Finding True Love

by Rakoon1


Each Star With Its Own Light

Formerly in Canterlot, when Celestia still ruled Equestria alone, a young royal guard was guarding the entrance to the castle. His name was Star Shield. He was a young prodigy who had taken the highest scores at the Royal Guard Academy in his class, being ranked as one of the best students it ever had.

From an early age that he wanted to be a royal guard, because he wanted to serve Equestria in everything he could. He struggled to achieve his dream and he did it. However, he was disappointed when he came across the watch task the guards always had.

"This is really boring" he complained to his colleague, who was a more experienced guard. "We don't do nothing but sit here?"

"You are really impatient" the guard said. "I understand your anxiety. All the guards are like that when they start the job. But believe me when I say it's better to start a career as a royal guard in a peaceful way."

"Peaceful maybe, but very boring" Star Shield said.

"Don't worry, you're going to see that action will be here soon" the guard said.

After a few moments, a unicorn mare approached the entrance of the castle, carrying with magic a huge pile of files. She was trying to maintain the pile balanced with her magic, but soon the files dropped on the ground. Being a gentlecolt, Star Shield moved forward and began to help her get the files with his magic.

"Let me help" he said.

"Thank you" the mare thanked.

It was then that the looks of the two met and they became fascinated with each other. Star Shield never seen more beautiful mare who had a strong pink mane and blue eyes that mesmerized him.

"Hello..." he said, smiling.

"Hi…" she replied, returning the smile.

The two stared at each other for a few seconds before they realize the situation.

"Well... here you go" Star Shield said, extending the files to the mare.

Thank you” she thanked, getting them with her magic and placing them on the pile that she had taken. "I just hope they don't come back to fall."

"Let me help you" Star Shield said, going to open the door of the castle.

“Thank you” she thanked him.

She then entered the castle, smiling to Star Shield when she passed by him. The young stallion couldn't resist returning the smile. After closing the door, he said:

"Wow, what a beautiful mare!"

"It seems that the work is no longer boring" the guard commented, smiling mockingly.

"But who was she?" Star Shield asked.

"I think this Princess Celestia’s new secretary, though I hadn't decorated her name yet" the guard answered.

It was a pity that he didn't know the name of that beautiful mare. But that hasn't discouraged Star Shield. After all, if she was Princess Celestia’s secretary, opportunities of seeing her again would not miss.

A few days later, Star Shield was patrolling the corridors of the castle when he heard a noise coming from a nearby room. He hastened to the source of the sound and entered the room. He found the same mare that he had found at the entrance of the castle next to a cabinet that had fallen.

"But what happened here?" Star Shield asked.

The mare turned to him and, recognizing him, said:

"It's you. I remember you."

"You do?" Star Shield asked, unable to avoid smiling.

"Yes, you were the guard who helped me when I dropped those files" the mare said. "Maybe now you can help me with this cabinet. I was looking for some files to the princess, but I'm such a klutz."

"Of course I don't mind helping you" Star Shield said. "It will be a pleasure."

And, using his magic, Star Shield straightened the cabinet and put in place the files that were on the ground. The mare took the opportunity to catch those she needed.

"I don't know what I'd do without you" she said to Star Shield.

"You're welcome" Star Shield said, scratching the back of the head, while he blushed slightly. "I was just doing my duty as a royal guard."

"Well, you were my savior twice and I still don't know your name" the mare said.

"My name is Star Shield" the young guard answered. "And I would also like to know the name of the beautiful maiden that enjoys my saves."

"My name is Starlight Sparkle" she said. "Thank you so much again, Star Shield. Now I have to get these files to the princess before she asks me why I'm taking too long."

She headed to the exit of the room with Star Shield watching her. Starlight then turned to Star Shield and said to him:

"And if I buy you a dinner to thank you? Who knows maybe we can take a walk later."

That invitation was as a gift for Star Shield who replied:

"All right, as long as I can pay my meal."

"Deal" Starlight said. "I know a perfect place for dinner. Are you ready at eight?"

"Of course I am" Star Shield replied. "Meet me at the entrance to the castle?"

"Okay" Starlight said. "See you soon."

And she left.

Star Shield couldn't avoid a roar of joy, because he arranged a date with the most beautiful mare he has ever seen. If all went well, things might not be just for that date.

Night fell and, as they had agreed, the two met at the entrance of the Castle. Then, they went to dinner at a nice restaurant and, after that, they went for a walk at the park of Canterlot.

"I've always liked to take walks at night in the park" Starlight said. "It's always so relaxing. With such a beautiful night."

"Yes, it's a beautiful night" Star Shield agreed. "But it's not as beautiful as you."

That compliment made Starlight blush.

"Do you really think I’m that beautiful?" she asked.

"Are you kidding?" Star Shield asked, stopping and turning to Starlight. "I don't think I've ever seen a mare as beautiful as you."

But then Star Shield, realizing his growing enthusiasm complimenting Starlight, became quiet and looked away, while he blushed and scratched the back of his head. Starlight then smiled and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Feeling her sweet lips touching his face, Star Shield became perplexed, taking his hoof to where Starlight had kissed. He turned to her who said:

"You are such a sweetie. I've never met a stallion like you, Star Shield."

Star Shield smiled slightly before that compliment coming from Starlight. The two looked at each other and, as if they were the opposite poles of two magnets, they approached each other and sealed the passion they had for each other with a kiss.

From that moment, the love they felt for each other only increased. Soon they got married and started a family of their own. Shortly after getting married, they got their first son who was called Night Light and, about nine years later, their second son, Shooting Star, born.

But of course these weren't the only big events. Shortly after marrying Starlight, Star Shield was promoted to captain of Canterlot Royal Guard, something that it had always been his biggest dream to professional level. Years after this promotion, he took under his wing an apprentice who eventually would succeed him as captain, a young unicorn called White Light. However, the position of captain brought to him more responsibility than to ensure the security of the castle.

Responding to a summoning coming from Princess Celestia, Star Shield entered the throne room, approaching Celestia who was on the throne. He made a bow and asked:

"You wanted to see me, Princess Celestia?"

"Yes, Star Shield, unfortunately I received some disturbing news from our scouts stationed in the Desolate Zone that require our full attention" she replied.

"What this is about?" Star Shield asked.

"Our scouts have noted a strong movement by the Changelings" Celestia explained. "It could be a possible preparation for an invasion."

"So you want me to prepare our defenses for when this invasion happen?" Star Shield asked.

"No, I want you to go to the Desolate Zone with a squadron and stop this invasion that will happen" Celestia said. "From what I know, Queen Chrysalis is preparing something big for the invasion, something that will ensure her victory. She is very smart and knows her Changelings have no chance against us, since we know very well their kind. Star Shield, find out what this trump card is and prevent the Changelings from using it."

Star Shield nodded with his head and replied, making a bow:

"As you wish, Your Highness."

After Star Shield have prepared all the preparations for the trip to the Desolate Zone, he tried to say goodbye to his family and his protégé on the station platform.

"Are you really sure you have to go?" Starlight asked to Star Shield. "Is there no other pony who can go?”

"Princess Celestia asked me to go, dear" Star Shield answered, gently resting his hoof on her cheek. "I'm the only one qualified enough to handle such a task. But why are you so worried? Don't you know the pony you married."

"Is not that" Starlight said. "You know I know you keep coming back safe and sound... but, this time is different. You'll go to the Desolate Zone, Changeling's home. I have reasons to be worried."

"Starlight, I understand your concern and you know that if it were any other mission, I would suggest one of my lieutenants to go in my place" Star Shield said, stroking her mane. "But this mission is too important. The Changelings are planning to attack Equestria in full force and we must prevent them from doing so."

After all, she waved and then the two exchanged a passionate kiss. He then turned to Shooting Star and said:

"Grow up long before my arrival, my little colt."

"Ba!" said the baby unicorn.

Star Shield laughed and then kissed his forehead. Then he turned to Night Light, which was immensely sad for his father be leaving. When he see his son about to cry, he said, lifting his chin:

"Come on, Nighty, don't be like that. Look at daddy. Now you are the stallion of the home. I need you take care of mommy and Shooting while I'm gone. Are you able to do this for me?"

Night Light nodded and then the two embraced themselves.

"I love you, Daddy" he said.

"I love you too, champ" replied Star Shield.

When they stopped the hug, Star Shield lifted up and then approached White Light and told him:

"Take care of them, okay?"

"Yes, sir" he replied, doing a salute.

"And about what we talked before" Star Shield said. "Did you understand everything?"

"Yes, sir" White Light replied. "Don't worry about that."

Star Shield waved.

"Goodbye, kid" he said. "Continue with your good work."

"Yes, sir" he answered. "And good luck. I hope you return safely."

"Me too, my dear student" Star Shield answered. "Me too."

Then he used his magic to grab his bag and head to the train. But before entering, he blew a kiss to his family and Starlight returned his kiss on her behalf and their children. After making the gesture to catch the kiss and then take it to the chest, he got on the train and, shortly after, it took off.

Arriving at the Desolate Zone, Star Shield led a squadron to the Changelings' nest, taking advantage of the fact that they were sleeping. After examining carefully the nest, Star Shield found what he wanted to find, being horrified by what he saw. It had never crossed in his mind that Queen Chrysalis could be preparing something like that. Saving what he found in a chest, Star Shield and his squad prepared to escape, but it was then that the Changelings, feeling intruders in their home, woke up and surrounded the invaders.

"Well, well, well" the voice that belonged to Chrysalis said while approaching the squad. "What a great surprise. What brings... delicious ponies to my nest?"

"We have come to halt your evil plan to invade Equestria" Star Shield said, without showing any sign of fear.

That made Chrysalis look to the chest and, as if she could sensing what was in there, she exclaimed:

"Your insignificant ponies! How dare you to steal from me?! You're going to pay, serving as appetizers."

"That was if I allowed such a thing" Star Shield said.

And he loaded his horn with magic and fired a beam against Chrysalis, hitting her at her sight, what made her go blind for a few moments. Taking advantage of that moment when the queen was weakened, Star Shield and his officers tried to get past the other Changelings, and, when they did that, they left the nest running as fast as they could.

They ran until they were sure they were at a safe distance from the nest. After that, they set up their camp to rest before returning to Equestria. In his tent, Star Shield took his armor off, to rub his muscles. After that, he turned to the chest that contained Chrysalis’ secret weapon and then opened it.

Inside, there were three Changeling eggs, but they were different. They were larger and through them it could see the Changelings in development, but they didn't have the form of a common Changeling. It seemed they were new types of Changelings, mutant species, which surely would be stronger than the normal one. If those Changelings were born, Chrysalis’ army would be immensely powerful, enough to invade and conquer Equestria.

However, Changeling eggs were immensely resistant to brute force and magic and could stay in suspended state for several decades. Fortunately, to hatch, they had to be fed with love. That meant that if they kept them sealed and away from the Changelings, they would not do any harm. But, for that, they would have to return to Equestria.

It was then that a guard entered in Star Shield’s tent and said:

"Captain, there are Changelings approaching quickly!"

"What?!" Star Shield asked, rising up. "How many?"

"A large number of them, sir" the guard answered. "I don't know if we will be able to escape."

Star Shield couldn't believe their bad luck. Just when they were about to leave the Desolate Zone, they were being attacked by Changelings. If what that guard was saying were true, the more likely they would recover the eggs and then invade Equestria. The image of Starlight and his sons being attacked by those nefarious creatures appeared in his mind. He couldn't let the Changelings put in jeopardy innocent lives, mainly his loved ones’.

"Grab everything you can" he told to the guard. "We will leave immediately. We cannot venture in another fight with Changelings and we can’t let them approach."

"Yes, sir" the guard said.

He prepared to leave when Star Shield called:

"I have something for you."

Using his magic, he extended to him the chest with the eggs, saying:

"Ensure that this chest reaches Princess Celestia safely. She will know what to do with it.”

"Yes, sir" the guard said, getting the chest. "Anything else?"

"Yes, hand it to my wife" Star Shield said, handing him the box where he kept his armor. "And tell her I love her and our sons."

"But, sir..." the guard said, also receiving the box. "You're not thinking in…"

"Someone has to stall them long enough for all of you to escape" Star Shield said. "Between us, only I have that ability."

"But..." the guard started.

"This is an order, soldier!" Star Shield exclaimed. "It's good that you obey it without question."

With the sudden startling authoritarian tone of his captain, the guard replied:

"Yes, sir."

And he left, taking with him the chest and the box.

Star Shield sighed. He hated talking to one of his officers like that, but he couldn't waste time. The Changelings were approaching and they had to act quickly. Although he knew the chances of getting away from the confrontation with love-eating creatures were reduced, and that assuming that he escaped, he had to do this not only for the sake of Equestria, but also for the safety of the mare that he loved and their children.

His officers, following his orders, took everything they could and they walked away as soon as possible. Star Shield remained in the camp, waiting for his guests. It wasn't long before Chrysalis and her Changelings to arrive. The queen landed, followed by her soldiers, and said, sketching a wicked smile:

"Well, look who is here, the pony who tried to blind me."

"It was a shame that the effect was not permanent" Star Shield replied.

Listening him insulting their Queen, the Changelings started hissing ominously to Star Shield, but the queen said:

"Take it easy, my children, can't you see he's alone? I think that his soldiers must have been so scared that got away with their tail between their legs."

"They were so frightened that they fled with your precious eggs" Star Shield said cynically.

"Yes, about that, you're going to pay for your nerve to steal what belongs to me" Chrysalis said. "Get ready for your end."

She advanced to attack Star Shield, but he used his magic to create a shield around the Changelings, trapping them. The queen and his soldiers tried everything to break that barrier, but it was tough enough to handle them. Although he knew it would not hold them for long, he knew that would give to his soldiers enough time to get out of the Desolate Zone.

It was then that Chrysalis, using her power, launched a beam that struck the shield and eventually undid it. With this, she and his soldiers were able to capture Star Shield. But he didn't care, since his soldiers were already safe with Chrysalis’ mutant eggs.

The Changelings brought Star Shield back to their nest and placed him in front of Chrysalis’ throne, where she sat on and said:

"I have to admit that you impressed me, pony. None of your kind, not counting with your obnoxious princess, was able to hack into my nest, steal me and escape unscathed."

"I don't need your praise" Star Shield said.

"And I was giving it" she replied. "But you know, despite losing my eggs and the chance to conquer Equestria, at least I got a consolation prize. I can feel the love you have inside of you. And it's so great... and delicious. You're going to be a good meal for me and my children."

And, having said this, she began to absorb Star Shield’s love. He moaned, as he felt the pain that came with the process. But the thought of Starlight and his sons gave him the strength to resist. However, this only created more love than Chrysalis could devour. Finally, she stopped and said:

"That was delicious! I never tasted anything like this. The love that you feel must be pure to continue regenerating this way. There is no doubt that you will be an excellent food source."

"In fact, Chrysalis, I have other plans for him" a voice said.

They turned and saw the Lord of Chaos appearing. Seeing him, Chrysalis and the Changeling made him a bow.

"My lord, what a great honor" she said, while the Lord of Chaos landed. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"I noticed how this pony stole the eggs that I allowed you to have" he replied. "But what a disappointment, Chrysalis. You let him steal them."

"I apologize, your lordship" she said, bowing her head. "It was a mistake that won't happen again. But I promise I will find another way to conquer Equestria for you."

"I hope so" the Lord of Chaos said. "After all, I've put a lot of my efforts on you and your kind. But not everything went wrong. After all, you captured for me a nice present."

He observed Star Shield carefully and then said:

"Yes, he will become a great soldier of Chaos."

"I would never serve someone like you!" Star Shield exclaimed with disdain.

But the Lord of Chaos laughed and said:

"That's what everyone says before being touched by my darkness."

And he turned the tip of his spear to Star Shield and darkness began to cover it. The captain of Canterlot Royal Guard could feel the immense power that darkness emanated. It seemed that would be his end. But he was not terrified. Taking a deep breath, he accepted his fate, and he closed his eyes, while visualized the image of his family, mainly Starlight, the mare who made very happy.

It was then that the Lord of Chaos launched against Star Shield the darkness of his spear that involved the captain of the Royal Guard.

The End