//------------------------------//
// Sentry Down! (Teen) 
// Story: Final Draft's Rough Drafts 
// by Final Draft 
//------------------------------//

Shining was in jail and Flash was a mess.
What were the reasons? Just take a guess.

All it took was a little alcohol
To incite the feud, to start the brawl

But this is not where the story starts
I’ve skipped over all the important parts

Let us go back to the start of their day
And find out how things wound up this way

Flash the rookie stood at his post
Taking his job more seriously than most

He did not budge, nor did he move
Standing statuesque like he had something to prove

Shining, the captain, watched for a while
The rookie’s integrity making him smile.

He trotted over and stared into his eyes
The rookie tried desperately to hide his surprise

He straightened up more, swallowing hard
Trying to appear as the perfect guard

He saluted his captain, awaiting command
Wondering just what the unicorn had planned.

“At ease, Sentry,” Shining said at last
And he took up his post right beside Flash

“Thank you, Captain,” the rookie replied
And he cracked his neck from side to side

Minutes passed by and neither stallion spoke
Until at last, Flash decided to crack a joke

The punchline fell flat to Flash’s dismay
He wanted more than anything to fly away

The captain laughed just to be polite
It was almost funny, but not quite.

They both fell silent, Flash stared at the ground
Keeping his lips shut, not making a sound

The captain suddenly stood up straight
Noticing Celestia approaching the gate

Flash mimicked his captain, looking ahead
Adjusting his hooves so they were evenly spread

That’s when he noticed Celestia wasn’t alone
The problem starts here—if only he’d known.

A purple mare with wings and a horn
(Princess Twilight Sparkle, the newest alicorn),

Accompanied Celestia on her daily walk
Flash wanted to say hi, but didn’t dare talk

Guards were meant to be seen and not heard
Protecting the grounds without saying a word

Instead, he let his mouth fall agape
As he admired her curves and admired her shape

She took no notice of his awkward stare
Even if she did, he didn’t care

In his mind, they were already together
Two peas in a pod and birds of a feather.

Reality was different as he soon found out
Because the purple alicorn gave a joyful shout

“Shining! I missed you!” the mare exclaimed
Is that his wife? I should be ashamed.

Shining didn’t budge through the whole embrace
No sign of emotion appeared on his face

“At ease, guards,” Celestia commanded the two
Now Flash could turn his head for a better view

He saw his captain holding the mare
Signs of love were clearly there