//------------------------------// // Chapter 10: Feriter-Fidus(Fiercely Loyal) // Story: Bold Heart: My OC Story // by Buckeye49 //------------------------------// ~I am walking through Canterlot, it is again looking pretty deserted as I walk the halls aimlessly, but my journey is not long and I soon venture into the garden; I am now in the garden and it is still peaceful but missing a large portion of its animals, it was okay but unsettling at the same time. I am walking through part of the garden and taking in the sights, I am peaceful yet feeling uneasy, like someone was watching me....I could not know why but I felt "she" was here watching me...for whatever reason it was...part of me was NOT wanting her here....for obvious reasons.....~ suddenly there was a loud shout and before I could get to my hooves I was on the floor scrambling to stand, which was not long and soon I was on my hooves and there was.... "ON YOUR HOOVES HEART!!!" Cielo........ "SIR! YES, SIR!!!" I shouted back as I stood as straight as I could now wide awake but my heart barraging my rib-cage like a battery of cannons. "Now Heart Move! Move!! Move!!!" He barked as I struggled to execute his order. "That means now Bold Heart!!!" Cielo aggravated. "Yes sir! I am sir!!" I replied moving quicker. "Good! Now before you get to eat you are to have more exercise understood?!" "Sir! Yes sir!!" I replied again. "Excellent! Now with me!!" Cielo ordered before we 1/2 galloped, 1/2 catered off, we went through the same thing again, then we did an additional "classified" course of exercise, after that I finally got to eat but was then given the information needed to be known and certain protocols of being a Royal Guard, all 300 of them!!! After that a written test was done and I was awaiting the results of the test, *Cielo enters* "Sir, how was my performance sir?" "Well after examining your answers and the ratio of Right:Wrong....." Cielo said pausing as he looks at the sheet again, I was nervous...for all I know I could have did not enough to pass the written test and hopefully be able to take the written test again. "........You passed" Cielo stated. ".....What?...." "*chuckles* You heard me" Cielo quipped smirking. "*stutters*.....Uh-thank you sir!!" I fought to say. "Don't thank me yet, you have only just begun Cadet" Cielo said clearly stifling his amusement. "Oh crap....." I said only to invoke Cielo's laughter. "What else is there to do sir?" I asked nervous and confused. "*chuckles* You need armor Heart, to be a guard you need your armor" Cielo stated barely holding his composure stifling his laughter. "Oh, I see....something amusing Sergeant?" I asked catching on. "Don't back talk me Private" He order regaining himself, he clearly looks bummed that I caught him...~I am pretty sharp Cielo...I can play your game~ "Yes sir, I was not trying to sir" I lied. "Alright Heart, now come with me and we will have you fitted out for your armor" Cielo said walking away. "Yes sir" I replied as I then followed. "Hey..." Cielo said softly, "Yes sir?" I asked calmly. "Congratulations Heart, good work" Cielo said proudly. "Thank you sir" I replied happily; we made our way to the blacksmith and upon reach him we then had me measured with a type of tape measure like what Rarity would use, and soon the smith spoke. "Your armor shall be doone in a sho't time" he said with a thick deep cockney accent. "Thank you 'Blast Furnace'" I said warmly. "Yo'r welc'ome, it is my j'ob and proud service to make armor fo' new Guards like y'urself" he said kindly. "I for one express joy in that statement" I replied extending my hoof for which Blast Furnace shook firmly. "Yo'r a good colt, I think as long as you have that kindness and warmth, good things will happen" Furnace stated sage like. "I have been told that..." "Well listen well young lad, you might get a some sweet honey as a result?" "I would hope so...." "Y'ur youn'g....you 'ave time" Furnace said walking away, ~I pray I do....~ I soon followed Cielo away and donned my new dress uniform, then I was taken to the Throne room where Celestia, Luna, and...Twilight?.....were sitting waiting for me. "Welcome back Bold Heart!" Luna chimed happily. "Thank you" I replied. "Congratulations on passing Heart! I knew you would" Twilight chirped; eliciting a blush & sideways glance from me, a giggle from the 3 princesses. "I agree with Twilight, I had a feeling you would do well and pass easily; furthermore with your passion, sense of duty and loyalty, the Guard should be naturally a place for you" Celestia expressed warmly. "I trust I, Luna, Twilight, and everypony else will be even safer with you in the ranks" Celestia added. "I concur sister, I feel he has shown his worth to the Guard" Luna agreed. "All this flattery...I am speechless..." "*giggles*You give flattery to us...why not we give some to you?" Celestia quipped. "I guess I feel more comfortable giving than receiving..." I answered honestly, ~That could be a questionable statement....oh crap...~ "Is that so?~.....Nothing wrong with that" Celestia said coyly looking at her sister and Twilight only to have Twilight giggle. "You may be in for it now...." Cielo whispered in my ear, ~I only thought~ "Did I ask you for a comment?" I quietly shot back. "Now now colts~...no fighting~" Luna cooed. "Did this suddenly concern you?" I snipped lightly only to get partial startled expressions from everypony. "Excuse us Bold Heart....we did not mean to intrude, but you could have been less snappish in your reply" Luna stated looking slightly emotionless. "I did not try to sound too snappish, I was trying to be soft in my remark; I apologize" I defended. "I see...well whatever it was you 2 were saying I do not really need to know, it is fine now; nevertheless congratulations on becoming a guard you will start when you are called, for now celebrate and rest Pvt. Bold Heart" Luna said. "Thank you your Majesties, and good day to you" I bowed respectfully. "Good day to you as well; Twilight?" Celestia said before turning to Twilight of whom turned to face Celestia. "You may leave with him" "Thank you Celestia, good day Luna" "Good day Twilight" Luna said smoothly; soon Twilight & I left the Throne Room leaving Cielo behind. ****Celestia & Luna**** Bold Heart soon left mine and my sister's Throne in which I then held a little talk with Luna and Cielo. "Now you wonder why you are still here?" I asked looking at my sister and Cielo. "Yes sister I do....what is the matter?" Luna asked me looking confused with a hint of worry. "Is it about Bold Heart? Is it....bad?" Luna added atop, "No sister it is not bad..." I lied, ~I hate knowing what I know....~ "Oh? Then what is it about him?" Cielo asked suddenly. "I just wish to discuss when he will report" I covered for myself, ~Guilt gnawing at you yet Tia?~ "I see....well when should he report?" Luna asked. "Because if he has his report date I should go and tell him before he leaves" Cielo advised. "You are right we should make this fast" ~Before I lose my cool~ "He shall report in 1 week from now" I resolved, ~That should be fine...I hope~ "Excellent! Now we should inform him" Luna suggested. "I will move right away" Cielo barked as he readied to leave. "Go my love, quickly" Luna ordered to which he left the room quickly. "*sigh* Well he will be pleased with the quick update" I said keeping my false warm smile. "I believe he would, things seem to be looking up for Bold Heart Tia" Luna chimed. "True...but we'll see what happens...."~Among other things...~ "I as well, for I also hope for him to find success in other pursuits as well..." Luna said. "Like what?" "Well....um....you see sister...." Luna seemed to be hesitant in her reply as she looked almost upset before continuing to speak to me, "Bold Heart had.....feelings for me..." Luna finished looking guilty. "Really??" I replied with shock. "Yes; he had feelings for me, when he found out about Cielo & I.....I...I-think...." Luna faltered again in her thought, causing me great concern, "Think what Luna?" I asked eager for an answer. "I broke his heart....badly...." Luna finished again, looking even guiltier, "Oh no...." I said feeling worried even more, ~No-no-no-NO!! NOT this as well!! DAMMIT!! Just when I didn't have enough to worry about Bold Heart...now this?!~ "Yes; I now fear he may have a goal he is reaching for atop his basic goals of adapting to life in Equestria, and he may be finding it a challenge he has to fight to beat..." "Are you sure Luna?" "Yes sister; when I looked into his eyes he showed....disappointment" Luna observed. "That is ill news...I do not want to deny him the guard over this....that would crush him" ~And crush me as well, the poor stallion seems to be very sweet in his demeanor~ I said while mulling over this information Luna gave me. "That it would Tia....for I can tell this stallion has confidence and emotional issues, he can handle only so much....he desires stability and security...the guard will not suit him ill but an upset to general stability and his personal security will...." Luna stated. ~Judging from his dreams he wants peace for his already troubled mind...he also seems to be looking for me as well....*sigh* I would not blame him...for if he is looking for me, then I hath done more damage than I thought...~ Luna thought. "Then I guess we should keep a careful eye on Bold Heart, in case something is wrong" I surmised. "Agreed" Luna stated; I swear in that moment the whole room went cold and felt heavy on my already burdened shoulders.....~Holy Father.....what do I do?~. *Me & Twilight* Twilight and I began our venture down the hallway to leave for a Tavern in Canterlot, this was a time to celebrate and Twilight agreed to buy me and herself a drink, I was feeling atop the world. We were half way down the hall when. "Bold Heart!! Bold Heart wait!!" Cielo shouted tearing down the hall at full gallop. "Sgt. Cielo what is it?" I asked curious more than concerned. "The Princesses wish to inform you that you will start 1 week from now" Cielo panted while trying to maintain a steadfast guard demeanor, "Oh! Well, I am pleased by this, tell them if you wish I am happy for the update and I shall report on the hour they select 1 week from now" I stated feeling relieved. "Good, I satisfied you are so eager; I will inform them of your answer, they should give me the time they want you here when I return to the throne room and ask" Cielo informed. "Great; when you come back know that we will wait here" "Good, I thank you for that...despite being able to fly...I am still recovering from a wing condition" "I understand Sergeant, I was wondering about that, now I know" "Nice to know I cleared that up" "Likewise" "I will be right back" Cielo said turning to gallop back to the Throne Room, "We will be here!" I shouted back; soon Cielo was on his way back making good speed from what I could see. ****Celestia & Luna**** The Princesses were mulling over what had been said after Cielo had left the room when Celestia was in thought about what to do when Cielo returned door flying open suddenly, "Princesses! I caught Bold Heart in time and told him the news!" "What did he say?" I asked coolly, "He says he's pleased and asks what hour you want him here?" "I would wish him to report at 9:00AM sharp" I stated. "Excellent! I shall inform him right away!" Cielo stated as he saluted us before leaving us for the 2nd time, "Well this is it, no turning back now for Heart" I said trying to make light the situation. "Indeed, for now he has a chance to perform a duty of which he would like to have done for his own country, I feel he would do us proud" Luna chimed. "I would hope so Luna...I would hope so" ~Even in the face of his "failure" at love, for which I pray that soon changes~. *Me & Twilight* We sat waiting for Cielo to return, the wait took a few minutes but soon he was back. "Bold Heart!!" "Yes Cielo?" "The Princesses say that you are to report 9AM on the dot 1 week from now" "I see, 9AM; got it" I replied awaiting anything else, "Excellent! I shall report your agreement to the terms" "Good; is there anything else sir?" "I shall ask but you can go on to where ever you were heading" Cielo said. "Are you sure?" I asked being considerate for his handicap, I did not want him to exhaust himself considering he had limits when it came to galloping, and I would think trotting would be better than galloping back and forth. "I am sure" He said confidently. "Very well, thank you Cielo we will see you if you have more info" I said kindly. "I shall, enjoy yourself!" Cielo shouted over his shoulder as went from a quick trot to a canter, surely he was getting worn out. "I will!" I shouted back. "Now, where were we?" I asked Twilight facing her. "Drinks?" She said like she was asking me if I wanted one. "Indeed" I replied; we then left officially to the 'Canterlot Tavern'. ****Celestia & Luna**** "Well this is it, no turning back now for Heart" I said trying to make light the situation. "Indeed, for now he has a chance to perform a duty of which he would like to have done for his own country, I feel I should do us proud" Luna chimed. "I would hope so Luna...I would hope so" ~Even in the face of his "failure" at love, for which I pray that soon changes~. We then waited again, this time the wait was a little longer, "I should help with his wings, I can remedy it" I helpfully suggested. "Cielo would love that thank you Tia" Luna said gratefully. "Good, for I think as good as trotting is, flying would be easier to get back and forth between certain distances" I chuckled. "*chuckles* That it would sister, that it would" Luna said warmly; it was then we were silent, waiting for Cielo. He took 2 more minutes but he soon arrived. "For-.....-give me....Princesses" Cielo said panting. "*stifled giggle*Are you alright?" I asked him, "I am....fine Celestia, just a little tired" "I see..." I said trying not to sound amused. "Bold Heart agrees to the time" Cielo stated. "Excellent; that will be all, if more information is needed he can write us his questions" I said, "Very well Celestia" he said showing near obvious relief, ~He can be so cute...then again the guard acts like him, but Cielo has a unique charm; he should be a fine husband for Luna~ "Now, go and relax; if preferred you may join Bold Heart & Twilight" Luna suggested. "Thank you; I shall" "Good; I would hate to see you exhausted my love" "It will take more than this to tire me" Cielo retorted. "*giggle* I shalt remember your statement dearest" Luna replied coyly; I try to ignore the playful romantic banter between the two, "I am sure you will" Cielo shot back. "Are you finished?" I asked trying to break up my embarrassment. "*giggles* What is the matter sister? Can't I enjoy playful banter with my coltfriend?" Luna asked trying to embarrass me further. "Not while I am here!!" I stated, only to elicit a laugh from my sister and Cielo...oh the humiliation....well....it at least is a pleasant distraction from what plagues me...if but only a brief one..... "Well, I guess I shall leave to join Twilight and Heart; good day Celestia" "Good day Cielo" I said, "Bye Lulu..." *giggles* Goodbye beloved" Luna replied before Cielo left the room for a final time. *Me & Twilight* We were walking again down the hallway once more and then exchanging words in happy conversation, "So?...Happy still?" Twilight asked making sure I was still maintaining the joy of becoming a Royal Guard. "I am Twilight...a little weirded out by what happened earlier but happy" I answered honestly. "*giggle* Sorry about that Heart...humor that went too far..." Twilight said blushing a little. "Indeed; Celestia better not pull anything on me.... from what I know of her....I had better be wrong on any ideas of other traits to her personality....or is it ponyality?" "*laughs* hardly...plus I love that..." Twilight chirped. "Love what?" "'Ponyality'*giggles* That is cute..." "So....personality?" "*snickers* Yes" "Okay then no need for laughing at me..." I said sounding offended. "Aaaw....I was not laughing at you, you're silly*giggles*" "Thank you....." I said flatly getting a laugh out of Twilight. Soon we were out of the castle but not too long after. "Bold Heart! Twilight!" Cielo shouted trotting up the rear, "Cielo; what is it?" I asked unsure why he was here.... "May I join you two where ever you are going? The Princesses let me take time off, but Luna suggested I take that time to join you" "We would love your company" Twilight said kindly. "I too like the idea" I added. "Much obliged, thank you" Cielo said gratefully. "Of course" I replied; the three of us then went to Canterlot Tavern with little words said along the way. ****Celestia & Luna**** "Seriously sister, tis all in good fun what Cielo and I were doing" Luna said innocently, yeah sure Lulu...."good fun".... "Really?" I asked sarcastically. "Ye sister dearest" Luna retorted playfully. "Well I guess while we are 'playing' here, I guess I could do something to counter that" I said coyly. "Oh? Pray tell sibling, what is it thou hath to 'counter' our jesting?" "Bring up an embarrassing fact about you only I know?" I slyly stated. "...You wouldn't!!!" "*smug grin* Try me...." I grinned at her. "Damn you Celestia..." Luna said dejectedly. "Luna...watch your language..." I said while enjoying my victory over Luna, "It really was just in good fun, no need to play dirty..." Luna explained. "I know Luna...it is just there is a time for things and somethings can wait...." I stated. "That I understand, but Cielo and I are just being a couple and exchanging banter, no more, no less" Luna coolly explained. "I am for playful banter...but not at the expense of ponies around you's comfort" I countered kindly. "*sigh* Yes sister...." Luna said sounding annoyed. "Thank you Luna..." I say giving her a warm hug & nuzzle to which she returns. "You're welcome Tia" Luna said warmly. "Now, I believe the day is done for us as well?" I said rising from my seat. "Indeed Tia...what should we do for our conclusion of the day?" Luna asked. "Hmm....join the colts for drinks at the Tavern?" I suggested slyly, Luna then smirked for I think she was on the same page, see? My sister and I can think alike and bond on most things. "The Tavern it is!~" Luna chimed. "Good!...I am curious, what will Heart & Cielo think seeing us arrive?" I asked mischievously. "I would think they and Twilight would be surprised but not too mindful of us there" Luna chuckled impishly. "I hope so...I know Cielo will not mind~" I teased Luna. "*chuckles*True sister...but let us be tactful upon our arrival there" "That would be wise...don't want to scare off our newest recruit do we?" I asked playfully. "Yes sister...for we do not want Heart to lose a dearly won victory!" Luna joked. "Yes Luna, he came so far...let us help him not hurt him in his path to a stable life here in Equestria and on Equus" "Especially help him find stability before a mare walks across his path, for a stable life and healthy income would attract a mare would it?" Luna added, suddenly the mood shifted a little...our smiles left and we thought about what Luna just said. "*sigh*...sorry Tia...I didn't....." Luna stammered, as I then put a hoof on her shoulder, "*sigh* I know Luna...but you only know half of this..." I admitted. "If allowed I will share with you something that has been bothering me for a while now...." I confessed. "Very well sister...but for now...let us be merry and join the others" Luna suggested. "I would like that" I said feeling a little better, ~*sigh*...Why?...Why can I not do something? Or let Luna know what I know?....*sigh* Holy Father...in you I trust~ "Excellent" Luna said as we then began to leave the room and trot down the hall; It was quiet for most of the journey with everypony addressing us as we passed out of respect, something I always take time to acknowledge out mutual respect and then continue moving on, part way through my journey out of the castle we came across Blueblood. "Auntie! Are you well?" he asked kindly. "I am nephew, yourself?" "I am...I also report that the excess paperwork is finished, and important documents signed, atop that you have a committee to attend tomorrow afternoon" Blueblood reported. "Excellent! I am pleased with the report and your information, as well as your condition" I thanked and complimented, "Good, and now...*wipes forehead* I am done for the day...where are you off to?" "I am off to Canterlot Tavern to join a new recruit, Cielo, and Twilight for relaxation" I explained. "Oh, may I join you? I could use something after the paperwork" Blueblood stated sounding exhausted. "Most certainly Blueblood! I would not mind you joining" "Thank you...plus I am interested in seeing this new member of the Guard" Blueblood said sounding intrigued. "I can tell you he is an interesting one...one of the most unique recruits we have, I feel you should know about him but at the Tavern" I told Blueblood, "Alright then, I am excited to meet him" Blueblood said. "You will not be disappointed" Luna stated. "Good" Blueblood replied; then the 3 of us began the journey again, we left the castle and was on the to the Tavern and our surprise guests. TO BE CONTINUED.