That Awkward Moment When.
Mornings in the town of Ponyville were known to be relatively quiet as everypony was waking up. The birds were chirping happily and there wasn't a care in the world. The only pony who did, was the princess in town, Twilight Sparkle. She was going about her business doing what she had planned out the week before, with any new developments thrown in as the week progressed. She went over it as she was eating breakfast with her friends. She noticed they were all looking at her with curious faces. She swallowed a mouth full of her pancakes.
“Why are you all looking at me like that?” Twilight asked.
“Well to be honest, we’re not looking at you but behind you.” Applejack said pointing a hoof. Twilight turned around to see something she had never seen before.
“A floating plate of pancakes? How is that possible?”She asked, then watched as a floating fork dug into it, then lifted a piece of pancake and then the piece of pancake disappeared.
“What's going on?” Asked twilight frantically.
“Well, for one. I’m enjoying a plate of excellently made pancakes.” A voice answered from seemingly nowhere.
“Who are you and what are you? Are you a ghost?” Twilight asked in fear.
“Well, that depends, really.” The voice answered back, the pancakes continuing to disappear as the mysterious voice seemingly kept on eating them.
“What depends?” Asked Twilight confused.
“It depend on whether or not you believe in ghosts or not. And I’ll tell you, I don’t.” The voice replied before finishing its plate of pancakes.
“If you’re not a ghost then what exactly are you?” Twilight asked almost all her initial fears faded at this point taken over with curiosity.
“What am I?” The voice asked, pausing as if to think for a while. “You know, that also depends, are you asking me what race of species I am, or what I am in terms of my existence?”
“Both.” Twilight said.
“Way to ruin my fun. I was hoping to drag it out a bit further. Oh well. In terms of species, I’m what is known as a Human, or Homo sapiens sapiens for you of academic mind. I’m a bipedal mammal from another dimension or world, not sure which. And what I am in terms of my existence, I’m a guardian angel.” The voice explained.
Twilight turned around to take some notes on this then noticed her friends, excluding Pinkie and Rainbow Dash, were giving her a strange look.
“What is it now?” Twilight asked slightly frustrated.
“We can’t hear the voice of your guardian angel, only you can.” Pinkie said.
“Way to ruin the fun of letting her guess who’s guardian angel I am, Pinkie.” The voice muttered.
“Wait, WHAT!?” Twilight practically screamed causing her apparent guardian angel to laugh out loud. “Since when do I need a guardian angel?” She asked to nopony in particular.
“Well, I don’t rightfully know. But I can tell you who decided to summon me and assign me as your guardian.” The voice explained.
“Who?” Twilight asked wanting to know who's great idea this was.
“The best Princess of course.” The angel answered.
“What are you even talking about? Best Princess? Was there a popularity contest among us that I was not aware of?” Twilight asked.
A sound, resembling whenever Spike would faceclaw sounded through the room before the angel answered.
“No, It was slightly meant as a joke and a reference. The Princess I meant was Princess Luna. The regent of the night, dreams and all within.” The voice explained with a slightly upset tone over their reference and joke being ruined by missing the context.
Twilight still looked confused. “Why would Luna think I need a guardian angel? It's not like I get into too much trouble, right?” She asked herself.
“Heck if I know. All I know, is I’m supposed to keep you safe, and all you need to know is that I’m not against it.” The angel replied.
“What's that supposed to mean?” Twilight asked having a small idea of what it could mean.
“Well, first of all, I get a great opportunity to see Equestria, It’s a whole different world after all. Second, I get all these different powers to work with, like being invisible for a start. And third, who wouldn’t want to keep such a cute thing as yourself out of trouble?” The angel explained in a happy voice.
“Y-you think I’m cute?” Twilight asked with a slight blush that barely broke the color of her fur.
“Of course, you’re a magical pony, the big and bright eyes amongst other things makes you cute by any humans standards… Of course, I think of all ponies as cute, but you’re something special yourself.” The angel explained.
“Well um, thanks um…” Twilight started. “I don't know you name. Could you help me out here?” She asked annoyed at herself for not asking that first.
“Oh, how rude of me. Let me introduce myself, my name is Solace Gearshwiin, and it is a pleasure to meet you Twilight Sparkle. And I hope you’ll take care of me as much as I’ll make sure you’re safe.” Solace introduced himself.
“Was that a threat?” She asked slightly angered.
“What? No! I didn’t mean it like that! I’m supposed to be your guardian angel, and if I’m to make sure you’re safe, I’m likely to be near you at all but private moments and that would mean I’d most likely be living with you. So, as a guest in your house, I just hope you’re okay with taking care of me as much as I’m going to take care of you.” Solace explained the misunderstanding.
“Oh in that case yes I’m ok with taking care of you. Just making sure Solace.” Twilight said slightly skeptical.
“Geez Twilight, you made it sound like I had already ruined my first impression… Although, we’ve been having this lone conversation for a while, you should probably not leave all your friends out like this.” Solace pointed out.
“Good point. Girls I,” Twilight started.
“WantustomeetyourguardianangelSolacewhoisahumanfromearthandisgoingtobelivingwithyouforawhile.” Pinkie blurted out.
Twilight had a look of dumbfoundedness on her face.
“Yes, and” she started again.
“HewasgiventoyoubyPrincessLuna.” Pinkie blurted again smiling with an audible squee.
After a moment of collective silence, Solace spoke up.
“I was about to ask you how she knew all that, then I remembered she’s Pinkie Pie and I shouldn’t question her.” Solace eventually spoke up.
“Also I have a guardian angel too!” Pinkie said.
“Well, I guess that explains it. Would be nice if I could speak to them though.” Solace said.
“I think you can, he’s hiding behind one of these chairs I think, right Trevor?” Pinkie said.
“Wait, really?” Solace asked while turning visible, ignoring the fact that Pinkie had responded to him, even though she shouldn’t be able to hear him.
Twilight looked him over and noticed what he looked like and was impressed as was everypony else except Pinkie, of course.
“S-s-solace?” Twilight asked stuttering it out making a good impression of Fluttershy.
“Yes?” Solace asked, before looking at each one of them. “What, do I have something in my teeth?” He asked, smiling to show of his teeth properly.
Fluttershy at this point was scared out of her mind but her curiosity and excitement were slowly taking over at the sight of the aforementioned guardian angel. His smile was hypnotic to look at. Her excitement and curiosity got the best of her and she practically tackled Solace to the ground.
“Oh my Celestia, you're so handsome and... and… so… different from all the other animals I've met. What species are you?” Fluttershy asked innocently.
“Fluttershy, remember what Pinkie said he can only talk to me.” Twilight said.
“I know but I could always read his lips.” Fluttershy replied back.
“Wouldn’t the difference in biology be a problem for that?” Solace asked, wondering if Fluttershy really could read his lips.
“No not at all.” Fluttershy responded giving a smile with an audible squee.
“Wow, that’s useful.” Solace responded before smiling. “So what do you want to know Fluttershy?” He asked.
‘Note to self: make sure that Fluttershy scant see what you mutter about certain situations.’ Twilight thought to herself looking at her nervously.
“I just want to know what species you are, that's all.” Fluttershy said.
“That’s easy. I’m a human, also known as Homo Sapiens, or arguably Homo Sapiens Sapiens. Not entirely sure on that front though. We’re a species of bipedal mammals who are also omnivores who basically evolved from apes. Evolution isn’t my strong suit though, so I can’t really specify what species are closest related to us.” Solace briefly explained Human to Fluttershy.
Fluttershy was intrigued by all of this but one thing stuck out to her.
“So you eat meat?” Fluttershy asked not knowing the effects this question would have on the other five mares in the room.
“Partially, while we don’t entirely require meat and have optional substitutes, meat is our primary income for protein, since we can’t produce it like most herbivores. However, I also want to inform that in my world, humans are the lone sapient species, and we are very humane with the animals we use for meat. We’re not mindless hunter who will hunt as soon as we become hungry. In fact, I’m fairly certain most people would rather starve than kill another creature.” Solace answered Fluttershy’s question while trying to dampen any unintended effects it could have on the ponies opinion of humans.
“Oh well that makes sense.” Fluttershy said.
“What does sugarcube?” Applejack asked nervously.
Fluttershy repeated everything that solace had said to her and the tension in the room died down.
“Well in that case ah think an introduction in order, mah name's Applejack nice to me ya.” Applejack said holding her hoof out.
Taking her hoof and shaking it, Solace nodded at her to show that it was a pleasure to meet her as he introduced himself properly.
“What was that he just said Fluttershy?” Applejack asked.
“He said his name is Solace.” Fluttershy said.
“Oh well nice to know.” Said Applejack
“Fluttershy, just tell me if I’m talking too fast or too much for you to follow. And in case you get tired, we always have Twilight to translate for me as well. So don’t tire yourself out, alright?” Solace informed her with a small smile.
“That's ok I'll let you know if it becomes too much.” Fluttershy said. “He seems nice.” She told Twilight.
“Well, what about the rest of you? Want to meet the alien from another world that will from now on be hanging around here, trying to be a guardian angel?” Solace asked jokingly.
“What did he say?” Rainbow Dash asked defensively.
“He asked if the rest of you would like to meet him.” Fluttershy said in defense of Solace.
“Oh, heh sorry for getting so defensive, names Rainbow Dash.” Rainbow Dash said holding her hoof out.
“Well, nice to meet you.” Solace responded as he shook her hoof.
“Excuse me darling but may I be the first to say you have a great fashion sense. And my name is Rarity the resident fashion designer pleasure to meet you.” Rarity said introducing herself.
“I’m glad you like it, but I have to say that I’m unfortunately not the man to speak to about fashion. And since fashion is basically one of the building stones in Human culture, that speaks loads of what kind of outfit someone fashionable would wear on Earth.” Solace responded, hoping to give Rarity some kind of idea, maybe even manage to inspire her as a favor, since she’d most likely be the one to take care of any future clothing issues he might have.
“Fluttershy dear, could you be a dear and repeat what he said please?” Rarity asked the timid Pegasus.
Fluttershy did so and Rarity was ecstatic and slightly confused.
“Why do humans wear clothes all the time? We usually wear clothes to either show wealth or for special occasions. If you don't mind me asking dear.” Rarity asked him.
“Well, first and foremost, it’s taboo in human society to walk around completely in the nude, or at least in most cultures and public spaces. Secondly, Humans have worn clothes for as long as our recorded history can be traced down, which is a good four thousand years or so old, and we have evidence of clothes predating even that. But the most logical reason would be that humans have only the tiniest amounts of fur, not enough to keep us warm at all times, meaning we have to wear clothes to protect ourself from both weather and cold by wearing clothes.” Solace summarized.
“Well that's interesting.” Twilight said.
“What? What did he say dear?” Rarity asked nervously.
“Nothing bad just interesting that's all.” Twilight said as she repeated what he had said to her.
“Interesting indeed! And that is a good reason for your species to wear clothes.” Rarity said.
“*Groan* Can we just get on with the introductions and stop talking about fashion, though I'm not complaining about learning of human history.” Rainbow Dash complained.
“Actually, it’s quite interesting why we humans evolved to have less fur, and why we evolved the way we did. Funnily enough, we didn’t evolve with the best possible traits for our own niche. If we had the legs of Ostriches though…” Solace mused, showing of some of the more obscure random knowledge he possessed.
“Interesting I Wish to learn about this at a later date. Right now you have to meet my last friend Pinki- where'd she go?” Twilight asked.
“Right here Twilight, I just had to find Trevor that's all.” Pinkie said startling Twilight and Solace.
“Alright, I don’t think I’m going to get used to that any time soon.” Solace complained as he calmed himself.
“Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it. Especially once Pinkie draws you out of a bookcase. Somehow it’s less weird after that.” Trevor replied with a deadpan tone.
“Are you serious?” Solace asked.
“No, but it didn’t stop her from trying.” Trevor answered before shaking his head. “Trevor, nice to meet you.” He said as he held forth his right hand.
“Nice to meet you, so you’re Pinkie’s guardian angel then?” Solace asked as he shook hands with Trevor.
“Yeah, a bit hard to keep up with her, but I feel better about it since I can keep myself out of sight of everyone if I so wish. Not to keen on standing out and taking her spotlight.” Trevor explained.
“Oh, I kind of assumed humans were a regular thing as guardian angels here.” Solace responded.
“Wait what do you mean by that?” Twilight and Fluttershy asked simultaneously.
“Well, I figured, since both me and Trevor here are humans, and both of us are guardian angels, and the fact we’re both the only guardian angels we’ve seen so far. I kind of assumed all guardian angels for ponies would be humans. And surely, we’re not the first guardian angels in Equestria, are we?” Solace asked.
“There's only one way to find out, we’re gonna have to go to Canterlot and visit Luna.” Twilight said
“Whats going on?” Applejack asked.
“We're talking about if there are more guardian angels and what species they are.” Twilight responded.
“Well I don't know if he counts but I have somepony that follows me around from time to time.” Rainbow Dash said.
“Wow, you make me sound like a stalker RD.” A new voice cut in.
Everyone in the room turned towards the new voice to see a dark gray pegasus stallion with a black mane and tail leaning against the wall with a smile on his face.
“Who in the wide wide world of Equestria are you?” Twilight asked him.
“Perfect Control is the name, and Control’s my game.” He responded, his smile widening, before Pinkie Pie appeared in front of him.
“Omigoshyourenewhereandsinceyourenewhereineedtothrowyouawelcometoponivillepartyomigoshomigosh” Pinkie Pie said ecstatically.
“Well, that’s a welcome if I ever got one.” Perfect Control replied, slightly unsure of what to do about the pink pony in front of him, looking like she was about to explode.
“Now come on Pinkie. Let’s wait with that just a second before you send those invitations. Give the guy some space.” Trevor said as he walked up and picked Pinkie up before going back and placing her down where she had stood beforehand. Then blinking at the fact of how light she had felt and how easily he had been able to move her.
“Appreciated, thank you. And thank you for the offer Pinkie, but I have to say, I’m a busy pony, I’ll have to see if I can fit a party on my schedule before I can attend one.” PC explained.
Pinkie’s mane deflated slightly but poofed back up when she remembered what he said.
“So when’s the next time you're free?” Pinkie asked with a huge smile on her face.
Raising a hoof to his chin, Perfect Control thought for a while before nodding to himself.
“I’m all free on Saturday, I usually take breaks and shouldn’t have anything then unless anything urgent comes up.” PC said smiling.
“What do you do exactly sugarcube?” Applejack asked.
“Currently? Not much, but I’m guessing I’m like RD’s guardian angel? And starting the moment we leave this building, I’m taking her training. Saturdays are for taking it easy, and Sundays are freetime.” PC explained.
“You're not the boss of me and I don't need additional training today anyways.” Rainbow countered.
PC smirked at that.
“Ten bits I’ll be able to make you change your mind.” Said in a confident tone.
“Oh yeah? And how you gonna do that?” Rainbow asked with a coy tone.
“Oh, let me show you something that not many pegasi can do.” PC responded before closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. Following the first breath, he continued to take steady breaths as he unfurled his wings, pointing them straight out and leveling them horizontally. After keeping them still for a while, they soon began to shudder from the movement of the feathers alone as he slowly began rising into the air without flapping his wings. Hovering above the ground for a moment, he opened his eyes and gave Rainbow Dash a confident smirk before touching down to the ground again.
“And that, is only one of the things I can teach you.” He said, still smiling.
“I’ll think about it… the only reason why is because I don't… trust you right now, got it?” Rainbow said.
“Well, that’s fair enough I guess. You only met me today after all.” PC said before turning towards Pinkie Pie.
“Hey, Pinkie, seems my schedule got a bit breezy for the next few days, how about that party coming along a bit earlier?” He asked.
“Okie dokie loki.” Pinkie responded then left for Sugarcube Corner.
“So, should I be expecting anything unusual about her party?” PC questioned the others as Pinkie left.
“Nah, I wouldn't worry too much.” Rainbow said.
“Yeah, you’re right. Now then, will you introduce me to your friend Miss Dash?” PC asked.
“Don't call me that it's weird. Anyways I don't know why I'm doing this but, this is Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Twilight, Solace, and Trevor? Did I get that right?” Rainbows asked after introductions.
The both of them nodded.
“So, you’re Rainbow’s guardian angel, how does that work?” Asked Solace.
“To be honest, I’m not quite sure. I simply found myself at her side, and I got this collection of powers with the thought of staying close to her in the back of my head. And once I heard you talk about it, I realized that it might be what happened to me. And since I didn’t really have anything else going on, I kinda went with the flow, so to speak.” PC explained.
“Wait, you just found yourself at her side? Where were you before that then?” Asked Solace, Trevor nodding in agreement to the question.
“Well, I was at home, training. You know, I recently got a position as an instructor for a course at the Wonderbolt Academy, so I have to be in good shape once I’m called in to train other cadets. Of course, I’m not really out of shape or anything, since I never stopped training, but I decided to pump it up a notch. I mean, not every day you get such an offer.” PC explained before continuing.
“But this seemed important, so I just went with it, besides, I don’t think it will mess with my training much anyway.” He said shrugging.
“Wait you were called in to be an instructor at the Wonderbolt academy? But, but how?” Rainbow Dash asked not comprehending what she just heard.
“Well, I happened to show of my skill for a few friends of mine a long time ago, and apparently got spotted by one of the Wonderbolts. They later approached me and asked if I was interested in becoming a Wonderbolt and signed me up for the academy. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t the top student, but I did great and passed through every exam, every test and the whole academy like a breeze. So, I became a Wonderbolt. Sure, I’m actually a reserve, but if the actual team had the space for it, I’d be flying out there with them. Meanwhile, I’m doing other stuff, like teaching at the academy.” PC explained, shrugging as if he simply explained how weather management worked.
“I visit there occasionally and haven't seen you there, care to explain that?” Rainbow said with a scowl on her face.
“Well, yeah. I don’t spend much time at the academy, and this will be the first time I’ll be a teacher there. I’ve helped out with a few classes, but never had my own before. And when I’m not at the academy, I train alone back home. Much more peaceful than training at the academy.” PC explained calmly.
“That’s not what I meant I mean I've looked through every possible yearbook of the academy and not once has your name showed up.” Rainbow said.
“Really? That’s weird. Did you look in the actual records? No, wait. You’d need special permission to see those.” PC said, thinking back.
“Well I've looked and the only thing that comes close to your name is Perfect Order.” Rainbow said
Perfect Control promptly responded with a facehoof.
“Perfect Order is my Father. I guess there was some kind of mixup and anything filed under me was misplaced under my father. I’ll have to take this up with Spitfire. Thank’s Rainbow, I can’t believe something like that went uncorrected for so long.” PC replied.
Rainbow looked at PC slack jawed and sputtered out, “You're the son of Perfect Order? You are the son... of Perfect Order? I don't believe it.” Rainbow threw up her hooves in confusion and frustration. “I give up” she said as she slumped to the floor.
“Give up? Give up on what?” Asked PC confused.
“On being a Wonderbolt, if a guy like you can get into the reserves by a MISTAKE then what do I have to bring to the table?” Rainbow said dejectedly.
All the ponies in the room gasped at Rainbow’s declaration.
“WHAT!? Why would you do that about a simple name misplacement?” PC asked, horrified about having been partially responsible for the situation.
“Rainbow Dash this has been your dream for years and you're just going to up and quit when you’ve come so far? Twilight asks.
“Yeah I am and there's nothing you can do about it.” She said starting to leave.
“But, I just can’t understand why! I mean, all such an error would do, is insure that I don’t get any credit for anything I’ve done at the academy and that the credits go to my father instead. How the hay is that a reason to quit your dream?” PC begged for an answer.
“I don't want to talk about it but if you must know I was a big fan of your fathers.” She said glancing back at him with her head down.
“Hold on, wait!” PC shouted as he left after her.
“Should we help him or something?” Solace asked.
“No, I think he can handle it on his own. Now signaling subject change, aren't you curious if you two are the only guardians, aside from PC?” Twilight asked looking at Solace and Trevor.
Trevor and Solace looked at each other and shrugged. “Not really.” They answered in unison. “I guess it would be good to know, but it wouldn’t change much. Besides, as things have been going so far, we’d find out eventually anyway.” Solace said, as Trevor gave a nod.
“I know that, I just want to see because now you have me curious.” Twilight said as she motioned all her friends to follow her to the train station.
Shrugging, Solace followed her as Trevor followed Pinkie Pie as she followed Twilight.
“Perfect Control’s party can wait for now, wait! What if Dashie doesn't show up?... Meh, I'll think of something.” Pinkie said following them out humming a tune, somehow getting back just to hear the tail end of the conversation.
“Alright, to Canterlot!” Solace proclaimed as he turned invisible again.
‘Hope he doesn't do anything stupid.’ Twilight thought to herself.
“Because if nobody sees me, I don’t have to pay for a train ticket. And since I don’t have any bits, I wouldn’t be able to buy one anyway.” Solace suddenly spoke up.
“What?” Twilight asked.
“Oh, sorry. Trevor asked why I went invisible.” Solace explained. Reminding her that she couldn’t hear Trevor, and wouldn’t know if he was speaking unless looking at him.
“Wait I'm not the only one who heard PC, right?” Twilight asked remembering the conversation they witnessed.
“Nope!” Answered Pinkie.
“Wait a sec… How did he do that?” Solace asked as he realized that indeed, Rainbow’s guardian angel had been heard by all of them.
“We'll just have to ask either him or Luna but since he's already preoccupied let's ask Luna.” Twilight said.
“Yeah, the faster we get to Canterlot, the faster we’ll get some answers.” Solace agreed.