For Equestria, The land we protect

by SaiyanApprentice

Denial

Chapter 2: Denial

Open helm just stood there in silence, in the crowd of Royal guards unable to move his body. Everything around him had frozen and time all around him stopped. This can't be, it had to be a mistake. Maybe he said it wrong and Open thought he said his numbers by mistake.

A minute passed by and everypony was still looking around to see if somepony was heading towards the stage. But no pony was coming forward. Shining armor looked puzzled and read the slip again, maybe they didn't hear him the first time.

“Uumm S 117” Shining repeated.

Again another minute passed by and not one pony was coming forward to the stage. Everypony in the crowd was just as much confused as Shining armor was.

Open however was shaking in fear, he know knew for sure they called his number. He didn't want to be a noble, he was happy with his current status as a normal guard as it is, being drafted was the last thing he wanted. He didn't know what to do.

Flash whispered to Open. “Open..”

No response from the colt.

Flashed tried again but this time tapping on him and speaking a little louder. “Open”

Open jerked his head in Flash’s direction in relatively quick motion but then signed when he realized it was only Flash.

“Sorry, I was uhh thinking” said Open.

“Open...didn't you say your number S 117?”

Open paused for a second, he didn't want to lie but then again he didn't want to attract attention around him. “Well you see uhh…”

Shining armor stepped away from the mic and looked at one of the guards beside the machine.

“Hey, we wouldn't happen to have any extras that could have been called out do we?” Shining asked.

The guard by the machine shook his head. “No sir, every guard at this event has been accounted for before they even came here today. We requested a roll call by their higher ups before they were sent for the event”

Shining nodded.

The other two ponies on stage that got picked were looking at the Shining curiously, what were they going to do?

“There's no mistake captain, somepony in this room has those numbers, we made enough slips for everypony. No extras were made” said the guard.

“I understand” said Shining.

Shining armor then turned back to the mic but this time a more serious look on his face. “I don't think some of you understand how big of a deal this actually is. If your letter and numbers are called, then you have to come up and be a part of this program. This is an order, not a choice”

Opens whole body started shaking, this was an order. He can't just ignore this, He had to do this otherwise he'd probably be either forced to go up or worse”

Shining signed. “I'm sorry if this is coming off as wrong, but this is the fairest way for everypony here. Rather than just picking them out of the crowd. Now I'm going to call your number one more time and I want you to come up and join these other two ponies up here. S 117”

Open helm exhaled and looked at Flash. “Yes...S 117 is my number”

Flash looked at him in shock, but before he could say anything Open starting to trot through the crowd but could tell his legs were still shaking a little.

As Open continued to make his way through the crowd, he heard many whispers and chattering as he trotted by. Even making room for him to come through. In his mind he knew this was it, from here on out everything was going to change. He didn't want it to but what choice did he have.

Open had finally made it to the side of the stage and walked up the steps. He was still shaking a little bit, but he didn't want to embarrass himself and tried to suppress it as much as possible.

He looked over at the other two ponies standing in front of the machine. They were both looking at him, the mare was giving him a blank stare and the gray stallion smiled at him. Open sill didn't understand why he was but at least he seemed nice.

Open continued forward until he stopped in front of shining armor. Shining gave him a quick glance over him.

“You okay there soldier? You shaking a little” Shining said.

Open blushed, he thought he was doing a good job at holding it back and hiding it. Now he knew that ponies were still noticing it which didn't make him feel any better than he currently was.

“Oh yeah I'll be alright”

Shining nodded and turned back to the crowd.

Open then walked up next to the dark gray stallion and stood beside him. He figured since that's what the other two were doing, that they would want him to stand next the then as well.

Open then removed his helmet and set it beside him, looking back at the crowd as Shining continued.

Psst…

Opens eyes and ears perked up as he heard the stallion beside him try to get his attention. He looked his way and saw the gray stallion smiling at him.

“Hey are you okay? You looked a little scared coming up” the stallion said.

“Oh uh no I'm fine” said Open.

The stallion look puzzled at him. “Really, I mean I could I have sworn when you were walk up you shaking like a-”

“Yeah I know, I couldn't help it” said Open.

The stallion gave a surprised but disappointed look at Open. Open wasn't trying to hurt the stallions feelings but he's already had to deal with a lot at the moment and all he wanted was for this Ceremony to be over with. Shining then pulled the lever on the machine which was now right next to where Open was standing

“Well gee i'm sorry, I just th-”

“Hey” said the guard in the other side of the machine. “Stop talking”

Just the machine spat yet another slip of paper. Shining armor levitated it in front of him.

“D 527”

Open looked through the audience to find who had been called. But then saw a light red stallion that was now close to the front make his way to the stage. Once he came to the side of the stage and started to trot up the steps. Open noticed he looked pretty upset.

It almost looked like he didn't even want to be here or he was simply annoyed. He walked up to shining armor and stopped.

“Well you look thrilled ” Shining chuckled.

The stallion chuckled back. “Believe me my excitement is overwhelming me in every part of my body”

Shining just chuckled and motioned him over toward Open and the two other guards next to him. He did as he was told and stood besides open taking his helmet off revealing his pure black spiky mane. And setting the helmet beside him.

“Well shit” he said.

Open looked over at him in a second but then back to the crowd. “I feel you there man, I don't want this either”

Shining once again pulled the lever on the machine. After a bit of making noise another slip popped out and shining levitated it in front of him.

“A 491”

Open once again looked towards the crowd to look for who was coming up, but after a minutes passed by he still couldn't find anyone coming forward.

At this point shining decided to speak again. “Look guys I already sai-..oh wait there you are, didn't see you there. You must have been all the way in the back”

Open tried to see where shining armor was looking, then he finally found him in the center of the room making his way to the front. Once he came into a better view, Open could make it out to be a stallion with an army green coat.

As he made his way to the side of the stage and up the stairs. Open noticed that he looked pretty calm, in fact it didn't look like he was showing much emotion for being up on stage.

Once he was in front of shining armor he took off his helmet revealing his short, near buzz cut mud brown mane.

“Sorry for almost calling you out, that was probably quite the trip getting from the back to up here wasn't it?” said Shinning.

The stallion nodded and walked over to the mare, standing besides her putting his helmet down.

Now the time has finally come, the last pony drawn for the program.

“Last one everypony, who's it gonna be?” Said Shining pulling the level.

As the machine was going off Open couldn't help but looked back and forth between him, looking at the 4 other ponies besides himself that got picked for the program.

He supposed he'd be with these guys for quite a while, but there was still one more guard from the thousands here that would join them.

The machine finally spat out the last slip of paper and shining levitated in front of him.

“F 126”

Open was about to start looking around but something near the front of the stage caught his eye. A stallion with a light blue coat and lunar armor, had a shocked expression on his face but after a moment he exhaled and started to walk towards the stage.

Once he started to trot up the stage and closer to Shining armor. The Royal captain took a good look at him and then smile.

“One of Princess Luna's guards huh? I didn't expect one of hers to get picked for the noble program” said Shining.

The Lunar guard smiled. “Neither did I sir”

Shining armor then turned back to the audience of guards. “Gentlecolts, thank you all for coming to this event, you are all dismissed”

Shining armor then turned to the 6 ponies standing behind him. “As for you six, come with me”

The guards nodded and picked up their helmets putting them back on their heads.

As ponies left the ballroom Shining armor followed by the six guards, trotted their way down the stage and into a private room that was close by the side of the stage a little trot away.

Shining opened the door for the 6 ponies, letting them all in one by one before closing the door behind him.

Open was a little nervous about what was going to happen next, but at least they were in private rather in front of everypony shaking nervously or in fear.

“Alright you 6 line up” shining ordered.

The 6 ponies did as they were told and lined up side by side. Open was now standing near the middle of the line next the the army green coated stallion and the light blue lunar guard who hadn't take off his helmet like the rest had.

Shining cleared his throat yet again. “Well first off I'd just like to congratulate you all on being selected for this program, now I know some of you may be nervous and some not. But you 6 will make history”

The 6 continued to stand there silently, nodding to what shining was telling them.

“Now do you guys have any questions before go on?” Shining asked.

“I do sir” said the Mare.

Shining smiled at her. “Alright proceed”

“What exactly is this Noble program? I know you told us what it basically is, being a new rank and breed of soldiers as well as commenting on how it could be dangerous. So my question is, what Exactly is the Noble program? What makes it so tough and dangerous?”

Shining pause for a second, pondering on how to answer the question the mare have him. “That's a good question, however I'm not sure if I can answer the way you want me to. It's kinda hard to explain without showing you visually as well”

The mare nodded.

“The Noble program is like I said, a new rank and breed of soldiers for Equestria, however it's a little different than just achieving the rank or simply going through a new training procedure. What you 6 will be going through is nothing we have done before in equestrian history and honestly this program was a little expensive to fund, which you guys will see why tomorrow. I'll get to tomorrow in a second”

“So that's why my taxes have gone up in the past 2 and half years” Open thought.

“Any other questions or concerns?” Shining once again asked.

No pony said a word and stood there in silence for a few second before Shining spoke once again.

“No? Alright then, as for what's going to happen next to you guys is we will be leaving tonight for the crystal empire. You must be at the train station by sunset, you have from now until then to pack whatever you may need for this but try to keep whatever you pack within reason. Once again we want to keep this program on the down low as much as possible, so only tell your family what you can” said shining.

“Then what do we tell them?” Asked the dark gray Pegasus.

Shining armor pondered for a second before answering. “You tell them that you've been promoted to a new rank and are being sent away for new training and basic procedures. Which isn't a lie, this is technically a promotion and you will receive new rank. It's just so we aren't revealing anything secretive about the program.

“Anything restricted to bring?” Said the light blue stallion.

“Oh yes thanks for reminding me, what you can't bring is just about the same as if you were going to the academy for basics. No drugs, alcohol, electronics, etc,etc. you know, just don't bring anything you know that will get you in trouble” Shining started. “Oh and your armor, you won't need it. Don't bother to bring it along unless you feel like you absolutely need to”

“I have a question” light red stallion blurted out.

“Yes go ahead” said Shining.

The stallion chucked. “Now, I'm not trying to be smart or funny. But what if we don't show up? What if we don't feel like it?”

Shining gave them a smirk. “Then it will be the same if you decided to not come up on stage, we would hunt you down. Once again these are orders, not a choice. So if you want to skip out and make a break for it, then go ahead by all means. But we’ll know, let's just say if it were me. I wouldn't run”

This sent shivers down Opens spine, as much as he didn't want to be in this program there was really no way out of it. Disobeying orders was definitely not up for debate in his mind. But the thought of not wanting to go and being hunted down just sent chills through his body.

“Now, I'm pretty sure you guys have some work to do before we head out tonight. So I'll let you all go pack what you need, enjoy the rest of your day and I'll see you at sunset” said Shining armor. “You are all dismissed”

All six of the guards saluted Shining armor and then started to head out of the private room one by one.

“Oh you there, with the yellow coat, 117 I believe. Can I talk with you for a second?” said Shining.

Open helm froze in his tracks and turned back to shining armor with a sheepish smile. “S-sure..Er-I mean yes sir”

Open then started to ease his way back to Shining armor as the others were heading out the room and closing the door behind

Once they were finally alone, Shining approached Open and looked at him with concern. “Can I ask you something?”

Open was taken back by the question but complied with the guard captain. “Yes sir”

“How come when I called your slip, you didn't come at first. And waited till I got on to everyone about the situation?” Shining asked.

Open didn't know how to answer this, he knew the answer but he didn't want to tell him the excuse and only to be scolded for it. If he was planning on doing that, however what else was he going to tell him? He can't just lie to the captain the Royal guard.

“Oh...well you see” Open started.

Shining perked up waiting for Open to say why he wasn't exactly complying when he was called out.

“It's because I was scared, nervous and above all afraid, not of being up onstage of course but of going into this program. I know that this is an order and it's my duty, but I've never gotten something of this level of importance at all or anywhere close to it for that matter” said Open.

Shining nodded as he continued.

“Point being, I'm a little scared of going through this program, more scared then I have ever been in my life. I just don't know if I have it in me to go through it”

Shining’s frown turned into a light smile and then he put his arm around Open.

“Look here umm...I really don't want to refer you as a number, what's your name?” Shining said.

“Open Helm sir”

“Well Open Helm, let be the first to say I know how you feel. And I'm pretty sure some of the others are in the same boat you're in” Shining started. “I know this may seem scary to you but rest assured, you'll get more out of this then you think you will and I don't mean that in a bad way”

“So...you're saying this a good thing?” Open asked.

“Well..yeah, you're getting a chance to be one of the best soldiers in the entire Royal guard. Many would kill for the chance that you've been
Given” said Shining.

Open gave Shining a light smile. “Well when you put it like that I guess I feel a little better. But I'm still worried, it's kind of a new environment for me”

Shining chuckled. “Believe me, it will be for you and the 5 others that were chosen. Try not to think too much on it soldier, now why don't you head home and start packing. I'll be seeing you soon solider.

Open saluted Shining armor. “Yes sir, thank you sir”

Shining saluted open back and Open headed for the door and walked out of the room.

…

As Open trotted back home, numerous things were going through his head. Why out of everypony there was his number called? What kind of training will he be going through? What else is he going to see that he hasn't been told about yet?

Whatever the answers were to those, he had no time to slack off now. He needed to get home and start packing, he might need somepony to watch his house too depending on how long he'll be gone.

He finally turned the corner to his street and started approached his home, he could still see Mrs.Fourleaf tending to her garden next door. As he got closer, the mare looked up from what she was doing to see the stallion coming her way.

“Oh! Open Helm, back already?” She said.

Open continued to walk into his yard without looking up. “Yeah…”

Mrs.fourleaf looked at him puzzled. “Is something wrong dear? You seem...off from how you were this morning”

Open stopped in his tracks, signed and turned the older mare. At this point Fourleaf knew something had to be up with the young stallion. His facial expression didn’t seem normal for him and looked rather off.

“Has something happened?” she asked again this time with a little more concern.

Open was lost for words, he couldn’t tell her about the noble program. But he was about to leave later today for who knows how long, she might even get worried. He need to tell her what he was feeling but without revealing anything about the noble program, but how?

“Well…” he started. “Lets just say, my whole life...has just changed. I don't know if it's for better or for worse, and honestly it's made me a nervous wreck. I’m going to be leaving as of today for while, I’m not sure for how long. But I just can’t shake the feeling of being nervous and a little scared, even with what some have told me”

The mare smiled at him. “There are many things that we fear and even get nervous about in life, that's what makes us who we are. Now Open whatever has happened I’m sure it's for the best, I may not know exactly what's going on but this life changing experience might just be what you need”

Open looked at the mare a little confused. “It is? I'm not sure if I understand”

Fourleaf chuckled. “Open Helm I’ve been living next to you for quite some time now, and even though we don’t talk much I see you day in and day out doing the same thing. I believe this change could be a really good thing for you”

“But I liked that routine, it kept me busy and of course liked my job” Open Objected.

“That may be so dear but that's the issue” the mare started. “I bet once you start this new path of yours, you’ll never want to go back to the original”

Open stood there taking in what she just said. Maybe doing something different might be good for a change, but then again he didn’t think Mrs.fourleaf knew how big and potentially dangerous the Noble program was nor could he tell her about it. Regardless rather he liked it or not The Noble program would be a big step in his life.

“Now go on and go have a new adventure, always remember that no matter what happens in life. Everything in our lives happens for a reason” said the mare. “So have no worries”

“Well I don’t know about an adventure but i th-”

“Open” she said Bluntly.

“Yes?”

Fourleaf signed. “Don’t think too much, just go out and experience your new surroundings”

“O-oh sorry, I got it” Open said slightly blushing. “But do you think you can watch over my home till I come back?”

The mare gave Open a big smile. “Of Course I can dear”

…

The sun was near set and Open was just around the corner from the train station. He was carrying saddlebags on his back and was all packed and ready for the trip he was about to take.

He made sure to say goodbye to Mrs.fourleaf, make sure she knew where the spare keys were and straightened up the house before he left so he didn't have to clean it when he can back, if he did at least.

He finally came into view of the station and saw the train stationed where it usually should be, except there weren't as many ponies as their usually are during the day. He could see Shining armor standing by the train, but he was looking at something and smiling.

As Open continued to walk forward toward the train he wasn't sure what he was looking at, but as he got closer he caught something out the corner of his eye.

Near the train was that dark gray stallion from earlier, except he was hugging and kissing this tangerine coated Pegasus Mare with curly light burgundy colored mane. As Open got closer he could start to hear them a little more and more.

“Now I hope you'll be alright Helping, but I am very happy for you” said the mare.

The stallion chuckled. “Don't worry I'll be fine. Sorry that I'll be leaving for a while, but it was on very short notice”

The mare kissed him again and smiled. “Don't worry about it Hun, this weekend couldn't have been more perfect. I'm glad I got to come with you”

The two smiled and kissed again. Open continued forward until he reached shining armor.

“Looking at those two I see” said Shining.

Open chuckled. “Well I saw you looking that direction too and I couldn't help it, they looked happy”

“Yeah I couldn't help it either, my wife and I used to be all lovey dovey like that. We still are actually, just seeing them reminded me of us” said Shining.

There was a pause between the two before Open spoked up. “This our train?”

“Ah yes it is, this boxcar in fact” Shining said tapping on the boxcar behind him. “You guys get a whole car to yourselves”

“Oh, can we go in now?” Asked Open.

Shining perked up. “Of course! Heck there's already 2 in there so go right along”

Open nodded and trotted on ahead into the train, once he opened the door to the train car he saw the white coated mare on the second row on the left to the front from where he was standing facing away from him and the light red stallion 3rd row on the right facing toward Open.

Open made his way through the train car looking for somewhere to sit, as he was looking for somewhere to sit the red stallion spoke up.

“Welcome to the club” he said.

Open gave him a small smile “Uh thanks” said Open.

The stallion chuckled. “I wasn't being serious, but you're welcome”

Open started to think the stallion was coming off as a little rude but decided to just carry on. He ended up finding the seat behind the stallion and decided sit by the window so he can look out and see the world around him. He then set down his saddle bags and levitated then under the seat.

Seconds later the dark gray stallion came on to the train looking around for some place to sit, he then spotted Open sitting by himself behind the red stallion. The colt smiled and trotted his way over to Open.

“Excuse me”

Open looked away from to the window and toward the aisle to the see the dark gray stallion looking at him.

“Is that seat next to you taken?” He asked

Open looked at the seat for a moment and then back to the stallion.

“Oh no not at all, go on ahead” said Open.

That stallion smiled and sat down next to Open, putting his own saddle bag under the seat next to Opens.

“Thanks, I appreciate” he said

“It's no problem at all, it's just a seat” said Open.

A moment of silence came between to two before the darker stallion spoke up. “Well anyways I'm Helping hooves”

Open looked back at the stallion. “I'm Open Helm.

“It's nice to meet you Open, I'm from Las Pegasus. Where are you from” said Helping.

“Here in canterlot” Open said.

“Ooo fancy” said Helping smiling.

Open smile back at the stallion, he seemed nice and friendly.

“Hey listen” he started. “Sorry about upsetting you on stage earlier today, I wasn't trying get you upset or anything. I just wanted to make sure you were alright”

“No it's alright” said Open. “My mind was just all over the place, and I couldn't think straight”

The stallion chuckled. “Yeah, but you did look pretty scared, wouldn't be surprised if everypony in the front row noticed”

The stallion continued to chuckled and Open simply signed in return.

It was going to be a long train ride.