[Flash Sentry’s log: Day 2]
Well, I finally finished packing up the rest of my things. I never knew how much stuff I had until today. Maybe I can give some of it away? Something to worry about later. Right now, I need to go see the captain and the other ponies who’ll accompany me. The captain wants to give me a short rundown on being a captain. Though, I wonder if that'll be the only thing we discuses? I certainty hope so.
End Log.
~~~
Flash sighed as he down trotted towards the meeting room. Slowly he took in his surroundings, casting a glance down at the clear and reflective floors of the Crystal Castle. His own rather sad looking expression looked back at him. He was ecstatic about becoming a captain, and more so about being Twilight's , however he did felt a ting sadness. The Crystal Empire had been his home for some years now. He had grown to know and love many ponies in the kingdom. He had shopped at the various stores. Heck, his first date with Twilight was in the Crystal Empire! The city held special significance to him. He was going to miss it.
On the other hoof he felt happy too. While he had only been to the small town a few brief times he knew Ponyville was a nice place to live. His family lived there along with several of his old friends. During one of his visits he managed to reunited with them. Through them he met a few ponies living there. He quickly learned that the ponies of the small town were very close. It seemed like there was no pony Twilight wasn't at leas somewhat familiar with. This fact made him smile. The idea that Twilight was so personable with the ponies of her home is one of the reasons he loves her so much.
He was conflicted and given what was going to take place very soon, his confliction steadily became fear.. He always had respect for Shining Armor and admired his confidence and leading skills. He was part of the reason Flash wanted to become a royal guard. Not to mention he was a huge fan during his cadet days to the point where he could have been called a fanatic. But that was all in the past. No longer was he a cadet but now a lieutenant and very soon a captain. It’s time he acted as such. Captains are not afraid of facing their superiors.
Even if he was romantically involved with the sister of one. While lost in his personal musings he failed to notice another pony in the halls.
“Captain Sentry! Good Morning, sir!” the pony chirped. Flash’s blue eyes meet with pink ones. The mare was an earth pony of average height and lean build. Her short light green mane stood firmly in attention within her helmet. Her light blue coat, clad in royal guard armor, was pristine and well groomed. The mare saluted the Pegasus.
“At ease, Live.” Flash said flatly. “I’m not a captain yet.”
“Oh, right. Sorry.” Live chuckled nervously. “I’m just excited. I’m finally going to meet Princess Twilight tomorrow! I’ve been a fan of hers for so long! What’s she like?”
A smile grin broke out on the yellow pegasus’s face. “Kind, intelligent, selfless, humble. Just all around pleasant to be with.”
“Wow! She sounds amazing!”
Flash nodded. “She really is.”
An awkward silence fell upon the two for a few brief seconds before Livewire spoke once more.
“How did you and the princess get together? That is, if you don’t mind me asking.”
Flash scratched the back of his head, a lump taking form in his throat. This was a topic he felt embarrassed to discuss. He had yet to discover the method of telling the story of how he and Twilight met without muttering the phrase “Bumping into each other”.
I suppose I could just leave that part out.
“Well, we met after she paid a visit to the Crystal Empire two years ago. Some time after she became a princess. I didn't really get to speak with her much at first. Then she kind of disappeared for a while. After she returned we talked for a bit. Afterwards we sent each other letters from time to time.”
“When did you know she was the one?” Live asked enthusiastically.
“After the third time we meet. It was then I asked her out. She said yes and-”
“Now you’re going to live with her!”
“Hehe. Yeah.” Flash giggled slightly. “In any case, I need to go see Captain Shining. So, if you’ll excuse me.”
“Okay. I have an assignment to finish as well. Looks like I’m going your way for a while.”
The duo continued down the halls trading various stories about their trainee days. Flash needed this. The pressure he felt before lessened. Livewire was a very upbeat pony. He was relieved someone like this was going to be under his command.
Within minutes the two found themselves in front of a pair of large sapphire crystal doors. Shining’s cutie mark hanging above them.
The lump from earlier had returned and it apparently doubled in size. Sweat slowly formed on his brow, his breathing became short.
“Captain Sentry?” Livewire shook him lightly.
“Huh? Oh, right. Sorry. Just a little scared is all.”
“I can understand. Captain Armor can be pretty scary. Especially when he’s mad.” Livewire smiled as she pushed the doors open.
Flash felt his nervousness return in full force. The sight before him was enough to numb him of his senses. He could acknowledge Live was saying something before she left but he couldn’t quite make it out. He was far more concerned in what lay in front of him. With a deep inhale, he pushed the doors open and walked in.
Placed in the center of the room was a large, cobalt table with an equally large map rested on top of it. At this table were Shining Armor and two others. Both stallions. On his right was a muscular unicorn stallion bearing armor similar in color to Shining’s. His dark red coat was puffy like that of a freshly blowdried dog. How his armor stayed on Flash didn’t quite know. His messy yellow mane bounced with each movement of his head. His green eyes carefully scanned the map before him.
On Shining’s left sat a pegasus of a slimmer build. His cold purple eyes glanced fiercely at the blue maned stallion before him. Flash swallowed hard at this unwanted attention.
The stallion had an air of utmost control and order. From how neatly his white mane was combed, to his armor which reflected his stern nature. Not a single hair from his pale brown coat stood out of place.
“Good morning, sirs!” Flash saluted the ponies.
“Ah, Sentry. You’re early. That is good.” Shining spoke. “Punctuality is important for a captain.”
“Heh. Don’t think you’re the one who should being sayin’ that Shiny,” the red stallion chuckled heartly.
“Be quiet, Flame,” the pegasus commanded.
“Just havin’ a bit of fun, Steel. No need to get your feathers ruffled.”
“You are a high ranking officer, Flameberg. Act like it.”
“Pfft. Whatever. All I’m saying is there’s no need to be so uptight.”
“We are guards Flame. Our goal is to bring order. If that makes me uptight then I’ll carry that burden.”
“Are you two done?” Shining interrupted the pair. Both stallions immediately became quiet, Flameberg scrambling to get his helmet on.
“Now then, Sentry. Being a captain is an incredibly difficult job. Many ponies, including the princess, will be placing their trust and their lives in your hooves. At times, You’ll be forced to make a lot of unsavory decisions. Some which will have ponies casting you in a negative light.” Shining’s voice was steady and firm. Not wavering for an instant. It sounded like Shining spoke from experience. His strength to do what was right was another reason why Flash respected him so much.
“Can you handle that responsibility?”
Flash swallowed hard. A few beads of sweat formed on his brow once again. His legs quaked and his chest felt tight enough that he could swear he could feel his ribs. Could he handle this? Perhaps he wasn’t ready for such a burden. Maybe somepony else should take this position.
Come on, Flash! Stop doubting yourself! Twilight chose you! That means she has faith in your abilities! You can do this!
“Yes, sir.”
Shining smiled. “Good. Now, I’ll introduce to the ponies who’ll be you’re guards.” Shining gestured to the ponies on his sides. The red stallion spoke first.
“Hey there, kid. I’m First Lieutenant Flameberg!” Flame hastily grabbed the orange stallion’s hoof, shaking it rapidly.
“Uh...Hi. Thank you for coming with me,” Flash said rather nervously.
The brown stallion walked over to Flash. He extended his hoof to the blue maned pony.
“Greetings. I am Steel Hoof. Pleasure to make your acquaintance,” Flash took the stallion’s hoof giving it a steady shake.
“The pleasure’s all mine, sir.”
Steel nodded before taking his place next to Shining.
“Now, do you have any questions, Sentry?”
“No sir. None at the moment.”
“Good. Take the rest of the day off to prepare for tomorrow. You three ,along with private Livewire, will be on the 10:00 train for ponyville. Dismissed.” With a final salute Flash took his leave.