BlueStar: Defender of Equestria

by BlueStarBrony

Chapter 8: The Decision

BlueStar waited nervously mostly for the Princesses decision but also because of what had happened during his test. In the end it had only been a test but it really gave him a lot to think about. He had secretly never dealt with the fear of what could happen to him as a Royal Guard and there were times he wondered if he would raise to the occasion or crack under the pressure. Now he knew. At the same time he didn’t know how to process nearly "dying" trying to protect Princess Celestia… Sort of anyway. He decided that this was probably something better kept to himself.
He let out a small chuckle to himself but at the same time he was grateful that he had faced a fear he had truly needed to face. Now he was truly ready to put on that armor and become a Royal Guard…As soon as the Princesses made their decision…

Eventually one of the Guards summoned him to the palace hopefully for the last time. Soon he and the other hopefuls stood outside the door of a large hall that seemed strangely familiar to him. When he saw the beautiful carving of three Royal Guards above the door he began to remember. This was the hall of the Royal Guard a place of Ceremonies and meetings for the Royal Guard.

As a young foul his father had brought him here for functions of the Royal Guard or when his father had no choice but to bring him. This was where his father and all the Royal Guard had been commissioned and had received their armor. It had also been where his father had been decommissioned after his injury and BlueStar had been there to see the ceremony. But BlueStar quickly dispelled that sad memory from his mind and focused on the positive.
On the other side of these doors lay his destiny, and for better or for worse in that room he would become a Royal Guard. His father had once told him “I was a member of the Royal Guard and despite what happened nothing will ever change that. For that I will always be Proud”
“I hope you’ll be proud of me father” he thought to himself but then realized he almost certainly would. He had fought hard to become a Royal Guard and in a few moments he would become what he had always wanted, a Royal Guard, a Defender of Equestria and whatever happened nothing would ever change that.

So BlueStar tried to slow his breathing and relax and put on that stern Royal Guard stare but then Sure Fire came up beside him and said “So I guess this is it then?”

“Yeah I guess it is” BlueStar said trying to hide his anxiety “Are you nervous?”

“Of course aren’t you?”

“Yes definitely” BlueStar answered truthfully

“See I told you we had some things in common” Sure Fire said cheerfully “But I’m sure those two are just as nervous as we are” he pointed to the others who were keeping their distance

“Yeah well I guess we’re all good at hiding how we feel” BlueStar said

“I guess so…I wonder how much longer we have to wait” Sure Fire said impatiently

“Not much longer recruit. Be patient” one of the Royal Guards nearby said “Are you in a hurry for your next Ceremony?”

“Next Ceremony?” Sure Fire said confused

“Oh after this one we have our…own ceremony to welcome new recruits”

BlueStar and Sure Fire looked at each other with the same “I don’t like the sound of that” look on their faces. But before they had a chance to consider what the other Royal Guards had in store for them the door opened and the others motioned for them to enter. BlueStar closed his eyes, took a deep breath then opened his eyes with newfound strength and walked forward to face his destiny.

As they walked forward there were Royal Guard of various ranks everywhere and they all stood before facing them as the walked down a long corridor in between with Royal Guards on each side. BlueStar couldn’t help but look from side to side at the beautiful carvings on the walls that surrounded the beautiful windows on each side. But then he remembered now he was a Guard and focused his attention forward. Finally they reached the front of the Hall where both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were waiting for them. Once they reached the front all the Guards pivoted round in unison to face the front. There the four of them stood, the Royal Guard behind them and the Princesses before them and BlueStar thought “I’m Ready”
Then Princess Celestia stepped forward towards them.

“Good evening Royal Guards, fellow ponies and Recruits who are about to be inducted into the Equestrian Royal Guard” she began in her strong regal Princess voice they all knew so well

“Our beloved land of Equestria is a place of Friendship, Love and Peace but it is not without its dangers. Our land could not exist without strong ponies willing to Defend it. That task was once mine and my dear Sisters alone, but it has proved a task too great for even us alone. We needed a group of strong Ponies to join us. Ponies who would always fight to Defend our home and our very way of life, no matter the cost. For this task we created the Royal Guard. This task you will now take up. Recruits please lay down as you take the oath of the Royal Guard”
Each of them laid down on all fours as a sign of humility and service, while Princess Celestia towered over them.
“Will you always be strong and fight for those that cannot Defend themselves?”
“I Will” they all answered
“Will you stand on the lonely bridge and allow no threat to pass?”
“I Will”
“Will you stand Guard in the dark places where no one will stand?
“I Will”
“Will you serve the Princesses of Equestria and Equestria itself with your dying breath?”
When BlueStar began to say the words there was a hint of fear but then he repeated to himself “I am Ready” and he looked Princess Celestia straight in the eye and strongly said
“I Will”
Princess Celestia smiled and said “Then close your eyes and bow your heads”
Each of them did so as the sounds of metal clanking were heard nearby. BlueStar couldn’t help but smile inside and out.
“I am proud to have such ponies stand Guard over me and the ponies for Equestria. Ponies that will Stay Strong and Pony On no matter what. So while you stand Guard over us may this armor stand Guard over you and protect you wherever you may go.”
One by one Celestia lifted the armor with her magic onto each pony and BlueStar could only wait in excited anticipation. “This is it” he thought “I’m finally going to receive my armor”
He also thought once that armor went on there was no turning back, but once again he thought
“Come what may, I’m Ready” Almost at that moment he felt the armor touch him wrapped in the warm glow of Princess Celestia’s magic. It surprised him as the cold metal touched his body and its weight caught him off guard but as the blue strap magically slipped underneath him and secured itself he couldn’t be more proud.
A few moments later the last pony received their armor and Princess Celestia spoke again
"Now rise my Royal Guards.”
In unison they each raised themselves up bearing the full weight of the armor for the first time. Initially it was difficult but soon BlueStar stood up proudly opening his eyes directly into Princess Celestia’s a proud smile upon her face.
“Congratulations and Welcome to the Royal Guard. May you serve long and well”

At that the Royal Guards behind them started applauding and cheering and the Princesses motioned for them to face them. Seeing all those Guards in front of him made him very nervous but the fear soon passed as he celebrated with his friends and quickly received a hug from Sure Fire who was nearby and to his surprise he saw his mother nearby who also gave him a proud hug.

He could almost hear his father saying “I’m proud of you son”.

“Thank you father” he thought to himself. With the initial excitement over they each looked at each other in their new armor. BlueStar had never felt so good and strong as he stood in his new armor, almost like he could take on anything. But as he looked to his Cutie Mark all he saw was golden metal. This made him a little sad and couldn’t help but think that maybe there was something he could do about that. But that was for another day.
For the next few minutes the new Royal Guards mingled with family, friends and their new fellow Royal Guards. Slowly every pony but the new Royal Guards and the Princesses walked out of the hall. In all the excitement they had forgotten there was still one very important matter that needed to be settled.

The Princesses made their way back to the front of the hall and once again they stood before them awaiting their decision.

“Congratulations and now that you are officially Royal Guards I have your first assignment” Princess Celestia began but then turned to her Sister “Are you sure you don’t want to tell them?” she said jokingly but even Princess Luna was not amused by her sisters little joke while the new Guards groaned internally “No I think our new Guards would appreciate just receiving their first assignment. I think we’ve made them wait quite enough”

“You are quite right sister.” She turned back to the new Royal Guards who waited impatiently but then she switched to a more serious tone “This was not a easy decision but the pony we have decided to watch over the Mane 6 is….” Princess Celestia paused for dramatic effect much to the other ponies dismay
“BlueStar”

BlueStar didn’t move because he did not believe it but then Princess Celestia asked him to step forward and called his name and then the reality of the decision hit him. He could see the disappointment in the others faces, particularly Steel Line who looked like he had been cheated. Even Sure Fire looked disappointed and this made him a little sad but still he proudly stepped forward.

“BlueStar you are strong and brave and I know you will always do your best for us and the Mane 6. So I am sending you to watch over the Mane 6, to aide them only in times when they can not help themselves and if need be to alert me and your fellow Royal Guards when the situation is too big for all of you. I trust the Mane 6 and I have faith in them and so should you. They have much to learn but I’m sure they will learn as their Friendship continues to grow.”

Princess Luna stepped forward and said “But there are times when we all need help when a problem or danger that is just too great for us alone. That is why the Royal Guard were created to aide us when the threat was too big for us to face alone. So in those times we need you to be there for them from the shadows as much as possible. You must do everything possible to not let them know your mission or even that you are a Royal Guard.”

“I trust the Mane 6 with my very life but as my sister has said sometimes we all need help. This is a difficult mission” there was a smile on her face “But you will not be doing it alone because your fellow Royal Guards will be there to help you.”
They each looked at each other in surprise.
Princess Luna continued “Watching over 6 ponies even in a small town like Ponyville might be a little much for one pony to handle by himself“
Princess Celestia continued “For the most part BlueStar will remain in Ponyville but sometimes one or more of you will stay in Ponyville as well in those times BlueStar is unable to fulfill his duties or when he needs help of his own”
“At the same time the fewer ponies there are the less likely some pony will find out what’s going on, so I would recommend just 2 ponies on a regular basis” Princess Luna said “I have a feeling I know which ones”
“Those are details for another time. Consider yourself all members of a team. You will spend some time with your fellow Royal Guards so you can get to know them and receive some final training. Then you will be sent to your new home in Ponyville. Once again congratulations my new Royal Guards and I have every faith in you”

With that they were dismissed and they each turned around and walked out of the Hall of the Royal Guards each with a mix of emotions. BlueStar was of course happy but surprised and uncertain since it seemed clear that they would choose only 1 pony but BlueStar guessed the Princesses decided that in the end one pony would not be enough. This change made their future once again uncertain but BlueStar told himself that he could rest easy knowing that he would definitely be going to watch over 6 of the most important ponies in Equestria. Nothing could have made him happier.
“Well I guess congratulations are in order for all of us” Sure Fire said cheerfully
“It appears so” BlueStar agreed “I look forward to working with all of you”
“Speak for yourself” Steel Line replied grumpy “I was the superior choice”
“Well the Princesses didn’t think so.” Sure Fire replied in return
“Now look aren’t we all on the same side here?” BlueStar said calmly stepping in between the two of them trying to diffuse the situation. Sure Fire backed down but Steel Line continued to look defiant
“Right?” BlueStar asked again a little more strongly
“I guess we are but this isn’t over” Steel Line said and walked away. The rest of them were stunned but then Sure Fire spoke.
“Yeah that guy is a lot of fun” he said sarcastically “Hopefully in time he will cool off, but anyway I’m definitely looking forward to working together” He reached out his hoof towards him and BlueStar gladly touched his hoof to his new comrade. They were both surprised when a third hoof touched them both and turned to see Stone Wall standing beside them.
“So am I. I am glad to be part of this team” Stone Wall said happily
“Well I’m very glad to have you all be a part of this team” BlueStar said happy to have the support of his new comrades. Then they each walked to the barracks which would be there new home at least for now. When BlueStar walked inside some feint memories of when he had visited his father came to him. It was a functional room with simple beds but it made BlueStar feel almost at home. Until he heard a group of ponies shout “Now!” BlueStar looked up just in time to see the ponies above him as a river of floor poured over them.
Several Guards appeared from their hiding places and the guards above dropped down next to him. BlueStar was not amused by their little joke. Neither was Sure Fire who spoke first.
“Hey what gives!” Sure Fire shouted
“This is just our way of welcoming new recruits” One of the Guards said
“Well this is some welcome” Sure Fire grumpily replied
“Since you’ve received your nice shinny new armor we’d thought we’d break it in and you with a nice flour bath. Now you and your armor are no longer new”
“So welcome to the Royal Guard!” another spoke while around the room the Guards laughed at the newly initiated Royal Guards.
BlueStar had been caught completely by surprise and was not amused as he stood there covered in flour before a room full of ponies laughing at his expense. He had heard of such things but this was the first time he had experienced it for himself. He knew they meant not real harm and it was all in good fun but he still was not amused. He could tell his comrades felt the same way.
Then a officer stepped forward and said “Ok you’ve all had your fun. Time to let our new Roayl Guards get settled. Go back to where ever you are supposed to be and make sure some pony cleans up this mess”
Each Guard walked away giving them genuine greetings and welcoming them to the Guard while the officer lead them to their bunks.
“Don’t take it too hard Rookies” the officer said noticing that they were still not amused “They don’t mean anything. It’s just a harmless prank”
“Well I will have to clean all this junk out of my armor” Sure Fire complained
“Well that is kind of the point and it’s just a part of being a Royal Guard. Except on certain occasions you will each be responsible for taking care of and cleaning your armor. So it’s just another day in the life of a Royal Guard.”
“Still I look forward to getting a little payback” Stone Wall said clamping his hooves together
“Oh don’t worry you will. Someday you will…Initiate new Royal Guards yourself. Those two that dumped the flour on you were recruited about a year ago. Ahh here we are” They stopped in front of four empty beds and in front lay a trunk with their personal items inside.
He then told them the details of the barracks when they should report for duty etc and once again welcomed them to the Royal Guard. It was strange for BlueStar sleeping near so many other ponies most of which he didn’t know. So BlueStar found it difficult to sleep especially after so much had happened, but finally he managed to calm himself and go to sleep. Once in dream he heard the voice of Princess Luna say to him “I’m proud of you BlueStar”
He turned towards the voice but could not see through the darkness and once again he fell into the dark water. He panicked for a moment before calming himself and just let himself float then swam forward until he found something solid and pulled himself out. At that moment Princess Luna appeared with her horn covered in a sliver glow.
“I see that you are still afraid” she said in that calm pleasant voice he was getting to know so well.
“Yes Princess I am” he admitted a little ashamed. But she let out a gentle smile
“But I can also see that are you starting to learn how to control that fear and your mind is a little less dark” she pointed off in the distance as the horizon began to lighten as a memory of him with his new friends began to light up the darkness.
“This is also why I am proud of you BlueStar.”
“Thank you Princess Luna” he said gratefully to her as he bowed in respect. As he rose he was surprised that in a flash of light his armor suddenly appeared on him.
“That armor suits you. I like seeing you this way” she said cheerfully
“I do too Princess Luna”
“But I sense you might have some ideas for some…improvements” she asked playfully
“Perhaps your highness but how did you know…” He asked confused and a little defensive
With a smile she pointed behind him to a image of some modifications he might make to his armor, including adding his Cutie Mark to the outside.
“Oh I see…” BlueStar said embarrassed
“Don’t worry BlueStar I won’t tell any pony. But I would like to see what changes you come up with. I think Celestia would like to see them too.”
“Really?” he said excited and surprised
“Well the armor hasn’t been changed in…A long time I think we’d all like to see something different. That’s why I’m glad that you remain your natural color instead of the classic Royal Guard colors. What makes a Royal Guard is not on the outside, it’s what is in here that makes a Royal Guard” She said calmly pointing at his heart.
“So congratulations BlueStar on becoming a Royal Guard and for being sent to watch over the Mane 6. I know it’s a job that you are very well suited for.”
“Thank you very much Princess Luna and for believing in me. I don’t think I would’ve made it without your encouragement” he said truthfully to her. Princess Luna seemed surprised by this but then let out a gentle smile.
“You are welcome BlueStar but I always knew you had the strength inside, you just needed help finding it. And thank you for believing and trusting in me. I know you do not trust easily but I am pleased that you begin to open yourself to me and your new friends. I wish the very best for you.” Then she turned to go and BlueStar quickly asked “Am I going to see you again?”
She turned to him and had a sad expression on her face that almost seemed to answer his question
“I don’t know BlueStar, I honestly don’t know. The world of dream is a big place and there are many ponies that need me. I don’t have time to visit all of them”
“I understand. Is this good bye then?”
Princess Luna then let out that warm smile again as though she could see something that would banish the sadness from her face
“No BlueStar, no. As Princess of the Night I may not see you in the waking world, especially once you move to Ponyville” she moved towards him and place a hoof under his chin in support “But if you ever need me here in Dream I will be here for you.”
BlueStar couldn’t help but smile and gratefully say “Thank you Princess Luna. Thank you very much”
“You are welcome and I do hope we see each other again, no matter what world we meet in.” she turned to go as the Moon appeared above them.
“Until then BlueStar goodbye and I wish you the best of luck wherever your journey takes you.” She said genuinely then leapt up into the sky and flew towards the Moon
“Good by Princess Luna I will never forget you” he said before she flew into the moon and disappeared. BlueStar then quietly fell back into gentle rest a little sad that he might never see Princess Luna again but regardless he was eternally grateful for even the brief time that they had spent together. However something inside him told him he would see her again

For the next few days they learned the Palace, the Royal Guards procedures, some final training and getting to know the other Royal Guards before they took up the life of a typical Royal Guard. For the next few weeks they would be assigned a location to Guard and would simply stand there at attention for hours on end with nothing to do. BlueStar was grateful when any pony came by even the ponies who cleaned the rooms, just to have something new come along. Fortunately BlueStar was good at keeping busy in his mind and he let his mind wander as the hours passed but still being able to pay attention when he needed to.

Still he was proud to be standing Guard over the palace and he would do it to the best of his ability. But he was relieved when the order came that he would go to Ponyville to start his new mission. For now he would go alone, setup his new home and get to know Ponyville and the ponies that lived there. So when the others arrived they would have a better idea of how to fit in. It had been decided that when all three of them were in Ponyville they would each cover a 1/3rd of Ponyville and find their own place to call home. While Steel Line had cooled off he was still not fitting in and was reluctant to become a part of the group and had decided to stay in Canterlot in “reserve”. For now this suited the rest of the group who were eager to move to their new home.

But as BlueStar got on the train to head to Ponyville he found it difficult to leave as he started to get adjusted to life as a Royal Guard. But he told himself his new home and hopefully new friends awaited him and he was ready for this. It also felt strange to be without his armor after he had gotten used to wearing it but he knew he would have to adjust to this too since the other Ponies couldn’t know he was a Royal Guard. They all knew at some point the others would discover or it would be revealed they were Royal Guards and BlueStar could only hope that when that moment came they all would handle it well.

The Mane 6 didn’t need a body guard there were perfectly capable of taking care of themselves as their Friendship was strong enough to overcome any dangers. This was something he was very proud of and he would do his very best to protect that Friendship. So he hoped they would realize it wasn’t a matter of them not trusting them the Princesses just wanted some pony to watch over them in case there was a situation they couldn’t handle on their own.

This is why the Royal Guard had been created in the first place to be there for the Princesses when there was something the Princesses couldn’t handle on their own. When the time came the Mane 6 knew who he really was he hoped they understood that.

The train ride seemed to be the longest in his life as he eagerly awaited arriving in Ponyville his new home. When he finally arrived he was surprised at how big it actually was since all he photos and maps he had seen made it look really small. Of course it was definitely a small town but it reminded him of his own town where he grew up.

He walked to his new home a lone house on top of a hill that overlooked Ponyville. It was the perfect place to keep on eye on everything that was going on in Ponyville. He decided to setup a blacksmith and machinery repair shop where he could earn a living and also where he could continue the work on his Castor.

In time the others came and found their own homes around Ponyville. They would come and go as needed since they soon discovered that when something was going on in Ponyville it didn’t take long for every pony to hear about it. So Sure Fire and Stone Wall became delivery and trading Ponies that only passed through Ponyville once and a while, but if needed to could spend several days without attracting attention. So BlueStar often spent time in Ponyville alone but when the others were there, they would come to BlueStars home and discuss how things were going and to just hang out as friends. In time they each got closer together.

BlueStar slowly got to know the other ponies in Ponyville and in time got to the know the Mane 6 as well. He was generally a shy pony to begin with so he kept mostly to himself and didn’t speak with them that often. But he did start to get to know them a little bit when he ran into them in Ponyville.

So from then BlueStar watched them from the distance of the shadows and watched them grow as Ponies and as Friends. The more he watched them grow the more he understood them and the more he admired them and their Friendship. He began to realize they would probably never need his or anyone ponies help and he was proud of them for that.

But if the day came when there was something too big for them to handle alone, he would proudly fight for them because their Friendship and everything they stood for was worth Defending.

This is BlueStar: Defender of Equestria and this is my mission.

Stay Strong and Pony On
BlueStar Out

Comments

[BlueStarBrony]

11338814
Let's just say I've had this story for a while and have only gotten around to posting it now...
Still I hope every pony enjoys!

Stay Strong and Pony On
BlueStar Out

[Bronycommander]

a very nice ending!

[BlueStarBrony]

11338826
Thanks! I think this story has kind of rough in places but overall I think it came ok.
Who knows I might write some more BlueStar stories in the future.

Stay Strong and Pony On
BlueStar Out

[Bronycommander]

11338947
Youre welcome!

11338950
Of course.

11339001
If you do, i hope...Well, that you mind find use for hanzal and fletcher. Sorry, old habit

[BlueStarBrony]

11339160
I really appreciate you offering for your characters to appear in one of my stories.
With the next generation not that far away I do not know how much writing I will do but I will definitely consider including them.
You can never have too many Royal Guard characters and we can always use more ponies willing to Defend Equestria!

Stay Strong and Pony On
BlueStar Out

[Bronycommander]

11339857
Okay. If its okay to ask, ever thought if he would find love?

[Bronycommander]

11339865
Well, who said g4 stories have to stop with g5 around?

[BlueStarBrony]

11339998
Hmm maybe.
Let's just say it's very lonely being Defender of Equestria...
So BlueStar would appreciate a some pony. 😊

Stay Strong and Pony On
BlueStar Out

[BlueStarBrony]

11339999
Well it's mostly because I'm primarily a reactor and once the show comes back it will pretty much put a end to everything else.
Especially since almost certainly all the episodes will be released at once...That will keep me very busy...
In any case let's just say BlueStar's story may not end with G4 😊

Stay Strong and Pony On
BlueStar Out

[Bronycommander]

11340666
If you need a mare, i might have one for you or 2

[Bronycommander]

11340671
Ah, right