Flash was sluggish to get out of bed. He had only slept for a few hours before his alarm rang him from his sleep.
"What's a stallion gotta do to get some sleep around here?" He groaned as he slammed a hoof onto the clock and slid out of bet, his eyes still heavy with sleep.
He slumped to his dresser unwillingly, slid into his beautiful scarlet dress uniform, appropriate for the Captain of the Royal Guard, and walked over to the mirror to inspect his half-asleep self.
As like every morning, he looked ragged, with fur sticking up and his mane in a giant mess. Flash grabbed a comb and began gently combing out his mane with a few Ows' when he hit a knot of tangled hair.
When he finished, he slowly walked out of his room and walked down the corridors to the Mess Hall. He waved a usual hello to fellow guards who walked past him and continued on down.
As Flash entered the Mess Hall, he was stunned by it's lack of ponies. Where is everypony? He thought curiously, but his rumbling stomach shook him from his thoughts, refocusing him on food.
He got his breakfast, eat it quickly, and continued out to meet Twilight, after all, they were going on a trip to Ponyville today.
Flash ate quickly, avoiding ponies trying to get his attention, or the usual salutes that lower ranks give officers as they pass.
After he finished, Flash headed back up to his room only to get out of his armor and into his Royal Guard Uniform, mostly worn for formal events, Flash decided to wear it for the public appearance he would be making today.
When he finished with everything back in his room, Flash walked out and looked at the Canterlot Clocktower, which read 9:07. Twilight should be up by now. With that thought, he turned and went down the hallway that lead to the Royal Chambers.
As he passed each chamber he was stopped by a voice calling his name -
"Captain Flash Sentry." A soothingly familiar voice sounded from behind him, but when Flash whipped around, he saw not Princess Twilight, but Princess Celestia.
Flash felt his leg fold underneath him as he bowed in respect. "Salutations, Your Highness." He said politely.
Celestia merely grinned, her smile seemed to light the entire hallway. "Relax, Captain. I entrust you are here for Princess Twilight?"
Flash could do nothing but nod. "Yes, Your Highness."
Celestia nodded back at him. "Then go, she is in the library."
Flash stood up, thanked her, and turned around to leave. "Captain." Celestia stopped him again. Flash looked back at Celestia. "Take care of her." He nodded, and trotted off to the library.
Upset that he now had to trot to the other side of the castle, Flash quickened his pace to make up for the lost time.
As Flash trotted down the halls of stain-glass windows he was stopped by a white stallion in regular guardmen armor, but what made him stand out was the silver service star. "Captain."
Flash whipped around. "Yes, Lieutenant Silvershot?" He asked his highest ranking officer.
"Sorry to interrupt your most important royal attendance." He said sarcastically, gestering to Celestia. "When will the new recruits arrive? I'm prepping the training areas and would like to know my time schedule." His cyan eyes seemed to pierce Flash's gaze.
Flash tapped his until his memory came back. "They should be arriving early next week. Tuesday at the latest."
Silvershot nodded. "Thank you, Captain." He said before dashing off down the corridor.
Flash could only stare as the white stallion galloped down the corridor. I knew I could trust him. He felt a tingle of pride in his chest. But why wasn't Silvershot made Captain instead of me?
With a sigh, Flash shook himself from his old thoughts as he wished to forget about the past year and what it had been for him. He began trotting down the corridor again, he still had a little way to go until he reached the library.
When Flash finally arrived at the entrance of the Canterlot Archives, he was greeted by the usual librarian who sat behind the front desk. "Hello Captain. I assume you'd be looking for Princess Twilight?" A grin reaching across her muzzle as she spoke.
Flash chuckled. "Yes, I am. Could you point me to the section of where she is?"
The mare raised a hoof and pointed it to one of the far corners of the library. "In the History section."
With a nod and a thank you, Flash walked up the stairs and into the back section of the library.
Flash turned a corner, and down at the end in her usual spot, laid Twilight, with several books around her. She was obviously deep into a book.
Flash grinned as he stalked around her and came up behind her. When he was right next to her, he poked her with both hooves, "Boo!" he shouted.
Twilight flew backwards in fear as she let out of yelp. Flash fell back as well in laughter. "Why would you do that!" Twilight growled as she playfully threw one of her books at Flash, which he easily blocked.
"Because that reaction was so perfect." He responded to Twilight's question. "Why are you up so early? You're usually awake until two and asleep until ten-ish."
Twilight probed the books with a hoof. "I wanted to read some more."
Flash sighed. "You do take your studies seriously. Are you ready to go to Ponyville today?"
With those words, Twilight's eyes shot open. "Ponyville! I forgot all about Ponyville!" She bounced off the cushion she was sitting on. She quickly sat down and pulled out what seemed like a letter and handed it to Flash. "You might want to read this before we go."
Flash, unsure of what he was going to read, reluctantly took the letter and opened it -
Dear Twilight
How could you not tell us of your relationship with your coltfriend! We found out from a friend who had read it in a newspaper! When you come to Ponyville bring him along, we would love to meet the Captain of the Royal Guard. Also, please make sure you brush your mane-
Flash began you chuckled as he read the last part of instructions Twilight's parents had given her. Twilight quickly snatched it from him. "What was that? Daily necessities? You have to be told to brush your teeth?"
Twilight blushed and stared at the ground. "I wasn't exactly concerned about my appearance as a filly. My studies were more important to me."
Flash held in his laughter, but couldn't help but smile uncontrollably. "Sounds like something you would do." He breathed.
Twilight gave him a friendly shove. "Shutup. That's all in the past."
"So. Your parents are meeting us in Ponyville?"
"Yes." Twilight nodded.
Great. I thought I could have the day with Twilight. Only thing that could be worse is if my parents show up, and I just jinxed myself. Flash cursed himself. "Well, its around 10. Do you want to get going?" He asked her.
Twilight closed her books. "Sure. I just need to put these away." Flash nodded, and Twilight began levitating the books back into their places in the shelves.
"I'll go get a couple of pegasi ready to fly us over." He told her as he turned around and be trotted away.
Flash went straight to the Royal Guard HQ deep in the castle. He walked up to the door, opened it and walked down the few stairs into the lobby where the desk pony, a unicorn named Moonshine, sat at her post.
Moonshine saw Flash, stood up and saluted. "Morning, sir."
Flash saluted back. "Morning Moonshine. I need you to do something."
"What is it sir?" She tipped her head.
Flash leaned his hooves on her desk. "I need you to get somepony to round up two pegasi and tell them to be at the front entrance in 10 with a carriage, it's for Princess Twilight."
Moonshine smiled as took a piece of paper and wrote on it, rolled it up, and her horn lit up and with a poof it disappeared, now in the hooves of another pony. She looked back up at Flash, "That it sir?"
"No, I need you to send another message to Lieutenant Silvershot and tell him that he I am going to be gone for the day, and that he is in charge." He told her, and Moonshine got out another piece of paper, handed it to Flash and he began to write out a letter stating that Silvershot would be in charge for the while, and that Night Breeze will be second-in-command, with Dust Storm next under.
When he finished the letter, he rolled his up, handed it to Moonshine, who levitated it, and with another poof the scroll disappeared, and re-appeared in Silvershot's hooves.
Moonshine looked back up at Flash when the letter was gone. "Anything else, sir?"
Flash shook he head. "No. Thank you for your assistance."
Moonshine nodded. "Your welcome sir."
Flash nodded and walked into his office, sat down, and quickly skimmed through the pile of about ten letters on his desk. Throwing most of them aside, he put important ones in the middle of his desk.
With a sigh, he looked at the clock. I got 3 minutes. Better be early for the pegasi. He stood up and straightened out his Dress Uniform that had been wrinkled and crooked from the way he was sitting, after all, he wasn't planning on being in here, since he took the day off.
Flash walked out and headed down the corridors to the main entrance of the Canterlot Castle. As he neared it, he could see the massive steel gates hanging over the door with the two guards posted outside.
They haven't arrived yet. Did Moonshine sent the letter to the wrong pony? Just as his thought ran through his mind, two pegasi in golden armor landed at the front gate, a carriage attached to them. Nop.
Flash walked up to guards, who were now sitting. "Morning, guardsmen."
The two peagsi stood up and saluted Flash. "Morning sir." One greeted Flash. "You asked for us to bring a carriage?"
"Yes I did. It's for Princess Twilight." He nodded as he told them.
The guards exchanged a glance with a grin on their muzzles.
Flash tipped his head. "Is there something wrong with it?"
The guards refocused on the Captain again, and one shook his head. "No sir. All good here." The pony said with a slight smirk.
I'm not liking this already. Flash snorted as he thought. He turned his head so he faced the inside of the castle. Coming down the stairs to the entrance was Twilight, trotting along.
Flash walked over and met her halfway. He bowed as she walked up to him. "Princess Twilight." He grinned as he spoke.
"Flash Sentry." Twilight smiled back.
"Ready for our trip to Ponyville?"
Twilight almost bounced on her hooves. "You bet I am! I can't wait to introduce you to all my friends!"
And your parents... Flash thought to himself. "Well, come on." He gestured Twilight to get on the carriage.
Once Twilight was on, Flash stepped on beside her and leaned over to the pegasi. "To Ponyville good sirs."
The two guards saluted, and took off. Flying high above the trees, Flash watched the magical city of Canterlot get smaller and smaller.
Twilight rested her head on Flash's shoulder. "It's been so long since I was in Ponyville. Last time I remember it was when I went back after my coronation into being a princess. Only for a few weeks though."
Flash simple put wrapped a wing around her. "I'm sure it's no different than the way you left it." He soothed her, but he kept his eyes on Canterlot, now fading in the distance. "I wonder if my parent's are still there."
"What?" Twilight lifted her head and looked at him. "Where?"
"Ponyville." Flash stared out into the distance. "It's where I grew up. I was shipped to the Crystal Empire when I enlisted in the Royal Guard. I haven't seen them since."
His eyes seemed to fog up with his last memories of his parents. His mother crying as he boarded the train to the Crystal Empire, and his father wishing him the best of luck. The whole ordeal of him leaving was very emotional. Flash's heart felt heavy with sorrow, he almost had forgotten what his parent's looked like.
Flash felt a hoof touch his shoulder, and he looked over to see Twilight staring at him. "I'm sure they will be there. We'll probably run into them." She soothed him.
The rest of the trip was more quiet than anything. As the pegasi guards landed the carriage, Flash let Twilight off first, and ponies gathered around to see who was arriving to Ponyville. "Citizens of Ponyville! Please welcome Princess Twilight Sparkle and Captain Flash Sentry of the Royal Guard!"
Flash felt like his fur was burning as eyes trained on him and Twilight as they walked through the streets. It was expected that all ponies bowed in the presence of royalty, and the humble ponies of Ponyville did so. One after the next the sea of ponies dropped down on one knee as they bowed.
Twilight wasn't used to the respect that came with the title of 'Princess'. When Flash looked over, she seemed to be shying away from the now massive crowd.
Geez, it's like all of Ponyville is here. Flash cleared his throat and spoke to the crowd. "Citizen arise, return to your duties." He boomed through the town.
The ponies began to rise and disperse. Several of them running to Twilight and bowing to her up close and saying their usual 'hellos' and 'I am honored to meet you' sayings that Flash has heard all too many times over the years. He quickly shooed them away, as standard guard protocol, a citizen was not allowed too closely (1 meter/3 feet) to a royal, in fear they may be assaulted.
He then turned around to the pegasi guards. "You might want to find something to do. We will be here all day."
The pegasi gave a little snort and nodded, then trotted off, and Flash returned the princess. "So what should we do first Princess?"
"Well I think I should introduce you to my friends." She looked at Flash, then leaned in closer. "You know you don't have to call me 'Princess' you know." She whispered to him.
"Well it's a public place. It's part of being a guard." He whispered back. "We have to call all royal's by their titles." He leaned out and cleared his throat. "Well, you lead. I don't remember this place that much."
Twilight nodded and started to walk off. "Ok. Let's go meet Applejack."
Flash felt his ears flatten a little. Oh boy, that sounds southern. Hopefully she's the nice kind. Like the chocolateer in Canterlot. He silently hoped. "Great. Right behind you."
The two traveled to the outskirts of the town until a big red barn came into sight. "I assume they live here?" Flash asked.
Twilight nodded. "Yes, and it's called Sweet Apple Acres."
Flash rolled his eyes. I assume they have really sweet apples then. Flash felt that his sarcasm was going to bite back.
When they finally made it to the door, Twilight lifted a hoof and knocked on the barn door. The sound of barrels falling over and chickens squealing were the only thing coming from the inside. At least until a loud voice yelled out, "Get back here ya' vermin!"
Flash shot a glance at Twilight, who merely chuckled uncomfortably. "Uh Applejack, it's Twilight. Hopefully you're not to busy!"
More sounds of crashing and falling sounded from inside, with an occasional oof until the door opening and Applejack stood in the doorway. Her eyes grew as big as the moon when she saw Twilight. "Twilight! Is that really you?" She seemed to freeze in her tracks. "I haven't seen ya' since - since, ya' became a princess!" She ran into Twilight and hugged her tightly.
Twilight seemed to be taken aback by not only the mud now on her fur, but how emotional her usually-proud friend was. "Uh - Applejack, are you ok? You're a bit - emotion." She started to push away her friend.
Applejack backed up and nodded. "Ahm' sorry Twi', I jus' haven't seen ya' in a while." She cleared her throat and stood up straight when her eyes drifted over to Flash, who stood there like a knight in shining armor, except he was literally in armor. "Erm - howdy there partner. Name's Applejack, welcome to Sweet Apple Acres! We got the best apples here in Equestria!" She spoke proudly.
Flash nodded simply. "It's a pleasure to meet you Applejack. I am -"
"Yer' Captain Flash Sentry. I know, it sure is an honor to meet ya sir." She cut in. "I'd assume yer' here on official business?"
Twilight stepped forward again. "Actually, Flash took a day off so we were coming to Ponyville for a day together. I decided I would introduce Flashy to all of my friends. You're the first Applejack." She explained.
Applejack eyed Twilight at how she called Flash. "Flashy? That names sounds like you two are pretty close."
Twilight blushed, and Flash coughed a bit. "Well, erm, Applejack, was it? You don't happen to read the newspapers do you?"
As he expected, Applejack shook her head. "No sir, don't got time to. Farm workins' takes up a lotta' time."
Flash nodded. At least that makes sense. He cleared his throat. "Well, me and Twilight are, uh, close." He struggled to reveal the truth.
"We're married Applejack." Twilight rolled her eyes. "We have been for a while now."
Applejack's eyes flew as wide as an owl again. "Wha-? Yer' married? Well congratulations ta' both of ya!" Her gazed went to Flash, who was shyly smiling, then back to Twilight. "You got yerself' a good colt there."
Flash's cheeks turned hot and a crimson color as he looked at his hooves. "Well, thanks Applejack."
"You betcha." She swung her head as she said the words. "Any colt that makes Twi' happy is good with me."
It was Twilight's turn to blush. "Aw, Applejack come on."
Applejack rolled her eyes. "Alright. Hey Twi', you ok if we get together again some time? I'm real busy now." She asked.
Twilight shook her head. "No, sorry Applejack. This is the only time I could visit right now." She told her now saddened friend.
"Ah' understand." Applejack lowered her gaze. Then propped it back up and looked at Flash. "Well, it was mighty swell to meet ya' Mr. Sentry." She shook Flash's hoof.
"Likewise." Flash simply responded as he wiped his now muddy hoof on the ground. I could never be a farm pony. Guess that is why there are good ponies like Applejack.
She hugged Twilight once more and separating a moment later. "It was great seein' ya again Twi'." Applejack smiled at the princess.
"You too Applejack." Twilight smiled back.
As they started to walk away, Applejack grabbed Flashes leg and yanked him back and hissed in his ear. "If you hurt Twi' in anyway, I'll buck your muzzle through a barnyard door. Ya' understan' me?"
Flash felt himself start sweating in nervousness, but forced a small smile. "I wouldn't even want to hurt her, but I appreciate your care for her."
With that, Applejack let him go and the two walked away from Sweet Apple Acres.
* * *
The pair wandered Ponyville, meeting each and every pony Twilight knew close to heart, each one of them giving Flash some sort of threat, expect Fluttershy. A few of the meetings being rather awkward, like when Flash met Rainbow Dash, who obviously wasn't fond of Flash, and threatened him more than Applejack. They quickly parted ways.
"Your friends surely are protective of you." Flash commented to Twilight.
She simply smiled at him. "What do you expect? We've been best friend for years. We've been through everything together!"
Flash nodded. "Right, Elements of Harmony yada-yada." He felt a soft nudge on his side as he chuckled to a pouting Twilight. "So." He cleared his throat. "Who's left that you want to show me?" Flash asked the princess walking beside him. "My hoofs are getting sore."
Twilight stopped and stared at Flash, amusement sparkling in here eyes. "Says the pony who once stood guard at one spot for two hours on end every day!" She let out a slight, "Hmph!" and continued walking along.
Flash sighed. She will never understand what it means to be a guard. But who cares? With the thought in mind, he followed closely behind the alicorn.
"So, could you at least answer my question?" Flash asked as he caught up to her.
"My parents." Twilight breathed.
Flash felt like he turned to stone as he stopped dead in his track. Parent's? Oh crap. This won't end well. "Really?" He asked, doubt hinting in his voice.
"Yes." Twilight response was bitter cold to Flash.
This should be an eventful night. Flash thought to himself as he continued on down the road, to a place not even Twilight had been to for a few years.
* * *
As dust fell upon the small town of Ponyville, the pair made their way to a house in the middle of the town. The residence of Nightlight and Twilight Velvet.
Flash was shy to walk up to the door, unlike Twilight, who seemed more excited than ever as she knocked a hoof on the wooden door.
A few seconds past, and the door swung open. Standing the frame was a dark blue stallion with a cutie-mark resembling the moon with a star next to it.
"Dad!" Twilight seemed to yell as her eyes sparkled.
The stallion's eyes lit up as well, and the two embraced a hug. When they finished, his eyes drifted over to Flash. "I see you brought a friend, Twily." He said in a friendly yet not-so-sure voice.
Flash cleared his throat. "I am Flash Sentry, sir. Captain of the Royal Guard."
The stallion walked over, Flash getting more nervous with each step he took. "Salutations Flash Sentry. I am Nightlight. Twilight's father. Please come in and meet my wife." He stepped aside to let Flash through.
Flash walked into the house, his hooves unsure of where they were going. "Twilight! Come see who is visiting!" Nightlight called into the house.
A moment later, hoofs were heard as Twilight's mother, Twilight Velvet, walked in. A gasp escaped her as she and her daughter exchanged a well over-due hug. Flash could only watch.
"Mom it's been too long since I've seen you!" Twilight squeaked.
They pulled away and Twilight Velvet stared at her daughter's wings. "I-You couldn't imagine how proud I am of you! You're a princess now!"
Another hug was exchanged, and that's when her eyes rested on Flash. "I see you've brought someone Twilight."
Her stare made Flash's pelt burn, as he went to introduce himself, Twilight spoke before he could. "Yes! Mom, this is Captain Flash Sentry, of the royal guards! He's also my fiancé." She said with a bright smile.
"I see!" Twilight Velvet's eyes lit up as she walked over to Flash. "Well, I am Twilight Velvet, Twilight's Mother."
That won't get confusing fast. Flash didn't hear the rest. "It's a pleasure to meet you two."
The group proceeded to talk, have dinner, and share a few laughs. All the while Flash was well aware of a protective Twilight Velvet watching him. Flash didn't really look at Nightlight at all, but he didn't need to, he could feel the daggers of eyes piercing his thoughts.
Once dinner was finished, Nightlight nudged Flash. "Hey Cap', why don't we go talk on the porch."
Feeling himself swallow fear, he nodded. "Sure Mr. Light."
Nightlight chuckled. "Mr. Light, that's rich." A warm smile filled his muzzle. "Just call me Nightlight."
"Oh course - Nightlight." Flash hesitated on saying his full name, which just made Nightlight laugh.
"We'll work on it." He said as he lead Flash onto the porch. "Honey!" He called to Twilight Velvet. "Me and Flash Sentry will be on the porch!"
"Okay!" A reply sounded from inside the house.
Out on the porch, Nightlight and Flash simply conversed in small talk, and as day turned to night, Nightlight simply sighed at one point, and Flash asked him what was wrong. "I happy for you two, believe me, you might be thinking 'Oh god he's gonna kill me because is the dad of a princess' stuff, but honestly, I just ask one thing of you." The two ponies locked eyes. "Take care of her Flash? She's my only daughter."
Flash was taken aback by this. Unsure of where this came from, he simply nodded. "Of course, I wouldn't ever think of doing anything to hurt her. I love her."
A small smile grew on Nightlight's face. "Good. That's good. Because if you don't I'll -"
"Kill me?" Flash interrupted with a smirk. "Thanks but I've gotten that from all of Twilight's friends today."
Nightlight laughed out loud. "You've met them?" Flash nodded in response. "Yeah they're an odd bunch, but my daughters friend are fine with me."
Flash joined him with a chuckle. "Rainbow Dash and myself had a rough first meeting. She's quite rambunctious isn't she?"
Nightlight nodded. "Mmhmm, the Wonderbolt advocate. So is Pinkie Pie, she's pretty wild."
"Too wild." Flash murmured in agreement.
Nightlight chuckled again. "It's good to see Twilight's got a good colt. You're a damn fine stallion, Flash."
"Thank you Nightlight." Flash smiled.
Twilight Velvet came out to where the two stallions were. "Excuse me colts, but Flash, you have a visitor from the guard.
Flash nodded, and looked to the Nightlight and Twilight Velvet, with Twilight looking curiously over her mother's shoulder. "Excuse me." Flash got up and headed to the door, where an eager messenger waited for him.
"What is it guardspony? What do you need me for?" Flash barked at the young guardspony.
The messenger saluted and pulled out a scroll and gave it to Flash. "A message from the Royal Hierarchy, sir. You need to come in."
Flash shot a shocked glance at the messenger before looking down at the scroll -
Captain Flash Sentry,
Today at 1600 we have been alerted of a Changeling group massing outside the western border of Equestria. We need you to gather a patrol and investigate the situation, if this is what we think it is, the Changelings might be trying to prepare for another attack on Equestria. Should you find anything, abort the mission and report it immediately to us.
Signed,
Princess Celestia
Princess Luna
With a sigh, Flash rolled up the scroll and handed it back to the messenger. "I'll be there, I need a moment though."
The messenger nodded, and the door closed. Flash sighed. Here I thought I wouldn't get thrown back into battle.
Flash walked back to where the family was sitting, when he walking in, all eyes came to him. "What was it Flash?" Twilight spoke first.
With his gaze sadly fixed on her, he sighed his response. "I need to leave."
"What?" Twilight seemed taken aback from the response, and got up to confront Flash. "Why?"
Flash spoke quietly, not wanting Twilight's parents to hear. "Guard business, I've been called in, immediately, I'm sorry Twilight." He swiftly turned to her parents, staring at him, "Thank you for the dinner and the chat. It was nice meeting you two, but I have to go now." Without another word, he turned around and headed out of the house, where the messenger sat and waited for him.
"Farewell, Flash." Nightlight perked up again. "Hopefully I get to see you again."
Flash nodded in agreement, and then left the house.
Outside, Flash was unaware of the several guards that had accompanied the messenger. "Are you ready sir?" The messenger was leaning against the house. Flash nodded reluctantly, and the group began trekking back to the castle.
I thought I wouldn't have to fight anymore battles for a while, I guess I was truly wrong, but why now? When I'm suppose to marry Twilight in a few days?