Flash woke in his bed slowly, he hadn't had a peaceful rest like that in years. He rolled in his bed a little, then stretched out until his hooves quivered.
He slowly slid out of his bed and walked to the window. He opened the blind and squinted at the sunlight now flooding the room. Once he had adjusted to the sunlight he stared outside at sun on the horizon, the birds flying were also in sight.
Flash smiled, he liked his mornings now. Not sliding out of bed to greet a tiresome Flash in the mirror. Well, he still did it now, just, he felt more joyful when he woke up every morning. Even though he'd been getting up later than usual.
The mirror greeted the joyful Flash, with bed-head as usual, and so he stroked his mane backwards gently, fixing it to the right position. It was the same old thing like every morning. He got into his uniform and finished all his other morning procedures.
Flash left him room shortly, and walked down the down the massive halls of the Canterlot Castle for what seemed like the thousandth time. When Flash arrived at the Mess Hall, his was greeted by his fellow guardsmen, some giving a salute to the Captain as he went to get his breakfast.
The tiresome Captain got his food and headed to the table where his friends, Night Breeze and Dust Storm, sat. As he approached the two friends noticed Flash's approached, and greeted him.
"Mornin' Flash." Dust started. Flash nodded to him and Night Breeze, who smiled and gave a curt nod. Flash sat down across the table from his friends and began eating his food slowly, until Dust broke out in laughter. Flash and Night Breeze stared at Dust quizzically.
"What's so funny?" Flash asked.
Dust, barely able to talk from his smirked laughter, tried to speak. "N-No, I-I." He cleared his threat and slowed his outburst of laughter that had attracted the attention of a few other guards. "I was just thinking about how much tail we kicked a few weeks ago when we went up against those Red Fang failures."
Flash lowered his head as memories flooded his mind. The gruesome battle between his Royal Guard/Wonderbolts' Joint Force against the Red Fang organization made up of former and active Royal Guards convinced that Equestria would be a better place if the Royals didn't run it. Flash scanned through his memories and stopped at two different ones, when he killed the crippled Jagged Wing, and then murdered his sister, Blooming Dasie.
The thoughts were crippling Flash in his seat, voices rang through his head, but they were muffled, and inaudible. Eventually a rough shake threw Flash from his thoughts, of Night Breeze calling Flash's name.
"Flash! Snap out of it!" He yelled at him. Flash stopped and looked up at his friends, who stared at him with eyes of worry.
Flash looked around. "Sorry." He shook his head violently, then continued to eat.
Dust sat back and breathed out. "Geez Flash, that's some serious mental stuff to do that to you. How 'bout we change the subject?" He leaned in closer. "What's the deal with you and Princess Twilight." He smirked.
Flash's look grew dark as he looked up from his food. "What about it?" He growled, his voice so threatening Dust slowly moved back and lost his smile.
Dust rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, are you going to, like, propose sometime soon?" He asked unsure of what he was doing.
Flash focused back on his food, and Dust leaned in again. "Have you even bought a ring?" When Flash nodded Dust felt his mouth drop. "Can I see it?"
With a sigh, Flash put down his silverware looked at Dust. "It's in my room. Follow me after breakfast and I'll show you." He looked at Night Breeze. "Both of you."
Night Breeze's face lit up with glee. "This is so exciting Flash! You really deserve her. She obviously loves you back."
Flash shrugged, acting like it wasn't a big deal. "Yeah. I'm just nervous." Before Night Breeze could talk Flash started again. "Just meet me at my room when you're finished here."
He picked up his empty plate and threw it out, and weaved through a crowd of fellow guardsmen out into the long corridor with a long red carpet rubbing against Flash's hooves.
Flash looked over his shoulder, to see Dust and Night Breeze following him. He turned around, smiling. "You really want to see that ring don't you guys?"
Dust shrugged. "You said come to your room when you're done. So, we're done."
Flash looked at Night Breeze, who simply nodded. He smiled, and beckoned them to follow. "Come on. I'll show you."
The three ponies went back to Flash's room and were told to wait outside as Flash went inside to fetch the ring. The door swung open and Flash looked up and down the hallway, when nopony was there he told his friends to come in.
When Dust and Night Breeze entered, Flash closed and locked his door, then turned to his friends.
"So where is it?" Dust bounced up and down nervously. Night Breeze surprisingly looked just as nervous.
Flash reached into his back pocket and pulled out a sparkling-golden box. Dust and Night Breeze's mouths hit the floor when they saw the box.
With a slight grin, Flash opened the box to reveal a diamond-encrusted ring with stars lining the rim. If one looked closer, you could see that one of the stars that was slightly bigger than the others, was Twilight's cutie mark.
"What do you think?" Flash asked his friends, who were still mesmerized by the ring.
Dust smirked at Flash and huffed a chuckled. "It's amazing? Where did you get it?"
Flash put the ring away. "Oh, why do you care?"
Dust shrugged. "Good point. How much did it cost, looks like at least a grand."
Flash laughed. "It cost enough." He turned to Night Breeze. "You're awfully quiet."
Night Breeze looked at Flash. "What is there to say? It's a fantastic ring, and I'm sure Twilight will love it."
"I hope so." Flash's gaze darkened.
Night Breeze put a hoof on Flash's shoulder. "You've got nothing to be afraid of Flash. You both love each other, it's obvious."
Flash felt himself blush at the comment. He smiled uncontrollably. "Thanks, Night Breeze."
After a curt nod, Dust jumped into the conversation again. "So, when are you gonna propose? Or are you gonna wait for the 'perfect time'?"
Is he mocking me? Flash shook his head. "I think I'll take her to the garden and ask there."
Night Breeze gasped a smile and clapped his hooves together. "That sounds perfect!"
Flash looked at Night Breeze jokingly. "Wow, you got awfully excited quickly."
Night Breeze went back on all fours immediately and cleared his throat. "Well - I, yes. That sounds delightful." He darted his eyes across the room, trying to lose the gazes that made his fur stand on edge.
Dust and Flash exchanged a humorous glance, then focused back on the conversation at hand. "Anyway." Flash continued. "I might go ask her now. Or later."
"Just do it now, get it over with." Dust chuckled at Flash. "You're working up a sweat just talking about it." He laughed as Flash put a hoof to his head, realizing that he was starting to sweat, he quickly shook his hoof dry and gave a stern look at Dust, who returned the look. "What? Just saying Flash. Come on Night Breeze, let's leave Flash in peace." He turned to walk out with Night Breeze tailing him.
Night Breeze stopped and whipped around and ran back to Flash. "He has a point. You should ask her as soon as possible." He whispered in his ear. Flash looked at his friend and nodded, worry striking his eyes.
"Night Breeze, let's go!" Dust called from the hallway. Night Breeze gave a swift nod to Flash and ran out to meet up with his friend. The door slammed shut, leaving Flash in his room with nothing but his thoughts. He sat down on his bed.
What if she says no? What if she isn't ready? Oh, should I ask her now or tomorrow? Flash shook himself and tapped his head a few times. Ugh, come on. You're Flash Sentry, Captain of the Royal Guard! You're not afraid of anything! Flash inhaled and puffed out his chest and smiled.
Flash walked over to the mirror and immediately exhaled when he noticed how stupid he looked. His cheeks turned red as he went over to his bedside table where he left the ring inside it's box.
The ring was still beautifully polished, Flash didn't want to get any marks on it. He placed the ring carefully into the box and placed it into his back pocket and headed out the door.
Several hallways and turns later, Flash found himself at his office in the Royal Guard Headquarters. He shot a quick "Hello." to Moonshine, who was behind her desk as usual, then Flash was behind his own desk in his office.
Time wasn't of concern to Flash. He would propose eventually, at least he hoped. Flash couldn't help but feel a slight bit of anxiety
coursing through him, the wave of emotion forced Flash to shiver a little.
Flash noticed a muffin on his desk with a note attached that said, "Enjoy." sitting on his desk and smiled.
Hm, that's nice of somepony. Flash shifted through his desk papers, and he was interrupted by a small sound coming from the door. When he looked over, it was the daily newspaper. Why did Moonshine give me the newspaper? I told her I don't read them.
He stood up and walked over, picked up the paper and carried it back to his desk. When he sat down he took a bite of a piece of his muffin. When he read the headline he spit out his muffin on the floor and rubbed his eyes then stared at the newspaper to make sure he wasn't hallucinating.
Flash wasn't hallucinating unfortunately. He sat back and stared at the newspaper's headline, PRINCESS AND CAPTAIN IN LOVE! Flash sighed and leaned his head on his hooves, which were propped up on the desk. What am I suppose to do now? I really can't deny it since I'm going to propose to her soon.
The two "lovers" have been seeing each other in public and showing signs of affection to each other. I guess ponies would catch on eventually.
Flash shook himself from his thought and turned his head and looked at the now soggy muffin bits on the ground. He sighed, and and picked up the bits, almost gagging at the smell and feel of the soggy bread. He quickly flung the bits at the trash can, but when they missed on bounced back onto the floor, he grunted and slumped over and picked the pieces up and threw them into the trash, then walked back over to his desk and sat down.
He took a few more bites out of his muffin as he continued to read the newspaper, mumbling under his breath about some of the comments he saw.
A knock came from the door that took Flash's eyes off the newspaper. "Come in." He called.
Moonshine stepped into the poked her head into the room. "Sir. Night Breeze is here for you."
"Bring him in." Flash told her. Moonshine nodded and closed the door. It reopened a few seconds later with the purple pony with dark-blue eyes entering. "Hello Night Breeze, what can I do for you?" He folded the newspaper and put it on the desk.
Night Breeze narrowed his eyes at Flash. "Since when do you read the newspaper Flash?" He smirked. "Doesn't matter. I suppose you've heard all the rumors about you and the Princess."
Flash tapped the newspaper. "I was just reading it."
"I see." Night Breeze nodded. "You going to do anything about it?"
Flash shrugged. "I think I might talk to Twilight about it. I don't know."
"So you're going to let the press run wild? Not the smartest idea." Night Breeze put in.
Flash shook his head. "I never said I was letting them run wild did I? I might go out to the Canterlot public park later, I'm bound to get questioned."
Night Breeze gave a swift nod. "I see. Well, best of luck to you." He waved as he left Flash's office.
Once alone, Flash got up and walked over to the window. He stared out at the magnificent city of Canterlot. Sure is beautiful. He sighed once more. I'll go talk to Twilight.
Flash pivoted on his hooves on walked out the door. Moonshine didn't look up from her papers when Flash looked at her. Is she smirking at me? If so she's doing a terrible job of hiding. Flash noticed when looking at his deskmare. I'm just getting anxious I guess.
The usual walk to Twilight's room was longer than usual. Every time Flash passed a guard or random pony, they always looked back at him, then quickly looking away when Flash looked at them. Their stares burning through his fur. Flash felt uneasy, like somepony was going to ambush him.
Flash finally made it to Twilight's bed chamber and he stepped up to her door. He breathed out and lifted a hoof and knocked on the door softly.
A voice called from within. "Come in!" Slowly, Flash opened the door and stepped in, closing the door behind him. Flash glanced around to the room, when he saw Twilight at her desk levitating a pencil over a piece of paper. She must be writing a letter to Princess Celestia.
Twilight didn't look from her paper. "Spike, I can't talk right now. I need to finish this assignment for Princess Celestia." She almost snapped in frustration. Spike had come to the castle to live with Twilight a few weeks ago, which wasn't all bad.
Flash put a smile on his face, partially from the humor of Twilight not knowing who exactly was there. "Well I don't think Spike would appreciate that tone of voice." He chuckled.
Twilight whipped around in her chair as she dropped her pencil on the floor and her cheeks flushed with red. "Oh! I'm so sorry Flash! I didn't know it was you." Her hooves rose to her cheeks as she blushed with embarrassment.
Flash chuckled a little more. "I could tell. What's the problem?" He walked over to Twilight, who was still holding her hooves up. Flash's smiled faded when he saw her messy mane and dark circles under her eyes.
"Oh, nothing. Just a little hard work. I was up all night." She told him. "I'm fine."
Flash shook his head. "You can't stay up all night Twilight. I know your work is important to you, but you need to sleep. Look at you. You're a mess." Flash put a hoof on Twilight's mane and began straightening it out. Twilight sat patiently while Flash tended to her mane.
Twilight let out a small grunt. "You don't have to do this Flash."
"Oh, quiet you." Twilight sighed and let Flash continue on.
When he finished he returned to all fours and stared at Twilight. "Promise me you'll get some more sleep?"
Twilight returned his gaze. "Promise." The two smiled at each other gently.
When the two finished their daze into each other's eyes, Flash prompted the conversation again. "Did you read the newspaper?"
Twilight shook her head. "No. Why?" Her gaze darkened. "What is it Flash?"
"The better question would be - 'What's going to happen?" Flash commented. "It's about us."
Twilight's cheek turned red again. "W-What do you mean, about us?" Fear struck her amethyst eyes.
Flash place his hoof into Twilight's hoof gently. "Rumors are spreading about, uh, you and me."
Twilight's eyes went wide with shock. "Flash. Where are these rumors going?"
"It's nothing crazy. Just a little thing with the two of use, er." Flash paused, his cheeks hinting red with embarrassment. "Being in love."
Twilight stared at the ground as she fumbled to find words. "Flash. I - I." She stopped mid sentence.
Flash place a hoof on her chin as lifted her head up, making her look at Flash in the eyes. "Shhh. Twilight, will you come walk with me?" Twilight stared at Flash as she slowly nodded.
Twilight stood up and the two left the room and headed down the hallways. Guards giving them the usual snicker or grin. Twilight leaned over to Flash. "What's with them?" She whispered to him.
"They all know the rumor about you and me." He responded. Twilight nodded her understanding.
The two ponies walked through the Canterlot Castle until they reacted the destination Flash had gone to. The Canterlot Castle Garden. The two went up to the railing and looked down at the ponies below on the streets of the thriving city.
Twilight was the first to get off the rail ad stare at Flash. "This is nice and all, but why did you bring me here?" She asked him.
Flash sighed and got off the rail. He stared at Twilight, he opened his mouth, but his brain fought for the right words. "Twilight, I -" He was cut off by a forehoof to the mouth.
Twilight simply smiled and took her hoof off Flash's muzzle. "Flash. Don't stutter. That will make it only more awkward. What is it?"
Flash sighed. Here goes nothing. He thought to himself as lowered him self to one knee and looked up at Twilight, who's mouth dropped in shock and cheeks turned red.
"Twilight. I love you with all my heart, I want to be with you forever. So -" Flash felt his cheeks burn crimson as he took out the case from his back pocket and opened it, revealing the perfect ring inside. "Will you marry me, Princess Twilight Sparkle?"
Twilight's jaw remained open in awe. The corner of her mouth began to turn up, forming a large smile. She jumped into Flash's hooves. "Yes! Yes yes yes! Flash I will marry you! I love you too!" She cried.
The two exchanged a long hug then extended from each other, but only where Twilight hooves were on Flash's neck and Flash's hooves on Twilight's hips. The couple closed the distance and sealed a kiss they would never forget.
Flash took the ring out of the box and placed it on Twilight's horn. She stared up at the ring before returning her gaze to Flash, smiling once again uncontrollably, she fell into Flash's arms, exchanging another long kiss as lips and tongue intertwined between the couple.
After they released each other from lack of oxygen, Flash stood up, holding out a hoof to Twilight, she took it and stood up. "Maybe I should take the rest of the day off." Flash joked.
Twilight grinned at him. "You better, or you'll hear it from me!"
The two trotted happily back into the castle and past all the guards. Some clapped their hooves together, some even came up to the two and congratulated them. Flash couldn't stop smiling the whole time.
When they reached Twilight's room again, they entered and Twilight flopped onto the bed laughing. Flash tilted his head, still smiling, but stared at her with a quizzical look. "What are you doing Twily?" He asked her.
Twilight sat up straight, still giggling a little. "I'm just so happy you finally proposed! The thing is, I kinda liked you when I first saw you." Twilight dropped her gaze, but kept the smile.
Flash sat down on the bed next to her. "Well that's sweet. I guess I could say the same about you." He put in.
"You guess?" Twilight gave Flash a devilish look. "I'm pretty certain you loved me when you first saw me."
Blood rushed to Flash's cheeks, turning a crimson red in embarrassment. "Um. Well I -" He stopped to think, then returned his gaze.
Flash felt a hoof fall gently over his muzzle, silencing him. Twilight was staring at him. "You don't have to speak. I know."
A small smile crept onto Flash's face as Twilight removed her hoof from his muzzle. The two leaned into each other and softly kissed once again. After a few moments they separated and hugged each other, then sat staring at each other, love locking their gazes at each other.
Knocking at the door interrupted the two from their gaze and both turned their head quickly to the direction of the sound. Twilight stood up and walked over to the door calmly.
Twilight opened the door just a little to peek out to see who it was. A sand-colored stallion with a brown mane stood in the doorway.
The stallion bowed, a tradition whenever you are addressing or being addressed by a royal. Even when one is walking by, it is proper to bow to them. Twilight stared at the stallion. "Can I help you?"
"I'm sorry to bother you Princess Twilight." The stallion stood up slowly. "I am Dust Storm. I was looking for Captain Flash Sentry. I can't seem to find him anywhere. Perhaps you would know?" Twilight gazed at him as Dust Storm's eyes traveled up Twilight's head to her horn, and saw the ring. He sighed. "I see. Is he in there?"
Twilight's blushed as she looked away from Dust. "One second please." She said as she slammed the door closed in Dust's muzzle, who stepped back from the door as it slammed closed.
"Flash. There is a pony named Dust Storm out there asking for you." Twilight whispered to Flash, who was still sitting on the bed where Twilight had left him.
Flash stood up and walked over to her. He brushed her mane with a hoof. "I'll go talk to him. I'll be back." Twilight nodded and Flash walked over to the door.
A nervous chill ran through Flash's body. Man, this going to be awkward coming out of Twilight's chambers. He took a deep breath and opened the door, seeing that Dust was still there as he swiveled around on his hooves to face him.
Dust gracefully bowed to Flash. "Captain. I need to talk to you." He told him as he bowed.
Flash was taken back by Dust's action. Why is he bowing to me? He never does that. "What's going on?" He asked Dust as he rose to his hooves.
"Well," Dust started. "first off, congratulations." Flash smiled and nodded a thanks. "Secondly, I believe this is a conversation for -" Dust leaned in closer. "Certain ears only, sir. It's sensitive information."
Flash's eyes widened as he saw the half worried, and extreme seriousness on Dust's face. He nodded, and turned back to Twilight. "I'll be back soon. I promise." Twilight nodded, and Flash turned and ran off with Dust to Flash's office in the Royal Guard Headquarters.
The two strolled into Flash's office and Flash sat behind his desk, Dust in front. Flash casually placed his hooves on the desk and looked at his friend. "Alright Dust. What is so important that not even a princess can hear it?"
Dust cleared his throat and leaned in. "Have you ever heard of the Shadowbolts?
He knew the name. The Shadowbolts were known for trying to overthrow the Wonderbolts ever since they were first formed. In an all out effort, the Wonderbolts pushed the remaining fliers out of Equestria, with Princess Celestia and Luna's banishment for endangering Equestria's security. They haven't been heard from since, but that was long ago.
Flash leaned forward in his chair. "What about the Shadowbolts?" Why would they be of concern?
"I've been hearing some guards talking about them being double agents inside Equestrian guard units and Wonderbolt flights and leaking information to the changelings. For an invasion of Equestria." Dust's words rang through Flash's head.
Flash stuck up like a twig, his eyes going wide and his jaw dropped. "Do you know from what side of Equestria?" He asked, fear hinting his voice.
Dust shook his head. "No unfortunately. I would assume the North-Eastern side if anything though."
Flash nodded, he was right. The Shadowbolts had been chased out the eastern side of Equestria. Beyond the great country was the Frozen North. A great arctic wasteland to the north-east, bordering the Crystal Empire and full of large mountains. To the east was the Gryphon Kingdoms, who for the most part, don't have a great relationship with the ponies. To the west, was the Kingdom of the Changelings, ruled by Queen Chrysalis, who are an enemy of Equestria ever since their attack on Canterlot.
"Would they go to Chrysalis instead of the Gryphons?" Flash asked. "Since, Gryphons hate us, and also I think the Changelings would be more willing to accept them since they are both enemies."
Dust tapped his chin with a hoof. "You make a good point."
Flash shook his head disappointed. "There is nothing we can do right now. Only time will tell what happens. Thank you for alerting me Dust. Dismissed."
Dust nodded as he stood up and walked out. Flash stood up and walked out after him. He stood in front of Moonshine, who looked up at him. "Something wrong Captain Sentry?" She asked him.
Flash didn't look at her. "Send a runner to see when Princess Celestia and Luna is available for an urgent meeting."
Moonshine stood up quickly, realizing the mixture of fear and anger in Flash's voice. She saluted, "Right away sir." and stormed off to send the message.
Flash walked out of the Headquarters and stood in the hallway. What am I going to do? Should I tell Twilight? He yawned. He was exhausted after today. He drifted his gaze over to the Canterlot Clocktower. The beautiful gold-plated pillar told him it was 8:03 PM. The day had gone by faster than it seemed, or maybe Flash just overslept, which is very much possible.
Hooves sounded as Flash turned his head to see a pony coming out of the Headquarters, he gave Flash a quick glance then quickly galloped out of sight. That must be the messenger. Good.
Flash then began trotting down the hallway back towards Twilight's chamber again. When he arrived, he knocked softly on the door.
When nothing responded, he knocked again...Again, nothing. Flash knocked once more...
No response. Flash looked around him, when he saw he was alone in the hallway, he creaked open the door. When he didn't see Twilight, he took a step inside and closed the door behind him.
Flash glanced around the room until his eyes settled on Twilight's bed. He grew a large smile when he saw Twilight sleeping peacefully. He slowly stalked over to her bedside, trying not to wake her.
When he reached her side he seemed to loom over the sleeping body of his love. Flash leaned in and gave Twilight a gent kiss on the cheek then began to stalk away, only to be stopped when he heard rustling behind him.
A yawn came from behind him, then words. "F-Flash?" Buck. "What are you doing here?" Flash turned around, Twilight was sitting up and rubbing her eyes.
"Well, I said I'd be right back. I was just coming to say goodnight, since I was going to bed as well." Flash confessed as he walked back over to her bedside.
Twilight gave a small smile. "That's very kind of you Flash." When they were within hoof-length, Twilight reached out and hugged Flash, who was surprised by the sudden act of romance. Unsure of what to do, he hugged her back.
Flash gently pushed off of Twilight slowly. She teetered as she sat on the bed from her exhaustion. Flash noticed this as he spoke to her again. "Why don't you get some sleep. I'm need mine too." He told her as he began to walk away.
"Why don't you sleep here tonight?"
Flash stopped in his tracks cold. WHAT?! He whipped around, took a deep breath and responded calmly. "Sorry Twily, I can't. I have somewhere to be tomorrow. I'll sit with you until you go to sleep if you want." He offered. Even if I didn't have something planned tomorrow, I don't think I'm quite ready to sleep in the same bed with her. Yet.
Twilight gave a soft smile. "Sure. Thanks." She laid back down and half-covered herself with the blanket. Flash came around next to her and sat down on the edge of the bed and wrapped his wing around her body. Twilight snuggled closer to Flash, making him blush, but he didn't move. Instead, he smiled some more.
Flash bent down and rested muzzle on Twilight's shoulder. "Goodnight, Twilight." He whispered in her ear as he felt Twilight drift off to sleep as her breathing slowed. He swiftly kissed her again on the cheek and sat back up, keeping his wing on her.
A few minutes passed, Flash yawned as he got up from Twilight's bed and walked out of the room, smiling as he looked back at Twilight's sleep body. Beautiful as always. He thought.
Flash walked down the hallways to his own room, when he arrived, he slugged in and flopped onto the bed as usual. He curled up on top of the blankets, overtaken by the thoughts of the day.
Overtaken by exhaustion and thoughts of Twilight, he gave way to sleep clawing at him, his eyes closed, giving way to blackness.