Permanent Vacation

by Apple_Crack

Royal Guard Academy

“Permanent Vacation”

Royal Guard Academy

“Ugh. It's too early for Trixie to be up.”

I turn from looking out the train window and the land rushing by. I open my mouth, but Derpy beats me to saying anything. “It's only eight in the morning.”

“Still too early for Trixie. On a weekend of all days.”

I roll my eyes. “Gee, can't imagine how you are when you actually have to wake up and be on time to run a school.”

She glares and I can't help snickering. “Trixie can be punctual when she wants to be.”

I idly sip my coffee and think back on the concert itself, which went off without a hitch. Well, there was that snafu where Lilac was unable to get backstage, but intervention by Vinyl was able to clear that up in the end. After she was formally introduced to everyone else and semi over being star struck, she presented her notebook to me. After everyone else saw Lilac's sketches, I ushered her out of the room temporarily so the rest of us could discuss giving her a chance to design an album cover for us as a sort of trial run. Lilac jumped at the offer once we presented it to her. I had no reason to doubt that she wouldn't.

My mind also wanders back to when I had to go back to go over the homework.

---

After writing up some lyrics on the board, I turn around and place my hands on the desk. “Now, who wants to go first?” There's silence. “Come now, don't everyone speak up at once. Just share your thoughts and feelings about the songs. There's no right or wrong answers here. I just wanna hear what you all discovered. Oh, and be aware that these are all covers of songs from back home. I hope I brought out the right inflection and tone of the singer, but covers are always up for interpretation. A simple change in how it sounds could completely change the message.”

Someone clears their throat and stands up, a unicorn stallion it looks like. “Uh... Well, the first song, Echo. It's about being alone and hearing nothing but your own voice echoing back. The line of 'I call and I can hear you sing, but oh, it's only my echo' implies that. You want to hear something other than yourself.”

I nod my head. “A fair assumption to make. Anyone else?”

An Earth Pony stallion stands up. “Going off that, it's not just hearing your own voice, it's actively listening for another specific voice, somepony the singer knows.”

I raise an eyebrow. “And what gives you that idea?”

“Is... Is that not right?”

I shake my head. “I said there are no right or wrong answers here, and I mean that. Your answer is right to you, and that's what matters. I wanna know how you got your answer.”

The stallion nods his head. “Uh, the lines where somepony else is referenced. 'Anchored by your side', 'You would follow me silently with searchlights', and 'Your voice could save me' are just a few.”

I smile. “Correct. The singer is indeed referring to someone very specific.”

“But sir,” A unicorn mare stands up, “What about this pony makes them important here? What relation does this pony have to the singer? Are they a good friend? Family member?”

I nod my head. “And excellent question. Class, any other guesses?” There's varied answers, but most boil down to friend, lover, or parent. Once things go silent, I continue. “All valid guesses, but the honest answer is, only the singer knows. They likely left it open so that it can relate to everyone that hears it, not just a specific instance that happened to the singer. And it's a pretty good tactic. Allows the song to relate to more listeners.”

“If I can interrupt for a second.” I turn to Wind Song and motion for her to continue. “From what I can see and hear, this song is about loss and the journey that comes with it. Near the end, the music changes in tone to make it sound like you're yelling out for the pony to answer you, and you get no response, leaving you dejected.”

I laugh. “Didn't know you were a student too. But yes, that is an excellent observation, and correct too.”

Wind blushes. “Sorry, but it all just intrigued me. I couldn't help analyzing it.”

“Nah, don't worry about it. It's important to discuss what you think and discover, so that others may build off that or continue their own discussions. Speaking of... Class? Anything else to add?”

There's nothing but silence, so I continue. “Well, all acceptable answers, but you all wanna know what I think? I think this song is about someone who had a very treasured partner with them. The singer's own ego eventually drove away this partner, and no matter what the singer did or who was there for the singer, they just wanted their partner back. And when they couldn't find them, or the partner didn't want to come back, the singer fell deeper into their depression and struggled to the point that they couldn’t be saved.” I shrug my shoulders. “But that's just my interpretation of it.”

A hand goes up. “Sir, is that the correct answer?”

I smirk. “Let me tell you all something since you're obviously worried about having the right answer. I don't care what you wrote down, all I care about is that you wrote something about the lyrics. There is no right or wrong here. Music, and the arts in general, are about personal expression and belief. As such, I wanted this assignment to be about what you learned from the lyrics. Not what I think, not what others think, what YOU think.”

There's a couple of wide eyes. “That got your attention, didn't it? Now that you know what this lesson is about, let's move on.” I start writing on the chalkboard the next song.

---

“Hey, Equestria to Blake.” I blink and shake my head.

“Sorry, what's up?”

“As I was asking, have you any plans for tonight?”

“Didn't plan that far ahead actually. I can't predict what the Princesses want with us, so no use trying to plan for something that might not happen.” I take a sip of coffee. “Why do you ask, anyway?”

“Oh, no particular reason. Trixie just wanted to enjoy dinner in Canterlot with her team since we never get to do anything together. But... I guess I'll have to enjoy it by myself.”

“She does have a point. When was the last time the three of us did something together, outside of work?”

I open my mouth, but pause as nothing comes to mind. Have we really done nothing together where it was just the three of us? “You... Are correct. We haven't done anything together. Alright, if there's nothing pertinent going on, I'll join you tonight.”

Trixie nods her head. “As expected. Uh... One teensy little detail though. Where should we go?”

“Well, I mean, Donut Joe's is always a good spot. There's also that club Luna and I took Twilight to. Can't remember the name of it though. Beyond that, I haven't really had a chance to explore. You'd be better off asking Twilight or Spike for places.”

“We could always check the tour books at the station when we arrive.”

I nod my head. “Always an option, though I prefer to just wander and pick whatever place strikes my fancy. Those places in the tour books usually pay handsomely to promote, but don’t have the quality to back it up. But really, I think we're getting ahead of ourselves. Let's just head to the castle and figure out what's going on before getting any more of our hopes up.”

We pull into the Canterlot station shortly after and disembark. As per Luna's instructions, I did pack whatever essentials I needed for a week-long stay at the Castle, and it looks like Derpy and Trixie did too with the couple of bags they have.

Derpy looks around and scratches her head. “Uh... Isn't there supposed to be a carriage or something for us?”

Trixie looks around as well before shrugging. “Doesn't seem like it. No matter, I'm used to hauling my wagon around, so some luggage is nothing for one such as I.”

I can't suppress a chuckle. “So, you moonlight as a porter now? Being a headmare not enough?”

“You know what Trixie meant!”

I heft my bags up and pat Trixie on the shoulder as I walk by. “Right, just messing with ya. Come now, let's get to the castle.”

As we walk, I notice that most of the various ponies wandering around are of the upper class judging by their appearance and choice of outfit alone. They, for the most part, ignore us. There are some of what I would describe as the middle class being a lot more open and inviting, offering polite greetings if we pass them. As we near what must be a fancy boutique, I spot two familiar faces leaving it as the stallion locks eyes with me. “Ah, so wonderful to see you again, Blake.”

I stop and offer a polite nod. “You're looking spiffy as always, Fancy. And absolutely stunning as always, Fleur.”

He takes off his monocle and dusts it with a white handkerchief he produces from his pocket. “And who might your companions be?” He asks as he puts his monocle back on.

“Ah, forgive my manners. Fancy, Fleur, this is Trixie Lulamoon and Derpy Hooves. Trixie, Derpy, this is Fancy Pants and Fleur De Lis.” I motion to each person in turn as polite greetings are exchanged.

“So, what brings you to our fine city today?” Fleur asks.

“Oh, business at the castle. Official summons and all that.” Derpy says.

Trixie nudges Derpy. “Should you really be telling everypony the reason we're here?”

“What? It's not like we were sworn to secrecy.”

“She has a point, Trixie. We weren't told to keep quiet, but then again, Trixie is right to a point.”

Fancy chuckles. “Ah, secrets of the state and all that. By all means, don't let us keep you any longer. But do contact us at some point. Fleur and I would absolutely love to treat you with a night out in our fair city.”

“What about tonight then?” Derpy and I turn to Trixie and raise an eyebrow. “What? We were just talking about finding a place to eat tonight!”

“And we also said we might not have any free time!”

“If I may...” Fleur sorta steps between us. “Perhaps you should contact us once this matter is resolved.”

“How should we contact you then?” Derpy asks the question before I can say it.

“Being part of the nobility means frequent dealings with the castle. As such, there is a dedicated courier system. Just have them contact us and we shall reply posthaste.”

I nod my head. “Couriers in the castle, got it.”

“Dear, the time.”

Fancy pulls out a pocket watch and opens it. “Ah, yes. Thank you dear. Terribly sorry, but we must be off. Prior engagements and what not. We look forward to hearing from you.”

“And thank you for the offer.”

With a slight bow and curtsy, Fancy and Fleur make their way down the street while we continue on towards the castle.

“You never told Trixie you were in the good graces of nobility.”

I shake my head. “Never considered I was. I only met Fancy and Fleur in passing at Twilight's birthday. They complimented me on starting my rise in the music world, we exchanged some pleasant words, and that was it.”

“So you think they're schmoozing up to you just so they can flaunt it to the other nobles?”

I shake my head. “Doubtful. They both seem genuinely friendly to anyone and don't care what social status you are.” I pause and raise an eyebrow. “Did I never tell you what happened on Twilight's birthday?”

“This is the first time Trixie is hearing of it.”

“I don't think I ever heard you mention it before.”

My retelling of that event lasts us to the castle, where there are already some guards and maid staff on standby. The maids take our bags from us before the guards escort us directly to the throne room doors. With a salute to their comrades outside the door, the ones who escorted us move back down the hall. We're not made to wait long as they push open the doors. “The princesses will see you now.”

We stride into the throne room as two guards push it shut once we're past the threshold. A few guards line the walls, while two stand at the base of the stairs leading up to the throne. Celestia is casually seated in her throne, while Luna seems to be on the edge of hers.

We stop short of the stairs and look up at the princesses. “You requested us, your majesties?”

Celestia stands up from the throne and smiles. “Please, no need to be formal. We're all casually acquainted enough for a first name basis here. Agreed, Luna?”

“Blake was one of the first to help with my re-integration into modern Equestria. I'd say we're more than just casual acquaintances. And in the short time I've spent with them, the same can be said of Trixie and Derpy.”

“So, Trixie is on a first name basis with the princesses now?” I can't see her, but I envision her tilting her head back and smirking. “It doesn't come as a surprise though. Trixie always knew the princesses would want to know her.”

“Trixie, your ego is showing again.” Derpy says.

“Shh... Let Trixie have this.”

I can't help but smirk and roll my eyes. “Anyway, what can we do for you, Celestia and Luna? It's obviously not an emergency.”

Luna nods her head. “And you are correct. Sister and I have discussed this at great length, and we feel that you should train with the royal guards.”

I raise an eyebrow. “So basically take an entrance exam? Aren't we already part of the guard? Like an offshoot branch or something? That was the whole point of calling us ghosts.”

“You three have already passed the entrance exam by saving the Elements from the Diamond Dogs. We feel that more than qualifies you to skip the standard exam and be accepted right away, as you were.” Celestia says.

“Think of it more like a... What's the word? Ah, yes, assessment test.” Luna says.

“Something to gauge what we're best at?” Derpy asks.

“And any areas of potential improvement.”

“Hmph, Trixie needs no such improvement... But she supposes it wouldn't hurt to see where her faults are. Trixie will take this test.”

“Like you had a choice? It's a direct order that we're doing this.”

“Besides, it's probably best we take this.” Derpy looks at the floor and kicks her hoof. “I dunno about you guys, but I'm not the best at fighting. I definitely need this.”

I nod my head. “There's your answer. When do we start training?”

“On the dawn of tomorrow. We've already made arrangements to have you with some of our newest recruits.”

Luna steps forward. “Although you shall have your own special instructor personally selected by me.”

Celestia smiles and sits back down in her throne. “Until we summon for you tomorrow, consider this a day of respite and enjoy yourselves, my little ponies”

Trixie nudges me. “See? We have time to enjoy ourselves today.”

I roll my eyes. “Yeah, yeah.” I turn back to Luna and Celestia. “Well, I do have two favors to ask of you both.”

“Ask, and we shall do what we can.”

“First, I heard about a courier system here in the castle. I need to use it to get a hold of Fancy Pants.”

Celestia smiles. “Ah, yes. Mister Pants loves sharing the knowledge of that system with guests. Raven?” A unicorn mare with a very light gray coat, almost white I'd argue, with her dark brown mane in a high updo steps out from behind the throne. “I suppose introductions are in order. Blake, Trixie, Derpy, this is my personal retainer, Raven Inkwell. Raven, Blake Quinter, Trixie Lulamoon, and Derpy Hooves.”

I nod my head. “A pleasure, Raven.”

“Likewise.”

Celestia nods her head. “Please dictate whatever it is you want to say, and Raven here will send it once our business is concluded.”

I clear my throat. “Fancy Pants and Fleur. As you can guess, I have found the courier system you have spoken of. Thank you again for sharing your knowledge of it. As for your kind offer of dinner, we are excited to say that yes, we can attend tonight. I only ask that wherever you decide to take us can cater to my more carnivorous diet. We eagerly await your response. Yours, Blake, Trixie, and Derpy.”

Celestia smirks. “Ah, one of Fancy's special dinner invitations? He is fond of those. I can assure you that he will receive it right away.”

“From what I've learned since my return and my few dealings with him, Fancy is one of the most amicable nobles in Canterlot, and by far our favorite.” Luna raises an eyebrow. “I trust this doesn't leave the room.”

“My lips are sealed.”

“I'm not saying anything.”

“Trixie would never misplace the trust of a princess.”

Celestia turns her head towards Luna, and I catch the beginning of a smirk. “Sister, perhaps they'd agree to a Pinkie Promise that Twilight told us about?”

“Yes, the apparently sacred pact that nopony has ever broken.”

I shrug my shoulders. “If that is what you wish... Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” Trixie and Derpy recite the words and mimic the motions with me.

There's a pause from the princesses. “Is that all there is?”

I raise an eyebrow. “What were you expecting? Fireworks, fanfare, bunch of confetti?”

“This is a promise created by Miss Pie, so forgive us if we expected a bit more of her flair to it.”

“Touche. But no, that's it.”

“A bit disappointing, but I suppose we shouldn't have expected much.”

I sigh and shake my head. “You do not know the power this promise holds, and won't know till you make your own Pinkie Promise. Regardless, there is something else I must ask of Luna.” At her nod, I continue. “We'll need to add another feature to our side project.”

Celestia smiles. “Ah, your gem communication project.” At my raised eyebrow, she continues. “Luna has told me of it, and I offer my assistance should you ever require it.”

“And what is this feature we forgot?”

“A way to basically store and playback any messages not received. There will be times when we are unable to respond or otherwise preoccupied.”

Luna nods her head. “Leave the gems with me and I shall have it working by the time the moon rises.”

I shrug. “Okay then.” We each hold out our gems as Luna takes them in her magic and floats them over to her.”

“If your business is now concluded with us, we shall have some of the staff show you to your rooms. After that, you are free to do as you please for the rest of the day.”

“Trixie, Derpy? Anything you wanna ask?”

“Not at this particular time.”

“I'm good.”

“Then we are indeed finished.” I bow. “Till you request our presence again.” The guards open the doors for us wherein there is already a maid with white hair and slate colored skin tone waiting.

The maid curtsies. “Greetings. My name is Noelle. The princesses have assigned me as your personal maid for your stay. If you would please follow me to your rooms.” As she leads us through the multiple halls and stairwells, I do my best to remember any detail to help me navigate back. When the maid finally stops in front of three doors, I feel semi confident I could make my way back without help. “Miss Hooves and Lulamoon, your rooms are on the left. Mister Blake, your room is on the right.” She turns around to face us. “Is there anything else you require of me? Please do not hesitate to ask.”

“Yes, how is Trixie supposed to signal for your assistance?”

“Oh, is this your first time staying in the castle? I was made to believe you had stayed with us before.”

“Yes, this is Trixie's first time.”

“Yeah, this is the first time I've stayed in the castle... Or anywhere other than Ponyville or Cloudsdale.”

“I gotta admit, this is the first time staying in the castle too. Aside from infirmary, that is.” Trixie and Derpy look at me. “What?”

“You said before you've stayed in the castle.”

“Actually inside it, no. I was in Twilight's old tower last time. Was pretty much left to my own devices up there. Actually a decent and well established place now that I think about it.”

“Well, that's not the same as staying in the castle, is it?”

I shrug. “Eh, semantics. Anyway,” I nod to Noelle, “Please show us how to call for you.”

“Very well. If you'd please follow me for a short demonstration.” She holds open the door to what is apparently my room as the rest of us step inside.

This is the castle, so I shouldn't be surprised at the amount of luxurious furniture, but damn if it's not impressive. Trixie lets out a whistle. “What Trixie wouldn't give to live here.”

Noelle giggles. “Only the best for our guests. If you'd like, I can get a detailed listing of everything and where to acquire them?”

Derpy wanders over and runs a hand along a vanity. “I wouldn't mind owning something like this.”

“Trixie also has her eye on some choice pieces as well.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Trixie, you live in a wagon parked outside my house.”

“Trixie can settle down eventually.”

I roll my eyes. “Thanks for the offer, Noelle, but I'm not in the market for furniture anytime soon.”

“That's alright, but should you change your mind, please do not hesitate to ask. Miss Hooves and Lulamoon, I shall have those lists for you shortly. Now, if I could have your attention please.” She walks around us and motions towards a cord hanging from a bell beside the door. “Simply ring this bell and I will arrive as swiftly as possible.”

“That's it?”

“Yeah, seems kind of... lackluster when compared to the rest of the castle.”

“While that may be true, it has been deemed as one of the most efficient ways to summon staff. It is also a familiar and easily understandable concept to a sizable portion of our foreign guests.”

“Yeah, but, how are you going to hear a bell ringing if you're on the other side of the castle?”

“No need to worry about that. Everything is enchanted so that no matter where we are in the castle, we shall hear your ring for assistance.”

I shrug my shoulders. “Eh, I can't complain about a system that works. I've seen a fair share that are just downright asinine.”

“Will there be anything else?”

“Trixie requires nothing more.”

“I'm good. Derpy?”

“Think I'm good for now.”

Noelle curtsies. “Then Miss Hooves and Lulamoon, please allow me to show you to your rooms.”

“Hey, I'll get ahold of you two once I hear back from Fancy Pants, alright?”

“Sounds good.”

“Trixie will wait in comfort till then.

With that, they leave me alone for the time being while I unpack everything in short order. With that done, I pull out my guitar and start strumming lines for songs I potentially wanna put on an album. I get so lost into my own inner focus that I just barely register a knock on the door. “Yeah, who's there?”

“It's Noelle, sir. May I come in?”

“Absolutely.” She opens the door and steps inside. “What's going on? And please, no need to call me sir. Just call me by my name.”

“Very well, Blake.” She presents a scroll. “I have a message here from Mister Pants for you.”

I take the scroll and unroll it. Quick glance though shows that Fancy has already reserved a table for us at someplace called The Crown at six and that he shall have a carriage waiting for us outside the castle thirty minutes prior to our reservation. Quick glance at a clock confirms that's in four hours. I then roll the scroll up and stuff it into a suitcase. “Thank you, Noelle.”

“Of course. Is there anything else you need?”

I shake my head. “Not at the moment. You're dismissed.”

She curtsies. “As you wish.”

It's as she's turning to the door that an idea strikes me. “Actually, Noelle?”

“Yes?”

“Would you mind staying and chatting for a bit?”

“With me? Nopony has really asked me this before. Surely there must be more interesting conversation partners.”

“Nonsense. Everyone is interesting, and I can't explain it, but I've taken a liking to you. It's like you got this... Presence that just screams talk to me.”

She puts a finger to her chin and stares at the floor to her left. “Oh... I'm not sure. If I stay, I'll be behind on everything else that needs done.”

“Everyone needs a break. Surely you're not the only maid in the castle that can handle everything that needs done?”

“Well, yes, but it'd be unfair to them if they have to take over from me, even for a second.”

“Noelle, please. Just for a little bit. No one will fault you for entertaining a guest.”

“Hmm...” She sighs, but smiles and clasps her hands in front of her. “Well, alright. I'll stay, but only for a little bit.”

“That's all I ask. Have a seat if you want.” She sits down on the end of the bed, being extra careful to not ruffle her outfit too much. “Now, why don't we start with where you were born?”

“Certainly. I was born in a lovely little town called Hollow Shades.”

I raise an eyebrow. “With a name like Hollow Shades, it doesn't sound lovely. Makes me think dark and gloomy, maybe nestled in the middle of a swamp, dimly lit by torches and the occasional lantern. And I can’t imagine it’s densely populated. Er… No offense if that’s not true.”

“Not at all. You wouldn’t be the first to make that assumption, but it's actually very well lit and happily populated. Though I never did figure out why it's called Hollow Shades. Perhaps the area used to be densely populated with trees?”

I shrug my shoulders. “Eh, who knows.” I pause for a second. I'm not sure if asking someone what their Cutie Mark is is taboo or not, and I'm frankly surprised I didn't think of it sooner, so I'll skip that question. “So, was being a part of the staff at the castle your dream?”

She clasps her hands and seems to fidget a little. “Well, yes and no.”

“Something wrong?”

She meets my eyes for a second before looking at the floor. “I'd be lying if I said this was my dream. Now, don't get me wrong, I love being a maid for the crown. But it wasn't my first choice.”

“And what was your dream?”

“Why, to be a member of the royal guards.”

I nod my head. “A respectable position. So why aren't you?”

“The practical exam. I've failed every time.”

“Ah, the on the field training, the combat, the drills, all that? Yes, I can see how that'd be hard and grueling.”

She shakes her head. “It's not that. I can remember all the books, all the techniques, all the formations. If it's written down, I can remember it. But when I get on the field, I get so nervous that I practically forget everything and end up failing.”

“Well, I can offer help as needed, though I am far from an expert in the matter.”

“Oh, I couldn't possibly ask you for help. This is something I must face myself. I'm sure I'll eventually succeed. With enough time and dedication, that is.”

I shrug my shoulders. “Suit yourself. I've found that persistence does pay off in the end. And who knows, maybe one day I’ll see you wearing that fancy armor and defending the crown.”

We're silent for a bit, but I do catch Noelle slightly wringing her hands together, but don't bring attention to it. “Blake? Forgive me for asking, but I'd like to know a bit more about you. We as staff are given just enough info about our guests to make them comfortable, but nothing else. And, well, you're the first who's taken interest in us, so it's only fair I do the same.”

I smile. “Sure, what do you wanna know?”

We spend some time talking about myself, going through the basic questions like birthplace and favorite things, before Noelle reminds herself that she has duties that she must get back to. She apologizes as she leaves, but I assure her that I understand and won't hold her up any longer.

“Oh, and Noelle? Please inform Trixie and Derpy that Fancy Pants will have a carriage for us at five thirty and to be ready.”

She curtsies. “As you wish.” She shuts the door behind her and I'm once again left alone to myself.

With a shrug, I go back to playing for some time, before moving on to lite spell casting. Simple things like balls of light, illusions, stasis, that sort of stuff. Anything to bide my time till we have to leave. And anything to prepare for this test that is planned. I don't expect it to be anything other than grueling. Then again, the guards were never really shown to be competent at their jobs... Maybe I'm setting my expectations too high. Regardless, best to not go in unprepared.

“Hey, are you ready yet? Trixie does not want to be late!”

I shake my head and check the time. Seems I killed enough time. “Yeah, I'm ready. Be right there.” Jeeze, it seems like she's impatient. Not like we'll earn Fancy's scorn if we're a couple of minutes late. Oh well, best to not dwell on that. Better enjoy tonight before the supposed hell tomorrow.

Comments

[Even Evil Has Standards]

Agent Stone: HE'S BAAAACK!

[Akira Dragonborne]

It lives once more.

[DrPepperAddict]

A maid named Noelle with white hair. Hmmm...

[ADFX-NightRaven414]

Will Agent be appearing again? Love his character!

[lainverse]

11375077
You are welcome. I tend to comment on typos when I stumble upon them as long as there's not too many and especially when typo is funny.

[lainverse]

“The practical exam. I've failed every time.”

Oook, who she is was already obvious, but this detail is a dead giveaway. XD

[Apple_Crack]

11382362
I had to show love to at least one of my mains that I could reasonably fit into this universe. And I don't see how I can fit in (At least in terms of story direction) a funeral parlor director, tiny demolitions expert, battle obsessed harbinger, or walking thesaurus with flying translator.

[lainverse]

11382664
"walking thesaurus with flying translator"
Well, Luna may tell a story from her foalhood, I suppose, of how she went through chuni phase.
Or rather Celestia tell it since Luna would be likely thoroughly embarrassed to remember.