//------------------------------// // Part 1 Chapter 4: Heartbreaking News // Story: Warrior, Protector, & Survivor // by TigerSwirl448 //------------------------------// It’s the third day of the Peace Council, the city of Canterlot is celebrating the defeat of Tirek and the reunion of the kingdoms. Canterlot Commons was filled with so many people from other nations or other villages celebrating. Celebrating with drinking, dancing, loving, and singing war ballads of old. A time when the kingdoms are at peace is a happy time for a change. While the citizens of Equestria celebrate, the royals and knights of the kingdoms sit in the renovated throne room discussing politics, games, history, and even talks of marriage to some. Everything seemed to be going normal. Outside the throne room two knights of the Solar Guards watched as Windy Belle paced back and forth in front of them wringing her hands in anxiety. The two guards had been watching Windy for the last two hours waiting for the Peace Council to leave for lunch. Then she would be able to ask to join the guard. To make her chances better, Windy took the whole day off the day before to get herself cleaned up, get her clothes washed, and made sure she practiced her manners. This will be her one and only chance in joining the guard, if not as a knight, but maybe she might try and get training to be a Shadowbolt. She struggled with that decision. If what Lucky said was true, she didn't have a chance in being a knight but she might have a chance in joining the Shadowbolts and maybe be a warrior just like her mom. "Don't worry, kiddo," One of the Sun guards said smiling. "I'm sure you'll make it in, we are always looking for new blood in the Solar Guard." Windy looked to him to see his encouraging smile. "Toby's right, Windy." The second guard, an earth born woman, added smiling. "I bet Princess Twilight will have you as one of her guards. The Star Guard are still looking for volunteers to enlist." Windy sighed with a smile. "I sure hope so." She said rubbing her hands. “Thanks for the encouragement. I’ve been stressing out all morning.” The two guards grinned. There was a muffled sound of a pounding gavel inside the throne room. The knights stood at attention. "That means they’re off for lunch." Toby said winking. The doors opened and Agate peeked out looking around and saw Windy. He nodded with a wink. "It’s time." He said smiling. Windy gulped hard feeling her anxiety spike. She sighed fixing her tunic and brushed her fingers through her hair. She sighed walking forward. "Good lucky Windy." Toby whispered as the other knight nodded. "Were rooting for you." She added winking. "Thanks guys." Windy whispered as she squeezed through the doors and closed them behind her. Agate winked at her seeing her gulp. The two walked forward into the filled throne room. Every year before the Peace Council, the servants work tirelessly in pulling out long tables and benches for the guests to sit at during the council. Even the princesses sat at the royal table to show they are sitting with equals. No royal sat higher than the other. The only ones that sat high were the Canterlot Council at the dais where the council members sat and took notes or join in on the voting. As the two servants were approaching the tables, Windy could see everyone standing around talking to one another. Windy looked up to see that the pillars holding the throne room together had flags of kingdoms, fiefdoms, and clans hanging over the sections of tables where the leaders and their party sat. As she marched closer to the Princesses’ table, many of the delegates for the Peace Council stop talking to watch the servant approach the table. The four princesses along with their children looked up in surprise to see Windy approach. Starchaser smiled encouragingly and winked. Windy smiled softly and winked in return. Agate cleared his throat and bowed to the princesses and their children. "Servant Windy Belle wishes to speak to you all, Princesses." He said formally. Celestia nodded waving for Agate to leave. Agate bowed again and went around the table to stand behind Starchaser. Everyone in the room watched with interest. Prince Rudolph took his seat and the members of his group sat down behind him in their seats to watch. Big Mac Apple of the Apple Clan nudged his elbow into his leader’s side. The Matriarch and his sister, Applejack Apple looked up from her talk with her neighbor, a Duke from Manehattan and watched curiously. The delegates from the Crystal Empire, a unicorn woman with red and yellow hair and a Pegasus man with blue hair, looked up hearing the silence. They noticed the servant standing before the princesses. The unicorn closed her book feeling the shift of magic in the air. The man yawned scratching his cheek watching with mild interest. Even the Canterlot Council sat back down in their seats to watch with bated breath. Everyone who lived in the palace knew of Windy Belle and her condition. To them they hoped to see something happen for the hard working servant. "Ah Windy Belle," Celestia said smiling. "Did you learn your lesson?" She asked. Windy Belle bowed before the princesses. "I learned my lesson, Highness." Celestia smiled. "Very good, you wish to speak with us?"                  Windy stood up straight with her hands behind her back. "I do, Highnesses." Celestia blinked hearing such politeness from the young servant. "Hmm, you must want something terribly to be acting like this." "It must be a prank." Luna said loudly for all to hear as Lucky smirked and chuckled with her mother. Twilight glared at the princess next to her then turned back to Windy. "What is it you wish to speak about, Windy Belle?" Twilight asked encouragingly. Windy took in a deep breath then let it out slowly and recited the words she practiced since the night before. "Princesses, I am very grateful for everything you have done for me. You gave me a home, a place to sleep and food to eat." Windy looked up to notice Pan and Radiance smiling encouragingly at her from their seats on the table. She turned to Twilight again to see Agate and Starchaser smiling too. "I came to ask if I can train to be a part of the royal guard so I can continue repaying my debt to you all." She finished bowing again. Three of the princesses smiled at one another. The guests of the council watched in silence for the reaction. Cadenza stood up. "What branch were you hoping to join, Windy?" She asked interested. Windy licked her lips. "I wish to follow in my mother's footsteps and join the Shadowbolts." The room went silent. Cadenza's mouth dropped open in shock. Many in the Canterlot Council groaned out loud hearing her. The Peace Council however were silent, unaware of what was wrong. Twilight winced turning to see Lucky slack jawed and Luna looking at Windy in bewilderment. "Excuse me?" Luna asked. Windy started to shake. "I want to join the Shadowbolts." For a moment there was silence. Luna chuckled then started laughing uncontrollably. Everyone was silent watching the Princess of War laugh. Windy blushed harshly but remained hopeful. "Oh no," Spike whispered with worry. Agate nodded covering his eyes with his hands to keep from watching. Luna stood up, coughing a few times from her laugh, as she walked around the table. Windy stood tall as the Princess of War approached her. "You have some nerve making that request." She said glaring, Windy bit her lip looking up at her starting to panic. "It doesn't hurt to ask, right?" Windy asked. Those that heard her reply groaned. "Damnit Windy." Pan whispered as Radiance grabbed his arm to keep him from getting out of his chair. "Why she asks?" Luna said laughing again. Windy bowed her head feeling her confidence evaporate. "Look at you, you're a nobody, an orphan, a bug, what makes you think you will be allowed to join the guard?" Luna snapped. Windy blinked looking up at her. "You asked for an audience and according to our laws, if one of us refuses the request nothing will happen." Windy watched in shock as Luna sat back down on her chair to the glares of the people in the room. "So I say that this servant,” Luna proclaimed pointing her finger to Windy. "Will not join any branch of the royal guard." Celestia glared at her sister, Cadenza turned away, and Twilight looked angered seeing this. She stood up fast surprising the Peace Council "Luna, that is not fair!" Twilight exclaimed glaring at her. Spikes yelped grabbing her arm trying to get her to sit back down. Luna scoffed shaking her head. "Of course, you would try and protect the abomination, Sparkle." Twilight growled angrily. Now Agate joined his father to try and get Twilight to sit back down. But Twilight was actually fighting against their restraints glaring at the smirking princess. "Please Twilight," Spike pleaded, "Calm down before you say something you'll regret." He whispered hurriedly. Twilight wasn't going to back down now that she is standing. "I will protect her and make sure she gets what she deserves, a chance. A chance you will never give her!" Twilight snapped. Everyone in the room looked at her with shock. Twilight Sparkle never stood up to Luna. "Enough!" Celestia cried before Luna would get the chance to speak. After a moment of tense silence Celestia sighed looking to Twilight to see her glare fade away to a look of sadness. Celestia stood up looking to Windy with guilt. "I'm sorry Windy Belle, but that is the law. If one of us declines to a request that needs all four of us to vote on, then it shall not happen." Windy bowed her head, clenching her fists. The delegates looked over to her, some with sadness, others with indifference not sure what was going on. "You cannot be a Shadowbolt ... and you cannot be trained as a guard. I'm so sorry." Celestia said softly with guilt. Windy Belle took in a deep breath looking back up at the princesses, she bit her cheek to prevent herself from showing any emotion. She bowed to the princesses. "Thank you for your time." She said softly before turning and walking to the doors. The royals glared as Luna smirked in victory. "Anymore distractions?" She asked seeing everyone’s glare. "No? Well then, it's time for lunch." She said standing up and leaving the room through the side door with Lucky following her. Twilight felt her heart break in two as she sat back down in her chair and covered her face with her hands. Spike patted her on her shoulder glaring at the floor. Pan slammed his fist on the table then pressed his face into his crossed arms on the table with his twin sister patting his back. Rudolph felt guilt seeing the proud girl he met a few days ago walk away with sadness. "If she was in my court," He grouched. "I would have granted her wish." He grumbled out loud. Applejack nodded hearing him. "Same with me, Prince." She said stroking her chin thinking. "Poor girl." She whispered. Big Mac nodded. "Eeyup." The delegates from the Crystal Empire were surprised. The unicorn shook her head with disgust. "Wasting valuable talent that was." She grouched as the Pegasus man nodded his head. "Agreed." He grouched yawning again. The unicorn turned to notice Princess Cadenza waving her finger to her. She nudged the Pegasus awake. The Pegasus looked up to see his princess stand up motioning for the two of them to follow her. The two delegates stood up and followed their princess out the throne room. Starchaser looked around her to notice people were either leaving for lunch or remained seated looking sad for Windy. She looked to her mother to see her shaking her head her face still covered by her hands. Star stood up and left the room. "Where are you going?" Agate asked surprising her. Star smiled at him. "I'll be back later. I'm going to go find Windy." Agate nodded. "Let me go with you," "I don't think that is a good idea." Star said quickly. "I know where she is. You stay here. I think Radiance can use your help with Pan." Agate blinked and turned to see the saddened twins then nodded. "Fine." He said with disappointment. He watched Star leave through the side door without anyone else noticing. Once out Star gathered her skirts and ran down the hall. She had to find Windy and she also has a very good idea where to start her search. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Windy Belle pushed through the doors out into the Canterlot Gardens. The gardens were usually where Windy went to get away from everyone in the palace and to hide herself if she wanted to be alone and cry. She shut the doors behind her and sniffled trying to hold in the tears a little longer as she walked forward. The gardens were in full bloom in the summer season, the rose bushes are at full bloom with yellow, white, and even red roses. Her fingers brushed the silky petals as she walked past them. She sniffed feeling tears leaking out of her eyes watching the birds flying over her to reach the bird baths and bird feeders set up for them. She ignored them wiping her eyes as she left the garden path and walked to a hill. At the hill stood a large oak tree that was said to have been planted at the first Peace Council. She placed her hand on the giant trunk looking up at the tall giant limbs held up high and covered in dark green leaves. Windy sighed sniffling some more. She looked down to see one of the small bird baths by her. She looked into the water in the bird bath to see her reflection. She sniffed glaring at her reflection and slapped the water, she whimpered leaning into the tree trunk. After a moment she covered her face and sobbed. She slid to the ground onto her knees covering her face with her hands. She sniffed and resituated herself to where she sat with her back against the oak tree with her knees hiked up. She wrapped her arms around her legs crying into her knees. Soon she started to have company. Critters of the gardens peeked out from their hiding places to sense the girl’s distress and started to approach her. One squirrel was the bravest of the critters as it stood beside her. He grabbed her pant leg and tugged on it, getting no response. A young deer then walked over and sniffed her head and nuzzled her ear. Windy looked up with a gasp and noticed the animals surrounding her looking to her with worry. Windy sniffed wiping her face with her sleeve. "Hey guys." She whispered with a crack in her voice from crying. She reached up to the deer and stroked his head. Other critters began walking over to her and laying by her giving her comfort. Windy looked down at the weasels, mongoose, rabbits, squirrels, and even some mice. She smiled stroking a weasel’s head. "Windy!" A voice called. Windy gasped looking up as the animals turned and ran away as the stranger came up the hill. Windy turned to see Starchaser walking over panting from her run. "Windy, I've been looking for you." She panted. Windy turned away glaring at the bushes. "Why? Do you need me to do a chore?" She snapped irritably with a sniff. Starchaser shook her head. "No, Windy Belle, I came looking for you to make sure you're alright." When Windy didn't turn to look at her, Star sighed sitting down beside her. "You were very brave standing there in front of everyone. I would have wet my pants." Star joked. Windy kept silent. Star thought harder for something to say to cheer her friend up. "Windy, you wouldn't believe how many people were there to support you in the throne room. Everyone was hoping for the opposite of what just happened. Honest." Windy sniffed and began to cry again. Star leaned over to her wrapping her arms around her hugging her tight. "No matter what Luna says,” Star whispered softly. “You’ll always be my knight.” Windy hugged her back, crying into her chest as Star held her tight. The two girls sat under the oak tree for a while, long enough for the animals of the garden came back out of hiding to watch them. Star looked around her surprised seeing the animals from the garden actually approaching her. She had never seen the animals approach her before, they were usually skittish towards the people of the palace. She watched as one white mouse ran up to Star then climbed up Windy’s pant leg to perch on Windy’s knee. Star smiled seeing the mouse wiggling his pink nose sniffing the air. She felt movement and looked over to see Windy look up from her Star’s chest to see the mouse sitting on her knee. She sniffed holding up her finger to the mouse. The mouse sniffed her finger and licked it. The mouse chirped and leaped into Windy’s hand and ran up her arm to her neck, nuzzling her causing the girl to giggle. "That tickles." Windy whispered smiling at the mouse. She turned back to Star and noticed with a heavy blush how close their faces were to one another. "Thanks Star." She whispered silently. "For sitting with me." Starchaser hugged her tight. "You did it with me remember? I should return the favor."  Windy sighed closing her eyes enjoying this closeness with the princess. Starchaser looked up by chance noticing that the sky was turning orange, it’s mid-evening. She looked back at Windy to see her soft smile and closed eyes. She looked better and at peace. Star stroked her hair, Windy opened her eyes looking up at her. "I have to go." Star said sadly. Windy tightened her grip around her squeezing her hand. "Now?" She whispered. Star nodded. "Mother wants me to be at dinner. Everyone will be at dinner and I have to be there. No matter how much I dislike it." She stood up, pulling away from Windy’s embrace. Windy remained seated on the ground looking pitiful. Star smiled with an idea. "How about you be my personal server tonight." Star requested with a smirk. Windy shook her head. "No thanks, I don't have anything nice to wear for dinner anyway." She said sadly. She hiked up her knees and wrapped her arms around her legs, resting her chin on her knees. Star bit her lip feeling horrible. "I'll see you later?" Star asked hopeful. Windy shrugged staring at the castle. "I got nowhere better to be." She grouched. Star nodded with a defeated sigh. She gathered her skirts and began her jog back to the castle to get ready for dinner, leaving Windy alone under the oak tree.