//------------------------------// // Homecoming // Story: What Hath Joined Together // by Bad_Seed_72 //------------------------------// Homecoming Aboard the train, Flash and Twilight settled into a sleeper cab. The same train guard who had accompanied them on their journey to the Crystal Empire was their sole fellow passenger. This time, however, Flash had no intention of replacing Twilight with Queen Chrysalis. Instead, he listened as Twilight recounted the past two weeks of their stay. Her voice rose above the churning of the wheels on the track. Whether she spoke and he listened—and laughed, and laughed—for an hour or ten, he wasn’t sure. It was worth every minute. “... And then Cadence said, ‘Radishes?! Where?!’” Twilight let out little giggles behind her forehooves. Flash cackled. “Ohhhh, wow.” I think I know far too much about Princess Cadence now, but I have a feeling she really wouldn’t mind… “Yup! You should have seen the look on that poor merchant’s face! Cadence bought every last radish, even the ones he was saving for himself!” “I’ll be sure to remember that the next time Cadence visits Canterlot Castle. A little tip for the chefs,” Flash said. Note to self: If you ever need to get on Cadence’s good side, just bring a saddlebag full of radishes. … Make that two saddlebags. The two broke out into chuckles again, then fell silent. It was a brief, but peaceful silence, reminiscent of a night under the stars. The cliff and the aurora hadn’t left Flash’s mind. Nor had the two tomes in Twilight’s saddlebags, which were peeking out of the laden luggage. After a moment, Twilight asked, “Is something the matter?” “Hmm?” Flash looked up, unaware that he had been staring. “Oh! No, nothing at all. I was just thinking.” “About what?” Twilight opened her saddlebags and held up the books in her magic. “These?” Flash couldn’t help but grin. “You read my mind.” Twilight grinned back. “I thought so.” Then, she sighed, settling the books on the table. “I really am excited to continue my translations and study. But that’ll have to wait, at least for a few days.” “I understand.” The trial. Oh, that’ll be another grand ol’ time for everypony involved. It’ll probably be the same as last time… Except, this time, Orion might not have the strength to put up such a fight. “I understand why Cadence encouraged me to take it easy, but now I wish that I had spent more time taking care of this. Not that I minded spending time with my family… and friends.” Flash’s smile was returned with one of hers, but not for long. Twilight sighed again. Flash sensed a storm brewing, even as the sunlight streamed in through their window. After staring at her forehooves for a moment, Twilight asked, “Did I tell you that I saw Clover in the Crystal Empire?” Flash stiffened. “No. Was she… was she alright?” “Um…” Twilight looked away. “Not exactly.” Flash sighed. “I was afraid of that.” “Huh?” “Shortly before I was assigned to accompany you, I caught her wandering through Canterlot Castle unescorted. She claimed that she had been told to wait for somepony to escort her to the dungeons to see Orion, but nopony showed up, so she went on her own. She was trespassing, but… She wasn’t just scared of me, she was terrified. Like I was going to hurt her. “Though, somepony already had.” Twilight brought a forehoof to her cheek. “Did she have—” “A bruise? Yes.” Flash shook his head. “She refused to report who did it to her. She was even more terrified of going to the Princesses about it. And I knew that she was trespassing, but I couldn’t throw her in the dungeons. Not after that.” Order or no order, Guard or no Guard, I won’t harm somepony who has been a victim twice over. Orion may be right philosophically, but that’s all he’s right about. More silence. Twilight let her forehoof fall from her cheek. “I saw her the day Cadence first took me out to lunch,” she said, her words slow, heavy. “She was working at the flower shop in the business district. She was scared, just as you said. But not towards Cadence. No, “ Twilight shook her head, “she was scared of me. As though I were a monster.” Flash frowned. “Twilight…” “She didn’t really talk until Cadence convinced her to join us for lunch. Even then, she would barely look at me, hardly even spoke to me. But when she finally did, she told me who gave her that bruise.” “Who was it?” His question was simple, but beneath it flowed a river Flash had long known. That river ran deep. It was borne of a lifetime of anger towards those who harmed the innocent. It gave him the strength to train, to fight, to protect. It was through riding that river he had earned his cutiemark, joined the Royal Guard, and, now, undertaken the silver armor. “It was Orion’s family,” Twilight answered. The river roared, and it was all Flash could do not to growl. Of course! The bastard pitches a fit, attacks Twilight, attacks me, attacks my comrades, makes a mockery of himself in court, starves himself, and causes even more suffering for his mare! “Clover didn’t want to give Cadence or me specific names or press charges.” Twilight’s voice drew from a river too, Flash knew, and it was just as turbulent as his own. “She was too scared. No, not scared. Terrified. And the worst part? She thought she was ruining Orion’s life! And she… she didn’t even…” Biting her lip, Twilight cast her horn alight and enveloped the room in her aura. The spell was routine to Flash by now. Its caster was not. And its caster choosing this particular spell, in this moment, when those words rolled off her tongue… “She didn’t… Well, I don’t want to say this for sure, but…” “But?” Flash said, hoping, praying for the words. “She… She doesn’t deserve this.” So close. So painfully close she was, close enough that Flash flinched at the wrong combination of syllables. Close enough that a part of him wanted to argue, wanted to persuade, wanted to force Twilight’s eyes open and make them see everything he did, for they were beautiful and not blind, wise but not wide. Another part of him, older and punctuated with harsh words and harsher things, told him that it wasn’t his place to do so. So Flash didn’t. Twilight slumped back in her seat and sighed. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to derail our conversation like this.” “Hey. It’s okay.” Flash mustered a smile. “I understand. You really don’t have anypony you can talk about these things with, right?” “Well… I suppose I can—should talk about these things with my friends, but Ponyville and Canterlot aren’t that close, no matter how much I wish they were.” Twilight’s eyes welled with tears. Flash waited, letting her calm down in a respectful silence. Although he yearned to comfort her, such an act was too risky now that they were beyond the bounds of the Empire, even in a soundproofed and locked room. Both Shining’s and Ironhoof’s warnings echoed in his eardrums. Once Twilight seemed settled, Flash said, “I hope that you’re able to visit your friends soon. I’m sure they miss you just as much as you miss them.” Twilight sniffled. “Heh, you’re right. And I know Celestia wouldn’t mind if I went to Ponyville. She and Luna have offered as much many times. Staying in Canterlot Castle was my idea.” “It was?” “It just seemed appropriate, given my new… title, along with everything else. Cadence has an entire empire, Celestia and Luna split Day and Night Court, both manage the Royal Guard, both run the kingdom, both raise the sun and moon respectively, and Luna oversees dreams… I could have just stayed in Ponyville with my friends, managing a library and writing letters, but that doesn’t seem fair to the others, you know?” “I can understand that,” Flash said. “Even if you don’t want to do something, it seems unfair to not contribute to it when everypony else is.” Twilight nodded. “And sometimes it feels like you’re in the wrong place.” Flash nodded in turn. “Even if you aren’t.” “Because it’s what you were born to do.” “What you were meant to do.” “And it feels like—” “—Everypony’s counting on you,” they said in union. They shared a smile. “You know…” Twilight made circles on the table with her forehoof. “Being in Canterlot Castle, so much of it seems more… monotonous than I remember. Maybe that’s because I’m used to it, since I’ve seen it from the time I was a filly. But living there, day after day, doing the same things over and over again… I don’t know how anypony does it.” “Me either.” Flash chuckled. “But it helps if you have a friend or two there with you.” She smiled at him. “You’re right. It does.” And there’s no law against having friends… Emboldened, Flash Sentry continued, “And the best thing about having a friend is that they’re there for you, anytime, day or night. For anything and everything, they’ll help you. Even if you just need somepony to listen, just say the word, and they’ll be there.” The soft smile and blush he evoked were a sufficient end to this moment—nay, this trip in entirety—but her words would make every minute leading up to it worth their weight in gold: “Thank you, Flash.” “You’re welcome, Twilight.” He was warm again, but not out of embarrassment. The sun continued to shine as the train barrelled on, their voices and laughter a song rising above the rhythm of the tracks. ~ Twelve hours extinguished to ten, then dripped to five, then melted to one. Luna had long begun her reign in the skies. Celestia had relinquished her sun for her sister’s moon hours ago, but not without grace. The atmosphere had been a brilliant explosion of colors, soft blues and purples on a pleasant winter’s night. Flash and Twilight had watched the transition without a word, wonder filling the gaps between. The two continued with light chatter and stories, the previous discussion remaining untouched but not forgotten. Flash felt at ease with Twilight. Rather than letting him listen solely, she teased some stories from him. He obliged without much hesitation, happy to share tales from basic training, prior patrol duties, and even his colthood. The train-guard came by periodically to check on them. Although Twilight refused anything but water and small snacks, the guard continued his checks. Flash made sure that his posture and tone were rigid and professional in the unicorn’s presence—a reminder of what awaited him once the train had eaten its share of the track. This time, Twilight did not sleep on the return trip. One hour from Canterlot, they took a respite from their conversation, naming the stars that passed. “I see Draco, Equuleus, and the Phoenix!” Twilight pointed with a grin. Flash tapped his chin, then drew his forehoof across the window. “I see… Um… Ursa Major, I think?” “That’s the easiest one to find.” Twilight giggled. “Well,” Flash replied with a mock scoff, smoothing out the bristles of his helmet, “I am no astronomer, Your Highness. I am a mere common pony just trying to read the night skies.” “You are far from a common pony—” Twilight playfully nudged him with a wing—”and you can borrow any of my astronomy books that you want.” Flash grinned. “I may just have to take you up on that. If there’s anything that would always be fun to learn, it would be astro—” Flash froze. From the peripherals of his vision, he saw them again, red and intense and flickering in the cloudless skies. The eyes. In a heartbeat, he grabbed his spear, flared his wings, and jumped from the cab, making haste towards the door. Twilight called out his name. Flash held up a hoof, stopping her mid-rise. “Stay here. Lock the door behind me, and don’t open it unless it’s me or the other guard.” “But—” “Stay here. Please,” Flash added as he turned to look at her. Past her, he saw the clear night skies, devoid of any glowing red eyes. They’ve moved. Better move. Twilight opened her mouth to object, but Flash had already opened the door. Out in the aisle, all was silent. Flash pricked his ears and swept his gaze around the area. One forehoof held his spear tight. The other was held out at the ready, just as eager to strike as its brother. One by one, he checked the other sleeper cars. Doors easily yielded to his forehoof. Nothing and nopony accompanied them. The entire section was empty. Where’s the other guard? Flash exited the sleeper car and went to business class. Here, the roomy seats were arranged in neat rows, two on each side of the aisle. A quick patrol up and down this aisle revealed just as many passengers as before. Once business class was cleared, Flash moved to economy. The seats were packed six to each row now, three on each side. He trotted from seat to seat, eyes scanning, ears listening. Nothing, nothing, gum on the seat, nothing, hopefully a half-empty bottle of lemonade, nothing, nothing, newspaper— Newspaper? Flash paused. Looking down at the newspaper, he saw the photo above the fold: Orion, drowning in clothes that were now far too big for him, dark circles under his eyes and a scowl on his muzzle. Disgraced Noble’s Hunger Strike Continues: Trial Scheduled For Wednesday Gritting his teeth, Flash tossed the newspaper to the floor. Flash resumed his search, stopping only at the sound of hooves on carpet. He spun around, wings flared, to meet the train-guard. “Sir Flash Sentry? Is there something wrong?” Flash snapped his wings to his sides and bowed only as low as absolutely necessary. “Evening, sir. The Princess and I saw something outside, sir, so I was doing a sweep of the train.” “There is nopony here but Princess Twilight and yourself.” The unicorn raised an eyebrow. “What did you see?” Flash bit his lip. Say “red eyes” and you’ll send not only this old stallion, but the entire kingdom, into a frenzy. Especially if you were wrong. On the other hoof, it’s the third time I’ve seen them. Maybe it’s just my mind playing tricks on me. Especially since they disappeared instantly and— The train-guard tapped his forehoof. “Well?” “It was… Nothing, sir. I…” Flash cleared his throat. “I was mistaken. I merely saw a shadow, sir.” “A shadow of what?” “Nothing, sir.” The unicorn studied him for a moment, then nodded in apparent understanding. “I imagine you’ve been up since sunrise. It’s almost midnight now. The shadows on the moon often play tricks on me, too.” “Ah, yes, sir.” Flash bowed. “Thank you for understanding.” The unicorn nodded. “You’re welcome. At ease.” With a salute, he headed off towards the engine. Flash returned the salute, then waited until he was alone in the economy car. Flash set off on his hooves through the economy car, then business class, and back to the sleeper cars again. After reaching his destination, he waited. One minute. Then another. The guard did not return. Looking up, Flash spotted a roof hatch. Opening the hatch was foal’s play. The only issue was having an alternate method to re-enter the train if needed, as the hatch had no outside release. With Twilight aboard, that was no issue. Flash flew up through the hatch, letting it fall closed. Outside, the air was refreshingly cool, pulling the sweat from his feathers and fur. Carefully, he alighted on the sleeper car. His horseshoes gave some traction as he stood on the moving train. All around him was thick forest. In the near distance, Mount Canterlot and the castle beneath it spiraled towards the heavens. In less than half an hour, they would be home. Well, as much as home could ever be. C’mon… Squinting, Flash peered through the night. Wings flared, weapon at the ready, he braced for the fight, for the eyes. Nothing. Flash exhaled, his breath a gentle steam in the night. “Where are you…” he muttered, more a statement than a question. “I know I wasn’t just seeing things…” The roof hatch creaked. Flash spun around, spear raised, molars bared, eyes narrowed. “Flash?” “Twilight!” Flash rushed over, raising a forehoof. “Stay down—” Twilight flew through the roof hatch. “—There,” he mumbled, sighing. “Sorry.” Twilight smiled sheepishly as she landed in front of him. “You were taking a while and I was worried. Heh, heh.” “Well, I haven’t found anything. But you should have stayed back there.” “I—I know, but—” “Because now we have to either fly down and have the train-guard let us in, or find a way to open the roof hatch somehow.” Oh, Ironhoof will LOVE hearing about this. And Shining Armor, too. Great thinking, Flash. Just great! All over something that was probably just a trick of the light! Flash shook his head. None of that. Not now. Just get her back in there. Twilight tilted her head. “You okay?” “I’m fine,” Flash spat. “C’mon, let’s just get back inside. Before anypony sees.” Twilight stared at him. “Please.” Flash sighed, shaking his head. “I’m sorry, Twilight. I thought I saw something, so I went out to investigate, and when I didn’t find anything in the train, I wanted to check up here just in case.” “What did you see?” “... Red eyes,” Flash said after some hesitation. Twilight’s eyes widened. “You saw them too?” “Ye—wait. You saw them?” “This is the second time. The first is when we... “ Blushing, Twilight fiddled with her forehooves. Flash started to reply, but she added, “Nevermind. You’re right. We should get back inside. Just follow me!” Twilight jumped into the air, then kicked off downwards. After only a moment of surprise, Flash flew after her. Both had flown with the train and glided easily towards their car. The two located their car and hovered alongside it. Flash looked to Twilight, who scrunched her muzzle for a few moments before smirking. “When trying to get back through a locked window,” Twilight said, “remember this, Flash: a little magic goes a long way!” Flash grinned as Twilight’s horn glowed. The simple lock was opened with an embrace of an aura. He pulled the window down with his free forehoof and held it open for her. She flew in, landing rather messily on the bed. Once inside, Flash locked the door, set his spear down, and returned to his original seat. Other than a messy mane, Twilight had stuck the landing. She dizzily made her way over to her side of the table as well. “Whoooo,” Twilight said with a mock cheer. “That was… interesting.” “I didn’t know you were into lockpicking.” Flash smirked. “That’s breaking and entering, you know.” “Only when it isn’t your space.” Twilight smirked back. “True.” Flash’s muzzle fell. “Anyway… So, you’ve seen the eyes before too, huh? Any ideas at what they are?” “I’m not sure. I was planning on discussing it with Celestia once I got back,” Twilight said. “It’s probably nothing. Under the aurora, it could have been a refraction of light. And tonight, maybe some of Luna’s batponies are patrolling the area.” A shiver ran down Flash’s spine. “That could be it.” Hopefully on both counts. Otherwise— A shrill whistle yanked Flash from his thoughts. Both braced their forehooves on the table as the train pulled to a stop. “Arriving at Canterlot Train Station!” the train-guard called out, his voice growing closer along with his hoofsteps. “Well, here we are. Heh.” Twilight slung her saddlebags over her back. “Let’s talk about this later, okay?” she asked in a voice near a whisper. As Flash gathered his saddlebags and spear, Flash replied, “Yes, Twi—Your Highness.” It was only from the corner of his eye, but Flash still saw Twilight’s frown. They were home. Back to the normal. Normal greetings, normal procedures, normal way of life. Normal order. The train-guard knocked on the door, which Twilight opened. “Here we are, Your Highness! I hope your ride home was a pleasant one!” the unicorn declared, bowing. Twilight gestured for him to rise. “Thank you. It was a pleasant trip. I hope you have a lovely evening.” “Thank you, Your Highness.” Twilight waited for him to move aside, then headed out, Flash at her side. He bowed to one superior, then followed the other through the aisle, to the platform, and through the sleepy streets of Canterlot. ~ Captain Ironhoof was waiting at the front gates of Canterlot Castle for their arrival. “Ah, Princess Twilight, it is so wonderful to see you!” The Captain bowed deeply, his purple armor gleaming in the light of the torches guarding the drawbridge. “It is good to see you too, Captain Ironhoof,” Twilight replied. Flash Sentry noted the quiet in her voice. It was not sadness, but something else. Something he couldn’t quite place his hoof on. As the Captain acknowledged him, Flash bowed low, offering his belly to the Earth. “Good evening, Captain Ironhoof. It is good to see you, sir.” Ironhoof only gestured for him to rise in response. Then, looking up, he clapped his hooves. The drawbridge in front of them lowered, the chains clinking, until it fell with a thud to the ground. “Come now, Your Highness. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are eagerly waiting for you,” he said, ushering them across. Twilight started across. “Great. Thank you, Captain.” Flash followed, letting the sound of the night crickets and the calm waters of the moat drown out Ironhoof’s incessant chatter. He held tight to his spear as he trotted. The Captain launched into a multitude of professional yet predictable questions towards Twilight. All of it was nothing more than one of many stiff conversations Flash had heard in his service; all it was was a mere exchange of hollow words meant to feign interest in a high-ranking pony’s life to gain favor. From what Flash let himself hear and see, it didn’t appear to be working. Twilight politely answered Ironhoof’s questions, but no more than necessary. As they followed the Captain through the courtyard up the many sets of stairs leading to the Princesses’ private chambers, Flash took note of the Royal Guards on duty. Vigilance was posted at the courtyard and acknowledged the trio with a bow. A few guards patrolling the halls passed them by and gave them the same treatment. Several batponies were stationed in the towers, their eyes glowing in the dark. Looks like a typical night staff. So, if those eyes belonged to Chrysalis, Sombra, or worse… The Princesses don’t seem to think so. At least, not yet. Galaxia, I hope not. Twilight has enough to worry about already. Shaking himself from his thoughts, Flash focused on their hooves, how they echoed off the stone. It was a sound he had yet to miss, and tonight proved no exception. His distractions served their purpose. They soon reached the final hallway leading to Princess Celestia’s chamber. Once he saw Night Watch, Flash took a slow, silent breath through his nostrils. All three Princesses and the Captain in the same room. You can get through this. One more night as Twilight’s “escort,” and things will go back to normal. “Night Watch! Stand up straight, soldier! Looks like you were nodding off a bit there!” “Y-yes, Captain, sir!” Night Watch smacked his helmet as he saluted. “Good! At ease, soldier!” Ironhoof then lit his horn, his silver magic twisting around the great doors to Princess Celestia’s chambers. Night Watch opened his mouth, then slammed it shut, sharing a look with Flash. Flash shook his head and inwardly sighed. Only Ironhoof would have the gumption to open the Princess’s door himself, even if they are expecting us. If only Shining wasn’t so right in his assessment of him. “Your Highnesses!” Ironhoof’s voice boomed immediately as the door opened. “I present to you, Princess Twilight Sparkle, and Sir Flash Sentry, fresh from the Crystal Empire!” “Twilight!” Already on her hooves, Princess Celestia rushed over, wings spread. She enveloped Twilight in a hug once they met, wrapping both forehooves and wings around the smaller alicorn. “I missed you! How was your trip?” Twilight smiled, eyes closed, as she returned the hug. At first, she did not reply. To Flash, it seemed like she was enjoying the hug for as long as she could before pulling away. “It was good! I really enjoyed it,” Twilight said, shooting a glance towards Flash. Flash could only smile. Princess Luna trotted up to Twilight and embraced her, if in a less crushing fashion than her sister. “It is good to see you again, Twilight Sparkle.” As she pulled away, she eyed Flash. “I trust that Sir Flash Sentry took good care of you?” Luna, wording… Flash fought a blush, a struggle Twilight seemed to share. “Yes! He was good! I-I mean, he did good!” Twilight added with her trademark chuckle. “There were no problems at all. No problems!” Princess Celestia smiled. “I am glad to hear that. I know that you would be a good candidate for this assignment, Flash.” Flash bowed. “Thank you, Yo—” Captain Ironhoof bowed lower. “I am happy to hear that the arrangement worked out well, Your Highnesses.” He rose of his own accord and offered Twilight a smile. “I am also pleased to hear that there were no complications, my Princess. I hope you found the answers you were looking for, Princess Twilight.” “I…” Twilight cleared her throat, acknowledging Ironhoof with a nod. “I believe I did, Captain, thank you. Now then… Celestia, Luna, I was hoping we could discuss a few things.” Celestia replied, “But of course, Twilight. I am particularly interested in what you learned during your time in the Empire. I presume there was much studying to be had, since I didn’t hear from you directly?” Flash hid a frown as Twilight visibly winced. “I… Yes, there was much… Work. I apologize for not writing. That was selfish of me.” Princess Celestia titled her head. “Selfish? Twilight, there’s nothing selfish about being caught up in one’s work. It’s a good thing! No, don’t apologize any further.” She gestured with a wing to a familiar circle of cushions and teacups beside her hearth. “Now, I know it is rather late, but I was hoping the five of us could share a quick cup before bed?” Agreement and thanks, thunderous from one and murmured from two, followed. Flash stuck to Ironhoof’s side this time, taking a seat between him and Princess Luna. He leaned his spear against the hearth as requested by Princess Celestia. Twilight sat between the other two Princesses rather abruptly. “Chamomile tea tonight, to help with relaxation. I hope you all enjoy it.” Princess Celestia gingerly filled their cups and smiled at a second round of thanks. Flash sipped at his tea. Warm, but bitter. “So! How are Cadence and Shining doing, Twilight?” Princess Celestia asked. “They’re doing great,” Twilight said. Princess Luna set her cup down. “I understand that Cadence had taken ill. Is she doing any better?” “She’s fine,” Twilight said. Flash glanced over at Ironhoof, wondering if he had heard the stiffness in Twilight’s responses. Ironhoof furrowed his brows at his underling and gestured for him to drink. Flash busied himself with his teacup. “Well, that is a relief. I was rather worried about my niece. I’ll have to pay her a visit soon.” Princess Celestia took a deep drag of her tea. Twilight replied, “I don’t think they’ll be available. They’re rather busy.” “Oh?” Princess Celestia asked. “Busy with what?” Princess Luna asked. “Putting on plays?” Plays. The word made Flash’s blood run cold. And the way Twilight let her teacup hang in mid-air suggested he wasn’t the only one. Twilight stuttered, her teacup still levitating. “I—” Princess Luna magicked a newspaper before them. It hovered in the air, its headline bold: Crystal Empire Hosts Controversial Play Flash’s breath caught in his throat. Below the headline was a photo of the Quartz Center For The Performing Arts with a line of ponies funneling into it. Princess Luna loudly opened the newspaper to the second page, where a picture of the cast beaming for the camera occupied the rest of the article. There’s not… The photo… It’s… It’s not… Oh, Galaxia, by your starry mane, thank you, thank you… “Luna!” Princess Celestia yanked the newspaper from her sister, then sent it away in a puff of golden magic. “We have discussed this already! Freedom of speech is one of the most valued rights our populace possesses, whether we agree with the message or not.” “But with a dangerous message?” Princess Luna harrumphed and drank her tea in protest. “Yes, even so. We do not ban books, Luna, even if they are full of filth.” Princess Celestia suddenly grew a wicked smirk. “Even if we find them under our—” Princess Luna, turning purple, barked, “Enough!” “Alright! I think that’s enough talk for tonight!” Twilight yawned too loud and long to be authentic. “I’m beat. Twelve hours on the train really takes a lot out of a pony, you know? And I’m sure Sir Flash Sentry and Captain Ironhoof want to sleep! Ah, heh, heh…” Captain Ironhoof chuckled heartily and set his teacup down with perfect poise. “Why, Princess Twilight, how very kind of you! But I assure you that Flash and I will be ready to tackle the new day regardless. Right, Flash?” Flash bowed his head. “Yes, sir. Of course.” Ironhoof smacked him on the withers. “That’s the spirit! Now then, if I may be so bold to suggest, Your Highnesses, there is one more thing…” “Oh, right! Thank you, Captain, for reminding me.” After finishing the last of her tea in one long gulp, Princess Celestia cleared her throat and turned to Flash. “Sir Flash Sentry, first, I want to thank you again for escorting Twilight to the Crystal Empire. You see, after the incident that all of us in this room are familiar with, I was concerned that Twilight may be in some danger. I am glad to see that the trip went well for the both of you and that there were no complications.” “Yes, Your Highness.” Flash bowed. “It was an honor.” “Indeed. I know that Twilight and her friends seem to attract a lot of trouble—” “Trouble comes to Ponyville, not to us!” Twilight protested. Princess Celestia smiled. “I stand corrected. Anyway, I want to thank you again for your help, Sir Flash Sentry, but there is another thing I must address. “I have not been completely honest to you regarding this assignment.” “O-oh?” Flash half-raised an eyebrow. “I… I see, Your Highness. I understand if—” Princess Celestia raised a forehoof. “No, I should have been forthcoming with you from the beginning. I was not, and for that, I apologize. If you recall, I praised you for your initial enthusiasm regarding this assignment… perhaps a bit too much. “You see, Flash, in the past few months, I have been looking for a Royal Guard to fill a post that has been periodically vacated. I am looking for a certain type of stallion—one who can not only do what is expected of him, but can be enthusiastic about that fact. A… positive stallion, I suppose.” Positive? Me? Is my mask really that thick? Had he been able to, Flash would have questioned the Princess’s line of thought. Instead, he said, “I see, Your Highness.” “This post that I am looking to fill is not an easy one. I understand that you patrolled the borders after the Changeling Invasion, and even participated in some skirmishes. But this is not a combat assignment. At least, I hope it isn’t.” “What is it then?” Twilight asked. Princess Celestia smiled, but Flash could tell it was forced. “Errr, well…” The doors to the chamber flung open. Captain Ironhoof jumped to his hooves, Flash not a second behind, both of them in fighting stance. “Auuuuuuuuntie! Oh, for the love of Galaxia, why are there no cooks up at this hour?! Why do you keep sending them home so early?!” Oh, dammit, it’s just this bastard! Prince Blueblood, clad in a fluffy blue bathrobe, his mane in curlers, his hooves in slippers, sashayed over to the group. He barely acknowledged the two Royal Guards, Twilight, or Princess Luna, beelining straight for Princess Celestia. “Surely it isn’t too much trouble to staff the kitchen at least a few nights a week?” “Blueblood, you know as much as I do that overnight chefs only lead to trouble. Meaning, midnight snacks. They aren’t good for you,” Princess Celestia replied, narrowing her eyes at him. “Buuut—” “Nephew, you are rather rudely interrupting our meeting!” Princess Luna glared at him. “Go back to bed!” Prince Blueblood sniffled and wiped at his imaginary tears. “But nephew can’t sleep without his panna cotta.” “Dammit, nephew—” “Lulu, language.” Princess Celestia shushed her stewing sister, then shook her head at her nephew. “As for you, I might as well make this quick since you’re already in the room.” As Celestia’s gaze fell to him, Flash put the pieces together. No… No! Galaxia, no! Please! Not— “Flash, after some thinking, your performance on this latest assignment, and Captain Ironhoof’s glowing recommendation for the position—” Beside him, Captain Ironhoof grinned, his teeth white keys on Tartarus’s infernal piano— “I have assigned you as Prince Blueblood’s new bodyguard, starting tomorrow, 0800 sharp.” For the sake of teacups, Flash was not holding one. If he had, it would have shattered into a million little pieces on the Princess’s plush carpet. What did shatter though, was any sense of time, as he looked between the cackling Prince in curlers, looking down at him with a snicker and a sneer, and Twilight, her eyes wide in surprise, sympathy, and dread. There was only one thing that Flash Sentry knew about stallions who worked under Blueblood. Those stallions were ground into misery and complacency by the haughty royal’s incessant demands, long hours, and insufferable attitude, barely hanging on until they retired or were discharged. And not only that. With one sentence, Princess Celestia had condemned Flash Sentry to unending days of never seeing Twilight beyond a passing glance. And Captain Ironhoof was smiling. ~ What happened between Princess Celestia’s announcement and her dismissal of him and Captain Ironhoof was a complete blur to Flash. There was a little more discussion of the new assignment, another round of tea, and, of course, both the Captain and the Prince smiling through the darkness that followed the both of them. Sometime later, Flash followed Ironhoof out of the royal chambers, bowing to Night Watch as they passed. Ironhoof said nothing for a long while, the only sound that of their hooves and Flash’s blood rushing through his ears. How? How could I have not seen this coming?! Of course Ironhoof wouldn’t keep me on the same post! He’s probably thinking Twilight and I are getting too close. And he still hates me! Of course he would stick me with the most arrogant, boorish, impolite, cocky, thick-skulled, apathetic, pathetic excuse for a— Ironhoof grabbed Flash by the plume of his helmet and pulled him into a corner. Flash silenced a yelp as it escaped his mouth, his spear clattering to the floor of the hallway. Ironhoof pushed Flash against the wall and grinned down at him, those blindingly white keys laughing as they played their tune. “Listen here, boy. You may think you’ve gotten on Twilight’s good side with this little romantic getaway of yours—” “I have done nothing of the sort, sir!” “Don’t interrupt me!” Ironhoof sprayed him with spittle. “I know what you’ve been doing—” “What have I been doing, sir?!” Ironhoof reacted as if Flash had slapped him. Oh, horseapples. No, shit. Shitshitshit. Why did I just— “You…” Ironhoof’s blank expression morphed into outrage. “You… you want to challenge me, do you?!” “No, sir, I don’t!” Flash felt his lips curling back into a snarl. “But if you’re going to accuse me, then tell me what I’ve done, sir!” “I know what you did on that train!” Train? “Star Patch himself saw you do it! You touched her again, didn’t you?!” Star Patch… The train-guard… When Twilight fell out of her bunk on the way there… But the door was closed… wasn’t it? Flash stuttered before he could respond. Ironhoof started to cut in, but Flash cut him off. “Sir, the Princess fell. I was helping her up, sir. That was all!” “That was all, was it?” Ironhoof didn’t move, his muzzle nearly pressing against Flash’s. “Is that so? Are you sure? Swear on your mother’s grave you’re sure, dammit!” Flash grit his teeth. “I will never—” “Oh, will you two just kiss already?!” Both stallions looked over to see Discord, dressed in the same purple armor as Captain Ironhoof, floating beside them. The draconequus wore a smirk, his jagged tooth quivering as he suppressed a great laugh. “WHAT did you say?!” Ironhoof advanced on the trickster, his silver coat turning to an ugly rust. “I should have you thrown in the dungeons for that!” “You know,” Discord said, still smirking, “I’ve heard of closet cases, but you take the cake! Or, should I say, the doughnut?” A door appeared behind Ironhoof. The Captain cried out as shadows pulled him into the door, which then slammed shut tight. Flash watched in a mix of confusion and schadenfreude as Ironhoof began to pound on the door from the inside and shout, over and over again, his curses and hammering hooves muffled by the thick wood. “Oh, come now, Ironhoof,” Discord chided, running a talon through the great plume of his Captain’s helmet. “That’s no way to deal with it. Self-acceptance starts from a calm, happy place.” ”Mmmf mmunna mmmill mmuuuu!” Discord clicked his tongue. “I don’t think Princess Celestia would be happy to hear that you’ve said such a thing. Or would you rather I tell her that I caught you intimidating this Knight for no good reason?” Flash’s jaw fell agape. He stammered as he looked at Discord, searching for the words to string together. Did you… Did you just threaten the Captain?! Do you have a death wish?! Beyond the closet door, Ironhoof screamed one last curse—”Mmmmuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck!”—before he fell silent. Discord crossed his talon and paw and laughed. “That’s more like it!” Discord snapped his fingers. The door spat up Captain Ironhoof, who tumbled out head-over-hooves. The closet then disappeared in a puff of rainbow magic. While Captain Ironhoof panted, groaned, and weakly rose to his hooves, Discord turned to Flash. “Now, Flash, to answer your questions, yes and no.” Flash balked. “Y-you can—” “Yes. But more importantly, what do you think of my new outfit?” Stretching, Discord rotated himself at odd angles before Flash as he showed off the armor. “Does this backplate make my butt look big?” “Um… Uh…” Flash rubbed his nape. “Well, you’re pretty thin, so…” Discord clapped his talon and paw together. “Ah, but of course! What was I thinking? Purple is such a feminine color anyway.” He snapped his fingers again. The coat of armor transformed to silver. “That’s much better, don’t you think?” Flash blinked. Is he… no way. “I… I guess it’s—” Still heaving breaths, Ironhoof lit up his horn, aiming it towards Discord. “You… mother—” “Ah, ah, ah!” Like a dragon’s claw to a candle, Discord extinguished Ironhoof’s lit horn with his paw. “That’s no way to talk in polite company. Didn’t you ever learn manners?” “Since when are you polite company, and since when did you even know manners?!” Ironhoof jabbed Discord in the chestplate with a forehoof. “What you just did is an act of assault on a member of the Royal Guard, twice over now! I could have you thrown in the dungeons for—” Mocking him with his talons, Discord said, “This is what you’re doing—” the talons continued to flap like a mouth—”this is what you need to do—” the talons slammed shut. “And like I’ve said before, Ironhoof, if you don’t watch your mouth, I will go to the Princesses and tell them what you did to little Flash here.” Yeah! Wait... “Hey!” “And if I do that, you will be dishonorably discharged from the Royal Guard, potentially be imprisoned yourself, and will be reduced to a life where your best hope for success will be selling oranges on the corner of Fifth and Mane, drowning your sorrows in toilet wine in your hobo hole!” Discord chuckled. “Oh, how I do love toilet wine—” Ironhoof made a choking sound, as if preparing to spit. “But if you complain to the Princesses, the worst they’ll do is take away my sweets for the week. I’m reformed, you see. A mere nuisance, not a monster to be imprisoned. A dear mare named Fluttershy made it so.” A photograph of Fluttershy appeared in Discord’s free paw, which he hugged before magicking it back into the void. “So, you see,” Discord continued, hovering right in front of Captain Ironhoof, “the most strategic course of action would be to apologize to Sir Flash Sentry and be on your way. Unless, of course, you like doughnuts in the dungeon.” The silence that followed was sharp and biting. Ironhoof divided his red-hot glare between the smirking draconequus and the pegasus who was so desperately trying to keep himself from laughing that he looked pained. Finally, Ironhoof snorted and started out of the hallway. He didn’t make it more than five steps before Discord appeared before him, scrunched up into the shape of a carriage stop sign. “Ah, ah, ah! I said, ’Apologize to Sir Flash Sentry,’ then you can leave.” Ironhoof growled, spat on the stone floor, and shot the briefest of glances over his shoulder. “Sorry.” Sorry? Sorry for what? Flash wanted to say. This was his moment. This was the one chance he would get to drag Ironhoof down as low as he himself had been dragged, make his belly touch the floor, make him recount all the horrible things he had said and done to him. And yet… What good would that do? Discord can’t be around to protect me forever. I have to protect myself. And rubbing it in right now would just make things worse. Flash nodded. “Thank you, sir.” Ironhoof scowled, then hurried off. As he did, Flash heard Ironhoof mutter under his breath, “Overgrown lizard.” “I heard that!” Discord called out as he straightened himself out of an octagon. Brushing dust off his silver armor, he shook his head. “Lizard, huh? Well, he’s only one-tenth correct. And that’s only if you consider a dragon a lizard.” “Thank you,” Flash said at last, looking up at him with a bewildered smile. “But why—” “Because I’m Discord, and that guy’s an ass,” Discord said, thumbing in the direction of the departed Captain. “No offense to donkeys. And I’m not entirely a bad guy! Don’t let the history books fool you.” Three history books materialized in front of Discord, all of them wearing jester’s caps. “I suppose. But didn’t you enslave the world in chaos twice?” Flash asked, smirking. Discord swallowed the history books whole, jester’s caps and all. “Well, we all have our dark pasts. Don’t we, Flash? Mine involves cotton candy and destruction, and yours involves Princess Twilight Sparkle.” Flash bit the inside of his cheek. “That’s not—” “Oh? Then it’s your father, then?” Discord ran his paw over his armor. The armor disappeared, replaced by a three-piece black suit complimented with a zany tie covered in a pattern of other little ties. He snapped his fingers and produced a fainting couch, which he then pushed Flash onto. Pulling a notebook and pen from his suit, Discord cleared his throat and turned to Flash. “Alright, now, tell me about your first memory of your father.” Flash laid his head on one end of the fainting couch. “Well, I was about four, and my mother was chopping carrots for dinner, and—wait a minute.” He sat up, laughing. “Why am I telling you this?” “Because I’m Discord, and you’re conflicted,” Discord answered, chewing on his pen. “Now, if we want to get to the root of your problem, we might have to resort to hypnosis. How do you feel about pocket watches?” With a shake of his head, Flash hopped from the fainting couch. “Ooooooooookay. This is, um, getting really weird, really fast. I really need to go to bed.” “Are you sure?” Though the fainting couch disappeared, Discord hovered before Flash with a pocket watch hanging from his talon. “In less than thirty minutes, I can eliminate your tobacco cravings forever!” Flash straightened out his armor, folded his wings, and walked over to pick up his spear. “Thanks, Discord, but I don’t smoke or chew.” Spear in forehoof, he smiled over at the draconequus. “And I don’t need a therapist either. But thank you for earlier. I really appreciate what you did for me.” Though the words he said were often those utilized in hollow professionalism, Flash meant every bit of them, and hoped his relaxed smile showed it. Discord sighed. “Alright, fine.” He stripped off his suit with one tug on the wacky tie, then threw it and the pocket watch into a hole in the ceiling. After making the hole disappear, Discord said, “But I will give you this piece of advice: avoid dark beers. You’re more of a pilsner fellow, I can see.” “Uh… Okay then.” Flash nodded, and then, did something that made Discord flinch. “Goodnight, Discord,” Flash said as he bowed to him, then trotted off. Discord called out as Flash grew further and further away, “I’m not the one you should be—oh, never mind! Silly Guard and their silly rules! Why, if it were up to me, bows would be replaced with dancing the cha-cha!” While Flash heard him, he didn’t respond, only laughing to himself as Discord, in the middle of the hallway leading to Princess Celestia’s private chambers, set a record on a gramophone and began to tango with his shadow. ~ Flash was exhausted by the time he reached his quarters. Letting his saddlebags fall to the ground, he rested his head against his door for a moment. The cool wood countered the heat still in his face from the encounter with Ironhoof, Discord’s comedy notwithstanding He may have brought Equestria to its knees and been sealed in stone for a thousand years, but he’s still a decent draconequus. Or… Is that accurate to say, since he’s probably the only draconequus I’ll ever know? It’s when I have thoughts like this that I know I’m tired. Time to crash. Got Blueblood to deal with soon anyway. Flash rummaged through his saddlebags for his room key, then brought it to his doorknob. To his surprise, it was already unlocked. Keeping a firm grip on his spear, Flash brought his saddlebags over his back, then cautiously opened the door. Oh… There on the bed, half-asleep and facing away from him, sat Greyhoof. The butler was fully clothed in his attire, messy-maned and drooling as his head lay on his chest. Flash walked in as quietly as he could, then set his spear and saddlebags in the closet. Carefully, he removed his armor, taking great effort so that the individual pieces would not rattle or clang together as they were packed away. He did the same with his horseshoes, until only he remained, mane and coat wild and untamed in the moonlight through his window. One step, then another, until Flash was beside him. He tapped on his shoulder. “Greyhoof… Greyhoof, wake up…” “Mmmmm…. hmmm… Huh?” Greyhoof slowly opened his eyes, then jumped back. “Greyhoof, it’s just me!” Flash put a forehoof on Greyhoof’s shoulder for support. “Me, Flash. Sorry I kept you waiting so—” A pair of forehooves wrapped around his neck, strong in their weakness, and all Flash could do was smile. Flash hugged him back, gentle and strong. “I missed you, Greyhoof.” Greyhoof hugged him as tight as he could. “I missed you, too, Flash. Welcome home.” Home… Flash felt a tear in his eye. Yes. I am home. Beyond everything else, I have you. “I…” The old stallion trembled a bit before speaking again. “I’m sorry, Flash. I was so emotional before you left. I hope I didn’t make you worry.” “You didn’t. I understand.” Flash wiped the tear from his eye when Greyhoof was facing the other way. Greyhoof sighed. “It’s just… I worry. I worry sometimes if I push you too much. If I encourage you to do things that you shouldn’t, just because I was not as brave as you were. As you are.” As they broke the hug, Flash shook his head. “C’mon, now, Greyhoof, you’re not going to get me in trouble.” “You never know,” Greyhoof said with a snort. “An old stallion like me soon runs out of care for certain things in this world. Sometimes we say and do things that are… not so wise.” “Well, I don’t think so, Greyhoof. And you know what?” “What, Flash?” Flash puffed out his chest. “As your Knight, I command my servant not to be so hard on himself.” Flash smirked. Greyhoof smirked back. They both laughed. “Oh, good one, good one, Flash!” Greyhoof patted him on the shoulder. “You got me going there for a second!” Flash chuckled. “I bet! But seriously… You really shouldn’t worry. Things went great.” Well, mostly, but that’s another story for another time and it’s very late… “In fact…” Flash trotted over to his saddlebags, then pulled out his journal. He selected one of the photographs tucked within, then held it to his chest as he walked back over to Greyhoof. “I remembered what you asked for. There’s two of these, but I want you to have this one.” Flash passed it over to Greyhoof, who took it with a still-trembling forehoof. Greyhoof was silent for a moment, studying the photograph, before his eyes lit up. “Oh, what a wonderful picture! This must be from that play that has everypony talking, yes?” “That would be the play, yes.” “Oh, Princess Cadence looks so beautiful… Prince Shining as strong as ever… And you… and…” Greyhoof grinned. Flash again was reminded of a piano, but one that played a symphony of old, a melody that survived through the ages and persisted even through the cacophony of the present, rising above all the rest. “And you… And her… And you two look so happy,” Greyhoof said, meeting Flash’s eyes. Flash couldn’t stop smiling. “We were, Greyhoof. Very, very happy. And I still am.” “Even… With… Your new…” So you heard before I did. No wonder you were waiting for me. “Yes, even with that, Greyhoof.” The old stallion looked down at the picture, then up at his ward, and then smiled. “Good. That’s all I ever wanted for you, Flash.” “It’s all I ever wanted too, Greyhoof.” There was a silence, an understanding, a knowledge then. They were not immortals, and possessed magic not in horns but in wings and hooves, but still, they knew it, and felt it. They communicated this through another embrace, of hooves and wings, and spoke it through that ancient language. Everything will be alright.