//------------------------------// // Stranger In A Strange Land - Part II // Story: What Hath Joined Together // by Bad_Seed_72 //------------------------------// Stranger In A Strange Land — Part II Supper that evening was conducted in a similar manner as breakfast. Seated at the table with Princess Cadence, Prince Shining Armor, and Princess Twilight Sparkle, Flash Sentry felt like a very sore hoof indeed. Although Shining had again motioned for him to sit down with them, he still felt rather odd. Nevertheless, it was not his place to question it. While the three Royals chatted amongst themselves, the two mares especially engaged in conversation, Flash focused on the downright delicious meal that he had been served. Tantalizing delicacies tickled his nostrils and staked his hunger. Hearty vegetable stew, garlic bread dripping with butter, a crisp salad tossed with exotic greens… All of it was absolutely divine, and he savored every bite. Throughout the meal, Flash kept his muzzle down, only speaking when spoken to. When his plate was empty, a servant came to his side and offered him more, but Flash declined. Tomorrow morning, he would be assisting Lieutenant Shooting Star with the recruits; overeating would be most unwise, not to mention rude. As Flash waited to be dismissed, he looked up to see Twilight and Cadence giggling behind their forehooves. Shining rolled his eyes and face-hoofed. Flash tried not to stare, though he let a smile escape him. “Did you have enough to eat, Twilight? Or are you taking after Auntie Celestia now?” Cadence teased, poking her in the stomach. Twilight blushed and squirmed away. “C-Cadence! I’m full, thank you!” “Are you sure? Shining told me you devoured almost three whole plates of pancakes this morning. Sure you don’t want dessert? There’s cake...” Twilight gave her a playful nudge, then shot a half-hearted glare at her brother. “Oh, come on, you two! It’s not my fault that the Empire has such great cooks!” Cadence chuckled. “We try, we try. How about you, Flash? Are you full?” “Yes, Your Highness,” Flash said with a bow of his head. “Good, because you’ll be needing that in the morning.” Shining laughed. “If I know Shooting Star, he’ll be running the recruits ragged tomorrow morning. That goes for you, too.” “Yes, Your Highness,” Flash said, “I’m looking forward to it.” While he spoke to Shining, Flash felt Cadence looking at him again from across the table, causing him to shuffle slightly in his seat. He offered her a weak smile and looked down at his hooves again. Why does she keep looking at me that way? Am I doing something wrong? “Twilight,” Cadence asked, “are you feeling up for a little flight together?” “Flight?” Biting her lip, Twilight asked, “Are you sure? You still look tired. I don’t want you to strain yourself.” Indeed, Flash could see that, while Cadence appeared to have perked up from either the meal, Twilight’s presence, or both, she still wasn’t the same smiling Princess he had seen on her wedding day. Whatever was wrong with her, he couldn’t put his hoof on it. She seems to have lost weight, so it can’t be— Cadence shook her head. “I’m fine, and I’m sure. Please?” Twilight hesitated. “Well… I… I do have—” “Please, Twilight?” Cadence clasped her forehooves together and leaned closer to Twilight. “C’mon, you know you want to. Didn’t you mention in your last letter you needed some more flying practice anyway?” Flash saw Twilight quickly glance his direction before turning back to Cadence. “I’m not that bad, but…” Twilight sighed. “Alright, alright. Just as long as you’re feeling okay.” Beaming like a schoolfilly, Cadence rose to her hooves. “Great! We can talk about things when we get there then.” Twilight raised an eyebrow and joined Cadence’s side. “What things?” “You’ll see.” Cadence kissed Shining’s cheek. “We’ll be back in a little bit, hon.” “Alright. You two have fun!” Shining waved as they started out of the Royal Dining Hall. Flash waved along with him, grinning when he saw Twilight return the gesture. Once they were alone, Shining motioned for Flash to rise. “Flash, while they’re on their flight, I’d like to give you a full tour of the castle.” “Yes, Your Highness, that would be wonderful. Thank you.” Flash nodded, then followed after him. It would be nice to see more of this interesting place. Their hooves clicked rhythmically against the crystalline floors as they trotted along, a merry sound when compared to the stomping of keratin against stone, a noise so characteristic of Canterlot Castle. ~ Once they stepped out into the snow, Cadence kicked off her hooves into the air and gradually gained altitude, stopping when she was hovering just above the Crystal Castle. She looked down, waiting for Twilight to join her. Although she had spent several quiet evenings practicing her flight skills under the cover of dusk, Twilight always found her initial takeoff unsteady. Wings that felt far too large for her wobbled as she rose to meet the other alicorn, occasionally flapping out of time. Once she was eye level with Cadence, Twilight found her wing-rhythm and allowed herself to relax a bit. “Urgh. Taking off’s always the hardest part.” “Don’t worry, you’ll get it. Everypony wobbles a bit when they’re first starting out. Auntie has more than a few stories of me crashing into things,” Cadence said with a slight smile. “Crashing, huh? Sounds like you would have gotten along well with Rainbow Dash.” Twilight chuckled. “No, even though I’ve been reading several books on flight mechanics, l can’t seem to stick the landings that well, either. But I’m getting there.” “And you will. Just give it time. Ready to go?” “Ready!” “Follow my lead!” With a bright smile, Cadence glanced over her shoulder, then took off. Her mighty wings churned in perfect synchronization from the get-go, while it took Twilight a few more tentative flaps to do the same. As she settled into a steady, relaxed flight alongside Cadence, Twilight looked down. Dusk had fallen on the clear horizon, casting a violet glow over the crystal city below. Though she had visited the Empire and seen these same structures many times before, the architecture here never failed to amaze her. The Crystal Ponies were a unique race indeed, living in harmony not only with Nature like the Earth ponies did, but with the land’s unique climate and geology as well. Deep caverns beneath the tundra were filled with gemstones and minerals of nearly every variety, some of which were only found in the Empire. Legends said that the Crystal Ponies had risen from these caverns long ago—perhaps even evolving from the crystals themselves. These were most likely old mares’ tales, but with the entire Empire’s library at Twilight’s disposal for the next few weeks, perhaps she would discover differently. Especially since she had another pair of hooves helping her... “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Cadence’s gentle voice yanked Twilight from her daydream of books and quills, making her jolt. “Huh?! Oh! Yes!” She looked over to see Cadence staring at her. “Yes. Very beautiful.” Cadence chuckled softly. “Sorry, Twily, I didn’t mean to startle you.” “Oh, it’s alright. I was just thinking.” Twilight shifted her wings as Cadence steered the two towards the mountains. “Thinking about what?” “Well… You know that old legend about Crystal Ponies coming from the crystal caverns? Or maybe the crystals themselves?” “Yes?” “Is that true?” Twilight asked. Cadence didn’t immediately answer. The two caught an upward thermal and spread their wings for a smooth glide. While Cadence began to drift downwards towards a cliff jutting out from one of the snow-covered Crystal Mountains, Twilight noticed her scrunching her snout, as if in deep thought. The two were silent as they reached their destination, stuck their landings, and came to rest on the welcoming cliff. Cadence’s hooves brushed across the rock below like a smooth stone skipping across water, while Twilight’s skidded a few steps. Cadence stretched a wing to stabilize her as she came to a halt, which Twilight acknowledged with a sheepish grin. “I’m not sure,” Cadence answered at last, closing her wings. “To be perfectly honest, Twilight, I’m more concerned with the state of the Crystal Empire now than I am about its history. Though I’m sure that the library has something on the subject.” Twilight nodded, then took in the scenery. She had only flown through the Crystal Mountains on one occasion prior with Cadence. The two had had to turn back around on that first trip, nearly caught in a brewing blizzard. The Crystal Empire’s weather had never been subject to pegasi hooves throughout its history, at least to Twilight’s knowledge, and she doubted that would change anytime soon. While occasionally unpredictable, the weather here was no more wild or dangerous than that of Appleloosa or the uncharted lands beyond. If Earth ponies could grow apples and build towns in the desert south, then the frozen north was nothing to fear. And Twilight was not afraid, even here, perched on this high cliff beside Cadence. The snowfall began to pick up again, raining down in small flakes from the huddled clouds above. They were silent for a while, exhaling mist but warm beneath their down feathers. Twilight reluctantly broke the peaceful silence. “So… What did you want to talk to me about?” “Well, first…” Cadence turned to face her fully, looking away from her Empire in the distance. “Twilight, I want to say again how happy I am that you are here. I really missed you, and you couldn’t have come at a better time.” “Aww…” Twilight nuzzled her. “I really missed you too. It gets awful lonely at Canterlot Castle sometimes.” As Cadence pulled away, she asked, “Lonely?” “Well…” Twilight dug a forehoof at the snow. “It’s been wonderful to be able to spend so much more time with Celestia and Luna, but…” Sighing, she shook her head. “Nevermind. What did you want to ask me?” “But what, Twilight?” Cadence pressed. Twilight sighed again. “It’s alright. Forget it.” Meeting Cadence’s gaze, she saw again the bags under her eyes, poorly hidden by makeup and warmth. She clearly had no need for additional stress. Cadence seemed to study her, staring intently, before she said, “Alright, well… If you don’t mind, I would like to ask you a few things about Orion.” Twilight immediately tensed. “What about him?” “How do you honestly feel about the situation? What do you think should happen to him?” “What’s there to feel? He tried to attack me,” Twilight spat, tasting the venom in her voice. “He’s trying to fight his charges, but there were three witnesses in addition to myself. I think the law is explicitly clear on assault. As for what should happen to him, if he continues to plead innocent and loses this case—which he will—he’ll be imprisoned for seven years. Now, if he decides to withdraw his plea—” Cadence shook her head. “No, Twilight, how do you honestly feel about his situation? About him and Clover?” “Well, I—wait a minute. How do you know about this? I don’t think it’s even hit the Canterlot Times yet.” “Auntie and I have been discussing it through our letters. I’m curious as to what you feel about this, Twilight.” Twilight shrugged. “I don’t fully understand why he went to me after Celestia turned Clover down, Cadence. Why would he expect me to tell him anything differently? Why would he expect me to overturn an almost two-thousand-year-old law just for him? This is just the way things are. The law is the law.” Cadence paused to take a breath, long and low, through her nostrils. “What about Clover then?” “Clover is not being punished,” Twilight said. “She has done nothing legally wrong.” “No, I mean… What should have happened to Clover before Orion got involved?” “I think that Princess Celestia handled the situation correctly. She explained the law, expressed her sympathy, and offered a suggestion. She did the right thing. Clover would be happier being with an Earth pony stallion.” As Twilight spoke, she felt a bit cold. The snow was beginning to fall in larger flakes. Shifting her wings, she covered more of her back and shoulders with her warm down. Beside her, Cadence scrunched her muzzle again, then smirked. “You know... That’s awfully authoritative and, quite frankly, brash coming from somepony who had a crush on the Earth pony colt next door,” she said teasingly, brushing snow off Twilight’s shoulder with a wing. Twilight’s eyes widened while a slight blush crept across her muzzle. “I was just a little filly then, Cadence! I didn’t know any better! Everypony has crushes like that when they’re foals. It’s just a phase. It’s like Spike’s little crush on Rarity. He’ll grow out of that, just like I did.” Somewhere in the distance, Twilight swore she heard a high-pitched, over-dramatic gasp, but it was probably just the wind. Cadence faced Twilight fully again, towering over her. With what appeared to be an almost neutral expression, she continued to play Discord’s Advocate. “Okay, so Clover is going through a phase. Why should she be punished for going through a phase? Even if what she and Orion are doing isn’t right, why should she suffer?” Cadence had played this game with Twilight when she had been her foalsitter. Discord's Advocate had been great practice back then, preparing her for what now seemed like a lifetime of debates, hearings, and trials. Right now, with the wind rustling their feathers and the snow beginning to accumulate on the cliff, the game was starting to become a bit tiring. “Cadence, Clover is not going to be punished,” Twilight replied, unable to hide a bit of irritation in her voice. “Maybe one of her friends will try and set her up with a suitable stallion, but that’s it! I’m not going to punish her, nor is Celestia or Luna, nor anypony else. Alright?” Feeling heat rising from her feathers and cheeks, Twilight took a few deep breaths. It was not like her and Cadence to fight, and she didn’t want to start that tradition. Cadence, on the other hoof, seemed calm and collected, only looking intently at her again before she softened her gaze. “Alright. Let’s talk about something else,” Cadence suggested. Twilight hung her head. “Sorry.” “It’s alright, Twily.” Cadence smiled. “How about something on a happier note: Have any stallions caught your eye yet?” The heat returned, more intensely this time, rising up on her violet muzzle and shifting it into crimson. “No, not r-really.” The split-second stutter in her voice was as much of a surprise to Twilight as it seemed to have been to Cadence. Not really? Why didn’t I just say no? she thought, though she had no answer. Cadence giggled. “Oh, Twily, you haven’t changed since you were a filly when it comes to this. So adorable.” “I don’t know what you’re talking about!” “Oh, c’mon, Twi—” “No, I honestly don’t!” Twilight exclaimed, scooting away from Cadence. Before she knew it, she was ranting, her words galloping away from her, down her tongue, through her lips, and into the snow. “You know what I said earlier about the castle being lonely? It is, Cadence, it is! There’s all these formalities and greetings and motions and gestures that I’ve had to learn, and all these ponies who call me ‘Your Highness’ or ‘Princess’ and nothing else! All of these audiences and hearings and all these things I never even thought I would be doing! This trip has been the first time I’ve been able to just sit down and read for more than an hour or two at a time without being interrupted, without having to deal with something or another! All I want to do is find out about the Tree of Harmony and just relax while I’m here, okay?!” By the time she finished, Twilight was heaving her breaths, her wings flared open. Cadence sat across from her, frozen in place, eyes wide and mouth shut. Twilight looked over herself, then at Cadence, then brought both forehooves to her face with a groan. Geez, what brought THAT on? Ugh, what’s wrong with me?! With a sigh, Twilight turned around, hiding her shame. “I’m sorry, Cadence, I… I don’t know what got into me. I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve that.” Twilight looked down from the cliff towards the rolling hills of the Empire, snowswept and pure. I… I know this has all been stressful… But… I guess I didn’t know how stressful it really was… The light touch of a hoof on her shoulder made her flinch. Cadence joined her side at the edge of the cliff. “It’s alright, Twilight. I understand. Being a Princess is difficult. It’s hard to deal with stress when you’re not allowed to show it.” “Yeah… You’re right.” Twilight snickered at her own expense, shaking her head. “I guess I’d better calm down before I get all of Canterlot running after a doll or something.” “Oh, Twilight,” Cadence said, “I’m sure it won’t be all that bad. Just try and relax while you’re here, okay?” She nuzzled her neck. “You have a month to yourself here if you want it. Take all the time you need. Shining and I don’t mind at all.” Twilight’s smile slowly returned. “Thanks, Cadence. I really appreciate this.” Cadence smiled back at her. “Of course.” Along with the accumulating snowfall, silence settled between them again, as peaceful as Cadence’s words. “I will say this, Twilight,” Cadence began after a moment. “I will not tell you what to think while you are here… About the Crystal Empire, about Orion’s trial, about anything. Because Princess Celestia taught me not what to think but how to think, which means thinking both critically and with one’s heart. She may seem distant or cold to some ponies, but I know she is troubled by difficult decisions as much as you and I. She just doesn’t want anypony to see it.” “I know.” Twilight was tempted to mention what Celestia had done after Orion’s hearing, but supposed that Cadence already knew. Instead, she added, “I just want to make her proud. She’s been my mentor since I was just a little filly, seen me grow up, helped me make friends… I don’t want to disappoint her.” “You won’t, Twilight. I’m sure of that.” Twilight nuzzled her. “Thanks.” “You’re welcome. But promise me something…” “Yes?” “While you are here, I only ask that you allow me to have a conversation like this with you again. There are some other things I need to talk to you about, but for right now, it is getting late.” “Of course. I promise. But… Will you tell me…” Twilight bit her lip. Cadence tilted her head. “Tell you what?” “Well…” Twilight dug a forehoof at the snow again. “It’s just… You seem… Like you’re not feeling well. Like something’s wrong. Will you tell me what’s going on?” “Yes, we will talk about that soon,” Cadence assured, though she said no more. Twilight simply nodded. “Before we head back, there is one more thing I wanted to ask you about,” Cadence said. “Sure. Anything.” “... What do you think of your guard, Flash Sentry?” Twilight blinked. “What about him?” “I’m just curious about him,” Cadence replied. “Unlike Shooting Star or some of the other Canterlot guards, I’ve never properly met him until today.” “Oh! Well, he seems very nice,” Twilight said. “He’s always polite and respectful. Always shows up to his assignments on time, does everything anypony asks. Celestia says she’s never had any problems with him, that he’s always taken on any task she or Luna or Captain Ironhoof has asked of him—” Cadence waved a forehoof. “No, no. Not as a guard, Twilight. As a pony.” “Oh… Well, I can’t say I know too much about him privately yet,” Twilight said. “I do know that he likes to read, especially history, and he agreed to help me with this project. He seemed pretty happy to be reading all day today, so that’s good!” She smiled. “He also seems pretty interested in the Empire, too. Maybe if I have some extra time I can show him around a bit. And he is pretty c—” Feeling Cadence’s intense gaze, Twilight trailed off. The other alicorn was staring straight into her eyes, grinning. “Uhh… Yeah… That’s about it. Eh, heh, heh.” Twilight folded her wings back down, though they seemed a bit stubborn in doing so. “I noticed that he called you by name. Was that by your request?” Cadence asked. “Er… Yeah.” Twilight rubbed her nape. “I, well… I just don’t want him to have to call me ‘Your Highness’ and bow to me a hundred times a day. Not when we’re going to be working this cl—much together.” Huh. What was that about? We are going to be working in close quarters. So we can get through the books in a reasonable amount of time, of course. Despite Twilight’s explanation, Cadence didn’t flinch, that same grin sparkling against the snow. “I see.” “And…” Twilight sighed. “Well, I just… I’m just so tired of feeling distant from everypony, especially in Canterlot. Other than Celestia and Luna—and you and Shining—nopony at the castle really treats me like… A friend. And I guess I would like to get to know Flash… as a friend.” For a third time, silence reigned supreme. It seemed to make Twilight shiver, even beneath her feathers. Rising to her hooves, Cadence asked, “Well, would you and your new friend like to come with Shining and I to the play next Friday night? The one Apt mentioned at the library?” Twilight shook snow from her coat. “Next Friday? That’s only a week from tonight. I’m not sure if I should… I’m at the very beginning of my research, and…” Twilight trailed off once more, this time on account of Cadence’s wide, eager eyes and even wider smile. “Well… I guess that would be okay. One night off shouldn’t hurt.” Cadence clapped her forehooves together. “Great! And Flash can come if he wants to as well. Shining is going to invite some of his friends, so it’s only fair.” “Um… I guess I’ll have to ask him.” Cadence took a few steps towards the edge of the cliff and spread her wings. “Let me know what he says.” As she followed after her, Twilight felt another shiver pass through her. Night continued to fall, a cold wind blowing through the tundra. “... S-sure.” With one last grin, Cadence kicked off her hooves and took her place in the skies. Soon enough, Twilight accompanied her, flying side-by-side towards the Crystal Castle in the distance. All the while, Twilight dissected their conversation within her mind. She wasn’t quite sure if she was looking forward to the next experiment, the next “talk”—especially when, under the moonlight, she could see Cadence fighting her sleep on the flight home. ~ “... And through this door is our armory.” Flash watched as Shining Armor lit up his horn, his aura twisting into the tumbler of the door’s lock. “This lockset is enchanted so that only a few specific ponies can open it. Each unicorn’s magic has its own signature, and only certain signatures can act as the key to this lock.” His explanation accompanied the sound of the lock releasing and his magic ebbing back to his horn. “Very secure, Your Highness.” “Indeed it is. What do you think, Flash? Same as back in Canterlot?” The door opened to reveal a large room stocked wall-to-wall with weapons and armor. While it was noticeably smaller than Canterlot Castle’s armory, it held most of the same gear: full suits of golden armor, along with a few sets in purple; saddle blankets of various colors; steel spears; iron swords; horseshoes in iron, bronze, silver, and gold; and spare parts for everything. “It’s wonderful, Your Highness,” Flash said with a whistle. “Very much like Canterlot, sir. It looks like everything is in order, sir.” “Good to hear. We’ll have to expand this room in the future, but for now, it’ll do.” Shining Armor closed the door, locking it with the same spell. “Now, let me show you the barracks.” Flash Sentry followed Shining Armor through another set of hallways, which were illuminated by a different kind of gemstone embedded in the walls than he had seen on the other floors. These were dark-purple amethysts, which provided an almost ethereal glow to this “Guard floor,” as Shining had called it. Shining appeared to have saved this floor for last. He had even given Flash a cursory glance of the foyer that led to his and Princess Cadence’s private chambers, and seemed interested in answering any questions Flash may have had. However, Flash kept silent, choosing instead to draw a mental map of contrast between this place and Canterlot Castle. I suppose it’s not all that odd… After all, when I first graduated my basic training and officially became a Royal Guard, I was given a tour of Canterlot Castle myself. But that was by… Silver Shield, I think? Certainly not a Royal. Then again, Shining’s always been friendly. “Ah, here we are,” Shining announced, coming to rest before a door at the end of the hallway. He simply opened the door with his magic and led Flash inside. “This is the barracks. It’s empty at the moment, as you can see.” The large room was lined with two rows of bunk beds, a wide aisle in the middle. Each bed was simply made and paired with either a chest or an overhead compartment for storage. There were enough beds for thirty guards—maybe thirty-six if a few more beds were squeezed in. “Normally, this would be enough for a small Guard operation. However, when we began recruiting, the response we received was…” Shining chuckled. “Well, not exactly overwhelming, but definitely more than we expected. Much more than we can hold in here, hence the tents, at least for now.” Flash nodded and looked out of one of the barracks’ windows. There, in the fields down below, he noted small, glowing lights of various colors coming from each of the tents. “What are those lights in the tents, Your Highness?” Shining explained, “The Crystal Ponies don’t mind the snow, but they are a bit afraid of the dark. I’ve allowed them each to have a torch-crystal in their tent until we can break them of that fear.” Before Flash could ask any further questions, Shining stepped out of the room. “You’ll see more of the recruits tomorrow. It’s getting late, and Cadence and Twilight should be back soon.” As he followed Shining out of the room, Flash stole one last glance at the barracks. It, like the special crystals on this floor’s walls, seemed significant for a reason he couldn’t yet articulate. ~ After exchanging goodnights with Shining and Cadence, escorting Twilight to her room, and removing his armor, Flash Sentry turned in for the evening. It had been a long, strange first day, though he couldn’t say it had been a bad one. He fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow—a rarity for him. The next morning progressed about the same as the first. Flash took extra care in his appearance out of some strange compulsion, and left his spear behind again as Twilight had requested. This time, both Prince Shining Armor and Princess Cadence were waiting at the breakfast table for him and Twilight to arrive. While the others conversed, Flash dug into yet another mouth-watering breakfast, though he was careful to eat less than his growling, gluttonous stomach desired. Once he neatly placed and crossed his utensils on his plate, it was whisked away by a servant, as was he by Shining. The two mares were left to finish their breakfast—the younger of them already tucking into a second helping of quiche. Shining Armor led him out of the castle to the training grounds along the same route he had led him the morning prior. Flash kept his eyes wide open, taking in all of the sights of the Crystal Empire in the morning glow on the short walk. The two paused when they rounded the top of the hill at the rear of the castle and peered down below. The snow was falling at a steady pace this morning, covering the recruits’ tents in a thin layer of frost. The recruits were up and about, forming lines near the field kitchens or taking seats at the picnic benches. Castle servants hurried between cauldrons of oats and pots of coffee and tea. Lieutenant Shooting Star, his golden armor sparkling in the peeping sunlight, marched up and down between the rows of tents and tables, barking orders to “Stand up straight!” and “Hurry up and eat!” Flash estimated that there were close to a hundred and twenty recruits under his command this morning, all of them Crystal Pony stallions. Although Earth ponies were only recruited to the Royal Guard in times of war, given the Crystal Empire’s homogenous state, Flash reasoned that there wasn’t any other option. Despite the oddity, he didn’t balk or take offense at the sight of the recruits. Truth be told, as long as they were capable, he didn’t see why they shouldn’t wear the armor. Still, it was interesting to see so many wingless, hornless bodies being directed by one armored pegasus, and Flash could feel his eyes widen. Shining seemed to have noticed his amazement. “Told you it was more than we were prepared for. Ready to help Shooting Star?” Flash nodded slowly. “Y-yes, Your Highness, I am.” “Alright. Head back to the Royal Dining Hall when you are done. I’ll have Twilight wait until then.” As Shining Armor headed off, Flash turned back to the recruits. Shooting Star appeared to have not noticed his presence yet, currently occupied with scolding a stallion who had dropped his bowl of oats on the snowy ground. Shooting Star pointed at the dropped bowl. “That’s the only breakfast you’re getting this morning, recruit! Either toughen up and eat ‘em cold, or go hungry!” “S-sir, yes, s-sir!” the clumsy stallion replied, scooping up bits of snow along with the oats into the upturned bowl. As Flash Sentry trotted past the stallions, he felt their eyes drawn like magnets to his golden armor and its matching blue saddle blanket. A few whispered behind their forehooves to each other, their eyes widening as he passed them. The sea of hungry ponies parted in two for him. Flash paid them no heed and made a beeline for his Lieutenant. “Lieutenant Shooting Star! Good morning, sir!” Flash said. Shooting Star turned around from the clumsy stallion, who was now munching bites of snow along with his ruined oats. “Ah, Sir Flash Sentry! There you are! Bright and early, just as I asked.” Flash saluted him. “Sir, yes, sir!” “At ease, soldier. Save the iron hooves for when we show these colts how to spar,” Shooting Star said with a laugh. He gestured to the recruits. “What do you think so far? Anypony you see who doesn’t belong here?” That seems like a loaded question… Doesn’t it? “No, sir,” Flash answered, a bit of hesitation in his voice. “I don’t, sir.” The Lieutenant grinned widely. “Good! That was a trick question!” He smacked Flash on the shoulder, sending vibrations through his armor. “Everypony belongs here… For right now!” he warned, shooting a glare towards the recruits. “Once breakfast is over, we’re gonna run a few miles, and we’ll see about that!” While the recruits mumbled amongst themselves, Shooting Star led Flash away from the group. Some were still staring at him, studying him. Though Flash was one of the few Royal Guards who had been granted the honor of wearing the blue saddle blanket, he believed he was nothing worth such careful analysis. Maybe it’s because I’m one of the few pegasi around here? That must be it. Once they were out of earshot, Shooting Star asked, “Will I be seeing you next Friday?” Flash answered him with a question of his own. “Friday, sir? For training, sir?” Shooting Star shook his head. “No. For the meeting,” he whispered. Flash nodded, whispering back, “Yes, Lieutenant, I will be there.” There was that grin again. “Good. Now, follow my lead, and stay by my side at all times. Understood?” “Yes, sir.” “Good! Let’s go!” Just as fast as he had been led away, Flash Sentry was led back to the recruits, who were scrambling to finish their breakfast. As soon as Shooting Star reached the circle of picnic tables and camp kitchens, he clapped his forehooves loudly. The servants doused the flames on the boiling cauldrons and began collecting the dishes. Shooting Star cupped his forehooves around his mouth and shouted, “Breakfast is over! Time to move! Up, up, up, get UP! Move! Move! MOVE! Form a line by the tents!” In a flurry of hooves, discarded bowls, spoons, and mugs, the entire camp of recruits scrambled to obey the order, lining up side-by-side. All faced the Lieutenant and stood ramrod straight, ready for the next command. Flash Sentry followed beside Shooting Star as he marched up and down the aisle of recruits, narrowing his eyes at them. “The shoddiest bunch of recruits I’ve ever seen, that’s what you are!” “Sir, yes, sir!” the recruits shouted back. Shooting Star grinned, still pacing the line. “This morning, we’ll be going for a fun little run. If I see hussle, it’ll only be five miles. If anypony fails to keep up, it’ll be ten miles. Understood?” “Sir, yes, sir!” “GOOD!” Shooting Star pointed at Flash. “This here’s Sir Flash Sentry, a Canterlot Royal Guard, and he’ll be helping me with you maggots! Anypony mouths off or lags behind, he’ll know, which means I’ll know! You will respect him as you do me or Prince Shining Armor! Understood?!” “Sir, yes, sir!” Shooting Star held up a forehoof to his ear. “I can’t hear you!” “SIR, YES, SIR!” “That’s better!” Without warning, Shooting Star kicked off his hindhooves and shot straight into the air. “C’mon, Flash! Let’s show these colts what they’re in for!” Leaping into the air after him, Flash called out, “Sir, yes, sir!” “Follow after us!” Shooting Star ordered the recruits, taking off towards the Crystal Mountains in the distance. As the recruits gave one final unified cry and burst into a gallop, Flash beat his wings furiously to keep up with Shooting Star, who was amplifying both his altitude and distance. Stretching out his forehooves, he began churning his wings as fast as he could, determined to catch him. Thankfully, there was little wind standing in his way. Nonetheless, the Lieutenant was, without a doubt, the strongest and fastest flier in the Royal Guard. If his father had been a Wonderbolt instead of a guard, he would have made a great member. Luckily for Flash Sentry, Shooting Star slowed his pace as he neared the Crystal Mountains, allowing him to catch up. Sweat rolling down his mane and muzzle, he held back his gasps as he said, “Sorry… about that… sir…” Shooting Star laughed. “Haha! It’s alright, soldier! Relax! Nopony can catch me when I take off like that! Not even Celestia herself!” Although he wanted to comment on that odd choice of words, Flash refrained from doing so. While he and Shooting Star slowed their pace, he looked down to see the recruits thundering after them, their hooves kicking up snow and frost. Following Flash’s gaze, Shooting Star scoffed. “Lost any yet?” Flash scanned the ground. “No, not yet, sir.” “Dammit. Better kick it up a notch then!” Without warning, Shooting Star bolted again, veering above the mountain path. A few seconds later, Flash gritted his teeth, took a deep breath, and zipped after him, his wings beating in time with the roaring rhythm of the heavy hoof-steps below. ~ About an hour later, Flash Sentry landed alongside Lieutenant Shooting Star on the snowswept ground. Though he made an effort to go flying in his downtime, it had been a while since he had flown like that. Both his wings and his lungs burned with exertion. While he caught his breath, he looked over to see the recruits rushing towards them, panting and heaving. Shooting Star laughed, not a drop of sweat on his forehead. “Look at ‘em, Flash! Struggling to keep up! Not too bad though, wouldn’t you say?” In between breaths, Flash said, “No, Lieutenant. They’re… doing good, sir.” And considering who they were, it was true. Only a few stallions had fallen to the back of the pack, whom Flash had pointed out to Shooting Star. Those few had been sent home packing, leaving the vast majority to finish their run. Soon, the recruits returned to camp. The exhausted stallions struggled for breath and swayed against each other as they came to a halt, all while Shooting Star berated them and cursed their slow, weak hooves. Even so, Flash saw the tiniest flicker of a grin on the Lieutenant’s face. Once all were present and accounted for, Shooting Star barked, “Alright, take a break, recruits! Grab some water! Sprinting drills in ten!” While the pack of fatigued recruits dissolved in search of fresh water, Flash Sentry asked with the widest smile he could muster, “Would you like me to stay and help, sir?” Shooting Star shook his head, scowling. “Bah, I’ve got this, Flash! Seems like a few of these stragglers need to be whipped into shape! I'll take it from here. You’re dismissed.” After giving his thanks and salute to Shooting Star, Flash headed back to the castle as quickly as he could. As he navigated the hallways, he thought over this first exercise with the Lieutenant and the recruits, as well as those to come. Shooting Star mentioned sparring drills, but weapons training usually doesn’t begin until the second month or so. How long has Shining Armor been training these stallions? Shaking his thoughts away, Flash straightened out his mane beneath his helmet and adjusted his armor before opening the doors to the Royal Dining Hall. Celestia help me if I look worn out from just one morning flight! Once he entered, Twilight called out from the table, “There you are! Fiiiiinally!” Twilight rose from her seat, levitating her saddlebags onto her back before Flash could even trot up to her, her eyes wide with anticipation. “Sorry, Twilight,” Flash said. “I didn’t mean to keep you waiting.” “Oh, it’s fine,” Twilight replied. “Cadence and I had a good time waiting.” Grinning, Cadence chimed in, “We sure did, Twily! Though somepony’s a sore loser at checkers.” Twilight scoffed in reply, looking away from Cadence in mock offense. Flash looked around the Royal Dining Hall, then glanced over at Princess Cadence. “Er, Your Highness, where is Prince Shining Armor?” “Shining went into town to get a few things. He and I like to get out among the citizenry now and then; say good morning to everypony,” Cadence said. “I see, Your Highness.” That is actually pretty wonderful. Maybe Celestia and Luna should do that more often. Twilight beamed at him. “Are you ready to go?” “Sure!” Before he turned around, Flash bowed his head to Cadence, remembering something he had been meaning to say. “Forgive me, Your Highness, for not saying this earlier. Thank you so much for your hospitality. The meals and accommodations have been excellent, Princess.” Cadence smiled. “Of course, Flash. You are a guest, and will be treated as such. If there is anything you need, please do not hesitate to let Shining or me know.” This time, he bowed fully to her, not out of ritual, but gratitude. As Twilight and Flash started out of the room, Cadence called from behind them, “Twilight, aren’t you going to ask him?” Ask me what? Twilight, in the middle of opening the door, tilted her head at the other alicorn. After a second, her eyes suddenly brightened. “Oh! That’s right! Flash,” she began, “would you like to, um… Well, you remember that play Apt Drop mentioned yesterday?” Flash’s heart, which had fully calmed from the intense flight, gave a sudden, erratic beat. Perhaps the adrenaline from his morning workout had yet to fully dissipate. “Ye… Yes?” In this morning light, Twilight’s muzzle seemed redder than usual. “Would you, um, like to go with me to it? A-and Cadence and Shining will be there. Oh, and some of Shining’s friends are going to be there too. At the play. It’s next Friday night. Would you like to go? Go see it?” “Um…” Did she really… Did she really just… No. Other ponies will be there. It’s just an outing. A friend thing. Wait… A friend thing? Me? Friends with her? No, no, it’s my duty. I am supposed to escort her everywhere. That’s all. Flash broke out of his daze to see Twilight grinding the tip of her forehoof into the floor. Behind them, Princess Cadence watched for his reply, though she remained silent. Although the snow was beginning to fall with a vengeance, there was a heat within these walls that seemed almost arid. As Twilight continued to wait for his answer, Flash realized that his initial assumptions were most likely just that—assumptions. On the off-chance that it was a friend thing, not just a formal escort, there were no laws or traditions against friendships. I am supposed to obey her. And… it does help that I would…kind of… like to go. Finally, Flash said with a smile, “S-sure. That would be great.” Twilight appeared to both relax and tense at his response. “Great! Thanks! It should be fun, heh!” “Yes, I thi—” “Great, let’s go!” Twilight exclaimed. In a burst of magic, the doors opened just wide enough for her to pass through, then slammed shut. Flash took a few quick steps forward, just in time for them to open again in Twilight’s aura. Twilight stood on the other side of the doors, her horn lit with a pulsating glow. “Sorry! Sorry!” Holding back a nervous chuckle, Flash simply said, “It’s alright, Twilight,” and followed after her. Oh, Celestia, this is going to be a long week. While Princess Twilight Sparkle and her accompanying guard headed towards the Crystal Empire’s library for the second day, Princess Cadence, ruler of this strange land, sipped her tea. Grinning.