//------------------------------// // Ch. 5: Warning Shot // Story: The Storm is Here! // by UnKnownSalvation //------------------------------// Ch. 5: Warning Shot 'Well isn't today just swell?' I thought sarcastically to myself as all the entrants and I lined up waiting for Shining Armor, Discord, and the royal sisters. Today was not going well for me at all; First, I could be banned from joining the Royal Guards for something I can't even recall and now I've been singled out for it. Who knows what they have in stored for me. Valiant Knight was looking over us but his glance seemed to hit me more than anyone. Not really surprised there. He was looked wearily at me, keeping his guard up as best as he can, as if he was expecting me to go crazy again and utterly wreck anything in my path. Just then, another guard came in and whispered something to Valiant Knight. Whatever the guard was whispering to Valiant Knight about, he listened on with serious intent. Though you really couldn't tell as the guard could have said he had to take a leak and Valiant would still have a straight face. After the guard was done reporting, Valiant Knight addressed the rest of us. "Please bow before Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Captain Shining Armor!" Valiant Knight announced to us. We complied with Valiant Knight's demand, as we all bow down to one knee as the royal sister and Shining Armor made their presence known to us. "There's no need for that," Celestia said as we all stood back up. Celestia was quite graceful, in both appearance and personality. She wore a regal gown that matched her fur tone and large wings that seemed enormous compared to an average pegasus. It was nice to know that she was rather modest when she wanted to be, despite her status. She looked to Shining Armor who was holding a rolled-up piece of parchment and nodded to him to proceed. 'Must be the future of eight ponies on that piece of paper,' I thought to myself as Shining Armor stood in front of us. "When I call your name, take a step forward," Shining said as he unrolled the parchment. One by one, Shining Armor began to announce those who had succeeded in joining the Royal Guards, while all I did was just stand and listen on, still in dismay on how my day had started out. Slipstream, Brutus, and Fate were all picked before Shining stopped for a second. I could somehow just feel his eyes fall on me without even needing to look. 'I hate being the center of attention,' I closed my eyes hoping for the best. "Rampant Storm," I heard my name being called but I almost didn't believe it. I thought for certain that I was going to be banned. Somehow, I was allowed to join the Royal Guards, despite what happened in the last fight. "As for the rest of you, better luck at the next tryout event," The remaining four were dismissed by armed guard as they clearly weren't happy. Shining then turned to face us. "I would like to have one-on-one interviews with all of you later today," Shining Armor then looked to me. "Starting with you, Storm," I froze as I felt my heart pumping and my head sweating. I was expecting an interview but I wished it was under better circumstances. 'Why do I feel this will be more of an interrogation than an interview?' I thought with dread. But as much as I wanted to think more of this, there were more pressing things to focus on. I had to be prepared for anything that Shining could ask me. So the four of us followed Shining through the large castle till we came to a room that was clearly his office, thanks to proper labeling. "Come right this way, Storm," Shining Armor informed me. The two of us walked in and saw that his office was very empty looking and basic as there were no awards, medals, or anything to show accomplishments. Though I knew that Shining was never one to make all his accomplishments aware and rub it in the face of anypony. I sat down in a chair as Shining sat behind his desk. "Now Storm, I'm going to ask you a series of question, so answer them as honestly as you can," Shining Armor spoke with a firm tone. I nodded to show I understood. "Alright then," Shining Armor began, before he cleared his throat "Tell me Storm, why do you want to join the Royal Guard?" I was perplexed. Shining didn't see at all interested in what happened. Almost as if me trying to kill another stallion was considered okay. "Storm, did you hear I just said?" Shining Armor's question shook me back to reality, before I notice the look of impatience on his face. "It seemed like it was the best thing for me," I said hesitantly. "I wanted to be able to defend not only this city but those who live in this country period. I also wanted to do it to make my dad proud." "Is that so?" Shining said with a look of intrigue. "Yeah, those were my main motivations," I explained. "What about your mother?" Shining asked "Mom's just happy I'm even setting goals," I joked halfheartedly. "So I know I've made her proud but Dad was always the critic of everything and it would be considered amazing to make him proud." "I'm glad to hear you're doing your best to make your mom and dad proud," Shining said with a smile. "Next question," Shining spoke "Where do you see yourself in ten years? Would you still be with the guard or would you leave for other things?" That was a rather tough question to answer. I didn't know where I would be as I had neither plans for ten years of service nor did I see myself doing anything else should I had any reason to leave the Royal Guard. "I honestly don't know," I admitted to Shining Armor. "So much could happen in ten years that I can't say I know what will," I said with an honest shrug. "I could either end up dead or a national hero..." I then thought about what I said for a second, "...or both," Shining seemed to like my answer. "One more," Shining suddenly began to look at me very seriously as he leaned forward in his chair. I wouldn't need to guess what was coming. "What happened?" And now that was the question of the hour. I didn't answer Shining Armor's question right away, as I hesitated to come up with an answer. One false move and I could kiss my chance of becoming a Royal Guard goodbye. Finally after thinking hard I came up with my answer. "I don't know," Shining Armor, however, continued to look at me, still having the serious look on his face, much to my discomfort. "I really don't remember anything. I remember getting hit by Slipstream and the world fading to black then waking up with everypony in a panic," After staring at me for what felt like a long time, Shining Armor seriousness turned to sympathy, as if he... understood what happened. "...I believe your story," He said as he laid back into his chair. "What really?" I was in disbelief. "Yes, Storm. I really mean it," Shining Armor insisted. "I've known you long enough to know what kind of pony you are," True. I did know him since Mom brought me to visit Dad when he was working long weeks at a time back when I was little but that didn't mean we talked often. I really didn't know what else to say but one question came to my mind. 'Why does his expression just now tell me that he knew something like this could happen?' At the time I was on thin enough ice so I decided not to push any farther. "Storm, I apologize if this is personal, but could you explain about the sword you used during your match with Slipstream?" This was perplexing to me as Shining has met my dad plenty of times to know it was his and was even there when he retired. Wouldn't he know that it was that it was the same sword? It's not like I've changed anything. "It's the same one Dad used when he was in the guard," I explained. "Why?" "Just curious," Shining Armor sincerely asked. "May I see it?" As soon as I handed my sword to the captain, Shining Armor unsheathed the sword and observed it with serious intent, as I sat down and looked on with uncertainty. "Strange..." I heard him say. "What is it?" I asked. "Hmm? Oh it's nothing," Shining said suddenly. "It's just the sword looks… different than I remember it." "What do you mean by that?" I asked curiously. Shining hesitated before answering as he sheathed the sword and handed it back to me. "Again, it's nothing to cry wolf over," As much as I wanted to call him out, it would probably be better that I wait till after I've got in... and I wasn't on duty. "But in light of today's events I've decided to issue a warning to you, Storm," Shining said with a look of seriousness. "One more event like this and I'll have you banned from the Royal Guard and then proceed to have you arrested. Am I understood?" "Yes sir," was my response, assuring Shining Armor that I understood everything he just said to me. "Then let me be the first to welcome you to the Canterlot Royal Guard," Shining said with a smile as he came around the desk and shook my hand. He then handed me an envelope. "In this envelope are all the rules, the date that basic training starts, and the more commonly asked questions from our newer recruits." "T-thank you s-so much," I thanked him, both surprised but happy that I was finally able to make it to the Royal Guards after all. "On your way out, tell Fate to come in," Shining said as he went to sit back down. I nodded my head in response, before saluting and then leaving the office. I spotted Fate sitting right next to Brutus who looked like he just dozed off. "Yo, Fate," Fate looked in my direction and looked like he seemed to know what I was going to say. "Your turn." "Oh, um, thanks," Fate said, before he got up and made his way to the office, as I sat right next to Brutus. I lightly elbowed him in the side to wake him up from Slumberland and back to Equestria. "Hey Storm," Brutus greeted me, as he let out a big yawn. "How did your interview go?" "I'm in!" I said as I held up the envelope. "Wow, that's great!" Brutus exclaimed. "We're gonna need to make sure we party for both of us when I get accepted!" "That's something I look forward to," I agreed with the earth pony. "Where do you want to celebrate?" "How about The Orchard? I heard they served the best cider in the city. The DJ there is said to be the best in the city to boot!" Brutus suggested. "Sounds like a plan!" I said enthusiastically as it did sound like a lot of fun. As soon as we agreed on we should do after this is all over, we both turned around and saw Fate right in front of us, having already left the office and judging from the envelope he's holding, I say that he managed to make his way to the Royal Guards. Slipstream walked by us before walking into Shining's office but we didn't make eye contact. "Well it looks like Mr. Mysterious got his fancy envelope," Brutus joked. "Looks like we've got another one to take to the celebration!" "C-Celebration?" Fate asked shocked. "Yep! To celebrate our new employment!" I said with a smile. "No, no, no! I don't do parties!" Fate said stern fully and quickly. "Come on! You gotta take that stick outta your ass for at least one night!" Brutus countered. "I said NO!" Fate angrily shouted, causing Brutus and I to be taken aback by his reaction. Fate quickly stood up before storming off. "Scratch that; the whole tree needs to be taken out," Brutus commented. "Don't worry too much about it. I'll go find him and convince him otherwise," I said, deciding to track down Fate right away. "Don't try too hard," Brutus shouted to me as I walked away. "We just got him to respect us." I nodded my head in agreement, before I turned to the opposite direction and decided to see what Fate was up to. After walking outside, I spotted him walking a little ways down the street. His attire was so strange you could pick him out in so many types of crowds. "What are you up to?" I wondered to myself, before I quickly and quietly followed him to the back alley. He started to look around but didn't look behind him. I decided to fly up to the roof top and watch from below. I made sure the distance was right so that Fate wouldn't get a full glimpse of me on the roof. I reasoned that spying wasn't a nice thing to do so I decided to reveal my presence. "Fate, what are you doing back here?" I asked, causing him to turn around, surprise to even see me in the first place. "H-How did you find me?!" Fate demanded. "You're not exactly stealthy wearing that thing in broad daylight," I said matter-of-factually as I jumped down from the roof top before gently landing on the ground. "What I do want to know is why you're being so secretive." "Why is that your concern?" Fate asked suspiciously. "You wear a hood regularly, I've never seen anyone wear clothes like you, and you wear a mask to a fight," I pointed out. "Who does that and tries to get enlisted as a Royal Guard?! They could have thought you were a changeling or something after the fiasco last year." "That is none of your concern," Fate spoke with a harsh tone. "More importantly, I suggest you stop snooping around," Fate turned around to leave but I quickly grabbed his hood. "Hey! Let go!" Fate demanded as his voice suddenly got a lot more feminine. This was followed by Fate losing his grip and the hood coming off. Fate's face was revealed and I nearly shat a brick because I wasn't expecting it at all. The pony in front of me had a pale yellow fur and look like a certain somepony from breakfast. "Sun Gleam?!" I shouted in disbelief. "Happy now?!" Sun Gleam responded with a snarl. "What are you doing dressing up as a robed assassin?!" I asked, so baffled by the turn-of-events I couldn't think straight. "You know the Guard takes mares, right?!" "You really are clueless, are you?" Sun Gleam asked bluntly. "I don't know; you haven't explained anything!" I argued. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you," said Sun Gleam. "Try me, Sun Gleam," I responded, hoping that the mare would offer her reason for her disguise. "I'm not that dense." "Very well then," Sun Gleam then took a deep breath, before she was ready to talk once more. "I plan to become a Royal Guard in the hopes of restoring my family's honor." "What happened?" I asked. "My father was kicked out due to..." She stopped, probably wondering how to phrase what she would say next. "…an incident that he caused and has been dishonored ever since. I was hoping that if I joined and made it far I would be able to restore some of that honor." I look at Sun Gleam, thinking what she just told me. If what she said was indeed true, it makes a lot of sense and it would explain why she went incognito as Hidden Fate. "But why not just change your name? Why do you need... all of this?" I said as I motioned to the robes. "...I couldn't afford anyone recognizing me from working at his restaurant. Changing my name only filled in one pot hole. I need a disguise to help me as well." "So the disguise you picked was... a druid's outfit?" "Better than coming to the arena hearing some pony saying some snarky comments behind my back." I nodded while I thought about it. "Not really..." I said sincerely. "Ponies were probably making snarky comments based on what you were wearing. Besides; who's gonna care? Everyone else at the tryouts probably didn't even know who your dad was!" "I rather not take the chance. Besides, if you mention my dad's name to any pony, chances are, they'll talk crap about him." "How long has it been since he was discharged?" I asked simply. "Why?" She seemed confused. "Just answer the question, please." "Twenty-four years..." She said hesitantly. I almost flipped out at how stupid this felt. "No pony who was trying out was even born yet!" I shouted impulsively. "But that doesn't mean that other ponies don't know about it when it happened and they probably told them the same story of what my dad did when he was a Royal Guard," Sun Gleam pointed out. "Okay now you're scrapping the bottom of your excuse barrel," I argued, as I doubted that ALL of the ponies there had parents that remember Sun Gleam's dad after twenty-four years. Besides; her dad ran a restaurant that was doing pretty well from what I could tell. "Admit it; you didn't think this through." "This is pointless! I knew you weren't going to believe me, just like the rest before!" Sun Gleam exclaimed, before she turned around and immediately walked away from me. "Sun Gleam, where are you going?" I asked. "None of your damn business!" she angrily retorted. 'Decision time, Storm: Follow her and most likely get yelled at some more or say screw this and go get a sandwich with a side of fries,' I thought to myself as I was getting hungry... I thought it over for about thirty seconds before I decided to follow Sun Gleam once again, ignoring the growling from my stomach, all the while trying to come up with something so that I can apologize to her. After catching up to her on the street I found her out of the robes but in regular clothes... sort of. She was still wearing the red sweat pants and... some weird sweater thing. "Sun Gleam..." I began, before the mare turned around and glared right at me. "What do you want, Storm?" she demanded. "Listen, I'm sorry for what I said earlier. I didn't mean to upset you like that." "Tell me one good reason why I should give you another chance," By now, Sun Gleam was added to the list of ponies that could see into my soul with just their glares. "A part of me understands where you're coming from and at the least, I should give you a benefit of the doubt," I gave my honest answer to her. She didn't see really impressed and from what I could tell I was lucky she didn't wind up and kick me straight in the nuts. "...Alright Storm, I'll give you another chance," she reluctantly agreed. "But earning my trust is something you're going to have to work for." "Then why don't I start now," She seemed perplexed by this. But before she could say anything else, my stomach suddenly began to growl, much to my embarrassment. "Dinner?" I said bluntly as I rubbed the back of my head sheepishly. She kinda chuckled at my bluntness and embarrassment before giving me an answer. "I would like that," Sun Gleam replied. "I'll pay for it this time," I offered as I did owe her for buying breakfast and showing me to my new favorite restaurant. "Sounds good to me," said Sun Gleam. The two of us headed over to Crazy Sun's again but when we started to get close, Sun Gleam suddenly realized something; she was still wearing the clothes from the tryouts minus the robe of course. "Hang on for just a moment, Storm." Sun Gleam informed me, before she quickly left her seat and made her way to the restroom. Sun Gleam came out of the restroom in the same attire that she wore that morning. "That's much better," Sun Gleam said to herself, before she sat right next to me once again. "Please tell me that you weren't wearing that underneath all that other crap," I practically begged to hear that my assumptions were wrong. Sun Gleam, however, glared at me in response, prompting to just keep my mouth shut for the moment. I raised my hands in surrender until a gray pegasus waitress came. "Hello there! I'm not interrupting anything, am I?" The waitress asked politely. "Not at all, Sky," Sun Gleam said nicely. "Alright, if you say so, Sun," Sky then turned my attention to me. "So what can I get you?" "Grass sandwich with a side of fries," I ordered. "Got it," said Sky, before she turned her attention to Sun Gleam. "Do you want the usual, Sun?" "Sure," Sun Gleam said simply. "You got it," with that, Sky head back to the kitchen to hand out the orders to the chef. "So what else do you have up your sleeve?" Sun Gleam asked me as I stretched my arms. "The celebration Brutus and I told you about," I reminded her. Her eyes widened before she lightly face palmed. "Though how he plans on getting Slipstream to go I have no idea." "Where to?" Sun Gleam curiously asked after sighing in defeat. "The Orchard I think..." I said as I scratched my head. "I heard about that place," Sun Gleam began. "Apparently, they served the best hard cider around here." "And also have the best DJ or so I'm told," I said nonchalantly. As Sun Gleam and I continued to talk, Sky the waitress finally showed up at our table, carrying our meals on the serving tray. "Here you go, you two!" Sky said with a smile. "Thanks Sky! You're the best," Sun Glean thanked the waitress. "Anytime Sun," said the waitress, before she left for the next customer, as Sun Gleam and I chow down on our meals. Even though I didn't know it yet, I was going to need all the energy I could get for later that night.