. "Allow me to pick up where my husband so generously left off. He did indeed get to be part of the royal guards that were to accompany me around Canterlot, helping me learn what was where. But it wasn't long before he got even bolder." And now it was her turn to experience a flashback, remembering how her first date with Shining had come about.


Princess Cadence had quickly taken a shine to Shining Armor as he served along with a couple of other royal guards, escorting her around Canterlot and making sure she returned to the castle every evening at sundown. It was nice to know that she had ponies she could turn to if she ever got lost.

But Shining in particular, he was just so much fun to be around. There was just something about the way he tried to compose himself and act all serious, when at heart he was just a big old goofball that warmed the princess' heart.

The more the candy colored alicorn saw Shining, the more she found she couldn't stop thinking about him. He was such a gentlecolt at heart. He really seemed to be genuinely interested in who she was and how she'd come to be Princess Celestia's adopted niece. It also helped that he was willing to give Cadence lessons on how to cast spells and do other magical things, something that Shining Armor insisted was practically second nature to him.

Then, suddenly, out of the blue one day, Shining Armor seemed to get an idea in his head as he looked up to the sky. Then he locked eyes with the candy colored alicorn and flat out asked her. "Wanna go on a date with me, Princess Cadence?"

"A date? With you?" Cadence all but found herself at a loss for words.

The unicorn colt firmly nodded his head. "Of course. We could just go out together, you and I, and see the sights. I promise we'd be back by sundown, just like when I'm accompanying you with the other royal guards in your unit."

The young alicorn gulped and swallowed hard. "Well... I don't know. What would my Aunt Celestia say?"

"We could always invent the cover story that I was giving you more personal magic lessons," Shining insisted with a wink. "She'd never be any the wiser. Trust me, I'm pretty good when it comes to keeping secrets. I'm not like Twily, she's a blabbermouth, nothing stays secret with her for long."

Reluctantly, Princess Cadence found herself agreeing. "A-alright, I guess. But if we get into trouble, I'm telling Auntie Celestia it was your idea!" She couldn't stop her face from flushing bright red. "Got it?"

The colt smiled, all but jumping up and down with delight! "Oh, Cadence, you've made me the happiest pony in all of Canterlot! No, all of Equestria!" He stopped upon realizing he was drawing unwanted attention to himself. "So, I'll see you tomorrow at the usual place," Then he whispered. "But I'll be alone."

The princess watched Shining disappear into the distance. She dreamily sighed, much to her surprise. "Shining Armor, how you amaze yet baffle me so," She said to herself. "What did I ever do to deserve a pony like you for a suitor?" And the alicorn found that the agreed upon first date was all she could think about as she trotted back into the castle. She even found herself adopting a goofy grin that wouldn't leave her face no matter what she did.


The next day came, and any belief Cadence might have had about her simply dreaming up Shining Armor's proposal was dashed in spectacular fashion when the colt showed up at the designated meeting place: The castle courtyard. When Cadence beheld Shining's appearance, her mouth dropped open in shock!

Shining had gone all out! He had polished his armor so that it shone like gold, it glistened brightly in the sunlight. His mane and tail had been trimmed and brushed so that they no longer stuck out in such obvious fashion. And he had opted for a finely pressed suit even though he was still wearing his guard armor. In short, he looked very much like a prince charming from a fairy tale.

The finely dressed colt bowed his head to his date as he spoke in a polished, elegant tone. "Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. I, Sir Shining Armor Sparkle, do hereby announce my intent to spend today in courtship of you. If you will have me."

Cadence blushed bright red, suddenly feeling underdressed for the occasion since she hadn't styled herself a bit or even gotten a nice dress to wear. Still, she forced herself to giggle at Shining's antics. "Oh, Shining. You really don't have to do any of this. And you can just call me Cadence. It's just a date between two ponies, two friends who know each other."

"Ah, but you are royalty. And royalty deserves only the best," Shining declared as he kissed her hoof. "Now then, your highness, shall we be off?"

The candy colored alicorn managed to force out the words. "Y-yes. We... shall." She extended the hoof Shining had just kissed out to him, and soon felt him grasp it and gently pull him towards her. Her cheeks were already feeling like they were on fire, they were burning bright red, so red that she couldn't hope to hide it.

The armor wearing colt with a coat of white smiled. "Splendid. I know just where to go first. I reckon you could use a bite to eat."

"Now that I think about it, it has been a while since lunch time." Princess Cadence managed to reply.

Shining Armor smiled even more. "Good, then it's settled. Hope you like Donut Joe's."

Cadence was most surprised at the choice of venue. Donut Joe's hardly seemed like the kind of place you would expect to take royalty on a first date, not that she minded. Besides, it was Shining's decision to make and not hers. She most certainly didn't want to seem ungrateful.

When the young daters arrived at the location, Cadence finally got a good look at Donut Joe in pony. He was a unicorn stallion of slender but tall build, with a light amber coat. His mane and tail were short in style and a moderate organish-brown in color. His eyes were a modest sap green, and his cutie mark was a donut. He happened to be wearing a white button vest and a matching hat.

Donut Joe looked up and smiled. "Well well, Shining Armor. Haven't you seen in a hot minute, not like your sister. Just look at you: Mister Royal Guard," He paused and wiped a lone tear from his eye. "I can still remember when you were just a scrawny little colt, and your mom wouldn't let you out of her sight. You're growing up so fast, you and Twilight. And look at you now, you even snagged yourself a fine young mare for a date."

Shining nodded. "Not just any young mare, Donut Joe, but the adopted niece of Princess Celestia: Princess Mi'Amore Cadenza."

Cadence bowed as she sheepishly responded. "Please, just call me Cadence. Everypony does, even my aunt."

Donut Joe nodded back, tipping his hat in reply. "Very well, Cadence. I hope you know how lucky you are to have Shining Armor for a coltfriend. Guess it's true what they say, mares love a stallion in armor."

"W-well, he asked me out, not the other way around." Cadence replied as the blush returned with a vengeance. She said nothing further as she and Shining Armor were led to a table and sat down, two menus soon placed in front of them.

Of course, there was really only one thing to get: Donuts. And Shining ordered a lot of them (and paid for them too). It wasn't long after the order was placed before a huge plate of fresh, hot donuts was presented to the young couple.


After the donuts were devoured, Shining Armor took his date by the hoof and led her away ever so slowly. At times, it looked almost as if he were getting lost in those eyes of her.

Cadence was even more surprised when the armored colt decided to take her into the park, the park that was sure to be crawling with ponies. "Are you sure this is a good idea, Shining?" She nervously asked him.

Shining nodded back with a confident smile. "Of course. It's such an obvious place for a date, nopony will ever think anything of the two of us being there. Especially not when we've been here numerous times already when I was with other royal guards," He then teased. "Remember the time you asked me to push you on one of the swings? I thought you were crazy."

"Well, you still did what I asked of you, didn't you?" Princess Cadence replied with a giggle. "I just really wanted to feel young again. In the village I grew up in, we never had a playground or swings," But then she asked. "But still, what will other ponies think? They're sure to stare."

The colt with a coat of white confidently responded in an unconcerned tone of voice. "Let them stare. As long as nopony takes pictures, we'll be fine. You know how much ponies like to gossip about everything and anything. Most of the uppercrusts will just think it's all rumors. Besides, I heard that Fancy Pants of all ponies has recently been making headlines with a romantic partner of his own. Nopony knows for sure what's going on with him and the lucky mare though, he's yet to formally introduce her. And as they say: A gentlecolt never tells."

Cadence managed to force out. "R-right." Why was she so frequently finding herself at a loss for words with Shining? What was it about her that so attracted her? Made her feel drawn to him? She had only just gotten to know him over the span of a few weeks, maybe a month or two tops. And what would her Aunt Celestia think of her falling in love with a member of the royal guard? Would that even be allowed?

The walk through the park was a blur for the young princess. Just as she feared, countless ponies from all walks of life stopped and stared at her. Even a few unicorns from Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns (who just happened to have come to the park today for one of their frequent get togethers) observed the scene and could be heard whispering to themselves. Yet through it all, Shining Armor was by her side. With his hoof holding hers, the alicorn never once thought of breaking away and making a run for it.

Shining Armor, for his part, just smiled and occasionally leaned into Cadence. He seemed unafraid to let other ponies see him with her. The confidence he projected despite his status was enough to make one forget he was the youngest and newest recruit within the royal guard's ranks.

All good things must come to an end eventually, however. And as the setting sun cast its orange glow across the landscape, Shining brought Cadence back to the castle just like he promised. "Your highness," He bowed anew. "It has been my pleasure to be your royal escort and to have courted you this day. I hope it was as magical for you as it was for me."

Princess Cadence didn't reply with words. She just pressed her face up against Shining Armor's and kissed him right on the spot!

Shining just returned the kiss as the two young ponies stood there, smooching each other for what felt like minutes even though it was really only seconds.

When the kiss was finally broken up, Cadence managed to say. "T-thank you, Shining Armor. It's been... nice getting to know you and just spend time with you."

"The pleasure was all mine, Cadence." Shining Armor nodded back.

"W-well," The young princess spoke up. "I... hope I'll see you again soon."

Shining winked. "Oh, I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot of each other more often. After all, I hear you're going to be in my school. I'll be looking forward to having you for a classmate. Then I'll have an excuse to show you around again."

The candy colored alicorn giggled. "I'd like that very much, Shining. Thank you." And then she watched as the armored colt trotted off into the distance, undoubtly headed back to the barracks to drop off his suit of armor.


"Funny, from what I remember I had to kiss you because you were so tonuge tied." Shining Armor spoke up as his wife's flashback ended.

Princess Cadence ribbed her husband in reply. "I was humoring you, mostly. I was actually more confident than I made myself sound. But as a princess, I had to keep my emotions in check."

Shining smiled and winked. "Whatever you say, dear. You're always right."

Cadence teased. "That's right. And unless you wanna sleep on the couch when we get back to the Crystal Empire, you'd be wise to remember that." Then she and Shining leaned in close and kissed each other very quickly.

Many students let out an "Aw" at the display, and even Smolder found herself admitting. "Okay, I guess even I can see true love when it's staring me in the face. Maybe it's not all cheesy and mushy after all," Then she folded her claws across her chest as she pouted ever so slightly. "Maybe being the key word."

Ocellus just smiled. "Wow! Your love story was so incredible! I could feel the intensity from here! You two sure do have a lot of love for each other."

The princess of love nodded. "That's what happens when two ponies have been in love for as long as Shining and I have. And I imagine we'll continue to be in love for many, many years to come."

Silverstream then raised a claw and asked. "So, when did the baby come along? And what about your wedding?"

The crystal couple giggled as the prince replied. "Those are stories for another time. In fact, I have a feeling your headmare," He glanced towards Twilight. "Would be more than happy to weave those stories into her lesson plan, if she hasn't already."

Just then, the bell rang to signal the end of class. And all the students rose to their hooves or other extremiites, got up and left the classroom. Just like that, Twilight was alone with her family, including her favorite niece.

Twilight clapped her hooves in approval. "Very impressive, both of you," She gave a knowing wink. "But I know you two exaggerated on some details, and left certain other details out."

"Hey, we had to keep things simple for the kids," Shining Armor replied. "Thanks again for having us, Twily. Your school is truly a wonderful thing."

Princess Cadence nodded. "I think Shining and I will have to come here more often. You have some very talented students here, Twilight. I can see why Sandbar and his friends were chosen by the Tree of Harmony, their bond is truly special. And the way Sandbar and Yona are, it kind of reminds me of Shining and I myself when we were their age."

Twilight Sparkle smiled back. "I'm glad you both think so. But I'm surprised you haven't figured out why I asked you both to come here on today of all days," With a knowing grin she added. "Aren't you two forgetting something?"

Shining looked all around, even to the foal pouch his wife had. "Nope, everything and everypony is accounted for," He said while patting Flurry Heart on the head. "Good job staying where Mommy and Daddy can see you, Flurry."

Flurry Heart just babbled and happily cooed in reply.

Twilight then explained. "Don't tell me you two have forgotten: Today's your anniversary."

The crystal couple gasped and exchanged mutal looks of surprise! "Really?!" They asked each other.

"Yup," Twilight nodded back. "So what better way to spend it than to remember, and to reflect on how you two met each other and fell in love? I specifically planned this in advance, even though I was so sure you two would have something else planned."

Cadence sheepishly confessed with a blush. "It seems we've been so busy we've forgotten something truly important. Thank you for remembering, Twilight."

"Hey, what's family for?" Twilight responded with a sincere smile. "Now come on, you two lovebirds. Mom and Dad will be expecting you at my castle for dinner, as will Spike. An anniversary like this is worth celebrating with the whole family!" And then she led her brother, her sister-in-law and her niece away.