Setting Sail Alone
The rest of the evening flew by. At dinner, both Steel Wind and Sharp Spear seemed as sober as they could possibly be. While they recounted their days’ work to Flash—whether by luck or shrewd skill, their hangovers had gone undetected—he half-listened, mentally replaying his encounter with Clover.
While he still questioned if she had been fully honest with him, especially regarding that bruise, Flash decided that he would stand beside his words and his inward vow. His thoughts wandered to Orion in the dungeons below. Four weeks. Can a stallion like him even make it that long? Time spent locked down there changes ponies' minds.
Nevertheless, Flash Sentry did his best to shrug the day’s events off and appear normal before his two friends. He even joined in their laughter when appropriate, though he ate his dinner with a bit of haste. His room and his books called to him now; the prospect of more bizarre happenings made him less than keen on another aimless wandering.
After he finished dinner, he bid his two friends goodnight, parting ways with them. He trotted out of the Great Hall with purpose, intent on reaching his room as soon as possible.
Despite his haste, Flash hadn’t made it more than a few steps into the corridor before a gruff voice called out his name. “Flash Sentry!”
Spinning around, Flash saw it was none other than Captain Ironhoof who was heading towards him, wearing full armor and a stern expression. He fought back the urge to cringe or flinch, fear sparking within him.
Oh, dammit, Vigilance…
“Good evening, Captain,” Flash said with a quick bow. He stood straight as he rose, avoiding the eyes of his superior as he was acknowledged.
“Come with me, Flash,” Ironhoof ordered, turning on his hooves. With a snap of his muzzle towards the stairs, he added, “Now.”
“Yes, Captain.”
While he followed alongside his captain, Flash could only mentally curse himself. Five years, and now, within the past few days, I've screwed up three times. I'm sure Ironhoof knows now about the other two.
I’m glad Greyhoof isn’t seeing this…
Although he entertained the idea of asking Ironhoof what was going on this time, he chose to remain silent. Even if his small act of mercy would turn out to have been a mistake, he would not dig his grave further by acting insubordinate. Ironhoof’s determined visage and forceful steps challenged the mere thought of that notion.
Besides, a part of him piped, remember what Greyhoof said. Be strong.
Their journey took a series of unexpected turns, many more than Flash had expected. Rather than making their way towards the Captain’s quarters, Ironhoof led him up towards the Royal chambers. The guards there, who eyed Flash Sentry with a mix of curiosity and apprehension, parted for the two.
Then, Ironhoof led Flash Sentry through the hallway he recognized as leading to Princess Celestia’s chambers. He swallowed hard and counted the torches on the wall as a distraction, keeping pace with his superior’s heavy hooves.
Princess Celestia? Oh, horseapples, I’ve really done it… I should have known! Stupid, stupid, stupid!
Finally, they arrived. Ironhoof nodded to Night Watch, who knocked on the door of the chamber.
Night Watch called through the door, “Your Highness? Captain Ironhoof and Sir Flash Sentry are here.”
A golden aura gently opened the doors to the three. Princess Celestia stood beyond the threshold—smiling, to Flash’s great relief.
To both his relief and dismay, Princess Twilight Sparkle was standing beside her. She, too, smiled, perfect and glistening. Although the moonlight was behind both alicorns, it seemed far more fitting for the Princess of Magic, brightening her eyes, her smile, her mane.
Flash felt his breath catch in his throat. No, no… She’s here, and she’s going to see this. Of all the times I can see her in the moonlight, it’s for this.
Oh, please, be gentle, Captain, Celestia.
“Good evening, Captain, Flash,” Princess Celestia said.
Both stallions bowed. Flash silently begged for the marble below to steal away his blush. When Celestia gestured for them to rise, he could still feel it on his cheeks, and pled that the darkness would hide it.
After shutting the door, Celestia gestured to a circle of four cushions on the floor beside a roaring fireplace. A cup of tea waited next to each cushion. The hearth hissed and popped as it chewed up a pair of mighty logs. The room was warm and welcoming. Coupled with the moonlight, it seemed almost… romantic.
This is too good to be bad. Right? Ah, but if it were only her and I—
Stop! Focus!
“Please, come and sit with us. We have much to discuss,” Celestia said.
When Flash inadvertently caught eyes with Twilight, it took every syllable of his mental mantra to stop himself from swooning. Through a dreamlike haze, he followed Captain Ironhoof and sat down on the cushion beside him. The two Princesses did the same.
Twilight sat across from Flash, smiling. After stealing a sip of her tea, she addressed the stallions at last. “Th-thank you both for coming. I’m sorry it is rather late,” she said, flattening her ears.
“It’s alright, Twilight. I’m sure they don’t mind,” Celestia said, winking at Ironhoof.
Ironhoof chuckled and took a strong sip of his tea. “Not at all, Your Highness!” As he set down his cup, he prompted, “Right, Flash?”
Flash Sentry nearly dropped the delicate teacup he held awkwardly in his thick forehoof. “Y-yes, sir! Not a problem at all!”
The grin that shot across his muzzle must have resembled something monstrous rather than friendly, for Twilight looked away, picking up her cup again.
While Twilight was preoccupied, Celestia began, “Now then, let’s get through this meeting as expediently as possible. Captain Ironhoof has already been briefed on this, so… All that’s left is to explain this to you, Flash.”
“Oh!” Clearing his throat as he carefully set down his tea, Flash said, “Of course, Your Highness!”
Celestia raised an eyebrow, then chuckled. “Such enthusiasm! I’m glad to hear that.”
Twilight looked back at him and nodded, smiling.
A warmth unrelated to either the herbal tea or the hissing fire embraced Flash Sentry. He bit his lip and coughed, shooting a glance towards Captain Ironhoof. Please, please speak for me, or somepony, anypony—
“Are you alright, Flash?” Celestia asked. “You seem to be coughing frequently. Would you like some honey in your tea?”
Flash shook his head, swallowing hard. “N-no, Your Highness! I’m alright. Thank you.”
Ironhoof laughed and smacked him on the back, grinning toothily. “Ha, you see, Your Highness? He’s more than fit for this!”
”Fit for this”? What?
Returning his grin, Celestia said, “Indeed, it appears so. Twilight, would you like to explain, or should I?”
Time slowed for Flash Sentry, or appeared to. The hiss and pop of the fire died down as Princess Twilight Sparkle set down her half-full teacup, stretched her wings, cleared her throat, and turned towards him. “Oh! S-sure, I can.”
After adjusting her position, Twilight met Flash’s gaze. “Flash Sentry…”
Her words sounded sweet as honey to him, and just as thick. Hypnotizing.
“I have decided to go to the Crystal Empire. A little trip, you see,” Twilight explained, gesturing with her forehooves. She ruffled her wings as she continued, “I’m trying to uncover the origins of the Tree of Harmony, along with anything else that we may not know yet about the Elements of Harmony. My theory is that Equestria’s founders and predecessors, such as Starswirl the Bearded, may have information relating to this.
“And, while I haven’t been able to find much about them in the Royal Canterlot Archives, the Empire’s library is vast and mostly unexplored. The books are not organized very well, at least when my friends and I visited the last time, so it may take a while. A few weeks, at least.”
Flash paused, taking a breath through his nostrils. All eyes were focused on him. Only one set kept that warmth pulsing through him and sent a small shudder down his spine. She’s so articulate, and intelligent. That makes a load of sense. Before Luna’s Return, I didn’t even know that the Elements of Harmony existed…
Wait… what does that have to do with—
“A trip to the ol’ Empire, Your Highness?” Ironhoof smirked. “I wish I could come along. Would love to see what Shining Armor has done with the place since my last visit.”
Celestia laughed into a forehoof. “Oh, Ironhoof, I’m sure you would be impressed! From what I understand, he is forming a new segment of the Guard specifically for the Empire there. And from what I’ve heard, he’s had a good number of recruits. Another visit definitely will need to be organized soon.”
Ironhoof nodded. “Most definitely, Your Highness.”
Focusing back on Flash Sentry, Celestia began, “While Twilight has been to the Crystal Empire several times beforehoof, we are both concerned that, in light of recent events, there may be a need for a Royal Guard to accompany her.”
As her expression turned stern, she added, “Though the press has yet to report on Orion’s outbursts, they will be doing so. And though Twilight, Luna, and I have done nothing wrong, others may not view it that way.”
Flash’s heart skipped several beats through her explanation as the realization, beautiful and terrible, began to dawn on him. There may be a need for a Royal Guard to accompany her. Ironhoof wishes that he could come.
That’s imposs—
“—Although Ironhoof suggested several others who would be fit for the task, Flash Sentry, I would like you to know it was I who requested you. In your five years here, you have performed well under both Captains Shining Armor and Ironhoof—”
The Princess’s words began to fade in and out as his gaze fell to the checkered floor, staring into his teacup. Ironhoof nudged him sharply in the ribs. Flash sat up straight and looked up, intending to stare at Celestia, who was still speaking.
“—I trust Twilight’s proficiency in magical combat and evasion. However, her flight skills, while they have improved, may be a bit of a disadvantage if, Galaxia forbid, something did happen—”
Instead, his eyes were drawn like a magnet to Twilight Sparkle’s. Flash prayed that the crimson on her cheeks was due to the close proximity of the fire, the roaring and leaping fire that seemed to fascinate them both—
“The train will leave at 0800 tomorrow morning and arrive around 2000 sharp at the Crystal Empire.”
Flash somehow managed to break free of the curse of the hearth to turn back to Princess Celestia. “T-tomorrow, Your Highness?”
Celestia nodded. “Tomorrow. Your orders are the typical ones Captain Ironhoof gives you for any escort.
“Stick beside Twilight at all times. Keep a keen eye out for any suspicious activity or anypony who may be a threat. At this time, I do not believe Orion has any associates who may intend to enact what he believes to be justice or revenge for his imprisonment, but it is a possibility,” Celestia said, lowering her voice in both tone and octave.
Sure he had fallen asleep beside his teacup, certain that he would be awakened any moment now by an angry Ironhoof or a glaring Princess of the Sun, Flash Sentry nodded rapidly. “Y-yes, Your Highness! Of course!”
There it was again—Celestia’s smile, accompanied by a click of her tongue. “Your enthusiasm is noteworthy, Flash. Please show Twilight that same sort of enthusiasm, and assist her as requested.”
This fire is too hot. Too many logs. Gonna catch on fire.
His thoughts began to dissolve into fragments while he nodded and smiled like a schoolcolt.
Dream. I’m dreaming. There’s no way. There’s no way. I… I kissed her, and broke a spear, and didn’t turn Clover in to Ironhoof, and—
Before he knew it, Ironhoof was standing tall on his hooves and gesturing for Flash to do the same. Flash scrambled up as he rose, bowing when Celestia thanked them. Her words passed through his ears again, mere mirages of his mind.
After Celestia finished speaking, Twilight looked up at him and smiled.
“This is going to be fun! Isn’t it, Flash?”
When Flash swallowed this time, it hurt.
Hurt. Hurt means no dream.
This is not a dream.
THIS IS NOT A DREAM.
Mustering a smile, he replied, “Y-yes, Your Highness.
“Fun.”
Twilight giggled into a forehoof, rustling her wings.
Ironhoof bowed again to the Princesses, prompting Flash Sentry to do the same.
“Thank you, Your Majesties. May we be excused?”
“Of course,” Celestia said. After gesturing for them to rise, she added, “0800, Canterlot Train Station. Don’t be late, Flash.”
“Of course not, Your Highness,” Flash said, hoping his voice only sounded shaky in his head.
Once he and Ironhoof stepped out the doors and out of Night Watch’s sight, Flash Sentry stepped on one of his own hooves, eliciting a groan of pain. Not a dream. Real.
Ironhoof scowled and grabbed him by the shoulder, pulling him muzzle-to-muzzle as he forced him to walk. Ignoring his soldier’s pained muzzle, he hissed through his teeth, “Listen here, boy. You’d better behave yourself. There are other stallions from this Guard who live and work in the Crystal Empire, and I’ve instructed them to let me know if you have any more slip-ups. Do I make myself clear?”
Flash grit his teeth, forcing the pain in his forehoof down as he said, “Yes, Captain, sir. I will be on my best behavior, sir.”
“Good.” Ironhoof released him with a glare. “You are dismissed. Get some sleep, and Celestia help you if you’re late tomorrow morning to meet Princess Twilight.”
Spitting on the ground, Ironhoof shot him one more glance before he took to his hooves, his heavy steps echoing in the long, dim corridor.
As he rubbed his sore fetlock, Flash called out, “Yes, Captain Ironhoof.
“I won’t be late…”
~
When he returned to his own chambers, Greyhoof was sitting on the bed, waiting.
“G-good evening, Greyhoof,” Flash said, taken aback.
“Well, good evening, sire.” Greyhoof smiled. “I was told that Captain Ironhoof had summoned you. Hence why you weren’t here when I came by to inquire if you needed anything. From your demeanor, I can surmise that things went… alright?”
Shutting the door behind him, Flash paused to finally, truly breathe.
I’m going to the Crystal Empire with Princess Twilight Sparkle. I’m going to be on a train with her, alone. I’m going to be accompanying and escorting her at all times. Some of those times, she will be alone. All of those times, she will be there.
I’ve never been so excited or scared in my life. Give me a Changeling Queen any day.
Remembering the wise stallion’s words, Flash simply said, “I’ll be leaving for the Crystal Empire in the morning, Greyhoof.”
Though his words sounded firm, Flash Sentry knew and heard the trembling behind them in his own ears. He shook his head, his heart racing in a combination of anticipation and fear.
While the new empire’s reappearance and subsequent peace had intrigued him—due in no small part to Shining Armor’s departure to govern it—he never would have thought he would be seeing it like this.
In the same dreams where he and Princess Twilight Sparkle stood eye-to-eye, Flash left the monotonous gray of Canterlot Castle for the greener tundra of the Crystal Empire. The whispers of those who had journeyed to the frozen north fueled his nighttime escapades. Visions of looming arches, crystal castles, and hillsides dotted with wildflowers filled his mind’s eye.
With a single edict from Princess Celestia, his dream had finally come to pass; he would be seeing the Crystal Empire with his own eyes.
But not only with his own eyes—with the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen.
If his sore fetlock had stopped throbbing already, he would have stomped on it again, just to be absolutely sure. The hammer of his heart, painful against his ribcage, would be verification in the meantime.
From the corner of his eye, Flash saw Greyhoof grin. “The Crystal Empire, sire? Why, I’d only heard the legends as a little colt, and the stories Ironhoof shared when he returned from his visit there.”
Greyhoof’s hooves scraped against the floor as he meandered over to his knight. “A beautiful land, the Captain said it was. Rolling hills, mountains in the distance, spiraling towers of every gemstone imaginable. Something from one of the old storybooks, indeed.
“How long will you be gone?”
Flash said with a smile both genuine and forced, “A few weeks, probably. Plenty of time to explore the city and everything, heh.”
“A month?” Greyhoof raised an eyebrow. “Well, somepony must have accumulated some leave,” he said with a throaty chuckle, nudging Flash in the shoulder.
Flash returned his friend’s gesture, nudging him carefully back with a wing. “Heh, right.”
After retrieving his burlap duffel bag from his wardrobe, Flash Sentry distracted himself with packing for the trip. While he stashed armor polish, spare sets of horseshoes, his dress uniform, and several other necessities in the bag, he stayed silent, avoiding Greyhoof’s gaze.
Greyhoof raised an eyebrow and took a step back. “Er… Can I be of any assistance, sire?”
Flash shook his head, rummaging through his closet for his manebrush. “No, that’s fine. Thank you, though.”
Greyhoof tapped his chin. “Ah. Alright, then.”
Shrugging, Greyhoof walked back to the bed. Both his joints and the bed creaked audibly as he sat down, though neither commented on it. A few minutes of silence trickled by before the servant spoke up again.
“Sire… May I ask what this little expedition is for?”
Here it comes.
Denial could only get him so far, and only within himself. When he finally spoke of this, it would be real, and so would all of the sparring thoughts and emotions that battled with his mind.
The war between Flash Sentry the stallion and Flash Sentry the pegasus Royal Guard would officially begin when he announced that he was escorting the alicorn Princess of his dreams to the frozen north.
He grabbed his spear, placing it beside the duffel, though it would do him no good in this fight.
“I’m… I’m actually not going alone.”
“Oh?”
“I’m… I’m going to be escorting Princess Twilight.”
Greyhoof grinned and clapped his forehooves together, once, twice, a third time. He laughed and laughed, running his tongue over his teeth and shaking his head.
Flash Sentry stared at him, eyebrows raised, wondering if the poor stallion had finally gone over the edge.
“Good show, boy. Good show,” Greyhoof said, still laughing. “You almost had me going there.”
“I’m serious, Greyhoof!”
Greyhoof’s eyes shot open. “You… you are?”
“Yes!”
Resuming his packing, Flash looked away from his friend, embarrassed by both his tone and his emotion. He focused on putting a few of his favorite books into the bag while he said more calmly, “Princess Twilight wants to go to the Crystal Empire for some study, and Princess Celestia wanted somepony to accompany her. Since Princess Twilight is a weak flier, she wanted me, a pegasus, to go.
“I’m leaving at 0800 tomorrow morning, and I’m not sure exactly when I’ll be back.”
Greyhoof twiddled his forehooves and sighed. “Ah. I see.”
Flash glanced over his shoulder, frowning. “‘I see?' You don’t have any advice for me?” For once?
With another sigh, Greyhoof climbed off the bed and made his way over to Flash. “Sire, we have discussed this… issue on multiple occasions, from multiple angles. While I understand your perspective and your feelings—and you understand mine—ultimately, we are two completely different stallions.”
Throwing a forehoof around Flash’s neck, Greyhoof continued, “I am an old stallion, a servant born and raised. I never married, and I have no foals.” He frowned. “I have the burdens of regret, of past mistakes, of hindsight. You do not.
“However…” Greyhoof released him and took a step back. “Though how you handle this situation is your decision to make, I encourage you to do what you feel is right, and what you can live with in the end. What you will not regret doing.
“For there is nothing worse, Flash Sentry, than being an old stallion and wanting to change or take back what will forever elude you.”
As Flash met Greyhoof’s eyes, he understood now that it wasn’t just physical pain dimming their light.
Flash reached out towards him. “I’m… I’m sorry. I didn’t—”
“I know you didn’t, and neither did I.” Greyhoof picked up a discarded book and placed it into the duffel bag. “I wish you the best of luck, dear boy, and I pray that you will make the correct decisions.”
But what are the correct ones?
“In the meantime—” Greyhoof continued to pack for him—”I ask that you try and relax, enjoy yourself, see a few new sights. Write down your experiences, even.”
“Sure. I could do that.”
“Actually…” Turning around, Greyhoof raised a forehoof. “There is one thing I would like you to do for me, Flash.”
“What’s that?”
“Have a nice picture of yourself taken. Whether it’s alone, with the Princess—” Flash blushed—”Captain Shining Armor, Princess Cadence, whoever, just take one. Beside the castle, in town square, whatever. Just make sure you’re smiling in it.”
Puzzled, Flash nodded. “Sure. I can do that, too. Um… Why, though?”
“Because,” Greyhoof said, staring him straight in the eye, "I want you to keep that picture, and look at it during dark times. I want you to remember, in spite of everything within and without you, that you can still be happy.”
Before he knew it, Greyhoof’s forehooves were around him. Flash hugged the old stallion back tightly, writing off the light dampness he felt on his shoulder as a wayward raindrop.
He must have left his window cracked open, so strong was the moonlight within his room.
~
If the evening prior was a dream, the morning after was a blur.
A haze of colors, faces, sounds, and smells mixed together into a fetid concoction unfit for any drinker. Steel and Spear’s shocked muzzles, full of envy and ecstasy at his revelation. His favorite bowl of oats, sweet and hot. Eating that favorite bowl of oats in the Great Hall amidst a clamor of excited voices. One last goodbye to Greyhoof, who didn’t mention the conversation of the night before. The heavy weight of his duffel bag against his back, coupled with the supportive weight of his spear as he trudged out of Canterlot Castle.
It was Friday, a day to celebrate. It would be the longest Friday of his life.
Once his hooves met the cobblestones beyond the front gate, he was in Canterlot. The city, too, seemed to churn and combine, great swaths of every color joining to create a majestic landscape before him. 0730, and the city was alive—stirring, chatting, chuckling and tipping its hat. Light shades of pink and purple joined the blue in the early morning sky. The colors made him smile.
Flash Sentry moved with purpose through the streets, taking in everything with the strict observational skills of a trained Royal Guard. Nopony seems to be paying much attention to me. Good.
Despite all the burdens and baggage that would seek to weigh him down this trip, above all, Flash Sentry was going for one reason, and one reason only. The golden armor he wore and steel spear he carried attested to that.
While he trotted to the train station, he left no noble stone unturned, narrowing his eyes as he took in the demeanor and intent of all passerby. Customers heading to the marketplace. Ponies heading to work. Fillies and colts on their way to school.
More than likely, nopony will know that Princess Twilight will be boarding the train until she arrives at the station. Good.
Flash checked the time on a nearby clock-tower. 0745. Better move. The early bird…
No, that’s a terrible analogy.
He picked up his pace for the remainder of the trip. Not a single Canterlot citizen appeared suspicious. When he reached the train station, he found it mostly empty, with only a few ponies waiting for trains out of Canterlot.
After locating the sign for the proper platform, Flash Sentry picked up his hooves again. He soon found it: Platform Five — Crystal Empire.
He was alone.
Setting his duffel bag down on a bench, Flash Sentry leaned against his spear, staring into the skies. Since she’s here to meet me, she’s probably coming by carriage.
For a few minutes, Flash Sentry attempted to relax, taking deep, yet quiet breaths. The stoic demeanor associated with Royal Guards would certainly need to be displayed, at least in public. He hardened his muzzle into a stern, neutral expression and continued to wait.
Flash Sentry silently recited the Guard’s Oath to himself, focusing his mind back on higher things.
You are a Royal Guard, a servant of Her Majesties Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Princess Twilight Sparkle. You are bound by blood to serve the Royal Family and to protect all citizens of Equestria from evil. You shall never leave a fellow Guard behind in combat. You shall always follow the orders of your superiors and Royalty. You shall—
Behind him came a rush of wings. Flash spun around.
There, tilting and tipping her wings in the gentle breeze, was Princess Twilight Sparkle, leaning down as she came in for her landing. A pair of heavy saddlebags rested across her back. No chariot nor any Royal Guard guided her awkward flight.
Although there was nothing truly majestic about her current flight, Flash felt a grin crack his stoic muzzle. He quickly willed it to return and took a step back to allow more room for her landing.
And land she did.
Twilight pulled up at the last second and dug her hooves into the platform, swaying. “Err… Heh, heh, sorry about that,” she said with a chuckle once she steadied herself. With a smile, she shook her head and shrugged. “They say the landing is the hardest part, eh, heh.”
“Oh… That’s alright, Your Highness.” Flash began to bow.
Almost immediately, Twilight gestured for him to rise. “Heh, um, that’s alright. You don’t have to do that.” She laughed and adjusted her saddlebags. “If you do, conversation in the next few weeks is going to be… difficult, to say the least.”
Conversation?
“Oh… right.” Flash leaned down and slipped his duffel bag onto his back. “Right, Your Highness.”
Twilight smiled and brushed her mane from her eyes. “You can just call me Twilight, Flash.”
Twilight.
Instinctively, he bowed his head. “Yes, Twilight.” When he realized what he’d done, he felt himself flush. “Oh, I mean—”
Giggling, Twilight just shook her head. “It’s alright, Flash.”
Flash just nodded this time, not trusting himself to keep both of her new customs. Twilight, he thought again, realizing how much simpler and familiar it felt to even think, rather than “Your Highness,” “Your Majesty,” or “Princess”.
This is interesting. Why would she… Unless…
Twilight opened one of her saddlebags and pulled out several empty scrolls, along with a few quills and ink. She continued to rifle through her bags, dropping a few sheets of parchment, all of which were covered in her scribbled hoofwriting.
Leaning down, Flash grabbed one of the sheets and passed it over to her. “H-here, Twilight. You dropped this.”
“Oh, thank you!” Twilight laughed and levitated back in her bag. “Yeah, I can be, uh, quite—”
The shrill whistle of a train cut her words short. Startled, Twilight jumped up, spilling her entire saddlebag full of parchment, books, quills, and ink all over the platform.
Flash leaned his spear against the bench and started grabbing as many scrolls as he could with his forehooves and wings. Twilight chased after some rolling inkpots with her magic, picking up the quills with other tendrils of her aura.
Almost got all of them! Looking down, Flash saw one more sheet left untouched. Without thinking, he scooped it up in his mouth. “Twif-life! I’fe goth—”
The train pulled into the station, squealing on its brakes as it settled into its stop. With its arrival came an exodus of ponies onto the platform from the full train.
“Omigosh, omigosh, omigosh! It’s Princess Twilight!”
“Wow! Can I have your autograph, Your Highness?”
“No way! It’s Princess Twilight!”
Flash’s eyes widened at the swarm of oncoming ponies. He quickly shoved the scrolls and parchment back in Twilight’s saddlebag, grabbed his spear, and spread his wings. “Stand—”
Twilight levitated the last quill back into her bag and addressed the crowd.
“Hello, everypony! Er, I’m sorry, but I have to get going!” Smiling sheepishly, she back-stepped towards the train while Flash Sentry stood by her side. “Come back to Canterlot Castle in a month’s time and I’ll be able to answer all of your questions!”
To Flash’s surprise, while the crowd seemed visibly disappointed, nopony challenged her or audibly objected. The sea of onlookers parted for Twilight and him to slip into the train without incident. Still, he kept his eyes open, one forehoof on his bag, the other on his spear.
Once they were inside, the train’s guard-pony closed the doors behind them with his magic and bowed to Twilight. “Ah, Princess, right on time! This train has been reserved especially for you and your guard, so please feel free to pick any cab that you like.”
Twilight smiled. “Thank you very much.”
“If there is anything you require, Your Highness, please, let me know!” With that, the guard trotted towards the train’s engine, leaving his two passengers to choose their seats.
Why did Princess Celestia let her come here by herself? She insisted on me, but let Twilight fly all alone? At least the train is reserved…
Twilight chose a cab and held the doors open for Flash Sentry, gesturing for him to enter. He laughed. “Er…”
“Please, go ahead, Flash.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Flash Sentry had, on various other escorts for the Royal Guard, seen the inside of a sleeper cab far too many times than he wanted to count. This one was no different—ill-patterned wallpaper, a set of bunk beds, and two large booths separated by a table.
It was also the smallest he had ever seen, or so it felt. Tossing the duffel onto the bottom bunk, he sat down on one side of the booth and held his spear upright in his right forehoof, like always.
Twilight chuckled slightly. “Oh, you’re not going to ask?”
"W-what?”
“Well, that’s alright,” Twilight said, levitating her saddlebags over to the top bunk. “With only a twelve-hour ride, I don’t think I’ll need to sleep much, anyway. Do you?” she asked, sitting down across from him.
The train lurched and hissed. Sitting up straight, Flash braced himself as the train began to pull out of Canterlot station, howling its steam into the morning air.
Twelve hours. Twelve hours, and bunk beds, and she’s… GAH!
“No, Twilight. I don’t think I will, either,” Flash replied, forcing his wings to stay tucked at his sides.
This is going to be a long ride.